Manila Standard - 2024 November 2 - Saturday

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

Millions pay tribute to departed loved ones

Some wade through thick mud in 'Kristine'-hit cemeteries

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

By Charles Dantes

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in

By Rex Espiritu

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Cagayan Valley on Friday said Super Typhoon Leon inflicted the most severe damage on the island province of Batanes.

By Darwin Amojelar

"Fortunately, our kababayans here weren’t much affected. The mainland of Cagayan Valley has experienced fair weather, but our fellow citizens in the island province of Batanes bore the brunt of the typhoon,” OCD Cagayan Valley Director Leon DG Rafael said. Director Rafael indicated that he has coordinated with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco and provincial disaster officials to assess the extent of the destruction. “There has been damage to houses and various crops, as well as landslides on major roads in Batanes,”he reported.

Bilyonaryo article is

Bautista

a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley is now experiencing fair weather in time for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. “Minor flooding was reported in cemeteries, but the floods have subsided,” Rafael added, noting an influx of residents visiting memorial parks to pay their respects to departed loved ones.

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.

Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.

By Vince Lopez

adviser of former President Rodrigo Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly in New

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said.

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for recording a signifi-

Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

cant 62 percent decrease in crime rate during the first two years of President Marcos’ administration.

In a statement, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said his agency only recorded a total of 83,059

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

THE on Sunday the recent announce ment by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarbor ough Shoal, in the West Philip pine Sea (WPS).

nouncement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Co operative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the re gional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Bei jing’s statement was meant only

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to under stand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audi ence, right? For them

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

crime incidents from July 1, 2022 to July 28, 2024, much lower compared to 217,830 crime incidents registered in the same period in 2016-2018.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

accord -

TWO co-chairpersons of the House Quad Committee urged the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to take its cue from the growing body of evidence gathered by the mega panel and begin filing criminal cases for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that the Duterte administration allegedly sanctioned. Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said the Department of Justice (DOJ) should leverage the Quad Comm’s findings to build strong cases against stalwarts of the previous administration who allegedly orchestrated the summary executions of drug suspects, among others. They, however, did not mention the persons they thought ought to be

Quoted

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal

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opp ortunity to speak with loved ones in honoring their dearly departed through "e-Undas" or supervised video calls.

“We want to make sure that despite physical confinement, PDLs can still stay connected with their families during meaningful occasions," BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang said.

At the Manila North and South cemeteries, over 1 million flocked to the graveyards of their loved ones yes-

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cemetery by a crowd of Marcos “loyalists” wearing bright red T-shirts—a sight he said brought back fond memories of his father’s era.

"Your love for my father means so much to us," he said, noting the crowd's continued admiration of his father’s legacy.

Mr. Marcos noted that being at the gravesite caused him to reminisce about his father, mentioning the sadness of remembrance mixed with the joy of good memories.

US poll..

From A1 residents of Filipino origin, Senator Marcos emphasized the need for a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

“The political and economic stability of the U.S. is integral to world economic stability,” highlighting the Philippines' responsibility to protect its economy and citizens, she said in a statement.

She noted that any U.S. president will naturally prioritize American interests, underscoring the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the Philippines' own interests.

terday, the Philippine National Police said.

At the Tugatog Public Cemetery which is undergoing redevelopment in Malabon City, a memorial wall served as a place to remember the dearly departed.

Some 35,000 showed up at the Sangandaan Cemetery in Caloocan City for Undas while around 25,000 arrived at the Loyola Memorial park in Parañaque City.

At the Laurel Public Cemetery in Batangas, visitors waded through thick mud and used shovels to dig through the debris that surrounded the tombs of their loved ones.

"When you think about it carefully, there’s an equivalent joy and happiness in recalling these times, and it brings a smile to your face," he stated.

The President also said insights imparted by Ferdinand Senior take on more profound meaning now that he finds himself in the former’s shoes.

“Now that I’m in office, his words hold even more meaning,” the younger Marcos said.

He concluded with a call to action, saying that “rest in peace” is not enough.

"To let my father truly rest

Various US-based polls either show Harris with a slight lead or in a tie with Trump.

“The US election is hugely consequential not just for its citizens but for the whole world because of the pressing imperative of the climate and nature crisis,”

Mary Robinson, chair of the Elders, a group of world leaders founded by Nelson Mandela, and former president of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in the BBC report

“Every fraction of a degree matters to avert the worst impacts of climate change and prevent a future where devastating hurricanes like Milton are the norm,” she added.

In Pampanga, people trudged through murky floodwaters to visit the submerged Masantol municipal cemetery.

"Visiting dead loved ones is very important to Filipinos. This has been our tradition and culture," 34-yearold Mark Yamat said. "Even though the cemetery is submerged here, we will continue to visit."

Virginia Flores, 64, lit candles in front of her grandmother's "apartment" at Manila North Cemetery – a local term for tombs packed tightly together and stacked meters high.

"This is my way of remembering her life and our shared memories

in peace, we must continue his work—enhancing the Philippines and loving the Filipino people," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos appealed to his countrymen to include victims of recent typhoons in their prayers this Undas season, while also discussing efforts to strengthen the country's resilience against extreme weather events.

In a vlog on Friday, the President acknowledged the heavy toll of the recent typhoons, which official figures say killed 150 individuals and caused billions in damages to infrastructure and agriculture.

Sharing Sen. Marcos' concerns, an analysis done by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) points out that with the US elections in virtual head heat, "the world now waits to see who takes charge of this self-styled beacon after Americans make their choice in next week’s presidential election."

"Will Kamala Harris carry on in Biden’s footsteps with her conviction that in “these unsettled times, it is clear America cannot retreat”? Or will it be Donald Trump with his hope that “Americanism, not globalism” will lead the way?" the BBC report said.

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Harris and pro-Trump, while eight were for local races such as the Senate and attorney general, AFP analysis showed.

Under the US electoral college system, seven battleground states –and sometimes individual counties within those states – carry outsized influence over the overall result of the presidential election.

Sen. Marcos said that stricter U.S. immigration policies could lead to the deportation of thousands of undocumented Filipinos, while efforts to bring American companies back onshore may decrease direct investments and reduce BPO jobs in the country.

The ads, which sometimes run back-to-back and create the bizarre spectacle of an anti-Harris attack ad following a spot highlighting her achievements, ran throughout three dramas set in Chicago.

Former South Carolina journalist and blogger Brad Warthen said that he only encounters the TV political ads when watching live sports.

"I love baseball, but could do without the ads. They're depressing," he said.

In the US, major TV networks including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox cover the entire country, but are operated by local affiliates that sell their own ad space, meaning campaigns can target specific regions and demographics. Industry monitor Emarketer estimates that by the end of the 2024 election, $12.32 billion will have been spent on political ads, up from $9.57 billion total political ad spending in 2020.

Broadcast TV is a popular choice

She also expressed concern that, even under the current U.S. “friend-shoring” policy, the Marcos administration has continued to miss out on major foreign investments.

Earlier this year, she said,

American multinational consumer goods corporation Procter & Gamble announced plans to invest USD 100 million to expand its

for political campaigns as it has more available minutes than streaming services.

This year, $7.06 billion of that expenditure will go on television ads – a 7.5 percent increase in 2020.

"I recently started screaming at the TV to stop playing the same political ads over and over," wrote author Aimee Davis online.

Presidential races provide a massive cash injection for traditional TV broadcasters, with BIA Advisory Services forecasting that political ads will account for nearly seven cents of every dollar spent on local advertising.

"This political spending estimate represents a significant increase of 21.3 percent over the last general election that took place in 2020," BIA said in a market update. In the primetime slot on the NBC10 WCAU channel, viewers were shown a cinematic clip painting a dire picture of the economy, global conflict, crime, and political violence before showing a stoicfaced Donald Trump walking toward the camera.

Moments later, after a clutch of bubbly ads for Apple products and Thanksgiving sales, a pro-Harris spot showed a helmeted Pennsylvania steelworker proclaim "Elon Musk is voting for his money, I'm voting for mine."

Trump has campaigned with billionaire Musk in Pennsylvania and the tech tycoon has poured money into efforts to get Trump elected in

when she was alive, so I visit her every year," Flores said.

Erlinda Sese, 52, was joined by her sister and grandchildren to offer prayers for their deceased loved ones.

"Even if they are gone, today is a reminder that our love for them will never fade," Sese said as she gently laid a bouquet of white flowers on a tombstone.

In this devout Southeast Asian country, Undas is a public holiday to allow for travel to far-flung gravesites across the archipelago.

Police said the situation at cemeteries remained generally peaceful

He stressed that intensified preparedness is essential, especially as climate change worsens weather conditions.

"Some areas that have never flooded before are now submerged," the President said.

"In just a short period, floodwaters rise rapidly due to extreme downpours," he added.

The president referenced the recent Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation on disaster solutions.

factory production in Vietnam. Microsoft, on the other hand, revealed plans for investments in artificial intelligence and cloud facilities worth USD 1.7 billion in Indonesia, and Google committed USD 1 billion to Thailand for building a data center and accelerating AI growth.

Sen. Marcos said the Philippines, however, missed out on these major foreign investments, raising concerns over the country’s competitiveness in attracting multinational corporations.

“Aside from boosting domestic demand, we must also attract investments into the country and revive our manufacturing sector. To do that, we must make our country attractive to investors by bringing down the power cost and making it easier for them to avail the incentives that we are currently offering,” Marcos added.

On the topic of defense, Marcos maintained that it is unclear whether the next U.S. president will continue the aggressive expansion of U.S. military presence in the Philippines and maintain the current level of defense funding assistance.

According to Senator Marcos, given this uncertainty, the government should fully implement the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act as soon as possible for the country to be capable of fending for itself.

the state, which was a thriving center of steelmaking until widespread deindustrialization left many factories empty and communities in decay.

A pro-Democratic ad featuring female medical professionals attacked David McCormick, the Republican candidate for the Senate, control of which could be decided by Pennsylvania voters, for his antiabortion stance.

A Republican ad then attacked his rival, sitting Democratic Senator Bob Casey over the spread of fentanyl in the state, while another slammed Casey as being "too liberal for Pennsylvania."

The ad highlighted his support for transgender rights, showing an athlete competing in women's athletics who the voiceover then misgendered.

Anti-abortion and anti-transgender rights ads have been aired by candidates in many markets, highlighting the divisive "culture war" issues framing the election, drawing condemnation from commentators.

"It is dehumanizing, it takes an issue... and it treats it like it's some outrageous position to take," said Parker Molloy, an author and blogger who has written on transgender issues.

One graphic pro-life campaign ad prompted local channels including Kansas City-based FOX4 to explain that "according to the Federal Communications Commission rules... it is illegal to block or modify these ads in accordance with federal law." AFP

even as they confiscated thousands of prohibited items.

Among the seized contraband items were bladed weapons, lighters, matchboxes, lighters, cigarettes, and vapes, among others, at cemeteries in the cities of Manila and Quezon.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said hospitals would remain under Code White until All Souls' Days today.

A Code White Alert means all health workers are on standby, ready to respond to medical emergencies at any time. Pot Chavez, Ralph Rirao, Joel Zurbano and AFP

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Rafael emphasized that the OCD continues to monitor water levels in river systems for potential flooding or landslides resulting from the heavy rains brought by Leon and Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which impacted various regions across the country last week.

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"These significant feats are a testament to the unrelenting commitment of the PNP to continuously serve and protect the public from criminality and lawlessness." he noted.

"With this positive development, the DILG urges the PNP to continuously fulfil their sworn duties as vanguards of peace and order towards a safe and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas,” Remulla added.

Furthermore, the PNP’s crime clearance efficiency rate and crime solution efficiency rate also registered notable increases at 27 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

On Monday, former President Rodrigo Duterte during a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on his administration’s controversial antidrug campaign claimed the crime statistics had gone up again during the Marcos administration.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin quickly belied the former leader’s assertion, quoting recent PNP statistics showing that there has actually been a “widespread decline in crime across the board.”

Similarly, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla firmly refuted Duterte’s claim that the end of the previous administration’s War on Drugs has allowed criminal elements to resurface. He emphasized that “the peace and order situation in our country is not only stable but has also dramatically improved.”

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charged in connection with the supposed mass murders.

Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, said that since the Quad Comm cannot prosecute cases, it is up to state prosecutors to use its findings to bring about justice.

“Yes, if the DOJ asks that we could turn over documents [on the EJK probe], we will do it,” Abante said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

Abante detailed that the apparent state-sanctioned murders killed thousands, with estimates from the International Criminal Court ranging between 12,000 to 30,000 deaths during Duterte’s administration.

“We just want justice to be done as chairman of the Committee on Human Rights,” the Manila solon said while stressing that he is also against illegal drugs but is more opposed to mass murder.

Abante also criticized the drug war's alleged architect and now Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa’s statement that “shit happens,” questioning the senator’s use of language and attitude toward the loss of life.

For his part, Fernandez pointed out the importance of Republic Act (RA) 9851, especially the concept of command responsibility as provided by said law.

“RA 9851 defines penalties that may

“We are closely monitoring our river levels, including the Magat Dam, as we anticipate further rainfall.” Meanwhile, a total of nearly 8 million people have been affected by the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm 'Kristine' and Super Typhoon 'Leon' in the country, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In its report, the NDRRMC provided figures indicating that approximately 2.028 million families across 17 regions, 81 provinces, 943 cities and municipalities, and 11,414 barangays have been impacted by both weather disturbances.

The NDRRMC also reported that 150 people have died, while 30 are still missing and 122 have sustained injuries. These figures for deaths, injuries, and missing persons are still subject to validation. It also it is compiling data that would show the damage wrought by Leon.

The Bicol Region has been hit the hardest, with 649,122 families affected, totaling about 2.75 million individuals.

Currently, 836 areas across 13 regions remain submerged in deep floods, while 796 roads and 107 bridges are impassable due to severe weather conditions.

Damage to agriculture has risen to 4.4 billion pesos, while infrastructure damage has reached 6.8 billion pesos.

The NDRRMC stated that a total of 220 areas across nine regions have declared a state of calamity, with Calabarzon declaring the highest number of such statuses, followed by Region 5. Government efforts continue to send aid to victims of the severe weather.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) have standby funds and a prepositioned relief stockpile of food and nonfood items worth 2.5 billion pesos.

be imposed on violations of international law [such as] genocide and other crimes against humanity,” he said. Fernandez also pointed out how exPresident Rodrigo Duterte’s admission to the Upper Chamber can serve as the basis for filing cases against him. Additionally, the Laguna lawmaker, said Duterte’s position as commanderin-chief makes him accountable for execution orders given under his administration.

Meanwhile, House deputy majority leader and Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre dared Duterte to face the Quad Comm following his defiant display at a Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on Monday.

“Duterte’s admissions about his ‘death squad’ and his chilling willingness to command extrajudicial killings reveal a leader who has absolutely no regard for human life. “It’s appalling that he continues to hide behind the facade of a tough-on-crime persona while leaving a trail of bloodshed in his wake,” he said.

Acidre also urged Dela Rosa to recuse himself from the Senate inquiry, given his deep involvement in the previous administration’s so-called war on drugs. It can be recalled that Duterte admitted to Senators that he directed a group of gangsters to eliminate perceived threats.

He also admitted to instructing police to provoke suspects into confrontations to justify their killings.

‘Bataan

Freeport firm engaged in illicit operations’

By Charles Dantes

THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Friday said the raided facility in the Bataan Freeport zone might be involved in “black market banking,” calling its operations “unusual.”

In a radio interview, PAOCC director Winston Casio made the observation while discussing the CentroPark site in Bagac town, operated by Central One Bataan PH Incorporated, which raised alarms about potential engagement in illicit financial activities.

"We may be witnessing indications of underground banking practices here, which is not typical for a legitimate business," said, referring to the discovery of numerous mobile phones allegedly used for processing payments.

Casio said the raid resulted in the arrest of three Chinese nationals who allegedly posed as owners of POGOs in the facility.

Casio also five other foreigners remained at large and law enforcers were hot on their trail.

"We have requested to the Bureau of Immigration for an alert status on the foreign nationals who were not apprehended," Casio said in Filipino The raid, conducted on Thursday with support from various law enforcement agencies, was executed by virtue of a search warrant issued by a Bulacan court.

The PAOCC spearheaded the operation in collaboration with teams from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Speaker grateful for people’s trust

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people for their continuing trust in him as manifested by their approval of his performance as a lawmaker and leader of the House of Representatives.

“I am deeply thankful to our people for this gesture, which will inspire us to continue to work hard and even work harder for them. Thank you for your trust and for your approval of the work we do,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez was reacting to the latest OCTA Research quarterly survey showing that majority of the people trusted him and approved his performance.

According to the September Tugon ng Masa survey of OCTA, the Speaker

had an overall trust rating of 61 percent.

He had 58 percent trust in the National Capital Region (NCR), 68 percent in Balance Luzon (BL), 62 percent in the Visayas, and 48 percent in Mindanao.

Among economic groups, he had 64 percent in classes A,B, and C, 61 percent in D, and 59 percent in E.

The House leader's overall performance mark was 62 percent, with 61 percent in NCR, 68 percent in BL, 66 percent in Visayas, and 45 percent in Mindanao.

Seven Chinese, one Vietnamese face deportation—BI

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to initiate deportation proceedings against eight undocumented aliens arrested in Alabang, Muntinlupa City for alleged involvement in online scams.

The BI intelligence division nabbed the foreigners in three separate streets inside an exclusive village in Alabang on Oct. 22.

Seven of the foreigners were Chinese, while the eighth was a Vietnamese. Initial investigations disclosed that two of them were overstaying and one was suspected

Malaysia honors Marbil with ‘Bravery Award’

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil was honored recently with the First Class Police Force Bravery Award, known as the Panglima Gagah Pasukan Polis (PGPP), by the king of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar.

This distinguished award from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) recognizes Marbil’s “outstanding contributions” to strengthening security cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia.

The citation, conferred by the Malaysian monarch on Oct. 30, in Kuala Lumpur, recognizes extraordinary bravery, leadership, and service in law enforcement.

to have illegally entered the Philippines.

“We have found reason to file deportation cases against them,” BI Commissioner Joel Viado said.

“They will be considered undesirables once their cases are resolved, and face deportation,” he added.

“The ratings reflect not just trust in me but confidence in the collective work of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. Leadership is shaped by the strength and dedication of those who stand alongside it,” Romualdez noted.

He promised to uphold his commitment to supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration in its mission to “make life better for our people.”

Some 66 percent of the people in the ABC classes, 62 percent in D, and 59 percent in E were satisfied with his work.

IN BRIEF

Candidates told: Don’t vandalize QC’s beauty

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday reminded the public, particularly the candidates to follow the rules and avoid defacing the city’s beauty with their political banners and tarpaulins.

“As public servants and those who want to enter the government, we have to follow the policies of the government. Let’s respect the beauty of Quezon City and avoid spreading our political and advertising paraphernalia,” she said.

Belmonte cited City Ordinance No. SP-2021 of 2010 mandating that any political propaganda in Quezon City must only be displayed or posted in common areas designated by the Commission on Elections.

The measure prohibits any election materials to be pasted on electric posts, public utilities and facilities such as street signage, traffic lights, signal posts, bridges and overpasses. Rio N. Araja

Environmentalists lose plea at Appellate Court

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año has welcomed the Court of Appeals’ (CA) dismissal of a motion for reconsideration of writs of amparo and habeas data filed by environmental advocates Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano.

In a statement, the NSC said “the propaganda against the Marcos administration’s alleged policy of systematic harassment of environmental defenders is wholly without basis.”

“These claims eventually collapse once placed under the burden of scrutiny and proof by unbiased third party organizations. As this case clearly proves, the alleged abduction is clearly without basis and is pure and simple propaganda to discredit the government,” said Año.

In their motion, the petitioners argued that the respondents had failed to exhibit "extraordinary diligence" essential for securing the protections sought under amparo and habeas data. The court, however, held firm that the petitioners bore the burden of providing substantial evidence, which was unmet. Rex Espiritu

OCD thanks Singapore gov’t for charity mission

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Friday held a sendoff ceremony at Villamor Air Base for the Singaporean C130 aircraft and soldiers who carried out a humanitarian mission for typhoon victims in the Bicol Region.

The cargo plane brought some 70 tons of relief goods to the hard-hit areas in Bicol.

In a statement, OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno thanked the Singaporean government for its humanitarian mission. “Their commitment to aiding communities affected by disaster exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need,” he said. OCD assistant secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the mission “underscores our shared commitment to assist those affected by disasters.” Rex Espiritu

TROOPS DONATE MEAL ALLOWANCE TO TYPHOON VICTIMS. Elements of the Army’s 2 nd Infantry Division forego of the meal allowances worth some P600,000 in favor of tropical storm Kristine’s victims. 2ID commander Brig, Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. says it is their way of it exstending more assistance to those affected by the severe weather disturbance week.

‘Cayetano couple may still appeal’

By Vito Barcelo

ORMER Taguig mayor Lino Cayetano and his wife Fille can still appeal the dismissal of their application to transfer their voter registration to the first district of Taguig-Pateros, the Commission on Elections said Friday.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said there are other remedies for the Cayetanos to appeal their case.

“There are remedies that they can avail,” Garcia said.

According to the Comelec-Election

Registration Board, the Cayetano couple failed to comply with the residency requirement due to discrepancies in their passports.

In its 24-page decision, ComelecERB said the couple applied to trans-

‘Miru shipping out last batch of poll machines’

THE final batch of automated counting machines (ACMs) are awaiting shipment from Busan, South Korea to the Philippines, the Commission on Elections said Friday.

The poll body said the ACMs are now at the Busan New Port Complex where some of its officials witnessed the cargo storage, handling, and eventual containerization of the final batch.

It said the remaining batch of ACM kits were forklifted and stored in two secure intermediate shipping containers holding a total of more than 1,000 boxes of ACM kits at the CJ BND Logistics Center in Busan New Port Complex in South Korea on Thursday. Each kit consists of the ACM, hard case, and power cords and adapters.

The cargo ship that will transport the final batch of ACM kits, as per the terms of the contract for the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit and Count (FASTrAC) project, is set to arrive at the container terminal on Nov. 3.

fer their voter registration last month, indicating they had lived at Pacific Residences in Barangay Ususan for two years and five months.

However, in the documents they submitted, including their passports, Fille’s passport was issued in November 2018, while Lino’s was issued in October 2021, the agency said.

“Both documents were issued well in advance of their purported transfer to Pacific Residence in 2022. As a result, the passports fail to substantiate their assertion of their current address. At best, the passports serve to establish

their identity rather than their residential address.”

Cayetano, for his part, said they will appeal the decision of the ERB.

“Fille and I have every right to transfer our registration to the First District of Taguig and Pateros. Our family is from the First District of Taguig and Pateros. My father grew up in Pateros and all of us siblings were registered voters of District 1,” he said.

“We are confident that I will be running as Representative of Taguig and Pateros in the upcoming elections,” he added.

PH, EU eye deeper maritime and security engagements

By Rachelle Tonelada

OPPOSITION to unilateral actions in the West Philippine Sea and ways to increase maritime cooperation, including through coast guards, were at the core of discussions in a Philippine-European Union maritime dialogue this week.

The Philippines and the EU convened the 2nd Sub-Committee Meeting (SCM) on Maritime Cooperation in Manila on Oct. 29, which builds on the accomplishments of the inaugural SCM

in Brussels last year.

In a statement on Friday, the EU Delegation in Manila said the two sides highlighted areas for further engagements, including coast guard cooperation, maritime security, maritime domain awareness, addressing non-traditional security threats, and regional security.

The two sides also took note of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, as well as maritime education, training, certification and safety at sea, and maritime environmental protection.

On the South China Sea, the EU and the Philippines conveyed their “strong opposition” to illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the area, and welcomed frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard.

“They expressed serious concern over unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability and the rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the statement read.

Davao Sur’s franchise tax claim on TransCo junked

IN BRIEF

Customs seizes P10m marijuana

THE Bureau of Customs intercepted a parcel containing P10.01 million worth of high-grade marijuana, known as “kush,” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The illegal shipment revealed 7,154 grams of kush.

The seized drugs were handed over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“We are intensifying our efforts to prevent illegal drugs from infiltrating our borders. Each successful operation demonstrates our determination to protect the Filipino people,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

“Our team remains vigilant, working with partners to prevent the trafficking of dangerous substances and uphold the safety of our communities,” he added. Vito Barcelo

Travelers urged: Report bomb jokes

THE Office for Transportation Security urged air travelers to report any bomb jokes made inside aircraft and airport facilities, especially during the holiday season when a higher number of passengers is expected.

“Your security and the security of others is not a laughing matter. If you see or hear something suspicious, report it immediately. Together, we can ensure a safe and secure environment for all travelers. Stay vigilant,” the OTS said.

The agency reminded the public that making bomb jokes is punishable by law under Presidential Decree No. 1727.

According to the law, anyone who willfully makes a threat or maliciously conveys false information about attempting to kill, injure, or intimidate someone, or unlawfully damage or destroy property using explosives or incendiary devices, may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to P40,000, or both, at the discretion of the court. Joel E. Zurbano

Gatchalian backs transfer of NCIP

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development welcomed the transfer of the administrative supervision of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to the Office of the President.

“The DSWD poses no objection to the recommendation to transfer the NCIP to the Office of the President as the said agency was originally created under the OP by virtue of Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Executive Order No. 71 ordering the transfer of NCIP observation to the OP on Oct. 22, 2024. Maricel V. Cruz

KUSH CATCH. Agents of the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport seize a parcel containing P10 million worth of high-grade marijuana on Thursday, October 30, 2024.

PLACE OF HONOR. A Girl Scout and a soldier light a candle in honor of a departed uniformed personnel at the Libingan ng mga Bayan in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Philippine Army

OPINION

Cleaning to death

HOLIDAYS afford us time to rest and be with our loved ones, but also time to reckon with our relationship with things. Things, as in objects. Why do we declutter? Different reasons, I suppose, and to different degrees.

Some people are more inclined to organize their things and get rid of the old than others. Maybe it figures high up on their priorities. Maybe they have more time. Maybe they have that clean-as-you-go personality so that nothing ever really piles up. Maybe they cannot stand a lack of or absence of order.

I can’t speak for everyone but for me, decluttering is a moving target. It’s always something I want to do, but always something I fail to do completely or in the way I’d really like to. Life takes over, and of course every day you add to the clutter: what you buy, and what you fail to put in its place at once. Personal space is a luxury for many, especially in the Philippines. It is a concept that is foreign to some. People who get to have their own space may take it for granted but they are fortunate.

Having a neat and organized personal space is essential to calmness and inner peace, and could be crucial to productivity. Imagine saving precious time looking for things you need just because you already know their exact location, or at least the general area where they are likely to be found. To some extent, creativity benefits from it too, because the mind is clear, blank, and quiet, leaving room for ideas to come, develop, and flourish.

Decluttering is a good exercise when one intends to begin practicing minimalism, and focus on the more important things in life. Would it not be nice to want less, and need less, instead of basing our self-worth and happiness on our possessions? Take note I said “begin practicing.” It’s difficult, and the culture we find ourselves in could put undue emphasis on acquiring objects instead of experiences. We’re human – we see nice things, we have a bit of means to get it, and so we do.

Decluttering is good for aesthetics. A nice room or home does not have to be full of expensive furniture. But a tidy one will always be

deemed a “sight for sore eyes.”

Lately, however, I have been thinking about yet another way to regard tidying up. What if one morning on your way to work you got hit by a truck? Or you slipped on a banana peel? Or choked on fishbone? Or suffered a fatal stroke? Perhaps when you get to this age you start coming to terms with the fact that you are not invincible, and that life would go on for the rest of the world even after you are gone.

It’s realistic, practical, kind, and considerate.

Would my family, for instance, after dealing with their grief, be horrified by what they would find in my room – the amount of disposable items I refused to part with, mementoes big and small I should have disposed of long ago, diaries and drafts of work that reveal a self different from the me they know, too many shirts of the same color, too many pouches, too many containers that in their number have contained nothing? What if they were looking for important documents – insurance policies, for instance, or certificates – and could not find them in my leftbehind clutter?

This is by no means an original idea. The Swedish even have a name for it – “dostadning.” Swedish death cleaning has become more popular in recent years, even finding its way to books and popular culture. The idea is to constantly tidy up one’s space as a way of being considerate to the people you will leave behind, such that cleaning up would not be a burden to them.

It sounds morbid but it is realistic, practical – as well as kind and considerate. In the end, we will all pass anyway, and we will all leave behind something, some more than others.

“Death” cleaning is just another term for something that is good to adapt and practice in small doses but constantly, every day, for the rest of lives, whether they turn out to be long or abbreviated.

adellechua@gmail.com

Shelf-sharing seeks to save bookstores in Japan

By Kyoko Hasegawa

TOKYO — “I’m holding an illustrated book of cheeses,” says a delighted Tomoyo Ozumi, a customer at a growing kind of bookshop in Japan where anyone wanting to sell their tomes can rent a shelf.

The concept brings back the joy of browsing real books to communities where many bookstores have shut, and gives readers more eclectic choices than those suggested by algorithms on online sellers, its proponents say.

“Here, you find books which make you wonder who on earth would buy them,” laughs Shogo Imamura, 40, who opened one such store in Tokyo’s bookstore district of Kanda Jimbocho in April.

“Regular bookstores sell books that are popular based on sales statistics while excluding books that don’t sell well,” Imamura, who also writes novels about warring samurai in Japan’s feudal era, told AFP.

“We ignore such principles. Or capitalism in other words,” he said. “I want to reconstruct bookstores.”

We have a law vs. crimes against humanity

WHEN former Senator Leila de Lima attended the October 22 hearing of the joint congressional panel investigating the war on drugs waged by former President Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2022, she pointed out that we already have a law penalizing crimes against humanity.

De Lima is the most prominent figure to appear so far before the fourpanel body. And her presence there was needed, even indispensable, as she had borne the brunt of political harassment by the Duterte regime for opposing its bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

His shop, measuring just 53 square metres (570 square feet), houses 364 shelves, selling books — some new, some used — on everything from business strategy and manga comics to martial arts.

They don’t just buy and sell books but provide a platform for people to chat about them.

The hundreds of different shelf renters, who pay 4,850-9,350 yen ($32-$61) per month, vary from individuals to an IT company to a construction firm to small publishers.

“Each one of these shelves is like a real version of a social media account, where you express yourself like in Instagram or Facebook,” said Kashiwa Sato, 59, the store’s creative director. Cafes and gyms

For now his store Honmaru — meaning the core of a Japanese cas-

Despite being an incumbent senator in 2017, she was charged and detained on trumped-up charges of conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking filed by the Department of Justice, an agency she also once headed during the Aquino administration. She was detained at Camp Crame as the trial dragged on for more than seven years. All three

tle — expand to other regions hit hard by bookstore closures.

A quarter of Japan’s municipalities have no physical bookstores, with more than 600 shutting in the 18 months to March, according to the Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture.

Imamura in 2022 visited dozens of bookstores that have managed to survive the tough competition with e-commerce giants like Amazon, some by adding cafes or even gyms.

“But that is like putting the cart before the horse. Because if a gym is more profitable, 90 percent of the shop may become a gym, with 10 percent for bookselling,” Imamura said.

Crowd pullers

Rokurou Yui, 42, said his three shelf-sharing bookstores in the same Tokyo area are filled with “enor-

cases were eventually dismissed, the last in June this year.

During the hearing, de Lima corroborated earlier accounts about the so-called Davao template that was implemented on a national scale by Rodrigo Duterte. This scheme handed out monetary rewards for the neutralization of suspected drug lords and traffickers.

—“—

The government must allow the ICC to investigate.

De Lima explained that Republic Act No. 9851, or the law against crimes against humanity, empowers the Philippine government to file charges against those most responsible for drug war killings. The 2009 law punishes the same crimes that fall under ICC jurisdiction, including extrajudicial killings.

Section 6, for example, deals with “crimes against humanity” and the corresponding penalty of reclusion perpetua, while Section 9 specifies the public officials, including heads of state, who can be held accountable. De Lima noted that even before the

mous love” for shelf owners’ favourite books,

“It is as if you’re hearing voices of recommendations,” Yui told AFP.

Owners of regular bookstores put books on their shelves that they have to sell to stay in business, regardless of their personal tastes, he said.

“But here, there is no single book that we have to sell, but just books that someone recommends with strong passion and love for,” he said.

Yui and his father Shigeru Kashima, 74, a professor of French literature, opened their first shelf-sharing bookstore, called Passage, in 2022. They expanded with two others and the fourth opened inside a French language school in Tokyo in October.

Passage has 362 shelves and the sellers help attract customers with

Philippines ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty creating the ICC, in 2011, the country had already recognized the jurisdiction of the tribunal and other international bodies through RA 9851.

The law allows for the surrender or extradition of individuals accused of crimes against humanity to international courts, she said, adding: “It is our own law that says we have to cooperate with the ICC even before we became a member of the ICC. To say that we don’t care about the ICC, we have to repeal this law.”

Should the victims of the drug war decide to file cases using RA 9851 as basis, it would still depend on the ICC whether it would see it as an improvement of the Philippine justice system, de Lima said. She was referring to the premise that the ICC investigation only targets persons “most responsible” for the crimes being alleged. However, even if there is a domestic law that penalizes crimes against humanity, we cannot be sure that our legal and judicial processes will be able to successfully prosecute those charged with such crimes, given the realities in our political system, including corruption. Hence, the government should still allow the ICC to investigate the charges vs. Rodrigo Duterte et.al. for crimes against humanity.

their own marketing efforts, often online.

That is in contrast to conventional bookstores that often rely on owners’ sole sales efforts, he said. On weekends, Yui’s store sometimes “looks as if it were a crowded nightclub with young customers in their 10s, 20s, 30s” with edgy background music playing, he said. Customers and shelf-owners visit the bookstore not only to sell and buy books, but to enjoy “chatting about books”, he said.

Japan’ industry ministry in March launched a project team to study how to support bookstores.

“Bookstores are a hub of culture transmission, and are extremely important assets for the society in maintaining diverse ideas and influencing national power,” it said. AFP

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Trump’s ‘Protect the women’ not first sexist dig

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump found

himself at the center of a firestorm Thursday over sexist comments he made at a campaign rally — the latest in a string of lewd and contemptuous comments about women from the former president and his surrogates. “I want to protect the women of our country... whether the women like it or not,” Trump said Wednesday, drawing condemnation from women across the political spectrum led by his White House rival Kamala Harris.

The Democratic vice president called the statement “very offensive

Japan, EU announce new defense pact

IN BRIEF

Latvian taxi driver gets 7 years for spying for Russia

RIGA — Latvia on Thursday sentenced a taxi driver to seven years’ jail for passing images and information about NATO troops to a ring accused of spying for Russia. According to the Latvian security services, Sergejs Sidorovs “used his discreet appearance and his profession as a taxi driver to move around and take photos of NATO ships and cargo unloaded in the port of Riga, as well as to spy on NATO bases and their multinational personnel”.

The Riga court heard that in March 2023 Sidorovs passed on reports of various NATO activities around Riga as he was hired at the airport to drive military personnel to two bases, among other acts. The taxi driver also handed over information about a test range for NATO and Ukrainian drones, and asked his staff for instructions on how to design a bomb to blow up an oil terminal in the Latvian capital. AFP

Rescuers race to find residents washed away by Spain flooding

DIVERS plunged into the river while high-mountain police hot-footed through the rubble in a rush to find five residents of the hamlet of Letur missing after Spain’s apocalyptic floods.

Since the floods ravaged the southeastern Spanish village on Tuesday evening, the Castilla-La Mancha region’s rescuers have been working round the clock to locate them, locked in a race against time. Two women have already been pronounced dead in the region as a result of the rising waters which have claimed at least 158 victims across the Iberian country. But with “dozens and dozens” still missing, according to a government minister, that toll looks set to rise.

The five disappeared from Letur -— population 950 — were two council employees in a van likely swept away by the torrent of water and mud, as well as a couple and a woman, Albacete Civil Guard spokesman Jose Amado told AFP. AFP

AN Instagram influencer has been sentenced to four and a half years’ jail for content deemed immoral, Tunisian media reported Thursday, and another four face trial in the same case. Mosaique FM radio reported that the five -- three women and two men whose identities were not disclosed -- have been in custody since Monday. The

UN rapporteur: Free climate activist ahead of COP29

GENEVA — The UN rapporteur on environmental defenders on Thursday urged Azerbaijan to free Anar Mammadli, saying his detention seemed aimed at silencing climate advocates ahead of November’s COP29 summit.

Michel Forst voiced alarm over the alleged “persecution, penalisation and harassment” of Mammadli, who has now been in pre-trial detention for six months on “allegedly trumped-up criminal charges” in what the rapporteur called “apparent reprisal for his environmental activism”.

“I am gravely concerned about the deterioration in the treatment of Mr Mammadli and the crackdowns on civil society actors, including environmental defenders”, Forst said in a statement.

Mammadli risks up to eight years behind bars on smuggling charges which hu-

man rights groups claim are bogus.

He and activist Bashir Suleymanli had formed a civil society group called Climate of Justice Initiative, which set out to promote environmental justice in the tightly-controlled, oil-rich nation.

The COP29 UN climate summit is being held in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku from November 11-22.

Forst said it appeared that the charges and the lengthy detention “were a form of retaliation against Mr. Mammadli for his efforts in the lead up to COP29”.

His ongoing detention on charges subject only to a preliminary investigation “therefore appears grossly unreasonable and disproportionate”.

“The length of Mr. Mammadli’s pretrial detention also strongly indicates that it is a measure that is punitive in nature,

Visiting US envoys in Israel discuss Lebanon truce plan

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met visiting US officials to discuss a possible deal to end Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as the death toll mounted on both sides of the border.

Netanyahu told Washington envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk that any Lebanon deal must guarantee Israel’s longer term scrutiny. While their talks took place, Israeli medics and a local leader reported seven Israelis killed by cross-border fire from Lebanon -- one of the highest one-day tolls in Israel in more than a year of cross-border exchanges that escalated to full-scale war last month.

Israeli strikes hit southern and eastern Lebanon as well as Gaza, where Israel’s actions in the territory’s north have drawn increasing scrutiny more than a

year into its war against Hamas Palestinian militants. “The prime minister specified that the main issue is not paperwork for this or that deal, but Israel’s determination and capacity to ensure the deal’s application and to prevent any threat to its security from Lebanon,” Netanyahu’s office said.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also met the Americans for a separate discussion. He said in a statement their talks focused on “security arrangements as these relate to the northern arena and Lebanon, and efforts to ensure the return of 101 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza”.

Israeli emergency services said a rocket from Lebanon killed two

aiming to intimidate Mr. Mammadli and other environmental defenders from speaking out, particularly in the lead up to COP29. This is unacceptable.”

Mammadli’s health has deteriorated in detention and served to “further penalise” him, Forst said, calling for his immediate release and for the charges to be “immediately dropped”.

As UN special rapporteur, Forst is tasked with taking measures to protect any person experiencing or at imminent threat of penalisation, persecution or harassment for seeking to exercise their rights under the convention.

Azerbaijan is a party to the convention.

The former Soviet republic wedged between Russia and Iran has faced considerable scrutiny over its hosting of COP29. AFP

Twho told reporters this week that the pact comes “as Japan and the EU face an increasingly challenging security environment”.

He did not mention China, but Japan has previously called its neighbour its greatest security challenge as Beijing builds up military capacity in the region.

After the Tokyo talks, Borrell will head to South Korea, where concerns about North Korea will top the agenda. The United States has said thousands of North Korean troops are in Russia readying to fight in Ukraine.

Pyongyang also test-fired one of its newest and most powerful missiles on Thursday, demonstrating its threat to the US mainland days ahead of elections.

“My visit to two of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific is a key milestone in our efforts over the past five years to strengthen the EU’s active engagement,” Borrell said in a statement Thursday.

“We have secured alignment on geopolitical issues and advanced the values we share,” he said, promising “a new chapter in our ever-closer relations”.

The Japan-EU Security and Defense Partnership, expected to be announced on Friday, “aims to further develop, deepen and strengthen cooperation and dialogue in all areas of security and defense,” Iwaya said on Tuesday.

“Specifically, we envision cooperation in the areas of maritime security, space, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats, including foreign disinformation and interference,” he said.

The security of the Asia-Pacific region is “inseparable from that of Europe and the Atlantic”, Iwaya added.

Japan is ramping up defence spending to the NATO standard of two percent of GDP by 2027, partly to counter China, which is increasing military pressure on Taiwan. AFP

SMOG ON THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. A pedestrian walks near the India gate amid smoggy conditions after Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in New Delhi. AFP

OFFERING FOR THE DEAD. A young woman decorates a grave in the cemetery of the Purepecha community of Tzintzuntzan, state of Michoacan, Mexico. AFP

DENGUE SURGE IN NEPAL. Blood sample tests are used to check for dengue at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. AFP

Alcaraz suffers Paris Masters’ shock in loss to Frenchman

PARIS—World number two Carlos Alcaraz admitted he “was not up to the level” of 18th-ranked Ugo Humbert of France who swept to a shock Paris Masters thrd round victory over the Spanish superstar on Thursday.

Left-handed Humbert came through 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 to register his first win over the French Open and Wimbledon champion having lost twice to Alcaraz earlier in 2024.

It was a testing evening for Alcaraz who was 0-5 down in the first set before he managed to get on the board.

“It was a very intense match. I started with some doubts about my game. Against a player who attacks whenever he can, who hits very aggressively at the slightest opportunity, it wasn’t easy to get into the match,” admitted Alcaraz.

“I was not up to the level he displayed. Ugo’s performance was really high. The way he hits the ball is incredible.”

Humbert, who has two titles from Marseille and Dubai in 2024, said he was “super proud of myself”.

“It was a crazy match, a crazy atmosphere.”

The 21-year-old Alcaraz has endured a rollercoaster second half of the season since his heartbreaking Paris Olympics final loss to Novak Djokovic.

He was knocked out in the second round of the US Open by 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, defeated topranked Jannik Sinner in the Beijing final before a quarter-final exit at the hands of Tomas Machac, the world number 33, at the Shanghai Masters.

Humbert goes on to face Australia’s Jordan Thompson for a place in the Paris Masters semi-finals.

The French number one just edged Alcaraz in winners on Thursday with 28 to 23 while both men committed 38 unforced errors.

Thompson, ranked at 28, made the quarter-finals of a Masters for the first time by beating Adrian Mannarino of France 7-5, 7-6 (7/5). Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur’s bid to become the first Australian to make the ATP Tour Finals since Lleyton Hewitt 20 years ago, was boosted when the ninth seed defeated in-form Jack Draper of Britain 5-7, 6-2, 6-3. AFP

Obiena recovers from injury, cleared for athletics training

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines’ top pole vaulter

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is getting ready to start training again for the coming indoor and outdoor athletics’ season.

Obiena said this after he was cleared following a consultation with Dr. Alessandro Napoli on his lower back injury.

“Some exciting news I want to share with you all. I’m officially cleared by @dr_alessandro.napoli and have fully recovered from my lower back injury. Thank you to

everyone who supported me during this journey,” said Obiena in a statement on social media. Obiena needed two months of rest

following his stint in the Paris Olympics. He hurt his back while getting ready to compete 12 days before the games.

During his hiatus, Obiena spent time with his family, loved ones and friends in Manila and raised P1.5 million to build to pole vaulting pits.

Light workouts helped him get in shape during his weeks of resting.

“I have been MIA here because I have been focusing myself on getting back into shape and be ready by January! Here’s to the start of 2025 season!!!” said Obiena in his Facebook post.

His coach Vitaly Petrov will be around when that happens as Asia’s no. 1 pole vaulter prepares for the indoor season this January.

The outdoor season comes next in March and the World Championships in September. In the World Championships, Obiena’s fitness will determine his readiness for more pole vault battles.

PSC pays tribute to women sports champions

THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) had once again gathered outstanding women in sports in a two-session ceremony held recently at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Through the office of PSC Womenin-Sports oversight Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, more than 70 women icons in sports were awarded their commemorative rings, following the inaugural Women in Sports Awards Night held last March at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The ceremony saw the likes of the Philippines’ only Woman Grandmaster in chess Janelle Mae Frayna, Long Jump Queen Elma Muros-Posadas, first Paralympics medalist Adeline Dumapong, and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who was awarded the Flame Award last March.

“I’m happy to be here. To be surrounded by these women in sports who have the same mindset, the same goal na mas lalo pang dumami ‘yong women na mageexcel sa sports,” said Diaz when asked what it meant to be part of the ceremony.

The event also made room for comprehensive discussions on social topics which mostly touch on women in sports — gender inclusivity, violence against women and girls in sports, and women athletes with special needs.

“This is a step forward in promoting gender equality with the Philippine sports industry. We believe that the voices of our female athletes and leaders ar e essential in shaping the future of sports,” stated Commissioner Coo in the two-session ceremony. The first awarding session handed commemorative rings to Francesca Altomonte (Softball), Jemyca Aribado (Squash), Marisa Barinda (Lawn bowls), Joyce Gail Reboton (Powerlifting), Sydney Sy-Tancontian (Sambo), Cristina Vergara (Wrestling), coach Precious Aguilar (Obstacle Course Racing), coach Precious Ocaya-Delarmin (Muay thai), coach Maria Concepcion Fornea (Rowing, Purita Joy Mariño (Archery), coach Ana Maria Santiago (Softball), Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo (Weightlifting), Erlinda Lavandia (Athletics), Elma Muros-Posadas (Athletics), and Comm.

Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and PSC Women-in-Sports oversight Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo lead the awardees.

Coo (Bowling). For the second session, the group was composed of Sandi Menchi Abahan (Obstacle Course Racing), Edelyn de Asis (Para dancesport), Janelle Mae Frayna (Chess), Pia Legaspi Gabriel (Motocross), Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza (Para

chess), Shagne Paula Yaoyao (Cycling), Bien Zoleta-Mañalac (Soft tennis), coach Anu de Leon-Brown (Triathlon), coach Haydee Ong (Basketball), Nhea Ann Barcen (Athletics), Carina Dayondon (Mountain Climbing), Adeline Dumapong (Para powerlifting).

PH tests futsal mettle of regional neighbors

THE Philippines is looking forward to its first stint in the first ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Futsal Championships this November at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

A national squad has been formed for the futsal meet, with the support of the Philippine Football Federation and the Henry Moran Foundation.

A training pool of players to form the nucleus of the team is currently training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna for the tournament, which is expected to prepare the Philippines for its coming stint the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup the country will host in 2025.

PFF officials have tapped Dutch futsal coaching legend Vic Hermans, whose services have been in demand from Southeast Asian countries wooing him.

Hermans, who has guided three countries to the FIFA Futsal World Cup, will present the national roster on November 5.

The Philippine team hopes to better its runner-up finish in the PFF Tri-Nations Cup last October, 2023.

During the ASEAN meet, the no. 59 Philippines will take on squads that are ranked higher.

Leading the charge is Thailand, the sixth best side in the world, while Vietnam is no. 11. Indonesia is at no. 24 and Myanmar occupies no. 37.

The Philippines battles Myanmar on opening day (November 16), before taking on top-rated Thailand the following day.

The nationals earned a bye the next day, but return to action on November 19 against Vietnam.

Indonesia then tests the Pinays on November 20.

All preliminary Philippine games are set at 7 p.m.

The fight for the third and fourthranked squads is on Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., with the two finalists locking horns for the gold medal at 7 p.m. Peter Atencio

Ng-led PISSA delegation joins World School Games in Bahrain

By Graham C. Lim

MANAMA, Kingdom of Bahrain —

The Philippine Inter School Sport Association (PISSA), led by its president Mary Go Ng and the Mapua High School team, participated in the 19th World School Games, also known as the 2024 Gymnasiade, in the City of Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain recently. Ng was accompanied by PISSA executives, led by her Senior Vice President David Ong, Secretary General Joseph Sy, treasurer Cecille Sarmiento, legal adviser Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga-Mendoza and PISAA 3x3 champion Mapua.

The World School Games is organized by the International School Sport Federation, where

PISSA is a regular member.

On the first day, the PISSA entourage visited the Philippine embassy in Bahrain for a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador Anne Jalando-On Louis, who was represented by Charge d’ Affairs Atty. Laser Blitz B. Sumagaysay.

As head of delegation, Ng, who was also named the flag-bearer, represented the Philippines in the ISF General Assembly during her stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with Ong as observer.

During the ISF General Assembly in 2022, one of the major announcements marking the 50th Anniversary of ISF, was the official and unanimous attribution of the ISF Gymnasiade 2024 (World School Games) to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

At the time, ISF President Laurent Petrynka and the authorities of the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by His Excellency Sheikh Dr Saqer Al Khalifa, presented their project and plan of all functional areas, displaying the high-level preparations in their hosting of the World School Games. Meanwhile, Mapua Senior High School earned the right to join the 2024 Gymnasiade 3x3 battles after winning the 2nd PISSA Junior Championship, defeating defending champion University of Perpetual Help System Dalta last September. Ng, who attended the 3x3 PISSA finale, was accompanied during the game by Ong and PISSA director Chester Lim.

France’s Ugo Humbert (left) shakes hands with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz at the end of their men’s singles Round

of 16 match on Day 4 of the Paris ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament at the Accor Arena - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. AFP

Mary Ng welcomes the Mapua Senior High Basketball Men’s Team in Bahrain, led by Mapua athletic director Melchor Divina as PISSA Secretary General Joseph Sy looks on.

Ernest John Obiena

Olivia

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Japan hails

Ohtani’s World

Series triumph

TOKYO—Shohei Ohtani’s World Series triumph was given blanket media coverage in his native Japan on Friday with headlines proudly proclaiming it was just the start for their national hero.

Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the title with a 4-1 series win over the New York Yankees, giving Ohtani his first championship in Major League Baseball.

The 30-year-old is wildly popular in Japan and his every move covered in minute detail by local media.

Friday’s Sports Hochi newspaper said Ohtani “stood on top of the world”.

“It was his first time in the postseason but he showed what he was made of,” a columnist wrote.

“Make no mistake, Ohtani was leading from the front for the world’s best.”

Ohtani had a relatively quiet World Series by his sky-high standards. He was just 1-for-11 over the final three games of the series after hurting his shoulder in Game 2.

But his title victory capped a record-breaking first season with the Dodgers, who he joined at the end of last year on the biggest contract in American sports history.

Ohtani has been compared to the legendary Babe Ruth for being able to play as both a pitcher and a hitter. He played only as a hitter in his first year with the Dodgers as he recovered from surgery on his elbow.

Japan’s Nikkan Sports newspaper said Ohtani could make even more history when he returns to the mound next season.

“From here on, with his pitching and batting, he can build the strongest golden generation, with Ohtani at the centre making it happen,” the newspaper said.

The World Series was given wall-towall coverage in Japan, with an average of over 15 million TV viewers tuning in for the first two games. AFP

PH makes waves, captures 4 golds in world dragon boat

By Randy Caluag

PUERTO PRINCESA—

Philippine paddlers made waves on Friday, winning four gold medals, along with silver and bronze against the scenic backdrop of Puerto Princesa Baywalk on the second day of the ICF World Dragon Boat World Championships here.

Under overcast skies but calm waters, the Philippine team began its winning streak with a decisive wire-to-wire victory in the standard boat mixed 200-meter finals, clocking in at 47.07 seconds. The team beat out Canada (48.69) and the Individual Neutral Athlete squad, composed of

Russian athletes (49.03), in the event backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Tingog party list.

The initial win set off a string of victories, with the Philippine women’s masters team following close behind by taking the gold in the 40+ 200-meter event in 49.41 seconds, edging out Czechoslovakia (50.84) and Hungary (52.12).

The Philippine men’s masters team secured another gold in the standard boat 200-meter event with a time of 49.01 seconds, while the women’s team added a fourth gold in 55.22 seconds in this world-class meet organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation and the Puerto Princesa City government, led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

The Philippine team also took home silver in the men’s 20-seater standard boat open event with a time of 47.59 seconds and bronze in the women’s 20-seater 200-meter event, completing an impressive performance that celebrated the International Canoe Federation’s centennial

anniversary.

“Ginawa lang namin ‘yung ginawa namin sa training with some slight changes. Huminga kami ng malalim, then tuluy-tuloy na. Kumbaga full throttle,” said national team skipper OJ Fuentes of the country’s first gold medal in the opening event of the day.

“Sa last 10 meters gitgitan na ‘yan,” added Fuentes. “Masaya kaming makakuha ng first gold pero hindi pa tapos ‘yung misyon namin. Umpisa pa lang ‘yan at hopefully, sunod-sunod na.” uentes added that the team aims to match or even surpass the achievements of their predecessors, who took home five golds and two silvers in the 2018 Championships in Gainesville, Georgia.

The team looks forward to the mixed 200-meter finals on Saturday, after topping their semifinal heat in 52.06 seconds.

A win would bring them closer to qualifying for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, where dragon boat racing will debut as a medal sport in this quadrennial competition.

Panlilio, Canlas: We’re committed to Tolentino’s leadership

BASKETBALL association head Al Panlilio and surfing federation chief Dr. Jose Raul Canlas stressed their commitment to run as first vice president and treasurer, respectively, under incumbent Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino’s ticket.

“I’m committed only to Philippine sports, to the Filipino athletes and to the leadership of Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who did a good job, and we are hoping to make it better or sustainable in the upcoming years,” said Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas who’s also the current POC first vice president.

Canlas, head of the United Philippine Surfing Association, said his commitment echoes that of Panlilio.

“I am for Philippines sports and for the Filipino athletes,” Canlas said.

“[Tagaytay City] Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has proven him-

Ladies PH Golf Tour’s

TOP players from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) are fully prepared to compete in the 2024 Party Golfers Ladies Open, scheduled for Nov. 13-15, aiming to make a powerful impact and are determined to claim a prestigious victory on the LPGA of Taiwan Tour.

The 54-hole championship will take place at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Hsinchu County, where the Filipina contingent is poised to face a formidable international field. With eyes on the prize and the hunger for a second victory, these LPGT standouts are ready to bring their best against elite opponents.

Leading the contingent is Pauline del Rosario, whose experience and fierce competitiveness will be vital in tackling the challenging par-72 layout. The Epson Tour campaigner is no stranger to Taiwan courses, having marked her rookie pro campaign with a victory in the TLPGA and Royal Open at the Royal KuanHsi Golf Club in 2017, becoming the first Filipina to win on the lucrative circuit.

Del Rosario is expected to be a force in the title hunt, but she is not alone in her quest. She’ll be joined by seasoned competitors Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Florence Bisera, Marvi Monsalve, Mafy Singson, Chanelle Avaricio, Chihiro Ikeda,

Panlilio

self as an effective leader.”

Tolentino is seeking another fouryear or Olympic cycle term as POC president in the elections set November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant. He formed what he called as the POC “Working Team” composed of Panlilio, second vice president

finest set sights

Mikha Fortuna and Harmie Constantino, each driven by the shared goal of securing a historic win for the Philippines. The Filipina golfers know that a strong start will be essential for gaining momentum and confidence in this prestigious tournament. With a prize fund boosted to NT$5 million, an increase of NT$1 million from last year, the stakes are high, and so are the expectations. Against a deep field, including defending champion Ling Jie Chen, Thai standout PK Kongkraphan, Japan’s Yuna Arakawa, and local favorites like TLPGA Order of Merit No. 2 Yu Ju Chen, the LPGT contingent must bring both precision and resilience to thrive.

Joining the LPGT’s roster are talented players Laurea and Lia Duque, Jiwon Lee, and amateur sisters Mona and Lisa Sarines, adding depth to the Filipino lineup. Buoyed by a successful LPGT season, where Constantino emerged as the Order of Merit winner with four leg victories, the Filipina golfers, whose campaign is sanctioned by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., enter Taiwan with renewed confidence. Constantino, reflecting on her LPGT achievements, expressed excitement for the challenge ahead while acknowledging the need to further refine her swing.

Richard Gomez, Canlas, volleyball’s Donaldo “Don” Caringal as auditor and executive board members Alvin Aguilar of wrestling, Alexander “Ali” Sulit of judo, Ferdinand “Ferdie” Agustin of jiu-jitsu, Leonora Escollante of canoe-kayak and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales of fencing. Baseball association president Chi-

on Taiwan glory

to Loyzaga filed his candidacy for president and included Panlilio also as his first vice president and Canlas as treasurer.

Panlilio and Canlas said they turned down offers to join Loyzaga but were surprised to see their names in the former Philippine Sports Commission commissioner’s ticket.

“I’m so surprised to see my name on their list because when he [Loyzaga] called me, he just told me that they would only leave the first vice president blank and same thing with Doc Canlas’s treasurer position,” Panlilio said.

“It is now confusing, we did not tell them to include our names in their ticket,” he added.

Canlas said that just like Panlilio he’s a “friend to everybody” but will stick only to his original commitment to run under Tolentino’s ticket as treasurer because of the effective leadership through the years.

LeBron backs Harris in US election battle

LOS ANGELES—LeBron James threw his support behind Kamala Harris’s bid for the White House on Thursday, becoming the latest high-profile celebrity to endorse the Democratic candidate in the final countdown to next week’s US presidential election.

NBA superstar James’s support for Harris had been expected, with the Los Angeles Lakers ace a long-time critic of her opponent, former president Donald Trump.

James announced his support for Harris on social media alongside a video montage that included footage from Trump’s racismtainted Madison Square Garden rally in New York on Sunday.

“What are we even talking about here??” James wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!”

The video also included historical footage depicting the US civil rights struggle as well as from the protests of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement following the killing of George Floyd.

The montage closed with the message: “Hate takes us back.” James, 39, has regularly backed Democratic candidates over the years, and famously clashed with Trump in 2017 after Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said he would skip any invite to the White House following his team’s 2016 NBA finals win.

When Trump announced on social media that due to Curry’s comments, the Warriors would not receive a White House reception, James replied: “U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” AFP

Al

Abraham Tolentino

Shohei Ohtani

Pauline del Rosario

FARMERS ASSISTANCE.

Department of Agriculture

Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasizes the importance of collaboration for collective action to enhance farmers’ resilience and profitability is essential during his visit to the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, which hosts Nestlé Philippines’ Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center.

4.88 million

Visitor arrivals in 10 months

7.7 million 128,660

2024 target visitor arrivals

Arrivals from the UK in 10 months

SM Prime reviews plans on $1-b REIT offering in 2025

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. (SMPH) said Friday it will re-evaluate plans for a $1-billion real estate investment trust (REIT) offering next year amid declining interest rates.

“I think definitely it will not be for this year. So, we will probably look at it next year,” said SMPH president Jeffrey Lim in a recent interview.

He said if the plan pushes through, the company would likely keep the planned $1-billion REIT offering size to attract foreign investors. It will also sell not more than a 40-percent stake to the public. Lim said, however, the company is not a hurry to conduct an REIT offering as it has enough funds to finance expansion plans.

Lim said the company WOULD not want to sell more than 40 percent to the public.

He said SMPH, together with its parent firm SM Investments Corp., recently created a 3-billion-euro medium-term note (EMTN) program, which it could tap for future funding.

Lim said the company could also issue retail bonds for funding requirements.

SMPH reported in 2023 plans to form and list an REIT company that would own 12 to 15 of the company’s shopping malls across the country. The plan was deferred amid unfavorable market conditions then. Meanwhile, Lim said the company was also on track to hitting a record net income for 2024.

“It will probably be a banner year because it’s also our 30th year,” Lim said.

SMPH booked a consolidated net income of P40 billion in 2023, marking a 33-percent increase from 2022. Data showed that in the first half of 2024, SMPH achieved a P22.1billion consolidated net income, or 13 percent higher than P19. 4 billion in the first half of 2023.

Visitor arrivals topped 4.8m in 10 months—DOT

INTERNATIONAL visitor arrivals in the Philippines surpassed 4.8 million in the first 10 months of 2024, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Friday.

It said in a statement that coinciding with its attendance at the 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, international arrivals to the Philippines reached 4,879,022 as of Nov. 1, 2024, aligning with the year-end target of 7.7 million arrivals.

The DOT said the 2024 World Travel Market offers an opportunity to attract more tourists from the European market.

“The United Kingdom leads as the top European source of visitors, ranking as the Philippines’ ninth-largest source market, with 128,660 arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31,” the

DOT said.

“As the U.K. outbound travel market rebounds, it presents a valuable opportunity for the Philippines,” it said. The DOT said that with U.K. tourists looking for destinations that offer value and unique experiences, it is confident the Philippines’ “diverse landscapes, rich history, and immersive travel experiences” match well with the market’s preferences.

The DOT affirmed that the Philippines is a “premier global destination.”

The WTM, taking place from Nov. 5 to 7, is one of the leading global business-to-business events for the travel industry, bringing together tourism professionals, government ministers, and international media to showcase innovations in travel and tourism.

“With our largest delegation of tour operators, hotels, and resorts since the pandemic, the DOT and TPB Philippines are strategically positioned to strengthen international partnerships and solidify the Philippines as a premier destination in the global tourism market, reaffirming our commitment to transforming the country into a tourism powerhouse in Asia, as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Meralco unit welcomes termination of delayed RE contacts

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MERALCO PowerGen Corp., the generation unit of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), welcomed the decision of the Department of Energy terminating non-compliant service contracts, a top executive said Friday.

“I cannot comment on the reasons why those projects were terminated by DOE. There are a number of projects, and I’m sure there are a lot of reasons. But the DOE’s move to terminate this project is the right step moving forward because these projects are occupying a space in GEA [GreenEnergy Auction]-1 and GEA-2,” MGen president

Emmanuel Rubio said.

He said these capacities were supposed to supply renewable energy to meet the renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS).

“So, if they don’t deliver on these projects, these are capacities that are needed by the grid. So, now that they have been terminated, I think the next move for DOE is to revisit how they’re going to fill this up…Because it is a void,” Rubio said.

He said the DOE should also review the pricing under GEA-1 and GEA-2 especially for solar projects.

“We started with low per kilowatt hour prices, particularly on solar. So, I think these are the things that the

OpenAI releases ChatGPT search engine

SAN FRANCISCO—OpenAI on Thursday beefed up its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot with search engine capabilities, as the startup takes on Google’s decades-long dominance of finding answers on the web. With the update, “you can get fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for,” OpenAI said in a blog post. The significant upgrade to ChatGPT enables the AI chatbot to provide real-time information with direct links to source material on topics ranging from weather forecasts and stock prices to sports scores and breaking news, the company said.

Examples shown on the OpenAI website closely resembled search results on Google and Google Maps. It also resembled the interface of Perplexity, another AI-powered search engine that offers a more conversational version of Google with sources referenced in the answer.

The new feature is an update to ChatGPT with users given the option to either get the results by default or manually choose the capability by clicking the web search icon.

The company added that any website or publisher can opt to appear in ChatGPT’s search results, with OpenAI actively seeking feedback from content creators to refine the system further. AFP

DOE needs to consider moving forward. But the cancellation I think is a right step moving forward,” Rubio said.

The DOE said it planned to terminate at least 105 RE projects over non-compliance with project timelines.

“If any contracts are deemed nonperforming, we will open them up to new developers who can effectively bring these projects into fruition. This strategy not only accelerates the development timeline but also strengthens investor confidence in the country’s renewable energy goals,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said Friday it teamed up with Queensland Australia to roll out an exclusive seat sale for nonstop flights to Brisbane. The airline unit of tycoon Lucio Tan said travelers could enjoy a oneway base fare of as low as $371 and roundtrip base fare of $501. The sale celebrates the expansion of PAL’s Brisbane services in the current offering of daily Manila-Brisbane and Brisbane-Manila flights. Queensland Australia is the state tourism board promoting Filipino tourist travel to Brisbane, the capital of Australia’s vast Queensland region.

“To jumpstart the holiday season, we are offering an exclusive seat sale for our Brisbane flights. We look forward to this exciting partnership with Queensland Australia which offers our travelers

Asian stocks fall, follow global slide

ASIAN markets mostly fell Friday, tracking a global slide in stocks fueled by tame tech earnings and investor jitters less than a week before neck-and-neck US elections.

All three major US indices fell Thursday, with the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index dropping nearly three percent.

Microsoft and Meta topped earnings estimates, but saw their share prices drop -- more than six percent and four percent, respectively -- after signaling plans to increase AI investments.

Apple reported revenues that narrowly beat analyst expectations, sending shares lower in after-hours trading even as the company enjoyed a boost from iPhone sales.

“Asian markets are bracing for a fragile Friday, with high and climbing bond yields chomping at the heels of risk assets, rising AI costs, and gloomy forward outlooks pumping the brakes on the mega-cap Big Tech rally,” said Stephen Innes, managing partner of SPI Asset Management.

“After the S&P and Nasdaq logged their sharpest one-day losses in two months, don’t count on Wall Street sending over any positive vibes.”

Analysts have been watching the rise in US Treasury bond yields, with expectations the Federal Reserve may back off major interest rate cuts amid US economic data that has generally been solid.

Just days away from the US election on Tuesday, data showed the Fed’s preferred inflation measure cooled further in September -- and now sits just above the central bank’s long-term target of two percent.

But the figures failed to boost sentiment, despite being a positive sign for future rate cuts.

The Fed is expected to authorize a second cut at the end of its policy meeting next week, following a cut in September.

The cost of living in the United States has been a central campaign issue in the coin-toss race for the White House between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.

“Markets have already priced in some risks of a second Trump presidency as they await the US presidential election,” Lloyd Chan, an analyst at MUFG Global Markets Research, said in a note.

PLDT, Smart expand Mandaue telecom network

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. expanded their network infrastructure in Mandaue City in Cebu to empower microentrepreneurs and create new opportunities for growth across all industries.

“PLDT and Smart are committed to accelerating our network expansion and enhancing our services in highly urbanized areas, such as Mandaue City,” said Roderick Santiago, PLDT and Smart first vice president and deputy network head said.

“Our efforts aim to empower local microentrepreneurs across various industries, support government initiatives, and provide our customers with the highest quality experience possible,” he said.

With a population of more than 360,000, Mandaue City is an industrial hub in the region, hosting about 10,000 industrial and commercial locators, making connectivity crucial to businesses and residents alike.

Smart continues to beef up its network across the country, including in Cebu. Smart’s combined 5G/4G network covers around 97 percent of the population.

Among those benefiting from these network enhancements is Katrina Serencio from Brgy. Cambaro in Mandaue City, who has been running an e-loading business since 2010.

PSE approves Top Line’s P3.2-b initial public offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange approved the P3.2billion initial public offering of Cebu-based fuel retailer Top Line Business Development Corp. (Topline).

Cebu Pacific launches 4 flights to new destinations from Mactan

CEBU Pacific, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, launched new direct flights from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Kansai, Don Mueang, Masbate and San Vicente.

Cebu Pacific said in a statement that with Bangkok and Kansai now among the 14 international destinations served by MCIA, the airport solidifies its position as a vital international gateway. Additionally, Masbate and San Vicente are part of the 27 local destinations accessible from MCIA.

The inaugural flight to Don Mueang departed from MCIA at 2:20 a.m. on

Oct. 2, marked by a traditional water cannon salute. The water cannon salutes for the flights to Kansai, San Vicente and Masbate followed on Oct. 15, 26, and 30, respectively.

The airline operates three weekly flights to Don Mueang and four weekly flights each to Kansai and San Vicente, along with three weekly flights to Masbate.

Travelers can now explore the vibrant culture and unique experiences of Bangkok, enjoy the stunning landscapes of Osaka, relax by the beautiful shores of San Vicente, and discover the scenic charm of Masbate.

Tech summit empowers Mindanao businesses

PLDT Enterprise, together with Soprano, Samsung and Vectras, held its inaugural Make the SMARTer Move Summit in Davao, marking the beginning of a nationwide caravan aimed at empowering businesses in Mindanao with digital solutions.

The event saw participation from a diverse range of businesses, from large enterprises to thriving MSMEs that are eager to explore new opportunities for learning and growth.

Key solutions highlighted during the summit included 5G Enterprise Postpaid, Broadband, Smart IoT (Internet of Things), Smart Messaging Suite, and Bizload, showcasing the comprehensive suite of offerings designed to enhance business operations and drive success in Mindanao.

PLDT Enterprise assistant vice president and head of enterprise wireless product management and market-

ing Josh Montecillo highlighted the role of connectivity in driving business transformation in Mindanao.

“Powered by Smart’s robust nationwide network, PLDT Enterprise is equipped to support businesses of all sizes with a comprehensive range of wireless solutions, including 5G Enterprise Postpaid and Smart IOT, to elevate their communications and connectivity needs. Smart IOT, in particular, offers enhanced real-time data analytics, seamless mobile communication, and greater control over operations. As network improvements drive growth opportunities across the region, we’ve developed this learning platform to support businesses in identifying and understanding the tools they need to thrive,” he said.

PLDT Enterprise’s suite of solutions is designed to meet the specific needs of businesses in Mindanao.

With these expanded options, tourists have even more opportunities to embark on unforgettable journeys.

Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC chief executive Athanasios Titonis expressed enthusiasm for the expansion of Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s route network.

“We are thrilled to introduce these new routes, which further enhance travel options for passengers flying through Cebu. Our strong partnership with Cebu Pacific enables us to continuously broaden our destination offerings, and we are grateful to all our airline partners for their contributions

to our vision of establishing MCIA as the world-class tourism and transfer gateway to the Philippines,” he said.

“The expansion of flight options also plays a key role in advancing Cebu Connect, a service we launched this year to ensure seamless and efficient airport transfers within MCIA. Cebu Connect is specifically designed to minimize layover times, allowing travelers to move swiftly between flights with ease. By integrating more flight connections and streamlining transfers, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class service to our passengers,” Titonis said.

First Gen building solar plant for HCG manufacturing facility

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group signed an agreement with the Philippine subsidiary of HCG, the Taiwanbased global bathroom solutions provider, to build a solar power facility for the HCG unit’s manufacturing plant in Cavite.

First Gen said in a statement its agreement with HCG subsidiary Hocheng Philippines Corp. would not only reduce HCG’s carbon emissions, but would also help it save on electricity expenses.

First Gen, together with sister company Pi Energy Inc., will help achieve

HCG’s twin goals by committing under the agreement to construct inside the 10-hectare facility of HCG in Dasmariñas in Cavite a solar power plant with a 660-kilowatt (kW) capacity. “Our goal is to pursue excellence in building healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving products. We build better designs to reduce our overall impact on the environment and support sustainable development. Over the years, we have completed several initiatives that contribute to our decarbonization objectives and we are committed to using green energy,” said Eugene Lin, HCG Philippines senior vice president and officer-in-charge.

HYDRATION SUPPORT. Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) mobilizes essential hydration support to assist affected communities, particularly in typhoon Kristine hard-hit areas like the Bicol region. Coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Air Force, Maynilad delivered 2,000

Cebu Pacific launches new direct flight routes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to Kansai, Don Mueang, Masbate and San Vicente. With Bangkok and Kansai now among the 14 international destinations served by MCIA, the airport solidifies its position as a vital international gateway.

Malapitan, Caloocan

Vice Mayor Katrina Teh-Limsico, Caloocan City District 1 councilor

MPower signs power supply deal with Pepsi

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MPOWER, the local retail electricity supplier of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), signed a retail supply agreement with Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) for two beverage manufacturing plants located in Muntinlupa City and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines and a global leader in the convenient foods and beverages industry.

“We are eager to build a mutually empowering partnership with PCPPI. As committed allies in sustainability, we look forward to more impactful collaborations that will shape a better and brighter future for the communities that we serve,” MPower head RedelDomingo said.

MPower said that as part of the partnership, it invited PCPPI to participate in other programs of the company that aim to empower community stakeholders including an annual tree planting program called CommuniTrees and MPower, a corporate social responsibility initiative focused on

promoting quality education.

Meralco affiliate retail electricity supplier Vantage Energy Solutions and Management Inc. also signed an agreement with PCPPI last month to supply power to the latter’s five manufacturing facilities in Luzon and the Visayas.

“This collaboration extends past the framework of our contract. Together with PCPPI, we are committed to driving innovation and advancing sustainable practices that enrich the communities we serve,” Vantage Energy president Ernesto Cabral said earlier.

PCPPI president and chief executive Phyo Phyu Noe said the partnership with Vantage Energy would enable future-proofed and greener operations for the food and beverage giant’s manufacturing plants.

EU slaps 463-m-euro fine on generic drugmaker Teva

BRUSSELS, Belgium—The EU on

Thursday slapped the world’s largest generic drugmaker Teva with a 462.6-million-euro ($502 million) fine for “abusing its dominant position” to impede competition for its blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine.

Teva said it would appeal against the EU’s fine.

The European Commission, the EU’s antitrust watchdog, said it found Teva “artificially extended the patent

protection” of its drug Copaxone and “systematically spread misleading information about a competing product to hinder its market entry and uptake”.

The EU said Teva had abused its dominant position in the medicine for multiple sclerosis in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

“Today’s decision to impose an antitrust fine on Teva for disparagement and misuse of the patent system reaffirms the commission’s commitment to competition enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector,” EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said. The EU’s move “contributes to keeping drugs affordable, preserving choice of treatment and fostering innovation, to the benefit of EU patients and national healthcare systems”, she added.

Eurozone inflation rebounded more than expected at 2% in October

BRUSSELS, Belgium—The eurozone’s annual inflation rate rebounded more than expected in October due to rising food costs, official data showed on Thursday, but remains in line with the European Central Bank’s twopercent target.

Despite the higher inflation reading, analysts expected the ECB to still cut rates at the next meeting in December as it focuses more on addressing Europe’s sluggish growth.

The ECB hiked rates after consumer prices soared following the 2022 outbreak of war in Ukraine but has this year reduced borrowing costs as inflation cooled.

Boeing again improves offer to end strike

NEW YORK—US aviation giant

Boeing has once again improved the conditions in its contract offer to thousands of striking workers, hoping to put an end to a painful strike that has paralyzed its two main factories for seven weeks.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751, the union which represents more than 33,000 workers who went on strike on September 13 in the Seattle area, on Thursday endorsed the new offer and set a vote for Monday. The offer includes a 38 percent wage increase over the four years of the contract and a $12,000 ratification bonus, up from $7,000 in the previous proposal, Boeing said in a separate statement.

“Your union is endorsing and recommending the latest IAM/Boeing contract proposal. It is time for our members to lock in these gains and confidently declare victory,” the IAM chapter said.

This was the fourth offer made by Boeing since early September, but the third on which members have been asked to vote.

Members overwhelmingly rejected an offer of a 25 percent raise over four years on September 12. A second offer, which promised a 35 percent pay rise, was rejected by nearly two-thirds of members last week.

The union has consistently asked for a 40 percent salary increase.

“We believe asking members to stay on strike longer wouldn’t be right as we have achieved so much success,” the union said.AFP

Year-on-year consumer price increases in the 20-country single currency area reached 2.0 percent in October, rising from 1.7 percent in September, the EU’s official data agency said.

The September reading had been the first time the figure fell below the ECB’s two-percent target in more than three years.

Inflation accelerated more than expected by analysts surveyed by FactSet and Bloomberg, who predicted it would increase to 1.9 percent in October.

But core inflation, which strips out volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices and is a key indicator for

the bank, remained stable at 2.7 percent in October, Eurostat said.

The core inflation figure was higher than expected by analysts who predicted it would fall to 2.6 percent this month from 2.7 percent in September.

The ECB previously said it expected inflation to rise before falling, while economists said the bank would not budge from a cut at the next policy meeting on Dec.12.

“While it is far from a done deal, we still think that by December the Governing Council is likely to conclude that policy needn’t be restrictive for much longer and that a 50bp (basispoint cut) would be appropriate,” said

Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics research group.

Meanwhile, some experts said the ECB would look at other data before a decision.

“The ECB will likely assess future data releases before deciding on the path of monetary policy” at the next meeting, said economist Sara Pineros at the Centre for Economics and Business Research.

Thursday’s inflation rise was driven by food and drink price increases, which reached 2.9 percent in October, well above the 2.4 percent increase registered in September. AFP

Amazon’s sales beat expectations, powered by growth in cloud computing

SAN FRANCISCO—E-commerce giant Amazon reported strongerthan-expected third quarter results on Thursday, with significant growth in cloud computing and a return to profitability in its international segment.

The Seattle-based tech titan posted net sales of $158.9 billion for the quarter ending September 30, up 11 percent from the same period last year, with net profit up to $15.3 billion.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing division, continued its robust performance with sales increasing 19 percent year-overyear to $27.5 billion.

The strong cloud performance comes amid increasing competition

for AI-related services from Microsoft and Google. Like its rivals, AWS has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, building out data centers and the computing capacity that is required to deliver AI to cloud customers.

In a turnaround, Amazon’s international segment reported an operating profit of $1.3 billion, compared to a small loss in the same quarter last year.

North American operations also showed improvement, with operating profit rising to $5.7 billion from $4.3 billion year-over-year.

The company also saw a 19 percent rise in advertising sales, as that business becomes takes on a greater share of revenue on the platform.AFP

The Israel-based company said it was “deeply disappointed” by the EU’s fine and would “vigorously defend its position on appeal.” AFP

Apple narrowly beats estimates with boost from iPhone sales

SAN FRANCISCO—Apple reported revenues Thursday that narrowly surpassed analyst expectations, sending shares lower in after-hours trading even as the company enjoyed a boost from iPhone sales.

The tech giant saw quarterly revenue of $94.9 billion in the three months ending September 28, up from the same period last year, in a closely watched report as investors seek to gauge demand for its latest iPhones.

Revenue in greater China, however, showed weakness -- falling slightly from the same period a year earlier to $15 billion.

The Americas remained Apple’s largest market with $41.7 billion in revenue, while Europe showed strong growth at $24.9 billion.

Overall, Apple barely exceeded analysts’ projections, while the four other technology giants that published this week easily passed the bar set by the market.

This sent shares of Apple, the world’s most valuable traded company, down two percent in extended trading after the results were posted.

The quarter’s results were significantly affected by the EU Court of Justice’s ruling over the company’s tax affairs in Europe.

That resulted in a back-tax charge of $10.2 billion, representing $15.8 billion payable to Ireland, partially offset by a US tax credit. AFP

CAVITE’S AWARD. Cavite Gov. Athena Bryana Tolentino, joined by Vice Governor Shernan Jaro and Sixth District board member Kerby Salazar, holds the Most Business-Friendly local government init (LGU) award in the provincial category during the prestigious

dedication to

DIGITAL HEALTHCARE. PLDT Enterprise teams up with mWell and Serbisyong Q, spearheaded by Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo and former Rep. Miro Quimbo, to enhance healthcare services in Marikina. The collaboration aims to provide significant improvements for advanced telehealth services and reliable connectivity to residents, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

SEEDLING DISTRIBUTION. The Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program (DAHVCDP), led by director Joseph Manicad, distributes 100 pieces of high-quality, disease-free ginger seedlings to local farmers in Porac, Pampanga, specifically to Sweet Crystals Integrated Sugar Mill Corp. and Manibaug Farm on Oct. 22, 2024. Manicad emphasizes the importance of boosting local agricultural productivity, particularly in ginger production, saying the DA is committed to helping local farmers produce more.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Study says skills mismatch a barrier to economic growth

SKILLS mismatch is a persistent challenge that hampers labor productivity and economic growth in the Philippines.

This issue was highlighted during a recent public webinar hosted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), where experts discussed how skills gaps affect the labor market.

PIDS consultant Dr. Lawrence Dacuycuy, in a presentation of the PIDS study titled “Labor Market Structures, Pay Gap and Skills in the Philippines”, underscored the urgent need for a targeted skills development framework.

“The evolving world of work, driven by technological advancements, requires a focus on developing relevant skills,” he said.

Dacuycuy noted the growing demand for jobs requiring specific analytical skills, especially in sectors such as Information Technology-Business Process Management and manufacturing. However, many workers remain in positions reliant on basic or social skills, leaving them unprepared for the rapidly evolving job market. To address these challenges, Dacuycuy advocated for a strategic approach to skills development. He explained that while general skills acquired through education are transferable, specific skills often yield higher returns but can limit job transitions. This necessitates a reevaluation of how skills are assessed and applied in workforce development programs.

Vlogger Rosmar signs IP protection deal

By Othel V. Campos

ROSMAR Skin Essentials, a popular beauty and wellness brand led by social media influence Rosemarie Tan, signed an e-commerce memorandum of understanding (MOU) to combat counterfeiting and protect consumers from the health risks associated with fake beauty products.

Tan, chief executive of Rosmar Skin Essentials, said her brand recognized the importance of collaboration with other brand owners to protect their products and safeguard the well-

ness of buyers and users. She also revealed the alarming extent of counterfeiting in online marketplaces, where unauthorized sellers could easily undercut legitimate

Domestic claims of other financial corporations increase 7.8% to P9.3t

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE domestic claims of the other financial corporations rose 7.8 percent to P9.30 trillion in the second quarter of 2024 from P8.63 trillion in the same period last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday. The BSP said, however, it fell by 0.03 percent quarter-on-quarter.

“The q-o-q decline in the other financial corporations’ domestic claims stemmed from the decrease in its claims on the other sectors and the central government,” the BSP said. It said the other financial corporations’ claims on the other sectors dropped as its holdings of equity shares issued by other nonfinancial corporations fell, although there was growth in the loans extended to

households.

It said the sector’s claims on the central government dipped as its holdings of government-issued debt securities declined.

“The decrease in the other financial corporations’ domestic claims was tempered by the expansion in the sector’s claims on the depository corporations on account of the sector’s increased deposits with the banks,” the BSP said.

The net foreign assets of the other financial corporations rose 16.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P478.2 billion from P409.0 billion as the sector’s investments in nonresidentissued debt securities and equity shares increased. Meanwhile, the sector’s other liabilities increased mainly on account of the rise in its net other liabilities.

businesses and drive them out of the market.

“Counterfeiters profit by selling at lower prices,” she said, noting that an unauthorized seller claimed to have made P150 million by selling counterfeit Rosmar Skin Essentials products.

She said that despite the intense competition, the main threat to online merchants is counterfeiting, which does not only harm the reputation of legitimate brands but also poses serious health risks to consumers.

She said to strengthen her brand protection efforts, she registered several trademarks with the IPOPHL’s

Bureau of Trademarks (BOT) and secured marketing content and advertising collateral with the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR).

This will enhance the detection of infringing posts and aid in her fight against counterfeiters, she said.

Facilitated by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the MOU enables signatories to collaborate closely and directly notify platform members of potential IP violations, leading to a more efficient takedown of online posts selling counterfeit products or pirated content.

Manulife study: 67% of Filipinos confident on achieving top financial goals

MANULIFE Investment Management released its Financial Resilience and Longevity Report across seven countries in Southeast and East Asia including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The report highlights ongoing financial challenges faced by consumers, with variations in confidence and circumstances across different markets.

It said that in the Philippines, 67 percent of Filipinos expressed confi-

dence in achieving their top financial goals, with many optimistic that their financial situation will improve over the next decade.

About 63 percent are concerned that insufficient savings may hinder their ability to build financial resilience.

It said 61 percent of Filipinos worry about unexpected medical expenses and 37 percent are concerned about reduced income— factors that pose significant challenges to strengthen-

ing their financial security.

The report indicated that while two-thirds of people in Asia believe they can reach their financial goals, older generations express slightly less confidence than younger individuals.

The report emphasized the need for enhanced financial resilience, particularly as life expectancy rises and traditional family support systems evolve.

Calvin Chiu, head of Asia retirement at Manulife Investment Man-

DIGITAL health care firm mWell,

a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is celebrating the World Mental Health Day by recognizing that mind health is just as important as physical health.

It launched the Self Love Month initiative offering free counselling sessions with certified mind health coaches. The initiative complements the Mind Health Score feature in the app which provides self-guided modules designed to lessen stress and anxiety. In support of the World Federation for Mental Health’s (WFMH) theme for 2024, “Mental Health at Work,” the Philippines health and wellness mega app has partnered with various companies and organizations to raise the awareness about mental health and bridge the gap to vital support re-

agement, underscored the importance of early and comprehensive financial planning.

Financial resilience varies across the region, with 39 percent of all age groups feeling secure in their finances today, though 52 percent are hopeful about improvements in the next decade.

Top concerns affecting financial stability include insufficient savings, unexpected medical costs, and income instability. Othel V. Campos

sources. Manuel Panngilinan, mWell chairman and chief executive said mWell’s mission is to provide holistic wellness to Filipinos wherever they may be.

“This is why our digital healthcare arm mWell offers features and programs to empower every Filipino take the first step towards a healthier and more balanced version of themselves, allowing them to thrive in all aspects of their lives and become more productive. We are an ally in their wellness journey towards enhancing both mind and body,” he said.

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, chief finance, risk and sustainability office and president and CEO of mWell highlighted the importance of enhancing overall health.

In a presentation of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS study titled ‘Labor Market Structures, Pay Gap and Skills in the Philippines’ PIDS consultant Dr. Lawrence Dacuycuy underscores

skills development framework.

Creative tips, ideas with vivo V40 to level up your Halloween feed

IT’S clear that Halloween season is in full swing when people’s Instagram stories are buzzing with costume sneak peeks!

As the long weekend draws near, the streets of Manila have started to become more alive with partygoers in creative costumes.

There’s truly a special thrill in crafting a standout costume, but bringing that look to life through an engaging social media post takes the excitement to another level for your followers! After all, during this time of the year, nothing is more terrifying than a dull content. Whether you’re aiming for spine-chilling vibes or even opting for something hilariously fun, the vivo V40 smartphone has everything you need to showcase your creativity online.

With its trio of 50MP cameras, all designed to meet ZEISS optics standard, the vivo V40 will transform your Halloweekend photography experience.

The rich darkness of the night surely adds

Play with your doppelgänger

With vivo V40’s Pano Mode, create the illusion that you’re in a showdown with your double!

This smartphone’s Pano Mode features a circular guide that ensures steady execution, resulting in stunning, seamless panorama shots – perfect for creating high-impact Halloween content with minimal effort.

Capture the spooky vibes in low-light Epic Halloween parties happen after dark, which makes it tricky to achieve crisp, clear photos. But the vivo V40 is up to the task, no matter the lighting!

vivo V40’s Night Mode, combined with its Aura Light, enables users to easily capture striking night portraits that shine on social media, rivaling DSLR-quality photos.

Snap the essence of Halloweekend in different focal lengths

Excited to showcase your adventures on social media?

Use vivo V40’s Portrait Mode to capture stunning photos in 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm - perfect for a double-tap-worthy Instagram carousel.

This frightfully useful guide is sure to draw all eyes to you when you start sharing your Halloween festivities with family and friends online!

Pick up this newest vivo flagship smartphone at vivo concept stores, kiosks, and dealer stores nationwide, or

DITO Telecommunity brings smiles, connectivity to 45th MassKara Festival

DITO Telecommunity joined the festivities of the 45th MassKara Festival for the second time, hosting a series of events that celebrated Bacolod’s dynamic spirit and rich heritage. Known for its Carnival-like street parades featuring performers in colorful masks and traditional attire, the festival serves as a tribute to Bacolod’s identity as the “City of Smiles.”

This year, this grand festival marked its Sapphire Anniversary with lively performances, competitions, and engaging events. Carla Rodriguez, Regional Sales Director for Visayas, shared, “In collaboration with the City Government of Bacolod, DITO brought a lineup of activities to make this year’s MassKara Festival even more festive. We aimed to create smiles and lasting memories while strengthening connections with the local community.”

DITO invited local media to capture and share these special moments with

NO’s leadership in innovation with a futuristic mindset, further adding to TECNO Pocket Go’s impressive array of accolades, including from the Red Dot Design Awards, the International Design Excellence Awards and the 2024 Global Product Technology Innovation Awards.

TIME is considered a prestigious source of information and a trusted voice in the media landscape. It is renowned for its annual “Best Inventions of the Year” list, which highlights groundbreaking innovations that have a profound impact on society.

To compile this year’s list, TIME solicited nominations from TIME editors and correspondents around the world, and through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields—such as health care, AI, and green energy. TIME then evaluated each con-

Filipinos nationwide, extending the festival’s joy and excitement beyond Bacolod.

“Through our TODO Na DITO campaign, we aim to inspire Filipinos by creating a community where they can express themselves and pursue their passions. The MassKara Festival is an opportunity to showcase Bacolod’s vibrant spirit, and we’re thrilled to be part of this celebration. We’re dedicated to keeping the city connected so every smile and shared moment can be instantly shared online,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for

tender on a number of key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

TECNO Pocket Go creates a “new gaming paradise” in handheld PC form in the AR industry. By seamlessly integrating with the Windows gaming ecosystem and utilizing advanced head tracking technology, it brings an unparalleled 6D immersive experience to users.

The AR Pocket Vision features a 0.71-inch Micro-OLED screen that delivers the equivalent of a 215-inch TV experience from 6 meters away, surpassing industry standards. TECNO Pocket Go allows gamers to enjoy a cinematic-level viewing experience, with customizable adjustments for up to 600° diopters to ensure eye comfort.

Marrying the headset—which includes head-tracking, vibration, and adaptive posture technology—to a

Consumer Business.

Strengthening Network for Bacolodnons

To improve connectivity during the festival, DITO deployed a Cell Site on Wheels (COW), providing stable and reliable network coverage. This made it easy for festival-goers to share their experiences online and stay in touch with loved ones. Event Highlights and Memorable Performances

DITO supported some of the most anticipated events of this year’s festival. The Miss Bacolod 2024 Coronation Night celebrated the city’s finest beauty and talent, with Princess Ella Olmilla being crowned Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 and Cindy Valencia being awarded as Miss DITO Telecommunity at the USLS Coliseum on October 20, 2024. Barangay Granada emerged as champion for the third consecutive year in the

compact controller that doubles as a Windows 11 computer creates a more portable and immersive experience for gamers on the go, or with limited space at home.

Users can even sync the glasses to their phone, TV, and other devices to create a DIY spatial reality.

This year, TECNO has welcomed numerous key milestones as a result of its ongoing efforts in the realm of AI and AR, empowering a range of futuristic products.

TIME’s recognition reflects TECNO’s innovative capabilities and is a testament to its commitment to revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging markets and offering advanced technology and stylish designs to consumers.

Pocket Go is not only TECNO’s first breakthrough in the AR arena but also stands as one of the most

MassKara Street Dance & Arena Competition last October 27, 2024. All contingents celebrated Bacolod’s rich cultural heritage in a unity dance to the tune of “TODO Na DITO” embodying the spirit of harmony and celebration that captured the essence of the “City of Smiles.” The Excitement of DITO Days The DITO Days extravaganza at the DITO Corporate Block on Lacson Tourism Strip offered Bacolodnons an opportunity to experience DITO’s reliable connection through the activation booths and DITO Experiential Hub. Attendees enjoyed fun activities and received freebies with purchases of DITO products such as SIM starter packs, Level-Up Prepaid Packs, and FlexPlan Postpaid Plans. Many visitors also explored DITO Home products, including the newly launched DITO Home WOWFi—the world’s first 5G RedCap technology for home use.

innovative and emblematic products within TECNO’s AIoT ecosystem. It exemplifies TECNO’s commitment to exploring and innovating to unlock new frontiers of user experience through technological advancement. For any related media queries, please contact pr.tecno@tecno-mobile.com

Shown here are (from left) Zherwin Michaelf Reyes, Sales & Training Development; Peter Romanillos, Regional Trade Marketing Manager; Cindy Valencia, Miss DITO Telecommunity; Karen Grace Grecia, Area Sales Manager; Raymund Lajo, Territory Sales Specialist | Bacolod Yuhum Foundation.

TECNO Pocket Go

TIME cover Jo Whaley for TIME

JBL introduces the JBL Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers, revolutionizing home theaters for the next generation of music and movie lovers.

Crafted to integrate effortlessly into modern homes, these systems are refreshingly easy to install, connect, and upgrade. They empower consumers with a unified system that embodies simplicity, elegance, quality, and scalability, all at an accessible price, inspiring a new era of audio excellence.

Designed and engineered to work in harmony, these solutions offer the ultimate experience for every home entertainment enthusiast. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or dreaming of high-performance immersive audio, these products promise to elevate your entertainment.

Drawing on JBL’s legendary cinema sound expertise, including digital amplification and patented loudspeaker technology, they simplify the home cinema experience, making extraordinary sound accessible to all. Let your passion for sound take flight and transform your space into a personal theater with JBL.

A Home Theater Solution

Without the Complexity

Transform your home entertainment experience with ease using JBL MA AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers. Designed as a straightforward, turnkey system, these components eliminate the intimidation and complexity often associated with home theater purchases.

By choosing a single branded solution, engineered for seamless unity, you gain peace of mind and confidence in knowing everything you need is included. Simplified setup and upgrades mean you can

Unforgettable home theater experience with JBL devices

quickly transition from installation to enjoying immersive sound experiences.

Redefining Simplicity

Unleash the power of simplicity with the JBL MA AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers. Designed with intuitive functionality and seamless integration, these devices make technology effortlessly accessible. Through the EZ Set EQ mobile app, transform any space by perfectly calibrating your sound system in minutes.

In nix HOT 50 Pro+ Series: Slimmest gaming phone built to last

THE Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series is officially out. Considered the industry’s slimmest gaming phone, the HOT 50 Pro+ runs on a powerful processor chipset and has a durable body that can withstand anything.

Infinix, one of the top tech brands in the Philippines, is known for its affordable and accessible smartphones catering to various lifestyles. In the gaming sphere, the brand continues to innovate with devices that meet various users’ needs. The latest HOT 50 Pro+ Series promises a sleek design that’s built to last, no matter how many intense matches you play. Long-term performance and unmatched durability

The Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series has a five-year TüV fluency certification, which means that the device provides stable and smooth performance. This also certifies that the smartphone maintains its good-as-new quality after years of use. The HOT 50 Pro+ Series is made more durable with Titanium Feather architecture Pine 9419, giving it a sturdy body that’s built to last and survive wear and tear, especially with its IP54 dust and splash-proof design.

The gaming phone flaunts a 6.8mm body, making it the slimmest gaming phone on the market. Don’t let the seemingly fragile design fool you as its Titanium Feather architecture protects it from any bumps and falls. Its curved screen is made with Corning Gorilla Glass, which helps prevent damage caused by drops, scratches, and bends, leaving you with a high-quality screen that delivers crystal-clear visuals. Undeniable power

The Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series’ sleek body also packs a powerful punch. It is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G100, the strongest gaming chip in the market, to provide undeniable power. This ensures that you have fast gameplay and beautiful visuals every time you boot up a match on your favorite mobile game. Plus, with up to 16GB Extended RAM, you won’t have to worry about framerate drops and lagging while playing.

With its slim and durable design and powerful performance, the Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ Series gives you that wow factor every time you hop on a match. Shop the industry’s slimmest gaming phone at Infinix concepts stores and kiosks nationwide, and via TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada.

XFans can avail the Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ for P7,299 or the HOT 50 for P5,999 on TikTok Shop this October 29. Enjoy up to P1,200 off, live giveaways, and free shipping. Plus, avail their online promos on Infinix’s official stores.

Experience the future of connectivity with Wi-Fi-enabled AVRs that integrate with SmartThings, empowering you to automate your world with a single button press. Dive into the limitless world of music with compatibility across various audio platforms. Whether streaming via Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, or Spotify, embark on a journey of smooth and seamless audio experiences. Embrace innovation and elevate your environment.

Design That Stands Out Experience the perfect harmony of style and function with JBL MA AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers. Their slim, sleek design and contemporary flair complement modern interiors, available in the elegant shades of Latte and Espresso. Transform your living space into a symphony of beauty and sound.

JBL: The Gold Standard in Sound

For over 75 years, JBL has been the leading audio provider for movie

theaters, recording studios, and luxury home theaters worldwide. Their engineers, celebrated with Academy Awards for groundbreaking innovations, continue to push the boundaries of sound technology. At the JBL Center of Acoustics Excellence in Northridge, California, they craft systems with advanced acoustics, featuring next-generation patented HDI waveguides for immersive sound and anodized tweeters for crystal-clear highs. These are the same visionary engineers who design the most advanced high-performance audio systems available today. Scalable to User’s Need Whether users are just starting out with a basic two-channel system, upgrading from a soundbar or simple home audio system, or looking to build a highend home theater setup featuring 8K HDMI video, Dolby Atmos® immersive sound and DTS:X, this product range can be scaled accordingly.

Moreover, the performance of each model has been optimized both individually and as a system, giving users the freedom to create the setup they want without ever having to sacrifice on sound quality.

“JBL is recognized as the leader in high-performance cinematic experiences, so it should come as no surprise that our new line of home cinema products punches above its weight class,” said Dave Tovissi, Vice President & General Manager, Luxury Audio at HARMAN International. “Solving modern consumer behaviors and concerns was front and center when we developed these products. We designed the systems to blend perfectly into today’s lifestyle, giving users the sound quality, and simplicity of use they always wanted from a home theater system but never found – until now.”

AI-Powered communication solution for people living with ALS revealed at Lenovo Tech World

LAST October 15, at Lenovo Tech World ’24, global technology leader Lenovo and the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF), a nonprofit pioneering innovative assistive tech, revealed an AI-powered solution for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severe disabilities.

The new, scalable tech reveals new possibilities for applying generative AI to accessibility challenges and further advances a shared vision of delivering Smarter AI for all.

The integrated solution combines a circular keyboard interface designed by SMF and built by Lenovo, predictive AI from Lenovo, personalized AI voice replicas from ElevenLabs, hyper-realistic avatars from D-ID, and eye-tracking tech from IrisBond to provide fast, accurate, and personal communication.

The proof of concept, now in active testing with SMF’s community of people with ALS and leading clinicians, builds on years of collaboration between SMF and Lenovo to reimagine and scale assistive technology. Focusing on ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder that typically leads to full-body paralysis, inspires solutions that benefit countless other diseases and disabilities.

Lenovo Tech World opened with a story of a father recently diagnosed with ALS using the technology to tell stories and sing lullabies to his two young children in his own voice.

“This is Smarter AI for All: applying transformative technologies to the most pressing human challenges,” said Linda Yao, Vice President of AI Solutions and Services at Lenovo. “With compassionate partners like the Scott-Morgan Foundation and a bold vision to bring AI to everyone, we are using our AI expertise and portfolio to show how bright the future can be.”

The collaboration emerged from the SMF mission to break down barriers between technologies and democratize lifechanging solutions that ensure a universal right to thrive.

“We live in a world where over half a billion people are silenced, not by choice, but by disability,” said LaVonne Roberts, Executive Director of SMF. “Imagine a world

where even the most severely disabled individuals can fully express themselves, where cutting-edge technology gives voice to the voiceless. We’re not just imagining this world—we’re building it together with Lenovo. With over 500 million people worldwide grappling with muscular or neurological conditions, our work has the potential to impact lives on a massive scale.” Live at Lenovo Tech World Erin Taylor, a disability advocate and botany enthusiast with ALS, used the technology to introduce herself and then welcome Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang to the stage at Tech World.

“I find renewed strength and hope when I see what is possible through technology, especially with the latest advances in AI,” said Erin, who shares her experiences and perspective with a rapidly growing social media audience. “Speaking with my voice as it sounded prediagnosis is incredible, of course, but what excites me most is participating in the development of smarter technology for others.”

Erin also helped demo the technology on the show floor and continues to offer key feedback to the development team.

Building on early designs first unveiled at CES 2024, Lenovo spearheaded the development of a fully functional, fully integrated prototype.

“We prioritized human-centric design and leveraged our expertise in innovative user experiences,” said Lenovo UX prototyper Daniel Pollock, who led the interface development. “It’s an absolute privilege to contribute and collaborate on this project and incorporate such powerful AI technology.”

Building a consortium of AI innovation

Traditional voice banking is an arduous process, often limited by the vocal deterioration that can emerge as an early symptom of ALS. Past models also suffered from a clear lack of emotional expressiveness, limited to robotic cadences and unnatural rhythms—but AI has changed all that. Now, limited audio samples, even of poor quality, can generate a compelling, on-demand AI voice.

“Over the past year, we’ve been deeply inspired by individuals reclaiming their voices despite all the challenges, and we’re grateful for the chance to play a small part in that process,” said Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs. “Now, with the incredible support of the Scott-Morgan Foundation, we’re taking these efforts to the next level. We’re proud to help remove communication barriers and empower people.”

That customized voice feeds directly into the avatar technology from D-ID. Again, scalability and ease are a priority with assistive tech, and D-ID is able to generate lifelike avatars from still photos or very limited video.

“This powerful technology is so often used for business or entertainment—which of course we love to see and support—but promoting social good is where we see it make a lifechanging impact. D-ID has a long track record of leveraging its technology to help worthy causes such as combatting domestic violence, raising awareness of sex trafficking, and numerous education and advocacy efforts,” said Gil Perry, co-founder and CEO of D-ID. “Working with this collaboration perfectly fits our strategy of using AI to make the world better and more connected.”

The JBL Modern Audio AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers are high-performance audio products designed for the next generation of music and movie enthusiasts -- stylish, intuitive, scalable, and attainable

The Scott-Morgan Foundation and Lenovo debuted

HOT

SHOWBIZ

OPM stars get into fiesta spirit in Bacolod

HIP-HOP artists Skusta Clee and Flow G joined P-pop sensation SB19 to celebrate the spirit of “panalo” at Puregold’s Sari-Sari Store MassKaravan and Concert during the annual MassKara Festival. The event, which took place at the Bacolod City Government Center, attracted over 150,000 attendees from across the country.

Puregold’s concert enhanced the festive atmosphere of the MassKara Festival, known for its vibrant colors and lively celebrations.

Fans of local music flocked to see performances from Skusta Clee and Flow G, along with SB19’s dynamic dance

routines and harmonies.

Opening acts Project Juan and Esay also contributed to the night’s entertainment.

“Puregold has taken major strides in uplifting the voices of our local music talents,” said Puregold President Vincent Co. “We’re proud to bring these talents to one of our country’s most spirited festivals—MassKara in Bacolod. Our sincere thanks to all who came out to enjoy the concert.”

The excitement reached a peak as fans relished the opportunity to see their favorite artists perform live.

A’TIN fans Chariz and Katrina expressed their

joy, with Chariz stating that she didn’t have a personal favorite because “Lahat po idol ng anak ko!” (Everyone is my child’s idol). Katrina added a message for her bias Stell: “Good luck and good job! Hoping you grow as an individual but also as a group.”

Fans like Apple were equally enthusiastic about the presence of Flow G, whom she described as “Nakakainspire!” (Inspiring). While the concert was free to the public, Puregold offered VIP and VVIP tickets with seated views available at select stores in Bacolod and Iloilo on Oct. 5. This initiative

aimed to reward loyal Puregold members with an enhanced concert experience.

Additionally, several lucky attendees won VIP passes from Puregold’s partner brands, which had booths set up at the venue. The first 2,000 registrants received a loot bag containing P300 worth of groceries.

registrants sense

With lively performances and generous giveaways, Puregold’s Sari-Sari Store MassKaravan and Concert fostered a true sense of Filipino celebration, weaving together the stories of the musicians, their fans, and Puregold for an unforgettable night.

Television’s Maria Clara is ‘bolder’ as Ginebra’s 2025 calendar girl

Very Wang Nickie Wang

SINGER and actress Julie Anne San Jose, recognized for her role as Maria Clara in the GMA period drama Maria Clara at Ibarra, shared her excitement about her new role as Ginebra San Miguel’s 2025 Calendar Girl. During the calendar launch at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Julie Anne said it is “totally different” from her previous character.

“Coming from Maria Clara, this calendar girl is totally different,” Julie Anne shared.

represent a brand that has worked with incredible women,” she said.

“As an artist, I like to portray different roles and do different things. I like to innovate and improve myself when it comes to my craft.”

Ginebra San Miguel has a rich history, celebrating 190 years in the spirits industry, with the calendar girl tradition being a significant part of its legacy since 1988. Allan Mercado the company’s vice president and marketing manager, emphasized the importance of the role, noting that the calendar girl is a key element of the brand’s identity.

“It’s been 36 years since we first started our calendar girl,” Mercado said.

“This tradition continues to reflect the exceptional women we choose to represent our brand.” Following her stint as Maria Clara, Julie Anne expressed that her new role will allow her to connect with a broader audience and potentially inspire change in their lives. “Being sexy isn’t limited to one’s body; it’s about how a person can inspire others based on their abilities,” she

The theme of the 2025 calendar, titled “Obra Maestra” (Masterpiece), features Julie Anne in six artistic compositions that celebrate classic art. Marketing Manager Ron Molina explained that the calendar aims to uphold the brand’s legacy of excellence.

“For 190 years, Ginebra San Miguel has crafted masterpieces in every bottle, offering only the finest in distilled spirits,” Molina stated.

The calendar’s layouts portray Julie Anne as various artistic muses, including “Galatea,” a representation of creativity and passion, and “Diana,” symbolizing independence and strength.

Julie Anne expressed a particular connection to her portrayal of Diana, stating, “The bow and arrow resonate with me as an artist. It symbolizes my constant pursuit of improvement.”

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Julie Anne is also a certified gin enthusiast. She shared her connection to Ginebra San Miguel, recalling how the brand has been a part of her family gatherings. “Ginebra has always been part of our lives for every gathering, whether Christmas, birthday parties, or just a simple celebration,” she said.

As the new face of Ginebra San Miguel, Julie Anne aims to inspire others by becoming a better version of herself.

Julie Anne joins a prestigious lineup of previous Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girls, which includes prominent figures such as Marian Rivera, Pia Wurtzbach, and Anne Curtis

“I’m very happy to be part of the Ginebra San Miguel family. It’s truly an honor to

‘Balota’ now a blockbuster, enters third week at the box office

and students, with the movie being used in classrooms to foster discussions on citizenship, democracy, and elections. Educators have sent messages expressing inspiration from the film’s recognition of their profession’s

Rivera noted the film’s bravery in addressing

“You know, I wanted to show a different side of me, I wanted to show a more confident, stronger, braver Julie Anne. This is the start of something new para sa akin. This feels like a rebirth as a woman. Proud po [ako] na napili po ako ng Ginebra family, along with past Ginebra Calendar Girls,” she concluded.

sensitive topics, stating, “Perhaps what they’re saying is that the film is bold in conveying the message we want to share with them.”

Attorney Annette Gozon-Valdes , President of GMA Films, highlighted the film’s growing popularity due to its impactful message; “We see that it is getting stronger and stronger, and I think it’s because it is being talked

about.”

Will Ashley, who plays Enzo, Teacher Emmy’s son, expressed pride in being part of the film, stating that their efforts were worth it because of the audience appreciation.

“I am very happy and proud to be a part of ‘Balota’ because everything we went through made all the hard work worth it, as people have appreciated it,” the young actor said. Produced by GMA Pictures and directed by Kip Oebanda , Balota is adding more screenings this week in cinemas nationwide, with special rates for students and teachers in select locations.

NICKIE WANG, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

Puregold’s

Rapper and singersongwriter Flow G energizes the audience with his hit songs

Rapper and singer Skusta Clee delights attendees with his impeccable rap skills

Members of the P-pop sensation SB19 wow the audience with their stellar harmonies and smooth dance moves

Actress Marian Rivera plays dedicated public school teacher Emmy in ‘Balota’

Julie Anne San Jose holds a bow and arrow as ‘Diana’

The 2025 calendar features Julie Anne San Jose in six artistic compositions surrounding the theme ‘Obra Maestra’

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Abigail Adriatico

THE local nightlife scene is often packed with individuals from all walks of life. Whether it’s an office worker unwinding after a stressful day or a group of friends eager to let loose, bars and clubs are typically filled with people once the sun goes down.

Entering this bustling scene to offer a relaxed space in Aseana City’s Parqal Mall is Tunnel Bar. Opened last May, Tunnel Bar is owned by architect Albert Nocom, who wanted to create the perfect spot for music enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite tunes while sharing drinks with friends.

During the bar’s official launch on Oct. 9, special guests and some members of the media were treated to a night of good food and drinks, while musical performances from local bands and artists energized the crowd.

The food that Tunnel Bar offers is not only limited to a few snacks that were meant to accompany the usual bar drinks but also several meals for those looking to appease their hunger.

Its menu bears a wide selection of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, platters, and desserts without any focus on a particular cuisine that is perfect for light and heavy eaters alike.

C4 LIFE

Guests also get to enjoy various kinds of drinks ranging from liqueurs like shots or bottles of Baileys, Jagermeister, Amaretto, Tequila rose, and Kahlua to long drinks like shots of Long Island, Pina Colada, Sex on the Beach, Sangria, Tequila Sunrise, Screwdriver, Singapore Sling, and many more. While there is a wide selection of cocktails, beers, whiskey, vodka, single malt, rum, cognac, gin, and tequila on the menu, other non-alcoholic beverages are also available for

Kenji, the upbeat yakiniku

By Tet Defensor

EVERYONE enjoys visiting barbecue restaurants nowadays.

The thrill of grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables not only spells a gastronomic feast but is also a fun way to catch up with fellow foodies, even if they have to endure long lines or share funny stories while carefully watching their food.

Kenji owner Justin Patrick Velasco has long been aware of the demand for quality Japanese barbecue restaurants. Having successfully run Yokohama Meat Kitchen for several years, he felt it was time for a more upbeat yakiniku establishment. “Yokohama focused mainly on Japanese food; Kenji includes international cuisine. Aside from Japanese favorites, we also serve king crab, foie gras, and many others,” the owner shared.

The menu features top-quality wagyu beef, carefully selected by the owner. Available in various cuts, diners can enjoy the meat’s premium tenderness and perfect marbling, resulting in an exceptional texture and flavor.

Imagine the pleasure of grilling your chateaubriand, roast beef, sirloin, or kaburi or better yet, order the wagyu moriawase, a combination of karubi, rosu, and sirloin. If you’re not confident in your grilling skills, the restaurant staff will be more than willing to help.

Diners can try jo karubi (beef short rib), jidori no sumiyaki (made from free-range chicken), or Iberico options like rosu (pork loin) and hohoniku (pork cheek), which are also available in a moriawase set. A favorite is Kenji’s jikasei vienna sausage and spicy cheese wiener, a perfect starter or an interesting side dish.

Justin topped the food selection with a unique dining experience. Kenji has a small Japanese bar where guests can enjoy drinks before their meal.

The yakiniku treats can be prepared on tabletop smokeless grills in the main dining hall or in Kenji’s private rooms. The owner knows that yakiniku is best enjoyed with fun conversations as diners wait for their meat to cook.

Aside from the meat, the restaurant also serves salad, sushi sashimi, and gyoza, along with fun desserts like banana sushi and jikasei dark chocolate cake. The latter is specially made for those who prefer unsweetened chocolate, according to the owner. The dessert moriawase combines cake, banana sushi, gelato, and mixed fruits.

While barbecue restaurants are a popular choice, at Kenji, diners can expect a more enhanced experience. They can savor quality A5 wagyu beef and prepare their meals on a smokeless grill in their own private corner. Guests wishing to dine in VIP rooms are requested to book in advance. Kenji is located on Jupiter St. in Makati.

those who may be looking for other options.

Apart from the food and drinks, something that would keep guests coming back for more are the energizing musical performances of all types of popular music. While the grand launch saw performances of bands Komiko Band Project M Acoustic, Abbey Pineda with Funkybrew, and 2nd Verse Acoustic as well as artist Kyla Nicole Lim, the bar used to only hold live band performances once a week.

Due to the demand of many of its loyal customers, the bar ended up accommodating several up-and-coming DJs, live bands, and artists for the entire week. It has a specific theme for performances every day of the week which are Unique Mondays, Bespoke Tuesdays, Rewind Wednesdays, Soul Rhythm Thursdays, Fallout Fridays, and Ecstatic Saturdays.

While serving as a home for music enthusiasts lurking in the nightlife, the Tunnel Bar is also open for various events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, press conferences, and seminars as it can accommodate up to 200 people.

Tunnel Bar is located on the Ground Floor of Parqal Mall, Aseana City, and is open from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Mondays

GLOBE Telecom has expanded its GoRoam service to include Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and Australia, enabling Filipino travelers to stay connected abroad at rates similar to local SIM packages.

The expanded service builds on Globe’s “Roam Like a Local” feature, already available in destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. “This is a significant change for Filipino travelers, saving them time and money,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo , Globe’s Head of International Business. “With GoRoam, they can

without hassle.” The new GoRoam offers include 10GB for 30 days in Japan at P1,600, 5GB for 10 days in Vietnam at P800, 10GB for 30 days in Australia at P1,000,

owner Justin Patrick Velasco

Nocum (left)

Villafuerte

Various local bands and musicians serenade guests with performances about different themes each night