The Standard - 2015 June 14 - Sunday

RotaRy club of manila newspapeR of the yeaR 2015 VOL. XXIX NO. 116 3 Sections 24 Pages P18 SuNday : JuNE 14, 2015 www.manilastandardtoday.com editorial@thestandard.com.ph

‘I WON’T BE VINDICTIVE’

Senate panel probes case of Wang Bo

SENATOR Teofisto Guingona III has sought an investigation into claims that Chinese national Wang Bo gave immigration officials P400 million to stop his deportation and to buy the approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the House of Representatives.

Guingona filed Senate Resolution No. 1397 directing the Blue Ribbon Committee to conduct an inquiry into the report that Wang allegedly used the amount to bribe some Bureau of Immigration officials to “reverse” the BI’s order to deport him.

Guingona cited a report that the alleged P400 million bribe money was used “to pay off pro-administration members of the House special ad hoc committee to vote for the approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for plenary debate.”

“It is incumbent upon the Bureau of Immigration to control and regulate the movement of persons to, Next page

By Vito Barcelo

SMARTING from the continuing Senate hearings against him, Vice President Jejomar Binay vowed that if he is elected President next year, he will pursue corruption charges against government officials only if there is strong evidence against them.

“I wish I will be remembered as a President who was not vindictive, a President who can be called a unifying President,” Binay told reporters at Polillo Island in Quezon province even as he stressed the need for genuine justice.

“I am a lawyer. I was a litigation lawyer. If there is evidence, charges must be filed. It’s part of the fight against corruption,” he said.

“Before we talk about sending someone to jail, we should first see if there is evidence,” Binay said.

“If there is no evidence and you just send someone to jail, you will only be going around the need to present evidence. That means you only filed a case because you wanted someone in jail although you know there is really no evidence,” he said.

Binay cited the cases of Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla, all opposition leaders who are now detained for supposed misuse of their Priority Development Assistance Fund.

The Vice President urged the Aquino administrationto be fair in handling their case because it will “test if the drive for reforms will be blind to political motives.”

“If it stops with the filing of the plunder cases against three senators, who are not political allies and confines itself to the [Janet] Napoles case, it will create the impression of being selective, and that political partisanship – not justice – is the sole motivation behind these charges,” he said.

Binay noted that the Department of Justice has yet to file charges against other lawmakers involved in the alleged P10-billion scam although it has been a year after the first of three batches of cases were filed.

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Vice President Jejomar C. Binay political motives.

says the administration’s handling of corruption cases will test if the drive for reforms will be blind to

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AQUINO ENDORSEMENT ANNOUNCED AFTER SONA

LANDMARK RAZED. A fireman trains his hose on the fire that hurt two people and razed the food court of the University of the Philippines College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Association in Diliman, Quezon City. The food court, known to students only as CASAA, is a favored eating and meeting place among students. The fire was caused by a leaking liquified petroleum gas tank. EY ACASIO

I won’t

government-owned Claro M. Recto Memorial District Hospital in Infanta, Quezon along with Sen. Ralph Recto and Quezon Gov. David Suarez.

Suarez, a close ally of former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, is now a supporter of Binay and his family, including father former Rep. Danilo Suarez and mother Aleta, have vowed to campaign for Binay in 2016.

Binay and former Congressman Suarez flew to the island towns of Polilio, Burdeos and Panukulan, where he was to meet with local officials and also to distribute wheelchairs and medicines to senior citizens, his office said in a statement.

On Friday, Binay shrugged

off President Benigno Aquino’s refusal to endorse him for the 2016 presidential elections, saying he is confident that the majority of voters, as shown by various opinion polls, would elect him to the highest post in the land.

“That’s done. The President has spoken. Let’s respect that,” Binay told reporters when asked if he would still try to persuade Aquino to change his mind.

Binay continues to hold the lead in several surveys of voter preferences for the 2016 presidential elections. Senator Grace Poe recently rose to the number two spot in the same polls.

Earlier, Binay told a forum he was still seeking Aquino’s

endorsement, saying this could translate to votes.

“Up to the last minute, I hope I will be considered, even if just considered,” Binay said in a news conference at the Luneta Hotel in Manila.

“I expect that. I am hoping that the time will come when he will consider me,” Binay said.

But Aquino on Thursday doused cold water on the suggestion, saying the two of them had been on opposite sides of the political fence since 2010.

Binay has repeatedly said that he owed his political career to Aquino’s mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, who first appointed him officerin-charge of Makati in 1986.

ties intercepted Bo last February 5 upon his arrival at Ninoy From A1...

Aquino International Airport (NAIA). He is wanted in China from and within our country in for illegal online gambling opcontributing to national devel- eration. Chinese authorities have canceled his passport. opment,” said Guingona.

Bo “possessed a Cagayan “It is imperative for the Congress of the Philippines to en- Economic Zone Authority sure that the legislative process (CEZA) work visa with a twofor the passage of the BBL, or year validity from May 4, 2013 any other bill for that matter, to May 4, 2015 through an emshould not be tainted with is- ployer called ELC Technology Consulting Co. Inc.” sues of bribery,” he added.

Guingona said that upon He noted that BI authori-

request from the Chinese government, the BI ordered Bo deported on March 5, 2015.

However, Bo sought a reconsideration of the deportation order which the BI granted. Bo was eventually taken off the Philippine government’s blacklist.

He said that when the Chinese government submitted additional documents to prove that Bo is a fugitive, Immigration Chief Siegfred Mison voted in favor of the Chinese Embassy renewed request to

deport Bo, but he was outvoted

by Commissioners Abdullah Mangotara and Gilbert Repizo, who favored granting Wang Bo temporary liberty.

“Justice Secretary (Leila) De Lima, however, stepped in and issued an order holding Wang Bo’s release ‘in abeyance.’ It was reported that Wang Bo allegedly bribed the Bureau of Immigration officials with P400 million in exchange for not being deported back to China,” he said.

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Aside from the continuing Senate probe, the vice president himself is facing charges after 10 senators signed a Senate blue ribbon committee report recommending the filing of plunder raps against him over the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall 2 building.

Binay has maintained that the charges were only politically-motivated and meant to demonize him before voters ahead of the May 2016 presidential elections.

Binay made the remarks after joining the inauguration of the

Senate panel

AFTER President Benigno Aquino III praised Interior Secretary Mar Roxas during his Independence Day speech, the Palace reiterated that the official announcement will be made after Aquino’s State of the Nation Address in July.

“The official endorsement will come at the end of July after his last SONA,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview with state-owned Radyo ng Bayan, declining to speculate on whether Aquino’s praise for Roxas also meant his endorsement.

“Let us let the President’s words speak for themselves,” she said, adding that Aquino had already said during his state visit to Japan that he will only announce his endorsement after the opening of Congress on the fourth Monday of July.

“I promised our people I was hoping the end of June, but now it seems that I have to, by law, deliver a State of the Nation Address, which is (on) the last Monday of July, and it will be shortly after that that I will endorse the person to our electorate,” Aquino said at the Japan National Press Club.

At the same time, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, a leader of the ruling Liberal Party, said Aquino has given the Liberal Party the gosignal to go all out in supporting Roxas in his expected run for the presidency in 2016.

“Secretary Roxas is doing his share of going around the country while performing his functions as [secretary of] Department of [the] Interior [and Local Government],” Abad said in a statement.

“And the President has given the party the go signal to the extent that we all can to support his candidacy,” Abad said.

On Friday, Aquino praised Roxas in his Independence Day speech in Iloilo City, but stopped short of endorsing his presidential bet.

“You know, Mar Roxas, a true son of Panay, advanced this initiative,” the President said, referring to the Negros Island Region, which combines two provinces under one regional group.

“Like in the past, we know that whenever we task Mar Roxas to lead a project or program, you can expect that initiative will succeed.”

Aquino said the initiative was the result of consultations with the leaders of local communities, governors and representatives and even the local chambers of commerce.

“Indeed, I am confident that so long as we continue to tread the straight and righteous path, we will be able to continue the positive changes we experience at present. In this period of evolving technology and social media, we have the greater wherewithal, and the deeper responsibility to contribute in finding solutions to our shared problems. It is my hope that, instead of being a burden to our fellowman, we would do our utmost, contribute what we could to the best of our abilities, so that we may collectively uplift our whole nation,” Aquino said.

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‘HEALTH EXPENSES CAUSING POVERTY’ MERS ALERT. A

Customs inspector, masked because of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in Korea, watches airline passengers as they approach her station for arrival formalities. The Korean authorities have reported more cases and deaths from the deadly virus. DANNY PATA

ANOTHER OFW GETS DEADLY MERS VIRUS

By Vito Barcelo

ANOTHER Filipino has tested positive for the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) in Riyadh, according to the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

The embassy did not identify the OFW, but reiterated in an advisory that Filipino workers, particularly those in the healthcare sector, should strictly follow infection control protocols in their workplaces.

“Following a newly-reported case of a Filipino national infected with [MERS-CoV] in Riyadh, the Embassy would like to reiterate its previous advisories to Filipinos, especially workers in the healthcare sector, to continue taking all necessary precautions and observe health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health and the

DOH against MERS-CoV,” the advisory said.

“Filipinos who may have been tested or infected with the virus are strongly encouraged to report their conditions to the Embassy as soon as possible,” the embassy said in its advisory.

The embassy issued the advisory three days after the Department of Health declared that the Philippines remains free of MERS-CoV although a Filipino nurse who returned to the Philippines in April was diagnosed to have the deadly virus.

This year alone, at least four

Filipinos, all of whom were health workers, contracted MERS-CoV before the latest case.

Since 2013, total of 10 Filipinos were listed to have died because of the virus prevalent in the Middle East region, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

“To date, the Philippines is still safe, still MERS-CoV-free,” DOH Epidemiology Bureau officer-incharge Vito Roque said on Tuesday.

Roque made assessment after two Koreans were quarantined after they were erroneously thought to have ignored quarantine advisories.

The death toll from the MERS epidemic in South Korea has increased to 14, the country’s Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Saturday.

According to the ministry, 12 new MERS cases have been reported. The total number of those infected with the virus now stands

at 138.

The number of people quarantined in South Korea amid the MERS outbreak exceeds 3,800 people. More than 2,000 educational facilities have been closed to prevent the spread of the virus.

The South Korean government has acknowledged that the outbreak has been fueled by insufficient safety measures when the first MERS patients were hospitalized.

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS-coronavirus. First reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, it has since spread to other countries.

Fever, coughing and a shortness of breath are among the typical symptoms of MERS. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to the virus.

There is currently no vaccine for MERS.

HEALTH expenses push 6 percent of people in low and middle income countries into extreme poverty, showed a new report released by the World Health Organization and the World Bank.

Speaking at the report’s release, Tessa Tan Torres-Edejer, WHO coordinator of health systems financing, said that this equated to 69 million people who are tipped or further pushed into extreme poverty by health costs.

“Lack of access is particularly severe among those who are poor and disadvantaged,” Torres-Edejer said.

“Out of pocket expenditures are payments at the point where you access the service, where you’re at the facility and you have to pay up. They cause financial hardship,” TorresEdejer said.

The Tracking Universal Health Coverage report measures access to universal health coverage, around the world as well as financial hardship caused by health care costs.

The report found that worldwide, 400 million people don’t have access to basic essential health services.

Tim Evans, senior director of Health, Nutrition & Population at the World Bank said that the report was a “wake-up call.”

“It shows that we are a long way from achieving universal health coverage,” he said. “We must expand access to health and protect the poorest from health expenses that are causing them severe financial hardship.”

The report noted that the BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, representing around half of the global population, “are all engaged in health system reforms designed to extend, deepen, or otherwise improve health service coverage for their populations.”

These countries are also “simultaneously working on ways to increase financial protection for those availing themselves of health services,” the report said.

“Universal health coverage means that all people receive the quality, essential health services they need, without being exposed to financial hardship,” the report said. - PNA

BI OFFICIAL DENIES ISSUING STATEMENT

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration denied it issued a press statement alleging that an influential Cabinet secretary was behind the black propaganda against Commissioner Siegfred Mison, whose group has long been eyeing to get hold of the BI’s leadership.

“It appears that there was a malicious email circulated last Tuesday (June 9) in the guise of an official statement from the BI,” according to BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. “I do not meddle in matters outside the bureau as my designation is limited to official affairs only. I will not take the side of any bureau officer nor point blame to anyone. I find it offensive that my name is being dragged into this controversy. It puts my integrity on the line,” she said.

“I hope everyone will be responsible enough to be candid in their reports and avoid false attributions to individuals. Let us focus on our work and keep it mind that what we do and say not only reflects our own character but also that of the agency we represent,” Tan said.

She said that a press release from a certain Mark Dela Paz and emailed through markdelapaz44@ yahoo.com.ph was fake.

“We do not know this person and he is not in anyway an employee nor a spokesperson of the bureau,” Tan said.

Although the fake statement appeared to support Commissioner Siegfred Mison, it claimed that the charges of corruption against Mison was mere black progaganda staged by “an influential Cabinet secretary, whose group has long been eyeing” control of the bureau.

SECURITY DRILL. A number of Army soldiers were deployed to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Saturday as part of a security drill. DANNY PATA

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ADELLE CHUA EDITOR S U N D AY, J U N E 14 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

A FREEDOM STORY

[ EDI TORI A L ]

IN SOUTH Korea, where there are an estimated 52,000 overseas Filipino workers, Philippine Independence Day celebrations were cancelled because of fear over the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS. The June 12 holiday there is usually marked with a series of activities to look back at history, celebrate Filipino heritage and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Philippine migrant workers.

As everywhere else, the range of jobs Filipinos take in South Korea is diverse. Some are technical specialists, professionals, factory and domestic workers, and some are in the entertainment and hospitality industries.

None of these celebrations were in place this year because of the alarm over the spread of the MERS virus which has thus far killed 14 in South Korea. Filipinos there had to contend with celebrating Independence in private or among themselves.

Once again, Filipinos scattered all over the world find themselves on the frontline of battle.

This time it’s a deadly disease that claims the lives of anybody who contracts it. Recall that a few months ago, Filipinos working in Africa faced the dilemma of holding on to their jobs

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while facing the risk of contracting the Ebola virus.

Risks don’t always manifest medically.

Earlier this year, we saw how Filipinos subject themselves to the laws and jurisdictions of other countries. Mary Jane Veloso was nearly executed via firing squad for alleged trafficking of illegal drugs. Her camp says she herself was a victim and the Philippine government is now exhausting measures to save her case in a manner it had not done in the beginning.

Sometimes, Filipinos overseas contend with employers who refuse to recognize their rights.

How many stories about ill treatment, physical and sexual abuse and oppressive working conditions have we heard? Countless.

There, too, is the undercurrent of familial separation when a member of the family, usually a parent in productive age, makes that decision to go abroad – seek opportunities and earn enough money, both of which seem to be in shortage for the ordinary workers here.

Independence Day looks at how those from previous generations worked hard and risked all so that we may enjoy the rights and comforts we take for granted today.

It chronicles the struggles of our ancestors to achieve independence where they would be free to run their affairs in a manner they saw fit and equitable.

The mood, however, must not be one of pure celebration. This is because there is no complete independence yet. One hundred and seventeen years on, we continue to struggle to be free from want and worry. This is why millions of Filipinos make the painful decision to go out into the world and brave risks of any form.

This is why we keep electing those who promise to make our lives better, forgetting that this is not their responsibility. They just need to enable us to improve our own lives by providing opportunities. Of course, the subtle difference is lost among those who relish simplistic generalizations. We know what happens when those who make grand promises do get elected: most of them forget their commitments and then pursue their own interests.

After more than a century, the story of our struggle for freedom is still being made. It is not something we look back to; it is something we participate in.

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ARE WE THERE YET? BONG C. AUSTERO IT’S A BIT disconcerting that our participation in this year’s 28th Southeast Asian Games, which is being held in Singapore until Tuesday, is being highlighted by a series of embarrassing developments.

Of course the fact that we are trailing behind Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia in the overall medal tally is already very embarrassing as it is. Yes, I was already old enough to remember a time when we ruled many athletic competitions in the region, when the country had a genuine sports development program, and when athletes playing with the national team were the recipients of respect and adulation.

But there are other sources of embarrassment. There was that rather unfortunate gaffe about the uniforms of our athletes displaying an inverted Philippine flag. The stunning victories of Filipino athletes Eric Cray and Kayla Richardson in the 100-meter sprint were somehow dented by the fact that they were wearing inverted Philippine flags on their chests when they won the races. As we all know, the flag is supposed to be displayed with the blue field on top; having the red field on top is supposed

A SERIES OF EMBARRASSING INCIDENTS to signal that the country is at war. We’re having a territorial dispute with China and the President of the country has been posturing like a toughie who is raring to go to war, but am sure everyone agrees that we’re not really at war with anyone – or at least not yet. I am sure the sports officials will dismiss the matter as a minor oversight that must not deflect attention from the grit and courage of our athletes. But it is precisely these small details that are indicative of the rank inefficiency that has characterized whatever preparations there have been in the run-up to the athletic competitions.

In fact, many of the athletes have made it known that they had only a few days preparation prior to the Singapore SEA games! As we know, we are cobbling athletes from all over – fortifying the national team with half-Filipino athletes who are based in other countries.

But it is now being alleged that even those who reside in the country were only brought to train together a few weeks – in the case of some teams, a few days – prior to leaving for Singapore. This is truly heartbreaking because other countries train their athletes for years. It makes our blood

CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA IF YOU take a map of the Philippines, you would see a strip of water between Luzon and Mindoro Islands. This is called the Verde Island Passage (VIP) Marine Corridor, with an area of approximately 1.14 million hectares.

The corridor spans the provinces of Batangas, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque and Romblon. It has been identified by scientists as “the center of the center of marine shore fish diversity in the world.”

According to Conservation International, “more than half of the Philippines’ documented fish species can be found here. Numerous studies continue to yield discoveries of species that are new to science, further underscoring the global biological significance of this area.”

On December 18, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order 578 – “establishing the national policy on biological diversity, prescribing its implementation throughout particularly in Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecosystem and the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor.”

The EO reiterates the constitutional provision protecting and advancing the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology, and emphasizes that the Philippines is a party to various multilateral environmental agreements to conserve biological diversity.

This is, the EO adds, to ensure and secure the well-being of present and future

It makes our blood boil when we are told that this country does not have money for sports development or to support our athletes when we know that the government has underspent once again this year, when we consider the billions of pesos that are stolen by corrupt politicians, or when we compute the total amounts spent on those senseless political ads.

boil when we are told that this country does not have money for sports development or to support our athletes when we know that the government has underspent once again this year, when we consider the bil-

lions of pesos that are stolen by corrupt politicians, or when we compute the total amounts spent on those senseless political ads.

And then there was that rather unfortunate reaction to the videos of two Filipino divers which showed them falling ungracefully into the pool, landing flat on their backs. The reactions were instantaneous.

People mocked and ridiculed the two athletes, calling them all kinds of names. Many of the comments were downright cruel. I couldn’t believe that many Filipinos actually shared the video and made it viral! Fortunately, videos of the two divers turning in great performances in the same games were also available and many Filipinos, this writer included, posted and shared these videos to dispel the impression that the divers were bumbling idiots. Why do we Filipinos jump at the chance to ridicule the frailties of others, particularly athletes?

Surely we do not expect all our athletes to make magic every single time they compete, particularly given the low level of support that they receive.

Our hope for a first gold in women’s volleyball was dented when the national team lost to Indonesia in the first game.

Our delegation’s response was to file a protest against the Indonesian team and asking for a gender test on Indonesia’s star player– Aprilia Santini, who plays like a man and looks physically like a man. The SEA game organizers have turned down the Philippine delegation’s protest but our officials continue to grumble. This is a sad, sad development. We are coming across as sore losers who resort to technicalities during a defeat. But even more important, the move is indicative of bigotry and discrimination. Physical appearance is not the only indicator of gender.

And the player in question has played in many regional competitions before and nobody has questioned her gender.

The Indonesian team acknowledges her as a woman and her family knows her to be such.

In fact, her reaction to the controversy generated by the Philippine delegation protest was to worry about the effect it would have on her family. As usual, the bigots in this country have weighed in with their own disparaging commentaries mocking Santini’s physical attributes. Santini identifies as a woman; it is her gender identity. How can anyone else presume to know better?

SANCTUARY UNDER THREAT generations of Filipinos.

And just last week, no less than the California Academy of Sciences announced they found more than 100 marine species in the Verde Island Passage, many of them previously unknown to science. These are “rare and new species of sea slugs, barnacles, urchins and mysterious live animals from dimly-lit, deep water reef building.”

The CAS exploration, done in both shallow and deep waters here, proves that indeed VIP is the center of the center of marine biodiversity.

“It’s thrilling to return here,” said Terry Gosliner, PhD, CAS senior curator.

“This is one of the most outstanding regions of diversity in the world.” *** The municipality of Lobo in Batangas is a coastal town that fronts the Verde Island Passage. Lobo Mountain, covered with dense forests, has historical significance because it is believed that General Miguel Malvar hid here before surrendering to the Americans, just to spare Filipinos from further suffering.

Beyond the mountain lie the beaches of Lobo, the waters there forming part of the Verde Island Passage.

Lobo’s residents have always taken pride in the beauty of their town. I myself, upon the invitation of a friend, have twice vacationed in this southern tip of the island of Luzon. The beach is beauti-

ful, the water delightful, the surrounding scenery breathtaking – and the knowledge of the natural treasures hidden from the eye but are there, anyway, is just awe-inspiring.

Looking out into the water, one would think: “This is not a declared marine sanctuary for nothing.”

These days, though, the sanctuary is under threat. Egerton Gold Philippines, Inc. is applying with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a permit to undertake gold mining in Lobo through surface contour or openpit mining. The DENR seems to be deliberating on the matter – even scheduling a public consultation on the issue – even as it should have rejected the idea outright because of Lobo’s proximity to the sanctuary.

The two proposed mining sites span a total of 262 hectares across three barangays. All of the coastal towns will be affected, as will be the mountain called Mabilog na Bundok.

The proponents of the project have themselves identified its direct and indirect impact on the community. Among the direct impact are the disturbance of existing flora and fauna, creeks and existing roads, as well as discharge of treated wastewater.

They also list the Verde Island Passage as among those that will be indirectly affected by the project, but are quick to

say that they just included it because of its “environment, historical and tourism significance” even if it is distant from the project.

But consider this: During the construction phase, risks to water will be the disturbance of corals and mangroves, as well as accidental oil spills.

And during the operation phase, land erosion would be one of the main risks.

The DENR itself, in a map published online at the Philippine Information Agency Web site (http://pia.gov.ph/gis/ province.php?rid=4&id=19&lid=220) has found that the municipality of Lobo is susceptible to landslides. Imagine how this risk could be magnified by mining activity in the area. The people themselves would be in danger – and these are people who have for long taken pride in their town and in the natural treasures beyond their beaches.

The impact thus is not as sanitized and tame as the words on paper seem to imply. In fact, the warning signs are all there. Environment officials should rethink their options, especially since the 2006 EO is clear and equivocal about its role in the preservation of biodiversity.

The government must put its foot down. Not everything can be valued in pesos and cents. “Threatened sanctuary” is an oxymoron. adellechua@gmail.com

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RECHANNEL UNUSED FUNDS TO INDIGENTS – RECTO

STOP-GAP. A maintenance staff at Philippine National Railways cleans the floor of a train at Tutuban in Divisoria Manila on Saturday June 13.

PNR will cancel its supposed regular operation on June 15 to make way for maintenance check and repairs. DANNY PATA

MILF TO DISARM STARTING TUESDAY

By Vito Barcelo And Francisco Tuyay

THE Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are scheduled on Tuesday to proceed with the first phase of the decommissioning or disarmament process for members of MILF in a move that makes the National Police hopeful but is met with skepticism by another rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front.

Government’s chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the peace panel had sent out invitations for the ceremonial decommissioning of MILF weapons to everyone involved in the peace process, especially members of Congress.

“Although it’s a ceremonial program, it signals something that took a long time to prepare both the hearts and minds of the people who are involved in this process,” she said.

The decommissioning of 75 weap-

ons and of 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces is part of the normalization program that were listed and to be carried out under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Ferrer stressed that Phase 1 of the decommissioning process is very important because the 145 MILF combatants who have agreed to undergo the initial stage will serve as pioneers and help gauge the success rate of the normalization process.

MILF chief negotiator Moha-

gher Iqbal assured that even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is delayed, they will comply with the initial phase of the graduated decommissioning of MILF forces and their weapons.

“We will see to it that we will comply with our obligations. We have to undertake this whether the BBL is moving in Congress or not,” Iqbal said.

“Honestly there’s no other way but to have peace in Mindanao,” Iqbal said Government and MILF panels met in Kuala Lumpur last Jan. 29 to lay down the protocol in surrendering and inventory of firearms of rebels and the mechanism on how the MILF arms will be stored.

PNP Public Information Office Officer-In-Charge Chief Supt Wilfredo Franco said they are hopeful the initial stage of the decommissioning would help strengthen government’s peace agreement with the MILF.

VISCAYA TOWN BUILDS ECO-TOURISM LANDMARK

By Jessica M. Bacud DIADI, NUEVA VIZCAYA - The administration of Governor Ruth Raña Padilla has marked another milestone as it holds the groundbreaking for the Conference Center at the Lower Magat Eco-tourism Park in Diadi town.

“This project will also help make Lower Magat Eco-tourism [LMET] a prime tourist destination in the province,” Padilla said.

The construction of

the Conference Center will attract more people in the province and neighboring provinces like Isabela, Quirino and Ifugao who will make use of the facilities for important gatherings, she stressed.

The Conference Center will be located at the lawn behind the Narra Hall (the first building to reach upon entering the LMET premises). The center will be fully air-conditioned and will accommodate around 1,000 people.

The Conference Cen-

ter is a project designed and administered by Padilla with the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Lambert Galima Jr. It is funded from the 20% of the Development Fund of 2013 and 2014 with a total amount of P40.5 million.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by provincial government officials with the heads of offices with Diadi parish priest Fr. Elmer Saludares officiating.

“The PNP is for peace, we respect the process provided for under the agreement made by this government with the MILF... and are optimistic that the decommissioning process will work towards the realization of a lasting peace in Mindanao,” Franco said.

But the MNLF declared that the decommissioning process remains “an illusion” unless the MILF surrenders firearms in the possession of its members.

The MILF vowed to surrender some 13,000 firearms. The MILF claimed to have some 30,000 men in its rooster.

Majority of the firearms in the possession of MILF members are privately-owned and the MILF leadership could not force them to give up their firearms,” Cerveza said.

“In the event, they (MILF regulars) surrender their firearms, these people can always buy their weapons without the permissiion of the hierarchy,” Cerveza said.

ONE of the ways to solve the chronic government underspending is to rechannel a chunk of unutilized funds to health, “specifically aid to the indigent patients because this is one kind of expenditure which will not be bogged by absorptive issues,” Senator Ralph Recto has proposed.

Recto said in a statement that five years into its term, the administration is still grappling with the problem of spending chokepoints.

“If you have a problem with wholesale spending, like big-ticket items that don’t move, then go into retail,” Recto said.

“If money is not optimized in projects which are slow-moving, then shift it to the sick who need money for fast-acting cure,” Recto said. “Walang absorptive capacity issues sa may sakit.”

He said mechanisms are already in place in the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local governments— which run provincial, district, and municipal hospitals—to handle funds which can be given as direct aid to indigent patients.

“These are things which are not complicated to procure. It is easier to buy a hospital bed than an MRT train. Or the other alternative is to augment funds that DWSD, DOH and local governments give out as financial assistance to the sick.”

“I’m not saying that health should be the default recipient of stuck-up funds. My prescription is to shift maybe a portion of hardto-obligate allotments to health because there are waiting, deserving, visible recipients who can spend these fast,” he said.

Public hospitals, he said, are crammed with people in need of government aid.

In the first quarter of the year, government expenditures fell 13 percent of target, following last year’s trend of scrimping which resulted in a budget deficit of P73.1 billion, or about a fourth of what was programmed, he said.

In 2013, government underspent by P104 billion, and by P62 billion in 2012, he said.

MILESTONE. The provincial government of Nueva Viscaya marks another milestone in the administration of Governor Ruth Raña Padilla during the groundbreaking for the Conference Center at the Lower Magat Eco-tourism (LMET) Park in Diadi town.

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SUNDAY: JUNE 14, 2015

editorial@the standard.com.ph

LAND pANEL ChIEf gETS fIVE-yEAR JAIL TERM

By Rio N. Araja THE Sandiganbayan has convicted a former head of the Commission on the Settlement of Land Problems to suffer a jail term of five years for soliciting money in exchange for the settlement of a land title case.

In a 35-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan found Coslap’s former commissioner Rufino Mijares guilty of violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Mijares, the court said, solicited P30,000 from a private person, Salud Sabado, in 2000.

Section 7(d) of the law (RA 6713) prohibits public officials and employees “from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the function of their office.”

The Office of the Ombudsman said Sabado sought the assistance of Coslap to help her in her pending application for cancellation of the title of a disputed real property.

Sabado’s application had not been approved, prompting her to approach Mijares, who demanded “to prepare a big amount” for her case’s resolution.

Sabado also asked for the assistance of the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Task Force to conduct an entrapment operation.

Elements of PAOCTF arrested Mijares after receiving eight pieces of marked P500 bills placed on top of the P30,000 boodle money from Sabado.

“If no criminal element was in accused’s mind, he could have said that no money or ‘big amount’ was needed. Instead, accused displayed the sagacity of asking and soliciting money by intimating that a ‘big amount’ has to [be] spent. The criminal intent to solicit money thus originated from the mind of the accused,” the Sandiganbayan decision read.

VW FAMILY DAY. former Land Transportation Undersecretary Alberto Suansing plays tutor to kiddie drivers at the VW junior driving

course during the Volkswagen Family Day held at the VW office in Bonifacio Global City,Taguig City. The children were taught the ways of safe driving. MANNY PALMERO

smartmatic renews bid

By Sara Fabunan

The Smartmatic Joint Venture has filed a protest before the Comelec en banc, asking the collegial poll body to overturn the disqualification meted out against it by the Comelec Bids and Awards Committee.

Smartmatic said the latest recommendation for disqualification issued by the BAC was unfair and based on a wrongful technical interpretation of the Technical Working Group.

“We have satisfied 100% all the published technical requirements set forth in the Request for Proposal. We filed a protest to Comelec en banc, and we are confident that we can successfully demonstrate our technical compliance” said Cesar Flores, Smartmatic President for Asia Pacific.

Flores said that the BAC had unfairly disqualified his company for “allegedly” failing the two storage requirement, which was successfully demonstrated to the Technical Working Group on several occasions.

Even after Smartmatic had shown this functionality to the Bids and Awards Committee, the BAC still rendered a 3-2 split vote which relied on the erroneous interpretation of the Technical Working Group, Flores said.

In the previous ruling of the BAC, two issues have been raised against the Smartmatic JV, namely an alleged deficiency on the Articles of Incorporation of one of the members of the Joint Venture, and the already mentioned technical aspect of the two storage devices.

After filing a Motion for Reconsideration, the BAC cleared the Smartmatic JV on the issue Articles of Incorporation, but it still kept the recommendation to fail the proposal of Smartmatic JV based on the one pending technical issue.

“We passed every one of the four hundred (400) technical requirements of the COMELEC for the OMR Project. The records will

clearly show that during the first stage, the Smartmatic JV was rated “passed” for the same Synchronization Requirement. Yet in the second stage, the TWG deemed it “failed”. We are willing to demonstrate our technical compliance to the enbanc, and even to other stakeholders, like the Comelec Advisory Council and the Joint Congressional Committee on Automated Elections” Flores said.

In its protest, the Smartmatic JV asked the en banc to reverse the disqualification and to declare it as the bidder with the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid. Flores said that not only is Smartmatic’s election technology the best in the world but its prices are the most reasonable and most beneficial to Comelec.

“We have always offered unbeatable prices that are clearly advantageous to the Government and the Filipino people. If fact, because our lease proposal is 31% lower than the actual budget, we are offering P700 million in savings to Comelec,” Flores said.

In contrast, Flores said, the other bidder overshot the budget by approximately P1.2 billion.

1,000 JOIN MMDA VOLUNTEERS’ CORE

By Joel E. Zurbano

SURGING SALES. Customers scout for bargain at a second-

hand car parts grey market in Manila on June 13, 2015. Auto sales rose 22 percent from a year earlier to a record 62,882 units in the first three months of 2015, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines. AFP

THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Saturday said that at least 1,000 people signed up as rescue volunteers and would undergo a three-day disaster readiness training as part of the government’s preparedness program.

The training, according to MMDA general manager Corazon Jimenez, will include lessons on earthquake rescue- and-retrieval operations at the agency’s central office in Makati City.

“We want the people to be part of this campaign. Join our cause and become volunteers para hindi po tayo mahirapan kung may

sakuna,” said Jimenez. “We are also encouraging members of the media to participate in the drill for them to see and experience and learn what to do.”

The MMDA is targeting 8,000 volunteers to become members of the Metro Manila Rescue Volunteers Core. It said private individuals could sign up for the training as long as they are 18 yrs. old and above and physically and mentally fit.

The training will be made in batches, each batch composing of 30 volunteers to maximize the facilities and the time of the trainers.

The agency recently launched

the be prepared metromanila. com, a new website that provides vital information on earthquake preparedness and disaster response.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the website is part of MMDA’s thrust of using technology and communications to make accessible to the public necessary information should a strong earthquake hit Metro Manila and nearby towns.

“With the unquestionable power of technology nowadays, the be prepared Metro Manila website is the agency’s latest offering to promote disaster preparedness and public safety,” he said.

SUNDAY: JUNE 14, 2015

Roderick T. dela Cruz EDITOR business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

BUSINESS

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Aphrodite Cruz looks at the white sand bar of Gigantes.

HOW AN ISLAND TOURIST

BUILT A TRAVEL AGENCY

IT IS the picture that launched a travel agency.

The digital photograph, capturing the stunning beauty of Gigantes Islands from the vantage point of public relations and marketing consultant Aphrodite Cruz, became a trending item on Facebook and helped bring tourists to the northern part of Panay.

Enchanted by the beauty of the Visayan islands, Cruz, 27, left the comfort of the air-conditioned office of a Makati Citybased public relations company a few years ago to explore more of the Philippines. “I have always loved traveling. I’m the kind who needs to be moving around all the time. I just can’t stay put in one place. The big mole on my left foot can attest to that. I especially love the Philippines, and if given the chance to live again, I would choose the Philippines over and over and over again,” she says.

While she had a good job and a kind boss in Makati, she had to follow her heart to see more of the Philippine islands, the kind of environment she has been longing for. “In my experience traveling around the country, I can say we truly are a lucky bunch,” she says.

“If you are brave enough to let go of things that don’t make you happy anymore, you will be rewarded. I am very happy with what I am doing right now,” says Cruz, who was born on Feb. 14, 1988 and named after a goddess in Greek mythology.

Cruz, who was born and raised in Manila, currently lives in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City but frequently travels to Roxas City as

a marketing consultant of Pueblo de Panay, a modern business district in Roxas City. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 2009 with a degree in AB Journalism and shortly after college, began her career in public relations under the mentorship of Gerry Zorrilla, a well-known and respected figure in the Philippine PR industry.

“In the first quarter of 2014, I left the corporate world completely and decided to venture into PR and marketing consultancy because I wanted to work on accounts that are so much closer to my advocacies in life such as responsible tourism, countryside development and environment preservation,” she says.

The love for travels across the Philippine archipelago led her to Capiz province, which she found to be an ideal gateway to many idyllic islands in northern Panay. As a marketing consultant of Pueblo de Panay, Cruz saw an opportunity to establish a travel agency that will promote the “less visited, but equally beautiful islands” of the Visayas.

When people asked her why she decided to launch her dream of establishing a travel agency in Capiz, Cruz says it is where the opportunity is right now. “Most

Cruz and a resort manager remind tourists to keep Gigantes Islands clean. of the travel agencies in Roxas focus on ticketing and booking. We decided to focus on tours, despite the challenges. You have to talk to a lot of people, from LGUs, community and tour guides. There is a lot to be done in Capiz but I am very hopeful. I have been around Capiz, visiting the waterfalls, beaches, islands, caves. It is a beautiful province waiting to be

marketed,” she says.

Together with her partners Victoria Hariette Ong Banzon, Hyacinth Ong Viterbo and Daphnie Ong of Roxas City, Cruz conceptualized and established Las Islas Travel and Tours on March 9, 2015. “My dream of operating a travel agency started even when I was in college and I planned to put up my own by

the time I reach 30. I just consider myself very lucky that I met my business partners earlier than expected so the realization of the dream was fast-tracked,” she says. “I am thankful to have business partners who are very competent and highly-principled.”

“We saw the need to put up a travel and tours company at the seafood capital to actively promote Capiz province and other neighboring destinations with high tourism potential like Gigantes Group of Islands in Carles, Northern Iloilo and Antique province,” she says.

Las Islas specializes in pre-arranged and custom tour packages around Panay Island in Western Visayas, with a primary focus on Capiz province, home to majestic waterfalls, unique cave systems, and long flowing rivers; and the Gigantes Group of Islands in Carles, Northern Iloilo, which boasts CONTINUED ON B3

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BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

INCOME HITS $3,000 BUT 10M STILL STARVE

The skyline of Fort Bonifacio commercial business district

Per capita income in the Philippines is expected to top $3,000 in nominal terms for the first time in 2015, a milestone that opens more opportunities in such sectors as real estate, banking, automotive and retail.

However, the rising income, supported by a growth of over 5 percent in gross domestic product over the past 13 quarters, is not felt by everyone, with over 10 million individuals struggling to buy food and nearly 25 million, or one in four Filipinos, living below the poverty threshold.

A study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific shows inclusive growth is a challenge in the Philippines, a country of more than 100 million.

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s estimates that the per capita GDP in the Philippines may exceed $3,000 this year or 2016, depending on the pace of economic growth.

IHS, an international think tank, also forecasts that total GDP per person in the Philippines will rise from $3,000 in 2015 to around $6,000 by 2024.

“This has considerable implications for the size of the Philippines consumer economy. These significant increases in per capita GDP will create one of Asean’s largest consumer markets of the future, as the middle class rapidly expands over time. This will help to attract foreign direct investment by multinationals into the Philippines manufacturing and services industry,” says Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist for IHS. The rising per capita income is evident in the double-digit growth in motor vehicle sales in the country, which hit a record level in 2014, only to be exceeded this year. “This continuing increase in passenger car sales is an indication that the country has entered the motorization

stage. This is also consistent with economists’ projection that consumer spending growth will remain strong as per capita income hopefully reaches $3,000 in 2015,” Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. president Rommel Gutierrez says in a statement.

Foreign retailers also began to notice the rising income in the Philippines. Samie Lim, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Retailers Association, says foreign retailers believe that a GDP per capita of $3,000 is a signal that they should enter a particular market.

Real estate is the biggest beneficiary of the rising income, with both residential and office towers rising in the business districts of Fort Bonifacio, Makati, Ortigas, Alabang and Quezon City. Recently completed condominium buildings, however, are not fully lit up at night, an indication that they are vacant, because the units are owned by foreigners or investors who already have homes elsewhere. Meanwhile, more than 3 million Filipino families have no homes of their own.

GDP growth reached 5.2 percent in the first quarter, still an impressive figure, but below the

government’s target range of 7 percent to 8 percent.

Despite a growth of more than 5 percent over the past 13 quarters, poverty remains widespread in the country. Poverty incidence among Filipinos in the first semester of 2014 was estimated at 25.8 percent. Subsistence incidence among Filipinos, or the proportion of Filipinos whose incomes fall below the food threshold, was estimated at 10.5 percent in the same period.

UNESCAP economic affairs officer Steve Loris Gui-Diby, in a dialog hosted by Philippine Institute for Development Studies, cites the need for inclusive growth in the Philippines.

UNESCAP recently developed a new inclusiveness index. The index ranks a country’s level of inclusive growth over a long period of time, and incorporates the social, environmental, and economic components of a country’s performance into its criteria.

According to UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2015, the Philippines ranked 10th out of 16 countries in Asia in the inclusiveness of growth index for the period 2002-2012.

The report shows various components of growth and development and discusses the country’s performance in comparison to other Asia-Pacific countries.

These components include an index for social opportunities in select countries, where the Philippines ranked 14th out of

Young beggars on the road 23 countries in the same period, down from 10 in the 1990-1999 period; access to electricity, where the index showed stark difference between rural and urban electrification.

One data index shows the Philippines having one of the highest rates of unemployment in a certain set of countries that includes many of its Southeast neighbors, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Lao, all of which rank lower.

Gui-Diby cites the importance of improving the rural sector’s access to basic services. It has been proven that the level of productivity in the rural areas is parallel to the level of access. Policies

should help and encourage small and medium enterprises to foster creation of quality employment to mitigate poverty and truly accomplish more inclusive development, he says.

PIDS President Gilberto Llanto says despite the recent spate of entrepreneurial courses burgeoning across the country’s top universities, the sense of entrepreneurship remains at a “nonpoor level”.

The upper income group is more likely to start a business because they can afford to and they are willing to take the risk. But there is no support system for those in the poorer bracket to comparably afford the same risks, says Llanto.

Roderick T. dela Cruz

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BUSINESS business@thestandard.com.ph extrastory2000@gmail.com

HOW AN ISLAND TOURIST... of virgin white-sand beaches, beautiful limestone formations and rich aquatic biodiversity.

Cruz says Gigantes Islands became the solid anchor of their tour packages. “It is very hot right now and we want to make Roxas City the gateway to Gigantes Islands. When you take a look at the map of Panay Island, although Gigantes Island is a part of Northern Iloilo, it is closer to Capiz. If you are coming from Manila, it is better to book a flight to Roxas City, where it will take only one hour and a half to Gigantes,” she says.

Cruz says aside from being a travel agency, Las Islas also has an art gallery and a souvenir shop.

“We want to provide a venue for Capiznon artists to showcase their works,” she says.

Cruz is so committed to Las Islas that one time, because of the lack of available tour guides, she did the work herself, guiding the tourists and serving them food. “I would do anything for my baby,” says Cruz, who remains single.

With the strategic location of the travel agency just right across the Roxas City transport terminal, it has drawn a lot of walk-in customers. The Facebook page of the company has also generated dozens of inquiries. “We invested in social media and became known by word of mouth. That is why we take care of our customers. They will be your brand ambassadors,” she says.

Las Islas handles tours in groups, although Cruz says individuals are also welcomed to join the group tours. Customers include students, office workers, family members and groups of friends. “Anybody can join. We also have private tours. We have day-tours and overnight tours. We prepare everything-- food, tour guide, boat and van for island hopping,” she says.

She says Las Islas offers reasonable rates, despite the strong demand for their tour packages.

“With strong demand, we had to turn down some guests, because

we could not accommodate everybody. We don’t want to compromise quality. We really put a premium on taking care of our customers,” she says.

Cruz says she envisions Las Islas to be something more than a travel agency. “We want to make Capiz popular, to give Capiz a new image. We aim to bring to the forefront of the Philippine tourism industry Capiz province, which is less promoted and visited,” she says.

She says aside from Gigantes Islands and Capiz province, “we are continuously looking for destinations to promote, such as Siquijor, Sibuyan islands and Carabao Islands.”

Las Islas also embraces responsible tourism, she says.

“We want to promote less visited islands, promote responsible tourism and promote one’s own country. We don’t want to hear any Filipino tourist say ‘I’ve never thought there is a place like this in the Philippines’.

First thing, it is offensive to our country. The Philippines is an archipelago. Don’t be surprised to find amazing white-sand beaches and blue crystal waters here,” she says.

She finds her work challenging and exciting at the same time.

“The truth is, there simply is no typical day in the office and even on weekends, work keeps me busy. One minute, you’re entertaining multiple client requests and the next you’re in the island troubleshooting a crisis or building rapport with new suppliers and business partners. The tourism industry never sleeps. It’s a very fulfilling 24/7 job,” she says.

Cruz says Las Islas plans to add more tour packages to promote other beautiful islands, “especially those that aren’t being visited and explored as often as, say, Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu.”

“We also plan to reinforce more ecological practices during our tours. Right now, we are exploring the possibility of strictly implementing the zero waste management scheme,” she says.

She says “in five to ten years or

FROM B1

so, Las Islas Travel and Tours will be one of the major key players of responsible tourism not only in the Visayas, but also throughout the Philippines.”

“I am a big believer of responsible tourism. As a tour operator, we have a huge responsibility for the destinations that we promote. Las Islas Travel and Tours is more than just a business venture; we aspire to create a community of responsible and environmentally conscious travelers by educating clients about proper garbage disposal, waste segregation, environment conservation and preservation, and the protection of our seas and unique biodiversity while at the same time helping clients enjoy a destination’s majestic attractions, both man-made and natural,” she says.

She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start a business that is very close to their heart. “Putting up your own business is timeconsuming, mentally-draining and physically-exhausting. It will test your patience and perseverance. It will reveal your character.

That’s why it has to be something you’re really passionate about. It has to be something that’s aligned with your vision in life. You have to be in it not just for the income, but also for the outcome,” she says.

“When all else fails, passion will be your motivation to keep going. Las Islas is my first thought in the morning, and my last thought at night. When I sleep, I even dream about it.

It’s truly the most beautiful and most rewarding thing when your career and passion come together,” she says.

On Filipino tourists who have yet to see other parts of the country, Cruz says “there is no better time to explore the Philippines than right now.”

“I urge every Filipino, especially those in their 20s, to travel, get lost, get high, and get to know your beautiful Mother Land,” says Cruz. Roderick T. dela Cruz

B4

world

Preventing merS. A South Korean health official fumigates a theater while wearing protective gear in Seoul as the country records four more cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), bringing to 126 the total number of people diagnosed with the potentially deadly virus.

AUSTRIA ASKED: PROBE SPYING TEHRAN—Iran has asked Austria’s government to take immediate measures to protect the cyber security of nuclear talks, media reported Saturday after reports emerged of suspected espionage at negotiation venues.

Swiss and Austrian authorities said they had opened separate investigations into alleged spying in hotels where the nuclear talks with Iran are taking place.

IT experts pointed the finger at Israel, but deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely denied that its secret services were involved.

In a statement, Iran’s embassy in Austria “demanded Austria’s foreign ministry immediately provide all required security measures for the talks, including enhanced security for the venues as well as better cyber protection,” the ISNA news agency reported.

Iranian embassies in Vienna and Bern, in separate notes, also asked the Austrian and Swiss foreign ministries to inform them of “the results of spying investigations” by both governments on nuclear talks.

A Russian-based security firm said the malware dubbed Duqu, a sophisticated spy tool believed to have been eradicated in 2012, appeared to have been used to spy on the nuclear negotiations.

The investigations come as the clock ticks down to a June 30 deadline for an accord between Iran and world powers.

Iran and the P5+1 group (Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany) have held numerous rounds of discussion since November 2013, mostly in Switzerland and Austria. AFP

BRACE FOR MORE MERS CASES—WHO

Seoul—South Korea’s outbreak of the deadly MeRS virus is “large and complex” and more cases should be expected, a team of World Health organization (WHo) experts said Saturday.

WHO and South Korean health authorities have conducted a joint mission to review the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), the largest outside Saudi Arabia.

The outbreak in South Korea has been spreading at an unusually fast pace, with 138 confirmed infections since the country’s first case diagnosed on May 20.

South Korea on Saturday reported the 14th death from the disease and 12 new cases, includ-

ing that of an ambulance driver who transported a patient infected with the deadly virus.

“Now the outbreak has been large and is complex, more cases should be anticipated,” WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Security Keiji Fukuda said.

“And because of this, the government should remain vigilant and should continue its intensified disease surveillance and prevention measures until the outbreak is clearly over.”

But he praised South Korean authorities for their strong tracing, monitoring and quarantine measures, backed by expanded laboratory diagnostic testing.

Fukuda said there was a “great deal of anxiety” among Koreans over the outbreak, particularly over whether the virus has mutated to make human-to-human transmission easier.

“Based on available sequencing studies of the genetics of the virus, we do not see any changes that appear to have made the virus itself more transmissible,” Fukuda said.

The outbreak is showing epidemiological patterns similar to the one occurring in hospitals in the Middle East, he said.

At present, the mission has found no evidence to indicate that

there are ongoing transmissions of the virus in communities outside hospitals in South Korea, he added.

The joint mission has identified some reasons to explain why the virus has infected a “large number of people in a relatively short period of time” in this country, Fukuda said.

The virus was unfamiliar to most Koreans, making doctors less likely to suspect the MERS virus as a potential cause of infection when diagnosing respiratory illnesses.

South Koreans’ habit of “doctor shopping”—seeking care at many different medical facilities —and the custom of having many friends and family members visit hospitalized patients may have contributed to the secondary spread of the infection, he added. AFP

PALAU BURNS FOUR VIETNAMESE BOATS KOROR, Palau—The small Pacific island nation of Palau has set fire to four Vietnamese fishing vessels caught illegally operating in its waters, and delivered a stern warning that it will not tolerate poaching.

The 77 crew members were transferred to two other arrested fishing boats with enough fuel and provisions to get back to Vietnam.

“This message goes to the captain and crews of these vessels. Palau guarantees you will return with nothing,” President Tommy Remengesau said after the boats were burned.

“Captains will be prosecuted and jailed. Boats will be burned. Nothing will be gained from poaching in Palau. From one fisherman to another, respect Palau.”

The Vietnamese boats were caught in a protected area with more than eight tonnes of sea cu-

cumbers and reef fish on board.

Since last year, 15 boats from Vietnam have been seized with more than 25 tonnes of Palau’s marine species destined for the black market in Asia.

“We have a simple message for those who try to steal Palau’s marine resources: We will not tolerate poachers in our ocean,” Remengesau added.

“Palau is working with our military, diplomacy, and NGO partners from around the world to get tough on illegal fishers and protect our food security.”

Palau hosted workshops last month involving maritime surveillance authorities from the United States, Australia, Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, designed to develop a comprehensive marine enforcement plan. AFP

Singing againSt terroriSm. Iraqi Kurdish singer Helly Luv releases her new English song “Revolution” which calls for action against terrorism and violence. aFP

S U N D AY : j U N e 14 , 2 0 1 5

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WORLD editorial@thestandard.com.ph

GREECE SEEKS BAILOUT DEAL Greek Premier alexis Tsipras dispatched a team of his top advisers to Brussels on Saturday to thrash out a deal to avert a default

by Greece that european officials now say could be imminent.

The leftist government in athens will offer its international creditors - the eu and IMF - a latest proposal it says is enough to end a five-month war of nerves to unlock vital bailout funds, avert a default and keep Greece from crashing out of the euro.

“We will have a deal... The fact that the Greek delegation is going to Brussels is a good sign,” deputy finance minister dimitris Mardas told Skai TV in athens.

The urgency increased exponentially on Friday when europe’s top economic officials said they had, for the first time ever, discussed the prospects of athens defaulting on their huge debts.

“In discussions, a default was mentioned as one of the scenarios that can happen when everything goes wrong,” a eurozone official told aFP on condition of anonymity after talks in Bratislava.

The bombshell came a day after the International Monetary Fund, Greece’s most hardline creditor, pulled its technical team from Brussels because it was dissatisfied with the state of the negotiations.

The athens stock market crashed six percent when news of the contingency plans emerged, and fears are high that markets could tumble further Monday without signs of progress in talks over the weekend.

The long-running saga over Greece’s refusal to agree on reforms demanded by its creditors is set to reach a climax at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday. a deal to unlock the last 7.2 billion euros ($8.1 billion) of Greece’s international bailout is needed by then to give national parliaments time to approve it before the bailout expires on June 30. AFP

US GROUP: CHINA BEHIND HACKING

Washington—The hacking of millions of Us government employees is likely part of an effort by Chinese intelligence for long-term profiling—and possibly more nefarious things.

Security analysts say considerable evidence points to China, and that the cyber-intrusion shows the long and patient efforts in Beijing to collect and compile data which may be useful in the future.

“It’s normal for big intelligence agencies to create large biographic databases on their opponents,” said James Lewis, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Wash-

ington think-tank.

Lewis said that while data on individuals may not seem significant on the surface, analysis of huge amounts of information can provide a strategic advantage.

“They get the same kinds of big data insights that companies use for targeted advertising,” he told aFP. reports last week indicated some four million current or

former government employees were hit, but a union letter said many more -- every federal employee, every federal retiree, and up to one million former federal employees -- could also have had personal data compromised.

These types of cyber-attacks are troublesome because they involve stealth access that allows intruders to remain on computer networks for long periods of time, analysts say.

“It’s the difference between a ‘smash-and-grab’ and a longterm persistent operation,” said ryan kazanciyan, chief security architect at Tanium, a Californiabased security firm.

“If you think about what you can do from the perspective of espionage instead of fraud, that data is incredibly valuable,” kazanciyan told aFP. Potentially, kazanciyan said the database can be used to help determine the identities and locations of uS undercover agents.

John dickson, a former air force intelligence officer who is now a partner with the security firm denim Group, said the database contains a trove of important information for a foreign intelligence service, including background checks from people with security clearances. AFP

PAPAl blessing. Pope Francis greets the crowd during an audience with the Italian Catholics Scouts (Agesci) at St Peter’s square at the Vatican. AFP

AFRICA: NEXT DESTINATION FOR WINE AND CHAMPAGNE Bordeaux - The world’s biggest wine fair opens in Bordeaux, wine capital of France, with vintners eyeing new tipplers in africa as global consumption rises in asia and elsewhere.

The united States and China are the world’s top wine-lovers, but africa is the industry’s next “future destination,” says the Vinexpo wine and spirits fair, in a market expecting 3.5 percent growth over the next three years.

In Bordeaux, 45,000 buyers from 120 nations will hop from luxury chateaux to prestige vineyards partying and guzzling as France, the world’s leading wine producer, lays out its best

bottles and fare for a fiveday get-together starting today.

Wine is France’s second-biggest export after aeronautics, accounting for half a million jobs, and President Francois Hollande will be the first head of state to open the Vinexpo fair.

But wine and spirits consumption, though buoyant, faces “a changing picture” and “many uncertainties,” said the fair’s Ceo Guillaume deglise.

“We’re at a moment of transition with well-developed markets on the wane, such as France, because of changes in consumption patterns and differences be-

tween generations,” deglise told aFP. “It’s important to identify markets that will drive our exports outside of China and the uS,” he said. data surprisingly puts populous Nigeria -- where just over half the people are Muslim -- as one of the fastest-growing countries for champagne consumption, with the bubbly popular among its oil-rich middle class, its hip-hop artists, and its movie stars. and as sales of cognac and other spirits slow in asia, Nigerians spent $700 million on spirits in 2012 and are expected to double that to $1.5 billion by 2017. AFP

DAzzling. Fireworks erupt during the opening ceremony of the 2015 European Games on the Olympic stadium in Baku. AFP

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SPORTS

REUEL VIDAL EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

By Peter Atencio

SISTERS Samantha and Tara Borlain had fun winning their respective age categories in the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon II in Subic Bay last week.

They not only finished in dominating fashion they also crossed the finish line sideby-side.

Samantha ruled the field in the girls’ 13-14 category while younger sister Tara romped off with the 11-12 crown.

They logged an identical 14:39 winning time in the swim-run competition organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and sponsored

by Alaska.

“It was a great race, it was fun. All I wanted to do was go with my sister, finish the race with her and have fun,” said the 13-year-old Samantha.

“It had a good start and it was a very exciting race,” said Tara, 12.

Samantha came out of the swim phase first at 4:21. Tara was second but caught up with her sister later. The two sustained their charge in the run. Samantha clocked 5:58 in the run for a triumphant time of 14:39.0.

Christine Levi Gaspar (15:37) and Una Janus Sibayan (15:41) took runner-up honors.

Tara, who had a 4:48 in swim and 5:05 in run, outpaced Julianne Christine Javier (15:24) and Everly Janarie Macalalad (15:35) for the top honors in her age category.

Their youngest sister Franchezka, however, fell short of a podium finish in the girls’ 6-8 category.

Ma. Chelsea Faith Minoza took the gold in 8:28.7.

The seven-year-old Franchezka posted 11:03.9 for fourth.

Gabrielle Agpalza (10:06.6) and Jisla Martina Batungbacal (10:51.0) placd No. 2 and 3, respectively.

On the other hand, Manglicmot flashed his top form in dominating the boys’ 13-14 play, clocking 13:47 to defeat Neil Nazarro (15:00) and Joshua Alexander Ramos (15:17).

Also striking gold were Matthew Thomas Alumbres (7:09.1) and Gabrielle Ong (8:49) in the 9-10 boys and girls bracket, respectively.

Michael Gabriel Lozada (8:40.8) in the boys’ 6-8.

TriKids won the mixed team relay with 6:25 over Limitless Multisport (7:11.9) and Zamba Tri Team (7:19.1).

Meanwhile, Juan Francisco Baniqued, who was inspired friends and schoolmates to go into multisport activities back home

BORLAIN SISTERS HAVE FUN IN THE SUN

Samantha Borlain (left) and sister Tara cross the finish line side-by-side to win their respective age categories in the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon II in Subic Bay last week. The sisters had fun in the sun while clocking identical time of 14:39 in the swim-run race. JAMIL BUERGO

in Binan, Laguna, ruled the boys’ 11-12 category decisively.

The 12-year-old’s excitement and eagerness to join competitions showed last weekend when he and his parents, and two little sisters went to Subic Bay, Olongapo to take part in the age group competitions of the Alaska IronKids Aquathlon II. All throughout the 300-meter swim stage and 2-km run portion, Baniqued stayed close behind national developmental team member Sabino Czar Manglicmot, who went on to win the 13-14 year action.

Baniqued clocked 14 minutes and 29 seconds when he reached the Remy Field finish line.

Coached by George Vilog, Baniqued claimed his third title this year. He also won the crown in age group meets in The Challenge Philippines and the Village event.

“It was exciting. You don’t know who you’re competing against,” said Baniqued.

GLOBALPORT

MAKES ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

GlobalPort Batang Pier guard Terrence Romeo (right) dribbles past NLEX Road Warriors big man Asi Taulava. Romeo has stepped up to assume a greater responsibility in GlobalPort.

Baniqued’s love for the started when he was still seven years old.

While in school at Colegio San Agustin in Biñan, Baniqued was into swimming.

As he grew older, many of his friends grew to love running and biking also.

One day, according to his mom, Reggie, Banigued was encouraged by his schoolmates to go and join aquathlon competitions, and that was the start.

“Yung schoolmate niya ang nagyaya sa kanya. Ayun, nagsasali sa mga competitions.

Sinuportahan na lang namin ang hilig niya,” said Reggie.

She added that her son’s love for multisport competitions developed on its own.

Unlike some participants where parents introduced the sport to their kids.

Throughout, the competitions, Reggie was there along with her husband Edgar, an architect, to cheer their son on, along with their little daughters Maxene and Roxanne.

By Reuel Vidal IT may be too early to crown GlobalPort Batang Pier as Philippine Basketball Association champion.

But the team is certainly a legitimate championship contender after making all the right moves prior to this 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup. The build-up started when the team released RR Garcia to pave the way not only for the addition of No. 1 PBA Draftee Stanley Pringle but for the ascension of second year pro Terrence Romeo who is the closest thing the PBA has to the National Basketball Association’s Stephen Curry.

Romeo has stepped up to assume a greater responsibility in GlobalPort. In the off-season he not only worked on his game but also hit the weights room. He is not only a better basketball player, he is also a stronger, faster version of the unstoppable scoring machine that he was college.

This conference Romeo is the only local in the top 10 scoring list with a

Juan Francisco Banigued (center) is surrounded by his whole family: father Edgar, mother Reggie and two sisters Maxene and Roxanne. PETER ATENCIO

per game average of 24 points.

GlobalPort also took advantage of the option to add an Asian import in Omar Krayem to add depth to an already formidable bench.

Krayem is an added scoring punch at either off guard or small forward.

The build-up continued when the team wouldn’t settle for a lesser import but insisted on getting quality big man Jarrid Famous who is not only big, skilled, composed but is also a winner.

This conference Famous is no.

3 in scoring with an average of 31 points per game. He is second in rebounding with 21 boards a game.

He is no. 6 in blocks with an average of two blocks per game.

Finally, the most important move was reinstating tested Pido Jarencio as head coach.

The fiery Jarencio is like a younger Yeng Guiao who leaves much of the Xs and Os of the game to his assistants and instead focuses on motivating (or if needed castigating) his players to do their utmost best.

Jarencio understands that skill and execution can only get you so

far. What brings championships when equally skilled teams are playing is motivation and desire.

When equally skilled teams compete, the team that wants it more almost always wins.

Jarencio understands that his main job is to make sure that his players are more motivated to win than their opponents.

In its last game GlobalPort pounced on a surprised NLEX Road Warriors crew, cruising to a 108-80 victory—the team’s biggest winning margin in PBA franchise history.

Famous tallied a game-high 30 points. Romeo pumped in 22 points after going scoreless in the first period. Krayem fired 19 points, Globalport also played lock down perimeter defense forcing the Road Warriors to miss all 15 threepoint attempts which included eight from Mike Madanly.

So is GlobalPort on track to winning its first ever PBA conference?

It certainly looks that way especially with the Batang Pier making all the right moves to become a legitimate championship contender.

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SPORTS

ARMAN ARMERO EDITOR

sports@thestandard.com.ph

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PH CHESS EAGLES INVADE SINGAPORE

Members of the Philippine chess team pose for the camera at the Changi Airport in Singapore. The young chess players are seeing action in the 16th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships at the Nanyang Technological University.

By Arman D. Armero

SINGAPORE prides itself as the home of the merlion, a creature that depicts a lion head and a body of a fish, but the Philippines is the land where eagles soar.

And for nearly two weeks, the Philippine eagles, the chess-playing kind, nestled in the city-state to wage war against the best from Singapore, other South East Asian neighbors such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, and even from beyond the SEA border, from countries as far as Kazakhstan, New Zealand, China and India.

The battleground is the 16th ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships held right at the heart of the sprawling Nanyang Technological University grounds, a 45-minute drive from Singapore’s world-class Changi Airport.

The standard tournament is a 9-round affair, where individuals and each participating country vie for the top medals.

Two more events to be contested which will happen on June 15 and 16, are the rapid and blitz events, respectively.

The rapid events has a time control of 25 minutes each player, while the blitz event gives opposing players only five minutes each to try to outwit each other.

Like in the standard (long game), the rapid and blitz event offer medals (gold, silver, bronze) for top individuals and the best country-teams In all three categories, the tournament groups together players in the Under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 brackets, boys (open) and girls, and additional categories in the Under-50 and Over 65.

Encouraging News Three rounds before the standard event ends, Team Philippines remain in the thick of the fight for medals.

There are encouraging news: WIMs Bernadette Galas of De La Salle U and Janelle Mae Frayna of Far Eastern University and WFM Antoinette San Diego of First Uniting Christian School in Dasmarinas, Cavite are bunched together at the

top tier of the girls’ Under-20 category while WFM Shania Mae Mendoza is currently in a tie for third and within sight of an outright WIM title in the girls Under 18.

Also still in contention for a possible gold medals were Samantha Glo Revita in the girls’ Under 16 (5 points); Alaney Jia Doroy (5 points) and Jesca Docena (4 points) in the girls U-14 and Mhage Sebastian (4.5 points) and Jerlyn Mae San Diego (4.0) in the girls Under-10.

In the boys side, IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia is within striking distance in the boys Under 20 with five points, while Rhenzie Kyle Sevillano, a nephew of GM Enrico Sevillano, is in tie for third in the boys’ Under-16 even as Stephen Rome Pangilinan is but half a point behind the solo leader (4.5) in the boys’ Under 14.

But there were some major setbacks and heartaches as well. IM Paulo Bersamina, a consistent gold medal winner in previous age group tournaments, remained at the middle of the pack in the boys Under 20 with 3 points, perhaps still bothered by the situation back home where his father remains bed-ridden after an accident which affected his spinal column.

Also falling short of the target was young Fide Master Alekhine Nouri, who after a blazing start, absorbed two straight losses and barely recovered with a draw.

Still, there are heartwarming and inspiring stories to remember—of Bersamina narrating his father’s present state, the love and concern for his father clearly etched on his face.

And of Concio winning three straight matches despite a recurring flu, and then telling everyone that “Pag maysakit ako nanalo ako, pag wala hindi ako nananalo.”

Or what about 7-year old Joseph “Joey” Vergara, easily the cutest among the young kids here? Joey proudly says that he has scored

National Chess Federation of the Philippines Executive Director and head of delegation GM Jayson Gonzales giving a pep talk to PH chess players.

WIM Bernadette Galas of De La Salle University currently leads the girls Under20 category.

Alekhine Nouri, the country’s youngest Fide Master at 9 years old.

three points, not really caring that the leading scorer was two points ahead of him.

And when a senior player kidded him that he and Joey are almost of the same age, the irrepressible youngster blurted out: “Ubos tayo sa yo!” drawing laughter from everyone around him.

Pep Talk In his pep talk held last Friday, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Executive Director and head of delegation GM Jayson Gonzales encouraged the players to go for the gold medal, but also reminded them that to be really successful in chess, players should study, read books or learn using their computers and not to be content of winning one tournament but set a timetable for themselves for a much higher goal.

“Kailangan wag tayo basta makuntento sa narratinka at di ka mag-aaral,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also expressed his thanks to the continued support of NCFP chairman and president Prospero Pichay, Vice-President for Visayas Rep. Neri Colmenares, the Philippine Sports Commission thru its chairman Richie Garcia and the Philippine Olympic Committee thru president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

Support cast To help coordinate and make things easier for the players, Gonzales has assembled a support cast made up of IM Yves Ranola, who acts as coach, coordinator and “kuya” of the young chess players, NM Edmundo Gatus, the NCFP’s go-to guy when it comes to processing papers and other necessities and former varsity player Angelina Mortos, Gonzales’ secretary, photographer and “ate” to the players.

Of course, the kids’ players, especially the younger ones, took time out from their work and busy

schedules to accompany their children here, giving them guidance and cheering them up, win or lose.

Ph Chess Masters In Singapore In recent years, Singapore has become a haven for Filipino titled chess players, who were tapped to teach young students in the citystate, since despite being a highlyurbanized state, Singapore has yet to produce world-class chess players.

Some of the prominent chess players who have made Singapore their base as chess teachers include Grandmasters Nelson Mariano and Bong Villamayor, Cebu’s IM Rico Mascarinas, IM Domingo Ramos, Lincoln Yao, IM-elect Reggie Olay, NM Enrique Paciencia,NM Robert Suelo, Mark Mangubat, Joey Moseros and Louie Polistico. Even Ranola spent five years here as a teacher before deciding to return to the Philippines to continue his career as coach of the FEU’s men’s team.

Some of these chess masters’ students see action in the ongoing tournament, making the event distinctly Filipino in flavor and becoming an inspiration to the young ones to make it big in their chosen sports.

In a few days time, these young kids will return to the country bringing with them a pocketful of memories of fighting for medals for their beloved country. Some of them may not yet understand the significance of their journey, but some day soon, they will look back and remember that they were once a part of the team that soared like eagles.

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RIERA U. MALLARI EDITOR sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

KOBE PARAS

ONE STEP (OR DUNK) AT A TIME

By Ronnie Nathanielsz

SHOWING amazing poise and sound decision-making, 17-year-old FIBA Under-18 world Slam Dunk king Kobe Paras is making it clear that although touted as an NBA material, he isn’t thinking about the possibility of playing in the biggest basketball league in the world at this point in his career.

“I don’t focus on it,” said Paras at a luncheon gathering with the sports media, hosted by the Viva management, which handles his promotional career, referring to a possible stint in the NBA. “I just want to keep practicing and focusing on my high school,” said Paras, pointing out that at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, “It’s not just about basketball, it’s also about studies so I want to get my grades right.”

Paras said he is a student-athlete as well.

“I am focusing on getting ready for my college career,” said Paras, who enters UCLA one year from now.

His proud father, former Philippine Basketball Association superstar Benjie Paras, who was the only player to win the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same year (1989) and the MVP title 10 years later, attended the press luncheon, along with Kobe’s elder brother and Viva showbiz star Andre.

“Kobe needs to take it one step at a time and develop his skills in preparation for college,” said Benjie Paras, who also offered this advice to his son: “When you get to college, that’s the time you should focus on your next step.”

The Paras patriarch also revealed that despite the public speculation over the fact that Kobe’s namesake, LA Lakers Kobe Bryant went straight to the NBA from high school, they “don’t even talk about it. We just count the blessings he (Kobe) has received.”

Kobe revealed that he’s been influenced by his dad, who “has been through more than what I have. He guides me and tells me to stay confident, but make sure to focus on where I came from.

Make the most of it, represent my country, my family and everybody who supports me.”

In an insight into his respect for authority, Kobe Paras indicated he wasn’t upset by the score he received in the second round of the slam-dunk finals, which drew protests from the fans among whom he was a clear favorite.

He told The Standard/Viva Sports: “It’s the judges’ decision, which you must respect. If you don’t get something in life, you move on. Our main goal is to make my country, family and my teammates and all who support me, happy.”

Slam-dunk champ Kobe Paras (right) soars for a slam during the FIBA Under-18 World Championship against an Uruguay defender. FIBA.COM

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BING PAREL A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER life @ thestandard.com .ph

LIFE

The new YouTube analytics tool reveals English singersongwriter Ed Sheeran is "big in the Philippines."

GOING BRITISH

BY ED BIADO

The British tradition of Afternoon Tea is becoming a popular activity among many Filipinos.

Philippine culture is influenced by a variety of other cultures, giving us a unique East-meets-West heritage. While most would point to Spain and the United States when listing down the Philippines' Western flavors, the country borrows from the United Kingdom as well, albeit to a lesser extent. In fact, “influence� might be too strong a word to describe the British aspects of Filipino life. But it's there in a somewhat understated way. And what can be more British than understatement?

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

A BRITON AT HOME IN THE PHILIPPINES

BY ASIF AHMAD, BRITISH AMBASSADOR

GOING BRITISH FROM C1

This is perhaps most evident in contemporary and popular culture, in which the likes of British musical acts Sam Smith, Adele, One Direction and Ed Sheeran are thriving. These artists may be dominating the worldwide music scene, but their popularity in the Philippines is unmistakable. Proof: According to the BBC, the new YouTube analytics tool reveals that Sheeran is “big in the Philippines,” having the highest streaming numbers – with 178 million views – outside of the US and his native UK. And it's not just mainstream singers.

The up-and-coming acts Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne and Years & Years are gaining significant attention in the country.

Glynne's single, “Hold My Hand,” is currently on the iTunes Philippines top downloads chart, together with about a dozen songs by British artists.

Of course, we cannot talk about British influence without mentioning the most famous (fictional) wizard of all time, Harry Potter. A global smash hit, the story of “the boy who lived” can be credited as exposing British culture and colloquialism to a young international audience, including the Philippines. With our Hogwarts obsession, we also started watching TV series from the UK, such as Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Skins and Sherlock.

Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the titular role in Sherlock, has an extremely dedicated Filipino cult following.

Our love for all things British doesn't stop there. Afternoon Tea is an emerging activity, especially among yuppies who have grown tired of the milk-tea trend that proliferated the scene a couple of years ago and are looking for something more refined. The British tradition has been in practice at a few places, like the Shangri-La hotels, which has a Filipino version of the meal, serving bibingka and other local snacks instead of scones and finger sandwiches. There's now even at least one food establishment in the city purely dedicated to Afternoon Tea. The Royal Piccadilly on Katipunan Avenue bills itself as a British cafe and specializes on cupcakes and pastries.

Fish & Chips are popular as well. For a few years now, different outlets (including this paper) have been seeking to find the best and most authentic fish-andchips experience in the city among the dozens of restaurants that offer the dish.

Over time, we're also learning to call “soccer” by its real name, “football.” This is driven by the emergence of the Azkals.

The Philippines' national football team is responsible for raising awareness on the sport in a basketball-playing country. It also helps that a lot of the their players, including captain Rob Gier, vice captain Phil Younghusband and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, are English-Filipino.

With all of this British-ness making their mark on our collective consciousness, it wouldn't be unusual to see the Union Jack on any given day. At the mall, the flag's design can be found on T-shirts, throw pillows, vintage-style chests, snow globes and practically anything that you can plaster the colors on. (Confession: This writer has a shower curtain in that design juxtaposed with other British iconography.)

While we may not be going full-on British, the culture undeniably has made an impact on us and continues to do so.

And we're royally happy about it.

F

or any diplomat, living away from home is a chosen way of life. The price we pay is not being with family and friends as often as we would wish. In many parts of the world, what we miss includes some of our home comforts and lifestyles. The Philippines, thankfully, is a home from home for a Briton. Just ask the 17,000 of my fellow citizens who live here.

The range of flight options between Manila and London makes it that much easier to go back for business and pleasure. Video calls over the internet, when the connection is good, are a substitute

of sorts to catch up with the latest triumphs of my four-year-old grandson.

English is commonly spoken in all parts of the Philippines and even if I am the cause of many nosebleeds locally, I have no trouble communicating.

Filipinos are naturally friendly and curious. For some strange reason, people ask me if London Bridge is falling down and start laughing. We have rebuilt it and sold the old one to an American who thought he would get the Tower Bridge.

Just as a Pinoy living in the UK can source the ingredients they need for a perfect sinigang or adobo, I can get just about everything I need to make a hearty steak pie or even the famous British dish of chicken tikka masala. Something hot from Bicol is good too. Supermarkets here are now stocking British treats.

I have no shortage of shopping options whether I need something casual or formal. The European heritage ensures that clothes are made in my size, too. Mercifully, the barong is an accepted alternative to a suit, so I don’t look as overdressed as the Britons who occupied Manila 250 years ago.

When I want to listen to my favourite British musicians, they are on the radio and some have performed here. Beatles tribute bands, some with hair as long as

mine in the ‘70s and karaoke singers are usually better than the ones I have heard in our pubs. The latest Bond movie comes here just as quickly as the theatres in London and in some places you can even lounge and eat at the same time.

The agony of following my football team, Liverpool, in the darkest hours, is lifted momentarily by the success of the Azkals or by visiting players from Britain.

If I long to drive the Jaguar that I have left at home in London, a local E Type enthusiast offers me a ride to Clark at dawn.

I can carry on the tradition of reading a quality newspaper over breakfast, even if I have to hurdle past the ads and search for the remainder of the article in an obscure page. Though, in truth, I do miss losing myself in a British Sunday paper. It is not the same as a web edition.

There are not many places in the world where I can talk to people about Mr Bean, Monty Python, Doctor Who and not get strange blank looks. My Twitter friends tag @asifaahmad with topics as diverse as Mini Coopers, shepherd’s pie, Shakespeare and Downton Abbey. And yes, they bug me about visas but they all get the same reply, join the 90 percent of Pinoys who get one within 15 days!

I may miss a few things, but I am a Briton at home in the Philippines.

10 THINGS A 'PROMDI' LOVES ABOUT LONDON

BY JESSI LIM

More worldly, well-travelled folk know all about London, but to a promdi like me, it’s a whole new world of, well, first worldness. Here’s 10 things we love about the place – some of them in photos.

3. GETTING AROUND IS EASY. And the public transport system is awesome.

1. THEY’VE GOT ROYALTY. Sure, we have princesses and Reyna Elenas every summer, but they they’ve got them all year round. Unfortunately, bad timing was bad, so we only got a glimpse of where they live.

7. THERE ARE MUSEUMS FOR ALMOST EVERYTHING. The Churchill museums, the Royal Artillery museum and the Imperial War museum for war buffs; sports museums of all kinds, one for cars and planes!

4. ESPECIALLY THE BUSES.

8. THERE’S THIS FERRIS WHEEL THAT IS WAY BIGGER THAN THE PERYA BACK HOME. 2. THEIR GUARDS STAND STRAIGHTER THAN OUR MANONGS IN BLUE. 5. AND THEIR VERSION OF THE MRT. 6. THE PARKS ARE AWESOME. Yes, parks. Plural. Hyde Park is the most central, then you have Regent Park, Richmond Park, Kensington Gardens, Battersea, St. James, Lee Valley, Crystal Palace and more.

9. YOU FEEL LIKE ANY OF THE DOCTORS WILL SHOW UP ANYTIME.

10. AND OF COURSE, THE CULTURE. SHAKESPEARE, ANYONE?

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Lip & Cheek Stain

The Body Shop’s Gift Sets are perfect for skin and body pampering.

T The Body Shop at The SM Store Makati

The Body Shop at The SM Store Mall of Asia

Shower gels, body lotions, body butters, eau de toilette and body mist in Almond, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Blueberry, Raspberry, Early-Harvest Raspberry, Lychee, and English Dawn White Gardenia variants

THE BODY SHOP: CELEBRATING 19 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES

he Body Shop celebrates 19 years in the Philippines with a new store concept and exciting beauty deals for its customers. It also celebrates its being part of the SM Retail Group.

It will be remembered that Dame Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976 in Littlehampton, England. The beauty brand pioneered corporate activism and was built on a philosophy that business can be a force for good.

With its brand expression, Beauty with Heart, the company continues to be focused on five core values: Against Animal Testing, Support Community Fair Trade, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights, and Protect the Planet. All products are created using the finest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe, which are not tested on animals, and are 100 percent vegetarian, hence its being known for cruelty free beauty.

As it celebrates 19 years in the Philippines with over 55 stores strategically located nationwide, The Body Shop has expanded its reach by opening its first-ever Shop-in-Shop concept store in the newly renovated The SM Store Makati,

CLASSIC AND CLASSY

BY RAYMOND PETER CAMPIGLIO / TSS DIGITAL INC.

D

ownton Abbey is a television show wellloved by fans for its engaging story, as well as its amazing set design and costumes. As a period piece set in the 1910s, the show exhibits a demeanour that is rarely practiced or seen, if at all. The show demonstrates a time when culture, manners and poise were the height of civility and humanity. This plays on society’s current love for throwbacks to a supposed better time. And everyone loves things that are prim and proper even if they themselves don’t indulge in them, as if they are living vicariously through the show.

John Lewis is one of the top 10 retailers in Great Britain, best known for its “Never Knowingly Undersold” commitment. It is their unique promise to their customers that the price of any item they sell will always be as low as the lowest price in the neighborhood and have been their slogan for 75 years.

What does this have to do with the John Lewis chain of department stores? Simple. A quick browse of the John Lewis catalog will make it apparent. The overall design that John Lewis uses is classical with a hint of the now. It sets itself apart by making products that are not only classy, but also classic in look. It uses traditional designs and updated with a modern feel, leaving you with a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Right off the bat, a lot of their offerings are unknowingly geared to make your household look like a set of Downton Abbey, if it was set in our time. If you’re a fan, that would be enough to encourage you to redecorate your household. If you’re not a fan, you’d still find yourself staring at what they have; deep down inside you might even be considering to change something here and there in your house.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised that if Downton Abbey did exist, it would be buying its furniture from John Lewis. The setting of the British drama series and the classical styles of the time were much more sophisticated, something that was espoused by the market chain even at the time. A lot of the UK depart-

Japanese Cherry Blossom Gift Set

ment store chain's designs are ornate, indeed, yet they show some degree of minimalism and conservativity.

John Lewis will have a wide range of home products including tableware in its shop-in-shop at the SM Home section of the SM Store.

Give your bedroom a fresh and sophisticated update with a stunning contemporary floral range bedding available at the store. Or transform your bathroom into a country idyll with furnishings and accessories in soft parsley print and subtle spring shades.

John Lewis' Tableware range is the perfect ingredient to a modern kitchen. Featuring a subtle ridge finish, it is both a treat to touch and to look at. Made with restaurant-quality porcelain, which is incredibly durable and scratch resistant, it is suitable for any occasion and everyday use.

Now here’s where John Lewis and Downton Abbey differ. Downton Abbey’s main story backdrop is the distinction between the aristocrats (the upstairs) and their servants (the downstairs); John Lewis is an employee-owned company that is run by a trust on behalf of all its employees. The employees are called “Partners,” they have a say in how the business would run and receive a share of annual profits, which is often a huge addition to their salary. John Lewis has been around for a long time, it was first a drapery shop that opened in 1864. It has grown strong ever since to what it is now. In 2010, it was named the third largest UK private company. Another thing worth noting is that it holds a Royal Warrant from the Queen in 2007 as a supplier of household and fancy goods.

The John Lewis shop-in-shop at SM Home Makati is the second branch of the department store chain outside of the UK, the first is in South Korea. This is a big deal because up until recently, John Lewis only operated in England, Scotland, and Wales. To this day, not even the US has a branch. Now we get a taste of classic British furnishings. This will be an opportunity for Filipinos to “Downton up” their condos and houses.

making it more accessible to all beauty enthusiasts.

The brand is housed in a 22.5-sqm space that showcases the latest Pulse Shop-in-Shop concept for easy shopping. Its lighting is conducive for browsing products, and its spacious layout makes it convenient to shop for the best skincare and beauty favorites. With accessible bays for product varieties, each highlights bestseller items and cult favorites from bath and body, down to make-up, skincare and fragrance.

The Pulse Shop-in-Shop concept aims to provide consumers not just a unique, interactive and memorable overall beauty experience, but at the same time allows the shoppers to experience the brand values and products that are derived from the finest natural ingredients around the world, making every shopper feel good about themselves.

This Shop-in-Shop concept may also be found at a 15.4sqm space at the SM Store located at the SM Mall of Asia The Body Shop now accepts SM Advantage Card for points earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass in all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

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S U N D AY : J U N E 14 : 2 0 1 5

LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

The world-famous Portobello Market takes up most of Portobello Road, which stretches for around two miles through Notting Hill.

A WALK THROUGH NOTTING HILL

BY SJ LAU

For movie buffs who love romantic films, there’s one particular neighborhood that may be of particular interest – Notting Hill! For fans of the romantic comedy, just seeing the great scenery in the area where the film was shot can be a very exhilarating experience.

Known as an affluent and fashionable district, a walk around Notting Hill and its Victorian houses and gardens will definitely offer a welcome change.

Handsome stucco-fronted pillar-porched houses, often with private gardens around Pembridge Place, Dawson Place and the streets coming from the south end of Ladbroke Grove, many of which lead onto substantial communal gardens make for a great stroll in the neighborhood. There are grand terraces as well, such as Kensington Park Gardens, and large villas as in Pembridge Square and around Holland Park.

While there are no official boundaries, historically, Notting Hill includes the area north of the road known as Notting Hill Gate. The hill that it is named after is clearly visible. The highest point is in the middle of Ladbroke Grove – a main road in North Kensington.

PORTOBELLO ROAD One of the prominent features in the film is the Portobello Road where many of the scenes were filmed.

The street is home to Portobello Road Market which is famous for its wares that include second-hand clothes, antiques and produce. Running parallel to Ladbroke Grove, the best time to go here is every Saturday.

Unfortunately, the blue door made famous in the movie has been sold and no longer there. There are still, however, many things to do and sights to see.

The Portobello Film festival, an independent film fest in London that began in 1996 and premiers some 700 new films including features, shorts, animation, documentaries and more, is held in the areas around Portobello Road.

WESTBOURNE GROVE For shopping and fashion, the up-and-coming Westbourne Grove is the place to go. This retail road is accessible by foot or by the Tube. Running from Kensington Park Road to Queensway, this is where shoppers can find a mixture of independent and chain retailers, and fun and funky boutiques selling designer clothes and accessories, as well as avant garde furniture shops.

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL Aside from the Portobello Film festival, Notting Hill has another big event that is held in August. Notting Hill Carnival, led by members of the west Indian community, is an annual affair held since 1966 on the streets—primarily on Westbourne Grove.

This colorful, three-day street festival traces its roots to the Caribbean Carnival in 1959—created as a response to the race riots—and the London Free School-inspired festival in August 1966.

St.John's Church, in Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill is the high point and centerpiece of the Ladbroke Estate, a nineteenth-century housing development that marked the beginning of the upper class neighborhood.

S UNDAY : J UNE 14 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

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In Vancouver, the Kapuso talents open the show with a bang

SUCCESSFUL GMA PINOY TV’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS IN USA, CANADA

G

MA Pinoy TV opens 10th anniversary celebration with jampacked concerts in Vancouver, Anaheim.

Celebrating 10 years of bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home, indeed a milestone for the US-based Filipino TV networkm GMA Pinoy TV kicked off its year-long anniversary celebration with successful back-to-back concerts held in Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada and Anaheim in California on the last weekend of May. Ai-Ai delas Alas along with Christian Bautista, Alden Richards, Jonalyn Viray, and Betong Sumaya led GMA Pinoy TV’s Kapusong Pinoy in Vancouver and Anaheim on May 29 and May 31, respectively.

De las Alas, who made a big comeback to the Kapuso Network via the romantic-comedy series Let the Love Begin, came prepared with her funny antics and gimmicks. In one of her segments, she even wore a costume that had a switch to change the color of the lights wrapped around her.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumangkilik ng aming show. Kami po ay nagagalak dahil napakarami pong taong sumuporta sa 10th anniversary celebration ng GMA Pinoy TV. Sana po ay wag kayong magsawa na mag-subscribe at manood ng lahat ng mga shows ng GMA sa GMA Pinoy TV (Thank you for appreciating our show. We are happy to knows that many Filipinos in Vancouver supported our celebration of GMA PinoyTV’s 10th anniversary. I hope you’d continue to be subscribers of the channel and watch all the shows on GMA Pinoy TV),” De las Alas said right after the show in Vancouver.

During the show in Anaheim, De Las Alas performed a segment with her daughter Sofia whom she referred to as “Baby Girl.”

Alongside De las Alas, actor, comedian and Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown Winner Betong Sumaya brought Antonietta, his beloved character

in the Philippines’ longest running gag show Bubble Gang, to Vancouvet and Anaheim, receiving favorable feedback. As Antonietta, Sumaya, never breaking her character, opened both events with spiels encouraging the crowd to post on social media with the hashtag #Sampuso.

“Amazing, amazing, amazing!

Salamat po sa mga kababayan natin.

Sana ay lagi niyo pong suportahan ang GMA Pinoy TV para lagi kayong amazing (Thank you to our fellow Filipinos! I hope you continue to support GMA Pinoy TV so you’d always be amazing,” Sumaya said.

Meanwhile, Jonalyn Viray with her world-class vocals wowed the crowd particularly with her segment with Christian Bautista performing the theme songs of GMA shows Mulawin, The Half Sisters, and The Rich Man’s Daughter, among others.

Viray also expressed her gratitude to everyone who came to watch them perform.

Another member of the Kapusong Pinoy cast Bautista, known as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, got the audience mesmerized and eventually found themselves singing along with him. He even invited lucky audience members up onstage to sing and dance with him.

Bautista said, “Thanks for all the love. We really felt it. We are happy to have performed for you.”

One of GMA’s top leading men Alden Richards, who recently joined the Eat Bulaga barkada, had the audience swooning, charming them with his bedimpled smile. He performed hits of One Direction and Bruno Mars.

He also encouraged GMA Pinoy TV subscribers to keep supporting GMA. On the enthusiastic response received from Kapuso viewers in Vancouver and Anaheim, GMA Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia said, “We are grateful to GMA’s loyal viewers in North America over the last 10 years. We are inspired to work

harder to keep the trust they have given GMA’s brand of news and entertainment all these years.”

Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver, which was held at The Orpheum Theatre, was organized in association with Unit Blue Design & Media Production Services. Meanwhile, Kapusong Pinoy Anaheim was produced in association with Polaris Media & Marketing and was staged at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

The successful Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver and Anaheim housed roughly 1,800 and 1,350 spectators, respectively, and received great comments all over social media. “It was an honor to meet such amazing talents. I love GMA’s talents!” posted @abbycubey on Instagram alongside her photo with Kapuso actor Alden.

Another Kapuso fan, Dolores Arcillas left a comment on GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook page saying, “I knew it will be a big success!

Congrats, GMA!” Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver was sponsored by Pag Ibig Fund, Vista Residences, Transfast, Ritemed, and Moneygram, while Kapusong Pinoy Anaheim was sponsored by Xoom. com, Mapua Institute of Technology, Pag Ibig Fund, Amaia, Vonage, International Travel Network, Red Ribbon, Ritemed, Chowking, Moneygram, Davies Paints, Financial Rescue, The Generics Pharmacy, Everest Aircondition, DirecTV, Transfast, Flawless Faces, Debt Aid Consulting, Cebu Pacific, Goldilocks, San Miguel Gold Label Best of the Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver Philippines.

For updates on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www. facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, Twitter pages @ gmapinoytv, @gma_lifetv, and @ gmanewstvintl and Instagram account @gmapinoytv.

The Kapuso artists in a production number

Jonalyn Viray and Christian Bautista in a duet, also in Anaheim

Bautista singing to a fan in Vancouver

Kapuso artists in Anaheim: Viray, Bautista, Aiai De las Alas, Alden Richards, and Sumaya Kapuso fans in the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver

Betong Sumaya doing a Vilma Santos in Anaheim

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

UP CMC HOLDS GOLDEN JUBILEE HOMECOMING

T

he University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) celebrates its 50th founding anniversary with a grand alumni homecoming dubbed “CMC@50 - Fifty Shades of Great, 6 p.m. on June 19. The golden jubilee festivity will be held at F1 Hotel on 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Highlights of this year’s homecoming include fun awards for alumni and raffle prizes. Noted artists Olgie Alcasid, Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez and other guests have been invited to perform. The event is sponsored by PLDT Home.

“As the College celebrates its golden anniversary, we hope to continue and strengthen the tradition of honor and excellence in communication and media education in the country,” said UP CMC Dean Rolando B. Tolentino, Ph.D. “We enjoin all the alumni to be part of this special event.”

UP CMC has consistently pursued its vision of developing socially responsible, critical and vigilant media practitioners to help create an egalitarian, participative and progressive society.

Through the years, the College has produced graduates who have become leaders and movers in Philippine mass media and in the

field of communications, both in the public and private sectors.

CMC@50 – Fifty Shades of Great is organized by the UP College of Mass Communication Alumni Association (UP CMCAA) led by its president Malou Choa-Fagar, senior vice-president and COO of TAPE, Inc. ChoaFagar invites all CMC alumni with the paraphrased lyrics of Eat Bulaga’s theme song: “Mula Batanes hanggang Jolo, nasaan man kayo, tinatawagan namin kayong lahat na maki-isa sa isang pagdiriwang na minsan lang mangyayari.

Isang libo’t isang tuwa ang naghihintay sa inyo sa CMC@50.”

Other officers of the UP CMCAA are Tessa Jazmines (vice-president for internal affairs), Joey P. Reyes (vice-president for external affairs), Rica D. Abad (board secretary), Claro P. Fernandez (treasurer), Ivy Lisa F. Mendoza (assistant treasurer), and Jingjing Romero (P.R.O.).

Alex Arellano, Veronica BaluyutJimenez, Georgina Banzon, Emily Barcelon, Yvonne Policarpio, Maryo J. Delos Reyes, Gina D. Lumauig, and Anna A. Velasco sit as board members.

For details on CMC@50 - Fifty Shades of Great, call 920-6864, 928-3188 or 981-8500 loc. 2668 or send email inquiry toupcmcaa@ gmail.com.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 78 79 80 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Scrooge’s nephew 5 Well-behaved 11 Large fleet 17 Zip 21 Clothier — Strauss 22 Fine violins 23 Frightened a gnat 24 Imitated 25 Home of Iowa State 26 Scold 27 Gherkin 28 Ducks’ haunt 29 Offhand 31 Perfect scores 32 Slips by 34 Gray-green shrubs 35 Osso — (veal dish) 36 Video game pioneer 37 EMT technique 40 Parcel of land 41 Not together 43 Vexation 44 Legislate 48 Mount Hood site

50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

Pile of papers It starts in Apr. Ms. Lansbury Fashions Actress Verdon et al.

Singer — Etheridge Skip stones — dixit Just washed 2-deck card game Hoarfrost Fair grade Loaf Appoints, officially Heroic quality Captured insect (2 wds.)

Corn crib Billboards Mulled quaffs Sea eagles Buddy Unser and Gore Mr. Moto’s reply (2 wds.)

Kind of benefit

96 97 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 109 110 112 115 116 121 122 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133

Opposite of ruddy MD assistants Education Wears well Shackles Circle the Earth SSW or NE Nigerian people (var.)

Spats Abbot’s underling “Bhagavad- —” Subside Dawdles Consumer advocate Ralph — Full-size Lariats Store info Antler prongs Roaches and mice Thong Matter, in law Pie pro Big clock Dirty place Yielded territory Dice Obama daughter Cockpit figure Where tigers pace Superman had it (2 wds.)

Jeer Tedious account Darwin’s ship Specify Organic compound Popsicle flavor Walking (2 wds.)

Major Hoople’s word Suspicious Go over again Croc relatives Silver and Howard

DOWN 1 Custard dessert

Neil Perez, the policeman who made it big is Mister International 2014

Mister International Neil Perez talking to another winner of the Misters contest

MANILA HOSTS MISTER INTERNATIONAL 2015

T

he successor of Mister International 2014 Neil Perez will be known right here in the country when the Mister International 2015 pageant is held at the Resorts World Manila-Newport Performing Arts Theater on Nov. 28. Mister International Organization and local franchise holder Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PEPPS) announced the holding of the pageant this year in Manila.

Mister International 2015 is the second male international contest held in Manila. In 1999, Manila hosted the Manhunt International with Mr. Venezuela Ernesto Calzadilla winning the title over 42 candidates from around the world.

PEPPS president Carlo Morris Galang also announced the search for Misters 2015 – The Misters of Pilipinas with the grand finals to be held at Resorts World Manila on Sept.13. Four Misters 2015 winners will be competing at the Mister Model International, Mister Global, Mister Tourism International and Mister International pageants.

Screenings of applicants for Misters 2015 is on July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at PEPPs office in San Juan with representatives of the international Filipino Communities expected to fly to Manila in August to join in the competition.

The Misters 2014 titleholders gave a good fight in their

respective competitions abroad with Adam Davies’ 3rd runner up finish in Mister Model International 2014, Joseph Doruelo’s as Finalist in Mister Global and Neil Perez’s title conquest in Mister International 2014 in Seoul, Korea. Judah Cohen is still set to compete in Mister Tourism International in Panama in August 2015.

“It’s a great way to show the countries of the world how beautiful the Philippines is, and I’m looking forward to relinquish my title here in Manila,” Perez said.

“We are honored and excited to be chosen as host of the 10th Anniversary edition of Mister International, Galang added.

– ETON B. CONCEPCION PHOTO: JOY ARGUIL

SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 30 31 33 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 45 46 47 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 59 60 61 63

San — (Riviera resort) Fifty-fifty Deejay’s platters Model Brunch favorite Volcanic outputs Take — — stride Pinball no-no Language suffix Mien Horned animal Soft shoes Hunky-dory (hyph.)

Erase Ms. Rogers St. Johns Shocking Poetic storytelling Russo or Magritte Betting factor Moon rings Surf partner Coliseum Meadow plaints Klee and Monet Stand-up performers Launch Suez Canal end (2 wds.)

In the lead Quaker colonist Cays Roman magistrate Din Narrows down Slangy thousand Blood, — and tears Refusals White — — ghost Secluded valleys Premier — Zedong Ave. crossers Load lifter Anderson Cooper’s channel Toxic gas Ice floes

64 65 67 68 70 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81

Call in sick Short stay Air ducts Jokes around Place to sit Sounds like rain Ques. response Trellis Circulars — ears (antenna) Weather map line Tipped the scales Amtrak et al.

Takes a bite, maybe Common phrases

82 83 85

Blockhead A favorite relative Season-ticket holder 86 Hesitant sounds 87 Command 90 KP workers 91 Square of glass 92 Terrier threat 94 Jacket part 95 Goddess of joggers?

96 Wish granters 98 Without words 100 Boxtop pieces

101 103 104 105 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117

Plush fabrics Stop working Kept afloat Waco university Grief Latin American dance Nearsighted Mr. “Lou Grant” lead Nibble Actress — Chaplin Inferior Grey of Westerns Lucy Lawless role Huck Finn’s craft

118 Shakespeare villain 119 Qatar neighbor 120 Jarrett and Sparks 123 Mammoth entrapper 124 Quagmire

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR T From C8

he first batch of winners for The PEP List Year 2 is out.

After three months of online voting, PEPsters’ Choice generated a total of 14,090,744 votes from the stars’ ardent supporters from Feb.9 to May 9.

Leading this year’s roster of winners are Kapuso Royal couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, who were voted by fans as Newsmakers of the Year.

Their victory cements the fact that their union on Dec. 30 last year was indeed the wedding of the year.

Meanwhile, Kim Chiu is by far the most voted star, bagging the Movie Star of the Year and FAB fe-

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim: Celebrity Pair of the Year

male of the Year with 727,507 votes and 557,607 votes, respectively.

She also wins Celebrity Pair of the Year with Xian Lim, and this is a proof that fans still clamor for the KimXi loveteam.

Xian is also hailed as FAB Male Star of the Year.

For the Child Star of the Year category, Lyca Gairanod is this year’s PEPsters’ Choice.

Her online popularity, not to mention the high ratings of her life story on MMK, only means that The Voice Kids winner is ripe for bigger projects on TV. The PEP List Awards is presented by the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph).

Julian Trono hosts To The Top, a reality show on the Web

HHHHH GMA LAUNCHES FIRST MULTI-PLATFORM PROGRAM As a commitment to provide innovative programs to the public, GMA Network is all set to launch the country’s first-ever multi-platform program in search for today’s newest boy band – To the Top. Produced by GMA Public Affairs, To the Top is initially available online (it started yesterday via www.gmanetwork.com/gma/ tothetop). Host of the program’s webisodes is Julian Trono, who recently underwent a rigorous training under the Kpop system.

Unlike other reality programs, which held open auditions, To

The Top scoured the country and invited the best male vocalists from different schools and organizations to join the auditions.

From their auditions, the finalists were determined. To The Top documents the journey of these young men from being solo artists or being members of their respective singing groups to ultimately becoming part of the country’s newest boy band.

Guiding them are Moy Ortiz, OJ Mariano, and Sweet Plantado of The Company, Madelle and Prince Paltu-Ob, of the dance group Philippine All Stars; and award-winning music producer Jonathan Ong and his team.

The competition proper will

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera: PEP's Newsmakers of the Year

CALAYAN OPENS CEBU CLINIC

T

he Calayan Medical Group Inc., a newly-incorporated company that is a “separate” entity from the known Calayan clinics in Luzon, opened its first high end clinic in Cebu.

The Cebu facility has four departments: stem cell therapies or regenerative medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, and aesthetic and wellness. Eight doctors and 10 staff members are hands-on with the patients.

A month after its soft opening on May 8, the Cebu clinic held its official opening.

The facility was blessed on June 8. Friends of the owners, celebrities, and members of the press from Manila attended the event.

The clinic started to operation with complete services like body treatments, laser and light treatments, injectables, stem cell therapies and cosmetic surgeries.

The Calayans are known in the cosmetic surgery industry since the 1990s, but they actually started out operating hospitals in the Philippines. Their first hospital, which formally started the Calayan family business, opened in the 1960s in Lucena “The Calayan Medical Group Inc. aims to provide the market with more holistic interventions, both in the medical and cosmetic fields,” said Lalen Calayan, the company’s operations manager and business development head.

Lalen believes that Cebu is the “best place” in the country formedical tourism. But Calayan has ongoing expansions and other clinics will be established all over the country within the year.

The Calayan Medical Group is located at Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue City.

Members of the Calayan family; Dr. Arminda Calayan (administrator), Dr. Bernardita Calayan-Brion (Medical Director), Dr. Maybelyn Calayan (Deputy Medical Director), Dr. Irene Calayan (Dermatology Department Head), Atty. Lelly Calayan (Head of Legal Affairs) and Lalen Calayan (Head of Operations), Calayan Medical Group

start airing on GMA Network mid-July 2015.

HHHHH BROTHERS REUNITED Kapatid singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid gives TV5’s newest Kapatid and his long-time friend Janno Gibbs a warm welcome to the Happy Network. Ogie and Janno will be hosting TV5’s first-of-itskind game and musical variety show, Happy Truck Ng Bayan, which features an innovative hydraulic truck that transforms into a stage. The program travels to different barangays in the country to spread happiness and cheer. Happy Truck Ng Bayan premieres 11a.m. today on TV5.

Ogie gies Janno a big hug welcoming him as a Kapatid

GIRLFRIEND FROM THE GRAVE IS BACK

Anton Yelchin and Alexandra Daddario are a happy couple until the dead 'ex' comes to life

Ashley Greene plays the wife who returns from the dead in Burying The Ex

Two gorgeous girls Ashley Greene and Alexandra Daddario fight over Anton Yelchin in the uproarious horror comedy Burying The Ex. Directed by Joe Dante who helmed the iconic blockbuster Gremlins movie, Burying the Ex follows Max (Yelchin), an allaround nice guy, and his overbearing but incredibly beautiful girlfriend, Evelyn (Greene). Their relationship takes a nosedive after they decide to move in together and Evelyn turns out to be a controlling, manipulative nightmare.

Max realizes it’s time to call it quits, but there’s just one problem: He’s too afraid to break up with her. When Evelyn dies in a sudden accident, Max soon meets the girl of his dreams, Olivia (Daddario) and decides to move on with his life.

But Evelyn just won’t give up easily. She miraculously dug herself out of the grave and gets back with Max as if living their own usual normal life.

Burying the Dead out in theatres on June 24 from Pioneer Films.

S UNDAY : J UNE 14 : 2015

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ

FILIPINA STILL IN THE RUNNING TO BE ‘ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL’ ISAH V. RED The modeling reality show Asia’s Next Top Model has never been so exciting for Filipinos. Now in its third season, three Filipina model contestants have made it through the show’s rigorous screening.

The three show the world that they have what it takes to become Asia’s Next Top Model and the new face of TRESemmé.

TRESemmé teams up with the show’s aspiring contestants to help them achieve runway ready hair all day, every day.

To date, one Filipina is still in the running to become the season’s winner. Early on in the show, volleyball player and health nut Monika Sta. Maria showed off a go-getting attitude, as well as her beautiful face and wonderful locks.

Throughout the season, she has earned numerous best photos and won several challenges, including the show’s TRESemmé challenge.

The challenge saw the models

recreate the top Spring/Summer 2015 hair trends using styling products from TRESemmé.

Monika impressed the judges and guest TRESemmé hair professional Giovanni Wihayak with her own take on the Braids and Twists trend. With her talents and looks, our Filipina candidate could truly emerge on top.

Hosting the show is another Filipina, TRESetter Georgina Wilson, who couldn’t be any prouder of the three contestants.

“The fact that more Filipinas made it to the show this season really shows how much potential we’ve got when it comes to being runway ready and making it to the top,” she beams. “As of this moment, Monika is already in the top four and I am very proud of how far she has gone in the competition. Because she has the looks, the locks, and the utmost dedication to win, she has a great chance to grab the title.”

With the help of the show’s judges and TRESemmé’s hair professionals, Monika and her fellow contestants emerge from their comfort zones and achieve confidence throughout the season. The newest TRESemmé

product range—the Split Repair Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum, which binds up to 88% of split ends— helps the models in effortlessly maintaining their gorgeous locks and achieving beautiful hairstyles on and off the runway.

The third season of Asia’s Next Top Model air 9:30 p.m. every Sunday on GMA in SNBO with repeats at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday on GMA News TV after Taste Buddies, and with another telecast at 9:15 p.m. of the same day. ➜ Continued on C7

To date, one Filipina is still in the running to become the season’s winner, volleyball player and health nut Monika Sta. Maria. Throughout the season, she has earned numerous best photos and won several challenges, including the show’s TRESemmé challenge

Monika Sta. Maria remains in the competition, one of three Filipinas who passed the screening for the contest

Georgina Wilson hosts Asia's Next Top Model with hair stylist Lourd Ramos