The Standard - 2015 August 29 - Saturday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXIX  NO. 198  3 Sections 32 Pages P18  SATURDAY : AUGUST 29, 2015  www.thestandard.com.ph  editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Palace keeps hands off anti-Leila INC protest

MARCHING TO EDSA

Iglesia protesters ﬂock to shrine to demand De Lima’s resignation By John Paolo Bencito

MEMBERS of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) flocked to the Edsa Shrine in Quezon City Friday to press their call for Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to resign over her decision to investigate charges filed by an ousted minister against church leaders.

Taberna: Shooters meant to scare me By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta BROADCAST journalist Anthony Taberna said the unidentified gunmen who peppered his coffee shop with bullets early Friday morning probably meant to intimidate him after his recent critical radio commentaries. In an interview, Taberna declined to single out any suspect for the shooting at his new Ka Tunying Cafe on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. But sources said Taberna was alluding to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, with whom he had a heated argument on his radio program over the senator’s 63 consultants on August 14. “I would like to emphasize that I am not accusing anyone,” Taberna told The Next page Standard afterward.

Intimidation. The glass front of the newly opened Ka Tunying’s Cafe on Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, owned by ABS-CBN news anchor Anthony Taberna, was found riddled with bullets early Friday morning. LINO SANTOS

The number of INC protesters around the Justice Department’s main office on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, swelled from 1,000 Thursday evening to about 4,000 on Friday, after church leaders said they felt they were being oppressed by De Lima, whom they accused of trampling on their religious freedom. On Friday afternoon, about 600 INC members gathered at the Catholic Edsa Shrine, site of the 1986 and 2001 People Power uprisings that topped two presidents, Senior Insp. Rey Barcasio of the Mandaluyong City police said. But a larger group of more than a thousand people, were also gathering at parking lots around the nearby SM Megamall. Another group of undetermined number were also waiting at the Star Mall at Edsa and Shaw Boulevard, Barcasio said. INC sources who asked not to be identified said the thousands of people gathering in the cities of Pasig and Mandaluyong are the first to arrive from other protesters from the INC’s 29 ecclesiastiNext page cal districts.

‘Ineng’ destroys P2b in Ilocos

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Taberna From A1...

Protest. Iglesia ni Cristo members gather outside the Department of Justice on Friday to ask for the resignation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for allegedly interfering in Iglesia affairs. DANNY PATA

Palace keeps hands off anti-Leila protest By Sandy Araneta

THE Palace said Friday it will not take “an adversarial position” against the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) despite its protest actions in front of the Justice Department this week to demand the resignation of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. “[The] government’s duty is to ensure that the laws of the land are complied with and does not wish to interfere in the internal affairs of any legitimate organization,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement issued Friday. “[The] government is not tak-

Marching

ing an adversarial position against the INC whose contributions to national development and demonstration of civic consciousness are duly acknowledged,” Coloma added. “We trust that expressions of dissent will continue to be peaceful, orderly and not in any way disrup-

Edsa Shrine. Eastern Police District deputy director for operations Supt. GreFrom A1... gorio Lim said that they are not Members from the neighbor- expecting members of the church ing provinces of Batangas, Cavite, to cause any violence, but they Laguna, Bulacan and Pampanga were concerned at the traffic conwere expected to arrive on Friday gestion that they would cause. evening to join the protest, the Aside from De Lima’s resigsource added. nation, the INC is demanding a Around 8 p.m., the source said resolution to the Mamasapano the group at the Justice Depart- clash where two church members ment were told to proceed to the were killed, and the misuse of the Star Mall gathering area where Development Assistance Program they were to join and march to the or DAP.

tive of normal activities of our citizenry,” Coloma also said. De Lima chose not to show up at the Justice Department office in Manila Friday after protesters massed up along Padre Faura Street. “The Justice secretary is not in the DoJ. She is out attending a meeting and we do not know if she will be returning later,” said Justice Undersecretary Jose Justiniano. Justiniano said operations inside the DoJ have not been disrupted, but said employees felt the situation was “not normal.”

“Nothing changed, but restrictions implemented in the entry and exit of the DoJ,” he said. Reporters have been barred from going to the second floor of the building where De Lima’s office is located. About 3,000 INC members joined the vigil that started Thursday. The INC has accused De Lima of meddling with the internal affairs of the religious group for ordering an investigation into the alleged abductions of its members. AFP

The Eastern Police District estimates a conservative number of around 300 to 500 members, spread around major malls and establishments in Ortigas. Administrators of the Edsa Shrine, generally considered a no-rally zone, said INC members have not coordinated with them. Top officials of the EPD added that no rally permits had been granted to the INC. De Lima, who was not at the Justice Department office Friday, said she did not report to work

“He [Trillanes] reacted while I stood my bround. We are okay. He has already apologized and I accepted it. I just don’t know if his people and supporters knew about their boss saying sorry,” Taberna said. Taberna said this would not stop him from discussing the controversy over high-priced consultants. The broadcaster, a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, also brushed aside suggestions that the shooting could be related to the controversy surrounding the church, after the Justice Department decided to investigate a case filed by ousted minister Isaias Samson. “He (Samson) is my uncle. He is a first cousin of my mother. The issue here is only our blood relation. We have not communicated with one another for a long time,” he said. “If you were to ask me, I do not support what he did in engaging the public to discuss the affairs of the church. There is a proper way to do so.” Quezon City Police District director Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio ruled out a business conflict as the reason behind the shooting. “It appears intimidation is the motive,” he said. Two unidentified gunmen onboard a taxi arrived at Taberna’s Ka Tunying Café located on Visayas Avenue at around 2 a.m., and approached the establishment’s security guard and asked him if he had a gun with him. They then began shooting at the coffee shop, shattering the glass windows as the guard hid inside the establishment. They boarded two motorcycles waiting in front of the shop. No one was hurt. Police were able to recover 15 bullet shells from .45-cal. pistols at the crime scene. The closed-circuit television cameras failed to capture the faces of the suspects, police said. The shooting incident follows the killing of a radio anchor in Ozamis City Thursday. Senator Francis Escudero said Friday the government has failed to deliver significant results in solving media killings and violence. “Law enforcers and state prosecutors send a message to criminals that the culture of impunity continues by failing to address previous attacks on media workers. [This] can only motivate these offenders,” said Escudero, who condemned the most recent attacks. He said media killings and violence would have been prevented had previous cases been solved and those responsible punished. On Thursday, Cosme Diez Mestrado, 48, anchor of a local radio station affiliated with Radio Mindanao Network, was shot 10 times by unidentified assailants at 10 a.m. in front of a shopping center in Ozamis City, Misamis Oriental.

there because she was in Malacañang to attend a meeting. Police around the Justice Department said the area was generally peaceful, with no incidents reported. At press time, a program was going on at the makeshift stage in front of the department office, urging De Lima to stop meddling in the INC’s internal affairs. They said De Lima should observe and respect the constitutional provision on the separation of church and state, and urged her

to focus on more important issues, such as the massacre of 44 police commandos—two of them church members—in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January. The Center for International Law (Centerlaw) advised the Justice Department against violating the principle of separation of the church and state in investigating the complaint against officials of the INC. “The freedom of expression and of religion occupy the highest rungs of our constitutional values,” the group said in a statement.

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More bad traffic in east part of Metro MOTORISTS coming in and around Eastern Metro Manila have been advised to be patient as heavy traffic is expected with the start of a traffic dry-run for the construction of the viaducts for the LRT-2 East Extension Project today, Saturday. At four in the morning, parts of the 3.9-kilometer stretch of Marcos Highway from Marikina up to Antipolo in Rizal will be reduced from the current five lanes per direction down to four lanes each, as the innermost lanes of both directions will be closed. Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the extension project would ease congestion in and around Metro Manila once it was finished. The Transport Department said the travel time from Masinag to Recto will be reduced to 36 minutes once the LRT Line 2 extension is completed in the third quarter of 2017. Meanwhile, Malacañang said Friday there was no need for President Benigno Aquino III to appoint a traffic czar as immediate response was the solution to the traffic snarls in Metro Manila. “And since there are concerned government agencies, it would be better that they be given a chance to implement their own actions,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters. For the dry run, the previously closed intersection of Felix Avenue and Fernando Avenue, located in the boundaries of Pasig, Marikina, and Cainta in Rizal, will be opened to motorists to allow left turns for vehicles. Flag men will be deployed and signs will be installed to assist motorists. Adjustments will be made until Tuesday to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the area. If successful, the Rodriguez Intersection in Pasig and the De La Paz Intersection in Marikina will likewise be opened to motorists. For each U-turn slot that is closed for construction work, another U-turn slot will be placed 100 meters from the intersections to ensure that the traffic flow is not disrupted. John Paolo Bencito, sandy Araneta, Darwin Amojelar and Alena Mae s. Flores

official visit. President Benigno Aquino III welcomes Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in Malacañang during his official visit on Friday, his first since assuming office in August 2014. Malacañang Photo Bureau

‘Ineng’ destroys P2b in Ilocos Norte alone THE damage to agriculture and infrastructure brought by Typhoon “Ineng” to Ilocos Norte has climbed to more than P2 billion, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday. The damage to agriculture had reached P89 million while the damage to infrastructure now stood at P1.9 billion, the council said. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos conducted an aerial inspection aboard a helicopter on August 27 to view the extent of the devastation wreaked by Ineng in the eastern areas of Ilocos Norte. Two helicopters took off from Laoag International Airport for Padsan River in Laoag, Madun-

gan Dam, for Barangays Barong and Elizabeth in Dingras as well as for Surong Valley and Isik-Isik in Vintar. “Clearly, hundreds of millions of pesos will be required to restore agriculture and infrastructure in the province,” Marcos told reporters. Some 85 hectares of farmland in the province were destroyed, with the rice sector sustaining P71 million worth of damage followed by high-value crops at P6.4 million,

corn at P4.5 million and fisheries at P4.8 million. Norma Lagmay of the Provincial Agriculture Office said an inventory of available seeds had been ordered by Marcos to help the farmers recover faster. “We have already prepositioned 3,150 hybrid and inbred seeds and the Department of Agriculture will provide an additional 1,500 seeds,” Lagmay said. The damage to the livestock sector had reached P2.9 million. “The damage has now reached a billion and counting. The DPWH, NIA, provincial, municipal and barangay roads are completely scoured,” Marcos said.

Ilocos Norte had been suffering from a prolonged dry spell before Ineng hit the province, Edwin Cariño of the Millenium Development Goals Office said, adding pond liners and other drought alleviation equipment were slightly damaged during the typhoon. “The worst typhoons in the province come in during September and October,” Marcos said. “There is a complete rethinking right now because our dikes, spillways and water containment are damaged and our farmers are scared to plant right away.” Earlier, the provincial government placed Ilocos Norte under state of calamity. Francisco Tuyay

CHED: State schools get more John Paolo Bencito

Relief. Gov. Imee Marcos supervises the distribution of relief to the residents of Ilocos Norte affected by Typhoon ‘Ineng.’ AlARic A. YAnos

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

THE COMMISSION on Higher Education on Friday bragged about the 3.6-percent increase in the budgets of many State Universities and Colleges under the Aquino administration but admitted there were big-time cuts in the budgets of some other state universities. “The budget of State Universities and Colleges actually doubled from PP23.8 billion in 2010 to an all-time high of P46 billion in 2016,” CHED Chairwoman Patricia Licuanan said in a statement sent to The Standard. “Comparing the 2016 against the 2015 budget, there is an increase of P1.6 billion or 3.6 percent.” Licuanan admitted, however, that 10 schools had budget cuts, with the Philippine Normal University getting the largest cut of 19 percent, University of the Philippines System 16 percent, and the rest with single-digit decreases of 0.59 to 7 percent.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT President Benigno S. Aquino III has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the nominations and ad interim appointments of the following ranking officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines: Edgar R. Fallorina – Major General; Caesar C. Taccad – Rear Admiral; Angelito M. De Leon and Alexander F. Balutan Brigadier General; Emigdio D. Guevara, Jr., PAF – Colonel (nominations); Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr. and Conrado V. Parra, Jr. – Major General; Emmanuel B. Salamat - Brigadier General; Virme P. Torralba – Commodore; Oliver R. Artuz, PA, Denie Mar A. Clemencia, PA, Fernando C. Monis, Jr., PA (Reserve), Julian C. Pacatan, Jr., PA (Reserve) and Melchor P. Caniedo, PA (Reserve) – Colonel; Peter Jempsun V. De Guzman, PN, Pedro M. Samson, Jr., PN (Reserve), Nestor T. Yapit, PN (Reserve) and Vincent J. Sibala, PN – Captain (ad interim appointments) The public may submit any information, written report or sworn complaints or oppositions in forty (40) copies on the above nominations and appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, DiosdadoMacapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 551-7532, 831-0893, 831-1824, 834-2706, 831-1566 and 834-2713. 28 August 2015. ARTURO L. TIU Secretary (TS-AUG. 29, 2015)

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Troops, Sayyaf clash in Sulu By Francisco Tuyay

Zero Remittance Day. Activists from the leftist labor group Migrante hold a protest rally at the foot of Mendiola Bridge in San Miguel,

Manila against the Aquino administration’s lack of concern for overseas Filipino workers who staged a Zero Remittance Day on Friday. DANNY PATA

Moro law to take 6 weeks in Senate By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong R. Marcos Jr. said it may take six weeks before the Senate can wrap up its deliberations on the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), or Senate Bill 2894, his substitute bill to the Malacañang-proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). However, Marcos clarified the time frame is not a deadline he is imposing on the chamber, but only an estimate based on the pace of the ongoing interpellation and the expected length of the amendment period, which is the

next step in the process. He still unsure if they finish it before the Third regular session of the 16th Congress adjourns on October 10, same day set for the filing of certificates of candidacies of those running in the 2016 elections. As chairman of the senate local government committee, Marcos said he will thoroughly answer all questions on his substitute bill, regardless of the length of time it will take to answer them. “This is a very important, very complicated bill, so we don’t want to rush it. We don’t need to hurry. We need to clarify everything,” stressed Marcos. Senator Pia Cayetano was the first to interpellate Marcos last Monday followed by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV on Tuesday. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto raised a few questions about the substitute

measure, but he noted that’s they’re not part of his interpellation. “At the rate of two senators a week for the 14 senators who made a reservation to interpellate, that will require only seven session days or two and a half weeks. That is making the assumption that they will have the same length if questioning. So we’ll see,” he said. Marcos said Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who indicated he would interpellate, and other senators including those in the minority who may also ask questions are not counted among the 14 senators. “I believe that the minority has been preparing for the period of interpellation. So let’s say we will wrap up the interpellation in three weeks,” he said. Enrile, who returned to his work at the Senate last Monday, told reporters he will request Marcos that he be the last to interpellate because he will study the law.

A MEMBER of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group was killed while fifteen others, including 10 soldiers, were wounded in an hour-long clash between the terrorist elements and security forces in Patikul, Sulu Friday. Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the clash sparked after soldiers spotted a large group of ASG together with four members of an international terror group Jemaah Islamiya, including an Indonesia bomb expert Amin Bacu. Arrojado said the firefight between the terrorist and Marine troopers occurred at 6:29 a.m. at Mount Awak in Barangay Latih. The military units involved in the fighting, Arrojado said, were the contingent of the Second and 32nd Marine Companies which had earlier fought with another Abu Sayyaf group, led by Hatid Hajan Sawadjaan, at the same spot on Tuesday. He said combat troops sighted the four JI members, including Bacu—who was previously seen in Maguindanao few months ago— with Sawadjaan and engaged the group. Aside from Bacu, marine troopers also spotted Muhamad Mahmud, Muhamad Alih and another unidentified jihadist. Last Tuesday, Army artillery men pounded the lair of Swadjaan and his group in the vicinity of Latih and Tanum villages in Patikul, Sulu in a day-long battle that left two ASG killed. Despite the pounding, however, Sawadjaan managed to escaped and later regrouped with his subcommanders Muamar Askali, Almuktar Suddung, Namiel Ahajari, and Basaron Arok.

Thai leader in town By Sandy Araneta PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III and Thailand Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha held an expanded bilateral meeting on Friday and tackled defense, trade and tourism cooperation in a bid to strengthen ties during the Thai leader’s first official visit to the country. In his speech during the official visit of Prayut, Aquino expressed condolences to the Thais due to a recent bombing in Bangkok while the Thai leader expressed sympathies for a Filipino injured in the blast in Bangkok which left around 20 people dead more than a week ago. Prayut said they shared the view that as Thailand and the Philippines advance towards the seventh decade of their relations and the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) community this year, they should work even more closely to enhance

their partnership for prosperity. “I updated President Aquino on the political development in Thailand and the implementation of the five-year vision of national reform, stability, prosperity and sustainability for Thailand. Thailand has now returned to stability and security,” said Prayut. “I also informed President Aquino on the progress of the implementation of the three-phase roadmap and the critical reform process in building a foundation for a stronger and more sustainable democracy, for Thailand to prepare for the next general elections, and I thank President Aquino for his understanding,” said Prayut. Aquino, meanwhile, said he hoped that while the Thai leader’s stay may be brief, he would have enjoyed nothing less than the profound hospitality and openness of the Filipinos, which are among the reasons visitors say that it is more fun in the Philippines.

Safer workplaces. The Philippine Plastics Industry Association, Philippine Employer-Labor Social

Partnership Inc. and the University of the Philippine School of Labor and Industrial Relations jointly held a forum on how to make workplaces safer and more productive. In the photo are (from left) lawyer Allian Baguisi, Felizardo Colambo from the Office of Senator Angara, labor officials Alex Avila, Catherine Parado and UP executive Dr. Ronahlee Asuncion, and PELSPI president Bobby Tanada, FFW president Sonny Matula, PPIA president Teo Kee Bin, PPIA officers Aaron Lao and Fred Chan, Conrado Ladiao, Partidong Manggagawa national chairman Renato Magtubo.

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GDP ‘dream’ doubted By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE government’s target of scoring a seven to eight-percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate this year is only a “pipe dream” that may be impossible to achieve, Senate President Franklin Drilon said on Friday.

Hajj bound. Thousands of

Muslim pilgrims started to converge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday to undertake their obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. RUDY SANTOS

Shipbuilding law pushed By Francisco Tuyay MARITIME security forces will be the primary beneficiaries of pending legislation that seeks to modernize the country’s naval landscape, a military official said Friday. Col. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said the proposed Naval Architecture bill will be of great help for the local shipbuilding industry and beneficial to the Philippine Navy. “Overall whatever updates on current practices on naval architecture hopefully will become beneficial to our shipbuilding capability locally which in turn can help the navy a lot,” Padilla said. The bill’s principal author, Angkla partylist Rep. Jesulito Manalo said House Bill 5535 will be a paradigm shift towards uplifting the already irrelevant practice of naval architecture

and marine engineering in the Philippine. The bill has passed third and final reading. An identical version of the measure, Senate Bill 2482, through Senate President Franklin Drilon’s sponsorship, likewise adopted it on third and final reading. “Once the bill is duly enacted into law, our country can further expand its influence in the global maritime fleet and position itself as a regional maritime and logistics hub, especially at a time when the science of Naval Architecture takes on a greater significance,” Manalo said. Manalo said, the Philippines ranked fourth among the world biggest shipbuilding nations beginning 2010 with the domestic expansion of the operations of foreign shipbuilders. “This boost is in line with the Philippines’ goal of developing the

domestic manufacturing industry through technology transfer,” Manalo cited. As for the AFP, the piece of legislation upgrading naval architecture and practice in shipbuilding, would be of great help that will propel economic potential for our local shipbuilders. “First of all, [naval architecture] is being pushed because we are a maritime country, being an archipelago we have many requirement for ships to be able to connect our islands,” Padilla said. “Unfortunately, despite being fourth in the shipbuilding, our capability and practices is not at par compared to South Korea and Japan and China and if there are legislation upgrading naval architecture and practice in shipbuilding, would be of great help that increases economic potential for our local ship industries,” he said.

“The higher GDP target is ideal, but at the rate things are going, it would be unattainable,” said Drilon, adding that that would mean the economy would have to grow by at least 8.7 percent in both of the two remaining quarters of the year. He noted even Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan had earlier said “the higher end of the 2015 goal would be difficult to achieve.” In expressing concern about the country’s ability to meet its target economic growth this year, Drilon said it is being dragged down by an “alarming” trend of government underspending. The Senate leader’s statement came after the Philippine Statistics Authority and the National Economic and Development Authority on Thursday reported the country’s GDP for the second quarter of 2015 at 5.6%. Drilon said this is way below the 6.4 percent the government registered in the same period last year. He asked the country’s economic managers if the target GDP of 7 percent to 8 percent is still within reach, “when our present economic performance indicates otherwise?” “I am therefore asking our Cabinet members who lead the government’s economic cluster to conduct a serious reassessment of our current standing, including a realistic description of what the country could and could not achieve for this year. Only then can we move forward and come up with the necessary solution,” Drilon said. He pointed to government underspending as one of the key areas which require “immediate action,” citing that government spending represents nearly 20 percent of the Philippine’s annual GDP. “The 3.9-percent increase in government consumption in this quarter is a welcome development, but it is obvious much more needs to be done in terms of fixing issues on spending such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, especially in the public infrastructure sector,” Drilon said.

Tourism investment meet set THE Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Government of Canada, through the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), will host a Tourism Investment Forum on September 1 at the SMX Convention Center. With the theme “Growing Local Economies through Connecting Tourism Communities and Businesses”, the event will convene Local Chief Executives and Investment Promotion Officers from partner business-friendly provinces and cities, as well as business groups, associations, and entrepreneurs interested in the tourism growth opportunities in the country. The Tourism Investment Forum, which will be held as part of the Galing Pook Foundation’s Governance Fair 2015, aims to

unite local government units and business leaders with the common goal of developing real poverty solutions by advancing local economic development. Participants will be able to exhibit tourism growth opportunities to potential investors, developers and lenders, as well as showcase what it has contributed to the country’s overall tourism development and will also feature discussions on best practices and mechanisms essential in creating the kind of local business environment that will transform the Philippine local tourism industry into a promising investment destination. The LGSP-LED is an eightyear joint program of the Canada and the Philippine governments with a goal of promoting efficient, responsive, transparent and accountable governance at all levels.

Its purpose is to reduce poverty by strengthening local governance and supporting sustainable local economic development. Since 2008, LGSP-LED has assisted 17 provinces, 17 cities and hundreds of municipalities in the country in streamlining their local business permits and licensing systems, updating their local incentive investment and revenue code, creating local economic and investment promotion offices, and strengthening their engagement with private sector for investment promotion and tourism product development and destination marketing. It has completed local economic development initiatives in nine project sites across the Philippines that aim to attract investments, increase tourism arrivals, and create jobs for 11 provinces, 8 cities, and 60 municipalities.

Magsaysay laureate. Mrs. Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, one

of the five winners of the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awards, answers questions from journalists on her work in preserving the endangered artistic heritage of Southern Philippines. DANNY PATA

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32% of execs privy to ill transactions with govt

Customs chief Lina: We can pre-clear ‘balikbayan’ boxes

By Sandy Araneta

By Vito Barcelo

THIRTY-TWO-PERCENT of Filipino managers said they have personal knowledge of corrupt transactions with government in the last three months. This was revealed yesterday in the 2014/15 Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey of Enterprises on Corruption, fielded from Nov. 14, 2014 to May 12, 2015. The previous rate, observed in 2012, was 33 percent. The survey was based on faceto-face interviews of executives of 966 enterprises in the National Capital Region, Metro Angeles, Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, Metro Iloilo, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and Cagayan de Oro-Iligan. Other highlights of the survey, presented August 27 at Hotel JEN Manila, are as follows: 39 percent of companies give bribes to win public sector contracts; Of the 36 government institutions rated for sincerity in fighting corruption, 21 got favorable ratings, nine neutral, and six unfavorable. The net ratings of sincerity (computed as % sincere minus % insincere) in fighting corruption was very good for the Securities and Exchange Commission (+63), Social Security System (+57), Philippine Stock Exchange (+55), Office of the President (+54), and Dept. of Trade and Industry (+51). It was good for the Filipino business associations (+49), Supreme Court (+42), Civil Service Commission (+41), Department of Education (+43), Sandiganbayan (+37), Office of the Ombudsman (36), Commission on Audit (+36), and Department of Justice (+34). It was moderate for Department of Health (+28), Government Service Insurance System (+27), Department of Social Welfare and Development (+24), their own Barangay Government (+19), Department of Finance (+15), Presidential Commission on Good Government (+15), Governance Commission for GOCCs (+12), and their own City Government (+12).

DESPITE President Aquino’s recent instruction stopping the opening of balikbayan boxes, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina on Friday suggested to an Overseas Filipino Workers group to assign a representative in his office to help implement a “pre-cleared” system for all balikbayan boxes so they could be exempted from random inspections. “If the OFW group could provide us a representative to examine the document of a balikbayan box, we will no longer open it or have it undergo an x-ray examination. We call it precleared.”

Lina said that the pre-clearing system would be an add-on to the President’s directive. Lina added that the OFW group representative would be at his side eight hours a day. The process would help them approve pack-

ages even before they reach the ports here. The Customs chief said once he signs the document for a precleared system, the OFW representative will likewise sign the document since they were provided with the data. But migrant groups slammed Lina’s suggestion, saying it reflects poorly on the consultative mechanisms within government agencies, such as the BoC. “Had they reached out to the OFW global community before abruptly undertaking random checks, this conflagration could have been averted,” according to OFWs coalition spokesman John Bertiz.

“Our OFWs are not looking for special treatment. All they ask is for the government to treat them with respect and dignity,” Bertiz added. Meanwhile, Bayan Muna demanded that the bureau abandon the plan, saying that the alleged P600 million losses due to balikbayan boxes is small compared to the P1.3-trillion lost from 20022011 due to smuggling. Bayan Muna secretary general Renato M. Reyes Jr., said the current BoC proposal is made even more untenable by the Customs chief ’s belief that those with nothing to hide have nothing to fear. This presumes everyone is a suspect unless proven otherwise.

Notorious. Quezon City policemen arrest three robbers and escort them to the station . LINO SANTOS

Ombudsman axes printing officials on bidding fraud By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman on Friday ordered the dismissal of officials of the National Printing Office (NPO) for bidding fraud. For non-compliance with procurement regulations, an acting director of NPO and members of its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) were dismissed from the service for grave misconduct in connection with the anomalous procurement of printing services worth P1.9 million. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales axed NPO Acting Director Emmanuel Andaya, BAC Chairman Sylvia Banda and BAC members Josefina Samson, Antonio Sillona, Bernadette Lagumen, and

Ma. Gracia Enriquez. They were also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations. Aside from dismissal, Morales also directed the filing of an Information for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against Andaya, Banda, Samson, Sillona, Lagumen and Enriquez. The case arose from the procurement of 1,000 boxes of travel clearance certificates as requested by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2010.

Andaya approved the BAC resolution resorting to emergency procurement of the TCCs at a price of P1,900 per box. On Nov. 30, 2010, the contract was awarded to Advance Computer Forms Inc. (Advance) with the lowest calculated and responsive bid of P1,899.95/ box. It was also found that respondents authorized the advance delivery of the TCCs prior to the issuance of anotice of award. The resolution stated Andaya, et al. acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence when they awarded the contract to Advance without the benefit of a public bidding as required by the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Curious. Former President Fidel Ramos and Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez discuss election issues during a meeting of the Philippine Constitution Association. VER NOVENO

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Japanese agency selects Pangasinan for GeoCloud project LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The province of Pangasinan was chosen by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to pilot the GeoCloud Integrated Geographical Information System, a middleware which will help promote disaster prevention programs. Representatives from JICA, Informatix Inc. and PHILINITS

Foundation presented the project to the department heads of the provincial government as well as to the representatives from the three LGUs—Dagupan City, and the municipalities of Lingayen and Binmaley—last week. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center officer Rhodyn Luchinvar O. Oro said that the provincial govern-

ment is happy and proud to be selected as the pilot province for the GIS project. The system will help the province improve data management that would serve as sound basis for decisions made during disasters. Oro added: “The project would help us pinpoint the areas considered prone to disas-

ter; including the critical infrastructure and where to find the elevation of high level areas in times of tsunami.” This will also help them come up with a detailed hazard mapping and risk assessment based on reliable data and analysis. Oro said the project is expected to start in September.

The province and the three LGU project beneficiaries have been advised to prepare the baseline data which will be fed into the software. Noriki Ishibashi, a Japanese representative of the Informatix, Inc. said they would train point persons who will maintain the software after the project has been completed.

Explain post-Yolanda mess: Audit Commission questions salvaging, cleanup irregularities By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit (CoA) has questioned apparent irregularities in the award and implementation of an P87.213-million government contract for salvaging and oil spill cleanup activities in Leyte, Samar and Iloilo in 2014 following Typhoon Yolanda’s onslaught in November 2013. In a 2014 report released yesterday, CoA said there were bidding anomalies in the contract entered into by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. The contract was given to a private firm not technically, legally and financially capable to carry out the operations. The company—Kuan Yu Global Technologies Inc.—subcontracted the project to C.V. Gaspar and Lighterage Corp. The acts alone, the CoA report said, violated the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9184 or the Procurement Law and the general guidelines of the Government Procurement Policy Board. “There seems to be an emergency in the awarding of the service contract but not in the implementation of the service contract,” the report read. The contract was awarded to KYGTI on Nov. 21, 2013, or 13 days after Typhoon Yolanda flattened Eastern Visayas on Nov. 8, 2013. But the full implementation of the contract only took place four -and-a-half months later or just on April 13, 2014. The CoA report said the P87.213-million contract was entered into after PSALM’s Power Barge 103 was swept aground by strong winds and rising storm

surge that caused an oil spill on the shoreline of Barangay Botongan in Estancia Pier and the barangays of Zone 1 of Estancia, Sulong, Banban, Alinsulong, Embarcadero, Tanao and Binon-An of Batad. Since President Benigno Aquino III declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas, the government-owned and controlled corporation resorted to a negotiated procurement for the environmental clean-up and salvaging operations. According to the commission, four firms were invited to submit bids on Nov. 20, 2013, but the contract went to KYGTI the following day. The winning bidder was not technically, legally and financially capable get the service contract due to lack of experience. The bids and award committee also failed to require KYGTI to submit a statement of ongoing and completed government and private contracts, including contracts awarded but not yet started as required by the IRRs of RA 9184. KYGTI was said to be not legally capable of implementing the contract because its original business name was Maxx Ionized Alkaline Water Inc., of which its main purpose was in the general business of wholesale trading, selling, importing and exporting, assembling and dismantling of electronic goods and materials.

Thoughtful. A boy from Lianga, Surigao del Sur clutches the water container his family got during the peace caravan organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. LANCE BACONGUIS

Education tags 15 schools for journ program By A. Perez Rimando

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte—The Department of Education (DepEd), recognizing the growing importance of campus journalism in public schools, has chosen 15 regional pilot high schools to implement its Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) this school year. Education Secretary Armin Luistro’s directive received by the Schools Division Office here said six of the SPJ regional pilot schools are in Mindanao, six in Luzon, and three in the Visayas. Luistro said the principals of the SPJ learning centers and two of their teachers (one each for English and Journalism) earlier attended a week-long national training—workshop on the

pilot enforcement of the SPJ in their respective stations at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Cebu City. The training-workshop, he said, sought to: equip the educator-participants with functional understanding of the SPJ curriculum documents, establish concrete knowledge on how the SPJ Curriculum Guide and Teaching Guide can be best utilized during the course implementation, and identify potential problems and/or issues which need to be addressed that may have an effect on the enforcement of the program. The DepEd chief expressed optimism the SPJ program would help upgrade the journalistic (writing) skills and knowledge of students

some of who, he said, might later wind up as professional media practitioners in the local, regional or national level.# Luistro identified the SPJ learning centers in the Southern Philippines as Zamboanga del Norte National High School (NHS) in Dipolog City for Western Mindanao (Region 9), Misamis Oriental Comprehensive NHS in Cagayan de Oro City for Northern Mindanao (Region 10), Davao City NHS for Southern Mindanao (Region 11), Ireneo Santiago NHS In General Santos City for Central Mindanao (Region 12), Bayugan NHS in Agusan del Sur for Caraga (Region 13), and Maluso NHS in Basilan for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Picturesque. A floating restaurant on Tago River, Tago, Surigao del Sur attracts diners. LANCE BACONGUIS

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

SINGLENESS OF MISSION

[ EDI TORI A L ]

TANGLED WHEN you’re running late and stuck in traffic on Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares on a weekday morning, it is likely the face you’d like to see the least belongs to Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It is Tolentino’s job to manage traffic—actually, the garbage, too— in all 17 cities and municipalities of the National Capital Region. And he’s failing spectacularly at it. One day after a retired archbishop got off his vehicle to direct traffic in the rain, Tolentino thought he would do the same. So now we have photos and videos of the MMDA chairman, who used to be a Tagaytay politician, looking as though he were making an effort to ease motorists’ daily woes. What he was, however, was a pathetic sight. That Tolentino is angling for a higher position in the coming 2016 elections makes all his moves suspect. He got off lightly during that July 30 shakedrill, in part because people were legitimately worried about a strong earthquake, The Big One, that is supposed to hit the metro at any time. But the Edsa and Katipunan capers have politics written all over them. What makes them doubly repulsive is that everybody and his neighbor knows that traffic will continue to be bad because this official and all others in the administration have done nothing intelligent to address the traffic situation in Metro Manila. Already an online petition calling for Tolentino’s resignation is gaining momentum, even as the MMDA chairman has ignored the calls, pretending to focus on his job. Tolentino is the perfect example of the typical official of the Aquino administration. We wonder though how he would solve the tangled mess the capital is in when his fellow officials believe heavy traffic is a good thing—a sign of economic progress and increased purchasing power. Lucky for Tolentino, who will just as surely be out of the MMDA less than a year from now whether or not he wins. The rest of us, however, should not be too hopeful. It is highly likely we would not be out of the daily traffic mess anytime soon.

RESIGNING OURSELVES TO TRAFFIC BACK CHANNEL ALEJANDRO DEL ROSARIO THERE are two things we should resign ourselves to: First, is that the paralyzing traffic in the metropolis will ever be solved. At least not under this administration. Second is the public clamor for incompetent officials whose turf is traffic management to resign

from their posts. So, if you are calling on Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino and Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya to resign, forget it. These two will never resign as long as President BS Aquino is coddling them despite their incompetence. Vehicular traffic is not our only problem. We also have the twin and related problems of drug trafficking and human trafficking of underaged chil-

dren forced into prostitution by criminal syndicates. How can we expect metro traffic to ease up when MMDA chairman’s solution to it is to direct traffic himself wearing a colorful uniform and wielding a baton? It makes for a good campaign gimmick for Tolentino who’s running for the Senate. But a public relations stunt is hardly the solution to the monster metro traffic. Tolentino’s Plan B to lessen traffic congestion is to junk the

The public has been patient for five years.

number coding scheme and revive the odd-even vehicular scheme This would mean limiting motorists even more from using their cars that they had saved for to buy because the government cannot provide an efficient public transport system. The almost daily breakdown of the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Rail Transit is the reason commuters buy cars and motorcycles to get to and from work. The Aquino administration had five years to address the problem but it’s only this week that MRT management announced that several more carriages will be arriving from China. The wagons may be new, but has MRT replaced the broken rails which could result in a

major derailment? Incidentally, what ever happened to the road users’ tax the government collects from motorists? The government claims the tax is used for the upgrade and repair of roads. That explains the constant reblocking of Edsa which contributes even more to the snail-paced flow of traffic on the major artery. Why not do the road repair on those threeday holiday weekends we have? Car owners complain why they still have to pay a road users’ tax when they are already taxed by the Land

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial), 832-5546, (Advertising), 832-

Transportation Office when they register their vehicles. The road users’ tax should be spent instead for the construction of more elevated highways since it’s difficult for government to assert right of way for the opening of new roads even as the volume of vehicles continues to climb. PNoy appeals to the public for patience while the government is looking for a solution to the traffic problem. Mr. President, the public has been patient for five years waiting for you to do something.

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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**** The Office of the Vice President was recently adjudged the worst performing government agency by the Makati Business Club (MBC) because of corruption allegations against the Binays. But how come MBC did not include the Office of the President in its ranking? It is after all, the source of all government power and funding. With all its flaws and foul-ups, the OP should at least rank in the top three category. Continued on A11

MST Management, Inc. Philip G. Romualdez Arnold C. Liong Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Jocelyn F. Domingo Ron Ryan S. Buguis

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

I FIRST knew Fr. Robert Suchan SJ when he was the university librarian of Ateneo de Manila University when I was a college student from 1976-80. He was a lion of a librarian, roaming around his book kingdom, the Rizal Library (which he had built and raised funds for from Ford Foundation and other donors), shutting down noisy conversations—starting with a glare, escalating to a gentle shhhh, and ending with a loud SHHH or even an angry “Get out!” He would drive out loiterers and sleepers from the library. Nobody could flirt or fool around when Fr. Suchan was around, as he made sure we respected the library for what it was—a place of reading and study. As Fr. Mars Tan SJ, currently the Rector of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, described Fr. Bob during the funeral mass homily as looking “quite serious, unfriendly, and unsmiling, as if trying to give the impression to everyone that something had to be enforced at all times and at all costs.” Fr. Bob, according to Fr. Mars, “was more of that traditional Jesuit mold—strict and humorless.” I could not imagine that such a fierce man could ever become my friend. And then Fr. Bob was sent to Xavier University (XU) in the early 1980s where I was a Jesuit volunteer and a philosophy teacher. To my surprise, he was such a nice man, so cool actually. He had that book collection project, the Philippine Library Materials Project which he started with another great Cagayan de Oro Jesuit Fr. Rafael Borromeo SJ and lay people like Mr. Rogelio B. Mallillin, Fr. Bob’s successor at the Rizal Library. Fr. Bob would go home to the USA to collect donated books from everywhere and then bring them to Mindanao for distribution to the libraries in our island. He gave me access to the warehouse and allowed me to take almost any book I wanted. The one thing he told me not to take were philosophy encyclopedias and philosophy anthologies as seminaries wanted those. But original texts he allowed me to get. That’s how I built my philosophy and theology library of primary texts of Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Marx, Sartre and the like. I am actually going to donate most of that library now to a seminary. I will do so in the name of Fr. Bob. Beyond the books, Fr. Suchan and I became friends and ate a lot of meals together in Cagayan de Oro. His nephew visited him one time and stayed in our house so Fr. Bob also met my parents and dined with us during that time. Indeed, Fr. Bob was fun to be with. So it does not come to a surprise to me that at 80 years old, Fr. Bob had the guts to ride the Dahilayan Zipline in Bukidnon at a Continued on A11 Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

OPINION

EAGLE EYES DEAN TONY LA VIÑA

SINGLENESS OF MISSION

[ EDI TORI A L ]

The public has been patient for five years.

5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandardtoday.com E-mail: contact@thestandard.com.ph

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can be accessed at: www.manilastandardtoday.com

MEMBER

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MST Management, Inc. Philip G. Romualdez Arnold C. Liong Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Jocelyn F. Domingo Ron Ryan S. Buguis

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer

Ma. Isabel “Gina” P. Verzosa Head, Advertising Solutions Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

Publisher Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor City Editor Senior Deskman Art Director Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

A10

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

WORSE THAN VOTING CANNOT BE DONE ACCOMPLISHING IN MALLS; BRITISH, ZAMBIAN NOTHING MEDDLING WITH THE BBL BACK BENCHER ROD P. KAPUNAN OUR people should not expect that the administration of President B.S Aquino would be able to accomplish anything. See how it destroys one by one what has been accomplished by its predecessors either with malice or neglect. Stated in a straightforward language, this pretending-to-behonest government has done more to destroy this country. They would normally expect the President to exceed what his predecessors have accomplished. Thus, people today are frantic about what they can do to save what the past governments have accomplished than expect this government to do something to help them. Take the case of the annual national budget approved by the rubberstamped Congress to sustain the political vice of this self-righteous government. In its debut in 2011, it sought to lavish itself with a budget of P1.645 trillion. Congress approved it without much ado because they were swayed by the astronomical popularity of the President who, six months before the election, was considered a political rag for not having submitted any bill for legislation nor participated in a debate that would catalyze his personality as a statesman in the making. Nonetheless, people had to give him the benefit of the doubt as they thought he was some sort of moral redeemer. For 2012, Congress increased the administration’s budgetary appropriations to P1.816 trillion. It had to play along with the game of “you scratch my back and I scratch yours” for the simple reason that the Napoles pork barrel scam had yet to be discovered, with him almost indicted by the high court. The charade that we elected an honest and competent government continued, that for 2013, it obtained an appropriation of P2.006 trillion or 10.5 percent higher than that of the previous year. For 2014, the national

budget was increased to P2.265 trillion. Again for 2015, that was increased to P2.606 trillion indicating that this government would not budge in to public pressure or bow down to court decision to give up its practice of bribing political sycophants in a system nicely called “political patronage.” Although there were already doubts as to where the huge appropriations were being spent, Congress continued to lavish his good-for-nothing government, that for 2016, it appropriated a gargantuan budget of P3.002 trillion or an increase of 15 percent from

See how the administration destroys what has been accomplished by its predecessors, either with malice or neglect.

the 2015 budget. Taken together, the expenses incurred by his government had reached a staggering amount of P10.734 trillion, surpassing all the expenses incurred since independence up to the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As said, it is no longer a case of not having accomplished anything, but a case of having to use the money to destroy the economy. The government claims the country experienced a 6.3-percent growth rate in gross domestic product in the 3rd quarter of 2014. The Left was quick to point that it came mostly from the service sector. That means the income came mostly from the remittances made by overseas Filipino workers which are now being insulted by calling them “small-time smugglers” for insisting that

THE Commission on Elections should forget about installed voting precincts inside shopping malls in Metropolitan Manila for the May 2016 elections. Whether or not the mall is controlled by a candidate or a political party is beside the point. Section 155 of the Omnibus Election Code states that, with the exception of private school buildings, no polling place may be located inside any building controlled by any private entity. The Comelec must comply with the law. Even if the Code is construed to mean otherwise, the measure raises very serious questions. Under Section 261 (p) of the same Code, armed individuals, other than police personnel duly authorized by the Comelec, are not allowed near the polling place. Security guards inside shopping malls carry firearms. Will the owner of the shopping mall or the security agency allow restrictions imposed on their security guards? If violence occurs among the voters while the voting is taking place inside the shopping mall, is the shopping mall management liable for any death or injury arising from the violence? Last July, Chaloka Beyani, an envoy of the United Nations and a native of Zambia, openly expressed to the news media his support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Beyani said the BBL will solve the problem of displacement among the people of Mindanao. He seemed unaware of the unconstitutional features of the BBL, or its divisive effects on the Filipino

people. Just recently, Asif Ahmad, the British ambassador to the Philippines, criticized the failure of the House of Representatives to pass the BBL because of the inability of the chamber to muster a quorum. Addressing the news media, Ahmad called the situation “unacceptable.” He also cited his country’s success in handling the separatist movement in Scotland. For reasons undisclosed, however, Ahmad conveniently avoided discussing the strife in Northern Ireland (a territory of Great Britain) where violence between Roman Catholics and Protestants have taken place since time immemorial. Like Beyani, Ahmad seemed unaware of the legal infirmities of the BBL, and its unpopularity with the majority of the Filipino people. Since it’s discomforting enough to know that Malaysia has vested interests in getting the BBL approved, foreigners from Great Britain and Zambia should keep their unsolicited opinions to themselves. Aliens sojourning in the Philippines, including those identified with the diplomatic corps, are expected to refrain from commenting, much less taking sides, on local political issues, especially the controversial ones. To do so is tantamount to foreign meddling in the internal affairs of the host country, and abusing its hospitality. The Department of Foreign Affairs should protest this violation of Philippine sovereignty with the British and Zambian embassies. Motorists traversing Epifanio de los Santos Avenue at late hours complain about the danger posed by troublemakers hiding atop some of the numerous pedestrian overpasses throughout this major

roadway. The troublemakers are juvenile drug addicts who hide in the dark areas of the pedestrian overpasses and drop rocks on unsuspecting vehicles passing below. In the process, windshields are destroyed, and motorists are injured. Drivers of vehicles struck by these rocks lose control of the wheel, thus causing vehicular accidents. Damage to property, physical injuries, and even death, may ensue. These incidents can be avoided if personnel of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were stationed in these pedestrian overpasses during late hours at night and early hours in the morning. For reasons which MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino refuses to explain to the public, there are no MMDA personnel anywhere along Edsa at nighttime. Precisely because there are no MMDA personnel visible in the streets during these unholy hours, drunk drivers and those under the influence of prohibited drugs dominate the roadways during those hours. They violate traffic lights with impunity and use the roads like they were race tracks. Tolentino may not realize it but traffic management during the regular hours of the day also requires safeguarding the roadways during the unholy hours. If accidents occur during the early morning hours, these accidents may end up blocking the road in the morning rush hours, thus causing traffic jams all over the metropolis. Young women who enjoy attending concerts and similar weekend events at the Mall of Asia area in Pasay City should start rethinking their options. A young female college student was recently manhan-

dled by a male paramedic while she was inside the venue watching the concert. The paramedic embraced her, and held her in the middle of her torso. It was learned that the paramedic was there as a member of a first aid team hired by the concert organizer. The student has filed a case against the paramedic. Her friends suggest that she take the concert organizer and the venue owner to court as well. Parents should think twice before allowing their children to go to these venues where perverts lurk, victimizing innocent youngsters. --------------Motorists and commuters who traverse the northbound lane of the Edsa-Kamias-East Avenue-Timog Avenue extended flyover are exposed to a billboard promoting a television program of a nearby TV network. The billboard shows a young couple seemingly naked in bed but covered by a bed sheet. Although the image may be acceptable to adults, it is not appropriate for youngsters who may see it from the inside of the thousands of vehicles navigating the northbound lane of the flyover every day. Ironically, the TV station responsible for the billboard is supposed to be deeply involved in religious programming. If the TV station management does not remove the billboard soon, the local government of Quezon City should do something about it. A field office of the MMDA is located right below the flyover. The head office of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments headed by presidential candidate Mar Roxas is only several meters away. Nobody from either office seems aware of the controversial billboard.

their balikbayan boxes be inspected and taxed. In clearer terms, the income represents their remittances. They are not from increased production and manufacturing. Moreover, our people could hardly feel the increase in GDP. In fact, they could feel more the impact of a depreciated peso which currently is valued at P46.72 to a dollar. A weakened peso means a decrease in the purchas-

ing power for our wage earners, and the same is true for local manufacturers because it means a higher cost for imports for raw materials. Maybe this government is still dreaming of the “wonders” made by discredited monetarist policy enunciated by US economist Milton Friedman; that the government should continue to spend more to pump prime the economy. Under that

theory, the government should be fairly allowed to increase money supply, through budgetary increases, as a means to spur economic growth. They believe that by allowing more money to circulate, it would increase purchases/expenses that in turn would result in increased production. Our Amboy economists believe that the unguided flow of expenses is equivalent to investment, which is not.

In fact, for every increase in purchase only results to inflation which now explains why the Philippines is the only country that has a high wage that matches a high unemployment rate of 7 percent and underemployment rate of close to 27 percent. Nothing of the huge budget allocated redounded to resuscitate the economy. The Amboys in Malacañang refuse to concede Continued on A11

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

OPINION

ADELLE CHUA EDITOR

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

JAPAN’S CENTRAL BANK IS CHINA’S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER By William Pesek BANK of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has a new strategy to support his country’s listing economy: talking up China’s. It’s a marked break with what other Japanese officials are saying. Finance Minister Taro Aso and economy czar Akira Amari have been eager to blame China’s slowdown for Japan’s woes. It’s somewhat surreal to see them urge Beijing to implement economic reforms when they’ve done nothing of the sort in Tokyo—and with more time on the job than their Chinese counterparts. Kuroda, however, is guilty of taking things to the opposite extreme. Speaking in New York, he challenged the negativity shrouding Asia’s biggest economy, saying he’s “reasonably sure” China will grow between 6 percent and 7 percent this year and next—a prediction that hardly anyone else has endorsed. Ku-

Singleness..From A9 speed of 90 kph and at 40 to 70 feet above the ground. Fr. Mars thinks Fr. Bob’s record as the oldest zipliner has remained unbroken up to now. It was the conversations with Fr. Bob that fascinated me most. Fr. Bob was then reinventing himself from being a librarian to be a theology teacher and so the conversations were enriching and provoking. He was conservative as I was liberal but that didn’t matter; we not only had fun debating but I would like to think we actually learned from each other. Even during that time, Fr. Bob always felt strongly and was zealous about the Catholic teaching on contraception. In fact, one of my last conversations with him was when he mildly and lovingly scolded me about the moderate tone of my writings,

Worse.. From A10 that investment means money spent ought to be returned at a higher value, and only after realizing that can the investors divide what now partakes as their profit. Continued expense is not investment, or that it will result in profit, except for the seller of goods. In fact, this explains why for the 20 years the Marcos government ruled this country, its budget reached only P486.273 billion because the wealth generated by industries from production and manufacturing was able to stave off inflation and maintain the

roda has effectively lashed his credibility, and his legacy, to China’s trajectory. It’s not hard to understand why he might have felt he had no choice. Kuroda has to contend with three big problems. The first is demographics. Just as his predecessor Masaaki Shirakawa warned, Japan’s consumer prices are bound to fall as its population ages. The second is a dearth of confidence: Monetary policy has been rendered comatose by the public’s hesitance to borrow and banks’ hesitance to lend. The third is China’s slowdown —a variable far beyond Tokyo’s control, but no less critical for Japan’s fate. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s revival program has three parts—monetary stimulus, fiscal spending and deregulation —but China’s boom has always been the unofficial fourth. Until now, that is. China’s outlook is deteriorating faster than most investors expected, causing an existential crisis for Abenomics.

The world needs to regain some perspective on China. As Nicholas Lardy of the Peterson Institute wrote in the New York Times, the data on China’s economic fundamentals—growth in wages, non-agriculture job growth, disposable income and household expenditures—belie the ongoing meltdown hysteria. Naysayers, Lardy says, are making the mistake of interpreting China’s data through the lens of its industrial sector. Yes, China’s electricity rates are plummeting. But that’s only because China is shifting to a servicesbased economy that’s less power intensive than steel production or garment manufacturing. The fact that China isn’t crashing should put most of the world at ease. But even a moderate slowdown could prove a lethal blow for Japan. China’s combination of deflation and currency devaluation is reducing the odds that the trillions of dollars of monetary stimulus Kuroda has pumped into mar-

kets since April 2013 will ever gain any traction. The yen’s 22-percent drop since Kuroda unleashed his quantitative-easing experiment pumped up profits at Toyota and Sony and fueled a rally in the Nikkei. It has failed, though, to encourage executives to increase wages or invest in new businesses. Arguments for another dose of QE must be weighed against the costs. Rather than make Japan more resilient and competitive, Tokyo’s weak-yen policy is increasing its dependence on exports—in other words, China —at the very worst time. The $5 trillion of wealth that Shanghailisted equities have erased since June is already more than Japan’s annual output. The better solution would be for Aso and Amari to stop bellyaching and get to work. If they’d spent the last 975 days loosening labor markets, building a pro-growth tax system, encouraging innovation

which had been posted in the XU Jesuit residence, on the reproductive health act where I sought a balanced approach to the contentious issues. He shook his head at me but embraced me just the same. More than being a librarian and a theology teacher, many of us got to know Fr. Suchan as a priest. I went to mass many times with him as a presider. Like many others in the city of golden friendship, Fr. Bob became a favorite confessor; stern and scrupulous as he was, Fr. Bob was always loving. Indeed, he was also known to be extremely generous and charitable, unable to say no to those in need. The lion of the library was in fact also a shepherd that took care of his flock. Fr. Asandas Balchand SJ, who worked with Fr. Bob in ADMU and XU and who is now in charge of the Jesuit In-

firmary where the late Jesuit has been a resident for the last two years, recounted in one of the wake masses the last day in the life of this Jesuit: “For several days last week Bob could not sleep at night. This forced him to sleep during the day. Last Saturday afternoon [August 22] he stayed in bed and said he wanted to make a phone call. The nurse gave him the telephone but unplugged the cord and saw him talking standing, sitting and lying down. At around 5:40 p.m., the CCTV recorded that Bob, still with the phone in his hand and lying down fully clothed, gasped and peacefully went to his eternal rest. When the nurse went to his room a few minutes later to bring him to the chapel for the 6 p.m. Mass, his blood pressure and pulse were zero and the ECG reading was flat. Instead of receiving communion

in the chapel, he had decided to be in communion directly with the Lord, in the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was August 22, feast of the Queenship of Mary. Bob was very devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He would spend much time in front of her statue in the chapel.” It must have been our Father that called Fr. Bob that afternoon, telling him it was time to go. And as he always did, with the singleness of mission that Jesuit Provincial Fr. Tony Moreno SJ said was the enduring virtue in the 91 years this Jesuit lived, Fr. Bob obeyed. I love you, Fr. Bob. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for your witnessing that God is love and there are always second and third and infinite chances.

value of the peso. Despite that, these pretending-to-behonest Aquino governments insist that Marcos incurred a foreign debt of $28 billion. It is that legacy of the $28-billion debt his administration incurred that is constantly being pointed to as the reason why our economic remains in comatose without this government honestly asking why foreign debt now stands at $59 billion and poverty now stalks one fourth of our people. In fact, our foreign debt ballooned during the Marcos administration because of the currency manipulation and capital flight carried out by the

imperialist in cahoots with the local oligarchy in the 1980s. Adding to that was the decision by the Cory Aquino government to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant which the government incurred a $3-billion debt for the construction of a plant that never earned a singled centavo. So, between the GDP that this government has been hooting and the decaying value of the peso, the people could feel more the latter because the peso they have could only buy less than before. In fact, the baloney of conditional cash transfers has only exacerbated poverty. The almost P50 bil-

lion annually given as doleout to a population cosigned to become parasites is investment thrown to waste. This government gives away public funds paid by hardworking people, and does not expect to be repaid in terms of goods produced or services that otherwise could generate added wealth for our people. Rather, the conditional cash transfers only deepen us further into poverty, for the simple reason that nothing on what has been given to help would be returned to allow others to enjoy the fruits of what they created.

Facebook Page: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

rpkapunan@gmail.com

and lowering trade tariffs, they wouldn’t be so shaken by a spell of bad economic news in Beijing or tumbling stocks in Shanghai. It stands to reason Kuroda is doing—and saying—everything he can to pierce the negativity fogging China. After all, a stable and vibrant China would do more for Japan than another QE jolt. Kuroda’s happy talk about China goes hand-in-hand with his insistence, contrary to all evidence, that Japan is on pace to meet its two percent inflation target, and BOJ officials’ excuse-making about how weak oil prices are to blame for their policy failures. But these kinds of statements pose risks of their own; if they prove to be illusory, they will put a serious dent in the BOJ’s credibility. The simple fact is that unless Japan tends to its own problems, it will inevitably get dragged ever deeper into China’s. And in that case, Japan’s leaders will have no one to blame but themselves. Bloomberg

Resigning..From A9 The MBC “hall of shame” listed in its survey included the Court of Appeals, Department of Transportation and Communications (under Jun Abaya), Land Transportation Office, the Department of Agriculture (Proceso Alcala), and the Bureau of Customs ( Commissioner Bert Lina). MBC ranked the top three best performing agencies as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas managed by BSP Governor Amando Tentangco, Philippine Export Zone Authority under Lilia de Lima and Secretary Ramon Jimenez’s Department of Tourism. **** It was a business deal gone sour that resulted in the suspension, for unprofessional conduct, of a certain Dr.Sonny Viloria from the practice of medicine. In a case filed by government retiree Josefina Ablan Mendoza, the Board of Medicine recently affirmed its Aug. 28, 2013 suspension order against Dr.Viloria. It appeared that Mendoza signed an agreement with the doctor for them to establish a clinic for alternative medicine at her condominium unit at Tiffany Mansions on Eisenhower Street, Greenhills in San Juan City and for them to share in the profit of the business venture, The clinic was doing well and Ablan Mendoza was given her share of the proceeds during the first year of their clinic’s operation until Viloria decided to go into business for himself and allegedly issued a check that bounced. Mendoza met with the doctor to make good on the bad check amounting to P123, 900 but was ignored, prompting her to file a case. She claimed she lost money which was mostly her P1.5-million retirement pay as a government nurse. She is now 90-years-old and without gainful employment, she can no longer recover her investment because of her advanced age.

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UV Lancers rally to beat SWU Cobras By Mikey Izumi

Bike King Duathlon set Sept. 27 THE scenic Alviera in Porac, Pampanga welcomes back participants from around the country for another unique duathlon racing experience as it hosts the Bike King Duathlon on Sept. 27, starting at 6 a.m. Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the race will have the 6 Kilometer run – 60 Km bike – 4 Km run distance for seasoned duathletes, as well as a shorter 3 Km run – 20 Km bike – 2 Km run course for the less competitive participants. For the initial 6 Km or 3 Km run, participants must make a right when exiting Alviera and then run 3 Km/1.5 Km out. Upon reaching the halfway mark, they must go back to the transition area inside Alviera. For the bike leg at the SCTEX, the best bike course for duathlons with its smooth yet challenging terrain, participants must make their way to the Floridablanca exit and back back to Porac to complete the 20Km loop (3 loops for long distance, 1 loop for short distance). Up for grabs in the event supported by Alviera, Aboitiz, Timex, NLEX-SCTEX Cycling, AboitizPower, WeatherPhilippines, Sante Barley, Orbea, Fontana, SwimBikeRun. ph, Multisport, RaceDay, SPIN.ph and the Philippine Star are cash prizes of P10,000, P6,000 and P4,000 for the Top 3 Elite Male and Top 3 Elite Female finishers. Also at stake are medals and gift items for all Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female category winners. In addition to having exciting recreational facilities that spectators can use, the SandBox in Alviera will host the awarding ceremony as well as an Event Expo and food and beverage stands. Post-race recovery services at the venue will be provided by Sante Impact Systems.

CEBU CITY—The University of the Visayas Green Lancers bucked a sluggish first half to turn back the Southwestern University Cobras in a come-frombehind victory, 5748, in the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. at the Cebu Coliseum on Thursday.. SyncRUNize is the country’s first large-scale mobile app-integrated adventure run set on Sept. 19. Racers can log on to arcasouth.ph for details. Shown during the launch are (from left) Guerilla Race founder Col. Dennis Bumanglag; Ayala Land, Inc. ARCA South Marketing Manager Jennifer Chua; Ayala Land, Inc. ARCA South Marketing Manager Stephen Comia; HERO Foundation Director for Marketing and Resource Mobilization Michelle Chan and Gogo Hunt executive Mike Yu. PATRICIA FLORES

ARCA South to host SyncRUNize By Mavelle P. Durian AYALA Land’s City in Sync, ARCA South, will host a mobile app integrated adventure run – the SyncRUNize on Sept. 19. The 74-hectare estate will be hosting the exciting event of running, solving puzzles, overcoming obstacles, and following directions from a mobile phone app. Participants race to the finish line in a grand adventure of the mind and body. ARCA South has partnered with Guerilla Race, which designed the obstacle course. Go Go Hunt designed the mental drills which can include calculations, stock knowledge tests, or abstract reasoning. The North Face, Fox, Oculus Archery are the other partners

of the event, while Help Educate Rear Orphans Foundation is the partner-beneficiary of the event. Participants will need their smartphones running on iOS o Android with them throughout the SyncRUNize course. From Aug. 28 to Sept. 19, which is the race day, the SyncRUNize app will be available for download on Google Play. The iOS version will be available from Sept. 18 and 19. The race course will have an online and offline version. People can run through the course without the need of internet. However, they must sync in their results at the end of the race. Wifi access will be available for all participants at the finish line. “SyncRUNize is the kind of event that embodies the princi-

ple behind ARCA South as a City in Sync,” said Stephen Comia, ARCA South Project Development Manager. “The development is envisioned to be the newest CBD in Taguig where all the elements that make a city are present and in sync. In addition, the efficient management of the road network, traffic, communications, environment, security, and other systems in ARCA South are primary.” Part of the proceeds of the SyncRUNize will be donated to Help Educate Rear Orphans Foundation. The participants must be at least 7 years old to join the run. To register for the event, log on to www.arcasouth.ph or visit any of the Chris Sports branches nationwide. Registration is ongoing until Sept. 18.

Former NBA dunk king Dawkins dies at 58 LOS ANGELES—Darryl Dawkins, the former NBA star whose powerful dunks earned him the nickname “Chocolate Thunder,” died Thursday of a heart attack at the age of 58, his family said.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack,” his family said in a statement issued through

the NBA. “Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart.” AFP

The Lancers started off poorly against the SWU Cobra’s slow, deliberate game and trailed, 24-32, at the half in a low-scoring affair. But things started to change dramatically in the third quarter as UV’s offense came alive with the Lancers scoring 21 points, led by the pair of Cameroonian import Steve Cedrick Akomo and guard Jun Kent Manzo, who combined for 15 points, even as their defense finally clicked to limit SWU to a measly six points, enabling the Lancers to end the third quarter in front, 45-38. The UV Lancers’ lead grew to 12 midway through the final quarter, until SWU’s Jan Michael Auditor led the Cobras back into the game with six straight points of his own, which cut the lead to six, 54-48, with less than two minutes left to play. But their momentum faded just as quickly after Auditor was slapped with an unsportsmanlike foul on Akomo, who split his charities and then scored on a jumper in the return play to put the game away for the Lancers.

National U crowned volley champion

Members and officials of National University celebrate their title romp in the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League Season 13 NCR leg where they repulsed UST in four sets at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

NATIONAL University battled back from an opening set setback then wore down University of Santo Tomas in a back-and-forth fourth set thriller to hack out a 21-25, 25-22, 25-21, 28-26 victory and capture the Shakey’s Girls’ Volleyball League Season 13 NCR leg at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last Thursday. Faith Nisperos provided the firepower, Nicole Magsarile supplied the defensive spunk upfront and ace setter Joyme Cagande kept the ball in play all throughout as the Lady Bullpups bucked a shaky start and the UST spikers’ gutsy stand in the last three sets to pound out the victory. NU thus advanced to the national finals along with the other winners in the various regional eliminations of the an-

nual event sponsored by Shakey’s and organized by Metro Sports headed by Freddie Infante. NU and UST swept their respective divisions in the elims to roll into the Final Four along with Kings’ Montessori School and Adamson U with the Lady Bullpups beating the Baby Falcons and the España-based school trouncing the KMS side in the crossover semis of the tournament backed by Asics, Mikasa, Iloilo Doctors’ College and My Phone. KMS bested Adamson to snare third place. The power-hitting Nisperos was later named the first best outside attacker and went on to cop the MVP honors while Magsarile took the first best middle blocker award and Cagande clinched the best setter plum.

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Globe partners with NBA 3X

Cooling off. USA’s Maria Michta-Coffey pours water on herself as she competes in the final of the women’s 20 kilometres race walk athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium in Beijing. AFP

THROUGH its official partnership with global iconic basketball association, NBA, Globe Telecom brings fans closer to the international court with a weekend-long series of basketball events Globe Telecom fortifies its official partnership with the National Basketball Association as it presents NBA 3X, an entire weekend of balling activities that will bring Filipino fans closer to their basketball dreams. Happening at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall and Philippine International Convention Center on Aug. 28 to 30, the NBA 3X will allow Filipino fans to enjoy a fantastic NBA experience like no other. All guests and visitors will play witness to the thrilling main event - the most-awaited 3-on-3 basketball tourney that will test the skills, talent, and perseverance of every basketball enthusiast who will make it through the nationwide search and elimination rounds. Globe is also bringing in two astounding teams from the regional provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Bacolod to compete in the 3-on-3 competition. Aside from flying them in, the telco is giving the teams a complete NBA experience, from providing the best basketball gear to the opportunity to meet the NBA superstars slated to appear during the weekend. This is testament to the telco’s commitment to nation-building by creating avenues for its customers to pursue their passions and reach for their dreams aside from providing innovative services and offers.

Hagdang Bato leads cast in Bagatsing Cup racefest TRACK icon Hagdang Bato will seek redemption for past losses against other top Thoroughbreds in the Resorts WorldChallenge of Champions Cup in the 7th Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing Memorial Racing Festival on Sunday, Aug. 30 at San Lazaro Leisure Park. The multi-awarded campaigner owned by Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur C. Abalos has been having a tough year, but is ready to engage Dixie Gold, Hot and Spicy, Low Profile, Messi, Oh Oh Seven, and Penrith in the 1,750 meter race. The event in honor of the

late mayor of Manila was founded in 2009 by his sons Manila Rep. Amado S. Bagatsing and Philippine Racing Commissioner lawyer Ramon S. Bagatsing Jr. It is patterned after the Araw ng Maynila Gran Copa de Manila racing festival at the old San Lazaro Hippo-

INSIDE SPORTS RONNIE NATHANIELSZ

I OFTEN wonder why we Filipinos cannot seem to work together in the national interest, whether it be in politics, business or even sports and look to create dissension rather than harmony and ways to divide rather than unite. To us, the case of FilipinoAmerican Jordan Clarkson, the outstanding Los Angeles Lakers’ point guard, who is in the country and has made it unmistakably clear that he wants to represent the Philippines should FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, the NBA and his team, the Los Angeles Lakers approve the request of the Samahang ng Basketbol Pilipinas and Clarkson himself. We had a fairly lengthy conversation with SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, a longtime friend, who earned

drome that was organized and made popular by the late mayor as part of the city’s celebration. Also set for this Sunday are the Philracom-Mayor Ramon D. Bagatsing Cup Division I, a P1 million race for 3YO local-breds, featuring Breaking Bad, Dikoridik Koridak, Gentle Strength, Icon, Princess Ella, Princess Meili, Spicy Time, and Thunder Maxx. The declared runners in the Philracom-Mayor Ramon Bagatsing Cup Division II for 3YO local horses with P400,000 total prize money are Guimaras Island, Hola Alonso, Just

Imagine, Lakan, Surfer’s Paradise, Top Secret, and Winning Move. Resorts World has sponsored another P500,000 race, as has San Miguel Corporation. Solaire Resort and Casino has provided for two P500,000 races. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office participates with two P400,000 races, while Midas Hotel and Casino, City of Dreams (Premium Leisure and Amusement, Inc.), Stradcom, and Manila Jockey Club have backed one P400,000 race each. Other sponsors in-

Lady Tams eye key win Games today 12:45 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo 3 p.m. – La Salle-Dasma vs Arellano

clude EEG Development Corp., DLTB Co., SMART Communications, Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, Red Bull Energy Drink, and Fundador. The latter two will be giving gift packs to winning grooms and other participants. Rep. Bagatsing said, “Through the Mayor Bagatsing racing festival, we are helping with the promotion of the industry that our late father was very much involved in, as our tribute to his memory. We are also providing incentives for the people who continue to sustain this sport.”

FAR Eastern University goes all-out to stop powerhouse Ateneo and notch the coveted semifinal berth even as Arellano U tries to stay in the Final Four hunt against ousted La Salle-Dasmariñas in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan today. The Lady Tams have won their two games in the quarters to force a three-way tie for second with the UST Tigresses and the National U Lady Bulldogs at 4-1. But the Morayta-based squad is hardpressed to hurdle at least one of its last two matches against Ateneo and UST next week to advance in the post-elims play of the event presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

THOUGHTS ARE THAT OF A VERY LOVING DAD. I JUST CALLED HIM AND WE AGREED WE WILL TALK ABOUT MY PLAYING FOR GILAS WHEN I GET BACK. NOTHING IS CAST IN STONE. BUT I WANT TO ASSURE MY FILIPINO BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT, IF GIVEN THE CHANCE AND EVERYTHING CAN BE WORKED OUT, I SINCERELY WISH TO PLAY FOR GILAS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOTAL TEAM EFFORT FOR FLAG AND COUNTRY - THIS IS THE REASON WHY I AM OBSERVING AND FAMILIARIZING MYSELF WITH THE TEAM WHILE HERE AND WILL EVEN FOLLOW THEM IN TAIPEI FOR THE JONES CUP SO I CAN SEE THEM COMPETE CLOSE

UP AND BENEFIT FROM THE LEARNINGS FROM SAID EXPERIENCE. LABAN PILIPINAS! PUSO!” This surely is a Filipino we should all be proud of and embrace with the fullness of our hearts because it also helps the PBA players who declined to represent the country in the FIBA Asia Championships in China this September, understand and appreciate what a privilege it is to play for one’s country. The attitude of Jordan Clarkson, who is a legitimate NBA star, unlike some of our PBA players who are nowhere near his caliber, should make those players who refused to heed the call of duty and those who engineered the refusal, ashamed of themselves. Whatever happened to the riveting slogan – Para sa Bayan?

For country? the respect and indeed the affection of one of the finest sportsmen-businessmen of our time, the late PBA Commissioner Rudy Salud, who was a mentor to many of us. We were impressed at the remarkably logical and articulate manner in which Barrios spelled out the case of Clarkson and his studied response to our questions. Sonny clearly demonstrated how much Rudy Salud had influenced the manner in which he handled delicate and sensitive issues, which pleased us no end. Rather than grandstand or make statements that could be misinterpreted or could hurt the sensibilities of FIBA, the NBA and the LA Lakers, the SBP executive director was extremely careful and circumspect in his statements which certainly augurs well for the

efforts of the SBP under the eminent businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan to help Clarkson fulfill his desire to represent the Philippines in international basketball competitions that would build on the breakthrough of qualifying for the last World Cup of Basketball in Spain and hopefully for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Media sometimes, in its search for stories that are attention-getting because of their controversial nature or grab headlines by their particular slant, may have hurt what the basketball leadership and indeed millions of Filipinos who have embraced Clarkson, are striving to achieve. One such story that appeared on the internet site of a leading newspaper of which ironically, Manny Pangilinan is a majority shareholder, al-

most soured the relations between Clarkson and his father by reporting that the father – Mike Clarkson – said his son won’t be playing for Gilas, while explaining that, at least in his mind, it was not a logical and good decision. Clarkson who had an emotional and tear-filled reunion with his mother’s relatives in a trip to Pangasinan the other day, which strengthened his resolve to wear the Philippine colors, was effectively driven to issue a statement in response to what his father had said. Jordan Clarkson’s statement of which we were furnished a copy said, “MY FATHER, MIKE, HAS ALWAYS LOOKED OUT FOR MY WELFARE AND IS ONLY GENUINELY CONCERNED FOR MY CAREER, MY FUTURE AND MY WELLBEING - HIS

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Floyd jabs back at Ronda LOS ANGELES—Verbal sparring between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Ronda Rousey continued Thursday as the unbeaten welterweight champ laughed off the mixed martial arts star’s dig at his earning power.

Bayron bags Summit crown. Jay Bayron holds his

trophy after winning the ICTSI Summit Classic crown with a two-shot victory over Tony Lascuna.

“Big bank take little bank,” Mayweather said in a statement that was posted on TMZ Sports. “Let’s play and see how much money you got. “Last time I checked I was #1 on Forbes,” added Mayweather, a reference to the financial publication’s ranking of the world’s highest-paid sports figures. Rousey, a former Olympic judoka who is the biggest global star on the UFC circuit after a series of explosive victories, had taunted Mayweather on Wednesday in comments to TMZ—reckoning she earns more per second than he does.

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Procurement. Delivery of goods is required on or before the maturity date stipulated on contract. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Interested bidders may obtain further information from Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office. Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below. Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 04, 2015 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered on or before September 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 and Bid Securing Declaration in standard form. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted. In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days. Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Activities Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid Eligibility Check Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents Request for Clarification Opening of Bids

Schedule August 28 – September 03, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids August 28 – September 17, 2015 September 04, 2015 September 17, 2015

The Provincial Government of Bataan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: Engr. Josephine R. Valenzuela Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph

The MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON, through its BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE, intends to apply the sum of FOUR MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS ONLY (PHP 4,800,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT (MOTOR GRADER). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. NAME OF PROJECT 1.

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OFP HEAVY EQUIPMENT (Motor Grader) LOCATION Brief Description Source of Fund Amount of Bidding Documents Contract Duration

4,800,000,00

: : : : :

Catanauan, Quezon Heavy Equipmen General Fund- AnnualBudget CY 2015 P5,000.00 20 Calendar Days

The MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON now invites bids for Prospective Bidders for the SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT (MOTOR GRADER). Delivery of the Goods is required at MUNICIPAL HALL, CATANAUAN, QUEZON. Bidders should have completed, within Two (2) Years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders. Prospective bidders should have experience in undertaking a similar project within the last 2 years, with an amount of at least 50% of the proposed project for bidding. The Eligibility Check/Screening as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids shall use non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184. Interested bidders may obtain further information from BAC SECRETARIAT OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON AND inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during BAC office hours (8:00am-5:00pm), Municipal Hall, Catanauan, Quezon. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on 29 August 2015 to 11 September 2015, before 2:00pm from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND PESOS ONLY. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. The MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 09, 2015- 2:00pm at SB Session Hall, Municipal Building, Catanauan, Quezon which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 11 September 2015, before 2:00pm. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18. Bid opening shall be on 11 September 2015 at 2:00pm at Municipal Hall, Catanauan, Quezon. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. The MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to: MS. IRENE N. CAPILI and MS. JAYNALYN E. AMPARO Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat Local Government Unit, Catanauan, Quezon Don Abella Drive, Brgy. 09 Poblacion, Catanauan, Quezon 042-315-81-45 nenejhane02@yahoo.com

(SGD.) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC CHAIRMAN (TS-AUG. 29, 2015)

after defeating Alexis Davis and Cat Zingano in a combined 30 seconds of fighting she was, in fact, making more per second than Mayweather even before she beat Bethe Correia in 34 seconds in her most recent fight in Rio de Janeiro this month. It was another dominant performance for the 12-0 Rousey in defence of her UFC female bantamweight title. Mayweather, 48-0, is scheduled to defend his welterweight world title against Andre Berto on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas, where the unbeaten American will try to match the 49-0 record of Rocky Marciano. AFP

InvItatIon to BId for SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT (MOTOR GRADER)

InvItatIon to BId no. Goods-064-2015

Name of Project Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) 1. Supply & Delivery of 1 Unit Tractor Head =P=3,400,000.00 w/ Low Bed trailer, 1 Unit Single Cab Utility Truck & 1 Unit Towing Truck for the use of Provincial Government of Bataan

6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ 4 DIGITS 00-00-00-00 3 DIGITS 00-00-00 2 EZ2 00-00

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPIONES MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN PROVINCE OF QUEZON

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund64 intends to apply the below listed procurement w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

“When he learns to read and write, he can text me,” Rousey told the gossip website. Mayweather’s $300 million in earnings over 12 months as calculated by Forbes in June includes his take from his May mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao—the highest-grossing in boxing history. He said Rousey wasn’t in his league. “She will never be at my status,” he told TMZ. “Keep trying to get publicity.” However, Forbes weighed in on Thursday, saying that Rousey’s calculations were correct and that

LOTTO RESULTS

(TS AUG. 29, 2015)

(Sgd.) JERRY M. MENDOZA Municipal Assessor BAC Chairperson

Donaire begins training camp By Ronnie Nathanielsz FIVE-DIVISION world champion Nonito Donaire (35-3, 23 KOs) will open his training camp for his planned title fight against Scott Quigg of Britain next week, in Las Vegas. In an overseas telephone conversation with The Standard/ b o x i n g m i r r o r. c o m from his home in Las Vegas, Donaire said his father/trainer Dodong Donaire will arrive in Las Vegas to begin preparation and that he has already lined up three sparring partners. Donaire believes that “with the right strategy, the fight (against Quigg) will be easier,” although he did concede that the champion is strong. “I’m back and this fight is going to be great,” said Donaire, who is coming off comfortable back-to-back stoppage wins against comparatively mediocre opponents, the last being a second-round TKO win over European champion Anthony Settoul of France in Macau last July. In that fight, Donaire connected with a huge right hand and dropped Settoul, whose corner had seen enough and threw in the towel since the Frenchman had also been dropped twice in the opening round.

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

A15

SPORTS sports@thestandard.com.ph

Republic of the Phillippines Department of Health National Capital Region Office VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER BIDS AND AWARD COMMITTEE

Bill protecting student athletes signed into law A BILL seeking to protect Filipino student-athletes from “unjust” residency rules and commercialization has been signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III. Senate Bill No. 2226, which was ratified by Congress last month, is expected to take effect immediately. “Happy to announce that UAAP residency issue will now be put to rest with the passage of RA 10676 signed by the Pres yesterday,” said Cayetano via twitter. Cayetano is the principal author of the bill. The passage of the bill came two years after the league implemented a ruling that student-athletes

Fernandez opens bid with a win By Ronnie Nathanielsz FILIPINO bantamweight Mario Fernandez opened his quest for glory in the Asian Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand with an impressive win over tough Iranian opponent Reza Korzbori, who won the gold medal at the Fajr tournament in Iran. AIBA described the Fernandez fight as the “Bout of the Day,” saying the Filipino scored a “brilliant bantamweight triumph” over Korzbori on the second day of the championships. AIBA said Fernandez’s superior stamina was the main difference between the two and he eventually dominated his tough opponent, who produced an amazing challenge against the decorated Filipino. The 22-year-old Fernandez will next face Kazakhstan’s AIBA World Boxing Championships bronze medalist Kayrat Yeraliyev in the last 16.

versity high school star Jerie Pingoy transferred to Ateneo de Manila University for college and was required to complete a two-year residency, a policy that was met by protests by the athletes. The UAAP finally

transferring from one UAAP member school in high school to another member school for college will have to undergo a two-year residency period. Controversy hounded the UAAP when in 2013, Far Eastern Uni-

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relented and reverted back to a one-year residency, but not after Pingoy has already completed the initial two-year rule and will play with the Blue Eagles starting this season. Peter Atencio

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 192 MARIKINA CITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR, KINNO VITTORIO MIGUEL GONZALES VIRATA SPOUSES BRANDO ALLEN M. CRISTI AND KAREN ANGELA VIANNI V. CRISTI, Petitioners x-------------------------------------------------x

Advertising Department

JDRC CASE NO. 2015-2482 MK

ORDER

The petition substantially states that petitioners are married, and a resident of Marikina City. Petitioner-wife is the biological mother of Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata; minor has always been under the care and custody of the petitioner wife; minor has not known any other father aside from petitioner husband, he never saw his biological father. Petitioners contend that they are in full possession of their civil capacity and legal rights, and possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualification to adopt Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata. Petitioners further contend that the adoptee has given his consent to the adoption. WHEREFORE, the petition, being sufficient in form and substance, is hereby set for hearing on September 24, 2015 at 8:30 o`clock in the morning, at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 192, located at the 4th Floor, New Justice Hall, Sta. Elena, Marikina City. Let a copy of this Order be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the scheduled date of hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation to be chosen by raffle during the regular raffle of cases in this Station. Likewise, let a copy of this Order together with the petition and its annexes be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, at 134 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Office of the City Prosecutor, the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

832-5550 (Telefax);

Invitation to Bid NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT NO: NPVMC-2015-004 The VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER invites all eligible bidders to bid on: DESCRIPTION

PROJECT ALLOCATION

NON-REFUNDABLE FEE

Procurement of Dietary Supplies CY 2015

P2,066,328.91

P5,000.00

The bidding documents shall be available to interested bidders at the BAC Secretariat, BAC Office, 2/F, VMC, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City from 9:00AM to 3:00PM, starting August 28, 2015 upon payment of non-refundable fee as indicated above. Only those who have purchased the bidding documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre bid conference and raise or submit written queries (see revised IRR of RA 9184). The pre-bidding conference will be on September 4, 2015, 10:00 am at the BAC Conference Room, 2/F, VMC Annex Bldg., Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. Bid opening will be on September 17, 2015, 2:00PM at the 2/F, VMC Conference Room, Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. All particulars relative to bid evaluation and award of contract shall be governed by the provisions of R.A. 9184 otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. LATE BIDS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALTERNATIVE BIDS SHALL BE REJECTED.

Before this Court is a Petition for Adoption of Minor, Kinno Vittorio Miguel Gonzalez Virata, filed by Spouses Brando Allen M. Cristi and Karen Angela Vianni V. Cristi, on July 8, 2015.

832-5547 (DL);

Padrigal St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Telefax No. 294-4625 Email addressvmc_bac@yahoo.com

Bid bond shall be in form of cash, cashier’s check or manager’s check equivalent to two percent (2%) of the approved budget of the contract. This invitation is also advertised with the Government Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS) at www.procurementservice.org and posted at the VMC BAC bulletin board. For inquiry, please call the BAC Secretariat Office at Telephone No. 294-4625 VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO 1) REVIEW ALL THE REQUIREMENTS; 2) REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS; 3) CONFISCATE THE BID BOND AND/OR PURSUE APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION SHOULD A BIDDER BE FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED R.A. 9184; 4) WAIVE ANY DEFECTS CONTAINED THEREIN; and/or 5) ACCEPT THE OFFER MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT. ANY DECISION MADE BY THE VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER IS FINAL AND EXECUTORY. FURTHER, VALENZUELA MEDICAL CENTER ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER TO COMPENSATE OR INDEMNIFY THE BIDDER OR WINNING BIDDER. AS THE CASE MAY BE, FOR ANY EXPENSE OR LOSS THAT SAID PARTY (IES) MAY INCUR IN ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE PRE-BIDDING AND BIDDING PROCESS NOR DOES IT GUARANTEE THAT AN AWARD WILL BE MADE.

The Court Social Welfare Officer, Ms. Melissa Briguera-Allayban, is hereby ORDERED to conduct a Child Case Study as well as Home Study in this case, and to submit the corresponding Report, within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order. SO ORDERED City of Marikina, July 15, 2015

(SGD) DONA D. SALMOS, RN, MAN Chairman, BAC

(SGD) GERALDINE C. FIEL-MACARAIG Presiding Judge

(TS-AUG 29, 2015)

(TS AUG. 29, SEPT. 5 & 12, 2015)

Republic of the Philippines COURT OF APPEALS Manila

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan MUNICIPALITY OF LIMAY

INVITATION TO BID For the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Video Projection System

INVITATION TO BID The Bids and Awards Committee of the Municipality of Limay will be accepting bids for the procurement of the ff. Name of Project/Contract

Location

1. Construction of Canal & Installation of Steel Grating

Limay, Bataan

Gen Fund

2. Construction of Flood Control/Drainage System

Eastern Section, Bernabe Village, Phase I, St. Francis I, Limay, Bataan

Gen Fund

3. Construction of Barangay Brgy. Hall Poblacion, Limay, Bataan

Sources Duration of FUNDS

Approved Budget Cost(ABC)

Cost of Bid Doc’s.

90 days

520,619.72

1,000.00

150 Days

3,458,300.00

5,000.00

The Court of Appeals, through its Continuing Appropriations der Capital Outlay - Information and Communication Technology Equipment intends to apply the sum of P2,743,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Video Projection System. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Court of Appeals through its Bids and Awards Committee now invites bids for the Supply, Installation, and Commissioning of Video Projection System. Project duration is sixty (60) days from receipt of P.O. The description of work are as follows: Furnish all labor, materials, tools and equipment, and perform all operations necessary to complete the supply, installation and commissioning of video projection system. These includes, but not limited to, the following:

Gen Fund 180 days

7,115,000.00

• • • • • • • • • •

10,000.00

Bidders should have completed, within ten(10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the bidding documents, particularly, in section II, Instruction to Bidders. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat of the Municipality of Limay and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Bidders should have completed, within three (3) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” 3.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act 138.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on August 28, 2015 from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB in the amount of P3,000.00.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Cost of Bidding Documents.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Court of Appeals, provided that Bidders shall pay the nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

Pre-Bid Conference is on September 9, 2015, 2:00P.M. at Limay Municipal Building. Bids must be delivered to the BAC-Secretariat/TWG Office, 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Building on or before September 22, 2015until 1:00P.M.and to be opened at 2:00 P.M. of the same day at the Multi-purpose Room, Ground Floor, Limay Municipal Building. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause Error! Reference source not found.. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted. Submission of Class “A” documents and Financial Statements at least seven (7) calendar days and the Technical documents(completed/on-going projects) at least fifteen(15) calendar days before the deadline for the submission of opening of bids.

Supply and delivery of eight (8) multi-media projectors Supply and delivery of one (1) motorized electric projector screen Supply and delivery of six (6) portable projector screens Supply and delivery of six (6) projector stands Supply and delivery of one (1) wireless presentation system Supply and delivery of two (2) video presentation switcher Supply and delivery of six (6) video transmitters Supply and delivery of six (6) video receivers Supply and delivery of two (2) 2-ft data cabinets Supply and delivery of one (1) tempered glass wall board

The Court of Appeals through its Bids and Awards Committee will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on September 09, 2015 at 2:30PM at the Conference Room, Ground Floor, Annex 1 Building, Ma. Orosa St., Ermita, Manila which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court, Room 101, Main Building, Ma. Orosa St., Ermita Manila on or before September 21, 2015, from 8:00AM - 2:00PM. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security which shall be limited to a Bid Securing Declaration and at least one (1) other form of bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the BDS and ITB. Bid opening shall be on September 21, 2015 at 2:30 PM at the Conference Room, Ground Floor, Annex 1 Bldg. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend. Late bids shall not be accepted.

reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul The the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

The Court of Appeals reserves the right to reject any or all eligibility documents or proposals without offering any reason, waive any defect or formalities contained therein, accept any proposal which is considered most advantageous to the government or annul the bidding process prior to contract award.

The Court of Appeals assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of the bid.

For further information, please refer to:

For further inquiries, contact the BAC Secretariat, c/o Office of the Clerk of Court at 523-21-13 or 52412-41 loc. 219, 315, telefax 526-58-34. E-mail add: ca-bacsecretariat@ca.judiciary.gov.ph.

RONNIE LATANAFRANCIA BAC Secretariat/TWG – Office 2nd Floor, Limay Municipal Building, National Road, Brgy. Townsite Limay, Bataan (047)6138026

(TS-AUG. 29, 2015)

(SGD) ROMARIO C. PANANGUI BAC Chairman

Approved by: (SGD) EDWIN D. SORONGON Associate Justice Chairperson Bids & Awards Committee on Purchase and Acquisition of Court Facilities, Equipment and Supplies (TS-AUG. 29, 2015)

S AT U R D AY : A U G U S T 2 9, 2 0 1 5

A16

RIERA U. MALL ARI EDITOR

REUEL VIDAL A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

sports@thestandard.com.ph

SPORTS

Selﬁe. Members of the Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team, led by Asi Taulava, take a selﬁe before boarding their plane bound for Taiwan Friday morning. The nationals will take part in the William Jones Cup Basketball Tournament in Taipei as part of their preparations for the FIBA Asia Championships. RUDY C. SANTOS

Red Lions pounce on undermanned Blazers

By Peter Atencio

DEFENDING champion San Beda College pounced on the undermanned College of St. Benilde, which played minus go-to guy Jonathan Grey, en route to an easy 89-63 victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the San Juan Arena. The win sent the Red Lions to the solo lead with a 9-2 card, as they moved ahead of the Letran Knights, who dropped to second spsot with an 8-2 slate. The Red Lions outrebounded the Blazers, 50-40, courtesy of Arthur dela Cruz, who also had 17 points to lead the Mendiola-based dribblers. The Blazers, who missed Grey after he was removed from the ros-

ARCA South hosts SyncRUNize TURN TO A12

ter for disciplinary reasons, struggled in the second period as the Red Lions began pulling away, 3931, at halftime. Ryusei Koga, one of six Red Lions who finished with double digits, banged in six of his 11 points in the second canto to hand San Beda a sevenpoint lead going into the third frame. “We played good defense in the third quarter. So we were able to pull

away,” said San Beda “I guess we just Games Tuesday (San Juan Arena) coach Jamike Jarin. never gave up. We 10 a.m. • Arellano vs LSGH (jrs) Ranbill Tongco were up at halftime. 12 nn • UPHSD vs LPU (jrs) 2 p.m. • Arellano vs CSB (srs) chipped in seven We knew San Sepoints in the third 4 p.m. • Perpetual Help vs LPU (srs) bastian has a fight as the Red Lions in them, so we just built a comfortable 62-42 entering fought back,” said Lyceum. the final period. In the juniors’ division, Ry de In the other seniors’ match, the la Rosa shot key baskets in the Lyceum Pirates survived a late fourth period to power the defendrally by the San Sebastian Stags to ing champion San Beda Red Cubs prevail, 71-67, for only their third to an 82-70 win over the La Salle victory in ten games. Greenhills Greenies. Shaq Alanes, who finished with John Lagumen had 13 points only six points, made the biggest and Germy Mahinay added 12 basket for the Pirates down the for the Red Cubs, who marched to stretch to hand the Intramuros- their 11th consecutive victory. based cagers a 68-67. In the other juniors’ match, Leeian After the Stags missed on the re- Salazar unloaded 27 points for the turn play, Jeb Bulawan split his char- Lyceum Junior Pirates, who crushed ities with only 10.1 seconds remain- the San Sebastian Staglets, 78-49, and ing as Lyceum stayed on top 69-67. improve their record to 7-3 at fourth.

Floyd jabs back at Ronda TURN TO A14

SBC star excited to play for TNT By Jeric Lopez THE Meralco Bolts got a much-needed boost at the point guard spot after picking San Beda’s Baser Amer during the recent Philippine Basketball Association Draft. And Amer, a former National Collegiate Athletic Association Finals Most Valuable Player, couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of Meralco as he will now have the privilege of playing under legendary coach Norman Black, alongside his basketball idol Jimmy Alapag. The 5’11” Amer, picked 7th overall in the Draft, said that he’s excited to play for Black, who is undoubtedly one of the best coaches in the country. “Sobrang excited talaga ako kasi makakapaglaro ako for coach Norman (Black) and alam naman natin kung gaano siya kagaling,’’ said Amer. He said he is just as excited to play alongside Alapag, his longtime idol and one of the league’s 40 greatest players. “Magiging kakampi ko pa siya (Alapag). Malaking bagay iyon kasi matuturuan niya pa ako,” Amer said. Amer, who is expected to play backup to Alapag in the point guard position for Meralco, said he’s ready for whatever task is at hand. “Ready ako kung ano man ipapagawa sa akin ng mga coaches at ng mga teammates ko. Basta kahit anong maitutulong sa team, ready ako ibigay,’’ said Amer, who received a warm welcome from Black and the rest of the Bolts, saying he feels the veteran coach has given him the trust this early in his pro league career.

SATURDAY: AUGUST 29, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Telstra eyes SMC mobile unit By Jenniffer B. Austria

TELSTRA Corp., the biggest telecom company in Australia, is in talks with San Miguel Corp. to invest in a wireless joint venture in the Philippines. “We note recent speculation concerning Telstra considering an investment in a wireless joint venture in the Philippines with San Miguel and that financing is being sought in relation to that joint venture,” Telstra secretary Damien Coleman said in a disclosure to the Australia Stock Exchange said.

“We are in discussion in relation to these matters. However, no agreements have been reached in relation to these matters and there is no certainty that this will occur,” Telstra chief executive Andy Penn said. The Melbourne- based company was selecting banks for expansion in the Philippines, according to a

headline on subscriber-only Website TMT Finance. San Miguel, the Philippines’ largest company with investments spanning food, packaging, energy and beer, said last month it would pay P5.75 billion ($123 million) for a 51-percent stake in Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc. Penn described Asia as a key part of his growth strategy, and the company spent $697 million last year buying Pacnet Ltd. to gain access to its undersea cables connecting Asia and the Pacific. San Miguel earlier said several firms had expressed interest in teaming up with the company af-

ter buying out its Qatari partner in Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc. San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said it was not in a rush to get a new partner and even hinted the conglomerate could pursue the telecom venture on its own. San Miguel said last month unit Vega Telecom Inc. signed definitive agreements to acquire stakes of Qtel West Bay Holdings S.P.C., wi-tribe Asia Ltd. and White Dawn Solution Holdings in Liberty Telecoms for P5.75 billion. Qtel West Bay owned 23.36 percent of Liberty while White Dawn Solution and wi-tribe had

18.44-percent and 2.86-percent stakes in the company, respectively, as of end-March. Prior to the transaction, Vega Telecom held 35.73-percent stake in Liberty Telecom, which offers 4G internet to the consumer and corporate markets through Wi-tribe. San Miguel also announced that Vega Telecoms bought Express Telecommunications Inc. and Vega’s investment in High Frequency Telecommunications Inc. Extelcom, owned by the Ongpin Group and UK-based Ashmore Investment Management Ltd., is the country’s first mobile telephone operator. With Bloomberg

PSe comPoSite index Closing August 28, 2015

8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000

7,098.81 76.72

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing AUGUST 28, 2015 42

P46.735

44 45 46

HIGH P46.640 LOW P46.760 AVERAGE P46.704 VOLUME 676.600M

P475.00-P675.00 LPG/11-kg tank P39.10-P45.35 Unleaded Gasoline P25.30-P28.55 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

Machineries expo. Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Lilia de Lima (second from right) switches the lights on to open the Philippine Die and Mould Machineries and Equipment Exhibition 2015 on August 26, 2015 at World Trade Center in Pasay City. With her are (from left) Philippine Die and Mould Association Inc. president Philip Ang, Science and Technology Assistant Secretary Robert Sison and PDMEX Steering Committee Chair Gregorio Oliveros.

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P23.70-P24.40 Auto LPG

SRA allocates all sugar output to domestic market

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, August 28, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.7050

Japan

Yen

0.008265

0.3860

Pound

1.540400

71.9444

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129029

6.0263

Switzerland

Franc

1.036699

48.4190

Canada

Dollar

0.757174

35.3638

Singapore

Dollar

0.714898

33.3893

Australia

Dollar

0.716486

33.4635

Bahrain

Dinar

2.657666

124.1263

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

12.4523

Brunei

Dollar

0.712352

33.2704

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.028058

1.3104

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

12.7172

Euro

1.125300

52.5571

Korea

Won

0.000852

0.0398

China

Yuan

0.156121

7.2916

India

Rupee

0.015155

0.7078

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236373

11.0398

New Zealand

Dollar

0.646412

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031036

30.1907 1.4495 Source: PDS Bridge

By Anna Leah E. Gonzales THE Sugar Regulatory Administration on Friday issued a directive allotting 100 percent of Philippine sugar production for crop year 2015 to 2016 to the domestic market. “Due to the unfavorable weather conditions and reduction of sugarcane areas, the total raw sugar production for crop year 2015 to 2016 is estimated at 2.27 million metric tons,” SRA administrator Ma. Regina Martin Martin said. Martin said the sugar order will

be effective beginning September 1 this year. “The SRA shall undertake periodic assessment of the crop year 2015-2016 sugar production and withdrawal trend and on the basis of such assessment, it may from time to time adjust the percentage distribution of the different classes of sugar as provided in this sugar order... or take necessary action to address the situation,” Martin said. The Philippines is one of the preferred countries which have a regular US sugar quota of 138,827

metric tons. Martin earlier said SRA was drafting a scheme to meet its export commitments to the US. “We are still crafting and studying a program on how we will comply with the US sugar quota,” Martin said. “We shall observe the production of sugar for the next two months and we can easily allocate a US quota if we foresee a good harvest,” she added. Martin said sugar production in the crop year 2014-2015 reached 2.316 million MT, or short of the 2.46 million MT target, because

of adverse weather that affected most sugarcane producing provinces. Earlier data from SRA showed sugar production in crop year 2015-2016 would reach 2.25 million metric tons to 2.35 million MT. Martin said the volume would just be enough to cover domestic consumption of around 2.2 million metric tons. “Production will be wholly allocated to domestic market because we have anticipated that output will be the same level as the demand,” Martin said.

SATURDAY: AUGUST 29, 2015

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

The STandard BuSineSS daily STockS review Friday, august 28, 2015

52 Weeks

High Low 7.88 75.3 124.4 107 56.5 4.2 4 17 30.45 0.92 2.6 890 1.01 100 1.46 30.5 75 91.5 137 361.2 57 180 1700 124 3.26 47 1.46 2.36 15.3 148 20.6 36 65.8 2.97 4.14 21.5 21.6 11.96 9.13 11.8 17 31.8 109 20.75 15.3 9.4 0.98 241 12.5 4 74 33.9 90 13.26 293 5 5.25 12.98 15 7.03 3.4 4.5 6.3 7.86 238 3.28 0.315 2.18 2.65 234 1.3 2.17 0.59 59.2 30.05 2.16 7.39 3.4 823.5 10.2 84 3.35 4.92 0.66 1455 76 9.25 0.85 17.3 0.71 5.53 6.55 0.0670 1.61 2.99 84.9 974 1.66 156 0.710 0.510 10.5 26.95 1.99 1.75 0.375 41.4 5.6 5.59

STOCKS

High

Low

FINANCIAL 2.66 2.45 68 66.5 98.90 97.25 86.75 84.10 42.55 42 1.34 1.32 10.1 9.79 15.94 15.66 20.8 19.98 0.74 0.65 1.63 1.63 725.00 725.00 0.405 0.370 84.65 82.95 0.96 0.93 18.88 18.60 25.00 25.00 60.00 57.00 93.5 93.5 300 299 39.05 35 128 134 1435.00 1435.00 54.40 54.00 3 2.92 INDUSTRIAL 35.9 Aboitiz Power Corp. 42.55 43.5 42.55 1.01 Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 0.94 1 0.94 1.86 Alsons Cons. 1.58 1.68 1.54 7.92 Asiabest Group 9.9 10.02 9.82 32 C. Azuc De Tarlac 92.00 93.00 90.00 15.32 Century Food 17 17.28 17 10.08 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 27 27 26.9 29.15 Concepcion 44.7 44.95 43.7 1.5 Crown Asia 2.68 2.75 2.6 1.5 Da Vinci Capital 1.27 1.37 1.22 10.72 Del Monte 10.98 11 10.9 9.55 DNL Industries Inc. 11.200 11.440 11.16 9.04 Emperador 8.41 8.90 8.46 6.02 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.90 6.15 5.93 8.86 EEI 8.02 8.44 8.00 8.61 Federal Res. Inv. Group 12.8 13.22 12.8 20.2 First Gen Corp. 23.35 23.8 23.15 71.5 First Holdings ‘A’ 68 71.5 69.6 13.86 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 12.98 13.80 13.60 13.24 Holcim Philippines Inc. 13.00 13.10 13.00 5.34 Integ. Micro-Electronics 5.76 5.96 5.77 0.500 0.395 Ionics Inc 0.475 0.500 173 Jollibee Foods Corp. 191.30 193.60 188.00 8.65 Lafarge Rep 10.16 10.22 10.16 1.63 Mabuhay Vinyl 1.7 1.7 1.64 33 Macay Holdings 51.45 50.95 48.00 23.35 Manila Water Co. Inc. 22.6 23 22.35 17.3 Maxs Group 22 22.25 21.8 5.88 Megawide 5.9 6.3 5.8 250.2 Mla. Elect. Co À’ 283.00 287.60 283.00 3.37 Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. 3.95 3.94 3.94 3.87 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 4.01 4.39 4.02 8.45 Petron Corporation 7.62 7.99 7.80 10.04 Phinma Corporation 10.60 11.60 11.50 3.03 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 3.30 3.40 3.20 1.95 Phoenix Semiconductor 2.15 2.15 2.09 1 Pryce Corp. À’ 2.45 2.58 2.36 4.02 RFM Corporation 4.10 4.13 4.08 1.65 Roxas and Co. 1.7 1.71 1.7 161 San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ 143 154 149 1.55 Splash Corporation 1.85 1.83 1.74 0.138 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.133 0.144 0.136 1.02 TKC Steel Corp. 1.14 1.10 1.08 1.80 1.84 1.80 2.09 Trans-Asia Oil 152 Universal Robina 192.5 195 192.4 0.640 Vitarich Corp. 0.65 0.69 0.66 1.2 Vulcan Ind’l. 1.00 1.05 1.02 HOLDING FIRMS 0.44 Abacus Cons. À’ 0.420 0.435 0.435 48.1 Aboitiz Equity 53.5000 55.1000 53.6500 20.85 Alliance Global Inc. 19.80 20.35 19.80 1.6 Anglo Holdings A 1.09 1.09 1.09 6.62 Anscor À’ 6.70 6.80 6.70 0.23 ATN Holdings A 0.230 0.235 0.230 634.5 Ayala Corp À’ 725 745 727.5 7.390 Cosco Capital 6.8 6.99 6.81 12.8 DMCI Holdings 10.92 11.38 11.00 2.6 F&J Prince ‘A’ 2.91 3.1 2.91 2.26 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.18 4.18 4.15 0.152 Forum Pacific 0.194 0.194 0.192 837 GT Capital 1230 1270 1225 49.55 JG Summit Holdings 69.00 72.90 70.00 4.84 Lopez Holdings Corp. 6.05 6.88 6.2 0.59 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 0.57 0.59 0.56 12 LT Group 13 13.2 13 0.580 Mabuhay Holdings À’ 0.55 0.56 0.56 4.2 Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. 4.98 5 4.85 4.5 Minerales Industrias Corp. 7.28 7.42 7.01 0.030 Pacifica À’ 0.0410 0.0460 0.0400 1.760 0.550 Prime Orion 1.800 1.830 2.26 Republic Glass ‘A’ 2.78 2.79 2.6 59.3 San Miguel Corp À’ 50.85 53.00 51.20 751 SM Investments Inc. 870.00 890.00 866.50 1.13 Solid Group Inc. 1.18 1.19 1.18 80 Top Frontier 70.050 70.500 69.100 0.211 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2700 0.3000 0.2650 0.310 Zeus Holdings 0.220 0.249 0.206 PROPERTY 6.74 8990 HLDG 6.300 7.000 6.400 12 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 7.70 8.40 8.39 0.65 A. Brown Co., Inc. 0.67 0.66 0.63 1.2 Araneta Prop À’ 1.160 1.170 1.170 0.192 Arthaland Corp. 0.185 0.203 0.203 30.05 Ayala Land `B’ 34.80 36.25 35.40 3.36 Belle Corp. À’ 3.07 3.18 3.09 4.96 Cebu Holdings 4.9 4.72 4.72 2.5 66 88.05 88.1 45.45 1.68 8.7 12.02 19.6 0.74 1.02 625 0.225 78 0.9 17.8 58 62 88.35 276 41 118.2 1200 59 2.65

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

Trading Summary FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY SERVICES MINING & OIL GRAND TOTAL

SHARES 17,208,574 79,444,103 281,676,349 231,843,694 109,414,300 746,526,771 1,470,724,091

2.41 67.5 97.00 85.50 42.5 1.31 9.22 15.66 19.98 0.66 1.60 720.00 0.355 83.55 0.93 18.60 25.75 57.00 93.5 300 37 127.1 1450.00 54.00 3.1

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

2.58 68 98.50 84.60 42.5 1.34 10.1 15.66 20.8 0.74 1.63 725.00 0.405 83.75 0.96 18.68 25.00 60.00 93.5 300 35 131.9 1435.00 54.00 2.92

7.05 0.74 1.55 -1.05 0.00 2.29 9.54 0.00 4.10 12.12 1.87 0.69 14.08 0.24 3.23 0.43 -2.91 5.26 0.00 0.00 -5.41 3.78 -1.03 0.00 -5.81

63,000 49,060 4,592,600 3,280,360 38,600 171,000 1,000 1,000 113,800 90,000 1,000 180 50,000 4,924,900 6,000 676,200 18,500 110,380 10 80,820 1,664,900 943,520 150 21,140 59,000

43.25 0.99 1.68 9.85 90.00 17.1 27 44 2.75 1.22 10.9 11.400 8.55 6.00 8.33 13.22 23.35 70 13.60 13.10 5.77 0.500 191.50 10.2 1.7 49.90 22.6 22 5.9 284.00 3.94 4.39 7.91 11.50 3.35 2.14 2.38 4.08 1.7 149 1.81 0.138 1.08 1.83 194 0.69 1.02

1.65 5.32 6.33 -0.51 -2.17 0.59 0.00 -1.57 2.61 -3.94 -0.73 1.79 1.66 1.69 3.87 3.28 0.00 2.94 4.78 0.77 0.17 5.26 0.10 0.39 0.00 -3.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.35 -0.25 9.48 3.81 8.49 1.52 -0.47 -2.86 -0.49 0.00 4.20 -2.16 3.76 -5.26 1.67 0.78 6.15 2.00

1,760,200 25,000 9,593,000 3,500 650 1,630,400 308,800 946,900 2,793,000 324,000 116,000 7,274,900 1,170,600 23,017,200 678,600 16,600 2,266,000 292,710 400 22,000 345,000 130,000 902,320 431,600 64,000 93,900 953,500 522,200 4,032,900 889,390 1,000 567,000 3,683,200 6,200 574,000 413,000 662,000 4,562,000 166,000 2,590 172,000 1,970,000 16,000 1,317,000 3,152,470 595,000 20,000

0.435 55.1000 19.80 1.09 6.70 0.230 738 6.95 11.38 3.1 4.18 0.194 1270 71.00 6.76 0.57 13 0.56 5 7.28 0.0430 1.760 2.79 52.00 878.00 1.18 69.500 0.2800 0.249

3.57 2.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.79 2.21 4.21 6.53 0.00 0.00 3.25 2.90 11.74 0.00 0.00 1.82 0.40 0.00 4.88 -2.22 0.36 2.26 0.92 0.00 -0.79 3.70 13.18

20,000 3,280,570 67,115,705.50 8,941,100 55,576,219.00 9,000 16,500 120,000 512,340 5,203,815.00 4,748,500 12,337,839.00 7,985,300 45,281,860.00 204,000 106,000 150,000 417,390 -96,862,585.00 3,975,830 103,052,719.00 5,325,000 14,276,258.00 27,000 4,887,600 -30,632,328.00 540,000 36,507,000 20,538,080.00 442,200 40,095.00 185,300,000 8,800.00 2,556,000 61,520.00 26,000 185,850 -3,547,467.50 354,650 -138,521,740.00 22,000 23,280 -328,040.00 6,100,000 2,500,000 21,500.00

6.780 8.40 0.66 1.170 0.203 35.95 3.09 4.72

7.62 9.09 -1.49 0.86 9.73 3.30 0.65 -3.67

464,000 1,500 254,000 35,000 40,000 17,835,600 6,524,000 20,000

2,054,487.00 142,077,678.50 -98,034,338.00 1,394,665.00 -1,592.00 1,200,590.00 -72,500.00 -7,500.00 -127,937,266.50 -12,612,098.00 450,000.00 1,208,953.00 -23,850,000.00 -13,698,830.00 19,740,545.00

31,554,530.00 158,820.00 -26,768,368.00 7,040,900 55,740.00 558,454.00 41,350,326.00 4,411,037.00 37,890,101.00 941,461.00 -3,857,905.00 4,843,717.50

50,148,291.00

-3,870,170.00 -1,968,515.00 -5,714,092.00 2,318,330.00 1,702,908.00 -699,720.00 2,140.00 -2,324,830.00 17,500.00 -1,623,860.00 37,720,361.00

-305,908.00 11,746.00

302,004,850.00 -8,298,260.00

52 Weeks

High Low

STOCKS

1.44 0.201 0.69 10.96 0.97 0.305 2.22 2.1 1.8 5.94 0.180 8.54 31.8 2.29 4.9 21.35 1.06 1.62 8.59

0.79 0.083 0.415 2.4 0.83 0.188 1.15 1.42 1.27 4.13 0.090 2.69 22.15 1.6 3.1 15.08 0.69 0.83 5.73

Century Property Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

10.5 66 1.44 1.09 14.88 28.5 15.82 0.1430 5.06 99.1 7.67 2720 8.41 70.5 1.97 119.5 0.017 0.8200 2.2800 5.93 12.28 3.32 3.2 95.5 1 2.46 15.2 0.62 1.040 22.8 6.41 185 22.9 3486 0.760 2.28 46.05 90.1

1.97 35.2 1 0.63 10.5 18.2 8.6 0.0770 2.95 56.1 4.8 1600 5.95 17.02 1.23 102.6 0.011 0.041 1.200 2.34 6.5 1.91 1.95 3.1 0.650 1.8 6 0.335 0.37 14.54 3 79 4.39 2748 0.435 1.2 31.45 60.55

11.6 0.85 10 1.9

7.59 0.63 5 1.14

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp. Cebu Air Inc. (5J) DFNN Inc. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Melco Crown MG Holdings NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Travellers Yehey

0.0098 5.45 17.24 12.7 1.19 1.62 9.5 4.2 0.48 0.420 0.440 0.022 0.023 8.2 49.2 4.27 1.030 3.06 0.020 7.67 12.88 10.42 0.040 420 9

0.0043 1.72 6.47 6.5 0.85 0.77 5.99 1.17 0.305 0.2130 0.2160 0.013 0.014 3.240 18.96 2.11 0.365 1.54 0.012 5.4 7.26 2.27 0.015 115.9 3.67

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Benguet Corp À’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Petroenergy Res. Corp. Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Semirara Corp. TA Petroleum

70 553 525 118 120 515 8.21 12.28 1060

33 490 500 101 101.5 480 5.88 6.5 997

1047 76.9 78.95 84.8

1011 74.2 74.5 75

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen F First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure and Resort PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C

6.98

0.8900 LR Warrant

15 88 12.88

3.5 13.5 5.95

130.7

105.6 First Metro ETF

Makati Fin. Corp. IRipple E-Business Intl Xurpas

High

VALUE 1,400,328,433.416 1,830,065,527.50 2,324,370,587.489 2,215,353,080.11 2,968,771,532.58 471,652,135.5006 11,260,394,050.596

FINANCIAL 1,551.82 (up) 8.71 INDUSTRIAL 10,978.06 (up) 115.03 HOLDING FIRMS 6,502.32 (up) 120.59 PROPERTY 2,907.44 (up) 45.58 SERVICES 1,875.90 (down) 1.50 MINING & OIL 11,127.84 (up) 545.59 PSEI 7,098.81 (up) 76.72 All Shares Index 4,056.08 (up) 49.71 Gainers: 129 Losers: 46; Unchanged: 40; Total: 215

0.72 0.115 0.415 13.52 0.790 0.160 1.10 1.79 1.34 4.3 0.081 7.41 28.90 1.54 3.27 19.48 0.72 0.700 5.950

Net Foreign

Change Volume

Trade/Buying

0.77 0.7 0.72 0.115 0.110 0.115 0.405 0.405 0.405 14 13.52 13.8 0.830 0.830 0.830 0.169 0.169 0.169 1.14 1.07 1.09 1.84 1.77 1.79 1.44 1.32 1.40 4.38 4.29 4.33 0.090 0.083 0.083 7.41 7.41 7.41 29.05 28.05 29.00 1.63 1.56 1.6 3.25 3.20 3.25 19.62 19.12 19.50 0.72 0.07 0.7 0.680 0.660 0.660 6.000 5.830 5.830 SERVICES 9.2 9.4 8.65 8.89 59.5 61.3 60.9 60.9 1.04 1.1 1.09 1.09 0.500 0.530 0.510 0.530 11 11.96 11.3 11.5 27 27 27 27 6.99 7.20 699.00 7.02 0.0610 0.0620 0.0600 0.0610 3.9 4 3.88 4 89.5 90.8 88.5 89.45 4.55 4.75 4.35 4.60 2497 2596 2500 2576 6.30 6.44 6.25 6.29 17.20 17.10 17.10 17.10 1.26 1.25 1.15 1.20 94 94 92.8 92.95 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.166 0.179 0.166 0.171 1.3400 1.3500 1.3200 1.3500 2.05 2.18 1.99 2.18 7.45 7.69 7.45 7.69 2.50 2.20 2.62 2.16 2.10 2.10 2.10 2.10 35.00 35.00 35.00 35.00 0.650 0.600 0.600 0.600 2 2 2 2 5.82 6.24 5.91 6.01 0.300 0.305 0.305 0.305 0.405 0.420 0.405 0.420 18.78 19.2 19.2 19.2 4.60 4.73 4.61 4.65 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 18.22 18.48 18.06 18.48 2552.00 2564.00 2498.00 2518.00 0.620 0.640 0.600 0.640 1.200 1.270 1.210 1.250 31.30 32.40 31.50 31.70 69.75 71.20 69.50 69.50 4.83 5.10 4.81 4.84 7.00 7.38 7.02 7.26 0.56 0.58 0.55 0.56 4.04 4.23 3.98 4.02 2.340 2.490 2.360 2.370 MINING & OIL 0.0047 0.0049 0.0047 0.0048 2.27 2.30 2.25 2.25 4.26 4.57 4.31 4.57 6.6800 6.2900 6.0000 6.2000 0.69 0.71 0.68 0.71 0.68 0.7 0.69 0.7 5.75 6.50 5.50 5.98 1.11 1.2 1.13 1.16 0.290 0.300 0.290 0.295 0.182 0.187 0.182 0.182 0.204 0.204 0.190 0.204 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.12 2.39 2.28 2.32 6.82 8.1 7.1 8.05 3.26 3.52 3.28 3.28 0.5500 0.5400 0.5400 0.5400 1.3100 1.4000 1.3200 1.3600 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 0.0090 4.00 4.01 4.01 4.01 5.00 5.150 5.010 5.10 1.42 1.790 1.500 1.67 0.0095 0.0110 0.0096 0.0099 124.50 129.00 123.20 128.00 2.94 3.07 2.78 2.84 PREFERRED 58.4 63.5 59 63.5 523 524 524 524 526.5 535 527 527 110.5 118.1 118.1 118.1 116 116 116 116 526 520 520 520 6.01 6.01 5.95 5.95 1.11 1.08 1.05 1.06 1040 1045 1040 1045 1085 1140 1140 1140 1020 1020 1020 1020 75.45 75.7 75.55 75.7 79 81.5 80 81.5 80.5 83 80.05 80.06 WARRANTS & BONDS 3.350 3.360 3.200 3.270 SME 5.5 5.5 4.51 4.51 56.45 57 56.95 56.95 9.99 10.9 10 10.76 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.5 116.5 116 116.2

T op g ainerS STOCKS

Low

0.00 0.00 -2.41 2.07 5.06 5.63 -0.91 0.00 4.48 0.70 2.47 0.00 0.35 3.90 -0.61 0.10 -2.78 -5.71 -2.02

5,318,000 390,000 360,000 1,978,800 8,000 30,000 3,150,000 54,042,000 2,738,000 29,789,000 2,450,000 1,400 5,383,600 187,000 56,000 23,676,600 1,354,000 24,000 16,977,900

-446,860.00

-3.37 2.35 4.81 6.00 4.55 0.00 0.43 0.00 2.56 -0.06 1.10 3.16 -0.16 -0.58 -4.76 -1.12 9.09 3.01 0.75 6.34 3.22 13.64 0.00 0.00 -7.69 0.00 3.26 1.67 3.70 2.24 1.09 0.00 1.43 -1.33 3.23 4.17 1.28 -0.36 0.21 3.71 0.00 -0.50 1.28

453,700 11,930 10,000 266,000 8,300 200 8,384,500 28,350,000 238,000 1,582,520 182,000 105,390 34,200 400 52,000 2,030,170 100,000 1,460,000 251,000 20,000 297,900 2,108,000 5,000 1,000 1,000 20,000 1,323,700 60,000 30,000 500 24,000 590 97,600 243,475 252,000 26,633,000 1,977,600 1,600,500 5,773,000 7,697,900 8,942,000 4,164,000 126,000

158,074.00

2.13 -0.88 7.28 -7.19 2.90 2.94 4.00 4.50 1.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.43 18.04 0.61 -1.82 3.82 0.00 0.25 2.00 17.61 4.21 2.81 -3.40

537,000,000 96,000.00 24,000 668,000 1,024,090.00 12,000 1,331,000 212,000 33,100 16,711,000 -1,933,610.00 30,000 3,620,000 1,000,000 28,000,000 2,500,000 -6,000.00 692,000 23,000.00 18,132,100 1,838,628.00 1,395,000 20,000 1,668,000 14,000,000 6,000 260,800 117,350.00 3,662,000 -10,620.00 111,000,000 2,222,800 -56,650,196.00 1,924,000 121,060.00

8.73 0.19 0.09 6.88 0.00 -1.14 -1.00 -4.50 0.48 5.07 0.00 0.33 3.16 -0.55

192,600 50 1,220 20 2,000 400 96,900 3,571,000 70 10 4,380 13,210 5,900 101,110

-2.39

121,000

-18.00 0.89 7.71

9,800 170 4,590,500

-5,239,240.00

0.61

9,830

27,852.00

-638,850.00 28,030.00 -68,010,880.00 8,768,590.00 23,100,770.00 -70,160.00 -182,625,458.00 -45,131,388.00

6,640,711.00 8,000.00 -66,127,526.00 22,969,470.00

25,727,094.00 1,200.00 8,400.00 7,607.00 -5,180.00

-1,742,718.00 -8,400.00

466,210.00 -117,633,620.00 4,461,190.00 -6,533,405.00 12,952.50 2,915,050.00 5,004,874.00 -3,364,450.00 -4,196,500.00

5,162,918.00

-521,739.00

-3,850,500.00 -1,286,650.00

T op L oSerS Close (P)

Change (%)

STOCKS

Close (P)

Change (%)

Nickelasia

8.05

18.04

Makati Fin. Corp.

4.51

PhilexPetroleum

1.67

17.61

Manila Bulletin

0.600

-18.00 -7.69

MEDCO Holdings

0.405

14.08

Benguet Corp `A'

6.2000

-7.19

Liberty Telecom

2.50

13.64

Vantage Equities

2.92

-5.81

Zeus Holdings

0.249

13.18

Suntrust Home Dev. Inc.

0.660

-5.71

First Abacus

0.74

12.12

RCBC `A'

-5.41

Lopez Holdings Corp.

6.76

11.74

TKC Steel Corp.

1.08

-5.26

Arthaland Corp.

0.203

9.73

Harbor Star

1.20

-4.76

Citystate Savings

10.1

9.54

Leisure and Resort

1.06

-4.50

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

4.39

9.48

Da Vinci Capital

1.22

-3.94

SATURDAY: AUGUST 29, 2015

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

Market extends rebound to 4th day

Toyota awards. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. recently received recognitions at the prestigious 11th “Lion Awards for Business”. TMP was awarded first place in both the Top 3 Manufacturers category and Top 10 Realty Taxpayers category. Santa Rosa City mayor Arlene Arcillas (third from left) led the city government in hosting the recognition rites, which was held in line with Santa Rosa’s 11th Cityhood Anniversary. TMP first vice president Rommel Gutierrez (second from left) received the awards on behalf of TMP. Also shown are (from left) Laguna First District Rep. Dan Fernandez, Santa Rosa City head of business permit and licensing office Olivia Laurel, treasurer Laura Sy and assessor Cecile Gabayan.

Vista Land raising capital base to P18b By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. said Friday shareholders approved the plan to increase the company’s capital stock by 50 percent to P18 billion from P12 billion in preparation for possible fund raising. Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange shareholders agreed to increase the authorized capital stock to P18 billion, divided into 17.9 billion common shares with a par value of P1 apiece and 10 billion preferred wares with a par value of P0.01. “The proposed capital increase will enable the company

to take advantage of any equity fund raising opportunities that may become available, as it will provide the company with sufficient authorized and unissued shares that it can issue in an expeditious and efficient manner,” Vista Land said. Sources said while there were no concrete plans to raise funds though the equities market this

year, the company might consider selling shares next year to balance the company’s debt portfolio. Vista Land, owned by the family of former senator Manuel Villar, is the largest homebuilder in the Philippines, having built 300,000 homes in 86 cities and municipalities in 35 provinces around the country. The company raised P25.1 billion 2007 but has not raised funds through the equities market since then. It has done most of its fund raising through the debt and bond markets. The company raised $300 million from the ale of 7-year bonds priced at 7.375 percent in June. Proceeds from the bond offering will be used for refinancing, gen-

eral working capital purposes and other general corporate purposes. Vista Land reported 10 percent year-on-year growth in both net income and revenues in the first half. Net income in the six-month period reached P3.1 billion, up from P2.8 billion recorded in the same period last year while revenues amounted to P12.2 billion, up from P11 billion in 2014. Reservation sales also grew 9.5 percent to P28.3 billion from P25.9 billion a year ago. The property firm said it planned to launch at least P15 billion worth of real estate projects in the second half, after introducing P20.7 billion worth of projects in the first half.

STOCKS rose for the fourth day, as upbeat US economic growth report buoyed investors following a prolonged rout driven by concerns over China’s economy. The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 76 points, or 1.1 percent, to close at 7,098.81 Friday. Despite the gain, the index was still down 1.8 percent since the start of the year following a 6.7-percent crash on Monday. The heavier index, representing all shares, also advanced 49 points, or 1.2 percent, to settle at 4,056.08, on a value turnover of P11.3 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 129 to 46, while 40 issues were unchanged. Mining and oil companies were the biggest gainers Friday led by Nickel Asia Corp. which jumped 18 percent to P8.05. Property developer Ayala Land Inc. rose 3.3 percent to P35.95, while Globe Telecom Inc. added 3.3 percent to close at P2,576. GT Capital Holdings Inc., the investment company of tycoon George Ty, also gained 3.3 percent to P1,270. Meanwhile, Asian stocks moved higher Friday. Tokyo stocks finished 3.03 percent, or 561.88 points, higher at 19,136.32, while in afternoon trading, Hong Kong was up 0.45 percent and Shanghai gained 2.63 percent. Sydney closed 0.58 percent, or 30.30 points, higher at 5,263.60, and Seoul gained 1.56 percent, or 29.67 points, to finish at 1,937.67. The gains in Asia followed a second straight day of advances on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 2.27 percent, the broad-based S&amp;P 500 rising 2.43 percent and the tech-rich Nasdaq adding 2.45 percent. They were boosted by a US economic growth report that showed the world’s biggest economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the second quarter, sharply higher than the initial appraisal of a 2.3 percent gain. “Fear for the global economy had been one reason behind the recent falls, so the unexpected strength in the US, the fact that their GDP has managed to grow this much, is positive,” said Nobuyuki Fujimoto, a Tokyobased senior market analyst at SBI Securities Co. With AFP

Atlas incurred P611-m loss in first half as revenues fell 39% By Anna Leah E. Gonzales ATLAS Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said Friday it posted a net loss of P611 million in the first half, a reversal of the P989-million net income it booked in the same period last year. Atlas said in a statement the profit drop was led by the 39-percent decline in revenues

amid lower metal prices and volume. Revenues in the sixmonth period dropped to P5.3 billion from P8.7 billion a year ago. Average realized copper price in the first six months was $2.67 per pound, down by 15 percent from $3.15 per pound in the first half 2014. The average realized gold price also dropped 7 percent to $1,201

per ounce from $1,295 per ounce last year. Atlas said copper production of wholly-owned subsidiary Carmen Copper Corp. fell 13 percent to 46.4 million pounds of copper metal in concentrate from 53.5 million pounds in 2014. The drop in copper production was due to unusually heavy rainfall, pit slope ground

movement and necessary maintenance activities in the expanded processing plant, the company said. Atlas said total volume of copper concentrate shipments also went down by 13 percent to 77,500 dry metric tons in the January-June period from 88,600 DMT in 2014. “We are making significant progress towards addressing

all of the issues that hampered production during the first half of 2015,” said Atlas Mining president Adrian Ramos. “We will continue to address those issues in order to maximize production and be competitive in the current difficult environment, and we are optimistic that we will be able to make up for the shortfall in production in the second half of the year,” Ramos said.

SATURDAY: AUGUST 29, 2015

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

IN BRIEF DBS: 6% growth likely DBS Bank of Singapore said the

acceleration in government fiscal spending will be the key to surpass the 5.6-percent economic growth in the second quarter this year. “Faster GDP growth is in the offing for the second half of 2015, given the anticipated acceleration in fiscal spending,” DBS said in a report on Friday. “... Depending on the eventual pace of fiscal spending for the rest of the year, [a] 6- percent GDP growth is still not to be ruled out,” DBS said. The bank said the GDP growth of 5.6 percent in the second quarter was within its expectations, adding the expansion would have remained robust at 6.3 percent if not for the sluggish exports performance in the period. But the bank said the revision of the first-quarter growth to 5 percent from 5.2 percent could put a dent to the possibility of attaining a 6-percent expansion for the whole year. “That said, after recording 5.3 percent GDP growth in the first half [1Q 15 GDP was revised down to 5.0 percent], full-year GDP growth may only reach 5.7 percent versus our earlier projection of 6 percent,” it said. Julito G. Rada

PH in New York expo

CENTER for International Trade Expositions and Missions Inc. has broken ground in New York on lifestyle exports, penetrating the multibilliondollar market for home and fashion products and accessories. The Philippines for the first time joined the New York Now expo with the participation of 11 home and nine fashion exhibitors. Citem promoted the LifestylePhilippines brand in the main hall of the famous Jacob Javitts Exhibition Center through a uniquely curated pavilion that set it apart from the rest of the foreign participants. Citem executive director Rosvi Gaetos said it was difficult for a first-time NY Now exhibitor to get a space in the main exhibit halls. But the Philippine pavilion landed right in the main hall there when the organizers decided to relocate the Artisan Resource Show. “Now we have very good chances of getting a space in the middle aisle next year because the organizers saw the quality of our presentation,” Gaetos said. The Philippine Pavilion drew a total of 329 buyers from hundreds of visitors, and posted initial sales of $600,000. Othel V. Campos

SSS protection. The Social Security System signs an agreement with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor granting social security coverage to 87 job order and contractual workers of the government agency. Shown during a singing ceremony held at the DHC Building in Project 7, Quezon City on August 17 are (front row, from left) SSS senior vice president for National Capital Region operations group Jose Bautista, SSS SVP for account management group Judy Frances See, PCUP chairman Hernani Panganiban and PCUP executive assistant Jaime Varela. Social Security Commissioner Ibarra Malonzo (standing, fourth from left) witnessed the event.

Mindanao coal plant bidders trimmed to 6 By Alena Mae S. Flores

SIX companies are expected to join the auction for the contract to manage the output of the 200-megawatt Mindanao coal-fired power plant next week, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. president Money supply up 8.5% Lourdes Alzona said Friday. DOMESTIC liquidity or the money supply in the financial system in July grew 8.5 percent year-on-year to P7.7 trillion due largely to sustained demand for credit, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday. The July figure was slower than the 9.3-percent expansion in June. “The continued expansion of domestic liquidity during the month indicates that money supply remains sufficient to support economic growth,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement. “Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor monetary conditions closely to ensure that liquidity in the financial system remains consistent with the BSP’s price and financial stability objectives,” it said. Domestic claims grew 11 percent from 10.8 percent in June. Credits to the private sector increased at a slightly slower pace relative to the previous month. Julito G. Rada

GPS for bus operators

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. is allowing the pilot run of public utility bus operators to install global positioning system monitoring devices in their units to help track and regulate vehicle activities and promote commuter safety. As part of the pilot program being promoted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, PLDT has teamed up with G Liner bus franchise owner De Guia Enterprises Inc. to have their units installed with GPS monitoring devices. “PLDT fully supports this effort in helping improve road safety and curb vehicle accidents that endanger lives and property,” said PLDT ﬁrst vice president and head of SME Business Kat Luna-Abelarde. “We have fervently evangelized the beneﬁts of helping business owners with technology, and these solutions not only equip them with better tools for their business but also help ensure that their customers and passengers on the road are in better hands,” she said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Alzona said 10 to 11 companies bought bid documents from the original 12 interested parties in preparation for the September 2 bidding. She said some of the companies formed joint ventures that trimmed the number of interested parties. “Those that bought bid docs, if not 10, 11 [companies]. From there, they formed joint ventures so I think it was reduced to six,” she said.

Alzona said the bidders were informed of a proposed threeyear lock-in period preventing the winning bidder from raising the cost to electric cooperatives. “The [lock-in period] is still for further evaluation,” Alzona said. PSALM and the Energy Department earlier reached a compromise for the appointment of an independent power producer, or IPP, to administer and man-

age the contract of the Mindanao coal plant. Former Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla wanted to suspend the bidding for the Mindanao coal power supply contracts to protect customers against higher electricity prices. Petilla noted with Steag State Power Inc. of Germany as the lone electricity supplier, electric cooperatives would be forced to take the price of the winning IPP administrator. “The rates will be the existing contracts with Steag. The rates will not go up under the lock-in period,” he said. PSALM earlier identified 12 prospective bidders for the contract to manage the supply of the Mindanao coal-fired plant. They are Conal Holdings Corp.; FDC Davao Del Norte

Power Corp. of the Filinvest Group; FirstGen Northern Power Corp.; GDF Suez Energy Philippines Inc.; Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd.; Meralco Powergen Corp.; Nexif Pte. Ltd.; SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.; SPC Power Corp.; Team (Philippines) Energy Corp.; Therma Southern Mindanao Inc. of the Aboitiz Group; and Vivant Energy Corp. Located in Misamis Oriental, the Mindanao coal-fired plant was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year build-operate-transferpower purchase agreement that ends in 2031. Steag operates the Misamis Oriental plant under a buildoperate-transfer agreement with the government. Other shareholders are Aboitiz Power Corp. and La Filipina Uygongco Corp.

Solons urged to pass Customs modernization bill By Gabrielle H. Binaday THE Bureau of Customs on Friday urged lawmakers to prioritize and pass into law the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act to simplify and consolidate reforms in the agency to meet the public service demand. Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said aside from revenue generation, the the CMTA would help the agency deliver its services to the public. “But we understand there is an urgent need to modernize these laws and processes, so we are calling our friends in our Congress to prioritize the modernization and tariff act so we will be able to improve our delivery of services to the entire nation especially to the benefit of our [migrant Filipino workers],” Lina said in a briefing. Customs said it would also meet with representatives of the migrant workers to get their side before releasing a directive im-

plementing an order of President Benigno Aquino III to stop the physical examination of balikbayan boxes. “We are already have a draft, it’s almost done,” said Deputy Customs Commissioner Arturo Lachica. Lina told reporters in a press tour in Customs containers vans would undergo mandatory truck-mounted X-ray examination. The vans will be delivered to the forwarder’s warehouse if no derogatory image or subject appeared after the inspection. The BoC will conduct a physical examination in the presence of the consignee if a suspicious image appears in the box. Customs has seven truck-mounted X-ray machines in the Port of Manila and around 300 in the whole country. Lina said about 80 to 100 containers a day were being inspected at the Port of Manila. Customs noted the high-risk and low-risk country classifications during the inspec-

tion. An official said US and Hong Kong were listed under high-risk countries, while Middle-East countries like Saudi Arabia and Dubai fell on the low-risk. Lina said Customs during a physical inspection caught illegal drugs, ammunition and high-end bags in numbers packed inside a balikbayan box. He suggested the display of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration number in the balikbayan box for easy documentation. Lina also asked concerned sectors to assign a representative in Customs to help the agency “pre-clear” the balikbayan boxes to make sure it came from a migrant worker. Balikbayan boxes from a migrant Filipino worker should not exceed P10,000 in value and be accompanied by the worker himself under Executive Order 206 issued under the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

10 civilians killed after border ﬁre exchanges ISLAMABAD—At least 10 civilians were killed Friday as India and Pakistan traded fire across their disputed border, officials said, less than a week after highlevel talks were aborted amid a row over Kashmir. Six died near the city of Sialkot in Pakistan’s Punjab province and at least four villagers were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir. Officials said more than 50 were wounded. A meeting between the Indian and Pakistani national security advisors in New Delhi on Sunday was called off at the last minute amid a dispute about whether the agenda should include Kashmir, the Himalayan territory both sides control in part but claim in full. The two sides regularly fire shells and mortars across the disputed border both in Kashmir and to the south in Punjab, killing civilians. A senior Pakistani security official told AFP that Indian forces began firing around 3:00 am on Friday (2200 GMT Thursday) and continued intermittently during the morning. “Six civilians embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and 46 were severely injured including 22 females due to Indian unprovoked firing/shelling on working boundary near Sialkot in Chaprar and Harpal sector,” a statement from the Pakistani military said, adding that they had returned fire. In Indian-controlled Kashmir, Border Security Force (BSF) official Rakesh Kumar Sharma accused Pakistan of targeting civilians with “unprovoked” mortar fire. “Four villagers died in the shelling from across the border, three of them were killed early morning and one died of injuries in a hospital later,” Pawan Kotwal, the top administrator of the region told AFP. AFP

Future uncertain. A child of a migrant family creeps under a barbed fence near the village of Roszke on the Hungarian-Serbian border on August 28, 2015 . As Europe struggles with its worst migrant crisis since World War II, Hungarian police have so far this year intercepted some 141,500 migrants crossing into Hungary, mostly from neighboring Serbia. AFP

Over 70 dead migrants found in Austrian road

VIENNA—Austrian police have recovered more than 70 dead migrants from a truck abandoned on a motorway, the government said Friday, in the latest horrific tragedy in Europe’s unrelenting migrant misery. Thirty bodies were also recovered in the Mediterranean off Libya on Thursday after yet another boat crammed with migrants sank, while a Swedish coastguard ship docked in Sicily with a grim cargo of 52 dead. Austrian motorway maintenance workers first saw the poultry truck on Thursday and noticed “decomposing body fluids” dripping

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from the vehicle, police spokesman Hans Peter Doskozil said. Police then briefly opened the rear doors and after being confronted by an overpowering stench and a mass of tangled limbs slammed them shut again and took the truck away for proper examination. Forensics experts worked all night to clear out of the vehicle seeking to identify the bodies. Police were due to give more details at 0900 GMT. The state of the bodies inside suggests that those inside had been dead for some time. Television images showed flies buzzing around the back of the vehicle in the baking sun. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in Austria for a summit with Balkan leaders on Europe’s mi-

grant crisis on Thursday, said all those present was “shaken” by the “horrible” news. “This is a warning to us to tackle this migrants issue quickly and in a European spirit, which means in a spirit of solidarity, and to find solutions,” Merkel said. “Today is a dark day... This tragedy affects us all deeply,” Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner told a press conference. Mikl-Leitner vowed to crack down on the people who pocket exorbitant sums to arrange migrants’ passage to Europe, and then often leave them stranded en route. “Human traffickers are criminals,” she said. Austrian newspaper Kurier carried an black front page on Thursday with the headline: “Who will stop this madness?” AFP

f r i D aY : a u G u s t 2 9, 2 0 1 5

WORLD

cesar barrioquinto EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Stiffer US gun control unlikely AUCTION SALE

ERRORS & OMISSIONS

ACME PAWNSHOP

In Classified Ads section must be brought to our attention the very day the advertisement is published. We will not be responsible for any incorrect ads not reported to us immediately.

1 Level Glorietta 3 Ayala, Makati and its branches in Mejalco Bldg., Buenavidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati and L & R Bldg., Pasay Road, Makati auction sale on September 05, 2015, 2:00 pm Alabang Town Center, Alabang Zapote Road, MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas, Circle C G14, #17 Congressional Ave., Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City at 2:30 pm. All items pawned April 1-30, 2015 Notary Public st

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AUCTION SALE CINTHY PAWNSHOP All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on: SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 STA. MESA – 8:00 AM # 3630 Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. Sta. Mesa, Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

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AUCTION SALE PENTHOUSE PAWNSHOP All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 at BETTER - 8:00 AM at # 82 Betterliving Subd. Parañaque City at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE POB CASA DE EMPEÑOS All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 at the ff. branches: ST. FRANCIS - 10:30 AM at # 40 Kingfisher St., St. Francis, Meycauayan, Bulacan POBLACION – 11:30 AM # 721 Barrera St., Poblacion, Baliuag, Bulacan at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE TAMCAR PAWNSHOP CORP. All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 at the ff. branches: BUSTILLOS -2:00 PM at # L2522-28 Road 216, Earnshaw Bustillos, Manila SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 CALOOCAN – 1:00 PM # 434 J. RODRIGUEZ ST., at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE PEARLAS PAWNSHOP CO., INC. All unredeemed pledges d u r i n g t h e m o n t h o f APRIL 2015 w i l l b e s o l d t o p u b l i c a u c t i o n o n SEPTEMBER 04, 2015 a t t h e f f . b r a n c h e s : MONTILLANO 12:30 PM at 249 Montillano St., Alabang, Muntinlupa C i t y SEPTEMBER 07, 2015 SUMULONG – 9:00 AM # 24 Sumulong Hway Sto. Niño, Marikina City CONCEPCION – 10:00 AM #19 Bayan Bayanan Ave., Concepcion, M a r i k i n a C i t y SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 G . N U E V O – 9 : 0 0 A M Ta n H o c k B l d g . , C o r. E D S A , M a k a t i C i t y SEPTEMBER 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 B . B A R R I O - 11 : 3 0 A M # 3 5 Malolos Ave., B. Barrio, C a l o o c a n C i t y SEPTEMBER 2 3 , 2 0 1 5 VA L E N Z U E L A – 1 2 : 0 0 P M # 11 5 F a u s t i n o S t . , P u n t u r i n , Va l e n z u e l a City at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

MR. JESSOM LABAMSAM Please contact Jennelyn Sales at 0999-4833769 or echo.poon@isshk.org<mailto:echo.poon@isshk.org> For discussion on the welfare of a child born in Hong Kong on 25.6.2014. MR. ARTHUR TOMAD Please contact Jennelyn Sales at 0999-4833769 or echo.poon@isshk.org<mailto:echo.poon@isshk.org> For discussion on the welfare of a child born in Hong Kong on 22.2.2010. Doc. No. 0783 Page No. 0163 Book No. 1102 Series of 2015

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AUCTION SALE

NORTHERN LEGASPI

N.C. TAMBUNTING

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 at NAVOTAS - 2:30 PM at # 256 Champaca St., Navotas Metro Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 7, 2015 at PATEROS - 8:00 AM at # M. Almeda Cor. B. Morcilla St., Pateros, Metro Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

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WESTCHESTER

RACATAM PAWNSHOP CO., INC.

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All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 at the ff. branches: HERRAN - 8:00 AM at # 1101 P. Gil St., Paco, Manila STA. ANA – 10:00 AM # 390 AP Reyes Cor. JP Rizal St., Makati City at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

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AUCTION SALE PANG NEGOSYO PAWNSHOP

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 at RITZ - 12:00 PM at Stall # New Muntinlupa Public Market, Alabang Muntinlupa City JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 07, 2015 at the ff. branches: COUNTRYSIDE - 12:30 PM at 49 Countryside Ave., Sta. Lucia, Pasig City JUNCTION – 2:30 PM # Star Valley Plaza Mall, Junction at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER ( T S - A U G . 2 9 , 2 0 15 )

AUCTION SALE

LUIROM PAWNSHOP CO., INC.

MAKATI LUXURY JEWELRY PAWNSHOP CO., All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 04, 2015 at BF Homes – 10:00 AM # 43 President’s Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque City SPL - 3:00 PM at Casa Hacienda San Pedro, Laguna on SEPTEMBER 07, 2015 at the ff. branches: ROMULO - 10:00 AM at 135 13TH Ave., Cor. P. Tuazon, Cubao, QC SANTOLAN – 4:00 PM 526 ADR Bldg., Dela Paz, Santolan, Pasig City on SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 JP RIZAL – 11:00 AM # 529 Olympia St., JP Rizal, Makati City ALPHALAND – 5:00 PM G11 South Gate Towers, P. Tamo Ext., Makati City MANUELA – 3:00 PM G/F Starmall, Wack2, Mandaluyong City SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 LALOMA – 11:30 AM # 67 Calavite St., Brgy., P. Bundok, QC RETIRO - 12:30 PM # 270 N.S. amoranto Street, Retiro QC. ROTONDA – 2:00 PM # 1 Sto. Tomas St., Rotonda QC at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

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ownership by ruling that the constitutional right to bear arms included the right to keep a loaded handgun for self-defense. The government can still impose some restrictions, such as prohibiting convicted criminals and the mentally ill from owning guns and requiring background checks prior to purchase. But the political climate has led to a drastic loosening of gun controls in recent years, despite the many calls to the contrary following a series of increasingly horrific mass shootings. President Barack

who has published four books on gun control. Republicans are closely aligned with gun rights supporters and are strongly opposed to enacting most laws championed by Obama. “Also, the gun lobby has been fairly effective at advancing its message that gun laws don’t really matter,” Spitzer said in a telephone interview. “There is mounting evidence that gun laws do matter -- especially on people who ought not to have access to guns -- but that is not the prevailing political message that many or most Americans hear, which is that gun laws only restrict honest people and don’t have an effect on people who would do bad things with guns.” AFP

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CITRINE PAWNSHOP CO., INC

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 at the ff. branches: SUCAT - 9:00 AM at #3 Dr., A. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque City MUNTI – 1:30 PM #659 National Road, Poblacion St., Muntinlupa City SEPTEMBER 07, 2015 SAN JOAQUIN – 1:30 PM # 9 M. Concepcion San Joaquin, Pasig City SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 10TH AVE. – 2:00 PM # 245-B 10TH Ave., Brgy., 60 Zone 6, Caloocan City SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 MARILAO – 1 PM #5 NETWORK AVE., MERALCO VILL. LIAS MARILAO SEPTEMBER BULACAN 11, 2015 SAGRADA – 11:00AM #1978 ESTRADA ST., FORMER SAGRADA FAMILIA STA. ANA, MLA. SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 GAGALANGIN – 8:45 AM #2 JUAN LUNA ST., COR. GUIDO ST., TONDO MANILA SEPTEMBER 23, 2015, STO NIÑO – 9:30 AM #30 ST., THERESE COR, ST. PETER, P3 STO NIÑO MEYCAUAN BULACAN at JUAN LANUZA & SONS- AUCTIONEER

The shocking onair murder of a young reporter and a cameraman by a disgruntled former colleague Wednesday has once again renewed calls for stricter gun controls. That is simply not going to happen, experts said, and the trend in recent years has actually gone in the opposite direction. “You can’t get rid of them,” Harry Wilson, a professor at Roanoke College in Virginia near the scene of the latest shooting told AFP. A landmark 2008 decision by the Supreme Court outlawed the major restrictions on gun

Obama pushed hard but failed to restrict the sale of military-style assault rifles and failed to strengthen background checks after 20 children were killed in a shooting at a Newtown, Connecticut elementary school in December 2012. Obama said last month that his failure to tighten gun laws was the greatest source of frustration during his time in office. “We’ve not seen any movement on national gun law changes in recent years because of the Republican party’s ascendance at the national level and also because the gun lobby is very effective politically at mobilizing their supporters,” said Robert Spitzer, a professor at State University of New York at Cortland

All unredeemed pledges during the month of APRIL 2015 will be sold to public auction on SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 at the ff. branches: PRITIL - 8:00 AM at 1833 N. Zamora St., Pritil, Tondo, Manila BLUMENTRITT – 10:30 AM #1687 M. Hizon St., Blumentritt, Manila VARONA – 8:30 AM 1872 F. VARONA ST., BRGY 95, ZONE 8, TONDO, MANILA SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 ALTURA – 9:00 AM # 418 Altura St. Sta. Mesa, Manila at JUAN LANUZA & SONSAUCTIONEER

AUCTION SALE

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CHICAGO—With mass shootings seemingly happening on a daily basis, it appears no place in the United States is safe from carnage: not churches, not schools, not even the morning newscast.

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Nature’s bounty. People harvest white grapes in a vineyard at the Chateau Carbonnieux in Leognan near Bordeaux, southwestern France, on August 28, 2015. AFP

Nestle sued for slave-labor-caught fish NEW YORK—Swiss food giant Nestle is being sued in the United States for allegedly knowingly allowing its Fancy Feast cat food to contain fish from a Thai supplier that uses slave labor. Pet food buyers filed the class action lawsuit on Thursday in US federal court in Los Angeles. They seek to represent all California consumers of Fancy Feast who would not have purchased the product had they known it had ties to slave labor. According to the lawsuit, Nestle works with Thai Union

Frozen Products PCL to import more than 28 million pounds (13 million kilograms) of seafoodbased pet food for top brands sold in the United States, and that some of the ingredients in those products came from slave labor. Men and boys, often trafficked from Thailand’s poorer neighbors Myanmar and Cambodia, are sold to fishing boat captains who need crews aboard their ship, the complaint said. It spoke of shifts of up to 20 hours a day with little or no pay, and beatings or even death if the

work is deemed unsatisfactory. “By hiding this from public view, Nestle has effectively tricked millions of consumers into supporting and encouraging slave labor on floating prisons,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of the Hagens Berman law firm. “It’s a fact that the thousands of purchasers of its top-selling pet food products would not have bought this brand had they known the truth that hundreds of individuals are enslaved, beaten or even murdered in the production of its pet food.” AFP

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PROPERTY

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR

jdlacsamana@gmail.com

real estate unease. Disputes, terrorism, cyberattacks and hacking, upheavals and unrests, are some issues bothering the industry.

JaunT To Paradise. AirAsia recently unveiled aircraft livery featuring the distinctive logo of Henann Group of Resorts, a resort developer whose luxury accommodations in Boracay, Bohol and Palawan are rapidly becoming the talk of the town. Henann opened last weekend its biggest hotel and resort in Panglao Island in Bohol with the distinctive-marked AirAsia plane ferrying media and guests from Manila, led by Henann Group of Resorts Chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey and son, Karl Chusuey, vice president for marketing. The Henann Group operates three properties in Boracay — The Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, the Henann Garden Resort, and the Henann Lagoon Resort. AirAsia flies 3x daily to Bohol from Manila. Shown in photo (from left) : Karlo Sanchez, head of ancillary for AirAsia Philippines; Joy Cañeba, chief executive officer of AirAsia Philippines; Dr. Henry Chusuey; and Karl Chusuey.

Working for a viable World. Holcim Philippines CEO Eduardo Sahagun recently called on consumers to support companies committed to sustainability during the Kalikasan GP3 Expo Confence. He said the impetus these companies gain from like-minded citizens encourages them to invest further in operations that are safe, and environment-friendly. “As a member of the Lafarge-Holcim Group, we follow high standards of sustainability wherever we operate,” Sahagun said. “Viability for us means living a balance of people, planet and profit.” Sahagun added that group is committed to reduce its carbon footprint through efficiency initiatives and product innovations. “Our products that have been awarded the ecolabel for being environment-friendly, help us fulfill our CO2 reduction targets. We are offering these products that help our customers,” he said.

norThPine land on The Move. Building communities for the middle income market is a crowded field. But if you’re company that specializes in well-designed homes, with spacious, flexible environments that allow for growth, expansion and healthy social interaction for families, you may have something for thinking buyers out there. Enter NorthPine Land, Inc. which has become one of the industry’s major players, building several projects in Cavite, Laguna, Antipolo City and Pasig City. These include Greenwoods, Wind Crest, Kahaya Place and Kohana Grove in Cavite (Shown in photo); South Hampton in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Forest Ridge in San Isidro, Antipolo Cty; and Lexington in San Joaquin, Pasig City. With all of these innovative projects and more to come soon, NorthPine Land is raising the bar for the real estate industry.

dMci hoMES clArifiES AllEgEd lAPSES DMCI recently insisted that it built the controversial Torre de Manila project with the intention to “follow the rule of law” from the very start. “From the time of Mayor Lim to Mayor Estrada, we had always one or provided everything that was required of us as far as compliance is concerned,” said Engr. Florence Loreto, DMCI Homes spokesperson. Loreto said that during the time of Mayor Lim the company applied for a permit to construct a 49-storey residential building, and it was granted. She clarified that the company was “never called for any deficiency, so there was nothing to appeal or correct.” She add-

Ze hot seat. Built on a “university cluster zone”?

ed that, “We would’ve proceeded differently if that wasn’t the case.” Loreto said that when Mayor Estrada took over, he requested a review of all building permits issued during the previous administration. She emphasized that this review covered all developers who were issued permits without explicit variances or

exemptions. “We immediately volunteered to comply and eventually the City Council ratified all previously granted permits,” she said. On the issue of the “virtual heritage zone”, Loreto explained that what the company has on hand as reference is the zoning map of the City Planning office, which describes the area where the project is as a university cluster zone. “There is no mention of a histo-cultural zone or PUD where the project is located,” she said. Loreto added that “this issue only highlights the need for clear, specific and coordinated laws and guidelines.”

ASEAN iNtEgrAtioN to bE tAcklEd At PhilrES coNvENtioN

wo of the country’s acknowledged experts on ASEAN and APEC, and a regional expert on national security who once served as secretary of tourism and secretary of the interior and local governments, have been invited to address delegates at the forthcoming National Convention of the Philippine Institute of Real Estate Service Practitioners, Inc. (PHILRES). The event will be held on September 28-29 at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Close to two thousand delegates are expected to attend the two-day convention that is being organized by PhilRES, currently the largest association of licensed and accredited real estate service practitioners in the country. For the licensed professionals, attendance at these learning sessions may be credited with various units for continuing professional development by the Professional Regulatory Board for Real Estate Service (PRBRES). Mixed feelings Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia D. Albert, a career diplomat and former undersecretary for international economic relations, director-general of the ASEAN national secretariat, and senior official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), will wade though the mixed feelings of various sectors about the forthcoming ASEAN Integration. The local business community, in particular, have expressed about integration, what brought this about and why there is a need for it. The conference intends to help define the ASEAN agenda, and map out strategies on how best to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Former DFA undersecretary for economic affairs and chairman of the APEC senior officials meetings,

AIM Professor Dr. Frederico Macaranas, will explain how both ASEAN and APEC can bring about the promotion of economic cooperation for all the member countries. Questions expected to surface include how ASEAN and APEC will complement each other? How should such convergence play out, and which initiatives would have the highest probability of success? safeTy, securiTy The concern for the real estate sector is safety and security. Disputes, terrorism, cyberattacks and hacking, upheavals and unrests seem to occur with increasing frequency and these in turn creates apprehension and fear among people scouring around for properties or communities in which to settle. MAP national security committee chairman and former secretary of Tourism, as well as of the Interior and Local Governments Rafael Alunan III, will speak on this concern. The aforementioned resource persons are among a dozen renowned policy and industry experts that have been invited to address this first PhilRES national convention. Hosted by the PhilRES Quezon City chapter, the convention has drawn enthusiastic response from among the more than 50 chapters of PhilRES nationwide, and allied national and regional real estate associations. Some 400 real estate practitioners have fully registered, with close to a thousand more already on the reservation list. Interested participants are advised to contact the secretariat of the host PhilRES Quezon City chapter at secretariat@philresqc.com or call any of the following telephone numbers: (0917) 379-4094, (0917) 578-9800, (0917) 9989332, or (02) 782-5249. The convention website at www. philresqc.com may be visited for additional information.

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B8 aerial perspective of solinea’s multi-tower development. Like being on vacation at the hear of an urban setting.

JOEL D. L ACSAMANA EDITOR jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PROPERTY

Queen City to get boost with solinea

he Standard recently got a peek into Alveo Land’s latest development in rapidly expanding Cebu — Solinea. Alveo is an old hand in Cebu. Whether for residential or corporate uses, its properties have been in demand in the Queen City. Introducing the first office for sale project in Cebu, BPI Cebu Corporate Center is the number one business address in the city. Sedona Parc, Alveo’s first residence in the district, is nearly sold out since completion last year. And with its recent win as the 2015 Best Condominium Development in Cebu, Solinea in now selling aggressively as it takes shape. solinea lazuli Solinea is Alveo’s first multi-tower development in Cebu, offering the experience of a vacation-like, residential lifestyle at the heart of an urban enclave. From its strategic location to the careful selection of amenities, the attention to detail that went into the project’s masterplan is evident in every facet of the development. Solinea is located right across Ayala Center Cebu, giving resi-

dents access to the best hotspots of Cebu Park District. A fusion of Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park (formerly known as Asiatown IT Park), Cebu Park District bridges the best elements of Cebu’s leading growth centers, and brings Ayala Land’s vision of integrated living in Cebu to life. Solinea’s third tower, Lazuli, is the only single-tower development in Solinea situated on the quiet side of the development. Residents will get to enjoy the Ultramarine, a 6,000 sqm. resort lifestyle zone. The area will have a clubhouse, a 1,000 sqm. multi-experiential pool complex, a raintree play park and children’s play area. The Ultramarine clubhouse will also have a lobby, function rooms, gym, pocket garden, game room, dance studio and a roof deck. Lazuli, in particular, will also have an outdoor lounge with hammock cabanas by the Ultramarine, a Yin and Yang meditation pod, a function room, and a Me Nook for the perfect escape. Lazuli offers a total of 605 units with a mix of studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom units

water, water, everywhere. The Ultramarine is a 6,000 sqm. lifestyle zone that one can easily get used to.

ranging in size from 25 to 133 sqm. There are also special units called Urban Villas located in the podium amenity level, which are all sold out. Residences in Lazuli go for P2.6 million for a studio, and up to P18.8 million for a 150-sqm. 3 Bedroom penthouse unit. bPi Cebu CorPorate Center Businesses seeking an address like the Cebu Business Park need look no further than BPI Cebu Corporate Center. Located at the gateway of the Cebu Business Park, the development will provide an oppor-

Quiet sanCtuary. 53 Benitez, Rockwell Primaries’ first project, is targeted at families and young urban professionals who hanker for the quiet suburbs of Quezon City. Composed of two towers with seven storeys each, 53 Benitez brings the famed Rockwell exclusivity to its residents.Tower 2 also provides a clear view of the San Juan skyline. “With the growing selection of available living spaces in Metro Manila, today’s homeowners are seeking out trusted brands that provide nothing short of the best in property management and efficient design of living spaces,” said Malou Pineda, senior vice president, Rockwell Primaries Development Corporation. Rockwell Primaries is the newest subsidiary of Rockwell Land and aims to provide quality living to the broader market with its three properties: 53 Benitez, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, and East Bay Residences.

tunity for firms, companies and individual investors in Cebu and neighboring provinces to have first ownership of office condominium units. “BPI Cebu Corporate Center has the unique opportunity of offering prime office units for sale rather than for lease,” said VC Bacungan, project development manager for Alveo Land. “BPI Cebu Corporate Center brings to Cebu premier workscapes in the same tradition as Ayala Land’s Tower One and Exchange Plaza in the Makati CBD and Alveo Land’s High Street South Corporate Plaza Towers 1 and 2 in Bonifacio

Global City,” said Bacungan. “With the success of our first office for sale product in Metro Manila, we decided to bring this investment opportunity to Cebu as well.” The high-quality office building suits mid- to high-scale business operations and would even do well as a regional headquarters. Aside from the Bank of the Philippine Islands, the center will also be the base for a large local manufacturing company, among others. Typical office units range in size from 68 to 143 sqm., with prices ranging from P8.7 million to P18.7 million.

southern exPosure. 3 Forty Fifth Residences is a new luxury condominium development in Alabang, Muntinlupa launched recently by Top Market Property Development and Management Inc., the same group behind builder, A.M Oreta & Co. 3 Forty Fifth Residences is located inside Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang business and information technology district which houses the country’s top BPO and Fortune 500 companies. Grandii V. Abarico, Forty Fifth Residences sales and marketing head, said the development is the only property in Northgate Alabang where expats and executives can take a short walk to their workplace from home. 3 Forty Fifth Residences is ready for occupancy, with the turnover of units to get under way within July.

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TATUM ANCHETA EDITOR

BING PAREL

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

BERNADETTE LUNAS WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

P OP CU LT U RE

LIFE

CAN YOU AFFORD THE LOW COST OF LIVING? Something’s b e e n bothering me as of late. Just exactly how much is this “low cost of THE ARMCHAIR living in the Philippines” PILOSOPA we hear so BY IZZY WARREN much about at GONZALEZ #StartUpPH meetings, VC summits, and investment fishing expeditions? If you are a twenty-something freelancer/ startup entrepreneur living in Makati, you spend about P15,000 including association dues for a small flat in the less-shiny-butfar-more-cost-effective part of town, P35 for six gallons of drinking water, and about P300 if you just had six light-bulbs and a fan in your house. That’s P15,335 each month, or P184,020 a year. Okay, let’s assume that you’re not a Buddhist monk or a plant and that you need more than water and sunlight to live; a food budget of P4,000 a month is a sensible budget for modest eating. That’s just under P45 per meal, three times a day, for 30 days. Heating: one canister of butane costs P89 and that is enough to power those little tabletop stoves that you buy at the Korean supermarkets for one week. Get a fridge, tack on perhaps P450 more to your electricity bill. Need to clean the dishes? Shower, maybe? Running water, about P100 each month. You’re now spending P20,330 each month, or P243,960 each year. A lot of people believe the basic needs of survival include mobile phones and Internet, but little do they know that you’ve already been spending 20 grand a month just to have food, water, electricity, indoor plumbing, and an “indoors” to speak of. Buy P150 worth of phone credit a week, and an Internet dongle

for P1,000 a month. Have meetings and paying gigs? Add transportation expenses of P60 a day. Don’t forget your multivitamin so that you don’t get sick and have to pay for medicine and doctors’ bills down the line – P7 a day. You need P23,940 a month, or P287,280 a year to say you’ve got all the essentials. What about debt? Say you are about P200,000 in debt because of those shiny electronic gadgets you need for work, you pesky millennial, you! Let’s also assume that Mother Teresa’s ghost is in charge of collecting on your loan, because there are no penalties. Paying debts off in one fell swoop, if you can manage it, would be wonderful – even if you have to go hungry, sweaty, and thirsty in the dark for a few days to manage it. But with no other payoff on the horizon, you need to space that out. Just so that you don’t necessarily have to die because you wanted to be debt-free. Debt eradication: P16, 666.67 a month. You’re spending P40, 606.67 per month for a hand-to-mouth existence. Say you need clothes because everything you own is either a t-shirt or has more holes than the explanation of Hacienda

Luisita: P1,000 a month for new clothes or the services of a tailor. And hey, a little airconditioning once in a while won’t hurt, right? Add P450 more to your electric bill. All the dry air in your house makes you thirstier, so another P35 for water. Running cost of living like a gypsy is now at P42,091.67 per month, or about P505,100 per year. Need to attend training seminars/ join networking nights like all effective freelancers/startup entrepreneurs? P4,000 a month. Do you miss your friends, eating at restaurants, dancing in nightclubs? P4,000 a month. Want to see the country you’ve spent so much money in, or travel the world as the international equivalent of sabit sa jeepney? P3,333.34 a month. Decide that your flat is not a prison cell and zhuzh the place up a bit? P3,000 a month for really beautiful things if you buy at Crate & Barrel. Get into yoga or fitness, because nobody wants to spend like this, alone, forever: P2,000 a month. Someone who is seen as doing well, yet still living as frugally as possible, spends about P58, 425.01 each month in order to live comfortably. Throw some luxury reward-buys into the mix

at P20,000 a pop three times a year, maybe a persistent nicotine habit (P13,505 a year, pack a day at P37/pack), or play the stock market with a basic portfolio of P10,000 a month, and you’re spending P74, 535.01 every 30 days. That’s P894, 420.02 per year. If you don’t want to be 60 years old and worried about your next meal, you’d better be saving at least 30 percent of every paycheck. In order to do that with your expenses, you’d better be taking home P96, 895.50 net of taxes each month. Can you afford the low cost of living in the Philippines? Maybe if our salaries were competitive, our utilities weren’t priced like cocaine, our Internet so slow that we’re just a wee bit faster than Af-frickingghanistan, and our currency weren’t so flimsy, we could actually enjoy this so-called perk of our “rapidly developing economy.” Low cost of living? More like high cost of surviving. Tired of spending so much to live broke? Send me an email at thearmchairpilosopa@gmail.com, tweet or Instagram me @ArmchrPilosopa, or follow my tumblr at thearmchairpilosopa.com

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

BEST OF ANIME

International performers top bill annual event at SMX Convention Center

Joe Inoue

UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ

takus, rejoice! An interesting lineup of performers for the Best of Anime convention on September 19 and 20 at the SMX Convention Center of the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City is sure to appeal to all anime fans. Top-billing this exciting annual anime event is Japanese pop singer EirAoi, popular for her debut single “Memoria” which is the ending theme to the anime series Fate/Zero; “Aurora” (Mobile Suit Gundam AGE); “Innocence” (used in Sword Art Online); and “Sirius,” the opening theme to the smash hit fightathon series Kill la Kill. A music lover at an early age, Eir formed her own high school band, debuted in 2011 and has since released nine singles,two albums, and has held 20

Eir Aoi

concerts across Asia, Europe, and South America. Also in the lineup is singersongwriter Joe Inoue who will delight fans with his humor and songs. Born in California, Inoue rose to fame as the singer of “Closer,” one of the opening songs for the popular anime Naruto: Shippuden. His single “Kaze no Gotoku” was used as the second theme song of the anime “Gintama.” He is currently signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan, under Sony Music Artist Inc. Also returning to BoA this year is indie V-kei band UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ that previously made waves across the country after releasing covers of various Filipino songs like Kamikaze’s “Narda,” Rivermaya’s “Liwanag sa Dilim,” Rocksteddy’s “Superhero” and Orange &

Lemons’ “Pinoy Ako.” The band became even more of a fan favorite when it became one of the first international acts that came to the aid of Typhoon Yolanda victims by holding a fundraising concert in Japan, and visiting the makeshift shelters in the typhoon-ravaged areas. The 6th Best of Anime spells two days of otaku fellowship and opportunities to learn more about the culture of Japan. Activities include art competitions like the Quickdraw Competition which gathers young and talented artists; the BoA Superstar where contestants take center stage and perform their own renditions of beloved Japanese songs; and the Battle of the Bands where aspiring rock stars get to perform covers of Japanese songs. Cosplay highlights include the All-Star Cosplay Competition where cosplayers outdo each other with their costumes and skits; the BoA InterSchool Cosplay Competition Finals, where winners from different schools battle it out; and the World Cosplay Summit that will see winners flying to Japan to represent the Philippines. The Best of Anime is co-located at the biggest book fair in the country, The Manila International Book Fair, slated on September 16 to 20. Also co-located at the MIBF is DigiTech Manila, the largest gathering of digital technology leaders, experts, and practitioners in education. DigiTech is slated on September 17 to 18. For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

THE PSYCHONAUTICS OF MIGUEL PAULO BORJA The artist in his cosmic space

rom the title of his upcoming exhibit this September 5 – Psychonaut – one could sense young visual artist Miguel Paulo Borja’s insatiable curiosity to explore the vast panoramic space beyond man’s reach. After all, the word psychonaut or “a sailor of the soul” as the popular description goes, can be taken as a reference to those in search of deeper insights and spiritual experiences. One could sense a certain sense of longing that emanates from the figures in Borja’s paintings – a sort of bittersweet irony that reflects the human condition. And yet, a sense of tragedy is also evoked. Borja, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts and Design in 2010, paints scavengers, wanderers and transients in search of purpose, navigating through a world that looks familiar but feels entirely alien. Psychonaut is Borja’s realization that man is meant to plunge himself into the depths of darkness, embracing moments of uncertainty and fear.

Homesick 3x3 Acrylic on Canvas

Curiosity, after all, is in man’s nature – the need to discover if there is life beyond earth, in a bid to alleviate the trans-dimensional loneliness that assails man. In that context, one could see the reason for man’s insatiable curiosity is simple terms: the basic and

Feeling Like An Alien In My Own Space Suit 3x3 Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas

universal need for a genuine human connection. Many ancient belief systems have revolved around the worship of the cosmos, and it’s not difficult to wonder why. The vast and panoramic expanse of the night sky spurns irony as much as it invites curiosity. It can

The Watcher 5x5 Acrylic and Spraypaint on Canvas

be both a spiritual experience as well as a reflection of man’s fear of it and the need to fathom it: a merging of science and spirituality; a movement outwards as much as it is inwards. Raw and undisguised, yet neither restrained nor devoid of its own terrors, Borja’s riveting images

surface from the deep recesses of reality, with the meaning of truth emerging in layers. Check out Miguel Paulo Borja’s upcoming exhibit on Sept. 5 at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

What happens when Facebook goes down... for good? (Part 2 of 2)

THE GIST BY ED BIADO

aving one of the largest Internet properties vanishing without any trace is indeed an unprecedented event of seismic proportions. Should we experience a mysterious Facebook outage, it would be pandemonic. Whether we admit it or not, realize it or not, we are – directly and indirectly – heavily reliant on the social networking site. Last Saturday, we mused on what could be the immediate scenario after Facebook’s inexplicable demise. In that hypothetical situation, even the people at Facebook themselves didn’t know what was going on; the whole world is in the dark. Add to that the puzzling occurrence that facebook.com now hosts a different website, something that a random person or organization put up when the domain name suddenly became available. Read all about the first five hours of the scenario on manilastandardtoday. com/2015/08/21/what-happenswhen-facebook-goes-down-for-good. But now, let’s jump 24 hours later. After one full day, almost everyone of Facebook’s 1.5 billion users will be aware that they can no longer access their accounts. Questions such as “Are all the content and data still available, or has everything been wiped clean?” will start popping up. It’s a valid concern because some people have their whole lives documented on Facebook, via pictures, videos, notes, check-ins and rants. It’s a scary thought to not be able to retrieve them. Third-party individuals and firms will begin their respective investigations of the outage and preliminary results may or may not tell us something useful. (I’m not a tech guy so I don’t know if they can actually probe without Facebook’s permission and how long it will take if they can and will.) Other popular Internet services that bogged down the previous day due to unusually high traffic would’ve been fixed. Instagram, in particular, would be experiencing that kind of insane high user activity for two reasons: (1) people still need to post pictures and (2) those people who know that Facebook owns the photo-sharing app want to know if it got affected by the “event.” For the purpose of this thought experiment, Instagram is safe and sound. By this time – a day and a half in – someone will take credit of

the “event,” probably a hacker or hacktivist. This may or may not be true, but media will be all over it and assessing the situation from all possible angles. Insiders, pundits, lay people will all weigh in, making it all the more convoluted and confusing. Also, someone’s bound to have come up with a Facebook clone/copycat/alternative but Rome wasn’t built in a day so it will be glitchy, buggy and quite useless. Meanwhile, existing social networks like Google+ and LinkedIn will be the go-to places for people in constant need of online connections because they’re the services that most resemble Facebook today. Specialty social networks and messaging services (Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Tumblr etc.) will continue to buzz and perhaps gain plenty of new users along the way. On the other hand, most of the 1.5-billion-strong Facebook army will not be seeking an alternative so quickly because they’re not addicts. Studies say that Facebook withdrawal normally kicks in a week or two – and this only applies to individuals who are addicted to the service. So in the interim, people will not be feeling the blues. We will only start to feel the impact of the loss when we realize that we don’t have automatic birthday reminders anymore, or that we can’t send and receive game supplies with our friends anymore. In fact, we’ll soon realize that we’ve quite literally lost most of our

Photo by Prathan Chorruangsak / Shutterstock.com

contacts because Facebook is the only palace where we’re connected with people from different points of our lives. Remember? This is where we reconnected with our childhood friends. And now, we’ve lost those connections again. The point is, we will have reactions to the “event” and its aftermath. Some will be more drastic than others. There might even be a support helpline set up for those who need to speak to someone to cope with the loss

because some people will truly feel grief – remember those 911 calls we talked about last Saturday? The noise will not die down anytime soon. Facebook will release statements and there’s a slight chance that they’ll actually tell us what they really know about what happened. But we’re betting that they’ll come up with facacta stories just to shut us up. But we won’t, obviously. Comprehensive timelines, oral histories, tributes and homages will be written.

Documentaries will air everywhere. Books will be published. There may even be a movie about the whole thing down the line. The true Facebook alternative will eventually emerge and reconnect the world once more. And we have the strongest suspicion that it’s also the people from Facebook who will come up with that. Right, Mark? Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @EdBiado

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

IG SPY

DOSES OF DESIGN F

eeling like you’re stuck in a rut with the bland and tedious cycle of an everyday routine? Maybe you’re literally stuck in an uninspired living or work space that no longer motivates you, or worse, you no longer want to be in. We live in this huge, beautiful world and we’re lucky if we can have a space that we can call ours, albeit temporarily, so why

@LIFEatStandard

@idrmauronepomucenojr

not make it as pleasing and inspiring as possible? If you can’t afford or can’t decide yet whether to get professional help or go all out DIY, or you just need a daily dose of #homeinspo and #interiordesigninspo on your Instagram feed (to break the monotony of #selfies and #foodporn), here are four interior design IG accounts for your daily dose of design inspiration.

A Metro Manila-based interior designer and illustrator, Mau treats his initial 266 followers (we believe more will be clicking that “follow” button soon) with snapshots of his latest projects – from residential to office spaces. Aside from #interiordesigninspo, followers can take a look at the life of an interior designer and appreciate the fun and interesting side of sourcing for materials, receiving lighting deliveries, and making fixtures and furniture from scratch.

@homepolish

@homesteadseattle

@lucina_home

An interior design service firm that came to life when online news media company coder, Will Nathan, and high-end interior designer, Noa Santos, met in 2012 and decided to establish a startup where people can easily get set up with interior designers. Its IG account features snaps of the projects of its over 200 designers in cities across the US. If you’re more into minimal modernism or prefer aesthetics that are equally classic and eclectic, they got them in spades for you. As of this writing, Homepolish has 439,000 followers who take interior design cues from its swoon-worthy shots.

Vintage is all the rage today, and if you happen to be a fan of leather tufted couches, mid-century drafting tables, and tchotchkes from the years past, this one is for you. More than an Instagram account with 21,500 followers to date, it’s also a furniture and home goods shop, so it’s basically possible to purchase that Percival Lafer couch that you just “liked” – granted, of course, that it’s still available. Most of the design inspirations the account offers, which is handled by “curators and furniture lovers,” evoke a warm, homey vibe, complete with furniture and decors in earth tones and a pot or two of shrub for good measure.

For your daily dose of old world charm with a clean and modern twist, this furniture and home décor shop based in Sta. Rosa, Laguna will fill your Instagram feed with sophisticated hand-painted furniture and classic ornaments on (almost) a daily basis. Neutrals, pastels and a generous heaping of teals here and there abound. And according to Lucina, no two items are the same “since everything is handcrafted” so no two photos are alike as well. Currently having over 3,500 followers, the IG account offers snippets of inspiration for dining room, bedroom and living room.

V I S UA L TA L K

Food Celebrities BY MELISSA VIBAR

Have you ever tried some clever word play involving individuals, and imagined what they would look like? What if your favorite celebrities became food? You might say that it’s a crazy idea but hey, let’s not limit our imagination. Check out these illustrations that play on the punny combination of a celebrity and food.

SAT URDAY : AUGUST 2 9 : 2015

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

The Voice Kids season 2 Top 4 artists Reynan and Esang (Team Lea) and Elha and Sassa (Team Bamboo)

‘the voiCe Kids’ season 2 gRand finals ISAH V. RED The next grand champion of The Voice Kids will come from either Team Lea or Team Bamboo. The top-rating and Twitter-trending singing competition on Sunday night (Aug 23) named Reynan and Esang of Team Lea and Elha and Sassa of Team Bamboo as the Top 4 young artists voted by the public who will face off in the highly anticipated grand finals next weekend. The kids in Team Sarah – Zephanie and Kyle – were left out, and Sarah Geronimo says, “Ganoon talaga. Hindi natin alam kung sinong pipiliin ng mga manonood.” Leading the public poll was Reynan, with 32.98 percent of the votes, followed by Esang, with 19.24 perent. Completing this season’s grand finalists are Elha (18.23 perent) and Sassa (13.71percent), who both impressed the public with their hair-raising performances.

Today and tomorrow, Reynan, Esang, Elha, and Sassa battle it out for one last time as they woo the public to vote for them. The grand champion will receive a recording contract from MCA Music Inc., a music instrument package, a family utility vehicle, a house and lot worth P2 million from Camella Homes, P1 million cash, and a P1 million trust fund. The grand finals of The Voice Kids Season 2 will be telecast live 6:45 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, 7 p.m. on ABS-CBN. HHHHH Meet Bulaw Howie Severino takes viewers to the faraway tribal community floating on the crocodile –infested waters of the Agusan River to meet its uncommon member. She is called Bulaw, a 13-yearold albino girl who evokes mystery and even awe in her Manobo community. Some think she is a diwata or a child of the sun. But she just wants to be a normal teen-age girl in a culture that believes in rituals and magic.

Howie Severino hosts I-Witness

The modern world is butting into this enclosed community. The first computers have arrived in the school, opening up fresh vistas of knowledge that may soon include the revelation that Bulaw’s condition has more to do with a medical condition than with magic. She is actually the president of her class and has the typical worldly ambitions of a promising student. On the eve of Bulaw’s 13th birthday is a bizarre competition among

the girls around her age in the community. Bulaw has a role too, but different from the other girls’. It’s a warning of the dangers facing their ancient tribe, and at the same time a ray of hope that new knowledge and values can save it. Join Howie Severino as he meets “Bulaw” today in I-Witness, after To The Top on GMA 7. HHHHH ‘MtRCB unCut’ on what “hoRRifies” eveRy Juan and Juana Halfway to the closing of the socalled “Ghost Month,” the infotainment program of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board titled MTRCB Uncut features this Sunday the Filipino’s fascination with horror shows. Join hosts and MTRCB board members Bobby Andrews and Jackie Aquino as they tackle the exciting yet terrifying feeling of watching ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural creatures on TV and motion picture. To give viewers idea on how this genre is able to create a sense

of fear, panic, alarm, and dread for the audience, MTRCB Uncut invites some of today’s acclaimed directors of horror films to the set. Joining them in the show is board member Atty. Jojo Salomon, who, for his part, explains how this type of shows is being rated by MTRCB. Also gracing this Sunday’s episode is veteran character actress Lilia Cuntapay. Dubbed as the “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies,” Lilia has already participated in numerous horror films but is most likely known for her debut role in the film series Shake Rattle and Roll. Meanwhile, MTRCB Chairman Toto Villareal, in the segment “I-Share Mo Kay Chair,” personally answers questions sent to the agency. The chairman discusses the lasting effects of horror movies on children as well as the rating process on festival films. Under the direction of Joey Romero, MTRCB Uncut airs Sundays, 7 pm on Net 25. To get the latest updates about MTRCB, follow its official Twitter (@MTRCBgov) and Instagram (@mtrcbuncut) accounts.

AliCiA Keys CelebrAtes women’s greAtness with levi’s

s it launches its all-new women’s denim collection and Fall 2015 global brand campaign all over the world, Levi’s is also introducing its newest brand ambassador—global artist, multi-Grammyaward-winning singer/songwriter, producer, and activist Alicia Keys. The multi-hyphenated celebrity will lend her one-of-a kind voice and style to the brand for the debut of its all-new transformational women’s denim collection. Celebrating women’s greatness in all fields, the new campaign highlights every woman’s individuality, authenticity, and style. In this campaign, the brand upholds the idea that “behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans,” which is the inspiration of the newest addition to Levi’s denim collection. “When you are authentically yourself, you are so gorgeous and powerful. I’ve come to the revelation that I’m just a jeans girl at

heart. I feel the most confident, comfortable, sexy, and strong in my jeans,” says Alicia Keys. “Levi’s is for every woman . . . there is something for everyone . . . and much like music, Levi’s brings people together from all walks of life and cultures.” The Levi’s brand will not only showcase Keys’ unique personal style and individuality, but will also feature her powerful voice with “28,000 Days,” an exclusive song that is the soundtrack of the campaign. But what makes the global star an icon is what she does outside of music—her devotion to her noteworthy causes. Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a non-profit organization that partners with grassroots organizations to combat the physical, social and economic impact of HIV on children, their families, and their communities in Africa and India. Most recently, Keys launched “We Are Here,” a movement that empowers the

global community to tackle a host of issues and initiatives that build a better world where all people are heard, respected, made equal, and treated with dignity. “People have been living in their Levi’s since we invented the blue jeans—experiencing all the adventures the world has to offer and expressing their own brand of authenticity and unique personal style. Alicia Keys embodies that spirit and brings it to life in such an inspiring and resonant way for women everywhere,” said Jen Sey, Chief Marketing Officer for the Levi’s brand. “We are so proud to launch our new women’s denim collection with Alicia. She truly represents what the Levi’s brand is all about.” For this collection, Levi’s went to ten different markets across the globe and talked to thousands of women to know what they need and want in a pair of jeans. Levi’s incorporated all the information it has learned through the years

and used 60,000 body scans in order to come up with the perfect jeans for different women. Eight decades have taught Levi’s a thing or two about a woman’s body: how to enhance her shape, the styles she wants to wear, and the details that transform a good pair of jeans into the perfect jeans, which is the very foundation of this collection. Utilizing the latest fabric innovations and slimming technologies, the most advanced stretch and recovery system, signature authentic Levi’s details, and world-class finishing, Levi’s has created the perfect-fitting jean for each body type. The latest “Live in Levi’s” campaign continues to pay homage to the iconic brand’s more than 140 years of history of being constant companions to those who wear them and love them—from rock stars to presidents, from farmers to fashion icons, and from entrepreneurs to the everyman.

Keys believes in the greatness of women

Alicia Keys in Levi's

SAT URDAY : AUGUST 2 9 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

DEnnIS’ faITh STILL fIRm afTER PLayIng ka fELIx gLEnn REgOnDOLa Dennis Trillo had spent almost 60 days with members of Iglesia Ni Cristo. He also spent time studying its doctrine, partly to beef up his mien in playing the main character of the film Felix Manalo. By portraying the important role as the founder and the first Executive Minister of the religious sect, many wanted to know if Dennis Trillo ever thought of converting to the sect. The Kapuso actor was firm to say that his experience por-

traying the role wasn’t enough reason to change his religion. Dennis said, “I may not be the devout Catholic that I’m supposed to be as I don’t usually frequent the church, my Catholic faith is firm. I pray a lot. There were confusions for a while, especially when I got the chance to study their religion, know Ka Felix, and be able to work with a lot of our ‘kapatids’ in the process.” The 34-year-old actor also added that he had a very memorable experience during their shoot because he was surrounded by positive people. And he learned that the sect’s teachings are all based on the Bible. “While I’m reading my lines, there are times I would think ‘Bakit nga hindi na lang ganito? This is the truth.’ Why

are there so many religions. But, at the end of the day, I’m born and raised in the Catholic faith, so I am sticking to it,” Dennis affirmed. Felix Manalo, is distributed by Viva Films and will be shown on Oct. 7. Joel Lamangan directed the biopic. HHHHH Derek Ramsay no longer feels “unwelcome” after setting his foot on ABS-CBN grounds for the shoot of his latest film, Ex With Benefits, a co-production between Star Cinema and Viva Films. For a time, there was a “silent ban” on Derek after cutting his ties with the broadcast giant. It is now finally lifted, thanks to director Toto Natividad and Enrico Santos, head of SkyLight Films,

for making it possible. According to Derek, “It all started with the movie Pangi,l which I did for SkyLight Films. I was shocked when Sir Enrico (Santos) went personally to my taping at TV5 and offered me the movie, and we talked things out.” The Kapatid actor said that SkyLight Films being affiliated with Star Cinema was instrumental to his reunion with his former mother studio. “I always have a good relationship with Sir Enrico and Ma’am Malou (Santos, head of Star Cinema),” he said. Derek was quick to clarify that his commitment is with Star Cinema only and not with the network since he has just inked another three-year contract with TV5.

Dennis Trlllo keeps his faith alive even after playing Felix Manalo, the founder of Iglesia Ni Cristo in the movie of the same title

Derek Ramsay stars in Ex with Benefits with co star Coleen Garcia

No oNe uNderstaNds tV sets better thaN LG eLeCtroNiCs

n the 2004 five-part BBC Two documentary series Inventions That Changed the World, Jeremy Clarkson tags television as one of the titular brainchildren— along with the gun, computer, jet, and telephone. There the English broadcaster chronicles how television was able to win wars, enlighten the oppressed, and ultimately change the world all the while stopping it from being changed. From its humble monochrome, five frames per second beginnings, the small screen has since been reinvented time and time again to become the streamlined living room centerpiece that we know, love, and even worship today. This prompts the question, “what’s next for TV?” Global innovation leader, LG Electronics has proven that their novelties have surpassed expec-

tations by true and careful craftsmanship in terms of TV technology development married with remarkable design aesthetics. Truly understanding how trueto-life TV viewing should be, LG is fearless and light-years ahead when it comes to pushing the boundaries to deliver one-of-a-kind television viewing experience. While it may seem clear cut to continue developing the current technology, improving on the design, or adding smart and intuitive components, LG Electronics ventures off and takes a different approach by introducing something so elemental, so painstakingly obvious that it may very well usher the second birth of the television—‘the perfect black.’ ThE PERfECT bLaCk The black in Black & White TVs

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 43 45 47 48 51 52 54 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 — Krishna 5 Smelting waste 9 Word to kitty 13 Irish chanteuse 14 Frat party 15 Mr. Spock’s forte 17 Ovid’s route 18 Pilots’ sightings 19 Pat Morita show 20 Dangerfield’s quest 22 Hollow muffin 24 Miss van Pelt

25 Least 26 Long-distance race 29 Cake-pan type 31 Zodiac sign 32 Focal points 33 Brown the bandleader 36 Likable prez? 37 Astral 40 S&L offering 41 Limb 42 Pro — (in proportion)

Shaman’s quest Vendettas Stage whispers Keys in data Husky’s burden Nukes the leftovers Soft hues Uniforms New Mexico town Typical DeMille flick Elegant wrap Running wild Vegas rival Had a mortgage La — (weather worry) Intersect

DOWN 1 Charles to Elizabeth 2 Before, in combos 3 Deli loaves 4 Noise blocker 5 Plaster 6 On a high plane 7 Way back when 8 Breathe hard 9 Inclined gently 10 One-tenth of a legion 11 Yucca kin 12 Loses steam 16 Grocery carrier

was never really black. If anything, it resembled a dull dark gray. By pioneering the technology behind the OLED TV, LG is able to revolutionize the definition of image quality with the infinite contrast ratio, creating crystal clear clarity, and richer contrast that never before existed. “Through the years, LG has been at the forefront of the technological landscape, creating innovations that shape our television viewing experience,” said LG Electronics Philippines Vice President for Home Entertainment, Tony An. “By introducing the perfect black technology, we are now able to see images more vividly and in full color reality.” What sets the cutting-edge LG OLED TV apart from all the post-CRT televisions is that it does not rely on backlighting.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2015

21 23 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 38 39 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 55 56 57 60

Estonian money “— vincit amor” Harm Goddess sacred to joggers? Remnant Latches ASU rival Conduct Told a fib Sea eagle Talk back Confidence Many-petaled flowers Type of exam Weak Cleaned the board Iditarod locale Joule fractions Groovy Pitch Bill and coo Getz or Kenton Touche provoker Queue Highlander Mademoiselle’s date

Backlighting disrupts the color depth, making blacks appear less dark and muting the color accuracy. With the LG OLED TV, each pixel can generate its own light, and thus providing the most advanced picture quality in the market today. Even with the steadfast focus on picture quality, LG still pushes the artistic envelope with their Super ULTRA HD TV lineup. The convergence of clear picture perfect quality through 4K technology and smart slim and curved designs propels television into its new advent. ThE fUTURE Of TELEvISIOn Combining the perfect black technology with the High Dynamic Range (HDR) photographic technique, the 4K Ultra HD (UHD) horizontal resolu-

tion, and ultra sleek design, LG is set to take the humble television on yet another major stride forward. With HDR’s ability to retain luminosity via multiple exposures and the dynamic 4,000 pixel range of UHD displays, the 4K HDR OLED TV will herald the beginning of the next wave of big technological advances. “We are excited to charter the unknown waters of the television technology. We firmly believe that much can still be improved in terms of design and picture quality. Our consumers can be assured that the future of television is upon us,” said Tony An. To learn more about innovative Home Entertainment product line, visit www.lg.com/ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page; or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

SAT URDAY : AUGUST 2 9 : 2015

SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

fIrST kId rock band In ph T hey can rock out and bust out mean drum and guitar solos – and they’re still barely in their teens. The first kid rock band in the Philippines, Square One, is taking the scene one head bang at a time. Kyle Jimenez (vocals), Sean Samonte (drums), JP Par (guitars), and Von Domingo (bass) were all born to musical families and it wasn’t difficult for them to pick up an instrument. Being exposed to Metallica, Guns and Roses, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Dream Theater, Wolfgang, Kamikazee, Parokya ni Edgar, and Siakol, to name a few, they all found a passion for rock music, something unusual among kids their age.

Their drive has made them wunderkinds with skills up to par, or even better, than much older musicians. By fate they each formed the four sides of what came to be as Square One. It wasn’t long before the word spread. They always put on an awe-inspiring show and proudly sporting their long hair that has become their trademark. That’s why their single, “Long Hair,” got their instant fans rocking along to their version of the 90’s reggae hit. With MCA Music guiding their music careers, they are now certified rock stars performing in TV shows and touring the country. “Lalo po kaming na-excite kasi lalabas na rin po yung music video

na siguradong magugustuhan nyo po,” shares JP, who is also excited about Mayonnaise’s Monty Macalino’s cameo. Kyle is also thankful for the overwhelming support, “Sobrang saya and sobrang proud po na maging part po at pagtiwalaan ang mga kabataang tulad namin ng MCA Music. Lalo na po ngayon na malapit na pong lumabas yung album namin na sobrang pinaghirapan po namin talaga.” With all the success they’ve been getting so far, at the end of the day they are still kids. All of them want to finish school while working as a band. Thanks to the other pillars of Square One – their parents. The young dreamers get nothing less than their 100 per-

Square One joins the league of recording bands in the country with their debut album now out in the market

cent support. It keeps them driven to become the best sons, musicians, and students they can be. “Awa po ng Diyos, lagi po akong nasa Honor Roll at nakatatanggap po ng award for First Honor,” Sean proudly shared. At their age, they are beginning to understand the value of priorities and hard work and it is shaping them to become better persons in the future. “Sana po marami po kaming ma-inspire na mga kabataang maging musician na tulad namin,” says Von. Their ultimate goal besides being the no. 1 rock group in the country is to ignite the fire among young musicians everywhere. If they could do it, anyone could too. They have

made the first spark and Square One is ready to fan the flames and spread their music like wild fire. And man, these talented kids can definitely do it. Square One’s self-titled major label debut album is now out on digital downloads via Spinnr and iTunes and streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Guvera. It is also available on CDs at Astroplus, Astrovision and Odyssey outlets. For bookings and inquiries, please contact Sammy Samaniego at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991, (0917) 8565174 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com. For more information about Square One, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic.

JP Par (guitars), Kyle Jimenez (vocals), Sean Samonte (drums), , and Von Domingo (bass) are kids but they are also certified rockers

Smart’S unrivalled entertainment on-the-go experienCe

n line with its grand push for Filipinos to live the Smart Life, the country’s leading mobile services provide continues to beef up its content offers to fill every person’s digital swag with an unrivalled entertainment on-the-go experience. “We all know how one song can fix or alter someone’s mood or how one movie or video can bring a person to an escape from current reality. And as a nation of digital adapters, we have gone far from getting our music and movie fixes from the radio, cinema or TV,” opened Carlo Endaya, head of Brand Strategy and Communications Group. “We are now empowered with a ‘personalized remote control’ through our smartphones. That device on your hand takes care of your soundtrack and binge-watching requirements. This is where the essence of Smart Life’s entertainment on-the-go really lies—in elevating the actual experience of our consumers.” SpInnr for muSIc on The go Music die-hards who happen to be subscribers of Smart have

been enjoying homegrown and awarded music app Spinnr for two years now. “Spinnr has gone beyond providing the music needs of our subscribers. For example, there is no other music app in the whole world that religiously takes its users to right where the concert or meet-and-greet actions are happening. And Spinnr has done that over and over, sending our subscribers to meet the likes of Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift in one-in-a-lifetime milestones that they also get to share via social media,” Endaya said. Spinnr has ticket raffle promos to the Manila concerts of Imagine Dragons on Aug. 27 and Maroon 5 on Sept. 17 and a fly-off promo to the Las Vegas leg of Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour (Oct. 24). Prior to these concert series promos, Smart and Spinnr gave away thousands of tickets to the two-night concert of One Direction last summer, and recently to the Manila leg of Ariana Grande’s Honeymoon Tour. SerIeS and movIeS aT your fIngerTIpS “For movies and TV series,

Carlo Endaya, head of Brand Strategy and Communications Group, says there's nothing better than having a Smart life with Smart

Smart and PLDT recently partnered with iFlix, and the service now provides thousands of updated blockbuster films and must-watch series for our subscribers. We also partnered with Fox, which can be accessed via Viewstream. Plus we have all the video contents from YouTube, Daily Motion and other vid-

eo sites for those who are into what’s trending and viral these days,” said Endaya. The biggest Internet TV service in Southeast Asia with over 100,000 subscribers, iFlix has struck turnkey deals with Hollywood’s top studios to bring tens of thousands of hours of the most captivating TV and movie content to Filipino users, including hit series like Sherlock, Doctor Who, Homeland, Friends and The Big Bang Theory. On the other hand, Fox allows subscribers to view nine live channels which include three channels for Fox Sports, National Geographic, NatGeo People, NatGeo Wild, Fox News, Channel M, and Star Chinese Channel. LeveLIng up mobILe gamIng When it comes to gaming entertainment, Smart also celebrates Clash of Clans (CoC), the world’s top mobile game, by mounting the Philippine Clash 2015, the country’s biggest nationwide CoC tournament with over P2.3 million prizes. Smart also recently teamed up with Ranida studios to bring

PBA Philippine Slam, the most downloaded sports video game with 1.6 million users to date. bIggeST mobILe daTa offer “Smart is now boosting its feature-packed promos to include allocation for entertainment on-the-go so subscribers can experience all these at the palm of their hands,” said Endaya. Smart has recently leveled up its Big Bytes 50 offer, which now comes with free 600MB worth of access to Fox, iFlix and Spinnr – on top of the 350MB worth of mobile Internet access which subscribers may use to surf and chat, among many other online activities. Big Bytes 50 is valid for three days for just P50, making it the best mobile data offer at its price point. Subscribers may register to Big Bytes 50 by simply dialing *121#. For a full list of Smart’s entertainment lineup and the package options that suit your digital swag, log on to smart.com. ph and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www. facebook.com/SmartCommunications) and Twitter (@SMARTCares) for updates.

SAT URDAY : AUGUST 2 9 : 2015

ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Granddaughter of Philippine Madrigal Singers founder and conductress Andrea O. Veneration, Emmanuelle Adda has found her niche singing the blues and jazz and getting raves from audiences all over the world

introducing emmanuelle adda

he travels around the globe to share her music with international audience doing one-woman cabaret shows, and her instrument? Just her voice. Her performances almost always include songs that are beyond what young generation of music consumers would usually appreciate. Inspired by legends such as Nat King Cole, Etta James, Billy Holiday and Edith Piaf, the young singer indeed has a sophisticated taste in music. Born to a musical family, Emmanuelle Adda could no longer recall when she began listening to music or play a musical instrument. All she knew is that music has been part of her life ever since she could remember. To those who are familiar with the classical music scene in the country, Emmanuelle, or Elle as her friends call her, is the granddaughter of Philippine National Artist for Music and the founder of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Andrea O. Veneracion. She attended the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling and continued to hone her talents at prestigious AMDA, New York Academy for Music and Theatre, one of America’s premier conservatories for the performing arts. Amid her impressive musical background, Elle claims that she is not a perfect singer. In fact, she still commit mistakes once in a

By nickie Wang

while, but like most music artists who have gone through an extensive and formal music education, she uses her mistakes to do better the next time she hits the stage and holds the microphone. We had a chance to have a quick chat with the statuesque beauty currently in Manila for a few commitments. She graced a few corporate events, showed support for the recently concluded Andrea O. Veneracion Choral Competition at the CCP and is scheduled to perform at this year’s edition of Awit Awards. Beauty queen material Elle, her nickname, with a 5 foot 8 frame is not that hard to miss - with curly locks, contagiously bright smile and athletic yet still feminine built, we told her that she can give Binibining Pilipinas reigning queens a run for their money. Elle is indeed a beauty queen material, after all she is the niece of a former beauty queen, Peachy Veneracion, Mutya ng Pilipinas-World 1977. But she has her priorities, and it is music of course. “I have received that compliment a few times now but I guess that’s not going to happen. Everybody has his or her own calling, and mine is just different. I travel the world to sing for different people,” Elle beams. But the US-based concert vocalist is no stranger to the limelight. She also does modelling on the

Elle visited The Standard office recently and gave everyone this contagious smile.

Elle in her sit-down interview with the author

PHotoS By BoBBy caBrera

side and is currently the brand ambassador of sports clothing Under Armour. She has starred in stage shows and revues including Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and West Side Story to name a few. She won

the prestigious IDEA international award representing her country in Hong Kong and also featured alongside the world renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers in the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“I draw energy from the audience. It gives me an exhilarating feeling whenever I see their reaction when I perform especially when they personally tell me that I touch their lives through music,” she says. The 25-year-old singer considers performing to a live audience as her way to communicate and express her deep passion for music. Hence she plans to stage another concert similar to her show at Green Sun Hotel last year. “Performing live gives me that different feeling…You are onstage performing before an audience as if there’s no separation exist between you and the people watching and listening to you. That’s a surreal experience that inspires me create something new and challenge myself each time I hit the stage,” the singer enthuse. More importantly, Elle believes in the virtue of making herself always prepared for each and every performance. It’s a conscious effort to recognize her responsibility to her audience. And like her mantra as an artist, Elle prepares for even bigger dream to make an indelible mark on the music scene. In the meantime, she cruises around the world, performing for international audiences, enchanting them with her diverse repertoire. In the process, she collects memories and experience which she may use perhaps in an all original album.