The Standard - 2015 September 28 - Monday

VOL. XXIX NO. 228 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 MONday : SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

14 officials in energy dept given 53 vehicles

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De Lima hits use of militia against lumad

By Rey E. Requejo and Christine F. Herrera

Off to market. An elderly

tribeswoman in Bontoc, Mountain Province, walks to the market with a heavy load of newly harvested Chinese pechay. DaviD CHan

JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima expressed alarm Sunday over the killing of lumad leaders in Mindanao by paramilitary groups with “a long tradition of involvement in criminal activities.”

“These crimes include vigilante operations of the most heinous kind, whether in the name of counterinsurgency or tribal retribution,” De Lima said in a statement.

The paramilitary groups accrue power and influence by force and have killed and stolen from thousands of civilians all over the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, De Lima said.

While she did not address reports that the paramilitary groups were working with Army units in the area, she called on the military to respect the human rights of communities caught in the conflict.

“It is imperative that military and law enforcement operations are conducted with the utmost concern and attention to international humanitarian laws and human rights that govern the conduct of combatant forces in an armed conflict,” she said.

At the same time, De Lima said the communist New People’s Army rebels and the paramilitary groups should stop actions that have already caused heavy civilian casualties.

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Former SC chief takes Poe’s side against Carpio

By Rey E. Requejo RETIRED Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban on Sunday contested the conclusion of his former colleague in the Supreme Court, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who said Senator Grace Poe, who is running for President in 2016, is not a natural-born Filipino.

Contrary to Carpio’s assertion that Poe, as a foundling, is a naturalized Filipino, Panganiban said Poe is considered a natural-born citizen under “generally accepted principles of international law, which form part of the law of the land.”

An opposition lawmaker, meanwhile, said Poe should explain to Filipinos why she previously decided to apply for and obtain US citizenship, when she could have easily lived, worked and raised a family in the United States without giving up her Filipino citizenship.

“Since Senator Poe is now running for President… she has to deal with the reality that she has put herself and her family under a microscope,” said LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty, a House deputy minority leader.

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Motorcade for a cause. Members of a scooter users’ group go on a motorcade from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday to raise awareness on prostate cancer. Jansen RoMeRo

CoA: Petilla’s officials got to use 53 vehicles

By Christine F. Herrera WHILE Carlos Jericho Petilla used his own car during his stint as Energy secretary, 14 officials of his department got 53 cars, with some of them traveling in a convoy of as many as seven back-up vehicles, the Commission on Audit said in 2013 report that was recently released.

Each official was also equipped with up to six laptops, notebooks, tablets and digital cameras.

For this reason, Petilla, heeding the CoA recommendation, ordered “the surrender of the excess units of equipment whether serviceable or unserviceable for control and monitoring purposes.”

Petilla had to issue a memorandum twice on June 23 and July 8, 2014 to compel the return of the excess service vehicles and other office equipment.

The CoA said the fleet of cars came about as DoE

officials chose to keep their old cars even after new ones were issued to them.

Petilla, as Cabinet secretary, was entitled to an official service vehicle and one security back-up but did not avail of it.

Those who got more than one vehicle were: Assistant Secretary Matanog Mapandi, seven vehicles; Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso, Sr., four vehicles; Patrick Aquino, director, information technology and management services, two vehicles; Mario Marasigan, director, renewable energy

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De Lima said the Justice Department investigation, initiated last week, would include human rights violations, “regardless of whether the perpetrators are the NPA, paramilitary groups, or members of the state security forces.”

At the same time, De Lima deplored the “finger pointing” and “aggressive and concerted media blitz conducted by anti-administration forces” that polarized an already inflamed situation.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio

management bureau, seven vehicles; Arthur Tenazas, director, legal services, two vehicles; Jesus Tamang, director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, two vehicles; Zenaida Monzada, director, oil industry management bureau, eight vehicles; Ismael Ocampo, assistant director, energy resources and development bureau, five vehicles; Carmencita Bariso, assistant director, EPPB, two vehicles; Amelia de Guzman, OIC-director, energy research testing and laboratory services, three vehicles; Efren Balaoing, director, Luzon Field Office, three vehicles; Reynaldo Liganor, head, LFO, two vehicles; Antonio Labios, director, Visayas field office, two vehicles; and Manuel Llaneza, director, Mindanao Luzon field office, four vehicles.

Budget Department rules allow only Cabinet secretaries to have more than one service vehicle, CoA said.

CoA also discovered that

Tinio, meanwhile, said some 146 lumad schools for 2,896 children have not been holding classes due to the intensified militarization in Mindanao following the killing of a lumad teacher and the execution of two other lumad leaders on Sept. 1.

“The threat to close down the lumad schools was aggravated by the killing of Alternative Center for Agricultural Development executive director Emerito Samarca that brought a chilling effect on the lumad teachers and children,” Tinio said.

This was followed by a warning against others in the tribal community that they too might end

79 DoE officers and employees were issued two to six laptops, notebooks, tablet computers, and digital cameras based on a review of the report on the physical count of the office and IT equipment on Dec. 31, 2013.

CoA said the issuance of excessive equipment was due to the “lack of adequate controls in property management.”

CoA said the inventory as of Dec. 31, 2013 submitted by the chief of the general services division showed 14 DoE officials with ranks lower than cabinet secretary were issued more than one vehicle.

DoE said the officials were issued more than one vehicle because their staff used the other motor vehicles for official trips and field work.

But CoA insisted on the Budget Department rule and said the use of existing vehicles in the department should be maximized.

up like Samarca, he added.

Citing statistics reported by Save Our Schools Network, Tinio said since 2011, 82 incidents of state-instigated attacks involving 57 schools and day care centers in Mindanao have been documented and reported by the Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

In Southern Mindanao alone, the CRC documented at least 13 attacks from January to May this year, Tinio said.

“What the military could not achieve through the Department of Education, they got via a spectacular display of brutality,” Tinio said.

“Voters deserve a straightforward answer from the Senator, on the question as to the specific circumstances that compelled her to seek and acquire US citizenship, and surrender her Filipino citizenship. This is a perfectly legitimate question that is of great public interest,” Ty said.

Ty made the statement shortly after published reports alleged that Poe continued to use her American passport in her travels abroad, even after she had renounced her US citizenship.

By her own account, Poe spent much of her adult life in the US and became an American citizen in 2001. She gave up her US citizenship in 2010, shortly before she was named chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

While Poe has relinquished her US citizenship, her husband remains an American citizen. Their three children are natural-born American citizens, Ty added.

Only natural-born citizens are qualified to be president, vice president, senator, congressman or Supreme Court justice. If Poe is found not to be a natural-born citizen, she would be removed from her office as senator and barred from running for the presidency. If elected, she would be prohibited from serving her mandate, Panganiban said.

But Panganiban said the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness declared that a foundling found in the territory of a contracting state will, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be considered to have been born in the territory of parents possessing the nationality of that state.

Poe, as a foundling found in Iloilo, is deemed to have Filipino parents, and therefore is natural-born, Panganiban added in his latest newspaper column.

Although the Philippines is not a signatory to the 1961 convention, it is still bound by its provisions because they have become “generally accepted principles of international law which...are as binding as statutes passed by Congress,” Panganiban said.

He said the 1935 Constitution, which was the country’s basic law in 1968 when Poe was born, provides that the “Philippines...adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the Nation.”

“Thus, by this ‘doctrine of incorporation,’ customary international laws are given the same force and effect as statutes passed by Congress,” Panganiban said.

Apart from the 1961 Convention, he said foundlings are also protected by the 1930 Hague Convention on the Conflict of Nationality Laws and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that the right to a nationality is one of the most fundamental human rights.

Nationality is synonymous to citizenship in international law, he said.

Poe, the topnotcher in the 2013 senatorial race and a frontrunner in various presidential preference surveys, recently declared her intention to run for president in next year’s elections.

Under the 1987 Constitution, only natural-born Filipino citizens are qualified to run for president, vice president, senator and congressman.

The present Constitution defines natural-born citizens as “those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.”

Panganiban said Poe derived her citizenship from her presumed Filipino father and thus is a citizen from birth without having to do anything to acquire or perfect her Philippine citizenship.

Panganiban added that Poe’s biological father may be proven to be a foreigner, “but the burden of proof belongs to those who challenge her natural-born status.”

“Unless such proof is presented, her parents continue to be presumed Filipinos. Thus, she retains her natural-born citizenship,” he added.

Carpio, a member of the Senate Electoral Tribunal hearing a petition to disqualify Poe as a senator on the basis of her citizenship, had put the burden of proof on Poe.

Earlier, Tinio disclosed a government plan to close down the schools and put up government schools with soldiers as parateachers. But the Education Department backed down because of a nationwide campaign against the closure of schools, he said.

“So what did the AFP do? They used the Magahat-Bagani in Surigao del Sur to kill Samarca. He was made an example,” he said.

Samarca was not just killed but hogtied, and his throat was slit from ear to ear inside his classroom, Tinio said.

Contrary to military accusations that the lumad schools

are communist, Tinio said they were established by the community with the support of private groups, mainly Catholic and Protestant groups.

Tinio said a denial by the Palace of President Benigno Aquino III’s direct involvement in the anti-lumad campaign was expected but “hardly credible.”

“Malacañang would have us believe that the President is unaware of the activities of NICA [the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency], an office under his direct supervision and which prepares his daily intelligence briefing.”

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UNA praised for adding Muslim THREE sectoral leaders from Mindanao praised Vice President Jojo Binay on Sunday for including a Muslim in the senatorial slate of his United Nationalist Alliance political party.

The group on Monday also challenged the other national political parties to consider including a Muslim leader in their 12-man senatorial slates because it had been 17 years since the last Muslim served the Senate.

Professor Abraham Idjirani, spokesman of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, welcomed the NUP’s decision but expressed �sadness over the non-inclusion of Muslim candidates in the tickets of the other political parties during the past elections.

He said Santanina Rasul was the last senator to serve the Senate and her two terms ended in 1998.

Idjirani called Liberal Party presidential bet Manuel Roxas II and Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero to include a Muslim in their respective senatorial slates.

Idjirani and MNLF General Fabillon Daud Al Hadji, secretary general of the Federation of Sultanate Kingdom Organizations Inc., and Kah Leon Peralta of the Anti-Trapos Movement asked Roxas and Poe to consider businessman and peace advocate Shariff Ibrahim Albani for inclusion in their tickets for the Senate.

The three sectoral leaders said the young Albani, who hails from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, is a successful businessman and civic leader.

Idjirani said the inputs from a Muslim senator would be crucial in ending the insurgency problem not only in Mindanao but in many parts of the country.

“We are hoping that with a youthful and dynamic educated Muslim becoming senator in 2016, the aspirations and dreams of his ancestors can be articulated in the national policy making processes,” Idjirani said. Vito Barcelo

344 and counting. Some 24 marching bands and their models from all over the country join the grand parade for the 344th

anniversary of Bacoor, Cavite, on Sunday. EY ACASIO

Marcos asked to present platform in NUP meeting HE has not even declared he is vying for the presidency, but Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was among the three candidates asked to present their platforms of government today, Monday, during the National Unity Party’s convention.

Some 500 delegates will decide which presidential candidate to support in the 2016 elections during the convention.

Senator Grace Poe has declared she is joining the presidential race, but she snubbed the NUP’s invitation, secretary general Reginald Velasco said.

“We sent Senator Poe an invitation but she did not confirm,” Velasco said.

Marcos, he said, was invited due to the growing clamor from party members.

“While Bongbong Marcos has yet to officially make a declaration on whether or not he will run for President, the members decided they wanted to hear more from him after he said he was keeping his options open,” Velasco told The Standard.

The three invited presidentiables—Marcos of the Nacionalista Party, Vice President Jejomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II of the ruling Liberal Party— will not meet one another or share the same stage during

the day-long convention at Hotel Sofitel.

They were given different time slots to speak, Velasco said. Each was given 15 minutes to address the convention, he said.

Marcos is to speak at 10:30 am, Binay at 11:30 am and Roxas at 1:30 pm.

“They cannot come together because the members requested that they be given time to go around the convention hall, shake hands with the members and have their pictures taken,” Velasco said.

He said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was not invited because the mayor had repeatedly

said he was not running.

“More than a show of force, the party’s gathering of our leaders from all over the country will be an opportunity to reaffirm our allegiance to the NUP,” said NUP chairman and Antipolo City Rep. Roberto Puno.

“We welcome the participation of the presidentiables as this will help our party members evaluate their respective platform of government and policy positions on major national issues,” said NUP president and Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia.

“The Party is expected to make a decision on who among the presidentiables will be worthy of our support

after the convention,” NUP vice president and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said.

Velasco said about 500 NUP leaders wee expected to attend the convention.

Asked what criteria the party would use in choosing the presidential candidate to support, Velasco said it would be their “winnability.”

“The party members will not just rely on the surveys,” Velasco said.

“They will also verify the sentiment of the grassroots, but of course it would also depend on what the candidate can offer to the members.” Christine F. Herrera

Poe: Expose the youth to sports

Closed for repairs. Officials have closed Ayala Bridge for repairs after they found some cracks on it. DAnnY PAtA

THE Filipino youth should be exposed to various sporting activities and the Palarong Pambansa program strengthened as a source of future national athletes, Senator Grace Poe said Sunday.

Poe, a taekwondo practitioner, also cited the availability of many sports complexes in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, some of which were built mainly for the Palarong Pambansa.

She said those venues could still be used to train the youth.

“Since 1948, when the first

Bureau of Public Schools Interscholastic Athletics Association Games were held, until it reincarnated into the Palarong Pambansa in 1974, many public sports complexes have been built as venues for the Games,” Poe said.

She said the national government and local government units should help the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee keep those venues in tip-top shape so the young athletes could use them anytime.

“We should keep those

facilities from becoming white elephants,” Poe said.

She said most of these venues were no longer being used for sporting purposes.

“Most of the time, these venues are only being tapped for non-sports activities,” Poe said.

“Let us give these facilities back to our youth.”

Since 1948, 36 cities and provinces have hosted the Palarong Pambansa, where elementary and high school students have taken part in various disciplines that have grown to 17 sports. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Reyeses’ backers warned

By Sandy Araneta

Malacañang warned Sunday that it will investigate and file appropriate charges against those giving special treatment to former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, who were recently arrested for the murder of environmentalist broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

“The Department of Justice and the Department of Interior and Local Government are looking into this matter and will take the necessary action, including the possible filing of appropriate cases against those involved,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in an interview over state-run dzRB. “The Reyes brothers are in deten-

tion, hence, only the court where their case is pending [has authority over them]. As to the request for hospital arrest, Secretary [Leila] de Lima has stated the government’s opposition to any such motion,” said Coloma.

Earlier reports said that the Reyes brothers were being given special treatment while in detention, including being allowed to

hold a news conference. They were also given their own detention cell separate from the other inmates.

The reports said there are witnesses who can testify about the preferential treatment given to the brothers.

Malacañang on Saturday said that the DoJ should strongly oppose the plan of the brothers to seek a transfer to a hospital.

“Secretary De Lima will have a strong position on that,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a separate interview.

The brothers had said that their lawyers will ask the courts to grant them hospital detention while undergoing trial.

The brothers were flown to Puerto Princesa City on Friday to face the murder charges filed against them for the killing of Ortega, but

were flown back to Manila on the same day.

They were arrested by authorities in Thailand last Sunday.

Valte said the Reyes brothers lived like tourists while in hiding in Phuket, Thailand.

“Certainly, the prosecutors will have something to say about their proposed motion for hospital arrest, because everybody knows that before they were arrested, they were living like tourists in Thailand,” she added.

The Reyes brothers were tagged as masterminds in the murder of broadcast journalist Ortega in 2011.

Ortega, a prominent Palawan environment activist, had used his radio show to frequently accuse the Reyes brothers of massive graft.

The brothers went missing in early 2012 after an arrest warrant was issued for them.

AlDub fan. Japanese adult movie actress Maria Ozawa shows her ‘pabebe wave’ while holding up a fan sign in support of the popular television love team on Sunday. DANNY PATA

DAR wants Luisita land lease deals investigated

By Rio N. Araja AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes on Sunday ordered an investigation into the alleged illegal lease and sale of land awarded through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-awarded in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac.

De los Reyes said he was prompted to conduct an investigation following reports that former Land Transportation Office chief Virginia Torres was leasing parcels of agricultural land within the sugar plantation owned by the family of President Benigno Aquino III. “I already instructed our regional and provincial offices to investigate reported informal leasing in the hacienda even before Torres made her public statement,” he said.

Informal leasing of lands awarded to farmer-beneficiaries is prohibited under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. “Under the law, the conveyance of rights to possess CARP-distributed lands, such as leases, must be approved by the government before it can be undertaken,” Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Luis Meinardo Pangulayan said.

An erring beneficiary may face penalties for leasing out land under Sections 73 and 74 of CARL or Republic Act 6657.

Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap earlier accused Torres of entering into massive illicit lease agreements at the hacienda as a “dummy” of the family of President Aquino.

The Supreme Court ordered DAR to distribute close to 5,000 hectares of land of Hacienda Luisita Inc. to over 6,000 beneficiaries from 2013 to 2014.

Belmonte tries texting to muster quorum TO ensure a quorum, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has ordered a texting campaign targeting the 290 members of the Lower House of Congress to convince them to attend the two-week marathon plenary deliberations on the proposed P3.002-trillion General Appropriations Bill.

“A text brigade has been set up to remind our colleagues to attend the remaining sessions in the next two weeks,” he said.

He called on the lawmakers for their cooperation to approve the national budget for 2016.

The House should muster a quorum during the two-week plenary debates to approve the budget on second reading.

Belmonte said he is confident of passing the 2016 budget before the House of Representatives goes on recess on Oct. 10, two days before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 2016 national and local elections.

Congress has been gripped by a lack of quorum

in the past weeks, which has jeopardized the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. But Belmonte continued to reject the imposition of sanctions on absentee lawmakers.

After going on recess on Oct. 10, Congress will resume sessions on Nov. 3. The remaining sessions of the year will continue until Dec. 16.

Majoriy Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II also urged his colleagues to take part in the budget deliberations.

“Let us attend sessions in the next two weeks to fulfill our legislative duties, especially in the approval of the national budget for 2016,” he said.

Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, chairman of the House committee on appropriations, also appealed to his fellow legislators to do their job of scrutinizing the proposed budget.

“I would like to encourage our colleagues to actively participate in the deliberations. There will be free and full debates,” he said. Rio Araja

Day in the park. A woman watches as her children go down a slide at

Quezon CIty Memorial Circle on Sunday, the last day of the three-day weekend. JANSeN RomeRo

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MAMASAPANO INCIDENT

Leila in a dilemma over suspects

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice is facing the difficult challenge of bringing commanders and members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups tagged in the death of Special Action Force commandos in the Mamasapano bloodbath to the criminal justice system.

Secretary Leila de Lima made the admission on Sunday as the DoJ was poised to start its preliminary investigation on the murder charges against 90 individuals found liable for the killing of 35 of the 44 SAF troopers during the clash.

De Lima said while she expected cooperation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the PI against its 13 commanders and 13 members also tagged in the SAF killings, it was uncertain as to the participation of other respondents from BIFF and PAGs.

“It will be difficult to get these BIFF respondents because their leaders are not in peace talks with the government. The same with private armed groups—it will be hard because these are unaffiliated,” De Lima said.

“At the very least, we can expect the cooperation of the MILF leadership insofar as the 26 MILF respondents are concerned,” the DoJ chief added.

According to her, they would also seek the assistance of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities to coordinate with the MILF to expedite the process.

More than 60 respondents charged with the complex crime of direct assault with murder are from BIFF and PAGs. But De Lima stressed that possible non-participation of respondents in the preliminary investigation proceedings would not stop the resolution of the charges as rules provide for waiver of right to answer charges in cases of their absence in hearings.

Nonetheless, the Justice Secretary assured that the DoJ would exhaust all available means to serve the subpoena to all respondents, including possible request for assistance of local officials.

]The charges filed with the DOJ last week covered the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF company that engaged MILF and BIFF fighters and PAGs in the cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao.

The cases of the nine other slain commandos from the 84th SAF company in Barangay Pidsandawan as well as the five civilians and 18 MILF fighters who were also killed during the clash as well as the reported US involvement in the operation are still undergoing investigation.

De Lima said the fact-finding report on the second part could be released after two weeks.

Subic base renovation stepped up

By Sandy Araneta THE Aquino administration is rushing to finish the renovation of an air base in Subic Bay ahead of the spending ban that will be enforced two months before the May 2016 elections.

“The government is aware of the importance of the improvements being made on the facilities in Subic Bay airfield,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over the staterun radio station dzRB. “The Department of National Defense is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management [regarding the Heart’s Day. Residents of Barangay Socorro in Cubao, QC get a free lesson on CPR during a medical mission held to mark the World Heart’s Day spearheaded by the budget] in order to ensure Philippine Heart Association. EY ACASIO that renovations made in the Subic Bay air base will be finished within schedule,” Coloma also said.

Renovating the Subic Bay air base will enable Philippine fighter jets to respond quickly to any ag- By Macon Ramos-Araneta gression in the disputed South China Sea, military SENATOR Sonny Angara wants to strengthen the government’s support to sources said.

New fighter jets and overseas Filipino workers and their famitwo frigates are to be sta- lies by introducing reforms to the Overseas tioned at the former US Workers Welfare Administration.

“Blessed are they that mourn: His proposed measure declares OWWA as naval facility in Subic Bay, a national government agency and an attached for they shall be comforted.” – the first time the masagency of the Department of Labor and Employsive installation will have Matthew 5:4 ment “vested with a special function of developfunctioned as a military ing and implementing welfare programs and base in 23 years. services that respond to the needs of its memberSubic Bay’s deep-water OFWs and their families.” harbor lies on the western Since 1980, OWWA is an independent finanside of the main Philippine cial agency that manages the OWWA Fund or island of Luzon, opposite the welfare fund of overseas workers and prothe South China Sea, and vides services to its contributing members like is about 130 nautical miles loans and insurances.

(240 km) from ScarborIt is entirely self-funded through the contribuough Shoal, a rocky out- tions of its members and receives no allocation crop China seized control from the national government.

“The task of OWWA is not only to collect conof in 2012.

China has built seven triibutions. It is also the mandate of OWWA to artificial islands on sub- ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs. So that merged shoals and out- the DBM or the Department of Budget and crops in the area, which it Management and the Governance CommisWe request the pious readers to join us in our prayers for says is part of its territory, sion or GCG said OWWA is an NGA or national and is believed to be con- government agency and the government should the eternal repose of his soul. structing three airfields annually fund it,” said Angara, acting chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment there. and Human Resources Development.

Angara seeks to reform OWWA

JOSEPH KEAT T. SISON, MD 1977-2015

Returned to his Creator on September 18, 2015.

His body lies at Chapel 208 Carnation, Santuarium, G Araneta Ave., Quezon City.

Interment will be on September 29, 2015 at 9:00 am at Heritage Park, Taguig City.

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Grace-Chiz camp braces for attacks SenatorS Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” escudero should brace for more attacks as they continue to lead in surveys despite the headstart enjoyed by rival candidates, especially since polls show her leading Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar roxas by double digits in a three-way contest.

On the heels of the latest Pulse Asia Survey that shows Poe maintaining her lead in the presidential preference poll and Escudero surging in the vice presidential survey, Deputy Speaker Giorgidi Aggabao on Sunday said that the rival camp would have no choice but to step up attacks on the tandem “given that all their campaigning and all their ads have won them little support from the public.” ‘‘The numbers of Grace and Chiz are impressive especially when you consider that neither had declared their intention to run when the survey was conducted,” said Aggabao, one of the first congressmen from the Nationalist People’s Coalition to declare support for Poe and her vice presidential running mate Escudero.

The survey, conducted from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, shows Poe leading the presidential race with 27 percent, followed

by Binay at 21 percent, Roxas third at 18 percent, and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte fourth at 15 percent.

According to Aggabao, Poe’s steady numbers reflect “a solid support base that has not been eroded by the merciless and baseless smear campaign centered around the flimsy citizenship issues thrown against her.”

“With a margin of error of 3 percent, her numbers are practically the same as the last survey conducted in June,” noted the solon from Isabela.

Aggabao added that according to a source with access to the survey results, Poe’s lead was even larger in a three-way race.

“In a three-way contest between Senator Grace, Vice President Binay and Secretary Roxas, she enjoys a double-digit lead over both, with Senator Grace polling at 39 percent, Vice President at 29 percent, and Secretary Roxas at 22 percent.”

PCSO branch. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office director Francisco Joaquin III (left), Eco Church Parish Priest Fr. Roger Almonia, PCSO director Mabel Mamba, PCSO vice chairman and general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II, Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincent Emano, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Rep. Maximo Rodriguez throw traditional lucky coins during the blessing of the PCSO CDO branch office at the former ABAP Building, Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City on Sept. 24. PCSO also donated 11 ambulances to Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, and turned over a total of P3.6 million in checks as LGU shares from PCSO Lotto to Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City. JOSEPH MUEGO

LandBank on graft raps: No deal, no crime filed their joint counter affidavits last Feb. 16 to answer the THE land Bank of the Philip- Nov. 14, 2014 findings of the Ofpines on Sunday denied giv- fice of the Ombudsman’s Field ing unwarranted benefits, ad- Investigation Office.

“At the time of the signing of vantage or preference to Global 5000 in the P9-billion Mer- the special power of attorney, the Meralco shares were trading at alco shares deal.

The landBank maintained P58 per share. Clearly, landthere was no violation of Re- Bank could have earned trading public Act 3009 or the Anti- gain of about 210 percent or about Graft and Corrupt Practices P2.8 billion, more or less, excluover the transaction of its Mer- sive of the fixed interest of P554 alco shares because the sale million provided in the SPA,” between them did not push the statement read.

According to landBank, the through.

“Hence, there is no basis for Department of Justice issued a criminal indictment or ad- Opinion No. 86 series of 2012 explicitly ministrative sanction against on Dec. 15, 2012 former members of the land stating that the implementation Bank board of directors, in- of the SPA is not in violation cluding some incumbent bank of RA 3019. The Justice Secreofficers,” the bank said in a tary opined that “ the contract was entered into in December statement. where the prevailing Bank executives had already 2008

By Rio N. Araja

market price of the shares of stocks is valued at P58.00 per share. The SPA provided for a purchase price of P90.00 per share which is considerably much higher than the prevailing market price of P58.00 per share. Had the transaction been pursued as scheduled, it cannot be denied that the government would certainly be earning P32.00 per share from the proceeds of the sale.”

The landBank-Meralco deal did not materialize “mainly because unknown to landBank and Global 5000, landBank’s P42 million shares in Meralco were illegally transferred to Josefina lubrica (lubrica), assignee of Federico Suntay (Suntay), on Nov. 28, 2008 to satisfy the 2001 decision of Department of Agrarian Reform adjudicator Conchita Miñas

(Miñas) awarding P157 million to Suntay, as just compensation for an agricultural land in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, which was acquired pursuant to the government’s land reform program.

“Although the judgment award in favor of Suntay was only P157 million, landBank’s 42-million shares in Meralco, then valued at about P2.4 billion, was illegally garnished, cancelled and transferred to lubrica,” it said.

It invoked a Dec. 14, 2011 Supreme Court decision citing that the 2001 decision of Miñas was not yet final and executory and could not be implemented, and that the 42 million Meralco shares belonged to landBank’s corporate assets that cannot be garnished to satisfy a judgment in a just compensation case.

‘Airport extortion an isolated case’

Obstruction. A field of water hyacinth clogs Manila Bay near the Senate Building but a fisherman is unfazed and prepares his boat for fishing. MANNY PALMERO

MAlACAÑANG has downplayed a recent incident involving an extortion gang victimizing a United States citizen who was jailed after a gang-member dropped bullets inside his luggage while being inspected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“This is an isolated case and the public must not worry about it. Government authorities will not be reluctant in pursuing charges against those involved in the incident,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview over state-run radio station dzRB. Coloma, meanwhile, said the Office of Transport Security of the Department of Transportation and Commu-

nications as well as the management of the Manila International Airport Authority are also conducting an investigation of the incident.

Authorities are looking into the “laglag bala” modus operandi at the NAIA following recent complaints from passengers who fell victim to the extortion scheme.

Two supects, a baggage inspector and an x-ray operator are under investigation, NAIA spokesman David de Castro said.

The investigation came after complaints from NAIA passengers who claimed to be victimized in the modus operandi where a bullet is slipped into the passenger’s luggage to start an extortion attempt.

One of the alleged victims

was 20-year-old US citizen lane Michael White whom the alleged gang members asked to fork out P30,000 to let the incident slide but he declined and was detained for six days at the police aviation custodial in NAIA Terminal 1.

Meanwhile, FilipinoAmerican Rhed Austria de Guzman also complained of a similar incident which she posted on Facebook.

In her post she said NAIA Terminal 2 staff asked her for a P500 bribe after two bullets were found in her baggage following the x-ray procedure.

De Guzman denied that the bullets were hers but still gave the NAIA staff the bribe money just to get her off the hook. Sandy Araneta

m o n D AY : s e p t e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Agri trading center opens in October LUNA, Apayao—President Benigno Aquino III announced last week that the country’s biggest trading center located in Benguet will be operational by the third week of October to allow agriculture stakeholders to be ready with the implementation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations free trade area by the end of this year.

The Chief Executive said the Benguet Agri Pinoy Trading Center, one of his administration’s flagship projects, will be pilot tested after all the stakeholders shall have competed their commitments to the realization of the project.

Thousands of agriculture stakeholders in Benguet and the different parts of the Cordillera are awaiting the operation of the P600-million vegetable trading facility in order to help them in the packaging and processing of their vegetable produce to sustain the robust growth of the agriculture sector in the region.

For the past several decades, Benguet, Mountain Province and Ifugao have supplied over 80 percent of the semi-temperate vegetables being sold in the various markets in the different parts of the country.

Benguet Gov. Nestor B. Fongwan expressed confidence that the commitment of the President will be realized considering that agriculture industry stakeholders were disappointed over the repeated delays in the supposed operation of the facility for still unexplained reasons.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala initially announced that the facility would begin operations in March but it was later moved to June. However, for still unexplained reasons, the operation of the facility was further moved back to August but up to this time, it remains not operational.

Fongwan cited the trading center’s project steering committee must already fast-track the formulation of the operating guidelines prior to its committed operation so that there will be no confusion once the President opens the project by next month and for the farmers to be aware of the rules and regulations that must be strictly observed.

Tourist attraction. The AgasAgas bridge is located at Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

MANNY PALMERO

Cordillera council: region’s roads deemed worst in PH

By Dexter A. See BAGUIO CITY—National policies and standards on infrastructure are inappropriate to conditions in the Cordillera Administrative Region, making the region’s road system the worst in the Philippines, according to the Cordillera Regional Development Plan.

The plan, submitted by the Regional Development Council-Cordillera Administrative Region to the Office of the President, covers the period 2011-2016 with assessment and recommendation for 2015-2016 still applicable to current conditions.

The RDC-CAR is composed of representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture and each of the six provinces of the region.

Despite continuing road upgrades, policies and standards favor lowland regions over

mountainous upland areas, according to the plan.

In road maintenance, the Department of Public Works and Highways follows the socalled Equivalent Maintenance Kilometer Policy that allocates a standard maintenance cost per kilometer in all roads in the Philippines irrespective of location.

This standard is seen detrimental in highland Cordillera.

Maintaining mountain roads is costlier than maintaining lowlands because of slope protection facilities, bio-engineering stabilizers,

sophisticated drainage structures, protective stonewalling and other building factors. These are aggravated by the region’s vulnerability to rain-induced landslides. Nationwide, CAR receives an annual 500-3,500 millimeters of rain, compounded by harsh weather.

National policy classifies almost all roads in the region as “Secondary National Roads” despite their critical role in overall national development, relegating them to the backburner when it comes to priority funding, according to the council.

Those classified in the standard as “Other Roads of Strategic Importance,” are given more attention for urgent improvement. A present example is the Baguio-Bontoc Road rehabilitation.

The region ranks second nationwide in terms of nationwide in magnitude of temporary and unreliable national bridges, numbering 75 or 24.35 percent of total number of bridges in the region, compared to the national average of 9.98 percent, and Region I and II at 3.10 percent and 5.26 percent, respectively.

Trade official stresses role of e-commerce for small business

Art attack.

Children explore their creative side through the annual art event held during the Baguio City Foundation Day celebration.

DAVID CHAN

E-COMMERCE is a vital tool because it serves as marketing platform for the Asia-Pacific region’s micro, small and medium enterprises, a trade official said.

“This is one of the initiatives that we see in our agreed Iloilo Initiative and we had a sharing of the extent of initiatives and innovations in the area of ICT and digital economy,” Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said in a press conference on Friday.

“We hope to pursue that in all other economies as we learn from a lot of initiatives and innovations from other countries.”

While Maglaya said different economies are at different levels

when it comes to readiness on eCommerce, everybody is aware and fully appreciative that this is the way forward.

“It is the platform now, not just for markets, but also for business resiliency. Business resiliency is very important when you look at the digital economy and ICT,” she said.

In the Philippines, an awareness campaign is ongoing, Maglaya said, adding that they will continue to work on information dissemination.

She said that the Philippines should have the infrastructure both in the urban and rural areas so MSMEs could use them and ensure that they are connected.

A8

ADELLE chuA eDitoR M O N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

opinion [ EDI TORI A L ]

A question RoxAs must AnsweR THE intransigent refusal of President Benigno Aquino III to lower unreasonably high income tax rates raises a crucial question for the administration candidate for the presidency in 2016.

The question that demands a clear-cut answer today from Liberal Party bet Manuel Roxas II is simple: Does he agree with the President?

How Roxas answers this question will have a major impact on the lives of millions of working men and women who toil every day only to see the state take away a third of their earnings while offering them very little in return by way of social services.

A direct and truthful answer to this question must be part of the equation for voters who go to the polls next year to elect a new president.

The question is even more germane, given that Roxas is running on a platform of continuity. He must now answer honestly: does this continuity extend to our high taxes? If so, why should low- and middle-income earners even consider voting for him?

For there is no doubt that our income taxes are both excessive and unjust.

Even Mr. Aquino’s own Cabinet secretary for socio-economic planning, Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, admitted that the country’s tax system is regressive, and that middle- and low-income groups bear the brunt of the cost of government.

Testifying before a Senate budget hearing with more candor than the President, Balisacan said the country’s tax system may appear progressive on paper but it is actually regressive.

“It is the low-income groups paying higher taxes proportional to their income,” Balisacan said.

Last year, the Tax Management Association of the Philippines noted that Filipino workers pay the highest income tax in the entire Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A Filipino employee earning a little over P500,000 a year is taxed 32 percent, while his Thai counterpart is only taxed 10 percent, the TMAP said.

A worker earning an equivalent of P500,000 annually in Singapore pays only 2 percent. In Vietnam, the rate is 20 percent; in Malaysia, 11 percent; in Cambodia, 20 percent; and in Laos, 12 percent.

In Brunei, workers earning the equivalent of P500,000 do not have to pay any income tax at all.

This data was made available to Congress to press for lower and more equitable income tax rates, now the subject of two bills.

Yet neither the bill by Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo nor the one by Senator Ralph Recto has swayed the President, who is convinced that lowering the tax rates will 1) the loss of government revenue, estimated at P29 billion for the first year; and 2) lower the country’s credit rating among international rating agencies.

Last week, 18 major business groups urged the President to reconsider his position, saying that reducing personal and corporate income tax rates would make the Philippine workforce and corporations more competitive with their Asean neighbors; broaden the tax base by encouraging tax compliance; and increase disposable income for domestic purchase of goods and services that, in turn, would increase the government tax take on consumption taxes.

The statement was supported by TMAP, most major international chambers of commerce, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the Makati Business Club.

In a rare display of agreement, major labor groups have also supported the call to lower income tax rates.

Amid the almost unanimous support against the President’s stand, Roxas, as the ruling party’s standard bearer, has a unique opportunity to show the electorate that he is his own man, with more reason and compassion than his political sponsor.

There can be no fence sitting or prevarication on this gut issue and we must ask candidate Roxas at every opportunity where he stands on the need to lower our patently unreasonable income tax rates. We must also demand to know if he intends, as Mr. Aquino’s financial advisers now propose, to raise consumption taxes as a way to offset the lowering of income tax rates—an approach that most certainly would hurt low- and middle-income families.

These are the burning questions that candidate Roxas must address. The voters demand and deserve a straight answer.

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.

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THE GENTLE POWER OF INCLUSION traditional Catholic teaching on life: from the moment of fR. RAnhilio fertilization to natural death.

CAllAngAn There was no doctrinal departure in respect to marriage: the Aquino indissoluble union of one man THE Supreme Pontiff hardly and one woman, open to new ever pontificated, and that is why he came across and was warmly received, his message paid heed to respectfully if not devoutly.

He was giving the United States and the world sage advice, much of it coming from his pastoral experience, all of it firmly anchored in the integrity of his person and the humility with which he witnesses to what he holds is true. In stark contrast to self-righteous national leaders, dear Pope Francis has never held out his way as the “right way,” and much less did he condemn those who do not follow in his steps as back-sliders and moral retardates.

Both before the US Congress life. But the overarching rubric —and in the presence of some was “inclusion”, “inclusiveness.”

Supreme Court justices, the And this has been his resolute very same Court that effectively pastoral disposition: reaching approved of abortion by holding out to those who have been it to be within the ambit of a consigned to the peripheries. woman’s right to privacy—and Quite clearly, these are the before the assembled leaders of regions of the impoverished the powers of the world at the UN and the dispossessed. It is the General Assembly, he reiterated netherworld of the refugees who

pensées

this is why the pope’s brand of Christianity can still make a difference.

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flee their war-torn lands only to be met with threatening fences of barbed wire and snarling patrol dogs. But it is also where we will find those whom our standards of decency and respectability, our collective hypocrisy, have left to a shadowy existence because of failed marriages, remarriages, sexual orientation and non-traditional unions.

CNN told us that the Madison Square Garden Mass had for, the first reading, openly gay lector.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the Vatican liturgists must have a hint that this was going to be so.

Knowing first hand how fastidious Vatican bureaucrats and liturgists are, nothing is left to chance. They could have made a big fuss about it; they did not. And even if it is improbable that Pope Francis knew of the lector’s personal preferences, it is clear that the Church and its hierarchy is slowly catching on. As in the case of John XXIII and John Paul II, now both saints, we can almost hear the lumbering footfalls of a Church trying so hard to keep pace with its shepherd.

It was not any different when Francis led an ecumenical prayer service at Ground Zero.

Continued on A10

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A10 PhiliPPine leaders, then and now I hAve not seen a Filipino film in ages.

I am not a regular rita linda moviegoer but I v. jimeno usually avoid local films as they would invariably leave me with a gnawing sense of sadness that our film industry has not leveled up to global standards.

But this was before I saw Heneral Luna. The film evoked in me a profound sense of pride and ownership in its being Filipino—with all the trappings of excellence in a film. Without question, it deserves to be nominated to the Oscars and seen by international audiences. More importantly, this bio-epic must be seen by every Filipino for the messages it delivers that are worth thinking about.

Heneral Luna is compelling, engaging, yet entertaining. It is compelling because the actors who played the protagonists and antagonists put their all to bring to life the characters they played. It is engaging because it is a mirror of what we now see in our leaders, those in the upper crust of society and in ourselves, even.

Still, it entertains, as certain comic reliefs are woven in the otherwise serious storyline. heneral Luna’s incisive analyses of the character flaws afflicting Filipinos ring true to this day. he said, more than foreign colonizers, we, Filipinos, are our own enemies.

The Filipino, he said, will do anything for himself and his more films on family, but not for his country. While being philippine history protective of one’s family and loved ones must be shown. may be a virtue, it can be a destructive curse when it is given primacy over matters of national interest.

Thus, the film showed how businessmen in the persons of Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino influenced the then-president of the Republic, emilio Aguinaldo, to consider compromising with the American colonizers instead of fighting for independence. They said that the revolution was bad for business and since we could not win the war against America, why should we resist being annexed to the US? Today, the wealthy continue to exert influence on our leaders, especially in terms of policy and legislation.

Today, leaders both in government and the private sector still pander to what foreign powers desire we do.

Only recently, for instance, it was revealed by witnesses that when the Special Action Forces set out to arrest two known terrorists in Mamasapano, which included Marwan, American officials were supposedly on the ground directly involved in the operation.

What was painfully and shamefully true among the film’s messages was that then, as it is now, politicians, government officials and sectors with vested interests are prepared to destroy their own—their fellow Filipinos— for their self-preservation and the perpetration of their self-interest. Luna, whom even the American colonizers described as a brave and extraordinary military general, was killed by his fellow Filipinos in a brutal and treacherous attack upon orders of someone in power. The film suggests that it was no less than then President emilio Aguinaldo, himself, who ordered Luna’s murder in the same way he gave an order for the execution of Andres Bonifacio, a revolutionary hero.

Another character flaw of Filipinos depicted in the film, which lives to this day, is their being too self-absorbed, too onion-skinned and too proud to take a criticism.

When they are directly criticized for a wrongdoing, no matter how true, they bear deep grudges against the critic and vow to get even. The film showed how this trait, called amor propio (self-love or pride in one’s self), nearly resulted in a gun battle between Filipino soldiers

out of the box

M O N D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

what to look for They say that most presidential hopefuls surround themselves with a coterie of image-builders, an army of researchers , and even wordsmiths with niche expertise, be it cute shareable memes for the pabebe crowd or high-brow talking points to enthrall the men in suits even their live appearances, they say, are choreographed, down to the minute details. Nothing is extemporaneous; everything is rehearsed. even the appropriate wardrobe is chosen for the occasion.

All of these are bombarded to the electorate. The latter are seen as consumers of these images and messages. This is supply-politics at work.

But what if the people reverse the communication flow, and insist on demand-side politics for a change?

That for once they do the asking?

What if people demand to see the candidates unplugged, without the intellectual crutches that prop them up?

These can be done through debates. It is time to hold them.

Americans are holding theirs despite the fact that their elections are half a year later than ours. This is not to say that we should always ape what the US political class is doing.

Then again, the debate is not an American invention.

Locally, debates are not covered by patents. Universities can organize them, big associations, religious groups, newspapers and even local governments.

And if any of these groups organize one, they must come. Flight is not an option. There’s only one honorable course—to fight.

plumbline pastor apollo quiboloy If one city government—provided that one unaffiliated entity can still be found, which, is, to admit, in the realm of the fairy tale—would organize, say, not a debate , but a convocation, how can a presidential hopeful snub it when 200,000 votes are on stake?

What if one big UAAP school stages not a cagefest but a symposium on just one topic—the tempest in the West Philippine Sea can be one—will an aspirant, like a daycare pupil, sheepishly brandish an “excuse slip” knowing that the event will be broadcast and podcast live?

What if a constellation of Rotary Clubs assemble in a coliseum to hear them speak, can a candidate afford to have his or her name plastered on an empty chair?

The Commission on elections, I think, does not have the monopoly to stage refereed debates. Neither is the latter the exclusive province of media behemoths. It is also an activity that is not embargoed until the official start of the campaign season.

The flipside is that not every group has that gravitas that could compel the attendance of those seeking our votes. Needless to say, an invite from a barangay knitting club won’t reel in any attendee.

But if a big university serves the summons, the candidate can skip it on his or her own peril.

If a debate is not possible, a real town-hall meeting will do. Not the

the gentle... From A8 Representatives of other faiths and denominations awaited him, but he respectfully went to each, shaking hands and greeting them cordially before starting the service. If there is anything that will bring us closest to the vision of unity that seems to elude us continually —for how many decades now have we talked “ecumenism”—it will not be because of doctrinal unanimity but because of what St. Francis, the Pope’s namesake, prayed: Fatti me uno strumento della vostra pace... make me an instrument of your peace.

One does not have to give up on principle and truth (as one holds it and receives it) to be kind and understanding

under the command of General Mascardo of Pampanga and those loyal to Antonio Luna, head of the Philippine Armed Forces, when General Mascardo refused to obey Luna’s order to go back to the battlefield which he left to attend some festivities in his hometown. The film also showed how the Caviteño soldiers who received a bashing and demotion by Luna when he caught them playing card games while other soldiers were dying in the field exploited Aguinaldo’s kinship with his fellow Caviteños by telling him that Luna had to be taught a lesson for insulting Caviteños.

The film also showed how conspiracies were hatched in high places to destroy the person who was the only hope in the war against the American colonizers. This is no less a reflection of how conspiracies are conceived

kind stuffed with partisans who are used as props or clapping machines. This is akin to preaching before the choir. A real townhall meeting is one organized by the townspeople themselves.

Many would lead us to believe that a rally is a candidate’s opportunity to engage the voters in a dialogue. Nothing is farther from the truth. Rallies, basically, are pep talks to the troops. The joke is that no rally has ever converted one voter because all of those in attendance have long been converted to the cause. It’s akin to a pro-liquor candidate saying his spiel before a crowd of drunks.

A debate, however, is just one way of measuring a candidate’s competence. To use it as the sole metric is to reduce elections to a declamation contest. Many good leaders are poor orators. The absence of bombast in one’s speech shouldn’t be equated with a vacuum of ideas in the head.

On the other hand, the gift of gab is not a indicator of the gift to govern well.

There are other criteria that should come ahead of elocution.

Track record is one. Potential is another. vocal timbre is certainly not among them. Through the ages, great leaders have come with voices ranging from pipsqueak to stentorian.

So what the debates should show is the candidate’s vision. he or she may not be able to explain it with aplomb. But great ideas create their own brilliance and would shine through bland presentation.

When the debate comes to town, don’t look for witticism. Look for wisdom.

and welcoming, commodities of the heart of which our world is presently in very short supply. Is he conservative then or liberal? Perhaps a socialist or a communist?

Under the canons of Francis’ logic, it is precisely categories that keep us from reaching and touching persons. Just as he would not allow barricades or security escorts to keep him away from teaching, hugging and kissing the people who came in unprecedented droves, he will not have us cling to our constructs and miss the persons of flesh and blood behind them. That is why Pope Francis makes a difference. That is why his brand of Christianity can still make a difference. rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph rannie_aquino@csu.edu.ph rannie_aquino@yahoo.com

today when those in power wish to bring down a perceived political enemy or a threat to their power. We, the general public do not see it and may not know how to second guess every action by those in power but if one were to observe more keenly, one will see that what our leaders practice today are the same, perhaps even worse, than what our leaders practiced many decades ago.

More films on Philippine history—in the caliber of Heneral Luna—must be shown. Filipinos, especially the young, must see Philippine history—unsanitized—for them to understand why we are where we are now. And, hopefully, be moved enough to want a change.

Email: ritalindaj@gmail.com Visit: www.jimenolaw.com.ph

M O N D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A11

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

AN EXCITING RACE THE Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia surveys are out, done at about the same period, the first week of September. Expectedly, Mar Roxas, who was “anointed”

by PNoy in the last days of July, with subsequent endorsements by different “friends” of the yellow army, got a big “bump.” Besides, with all those TV and radio ads inundating the consciousness of everyone from the D and E classes, Mar’s rise was predictable.

Grace Poe corrected by a few points. Some ascribe this to her rather unseemly statements in support of the Iglesia ni Cristo rally about a week before the survey period.

Maybe from the ABC classes, or maybe a point or two was shaved off from her Metro Manila constituency, but I don’t think that verbal misadventure had enough negative traction yet. She hopes that her well-rehearsed, on-script proclamation at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, followed by her Queso’s Club Filipino launch would bring back the “flying colors.” But the next public surveys will be done in late November this year, and released before the

simbang gabi. The instant fascination may have worn off by then.

As for Jojo Binay, the “core” support is holding. But there are months and months before Jojo could sleep, and there’s Sonny Trillanes, who will play the resident “attack dog” of Grace Poe, and who will ferociously hound Jojo until May 7, 2016, never mind for whom the bells will eventually toll. (Apologies to Robert Frost and Ernest Hemingway).

Can Mar and Grace sustain the numbers? Will their “bump,” hers in June, his in September, hold? And will Jojo’s “rock-solid support” not be chipped away by his tormentors, as the days and weeks go by, even as he himself is burdened by the baggage of his now-haunted reign as king of Makati?

And what about the man from Davao City, who keeps denying any presidential ambitions? Why are his numbers holding despite protestations of disinterest?

SWS rates him at 11, which is the first time they had him tracked in a long list of 13 names, while Pulse gives him a repeat 15, same as in June, with a list of nine names, which includes Lacson,

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO Cayetano, Miriam, Erap and Bongbong.

Collectively, they score 16 points. Assuming none of them run, where will their supporters go?

One would have to look at the origins of the support (saan hinuhugot?) of those five candidates to guess where these would adhere after Oct. 16. Lacson voters, if he does not go for the presidential sweepstakes, will clearly go to Duterte. Cayetano’s and Bongbong’s to whoever but Mar. Erap to be divided equally among Poe, Duterte and Binay. Miriam’s votes will be divvied up among Mar, Grace and Duterte.

So that’s what the September “snapshot” tells us about what to expect come the December-morn snapshot. This will be an exciting race, especially if, as we have always maintained in this space, it becomes a four-way fight.

Right now, the numbers of Poe and Binay are close enough, those of Mar and Digong likewise (Pulse Asia’s

28 Aug. to 03 Sept. field research).

Within the next survey period (September, October and first half of November), what are likely to impact on the three to four candidates?

For Poe-Llamanzares, it’s the saga of the Senate Electoral Tribunal hearings determining her citizenship status, plus the impending Comelec complaint expected to be filed by the third week of October that would bear watching.

For Binay, it’s what the Ombudsman may do to suspended Mayor JunJun, and perhaps what the Sandiganbayan to former Mayor Elenita. On top of that, whatever charges the government’s prosecutors might file against the vice president, mismo. Add to these his perceived inability to get a viable vice presidential candidate, as well as a credible senatorial slate.

For Roxas, whether the “bump” supposedly brought about by the PNoy anointing (per Egay Erice et al) by the PNoy will be reduced by the misadventures of the same cabinet members that the public blames for everything from traffic to the MRT mess, to the refusal to give

income tax breaks to the lowly wage-earner, even to the OFW mass anger against the Bureau of Customs. And more to come.

Now, if Duterte, as he said by text message to Jun Esperon and read to the 25,000 or so who flocked to the Burnham Green of Luneta Park (the count was supplied by the National Parks Development Committee which “owns” and supervises the Luneta) last Saturday the 26th, will finish his soul-searching and file his certificate of candidacy before the Comelec in mid-October, then expect another bump from what is perceived as his thus far solid base of 15 points.

Therefore, come midDecember, we will see all four bunched together in the 20s, with just a few points separating them. This promises to be an exciting race.

Hopefully, it will be the Comelec-sponsored debates and other private media forums participated in by the candidates which will get the Filipino voters to make a reasonably informed choice on who ought to lead them in these parlous and even dangerous times.

THE SHALLOW AND THE ELITIST 25.6 MILLION tweets.

A record was set over the weekend. A love team created by a popular noontime show has zoomed to phenomenal popularity that has surprised both traditional and social media.

The boy is one of the many fresh faces in show business; the girl became famous for posting Dubsmash (another Internet fad a while back) videos of herself. And on Saturday, fans responded to the call to have 20 million tweets. There were photos of individuals and groups doing that distinct wave.

But after the tweets had been counted, and the show had taken a break for the rest of the weekend, commentaries surfaced. They occasioned feelings that were hardly romantic. In fact, they were acrimonious, condescending, some downright mean.

While AlDub had millions of

followers here and abroad, many refused to join the bandwagon.

Some of them were loyalists of the rival network. Most believe there were more important things to get worked up on.

There are plenty of national issues, indeed.

Take your pick—elections and the dearth of acceptable candidates, the unconscionable income gap, climate change, human rights violations, disaster risk reduction, traffic and public transport, peace and order, the sorry state of some of our schools in remote provinces. Often, we cannot even muster enough critical mass to get our authorities to do their jobs. We get angry over an evening of being stuck in traffic, and then we forget about it the next day such that our officials have learned only to weather the

CHASING HAPPY ADELLE CHUA storm instead of actually effecting solutions.

Those who tweeted were accused of having nothing better to do than await the contrived love affair between two pop-culture creations.

They are so governed by their feelings that they cannot talk about anything else, much less realize that their energies are better channeled to worthier, more consequential pursuits.

To this, I invoke today’s language for the adage “Live and let live”: Walang basagan ng trip. AlDub is not intellectual, it’s not high brow, but it’s not being imposed on us, either. That gives us no excuse to look down on others’ indulgences, much less call

them shallow.

It does not follow, too, that those who obsess over such trends have a diminished capacity for appreciating other things. As a commenter on Facebook said, the two are not mutually exclusive. One can still get caught up in a rich-boy-poorgirl romance and follow it with a passion as one would follow the weighty national issues of the day. It is elitist and simplistic to dismiss these fans as shallow, jologs, one-dimensional.

Because they may not be. *** But 25.6 million tweets?

Seriously?

That’s a rather significant statement by any measure.

It’s people power, albeit of a different form and a different cause. It goes to show that Filipinos can be rallied for a cause if they feel so strongly about it, if they can identify with it. And remember this

is only for those who have access to the Internet. Many more of our compatriots are offline. How about tapping that, too? That would be a real, thundering shoutout if it comes to pass.

And now that we’ve shown once again that we can be galvanized by a compelling reason, why don’t we start taking it to other pursuits that affect our life as a nation? We can watch a historical film, for instance. Or insist we want to hear our candidates debate on national issues instead of polishing the package that is their personality. We can call for the ouster of non-performing or corrupt officials or gather support for a law that would benefit us all.

So are you shallow or elitist?

The good news is, you don’t have to be either. adellechua@gmail.com

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Spieth on course for $10-m prize ATLANTA—Jordan Spieth stayed on course for a $10 million payday at the Tour Championships here Saturday, firing a two-under-par 68 to snatch a one-shot lead as Sweden’s Henrik Stenson faltered.

In torrential rain at the East Lake Golf Course, Spieth closed out a solid round in difficult conditions with a superb curling 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th to cap a battling third round performance.

Spieth will pocket a $1.48 million winner’s check as well as a $10 million bonus for clinching the FedEx Cup playoff series if he hangs on to his lead in Sunday’s finale to the USPGA season.

“It was a fantastic day,” Spieth said.

“I would have taken even par when the day started and so to finish a couple under was fantastic.”

But it was a frustrating third round for overnight leader Stenson, who saw his three-shot lead evaporate after a scratchy two-over-par 72 which included four bogeys and only two birdies.

Stenson looked to have overcome a wobble on the back nine, when he posted consecutive birdies on the 10th and 11th before a birdie on the

14th restored his two-shot cushion.

However Spieth notched a birdie on the 15th to halve Stenson’s lead and when the Swede bogeyed the 17th the two rivals headed to the 18th as joint leaders before Spieth produced another birdie to take sole ownership on eight-under 202.

Stenson admitted he had struggled in the grimy conditions which he likened to a muddy endurance race.

“Wet, muddy, rough,” Stenson said. “What is that race called, Tough Mudder? Is that what it’s called?

That’s what it felt like.

“All in all, it was a tough day and I didn’t play my best, but I still think I kept it together quite nicely in tough conditions.”

Stenson, on 203, has a three-shot

advantage over his nearest rivals, with Rickie Fowler and England’s Paul Casey tied for third on four under.

Fowler produced a scintillating back nine performance which included four birdies to finish with a three-under-par 67.

“With the conditions, I hit some great shots, made some good putts and it’s going to go a long ways to put myself in good position for Sunday,” Fowler said.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was a further shot back on three under alongside Zach Johnson after carding an even-par 70.

McIlroy made a shaky start with bogeys on the first and fourth holes before he suddenly starting finding his putting range. AFP

Jordan Spieth of the United States dries his driver on the fourth hole as his caddie Michael Greller looks on during the third round of the TOUR Championship By Coca-Cola at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

Jaguars clinch PH bags 2 golds, 3 silvers in Aussie meet last semis spot

By Mikey Izumi THE University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars overcame a sluggish start to regroup in the fourth quarter behind a rip-roaring 22-9 blast to eventually rout a game University of Cebu Webmasters, who battled tooth and nail in the first three quarters before fading in the final canto to surrender by 20 points, 73-53, to allow the Jaguars to clinch the last Final Four slot in the 2015 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. College basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

RJ Dinolan, Mac Labares and Kevin Villafranca anchored a run that gave the Jaguars a comfortable 65-49 lead with just over 2:40 left to play.

Dinolan, who sat out a long spell because of foul trouble, came alive in a final stretch scoring six points to finish with 12.

Coach Jun Noel’s veteran Villafranca was a tower of strength off the boards and scored almost at will under the Webmasters’ basket to lead the Jaguars with 18 points, while Labares who was energy personified, added 15 points, six rebounds and three steals.

THE PHILIPPINE Badminton Association-Smash Pilipinas national team grabbed two gold medals and three silvers in the 2015 Victor Australian Junior Badminton Championships held recently at the Ken Kay Badminton Stadium in Ballarat, Australia.

National players Eleanor Christine Inlayo and Alyssa Yasbel Leonardo crushed Australian pair Joy Lai and Alice Wu 21-10, 21-15 in the final round to capture the women’s doubles’ gold medal in the tourney participated in by hundreds of players from the Asian region.

Mixed doubles’ pair Alvin Morada and Alyssa Yasbel Leonardo defeated fellow Filipinos Christian Bernardo and Eleanor Christine Inlayo, 21-19, 21-17, in the championship round to grab the mixed doubles’ gold medal of the event supported by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan.

Bernardo and Inlayo settled for the silver medal.

“It was a very inspiring finish by our players, who won two gold medals and three silvers in Australia,” said PBA Secretary-

Javier, Abad win elite crowns in duathlon STANDARD Insurance duathlete Robeno Javier came in tip-top shape as he and Philippine Duathlon Team mainstay Mirasol Abad took home the elite titles in yesterday’s Bike King Duathlon disputed at Alviera, Porac, Pampanga.

The 30-year-old Javier led from the start of the 6-K run, 60-K bike and 4-K run. But he still needed a big wind-up to spoil the determined challenge from Standard Insurance teammate Joey Delos Reyes and Sante Barley’s Robinson Esteves.

“They really wanted to win this race by keeping pace with me. They even tried to save energy in the bike leg by letting me do all the work. But I came really prepared for this event and went for broke in the second run for the win,” said Javier who had a time of two hours, 7 minutes and 58 seconds.

The event was organized

by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas Delos Reyes trailed Javier by a minute and seven seconds at 2:09:05 but was 17 seconds faster than Esteves with 2:09:22.

The win was some sort of payback for Javier after finishing at second place in a national meet held early this month.

“I just came back from a tournament in Switzerland and was not really in good shape for that race. That is why I really worked hard in training for this race,” said Javier.

Abad did just enough work to win the distaff title in this race supported by Alviera, Aboitiz, TIMEX, NLEX-SCTEX Cycling, AboitizPower, WeatherPhilippines, Sante Barley, Orbea and Fontana.

“I had a hard time competing because this is my fourth race this month. I’m just glad that I was able to build a slight lead after the bike and managed to protect it in the final run,” said the 30-year-old Abad whose winning time was 2:37:53.

Some 150-meters behind was teammate Mischelle Gilbuena with 2:38:16. Rowena Valdez from Sante Barley took the bronze medal in 2:46:48.

Canlubang Open slated

National team members who bagged medals in the 2015 Victor Australian Junior Badminton Championships. are shown here, namely (from left) Sarah Joy Barredo, Christian Bernardo, Frell Keeyan Gabuelo, Eleanor Christine Inlayo, Alyssa Ysabel Leonardo, Airah Mae Nicole Albo and Alvin Morada.

General Albee Benitez, who is also the Representative of Negros Occidental.

“I’m very happy that they were able to bring home pride to our country. I believe we can sustain this outstanding performance on the way to the Olympics. We just have to keep going,” he added.

Besides Benitez, the PBA is

headed by its President Jejomar Binay, and Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, also the chairman of SMART Communications.

Airah Mae Nicole Albo battled Australian Joy Lai in a tightly contested match before bowing to a close 20-22, 20-22 decision in the finals of women’s singles competition for a silver finish.

THREE-PEAT seeking Park Min Ung banners a crack Korean contingent set to slug it out with the country’s leading players in the Canlubang Amateur Open, which fires off Oct. 7 at Cangolf ’s South course in Laguna.

Park, who rallied with a two-under 70 at Cangolf ’s north to squeeze out a onestroke victory over now pro Tonton Asistio last year, has confirmed his participation in the 54-hole tournament ending Oct. 9 that also features members of the national team.

That includes Jobim Carlos, Jelbert Gamolo, Rupert Zaragosa, Jan Philippe de Claro, Kristoffer Arevalo and Dan Cruz, ensuring a spirited battle for top honors in the 15th staging of the annual event hosted

by Cangolf in its continuing commitment to help promote and develop the sport.

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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates his victory on the podium after the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka. AFP

Saving Palaro venues pushed SENATOR Grace Poe yesterday said the Filipino youth should not lack in opportunities to get exposed in various sporting activities at their young age, calling for the strengthening of the Palarong Pambansa program as a source of future national athletes.

Poe, a taekwondo practitioner, also the cited the availability of many sports complexes in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, some of which were built primarily for the Palarong Pambansa when their cities and provinces took their turns to host the games.

She said the venues could be still be saved to serve their purpose of providing the youth with access to sporting venues and equipment for their exposure and training.

“Since 1948, when the first Bureau of Public Schools Interscholastic Athletics Association Games were held, until it reincarnated into the Palarong Pambansa in 1974, many public sports complexes have been built as venues for the games.

The national government and the local government units should help the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee in keeping these venues in top shape so that our young athletes could enjoy access to these facilities in their dreams of becoming future sports stars,” Poe said.

“We should save these facilities from becoming white elephants,” Poe added.

Also, Poe lamented the fact that most of these venues are no longer being used for sporting purposes.

“Most of the time, these venues are only being tapped for non-sports activities. There could be more times when political activities and programs are held in these venues. Sayang

naman ang pagkakataon. Let us give these facilities back to our youth,” Poe said.

Thirty-six cities and provinces have hosted the Palarong Pambansa since 1948, where elementary and high school students have taken part in various disciplines, which have grown to 17 sports until it was last hosted by Tagum in Davao del Norte in 2015.

Among these venues, Manila, Tuguegarao, Cavite, Vigan, Iloilo, Lingayen in Pangasinan, Tacloban, Zamboanga City, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Lucena, Koronadal and Naga have hosted the Palarong Pambansa more than twice.

“Unfortunately, some the venues which have hosted the games are no longer there. The others were maintained by the host provinces and cities, while the newer ones get refurbished once in a while when their owners bid for another shot at Palarong Pambansa hosting,” Poe shared.

Hamilton puts hammer down to win Japan GP SUZUKA—Lewis Hamilton blazed to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg on Sunday to strengthen his grip on a third world title.

The Briton, who is chasing back-to-back Formula One championships, opened a 48-point gap over Rosberg with five races left after putting on a masterclass at Suzuka.

Sebastian Vettel, shock winner in Singapore last week, took third with Kimi Raikkonen fourth in the second Ferrari.

“Awesome stuff, Lewis! Fantasic race, mate!” his Mercedes team engineer said over the radio as Hamilton crossed the line pumping his fists in celebration after his eighth win of the season.

After hitting back in style from his first race-ending retirement in over a year in Singapore last week, Hamilton responded: “Fantastic job guys. So great to be back up here.”

Stung by his Singapore flop, Hamilton got off to a sensational start, darting into the lead at turn two after Rosberg slithered onto the grass and fell to fourth from pole.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ric-

ciardo shredded a tyre trying to thread the needle and brushed wheels with Felipe Massa, whose Williams also had to limp back to the pits for a change of front wing.

Normal service was resumed at the front of the pack, meanwhile, after Mercedes were rocked by a mysterious loss of pace in Singapore, allowing Vettel to boost his slim title chances.

Their mojo firing again in brilliant sunshine in Japan, the two Mercedes destroyed the Ferraris with Hamilton, outpaced by Vettel by 1.5 seconds in qualifying last weekend, relentlessly pounding out fastest lap after fastest lap.

Hamilton survived a scare midway though the 53-lap race, complaining of vibrations and overheating in the cockpit.

“I’m struggling out here,” he said, although it proved to be only a temporary glitch as he pulled away to equal boyhood hero’s Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 grand prix victories.

Rosberg recovered from his poor start and took second on lap 32 when Vettel pitted but emerged just behind his fellow German.

Gonzalez’s training is ‘smooth as silk’

By Ronnie Nathanielsz THE World Boxing Council reported that undefeated flyweight and pound-forpound No.1 Roman “Chocolatito’ Gonzalez’s training for his Madison Square, New York showdown with former two-division world champion Brian Viloria on Oct. 17 is going “as smooth as silk.”

“In Santa Ana, Costa Rica, there are no distractions to stumble or bumble ‘Busy Bee’,” the WBC said, referring to Gonzalez.

“The high-flying three-time world champion, along with his team, led by Arnulfo Obando, reportedly chose this place, in order to fully focus on his rugged, rough hewn preparation, leading to his title defense against Filipino-American

Viloria,” the WBC reported. “Everything is currently as smooth as silk and as regular as clockwork.”

But the WBC recalled that Obando remembers that the career path that the Nicaraguan fireball fighter has traversed, has not been easy.

The trainer considers that the key to outstanding, last-man standing success, has been the humbleness and singleminded work ethic of Gonzales.

After the champ conquered the championship in three different weight categories, Obando noted that Roman “remains the same person with the same intense hunger for success that possessed him, when he started boxing to defeat poverty.”

Babolat supports TATAP. Babolat Philippines, one of the world’s premium badminton and tennis

apparel providers, has agreed to provide the Philippine table tennis national team under the leadership of Table Tennis Association of the Philippines President Ting Ledesma with shoes as its official shoes sponsor. Babolat, under Philippine main distributor Techno Sports, supports table tennis as one of the sports, where the Filipinos could excel globally in different competitions in the future. Shown here are (from left) National players Rodel Valle, Isaias Seronio, Rosejean Padol, Richard Gonzales, Sendrina Muse Balatbat, Rommelia Princess Tambo, TATAP President Ledesma, Yan Yan Lariba, Jamaica Sy, Glendo Nayre, Annabel Comendador and national coach Lauro Crisostomo.

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NU forces death duel

NATIONAL University held Alyssa banged away 12 big points.

Dindin Manabat’s return after missValdez to a career-low nine-hit output and the Lady Bulldogs got back at ing the series’ opener also boosted the Ateneo Lady Eagles in style, fash- the Lady Bulldogs’ confidence as the ioning out a surprisingly easy 25-22, school’s guest player matched Pablo’s 25-17, 25-17 romp to force a sudden output, providing the additional firedeath for the Shakey’s V-League Sea- power and endgame poise lacking in son 12 Collegiate Conference crown at their Game One loss.

But NU coach Roger Gorayeb The Arena in San Juan City.

Stung by their similar straight set stressed it was the team’s solid recep25-19, 25-13, 25-23 setback in the tion and better service game that best-of-series opener last week, the keyed their victory.

Lady Bulldogs came into the match “It’s not Dindin, actually, but more armed to the teeth, seizon our reception. We reGame Oct. 4 ing control early with their 12:45 p.m. – NU vs ceived well today (yesterday) than the last time,” power game and superb Ateneo said Gorayeb in Filipino. blocking while pouncing on the Lady Eagles’ poor service re- “It also helped that we had fewer service errors, I counted it. We probably ception.

The rubber match will be played committed just three or four in this Oct. 4 starting at 12:45 p.m., also at game.”

NU delivered 35 attack points against The Arena, with NU hoping to duplicate its Season 10 title conquest over Ateneo’s measly 28, produced seven Ateneo where it dropped the first blocks against its rival’s three and came game but swept the next two to claim away with 11 aces against the Lady Eaits first collegiate title in the league gles’ poor service reception. sponsored by Shakey’s and presented Valdez, seeking to cap another exby PLDT Home Ultera. plosive campaign that netted her the The Lady Bulldogs’ swift 77-min- MVP honors in the league backed by ute demolition of their fancied rivals Mikasa and Accel, struggled with her likewise kept the predominantly pro- attacks in the face of the Lady BullAteneo crowd at the jampacked arena dogs’ solid net defense, converting just silent, gingerly waiting for a Valdez eight attack points out of 26 tries. Her nine-point production was her lowexplosion that never came.

What transpired was NU’s comple- est in years but she still proved to be tion domination of an erratic Ateneo Ateneo’s top scorer as Jhoanna Marasquad as Jaja Santiago stood out with guinot, Amy Ahomiro, Kim Gequil13 hits, mostly on quick sets and lana and Bea De Leon finished with running drop shots, and Myla Pablo six points apiece.

Municipality of Pateros OFFICE OF THE MAYOR BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Metropolitan Manila INVITATION TO BID (ITB-15-035) PURCHASE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT (SKID STEER LOADER WITH BREAKER ATTACHMENT) FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND POST REHABILITATION OF PATEROS. 1. The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS through the 2015 LGU-DRRM FUND intends to apply the sum of TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND (P2,800,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the above mentioned procurement. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS now invites bids for the PURCHASE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT (SKID STEER LOADER WITH BREAKER ATTACHMENT) FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND POST REHABILITATION OF PATEROS. 3. Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years prior to 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.

4. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary 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 restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5. Interested bidders may obtain further information from BAC OFFICE, Mezzanine, Municipal Hall, Pateros, Metro Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below on September 23-30, 2015 from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.

6. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000.00) from September 28-30, 2015 from 8:00-5:00 p.m.

7. Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled on September 30, 2:00 p.m. at the Conference Room, 3rd floor, Municipal Hall.

All bids should be place on the BID BOX located at the CONFERENCE ROOM, 3/F, MUNICIPAL HALL, PATEROS, METRO MANILA on October 12, 2015, not later than 1:30 p.m.

8. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form of CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK PAYABLE TO MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS and in the amount stated in ITB Clause.

9. 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. Bids shall be opened on October 12, 2015 @ 2:00P.M. at the Conference Room, 3/F, Municipal Hall, Pateros, Metro Manila.

10. The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS THRU BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) 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.

11. For further information, please refer to: ARLENE P. ORTIZ Head, BAC Secretariat Pateros, Metro Manila Telefax: 641-7195, e-mail: arlene@pateros.gov.ph September 21, 2015 ADELIO T. DOMINGO (Sgd.) Chairman Bids and Awards Committee

(TS-SEPT. 28, 2015)

Municipality of Pateros OFFICE OF THE MAYOR BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE Metropolitan Manila INVITATION TO BID (ITB-15-036) PURCHASE OF BRAND NEW 18 SEATERS VAN FOR USE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS

Order of Merit champ. Martin Nievera (center), representing nephew

and Order of Merit winner Miguel Tabuena, holds the Order of Merit trophy as he poses with the other awardees of the 2015 ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite recently. With him are (from left) ICTSI Public Relations head Narlene Soriano, Joe Dagdagan of Course of the Year Anvaya Cove Golf Club, Player of the Year Tony Lascuña and Clyde Mondilla, winner of the circuit’s final leg at ICTSI Tournament Players Championship.

Tabuena, who won four tournaments this year, emerged the top money earner with P3,051,917 with Lascuña settling for second with P2,385,960, and Angelo Que third with P2,272,131.

Archer Moreno makes cut

By Peter Atencio YOUTH Olympic Games gold medalist Luis Gabriel Moreno made the cut for the national squad, which will go to the Continental Olympic Qualifying Asian Archery Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

He earned a slot to the meet, set Nov. 1 to 9, after he met the minimum qualifying score when he topped the recent National Evaluation and Ranking System tournament of the Philippine Archers National Network and Alliance.

Moreno scored 660 in the two 70 meter recurve events for men at the Sevilla range in Quezon City.

Veteran Florante Matan recorded 634 followed by newcomer Atanacio Pellecer, who had a 613.

Two-time Olympian Mark Javier will make a bid to reach the MQS in the third and last ranking tournament set next month.

Members of the national women’s recurve squad, led by London Olympian Rachelle Cabral dela Cruz and Kareel Hongitan are trying to meet the 640 MQS. Secretary General Clint Aranaz said the PANNA has set a high MQS to prepare the national squad for tougher competitions ahead.

The Olympic Qualifiers have a much lower MQS of 630.

Meanwhile, veterans Jennifer Chan, Dean Adriano and Asian Games bronze medalist Paul de la Cruz have met the MQS and earned slots to the national team.

1.

The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS through the 2015 LGU-SEFFUND intends to apply the sum of ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (P1,293,200.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the above mentioned procurement. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS now invites bids for the PURCHASE OF BRAND NEW 18 SEATERS VAN FOR USE OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS.

3.

Bidders should have completed, within two (2) years prior to 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.

4.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary 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 restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

5.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from BAC OFFICE, Mezzanine, Municipal Hall, Pateros, Metro Manila and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below on September 23-30, 2015 from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.

6.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non refundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000.00) from September 28-30, 2015 from 8:00-5:00 p.m.

7.

Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled on September 30, 2:30 p.m. at the Conference Room, 3rd floor, Municipal Hall.

8.

All bids should be place on the BID BOX located at the CONFERENCE ROOM, 3/F, MUNICIPAL HALL, PATEROS, METRO MANILA on October 12, 2015, not later than 1:30 p.m.

9.

All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form of CASH OR MANAGER’S CHECK PAYABLE TO MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS and in the amount stated in ITB Clause.

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. Bids shall be opened on October 12, 2015 @ 2:30P.M. at the Conference Room, 3/F, Municipal Hall, Pateros, Metro Manila.

10. The MUNICIPALITY OF PATEROS THRU BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC) 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.

11. For further information, please refer to: ARLENE P. ORTIZ Head, BAC Secretariat Pateros, Metro Manila Telefax: 641-7195, e-mail: arlene@pateros.gov.ph September 21, 2015 (TS-SEPT. 28, 2015)

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Rookie powers Archers to win

By Peter Atencio

THE La Salle Green Archers found the right formula to get past the pressing game of the University of the East Warriors to come up with a 71-64 win yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers banked on big scoring binges, first a 6-0 run at the end of the second period and another scoring burst in the third, to move out of range and post their third win in five games in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Rookie Andrei Caracut, a prized recruit from the San Beda Red Cubs, who played on three of their six straight title conquests in the NCAA, figured heavily in another scoring binge in the fourth.

Caracut banged in a gamehigh 16 points to match veteran Jeron Teng’s output as La Salle went on to move to second spot with the same 3-2 win-loss slate as the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Games Today (MOA Arena) 2 p.m. Ateneo vs UP 4 p.m. UST vs Adamson

UE, who dropped to fourth at 2-4, drew 14 and 12 points from Nick Abanto and Ronnie de Leon, respectively. The Warriors refused to give up and kept the Greeen Archers on their toes with their pressing game.

“It’s a hard win. UE kept battling up to the last. Even if we got the lead into double digits, they found their way back. Great effort by my boys. They did not give up,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler.

The Warriors, who forced La Salle to 16 (30 overall) turnovers in the first half, held a slim lead,

26-24, until the last 3:15 off Shannon Gagate’s layup.

A pair of charity shots from Julian Sargent, followed by a putback from Thomas Torres and two freebies from Caracut touched off La Salle’s first breakaway. The Green Archers went on finish the half with a 32-26 edge.

Joshua Torralba’s penetration, followed by Jason Perkin’s threepoint play with 4:52 left in the third handed La Salle a 43-31 spread.

Caracut struck with 11 points in the fourth. He hit a pair of triples with 9:22 left to play to put La Salle ahead by 17, 58-41.

“First half, ang daming turnovers. Pero ‘di ako nawalan ng pag-asa. Nakuha ko pa rin ang laro ko,” said Caracut.

Fight of the Year GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Young fighter Daryl Basadre had only one thing in mind when he entered the ring Saturday night at the Gaisano Mall here.

Claiming that his initial match opposite Cebu’s Marco Demecillo was stopped prematurely, Basadre was bent on proving his point but in a thorough manner.

Their first bout last June ended in the second round when a seemingly in shape Basadre was dropped in the second round of their 12-round match for the vacant WBA Oceania bantamweight crown.

“I was still OK and I was ready to retaliate but to my surprise the referee stopped the fight. I learned a lesson though and that is to use the ring to my advantage. I got caught because I was careless and that I have to admit,” said Basadre a day after their awaited rematch.

In front of a lively hometown crowd, Basadre started out well by darting in and out, successfully avoiding Demecillo’s incessant attacks.

Round one was in the bag for Basadre as well as the second when the Cagayan De Oro native boxer, who fights under Sanman Promotions based in General Santos City, was able to drop Demecillo middle of the round.

Sensing that Demecillo was ready to be taken out, Basadre went out of his comfort zone and entered Demecillo’s own by fighting toe-to-toe.

While Basadre took the second canto 10-8, it was obvious that Demecillo was able to jumpstart his night when he rocked the hometown boy with a barrage of punches towards the end of that action-filled round.

“He threw everything in that round he forgot about the fight plan. He

was already a spent force entering the third round,” said Sanman’s Jean Claude Manangquil.

But Basadre was not about to let his supporters and benefactors down as he tried to ward off Demecillo’s assault and at the same time fight the urge of going into a war.

Basadre, who entered the match with an outstanding record of 14-21 with 10 stoppages, backpedalled as planned but for the most part could not resist the temptation of slugging it out.

By the seventh round, Basadre was already like a walking zombie after being tagged by blows that were awkwardly thrown but were likewise connecting.

Demecillo was just a punch away from scoring a dramatic win, but unfortunately slipped as he was set to unleash a coup de grace in the final seconds of the 7th frame.

Basadre survived the round then fought instinctively and tried to salvage whatever energy was left that night.

A single punch to the face dropped Basadre who then stood up at the count of eight on wobbly legs, forcing the referee to finally call a halt to the bout.

Basadre was very much aware of whatever was being done to him after the fight, but was totally exhausted he could not walk on his own.

“The referee should have stopped the fight by the seventh round because it was too obvious Basadre was already badly hurt,” quipped Freeman Sports Editor Manny Villaruel who was at ringside.

Basadre was later brought to the hospital where a CT Scan was later done but as of yesterday it was established that no serious damage happened on the brave boxer.

Despite the loss, Basadre felt fulfilled knowing that those who witnessed his match against Demecillo witnessed one of the most thrilling matches ever held in the country.

Gilas...

From A16

University of the Philippines’ Andrew Harris (right) fouls National University’s Gelo Alolino while attempting to steal the ball in a UAAP game won by the Bulldogs, 68-52, on Saturday. BROSI GONZALES

Blatche then scored on a putback of his own miss to stretch Gilas’ lead to five, 71-66, with 52.8 ticks left. Jayson Castro then sealed the win and settled the final tally with two free throws with 35.5 seconds remaining.

Today, the Philippines will face the toughest test possible as it takes on unbeaten defending champion Iran (3-0) in a clash of titans at 11:45 a.m. in the same venue.

Obviously, the most interesting match-up in this contest is the tussle between centers and NBA veterans Blatche and Hamed Haddadi.

De Ocampo finished with 13 points, while Castro and Terrence Romeo provided additional firepower of 12 markers each for the Philippines.

Eagles repulse Bulldogs, capture Spiker’s title ATENEO fought back back from a grueling third set setback with a dominating show in the fourth as the Eagles hacked out a hard-earned 25-23, 25-21, 38-40, 25-19, victory over the National University Bulldogs yesterday to set a record title sweep in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Marck Espejo came back from a ninehit showing in Game One with a 24-point explosion as the league MVP lived up to

the hype and drew solid backup from a steady Rex Intal, Joshua Villanueva, Ysrael Marasigan and John Rivera, libero Manuel Sumanguid III and setter Joner Polvorosa to power the Eagles to the victory that capped their unbeaten 13-game title run in the league presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

Unlike in their 25-17, 25-18, 25-19 romp in the series opener last week, however, the Eagles struggled in the face of the Bulldogs’

spirited challenge right from the opening serve and needed to rebound from a backand-forth third set loss to clinch the victory – and the championship – in two hours.

The victory also augured well for the Eagles’ title-retention drive in the upcoming UAAP. “I guest 13 is a lucky number for us,” said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro. “I also would like to think that this win is big since this is the inaugural season of the Spikers’ Turf.”

Unlike its previous two games, Gilas didn’t exactly have the strong start it aimed for.

The Philippines fell behind by 10, 29-19, halfway through the second period after an 18-5 blast by Japan.

Fortunately, Gilas was able to dig itself out of trouble by countering with its own 16-4 run to end the period to snatch the lead, 35-33, at the half.

Midway through the third, Gilas Pilipinas got a scare as Blatche went down with a calf injury after converting a basket.

He went out for a few minutes before coming back early in the fourth to finish the game strong and power the Philippines to victory.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/49 00-00-00-00-00-0

P16M

3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK m o n day : S e p t e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

A16 x 10 cm

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

How do you nt your news erved today?

ww.thestandard.com.ph

Smashed! National University’s Myla Pablo (17) hammers in an attack against Ateneo’s Gizelle Tan and Amy Ahomiro during Game Two of their Shakey’s V-Season 12 League Collegiate Conference title showdown at The Arena in San Juan. Story on A14

Gilas 5struggles col x 14 cm past Japan

By Jeric Lopez

How do you want your news served today?

www.thestandard.com.ph

GILAS Pilipinas held its own in the clutch with crucial baskets to post a hardfought 73-66 victory over tough Japan in Group E action in the second round of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at the Changsa Social Work College’s Gymnasium in Changsa, China yesterday.

Game Today (Second Round - Changsa Social Work College’s Gymnasium) 11:45 a.m. - Smart Gilas vs. Iran

Andray Blatche, despite playing hurt with a calf injury, made huge plays and shots down the stretch to carry the Philippines on his broad shoulders to the all-important victory.

The naturalized star finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds to spearhead the Gilas attack.

This was a critical victory for the Philippines as it is now in a second-place tie with Palestine at 2-1 in the group.

Though Blatche played the starring role, he wasn’t alone working down the stretch.

With the game hanging in the balance at 64-all in the waning minutes, Ranidel De Ocampo knocked down a crucial go-ahead triple to give Smart Gilas a 67-64 edge with 2:16 remaining.

In the succeeding possessions, the two countries exchanged points as the Philippines remained on top, 69-66, entering the final minute of action. Turn to A15

MONDAY: SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

B1

TV5 retrenches 107 workers

By Darwin G Amojelar

TV5 Networks Inc. has retrenched over a hundred employees as part of the network’s digitalization strategy.

TV5 president and chief executive Emmanuel Lorenzana told reporters 107 employees availed the company’s voluntary manpower reduction program.

“We did not force people to leave, we offered them a very attractive package. They have the choice to actually take it or stay. So, it’s not a force reduction program,” Lorenzana said.

“We’re changing the business

process on how we do things, we are pushing digital. So, it’s a matter of matching the needs of the network for the future,” he added.

The network currently has 950 employees.

Lorenzana said he was optimistic about the outlook of the network amid “stable” ratings.

“We gonna have a lot of exciting news to tell you around October or November,” he said.

Lorenzana earlier said the network’s media center would be completed by September next year.

TV5’s Media Center is a 63,000 square-meter area, comprising of one nine-story corporate building and two eight-story structures of office spaces, TV production and post-production centers, radio booths, and other cutting-edge broadcast facilities.

MediaQuest Holdings Inc. bought TV5 in 2009 from the Cojuangco family for P4 billion, and acquired MPB Primedia of Malaysia, a TV5 major block-timer, for $16 million.

MediaQuest’s investments in TV5 was in line with its strategy of developing media, content and

production resources to complement its other media assets and platforms such as Cignal, a directto-home satellite service launched in 2010.

Media Quest is owned by the Beneficial Trust Fund of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., which has interest in Nation Broadcasting Corp., Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World and Unitel Group.

Earlier, ABS-CBN Corp., the broadcast network of the Lopez group, implemented a “voluntary retirement” offer to employees nationwide, as the company shifts into digital from analog services.

ABS-CBN chief finance officer Rolando Valdueza had said less

than 200 employees would be affected nationwide during the ongoing digitalization of the company.

The network currently has about 8,500 employees, including those of units ABS-CBN Global and Sky Cable Inc. PLDT also cut about 5 percent to 6 percent of its workforce of 17,496 employees as of end-2014 due to digitalization.

“This is part of our efforts to align the skills and expertise of our workforce with the changing requirements of our business. Some old skills are no longer needed or no longer needed as mush as before,” PLDT spokesman Ramon Isberto earlier said.

PSe comPoSite index Closing September 24, 2015

8000 7700 7400 7100 6800 6500

6,917.55 9.36

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 43.50 44.60 45.40

P46.860

46.20

CLOSE

47.00

HIGH P46.830 LOW P46.970 AVERAGE P46.902 VOLUME 567.700M

P435.00-P640.00 LPG/11-kg tank P36.00-P43.95 Unleaded Gasoline P25.05-P28.40 Diesel

oPriceS il P today

P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene P20.75-P21.75 Auto LPG

Latest iPhones. Customers use Apple Inc. iPhones to take photographs while waiting in line at an Apple store in Palo Alto, California, . From Sydney to New York, some of the Apple faithful waited in lines for more than two weeks to be among the first to receive the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Bloomberg

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Thursday, September 24, 2015

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.7380

Japan

Yen

0.008317

0.3887

UK

Pound

1.524600

71.2568

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129039

6.0310

Switzerland

Franc

1.020304

47.6870

Canada

Dollar

0.749794

35.0439

Singapore

Dollar

0.701361

32.7802

Australia

Dollar

0.701508

32.7871

Bahrain

Dinar

2.656254

124.1480

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

12.4628

Brunei

Dollar

0.698910

32.6657

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0032

Thailand

Baht

0.027647

1.2922

UAE

Dirham

0.272324

12.7279

Euro

Euro

1.118200

52.2624

Korea

Won

0.000838

0.0392

China

Yuan

0.156644

7.3212

India

Rupee

0.015143

0.7078

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.230150

10.7568

New Zealand

Dollar

0.626017

29.2588

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030343

1.4182 Source: PDS Bridge

PAL Express prepares to retire current fleet PAL Express, the low-cost unit of Philippine Airlines, said it will retire its old aircraft as part of its refleeting program.

“We are looking at end of 2016 or early part of 2017 for the refleeting program. It’s just a replacement of our current fleet. We are still in negotiation, we have not yet decided on what type of aircraft that we are going to acquire,” PALex president Bonifacio Sam told reporters Friday.

He said negotiations with aircraft manufacturers would be finalized next year.

PALex currently operates Bombardier Dash 8 Q300s and Q400s and leases Airbus A320s to its parent Philippine Airlines (PAL).

The airline operates domestic and international scheduled services from the cities of Manila, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga.

Sam said the new aircraft would be used for expansion in the domestic and international markets.

“We are studying some China routes and other regional routes,” he said, adding that the airline planned to increase flight frequency to Visayas and Mindanao.

“We are looking at more frequencies in our existing destinations like we will be adding one flight to Butuan, Dumagute and Zamboanga,” he said.

Sam also said Palex would fly to Saipan next year, using 156-seater A320 fleet.

There are about 19,000 Filipinos in the island-territory in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

PAL, the parent firm of PAL Express, earlier reported a consolidated comprehensive income of P5.94 billion in the January-June period, up 1,500 percent from just P362.4 million year-on-year.

Comprehensive income in the second quarter grew 49 percent to P2.16 billion from P1.45 billion a year ago.

Total revenues in the first half rose 14 percent to P55.95 billion from P48.95 billion a year earlier. Revenues in the second quarter reached P28.09 billion, up 2.9 percent from P27.23 billion. Darwin G. Amojelar

MONDAY: SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS Weekly STockS revieW STOCKS

SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2015 Close Volume

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. Bright Kindle Resources Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. 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 Philippine Trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

2.55 69 103.00 82.50 41.95 2.40 1.29 10.1 15.7 19.32 7.50 0.65 1.69 720.00 0.650 81.5 0.96 16.68 24.00 50.15 100 150 295 30.9 137.6 1430.00 51.20 2.95

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Century Food Chemphil Conc. Aggr. `A’ Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Emperador Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) EEI Euro-Med Lab. Federal Res. Inv. Group First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Phoenix Semiconductor Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings San Miguel’Pure Foods `B’ Splash Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

43.5 1.49 0.97 1.7 10.6 16.76 130 50 25.75 41.6 2.79 1.65 9.99 10.460 8.00 5.89 7.68 1.97 13.48 22.6 66 12.50 13.00 5.72 3.120 187.00 2.2 5.34 46.90 21.75 21.7 5.51 293.00 3.83 4.1 6.90 11.34 3.34 2.10 2.1 4.03 2.8 5.48 132 2.28 0.145 0.91 1.89 192 4.62 0.68 1.04

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Keppel Holdings `B’ Lopez Holdings Corp.

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Minerales Industrias Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Prime Orion Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Transgrid Top Frontier Unioil Res. & Hldgs Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.430 57.9000 18.14 6.39 0.235 0.255 740 450.00 6.79 12.40 3.1 4.06 0.224 1235 5.95 68.70 6.7 5.95 0.69 11.6 0.56 4.98 8.2 0.0350 1.370 1.730 2.8 50.75 3.02 880.00 1.18 0.70 220.00 84.950 0.3350 0.2210 0.270

8990 HLDG Anchor Land Holdings Inc. A. Brown Co., Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ Cebu Holdings Centennial City City & Land Dev. Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Global-Estate Filinvest Land,Inc. Interport `A’ Keppel Properties

6.550 7.57 0.62 1.100 0.250 34.00 3.03 4.8 0.57 0.97 0.100 0.435 21.15 0.780 0.170 1.03 1.74 1.33 4.80

Value

FINANCIAL 908,160.00 4,790,327.00 1,904,603,363 682,800,846.50 15,267,295.00 39,190.00 102,340.00 1,010.00 1,352,966.00 4,825,689.00 7,500 327,870 67,250.00 28,750.00 122,185,360.00 1,138,405,193.00 8,019,390.00 6,583,634.00 1,561,205.00 53,976,891.50 4,065,850.00 21,500.00 1,356,242.00 28,994,240 142,648,642.00 4,131,170.00 2,418,445.50 82,600.00 INDUSTRIAL 9,003,700 387,257,945.00 88,000 125,400.00 175,000 161,340.00 4,466,000 7,435,130.00 23,000 252,206.00 3,736,100 13,592,056 40 5,200.00 200 10,000.00 538,100 14,039,765.00 2,005,000 87,807,610 10,158,000 29,001,930.00 85,331,000 184,654,760.00 8,333,200 89,012,415.00 25,552,700 271,723,030.00 4,754,700 37,701,542.00 75,916,600 455,713,295.00 455,800 3,611,495.00 232,000 412,890.00 40,500 531,266.00 6,028,700 139,073,630.00 790,130 52,098,978.00 3,600 45,000.00 48,500 631,502.00 449,300 2,578,013.00 368,148,000 1,094,934,450.00 1,857,760 348,604,325.00 662,000 1,554,900.00 3,615,700 21,209,069.00 2,400 112,595.00 3,396,700 77,066,635.00 872,200 18,795,660.00 773,643.00 140,200 1,226,640 360,130,882.00 26,000 99,790.00 2,174,000 8,929,720.00 9,565,500 66,195,869.00 26,700 299,378.00 338,000 1,120,220.00 2,301,000 4,588,990.00 5,285,000 11,112,400.00 12,273,000 49,408,890.00 313,000 853,900.00 20,500 107,026.00 139,690 18,832,275.00 13,305,000 30,029,170.00 20,440,000 3,035,870.00 910,000 909,320.00 28,992,000 53,266,070.00 7,952,720 1,492,825,875.00 23,000 107,210.00 25,358,000 18,771,550.00 442,000 449,770.00 HOLDING FIRMS 320,000 134,050.00 7,018,020 406,598,387.50 42,807,300 821,876,358.00 84,000 548,241.00 990,000 233,660.00 730,000 171,950.00 1,005,870 759,813,850.00 30 13,010.00 3,065,200 21,282,425.00 24,817,900 320,378,056.00 38,000 536,350.00 35,000 142,740.00 10,040,000 2,409,840.00 711,280 883,475,715.00 472,700 2,821,063.00 6,498,600 449,046,417.50 27,000 167,990.00 5,503,400 33,287,071.00 5,664,000 4,274,510.00 20,865,000 248,405,792.00 2,183,000 1,164,840.00 103,552,500 354,826,594.00 6,809,500 56,101,218.00 236,700,000 8,196,300.00 66,000 85,250.00 4,946,000 8,467,970.00 432,000 1,203,590.00 4,699,300 211,213,665.00 1,804,000 5,490,850.00 1,214,300 1,070,868,595.00 7,640,000 10,038,170.00 21,000 14,730.00 440 86,000.00 1,069,960 70,640,068.00 251,970,000 93,940,200.00 9,770,000 2,142,930.00 3,005,860 423,060.00 PROPERTY 1,945,100 13,379,396.00 7,500 58,611.00 1,710,000 1,068,820.00 213,000 236,670.00 1,230,000 282,980.00 45,390,900 1,543,488,025.00 3,342,000 10,109,070.00 24,000 115,340.00 18,955,000 11,151,880.00 27,000 26,790.00 13,140,000 1,352,270.00 13,080,000 5,869,100.00 28,145,000 581,983,071.00 442,000 353,380.00 1,520,000 264,960.00 4,599,000 4,727,850.00 61,788,000 109,180,760.00 1,658,000 2,222,270.00 25,000 106,920.00 340,000 70,040 18,520,530 8,225,960 360,100 16,000 79,000 100 87,000 244,800 1,000 504,000 40,000 40 165,447,000 13,691,570 8,557,000 393,300 64,800 1,032,920 41,360 160 4,580 928,000 1,018,920 2,785 46,770 28,000

SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2015 Close Volume Value 2.79 69.2 103.00 84.15 42.65 2.50

483,000 77,390 14,618,630 9,787,980 597,600 128,000

1,362,580.00 5,317,455.00 1,456,828,691 822,506,996.00 25,408,520.00 312,470.00

15.5 20 7.44

463,600 238,100 4,100

7,107,850.00 4,768,540.00 29,983

1.63 715.00 0.610 84.75 0.96 17.10 25.10 53.35 96.5

25,000 1,810 86,658,000 9,010,880 58,000 683,500 300 3,693,170 13,340

38,670.00 1,286,350.00 52,821,630.00 762,905,811.00 55,530.00 11,757,436.00 7,530.00 198,413,165.00 1,273,925.50

300 31.2 141 1460.00 49.80 3.15

30,090 5,107,500 2,718,640 2,920 133,070 39,000

8,936,412.00 159,346,390 386,540,580.00 4,257,800.00 6,822,434.50 114,200.00

42.7 1.5 0.97 1.7 9.86 17

11,239,900 65,000 355,000 2,374,000 12,700 1,533,400

485,397,040.00 91,960.00 325,460.00 3,831,360.00 128,301.00 26,074,768

26.4 46.7 2.85 1.2 10.16 10.920 7.95 6.09 7.97 1.6 14.2 24 66.65 12.50 13.80 5.84 2.320 184.00 1.86 4.63 46.95 23 21.9 5.6 298.40 3.94 4.09 6.86 11.20 3.39 1.99 2.23 4.03 2.79 5.2 135 2.09 0.143 0.93 1.81 191.1 4.62 0.7 1.03

1,773,700 3,377,800 12,315,000 5,253,000 626,000 24,078,500 6,701,600 128,341,900 3,317,200 10,000 224,300 20,149,300 2,463,750 1,600 67,300 568,800 345,442,000 1,500,090 48,000 2,927,000 7,400 3,845,900 506,100 22,908,000 3,296,980 105,000 4,708,000 10,988,200 102,000 444,000 1,181,000 2,673,000 12,139,000 1,432,000 32,600 1,864,040 6,542,000 7,490,000 250,000 5,981,000 7,666,390 615,000 5,736,000 604,000

46,850,075.00 142,079,730 33,674,600.00 6,362,980.00 6,359,670.00 264,948,220.00 53,466,533.00 767,985,721.00 26,198,984.00 16,200.00 3,128,984.00 472,561,205.00 165,827,627.00 20,002.00 928,836.00 3,265,417.00 507,746,420.00 280,542,406.00 89,670.00 9,056,960.00 342,365.00 86,563,400.00 11,012,990.00 126,007,882.00 976,094,204.00 409,540.00 19,136,330.00 77,338,377.00 1,122,500.00 1,449,470.00 2,370,690.00 6,039,170.00 48,828,920.00 3,575,420.00 178,044.00 243,316,579.00 13,314,510.00 1,070,510.00 221,500.00 10,644,270.00 1,471,729,152.00 2,827,870.00 3,919,440.00 636,600.00

0.420 57.4500 19.90 6.64 0.240 0.245 782

760,000 7,792,140 33,867,400 7,376,600 2,950,000 20,000 1,878,690

319,650.00 451,605,805.00 683,718,667.00 48,399,975.00 695,650.00 4,900.00 1,429,972,325.00

7.1 12.90 3.01 4.20 0.219 1300 6.00 70.85 4.68 6.27 0.61 12.36 0.52 5.13 8.14 0.0360 1.320 1.720 2.78 45.80 2.85 880.00 1.18 0.71 170.00 66.000 0.3300 0.2160 0.215

12,391,700 42,433,200 497,000 67,000 7,600,000 1,113,070 17,700 11,402,990 104,000 22,485,900 623,000 14,736,900 1,561,000 108,258,400 10,592,800 2,335,800,000 82,000 11,077,000 64,000 1,802,400 1,470,000 1,693,410 722,000 26,000 100 67,740 116,620,000 10,680,000 6,380,000

84,939,631.00 547,972,616.00 1,526,300.00 282,030.00 1,615,840.00 1,427,668,455.00 106,011.00 812,618,744.00 431,060.00 142,087,593.00 368,220.00 184,617,988.00 829,420.00 548,742,886.00 84,669,171.00 91,008,300.00 103,430.00 19,490,920.00 175,750.00 82,952,240.00 4,353,620.00 1,509,702,555.00 845,570.00 18,120.00 17,000.00 4,528,727.50 39,694,400.00 2,226,840.00 1,397,080.00

7.170

6,779,900

45,986,361.00

0.62 1.120 0.220 35.05 3.01 4.87 0.58 1.03 0.110 0.430 20 0.810 0.175 1.05 1.78 1.40 3.00

2,692,000 193,000 10,000 70,227,700 17,593,000 674,000 34,590,000 47,000 20,910,000 1,250,000 16,780,600 3,343,000 1,020,000 8,366,000 120,660,000 1,831,000 3,000

1,666,680.00 217,980.00 2,200.00 2,467,857,055.00 53,486,500.00 3,225,120.00 21,319,680.00 46,870.00 2,179,570.00 524,750.00 304,758,356.00 2,610,800.00 172,700.00 8,614,460.00 214,804,330.00 2,590,030.00 9,000.00

STOCKS

SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2015 Close Volume

Megaworld Prop.

MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

4.25 0.092 0.2850 0.3850 19.28 8.35 28.55 1.55 3.15 19.84 0.72 8.37 0.720 5.150

2GO Group ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Asian Terminals Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Calata Corp.

Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Discovery World DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ 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. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons Retail SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

8 60 1.11 0.560 11.3 5.98 0.0580 3.6 86.5 10 1.8 5.00 3.26 921 2380 6.30 1.26 77 4.31 11.94 0.011 0.191 1.4200 2.15 8.60 2.87 2.26 38.00 0.600 2.06 4.59 0.310 0.495 19 4.60 2.92 9.24 96.00 18.70 2270.00 0.570 1.070 30.80 71.90 7.11 6.34 0.49 1.72 3.45 0.355 2.710

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Basic Energy Corp.

Benguet Corp `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Semirara Corp.

TA Petroleum United Paragon

0.0055 2.31 4.73 10.30 0.188 6.9500 0.75 0.66 6.50 1.01 0.300 0.181 0.190 0.010 0.011 2.1 7.18 2.9 0.6000 1.3500 0.0086 0.0099 3.86 5.00 1.38 0.0120 134.70 2.62 0.0084

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 & Resort Pref.

PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PF Pref 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

59.9 528 530 110.6 118.2 527.5 6.45 1.1 1080 1100 1025 78.5 81.2 78 77.5 78.65 1.8

Leisure & Resort Warr.

3.040

Makati Fin. Corp.

Ripple E-Business Intl Xurpas

3.48 70 13.7

First Metro ETF

113.1

SEPTEMBER 14-18, 2015 Close Volume Value

Value

99,923,000 4,500,000 1,240,000 490,000 900 5,745,900 10,615,500 508,000 104,000 55,301,000 3,964,000 36,400 1,974,000 31,009,900

429,877,750.00 428,450.00 380,600.00 203,800.00 17,340.00 49,295,323.00 302,077,160.00 776,290.00 328,100.00 1,128,789,135.00 2,837,820.00 304,134.00 1,404,190.00 161,460,142.00 SERVICES 597,500 4,751,949.00 228,900 13,707,822.50 144,000 163,450.00 7,570,000 4,305,800.00 2,001,000 22,611,300.00 25,861,500 160,114,015.00 135,340,000 8,096,570.00 2,225,000 8,064,230.00 1,356,740 119,884,700.00 5,500 54,879.00 126,000 203,610 550,600 3,771,558.00 21,000 67,350.00 150 138,010.00 378,603 927,645,810 1,754,000 11,031,102.00 740,000 920,680.00 7,240,610 580,742,205.50 3,000 12,930 34,000 389,902.00 19,600,000 203,600.00 86,420,000 17,011,850.00 23,684,000 36,047,140.00 57,000 120,740.00 1,090,300 9,466,028.00 4,601,000 13,169,570.00 92,000 200,290.00 600 22,800.00 90,000 54,000.00 184,000 368,760.00 29,861,400 149,909,568.00 270,000 85,000.00 10,967,000 5,775,520.00 1,600 30,078.00 30,000 135,900 37,000 101,920.00 2,100 18,765.00 5,450 520,035.00 263,000 4,847,894.00 649,140 1,482,337,460.00 6,182,000 3,513,050.00 25,251,000 27,714,920.00 5,488,600 171,302,795.00 2,473,410 175,899,919.50 89,398,800 621,126,294.00 4,867,000 31,882,688.00 25,618,000 12,706,730.00 54,000 90,880.00 8,239,000 28,023,040.00 14,210,000 5,432,500.00 2,529,000 6,619,730.00 MINING & OIL 1,739,000,000 9,962,800.00 45,000 103,600.00 411,400 2,004,309.00 17,000 176,558.00 760,000 145,640.00 16,900 108,351.00 2,707,000 1,962,290.00 886,000 563,660.00 456,300 3,209,555.00 62,018,000 63,055,210.00 2,330,000 691,550.00 32,130,000 5,811,220.00 5,160,000 980,730.00 181,700,000 1,799,680.00 93,600,000 1,076,400.00 1,002,000 2,084,070.00 15,505,600 109,515,712.00 2,717,000 7,889,500.00 2,398,000 1,463,440.00 989,000 1,323,290.00 3,000,000 25,800.00 3,400,000 32,100.00 23,000 87,600.00 1,921,300 9,599,332.00 2,352,000 3,201,970.00 320,500,000 5,400,500.00 6,398,210 875,643,959.00 8,111,000 20,365,920.00 3,000,000 23,500.00 PREFERRED 1,064,520 63,837,983.50 18,540 9,803,850.00 1,410 752,825 120 13,282.00 53,830 6,357,724.00 1,000 527,500.00 137,100 870,368.00 512,000 550,860 26,000 27,600,000.00 2,775 3,052,500.00 4,585 4,685,210.00 16,800 1,338,370.00 467,640 38,043,789.50 817,070 63,951,473.00 1,739,740 135,222,675.00 4,613,260 361,814,037.00 8,000 14,650.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 967,000 2,972,910.00 SME 104,000 354,360.00 167,170 11,620,363.50 27,558,400 359,343,606.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 30,800 3,534,325.00

4.5 0.091 0.3000 0.4400 19.02 7.89 28.80 1.55 3.16 22.35 0.73 8.37 0.670 5.480

204,783,000 9,760,000 820,000 1,070,000 300 1,044,200 7,478,100 3,136,000 68,000 123,453,300 5,665,000 1,866,200 148,000 74,939,600

913,808,730.00 837,190.00 222,160.00 496,700.00 5,706.00 8,080,227.00 214,941,085.00 5,000,130.00 218,950.00 2,589,504,838.00 3,950,460.00 15,119,751.00 99,280.00 404,036,184.00

8.17 60 1.06 0.540 11.24 6.37 0.0610 3.7 91.75 10 1.61 4.95

2,073,300 171,930 3,000 873,000 29,300 28,382,200 235,920,000 2,668,000 4,568,270 1,600 6,000 117,000

16,655,556.00 10,328,830.50 3,240.00 479,500.00 343,782.00 187,719,583.00 15,113,260.00 9,689,900.00 412,456,550.00 16,060.00 10,050 572,579.00

920 2528 6.42 1.28 84.9 4.31 11.4 0.011 0.196 1.6700 2.15 8.80 2.62 2.20 38.00 0.600 2.05 5.35 0.310 0.480 19 4.73

10,790 535,920 1,023,500 442,000 5,475,940 1,000 10,400 38,400,000 138,810,000 35,988,000 15,002 3,406,600 2,228,000 151,000 300 209,000 126,000 32,638,000 3,004,000 12,741,000 500 23,000

9,926,800.00 1,359,256,590 6,438,241.00 533,540.00 478,194,444.10 4,310 118,580.00 417,800.00 27,089,820.00 59,652,040.00 57,250.00 29,007,700.00 5,683,560.00 322,410.00 10,800.00 123,900.00 254,000.00 166,145,639.00 1,028,150.00 6,815,855.00 9,580.00 104,930

105.00 18.80 2340.00 0.580 1.170 31.65 71.90 6.64 7.02 0.52

81,870 436,900 732,685 1,506,000 38,759,000 9,916,200 2,578,980 94,401,000 31,297,100 29,581,000

8,759,308.00 8,127,376.00 1,738,172,460.00 883,340.00 44,530,500.00 316,584,655.00 178,964,335.50 577,783,061.00 211,705,605.00 15,142,540.00

3.4 0.370 2.800

31,322,000 4,920,000 5,977,000

111,016,770.00 1,780,050.00 16,068,910.00

0.0055 2.40 5.02

3,598,000,000 20,226,800.00 165,000 399,170.00 2,687,600 13,229,606.00

0.198 6.0000 0.69 0.67 6.30 1.07 0.295 0.181 0.200 0.010 0.011 2.25 7.46 2.98 0.5800 1.3400 0.0095 0.0100 3.78 5.15 1.43 0.0110 137.00 2.27 0.0072

3,510,000 1,900 4,184,000 989,000 439,500 28,791,000 1,500,000 15,870,000 250,000 459,000,000 419,600,000 1,648,000 20,330,100 27,230,000 2,538,000 903,000 53,000,000 12,000,000 167,000 2,950,800 4,699,000 266,400,000 3,875,810 2,804,000 15,000,000

672,410.00 11,400.00 2,921,750.00 643,670.00 2,595,404.00 31,485,270.00 431,700.00 2,898,920.00 48,940.00 4,676,300.00 4,577,000.00 3,352,350.00 152,223,021.00 80,991,130.00 1,454,750.00 1,169,920.00 485,500.00 119,100.00 633,560.00 14,763,129.00 6,551,260.00 2,908,390.00 532,652,485.00 6,584,140.00 108,400.00

60 530 538 110.6 115.5 528 6.28 1.06 1050 1080 1016 80 82

1,248,450 7,860 12,030 1,010 1,000 10,200 269,200 304,000 5,400 3,600 3,245 27,570 726,320

74,897,860.00 4,163,595.00 6,448,795 111,706.00 115,500.00 5,384,880.00 1,663,101.00 325,130 5,668,000.00 2,714,700.00 3,297,680.00 2,205,600.00 59,002,765.50

3.370

868,000

2,851,670.00

3.42 52.8 12

179,000 28,620 9,963,600

607,330.00 1,524,850.50 100,701,930.00

117.5

41,250

4,814,365.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining Ionics Inc Philodrill Corp. `A’ Unioil Res. & Hldgs Pacifica `A’ Manila Mining `A’ MEDCO Holdings Boulevard Holdings Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Megaworld Prop.

VOLUME 1,739,000,000 368,148,000 320,500,000 251,970,000 236,700,000 181,700,000 165,447,000 135,340,000 103,552,500 99,923,000

STOCKS Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Ayala Land `B’ Universal Robina PLDT Common Metrobank SM Prime Holdings Ionics Inc SM Investments Inc. Globe Telecom GT Capital

VALUE 1,904,603,363 1,543,488,025.00 1,492,825,875.00 1,482,337,460.00 1,138,405,193.00 1,128,789,135.00 1,094,934,450.00 1,070,868,595.00 927,645,810 883,475,715.00

MONDAY: SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

B3

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

SM Prime allots P65b for 2016

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Cignal offers HD quality for AlDub WHILE GMA Network Inc. and SkyCable Corp. engage in a word war over signal disruption during the airing of Eat Bulaga’s “KalyeSerye” segment, an executive of rival pay-television operator, Cignal TV, committed to offer fans of AlDub, the tandem of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub (Maine Mendoza), a high-definition TV experience.

“We are happy about AlDub. Our countrymen want to watch it.

AlDub has really created waves in the industry. The highest rating right now on TV, that’s why we want to make sure that they are clear in Cignal,” Cignal TV chief operating officer Oscar Reyes Jr. said.

Reyes even advised subscribers of SkyCable to shift to Cignal TV if they want a clear and high-quality TV resolution when watching Eat Bulaga’s “Kalye-Serye” segment.

He also congratulated Tony Tuviera, the producer of Eat Bulaga for creating “Kalye-Serye”, the most successful segment in TV today.

The Kalye-serye segment, which features the split-screen romance of Alden and Yaya Dub, scored another record-breaking feat on Twitter with over 25 million tweets generated for the hashtag #ALDubEBforLOVE on Saturday.

GMA Network earlier said the longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga, driven by phenomenal success of its AlDub/Kalyeserye segment, led the roster of Kapuso shows across all areas.

For the period Aug. 1 to 31, GMA posted 39.8 percent ratings over ABS-CBN’s 32.2 percent and TV5’s 7.5 percent. In Metro Manila, GMA posted 42 percent household shares, while ABSCBN had 28.4 percent and TV5, 7.9 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country’s largest integrated real estate developer, said capital expenditures in 2016 will reach P65 billion, higher than P64 billion programmed spending for this year.

SM Prime said in a regulatory filing it would earmark about 52 percent of the 2016 capital spending for shoppings malls, 38 percent for residential, 7 percent for commercial and 3 percent for hotels and convention centers.

“SM Prime plans to fund its capital expenditure through recurring income flows and external financing,” the property developer said.

The company said its mall expansion plans were geared towards major cities outside Metro Manila. It said per capita income and rent per square meter in several cities were already comparable to Metro Manila, as business process outsourc-

ing companies expanded to the provinces.

The group said it still planned to expand in Metro Manila, by developing supercenters, or malls consisting of less than 100,000 square meters of leasable space.

“SM Prime believes that the current demand backlog for leases in several of its developments provides an opportunity for further mall expansion,” the company said.

SM Prime said in 2016, it planned to open six new malls, including SM City San Jose Del Monte with 114,186 square meters gross floor area, SM Commonwealth with 20,877 sqm,

SM City Trece Martirez with 49, 498 sqm, SM Tuguegarao with 16,181 sqm, SM City Puerto Princesa with 58,168 sqm and SM Urdaneta with 58,168 sqm.

It will also expand two malls, including SM City Calamba and SM City Sucat with 62,000 sqm and 78,000 sqm of GFA, respectively while SM Molina and SM Sucat would be renovated.

SM Prime will also open three new malls in 2017, including SM Cagayan de Oro with 28,971 sqm, SM Caloocan with 102,086 sqm and SM Dagupan with 87,366 sqm.

SM Prime had 53 malls in the Philippines and five malls in China as of end-June.

It is the largest integrated real estate developer in Southeast Asia by market capitalization and the the largest shopping mall developer in the Philippines in terms of gross leasable space.

Share price of SM Prime ended the week at 19.84, down P2.51 from previous week’s close.

Harbor Center accused of storing rice sans permit

A group of consumers claimed that Harbour Center Port Terminal Inc. was allegedly storing rice at its warehouses, without permits from the National Food Authority.

National Coalition of Filipino Consumers spokesman BenCy Ellorin said his group received information that warehouses of HCPTI were keeping tons of NFA rice without accreditation from the NFA. “The National Food Authority should immediately conduct a probe because this is a clear violation of government rules. Under the government regulations, only NFA-accredited warehouses are allowed to store NFA rice,” Ellorin said.

HCPTI has yet to issue an statement about the allegation.

Ellorin said hoarding of NFA rice was a violation of the Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act Law and was punishable by five to 15 years of imprisonment.

The consumer group also alleged that HCPTI was being used by groups to manipulate the price of the staple.

“This is one area the NFA should look into. Aside from looking into the possibility of the HCPTI illegally storing NFA rice, a deeper probe should be simultaneously conducted to find out if the HCPTI is involved in the smuggling or hoarding,” Ellorin said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

STI to pursue overseas expansion

Businessman Eusebio Tanco will once again try to bring the STI Education brand, which is behind one of the largest networks of schools in the Philippines, overseas after its initial attempt in the early 2000s.

Instead of targeting the migrant Filipino market in other countries, which was the strategy of STI in the past, Tanco said STI would put up a real school in Asean countries that would target not only Filipinos overseas but also local residents.

He said the previous strategy did not work because the international schools that it put up became only weekend schools for OFWs. “Now, we want to put up truly a real school that will not only target the OFWs but also local residents. We want to be competitive and we will compete with other schools and colleges there,” Tanco said.

Tanco said the company was now in talks with possible joint venture partners to bring STI brand overseas.

While he did not identify the target sites, Tanco said the plan was to open one school overseas next year with a $10-million initial investment. Jenniffer B. Austria

Metro’s certification.

Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. recently announced that Metro Alabang Supermarket has been re-certified for the Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points standards, making it the first and only supermarket in the Philippines to receive these certifications.

Granted by the Societe Generale de Surveillance Philippines or SGS Philippines, the GMP and HACCP certifications cover the supermarket’s fresh produce handling process from receiving and storage to dispatch of goods to customers.

Stock index likely to remain below 7,000 SHARE prices are expected to move sideways this week, as investors look for catalysts that could push the market higher amid negative developments overseas.

Philstocks Financial Inc. trader Justino Calaycay said the market’s decline could be reflective not only of the lingering fears over China and the full discounting of the US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain current rates, but also of creeping concern over the domestic economy.

“Suffice to say that up to this point, the market has not received any hints to over turn the pessimism that currently envelopes and roils global financial markets,” Calaycay said.

“The market needs further do-

mestic catalysts as the third quarter comes to a close and the fourth quarter begins next week. Focus should begin to shift to fundamental considerations,” Calaycay said.

BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the market’s failure to test the 7,300-point level signaled that further weakness was to be expected.

“A break below the 6,800 levels could call for further losses towards the 6,500 levels in the nearterm,” Ravelas said.

The PSEi, the 30-company benchmark index, lost 3 percent last week to close at 6,917.55 on Thursday, amid renewed concerns over a China slowdown.

The broader all-share index declined 2.1 percent to end the week

at 3,991.08.

All major sub-indices ended in the red, led by property (-5.72 percent), services (-4.37 percent), holding firms (-2.34 percent), mining and oil (-2.34 percent), financial (-1.85 percent) and industrial (-0.70 percent).

Foreign investors were net sellers by P2.3 billion last week, as total overseas selling reached P14.06 billion while foreign buying amounted to P11.71 billion.

Top gainers last week were Philippine Trust Co., which surged 81.8 percent to P150; Keppel Philippine Properties Inc., which climbed 60 percent to P4.80; and BHI Holdings Inc., which advanced 48.5 percent to P450.

Jenniffer B. Austria

B4

Women forum at AIM. Former foreign affairs secretary and Philippine Ambassador to Germany Delia Domingo Albert (left) addresses the audience at the Legacies of Women Forum held at the Asian Institute of Management, highlighting the importance of women supporting fellow women. The event brought together four Filipina CEOs from various industries—Air Asia Philippines president Maan Hontiveros, SunLife Financial Philippines president and chief executive Riza Mantaring, Convergys Philippines Services Corp. chair Marife Zamora and ING Bank Philippines president and CEO Consuelo Garcia, who shared their experiences climbing up the corporate ladder.

NCC begins plant expansion

By Jenniffer B. Austria NORTHERN Cement Corp,., which is 35-percent owned by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., held ground breaking ceremonies for its $200-million expansion project in Pangasinan province.

San Miguel said in a statement over the weekend the expansion was based on growing demand for cement products in Northern Luzon as well as across all population centers in the Philippines.

The expansion project will double NCC’s annual capacity to over two million tons.

“The economy and infrastructure sector are growing rapidly and by expanding NCC, we are supporting the development efforts of the Philippine government and reducing dependence on imported cement,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said.

San Miguel in 2013, through packaging unit San Miguel Yamamura Corp., acquired a 35-percent interest in NCC, which is controlled by San Miguel chairman Eduardo Cojuango Jr., for P3 billion to finance the expansion of the company.

Established in 1968, NCC is one of the pioneers in the local cement industry. Its main plant is located in Sison, Pangasinan.

With the entry of the San Miguel group as an equity shareholder in 2012, NCC has since completed a modernization program, acquiring the latest manufacturing technologies for its existing lines.

Last week, Ang announced San Miguel and Eagle Cement Corp. were investing $1 billion to build five new cement plants in the country that would boost combined capacity to 16 million metric tons by 2017.

Eagle Cement in a private cement firm owned by Ang. Ang said the conglomerate was building a 2-million metric ton cement plant in Pangasinan under Northern Cement, while Eagle Cement was constructing a 2-million MT plant each in Bulacan, Quezon province, Cebu and Davao.

Ang said NCC and Eagle Cement were expanding existing

cement capacities amid strong demand from private and public infrastructure spending.

He said the company would continue to bid for infrastructure projects that the government might bid out under the Public-Private Participation scheme.

San Miguel’s existing infrastructure projects include the Naia Expressway project, a connector road and MRT Line 7.

The conglomerate is also bidding for the bundled airport project, the P50-billion regional prison facilities, the P170-billion North-South Railway and the P18-billion Davao Sasa Wharf.

$100-m bagasse plant Bangko Sentral: Hot money still fleeing PH poised to run by 2017 By Julito G. Rada

By Alena Mae S. Flores GLOBAL Business Power Corp. and partner Roxas Holdings Inc. plans to complete a 40-megawatt co-generation facility in Negros Occidental costing around $100 million by 2017.

“We are in the final stages. By end of this year we will be able to come up formally our entry into renewables. The first biomass bagasse project that we will do,” Global Business executive vice president Jaime Azurin told reporters.

The joint venture partners earlier announced they had commissioned Pöyry Energy Inc. for the engineering design of the power plant.

“We are very careful on this because this is the first big plant that will be built here using bagasse and we are all aware biomass is not as easy as we think it is,” Azurin said.

The Global Business official said the biggest challenge was logistics, or ensuring enough fuel to supply the power plant.

“We have already hired our foreign consultant to finalize the design that will be bid out by December to EPC contractors. We already have some shortlist already, Japanese, French and European technology which we will use the bagasse,” he said.

Azurin said the plant might start operations by September 2017 under the feed-in tariff scheme.

“We have to catch up with the feed-in-tariff, nobody’s catching up with biomass because it’s difficult to undertake. We’re sure that we will be one of the first to be able to touch the biomass 250-MW FIT allocation by September of 2017,” he said.

FOREIGN portfolio investments fled the country for the second successive week of September as investors anticipated the US Federal Reserve to increase interest rates.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas over the weekend showed that foreign funds posted a net outflow of $31.93 million in the week ending Sept.

11. Gross inflows stood at $262 million, lower than $461 million a year ago, while gross outflows reached $294 million, well below the $572 million on year.

The second week outflow was significantly lower than the $148-million net outflow in the first week of the month.

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged during its two-day meeting on Sept. 16 to 17.

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said earlier the latest action of the

US central bank would continue to have an impact on the global financial markets. He said “the cloud of uncertainty remains.”

Foreign portfolio investments are overseas funds that are temporarily invested in local stocks, government securities and money market. These are also called “hot money” because of the ease they are invested in and taken out of the local markets.

Hot money in August posted a net outflow of $543 million, a reversal of the $483-million net inflow a year ago. It marked the sixth consecutive month of net outflow this year.

Net inflows in January and February were recorded at $592 million and $1.19 billion, respectively. But net outflows of $21.58 million, $31.14 million, $569 million, $521 million, and $160 million were registered in March, April, May, June and July, respectively.

The August outflow brought hot money to a net outflow of

$64 million in the first eight months, significantly lower than the $572-million net outflow a year ago.

Total inflows for the month stood at $1.115 billion, lower than $2.068 billion a year ago, while total outflows reached $1.658 billion, higher than $1.585 billion on year.

About 88.7 percent of investments were in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities, mainly pertaining to holding firms, banks, property firms, telecommunication companies and food, beverage and tobacco companies.

Peso government securities accounted for 10.8 percent, while the rest of the investments were in peso time deposits and other peso debt instruments (0.5 percent). Transactions in peso time deposits yielded a net inflow of $54 million, while net outflows were recorded for PSE-listed securities ($323 million), and peso GS ($220 million).

M O N D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

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

B5

Mindanao plant auction no-go

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Department may defer again the selection of a company that will manage the output of the 200-megawatt, coal fired power plant in Mindanao amid clamor from Congress. “[It’s] for the sake of the people in Mindanao. If we privatize it now, the tendency is there would be high power rates because there is a shortage in capacity now,” Energy Department officer-incharge Zenaida Monsada told reporters over the weekend.

Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. is scheduled to bid out the contract to manage the output of the Mindanao coal plant on November 25.

“So, the direction now is that it would be best if the privatization would take place when supply is stable. So probably by next year,” Monsada said. “Congress is also insisting on a deferment until supply is stable.”

PSALM président Lourdes Alzona, however, said the agency was waiting for data from the Energy department on “power supply and rate assumptions.”

Alzona said that once PSALM received the data, the board

would discuss department’s recommendation in early October.

PSALM is chaired by the Finance Department and co-chaired by the Energy Department, with the secretaries of Budget and Management, Justice and Trade and Industry as the other members of the board.

Former Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla sought a the deferment of the privatization of the Mindanao coal plant through the appointment of an independent power producer administrator before he stepped down from office in July.

Petilla raised concerns the privatization would increase power rates in Mindanao due to lack of other available supply.

As a compromise, PSALM offered to bid out the contract under a three-year lock-in period in which power rates would not go up.

Petilla earlier said there was no other supplier aside from the Mindanao coal plant, forcing electric cooperatives to accept 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,” Petilla said.

Steag State Power Inc. of Germany operates the Misamis Oriental plant under a buildoperate-transfer agreement with the government.

Steag owns a 51-percent stake in the coal plant, while Aboitiz

Power Corp. and La Filipina Uygongco Corp. hold 34 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Located in Misamis Oriental, the Mindanao coal power plant was constructed in 2006 under a 25-year build-operate-transfer power purchase agreement scheme that ends in 2031.

PSALM earlier said around six companies were expected to participate in the bidding to manage the output of the Mindanao coal plant.

Alzona earlier said around 10 to 11 companies from the original 12 interested parties bought bidding documents.

She said said some of the companies forged joint ventures to trim the number of interested parties.

CEB set to fly to Hawaii in 2016

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Air Inc. plans to mount flights to Hawaii by early next year as the country’s budget airline expands its long-haul network.

“We’re looking for early next year, I think that’s the target.

But once we have the necessary approval then we will make an announcement,” CEB president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei told reporters, referring to the final approval from the US Transportation Security Administration.

Gokongwei said Honolulu was an “attractive market” because of the presence of many Filipinos in the US state.

He added the airline had no plans yet to fly to Europe.

“It’s not part of the strategy, we don’t have any current plans to fly to Europe because we don’t have any aircraft that is suitable for that route,” Gokongwei said.

Cebu Pacific’s current longhaul flights include Dubai, Riyadh, Sydney, Kuwait and Doha, Qatar.

Gokongwei also said the company expects to exceed its 18 million passengers target this year.

“There’s a very good possibility that we will meet it if not exceed the target,” he said Cebu Pacific posted carried passengers of 10.70 million in the first seven months of the year, up 8.6 percent from 9.85 million year-on-year.

Gokongwei added net income in the third quarter was likely “ahead of last year.”

CEB reported a net loss of P1.09 billion in the third quarter last year, up 46 percent from P750.12 million on year.

The airline posted a net income of P5.2 billion in the January-to-June period this year from a P3.18-billion profit yearon-year.

Citi outlooks. Citibank Philippines holds ‘Perspectives,’ a fresh approach to presenting national and international market outlooks. Over 100 treasury and finance officials from multinationals and local corporates gathered at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel for the briefing, which presented different vantage points offered by Citi’s country and regional analysts along with senior resource speakers. Sharing their perspectives are (from left) Citi markets head and country treasurer Paul Favila, University of the Philippines political science professor Clarita Carlos and Citi chief executives for the Philippines Aftab Ahmed.

Illegal fishing still abounds in Tañon Strait—NGO DYNAMITE and cyanide fishing, and commercial fishing operations still abound in Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected area between Cebu and Negros islands.

These were the findings of a recent seven-day expedition conducted by Oceana, the world’s biggest international NGO focused on marine conservation.

“The team has gathered valuable information, and testimonies of small fisherfolk and local barangay and municipal officials, confirming that illegal fishing activities, particularly dynamite and cyanide fishing, and commercial vessels are operating with impunity in Tañon Strait,” said Oceana Philippines vice

president Gloria Estenzo Ramos.

“The Oceana expedition team went on a painstaking daily monitoring that took them crisscrossing several towns in Cebu and Negros, starting from the southernmost portion in San Jose, Negros Oriental up to Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, at the northern part of the Strait,” said Ramos.

The 16-man expedition team was led by Daniel Ocampo, Oceana Philippines campaigns director, and supported by senior marine scientist Jimely Flores, legal and policy director Edward Lorenzo and communications director Yasmin Arquiza.

They were assisted by four other Oceana technical staff, two sup-

port staff from Cebu, and six dive masters and crew members.

“We went incognito to see what really is going on in Tañon Strait, monitor the impacts of destructive fishing, and presence of commercial fishing vessels,” said Ocampo during the ‘Kapihan sa Isla’ media forum last week at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center in Cebu City.

“We were disheartened to see rubbles of blasted coral reefs off the coast of Santa Fe, in Bantayan Island, Cebu,” Ocampo said.

Aside from blasting or dynamite fishing, coral damage due to cyanide was also observed in Santa Fe, added Oceana marine scientist Jimely Flores.

She also said ‘ghost fishing’ was

observed in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Ghost fishing is a situation in which fish gets entangled or trapped in abandoned or damaged gears like traps, gill nets and hooklines, and then subsequently attract predator fishes, which likewise get entangled.

“In visited sites, we found that the coastal habitats were mostly in poor state,” added Flores.

“We documented about 12 commercial fishing vessels, either transiting from fishing operations or engaging in actual fishing operations,” said legal and policy team leader Lorenzo.

“All the vessels had active fishing gears, of which two were having the same name, and one vessel had no markings.”

MONDAY: SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

B6

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

First Gen set to build LNG hub Sacrifice and Dreams AFTER watching the life story of St. John MELVIN CATARROJA JR. Baptist de La Salle, as portrayed in the movie, Who are My Own, only one word comes into my mind which is “sacrifice.” Nowadays, it is hard to live by this virtue particularly in our country where majority are minimum wage earners who could not even afford to have a decent living of their own, let alone aspire to help other people.

Enough to share But considering the wealthy background of St. John Baptist, he had enough to share. Hence, one can assume that he was able to help others because he is rich. The answer is yes, but not entirely.

Let us relate this idea to our current political condition.

You see, if the previous assumption was accurate, then maybe, we as a country are not supposed to be this poor. The big difference of St. John Baptist with our political leaders is that he shared what he had to a greater extent that he became poor himself.

I cannot think of anything more relevant to this story than our current political situation, and anyone could not talk about Philippine politics without discussing about the single word that consumes our society and causing our government to fail. Corruption is what we normally call it.

Just a portion Moving forward, let’s say corruption is inevitable and it is already imbedded to our culture as Filipinos, but imagine if they will just get a portion for themselves and the rest is given for the country. Imagine millions and even billions of pesos going to infrastructure, schools and shelter. Mass transportation will be well funded to help taxpayers on their daily commute.

What I don’t understand is how these people amass such wealth and never be contented. Billions of funds just going to the pocket of a single politician. I am very sure they don’t need that kind of amount if their sole purpose is to raise their family well. I cannot think of having such wealth while looking at your people scrambling just to get food. But this is the reality. This is how evil we have become.

The idea of hope The story of St. John Baptist de La Salle somehow gave me the idea of hope. There is still a possibility that time will come that a powerful and wealthy individual with all his money and influence will use these attributes to create change for our country.

Maybe not today, not in the coming years or decades but someday it will happen.

God has a manner of turning impossible things and making them possible. I have personally felt and experienced that in my existence. We just have to believe that he times it differently with our expectations and wishes. Most of the time it happens when you least expect it.

St. John Baptist de La Salle’s story reminded me that fighting corruption for the welfare of our country and its people is not a hopeless feat. Sometimes, one just needs to have hope in his heart for everything that God is capable of. Yes, even the impossible dreams.

GREEN LIGHT

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. College of Business, De La Salle University. This article is part of his reflections for the course Lasallian Business Leadership with CSR and Ethics. Visit his blog at https://kingkarterlesloe.wordpress.com/.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp. has shortlisted five potential contractors that will build the $1-billion liquefied natural gas receiving, storage and re-gasification terminal in Batangas.

The move came after First Gen completed the feasibility study for the LNG terminal.

“We will start bidding out the EPC [engineering, procurement and construction contract] next year. …We’ve shortlisted the potential contractors. We’ve shortlisted five contractors,” First Gen president Francis Giles Puno told reporters.

Puno, however, said First Gen might announce the company’s joint venture partner for the project, prior to the award of the EPC contract.

“But the question is more on timing. Ideally, what you want is to have the partner or partners and we [will] bid it out next year. We will start construction next year…So what we’re doing

is the design for the site prep and then what we’ll do is bid out the contract next year,” he said.

Puno said First Gen was now talking to “a number” of possible local and foreign joint venture partners.

“What we did is ensure that everybody was understanding that it’s a project we will push through. What we’re talking about is about a billion dollars for the LNG terminal. So it’s hard for us to fund [the project] alone,” he said.

He earlier said the First Gen was looking at offering a 50-percent stake in the project to the joint venture partners.

Puno said the company was actively preparing for end of contract of Malamapaya natural

gas consortium by 2022 to 2024.

“We have enough time to build the LNG regas in time for the expiration,” he said.

He said while there was enough LNG supply worldwide, First Gen’s partners would help decide on that. “With partners, they decide on the LNG, decide on the expansion and the fuel.” he said.

“Once we build the gas terminal, it’s designed to be able to send lorries, trucks to the industrial partners so we can load LNG in Batangas and send to said parties in Cavite, Batangas and then deliver gas to those markets,” he said.

First Gen owns two natural gas power plants, including the 1,000-megawatt Santa Rita and 500-MW San Lorenzo power plants in Batangas. The company is also embarking on several natural gas power plant expansions.

First Gen earlier tapped Tractebel Engineering of France for the detailed design of the LNG terminal.

Jardine-Advanta partnership. Jardine Distribution Inc., one of the country’s leading agro products companies and global seeds producer Advanta Seed International recently sealed a partnership that will see the introduction of several biotech products into the Philippines. Shown signing the agreement are (seated, from left) Advanta country business manager Seraj Ahmad, Advanta chief operating officer for Asia and Africa Venkatram Vasantavada, JDI president Edwin Hernandez, and JDI finance director Luz Moleje.

Standing and witnessing the event are (from left) Advanta agronomist Harlan Magno, JDI marketing manager Robert Littaua and JDI technical manager Fernando Tagalog.

Pru Life UK in search of a banccasurance partner in PH

By Gabrielle H. Binaday BALESIN Island, Quezon—Insurance company Pru Life UK is “seriously” looking for a bancassurance partner in the Philippines as it continues to expand the network in the local market, a top executive told reporters over the weekend here.

Pru Life UK (Philippines) executive vice president and chief financial officer Lee Longa told reporters that the company was “seriously considering” for the right partner to enter bancassurance.

Bancassurance allows a life insurer to sell its products not only within a bank’s branch but also tap into the bank’s clientele. Under the existing regulatory environment, the bank must have at least 5 percent equity in the insurer.

“Twenty to 30 percent of the industry sales come from bancassurance so obviously, their branch network is an advantage,” said Longa.

Data obtained by Pru Life UK showed that among the top 10 players in the life insurance industry, 26 percent of the in-

dustry sales came from bancassurance.

Pru Life UK’s fund is a mix of 40 percent from equities and 60 percent from bonds.

He said they were looking for a partner with good investment return, while acknowledging that the top five banks already had their life insurance partners.

Longa said while Pru Life UK was still not into bancassurance, it had existing general agency and brokerage relationship with a number of banks.

Insurance Commission data showed

that as of second quarter this year, Pru Life UK’s net premium stood at P9.354 billion, up by 34.2 percent from tP6.969 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Pru Life UK said it aimed to maintain or surpass the average 22-percent growth rate over the past fiver years, from 2010 to 2014.

“Year-on-year from 2010 to 2014 our compounded growth rate is 22 percent...

We target to maintain and even surpass that,” de Rosas said.

M O N D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

German fever grips Syrians Hajj ends as death toll rises to 769 MECCA—Saudi Arabia deployed large numbers of security reinforcements Saturday as pilgrims performed the final rituals of a hajj marred by double tragedy, with the death toll from a stampede rising to 769.

The kingdom’s leaders have ordered an inquiry into the disaster—the deadliest to strike the annual Muslim pilgrimage in a quarter-century—and a “revision” of its organization, with the deaths raising tensions with regional rival Iran as well.

Dozens of emergency workers were seen on one level of Jamarat Bridge, a five-story structure in Mina where pilgrims ritually stone the devil, and on which hundreds of thousands were converging when Thursday’s stampede occurred nearby.

Many more patrolled the network of roads leading to the structure, which resembles a parking garage.

The interior ministry has said it assigned 100,000 police to secure the hajj and manage crowds.

But pilgrims blamed the stampede on police road closures and poor management of the throng, during searing temperatures.

“People were trying to maneuver to the front for safety but police were saying ‘Go back!

Go back!’” said Nigerian Abbas Tijani, who escaped with injuries.

“Everybody was trying to survive,” he said from his hospital bed.

“People were stepped on by people.”

In all, 769 people were killed and 934 others were wounded, according to Health Minister Khaled al-Falih.

Criticism has been particularly strident from Saudi Arabia’s regional rival Iran, 136 of whose nationals were among the dead.

“It is not only incompetence, but a crime,” Iranian Attorney General Ebrahim Raeisi said, while President Hassan Rouhani used an address to the United Nations on Saturday to call for an investigation. AFP

DAMASCUS—When customers ask which of the backpacks displayed in Damascus’s Souk al-Khija market is the sturdiest, shopkeeper Walid knows they are planning to take to the sea and try to reach Germany.

Lifting a bright yellow one from his storefront display, he patiently explains to a young couple that it is waterproof, comfortable for long walks, and can be removed easily in an emergency.

Whether it’s in the crowded old souks of Syria’s capital or the classrooms of its language academies, young Damascenes exhausted

by four and a half years of war are increasingly consumed by the idea of reaching Germany.

The lucky ones will get visas, while others will embark on a perilous journey by land and sea to reach a country they see as their only hope for safety and stability.

“I sell 20 backpacks a day to customers of all ages, to whole families,” said Walid. “There’s no

need to ask. They are refugee bags.”

The rolling suitcases lined up along the sidewalk are not nearly as popular.

“I call them the visasuitcases, for the people who have chosen a legal voyage, but I don’t sell many, maybe two or three a day.”

Abu Mohammed is another shopkeeper in Souk al-Khija, which specialises in travel items.

He says some 1,000 backpacks are sold every day, and that factories have had to increase production to meet the skyrocketing demand.

Thousands of Syrians have opted to trek

through Europe on an illegal route to reach Germany, which has emerged as the top destination for those fleeing an intractable conflict that has killed nearly 250,000 people.

Germany has said it expects 800,000 to one million asylum applica-

ERRORS & OMISSIONS 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.

InvItatIon to BId no. GoodS -071- 2015

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund71 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.

1.

Name of Project Supply & Delivery of Medicines for the use of Jose C. Payumo Memorial Hospital and Orani District Hospital

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) =P= 3,388,587.75

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 non-discretionary 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 non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the General Fund73 intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Name of Project

Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC)

1. Rehabilitation & Improvement of Capitol Road Phase V Balanga City, Bataan

=P=8,483,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Projects. Completion of works 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 non-discretionary 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 non-refundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below

500.00

More than 500,000 up to 1 Million

1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00 10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

500.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75,000.00

1,000.00

More than 1 Million up to 5 Million

5,000.00

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

10,000.00

More than 10 Million up to 50 Million

25,000.00

More than 50 Million up to 500 Million

50,000.00

More than 500 Million

75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on October 01, 2015 at 11:00 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 October 14, 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 Schedule Bid September 24 - 30, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids September 29 – October 14, 2015 October 02, 2015 October 14, 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 (TS-SEPT. 28, 2015)

(TS-SEPT 14/21/28, 2015)

More than 5 Million up to 10 Million

More than 500,000 up to 1 Million

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

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BUENAVENTURA B. MIGUEL was extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per Doc. No. 538; Page No. 83; Book No. LX, Series of 2015 before Notary Public ATTY. Bona Carmela R. Bien.

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso)

500,000 and below

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

InvItatIon to BId no. Infra -073- 2015

Under Section 35, of RA 9184, the BAC shall declare failure of bidding when no eligible bidder complied with the bidding requirements. The BAC members resolved to declare Failure of Bidding and recommended to Re-bid the above-mentioned procurement subject to the approval of the Provincial Governor.

In view of the failure of the first bidding, the Provincial Government of Bataan advertised again the Invitation to Bid for the Supply & Delivery of Medicines for the use of Jose C. Payumo Memorial Hospital and Orani District Hospital in the Provincial Government of Bataan Website, in the Philgeps and in a conspicuous place at the premises within the Provincial Government of Bataan continuously for seven (7) days;

now gripped Damascus, where young professionals and students are scrambling to learn German—a prerequisite for student visas.

Before the war erupted, the Goethe Institute cultural center had offered language classes in Damascus. AFP

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

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

In response to the first advertisement for the Supply & Delivery of Medicines for the use of Jose C. Payumo Memorial Hospital and Orani District Hospital, two (2) eligible bidder purchased bid documents & submitted bid proposals but failed to comply bidding requirements which was opened last September 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.;

tions by the end of this year.

“In 2011—that is, before the crisis—the embassy was issuing about 6,500 visas per year of all types. Today, this number has increased five-fold,” a German official told AFP. “German fever” has

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on October 02, 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 October 15, 2015 at 1:30 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 September 25 – October 01, 2015 Refer to date of Opening of Bids September 25 – October 15, 2015 October 02, 2015 October 15, 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

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC CHAIRMAN (TS-SEPT. 28, 2015)

(SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman

M O N D AY : S E P T E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 1 5

B8

cESAR BARRiOquiNTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

world

Harvest time. Members of the Makharashvili family collect grapes at the family’s vineyard in the village of Kachreti, some 80 km off Tbilisi, on Sept. 26, 2015. AFP

Danish cartoonist: No regrets Putin calls Saudi king to discuss Syria conflict MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman about finding a solution to the Syria crisis on Saturday, just two days before he is due to address the UN on the issue, the Kremlin said.

In a telephone conversation at Russia’s behest, the two men “exchanged views on regional security matters, first and foremost, in the context of finding ways to settle the conflict in Syria”, a statement posted to the Kremlin’s website said.

They also discussed “building more effective international cooperation in the fight against the socalled Islamic State and other terrorist groups”, it said.

A decades-long backer of the Damascus regime, Moscow has

steadfastly supported President Bashar al-Assad throughout fourand-a-half years of war which have killed more than 240,000 people.

Saudi Arabia is part of a USled coalition that began an air campaign against IS in Syria last September, and insists it will never cooperate with the Assad regime.

On Monday, Putin will address the General Assembly in New York to outline his plan for Syria, notably the idea of expanding a coalition, which would include Assad’s army, to fight Islamic State.

He will also meet US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the gathering, their first formal talk in two years. AFP

COPENHAGEN—Ten years after a Danish newspaper triggered deadly protests by publishing 12 cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, the man behind the most infamous drawing says he feels anger but no regret.

Kurt Westergaard, 80, has received many death threats and lives under police protection since his caricature of a swarthy man with a bomb swaddled in his turban was published by daily Jyllands-Posten on Sept. 30, 2005.

In 2010 an ax and knife-wielding man broke into his home, forcing him to take refuge in a panic room for 10 minutes as his attacker pounded on the door, while his five-year-old granddaughter was left alone in the living room.

“My basic feeling has been and still is anger. If you are threatened I think anger is a good feeling because it is like you mentally strike back,” he told AFP in a telephone interview.

With his brightly colored

scarves, silver encrusted walking stick and a grizzled red beard, Westergaard is not a man who easily blends in, and he has had abuse shouted at him by people from Denmark’s immigrant community.

“I have no problems with Muslims as a whole, I will always fight for people’s right to have their religion and their beliefs.

That is a private matter,” said the artist, who became an atheist after growing up in a conservative Christian home.

Rather than an attack on Muslims, his illustration should be seen as a criticism of “terrorists who get their spiritual ammunition from parts of the Koran,” he said.

When Jyllands-Posten published the 12 cartoons, they trig-

gered deadly protests around the world as demonstrators burned Danish flags and torched diplomatic offices.

The drawings were printed as part of a debate about self-censorship and freedom of expression, after no one could be found to illustrate a children’s book about Mohammed amid fears that drawings of the prophet— prohibited by Islam—would provoke retaliation.

The cartoons were once again thrust into the spotlight this year after January’s deadly attack on French weekly Charlie Hebdo, which relentlessly satirized Islam and had published the Danish cartoons to show its support for press freedom.

Less than a month later, Danishborn gunman Omar El-Hussein killed a filmmaker outside a Copenhagen free speech event with Swedish artist Lars Vilks, whose 2007 sketch of the Prophet Mohammed as a dog whipped up Muslim outrage. AFP

Taiwan wary as typhoon approaches TAIPEI—Almost 3,000 people, most of them tourists, were evacuated from outlying islands off Taiwan on Sunday as Typhoon Dujuan gathered strength as it neared, looking set to bring heavy rain and high tides.

Dujuan, packing maximum winds of up to 209 kilometers per hour, was 560 kilometers southeast of Hualien county at 2:30 pm (0630 GMT), and lay around 350 kilometers from the Japanese island of Ishigaki.

“It’s at the upper limit of a moderate storm, and we do not rule out that it gets stronger,” a spokesman from Taiwan’s weather bureau told AFP.

Ferry operators increased trips to move people from Green Island and Orchid Island, popular with tourists, and services will be suspended later Sunday.

A total of nearly 3,000 people were being evacuated from the two islands, the local tourism bureau said.

The storm threatens long-weekend plans for many as Taiwan celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, when families typically gather and moon-gaze.

Dujuan is set to hit Ishigaki at around midday on Monday, and make landfall in Taiwan later the

same evening. The storm is on course to hit mainland China from Tuesday after moving through Taiwan.

Japan’s meteorological agency has warned it could trigger waves 42 feet high when it strikes the country.

So far there have been no reports of damage or injuries in connection with the typhoon, but “winds are getting stronger now”, an Ishigaki official told AFP by phone.

At least three flights were canceled, Japanese news reports and airline officials said, and the country’s meteorological agency warned of possible landslides, high waves and heavy rain. AFP

Onstage. Singer Amy Smithwick performs onstage at the 2015

Georgia Music Hall Of Fame Awards at the Georgia World Congress Center on Sept. 26, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. AFP

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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

life @ thestandard.com .ph

WRITER

@LIFEatStandard

E AT, DRINK , T R AV EL

LIFE Vu’s Burger

Fruit skewers with vanilla wasabi sauce and Mango Cheesecake

Paella Negra, Spanish Salpicon de Marisco, and Seafood Paella

Funderas – Fundador brandy, strawberry puree and Sprite

A REFRESHINGLY NEW POINT OF VU’S Vu’s sky bar at Marco Polo Ortigas introduces a new menu, new cocktails, and two gentlemen at the helm.

BY KAI MAGSANOC PHOTOS BY SONNY ESPIRITU

M

arco Polo Ortigas opened in February 2014, and has since become one of Ortigas business district’s major landmarks. It’s hard to miss the vertical hotel, whose front faces Meralco Avenue and whose back is along Sapphire Road. At night, the Ortigas skyline would not be complete without the entire structure lit up with fantastic LED lights.

At the 45th floor of Marco Polo Ortigas sits Vu’s Sky Lounge. Vu’s is one of the hotel’s F&B outlets, aside from Café Pronto (for coffee lovers), Cucina (for buffet lovers), and Lung Hin (for Chinese cuisine lovers).

Vu’s opened on September 18, 2014. In celebration of its first year, it is offering a new menu, new cocktail selections, and introducing two new members of the team.

Mirko De Giorgi is the new Director of Food and Beverage.

He is working closely with Lluis Cantons, the new Executive Chef.

Cantons is determined not only to train, solidify, and grow his team,

Passion Ginja – vodka, passion fruit, sour mix mint leaves, topped with ginger ale

but also to interact with the hotel’s guests and know their feedback on the quality of the food and drinks.

“We’re looking at what the market wants. Before, the market would request for Filipino food, but it wasn’t available. They were asking for sisig, bistek Tagalog,” Chef Lluis tells LIFE at The Standard. “Many of the food items that the Filipino market loves will now be here.”

The new menu will be served in smaller portions that can be shared and enjoyed by a group of three or four. De Giorgi calls them “bar bites.”

“Most of the time when you go to a bar and you would like to have a drink, you would get big plates,” he says. “It’s more convenient to have smaller plates which you can easily pass to the other guests at the table. The portions are a little smaller so you can order more of the tapas items.”

Price wise, De Giorgi is quick to note that theirs would be competitive. No one will be able to say that they are being charged a lot for small portions.

Lychee Martini – vodka, lychee liqueur, a dash of sugar syrup and lychee juice

HOW THE NEW MENU CAME TO BE

In order to understand what the market wants and to know how the make the menu more attractive to the food-loving populace, De Giorgi and Chef Lluis checked what sold well since Vu’s opened. They counted the number of plates sold, and found that the sausage platter – the only item from the old menu that is being retained – was the bestseller.

“The other [dishes] weren’t moving. We had to find out what the issue was,” shares De Giorgi.

“Was it the taste? The quality? Is it not the right market?” For the food tasting, they invited the local staff to participate and share what they liked.

The result: a new menu that promises to tickle the Filipino palate, from the sweet and savory combination of the burger to the just-right breading of the good old fried chicken.

And of course, there’s rice.

“One of the new menu’s highlights is the paella, cooked from an original recipe,” says Chef Lluis, who hails from Catalan, a region in Spain’s far northeast corner. “We use the best ingredients – with imported rice from Spain – and a recipe that my father taught me a long time ago. It has a very particular taste that I am sure you will not find anywhere else in Manila.”

The paella is served for sharing, good for two to three people. It is available in three variants: Paella Negra, Seafood Paella, and Mista Paella.

De Giorgi and Chef Lluis acknowledge that the chef needs to cook what the guests like and not just what the chef personally likes. “Most of the time we see chefs cooking what they like, to show their style,” says De Giorgi.

“Today, we are cooking what the guests want. The guests will come because the taste is good, and it’s what they want.”

COCKTAILS AND BAR BITES

A bar is not a bar without exciting drinks that perfectly match the bar bites and that allow long conversations in a spot overlooking the city. De Giorgi is working on improving the cocktail experience at Vu’s, but many changes have already taken place.

First is the introduction of the 24 classic cocktails of all Marco Polo Hotels. Wherever you go in any Marco Polo Hotel, you will see a list of 24 classic cocktails. “Same recipe, same glasses, wherever you go,” says De Giorgi. Any martini drink ordered will be shaken in front of the table, and he plans to amp this up by serving cocktails with a small “surprise.”

“What I am starting slowly is to serve not just the glasses of cocktail but also a side garnish that will match the drink and surprise the guest,” he says. “This way, drinking the cocktail will be an experience, and not just about serving the glass.”

He and his team are doing it step by step. Proper training is crucial, from preparing to serving. “The taste has to be good. The integration has to be good,” says De Giorgi.

GAME CHANGERS

De Giorgi and Chef Lluis acknowledge their competition not only in the Ortigas area and surrounding areas, but also with the big hotels and casino resorts in the metro. They are prepared to take the challenge.

“There are so many hotels around. You see these big casino hotels will 800 to 900 rooms,” posits

Lamtini – vodka, lambanog, fresh melon fruit, and a dash of lemon

De Giorgi. “The difference with Marco Polo Ortigas is we have more than 300 rooms and we offer personalized service.

“We recognize whoever comes back, call them by name, and remember their preferences. It will be very, very personalized.”

Chef Lluis, while on hand to interact with guests and personally get feedback from them, is determined to keep his kitchen team happy. “I have a very good team, and I want to grow the hotel with them,” he says. “I will do this through training, coaching, and sharing of my recipes. I will focus on knowledge and teamwork.”

When it comes to food, Chef Lluis stresses one word: quality.

“We cannot compete with the size of our competitors, but qualitywise, we can,” he says.

Watch out for the Halloween buffet at Cucina and Halloween party at Vu’s Sky Lounge on October 29. Marco Polo Ortigas is also ready for the Christmas season, with a festive buffet in Cucina, special menu in Lung Hin, and wine dinners and wine tasting every month. Christmas hampers will be on sale at Café Pronto by November.

Vu’s sky bar and lounge is on the top 45th floor of the Marco Polo Manila located in Sapphire Rd., Pasig. For more information you may visit www.marcopolohotels.com and follow local promotions and updates on their official Facebook page Marco Polo Ortigas Manila and @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter and Instagram.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

FIRST DRT SHOW PHILIPPINES – a huge success

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From left: TIEZA assistant COO Jetro Lozada, Tourism undersecretary Benito Bengzon, DRT Show CEO Jason Chong and Tourism Promotions Board COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III

E

umerous diving enthusiasts, marine conservationists and industry stakeholders all lent their support to make the first ever Dive and Resort Travel Show a huge success. Presented by premier international exhibitions organizer LX Development Group and the Department of Tourism, the three-day expo held at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City immersed visitors in a showcase of the latest industry development and innovations with toplevel exhibitors such as dive and water sports equipment manufacturers, dive resorts, national tourism organizations as well as marine conservation and diving organizations.

The event also featured talks from seasoned diving professionals, photographers and writers from all over the world who shared valuable knowledge and learning to underwater world exploration enthusiasts. Another important highlight was the expo’s efforts to spread awareness and encourage support for the preservation and protection of marine ecosystems. Most significantly, the DRT Show Philippines provided a venue to promote the country as a premier diving destination in Asia.

DRT shows are considered the biggest and highly important regional events across Asia pacific, advocating partnerships among members of the diving community. The expo has been making waves in Shanghai, Hong Kong,

Beijing, and Okinawa, bringing together over 600 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 50,000 registered visitors from some 56 countries in the last two years.

The DRT Show is the only professional dive exhibition in the region supported the by General Administration of Sport of China, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Okinawa Prefecture Government, Okinawa Convention & Visitor Bureau, Japan Recreational Diving Association, Japan Wetsuits Manufacturers Association and the Japan Scuba Association.

FRENCH ELEGANCE WITH SOFITEL WINE DAYS

xperience a voyage of taste with Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Wine Days 2015, a monthlong celebration that offers an extraordinary wine and gastronomic experience with a myriad of colorful events until October 31. Provencal specialties paired with the premiere collection of wines from Cote Mas – Cru Pézenas Terroir Fusionnel 2013, Rosé Aurore 2014, Blanc Méditerranée 2014, Cremant de Limoux Blanc Brut and La Forge Estate Pinot Noir 2014 – captured the joie de vivre of the south of France in an event dubbed “Une soirée en Provence.”

For the days ahead, Sofitel introduces innovative ways to experience wine with

extraordinar y pairings. Le Bar sets the stage for the animated pairing between its premier wine selection and t he Japanese manga series, Les Gouttes de Dieu God or Drops of God Une Soiree En Provence (ongoing until October 31). This Monday, guests get to enjoy a St. Tropez-themed poolside party with a live band. On the 30th of September, highly-coveted wines including Latour, Haut-Brion, Margaux

McDo crew teaching the kids ‘Kai,’ a Kidzanian greeting that means ‘hello’

and Pétrus are highlighted in a n exclusive Grand Cru wine class at Spiral’s Tasting Room.

On October 7, a sensory s erenade of jazz and wine featuring the smooth sound of the David Helbock Trio at Le Bar’s “Jazz and Wine/An Austrian and French Affair” awaits guests, while on the 10th, connoisseurs may enjoy a sky-high dining experience set at the Sofitel Helipad.

Paying like an adult with their Kidzos money, the official currency of KidZania

Learn and play the McDonald’s Way!

I

f you haven’t visited KidZania with your kid yet, this may be the best time to go. Since its opening last August, one of the favorite establishments that kids queue up for is McDonald’s Burger Shop, located beside a real life McDo chain where one can actually order McDo goodies transported via a conveyor belt connected to the McDo restaurant below KidZania.

For some reason, the idea of a making the staple McDo Burger seems to be a curiosity among kids, who can learn how to make the all-time favorite McDo Burger for at least 20 minutes, tops.

They start off the same as any McDonald’s kitchen crew – kids are taught to wash their hands, wear their aprons and gloves, and put on their hairnets. Then they get prepped up to use the ingredients, perfectly toasted buns, ketchup, mustard, pure beef patty, a slice of American cheese, pickles, and minced onions.

Each layering of ingredients is demonstrated for kids to follow and when everything is set, they

Burger making time!

get to wrap the goodies on a McDo paper wrapper and fold it just like the real thing. Finishing the steps always puts a smile on the kids’ faces, it gives them a feeling of awe and accomplishment.

“Making a McDonald’s Cheeseburger is an exciting activity in itself, but the real treat for kids and their parents is the experience and values learned while doing the activity. Together with KidZania, our hope is for kids to learn and appreciate the importance of hard work and responsibility, at the same time building their social skills and self-confidence,” explains Kenneth Young, McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO. True to its mission of providing opportunities to make a difference

in the lives of kids, KidZania is just one of the ways that the company champion’s children’s wellbeing.

Every summer, McDonald’s holds its Kiddie Crew Workshop where kids get to experience different fun and learning activities, while its annual McHappy Day provides a venue for the entire family to enjoy a fun run outdoors. For every purchase of a McDo Happy Meal, 50 centavos is donated to Ronald McDonald Charities (RMHC) in support of programs such as the Ronald McDonald Read To Learn and Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit.

KidZania McDonald’s Burgershop is located at KidZania Manila Park Triangle, Bonifacio Global City. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.

For more information, visit www. manila.kidzania.com or follow McDonald’s official Facebook page McDo.PH and @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram. Check out #McDoatKidZania to see what other kids have experienced.

Featuring a five-course dinner paired with premier vintages from Château Lagrange and Château Prieuré-Lichine, this strictly black tie rendezvous is available at Php15,000 nett per person.

Dining with Dionysius on the other hand transforms a leisurely Sunday brunch with family into an epicurean affair at the Spiral this October 4 from 12 noon to 3 p.m., with culinary artisans and sommeliers enhancing the gastronomic experience.

Celebrate the most luxurious wines with Sofitel Wine Days 2015. For more information, inquiries and reservations on featured offers, call +63 2 832 6988 or email H6308-FB12@ sofitel.com.

DOUBLE THE SURPRISE WITH RED RIBBON’S NEW DOUBLE DECK DEDICATION CAKE

T

hat grand birthday cake you always see in expensive birthday photos can now be yours without having to burn a hole in your budget, thanks to Red Ribbon – one of the favorite bakeshops in the country – that is offering a Double Deck Dedication Cake.

The new Double Deck Dedication Cake is a rich chocolate cake with fudgy chocolate icing topped with colorful sugar confetti, dots and stars, and of course the signature dedication on top of the cake that can be personalized with any special message. Be it a birthday, a christening, a promotion, an anniversary or any special day, you now can opt for a two-layer cake to double up your celebration.

The cake is perfect for big party

celebrations as it takes up to 26 slices with its base layer of 8x12 inches, and a top layer of 6x8 inches.

“Cakes are known staples for every Filipino table whenever there’s a celebration, be it as grand as your son’s 7th birthday or as simple as your daughter’s achievement in class.

Coupling the cake with a dedication as sweet as its taste is what makes the occasion more memorable,” says Zinnia Rivera, general manager of Red Ribbon. “Red Ribbon complements every Filipino table with its delightful treats, making every moment worth remembering even more,” she adds.

For more information on Red Ribbon and the special Double Deck Dedication Cake and other products, visit www. redribbonbakeshop.com.

Washington Cake

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

LONDON CALLING Part 2

TIPPLE TALES

BY ICY MARIÑAS

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ne of the cool things about London is that the best bars are near each other; in this case, the next bar is literally right down the street. A few steps away from M&H is Jason Atherton’s The Social Eating House, which houses the Best International Restaurant Bar – Spirited Awards 2015 winner – The Blind Pig (not affiliated with the bar of the same name over here). This place has a more energetic vibe to it. Instead of hushed tones, there is a mild din of chatter that lends to the more dynamic feel without it being intrusive or annoying. It’s trendy, yet still classy. There are neon pink signs on the wall and the bathroom is so beautifully designed I had to take pictures of it! There’s an air of opulence but also of irreverence, like they’re polished but are not taking themselves too seriously.

Their cocktail menu is sexy, tasteful in all levels, but cheeky as well. They serve masterfully crafted cocktails so gorgeously garnished and exquisitely balanced, it makes me close my eyes and savor every sip. Then they serve you cocktails in a glass milk carton, a plastic crumpled cup design in glass and in wax paper cups with amazing flavor profiles. I wish I had created

those cocktails myself! Their drinks are spot on and exceptionally made.

I had the pleasure of trying several cocktails; so glad to be with a group of friends who share the love for libations! I got to enjoy the drinks I ordered and had a try of everyone else’s. Remember: Sharing is caring.

Just to recap, I went to a the super fun London Cocktail Club, travelled back in time through the grand dame of speakeasies, Milk & Honey, to the über trendy, posh and newly crowned best restaurant bar in the world, The Blind Pig. Now my dear fellow imbibers, I introduce to you the new kid on the block, a bar called The Cocktail Trading Club.

Continuing the theme of unassuming entrances to the best bars, The Cocktail Trading Club is inconspicuously located down a flight of stairs beside a regular restaurant. Blink and you’ll miss it.

Now this place is extra special. The cocktails they serve here are all out of the box. They revive classics like we have never seen before. They take us back to childhood memories, ignite a sense of unconformity, of fun. These guys are producing and presenting cocktails like it’s never been done before. It reminds me to think that in cocktails, there are no rules! Just go as crazy and far as you can, and make it FUN! Their cocktails are so ingenious, resourceful (no need to spend thousands of $$$ for glassware), and inventive. They serve cocktails like the classic Tequila Sunrise in a sunscreen bottle! A cocktail in snow globe! I felt like a kid in a toy room (but with booze, so it’s way better).

Their drinks not only look amazing,

Blind Pig

CTC childhood memories on a can

CTC bar display

they taste immaculate as well. It’s not all for show. When I was sipping all these cocktails, I felt like I’ve died and gone to heaven’s bar! This is a place that you will need to tick off on your bucket list.

Being able to visit these excellent bars has been such a rejuvenating, eye-opening, and inspiring experience. Seeing some of the best bars in the world firsthand showed me what our local scene

Blind Pig Cocktail Selection

Who says cocktails need to be served in specific glasses? Forget the rules!

CTC entrance

can look forward to, what we can aspire to, what we can achieve. I’ve been sooooo inspired that I have decided to retire my old cocktail menus and create a whole new approach. These bars each have different atmospheres and themes but instead of competing, they actually complement each other.

They are raising the world’s bars together. In the Philippines, we are still at the infancy of cocktail and bar

CTC coaster and mini menu

culture. We have a lot to learn from these guys. It’s exciting to see what we can accomplish and contribute to the international scene in the near future. London, we are calling!

CTC is located at The Basement, 22 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7HU; Blind Pig is located at 58 Poland St., London W1F 7NS Follow me on Instagram @sanvicentegirl

MAMA SITA Foundation opens “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain” contest

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hilippine culinary legend Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes is known for being a natural listener and storyteller.

She loved gathering recipes from family, friends, cooks, vendors, and farmers – anyone who shared her passion for cooking. Her recipes, hand-written in her distinctive long-hand style, weren’t just lists of ingredients and cooking processes, but were also compilations of tips, hints and anecdotes about marketing,

Kusina ni Mama Sita’s Mga Kuwentong Pagkain, Atbp started as a contest that aims to gather authentic, little-known Philippine food stories including heritage food, regional/ ethnic food and culinary traditions.

preparing, cooking, and most importantly, the social and historical context of the community.

Mama Sita’s recipes were actually introspections about our rich history and culture through the lens of our cuisine. It is this spirit of food writing that the Mama Sita Foundation has pursued in its yearly “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain” contest that is open to anyone willing to tell an interesting story about food – detailed accounts of local or regional recipes, ingredient, food preparation, rituals or personal experiences – anything that can further promote awareness and appreciation for Philippine cuisine.

Stories may be submitted in the form of an essay, a video or a poem. Essays may be handwritten or typewritten, with a maximum word count of 2,000 words. Video submissions have a maximum running time of 10 minutes, while poems may be written in any form

KALABASANG BIKO is a local delicacy from Cagayan de Oro City. Unlike the usual biko, this one makes use of kalabasa to make the rice pudding tastier and more appetizing.

(e.g. sestina, sonnet, tanaga, haiku, free verse, prose poetry) with a maximum of 300 words. Poems may also be performed and recorded on video or audio and submitted via CD. Entries may be in English or

Filipino, and while regional dialects are highly encouraged, entries must have comprehensible subtitles or appropriate translation.

Participants may submit in three categories: Heritage Category, Regional/Local Category and Personal Experience Category.

The Heritage Category entries are stories on historic dishes and food preparation, traditions and rituals focusing on food, or family heirloom recipes. The Regional/Local Category focuses on regional or local cuisine, which includes local dishes or delicacies, artisanal specialties, food customs/rituals, exotic native ingredients or food preparation methods. The Personal Experience Category highlights intimate nonfictional food stories that showcase interpersonal relationships, journeys and catharses.

Entries in all categories will be judged according to: Content and

Significance to Philippine Cuisine (40 percent), Presentation (25 percent), Originality (25 percent) and Over-all Impact (10 percent). The Grand Prize winner per category will be awarded P10,000, while Special Citations will be awarded to entries with merit. Both Grand Prize and Special Citation winners will receive a medal and special gift items from Kusina ni Mama Sita.

All entries must be submitted on or before September 30, 2015. To join, download and accomplish the entry form from www.msita. com/mga-kuwentong-pagkain/.

Submissions and accomplished entry forms may be emailed to mgakuwentongpagkain@msita. com or snail-mailed with the title “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain at Iba Pa” and sent to Kusina ni Mama Sita, 131 F. Manalo St., San Juan, Metro Manila 1500.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

GEMS OF THE NORTH MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

It was my first trip to the northern end of the country and, quite frankly, I was not expecting much. I was there to check on the availability of tourism and hospitality establishments willing to take in our students as interns. Having taken the eight-hour overnight bus trip, I was still sleepy, dazed and not really in my element when I arrived early morning in Laoag City.

The ride from the bus terminal to my hotel took around 20 minutes. I immediately noticed the clean, wide, and well-paved roads, like those of the US and Singapore. I thought, maybe only these streets mainly used by visitors are in this condition, and is just a strategy to impress, much like how Imelda, during her reign as Metro Manila Governor, covered the squatters’ shanties along Pasay’s Airport Road so that arriving visitors won’t see them. I lacked sleep, so I didn’t dwell on it.

The Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center, reportedly owned by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, was my home for the weekend. From my lethargic state, I immediately perked up when I noticed that traces of the city’s Spanish-colonial charm blended beautifully with the property’s luxurious facilities and amenities.

My room even had a spacious porch looking out into the huge Olympic-sized pool right in the middle of the property. I have to admit I was impressed to see a hotel like that in that part of the country.

And, breakfast at my hotel was always a feast, considering the many “calorific” delicacies from the province. Every morning, I had this mental “tug-of-war” between wanting to stay longer to try out all the culinary offerings on the breakfast buffet or leaving the hotel early to start enjoying the many tourist attractions

The Leaning Bell Tower of Bacarra

The imposing façade of Paoay Church

The picturesque windmills of Bangui

White sand and blue waters at Pagudpud Beach

the city and neighboring towns offer.

The Leo that I am, my desire to have many photo ops at these interesting destinations always won!

Being on my first visit, I made sure I had the time to check them all out. The Suba Sand Dunes of Paoay is the ultimate thrill ride, so I decided to write about it immediately in an earlier column.

As to the other “gems” in the province, across from the hotel is the Malacañang of the North, a five-hectare property, once the official residence of the former First Family during their hometown visits. The locals tell me that this two-storey mansion was a gift from the former First Lady to the former President on his 60th birthday.

It used to have all the luxurious trimmings and modern facilities of a royal residence. Unfortunately, it is now in a state of disrepair, in its new identity as the Fort Ilocandia Golf and Country Club.

The new owner should have taken better care of it, like it did of its flagship property, the Fort Ilocandia Resort.

This deluxe haven is sprawled over 77 hectares of land including sand dunes, a pine forest and a two-kilometer sandy beach facing the Western Philippines Sea. I particularly like the

The beautiful lobby of Fort Ilocandia Resort

A rear view of Doña Josefa Edralin’s house showing the tubular well that is said to have contained five drums of gold coins, as discovered by the PCGG

hotel lobby, so “old world,” so elegant and so “welcoming.”

Next stop was the beautiful, imposing, baroque St. Augustine Church, popularly known as the Paoay Church, with its enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. These huge support structures were designed to prevent possible destruction of the church during earthquakes. The MiagAo Church in Iloilo also has these buttresses. Both churches are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The former residence of the Marcos family in Batac is now the Marcos Museum, where the former president’s remains lie in state, kept in a class case inside an air-conditioned hall. Five security guards made sure we did not take pictures. I learned from one of them that picture-taking is now prohibited because there have been many instances in the past that pictures of the remains were vandalized and posted in various social media, dressed up like a monster, or with horns on the head, or a big swastika emblazoned on the arm, etc. Sad! I was never a fan of Marcos either but I believe in respecting the dead.

The house of Doña Josefa Edralin, the former president’s mother, is in

Sarrat and I took time to visit it, too, because my guide told me that the PCGG (Presidential Commission on Good Government) had an earth-shaking discovery there after the Marcoses left the country. Five drums of gold coins, supposedly part of the famed Yamashita Treasure, were found in the well at the back of this house. This made me curious and interested… I wanted to check out the well, just in case there were still a few gold coins stuck in some of its crevices. The well is still there, alright, but, alas, it is now completely sealed.

The Sinking Bell Tower in downtown Laoag got me confused.

The guide pointed out the door to the tower, with its lower half now underground. I went to take a closer look but couldn’t see any trace of soil erosion or anything that would indicate continuous sinking of the structure into the soil. I decided to leave it at that and

proceeded to another popular bell tower, about an hour’s drive from the city. Tagged as the Leaning Tower of Bacarra, it didn’t take long for me to notice that, indeed, it was leaning a little bit to the right.

We drove all the way to Pagudpud, branded as the Boracay of the North.

The white sand beach, the clear blue water, and the cool sea breeze made up for the long drive. On our way back, we passed by the beautiful lighthouse on top of the hill in Burgos, locale for many romantic movies and local telenovelas. But the highlight of that day’s long drive was the Windmills of Bangui, neatly arranged in a row along the seashore… perfect for a postcardpretty photo op, as shown on this page.

The clean, well-paved, wide, highways of the province made it easy for us to travel long distances.

After visiting the province’s tourist attractions, I am convinced that clean, well-paved wide roads is the norm in Ilocos Norte, something that all other provinces should emulate.

Even the establishments and houses along the roads are all clean, wellconstructed and nicely painted. Any visitor would easily be impressed by such order and cleanliness in the countryside. I have become an instant fan of Governor Imee!

I am happy I made the trip. I discovered many historical and cultural “gems” in that part of our country. But, taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, I can easily declare that the real “gem” is Gov. Imee Marcos. Like the Cullinan Diamond, the world’s biggest, she sparkles in the way she runs the province. Ilocos Norte is imbued with a 3000-carat brilliance which mesmerizes first-time visitors like me into wanting to come back for more. In fact, I’m now counting the days until my next visit.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: A beggar approaches a woman at the beach with his hands out. “Please, Ma’am,” the poor man pleads, “I haven’t eaten all day.” “Good,” says the woman. “Now you won’t have to worry about cramps when you go for a swim.”

BOLOGNA, CITY OF HISTORY AND CULTURE

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ravelers who want to soak up on the rich history, culture, architecture and cuisine of Italy would love it in Bologna, known as Italy’s university town since 1088 and blessed with a coastal climate courtesy of the Adriatic Sea. The capital of the Emilia Romagna region in the north, Bologna is home to numerous prestigious

A view from the famous Asinelli Tower

The Piazza Maggiore

cultural, economic and political institutions, and is one of the most impressive fair districts in Europe. In 2000, it was declared the European Capital of Culture and in 2006, UNESCO named it the City of Music distinction.

Among the must-sees is Piazza Maggiore. Originally built in the 13th century, the Piazza retains much of its medieval charm while also making room for many modern establishments and conveniences. It is packed with restaurants, gelaterias and all sorts of shops that will occupy a whole afternoon to explore.

Other sites are the Sala Borsa, Bologna’s public library. One of its unique features are the glass floors that reveal ancient Etruscan ruins

discovered while the building was being constructed. Then there is the gothic Basilica di San Petronio, hailed as the seventh biggest church in Europe.

For a dose of Italian art, head to the Morandi Museum, located near the Basilica. It is dedicated to the works of Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi, known for his still life paintings. Cap it off with a visit at the Fountain of Neptune, located at the neighboring Piazza del Nettuno. Legend has it that walking twice around Neptune’s statue – with the four lactating Nereids at the bottom – gives students luck in exams.

Italy’s medieval past is apparent at the Le Due Torri or the Towers of

Bologna – Garisenda and Asinelli – constructed between the 12th and the 13th century. It is widely believed that the two most powerful families in the city had them built to prove which was the most powerful. For a fee, one may climb the winding staircase of Asinelli and bask in the breathtaking view of the city that many powerful families of the past have also enjoyed.

Starting November 3, Bologna’s rich culture will be within reach with Emirates set to launch daily flights to the wealthy Italian city. Catch any of the two daily flights from Manila to Dubai. For more flight information and the services and amenities available, log on to www. emirates.com.

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SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Salvita Decorte and Aimee Saras

Adinia Wirasti

Tara Basro

Ario Bayu

C5

Alex Abbad

Arifin Putra

Nathan Hartono and Arifin Putra

Bront Palarae

‘Halfworlds’ premieres in november

H

BO Asia (@HBOAsia) announced the date of the premiere of the HBO Asia Original dark thriller series Halfworlds (#HALFWORLDS).

Making its debut across Asia on HBO on Nov. 29, the eight episode series starring an ensemble cast of leading Asian actors and directed by Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar (Kala; Ritual) will premiere new episodes weekly.

For the first time, HBO Asia will be releasing selected Halfworlds

WatCh “jungle” Come baCk to life

The highly rated television anime series K will be back on the small screen in October with its second season K: Return of Kings, airing same day as Japan, first and ex-

content first on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/HalfworldsHBO), including streaming the first episode immediately after its Nov. 29 HBO premiere.

The first Halfworlds trailer was unveiled on Sept. 26 at Jakarta Comic Con and on Facebook before it aired on HBO. Special behind the scenes material, teaser trailers and other exclusive footage are available on the online social networking site.

The cast and director of Halfworlds were on the panel at the

clusively on Animax – Asia’s first 24-hour Japanese anime channel.

Since its 2012 debut, the K series has seen more than 10 anime and light novel spin-offs including K: Missing Kings, which was made into a film of the same name in July 2014. Since the announcement of this new season in May this year, the anime series has made countless appearances on international anime news sites, but it was in these last three months that K re-

inaugural Jakarta Comic Con on Sept. 26 at JIExpo Kemayoran.

Joining HBO Asia’s Head of Programming and Production Erika North and director Joko Anwar on the panel were Arifin Putra (The Raid 2; Macabre), Aimee Saras (Musical Onrop), Adinia Wirasti (Tentang Dia; Laura & Marsha), Tara Basro (Catatan (Harian) Si Boy; Pendekar Tongkat Emas), Alex Abbad (The Raid 2), Ario Bayu (Soekarno; HBO Asia’s Serangoon Road), Verdi Solaiman (The

Raid; Java Heat), and Malaysian Bront Palarae (Terbaik Dari Langit; Psiko: Si Pencuri Hati).

Created by HBO Asia, Halfworlds reveals a hidden universe in the alleys and backstreets of present-day Jakarta where an underground society of demons known as the Demits have lived among us for centuries. As the series unfolds, this delicate balance is disrupted and will bring mortals and demits hurtling towards their destiny.

Halfworlds also stars Indo-

ally dominated the online buzz in the scene, thanks to a “100 days” promotional video and visual campaign by writer GoRa and Japanese animation studio GoHands.

Fans can expect to see even more action in K: Return of Kings, as modern-day kings armed with high-tech outfits and weapons continue to lead their colour-represented clans through thrilling conflicts in the concrete “jungle” – Shizume City. And not only is

original director Shingo Suzuki back on the team with a fresh storyline, he is also the man behind the new characters, namely Green King Nagare Hisui, the strongest and most influential one of all.

Those who love anison can also look forward to the release of “Asymmetry”, the season’s opening theme composed by popular pop group angela. The track is performed by Yui Horie, who voices the character of Red clansman

nesians Salvita Decorte in her breakout role, Reza Rahadian (Habibie & Ainun; Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto), Hannah AlRashid (Ritual; V/H/S/2), as well as Singaporean Nathan Hartono (Musical Spring Awakening) and guest stars 8-year old Malaysian Puteri Balqis (Balqis) who won the Best Actress award at the 2014 Asian Television Awards.

Halfworlds is HBO Asia’s fourth original production after Dead Mine (2012), Serangoon Road (2013) and Grace (2014).

Anna Kushina in K. On top of that, the author of the series Tatsuki Miyazawa pens the ending theme “Kai”, which is performed by four-member group Customi-Z. Ready for war? K: Return of Kings premieres on Oct. 3, airing every Saturday at 11p.m. with an encore the next day at 8 p.m., first and exclusively on Animax.

Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

QC Pink filmfest in OCtOber

Capping this year’s Quezon City Jubilee celebrations is the country’s largest LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/ transgender) film festival. It’s called the AC International Pink Film Festival and it brings world-renowned directors and actors. This is made possible through the initiative of Quezon City Pride Council in partnership with the Quezon City government with Mayor Herbert Bautista.

The festival will be held at the Gateway Cinema at the Araneta Center on Oct. 6 at Cinema 1. Movie stars, foreign and local, along with film producers and directors, with local officials and dignitaries are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

Among the films to be screened this year are Teddy winners at the Berlin Film Festival, a competition among LGBT films worldwide. The program includes the screening of El Hombre Bueno, about a Sandinista child soldier in Nicaragua who later on becomes a transgender woman.

Special jury award winner Stories of Lives from Kenya will also be screened together with films from the USA, Taiwan, Kenya, Israel, Hondura, Spain, Holland and many others. Teddy Best film winner Nasty Baby (USA) will close the festival.

From the Philippines, the films in exhibition will be Esprit de Corps, Esoterika: Maynila, Shunned, Pinoy Transking, and a short film selection.

Festival director Nick Deocampo says the festival is part of the public education campaign of the Quezon City Pride Council.

Benjamin Alves

ChEmiStRy bEtWEEn LOvi anD bEnjamin OnSCREEn jOSEPh PEtER GOnZaLES Lovi Poe is proud of Beautiful Strangers on GMA. She only has good words for co-stars Heart Evangelista, Benjamin Alves ,and current flame Rocco Nacino.

“That’s right!” she avers. “I’m simply elated with how the story flows. For one, there are surprising twists from time to time, which surely thrill the viewers.

Every week offers new revelations. It’s not predictable. I can say that so far, this is my best and most favorite soap ever.

“When it comes to my fellow stars, I’m hats-off to their dedication and competence in essaying their respective role. First, there’s Heart whose character here is strong. In the soap, we’re bitter rivals and have lots of confrontation scenes. But before we do our on-screen fights, we hug each other first.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 42 43 44 45 49 50 51 52 55 56 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 ANSWER FOR PREVIOUS PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Visages 6 Galba’s successor 10 Dose the dog 14 Tibet’s capital 15 Jumbled type 16 Mayberry moppet 17 Attendant 18 Take care of 19 Frat-party orders 20 Untold centuries 21 Heroic exploit

23 24 25 27 30 31 32 37 38 39 40

Lovi Poe

Round numbers?

Female deer Silo, maybe Twang or drawl Make — — for it Curtain material Swindlers Morales of “La Bamba” Solo — St. Laurent Trains (hyph.)

Snapshot Memoir topic Meadows Did a second draft WWW addresses Ram constellation Wannabe prince Blank space Banter Jean Auel heroine Walks unsteadily Underway Shear fabric?

Jots Thyme, e.g.

Carries with effort Signified

DOWN 1 Furnace duct 2 Mr. Moto remark (2 wds.)

3 “High Hopes” writer 4 Compass pt.

5 Tinned fish 6 Chose 7 Secured 8 Pullet 9 Not even 10 Roused 11 Musical work 12 Exactness

“It’s some sort of motivation for us to be able to cry then, when tears roll down our cheeks, we become enemies. We just know how to open the faucet in each other’s eyes, so to speak since I know what she’s gone through and vice-versa. You should see Heart here because her part is so challenging. What’s good between us two, we support each other because off-cam we’re friends.”

Interestingly, many notice her chemistry with Benjamin.

“Oh yes! We previously worked together in Sana Dati and I guess, we were able to establish screen rapport from there. I love Ben. We’ve been friends for so long now and a strong factor there is that I’m comfortable with him.

“I can easily connect with him on screen. When I look at him, there’s the instant ‘kilig’ factor, which is very important to make your sweet moments on screen easier. I guess that’s a must for any screen pair, right? So that your love will be believable before the eyes of the viewers.”

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

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Cluttered Tolkien tree giant Novelist — Grey Sun, in combos Toothy smiles Artifice With, to Yves Blackjack Hi or bye Not give — — Lock up Early harps Like Mr. Hyde Rip apart Sound-barrier breakers At the drop of — — TV’s Sharkey et al Wanderer To and — Howdah occupant Notched, as a leaf More sensible Fix up Europe-Asia divider Horsewhip Japanese clog Mr. Greenspan Discreet summons Hole puncher One of us Help-wanted abbr.

It’s good Rocco doesn’t get jealous?

“No, there’s nothing like that.

In the first place, they’re friends.

Rocco knows being an actor himself that it’s part of the job.”

Speaking of Rocco, the dusky actress reveals that it’s quite hard doing scenes especially highly dramatic ones with her boyfriend.

“Yes, I’ve realized that! Ha-haha! It’s difficult because we’re happy in real life. This is the first soap we’ve done as steadies. At first, I thought it was just fine but it’s not easy to look at him as someone who’s hurting you in the story because in real life, he’s the opposite.

He is not hurting me...so far. It’s hard to draw out the required emotion from each other,” ends Lovi.

HHHHH LJ Reyes was adjudged Best Actress in the recently concluded 13th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival for her work in the indie movie Anino sa Likod ng Buwan. She wasn’t able to attend the awarding ceremony though which was held in Vladivostok,

Russia. Her director, Jun Lana accepted the trophy on her behalf.

“I cried when I received the text message from Direk Jun. It’s my first international acting award. God knows how hard I worked for that film so I simply feel vindicated. It’s an attestation that all my efforts paid-off. It’s a blessing and God is so kind to me,” she says.

Until now, words cannot express how she feels regarding her recent triumph.

“It’s inexplicable. It’s just okay if I wasn’t physically present there to accept the trophy. I’ve no regrets about that. What’s important is the viewers appreciated our movie and on top of that, I won, right?”

The be-dimpled actress is looking forward to the commercial exhibition of the film in the Philippines.

“Of course, our happiness and success will be more complete and meaningful if the movie will be appreciated here in our country,” LJ states.

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SHOWBITZ isahred @ gmail.com

‘anG Probinsyano’ airs beGinninG toniGht From c8

ABS-CBN and Dreamscape Entertainment Television’s TV adaptation of Ang Probinsyano,” one of the classic films of ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr., with Teleserye King Coco Martin topbilling the show, airs on the Primetime Bida block beginning tonight.

Through the partnership of ABS-CBN and FPJ Productions, Ang Probinsyano will be the newest FPJ classic turned into a drama series featuring the heroism of the country’s policemen. According to Susan Roces, her late husband Da King entrusted the library of all his films under FPJ Production to ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio.

Ang Probinsyano follows the journey of twins Ador and Cardo, played by Martin, who were estranged from each other by financial reasons even as both followed the path of law enforcement. Ador was a celebrated police officer, with a loving family as his support. Cardo on the other hand, loves the solitude of the mountains as a Special Actions Forces Trooper.

Ador gets himself entangled in a syndicate which leaves him dead.

To cover for this fact, Cardo was ordered to become his brother, family and all, and be re-united with the grandmother whom he detests.

How will Cardo fit in with the life of his brother, Ador, which is an entire world’s difference from the one he used to live? Will he ever get the chance to avenge his brother and the loss the syndicate dealt to their family?

Joining Coco Martin in the powerhouse cast are Maja Salvador, Arjo Atayde, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Bela Padilla, Joey Marquez, Jaime Fabregas, and Ms. Susan Roces. The show will also introduce Simon Pineda and also part of the cast are Dennis Padilla, Ana Roces, Zaijian Jaranilla, Malou Crisologo,

The cast of Ang Probinsiyano

Malu De Guzman, Marvin Yap, Pepe Herrera, Lester Llansang, John Medina, Michael Jornales, Gio Alvarez and Tess Antonio.

It is under the direction of Avel Sunpongco and Malu Sevilla..

HHHHH Grace Poe says sheryl needs resPect and love Instead of rebuking her cousin, actress Sheryl Cruz, for saying she’s not ready and capable to be president of the country, Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares said she needs love and respect.

“I thank Sheryl for her opinion and concern for us. As family, we will continue to give her the love and respect she deserves,” said Grace when asked about what her cousin told members of the media.

Susan Roces, on the other hand, simply shrugged her shoulder when members of the media asked for her opinion.

“Well that is her opinion. I have nothing to say about that,’

Roces said.

Those close to the Poe family say that Sheryl’s statement stemmed from jealousy, particularly about inheritance.

Sheryl Cruz had not been on speaking terms with her relatives in the last couple of years, and now, she seems to have ignited the

Antoinette tAus, epy Quizon join ‘Bituing WAlAng ningning: the MusiCAl’

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ans clamoring for the return onstage of Resorts World Manila’s innovative theater feature Bituing Walang Nigning: The Musical on Oct. 8 will definitely get more than what they asked for as two new but familiar faces add shine to the stage masterpiece.

Joining the cast as feisty diva Lavinia Arguelles is come-backing showbiz sweetheart Antoinette Taus who this time dons a character her fans are not used to seeing her play. Taus will share the meaty role with the original Lavinia from the first run Cris Villonco.

Taus recently returned to Philippine showbiz after a 10-year hiatus previously taking projects for the stage in productions Grease and this year’s Sabel.

Also adding more comic relief to the already brilliant cast is comedi-

an Epy Quizon who will be playing the role of the supportive Auntie, alternating with Jon Santos who also played the role from the first run.

The multi-awarded Quizon has also made a name for himself on the stage in such productions as Romeo and Juliet, Mid Summer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labor Lost and Katy: The Musical.

With the welcome addition of Taus and Quizon to Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical are 10 new members of the ensemble who will redefine the entire performance with more musical numbers incorporated in songs to tell the story.

“It’s pretty much a new show they’re going to see. Based on the feedback from the first run, we redefined the script and will now present pretty much an improved version of it, which is really the way

Sheryl Cruz

Grace Poe

it’s done,” shared Full House Theater Company artistic director and First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical first opened in June this year marking itself as the first ever all-Filipino theater production to crossover multiple media platforms. The timeless classic was initially introduced by Nerissa Cabral via serialized comic strip, and later adapted to film by director Emmanuel Borlaza eventually becoming one of the most popular movies to date.

Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical returns to the stage starting Oct. 8 at RWM’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833 for tickets and updates on the upcoming all-Filipino stage production.

fire that once isolated her from them with her statement questioning Grace Poe’s readiness to become president of the country.

It has been almost a decade since the Cruzes stopped talking to Sheryl after she failed to come home when her father, actor Ricky Belmonte, died in 2001.

Sheryl was not at the UP when Grace Poe declared her intention to run for the presidency last week. Instead she allowed herself to be interviewed about her feelings for Grace’s 2016 plans.

Renzo, Sheryl’s brother showed her support for Grace. In fact, the whole of Rosemarie Sonara Cruz’s family is throwing its support for the daughter of Da King, Fernando Poe, Jr..

Susan Roces has repeatedly said that she knows her daughter well and Grace will not try to do something, which she thinks she isn’t capable of.

HHHHH ‘stairway to heaven’ returns on GMa One of the highest-rated Koreanovelas, Stairway to Heaven, is back on GMA Network starting today to make viewers fall in love again and share the pain of losing someone that truly matters.

Stairway To Heaven stars Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo, and depicts a tragic story about friendship, love, and family ties. It begins when young Cholo Cha (Kwon Sang Woo) and Jodi Han (Choi Ji Woo) start to let their friendship bloom into something more special. As they start a new chapter in their life as lovers, Cholo is sent to study abroad, and Jodi will be left to face a drastic change in her life. Her father remarries, and her new family now includes an abusive stepmother Maita (Lee Hui Hyang) and two stepsiblings Tristan (Shin Hyun Jun) and Eunice (Kim Tae Hee).

Years later, Jodi suffers an accident that takes away her memories and Cholo is completely removed from her life. Now devoid of memories before the accident, what will happen once Jodi crosses path with Cholo?

Witness their story and learn how love can conquer all at 9:40am on GMA.

Antoinette Taus

New Stars of Bituing Walang Ningning The Musical Second Run

Epi Quizon

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ISAH V. RED EDITOR isahred @ gmail.com

SHOWBITZ Strong Support and poSitive feedbaCk power 2 SitComS ISAH V. RED With their relatable content and morally strengthening storyline, the weekend family sitcoms of GMA 7, namely Pepito Manaloto and Ismol Family continue to be the primetime habit of the Filipinos all around the world. The combination of hard work and chemistry among the cast and crew build the strong foundation for the Network’s commitment to provide only the best to its audience.

GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Program Manager Bang Arespacochaga says the the shows are successful because viewers find the issues tackled by the episodes relevant, issues they themselves face. Take it from the creative director and the main actor of Pepito Manaloto, no less than Kapuso ace comedian and Asian TV Awards three-time Best Comedy Actor Michael V., who improved his life through sheer hard-work and dedication to family, like most Filipinos today.

Michael V’s ideas as the overall head of the show’s creative team come from his own experiences. “Michael V knows what the viewers want and he has the feel of the ’masa’ as he came from the same bracket 20 or more years ago before he became popular, and he remained in touch with his roots!” says Arespacochaga.

Pepito Manaloto, which ranks as one of the network’s well-loved and top-rating comedy programs, is a first of its kind.

Arespacochaga shares that the positive feedback in the social media, even from friends and family has been a source of inspiration to all of them. “Comments like they really had a good laugh watching the episodes at the same time Pepito Manaloto manages to inject good moral values within the story. The objective to entertain the whole family and deliver positive values to viewers is quite an achievement to the creative team.”

Ismol Family’s program manager Cecille de Guzman also believes that focusing on what the viewers are looking for—such as good vibes, tips on how to solve household issues, and making time for your family keep them on top of their game. They make sure that the feedbacks they get from social media are acknowledged, and this drives them to keep the story inspirational and realistic. “We give the audience what they want and surprise them with unexpected funny twists,” explains de Guzman.

Creating and producing these shows was a job that turned itself into a relation-

ship with the viewers. Ismol Family’s director Dominic Zapata shares, “I never forget that I have a personal responsibility to the viewers to do something worthwhile for them that can also be a source of insight while being able to put a smile on their faces.” Zapata further says that the cast members’ love for their craft and their viewers fuel both their energy and confidence to make work fun on and off screen.

Meanwhile, Ismol Family’s creative director Joseph Balboa also maintains that the show will keep on creating what makes the families all over the country and even across the globe feel fulfilled, as they promise to bring more delightful episodes in the coming weeks. “Our inspiration for each episode comes from current events. Events na nangyayari sa environment and even in TV shows, like the AlDub phenomenon and the unbelievable traffic in EDSA. We aim for a hundred percent relatability from our show.”

Bert de Leon, director of Pepito Manaloto, says that they are truly a family on and off cam. The friendship and chemistry among cast members has been a huge factor for the natural, relaxed acting that makes their scripts come alive. “Everyone gladly puts in their best work to give our audience the best product we can possibly deliver to them because when they are happy, we are happy,” de Leon humbly concludes.

Pepito Manaloto airs every Saturday after 24 Oras Weekend while Ismol Family airs every Sunday after Vampire ang Daddy Ko on GMA. HHHHH De Kapuso stars on DiyanDi moDe Yesterday, Iligan City celebrated its annual Diyandi Festival with special guests flown in by the Kapuso Network.

Buena Familia’s Julian Trono showed off his signature K-Pop system dance moves at the Sayaw Saulog Street Dancing Competition at the city’s Anahaw Amphitheatre.

Kapuso leading man Geoff Eigenmann hosted the Miss Iligan 2015 Coronation Night at the MSU-IIT Gym. Starstruck alumna LJ Reyes brought in extra entertainment with a production number that delighted the Iliganons.

“The Kapuso Network is happy and excited to partner once again with Iligan City for its annual Diyandi Festival. The Iliganons have a special place in our hearts since GMA has been their partner of the Diyandi Festival and other civic activities through the years. We hope that our participation this year will bring more fun and color to the festival,” says GMA Regional Strategy and Business Development Division Head Oliver Amoroso. ➜ Continued on C7

Pepito Manaloto

Ismol Family

Julian Trono

LJ Reyes

Geoff Eigenmann