The Standard - 2016 March 28 - Monday

VOL. XXX NO. 44 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 MONday : MaRCH 28, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Visayas bloc fails to unite for Grace

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31 KILLED DURING HOLY WEEK BREAK

By Francisco Tuyay

AT leAsT 31 people, including a Japanese national, died and 62 others were injured in various incidents during Holy Week.

Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said in a report the incidents were recorded starting Holy Thursday until the early hours of Easter Sunday.

Chavez reported that 22 people drowned and two were missing;

while four died and 55 were injured in nine vehicular accidents.

One person also died when a motorized outrigger capsized.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, on the other hand, reported 13 incidents of drowning in Cagayan

Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Northern Mindanao and the Cordillera regions.

The NDRRMC identified the fatalities in the drowning incident in Calabarzon as Jimson and Lazaro Boa, John Joseph Mendoza and Herminigildo de Castro from Calaca, Batangas.

The victims were drowned while trying to save Lorenzo Boa who also died in the incident.

The NDRRMC also identified the other victims as Dennie Guillermo, 34 (Gattaran, Cagayan); Kecy Joyce Campol, 13 (Lamut,

Ifugao); Lebino Sama Espara Jr., 32 (Bokod, Benguet); Sherwin Paraiso, 20 (Lopez, Quezon); Christian Asitre, 19 and Arlene Nepomuceno, 12, all of Sariaya, Quezon; Gilbert del Rosario, 46 (San Juan, Batangas) and Pearl Yvana Baldea, 7 (Taal, Batangas).

Chavez also reported that a councilor was shot dead by his twin brother in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, and another was killed in a strafing incident at the residence of a mayor of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

During the period, Chavez said

two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while seven Army troopers were wounded in fighting in Albarka, Basilan.

Separate fighting also broke out between Muslim rebels and security forces in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan and New People’s Army rebels in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, but the government suffered no casualties.

A bus robbery occurred in Makati City. Police also reported a grenade throwing incident on the highway of Placer, Surigao del Norte, but the grenade did not explode.

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Mass. Catholic devotees light candles during mass at the Santo Domingo Church on Easter Sunday. DANNY PATA

500,000 seniors receive pension

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NHA confirms ‘hellish’ mass housing units

By Christine F. Herrera THE National Housing Authority has confirmed President Benigno Aquino III’s P18.9-billion flagship housing program rendered soldiers and cops homeless and admitted the “hellish” housing units remain unused for the last three years because the units were “unsafe and unfit” for humans.

“It’s hard lessons learned,” was all the NHA could say to Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, who demanded that the Palace explain why the houses constructed were “uninhabitable and substandard” despite P18.9 billion (not P18.6 billion as earlier reported) in funding.

The NHA also admitted some P120 million worth of school buildings re-

main idle due to unavailability of teachers and students as a result of the refusal of the families to relocate to the housing communities that Alejano said were isolated, not secure and inaccessible to social services and transport.

With three months remaining before Aquino steps down, the NHA vowed to correct the problems in the President’s flagship housing policy.

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Commercialism mars Holy Week 31 killed...

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The NDRRMC reported fires that injured 42 people during Holy Week.

As thousands of commuters and vacationers from the provinces returned to Metro Ma-

NHA...

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“President Aquino has a few months remaining in office and our gallant and brave soldiers and cops are rendered homeless during his entire term,” said Alejano, a close ally of President Aquino.

The Office of Vice President Jejomar Binay said the vice president had nothing to do with the housing units for the 130,000 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the 150,000 members of the Philippine National Police.

“VP Binay had nothing to do with the substandard housing projects. The flagship housing program for the AFP and PNP is not under the Office of the Vice President. The NHA was placed under the Office of the President. It was taken away from him. It is a special project of the President. NHA general manager Chito Cruz reports directly to the President. Cruz is a classmate of the President and he replaced VP Binay as chairman of the Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council,” said Joey Salgado, Binay’s director of communications.

Cruz, during interpellation of the NHA budget in the House, answered Alejano’s queries through Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves, who was the sponsor that defended the passage of the NHA budget.

Teves told the plenary the NHA housing board would meet to fix the problem.

But Alejano said the housing board never got back to him to discuss how the agency planned to remedy the problem.

Alejano lamented that it was established during the budget deliberation that the NHA never bothered to consult the soldiers and policemen, who were the end-users of the 67,000 housing units that became dilapidated and rundown after three years in which they remained unoccupied.

The NHA, through Teves, admitted the agency failed to consult the men and women in uniform.

“The soldiers and policemen… were never consulted.

They were not even asked whether or not they already owned a house. So those who already own a house have no use for the units but those who badly need a house of

nila, Mayor said police deployed in various terminals, ports and road networks were directed to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

The Palace said Sunday that even as the Holy Week ends, security measures will remain tight in airport, ports and bus terminals. their own remain homeless,” Alejano told the plenary.

Alejano added that the less than 10 percent occupancy rate was testimony to the government’s failure to do its due diligence.

“The lowest ranking soldier has a take-home pay of P13,000 minimum a month.

With other benefits, the pay could reach as much as P16,000 and under the law, they were supposed to set aside at least 30 percent of their income for housing needs. With base pay of P16,000, the soldiers can afford to pay a monthly amortization of P4,000, which means they can afford to pay at least 20 units at P200 a month in amortization for a 22-square-meter house and lot that was provided by the government,” Alejano said.

“Why not, instead of awarding to them the 22sqm units at P200 in monthly amortization payable over 30 years, they be allowed to acquire several units equivalent to P4,000 monthly amortization or less. They can easily afford that. Let us not treat our soldiers and cops like informal settlers, who needed to be helped and subsidized with free housing,” Alejano said.

Teves said under the contract, the amortization was automatically deducted from the salaries of the soldiers and cops.

“Precisely why the soldiers and policemen were protesting. They were not even consulted and now they are being threatened that should they defy the order to occupy the hellish and substandard units, the NHA will forfeit the awarded units to them.

Who would want to live in an uninhabitable houses? Now, they are even being forced to do that,” Alejano said.

Teves said that under the contract, the men and women in uniform had to abide by the agreement that they and their families should occupy the awarded units and that they were barred from renting the units out to other people.

Teves said the NHA has already completed phases one and two of the four phases of the President’s housing program and agreed that the NHA should correct the problems that were encountered in the first two phases.

He said Alejano’s suggestions could be applied to the last two phases of the ongoing housing project but Teves could not provide the list of the developers that

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said security will remain a priority to ensure the safety of passengers coming from provinces.

“In their travel back to Manila from the provinces after the Holy Week, the level of preparedness and measures of the government constructed the grossly substandard units.

Alejano said the housing units and the school buildings could not be made accessible to “outsiders” for security reasons.

“It defeats the purpose that the government spent [billions] in public funds for our soldiers and policemen and yet we allow other recipients or outsiders to use the units and the school buildings. But it is appalling to think that these units and buildings are left rotting, unused, unoccupied and we see them fast deteriorating. Such a waste of public funds,” Alejano said.

In an interview with The Standard, Alejano said the Magdalo lawmakers did ocular inspections and found that substandard design and construction of the units were the same in Baras, Rizal; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Zamboanga; Bacolod; and Bulacan, with each province supposed to house 10,000 units.

He cited the case in Rizal where there were 2,000 units constructed but only 180 turned up to accept and occupy the units. There were 140 from the military and 40 from the PNP. Under the President’s flagship housing program, Alejano said there should be one school building for every 1,000 occupants.

“Not only are substandard housing units idle, the school buildings and covered courts are unused, too,” Alejano said in Filipino.

The same low occupancy rate was noted in other provinces, Alejano said.

“The communities where our military soldiers and policemen are being relocated did not have access to transportation, public markets, schools, hospitals and churches,” Alejano said. “The areas are so isolated, the families felt they were not secure.”

“The reason for the very low occupancy rate at less than 10 percent is because the units are not livable. It is hellish to live there. The government would only make their lives miserable and our soldiers and policemen would not be able to carry out their jobs if they would worry about the families they leave behind. There is no drainage, no water, no power, not even a playground for children,” Alejano said.

“While the men and women in uniform were deployed to areas risking their lives fighting for all of us, their wives and husbands are left

will remain high against any threat,” Coloma said.

In light of the Brussels bomb attacks that killed more than 30 people, President Benigno Aquino III has ordered that security measures in airports, seaports and bus terminals be beefed up.

With Sandy Araneta behind queuing to fetch water,” Alejano said.

Teves said the NHA made it a point that the doors to the houses and the toilets would be installed only until after the family has moved in.

“The substandard AFP and PNP housing units bastardized the sacrifices rendered by our gallant soldiers and policemen,” Alejano said.

Alejano said the P18.9billion project was started in 2012 by the NHA that was placed under the Office of the President.

“The NHA is mandated to implement the AFP-PNP Housing program, a flagship program of President Aquino that seeks to provide permanent housing and security of tenure to low-salaried military and police whose need for housing must be addressed immediately,” Alejano said.

“Of the 67,000 units constructed and completed in phases one and two of the four phases, less than 6,700 soldiers and police opted to occupy the houses because of the hellish residential environment. All the rest are vacant and fast deteriorating. Some P18.9 billion in public funds all going to waste,” Alejano told The Standard.

“The foundation and walls [of the housing units] were not completely filled in with cement, the septic tank is easily unearthed because of the thinness of the concrete cover and there are other pertinent issues related to poor construction,” according to Alejano.

“The men and women of AFP and PNP deserve better housing conditions given their commitment, dedication and loyalty to protect and defend the Filipino people from harm,” according to Alejano’s fellow Magdalo Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo.

Alejano and Acedillo filed House Resolution 2466 urging Congress to investigate the NHA. Alejano described the housing units—with a floor area of 22 square meters—as “coops for pigeons” that did not have proper ventilation or any room to move around.

“Worse, the units are not equipped with water and power,” Alejano said.

“The units may come cheap but it is not worth occupying them. We demand that the government do something to correct this anomalous housing program,” Alejano said.

THE men being nailed to crosses were seeking salvation, but for corporate sponsors and small-time vendors the Good Friday event was all about quick riches.

Posters advertising the country’s biggest telecommunication companies, US fastfood chain McDonald’s, energy drinks and a local motel chain hung across the sun-baked fields where the crucifixion re-enactments took place.

Rosemarie Musngi, 44, said she went to church first before setting up shop selling fried fish, snacks and souvenir shirts beneath a branded tent she had rented from a major telco.

“We prayed to God to let us earn a little money... we prayed for people to buy all of our merchandise,” she said.

Cultural events of a religious bent are no barriers to making a buck in Asia’s Catholic heartland, home to some of the world’s most colorful displays of worship and also a feverish brand of capitalism.

The village of San Pedro, 90 minutes’ drive from Manila, is one of at least three that hold day-long passion plays every Good Friday depicting the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

The events are capped by men being nailed to crosses, and also feature bare-chested men whipping their backs bloody.

The devotees typically say they endure the suffering to be closer to God, for his favor, and for bad deeds to be forgiven.

Among the Good Friday events’ key sponsors are two of the country’s largest mobile phone outfits.

In exchange for free advertising and a place to hawk its merchandise, one of them, Smart Communications, livestreamed the event on the Internet and provided free Wi-Fi access on-site.

This enabled participants to instantly upload selfies taken with the crucified devotees for background.

“We are promoting our products—new promos and new technologies,” Smart’s area sales manager, Roland Carlos Sunga, said.

“We are selling like hotcakes,” he said, citing a deal where a subscriber could buy a phone and some Internet data for the equivalent of just $19.

As the extreme events have become more popular, villages staging rival passion plays have tapped into the corporate sector to foot the rising cost of handling much larger crowds, from directional street signs to chairs to portable toilets.

Corporate sponsors provided goods and services—such as the Wi-Fi and signage—worth about P300,000 to support the event, said Ching Pangilinan, the San Fernando city tourism chief.

She said the events drew a combined 30,000 spectators each year, including about 1,500 Westerners.

“Religious events... are excellent opportunities for advertising and marketing as they tap positive vibes,” said Louie Checa Montemar, a development studies professor at De La Salle University.

“Who, after all, would really openly question or go against what is perceived or assumed to be ‘good’?”

The crucifixions are also now considered a niche market for tourists from nations with a shared Catholic heritage, such as those in Europe and Latin America, said Clang Garcia, operator of Manila-based Jeepney Tours.

“It has potential, though not everyone likes the idea of the blood and all. It’s not a mainstream destination,” Garcia said, noting the tourist traffic there pales in comparison to the country’s giant religious festivals.

These include the more conventional multi-day, Mardi Gras-like events that draw millions such as the one in the central city of Cebu in honor of a statue of the infant Jesus Christ.

Conspicuously absent at the San Pedro crucifixions were official representatives of the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Broderick Pabillo, an auxiliary bishop of Manila, said the Church discouraged the extreme forms of piety that fascinated many of the country’s more than 80 million Catholics, as well as the commercialism that followed it.

“To use that for commerce is not a manifestation of the faith,” Pabillo said.

“There is really a danger that we will not promote the reason for the season of Holy Week. The focus should be on Jesus... on his sacrifice, not on us, not the one who mimics the crucifixion,” he added.

However, Pangilinan, the city tourism officer, said the local authorities did not treat the crucifixions as a religious eventeven though the participants did it to underline their faith.

“It’s a cultural activity, a part of the heritage of our people,” she said. AFP

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Duterte claims LP is hatching plot against him THE camp of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday accused the ruling Liberal Party of hatching a black propaganda and psychological war against him.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesman, said LP standard bearer Manuel Roxas II was hurting from a “moribund” campaign.

He said this was the reason why the LP had launched a plot to picture Duterte as a pro-American bet hiding behind the platform of federalism to give US companies easy access to the rich mineral resources of Mindanao—particularly metallic ores.

He described the demolition job as diabolical and a desperate move to resuscitate a “dying” Roxas campaign.

“No amount of money and devilish plot can revive Roxas’ candidacy,” Laviña said.

“This only affirms our conviction that they see Duterte as the strongest candidate with a realistic shot at winning the presidency.”

Laviña said the demolition job against Duterte would only benefit Senator Grace Poe, “who is being groomed as the alternative and secret candidate of Malacañang.”

“The LP will also try to picture Duterte as a coddler of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as well as an ally of the communist-led New People’s Army.”

Duterte’s camp says the LP wants to portray Duterte’s populist image as a mere façade to push for a federal system of government.

“The information came from a staff member of an LP stalwart who was not identified by the source,” Duterte’s camp said.

It said the hatchet job was planned in Western Mindanao where the Liberal Party had diehard members.

The scheme would reportedly roll out next week in time for the final half of the presidential campaign.

According to Laviña, the LP will use allied local government officials to “destroy” Duterte in Mindanao, “where the maverick city mayor is very popular.” Rio N. Araja

Binay says he will launch campaign against poverty PRESIDENTIAL candidate Jejomar Binay said Sunday he had been fighting poverty since he was mayor of Makati to improve the lives of its residents.

He made the statement in Cabagan, Isabela, before his fellow Ibanags whom police estimated at 15,000.

“Nu’ng ako ay naging mayor noong 1986, ‘yung problemang kakaharapin ko bilang Pangulo—ang problema ng kahirapan—hinarap ko yan sa Makati,” Binay said.

Binay had previously said he would give priority to four programs during his first year in office as president to combat poverty: the continuation and expansion of the 4Ps (Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program), the abolition of income taxes for workers earning P30,000 a month or less, the provision of free books, uniforms and school supplies to public school students, and free health care for the poor.

Binay was joined by his running mate, Senator Gregorio Honasan II, and UNA senatorial candidate former Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas. And local candidates and allies from Isabela led by Vice Governor Tony Pet Albano.

Albano said he expected Binay to win in the province.

“Rest assured na dito po sa probinsiya ng Isabela, kahit ano’ng gawin ng kalaban nila, si vice president ang siguradong mananalo and we predict at least 70 to 80 percent votes here no matter what,” Albano said.

“Alam naman po natin na taga-rito po ang nanay ni Vice President Jejomar Binay and it is a natural tendency for all Isabeleños to unite and give one vote for the vice president.”

Binay’s mother, the late Lourdes Gatan Cabauatan, was an Ibanag from Cabagan, Isabela.

Visayas bloc split, fails to back Poe candidacy THE Visayas bloc has failed to reach a consensus to back the presidential bid of Senator Grace Poe of the Partido Galing at Puso as the 42 administration lawmakers were split and preferred other candidates, the bloc’s leader said Sunday.

That resulted in the Poe camp losing the Visayas bloc as its campaign machinery, said bloc leader and Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Albee Benitez.

Benitez, who had a falling out with ruling Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II, was asked by his peers not to endorse Poe’s candidacy,

said a source who requested anonymity.

“After several emotionally charged meetings, we have failed to reach a consensus to endorse Poe,” the source said.

“She failed to muster enough votes that would merit a unanimous endorsement, a solid support that would make

the bloc bankroll her bid. We were split, and so we cannot make a public declaration.”

The source said it was a major setback for Poe, who is running as an independent and who does not have a solid machinery to make her win the presidential race.

Reelectionists Senate President Franklin Drilon and Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas were active in campaigning for Roxas among the bloc’s members, while Cebu Reps.

Gwen Garcia and Benhur Salimbangon made it known that they were for Vice President Jejomar Binay, the standard bearer of the opposition United

Nationalist Alliance, the source said.

The source said the bloc’s decision meant that Poe and her running mate and fellow Senator Francis Escudero could not maximize the use of the bloc’s resources and machinery.

Most of the congressmen from the Visayas rank among the top 20 richest in the 292-member House of Representatives. Most of them are either businessmen or hacienderos.

However, individual members like Benitez, who is the third-richest congressman after world boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel ‘‘Manny’’ Pacquiao, and Speaker Feli-

ciano Belmonte Jr. may opt to bankroll the PoeEscudero campaign.

“But those who want to support Grace will not necessarily support Chiz [Escudero],” the source said.

“Most members are in fact leaning towards supporting Senator [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos Jr., albeit quietly.”

The source said the Visayas bloc was wary of a possible “disintegration” of the regional alliance once they made public their position.

In fact, the source said, there was an ongoing tug-of-war between Poe and Roxas in bagging the group’s endorsement.

Christine F. Herrera

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Hats for sale. This photo shows a girl looking past hats for sale during the much-awaited annual crucifixion at the village of San Pedro Cutud in the outskirts of San Fernando, Pampanga province during Holy Week. AFP

500,000 seniors to get pensions

By Macon Araneta

ALMOST half a million additional seniors will start getting a P500 monthly from the government effective this year, after Congress increased by P3 billion the budget for pensions for indigent elderly Filipinos.

Senator Ralph Recto said those qualified to receive the P500 monthly stipend under the law are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; are not receiving a pension from Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System or a veteran’s pension; and do not have a permanent source of income.

Recto called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to cut red tape and speed up processing the required paper work in the release of the pensions.

He said the budget for the government’s social pension program for indigent senior citizens jumped to P8.7 billion this year from P5.7 billion last year, increasing the number of recipients from 939,609 to 1,382,941.

The P500 monthly or P6,000 yearly pension for indigent seniors is pursuant to Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

Recto chairs the Senate subcommittee on finance which has oversight on the budget of the DSWD, which runs the program.

Malacañang originally sought P7.5 billion for the program for 2016 but after Recto’s review and lobbying by seniors’ rights advocacy groups, at least 200,000 seniors will not be given pensions.

Upon Recto’s motion, the funding was increased by P1.2 billion to P8.7 billion, the amount authorized in the General Appropriations Act for 2016.

During the debates on the 2015 budget, Recto succeed-

ed in increasing the program’s budget by P1 billion, to P5.7 billion, which allowed DSWD to take in almost a million beneficiaries.

Recto said the DSWD must expedite the identification of the new beneficiaries in order to facilitate the release of checks to indigent senior citizens at the soonest time possible.

The pension is distributed every quarter through DSWD field offices or city or municipal social welfare offices.

While the law granting monthly pensions to economically disadvantaged seniors was passed six years ago, “it is only this year that it will be fully complied with,” Recto said.

Due to limited financial resources, only 80-year-olds and above were enlisted in previous years. The cut-off age was later lowered to 77, until it was brought down to 65 last year.

“By increasing the budget for this program, all indigent seniors 60 years old and above must be covered by the proposed allocation. The policy is no senior left behind,” Recto said.

First PH micro-satellite gets to intl space station THE country’s first micro-satellite, developed and assembled by nine young Filipino engineers, has reached the International Space Station after being launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from Camp Canaveral in Florida, the Department of Science and Technology confirmed on Sunday.

In an interview over radio dzMM, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development executive director Carlos Primo David said the low earth orbit satellite Diwata-1 will be calibrated before starting its mission.

Diwata-1 was carried into space

by Cygnus, an American automated cargo spacecraft designed to transport supplies to the space station.

It is among the five micro-satellites carried by Cygnus, along with essential supplies and research materials that will be off-loaded at the space station.

The 50-kilogram Diwata-1,

named after the Filipino mythological fairy, was assembled by nine Filipinos in Tohoku and Hokkaido Universities in Japan in the last 14 months.

The nine engineers, aged between 22 and 26, are Juan Paolo Espiritu, Benjamin Jonah Magallon, Gerwin Guba, John Leur Labrador, Julian Oliveros, Kaye Kristine Vergel, Ariston Gonzales, Delburg Mitchao, and Harold Paler.

David said he hoped the team behind the country’s first space project would be given due recognition when they return from Japan.

He said the Diwata team worked on the design, implementation and testing of various structural, mechanical and electrical aspects of the micro-satellite.

David said Diwata is expected to be unloaded at the ISS in the first week of April and released into space on April 20.

He said the micro-satellite will capture images of the Philippines from space starting the first week of May. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Mt. Apo fire forces hundreds to flee A RAGING fire on the Philippines’ highest mountain forced hundreds of people to flee from the peak on foot, officials said Sunday.

Firefighters dug ditches that were two meters deep in their battle to contain the blaze, which began Saturday afternoon and was ongoing 24 hours later, to stop it from spreading on the tourist

hotspot of Mount Apo. There were no reported injuries and nearly all of the 1,000 tourists who were on the mountain were evacuated by noon Sunday, provincial disaster official Harry Camoro told AFP. Mount Apo towers over the main southern island of Mindanao, at 3,142 metres above sea level, and is home to forest reserves and the breeding ground

for the Philippines’ national bird, the endangered monkeyeating eagle.

It is common for searing summer temperatures to start fires on the mountain, Camoro said, however, the cause of the blaze had not been determined.

Air Force helicopters were deployed on Sunday to survey the damage, he added. AFP

Egg-painting. A woman and her daughter participate in an Easter

egg-painting event at the Manila Hotel. Catholic devotees all over the Philippines commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on Sunday. DANNY PATA

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‘Leni’s image marred by LP’ Ilocano groups make a strong pitch for Mar and Bongbong THE multifaceted character of the Philippine political system has surfaced anew with the endorsement by the well-knit Confederation of Ilocano Associations Inc. better known as Samahang Ilocanos of former Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for president and vice president in the May elections.

Badoc Vice Mayor Tom Torralba, Samahang national and international president, said the Roxas-Marcos tandem “represents mature, brilliant, tried and tested leaders from the northern and southern sections of the country.”

Torralba who is running for mayor of Badoc, said Samahang Ilocano with roughly 3.5-million card-bearing members in the country and abroad was founded by Atty Julius Magno of Mangaldan, Pangasinan in 1971.

Torralba said their choice of Roxas and Marcos was made after several consultations and discussions on the qualities of the candidates and their preparedness to serve the national body politic.

“Their choice was based not on narrow regionalism but on nationalism,” Torralba said, adding that “in the long run, we serve the Ilocano association better that way.”

When told that Roxas is a cousin of Marcos’ wife, Liza, Torralba said, “it’s a happy coincidence.”

Originally conceived to be a social aggrupation of “progressive minded professionals and student leaders, union leaders and farmers,” Samahan has evolved into an international socio-civic association that seeks to institutionalize sterling Ilocano traits of “industry, versatility, leadership in politics, the arts and other human endeavors, solidarity and unity.”

Torralba said Samahan members come from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija ,Metro Manila, Kalinga Apayao, Cordillera, Abra, Benguet, Zambales and Olongapo City, Mindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Davao.

It also has members in Hongkong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Macau, Taiwan, Dubai, Washington, California, Nevada, Canada, Spain.

By John Paolo Bencito

A former party-list congressman on Saturday said that the ruling Liberal Party was ruining the “clean, principled” image of its vice presidential bet, rep. Leonor “Leni” robredo of Camarines Sur. “The party is dragging Leni [Robredo] through the mud, but she still has the ability to say no before it’s too late. Just say no, Leni,” Walden Bello said in a post on social media.

Robredo, along with running mate Manuel Roxas II, has gained the endorsement of Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda whom the LP tagged as “the epitome of corruption” in the days as the political opposition during the Arroyo regime.

Bello, who posted a photo on Saturday of the LP bets together with President Benigno Aquino III and Pineda, said that while it “doesn’t imply anything irregular,” the administration party has “marginalized” and junked its allies in favor of incumbents that it “once villified.”

Bello cited the case of Pampanga, where the ruling party has junked “original LP reformers” priest-turned-governor Among Ed Panlilio, whom the party slighted just to gain the favor of the Pinedas.

Her husband, Bong Pineda is a noted kingmaker and an alleged jueteng lord in the province, who successfully backed the candidacies of Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and even

President Aquino.

Ironically, Robredo’s husband, the late Jesse Robredo, waged war on jueteng when he was Naga City mayor and later, as Interior secretary.

Bello insinuated that with Robredo tying her self around the alliances being sealed by the ruling Liberal Party to boost her vice presidential bid as with Roxas, in turn, she is effacing her principled image that she has gained over the years.

Bello broke ties with Akbayan, an administration ally following disagreements over the party’s direction being taken with its coalition with the ruling Liberals.

A number of Akbayan members hold government posts, among them Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Ronald Llamas and National Antipoverty Commission Chair Joel Rocamora.

Risa Hontiveros, a former PhilHealth director and former party-list representative, ran under the LP’s senatorial slate in 2010, 2013 and 2016.

Bello also cited several instances, such as in Isabela, “where Grace Padaca has been marginalized in favor of the Dy dynasty, or in La

Union, where reformers like Henry Bacurnay have been edged out of the LP leadership in favor of outsiders like the Ortega dynasty.”

Padaca, despite being a LP member herself ran as independent in the 2016 polls after Isabela Gov. Faustino “Bodjie” Dy III, a ranking member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition threw their support behind the administration bets.

The late Jesse Robredo, together with Panlilio and Padaca were among the founders of “Kaya Natin,” a group that “seeks to recruit principled local government officials to change the country’s deteriorating political situation.”

In an interview, Leni defended Pineda, saying that her links to the illegal numbers game should not overshadow her record in public service and her willingness to help her in the campaign.

“Let’s put this in the proper context. We’re not forming an alliance with her because of her jueteng links, but we welcome Gov. Pineda because we recognize and believe in her, even experts, because of her good performance in Pampanga in the delivery of basic services, one of the LGU officials whose performance should be repeated,” Robredo said.

“Does this overshadow her links to jueteng?

Her help shouldn’t be overshadowed because she’s not asking for any favor,” she added.

Despite Pineda’s support for their tandem, Robredo said that her stance against jueteng won’t change.

Golden anniversary. President Benigno S. Aquino III greets former governor and now PCSO Chairman Erineo Maliksi

on his 50 th wedding anniversary celebration held at his residence in Imus, Cavite as LP presidential bet Mar Roxas looks on.

MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Escudero batting for investor-friendly policies

By Macon Ramos-Araneta VICE presidential candidate Francis “Chiz” Escudero said relaxing certain economic provisions in the Charter should take a back seat to improving the conditions that would make investment opportunities here more appealing to foreign investors.

The senator said he believed that poor infrastructure, legal challeng-

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

es and unstable policies are doing more harm to the country’s business environment than what many considered as restrictive provisions of the Constitution.

“I reiterated my answer that according to survey, this is not the foremost reason why investors are not coming in. Foremost, unstable policies; second, court interference; third, lack of infrastructure. These are what I want

to address,” said Escudero.

According to the Philippines Statistics Authority, total foreign investments approved in the first quarter of 2015 reached P58 billion, 21 percent less than 2014’s P73 billion, while the total for the second quarter amounted to P36.2 billion, or up only by 0.5 percent over the same period last year.

Approved investments of foreign

and local businesses dropped by as much as 65.1 percent to P90 billion in the second quarter of 2015 from P257.8 billion recorded the previous year. PSA also said Filipino businessmen continued to dominate the local scene, kicking in some 59.8 percent or about a total of P53.8 billion.

Escudero supported calls to lift the nationality requirements in establishing businesses in the country; however, ownership of land shall re-

main exclusive to Filipinos.

He reiterated his stand that he will not allow ownership of land to foreigners. “But in businesses, perhaps, yes.”

“For example, in the media, CNN and BBC are inside my room, but I do not even know who are their owners, and they might be Filipinos. Up to now in the Constitution, that’s still 100 percent, that should be changed,” he added.

M O N D AY : M A r c h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

A6

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Measles outbreak feared The Department of health has warned of the possible increase in the number of measles cases, apart from skin problems, during the dry season or what is considered summer in the country which starts in March.

according to DoH secretary Janette garin, while the agency has conducted some form of supplemental immunization program, measles may be experienced by some people in certain areas. “of course, we’re hoping that this will not happen because we have already conducted immunization in some areas.

But still there is a need to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures,” she stressed. she called on the public to be more cautious and aware of the importance of vaccinating children against measles.

The health chief said measles is spread through the air. she said the most vulnerable to the disease are children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune system who are exposed to measles’ victims.

To reduce the risk of spreading the disease, a herd immunity must be achieved through the government immunization program to fight measles both at the community level and in schools through schoolbased immunization. garin explained that by having herd immunity, the most vulnerable ones like children and pregnant women will somehow be protected. she reminded that german measles among pregnant women can cause some birth defects.

If someone in the house has measles, the patient is advised to stay there at least four days from the date that he or she first developed the measles rash so he/she can help in reducing the risk of spreading it to others.

This disease is often mild with half of the people having it not realizing that they are sick. rashes may start around two weeks after exposure and last for three days. The skin disorder starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

The rash is not as bright as that of measles and is sometimes itchy. rubella is usually spread through the air via coughs of people who are infected.

People are infectious during the week before and after the appearance of the rash.

The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause to a pregnant woman’s unborn baby.

If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella virus, she can have a miscarriage, or her baby can die just after birth. also, the woman can pass the virus to her unborn baby who can develop serious birth defects such as heart problems, loss of hearing and eyesight, intellectual disability, and liver or spleen damage. PNA

Hut and cold. People flock to Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal to cool themselves amid the summer heat. Wawa Dam is also a famous destination of bikers. mANNy PAlmERo

Mock election gives Bagatsing landslide win Congressman amado s. Bagatsing of the Kabaka Party emerged as the overwhelming choice of the people of manila to serve as their next mayor, getting more votes than his two main rivals combined.

In a mock poll conducted by the Independent research services group of the seed Institute, Bagatsing garnered 47.8 percent of the votes cast by 3,040 respondents.

The incumbent mayor Joseph estrada (Partido ng masang Pilipino) got 23.4 percent while former mayor alfredo Lim (Liberal Party) had 22.3 percent.

Bagatsing’s 47.8 percent was bigger than the combined total votes of estrada and Lim. The congressman’s winning spread of 24.4 percent was also even bigger than the total votes received by either estrada or Lim. representing the fifth congressional district of manila, Bagatsing jumped by a big 16.3 percent in the march survey compared to the February survey conducted by the seed Institute.

Lim plunged by 10.8 percent in march while estrada saw a slight 1.1 percent increase in his voters’ share.

The survey designed by HB&a International has a margin of error of plus-minus 1.78 at 95 percent confidence level, with each of manila’s six districts getting a minimum of at least 500 respondents.

The son of the longest serving mayor of manila, the late ramon Bagatsing, amado Bagatsing has served as congressman of manila for six terms or about 20 years now.

Bagatsing is the founder of the highly successful Kabaka (K a ba l i k at ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran) program which has been providing the people of manila with free health care and free livelihood and skills training, among other services, for 30 years now. as mayor, Bagatsing vowed to shut down the drug laboratories proliferating in manila and ensure peace and order by chasing criminals.

He said he would actively partner with the private sector to spur the economic and cultural transformation of the city, while fighting poverty, joblessness and homelessness among manileños.

Comelec set to bid out P20-m supply of uniforms

By Rey E. Requejo THe Commission on elections will bid out the procurement of more than P20 million worth of uniforms to be used by its employees and members of the Board of election Inspectors during the may 9 general elections.

In an invitation to bid, the Comelec’s Bids and awards Committee said it was looking for suppliers for 277,527 pieces of BeI election Day Uniforms (Lot 1) as well as 6,158 pieces of Comelec employees election Day T-shirts (Lot 2).

For Lot 1, the Comelec has an approved Budget for the Contract of P20,814,525, with each shirt pegged at P75.

For Lot 2, the poll body set a budget of P1,231,600, with every shirt to cost P200.

“Bids received in excess of the aBC per item shall be automatically rejected at bid opening,” Comelec said. a complete set of bidding documents, which costs P25,000 for Lot 1 and P5,000 for Lot 2, may be purchased by interested bidders from march 22 to april 13, from mondays to saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the BaC secretariat office located at the 7th Floor, Palacio del gobernador Bldg. in Intramuros, manila.

The BaC will also be holding a PreBid Conference on march 30 at 2 p.m. at the eBaD Conference room also at 7th Floor of the Palacio del gobernador Bldg.

M O N D AY : M A r c h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

A7

NEWS

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

Provincial treasurer faces graft

By A. Perez Rimando ISABELA CITY, Basilan— For his alleged failure to remit to various government agencies more than P3.6 million in contributions of provincial officials and employees, Basilan Provincial Treasurer Mukin Abdulkadil has been charged with graft and corruption by the Office of the Ombudsman.

A recent report received here from the office of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that based on an investigation earlier conducted by the Commission on Audit, Abdulkadil failed to remit, as of October 2008, the remaining P3.6 million from the total amount of P14.6million contribution as of Dec. 31, 2007 which his office collected for remittance.

The remittances should have been made to the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).

The report added that Abdulkadil had attributed to Basilan’s “peace and order problem for the delay in the remittance, but the OMB found the treasurer’s defense as unjustifiable considering that respondent failed to present evidence to support his claim.”

Ombudsman Morales further noted that “no sufficient evidence was presented by respondent to show that the amount was fully remitted” and that consequently, “the failure of respondent, being the provincial treasurer, to remit the balance of P3,685,726.12 constitutes gross inexcusable negligence, which caused undue injury to affected officials and employees of Isabela, Basilan province.”

Carabao vs. carabao. Locals of Carigara town in Leyte watch as two carabaos fight each other during the Turogpo Festival. MEL CASPE

Puerto Galera mayor was not ambushed—local PNP

By Robert A. Evora PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro—The Philippine National Police here disputed claims of the municipal mayor that he was ambushed by gunmen hired by a political rival on the eve of the 45-day election campaign for local candidates.

Puerto Galera Police Chief Marlon C. Cabatana told local newsmen that “no ambush took place” as alleged by Mayor Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor.

Dolor directly tagged Chairman Rockey D. Ilagan, of Barangay Sabang, as the alleged “funder and mastermind” of a failed ambush against him at 9 p.m.on Thursday.

Dolor said he was on board one of his two-vehicle convoy, two black Nissan SUVs, when they

were fired upon by gunmen.

Two shots were fired from a small arm, probably a caliber .45 pistol, from somewhere in Barangay Palangan. “I did not see the gunmen because the night was dark,” the mayor said in a press conference.

The mayor’s convoy was negotiating a curve in sitio Kabilang Gulod, in Barangay Palangan, on its way to the town proper when a staccato of shots

from a small firearm were heard.

The mayor came from Barangay Sabang after attending a political meeting there.

Chief Inspector Cabatana, however, said “no volume of fire, empty shells, and witness were present to warrant it as an ambush.

More importantly, no vehicle nor person inside the two vehicles of the mayor’s convoy was either hit, wounded or killed in the alleged ambush.”

The police official added that neither of the two Nissan Patrols showed damage nor a dent on its body. “We’re still in the process of investigating that shooting incident.”

P/Supt. Imelda Tolentino, PNP regional public information officer, said yesterday the Oriental Mindoro provincial police office has not submitted yet an investigation or

a progress report to the office of Regional Police Director Ramon Apolinario.

Provincial Police Director Florendo Quibuyen created a special investigation task group to look into the veracity of the alleged ambush incident last Thursday.

Chairman Ilagan said he was surprised to learn that Mayor Dolor so quickly named him as the alleged “funder and mastermind without waiting for the conclusive official result of police investigators.”

“By jumping the gun on the police, it only goes to show that Mayor Dolor knew everything about that concocted ambush operation. I can say that he stagemanaged that ambush that never was. He was the producer, the director, the script writer, and the main actor of that failed political teleserve,” the incensed Ilagan said.

Police arrest eight wanted in Bicol over Holy Week

Still a favorite. Burnham Park in Baguio City remains popular among tourists during the Lenten Season. DAVE LEPROZO

LEGAZPI CITY—Various units of the Philippine National Police in Bicol have arrested eight persons wanted for various crimes, while maintaining peace and safety for Holy Week vacationers in Bicol, a police report said Sunday.

At 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, personnel of the Libon Municipal Police Station handcuffed Gina R. Adivino at Barangay Zone 4, Libon, Albay by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Annielyn B. Medes-Cabelis of Regional Trial Court Branch 12, Ligao City for 21 cases of illegal exaction with a recommended bail of P16,000 for each case.

In Barangay Kinale, Polangui, Albay, elements of Libon MPS led by PO3 Jose R. Ablan II cornered Norman B. Pecundo at 11:20 a.m. on the same day by virtue of a WOA issued by Judge Ignacio C. Barcellano Jr. of RTC Br. 13, Ligao City for 11 cases of illegal exaction with a recommended bail of

P16,000 for each case.

Another group of Libon MPS men led by Senior Insp. Renato B. Ibarondo arrested Simeon B. Seva at Barangay Sagrada, Libon, Albay.

Ibarondo’s team was armed with WOA issued by Judge Blancaflor V. Joven-Salgado of MCTC PolanguiLibon-Oas, Polangui, Albay for violation of PD 449 in relation to Section 1 (a) (1) of PD 1602 with a bail of P10,000.

Wanted for violation of PD 1602, Gilbert C. Cantilo was served a WOA issued by Judge Samuel Buendia of MCTC Tiwi-Malinao, Tiwi, Albay by Tiwi MPS officers led by Chief Insp.

Dennis B. Balla, town police chief, at Barangay Tigbi, Tiwi.

Jason M. Malbas was found on Wednesday by apprehending operatives of Pilar MPS led by Chief Insp. Salvador R. Retuerma II, police chief, at Barangay Sta. Fe, Pilar, Sorsogon. PNA

A8

opinion

[ EDI TORI A L ]

Seeing the light IN hIs final Easter message, President Benigno Aquino III makes an unmistakable pitch for the candidates of his ruling party ahead of crucial elections in May, urging Filipinos to “seek the light amidst the clouds of uncertainty” and “embrace the chance to establish an enduring mainstream of redemption” in the country, as it reaches another crossroads.

The pitch for continuity is clear. his “straight path” policy, the President says, has shown Filipinos “the path towards positive transformation.”

“We are weeding out the corrupt and strengthening our institutions, and through reform, we are freeing ourselves from poverty, towards a more just, more inclusive society,” he says.

The President uses the rhetoric of faith to drive home his message, calling on all to take a stand, “fearless and full of hope,” to “charge towards a brighter, more empowered tomorrow.”

“May the Almighty’s grace shine upon us, imbuing us with compassion, clarity, and the wisdom to discern what is right and just for our fellowmen,” he adds.

The words might have rung true, if the President lived by his own words.

Certainly, in his last six years in office, this

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President has not, as he has urged others to do, made amends for transgressions or learned from his mistakes.

One of his first acts in office, in fact, was to oversee a botched police rescue that resulted in the death of eight Chinese tourists, then absolve those responsible for the fiasco of any wrongdoing, damaging relations with Beijing and failing the first serious test of his leadership.

This failed leadership set a pattern for the rest of Mr. Aquino’s term. Under the guise of an anti-corruption campaign, he undermined the country’s democratic institutions to oust or jail his political opponents, while he turned a blind eye to nagging allegations of wrongdoing against his own Cabinet members.

This came to a head in the Mamasapano massacre of 44 police commandos last year, in a covert and poorly planned operation spearheaded by Mr. Aquino’s good friend, the chief of the national police, who was suspended at the time by the Office of the Ombudsman over corruption charges. True to form, Mr. Aquino washed his hands of any liability and even defended his good friend until doing so proved to be too politically costly.

In none of this did we ever see the compassion

of which Mr. Aquino now speaks.

Lacking in basic human decency, this President famously told a survivor of super Typhoon ‘‘Yolanda’’ who dared complain about the breakdown of law and order in his stormravaged city: “You’re still alive, aren’t you?”

Certainly, there was no compassion in detaining his predecessor, an ailing woman, now 68 years old, and keeping her under hospital arrest for five years in a move that the UN high Commissioner on human Rights has condemned as a violation of international law.

Nor did we see any compassion from Mr. Aquino, when he vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have given lower- and middleincome wage earners—already among the most heavily taxed in Asia—some tax relief, despite his administration’s dismal record of underspending the money it has collected from them.

Emerging as we are from the dark tunnel of Mr. Aquino’s presidency, we suggest that the light to which he directs us is not the bright future he imagines, but the light of an oncoming locomotive—and the inevitable train wreck that will result from a continuation of his administration’s record of hubris, insensitivity, intellectual dishonesty and incompetence.

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

Chairman President & Chief Executive Officer Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Director of Operations Finance Officer Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

Rolando G. Estabillo Jojo A. Robles Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Francis Lagniton Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua Romel J. Mendez Roberto Cabrera

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

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editiorial Board

M O N d aY : M a r c h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

Officers Of the cOurt and the supreme cOurt PEnséEs fR. RanhIlIO callangan aquInO laWYErS are officers of the court—not that they are public servants. rather, the nature of their profession is to be at the service of the court when it discharges its mandate of resolving disputes. lawyers are usually reticent about commenting on court decisions, especially those of the Supreme court.

Many a lawyer has been stricken off the roll of attorneys for misbehavior by the High court. a few days ago, however, the Board of Governors of the integrated Bar of the Philippines released a statement on the controversial Grace Poe decision of the Supreme court.

The iBP’s clarification is important. it is of course

This is one compelling reason for not voting Ms. Poe into office.

not part of the decision. it is the considered opinion of the leadership of the iBP, a mandatory association of the nation’s lawyers, but it is a necessary and helpful piece. and it should help the Filipino see how complicated—messy, even—things have become as a result of that decision. in effect, the iBP tells us that it was a question of numbers.

The commission on Elections had ordered the cancellation of Grace Poe’s certificate of candidacy. This, the Supreme court overturned. The end result is that Grace Poe may run—as she is indeed making a frenetic dash—for the office of president. But when the

petitioners against Grace Poe brought action against her at the comelec, it was because, they alleged, her certificate of candidacy contained material misrepresentations, particularly having to do with her nationality and her residence which, for purposes of complying with constitutional requirements, means “domicile.”

The petitioners alleged two things: first, she was not a natural-born Filipino citizen; second, she did not meet the requirement of residence. on these two issues, the court’s decision had no ruling. it did not have the numbers to Continued on A11

adelle chua EDITOR

A9

the facebOOk arena Social meare articles PluMblInE dia is seethpulling down ing with vitthe opponent.

PasTOR riol about as a result, aPOllO candidates.

FB has bequIbOlOy instead of come a batcandidates’ tlefront in the virtues, news feeds are spit- propaganda war. one nasty ting venom about them. meme begets a nastier reply.

Facebook has gone from Satirical pieces are produced a digital slam book rout- in industrial scale. Not long ed among friends to a cy- after a candidate has put out ber-Plaza Miranda where an ad, a lampoon version even sandlot friends bash would soon be competing for each other. instead of self- viewership. and so goes the ies, propaganda pieces are vicious cycle. shared.

But here’s a memo to parPersonal updates have giv- tisans who imagine themen way to political communi- selves as take-no-prisoners qués. cyber-gladiators: oversharMy smartphone has be- ing and overreacting in social come a mini-lED billboard media, and engaging in titwhere ads of wannabes are for-tat, toe-to-toe propaganda shared by partisans. YouTube war with friends in the other spots by candidates blare camps harm more than help constantly, auto-shared by your candidate. their supporters.

Whether it is a politico or Still, all of this would have a detergent, aggressive marbeen tolerable if the pam- keting destroys the product. phleteering were confined Even soap vendors don’t to articles propping up one’s knock on doors at midnight. chosen candidate. Unfortu- Timing is the key.

Continued on A10 nately, the dominant kind

A10 It’s IndonesIa’s turn AFTEr the Philippines, it’s Indonesia’s turn to be bullied by China.

The Chinese also drove the Vietnamese out of the Paracels, defeating them in a naval battle. Kuala Lumpur also reported sighting 100 boats of Chinese registry in Malaysian waters.

Last week, Indonesian coast guard apprehended a Chinese trawler caught illegally fishing in Indonesia’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone. While towing the trawler, a Chinese gunboat rammed the Indon coast guard allowing the fishing boat to escape. But the Chinese fishermen already on board the Indonesian coast guard ship were detained. Beijing is demanding the release of the Chinese poachers.

The incident in international waters claimed by China is similar to the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag) inchina should be careful cident near Bajo de with this latest incident involving its violation Masinloc off Zamof another country’s bales in territorial waters.

April 2012 when the Philippine Coast Guard was pr e v e nt e d

by Chinese patrol boats from boarding a Chinese ship loaded with fish and other marine life hauled from Philippine waters. While the Philippines has backed off from confronting the Chinese and allowed them to consolidate their claim to almost the entire South China Sea, Indonesia is holding its ground in detaining the Chinese poachers, Jakarta’s foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador to explain the intrusion on Indonesian waters. Unable to get a satisfactory response from Beijing, Jakarta is now thinking of following Manila’s lead in filing an arbitral case with the Hague international court.

Tension at Scarborough Shoal escalated anew last week when Filipino fishermen threw firebombs at a Chinese patrol boat which rammed them. Deprived of their livelihood by Chinese patrol boats shooing them away from traditional fishing ground, the Filipinos also brandished knives at their oppressors. People fight back when pushed too far by bullies.

China should be careful with this latest incident involving its violation of another country’s territorial waters. Indonesia is not a country to trifle with. The world’s most populous Muslim nation of 255 million carried out ethnic Chinese cleansing in the Great Purge of 1965-1966 under President Sukarno who preceded Suharto’s rule. The Chinese communist PKI was blamed for a failed coup attempt which led to its being banned in Indonesia. During this tumultuous time, Chinese merchants’ stores were torched and the estimate of ethnic Chinese killed ranged from 500,000 to almost 2 million.

A historical chapter The last vestige of the Cold War came to end with the historical visit to Cuba of US President Barack Obama last week. The American president’s visit was preceded by the restoration of diplomatic relations last year between the two

back channel alejandro del roSario

M O N D AY : M A r c h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION

lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

the facebook... From A9 In other words, there are better ways to convince social media friends to vote for your candidate other than bombarding them with campaign literature.

And if it’s hate speech that is being retailed, the greater the alienation the supposed receiver of that information would feel, not just for the seller but for who is being sold.

To those who boost their candidate by bashing the competition, remember this: If you jeer more than you cheer, you hurt and not help your cause.

For this is the truth: When hard sell turns off the objects of your courtship, then far from adding votes for your candidate, it actually deducts votes from them.

Partisans should remember that they’re agents of their principal, and their behavior, even in cyberspace, would impact on the overall campaign.

For example, if a partisan with 1,500 FB friends habitually jeers the 20 or so friends who support other candidates, the majority of his friends who are still sitting on the fence would surely notice the abrasive way he pursues his crusade.

He would not only lose friends but lose votes for his candidate as well.

The truth is there is a large “market votes” out there waiting to be convinced. No candidate has yet reached the tipping point. Verbally bamboozling supporters of other candidates is not the way to win them over.

The way to make believers out

of them is through language that is kind, gentle and understanding, and used in a discourse that respects healthy contrarian views. As they say, words that generate light, not heat.

One should leave the acerbic, below-the-belt, ad hominem attacks to the main actors and their surrogates on the national stage. Among friends, civility should guide the way we campaign.

To partisans: Observe etiquette in social media. That’s the way to influence people.

More votes have been harnessed by kind words than by language that lacerates. *** But even if you wanted to heckle somebody, then do it to your own candidate. Hector him to improve his platform, and cure the defects of his policy pronouncements.

By being an in-house police, you’re doing him a great service by correcting his weaknesses, and thus making him a stronger and winnable candidate.

Only through such constructive criticism will the candidate be able to reach out and reel in those who are still sitting on the fence.

If you see a kink in his campaign, make sure your reservations are heard. Every campaign needs a friendly critic. No, make that an army which must holler if the emperor has no clothes.

As the campaign progresses, adjustments are made along the way—messages are tweaked, character flaws corrected. Believe me, candidates listen to feedback because those who stubbornly stick to fixed posi-

countries and the end of a decades long US economic embargo of Cuba. Normalization of relations was also helped along by the replacement of ailing Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro by his brother raul.

In his speech in the capital Havana before the Cuban people, Obama admitted the US economic embargo was outdated and a burden to Cuba. The end of Cuba’s 61-year isolation also signals the return of American business investments which is expected to perk up its economy.

US-Cuban relation was marred by the botched Bay of Pigs invasion launched by Cuban exiles and American mercenaries. The last kink to be ironed out in the new relationship is whether Obama will now shut down the US military base in Guantanamo.

“Si, se puede (Yes, it’s possible),” Obama intoned as he expressed his optimism on solving the problems between their two countries and the bright future ahead.

Europe’s new war The retaliation was swift and deadly. After Belgian police captured one of the terrorists who carried out the simultaneous attack in Paris last November, jihadist suicide bombers killed 31 people in Brussels’ Zaventem International Airport and in a Metro subway station in Maalbeek. Also injured in the coordinated attack claimed by Islamic State terrorists were more than 240 people. Aside from the suspension of international flights to and from Brussels, the operation of the Eurostar cross

tions are soon defeated by those who are flexible.

Another way of helping your candidate is to convince them to go local, and in this, he might need your help.

In a tight elections, going micro, pinpointing programs, customizing a platform to local needs might just provide the winning edge.

A national candidate who could painstaking cobble together a town-by-town program of action will be looked upon kindly by voters.

Thus, if you’re looking for a comparative advantage for your candidate, then help him compose his plans for your town.

After you have made the list, sell it to him, and ensure that he buys in.

The advantage of localizing platforms is that it transforms general rhetoric into specific programs. It break downs the national blueprint into local plans. It benchmarks what a candidate will do for a locality.

It shows that a candidate cares even for a hicksville of a town.

A grassroots platform is the best antidote to motherhood statements—and the surest way to the voter’s heart. Help your candidate draft it. Be a creator of ideas instead of simply transmitting them.

out of the box rita linda v. jimeno Atty. Jimeno’s column will resume soon.

channel railway connecting London and Paris was also suspended.

Belgium is home to thousands of Muslim migrants from the Middle East and Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria and the former Belgian Congo. Known as the crossroads of Europe, Brussels is less than three hours’ drive to Paris. This is a different country from the one I know when I was posted as press attaché with the Philippine Embassy in Brussels in the early 90s. Over the years, Belgium became a refuge and base of operations for terrorists. One of the Madrid train bombers in 2004 that killed 101 people lived in Molenbeek, a Brussels suburb. The attack on Belgium is seen as an attack on the whole of Europe.

The European Union is based in Brussels and so is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization whose three members—US, UK and France—have been carrying out air strikes against ISIS strongholds in Syria and Iraq.

On July 7, 2005, Islamist terrorists exploded three bombs in succession on board London’s underground trains and stations. A fourth bomb also exploded in a street bus in central London, killing 52 people in the synchronized attacks.

It’s difficult to make sense of the horror. One thing is clear; there is a war between the forces of evil who have no value for human life and those who want to preserve a civilized world order. Because this is a war without borders and the enemy in their midst, Europe is fighting an insane ideology in its own house.

M O N D AY : M A r c h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

OPINION lettertotheeditor@thestandard.com.ph

A11

There’s a BeTTer way To seCure our airporTs

By Marc Champion The departure hall bombing at Brussels airport has triggered debate over whether to move the security cordon at europe’s airports to the terminal doors and beyond. Most travelers, I suspect, will have the same gut response: What, more lines?

That’s also the reaction of some aviation security experts, who believe that in the 15 years since 9/11, we have lost the balance between security, cost and convenience—often, they suspect, to little effect.

“I would really hope we do not introduce additional screening points in response to this,” said Philip Baum, editor of Aviation Security International Magazine and author of a book published this month, on the history of aviation hijacks and bombings. Not only are there more effective ways to provide security, says Baum, but “it’s taking away the pleasure of flight and travel.”

Security, it seems, has been an issue for as long as there have been commercial flights. The first hijacker—a hungarian aristocrat, spy, paleontologist and would-be King of Albania by the name of Baron Franz von Nopcsa Felso-Szilvas —seized a plane at gunpoint in Budapest, in 1919.

The first bomb to destroy a commercial airliner was a nitroglycerine-based device, stowed in the toilet of a United Airlines flight from Cleveland to Chicago, in 1933. (The perpetrator was never found—the lead investigator was reassigned to hunt Chicago gangsters Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd.)

Aviation regulators tend to respond to the most recent attack. Serious screening began in the US after 9/11, to prevent anyone again boarding a plane with a potential weapon like a box cutter.

Carrying liquids on board was restricted after the UK uncovered a plot to down multiple-transatlantic aircraft using peroxide-based liquid explosives, in 2006. Body scanners were introduced after 2009, when an unsuccessful suicide bomber boarded a plane to Detroit with the components for a plastic explosive sewn into his underwear.

So now baggage and body screening at terminal entrances? Baum’s already concerned about the way increased security creates backed up lines after check-in. Screening people at the terminal entrance would just create a new set of lines and a new target, he told me. British home Secretary Theresa May also dismissed the idea in parliament on Wednesday, saying that “you simply create the crowd in a different place.”

I’m not persuaded. I fly often into Istanbul in Turkey, where you get screened at the terminal entrance. It’s quick—no taking out laptops, because they are just looking for large weapons and bombs, such as the ones used this week at Zaventem. Lines are therefore short. Moscow’s Domodedovo airport does the same, following a 2011 suicide bombing in the arrivals hall. Indeed, terminal screening is common across the Middle east and Africa.

The point is to reduce risk, and the concentrations of people vulnerable to attack are dramatically larger in the departure and arrival halls, as people wait to check in or to greet loved-ones, than while they wait for the minute or so it takes to get through the terminal doors.

But there is a better reason to pause before adding another layer of baggage and body screens at the terminal doors: The Israelis don’t do it at Ben Gurion airport. They don’t bother restricting liquid containers either. Instead, they rely on pro-

evenly split—no doctrine was laid down, but that also meant that there was no more judicial obstacle resolve the issues with definitiveness. to the enforcement of the law.

This happened before. When President But there is something more ominous in Ferdinand Marcos referred the 1973 Constitution respect of the case of Grace Poe, because if the to the Citizens’ Assemblies, rather than issues of nationality and residence have not submitting it to a plebiscite, the question was been definitively resolved—as the IBP statement raised whether or not the Constitution had been usefully points out—then these can be raised, validly ratified. The Court had no answer to this should she be elected, in a proper action before question, because it did not have the numbers to the Presidential electoral Tribunal in appropriate lay down the ruling. This resulted in the now- proceedings, presumably, quo warranto. famous pronouncement: There is no more legal There is something very strange here. If obstacle to entry into force of the Constitution. the Court arrived at an agreement—insofar as It also happened with respect to the Court’s numbers go—that the Comelec had gravely decision on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. abused its discretion in disqualifying Poe, Some thought the concessions to indigenous but could not agree on the issue of her peoples unconstitutional, and they asked the nationality and residence—the very grounds Court to strike down the law. The Court was for disqualification—what then was the basis officers ... From A9

#failocracy

filing, questioning and behavioral monitoring by large numbers of highly trained plainclothes and uniformed staff. They watch and question. And Ben Gurion’s security is the gold standard.

Duplicating what Ben Gurion does would be much more expensive than adding a few scanners. And the aviation industry, which picks up much of the bill, already complains about the $8.5 billion annual cost. It would also be much more intrusive. If you have ever become a person of even mild interest to the staff at Ben Gurion, you’ll know what I mean. Nonetheless, the human intelligence approach has important advantages.

To start with, training people up and trusting their judgment is in itself a good. It creates genuine vigilance, rather than robotic box ticking. It also provides the tools to detect attackers who are about to use the next technique for wreaking aviation havoc, rather than the last, because it’s their behavior that counts. The training and experience can also be rolled out to apply to other large, soft targets, where airport-style security measures are simply not feasible. Profiling, of course, raises all kinds of red flags for civil liberties. Yet as Baum says, it is already widely used—including at airports, by customs officials and immigration officers. The quality of training would be critical.

As May said in her parliamentary statement, europe has suffered 14 terrorist attacks since last January. The targets have included a magazine, a rock venue, a café, a grocery store, a soccer stadium, a train, a synagogue—and now an airport departures hall. So even if airport terminals can be hardened at reasonable cost, a different approach is needed. It needs to be as flexible as the terrorists are. Bloomberg for the finding of “grave abuse of discretion”? It will be remembered that that magical phrase— “grave abuse of discretion”—has a determinate meaning: not mistake, not error, not even abuse of discretion, but abuse so wanton, so glaring, so whimsical, so despotic as to amount to a perversion of fair play and due process!

The following then is a summary of the Court’s position—as interpreted by the IBP: Go ahead, Ms. Poe, run for the presidency. Should you get elected, we will listen once more to the arguments for and against your disqualification on the grounds of nationality and residence. Then, we shall decide whether or not you are qualified.

If that is so, that is one compelling reason for not voting her to office: the distinct possibility that we shall be electing one to the highest office of the land who is not qualified for it.

chong ardivilla

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Murray advances in Miami Open Brook calls out WBC champion LONDON, United Kingdom—Britain’s Kell Brook said he wanted a fight against rival world champion Danny Garcia after making short work of his International Boxing Federation welterweight title defense with a second-round stoppage of Canada’s Kevin Bizier on Saturday.

Victory in front of his home crowd in Sheffield, northern England, saw Brook extend his perfect professional record to 36 wins from 36 bouts with 25 knockouts.

But the speed with which Brook stopped his game, if outclassed, opponent was sure to raise questions about how the IBF managed to select Bizier as a mandatory challenger for the title.

“I have been training a long, long time. I wanted to warm up into it and have an all out war, but he couldn’t stand up to it,” Brook told Sky Sports after victory by technical knock out in two minutes and 15 seconds of the second round.

“I want the big fights. I have my mandatory out of the way. I have power that can knock heavyweights out,” he added after his third title defense. “That is what we have to do now —make a big fight.”

Brook has yet to have a career-defining contest against a major name such as American fighter Garcia and, pressed on who he wanted to face next, the 29-year-old said: “I want that WBC (World Boxing Council) belt, Danny Garcia.

“Or Manny Pacquiao, or Timothy Bradley,” he added, with the latter two boxers facing each other in a couple of weeks’ time.

This was Brook’s first fight since May last year after he suffered a broken rib following a straightforward win over compatriot Frankie Gavin.

Brook stunned Shawn Porter of the United States to win the title in August 2014, but was out of action for more than a year following injuries sustained in a stabbing incident in Tenerife. AFP

Andy Murray of Great Britain eyes the ball before making a forehand return against Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan during Day 6 of the Miami Open presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 26, in Key Biscayne, Florida. AFP

Day returns to top of world rankings LOS ANGELES – Australian Jason Day is headed back to the top of the world golf rankings after a 3 and 2 quarter-final victory over Brooks Koepka at the WGC Match Play Championship in Texas.

By reaching Sunday’s final four -- where he’ll face defending cham-

pion Rory McIlroy -- Day is slated to supplant American Jordan Spieth, who was ousted in the round of 16 on Saturday morning at Austin Country Club.

Day, who first moved to number one after winning the BMW Championship last year, had put himself in po-

sition to ascend the summit again with his wire to wire victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational last Sunday.

Day said that for him the return to the top is less about toppling Spieth or any other player and more about validating his own efforts.

“It’s more so the journey and the

process,” he said. “To get to the top of your sport takes a lot of time and for me it’s just really that delayed gratification I’m thankful for.

“I have been busting my butt and doing the right things and to be able to get back to number one in the world is fantastic.” AFP

Barca legend honored BARCELONA, Spain – It was Johan Cruyff who “made us champions”, wept long-time Barcelona fan Jose Gilabert Cortina, a retired printer who joined the thousands of fans who came to the Camp Nou on Saturday to pay tribute to the Barca legend.

Dutchman Cruyff, who first moved to Barcelona from Ajax Amsterdam in 1973, died on Thursday in his adopted city aged 68 after a five-month battle with lung cancer.

“When he arrived as a player 43 years ago I came to all the matches for the sheer entertainment he provided,” recalled the bespectacled 69-year-old.

“We were a team of losers, it was 14 years since we’d won the Liga and he changed everything. You would have thought that football had been transformed into another sport,” he recalled with tears in his eyes like many of his generation who mixed with the international crowd including Spaniards, Chinese, Japanese and Moroccans who came to the special condolence area opened by the club at the Camp Nou. Cruyff ’s debut in 1973 “was like a revelation,” recalled 74-yearold retired taxi driver Fidel Diaz Fernandez.

The style and freedom with which the 1.80 meter athlete with blue eyes and a Beatles haircut played was a breath of fresh air during a time when Spanish dictator Franco was still in power.

Lead Dancer.

A dancer leads the cheers for the Orlando Magic as she performs during the basketball game between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic on March 26, at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

AFP

MIAMI, United States— Britain’s Andy Murray moved into the third round of the ATP and WTA Miami Open on Saturday but Rafael Nadal, dizzy as he struggled to cope with heat and humidity, retired from his match.

World number two Murray, twice a Grand Slam champion, downed Uzbekistan’s 76th-ranked Denis Istomin 6-3, 7-5 to reach the third round in a night match.

“That second set was tight but I managed to get through it,” said Murray, who next faces Bulgarian 26th seed Grigor Dimitrov in his quest for a third Miami crown.

Spanish fifth seed Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam champion playing in the heat of the afternoon, feared for his safety and handed 94th-ranked Bosnian Damir Dzumhur a 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 triumph, stopping during a match for the first time in six years.

“Everything was fine until the end of the first set and I started to feel not very good,” Nadal said.

“It was getting worse and worse and worse.

“I get a little bit scared to be too dizzy and to lose fluids. I called the doctor a couple of times. I decided I was not safe. I wanted to finish the match but I decided I would not.”

Two-time Slam winners Stan Wawrinka and Petra Kvitova crashed out of the hardcourt event, although Nadal’s exit proved most stunning of all.

“Hopefully it’s nothing,” Nadal said. “Hopefully it’s just the extreme conditions out there, the beginning of a virus combined with the conditions.”

Nadal, a four-time Miami finalist but never a champion, was also a firstmatch loser at the Australian Open, only the second Grand Slam opener defeat of his career.

Dzumhur, 23, won 22 of the last 29 points as Nadal, 29, repeatedly spoke with a trainer, asking for his blood pressure to be taken after two games of the third set.

“Can we not check the tension, if it is good or bad please?” he said. Told it was good, he said, “Continue.”

After dropping the third game, he sat with his head down as a trainer told him, “If you’re feeling bad, there’s no point to continue.”

Nadal battled through three more points and finally said he could not go on.

“Definitely I want Rafa to recover,” said Dzumhur.

“He’s one of the best players in tennis and I wish all the best for him.” AFP

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Onslaught, Coast Guard lead winners ONSLAUGHT Racing Dragons captured the Open Standard championship, while the Philippine Coast Guard took home the top plum in the Mixed Standard, and Philippine Navy ruled the Women’s small boat division, during last weekend’s dragon boat races of the 2016 Manila Bay Seasports Festival.

Among the motorized bancas, Marlon Morada of Batangas, piloting “Blue Thunder” sped to first place in the formula race, while Agoo, La Union practically ruled the Stock Race, capturing all four top spots, with Alvin Estacio, on board “Patricia” emerging champion.

The Manila Bay Seasports Festival was presented by Manila Broadcasting Company and the City of Manila, in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, Cobra Energy Drink, Alaska Kremtop, The Generics Pharmacy, Revicon, M. Lhuillier, My Juiz, White Castle, Executive Optical, and Herco Trading.

Members of the Onslaught Racing Dragons in action en route to the Standard Open

23rd SuBIT set Arpil 16 SPORTING a new name on its 23rd edition, the country’s premier standard distance triathlon—SuBIT—kicks off April 16, starting at ACEA Subic Bay inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

The two-day NTT ASTC Subic Bay International Triathlon 2016 is a five-in-one affair comprising a leg of the Asia Cup Series, National Age-Group Championships, Inter-Club Competition, National Tryouts and Age-Group Select Men, a new feature in the local triathlon scene.

On tap in the first day from 5:30 a.m. are sprint distance for Elite Junior, Age-Group Junior and Age-Group Adult; mini sprint distance for men and women. All races will start and finish at ACEA Subic Bay. Elite Open, Elite U23, Age-Groupers and club members see action in the standard distance (1.5 kilometer swim/40km bike/10km run) on April 17 from 5:30 a.m., also with the finish line located at Remy Field.

“SuBit is the first beneficiary of the Nippon Telephone and Telecommunications sponsorship of the Asia Cup Series under the patronage of the Asian Triathlon Confederation and sanction of the International Triathlon Union,” said Tom Carrasco, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president.

Philracom approves curriculum for jockeys THE Philippine Racing Commission finalized the curriculum for a two-year training course for jockeys and trainers that aims to professionalize and upgrade the level of their competence.

Last March 9, the Commission approved the proposed course that provides basic knowledge on horsemanship and horse conditioning through classroom

lectures and hands-on training.

The course comprises the following subjects: equine anatomy and conformation, equine health and

disease management, equine nutrition, stable management, horse fitness and development, the legal aspects of animal welfare, and rules and regulations of horseracing (licensing and stud book).

The practical aspects of the training will be fulfilled through mandatory apprenticeship, which requires daily involvement with racing operations – trainers through observation

and practice, and jockeys through riding exercises.

Philracom is coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for official accreditation of the course.

This would allow graduates of the course to work abroad, especially in the light of ASEAN integration.

For inquiries, please call 843-0971 or visit philracom. gov.ph.

Superliga All-Stars vent ire on HK spikers BANGKOK -- The Petron-Philippine Superliga All-Star team continues to improve its chemistry as it clobbered the Hong Kong national team in a friendly match Sunday shortly after being knocked out of contention in the Thai-Denmark Super League here.

The PSL stars pounced hard on the hapless spikers from the former Crown colony,

25-22, 25-15, 25-20, to somehow ease the bitterness of their three straight losses from the hands of topnotch Thai clubs in this prestigious invitational tourney.

Petron-PSL squad opened its bid with a four-set loss to Bangkok Glass, which was bannered by an American import in Jordanne Scott as well as Thai superstars Pleum-

jit Thinakaow and Pornpun Guedpard, who are both known to be veteran campaigners in various AVC and FIVB wars.

After that, the PSL stars suffered a straight-set defeat to Idea Khonkaen followed by another four-set loss to 3BB Nakhonnont, the bridesmaid in last year’s edition.

Cully, Tee lead qualifiers; jungolfer dies on field

The first batch of qualifiers in the Philippine Golf Foundation Junior Masters Northern Luzon qualifying at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio display their trophies.

LIAM Cully and Mariel Tee led the first batch of qualifiers in the Philippine Golf Foundation Junior Masters Northern Luzon qualifying at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio recently.

But the death from aneurysm of a participant, 13-year-old Annika Gabrielle Tan, cast a pall of gloom over the first of three regional eliminations leading to the grand finals.

Tan complained of dizziness then passed out on the ninth hole of an apparent dehydration. She was rushed to the hospital, but fell into coma before expiring the next day after being airlifted to another hospital in Manila.

“The jungolf community mourns the loss of Annika, a nice kid well-

loved by her fellow players. She displayed such passion and dedication to the game, a true champion with her attitude,” said Gerry Handog, chair of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

Cully posted a 125 total to win boys’ Class A by 11 strokes, while Tee’s 141 won her the girls’ Class B by 11 strokes.

The other winners in the boys’ division were Josh Jorge with a 140 in Class B, Ken Shibata in Class C, Zachary Castro in Class D and Joshua Cole Cruz in Class E. Tee was joined by Denize Angela Pineda (Class A), Arnie Taguines (Class C) and Rianne Malixi (Class D) as girls’ winners

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Hong seeks ICTSI golf repeat CHARLES Hong returns to the site of his biggest career win, confident of his chances for a repeat against a field teeming with talent when the ICTSI Luisita Championship is fired off Wednesday in Tarlac.

“I’ve been playing well so far this year and I hope it continues,” said Hong, who put together four underpar cards at the Luisita Golf and Country Club to upstage Tony Lascuña and Orlan Sumcad last year for his third victory that he said only proved that he could win against the best in the fold.

“That victory only validated my two other wins that I can do it anytime,” said the Cebuano shotmaker who nipped Richard Sinfuego in sudden death for his maiden win at ICTSI Pueblo de Oro in 2012 and rallied to edge American Micah Shin by

one at ICTSI Sherwood Hills in 2014.

But to score a repeat at Luisita, Hong would need to duplicate or better his strong start last year – a 66 that gained him a share of the lead with Clyde Mondilla, Albin Engino and Keanu Jahns. He did drop to second despite a 68 and 69 in the middle rounds but pounced on Mondilla’s early foldup and Jahns’ backside meltdown in the final day to snare a two-shot victory on a closing 70.

Given Luisita’s tight fairways, Hong stresses the need for solid driving with the Cebuano ace expecting the going to get tougher with the best of the best

in the fold and all geared-up for the top P650,000 purse in the P3.5 million event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services.

“I just need to keep the ball in the middle of the fairway. I can’t control what they will shoot but I can control my game. The competition is good for me and it will drive every one to play better as always,” said Hong.

Miguel Tabuena, for one, is out to make it two-in-row after the reigning Philippine Open champion and Order of Merit winner ruled the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.organized circuit’s kickoff leg in Anvaya Cove Invitational, besting Mondilla by three last month.

Angelo Que is the other player tipped to contend for the crown with the former three-time Asian Tour champion eager to set foot at

Luisita for the first time in a long, long while. He didn’t see action last year and skipped the Central Azucarera de Tarlac and Philippine Open.

But the long-hitting ace is coming into the event oozing with confidence following his strong joint fourth finish in the Indian Open two weeks ago.

Lascuna is also due for a big win along with Dutch Guido Van der Valk, Japanese Toru Nakajima, Cassius Casas, Jay Bayron and Korean Park Min Ung, ensuring a shootout in all four days at the challenging par-72 Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed layout.

Meanwhile, the leading pros team up with the amateurs and guests of the event’s chief backers, including Custom Clubmakers, adidas, KZG, Summit Mineral Water, Pacsports, TaylorMade, Sharp and Champion in tomorrow’s pro-am.

Rider Omega Tri Team wins. Professional triathlon team Rider Omega Pro Tri-Team recently won the team title in the Tri-United 1 Race held at the

Subic Freeport Zone in Olongapo City. The 16-member squad garnered the best finish and rank time after successfully completing the race’s 1.5-kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run. The team recently partnered with top Brazilian footwear brand Rider as official sponsor as they compete in a series of local and international races. Photo shows team captain Paul Jake Castillo (1st row, 3rd from left) receiving the award with his team members.

Summer tour netfest slated AGE-GROUPERS brace for a busy summer season as the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional tennis circuit holds 10 tournaments including an Open championship, in the next three months at various venues.

Butuan City kicks off the summer tour with a Group 2 tournament on March 28-April 1 with ranking points at stake in all stages in PPS-PEPP’s continuing effort to develop the sport and keep the youth’s vacation worthwhile.

Action shifts to Cagayan de Oron on April 2-6 while Mindoro will stage the next tournament in Pinamalayan on April 9-13 with the host province

giving free accommodation to all participants.

The country’s leading players will then take center stage on April 15-20 for an Open tournament in Legazpi City while Mactan, Cebu will host the next stop of the circuit sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger on April 22-27.

Like Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, the home base of Palawan Pawnshop, is also offering free accommodation when it stages the next leg on April 29-May 3 with a free Underground River tour to boot to all participants while Negros will hold the next tournament on May 5-9 in La Carlota.

Fr. Martin caging lures 41 teams AN estimated 41 teams are expected to see action in the men’s and women’s and junior divisions of the 22nd Fr, Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament.

The defending champions Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, the National University Lady Bulldogs and Bullpups will once again make their presence felt when action begins on tentatively on April 3.

Organizer Edmundo “Ato” Badolato said 10 collegiate squads have so far signed up in the senior division, while around nine more are expected to sign up for the games, which be held first at the St. Placid gym of the San Beda College-Manila campus in Mendiola, Seven women’s squads will also be around with 15 junior teams, which have also signified their intentions to join.

The Heavy Bombers are initially in the company of AMA Computer College, San Beda College, Arellano University, Adamson University, University of Santo Tomas, Letran A and Letran B. The Ateneo Blue Eagles have signified their intention to field a squad, along with the University of the Philippines and University of the East.

Reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University is also joining the fray with Mapua, College of St.Benilde, University of Perpetual Help, Lyceum Philippines University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Llavore, Palasan lead HEAD netfest cast VETERAN campaigners Janelle Carmela Llavore and Mat Steve Palasan banner the cast of participants in 18th HEAD Junior Tennis Satellite Circuit first leg starting Monday at the Nazareth tennis court in Cagayan De Oro City .

Llavore, one of HEAD’s sponsored players, will be competing for the 18-andunder girls’ singles title, together with Gennifer Pagente and Mary Aubrey Calma in the CDO first leg that runs until April 1.

Palasan will be joined by Carmela’s brother Jonelle Christian Llavore and Kenichiro Suzuki in the boys’ 16- and 18-under singles’ division of the competition,

organized by the Dynamic Sports Corporation.

Other players, who will compete in the first leg are Ashton Villanueva (boys’ 12 and 14-under singles), Brent Cortez (boys’ 12 and 14-under singles) and Farah Emata (girls’ 14 and 16-under singles), among others.

The annual competition is sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and spearheaded by HEAD, with the support of Chris Sports, Toalson, 92.5 FM Aksyon Sports, Reach Magazine, Pilipino Mirror, ANC, Impact Magazine and Podcast.ph.

After the CDO first leg, the second leg will be held in Davao City on April 4 to 8 be-

fore transferring to the Visayas region for Cebu City’s third leg (April 10-14), Iloilo City’s fourth leg (16-20) and Bacolod City’s fifth leg (April 22-26).

The Luzon leg, on the other hand, will start in Naga City’s sixth leg (May 4 to 8), before proceeding to Baguio City for the seventh leg (May 11 to 15), La Union for the eighth leg (May 18 to 22), Olongapo City for the ninth leg (May 24 to 28) and Manila for the last leg (May 30 to June 3).

“Every year, we want to continuously support our young tennis players through this longtime grassroots national satellite tennis competition,” said Dynamic Sports corporate marketing officer Jayz Deluso Isidro.

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Least-known PH team boxer wins QIAN’AN CITY, Hebei Province, China—The least known of the six-man Philippine team to the Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifying Event, Roldan Boncales Jr., bore the responsibility of leading the country’s campaign here on the second day of competitions Saturday.

Looking a bit overwhelmed at the task, the 23-year-old flyweight from General Santos City, had to rely on his combinations to fend off a spirited challenge from Vietnam national champion Tran Von Thao, 24.

Boncales got the nod of all three judges from Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Belarus who turned in identical 30-27 cards.

Boncales’ last fight was at the Indonesian President’s Cup April last year where he got hit hard in the face by a head butt. Upon returning to the Philippines, he underwent surgery at the Makati Medical Center for a hairline fracture

that laid him off for about three months.

A few months ago, however, he came back with a vengeance, impressing the ABAP national coaches who allowed him to challenge for the 52 kg. spot against SEA Games and Sri Lanka Lion’s Cup gold medalist Ian Clark Bautista.

“It was a very difficult decision for the coaches and management but we decided to give Boncales the slot because of his fiery performances in our Baguio boxoffs and in the US training camp. Bautista, however, will get a crack in the next Olympic qualifier in June

so long as he stays in shape”, said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

Coach Nolito “Boy” Velasco said he had to scream at Boncales and douse him with water because he looked dazed after the first round.

“Parang natulala at sumusuntok na lang by instinct.

Kaya sinabuyan ko ng tubig at sinabi ko mag-focus at huwag intindihin ang crowd. Natauhan naman at lumaban ng laban niya” (He seemed dazed and was punching by instinct alone. So I doused him with water and told him to focus and not mind the crowd.

Roldan Boncales Jr. (left) connects with a left to the face.

He was then able to shake it off and fought his fight),” Velasco said.

Boncales vowed to be more focused in his next fight on Monday against No. 4 seed Olzhas Sat-

Triple Championship at convention LOCKER ROOM RANDY CALUAG

CONTINGENTS from all over Asia and the Pacific, and as far as Hawaii have started taking their flights for the three-day Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation convention that will start on Wednesday at the El Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Attending the convention are Hubert Minn, head of the World Boxing Council’s ring officials, and wife Pam, who have just boarded a Philippine-bound flight at the Honolulu Airport.

“Getting ready and excited for the convention in Bacolod,” he posted on his social media account.

Minn will conduct seminars on the newly introduced 3D system of scoring for hundreds of judges and referees from OPBF member countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and of course, the Philippines.

Filipino judges are some of the most highly appreciated ring officials for their skills and vast knowledge of the combat sport of boxing.

This corner, a licensed MMA and boxing judge, will join the seminar to continuously improve the knowhow passed on to me since I was a kid by my father, a former Golden Gloves champion himself and a professional boxer.

The moves, techniques and tricks I learned from him have made me more adept and ana-

lytical in judging and scoring a boxing match.

Hubert’s revolutionary scoring system, which will be explained and discussed further during the convention, will definitely be a big boost as the professional world of boxing tries hard to further increase its distance from amateur boxing. *** Aside from the judging seminar, what excites the contingents and guests that include WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, are the triple-championship fight card that will spice up the affair on its final day on Friday.

Carlo Magali, whose last fight was a masterful KO win over a highly rated Australian, will dispute the superfeatherweight interim title with Bacolod pride Mark Gil Melligen.

Rey Singwangcha Megrino will contest the OPBF interim bantamweight jewel with Jonathan Baat, while Rene Dacquel (16W-6L-1D) and undefeated Thai Lucky Tor Buamas will fight for the interim superflyweight crown.

Melligen and Baat are fighting out of the Kashimi Gym in Japan, while Daquel is under the United Boxing Promotions International of top Japanese promoter Ryuta Kato and international matchmaker Warren Elliot Evison Brico Santig, who was commissioned by OPBF President Juan Ramon Guanzon, to promote the boxing event, said the triple cham-

pionship will showcase the skills of Filipino fighters to the rest of Asia and the Pacific regions.

Santig was also the promoter of the boxing card for last year’s OPBF convention.

“The WBC bigwigs and the top promoters in Asia and the Pacific will be treated to a slam-bang boxing action. We will show them why Filipino fighters deserve to fight abroad and get a chance to be world champions,” Santig said.

Dacquel, sporting a record of 16 wins-6 losses-1 draw will be up against Buamas, who has won all his seven fights by knockout.

One thing going for the Abra native though is his experience, having fought several times in Japan and South Africa once.

Buamas is fighting outside Thailand and against a non-Thai boxer for the first time in his career.

Megrino’s record of 22W (19KOs)-20L (5KO)-3D looks deceiving. But taking a closer look, he has improved a lot recently and is riding high on a seven-game winning streak. He was devastating in those victories that all but one came by stoppage. Among his victims were a Korean, Japanese and two Thais, including former WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam.

Megrino last fought a Filipino in highly touted Ernesto Saulong, who was undefeated in 15 fights before the former handed him his first loss in April of 2014.

From there, Megrino was evaded

by Filipino boxers.

tibayev of Kazakhstan.

On Sunday, female boxer Nesthy Petecio, was to meet Jennifer Chieng of Micronesia, who actually fights in the US. She is reported to be half-Filipina.

Thunder stop Spurs for 7th straight victory LOS ANGELES—Kevin Durant tallied 31 points, Russell Westbrook scored 29 as the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to seven with a 111-92 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

The Thunder took advantage of the Spurs decision to sit four of its five regular starters and sixth man Manu Ginobili.

Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker also didn’t suit up for San Antonio at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

In their absence, David West and Jonathon Simmons each had 17 points to lead the Spurs.

“It’s not their full complement of players, and I think we continued to evolve and get better,” Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said.

DeRozan powers Raptors Just 24 hours after being thrown out in the fourth quarter for arguing with the referee, DeMar DeRozan scored 11 of his game-high 23 points in the third quarter to lift the Toronto Raptors to a 115-91 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Toronto not only ended a modest two-game road losing streak, but they matched their franchise record for most victories in a season, with 10 games to go.

The Raptors have increased their win total in each of the last five seasons.

Hayward lifts Jazz Gordon Hayward scored 16 of

Jinky organizes Bible studies for Team Pacman

By Robbie Pangilinan LOS ANGELES—Jinky Pacquiao used to spend her time shopping around the US as her husband, eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao prepares for a fight.

But since Manny has been converted into a born-again Christian, Jinky has joined him in Bible studies and preaching ministries. So this time, instead of shopping, Jinky is organizing Bible studies with her family and Team Pacquiao.

Jinky is in-charge of conducting short sessions of studying God’s Word and praying not only for the People’e Champ, but for all team members and their families back home.

“I understand how hard it is to be far from your loved ones. And prayer is the only support we can give each other,” said Jinky.

“I know that the prayers of millions of Filipinos helped my husband become victorious not only in his boxing fights but also in overcoming temptation and

Charly Suarez, seeded number 2 in the lightweight class, debuts on the same day against Chinese Taipei’s Lai Chu En, who upset Turkmenistan’s Imankuliyev in a split decision Saturday.

vices,” added Jinky.

The Pambansang Kamao will face Timothy Bradley for the third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Filipino sports icon will retire from boxing after this fight. Back in the Philippines, he is running for a Senate seat after his term as a Congressman.

Bradley beat Pacquiao in June 2012 with a controversial split decision, then Pacquiao won in 2014 in a one-sided unanimous decision over Bradley.

his 18 points in the final quartter as the Utah Jazz toppled the Minnesota Timberwolves 93-84.

Derrick Favors scored 19 points for Utah, which went 3-2 on a season-long five-game road trip.

The Jazz have won seven of nine. Rodney Hood had 15 points, Trey Lyles came off the bench to equal that total and Rudy Gobert grabbed 11 rebounds.

Bulls’ playoff hopes fading Dewayne Dedmon scored a career-high 18 points and had a season-high 13 rebounds in leading the Orlando Magic to an easy 111-89 victory over the struggling Chicago Bulls.

The Magic snapped a six-game losing streak. The Bulls lost their third consecutive game as their once-legitimate playoff hopes continued to fade.

James a triple threat LeBron James produced the 42nd career triple-double, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 107-93 win over the New York Knicks.

James finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. On Monday in a 124-91 win over Denver, James had 33 points 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

“I’m locked in. I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in years,” James said of posting two triple-doubles in the same week.

Kevin Love tallied his 31st doubledouble this season with 28 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland.

LOTTO RESULTS

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

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

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A16

m o n day : m a rc h 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 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

Sean Anthony of NLEX fakes his Blackwater defender and is all set to score inside in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game won by the Road Warriors, 88-75.

Road Warriors rout Elite

By Jeric Lopez

NLEX was dominant overall, but still needed a steady hand to survive an early fourth-quarter storm, routing Blackwater, 88-75, in an Easter Sunday 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. - Blackwater vs.

Phoenix 7 p.m. - Barangay Ginebra vs.

Tropang TNT Asi Taulava powered his way inside, scoring a game-high 22 points

to go with 14 rebounds and four assists, while Al Thornton likewise scored 22 to again backstop the Road Warriors.

With the victory, NLEX remained in the thick of things in the wild race towards the playoffs. It is now part of a five-way tie with Star, Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine and Mahindra from spots 5 to 9 as they

all have similar 4-4 cards However, the Hotshots, currently the league’s hottest team, can move up to solo fifth place should they win against Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer late Sunday.

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez credited his team’s defense for the win.

“It’s really our defense that stepped up today,” said Fernandez.

“Our goal was to limit Blackwater to 90 or below and we did that. I give credit to our team for that.”

After opening a six-point lead, 18-12, at the end of one, NLEX tightened its grip on the contest with a burly push in the second.

The Road Warriors started the

second period with a swift 9-2 run to establish a solid double-digit lead, 27-14, with nine minutes remaining before halftime.

At intermission, they carried a twin-digit advantage, 42-32.

By the turn, Thornton already had 15 markers as his scoring was once again vital for NLEX. A split from rookie Glenn Khobuntin gave the Road Warriors a bigger 16-point bubble, 6448, at the 2:44 mark of the third.

However, Blackwater had one big run, orchestrating a 20-6 surge bridging the last two quarters to pull within just two, 70-68, with just under eight minutes left in the game after an undergoal stab from Bam Gamalinda.

MurrAy ADVAnCES At MIAMI oPEn

HonG SEEKS ICtSI GoLF rEPEAt

turn to A12

turn to A14

Nationals expected to shine in PH Open

By Peter Atencio VARSITY athletes who are now part of the 41-man national training pool are expected to shine in the coming 2015 National Open Athletics Championships next week at the Philsports oval in Pasig.

Clinton Kingsley Bautista, who won two golds in 100-meter run and the 110-meter hurdles for Far Eastern University in the recent UAAP meet, will be there to make his presence felt during the threeday meet that starts on April 7.

A total of 16 golds will be at stake on opening day, with Bautista expected to shine in the preliminaries. He will be challenged

by Jomar Udtohan, who broke the sprint records in the recent 91st National Collegiate Athletic Association athletics’ competition.

The two are tipped to go for the best clockings in the sprints, with Udtohan expected to challenge Bautista’s dominance in the century dash.

During the NCAA meet, the 19-year-old Udtohan shattered the 100-meter run mark twice, first with a 10.66-second performance in the heats, before finishing with a 10.59-second clocking in the finals.

B1

MONDAY: MARCH 28, 2016

RAY S. EÑANO EDITOR

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ ASSISTANT EDITOR

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

BUSINESS

Foreign banks cut remittance tie-ups

By Gabrielle H. Binaday

THE Finance Department pushed for changes in the Anti-Money Laundering Act, after several foreign banks cut ties with money transfer operators servicing migrant Filipinos.

Finance sought the amendments in connection with the $81-million heist that used a Philippine bank and a remittance company as conduits.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said amending Republic Act No. 9160, or the Amla law, was urgent to protect the remittances of migrant Filipinos.

“A growing number of foreign banks have recently closed accounts of money transfer operators that service our OFWs [overseas Filipino workers]. If foreign banks continue to close down more accounts, the cost of remitting money for our OFWs can double,” Purisima said.

“Reforming Amla will send a message to foreign banks that OFW remittances should not be confused with the dirty money an unscrupulous few have coursed through the weak spots of our system. Reforming Amla

will show our OFWs that we are serious about protecting their hard-earned money,” he said.

Some $81 million worth of funds deposited by Bangladesh’s central bank in the New York Federal Reserve was reportedly stolen by computer hackers and wired to a branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in February this year.

The money was reportedly converted into pesos by remittance company Philrem Service Corp., before the money found its way to several casinos.

The Finance Department said it was supporting the inclusion of casinos and real estate dealers in the list of covered institutions for transactional reporting. It also reiterated its support in relaxing Republic Act No. 1405, or the law on secrecy of bank deposits.

“The DOF has long been vo-

cal against the highly restrictive provisions protecting money launderers and tax evaders behind the veil of bank secrecy and thus supports relaxing it under certain circumstances,” it said.

Purisima said despite the strong performance of the Philippine banking sector of the country, there were risks in the sector that should be subject to reforms.

“A resurgent economy built on good governance must be willing to constantly reform where there is room for improvement to be found. Our banking system remains strong and stable, owing to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ even keeled hands, but we acknowledge that there are cracks in our financial institutions people of greed have used to their advantage,” Purisima said.

“We ought to strengthen the regulatory regimes that govern our money flows. We need a long-term legal remedy by way of an amendment to Amla,” he said.

The department said tax evasion was curiously left out of the Amla law, handicapping investigators and depriving the gov-

ernment of the legal means to go after tax evaders, and by extension, money launderers who obviously did not pay taxes for their cash inflows.

“The Philippines is only one of three countries in the entire world where tax authorities cannot access bank transactions (Switzerland and Lebanon being the other 2), and remain only 1 of only 2 countries in the world where tax evasion is not a predicate crime to money laundering,” Purisima said.

He said this unusual arrangement gave unparalleled latitude for the erosion of financial integrity.

Switzerland is set to ease their bank secrecy laws as they relate to tax matters by 2017.

Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Kim JacintoHenares said tax evaders usually hid in the shadow of bank secrecy laws.

“Far too often criminals have hidden behind bank secrecy laws. It’s time to pierce the veil, within reason and under certain circumstances. If this saga reveals anything, it is that our laws need a serious updating,” Henares said.

BSP sees March inflation falling to as low as 0.6%

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said inflation in March likely decelerated further to as low as 0.6 percent from 0.9 percent in February mainly due to lower power rates.

“The BSP projects March inflation to settle within 0.6 percent to 1.4 percent range. The downward adjustment in power rates and the recent appreciation of the peso could offset higher domestic oil prices during the month,” Tetangco said in a text message.

The peso has gained strength against the greenback since the US Federal Reserve decided to maintain key interest rates earlier this month.

The peso on March 22 registered a five-month high against the dollar at 46.29, its strongest level since 46.21 on Oct. 20, 2015. It settled at 46.40 on March 23, “Looking ahead, the BSP will remain attentive to evolving price trends to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the mandate of preserving price stability conducive to sustained economic growth,” Tetangco said.

The manageable inflation environment prompted the policy-setting Monetary Board to keep the benchmark interest rates steady during its meeting Wednesday last week. It was the 12th consecutive time that the board kept the rates steady since October 2014.

The board maintained the key policy rates at 4 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase facility and 6 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase facility. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs and special deposit accounts were also kept steady. The reserve requirement ratios were likewise left unchanged.

PSe comPoSite index Closing March 23, 2016

8300 7840 7380 6920 6460 6000

7,360.05 18.02

PeSo-dollar rate

Closing March 23, 2016 48.00 46.00 45.00

P46.400

44.00

CLOSE

43.00

HIGH P46.210 LOW P46.460 AVERAGE P46.319 VOLUME 557.000M

P400.00-P620.00 LPG/11-kg tank P30.00-P39.32 Unleaded Gasoline

oPriceS il P today

P19.25-P22.75 Diesel P34.55-P39.15 Kerosene Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday, March 23, 2016

F oreign e xchange r ate Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

46.2560

Japan

Yen

0.008899

0.4116

UK

Pound

1.421700

65.7622

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128982

5.9662

Switzerland

Franc

1.028278

47.5640

Canada

Dollar

0.766695

35.4642

Singapore

Dollar

0.735186

34.0068

Australia

Dollar

0.761300

35.2147

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655267

122.8220

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266681

12.3356

Brunei

Dollar

0.732493

33.8822

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000076

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.028645

1.3250

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

12.5956

Euro

Euro

1.121800

51.8900

Korea

Won

0.000865

0.0400

China

Yuan

0.154131

7.1295

India

Rupee

0.014984

0.6931

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.250000

11.5640

New Zealand

Dollar

0.674700

31.2089

Taiwan

Dollar

0.030928

1.4306 Source: PDS Bridge

MONDAY: MARCH 28, 2016

B2

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

The STandard BuSineSS Weekly STockS revieW STOCKS

MARCH 21-23, 2016 Close Volume

Value FINANCIAL 1,267,570.00 1,066,740.00 873,088,971 401,475,794.50 15,195,440.00 32,660.00 378,120.00 127,180.00 8,500,720.00 3,332 324,030.00 375,830.00 475,490.00 531,530,698.00 408,020.00 3,363,130.00 59,230.00 9,333,088.50 1,577,297.00 9,566,604.00 68,542,795 435,435,504.00 47,175.00 2,905,616.00 7,710,810.00

AG Finance Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI China Bank BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. Bright Kindle Resources COL Financial Eastwest Bank Filipino Fund Inc. I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities INDUSTRIAL Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Bogo Medellin C. Azuc De Tarlac Century Food 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. First Gen Corp.

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

LBC Express Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Corp.

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

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petron Corporation Phil H2O Phinma Corporation Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

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

Trans-Asia Oil Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

2.96 46.25 106.30 91.40 38.5 2.96 1.32 14.1 15.2 6.52 1.81 620.00 0.570 86.45 0.95 14.50 23.60 53.60 104 287 29.6 163.6 1350.00 57.50 1.55

421,000 23,100 8,276,280 4,438,740 396,200 11,000 280,000 8,900 557,000 500 179,000 590 834,000 6,111,880 428,000 231,900 2,400 173,850 15,400 32,890 2,339,700 2,686,720 35 50,270 5,039,000

43.55 5.13 0.74 1.43 10.98 43.5 188.00 18.62 67 17.2 43 2.45 5.9 11.38 9.320 7.39 5.94 7.38 1.66 20.9 64.25 12.30 13.80 5.72 2.950 234.40 10.5 33.00 1.85 3.15 26.8 21.45 6.24 320.00 4.22 3.92 10.96 3.36 11.52 4.34 1.75 2.7 4.19 4.8 167 2.52 0.159 1.25 2.68 211 4.68 0.72 1.15

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

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

Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

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

0.365 63.05 16.94 1.11 6.18 0.270 0.280 742 7.32 13.50 5.05 4.8 5.05 0.213 1450 6.09 9.75 81.00 4.5 5.89 6.65 0.69 15.76 0.500 5.9 0.0330 1.410 1.980 77.00 2.2 990.00 1.10 0.76 175.000 0.3100 0.1910 0.285

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 Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

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

7.750 7.77 0.88 1.630 0.225 35.850 2.95 5.19 0.570 1.010 0.130 0.500 39.5 0.870 0.153 1.09 1.80 1.35 3.50

7,656,300 334,586,080.00 6,535,000 32,284,950.00 246,000 180,870.00 2,728,000 3,917,760.00 19,700 209,322.00 300 13,050.00 200 34,180.00 2,588,400 48,664,718 820 50,290.00 2,178,800 38,111,576.00 4,000 171,890 6,090,000 15,255,470.00 4,464,800 26,473,648.00 337,200 3,865,660.00 5,552,100 51,794,013.00 9,907,700 72,372,410.00 57,167,900 339,638,087.00 700,500 5,059,288.00 2,000 3,320.00 13,238,400 275,220,265.00 623,390 39,966,354.00 6,700 77,182.00 70,200 970,580.00 469,500 2,673,022.00 72,679,000 218,445,600.00 2,790,290 644,824,212.00 19,400 204,832.00 6,300 199,950.00 18,000 33,300.00 27,000 83,440.00 1,954,600 52,265,730.00 4,282,400 91,988,570.00 1,491,300 9,426,655.00 741,650 238,067,898.00 36,000 150,710.00 5,523,000 21,775,360.00 40,663,500 429,832,030.00 22,100 71,930.00 59,000 677,532.00 765,000 3,306,870.00 1,004,000 1,745,240.00 389,000 1,052,730.00 1,519,000 6,364,850.00 11,200 54,995.00 4,180 693,570.00 5,218,000 12,818,990.00 17,610,000 2,814,780.00 809,000 1,011,160.00 17,528,000 47,648,030.00 6,154,120 1,288,618,350.00 71,000 327,000.00 16,028,000 11,742,730.00 134,000 158,400.00 HOLDING FIRMS 250,000 87,650.00 4,082,390 260,193,652.50 33,573,500 548,144,684.00 10,000 10,560.00 27,300 167,507.00 1,720,000 473,000.00 110,000 30,950.00 1,334,360 995,027,835.00 2,936,300 21,622,259.00 17,394,000 235,990,076.00 420,700 2,124,460.00 1,000 4,800.00 1,002,300 5,015,838.00 10,000 2,130.00 712,185 1,026,631,550.00 2,400 14,619.00 3,648,900 35,505,236.00 10,337,410 833,504,945.00 19,000 81,460.00 1,100 6,479.00 18,770,500 123,069,896.00 392,000 272,300.00 20,818,400 329,738,798.00 82,000 41,200.00 107,243,700 638,975,737.00 265,000,000 9,032,300.00 120,000 159,880.00 565,000 1,120,460.00 2,171,540 168,067,316.00 41,000 89,700.00 1,423,720 1,413,012,635.00 546,000 603,910.00 85,000 64,600.00 206,850 35,061,485.00 5,130,000 1,589,150.00 4,090,000 791,400.00 230,000 67,000.00 PROPERTY 625,900 4,891,481.00 7,300 56,574.00 2,418,000 2,086,090.00 1,679,000 2,775,010.00 1,400,000 315,350.00 34,656,200 1,268,221,115.00 5,878,000 17,096,900.00 38,705 205,297.00 73,541,000 42,319,380.00 16,000 16,040.00 2,690,000 636,140.00 3,798,000 1,881,105.00 2,873,300 112,763,205.00 5,341,000 4,779,800.00 1,300,000 198,900.00 24,010,000 25,952,860.00 40,500,000 73,019,050.00 1,662,000 2,226,710.00 1,000 3,500.00

MARCH 14-18, 2016 Close Volume Value 2.85 46.15 104.00 90.00 38.35 2.91 1.41 14.28 15.2

560,000 67,900 13,478,360 7,219,690 1,681,000 214,000 1,338,000 38,800 1,445,000

1,622,370.00 3,111,990.00 1,150,806,919 639,736,997.00 62,251,080.00 615,610.00 1,865,320.00 551,806.00 22,037,172.00

1.79 600.00 0.560 87.5 0.96 14.50

31,000 130,160 8,982,000 17,181,040 68,000 298,000

53,670.00 722,750.00 5,225,780.00 1,455,525,031.50 64,230.00 4,367,666.00

53.00 103 291 30 161 1345.00 58.60 1.53

264,920 11,560 12,270 3,798,800 6,342,060 425 345,630 790,000

13,958,505.50 1,178,539.00 3,462,556.00 114,184,100 995,750,623.00 574,860.00 19,842,523.50 1,214,310.00

43.3 4.67 0.75 1.46 10.48 47 160.00 19

13,231,900 7,763,400 489,000 2,789,000 37,400 3,900 110 7,860,900

579,677,680.00 37,862,824.00 361,320.00 4,126,820.00 380,936.00 179,120.00 17,850.00 142,486,788

17.8 42 2.39 6.02 11.7 9.000 7.52 5.96 7.12 1.68 20.85 63.85 11.12 13.90 5.61 2.650 232.00 10.48 29.50 1.85 3.1 26.5 20.6 6.44 315.00 4.10 3.82 10.30 3.31 11.50 4.33 1.72 2.7 4.09 5.04 169 2.44 0.160 1.25 2.75 204.6 4.6 0.77 1.15

2,440,700 1,059,900 2,668,000 48,030,700 857,200 36,915,000 23,023,600 83,329,000 2,392,100 54,000 16,513,900 846,250 16,400 135,400 1,411,000 15,462,000 3,539,780 59,100 1,300 48,000 48,000 6,236,700 6,633,300 1,369,100 1,890,530 7,000 3,055,000 52,766,000 68,000 250,200 2,021,000 2,114,000 1,177,000 3,123,000 21,200 57,440 484,000 34,050,000 2,219,000 72,060,000 10,087,180 199,000 49,486,000 931,000

44,563,962.00 45,617,820 6,363,710.00 299,541,227.00 10,106,276.00 340,655,605.00 180,054,009.00 510,105,605.00 17,169,635.00 87,600.00 348,892,675.00 213,572,243.00 193,456.00 1,884,012.00 7,905,504.00 41,889,790.00 820,231,124.00 614,918.00 39,240.00 88,630.00 145,290.00 163,543,795.00 132,893,654.00 8,768,447.00 611,635,284.00 28,610.00 11,154,570.00 535,388,139.00 225,970.00 2,880,906.00 8,487,240.00 3,548,430.00 3,169,660.00 12,839,120.00 101,178.00 9,572,728.00 1,186,450.00 5,358,790.00 2,881,870.00 194,789,070.00 2,036,798,995.00 910,660.00 38,974,360.00 1,138,960.00

0.355 63.40 15.88 1.12 6.18 0.290 0.290 737 7.2 13.56 5.1

482,000 9,366,800 32,143,700 114,000 235,500 15,120,000 4,550,000 2,318,330 14,660,600 33,605,100 282,400

211,300.00 577,961,277.50 513,175,898.00 124,850.00 1,455,951.00 4,243,300.00 1,294,650.00 1,729,948,045.00 109,776,960.00 450,141,336.00 1,431,997.00

5.00 0.229 1405 5.96 9.74 79.00 3.9

285,100 460,000 1,044,865 260,600 8,163,600 14,483,520 27,000

1,416,611.00 102,940.00 1,473,262,040.00 1,564,104.00 79,508,043.00 1,107,439,386.00 110,370.00

6.36 0.69 15.8 0.510 6 0.0330 1.250 2.010 77.50 2.2 990.00 1.09 0.77 155.000 0.3100 0.1950 0.295

21,752,000 2,236,000 16,548,100 282,000 156,103,000 783,476,300 29,000 3,084,000 2,510,530 120,000 1,614,680 2,529,000 1,102,000 423,700 30,660,000 8,860,000 1,630,000

133,498,019.00 1,570,870.00 262,087,834.00 129,710.00 936,313,892.00 29,781,400.00 38,380.00 6,164,630.00 191,785,020.00 259,880.00 1,550,427,720.00 2,814,550.00 855,350.00 68,067,153.00 9,821,300.00 1,746,520.00 478,950.00

8.000 7.75 0.87 1.610 0.226 36.600 2.83 5.16 0.550 0.980 0.128 0.500 38.95 0.880 0.154 1.04 1.78 1.34 3.74

3,671,800 2,200 10,307,000 2,516,000 570,000 71,906,900 14,516,000 215,500 17,740,000 872,000 46,080,000 21,163,000 23,852,700 6,259,000 1,130,000 22,114,000 94,051,000 1,513,000 5,000

28,156,128.00 16,279.00 8,935,170.00 3,921,410.00 128,410.00 2,553,280,725.00 43,313,250.00 1,118,416.00 9,717,320.00 901,270.00 6,006,480.00 10,573,100.00 917,221,800.00 5,615,630.00 176,840.00 22,876,140.00 162,796,580.00 1,958,570.00 18,700.00

STOCKS

MARCH 21-23, 2016 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 San Miguel Prop.

Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

4.11 0.093 0.2300 0.460 10.32 8.7 28.45 1.53 3.1 3.05 22.40 0.88 5.9 1.090 4.550

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. Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ Imperial Res. `B’ IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones Leisure & Resorts Liberty Telecom Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Melco Crown Metro Retail 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 Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Yehey

7.35 559.6 1.22 0.600 10.7 5.23 0.0740 3.28 90.4 9.9 1.52 6.63 2106 6.95 20.80 1.22 68.1 15.00 103.5 0.0110 0.310 1.2900 2.1 8.00 3.62 1.18 2.80 20.50 0.550 2.69 3.92 0.270 0.880 17.5 5.00 2.49 8.99 100.00 22.15 1978.00 0.435 0.950 37.00 70.15 6.25 3.37 0.540 3.91 0.320 4.720

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

Benguet Corp `B’ 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’ Petroenergy Res. Corp.

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

TA Petroleum

0.0046 2.05 4.50 12.68 0.250 5.2000 0.61 0.470 8.07 0.820 0.285 0.290 0.300 0.0120 0.013 2.07 5.52 2.53 0.5200 1.2700 0.0097 3.69 5.82 2.40 0.0120 131.50 2.53

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ First Gen G GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. Leisure & Resort Pref.

MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F Swift Pref

58.6 520 530 113 527 6.94 1.09 106 1070 1010 105 82 75.35 75.7 76.5 2.2

Leisure & Resort Warr.

3.620

Alterra Capital Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Xurpas

3.69 3.84 3.57 17.84

First Metro ETF

120

MARCH 14-18, 2016 Close Volume Value

Value

86,967,000 9,810,000 1,830,000 120,000 300 2,409 7,736,700 442,000 6,000 39,000 53,338,900 16,769,000 290,200 46,896,000 14,324,000

356,598,070.00 919,310.00 421,900.00 54,450.00 4,952.00 28,380.00 221,731,875.00 663,820.00 18,450.00 118,660.00 1,184,221,935.00 14,455,840.00 1,693,889.00 53,853,160.00 66,318,520.00 SERVICES 148,700 1,095,562.00 111,130 6,588,193.50 9,000 11,420.00 8,882,000 5,387,470.00 322,000 3,445,700.00 10,027,200 52,722,135.00 385,320,000 27,261,670.00 2,512,000 8,610,530.00 808,360 72,341,138.00 3,600 35,130.00 50,000 76,940 837,400 5,412,587.00 457,885 980,259,460 157,000 1,090,100.00 47,400 985,900 490,000 602,860.00 3,954,820 270,765,119.50 655,800 8,099,476 9,590 729,662 101,400,000 1,004,900.00 279,890,000 83,311,150.00 5,291,000 6,947,220.00 10,000 21,120.00 115,400 910,378.00 397,000 1,441,500.00 37,000 44,650.00 64,000 177,570.00 1,000 21,815.00 74,000 40,580.00 39,272,000 108,744,470.00 3,466,000 13,521,920.00 2,710,000 724,900.00 34,947,000 31,274,330.00 15,700 274,750.00 105,200 519,230 31,000 77,620.00 100 899.00 77,250 7,725,494.00 238,200 5,265,780.00 543,420 1,056,081,870.00 6,060,000 2,657,850.00 36,209,000 34,664,110.00 5,030,000 185,209,405.00 2,173,210 152,683,838.50 1,872,700 11,650,030.00 8,193,000 28,114,850.00 2,442,000 1,314,470.00 16,197,000 62,337,530.00 1,220,000 393,000.00 14,000 66,480.00 MINING & OIL 261,000,000 1,160,000.00 277,000 572,330.00 1,223,000 5,565,520.00 5,400 62,408.00 690,000 168,110.00 1,000 5,200.00 422,000 258,700.00 1,540,000 736,450.00 48,500 389,363.00 35,365,000 29,302,470.00 1,640,000 469,650.00 58,070,000 16,674,850.00 7,450,000 2,229,650.00 97,000,000 1,165,000.00 3,800,000 46,500.00 1,033,000 2,171,770.00 7,205,400 40,113,108.00 527,000 1,328,980.00 151,000 79,580.00 558,000 721,800.00 2,000,000 19,600.00 41,000 150,240.00 3,500,700 20,569,475.00 44,353,000 108,928,460.00 146,300,000 1,764,700.00 3,605,320 474,915,707.00 2,314,000 6,162,360.00 PREFERRED 484,400 28,357,010.00 8,060 4,191,295.00 10 5,300 75,940 8,553,254.00 100 52,700.00 79,900 549,386.00 10,000 10,900 75,800 8,099,450.00 10 10,700.00 4,345 4,383,710.00 2,280 236,700.00 68,670 5,625,889.00 97,020 7,328,127.00 17,150 1,296,955.00 92,470 7,054,310.00 5,000 11,000.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 801,000 2,868,100.00 SME 77,000 269,630.00 107,000 384,970.00 3,362,000 11,870,000.00 5,194,800 90,938,154.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 58,080 6,963,508.00

4.05 0.092 0.2290 0.445

180,433,000 19,190,000 7,030,000 330,000

736,800,040.00 1,846,520.00 1,584,120.00 147,100.00

8.66 29.20 1.48

90,700 17,519,000 1,123,000

786,509.00 508,937,385.00 1,675,840.00

3.09 21.45 0.84 5.62 1.010 4.690

164,003 91,831,400 9,541,000 16,500 5,543,000 35,065,000

510,120.00 1,958,360,260.00 7,905,900.00 90,636.00 5,679,750.00 163,073,320.00

7.36 58.6 1.21 0.540 10.7 5.30 0.0650 3.38 90 9.9 1.52 6.28 2190 6.92 18.14 1.25 69 5.99 37 0.0110 0.270 1.3700 2.15 8.18 3.70 1.29 2.75 24.90 0.540 2.83 3.90 0.280 0.860 17.48 5.00 2.4 8.56 105.00 22.05 1978.00 0.455 0.960 37.65 71.80 6.15 3.44 0.530 3.69 0.340 4.780

973,100 374,440 144,000 5,120,000 6,800 60,332,200 551,830,000 3,262,000 3,964,470 4,200 5,000 2,120,000 1,356,380 866,500 700 811,000 4,712,380 124,900 600 30,900,000 918,580,000 8,213,000 110,000 1,079,000 8,741,000 1,019,000 109,000 2,100 112,000 144,675,000 45,540,000 820,000 53,691,000 12,300 182,500 10,000 5,000 1,025,720 850,400 1,781,480 5,850,000 184,551,000 18,765,800 10,196,910 4,241,800 26,291,000 12,270,000 45,509,000 3,700,000 221,000

7,101,081.00 21,630,507.00 185,800.00 2,772,280.00 72,808.00 316,222,854.00 35,373,480.00 10,791,460.00 345,315,149.00 41,400.00 7,600 13,386,264.00 2,780,321,685 5,991,529.00 12,698 1,046,200.00 314,585,907.50 696,667 19,400 314,700.00 253,225,520.00 10,986,290.00 230,600.00 8,719,671.00 28,038,990.00 1,324,320.00 294,670.00 51,925.00 60,800.00 410,474,100.00 181,087,780.00 226,000.00 47,617,880.00 214,902.00 902,185 24,000.00 42,800.00 102,382,156.00 18,538,320.00 3,429,256,610.00 2,672,900.00 177,841,990.00 700,858,545.00 725,262,238.50 26,322,072.00 90,864,360.00 6,441,740.00 170,397,420.00 1,201,150.00 1,052,680.00

0.0045 2.08 4.61

330,000,000 408,000 8,956,000

1,467,000.00 864,360.00 41,470,690.00

0.238

2,760,000

651,430.00

0.61 0.480 7.88 0.840 0.295 0.290 0.305 0.0120 0.013 2.12 5.63 2.63 0.5400 1.2800 0.0098 3.80 6.00 2.50 0.0120 135.00 2.76

2,147,000 10,340,000 816,800 411,163,000 3,450,000 284,170,000 39,190,000 474,500,000 87,400,000 3,358,000 34,773,500 1,175,000 60,000 786,000 176,000,000 851,000 27,624,900 47,121,000 998,800,000 3,019,240 8,321,000

1,363,850.00 5,126,300.00 6,494,925.00 334,604,110.00 1,039,200.00 83,272,350.00 11,813,600.00 5,697,800.00 1,114,100.00 7,436,110.00 196,592,803.00 3,100,630.00 32,400.00 991,810.00 1,740,000.00 3,340,210.00 164,963,539.00 100,933,530.00 12,247,300.00 411,417,622.00 22,331,860.00

58.5 529.5 535 117.6 520 6.89

669,720 18,320 2,770 181,720 11,720 87,800

38,825,264.50 9,502,350.00 1,469,850 20,671,211.00 6,049,680.00 598,824.00

107 1077 1009 104 82 75.5 75.5 76.4

27,020 10 19,390 12,490 302,210 298,890 324,930 589,890

2,894,230.00 10,770.00 19,597,380.00 1,297,242.00 24,957,356.00 22,672,871.00 24,725,663.00 45,316,109.00

3.640

17,108,000

59,430,180.00

3.65 3.15 3.4 17.1

49,000 80,000 9,263,000 7,834,300

175,240.00 249,130.00 30,999,840.00 135,588,982.00

118.7

666,320

78,318,036.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Boulevard Holdings Island Info Pacifica `A’ Abra Mining Philodrill Corp. `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

IP E-Game Ventures Inc. Manila Mining `A’ Megaworld Prop.

Centennial City

VOLUME 385,320,000 279,890,000 265,000,000 261,000,000 146,300,000 107,243,700 101,400,000 97,000,000 86,967,000 73,541,000

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

VALUE 1,413,012,635.00 1,288,618,350.00 1,268,221,115.00 1,184,221,935.00 1,056,081,870.00 1,026,631,550.00 995,027,835.00 980,259,460 873,088,971 833,504,945.00

MONDAY: MARCH 28, 2016

B3

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

Cemex to pay debt after IPO

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc., the local unit of Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. of Mexico, plans to use most proceeds from the planned P40-billion initial public offering to pay down debts.

Cemex Holdings said in a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would use the net proceeds from the IPO to pay down the short-term loan from New Sunward Holding B.V. of $475 million, which it incurred in connection with the acquisition of operating subsidiaries.

The cement manufacturer also intends to pay or refinance long-term debt with NSH worth $353 million which the company incurred in connection with reorganization.

Cemex plans to sell up to 2.337 billion common shares at an offer

price of up to P17 per share.

It said of the 2.337 billion shares, up to 1.423 billion shares worth P24.2 billion would be sold to overseas investors while the remaining 609.89 million shares worth P10.36 billion would be alloted to domestic investors.

Citigroup Global Markets Ltd., The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. Singapore Branch and J.P. Morgan Securities Plc are the joint global coordinators and book runners while BDO Capital & Investment Corp. is the domestic lead underwriter.

Cemex Holdings said it planned to spend P2.4 billion in capital expenditures in 2016, including P600 million for maintenance of existing cement facilities.

This year’s capital spending is significantly higher than P1.04 billion it spent last year.

Cemex Holdings is a newly formed subsidiary of Cemex Asian South East Corp., which

is wholly-owned by Cemex España S.A., which in turn is indirectly owned by Cemex, one of the largest cement companies in the world based on annual installed cement production capacity.

It operates two cement plants in the Philippines, with aggregate installed annual capacity of 5.7 million tons.

Apo Cement plant in Cebu

has an installed annual capacity of 3.8 million tons of cement and serves customers in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao while Solid Cement plant in Rizal has an installed capacity of 1.9 million tons.

The company said it intended to install a new integrated cement production line which would add 1.5 million tons in annual capacity starting 2019.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission SEC Bldg. EDSA, Greenhills, Mandaluyong City, 1554 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF THE

:

: Amended Registration of Securities : : xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx CENTURY ACQUA LIFESTYLE CLUB CORP.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on November 25, 2015,a sworn Amended Registration Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of Century Acqua Lifestyle Corporation last November 25, 2015 reflecting therein changes to its Registration Statement which was rendered effective on June 17, 2015: 1.) Sell the Preferred Shares of stock of the Corporation in Five (5) tranches at the following prices: FROM No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

6,344

13

488

PHP 166,667

PHP 2,166,671

Preferred B

520

13

40

PHP 238,889

PHP 3,105,557

Preffered C

520

13

40

PHP 383,333

PHP 4,983,329

Preffered D

520

13

40

PHP 444,444

PHP 5,777,772

Type of Share

Total

7,904

608 TO

Tranche 1 No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

1,508

13

116

PHP 166,667

PHP 2,166,671

Preferred B

221

13

17

PHP 238,889

PHP 3,105,557

Preffered C

65

13

5

PHP 383,333

PHP 4,983,329

Preffered D

65

13

5

PHP 444,444

PHP 5,777,772

Type of Share

Total

1,859

143

NOTE: Tranche 1 will be sold until approval of new Prospectus. Upon approval of new Prospectus, Tranche 2 will be launched.

Ayala Land bonds. Ayala Land Inc. lists its P8-billion fixed rate

bond on March 23 at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 4.85 per per annum. At the listing ceremony are (from left) Augusto Bengzon, vice president and treasurer, ALI; Eduardo Francisco, president, BDO Capital and Investment Corp.; Gerry Valenciano, president and chief executive officer, PNB Capital and Investment Corp.; Rabboni Francis Arjonillo, president, First Metro Investment Corp.; Bernard Vincent Dy, president and CEO, ALI; Jaime Ysmael, senior VP and chief finance officer, ALI; Eric Roberto Luchangco, managing director, BPI Capital Corp.; Virgilio Chua, managing director; China Bank Capital Corp.; Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso, president and chief operating officer, BPI Capital; Sabino de Leon III, VP, PNB Capital; and Jose Emmanuel Hilado, SVP and chief operating officer, East West Banking Corp..

Stock market likely to advance this week STOCKS are expected to resume their upward momentum this week, after last week’s shortened trading, amid positive developments in the domestic front.

RCBC Securities said investors would likely come back recharged from the long holiday to muster up another rally in the final stretch of earnings season.

Investors’ optimism will also be boosted by Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ decision to keep the benchmark rates unchanged, on robust growth condition and manageable inflation outlook.

Bangko Sentral on March 22 retained the key policy rates at 4 percent for overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase facility and 6 percent for overnight lending or repurchase facility.

Bangko Sentral also reduced the average inflation forecast to 2.1 percent from 2.2 percent for 2016 and 3.1 percent from 3.2 percent for 2017, on subdued price pressures,

delayed power rate adjustments and lower transport fares.

Analysts said the 31-percent increase in imports in January, the highest level since November 2010, was a positive development for the country as it signified increasing investment demand in the country.

The decline in oil prices on concerns over excess supplies following US stockpiles data could cause the global markets to slide, analysts said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, closed higher by 0.7 percent to 7,360.05 on March 23, led by industrials (up 1.6 percent); holdings firms (1 percent), financials (0.9 percent) and property (0.4 percent).

The bellwether advanced for five straight weeks, after breaching the 7,000-point barrier this week. It also reversed the losses in the first two months, bringing the total gains since the start of the year to 5.9 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Tranche 2 No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

2,301

13

177

PHP 170,833

PHP 2,220,829

Preferred B

91

13

7

PHP 244,861

PHP 3,183,193

Preffered C

247

13

19

PHP 392,916

PHP 5,107,908

Preffered D

247

13

19

PHP 455,555

PHP 5,922,,215

Type of Share

Total

2,886

222

Tranche 3 No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

2,223

13

171

PHP 175,103

PHP 2,276,339

Preferred B

182

13

14

PHP 250,982

PHP 3,262,766

Preffered C

182

13

14

PHP 402,738

PHP 5,235,594

Preffered D

182

13

14

PHP 466,943

PHP 6,070,259

Type of Share

Total

2,769

213

Tranche 4 No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

156

13

12

PHP 183,858

PHP 2,390,154

Preferred B

13

13

1

PHP 263,531

PHP 3,425,903

Preffered C

13

13

1

PHP 422,874

PHP 5,497,362

Preffered D

13

13

1

PHP 490,290

PHP 6,373,770

Total

195

Type of Share

15

Tranche 5 No of Shares

Shares per Board

No of Board

Price per Share

Price per Board Lot

Preferred A

156

13

12

PHP 193,050

PHP 2,509,650

Preferred B

13

13

1

PHP 276,707

PHP 3,597,191

Preffered C

13

13

1

PHP 444,017

PHP 5,772,221

Preffered D

13

13

1

PHP 514,804

PHP 6,692,452

Total

195

15

7,904.00

608.00

Type of Share

GRAND TOTAL

The reason for the amendments in the registration statement is for the shares of initial subscribers to appreciate in value, for the succeeding subscribers to have better payment options while enjoying more benefits attached to their subscription.

According to the papers presented, the following persons are the officers/directors of the corporation: NAME TIMOTHY HALLET CARLOS BENEDICT K. RIVILLA IV DOMIE S. EDUVANE RHOEL ALBERTO NOLIDO ISABELITA C. SALES RIZA V. TUMALE MA. PAMELA D. QUIZON –LABAYEN

POSITION Chairman Director/ President Director/ Corporate Secretary Director/ Treasurer Director/ Compliance Officer Independent Director Independent Director

Said Registration Statement and other papers/documents attached thereto are open to inspection by interested parties during business hours, and copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to any party, upon request, at such reasonable fees as the Commission may prescribe. The Amended Registration Statement and Amended Prospectus dated January 13, 2016 may also be downloaded from http:www.centuryproperties.com

JUSTINA F. CALLANGAN Director (TS-MAR 23 & 28, 2016)

B4

B Hotel show. The B Hotel QC, a mid-scale businessman’s hotel in Quezon City, will host ‘Seishun, The Springtime of Life,’ a fashion show featuring the creations of international

fashion designer Kim Gan on April 28. Sealing the partnership are (from left) Gakuya’s creative director Rom Mel, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts managing director Ryan Chan, international fashion designer Kim Gan and show producer, Velvet Stage’ Nona Clemente. The show will feature Gan’s capsule collection, inspired by women of quiet strength and the subtle power of feminine beauty. B Hotel QC is located at 14 Scout Rallos in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City.

MPTC sees toll sales of P11.5b

New IPP to support manufacturing firms

By Darwin G Amojelar

By Othel V. Campos

THE tollway unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. expects revenues to increase 15 percent to P11.5 billion this year from P10 billion in 2015.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said Manila North Tollways Corp., the operator of North Luzon Expressway and Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, had projected revenues of P10 billion this year from P8.1 billion in 2015.

Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., the operator of the Manila-Cavite Expressway, meanwhile, expects P1.5 billon in revenues this year from P1.2 billion last year.

Franco said the revenue projection this year already factored in the toll hike petition of MNTC and Cavitex.

“We are hoping that they will grant the 15 percent toll hike for NLEx,” he said.

MNTC filed a petition with TRB in September 2014 for the bi-annual toll adjustment that was supposed to start on Jan. 1, 2015, as stipulated under its concession.

The new petition is on top of the one the company filed in 2012 for a toll increase scheduled in January 2013. This would bring the cumulative toll adjustment to 15 percent, of which 12 percent was long overdue.

Tolls at NLEx from Mindanao Avenue to Sta. Ines currently amount to P218 for Class 1 vehicles (cars, jeepneys, pickup trucks and vans), P544 for Class 2 vehicles (two-axle trucks, buses and vans) and P652 for Class 3 vehicles (trucks and trailers with three or more axles).

The Board of Investments will start today a series of consultations on the new Investment Priorities Plan that will focus on supporting the resurgence of the manufacturing sector.

BoI executive director for industry development services Corazon Halili-Dichosa said the new IPP covering 2017-2019 would identify more industries in the manufacturing sector and allied services.

“There is an indication to consider mostly manufacturing industries but that doesn’t mean that we will delist some of the listed activities. We will also consider value adding to manufacturing activities as possible candidates for IPP,” she said.

The current IPP is more specif-

ic on economic activities without any preference for a particular industry or sector.

The new IPP will review about 40 sectoral roadmaps, including services.

Of the total industry roadmaps, about 32 are ready for implementation while eight still need encouragement in terms of fical incentives.

For sectors or industries that have a bigger mass of players like housing, consultations will be done through sectoral meetings, while those that have small

number of stakeholders will be included in public consultation.

The BoI noted that among those listed in the current IPP, the copper and virgin pulp sectors were the only sectors without any registered investments, a situation that may compel the government to delist them.

Dichosa said technical working groups had identified possible problems within a sector that could not be remedied by incentives.

“Whether the constraints identified under the roadmap are something that can be solved through incentives or by other measures like policy, administrative measures, we will still find out through consultations and deliberations,” said Dichosa.

Manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, agribusiness, housing, creatives, services and the health

sector are several of the sectors that will continue to be included in the new IPP. The BoI every year receives recommendations or proposed changes from government agencies and the private sector in the list of sectors and economic activities that are eligible for fiscal incentives under the IPP. The IPP is the country’s blueprint for investment promotions and a platform to attract strategic investments with impact on countryside development and employment generation.

The BoI plans to conclude all public and sectoral consultations

by June 2016.

The industry services division expects to come up with the first IPP draft by May 2016 and finalize the program by December for submission to the new administration on January 2017.

Palm Concepcion set to supply power to Visayas

By Alena Mae S. Flores PALM Concepcion Power Corp., owner of the 270-megawatt coalfired power plant in Iloilo province, will deliver 135 MW or half of its output to the Visayas grid by late next month.

Palm Concepcion said in a statement the plant would start supplying electricity to customers in Panay, Negros and the rest of Visayas once it synchronized its operations with National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

The company said the Concepcion-Barotac 138 kV transmission line, including the new Concepcion 138kV GIS Substation and the expansion of Barotac Viejo Substation constructed

by Palm Concepcion, were now energized.

“The immediate completion of the associated transmission facilities can be attributed to the hard work of the whole Transmission Line team of PCPC and the dedicated effort and full support that NGCP extended to us,” Palm Concepcion president and chief executive Roel Castro said.

Castro said another factor that contributed to the fast completion of the transmission lines was the early settlement of the transmission line’s right-of-way.

“We made sure that all those affected by the construction of the transmission facilities were compensated accordingly and that all documentary requirements are

in place for the proper turn-over of these transmission assets to NGCP,” he said.

The company is scheduled to have its reliability tests run in the next couple of months. The first 135-MW unit of Palm Concepcion will be in full commercial operations once the test runs are completed.

“The schedule of the commercial operations is just right on track as what we have committed to our customers,” senior vice president for project development group Winifredo Pangilinan said.

Ten distribution utilities and electric cooperatives have signed supply contracts with Palm Concepcion for their baseload power

requirements.

Palm Concepcion held the groundbreaking ceremony on the first phase in January 15, 2013.

NLSC, the consortium of First Northeast Electric Power Engineering Corp. of China, Liaoning Electric Power Survey & Design Institute and Shenyang Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. was tapped as the project’s general engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

Alstom Power of Europe, one of the world’s foremost suppliers of steam turbines and power generation equipment, provided the steam turbine and generator for the project, while SNC-Lavalin was the project construction manager.

M O N D AY : M A R C H 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

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

B5

Vista Land to spend record P36b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. has earmarked a record P36.06 billion in capital expenditures for 2016 to finance construction of projects and land developments and acquisitions.

This year’s capital expenditures is 14.5 percent higher than the company’s actual spending of P31.49 billion in 2015.

Vista Land, owned by the family of former senator Manuel Villar Jr., said in a regulatory filing it was allotting P26.7 billion on construction, P6.3 billion on lot developments and P3

billion on land acquisitions.

“The company expects to fund its budgeted capital expenditures principally through the existing cash, cash from operations, as well as through borrowings,” Vista Land said. “The company’s capital expenditure plans are based on management’s estimates.”

“In addition, the company’s capital expenditure plans are subject to a number of variables, including possible cost overruns; construction/development delays; the receipt of critical government approvals; availability of financing on acceptable terms; changes in management’s views of the desirability of current plans; the identification of new projects and potential acquisitions; and macroeconomic factors such as the Philippines’ economic performance and interest rates,” Vista Land added.

Vista Land over the last five years years has increased capi-

tal spending in bid to maintain its position as the leading house and lot developer in the country.

Vista Land earlier said it would pursue the residential business as well as the operation of newly-acquired shopping mall unit, Starmalls Inc. Vista Land expects Starmalls this year to expand its leasable area to 850,000 square meters from the current 509,000 sq. m. The increase will come from expansions of existing shopping malls and the completion of new centers.

The expansion of the mall business will enable Starmalls to account for 25 percent of Vista Land’s net income in the

next two years from the current contribution of 10 percent.

Vista Land has a land bank of 2,353.8 hectares nationwide, while Starmalls has 46.9 hectares of raw land as of December 2015.

Vista Land last year posted a 14-percent increase in net income to P7.2 billion from a year ago on higher sales from residential and rental businesses.

Consolidated revenues increased 12 percent to P28.7 billion as real estate sales jumped 12 percent to P24.5 billion, while rental income surged 44 percent to P2.77 billion from P1.9 billion in 2014.

Citem eyes sales of $437m in 2016 CENTER for International Trade Expositions and Missions Inc., country’s export promotions authority, plans to generate as much as $437 million in export and local sales in 2016 by assisting some 1,444 local small and medium enterprises and supporting the creation of up to 411,118 jobs.

The agency is optimistic it can achieve the self-imposed target through sustained participation in overseas marketing events, promotion of the country’s premier global shows Manila FAME and International Food Exhibitions Philippines, and implementation of several support programs and initiatives.

Manila FAME and IFEX in 2015 generated some P29.5 million in revenues from the influx of 1,658 foreign buyers spending an average of 1.5 days at $252 a day.

“Last year’s Manila FAME was estimated to have generated some $27.6 million in potential sales while assisting 622 SMEs and creating 37,682 local jobs,” said Citem executive director Rosvi Gaetos.

Manila FAME is a bi-annual showcase of craftsmanship, design innovation, eco-sustainability and artisanship in Philippine products, featuring finely selected furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts and decor, and fashion accessories designed and crafted in the Philippines for the global market.

SMEs participating in Manila FAME gain CITEM support and assistance in brand building, export coaching, product and merchandise development, young designer development, local and international designer collaboration and permanent showroom.

Slated at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on April 21 to 24, Manila FAME 2016 is expected carry over the momentum of marketing campaign in 2015 to create a distinct Philippine brand widely accepted and recognized in the global export market, signifying quality, value and reliability.

Othel V. Campos

Gautier in PH. Gautier, the premiere French furniture brand, opens its first store in Southeast Asia at Shangri La at the Fort on March 17.

Shown (from left) are Herve Soulard, export manager, Gautier France; John Rice, general manager, Shangri La at the Fort; French Ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Mathou and Mrs. Mathou; David Soulard, chief executive of Gautier France; and Katrina Lim, general manager, Gautier Philippines.

Blims Lifestyle Group is the master franchisee of the global French furniture brand.

Meat processors discover new smuggling scheme A TRADING company has been using the names of meat processors to smuggle meat products into the country, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. said over the weekend.

Pampi president Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. exposed the new modus operandi in smuggling of millions of pesos worth of imported meat products in a letter to Customers Commissioner Albert Lina dated March 21, 2016.

Tiukinhoy, who is also the president of Virginia Foods Inc., said his group discovered that a trading company called AB Foods LLC had been using the names of at least three Pampi member-companies to import pork bellies and frozen boneless beef, without the knowledge of the three firms.

“May I respectfully request your office to unmask and prosecute the meat smugglers, with

particular focus on the customs broker or brokers who facilitated or filed the false import entries with the Bureau of Customs,” Tiukinhoy said in the letter.

Tiukinhoy said his group learned about the modus operandi when the Bureau of Customs published two Customs Watch bulletins on newspapers on March 9 and March 16.

“In the March 16 issue, Virgina Foods Inc. was listed in import entries as a consignee of 28,000 kilograms of buffalo meat allegedly exported by AB Foods LLC. For the record, we neither know nor deal with AB Foods as exporter-supplier. Thus, import documents covering such shipment are spurious,” Tiukinhoy said.

The Pampi official said buffalo meat from India was a restricted and regulated commodity.

“Indian exporters of buffalo

meat are accredited by the Department of Agriculture and AB Foods is not one of them. Therefore, said importation is patently illegal, using falsified SPS [sanitary and phytosanitary] import permits to release the shipment from Customs,” he said.

Another Pampi member, Sunpride Foods, was listed as a consignee of buffalo meat trimmings from AB Foods, although it had no dealings with the trader, Tiukinhoy said.

Tiukinhoy said Frabelle Corp., another Pampi member, also informed him that it was similarly listed as a consignee of pork bellies from AB Foods based on the Customs Watch bulletin published on March 9, 2016. Frabelle denied it had transactions with the alleged exporter.

“Were it not for the publication of the Customs Watch bulletins, our company and others

similarly situated would never have known that our business entities were being used as cover for meat smuggling activities,” Tiukinhoy said.

He urged the Bureau of Customs to prosecute the meat smugglers to clear the name of Pampi, an organization of meat processing companies that play a crucial role in the country’s food security.

Pampi is comprised of 30 members, which account for over P300 billion in annual sales and provide direct and indirect jobs and livelihood to some 300,000 Filipinos.

Pampi cited the need for consistent supply of raw materials such as good quality livestock. It said the high quality of raw materials and world-class technologies would allow the Philippines to export meat products at competitive prices.

MONDAY: MARCH 28, 2016

B6 Binhi

awardees known on March 29 THE country’s best agriculture and environment journalists in 2015 will be known on March 29, 2016, in ceremonies at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City.

The Philippine Agricultural Journalists Inc. and San Miguel Corp. organize the annual Binhi Awards for agricultural journalism.

“Once again, we are proud to stage the 2015 PAJ-SMC Binhi Awards as a fitting tribute to our colleagues covering the agriculture, environment and agribusiness beats,” said PAJ president and former Philippine Star business editor Roman Floresca.

“For the second straight year, we are privileged to have San Miguel Corp. as our major sponsor, and we sincerely thank SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang for his continued generous support,” said Floresca.

Binhi Awards has been conducted since 1978 to recognize the efforts of print and broadcast journalists for their reportage on the major developments and issues in agriculture, fisheries, environment, food and agribusiness sectors.

“We are grateful for your efforts to continuously raise the bar in agriculture journalism and constantly shine a light on this sector.

Through your reportage on their achievements, their struggles, and the opportunities available to them—as well as the ones they create—you serve as a catalyst for growth and help ensure that government and all stakeholders stay focused on the big goal: to develop and strengthen our countryside, and enable and empower our farmers,” San Miguel Corp. said.

BENEL D. LAGUA

GREEN LIGHT “Sustainable development is the masterful balance of meeting our own needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to do the same.” --“Our common future” AS mentioned in Genesis 1:28, man was entrusted as stewards of this earth. Financial institutions today are asked to expand their concerns outside of the economic sphere and to ensure that they support the five pillars of the new sustainable development goals, namely people, prosperity, partnership, peace and planet.

Reporting sustainability initiatives One way this concern is manifested is through the sustainable development reports, using the framework set by the Global Reporting Initiative. The Development Bank of the Philippines has published, since 2008, an annual SDR in addition to its regular finance-oriented annual reports. GRI recently developed G4 guidelines widely applicable to all organizations of the world, regardless of type, sector or size. DBP decided to voluntarily comply with these new global standards, and be the first government financial institution in the country to take the initiative and be an example to the local financial sector in reporting.

By using GRI standards, the bank is able to demonstrate how its products and services had a great impact on countryside development, infrastructure, social development and small and medium enterprises. In our SDR, we highlighted our engagement with the internal stakeholders,

BUSINESS business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com

McDonald’s to open 500th store this year

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Golden Arches Development Corp., the franchise holder of McDonald’s in the Philippines, said it plans to open 30 to 40 new restaurants this year in line with the target to have 500 stores nationwide by end-2016.

Golden Arches president and chief executive Kenneth Yang told reporters in a chance interview the company would pursue an aggressive expansion this year. Kenneth is a son of George Yang, founder and chairman of Golden Arches.

“Around 30 to 40 [stores this year]. We put

up 28 restaurants last year,” said Yang.

He said 2015 was a “very good year,” but he did not provide financial details.

“So far, we’re quite happy with our results,” he said.

Yang said the expansion this year would be driven by economic growth, especially the expansion of the business process outsourcing sector.

“As the BPO community grows, we’ll also grow with them. We’re also looking to be opening stores where they are located,” he said.

He said more McDonald’s branches would open in provincial sites this year.

“We’re still going to open a lot in Metro Manilam but more in the provincial areas, also in the Visayas and Mindanao…This year, we will definitely hit our 500 restaurants,” Yang said.

McDonald’s has more than 460 restaurants nationwide to date and is the second largest fastfood chain, after the homegrown brand Jollibee.

Yang said investment per new store would range from P30 million to P40 million. Each restaurant is expected to create 50 to 80 new jobs, he said.

McDonald’s, a US brand of fastfood restaurants, opened its first restaurant in Illinois in 1955. McDonald’s serves close to 68 million people through its 33,000 restaurants in 119 countries worldwide today.

Businessman George Yang, chairman of Golden Arches, opened the first McDonald’s restaurant in the Philippines in 1981 in Morayta, Manila.

It began its nationwide expansion, with the opening of restaurants in the cities of Cebu and Cagayan De Oro in 1992.

McDonald’s Philippines became a 100-percent Filipino owned company in 2005, when Golden Arches teamed up with Alliance Global Group Inc. of businessman Andrew Tan to buy the remaining stake of US company McDonald’s Corp. in the local unit.

Postbank ISO award.

Tristan Arwen Loveres (third from left), managing director of TUV Rheinland awards to Philippine Postal Savings Bank president and chief executive Cesar Sarino (second from left) an ISO 9001-2008 certification for quality management system. The ISO certification initially covers Postbank’s main office, six micro-banking units and three branches. The remaining 22 branches of Postbank will undergo the ISO certification process throughout 2016.

With them are (from left) Mario Lorenzo, board of director/ corporate secretary; Ma. Salome Villoria Panzo, vice president and compliance officer; and Pinky Villacrusis, senior manager for marketing and sales of TUV Rheinland.

Going beyond bottom line the government, banks’ clients, business organizations and the bank’s beneficiaries and environmental initiatives. Our commitments, relationships and interactions with them are described in the discussion of our economic, environmental, labor, society and product responsibility performance indicators.

The report covers these national development issues where progress was somehow aided by the bank’s products and services. The SDR covered the performance of the head office and 15 regional marketing centers and a network of 92 branches nationwide.

Understanding impacts With the contributions of various departments of the bank, a sustainable development report committee was formed which this author chaired. Aside from reviewing our own performance, we also gave particular attention to our clients’ feedback as a vital source of our information in this report. It is also our vow to consistently develop systems and processes that will enable a better understanding of our impact on the community; and advance positive ingenuities toward a more socially responsible corporate culture.

Also included in this report is the discussion on our corporate responsibility and sustainable initiatives along with our issues, challenges and planned actions, a general description of the bank’s sustainable development policy and the specific practices it translates in the management of our business. Protocols for financial reporting guided our economic disclosures, while environmental data were culled

from our environmental management system and the greenhouse gas standards.

Some of the focal points in the report are environment and social impact. In 2002, DBP adopted the environmental management system under the ISO 14001 Standards. We are the first Philippine bank to receive such distinction. Although we increased the number of our branches over the years, our monitoring shows that our continued efforts help reduce our overall environment footprint. We also had a paperlite program to which our business units are encouraged to maximize information and communications technology to streamline processes and lessen use of paper as well as paper works. The bank also promoted and institutionalized department portals a knowledge base and information source. Aside from that, we also implemented since 2010 eco-safe driving wherein driving techniques, right type of fuel and vehicle specifications must be put into consideration.

Giving back We give back to mother nature through our DBP forest program which was conceptualized in 2005. We all know that massive deforestation caused rural and upland communities to experience tragedies such as typhoon Yolanda. We are able to provide financial assistance to eligible partners in protecting the environment specifically in the area of watershed and coastal areas by tree-planting activities. Today, we have more than 42 forest projects nationwide under this program and there is a regular monitoring and coordination with our forest partners. This is one of the many ways

we think of contributing to the reduction of climate change effects.

In terms of social services, housing, healthcare and education are a basic need of any human being. Understanding this, DBP’s social development and CSR programs focused on financing the provision of these basic necessities to create and promote an environment conducive to further community development and productive economic activity.

A good number of LGU projects were given approvals to finance their construction projects from government buildings to tourism related development and land development for shelter. A decade has elapsed for our DBP endowment for education program, our flagship CSR that funds intelligent students’ collegiate educations from marginalized sector.

We also have our sustainable healthcare investment program in partnership with Asian Development Bank and KfW Development Bank for funding hospital projects as well as proper waste management projects.

Banking for the planet In conclusion, our continuous pledges are summarized with these words outlined in our SDR: “Development banking means participation - Engaging our stakeholders: We strive to maintain a working environment rooted in strong ethic and respect for our people and others.”

“Economic Sustainability - Development Banking for Prosperity: We believe that our economic performance must be anchored in prosperity that is equitably

shared by all.”

“Development banking for the planet: We believe that our planet’s limited resources must be used in the most judicious manner possible so that their benefits go a long way in improving lives and can be shared by more people.”

“Development banking for productivity: We seek and keep the right people to be able to provide the right financial products and services that are responsive to the needs of the country and its people.”

“Development banking for progress: We spur economic growth and resiliency through projects that have an impact on the environment and communities.”

Preparing an SDR report requires firm commitment of valuable time and resources, but it is well worth it as the institution aims to measure the outcomes and impact of its program. Hopefully, more institutions especially in the private sector will see the value of this additional engagement so we all know we are making a difference in this world. Let us all work together in conserving this earth for the future stewards of the world.

An AIM-MBM and Harvard MPA graduate, Benel Lagua is in the faculty of the De La Salle Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business teaching courses in financial management. He is likewise EVP and Chief Development Officer of the DBP. The views expressed above are his own and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the De La Salle University, its administration and faculty.

M O N D AY : M A R C H 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

WORLD

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

B7

Belgium charges attacks suspect BRUSSELS—Belgium charged a suspect thought to be the fugitive third Brussels airport bomber with terrorist murder, as a Sunday peace march for the victims was canceled for security reasons after the attacks in the heart of Europe.

Fashion week. This photo taken on March 26, 2016, shows models parading creations during the “Asahi Kasei China Fashion Designer Creative awards” 2016/17 A/W collection Show designed by Liu Sicong at the China Fashion Week in Beijing. AFP

Syrian forces retake ancient city from IS PALMYRA—Syrian troops backed by Russian forces recaptured the famed ancient city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group on Sunday in a major victory over the jihadists.

Army sappers were defusing mines and bombs planted by IS in the city’s ancient ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site where the jihadists sparked a global outcry with the systematic destruction of treasured monuments, a military source said.

IS lost at least 400 fighters in the battle for the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. On the government side, 188 troops and militiamen were killed.

“That’s the heaviest losses that IS has sustained in a single battle since its creation” in 2013, the director of the Britain-based monitoring group, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP. “It is a symbolic defeat for

IS comparable with that in Kobane,” a town on the Turkish border where Kurdish fighters held out against a monthslong siege by IS in 2014-15, he added.

IS, behind a string of attacks in the West including last week’s Brussels bombings, is under growing pressure from Syrian and Iraqi military offensives to retake bastions of its self-proclaimed “caliphate”.

On Thursday, the Iraqi army announced the launch of an offensive to recapture second city Mosul, held by the jihadists since June 2014.

“After heavy fighting during the night, the army is in full control of Palmyra—both the ancient site and the residential neighborhoods,” the military source told AFP. IS fighters pulled out, retreating towards the towns of Sukhnah and Deir Ezzor to the east.

Troops also captured the airport southeast of the city, the source added.

The Observatory said the pullout had been ordered by IS high command.

“A handful of IS fighters are refusing to leave the city and seem to want to fight on to the bitter end,” Abdel Rahman said.

IS overran the Palmyra ruins and adjacent modern city in May 2015.

It blew up two of the site’s treasured temples, its triumphal arch and a dozen tower tombs, in a campaign of destruction that UNESCO described as a war crime punishable by the International Criminal Court.

The jihadists used Palmyra’s ancient amphitheater as a venue for public executions, including the beheading of the city’s 82-year-old former antiquities chief.

UNESCO chief Irina Bokova on Thursday welcomed the Syrian government offensive to recapture the city.

“Palmyra has been a symbol

of the cultural cleansing plaguing the Middle East,” she said.

The oasis city’s recapture is a strategic as well as symbolic victory for President Bashar alAssad, since it provides control of the surrounding desert extending all the way to the Iraqi border.

Russian forces, which intervened in support of longtime ally Assad last September, have been heavily involved in the offensive to retake Palmyra despite a major draw-down last week.

Russian warplanes conducted more than 40 combat sorties in just 24 hours from Friday to Saturday, targeting “158 terrorist” positions, according to the Russian defense ministry.

Elsewhere in Syria, a ceasefire in areas held by the government and non-jihadist rebels has largely held since February 27, in a boost to diplomatic efforts to end a five-year war that has killed more than 270,000 people. AFP

Army chief promises to uphold democracy NAYPYIDAW—Myanmar’s powerful army chief vowed Sunday to keep the nation “on the path to democracy”, days before Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government takes office after decades of army rule.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks at an annual display of military might by Myanmar’s armed forces, a body that long crushed democratic aspirations with an iron fist but has since stewarded the country through a remarkable transition.

“I would solemnly impart the fact that the Tatmadaw [army] will cooperate to bring about the prosperity of the Union and its citizens,” he said

during a speech to troops at the annual Armed Forces Day parade in the capital Naypyidaw.

“The two main obstacles to democratization are a failure to abide by the rule of law and regulations and the presence of armed insurgencies. These could lead to chaotic democracy,” he added.

“Only if these two obstacles are properly tackled and overcome will there be advancement on the path to democracy.”

Myanmar has undergone a stunning political transformation since 2011, blossoming from isolation under successive juntas to become an increasingly vibrant nation.

Its growing political openness was crowned by a historic November election that saw Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy storm to victory.

After a lengthy transition her government will take over from the outgoing armybacked administration on Wednesday, ending more than five decades of direct and indirect military rule.

Suu Kyi, who is banned by a military-era constitution from becoming president, will serve as foreign minister but has vowed to rule through her proxy president Htin Kyaw.

Her ability to cooperate with and confront the still powerful military will be a crucial test of

her government, which faces a range of challenges including poverty, corruption, years of chronic under-investment and insurgencies by ethnic minority rebels.

The military still holds strong political sway under a charter that reserves a quarter of parliament seats for unelected soldiers and grants the army chief direct control over three key ministries: home affairs, border affairs and defense.

It also has significant financial clout, with two sprawling military-owned conglomerates owning vast chunks of the economy and decades of wealth accumulated by the military elite over the years. AFP

The postponement of the Easter Sunday rally underscored the tension in Belgium as police track members of an Islamic State group cell linked to both Tuesday’s Brussels attacks that killed 31 as well as the Paris assaults in November.

The airport suspect officially identified as Faycal C, and named by sources close to the inquiry as Faycal Cheffou, was arrested on Thursday night as investigators believe he could be the third man pictured in airport surveillance footage alongside two suicide bombers.

The third man, wearing a distinctive dark hat and light-colored jacket, has been the subject of a massive manhunt after he fled the scene when his device failed to go off in the attack at Zaventem airport.

In the grieving Belgian capital, a defiant “March Against Fear” had been planned for Sunday from the central Place de La Bourse, which has become a shrine to the victims, but was called off after authorities said the mass gathering could draw much-needed resources away from the investigation.

“Let us allow the security services to do their work and that the march, which we too want to take part in, be delayed for several weeks,” Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said.

March organizers said the “security of our citizens is an absolute priority. We join the authorities in proposing a delay and ask people not to come this Sunday.”

Brussels airport meanwhile said an examination of the main building housing the

departure hall wrecked by two suicide bombers showed the structure is stable and authorities will now see if temporary check-in desks can be installed.

In a separate statement earlier the airport said it did not expect to be able to reopen before Tuesday, with a partial resumption of passenger services, as it repaired the damage and put in place new security measures.

Ministers insist they did everything possible to prevent Tuesday’s attacks and track a network also linked to November’s Paris attacks, but the Belgian government is facing a torrent of criticism at home and abroad.

Many believe it failed to do enough to stop young Belgian fighters going to Syria, and two senior ministers have offered to resign after it emerged airport bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui had been deported from Turkey as a “terrorist fighter”.

“It is an endless nightmare for a country turned upside down,” said Le Soir daily in a front-page editorial.

Heavily armed soldiers and police patrolled Brussels and the airport on Saturday, as the city that is home to the EU and NATO headquarters remained on high alert.

Prosecutors charged three people including Faycal C, who is the first person formally accused over the suicide attacks on the airport and the Maalbeek metro station.

Le Soir said on its website that the suspect had been identified by a taxi driver who drove the three bombers to the airport on Tuesday.

AFP

N OT I CE O F D I S SO LUT I O N The public is h e r e by notified that C R I M S O N LO G I C P H I L I P P I N E S , I N C . a c o r p o r a t i o n o r g a n i z e d a n d ex i s t i n g u n d e r Philippine laws, with registered address a t 2 5 t h F l o o r, 8 8 C o r p o r a t e C e n t e r, 141 Va l e r o S t r e e t c o r S e d e ñ o S t r e e t , S a l c e d o V i l l a g e, M a k a t i C i t y, P h i l i p p i n e s , w i l l b e D I S S O LV E D t h r o u g h s h o r t e n i n g of corporate term in accordance with S e c t i o n 12 0 o f t h e C o r p o r a t i o n C o d e. T h e c o r p o r a t i o n`s d i s s o l u t i o n w i l l t a ke e f f e c t u p o n a p p r ova l by t h e a m e n d m e n t m a d e o n t h e c o r p o r a t i o n`s A r t i c l e s o f I n c o r p o r a t i o n to shor ten its corporate term. ( T S - M A R . 21, 2 8 & A P R . 4 , 2 016)

M O N D AY : M A R C H 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

B8

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO EDITOR

editorial@thestandard.com.ph

WORLD

Performance. Guitarist Alex Skolnick, singer Chuck Billy, and guitarist Eric Peterson of Testament perform at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on March 26, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Gathering to rescue ocean life Israel sees heady future for medical marijuana

PARIS—It took a decade to get to the negotiating table, and it could easily take another to finish the job, but UN talks in New York to safeguard life in the high seas finally begin in earnest Monday.

KFAR PINES, Israel—With its moat, wall, barbed wire, armed guards and security cameras, the facility could be mistaken for a military base if it weren’t for the pungent odor of marijuana in the air.

Here, on the outskirts of a quiet village in northern Israel, 50,000 plants of 230 varieties grow at the country’s second-largest medical cannabis plantation.

“For cannabis, we are in the promised land with a good climate, 300 days of sunshine each year and perfect levels of humidity,” said Tamir Gedo, head of BOL Pharma, a company authorized by the Israeli health ministry to grow and distribute medical cannabis.

The recreational use of cannabis is illegal in the Jewish state, but for the past 10 years its therapeutic use has not only been permit-

The stakes could hardly be higher, experts and diplomats agree.

Oceans produce half the oxygen we breathe, regulate the weather, and provide humanity’s single largest source of protein.

Without them, Earth would be just another barren rock in the Universe.

And yet humanity has harvested marine species upon which we depend to the edge of extinction, and used the seas as a collective garbage dump.

Climate change, meanwhile, has altered the ocean’s basic chemistry in ways that raise the specter of a mass extinction that scientists say is already under way.

Today, a patchwork of agreements and regulatory bodies govern shipping, fishing, and mineral ex-

ted but also encouraged.

Last year, doctors prescribed the herb to about 25,000 patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress and degenerative diseases.

The purpose is not to cure them but to alleviate their symptoms.

The use of cannabis in medicine divides doctors around the issues of addiction and behavioral problems such as aggression.

Nevertheless, it has long been known to revive lost appetite and to help in treating sleep disorders, anxiety and inflammation, its supporters say.

They say much research remains to be done but it is advancing faster in Israel, where the authorities allow human clinical trials than in many other countries. AFP

traction, while the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, negotiated in the 1970s, lays out the rules for how far a nation’s zone of influence extends beyond its shores.

But in what may be the biggest legal loophole in history, geographically speaking, there is no international treaty protecting marine areas beyond national jurisdiction—that’s two-thirds of the surface of the oceans, and half the planet’s.

The result has been a kind of aquatic “Far West”, a case study for what has sometimes been called the tragedy of the commons.

“Very early we decided that the high seas were for everybody and nobody, because everyone owns them and nobody takes responsibility for them,” said Callum

Roberts, a marine biologist at the University of York in England.

For most of human history, the vast expanse of open ocean was seen as a distance to travel across rather than a resource to exploit.

But a global population closing in on 10 billion, along with lethally efficient advances in technology, have created the will and the way to pillage marine flora and fauna as never before.

Currently, about 12 percent of the 90 million tons of fish harvested every year come from the high seas, but that percentage could climb quickly.

“On the high seas, anything goes,” said a European diplomat who will take part in the talks.

“The aim of this future agreement is precisely to set up a system of governance to constrain the impact of human activity,” he said, requesting anonymity.

The meeting Monday of the “preparatory committee” is the first of four two-week sessions scheduled through the end of 2017. AFP

Trump burned in effigy in Mexico MEXICO CITY—An effigy of US presidential contender Donald Trump—a hated figure for many in Mexico—was set ablaze late Saturday in a contemporary twist on a Holy Week ritual.

A smiling figure of the billionaire American businessman went up in flames during the Easter eve “Burning of Judas,” a tradition in which Mexicans torch effigies of the devil and of public figures they dislike.

In a neighborhood of the Mexican capital city, this year the devil took the form of Trump, who is notorious here for comments

made during his presidential campaign accusing Mexican immigrants in the United States of being criminals and rapists.

About 200 people attended the event late Saturday, in which a six-foot papier-mache likeness of Trump wearing a blue suit, white shirt and red tie was torched.

The figure was created by Felipe Linares, who has been making effigies for more than 50 years at a workshop founded by his father in the early 20th century.

This year he made likenesses of the devil, President Enrique

Pena Nieto, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Trump—all of which went up in flames.

Linares told AFP the likeness of Trump was chosen “because we don’t like him. He speaks ill of Mexicans.”

He was referring to the real estate tycoon’s remarks on the campaign trail describing Mexican migrants as criminals and rapists.

The Holy Week tradition of burning effigies is believed to symbolically dispel evil, while torching the Judas figure exacts revenge for the death of Jesus. AFP

Mass. King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium arrive at St Peter’s square before the start of the Easter Sunday mass on March 27, 2016, in the Vatican. Christians around the world are marking the Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ leading up to his resurrection on Easter. 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 WRITER

life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

E aT, drInK , T r aV EL

LIFE

Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Truffle Corn Aji Amarillo

Toro Tartar with Caviar and Wasabi Soy Sauce, Oyster Tiradito

ChEf NObu: ONE NIghT ONly IN MANIlA

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hef Nobu Matsuhisa returned to Manila for a one-night-only eightcourse Omakase dinner last March 17 to oblige his fans to get a taste of his signature cooking. This is the first time he visited the eponymously named Nobu Hotel in City of Dreams Manila after its lavish opening last year.

In a luncheon press interview prior to the dinner, Chef Nobu charmed members of the media with his light, humble and funny personality. He was in Manila for the pre-construction and opening of the hotel but the renowned celebrity chef has yet to experience the Philippines, and he joked about the sights he has seen so far.

“We’ve seen a little of the city, its traffic,” he laughs, “an old church, and a grass park.”

But he says that next time he visits, he would love to see sights outside of the city, particularly mentioning Cebu and other parts of the country to fully experience what Philippines has to offer.

The 67-year-old Nobu has had an expansive career and a successful partnership with celebrity actor Robert De Niro that skyrocketed his fame in the hospitality and restaurant industry. After the two opened the first Nobu restaurant in New York, the Nobu brand has now turned into an empire that spans worldwide with locations in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Milan, the Bahamas, Melbourne, Dubai, Cape Town, Moscow, Mexico City, Budapest, Perth, Monte Carlo, Kuala Lumpur, and United States locations in Las

Vegas, Malibu, Miami Beach, Dallas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Waikiki, Lana’I, and now in the Philippines which marks the first Nobu hotel in Asia.

Clad in his chef uniform and tennis shoes, his humble demeanor makes everyone feel at home and comfortable around him. And he jokes, “I don’t want to say who I am, sometimes I do the joke, “Do you know who I am?” he laughs, adding, “but I respect the people. In my life, a lot of people supported me, and I have much appreciation for these people,” he says. “My philosophy never changed since I was a kid,” he continues. He likewise shares the lessons that his grandmother taught him: that one cannot be two faced and should deal people with just one straight face.

“Don’t go the easy way, and always try your best. I never changed my philosophy; I love people,” he avers.

During the interview, his Manila team was all praises for the humble Chef. “It doesn’t feel like you’re working when you’re around him,” shares head chef Mike de Jesus. “He walks around and enjoys his tennis shoes, a very humble man. When you meet Nobu he is down to earth for a man who amassed such a great career. The first time I met him, he asked to cook beside me. He is someone who enjoys cooking with his staff and knows your name. It has set my tone for my career,” De Jesus shares.

Nobu Restaurants Group COO Hiro Tahara adds, “How he lives, how he treats us, that became our company’s philosophy.

It is a very humble way, we always need to act like him. He treats every one like a family. He is a boss, business owner, plus he acts like a father and a mentor.”

Nobu restaurant is known for its simple but flavorful dishes with a surprising and unforgettable kick. Asked about the kind of dish that his life and career can be related, he answered: “Any dish. Cooking is not

only technique; the most important for me is how much heart you put into the food.

Like mother makes food for her kids, it cannot be lazy.”

For reservations, contact City of Dreams Manila’s hotline at 8008080 or the restaurant’s direct line at 6912882. You may also email guestservices@cod-manila.com.

Chef Nobu during the press launch at Nobu Manila in City of Dreams

Akadashi Soup with Asari Clam and Nameko Mushrooms

Nobu Hotel Manila general manager Marlon Hirsh, Nobu Manila restaurant manager Kenny Hernandez, Head Chef Mike de Jesus, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Nobu Restaurants Group chief operating officer Hiro Tahara

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

Where's Marcel? Culture blend features mild roast with smooth finish

@LIFEatStandard

Muesli by Chef Christine Paredes

For the love oF coFFee

F

Where’s Marcel? specialty coffee noW in the philippines

or many people, no drink can be more perfect than coffee. In fact, some can’t start the day right without a cup of their favorite brew. Coffee lovers also go to great lengths to indulge in their passion for coffee, and they’d be happy to know that Australia’s specialty coffee roastery and cafe chain – Where’s Marcel? – has recently opened its flagship outlet in the Philippines.

Coffee fans don’t have to go far to enjoy a uniquely personalized consumer experience because Where’s Marcel? is now here, bringing new flavors that come from the highest qualification of coffee bean from all over the world. The specialty coffeehouse is born out of a long-time dream and passion by its director, Marcel Ruggieri.

“Our focus right now is to deliver customer experience to introduce the brand, to expose the market to specialty level of coffee and unique Melbourne-style of coffee enjoyment,” says Ruggieri.

What’s special about Where’s Marcel? is that it puts strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. “Filipinos are very welcoming and they appreciate the coffee lifestyle, which makes it a very exciting opportunity for us to become part of this coffee evolution in the Philippines,” he adds.

Marcel Ruggieri

Different coffee blends PHoToS by STaR SabRoSo

Where’s Marcel? offers customers a new coffee drinking experience that is also personalized, as Filipino baristas who worked hand-in-hand with guest baristas from Australia will help customers discover their own coffee affinity, letting them experience new tastes and allowing them to evolve their palate.

Where’s Marcel? sources 100 percent of its beans directly from local farmers, and the brand is also equally proud of the way

its green bean buying program supports farmers across the globe in pursuit of ethically sustainable farming practices. “By directly trading with farmers, we can give back more to them,” says Ruggieri.

Along with new specialty drinks, Where’s Marcel? also serves a unique “Aussie” food menu consisting of signature offerings like desserts, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches exclusively prepared

by Chef Sau del Rosario and Chef Christine

Paredes. The choices will also constantly evolve to elevate both the dine-in and take-away experience. Diners will soon get to enjoy the Nicoise Salad, the to-diefor Rueben Sandwich, cold Soba Noodles, Pumpkin Soup with a Twist, and pastries.

Where’s Marcel?’s Brew Bar Menu offers various brewing methods – Batch Brew, Cold Drip Filter, Aero Press, and V60.

Currently, the brand offers three different blends: Culture (mild roast with a smooth finish), Evolve (dark, richer roast) and Decaf. People who just want to hang out and unwind will appreciate the mid-century modern space design by interior stylist Nix Alañon, principal designer of FTA Design.

So still looking for a uniquely personalized coffee experience? The search is over because Where’s Marcel? is here.

Where’s Marcel? is located along Pearl Drive Avenue in Ortigas City beside the University of Asia and the Pacific. For more fresh updates, like its official FB page wheresmarcelph and Instagram account @wheresmarcelph. A free cupping session will also be held in the next few weeks so customers can acquaint themselves more about the different flavors of coffee with announcements to be made via Facebook and Instagram.

celebrate spring with TWG Tea Spring is one of the most beautiful and celebrated seasons especially in Japan where cherry blossoms virtually cover the country with a soft pink glow.

People from all over the world travel to Japan to celebrate the annual hanami or cherry blossom viewing ceremony that started in the 8th century during the Nara period in Japan.

TWG Tea, one of the finest luxury tea brands in the world, pays a fitting tribute with the introduction of the 2016 edition of Sakura! Sakura! Haute Couture Tea. This fine green tea, which is produced in limited quantity

– comes in with notes of cherry blossom and is TWG Tea’s unique interpretation and celebration of the centuries-old ceremony.

The golden infusion with a subtle floral fragrance is likened to spring in a teacup, bringing one on an unforgettable journey of discovery to one of the most captivating seasons in Japan. The Sakura!

Sakura! Haute Couture Tea comes in a golden yellow box reminiscent of warm sunlight permeating through the clouds. TWG Tea’s selection of enchanting tea-infused macarons goes very well with the Sakura! Sakura! Haute Couture Tea. The macarons are accented by the

natural flavor of green tea with notes of cherry blossoms fragrance, and are available in the limited edition Sakura! Sakura! macaron gift box of six, 12 or 24 and priced at P330, P605 and P1210 respectively. TWG Tea Sakura! Sakura! Haute Couture Tea retails at P1595 and will be available at all TWG Tea locations in Philippines starting April 1.

In the Philippines, TWG Tea is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Power Plant Mall, and Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. Follow @TWGTeaPH on Instagram for more information.

TWG Tea's 2016 edition of Sakura! Sakura! Haute Couture Tea

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

@LIFEatStandard

Bourekas is an open croissant sandwich filled with tomatoes, eggs and freshly made pesto

Crumble Cheesecake

Chaplin is a perfect place for your early morning coffee

Coffee, Pastries, and a little bit of ChaPlin

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haplin is one of the newest restaurants at the breezy 4th floor of Century City Mall. The place looks very inviting as well as chic and contemporary. And the minute you sit on a chair, you get hit by a feeling of comfort. You wonder if Chaplin was inspired by the comedian Charlie Chaplin, but as soon as you look at all the framed puns about coffee and food around the walls, you’d see the funny connection. “The more you weigh, the harder you are to kidnap.” “Stay safe, eat cake.”

Chaplin adds to the novelty of the hangout area in Century City, and the food is also something new for the discerning palate.

A little bit familiar, yet a little new for your brunch or coffee break – the food is continental with a hint of Middle-Eastern flair that is prepared from scratch in their kitchen. Almost every dish refreshingly

comes with salad and the interesting MiddleEastern menu items are already becoming a hit to their customers. The Shakshouka is something you don’t normally order in your neighborhood coffee shop; it is a dish with poached eggs on a bed of tomato sauce. At Chaplin, you can indulge in this signature dish and scoop in every drop with the freshly baked ciabatta that comes with it. Another one on the hit list is bourekas, a pastry made of a thin flaky dough known as phyllo, reminiscent of an open croissant sandwich filled with tomatoes, eggs and freshly made pesto. Thinking about the crispiness once you bite on it already makes your mouth water.

And if you’re into vegetarian dishes, there are a lot of them indicated on the menu. Order and they will serve up delectable healthy dishes without the dreaded animal fat.

Here, breakfast is served all day, and you can indulge in contemporary and Middle-Eastern taste or get something familiar to home like a Filipino brekkie of beef tapa and eggs. They have at least five salads on the menu and you can opt for their signature Chaplin salad, Feta Salad (which has been becoming a popular order), Chicken Salad, Greek and Tuna Salad. You also have an option to make your own 10-inch pizza and choose your own toppings. For a unique serving, best to try Chaplin pizza used with their flavorful Shakshouka sauce.

Their dessert menu is so comforting you would want to try everything. But before you order all, best to try Crumble Cheesecake first, because this has been selling quickly off the menu.

Chaplin managing director Marx Cyrus Cruz takes pride in the food that they serve from the kitchen as everything is made from scratch and the breads are always guaranteed freshly baked from their ovens.

If you don’t want to stay and lounge at the wide hug-me bucket lounge seats, you can surely take home some freshly baked bread and eat it in the comfort of your home.

The restaurant has only been opened for a couple of weeks but the people’s reception of the place has been amazing.

They lounge and sit around the whole day, meet up for coffee, work on their laptops while drinking and eating their freshly baked bread, pastries, and desserts – it almost feels like the place is designed for people not to leave. From brunch to lunch, to afternoon snacks, dinner and drinks after work, Chaplin is a perfect place to bring your friends for a swanky dine-out in comforting posh surroundings.

Chaplin is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily and is located at the breezy Roof Deck of Century City Mall, Makati City. For more information, visit Chaplin Restaurant on Facebook and @chaplin_ph on Instagram.

Ph to host World Street Food congress 2016 The Filipino street food scene will take centerstage as the country hosts the 2016 edition of the World Street Food Congress on April 20 to 24 at Bonifacio Global City.

WSFC is an international culinary affair founded by KF Seetoh of Makansutra – a company that celebrates and promotes food culture. According to the Makansutra website, the event seeks to preserve, professionalize and create new possibilities for the world’s comfort food and street food culture.

From its headquarters in Singapore, the four-year-old culinary event goes to the Philippines for the first time. WSFC 2016 will celebrate and address the inherent opportunities of heritage street food culture.

The Tourism Promotions Board, Department of Tourism, Makansutra and Ayala Malls recently launched the WSFC 2016 via a 15-hour food frenzy safari around Metro Manila and Pampanga.

“We are very excited that the Philippines will be hosting the WSFC 2016,” enthuses TPB chief operations officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III. “This will once again highlight our country as one of the best culinary destinations in the world, and it is an opportunity for us to share to the global audience the richness and contemporary edge of Filipino gastronomy.”

Joining Seetoh in the food tour were Indonesia’s culinary ambassador Chef William Wongso, Our Awesome Planet’s

WSFC 2016 will be held at Bonifacio Global City

Anton Diaz, Chef Sau del Rosario, RJ Ledesma of Mercato Centrale and Singapore’s DJ Rosalyn Lee. The street food safari kicked off at 7:00 a.m. at BGC then proceeded to food stops at Pampanga, Binondo and back to BGC at around 10:00 p.m. The itinerary included Recovery Food, Everybody’s Cafe, Aling Lucing’s Sisig, Cafe Fleur, Sarsa Kitchen + Bar and Mercato Centrale Night Market.

Traditional favorites such as tapsilog, sisig, kare-kare, lumpia and lechon were among the numerous iconic Filipino dishes the participants sampled during the jampacked trip.

Meanwhile, the WSFC events happening in April include The World Street Food Dialogue, a conference and networking event designed for trade, tourism and industry professionals; The World Street Food Jamboree, a showcase of unique and iconic street food from 24 hawkers around the world; and The World

The food festival will be held at Federacion Drive and 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City from April 20 to 24 featuring 24 Street Food Masters from up to 10 countries

Street Food Awards, a recognition of the best street food masters and top advocates of comfort street food excellence.

Considered as the Philippine Food Month, April is packed with other major culinary events such as the Madrid Fusión Manila 2016, the biggest and most important gastronomic event in Asia in the

21st century; and Flavors of the Philippines, a month-long food extravaganza that showcases the unique tastes of classic, contemporary and exotic Filipino food from all over the country.

Visit www.tpb.gov.ph for more updates on WSFC 2016 and Philippine Food Month.

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LIFE life @ thestandard.com .ph

A Chamorro couple in front of the Guam booth

@LIFEatStandard

Hundreds waiting to be served at the Cebu Pacific booth

SUMMEr TravEL BargaiNS merCury rising

By BoB zozoBrado

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he Philippine Travel Agencies Association, or PTAA, is the biggest organization of tourism-related establishments in the country. It now counts 582 members, a big leap from the little-over-a-hundred members it had three decades ago. It is now a potent factor in the country’s Tourism Industry, as it works hand in hand with our Department of Tourism in all of the government agency’s promotional efforts.

Twenty-three years ago, PTAA put up an event to showcase the products of its members to the metro’s holiday-seekers.

That was the Travel Tour Expo (TTE), which first opened at the exhibition halls of SM Megamall, the biggest venue for such events at the time. When the place became too small because of the continuously increasing number of exhibitors, TTE moved to the World Trade Center. But when the bigger and the more attractive SMX at the Mall of Asia opened its doors, it became the yearly venue for TTE. The Travel Tour Expo is a 3-day activity that always begins on a Friday and ends on Sunday. It has evolved into a muchawaited annual industry event covering

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all segments of the travel business, making it the biggest event for the country’s travel and tourism industry. At this year’s edition, more than 100,000 visitors came to the venue to check out the more than 1,000 booth spaces occupied by over 300 tourism-related establishments.

It used to be that potential travelers looking for new destinations, and students of Tourism and Hospitality Management schools, would be the dominant visitors to the event. But these days, bargain hunters flock to the venue and take up every single space of the humongous hall, as they queue up for the super-discounted air or cruise tickets, or extremely discounted hotel and resort packages to different destinations in the country and the world. These bargains are made available to the public only for the duration of the TTE. You can tell when the Travel Tour Expo is being held at the SMX because you’ll see extremely long queues crisscrossing its cavernous halls extending all the way outside the building. In fact, even if doors of SMX Mall of Asia open at 8:00 a.m., people would already be queuing outside as early as 5:00 a.m. because they want to be sure that the best deals – the superdiscounted air fares, the very inexpensive hotel and resort packages, etc. – are still available for them.

Since TTE is held every February, people find it the perfect time to plan their summer vacations or their trips for the rest of the year. Many people in the metro and in the neighboring provinces have now made the Travel Tour Expo a necessity, an integral part of their vacation planning. Some even

work their vacation plans around what bargains they can get from the Expo, which I must say, is a clever way to enjoy life… at rates that are next-to-nothing!

I always make it a point to visit the TTE every year, just to see what “good deals” are being offered, and to say HELLO! to a lot of my travel industry friends. It pleases me to see that, every year, patronage to the event continues to increase. I find it more and more difficult to “window shop” through the many booths because the aisles are now always clogged with eager bargain-hunters. I used to be able to cover all the booths in less than an hour, but these past couple of years, it has taken me almost two hours to check out the entire place.

Of course, it didn’t help that since three years ago, the organizers have decided to stage the event on two floors of SMX. Because of the sheer number of customers that queue up for their booth throughout the day, they had to put Philippine Airlines on the second floor, far away from the Cebu Pacific booth which also attracts just as many patrons, and the Air Asia booth which also has its own legion of followers.

This year’s Travel Tour Expo’s highly anticipated ad

As a disciple of our country’s Tourism industry, I can’t help but gloat over TTE’s success through the years, a clear indication that our industry is indeed booming, and that the future of those who have established their careers in the industry is certainly bright.

I hope you have availed of some of the many Summer Travel Bargains offered at TTE. If not, watch out for next year’s edition.

I’m sure they will even offer much more to choose from… at unbelievably low prices!

For feedback, I'm at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

yoUr MoNday CHUCKLE: BoSS To hIS FrIEnd: Times have really changed. my secretary resigned yesterday.

FrIEnd: Why? BoSS: She caught me having coffee with my wife!

Earn poInTS To TravEL ThE WorLd

oyalty does pay off. And in the case of Citi cardholders, their points will now bring them to places they desire, thanks to Citi ThankYou Rewards, which is now available for Philippine customers.

“Citi was the first credit card to introduce a rewards program to recognize customer loyalty nearly 25 years ago,” shares Citi Philippines Credit Payment Products head Davis Stoughton.

He continues, “Since then, our Rewards Points have become a powerful currency that has allowed our over one million customers to redeem their reward of choice, be it a small appliance or the latest electronic gadget or business class air tickets.”

Citi ThankYou Rewards allows Citi cardholders to choose their preferred rewards online via Travel Portal.

Cardholders can redeem points, miles or rebates for flights, hotels or vacation packages and receive instant confirmation when they book online.

According to Citi officials, the Travel Portal also serves as a platform where a user can access a comparison of flight and hotel rates similar to other popular travel deal aggregators. “(This allows) Citi customers to book discounted airfares and hotels on the spot,” explains Citi senior vice president for Credit Payment Products Mon del Rosario.

With the Travel Portal, cardholders only need to indicate where they want to go

and the site will show the cheapest airfare and hotel accommodation available.

Furthermore, Citi periodically introduces special promotions and discounts that can only be availed of through the site. In case the cardholder’s points are not enough to avail the deal he prefers, he can still redeem it and simply top up by charging the rest to his card.

Apart from the Travel Portal, Citi ThankYou Rewards also offers a catalogue with a wide range of local and international merchandise. Categories include gadgets, apparel, luggage, beauty, home and garden, jewelry, kitchen, office, cash credits, charities and more.

Citi ThankYou Rewards also allow

points or miles to be transferred to frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs – provided that it is a Citi partner like Asia Miles, British Airways Executive Club, Cebu Pacific’s GetGo, Delta SkyMiles, Eva Air, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue, Garuda Indonesia, Malaysia Airlines Enrich, PAL Mabuhay Miles, Qantas, Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Hilton HHonors, IHG Intercontinental Club and Club Carlson.

To learn more about the exclusive benefits available through Citi ThankYou rewards, visit www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24hour CitiPhone Hotline at (02) 995-9999.

m onDAy : m A RcH 2 8, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

Lights off: Taking the lead in efforts to spark awareness and inspire society to combat the adverse effects of global warming, Sm Supermalls and all its 56 malls took part in the celebration of Earth Hour Saturday night (march 19)

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Sm celebrity endorser Anne curtis , Leonardo Leviste, chief executive officer of Solar Philippines and climate change commissioner Frances Veronica, hold their climate action placard during the 2016 Earth Hour celebration at Sm mega mall in mandaluyong city

SM SupERMallS lEaD EaRTh hOuR 2016

aking the lead in efforts to spark awareness and inspire society to combat the adverse effects of global warming, SM Supermalls and all its 56 malls took part in the celebration of Earth Hour Saturday night, March 19.

Leading the official switch off at the SM Megamall were World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s Charicesma Salao, Climate Change Commissioner Frances Veronica, Solar Philippines CEO Leonardo Leviste, and SM celebrity endorser Anne Curtis.

Aside from its malls throughout the country, its six SM malls in China namely Xiamen, Jinjang, Chenghua, Wuzhong, Yubei, and Zichuan also participated in the simultaneous hour-long “lights-off ” moment between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m..

The hour-long program was culminated by a light show wherein performers used LED lights and costumes to the delight of the audience composed of families spending their weekends at the mall.

Solar Philippines’ Leviste thanked SM Supermalls for their successful partnership in developing the rooftops of SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia as the largest solar powered commercial rooftops in Southeast Asia.

Salao noted the importance of the event saying lowering carbon emissions will spur economic growth and how a shift to renewable energy can lead to a “climate resilient” Philippines that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

Victorio said the Earth Hour is one small step towards achieving resiliency and making the people know about the importance of energy conservation and other environment-friendly initiatives. “This small act for the environment no matter how small, multiplied by the millions, would make the difference,” she said.

Curtis, on the other hand, performed for the crowd and shared her advocacy of inspiring the youth to make “earth-friendly decision making” in their everyday lives.

Aside from its solar-powered rooftops, SM Supermalls through SM Cares, its corporate social advocacy arm, have also carried out sustainability programs that include the mall-wide switch to LED lights, the Trash to Cash initiative, and general water recycling and energy conservation efforts implemented in all SM Super Malls—all aimed at making an impact and taking the lead in the efforts towards a more Earth-friendly environment.

Dancers perform a native dance as well as the audience used a lead lights during the 2016 Earth Hour celebration at Sm mega mall in mandaluyong city phOTOS BY MaNNY palMERO

UPLB GAnDInGAn AwARDS’ BEST STATIon GMA Network dominated the Gandingan 2016: The 10th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Choice Awards with a total of 22 recognitions including the Best Development-Oriented TV Station (Gandingan ng Kaunlaran Award) for GMA 7. The ceremony was held last March 19 at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna.

Leading the list of Kapuso winners were GMA News and Public Affairs programs and personalities.

Jessica Soho won Best Magazine Program Host for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, also named Best Magazine Program, the eighth Best Magazine Program Host citation for Soho. She was inducted ito the Gandingan Awards Hall of Fame in 2012 after winning the said award for five consecutive years.

Meanwhile, GMA’s coverage of Bagyong Luis in September 2014 won for Unang Hirit the Best Morning Show award. Hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Rhea Santos, Connie Escuderro, Ivan Mayrina, Suzi Abrera, Lyn

Born to be wild’s Doc nielsen Donato, Brigada’s Victoria Tulad, and I-witness’ Sandra Aguinaldo

Ching-Pascual, Love Añoever, and Tonipet Gaba were named Best Morning Show Hosts.

Reporter’s Notebook won Best Investigative Program again for its “Kalbaryo sa Isla” episode, which looked into the state of education in Libucan Island in Tarangan, Western Samar. Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido were named Best Investigative Program Hosts.

I-Witness was this year’s Best Youth-Oriented Program for “Re-

member Me,” a documentary by Sandra Aguinaldo featuring the heart-breaking reunion of a daughter with her now wheelchair-bound Korean father. Aguinaldo was also conferred the Gandingan ng Kabataan distinction.

Kara David, meanwhile, received the Gandingan ng Kababaihan award for her I-Witness documentaries and was also named Best Development-Oriented Talk Show Host for Powerhouse.

Travel and wildlife show Born to

be Wild took home the Best Environment-Oriented Program award with this year’s Gandingan ng Kalikasan award to veterinarian Ferds Recio and Nielsen Donato.

Leading local news channel GMA News TV also won big that night.

State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, GMA News TV’s flagship evening newscast, won Best News Program for its “National Day of Mourning: Justice for Fallen 44” special report with Soho bagging the Best News Anchor award.

She was also recognized as Best Documentarist for Brigada. Joining her for this award was GMA News reporter Victoria Tulad.

Brigada also won Best Documentary Program for “Ang Mga Ginto ng Smokey Mountain”—a special report on how children scour the former landfill for gold.

Meanwhile, Investigative Documentaries took home the Best Women-Oriented Program award for its “Para kay Nanay” episode on the sacrifices made by mothers for children with hereditary conditions.

Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie was also named this year’s Best Public Service Program for the “Girian sa Makati” episode that tackled the stand-off at Makati City Hall.

The Gandingan Awards also launched an online category this year. GMA News Online’s “Special Report: Rape in the Philippines, Number Revealing Disturbing Trend” won Best Online News Article; while its “Tindog: Leyte Matapos ang Yolanda” article was named Best Online Feature Article.

GMA News Online was also awarded the Best Development-oriented Online Video for its “Special Multimedia Feature: Living with HIV in the Philippines”.

The Gandingan: UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Choice Awards is an annual activity of the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society Inc. that recognizes personalities, programs and materials from the broadcast industry that contribute to social development.

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m onDAy : m A RcH 2 8, 2016

SHOWBITZ

ISAH V. RED EDITOR

isahred @ gmail.com

‘JusT chEmIsTRy, nOT lOvE yET’ – Jc DE vERa

B

ecause of their realistic present if it means a comfortand endearing portrayal able life in the future!” as lovers caught between JC is starting to invest his their warring families earnings from the ‘biz wisely. in the mold of Romeo and Ju“I’m working on a property JOsEph liet in the hit ABS-CBN prime investment now, plus build and pETER GOnzalEs time soap opera titled You’re My sell. I would also like to enter the Home, many are curious if JC burger chain industry. There are de Vera has, by now, fallen for a lot of business opportunities Jessy Mendiola since they have I’m looking into actually. That’s been constantly together during tapings. why I want to save, save and save!”

“Well, first of all, I’m thankful to the pubAccording to the good-looking hunk, he lic for supporting our tandem. The positive just wants to enjoy the fruits of his labor feedback is simply encouraging. I’m glad when he reaches his forties. that even if this was just our maiden team“That’s true! My biggest dream is to build up, we were able to build some sort of a fan a business empire in which two generations base. Jessy and I are grateful for this. can survive and live comfortably. I know “As to the query if I’m in love with her, I it’s huge but I make it as an inspiration and guess, we just have that strong chemistry on motivation to keep going,” ends JC. screen that’s why it appears believable. At this point, my focus is on my career. Now that **** good projects are coming my way, I don’t According to Albie Casino, it’s no big want to squander or waste any single chance. deal for him if he wasn’t the original choice It’s unfair to me if I won’t have a crack at all for the role of Jigs in the highly successful these opportunities. Above anything else, I ABS-CBN soap On the Wings of Love that want to prioritize myself right now,” he says. ended up with Arjo Atayde.

Despite the fact that their followers are “I believe that it was meant to be like that. sad because You’re My Home will soon end, He was cast in Ang Probinsiyano instead and the handsome actor has some good news. he did well while I also made good impres“We were just advised that Star Cinema sions in OTWOL. There should be no issue is preparing a movie for me and Jessy. We’ll because we both nailed our roles in the said have a story conference in two weeks’ time. projects. It worked for both of us,” he states.

Isn’t it a wonderful development?”

The handsome young star is thankful Could it be that he’s thinking about JM that he became part of the hit James Reidde Guzman and he feels it wouldn’t look Nadine Lustre starrer. good to pursue Jessy?

“I wouldn’t deny that because of the role, “For the record, I haven’t had the chance I became more visible on TV and had more to get close to JM. Our paths haven’t crossed offers. I’m really thankful!” yet. I’m still new in the Kapamilya stable and I Speaking of projects, he is part of the uphaven’t known or worked with all of its talents coming indie movie Magtanggol where he yet. So no, he’s not a factor. As I’ve mentioned shares the screen with Dina Bonnevie and earlier, I just want to concentrate on my ca- Tom Rodriguez. reer. I have dreams to fulfill!”

“It’s an honor and privilege to act alongJC wants to secure his future. “That’s the side Ms. Dina and Tom. They’re respected reason why I work so hard at this point,” he thespians and I’ve learned so much from avers. “I’m a goal-driven guy. Right now, I’m the experience. Being the black sheep in trying to secure a bright future for my fam- the family, I provide the conflict in the ily and myself. I always motivate myself with story. I hope the viewers will support the questions like, ‘Where will I be five or 10 years film, which will be shown on April 27. It’s from now?’ I don’t care if I work like a dog at a timely movie with a message,” says Albie.

shTIcks

cROsswORD puzzlE 40 41 42 43 45

answer PreVIOUs PUZZLe

ACROSS 1 M, to Einstein 5 Sharp, as hearing 10 Freighter hazard 14 Baghdad’s country 15 Malone of the NBA 16 Fridge stick 17 Uhura’s crewmate 18 Is that a fact!

(3 wds.)

20 Pub sign (2 wds.)

22 Kind of agent

23 Maureen of the screen 24 Bright 26 “A pox upon thee!”

27 — in (leaving the poker table) 30 Humming along 34 Travel stopovers 35 Foot part 36 Goose egg 37 Makes a mistake 38 Use force

Toodle-oo! (hyph.)

LAX info Nervous Tied the score White-water paddler 47 Futile 48 Earth orbiter of yore 49 — nous 50 Miss Brooks portrayer 53 Mi. above sea level 54 A second time 58 Picnickers at a game 61 Lacoste of tennis 62 — Te Kanawa 63 Keep happening 64 What rainbows are 65 “My Way” writer 66 Rations out 67 Castle defense DOWN 1 Japanese soup 2 Make — — for it 3 Margarita rim 4 Flattens 5 Ms. Winehouse 6 Murmuring 7 High interest 8 Koppel and Turner 9 That, in Spain 10 Annoy 11 Movie lioness

MONDAy, MARCH 28, 2016

12 Caboose’s spot 13 “Naked Maja” artist 19 Bete — 21 Silvers or Donahue 25 Illegal trader 26 Least empty 27 Kiss target 28 Major artery 29 Wander off 30 “The Bells” poet 31 Lacking sense 32 Evenings, in ads 33 Spiky flowers 35 Mole, maybe 39 Boss, briefly 40 Fast message 42 Just scraping by 44 Aloe — 46 Bloomer who popularized bloomers 47 False 49 Choose 50 Aleutian island 51 Cloudburst 52 Quaint weapon 53 Fit to — — 55 Prefix for space 56 Quechua speaker 57 Wildlife shelter 59 Sofa end 60 Almost grads

Is there a blooming romantic relationship between Jessy mendiola and Jc de Vera?

The First Greenwich #UltimateBandkada wins Anvil Gold Award

Greenwich won gold at the recently concluded annual Anvil Awards for its Greenwich #UltimateBandkada Search.

The Anvil is a symbol of excellence in public relations in the Philippines and is given by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury to outstanding public relations programs and tools designed and implemented during the previous year. The awards

Greenwich Barkada accepts the Anvil Gold Award

competition is conducted by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

The Greenwich #UltimateBandkada Search was launched in 2015 to look for a group able to perform a mash up of different musical genres and blend it into a unique sound for the ultimate barkada song. The Greenwich Ultimate Bandkada concept reflects the different personalities of individuals that compose a barkada – diverse yet complementing. The award winning components of the campaign included on-ground auditions, mentoring program, and concert finale, which exemplified the Greenwich values of friendship, sharing, bonding, and diversity through gainful personal experiences.

The Greenwich #UltimateBandkada Search continues this year in partnership with Viva Records, JB Music and MTV Pinoy.

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ABS-CBN ExECS AmONg mETRO’S 50 FIlIpINA AChIEvERS

BS-CBN women leaders Charo Santos-Concio, Malou Santos, and Cory Vidanes are among the 50 wonder women featured in Metro magazine’s March issue who have demonstrated incredible achievements in various fields.

Charo, Malou, and Cory were chosen by Metro in their special feature as successful women who are worth emulating for their grit and passion to make their dreams come true.

Executive adviser to the chairman, chief content officer, and president of ABS-CBN University, Charo Santos-Concio was described by the premier fashion magazine as a “truly inspiring individual” for conquering various roles in the media –beauty queen, award-winning actress, producer, and host of the hit drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Malou, ABS-CBN chief operating officer of Star Creatives, was honored for cementing Star Cinema as the leading film studio in the country. In Star Cinema, she spearheaded the production of various blockbusters including last year’s highest grossing Filipino movies Beauty and the Bestie and A Second Chance.

Meanwhile Metro recognized Cory, the current ABS-CBN chief operating officer of Broadcast, as the woman who has helped ABS-CBN produce excellent programs. According to Metro, Cory thinks of her work as “a calling to serve, to be of service to Filipinos worldwide by creating excellent programs.”

Be inspired by the success stories of Charo, Malou, Cory, and more Filipina achievers in Metro magazine’s March issue.

Metro is a premier fashion and lifestyle magazine in the country that aims to empower women. It is one of the monthly titles of ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

Actor John lloyd cruz joined by ABS-cBn bigwigs malou Santos, cory Vidanes, and charo Santos-concio

mARIAn RIVERA’S RElAxED pREgnAncy AnD cHIlDcARE If you look at Marian Rivera on television these days, you’d ask, was she ever pregnant or did she really have a baby?

But of course she was pregnant with her first child with husband Dingdong Dantes.

She was just as relaxed as possible when she was heavy with child as she is while nursing her first born. The secret? La-Z-Boy. From just plain luxury relaxation, renowned American brand La-Z-Boy has expanded their offerings to the concept of health and wellness.

Mothers experience relaxed during pregnancy and childcare with La-Z-Boy reclining chairs known to help relax and ease back pain, aching joints and swelling feet.

“What we like about the La-Z-Boy is that it grows with us as a whole family. I actually used the La-Z-Boy in most of my pregnancies so all of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy were eased,” shares Abigail Yabot, a UP PGH certified lactation counselor.

Yabot, one of the few certified lactation counselors in the country, says good lumbar support provided by La-Z-Boy branded products are also important for breastfeeding mothers. “And as children grow up, sometimes when they get bored with their regular chairs, they stay here. They read books, watch television or just chat with each other, it gives a relaxing environment,” she adds.

Mikaela Martinez, a lifestyle personality/blogger, recalls the experience she has with a-Z-Boy reclining chair during her second pregnancy eight years ago.

“During my last trimester, I used to sleep in it because I was not comfortable in bed.

I gained 50 pounds then so it was really heavy on my back. After I gave birth, I used our La-Z-Boy recliner when breastfeeding.

Eventually, my husband took the seat. Now I’m pregnant again with my third (child), I needed to get one for myself,” she says.

Rebecca Feliciano, co-founder of Parenting Emporium, a leading social enterprise that aims to help make parenting journey

Beautiful family: marian Rivera with husband Dingdong Dantes and their child letizia

easy for all, says La-Z-Boy products guarantee support and comfort. “So more and more young families now use non-crib option and they go for La-Z-Boy,” she explains.

For its wellness benefits, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has endorsed La-Z-Boy recliners for back and lumbar support. Interestingly, 94 percent of American doctors agree that sitting in a reclined position relieves stress. Most doctors also believe that it eases back pain since it releases the pressure on the back due to the reclined position of the body. La-Z-Boy’s patented head-to-heel mechanism gives support to one’s lumbar region in any recline position, at all times.

BLIMS Lifestyle Group (BLG) vice president Sam Gregory Lim notes that La-ZBoy has been in the Philippines for over 30 years now. BLG is the exclusive partner of La-Z-Boy reclining chairs and sofas. “In the past few years, because there are more collections and models coming out, we saw it fit to showcase the entire La-Z-Boy line to consumers,” he says.

The added collections of La-Z-Boy, like the Urban Attitudes, caters to living room furniture pieces that are inspired by modern aesthetics while still providing the ultimate

comfort the brand has always delivered with its introduction of its ComfortCore Technology in all the stationary sofa collections.

“Its market has been growing in the last decade because we’ve been providing more than just a recliner; we’ve been providing motion sofas and stationary sofas. And we keep updating the (product) lines to meet the needs of the market. For example, the Stylista collection is a set of recliners that were developed to provide a sleeker design that will fit with today’s more compact condominium spaces.” he adds.

“This (Shangri-La Plaza branch) is one of our biggest La-Z-Boy rooms in the Philippines,” he explains, noting that there are currently six La-Z-Boy galleries and stores located at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City, Ayala Fairview Terraces and the first provincial gallery in Bacolod City.

He mentioned that celebrities including movie and television actor Dingdong Dantes bought a La-Z-Boy chair when his actress wife Marian Rivera was pregnant last year, saying La-Z-Boy chairs aside from comfortable are durable, that even customers about 10 years ago still come back to ask if their fabric or the leather of their chairs can be changed because the frame and the structure are still good.

“The reason why we came up with this campaign, for health and wellness, is a lot of pregnant women have given positive feedback on La-Z-Boy. We are currently working with different individuals in the health industry or organizations that advocate better parenting and pregnancy. And we are excited to find out that even before we talk to them, they have actually already been advocating La-Z-boy to their clients for years!” Lim emphasized.

La-Z-Boy is available at La-Z-Boy Galleries, BLIMS Fine Furniture and select dealers nationwide. For inquiries, please email www.la-z-boyphilippines.com, Find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Beauty queen shares advocacy with Saudi women

Miss Earth-Air 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz proves a beauty queen’s purpose does not end after her reign. She said true beauty queens are not really after the fame, but the opportunity to serve people of all ages and genders and, eventually, make a difference in their lives.

After she resigned as Miss Global-Philippines vice president last year, Stephany focuses on modeling, here and abroad. She is also fully loaded with local and international travels as Psalmstre New Placenta for Women ambassador. In fact, she joined Psalmstre big boss Jim Acosta on an advocacy mission in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

They are there since yesterday.

Part of her advocacy is to share beauty tips to Saudi women. She explained that women should stay beautiful as possible because beauty itself is power. When a woman maintains her beauty inside and out, she will be able to grow old gracefully. Stephany will tour Saudi Arabia to give talks on beauty and wellness. This is a continuation of her Jordan and Dubai tour last year.

As New Placenta widens its reach in the Middle East, Stephany has to take her role to explain the benefits of the beauty products she is endorsing. Being formulated for all skin types, she assures that these products are safe and effective.

“To stay beautiful, one needs to balance internal and external aspects of life. Internal aspects include positive attitude, while external aspects include beauty regimen (foods, supplements, and skin products). In my advocacy, I train how to highlight positivity in life. New Placenta, on the other hand, will work on their outer side,” the half-German, half-Filipino beauty queen said.

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SHOWBITZ

New loveteam: Elyson de Dios and Ayra mariano

mikael Daez and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

Film and television actress Snooky Serna

REgInE VElasquEz- alcasID RETuRns TO pRImETImE TV o lighten up the evenings of the viewers, GMA Network presents Poor Señorita, a light romantic-comedy series premiering tonight after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

Poor Señorita is a story about Rita Villon, played by no other than Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Rita is an heiress and successful owner of a perfume company. She is an obsessivecompulsive, perfectionist feared by her employees. She never had a boyfriend and has no interest in men but deep inside she longs for love and connection.

In a twist of events, Rita loses all her wealth. On her way to gaining back all the things she lost, she stumbles upon five street children (Kyla, Charisse, Apol, Rambo, Girlie) that will help her get back on her feet. Along their journey, Rita develops affection for the children who will teach her the true value of happiness.

On her return to acting, Regine shares that she is happy and excited to be back despite feeling a little anxious. “I’m very happy to be working with everyone again but I’m also feeling a little nervous kasi I haven’t done this in a while. But really, I’m very excited siyempre kasi the character is

different. I think yun yung isa sa mga exciting na aabangan natin.”

Bringing more colour to the life of Rita are the merry mix of characters played by versatile actors and actresses: Mikael Daez as Paeng, a janitor in a hotel who in a case of mistaken identity, goes on a blind date with Rita; Sheena Halili as Maika, Rita’s loyal secretary; Kevin Santos as Kilmer, a hired assassin; Valeen Montenegro as Piper Villon, Rita’s cousin; Jaya as Edna, Paeng’s ‘kagawad’ aunt; Ervic Vijandre as Jordan, Paeng’s macho dancer bestfriend; Jillian Ward as Charisse, the “heart” of the group who likes giving words of wisdom and quotable quotes; Miggs Cuaderno as Apol, the “comedienne” and optimistic one in their group; Zymic Jaranilla as Rambo, the “siga” of the group; Caprice Cayetano as Girlie, the “baby” of the group; Ralph Noriega as Isko, the neighbor of Kyla; and Snooky Serna as Deborah Villon, Rita’s show-off and schemer aunt.

The series also introduces Starstruck Season 6’s 1st princess and prince, Ayra Mariano as Kyla, the “raketera” of the group, and Elyson De Dios as Edison Villon, the kind and handsome son of Deborah.

Playing special roles are Ricky Davao as Daniel Villon, the loving father of Rita, and Kapuso primetime king Dingdong Dantes as Rafael, a hotel owner who goes on a blind date with Rita.

Follow the inspiring story of Poor Señorita beginning tonight on GMA Telebabad.

Sheena Halili

Ervic Vijandre

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Child star Jillian Ward

Child actor Zymic Jaranilla

Valeen montenegro

Regine Velasquez as Poor Señorita