Manila Standard - 2018 November 25 - Sunday by Manila Standard

TASK FORCE EYED TO QUELL VIOLENCE, TERROR ACTS THE Department of Justice is considering creating a special task force that will investigate individuals who may be linked to “lawless or terrorist acts” in areas where government recently sent troops to quell violence, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Saturday. The justice chief made the statement a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the deployment of additional troops to Bicol, Samar and Negros provinces to suppress “lawless violence.” According to Guevarra, his department is called upon to probe and prosecute those who might be arrested for criminal acts. In a related development, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said more troops might be Turn to A2

VOL. XXXII • NO. 283 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net WW

DESTINATIONS/ D1

BIG-TIME OIL PRICE TH CUT 7 IN A ROW

NO WORRIES WHEN IN MELBOURNE

ZESTFUL DISPLAY.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

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SPACE SHUTTLE TO LAND ON MARS MONDAY

AMAZING SHOW. Ayala Land’s largest sustainable estate, Nuvali, kicks off its annual immersive light and sound show in partnership with The Walt Disney Company Philippines. The show will run every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Nuvali football field. Teddy Pelaez

GOV’T ADOPTS LONG-TERM MM PLAN By Joel E. Zurbano THE government has presented a long-term development program designed to transform Metro Manila into a highly competitive East Asian metropolis. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority came up with the ambitious program dubbed “Regional Development Plan for the National Capital Region 2017-2022” which will serve as the region’s framework in socioeconomic development for the next four years. “This is a milestone activity for Metro Manila. We celebrate the completion of a regional development plan for NCR, our own contribution in support of the Philippine Development Plan of the current administration of our President,” said MMDA chairman Danilo Lim. The plan, Lim said, “identifi es basic baseline and target indicators that will serve as basis for monitoring the planned implementation and consequently measure NCR’s contribution to making an inclusive, connected and a resilient metropolis in support of Ambisyon Natin 2024.” “Let us use this plan to direct our policy decisions as well as our programs and project development interventions to ensure consistency with the PDP’s strategic framework,” the MMDA chief said. Adoracion Navarro, undersecretary for Regional Development of the National Economic and Development Authority, underscored the roles of concerned government agencies, local government units as members of the Metro Manila Council, and stakeholders as partners in national development.

ANDAYA: SALARY HIKE TO PUSH THROUGH

OUSE Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. assured government civilian and military personnel on Saturday that their salary hike will push through even if next year’s budget may be reenacted for at least two weeks to a month. “The fate of the 2019 national budget will have no impact on the scheduled round of pay hikes next year for government personnel, civilian and military,” Andaya said in a statement. “It will go on as programmed, even in the event of a slight delay in the signing into law of the 2019 budget,” he said. The salary hike, Andaya said, “will be included in the first paycheck of the year which will be released on Jan. 15.” “The claim that the programmed salary hike is dependent on the budget is fake news,” the solon said, adding that there are separate laws covering the salary hikes of civilian and military government employ-

ees regardless of the passage of the General Appropriations Act. The government has allotted P121.7 billion in next year’s proposed national budget for the salary increases of state civilian and military personnel. Andaya said P51.7 billion of the P121.7 billion allotment is for the fourth and final tranche of the Salary Standardization Law IV covering civilian employees. The remaining P70 billion, will be “for second installment of the law raising the base pay of soldiers, policemen, jail and fire officers, and coast guards.” Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri warned the proposed

P3.757-trillion budget for 2019 may not be approved before Congress goes on Christmas break. Because of this, Zubiri said, there will be a reenacted budget for two weeks to a month. He said the earliest that senators could begin deliberations would be on Nov. 28. But even if the Senate passes the budget on third and final reading by Dec. 12, Zubiri said, the bicameral conference committee would still have to be convened to reconcile disagreeing provisions of the House and Senate versions. Malacañang, however, said it remained optimistic the proposed 2019 national budget will be passed on time despite delays in the House of Representatives. “The House knows that this is the budget proposal of the Palace. And so, they will have to do their job. If there are questions on the budget, they will raise them and we will respond to them,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

FAKE CIGARETTES SEIZED

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue seized more than half a million packs of cigarettes bearing fake BIR stamps. In an interview with GMA News TV, Sonny Advincula, head of the BIR strike team, said some of the cigarette packs bore labels of a manufacturer that was not registered with the BIR. “They labeled these as ‘Belmont,’ which is not a registered manufacturer,” he said. The strike team conducted two raids—one on a house in Barangay Sto. Domingo in Quezon City Friday evening and another on a house on Cabatuan St. in Caloocan City early Saturday dawn. Advincula said the team confiscated 600 boxes or

300,000 packs of fake cigarettes with either fake BIR stamps or bearing no stamps at all from the first house. The second raid bore 500 boxes or 250,000 packs fake cigarettes with fake BIR stamps. Each BIR stamp costs P35. This means for the first house, the owner of the cigarettes should pay BIR P105 million, including penalty, while the owner of the fake products in the second house owes the government P87.5 million for the stamps. “We will issue the owners a letter notice immediately. They should reply within 15 days. And then we will file a case with the Department of Justice if the evidence so warrant,” Advincula said.

TAMPA, United States—A spacecraft that cost nearly a billion dollars is on course to make a perilous landing Monday on Mars, if it can survive a highspeed approach and the scorching heat of entering the Red Planet’s atmosphere, a process NASA has nicknamed“six and a half minutes of terror.” “There is very little room for things to go wrong,” said Rob Grover, head of the entry, descent and landing team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. If successful, the entry, descent and landing of the Mars InSight—designed to be the first mission to listen to the interior of another planet and reveal how rocky planets formed—will add another success to NASA’s record when it comes to sending spacecraft to Mars. So far, the United States is the only nation to have made it there, and only NASA’s unmanned Curiosity robotic rover is still tooling around on the surface. But if it fails, it certainly won’t be the first. Of 43 other international attempts to send orbiters, probes, landers or rovers to Mars, 25 have not made it. Either they crashed into the surface, missed their planned orbit, or disappeared after launch. Countdown to Mars There will not be any live video streaming of Mars Insight’s approach on Monday, and signals will be transmitted back to Earth on an eight-minute delay. Nor can mission managers intervene if anything goes awry.The entire landing sequence is all pre-programmed into the on-board flight computer. Here’s what to expect: • At 11:40 am Pacific time (1940 GMT), the spacecraft separates from the cruise stage that carried it to Mars. A minute later, the spacecraft makes a turn to orient itself for atmospheric entry. • At 1947 GMT, the spacecraft is hurtling through space at a speed of 12,300 miles per hour (19,800 kilometers per hour) as it begins to enter Mars’ atmosphere. • Two minutes later, friction with the atmosphere raises the heat shield temperature to its peak of 2,700 Fahrenheit (1,500 Celsius). This intense heat could cause temporary dropouts in radio signals. • At 1951 GMT, the parachutes deploy. Fifteen seconds later, the heat shield separates from the spacecraft. Ten seconds on, the lander’s three legs deploy to get ready for touchdown. • At 1952 GMT, a radar activates to sense the distance to the ground. • At 1953 GMT, the first radar signal is expected, followed 20 seconds later by the spacecraft’s separation from the back shell and parachute. Then, the descent engines, known as retrorockets, begin to fire. InSight’s speed slows drastically, from 17 mph to a constant five mph (27 kph to eight kph) for its soft landing. • Touchdown is expected at 1954 GMT. • The first “beep” from the spacecraft’s X-band radio—indicating whether InSight survived the landing —is scheduled for 2001 GMT. • The first image from the surface of Mars is expected at 2004 GMT. However, it’s possible this image may not arrive until Tuesday. AFP

PARTY-LIST RAFFLE ON DEC. 5 THE Commission on Elections has set on Dec. 5 the raffle to determine the order of the listing of party-list groups, organizations or coalitions on the official ballots for the 2019 national and local polls. Those whose registrations are final and were able to file their manifestations of intent to participate in the party-list elections on or before May 2 will be included in the raffle. Raffle participants will also be composed of existing party-list groups, organizations or coalitions whose registration and accreditation were canceled by the Commission but were able to secure a status quo ante order from the Supreme Court. The poll body said those whose petitions for registration were denied by Comelec but were able to secure a mandatory injunction from the SC will also be included in the raffle. The draw will also include those whose registration and accreditation are still pending

with the poll body by raffle date, as well as those whose petitions for registration were denied by the Commission but have pending motions for reconsideration as of raffle date. “Party-list groups, organizations or coalitions who fail or neglect to send a representative with a written authority under oath during the raffle shall be considered to have waived their right to participate,” the poll body added. Earlier, the Comelec released the tentative list of party-list bets with 124 duly-registered groups, 33 with pending motions for reconsideration, five with pending petitions for registration, and 23 others. In the 2013 elections, the poll body implemented the raffle system to determine the order of listing of party-list groups in the official ballots. The system was adopted to avoid party-list groups from jostling for names that start with the first letter of the alphabet or number since the list used to be alphabetized. PNA

DOUBLE TIME.

Construction employees work on a bridge that will connect Plaza Mexico to Binondo in Manila. Norman Cruz

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“We will decrease the prices of gasoline by P1.10 per liter and diesel by P2.20 per liter effective noon of 24 November 2018,” Phoenix said in its advisory late Friday. Other oil players are expected to implement a similar price cut. Unioil Philippines, for its part, said consumers should expect fuel prices to rollback

again this coming week. “Diesel should decrease by P2.30-P2.40 per liter while gasoline should decrease by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter. Load up accordingly,” Unioil said. In New York, oil prices slumped Friday (Saturday in Manila) to lows not seen since last year as concerns over high crude supplies and Turn to A2

BREAD MAKER RAISES PRICES, SKIRTS DTI TAG TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said Saturday the increase in prices of the expensive bread brands, particularly the Gardenia, was not covered by the agency’s suggested retail prices or SRP. He explained the bread owners requested an increase of from P1 to P2 after they held off their price increases in the past few months. Lopez was making the explanation in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB, beamed nationwide, where he said Gardenia did not increase its prices when everybody else did. Lopez said the more costly bread brands were “programmed” to increase their prices after two to three months after the recent price hike in goods and commodities. Inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services clocked in at 6.2 percent during the third quarter of 2018, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

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ENTERTAINMENT / D3

IL player Phoenix Petroleum Philippines led the seventh round of oil price rollback this week by announcing a price cut of as much as P2.20 per liter starting noon Saturday.

The City Government of San Juan in Metro Manila is gifting San Juaneños with a jazzy Christmas Display at the Plaza in front of the City Hall building in Pinaglabanan this Yuletide. Mayor Guia Gomez graced the event and treated 300 children from the city’s day care centers to the inaugural show, the launching of the erstwhile holiday attraction that used to dot the Greenhills Shopping Center. Manny Palmero

SEAFARER’S DAUGHTER AIMS FOR PH’S 2ND

MISS SUPRANATIONAL CROWN

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DUTERTE SNIPES AT PANGILINAN'S PRESIDENTIAL BID

By Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte belittled Senator Francis Pangilinan’s likely intention to run for president, saying the senator’s authored Juvenile Justice Act caused more trouble than good to stop criminality. Speaking during the 35th founding anniversary of the Army Reserve command at Camp Regio de Dios in Tanza, Cavite, Duterte said that “if he [Pangilinan] wants to f*** with the presidency, go ahead. I’d be happy. But if—can he have the sense to run a country?” The President made the comment after observing that majority of the police officers would not want to handle cases involving minors even if they committed serious crimes because of the law authored by Pangilinan. “Why are the police afraid? Because of this law. Minors always released even [when] they commit rape,” Duterte said. According to this law, minors who commit crimes will not be jailed but instead be put under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It says that children who are 15 years of age or under when the offense was committed shall be exempt from criminal liability. “I said I really do not care. Can he have the sense to run a country? Common sense. Let all the Filipinos answer that,” Duterte said. The President also took a swipe against human rights groups who often come into the picture to intervene in crimes involving minors. The police have no choice but to release and turn over young criminals to the DSWD, Duterte added.

TASK FORCE...

From A1

deployed to areas controlled by communist guerrilas to suppress “lawless violence” in the runup to the 2019 midterm elections. Lorenzana’s statement followed President Duterte’s order for more soldiers to be stationed in Bicol, Samar and the Negros provinces citing a “number of [recent] sporadic acts of violence” there. Lorenzana said these areas were considered “critical” during elections since the guerrillas stop candidates from campaigning unless they paid the rebels an undisclosed amount of money. Under Memorandum Order 32, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the executive sent more government forces to Bicol, Samar, and Negros provinces where a “number of sporadic acts of violence” recently occurred. The order “merely reiterates and reinforces” a similar directive Duterte issued in 2016, Guevarra said. Duterte issued his third Memo in September 2016 when he declared a “state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao”after a blast in Davao City killed at least 12 people and injured several others. Officials said the military was still assessing the pre-election scenarios in other areas. The government earlier canceled peace negotiations with the communist movement following continued attacks on government troops despite current talks. According to Lorenzana, the suppression of lawless violence might lead to the extension of military rule in Mindanao, Lorenzana said, but added this would not lead to a declaration of a nationwide martial law. Martial law has been in place in Mindanao since May 2017, at the start of firefights between soldiers and terrorists in Marawi City. It was extended despite the end of the siege in October last year, with government citing remaining threats in the area. Its extension is set to lapse by the end of the year.

BIG-TIME... From A1 uncertain economic growth triggered massive selling. The petroleum slump, which took major oil contracts down to their lowest level since October 2017, comes as oil output remains high in the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia and as some forecasters have trimmed their outlook for global growth, due in part to the USChina trade fight. US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate dropped $4.21 to $50.42 a barrel for January delivery, a decline of 7.7 percent. In London, Brent oil futures for January delivery, slid 6.1 percent to $58.80 per barrel. “The truth of the matter remains that rising global crude supply coupled with worrying signs of slowing demand have written a recipe for disaster for the oil

BEDAN OF THE DECADE. President Rodrigo Duterte, a law alumnus of San Beda University in Mendiola, receives Friday the Bedan of the Decade Award, during the San Beda Law Grand Alumni Homecoming at Club Filipino in San Juan City. Ut In Omnibus Honorificetur Deus, or That In All Things God May Be Glorified—the slogan of the school founded by the Benedictine monks in 1901. Malacañang Photo

BAN ON CASINO COPS STAYS, PNP WARNS

HE Philippine National Police will continue to strictly enforce its ban on cops setting foot in casinos, gambling establishments and places of ill-repute, its spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana said Saturday. “As workers in government, PNP personnel are governed by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials under Republic Act 6719 that prescribes a set of norms that promote a high standard of ethics in public service,” Durana said in a statement. “Moreover, Presidential Decrees 1067-B and 1869, which created the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. [Pagcor], forbids government

officials, members of uniformed services, students and minors from gambling in casinos. Memorandum Circular 6, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in 2016, restated the ban,” he added. Durana made this comment after President Rodrigo Duterte issued a stern warning against cops engaging in gambling activities, particularly in hotels and casinos. Meanwhile, National Capital Re-

gion Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar said Duterte’s order was not new to them. “This was the directive previously made by President Duterte and retired PNP chief [Ronald] dela Rosa, and it is indeed unlawful,”Eleazar said. “Apart from police personnel, the ban covers government officials spotted in casinos. But this time, they can’t hang around inside hotels, unless they have an official business,” he added. Duterte on Thursday threatened to assign Army Rangers to patrol Roxas Boulevard in Manila if police personnel did not stop engaging in gambling activities. He warned cops against staying anywhere near casino resort and

hotel Okada Manila in Parañaque, which he described as “crawling with usurers and kidnappers.” Eleazar said they have yet to monitor any police personnel going inside or getting involved in activities in casinos. “Recently, I have not monitored any irregularity. Many reacted because we follow our previous guidelines. Right now, I have not monitored any police involved in that,” he said in Filipino. “I can only assume that the President, of course, he has a lot of information. So there could have been previous incidents,” he added. He assured that intelligence gathering against policemen violating the order was under way. PNA

PANDA INVASION.

It’s “Pandastic Christmas” in Lucky Chinatown during the Yuletide celebration Thursday, with more than 100 pandas coming to life to welcome the season of joy, peace and love. The literally 'black and white cat-foot' is native to south central China. Norman Cruz

markets,” said Lukman Otunuga, a research analyst at FXTM. Unioil said that since Oct 15, 2018, the price of diesel has decreased by a total P6.20 and the price of gasoline has decreased by a total of P9.15. World oil prices continued its decline amid ample supply while economic headwinds raised fears of a slowdown in demand. “The market is weak and will likely remain so for the rest of the year due to excess supply in the market,” the Department of Energy said in its latest monitoring report. Last week, the oil firms also cut pump prices by P1.25 to P1.30 per liter for gasoline, P1.10 per liter for diesel and P0.80 per liter for kerosene. Prior to this latest rollback, year-to-date adjustments as monitored by the Department of Energy are now at a net increase of P2.60 per liter for gasoline, P6 per liter for diesel and P5.63 per liter for kerosene.

Gasoline in Metro Manila currently sells from P44.40 to P58 per liter while diesel sells from P40.40 to P49.19 per liter depending on the location, brand and other competitive factors. Global stock markets were mixed, with major US indices retreating in part due to worries about lower oil prices and weak global growth. Bourses in Paris and Frankfurt notched modest gains, while London, Shanghai and London all fell. Trump effect? High global oil production compared to demand was the top reason for Friday’s selling, while the outlook for a weakening world economy led investors to conclude that growth would not be strong enough to soak up the surplus. The retreat comes ahead of a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna on Dec. 6. Some analysts view the organization as constrained following heavy pressure

from US President Donald Trump on Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, Trump thanked Saudi Arabia for low prices and decided to essentially overlook the Central Intelligence Agency’s reported conclusion over Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s involvement in the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a stance that has outraged White House critics. “Although most analysts claim that this has to do with supply overhang and increased production from Russia and Saudi Arabia, the bottom line is that the US President keeps pushing for lower prices,” said Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index trading group. “While this is the case it will be difficult to see a return to oil at a higher level unless oil cartel OPEC decides on a major output cut at its next meeting.” But Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates predicted the “Saudis will decide in their best interest to cut production,”add-

ing that “it will not have an impact on the relationship with Washington because the US already said how this relationship was important and how important was the weapon business with the Saudis.” Still, Friday’s drop in prices reflects market concern that OPEC production cuts are “not going to be enough to support prices,” Lipow added. The drop in oil prices reverberated in equity markets, with oil giants Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Total all shedding three percent or more on their local bourses. Chinese shares also stumbled as Shanghai slumped by more than two percent, with the tech sector hit hard by a Wall Street Journal report that Washington is urging its allies to avoid using equipment from Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. Worsening trade tensions between the United States and China have shattered confidence on global trading floors. With AFP

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DOE SETS TAKEOVER OF PANAY ELECTRIC CO.

HE Department of Energy will take over the operations of controversial utility firm Panay Electric Co. if it refuses to turn over its distribution facilities to the new company More Electric Power Corp., which has been granted the congressional franchise to distribute electricity in Iloilo City once PECO’s franchise expires on Jan. 18, 2019.

PECOâ€™s facilities and operations in case the company refuses to implement a transition plan envisioned in the franchise bill that will authorize More Power to distribute electricity in Iloilo City. “We are prepared to take over in case, to ensure there is no disruption of service. DOE and NEA. We organized a task force to take over in case there will be no settlement in the issue,” Cusi told newsmen. However, Cusi said he would prefer that PECO and More Power to reach an agreement on a smooth transition plan that would not disrupt electricity service in Iloilo City. “That’s what weâ€™d like to see if both parties agree to submit their transition plan to ensure that there will be no interruption of service,” the DOE chief said. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the DOE However, Cusi gave assurance that â€œin case has formed a task force with the National they cannot agree, the government, DOE will Electrification Administration to take over the take over, as a holdover, to ensure there will be

no disruption [of electricity service].” The Senate version of More Power’s franchise bill would give PECO a temporary Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for one year to continue operations while turning over full operations to More Power. PECO had come under criticism following the threat aired by its legal counsel, lawyer Inocencio Ferrer, that the company will shut down and plunge Iloilo City into a citywide power blackout when the company’s franchise expires on Jan. 18 next year. Ferrer said Iloilo City residents have no one to blame but the House and the Senate for granting the legislative franchise to More Power instead of giving the application of PECO for a new franchise. This is contrary to the promise of PECO chairman Luis Miguel Cacho that PECO will continue to serve Iloilo City residents even if the company does not get its franchise.

LAWMAKERS WEIGH IN ON PROPOSED COAL-BASED POWER PLANTS

SOLONS BID TO ‘SOLEMNIZE’ MARRIAGES IN A bid to address increasing number of common law relationships or “liveins,” a bill that allows district congressmen to solemnize marriages has been filed at the House of Representatives. In filing House Bill 5699, Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agaba seeks to empower members of the House of Representatives within their respective legislative districts as well as governors of provinces within their respective jurisdiction to solemnize matrimonial ceremony. “The proposal to add House members and provincial governors to the list of persons authorized to solemnize marriage will give couples more options to choose their solemnizing officer and it is hoped to encourage couples to legalize their unions,” Primicias-Agabas said as the House committee on revision of laws, which she chairs, has conducted deliberations on the measure. The bill covers regular House members and provincial governors to the list of persons authorized to solemnize marriage as provided in the Family Code. By regular House members, Primicias-Agabas said it does not include party-list representatives. “We know for a fact that mayors have the authority to solemnize marriage, the incumbent members of the judiciary within their jurisdiction and any priest or rabbi are also authorized to solemnize marriage,” she said. Maricel V. Cruz

CEB ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW TICKETING OFFICE

By Maricel V. Cruz COAL bashing took the front seat at the House of Representatives on Saturday as two lawmakers took turns issuing statements against the allegedly pollution-causing fuel. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Tomasito Villarin called for a review of the operation of power plants that use coal as well as applications for new ones. “There must be a thorough review of all these applications for coal-fired power plants to include extensive environmental and social assessments on their impact,” Villarin said in a text message to reporters Saturday. Villarin, an oppositionist, said “energy security or the demand of business for power should not be used as a justification to fast-track approval of applications.” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, on the other hand, claimed that present technology is not yet capable of totally eliminating the harmful substances emitted by burning of coal. While coal may be the cheapest source of electricity at present, Zarate said the health hazards it brings makes it more expensive in the long run because of the higher health care budget that will be needed in the future. “Coal advocates say this is the cheapest form, but if we look at the health aspect, this will be more expensive in the long run because this isn’t clean energy,” Zarate, member of the Makabayan Bloc, said. The biggest among the proposed coal-based power plants are the 1,200-megawatt Atimonan One Energy power plant, which was recently granted Energy Project of National Significance status by the Department of Energy; and the 670-MW Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. power plant in Luna, La Union.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Joel E. Zurbano

GARBAGE RIVER. Tons of garbage accumulate along the Pasig River. Heavy plastic pollution in the metro’s major waterways remain one of the biggest problems of the Philippines. PNA

BIGGER LICENSE PLATES FOR MOTORBIKES OKD IDENTIFYING motorcycle-riding criminals will soon be easier as the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill that mandates an increase in the size of the license plates of the twowheeled conveyances. House Bill 8419, principally authored by Rep. Victor Yap of Tarlac, orders the Land Transportation Office to issue bigger license plates for motorcycles. The bill was approved by an overwhelming 219 lawmakers. Yap filed the proposed “Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017” following a sharp increase in the number of crimes committed by motorcycle-riding assailants. He cited Article II, Section 5 of the Constitution which provides that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy. The bill declares that towards this

end, the State shall ensure the security and safety of its citizenry from crimes committed with the use of motorcycle. Under the bill, the LTO shall issue a bigger license plate for every motorcycle with alphanumeric characters in large and readable font from a distance of at least 12 meters from the motorcycle. Under the measure, the LTO shall also devise a scheme to make it easier to determine the region where a particular motorcycle is registered for quick and easy identification. The bigger number plate must be displayed at the back of a motorcycle and shall be made of suitable and durable material as determined by the LTO. Driving or operating a motorcycle without a bigger number plate shall be prohibited. The driver shall be apprehended while the motorcycle shall be impounded by the LTO law enforcement officer or other deputized law enforcement personnel and immediately turned over to the

PLDT-SMART LAUNCHES XMAS GRAND ‘SALUBONG’ TO OFFICIALLY welcome overseas Filipinos who are coming home for Christmas, executives from leading digital services provider PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications held a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. The launch was held in partnership with the Manila International Airport Authority and Duty Free Philippines for Smart #OFWins Christmas Grand Salubong. Returning OFWs simply need to present proof of overseas employment at the Smart Booth for a chance to win from a Christmas Tree of Prizes to be set up in NAIA 1 and 3, as well as in Mactan International Airport, where similar launch events were also held. Holiday treats that are up for grabs include smartphones, gift baskets, a staycation experience, franchise packages and other prizes from Duty Free and other partners such as Reyes Haircutters, Zoomanity Group, Wilcon Depot, Golden ABC, Lamoiyan Corp., RFM Corp., Potato Corner, R. Lapids, Happy Skin, Baliwag Lechon Manok, SilverWorks, Kimstore, Kkday and more. Daily draws will start on Dec. 3 (excluding Sundays) and will culminate with a Grand Salubong on Dec. 20, 2018.

WINNING OFW. Early bird winner Marites Seraspe Agbu (right) from Hong Kong, with Precy Katigbak, Smart vice president and head for National Key Accounts Development; and Dino Belmonte, Duty Free Philippines Deputy COO.

custody of the LTO. The LTO law enforcement officers or their deputized law enforcement personnel who fail to immediately surrender a motorcycle impounded shall be penalized and held liable for any loss or damage of the impounded motorcycle under their custody. The use of an impounded motorcycle in the commission of a crime shall also be penalized. The owner of the impounded motorcycle may redeem the vehicle from the LTO upon proof of ownership, payment of assessed fines and compliance with bigger number plate, as provide in the Act. Motorcycle owners who do not report the sale or disposition of their motorcycle shall be fined P5,000 to P20,000. Likewise, a rider of a motorcycle without a bigger plate number shall be meted out a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense, and P15,000 and revocation of driver’s license on the third offense. Maricel V. Cruz

ICONIC COD XMAS SHOW. The

COD returns to Araneta Center with grand festivities marked by celebrity performances and fireworks show on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. The Christmas attraction reached iconic status, thanks to its animated mannequins and moving stories that attract crowds in the Manila C.O.D. Department Store. Sonny Espiritu

THE Cebu Pacific Air has announced the opening of its Ticket Office at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 now equipped with an automated flow management system to create more customer-centric business processes and operations. The CEB Ticket Office, situated at the Departure level of the NAIA Terminal 3 (near the multi-level parking structure), also incorporates self-booking kiosks and express counters for maximum service efficiency. The new office is open 24/7 to cater to the needs of air travelers and it is equipped with a cloud-based Queue Management System, which has a capability to see the real-time length of customers’ waiting times, allowing manpower and prioritization of services where there is high demand. The ticket office also has selfservice kiosks that will enable passengers to book and pay for flights without ever having to queue for an available ticket agent. Each kiosk is equipped with a large touchscreen that makes it easier to navigate CEB booking applications. The kiosks are also scalable and by 2019, these will also be able to process additional transactions such as booking changes, cancellations, creating travel funds for unused or canceled tickets and credit card payments via the integrated payment acceptance module. The kiosks are also being eyed to facilitate check-in for flights. “Our Airport Ticket Offices run on high customer volume throughout the day, with majority of transactions for last-minute flight purchases. Faster processing time for transactions will make the experience easier and more convenient for our customers,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for marketing and distribution. Iyog added “adopting digital innovations will enable us to make customer experience as seamless as possible.”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

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SPACE SHUTTLE TO LAND ON MARS TODAY

ANDAYA: SALARY HIKE TO PUSH THROUGH

FAKE CIGARETTES SEIZED

DOUBLE TIME.

Construction employees work on a bridge that will connect Plaza Mexico to Binondo in Manila. Norman Cruz

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Opinion

EDITORIAL

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE

IF YOUR HONORS, PLEASE

Y JANUARY 8, the Philippines will hit the high spots in its judicial history, which began in 1901, with the appointment of the country’s new chief justice who will take over from Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, who retired on October 10 after reaching age 70.

Under the law, a vacancy in the high court should be filled within 90 days, which means incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte has until January 8 to name De Castro’s successor. Following a closed-door interview of the five nominees, the Judicial and Bar Council submitted on Friday to President Duterte, the appointing authority under the law, the shortlist of nominees for the most coveted judicial post, desiderated by lawyers since Cayetano Arellano who began his term on June 11, 1901.

PECIER DECIERDO

HOW THE SCIENCE OF EMPATHY CAN CHANGE BEHAVIOR

Arellano, appointed to the post by US President William McKinley, holds the record of having served the longest—18 years and 306 days—while Pedro Yap, appointed by Corazon Aquino, held the shortest—72 days. We know the President, in his best lights and following an assessment by him of the credentials of those listed, will be well-advised and sagacious in choosing the 25th Chief Justice, the head of one of the government’s three co-equal and coordinate branches. The credentials, expertise and stand of each of the five in the list on paramount issues will be properly placed under the appointing authority’s presidential microscope—an appetent look at each nominee’s experience as a member of the bar or bench for at least 15 years, the person’s proven competence, integrity, probity and independence. The Chief Justice will preside over the highest court, composed of 15 including the highest magistrate, and has, under the Constitution “administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel thereof.” As the Judicial and Bar Council said Friday: Submitted.

WE LIVE in an age where a high level of science literacy is necessary. Science comes in many of our decisions, from the everyday to the life-or-death. Should we vaccinate our children, and how should our answer change after the Dengvaxia controversy? Will “conscientious consumption” contribute anything meaningful in addressing climate change, and how are we to prepare for the incoming new normal? It is, therefore, our responsibility to become well-informed members of society. Likewise, it is also the responsibility of scientists and those in power to make the necessary scientific information readily available. Information, however, does not always lead to action. Many scientists have noted that simply putting the information out there is not enough to push people into action. So, what pushes people to act on an important piece of information? Scientists have found several factors that push people to act. One very important factor is relevance. In climate science communication, for example, science communicators strongly suggest discussing the effects of climate change that affect the audience in the here and now. Another often-overlooked factor in pushing people to act is empathy. Empathy, in this sense, can mean two things. First, it can mean that for a science communicator to be able to have an impact on their audience, they must have some empathy toward the things that concern their audiences the most. Writing for PLOS.org, Webster University professor Nicole Miller-Struttmann writes that science communicators must use the following strategies: “tailoring outreach efforts to a distinct public and empathizing with our audience(s) in a deep, meaningful way.” Second and more importantly, it can mean that for audiences to react in meaningful ways to a given information, the audiences must be able to empathize with the message. It is this second meaning that I would like to dig into here. How can science communicators harness their audience’s sense of empathy to lead them to action? And how can advocates, say for climate action or better public health, convert this into strategies? Research done by the American neuroeconomist Paul J. Zak and his colleagues at Claremont Graduate University, can shed light on what the science says. Zak and his colleagues performed one study where they showed an emotionally engaging story involving a boy with terminal disease and the effect that disease had on his father. After watching the video, the participants were asked about their feelings regarding the story. Since the results of the survey did not provide a clear answer, Zak and his colleagues measured the participants’ brain chemistry to see how their brains reacted. Their results show that the story made the participants’ brains produce the hormones cortisol and oxytocin. Cortisol is a hormone that is often correlated with distress. It has the effect of focusing attention on something important. Oxytocin is correlated with empathy. It has been associated with caring and a sense of connection. Zak’s team wanted to know how this translates to behavior. They gave their participants the opportunity to give the money they earned for volunteering in the study. Their results show that that more cortisol and oxytocin was detected in a participant’s blood, the more money that person shared with a stranger they could not see. Their results also carried over to giving to charity. In fact, they were able to predict, with 80-percent accuracy, whether a participant in their study was going to donate to charity or not. In other words, Zak and his colleagues discovered that once distress and empathy are triggered in a person’s brain, they can be powerful drivers for pro-social action. But what can trigger such empathetic response? To answer this, Zak and his team performed another study where they had a control group was shown a story without a strong narrative; there was no conflict and the characters did not elicit sympathy. They discovered that only those who watched the movie with a strong dramatic arc were moved to donate their earnings to a charity related to the story. These findings are consistent with the result of another study performed by Emanuele Castano and David Kidd from the New School in New York City. Castano and Kidd did a study to see the effect of reading literary fiction on the reader’s capacity to think and feel. What they found was that reading powerful stories had a profound effect on a reader’s theory of mind. A theory of mind relates to the ability of a person to imagine themselves in the shoes of others, a hallmark of empathy. Using these findings and many others, science communicators must harness the power of narratives to encourage behavior change that is more in line with up-to-date scientific knowledge. But it is also our responsibility as citizens to seek out the stories that are already out there.

RIZAL +: HISTORY MEETS LITERATURE IT WAS glitterati meets literati at the launch of the handsome coffee-table book ‘Rizal +’, an anthology of art and literature starring the national hero. Jose Rizal is so much a part of the national consciousness that every Filipino raised in this country has an image of the author-physician-activist in his mind. Rizal’s writings, particularly his two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are required reading in high school, and a mandatory Rizal course in the undergraduate introduces his essays and political writings. But it was in the once-compulsory 12 units of Spanish college courses that I read his poetry. ‘Adios, patria adorada, region del sol querida…’ who has not thrilled to the passion in his ‘Mi Ultimo Adios,’ the last declarations of a man doomed to die by the guns of the colonizers? Thus any work related to him is bound to interest Rizalophiles, as this one is sure to do. Rizal + is edited by prize-winning writer Krip Yuson and published by Water Dragon, Inc., of Alfonso ‘Boy’ Yuchengco Jr., scion of the late taipan Alfonso Yuchengco Sr. who founded the Yuchengco Group of Companies. The book launch was held on a full moon Friday, Nov. 23, at the Yuchengco Museum. From the moment I walked in I knew this event was going to be one of a kind. For one, the music was provided

by Carol Bello and the Kadama Band, their tribal rhythms of electric guitar and violin punctuated by the throb of a steel drum and an upturned plastic jug partly filled with water. Bello’s almost-primal wails and the urgent, pulsing music moved at least two people to dance—Yuchengco and Philippines Graphic literary editor Alma Anonas-Carpio. Yuson, seated under a gallery of Rizal-related artworks, busily signed copies of Rizal + for the attendees, comprising businessmen, corporate types, and socialites mingling with artists and writers. The artworks, some of which illustrate the book, are by visual artists Pandy Aviado, the late Edd Aragon, and others. Yuson stood front and center to explain the genesis of the book, how it

The coffee-table book is a beautiful artifact, replete with gorgeous photographs, beguiling art and illustrations, and thought-provoking pieces.

had been eight or nine years since its inception, but the project was shelved along the way. It was revived recently by Boy Yuchengco, who, with Yuson, wanted to honor the memory of two collaborators on the project who have since passed away—Aragon and writer Jose Victor “Bimboy” Peñaranda. Also on stage were some of the book’s contributors. Artist and writer Solana Perez sent in years ago an essay written when she was 11. Philippines Graphic editor-in-chief Joel Pablo Salud’s “My Dream of Café de Madrid,” illustrated by his eldest daughter Rei Salud, is an excerpt from a novel in progress. Dr Andrew Navarro cast the hero’s natal chart, a piece of interest to astrology buffs; and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren ponders on the preponderance of Rizal monuments in public plazas around the Philippines. Also present at the event was historian Jose Victor Z. Torres, who spoke about his essay “A Fake Rizal Poem: Sa Aking Mga Kabata.” Many of us will recall this stanza best: “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, masahol pa sa hayop at malansang isda.” But, says, Torres, “The problem is it was not written by [Rizal],” and explains why. The book also carries pieces by Vicente Albano Pacis, Leon Ma. Guerrero, Adrian Cristobal, Jose “Butch” Dalisay Jr., Gilda Cordero Fernando, Jose F. Lacaba, Ambeth Ocampo, and other eminent

POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE writers and artists. Where there are gaps in the historical record, we lean towards imagination and fancy to flesh out the areas of our interest—what could have been, the might have been. Thus there are both fiction and non-fiction works in Rizal +. It is a beautiful artifact, replete with gorgeous photographs, beguiling art and illustrations, and thought-provoking pieces. Kudos to Yuchengco for finally bringing this book to life after nearly a decade in hibernation, to its editor Yuson (who also has a piece here), book and cover designer Orland S. Punzalan for the stunning design, and the contributors who thought, mused, and pondered over the enigmatic, mystical, and mythical Jose Rizal. Call or visit the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati City, for a copy of Rizal +. Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researcher, has a PhD in Communication. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TRUMP BACKS TREASURY BOSS DESPITE REPORTS WASHINGTON—Donald Trump on Friday praised the work of his treasury secretary after a report said the president was dissatisfied with his pick and blames him for the appointment of a Federal Reserve chairman who has raised interest rates. “I am extremely happy and proud of the job being done by @USTreasury Secretary” Steven Mnuchin, Trump said on Twitter. Citing Trump’s advisors, the Journal reported that Trump has also voiced his displeasure over Mnuchin’s skepticism toward punitive trade actions against China, as well as recent volatility of the stock market. Quoting a person familiar with the matter, the Journal reported that during a conversation with someone who praised Mnuchin’s performance, Trump mentioned turbulence on the stock market and asked: “If he’s so good, why is this happening?” The Trump White House has been notorious for its high turnover, with heavyweights including former secretary of state Rex Tillerson and attorney general Jeff Sessions pushed out after losing their boss’s confidence. Trump said the report about Mnuchin was “fake news,” a retort he also issued in late 2017 over reports that Tillerson would leave the administration. Working in Mnuchin’s favor is his long history with Trump and reputation as an unswerving loyalist who does not allow disagreements to spill out into the public domain. AFP

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

MAY OUT TO DEFEND BREXIT DIVORCE DEAL

RUSSELS—British Prime Minister Theresa May was headed back to Brussels on Saturday to defend the planned Brexit divorce deal even as Spain threatened to boycott an EU summit meant to endorse it.

May has final day talks scheduled with EU leaders Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, although diplomats said the withdrawal agreement is finished and ready for EU leaders to approve on Sunday. Nothing in the painful 17-month withdrawal process has gone smoothly, and on Friday, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned he might not attend if the leaders do not acknowledge that Madrid holds a veto over the fate of Gibraltar in any post-Brexit negotiation of new EU-UK ties. Visiting Cuba, Sanchez said that Madrid must be allowed to negotiate directly with London on Gibraltar and give its specific assent to any changes to its relationship to the European Union in a future agreement between Britain and Brussels. “If there’s no agreement, it’s very clear what will happen, there very probably won’t be a European Council” summit, he said. Gibraltar, a tiny rocky outcrop home to a port and around 30,000 people, is a British territory claimed by Spain and will be a bone of contention as

London negotiates a new relationship with Brussels after Brexit day on March 29. Luis Marco Aguiriano Nalda, Spain’s secretary of state for European affairs, said Madrid wanted London to put in writing that it shared Madrid’s interpretation of the negotiated Brexit deal texts regarding its stance on Gibraltar. “We have demanded that it be published by the British authorities before the European Council on Sunday,” said in Brussels. In London, however, a Downing Street source said he did not know what document Aguiriano could be referring to and added: “We have negotiated on behalf of the whole of the UK family. That includes Gibraltar and the overseas territories.” In legal terms, Spain’s disapproval would not halt the divorce settlement, but it would embarrass EU leaders keen to show that the 27 are united. And, as Aguiriano noted, any final relationship negotiated between London and Brussels after Brexit day on March 29 would have to be approved by all remaining member states -- giving Spain a de facto veto further down the line. May is due in Brussels later on Saturday to see EU Commission president Juncker, head of the bloc’s executive, and EU Council president Tusk, whose institution represents the member states. But European diplomats told AFP no more substantive negotiations would take place and Sunday’s summit would simply see leaders sign off on the fruit of 17 months of dialogue. AFP

FRENCH TAX REBELS TO TRY TO BLOCK ROADS IN PARIS PARIS—Demonstrators who have blocked French roads over the past week dressed in high-visibility jackets, are set to cause another day of disruption on Saturday amid calls to bring Paris to a standstill. Security forces are on high alert again, but face difficulties in predicting where crowds will gather to support what is still a largely spontaneous movement led by angry voters in rural and small-town France. Nearly 300,000 people blocked motorways, roundabouts, businesses, and fuel depots last Saturday and smaller protests have continued this week, with an estimated 5,000 people still taking part on Friday. The demonstrations were sparked by an increase in diesel tax, justified as an anti-pollution levy by the government, but have since morphed into a broad opposition front to centrist President Emmanuel Macron. “I hope there will be a veritable yellow tide,” one of the leaders of the movement, right-wing political figure Frank Buhler, said this week as he urged supporters to descend on Paris. But with some protesters baulking at the cost of travelling to the capital, it was unclear whether the organizers would achieve their aim of causing gridlock in the City of Light. Paris authorities have authorized a demonstration in a park next to the Eiffel Tower. AFP

MALL SHOOTING SPARKS PANIC ON BLACK FRIDAY NEW YORK—A man was shot in the wrist after a fight at a crowded New Jersey mall on Black Friday, police said, sparking panic on the busiest shopping day of the year. It was not immediately clear what the motive behind the shooting was as the victim was refusing to cooperate, but the gunshot led to the evacuation of the Jersey Gardens mall as police converged on the scene. Videos posted on social media showed shoppers taking cover, while others were being urged to “get down.” Some took to Twitter to say they thought they were under attack by an active shooter. The mall had seen 25,000 shoppers over the course of the busy retail day, local media reported. “It was an isolated incident,” Lieutenant Todd Kelly of the Elizabeth Police Department told AFP. “A male was shot in the wrist in the hallway of the Jersey Gardens Mall, between the Tommy Hilfiger and Marshalls Store. “We have not apprehended a suspect, and the victim is not cooperating on identifying the suspect. The mall is secure and evacuated at this point,” Kelly said. AFP

PLAY TIME. Migrant children who are part of the Central American migrants—mostly from Honduras -- moving towards the United States play with Mexico’s Federal police at El Chaparral port of entry on the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on Thursday. US President Donald Trump renewed his attacks on the judiciary on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, accusing judges of making the country unsafe, as he fanned a bitter row over asylum seekers on the US-Mexico border. AFP

TAIWAN VOTE SPOTLIGHTS SOCIAL, POLITICAL RIFTS TAIPEI—Millions of Taiwanese went to the polls Saturday in key elections which tap into a raft of divisive issues, from relations with Beijing to gay rights. The island-wide vote for political representatives, from village up to city level, is a mid-term test for embattled President Tsai Ing-wen as she faces a backlash over domestic reforms and concerns about deteriorating ties with China. The ballot also features 10 referendums, including pro- and anti-gay marriage votes and a bid to change the name under which Taiwan competes at international sports events

that has already angered China. There were long queues at polling stations Saturday morning with Tsai urging people to come out and vote as she cast her ballot in New Taipei City. “I feel that this is a democratic society and people can express their views on many issues,” she told reporters. College student Kwan Chin-shun, 18, voting in Taipei, said she wanted to support the referendum calling for equal marriage rights. “There’s nothing wrong with loving someone of the same sex,” he told AFP. There are competing referen-

dums on gay rights, with “pro-family” groups calling for marriage to be legally defined as between a man and a woman. A landmark court decision legalizing gay marriage is still to be implemented and LGBT groups are concerned a referendum win for conservative campaigners could limit their newly won rights. The referendums come as an extra headache for Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which faces strong challenges in major seats. Tsai has framed the local elections as a way to “tell the world”

that Taiwan will not bow to Beijing, which has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure since she took office in 2016. China sees self-ruling Taiwan as part of its territory and is incensed that Tsai will not acknowledge the island as part of “one China”, unlike her predecessor Ma Ying-jeou of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party (KMT). Tsai was voted president by a landslide two years ago as the public feared the KMT were getting too close to Beijing, and she has played up the importance of Taiwanese identity on the campaign trail. AFP

KOREA RAILWAY SURVEY GETS UN SANCTIONS PASS

SKILL SHOW. An Indian Sikh youth demonstrates his “gatka” martial arts skills during a procession on the eve of the 549th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Thursday. Guru Nanak was the founder of the religion of Sikhism and the first of ten Sikh Gurus. AFP

SEOUL—The United Nations Security Council has granted a sanctions exemption for the two Koreas to jointly conduct a survey on reconnecting railways across their border, a spokesman for the South Korean presidency said Saturday. The two Koreas last month agreed to start the survey no later than late October and to hold the groundbreaking ceremony sometime between late November and early December, as the countries pursue a reconciliation drive. But the possibility of the project running up against UN sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear programmes has caused delays. “It is significant that this project has received support from the United States and international community”, said Kim Eui-Gyeom, spokesman for

the presidential Blue House in Seoul. Railway experts from both sides will crisscross the country on survey trains together, Kim said in a statement, adding that the process will “bring inter-Korean cooperation to a new level”. Yonhap news agency said the South was expected to bring fuel for train locomotives, and other unspecified materials for the survey in the North. Delivering fuel to North Korea could potentially have been in breach of a UN cap limiting imports to 500,000 barrels a year. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday any inter-Korean rapprochement had to move forward “in tandem” with efforts to denuclearize the peninsula and could not come sooner. AFP

Images

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

GOOD CHAT. Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) gestures as President Rodrigo Duterte looks on during a state banquet at the Malacañang Presidential Palace in Manila on Tuesday. Xi called his visit to long-time American ally the Philippines a ‘milestone,’ as he aimed to boost blossoming ties on the promise of billions of dollars in backing for mega-projects. AFP

RAIN COVER. Protesters hold cloth banners as they shelter themselves from the rain during a rally in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila on Wednesday, held to coincide with the visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to the Philippines. AFP

DEEP TIES. Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes the hand of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo after meeting at a hotel in Taguig City on Wednesday. The first state visit from a Chinese president in 13 years concluded after meetings with Philippine lawmakers, including Arroyo, the former president with deep China ties.

MIMAROPA FESTIVAL. Dancers perform on the street in Mamnburao City for the 4th Mimaropa Festival, which showcases the island of Mindoro and the province of Occidental Mindoro as a world-class tourist destination like its neighboring provinces, offering its lush mountainous greenery, hidden valleys, waterfalls, pristine waters, white sand beaches, diving sites, and Spanish-era relics. Teddy Pelaez

SIBLING CARE. A young girl feeds her brother rice as they sit on a street barrier near Rizal Park in Manila on Friday. Lino Santos

BALLS, NOT EGGS. Bags of golf balls hang from the fence along the Intramuros golf course in Manila, which go for P150 to P200 a pack, presumably for the golfers who spray their shots wide of the fairways. Lino Santos

TERRORIST DOWN. Police check the remains of Joseph Anulga Jr., a suspected ISISaffiliated terrorist killed in a joint military intelligence operation on Thursday in Ormoc City. Briggitt Paz Dejon

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

FILIPINOS DOMINATE ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS By Paul David L. Gelario

RANDON “The Truth” Vera stayed undefeated in the Philippines via a first-round knockout to defend his ONE Heavyweight title, while Eduard “Landslide” Folayang won by unanimous decision to win the ONE Lightweight title at the ONE: Conquest of Champions at the Mall of Asia Arena, in Pasay Friday night. No one expected even Vera himself, that his fight will last only one minute and four seconds after the Italian challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli came charging ahead, leaving him wide open to Vera’s counter left hook, which dropped him on the canvas prompting referee Olivier Coste to stop the fight. “Was I expecting it to be that soon? No. No way,” Vera said. In his victory speech, Vera praised his fellow Filipino fighters, who won a total of five titles in the slugfest. “Ito (showing his ONE Heavyweight belt), kayang kaya natin dito sa bansa natin. Suportahan niyo mixed martial artist niyo. Kolektahin natin lahat ng mga belt,” Vera added. Vera promised he will no longer leave the cage for more than two years again as he is planning for his next mega fight in Japan in October next year. “I promise, I will never be away that long again. I’ve asked to fight again in October next year in Japan and I’ve asked to fight whoever is holding the belt in the light heavyweight title,” Vera said. In the lightweight category, Folayang avenged his loss last year by outclassing the Singaporean Amir Khan in the entire fight. “May kasabihan dito sa Pilipinas na kalabaw lang tumatanda. Hindi naman ako bumabagal kanina,” Folayang said. He remained aggressive throughout the fight throwing punches and kicks that gave Khan a cut on the lower right eye and bloodied his nose. In the third round, however, Khan retaliated by aggressively throwing high left kicks that that rattled the Filipino. Knowing his advantage in the early rounds, Folayang then shifted his strategy in the final rounds by maintaining a safe distance against Khan to avoid his deadly high left kicks. “Being flexible in martial arts is a big advantage,” Folayang said. Official results for ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS ONE Heavyweight World Championship bout: Brandon Vera defeats Mauro Cerilli by Knockout (KO) at 1:04 minutes of round 1 ONE Lightweight World Championship bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Amir Khan by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds

Brandon Vera against Mauro Cerilli

Edward Folayang’s hand is raised after his win.

Catch Weight bout (79.0kgs): Honorio Banario defeats Rahul Raju by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight bout: Saemapetch Fairtex defeats Alaverdi Ramazanov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Welterweight bout: James Nakashima defeats Raimond Magomedaliev by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds ONE Super Series Kickboxing Bantamweight bout: Hiroaki Suzuki defeats Deividas Danyla by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds ONE Super Series Kickboxing Catch Weight bout (73.0kgs): Samy Sana defeats Armen Petrosyan by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Heavyweight bout: Alexandre Machado defeats Hideki Sekine by TKO at 1:44 minutes of round 2 ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight bout: Han Zi Hao defeats Azwan Che Wil by TKO (Referee Stoppage) at 2:52 minutes of round 1 Strawweight bout: Jeremy Miado defeats Peng Xue Wen by TKO (Strikes) at 0:53 minutes of round 2 Flyweight bout: Akihiro Fujisawa defeats Rockie Bactol by TKO (Strikes) at 4:40 minutes of round 3 Flyweight bout: Rudy Agustian defeats Asraful Islam by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

BIG DREAMS FOR NCAA’S MOST IMPROVED PLAYER ARELLANO University sophomore player Archie Concepcion, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Most Improved Player awardee, is just like many young basketball players, who dream of eventually playing in the Philippine Basketball Association. The difference is that Concepcion’s basketball dreams stem from his wish to take care of his four younger siblings and his single mother, following the death of his father five years ago, leaving him the unenviable role of being a young father to the family. “Gusto ko po talaga matulungan mga kapatid ko at mother ko. I share with them whatever I earn from basketball, that is why I also play in outside tournaments during the off season. Right now, I have been sounded out by the Pampanga Lanterns in the MPBL and also by Trinity for its D-League team, big help sa amin ito,” explained the 6’1” player. Concepcion, 22, emerged as MIP awardee when

his ranking jumped from 94th place to 52nd place in the league. He got more playing time this season and responded with a double-digit scoring contribution, showing his potential and earning his coach Jerry Codinera’s confidence. Even incoming Arellano University coach Cholo Martin believes this young player will play a big role in the school’s title campaign next year. “He has very good fundamentals and works hard during practice and actual games, good attitude, too,” said Martin. He also wants to play for the national team in the future before going to the PBA, but his bigger dream is to finish his Business Administration course. “Mas importante sa akin ‘yung makatapos, mas maraming options for work in the future,” said Concepcion. At the rate this young player is improving on his game, a PBA career in the future in indeed a big possibility.

Archie Concepcion

COMMODORE WANTS BAY CLEANUP TO INCREASE SAILING ACTIVITIES By Peter Atencio

Commodore Robert Joseph

AS the 2018-2019 sailing season got underway last weekend, newly installed Manila Yacht Club Commodore Robert “Bobby” Joseph talked of the need to raise awareness on the polluted water of Manila Bay. Joseph said he will ask the Metro Manila Development Authority to initiate cleanup efforts in and around the MYC area. He explained that one of two sewage pipes coming from nearby cities in Metro Manila drains in waters near the MYC clubhouse. A full implementation of environmen-

tal law that has already been in place for the last 10 years needs to be done, according to Joseph. “We have enough environmental laws, the most complete environmental laws in the world. Unfortunately, it is not being implemented,” said Joseph after receiving the MYC flag during a turnover ceremony from Ildefonso Tronqued. The festivities, which opened the 20182019 sailing season was later followed by the firing of the MYC cannon with guest of honor, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto. A parade of yachts later in the day then ensued. The 68-year-old Joseph said he will also make an appeal to Manila Water and

Maynilad, which supply clean water to the rest of the capital. He will ask the two companies to release treated water into Manila Bay when it has already been filtered and cleaned up of impurities. Recreational sailing activities are now currently going on at MYC, although the new MYC commodore said the present quality of water of Manila Bay has limited the number of sailing activities. The more serious sailing events are now being held in Subic Bay. Competitive sailing events are being scheduled though in the latter part of January 2019 to give way to their efforts to have cleanup activities around Manila Bay.

UE FENCERS NEAR MEN’S CROWN UNIVERSITY of the East moved on the cusp of retaining the men’s championship after winning three golds in the first two days of the UAAP Season 81 fencing tournament at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City. CJ Concepcion nabbed the individual saber gold, while last year’s MVP Sammuel Tranquilan took the individual epee gold in last Thursday’s opener. Gunning for a seventh straight crown, the Red Warriors made it 3-of-3 Friday after Tranquilan topped the individual foil event. Tranquilan and Concepcion provided UE’s two silvers in the individual saber and foil categories, respectively. De La Salle is at second place with a silver and a bronze to show, while Ateneo had three bronzes in third spot as the four-day tournament reached the midway point. Maxine Esteban’s gold medal wins in the individual foil and saber events propelled Ateneo on top of the women’s division. The other Lady Eagles medalist was Patricia Beatriz Paolo with her individual foil bronze. University of Santo Tomas is in second place with Marielle Peralta winning the gold in the individual epee, and two bronzes courtesy of Mira Dorimon in the individual efee and Cherie Mañago in individual saber. The Lady Warriors are running third with two silvers and two bronzes. In the juniors’ division, UE is poised for another golden double after a 3-1-3 gold-silver-bronze haul in the girls’ and 2-2-1 tally in the boys’ side, with last season’s MVPs Samantha Catantan and Prince John Francis Felipe leading the charge.

NU BOYS CLOSE IN ON VOLLEY FINALS NATIONAL University made quick work of UP Integrated School, 2513, 25-14, 25-19, to move to within a win of jumping straight to the boys’ Finals Saturday in the UAAP Season 81 high school volleyball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym. Mac Bandola fired four service aces to finish with nine points, while Michael Fortuna added seven markers as the Bullpups needed only 58 minutes to beat the Junior Maroons and extended their perfect run to 13 matches. Only Far Eastern University-Diliman stands NU’s way of making it to the best-of-three championship outright. The Bullpups go for a 14-0 sweep in their 12 noon duel with the Baby Tamaraws Sunday at the FEU-Diliman Gym. In other matches, Adamson University bested FEU-Diliman, 2520, 25-22, 25-18, University of the East downed Ateneo, 25-3, 25-17, 25-21, while defending champion University of Santo Tomas overwhelmed De La Salle-Zobel, 25-19, 25-16, 25-15. The race for the last three semis spots remain hanging in the balance, as the Tiger Cubs and the Baby Tamaraws, both sporting 9-4 cards in second spot, are just a game ahead of the Junior Warriors and the Baby Falcons, who have identical 8-5 slates in joint fourth. In the final day of eliminations Sunday, UST will take on UE at 9 a.m. in a game that could decide the semifinal cast, as Adamson University has a light assignment in De La Salle-Zobel at 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net

EUROPEAN CHAMBER NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

ECCP president Nabil Francis

Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. founder and CEO Steve Sy (left) and his team

ONLINE MERCHANT GETS 114,000 ORDERS IN 1 DAY E

NTREPRENEUR Steve Sy, the top online merchant in the Philippines, received a record 114,165 orders on Nov. 11 or Singles Day, which is widely considered the biggest electronic commerce sales event around the world. The 44-year-old founder and chief executive of Quezon City-based Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. says the figure represents the number of orders handled by his company on behalf of more than 100 clients and brands on Nov. 11 through e-commerce platforms Lazada, Shopee and Zalora. “On 11-11, we received 114,165 orders in one day,” says Sy, whose company manages the online sales of various brands such as Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Reckitt Benckiser (Lysol), L’Oreal, Shell, Maybelline, Max Factor, CLN, Reebok, Enfagrow, P&G, Anker, Zoo York, Vans, Anlene, Levi’s, Lee, Jag, Tribal, Pacsafe, Mango and San Miguel Pure Foods. Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. provides endto-end e-commerce solutions to local and foreign companies. “We take care of the e-commerce of our clients. They just leave the products to us, and we take care of everything from the initial photo shoot until the last-mile delivery,” says Sy. “We are the number one merchant in Lazada and Shoppe because we have a lot of brands that we carry,” he says. “If you add Shopee and Lazada, that is already 90 percent of the e-commerce market.” His company takes care of content production, online shop operations and management including pricing, digital campaign, analytics and business intelligence, warehousing, packing, inventory system, delivery returns and cancellation process. “We are more than an IT company. We offer end-to-end solutions. The only things we do not

offer are the platforms which are managed by Lazada and Shopee and the logistics which are managed by LBC or 2Go. We partner with logistics companies and online platforms to complete the ecosystem of e-commerce,” he says. “We are the only local company that is doing this. All our competitors are multinationals,” says Sy. “Lazada right now has 75 million SKUs [stock keeping units],” he says, adding that the figure is bigger than what can be found in a large shopping mall. Great Deals E-Commerce alone has more than 50,000 SKUs available online. It also has a database of more than 1 million customers. “Right, now we have more than 100 people already, including 30 graphic artists,” he says. The workforce temporarily swells to as many as 400 during big sales events, he says. “We also have an automated e-commerce warehouse management system. We are integrated with Lazada, Zalora, Shoppe. We have a synchronized inventory,” he says. His company operates 7,700 square meters of warehouses in Quezon City and Marilao, Bulacan. Sy, who graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Business/Managerial Economics, used to have brick-and-mortar stores selling mobile phone accessories in Makati City. The entry of Lazada, however, changed his view on retail. “I started to sell online in August 2014 with my own brand of power banks. I used to sell cellphone accessories offline at Greenbelt and Glorietta. I closed it already. Now, 100 percent of my business is online,” he says. “When Lazada established a marketplace, I joined in 2014, thinking that I would sell my extra stocks through the platform. But 11-11 of 2014 came, and I was shocked because the whole stock of powerbanks in my warehouse was gone in a day. It was then that I realized that e-commerce is really something different,” he says. “In 2015, I started bringing in more brands online. I started with virgin coconut oil from a

friend I met at a bazaar, and it sold well. In the latter part of 2016, one multinational company, Reckitt Benckiser, was looking for distributor, so I met with them. In five months, Lysol became the number one home-care brand online with a 500-percent increase in sales. They ran out of stock in their warehouse,” he says. Another client, New York Sneakers was awarded Online Revolution King of Fashion by Lazada in 2016. “Its online sales were bigger than those of Bench, Penshoppe or even SM Stores,” he says. “When Alibaba bought Lazada in 2016, I made a conscious decision to close all my offline shops and concentrate online. I said this is gonna grow leaps and bounds so I put all my resources to concentrate online,” he says. Another client, Maybelline, became the number one health and beauty brand online in 2017. More companies soon joined Sy’s client list. “One by one, the brands came in,” he says. Sy expects to close 2017 with P400 million in revenues. “I never imagined this. We just kept growing and growing. Year-on-year, we are growing more than 100 percent in revenues. Right now, we have more than 1 million customers in our database,” he says. “Last year, we had 15,000 orders on 12-12 [Dec. 12]. In April, Lazada had birthday sales. So we prepared for 15,000, but we received 43,000 orders. Even the platforms were shocked of the volume that came in. This 11-11, we prepared for 100,000 orders, but 114,000 orders came. This was the largest ever. Definitely, the orders will be bigger on 12.12 this year because of the Christmas season,” he says. Sy expects to double his revenues to about P1 billion next year. “The beauty of our industry is that it is still very, very young. Our projection for next year is P1 billion in sales, because we are hitting P400 million this year. The industry is so young and it is gonna grow more,” he says. Sy won the StartCon Pitch for $1 Million event in Manila on Oct. 26 and will represent the Philippines in the regional competition on Nov.

Turn to C2

AIRTAXI.PH TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST H130 HELICOPTER THE Philippines’ largest charter operator AirTaxi.ph welcomed its first singleengine H130 helicopter. Currently operating two H145 helicopters, the new H130 will be dedicated for commercial operations, including passenger transport and sightseeing services in the Southern islands of the Philippines, including Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. “We are excited to introduce the first H130 into our expanding fleet. Having experienced the outstanding performance of the twin-engine H145 and the success it has brought us, we are confident that the H130 is a timely and

“We are delighted that AirTaxi. ph has chosen our H130 to bolster their current helicopter fleet for helitourism. We are confident that the highly agile and high performing H130 will fulfil; every mission excellently, and lives up to its reputation as the best-selling helicopter in the Philippines,” said Lionel de Maupeou, managing director of Airbus Helicopters Philippines. The H130 is a member of the Ecureuil ideal addition to meet our needs as we family of light helicopters renowned grow our operations in the Philippines,” for its performance, reliability, safety said Peter Angelo Rodriguez, executive and multi-mission capability. It has a spacious eight-seat configuration and vice president of AirTaxi.ph.

large unobstructed cabin, making it an extremely ideal for passenger transportation. Thanks to its large panoramic view, low noise signature and anti-vibration system, the H130 offers customers an enhanced onboard experience. Easily identified by its emblematic Fenestron tail rotor, the H130 is fitted with energyabsorbing seats, enhancing operational safety. In the Philippines, nearly 30 H130 helicopters are flown by civil operators for various missions, including passenger and VIP transport as well as goods transportation.

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines elected Nabil Francis as its new president during the re-organization of the ECCP officers at the board meeting held on Nov. 21. Francis, currently the head of Republic Cement Services Inc., has been in the Philippines for two years. Prior to his role at Republic Cement, he has held leadership positions in Morocco, India, Bulgaria, Egypt, Sri Lanka, France, and Germany, mainly in the construction and cement industry. He obtained a master’s degree in business administration from ESSEC Business School in France and holds degrees in civil engineering from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon and urban planning from McGill University. “I’m honored at the privilege of ser ving the European-Philippine business community through the ECCP. At Republic Cement, we recognize the hard work and the many good things that the Chamber has done over the past years and I look forward to continuing this during my term,” said Francis. ECCP executive director Florian Gottein said: “We are very much looking forward to working closely with Mr. Francis on the important advocacies that the ECCP champions. Republic Cement has been a staunch supporter of the chamber for many years now as part of the ECCP board.” “With Mr. Francis elected as president, we are looking forward to even closer cooperation for the benefit of the European business community in the Philippines. The ECCP thanks outgoing president, Mr. Guenter Taus, formerly of Jardine Engineering Corporation Philippines, for his contributions to ECCP during his term and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” said Gottein.

Visa country manager for the Philippines and Guam Dan Wolbert

VISA APPOINTS NEW COUNTRY HEAD FOR PH VISA, the world’s leader in digital payments, announced the appointment of Dan Wolbert as country manager for the Philippines and Guam. He replaces former country manager Stuart Tomlinson. Wolbert is a proven team leader, having spent a number of years at Visa in both the United States and the Philippines. Most recently, he was the head of business development for the Philippines and Guam, where he led the country account team in expanding client partnerships and growing Visa’s business. Wolbert has focused on payments throughout his career, including spending time in Visa’s headquarters in San Francisco as a part of the global strategy team, where he worked on projects across several geographies. “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead our operations in the Philippines and Guam. I look forward to working closely with the regulators, clients and merchant partners to expand our digital payments footprint in the country. More importantly, we want to introduce the benefits of electronic payments to all Filipinos in the country, and make a positive difference to the community through the work that we are doing,” Wolbert said. Stephen Karpin, Visa’s group country manager for regional Southeast Asia, said: “We are excited to promote Dan into this role as the country manager for the Philippines and Guam. Promoting talent from within our organization remains an important priority and I am confident Dan will do a great job leading our team and supporting our clients to grow the expansion of commerce across the Philippines and Guam.”

Business

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 business@manilastandard.net

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT VENDOR HELPS FOODPRENEURS BEST China Equipment Corp. is helping entrepreneurs start their own food ventures or expand existing businesses despite their limited capital. A distributor of a wide range of very affordable kitchen equipment, BCEC is a newly-launched company that sources its products directly from China. BCEC’s sales and technical team personally visited the biggest China factories and looked for the best quality and most pocket-friendly equipment that will help foodpreneurs jumpstart their businesses with a low investment. It is a one-stop-shop that is capable of outfitting any food venture, be it a restaurant, café, food truck, canteen, kiosks, carts, food parks, catering services and more. BCEC says it can also help customers look for products that they need which might not yet be in BCEC’s catalog. BCEC puts emphasis on product functionality at the best prices. Its products include fryers, griddles, ovens, toasters, gas stoves pasta cookers, microwave ovens, induction cookers, chicken rotisseries, meat mincers, bone saw, crepe and waffle makers, coffee machines, blenders, hotdog rollers, siopao steamers, juice dispensers,ice making machines, ice cream/gelato machines, stick blenders, cone bakers, ice crushers, popsicle machines, chillers, food warmers, dishwashing machines, among others.

BONIFACIO HONORED AT UP RITES T H E K atipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayang Pilipinas, the alumni of the R ainbow R anger Sunday Soldier Home Defense Program and the University of the Philippines and its Department of Military Science and Tactics will celebrate the 155th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio at the Katipunero Monument at UP’s Vinzons Hall in Diliman, Quezon City on Nov. 30. Being the site where the Katipunero Monument at the “Cry of Balintawak” was transferred, UP was also designated by the National Historical Commission as one of the sites for the celebration of Bonifacio Day. From 2014, the celebration honored Bonifacio as the “Father of Citizen Soldiers” for having founded and formed the KKK from raw civilians, with reservists from the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the deputy chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs, J9, GHQ, participating. The event will kick off with a flagraising ceremony at the back of the UP Grandstand at 8 a.m. with UP president Danilo Concepcion, the Commandant of UPDMST, the UPROTC and members of KMAB and RRAAI led by Graciano Mercado and Capt. Agustin Nacino, attending. The event will also feature the recitation of the KKK decalogue by KMAB members and inspirational talk by the UP president on the values, patriotism and heroism of Gat Andres Bonifacio.

ONLINE... From C1 30 at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia. The winner will receive $1 million in fresh investment. StartCon is Australia’s largest startup and growth conference owned by Freelancer.com. It is Asia Pacific’s largest startup pitch competition, with hundreds of startups competing across 15 cities in seven countries for the chance to win $1 million from Australian venture capital firm Right Click Capital. Sy says winning $1 million would help his company scale up and expand to other countries. “We are looking for strategic partners globally so that we will have a good global presence,” he says. Sy says he plans to raise a total of $5 million to acquire and develop technologies related to data analytics and artificial intelligence. “We have a positive cashflow, but we are raising money for expansion. We are raising $5 million. $1 million is just a part of that,” he says. “One of the investment plan is to have a big data analytics system. That’s why we are raising capital. We will use our data on 1 million customers to give analytics and insight to have a better business.” “For me, it is an honor and responsibility to represent the Philippines. If you could see me four years ago, I was just a simple merchant or online seller. But because of the e-commerce industry, we were able to grow our company. Now we are ready to go global. We would like to inspire the Filipinos,” says Sy. Roderick T. dela Cruz

LADY ENTREPRENEUR JOINS ‘FINAL PITCH’ By Othel V. Campos

evving up the millennial vibe, Final Pitch is back for Season 3 with new judges and more angel fund to influence younger people to embrace entrepreneurship. Young entrepreneur Milka Romero is the first full-pledged female judge to join the show as a judge and investor. She is joining the show’s veteran judges William Tiu Lim and her billionaire father Mikee Romero, who are making a comeback in Season 3. “I think this upcoming Season 3 will be more exciting because in addition to new mentors, the show will not be a male monopoly which was the case in the previous seasons. This time I will be joining as a full-pledged judge together with Ms. Maricris Sandiego of BPI Foundation as female mentors,” she said. William Tiu Lim, multi-awarded president and chief executive of diversified food conglomerate Mega Global Corp., returns with an eye to find and mentor more budding entrepreneurs. Rep. Mikee Romero is an energy and power industrialist and co-founding owner of Philippines AirAsia with stakes in diverse industries. Joining the lineup of the show’s illustrious investor judges are Michael Dargani, president and CEO of IceDream Inc., Philippine franchise owner of Baskin Robbins; and Philippinesbased British national Mark Vernon, founder of Tagcash Ltd., a blockchain and cryptocurrency payments and crowdfunding platform. Vernon’s involvement will be complemented by the special participation of the Manila Angels Investor Network. “Now that I’m one of the judges, I’m so excited especially since I can relate to young entrepreneurs who will be pitching,” said the younger Romero. “Although I can entertain a lot of new ideas, a lot of new trend, at the end of the day I want to see the numbers. The endeavor should be able to realize the ROI and lower operation or production cost. Coming up with fresh idea is not extremely difficult. It can be an existing concept but on a different perspective,” she said. The Final Pitch is the Philippines’ first business reality TV show which airs on CNN Philippines. It links promising entrepreneurs with multi-millionaire and billionaire investors looking to forge the next exciting business deals. Organizers said the show has proven how the combination of the right business models and talented entrepreneurs can attract angel funding from even the most traditional businessmen in the Philippines. The goal is to connect the business to the right people, get them funded, and help them scale to eventually become successful contributors to nation building. The season begins with an initial pitch, where the entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to the investor judges.

Final Pitch Season 3 judge Milka Romero

Those selected in the initial pitch will undergo a boot camp complete with business challenges and mentoring opportunities from industry thought leaders and the show’s partners on how to better run, brand, and grow their businesses. The season culminates in a nerve-wracking final pitch, where the deals are eventually made. Mentors of the third season will include Thames International Business School president Joel Santos, EON The Stakeholder Relationships Group co-founder and chairman Junie del Mundo, Gorriceta Law partner Mark Gorriceta, and other resource experts.

The show once again renews its partnership with BPI Foundation for the show’s social enterprise category. BPI Foundation executive direc tor Maricris Sandiego joins the show as a guest judge, earmarking a P500,000 grant to a social enterprise of their choice. Joining Sandiego as guest judges and mentors are John-C Syquia, senior vice president and group head of BPI Corporate Banking, and Junie Veloso, group Head of BPI Business Banking. Final Pitch will start shooting in December 2018 and will air in March 2019. The final 25 contenders get to pitch with investors.

FILIPINO EXECUTIVE NAMED ‘YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR’ MICROSOFT Philippines chief operating officer Christian Lim was recognized Young Leader of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards. In celebration of the Philippines’ outstanding business leaders, the Asia CEO Awards recognized Lim in ceremonies held recently at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Microsoft was also proclaimed part of the Circle of Excellence for the category CSR Company of the Year, in recognition of its technology-driven corporate social responsibility projects that help enable economic mobility and life-changing opportunities for the youth, the differently abled, aspiring entrepreneurs, and various institutional partners in the public and private sectors. Lim, who was a member of the pioneering team that brought the broadband industry to the country, is the head of Microsoft Philippines’ marketing and business operations. Under his leadership, Microsoft Philippines is set to grow by 28 percent this year, the fastest growth rate on record since the company was established in the country in 1995.

Through his role, Lim is leading the charge towards the country’s digital transformation, by developing and executing strategies in solution areas such as data and artificial intelligence, apps and infra and modern workplace productivity tools. “At the heart of Microsoft’s success is its people, and working here has given me the opportunity to work with brilliant minds in the Philippines and all over the world. This award is for everyone who share in our company’s vision to transform and uplift society through technology, and to all my colleagues who have helped enable people and institutions to grow,” Lim said. Lim joined Microsoft Philippines in 2016 as business group leader for the office and cloud marketing group, wherein he fueled the company’s cloud productivity business growth by 71 percent year-on-year. Prior to joining Microsoft, Lim worked in PLDT, where he served as part of the team that built the broadband industry Microsoft Philippines chief operating officer in the Philippines. He also headed the company’s Cloud and ICT category, Christian Lim

managing a portfolio of products with a base revenue of P4.5 billion. Lim previously won the Young Market Master Award for Marketing Management from Mansmith and Fielders in 2012, and won various awards including Anvil and Quill awards for heading various marketing campaigns. M i c r o s o f t ’s c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibility projects anchored on the use of technology to help various sectors were likewise recognized. These programs include The Education Ambassador’s Program, which aims to equip 30,000 educators and students with the skills to use the latest technology in teaching and learning; Krops, a cloudbased mobile application that allows farmers to maximize yields and secure the best price for their produce with the use of smartphones; and Barangay Walang Iwanan, which harnesses cloud technology to gather useful community information from 10,000 barangays to aid in the quick mobilization of resources from Gawad Kalinga volunteers in times of disasters.

Tech & Gadgets

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

DATA IS THE NEW OIL; PH READY FOR CYBER ATTACKS

Paul David Gelario

Resource speakers during the Asia-Pacific Financial Forum

By Paul David Gelario

With everyone’s data being extracted from CCTV cameras, to online transactions, Parrenas told the audience that their data are collected at imHE coordinator of the APEC Finanmense proportions and the only question is how cial System Capacity Building, the these data can be meaningfully used. Asia-Pacific Financial Forum at the The skyrocketing value of data has caused numerous cyber attacks costing billions of dollars in Philippine International Convention Center recently told the forum that data the United States. “In the United States alone, Identity Theft conis the new oil in this digital age. tributed to a loss of 21 billion dollars,” former Team Corporations now rely heavily on data and APFF Leader of the United States Agency for InternationCoordinator Dr. Julius Caesar Parrenas believes that al Development, Dr. Mario Lamberte said. “In a 2017 study, 94% of executives rate security data is now as valuable as oil.

as the most important,” he added. The given percentage has made cybersecurity extremely important in this current age to keep any data breach at bay. In the Philippines, Francis Senora of the National Bureau of Investigation Computer Crimes Division, admitted that although our system may be vulnerable to cyber attacks, there’s always ‘innovation’ to protect our data. “The vulnerabilities are there, but again, there’s innovation,” Senora said. Senora added that the Philippine government has already pursued the necessary steps to augment its data security. “In the Philippines, the government has already made steps, such as the existence of the National Service Security Plan, the NBICP, the NPC (National Privacy Commission) and the implementation of the RA10175 (Cyber Prevention Act) and the RA10173 (Data Privacy Act),” he said. Senora cited an example that there was a company where its transaction was compromised, losing a total of 27 million pesos, but they took action and were able to recover the money and identify the foreign perpetrators. “We were able to caught the foreign actors. We identified in the official reports that the actors were from Soviet Union (Russia),” he said. Commissioner and Chairman of National Privacy Commission, Raymond Liboro added that Philippine-based industries can adapt in this digital age as the laws are there to protect them. “We are very very confident that industries can adopt their own codes, because we now have the omnibus and robust laws in place,” Liboro said. Liboro added that according to statistics, 53% of data breaches are caused by employee error, while 47% were initiated by malicious attackers.

CONVENIENT HP PRINTHEAD REPLACEMENT

LIKE any other machine or equipment, deskjet and ink tank printers undergo wear and tear over time, and some parts may need repair and replacement. However, finding original parts, like printheads, can sometimes be a hassle, while the actual replacement may prove complicated. For HP DeskJet GT and HP Ink Tank printers, replacing damaged or wornout printheads is easy as HP GT 5820/5810 and HP Ink Tank 415/315/310 original printhead replacement kits are now available at HP authorized service centers and channel partners nationwide. These are ideal for use in HP DeskJet GT 5810, 5811, 5820, 5821 All-in-One printers, and HP Ink Tank, 415, 315, and 310 printers. Replacing HP printheads that are

damaged or no longer functioning properly can also be hassle-free with an easy-to-follow step-by-step process. To replace the black and tri-color printheads at the same time (an E-8 error occurs if only one new printhead is installed), turn on the printer and make sure paper is loaded. All ink levels should also be above the minimum fill line and the ink valve is unlocked to prevent ink from dripping. You also need to close the output tray extender and stow the output tray. Next, open the exterior door found at the front of the printer, and then open the printhead access door. If the carriage does not move to the center of the printer, reach inside and manually move it to the center. Open the blue carriage latch by gently pushing down on it.

Lightly press down on the tri-color printhead to release it, and then pull the printhead out of its slot. Repeat these steps for the black printhead, carefully keeping the printheads upright during removal to prevent ink from leaking. Open the packages of the new printheads and pull the orange plugs straight up from their tops. Use the pull tabs to remove the tape from the printhead contacts, taking care not to touch the copper-colored contacts or the ink nozzles as these could result in clogs, ink failure, and bad electrical connections. Slide the printhead at a slight upward angle into the empty slot and gently push up on the printhead until it snaps into place. Note that the tricolor printhead goes to the left slot while the black printhead goes into the right slot.

SEAL INKS PACT WITH 2 FINANCIAL PLATFORMS By Roy Tomandao AFTER landing five major application scenarios, SEAL has again reached a momentous partnership with two major financial service platforms in Southeast Asia. On Nov. 19, hundreds of blockchain elites and famous investors witnessed the “SEAL Coin Initial Launch and SEAL, FUCENT, MYPLUS Tripartite cooperation signing ceremony” at the Manila House. SEAL held a tripartite strategic cooperation signing agreement with Fucent Gateway (the Philippines’ first company to officially sign the contract with WeChat Pay) and Myplus Financial Service, the world’s top financial ecosystem operator. In the future, SEAL will cooperate with Fucent Gateway and Myplus Financial Service in providing a

51TALK OPENS QC TRAINING CENTER. 51Talk, a leading Online English Teaching Language platform in the country today, opened its seventh training center in Diliman, Quezon City recently. This is in line` with 51Talk’s goal of widening its operations in the Philippines and is expected to help newly launched teachers equipped themselves with knowledge and skills necessary for becoming effective home-based online teachers. At the center, selected teachers will undergo 51Talk’s Center-Based Training Program (CBT Program) for 30 days to be a full-fledge home-based online teachers, and only after completing and passing the technical and teacher training. Under the CBT Program, they will have face-to-face training and real-time coaching provided by onsite trainers and QAs. These will help them not only in being effective home-based online English teachers but also in properly navigating online teaching technology. Photo above shows Jennifer Que (2nd, right) 51TALK Vice-President for Philippine Operations during the opening event. 51Talk already has CBT sites in Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Pasig and Cavite plans to hire 100,000 Filipino online English teachers in the next five years. For inquiries, visit www.51Talk.ph or call Tel. No. 7795151.

high-security financial blockchain, solving the financial points of asset trading security with blockchain technology, thus expanding into a wider field and achieve mutual benefit in other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Among the attendees were representatives from NiuEX, the digital currency exchange approved by CEZA Philippines, founded in 2018 with dedication to become the Nasdaq in Blockchain, providing professional, secure and fast service to global investors. At the signing were (from left) Jeffrey Leong, COO of My Pay; Marvin Zhang Founder and Chairman, SEAL; Lito V. Jimenez, Executive Vice Pres./Director of Fucent Gateway Corporation.

A drone solution was presented in a field demonstration at the PRC Logistics and Training Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone recently. Ram Christian Agustin

SMART, NOKIA JOIN HANDS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM By Ram Christian Agustin TO enhance the disaster response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications and Nokia successfully developed a drone solution, which was presented in a field demonstration at the PRC Logistics and Training Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone recently. This innovative non-profit initiative called Nokia Saving Lives aims to provide communications technology and technical assistance to emergency response teams, which includes drones, a portable rescue application center, a private mobile broadband network and applications on video streaming, mapping and analytics. Through Smart’s high-speed LTE connectivity, which is based on the portable Nokia Ultra Compact Network, a secure communication will be provided for the rescue team members and the remote-controlled drones, which are equipped with different types of cameras, sensors and speakers, and can also be used to carry first aid kits. “The Philippines is at the frontline of climate change. That is something that we have to live with,” said PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto. “This collaboration with the PRC and Nokia underscores our commitment to use technology for good.” NSL is supported by GSMA, which has granted a Disaster Response Innovation Fund to Nokia for this drone project that was presented at the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter Regional Workshop for Asia-Pacific last July. “This drone and network solution can help us gather accurate and up-to-date data on the status of lifelines in disaster situations. This in turn can provide us with information vital in the implementation of rescue and assistance to the affected areas,” said PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla.

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From C4

backup battery that is incredibly sleek and lightweight. For the modern traveler Travelpack-S Essential Mini Organizer Pouch (discounted from P895 to P380) and Travelpack-L Complete Travel Organizer Pouch (discounted from P995 to P480) These versatile electronics organizers will keep your travel tech under control in the most stylish and durable way possible. These nylon travel bags come with plenty of room to hold various items like cables, headphones, memory cards, hard drives, adapters, pens and even small electronic devices Promate Special Festive Offers is available at Promate stores in 4/F SM North Edsa Annex, Ayala Cebu, SM Clark and 4/F Robinsons Ermita and retail partners Abacus, Abenson, Allworld Computer, BCG, Concept Computer, Denvers Computershoppe, Digital Interface, Complink, Electroworld, Jargons, PCINet, Perfect Shot, Silicon Valley, Storm, TCA, Urban Gadgets and Wilcon. Both promos run from Nov. 15, to Jan 15. All Promate products come with a warranty of 24 months. For more information on other exciting deals and products, visit www.promate.ph and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @promatephil.

C4 .

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

JBL LINK SERIES: LOOKS GOOD, SOUNDS EVEN BETTER

HOWCASE an outstanding wireless smart speaker that would bring world-class innovation right into the home of the consumers.

This is the objective set by the Harman International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., as it eyes a positive welcome in the local market with their newly launched innovative speaker to date: The JBL Link series. Harman Lifestyle Audio Philippine Country Head Larry Secreto expressed enthusiasm to present the company’s newest product line the JBL Link series. According to him, the new product is remarkably different from the previous ones as the latest addition brings the first voice-activated speakers, showcasing JBL’s Signature Sound with the Google Assistant. The Link series, a hands-free set of speakers activated by using voice commands, are available in four models namely the LINK 10, LINK 20, LINK 300, and LINK 500. Secreto proudly said the JBL LINK enables users to experience hassle-free listening due to its handsfree and voice-activated speaker series. Through the use of voice commands, powered by a built-in Google Assistant, listeners can now stream music, ask questions, manage everyday tasks, and easily control connected smart devices around their home. By uttering the words “Ok, Google” or “Hey, Google,” the device can perform other tasks such as playing a favorite song, finding delicious recipes for dinner parties, and even checking traffic before leaving the house. “We are thrilled to pair JBL’s incredible legacy of award-winning sound with our growing line-up of voice-controlled speakers,” Secreto said. He also explained that JBL’s well-known quality sound and Google’s voice assistant technology were merged to deliver a powerful listening experience and a conversational voice assistant. The LINK speakers also feature high-definition music streaming with Chromecast built-in, pro-

TIKTOK YOUR WAY OUT OF TRAFFIC, LONG LINES JBL also launched the all-new JBL Everest lineup composed of the Everest Elite 110 GA, Everest 310 GA, and Everest 710 GA.

viding an elevated music experience, best-inclass sound quality, and top class entertainment from the most popular music and entertainment apps, all through a simple voice command. Secreto added that the LINK 10 and LINK 20 speakers ensure almost nonstop listening continuity with an IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing users to play music for five and ten consecutive hours, respectively. Meanwhile, for home users, the LINK series’ larger members, the LINK 300 and LINK 500, are a perfect fit. Powered by Google assistant, these speakers can be connected to a user’s smart appliances through the Google Home app. Both the LINK 300 and LINK 500, along with other JBL speakers, can all be connected through any home Wi-Fi network for a multiple speakers’ set up for a powerful, louder multi-

room listening experience. In a bid to boost its lineup, Secreto said the company also launched the all-new JBL Everest lineup composed of the Everest Elite 110 GA, Everest 310 GA, and Everest 710 GA. He added that all three of the in-ear Everest Elite 110GA, on-ear Everest 310GA, and over-ear 710GA allow users to have easy and convenient control over the connected device’s notifications, music, phone calls, SMS text messages and other smartphone functions with the use of Google Assistant. The revamped Everest lineup also comes with a touch-sensitive ear cup and earbud, allowing one tap access for Google Assistant. The Everest Elite 110GA, Everest 310GA, and Everest 710GA carry long hours of playtime with a stamina of 8 hours, 10 hours, and 25 hours respectively.

PROMATE LAUNCHES 2 CHRISTMAS PROMOS PROMATE, the global leader in consumer electronic accessories for mobile, tablet and computers, recently launched two special Christmas promos for techies and those looking for tech-related gifts. The Special Christmas Treat at National Bookstore and Powerbooks gives shoppers freebies when they shop for school and office supplies and Promate gadgets and accessories. Get free earphones or a charging cable when you buy selected Promate models. Buy a Powerpeak-10 10000mah powerbank or PowerHub-QC 30W QC Type-C wall charger and get TrueSound-1 earphones for free. PowerPeak-10 charges your devices up to 80 percent faster than traditional chargers with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, thus minimizing the time plugged into the wall or your device. PowerHub-QC 30W QC Type-C Wall charger has a fast charging function that allows you to quickly charge your gadgets. Buy Clavier In-ear Stereo Earphones with Mic or Onyx In-ear Stereo Earphones with Mic and get LinkMate-U2F cable. Clavier wired earphones feature an optimally tuned acoustic design to deliver an exceptional listening experience. Onyx is engineered to deliver crystal clear sound, very few other earphones can match. The freebies are items that are Promate bestsellers. Linkmate U2F cable is a premium flat microusb cable for high-speed data transmission and charging while True Sound-1 earphones are a fa-

vorite of audiophiles. Promate also recently launched its Special Festive Offers for the holidays at selected retail outlets with exciting and substantial discounts on selected products. If you’re looking for gifts for techie friends who are always on the go, you can’t go wrong with Promate. For audiophiles The TuneBuds-1 In-Ear Stereo Earphones with Mic (discounted from P780 to P480) These earphones have an optimally tuned acoustic design that promises a superior listening experience, whether you are on Spotify or watching movies and TV shows on Netflix. They’re light and perfect for the on-the-go lifestyle. Symphony Wireless HD Stereo Headset (discounted from P2495 to P1295) Symphony has passive noise cancellation technology along with advanced protein leather ear cushion to provide optimum comfort fit. Its classic, simple metal and leather design will never fail to make a style statement wherever you go. With music playtime of up to 5 hours, it is the perfect companion for trips. Symphony also supports in-line music function and built-in mic function, which means you can pick up calls while listening to music. For busy techies Force-10 10000mah Ultra-Fast Power Bank (discounted from P1995 to P995) The Force-10 is powerful 10000mAh li-polymer Turn to C3

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year once again! For Pinoys, Christmastime is about Simbang Gabi, puto bumbong and bibingka, Noche Buena preps, reunions, and… traffic and long lines. But there’s one app that every Pinoy can tinker with while being stuck inside the UV Express on the way home or while waiting in line for the MRT on the way to work. A 2017 study said that Filipinos spend an average of one hour and six minutes a day stuck in traffic. That is equivalent to 264 15-second videos enjoyed in one sitting. For creators, that time is enough to whip up at least one short-form video. TikTok, one of the most downloaded apps in the world in early 2018, offers a wide range of shortform videos, challenges and other fun features that make every idle moment more enjoyable. Hundreds of effects and filters to play around with As an app powered by artificial intelligence, TikTok provides a variety of special effects and cool features, stickers, and other video editing tools to make it easy for users to create fun short videos, all within the app. Abundance of content from celebrities and other creatives TikTok has millions of users worldwide. They include top celebrity creators like Maine Mendoza, Jodi Sta. Maria, and John Arcilla to Jimmy Fallon, BLACKPINK, and Dylan Wang. TikTok is also not short of grassroot content creators. Three of them—Gyl, Issey, and Vishnu—even went to Seoul, South Korea to join the TikTok Gala after they won the 1 Million Audition, along with other top creators from all over the world. Join exciting challenges TikTok has always been about bringing people together. The app assigned hashtags to collate videos of each challenge, making it easier for the community to follow similar videos and join the latest craze. TikTok even has dedicated challenges to its Pinoy creators such as #anonggwapo, #gandangganda, and #wagkangtorpe. Founded in 2016, TikTok is now available in over 150 countries and markets, and in 75 languages. Headquartered in Los Angeles, TikTok has global offices in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Jakarta, Mumbai, and Moscow.

HOME CREDIT PHILIPPINES RAISES P6.5B FROM SYNDICATED LOAN

PRAGUE-BASED consumer finance company Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) has signed a domestic syndicated loan facility amounting to P6.50 billion last October 2018. The Company tapped ING Bank and Land Bank of the Philippines as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners while the syndicate of banks is composed of CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corp., EastWest Banking Corporation, ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch, Land Bank of the Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Security Bank Corporation, Shinhan Bank Manila Branch, and Union Bank of the Philippines. The syndicated facility was oversubscribed and is notable for being almost three times bigger than the pioneer HCPH syndication closed in the amount of P2.25 Billion in 2017. HCPH’s Chief Business Development Officer and Treasurer, Zdenek Jankovsky, attributes the successful syndication to the banking industry’s confidence in the Company’s profitability and growth. “We have created a platform that provides cus-

tomer convenience based on the loan application process’ simplicity and speed. Our success is built on putting our clients’ needs first,” he said. Established in the Philippines in 2013, Home Credit broadens financial inclusion for those without access to traditional banking services by providing them a positive and safe borrowing experience—the first for many of its customers. It is present across the archipelago with a strong workforce of over 10,000 supporting about 5,000 distribution points. The company, which uses technology to onboard customers and keep a robust risk management framework, offers a variety of products such as in-store, point-of-sale loans for purchase of durable goods, and cash loans as cross-sell to eligible mass retail customers. Application requires at least two valid IDs only and loans are decided, on average, within ten minutes. With more than 3.6 million customers to date, the five-year old company expects to close the year with P25 Billion in finance receivables and sustain profitable operations.

(From L-R: Bobby Abastillas, Unionbank; Gonzalo Bongolan, Land Bank of the Philippines; Marvin Tiburcio, CTBC; Geon Woo Do, Shinhan Bank; Betty Romulo, Unionbank; Zdenek Jankovsky, HCPH; Vicky Tupaz, HCPH; Annica Witschard, HCPH; Beth Coronel, RCBC; Hans Sicat, ING; Raffy Algarra, EastWest Bank; Joy Supan, Security Bank; and Christian Solis, Security Bank)

Destinations D1

sunday, november 25, 2018

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

no worries

in Melbourne LIFE IS GOOD. Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of victoria, is home to wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centers, where wildlife peacefully thrives and people can see animals living as they would in the wild.

(Part 1) By Bernadette Lunas

N A recent flight from Melbourne to Sydney, it took me more than the enough time to put my bag in the overhead cabin thus causing a short line of passengers on the aisle. I apologized profusely over the delay I’ve caused. A man, with an Australian accent, smiled reassuringly and said, “No worries.” I felt less flustered and self-conscious. It wasn’t the only time I heard that expression during my recent visit in Australia, specifically in Melbourne. It’s the locals’ response to “thank you,” it’s their way to tell you everything’s all right, it’s how they reassure others not to worry too much and to take it easy and to be optimistic. Unlike hurried big cities where people seem to be always catching the last trip of the train and there appears to be no time to stop and smell the roses, Melbourne doesn’t mind slowing down. There is a certain relaxed and friendly vibe in this city; it’s as if time stops and there really is nothing to worry about.

viewers can see little penguins, the world's smallest specie of penguin, go home to their sand dune burrows after a day of fishing during the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Live like little penguins

Sleep like a koala

you see, if there is any creature living in Melbourne, Australia that will prove to you of the slow-paced, relaxed living in the city that would be koalas. The six adorable marsupials our tour group spotted at the Koala Conservation Centre on Phillip Island were peacefully sleeping while perched on eucalyptus trees. With their lowenergy diet, made up mostly of eucalyptus leaves, they are sedentary and sleep up to 20 hours a day. This eco-tourism attraction, located 90 minutes from Melbourne, lets visitors see these sleepy creatures in their natural habitat up close; humans stroll through eucalypt woodlands on elevated boardwalks. Freeroaming wallabies, possums, and echidnas, among other Australian wildlife sometimes make a surprise appearance in the conservation centre, too.

A cuddly and sleepy koala at the Koala Conservation Centre.

Koalas do their thing, while people do theirs—quietly and without disturbing the animals. Aside from providing a place for the Australian icons and other wildlife to thrive and for people to see them living as they would in the wild, the Koala Conservation Centre is also committed to conservation efforts, public awareness, and long-term research of koalas.

We arrived about an hour before sunset at Summerland Beach on Phillip Island to watch a parade. Sitting on tiered bleachers, wet and shivering from the winter rain, we awaited the arrival of the little penguins, the world’s smallest specie of penguin, which only grows to an average of 33 centimeters tall and a kilo in weight. As the water receded, one penguin leapt out of sea and waddled onto the beach to check things out. Confirming everything’s swell he then called the others to follow him. These creatures, all cute and tiny, come ashore in groups of four to eight and waddle on to the grassy areas to go to their respective homes—those sand dune burrows—after a day of fishing at sea. This activity, which happens daily, is called the Penguin Parade, one of Australia’s most popular attractions. According to rangers, Phillip Island is home

to more than 10,000 breeding adult little penguins, which are often called fairy penguins because of their small size. It’s quite a sight, honestly. As, although audience can hardly see them coming ashore since the “parade” is only lit by moonlight and a few lamps, spectators can “walk” with them on the boardwalks which are strategically built near the penguins’ path and burrows. Photography is, thankfully, not allowed to avoid disrupting the penguins’ routine. And should you try to take a snap, and, God forbid, use flash, rangers and other concerned visitors will call you out. See, this natural attraction is better to be experienced with your eyes, not through the screen of your device. According to the Phillip Island Nature Parks, revenues raised through its eco-tourism activities are invested in research environment and education programs. “We’re not-for-profit and all for conservation.” Turn to D2

My castle in the sky EvEry time a trip to Baguio City quarters of General yamashita. comes along, I always get exOf course, it was also where cited. It’s definitely the calming yamashita surrendered to the effect of the temperate climate, American forces at the end of the soothing smell of pine trees, the war. and the complete feeling of pure After the war, the camp rerelaxation that make me want to mained under American rule zoom fast to the city in the wink and became John Hay Air Base. mercury rising When it was finally turned over of an eye. By BoB zozoBrado Of course, my “escapade” to to the Philippine government, it the City of Pines is always combecame a tourist attraction and plete when I stay at my favorite refuge, The Man- a forest watershed reservation. or of Camp John Hay, my “castle in the sky.” The iconic The Manor at Camp John Hay is alBut before I rave about this world-class ac- ways a joy to stay at. There is something magical commodation and its superb facilities, which about the place, which you feel the moment you always make my vacations up North perfect, enter its lobby. It could be the sincere smiles of let me first take you down memory lane with a the staff who treats you like royalty, or the hotel’s short history of how this once-American facility old world charm, or the crisp mountain air coucame into being. pled with the scent of pine trees, that makes for a During the Philippine-American War, the Unit- superbly pleasant welcome. ed States 48th Infantry Unit established Camp Its marketing blurb says the hotel is “nestled John Hay as a military reservation for American 5,000 feet above sea level...and blends the sursoldiers, a refuge for them from the relatively rounding beauty of nature with the element of hotter temperature of the lowlands. luxury and spirit of hospitality,” and I believe evBut, during World War II, it served as an intern- ery word of it. This is the reason why, when the ment camp of the Japanese army, and the head- daily “organized chaos” here in the metropolis

The imposing The Manor at Camp John Hay, as seen from the garden.

warrants a red flag, I immediately find a way to transport myself, the fastest way possible, to the “city in the sky.” The Manor’s rooms are always my favorite, especially those that look out into the garden. The bed and pillows have perfect consistency and ensure a restful sleep. And I like the fact that the windows can be opened to let the cool, unpolluted mountain air in—certainly, a healthy way to

recharge for the following day’s activities. No doubt about it, the buffet breakfast at Le Chef is the ultimate energizer. The spread of culinary choices is just so impressive, it supports what doctors always say that the breakfast should be the most important meal of the day. Thanks to multi-awarded Chef Billy King of Le Souffle fame, The Manor’s breakfast fare is the Turn to D2

destinations

sunday, november 25, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

no worrIes...

From D1

Experience farm life

off the coast of Phillip Island is Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where the public can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the fragrant cottage gardens and lawns, visit farmhouses, and get up-close with horses and cows and chickens and ducks. Churchill Island holds an important place in history being the site of the first european agricultural pursuits in victoria. according to its website, the island has been farmed since the 1850s. visitors can experience cow milking and learn lassoing. The sheep shearing show, particularly, is a fun way to learn more about the humble farm life. sheep are sheared in gentle precision, in a little over a minute. The record shearing speed is 49 seconds or 620 sheep sheared in eight hours. audience members are invited to touch the freshly sheared wool, which is greasy due to its lanolin that are actually used as moisturizer, which is effective in keeping skin supple during winter. Those looking for lanolin moisturizer can hoard it in australia. aside from close encounters with wildlife and scenic walks in the countryside, the heritage farm also serves a sumptuous and authentically aussie lunch composed of sandwiches, garden salad, stuffed mushrooms, grilled shrimps, chips, and brownies. Pair it with a glass of chilled chardonnay, and you’re all set.

Highland cows greet visitors in Churchill Island Heritage Farm, while wallabies make a surprise appearance on Phillip Island. sheep shearing demonstrations are a popular attraction on Churchill Island.

Walk around the city

Koalas, penguins, sheep, and other wildlife thrive in melbourne, offering a glimpse into the life in victoria’s capital. but it’s just one side of it. In the city, the same calm and relaxed vibe emanates. streets are wide and lined with greens, modern structures stand beside victorian buildings, and the population—which is notably diverse—goes about their day in a peaceful rush, so to speak. They walk with a purpose but they won’t intentionally bump into you in case you forget which way you’re headed. “no worries,” they’ll say. The thing is melburnians have a lightness in them, they don’t hurry too much. and our amiable tour guide/bus driver, nigel, told us why. “We sleep, we eat, and we go to work. We don’t have too much nightlife,” he said. True enough, malls and outlet stores close early. at 6:00 p.m. supermarkets close at 8:00 p.m. even restaurants and bars are lights off at much earlier time than what we’re used to. This gives employees more time for other pursuits, or for relaxation. no wonder they seem calm, relaxed, and unhurried. “you know why we often say ‘no worries’?” asked nigel. “because we don’t worry too much. It’s a good life here.” no wonder, melbourne was voted the “World’s most Livable City” by the economist Intelligence unit for seven straight years. sure, vienna got the crown this year, but you still have to go to this australian city to experience living with no worries.

melbourne has a distinct relaxed vibe; people are unhurried and personal time is prioritized.

* * * Cebu Pacific now flies non-stop from Manila to Melbourne on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and from Melbourne to Manila on the same days at 5:00 p.m. Melbourne is Cebu Pacific’s second Australian destination, after Sydney. For inquiries and reservations, call Cebu Pacific’s hotline at (02) 702-0888 or log on to www.cebupacificair.com. Photos by Rosemarie Razon

The media group on Cebu Pacific's inaugural flight to melbourne. (standing, from left) bea Cupin of rappler, Iza Iglesias of The manila Times, Jimmy Calapati of malaya business Insight, vangie baga-reyes of Philippine daily Inquirer, Tanya Lara of Philippine star, the author, Ida aldana of spot.ph, Joel Guinto of abs-Cbn, (seated, from left) dominic Galeon of manila bulletin, JT nisay of business mirror, stratworks Pr director mark Parlade, Cebu Pacific corporate communications director Charo Logarta Lagamon, Jeff reyes of JG summit, and Zsarlene Chua of business World.

tDlcI rolls out

special online offers

enjoy the cool Tagaytay breeze with a side of sumptuous meals at discovery Country suites.

vaCaTIoners and staycationers can take advantage of the ongoing black Friday sale of hotels and resorts chain The discovery Leisure Company, Inc. discounts up to 60 percent off are offered at discovery shores boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, discovery Country suites Tagaytay, and discovery suites manila from today until nov. 30. my discovery elite members get an additional 5 percent discount. Guests eager to once again sink their toes into the powdery white sands of boracay can enjoy a lavish vacation at discovery shores boracay with a special room rate of P11,000++ per night, with stay period until dec. 23, 2019. The promo includes breakfast for two and roundtrip van and boat transfers. Club Paradise Palawan also offers P11,000++ per night at the Garden suite for stays until dec. 23, 2019. Its perks include breakfast for two, dinner for two, and roundtrip airport transfers. enjoy the cool breeze of Tagaytay with a side of breakfast and set dinner for two, and milk and cookies at turndown at discovery Country suites for P6,761.71 in a deluxe suite or P7,576.38++ in a Premier suite. stay dates are from dec. 2 to may 31, 2019. Want to get away from the chaos in the metro without actually leaving the metro? discovery suites

ortigas offers several special packages, including an overnight stay in a one-bedroom suite for P4,500++, in a Two-bedroom suite for P6,875++, or in a Threebedroom suite for P8,525++, all of which include breakfast, Internet access, and 10 percent discount on food and beverage room service. stay periods are from dec. 1 to march 31, 2019. Go to www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com and use the promo code BLACK to book these deals online.

discovery shores boracay reopens with special room rate promo.

australian ambassador amanda Gorely and Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog led the ceremonial cake-cutting during the send off of Cebu Pacific's maiden flight to melbourne.

my castle...

From D1

most popular breakfast buffet in the city. In fact, I know of friends who stay in other baguio hotels but drive to The manor for breakfast. my other favorite at the hotel is The Piano bar. somehow, I can never end my day without having drinks at this venue, and singing along with the band who play all my favorite songs. during this particular recent visit, I must have gulped down several bottles of my favorite san YOUR weekend CHUCkLe mig Lite, as I sang along with the band a whole repertoire of “good mary eXCITedLy asKs: Peter, how old standards” that could easmuch do you love me? ily rival that of michael bublé or PeTer LooKs Her In THe eyes: Look up barry manilow. at the stars, that’s how much I love you. of course, how can I leave bagumary Is ConFused: but it’s morning, io without pasalubongs for friends there are no stars! left behind in the metro’s swelterPeTer nods: exactly! ing heat? The Le Chef delicatessen has everything I need. Their very popular raisin bread, Cinnamon rolls, and other pastries always tempt me to fill up several bakery bags for my family and friends. so, when my friends ask me what makes my baguio visits all worth the long road trip back and forth, with a twinkle in my eye I give them a ready answer—complete relaxation at my castle in the sky! For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

santa and his reindeer are ready to roll from The manor’s garden.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

SIX MARVEL MOVIES WITH

STAN LEE CAMEOS MARVEL fans know that no Marvel film is complete without a Stan Lee cameo. In honor of the extraordinary legacy of the legend—the incredible comic book characters we have found inspiration from—here’s a lookback on some of his unforgettable cameos in Marvel movies that you can stream on Netflix using One SKY Fiber: X-Men (2000) American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film, directed by Bryan Singer and written by David Hayter, features an ensemble cast. In this first X-Men movie, Stan Lee was credited in the film as a hot dog vendor.

Thor (2011) Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Besides watching thunder god Thor’s adventures on Earth, fans were also treated to a cameo of Stan Lee as a driver. He was credited as Stan the Man.

Jehza is competing against former Binibini titleholder Katrina Dimaranan who is representing the USA.

By Eton Concepcion

OR Jehza Mae Huelar, her winning the Bb. PilipinasSupranational 2018 crown was a fulfillment of her parent’s wishes.

Jehza Mae Huelar, 24, is currently in Poland competing in the 10th edition of Miss Supranational pageant. Prior to representing the country, Jehza joined Binibining Pilipinas for the third time before earning the right to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

Huelar said her inner strength comes from the challenges she had faced when she was young. She lost both her parents at the age of 20, a loss which she turned into one of her biggest advantages whether in pageants or in real life. Huelar won a crown on her third attempt in the national pageant. “It was the moment that I needed to be strong no matter what life throws at me, and I became an independent woman,” the 24-year-old Huelar said during the send-off hosted for her and Miss UniversePhilippines Catriona Gray at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center. Huelar, who hails from Mandug, Davao City and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Finance from Ateneo de Davao University, has been appointed Ambassadress of 2018 International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO (Y4U). She was recognized by the National Association of UNESCO Clubs in the Philippines for her valuable efforts in inspiring the youth in the grassroots level through her advocacies in sports with the Maharlika Sports in Davao, expression though film with the Film Academy of the Philippines Mindanao, and health of young seafarers via Positibong Marino, a seafarers group supported by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITWF). Being a seafarer’s daughter, Huelar

strongly supports the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), helping draw awareness to the welfare of Filipino seamen, considered the biggest number of employed crew onboard merchant vessels around the world. Present during the pair’s send-off were Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta, Bb. Pilipinas-Intercontinental Karen Gallman, Bb. Pilipinas-Globe Michele Gumabao, Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Samantha Bernardo and Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul who gave Huelar some tips for her competition. Huelar is currently in Malopolska, Poland competing at the 10th Miss Supranational along with other 80 delegates from around the globe. If she wins the crown, she would be the second Filipina to bring home the title. Coronation night is on Dec. 7 in the mountain resort of Krynica-Zdroj.

Captain America: The first Avenger (2011) It is the fifth film in the MCU. The film was directed by Joe Johnston, written by the writing team of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America. In the film, Stan Lee looked like an honorable and dashing general in the 2011 film starring Chris Evans.

Iron Man 3 (2013) Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to 2008’s Iron Man and 2010’s Iron Man 2, and the seventh film in the MCU. In the 2013 movie top billed by Robert Downey Jr., a gleeful Stan Lee was credited as a pageant judge.

The Avengers (2012) It is the sixth film in the MCU. The film was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast. Just like X-Men’s Professor X and Magneto, Stan Lee’s cameo in The Avengers showed him playing chess. Jehza with Mutya Datul, the first Filipina to win the Miss Supranational crown in 2013.

ATOM ARAULLO GOES TO SPAIN FOR A MOUTH-WATERING FOOD ADVENTURE TODAY, Atom Araullo flies to Spain for an but rather a meat that many Filipinos may have not extraordinary and mouth-watering adventure savored yet. in The Atom Araullo Specials: iCelebremos!. The Not to be missed as well are the spices that can’t be Kapuso broadcast journalist gives viewers a head undermined, just like saffron which costs P 200,000 start on some of the best cuisines the world has per kilo. Many recipes offer special techniques to ever tasted. Not only will he reveal the mysteries make the best out of the best ingredients. This is of these recipes, but he will also discover secrets what Toni Montoliu and Atom will practice using deeply rooted to us Filipinos. neither their eyes, nose, nor tongue, but with their Here in the Philippines, Filipinos boast of ears. the world-famous lechon as the center of But what is a Spanish trip without a little every celebration. But can this Spanish cuisine apprenticeship? Atom learns how to become called cochinillo be the missing link in the local a cortador or ham slicer in Madrid that is Pinoy lechon? To find out the answer, Atom visits considered as one of the highest paying jobs in the medieval city of Segovia and joins the chefs Spain. He will be mentored by no less than the of the Meson de Candido where cochinillo was first-ever Maestro Cortador Filipino. originally made. But wait there’s more, did you know that you can Atom also travels to Madrid and visits the earn up to 2,000 euros in an event just by slicing oldest (continuously operating) restaurant Atom with Alberto, owner of the famous Meson de Candido a ham? But this isn’t just any other ham, because in Segovia, Spain. in the world, the Sobrino de Botin, where he Jamon Iberico is known as the world’s finest ham. meets a kababayan who will teach him how This Spanish gem deserves its title because a leg of to make a delightful cochinillo. this ham can go as high as P100,000. Atom also goes to Valencia, the “Home of the Paella.” Valencia offers the Join Atom on an appetizing food trip this Sunday in The Atom Araullo Specials: authentic Spanish paella and its secret to an exquisite paella? It is not seafood, iCelebremos!, 4:30 p.m. on GMA 7.

Doctor Strange (2016) It is the fourteenth film in the MCU. It was directed by Scott Derrickson, who wrote it with Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill, and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character Stan Lee made viewers laugh when he appeared in the movie while reading a book as Doctor Strange smashed his face on a window.

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sunday, november 25, 2018

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

A letter FroM the rAinBow Bridge

My Furry Bestie THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals.

Hi, Mum and Dad

Now that I’ve been across The Rainbow Bridge for a couple weeks, they said I should write a letter home. Sorry, mum, but I’m so busy ‘across the bridge’ that I haven’t thought of home much. They said it’s okay and that you would understand. I hope you do. (I think you will.) Remember that night when I wasn’t feeling very well and we were all crying? I don’t remember much, but I do remember seeing and hearing all of you and feeling your touches and hugs…I remember hearing “we love you” and that one last command of “Go through”. I didn’t know what you meant, so I turned around and walked through the fog that was in front of me. I saw the biggest bridge I’ve ever seen! And so many friends on the other side of it! They were all playing with toys and balls! You were right to tell me to go there! My feet kept moving forward, but my heart kept pulling me back. Your touches became lighter and lighter and I wanted to come back and nudge your hands for more love, but I was overcome by this feeling of curiosity for the happy place over the bridge! My feet started moving on their own, like a gentle breeze was moving them forward for me! I can’t explain it, but I had no doubt that it was the right thing to do! So, I walked across that big, huge bridge by myself! I looked for you, because you’re always by my side, walking with me, but this was different. I didn’t have a collar

For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

OREO is very special for owner Myrna Mailt as “he is the sweetest among the pack and clingy like a baby. “ Oreo is now one year and three months.

Brian C. Velasco, Razorback drummer, and Alfie, a Boston terrier, shared nine years of love, laughter, and kindness for one another.

around my neck or a leash connecting me to you ~ I was ‘free’! Even though you weren’t there with me, I never felt alone! I actually felt like I had a huge cape of love wrapped around my body and the more I walked, the easier it was to breathe! So, I kept walking! And I would feel more warmth in the big hug, so I kept on walking! I eventually made it over the big bridge – I did it by myself, mum! When I got here, all of my new friends greeted me and helped me walk off the bridge ~ it was so

Author's note: My sister Portia posted this on Facebook a day after Alfie, the dog of Razorback drummer Brian C. Velasco, crossed the rainbow bridge (Nov. 15) at the age of nine (9). Unfortunately, as she said,” No one seems to know who wrote this.” But every owner who read the letter can relate to the loss of a beloved pet and was deeply touched by the message. Thus, I decided to “repost” this letter here in this space to share with other owners who lost a pet. I hope this will help you during your grieving process. Thank you to the person who wrote this and subsequently helped many owners go through a trying, sad time in their respective lives. I personally believe there is a rainbow bridge and as many psychics have said, that all our pets – dogs, cats and other animals – will meet us on the other side when it is our time to cross over. I also believe our pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge look after us from where they are. Their love knows no end, no

cool! They gave me a pair of wings and said that I was now a Guardian Angel! What I’ve learned over these past few weeks has been amazing and nothing like I’ve seen before! We’re all the same up here ~ we all have wings and we all have Forever People to watch over ~ that’s YOU, mum!You’re my Forever Person and I’m your Forever Dog! We had such a great life together and I do miss you a LOT, but please know that I am so happy in my new home across The Bridge!

I’ll send you another Earth Angel so you won’t be alone. Give them your whole heart, like you gave it to me. I’ll check in every so often to make sure they treasure your love ~ I always did! When you miss me, think of a rainbow and know I’m on the other side of it, waiting to walk with you again. I’ll always be in your heart. I love you, mum! Time for me to go play.

LYKA is the most kind and giving dog, says owner Lynette M. Only two years old, “she doesn’t have hangups and she is very supportive of her baby brothers. “

death, no boundaries, no other side. Their love is just there, on call, anytime. You will feel a warmth envelope you when you are sad just like when they snuggle beside you when you were crying when they were alive, or you will see a colored moth pass by or hover near you. Sometimes, a butterfly will land on your arm or hand and stay for a while or they will visit you in your dreams. There are times when you will feel them in places where there are alleged aggressive dogs but the said dogs will not harm you and instead will just look at you, and even smile or wag their tail, as if there is someone beside you and you will feel it's your dog or a cat because they are looking down at a someone who seems far smaller than you. Our "departed" pets are never far. They are always in our hearts, and ready to find a way to help and comfort us in loving, unexpected ways. Talk to them. Continue to talk to them. They will always find a way to send you a message or two. Promise. Blessed be!

Editor's note: These stories were compiled by admin Miks Lim of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), a SEC-registered animal welfare group that helps animals in need, and encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership, adoption of rescued dogs and cats from fosters, shelters and pounds, and spaying and neutering of pets to control animal population in the country, among others.

useFul guide For owners oF senior pets Areas of concern

THE American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides the following easy-to-understand charts for owners to understand their senior pets better. Please check out the last chart to help you determine the “quality of life” of your dog.

Area of concern

Description

Increased veterinary care

Geriatric pets should have semi-annual veterinary visits instead of annual visits so signs of illness or other problems can be detected early and treated. Senior pet exams are similar to those for younger pets, but are more in depth, and may include dental care, possible bloodwork, and specific checks for physical signs of diseases that are more likely in older pets.

Diet and nutrition

Weight control

Mango, a senior rescued dog at the foster home of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), in enjoying a good quality life based on the scale where he got 70 points, a perfect score. This seems true enough. Just look at his happy face.

Usual Warning Signs Your Pet Has a Dis-ease

Geriatric pets often need foods that are more readily digested, and have different calorie levels and ingredients, and anti-aging nutrients Weight gain in geriatric dogs increases the risk of health problems, whereas weight loss is a bigger concern for geriatric cats.

Parasite control

Older pets’ immune systems are not as healthy as those of younger animals; as a result, they can’t fight off diseases or heal as fast as younger pets

Maintaining mobility

As with older people, keeping older pets mobile through appropriate exercise helps keep them healthier and more mobile.

Vaccination

Your pet’s vaccination needs may change with age. Talk to your veterinarian about a vaccination program for your geriatric pet.

Mental health

Pets can show signs of senility. Stimulating them through interactions can help keep them mentally active. If any changes in your pet’s behavior are noticed, please consult your veterinarian.

Environmental considerations

Older pets may need changes in their lifestyle, such as sleeping areas to avoid stairs, more time indoors, etc. Disabled pets have special needs which can be discussed with your veterinarian

Reproductive diseases

Non-neutered/non-spayed geriatric pets are at higher risk of mammary, testicular, and prostate cancers.

Kidney disease

Urinary tract disease

Heart disease

Decreased appetite

Increased urination/ spotting or “accidents” in the house

Coughing

Increased thirst

Straining to urinate

Difficulty breathing

Increased urination

Blood in urine

Decreased tolerance of exercise

Decreased or no urination

Weakness

Poor hair coat

Decreased appetite

Vomiting

Sore mouth

Determining quality of life (HHHHHMM Scale)

Score

Criterion

0-10

HURT Adequate pain control (including breathing ability)

0-10

HUNGER Is the pet eating enough? Does the pet require hand-feeding or a feeding tube?

0-10

HYDRATION Is the pet dehydrated? Does it need subcutaneous fluids?

0-10

HYGIENE Pet needs to be brushed and clean (sic), especially after elimination

0-10

HAPPINESS Does the pet express joy/interest? Does it respond to its environment? Does the pet show signs of boredom/loneliness/ anxiety/fear?

0-10

MOBILITY Can the pet get up without assistance does the pet want to go for a walk? Is the pet experiencing seizures/stumbling?

0-10

MORE GOOD THAN BAD When bad days start to outnumber good days, the quality of life becomes compromised (Editor removed a part here which is not supported by he.)

Total

A total of 35 points is considered acceptable for a quality of life score.