Manila Standard - 2019 October 19 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 247 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Albayalde ‘liable’ for graft charges By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

WO Senate panels investigating corruption in law enforcement on Friday recommended the filing of drug and graft charges against resigned Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde and 13 of his former subordinates who were accused of reselling confiscated narcotics.

Senator Richard Gordon, who heads dicated that Albayalde at least had knowlthe justice and the Blue Ribbon commit- edge of the illegal drug transactions. tees, said testimony before his panels inGordon dismissed the denials of the so-

called ninja cops as “a comedy of lies.” A spokesman for the PNP referred any questions about Albayalde to his legal counsel. Gordon noted that Albayalde had called several police officials, including Aaron Aquino, who is now director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Rudy Lacadin, formerly of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, to get them to drop the dismissal of his men.

Bella Hadid: The near-perfect face

Facial cosmetic surgeon Dr Julian De Silva says Bella Hadid (top) has a near-perfect face at 94.35 percent ‘accurate’ to the Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi, which measures physical perfection. Hadid is followed in the top five by (above, from left, in order) Beyonce, Amber Heard, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. Former PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde

Senator Richard Gordon

BEAUTY—of a face or of a piece of architecture—may well be subjective and rely mainly on the “eye of the beholder.” But there is an axiom that humans have a desire to get calculated results of even the most abstract things. The UK Daily Mirror, quoted by Ya-

hoo, has said there is a scientific formula to figure out how beautiful a face is, suggesting “this might sound bizarre to a woke millennial but trust us when we say, scientists have had it figured out for a while now.” Next page

Robredo lead over Marcos widens by 15k

ROAD INVESTIGATION. A task force in Camp Bado, Dangwa has been activated to investigate the killing of eight people, their bodies found Thursday along Marcos Highway in Sitio Poyopoy, Barangay Taloy Sur, in Tuba, Benguet—initial inquiry suggesting the victims had been dead for at least two weeks. ‘Task Force Found Cadavers’ is headed by Benguet provincial police OIC Col. Elmer Ragay, and includes the provincial crime lab, the provincial criminal investigation and detection group as well as the provincial legal officer. Dave Leprozo

VICE President Leni Robredo has extended her lead over Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by over 15,000 votes after the manual recount in the three pilot provinces the former senator picked in his protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. In a resolution, the Supreme Court, sitting as the PET, on Friday said that Robredo’s overall, nationwide lead— after votes in Negros Oriental, Iloilo, and Camarines Sur were re-counted— increased from 263,473 to 278,566. Marcos had picked the three provinces as part of his effort to prove that cheating happened in the 2016 polls. Robredo got 1,510,178 votes from the pilot provinces as opposed to Marcos’ Next page

Quake forces Rice farmers to get one-time P5k cash doleout 1.9-m students to skip classes Angat Dam level dips; water service cut eyed

rice farmers a one-time cash gift of P5,000 in December. The Cabinet, he said, had earlier ruled out a “safeguard TO EASE the impact of liberalization, Agriculture Secretary duty” on imported rice as inflationary and opted instead to William Dar on Friday said the government is set to grant Next page

By Rio N. Araja

SOME 1.9-million students in Mindanao have been forced to stay off their classes indefinitely following the 6.3 earthquake that rumbled Wednesday underneath three regions in Mindanao, the Department of Education said Friday. DepEd’s announcement coincided with at least five light to moderate aftershocks continuing to rock the area, where five people were left dead and dozens injured. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that a 4.5-magnitude aftershock struck Tulunan in North Cotabato at 1:50 a.m. Friday. Earlier, a 4.8-magnitude aftershock took place at 11:05 p.m. Thursday. Intensity 4, which may feel like the passing of a heavy truck and cause hanging objects to swing considerably, was recorded in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Another two aftershocks, measuring 4.7 and 5.2 in magnitude, were also recorded on Thursday at 9:53 a.m. and 2:18 p.m. A 4-magnitude aftershock also occurred at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday, hours after the shock of the 6.3-magnitude tremor. Next page

Agriculture Secretary William Dar inspects rice at the San Andres market in Manila. Norman Cruz

THE level of Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main water source, has dropped, prompting regulators to warn Friday of water service interruptions. Angat’s water level was at 187.28 meters as of 6 a.m., down

Du30 rides again, hops on Go’s bike PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte hopped on the big bike of Senator Christopher Lawrence Go on Thursday—or the day after the Chief Executive figured in a minor Next page

More OFWs HIV positive

By Vito Barcelo

A COALITION of migrant Filipino workers on Friday expressed fears over the continuing increase in the number of workers like them who continue to be diagnosed with the immunodeficiency virus. Next page

This aerial photo taken on June 28, 2019 shows the low water level of Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan. AFP

Deadly pig virus spreading despite control efforts By Othel V. Campos

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the department had been vigilant in monitoring the spread of the disease DESPITE efforts to contain the African swine fever, the vi- with the assistance of the local government units. rus has spread to as far north as Nueva Ecija and to the south Next page in Dasmariñas City in Cavite.

‘Teddyboy’ turns down panda gift By Rey E. Requejo FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. says he has politely declined an offer from a Chinese Next page

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'Idiotic contract' led to PNOC-EC chief's sacking By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte says he fired the president and chief executive of Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corp., Pedro Aquino Jr., over an “idiotic contract” with a Russian firm. In a business forum Thursday night, President Duterte questioned Aquino for supposedly misleading foreign investors and for approving the deal without clearance from the PNOC-EC board. “Here is a guy who prepared a contract with the Russians and the Russians thought this was all. He wanted now the board of trustees to ratify what he prepared, Duterte said. “You [prepared] the contract and you want the board of directors to ratify your idiotic contract.” Duterte did not say which Russian firm he was referring to, but Aquino was reportedly slapped with a 30-day suspension by the board of PNOC-EC over a reported investment deal with Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft. Malacañang announced early this week that Duterte had fired Aquino “for loss of confidence” and “pursuant to his anticorruption campaign.” Aquino’s departure from the PNOCEC came two weeks after Duterte’s trip to Russia, where he invited the executives of Rosneft to invest in the Philippines.

Robredo... From A1 204,512, after deducting votes from sustained objections and adding ones earned due to admitted claims, the PET found out. These figures are higher than the votes Robredo and Marcos got as reflected in the provincial certificates of canvass — 1,493,517 for Robredo and 202,136 for Marcos, the tribunal added. The PET voted to order the release of the initial report earlier this week. It also required the parties to comment on the report and to submit their respective memoranda on the “various issues relating to the jurisdiction and other matters relating to the third cause of action” within 20 days from receiving the notice. Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Alfredo Caguioa dissented, arguing the case should have been dismissed. Marcos’ supposed third cause of action is the annulment of 2016 election results for vice president in Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao due to alleged terrorism, violence, force, threats, intimidation, pre-shading of ballots, and vote substitution. Marcos is contesting Robredo’s victory in the 2016 elections, which he alleged was a product of electoral fraud. He chose the three pilot provinces under Rule 65 of the 2010 PET Rules, which allows a protestant or counterprotestant to indicate provinces that “best exemplify the frauds or irregularities” alleged in the petition and subject them to an examination of ballots. The same rule allows the tribunal to dismiss the case if the justices are convinced that the protestant or counterprotestant “will most probably fail to make out his case.”

Deadly pig... From A1 “But all our efforts will be put to naught if stakeholders are not cooperating with us,” he said Friday on the sidelines of the Philippine-India Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit. The National Task Force on ASF met Friday to determine how the virus spread but the department has an initial analysis citing the movements of ASF-infected carcasses and live animal movement as well as the illegal selling of infected meat by local traders. Dar said the department has no solid idea on how the virus may have traveled to Bulacan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, since these provinces are not near Rizal, except for the movement of animal and animal meat. Cavite, which is quite near Rizal, had imposed pork ban but was not spared. Dar said infected hogs in Nueva Ecija and Cavite were already culled and the necessary protocol to contain the outbreak implemented. “We all know that Rizal was ground zero. Cavite is near [Rizal], we understand that. But the other provinces were quite far, and that’s why we need to assess the situation again,” he said. He added that the government and the LGUs must be vigilant about online selling of processed meat. He warned hog farmers and traders selling and transporting infected meat and live animals to desist from continuing these practices to protect the country’s P260billion hog industry. “This is not the time to take advantage of the situation. Many will lose their livelihood if a nationwide outbreak will occur. Let us stop this,” he said. Dar on Friday confirmed several pigs in two barangays in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and a municipality in Nueva Ecija have tested positive of the African swine fever. With Maricel V. Cruz, PNA

Bersamin bows out as Chief Justice

By Rey E. Requejo

HIEF Justice Lucas Bersamin bowed out of the judiciary on Friday, ending his 33-year career as a judge, Court of Appeals magistrate and 10 years as an associate justice of the Supreme Court—including his 11-month stint as top magistrate.

Bersamin, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Oct. 18, has said he would like to be remembered as the “healing chief justice who brought stability and normalcy back to the judiciary,” particularly in the Supreme Court. Bersamin was President Rodrigo Duterte’s second appointee as chief justice following the retirement of Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, who served for less than two months after the ouster of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last year, and whose ap-

pointment to the high court was invalidated via quo warranto proceedings. “Yes, the judiciary needed healing and it became my responsibility as chief justice to initiate and ensure such healing,” Bersamin said in his speech during the retirement rites last week. During his 11-month stint Bersamin initiated the updates in the Rules of Court and in the Bar exams, implemented reforms to stop corruption in the judiciary and enhanced law students’ participation in extending legal as-

sistance to indigents. Bersamin, a graduate of University of the East College of Law, was appointed as a Quezon City regional trial court judge in 1986 and was promoted to the Court of Appeals in 2003. In 2009 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed him as associate justice of the Supreme Court. As a high court justice, Bersamin authored the majority decision that acquitted Arroyo of plunder and the ruling that granted bail to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, an official accused of plunder in case of the pork barrel scam at the Sandiganbayan, on humanitarian grounds. He also wrote the high court decision declaring some acts under the Disbursement Acceleration Program unconstitutional. He was also part of the unanimous vote that declared the Priority Development Assistance

PH, India sign 4 bilateral pacts in Kovind state visit PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind signed four bilateral agreements on Friday, marking the 70th year of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. The two leaders inked agreements on tourism and hospitality sector, science and technology, cultural exchange, and maritime security. The Philippines and India agreed on the sharing of information on non-military and nongovernment shipping vessels to enhance maritime security. President Duterte also vowed to work with India to fight terrorism, violent extremism, and other transboundary threats. “I welcomed India’s role in the defense capability upgrade program against the backdrop of our growing security cooperation,” Duterte said.

Albayalde... From A1 “There is a very, very strong case for graft against former police chief Oscar Albayalde,” Gordon said. “He is liable for anti-graft and that would be up to Ombudsman or DOJ [Department of Justice], by reason of his seniority, his moral superiority, his competence,” said Gordon in a media briefing. “He would not have become a general if he knew nothing,” Gordon added in Filipino. “I think he is very liable.” He said Albayalde, who was director of Pampanga Police Provincial Office at the time of the operation, tried to convince Lacadin and Aquino not to act on the dismissal of the ninja cops, “constituting a violation of rules and regulations.” “When they make a mistake, they must be removed, they must be taken out of the police force so they won’t be emulated, so they can’t steal,” Gordon said. Gordon added that Albayalde could even be a principal, since his men were emboldened by his protection. Gordon also said Albayalde should have checked on his men while the raid was being executed, checked on the suspects arrested as well as the address and the owner of the house raided, and demanded a detailed report. Albayalde resigned Oct. 14, four weeks shy of his retirement, after he was linked to the ninja cops scandal. But Gordon said Albayalde’s resignationt will not exclude him from accountability. The senator said the probe into the scandal had gathered enough evidence to

More OFWs... From A1 This was after 505 of those workers were found positive for the disease from January to June this year, or up 14 percent from the same period last year. ACTS-OFW chairman Aniceto Bertiz III said the cumulative number of Filipino workers found living with HIV as of June had reached 6,760―5,844 men (86 percent) and 916 women (14 percent)―since the government began passive surveillance in 1984. Their median ages were 32 for the men and 34 for the women, Bertiz said. “We are urging returning [Filipino workers], including sailors, who suspect that they

Bella Hadid:... From A1 Golden Ratio, the measure of beauty, dates back to ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures and was first used in the field of architecture. Denoted with Greek alphabet ‘phi’, Golden ratio which translates to 1.618 in numbers started being applied by Greek mathematicians and sculptors and painters as well after being converted into its numerical equivalent. This formula has now been applied to find the most beautiful face in the world. But then, there is this oft repeated idiom “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”—the first person to use it in the form people know today was an author called Margaret Wolfe Hungerford. She included the phrase in her book ‘Molly Bawn’ (1878), another way of saying that beauty is subjective. “It’s true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. “ Yahoo, as per reports in dailymail.co.uk,

“As countries strategically located in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, we affirmed our shared interest to protect our maritime commons and advance the rule of law in our maritime domains,” he added. Duterte also recognized India’s deepening presence in Southeast Asia through its “Act East Policy,” noting that the government is also “expanding the boundaries of its diplomacy.” “In this period of interdependence and geopolitical shifts, an open, balanced, and pragmatic stance is the most reasonable and least costly path to peace and prosperity for all,” he said. Kovind arrived in the country on Thursday for his five-day visit. Prior to his meeting with Duterte in Malacañang, the Indian President attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park. On Saturday, Kovind will be present at

the Philippines-India Business Conclave and Fourth Asean-India Business Summit and will have meetings with liver transplant patients, as well as with the beneficiaries of the Mahaveer Philippines Foundation, which provides prosthetic legs. Kovind will also attend the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Quezon City before meeting with the Indian community on Sunday. He will depart for Tokyo, Japan, on Monday. Kovind is the third Indian president to visit the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1949. India was the 15th-ranked trading partner of the Philippines last year. The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at $2.32 billion and estimated Indian investments in the Philippines is valued at more than $900 million. MJ Blancaflor

Angat Dam...

Fund or pork barrel unconstitutional. Bersamin also authored the decision favoring Philippine Airlines’ retrenchment of 1,400 cabin crew employees in 1998, and the ruling that upheld Arroyo’s authority to appoint the next chief justice despite a ban on “midnight appointments” under the Constitution. He voted in favor of the extensions of martial law in Mindanao, the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery, the ouster of Sereno, and the continuing detention of Senator Leila de Lima on graft charges. Bersamin also voted with the majority in the Presidential Electoral Tribunal ordering the release of the committee report on the results of the revision of votes in three pilot provinces to former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Leni Robredo

Quake... From A1 PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum earlier warned residents in Mindanao to be on the lookout for possible landslides. In an update released by the the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Ricardo Jalad, three of the deaths were from Magsaysay town, Davao Del Sur, while M’lang, Cotabato and Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, had one each. Magsaysay Mayor Arthur Davin, whose town is now under a state of calamity, said the local officials would use the calamity funds to secure food and other basic needs for evacuees. A state of calamity will allow local officials to tap emergency funds. Meanwhile, 89 were reported injured in Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Also, 144 infrastructures were reported damaged in Regions 11 and 12, as well as the BARMM. A total 613 families or 3,068 persons were affected by the earthquake in Region 11 and 12. “Affected families in Region 12 were evacuated after the earthquake. Said families returned to their homes on 17 October 2019. Meanwhile, affected families in Region 11 are staying with their relatives and/ or friends,” the agency added. Maricel V. Cruz with PNA

prompt the President to order the Department of Justice to bring complaints against Albayalde and the 13 policemen. He said Albayalde and the 13 “ninja cops composed of Police Major Rodney Baloyo IV, Sr. Insp. Joven de Guzman Jr., SPO1 Jules Maniago, SPO1 Ronald Santos, SPO1 Donald Roque, SPO1 Rommel Vital, SPO1 Alcinador Tinio, PO3 Dindo Dizon, PO3 Gilbert De Vera, PO3 Romeo Guerrero, PO2 Anthony Loleng Lacsamana, SPO1 Eligio Valeroso, and SPO1 Dante Dizon have been entangled in a ‘comedy of lies and errors.’” The 13 were members of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office. In the committee report, Gordon said Baloyo and his “merry men” also face violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act with a possible penalty of life imprisonment. Gordon’s committee also recommended the filing of violation of Sec. 29 of the same law for planting of evidence; robbery; unlawful arrest and violation of the Civil Code Article 31 for impairing the rights and liberties of another person. He said the report will be forwarded to the DOJ and the Ombudsman. The DOJ has created a special panel of prosecutors to conduct the reinvestigation of the criminal complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. against Police Major Rodney Baloyo IV and 12 other so-called “ninja cops” involved in the questionable 2013 anti-illegal drugs operation in Mexico, Pampanga.

From A1 from about 191 meters in September, said National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. The dam’s declining level prompted regulators to slash the water supply allocation in Metro Manila to 40 cubic meters per second from the regular 46 m³/s, he told radio dzMM. “We need to prepare if there will be less rains. There is a possibility that concessionaires could reduce their service because the allocation is not normal,” he said in Filipino. The two water concessionaires for the national capital region, meanwhile, have urged customers to save water amid limited water supply released by the NWRB. The allocation coursed through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System remains at 40 cubic meters per second (m3/s) until November, compared with the usual 46 m3/s, because Angat Dam’s water level remains below the normal high of 212 meters, according to the board. The target is to reach the 212-meter normal high by the end of the year, the NWRB said. Manila Water, stressing the same points, with Manila Water’s corporate communications head Jeric Sevilla saying in a separate interview, Manila Water issued an advisory stating it might implement a rotational service interruption. But NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. noted the current water level at Angat Dam was still above the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

may have acquired HIV while working abroad, to get themselves tested,”Bertiz said. “Prompt testing is the key to timely detection and early treatment. “A growing number of Filipinos living with HIV continue to live healthy and productive lives, precisely because they are undergoing highly active treatment being provided for free by the government.” Bertiz earlier said the total number of migrant Filipino workers found living with HIV was likely to breach the 7,000-mark by the end of the year at the rate new cases were getting detected. Migrant Filipino workers now represent 10 percent of the 68,401 confirmed cases listed in the National HIV/AIDS Registry as of June, Bertiz said on Friday.

The Filipinos in the registry worked abroad within the past five years―either on land or at sea―when they were diagnosed HIV-positive, Bertiz said. He said 61 percent of the Filipinos in the registry were from Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon. HIV causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS, which destroys the human body’s natural ability to fight off all kinds of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among the people living with HIV, according to the World Health Organization. While HIV still does not have any known cure, early and sustained anti-retroviral treatment has been known to effectively keep a patient’s virus load suppressed.

extend cash assistance to farmers. About 600,000 rice farmers stand to benefit from the financial assistance, which will amount to P3 billion, he said. Under the Rice Tariffication Law, quantitative restrictions on rice imports were removed in favor of tariffs. As a result, imported rice has flooded the market, lowering farmgate prices of palay to the detriment of farmers. The law provides the creation of a Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund to help farmers face the unrestricted flow of imported rice into the country. The P10-billion RCEF fund includes P5 billion allotted to farm mechanization, and P3 billion for seedling procurement. Dar said the assistance would be for farmers tilling less than one hectare. Close to P11 billion has already been collected from rice importations. In a statement, Dar said more local government units have committed their support to embattled rice farmers as average farmgate price of palay (unhusked rice) slid further to a new eight-year low. Some 23 provincial local government units have committed a total of P4.95 billion for processing and marketing palay directly bought from farmers to help them cope with the continued drop in farmgate prices. Initially, LGUs of the country’s top rice-producing provinces—Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cagayan, and Bataan—committed funding for the palay procurement and assistance program. Kalinga, Mt. Province, Marinduque, Iloilo, Capiz, Bohol, Biliran, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sarangani and Agusan del Norte followed suit. “Our efforts to partner with our provincial governors are now coming into fruition as we jointly help prop up palay prices. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

'Teddyboy'... From A1

Du30... From A1

Bella Hadid bags the highest score calculated using Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi. According to scientific research conducted by Dr. Julian D Silva, a Hartley Street cosmetic surgeon, Bella Hadid’s face comes closest to perfection. The 23-year-old has the bone structure and features that get close to 94.35 percent accurate according to the formula. Her eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, chin, jaw and facial shape were measured to get the result. The findings were dictated by the Greek idea of beauty. “Bella Hadid was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection. She had the highest overall reading for her chin which, with a score of 99.7 percent, is only 0.3 percent away from being the perfect shape, “ The list has other celebrities as well. A close second is Beyonce with a score of 94.44 percent. Amber Herd came in third with 98.85 percent and Ariana Grande came in fourth with 91.81 on the list. Others on the list include Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss.

friend to give the Philippines a panda. He described the friend as “well-connected” in Beijing. “I politely dismissed his offer to give us one. We can't starve another animal to death in a dead zoo. Were just no good at this,” Locsin tweeted on Thursday. “That was a year ago from a well-connected Chinese friend from the mainland. Not the government.” Locsin made the statement following reports on the death of a panda that China had lent to Thailand. The reports indicated that the panda died of a heart attack. Chuang Chuang, the 19-year-old panda, died in September this year in his enclosure, and shortly after standing up following a meal of bamboo leaves. Chuang Chuang and his female mate Lin Hui arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2003 on a 10-year loan that was later extended for another 10 years.

Rice... From A1

motorcycle accident. Go said the 74-year-old President just inspected the senator’s motorbike and did not go for a ride. Photos from Go showed him assisting President Duterte, who was checking the features of the senator’s big bike. Duterte’s testing of the motorcycle happened on Thursday afternoon at Bahay Pagbabago located at Malacañang compound, Go said. It also came a day after he suffered a bruise and scratch from falling off his motorcycle parked at the Presidential Security Group Compound’s garage in Manila. The accident did not stop him from gracing the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Ermita, Manila on Thursday night. Duterte even showed his bruised elbow to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who was sitting next to him at the event. PNA

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SC okays rule on competition law under RA No. 10667 By Rey E. Requejo

VICTIM’S WIFE. Lalaine Yuson, wife of slain Vice Mayor of Masbate Charlie Yuson III, together with the alleged witness, answers queries from the media during a press conference held in Manila on Friday, then cries with her family (inset). Norman Cruz

DPWH set to complete NLEX project in time for SEAG By Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano THE Department of Public Works and Highways said that the completion of the interchange project with road access connecting to the North Luzon Expressway in Bocaue, Bulacan will be completed in time for the Philippines hosting of the Southeast Asian on Nov. 30, 2019. Secretary Mark A. Villar said works are being rushed for the completion of the Ciudad De Victoria Interchange Overpass Bridge and Bypass Road to provide direct access to the Philippine Arena. Huge turnout of visitors are expected at the opening ceremony of the biennial regional multi-sport event on Nov. 30, 2019 which will end on Dec. 11, 2019. Villar said the work on overpass bridge crossing NLEX is being done round-the-clock. It will connect the Manila North Road and the Sta. Maria to Bocaue By-pass Road as part of the Ciudad De Victoria Interchange Project Phase 1. The P260.8-million Ciudad De Victoria Interchange Overpass bridge was implemented by the DPWH Regional Office 3 headed by Regional Director Roseller Tolentino which will serve as an alternate road to the heavily congested Governor F. Halili Road in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. This will also address the usual heavy trafﬁc situation and queuing of vehicles entering the Bocaue interchange.

GSIS offers P10k educational subsidy to members’ kids STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System is set to open a yearly P100-million educational subsidy program for children or dependents of its low-income members through the GSIS Educational Subsidy Program. “In support of the social development policy of President Duterte to provide wider access to quality college education to the marginalized sector, GSIS aims to augment the means of its low-income members in sending their children or dependents to college through the grant of a P10,000 yearly allowance through GESP. It complements Republic Act No. 10931 or the 2017 Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which provides free tuition and miscellaneous fees to enrollees of state colleges and universities. To extend aid to more recipients, we are offering GESP to a wide number of members. We will select 10,000 children or dependents of members with the lowest annual basic salary from among the applicants nationwide,” GSIS chairman and concurrent acting president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

Du30 seeks help of biz sector to end corruption P RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday sought the help of the country's business sector to rid the government of corruption before he ﬁnishes his term in 2022.

Duterte made the call as he once again expressed exasperation over supposedly unabated corruption in government, despite his resolve to stop the irregularities committed by erring public ofﬁcials and employees. "I don't know where we are now. But they say in Third World countries, things go ever slow. It's because of inexperience, outright ignorance, or corruption. I have tried my best [since] day one of my administration to really do something about corruption," he said during the 45th Philippine Business Conference and Expo. "The ways of corruption, hindi mo talaga malaman. Hindi mo masilip (The ways of corruption remain clandestine. These are undiscoverable)," he said. Duterte, whose campaign promise is to end corruption in government under his watch, admitted that the total eradication of unlawful activities by some workers in the private sector would be a "long,

long dream." The President believed that the Philippine business firms would be of big help to achieve his goal of having a clean government. "I need badly the cooperation of the business sector," Duterte said. "Sinabi ko na noon (As I said before), I am bent to minimize, if not totally eradicate [corruption], which is a long, long dream in government. Ngayon, sinasabi ko sa inyo na katulong ko kayo (Now, I'm asking you to help me). I cannot succeed no matter how, even if I fire or dismiss every day as I did, as I've been doing for the last so many month, 'pag hindi kayo tumulong sa akin (if you do not help me)," he said. Duterte urged business firms to report to him any workers in the government agencies who will attempt to get "grease money" from them. He told them not to hesitate to make a

complaint, as he would back them up. "If there is somebody, just a mere whisper about corruption o maghingi, paabutin lang po ninyo sa akin kasi kailangan ko 'yung input niyo (or bribery, let me know because I need your input) to better serve my country and thereby fulfill what I promised to the people," he said. "At the first mention of corruption in exchange for what you are applying for, following up, well just let me know and I will guarantee that I will call the guy you are complaining for the delay or just putting it up to another day to act," Duterte added. Duterte's call came amid his intent to establish a hassle-free environment for investors who want to put up a business in the country. In his speech, he reiterated his assurance to businessmen that his government is implementing measures for their "greater competitiveness and efficiency." "Rest assured that the government will remain committed in exploring and implementing measures that foster dynamic business growth and development for the benefit of our people," he said.

PCSO donates 45 ambulances to gov't hospitals, centers THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday turned over 45 new ambulance units to various government hospitals and health facilities nationwide to enhance the delivery of emergency health services to the public. PCSO chairperson Anselmo Simeon Pinili and vice-chairperson and general manager Royina Garma led the ceremonial turnover rites of the 45 brand-new Nissan NV350 Urban type2 advance life support ambulance units held at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. “The PCSO has always been a firm advocate of efficient health services to the Filipino people, especially those who have little resources to spend on their medical and health care. We will never waver from this commitment as

we reaffirm our dedication in providing free but quality assistance to the public,” Garma said. Garma assured PCSO’s accessibility to families and individuals who require medical and social assistance from the government. “The PCSO is on standby 24/7 to help those who need assistance, especially indigent families who rely on their government for financial relief,” Garma said. The Medical Transport Vehicle Donation is one of the key programs of the PCSO to equip local government units, government hospitals, municipal health offices, and other health institutions/facilities all over the country with medical transport vehicles to immediately respond to the needs of patients especially from poverty-

stricken areas. The program underscores the importance of a reliable and functional ambulance for the emergency transport of sick patients and stresses the value of quick access to health care. Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the PNP Directorial Staff, Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr., Medical Center Chief II of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, and Brig. Gen. Eriel M. Niembra, Commander of Presidential Security Group, accepted the keys of the ambulance units on behalf of their health facilities. Also present during the turnover ceremonies were DOH Undersecretary Roger Tong-An representing Secretary Francisco Duque III as a guest of honor and speaker and Dr. Larry Cedro, PCSO assistant general manager for Charity Sector. PNA

THE Supreme Court has approved the “Rule on Administrative Search and Inspection” under the Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act No. 10667 to help in the investigation and prosecution of competition law offenses. In an en banc Resolution dated Sept. 10, 2019, the SC resolved that the rule on administrative search and inspection shall govern the application, issuance and enforcement of an inspection order for administrative investigations of alleged violations of the PCA, its implementing rules and regulations, and other competition laws. The rule will take effect on Nov. 16, 2019. The PCA is the primary competition policy of the Philippines for promoting and protecting competitive market. It deﬁnes and penalizes anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. It also gives the Philippine Competition Commission the power, upon order of the court, to undertake inspections of business premises and other ofﬁces, land and vehicles, as used by the entity, where it reasonably suspects that relevant books, tax records, or other documents which relate to any matter relevant to the investigation are kept, in order to prevent the removal, concealment, tampering with, or destruction of the books, records or other documents. “However, the detection, investigation and prosecution of violations of the PCA and related laws require a rule of procedure for the application, issuance and implementation of inspection orders in competition cases,” the SC said in a statement.

IN BRIEF Mike Arroyo seeks court nod to travel THE husband of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday asked the Sandiganbayan for a permission to travel abroad. In a motion dated Oct. 15, lawyer Jose Miguel Arroyo sought permission to visit Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. Arroyo is facing graft charges against in connection with the controversial 2009 sale of secondhand Raven I helicopters to the Philippine National Police which were passed off as brand new. Arroyo said he is scheduled to ﬂy to Singapore for a medical checkup per his doctor’s advice on Oct. 24. Arroyo’s urgent motion, however, also showed that his proposed itinerary also include stops in other places such as Japan and Hong Kong. Maricel V. Cruz

DENR employee caught in pot session THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has nabbed a Department of Environment and Natural Resources employee while having a pot session in South Cotabato. Director General Aaron Aquino identiﬁed the suspect as Walter John Domingo, a 35-year-old forest ranger. He, however, said Domingo's cohort, Clyde Muninio, managed to evade arrest. On Oct. 14, a conﬁdential informant tipped the operatives who were at the suspects' place for a supposed buybust operation in Banga, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tampakan, but the target drug personality did not appear. Authorities were able to confiscate one plastic sachet of shabu worth P680 and several drug paraphernalia. Rio N. Araja

Help regularize brgy workers, DBM urged

NEW AMBULANCES. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office turned over 45 new ambulances (inset) to various government hospitals and health facilities nationwide in a ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday Oct. 17, 2019. The move seeks to equip local government units, government hospitals, municipal health offices, and other health institutions/facilities all over the country with medical transport vehicles to immediately respond to the needs of patients especially from povertystricken areas. Contributed Photo

SENATOR Francis Tolentino has urged the Department of Budget and Management to create a separate hybrid employee classiﬁcation to accommodate the regularization of barangay workers. In this way, the DBM can allot a portion of the national budget for the 41,976 barangays all over the country. Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Local Government made this proposal during the technical working group for the Magna Carta for barangay workers. But unlike other proposals, the senator is pushing for the immediate release of these incentives once the bill is passed into law. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

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Implications of the Public Trust doctrine I CONTINUE my series on Maynilad vs. DENR, potentially a revolutionary decision by the Supreme Court. It is the best environmental decision the Court has ever made and especially because of its introduction to the Philippines of the Public Trust doctrine to our jurisprudence. This should have been done years ago.

This should have been introduced years ago. The concept of public trust lays down a framework of relationships where "the [s]tate is the trustee, which manages specific natural resources—the trust principal—for the trust principal—for the benefit of the current and future generations— the beneficiaries." Furthermore, "[t] he [S]tate has an affirmative duty to take the public trust into account in the planning and allocation of water resources, and to protect public trust uses whenever feasible." This premise, however, has gotten more difficult in the advent of privatization and its trend of profit-making, in the rendering of basic utilities services, including that of water supply. Such services should, in fact, benefit the public’s interest.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

In consequence, the Public Trust doctrine holds to play a significant role in resource management, transitioning to serve as a flexible tool “to adapt to changing social priorities and address the correlative and consequent dangers thereof. The public is regarded as the beneficial owner of trust resources, and courts can enforce the public trust doctrine even against the government itself,” as in Maynilad. “[T]he right to distribute water was granted by the State via utility franchises to Maynilad and Manila Water, under express statutory regulation through its delegated representative, the MWSS. The State conferred the franchise to these concessionaires, working under the firm belief that they shall serve as protectors of the public interest and the citizenry.” Moreover, the State believed that in the granting of such franchise that “water rights [are] secured to achieve optimal use of water resources, its conservation, and its preservation for allocative efficiency.” Public trust implies that “[f]or this purpose, water users who are subject to regulation by the State or by its own franchise must obtain permits and comply with the sanctions imposed on them. The enjoyment of these permits is not perpetual and require a continued demonstration of quality and good service. Water allocation decisions must coincide with a comprehensive water supply plan which reflects not only economic efficiency but also environmental and health values. Henceforth, whenever there are changing needs and circumstances, there must also be proper reallocation

Hope hangs in the air

ANY lakeshore residents of the Islamic City of Marawi, “liberated from the terrorist influence” two years ago this month by government troops, remain in anxious agony, with blocks of them apparently deciding never to return—at least in the near future. May 23, 2017 when Filipino security forces carried out an operation to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the ISIS-affiliated Abu Sayyaf Group—left around 160 soldiers and 1,000 terrorists dead. Part of the government’s rehabilitation program is to turn the most affected area into a modern urban center, and to make some 124,000 internally displaced persons or IDPs, by count of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, to return to what is now dubbed Ground Zero. Officials of Task Force Bangon Marawi, a government inter-agency body organized to facilitate the rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in Marawi, have

Since President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi liberated on Oct. 17, 2017 after a five-month siege by military-described youthful terrorists, the government had shifted gear in planning to rehabilitate the city’s most affected area and turn it into a modern urban center. The government’s persuasive rhetoric has been that those who lost their livelihood, houses and some kin in the bloody battle between the foreign-inspired terrorists and determined government troops would be able to return before long to their homes in the most affected area near the 340-square kilometer Lake Lanao. The five-month battle—begun on

said the IDPs, under the program, must undergo profiling and biometric registration. At the same time, the entire Ground Zero would have to be surveyed and tagged to facilitate identifying who owns what property. “Once they go back, they have the right titles, and we have established the right ownership,” Task Force Bangon Marawi chairperson Eduardo del Rosario of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council has said. But IDPs have talked of a graphic struggle complying with the requirements, according to them, mostly in the form of documents the government has asked of them in exchange for relief and aid, form livelihood assistance and a chance to visit where the land where their homes or shops once stood in the Lanao sun and moon. Today, for thousands of Maranaws, hope continues to hang in the air.

Turn to A5

Carlos Celdran in Jamie Wilson’s eyes I USUALLY am able to control emotions when I go to wakes. With Carlos, I lost it. There I was engulfed in grief in front of his urn and portraits when a giant of a man approached and gave me a most tender hug. It was Jamie Wilson. I have seen him at Carlos’ parties but we have never really exchanged words until this wake but I doubt if he actually knows me. I am yielding my space to Jamie in celebration of Carlos P. Celdran. This was his eulogy (with minor edits) given on Oct. 17 during the inurnment of our dear friend. “…Carlos is my bestest friend. In the whole world. He had many best friends, but he was mine. And I have had the honor and privilege and the pleasure of having known him for the better part of my life. From the times when we were kids, when he used to scare me in the waiting area of his dad’s office…, telling me how big the needles of the injections were, and how painful the shots were going to be, all the way to our last conversation, when he was locked out of his apartment in Madrid and he was asking me to teach him, via Messenger, how to pick the lock so he could get inside. But time is a funny thing to traverse, as those years in between were filled with many adventures; good times and bad times, filled with much laughter and some tears. Carlos is many things to many people; he is an artist, an activist, a historian, a performer, a patron, a headache, a pain in the butt, a thorn on your side, a spirit animal, a madman, a clown, a prophet, a saint; a cool cousin, a funky Tito, a prodigal son, an annoying brother, an eccentric husband; a kind and generous and decent and vibrant and loving man. He was

all that and more, but I am just so very lucky that I got to call him friend. We used to cut class together, when we were in San Agustin, and we would go visit old churches, where he would talk to the guards and bantays for hours, gleaning information about these historical sites, while I stood by impatiently and slightly annoyed that we cut class to go to a church?! Who does that?! Well, he did. And little did we know that he was already on the path to creating his historical tours, and that his thirst for history and love for Manila was just beginning to take shape.

A new era

This was his eulogy. He turned me on to art and music, and it was the music I fell in love with. That sweet old rock and roll. We used to sing with Cocojam in Fire And Rain and Mayric’s whenever we could; each time we’d get up on stage with them we’d sing our old standbys: He would sing his Hotel California, and I’d sing my Roadhouse Blues. I’m still singing that song with my band to this day. A few years back we celebrated our friendship with a two-man cabaret act called Fringe With Benefits, which we billed as “an evening of Broadway songs held together by a tenuous plot.” That plot was our friendship, and we had a helluva time celebrating it. Even more, years back, we did performance art under the group name Walang Pamagat, where a whole bunch of us explored our limits and our creativity doing poetry and music and dance…And we had no idea what we were doing, but it sure was fun. And now, as the years have caught up with us, I realize it was brave and bold and utterly insane. And at the center of it all, was Carlos. It was always Carlos. Turn to A5

IN THE span of histories, 70 years is a wink of an eye, a gust of wind as the world spins, a spark. China changed a feudal society to a modern technological power, liberated its women from subservience to being equals of men, changed an impoverished nation to a vibrant powerhouse—all in what seems now like a scintilla of time. This could not have been imagined even in the year that Premier Deng Xiaoping started the opening up of China to the world. It raised per capita disposable income in 1949 at RMB 50 to today’s RMB 28,228.00 and lifted 700 million impoverished people to health and abundance. Even more amazing in that short span of time is that China is rising to be the second largest economy in the World. How did China’s leadership manage to achieve this feat, given the enormity of the problem it faced in in 1949 with 541,700,000 impoverished people, a feudal economy, the inertia of 4,000 years of ancient traditions, hostile forces exerting constant pressure, a war in Korea just the year after the new republic’s founding, and ideological-political turmoil in the first two decades of its life? China attributes this triumph to its “socialism with Chinese characteristics” which consists of the Chinese civilization’s unique ability phrased so well by Premier Deng Xiaoping, in “crossing

the river by feeling the stones,” while remaining true to the Communist Party of China’s “scientific thought” that echoes the Confucian “seek truth from facts” from the time of the Han Dynasty. China’s 70-year sojourn has not been without slips and falls as the rupture with the Soviet Union, and the initial experiments at social reorganization and crash industrialization, and then political turmoil. Still, at each turn of events,

China leads de China learned. Once a program is decided, it goes ahead full steam with the entire nation marching to the tune of the “March of the Volunteers.” China’s success has invited reaction from the 20th century powers seeing its supremacy challenged: The prospect of a “Thucydides Trap” and the question “Can China be stopped?” arises.

From all indications the answer is that it can be slowed but not stopped, a reality exemplified by the recent Huawei experience that has seen the Chinese tech power rise despite political and economic war the U.S. waged against it. There is a main factor assuring the continuous rise and continuing growth of China’s highly educated middle class and moneyed consumer market that is larger than the U.S. and far more consolidated than the E.U. both of which are stagnating, too. China’s technological base is at least equal to the rest, and it leads in certain sectors such as 6G, super computers, AI, drones. China’s R & D, according to the OECD, already is the top patent filer in the world since 2010. The number is growing. Surging R & D spending by China has rocketed it to close second to the U.S. and a far second to Japan’s third place. China is becoming the top innovation center of the world aside man from being unquestionably the top manufacturing power. Being the top manufacturer of the world has also allowed China to be among the top defense production center, building up its traditionally defense weak spot—the PLAN (People’s Liberation Army Navy). In many reports, including Reuter’s David Lague and Benjamin Kang Lim’s “China’s vast Turn to A5

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Opinion An independent Internal Affairs Service PNP to avoid duplication of work. It will then be IAS which shall be tasked to conduct inspection and audit of the performance of the police force. The NAPOLCOM is an attached agency of the Department of the IT SHOULD be a no-brainer for eve- Interior and Local Government, ryone concerned to agree that the Phil- which has administrative control ippine National Police Internal Affairs over the PNP. Service should be separated from the police organization and given more authority to prosecute scalawag policemen. This will be good for In fact, this should be one of the the PNP. concrete steps the government should take to help restore credibility and instill integrity in the PNP by making IAS more effective in performing its IAS is now directly under the supermandate. vision of the Office of the Chief PNP, That is why I agree and support IAS which means that all their recommenInspector-General Alfegar Triambulo dations are subject to an automatic rebecause he has a valid reason to call view and approval by the Chief PNP. on the Congress to amend Republic What if the same situation arises Act 8551, titled “PNP Reform and again, involving top PNP officials in Reorganization Act,” and make IAS a criminal cases of their subordinates? separate body. Clearly there will be conflict of inIAS should be made an independent terest. body as justified by the unfortunate Triambulo also points out that IAS events leading to the resignation of lacks the power to protect witnesses P/General Oscar Albayalde as Chief against corrupt police officers as it PNP. For how could IAS effectively only handles administrative cases and deal with the case of the so-called nin- not criminal complaints. ja cops when the 13 policemen recomAccording to Triambulo, resigned mended dismissed were Albayalde’s Chief PNP Albayalde had issued a men whom he supposedly coddled memorandum that all their resolutions and protected? will be passed on to the PNP DirectoTriambulo proposes that the powers rate for Personnel and Records Manof the National Police Commission agement for review. be clipped, reducing it to a policyThe situation was different under making body or administrator of the former PNP chief and now Senator

Ronald dela Rosa, who would automatically approve Triambulo’s resolutions for implementation. He lamented that only 30 percent of IAS resolutions on administrative cases were implemented during Albayalde’s tenure. Now, P/Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, the current officer-in-charge of the PNP, himself has acknowledged during his first command conference that the national police organization suffered “a bit of loss on credibility” in the aftermath of the ninja cops controversy. The revelations brought out in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee proved too unconscionable as to allow General Oscar Albayalde to stay another day more than necessary as Chief PNP. Being implicated in his own men’s nefarious activities when he was the Pampanga Provincial Police commander, Albayalde no longer appears to be the clean and honest top cop he seemed to be when President Rodrigo Duterte designated him as Chief PNP. Albayalde’s 13 ninja cops’ “recycling” or reselling of confiscated 162 kilos of shabu worth P648 million, setting free the Chinese drug dealer, and apparent whitewashing of the policemen’s dismissal case just vehemently undermined his leadership. I strongly believe that the 190,000-strong PNP can turn this debacle around by booting out the bad eggs. But first, PNP-IAS needs to be a separate and independent body.

more efficiently through statutory regulation[.]" The Philippines did this through the enactment of the CWA. The CWA is an ideal piece of legislation as it illuminates comprehensive water quality management rules. It is holistic rather than single-minded, integrating into the law, water as a source in itself, the need for ecological protection, the necessity of water supply, and the wider abstractions for public health and quality of life. Province of Rizal v. Executive Secretary, a decision made by the same Court in the 1990s, and as cited in Maynilad, pronounced that "[l]aws pertaining to the protection of the environment were not drafted in a vacuum. Congress passed these laws, fully aware of the perilous state of both our economic and natural wealth. It was precisely to minimize the adverse impact humanity's actions on all aspects of the natural world, at the same time maintaining and ensuring an environment under which man and nature can thrive in productive and enjoyable harmony with each other, that these legal safeguards were put in place." While not explicitly mentioned in Maynilad, it evinces that the CWA encapsulates Article I, Section 16 of the Constitution, that “[t]he State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” and in this regard

places even greater importance in the concept of ‘Public Trust.’ Maynilad, citing Province of Rizal, highlighted that “the freedom of contract is not absolute and is understood to be subject to reasonable legislative regulation aimed at the promotion of public health, moral, safety, and welfare.” In that respect, the ‘Public Trust Doctrine’, as applied to the case at bar, “construes the MOA between MWSS and Maynilad and the MOA between MWSS and Manila Water as a complicit acknowledgment of their obstinate defiance of their mandate under the [CWA]. Agreeing among themselves for a 15-year extension will not cancel their long-running liability under Section 8 […] in relation to Section 28 […]. A private contract cannot promote business convenience to the unwarranted disadvantage of public welfare and trust.” The public’s interest shall always be prioritized. The assertions of Maynilad and Manila Water that Agreements take primacy over a special law such as the CWA, is evidently misplaced. Section 8 of the CWA, which they violated, “demands unconditional compliance.” In the fourth and final column of this series, I will highlight points made by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen that further clarify the Public Trust doctrine and make it even more effective in our jurisdiction.

And his legacy will far outlast his mortal years. And I am not talking about a legacy in terms of his cultural activism, or his political views, or his glamorous celebrity, or his contributions to historical conservation: I am talking about his heart. That big, wonderful generous heart of his, that just would not stop giving. I am taking about his courage, when even in the face of adversity he never once wavered. I am talking about his kindness, even to those who fought and despised him. Because that would be the true legacy of a man, when all else has been lost to the details of history. He is not defined by bunny ears, or a bowler hat, or by a sign he held up in protest, but by his character. And boy, was he a character. It’s about how he lived his life, and how that has made me live my life, and how he has touched all our lives. That is the memory we should cherish; that is the man I will always remember, and that is the man I still hope to be.

And now we have to move through a world without him, and it is getting harder to navigate through it with each passing day. But as I’ve said: One foot in front of another, One step at a time, One tear or many; somehow we’re going to be fine. One less light in the world, my dearest friend. And you, you were mine. The sun still rises and the sun still sets, the world keeps turning, and life will go on, but nothing will ever be the same without you, Carlos. We are so proud of you. We will sorely miss you. And We will always love you. And now, since we all know how Carlos loved a good crowd, and since he has such a captive audience, For a life well lived; for the best performance I have ever seen, and the most unexpected finale ever: Let us all stand up and applaud our dear friend Carlos Celdran.”

Implications... From A4

techniques.” "[T]he state can re[-] evaluate prior allocations and must act to preserve the right of present and future generations." The idea of intergenerational responsibility in the realm of water resource management is encapsulated in this ‘Public Trust’ arena, which in effect looks at the concept of sustainability for the “benefit of present and future generations […].” Through the “legislative act of police power, the enactment of the Clean Water Act (CWA) thrusts the obligation onto the water concessionaires to provide for a proper sewerage and septage system that complies with environmental and health standards to protect present and future generations. The magnitude of this law is highlighted by the trust relationship among the State, concessionaires, and water users […].” It explicates that the interactions of these actors “must reflect a universal intangible agreement that water is an ecological resource that needs to be protected for the welfare of the citizens.” Ultimately, "[t] he public trust doctrine is based on the notion that private individuals cannot fully own trust resources but can only hold them subject to a servitude on behalf of the public." Therefore, a "[S]tate[…] can accomplish this goal

Carlos Celdran... From A4

From Dasma to Tali to Malate to Pasay to New York to Baguio to Intramuros to Sequia; from Island Spice to Walang Pamagat to Walk This Way to Livin’ La Vida Imelda to The Biennale, it was always Carlos. And then eventually, we built our own lives; he went on his tours and I went into full time theater, but we would see each other late in the evenings until the wee hours of the morning, chatting up a storm as if no time had passed at all. We would spend weekends in Tali, epic nights on a banig in the garden, listening to Pink Floyd, looking up at the sky and rearranging the stars. I’ve got so many stories to tell of our adventures and mostly misadventures, but there is a better time and place for them. Right now I’d just like to say that I am just so blessed to have been a part of his life, even in some small way. Carlos is the bravest man I know.

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On Justice Carpio By Ambassador Albert del Rosario THANK YOU for this incredible opportunity to briefly speak about my great friend and partner, the Honorable Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. As a developing nation in a regional landscape that is dramatically changing, our country faces major challenges. One of these major challenges is China’s expansionist claims in the South China Sea, which do not only threaten, but have already encroached on waters that rightfully belong to the Philippines under international law. While the goal of national development isprimarily a task for Filipinos, its fulfillmentdoes not solely lie within our country’s borders. The South China Sea dispute concretizes the need to engage with other nations to find a collective solution to theproblems which confront our country. The Philippine Government strives to manage foreign ties but the Government alone cannot solve our nation’s problems. In fact, the Government may also need the help of its own citizens given the enormity of the challenges of our country. Thus, we should give proper recognition to our patriots, who dedicate their lives to our country. Today, we have with us a person who has devoted his life to a patriotic service, Justice Antonio Carpio. His acts of patriotism, though sometimes criticized as unwarranted, have proven to be invaluable to the country. His example inspires us to promote and protect the national interest and, as such, Justice Carpio fully deserves the respect, admiration and recognition from Filipinos like us who are gathered here today. Justice Carpio has been the staunchest defender of our country’s maritime rights and entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). As early as 2011, he alreadyanticipated that Beijing was embarking on a path of unilateral action to establish de factocontrol over almost the entirety of the South China Sea. He moreover argued that, under the circumstances, the best option for the Philippines is to bring China to an UNCLOS Tribunal where China’s naval power does not count. The Government eventually heeded his advice and this resulted in a resounding victory for our country as embodied in the Award of The South China Sea Arbitration(PCA Case No. 2013-19). Justice Carpio was eventually recognized asone of the key architects of The South China Sea Arbitration. As part of his personal advocacy, Justice Carpio undertook rigorous research and collated voluminous resources on the South China Sea dispute that were submitted and eventually reinforced the Philippines’ case during the arbitration proceedings. Before the Philippines filed its case against China in 2013, Justice Carpio penned the Supreme Court decision in Magallona v. Ermita (G.R No. 187167, August 16, 2011) which upheld the Philippine Baselines Law consistent with UNCLOS. The Magallona case became an important precursor to The South China Sea Arbitration because it made the Philippines UNCLOS-compliant and thus established its credibility before the UNCLOS Tribunal. Furthermore, Justice Carpio exerted remarkable efforts to reach out to people, not only to raise the public’s awareness on the lawfulness of the country’s position in the South China Sea, but also to urge people to fight for what is right. In 2015, the Department of Foreign

A new... From A4

fleet is tipping the balance in the Pacific” says “China now rules the waves in what it calls the San Hai, or “Three Seas”: the South China Sea, East China Sea and Yellow Sea. In these waters, the U.S. and its allies avoid providing the Chinese navy.” Rand Corporation, the U.S. defense think tank, said in its 2016 report “War with China: Thinking Through the Unthinkable’” that concluding a U.S. war with China in its own turf may not be winnable for the U.S. anymore. To this day, this study is still the subject of American discussion and debate, meanwhile China’s fleet now surpasses the U.S. fleet 400 ships to 288 according the Reuter’s report above. In the air, the general view is that the U.S. still enjoys numerical and technological advantage in a war with China, although China is seen even by the U.S. defense department as “narrowing the gap” with its 2,000 air combat assets while the U.S. 5,047 manned aircraft is spread across the globe. The DF-41 multiple-nuclear warhead hypersonic ICBM narrows the nuclear gap even

Affairs sponsored Justice Carpio on a world lecture tour on the South China Sea dispute. Justice Carpio presented the Philippines’ perspective on the dispute before think tanks and universities in 30 cities covering 17 countries. In his invaluable book entitled “The South China Sea Dispute: Philippine Sovereign Rights and and Jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Justice Carpio stresses the central import of international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes and upholding the rights of all nations, large and small. The success of the Philippines in its international arbitration case will stand forever as our nation's contribution in defense of the rule of law in managing international relations. Justice Carpio offers us a valuable lesson: Responsible members of the international community should always strive to manage their relations in a friendly manner wheneverpossible to the mutual benefit of all within a framework of international law and comity. However, when a dispute cannot be resolved through this friendly mechanism, the resort should be the peaceful resolution of disputes through a neutral Tribunal which will applyinternational law. In the South China Sea dispute, the Philippines successfully demonstrated how arbitration plays an important role in international relations. It is our earnest hope that with Justice Carpio’s invaluable contribution, coupled with a fine-tuned moral compass and political will, our country will be able to make progress in giving our countrymen what they deserve while pursuing stability and peace in the world. As an archipelagic country, the waters that surround our islands are essential to the life of our nation. These waters sustain our countrymen and contribute to the socio-economic development of our country. I am one with Justice Carpio in saying that we should not gamble our country’s waters on the uncertain prospects of monetary gain.Our waters not only belongs to us, but to our children and to generations of Filipinos yet unborn. As enshrined under our Constitution and as a matter of national honor, we Filipinos have a solemn duty to protect and preserve our country’s rights. As a self-respecting country, we owe it to ourselves not to sit back and let our fate be decided by other nations like China. As in the UNCLOS Case, we showed that we can take action on our own. As Filipinos, we can devise creative and viable means to defend and preserve our national patrimony—including our West Philippine Sea—even in the face of a superpower like China. On the eve of his retirement in the Supreme Court, Justice Carpio has assured us that he will remain a strong defender of Philippine territory and maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. As an extraordinary jurist, Justice Carpio is also a staunch defender of the Constitution, which serves to defend and protect the waters of the Philippines for posterity. His example inspires us to be patriots each day of our lives and to do what is right in the face of adversity. Our country owes an incalculable debt of gratitude to Justice Carpio. We salute and proffer to him our deepest trust and highest esteem. Ambassador del Rosario delivered the above speech during the Joint Membership Meeting of Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative and Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines on October 18.

further against the U.S.Given all these factors, the U.S. is unlikely to start a war with China. In the 70th anniversary parade of the founding to the People’s Republic, one much awaited event was the rollout of the Dong Feng 41 missiles, and the World was not denied the sight of the multiple-nuclear warhead hypersonic ICBM that is said to be uninterceptable and can reach any part of the U.S. Could this assure China’s victory, as Sun Tzu said, “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” For China, victory is to win peace and prosperity for itself and the world. That is the constant message from China the past decade and a most resounding but likely most neglected theme of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PROC. But watching the day-to-night celebration, one notes at the ending of the celebrations, through the fireworks, the mass assembly on the Tienanmen grounds forming different symbols and characters readable by aerial video, concluded with a dove that formed into a symbol of the globe and then formed the characters for New Era, China believes it is leading the new era for the world to attain world peace and prosperity.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY OCTOBER 19, 2019 SATURDAY,

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Makati’s Binay goes for modern tech M By Joel E. Zurbano

AKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay urged local leaders to adopt modern technology to improve public service and promote local government transparency and accountability.

The city chief executive underscored the importance of technology to improve governance and bring local ofﬁcials closer to the people. “I believe that leaders should adapt to the digital age and conceptualize innovative ways to make public services more accessible to our people,” said Binay, speaking at a forum dubbed “Cities Re-imagined”, as part of the Sustainable Cities Summit at Soﬁtel Philippine Plaza last Thursday. The summit was organized by the US Agency for International Development, League of Cities of the Philippines, and the Liveable Cities Challenge. Binay said harnessing technology in various aspects of governance would improve the delivery of services and promote transparency. She added it would also remove the

HIRING STUDENTS. (from left) Chona Torre, SVP Human Capital Group; Kenneth Yang, president and CEO McDonald's Phils.; Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos; Rota Riddle, CESO V School Division superintendent. McDonald’s Phils. and the City Government of Makati, together with the Department of Education and the Schools Division Office of Makati City, sign a Memorandum of Agreement Friday regarding the hiring of senior high school students in the public schools at various McDonald’s outlets. Diana B. Noche

traditional boundaries between government and the people. “We want to empower every citizen of Makati so they can experience a better quality of life,” Binay said. The mayor also emphasized the importance of building mutual trust with the private sector to fast-track economic growth and social development, citing initiatives undertaken by the city through public-private partnerships. “Through PPP-led digital initiatives implemented at no cost to the city, we have been able to bring government closer to the people,” she said. These include the Makatizen Card, Makatizen App, Makati Public Wi-Fi System, and the Makati Subway. Binay said the all-purpose Makatizen Card consolidates all health and social benefits for residents and allows them to experience the convenience of a cashless ecosystem. The Card can be used by residents in transacting with the city government since it is an official government ID, and the cardholder’s identity can be verified with a single tap. City employees now use their Makatizen Card to draw their salaries and bonuses, do their shopping, or send money to relatives. To date, there are nearly 100,000 cardholders, while some 134,000 applications are being processed, Binay said.

DepEd ‘condemns’slay try on Bukidnon teacher THE Department of Education on Thursday condemned the shooting of Zhydee Bitago Cabañelez, an elementary teacher at the Dalit Elementary School in Valencia City, Bukidnon on Oct. 15. “DepEd calls on the authorities to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the gruesome incident and expects results that will bring the perpetrators to justice,” it said in a statement. The agency also called on the community, local officials, and law enforcement agencies to work closely in ensuring the safety of schools, learners, and teachers. Four unidentified armed men attacked Cabañelez and her husband, Ramil, with the pupils still inside her classroom. The husband managed to escape while the victim sustained serious physical injuries. Initial police reports forwarded by Valencia City police chief Surki Sereñas showed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds but is now in stable condition at a hospital and will be provided with psychological first aid. Schools Division Superindent of Valencia City Dr. Victoria Gazo reported that the local DepEd office has already conducted stress debriefing to pupils, parents, and teachers in Dalit Elementary School a day after the incident. PNA

Maguindanao may have ‘total darkness’ By Nash B. Maulana DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao— There might be widespread and more frequent power outages in this province, if consumers failed to come to terms with the heavily indebted Maguindanao Electric Cooperative. Engineer Sultan Ashary Maongco, Magelco general-manager, warned on Thursday that the whole of Maguindanao Province could experience total darkness, if the electric cooperative fails to pay P 27 million to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., and P 9.7 million to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in monthly debt repayment installments, before the end of October. Maongco said Magelco owed the National Power Corp. some P30 million in unpaid power purchases in the past, which over years of incurring increments from interest rates, hds balooned to about P 1.5 billion to date. He said a way to prevent such a situation would be to upgrade two substations with high-end step-up transformers. Maongco said prevention moves were at best doable, if dormant and delinquent accounts among local power consumers were settled, to enable Magelco to service on old bad debts. Now, the cooperative’s debt servicing has been inherited from Napocor by the PSAM as its new creditor, under Republic Act 9136, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. EPIRA has created PSALM, a government-owned and controlled corporation, which has taken over all generational assets of the Napocor. Maongco said some P 23 milion in Magelco’s average monthly collections from local power consumers would have to be augmented with a bank loan program to cover up for the shortfall, mainly caused by delinquent consuners’ accounts. He called on the province's power consumers to come to terms with Magelco through a restructuring agreement on having to pay individual debts in household accounts.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Stewart edges closer to PH Golf Tour crown T

ARLAC—Tim Stewart dispatched Lexus Keoninh and Clyde Mondilla with a potent power game and crisp iron play that produced a third straight 67 and a huge fourshot lead over new pursuer Guido Van der Valk after 54 holes of the ICTSI Azucarera de Tarlac Open here yesterday. Unlike in his first two five-under cards marred by three bogeys at the Luisita course that proved tougher in the third day with difficult pin placements and the wind picking up, the Brisbane native kept his latest feat unblemished by saving a couple of pars, including on the last hole, for 3433 round and a 15-under 201 total. It was easily one of the lowest 54-hole outputs posted at the dreaded Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed layout but more importantly, it gave Stewart a big cushion

in his chase for a victory that has eluded him the past 11 years. “I played more than 50 tournaments around the globe and 26 here in the Philippines but winless up to this time,” said Stewart, 34, who actually won the Tasmanian Open as an amateur in 2008, the year he turned pro. “Hopefully, I make it this time.” With a commanding lead, the 6-6 power hitter could be heading to a dream title run although he remained wary of his chances for the top $17,500

purse staked in this event serving as the sixth leg of the third season of the region’s flourishing circuit. “The wind not so strong but it changed direction often times unlike in the first two rounds,” said Stewart. “But golf is unpredictable. Many weird things happen along the way. So I will just play and enjoy my game.” As Keoninh and Mondilla wobbled, Van der Valk threatened to within one off Stewart with a solid 32 start. But the Manila-based Dutchman, winner of PGT’s kickoff leg in Cebu last June, failed to get a crack at the lead with a couple of flubbed birdie chances, playing the backside on even terms for a second 68 and a 205. Keoninh, who caught up with Stewart

at the helm with a bogey-free 66 Thursday, fell behind with two bogeys after six holes and reeled farther back with three straight bogeys from No. 10 against two birdies. He limped with a 75 and tumbled to joint sixth at 209 with Rupert Zaragosa, who shot a second straight 70. “I played an adventurous game and that’s it. I couldn’t do anything right out there,” rued Keoninh. Mondilla, just three shots behind the joint leaders halfway through the $100,000 event co-sanctioned by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and PGA of Taiwan (TPGA), pressed his bid with three birdies against a bogey after five holes. But the reigning Philippine Open champion got himself undone with a wet triple-bogey on the par-3.

Tim Stewart

Astros crush Yankees, near World Series Baham Mitra

GAB releases ratings for August 2019 THE Games and Amusements Board boxing ratings committee, consisting of Chairman Baham Mitra, Commissioner Ed Trinidad, Commissioner Mar Masanguid, officials from GAB boxing division, promoters, managers, and other boxing stakeholders, recently evaluated and released the official boxing ratings for the month of August. The GAB monthly boxing ratings hailed six Philippine champions; five out of the existing 11 weight divisions remained vacant, but GAB has showed unrelenting focus and dedication in its campaign to fill the vacant titles at the soonest possible time. GAB rankings committee proclaimed Genesis Libranza of Davao City as Philippine Flyweight (112 lbs) champion, Giovanni Escaner of Parañaque City as the Bantamweight (118 lbs) champion, Mark Anthony Geraldo of Valencia City, Bukidnon as Super-Bantamweight (122 lbs) champion, Roldan Aldea of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental as Lightweight (135 lbs) champion, Jheritz Chavez of San Pedro, Laguna as Super Lightweight (140 lbs) champion and Jayar Inson of Davao City as Welterweight (147 lbs) champion. The committee also discussed the schedule for the upcoming bouts in the latter part of the year to select the new PH champions who will fill the five vacant titles, namely: Minimum Weight (105lbs) Division, Light-Flyweight (108 lbs) Division, Super-flyweight (115 lbs) Division, Featherweight (126 lbs) Division and Super-Featherweight (130 lbs) Division. The Minimumweight division, however, was mandatorily declared vacant by the committee following the success of Pedro Taduran when he captured the International Boxing Federation World Minimumweight Championship last Sept. 7, 2019. Per Article 20 of the Rules and Regulations governing Professional Boxing in the Philippines, if a title becomes vacant for any reason, GAB may authorize an elimination contest among three leading contenders in the division of the vacant title; the number one contender has the priority to promote the elimination, while the number two has the secondary priority in case there is a waiver on the part of the former; the number three contender who is called the ‘Rider’ in the elimination shall confront whoever will win between contender number 1 and number 2; the winner shall be recognized as the new champion.

P1-M INCENTIVE. MVP Sports Foundation chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (3rd from left) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al S. Panlilio (3rd from right) present the check representing a P1-M cash incentive to AIBA world champion boxer Nesthy Petecio (center) at the PLDT office in Makati recently. Also in photo are ABAP president Ricky Vargas (2nd from left), ABAP secretary general Ed Picson (left) and coaches Nolito Velasco and Reynaldo Galido.

SEAG athletes rule dancesports national tourney SOUTHEAST Asian Games qualified athletes Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla dominated the 23rd Dance Sports Council of the Philippines Inc. National Championships and Breaking competition recently at the Ballroom Hall of Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City. Aranar and Nualla bested first runner-up Tristan John Ducay and Aileen Patrice De Lara and second placer Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen to bag the Grade A Standard title of the tourney organized by DSCPI President Becky Garcia. Michael Angelo Marquez and third

placer Stephanie Sabalo, who qualified for this year’s SEA Games also, outclassed first runner-up Wilbert Aunzo and Pearl Marie Cañeda and second runner-up Elmar Dizon and Rachael Sun to take home the Grade A Latin title. The competition was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Flawless, Dance Results Philippines, Like-FM 105.9, Studio AK, Muebles Italiano and The Greenery Bulacan. Other winners in the competition were Randolf Jay Bagalawis (breakdancing boys class), Darielle Jade Napadao (break-

NBA general managers pick Clippers to win NBA title NEW YORK—Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers will win the 2020 NBA Finals, according to most league general managers in a survey released Thursday on the league’s website. Ahead of Tuesday’s NBA openers featuring the Clippers against their city rival Lakers and New Orleans at reigning champion Toronto, the 18th annual poll showed 46 percent of the NBA’s 30

general managers expect the Clippers to win the crown with Leonard, who left Toronto in July, and Paul George, who arrived from Oklahoma City. Another 36 percent of the NBA team decision makers picked the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 11 percent choosing the Lakers, who will feature the power pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the Golden State Warriors

and Portland Trail Blazers also receiving some support. The Warriors, who lost to Toronto in the finals and lost injured star Kevin Durant to Brooklyn in the off-season, paced last year’s poll with 87 percent support. Milwaukee was seen as the best team in the Eastern Conference by 76 percent of NBA general managers with the remaining 24 percent picking Philadelphia atop the East. AFP

Betten eyes payback in Black Arrow 5150 Sam Betten

Pactolerin banners Play with the Masters golf tournament ROBERT Pactolerin hopes to cash in on his local knowledge of a course where he reigned as Masters champion for a number of times as he headlines the “Play with the Masters” golf tournament on Oct. 23 at Villamor Golf Club. Expected to crowd Pactolerin for top honors in the 18-hole event put up to help the country’s senior pros are Mario Siodina, Caloy Nival and Mario Manubay, who like Pactolerin is a former Philippine Open champion. The tournament, featuring the senior

dancing girls), Alfredo Suarez and Marilou Nuñez (Grade B Standard), Ferdinand San Felix and Diamond Sultan (Grade B Latin), Edgar Joseph Ramones and Ellie Shaira Ramones (Grade C Standard), Ben James Ramos and Jhanniz Sergia Panganiban (Grade C Latin), Roger Bauya and Israela Jerosa Aliermo (Grade D Standard) and Jerwin Rey Alcoseba and Jade Mae Desono (Grade D Latin). The Dance Sports competition in the 30th SEA Games to be hosted by the country will be held December 1 at the Royce Hotel in Clark, Pampanga before the 2020 DSCPI 1st Quarter Ranking set on March 14, 2020.

NEW YORK—George Springer and Carlos Correa hit three-run homers as the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees 8-3 on Thursday to move one win away from a World Series berth. The victory in the weather-delayed fourth game of the American League Championship Series gave Houston a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven-set. The winner of the series will take on the Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball’s Fall Classic. Springer and Correa, who provided a pair of solo shots in Houston’s game two triumph, both belted three-run shots on Thursday. Springer’s blast was his 13th career postseason homer, matching Jose Altuve’s club record. The Astros will try to wrap up the series on Friday when they send ace pitcher Justin Verlander to the mound. “When JV takes the ball, we’re going to come after them,” said Astros reliever Ryan Pressly, who escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning and was credited with a win. “I love the fact that we have JV on our side,” added Houston manager AJ Hinch, whose Astros are seeking a second World Series title in three years. “And he’s going to set a tone (Friday) that hopefully leads us to the World Series.” The Yankees, who won 103 regular-season games, challenged Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke in a 28-pitch first inning. Four fielding errors—the most ever for the Yankees in a home post-season game—didn’t help New York’s cause. “We played poorly tonight, there’s no other way to explain it,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “And we need to flush this immediately because—we talked about it as a team—we need to get over this in a hurry and come put our best foot forward (Friday).” New York starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka allowed four runs, three earned, on four hits with two walks in five-plus innings, striking out just one. Tanaka gave up Springer’s three-run homer in the third that staked the Astros to a 3-1 lead. AFP

pros 50-years-old-and-above, will also include the amateur division in both the men’s and ladies categories. Registration is still open with entry fee pegged at P3,500 for the amateurs, inclusive of green fee, caddie and meal. For tickets and reservations, call Robert at 0977-139-8071 or Ben at 0956-812-0099. Proceeds of the tournament will be used to fund the training and upgrading of the senior pros’ teaching skills. The amateur side will have two categories – the regular 54-years-old-and-below

and the seniors 55-years-old-and-above to be classified under Classes A, B and C to be played under the System 36 scoring format. Tee-off is at 6 a.m. with one pro and three amateurs making up each flight. Cash prizes plus gift items will be staked in the centerpiece seniors pro division while trophies and prizes will be up for grabs in the amateur side of the event backed by Ellesse, RMN Media and Marketing Ventures, Seven Echo, Serve Well and GCAP Ventures Philippines.

FOILED the last time out, Sam Betten tries to get back at fellow Aussie Mitch Robins and reclaim his revered spot on the 5150 ladder as he beefs up the cast in the second Black Arrow Express 5150 firing off on Oct. 27 in Subic Bay. Robins foiled Betten’s drive for a record fourth straight championship in Subic 5150 races with a strong performance in the closing two-loop run stage to rule the inaugural staging of Black Arrow Express race disputed over the Olympic distance of 1.5k swim-40K bike-10K run. But the veteran 6-4 Betten is all geared up for another crack at a 5150 crown not to mention redemption in his favorite race which allows him to go all-out at every stage of the race. With Robins also coming into the event in top shape together with Czech Jakub Langhammer, a spirited, fierce duel looms in the centerpiece pro division offering $10,000 to the champion. Langhammer is also out to score a follow-up to his victory in the first Penong’s 5150 reduced to a duathlon event in Davao last July. Also on tap in the event, organized by Sunrise Events Inc., now part of the IRONMAN Group, are the women’s pro division and the Asian Elite for men and women offering a top purse of P200,000 . Sharing center stage is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a short distance triathlon series featuring a 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run put up by Go for Gold to help Filipino athletes promote excellence For details, contact secretariat at blackarrowexpress@515 0philippines.com. For pro athletes, contact preregistration@ ironman.com. Long considered as the country’s triathlon hub, Subic has hosted some of the biggest national and international races, including the IRONMAN 70.3 and the first-ever full IRONMAN in the country in 2018. In fact, the pristine waters of Subic Bay and the well-paved roads inside and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will host the region’s top and rising endurance racers in the coming SEA Games.

Manila

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL Standard SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

TODAY

WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given to the public that an ExtraJudicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late CESAR C. VALDEZ, namely: Cesar Luis O. Valdez,; Cesar Antonio O. Valdez, Cesar Augusto O. Valdez, Cesar Julius O, Valdez, all of legal age, over personal and real properties, per deed executed on 23 September 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Jovino R. Angel Doc. No. 1; Page No. 2; Book No. 13; Series of 2019. (MS-OCT. 19, 26 & NOV. 2, 2019)

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given to the public that an Extra-Judicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late MARIANO CARMONA RAMIREZ, namely: Emelina B. Ramirez, widow, Jonathan B. Ramirez, married, Rammel B. Ramirez married, Criselda R. Carmona, married, Elmar B. Ramirez, married, and Sheryl B. Ramirez-Maderazo, married all of legal age, over personal and real properties, per deed executed on 22 November 2018 before Notary Public Atty. Ben John A. Maralit Doc. No. 190; Page No. 38; Book No.11; Series of 2018 (MS-OCT. 5/12/19, 2019)

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Estate of EMMA V. TEODORO was extra-judicially settled among heirs as per Doc. No. 195; Page No. 39; Book No. 25-A; series of 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Jose Floro P. Crisologo of Quezon City. (MS-12, 19 & 26, 2019)

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

China asked NBA to fire Rockets’ GM over HK tweet NEW YORK—China demanded that a Houston Rockets executive be sacked for supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday, adding that the league’s row with Beijing had “substantial” financial consequences. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey ignited a firestorm earlier this month with a tweeted image captioned “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” It came right before the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets arrived in China for what proved to be a tense two-game exhibition tour, with broadcasters there refusing to air the games, public protests against Morey’s comments and local sponsors cutting ties with the NBA. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of demonstrations by citizens who accuse Beijing of chipping away at its freedoms, but China has portrayed the protesters as violent separatists and bristled at any foreign interference in the matter. The backlash in China against Morey’s comments has cast a cloud over the NBA’s lucrative broadcasting, merchandising and sponsorship interests in the country, where it has legions of fans. “We were being asked to fire him by the Chinese government, by the parties we dealt with, government and business,” Silver said during a panel discussion in New York. “We said there’s no chance that’s happening. There’s no chance we’ll even discipline him.” But the NBA chief said the dispute over Morey’s actions had taken a big toll on the league’s bottom line. “I don’t know where we go from here,” Silver said. “The financial consequences have been and may continue to be fairly dramatic. AFP

Blackwater’s Marqus Blakely drives to the lane, with Meralco’s Raymond Almazan ready to meet him head on a PBA Governors’ Cup game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Meralco back on track with win By Jeric Lopez

ERALCO is back on track after systematically breaking down Blackwater, 106-97, for a vital win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Friday night. Allen Durham flirted with a tripledouble, dropping a game-high 27 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists while getting significant help from his local pals. Raymund Almazan continued to shine, tallying a double-double himself with 19 points and 10 rebounds while

Baser Amer added 17 markers. The victory placed Meralco back in fourth place with an improved 4-2 slate. The inconsistent Elite fell to a 2-4 card. Following a tight first quarter, Meralco got some head-start in the second, opening up a double-digit lead, 50-40,

after an Almazan lay-up with 3:05 left before halftime. The Bolts then carried a 56-50 edge at the break. The second half was all about maintenance for them as they kept the Elite at bay by scoring timely baskets just then the latter was getting a little bit too close for comfort. Though within striking distance for most part, Blackwater never really got a major run that could’ve threatened Meralco. Nino Canaleta came off the bench to add 13 markers for Meralco. Mike DiGregorio had a team-high 22

Green Archers in good shape vs Tamaraws

Stags edge Altas, clinch Final 4 seat By Peter Atencio ALLYN Bulanadi scored his best output of the season, knocking in 44 points and hauling eight rebounds to help push the San Sebastian Stags to a 99-94 triumph over the University of Perpetual Help Altas yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center. Bulanadi’s performance is considered one of the league’s all-time highs as the Stags formally made it to the Final Four of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament. The 6’2” Bulanadi banged in 15 points in the fourth period, where the Stags cut loose from an 88-all deadlock with his two charities, a triple and a driving shot and into a 95-90 lead in the last 1:43. Bulanadi’s score was higher than the previous best of Letran’s Larry Muyang as it is now considered the fourth highest in the league, with Lim Eng Beng’s 55-point tally still untouched to this day.

The Stags finished the second round with an 11-7 record to take the fourth seeding. “Ang hirap kasi ng ginawa namin, with Allyn doing everything. I guess, the good thing is, the boys really needed a break and a rest,” said Stags’ coach Egay Macaraya. RK Ilagan knocked in 22 points, while Alvin Capobres contributed 10 points for the Stags. Later, Yankie Haruna provided 13 points in the College of St. Benilde Blazers’ 68-62 beating of the Mapua University Cardinals. The Blazers missed the last ticket to the Final Four after holding the same 9-9 slate with the Cardinals. In the junior side, Leonel Policarpio had 13 points with Dan Parinas and hit two free throws in the last three seconds, putting the Malayan Red Robins to a 64-60 win over the La Salle Greenhills Greenies. Kyle Cuevas hit two charities in the last two seconds, propelling the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas to an 80-76 triumph over the San Sebastian Staglets.

Kim Aurin of Perpetual Help had an all-around show of 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, but the Altas went down to the San Sebastian Stags, 94 99, in an NCAA Season 95 men’s basketball game at the FilOil Flying V Sports Centre in San Juan City. Dennis Abrina

Obiena leads 72-member PH athletics’ team to 30th SEA Games ERNEST John Obiena, who is one of two Filipino athletes who made it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, leads a 72-member cast that made it to the long list of the national athletics’ team to the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Obiena’s name was submitted for his feat early this year, when he set a new Philippine record at 5.81 meters set last September 3 in Chiarri, Italy. His showing in Chiarri earned Obiena the first Tokyo Olympic berth for the Philippines.

Obiena’s stint in the SEA Games will be part of his preparations for the Olympics. Also listed are Philippine bets Kristina Knott and Zion Corrales-Nelson as strong contenders to unseat Vietnamese champion Le Thunh Chinh, who will defend both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash crowns. Knott, who is preparing in the United States, has a noticeable time of 11.42 seconds during the Asian Grand Prix’s 100-meter event, and a 23.62-second best time in the Philippine National Open.

Corrales-Nelson has recently clocked a good time of 11.41 seconds in a US NCAA meets early this year. Joining them in the men’s division are sprinters Eric Cray and Anfernee Lopena in the 100-meter dash, along with Michael del Prado and Jayme Sequito (400-meters), Carter Lilly and Marco Vilog(800-m), Mariano Masano and Said Guermali (1500-m), Clinto Bautista and Alvin Vergel (100-meter hurdles), Eric Cray and Francis Medina (400-m hurdles).

In the 100-meter relays are Cray, Bautista, Yuher Go, Jomar Udtohan and Vince Buhayan, while Sequito is in the 400-meter relays with Del Prado, Udtohan, Edgardo Alejan, Frederick Ramirez and Reymond Alferos. In the women’s division are Kayla Richardson (400-m), Marisol Amargo (800-m), Melissa Escoton and Jely Paraguile (100-m hurdles), along with Robyn Brown, Bernalyn Bejoy(400-m hurdles), Joida Gagnao (3000-meter steeplechase).

Ramirez: PSC facilities not only for SEA Games

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex under renovation

THE rehabilitation sports facilities ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte are meant not just for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games but for future tournaments as well. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez assured this yesterday, saying that they are looking to open the government sports facilities to various local and international tourneys as well as collegiate leagues like the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

points to lead the Elite. As of this report, TNT KaTropa (6-0) is aiming to be the first team through to the quarterfinals as it is going for its seventh straight win against Alaska (1-5). The scores: Meralco 106—Durham 27, Almazan 19, Amer 17, Canaleta 13, Newsome 8, Quinto 8, Pinto 7, Faundo 3, Caram 2, Hugnatan 2. Blackwater 97—Digregorio 22, Blakely 15, Parks 12, Maliksi 12, Al-Hussaini 11, Belo 10, Cortez 4, Cruz 3, Desiderio 2, Sena 2, Sumang 2, Alolino 2. Quarterscores: 22-20, 56-50, 80-74, 106-97.

Ramirez said the completion of the refurbishing of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, Philsports Sports Complex in Pasig City and Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City remains on track and would be done on or before November 15. In fact, some of the facilities would be used for the hosting of the biennial meet, but would still be utilized for the use of other tournaments and leagues in accordance to the instruction of President Duterte to improve the government sports facilities around the country.

“I was instructed by the President to rehabilitate these sports facilities for the benefit of the athletes. These rehabilitation projects are part of his masterplan when he decided to seek the Presidency in 2016,” said Ramirez, adding that they can draw additional revenue from commercial leagues and tournaments that will stage their events in government sports facilities. “We can use the proceeds from the rental to improve the living condition of the athletes like their nutrition, dormitories and allowance,” Ramirez said.

MOST of the La Salle players who were sick last Wednesday are expected to be back and in good shape when the Archers face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 4 p.m. today at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. Their presence is expected to be a big boost in the Green Archers’ bid to sustain their momentum in the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. There were eight players were either suffering from the flu or injured when the Green Archers pulled off a 66-59 triumph over the University of the East Warriors last Wednesday. With Andrei Caracut, Jordan Bartlett, Aljun Melecio, Justine Baltazar, Jamie Malonzo and Joaqui Manuel all back in good health, the Green Archers will have enough manpower to pull off their second consecutive triumph. “Well, that’s a good team, led by a great coach. They’re playing really well. But again all these games for us, we treat them like playoff games so we’re looking forward to the match-up we’re gonna compete,” said La Salle’s active consultant Jermaine Byrd. The Green Archers have improve to 5-5 in third place after hurdling the Warriors and they can move to third if they hurdle the Tams. Reeling from a 55-65 loss the the Blue Eagles, the Tams trail in fifth at 5-6. Later, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, who are at solo third with a 6-5 win-loss card, meet National University at 4 p.m. The Tigers can overtake the Fighting Maroons if they win against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are at the bottom of the standings at 2-8. Peter Atencio

IN BRIEF

DTI wooing Indian pharma firms to PH

THE Philippines is working on rationalizing the prices of pharmaceutical products from India to make them more affordable to Filipino consumers. Data show that the Philippines imports about $200 million worth of mostly generic medicines from India. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said there are efforts to connect with Indian pharmaceutical companies in relation to India’s request to relax taxes on pharmaceutical products. This is one of the issues discussed in the memorandum of understanding signed Friday between the DTI and the Indian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Inc. and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry India. Lopez said during the dialog that the Philippines had been quite persistent in attracting Indian pharmaceutical companies to set up manufacturing operations in the country. “We want these companies to create manufacturing capacities not only to make medicines become more affordable, but their presence will also create jobs,” he said. Othel V. Campos

Business

AirAsia adds flights to Caticlan, Kalibo

AIR ASIA Inc. of the Romero family added more flights between Clark and Caticlan and resumed flights to Kalibo to serve the rising demand during the holiday season. The budget airline said the thrice-weekly flights from Clark to Kalibo and the additional flight from Clark to Caticlan started on Oct. 17. “Our additional services are in response to the increased demand for flights to Boracay, especially this holiday season. Guests can fly from Clark to either Kalibo or Caticlan, giving them more flexibility and options,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive Ricardo Isla said. “Boracay is a top holiday destination, and we are proud to contribute to the region’s reemerging tourism since its closure last year,” he said. The airline operates several flights to and from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark and Iloilo in the Philippines. It also operates international flights to and from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Shenzhen, Kaohshing, Bali, Shenzhen, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan. Darwin G. Amojelar

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

By Julito G. Rada

HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY. PLDT Inc. signs a strategic partnership with the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. to deliver high-speed fiber-powered connectivity and digital services to its members’ subdivisions and condominium buildings. Present at the contract signing event are (seated from left) PLDT building industry consultancy services management support head Ana May Jovellanos, PLDT vice president and head of BICS Ronaldo David Mendoza, SHDA president Raphael Felix and SHDA first vice president Rose Tsai. Standing are (from left) PLDT BICS key account manager Marv Santos, SHDA PRO Kevin Padua, SHDA 2nd vice president May Rodriguez and SHDA board adviser Barsan Choa.

SEC approves IPOs of Fruitas, Cal-Comp By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday it approved the planned initial public offerings of Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines) Inc. and Fruitas Holdings Inc. It said in a statement it approved the P9.28-billion maiden share offering of electronics manufacturer Cal-Comp and the P1.2-billion share sale of beverage maker Fruitas which are scheduled next month. Cal-Comp will offer 371,423,100 common shares, with an over-allotment option for another 55,713,500 common shares currently held by Kinpo International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. at a maxi-

mum price of P25 per share. Post-IPO, Cal-Comp will have a public float of 28.87 percent, if the overallotment option is exercised. Cal-Comp tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and Maybank Kim Eng Securities Pte. Ltd. as joint global coordinators and bookrunners. Maybank Kim Eng Securities will act as international lead underwriter while Maybank ATR Kim Eng Capital Partners Inc. will join BDO Capital as the domestic lead underwriters. Net proceeds from the offering will be used for facilities expansion, capital expenditure, debt repayment, research and development and working capital. Cal-Comp, the local unit of Taiwanbased New Kinpo Group, is primarily engaged in the design, development and manufacture of consumer electronic products such as data storage products, calculators, pachinko displays, smart home appliances and smart beauty products. Meanwhile, Fruitas Holdings will offer 533,660,000 common shares at a

maximum price of P1.99 apiece. The offer comes with an over-allotment option for 68,340,000 common shares currently held by Next Merchant Holdings Inc. Upon listing, the company will have a public float of 28.21 percent. Fruitas Holdings appointed BDO Capital and First Metro Investment Corp. as the joint issue managers, bookrunners and lead underwriters. Net proceeds from the IPO will be used for store network expansion and store improvement, commissary expansion, expansion in the food-park business, acquisition opportunities and introduction of new concepts and debt repayment. Fruitas Holdings is a food and beverage kiosk operator with more than 900 stores across the Philippines. By 2020 to 2022, it targets to have 1,000 stores nationwide. The two IPOs will follow the stock market debut of Kepwealth Property Phils Inc., Axelum Resources Corp. and AllHome Corp. earlier this year.

NETFLIX TRAINING.

ERC amends net metering rules to support renewable energy applicants

Netflix launches its first postproduction training program in Asia to enable and accredit the creative community in India and Southeast Asia. The four-day workshop includes more than 30 participants from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Among the participants are (from left) Nguyen Si Bang (Vietnam), Andhy Pulung (Indonesia), Albert Michael Idioma (Philippines), Sarah Pagcaliwagan - Brakensiek (Philippines), Surajeth Kitipongwattang (Thailand) and Natphon Siriphakcharath (Thailand).

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission said it amended the net metering rules to fast-track the processing of renewable energy produced by ordinary consumers. “The amended net-metering rules address the concerns raised by various stakeholders on the net-metering program implementation. It provides benefits that work for the welfare of the prosumers or qualified end-user, including a simplified permitting procedure and reduced installation soft costs for renewable energy facilities, among others. It likewise takes into account the impact of this program to nonnet-metering customers”, said ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera. The net-metering program enables an ordinary electricity consumer to become a “prosumer” where the consumer generates electricity for his own consumption and sell any excess generation to the distribution grid. This means that solar rooftop owners can apply to avail of the net-metering program to sell their excess capacity to the grid. Net-metering is a non-fiscal incentive mandated by the Renewable Energy Act. To implement this incentive, the ERC promulgated the net-metering rules as early as 2013. The ERC, through Resolution No. 06, Series of 2019, adopted the amendments to the rules enabling the metering program for renewable energy. The amended rules prescribe a maximum 20-day processing timeline for the distribution utilities to complete the whole interconnection process from receipt of the letter of interest, provided all necessary permits and licenses from various concerned agencies are secured and completed.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

BOP surplus improves to $5.57b in first three quarters

DOTR repairs Surigao runway

THE Department of Transportation said the runway rehabilitation of Surigao Airport was completed, with the gateway set to reopen for flights before the end of the year. It said the runway rehabilitation was conducted following the heavy damage wrought by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in 2017 that temporarily limited its operations. DOTR assistant secretary for procurement and project implementation Giovanni Lopez said another 340 meters of the runway were restored, bringing its total length to 1,400 meters. This will allow Surigao Airport to resume direct flights to and from Manila. Fflights from Surigao to Cebu can now operate without limitations on passenger load. Following the completion of the 1,400-meter runway, contractors will work on returning the runway to its previous full operational capability at 1,800 meters by the first quarter of 2020. Lopez said the successful runway completion ahead of the November 2019 targer was a product of close cooperation between government agencies. Darwin G. Amojelar

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

BSP governor portrays strong PH economy in Washington BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno assured the Americans and Filipinos living in the United States that the Philippines is on a solid economic footing despite an array of domestic and external headwinds that may stifle the further expansion of the economy. Diokno said the prospects for the domestic economy continued to be favorable as domestic growth fundamentals remained intact. “GDP expansion is expected to continue to pick up in 2019 due to the robust growth in the services and industry sectors. Private demand is expected to remain firm, aided mainly by sustained remittance inflows and stable inflation,” Diokno said in a speech during a meet-and-greet session with the Philippine Embassy and the US- Philippines Society in Washington D.C. on Oct. 16. “As more government infrastructure

programs get underway, the positive spillover effects on private capital formation would also contribute to economic growth,” he said. He said from this position of strength, the Bangko Sentral remained committed to continually upholding the highest standard of excellence in crafting policies, and thereby achieve its primary mandates. He conceded that the Philippine economy was not immune from risks arising from external factors. He said the global economic slowdown brought about largely by the US-China trade tension and growing protection affected most economies. “But we are confident that the Philippines will be one of the least affected economies because its growth is based on strong domestic demand and the economy is not export- oriented,” he said. “Many studies support this view that

the Philippines will be one of the most resilient economies in this slowing and turbulent global economy,” he said. He said the Philippines recorded its 82nd consecutive quarter or roughly more than twenty years of uninterrupted economic growth in the second quarter of 2019. This, he said, showed that the country had managed to sail through the toughest external challenges from the Asian financial crisis to the global financial crisis. Diokno said that while the economy slowed to a four-year low of 5.5 percent in the second quarter, which brought the first-half average to 5.5 percent, below the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year, many economists from the private and public sectors agreed that a strong recovery in the second half was expected as the government ramped up fiscal spending particularly on infrastructure projects. Julito G. Rada

THE country’s balance of payments position posted a surplus of $38 million in September, a reversal of the $2.7-billion deficit a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday. “Inflows in September 2019 were reflected in the national government’s net foreign currency deposits and BSP’s income from its investments abroad. These inflows were offset, however, by outflows representing payments made by the government on its foreign exchange obligations during the month in review,” the BSP said in a statement. This brought the BOP position in the first three quarters to a surplus of $5.57 billion, a turnaround from the $5.14-billion deficit recorded in the same period last year. “The surplus may be attributed partly to personal remittance inflows from overseas Filipinos and net inflows of foreign direct investments,” the BSP said. It said the BOP position reflected the final gross international reserves level of $85.58 billion as of endSeptember. “At this level, the GIR represents a more-than-ample liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income,” it said. The GIR was also equivalent to 5.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.9 times based on residual maturity. The BSP earlier revised upward the BOP surplus projection this year to $3.7 billion, taking into account the expected sustained strength of the domestic economy amid the downward revision in global economic growth outlook. Other key considerations in the revised BOP projections were the nearterm moderation in the global trade outlook, expected decline in commodity prices, possible ratcheting up of trade tensions between the US and China and US Fed’s shift to “dovish” monetary policy stance.

LRMC invests P8.7b to upgrade LRT Line 1 system By Darwin G. Amojelar LIGHT Rail Manila Corp., a consortium led by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said Friday it invested P8.7 billon to rehabilitate and improve the existing LRT Line 1 system. LRMC, which took over LRT 1 in September 2015, said it served around 500,000 passengers daily and increased trips per day to 520 from 478 trips a day in 2016. Headway was further reduced from six minutes to four minutes in 2016 to 3.5 minutes in 2018. “We work very hard to provide safe, reliable, efficient and comfortable journey for commuters,” LRMC president and chief executive Juan Alfonso said. LRMC said it was steadfast in improving the commuting experience of LRT-1 passengers. In January 2018, it completed the replacement of old rails that were exposed to rail contact fatigue such as shelling and corrugations. The 20-kilometer rail replacement from Roosevelt to Baclaran stations aimed to extend rail and track component life and reduce wear on rolling stock to help increase train speeds. “With the new rails, commuters will enjoy a smoother ride and that means improving the quality of their riding experience in LRT-1,” Alfonso said. With 35 years of daily operations, multiple sections of LRT-1 suffered from cracked concrete and exposed or damaged rebars. River bridges also deteriorated. Today, the existing 20-kilometer LRT-1 line runs with stronger parapets, putting to rest the questions on the structural integrity of the three-decade old public utility. Concrete repairs, sandblasting to remove corrosion, repainting, installation of new collision dampers to protect bridges from ship collision were done to complete the structural defect restoration works.

Business

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; DMCI up

TOCKS fell Friday to end a two-day advance, as the market reacted negatively on China’s report that its economy expanded at a 27-year low of 6 percent in the third quarter.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, fell 45 points, or 0.6 percent, to close at 7,885.23. Despite the loss, the bellwether was still up 5.6 percent since the start of the year. The broader all-share index also retreated 15 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 4,755.04, on a value turnover of P5.5 billion. Gainers edged losers, 89 to 83, while 46 issues were unchanged.

Seven of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by DMCI Holdings Inc. which climbed 3.6 percent to P9.10 and Puregold Price Club Inc. which rose 3.2 percent to P41.30. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. gained 3 percent to P70.90. Meanwhile, Asian equity markets were mostly lower Friday as the Chinese economy grew slower in the third quarter. The reading was a drop from the previous three months but in line with an AFP forecast and the government’s 6.0 to 6.5 percent target for the year. While the National Bureau of Statistics said the economy “maintained overall stability”, it added that it “is under mounting downward pressure” from weakness at home and abroad. Shanghai ended down 1.3 percent with Stephen Innes at AxiTrader saying traders were concerned the figures were not weak enough to prompt the Chinese

central bank to embark on a big stimulus drive. “With the People’s Bank of China, who arguably have plenty of policy ammunition to right the ship, probably unwilling to turn on the monetary taps, investors are taking risk off the table,” he said in a note. Hong Kong was off 0.5 percent in the afternoon amid concern over the possibility of more violent protests over the weekend, while Sydney closed down 0.5 percent and Singapore eased 0.4 percent. Seoul shed 0.8 percent and Wellington lost 0.7 percent, with Taipei also lower. But Tokyo closed 0.2 higher at a 10-month high, while Mumbai and Jakarta also edged up. Hopes for the China-US trade talks were given a lift after Beijing’s commerce ministry said negotiators have “accelerated efforts” to hammer out de-

tails of last Friday’s mini-deal and were holding talks on moving on to the next phase of a wider agreement. Donald Trump said Wednesday he hopes to sign the deal with President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Chile next month. “A meaningful de-escalation in USChina trade frictions would help alleviate some of the market’s most bearish concerns, and at a minimum, it could ease the... headwinds,” said Innes. A sense that tensions are easing provided a lift to high-yielding, riskier currencies such as the South Korean won and Australian dollar. And the Turkish lira jumped more than one percent after Ankara said it would pause military operations in northern Syria for five days and US Vice President Mike Pence said Washington would not impose any fresh sanctions. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Friday, octoBer 18, 2019

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK VANTAGE

57.4 95.1 149.5 25 18.52 12.14 4.7 760 0.405 69 0.88 12.8 43.55 176.5 58.2 26.05 199.9 59 1.09

57.4 95.2 149.5 25 18.6 12.5 4.87 760 0.405 71.1 0.91 12.84 44 176.6 58.2 26.85 199.9 59.1 1.09

57.4 94.6 145.6 24.95 18.52 12.14 4.7 760 0.4 68.95 0.88 12.8 43.55 176.5 58.2 26.05 197.1 59 1.09

FINANCIALS 57.4 10 95.1 2,048,810 145.6 639,640 24.95 103,200 18.6 1,800 12.24 2,214,700 4.72 103,000 760 350 0.4 80,000 70.9 8,034,670 0.91 42,000 12.8 36,800 43.85 95,600 176.6 50 58.2 380 26.8 34,200 199.5 1,122,160 59 21,510 1.09 3,000

574 194,760,247 93,674,743 2,578,140 33,368 27,268,378 485,600 266,000 32,050 567,291,572 36,990 471,108 4,186,495 8,827 22,116 894,125 223,683,207 1,269,677 3,270

102,824,698.50 -29,401,871 -1,179,830 3,170,656 -47,692,453 469,180 -843,410 -7,912,479 -330,089.50 -

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PEPSI COLA PETRON PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

39.2 15.9 0.7 1.3 4.47 0.247 2.51 15.2 8.98 18.24 31.8 65.25 71 2.06 5.8 5.51 8.54 15.3 10.32 7 25 79.2 47.5 2.46 14.88 8.05 1.5 235 52.5 5.2 3.25 9.9 20.2 13.3 18 366.2 0.187 1.84 5.08 9.41 2.81 11 34.1 5.4 1.98 2.22 1 11.18 90.25 7.37 0.127 1.09 160 1.29 1.16

39.4 15.94 0.7 1.3 4.49 0.27 2.6 16 9.23 18.24 31.8 70 74 2.06 5.8 5.67 8.57 15.56 10.5 7 25.5 79.2 48.45 2.47 14.88 8.2 1.54 235.2 75 5.25 3.51 12.18 20.25 13.76 18 369.2 0.187 1.86 5.1 9.41 2.87 11.18 34.1 5.43 2.04 2.22 1.03 11.2 91.5 7.37 0.127 1.1 160 1.3 1.17

38.45 15.6 0.68 1.3 4.4 0.247 2.51 15.2 8.85 18.24 31.8 65.25 71 2.06 5.8 5.49 8.3 15.14 10.3 6.99 24.9 78.9 46 2.42 14.7 8.04 1.46 227 50 5.2 3.21 9.6 20.1 13.3 17.88 360.2 0.187 1.83 5.04 9.41 2.78 10.86 33.1 5.4 1.98 2.22 1 11.18 90 7.3 0.127 1.04 156.3 1.26 1.14

INDUSTRIAL 39 4,844,800 15.9 51,300 0.69 464,000 1.3 7,000 4.4 3,318,000 0.265 9,090,000 2.6 2,583,000 16 3,185,800 8.96 592,400 18.24 100 31.8 2,100 70 900 73 950 2.06 30,000 5.8 11,700 5.49 8,700 8.3 12,507,100 15.14 28,900 10.44 129,300 7 313,400 25 4,976,300 79 264,020 48.3 9,700 2.47 4,974,000 14.86 210,600 8.1 149,600 1.49 517,000 230 398,090 50 3,790 5.25 2,200 3.51 6,000 10.8 806,900 20.2 2,176,100 13.48 284,700 17.9 1,299,900 360.6 533,130 0.187 20,000 1.85 8,046,000 5.05 618,000 9.41 10,000 2.84 37,662,000 11 26,700 33.1 1,804,900 5.4 170,500 2.02 592,000 2.22 3,000 1.03 23,000 11.2 1,420,500 91.5 278,060 7.35 37,900 0.127 10,000 1.1 754,000 156.3 213,810 1.29 7,265,000 1.15 1,213,000

188,647,995 813,986 320,410 9,100 14,735,970 2,370,320 6,670,850 50,538,568 5,358,726 1,824 66,780 61,100.50 69,315 61,800 67,860 48,544 105,180,787 438,428 1,336,682 2,193,042 124,657,975 20,859,167.50 458,885 12,180,650 3,128,560 1,209,461 769,330 91,995,800 214,615.50 11,445 19,680 9,093,196 43,977,350 3,851,660 23,268,392 192,587,492 3,740 14,841,840 3,128,186 94,100 106,595,650 293,942 59,782,535 921,000 1,200,390 6,660 23,370 15,909,550 25,315,929 277,922 1,270 820,770 33,649,541 9,350,860 1,399,810

-32,382,835 171,212 22,330 -7,800 804,520 43,862,026 -127,653 -715 -47,426 -15,403,087.00 296,602 -659,762 -1,386,700 40,344,265 -20,128,536.50 133,185 -1,180,060 -56,468 285,489 494,408 -4,931,385.00 -10,168 -13,828,068 3,321,424 7,924,860 164,025 -14,210,420 -57,109,540 -4,735,364 1,968,604 89,802 -6,128,345 -1,213,090 -76,250

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.91 54.3 11.78 0.7 12.8 1.14 865 3.65 6.8 8.8 13.2 864.5 5.67 73.85 0.5 4.36 13.8 0.61 4.9 0.038 1.36 2.9 167.7 1,019 0.85 218 0.222 0.225

0.93 54.3 11.8 0.72 13 1.15 871.5 3.77 6.8 9.1 13.4 874 5.67 73.85 0.51 4.36 13.88 0.61 4.94 0.038 1.41 2.98 168.1 1,019 0.86 224.2 0.222 0.231

0.89 53.5 11.52 0.7 12.4 1.13 855 3.62 6.39 8.71 13.2 860.5 5.67 72.15 0.5 4.3 13.7 0.58 4.81 0.038 1.36 2.9 167.6 1,001 0.84 218 0.22 0.225

HOLDING FIRMS 0.9 19,052,000 53.6 217,420 11.64 10,588,600 0.71 357,000 12.7 27,500 657,000 1.15 855.5 264,460 3.77 2,655,000 6.39 5,074,000 9.1 26,798,300 13.4 10,000 873 44,320 5.67 25,000 72.6 1,200,120 0.51 7,000 4.36 330,000 13.72 1,180,500 0.59 224,000 4.85 37,069,000 0.038 800,000 1.4 262,000 2.98 39,000 167.6 195,430 1,003 75,390 0.86 92,000 224.2 530 0.22 450,000 0.231 260,000

17,358,890 11,660,271 123,343,154 250,360 348,016 752,980 226,877,600 9,864,530 33,058,213 241,898,467 132,182 38,467,375 141,750 87,109,152 3,560 1,426,120 16,214,968 135,050 180,077,370 30,400 362,350 114,330 32,775,775 75,651,780 77,500 116,470 99,490 59,300

-3,011,910 220,358.50 33,301,300 25,200 -134,544,770 12,100 -16,069,780 88,597,592.00 -7,920 -8,444,455 -141,750 35,902,661.50 -1,291,910 6,228,544 -80,709,310 -459,958 -25,202,060 -

14.98 0.82 0.85 48.9 2 4.59 0.57 0.203 0.4 9.75 20.4 0.44 1.6 1.2 4.76 0.295 0.405 1.36 0.38 2.01

PROPERTY 15 1,298,200 0.85 433,000 0.86 691,000 49 4,277,500 2 1,023,000 4.65 1,624,000 0.59 32,489,000 0.205 1,000,000 0.465 18,250,000 9.81 68,100 20.45 48,000 0.44 60,000 1.62 47,832,000 1.2 262,000 4.8 6,537,000 0.3 5,430,000 0.405 8,250,000 1.38 761,000 0.38 190,000 2.04 76,000

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP

15.04 0.83 0.86 49.2 2.03 4.68 0.57 0.203 0.4 9.79 20.5 0.44 1.61 1.2 4.8 0.3 0.42 1.38 0.38 2.01

15.06 0.85 0.88 49.2 2.06 4.68 0.59 0.205 0.475 9.81 20.6 0.44 1.63 1.21 4.84 0.3 0.42 1.38 0.38 2.04

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

24.9 2.26 3.25 38.25 2.65 0.9 7.65 5.67

25.5 2.32 3.27 38.8 2.73 0.93 7.75 5.67

24.9 2.26 3.25 38.25 2.65 0.88 7.65 5.55

25.5 2.3 3.27 38.75 2.7 0.92 7.73 5.65

1,915,900 15,000 30,000 3,515,300 453,000 257,000 3,332,200 95,400

48,564,925 34,400 98,000 135,861,295 1,221,880 230,730 25,706,932 533,615

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY CEBU AIR CHELSEA EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

10.3 19.1 1.66 11.5 0.57 0.042 17 10.58 97 6.9 9.28 1,871 5.23 431 1.57 122.9 8.15 0.107 4.84 2.52 13.52 2.98 0.9 18.8 3.35 2.4 1.1 3 2.86 8.29 5.19 134 3.22 1,107 0.68 0.53 40.2 77.9 9.28 2.62 0.68 0.32 0.69 16.34

10.3 19.4 1.66 11.58 0.59 0.042 17 10.76 97 6.94 9.28 1,878 5.23 439 1.67 122.9 8.15 0.11 4.9 2.52 13.52 3 0.94 18.98 3.35 2.41 1.1 3.12 2.86 8.29 5.19 139 3.22 1,115 0.69 0.53 41.3 77.9 9.28 2.65 0.68 0.325 0.69 16.5

10.04 19 1.66 11.48 0.57 0.042 17 10.58 92.7 6.87 9.1 1,870 5.2 430 1.56 121.5 8 0.107 4.79 2.5 13.52 2.96 0.9 18.8 3.33 2.35 1.1 2.97 2.86 8.1 4.8 134 3.14 1,107 0.67 0.51 40.1 76.5 9 2.57 0.67 0.315 0.67 16.34

SERVICES 10.1 19.4 1.66 11.58 0.57 0.042 17 10.64 92.7 6.9 9.1 1,875 5.22 439 1.66 121.7 8 0.11 4.86 2.5 13.52 2.99 0.94 18.84 3.33 2.39 1.1 3.09 2.86 8.23 5.17 139 3.19 1,110 0.68 0.52 41.3 76.55 9 2.64 0.67 0.32 0.69 16.4

10,200 199,700 11,000 12,976,600 6,656,000 6,300,000 1,500 487,800 664,720 214,600 43,400 85,515 29,500 520 2,284,000 1,831,600 1,800 770,000 1,925,000 289,000 100 178,000 120,000 385,100 109,000 877,000 1,000 1,954,000 1,000 3,400 39,200 2,760 308,000 57,960 3,401,000 1,378,000 2,433,400 390,060 1,200 2,299,000 2,450,000 4,050,000 441,000 1,883,400

103,962 3,846,604 18,260 149,807,328 3,839,870 264,600 25,500 5,208,780 61,782,592.50 1,481,402 395,042 160,358,110 153,771 224,834 3,727,850 223,433,343 14,430 84,610 9,309,080 723,990 1,352 529,640 108,240 7,260,810 364,970 2,085,510 1,100 5,979,440 2,860 27,807 200,302 382,746 978,030 64,350,695 2,312,960 713,030 100,329,510 29,861,153.50 11,080 6,039,850 1,664,410 1,293,550 302,200 30,920,878

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATOK BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0017 1.12 12.46 1.13 2.62 1.66 0.211 0.107 0.108 1.1 3.86 1.06 0.5 0.85 0.011 0.011 11 3.59 12.22 22.9 0.0061

0.0018 1.14 12.46 1.13 2.63 1.68 0.211 0.107 0.108 1.17 3.95 1.06 0.5 0.87 0.012 0.011 11.14 3.65 12.38 22.9 0.0061

0.0016 1.12 11.72 1.12 2.62 1.66 0.2 0.107 0.106 1.1 3.84 1.02 0.475 0.85 0.011 0.011 10.26 3.59 12 22.5 0.006

MINING & OIL 0.0017 338,000,000 1.14 1,071,000 12.44 2,300 1.12 18,000 2.63 525,000 1.68 1,229,000 0.21 1,740,000 0.107 150,000 0.106 1,010,000 1.15 82,000 3.85 7,299,000 1.06 55,000 0.475 70,000 0.85 166,000 0.012 9,600,000 0.011 7,000,000 10.3 1,988,000 3.64 145,000 12.36 426,300 22.5 645,400 0.006 5,000,000

573,900 1,209,770 27,376 20,240 1,378,000 2,050,380 358,950 16,050 107,100 94,160 28,211,440 56,220 33,900 141,800 110,700 77,000 20,889,272 527,000 5,224,634 14,545,680 30,100

-475,730.00 115,260 -107,100 2,200 -3,755,630 1,043,892 433,100 -269,362 -8,634,880 -

ABS HLDG PDR DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18.74 101 5.15 99.6 1 101 1,078 101.5 997 78.3 75.95 76.95 75.8 76 75.8

18.74 101 5.15 99.9 1 101 1,079 101.5 997 78.3 76 77 76 76.5 76.2

18.12 100.5 5.15 99.6 0.99 101 1,065 101.5 997 77.75 75.95 76.6 75.8 75.7 75.6

PREFERRED 18.12 6,000 100.5 125,390 5.15 200 99.8 49,020 0.99 3,504,000 101 26,650 1,079 2,570 101.5 2,050 997 30 77.75 5,300 76 2,580 76.6 61,000 76 6,000 75.7 70,000 75.7 216,020

109,336 12,647,445 1,030 4,886,718 3,468,990 2,691,650 2,770,060 208,075 29,910 412,740.50 196,071 4,694,945 455,600 5,348,760 16,333,197

495,000 -245,565 -

LR WARRANT

1.56

WARRANTS 1.56 7,000

10,920

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

6.93 12.84 2.5 0.91

7.12 13.1 2.79 0.91

6.81 11.7 2.5 0.89

6.83 11.7 2.79 0.9

FIRST METRO ETF

118.1

118.8

117.6

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10 0.97

10.3 0.98

10 0.97

MS 19,478,668 361,670 596,150 209,548,645 2,062,060 7,488,760 18,912,720 204,000 8,221,600 666,939 983,225 26,400 77,456,170 314,840 31,281,790 1,604,750 3,415,150 1,045,060 72,200 154,180

-2,014,474 12,110 49,929,920 -690,230.00 -1,692,240.00 -288,140 -23,250 80,384 395,305 -26,400 15,429,410 3,839,150 2,950 -1,939,400 146,590 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

Trading Summary

FINANCIAL

16,282,984

INDUSTRIAL

114,166,766

HOLDING FIRMS

114,966,922

PROPERTY

141,428,488

SERVICES

61,101,932

MINING & OIL

376,232,723

GRAND TOTAL

830,779,492

SME

948,700 5,173,300 11,000 461,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118 5,200 10.3 0.98

DDS

10,820 160,100

-8,555,145 39,230 -7,081,310 -366,366 10,100 -82,427,408 -465,850 -1,657,124 -47,562,468 37,930 -2,630,130 65,300 -5,594,314 -19,740 -63,530 62,550 -8,100 4,256,334 -26,190 381,170 -9,338 342,610 -145,990 -10,491,970 17,540 51,065,530 -1,361,622.50 521,710 -1,452,890 22,400 9,586,524.00

6,574,621 63,121,802 28,660 415,100

-127,956 166,200 -

615,004

-316,497

111,211 156,098

VALUE 1,841.26 (DOWN) 7.08 1,278,526,379.26 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,643.01 (UP) 144.08 1,200,414,715.72 HOLDING FIRMS 7,676.89 (DOWN) 47.12 1,261,605,022.85 PROPERTY 4,177.25 (DOWN) 8.73 SERVICES 1,530.25 (UP) 4.51 662,804,976.045 MINING & OIL 8,907.35 (DOWN) 49.31 917,450,475.78 PSEI 7,885.23 (DOWN) 45.32 75,699,926.95 All Shares Index 4,755.04 (DOWN) 15.89 5,467,257,516.10 Gainers: 89; Losers: 83; Unchanged: 46; Total: 218

Phoenix to raise P7b to expand retail network By Alena Mae S. Flores INDEPENDENT oil player Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Corp. said it will use the P7-billion proceeds from its follow-on preferred shares offering to finance its depot and retail network expansion. “Capex, mostly for depot and retail expansion,” Phoenix senior vice president for external affairs Raymond Zorrilla said in response to queries about the purpose of the share offering. Phoenix plans to expand its network to 650 retail stations by end of 2019. Zorrilla said the company could also tap the short-term commercial paper program to supplement its working capital funding. Phoenix announced a follow-on public offering of up to 7,000,000 Series 4 preferred shares at an offer price of P1,000 apiece. “In a letter received by the [Philippine Stock Exchange] on Oct. 18, 2019, the company advised the exchange that…the final dividend rate for the offer shares is 7.5673 percent,” the company said. Phoenix increased the planned issuance of perpetual preferred shares to P7 billion from the previously approved P5 billion. “Issuance was increased as another financial institution signified intent to come in as a joint underwriter for P2 billion on top of CBC Capital’s P3 billion underwriting commitment,” Zorrilla said. Phoenix reported a net income to P896.83 million in the first half, down 7 percent decline from P968.8 million in the same period last year. “Against a backdrop of challenging operating conditions, we continue to invest and build on our long-term competitive advantages. We are building scale to drive efficiency in fuels and LPG. We are investing in the brand and more importantly, in capabilities that will allow ourselves to adapt and innovate in markets,” said Phoenix chief operating officer Henry Albert Fadullon.

Udenna subsidiary advances $42.5m to complete resort and casino in Cebu By Jennifer B. Austria PH RESORTS Group Holdings Inc. said Friday it obtained an advance of $42.5 million from Emerald Development Holdings Ltd., an offshore entity whollyowned by Udenna Corp. of businessman Dennis Uy. PHR said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the proceeds from the advance would fund the ongoing construction of The Emerald Bay Resort and Casino, PHR’s flagship project in Mactan, Cebu. “This advance represents a significant step in realizing the completion of The Emerald Bay Resort and Casino,” PHR president and chief executive Raymundo Martin Escalona said. “We are very excited to finish the first integrated resort in the Philippines outside of Entertainment City in Metro Manila,” he said. The Emerald Bay Resort and Casino is a $600-million integrated resort and casino project that is slated for completion by end-2020. Phase 1 of The Emerald involves the construction of 400 hotel rooms while its gaming area will have 100 tables and 600 electronic gaming machines. Phase 2 is expected to have a9,400 square meters of aggregate gaming floor area, a five-star hotel with 1,300 rooms and F&B and retail areas covering 5,700 square meters and 7,600 square meters, respectively. PH Resorts was previously looking at selling shares to raise fresh capital to fund the casino projects. It filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an application to sell up to 2.054 billion in common shares with an indicative offer price of up to P9 apiece to raise as much as P18.48 billion in proceeds. The company decided to defer the follow-on offering in March because of the poor market condition. It said it remained keen on conducting a share sale to widen its public float. Aside from The Emerald Bay Resort and Casino, PHR is also constructing an integrated casino and resort in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. Udenna is the holding company of Uy which has investments in gas and retail through Phoenix Petroleum; shipping and logistics through Chelsea Logistics; property development and management through Udenna Land; education and food through Gruppo Enderun; and infrastructure development through Udenna Infrastructure.

World

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Cathay Pacific’s woes pile up

PROTEST. Lebanese demonstrators

pose for pictures in front of a tire fire during a protest against dire economic conditions on October 18, 2019, in Nahr Ibrahim north of Beirut. The Lebanese government faced calls to resign after thousands of furious demonstrators took to the streets across the country to protest dire economic conditions. Public anger has simmered since parliament passed an austerity budget in July to help trim a ballooning deficit and flared on Thursday over plans to tax calls on messaging applications, forcing the government to axe the unpopular measure. AFP

HK maids dodge tear gas, clashes 19-hour flight H from N. York to Sydney to be the longest

SYDNEY―A plane and its passengers are set to test the mental and physical limits of long-haul aviation when Qantas operates the first direct flight by a commercial airline from New York to Sydney this weekend. In the first of three “ultra long-haul” test flights planned by Australia’s national flag carrier this year, researchers will monitor the effects on passengers of the 19-hour non-stop journey. Up to 40 passengers and crew―most of them Qantas employees―will be on board the Boeing 787-9 when it departs New York on Friday. The plane is scheduled to arrive Down Under Sunday morning. Passenger numbers have been restricted to minimize the weight on board and give the plane sufficient fuel range to travel approximately 16,000 kilometers without re-fueling, heading west over the Pacific. No other airline has ever achieved the feat, which Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has called the “final frontier in aviation.” Scientists from two Australian universities will be on board to monitor passengers’ sleep patterns, melatonin levels, and food consumption. Pilots will also wear a device that tracks their brain waves and alertness. With a 15-hour time difference between New York and Sydney, the impact of jet lag will be closely watched. “We know from the basic science of circadian rhythms that a bigger time difference between departure and arrival locations, and traveling east rather than west, tends to mean people feel more jet lag,” University of Sydney professor Stephen Simpson told AFP. “But people seem to be wildly different when it comes to the experience of jet lag―and we need more research on what contributes to jet lag and travel fatigue, so we can try and reduce the impact of long-haul flights.” Qantas last year introduced the first direct service from the western Australian city of Perth to London, with the 17-hour journey one of the longest passenger flights in the world. As well as the New York-Sydney route, Qantas will test a service from London to Sydney in the coming months. AFP

ONG KONG―Indonesian migrant worker Jochel usually spends her sole day off in Hong Kong’s parks, chatting with friends and video-calling loved ones back home. But this summer, her downtime keeps getting disrupted―by protests and tear gas. The 35-year-old is one of the more than 370,000 domestic workers, overwhelmingly women from Indonesia and the Philippines, who keep Hong Kong ticking, often toiling for little pay and living in cramped conditions. And over the last four months of huge and increasingly violent pro-democracy rallies, the areas where domestic workers rest on Sundays have frequently become battlegrounds for police and protesters. “My eyes were very painful,” Jochel said of the first time she found herself caught up in tear gas clouds while having a picnic with friends in Victoria Park. “This is not good. Hong Kong people also suffered,” she said, adding that black-clad protesters helped her wash her eyes with saline solution and lead her to safety. Hong Kong has been battered by weeks of pro-democracy protests that have seen millions peacefully take to the streets. But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and

smaller groups of hardcore activists. Since June 9, more than 3,000 tear gas rounds have been fired across the territory on all weekends but one. Domestic workers earn a minimum of HK$4,630 (US$590) a month and must live with their employers in Hong Kong’s notoriously small flats. Rights groups have long complained that they are easily exploited by unscrupulous employers and hiring agents. They are only entitled to one day off a week and most take Sundays. On their day off, Indonesian workers traditionally flock to the Causeway Bay district, while Filipinos tend to gather in nearby Central and Admiralty. All three have become frequent flash points during this summer’s protests. Sandy, an Indonesian worker, said she would often go hiking with friends on the trails that criss-cross Hong Kong. But now she tends to stay closer to her employer’s home, fearful that the weekend clashes will disrupt transport and leave her stranded.

“If we go too far away, we worry that we can’t go home. We have a duty to be home at 10 or 9 pm,” she told AFP. “We try to stay away for our own safety,” she added, recalling how she first encountered tear gas when she was stuck between demonstrators and police in Central and there were no subway services. The protests were initially sparked by a now-shelved extradition law, but have morphed into calls for greater democracy and police accountability. Violence on both sides has escalated, with police firing live rounds and hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and rocks. Yet despite Hong Kong’s uncertain future, many domestic helpers said they had no plan to leave any time soon. “Our employers still need us and we also still need the job,” said Sandy, who is financially supporting her parents back in Indonesia. Last month, Veby Indah, an Indonesian journalist, suffered permanent blindness in one eye which was hit by a police plastic baton round. Indah was working for Suara, a free Indonesian language newspaper in the city which caters to the domestic helpers. AFP

California unveils earthquake app LOS ANGELES―California on Thursday launched the country’s first earthquake warning system in the hope that residents will be alerted within seconds of a possible impending disaster and can “drop, cover and hold on.” The app, created by the University of California, Berkeley, and unveiled on the 30th anniversary of the deadly Loma Prieta quake, uses ground motion sensors located across the state to detect the start of earthquakes before humans can feel them. “Nothing can replace families having a plan for earthquakes and other emergencies,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in unveiling the warning system. “And we know the Big One might be around the corner. I encourage every Californian to download this app and ensure your family is earthquake ready.” The cellphone app called MyShake can provide potentially life-saving seconds of warning before the ground starts to shake from a nearby quake―enough time to drop, cover and hold on to help prevent injury, Newsom’s office said in a statement. “Warnings delivered through the system are based on a computerized program called ShakeAlert operated by the US Geological Survey that analyzes data from seismic networks in California, calculates preliminary magnitudes, and then estimates which areas will feel shaking,” the statement said. The new app was put to the test this week before its official launch when two earthquakes struck in the San Francisco area and central California, measuring 4.5 and 4.7 respectively. Residents who had the app were alerted within an average of 2.1 seconds in the first case and 1.6 seconds in the latter. AFP

Anger over release of rape suspects

FREE THE WORK. From left, Karyn Kusama and Clarissa Cruz speak onstage during the Free The Work Launch at NeueHouse Hollywood on October 17, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

‘Mass slaughter’ of Australian racehorses rocks the industry SYDNEY―Australia’s thoroughbred industry was reeling Friday after an investigation revealed the mass, and sometimes inhumane, killing of thousands of retired horses, with their meat destined for human and pet consumption. While the slaughter of racehorses is not illegal in Australia, a two-year undercover probe by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation alleged the practice was far more widespread than acknowledged. According to the broadcaster, around 8,500 horses are retired from the track each year. The industry insists less than one percent end up in an abattoir or knackery,

HONG KONG―Cathay Pacific cut its economic outlook on Friday following a second successive drop in monthly passenger traffic after the airline faced a backlash from Beijing over Hong Kong’s heated pro-democracy protests. The marquee brand has had a torrid few months, coming under fire from Chinese state media and authorities because some of its 27,000 employees took part in―or were sympathetic to―the antigovernment demonstrations. Overall passenger traffic fell 7.1 percent in September, the airline said, with inbound traffic into its Hong Kong hub plunging 38 percent for the second month running. “September was another challenging month for our passenger business,” Cathay official Ronald Lam said. “Our second-half financial results are expected to be below those of our first half,” he added, reversing the airline’s earlier predictions of a better end to the year. Hong Kong has been battered by more than four months of sometimes violent unrest that have battered the economy― forecasters say it will fall into recession in the third quarter―as tourist numbers sink. The protests were sparked by a nowshelved bill allowing extraditions to the mainland but have since morphed into a movement demanding greater democracy and police accountability. AFP

with some states, including New South Wales, requiring all retired racehorses be re-homed. But Paul McGreevy, a professor of animal behavior and welfare science at the University of Sydney who has been studying thoroughbreds for 25 years, said around 4,000 horses “disappeared” each year. “We’re talking about destroying animals on an industrial scale,” he said. “We’re seeing animals suffering. I don’t think anyone in the industry can defend this.” The Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses said they had been monitoring one abattoir north of Brisbane for

two years and claimed it slaughtered 500 horses a month. “It’s an abattoir that kills horses for human consumption,” the group’s Elio Celotto told ABC, which broadcast secretly filmed footage it claimed showed workers beating and abusing horses. “(The meat) goes to various countries in Europe, it goes to Japan, and Russia’s a big importer as well,” added Celotto. The ABC said it forensically crossmatched horses slaughtered there, using microchips and brandings, to the industry’s official online record of thoroughbreds, the Australian Stud Book. It revealed around 300 racehorses,

with combined prize money of almost Aus$5 million (US$3.4 million), went through the abattoir in just 22 days. Queensland state Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the allegations were shocking and inspectors had been sent to the facility Friday. “The mistreatment of animals is abhorrent. Claims of animal cruelty will be investigated,” he tweeted. Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said he was “sickened by the horrific images”, which emerged just days ahead of the world’s richest turf race, The Everest in Sydney, and the annual Melbourne Cup next month. AFP

ZAGREB―Anger is brewing in Croatia after a judge released five men suspected of gang-raping a 15-yearold girl from their village, triggering calls for protests against a judiciary that women say is failing to protect them. The suspects, aged between 19 and 20, are accused by police of repeatedly raping their teenage victim for nearly a year in their village outside the coastal town of Zadar. They also allegedly filmed the abuse on smart phones and then blackmailed the girl with the footage, until she eventually told her school’s psychologist, local media reported. Last weekend the suspects were questioned by a judge but allowed to walk free while the investigation is ongoing—a ruling that shocked many in the Balkan state. Following a week of public outcry, state-run television HRT reported late Thursday that the decision had been reversed. The five suspects, who are not indicted, will be brought back into custody, according to the report. Officials declined to comment. The initial ruling had set off a flurry of anger, with women’s rights groups slamming the latest sign of a failure to tackle a scourge of sexual and domestic violence. “Horror in Zadar: Experts and activists outraged over court decision”, read a headline in the daily Jutarnji List paper. Another local daily announced that judges had “delivered” the victim back to her abusers. Protests have been called in several cities across the country for Saturday, under the banner of #pravdazadjevojcice, which means “justice for girls” in Croatian. AFP

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Small office ideas to banish commuting hell thoughts

BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY AT HOME T RAFFIC jams will surely worsen, in Manila and elsewhere in Asia, without innovative solutions like work-from-home policies.

The situation is such that rather than endure a three-hour commute, or a dehumanizing ride in a packed train, some people are either moving to apartments near their offices or quitting their jobs and switching to companies in better locations. Real-estate firms have even turned this into a business opportunity by building office dorms and renting them out to big companies. Working from home—also known as teleworking or telecommuting—entails performing a job remotely, from your home or another location. It’s a

transport demand management strategy—one of several options that aim to reduce travel demand, or to redistribute this demand in space or time. INSPIRATION GALORE Work is work, of course. But you wouldn’t mind getting it done if your space looked amazing. Whether it’s for working from home, tackling admin or encouraging the kids to knuckle down with their homework, many of of us are looking to incorporate a study area at home. However, very rarely do we have a dedicated room that’s free to turn into

HONING THAT EXTRA EDGE. Arthaland’s flagship office building in the Bonifacio Global City, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower (ACPT), was recently granted EDGE zero carbon certification. ACPT is projected to achieve 45% in energy savings, 64% in water savings and 34% in embodied energy in materials. It is the only triple-certified project in the Philippines to have received the LEED Platinum rating and BERDE 5-star certification in addition to the EDGE certification, all of which are the highest and most prestigious categories in green building rating standards. EDGE — Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies — is the green building certification system of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. “This award shines a light on our other office projects, Cebu Exchange and Savya Financial Center, that are currently under construction,” said Jaime C. Gonzalez, vice chairman and president of Arthaland. “These office projects will adhere to the same sustainable standards and once completed, will apply for EDGE certification.” At the awarding were (from left to right): Engineer Ramon Aguilos, EDGE program director of Philippine Green Building Initiative; Jane Xu, International Finance Corporation country manager for the Philippines; González; and Leonardo Arthur T. Po, executive vice president and treasurer of ArthaLand

a study, so a clever use of space is key. With thoughtful planning and creativity, almost any space in the home can be turned into a useful home office. Whether you’ve got an entire room or just a tiny corner, here’s some inspiration for you BE A MINIMALIST Minimalism is so hot right now. Keep your desk clutter-free, add in simple furniture (like reclaimed wood chairs and desk), keep a neutral color palette, and watch how inspired you’ll be to actually do your work. If you need to warm things up—so it doesn’t look bland and sterile—add a plant or some artwork hanging on the wall. GO BOHEMIAN Embrace your inner free spirit and decorate your office with anything that tells a story, has sentimental value to you, or that you picked up on your travels. Add in a bold, patterned rug, color on color, and some plants. Remember: More is more. TRY INDUSTRIAL If your work space is cool, you may be more inclined to actually use it. A vintage aluminum desk and stool create an industrial vibe in a study. Chicken-wire bookcases add a rustic touch to the room. CORNER OFF SPACE TO FASHION A SMALL OFFICE No spare room? Then use a corner of your living room for your home office. Traditionally, an office keeps you shut away from the rest of the house, but these days, social and work lives are more closely entwined. Hang family photos to ensure the space still feels like part of the original room. TURN AN OUTBUILDING INTO A HOME OFFICE Turning a garden room into a home office is ideal for keeping work and living areas separate. Especially if indoor space is limited. Using one side for correspondence and filing and the other for more creative work helps create a sense of serenity. There’s nothing more inspirational than a garden to look out over while working. ADAPT AN ALCOVE FOR A SMART SPACE Use every inch of space at your disposal. Find space in an alcove in your

DOOR FRAMES THAT ALTER PERCEPTION.

living or dining room to act as a smart home office area. If you have to use a corner of your living space, invest in a notebook-sized computer that will not dominate. Choose a wooden desk and chair for a classic, unobtrusive look. Use the wall space to corner off a clear work zone. A pinboard the same width of your desk ensures the space doesn’t encroach on another living space. Create a comfortable feel by using soft colours such as taupe and greys that are easy to live with and will co-ordinate with other tones. MAKE A MULTI-PURPOSE DISPLAY AND DESK AREA If space is limited in the sense you don’t have a dedicated room or even a

Focus Global, Inc. (FGI) recently announced that Orama minimal frames are now available in the Philippines through a partnership with the Greece-based company. “Orama is a stateof-the-art brand of minimal frames that complement our portfolio of premium global products for homes and projects,” said FGI president Stephen Sy (Seen here with Thomas Flamant, Orama’s export account manager for Asia). “The technological innovations and high-quality craftsmanship they’ve made to perfect their products is something that we appreciate and admire.” Orama is known for its minimalist frames, created from high-end technology, produce flawless architectural aesthetic, creating stunning and unobstructed views to the outside, bringing a seamless interaction between interior and exterior and enhancing the perception of both spaces. Orama Minimal Frames can be used in any kind of structure or construction- a house, a multi-storey hotel or an office building. Aside from function, its huge windows allow for stunning views and sceneries, large openings and minimal aesthetics. For more information, www.focusglobalinc.com

corner, create a multi-purpose space. If the desk has to be there make it blend seamlessly into your space by using it to display trinkets and accessories. Pop a chair underneath in a co-ordinating fabric to make it feel more at home in the space. A real trend is to have a designated study area in the kitchen right now, so it’s worth making a concealed desk within the kitchen joinery with a dropdown or pull-out desk that can be put away when not in use. It’s a great location with the kitchen being the hub of the home – you can watch the kids getting on with their homework while you prepare the dinner.

HEALTHY BUILDINGS. Menarco Tower is now officially one of

the first Well-certified gold office buildings in Southeast Asia. The first office building project of Menarco Development Corporation, Menarco Tower unveiled its Well Gold plaque from International Well Building Institute (IWBI) Asia during ceremonies held at the 32nd street tower in BGC. The official certificate was also handed over by IWBI Asia director of business development Samantha Allen to Menarco development corporation founder and CEO Carmen Jimenez-Ong. The standard is a global tool that measures and monitors the health and well-being of buildings and its occupants. It also certifies buildings according to verified and measurable financial outcomes of building tenants as a result of their respective employees’ productivity in terms of presenteeism, medical costs, task efficiency, among others. “It makes good business sense to invest on the welfare of occupants in an office building,” said JimenezOng. “The reality is that we spend more hours in our offices on a five or six-day work week. This should make us think: how can we make those precious hours more productive and mentally and physically sound for everyone?” Menarco Tower is also certified LEED Gold and recognized as Best Green Development (Philippine Property Awards 2016). At the awarding were (left to right): Jimenez-Ong; Allen; and Menardo R. Jimenez, Sr., chairman, Menarco Development Corporation

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

ARTS AND CULTURE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

Weaves of fantasy By Diana B. Noche

HAT is now known as Likhang Habi Market Fair was founded in 2009 under the steerage of Habi The Philippine Textile Council as an oasis of local handwoven textiles and various crafts made of native materials. It aims to preserve and promote the indigenous weaving industry by devoting its efforts in creating programs, delivering lectures and workshops, and displaying wearable woven fabrics and various crafts—beddings and mats, laptop cases, shirts, skirts, gowns, hats, baskets—made by local artists and craftsmen from the different regions in the country. The two-day market fair, held at Glorietta in Makati City last week, showcased tribal accessories, looms, spinning and weaving implements, and photographs of the evolving weaving culture and tradition of the past. Weaving has been a way of life for many. Most used abaca fiber called nipis as fabric for clothes. The Ifugaos and Aetas wove their attire out of bark to make G-strings and the Bontoc tapis. Mindanao weaves—Yakan, T’boli, B’laan, Maguindanaoan, and Tausug, to name a few tribes—are testament to their rich colorful heritage, culture, and identity. When the Spaniards brought Roman Catholicism into the Philippines, new religious practices and ceremonial rites necessitated the use of palaspas woven from stalks of coconut or buri palm, thoughtfully braided into particularized details and patterns and accentuated with colorful flowers fashioned from crepe paper. Habi, or weaving, is a centuries-old tradition of different tribes and is kept alive by handing the intricate process from a generation to the next, principally to the women and daughters in the family. Most materials were obtained from local sources: buri, inabel, raffia, pineapple, abaca, and cotton. The cotton is highly comparable to the Egyptian cotton used by our ancestors in trading with China for porcelain, and later exported to the Old World through the

Mona Lisa on silk

An updated version of terno

Weaving is a centuries-old tradition kept alive by handing the intricate process from a generation to the next, principally to the women and daughters in the family.

Man dons a Muslim fabric

Woven garb

Spanish galleon trade. Weaving involves many threads being measured, cut, and mounted on a wooden platform. The threads are dyed and woven on a loom. Weaving expresses people’s creativity, belief systems, and ideologies. Textiles are also essential to the personal, socio-political, and religious lives of the indigenous groups. They represent rank, power, and wealth, and are used in sacred ceremonies. Weaving tells of a communal inten-

tion, that of mediating between humans and the elements of nature through extensive creation by skillful hands fashioning homegrown, ordinary plants into remarkable works of art. For centuries, our forefathers from the Ilocos region down to the southern tip of the Philippines have been creating distinguishable patterns and designs in a matrix of rainbow colors which give full clearness to the weaver’s efforts to indicate a particularly celebratory culture. Bags, baskets, and other crafts displayed at the recent Likhang Habi Market Fair.

From the Cordilleras and other northern regions of Ilocos, Ifugao, Bontoc, Gaddang, and Kalinga, weaves like pinilian, langkit, paikid, and fatawil with cotton as main material, and designs like tinagtakbo (human figure), minatmata (diamond), and tinitiko (zigzag) are regional features. The Kalinga weave, meanwhile, is mostly a geometry of bands with red and blue stripes. Visayan weaves have the t’nalak from abaca. Aklan uses the red Bisaya pineapple for Barong Tagalog, as well as the towns of Lumban in Laguna and Taal, Batangas. Banton cloth from the Banton Islands in Romblon boasts a cultural treasure, the oldest cloth in the Philippines woven (ca. 13th century), found in a coffin inside a Banton cave and worn by a high ranking tribe official.

Various weaving patterns and designs in different colors.

The weaving communities of Mindanao have likewise very distinct patterns and designs: Mandaya weaves called digmay made from abaca has patterns of man and crocodile, geometric shapes, cross and diamond patterns. B’laan uses abaca with cross stitches, outlines of human figure, and mother-of-pearls. Maranao and Maguindanao use silk or cotton for their malong with colorful bands called langkit and the sarimanok as the key figure in their art. Yakan weaves use the python pattern, bunga sama (diamond pattern), sinaluan (bands), pussuk labbong (saw-tooth pattern). Bagobo design is tied to the magandi (a warrior class) of red color, with motifs of lightning, plants, stars, and human figures. Turn to C2

70th Manila FAME highlights heritage THE ongoing Manila FAME at the World Trade Center in Pasay infuses time-honored traditions of Filipino craftsmanship with modern interpretations to suit the taste of the market. With the theme “Heritage Reimagined,” the 70th edition of the bi-annual lifestyle and design trade event, highlights the design legacy as passed on to the next generation of designers and exporters

from long-time FAME exhibitors. It puts the spotlight on heritage brands run by the same families who have journeyed with the trade show for decades, specifically the incumbent owners who continue expanding these local businesses. “In recent years, there has been an outpour of nostalgia and reimagining of iconic and heritage design pieces. It is through this yearning for crea-

The 70th edition of Manila FAME puts the spotlight on heritage brands run by the families who have joined the trade fair for decades. Displayed handicrafts are made by Larone, Cyprea, JB Woodcrafts, Acento, and Shell Arts.

Some of the creations of Manila FAME exhibitors (from left) Beatriz, Oricon, and Mele + Marie.

tive rebirth that we highlight the inherent beauty Joining over 300 home and lifestyle brands, and distinct creativity of Filipino culture,” says are legacy exhibitors Shell Arts (houseware), CyPauline Suaco-Juan, executive director of the De- prea International (fashion), JB Woodcraft (furnipartment of Trade and Industry - Center for Inter- ture), Acento (lamps and lighting), Larone Crafts national Trade Expositions and Missions. Turn to C2

Life

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Everything is upside down at this quirky museum in Pasay.

RINGING culture into this generation has become a lot more interesting and IG-worthy. These three cool spots push culture further through tourism. And the good news is, they’re accessible via the train.

Those whose vibe is more on the chill side and want to immerse in the city’s history, Escolta is the place to be in. The famous Manila street, accessible through the Carriedo LRT-1 station, is full of old heritage sites anyone can check out. After a long walk, take a break and hang out at The Den in the

Cool culture spots in Manila Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, Manila is home to the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center a museum that documents the history and contributions of the ethnic Chinese to the Philippine history.

First United Building for a shot of good local coffee. Those looking for museums to drop in during a rainy day definitely have some fine options around the city. The Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, a short distance from the Central LRT-1 station, is home to the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, a museum that documents the history and contributions of the ethnic Chinese to the Philippine history. Love museum? This quirky one in Pasay, called Upside Down Museum offers hours of fun and lots of awesome and hilarious photo opportunities. Get

down at the Vito Cruz LRT-1 station and make your way to this whimsical place that’s exactly as advertised—everything is upside down. This guide is part of ikotMNL, a tourism program launched by Light Rail Manila Corporation in 2018 in partnership with the Department of Tourism, tour operators, and local government units. It aims to connect foreign and local travelers to Manila’s rich history, cultural heritage, and top food destinations by riding the LRT-1 to areas such as Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo, and many more.

Artists, entrepreneurs join fair for a cause RENOWNED and up-and-coming creators gathered for a cause at Fora by FilipinaZ, an art, design, and fashion fair organized by the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs in partnership with Security Bank. Fora by FilipinaZ supports Zonta’s mission of advancing the status of women through advocacy and service. The fair, held at The Fifth at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell on Oct. 11-13, offered a multi-sensory shopping experience featuring over 100 established artisans and emerging talents. It highlighted key collaborations from iconic Filipino artist Juvenal Sanso, legendary fashion designer Ben Farrales, and award-winning industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue who offered an exclusive pre-order piece at the event. The event likewise put women artists to the forefront by collaborating with White Walls Gallery, and featuring artists from FilipinaZ’s own efforts. Limited edition merchandise and artworks created by scholars of Fundacion Sanso were showcased on the ground floor of Power Plant. It also featured the works of fashion students and alumni from the SoFA Design Institute, Fashion Institute of the Philippines, and the Institute of Creative Entrepreneurship: Fash- Zontians at Sanso setting at the Fora by FilipinaZ fair in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. (Photo from @iamfilipinaz/Instagram) ion, Arts, and Design.

The Den is a chill hangout spot in Escolta, Manila.

Weaves... From C1

T’boli is known for t’nalak, patterns of bangala (man in house), klung (shield), sawo (python), in zigzag patterns. Tausug has the sarong habul tiyahian, pis for head cloth, tadjung (tubular skirt), and kandit (sash). Aside from woven textiles, other products were exhibited using similar designs. Samar is famous for its handcrafted mats from the sedge grass called tikog. Quezon and Bulacan provinces, as well as those in the Bicol region, make hats, bags, slippers, and baskets from abaca, coconut, and buri leaves. Also of interest are the hats from Maguindanao and the Yakan hat of Basilan. The Cordillera pasiking is used for carrying grain. The Bontoc akob is used as lunch basket, while the salakab, which is made of bamboo and large leaves, is used for trapping fish in rice paddies. Basey mats from Leyte uses pandan leaves and buri. What used to be a gainful export item has become part of a dwindling market. The decline of our weaving

industry has been traced to various reasons. Local materials are hard to find. Some plants have become scarce due to environmental and climate changes. Producing textiles made of scarce materials makes the end result an expensive one. The demand for handwoven fabric is low; people prefer to buy the more inexpensive mass-produced fabric. Today’s generation has other life targets, and safekeeping the heritage is not one of its present interests. Weaving is no longer in a popular synch with modern reality. The export market for weaving is somewhat a neglected field. Likhang Habi can be an influential force by providing a continuous active exhibition programs to enhance Philippine textiles through education, communication, and research to create in the Filipino mass consciousness the preservation of our roots. Aggressive participation to the Likhang Habi Market Fair can create the impact to put our woven exports on the international map. Photos by Diana B. Noche

Some of the limited edition merchandise offered at the fair. (@iamfilipinaz/Instagram)

EXHIBIT

Art show colors lives SENIOR recreation center Sunshine Place brings color to the lives of those who need it the most as it stages on Saturday, Oct. 19, its annual group exhibition featuring works of painting and Ikebana students. Dubbed “Coloring Lives II,” the show aims to raise funds for the benefit of San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly. It runs until Oct. 20 at the roof deck of Sunshine Place in Bel Air, Makati City.

CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan is flanked by Manila FAME home and lighting consultant Stanley Ruiz and creative director Vince Uy.

Contact (02) 8856-4162 or email seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com for inquiries.

70th... From C1

Seniors make art at Sunshine Place recreation hub. (Photos from Sunshine Place/Facebook)

(fashion), and S.C. Vizcarra (fashion), among others. “For over 30 years, Manila FAME has shared the journey of excellent artistry with these esteemed brands—and in commemoration of this cultural feat, we seek to narrate their stories and showcase their unique craftsmanship throughout the years,” added Suaco-Juan. The edition, which closes Saturday, Oct. 19, likewise underscores four main features that aim to bring to the forefront exquisite and world-renowned artistry in product design, and mastery over raw materials and unique quality.

Design Commune, the flagship show feature, is a merchandise development program and curated exhibition space under the creative direction of Vince Uy, with support from seasoned design consultants Stanley Ruiz, André Chang, Nix Alañon, Kitty Bunag, and Mia de Lara. Other returning show features are the Artisans Village, which highlights regional distinctive products from Antique and Marawi; and the Fashion ETailers that showcases both classic and current styles from emerging online fashion retailers. The show also presents the EcoLifestyle Pavilion that houses goods inspired by the country’s rich environment as well as a variety of beauty and wellness products.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

PACQUIAO to play WWII hero in Hollywood movie

ORLD-CLASS boxing legend Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao announced on Thursday that he will play the role of local hero Col. Macario Peralta, Jr., leader of the Philippine Guerrilla resistance on Panay Island during WWII, in the upcoming Hollywood-Philippines global feature film, Freedom Fighters. An incredible true story of courage, faith, and hope in the face of unspeakable Japanese-inflicted terror, Freedom Fighters will be brought to the screen by Inspire Studios, Inc., in association with a major US studio, with production slated for 2020. Producer/financier, Francis B. Lara Ho, CEO of Inspire Studios, said, “Freedom Fighters will be a global, Hollywood studio-level release. We are currently in discussions with leading Hollywood and Philippine studios, financiers and distributors, as well as ‘A-List’ directors and actors to bring this amazing, inspirational story to the global audience.” “Having the charismatic and beloved Sen. Manny Pacquiao join us to play real-life WWII Filipino hero Colonel Peralta is an exciting step in putting together a cast of top-tier actors for this movie. Manny is a worldwide hero and admired by people from all over the world, so stepping into this role is natural for him,” Mr. Ho added Mr. Francis Ho, founder of Inspire Studios which will hold offices both in the US and the Philippines, has great vision for the company. “We want to impact humanity by creating worldclass movies of hope, heroism, and honor from stories based on true-to-life events. Movies that go beyond mere entertainment. Those that showcase positive, human virtues. Movies that inspire and stir us to look beyond ourselves, and help us dream to be greater and encourage us to pursue something bigger than life itself,” he carried on. Freedom Fighters is based on the memoirs of Louise Spencer, an American who was one of the residents of Hopevale, a community of patriots PREMIERING today as a companion to the new National Geographic book Women: The National Geographic Image Collection, the special features nearly 40 new and archival interviews with female explorers, journalists, activists, and policymakers. The documentary special represents a wide swath of disciplines, cultural backgrounds, and generations, including: National Geographic Explorer Intan Suci Nurhati, of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), a paleoclimate scientist who conducts coral research to understand more about the long-term effects of human activities on climate change and the environment; National Geographic Explorer Asha de Vos, a Sri Lankan marine biologist, ocean educator, and pioneer of blue whale research within the northern Indian Ocean, whose nonprofit aims to change the trajectory for the world’s oceans via research, education, and conversation; Legendary ocean explorer Sylvia Earle, dubbed “Her Deepness,” who was the chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has been d National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence for more than two decades and was Time magazine’s first-ever Hero for the Planet; Journalist and author Martha Raddatz, who has spent more than 20 years with ABC News covering major world events and political affairs; Photographer Ami Vitale, who has traveled to more than 100 countries covering conservation and conflict and was named one of InStyle magazine’s 50 Badass Women in 2018; Philanthropist Melinda Gates, co-founder of the world’s largest private charitable organization who has been consistently ranked as the world’s most

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie makes bad look good in the latest 'Maleficent' movie.

A scene from Brillante Mendoza's MMFF 2019 entry, 'Mindanao,' which stars Judy Ann Santos.

Brillante Mendoza, Judy Ann Santos

collaborate for ‘Mindanao’

FREEDOM FIGHTERS. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, shown with Inspire Studios founder and producer Francis B. Lara Ho (right photo,) will be the lead actor in a new movie called ‘Freedom Fighters’ set for filming in the Philippines next year for release both locally and internationally.

in Panay Island during WWII that played a great role during a most crucial time in Philippine history. After the Japanese sneak attack invasion of the Philippines in WWII, staged to coincide with the attack on Pearl Harbor, a group of American doctors, nurses, missionaries and miners in Panay Island chose to stay hidden behind enemy lines to continue to help the local people and the Guerrilla Resistance, led by Colonel Peralta. They built a community deep in the jungle called

“Hopevale,” and survived there for almost two years under constant threat of torture and execution if captured. They were supported by loyal, brave Filipinos who put their lives and the lives of their families on the line to help them survive and hold back the Japanese, allowing the triumphant Gen. MacArthur to belatedly return. For more information about Inspire Studios, pls visit their website at www.theinspirestudios.com or email them at inspirestudios@yuhodynastygroup.com

Landmark NatGeo docu special ‘Women of Impact’ premieres today

FOR the first time, internationally-acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza and celebrated screen star Judy Ann Santos worked together for the film Mindanao which had its world premiere at the 24th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in Busan, South Korea last Oct. 5 under Icons, a newly established section in BIFF that introduces the latest films made by iconic filmmakers from around the world. Mindanao follows the story of Saima (Judy Ann Santos), a mother caring for her cancer-stricken child Aisa (Yuna Tangog) and her husband Malang (Allen Dizon), a combat medic deployed in a civil conflict against rebel forces. To support Filipino filmmakers and Philippine cinema in entering the global arena, FDCP continued to lead the participation of the Philippine Delegation in BIFF this year after it led the Philippines as Country of Focus in 2018. Furthermore, Mindanao was praised for stirring the audience’s emotions. Actress Santos, which had her first red carpet experience in an international film festival at BIFF, was also commended for her acting performance. In a Screen Daily film review, it said, “This is not a film which leaves any emotional button unpushed. And indeed, the film features a third act of such levels of crass contrivance that it rather undermines the emotional impact of loss of life. Throughout all this, Santos retains grace and dignity with a performance which is a class apart from the rest of the picture.” The 24th Busan International Film Festival was held from Oct. 3 to 12. Mindanao is also set to screen under the World Focus Powered by Aniplex Inc. section at the 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) happening from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 in Tokyo, Japan.

Miss Earth... From C4

'Women of Impact' is a documentary special that presents women who made indelible marks in the world.

powerful woman by Forbes magazine; The incomparable Jane Goodall, who has been at the forefront of global conservation issues since 1960 and is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Released in October 2019, the book features more than 300 stunning photographs drawn from National Geographic’s unparalleled image collection, spanning three centuries and more than 50 countries.

Each page creates a portrait of a singular aspect of women’s existence and demonstrates how the depiction of women has evolved since National Geographic’s founding in 1888. Tune in to the Asia premiere of Women of Impact today at 10:00 p.m. (HongKong), 9:00 p.m. (Bangkok/Jakarta) and video-streaming service FOX+.

Score movie passes for ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ CATCH Disney’s newest fantasy adventure film, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil that hit Philippine theatres on Wednesday, Oct. 16. In this sequel to the 2014 global box office hit, Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties

that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil stars Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple,Lesley Manville, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, and is directed by Joachim Rønning. You can invite the family to watch this newest Disney flick on the big screen with Globe at Home. Score two movie invites via Gmovies by applying for a Globe At Home Postpaid plan until Nov. 5 via Globe Online Shop and Globe Stores nationwide. Successful applications will be receiving an email containing the GMovies code within two to four working days from

installation. Online booking is until Nov. 10. With Globe At Home, you can enjoy world-class entertainment —so make that switch to fast, unlimited internet with Globe At Home and apply for a GoUnli plan to get speeds up to 100 Mbps. Enjoy non-stop streaming with the whole family without data cap. Starting at just P1,699 per month, Globe At Home gives you fast and reliable internet connection, unlimited data, and free access for six months to top streaming apps such as DisneyLife, FOX+ and Amazon Prime Video. Find out more about this promo and other products and services by Globe At Home by following the official Globe at Home FB page. Don’t forget to follow Globe ICON on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

Conceptualized in 2001, Miss Earth is an international pageant and environmental event that promotes sustainability. It channels the beauty pageant industry into an effective tool to promote environmental awareness and eco-tourism spots. The delegates stayed overnight at the Camping Pods of Jolly Waves, and had a fun time enjoying the world-class facilities, including the giant wave pool, raging river, zip line, sky bicycle, and giant slides. True to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, the delegates led a tree-planting activity sponsored by Calapan Water and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Oct. 11. Produced by Carousel Productions, the talent competition is a part of the 2019 Miss Earth Pageant that culminates on Oct. 26 at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, where Nguyễn Phương Khánh of Vietnam, the reigning Miss Earth 2018, will crown her successor. Candidates from 80 countries are participating in the 19th edition of the international beauty pageant that promotes environmental awareness and ecotourism destinations. Jolly Waves is the first world-class recreational facility in Calapan City and the whole of Oriental Mindoro. The five-hectare development by Jolliville Leisure & Resort Corporation has been dubbed as a game-changer for the tourism industry in the MIMAROPA region.

Very Wang... From C4

Kris, who has done several contravida roles in the past, said that she is happy to have played another complex character. “This is a very different contravida role for me because for the first time I’m playing a ghost and it allows me to explore this character well.” Megan sang nothing but praises for her co-stars, “Lahat sila first time ko makasama sa trabaho and I enjoyed working with them very much. Kris is all happy and fun but when on the set she’s very professional. Rayver is very happy-go-lucky, there are no bad vibes and he’s a very good co-actor. And Kim, she has a lot of stories to tell and she’s very warm. I’m very happy I got the chance to meet and be close to all of them.” While they did a lot of heavy scenes, Rayver shared that the camaraderie they had on set was very light and fun. “The entire team is very professional and it encourages me to work because everybody is so easy to work with.” Under the direction of Jorron Lee Monroy, don’t miss the haunting finale of Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay ko on GMA Afternoon Prime today.

Entertainment

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019

Miss Earth pageant creates waves in Calapan City PROMINENT personalities and residents of Oriental Mindoro have flocked into Jolly Waves Waterpark & Resort to witness Calapan City’s biggest event of the year—the Miss Earth 2019 Talent Competition on Oct. 10. Hosted by the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, city government of Calapan and Jolly Waves, the Miss Earth 2019 Fire Group Talent Competition brought delegates from 29 countries from all over the world to Calapan City, which is fast becoming the central hub of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan (MIMAROPA) region. For rendering an opera song, Miss Mongolia Azzaya Tsogt-Ochir earned her the gold award in the talent competition.

Silver went to Miss Denmark Sara Langtved while Miss South Korea Woo Hee-jun, who was also chosen as Jolly Waves ambassador as a special recognition, got the bronze award. The three beauty winners were among the 29 contestants from all over the world under the Miss Earth Fire Group who showed off their individual talents in Miss Earth talent portion. The talent competition had a distinguished panel of judges, namely Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, Calapan Councilor Marian Teresa Tagupa, Pola Mayor Jennifer Cruz, Jolliville Holdings Corporation Vice President Ortrud Yao, and Jolliville Leisure & Resort Corporation Chairman Jolly Ting.

Miss Earth 2019 Fire Group Talent Competition Winners (from left) Miss South Korea Woo Hee-jun (bronze award), Miss Denmark Sara Langtved (Silver award) and Miss Mongolia Azzaya Tsogt-Ochir (gold award).

The Miss Earth beauties made a motorcade in the City and were welcomed at the Provincial Capitol by Oriental Mindoro Administrator Hubert

A. Dolor. Vice Mayor Gil Ramirez represented City Mayor Arnan Panaligan when the candidates visited the

Calapan City Hall. Businessman Jolly Ting was present at both the Provincial Capitol and the City Hall events to welcome the Miss Earth delegates. Continued on C3

Gabby Concepcion is the latest actor to join Beautederm's roster of celebrity ambassadors.

Chiara Zambrano with student-delegates of the Pinoy Media Congress Caravan in Baguio.

Pinoy Media Congress Caravan heads to Cavite

VERY WANG

NICKIE WANG

CTOR Gabby Concepcion’s best-kept secret is finally revealed as he officially joins the illustrious roster of Beautéderm Corporation’s amazing brand ambassadors. For 10 prodigious years and counting, Beautéderm Corporation has been at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry here in the country as one of its most solid and most trusted leaders. In 2009 Rhea Anicoche-Tan, Beautéderm Corporation’s President and CEO, established the company with her burning desire to beautéfy the country one person at a time through a line of products that boasts of the highest quality that delivers the fastest, most effective, and most sustainable results. Beautéderm prioritizes safety and effectiveness above all with its FDA Notified products, which only uses plant-based ingredients that are perfectly synergized to deliver its promise of not only physical beauty to each and every one of its loyal users but also a more flourishing life to its resellers and distributors. As a consistent Superbrands awardee, some of the flagship brands under Beautéderm include the famed Beautéderm Skin Care Sets for both the face and body; Reverie by Beautéderm Home which consists of room and linen sprays as well as scented soy candles; and Beautéderm’s perfume collection which includes Origin Senses perfumes for men as well as a new set of fabulous products such as Beauté Balm, Au Revoir Skin Soothing Oil, and Cristaux Gold Elixir Serum – all of which are top-selling products in the market today. Currently, Beautéderm has over a thousand resellers and distributors both locally and internationally as it ships products every day both here and abroad with its strong partnership with the best shipping company in the country. The brand also has physical stores throughout the country and one in Singapore; and the company has almost 40 brand ambassadors which include actors and actresses, TV personalities, singers, beauty queens, politicians, comedians, and social media influencers. Gabby is a multi-awarded actor who is widely regarded as showbiz royalty who boasts of a magnificent career that spans four decades as one of the country’s most talented and respect actors. With over 70 films to his credit, Gabby is also hailed as one of the most handsome actors ever to grace to silver screen with his drop-dead gorgeous looks and astounding physique which rightfully makes his remarkable physical appearance as legendary as his body work. As Gabby matured in perfecting his craft through the years, he has also effortlessly maintained his jawdropping and effervescent freshness especially now with the help of Beautéderm. ***

TBA’s ‘Write About Love’ an official MMFF 2019 entry

TBA’s romantic comedy feature Write About Love, starring Miles Ocampo (Maledicto, The Debutantes), Rocco Nacino ((Bar Boys), Joem Bascon ((Heneral Luna), and Yeng Constantino (The Eternity Between Seconds) was among the eight Official Entries of the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announced today. The film is co-written and directed by Crisanto B. Aquino in his directorial debut with music helmed

by Jerrold Tarog and executive produced by Fernando Ortigas, Eduardo A. Rocha and Vincent Nebrida. “Write About Love is TBA Studios’ way of honoring the unsung heroes of filmmaking – the scriptwriters. This film is about how these talented individuals often create characters which turn out to be their alter egos,” says Eduardo Rocha, CEO & Executive Producer. “We believe that the most talented scriptwriters are here in the country and that Filipinos deserve a shot at global recognition.” Adds Vincent Nebrida, President at TBA Studios: “We are humbled and grateful to the MMFF Executive Committee for

OVER 400 college and senior high school students from ten schools in Northern Luzon had a fun and inspiring learning experience about the different facets of the media industry in the first leg of the ABS-CBN Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) Caravan held recently at Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City. Headlined by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Chiara Zambrano, Star Music head of music publishing and new media Atty. Marivic Benedicto, and ABS-CBN Film Restoration head Leo Katigbak, the PMC Caravan drew participants from host school SLU and nearby universities such as University of Baguio, Urdaneta City University, University of the Cordilleras, Jinan University, Universitas Islam Kalimantan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, SLU Senior High School, University of Baguio Senior High School, and Sablan National High School, who went home with greater love and appreciation for the field they are aspiring to join in the future. Apart from the talks, student-delegates also enjoyed a free film screening of the classic coming-of-age romantic drama, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising,” which they picked to watch via an online poll at the caravan. Knowledge Channel head Danie Sedilla-Cruz encouraged students to join the “Class Project: Intercollegiate Mini-

Documentary Competition,” while select student-delegates attended a workshop on documentary-making with Chiara and ABS-CBN DocuCentral production unit head Carmina Reyes. Meanwhile, the next stop of the Pinoy Media Congress Caravan is in Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite on Oct. 15, where it brought acclaimed journalistJeff journalist Canoy, ABS-CBN business unit head Pete Dizon, and ABSCBN head of creative communications management division Robert Labayen – another top-notch batch of experts in media. The PMC Caravan will also be heading to Cebu and Davao this year. Launched 13 years ago, ABSCBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators’ (PACE) Pinoy Media Congress has served over 12,000 communication students with talks and free workshops on various fields and topics in media. To reach and inspire more students, ABS-CBN began to broadcast the annual conference via satellite to host schools in Visayas. This year, ABS-CBN goes even further by bringing the PMC experience to different campuses in the Philippines to promote media literacy and help shape the next generation of media and communication practitioners in the Philippines.

EXTRA INTERNATIONAL The acclaimed film outfit’s romantic comedy film was selected among the finished film submissions during the announcement ceremony of the MMFF 2019 Official Entries.

selecting our film. This makes us all very happy and we look forward to this year’s MMFF 2019 edition.” Write About Love opens on Christmas Day, Dec.25 and is produced by Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Entertainment, and Artikulo Uno Productions. ***

‘Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko’ airs haunting finale

The end is near for Naomi (Kris Bernal) as Yvie (Megan Young) and Matteo (Rayver Cruz) do everything they can to banish her evil spirit from Katya’s (Kim Domingo) body. But will they succeed? Or will they forever be entangled and haunted by the past? The thrilling suspense-drama series Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko concludes today, secrets will be unraveled, love will be put to the test, and all of their lives will never be the same again. Continued on C3 The lead cast of 'Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko'

Dancing in the streets: performers gather for K-pop festival ON THE streets, in parks and garages, seven Cuban youngsters spent seven months practicing K-pop moves to secure a spot on their dream stage: an appearance in South Korea to imitate their idols. At the grandly titled and governmentfunded Changwon K-pop World Festival contestants from around the globe perform imitation dances or sing cover versions of the genre’s biggest hits—with thousands of fans cheering them on. In terms of global heft, South Korea is overshadowed by its much larger neighbors China and Japan, but the event is a way for Seoul to derive soft power from one of the country’s biggest cultural exports. Some 6,400 teams from more than 80 countries entered the competition, according to organizers, with 13 groups from places as diverse as Kuwait and Madagascar winning through to the final in Changwon, where they appeared on stage waving their national flags. “This is like watching the Olympics, a K-pop Olympics,” said the event’s host Lia, a member of K-pop group ITZY.

K-pop—along with K-drama soap operas—has been one of South Korea’s most successful cultural exports to date. A key part of the “Korean Wave” which has swept Asia and beyond in the last 20 years, the K-pop industry is now estimated to be worth $5 billion, with boyband boybandBTS its latest high-profile exponent. AFP

The government-funded Changwon K-pop World Festival is a way for Seoul to derive soft power from one of the country's biggest cultural exports.