Manila Standard - 2019 November 3 - Sunday by Manila Standard

BAR EXAMS: 600 COPS ON DUTY

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 262 • 4 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SOME 600 police officers will be deployed around the University of Santo Tomas campus in Manila for three Sundays starting today, venue of the bar exams for 8,245 law graduates aspiring to be licensed as lawyers, security authorities said. At the same time, the Manila Police District released information on roads that would be closed during

QUAKES DISPLACE 3.2-M KIDS—GROUP By Maricel V. Cruz

The people in North Cotabato listed on a white recycled tarp their immediate needs and displayed it beside the highway for moAKILALA, North Cotabato—People displaced, torists to see. including as many as 3.2-million children, by the The reports filtered out of Cotabato as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Sarangani series of major quakes and aftershocks trooped in Davao Occidental, according to the Philipto the highway here, asking for water, food, and pine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. tarpaulin sheets from motorists. PHIVOLCS reported the tectonic earthquake, caused by the movement of the earth’s The group Save the Children Philippines, earthquakes, most of them in the conflict crust, happened at 1:03 p.m. which raised the estimates, quoting the De- and marginalized areas in Region XI, Region The epicenter of the earthquake was partment of Education, has deployed an as- XII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in traced 04.32°N, 124.65°E - 153 km S 36° W of sessment team in North Cotabato and Davao Muslim Mindanao. Sarangani. del Sur following a magnitude 6.6 earthquake “Most of the 3.2-million children affected The magnitude 4.4 shock occurred as that hit the town of Tulunan, on Thursday, the are in conflict-affected and marginalized parts the National Disaster Risk Reduction and second strong temblor that jolted parts of of the Philippines where access to emergency Management Council said in its situational Mindanao in weeks. services is scant. Our team is already on the report the number of families affected by Lawyer Alberto Muyot, chief executive ground to assess the situation, determine the the series of temblors had reached 29,349 or officer of Save the Children Philippines, said extent of damage and provide vital support 146,745 people, a total of 3.2-million school-aged children to the affected communities,” said Muyot in They were in 149 barangays in Regions were affected in the series of five strong a statement. Turn to A2 XI and XII.

the three Sundays. The roads surrounding UST— namely, P. Noval Street, Dapitan Street, A.H. Lacson Avenue and España Boulevard—will be on stop and go traffic situation from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. onwards on Nov. 3, 10 and 17. These areas will also be no-parking zones on those dates, police said. Turn to A2

SEA CODE, FREE TRADE TOP ASEAN AGENDA By Vito Barcelo MALACAÑANG said Saturday the proposed code of conduct in South China Sea, a free trade deal involving 16 Asia Pacific nations, marine pollution, and security concerns were expected to be discussed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Thailand. “This year’s theme, “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability,” is a subject matter close to President [Rodrigo] Duterte as he himself believes in—and has publicly articulated in numerous occasions the importance of (sic)—promoting respectful friendships and responsible partnerships, as well as meaningful cooperation, to realize his vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development for the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Duterte, in Thailand for the threeday regional summit, will also promote “responsible partnerships” and “meaningful cooperation” with the country’s neighbors, the Palace spokesman said. Turn to A2

SAVE THE CHILDREN. An estimated 3.2-million children are reported to have been affected and displaced by at least five major tremors in the past three weeks, with the group 'Save the Children Philippines' deploying rapid response teams to meet the needs of the communities. The group has prepositioned items like teaching kits and temporary learning spaces that can be dispatched at any time to support the Department of Education to help learners resume classes. Photo courtesy of Save the Children Philippines

CONAN, HERO DOG, GETS INVITED TO WHITE HOUSE

SENDING A MESSAGE. A resident of Barangay Malasila in Makilala, North Cotabato holds up a placard asking for food, water and other immediate needs as Makilala reels from major tremors. The local government has meanwhile advised motorists to course their help through acknowledged aid centers to avoid being mobbed by hungry and thirsty quake victims. Photo courtesy of Makilala LGU twitter.com/ MlaStandard

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THEY say every dog has its day—and so it will be for this consummate pawfessional who has been invited to the White House in recognition of his heroic role in taking out jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Conan, a veteran of numerous combat missions, proved his bark was as frightening as his bite as he took point in the weekend US commando raid that led to the death of the Islamic State group’s leader in Syria. The Belgian Malinois’s identity was a closely-guarded secret until it was declas-

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sified by President Donald Trump, who retweeted a picture of the tongue-wagging pooch after the raid at Baghdadi’s lair in northern Syria. The president even confirmed Conan’s name in a tweet in the small hours of Thursday, as he revealed the canine would be leaving the Middle East for Washington, “sometime next week.” Conan chased Baghdadi into a deadend tunnel in his Syrian hideout, where the cornered IS leader detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and two children, according to the US account. Turn to A2

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'FAKE NEWS' TAKES A HIT IN BANGKOK By Vito Barcelo THE Palace on Saturday condemned the latest black propaganda waged by the President’s “fierce and unthinking critics and detractors” by peddling a bogus news story allegedly published by the Bangkok Post with the head, “King orders PH Duterte, behave during ASEAN summit.” In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the release was deliberate and malicious as it went viral on the day President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Thailand to participate in the 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. “The release was deliberate and malicious as it coincided with Duterte’s arrival in Thailand on Friday night,” Panelo said. “The Office of the President expressed its indignation over this cheap political stunt aimed at embarrassing the President, thereby humiliating the country which he represents, before the global audience,” the Palace official said. For his part, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar dismissed the report as “fake news,” adding he would tap the National Bureau of Investigation to trace its source. “These raucous anti-Duterte forces should be educated that when the Head of State and the Chief Executive of the Government of the Philippines is on an official trip overseas, we set aside politics—even the bitterest one among foes,” the Palace statement said. “If this group cannot rally behind a nation’s mandated leader, as he represents not only his office but the image of the nation as a whole, it should at least observe moratorium on their campaign on hate,” Panelo said. The Palace official said that the political enemies of the President appear to have thrown decency to the garbage bin even as they parade themselves as a rambunctious minority in our country. “Peddlers of false information must be reminded that Thailand has one of the strictest lesemajeste laws in the world. Harming Philippine-Thai bilateral relations by defaming the monarchy through lies and falsehoods is punishable by prison term, and those behind this recent insolence must face such a grim but deserving consequence,” Panelo said. Duterte is in Thailand Friday for the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit. The President was invited by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the current ASEAN chairman, and left the country amid continuing relief operations in his home region Mindanao, where a series of earthquakes has killed several people and destroyed homes and buildings.

2 TERROR SUSPECTS NABBED IN QUEZON, LAGUNA RAIDS

ALABARZON police have arrested two suspected terrorists in two separate antiterror operations in Tayabas, Quezon and in Calamba, Laguna in southern Luzon, three weeks before the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Quoting authorities, GMA News TV’s Balitanghali Weekend, beamed nationwide, identified the suspect nabbed in Tayabas as Saidie Saro, a variety store owner from whom were seized a hand grenade, live ammunition, and an improvised explosive

QUAKES... From A1 A total 4,127 families or 20,635 people were staying in 27 evacuation centers while 1,370 families (6,850 people) were outside evacuation centers, it said. The death toll remained at 17, while the number of missing was still pegged at two. Those injured numbered 327. PHIVOLCS said aftershocks were still expected. One such aftershock occurred early Saturday morning, with magnitude 4.5. Responding motorists on board luxury vehicles stopped and distributed bottled water and other food supplies to quake victims who stay by the roadside in tents at night. Speaking for the provincial crisis management team, provincial board member Jumar Cerebo, however, appealed to“good Samaritans”to course their assistance through local government units and not to distribute the aid on their own to avoid being mobbed by quake victims. “Motorists who distributed bottled water to quake victims in front of a school were mobbed by unruly and thirsty residents. It was good that nobody was hurt,” he said. But some motorists who bought bread, biscuits, and dry goods in other towns continued to give aid to quake victims queuing up beside the highway. “I pity them. It’s better to help than receive something,”one motorist driving a Toyota Fortuner said in a brief interview with the Philippine News Agency after distributing foodstuff to some 50 people. Eugene Villamor, 30, a quake victim, posted on social media that the people were glad that good Samaritans were coming over to help them. “Your generosity will return to you,” he said.

regional multi-sport event which will be hosted by the Philippines from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, 2019. This edition will be marked by the first major decentralization in the history of the Games, with competition venues spread in 23 cities across the country, divided into four clusters, all in Luzon, the fourth cluster consisting of stand alone venues. This will be the fourth time that the Philippines will host the games and its first time since 2005. Previously, it had also hosted the 1981 and 1991 editions of the games.

The Save the Children Philippines said that based on figures from the Department of Education, a total of 3.2 million learners were affected by the magnitude 6.6 strong earthquake as they suffer from psychosocial stress, miss out on school due to damaged classrooms, and being displaced from their homes. These children live in the conflict affected areas in BARMM, Davao, and SOCCSKSARGEN regions. “We recognize the specific vulnerabilities of children who are facing the impact of disasters,” said Muyot. Save the Children Philippines has prepositioned items such as teaching kits and temporary learning spaces that can be dispatched at any time to support the Department of Education to help learners resume classes in safe learning environment. “Save the Children is ready to set up temporary classrooms so children don’t miss out on school. These learning spaces provide much-needed respite for children, some of whom may have lost everything, and provide a safe space for them to play and receive support,” said Muyot. Save the Children Philippines will also set up child-friendly spaces to provide psychological first aid to children who suffer from psychosocial stress. “We are doing everything we can to help them resume classes to establish normalcy in their routine and overcome their shock and emotional distress,” Muyot added in a statement. Save the Children Philippines has reached out to corporate and individual donors to send cash donations to help scale up its assistance to children and their families affected by earthquakes. In the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda said the structural integrity of public infrastructure was vital in preventing an earthquake from turning into a major disaster. Citing the recent report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Legarda said

the earthquake in North Cotabato on Oct. 29, with a magnitude of 6.6, had caused the death of at least 16 people, affected more than 6,000 families, and damaged 3,220 infrastructures in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and BARMM, which includes more than 2,000 houses, 513 schools, 20 health facilities, and several places of worship, roads, bridges, public buildings and private establishments. “Earthquakes turn into major disasters due to unsafe and poorly built structures, inappropriate site location of infrastructure projects, inadequate design and materials specification, and shortcuts in construction. The government must ensure that all public structures, especially bridges, school buildings and hospitals, are earthquake-proof through the conduct of a nationwide structural evaluation and by retrofitting these structures to allow them to withstand destructive natural occurrences such as earthquakes,” said Legarda, representative of Antique. “The additional expense required for making structures safe from earthquakes is essentially a good investment especially if it will save thousands of precious lives,” she added in a statement. Legarda also reiterated her call for preparedness against earthquakes in all parts of the country as a temblor of the same magnitude can happen any time. She also reminded that the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study, which was conducted by PHIVOLCS, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Metro Manila Development Authority. She said these agencies have warned of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila that may destroy 169,000 houses, damage about 35 percent of all public buildings, including schools and hospitals, city halls, fire and police stations, cause 34,000 deaths, injure 114,000 injuries, break 86 percent of water pipelines, interrupt electricity and telephone

services, and segregate Metro Manila into four sectors isolated by collapsed structures, fires and damaged roads, thereby making evacuation and emergency response difficult. “We know that the Philippines is among the countries most vulnerable to earthquakes. Just this year, we have been hit by series of earthquakes: a magnitude 6.1 in Castillejos, Zambales in April with a total of 18 deaths; a magnitude 6.5 that occurred in Eastern Samar on the same month; magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 earthquakes that occurred in July in Itbayat, Batanes which resulted in a total of 9 deaths with 1,025 families affected, and now the magnitude 6.6 in Mindanao, ” Legarda said. “Given these recent disasters, 7.2 magnitude earthquake as described in the MMEIRS is a possibility that we all should be prepared for. We cannot prevent an earthquake from happening, but with the proper preparedness and preventive measures, we can minimize possible casualties and damages,” Legarda added. Legarda said that other priority steps in earthquake preparedness include the regular conduct of safety drills; establishment of an early warning system for earthquake and tsunami; determining open spaces for safe refuge; and ensuring that back-up systems of vital utilities are in place for speedy recovery and rehabilitation efforts, and a ready evacuation plan in every barangay in the country. Legarda added:“We cannot predict when an earthquake will occur. Therefore, we must always remain vigilant for more aftershocks and other effects of the temblor. “As we call for the national government to take the lead in promoting the structural soundness and resilience of buildings and structures, I also urge local government units to take the initiative in strengthening earthquake preparedness measures to ensure that our local communities will not be caught off guard when natural hazards strike.” With PNA

CONAN...

BAR EXAMS: ... From A1 Deployment of the 600 police officers is aimed at security operations, anti-criminality operations, emergency preparedness and crisis response. In a related development, the Federation of Free Workers, in a statement urged the Supreme Court to reexamine and amend the rules of Court to decentralize the bar exam. “It is now the ripe time. We need to decentralize the bar exam for the benefit of majority of aspiring lawyers who come from the provinces and ‘have less in life’,” FFW president lawyer Sonny Matula said. Matula, who came from Agusan del Sur, is a law lecturer in different law schools in Metro Manila. “Since 1901, the bar exams have been done in Manila,” he said. The FFW believes the SC needs to study and amend Section 11, Rule 138 (Attorneys and Admission to Bar) of the Rules of the Court, which provides that, “Examinations for admission to the bar of the Philippines shall take place annually in the City of Manila.” “We need to decongest the bar exams as it is now suffocating and needs to be decentralized to lessen the financial burden and unhealthy tension in the four weeks of November in Manila,” FFW lawyer Michelle Pacubas, who hails from Pangasinan, said. “When you play at home in sports, you have a home court advantage. I guess I can easily pass the bar if the bar exam center is near where I live,” said

device. But Saro denied allegations he was a member of an international terrorist group, and claimed the items purportedly seized did not belong to him. In Calamba, police nabbed Bobby

Gabunatan Sarip, who police said yielded an IED and a cellular phone. Sarip has declined to give any comment. According to the police, both suspects were found in possession of an ISIS flag. Security forces are still determining which ISIS subgroups the two belong to. The 2019 Southeast Asian Games, officially known as the 30th Southeast Asian Games or 2019 SEA Games and commonly known as Philippines 2019, will be the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games, a biennial

SEA...

From A1

FFW vice president for Visayas Amalia Campus, who is planning to take the bar next year. UP Law graduate Charlo Paredes from Surigao, a friend of the FFW, said: “First, this will help bar takers from the province to lessen the cost of board and lodging, transportation and other expenses. Second, this will also help reduce the adverse effect on traffic in Metro Manila. Third, this will somehow temper the unnecessary fanfare of the bar exam, which is supposed to be an academic and solemn event. Too many examinees in one place will really cause media attention.” Paredes added, “too much Bar exam fanfare leads to misplaced glorification of the legal profession.” With similar sentiments as FFW leaders, Labor Arbiter Randy Pablo of the National Labor Relations Commission in Manila is also in favor of the proposed simultaneous holding of Bar exams in Manila and in regional centers in Visayas and Mindanao. “This will relieve the provincial examinees from the financial, emotional, and psychological burden of having to take the month-long bar exams away from home,” Pablo said. “Ultimately, this will encourage would-be lawyers to enroll and finish their law studies, and later engage in law practice in their own regions, thereby reducing the urban concentration of lawyers in Metro Manila,” Pablo added.

Conan was injured by the electric cables exposed in the detonation but is expected to make a full recovery. While human soldiers wounded in battle for the US can be eligible for a Purple Heart, there is not thought to be an equivalent Purple Bark. Details about Conan’s life, achievements and family background are scant, although he certainly comes from good stock: US Navy SEALs used a Belgian Malinois in the 2011 raid in Pakistan that killed Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The head of US Central Command, General Kenneth McKenzie, said Conan was a “critical member of our forces” and mentioned his impressive record of 50 combat missions in four years of service. ‘Talented dog’ The president—celebrated and upbraided for repeatedly smashing through Washington norms—has ended a tradition going back more than a century by not having a dog in the White House. And while 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue differs from an estimated 63 million US households in that respect, Trump certainly has the political chops not to pass up a chance to bask in Conan’s reflected glory. When he announced the death of the world’s most wanted jihadist on Sunday, Trump praised “our canine—I call it a dog, a beautiful dog, a talented dog.” Another norm that hasn’t overly

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troubled the commander-in-chief is the practice among special forces of keeping their working animals out of the limelight. National security experts have taken to Twitter in recent days with serious complaints that declassifying Conan’s identity could have breached national security. “For those joking about the classified dog name, there’s actually a security reason for it: Knowing dog’s name, u can determine the handler,” tweeted retired army general Mark Hertling, a former commander of US land forces in Europe. “Knowing the handler, u can determine the unit; Knowing the unit, tells which Delta unit(s) was part of the raid.” At the first press briefing after the operation, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, hailed the animal’s “tremendous service” but also said its identity must be protected. On social media Trump’s supporters, and others, raved about the dog’s bravery. The president tweeted a manipulated image depicting him bestowing Conan with an imaginary Medal of Honor—the highest US military distinction—alongside the legend: “AMERICAN HERO.” The last president not to have a pet dog in the White House was William McKinley (1897-1901), although he had roosters, Angora kittens= and a parrot, according to the online Presidential Pet Museum. AFP

Panelo has earlier said the President will highlight the “ASEAN’s community-building agenda aimed at ensuring greater peace, security, and prosperity in the Asia Pacific”. The ASEAN leaders will also explore ways to promote inclusive and sustainable development and address the challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, and other environmental issues. Trade tensions, geopolitical shifts, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will also be tackled by the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners. The developments in the South China Sea and security concerns such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes will likewise be addressed during the regional summit. According to the Palace, the President will attend several meetings in Thailand, starting with the ASEAN summit plenary session at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center on Saturday. Today, Duterte is scheduled to join other leaders for the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit and related summits, followed by the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, the 16th ASEAN-India Summit, the 10th ASEAN-United Nations Summit. Tomorrow, Duterte will participate in the 22nd ASEAN plus Three Summit, the 7th ASEAN-United States Summit, the 14th East Asia Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit. The President may also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan on the sidelines of the summit on Monday and expected to fly back to the country on Monday night.

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PETRON, SHELL LEAD PRICE CUTS By Alena Mae S. Flores PETRON Corp. on Saturday announced that consumers can expect a price rollback of P0.10 per liter for gasoline and kerosene and P0.25 per liter for diesel effective 6 a.m. Tuesday to reflect the movement of world oil prices. Pilipinas Shell followed suit. “These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron said. Unioil Philippines, for its part, said in its weekly price forecast that fuel prices were expected to go down by P0.20 to P0.30 per liter for diesel and P0.10 to P0.15 per liter for gasoline. Last Tuesday, the oil firms cut the price of gasoline by P0.45 per liter and diesel by P0.10 per liter, the second consecutive week of price rollback for gasoline and the third consecutive week for diesel. The oil firms did not adjust kerosene prices this week. The oil firms, however, raised the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P0.24 to P0.30 per kilo effective Nov. 1. The oil firms adjust LPG prices every first week of the month. They also raised the price of auto LPG prices by P0.20 per liter. Last week, the Department of Energy warned the public against companies wrongfully claiming to be legitimate players of the downstream oil industry. DOE said endorsements to the Securities and Exchange Commission issued by the agency, through its Oil Industry Management Bureau merely serves to inform the commission that the department interposes no objection to the registration of companies wishing to engage in the downstream oil business. “However, please note that under the provisions of Republic Act 8479, otherwise known as the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, these SEC-endorsed companies must subsequently notify and submit documentary requirements to the DOE-OIMB before being considered legitimate downstream oil players,” it said. It said non-compliance will render all types of activities and representations of these companies illegal. DOE also said that it is an acceptable industry practice for legitimate downstream oil players to source their funds from loans duly approved by banks and other recognized lending institutions, or from equity contributions duly notified to and approved by the SEC and/or the Department of Trade and Industry.

Women dressed in black march to the presidential palace in Santiago demanding justice for those killed and injured during two weeks of protests. AFP

RODY BACKS CHILE PULLOUT By Vito Barcelo

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte supports Chile’s decision to pull out from hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit this month due to ongoing massive protest.

Chile has been gripped by protests against high living costs and inequality for nearly two weeks as protesters call on Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera to step down. In a statement, Presidential

Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President has expressed his support for Chile in making the hard decision of cancelling its hosting of the event, taking into consideration the interest and concerns of the Chilean people, as

TWO DOCTORS DETAIN PATIENT, FACE ARREST; SOLONS PROTEST By Maricel V. Cruz TWO lawmakers on Saturday took the cudgels up for a psychiatric patient who has been detained at a hospital in Ilocos Sur, and was made to work to cover for her hospital bills. Party-list Reps. Michael Defensor of Anakalusugan and Ferdinand Gaite of Bayan Muna also welcomed the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur’s issuance of arrest warrant against doctors Jemaima TanYee and Johann Ten-Yee of the Tan-Yee Therapeutic Home Care Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Center who is facing charges of “serious illegal detention.” The warrant was issued by Presiding Judge Homer Jay D. Ragonian on Oct. 25, 2019. Serious illegal detention is a non-bailable offense. Doctors JemaimaTan-Yee and Johann TanYee were alleged to have detained patient Aivon A. Guillermo since Jan. 9, 2013 when she failed to pay for her hospital bill amounting to P294,168.00. Court records showed that complainant Aivon Guillermo was admitted at Tan-Yee’s hospital on March 15, 2012 with an initial diagnosis of “Brief Psychotic Disorder.” Defensor deplored the detention of Guillermo. “The detention of patient Avion Guill-

ermo was a cruel disregard of the patients human rights,” Defensor said. The court records also noted that Aivon was made to work at the hospital with a P2,500 per month salary. Of the amount P2,000 would be deducted from Aivon’s salary while the P500 would be given to Aivon for her medicines. Defensor said “even the salary agreed to, to pay for her hospital bill was way below the acceptable salary of even a house help.” “It is unbelievable that the doctors who I presume are well-off being owners of the ward and who took a Hippocratic oath to maintain specific ethical standards and to serve humanity would behave in such a manner. Our country must continue to push for a genuine universal health care so that the poor may not suffer from such crime for non-payment of health bills,” Defensor added. Gaite shared Defensor’s view. “Involuntary servitude is illegal under our Constitution, well as the non discharge of patients for non-payment of hospital bills,” Gaite said, adding that the doctors could have demand a promissory note from the patient as provided under the Anti-Hospital Detention Law. Gaite also welcomed the filing of appropriate charges against the doctors.

‘TEACHERS’WELFARE TAGUIG PRIORITY’ TAGUIG City Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano has assured teachers that their welfare is a priority of the city government, saying that ongoing programs affirm the value of educators in the school system. Under the program, Taguig teachers are sent to trainings, workshops and competitions up to the international level. The Leadership and Educators Advancement and Development Program also provides scholarships for public and private school employees; and further study is ongoing to expand existing programs. Just recently, the city government hosted a forum attended by some 1,500 female teachers as part of the city’s celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The teachers attended the forum initiated by Cayetano at the Sports Complex in Barangay Bagumbayan where they learned more about the truths of breast cancer. The event include a workshop focusing on the significance of early breast cancer detection; and the signs, symptoms, and risks of breast cancer. Attendees also learned about the Early

Breast Cancer Detection Guidelines which include the following: • At age 20, do the monthly Breast SelfExamination (BSE) • At age 30, do the monthly BSE and clinical breast exam annually • At age 40, do the monthly BSE, annual clinical breast exam and annual mammogram The teachers also availed the free breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings. Last month, the city government also launched Teachers’ Lounge at the Signal Village Elementary School in Barangay Central Signal. The facility contains an entertainment area, lounge, pantry and conference room. Ususan’s Dr. Artemio Natividad Elementary School is targeted to launch the second Teachers’ Lounge. The initiative is set to benefit 38 principals and up to 4,156 teachers, even more given the increasing opportunities for teachers in Taguig’s public school system. “We recognize that our self-sacrificing teachers need a reprieve from their immense workload,” said Cayetano.

its country endured massive street protests that were propelled by a civil disobedience campaign over metro transit hikes. Panelo said that President Duterte will attend the APEC Summit scheduled from Nov. 16 to 17, which will bring together world leaders to discuss trade and investment issues in the AsiaPacific region. “Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez had also conveyed their interest to

participate in the said event,” Panelo said. The Palace highlighted the country’s economic and commercial transactions to economies of countries belonging to APEC. “In particular, they account for 84 percent of the total trade of the Philippines worldwide, 82 percent total exports worldwide, and 85 percent of its total imports. APEC economies likewise account for 64 percent of foreign direct investment into the Philippines, and 83 percent of tourist arrivals,” Panelo said.

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SALCEDA: INTEGRATE PHIVOLCS INTO DDR

ONE IN FAITH. Thousands of delegates from 67 countries attend the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Lino Santos

PNP DEFENDS MASS ARREST

RIG. Gen. Debold Sinas, acting chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, on Saturday defended the arrest of a ranking official of the progressive group Gabriela for illegal possession of firearms during simultaneous raids in Bacolod and Manila Thursday evening. Sinas said Cora Agovida and her partner Michael Bartolome were nabbed in Manila’s Paco district for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. “What our Manila Police District knew was they were arrested for mere violations of firearms and explosives. We only learned of her links to Gabriela because the group staged a rally in front of the MPD, claiming that one of the suspects is their secretary or so,” he said. “So we tasked our Intel Unit to coordinate with our allied units to check their background. We don’t have complete details yet if they are registered members or what. What the MPD did

is just to implement the approved warrants,” Sinas added. Gabriela identified Agovida as its Manila chapter chairperson and regional spokesperson. Aside from Agovida and Bartolome, other progressive leaders who were among the 55 nabbed during last week’s raids were Kilusang Mayo Uno Negros leader Noly Rosales and National Federation of Sugar Workers secretary-general John Milton Lozande. The Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives has condemned the simultaneous raids, saying these were “a possible prelude to an intensified crackdown to cut down or eliminate

progressives and critics of the Duterte regime.” “At the same time this would provide a big diversionary tactic from the issues besieging Duterte like high prices of commodities, corruption in the PNP, failure of the bogus drug war, water interruptions, the mass transportation crisis, massive traffic jams and underemployment,” Makabayan said in a statement. But a spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division denied accusations that the military planted evidence against the arrested individuals. Capt. Cenon Pancito III said the raids conducted in offices of progressive groups in Bacolod that led to the recovery of a cache of firearms, ammunition, and explosives were the result of detailed intelligence work. “With the voluminous war materiel that we got, it would be very impossible for the Armed Forces of the

Philippines and the Philippine National Police to produce all these that we have recovered,” Pancito said. “This is a product of thorough intelligence operations. [The information] did not just come from one source. We actually have various sources,” he added. The warrants were issued for violation of Republic Act No. 1059 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law by Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Regional Trial Court Branch 89 in Quezon City. Pancito said among those who provided information were former New People’s Army members and mass supporters who surrendered in Escalante City in September. “If those arrested would allege that it was a frame-up, they have the right to challenge us in a proper court and we are willing to face them,” he said. PNA

ERC PROBES ‘HAZARDOUS ELECTRIC POSTS’ IN ILOILO CITY By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission has started its investigation on a complaint filed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas against the possible threat to public safety of“inadequately-maintained lines, power outages and hazardous electric posts” owned by the Panay Electric Co. The ERC conducted a hearing last week and received a briefing from the Bureau of Fire Protection on the safety violation incidents of PECO. The new distribution utility, More Electric and Power Corp., raised the possibility that the numerous pole fires in Iloilo City may be a deliberate attempt to sabotage the transition of PECO’s electricity distribution facilities. PECO continues to be the power distributor in Iloilo City by virtue of its certificate of public convenience issued by the ERC. MORE’s franchise as the new distributor provides for a two-year transition period to ensure uninterrupted service to consumers.

Treñas asked the Office of the President to address the mounting complaints against PECO, citing nine fire incidents involving its electricity poles from Oct. 19 to 21 alone based on the BFP’s report to the Iloilo City Hall. “Due to the worsening turn of events, the undersigned is obliged to take the necessary steps to address the needs of the people considering that the problems and complaints raised against PECO have direct impact not only on the property but to the lives of the residents of Iloilo City,”Treñas said in his complaint. “While the attention of PECO had been repeatedly called [by the Office of the City Mayor] to address the [complaints,] the city is still plagued by the same problems,” Treñas said. Treñas said ERC is the appropriate agency to handle consumer complaints to ensure the promotion of consumer interests. ERC had been given disciplinary powers to address the numerous consumer complaints against PECO, the mayor added.

STUDENTS CALL SEX HOTLINE IN PHONE MIXUP

HOLIDAY RUSH. Buyers hunt for bargain Christmas decorations at the Dapitan Arcade, a shopping destination found at the corner of Kanlaon and Dapitan Street in Manila. Lino Santos

5 CEMETERIES HAILED FOR BEING LITTER-FREE By Joel E. Zurbano FOUR cemeteries in Metro Manila and one in Bicol were commended by an environmentalist group for being litter-free during the observance of All Saints’ Day. The Ecowaste Coalition on Saturday said the St. John Memorial Park-San Juan City Cemetery; the Aglipay Cemetery in Marikina City; the Garden of Life-Mandaluyong City Cemetery; Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque City; and the Bicol Memorial Park in Legazpi City were observed to be litter-free“or darn near thanks to the cooperation of disciplined visitors.” The group praised cemetery visitors for not leaving trash on grave sites even

as it called out the “trashers of the tombs” —or those who leave their garbage behind—for disrespecting the dead. “We laud caring Filipinos for leaving flowers and prayers—not trash—at the graves of their dearly departed relatives and friends. This should be the rule rather than the exception as millions gather every year in cemeteries to remember and pray for them,” said Ecowaste Zero Waste campaigner Jove Benosa. “We hope the trashers of the tombs will make amends by not leaving their rubbish behind next time around. By keeping the graveyards clean, we show our utmost respect to the dead and the living and Mother Earth, too,” he added.

THE serious concerns arising from the recent earthquakes and continuing aftershocks in Mindanao warrant the full integration of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology into the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said. Salceda, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and is principal author of the DDR bill, said the events that followed the Mindanao tremors showed a lack of preparedness among all concerned agencies and local government units. Numerous dysfunctional responses were also noted such as call center agents rushing down to the ground floor of buildings from their 6th floor work stations. “Diffused somehow, dis-coordinated assistance responses by state actors clearly require continuous information, education and communications of risk assessments and scenario projections which can best be built into the DDR framework. Tasked as the principal agency to plan, organize, direct and oversee programs to reduce risks, warn and respond, and provide relief, recovery and rehabilitation initiatives, including continuous assessment of building integrity and their spatial relations to earthquakes and related hazards, the DDR can better perform organized responses to these concerns,” he said. “Among others, we need PHIVOLCS for risk assessment, vulnerability reduction and integrated response,” the lawmaker added. The House passed the DDR proposal in the 17th Congress but it failed to hurdle the Senate. Salceda had refiled the measure, which has been endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte in his previous State of the Nation Addresses, in the 18th Congress as House Bill No. 30. As conceived, the DDR shall “guarantee unity of command, and science-based approach to, and fulltime focus on natural hazards and, even human-induced disasters.”

The group reported that “minimal to intense” littering was observed in 17 cemeteries in various cities in Metro Manila. Littering was most widespread at the Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City with garbage strewn all over the place. Ecowaste said littering in this cemetery has been characterized as “intense” with visitors literally walking over or sitting next to garbage. With the ban on vendors in place, the group observed visible reduction of food packaging waste inside the Manila North and South Cemeteries. The situation in private cemeteries was similarly wasteful with bins overflow-

ing with discards, especially single-use paper and plastic packaging from food concessionaires, a common sight at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque and Quezon Cities. While alcoholic drinks are banned, some visitors sneaked in canned beers through the tight security of Manila Memorial Park (Parañaque), leaving the empty cans at the Columbarium area. To prevent the generation of Undas garbage, Ecowaste called on all local government units and cemetery administrators to enforce good practices in waste prevention and reduction as laid out in their respective Ecological Solid Waste Management plans.

OFFICIALS from a California school district were left red-faced after students who dialed a suicide prevention hotline listed on their ID badges instead stumbled on a sex line. “I was just kind of flabbergasted. I was very surprised,” parent Janene Lavelle told the local ABC station after her daughter, who attends middle school, alerted her to the mixup. Lavelle said the teen had dialed the number for kicks and was in disbelief when she got a sex hotline. “Someone who genuinely needs help like that, they shouldn’t hear that kind of thing from what they thought was going to help them,” the student was quoted as telling a local CBS affiliate. “They should fact-check that kind of thing.” The suicide prevention number was in a directory of emergency lines and other resources on the back of badges for students at New Vista Middle School in Lancaster, a 90-minute drive north of downtown Los Angeles. However, because of a mistake with just one digit, a sex hotline number instead of the correct suicide prevention number was given to students. “Late yesterday we were made aware that the middle school student ID cards have the wrong phone number listed for the suicide hotline,” the Lancaster Unified School district said in a statement. “The phone numbers have two digits transposed and this is a mistake. The number listed on the card is actually a sex line.” School officials said they have collected all the old badges and planned to issue new ones—this time with the correct number. AFP

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Opinion NIGERIA’S MEDIA CODE FUELS WORRIES OVER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

EDITORIAL

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

E JOIN kin, friends and academics in congratulating 207 scholars from Mindanao, recipients of scholarships from the Department of Science and TechnologyScience Education Institute’s Bangon Marawi Program in Science and Technology Human Resource Development. We also toast the DOST-SEI for its efforts in building back the lakeshore provincial capital of Marawi City, brought down to misshapen ruins and rubble following the five-month siege there in 2017. The DOST-SEI has provided a Learning Resource Center not only for the scholars under the Bangon

Marawi Program but for all DOST Scholars under the RA 7687, RA 10612, and Merit Scholarship Programs, as well as for graduate scholars under the Science and Technology Regional Alliance for National Development (Project STRAND). The LRC, which began operation last Sept. 27, is equipped with 15

desktop computers, a laptop, and a printer/scanner that can be used for academic research, tutorials, and other activities. The Program, which began in early 2018, has helped hundreds of affected students pursue their studies. Notably, out of the 217 BS, 20 MS, and 10 Ph.D. scholars from the first batch of beneficiaries, 131 have graduated, of which three and nine earned magna cum laude and cum laude honors, respectively. The second batch consists of qualifiers: 177 Bachelors of Science; 27 Masters of Science; and three Doctors of Philosophy. We add our voice to the congratulations raised by Dr. Henry Aringa, Project Leader of the Program at MSU-Marawi, who lauded DOST-SEI’s efforts in helping

build back the once progressing city. Like him we urge the qualifiers to maximize the opportunity by pursuing excellence in their studies and later on serve the city. DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo, orienting the qualifiers on the scholarship policies, has also congratulated the grantees and urged them to finish their courses to help their families recover from the impact of the siege. “This program seeks to have a long-term effect on your city as we want you to be the ones to spark the rehabilitation of human and social infrastructures of Marawi,” she said. Verily, the journey has begun for the 207 scholars. May the merciful Allah guide them in their academic voyage.

By Sophie Bouillon NIGERIA has announced it will tighten regulations on social media in a bid to fight the “cancer” of fake news and disinformation, but the proposal has triggered an outcry over a potential crackdown on freedom of expression. Information Minister Lai Mohammed says the measure to strengthen the National Broadcasting Commission, the state agency overseeing media regulation, is a way to tackle hate speech and fake news that represent a “clear and imminent danger” to the country. The new media code, established in July and now approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, increases fines for indecency, inciting violence or hate speech to 5 million nairas (nearly $14,000) from 500,000 nairas ($1,400). The NBC this week published the key parts of the new code, including details on police and security forces helping the NBC enforce the closure of media stations when a license has been revoked. “Hate speech and fake news represent a clear and imminent danger to the unity of Nigeria especially given the multi-value, multi-ethnic and religious nature of Nigeria,” the minister said. “The danger is in the social media, unless we address that area, too, our fight against fake news will not be complete.” The minister said Nigeria was looking at how other countries have handled social media regulation, including Singapore. Singapore’s government has introduced a tough new law to combat fake news allowing officials to crackdown on social media sites deemed to be spreading falsehoods that sow division in society. Critics say the Singapore law stifles online discussion and media companies and Nigeria analysts worry their government’s new code will have the same impact. Nigeria ranks 120 out of 180 in the press freedom index for Reporters Without Borders media rights watchdog. “It’s very easy for the [Singapore] government to interpret news, what is fake or not,” Samuel Ejiwunmi, a Nigerian researcher specializing in fake news for the University of Lagos. “There is no way it will not affect journalism as a whole as well.” ARRESTS, TOUGH LAWS The minister’s tough speech has worried press freedom activists, especially with the arrest a few hours after the declarations of two journalists in western state of Kwara over an article published in May 2018. Gidado Shuaib, chief editor of the news website News Digest, and employee Adebowale Adekoya, were arrested at home by security agents in civilian clothes for questioning over an article entitled: “Inside a Kwara factory where Indian hemp smoking is legalized.” They were released a few hours later. The story was about a factory owned by a former Nigerian central bank governor, according to local press reports. The local rights group CISLAC said “investigative journalists are patriots who should be celebrated, not arrested on fabricated charges and physically abused.” Amnesty International, which has denounced attacks against press freedom in Nigeria, said it was monitoring how the new media code would be applied. “We are monitoring the process. In many countries it has been used as a tool of repression for freedom of speech,” said Amnesty Nigeria representative Isa Sanusi. “We are witnessing an escalation of preventive measures to muscle journalists and even Nigerians in general.. It is unacceptable.” AFP

MIDDLE-CLASS CHILEANS PROTEST CRUSHING DEBT By Jordane Bertrand IT IS not poverty that is driving Chile’s middle class into the streets to join massive protests: it is debt, brought on by sky-high private health and education costs that have created an economic fragility many find unbearable. That is why so many have taken part in two weeks of social upheaval, protesting against the economic policies of Chile’s ruling elite. Chile has an economic record that is the envy of Latin America: poverty has never been lower, dropping from 40 percent to less than 10 percent in 30 years, and transforming this country of 18 million into one where middle class citizens are the majority. But for many, the ultra-liberal economic model inherited from the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship (1973-90)—which privatized water, health, education and pensions—has generated a “permanent worry” about unexpected expenses. Nicolas Achondo, 33, was forced to close his restaurant.

After paying bills, wages and taxes, he had nothing left for private health insurance. A motorbike accident left him owing thousands of dollars for treatment. “I couldn’t pay, they put me on the debtors list. That closes all doors to you: you can no longer get a bank loan or rent an apartment,” he said. “I no longer had access to credit and my business started generating debts. It’s very unfair.” Thanks to help from his family, he managed to pay off his debts but has no capital to relaunch his restaurant business. He now wants to emigrate to Canada. “We don’t get state subsidies. The only thing we can do is access bank loans to pay for housing, health, education, clothing,” said Achondo. His parents suffered the same fate. They owned a video store in the 1980s-90s but fell victim to evolving technology. They managed to pay for their two eldest children’s private education without needing loans, but could not

afford the same for their younger two children, both of whom are in the vastly inferior public school system. ‘WITH OR WITHOUT UTERUS’ Marisol Berrios, a social worker, took out loans to pay for her two children’s higher education. “Now they’re both university professors but they have insecure contracts. They receive the minimum wage and have no health care.” In a model with minimal state intervention, profitability is king. As is often is the case, women are the hardest hit. They have to pay up to three times as much as men for health insurance when they want children. “There are ‘with uterus’ contracts and ‘without uterus’ contracts that are cheaper. You pay a higher percentage when you’re fertile,” said Berrios. Women also pay more in old age, says the 59-year-old, who admits to fearing retirement. “I will retire in one year and my pension will be 170,000 pesos ($230),” said Berrios, who currently earns 1.2 million pesos ($1,620) a month.

“I went into depression about it this summer.” Health, education and pensions may be the biggest worries but on top of that are increases in electricity costs, a proliferation of motorway tolls around Santiago and an unregulated medication market. For fed-up Chileans, it’s this accumulation of expenses that weighs so heavily. It was against this backdrop that a seemingly innocuous 3.75 percent hike in the price of a metro ticket lit a fuse under decades of pent-up frustration. In a bid to douse the flames of discontent, conservative President Sebastian Pinera announced a raft of social measures: suspending a 9.2 percent hike in electricity bills and an annual 3.5 percent increase in toll charges. But that didn’t calm the public. “Chile has awoken,” has become one of the main slogans of anti-government protesters since Oct. 18. “We’ve woken up to the brutality of the system,” said Berrios. AFP

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Republic of the Philippines Standard

TODAY GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM

Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor / Jimbo Gulle, Issue Editor

GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

NEW CALI FIRE GROWS; CREWS MAKE HEADWAY

OS ANGELES—A new wildfire in California grew to nearly 9,000 acres (3,700 hectares) on Friday, sending thousands of people fleeing and further stretching resources in a state struggling with a spate of wildfires this season. The so-called Maria Fire erupted Thursday evening in Ventura County, 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, and burned out of control through the night, driven by high winds and threatening 2,300 structures. By Friday afternoon, the wind-fueled blaze that risked consuming citrus and avocado orchards as well as other crops was zero percent contained. Authorities said 8,000 people were under evacuation orders and at least two structures had been burned. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said fire crews had been thwarted by people flying drones in the area. “Last night and early morning we had individuals flying small drones in the area of the flight operations for the fire suppression,” he told a

media briefing. “This creates a very significant hazard for our airborne firefighting assets and causes them to land and stop firefighting efforts as long as that aircraft is in the area.” The Maria Fire erupted as crews continue to battle multiple blazes that have broken out across the state in the last two weeks, prompting massive evacuations and power cuts. Another fire, the Easy Fire, which broke out Wednesday in Ventura County and came dangerously close to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, was almost fully contained on Friday. “We’re in the middle of a big fight, and we’re about a week into this and the end is not yet in sight,” Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told reporters Friday afternoon. “It has been an uphill battle ever since.” AFP

HALLOWEEN PROTEST. Police point a spotlight on a reveler wearing a Guy Fawkes mask in Central district in Hong Kong on October 31, as democracy activists donned Halloween masks lampooning the city’s pro-Beijing leaders on Thursday, defying an emergency law that bans face coverings and sparking renewed clashes with police. AFP

CHINA, US HOLD ‘CONSTRUCTIVE’ CALL ON TRADE

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only. Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is, Where-is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is, Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

Purchase offers are only accepted through CASH basis payable within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS), without privilege of extension.

A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data:

A. B.

12. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she shall adjust his/her initial deposit based on the bid amount of the declared highest bidder. He/she must also pay the adjusted deposit on the day of bidding. 13. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: A.

A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

Date of Bidding Name of the bidder Exact address of property you are interested to bid Transfer Certificate of Title No. Mode of Payment Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) Signature of the bidder/representative

Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of a MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

The following shall be inserted in a sealed bid envelope: A.

ALL participating bidders must insert: a. properly accomplished BID FORM b. MANAGER’S CHECK payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer

If the bidder is being represented by an authorized representative, a corresponding Special Power of Attorney (SPA) must also be included

If the bidder is the occupant of the subject property, two (2) proofs of occupancy must also be inserted. These are: a. Barangay certificate that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property; and b. Valid Government Issued ID with an address showing that the bidder is currently residing in the subject property, or the Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name that shows he/she is currently residing in the subject property.

He/she participated in actual bidding and Inserted the two (2) proofs of occupancy inside his/her bid envelope as indicated in Number 9 of these guidelines

If the winning bidder is an individual, a. duly accomplished Personal Profile (with attached recent two (2) pieces of 2x2 ID pictures of the winning bidder) b. photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (at least one should be a government-issued ID) If the winning bidder is a corporate entity or partnership, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Registration Certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) c. Articles of Incorporation (if corporation), Articles of Partnership (if partnership), General Information Sheet, and By-Laws duly certified by the SEC d. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located If the winning bidder is a cooperative, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Cooperative Development Authority Registration or any proof of such registration c. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located

14. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately. 15. The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer shall be paid on the day of bidding. The 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension. 16. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s total deposit. 17. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, he/she must remit the required non-refundable 10% deposit within three (3) working days after receipt of notice from GSIS. 18. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice. 19. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunk line numbers (02) 8479-3600, and (02) 7976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

10. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope).

11. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: (MS-NOV. 1, 2 & 3, 2019)

WASHINGTON—Senior Chinese and US officials again sent positive signals on Friday about their efforts to formalize the partial trade bargain announced last month, with President Donald Trump saying he may meet with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the state of Iowa. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Friday spoke by telephone with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a call both sides described as “constructive.” However, details remain scarce and the positive statements were almost identical to those made last week, even though Trump announced the partial deal on October 11. Trump had planned to sign a deal with China’s leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the now-cancelled summit in Chile this month. On Friday, Trump told reporters he was “looking (at) a different couple locations” for a meeting with Xi, adding that it “could even be in Iowa.” The rural state in America’s heartland was the first place Xi ever visited in the United States, when he came to the country in 1985 to study farming technology. Trump noted that negotiations are “moving along” and “our deal’s going along fine with China” but stressed repeatedly that he didn’t want to give more details until the agreement was finalized. The office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement that negotiators had “made progress in a variety of areas and are in the process of resolving outstanding issues.” AFP

BETO QUITS, BIDEN SLIPS, WARREN ANSWERS CRITICS WASHINGTON—Joe Biden’s standing in the Democratic presidential nomination battle has slipped in Iowa against top rivals including Elizabeth Warren, the frontrunner in the early-voting state, who on Friday answered critics over how she will pay for her progressive policies. As the 2020 protagonists clashed, one of the lower-polling Democratic candidates who started the contest with considerable promise, ex-congressman Beto O’Rourke, announced he was quitting the race. O’Rourke’s exit provided the latest dynamic in the crowded race to see who will challenge US President Donald Trump in November 2020. Warren, who had been un-

der fire for not explaining how she would pay for her universal health care proposal, took the risky political gamble of unveiling a $20.5 trillion Medicare for All plan. How to pay for expanding and improving health care has become a flashpoint of the Democratic race, with Warren and her fellow progressive Senator Bernie Sanders pushing a sweeping transition to universal health care and the centrist Biden seeking to build on the existing Obamacare system. Biden, the former vice president and longtime frontrunner in the national race, led for months in Iowa but that commanding lead has eroded since September. AFP

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S O T O PH F THE O EEK W

-magnitude earthquake ged building after a 6.5 ma da a ws sho w vie ao on Oct. 31. A AGE. A general ato province, on the southern island of Mindanun QUAKE DAMtow der falling debris n tab Co ma a n, north ursday, crushing Th on es hit Kidapawan vious pin ilip Ph rn been rattled by two pre struck the southe ildings that had already powerful earthquake bu d ge ma da sly iou of ser and sparking searches deadly tremors. AFP

HALLOWEEN CONTESTANT. A girl looks over the railing as hundreds of children wearing different costumes gather at the activity center of SM City Masinag in Antipolo City to join the contest mob as the mall celebrates Halloween. Manny Palmero LONELY GRAVE. A family visits the graves of their relatives while one stands in an overgrown area of a cemetery during the annual observance of All Saints’ Day in Manila on Nov. 1. Millions of Filipinos flocked to cemeteries to visit and pray at the graves of their loved ones to mark the holiday. AFP

PANAMA PROT

visitors longings of atus to e b al n o rs e its st cts p arlier raised istrict inspe ila Police D pine National Police e ’ Day. PNA an M e th f ls o cer ll Sou e Philip ’ Day and A TION.oArtnhoCffiemetery on Friday. Th of All Saints ce INSPEC an rv N se nual ob e Manila entering th alert to secure the an full

RAGING BLAZE. Fire erupts close to one of many ranches near

the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, during the Easy Fire on Oct. 30. Firefighters in California battled a new fast-moving blaze that threatened the Ronald Reagan Presid ential Library, as rare “extreme” red flag warnings were issued for much of the Los Angeles region. AFP

EST. A demonstrator wearing a police during a protest gas mask looks on durin of students, members of g clashes with riot civil society organization constitutional reforms, outside of the Congress s and unions against pro building in Panama City on Oct. 30. The reform wo posed privatizing higher educa tion and giving Congres uld include s more power. AFP

gy, vanced Space Technolo left), team leader of Ad photo m a fro for d (3r ses ar po , tam gy Re olo E. hn and Tec OES. Alvin SPACE HERns, Bala (left) Department of Science d Services Team of the person Alicia dela Rosaan air Ch tio ion era iss Op mm , Co rch ce anding rvi tst Resea Se Ou il 19 Civ 20 d an the te for ter Roa Du the Awards Rites at ard Aw and B) nt with President Rodrigo (PL me yan op ed for the devel sidential Lingkod Ba ASTROS was recogniz n, the g. tio after receiving the Pre an sta añ ing lac eiv Ma in rec ll d Ha un at Rizal 2, and the first gro d an -1 Javier, ATA Government Workers C. en DIW , Jov , tes Gerwin P. Guba try’s first microsatelli pictured are ASTROS’ o Als . operation of the coun ion vat ser Ob d A Paler. PN Resource an el, and Harold Bryan S. Philippine Earth Data Maria Cristina N. Manu

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

DAKAK GOLF READY FOR THE WORLD SOON

HE most unique golf course in the world will be fully operational in the first quarter of 2020. This was revealed by Dakak Golf Club president Rick Gibson after numerous inquiries from interested clubs and tournament organizers. “Due to unexpected rock formations located on hole number 11, our previously planned Chairman’s Cup event slated for late November will move to a date near the end of the first quarter of 2020, with a final date to be announced at a later time,” said Gibson, a veteran Asian Tour winner. “In this past weeks, the Habagat winds have been replaced by Amihan breezes and morning rain showers to help with our newly turfed areas on the ‘Ocean 9’ at Dakak Golf Club. The ‘Ocean 9’ has four holes available for play by our members, guests and staff and comments thus far include scenic and demanding,” he added. Started five years ago with Greg Norman as designer, the course’s front nine has been in play for over three years. Seven of Dakak’s front nine face the sea, and the entire course has a record stretch of ocean in play. There are almost no man-made structures on the entire par 72 course, which is adjacent to the picturesque Dakak Beach Resort, a mere 20-minute drive from Dipolog Airport. A newly renovated number 5 fairway will reopen for the Nov. 23 Monthly Medal tournament. Selected Ocean 9 holes will be included as well. FurGibson

The Dakak Golf Club, a world-class experience within a world-class beach resort.

ther improved drainage has been done on the ‘Hillside 9’. A new maintenance program has been implemented, and additional maintenance equipment have been procured, and additional personnel have been hired to aid in the goal of making Dakak Golf Club to become a world-class golf experience within a world-class beach resort. “The Golf Academy and Driving Range opening has been rescheduled to early 2020,” added Gibson. “Our

construction demands on the ‘Ocean 9’ is keeping our personnel and earth moving equipment busy.” On Nov. 23, Dakak Golf will hold the fifth edition of its Monthly Medal tournament for 2019, to coincide with the birthday celebrations for Dakak Beach Resort Chairman Emeritus Romeo Jalosjos and Dakak Golf Chairman Cesar Jalosjos. Both have donated grand raffle prizes for the event, including a 50” flatscreen TV and other high-end home appliances

Dakak Golf’s Facebook page

along with other giveaways and a buffet lunch for the participants. When completed, Dakak will have a record of almost two miles of coastline in play. In some places, players have an ocean view on both sides of the fairway. In others, they will have to drive the ball across water to land on the green. Players have been known to take longer playing at Dakak, stopping to take pictures with the picturesque backgrounds around them.

FIL-CHINESE SENIORS ZAP THAIS IN ASEAN CAGING FILIPINO-CHINESE Veterans Basketball Association, getting better and deadlier each game, blew Zaap of Thailand to bits, 76-46, and advanced to the 65-andabove final of the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament Friday at Indoor Stadium 2 of Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand. With almost everybody contributing a little of everything, the Fil-Chinese seniors practically settled the outcome of the game after only two quarters as they zoomed to a commanding 44-20 lead. Seven FCVBA players scored six points or more with former Crispa

player Joel Gomez tallying 10 of his 18 points right in the opening period that saw them take a 22-11 advantage. Ex-Philippine team star Benjie Poblete, who topscored in the team’s first two wins, was held to just seven points but his cold shooting failed to dampen FCVBA’s spirit as it led as many as 34 points late in the third. “Everything went on smoothly as we rotated the ball quite well,” said Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que, who along with Ironcon Builders owner Jimi Lim contributed 12 points each. FCVBA, which also got eight points

each from ex-MICAA player Zotico Tan and Achit Kaw, faces defending champion Hatyai in the one-game face-off on Saturday. Like the Fil-Chinese seniors, the Thais encountered nary a trouble in dispatching Sarawak of Malaysia, 54-28. Ex-Letran player William Lao and Andrew Ongteco also did well on both ends, combining for 12 points and eight boards in what could be team’s most explosive game so far. FCVBA is itching to regain the title after its Grand Slam bid last year was ruined by the Malaysians in the semis.

Joel Gomez

PISSA OPENS LISTUP FOR GYMNASIADE TEAM EVENTS, OFFICIALS By Graham C. Lim THE Gymnasiade Local Organizing Committee officially announced the dates of the Opening Ceremony on Oct. 18, 2020 and the Closing Ceremony on Oct. 23, 2020 at the Jinjiang Gymnasiade Sports Center. The communication was directed to Philippine Inter-School Sport Association President Alvin Tai Lian, who is currently preparing for the participation of the Philippine team in the various sports disciplines that PISSA will participate in and the filing of the individual registration by studentathletes and the team leaders for accreditation. Earlier, Tai Lian designated Angel Ngu, the president of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, to be the country’s Flag Bearer during the opening ceremony of the 18th Gymnasiade 2020 in Jinjiang City. A major patron of the Philippine team to the 18th Gymnasiade is Yatai International Corporation, with its supporting brand name – Omni Electrical and Lighting. Yatai

is led by its Chief Executive Officer Yang Hua Hong. Another corporate sponsor is Bestank Manufacturing Corporation. Officials of the two companies are keenly awaiting their confirmation and registration to the biennial meet. The Jinjiang Local Organizing Committee stated that the Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport are the ports of entry to Jinjiang City. Other ports of entry open to welcome the delegation officials through the railway system are Xiamenbei Railway Station, Quanzhou Railways Station, and Jinjiang Railway Station. The Gymnasiade 2020 will have 18 disciplines, namely Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Diving, Fencing, Football, Aerobic Gymnastics, Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wrestliing, Wushu, and Jump Rope. Of the 18 disciplines, the PISSA Organizing Committee intends to participate in 14. PISSA is officially recognized by

the International School Sport Federation, the global body that sanctions the 18th Gymnasiade 2020. The PISSA is also keenly awaiting the names of the team Leaders that are confirming their participation and support of a particular sports event.

This will allow the organization to put up the qualifying tournaments in the country’s various regions this early and account for the necessary operational expenses to be incurred. PISSA Secretary General Joseph Sy is calling for a PISSA Executive Board meeting next week to discuss the division of work of the different working committees that will preside over the qualifying tournaments. Different leagues and associations affiliated with the PISSA will be assigned to run the local qualifying tournaments to the 18th Gymnasiade 2020, also known as the 18th Schools Summer Games 2020. Members of the PISSA Executive Board are Felix Tiukinhoy (Vice president), Robert Milton Calo (Vice President), Ann Janeth Garcia (Deputy Secretary General), Cecil Sarmiento (Treasurer), Gladys Sia (Assistant Treasurer), Sean Elijah Siy (Wushu), Edgar Galeno (Swimming), Antonio Quiza, Fructuso Raytos, Raquel Padilla Lim (Special Projects), JC Clarito (Badminton), and Kert Bryan Ocampo.

BIANCA NEARS LPGA CARD BIANCA Pagdanganan battled back with two late birdies to save a 72 and improve to joint 18th as she all but clinched an LPGA card next season with one round left in the exacting eight-round LPGA QSeries in North Carolina Friday. The Asian Games bronze medalist groped with her irons off the tee a day after shooting the tournament-best bogey-free 64 Thursday that moved her to joint 27th, making double bogeys on two par-3s (Nos. 2 and 9) of Pinehurst No. 9 and dropping a stroke on No. 11. But she fired five birdies in cold conditions and capped her big rebound with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 for a 38-34. With a seven-round total of 498, the country’s SEA Games’ spearhead lay 17 strokes behind leader Muni He of China but stood safely within the Top 45 and ties group that will receive LPGA Status in 2020. But while former Philippine Ladies Open champion, who topped the LPGA elims Stage I in California and finished No. 8 in Stage II behind a final round 64 in Florida, has all but clinched her card barring a final round disaster, compatriots Clariss Guce and Dottie Ardina’s respective bids suffered a snag with over par cards in the penultimate round. Guce actually recovered from a four-over round with two birdies in the last seven holes to save a 74 for a 505, the cut-off line after seven rounds and the same output put in by Ardina, who groped for form when it mattered most, hobbling with six bogeys with no birdie to show for a 78. The duo, along with four others, are tied at 43rd but three players stood just a stroke behind at 506, four more pooled identical 507s, one assembled a 508 and three more totaled 509, making the final 18 holes so crucial for at least 17 bidders. He, meanwhile, stretched her run of under-par cards to seven, as she made a 71 for a 481, three strokes ahead of Korean Hee Young Park (72-484) and closer to the hotly disputed low medalist honors.

MEDICARD SPRINT TRIATHLON SET NOV. 10 IN CLARK WITH a field of close to 300 participants listed, the stage is set for a beginner-friendly racing experience as the 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri fires off on November 10 inside the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark, Pampanga. The race organized by Bike King features a course of 600-meter swim at the Olympic-size pool of the water park followed by a single loop 20-kilometer bike course around the Clark grounds and a single lap 5 kilometer run on the rolling paths of the resort. The finish line will be located along J.P. Rizal Avenue. At stake in the event sponsored by MediCard Philippines, Standard Insurance, Klean Athlete Nutritional Supplements, Smart, official timing partner Garmin, hydration partners Pocari Sweat and Sip Purified Water, recovery partner Air Relax Massage Guns Philippines, hotels Fontana and Royce Hotel & Casino are specially designed trophies and gift items for the age-group winners, Team Competition, and relay category winners. The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10:30 AM. “Wellness is more than being free from illness. It includes physical, mental and social well-being. This is the reason why MediCard promotes wellness through sports because aside from promoting physical health through physical activities, sports also improve social skills and gives positive mental health,” said MediCard President Dr. Nicky S. Montoya The 2nd MediCard Sprint Tri is a joint project of Bike King and MediCard. The company is a leading health maintenance organization dedicated to building a culture of health awareness and behavior. MediCard’s extensive connections with outpatient clinics, partners and affiliate doctors nationwide allow us to offer an array of total healthcare services to suit the needs of corporations, SMEs, individuals, and families. Visit www.medicardphils.com or call (02) 884-9999 for your healthcare needs.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Business

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

HP, GO NEGOSYO COLLABORATE FOR MSME SUPPORT

HOW A LADY EXECUTIVE HIRED 50,000 FILIPINOS

YOUNG Filipino gentleman started his career as a call center agent in a multinational bank several years ago despite the lack of a college degree. Hired and managed by Q2 HR Solutions, a local human resources company, he worked at night and studied during the day. Once he obtained his baccalaureate degree, the bank absorbed him as a full-time employee and he was promoted as a team leader within two years. Four years later, he applied for the position of assistant manager through the executive search by Q2 HR Solutions. He got the job and today, he is an assistant vice president at the multinational bank. He is one of the more than 50,000 professionals placed by Q2 HR Solutions to different positions, including CEOs, CFOs and CTOs across more than 1,000 companies in the Philippines over the past 20 years. Such story is what inspires Trixie Whyte to continue and expand the operations of Q2 HR Solutions which she established with her late Scottish husband Brendan in their spare room in San Lorenzo Village, Makati City in September 2000. Trixie, who has three children, was born and raised in the Philippines and remains a Filipino citizen. “I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to be in a business that is of service to people and at the same time make money,” says Trixie, the co-founder, chairperson and president of the 20-year-old human resources company. “What we want is to uplift the lives of Filipinos. It is profit with honor.” Q2 started with six employees, a single desk, a PC and a golden retriever in the Whyte family’s home in 2000. “We started in such a small room that if someone had a cough, everyone would catch the virus. That’s how small we were,” Trixie says. Q2 SERVICES Q2 became a full-service HR company whose services include sourcing and recruitment, HR outsourcing, managed services, background investigation, organizational consultation and development, assessments and other bespoke HR solutions. Its portfolio includes Recruitment by Design, a business unit handling executive search, permanent placement and recruitment process outsourcing. It also provides People4People managed services, build-operate-transfer model and background verification. Its affiliates now deploy healthcare Filipino professionals to different countries. It started with three multinational clients in the banking and pharmaceutical industry sectors and subsequently added top corporations in telecommunications, transportation, business process outsourcing, e-commerce, retail and manufacturing industries to its list. Today, the company manages more than 4,000 employees and is expanding its services and network to serve more companies here and abroad. Q2, short for Quaerito Qualitas Inc. which means “to seek quality”, has also grown to be the most-recognized HR solutions provider in the Philippines. Brendan died in 2007, leaving the business to Trixie who earned her Philosophy degree from the De La Salle University and completed the Executive Program at the Asian Institute of Management. Before establishing the business, Trixie worked as a benefits assistant in Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines and later for Mandarin Oriental Hotel where she was awarded a grant for a Master’s in Hotel Management at SHATEC Singapore. She joined her mother’s HR company, Linkstaff International Services, before establishing Q2 HR Solutions with her late husband who loved Latin and the band U2, which became the inspiration for their company’s name. Q2’s first executive search project was for a multinational pharmaceutical firm’s Canlubang, Laguna plant. It also assisted in creating a productivity based employment program for its warehouse personnel. LOYAL CUSTOMERS Its original clients remain loyal customers to this day. In 2003 and 2004, the business grew exponentially with the growth of the business process

Q2 HR Solutions founder, chairperson and president Trixie Whyte

outsourcing industry. The company’s outsourcing business/managed service started with a company that needed help with project employment for its IT and accounting departments. A client in the banking industry was also a significant account because it was the first company to convince Trixie to try her hand in ‘volume recruitment’ with the aim of delivering more than a hundred call center agents in the BPO sector. She thus created the template for call center agent training still being used by BPOs to this day. As the team expanded, they moved to a 121-square-meter office space at the 88 Corporate Center in Salcedo Village. In their 12th year in 2012, they moved to their own 1,000-sqm space in the same building. As the company turns 20 next year, Q2 HR Solutions has become the country’s preferred onestop HR firm, providing world-class bespoke services for local and multinational clients. The company expects gross revenues north of P600 million in 2019, up 25 percent from the previous year. “Next year is gonna be higher. My aim is to grow no less than 25 percent,” says Trixie who plans to introduce payroll outsourcing and benefits administration in 2020. Q2 has existing 250 clients, of which 70 percent are multinationals, 20 percent big local conglomerates and 10 percent entrepreneurs. Trixie wants to replicate the success of Q2 in

the Philippines in other countries. She is exploring Australia, Japan, the UK, Canada and Sweden for Q2 HR Solutions’ managed services and build-operatetransfer model. She established People Expert in Australia early this year, to be followed by expansion in Japan and the UK. OVERSEAS EXPANSION Through Orange International Recruitment, an affiliate company she recently established, Trixie wants to help Filipinos work abroad in the healthcare, engineering, construction, retail and hospitality industries, providing them opportunities in these countries. “We have a very young population in the Philippines and we have great work ethics, we speak English, we are flexible and adaptable. These are Filipino traits that many countries would like to have,” she says. “I equally encourage foreign companies that are growing and expanding to consider investing, partnering or outsourcing in the Philippines. My company can provide various resources in human capital and help in creating capabilities and bespoke solutions,” Trixie says. Q2 teamed up with Randstad—a global leader in recruitment process outsourcing based in the Netherlands to bring in big multinational accounts.

SHANGRI-LA AT THE FORT RECEIVES LEED GOLD SHANGRI-LA at the Fort, Manila goes for gold in the name of sustainability, with its most recent achievement of gold status in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED for short, is the most widely used rating system for ‘green’ or environment-friendly buildings. The certification is composed of seven major components upon which establishments are rated, including sustainability sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation. Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila falls under the BD+C category, or “New Co n s t r u c t i o n ,” a n d wa s ce r t i f i e d under the V2.2 rating process. While it

received notable top marks in water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and innovation, the team is constantly working towards a more green-conscious mindset and perspective for the benefit of its surrounding neighborhood— Bonifacio Global City. “It is an honor to achieve such a certification, and we would like to thank the LEED team for guiding us through the review and rating process. But more importantly, this highly contributes to an outward-looking and neighborhoodconscious perspective that we have been driving at from the very beginning, which is to be more aware of the impact our actions have on the environment,” says John Rice, area vice president for operations (Philippines) and general manager for Shangri-La at the Fort,

Manila. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, currently operates more than 80 deluxe hotels and resorts with a room inventory of over 35,000. Renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality, the company has properties in destinations of Australia, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group’s award-winning Golden Circle loyalty program extends to all properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Turn to C2

HP INC. Philippines and Go Negosyo, a local non-profit organization, agreed to collaborate over the next 12 months to drive the adoption of digital technology across the Philippines. By delivering technology innovation, knowledge and resources to micro, small and medium enterprises customers at the Go Negosyo Mentor Me launch and Summit events, HP aims to encourage Filipinos to address poverty through entrepreneurship and the building of an online presence for their business. The collaboration addresses a key challenge facing MSMEs, many of whom own their own businesses that showcase locally-made products and a wide range of services. The customer reach for these local products and unique services can be further extended through digitization and personalization of their offers, as this makes them more accessible for the rapidly evolving Philippine market that embraces digital methods of commerce. Many MSMEs today lack the knowledge, know-how or technology expertise to build a digital presence, and this presents a barrier to further growth for many local entrepreneurs. At the Go Negosyo and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program and the recently held SIGN UP Summit, HP was able to educate MSMEs on a range of technology innovation that they can access as they position their business for success. This includes devices from the latest lineup of HP PC and printers which are built for SMBs in mind focusing on HP’s innovation platform. Par ticipants in the G o Negosyo events will also be able to access dedicated HP resources like HP LIFE, a set of free online self-paced training courses designed to help entrepreneurs learn core skills required to establish, grow and sustain a business. The collaboration with HP and Go Negosyo is especially relevant as the Philippines embraces Industry 4.0, a world where digital transformation will d i s r u p t t h e p hys i c a l a n d digital worlds for a range of industries including business, finance and government. The Philippines is home to over 900,000 MSMEs, and these businesses play a critical role in the advancement of the nation towards Industry 4.0.

From left: ShangriLa at the Fort assistant chief engineer Marion Glorioso, director of sales and marketing Cecile Weber, area vice president for operations (Philippines) and general manager John Rice, resident manager Russell Dray, front office manager Cynnia Chi and executive chef Joris Rycken.

Business

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 business@manilastandard.net

TRANSUNION SHARES DATA WITH WB FOR BUSINESS SURVEY THE World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report is out, and the Philippines improved as expected in the ‘Getting credit’ indicator in both score (from EODB score of 5.0 to 40.00) and ranking (from 184/190 economies to 132/190—increasing by 52 notches). This followed requests for modification of last year’s data, for which TransUnion has contributed significantly. In particular, the Philippines logged improvements in the ‘Depth of credit information’ index (7 out of 8) and ‘Credit bureau coverage’ (13.5 percent of the adult population) from previous scores of 0 and 2.7 percent. ‘The Strength of legal rights’ index and ‘Credit registry coverage’ scores remain the same at 1 and 0, respectively, as some reforms have not been considered in this cycle. “Last year’s Doing Business survey results for the ‘Getting credit’ topic were disappointing and arguably not how the Philippines would like to be regarded. Across the industry, we’ve been working hard to come together and tell our story. TransUnion has worked closely with World Bank representatives, sharing high-level credit statistics that our data privacy laws allow. The Philippines has a lot to be proud of and TransUnion will always do everything in our power to reinforce our belief in Information for good,” said TransUnion Philippines president and CEO Pia Arellano. The most improved economy in Southeast Asia, the Philippines earned an overall EODB rating of 62.8 and ranked 95th (previously at 124th). Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez expressed approval that a more realistic assessment of the Philippines’ credit information ecosystem has been reflected in the World Bank report and acknowledged the contribution of TransUnion and other public and private sector members. “May I take this opportunity to recognize our partners from both government and the business community who made the +29 notches possible. Congratulations for your dedication, patriotism, and hard work,” Lopez said. “In Getting credit—private sector organizations like TransUnion.”

HUAWEI ADVOCATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION TO BOLSTER its commitment to its Rethink Possibilities mantra introduced with the Mate 30 Series, technology giant Huawei announced its partnership with non-profit Save Philippine Seas to launch a joint environmental advocacy project. Dubbed Project E for E: Saving Environmental Ecology through Technological Ecosystem, the campaign serves as a platform for Huawei to share its state-of-the-art ICT solutions to protect and preserve natural resources in the Philippines. Huawei pledged its suppor t of Parrotfishnet—an IOT (Internet of Things) powered project monitored by SPS that aims to protect the Burias Shoal Marine Sanctuary in Molugan El Salvador, Misamis Oriental from threats such as poaching, dynamite and illegal fishing. Parrotfishnet’s success depends on a stable internet connection for its ingenious buoy system to provide swift coordination between Burias Shoal’s sea wardens and respond to said threats. Huawei will provide the equipment necessary (smartphones, wi-fi equipment, and a public cloud system) to power Parrotfishnet, seamlessly synced through Huawei Mobile Services’ device ecosystem. This addresses all the key problems that have plagued efforts to protect Burias Shoal. “This special program initiated by Huawei is deeply rooted from our vision to bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. As a leader in technology and innovations, our pursuit is to make use of our capabilities to respond to the needs of our society, particularly our environment, said George Li, CEO of Huawei Philippines. Anna Oposa, executive director of SPS, said: “We’re truly excited to collaborate with Huawei on Parrotfishnet; we believe it’s more important than ever to secure the integrity of our natural resources, as they undoubtedly affect our lives in more ways than we realize. We’re grateful that Huawei, as one of the leading tech companies in the world, shares our belief.”

HOW...

From C1

Two multinational companies endorsed by Randstad recently tapped Q2’s BOT service. This means that Q2 will source, hire, train, onboard and deploy their staff for them. “When they are ready to manage the workforce, we transfer the employees to them,” Trixie says. “ We facilitated their setup here because I, for one, believe that the Philippines has so much to offer having such a huge pool of talent. In turn, the economy would benefit from these investors. It has always been my passion to uplift lives by helping companies build

DEVELOPERS TAP TV SHOW TO SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES

By Darwin G. Amojelar

MID the rising demand from local and foreign investors, real estate developers are searching for properties across the Philippines through The Final Pitch—a business reality television show. “For the first time ever, we will be producing a season with a theme. The Final Pitch Season 5: Real Estate and Livable Cities Edition will be the first season focused on real estate projects, urban solutions and property technologies that contribute to the livability and sustainability of our cities,” said John Aguilar, a serial entrepreneur and the creator and host of the show. Aguilar is also the CEO of Dragon’s Nest, a startup venture that aims to build the ASEAN region’s next exponential startups. The show’s fifth season will start filming this November and will begin airing early 2020. The Final Pitch Season 5 will feature landowners and entrepreneurs who will pitch their properties and businesses to a panel of investor-judges who are looking to own a piece of their properties or companies. Previous seasons of the show focused on various technology startups and small and medium enterprises pitching their businesses to investor judges for funding. This time, real estate-related deals and solutions for the property sector will be at the forefront. “With the jitters created by the possible volatility of the demand from the POGO [Philippine offshore gaming operation] sector impacting the entire industry, there is now an even more urgent need to prepare for an eventual down-cycle of the property

sector and future-proof the business interests of developers and construction industry stakeholders,” Aguilar said. “This can be done by either consolidating landholdings for the future, or even totally shifting business models to prepare for the seismic shifts that technological disruption will bring to the real estate sector,” he said. Pitching for property A property owner or owner’s representative or broker can pitch a property to the show’s investors. “Whether for sale or joint venture, we are looking for properties across the Philippines ranging from raw land, buildings, islands, even prime properties in the Metro,” Aguilar said. “Our foremost criteria for accepting these properties for consideration will be that the title is clean. We will not engage in a broker or broker’s representative who does not have exclusive rights to market or sell the properties they are proposing,” he said. He said that properties or projects with an existing prospectus or highest and best land use study are preferred, but not required. If the property is for sale, the selling price must be at least 20 percent below market value. The properties must be free from any liens and encumbrances and must be fully owned by the party pitching the property. These properties will be pitched to the investors with the intention of selling the properties to them, or engaging in a possible joint venture project together. The terms of the deal may be flexible, but if the project is not interesting, the project might not even make it past the consideration stage. “Ultimately, we are looking for great deals for the investors for properties that can be land banked, renovated or developed for the future,” Aguilar said. Livable cities Aside from real estate deals, the season will also feature startups who will pitch businesses that make for livable cities—green and sustainable building materials and technologies, clean energy, all the way to smart home and proptech (property technology)

startups. Entrepreneurs who pitch their enterprise, service or invention must have at least a minimum viable product or prototype. Businesses that provide solutions that improve people’s quality of living, particularly those that address safety, hygiene, healthcare, the environment, recreation, public transport and access to goods and services will also be considered. Judges and mentors The show’s panel of investor judges is a mix of property developers, businessmen and corporate leaders keen on exploring new enterprises that can complement their businesses, integrate effectively into their value chain, allow them to diversify their portfolio or enable them to create meaningful impact through strategic initiatives and interventions. The fifth season’s judges are real estate movers: Victor Consunji, CEO of Victor Consunji Development Corp., an innovative developer of homes and modern neighborhoods; Cary Lagdameo, first vice president of Davao-based Damosa Land Inc., the real estate arm of the Anflo Group of Companies; Cesar Wee Jr., president of Wee Community Developers Inc., one of the fastest growing premium residential developers in the country; and returning investor Jet Yu, founder and CEO of Prime Philippines, one of the youngest and most aggressive real-estate consultancy firms in the country. In the mix to look for livable cities solutions and technologies is George Royeca, chief transport advocate of Angkas. In turn, the show’s mentors, who will guide the finalists in the different aspects of their business proposals with Amor Maclang, public engagement head of the Urban Land Institute and co-founder of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. and Hardy Lipana, president and CEO of Conveyance Realty Services Inc. Interested property owners and entrepreneurs who want to pitch their property, solution or startup may log on to thefinalpitch.ph/application. Deadline for submission is Nov. 11, 2019.

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE IDEAS STUDENT entrepreneurs are proving they have what it takes to make it in the challenging world of business, and one of them will get the chance to shine in the global stage. Six promising student entrepreneurs have been chosen as finalists at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Student Entrepreneur Awards Philippines Finals—the premiere global competition for students who own and actively operate a business while still attending college or university. One of the finalists will represent the Philippines in the global competition in Cape Town, South Africa in April 2020, along with a cash prize of $3,000. The Philippine leg of the competition will choose the finalist to represent the country on Nov. 16, 2019 at Shangri-La at the Fort. An annual program hosted by the Entrepreneur’s Organization, GSEA gives

their HR capabilities,” she says. CORE VALUES Trixie says the company sticks to its five core values of positive impact, care and commitment, grit, gratitude and innovation. Aside from the success of the business which honors the legacy of Brendan, Trixie says her children are her pride and joy. Her eldest son recently graduated from the University of Bath in the UK and currently works in a highly successful talent technology start-up in London. Her daughter is looking to earn her university degree in the UK while her youngest daughter is completing her studies at the British School Manila. She loves traveling with her family.

these students a chance to win capital that could help grow their ventures. More importantly, the global student entrepreneurship competition provides a platform where they could be connected with key industry players locally and internationally, allowing them to gain valuable insights and learn best practices, which they could apply to their businesses. “EO Philippines is committed to inspire and foster a community of young Filipino entrepreneurs, including student business owners who have much to learn and can grow from seasoned entrepreneurs across different industries,” said Ray Roxas-Chua, chairperson of EO Philippines GSEA 2019-2020. Angel Palma, a student from De La Salle University was working on an oven for a school project when she noticed that it was emitting cool air. This accidental discovery led her to create AirDisc, a

“We love exploring different cultures and we’re passionate about food. I like wine and whisky—those are my newest indulgences—and cheese. I love to dance and do yoga to center myself,” she says. Fulfillment “I tell my children about what I learn at work or from life in general. I tell them that in order to succeed—whether it’s in business, career or personal life – one has to have the right perspective and a heart of gratitude; these go a long way. Life teaches us about ourselves. I am strong not because I haven’t experienced tough times but because I have come through many and learnt along the way,” she says. Beyond the success of her company, she loves the fact that she can help companies

refrigerant-less air conditioner that can revolutionize the industry. Ericke Gallardo, a student from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines knows everyone’s perennial problem: gadgets always running out of battery and nowhere to charge. To address this, he developed a technology that can charge wirelessly and by physical winding. His device is a top 5 winner in the DICT Philippine Startup Challenge. Danielle Rodriguez, a student from Far Eastern University saw how difficult it is for students to find dorm housing, so she created a booking app that helps students book a dormitory, allowing to also establish communities within the dorms. This innovation of Rodriguez was also a top 5 winner in the DICT Philippine Startup Challenge. Dan Fabro, another student from USTP, recognizes the difficulty that

teachers go through in checking test papers, not to mention how error-prone the process could be. In response, he created a test paper checking app that streamlines the process without any uploading required. Juan Rodrigo Enriquez, a student from the University of Asia & Pacific, encountered financial difficulties which forced him to work a few jobs that eventually led him to discovering his knack for landscaping. Starting the joint venture with his mother-in-law, Enriquez has been able to fund his tuition and other fees for school as he is on his way to complete his entrepreneurship degree. Kent Nacaytuna, a student from USTP, noticed how inefficient many processes were in school so he started his company, WiTech, to automate these. Their first product is an automated attendance system that captures information from students’ IDs.

and individuals grow to their full potential. “My feelings of fulfillment lie in being part of a system where I feel I have made a meaningful contribution by enriching the lives of the Filipino people through my company. I feel grateful and blessed that I’m given this opportunity to help others and uplift lives and businesses,” she says. She says the true measure of success is not in how much wealth or power one has gained. “It should be measured by the number of lives we’ve touched, the people we’ve inspired, the families whose lives we’ve enriched and the communities we’ve built,” she says. The People Management Association of the Philippines awarded Q2 as Employer of the Year for the SME category in 2011.

Q2 also became the first Filipino company to receive platinum accreditation in 2016 from Investors in People outside the UK. The United Kingdom Commission for Employment and Skills governs Investors in People based in London, recognizing that Q2 is aligned with global people management standards. Trixie says Q2 is investing in the future to assure “our clients we are here to stay”. Together with Orange International, Q2 bought a property in Fort Bonifacio for future development. “What we really want is to uplift the lives of Filipinos through the jobs that we provide and through the companies they are deployed to. We uplift the companies as well,” she says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

Tech & Gadgets

RETHINK POSSIBILITIES WITH HUAWEI MATE 30, PRO

Global Product Marketing Manager Peter Gauden presents the Mate 30’s futuristic features. Paul Gelario

By Paul David Gelario

UAWEI’S Mate 30 and the Mate 30 Pro offer futuristic features that will make users rethink the depth of possibilities lying inside its intricate camera hardware in a launching at The Fifth, in Rockwell last Monday. Its 40MP Cine Camera, SuperSensing Camera, 3D Depth Sensing, and 8MP Telephoto camera provide users astounding images and movie-like videos. The smartphone’s cameras are developed in exceedingly smarter ways it can never done before.

“Our amazing camera hardware that we put inside our devices has a new brain, has a new engine that allows it to do smarter ways,” Global Product Marketing Manager, Peter Gauden said. The 40MP Cine Camera’s Ultra-low light can record 51,200 ISO and the Ultra-slow motion and Ultra-wide timelapse modes can capture at 7,680 frames per second. “Because we incorporated the world’s first dedicated Cine Camera sitting inside, it allows us to do astounding things. Not only can we achieve the highest ISO of 51,200 when the industry average for video is 6,400, we can record at 7,680 frames per second. That’s literally like stopping time,” Gauden said.

Users who dream to shoot like a professional can utilize the 3D Depth Sensing which naturally gives a surrounding blur around the image’s subject or Bokeh. This feature also allows the AI-powered camera to recognize the user’s facial structure and will only unlock when the user looks directly in front of the smartphone. Powered by Kirin 990, it is the world’s first smartphone embedded with a flagship processor that is 5Gready, AI recognition, and Huawei’s self-developed DaVinci neural architecture. This enables the smartphone with an approximate download speed of 2.3GB per second and upload speed of 1.25GB per second. “All of this power that we’re delivering comes from the Kirin 990

chipset,” Gauden said. Say no more to prying eyes when at a public transportation or crowded places as its Intelligent Phone feature detects other people’s faces when they are taking a peek at the screen along with the user. When someone else is looking, the smartphone will automatically lock in order to protect the user’s privacy. The Mate 30 Pro has a 4500 mAh battery, while the Mate 30 has a 4200 mAh with both having 40 watt wired SuperCharging features that can fast charge from zero to over 70 in only 30 minutes. “ Take your plug out of the box, plug it in. Within 30 minutes your completely flat device will have over 70 percent inside it,” Gauden said. Another remarkable feature is its Multi-Device Collaboration which allows the smartphone to link to a laptop wirelessly. With a simple tap, the smartphone’s screen appears on the laptop’s right side and the user can transfer files from smartphone to laptop by simply dragging to and from the screen. The Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro are available in colors Space Silver and Black. The Mate 30 has a suggested retail price of P34,990 and the Mate 30 Pro at P50,990. It is now available for preorder until Nov. 8 from Huawei concept stores, Abenson, and Memoxpress. Users who preorded within the timeframe can get a free Huawei Wireless Charger and Huawei car wireless charger both worth P5,580.

GLOBE AT HOME APP: BEST CONNECTION PARTNER GLOBE At Home, the home internet service that lets you discover and do more, has taken customer service to a whole new level of convenience with its new app! The Globe At Home app is a mobile customer service application that delivers the easiest digital experience for postpaid and prepaid Globe At Home customers. It offers convenience in managing one’s account with its features that make monitoring and using any Globe At Home plan hassle-free. “The Globe at Home App is another step for us in elevating our customer service for home Internet. Staying true to our position as a leader of the Filipino digital lifestyle, this helps us push our goal further of providing quality connections and Internet services to more homes,” says Martha Sazon, SVP and Head of Broadband Business at Globe. Now everything in your home internet service can be accessed using one convenient app—whether it’s tracking your usage, purchasing promos and add ons, doing payments, viewing your bill, getting freebies and self-troubleshooting. With the app’s Help and Support feature, everything you need to know about your Globe At Home service—from information about the latest promos and Home Plans to troubleshooting tips—is available with just one click. You can also activate and cancel content services connected to your Globe At Home Postpaid subscription on your app’s dashboard. For Prepaid customers, the Globe At Home App allows you to activate your home internet service in three easy steps and load promos in seconds. Aside from the app, Globe At Home also offers fast and easy application via Facebook Messenger. It’s definitely a more convenient way to get connected without having to leave the comfort of your home. The Globe At Home App is free for download on Google Playstore and the App Store. For more updates, follow the official Globe At Home FB page at www.facebook.com/globeathome/.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

SMART SEARCH FOR BEST DATA ANALYTICS INNOVATION FOR STUDENTS IS ON IN LINE with its initiative to lead the Philippines’ digital transformation into a smart nation through the development of innovative applications, Smart Communications, Inc. is once again inviting students from tertiary schools nationwide to join the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program Innovation and Excellence Awards. Now on its 16th run, this year’s competition carries the theme#DrivenByData: Data Analytics In Action. Smart is looking for innovative solutions where data analytics is applied to help address reallife problems. Considered as the “modern oil” of different industries, data analytics involves the collection and processing of data to aid decisionmakers in creating businesses, minimizing costs, improving service and productivity, and boosting revenues. SWEEP 16 is open to students who are currently enrolled in Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and other related courses. With a maximum of five members, team composition is highly suggested to represent various disciplines of Engineering, IT, Business, and Marketing, as the entry should have a supporting business plan. The winning team of the 16th SWEEP Awards will get P300,000. The second and third placers will receive P200,000 and P100,000, respectively. Smart will provide merit awards for all finalists who enter the Top 10. To join, teams need to prepare a video pitch and upload it atwww.smartsweep.ph. The full mechanics can also be found on this site, which will accept video submissions until January 10, 2020 only. The top 20 shortlisted teams will be gathered for a 2-day boot camp with mentors and subject matter experts on March 2020. From this shortlist, 10 of the best data analytics innovations will be part of the final judging and awarding on May 2020. The SWEEP Awards was launched in 2004 to provide college students with the platform to develop innovative applications that solve consumer pain points. The annual event is a component of SWEEP, an internationallyrecognized program under which Smart partners with the academe to raise the standards of engineering and IT education in the country. For more information on SWEEP, please visithttps:// www.facebook.com/sweepschools or send an email toLearnSmart@smart.com.ph.

AVOID HOLIDAY RUSH: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SHOP ONLINE CHRISTMAS may still be a few months away, but there’s no doubt that the holiday season is officially upon us. Unless you’ve been pulling a Grinch, we’re sure you can hear it in the blasting holiday playlists and see it in the welcoming, twinkling lights of your favorite shops by now. As jolly and merry the holiday season in the country is, it is also—undeniably so—one of the most stressful. Road traffic gets heavier. After the painful hours of crawling commute, the same traffic moves inside the malls as hordes of people go about the task of completing their Christmas shopping lists. It is during this season when the perks of online shopping can be such a saving grace. Filipinos may love going to malls by nature, but let’s be honest here, who wouldn’t want to be saved from the Christmas shopping frenzy if given the chance? Thinking of finishing your holiday shopping list as early as now? Here are all the reasons why you should consider online shopping:

1. You can browse for gifts for as long as you want online. Shopping is all fun and games until you have to deal with worries of finishing everything before you get caught up in the rush hour. Shopping online gives you the freedom to browse for gifts for as long as you want without feeling pressured to finish a certain time to avoid the busy mall crowd. 2. You have all the time to research about the products in your shopping cart. Not sure if one product is better than the other? One of the best things about online shopping is that you can easily check for reviews and make product comparisons before hitting that Buy Now button. 3. You save yourself from traffic. Do we really need to elaborate on this further? Two words: holiday rush. Save yourself from the torture of spending hours stuck in traffic by shopping wherever and whenever—preferably at home. 4. …And long lines Who wants to spend hours waiting in line for their turn to pay at the cashier?

For many, that’s enough of a reason to turn back and drop their shopping mission in the first place. Shopping online ultimately saves you from this torture. Just click Add to Cart, Buy Now, and you’re good to go. 5. Online shopping basically just saves you from all kinds of stress. From the moment you’re surfing online for your gifts up to the time it gets delivered to your doorstep, you literally don’t have to think and do much when you shop online. On top of that, you also have the option to explore other flexible payment options when you make your purchases over the web. Take for example Home Credit. In addition to providing installment loans in their physical partner stores, it has also recently become available at online stores like Abenson and Argomall where you can get products in friendly installment deals. All you need to do is visit the website, check if your item is covered by Home Credit, and fill up a form. Every step of the process is done online, from proving your identity to choosing the

terms of your loan. An SMS will then be sent to your number confirming the status of your application, and advising you how you can retrieve your order. Shopping for something as special as the holidays doesn’t need to be stressful.

Shop online. We’re sure Santa won’t feel bad if you use a little bit of technology for your gift list. Follow Home Credit’s official Facebook page or visit their website to stay updated on their products.

TECH & Gadgets SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 Riera U. Mallari, Editor rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

ALLIANZ PNB LIFE PARTNERS WITH eSAKAY

LLIANZ PNB Life, the world’s most sustainable insurer for three years running, recently partnered with eSakay to launch seven Electricjeepneys (or E-jeepneys) that currently ply the Makati and Mandaluyong routes. “Allianz has always been supportive of environmental sustainability. Through these E-jeepneys, we are offering Filipinos cleaner and greener alternatives to get to their destinations within two major business areas in Metro Manila,” said Allianz PNB Life President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Grenz. eSakay is the electric vehicle unit of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), and they introduced E-jeepneys back in 2010, according to its operations head, Yuri Sarmiento. “At that time, we started the Green Route here in Makati, covering Legaspi and Salcedo Village. We initially had three vehicles that provided free rides. Now, we are glad that with the help of companies such as Allianz PNB Life, we are able to sustain our efforts in transitioning to green alternatives of mass transportation,” Sarmiento said. He added that the initial objective for the deployment was to present an alternative techno-logy to run vehicles that can help address the problem of air pollution. “In the Philippines, we have 5,000 deaths every year due to environmental diseases, and 70% of our CO2 emission comes from mobile vehicles. If we cut down the emissions, we can also cut down the pollution problem in the country, especially here in the city,” Sarmiento added. MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY OF DOING THINGS Grenz said that the E-jeepney is just one of Allianz PNB Life’s corporate

Optical Media Board Chairman, Anselmo Adriano (left) and BSA Senior Director, Tarun Sawney (right) Paul Gelario

BUSINESSES WARNED OF WAVE OF CYBERATTACKS By Paul David L. Gelario

Allianz PNB Life President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander Grenz

social responsibility activities that is focused on the environment. “As a global company, Allianz has always been mindful about its impact on the communities it serves, especially today with the threat of climate change. We are glad to have found a partner in eSakay to promote our message of environmental sustainability, and we are looking forward to launching more projects that will lead to a healthier planet,” Grenz concluded. The Allianz Group achieved the top position among all rated insurance companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the third time in a row since 2017. The DJSI is one of the world’s most recognized sustainability ratings. In its

assessment, it considers a wide range of economic, environmental and social topics, such as human resources programs, executive compensation, tax policies, shareholder rights, compliance and anti-corruption programs, environmental management and performance, corporate social engagement, customer satisfaction, among others. COMFORT AND TECH FEATURES Apart from being environmentally friendly, the E-jeepneys also offer a more comfortable way to travel. Each vehicle can seat 23 people and accommodate 8 to 10 people standing. Each vehicle is equipped with a dash cam, GPS tracking system, and CCTV cameras to ensure passengers’ safety.

It also comes with multiple fans and offers its passengers internet access. The vehicles also come with USB ports, so there is no need to worry about phone batteries running low for passengers onboard. “We are also developing software that would allow passengers to download an app so that they can monitor the vehicles,” Sarmiento said. eSakay will soon be launching an electronic payment system as well. Currently, passengers pay their fares in cash. The minimum fare is PhP9, the same as that of regular jeepneys. Apart from the Makati and Mandaluyong routes, there are plans to bring the E-jeepneys to Pampanga next year.

MAQQO SYNERGY STARTS PH OPERATIONS MAQQO Synergy Engineering, Malaysia’s leading distributor of compressed air system equipment such as air compressors, air filtration systems, air dryers, air receivers and other engineering products, kicked-off its operations in the Philippines during the 67th National Convention of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City on Oct. 17 to 19. Aiming to revolutionize and empower local factories, manufacturing plants and other industries that utilize air compression systems in their production and operations, Maqqo Synergy Philippines entered into dealership contracts with some of the Philippine’s distribution companies to pole-vault the sales of its globally

recognized brands such as MaqQuine, Blue Storm and Monster Air series. The grand launch was attended by the Malaysia Trade Commissioner Siti Azlina, Malaysia Deputy Chief of Mission to the Philippines Rizany Irwan Muhamad Mazlan, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Irvin Francis and the officials of Maqqo Synergy Engineering led by the company president Kirsten Fung. The dignitaries led the ribbon cutting rites along with Polymer Link Holdings Ltd. Chairman Eddie Koh and Director Edward Koh. With the intention of expanding its operations to more international markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and India, Maqqo Synergy Engineering considers the launching of its Philippine operations as a milestone towards a stronger global presence.

Maqqo Synergy Engineering President Kirsten Fung delivers her speech.

BUSINESS Software Alliance Senior Director Tarun Sawney warned companies to brace for an incoming tidal wave of cyberattack at a press conference held at Winford Hotel and Casino, in Manila last Monday. “There’s an increasing malware attacks, cyberattacks, and ransomware attacks. This tidal wave, it’s coming,” Sawney said. Businesses installing and using unlicensed software are more vulnerable—facing a one in three chance of encountering malware. “With unlicensed software, companies face one in three chance of encountering a malware,” he added. BSA has been ramping up its efforts against unlicensed software for the past six months since the Legalize and Protect joint initiative with the Optical Media Board (that drew 22 percent of the warned 6,220 businesses to comply. Despite the double-digit conversion rate, Sawney admitted that there is more work that needs to be done. “In the Philippines, 64 percent of software still being used are unlicensed,” he said. To further ramp up the efforts, BSA and OMB launched the more ambitious Clean Up to the Countdown campaign that aims to warn 10,000 companies along with a conversion target of more than 50 percent. “I’d say if we will be able to convert more than 50 percent, that will be great,” he said. The campaign will begin by conducting background research on various companies and its CEOs. The CEOs of companies found to be utilizing unlicensed software in their businesses will be directly contacted and encouraged to use licensed software. Sawney revealed at the conclusion of his presentation that the Philippines’ overall has been improving in licensed software usage. “The Philippines has been year on year improving,” Sawney concluded.

LIFEPROOF ANNOUNCES FULL CASE LINEUP FOR NEW iPHONES MORE than ever, Apple lovers cherish a fast-paced lifestyle and a need for the newest technology. Covering the latest Apple devices with LifeProof cases protects from harsh drops and the unpredictable elements in almost any environment. LifeProof has a case for every style, job or adventure to keep the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max protected from a life lived fulltime, at full speed. A variety of NËXT, SLɅM and newcomer to the LifeProof family, FLiP, cases are available now on lifeproof. com for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. An assortment of FRĒ colors will be available soon across the new iPhone family. “We rely on our iPhones to capture our photos and videos, deliver longlasting battery life and keep us connected around the world,” said LifeProof CEO Jim Parke. “Apple’s history of innovation is unparalleled and LifeProof is always ready to accentuate the phone’s clean aesthetic with cases that will keep

them running at peak performance.” As the iPhone family grows, LifeProof delivers a new way to keep the devices looking sharp with FLiP, the first LifeProof case with built-in storage. The single-piece case slides easily into and out of pockets. A wallet-inspired panel holds cards and cash by discreetly tucking them away on the back of the case instead of next to the screen. The folio serves as a media-viewing stand and a cutout around the camera eliminates two-handed photo

taking. The fabric is water- and stain-resistant and a magnetic bottom keeps the folio secured to the back of the case. Tested to 6.6 feet of drop protection, FLiP is ready for a night out, work lunch or jetsetting getaway. NËXT has quickly become a fan favorite and delivers fresh new colors for iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. NËXT is drop-proof up to 6.6 feet, dirt-proof and snow-proof for every hiking trip, ski vacation or anything in between.

LifeProof full line up for the new Apple iPhones

LifeProof Flip for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max

SLɅM delivers sleek, strong protection whether the situation calls for street smarts or business savvy. Choose from cases with clear, color or graphic backs and colorful bumpers that offer drop protection up to 6.6 feet. SLɅM is newly designed as a one-piece case, making it a perfect fit for pockets, purses and backpacks.

Destinations D1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

James Deakin has learned the tricks to make every vacation more exciting than overwhelming

ON THE ROAD WITH JAMES DEAKIN JOURNALIST, road safety advocate, and travel enthusiast James Deakin seems to be always outside—and having fun. Being constantly on the go has taught him how to make sure his trips are less overwhelming and more exciting. Here are his five tips.

Be present

IT’S FUN UP NORTH

One key aspect of being present is taking in the experience. “Have I really set aside time for my vacation where it has my full attention?” This is a question Deakin asks himself before going on a trip, especially with his family.

FARM LIFE. The municipality of Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya celebrates its vibrant agricultural economy and culture through a series of activities during the Pabbalat Festival.

By Steph Llarena

AGAYAN Valley’s huge land area is home to vast covers of rice fields and farmlands growing a variety of agricultural products, from rice and corn and to citrus and coffee, among many others. So it’s pretty obvious that when it comes to Region II, food and farm are the number one. Just recently, in fact, the Department of Tourism has adopted the FUN for Fun UP North campaign for the region composed of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino provinces. “FUN could also stand for ‘Food’ or ‘Farm’ Up North with its culinary journey and its emerging farm tourism sector,” DoT said in a statement. As with most things, destinations in the Philippines especially, there are more in each town in these provinces. Cagayan Valley promises a blend of culture, nature, adventure, and every-

'Allow yourself to live in the moment.'

Bagabag is home to farm-themed resorts such as Reginaldo's Farm and Recreation Park (left) and Palaisdaan Resort.

thing in between. An example of this blend is the municipality of Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya. The bucolic town of Bagabag is known for its so-called buko pie alley, a promising pitstop attraction at the national highway. The town is also known as the gateway to Banaue Rice Terraces. Motorists and commuters from the north would usually pull up along the roadside stores to buy pie variants—buko, mango, ube, pineapple—and assortment of sweet snacks for pasalubong for family and friends.

One of the pioneers of buko pie in Bagabag is G&B Restaurant. Aside from sweet delicacies, the town-favorite food outlet also takes pride in its fusion dishes of Filipino all-time favorites which use coconut as an alternate or additional ingredient: pansit, chopseuy, and kare-kare, to name a few. After filling up on good food, tourists can then learn more about the ingredients uses at the Department of Agriculture’s Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station which offers an authentic farm life experience—promoting to Turn to D2

“Sometimes, we’re preoccupied with documenting everything that we forget to actually live in the moment. Allow yourself to experience, this makes a difference,” he adds.

Travel light

The transport blogger admits that Marie Kondo is right that we need to simplify our lives. “With travel, I’ve learned not to overpack or overthink. Although I recommend bringing the essentials—toiletries or a set of clothes—in my carry-on especially on long trips! Other than that, you’ll be fine,” he says. Turn to D2

caption

Visitors to the Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station can learn about farming and experience farm life, such as picking fruits and tending to livestock and poultry animals. Deakin prefers to travel light, unemcumbered by too many stuff.

A STAR SPARKLES IN NORTH EDSA What makes the hotel attractive to those WHO would ever think that you’d who are always in search of “retail therapy,” find a cocoon of comfort, leisure, in other words, those who are “blackbelters in and culinary treats right in the shopping,” is the hotel’s direct access to The middle of the concrete jungle of Block, which is SM City North Edsa’s extension North Edsa. that houses the high-end consumer brands. Being a long-time resident of And going one floor up after passing Malate in Manila, I’ve always rethrough that pedestrian access from the hogarded this northern end of the MERCURY RISING tel to the mall, is the Our Lady of the Most highway that cuts across the BY BOB ZOZOBRADO Holy Rosary Chapel. It was very convenient metro as that “faraway cluster of for my family to attend the Anticipated Satshopping malls which is along urday afternoon Mass, then meander around the way to and from Baguio.” You can imagine how surprised I was to learn of a new ho- the many retail outlets in the mall, and stroll back to the tel that just opened right in the center of that area. Always hotel for dinner. It is, therefore, not surprising that, this early, just two excited to try new things, I decided to check in at the hotel months in operation, the hotel has already become the fafor the weekend, with my sons and their families in tow. The Park Inn by Radisson is a 238-room property, one vorite of families for their weekend “staycation.” I learned of the eight hotels owned by SM Hotels and Conventions, that the hotel posts a 100 percent occupancy on weekends and is managed by Radisson, its fourth in the country, but and a “healthy” 70 percent on weekdays. I’m confident that, its first in Metro Manila. All its guest rooms are function- when the business enterprises will become familiar with ally very well-designed and are non-smoking. Turn to D2

Even with a king-size bed, I still had so much space to move about in my bedroom.

Destinations

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

ON THE...

From D1

Those who prefer quick getaways, Deakin recommends Bangkok and Taiwan, as both are near Manila, have delicious street food, and can be explored as much as one can without spending too much.

Enjoy your alone time on the plane

Maintaining a website 24/7, covering events, and managing his team are three jobs in one. This is why he savors the stillness on a long-haul trip. Binge-watching on Netflix, writing a bit, catching up on podcasts are the top three things he does in-flight. “Take the 12-hour flight as your downtime. I’m not able to do these as much so this is my favorite time to relax.”

Pattern your sleep on the time zone of your destination

“One trick I’ve learned over the years is to time my sleep where I go, which has been helpful when I go to Europe, for example,” says Deakin. If you’re arriving at night, try to keep yourself awake on the plane to set yourself up for a good solid rest after your flight, he advises. Doing this early on, Deakin says, lets the body adjust easily. Bonus tip! Stretch and hydrate. Bodies need balance too while on-the-go.

Open yourself to new experiences

“It has worked for me to have one or two anchor points that I need to do or want to achieve on a trip, and everything else is just adlib; see what happens!” the seasoned host shares. He mentions Tokyo as an absolute favorite, where he went traveling with his kids (then ages 18, 14, and 11). “I wanted them to see a foreign city, take cues from the language, and figure out the train and bus systems. I saw how they handled getting around—where to go and what to eat—and that was definitely memorable for me,” he shares.

B2B. Foreign buyers and local sellers participate in a business-to-business session that aims to encourage tourism-related discourse at the Philippine Travel Exchange 2019.

TPB MOUNTS BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR IN PH

HE Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, is right on its track to boosting tourism in the Philippines as it simultaneously mounted the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and MICE Buyers Invitational 2019 on Oct. 20-27. Now in its 18th year, PHITEX is considered the biggest travel trade event in the country, with close to 200 sellers and 200 buyers participating. The main highlight of the event is the one and a half day business-to-business session between foreign buyers and local sellers to encourage tourism-re-

lated discourse among the participants, and open doors for business opportunities. “PHITEX is mounted annually as a support for stakeholders in the travel trade industry,” says TPB chief operating officer Marie Venus Tan. “Instead of working as individual operators and sellers, we provide

a platform for them to connect to hundreds of buyers from all over the world in one venue, which saves them precious time and money. The event also gives buyers a more comprehensive view of the different destinations and packages that they can sell to consumers, either as individual or bundled tours.” Participants also took part in the PHITEX educational seminar where industry leaders discussed new trends in tourism marketing as well as marketing strategies in mature and emerging markets. Meanwhile, MICECONnect 2019 aims to accelerate the Philippine MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibits/events)

industry by gathering MICE suppliers to showcase the country as a premium destination for international events and conferences. This year’s focus was conducting business networking opportunities to further develop the country’s MICE industry. MICECONnect 2019 likewise featured B2B sessions for Philippine and foreign MICE buyers, and included a hotel and MICE venue inspection. Moreover, MICECONnect delegates were treated to post-event tours to highlight some of the country’s premier MICE destinations including Iloilo City, Bacolod, Davao, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Tagaytay, Manila, and Batangas.

Deakin is always open to new, unplanned experiences when traveling for leisure.

Another core memory was when Deakin went on a cross-country trip to Germany, France, Belgium, and Holland, and ended the trip to meet his dad again after 20 years. “It was an emotional one, but definitely one for the books,” he relates.

IT'S FUN... From D1 tourists the importance of agriculture. Here, visitors can pick organically grown fruits and vegetables, tend to livestock and poultry animals, and feast on healthy farm-to-table dishes. Speaking of farm tourism, the town is also an emerging hub of back-to-basics living with its

Bonus tip: Always bring a reliable credit card

No traveler would want to be caught out of funds while somewhere far from home. Those who fly often may consider RCBC Bankard Visa Platinum. Cardholders get NAIA terminals 1 and 3 lounge access, free travel insurance and purchase protection, and installment payment for purchases made overseas. Go to www. rcbcbankard.com for more information.

A STAR... From D1

Buko Filipino fusion dishes offered at G&B Restaurant in Bagabag.

were then served the mouth-watering and the best Grilled Seabass I ever had! Served with Eggplant Salad and Salted Egg, it was out of this world! After clearing our palates with Orange Campari Sorbet, we were ready for the heavenly taste of SlowRoasted Beef, so tender that it practically melted in our mouths! As if all those culinary masterpieces were not enough, the meal was capped with a Trio of Dessert that would excite any jaded sweet-toothed foodie! Chef Edwin is indeed a wizard in the kitchen, putting to good use his 30 years of experience in various ho-

an accountant right after college, but his deployment in a restaurant got him interested to learn more kitchen skills. He developed this interest, the hotel’s MICE facilities, this weekday underwent trainings, seminars, and occupancy rate will hit the roof! even got his acquired skills certified The Park Inn by Radisson prides itby TESDA. self on having state-of-the-art audioAlready convinced that culinary visual equipment in their Banahaw arts was really his calling, he further Meeting Rooms and in the Makiling honed his skills, which opened more Grand Ballroom which can easily be opportunities for him in deluxe hopartitioned for smaller gatherings. tels abroad. After many years of The hotel also offers dedicated preworking in the Middle East, he defunction room areas for coffee breaks cided home is where the heart is. and receptions. Chef Edwin was also the executive What impressed me and my chilchef of another deluxe hotel here in dren so much was Chef Edwin Infanthe metro when he decided to te, the hotel’s executive chef. move to Park Inn by Radisson When the hotel management to have more opportunities found out that it was the birthYOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE to further unleash his creative day of my one-year-old grandjuices in the culinary arena. son, Chef Edwin immediately Old is when your “sweetie” tells you: “Let’s He and the hotel managewhipped up a seven-course dingo upstairs and make love,” and you answer, ment take pride in being able ner fit for a king! “Pick one, I can’t do both!” to offer customized menus We had marinated Chicken for any gathering, whether at Wings for starters, followed by their Casa-Urban Restaurant, a healthy Adlai Soup, then we had Pasta with Mediterranean Vege- tels and restaurants here and abroad. like what they did for my family’s dintables and low-fat Ricotta Cheese. We And to think he started working as ner, or in any of their function rooms.

farm-themed resorts—Palaisdaan Hotel, Reginaldo’s Farm and Recreation Park, and JGC Farm and Resort. And while they don’t have the typical spots that draw tourists such as waterfalls, caves, mountains or springs, these cozy accommodations take guests to an interlude with farms, gardens, and greeneries where they can they discover their proverbial green thumb. The farm side covered, Bagabag also has fun up its sleeves. The town recently held the

16th Pabbalat Festival in celebration of its patronal feast and 278th municipal founding day. From the Gaddang word which means thanksgiving, the weeklong festivity highlighted its vibrant agricultural economy and the blend of its lowland and upland indigenous culture through street dancing, float parade, and agro-trade fair. In addition to being the gateway to Ifugao province, it is also an entry point to other exciting destinations further up north like Isabela and Cagayan.

Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa’s spacious 7th floor lobby.

I have to commend the hotel’s general manager, Nils Sven Rothbarth, for having assembled an outstanding team of people-pleasers. Everybody I came in contact with at the hotel made me feel like I was right at home, but with all the conveniences of the hospitality trade. No doubt, Park Inn by Radisson will soon be a destination of choice for those who are always on the lookout for the finer things in life. A bright new STAR now sparkles in North Edsa! For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

The kitchen wizard, Executive Chef Edwin Infante

Entertainment By Nickie Wang

MID having new members, The Juans still manages to be a solid band performing as if everybody has been on the same rhythm for so long. It’s definite that music runs in their blood. It was in 2016 when this author first met with the five-member group. They were performing at the Music Hall at Metrowalk in Pasig. And during the interview, they took him on a musical journey—narrating their story from being a boyband to being groomed as a pop band whose every member plays his won musical instrument. They said they’re peg was the British boyband One Direction. It’s also the group that inspired their name as a music act. Fast forward to 2019, The Juans has a few hits under its belt and has definitely found its own sound. Number one on Spotify Philippines’ Viral 50 charts, on the cover of Spotify’s “Tatak Pinoy” playlist with over six million listens on the streaming platform, and eight million views on YouTube—these are just some of the achievements the band bagged this year for its single “Hindi Tayo Pwede.” The Juans—composed of Carl Guevarra (keys/vocals), Japs Mendoza (guitar/vocals), RJ Cruz (acoustic guitar/vocals), Chael Adriano (bass/ vocals), and Josh Coronel (drums)— made all these accomplishments possible through their six-track late 2018 album “Umaga” and not to mention, through grit and patience. On top of that, they also held a pair of very successful shows entitled UMG Live— one of which involved over a thousand of their fans flocking to Bulacan to catch the show. The Juans has been working to promote the album all year long. That’s why its success is all the more inspiring and sweeter. The catalyst for The Juans’ current upswing is when the band uploaded a

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

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

THE JUANS ON TOP

BTS is South Korea’s biggest entertainment export

K-POP’S BTS FINISHES TOUR WITH MILLIONS GENERATED

performance video of “Hindi Tayo Pwede” on Facebook. The clip also featured Janine Tenoso, who recorded a cover of the song for a movie. The video gained two million views within a week. Soon afterward video performances of its songs, which include “Hatid,” “Atin Ang Mundo,” and “Binibini Sa MRT,” also received the same amount of traction on social media. With the band’s continuing efforts and its tenacious social media presence, The Juans is getting its well-deserved attention. All its

members’ hard work paid off for them when “Hindi Tayo Pwede” finally climbed all the way to the number one spot on Spotify’s Viral 50 charts. Not bad for a homegrown boy band. And as they receive their rightful achievements, the band forges on. “The dream never stops for The Juans. We’ll keep writing songs and will be singing our hearts out and hopefully touch people’s souls as we continually live to inspire every ordinary Juan out there,” said vocalist Carl Guevarra..

MUSIC RUNS IN THEIR BLOOD. The Juans is composed of Carl Guevarra (keys/vocals), Japs Mendoza (guitar/vocals), RJ Cruz (acoustic guitar/vocals), Chael Adriano (bass/vocals), and Josh Coronel (drums).

STREET GENIUS IN TODAY’S EPISODE OF ‘IBILIB’ IN TODAY’S episode of the weekly informative show, iBilib, learn about science and have fun. Featuring ‘street genius,’ join the cool experiments with award-winning host Chris Tiu, kids stars John Kenneth “Dekdek” Giduco, Rein Adriano, Ralph Landicho,Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy, Miggs Cuaderno, Julius Miguel, Althea Ablan, and Kapuso sweetheart Ashley Ortega. Chris and the gang with try to answer these questions: “What will happen if you try to hit a stationary target from a moving jeep?”; “Will a balloon pop if you put hot glue on it?”; “How many coins can you fish using a magnet?”; and “Can you fill up a plastic bag with air in a single blow of your breath?” Meanwhile, find out what chemicals to use to start a fire and put if out in the Bilibabol Fire Starter versus Fire extinguisher experiment. And lastly in Huling Hirit, Ashley shows viewers how to make donuts more fun with her Emoji Donuts Food Art. Remember, make your Sunday mornings more fun and educational with iBilib airing on GMA.

Host Chris Tiu with actress Ashley Ortega and ‘iBilib’ kids

TEARFUL and screaming by turn, tens of thousands of BTS fans gathered in Seoul for the finale of the boyband’s lucrative world tour, some flying thousands of kilometers to pay homage to their idols and swell their backers’ bulging coffers. The septet’s global prominence reached unprecedented heights this year, becoming the first K-pop group to top charts in the US and Britain and performing a string of soldout shows in Los Angeles, Paris, and London’s Wembley Stadium. The floppy-haired musicians, all in their 20s and often sporting earrings and lipstick, appeal to a generation comfortable with gender fluidity. They connect with their largely female fans -- collectively known as ARMY -- by opening up about their struggles through their music and on social media, which they flood with selfies and personal messages. That depth of engagement is key to their appeal enduring, according to CedarBough Saeji, a specialist in Asian languages and cultures at Indiana University Bloomington, contrasting it to rapper Psy’s 2012 megahit “Gangnam Style.” “Psy didn’t have a fanbase, he had one viral hit song,” she said. So when the follow-ups “weren’t quite what the audience was looking for, they moved on. But BTS has many very loyal fans.” She added BTS’ music was well produced with excellent videos, “and performed by incredibly handsome and charismatic young people”. Their world tour—which ran from August last year—drew a total audience of more than two million at 62 shows in 23 cities, according to Big Hit Entertainment. The entertainment company said it posted record revenues of more than 200 billion won (US$171 million) in the first half of 2019, and with only a handful of other artists on its books, the vast majority is likely to have been generated by BTS. But the band’s wider economic impact is far larger. BTS are worth 4.1 trillion won to the South Korean economy annually, the Hyundai Research Institute said in a 2018 December report, boosting the image of South Korean products abroad and driving tourism. The country has long relied heavily on China and Japan for visitors, and was hit hard in March 2017 when Beijing banned group tours in a row over the installation of a US missile defence system. Recently, an intensifying dispute between Seoul and Tokyo over wartime history has also slowed growth of Japanese visitors, government figures show. But nearly 90 percent of overseas K-pop fans in 111 countries said they would like to visit South Korea in future, according to a study published this week by the Korea Tourism Organization. Incoming K-pop fans “expanded the age groups and diversified the nationalities of visitors that were likely to return to South Korea”, said Kim Sung-eun, who led the KTO study. Big Hit Entertainment declined to specify how much of its turnover was generated by BTS, nor the band’s own earnings. K-pop is notorious for the power of its management companies. They often create their bands, control almost every aspect of their lives, and retain comprehensive rights to their output. However, BTS members’ benefited from songwriting and producing royalties, said Saeji, and would receive greater shares of modeling and endorsement contracts—and their “phenomenal” merchandise sales—than for music alone. “They are certainly very rich at this point,” she said. “Keeping such a very successful group happy is hugely important for Big Hit.” AFP

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

BURYING NEGATIVITY IN A PET CEMETERY The AKF cemetery in Capas, Tarlac.

By Greg Salido Quimpo

HEN the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) built a rescued dog sanctuary in 2006 to take care of the dogs saved from the dog meat trade, it also developed a burial space for the ones who did not survive. Back then, the dog traders cramped the hapless dogs in a false-floor of a mini-van. About 70-100 dogs, restrained and tightly muzzled, had to endure the seven-hour travel from the south to the north of Luzon. Nearly half of the dogs would not make it alive. The unlucky dogs who were underneath the others were crushed to their deaths: internal organs ruptured and dogs suffocated to their death. They were buried at the AKF rescued dogs cemetery in Capas, Tarlac. This scenario lasted until late 2014. After 2014, the dog meat traders from the CALABARZON region started slaughtering the dogs before delivering them to the market in the Cordilleras. AKF has since been rescuing live slaughterbound dogs in small numbers in Nueva Ecija carried inside cramped tricycles. The dogs from the supplying dog meat trading groups may have been spared the ordeal of a horrific transport but the horrendous cruelty to them starts from the moment they are kid-

Thin Tin, neglected, ignored and treated insignificantly, is buried here. May her mistreatment by humans remain in this burial place forever to spare other dogs of such fate.

napped, snared, muzzled, restrained and kept in cramped spaces until the moment they are bludgeoned on their heads and torched. This is so saddening because Filipino native dogs are actually very loving dogs. They prefer humans over toys because they are just so emotional, so sociable and friendly. These dogs just need to interact in every loving way they know.

It is the fervent wish of AKF that soon, no dog will fall victim to this horrific and cruel dog meat trade. AKF lights a candle for all the Filipino dogs and celebrates their loving souls during this All Souls’ Day. At the AKF rescued dog cemetery lie the most loving creatures to walk the earth: dogs, they are simply called dogs.

UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE OF A HUMAN AND HER DOG A BEAUTIFUL story about a special human and her equally special dog has captivated the hearts of many. The movie Unforgettable is the story of Jasmine and her newfound doggy friend Happy who embarked on a long journey to go to her grandmother in Baguio. The two faced all kinds of challenges and met many strangers along the way. What is more beautiful about this movie is that it opened the eyes of moviegoers about how dogs help us every day of our lives. From simply making us smile, to protecting us, to making us feel loved. It also became an instrument to help rescued dogs and cats. Thanks to the Popsters of actress Sarah Geronimo, lead star of Unforgettable, rescued dogs and cats of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) were provided much-needed help for their continuous care. The Save ALL rescues are so grateful to the Popsters, specially to member Mavic Cruz who helped organize a special screening of the movie for the benefit of rescued dogs last Oct. 27 at Trinoma, Quezon City. Sarah Geronimo Arf! Arf! Meow! Meow!

Some of them who are buried here have names while the rest were recovered lifeless as victims of the dog meat trade. It is said that dogs are angels with four paws and furs. As disguised heavenly creatures, dogs bring so much joy and benefits into our lives. They guard us, make us exercise, listen to us and provide us endless companionship without asking for anything in return. They will only eat from their bowls if we put food in it. They make us laugh and snuggle with us when they see us sad. They give out all of the positive energies that benefit us while we dump negative vibes on them. They embrace even our dislikable selves. Just like an angel would do. Yet cruelty is inflicted on these gentle creatures. Many are hurt, stoned, stabbed, and even shot. They are neglected and abandoned. They have it bad. Buried here at the AKF cemetery with the dogs are some of the negativity that we wish the living dogs would never experience. Herein lies Kruel Ty. May he rest in peace and not bother any animal again. Anne Wan Ted is here, too. Buried so that all dogs will not feel discriminated, unloved and hurt. This is AKF's Cemetery of Negative Vibes. Here lies real angels with furs and four paws. May negativity remain here. Forever. About the author: Greg Salido Quimpo is the campaign manager of Animal Kingdom Foundation. For inquiries on how to help AKF continue its work to save dogs from the dog meat trade, please send a message to akfgquimpo@ gmail.com or go to http://www.animalkingdomfoundation.org.ph.

MY FURRY BESTIE THIS corner features pets of animal lovers every week. We hope new owners and those thinking of getting a pet will be encouraged to be responsible “furparents” through these features. We also hope more people will be moved to be kind to animals when they read about the great relationship that can be created between humans and animals. For contributions, please email to daycarlos28@yahoo.com and put My Furry Bestie as subject.

SCOOTER was looking for food in a garbage can when his rescuer Tess Chua saw him. “I found Scooter while he was checking out the trash bin for food. I went up to him and offered my water. He was so thirsty that he almost finished it,” Tess says. “I asked around kung may owner sya.. Wala daw kaya I took him home. Swung by a pet store and bought cat food,” adds Tess. Scooter loves the “tummy and behind the ear rubs,” Tess shares. Scooter will turn one-yearold in December. “He will always be my baby,” says Tess.

Thank you to Mavic Cruz (right) and another member of Popsters (far left) for the special screening of Unforgettable, the movie, to raise funds for rescued dogs of Save ALL. With them in the photo is representative Sylvia P. Ongsing (middle, red shirt) of Save ALL.

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