Manila Standard - 2020 November 22 - Sunday by Manila Standard

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 261 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PASKONG PINOY. A chorale sings Christmas carols while synthetic snow falls all around them and the crowd as the Baguio Country Club formally opened its Christmas Village on Tu esday, with the theme ‘Paskong Pinoy.’ Dave Leprozo

‘Ensure universal vaccine access’ Rody makes APEC statement as UK firm, Pfizer set to create virus cure

By Vito Barcelo

APEC SPEECH.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte called on all members of the Asia Pacific Economic Countries (APEC) for stronger cooperation to ensure universal coronavirus vaccine access and inclusive economic recovery.

As the President made the call on Friday night, officials of the Philippine government and AstraZeneca, a United Kingdom-based company developing a COVID-19 vaccine, discussed access for Filipinos to an afford-

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM NOV. 21)

416,852 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,791 33,224 NEW

ACTIVE

8,080

375,548

328

DEATHS

NEW

RECOVERIES

NEW

able cure to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, US biotech giant Pfizer and German partner BioNTech sought approval Friday to roll out their coronavirus vaccine early, a first step towards relief as surging infections prompt a return to shutdowns that traumatized nations and the global economy earlier this year. The world is looking to scientists for salvation from the global pandemic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its vaccines committee would meet on December 10 to discuss the request for emergency use authorization. The President, who made the call during the first-ever virtual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, said all nations needed an immediate response to save lives, while citing that APEC would play an important role in the region’s post-pandemic recovery efforts and in achieving sustained and inclusive growth. “We aim for a comprehensive recovery with no one left behind. This can only be done through deeper engagement with the international community, especially with close partners in the Pacific Rim region,” Duterte said. “First, we have to ensure the unimpeded

flow of medical supplies and technologies, especially COVID-19 vaccines. It is folly to assume that there can be pockets of safe havens in the face of a global pandemic,” Duterte said in his message. ‘Virus must be defeated’ “We have to defeat the virus everywhere, or no one is safe. To do this, we need to strengthen partnerships to make vaccines a global public good,” Duterte said. “Several modalities are available. Aside from bilateral and multilateral cooperation, tripartite arrangements can be made between the government, private sector, and multilateral financial institutions,” Duterte said adding “There is no other way. Let us resolve to act decisively on universal vaccine access and maximize these mechanisms.” “Second, information is key to effective response and mitigation efforts. We welcome Malaysia’s initiative to establish the COVID-Live online portal, precisely for sharing of best practices,” he said. “Finally, we need to keep trade free, open, and fair. This is key to achieving sustained and inclusive economic recovery,” Duterte added. The President, together with his APEC

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his intervention during the virtual 27th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Friday. Other leaders also shared their views on the response by APEC Economies in mitigating the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040. Presidential Photo

counterparts, endorsed the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 which commits the 21-member-economies to deepen regional economic integration, address income inequalities within and between countries, and enhance cooperation to face the disruptive impact of a new globalization, driven by digitalization and innovation. Outside the Palace, UK Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams met with Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Health Sec. Francisco Duque III, and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. along with AstraZeneca Philippines Country President Lotis Ramin on Friday. Adams later tweeted: “It’s been a real privilege for me to visit the Philippines— the enthusiasm has been great. We’ve had some brilliant conversations including with Secretaries Locsin on foreign affairs and Duque on health workers, and facilitating

discussions with AstraZeneca—a British company developing a vaccine,” he was quoted as saying in a tweet by the UK Embassy in Manila. The British minister also said “it was crucial discussing with the Red Cross how UK money is being used to help people’s lives affected by typhoons” that have passed through the Philippines. UK Ambassador Daniel Pruce described the visit of Adams as “packed” with discussions on a range of issues including “education, ASEAN, climate change, COVID-19 vaccines, humanitarian assistance and development policy.” Coronavirus vaccine “The FDA recognizes that transparency and dialogue are critical for the public to have confidence in COVID-19 vaccines,” the organization’s head Stephen Hahn said in a statement.

Du30 ends ban on healthcare workers leaving PH but sets 5k annual limit ONLY 5,000 health care workers will be allowed to leave every year to ensure the Philippines, which has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, will have enough medical professionals to fight the pandemic, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Saturday. This was after President Rodrigo Duterte has approved ending a ban on deploying health care workers overseas—nurses and other medical workers—in face of the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 413,000 and killed at least 8,000 in the Philippines.

Duterte’s approval removed the bar that checked thousands of nurses to take up jobs abroad, Bello said. This developed after nurses in public hospitals were also up in arms over an inadvertent demotion after the government raised their entry-level play to Salary Grade 15, or about P32,000 per month last July. Instead of correspondingly upgrading the salaries of senior nurses, hospitals used the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Circular No. 2020-4 as basis against a general salary increase, the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) said. B4 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 Desiree Carlos, Editor

PAINTINGTSAVES

HERE are cats who develop diabetes at about eight years old or above. It is prevalent in obese, male cats and whose diet consists of a lot of carbohydrates.

A FATHER’S LIFE

CHRISTIAN Gonzales, a 32-year-old quality consultant in a software company, rediscovered his passion for the arts amid the pandemic.

It is a debilitating, chronic condition that needs to be addressed and managed immediately. Cat Hospital of Tucson, in “5 Signs Your Cat Has Diabetes,” said diabetes “is a disorder that results when the cells develop a resistance to insulin, a hormone that aids the entry of glucose into the cells. This causes a build-up of the glucose levels in the bloodstream.” Early signs of diabetes in cats. 1.Excessive Urination & Thirst If your cat is urinating frequently, your cat may have Type I or Type II diabetes. The kidneys are trying to release excess glucose from the body through urine. Too much glucose pulls excessive amounts of water into the urine. Frequent urination can mean a significant body water loss, dehydration, and increased thirst. 2. Increased Weight Loss & Appetite A diabetic cat’s cells can no longer absorb the glucose from the blood appropriately. Starved cells will lead to the breakdown of fats and proteins in the body as it looks for an alternative source of energy. This will lead weight loss and an increase in appetite to compensate for lost protein/fats.

BUSINESS / A4

Dated July 17, the circular was notable for upgrading nurses’ entry salary from SG 11 (about P22,000) to SG 15 (about P32,000), but it also effectively demoted long-serving nurses. The circular modified the Nurse II position with SG 15 to the lower position of Nurse I, but with the same salary grade as Nurse II. As a result, nurses in the Nurse II to VII positions not only did not get any corresponding salary increase but were even demoted. Last month, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Memorandum No. 2020-466

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

DIABETESin IN cats CATS: Diabetes EARLY SIGNS THERE are cats who develop diabetes at about eight years old or above. It is prevalent in obese, male cats and whose diet consists of a lot of carbohydrates.

suspending the implementation of the DBM circular for Nurse II and above. According to the FNU, many hospitals ignored the order and have accordingly demoted their senior nurses. “Thousands of nurses … suffered from demoralization and confusion as they were pressured by their employers to sign reappointment documents that demote them one rank from their current position,” the group said in a statement. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration suspended the deployment of doctors, nurses, and health care workers

YOUR BOY SANTINO NOW GAY BOYETTE

Dietary Management

The vet will most likely recommend a diet with limited carbohydrates. Such a diet has been shown to improve control of blood glucose levels. “When it comes to diet, it’s important to help your cat combat the weight loss that often occurs as a result of this disease. In diabetic cats that are underweight, this often means feeding multiple meals per day or allowing access to food at all times. If your cat is overweight, however, work with your veterinarian to institute a weight loss program, as managed weight loss in overweight diabetic cats will likely help the cat maintain steadier glucose levels,’ Cornell Feline Health Center said. It added: “The optimal timing of meals for diabetic cats is controversial. Many veterinarians recommend feeding at the time of insulin injection to avoid a dangerous drop in blood glucose levels. However, there is no definitive evidence that the timing or frequency of meals in diabetic cats protects them from insulininduced hypoglycemia. If food must be withheld for any reason, your veterinarian will usually recommend giving 50 percent of the usual dose of insulin, with careful follow-up monitoring to assure good glycemic control.”

FROM playing the iconic Santino who has a unique relationship with “Bro” in May Bukas Pa (2009), Zaijian Jaranilla is tackling another interesting character in Star Cinema’s new coming-of-age comedy film “Boyette.”

PETS / B4

side. When he became lethargic, twitter.com/Garfield is rather on the heavy facebook.com/ MlaStandard ManilaStandardPH

Prognosis

Allow them to roam freely. Rescued kitten Mia loves to play in the garage.

we decided to have him tested for diabetes. He was borderline Later signs of diabetes A combination of the symptoms be- diabetic. We changed his diet and his next test showed normal blood glucose levels. low requires immediate medical intervention. The cat’s condition may be crit· to restore normal blood glucose contreated for long,” Cat Hospital of Tucical and intensive care will be needed. centration (glycemic control) son said. · to minimize or eliminate signs of 3. Inability to Jump & Loss of Interest 5. Lack of Appetite, Vomiting, Lethargy weight loss If your cat can not jump on the furni· to minimize or eliminate signs of Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and ture as he used to, he may be sick. Please keep track of your pet’s activities. If he lethargy are other symptoms of diabetes. increased thirst and urination · to normalize the appetite Please bring your cat to the vet as can no longer do some activities which · to avoid inducing inappropriately he used to do, please have him/her soon as you see two or more signs delow blood glucose levels with therapy scribed above. checked by the vet.

manilastandard.net

ENTERTAINMENT / B3

abroad to preserve its frontline force against the pandemic. The ban took effect April 2 but was later revised to allow health workers with existing employment contracts as of March 8, 2020 to leave the country. But the clamor mostly from nurses’ groups prompted the government to reconsider expanding the exemption to include health professionals with complete overseas employment contracts as of Aug. 31, 2020. Around 1,000 to 1,500 nurses were affected by the temporary ban that began in April, according to POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia. Earlier on, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said health professionals with complete overseas employment documents as of Aug. 31, 2020 were permitted to leave the country. Previously, only health care workers with existing employment contracts as of March 8, 2020 were allowed to work abroad as the Philippines, a key exporter of nurses and other medical workers, sought to keep a reserve force in its battle against the pandemic. The Philippines initially suspended the deployment of doctors, nurses, and health care workers abroad effective April 2. The ban was aimed to “prioritize human resource allocation for the national health care system at the time of the national state of emergency,” the POEA said in a memorandum. Willie Casas and Jimbo Gulle

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To avoid diabetes, here are some suggestions:

News

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Sen. Bato, TESDA chief test positive for COVID-19

FATAL ACCIDENT. Vehicles lie crushed under a steel girder that fell while being

installed at the Skyway extension project on the East Service Road in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City on Saturday. At least one person was killed while four others were injured, and the incident, caused by a crane that tipped and fell (inset), led to an hour-long traffic jam at that portion of the South Luzon Expressway. Norman Cruz

Skyway girder falls; kills 1, hurts 4 By Joel E. Zurbano

A others.

STEEL girder fell from the ongoing construction at Skyway extension project Saturday in Muntinlupa City, killing a person and injuring at least four

The incident at 8:50 a.m. along the East Service Road in Barangay Cupang also damaged at least six vehicles, including three cars and two motorcycles, and caused heavy traffic in Sucat, Bicutan and along the northbound lane of South Luzon Expressway for at least one hour. San Miguel Corp., which operates the Skyway, said in a statement: “We deeply regret this unfortunate accident and assure a full and thorough inves-

tigation. Our thoughts and concerns are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority.” San Miguel also said that after initial assessment, “this unfortunate incident sets back the completion of the Skyway Extension Project” from the December 2020 deadline to February 2021. “At 8:50 this morning, a crane that was being positioned for its next task tilted and fell on the girder spanning the

two posts of the northbound Skyway extension project,” Skyway contractor EEI Corporation said in a statement. It said the girder fell on vehicles below, killing at least one and injuring at least four persons who were rushed by ambulances from the Skyway O&M Corporation and EEI to hospitals. It said: “We are monitoring the progress of the injured and are trying to get in touch with their next of kin for proper coordination and to extend any assistance they may need. Our hearts and prayers go with the affected families. “ The construction firm also said “this is an unfortunate and heart-breaking accident that must not happen again. We will review immediately our safety and operating protocols as we build a strategic infrastructure for the public’s convenience.”

Those injured were rushed to the nearby Asian Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Authorities ordered the immediate closure of both south and northbound lanes of the East Service Road (Alabang-Sucat) to vehicular traffic after the incident. Motorists were advised to take alternate routes via West Service Road, Alabang-Zapote, and M.L. Quezon (Baybayin). In a separate statement, the Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corp. said they were also investigating the incident “We deeply regret the unfortunate accident and assure a full and thorough investigation. Our thoughts and concerns are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority.”

2 Sayyaf slain, Illegal loggers, miners in DILG, PNP crosshairs 6 BIFF fighters quit to military THE military said troops had killed two members of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf, including a sub-leader, in separate clashes between the two sides on Friday while six Bangsa Moro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to authorities in Maguindanao that day. The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the suspects as ASG subleader Hatib Munap Binda and Bensio Barahama, father of another Abu subleader, Sansibar Bensio. “Based on our records, Binda is the senior leader of the ASG operating in the municipalities of Kalingalan Caluang and Panamao, Sulu. He had been a member of the said terrorist organization since 2002,” said Wesmincom commander, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said. He said Binda “was an associate of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsi Misaya” and was involved in the series of kidnappings in “the tri-boundaries of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines.” Binda was killed during an encounter with troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 at Bud Bawis Complex, Barangay Kawasan, Panamao, Sulu at 5:45 a.m. Friday. An hour later, another team of the MBLT-1 encountered the ASG group under its sub-leader Sansibar Bensio a few meters away from the previous encounter site. Sansibar Bensio, of the Panamao-based ASG, is allegedly involved in kidnap-forransom activities targeting foreign nationals including Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra and Indonesians Maharudin Bin Lunani and Muhammad Farhan. Francisco Tuyay

AUTHORITIES pointed to environmental abuse as a factor in the destructive floods this month in parts of Luzon, saying the government will crack down on illegal loggers and miners in the country’s north. Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told a public press briefing that Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had directed police to prioritize crackdowns in provinces affected by floods over the past month. Malaya said Año ordered PNP chief Debold Sinas to hold a crackdown in all sorts of illegal logging and illegal mining in areas affected by storms particularly in Cagayan, Isabela, and in the Bicol region because this was said to be the cause of

unprecedented widespread flooding. Parts of the Bicol region experienced lahar flow from the Mayon Volcano as Super Typhoon Rolly hit Luzon, particularly in Albay, earlier this month, with some residents blaming quarrying. Cagayan and Isabela were, meanwhile, inundated last week with widespread flooding, with water levels reaching rooftops and residents appealing for rescue via social media. Among other reasons, officials said illegal logging was a factor in the worst floods seen in the area in decades. DILG next year will roll out a project for local government units to encourage tree planting among their constituents, targeting the planting of 200 million

trees nationwide. Malaya said: “Our goal in strengthening national tree planting is to plant 200 million trees. Año wants this to start next year. Memorandum circulars will be released to encourage widespread tree planting campaigns in support of the national greening program from the barangays to the highest government level. Meanwhile, with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) under fire for the severe flooding in Isabela and Cagayan when Typhoon Ulysses swamped the provinces last week, Senator Richard Gordon said the agency should be properly supervised to avoid a repeat of the catastrophic incident.

BIG BUST. Caloocan City police operatives present two brothers and their accomplices following a buy-bust operation on Saturday that yielded more than 25 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P175 million, which were concealed inside Chinese tea packaging. Andrew Rabulan

AID FOR THE NORTH. Former

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inspects food and other supplies that he personally delivered to Isabela and Cagayan provinces to provide relief to the victims of flooding in the wake of Typhoon ‘Ulysses’ on Saturday.

SEN. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said Saturday he has tested positive for COVID-19. “I am sorry to inform [you] that I tested positive for covid19 yesterday. To all who made contact with me pls do the appropriate protocols,” he said in a statement. Dela Rosa’s staff said the senator is OK but currently has a cough and cold. His eldest daughter also tested positive for coronavirus but is asymptomatic. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director Isidro Lapeña also tested positive for the coronavirus, Senator Joel Villanueva announced Saturday. In a message to reporters, Villanueva said Lapeña’s case was confirmed yesterday. “Secretary Lapeña on the other hand tested negative when he went to Senate. He was with me almost the whole time, but we were both wearing face mask and face shield,” Villanueva said in a Viber message. Meanwhile, the senator said the result of his own test for COVID-19 was negative. This developed as the number of coronavirus cases in the Philippines rose to 416,852 on Saturday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,791 new infections as three laboratories failed to submit their reports. This is the 12th straight day where less than 2,000 cases have been reported. The DOH also announced that 328 more patients have recovered from the illness, bringing the total to 375,548, while 55 new fatalities brought the death toll to 8,080. Meanwhile, 33,224 remaining active cases are undergoing treatment or quarantine, of which 84.5 percent are mild, 8.7 percent are asymptomatic, 2.3 percent are severe, and 4.3 percent are in critical condition. Data from the DOH also showed that 57 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds for patients are available and 81 percent of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use. More than 57.17 million people have been reported to be infected by the COVID-19 globally and 1,365,111 have died. Willie Casas

IN BRIEF DOT: Siargao reopens to tourists on Monday SIARGAO in Surigao Del Norte, considered the country’s surfing capital, will reopen to local tourists beginning Monday, November 23, as the tourism industry continues to revive after months of travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the Department of Tourism said it was welcoming the development, as Mayor Cecila Ruson of General Luna town, where Siargao is situated, confirmed the announcement through a local executive order. “This is encouraging news for everyone who loves the sea, especially the surfers. As Siargao reopens to travelers, subject to minimum health and safety standards, the people of the island will regain their livelihood and share their paradise to our kababayans once more with the same level of hospitality they have always been known for,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in the statement.

Health security council bill pushed

’60 corruption complaints in two weeks’ THE task force led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate corruption in Philippine government has received at least 60 complaints in the past two weeks, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Saturday. Most of those reported were about allegedly “corrupt” transactions at government agencies, with some involving million peso-projects, the secretary said. “As reported by [Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar], the task force secretariat and operations center has received 60 complaints or reports, more or less, during the past two

weeks,” said Guevarra in a text message. The reports, according to Guevarra, referred to a “wide range” of government agencies, such as the regional or district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Corrections, Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Land Registration Authority, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Bureau of Customs, APO, “and a lot of local government units.”

A HOUSE leader on Saturday pushed for the passage of the proposed Health Security Council that covers all types of health emergencies, including man-made ones. “All threats to the health and safety of the people are a matter of national security and public health security,” said Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said. “As to the query of why there’s a mention of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, the overall objective of the bill really is to cover all types of health emergencies,” Biazon added. In case of a biological terrorist attack, for instance, Biazon said such weapons target the health of persons. “And that is why it is included in the concept of health security because this is in the in the overall framework of national security, which is defined as being a state or condition wherein the people’s welfare and well-being and way of life are enhanced and protected,” he explained. Maricel V. Cruz

World

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump Jr. tests positive for virus, says spokesman WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr has tested positive for Covid-19 and is quarantining without symptoms, the latest in a long list of infections among those with links to the White House. “Don tested positive at the start of the week and has been quarantining out at his cabin since the result,” his spokesman said. “He’s been completely asymptomatic so far and is following all medically recommended COVID-19 guidelines,” the spokesman said of the 42-year-old. Trump Jr’s positive test follows infections for a string of others connected to the White House, including his father, who was hospitalized, the president’s wife Melania and Trump’s youngest son Barron. Donald Jr’s girlfriend, former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, also tested positive in July. Earlier Friday, Andrew Giuliani, a White House aide and son of the president’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, announced he had tested positive. Trump Jr is one of the most outspoken and aggressive defenders of his father, who is still refusing to recognize his defeat to Democrat Joe Biden in the November 3 presidential election. In the days after the vote, Trump Jr called for his father to go to “total war” against what he calls electoral fraud despite no evidence to support the claim. Like his father he has also consistently downplayed the pandemic, telling Fox News as the virus surged around the country last month that deaths from Covid-19 had fallen to “almost nothing.” Surging cases Trump’s administration has been heavily criticized for its response to the pandemic and for downplaying the dangers. Many in the crowds at his pre-election rallies were often maskless and not abiding by social-distancing rules. They were a sharp contrast with Biden’s drive-in rallies and his scrupulous mask-wearing. On Monday, the president-elect expressed frustration over Trump’s refusal to cooperate on the White House transition process, saying “more people may die” of coronavirus without immediate coordination on fighting the pandemic. With Trump refusing to concede defeat, Biden and his team have been unable to coordinate with government officials on crucial continuity of issues like national security, but also on emergencies like a distribution plan for Covid-19 vaccines to tens of millions of Americans. AFP

IN BRIEF

3 dead as barrage of rocket fire hits Kabul KABUL —At least three people were killed Saturday when a barrage of rockets struck densely populated parts of Kabul, officials said, marking the latest attack in an ongoing wave of violence sweeping the Afghan capital. The salvo slammed into various parts of central and north Kabul -including near the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses embassies and international companies -- just before 9:00 am (0430 GMT). “This morning, the terrorists fired 14 rockets on the city of Kabul,” interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian said. “Unfortunately the rockets hit residential areas. Until now, three of our countrymen were martyred and 11 others were wounded.” Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz confirmed the same death toll and details, while health ministry spokeswoman Masooma Jafari put the toll at five dead, 21 wounded. AFP

8 hurt in shooting at US mall; gunman still at large WASHINGTON—Eight people were injured in a shooting at a US mall in Wisconsin on Friday according to police, who said they were still hunting for the shooter. The FBI and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s office tweeted that their officers were on the scene at the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, supporting the “active” response by local police. “When emergency personnel arrived, the shooter was no longer at the scene,” the Wauwatosa Police Department said in a statement. It said the wounded included seven adults and one teenager who had been rushed to hospital. The seriousness of their injuries was not immediately known, but Wauwatosa mayor Dennis McBride told ABC news their injuries were not life threatening. AFP

SANTA IN SALT. Issa

Kassissieh, better known as the Jerusalems Santa Claus, poses next to a Christmas tree on a solid salt formation in the Ein Boqeq Dead Sea resort near Neve Zoha, during the filming of a Christmas season advertisement for the Israeli ministry of tourism, amid the coronavirus pandemic crisis, on November 15. AFP

‘Numbers don’t lie:’ Walls close in on defiant Trump W ASHINGTON—A defiant Donald Trump again falsely insisted he “won” reelection in his first public appearance for a week Friday, as the US president appeared increasingly isolated over his long-shot bid to stay in power.

Claiming against all odds that a path to victory remains viable, and facing pushback from fellow Republicans alarmed by his effort to overturn results, Trump invited Michigan lawmakers to the White House Friday as part of a bid to subvert

the will of voters in key states. But if he expected them to parrot the president’s line and publicly support efforts to overturn election results in Michigan—which Biden won by 155,000 votes —he was mistaken. The Republican legislators stood firm, saying they would honor the election’s outcome. “We have not yet been made aware of any information that would change the outcome of the election in Michigan,” the state’s Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield said in a joint statement after meeting Trump. “Michigan’s certification process should be a deliberate process free from threat and intimidation,” they added. The statement came after Trump made brief comments about the election while announcing new pharmaceutical pricing

plans at a rare post-election address to reporters. “Big pharma ran millions of dollars of negative advertisements against me during the campaign—which I won, by the way, but you know, we’ll find that out,” Trump said. He exited the briefing room without taking questions. Logic dictates that Trump’s days in the White House are numbered, with key states that sealed President-elect Biden’s win rapidly approaching deadlines to certify their election results. In a second blow Friday to Trump’s election interference efforts, Georgia became the first of those states to formally certify its results, affirming that Biden won in the southern state by 12,670 votes, or 0.26 percent out of some five million ballots cast. AFP

THAI DUCKS.

Large inflatable ducks are passed around the crowd as pro-democracy protesters gather for an anti-government rally at a major intersection in Bangkok on November 18. AFP

Brazil black man beaten to death sparks protests BRASÍLIA—The death of a black man beaten by white security guards at a supermarket sparked protests across Brazil Friday as the country celebrated Black Consciousness Day. A video of Thursday night’s incident in the southern city of Porto Alegre captured on a witness’s mobile phone was broadcast on social networks and Brazilian media. As the clip went viral, around 1,000 protesters in Sao Paulo marched to a branch of the French-owned Carrefour supermarket chain and stoned the glass storefront before storming the premises, trashing and burning goods, ac-

cording to an AFP photographer on the scene. “Carrefour’s hands are dirty with black blood,” read one banner held up by demonstrators. Police in Porto Alegre used tear gas and flash bang grenades to disperse a protest that had formed in front of the supermarket where the death occurred, according to local television. Protests also broke out in the capital Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro, where a crowd picketed a Carrefour supermarket to prevent customers from reaching the checkouts. “Carrefour can close, it has killed our

brother, it will not work!” chanted dozens of young people carrying banners and masks with the slogan “Black Lives Matter”. The video on social media shows 40-year-old welder Joao Alberto Silveira Freitas repeatedly being punched in the face and head by a security guard while he is being restrained by another at the supermarket. A woman stands beside them, filming with her mobile phone. The military police in Rio Grande do Sul state said the man had threatened a female worker at the supermarket, who called security. AFP

UN: Yemen in ‘imminent danger’ of world’s worst famine in decades UNITED NATIONS—War-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the worst famine the world has seen in decades, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Friday. “In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost,” Guterres said of the country that has endured a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government forces. The government in Yemen is supported by a Saudi-led coalition, assisted by Western powers including the United States. Outgoing President Donald Trump’s administration has made isolating its arch-foe Tehran a centerpiece of US regional policy.

The warning from Guterres, the latest in a series from the UN on Yemen, comes amid reports that the Trump administration is considering labeling the Huthis a terrorist organization. That could cripple aid deliveries and make things even worse in Yemen, aid groups say. In his statement, Guterres made only indirect reference to this possibility. “I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse,” the secretary-general said. Questioned later by reporters however

about a possible US designation of the Huthis, Guterres warned against further destabilizing a “very fragile situation.” “We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don’t think we should rock the boat at the present moment,” he said. Guterres’ statement said reasons for the heightened threat of famine include a sharp drop in funding for the UN-coordinated relief program, the instability of the Yemeni currency and “impediments” for relief organizations imposed by warring parties. The Huthi rebels control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and much of the north after a grinding war that has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. AFP

Ahead of G20, jailed Saudis appeal to world WASHINGTON—Families of imprisoned Saudis appealed Friday for the world to speak up as the kingdom hosts the Group of 20 summit, saying that challenging the kingdom’s international reputation was crucial to winning their freedom. As leaders of the world’s largest economies prepared for talks Saturday that have gone virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, activists staged a “countersummit” in hopes of throwing a spotlight on the ultra-conservative kingdom’s human rights record. PEN America, the literary group that defends free expression, called the online forum amid continued outrage over the 2018 murder of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi, who was strangled and dismembered inside Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate. “All of our relatives are in danger. They are facing the threat of what Jamal Khashoggi has seen on a daily basis,” said Areej al-Sadhan, who says her brother, Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, was picked by up Saudi secret police in March 2018. “Your voices are going to help keep them safe,” she said. Abdulrahman al-Sadhan was seized in the Riyadh office of the Red Crescent humanitarian group, where he worked, after he voiced opinions on human rights and social justice on an anonymous Twitter account, according to the family. Areej al-Sadhan, who lives in California, says she has faced shadowy threats since speaking about her brother, including a warning she was going to be “thrown into the sewer system.” One of the most prominent Saudis in custody is 31-year-old Loujain al-Hathloul, a key figure in the campaign to allow Saudi women to drive who was arrested in May 2018 weeks before the kingdom lifted its ban on female drivers.AFP

‘Eternal’chancellor Merkel marks 15 years in power BERLIN—In power so long she has been dubbed Germany’s “eternal chancellor”, Angela Merkel marks 15 years at the helm of Europe’s top economic power Sunday with her popularity and public trust scaling new heights as her remaining time in office ticks down. With the coronavirus raging around the world, the pandemic has played to her strengths as a crisis manager with a head for science-based solutions. Merkel, 66, has said she will step down as chancellor when her current mandate runs out in 2021, and leave politics altogether. Assuming she finishes out her fourth term, she will tie Helmut Kohl’s longevity record for a post-war leader, with an entire generation of young Germans never knowing another person at the top. Once unthinkable calls for her to stand for yet another mandate can now be heard, however, spurred by her steady handling of the Covid-19 outbreak in Germany, where infection levels and deaths have remained lower than those of most European partners. The vast majority of Germans say they put great stock in her “hammer and dance” strategy of tighter and looser restrictions based on infection levels, which she this month called “among the most difficult decisions of my time in office”. AFP

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Business

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

BRIA Homes expands product lines to provide homes to more Filipinos

Painting saves a father’s life amid pandemic

Bulacan-based painter Christian Gonzales

HRISTIAN Gonzales, a 32-year-old quality consultant in a software company, rediscovered his passion for the arts amid the pandemic. With spare time created by the homefrom-work setup, he started painting in August and quickly found a buyer for his first work about Chinese folk heroine ‘Mulan’ with the help of Instagram and an online gallery.

“To be honest, I just finished my first painting on Aug. 22 this year. I am just lucky enough that after two hours of sending it out to the gallery, the gallery was able to sell it. It was overwhelming for me. At the same time, it gave me an idea on how to set the value of my subsequent paintings,” says Gonzales, who now prices his 36x26 paintings at P25,000 apiece. Not long after, he sold more than 20 pieces and raised enough money for the brain surgery of his father who suffered from aneurysm. “My parents did not want me to take arts-related courses in college on the belief that there was no money in arts. I also used to believe that. But now that I started painting, would you believe that because of my paintings and the money raised from the sale of those paintings, we were able to save the life of my father,” he says. “If I had fully depended on my corporate job, I would not be able to sustain his medical needs. But because of the savings from my artworks, I was able to pay all his medical bills and medication, and now he is at home recovering,” he says. Gonzales, who lives in Baliuag, Bulacan and a member of art group Guhit Pinas, grew up loving arts, particularly music and painting. He had to set aside his passion to pursue a career in information technology and worked in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It was during the pandemic when his company allowed them to work from home that he found time to paint again. He believes that despite the health crisis, there is still a strong demand for artworks. “More people are looking for something that will inspire or give them joy, and painting is an artwork that gives joy. The demand for paintings has not been affected so much and the artists within our circle continue to depend on the art industry for their livelihood,” he says.

Gonzales says that because of the pandemic, he himself had time to reflect on what he really wanted to do. “I am thankful that I have a corporate job, but my very core is still looking for one thing that I think I’m missing. I’m glad that I have rediscovered it—my burning passion to paint. Now, I feel that my purpose is to produce more artworks and touch the lives of more people who appreciate them,” he says. He combined his innate talent and digital marketing skills to produce and sell his paintings—mostly in abstract expressionism style with bright and lively colors that depict stunning landscapes or interesting characters. “You just have to pay attention to how your market your paintings. Of course, it is important that the painting is good and you used high-quality color palette, canvas and materials. But you really have to focus on marketing strategy. If you manage it well, your career will soar up high,”

he says. “What I do is I use Instagram ads to draw traffic to my page. You can define your budget per day and Instagram will reach the audience you target. It is the number one way of advertising my artworks. So far, it is doing well. All my clients have seen my works on Instagram. That has been very effective. One thing I can advise aspiring artists is that if they really want their paintings to reach a bigger audience, please invest in marketing and advertisement such as on Facebook and Instagram,” he says. “I have a Facebook account. I have an Instagram account. You can search for my art page called GonzArt Studio. I also plan to build my own website,” he says. Gonzales uses acrylic paint because of its fast-drying properties. “I love working on so many layers of paint. With acrylic paint, you can even use blower for faster drying and then you can have another layer of color. If it dries faster, I am able to quickly visualize the direction of the composition,” he says. He encourages millennials and aspiring artists who are passionate about painting to try it as a career. “Just paint. At the start, don’t think about whether you can sell it or not. Focus on enhancing your skills and study your techniques,” says Gonzales. “Do it because you love it regardless if you can sell the art or not. Do it because you are happy. Money is just the bonus. What is important is that you are doing what you love and you improve your techniques. If they all come together, definitely you will achieve what you want one day,” he says. Gonzales plans to hold his first solo exhibit next year or when the situation allows face-to-face interaction again. “Since August, I have been doing research on how to hold my own show or exhibit. I study about different themes. My target is that by next year, I can have my own show. I want my exhibit to be limitless. I think I should prepare at least 25 paintings which I can show to art patrons and showcase what more I can give them. That’s my number one goal for next year--to conduct my own exhibit,” he says. Grateful that the art community has patronized his artworks, Gonzales says he is donating the proceeds from three of his paintings for the benefit of typhoon victims. “I think my talent in drawing is not just for me, but is meant to be shared with other people. I call it the ‘Heart of Art’. I have three paintings that are posted on my page. It is for a cause. I am trying to reach out to people who would be interested to buy or support my artworks and at the same time help the typhoon victims,” he says. Roderick T. dela Cruz

THE concept of home has always been close to the heart. Filipinos relate homes to happy days spent with family, to times when they realize greatest hopes and dreams, and to moments when they feel most comfortable and secure. It is at home when Filipinos feel most vulnerable, but also most loved. This is why for a lot of Filipinos, having their own home is the ultimate achievement—the best reward for all their hard work. Today, as Filipino families adapt to unprecedented changes brought about by the pandemic, the home has assumed an even more vital role in everyday lives. It is no longer just a place of refuge; it has become an environment for learning and for work or business. More than ever, there is a need for well-designed homes with ample spaces, situated in safe and secure communities. BRIA Homes, a leading real estate developer in the Philippines, recognizes this need, consistent with its promise of providing affordable house and lots to all Filipinos. BRIA Homes has, in fact, expanded its portfolio of housing developments to accommodate more Filipinos as they continue to look for dwellings that best suit their needs in these difficult times.

BRIA is set to launch BRIA Executive—exclusive enclaves located next to existing BRIA communities.

Proptech platform brings convenience to real estate market WHEN Ohmyhome, Singapore’s market leader in property solutions platforms expanded into the Philippines in September, it saw that the demand for residential properties had remained strong amid the pandemic. This means that despite the global health crisis randomly affecting the real estate market, there is still a significant interest in residential properties. Before the pandemic, Filipino property seekers looked for good design, strategic location and modern facilities in prospective homes. Now, with quarantine constraints still in place, the priority is for stable and secure bases for learning and working from home. Race Wong, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Ohmyhome, explains the shift in buyer preferences: “While property seekers are still looking at houses located near commercial or urbanized districts, there is an increase in prospective homeowners looking at properties outside Metro Manila, due to the changes and increased flexibility in work and study arrangements,” she says. Race also observed that clients considering high-rise living are leaning more towards integrated condominium developments that provide access to key locations such as supermarkets and banks. They also perceive condo residences as safer in the event of destructive typhoons and other weather disturbances that often cause disruption in activities due to resulting floods and power outages. Prospective homeowners can now utilize the Ohmyhome platform to find the exact living space to suit their needs. “Our key focus has always been to provide a reliable and simple-to-use platform for our customers who want to be able to confidently transact housing-related services,” says Rhonda Wong, Ohmyhome chief executive and co-founder. “We work directly with developers but our interest lies in serving our buyers, to ensure that their rights are protected and that they get what they are paying for.”

Coca-Cola PH provides training to small retailers COCA-COLA Philippines has introduced the Safe Store Education campaign that provides small retailers access to online training and education on how to operate a retail business safely in a new business environment. Launched in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, the campaign supports the safe reopening of thousands of sari-sari stores across the country. Coca-Cola has been hands-on in helping micro, small and medium enterprises weather the crisis from day 1 until now by following through on the initial roll-out of its Rebuilding Sari-Sari Stores Through Access to Resources and Trade program. The Safe Store Education campaign complements the existing Safe Store Movement and the Retailer’s Rebuild component—the former, promoting safe stores operations under the new normal through a massive information drive; and the latter, a P157-million bridge loan support fund targeted for sari-sari stores and carinderias, with eligible beneficiaries receiving a 10,000 peso loan package. Safe Store Education aims to translate the government-issued safety guidelines and proto-

cols into a more simple practical and easily understandable guide for micro-retailers to adapt. “I believe the Safe Store Education component brings to life three values of Filipinos: malasakit —a deep concern to not leave anyone behind; kalinga—to care for others in need; and bayanihan—the ability to come together and pool resources for the common good,” said CocaCola public affairs and communications director Jonah De Lumen-Pernia. She said that all efforts of the beverage firm and the agencies that continuously support Coca-Cola assure a safe restart for every Filipino business people and for the country. Providing a picture of the difficult situation facing MSMEs, TESDA Deputy Director General Aniceto Bertiz III noted that “in the wake of the pandemic, many micro, small and medium enterprises have struggled to properly navigate the ongoing crisis.” “Since these stores serve many households in the area, they too are obligated to make their store operations safe for their own families, customers and employees,” he said. Towards this end, the partners have come together to “help our micro-retailers face their greater challenge,” said Jose Ma. Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder.

One such BRIA project is the soon-tolaunch vertical villages, a cluster of midrise residential condominiums for young aspirational Filipinos and small families who wish to embark on a bright future early on. Dubbed the future of condo living, these vertical villages offer amenities formerly unheard of in economical vertical spaces such as a communal clubhouse with function halls, swimming pools and spacious play areas, and complete gym facilities. Prospective homebuyers will also be delighted to know that the leading housing developer will also launch BRIA Cityville, a series of smaller pocket developments in Montalban, Rizal and Danao, Cebu. BRIA Cityville is the perfect community for Filipino professionals looking for houses and lots for sale outside the bustling metropolis but located near enough with key establishments just a short drive or commute away. For Filipinos who need bigger spaces and provisions for expansion, BRIA is also set to launch BRIA Executive—exclusive enclaves located next to existing BRIA communities in Cagayan de Oro; Maco, Davao de Oro; Pililla, Rizal; and Naga, Camarines Sur.

From left: Gretchen Ho, Jonah de Lumen-Pernia of Coca-Cola, (bottom row) Jeannie Javelosa of Great Women, Katrina Chan of QBO Innovation Hub and Cherrie Atilano of AGREA.

Filipina business leaders win prestigious UN award for gender equality FOUR Filipino companies have received the Women Empowerment Principles Award for their exemplary practices that promote gender equality in business and the workplace and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. They qualify to compete at the regional UN Women WEPs Awards in the Asia-Pacific in December after bagging top national gender equality trophies. GREAT Women, a project that supports local women entrepreneurs, won the Leadership Commitment and Gender-responsive Marketplace Awards, while Coca-Cola earned the Gender-inclusive Workplace and Community and Industry Engagement Awards. Of the remaining two categories, Filipino startup incubator QBO Innovation Hub topped the Youth Leadership Award, while

social farming enterprise AGREA won the COVID-19 Action Award. Vice President Leni Robredo emphasized the important role of these recognized business leaders in the economic empowerment of women in her keynote speech. “As leaders in the private sector, you are well-positioned to help Filipinas take this step. Beyond plugging gaps and addressing specific needs, you can help steer and complement public policy towards equality and greater empowerment. You can show your fellow leaders, both in the private and public sectors, that indeed equality means business. That more than simply being the right thing to do, empowerment pays off—people live better; workforces become more productive, the bottom line for all is raised,” she said. Investing in women is what Coca-Cola

has been doing according to Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, the company’s director for public affairs and sustainability. “Aside from doing it internally, we saw an opportunity to do it in our value chain,” she said, attributing their win to the company’s business training sessions that helped build the confidence of women sari-sari store owners. Thomas Wiersing, Chargé d’affaires of the Delegation of European Union to the Philippines, reiterated in his opening remarks that the private sector is part of the solution and can make a difference in bridging the gender gaps. This was echoed by the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo González, who said that “This evening’s winners revealed to us that businesses and enterprises, no matter their size and sector, are capable partners for action.”

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

How to recreate ‘60s fashion looks from ‘The Queen’s Gambit’

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER.

Environmental scientist Janice LaoNoche and her 6th grader daughter Esther write a book that aims to educate children and their parents and educators about climate change.

SHE’S wowed us with her chess skills, but aside from Beth Harmon’s (played by Anya Taylor-Joy) fascinating story of climbing up into the big leagues, her sartorial choices that pay homage to ‘60s fashion are something we also want to cop. Here’s how to recreate some of the looks seen on Netflix original miniseries The Queen’s Gambit.

Climate change in the eyes of young whales By Steph Llarena

ANY believe that so long as they’re safe and sound and comfortable in their homes, climate change doesn’t really affect them. A survey in the United States shows only one in 10 people worries that global warming will have an impact on their lives, believing it only affects polar bears and plants. But a California-based Filipino climate specialist and her 10-year-old daughter want to change that, imploring us to look at the worsening impacts of climate change through the eyes of two kid whales who are losing their homes. Janiace Lao-Noche, together with 6th grader Esther, wrote Sparky and Benny’s Big Home Mystery. According to the mother-daughter author tandem, the book is a personal story for children, parents, and educators to understand what climate change is all about, and why it is personal to all of us. The book, published by US-based Wise Ink, aims to provide children a template

means telling them the truth but also showing them what is possible. The book ends with hope, that if we take action today and do it together, we can solve the greatest threat we face as humanity—climate change,” said Lao. After reading the book, Dr. Elondra Napper, a science educator in the United States, said, “A powerful, practically written book that will change the way you think about climate change.” Meanwhile, She Talks Asia (Philippines) chief executive Lynn Pinugu shared, “Equally informative and heartwarming... may this moving story compel every reader to do their part.” Janice is a multi-awarded sustainability expert, having won international acclaim for her work in sustainability, including co-developing a mathematical and economic model for reducing carbon emissions in the international aviation sector. Esther, meanwhile, is a student athlete 'Sparky and Benny's Big Home Mystery' and a young coder, who wants to be a mafollows the story of two young whales that rine veterinarian when she grows up. are losing their home. In partnership with Save Philipon how they can help make a real differ- pines Seas, Janice and Esther on Nov. 29, 9:00 a.m. (Nov. 28, 8:00 p.m. EST) ence to address climate change. “This book is our love letter to na- are holding Sparky and Benny Book ture and to the world, because real love Launch Party.

Photos courtesy of The Queen’s Gambit/Netflix

EXHIBITS

Watercolor in focus

Gallery Genesis owner Chichi Salas (center) and daughter Patrice (right) with SM SVP for Marketing Millie Dizon during the Kulay sa Tubig launch at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall.

THE beauty and versatility of watercolor as a medium was highlighted at a competition and exhibition held recently at SM Megamall Fashion Hall. A joint project of Gallery Genesis and SM Megamall, this year’s Kulay Sa Tubig Invitational Competition and Exhibition invited only the most highly talented and skilled watercolorists to participate with a mandatory pre-screening requirement. Over 100 artists competed for the Hall of Fame and Top Five Watercolorists awards. Winners each received a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize. Virgilio Pomida, Jr. won the Hall of Fame award with his masterpiece The Morning After. As in the previous years, artists who are qualified for the Hall of Fame are only those who have won at least three times throughout the years. Meanwhile, Carlo Caacbay (Utopia,

We Dream as One), Jarsen Lacson Top Five Watercolorists. Judges for this year’s competition (Spidermen), Julian Eymard Paquiligan (Sweet Predictions), Ronnie Pas- included Metropolitan Museum Manila president Tina Colayco, NCCA former chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr., SM SVP for marketing communications group Millie Dizon, Ayala Museum’s senior curator Kenneth Esguerra, Vargas Museum’s senior curator Patrick Flores, art critic and art writer Cid Reyes, and Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. president Armita Rufino. Gallery Genesis established the Kulay Sa Tubig Invitational Watercolor Competition and Exhibition in 1983. At that time, the gallery Virgilio Pomida, Jr.'s Hall of Fame 2020 winning felt that watercolors were underentry 'The Morning After.' appreciated as a medium of visual arts, when in fact, it requires the cua (Force), and Richard Romeo (A artist more discipline and precision National Treasure) were named the than any other medium.

HEY, YOUTH!

‘A National Treasure’ by Richard Romeo

'Force' by Ronnel Pascua

SHARE your unpublished essays with the readers of Manila Send your essay (maximum of 800 words) with photo/s, Standard. Chosen essays will be published in the Young Life if available, to manilastandardlife@gmail.com with the corner that comes out every Sunday. subject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old. brief description of yourself.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

Ayala Land

faces bane of pandemic: too much plastics

HE COVID-19 pandemic has waged a war not only on human health but also against the environment.

As people need to protect themselves from the virus, the world is seeing an estimated global use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves every month, according to a study published by the American Chemical Society. Long after the pandemic is over, personal protective equipment, alongside tons of packaging, plastics, and other scraps that have accumulated over the years could remain in the world’s oceans. In a 2020 study by Washington, D.C.-based The Pew Charitable Trusts and London-based SYSTEMIQ, it was estimated that plastic dumped into the ocean will reach 29 million metric tons by 2040, triple the 11 million metric tons seen in 2016. TURNING PLASTICS INTO ECO PRODUCTS Government and corporations alike have actively tried to address the problem of plastics and ocean waste. At Ayala Land, one solution involves recycling plastics into eco products. The property developer recently partnered with Green Antz Builders, a provider of environment friendly products used for the construction industry. The partnership focuses on shredding clean and dry plastic discards and mixing them with sand,

cement, gravel, water and an additive. From there, Green Antz produces eco bricks, eco pavers, and eco casts, among others. Ayala Land’s pilot waste recycling facility, developed with Green Antz, is currently located in its 74-hectare mixed use estate in Taguig called Arca South. A second facility was opened in the company’s Lio ecotourism estate in El Nido, Palawan in the fourth quarter of 2019. Plastic waste from across the

company’s pilot properties and estates are brought to these facilities to be converted into eco products. ECO PAVERS AT THE MAKATI CBD Advocating the concept of a circular economy wherein waste generated are converted to usable resources, the company then buys these eco products to be used for construction activities in its properties. Eco pavers are currently being used for the sidewalk

improvement project at the Makati Central Business District. Since their partnership, Ayala Land and Green Antz have diverted 55,000 kilos of plastic equivalent to waste generated by 220,000 people in a day. They have also produced 173,000 pieces of eco products, enough to build 50 classrooms covering 60 square meters each. “Plastics that would have otherwise ended up in the ocean will now become

useful construction materials,” said Anna Maria Gonzales, Ayala Land sustainability manager. During the pandemic, Ayala Land stepped up its efforts to spread awareness on how people can keep plastics from the landfill. People have started to segregate, clean and dry plastic waste generated from their homes, such as food containers, bubble wrappers, PET bottles, and plastic sachets, among others. These materials are being brought to dropoff points in Vertis North (QC), Salcedo Saturday Market (Makati) and Sunshine Mall (Taguig), which are then delivered to the Arca South recycling facility. SEGREGATION IS THE KEY People can support Ayala Land’s zero-waste-to-landfill initiative by promoting segregation and the plastic drop-off venues to their families and friends. They can also buy the eco products such as eco bricks, which can be used as pavers for home gardens, or even for new walls for house renovations. Educating the public on the importance of recycling plastics and other waste is crucial in the time of the pandemic, especially since studies indicate that 2020 is already on track to see 30% more waste than 2019.

INNOVATIONS AT PHILCONSTRUCT 2020.Solarcleano, one of the pioneers in semi-automatic and fully autonomous robots for solar panel and glass canopy cleaning, displayed its cutting edge technology at the recent Construction & Building Technologies Business Mission which featured various innovators in Philconstruct2020. Solarcleano robots (Shown here) are fully modular and can be assembled in a matter of minutes. Over 50 European companies participated in the virtual business mission and showcased sustainable and low-carbon materials, automation systems, building materials, quality control solutions, smart & green building, finished products, building equipment and more. Philconstruct, is one of the biggest construction tradeshows in Southeast Asia.

LIGHT SHINES IN BATAAN COMMUNITY. A socialized housing project in Mariveles, Bataan is expected to benefit a total of 549 families during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the local government of the Bataan town recently formalized a deal that will allow low-income families in the municipality to own the land they currently occupy, or would like to relocate to. The agreement was signed by SHFC President Atty. Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling and Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda (Shown in photo). To date, the agency has partnered with more than 100 local government units, including more than 20 this year.

‘MI CASA ES SU CASA’. Anew way of life, influenced Federal Land’s Mi Casa, a Hawaiian-inspired residential development, is set to rise within the Metro Park township in the Bay Area. Close to the sea, each of Mi Casa’s units will treat residents to the view of Manila Bay. The one, two, and three-bedroom units are anywhere between 45.5 to 137.5 sqm in size.“Mi Casa is tailored to give homeowners their very own rest house in the metro without sacrificing their cosmopolitan business lifestyle,” said Federal Land, Inc. project development group head Cherie Fernandez. “It can also give them a home they can retire in without necessarily giving up the advantages of living in the city.”

FILINVEST CITY BATS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOWNSHIPS Filinvest City in Alabang earmarked more than 30 percent of its 244-hectare land development for open spaces, where people could make the most out of nature. As a result, the central business district was recently awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) certification. LEED is run by the U.S. Green Building Council, which recognizes designs that are environmentally responsible from construction to maintenance.“The LEED certification is proof that we are on the right track in building a sustainable and future-ready CBD that is different from the cities everyone is accustomed to in the city, “ said Filinvest Alabang Inc. president and chief operating officer Catherine Ilagan.Even before the pandemic struck, Filinvest City’s urban planning featured walkable streets and open spaces. Thus, the citizens here had a foretaste of the new normal which has widely contributed to lessening the pandemic’s impact. The neighborhood allows ease of movement and encourages walking, jogging, and cycling along its dedicated bike lanes, while maintaining social distancing.

TILE ADHESIVE TO GET THE JOB DONE. Leading tile-maker Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc., recently unveiled Tile Adhesive Heavy Duty, formulated for big-sized, non-absorptive, and wall tile applications.“We introduced this product to cater to bigger tiles, which post common problems caused by wrong adhesive use, and way of installation,” explained Mariwasa president and SCG country director, Jakkrit Suwansilp. Many local residential owners and contractors choose to use sand-cement mortar to bond tiles during tile applications. This leads to several setbacks that make it questionable in terms of cost-worthiness. With the new Mariwasa Tile Adhesive Regular and Heavy Duty, the adhesive’s thick consistency, which is indicative of its bonding strength, is suitable for wall application with its slip resistant property, assuring that the tiles stay glued to their base for decades. The product also prevents tile cracks and breakage, and saves money for repairs in the future. To learn more, visit mariwasa.com.

Entertainment By Nickie Wang

ROM playing the iconic Santino who has a unique relationship with “Bro” in May Bukas Pa (2009), Zaijian Jaranilla is tackling another interesting character in Star Cinema’s new coming-of-age comedy film Boyette.

Directed by Jumbo Albano, the film follows the story of Boyette (Zaijian), a 17-year-old asthmatic gay boy who was forced to pretend as a straight guy in order to join the prestige dance club where his childhood crush, Charles, is star dancer. Problem arises when he was likened by Nancy, the girl that Charles likes. For Zaijian, who turned 19 two months ago, the film is not just another gay-themed story. “In my point of view, it’s a story of teen gay who just wanted to be free. He’s afraid that society, the people around him will accept his true identity but the movie shows that although he’s

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Nickie Wang, Editor; E-mail: nickie.standard@ gmail.com

Your boy Santino is now gay Boyette physically weak, he’s very strong in many other aspects,” the young actor told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview. “It’s a very personal story because it was inspired by my childhood and my won story. I couldn’t think of anyone who is better to play the role except for Zaijian,” shared the director. Playing the characters of Charles and Nancy are Inigo Pascual and Maris Racal, respectively. Known by their fans as ‘MarNigo,’ Boyette marks the first Star Cinema project of Inigo and Maris together.

Zaijian with ‘Boyette’ co-stars Maris Racal and Inigo Pascual.

Boyette also marks the directorial debut of Direk Jumbo who has been with Star Cinema as part of the creative team. He wrote some of the Vice Ganda-led blockbuster movies such as Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad in 2017, Fantastica in 2018, and The Mall The Merrier in 2019. Distributed by Cinexpress, the film will be out starting Nov. 27 on KTX.ph, iWant TFC app and website, TFC IPTV, Cignal pay-perview, and Sky Cable pay-per-view for P150.00 only. Using the iWant TFC app, which is downloadable from Google Play and App Store, or using the main website iwanttfc.com, you may register or log-in through e-mail, mobile no. or Facebook account. Search for the movie title and click ‘purchase’ to get a ticket.

A cager prince’s path to stardom By Paolo Manuel C. Fule THE road to success may be a steep uphill climb but with patience, faith, and resiliency, all things will come in perfect time. This holds true for the talented Prince Rahim Babar who juggles between his studies, business, basketball hobby, and modeling all at the same time. Born on Oct. 24, 1996 in Manila to Sohail Babar and Jenelyn Babar, the 5-foot-10 head-turner played as point guard for LPU Coecsa MBT and LPU EE MBT in LPU Cavite. Apart from being a basketball player, he is also into modeling and acting. A product of Star Magic workshop, he was cast as one of the moon chasers in ABS-CBN’s La Luna Sangre. His idol in the NBA is triple double machine Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I like him because he never gives up, and he is always going hard on and off

the court,” says Rahim of his idol. Asked about how he was able to balance sports and studies, he emphasized setting your priorities and time management. “It’s really hard to focus on studies when your heart is into playing basketball. You just have to know what your passion or priority is and create a schedule for your day-today activities so you can fully enjoy the sport that makes you happy,” he shares. “I really don’t remember my careerhigh because I played a lot of games but I think what’s worth sharing is the first time I played basketball. I scored 40 plus points in a single game and was awarded mythical five of that tournament. It was Villaggio Ignatius League,” he adds. Rahim’s favorite shot is pull-up jumper and penetration explaining that he is a one-on-one player so he loves going to the rim all the way,” Rahim says. The promising cager guested in 2017 in PTV 4’s morning show Bagong Pilipinas and had since modeling for various brands. He also joined Mr. Grand Philippines in 2018.

Prince Rahim Babar, 24, is a basketball player, an entrepreneur, and a budding actor.

MOVIE STAR. Make way for Zaijian Jaranilla as he topbills Star Cinema’s new coming- of-age comedy film ‘Boyette.’

Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa join forces for shamelessly, campy rock video ARTIST and trailblazer Miley Cyrus teamed up with global pop superstar Dua Lipa for “Prisoner,” the highly anticipated second single from Miley’s seventh studio album, Plastic Hearts, out Nov. 27 via RCA Records. The dynamic duo joins forces for a shamelessly, campy rock video directed by Alana Oherlihy and Miley. In a true testament to girl power, these three women celebrate music in a way we have all been missing, inviting fans to join them in a 2020 “Runaways” style reunion. Last week, Miley revealed the tracklist for Plastic Hearts, which also included collaborations with Billy Idol and Joan Jett. Earlier this month, on the other hand, Miley unveiled “Edge of Midnight

(Midnight Sky Remix)” feat. Stevie Nicks to rave reviews. Pre-order Plastic Hearts and receive five instant grat tracks, including “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)” feat. Stevie Nicks, “Prisoner” ft. Dua Lipa, Miley’s summer hit, “Midnight Sky,” and her critically acclaimed live covers of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” which are being referred to as the dawn of Miley Cyrus’ best era, with her voice being hailed as perfectly suited for Rock & Roll. These raw and raucous renditions of classic hits that Miley has made her own are a taste of what is to come with her seventh studio album, Plastic Hearts, which includes 12 original songs.

Miley Cyrus and Dua Lipa have released their long-awaited collaborative single, ‘Prisoner.’

Jeremiah gives all the feels in his debut single The Clash season 2 grand champion Jeremiah Tiangco marks a new milestone in his music career as he releases his debut single “Titulo” under GMA Music. The song, which tells the story of a “no label” relationship, is composed by veteran and renowned singercomposers Vehnee Saturno, Ebe Dancel, Jungee Marcelo, and Top Suzara from the Filscap Master Camp. Jeremiah expressed his gratitude for this latest feat, “I’ve been praying for this opportunity to be part of GMA Music. I am beyond blessed despite the pandemic. I have the opportunity to share my Godgiven talent in my simple way. I can share happiness through my music.” The All-Out Sundays mainstay also shared that “Titulo” is a relatable track for those in a situation of being more than friends, but less than lovers. “This song will remind you of someone who was once special in your life. We meet a lot of people who would make us happy just for a short period of time but they leave a huge impact on our lives. They leave us with memories and lessons that will stay with us forever,” he said.

“Titulo” is now available for YouTube Music, and other digital streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, stores worldwide.

Singer Jeremiah Tiangco who earned the title “The Clash season grand champion’ drops his debut single called ‘Titulo.’

HERE are cats who develop diabetes at about eight years old or above. It is prevalent in obese, male cats and whose diet consists of a lot of carbohydrates.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Desiree Carlos, Editor

Pets

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Diabetes in cats

Prognosis

Garfield is rather on the heavy side. When he became lethargic, we decided to have him tested for diabetes. He was borderline diabetic. We changed his diet and his next test showed normal blood glucose levels.

Later signs of diabetes A combination of the symptoms below requires immediate medical intervention. The cat’s condition may be crittreated for long,” Cat Hospital of Tucical and intensive care will be needed. son said. 3. Inability to Jump & Loss of Interest 5. Lack of Appetite, Vomiting, Lethargy If your cat can not jump on the furniNausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and ture as he used to, he may be sick. Please keep track of your pet’s activities. If he lethargy are other symptoms of diabetes. Please bring your cat to the vet as can no longer do some activities which he used to do, please have him/her soon as you see two or more signs described above. checked by the vet. 4. Change in Gait Diabetes weakens cats. They may walk flat on the back of the hind legs. “Following the elevated blood sugar level, neuropathy affects the nerves in the hind legs, and the condition may result in permanent paralysis if left un-

Dietary Management

Treatment

Once your cat is diagnosed with diabetes, the vet will explain the recommended treatment. In “Feline Diabetes,” Cornell Feline Health Center said the goals of treatment are:

Allow them to roam freely. Rescued kitten Mia loves to play in the garage.

· to restore normal blood glucose concentration (glycemic control) · to minimize or eliminate signs of weight loss · to minimize or eliminate signs of increased thirst and urination · to normalize the appetite · to avoid inducing inappropriately low blood glucose levels with therapy

Insulin Therapy

Diabetic cats are most often treated with injectable insulin. “Oral drugs for humans (hypoglycemic medications) such as glipizide rarely work in controlling diabetes in cats. Insulin injection (see Figure

Finding lost pets A NUMBER of dogs with backyard breeders. PET TALES collar or harness or clean 8.Never put the name of BY DESIREE CARLOS and healthy-looking were the dog or cat in the poster. found after the storm. If your dog or cat is avoidA number of owners also posted their pets ing humans to protect himself or herself, the pet as missing. will be confused if a stranger will call him or Here are some tips from animal welfare her by his/her name. group Save Animals of Love and Light (Save 9. Post as many posters you can on electrical ALL Inc.) on what to do when your pet gets lost: poles, trees (use tape only and not a stapler) and 1. Look at your CCTV monitor. You might find sari-sari stores. a clue as to what happened to your dog. If you 10. Never lose hope. Go to all areas where know which direction to go, you might be able to your dog or cat was reported to have been seen catch up with your dog. If your dog was stolen, or spotted. and you can no longer keep up with the culprit, When Richie, a rescued dog left an adopter’s you can go directly to the police to report the inci- house, we went to the spots where he was redent. They can help you find your dog. ported to have been seen but with caution. Be 2. Go around the neighborhood immedi- careful who you will trust. ately and ask your neighbors, the guards and Make sure you are accompanied by two or the tricycle drivers if they have seen your three members of the family who are strong and dog by showing a photo of your dog from alert to avoid any untoward incident. your phone’s camera. Stake out a reported site. If the place is dark 3. Look for CCTV cameras in the neighbor- or you feel unsafe, follow your instinct. Be hood and ask your neighbors to check if your careful and keep to a safe distance until you dog was captured on camera, if someone has spot the dog or cat. taken the dog or assisted the dog, and the direc11. Ask permission to post in bulletin tion where the dog went at the time indicated in boards of clinics and pet shops, and post in difthe camera. This will give you an idea on how ferent pages of animal welfare groups and dog far your dog may have gone and where to look or cat lovers groups on Facebook and other sofurther. cial media platforms. 4. Go to the barangay if they have a pound. To avoid losing your pet: Find out if your dog was captured. And report 1. Always accompany your dog when going your dog or dog to be missing. Leave your con- out of the house. Put a collar or harness and tact number. They may get information on your keep him or her on a leash. pet’s whereabouts later. 2. Always keep the gate or main door closed. 5. Go to the city or municipal pound. Your Make sure there is no opening or “hole” in the fence dog may have been transferred by the barangay that is big enough for a dog or a cat to get through. pound there. 3. Put your dog in a collapsible cage or carrier Leave a copy of the flyer or poster about when you are opening the gate to bring your your dog with photo, contact number, and re- car out. ward. Their catchers might find your dog or cat 4. Keep your dog indoor when you have to and can later (hopefully) contact you. open the gate to bring the car out or you plan to 6. Make a missing dog or cat poster. Indicate have a get-together in the garage. the following: 5. Never allow your dog to go out of the house -photo of the dog or cat to poop and urinate. You should accompany -a reward your dog. Again, put on a harness and leash on -name of contact person your dog. - contact number of the contact person 6. For small dogs, keep a litter box inside the 7.Make sure the reward in peso will be no- house for a dog to urinate and poop in. ticed by persons who may pass by the missing In photos are pets who have been reported pet poster. as missing or were found on the streets. If you The reward should be close to the value of have seen any of the pets, please contact the the dog if the dog has a breed. Unfortunately, reporter (for found pets) or owner (for lost some people do sell dogs and cats with breed to pets) immediately.

1) can be taught to most owners and, with a bit of experience, both owners and cats usually adapt to these injections very well. There are a variety of insulin preparations available, and each works for a different duration and has different effects on the ups and downs of blood glucose. Ideally, your veterinarian will perform a 12-24 hour glucose curve, during which insulin is administered intermittently and blood glucose is measured to establish the type of insulin and dosing frequency that best controls blood glucose while avoiding inappropriately low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia),” Cornell Feline Health Center said.

There is no cure for feline diabetes. However, the symptoms can be managed “with appropriate education and support of owners,” said Cornell Feline Health Center. If the diabetes is managed well, cats will live for many years and enjoy “quality” life. “Some cats may lose their need for insulin treatments (termed “remission”), but even in these cases it is recommended that owners continue to monitor for the recurrence of clinical signs of diabetes and keep the cat on a low carbohydrate diet, “ said Cornell Feline Healh Center. DC To avoid diabetes, here are some suggestions: 1. lessen carbohydrates in their food; 2. make sure they get some exercise like walking, running and playing by letting them out of their cage if they are caged; 3. keep to the recommended number of meals per day which is usually twice a day; and 4. limit treats.