VOL. XXXIV • NO. 334 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
READY FOR LOVE DAY. A woman prepares bouquets of flowers at the Tagaytay Flower Market in Tagaytay City, Cavite on Saturday, just eight days before Valentine’s Day. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, vendors expect Filipinos to come in droves for floral gifts to offer their loved ones. JR Josue
UK variant cases rise to 25
Eight more virus infections traced; Customs says no fake vaccines in PH By Willie Casas
F
OLLOWING the sustained biosurveillance efforts of the government, the Department of Health, the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) and the UP-National Institutes of Health have confirmed the detection of eight additional COVID-19 cases positive for the B.1.1.7 or United Kingdom variant. This brings the total B.1.1.7 variant cases in the country to 25. The DOH, UPPGC, and UP-NIH further reported that no other variant of concern had been detected, the DOH said in its latest update report on the UK variant posted Friday night. Three of the eight additional cases are from Bontoc, Mountain Province. Of the three cases, two females aged 25 and 54 were identified as close contacts of a pre-
viously reported B.1.1.7 variant case who is part of the Bontoc cluster. The third case is a 31-year-old male whose link to the Bontoc cluster is still being verified. To date, the 54-year-old female has recovered, while the remaining two are active cases and are currently being managed. Meanwhile, two additional cases are from La Trinidad, Benguet. One of the two cases is a 15-year-old female and
relative of the previously identified B.1.1.7 variant case in La Trinidad. She is currently asymptomatic and in isolation as part of the management of contacts of the first B.1.1.7 variant case identified in La Trinidad. The other case is an 84-year-old male who had no known history of travel nor contact with any B.1.1.7 variant case and is part of a separate cluster of cases in the city. The said case was recorded to have died last January 24, 2021. Moreover, two of the additional B.1.1.7 variant cases are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROF). The first is a 29-year-old female who arrived from UAE on January 7, 2021 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 659. The second is a 54-year-old male with a reported local address in Talisay, Cebu. Both cases of ROF have since recovered. No seizures Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs said there were no unauthorized COVID-19
vaccines so far in the Philippines despite reports of alleged illegal vaccination in the country. Customs Spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla said the agency had intensified screening the national borders for the entry of smuggled coronavirus vaccine jabs, with the seaports and airports on “red alert.” “There are] no seizures yet of any illicit or unauthorized vaccines . . . We have beefed up capability to screen imports for the fake vaccines, but they will in no way hamper the arrival of the legit vaccine,” Maronilla told ANC in an interview. Under the Food and Drug Administration law, the importation, sale and administering of unregistered vaccines should result in a penalty of a fine or imprisonment, but health officials earlier said they did not have information yet to hold anyone accountable.
COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE
(AS OF 4 PM FEB. 6)
535,521 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES
1,941 35,946 NEW
ACTIVE
11,110
52
488,465
234
DEATHS
NEW
RECOVERIES
NEW
Napoles to sue Sandigan justices for ‘haphazard’ ruling By Maricel V. Cruz
Christopher Plummer
’Sound of Music’ star Plummer passes at 91 LOS ANGELES—Veteran Canadian actor Christopher Plummer, whose decades-long career featured an indelible star turn in “The Sound of Music” and an Oscar win late in life, died on Friday, his manager announced. He was 91. Plummer died at his home in Connecticut with his wife Elaine Taylor at his side, his longtime friend and manager Lou Pitt said. “Chris was an extraordinary man who deeply loved and respected his profession with great old fashion manners, self-deprecating humor and the music of words,” Pitt said in a statement. “He was a national treasure who deeply relished his Canadian roots. Through his art and humanity, he touched all of our hearts and his legendary life will endure for all generations to come.” AFP
THE camp of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles said Saturday it was considering filing appropriate charges against Sandiganbayan justices for what it described as “haphazard decision against (her) which used inadmissible evidence under the Cybercrime Law.” Napoles’ defense counsel led by lawyer Rony Garay said the antigraft court belatedly amended its original decision which had included Napoles in the dispositive portion in the charge for direct bribery. In a statement, Garay said the camp of Napoles would file administrative charges against the anti-graft court justices after the latter convicted Napoles of direct bribery before later on issuing an amended decision on the case, citing alleged ‘typographical errors.’ ”The original decision which they
amended had been clearly hurried and handed down haphazardly and without a sober consideration of the pending motions of Ms Napoles,” Garay said. Garay added the decision also failed to consider the motion to reopen the case filed by him, who just recently signed in as lead defense counsel. Garay had sought a reopening of the case on the grounds that the main evidence cited by the prosecution had been procured in violation of the Cybercrime Law and was inadmissible under the rules. Garay claimed that in an amended decision made by Sandiganbayan’s First Division, the name of Janet Lim Napoles was “secretly removed” in the original decision by calling it “typographical error” in a belated Resolution. “In the original wrong Decision, the anti-graft court convicted Napoles of Direct Bribery even if she is not ac-
cused of (the crime) in the Complaint filed by the State by way of Information. Under the Revised Penal Code, Direct Bribery is a crime that can be committed only by a public officer while Napoles is a private person,” Garay said. The other day, Napoles, former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula, and three others were convicted of multiple counts of graft and malversation by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam. The anti-graft court, in a 103-page decision, ruled that Napoles, Jaraula, and three others committed three counts of graft and three counts malversation charges for pocketing at least
LOVE IS IN THE AIR — LITERALLY
OWNER BEWARE: CAT FOOD NO-NOS
KRISTOFFER “Topy” Rustia and Micah Cura on Friday took their love for each other to greater heights—approximately 30,000 feet above sea level.
CATS do want some human food. But there are foods that may cause stomach problems and even illnesses in your cat.
twitter.com/ MlaStandard
YOUTH / B1 facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH
PETS / B4
S
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P19.2 million of the lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation or pork barrel. Janet Lim Napoles
ALDEN RICHARDS ON ‘CENTERSTAGE’ SAME month last year, GMA Network premiered Centerstage, an original singing competition where young powerhouse belters were gathered racing to get to the most coveted spot on the show.
ENTERTAINMENT / B3
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Binay: Terror law asks us to trust ‘tarnished’ gov’t agencies By Joel E. Zurbano
STEEL FOR SUBWAY. Coils of construction steel from Japan arrive at the Manila Harbor Center in Tondo, Manila on Saturday. They will be used for the Metro Manila Subway project, part of the Duterte government’s ‘Build Build Build’ scheme. DOTr photo
Rody ‘postpones’ Child Seat law P RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the postponement of the implementation of Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said Saturday.
In a Laging Handa briefing, Go said Duterte told him on Thursday night that it was not the proper time to enforce the law. “He is also against the implementation [of RA 11229]. He said not this time,” Go, Duterte’s former longtime aide, said. Duterte decided to suspend the implementation of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, as he acknowledged that it would be cumbersome
to Filipinos who are already suffering due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Go said. “It is not the proper time to implement this law. Our Filipinos are already suffering, and we should not add burden on their shoulders,” Go said. The full implementation of RA 11229 was supposed to take effect on February 2 but was deferred due to the current economic situation in
the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Land Transportation Office also announced Monday it would begin with the “soft enforcement” of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. The LTO said the soft enforcement of the law would focus on information and education campaigns about the law, as well as on giving warnings to violators. Go said it was important to focus on information dissemination to let the public understand the advantages of implementing RA 11229. “Now, time will come when this law needs to be implemented...Information campaign is important to inform the public about the benefits of
Agriculture will shoulder pork shipment costs THE Department of Agriculture, confronted by rising prices of meat products particularly pork, said Saturday it would shoulder expenses in shipping pork products to the National Capital Region to augment supply and eventually reduce retail cost. In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said the DA secured a commitment from hog raisers in General Santos and South Cotabato to supply Metro Manila with 10,000 hogs a week or 30,000 to 40,000 hogs a month. Last month, consumers saw meat prices, particularly pork, rose by as much as P400 per kilo in Metro Manila markets due to supply constraints as the African Swine Fever decimated much of the hog population. To arrest rising prices, which the DA blamed on unscrupulous traders and wholesalers who took advantage of the ASF situation, President Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order imposing a 60-day price cap on pork and chicken in the NCR. Under the EO, the price of kasim and pigue should not exceed P270 per kilo. The President also fixed the price ceiling for liempo and dressed chicken at P300 and P160, respectively. At the same time, Reyes called on local governments to synchronize its policies on pork shipments with the national government’s so as not to further increase the retail price of the commodity.
having this law,” he said. Duterte on Feb. 22, 2019 signed RA 11229 which mandates the use of child restraint systems among children 12 years old and below with a height of 4 feet 11 inches and below. The CRS, according to R A 11229, must be appropriate to a child’s age, height, and weight, and must be mounted in the rear seat of the vehicle. The CRS must also comply with standards set by the Department of Trade and Industr y as specif ied in DTI Department Administrative Order 20-03, and other international standards including those under the United Nations Regulations 44 and 149.
ANNIVERSARY MASS. Apostolic
Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo (right) shares a light moment with Archbishop Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, during the celebration for the 500th anniversary of Christianity’s establishment in the Philippines at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday. The quincentennial celebration also coincided with the Manila Archdiocese’s 442nd year as the first Catholic diocese in the country. Norman Cruz
Villar measure for first responders passed A RESOLUTION introduced by Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar seeking to give due recognition to heroic first responders has been unanimously approved by the House of Representatives. In a plenary session on Wednesday, House members voted to adopt House Resolution No. 1521. “Typhoons are among the most destructive natural phenomena and exacerbate the already vulnerable situation of our kababayans. Our first responders - considered the frontliners in times of disasters - are always there to support the affected Filipinos and get them to safety in time,” Villar said in a statement. “Career and volunteer professionals “deserve to be honored for their commitment to safety and humanity” even at the
SUN-DRIED. A woman takes advantage of the morning sun to dry tilapia fish in front of her house in Bulakan, Bulacan on Saturday. She will sell the catch at a price cheaper than those found in the public market. Lino Santos
risk of putting their own lives on the line and amid the pandemic”, Villar said, adding that a congressional recognition is “a small way to demonstrate our gratitude.” “We are proud of their crucial work and we salute them,” added the Las Piñas representative. Villar filed the measure in the aftermath of the destructive tropical cyclones that left several parts of the Philippines devastated last year. “Despite limitations in water and air assets and sophisticated equipment side-byside with the magnitude of damage and hundreds of thousands of people affected, our men in uniform showed heroic deeds amid the challenges and obvious high risk to their lives in rescuing families in their houses at the height of the onslaught of the past typhoons,” Villar said in the resolution.
Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar
Villar also sought to recognize the valiant efforts of the private sector for providing life-saving assistance to the affected individuals and displaced families.
Pinoy wins $60m Manitoba lottery prize A FILIPINO-CANADIAN Family is now $60 million—P2.26 billion—richer as they claimed the biggest lottery jackpot prize in the history of Manitoba, a province in Canada. John Chua won the Lotto Max jackpot on Jan. 22, but did not realize his win until he got an email the next day, from the online site where he buys tickets. He admitted he was jealous when his wife woke him up on Jan. 23 to tell him someone in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, had won a $60-million jackpot. “My mind just went blank,” he said. “We can’t think of anything like this is real. Maybe this won’t be real until we actually contact them, get the check.” Chua’s mother, Angie, said she was also in disbelief.
“He was pointing to something that I didn’t understand,” she said. “You’re pranking me again.” Chua, together with his family, claimed his prize at the Winnipeg office of the Western Canada Lottery Corporation on Feb. 2. As for Chua’s plans for the jackpot, he said he intends to be cautious. “I just wanna be wise,” he said. “I have kids right now. I’m thinking for the future” He says he thought it was maybe a free play, but it turned out to be the entire windfall — the largest lottery jackpot ever awarded in Manitoba. Chua is sharing the winnings with his wife, Jhoana, mother Angie, and his uncle Ben Lagman.
THE Anti-Terror Act was created to trust government agencies and institutions “with a tarnished track record of abuse and misconduct,” former Vice President Jejomar Binay said. “Their personnel have been planting evidence and filing false charges against innocent civilians since time immemorial. They habitually abuse their authority over common citizens and have been involved in criminal activities,” said Binay in a statement. “Of late, they have displayed an arrogant distaste for facts, denouncing groups and individuals as terrorists without offering proof or based on wrong information. Publicly, they make veiled threats of inflicting physical harm,” he added. Binay, a human rights lawyer, said the wide discretion given to law enforcers who will implement ATA is like giving them a free pass to continue with their wanton ways, unbothered by accountability. He said the provisions of the law, unless struck down by judicial intervention, could result in a democracy mangled beyond repair. “They institutionalize curtailment of certain rights and legitimize draconian measures against citizens,” he said. The former Vice President also said the oral arguments at the Supreme Court on ATA should be required listening or viewing for every civic-minded citizen. “Our challenge is to wake the larger populace to the dangers posed by the Anti-Terror Law to their rights as citizens and their very existence as human beings entitled to be treated with dignity,” said Binay. He added: “As I have repeatedly said, if we waver in our vigilance, future generations might find themselves living in a society where the Constitution offers neither solace nor protection to the aggrieved.”
IN BRIEF Solon pushes House review of ‘Cha-cha’ A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Saturday backed efforts of the House of Representatives to review the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. House Deputy Speaker and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said it was “now or never” for Congress to push for the much-needed, long overdue amendments to the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. “If economic Charter reforms won’t push through this time, there’s no guarantee it will happen in the future,” Herrera said as the House is expected to begin plenary deliberations on the measure starting Monday, Feb. 8. Maricel V. Cruz
DOH to parents: Take kids for measles shots A DEPARTMENT of Health official on Saturday urged parents in Metro Manila to have their kids vaccinated against measles and mumps, as the health department rolled out its month-long inoculation drive. Dr. Corazon Flores, regional director of the DOH -Metro Manila Center for Health Development, said the vaccines to be used for children had been tried and tested. “Our measles vaccines are safe, effective, and have been used for a long time. It (sic) has been used since we were young,” Flores said in a press briefing. The DOH rolled out an immunization drive against measles and mumps, as they projected an increase in cases - citing parents who voiced fears of going out during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Willie Casas
Alien student visas drop 75 percent—BI THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported an all-time low of 75-percent drop in aliens who applied for or renewed their student visas and permits in 2020 due to the pandemic. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed that only 1,254 foreigners applied for student visas last year, compared to the 4,785 in 2019. Morente also said that foreign students who renewed their visas also dropped to 7,170, which is 31-percent less than the 10,433 who extended their visas in 2019. Vito Barcelo
World
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Blinken presses China on Tibet, Uighurs, HK WASHINGTON—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Beijing on its treatment of Uighurs, Tibetans, and Hong Kong while China defended its policies in the first conversation between top officials of the two powers since President Joe Biden took office. “I made clear the US will defend our national interests, stand up for our democratic values, and hold Beijing accountable for its abuses of the international system,” Blinken said on Twitter of his call with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi. Blinken told Yang that the United States “will continue to stand up for human rights and democratic values, including in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong,” a State Department statement said of the call, which took place on Friday Washington time. Blinken also “pressed China to join the international community in condemning the military coup in Burma,” it said, using the former name of Myanmar. The top US diplomat said the United States would hold Beijing “accountable for its efforts to threaten stability in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, and its undermining of the rules-based international system.” The tough tone comes after Blinken in his confirmation hearing said he would continue former president Donald Trump’s approach to China in a rare point of agreement between the two administrations. Yang however warned on the call that Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet were “China’s internal affairs” and “no external forces are allowed to interfere,” urging the United States to “correct mistakes” made in recent years, the Chinese embassy to the US said in a statement. AFP
Weak US jobs data hikes need for relief pack WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden on Friday seized on feeble US employment data to argue the world’s largest economy needs his $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package, which cleared a key Senate hurdle without support from the Republican opposition. The closely watched jobs data showed the unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent in January, but the economy added only 49,000 jobs, the Labor Department said. The anemic report made plain the ongoing struggles in the United States as Americans cope with the largest Covid-19 outbreak in the world. “I believe the American people are looking right now to their government for help,” Biden said after a meeting with top Democratic lawmakers. “So, I’m going to act, I’m going to act fast.” Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would push for rapid approval of the package. “Hopefully in a two-week period of time, we’ll send something over to the Senate,” she told reporters after the White House meeting. The House of Representatives approved a budget proposal by a narrow margin on Friday, following Senate Democrats who in the wee hours of the morning won a procedural vote setting the stage for passage of the president’s relief bill. The package includes a host of measures aimed at boosting the recovery, including aid to small businesses and the unemployed, and funds to speed up vaccine distribution to contain the pandemic. But in a sign of just how narrow the path to approval, Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to overcome the objections of Republicans, who have balked at the high price tag. AFP
ALL DECKED OUT. People walk under festive decorations for the upcoming Lunar New Year outside a shopping mall in Bangkok on Wednesday. AFP
Myanmar anti-coup protests grow as Army shuts internet
Y
ANGON—Myanmar saw its largest anticoup protests yet on Saturday with young demonstrators spilling on to the streets to denounce the country’s new military regime, despite a nationwide internet blackout aimed at stifling a growing chorus of popular dissent.
Around 3,000 demonstrators gathered on a road near Yangon University, most holding up the three-finger salute that has come to symbolize resistance to the army
takeover. “Down with the military dictatorship!” the crowd yelled, many donning red headbands -- the color associated with ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party. A large riot-police contingent blocked nearby roads, with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene. Protesters left the area without confrontation but are expected to gather again in another part of the commercial capital later Saturday. “We are here to fight for our next generation, to free them from a military dictatorship,” one woman at the rally told AFP. “We have to end it now.” The demonstration came as Myanmar was plunged into its second nationwide internet blackout this week, similar in magnitude to an earlier shutdown that
coincided with the arrest of Suu Kyi and other senior leaders on Monday. Those dawn raids brought a sudden halt to Myanmar’s brief 10-year experiment with democracy and catalyzed an outpouring of fury that has migrated from social media to the streets. Online calls to protest the army takeover have prompted increasingly bold displays of defiance against the new regime, including the nightly deafening clamor of people around the country banging pots and pans -- a practice traditionally associated with driving out evil. Some have shown their opposition by gathering for group photographs with banners decrying the coup and flashing a three-finger salute earlier adopted by democracy protesters in neighbouring Thailand. AFP
ARMY BACKERS. Army supporters waving the armed forces of Burma flag and the national flag participate in a rally Naypyidaw on Thursday following a military coup that detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. AFP
Path clears for Okonjo-Iweala as first woman WTO chief GENEVA—US President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday offered its “strong support” to Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), clearing a path for her to become the body’s first female and first African leader. The move marks another sharp split with former president Donald Trump, who paralyzed the organisation and opposed the candidacy of the former Nigerian finance minister who was backed by many other countries.
The US Trade Representative in a statement cited her “wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy” and said she had “proven experience managing a large international organisation”. USTR also noted that South Korea’s trade minister -- whom the Trump administration supported -- had abandoned her bid to head the WTO earlier Friday. Yoo Myung-hee consulted with the United States -- her primary backer -and other major countries and “decided
to renounce her candidacy”, South Korea’s trade ministry said in a statement. The process to name a successor for Roberto Azevedo, who stepped down last August, had been deadlocked for months. Key WTO ambassadors tapped Okonjo-Iweala back in October as the best pick to lead the organisation, but without US support the process was left at a standstill since the director general is normally chosen by consensus among all 164 member states. AFP
‘Car Wash’ probe ends with a whimper
BIKE SALUTE. A US Capitol Police office salutes at attention as a truck carrying the bike of US Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick departs the US Capitol building on Wednesday in Washington, DC. Sicknick, who died after being injured in the January 6 attack by pro-Trump rioters, will lie in honor at the building’s Rotunda, lawmakers said Friday, a mark of respect rarely bestowed. AFP
RIO DE JANEIRO—One of the biggest corruption investigations in history, Brazil’s “Operation Car Wash,” which felled presidents and powerful players across Latin America, wrapped up this week after falling into scandal itself. The task force, which began as a probe into money laundering at a Brasilia gas station in March 2014, soon blew the lid off a sprawling tangle of corruption reaching the highest levels of government and industry in Brazil, with tentacles stretching across Latin America and into Africa. Using aggressive plea-bargain tactics to get suspects to rat out their superiors, prosecutors uncovered how politicians systematically conspired
with executives at companies such as Brazilian oil giant Petrobras and construction giant Odebrecht to inflate government contracts and pocket the proceeds for themselves and their parties. A fearsome force whose exploits inspired a movie and Netflix series, the hard-hitting prosecutors shared their dirt with colleagues around the world. The long list of people sent to jail by the investigation and its international spinoffs includes former presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Alejandro Toledo of Peru and Ricardo Martinelli of Panama, plus top executives at Petrobras, Odebrecht and several other firms. AFP
Biden reframes Mideast tack, seeks Iran talks WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden is quickly if subtly rebalancing US priorities in the Middle East, walking back his predecessor’s all-encompassing embrace of Saudi Arabia and Israel while seeking diplomacy with Iran. Two weeks into his presidency, Biden on Thursday announced an end to US support for the Saudi military campaign in Yemen which he said has “created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe.” Equally noticed was what went unsaid in his first major speech on foreign policy. Biden did not mention Israel when saying he was revitalizing alliances with other leaders -- a reflection of how he has not yet spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden vowed a hard line on Russia and spoke of challenges from China but only in passing mentioned Iran -- a stark contrast from his predecessor Donald Trump, who cast the clerical state as a global threat and launched a “maximum pressure” campaign that included bolting from a 2015 denuclearization deal negotiated by Barack Obama’s administration, in which Biden was vice president. “With both Israel and Saudi Arabia, relationships that Trump basically decided to rehabilitate in the wake of Obama, you have a Biden administration that is prepared to put a little more distance, although not in symmetrical proportion,” said Aaron David Miller, a veteran Middle East adviser to secretaries of state from both parties. On Israel, Miller said the Biden administration could be taking its time before the Jewish state in March holds its fourth election in two years, aware of the possibility that Netanyahu -- who rallied US conservatives against Obama’s Iran policy -- could finally be out. AFP
US moves to end terror designation on Yemen Huthis WASHINGTON—The US has moved to delist Yemen’s Huthi rebels as a terrorist organization, removing a block that humanitarian groups said jeopardized crucial aid as the country’s warring sides cautiously welcomed a push for peace by President Joe Biden. The grinding six-year war in Yemen has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, triggering what the United Nations calls the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. A State Department spokesperson said Friday they had “formally notified Congress” of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s intent to revoke the terrorist designations. The move, which will take effect shortly, comes a day after Biden announced an end to US support for the Saudi-led offensive operations in Yemen. “This decision has nothing to do with our view of the Huthis and their reprehensible conduct, including attacks against civilians and the kidnapping of American citizens,” the spokesperson said. “Our action is due entirely to the humanitarian consequences of this lastminute designation from the prior administration,” they said, adding the US remained committed to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory against attacks by the rebels. AFP
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Business
Ray S. Eñano, Editor / Roderick dela Cruz, Issue Editor business@manilastandard.net
Developer designs homes to have more uses
By Othel V. Campos
P
.A. Alvarez Properties Development Corp., one of the rising property developers in the south, launched a new project in Lipa City, Batangas— an affordable, easily accessible residential haven at Idesia, Lipa.
Romarico Alvarez, the founder and chairman of P.A. Alvarez, said the development comes with more amenities to complete a happy and fulfilling stay at Idesia. “I knew that we had to explore new ways that just improve from previous housing developments, but to ultimately go beyond what’s already been done. Many developers can build a residential property, but not all can develop a plan where every space is considered in this detailed and masterfully crafted plan. I am proud to say Idesia has done it, and we will continue to do it,” Alvarez said during the virtual launch of the property on Jan. 30, 2021. Alvarez said the design of the project has emphasis on having to stay at home, especially in this time of pandemic, as “homes become not only a sanctuary to stay safe from the pandemic—but are now taking a new role as our workplace, gym, church, restaurant, theater, and in the case of our children, school.” He said there is now a growing number of homebuyers looking for residential projects that take into consideration stay- at-home productivity such as visual comfort, presence of “breathing spaces” inside the house, features that prioritize natural light, shield from noise pollution and access to nature—qualities that Idesia Lipa will highlight. The housing sector, in general, realized that homebuyers are now looking for developments that respond to the new realities of home schooling and working as well as healthier, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Amid the crisis, the sector has been able to adapt to changing realities and respond to the evolving needs of families looking for
P.A. Alvarez Properties Development Corp. chairman Romarico Alvarez a safe and secure place to live. “The housing sector has enjoyed a strong, bullish run over the past decade and has in fact, managed to bounce back stronger after every crisis—the Asian financial crisis from 1998 to 1999 and the global financial crisis in 2009, just to name a few. This sector will certainly hold up in the face of the coronavirus pandemic as attested by the launch of this third major project with our Japanese partner, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp.,” Alvarez said. The development, he said, is just a few minutes away from the province’s major administrative, medical, commercial, financial, agro-industrial and cultural centers, not to mention its fast-paced business process outsourcing industry. Future residents needing to go to Metro Manila have the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Tollway that connects Lipa City to the South Luzon Expressway and Skyway,
he said, while the adjacent bypass road being constructed by Department of Public Works and Highways will improve accessibility. P.A. Alvarez president Jonathan Lu said the new development mirrors the success of Idesia in Dasmariñas, Cavite with 747 residential units of single detached, single attached bungalows and townhouses that are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2023. “We would like them to appreciate nature and more, and breathe fresh air. At the same time, should they decide to work from home or connect with their friends and relatives, there is a strong infrastructure that would link them to the rest of the Philippines. This community also has a strong transport link should they decide to go out and explore more of the countryside and its interesting destinations,” he said. Lu said Lipa, with its high elevation and cool weather, is fast becoming the preferred weekend get-away over Tagaytay City in Cavite. “Tagaytay has grown to be so crowded, especially on weekends and long holidays. Traffic there is very heavy because of the magnitude of people going there and even on a day trip,” he said. The development of Idesia Dasmariñas and Idesia Lipa is seen by the company as more attractive to today’s set of homebuyers, partly because they could now work at home, have less time devoted to commuting and should they go out, there is a reliable transportation network they can use. Among the premium amenities of the property are three major segments—the Serenity, Togetherness and Wellness zones. The Serenity Zone features a Sakura garden with gazebos, reading and meditation garden and lagoon. The Wellness Zone will have a basketball court, tennis court, children’s playground, jogging paths and pet park. The Togetherness Zone will have a pavilion with swimming pool, kiddie pool, indoor fitness area (gym) and amphitheater.
Learning platform enables youth to work without college diplomas Philippine Business for Education chairman Ramon del Rosario
THE Philippine Business for Education and Citi Foundation’s First Future Project unveiled a new learning platform to reach 4,000 Filipino youth without college diplomas and train them in the cultivation of leadership skills and the adoption of a growth mindset. First Future 2.0, the second tranche of the First Future series, is a combined approach to support senior high school graduates and youth without college degrees to enter and progress in the workplace. “While more companies were now open to hiring graduates from the K to 12 system, the playing field continues to be unfair for those without college degrees, especially as they try to progress in the workplace,” said PBEd chairman Ramon del Rosario. “With this, the second phase of our partnership with Citi Foundation First Future 2.0 was born. Over the past few months we have worked with over 25 partners within the contact center industry to completely identify and articulate competency needs, and to develop skilling and upskilling programs that focus on building these competencies,” said del Rosario.
He echoed the worries and anxiety many socio-civic groups and organizations have for the youth from being unemployed to underemployed. The chances of being hired are as challenging as they were even before the pandemic. “While youth unemployment becomes more and more commonplace, our reason for being becomes all the more relevant. We need to ask ourselves, are we doing our part in making the situation a little less insufferable. It has always been our dream in Philippine business for education to end unemployment,” he said. Del Rosario noted the various loopholes and roadblocks in the education to employment pathway that prevents the youth from landing meaningful jobs. The data needed to make informed decisions are lacking while the quality of training is inconsistent across career stages and platforms to facilitate the school to work transition are sparse, he said. When PBEd asked hirers if they were willing to employ young workers, only 20 percent of companies said yes, despite the fact that 93 percent of K to 12 competencies learned in school matched what companies needed.
Skincare firm promotes hygiene on Valentine’s Day Diana Stalder, a skincare, beauty and healthy lifestyle group, is spreading love on Valentine’s Day on a different but more meaningful way this year. The company is inviting customers to share the love to fellow Filipinos affected by the pandemic by helping provide one of the most basic needs—access to clean water. Diana Stalder launched a one-month promo called “Let Your Love Flow this Valentine’s Day.” The promo will allow Diana Stalder’s valued clients to give back in a simple, yet very significant way. For the whole month of February, every purchase of dS products worth P2,500 will fund a unit of water purifier which will be donated to a family that cannot afford to buy purified water. Clean water advocacy This effort is picking up from the Stalder Group’s previous ‘Clean Water for Every Juan’ project that it launched in December 2020. The program donated water purifier units to families in distressed communities that were severely affected by the devastation of Typhoon Ulysses in November. “Now, more than ever, instant access to clean and safe water is most critical to the health of every Filipino family,” said Stalder Group founder, president and chief executive Dina Dela Paz Stalder. “The economic impact of the new normal is depriving numerous households of ac-
Stalder Group of Companies founder, president and chief executive Dina Dela Paz Stalder (second from left) and Stalder Group vice president for operations Diana Stalder (second from right) lead the ‘Clean Water for Every Juan’ campaign where they distribute purified water and hygiene kits to families in calamity affected areas.
cess to good health due to scarcity or lack of clean water. So Diana Stalder is inviting everyone to team up with us in spreading love to our fellowmen through this cause,” she said. The need for clean water Based on latest data from UNICEF Philippines, 80 percent of the country’s poor communities had access to basic water services which meant that 20 percent lacked basic sanitation facilities. Water.org estimates that about 5 million Filipinos remain reliant on unsafe and unsustainable water sources.
Donut and milk tea brands hook up to celebrate love MISTER Donut, one of the world’s biggest doughnut chains, is teaming up with the Philippines’ top tea shop Serenitea to provide customers with love-filled indulgence in one delectable product this February. The two brands are offering crave-satisfying pairing of Okinawa Milk Tea Heart Donuts. Mister Donut has been successful in cobranding partnerships with different brands. Over the years, it has done co-branding activities with popular brands that people grew up with. With the Okinawa Milk Tea Heart Donuts, Mister Donut said it finds compatibility with Serenitea, the tea store that pioneered the brewing of tea using an espresso machine with the added option of allowing its patrons to customize their drinks, such as the sweetness level and the sinkers.
The Okinawa Milk Tea Heart Donuts come in three variants: Red Heart, White Heart and Pink Heart. The heart-shaped glazed donuts are filled with Serenitea Okinawa Cream, which is inspired by the Serenitea Okinawa Milk Tea—a sinful brown sugar flavor with creamyvelvety milk. The dainty donuts are topped with chocolate decor, chocolate droplets, and mini marshmallows, and drizzled with glittergelli gold.
Telcoin, GCash launch digital remittance corridor TELCOIN Pte. Ltd., a blockchain-powered financial technology platform that connects with telecom and mobile money platforms globally, launched fiat transfers between Canada and the Philippines. The service, now available on Telcoin’s official iOS and Android applications, aims to be the most affordable and convenient option for offshore Filipinos to send money to friends and family back home. The opening of Telcoin’s inaugural remittance corridor marks the company’s first step toward offering users a suite of digital financial products leveraging blockchain technology and digital assets. The service is offered in collaboration with GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, with more than 33 million
users nationwide. Telcoin, a GSMA associate member since 2018, endeavors to lower the cost of international money transfers by emphasizing such direct connections with mobile money providers. According to the GSMA’s latest state of the industry report, there are more than 1 billion active mobile money accounts in 95 countries, capturing $7.3 billion in annual remittance value. With a total market value of nearly $700 billion, there is massive room for growth in mobile money-focused remittance services. “We couldn’t have asked for a better launch partner for the Philippines than GCash,” said Telcoin chief executive Paul Neuner.
Youth & Culture B1
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Bernadette Lunas, Editor
manilastandardlife@gmail.com
@manilastandardlife
@MStandardLIFE
A FLIGHT TO FOREVER. Topy Rustia and Micah Cura, whose relationship started on a plane, exchange vows in front of fellow passengers aboard a flight to Caticlan in Boracay.
Love is in the air—literally
K
RISTOFFER “Topy” Rustia and Micah Cura on Friday took their love for each other to greater heights—approximately 30,000 feet above sea level.
The couple, whose paths crossed during their training in Malaysia to become cabin crew, said their “I do’s” on AirAsia flight Z2 225 bound for Caticlan. It was, they said, a dream come true for both of them whose love for each other grew stronger up in the air. “It’s one thing to get married, it’s another to fulfill that dream in a place where we started our journey together—inside the aircraft,” shared Cura, who said her vows in front of fellow passengers composed of family and friends. “As crazy as it may seem, I envisioned Micah walking down the aisle in one of our flights wearing her lovely gown, not her cabin crew uniform,”
enthused Rustia, adding, “It seemed like it would be impossible, knowing that we work as flight attendants but AirAsia made it happen.” Rustia surprised Cura with a proposal in December 2020, about a year after they welcomed their baby girl. When the two shared their plans to get married with their employer, their Allstar colleagues worked together to make their dream come true. To make its first wedding onboard a commercial flight a success, the airline took care of the necessary preparations, security, and risk assessment to ensure health and safety protocols were observed during the flight. “Congratulations to our newlyweds!
Dreaming big and making it happen, this is what AirAsia is all about. We hope that your story inspires people to never give up on spreading love,” said AirAsia spokesperson Steve Dailisan. Despite the uncertainties and challenges the pandemic has brought to the airline industry, the newlyweds are both hopeful for the future. “Our prayer is that we are able to inspire people to just hang on and never lose hope because there are still many things to be thankful for, despite the many challenges brought by the pandemic,” shared Cura. Rustia added, “We are always reminded of our love for each other, and a promise of a brighter future for our daughter.” When their plane landed after the ceremony, the couple and their families enjoyed an early dinner reception at The Lind Boracay where the two will spend their honeymoon.–Steph Llarena
The cabin crew couple celebrates after their dream wedding on a plane cruising at approximately 30,000 feet above sea level.
Finding spark while finding stuff online PURSUING a passion often needs a light nudge, a chunk of motivation, and a few stuff that enables an individual to work on their chosen endeavor. These six people from different walks of life share what fuels their soul and how they make sure it’s continuously ignited.
The ballerina
'Figuras Miniaturas' will feature (from left) a late 1900s to early 1910s Serpentina by Paurine Joie Shibata, Justiniano Asuncion-inspired Mestizos Sangley y Chino by Phillip Andrew Domingo, and Maria Clara by Danna Carreon.
Miniature Filipiniana dresses on exhibit
A VIRTUAL exhibition opening on as well as the humble attire of Filipino Feb. 16 aims to encapsulate a piece of farmers complete with the salakot, will Filipino identity and culture in two to be displayed together with the detailed three feet tall ensembles. ensembles of Tagalog Entitled “Figuras and Visayan royal couMiniaturas,” the show ples and una india visaywill feature miniature ota, (an Indio woman of versions of the classic the Visayas). Filipiniana and other The showcase will traditional garments likewise depict the comconstructed from recyplementing sophisticacled materials and fabtion of the timeless vestirics. It will include piecdo de Gala (formal dress) es visualized from the and the luxe silhouettes pages of the 1887 novel of 1900s to 1920s SerNoli Me Tangere by Dr. pentina. Jose Rizal, from the elThe pieces, made by egant traje de mestiza of young artists from the Maria Clara and Doña Production Design Pro'Ibarra' Victorina to Ibarra’s gengram of the De La Salleby Carlos Jose Siongco tleman’s attire and Sisa’s College of Saint Benilde dress. School of Design and Also part of the virtual show are the Arts, underwent meticulous screening classic styles of the Mestizos Sangley y by a group of industry experts comChino (Sangley Chinese-Filipino Mes- posed of scenographer and Gawad tizos) as seen in the 1841 painting by Urian Awardee for Best Production Filipino artist Justiniano Asuncion and Design Gino Gonzales and noted New the 1850s fashion channeled by char- York-based costume designers Raven acters Don Paeng, Doña Lupeng, and Ong and Jelena Antanasijevic. Amada in the 1972 short story Summer The virtual exhibit is free and open Solstice written by National Artist for to the public. It will be livestreamed on Literature Nick Joaquin. Feb. 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on The quintessential barong Tagalog, www.facebook.com/benildearts.
Alison Black, a ballerina for over 10 years who trained under the biggest names in the local ballet scene such as Lisa Macuja and Osias Barroso of Ballet Manila, started Bedroom Ballet in June 2020, rekindling her passion for dance through one-on-one ballet coaching sessions done via video call. Black is a firm believer of how great teachers and the right equipment can influence a dancer. She shares that she purchases everything she needs for her ballet sessions on Lazada.
The aromatherapist
Balot De Jesus fell in love with essential oils in 2016. What initially started as a hobby turned into a passion that led her to pursue an education to become a certified professional aromatherapist. Today, she is one of the few certified professional aromatherapist registered under the Na-
tional Association of Holistic Aromatherapy in the United States. With the knowledge she gained, De Jesus has started conducting classes where she teaches how to properly blend and safely use essential oils with supplies and ingredients also purchased from the e-commerce platform.
The fitness trainer
Filbert Tan began his Animal Flow practice—a structured series of g r ou n d - b a s e d movements for building mobility and strength, and developing motor control— back in 2016, becoming the first Certified Level 2 Animal Flow instructor in the Philippines. He is also a personal trainer, manual therapist, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Being a huge advocate of bodyweight conditioning and training, Tan asserts simple and practical equipment is enough to help a person develop a strong foundation. He, for instance, got his training essentials from Lazada.
The biker
A personal fitness trainer, drummer, biker, and moto-vlogger—Gaki Azurin shows how it is possible to pursue not just one or two of her passions. On her YouTube channel GakiMoto,
which currently has over 64,000 subscribers, she vlogs about motorcycles and her other pursuits. According to Azurin, she purchased her camera mounts and other vlogging gear on Lazada. But her current favorite accessory is a brand new Radiator Guard for Schüblig she bought on the app.
The broadcast journalist
The workfrom-home set-up has required news anchor and host Mark Zambrano to turn his home into a mini studio for shooting and producing videos. Zambrano shares that the Lazada platform helped him complete all his work-from-home essentials as he was able to find his monitor and HD headphones on the app.
The barista barber
Zeal Rocski, a resident barista at La Union’s famous El Union Coffee, also runs a mobile barbershop in the province. He is also a Lazada patron, who bought his tools online without having to go through the hassle of traveling out of La Union.
HEY, YOUTH!
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 subcorner that comes out every Sunday. ject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a brief This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old. description of yourself.
B2
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com
Home/Design
Perks galore for Lamudi brokers, from virtual tours to title transfers
L
AMUDI recently launched an advantage program, tying up with brands Nook, Conveyance, CleanX, Abenson Home, and Matterport to offer discounts and freebies to partner brokers, agents and brokerages.
Brokers and agents will get promos and discounts from different brands through the Lamudi advantage scheme. The listing platform wants more real estate professionals grow their operations through the initiative. “Lamudi always strives to offer value-adding services not just to the property seekers, but also to the industry’s hardworking brokers and agents,” explained Kenneth Stern, Lamudi CEO. Partner brands Under the program, the company tied up with different brands to offer exclusive perks to its
partner real estate professionals. One of them is Nook, a mortgage brokerage firm. The company connects property seekers loan packages in the market, considering the buyers’ unique financial needs. Lamudi partner brokers and agents can earn a 50 percent commission for clients who managed to secure a loan through Nook. They can sign up on the website, click the home loan referrals tab, and start referring buyers. Partner brokers and agents can likewise get a commission of five percent for referring clients to SB Furniture, Abenson Home, or Homeplus. To qualify, the purchases must be at least P75,000. Lamudi likewise partnered with land titling expert Conveyance. The company offers up to 15 percent discount for its partner brokers and agents whouse their title transfer services. They can also get a 10 percent discount for the cleaning services of CleanX, namely itemized cleaning, general cleaning, and housekeeping. Supporting brokers in the digital era, Lamudi also
forged a partnership with Matterport, a provider of virtual tour software platforms. Through the technology, professionals can create “active spaces” or 3D images, producing digital representations of units, virtual tours, and schematic floor plans.. Digital marketing partner Since setting up shop, Lamudi has been committed to helping real estate professionals in the country expand their businesses. The company’s listing platform allows brokers and agents to keep the business running without interruption. “Traditional marketing takes a lot of time,” said Raffy Siapco, CEO of RS Property Manila and winner of the Partner Success Story of the Year in the Lamudi Virtual Broker Awards 2020 last year. “When I’m doing digital marketing, it’s as if I have additional manpower generating leads for me and my company.” With digital marketing, listed properties can be visible to a large portion of the market. The materials can reach local and overseas property seekers.
According to the latest trend report from Lamudi, Hotspots Unwrapped: 2020’s Most Popular Locations, the overseas demand for Philippine real estate continued to be strong in 2020 despite the pandemic. Singapore, Dubai, London, Sydney, and Doha, locations with a high concentration of Filipino workers, showed the strongest interest in Philippine real estate. Professional support Lamudi likewise supports partner brokers and agents by offering courses aimed at improving digital marketing skills. The Lamudi academy has different classes fit for newbies and professionals alike. Every Wednesday, the academy holds Power Hour, which discusses the fundamentals of online real estate marketing. On Thursdays, it teaches Back to Basics, helping newbies in the field. Every Friday, Level Up trains attendees how to convert more leads online. Registration for the classes is free. For more information on the Lamudi advantage program, visit lamudi.com.ph/agent-benefits.
Solutions for home builders on tap
GETTING AHEAD OF THE CURVE. BRIA Homes is currently addressing concerns of many Filipinos on the importance of shifting to work-from-home modes and online learning, with affordable condominium units and houseand-lot packages situated in communities where residents’ health and well-being are safeguarded. “Supply and demand curves for housing are at healthy levels, with an increase in investment demands from cities outside of Metro Manila,” said Red Rosales, president of BRIA Homes. “Apart from wanting to fulfill their dream of owning a home, Filipinos now look at property as smart investments for the long term.” BRIA Homes’ housing options include 24-square-meter condominium units (shown here), as well as stylish houses and lots like the 22-square-meter Elena, 36-square-meter Alecza, and the 44-squaremeter Bettina.
Construction pioneer Mariwasa will be marking its 55th year in the business this June with the theme “Moving Forward.” Established in 1966 by the brothers Emerson and Edison Coseteng, the company was founded to produce products and services that would meet world standards for beauty and durability. The covid-19 pandemic did not deter the company from releasing various products that showcase the Filipino artistry in making tiles and products that solve home-related problems. In addition to its Ecoway Tile Collection, the company also produced bathroom cabinets that mix aesthetics and efficient plumbing. Mariwasa also came up with its own tile adhesives to help homeowners complete their purchase and be able to install tiles easily. The Mariwasa tile adhesive, which comes in two variants (regular and heavyduty), compliment Mariwasa tiles best for better result of installation. Mariwasa skim coat also helps homeowners save more from the usual cost of materials and labor when having walls finished off. The company is looking forward to launching new products to add to its lineup—Mariwasa premium quality vinyl flooring, with LVT dry back and SPC easy click. Shown in photo are Ekaluck Praemoung, VP for corporate HR; Piyarat Promtong, VP for manufacturing; Jakkrit Suwansilp, VP for sales and marketing; and Emilie Maramag, VP for finance.
LEARNING IS A GO IN QUEZON DESPITE COVID 19. Over
BEST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN FOCUS.
Damosa Land Inc.’s (DLI) Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE), recently held an online event that focused on the milestones of the company, its plans for 2021and experts’ forecast for the industry this year. Ricardo “Cary” F. Lagdameo, head of Anflo Industrial Estate Corporation (AIEC), said that despite the pandemic, the company was able to continue its expansion through the development of the main spine road and two readybuilt facilities. Joey Roi Bondoc, associate director of Colliers International Philippines reported that Davao remains one of the country’s biggest property markets, and one of the country’s competitive regions with its skilled workforce and infrastructure projects. Within the span of five years, 33 hectares of the AIE have been developed including 2.1 hectares of ready-built facilities and warehouses and 2.06 km of roads. To date, there are a total of 15 locators represented by five nationalities that provided jobs for over 600 employees in the region. AIE bagged the Best Industrial Development award at the 8th Property Guru Philippines Property Awards last November.
9,000 books worth Php4.5 million were distributed recently by Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E) and Rex Bookstore, Inc., to public high schools supervised by the Department of Education (DepEd) in Atimonan, Quezon. Atimonan National Comprehensive High School, Malinao Ilaya National High School, Maligaya National High School, Malusak National High School, San Rafael National High School and Balubad Integrated High School received the books which are now being used by schoolteachers to develop modules and other e-learning materials for over 4,600 high school students. The donation topped up the P2 million worth of books that A1E and Rex Bookstore have distributed so far to 22 public elementary schools in Atimonan last year. The project is part of both companies’ educational trust to push continuous learning despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. A1E is a wholly owned subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation, which is a power generation company building a 1,200 megawatts power plant to utilize high efficiency, low emission (HELE) technology, the country’s first ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant. Shown in photo are Carmelo Eusebio Altamira and Mrs. Soleta Agravante of DepEd Atimonan together with principals from junior high schools in Atimonan.
Entertainment
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021
B3
Nickie Wang, Editor; E-mail: nickie.standard@ gmail.com
ALDEN RICHARDS
back on ‘Centerstage’ By Nickie Wang
S
AME month last year, GMA Network premiered Centerstage, an original singing competition where young powerhouse belters were gathered racing to get to the most coveted spot on the show.
While the singing reality search was warming up, production had to stop because of the pandemic and the sudden surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. But given the situation, the show did not stop helping talented kids realize their dreams. Picking up where it left off when the pandemic restrictions started, the aspiring kiddie performers will showcase their jaw-dropping and adorable talents and personalities once again for the chance to step on the center stage. Hosted by Alden Richards no less, the world-class singing competition for kids is returning with a bang tweaking the show’s format but still maintaining the same kind of entertainment it provided its audience during its initial telecast last year. “Being with the kids, as the host, I get to know their stories, what drives them to showcase their talents on TV. It’s a nice experience hearing their different stories because they bring out so many memories of my own journey as a struggling artist as well,” Alden
told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual press conference. While most of his fans associate the multimedia star as a screen actor, Alden has been doing hosting jobs for years now and it is another facet of his career that he finds interesting because of the different experience he gets out of it. “My first hosting job with GMA was Bet ng Bayan, that’s my stepping stone into hosting. After that I was given some hosting assessments in docus then nakapasok tayo sa Eat Bulaga, I’m a regular [host in the show] for six years now. So, hosting for me is something I’m really comfortable doing because it allows me to talk to different kinds of people. And then you learn about their stories,” Alden related.
“With Centerstage, I can really relate with the kids. Being surrounded by these talented young singers reminds me of my own journey as a young dreamer. Their stories are similar to what I had been through in the industry. That’s one of the things that I enjoy hosting this talent search,” he carried on adding that he’s excited to be back on Centerstage to interact with the kids and the people behind the show. The 29-year-old star added that due to the current quarantine restrictions and to ensure the safety of everyone, there will still be no live audience and the contestants’ performances will be shot in the comfort of their own homes with the help of the program’s production team, in strict adherence to current guidelines and protocol. Also all set to take the talented kids and viewers to an entertaining ride in the show are Alden’s co-
Alden Richards resumes his hosting job in ‘Centerstage,’ a reality singing search for young talented kids.
Alden’s co-host Betong Sumaya and show judges Pops Fernandez, Aicelle Santos, and musical director Mel Villena.
Showcasing pandemic love lessons in #KwentongJollibee Valentine series
host Betong Sumaya and the judges Pops Fernandez, Aicelle Santos, and musical director Mel Villena. Centerstage airs tonight at 7:40 p.m. on GMA-7. Viewers abroad can also watch via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com
Power belter Jona ignites the love month in a free virtual concert called ‘Love, Jona,’ a show which is part of ‘YouTube Music Night.”
Jona reimagines classic and current hits in ‘Youtube Music Night’ ‘Kwentong Jollibee’ gives a triple treat of romantic videos inspired by love stories in the time of the pandemic.
THE award-winning Kwentong Jollibee series is back again this Valentine Season to send forth the message of finding strength in love. Now on its fifth year, the fastfood chain’s popular Kwentong Jollibee gives a triple treat of romantic videos inspired by love stories in the time of the pandemic. “Challenges and rough times are felt more now than ever before, leaving people a little doubtful of love. That is why this year, what we would like to highlight is that there is strength to be found in love that is determined to overcome all hardships, and make it work,” shared JFC Philippines Country/Regional Marketing Head and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis Flores. “As a brand that takes pride in chronicling the stories of Filipinos, we continue this significant tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day by featuring real-life experiences of our loyal customers. This time, set against the backdrop of the pandemic, a situation we’re all in,” he added. For Filipinos around the world, the Kwentong Jollibee episodes are highly anticipated every red-letter day occasion, including Valentine’s. Since its launch in 2017, Jollibee has already produced over 36 Kwentong Jollibee short films, and gained almost 600 million views over 970 million impressions. #FindStrengthInLove Jollibee has set the romantic mood this Valentine’s through an exclusive virtual press event. This year’s lineup of heartwarming videos focuses on “Finding Strength in Love”, aiming to show people that love is a source of strength, even more in this challenging period.
First to be released was the Kwentong Jollibee film “LDR” on Feb. 4. Directed by 2020 MMMF Best Director Antoinette Jadaone, “LDR” follows the story of sweet couple Brian and Mina. When the announcement of the lockdown was made, they found themselves stuck in a long-distance relationship just like many couples. Guided by their love for each other, Brian and Mina take on courageous efforts to make their relationship work despite the distance. Will they be able to withstand the test of separation? The second episode “First Date” will come out on Feb. 8. It narrates the tale of Mara who was forced to live on her own during the lockdown. She spent her time focusing on herself, learning new skills, and eventually, connecting with a new and special friend. Directed by internationally acclaimed director Pepe Diokno, this episode can empower the hearts of individuals who used their time to reflect and act on what’s best for themselves. Lastly, the third episode entitled “Hero” will premiere on Feb. 12. It is directed by Vow and Choice director Ianco dela Cruz. “Hero” showcases how one’s love can help a person get through life’s most difficult moments, and even make them stronger than they ever thought they could be. Catch all the three #KwentongJollibee films on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/ user/jollibeedigital1) and on Jollibee’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines).
SINGER Jona headlined the first “YouTube Music Night” event in the country with her digital concert dubbed Love, Jona, which streamed live for free on Saturday night. “This is the first time that I’ll have a digital concert,” she excitedly shared with Manila Standard Entertainment during the Love, Jona virtual media conference. “Because Valentine’s Day is coming soon, my lineup for the concert will be pure OPM and it makes me proud to be able to showcase some of the best songs in the industry, ranging from the late ‘80s, ‘90s, to the current hits.” Apart from performing her own music, the ABS-CBN talent also covered songs of Moira de la Torre and likewise did a medley of Daniel Padilla hits. The virtual concert streamed exclusively on the YouTube channels of ABS-CBN Star Music, MOR, MYX, and One Music. During the virtual conference, Jona said that she feels overwhelmed to become the first Filipino artist to headline YouTube Music Night.” “Nakaka-surprise, nakaka-happy! I feel honored because out of the many talented artists here, I’d pioneer this. The trust is overwhelming but I wanna enjoy the moment,” she revealed. In the virtual show directed by Frank Mamaril and hosted by MYX VJ Ai dela Cruz and Kwentong Barber’s Edward Barber, Jona was joined by Star Music artists Bugoy Drilon, Jeremy G, and JMKO as special guests. The show officially kicked off the YouTube Music Night events led by leading video platform, YouTube, and produced by ABSCBN Music. The first staging of the project in Southeast Asia is expected to deliver breathtaking performances amid top-level production. It will be followed by a back-to-back YouTube Music Night concert led by Juris and Jed Madela entitled Hearts on Fire: Juris and Jed, happening on Feb. 13.
B4
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021
Desiree Carlos, Editor
Pets
daycarlos28@yahoo.com
CAT ALERT:
Do not give these human food
C
ATS do want some human food. But there are human food that may cause stomach problems, and even illnesses in your cat. Dog food is also not good for cats as they do not contain the nutrients that cat needs. In “14 Human Foods You Shouldn’t Give to Your Cat” in preventivevet. com, veterinarian Jason Nicholas listed the human food some owners may have given or giving to their pets and the adverse effects of these food n cats. 1. Dairy Milk causes upset stomach and diarrhea. “There are few images more quintessentially “cat” than a group of them gathered around a saucer of milk. If these pictures were a little more honest, they’d show the aftermath of upset stomachs and diarrhea. Because, despite the cliché, cats are not equipped to handle the lactose in dairy products.” Nicholas said. Milk or dairy product from cows, sheep, goats, and even other cats (after they’ve been weaned as kittens) can cause digestive problems. 2. Onions and Garlic Do not give food with onions, garlic, shallots, chives, or other food that contain thiosulphate, a compound that can cause serious problems. “When enough is eaten, the thiosulphate causes destruction of their red blood cells, a devastating condition called hemolytic anemia,” Nicholas said. You can give chicken broth to cats but make sure it does not contain onions and garlic. 3. Alcohol Nicholas said even a small amount of alcohol can cause the following in cats: Digestive upset Breathing troubles Disorientation Coma Death Please do not leave drinks on the table, kitchen counter, or anywhere your cat has access to, Nicholas said. Clean spills immediately. A lick or two can cause serious problems in your cat. 4. Chocolate Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingesting chocolate can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, blood pressure drop, breathing problems, and even heart failure. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa it contains, the more toxic it is, said Nicholas. 5. Grapes, Raisins and Currants These food can cause kidney failure in dogs. To be safe, it is wise to avoid giving these food to your cat because “acute kidney failure is just too great a risk,” said Nicholas 6. Caffeine Nicholas said caffeine toxicity in cats can lead to: Hyperactivity
to your cats
Poster by Michielou Amor Geraldino Ugasan.
Increased heart rate Tremors Difficulty in breathing Seizures “It’s unlikely that a quick taste of your coffee, energy drink, or soda will cause severe issues for your cat, but raw coffee grounds and tea bags could contain enough caffeine to quickly create a problem, should your cat be so inclined to eat some,” Nicholas added. 7. Raw Meat Most owners are tempted to give
their cats raw meat thinking wild cats eat raw meat. But your cat does not live in the wild and raw meat may contain harmful disease-causing bacteria like salmonella and e. coli (some of which can be resistant to antibitoics) , and parasites like toxoplasma and tapeworm, said Nicholas. “If you want to home-prepare your cat’s food, or feed them a ‘less processed’ diet, at least freeze and properly cook the meat to minimize the risks of giving your cat (and yourself) food-poi-
soning or a parasitic infection. And also be sure to work with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your cat’s diet has the correct nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other components — and that they’re in the proper amounts and balance, too,” Nicholas added. 8. Raw Dough Nicholas explained that the yeast in even a small amount of raw bread or pizza dough “can quickly produce enough alcohol and carbon dioxide to cause serious problems for a cat.” “And the dough itself can ‘rise’ (expand) within the cat’s stomach to a size that can require surgery to remove the digestive obstruction,” Nicholas added. 9. Cooked Tuna Tuna is not enough to fulfill the complex dietary needs of cats. Too much of tuna can also put your cat at risk of mercury poisoning. 10. Raw Seafood Raw seafood contain thiaminase enzymes which break down and cause thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is a very important Vitamin B, said Nicholas. “Fortunately, the heat from cooking these foods is enough to change the thiaminase enzymes and render them harmless,” Nicholas said. Thus, always cook tuna, anchovies, sardines, herring, carp, mussels, clams, and other seafood before giving them to your cat. 11. Liver (raw) It is okay to give a little liver to cats but cook it first. Nicholas said: “liver can be a great source of protein, iron, and several other nutrients. But you can have too much of a good thing! Liver is very high in vitamin A, and vitamin A is fat-soluble (builds up in fat cells within the body). So a cat eating too much liver for too long can build up a dangerous imbalance of vitamin A — a condition called hypervitaminosis A.” 12. Raw Eggs Raw eggs can contain salmonella. Also, the protein in egg whites called avidin can block the absorption of biotin, an important vitamin,B from the intestines, Nicholas said. “However, cooking the egg whites changes the structure of avidin, rendering it harmless,” Nicholas said. 13. Bones Bones- cooked or not, can cause serious problems in cats. “Small, brittle bones — like those in chicken, turkey, and other birds — can splinter and cause serious damage to the mouth and digestive tract of cats,” Nicholas said. 14. Dog Food Dog food does not contain all the nutrient a cat needs. “Cats aren’t “small dogs” and therefore have different nutritional needs than dogs, such as a higher requirement for dietary taurine. This is an amino acid breakdown product that is critical in proper health and function of the heart, eyes, and other organs.,” Nicholas said. DC
Adopt Love THIS month of hearts, can you adopt a rescued dog or cat? For the four Sundays of February, we will feature dogs and cats who were rescued by animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.). These dogs and cats were saved from sure death at the pound where caught pets are euthanized or put to sleep, from the streets where they were found after being hit by a vehicle or sick with severe illnesses, or from abusive or neglectful owners. Save ALL is looking for adopters who can provide a safe, loving home for these rescues who had a miserable, traumatic life before rescue. If you can take care of a dog or cat and love one for a lifetime, please message Save ALL or admin Is La on Facebook.
FEBRUARY is one of the kids of mama stray cat Chloe who was seen being hit by kids on the streets of Quezon City February was born four years ago. He is neutered, and has complete vaccines. He is sweet cat who likes rubbing against the legs of humans. He is the one who greets humans when they visit the foster home.
BRAVEHEART was orphaned when his homeless owner had a heart attack. He is neutered and has complete vaccines. He is a very friendly dog who loves kisses and belly rubs.
Nutritious sayote for the dogs PET TALES
BY DESIREE CARLOS SAYOTE is one of the least expensive vegetables in the Philippines. You can get sayote for as low as P20 a kilo, and P50 a kilo at most. Also known as Chayote, Choko, or Mirliton, it has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is a bit crunchy like cucumber. Unknown to many, sayote is rich in: 1. dietary fiber 2. potassium 3. phosphorous 4. magnesium 5. vitamin C 6. Choline. The best thing about sayote is it does not have unhealthy fats and cholesterol, thus, it Sayote is healthy for both owners and dogs as it us packed with lots of vitamins. promotes a healthy weight, said Sable M., a canine chef, in “Can Dogs Eat Chayote?” in parents have fed their dogs other types phorus, magnesium, copper, mangaof squash (like acorn, butternut, sum- nese, and Vitamins A and C. healthyhomemadedogtreats.com. mer, and spaghetti) without any prob2. It has antioxidants which can help lem,” she said. your dog fight inflammations and kidIs sayote good for dogs? Sable M listed the reasons sayote ney disease. Yes. Sayote from the squash family is 3. It can help boost a dog’s immune safe and not toxic to dogs, said Sable M. makes a dog healthy: 1. It contains lots of minerals and system. “Chayote can be fed to dogs without 4. It can improve the dog’s vision as any problem. If anything, many dog vitamins like calcium, potassium, phos-
he ages. 5. It can improve cardiovascular functions of the dog, and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. Sable M. said sayote, like other vegetables, may cause self-limiting diarrhea and vomiting. But there is no need to worry as these side effects will go away on its own after a short period of time. We have been giving sayote to our dogs and the rescued dogs of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) and we have not had any problems at all. How to feed sayote to dogs 1. Like any new food, introduce sayote slowly to your dog. Give a small amount and increase the amount slowly until the dog has built up a tolerance for the new food. “Remember that feeding your dog any new food in moderation is the best way to avoid potential digestive issues,” Sable M said. 2. It is always best to cook sayote before giving it to your dog. At Save ALL foster homes, the sayote skin and seed are removed. The seed can irritate the stomach, Sable M. said. Grate the flesh (laman) for easy digestion. Then boil the grated sayote. DO NOT ADD SEASONING AND
SALT. Seasoning like pepper can lead to allergy, heat and difficulty in breathing. Salt can lead to kidney problems. “Most vegetables are best fed to dogs after they have been properly cooked or boiled because dog’s digestive systems aren’t always great in processing raw vegetables. You should do the same with Chayote for dogs. Boil or cook Chayote before giving it to your dog to avoid issues such as stomach aches, gas, bloating, and constipation that are often associated with giving dogs raw vegetables,” Sable M. said. “Although the flavor and texture of Chayote may be distasteful to your dog, don’t be tempted to add seasonings or toppings as these can cause toxicity in dogs,” she added. 3. You can add chicken or bone broth to the sayote to make the dog like it. Again, do not add salt, pepper or any other seasoning. No garlic or onions too. “Chayote is not only safe for dogs but can also be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Like other vegetables, however, it is important to serve it properly and in moderation, particularly when you are still introducing it to your furry friend,” Sable M. said.