Vol. 35
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No. 328 No.328
January 9, 2022
2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES
18 .00
IN MET R MANILAO
LOW-LEVEL CLOUD FORMATION.
A Foehn Effect – a wind pattern that pushes warm air mass upward over mountains where it cools and condenses into a dramatic cloud formation – is seen in this photo of the mountain ridges of Itogon and Bokod municipalities in Benguet taken January 8, 2022. Dave Leprozo
Alert Level 4 looms for NCR Record-high daily tally exceeds peak of Delta wave at 26,458
n By JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES, JOEL ZURBANO AND MARICEL CRUZ
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HE country logged 26,458 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday – the highest daily tally since the start of the pandemic – surpassing the record during the height of the Delta wave and bringing the nationwide active cases to 102,017.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said it is “not far-fetched” that Metro Manila will be placed under Alert Level 4, the second most restrictive community quarantine level, as COVID-19 cases continue to surge. “Health care utilization can easily go up to moderate risk, which means 50 to 70 percent occupied. We are at 47 to 48 percent now in terms of ICU
use for Metro Manila. Many of our health care workers are getting sick,” Duque said. “We are preparing for the possibility that hospitals will be fully occupied again. That is what we fear. So, it is not far-fetched that the National Capital Region will be placed under Alert Level 4,” he added. CONTINUED ON 3A
Omicron mutations, social activities fuel global surge
DOTS MARK THE SPOT.
Quiapo Church staff repaint the yellow dot marks where the faithful can stand while safely observing social distancing protocols. However, devotees of the Black Nazarene will not be able to gather for today’s feast after the government canceled the Traslacion and all mass gathering activities related to the religious event amid the soaring cases of COVID-19 in the country. Norman Cruz
3 Filipino priests appointed as papal chaplains POPE Francis has appointed three priests of the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar as “Chaplains to His Holiness” with the title of Monsignor. CONTINUED ON 3A
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THE World Health Organization said the spread of Omicron was down to a combination of factors, including the make-up of the COVID-19 variant and increased social mixing. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, said people therefore needed to think about reducing their exposure to the virus and take control over its transmission, following a week of record numbers of new cases. The total number of COVID-19 cases registered worldwide passed 300 million on Friday, with the Omicron variant’s rapid spread setting new infection records in dozens of countries over the last week. In the past seven days, 34 countries have recorded their highest number
of weekly cases since the start of the pandemic, including 18 nations in Europe and seven in Africa, according to an AFP count based on official figures. Van Kerkhove said Omicron transmitted very efficiently between people due to a number of reasons. Firstly, its mutations allow the virus to adhere to human cells more easily. “Second, is that we have what is called immune escape. And this means that people can be reinfected either... if they had a previous infection or if they’ve been vaccinated,” she said, in comments circulated by the WHO. “The other reason is that we are seeing replication of Omicron in the upper respiratory tract – and that’s
World tops 2m new daily COVID cases
THE world recorded more than two million daily coronavirus cases on average between January 1 and 7 with figures doubling in 10 days, an AFP tally showed on Saturday. An average of 2,106,118 new daily infections were reported over the sevenday period, shortly after the one million case threshold was passed in the week of December 23-29, 2021.
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2,936,875 26,458
102,017
52,135
265
2,782,723
1,656
New
Death
Recoveries
Active
New New
(As of 4 PM, JANUARY 8)
Oil firms to hike pump prices by P1.10/liter MOTORISTS can expect another round of pump price increase on Tuesday for the second consecutive week this year, according to projections by Unioil Petroleum Philippines. In its fuel forecast for the Jan. 10 to 17 trading week, Unioil said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P1 to P1.10. Gasoline prices, on the other hand, may go up by P0.70 to P0.80 per liter. CONTINUED ON 3A
COVID-19 cases around the world hit 303.9 million yesterday. The US topped the list of countries with the most number of infections at 60.4 million. The Philippines was ranked 20th with 2.9 million cases.
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COVID-19 PH AT
Djokovic held for 8 hours, ‘mostly incommunicado’ WORLD | 3A
‘Decision on Marcos cases out in 2 weeks’ NEWS | 2A
No mass for Sto. Niño Feast in Manila, Cebu NEWS | 2A
INBRIEFS
No mass for feast of Sto. Niño—church
JANUARY 9, 2022
Poll body to decide on DQ cases vs Marcos in 2 weeks
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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) First Division will issue the decision on the disqualification cases against presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in about two weeks.
Presiding Commissioner Rowena Guanzon posted on her Twitter account, @rowena_guanzon, on Saturday that after the raffle on Monday, a resolution of the First Division will be released around January 17. After the preliminary conference on Friday, the First Division gave petitioners Bonifacio Ilagan and Akbayan party-list and Marcos 48 hours to submit their memoranda through e-mail. The filing period will lapse at noon Sunday. The petitioners asked the poll body to disqualify the former senator from next year’s polls for his conviction for
BBM will most likely prevail in DQ cases, law expert says
failure to file income tax returns from 1992 to 1995. “We bring a strong case and the evidence will show that Marcos’ unfitness for public office will eventually come to light,” Akbayan said in a statement on Friday. Marcos Jr. is currently in isolation after exposure to two close contacts who tested positive for Covid-19 -- his chief of staff, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, and a security escort. His camp apologized to Comelec for his absence in the hearing, saying that Marcos Jr. has a fever and had “difficulty in speaking due to a painfully congested throat.”
THERE will be no public masses to celebrate the Feast of Sto. Niño in Manila and Cebu on January 16.
Guanzon earlier called out the Marcos camp for its failure to provide a medical certificate immediately to justify his failure to attend the hearing. “He is not feeling well and he cannot go in today’s videoconference,” said one of Marcos’ legal counsel, Hanna Barcena. Guanzon then asked Barcena to have her client show up via Zoom given that no medical certificate was presented. A medical certificate from the physician of the former senator was eventually presented. Guanzon, however, asked why Marcos could not appear on video, without having to speak, just so his presence can be noted by the court. “Your Honor, because we are afraid that he might cause the spread of the virus,” Barcena said. One of his closest friends, former congressman Anton Lagdameo, Marcos apologized to the Comelec, particularly to Guanzon, for the inconvenience, if any, caused by his failure to attend the prelude to the disposition of the cases.
UNDER THE HOT SUN.
Workers continue to harvest sugarcanes in Sitio Buisan, Silang, Cavite despite being exposed to the heat. The workers are also apparently not bothered by surging COVID-19 cases and continue to work to earn their keep. JR Josue
n By MARICEL V. CRUZ
Ping vows to continue to work while in isolation PARTIDO Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson vowed that he will continue serving his functions both as an incumbent senator and political party leader via remote work while observing quarantine. Lacson gave this assurance to his party mates and supporters late Friday as the reply and comments section of his official Facebook and Twitter accounts were flooded with well-wishers for his fast recovery shortly after announcing via social media that he tested positive for COVID-19. Netizens meanwhile expressed support
to Lacson on social media. “Pls (please) stay safe po, Sir. We need you as our leader,” wrote one of his followers on Facebook under the username Li Mo. “Get well soon, Mr. Lacson. Stay safe always. Our country needs (you). God please heal this man,” said Nenita Aniz Abiera, who commented on another post. “Wish you the best of health, sir. God Bless,” netizen FRCBen wrote on Twitter followed by a prayer emoji. A number of similar tweets that Lacson received also attached the #WeNeedALeader and #LacsonMostQualifiedPresident among other
supportive hashtags. Some netizens, meanwhile, commended Lacson for immediately informing the public and everyone he came in contact with about the results of his COVID-19 test. This prompted many people to take the coronavirus threat more seriously, especially the highly contagious Omicron variant. “This is an eye-opener to everyone to always take things seriously because our enemy isn’t visible to our naked eye. COVID isn’t a joke. So, please always practice the safety protocols,” wrote Barbara Ortega in her comment.
Manila has enough vaccines—Isko n By REY E. REQUEJO
FIRE AT STARMALL. Firefighters use an extended truck ladder to reach the blaze as they try to put out the fire gutting the Starmall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City early morning Saturday, January 8. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, in a Twitter post, said the fire broke out past 3 a.m. and by 7:46 a.m. reached “Task Force Alpha.” The MMDA said “Task Force Alpha” means the fire requires several firetrucks. Reports said the local Department of Disaster Resilience and Management said responding local Bureau of Fire Protection raised the fire on 5th alarm at about 7 a.m. Starmall Alabang, a popular destination for mall-goers, is a five-story building located in the Alabang-Muntinlupa junction. Norman Cruz
Capital Region (NCR). “We would like to inform all parishioners, devotees, and believers of Santo Niño of Pandacan that on the feast of January 16, 2022, our church will be closed for the public celebration of the Holy Mass,” it said. The church also asked for the faithful’s understanding since the decision was reached for the good and safety of the majority especially in the current health situation. “This step is for our health and to prevent infection with the danger posed by Covid-19 due to the possible influx of many devotees,” the parish added. Earlier, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño in Tondo also declared it will be closed to the public on the day of the festival for the same reason of giving priority to the health of the devotees.
Group seeks govt help for 15 Pinoy seafarers
n By REY E. REQUEJO PARTIDO Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will most likely prevail in all the petitions seeing to cancel his Certificate of Candidacy in the 2022 elections before the Comelec because of the “political doctrine” that needs to be decided by the people and not by the court. This observation was made by lawyer Tony La Viña, former dean of the Ateneo School of Government, saying that the court cannot disqualify or dismiss a leading candidate that enjoys the support of the majority of the electorate. “There is also a strong argument why they should be dismissed. The ultimate one is a political question. Especially a leading candidate, you should not disqualify a leading candidate that seems to have the support of many people, because you are depriving the people of their choice. That is political law 101. Those certain things should be decided by the people and not by the courts,” La Viña stressed. According to La Viña, it was being taught in law school particularly in the disqualification cases in the national polls. “I teach Constitutional law, political law, and election law. When I teach this, I always tell my students, when you look at the disqualification cases, you look at the law of course, and the jurisprudence,” La Viña noted. He also believed that the Comelec and even the Supreme Court will most likely let the people decide in the upcoming elections.
The most recent to announce the cancellation of in-person Holy Mass on the day of the feast was the Sto. Niño Parish in Pandacan, Manila. According to a report of Church-run Radio Veritas on Saturday, the parish said the decision not to hold a public Eucharistic celebration was prompted by the spike in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country, especially in the National
PRESIDENTIAL candidate and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso assured Manileňos that the city government has enough supply of vaccines amid a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, “I want to re-assure the people of Manila that there are many vaccines. Calm down folks in Manila City, we have a lot of vaccines,” the 47-year-old local chief executive said, after inspecting the Sta. Ana Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Storage Facility. Moreno made the statement as thousands of both residents and nonresidents of Manila trooped to vaccination sites across the city. As of Friday noon, Moreno said the city government Manila has an aggregate
stock of more than 300,000 doses of vaccines stored in the world-class facility that was established in February last year at the beginning of the vaccination drive against COVID-19. These include: about 179,000 doses of Pfizer; 55,000 of Moderna; 38,000 of Astrazeneca; 6,500 of Janssen; and 3,700 doses of Sinovac. Moreno made the assurance after thousands of non-Manila residents availed of the city’s open vaccination policy to get booster shots at Divisoria and at the drive-thru booster shot facility at the Bonifacio Shrine. On its second day now, the booster shot night vaccination at Divisoria targets drivers, vendors and delivery boys who come from as far north as Cagayan and Bicol from the south to deliver food products to Metro Manila.
A PARTY-LIST group advocating for the rights and benefits of ship crewmembers on Saturday asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to immediately verify reports on the reported detention of 15 Filipino seamen in France. In a letter dated January 7, 2022, Rep. Sandro Gonzalez, the nominee of the party-list group Marino, told Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. of that the Marino Action Center received information on the detention of the 15 crewmembers of M/V Truday that French authorities detained the 15 Filipino crew members of M/V Trudy after discovering cocaine in the ship during an inspection conducted on October 1, 2021. “If the report that we received was true, then please extend assistance to the 15 so they can be reunited with their families here,” Gonzalez said.
More than 100 flights canceled due to COVID A TOTAL of 104 flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were canceled on Saturday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced. In an advisory, the MIAA said the cancellation was due to operational requirements. On Friday night, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the cancellation of some of its domestic and international flights from January 8 to 16. The flag carrier said many of its front-line team members have been unable to report for work. In addition, many of its passengers had to cancel or rebook their tickets as they either tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or were under precautionary isolation. Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific CEB) also called off several flights from January 8 to 10, citing the arrival limitation at the NAIA as the reason. CEB canceled more than 30 domestic flights after aviation authorities limited the number of arrivals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
DTI, FDA urged to go after medicine ‘hoarders’ HEALTH care advocate AnaKalusugan party-list has urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack the whip against hoarders of paracetamol and anti-flu medicines amid their unusual artificial shortage after the holidays. “There is nothing more criminal than the act of hoarding life-saving medicines in the middle of a raging pandemic. The DTI and FDA must ensure that hoarding and profiteering practices stop,” AnaKalusugan party-list nominee Ray Roquero said.
“It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that everyone has equitable access to these essential medicines,” he added. As COVID-19 cases continue to soar during the flu season, many have raised concern on social media about their difficulties in purchasing paracetamol and anti-flu pills used to treat headaches, colds, and fever, among others. “We also appeal to consumers to purchase only a reasonable quantity of drugs, medicines, and supplies, in consideration of everyone in the community. We should only buy medicines when
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GOING ABROAD.
Filipinos working abroad queue at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Paranaque City at a document check counter to present their health documents before leaving. The Hong Kong government earlier included the Philippines in its travel ban. The Philippines is one of the many countries placed under the high-risk category for COVID-19. Danny Pata
clinically warranted,” the Anakalusugan nominee said. “Hoarding denies poor people access to essential products like medicines and increases the prices of these commodities,” Roquero added. Hoarding of drugs and medicines, as well as profiteering, are punishable under Section 24 of Republic Act 9502 or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008. Any person or entity who violates this law could be imprisoned for five to 15 years or be meted a fine of P100,000 to P10 million.
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager
Rolando G. Estabillo Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Emil P. Jurado
Publisher Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
WORLD
INBRIEFS JANUARY 9, 2022
SPRUCING UP.
Workers prepare the Olembe stadium in Yaounde days before the start of The African Cup of Nations (CAN) today (Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022). AFP
Djokovic held for 8 hours, ‘mostly incommunicado’
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USTRALIAN border agents held tennis superstar Novak Djokovic for eight hours at Melbourne airport, mostly incommunicado, before cancelling his visa and sending him to a detention center, his lawyers said Saturday.
Djokovic secured a COVID-19 vaccine
exemption from Tennis Australia and the Australian government because he had tested positive for the virus in December, which should have qualified him for entry, the lawyers argued. “The date of the first positive COVID PCR test was recorded on 16 December 2021,” his legal team said in a 32-page submission ahead of a federal court hearing Monday to appeal the visa decision. Djokovic, who touched down in Melbourne on Wednesday night after a 25-hour trip via Dubai, had asked for a time to rest and consult his lawyers the following morning, his lawyers said. But after a border official initially agreed, his superiors successfully pressured Djokovic to allow them to take an immediate decision on his visa, the lawyers said.
BEGGING FOR ALMS. A burqa-clad
Afghan woman sits with a child on her lap as she seeks alms from passers-by on a bridge covered with snow in Kabul. AFP
Foreigners are still mostly banned from travel to Australia, and those granted entry must be fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption. The tennis star has been held since Thursday morning in a Melbourne detention center “notwithstanding his requests to be moved” to another facility to train for the Australian Open, they added. Although Djokovic has won a legal reprieve from deportation, it is unclear whether he will play in the January 17-30 tournament. If successful, he will be gunning for a 10th Australian Open crown and a record 21st Grand Slam title – a milestone that Spanish great Rafael Nadal is also chasing. In an internal video leaked Saturday,
Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said his organization had done “everything they possibly could.” “There is a lot... of blaming going on but I can assure you our team has done an unbelievable job,” he said in a video published by the Sunday Herald Sun newspaper. A second tennis player who was headed to the tournament – Czech doubles specialist Renata Voracova – had her visa cancelled after initially being allowed into the country, her government has confirmed. She was also placed in the Melbourne center, and is widely believed to have left the facility on Saturday. AFP photo and video images showed a woman who appeared to be Voracova in a vehicle leaving the center. AFP
21 dead in vehicles trapped by snowstorm in Pakistan AT LEAST 21 people died in an enormous traffic jam caused by tens of thousands of visitors thronging a Pakistani hill town to see unusually heavy snowfall, authorities said Saturday. Police reported that at least six people had frozen to death in their cars, while it was not immediately clear if others had died from asphyxiation after inhaling fumes in the snowdrift. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said the military had mobilized to clear roads and rescue thousands still trapped near Murree, around 70 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of the capital, Islamabad.
Video shared on social media showed cars packed bumper-to-bumper, with one-meterhigh (three-foot) piles of snow on their roofs. Meanwhile, in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, at least 14 people were killed and 17 injured Saturday when a coach and a minibus smashed into each other at high speed, security officials said. The minibus and the coach, which had come from the capital Cairo and was heading for the Red Sea tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, collided while speeding in poor visibility due to fog around dawn, officials added. AFP
Trailblazing Black film star Poitier, 94 SIDNEY Poitier, Hollywood’s first major Black movie star and the first Black man to win the best actor Oscar, has died at 94, prompting an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry and beyond. Stars including Denzel Washington along with current and past US presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama led emotional tributes as news broke Friday of the death of the celebrated thespian. “He was a gentle man and opened doors for all of us that had been closed for years,” said Washington, a two-time Oscar winner, in a statement to AFP. “To Sir... with Love. Sir Sidney Poitier R.I.P. He showed us how to reach for the stars,” tweeted Oscar
FromtheFRONTPAGE ALERT...The previous highest daily case count reported was 26,303 on September 11, 2021 when Metro Manila was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine. OCTA Research fellow Guido David said the increase in infections, likely Omicron-driven, may peak in February or at best by end-January. He said the daily tally may hit 100,000. Philippine Genome Center executive director Cynthia Saloma, for her part, told President Rodrigo Duterte during Thursday’s Talk to the People that the soaring COVID-cases can exceed the record of the Delta wave by as much as four-fold, or more than 100,000 cases daily. “The Department of Health and other government agencies should prepare as to how we can maximize our testing capacity. Because I already anticipate, Mr. President, that this will happen as the cases [increase]. If the peak of Delta is about 26,000 in September, we can anticipate based on experience from other countries, double, triple, four times this amount, and for that value to be there, the testing should be five times that number,” Saloma said. Saturday’s tally pushed the country’s positivity rate to 43.7%, the highest since the pandemic started and higher than the World Health Organization’s requirement target of less than 5%. Of the active cases, 3,399 are asymptomatic, 94,007 are mild cases; 2,842 are moderate cases while at least 1,462 are severe, and 307 are in critical condition.
winner Whoopi Goldberg. Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said it was “with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Sidney Poitier,” confirming the passing of the dual US-Bahamian citizen. Poitier died at his home in Los Angeles late Thursday, according to Davis’ director of communications Latrae Rahming. The spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about the cause of death. The first male Black star nominated for an Academy Award with 1958’s “The Defiant Ones,” Poitier won his groundbreaking Oscar six years later for “Lilies of the Field.” AFP
The country’s death toll rose to 52,135 with 265 new fatalities. Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna have been placed under Alert Level 3 while 14 more areas, including Batangas province, will also be under the same community quarantine level starting today (Jan. 9, 2022) until Jan. 15. Under Alert Level 3, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30 percent indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated. Face-to-face classes, contact sports, and casinos are prohibited under Alert Level 3. Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante recommended placing high-risk areas, including Metro Manila, under Alert Level 4. “We know that the escalation to a higher alert level will always be dictated by the number of cases. With the hospital facilities now, shortage of healthcare workers, and most of those patients with high transmissibility in the community, in my opinion, we need a higher alert level than what we have now,” Solante said. “With the enormous number of people being positive within just a short duration of time, and most of them are manifesting with upper respiratory tract symptoms, then I would say there is already a community transmission of Omicron variant,” he added. At the Philippine General Hospital, some 250 of its healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19, PGH spokesperson Jonas Del Rosario said. “As long as they do not manifest symptoms, they will continue to work.
Because we could not quarantine too many employees, doctors, nurses and support staff as there will be no one left in the hospital,” he said. “So, our policy right now is unless a frontliner becomes symptomatic, for example he or she was exposed to someone with COVID but did not show symptoms, he or she will continue to work. Quarantine will not be required. That is the crisis response of PGH at the moment,” Del Rosario added. Duque on Thursday said interns and health workers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will be tapped to augment frontliners battling the pandemic.
The President even called on communist rebels who are health workers to come down from the mountains and help, assuring them of safe passage and compensation. To stem further the soaring cases, the President ordered barangay captains to arrest unvaccinated people who will defy the mobility curbs set under Alert Level 3.
OIL...Oil companies usually announce price adjustments on fuel products every Monday, to be implemented on the following day. On Jan. 4, oil firms increased prices per liter of gasoline by P1.85, diesel by P2.40, and kerosene by P1.85. Data from the Department of Energy showed that last year’s adjustments stood at a total net increase of P17.85 per liter for gasoline, P14.95 per liter for diesel, and P12.39 per liter for kerosene as of December 21. Meanwhile, bread makers are seeking an increase in the price of their products,
PIONEERING. File photo taken on March 23, 2002 shows US actor Sidney Poitier holding his honorary Oscar at the 74th Academy Awards in Hollywood. Poitier, who held dual US and Bahamian nationality, was “an icon, a hero, a mentor, a fighter, a national treasure,” Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said on his official Facebook page. AFP including Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal. Philbaking President Johnlu Koa said flour prices have already gone up from P710 per sack to P995. Koa said should the proposed price increase be approved after January 15, it can be implemented in three tranches of around P2 per pack. Pinoy Tasty is sold at P35 per pack, while Pinoy Pandesal is sold atP21.50 per 10 pieces.
OMICRON...different from Delta and
other variants, including the ancestral strain which replicated in the lower respiratory tract, in the lungs.” But in addition to these factors, the spread of the virus was also being driven by the context of people mixing more, spending more time indoors in the northern hemisphere winter, and not adhering to measures such as physical distancing. Just under 9.5 million new COVID-19 cases were reported to the WHO last week – a record, up 71 percent on the week before. “The general public out there, what you need to worry about is just reducing your exposure to the virus,” said Van Kerkhove. “We want people to understand and feel empowered that they have some control over infection.” She also added that avoiding developing ongoing Long Covid symptoms was “reason enough” to try to prevent getting infected with the disease in the first place. AFP
3 FILIPINO...The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines named the new chaplains of the Holy Father as Msgr. Lope Robredillo, Msgr. Eutiquio “Euly”
UNSC to discuss unrest in Sudan THE UN Security Council will meet next Wednesday in an informal session to address the latest developments in Sudan as demonstrations against military rule in the African nation continue, diplomatic sources said. The session will be behind closed doors, the sources said Friday, adding that the meeting was requested by six of the council’s 15 members: the United States, Britain, France, Norway, Ireland and Albania. A common position of the Security Council “is not expected, as China and Russia would oppose it,” a diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Beijing and Moscow in the past have stressed that the situation in Sudan, which has been on the edge of chaos since an October 25 military takeover, was an internal matter for the country and did not threaten international security. The meeting will allow the UN special representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, to brief Security Council members on conditions there since prime minister Abdallah Hamdok resigned Sunday amid protests against the junta. Hamdok had been the face of the transition to civilian rule launched after the ouster of General Omar al-Bashir, but concerns have swelled about a slide back to dictatorship. AFP
Ex-Kazakh security chief held for treason THE former head of Kazakhstan’s domestic intelligence agency has been detained on suspicion of high treason, the agency said Saturday, after he was fired amid violent protests. The National Security Committee, or KNB, said in a statement that its former chief Karim Masimov had been detained on Thursday after it launched an investigation into charges of high treason. “On January 6 of this year the National Security Committee launched a pre-trial investigation into high treason,” the statement said. “On the same day, on suspicion of committing this crime, former chairman of the KNB K.K. Masimov was detained and placed in a temporary detention center, along with others.” Masimov, a close ally of Kazakhstan’s founding president Nursultan Nazarbayev, was sacked from his post as head of the KNB this week after protesters in Kazakhstan’s largest city Almaty stormed government buildings. AFP
Sri Lanka pay $6.8m for rejected fertilizer The United States and European SRI LANKA paid a Chinese comUnion warned Sudan’s military pany $6.8 million despite rejecting against its shipment of organic fertilizer as naming its own prime minister substandard, officials said Saturday, after Hamdok quit. even though Colombo is in the throes of a foreign exchange crisis. The state-run People’s Bank of Sri Lanka said it paid Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group $6.87 million in connection with an out-of-court settlement over the shipment. Fertilizer is one of the items in short supply in Sri Lanka, but authorities said in October tests had shown the shipment was contaminated and banned it from landing anywhere on the island. China retaliated by blacklisting the bank and threatening international legal action against Colombo. Beijing is a key development partner of Colombo and has given billions of dollars in loans, raising concern that Sri Lanka may be heading for a Chinese debt trap, though both nations have rejected such worries. AFP
Belizar Jr., and Msgr. Romeo Solidon. Robredillo is the Borongan diocese’s Vicar General and heads two diocesan commissions: Liturgy and Cultural Heritage of the Church. He is also the parish priest of the St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish in Quinapondan town. Belizar is the chairman of the diocese’s Commission on Doctrine of the Faith. He is currently on sabbatical leave. Solidon is a team ministry member of the Cathedral Parish of the Nativity of Our Lady. According to the diocese, all nominated monsignors are officially considered part of the papal household, whether they serve in the Vatican or elsewhere as the title historically designated a priest who served in the papal curia.
WORLD...New global case numbers have soared by 270 percent since the highly contagious Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa in late November. But COVID-related deaths were at their lowest level since October 2020, with an average of 6,237 per day recorded in the period between January 1 and 7. Although early studies suggest Omicron causes less severe illness, experts have warned the sheer volume of cases fueled by the strain could still overwhelm health systems. Countries around the world have reintroduced restrictions and ramped up vaccination programs in a bid to stem the spread of the virus. AFP
Vietnam tech firm wants to harmonize cash discounts in PH A VIETNAM technology firm, which was incorporated in the United States and headquartered in Singapore, plans to expand in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries to change the way cash discounts, rewards and loyalty points are managed. Society Pass, which recently raised $28 million from its initial public offering on Nasdaq, expects to launch Society Points product in the first quarter of 2022. “We see Society Points replace cash discounting in SEA. Postlaunch, SMEs will issue Society Points as a means of discounting their products and services and thus create permanent loyalty with their customers,” Society Pass founder, chairman and chief executive Dennis Nguyen says in an e-mail. Nguyen says consumers are constantly overwhelmed with a multitude of different ordering, delivery, and loyalty applications for every type of service, which makes it a hassle as consumers have to access separate apps for different needs and at each stage of the buying process. “Society Pass’s consumer-facing business aims to integrate everything the consumer needs into one ecosystem: consumers can easily search and order anything they want or need through the company’s various interconnected mobile and web platforms. Society Pass’s strategic alliances, delivery arrangements, and payment processing are also done within the platform, reducing the inconvenience of checkout for consumers,” he explains.
Mondelez PH named one of the best workplaces
JANUARY 9, 2022
Panthree Chicken Bites president and CEO Giann Marco (right) and SushiBake Kitchen cofounder Dean Santiago
Young brothers innovate to keep food business afloat
G Dennis Nguyen, founder, chairman and CEO of Society Pass
Nguyen says that since its launch in 2019, Society Pass has amassed over 1.5 million registered users and over 3,500 registered merchants and brands through its technology solutions, by providing deep insights into customer behaviors and personalized marketing tools, including loyalty app, customer relationship management and point-of-sales software, with more than 100,000 consumers having made transactions on the platform. Society Pass issues Society Points which consumers can redeem at any merchant registered on the Society Pass ecosystem in any country. SoPa thus operates a dual-facing business model serving both consumers and merchants through seven interconnected and synergy-driven platforms, he says. Aside from serving as a cash discount platform, SoPa seeks to transform e-commerce in Southeast Asia through acquisition and partnership. Funding from the recent IPO will be used to expand beyond Vietnam to other parts of Southeast Asia, particularly the VIP countries—Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. Unlike developed countries which have reached maturity in their digital economies, developing countries are only now experiencing a surge in digital adoption, with large potentials for future growth, he says. On why it is particularly interested in the Philippine market, Nguyen says it is one of the most dynamic economies in the region. “With increasing urbanization, a growing middle class and a large and young population, the Philippines’ economic dynamism is rooted in strong consumer demand supported by a vibrant labor market and robust remittances. The size of the Philippines’ Internet economy is expected to increase 24 percent from $17 billion in 2021 to $40 billion in 2025,” he says.Roderick T. dela Cruz
IANN Marco Santiago and his older brother Dean are among the young entrepreneurs who keep their food businesses afloat by innovating and coping with the challenges of the pandemic.
Giann is the president and chief executive of Panthree Chicken Bites—a food stall business that serves original flavored packed and rich sauce coated chicken bites, while Dean heads Supreme Hotdogs and Sushi Bake Kitchen which have stalls in major shopping malls. “I started the brand Panthree Chicken Bites when I was in College in 2015,” says Giann, who studied at the University of Asia and the Pacific. “From there, I started thinking what I would want to put up as an entrepreneur. I wanted to offer the market something that the people would be intrigued and surprised about. I wanted to offer chicken with a different twist in a way that it has different types of flavors and sauces. Most of all, I wanted it to be affordable to any type of market,” he says. The business concept turned into a reality, with Panthree Chicken Bites quickly finding its niche market at major shopping malls such as SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Lanang Davao, One San Ildefonso Mall and Victory Mall. Giann now leads a team of 20 employees assigned in different departments. “What sets Panthree Chicken Bites apart is you get to enjoy the crisp layer of flavorful crunchy batter/ breading while retaining the juiciness of our chicken inside. On top of that, you get the affordability of the food and uniqueness of the sauces such as Spicy Korean, American BBQ, Cheesemelt, Salted Egg and so much more,” he says. He had big dreams for Panthree Chicken Bites, like putting up stalls in every neighborhood in the country, “but the pandemic took a toll on us.” Giann says the impact of the pandemic was hard at first, especially when the shopping malls were ordered
closed for several weeks in 2020. “When the malls started to open again, it gave us an opportunity to think of different types of approaches to market and sell our products. It was luck and a curse at the same time,” he says. They had to change strategy and tapped the potential of social media. “The company has been coping nicely with the pandemic since we took an initiative not just to sell our products at the store but also for it to be available online. Our plan is to keep doing what’s working and be available in social media, so that different people around the Philippines will get to know more about the brand,” says Giann. Giann says the pandemic taught him to be ready for anything. “We need to learn to adapt to our environment no matter what happens. This pandemic thought me to be ready for what’s to come, also to keep innovating your craft because there’s much more you can do to your brand than what you think it is capable of,” he says.
Despite the challenges, Giann, who is into video gaming as a hobby, says he would like to stay as an entrepreneur “and see what the future holds for me”. He advises other young entrepreneurs to keep innovating when something doesn’t work. “Like they say, you only need to hit the lotto once to hit the jackpot. Same thing goes here, keep trying until you find that right thing that works for you, then keep going after that,” he says. Giann looks up to her mother, Dolores Santiago, for inspiration. Dolores is the president and CEO of Smart Buy Lending & Marketing Corp. Meanwhile, Dean has a longer experience in running a business through Supreme Hotdogs which her mother started 10 years ago. “We started that concept because we wanted to provide
an easy on the pocket hotdog meal for everyone,” he says. Supreme Hotdogs became popular because of the many variants it offers. “The different toppings make the difference. Supreme Hotdogs are currently in different malls nationwide,” says Dean. Dean launched SushiBake Kitchen last year amid the pandemic. “The tremendous craze for Sushibake led us to create something not ordinary. Our very own unique version was a big hit in the market. Being the first and only one to sell the product by the slice and offering different tangy variants of SushiBake Kitchen instantly became the crowd’s fave,” he says. Dean heads a team of 10 employees spread in the company’s Ortigas office and outlets at SM Megamall, SM North, SM Fairview and SM Mall of Asia. “Our company differs from other establishments because we make sure the best quality and uniqueness of our products are being consistently taken care of by our team. We put so much love, care, concern for one another and make sure that through these tough times, everybody is properly attended to in the best way possible given our limitation nowadays,” he says. Dean, who studied Psychology at St. Paul University in Quezon City, says they coped with the challenges by having the best possible solutions and making certain adjustments. “We studied the strengths and weaknesses, the pros and cons for us to stay put and where we want to be. It’s always better to have a game plan especially in times like this. One of our many plans is that we digitalized our products so that we can still compete in the market given the pandemic, and the main plan is to live with the current scenario by having the best possible solution to make the company alive and kicking,” he says. Like Giann, Dean regularly listens to masses for the right mindset and clarity in life. “Most of all, it gives me guidance, courage, strength, to face any obstacle because I know He is with me through good times and otherwise,” he says. Dean says during hard and tough times, it is important to find your rhythm. “It may be hard, but knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you decide the things you need to retain,” he says. Roderick T. dela Cruz
MONDELEZ Philippines was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in 2021 in the Philippines. The organization received a rating of 88 percent for leadership and social responsibility and a nod of approval from 84 percent of their employees, which secured the certification for the company. This recognition was given by the Best Places to Work certification, the most definitive ‘Employer of Choice’ body that organizations aspire to achieve. “It’s about how people feel about the workplace, how we are able to play to our potential while at the same time getting a good balance between work and personal lives, especially during these times. On teamwork and relationships, we scored a high 87 percent as well, which is really about how people feel about their peers, their colleagues, how well people work together and how respected they feel as individuals in the organization. These were some of the merits that our award was based on,” said Ashish Pisharodi, country director of Mondelez Philippines. Mondelez Philippines has put in effort for the past 58 years to create a working environment that prioritizes diversity and inclusion, strong employee engagement and building professional and personal growth. All while solidifying their role in making their consumers happy with their delicious and well-loved snack products like Tang, Eden Cheese, Oreo, Cheez Whiz, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Tiger and Toblerone. The pandemic, albeit an enormous challenge, only made the company more effective when it came to innovation and workload management. The workplace greatly changed during the global health crisis, but Mondelez Philippines took it as an opportunity to create a more flexible working arrangement for the employees, to give way to personal and learning needs.
This included the introduction of “Meet-Less” Fridays, which encouraged colleagues to avoid booking meetings starting 1 p.m. every end of the week, to give way to doing personal assignments or learning opportunities. The organization set up several platforms which the employees and their leaders can engage in a healthy discussion and debate regarding company policies. Some of these activities include quarterly virtual Coffee Chat, Balitaktakan and e-tambayan. For well-being, they engaged colleagues in a walk/run/bike challenge for their Purpose Day, which helped them achieve 5 million steps and almost 5,000 kilometers collectively, all while staying at home due to the lockdown. Another important milestone that the company achieved is the celebration of the 10th year of the Joy Schools community program, which engaged colleagues through 18 events and achieved 10,000 volunteer hours in the past decade. Ayie Antonio, sales people lead for Mondelez Philippines, said the end goal is to have an organization where people are involved and are more motivated to collaborate and do great things for the organization. “We always try to link it to what we want to achieve. For example, the coffee chat aims to reach out to a certain group of people so that you can talk about anything under the sun. It could be any question, it could be a personal one for a leader, or a professional question. As long as the people are able to harness connection with each other,” she said. While majority of the company continues to work from home, the personal connection is fostered.
Ajinomoto opens application for postgraduate scholarship in Japan AS IT looks to help the country produce more scientists, Ajinomoto Philippines Corp. is opening application for its 2023 postgraduate scholarship in Japan to deserving Filipino students who need financial assistance as they pursue higher education in the field of science. The grant is part of the Ajinomoto Scholarship for ASEAN+ONE International Students program which enables students from six countries— Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Russia—to pursue a master’s course in one of Japan’s top universities. “The Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation, which is now called Ajinomoto Scholarship Society, was established in 1957 because of
our founders’ firm belief that society cannot prosper without the development of science. The purpose is to lend academic resources to university students and graduate students who major in the field of science and technology, to foster scientists who can contribute to society in the future, and to contribute to the development of academic research without the burden of financial obligations,” said Hironori Aoki, APC group director for marketing, sales and public relations. Filipino students who will qualify for the scholarship program will have an opportunity of a lifetime as the scholarship will cover examination, admission and tuition fees in
full. Additional benefits of the grant include airfare and a monthly allowance. As proof of the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship Grant’s success in helping students pursue excellence in the field of science, Ajinomoto recently held its first scholars’ assembly where the beneficiaries gathered together virtually and shared stories of how the scholarship helped them turn their dreams to reality. While the present scholars are busy with their research papers and experiments, the alumni of the Ajinomoto Scholarship Program were also active in advancing science and technology in various communities in the United States, Japan, China and the Philippines.
Ajinomoto champions beneficiaries in first scholars’ assembly.
JANUARY 9, 2022
Pinoy pro athletes as modern-day OFWs
C
n By SHINSHIN GAVARAN
ONSIDER the Filipino professional athletes as the latest version of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
With limited opportunities at home due to strict Covid-19 health and economic protocols, professional Filipino athletes are plying their trade and making big waves abroad. A large number of professional boxers have been traveling all over the world to find fame and fortune through their skills on the ring. There’s no doubt that the Philippines ‘ prime example of boxing OFW was Manny Pacquiao who brought honors and millions of dollars to the country. A lot of pro boxers, aspiring for world titles, are currently in the United States, working hard for their dream fights. Mark Magsayo from Bohol is staring at the biggest challenge of his career. He will be up against Gary Russel Jr., for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title on Jan. 22 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J. Magsayo is training under Hall of Famer Freddie Roach and promoted by Pacquiao’s MP Promotions. Unlike the traditional OFWs whose rights are taken care of by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the professional athletes report regularly to the Games and Amusements (GAB), not just for licenses but especially when problems arise. The most recent case was that of former World Boxing Association (WBA) world minimumweight champion Victorio Saludar who lost his title to Eric Rosa last Dec. 21 in the Dominican Republic. But instead of getting paid the $35, 000 contract prize, the Filipino was given only $13,000 after the fight. GAB Chairman Baham Mitra immediately pleaded Saludar’s case with the WBA and even considered not allowing Filipino boxers in future WBA bouts if the case won’t be resolved. On Jan. 5, the promoter sent the remaining balance of Saludar’s purse. Globetrotters It has been noted long ago that the Philippines has rich, overflowing talents in basketball. With the rising global popularity of basketball, countries like Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and even Serbia have turned to the Philippines for highly skilled players. In the National Basketball League in Australia, Philippine phenom 7-3 Kai Sotto is slowly
Mark Magsayo is currently in the US training under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach for the biggest fight in his boxing career.
Thirdy Ravena, Kobe Paras, and Bobby Parks are among the eight Filipino players playing as Asian imports in the Japan B League (Photos courtesy of Japan B League)
making a place for himself with the Adelaide 36ers. In Japan’s B league tournament, eight Filipino players are strutting their stuff and earning handsome pays. Thirdy Ravena paved the way for the entry of seven other Filipino cagers in the growing cage league with his brother Kiefer following suit as well as Kobe Paras, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Parks Jr. Jack Animam, a many-time member of the Gilas Women squad, became the first Filipina basketball import when she suit up for the Radnicki Kragujevac in the First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia where she is currently making big waves.
Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanangan have cemented their LPGA 2022 membership
Spikers in Japan When we speak about Japan, it would not be complete without mentioning the names Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas who played for Japan’s V League. Espejo, the Ateneo star that won three-peat for his team in the UAAP volleyball tournament, played for a season in Japan before going to Thailand also as an import. But it was the success story of Jaja Santiago with the Ageo Medics in the Japan women’s V League that made its mark for the fans. The 6-5 Santiago led her team Ageo Medics to a bronze medal finish in Division 1. Parbusters Before Yuka Saso elected to become a Japanese citizen, she was
Carlo Biado travels around the world to play big-time billiards
playing for the Philippine team as a Filipino citizen. Her last hurrah carrying the country’s color was in the 2017 Jakarta Asian Games where she emerged gold medal winner in the women’s singles play and gold in the team event, together with Bianca Pagdanganan. Shortly after that, while still a Filipina on paper, the then 19-year-old Saso became the toast of the world golf community following her US Open conquest in June last year. Although she has recently chosen to become a Japanese citizen, even as she professed to remain a Filipina at heart. The rise of Filipina golfers in the global golf scene began with the entry of Jennifer Rosales to the LPGA in the year 2000. In 2004, Rosales achieved her highest finish of 4th place in the US Open. Two decades after, several Filipina players are campaigning in the US circuit like Dottie Ardina, Princess Superal, and recently Saso and Pagdanganan. Cue Masters Currently hot on the global billiards trail is Carlo Biado, who had recently bagged the prestigious US Open title. Biado, a national team campaigner, stays most of the time in the US and travels to other parts of the world where there are big tournaments. Just a few months after his US Open conquest, Biado went to Dubai and won the rich Abu Dhabi Open 9-Ball Championship in November last year. Biado became the only Filipino US Open king since Efren “Bata” Reyes ruled it in 1994. What’s interesting was that Biado defeated a fellow sports OFW in Jordan Banares, 13-6,
in the final to top the tourney. In Dubai, Biado also had to contend with fellow Filipino cue masters Venancio Tanio, Roland Garcia, Harry Vergara, and Arnel Bautista, whom he had all beaten to bag the win. Another Filipino billiards legend, Dennis Orcullo, was doing great with his billiards tour in the US until he was deported just recently due to alleged overstaying. Orcollo, nicknamed Robocop in the billiards circuit, said he has already hired a legal counsel to fix the problem. “Through my wonderful supporters in the United States, I have now hired legal counsel who has explained to me why the officer may have had the impression that I was doing something wrong. I am fortunate to have much support in the United States and in the Philippines, and with that support, we are actively working on a solution to fix this misunderstanding, so that something like this will not happen again in the future,” Orcullo explained through his official social media page. The legendary Jose “Amang” Parica was among the first cue masters from the Philippines that plied their trade in the United States. He was part of what they called the “Filipino Invasion” in the American billiards scene in the late 70s. They shuttle from one States to another going for money games, especially in nine-balls. A few years later, Efren “Bata” Reyes followed suit and also strutted his wares in the US. It was only in later years when billiards was recognized as an organized pro sport that Filipinos began earning honors. Parica became the World Player of the Year in 1997.
Life Editor: Nickie WaNg
JANUARY 9, 2022
I
nickie.standard@gmail.com
Painting the world Very Peri
N CASE you’re wondering why your friends welcomed the New Year wearing Very Peri, well, it has been declared as the official color of the year.
Very Peri mixes together the constancy of blue and the energy and excitement of red.
Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938), created as a symbol of global zeitgeist, en encompasses a lively periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone, blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue and the energy and excitement of red. 2022 marks the first time a Pantone Color of the Year has been custom created. Considered as the happiest and warmest of all blue tones, the new shade radiates a presence that inspires creativity as the world welcomes a transfor-mative chapter. The Pantone Color Institute is the specialist unit that highlights the seasonal runway colors, forecasts global trends, and advises for product and brand visual identity. The organization believes that the up-to-the-
Beauty items in Very Peri.
Very Peri in packaging and multimedia design.
minute tint exhibits the fusion of modern life and how color trends encompass both the digital and the physical landscapes. The selection process for the Pantone Color of the Year undergoes meticulous trend analysis spearheaded by the institution’s team of experts. Pantone
Fashion designer and industry expert Ionica Abraham Lim
Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman noted that Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision as the world welcomes an unprecedented change. “It displays spritely, joyous attitude, and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions,” she expounded. “Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place,” Pantone Color Institute Vice President Laurie Pressman added. “As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, a way to express and affect ideas and emotions, and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet
infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us.” Fashion designer and industry expert Ionica Abraham Lim, an educator at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, explained that both the 2022 fashion trends and color of the year exude optimistic mood that represent diverse emotions. “We are redesigning the future based on the changes that we are experiencing this pandemic,” she started. “Very Peri creates new ideas and opportunities for trends and it illuminates how fashion is evolving into a more inventive industry.” Very Peri’s charming blue and red blend also establishes a message of credibility. The shade sees usage in apparel,
Home decor items in Very Peri.
fashion accessories, furniture, home interiors, and even in beauty products for the eyes, nails, and hair. Its eye-catching attitude makes for ideal graphics and multimedia designs whether in a fantastic digital realm or in the packaging of physical products. “Be out there and do not be afraid to play around with it,” Lim advised. “The Color of the Year 2022 pushes us to be bolder with our choices.” The Pantone Color of the Year process seeks new color influences on a global scale that encompass what’s in and popular in the entertainment and film, art, fashion, design, and travel industries as well as new technologies, lifestyles, playstyles, socio-economic conditions, and beyond.
How digital events brightened Filipino spirits THE pandemic continues to keep Filipinos confined to their homes, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants. Thankfully, many amazing digital events have brightened their moods and given them new experiences through platforms like ktx.ph. For producers and artists who want to communicate with their fans during these difficult times, ktx.ph has been a collaborator since the pandemic began. Check out the information and activities that ktx.ph brought to Filipinos in 2021.
fan meetings for a minimal fee. ktx.ph also cleared the path for corporations to produce worldwide idol fan meetups like Hyun Bin and BrightWin’s. In this way, Filipino fans could see their idols and meet other admirers without having to travel abroad.
New Films & Classics Restored
Even when cinemas were closed, film production companies continued to work. Thankfully, ktx.ph provided a platform for them. Love is Colorblind, Hello Stranger: The Movie, Gameboys The Movie, and other new films were well received by Filipinos. This includDigital concerts with ed Ang Pulubi at Prinsesa, Paano Kita Iibigin, and Radio Romance as well as top OPM artists Various production companies con- Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin. tinued to stream their events on ktx. ph. Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Festivals Maymay Entrata, SB19, BGYO, BINI, Cinema festivals were also missed Ben&Ben, and Regine Velasquez had by film buffs during the pandemic. successful digital concerts in 2021. But ktx.ph has a solution, bringing Provinces and Filipinos abroad were in popular film festivals like Cinthrilled to watch their favorite artists. emalaya, Cinema One Originals, and QCinema. With the pandemic, the Fan Meets film business flourished and Filipinos Fans loved being able to interact enjoyed these flicks. with their celebrities after seeing them perform live. Their idols allow them to Theater/Festivals play games, ask questions about the Since the start of the pandemic, ktx. show and make new friends in online ph gave the theater industry an alter-
native platform. ktx.ph has worked with these companies – PETA, STAGES, Philstagers, and even university-based theater groups like Ateneo Entablado, Tanghalang Ateneo, and Dulaang UP.
Beauty Pageants
ktx.ph also became home to the country’s most established beauty pageants like Miss Universe Philippines, Miss World Philippines, Miss Earth Philippines, even male pageants found their way to the platform with Misters of Filipinas. Even international pageants have been hosted by ktx.ph – Miss Earth, and Miss and Mister Supranational.
ktx.ph is a leading digital platform that provides entertainment through live content with playback options.
Corporate and independent events
ktx.ph provides not just big-name and established producers a digital platform to reach their fans, but also private individuals and businesses. Happy Birthday, Ned! (Sino Siya?!?) is a docu-comedy show produced by ktx. ph. A fundraiser for ABS-CBN Foundation International scholars, it got a second run after a successful November debut on ktx.ph. Keep an eye out for ktx.ph’s exciting announcements for 2022.
Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano in ‘Love Is Color Blind’
Film buffs can also catch the Cinemalaya Film Festival on ktx.ph.
The leading digital platform also became home to beauty pageants like Miss Universe Philippines.
Viewers can catch performances from PETA on ktx.ph.
BrightWin of ‘2Gether: The Series’
Members of Filipino boy group BGYO
‘Happy Birthday, Ned! (Sino Siya?!?)’ is a docu-comedy show produced by ktx.ph.
JANUARY 9, 2022
A screenshot of Joshua Garcia in his first TikTok video.
Joshua Garcia The first video showed Joshua’s take on the Ginseng Strip 2002 trend on TikTok.
Joshua posted his second TikTok video this January.
breaks the internet, earns ‘TikTok King' moniker
Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia
W
By Patricia Taculao
HAT makes a person TikTok famous? The formula var varies from one user to the next, depending on the quality of their content and their perfor performance. But while many users are still looking to catch their break in the video-sharing platform, in-demand leading man Joshua Garcia captured the hearts of 107.3 mil million viewers, as of writing, in just two videos. Joshua’s career as an actor began in 2015 after being a housemate in the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: All In. He starred in various television series such as The Greatest Love (2016), Ngayon at Kailanman (2018), and The Killer Bride (2019). He also appeared in
several movies like Unexpectedly Yours (2017), I Love You, Hater (2018), and Block Z (2020). Those who have worked with the young star can attest that he’s a man of many talents since many of them have seen him groove to the beat or hold a tune well. But this time, Joshua took his boyish charm, good looks, and effortless dance moves to TikTok. He posted his first video on his verified account on Dec. 20. Joshua’s first video showed his take on the Ginseng Strip 2002 TikTok trend. Although it was his first video on the platform, in just a few hours, he amassed 74.8 million views, 7.1 million likes, and 162.6 thousand comments. In just 11 seconds, Joshua captured everyone’s attention, especially the girls’ who expressed their kilig towards the actor. Some of the comments even complimented Joshua on being a trendsetter. Other social media platforms, aside from TikTok, were also abuzz on Joshua’s first video. Eventually, other TikTok users also joined the trend by posting their videos while copying Joshua’s moves.
Netizens also reposted the viral video on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, giving Joshua more leverage than he anticipated. He even landed on Twitter’s trending page with around 12,000 tweets from users saying how they don’t mind seeing Joshua’s face all over their feed and how adorable he looked, even if it was just a few seconds. This 2022, Joshua is back with another video that also received positive reviews from the public. Like the first video, Joshua subtly busted out his dance moves to the song “Seeing Triple Edit.” The video gained 32.5 million views, 5.1 million likes, and 173.8 thousand comments. Both videos show that only Joshua’s hands and facial expressions are doing most of the work, but it’s that simplicity and effortlessness that captured the attention of netizens as the young actor continues to prove why he’s an in-demand leading man in the industry. Joshua is currently a part of ABSCBN’s ongoing drama series titled Viral Scandal. He is also scheduled to appear as Jane de Leon’s leading man in the upcoming adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s Darna.
‘All of Us Are Dead’ follows a group of students trapped in a school amid a zombie virus outbreak.
Netflix drops teaser trailer for ‘All of Us Are Dead’ The students finally realize that “we’re the only Streaming giant has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Korean horror zombie people that can save ourselves”, and decide to series All of Us Are Dead. The show is based fight against the zombies in ways that they can. on the digital comic Now at Our School by Joo The goal is to find their way out of the school while making sure every single person stays alive. Dong-Geun, and follows a group of Having lost their friends, teachers, and safe students trapped in a school haven overnight, would these kids be able amid a zombie virus outbreak to counter the zombies that were once who later join hands to their friends and escape the school fight for survival. safely? The newly released All of Us Are Dead premieres teaser trailer and on Jan. 28. stills encapsulate the spine-chilling suspense that ensues. The teaser trailer outlines the The teaser trailer mayhem that strikes a school vividly outlines the after a mysterious zombie mayhem that strikes a virus spreads. school after a mysterious zombie virus originates. The zombie horde grows quickly and spreads across classrooms, the cafeteria, and the schoolyard, reaching every corner of the school. Finding themselves completely trapped, Cheong-san and his friends desperately seek rescue but not a single person believes that the zombie outbreak is real. There is no sign of rescue, and to make matters worse, all The upcoming series is based on the digital comic ‘Now at Our connection is lost. School’ by Joo Dong-Geun.
Mark Wahlberg (left) plays seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan who recruits Holland’s character.
‘Uncharted’ clip reveals movie’s anticipated thrilling plane action IN THE race to find the world’s greatest treasure, you have to watch your step. Find out what happens next in the Plane Fight Exclusive clip from the new action-adventure Uncharted, exclusively in Philippine cinemas this year. In the movie, street-smart thief Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes he and his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world’s oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps
even Nate’s long-lost brother...but only if they can learn to work together. Joining Holland, Wahlberg, and Banderas in the action-adventure movie are Sophia Ali, and Tati Gabrielle. The film is directed by Ruben Fleischer, screenplay by Rafe Judkins and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, based on the PlayStation video game by Naughty Dog. The film is produced by Charles Roven, Avi Arad, Alex Gartner, Ari Arad; the execuexecu tive producers are Ruben Fleischer, Robert J. Dohrmann, David Bernad, Tom Holland, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Neil DruckDruck mann, Evan Wells, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway. In Philippine cinemas 2022, UnUn charted is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing InIn ternational. Watch the clip here: YouTube: https://youtu.be/LqCKWDBG88Q Tom Holland is Nathan Drake in the new actionadventure movie ‘Uncharted.’
Mags (white) and Burton are well cared for because their human guardians chose to be good humans who provide the best for them, including regular walks.
JANUARY 9, 2022
Are pets lucky in 2022, the Year of the Water Tiger? By Mariana Burgos
I
AM not Chinese and I am no expert on Feng Shui but I have a few Chinese friends and I have heard and read about some of their beliefs. According to the Chinese calendar and horoscope, 2022 is the year of the Water Tiger. Usually, for someone like myself, when I am asked what I think about tigers, I say I love them! That is because I love cats. For me, tigers are like cats but really big ones. But for other people, they might say, they are scared of them because they are big and wild, fierce, and they eat other animals. I can’t blame them because that is true. Tigers are predators. Smaller and tamer animals like rabbits, goats, dogs, or even cows, are preys to them. But, of course, when we talk of the Chinese calendar, we talk of astrology really. But for people (in general) to better understand it, it is related traits and characteristics of certain animals. At least, that is how I comprehend it to be. When we look at the readings of the Chinese horoscope, we hear the words, “lucky and unlucky”, “compatible and not compatible,” etc. Having been raised in a Catholic family, I do not believe in “luck.” Although you would hear me say the words, “ang swerte” (lucky) or “ang malas” (unlucky) sometimes because I got used to using these words as an expression. They are just expressions for me and nothing more. What I believe in is that, “one reaps what he sows”. Meaning, if you make good of your life, good will return to you eventually. It may not be right away but in the end, it will. You just have to be determined, patient, good, and true to yourself and towards others in making your way to get your dreams come true through this life. I am not saying it will automatically be a breeze if you do so. On the contrary, it is a one big, difficult struggle to be doing what is good and what is right in a society that has so many evil temptations going on around to make one lose his way from the good path. With our pets, particularly, some people are easily or unconsciously lured in a situation wherein they tend to treat their pets as to how they treat a certain property of theirs or a thing they own. And all for the thought of personal convenience and enjoyment regardless of whether or not the animal is comfortable or happy with it. And when it bounces back to them, they would try to blame it on something else and not their own doing. Take for instance, people who put their pets on
Cole's luck turned when he was saved from a life along EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City. Though loved by a sidewalk vendor, Cole needed a clean environment and proper medical treatment to address his oil gland and demodectic mange problems. Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) stepped up and brought him to the clinic. It took two years for his oil gland problems to be treated completely.
Pets and the Water Tiger (Sketch by Yumi Burgos)
very short leashes or in very small cages all their lives. If you put yourselves in the place of those animals, how would you feel? Would you say they were “unlucky”? Those animals were not unlucky but, rather, the humans who took them for pets and put them in that situation are cruel and, obviously, are uneducated. People who are not conscious enough of their pets’ diets are another example of mindless pet owners who make the lives of their pets “unlucky” for them. We all know that not all human food is good for our pets. That is because our di-
gestive system is very different from them. It is only logical to think that we ought to be careful of what we feed our pets. Not everything we eat, they can eat too. So, if it happens that your pet gets sick because of what he or she ate, please, do not blame it on luck. Blame it on yourself for not being careful of what you fed them. Another example of carelessness on pets (and this is my personal opinion) are those people who love to breed animals for selling. They are treating these animals as to how they treat a product, a thing, and not as a living thing. For me, this is
somewhat like prostitution or human trafficking or selling babies or children. Those animals are not “unlucky”. The people doing this are mindless, careless, and greedy. So, you see, it is not about our pets being lucky or unlucky during the year of the Water Tiger. It is more on how can we educate others about how to be truly human/humane to animals and not being lower than animals towards animals. Because that is how we are when we are mindless and careless towards them---we are being lower than they are. That is why sometimes, you hear some people say, they love animals more than humans. Or, you would hear them say, the animals are more humane than humans. I think this is one of the important resolution one can make this new year--- would you be truly human and be humane towards all creation, or would you rather be lower than the lowest of animals? The choice is yours. About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist. She is a solo parent for 14 years now because she is wife to a desaparacido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
Stray animals, displaced pets and their owners get help in the midst of destruction by Typhoon Odette
TRAGEDY struck. These are dreaded words, more so when one is just slowly recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic. A ravaging storm floors you down hard as it destroys your house and valuables, and worse, takes the lives of your dear ones. It is not as if we were not warned of the coming storm. In this part of the world, we get more than our fair share of this natural occurrence but there is no way we can get used to this devastating typhoons. They always break our hearts. We humans suffer during and after the onslaught. This recent storm, Typhoon Rai (Odette), could not have come in the most unfortunate time: Christmas and the New Year. It just multiplied the pain. But we, Filipinos, are always there for each other. We help each other as one big community. People and animals are suffering and the Animal Kingdom Foundation
(AKF) is helping in any way it can. We are carrying out relief efforts in parts of Aklan and Cebu by giving goods and food to humans and their animals. Strays and what were once pets with sheltered lives are mingling out there in debris-littered streets looking for food. People, quick with their smiles, gratefully receive donations sent through us. Through AKF, donations were proTo donate, please refer to the followvided to Cebu City Animal Care and Control (CCACC), Island Rescue Orga- ing channels : GCASH - 09479991678 Heidi C. nization (IRO) as we put up a Pet Ayuda Paypal : akfrescues@gmail.com Pawntry in Talisay City together with Account Name : Animal Kingdom our friend in Cebu Canine Alliance. Pets and starving livestock of poor Foundation BDO 0069 1011 0365 people within some barrios in Aklan BPI Acct. 1681 0015 88 were also provided food supply. Bread, RCBC Current 0046010931 spread, and canned goods were shared
IRO and AKF put up a Pet Ayuda Pawntry after repacking the donated pet food. Relieved pet owners send their thanks.
Annalyn Aizpuro of IRO receiving bags of dog food for their rescues and stray feeding operation. Jade Cabrera of AKF delivered the dog food and teamed up with IRO during the feeding activity
to poor families who were grateful to have food for the Noche Buena. It is heartbreaking to see so many hungry animals in the streets while people muster smiles on their faces. You just feel their pain. And so thank you for donating to this relief effort, our dear AKF friends, and our gratitude goes out also to our volunteers who joined this mission. We hope to feed more and help more in the coming days. Thank you to everyone who has been sending love and support.
Pet owners wait in line for supplies of dog food and some groceries for humas during one of AKF's relief goods distribution in Talisay, Cebu.
Cebu Canine Alliance with Talisay City Veterinary Office and Anthony Castro and Jade Cabrera of AKF delivering relief goods for animals and humans in Talisay, Cebu
Strays and pets scavenged for food in the streets of Cebu City after Typhoon Odette hit the reegion. AKF went around the city to feed the hungry animals.
Pets and strays in Cebu share dog food on broken plywood that was once a wall of a damaged house in Talisay