Nations start Ukraine pullout US, Russia lead exodus even as Biden-Putin talks aim to defuse crisis
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OTH the United States and Russia have ordered the pullout of some of their diplomatic staff in Kyiv, adding to the ominous tone after Washington warned that Moscow could invade Ukraine in days.
US President Joe Biden prepared to sound out Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Saturday [Sunday, Manila time] aimed at defusing one of the gravest crises in East-West relations since the Cold War as Ukraine urged its citizens not to panic amid warnings that an all-out invasion could begin “any day.”
Putin began his Saturday afternoon by holding talks with France’s Emmanuel Macron that the French presidency said lasted 100 minutes. No details were immediately released but the French leader has spearheaded EU efforts to ease fears of a major war breaking out in eastern Europe.
PH embassy braces for escalating conflict THE Philippine Embassy in Warsaw is in touch with the Filipino community in Ukraine, in coordination with the honorary consulate general in Kyiv, amid heightened tensions in the area, with the United States warning about a possible Russian invasion. Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Weeks of tensions that have seen Russia surround its western neighbor with more than 100,000 troops intensified when the Kremlin launched its biggest naval drills in years across the Black Sea. On Saturday, the US ordered all nonemergency Kyiv embassy staff to leave a CONTINUED ON 3A
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Public and Cultural Diplomacy Gonar Musor said approximately 380 Filipino nationals are living in Ukraine. “Most are in Kyiv and its environs and are therefore located far from the eastern border near Russia,” he said in a statement on Saturday. Musor said Filipinos are CONTINUED ON 3A
Tourists flock to Boracay as travel restrictions are eased. (Inset) Two vacationers bask in the sun and sand while wearing mermaid costumes. Danny Pata
Daily cases remain below 5k, ‘new normal’ no capacity limit
9 killed, 3 injured in Maguindanao ambush n By NASH MAULANA GUINDOLONGAN, Maguindanao – Nine people were killed and three injured in
Mindanao Saturday when a convoy of SUVs was shot at in an ambush linked to a feud between rival Muslim clans, police said. The attack occurred in a region with a
long history of violence, and a short drive from where 58 people – including 32 journalists – were murdered in the nation’s CONTINUED ON 3A
THE country logged on Saturday less than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases for the fifth straight day as the Department of Health said restrictions on public transportation and establishments will be lifted once the shift to a “new normal” takes effect. The country’s active COVID-19 cases fell to 84,229 as the Department of Health yesterday recorded 10,662 new recoveries and only 3,792 fresh infections. Of the more than 3.63 million people infected since the pandemic began, DOH said 96.2 percent or 3,495,209 have recovered. The DOH logged 76 fatalities, bringing
Valentine’s mix around the world
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3,634,368
SAINT Valentine’s Day may now be celebrated worldwide but traditions are often very different – and sometimes have nothing at all to do with romance. While in Europe it’s all about couples cosying up, in the United States it is as much about school children celebrating friendship while in Japan women give chocolates to their bosses. CONTINUED ON 3A
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the death toll to 54,930. The positivity rate stood at 14.3 percent, with 36 percent of the ICU beds nationwide in use, along with32 percent of isolation beds and 29 percent of ward beds dedicated for COVID-19 patients. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the shift to a new normal will begin once the community quarantine level is downgraded to Alert Level 1. “Once we are already at Alert Level 1, that will be our protocol: all restrictions for establishments and public transport will be lifted,” Vergeire said.
3,792
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54,930
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LOCKED IN LOVE.
Love locks adorn a bridge at the Venice Grand Canal in Taguig City. Manny Palmero
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Oil players to increase pump prices by P1.20/L NEWS | 2A
El Shaddai backs Marcos-Duterte NEWS | 2A
Obiena tops Poland meet with season-best SPORTS | 1B
INBRIEFS FEBRUARY 13, 2022
Oil players to increase pump prices by P1.20/L
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OTORISTS should brace for another round of oil price hike this week – the seventh consecutive week of upward adjustments this year – according to projections by Unioil Petroleum Philippines.
In its fuel price forecast for the February 15 to 21 trading week, Unioil said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P1.00 to P1.10 while gasoline may go up by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter. Year-to-date adjustments stand at a total net increase of P6.75 per liter for gasoline and P9.15 per liter for diesel.
Last week, the price of kerosene also increased by P1.25 per liter, resulting in year-to-date adjustment to stand at P7.20 per liter. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), however, said imposing a fare increase in public utility vehicles after recent fuel price hikes is unlikely.
LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra said the Department of Transportation is avoiding putting a burden on commuters. “What we are doing here is to respond to the concern of our operators but without having a much more negative impact on commuters,” he said in an earlier interview. Delgra confirmed the LTFRB received a petition to increase the minimum jeepney fare to P10 but said the DOTr is more inclined to assist in meeting the financial needs of the public transport sector through service contract programs and “Pantawid Pasada” cash aid than a fare hike.
Mass vax drive falls short of 5 million target
4 suspected drug dealers arrested
n By JOEL E. ZURBANO
POLICEMEN have arrested four suspected drug dealers in Muntinlupa City. The latest anti-narcotics operation conducted Friday night at Block 6 Lot 37 Phase 4 in Barangay Southville 3 also resulted in the seizure of more than P3 million worth of shabu. Arrested were Marco Anthony Panibe, 30; Ernesto Landong, 25, and Dreyven Aubrey Vilasco, 21, all residents of Barangay Southville 3 Poblacion, Muntinlupa City; and Romnick Misloso, 22, a resident of Bulacan. They are now detained at the Southern Police District and will be charged with violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Seized from the suspects were 508 grams of shabu worth P3.4 million, one green pouch, and the cash money used in the entrapment operation. “Rest assured that the SPD team would remain relentless in our anti-illegal drug operations and intensified drive to put a stop to the illegal drug trade in the whole Southern Metro,” said SPD chief Jimili Macaraeg.
SSS extends deadline for Odette-hit areas n By MARICEL V. CRUZ
THE Social Security System (SSS) on Saturday announced that the contribution payment deadline for selected months in 2021 is extended to February 28 in areas declared under a state of calamity due to Typhoon Odette. Contribution payments that may be made until the extended deadline are for the applicable months of November and December 2021 of business and household employers; and October to December 2021 of coverage and collection partners (CCPs), self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse (SE/V/NWS) members, and land-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members in the following regions: Region IV-B (MIMAROPA); Region VI (Western Visayas); Region VII (Central Visayas); Region VIII (Eastern Visayas); Region X (Northern Mindanao); and Region XIII (CARAGA). “We have seen the adverse effects brought by Typhoon Odette to our fellow citizens last December. Through this extension, we aim to alleviate the worries of our members, employers, and CCPs in the affected areas by helping them to not miss their contribution payments or avoid the penalties of late payments,” SSS president and CEO Aurora Ignacio said in a statement.
n By JOEL E. ZURBANO SOME 1.3 million individuals – or only a little over a fifth of the 5 million target – were inoculated against COVID-19 during the third wave of the government’s mass vaccination drive “Bayanihan, Bakunahan.” “For the past two days, we were able to vaccinate 1.3 million individuals,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. “This is short of the target of five million,” she added. The mass vaccination drive, originally scheduled from February 10 to 11, was extended to February 18. “We extended it so more people could get vaccinated,” Vergeire said. Some 60.6 million Filipinos have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine so far, while 59.9 million have been fully vaccinated and 8 million have received booster shots. Meanwhile, the City of Taguig has already vaccinated 861,288 individuals or 97 percent of its total population against COVID-19. Local officials said 792,912 individuals or 90 percent of the total population have been fully vaccinated. "Vaccination will continue until the last eligible Taguigeño gets protected," said Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano.
V-DAY WEEKEND STROLL. A couple
walks around Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila days ahead of Valentine’s Day on February 14. Norman Cruz
El Shaddai endorses Marcos-Duterte tandem Silent majority: n By MARICEL V. CRUZ AND REY REQUEJO THE religious group El Shaddai on early Saturday evening endorsed the presidential bid of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and that of his running mate, Lakas-Christian Muslim-Democrats chairperson Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate thanked El Shaddai, its leader Mike Velarde, and its millions
of members for deciding to support her and Marcos. “Thank you very much, Brother Mike Velarde, and to the millions of members of El Shaddai. Your support to my vice presidential bid is a big boost to my dream and to my advocacies which I will push if I am elected together with our presidential candidate – Apo Bongbong Marcos,” Duterte-Carpio said. “We know the challenges ahead are no laughing matter. And if we are chosen by the Filipino people in May, we will face even greater challenges. But I
believe there is no challenge we cannot solve for as long as we are united,” she added. She also vowed to pursue the programs of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, including the campaign against illegal drugs. “We want to continue the projects and programs of the Duterte administration,” she said. Meanwhile, in Cavite, Governor Jonvic Remulla formally endorsed Marcos for president during the UniTeam’s campaign sortie in the province.
Lacson thumbs down Martial law
WARM WELCOME. Supporters happily welcome presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos in Silang, Cavite on February 12, 2022. JR Josue
MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Partido Reporma standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson assured Filipinos democracy will be preserved and protected under his administration as he rejected outright concerns about bringing back the dark days of Martial law. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his campaign rally at the Lorenzo National High School here, Saturday, Lacson said imposing military rule or going the authoritarian route has never crossed his mind “No. Definitely, democracy will be preserved. No Martial law, no dictatorship,” he said. The presidential aspirant explained that the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which was enacted after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, already established certain guidelines on when to declare martial law that has essentially
made it almost a non-option. “It can only last for 60 days and it has to be validated by Congress. Also, the Bill of Rights is well-entrenched. It won’t be touched. You cannot arrest just anyone even if there is a state of Martial law,” Lacson said. Martial law, he added, may only be proclaimed in cases of invasion or rebellion where public safety is in danger. Lacson has repeatedly announced in public that he plans to lead the country by enforcing strict discipline among government officials, employees, police and the military, to prevent the abuses and corrupt practices that for years have been tolerated or even encouraged during past presidencies. “We should really dismiss or cleanse [the government]) of inept, corrupt, undisciplined officials and employees,” he said.
Game changer in polls—Isko n By REY E. REQUEJO
AKSYON Demokratiko standard bearer and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso expressed confidence that he will win the May 9 presidential race, saying the “silent majority” will be the game changer in his quest to become the next president of the country. Domagoso said this when asked by the media if he and his campaign team remain unfazed over former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s high numbers in presidential surveys. “Why should I [be affected?] I am encouraged because people, the silent majority, came out of their house just to see us – in the middle of the day,” he said. “That’s the kind of courage I have now,” Domagoso added shortly before the start of Team Isko’s motorcade at Isla Puting Bato which serves as the boundary between Tondo, Manila and Navotas City. Asked for comment on the decision of the Commission on Elections’ First Division to junk the disqualification cases against former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he said: “Good for him. Remember we are not enemies – we are just competing with each other.” “Our real enemy is the one that oppresses the people – this pandemic. That is the real enemy of all of us, and that is what I am fighting for and I can only overcome that if I can be with the Filipino people,” he said.
Gov. Bichara backs Robredo’s presidential bid n By MARICEL V. CRUZ ALBAY Governor Francis Bichara has thrown his support to the presidential campaign of Vice President Leni Robredo. Bichara said the entire membership of provincial board headed by Vice Governor Edcel Lagman and the ten regular members, together with three ex-officio members from the Association of Barangay Chairman, Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan Presidents and League of
Councilors, are likewise supporting Robredo. All the city mayors of the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco, and fifteen municipal mayors are for Robredo, Bichara added. Bichara said the support for Robredo was "not only because she hails from Bicol but she is the most qualified, capable, honest, trustworthy and caring presidential candidate." Robredo earlier launched her official campaign in her hometown
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in Naga alongside her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan. On Friday, over 100 economists and five former National Economic and Development Authority chiefs have backed the presidential bid of Robredo. “At this time when our country is struggling to recover from its deepest economic crisis since the 1980s, we believe that the government’s role has never been more indispensable,” the Economists for Leni said in a statement.
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida
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SEA OF PINK.
Vice President Leni Robredo is greeted by supporters who formed a ‘sea of pink’ during her visit to the St. Joseph Cathedral in Balanga, Bataan on Saturday, February 12. Rolando G. Estabillo Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor
Publisher Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
EXTREMELY VOLATILE. A
WORLD
the standard V-Day sex? Thai the standard lovers urged to wearstandard face masks the
INBRIEFS FEBRUARY 13, 2022
serviceman walks in the border base in front of Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Mariupol. Russia has sent six additional warships into the region for a week of naval drills involving dozens of big navy ships starting this weekend as the United States warned Moscrow could invade Kyiv in days. AFP
AS LOVERS in Thailand prepare to shower each other with tokens of affection this Valentine’s Day, health authorities are urging couples to practise safe pandemic sex – including wearing masks during intercourse. Daily coronavirus case numbers in the Southeast Asian tourism hub have climbed from about 8,000 at the start of the month to almost double in the past fortnight. Health authorities have expressed concerns this February 14 could exacerbate the trend, while acknowledging people have sex on other days too. AFP
Sri Lanka outlaws strikes as unions cripple hospitals
KYIV READY TO ‘DEFEND WITH EVERY WEAPON’ AVAILABLE
Its navy lost, Ukraine girds for Russian warship drills
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KRAINIAN captain Oleksandr Surkov looks askance at his patrol boat’s machine guns and laments how futile they would be fending off an attack from Russian warships now steaming across the Black Sea.
“Our weapons are mostly designed to protect our state borders, not to wage war,” the 32-year-old says as his boat bobs through grey mist enveloping the coast of Ukraine’s industrial port of Mariupol. “But if they attack, we will defend ourselves with every weapon we have.” Surkov’s worries reflect that of Ukraine as a whole as it girds for a feared invasion from more than 100,000 Russian troops who have encircled the ex-Soviet state from nearly every side. Ukraine’s old navy – stationed almost entirely in the Crimean port of Sevastopol –
“The situation is tense,” Beleskov said. Captain Surkov agrees. “The presence of Russian patrol boats is growing,” Surkov says. “They are whipping up tensions.” Mariupol lies on the edge of the front line separating government-controlled territory from that overseen by Russian-backed separatists in the rebel stronghold Donetsk. It came under repeated attack in the early practically vanished when Russia annexed the peninsula and took all its ships in 2014. months of the separatist conflict as the rebels tried to grab its port – vital for Ukraine’s Military analysts say Ukraine now has lucrative steel exports – and establish a land just one major warship and a dozen or so patrol and coastal craft of the type captained bridge between Russia and Crimea. Ukrainian forces were able to hold the by Surkov. line at a heavy cost. Russia has sent six more warships into The UN estimates that the entire separatist the region for a week of naval drills involving conflict has claimed more than 14,000 lives dozens of navy ships starting this weekend. and forced 1.5 million from their homes. Ukrainian military analyst Mykola Coast guards patrolling the waters off Beleskov says Russia now has 13 major battleships in the Black Sea on Ukraine’s south- Mariupol today doubt they would be able to western coast that can enter the landlocked repel a serious Russian amphibious assault that might accompany any land invasion Sea of Azov on its southeast at any point.
from Ukraine’s east and north. “The six Russian ships that entered the Black Sea region have weapons that can be used on land as well as at sea. They have missiles,” border guard captain Igor Chernov said. “We have to hope for a diplomatic solution,” added Surkov. “But we have to prepare for the worst.” Naval forces expert Nick Childs of London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies said an amphibious assault on Ukraine would not be easy to pull off – even for someone of Russia’s military might. “There has been much attention paid to movements of Russian amphibious ships into the Black Sea to bolster forces already there,” Child told AFP. “However, amphibious operations would present hazards for Russian forces, and Ukraine has some coastal defense capabilities, including anti-ship missiles in development.” AFP
SRI LANKA’S president banned strikes in the health and electricity sectors on Saturday as trade union action that has crippled staterun hospitals entered its sixth day. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa invoked a 1979 law prohibiting stoppages in the two sectors, declaring all related work “essential public services,” his office said. The tough regulations allow courts to hand down five-year jail terms and confiscate the assets of those refusing work. The move followed health unions ignoring a court order Thursday instructing them to suspend their strike pending a hearing of a petition against their action. Sri Lanka is in the grip of a foreign exchange crisis that has crippled the economy, and the unions are demanding better promotional prospects, restructuring of their pay scales and higher allowances. AFP
China gives Pfizer COVID treatment conditional okay
CHINA on Saturday said it had given “conditional” approval for Pfizer’s COVID-19 drug Paxlovid to treat adults with mild to moderate illness and a high risk of developing severe disease. The drug has so far been authorised in about 40 countries including the United States and Israel, while the European Union has permitted member states to use it ahead of formal approval as an emergency measure against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. Unlike COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer says that preliminary studies show that Paxlovid does not target the ever-evolving spike protein the coronavirus uses to invade cells, meaning it should theoretically be more variant-proof. AFP
Myanmar junta vows to free over 800 prisoners MYANMAR’S junta on Saturday announced an amnesty for more than 800 prisoners to mark the country’s Union Day, as it held a parade and show of force in the capital. The country has been in turmoil since last year’s coup, with mass protests and a subsequent military crackdown that has killed more than 1,500 civilians, according to the UN’s human rights office. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing issued
the “pardon order” – a regular feature of major holidays in the country -- for 814 prisoners to commemorate Union Day’s 75th anniversary, state media said. Those given amnesty will be mostly from prisons in commercial hub Yangon, junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told AFP. He did not say whether detained Australian academic Sean Turnell – who has been detained for more
than a year – would be among those released. Turnell, an Australian economics professor, was working as an adviser to ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi when he was arrested last February, just days after a military coup. He has been charged with violating Myanmar’s official secrets law and faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison if found guilty. AFP
Thousands protest vaccine mandates in Aussie capital THOUSANDS of protesters marched through Australia’s capital to the parliament building on Saturday to decry COVID-19 vaccine mandates, the latest in a string of rallies against pandemic restrictions around the world. Demonstrators packed Canberra’s streets before massing outside the parliament, some waving the red Australian ensign flag
associated with “sovereign citizens” who believe national laws do not apply to them. Protesters, many with children, rallied under bright skies brandishing banners proclaiming “Fight for Your Freedom & Rights,” “Free Aus Freedom Now,” or “No forced drugs” written above a symbol of a syringe. Police estimated there were up to 10,000
protesters. They were “generally well-behaved,” a police spokesman said. Three people were arrested including one man who drove his truck through a roadblock. Two others were taken into custody for a breach of the peace. Australia says 94 percent of people aged over 16 have had at least two COVID-19 vaccinations. AFP
FromtheFRONTPAGE
The US State Department has “ordered the departure of most US direct hire employees from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action,” it said in an updated travel advisory. “The Department of State will suspend consular services at the US Embassy in Kyiv,” it said, adding that a small consular presence would be maintained in Lviv in western Ukraine to handle emergencies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Saturday that diplomatic channels remained “open” to avoid conflict in Ukraine but would require Moscow to “deescalate.” A Russian invasion of Ukraine “would result in a resolute, massive, and united Transatlantic response,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. During a call between Washington and Moscow’s top diplomats, “the secretary made clear that a diplomatic path to resolving the crisis remained open, but it would require Moscow to de-escalate and engage in goodfaith discussions,” Price said. According to Russia, Lavrov accused the United States during the call of seeking to provoke conflict in Ukraine. AFP
escalated following reports that Moscow deployed more than 100,000 troops and heavy weapons close to Ukraine’s border which, according to the US, are enough to invade the country “at any time.” As this developed, Washington, DC and several other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, and Japan, have urged their nationals to evacuate Ukraine immediately. No similar advisory as of this posting has been issued by the Philippines. However, an Anadolu news agency report quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying the imminent invasion of Ukraine is a “mass disinformation campaign.”
NATIONS...day after telling US
citizens to depart Ukraine within 48 hours. Pentagon also announced that Washington is withdrawing nearly all of its remaining soldiers from Ukraine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “has ordered the temporary repositioning of the 160 members of the Florida National Guard,” who were in the country “advising and mentoring Ukrainian forces,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. Russia, for its part, said it has pulled some of its diplomatic staff out of Ukraine for fear of “provocations” from Kyiv or its allies. “Fearing possible provocations from the Kyiv regime or other countries we have indeed decided to optimize staffing at Russian missions in Ukraine,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a press release. Germany on Saturday also asked its nationals whose presence in Ukraine was not “imperative” to leave, saying a “military conflict cannot be excluded” as tensions mount. “Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have again shot up in the last few days due to the massive movements of Russian military units near the Ukrainian border,” the German foreign ministry said. “If you are currently in Ukraine, make sure that your presence is imperative. If that is not the case, please leave the country for the time being.” Belgium and the Netherlands have also advised their citizens to leave Ukraine.
PH... “encouraged to contact the
embassy, report any untoward incident they might observe in their respective areas, and continue monitoring their Filipino friends through social media.” A deployment ban was imposed by Manila in 2014 when a political crisis hit the Eastern European nation and Russia annexed Crimea. In the early weeks this year, tensions
VALENTINE’S... From pagan
festival to marketing ploy, we look at the rich Valentine’s mix: All whipped up Valentine’s Day was once a rather violent affair. Its origins are thought to go back to the Roman purification festival of Lupercalia when naked young men would whip young ladies to make them more fertile. Down the centuries that evolved into only slightly less raucous lotteries that paired young men off with young women at medieval carnivals. Martyr to his heart The day is also, of course, associated with the cult of third century Roman Christian martyr Saint Valentine. He literally lost his head over love – decapitated on the orders of the Emperor Claudius, they say, for secretly performing weddings. According to the legend, Valentine cured his jailer’s blind daughter and the day
FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD, MASKS OFF FOR THE LIVING? Flowers for those that have died from the coronavirus sit on a barricade watched by police on the grounds of Parliament on the fifth day of demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions in Wellington, New Zealand on February 12, 2022. AFP before his death slipped her a note signed “Your Valentine.” Unfortunately there was no happy ending. Love letters In England the exchange of messages known as “valentines” on February 14 developed with the rise of the postal service in the 19th century, with the sender often signing off “Your Valentine.” Love spoons They did things differently across the border in Wales. Their festival of love is held on January 25 and celebrates a fourth-century Welsh princess called Saint Dwynwen. Unlucky in love, broken-hearted Dwynwen sought solace in religion and became a nun, praying for others to find true love. AFP
9 KILLED,... worst political massacre in 2009. Clan leader Peges Mamasainged and eight others were killed as they travelled down a farm-lined road in Maguindanao province, according to police. Both the victims and attackers were led by former commanders of a Muslim guerilla group that waged a bloody, decades-long insurgency in the region before a peace agreement was signed in 2014, provincial police spokesman Fhaeyd Cana told AFP. Authorities are looking for suspects led by Mamasainged’s rival, Cana said, adding the two families were involved in a long-running blood feud. Both the main suspect and the slain Mamasainged were once commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Well-armed Muslim families in Mindanao at times resort to clan warfare to settle
disputes that can last for generations. “[Guindulungan town] police described this attack as a rido,” Cana said, using the local term for blood feud. The attack was the province’s bloodiest since the 2009 massacre, he added. Five clan members were among the gunmen found guilty of those killings. The family’s leaders were sentenced to 30-year prison terms in 2019. The MILF signed a peace deal with Manila in March 2014, ending decades of rebellion that claimed tens of thousands of lives. Its leaders now head a selfruled area in the former battlefields that includes Maguindanao. With AFP
DAILY...“Alert Level 1 really is our new normal. But we must be prepared to have that mindset that we would still be practicing the safety protocols even if there are no restrictions in place,” she said. The mandatory use of face masks, however, would be the last to go, Vergeire said in an earlier interview Friday. “What would be retained would be our self-regulation,” Vergeire said. People would still be expected to maintain minimum health standards— with masking, washing of hands, physical distancing and maintaining good ventilation indoors. Among the restrictions, she said, the mandatory wearing of face masks would be the last to go, because they afford protection, not just from COVID-19, but also from other respiratory diseases. Dr. Edsel Salvana of the DOHTechnical Advisory Group said the easing of the rule regarding face masks would be done gradually.
Top executives of Primex Realty Corp. lead the topping-off ceremony for the 50-story Primex Tower, considered as the tallest building in San Juan City.
FEBRUARY 13, 2022
Developer set to finish tallest San Juan tower amid pandemic
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rimex Realty Corp., a subsidiary of listed Primex Corp. of the Ang family, is about to complete the tallest building in San Juan which cost about P5 billion to build amid the pandemic.
Primex Corp. chairman and president Ernesto Ang and his son, executive vice president and corporate secretary Karlvin Ernest Ang, recently led the topping-off ceremony for Primex Tower—a 50-story Grade A and LEED-certified building which now dominates the skyline of EDSA at the corner of Connecticut and Florida Streets in Greenhills, San Juan. The site is located near the mansions of Greenhills, Camp Crame, Camp Aguinaldo and Ortigas. The glass skyscraper rose from the former site of a Caltex station—a 1,944 square-meter lot just across a Petron station. It was designed and built by JSLA, New Golden City Builders and RM Cabanela Construction Management. It eclipsed the 35-story Atlanta
Centre on Annapolis Street as the tallest building in San Juan. The project broke ground in July 2018 and was promoted as the flagship project of Primex Corp. Upon completion, the building will provide 41,000 square meters of leasable space, including a Pullman Manila Hotel to be managed by the Accor hospitality management group. Primex is the same developer behind the 31-story Stratosphere residential building in Makati City, Goldendale Village and Tresor Residences in Malabon City and The Richdale in Antipolo City. San Juan-based Primex is also developing new projects in Tagaytay City as well as Twin Golf Residences Tower in Annapolis and Lyf Residences in the Ortigas Ave.-Santolan area. Karlvin Ang said Primex Tower is a Grade A, LEED-certified building that stands as the tallest skyscraper in San Juan. “This new mixed-used tower will not only comprise of premium commercial and office spaces, but will also house the first Pullman-branded five-star hotel in the Philippines to be managed by Accor Hotels. This project represents as the model for our future developments,” the younger Ang said.
Ang said the company is transforming and leading its developments in the 21st Century. He said the topping-off ceremony brings Primex Tower a step closer to completion. “Soon, locators will be able to enjoy not only its accessible location, but also its panoramic 360 view of the whole metropolis,” he said. At the higher floors of the building, one can see the greens of two major golf courses, the beautiful sunset of Manila
May, the cluster of high-rise buildings in Mall of Asia, Bonifacio Global City, Rockwell and the Ortigas central business district. It also offers the stunning view of glamorous residential mansions in Greenhills, Corinthian Gardens and Valle Verde Villages. “The COVID pandemic during the past two years may have proven to be a challenging adversary for the whole nation but we, at Primex took it head-
on and with the dedication and hard work of all the people involved at every step, from the tower’s design to the development and construction process, this iconic building has come to life”, said Ang. The five-start Pullman Manila Hotel will occupy the upper 11 floors to provide 194 guest rooms, an executive lounge, meeting rooms, function rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a sky lobby, fitness center, a rooftop restaurant and bar with a serene view of Metro Manila skyline. The hotel will have a 25-meter lap and infinity pool at the rooftop, 50 levels above EDSA. Primex Tower will also have 29 floors for commercial and office spaces which are now open for lease or sale. The penthouse will be an exclusive residential floor. Ten floors of the building will be allocated for parking. Primex expects to turn over the office and commercial floors in the third quarter of 2022. Pullman Manila Hotel is set to open by the fourth quarter of 2023. Roderick T. dela Cruz
PH startup secures P2.25-b fund from KKR
Avelina’s Modern Kitchen
Restaurants bullish on recovery as they bet on Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Metro Manila are bringing out their luxurious ceramic plates and silverware sets this Valentine’s Day to lure customers back after almost two years of the pandemic. Avelina’s Modern Kitchen, a restaurant along Mother Ignacia Ave. in Quezon City, rebranded its name and upgraded its offerings in the hope of convincing couples to dine out on Valentine’s Day. Rodrigo Pelayo, a serial restaurateur and one of the owners of Avelina’s Modern Kitchen, is hopeful that the occasion could see the return of diners. “Many restaurants have closed amid the pandemic, even after their owners sold their cars and other properties. We are fortunate to be among the few that remain open,” says Pelayo, who also had his share of financial challenges in the past two years. He says that aside from the spread of the virus, what hurt their businesses is the repeated lockdowns declared by the government. The restaurant managed to survive by offering food deliveries, catering to weddings and other events and selling fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. Despite the challenges at the peak of the pandemic, Avelina’s Modern Kitchen did its part by sending nearly 7,000 packed meals to frontliners and serving free coffee and food to Grab drivers. The restaurant also provided food and collected donation for victims of calamities and poor families in Metro Manila. Pelayo is hopeful that the virus would be put under control this time and that the government would give entrepreneurs like him a leeway to recover their
losses and turn in a profit. To prepare for the opportunities made available by the less stringent Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila, Avelina’s Modern Kitchen spruced up its al-fresco dining space, garden, roof deck and exclusive areas for Valentine’s. Pelayo says tables and chairs were rearranged in compliance with health protocols to provide diners with a romantic vibe perfect for the event. He says Avelina’s Modern Kitchen offers fine-dining experience for celebrants in an intimate and romantic setting or under the star. The restaurant has a roof deck that provides a stunning view of Quezon City at night. “It is a fusion of casual dining and fine dining in one place,” says Pelayo about their new food and drink offerings. The restaurant offers four-course
meals and seven-course meals paired with wine for the week around Valentine’s. Its garden setting at the ground floor serves western menu on a casual dining set-up, while the second floor and roof deck serve a 7-course dining experience, which is by reservation only. The menu includes imported steak, baked salmon, roasted tamarind chicken, pork ribs and local cuisine favorites such as sisig, bagnet and kare-kare. On Feb. 12 to 15, the restaurant will also provide live acoustic music to entertain diners. Palayo hopes that this will be the start of the recovery of the restaurant industry after a tumultuous two-year period. Avelina’s Modern Kitchen, formerly H Cafe Events Place, is located at the quiet nook of Mother Ignacia Ave. and Scout Limbaga Street. Roderick T. dela Cruz
GROWSARI, a business-to-business e-commerce platform serving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the Philippines, secured a $45-million (P2.25-billion) investment from KKR, a leading global investment firm under the Series C funding round. Under the definitive agreement, KKR’s investment will support GrowSAri’s expansion into more regions across the Philippines and strengthen its financial service capabilities. Founded in 2016, GrowSari is a leading tech-enabled B2B platform that helps the Philippines’ small physical retail stores, including neighborhood retail shops (sari-sari stores), roadside and market shops (carinderia), and pharmacies, enhance their service levels and access a wider range of products and value-adding services. This allows the stores to provide local communities with more comprehensive GrowSari co-founder offerings, including digital services. and chief executive Today, GrowSari is present in 220 municipalities Reymund ‘ER’ Rollan across the regions of Luzon and offers over a hundred types of different services including making bill payments, telco reloads and wallet top-ups, as well as procurement services for common retail goods and pharmaceutical medicines. Strong tailwinds around digital adoption, proximity shopping and economic growth in the Philippines have also contributed to a 6.5-fold increase in gross merchandise value for GrowSari since 2019 and a 2.5-fold growth in revenue over the same period. In 2021, the Singapore Venture Capital & Private Equity Association named GrowSari as ‘Venture Capital Deal of the Year.’ “We are pleased to invest in GrowSari, an innovative company with tremendous potential to digitally transform the operations of Filipino MSMEs, who are crucial contributors to the country’s economy and a pillar of the business community. We are excited to support the GrowSari team to achieve their expansion ambitions,” said Ashish Shastry, co-head of Asia Pacific Private Equity and head for Southeast Asia at KKR, said, Speaking on the latest investment, GrowSari co-founder and chief executive Reymund ‘ER’ Rollan said the company will accelerate its presence nationally to more municipalities and cities in the Philippines. “Our investments will be focused towards expanding in Visayas and Mindanao this 2022. This will bring us a step closer to our mission of creating a positive socio-economic impact to the lives of more MSME owners and the communities they serve,” said Rollan, who studied Business Administration at the University of the Philippines. He completed his secondary education at Quezon City High School.
Singapore firm eyes $700-m data center in Rizal province
MNL1, the country’s largest data center, will rise in Cainta, Rizal.
SPACEDC, a Singapore-based company, is working with real estate services firm JLL to build a secure, resilient, network rich, data center called MNL1 in Cainta, Rizal. The green data center will be fully powered with renewable energy and is slated to open in 2022. SpaceDC plans to invest more than $700 million in the 43,000-square-meter facility. MNL1 will be the largest hyperscale data center campus in the Philippines, and will deliver 72 megawatts of critical power.
With an outstanding PUE (power usage effectiveness) of 1.3, MNL1 will also lead in terms of energy efficiency and design to minimize carbon footprint. The state of the art facilities feature SpaceDC’s N+1 design, which accommodates racks of up to 15 kW across 48 x 1,500kW data halls before additional cooling support is required. MNL1 has its own leading internet exchange and diverse connectivity: local/international fiber presence, vendor neutral access, multiple MMRs and SDN.
Benefits include switch/ramps to cloud providers such as AWS, Alibaba and Azure. It has direct cloud access and connectivity to over 400 data centers. “The Philippines ranks second in terms of data center growth in Southeast Asia. With only 47 MW of available capacity in the country, it is a dramatically underserved market. We are excited to be a first mover in a new market where we see our customers are investing heavily in,” said SpaceDC chief executive Darren Hawkins.
Y
ANQING, China— Asa Miller’s big day gets going on Sunday morning when he competes in men’s giant slalom of alpine skiing at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
The venue—the steep Ice River course at the National Alpine Skiing Centre— awaits Miller and 149 other skiers most of who have trained on the slope of Xiaohaituo Mountain for two weeks. The start list will only be available on Saturday night during the coaches’ meeting which Miller’s American mentor Will Gregorak will attend. The races start with the first run at 10 a.m. and the second run at 1:45 p.m. “He [Miller] is very positive on the hill and looks confident. I think Asa is a dynamic, exciting skier, period. I think he’ll give us a good show,” Gregorak, a former World Cup ski campaigner for the US team, said. “He’s executing a movement pattern really well right off the bat today, which is what you want to see as we get to race time. We’re all good.” Among the top skiers to watch are two-time world junior champ Marco Odermatt of Swirtzerland, Manuel Feller Austria, Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic medalist Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway, two-time Olympic bronze medalist Alexis Pinturault of France and 2021 World Championships silver winner Luca De Aliprandini of Italy. Austrian Marcel Hirscher, the Olympic champion in 2018, retired in 2019. Miller, 21, expressed readiness after his last training day on Saturday. “I’m just going to do my best to stay relaxed because I ski my best when I am relaxed and confident,” he said. “It’s all about doing what I know best that day, not letting the pressure and stress get into my head.” “Am I ready? Yes I am,” said Miller whose modest goal is to improve on his 70th place finish in his Olympic debut in Pyeongchang. “No gates, just skiing,” Miller’s father Kelly said. Gregorak said that the snow condition may change a bit in the next few days but it won’t affect Miller’s performance. “It sounds like there’s going to be maybe a little bit of snow in the next few days, it’s a small amount of snow and the base is dense enough snow, but I don’t think it will do a significant change on the surface,” the 31-year-old Gregorak said. “I’m anticipating that we’re going to be racing very similar to what we’re training on, so I don’t think there’ll be any major surprises on what the surface would be like,” he added. Philippine delegation Chef de Mission Bones Floro, meanwhile, praised Miller’s work ethic at the Olympic Athletes Village. “He [Miller] is very professional when it comes to time and preparing his equipment and he has a plan in everything he does. He really wants to give his best for our country,” Floro said. ‘BE LIKE HIDILYN’ Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez gave Miller a seal of confidence on the eve of the young alpine skier’s campaign in men’s giant slalom in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics on Sunday.
FEBRUARY 13, 2022
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez
IT’S MILLER TIME
PSC chairman Ramirez tells Asa Miller to
EJ Obiena (Photo from EJ Obiena FB page)
what I saw in her was her discipline and determination to win,” Ramirez said. “For Asa, I am confident that he will carry the same determination, discipline, and focus when he competes against the world’s best.” The PSC chief advised Miller to avoid the pressure of needing to deliver big results this early in his career. “You [Miller] are young and you’re in your second [straight] Olympics,” he said. “The future is wide open for you and I’m sure, you’ll be in many more Olympics to catch that gold medal.” ‘GO FOR YOUR GOAL’ Miller also received a warm message of motivation from cool Tagaytay City all the way to extremely cold Beijing where the Filipino-American alpine skier made last-minute preparations for the men’s giant slalom of the Winter Olympics. “I wish Asa good luck for his race and pray that he improves on his previous ranking from Pyeongchang,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. “I’m also hoping for Asa to be the fastest among the Asean nations in his competitions.” Tolentino sent his message from his congressional office in Tagaytay City where Saturday’s temperature was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius. Miller and his team, on the other hand, were deep in training at the National Alpine Skiing Centre in Beijing’s Yanqing District where the weather was four times colder at 6 degrees. Tolentino, in bidding good luck to Miller, also reminded that at 21, he should be in a hurry to achieve his Olympic dream. “Go after your goal, but remember, you don’t have to do things in a hurry, you’re still young and the medal—even the gold—could come at the opportune time,” Tolentino reminded Miller, who’s already in his second consecutive Winter Olympics. Miller could be achieving his Olympic dream in the same mold as weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who clinched the country’s Philippine Olympic gold medal on her fourth try in the quadrennial Summer Games. “Pressure is unnecessary for athletes who’re young like Asa,” said Tolentino, as he called on the Philippine sports community to pray for Miller’s safety. “Let’s pray for Asa’s safety to avoid any injuries while skiing,” he said. “We know how dangerous the sport is.”
Asa Miller (left) with POC president Cong. Bambol Tolentino during the opening ceremonies
“I am confident Asa [Miller] will be skiing his very best at the Beijing Olympics, knowing fully well that he’s proud to wear the country’s colors on the biggest winter games stage,” Ramirez said on Saturday. “I wish Asa all the luck and at the same time reminding him that the pressure of the Olympics should not take him off his focus.” Ramirez reminded Miller that it took 16 years for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz to finally win for the country its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo last July. “Hidilyn was only 17—and a wild card entry—in her first Olympics in Beijing 2008. She returned in London 2012 and won silver in Rio 2016,” Ramirez said. “Finally, after four Olympic cycles and enormous hard work, dedication, and love and passion for her sport and the country, she did it in Tokyo.” Ramirez was PSC chairman during Diaz’s first Olympics and returned at the helm of the government’s sports agency when the pride of Barangay Mampang in Zamboanga City clinched silver in Rio de Janeiro. “I watched Hidilyn grow and blossom into an Olympic champion and
Obiena tops Poland meet FILIPINO ace EJ Obiena bested seven other top-notch pole vaulters to top the Orlen Cup in Lodz, Poland on Saturday (Philippine time). Obiena’s season best of 5.81m passed the qualifying standard for participation in the 2022 World Championship set July 15-24 in Oregon, USA. He beat by a close margin his training partner and 2016 Olympic champion Thiago Braz of Brazil who submitted 5.71 meters. Obiena’s jump was a vast improvement from his previous marks in Berlin and Uppsala meets. Finishing third was Piotr Lisek of Poland with a similar 5.71. Following them in order of performances were Matvey Volkov of Belarus at fourth (5.61), Pawel
1B
Wojciechowski of Poland (5.61m), Bokai Huang of China (5.51), Sobert Sobera of Poland (5.41) and Bartosz Marciniewicz of Poland (NM). The Filipino, who has been at odds with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association due to previous issues over allowances, has been relying on private sponsors since August to finance his training and participation in international meets. Since he was already dropped from the national team, his participation in the World Championship is yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, Obiena continues his European tour as he competes next at the Meeting Hauts-De-France in Lievin, France on Thursday and on Feb. 22 at the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Torun, Poland.
The Philippines’ Asa Miller plungest into action today (Sunday).
Brooks keeps pressure on Pacio to fight him next JARRED “The Monkey God” Brooks only has one goal in mind -- to be the ONE Strawweight World Champion. So much so that he’s willing to do everything, even light a fire under the reigning titleholder Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, just to get what he wants. “I don’t think he wants to fight me anytime really soon. I think he probably wants to fight me in July or something like that. But he can take as much time as he wants to prepare, like I said, I think I can beat Joshua Pacio right now,” Brooks said. Brooks is riding high after his stellar unanimous decision win over Hiroba Minowa at ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE as the no. 3-ranked contender has definitely made a strong case at being the next in line for a title shot. And he’s not waiting for anyone to tell him otherwise, directing sharp words towards the Filipino champion after the match as he continues to fan the flames and put Pacio on notice. “He’s super tough, and I got to give him kudos for holding the belt as long as he has. But he’s gotten beat by people like [Yosuke] Saruta,” Brooks said. “He has gotten better, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not Saruta and I’m not these other guys. Like I said in my rap, you can beat Lito Adiwang, Alex Silva, but guess what? I’m Jarred. I’m somebody that is willing to put my heart in my mouth on the line and I don’t say anything that I don’t do.” “The Monkey God” has been on a tear since joining ONE Championship, rampaging through the strawweight division from his promotional
Jarred Brooks
Joshua Pacio
debut win over Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang, where he scored a secondround submission win at ONE: NEXTGEN III back in November, to this dominant showing over Minowa to sustain his five-match win streak. Through it all, the brash American admitted that he has kept a close watch on Pacio, and truth be told, he’s not impressed. “I’ve watched a lot of other opponents that have fought Joshua. He got Alex Silva, I think that he’s somebody that is a perfect portrayal of what I am, but he’s a little bit less,” he said. “I think Josh has probably gotten a little bit better and he’s gonna be watching a lot of videos on me. But I think Joshua is deep down inside shitting himself.” He continued: “I think that Josh knows why he should be afraid. He’s never fought another person like me
inside of the Circle. I know that Josh has been watching me ever since I beat Lito, and I think he’s been watching me ever since I was in the UFC. So yeah, I think he should be worried. My tool belt is a little bit heavier than his, for sure.” Nonetheless, Brooks understands that with Pacio being the champion, he has the luxury of knowing when he will return inside the ONE Circle. He, however, couldn’t help but throw another barb at “The Passion.” “If he isn’t ready to fight me, then why be the champion? You should be ready and you should be ready right now,” he stated. “I can’t really stipulate on the reason why Joshua wouldn’t want to fight, but I know that Joshua wants to fight me. I think he wants to and I think he wants the smoke. So Joshua Pacio, let’s get it!”
Life Editor: Nickie Wang
FEBRUARY 13, 2022
nickie.standard@gmail.com
Kwentong Jollibee continues tradition with heartwarming short films By Nickie Wang
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VERYONE anticipates the Valentine series of Kwentong Jollibee which is why the branded entertainment arm of the homegrown fast food chain is dropping a new trio of special short films that show the different ways people experience love. Last year’s viral triple treat—LDR, First Date, and Hero—showcased that strength can be found in love, especially one that is determined to make things work despite hardships. This year, Jollibee has tapped directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac to helm these videos, which also aim to answer the question: What does love truly mean? Jadaone directed two of the three new releases: 600 Days which premiered on Feb. 9; and Dream Guy which Jollibee is releasing today. 600 Days tells the story of Brian and Mina, who were first introduced in the Kwentong Jollibee 2021 short film LDR, which Jadaone also directed. In 600 Days, the couple thought the worst is over, but as the pandemic progresses, new challenges keep rocking their relationship. Do they have what it takes to still make things work? Dream Guy, on the other hand, tells the story of Kaye, a hallyu fan who dreams of having her own ultimate oppa love story. For her, meeting Jung feels like starring in her very own K-drama, but he might not
‘ILY’ will make young people realize the value of the people they have in their lives
be what she imagined him to be. ILY, streaming on Feb. 18, is a different kind of love story that will make young people realize all the more the value of the people they have in their lives. Directed by JP (who also directed the recent blockbuster short film One True Pair The Movie), it’s the perfect short film to watch with your besties or even the whole family. According to Arline Adeva, Jollibee AVP and Head of Brand PR, Engagement
‘Dream Guy’ revolves around Kate and her search for her own love story with an oppa
and Digital Marketing, Kwentong Jollibee’s goal is to celebrate the uniqueness of each love story and showcase the timeless lessons that can inspire and give hope to its viewers. “It’s the sixth year of the Kwentong Jollibee Valentine series and what we always realize is that love comes in different forms and can be defined in myriad ways, unique from person to person. The stories were inspired by true-to-
‘600 Days’ is a short film that shows the challenges a couple must face to prove their love for each other
life experiences of real people in the pandemic, with unexpected twists that lead people into finding what love truly means for them,” said Adeva. “All three episodes are anchored on powerful truths that surfaced during these challenging times when all kinds of relationships were somehow put to the test,” she added. Kwentong Jollibee has released 36 short films since it was first introduced in
2017. Inspired by the genuine life experiences of the brand’s loyal customers, the episodes have truly resonated among Jollibee fans of all ages, marking more than 800 million views on Facebook and YouTube. And with the way the episodes thread together the universal experiences of pain, love, and loss, the storytelling is truly felt by people all over the world — leading Kwentong Jollibee to receive recognitions both locally and abroad.
Finding the perfect gift for your significant other By Patricia Taculao
Jane Dough Desserts releases a special Valentine’s collection named Moments of Love
VALENTINE’S Day is fast approaching, and it’s no surprise to see lovers buying the ideal gift or planning a romantic getaway to celebrate the universal holiday with their partners. While finding the perfect gift for your partner seems like an easy task, especially if you know them by heart, others
can attest that it’s also nerve-wracking. There are just too many things to think about before deciding on a gift. The most common question that people ask when looking for the ideal gift for their partner is, “Will they like it?” Sometimes, they also consider if the gift is practical or heartfelt so the recipient can truly enjoy it. If you’re still wondering what to get your partner this Valentine’s Day, here are some suggestions to try out:
'Moments of Love' treats for singles and other forms of love this Valentine’s MACARONS lovingly crafted as offers to single ladies this Valentine’s season has been whipped up by quirky budding pastry chef Allyza Cepeda of Jane Dough Desserts. Dubbed as Moments of Love, the selection features unique flavors that evoke different emotions and memories. Cepeda, who honed her culinary skills at the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, dedicates Thirsty Tita to those who have yet to meet the one, as well as to those who find joy in being single. The French meringue-based dessert features a creamy ganache filling infused with Peach Soju, a sweet taste of Korea’s most popular distilled spirit. A mouthwatering gelée made of fruit-flavored liquor is sandwiched to complete the delightful boozy experience. “’Mag-asawa ka na kasi (you should get married already)’ is a phrase I hear my relatives tease those who are now in their late 20s or early 30s,” Cepeda started. “Is there even a deadline in finding love?” Dedicated to those who Jane Dough are in an amDesserts biguous repastry chef lationship, and Benilde It’s ComCulinary plicated Arts brings a alumna compleAllyza mentCepeda ing
combination of whipped coconut ganache filling and strawberry confiture center. The classic macaron likewise takes a unique savory turn in May Toyo. Featuring an unconventional yet exquisite blend of soy sauce and milk chocolate, this innovative version is a nod to a common line during a lover’s quarrel: Tinotoyo ka na naman ba? (Are you in a bad mood again?) Taking inspiration from the beauty of flowers gifted during heart’s day, the delicate Dream of Rose comes with a roseinfused ganache filling and a lychee-raspberry confiture center. Ludus, on the other hand, brings back the nostalgic kilig with its playful serving of textured milk chocolate ganache dipped in Auro 64 percent dark chocolate pinipig (rice crispies) glaze. Potchi, one of Cepeda’s all-time bestsellers and her gourmet take on the 90s kids’ favorite candy, is a recollection of first crushes. It comes with the iconic strawberry marshmallow filling and strawberry confiture center. “I believe that Valentine’s Day is not only for romantic relationships, but also for those who found love in other aspects in life – pets, plants, music, art, reading, cooking, and many more.” She likewise emphasized the value of self-love. “We experience different kinds of love,” she reiterated. “This Valentine’s Day, you can celebrate and buy flowers and chocolates for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that!” “There’s kilig, confusion, and heartbreak, and then there’s also something for those who are experiencing different forms of love,” Cepeda explained. “I wanted to include everyone no matter what their romantic status is because love is for everyone.” Visit Jane Dough Desserts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/findjanedough) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/findjanedough/?hl=en).
If a quiet day’s more to their liking, then take the day off to relax and enjoy each other’s company
Treat them to a quiet day
Pick songs with the right lyrics to add to the playlist
Create a playlist with their favorite songs
Music, like love, is a universal language that transcends time and space. Almost everyone appreciates music and finds a connection in its lyrics or melody. If you’re at a loss for words to fully express how you feel towards your significant other, say it with music. You can either go on Spotify to create a personalized playlist with all their favorite songs or with those that exactly say what you feel. But if you’re musically inclined, try composing and recording an original piece, which could be a song exclusive to both of you, making the gift more special.
Spoil them with their hobbies
Each of us has a hobby that we enjoy spending time doing. And even though we don’t mind doing them alone, we feel giddy every time our partners join us, show an interest, or even encourage us to do what we love. This Valentine’s Day, gift them with some items on their hobby wishlist; it can be a new book, credits for a game, art materials, and more. Another thing to try is classes or workshops based on your partner’s chosen hobby. You can both learn a thing or two while enjoying each other’s company. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up enjoying it as much as they do.
With stress becoming a constant occurrence in today’s society, most of us just want to spend a quiet day in bed to unwind. As loving partners, we can take this time to pamper our significant others in different ways. For instance, we can book a relaxing day at the nearest spa or take matters into our own hands and prepare the experience ourselves. Start by buying essential oils to make them feel more relaxed before moving on to skincare, bath items, and more. Or, if your partner just feels like staying in bed all day, prepare their favorite snacks, and load their favorite shows before joining them. You can also add in a comfy bathrobe, slippers, blanket, or pillows so they can make the most out of the day. Although gifts show how much we love our partners, we should also treat them with the same level of affection daily, so they won’t forget what they mean to us. And remember, love comes in different forms; it’s up to us to fully express what we feel towards our special someone.
Spend time together during Valentine’s Day by engaging in your partner’s favorite hobby
FEBRUARY 13, 2022
News magazine for young audience on GMA starting Feb. 14
D
(From left) Emil Sumangil, Kim Atienza, and Patricia Tumulak
APAT Alam Mo! treats its viewers to a big move this Valentine’s Day as it now airs on GMA beginning Monday, Feb. 14.
Viewers can expect more Serbisyong Totoo and good vibes from Dapat Alam Mo! with anchors Emil Sumangil, Patricia Tumulak, and Kuya Kim Atienza providing them the news of the day and public service, as well as feelgood features and trivia. Launched just last October on GTV, the GMA Public Affairs program already made its mark on television after emerging as one of the country’s top 20 news and public affairs programs based on Nielsen Philippines’ official data for 2021. Emil, Patricia, and Kuya Kim are grateful that the show is off to a good start this year. “We will take this one day at a time, but God put us here for a purpose. Join Emil, Pat, and me as we set foot in this new territory. With God’s continued grace and your support, we will make it! Continue to support Dapat Alam Mo! 2.0. Mas pinalakas at mas pinaganda,” Kuya Kim says. Patricia adds, “Thank you, GMA, for placing your faith in us! God presented us with another opportunity to showcase our gifts to reach out to a bigger audience. Can’t wait for all of you to see Dapat Alam Mo! Thrice the level of
Shows to watch depending on the status of your heart
#LoveForAll with ‘2gether The Movie’ this V-day THROUGH video-streaming platform Upstream, Globe gives Pinoy fans access to the Thai romantic comedy 2gether The Movie staring loveable Metawin “Win” Opas-iamkajor n and Vachirawit “Bright” Chivaaree, who play Tine and Sarawat, respectively, in this college love story. Get the story behind the first meeting of the two beloved characters and why Sarawat said, “Keep looking at me like that, and I will kiss you ‘til you drop!” And to better stitch the storyline together, expect newly-filmed hidden scenes and a different ending for a more exciting experience. Aside from having the dibs on the highly-anticipated series finale of 2gether The Series and Still 2gether, viewers can enjoy exclusive treats from Globe through upcoming promos if they get tickets via Upstream. Watch out for Globe’s new offerings to complete your “2gether experience” as they give out exclusive merchandise such as the limited edition Bright and Win plush dolls wearing traditional Filipino dress shirt Barong Tagalog, posters with the original signature of BrightWin, “2gether” shirts, tote bags, and many more. “This BL movie is indeed a perfect date for all as it brings romance, comedy, drama all-in-one— the perfect match for Valentine’s day,” said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe Chief Marketing Officer. Celebrate this special day with Bright and Win by getting your tickets from upstream.ph.
(From left) Vachirawit "Bright" Chivaaree and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn
performance and good vibes from us.” As it moves to its new home, Dapat Alam Mo! continues with its brand of programming that has won the hearts of viewers. Providing quick assistance are its public service segments “Serbisyo On The Spot”, “Shout Out”, and “SWAT (Serbisyong Walang Atrasan). Meanwhile, giving entertaining yet informative treats to viewers are “Kakabakaba,” “Take Eat Away,” and “Dami Mong Alam Kuya Kim.” In “Serbisyo On The Spot,” the show gets in touch with a government organization or agency to address the complaint of a viewer; while in “Shoutout,” Emil calls the attention of government agencies that are remiss in their responsibilities to the public. In times of calamities, Dapat Alam Mo! also coordinates with government and private groups for rescue and relief operations via “SWAT (Serbisyong Walang Atrasan).” Exploring the world of the paranormal, Kuya Kim looks into the story behind some mysteries making the rounds online in “Kakabakaba” segment. Meanwhile, foodies can look forward to “Take Eat Away’’ with Patricia. And in “Dami Mong Alam Kuya Kim,” Kuya Kim shares various trivia and knowledge to viewers. As the show ushers in the new year, Emil, Patricia, and Kuya Kim also have more surprises for the Kapuso viewers. Emil says, “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, patuloy kaming magiging instrumento, para makapaghatid ng impormasyon at tunay na serbisyo publiko - for God and country. Deus Vult! God Wills It!” Catch Dapat Alam Mo! weekdays at 5:30 p.m. on its new home, GMA-7.
Hugot series ‘The Goodbye Girl’ THIS season of love, there is a movie or a series in iWantTFC that matches everyone. Whether you’re down in the dumps, looking for love, or happily in a relationship, iWantTFC’s long list of movies and series will keep you company this Valentine’s season. To access iWantTFC’s content library, viewers can enjoy the streaming platform’s “watch now, register later” feature for continuous viewing of their favorite shows. Here’s a viewing guide of love-themed movies and original series that you can binge-watch for free on the iWantTFC app or website: If you’re overcoming heartbreak iWantTFC’s newest Valentine’s offering, The Goodbye Girl, is the perfect “hugot” series filled with valuable lessons on how to conquer heartbreak. Streaming on Valentine’s Day, the six-episode series stars Angelica Panganiban, Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, Barbie Imperial, and Elisse Joson, who play different types of women, their heartaches, and their different coping mechanisms following a failed relationship. Viewers can also learn a thing or two about letting go and moving on in Uncoupling, where Yam Concepcion and Joseph Marco mutually decide to become friends after their
‘Belle Douleur,’‘Something in the Rain,’ and ‘Love Beneath the Stars’
failed marriage for the sake of their son. In “Past, Present, Perfect,” Shaina Magdayao learns to get over her first love. If you’re ready to take a chance on love despite its uncertainties Finding the right love at the wrong time is equally heartbreaking as any other breakup but you’ll never really know unless you take the leap of faith. In the iWantTFC original movie Malaya, Lovi Poe and Zanjoe Marudo form an undeniable connection and explore their deep feelings for one another as overseas workers in Italy. Meanwhile, Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson also grapple between fighting for their love or focusing on their personal goals in Between Maybes. One of the bravest things one can do for love is to sacrifice their life for someone they truly love. Charlie Dizon did just that in My Sunset Girl, where she refuses to let her fatal illness ruin her relationship with her first love Lucas (Jameson Blake). If you’re open to giving love a second chance Have you unexpectedly given love another shot despite swearing it off? Angelica Panganiban decides to gamble on love anew even after going through a painful breakup in Exes Baggage, where she recon-
‘Malaya,’‘Between Maybes,’ and ‘My Sunset Girl’
Scenes from ‘Alone Together,’‘Adik,’‘Labyu Hehe,’ and ‘Me & Mrs. Cruz’ nects with her ex-boyfriend Nix (Carlo Aquino). In That Thing Called Tadhana, two heartbroken individuals Mace (Angelica) and Anthony (JM De Guzman) unexpectedly fall for one another after opening up about the pain they endured during their previous relationships.
JM de Guzman and Angelica Panganiban
If you’re prioritizing selfin ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’ love Setting love aside to focus on your own happiness isn’t someIf you’re falling hard for a friend thing to be ashamed of. In the case If you find yourself slowly falling of college sweethearts Tin (Liza in love with a friend, you’ll definitely Soberano) and Raf (Enrique Gil) in be able to relate to To Love Some Alone Together, Tin called it quits Buddy and Isa Pa with Feelings. with him when she felt that their reIn To Love Some Buddy, close lationship was taking a toll on her friends Julius (Zanjoe Marudo) and dreams. Faith (Maja Salvador) give romance iWantTFC also offers more relat- a shot after realizing that their deep able stories about the pains of love connection could blossom into and learning how to put yourself something more. first in its original anthology seIn Isa Pa with Feelings, the friendries Ampalaya Chronicles. The se- ship of aspiring architect Mara ries currently has three episodes (Maine Mendoza) and her deaf- “Adik,” “Labyu, Hehe,” and “Me mute neighbor Gali (Carlo Aquino) & Mrs. Cruz” - which tackle differ- transitions into romance when they ent themes such as one-sided love, give each other new perspectives in falling for a best friend, and learning life and love. how to move on from a loved one.
Stills from ‘To Love Some Buddy’ and ‘Isa Pa With Feelings’
If you’re willing to risk everything for love Age doesn’t matter when it comes to love in the iWantTFC original movie Belle Douleur, where Kit Thompson and Mylene Dizon break free from the constraints of society as they get entangled in a May-December affair, and the hit K-drama Something in the Rain, where Son Ye-jin falls in love with her best friend’s younger brother (Jung Hae-in) who is half her age. iWantTFC subscribers can also feel the ‘kilig’ in the Pinoy boys’ love series Love Beneath the Stars, the sequel to the movie The Boy Foretold by the Stars, as Luke (Keann Johnson) and Dominic (Adrian Lindayag) find the courage to fight for their romance. There are also new Thai series streaming on the platform such as F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers and the Thai BL Enchanté.
FEBRUARY 6, 2022 Pizza for humans is not safe for dogs as it contains ingredients that can cause illnesses such as salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, and processed meat.
Pizza for your pooch? Noooo! S
ADLY, pizza cooked for humans contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Worse, raw pizza dough can cause serious damage to your dog. “Eating raw pizza dough is a more urgent matter. If your dog sneaked some of your uncooked homemade pizza, head to the veterinarian or emergency animal clinic right away. Raw yeast dough can expand in your pet's stomach, causing serious breathing difficulties and potentially causing tissue tearing. The ASPCA reports that raw bread dough may even cause your dog to become intoxicated. This is due to the ethanol byproduct that yeast produces, “ stressed Erin Ollila in “Can My Dog Eat Pizza” in hillspet.com/dog-care/nutrition-feeding. Ollila added that the pizza crust may contain ingredients that are bad for dogs such as onions, garlic and some herbs. Bella Bacinos, in “Can Dogs Eat Pizza? Which Ingredient Will Hurt Your Dog? from bacinos.com, stressed that a number of toppings on your pizza may be toxic to dogs. Bacinos suggested we look at what the standard pizza is made up of first. It has: 1. crust made of dough; 2. tomato sauce; and 3. cheese How do these interact with your dog’s digestive system? Let’s find out.
Pizza Crust
Pizza bases are made of dough with the following ingredients: flour, yeast, eggs, olive oil, salt and water. “Take out the salt and water, and there’s nothing here that your pooch would find in the wild. Dogs are carnivores, and their bodies are designed to eat meat. They’re not designed to eat pizza crusts – however much they might enjoy them! “ Bacinos said. A small piece of pizza crust is safe, Bacinos said. The key is moderation because pizza crusts “contain a whole pile of empty calories,” she said. The dogs will gain weight which can lead to a lot of health issues. “The carbohydrate-heavy nature of pizza crust also means your dog may feel lethargic after eating them. And the salt content can give him or her an upset tum too,” she said. Too much salt can also lead to kidney problems, she added. If you do not want your dog expecting pizza crust all the time, do not start giving the dog this food. “Bear in mind, too, that dogs aren’t great at impulse control!” Bacinos said. It is always best to train your dog to eat their own food, not human food, to ensure they get the best possible nutritionally balanced diet. “And that will maximize their health and wellbeing, giving you more happy years together,” Bacinos said.
Pizza Sauce
Most pizza sauces contain tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Salt is not good for dogs. “And the other ingredients can also be difficult for them to digest. All in all, pizza sauce and dogs aren’t a great mix,” said Bacinos.
Onion and garlic
Other pizza sauces have onion and garlic which are not good for dogs.
Pawsbook
It is always best to give food prepared and cooked for dog consumption. Our Lucas and Louise (in the photo) love cakes, spaghetti, muffins and burgers. We get our doggy birthday cakes from Barkin' Bakes Healthy Pet Food in Quezon City. They also have lasagna and muffins for doggos. Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/BarkinBakesPH. These vegetables can later cause anemia in your pooch. “That means their red blood cells can no longer carry as much oxygen around their bodies. Symptoms include lethargy, panting, dark-colored urine, weakness and jaundice,” said Bacinos. “The culprits are the toxins N-propyl disulfide and thiosulfate. They can also cause gastrointestinal problems, with dogs suffering vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, “ Bacinos added. Garlic and onion powder are often put in the pizza sauce which is worse, because the toxins are more highly concentrated in this form, she said.
Cheese
While dogs love cheese so much, cheese does not love them back. There are dogs who are lactose intolerant. “Although cheese doesn’t contain as much lactose as whole milk, dogs with intolerances can have an adverse reaction. And that can be the case even if they consume only small amounts,” Bacinos said. There are cheese with high fat content. “Lower fat varieties, like mozzarella, are less problematic, although dogs should still only eat them in small quantities. The good news is that they contain beneficial nutrients too – protein, calcium, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and B-complex vitamins,” Bacinos said. But it is best to stay away from pizza as it contains pizza sauce with onion and garlic powder, and cheese, which are all bad for dogs.
Processed Meat
Since dogs are carnivores, you might think meat on pizza is okay for your dog. Meat on pizza is usually processed meat which is not good for dogs. “Meats like salami, pepperoni and bacon are cured with salt, and are usually high in fat too. Both fat and salt can interfere with your pet’s digestive system. Too much in one go can make your dog sick. And too much over time will lead to weight gain, with all the health problems that go alongside that, “ Bacinos said.
Dogs may look so cute that you can not resist giving them human food but think of their health, or the possibility they might die. There are human food that can cause illnesses or even lead to death in pets. Ollila noted “ pepperoni, sardines and sausages all have high salt and fat. Eating too much salt may raise your dog's blood pressure or aggravate underlying heart disease.”
Pineapple
Raw pineapple is a healthy treat for most dogs, when eaten in moderation. It contains beneficial nutrients like manganese, iron and potassium. And it has smaller amounts of calcium, zinc and phosphorous too. “Just don’t overdo it. The natural sugars and fiber can upset your dog’s tum if they eat more than a couple of small pieces at a time,” Bacinos said. But the pineapple in your pizza is not raw. It comes from cans with syrup. All those sugar are bad for your dog as they can lead to upset stomach and your dog will gain weight too.
Can Dogs Eat Pizza?
Pizza is not a good food for dogs. Make sure to keep pizza sauce and toppings like onions and processed meat away from your dog.. Sometimes, accidents happen. “If your dog has sneakily managed to get its paws on some pizza, watch it carefully. In most cases, the worst outcome from a one-off pizza-eating incident will be a case of diarrhea or sickness. But if your dog shows signs of distress, contact your vet straight away, Bacinos said. Ollila stressed: “The bottom line is that you should never give pizza to your dog, whether as a meal or a treat. They might experience a slight stomach upset if they're sensitive to dairy, due to the excess fat, but overall in many cases dogs are fine. If your dog ate a large amount of pizza and you're concerned, call your veterinarian to schedule an exam. Keep in mind that even small bites of human food are packed with extra calories that, over time, can lead to weight problems and a host of issues resulting from excess weight. So, keep your pizza out of your pooch's reach.” Bacinos stressed “Dogs will be happier and healthier with a diet designed specifically for their needs.”
Why Chocolates are Bad for Your Pets
WE HAVE been encountering posts on dogs, cats, and other animals on Facebook that are eye-openers, or inspiring, or enlightening, or educational, or can make one feel good during a stressful day, or make one encouraged to help the poor souls among us. Sunday Pets would like to share these notable posts of netizens through this space called Pawsbook. DC Cats waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. (Sketch posted by Stacey Ellison. )
The Rescuer THIS was posted by Stacey Ellison in Meow lovers group in Facebook: “All the little cat spirits were crossing the rainbow bridge when one of them looked back and saw some cats' souls laying on the other side of the bridge, not moving. ‘Who are they?’ he asked the cat next to him. ‘Oh, don’t you know they are the souls who had no owner in life and knew no love like we did.’ ‘So what are they laying there for?’ he asked ‘Why don’t they cross over like us?’ ‘They can’t,’ replied his new friend “Only pets with owners can cross.’ Just then all the souls on the other side of the bridge sat up and looked down the road. ‘What’s happening?’ asked the little cat. ‘Watch!’ replied his friend. Whereupon a woman was seen walking towards the bridge. She looked to her left and then to her right then opened her arms wide and all the patiently waiting souls got up and went to her. She knelt and touched each and every spirit in turn. They then all proceeded to cross the bridge together. ‘Who is that?’ he asked his friend. ‘That is someone special,’ replied his friend, ‘She is a rescuer.’ – Author unknown
By Mariana Burgos FEBRUARY, the “love”, month is here! Love is in the air and you see a lot of heart-shaped stuff, flowers (especially roses), cupids, and, the most loved gift of all during this time, CHOCOLATES! Why is it common to see chocolates as gifts given by someone courting a person? It is sweet, yes, but candies are sweet, too. Why not candies instead? Well, nowadays, both men and women have become more creative with their gifts when courting someone. But the “romantics” and the conservatives usually go for the traditional ways---roses and chocolates. What is it in chocolate that makes it taste so good for humans? Chocolate is made from cocoa beans. Cocoa, in its raw form, is nothing any person would love to eat because it is intensely bitter. But this bitter food contains a lot of compound elements that are found to be very good for us, humans. According to Dr. Michael Mosley of BBC, chocolate contains a lot of psychoactive chemicals such as anandamide (a neurostransmitter whose name comes from the Sanskrit, “ananda”, meaning “joy, bliss, delight”), tyramine and phenylethylamine (both of which have similar effects to amphetamines). It also has theobromine and caffeine, both of which are known to be stimulants (The Secret of Why We Love to Eat Chocolate, Dr. Michael Mosley, 24 February, 2017). So, this means that chocolate has these substances that do a little bit of playing with our brain to tickle our senses. Surprisingly, this is not the main reason why we love chocolates. Dr. Mosley says that it is actually the addition of the right amount of sugar and fats that makes it crucial to our enjoyment of it. If we will look at the side packet of a milk-chocolate bar, we will usually see that it contains around 20-25 per cent fat and 40-50 per cent sugar. “In nature, such high levels of sugar and fat are rarely found, or at least, not together. You can get lots of natural sugars from fruits and roots, and there is plenty of fat to be found in nuts or a tasty chunk of salmon, but one of the few places where you will find both together is in milk. Human breast milk is particularly rich in natural sugars, mainly lactose.” (The Secret of Why We Love to Eat Chocolate, Dr. Michael Mosley, 24 February, 2017). In his conclusion, Dr. Mosley claims the reason we love chocolates is that we maybe “trying to recapture the taste and sense of closeness we
Chocolates contain toxic substances. On Valentine's Day. please keep those chocolates away from dogs and cats. In photo is Krauss, rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc.) who is friendly to cats. got from the first food we ever sampled; human breast milk”. Well, for me, that makes sense. Now, what makes chocolate bad for our pets? Actually, theobromine and caffeine are the components that are found to be toxic for cats and dogs as well as to many other animals. Unsweetened cocoa or those that are used in cooking and baking are, particularly, deadlier for animals. According to Ada McVean, these chemicals (theobromine and caffeine) are almost the same in structure. Theobromine is very hard for animals to process that is why it is dangerous for them. Both chemicals belong to a group of chemicals called Methylxanthines. Methylxanthines inhibit the activation of adenosine receptors. These receptors are responsible for giving the feeling of sleepiness and decreasing bodily activity. (My Dog Ate Chocolate and He was Fine. So, What’s the Big Deal?, Ada McVean B.Sc., 23 Aug. 2019). But why is it that there have been cases of dogs having eaten some chocolate but did not get sick and die? As McVean says, “...the dose makes the poison.” Meaning, if a dog or a cat or any animal ingested a huge amount of theobromine, an amount that its body would not be able to dispose of naturally, it would cause the animal to display symptoms of poisoning and, eventually, die. It depends on the amount of intake, to put it simply. But this does not mean that small amounts would be alright and it would make your pet immune to it in the long run. NO, that is a very wrong
If you want to give a Valentine treat to your doggos, here are some vegetables that are good for dogs. Just boil them and add a little meat. Krauss, a Save ALL Inc rescue, loves boiled veggies. Add a little boiled skinless chicken breast and Krauss will feel that indeed, love is in the air. notion. There is one study made and showed that repeated theobromine exposure led to the development of cardiomyopathy (a chronic disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood) in dogs (My Dog Ate Chocolate and He was Fine. So, What’s the Big Deal?, Ada McVean B.Sc., 23 Aug. 2019). What do we do then, when our pets accidentally ate some chocolate or other foods with the said chemicals? Personally, I think, whether your pet ate a little or a huge amount, it is better that you bring him or her to the vet right away because the vet would know exactly what to do. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in food poisoning cases. If you can not reach the vet right away, one first aid step is to give your pet a dose of activated charcoal. You can mix it with wet food and have your pet eat it. But you still need to bring him or her to the vet. Aside from the need to flush the toxin from the body, treatment for the negative effects of the said chemicals must be given to the animal to prevent the possible ailments it could develop from it. This February, if you get a lot of chocolates for Valentine’s Day, do keep these away from your pets if you truly love them. 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.