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Expect all sorts of mudslinging, bickering, as well as self-aggrandizement among candidates and their supporters to intensify as the 90-day campaign period for the May, 2013, elections for national and party-list candidates starts today. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had earlier set the campaign period for those running for senator and party-list groups in the May 13 polls from February
VOL. 482
No. 12
54 PAGES
R18.00
IN METRO MANILA
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A just and lasting peace in Mindanao is now finally within reach so concerned parties must not give up and instead triumph over the Heartbreak Hill, the most daunting stretch in the peace process, President Benigno S. Aquino III declared yesterday.
The President voiced optimism that the government will finally forge a comprehensive peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at least earlier than the end of March in his visit to Maguindanao yesterday. Defying security concerns, Aquino went to the MILF stronghold in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, to launch
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Even if I have to adjust a lot from my own fund or from my family fund, I will ensure that my household helper
will have the social protection that she needs. They (household helpers) are also people, said Pauline Sophia Rampola, a kasambahay employer. During pre-employment, a con(Turn to page 7)
SAJAHATRA BANGSAMORO LAUNCHING President Benigno S. Aquino III (right) speaks with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao during yesterdays launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a comprehensive program to promote peace and development in Moro communities in Mindanao. (Alexander D. Lopez)
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) hit the 6,500 mark for the first time in its history as local share prices advanced in anticipation of the announcement of better corporate
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The government has allocated a whopping P21 billion in the Department of Health (DOH) budget that seeks to address population, maternal, and infant health concerns. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III pointed this out as a rebut-
tal to the claim of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman that the RH law would suffer if the lawmakers who pushed for its approval in the House of Representatives do not get a fresh term in the forthcoming May, 2013, mid-term elections. Sotto said there is a huge amount of money for reproductive, maternal,
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LOZADA SURRENDER A teary-eyed NBN-ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. surrenders himself to the police at Camp Crame, Quezon City yesterday after an arrest warrant was issued against him by the Sandiganbayan. He was later ordered release after he and his brother posted a P90,000 bail for two graft cases. (KJ Rosales)
The camp of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lamented the refusal of Office of the Ombudsman to release the first resolution of the plunder case
against her. A lawyer for the former Chief Executive said the Sandiganbayan must now assert its authority to demand the release of the resolution in the interest of justice and fairness. Lawyer Larry Gadon called on
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ELECTION NEWS
COMELEC SETS PCOS MACHINES DEMO The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to organize Precinct MON.- FRI. 3:30 P.M.-5:00 P.M. Count Optical Scan (PCOS) Machines PTV4 AND RADYO Demo Centers nationwide to cater to NG BAYAN 738kHz the publics desire to be informed and educated on the voting machines that will be used in the May, 2013, polls.
LOLONGS CARCASS Residents use their outstretched arms to measure a sedated Lolong in this file photo taken on Sept. 4, 2011 after the 6.4-meter saltwater crocodile was captured in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. The worlds largest crocodile held in captivity died Sunday night. At right, Lolongs carcass is covered with ice at the conservation park in Bunawan.
BUSINESS
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40 WESTERN VISAYAS HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., Director of Police Regional Ofce (PRO) 6, dislosed there are 40 areas in Western Visayas identied as election watchlist areas (EWAs), and ve inactive partisan armed groups (PAGs).
Read more about these articles and other poll-related stories on B-7 Election Page
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Local News
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MUTUAL PROMOTION Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier (right) receives a coffee table book entitled Portugal: The Best Fish in the World from President of Turismo de Portugal Federico Costa during a recent courtesy call.
A team of wildlife experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was deployed to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, on Monday to determine the cause of death of Lolong the worlds largest crocodile in captivity. DENRs Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim said that so far, they still have no report on the exact cause of death of the saltwater crocodile but a veterinary team is going there (Bunawan) to check on the crocodile carcass. Likewise, the team will be joined by representatives from the National Museum, who will make sure that Lolongs skin will be preserved later on, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said. The team will help ensure that the necropsy would be carried out in a manner that would make it possible to contribute Lolongs remains to taxidermy, he said.
Paje said the PAWB has been in close coordination with Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde and representatives from the National Geographic Channel (NGC) on the necropsy. NGCs crocodile specialist Dr. Adam Britton had been the one to officially measure Lolong at 6.17 meters or 20.24 feet. Lolong was held captive for 18 months in an Eco-tourism Park in Bunawan town since its capture in September, 2011. It was caught in the Magsagangsang River, which is a part of the Agusan Marsh. It was also known for its attack to livestock and killing of a 12-year-old girl in Lake Mihaba in 2009. The adult male crocodile, which was estimated to be about 50 years old, was declared as the worlds largest living crocodile in captivity by the Guinness World Records in 2012. People coming from the various places in the Caraga Region and Davao provinces strated to troop to Consuelo in Bunawan, Agusand del Sur, just to have a last glimpse of Lolong. I am saddened after hearing the death of Lolong, said a 62-year-old man from nearby Bislig City, who frequently visited the giant crocodile in captivity. The previous largest crocodile on record was Cassius Clay that measured 5.48 meters or 17.97 feet long, and captured in Australia.
It was named Lolong after one of its captors Ernesto Lolong Conate, a Palawan-based crocodile hunter who was part of the team that helped in capturing the gigantic crocodile, but died from heart attack at the course of their mission in 2011. Reacting to Lolongs death, animal advocates People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said studies have shown that captive animals die younger than their wild counterparts. Lolong suffered and died because people wanted to make money off his captivity. Lolong spent his last 18 months alone in a concrete pen, instead of in the Agusan Marsh, where he belongs, it said. No zoo can come close to providing what even small crocodiles need, much less a crocodile the size of Lolong. Crocodiles are hardwired to roam freely, seek out mates, and hunt for food. These genetic imperatives are compelling, and the way that they are fulfilled in the wild cannot be replicated in captivity. When you consider the immense size and strength of Lolong, there is no doubt that being contained in a cramped enclosure caused him extreme distress and misery, it added. PETA expressed hope that the incident will serve as a signal for the government to prevent locking wild animals in cages, citing the case of an elephant named Mali being kept inside the Manila Zoo.
Local News
DepEd Urged To Ban Field Trips After Freak Accident Kills Coed
By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT
the students. We dont think its wise to ban them totally, Luistro said. We may again issue clearer guidelines on what types of trips may be allowed and strictly implement guidelines on safety and adult supervision, he added. Based on the existing Order, places to visit during field trips should be educational places such as cultural and historical sites or science exhibits in museums which complement or supplement classroom lessons. Field trips, as stated in the DepEd Order,
should be well planned ahead of time with the students so they will know exactly what to look for in the field trip and safety measures should be discussed before the field trip. In September last year, two international school students of Cebu International School (CIS) reportedly drowned at a waterfall in Bataan during an outreach program. Some parents have been appealing to ban field trips, particularly those that are conducted out-of-town, to ease their financial burden and to ensure the safety of their children.
The tragic incident in Tanay has devastated not just the family of Ramirez but the school community and the whole province of Bulacan. The victims father said he had always accompanied his daughter, whom he fondly calls Cacai, in her field trips except this one. After his daughters burial scheduled tomorrow, he said he plans to
press charges. Senior Police Officer 1 Miguel Catapusan of the Tanay Police said the bus has been impounded and the driver, Carlos Villanueva, 32, remains locked up. Catapusan said relatives of the victims have not pressed charges against the bus driver. (With a report from Nel B. Andrade)
The Department of Education (DepEd) was once again urged to ban educational field trips in both public and private elementary and secondary schools after another high school student died during a field trip last week. Ray Ramirez, the father of 14-yearold Rio Bianca who was declared dead on arrival at Capitol Medical Center after a bus ran over her, said that DepEd should consider banning the conduct of educational field trip, especially if its not part the curriculum. Reports said that aside from Ramirez, 15-year-old Pamela Enriquez was injured when a bus ran over them during a field trip at Camp Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, last Friday. Both were students of Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos in Bulacan. DepEd has reiterated that while educational field trips are allowed, it not compulsory. In an earlier statement, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said DepEd said that it is conducting a study when it comes to its policy under DepEd Order No. 52 series of 2003 to ensure the safety of
METRO NEWSBITS
MISSING BLOTTER
A security guard is in hot water for wounding a fellow security guard during a shooting incident in Pasig City Sunday night, a police official disclosed. Initial reports reaching the Pasig City Police Station identified the suspect as R.F. Espino, a security guard assigned under the MadjaAz Security Agency. Senior Inspector Rodrigo De Dios, chief of the Pasig City Police Station - Investigation Unit, disclosed that police are hunting down the suspect after he allegedly shot and wounded fellow security guard Adonis Labordo inside their boarding house located at 96-C Cuevas St., Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City. De Dios said the reported shooting incident stemmed over the whereabouts of their blotter which the suspect was reportedly looking for. (Francis T. Wakefield)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday denied reports that the Malaysian authorities have been blocking the extradition of Aman Futures Group Philippines founder Manuel Amalilio, who now stands as the main respondent in the alleged P12 billion syndicated estafa case filed by thousands of his investors, since his arrest in Kota Kinabalu last month. Speaking to reporters, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima allayed fears of those who were victimized by Amalilio that the businessman's alleged familial ties with top Malaysian officials will hamper the Philippine government's efforts to have him repatriated to the country and face the bar of justice. De Lima stressed that there was an open communication between Philippine officials and their Malaysian counterparts in connection with Amalilio's possible return to
the country. We don't want to dwell on the issue regarding his relationship with high ranking officials. If we will dig into that, I think it will be not beneficial on our part because there is no indication that the Malaysian government is blocking our request for him to be extradited to the country, De Lima explained. The important thing is that the Malaysian government has assured us of their assistance, she added. The Justice Secretary cited the recent move of Malaysian authorities to freeze the assets of Amalilio as a result of recent talks between Malaysia, represented by Attorney General Tan Sri Gani Patail, and the Philippine government, represented by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, and assisted by Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya. Among the assets of Amalilio that were frozen were company shares, stocks and land assets, according to De Lima. De Lima added the Malaysian at-
torney general gave assurance that pending Amalilios final extradition or turnover to the Philippines, he will be kept in jail while both sides work out possible access by Philippine police and prosecutors to him. She said the Philippine government has been granted access to Amalilio by the Malaysian government. Amalilio is the only remaining Aman Futures official not in the custody of the Philippine government, as all his other co-accused in the syndicated estafa cases filed against them before a Pagadian court are detained here. He fled to Sabah last September at the windfall of the Aman Futures Group Philippines. He was supposed to return to the country last January 25 after he was arrested in Kota Kinabalu for yielding a fake Malaysian passport but his deportation was stopped by Malaysian authorities from boarding the plane on the alleged orders of Malaysia's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman
Last February 4, the Magistrate's Court in Kota Kinabalu sentenced Amalilio, also known as Mohammad Sa'ad in Malaysia, to two-year imprisonment for violation of Section 12(1) (d) of the Passport Act 1966, which provides a fine of up to RM10, 000 or jail terms of up to five years or both. Amalilio, who was believed to be related to Musa Aman and Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, reportedly pleaded guilty on Monday. Amalilio's counsel, Hairul Othman said the businessman was remorseful of his actions. While she conceded to the fact that the extradition of Amalilio will be delayed, the Justice Secretary said that the Philippine government is negotiating with Malaysian authorities to have the trader's jail term be reduced so he could be brought immediately to the country. The Philippine government, according to De Lima, is availing of the Malaysian extradition process in the absence of an extradition treaty between the two country.
NEW MARKET
A new market was opened yesterday to house the displaced 50 vendors of Concepcion Market who lost their jobs after the old market was burned last year. The new market was a joint effort of Marikina City and the Concepcion Market Vendors Cooperative in which Mayor Del de Guzman led the ribbon cutting of the new establishment in Barangay Uno , Marikina City. De Guzman said the opening of the new market will give way for vendors to earn a living as they experienced grave financial losses when their stalls were razed last July 9, 2012, and that there was no location where they can continue their businesses at that time. (Madelynne Dominguez)
By KRIS BAYOS
PhilHealth Enrolment
By CARLO S. SUERTE FELIPE
SPRAY THEFT
A jobless man is jailed for allegedly stealing over the weekend two cans of cockroach sprays worth P520 inside a drug store in Pasig City, police Monday disclosed. Reports reaching the Pasig City Police Station identified the arrested suspect as Leonardo Castro, alias "Jun," single, jobless, and a resident of Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. Police said Casto was nabbed shortly after allegedly taking at 10 p.m. Saturday two cans of Baygon Spray inside the Mercury Drug Branch located along R. Rabson St., corner Concepcion St., San Joaquin, Pasig City. (Francis T. Wakefield)
Residents enrolled in last year's PhilHealth medical insurance program are advised to proceed to their respective barangays to claim their health cards on February 21. Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the local government will be bringing down the PhilHealth One Stop Shop (POSS) to all 14 barangays so that beneficiaries who are sick or have no financial means to proceed to the City Hall can easily get their health cards. In addition, Barangay Health Workers will take charge of the POSS booths and will hold advocacy campaigns or free orientations about the benefits residents can get from PhilHealth. Tiangco said the move is "part of the local government's program to encourage more constituents to give importance to their health." The PhilHealth program in Navotas has 30,000 beneficiaries. "To bring down the POSS to the barangay level is to help constituents use all the benefits of the PhilHealth program which includes regular medical check-up in accredited government hospitals. We want that every healthy Navoteno translates to a productive individual."
BUS TERMINAL
Malacaang wants terminals of provincial buses along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to relocate to the proposed centralized hubs in north and south Metro Manila first before giving the go signal on the rehabilitation of the 23-kilometer major thoroughfare. According to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, President Benigno S. Aquino III wants an integrated transport system (ITS) operationalwhether full or partialbefore government pursues the P3.7-billion plan to rehabilitate EDSA. The President has instructed us to see if we can get an ITS operational, whether full or provisional, before the rehabilitation of EDSA, he said. (Kris Bayos)
Kasambahay Hospitalization
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
RED CROSS FUN RUN Thousands of volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross assemble at the Cultural Center Complex on Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, for the start of the 2012 Red Cross Fun Run, whose aim was to create awareness of saving lives through blood donations. (Tony Pionilla)
TOXIC LEVEL
Consumers should be careful when purchasing beauty products especially that Valentine's Day and JS proms are coming up. Ecowaste Coalition said it detected toxic levels of lead and mercury in 44 of 60 lipsticks, eyeshadows, and skin lightening creams sold by stores in Metro Manila. Its Task Force on Chemical Safety purchased 33 lipsticks, 22 eyeshadows and five skin lightening creams from stores in Guadalupe, Makati; Divisoria and Quiapo in Manila; and Cubao in Quezon City. (Jonathan Hicap)
The Quezon City government will soon establish breast milk banks in the local hospitals offering pediatric care to provide infants with the healthiest, most accessible and most affordable milk form. Mayor Herbert Bautista approved the Quezon City Human Milk Bank Ordinance, under the policy that breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Second District Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla is the principal
author of the ordinance. The ordinance calls for city-owned hospitals' pediatrics divisions to establish human milk bank sections that would store and collect, screen, process, and distribute donated human milk. The section would basically operate like a blood bank where infants who do not have access to their own mothers' milk would be provided an alternative feeding option. The milk banks, the ordinance states, shall be operated on a nonprofit basis but a minimal processing fee may be charged for the screening process and administrative costs.
However, inability to pay for the fee shall not be a reason for nonavailment of the milk for patients in need, according to the measure. The section would be manned by trained and dedicated health personnel in human milk banking and lactation management such as: a consultant physician; a lactation specialist or counselor who could be a nurse; a midwife; and a medical technologist. A lactation specialist, assisted by the midwife, will be tasked to interview and conduct physical examination on milk donors as a specialist will also be responsible for the release of donated breast milk to recipients.
An estimated 2.5 million domestic household helpers can now avail of hospitalization benefits after the signing into law of Republic Act 10361 or Batas Kasambahay that aims to protect the welfare of domestic workers in the country, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) yesterday reported. Under the new law, a domestic worker and his or her qualified dependents such as legal spouse, children below 21 years old, and parents 60 years old and above shall be covered by PhilHealth. Members are entitled to full in-patient benefits when confined in any government and private hospitals accredited with PhilHealth. The annual contribution of household helpers is set at P1,800 per year and is also payable in quarterly or semi-annual basis. The Philhealth contributions are shouldered by employers whose domestic worker earns less than P5,000 a month. To apply for PhilHealth coverage, domestic workers need to submit a duly accomplished Member Registration Form available at any PhilHealth office or at www.philhealth.gov.ph, attach supporting documents for qualified dependents, and submit the requirements to the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office.
National News
PSEi Pierces...
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earnings and rosy economic picture on the back of a possible upgrade in the creditworthiness of the country. The main index rose 41.41 points to peak at 6,500.08 in the morning session. It was noted, however, that the touchdown was very quick, staying at this level in less than three minutes before the index slid back to the highs of 6,400 level. At the end of the trading day profittaking pared down gains with PSEi eventually closing flat at 6,458.01. The bullish outlook on the Philippine anchored on the looming upgrade in the credit rating of the country plus the low interest rate environment are
driving force in the sustained PSEi uptick, explained Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Executive Vice President and Treasurer Jose Emmanuel U. Hilado. While the PSEi breached the 6,500 mark is a story in it self, Hilado said that this number is too significant now as the market is looking at 7,000 level, largely on the account of the general bullish view on the country. It was estimated that foreign buying from January to the first week of the month yielded a net inflow of some $800 million. There is really money coming in
from offshore to the bourse on speculation that the Philippines will finally get an investment grade (credit) rating, which attracts a different set of buyers. This gives the stock market additional push, Hilado explained. Some corporations and other countries are prohibited from investing in non-investment rated economies. Should the country finally get its quest to become an investment grade economy, this opens up the avenue for other group of investors to come in. This will give additional push in the stock market, Hilado said, adding that the lowering of the interest rate on banks Special Deposit Accounts (SDAs) to an effective rate of 2.4 percent encourages risk-taking from deposits to the equities market. DOH Womens Health and Safe Motherhood Project, P269,860,000; Family Health and Responsible Parenthood, P2,539,420,000; Health Family Planning Operations and Infrastructure Programs, P3, 268,902,000; Health Human Resource Development, P2,952,832,000; Implementation of Doctors to Barrios and Rural Health Practice Program, P2,799,383,000; National Health Insurance Programs, P12,612,283,000; Health Promotion, P162,479,000; and POPCOM-Coordination of the Population Policy and Programs, P187,822,000. As the one of the several senators who questioned the measure in the Senate, Sotto said RH proponents could be engaging a self-fulfilling prophecy that the law is actually useless and is bound to be a huge failure. Even without the RH law, Sotto pointed out that the government has been distributing condoms and pills for free in health clinics that only retime to quit or lose heart in the peace process. When you reach the Heartbreak Hill, do you have the heart? Do you have the strong will? Are ready to move forward? While nearing the peak of Heartbreak Hill, the process will become harder and will be filled with intrigues, Aquino said. Aquino admitted that some people have warned him not to visit the MILF territory but he still pushed through anyway for the sake of peace. I told them: If I can be instrumental, then the sacrifice of one Noynoy is worth it to help so many of our countrymen, he added. The government recently forged a preliminary peace agreement with the MILF that seeks to create a Bangsamoro region by 2016. The two panels are expected to complete the annexes on wealth-sharing, power- sharing, normalization, and transitional arrangements and modalities during talks this month. At the launch of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the President said such body reminded candidates of the prohibited acts during the campaign period, namely: giving donations or gift in cash or in kind; and appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents or the like. Earlier, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes also reminded candidates that the start of the campaign period also marks the start of the regulation of campaign propaganda and the counting of campaign expenditure. In Resolution No. 9615, the Comelec said the number of minutes allowable to each candidate shall now be counted in total and not per television or radio station just like in the past. For each national candidate, the commission said their advertisements in the broadcast media must not be more than a combined total of 120 minutes for TV and 180 minutes for radio. Also, the Comelec said there must be prior notice from the poll body before television and radio shows would interview candidates. Similarly, the commission will implement the right to reply provision of the law, wherein bona fide candidates shall have the right to reply to charges published or aired against them and that they may invoke it to the newspaper, television, or radio stations. As for published election propaganda, the poll body said the maximum size of print advertisements remains to be 1/4 page in broadsheets and 1/2 page in tabloids. Print advertisements shall not be published more than three times a week per newspaper, magazine, or other publication during the campaign period, said the Comelec. In the 2013 polls, the Comelec is
DOH Gets...
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and infant health even without the Responsible Parenthood law, popularly known as the Reproductive Health (RH) law. The fear of some RH supporters is misplaced, if not non-siquitur. Let us not simplify the elections as an issue between pro- and anti-RH, Sotto said. Sotto chastised proponents and supporters of the RH law who, having won the battle to dole out free condoms and other contraceptives, are apparently not satisfied that they are now peddling half-truths and outright lies to cover up for the duplicity of the RH statute. As pro-RH lawmakers celebrated last week the spoils of the war, Lagman pitched for the election of more pro-RH lawmakers to ensure sufficient yearly
funding for its implementation. We must ensure in the coming May elections that the RH advocates get the peoples mandate so that adequate and responsive appropriations will be allocated for the RH law, Lagman, who was the main sponsor of the measure in the Lower House, said. Lagman said one of the major challenges faced by the RH law is for Congress to provide budget for the new law. Sotto holds the contrary view. He said a cursory check in the 2013 General Appropriations Act for the Department of Health showed that more than P9.1-billion is already allocated for RH-related programs catering to maternal and infant health care. These are made up of the following items in the budget allocation of the
Peace Within...
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Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a socioeconomic program for the MILF community, and cited the need to hasten the peace negotiations. Abot-kamay na po ang bunga ng kapayapaang kay tagal nating inaasam-asam; ngayon pa ba tayo panghihinaan ng loob? (The fruits of peace that we have yearned for so long are within our grasp. This is not the time for our hearts to grow faint), the President said in the ceremony attended by MILF leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, and other peace and development partners. It is time to do more work and less talk. We have three years and four months left. Like what the Chairman said, this (peace) has to be permanent and not dependent on who is in office so we have to speed up everything to ensure this is permanent, he added. Asked in a later press conference if a final peace pact with the MILF will
be signed this March, Aquino said: We are trying to achieve consensus and it will take its natural course but we think it might be earlier than that, at least earlier than the end of March. The President, however, acknowledged the path to peace in Mindanao will be difficult, comparing the status of the peace talks with the MILF to the final ascent of the Boston Marathon called the Heartbreak Hill. He noted that racers face the Heartbreak Hill, toughest stretch of Boston marathon, before reaching the finish line. This is the same challenge faced by the ongoing peace negotiations with the MILF, according to the President. Without naming names, Aquino said some groups are putting obstacles to peace in Mindanao, particularly trying to bring back the old situation where they can reign like kings and oppress people. But Aquino said this is not the
2013 Battle...
(Cont'd from page 1)
12 to May 11, 2013. Expected to kick-off their campaigns are the 33 senatorial candidates led by the administrations Team PNoy members Juan Edgardo Angara (Laban); Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal, and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. (Liberal Party); Alan Peter Cayetano, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Cynthia Villar (Nacionalista Party); Ana Theresia Hontiveros (Akbayan); and Aquilino Martin Pimentel III (PDP-Laban). From the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) are Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Margarita Cojuangco, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Ernesto Maceda, Maria Milagros Esperanza Magsaysay, and Juan Miguel Zubiri; and Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. (Nationalist Peoples Coalition). Three others Sen. Loren Legarda (NPC), and independents Sen. Francis Joseph Escudero, and Mary Grace Llamanzares are common candidates of the Team PNoy and UNA. Team PNoy will launch its campaign at the historic Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila, while UNA will have its kick-off rally at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City. (Related story on Visayas page.) Other candidates are: John Carlos de los Reyes, Marwil Llasos, and Rizalito David (Ang Kapatiran Party); Teodoro Casio (Makabayan); Greco Antonious Beda Belgica (Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP); Baldomero Falcone; and Christian Seeres; Samson Alcantara (Social
Justice Society (SJS) Party; Bro. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas Party); and independent candidates Ricardo Penson, Edward Hagedorn, and Ramon Montao. Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Erin Taada III and House Majority Leader and Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, LP spokesmen, said Team PNoy, including the leaders of the coalition and their supporters, are ready for todays proclamation which will be attended by all the 12 senatorial bets, including the three common candidates. Handa po ang Team PNoy sa start ng campaign. Lahat ng mga kandidato magsasalita at magsasalita rin ang alkalde ng Maynila na si Mayor Fred Lim at panghuli ang minamahal nating Pangulo na si Noynoy Aquino, Taada said in a press conference at LP-Balay headquarters in Cubao. We have been assured that all the 12 candidates will attend tomorrow, he noted. The city government of Manila has assured the security of everyone who will attend todays kick-off rally of Team PNoy. Chief Supt. Alex Gutierrez, Manila Police District (MPD) director, said police forces will be present during the event and will be assigned in strategic areas surrounding the venue. Also expected to begin their campaign are the 123 qualified party-list groups, including those that were given temporary reprieve by the Supreme Court (SC). In Resolution No. 9385, the poll
National News
NATIONAL NEWSBITS
FEEDING PROGRAM
The Archdiocese of Manila will re-launch its Fast 2 Feed fund campaign in support of its HapagAsa (Table of Hope) feeding program tomorrow, Feb. 13, coinciding with the observance of Ash Wednesday. The campaign encourages the faithful to fast and to donate whatever amount they have saved to feed thousands of hungry and malnourished children. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has called on the faithful to support Hapag-Asa to help more children and feed them a chance for a better future. This year, the archdiocese is targeting to feed around 3,000 children which will require P3.6 million in funds to support the program in six months. (Christina I. Hermoso)
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday said he would need more time to review the Atimonan incident report that was submitted to him last week by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. President Aquino said it is not easy to review the thick report, adding that he does not want to review the report in haste. Yung Quezon na report, may mga nagmamadali sa inyo sa review namin [There are some of you who wants to fast track the review on the report], Aquino said, In case hindi pa ninyo nakita [In case you havent seen it yet], its not that long a document. Its just five inches thick. It weighs maybe over six kilos and the briefer on it is 64 pages, Aquino described. First time ko nagbasa ng libro
na nakatingala ka habang nakaupo sa mesa mo [It was my first time to read a book looking up while sitting on my desk], he said. Aquino said aside from the Atimonan report, he is also reviewing reports on the USS Guardians salvage plan from the Tubbataha Reef, and the composition of the Transition Commission, which, he said, may be out within the week. The Palace said earlier that President Aquino has directed the Office of the Executive Secretary, headed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Caguioa to thoroughly review the Atimonan report. Earlier reports revealed that the Atimonan report has recommended the filing of criminal charges against those responsible for the death of 13 individuals at the Atimonan check-
point last January 6. The Atimonan report was supposedly scheduled for submission before the President left for his first attendance to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland last month. However, President Aquino directed Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to come up with an exhaustive report of the Atimonan incident. The report was finally submitted to the President late last week. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is under the Department of Justice (DOJ), has been tasked as the sole investigative body on the Atimonan incident, which allegedly involves some Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel. The said incident was initially claimed by the police as a shootout but was later on ruled out by Justice Secretary De Lima.
SANDIGAN ORDER
The Sandiganbayan ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to release former whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr. and his brother Jose Orlando shortly after posting bail yesterday morning. Lozada and his brother posted a combined bail amount of P90,000, with P60,000 for two graft cases of Jun Lozada and P30,000 for his brother's grat case. His bail was shouldered by members of AMRSP. Earlier yesterday morning, a teary-eyed Lozada accompanied by members of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) surrendered to the PNPCIDG due to a warrant of arrest issued against him and his brother by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division in connection with graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman. (Rolly T. Carandang)
LIFEBOAT DRILL
A Filipino was among the five crew members of a cruise ship who were killed during a lifeboat drill in Spain on Sunday. Reports quoted Spanish officials as saying that the British-operated Thomson Majesty cruise ship was docked at La Palma during the drill and 2,000 passengers were on board at the time. Eight crew members were sitting in the lifeboat which was being lowered when it fell 65 to 100 feet into the ocean. The boat overturned when it hit the surface of the sea. The identities of those dead and injured were not released, but the dead were reported to be three Indonesians, a Filipino and a Ghanaian. (Roy C. Mabasa)
FACES OF CANDIDATES A man checks the banners of the Team PNoy senatorial candidates at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila yesterday, a day before the official start of the campaign period. (Jacqueline Hernandez)
Picture this: Former President Benigno S. Aquino III finally getting married and having a honeymoon somewhere in peaceful and progressive Mindanao. This is how the countrys bachelor President sees himself after he steps downs from office in 2016. The President spoke about the prospect of marriage while promising to work harder to bring peace and development in Mindanao in the remainder of his term during a visit to Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ibrahim were present during the launch of Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a year-long socio-economic program for the MILF members. "At pagdating ng panahon nga ho, siguro naman ho pag natapos na po yong termino ko, baka naman may ipagkaloob na ho sa atin ang Diyos, magho-honeymoon ho tayo. Siyempre, baka maimbita ako ni Chairman at sabihin niya dito ka muna magmeryenda at turista na tayo sa ARMM dahil ganoon na katahimik (When the time comes, probably after at the end of my term, maybe the Lord will bless me and I may go on a honeymoon. The Chairman may invite me to stay for merienda and I am already a tourist in ARMM because it is peaceful here), the President said, drawing laugher and applause from the crowd. The Presidents comment about his love life came a few days before Valentines Day. Aquino earlier said he has no special date for Valentines Day except his nephew, Joshua.
HOLD LIST
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed on its hold departure list former Lanao Del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo and five other individuals who are facing graft charges. Dimaporo and his coaccused were banned from leaving the country pursuant to a hold departure order (HDO) issued against them by the Sandiganbayan which is hearing their graft case. Aside from Dimaporo, the travel ban was imposed on Lanao Del Sur Provincial Agriculturist Isabelo Luna and private individuals Felizardo Dragon, Evangeline Ontiveros, Rosalinda Bisenio, and Elmer Sayre. (Jun Ramirez)
Jessica Sanchez, the Season 11 American Idol runner-up and Smart brand ambassador for the youth, marked her return to the country by participating in an outreach program yesterday. Organized by the telco giants community service program for education, Read To Be Smart: A Storytelling Session with Jessica Sanchez saw the budding Fil-Mexican pop star leading select second and third grade students of the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Singalong, Manila, in a story-telling and group singing session. During the short visit to the school, the young singer read the book The Thirsty Sparrow written by Filipino
writer Virgilio S. Almario to the kids, after which they persuaded her to sing for them. She acquiesced with a snippet from the song Jump In, her duet with global pop icon apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. She also joined the children in singing The Butterfly Song (If I Were A Butterfly). One of the students also got to ask their Ate Jessica a question about how to become a great singer like you. Jessica replied, A lot of practice, taking care of your voice [and also] listening to your parents [and improve by] studying music. She also added, Just dont let anybody bring you down; keep reaching for your dreams. And just jump in whenever you need to. As a key CSR program of Smart, Jessica is a perfect role model for
the youth being the personification of these ideals. She can help instill in the minds of young people the true love for reading and the value of good education in empowering their lives, noted Ramon Isberto, Smarts Public Affairs Group head. Read To Be Smart was put together in 2004 led by a number of employeevolunteers that go around schools with the aim of helping improve the reading abilities of students by making lessons interesting for kids. EDSES is one of the beneficiary schools of Smarts Communiteach Program. The storytelling session, meanwhile, is the first of a series of activities scheduled for Jessica during this visit. It culminates in a concert on Feb. 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring fellow AI Season 11 alum, Colton Dixon.
B.I. ACTION
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained three foreigners allegedly engaged in illegal mining operations in Cagayan de Oro City. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said yesterday the aliens were arrested last January 30 when he dispatched a team of immigration agents to pick up the miners who were about to be released after posting bail in court. David said all three identified as Meng Changseng, Wu Peng and Yu Pengze, could not present their passports but had Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) cards issued to tourists. They are undergoing deportation proceedings for violating our immigration laws, the BI chief said, adding that the aliens were charged for being improperly documented and for violating the conditions of their stay as tourists by working here without permits. (Jun Ramirez)
The late statesman Claro M. Recto is sorely missed at a time when the Philippines is defending its territory against threats from a powerful neighbor. Remembering Recto during the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) celebration of Philippine Constitution Day in Makati last Friday, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay paid tribute to the man he described as "great jurist, poet, playwright, parliamentarian, patriot and statesman." Philconsa marked last Feb. 8 the 123rd birth anniversary of Claro M. Recto who chaired of the 1934 Constitutional Convention. It was also the 78th anniversary of the countrys 1935 Constitution and the 26th anniversary of the 1987 Constitution. "At a time when we have had to invoke the rule of international
law to protect our territorial rights against the overly assertive claim of a powerful neighbor, we remember with distinct nostalgia that it was Claro M. Recto who clashed swords with US Attorney General Herbert Brownell Jr. and demolished the claim that the United States never relinquished its title to Olongapo and the US baselands at the time," the Vice P resident said in his speech. The Philippine government last month asked a United Nations arbitration tribunal to resolve its territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea. "The late Senator Lorenzo M. Tanada, himself a constitutionalist and an icon of nationalism, said of Recto that, 'when the history of our time is written, the name of Claro M. Recto will have to appear in its most stirring pages. For this man, though he never became president, served his country well, and left the mark
of his mind on its history even more than some who held more exalted positions,'" he said. During the occasion, Binay stressed that there is no need to rush Charter Change and instead stressed the need for the public to have a better understanding of what the Constitution means to a nation and its people. I submit that Charter change is a serious issue and we have to study it well. This is not to say that I am eager to Cha-Cha-Cha myself. Not at all. I hear the music but I will not rush into it, he said. However others may criticize or denigrate it, we should raise the Constitution to its honored place by giving it our highest reverence and respect and living its spirit faithfully and passionately without waiting for all its lofty principles and pious declarations to be translated into specific and enforceable enabling laws by Congress, he added.
Of the 125 smuggling cases that the Bureau of Customs has filed under the Aquino administration, three have resulted in a conviction, according to Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. In the aspect of actual accomplishments of the bureau, an encouraging development was the conviction last July of a smuggler and his broker, followed by another conviction in the same month, and still another in December, said Biazon. These initial legal victories have provided added impetus to the bureaus Run After the Smugglers program. Now the importers and brokers who like to play cat and mouse with our personnel are forewarned: the long arm of the law and the strong hand of justice will catch up with you, he added. The Customs RATS group has been consistently filing smuggling cases every other week, but the success rate is dismal on the conviction of erring importers and brokers. Its campaign has been affected by procedural delays and the pending resolution of these cases due to the slow turn of the wheels of justice. These legal successes did not come easy. It took years from detection and prosecution to get to conviction. And there are numerous other cases that are still being heard and tried, he said. On July 2012, Danilo Villar, owner of Vill Gay Forwarding Services, and his customs broker, Danilo Opiniano, were found guilty by a Manila Regional Trial Court for violations of the Tariff and Customs Code. They were sentenced by the RTC to suffer the penalty of eight years of imprisonment.
GOVERNMENT WARNING AND DOCTORS ADVICE: SMOKING IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. SO QUIT SMOKING AND LIVE LONGER.
National News
A delegation from the European Parliament will be visiting the Philippines on February 11-15 to learn about the positive developments taking place in the country amid its fast-growing economy that has created opportunities for new European investment. The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who together with European governments legislate for 500 million Europeans will also visit Mindanao to lend their political support to the peace process. The MEPs will be led by Werner Langen, chair of the Delegation of the European Parliament for Relations with the countries
of Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). With several of the visiting MEPs sitting on powerful economic committees, business and investment will be high on their agenda. The parliamentarians are scheduled to meet with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, CEOs and representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux, the European Parliament visit underscores EU support for President Benigno S. Aquino III's good governance and anti-corruption efforts that are making the country more attractive to European investment.
Ombudsman Holding...
(Cont'd from page 1)
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to heed the Sandiganbayan order that demanded the production of a resolution on the plunder case that cleared Arroyo and her co-accused of charges of misusing millions of pesos in confidential/intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). In a 24-page partial motion for reconsideration, Morales insisted that the resolution written by a panel of Ombudsman probers is a privileged communication which should be beyond the scope of discovery. Gadon said that the Ombudsmans decision further strengthened suspicions that there is indeed a first resolution that clearly indicates the weakness of the government evidence against Arroyo. The production of the disapproved (resolution) is inimical to public interest because the same will only confuse the issue and mislead the Honorable Court and the parties, Morales said. Interviewed earlier, lawyer Anacleto Diaz, Arroyos principal counsel, said it was important for the court to see the first resolution because it would show that within the Office of the Ombudsman, there are opposing findings on the case. If there are conflicting findings among investigators, all doubts should be made in favor of the accused, he said. Acting on the motion filed by Arroyo, the Sandiganbayan First Division in an order dated January 21, 2013 ordered Morales to produce the resolution of the first panel of investigators that conducted a preliminary investigation on the PCSO case within 10 days from receipt of notice. The Office of the Special Prosecutor asked for an extension of 15 days to file its compliance and/or action of the Ombudsman on the order. But instead of complying, Morales filed the motion for reconsideration
seeking to withhold the release of the first resolution. Diaz, in the motion for the production of the first resolution, said the first resolution is important in her case since she will use it in her defense. Diaz said they have received information that the first resolution did not find any basis for plunder with respect to the alleged misuse of PCSO funds. Accused GMA intends to present the resolution of the panel as evidence for her defense, among others. She received information, and so alleges, that the findings of the panel are materially different from the findings and conclusions of the Ombudsman in her Review Joint Resolution in that unlike the latter, the panel found no sufficient evidence to support the crime of plunder charges under the present information, Diaz said. The first panel of investigators, composed of Deputy Special Prosecutor Cornelio Somido and Director Mary Susan Guillermo as chairmen; and lawyers Joaquin Salazar, Nellie Golez, and Roque Damian Dator as members, allegedly did not make a finding for plunder but for a downgraded and bailable crime. But this was allegedly rejected by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales as she constituted another panel of investigators to conduct the review. The second panel then made the finding of plunder which was approved by Morales and thus filed with the Sandiganbayan. Diaz said the Office of the Ombudsman, in issuing the Review Resolution recommending the plunder charge, did not attach the first resolution that was the subject of the review resolution. He said under Section 10, Rule 116 of the 2000 Rules of Criminal Procedure, the accused may ask the court to produce material evidence in possession of the prosecution.
Batas Kasambahay...
(Cont'd from page 1)
tract, which includes job description; period of employment; compensation; authorized deductions; number of hours of work and proportionate additional payment; rest days and allowable leaves; board and lodging; and other agreements, shall be executed and duly signed before the start of the service. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that contract of employment written in a language or dialect understood by both parties is necessary before getting into an employment for domestic work. The employer may also require identification (ID) cards, certificates, and clearances for background verification, from the domestic worker. If [domestic workers] encountered some labor-related problems or concerns, they can seek assistance straight from the nearest DOLE office, DOLE Media and External Relations Division Chief Jose C. De Leon. DOLE will provide a model employment contract for domestic workers, free of charge. Within 90 days from the effectivity of the Kasambahay Law, DOLE will coordinate with the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Justice (DoJ); Philippine National Police (PNP); and other agencies and its tripartite partners in formulating the implementing rules and regulations (IRR). We have an IRR draft, but we still need to consolidate the inputs of other government agencies involved, said De Leon. The employment age of domestic workers should be 15 years old and above; employment of working children (any person who is below 15 years of age) as domestic worker is unlawful and will be subject to
provisions of some sections of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The law shall be effective 15 days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two publications of general circulation, according to DOLE. However, the government office added that the published online copy in the Official Gazette last January 18 was not complete, therefore, it would have to refer to the date the law was published in full in two national newspapers, including Manila Bulletin, on January 25. This meant that the day of the law's effectivity fell last February 10. The feeling is mutual for Rampola and her kasambahay, Josephine Baclayon, that between their employer-employee relationship, they have empathy for each other. For me, the law is a big help, but not all employers are rich and cannot afford to give all these kinds of benefits. I hope its scope would be limited to people who can comply with [its provisions]. I feel for my employer who belongs to a middle class family, said Baclayon. I feel their (household helpers) plight Most of them are working students, most of them have families to support. I think its really timely that the law or the government provides social protection for them, concluded Rampola. One year after the effectivity of the law, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards shall review, and if proper, determine and adjust the wages for domestic workers, according to DOLE. The laws intent is not supposedly to limit people from hiring household helpers, it is rather fixing the employer-employee relationship because with the law in effect, no one will be jeopardized, de Leon said.
World News
WORLD NEWSBITS
ETHANOL PLANTS
ST. LOUIS (AP) The persistent US drought is taking a toll on producers of ethanol, with corn becoming so scarce that nearly two dozen ethanol plants have been forced to halt production. The Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry trade group, provided data to The Associated Press showing that 20 of the nation's 211 ethanol plants have ceased production over the past year, including five in January. While most expect to resume, they won't likely do so until after 2013 corn is harvested in late August or September. Industry experts don't expect an ethanol shortage because millions of barrels are stockpiled and the remaining 191 plants are still producing.
Jerusalem Prize
JERUSALEM (AP) Acclaimed Spanish writer Antonio Munoz Molina said Sunday he would accept a prestigious Israeli literary award despite calls from pro-Palestinian activists to boycott the Jewish state. Molina said that he did not believe he was an "accomplice'' in Israel's policies toward Palestinians for accepting the Jerusalem Prize, an award given every two years to authors who dwell on themes of human freedom in society. "I have absolute respect for Israel and people in Israel who are critical of their own country,'' said Molina. "It doesn't mean I have become an accomplice of anything horrible that happens in this country.'' International artists often come under pressure by pro-Palestinian activists not to come to Israel or accept prizes, arguing that the country should be censured for its military rule over Palestinians. Molina, whose prose was shaped by a working class upbringing in a provincial village under the rule of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, has resided in New York City for much of the past 13 years. He said he was honored to receive the award. "The worth of a prize depends on the people who have received it before you,'' Molina told reporters. "I would like to be as good as many of them.''
EURO STRENGTH
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem holds his first eurozone meeting Monday just as hard-won measures to stabilize the bloc pose a different problem; a strong euro dampening the economy. The debt crisis Dijsselbloem inherits has eased greatly since the European Central Bank vowed last year to intervene in the markets to tame borrowing costs and EU leaders agreed tough steps to bolster the euro's defenses.But after months when it seemed the single currency's future was in doubt, the euro has now risen sharply, sparking fears it could make eurozone exports less competitive and so undercut badly needed growth.
Paris Talks
PARIS (AFP) French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Sunday that talks between top Libyan officials and Western diplomats in Paris this week would focus on continued security problems following the ouster of Moamer Kadhafi. ''Despite the good will and talent of its rulers, there is not enough security in Libya,'' Fabius told BFM Television ahead of the talks on Tuesday. ''The meeting on Tuesday aims to help them control their borders, to give them the means to prevent weapons heading off in all directions,'' he said. Fabius will be joined for the talks by his Libyan counterpart Mohamed Abdulaziz, the foreign ministers of Britain, Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Malta and other top Libyan officials. Senior diplomats from other nations will also take part, with the conference followed on Wednesday by a visit by Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan to Paris, where he will meet President Francois Hollande. Efforts to revive Libya's economy will also be on the table, with several Libyan ministers meeting on Monday night with French business chiefs. Diplomatic sources said the talks were the result of serious concerns over Libyan security, including over the flood of weapons from Kadhafi's storage depots across the region since his regime's demise.
AUSTRALIA PRICING
SYDNEY (AFP) Global technology giants Microsoft, Apple and Adobe were Monday ordered to appear before a pricing inquiry examining the often-higher cost of tech goods in Australia compared with other economies. The lower house committee holding the probe, which was launched last May, said it had summoned the trio to appear at a public hearing next month to explain why Australian customers paid more for the same products. ''The committee is looking at the impacts of prices charged to Australian consumers for IT products,'' it said in a statement. ''Australian consumers often pay much higher prices for hardware and software than people in other countries.''
NEW COMMANDER US Marine General Joseph F. Dunford (center) receives a flag from outgoing ISAF Commander, General John Allen, (left, back to camera) after taking over as new commander of NATO in Afghanistan during a change of command ceremony at the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, February 10, 2013. Dunford takes charge at a critical time for President Barack Obama and the military as foreign combat forces prepare to withdraw by the end of 2014. (AP)
TUNISIAN PARTY
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) Tunisia's political crisis entered a new phase Sunday with an announcement that Cabinet ministers of the president's own party are quitting the governing coalition, which could force the ruling Islamists to compromise with the opposition. Two years ago Tunisia threw off decades of dictatorship, sparking the Arab Spring uprisings across North Africa. But it is now facing its worst political crisis since then following the assassination of a prominent opposition figure last week. Many blamed the government's negligence, if not complicity, for the assassination, and days of rioting followed that have only just subsided.
Jordanian Parliament
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) Jordan's king inaugurated the country's newly elected parliament Sunday with a pledge to press ahead with democratization, but said he will help pick the next prime minister even though that job is now officially in the hands of the lawmakers. Abdullah II touted the Jan. 23 election as a ``milestone'' in reforms he initiated two years ago to forestall large-scale Arab Spring unrest that toppled four of his peers since 2010. He recently suggested that the new legislature will have more powers to run the daily affairs of the state and monitor the Cabinet in the future as the monarchy takes a step back, giving the people a wider say in politics. The parliament is supposed to choose the prime minister, who was previously appointed by the monarch. But the election was boycotted by the best organized opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, and yielded a legislature body dominated by inexperienced independents.
MERGER MEETING
DALLAS (AP) The boards of American Airlines parent AMR Corp. and US Airways have pushed back meetings to consider final plans for their merger, Associated Press sources said Sunday. If American and US Airways combine, it would create the world's biggest airline as measured by passenger traffic. A source close to the matter said the AMR board wants to meet in person, and that the US Airways board would only meet after the AMR board approves a deal. The source requested anonymity because the talks are private. It is not clear when the two boards would finally meet.
TEMPORARY SCHOOL In this Wednesday, August 17, 2011 file photo, students listen during an assembly on the first day of school at a temporary high school in a converted store in Joplin, Missouri, United States, nearly three months after an EF-5 tornado destroyed six schools and damaged four others along with killing 160 people and devastating a third of the city. According to research cited in a report by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, about two-thirds of US children and teens younger than 18 will experience at least one traumatic event, including shootings and other violence, car crashes,
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PASAY BRANCH MANILA BULLETIN BUILDING SANTIAGO BRANCH MANILA BULLETIN BUILDING
MAKATI BRANCH
G/F East of Galleria Building, Topaz Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. 631-0193; 631-0208; 631-0346 Fax 631-0176
ORTIGAS BRANCH
T the recent 43rd World Economic For um (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, H.E., President Benigno S. Aquino III, vowed to pursue institutional reforms to effect the Philippines enduring progress. The government has solved the program in the National Food Authority which had an outstanding obligation that amounted to R4.4 billion for importing more rice, investing more funds into irrigation, arterial roads, research into higher-yielding varieties, and other technologies. From importing almost two and a half million metric tons of rice in 2010, the government is looking at full rice self-sufficiency and even the possibility of exporting it by the end of this year. By implementing mechanisms for a transparent bidding process that encouraged competitions among contractors, the Department of Public Works and Highway reported savings of some $300 million at the end of 2012. Highlighted in the Presidents speech in Switzerland was the Philippine Stock Exchange Index which broke its record high 70 times during the Aquino Administration.
The government recorded two consecutive 10-place jumps in the WEF s annual competitiveness ranking index. The countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.1 percent in the third quarter of 2012 and fixed at 6.6 percent for the entire year. After getting upgrade from credit ratings agencies, the government is on the verge of investment grade status. The Manila Bulletin led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in- Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabaes, Officers and Employees, congratulate the government of the Republic of the Philippines headed by H.E., President Benigno S. Aquino III, and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, the National Economic and Development Authority led by Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, and wish them all the best and success on their unrelenting efforts in pursuing institutional reforms for the countr y s enduring progress. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST AT HOME, IN SCHOOL, AT WORK, FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF FILIPINO PEOPLE.
R
ymv
Finding Answers
Views Features
Awareness
HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, Chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, approved the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) on January 18, 2013, which scales up the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KalahiCIDSS), one of the governments flagship programs for poverty reduction. Being implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the P rogram will use the community-driven development approach that will em-
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Landscape
GOVERNMENTS NATIONAL LETS COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM RISE T ABOVE POLITICAL DYSFUNCTION
By ATTY. JOEY D. LINA JR. Former Senator
power ordinary citizens to actively participate in local governance by identifying their own community needs, planning, implementing, and monitoring projects. The DSWD will work with other agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Education (DepEd),
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EEPING an open mind gives us hope that elections will usher in significant reforms to uplift lives, especially of those impoverished among us. As 33 men and women officially launch today a nationwide electoral campaign to win the hearts and minds of about 50 million registered voters, lets keep our dreams and collective aspirations alive instead of being cynical and judgmental at this time. We can look at this political exercise as a battle between good or evil, evil or lesser evil, yellow or yellower, administration or opposition, celebrity or unknown, learned or simpleminded, competent or inept. Or we can keep our minds open and remember that we are blessed to be able to choose among the best and brightest, the good and God-fearing, the selfless and pro-people, the sincere and honest, the erudite and scholarly, the efficient and effective. Observers point out that some of the senatorial candidates may not be beyond reproach. A number could be considered attentionseeking epals. Some belong to emerging or entrenched political dynasties which the CBCP said breed corruption and ineptitude. Several have name recall which could be attributed to a reputation or track record not their own but of a famous (or infamous) parent or relative. But looking at the positive side will make it easier for us to fulfill our patriotic duty rather than harbor a negative mindset that our votes wont make a difference. Not that we are being nave, but resilience impels us to deal with the harsh realities on the ground. The Supreme Court has ruled that no violation exists for premature campaigning, paving the way for a bombardment of candidates TV ads in the past weeks. No enabling law is in effect to implement the Constitutional ban on political dynasties, thus allowing the proliferation of candidates with familiar names. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines reminds us that every citizen ought to be mindful of his right and duty to promote the common good by using his vote. It will not help the common good if we wallow in the misery
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Reflections Today
OW when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of His disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without
purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally obser ved, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles [and beds].) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Him, Why do Your disciples not follow
the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands? He responded, Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard Gods commandment but cling to human tradition. He went
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A Global View
LTHOUGH President Obama had taken a clear stand on the importance of immigration reform, the urgency of the need for healthcare legislation and dealing with the financial crisis that gripped the US and Europe dominated his first term. Now, as he begins his second term in office, immigration is on the front burner. A bi-partisan senatorial committee assigned to come up with
recommendations recently released its report, the first part of which the President challenged. Rather than making the security of the US-Mexican border the primary concern, he suggests first dealing with the issue of the 11 million
undocumented immigrants who are already in the United States. He suggests that those under the age of 30 who entered the US before they were 16, have no charges against them, and are employed, would be granted permanent residency and offered a path to eventual citizenship provided they go through national security and background checks, learn English,
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Medium Rare
VERYWHERE you went during the weekend you couldnt help seeing red. Red lanterns for the Chinese New Year; red hearts for Valentines Day. When Spring Festival meets Season of Hearts, how could love not be in the air? Yet the Chinese are far from being famous for being amorous. (How did they grow to become 1.3 billion people, even with a one-child policy strictly in
place?) At the Mandarin Orientals Chinese New Years Eve dinner, guests asked feng shui master Joseph Chau many questions about money luck and none about their chances at romance. One could only surmise that sooner
or later, adults realize that whereas money is manageable therefore, predictable love is not. Thats why its called falling in love its a trap, you stumble, it trips you up, you get hurt; you might as well be failing. St. Paul, obviously not a romantic at heart, told the Corinthians how love is masochistic, hard work: Love is patient, is kind, it envies
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AQUINO SUCCESS
By FORMER PRESS SECRETARY HECTOR R.R. VILLANUEVA
HE Aquino administration is looking good at the start of the year and appears poised to continue the economic momentum in 2013. Last Friday, February 8, was the 53rd birth anniversary of the most eligible bachelor, President Beni-
gno Noynoy Simeon Aquino III, who was smothered with complimentary write-ups and best wishes that were informative, intuitive, positive, and flattering but anti-climactic and lacking in their thoroughness. Nevertheless, the
presidential profile amply provided the Filipino people, who do not really know him, including this writer, a clearer picture and assessment of the character and personality of the President, and what makes him tick. Birthday greetings, like eulogies, are by tradition and good taste, limited to complimentary outpourings
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S long as Alfredo S. Lim is the mayor of Manila, there will be no reclamation in that crescent between the Manila Yacht Club and the USA embassy; the spectacular Manila Bay sunset will be there every evening for everyone to behold and admire. And not only that, those cruising up and do w n Ro x a s Boulevard will always catch a glimpse of the water, a speckled silvery blue in the mornings, a swollen azabache when a storm threatens and streaked with tongues of fire at crepuscule. To achieve that, after typhoon Ondoy there were interminable meetings between Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson about the height of the new seawall; as the work progressed, ocular inspections were made from all angles, from various types of vehicles for Mayor Lim insisted that motorists should not only catch a glimpse of the sunset, they should also see the water of the bay from their cars. Early on, President Ramon Magsaysay was concerned about the bay, so he signed Proclamation 41 in 1954, declaring Manila Bay a national park, a beach resort for all Filipinos. Indeed, there was a row of beach resorts now all gone without a trace along Pasay and Paraaque where families would picnic during week-ends. Today, there is only one left and not many know that it is a strip of white sand which appears behind the US embassy at low tide, attracting hordes of informal settlers. Not even the eagle-eyed guards dare shoo away all those naked babies frolicking on the sand while their elders bask in the sun, perhaps pretending they are in Boracay. At this writing, a determined corps of heritage advocates and environmentalists of all ages, genders, and walks of life have announced that they will assemble peacefully, at the Manila Bay area to view the awesome sunset. It is their manner of protesting against all the reclamation projects from early American times, to Stonehill and the Amari deals, to the current Gold Coast project that have destroyed the original coastal mangroves, driven fish folk farther away from the sea, made Metro Manila more vulnerable to terrible floods brought about by climate change, and, above all, endangered our food supply. When the warship USS Guardian mindlessly crashed into the Tubbataha reef in Palawan a month
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WHAT NOW?
By ATTY. ROMEO V. PEFIANCO
Plain View
ONLY E.D.S.A.
By FORMER SENATOR ATTY. RENE ESPINA
Never On A Sunday
(Editors note: The syndicated estafa against Aman Futures seems to ask this question: Who is the bigger fool? But greed is the unseen motive, as noted by the author.) ROMOTING a confidence game, like the Aman Futures, requires a lot of hard work. Its not smalltime scam anymore when 15,000 investors part with their hard-earned savings amounting to R12B. It needs a stroke of genius and luck to convince 15,000 people that their bank savings earn only a pittance against an ROI (return on investment) of 30 to 40 percent in less than 60 days. Pardon/release Lets see what will happen to the con man who promoted
WAS motivated to write about roads and highways in general because of the proposed repair of EDSA, formerly Highway 54. The program of work would last about two years. Lets go back to histor y. After the US Armed Forces defeated the Japanese Imperial Army in our country and before the invasion of Japan, Highway 54 was built by the Americans in order to bypass many of the small streets in Manila and the towns of Rizal. I recall many years ago, I wrote about my regrets not only for the kind of road network in Manila, but also about the roads in Cebu City. I said in that article that had our leaders requested the US government with the assistance of the US Army for the initial reconstruction of Manila and Cebu City, our liberated but totally
(Contd on page B-13)
N most instances, the more focused we are, the more effective we become. Most problems, therefore, need to be solved in a properly targeted manner; and most issues need to be addressed through a laser beam pointedly pitched towards them. This is the significant advantage we have from having many different fields of specialization. There is growing awareness, however, that an increasing number of problems and issues are closely related with the needs and intricacies of a broader system. What we do from our specialized field may have only limited impact on the specific problems and issues we are addressing, simply because their inter-relationship with other problems and issues in the
(Contd on page B-13)
ALL CITIZENS AND OFFICIALS SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THE NATIONAL INTEREST IS ABOVE ALL PERSONAL AND OTHER INTERESTS.
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DAZA...
(Cont'd from page 11)
Views Features
not, is not perverse or puffed up; love is not ambitious, seeks not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinks no evil, rejoices not in iniquity but in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. No wonder, the most popular love riddle goes, How do I love thee? And the answer, which is not an answer, is, Let me count the ways. Poets and philosophers from Thomas Aquinas to e.e. cummings may try, but who can explain love? Who would dare? One guess that comes close is lifted from the theme of the movie Lovers and Other Strangers (1970s vintage): And love may grow, for all we know. Romantic love is the art of the impossible, but theres always a possible exception yours. Sonja Lyubomirsky, author of The Myths of Happiness, warns: People feel that they have to find the ideal, perfect Mr. or Ms. Right, who is their soul mate, with whom they will feel passionate love forever, and who will make them happy forever... Of course, both research and anecdotal evidence shows that this is not what typically occurs.
BEST FRIENDS A motorcycle enthusiast takes his dog complete with safety gear for a joyride along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City. (KJ Rosales)
LINA...
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ROMULO...
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ARANETA...
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pay penalties, and line up behind the foreign-born who are already seeking to immigrate legally. The Presidents plan creates a new probationary legal status for the documented immigrants which would allow them to live and work legally in the United States. The Presidents plan also puts the Republicans in something of a bind. As a party, the Republicans have had a policy against liberal immigration laws. But Republican politicians also need the immigrant Latino vote which now accounts for about 20 percent of the national vote which they lost November. According to economists, the proposed immigration reforms could help the US economy. More relaxed immigration rules would encourage entrepreneurship, increase the demand for housing, raise tax revenues, and help reduce the national budget deficit.
ago, the guardians of that world heritage site lamented the irreversible threat to our food security. Tubbataha is not just for swimming and snorkeling, the reef is vital because the fish larvae bred there feed 40 million fish-eating Filipinos. I suppose the series of reclamation projects along Ma-
nila Bay had the same disastrous effects on biodiversity and food supply. However, not only the city government of Manila should be taken to task. Make your collective voices heard at the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) headed by General Manager and CEO Peter
Anthony S. Abaya. Ironically, the PRA is based in Makati City, at the Legazpi Tower (7th floor) on Paseo de Roxas. Dont confuse it with the Legazpi Tower where Mayor Lim lives, also on a boulevard called Roxas, but with a splendid view of the sunset over Manila Bay. (gemma601@yahoo.com)
VILLANUEVA...
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REFLECTIONS...
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on to say, How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, If a person says to father or mother, Any support you might have had from me is qorban (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things. REFLECTIONS You disregard Gods comma ndment. A priest who was very careful with the rubrics of the Mass was irritated one day when the Mass servers committed a mistake. He said to them aloud, Stupid! Dont do that again! He was more preoccupied with following the ritual exactly than with observing charity in his dealings with the servers. Jesus reproaches the Pharisees and scribes, reminding them of Isaiahs words, This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me First things first: Let us make sure that our hearts are right with God and desire the honor of God and the good of people. All things are for Gods honor and for the salvation of people. When we have set our hearts on this, we can go about the external rituals of our religion, and we will be pleasing to God. Is your heart in the right place with regard to God and people? SOURCE: 366 Days with the Lord 2013, ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http:// www.stpauls.ph
and pleasant reminiscences. Nothing negative. For these reasons, public perception of the Presidents character, management style, and thought processes swing widely from blind belief to rumor-mongering to speculations and unfair criticisms. The birthday write-ups have not only provided the public with an additional window of information but also a better appreciation of the President. Having said the above, the Filipino people are now in an enlightened position to appreciate the economic take off, who were the architects of success? the curse of politics, the coming May elections, the negative side of the President, and what needs to be done to sustain the momentum in the light of these conflicting factors. First, it is popularly perceived that President Aquinos character is essentially diffidential, ambiguous, and insensitive with tendencies to
Noynoy when there are critical decisions to be made. However, his Ateneo college mate and close friend, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, opines that The President is not only a true gentleman and a compassionate person but accuracy of numbers and correlation of data are important to him before he makes a decision. Moreover, the President is not a hip shooter. You give him a topic, he is going to study it. Thats good to know. These are the insights and vignettes that help correct misconceptions and dispel adverse criticisms. Second, like it or not, one cannot argue with success which can only be credited to President Aquinos basic personal honesty, advocacy of daang matuwid; good governance, and a clean public image. On the other hand, President Noy Aquino is perceived as vindictive, puerile, inexperienced, and unappreciative of the many supporters, other
than his classmates, who have helped him get elected to the presidency. Thus, from where we sit, the public perception of President Aquino is mixed, subjective, and unendearing since he is neither charismatic nor transparent nor approachable. As we have always maintained, the Cabinet weak link is the uncoordinated Aquino troika media organization. Presidential speeches and administration accomplishments lack follow-up stories, spins, embellishments, public relations, and wide dissemination. When all is said and done, the economic success is there to behold for which the Aquino administration deserves the credit though the work is far from finished, especially job creation and peace and order. You be the judge *** (For comments and views please e-mail chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo. com.ph)
political dysfunction nurtures: patronage politics, wastage of public resources, election-related vio lence, misuse of power and pork barrel funds, alliances of unprincipled opportunists, nonchalance to issues, celebrity and campaign song and dance razzle-dazzle, votebuying, fraud, and a host of other ills afflicting our political spectrum. It will not help the common good to dwell on these things. It is for the common good to encourage candidates to rise above the pathetic manner of past campaigns that have become personality-driven without a coherent party platform of governance. It is for the common good to encourage extensive public discourse of issues. It is for the common good to identify and support candidates who are discerned to be competent, morally upright, and devoted to public service. And it is for the common good that we ensure our votes are properly counted and protected. The need to rise above political dysfunction is imperative. Let us remain hopeful. Let us not be discouraged. We can still do something to help our politics change for the better. E-mail: finding.lina@yahoo. com
GOVERNMENT...
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PEFIANCO...
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and organized the scheme. Hes now in Malaysia serving a two-year sentence for presenting a forged passport. While serving in a Malaysian prison, theres no agreement between Malaysia and our country that he can get a furlough to stand trial in Pagadian City unless he is given a full pardon and released to the mercy of our government. Not a gold mine Another point that keeps bothering us: Does Aman Futures have assets/cash even for a partial payment to all 15,000 investors. All that we know is a business that folds up after extracting P12B, like hitting a gold mine, it wont open again. It needs full CHARITY from 15,000 investors to reopen and get started with a few tricks that promoted the first scam. Malaysian with some connections Remember the old boast among debtors: Walang nabilanggo sa utang, though this will not protect debtors who employ deceit/fraud in a syndicated estafa/swindle. If after two years the scam master in Malaysia gets out of prison it does not follow that he will be shipped back to Pagadian to stand trial. He is a Malaysian citizen with some connections. He did not commit a violent crime that can
move his country to release and surrender him to our justice system. We have no knowledge if theres such a crime as syndicated estafa/ swindle in Malaysia. Or if there is one such crime, theres no indication it carries the same stiff penalty stated in our Penal Code. 15,000 complainants? Another major odd to overcome is the number of complainants - - 15,000. If we go by the theory of Senator Joker Arroyo, it would take more than 200 years before a final decision is rendered. But the most important factor in the case is the matter of paying in full or partially all 15,000 investors. To the best of our knowledge, Aman Futures assets/cash cannot meet the obligation to all its creditors. The retired teacher who invested all R500,000 of her retirement benefits may not get her capital plus ROI. Government will spend millions To posecute and try all the organizers, promoters, and con men of Aman the government will spend millions and more millions if the trial lasts a decade or more, with two layers of appeal to add. Even a simple case of estafa may drag for years before reaching final decision. And if
the accused is ordered to pay in full all the complainants, with damages, the possibility of non-compliance is terribly high and without additional penalty. Estafa/libel In some cases, judges are wont to dismiss estafa cases for a valid reason: They feel that lenders/creditors are using the courts as collecting agents of defaults in payments. Judges have more important cases to try and decide other than rendering judgement to pay in estafa cases. To most judges, libel and estafa are two cases they want to touch last. Its a waste of time to listen to a creditor/lender who gave money to a glib-talking con man/woman. Libel cases are mostly gossip without substance. No time frame If and when Aman Futures mastermind is released by Malaysia to the mercy of our courts, his prosecution/trial is without a definite time frame. He will face his creditors with a smile and promise of recompense. As in all estafa cases, payments follow a final judgment which the judge and prosecutor cannot tell exactly when. And who is the bigger fool seems to be a relevant question?
the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to ensure the success of the NCDDP . The NCDDP will be launched in the second half of 2013 and will be implemented for a period of five years. The Kalahi-CIDSS currently covers 367 of the poor municipalities in 12 regions. NCDDP will increase this number to 900 in 16 regions within the year. DSWD said a similar program for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is being worked out. An additional 118 municipalities are expected to be covered in ARMM. We congratulate the government of the Republic of the Philippines headed by H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, the Department of Social Welfare and Development headed by its Secretar y Corazon J. Soliman in approving and implementing the National Community-Driven Development Program to alleviate poverty in the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
Luzon News
LUZON NEWSBITS
MAN YIELDS 50 HEMP BRICKS
TUGUEGARAO CITY Some 50 bricks of dried marijuana leaves were confiscated by the joint operatives of police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 2 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Liwan Sur, Enrile Cagayan province last Friday, it was learned here yesterday. PDEA Region 2 Director Juvenal Azurin identified the arrested suspected owner of the confiscated marijuana bricks as Donato B. Sinumlag, 27, a farmer and resident from Barangay Liwan West, Rizal, Kalinga province. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
BATAANS SHARE
HERMOSA, Bataan Three towns of the province that form large part of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will receive a total of P22 million this month as their revenue shares from the Freeport. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia said the funds with a total of P72 million to be given to the beneficiaries were derived from two percent of the corporate taxes paid by registered Subic Freeport enterprises from June to December, 2012. Since August, 2010, the SBMA has been implementing a new tax collection scheme wherein it began directly receiving two percent of the five percent corporate taxes paid by firms to help ensure the prompt release. Set to receive in the province of Bataan, are Dinalupihan will be having P9.04 million, Hermosa -P7.34 million, and Morong-P6.22 million. (Mar T. Supnad)
C I T Y O F S A N F E R N A N D O, Pampanga The two cities in this province are eyeing to become the new information and technology (IT) hubs in country, the two IT councils from this city and from Angeles said yesterday. The Information and Communications Technology Council of San Fernando said that it is now initiating steps that will make the city a central technological hub with ready resources and an expert manpower pool of technology experts in the advent of the internet and Business Process Outsourcing in the country. The council, which was created by by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez in
2007, is partnering with other concerned stakeholders to provide the necessary IT services to the private and public sectors in the city. Council president Jim Jimenez said that they are starting to train students, IT graduates and other aspiring IT people to develop software infrastructure needed in the bid of the city to become the leader in the IT industry in the region. Partners of the ICT Council include the academe, the San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SPELAPCO) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). Meanwhile, the Metro Clark Information and Communications Technology Council (MCICTC), said that stakeholders in the ICT industry are eyeing Clark to become
the countrys next BPO hub. MCICTC shared that a number BPO firms in Metro Manila are either expanding or transferring to other places including Clark. Metro Clark is at par with Metro Manila and Metro Cebu as a premier global investment haven for IT and IT-enabled industries, it said. It added that Clark, being a premier Freeport, has an airport and other facilities that will support the operation of BPO firms. MCICTC is a founding member of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines. It was established in 2008 when some 40 stakeholders convened to determine the readiness of the Metro Clark area to host emerging markets in the global IT outsourcing industry.
By FREDDIE G. LAZARO
TUGUEGARAO CITY The suspected big-time drug dealer arrested at a hotel in this city last February 7 is not an American, but a Nigerian holding a fake US passport with a bogus name, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported yesterday. PDEA Region 2 Director Juvenal Azurin made the clarification after a thorough background check on Oliver Eziechiam Justice of Nigeria, who was identified in the PDEAs earlier report as a 40-year-old American named Scoec Bosco. The confiscated suspects US passport was counterfeit during the inquest of his case, he admitted that he was a Nigerian national whose real name is Oliver Eziechiam Justice, Azurin said. Justice, who was billeted at Room 217 of the Holiday Plaza Hotel, Blumentrit corner Arellano Streets, this city, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in which he yielded P1.75 million worth of shabu.
Quarrying Industry
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga The Provincial Government of Pampanga is planning to take its quarry industry to the next level by offering it to international market, the Pampanga Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) revealed Monday. PENRO Chief Art Punsalan said that China, Guam, and Singapore have already sent their respective proposals to import quarry sand from Pampanga. We welcome these kinds of opportunities as these would redound to the benefit of Kapampangans, said Punsalan, adding it would pave the way for reaching the revenue target of P770 million or more by June. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)
MORE CLASSROOMS
CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City A school building, constructed by the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ASKFI), was turned over to the Tambac Elementary School administration recently. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Chief of Staff of the AFP, graced the turnover rites in Barangay Tambac. Mr. Marcel Rinon of the ASKFI said almost 50 school buildings have already been turned over by project proponents in other areas. (Franco G. Regala)
PLARIDEL, Bulacan She would have been a doctor, sobbed the father of a 2nd year high school student who was crushed to death in a freak bus accident during her field trip in Tanay, Rizal, last Friday. Speaking to reporters briefly yesterday at the wake of his daughter in Rocka Subdivision, here, Raymundo Ramirez said words cannot express the grief he was feeling especially when he saw the injuries sustained by Rio Bianca Cacai Ramirez, 14.
A consistent top 10 student at the Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos, Cacai was killed when an unmanned service bus rolled downhill, bumped and then pinned her body against a parked truck. The freak accident happened while Cacai was taking photographs inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay. Mr. Ramirez said he had always tagged along in his daughters field trips except this one. Another student, Pamela Enriquez, was also sideswiped by the bus and still under observation at a hospital in
Quezon City as of press time yesterday afternoon. Probers said the bus suddenly moved from its parked position on the inclined road while its driver, Carlos Ruel Villanueva, 63, was pouring water into the radiator. The bus has been impounded and Villanueva remains locked up at the Tanay Police Station detention cell. Senior Police Officer 1 Miguel Catapusan of the Tanay Police said the relatives of the victims have not pressed charges against the bus driver. (With a report from Nel B. Andrade)
EMPLOYEES HOUSING Posing with shovels are (from left) Pag-IBIG Fund Naga Branch Officer-in-Charge Roberto Salvosa, Naga City Mayor John Bongat, Bicol Habitat for Humanity Foundation President Consuelo Dy, Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, and Atty. Leni Robredo at the groundbreaking ceremony for the P12-million housing project for local government employees.
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Visayas News
VISaYaS nEwSBITS
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) A vision of what Metro Cebu could be in 2050 and how this could be achieved through long-term development planning was presented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to local chief executives of Metro Cebu and other stakeholders recently. JICA consultant Shigehisa Matsamura outlined the importance of a future vision similar to that of highlyurbanized metropolises like Yokohama City in Japan and Singapore. Yokohama City 6 Projects was conceptualized in 1965 and now the city is one of the most competitive in Japan and the whole world. Singapores 'Concept Plan' was also made in 1965 and we can see the countrys very rapid growth, disclosed Matsamura as he emphasized the importance of a future vision. Matsamura said it is very essential for Metro Cebu local governments to work together and come up with a vision and based on the vision, concrete actions could be made for the future of Metro Cebu. The JICA presentation bared four development themes deemed material for urban planning development: livability, bankability, competitiveness, and good governance. An A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of Cebu was also identified to help map out urban planning develop-
ment strategies. Matsamura said a sustainable environmental development strategy for Metro Cebu involves a series of dialogues and workshops; the first such workshop attended by over 100 key stakeholders, was held last month. Said workshop resulted in a common vision for Metro Cebu by 205 which, in a vision statement by Matsamura, envisioned the metropolis as a vibrant, equitable, sustainable and competitive environment embracing Cebus creativity and its cultural, historical and natural resources with strong citizen participation and responsive governance." Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) co-
chair, Roberto Aboitiz said, We need to create our future and we want to create tomorrow as success is no accident. He stressed, We need to move fast in crafting development strategies. By end-March, we must have identified and narrowed down five to six initiatives for further development, which, Aboitiz said, could then be endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7. JICA is currently conducting a survey on "Urban Sustainable Environmental Development Strategy in Metro Cebu" aimed at formulating a comprehensive concept for environmentally sustainable urban development in Metro Cebu.
ValEnTInE'S wEddIng
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu Over 100 couples will tie the knot on Valentine's Day this Thursday, Feb. 14, in a mass free civil wedding ceremony sponsored by the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG)-Cebu. Dubbed I Do, I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG, the event will be held at the J. Center Mall here at 10 a.m. The free civil wedding is open to all Pag-IBIG Fund members who are single or unmarried couples, 23 years old and above and have been living together for at least five years. The couples will be given free wedding rings, flowers for the bride, free photos, and souvenirs and will join a lottery for a foreclosed property or new property and a Kabuhayan showcase raffled during the reception. (Phoebe Jen Indino)
EarTH daY
ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz has passed Ordinance No. 007, authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Zoe Maria Felipe Herrera, declaring April 22 of every year as Earth Day in Capiz. Herrera said the ordinance shall remind residents of their responsibilities to take care of the environment amid the threat of global warming brought about by the effects of solid waste generation, air and water pollution, mining and illegal logging, among others. She also said the ordinance heeds the call of President Aquino for a public-private partnership for the protection and preservation of the environment .
loVE IS In THE aIr aklans famed paradisiacal island of Boracay is the perfect setting for these lovers who came here from elsewhere to spend Valentines day on the island this Thursday. (regie d. Mason)
LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar Government troopers here were able to seize a rebel camp the other day, a military report said. Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th infantry battalion (20IB) told reporters that another rebel camp has been seized by government forces in the vicinity of Km. 11, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar last February 9, 2013 at around 2:20 in the afternoon. Vestuir disclosed that as the troops of Charlie Company, 20th IB led by Sgt Orlando Onate were tracking down the NPA presence as reported by civilians in the area, they chanced upon a nipa hut in an isolated and secluded place which was later found out to be an NPA camp. Vestuir informed reporters that the camp had one Nipa hut, 15 makeshift bunkers that can accommodate more or less 15-20 communist terrorists, two outposts apparently hastily destroyed and abandoned by the fleeing rebels before government troops came. The camp was discovered after the 20th IB launched sustained combat operations in Victoria and San Isidro in response to the reported presence of communist terrorists in the area reported by residents in the communities, he added.
PoPUlaTIon rEPorT
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) The Population Commission (Popcom)-Southern Leyte office and St. Bernard local government unit will join the launch of the State of the Philippine Population Report (SPPR) 5 on February 12 in Tacloban City. Titled Seeking a Healthy Balance: Population, Health and Environment Integration, the SPPR 5 incorporates population, health and environment interrelationships and the countrys in integrating issues in policies, programs and projects. One of the guest speakers, St. Bernard Vice Mayor Rachel Abendula, will share the Guisaugon experience, pertinent to the SPPR5.
EQUIPMEnT ProVIdEd
MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (PIA) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Southern Leyte is initiating the acquisition of a P500,000 decorticating machine to boost businesses engaged in coco coir, an industry that involves the transforming of coconut husks from plain farm wastes into sturdy ropes used for soil conservation and other practical uses. The machine, to be bought by the DTI under its Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, enables easy churning of coco husks to produce coco coir.
CEBU CITY , Cebu United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) allies expect some 150,000 people at least to attend UNAs kick-off rally at the Plaza Independencia here this afternoon, with police saying that security is already in place. UNA-allied Team Rama campaign manager, Cebu City councilor Joey Daluz said some 100,000 supporters from Cebu City and other towns and cities around Cebu are expected to come this afternoon and another 50,000 expected to come as walk-ins. The UNA rally in Cebu will be attended by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Former President Joseph Estrada, UNAs senatorial slate and representatives of local parties including suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcias One Cebu party. Todays rally opens the 90-day
campaign period for senatorial candidates. UNA chose Cebu to hold its proclamation rally to show support for suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Garcia earlier joined the Senatorial ticket of UNA but backed out and decided to run for Congress instead. When Garcia was ordered suspended for six months due to alleged abuse of power, the Three Kings of UNA Binay, Enrile, and Erap were among those who visited the embattled governor. The three leaders said Garcia is a victim of political harassment. Daluz said buses will be placed in pick up areas around the province to bring supporters to the rally venue in Cebu City. The buses are rented out by UNA and Team Rama from the Cebu City government, he said. He denied allegations that Team Rama, the political party of incumbent Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, is using government resources for the
rally. Daluz clarified that the party has hired contractors for the building of the stage and is paying for the rent of the Cebu City buses. The complete UNA slate include Cagayan Rep Juan Ponce Jack Enrile Jr., San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor JV Ejercito, Sen. Gregorio Honasan II, Resigned Senator Juan Miguel Migz Zubiri, Zambales Rep Milagros Mitos Magsaysay, Former Senator Richard Gordon, Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, Former Tarlac Gov. Margarita Tingting Cojuangco; Binays daughter Nancy Binay-Angeles; Sen. Loren Legarda, as guest candidate; Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero, as guest candidate; Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Chairperson Grace Poe-Llamanzares, also as guest candidate. Meanwhile, the Garcias are wishing for fairness from the newly installed Cebu provincial elections supervisor, lawyer Eddie Aba.
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol A top official in the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 7 is urging the public to be responsible consumers especially in terms of rice and other staple foods as the country gears to meet its sufficiency target. "We at the DA are very confident that we will achieve rice self-sufficiency if we have the right management of consumption," said DA Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez during the recent launching of the National Year of Rice (NYR) here. The DA 7 official said he believed that in order to help attain rice and other staples sufficiency, one must be a responsible consumer. He expressed optimism that the country will attain food staples sufficiency within the year to support its growing population if the public will also do its share in hitting the goal.
Mindanao News
MINDANAO NEWSBITS
BUKIDNON QUAKE
MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) Another quake rocked Maramag town in Bukidnon at 3:08 a.m. February 10. Marcial Labininay, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Northern Mindanao director, said the tremor was recorded at magnitude 3.8 with Intensity II. He said the quakes epicenter was 7.72 kilometers (km) north, 125 km east, four km south, and 23 km west of Maramag, Bukidnon. Actually, a series of three quakes rocked the area at 3:08 a.m., 3:33 a.m., and 3:46 a.m. But only one of these, the 3:08 a.m. shaking, was felt, Labininay said.
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Health Infra
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) The provincial government of South Cotabato has completed some R26.5 million worth of health infrastructure and other related projects last year through a grant from the Department of Health (DOH). Dr. Conrado Braa, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital director, said Monday the financial grant mainly funded the upgrading and expansion last year of the provincial hospital complex and other facilities of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Koronadal City. He said the DOHs assistance, which was released under its continuing health facilities enhancement program (HPEP), included the purchase of modern equipment for the hospital. The agency specifically allotted R20 million for the infrastructure component, and R6.5 million for the required equipment, he said. Braa said among the major projects that were completed under the program last year were the renovation of the provincial hospitals emergency room, and the construction of its wastewater treatment and gym facilities. He said the hospitals emergency room underwent a major renovation and its facilities and main sections were upgraded and expanded to accommodate more patients.
B.S.P. CAMPAIGN
ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) office here is calling on the public to exchange their old, torn, or overused peso bills for new ones as part of the banks Clean Note Policy this year. BSP Regional Manager Melodino Patinio said the public can exchange their old notes in any of the 57 banks in the city or at their regional office at the Pettit Barracks near Fort Pilar and Paseo del Mar. The Clean Note Policy aims to remove old notes from circulation. Old and torn peso notes will not leave a "good impression" on tourists visiting the city, he added.
SURIGAO CITY Following the assessment of another potential tourism area, the Aquino government has allocated some R17.5 million for the development of the Bucas Grande in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte. This developed after Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas, who at the same time is the concurrent chairperson of the powerful Regional Development Council (RDC), received the R10 million allotment from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) for the development of Socorro tourism destinations. The MinDA funding, according to Matugas, will help develop the tourism sites on the way to Sering where the famous vast mangrove and lobsters sites are located.
While another funding, amounting to R7.5 million, came from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and will also help develop the Sohoton Cove entrance and visitors center, also in Socorro. The Sohoton Cove in Socorro is the location of famous enchanting cave that is most of the time halfsubmerged in water and accessible only during low tides. Inside is the must-see and beautiful lagoon with countless islets, rock formations, and crystal clear waters that sparkle with the reflection of the sun. Meanwhile, a separate budget of amounting to R2 million that also came from TIEZA was released for the implementation of the viewing deck and boardwalk at the Magpupungko Park in Pilar town, the are
where the world famous and prestigious game fishing competition is held annualy. More funds are coming in to develop our tourism spots in Surigao del Norte and Siargao Island, said the governor, who also announced that her husband, Representative Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), is extending his all-out effort for the tourism development in the province. The provincial chief executive expressed her heartfelt gratitude to President Aquino through Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for the support that the province had been receiving. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte is eyeing to accomplish a R1 billion business name registration and investment this year.
More Beneficiaries
OROQUIETA CITY (PIA) A total of 233,831 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) have been registered in Northern Mindanao as of January, this year. The highest number of 71,485 beneficiaries or 30.57 percent are from the province of Bukidnon, while 63,608 beneficiaries or 27.20 percent are from Misamis Oriental, and 62,658 beneficiaries or 26.80 percent are from Lanao del Norte. About 31,251 beneficiaries or 13.36 percent are from Misamis Occidental and 4,829 beneficiaries or 2.07 percent are from Camiguin. A human development program of the national government, the Pantawid Pamilya invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly on children aged zero to five years, and six to 16 years old. The Pantawid Pamilya also provides cash grants to beneficiaries provided that they comply with the set of conditions required by the program to help fulfill the countrys commitment to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
WORK INCENTIVES
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PNA) A city ordinance here approved the supplemental budget for the productivity incentives of city officials and workers, an official of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said. DBM Regional Director Annabelle M. Atillo informed the citys committee on finance that the appropriation contained under Ordinance No. 12489-2012 complied with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991s audit implementing rules. The approved city ordinance allocated supplemental budget no. 2 of the general fund in the amount of P7,191,000 and special account under economic enterprise in the amount of R1,428,000 on December 18, 2012.
PILGRIMAGE TOUR Catholic devotees are visiting the 60-foot high statue of the Divine Mercy Christ in Barangay Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, as part of their pilgrimage tour in the northern part of Mindanao. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
D.S.W.D. WORKSHOP
KORONADAL CITY (PIA) Some 25 auditors and engineers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who are implementing one of the anti-poverty flagship projects of the government in Region-12 gathered recently for a two-day Regional Fiduciary Workshop here. Gemma N. Rivera, DSWD-12 assistant regional director, said the workshop, first for this year, is part of the continuing strategy of the department to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude for an efficient and effective staff as front liners in the implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).
Traveling Exhibit
ALABEL, Sarangani (PIA) The Philippine Veterans Bank (PBV) has brought its World War II (WWII) traveling exhibit to Sarangani for viewing and appreciation by the public. The exhibit dubbed War of Our Fathers came from Koronadal Citys recently held Hinugyaw Festival, before it opened for the first time in Sarangani. The exhibit features World War II (WWII) photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts with new addition of historical files and photos about Saranganis early inhabitants who, too were in the forefront during the World War II. Miguel Angelo Villa-Real, vice president for corporate communications and social affairs development, said the exhibit pays tribute to the bravery, patriotism, and determination of Filipinos men and women who fought and died for Philippine freedom. He urged the young generations to value and be appreciative of the sacrifices of war veterans who fought for Philippine freedom. He said the Filipino war veterans played a big part in winning the war against the Japanese Imperial Army forces.
ROAD MISHAP
KIDAPAWAN CITY A 29-yearold mother died while her husband and five-year-old daughter survived when the motorcycle they were riding was hit by a truck along the highway in Makilala, North Cotabato, Sunday. The Makilala Police identified the fatality as Janith Castro, 29, of Barangay Luayon, Makilala. Injured were her husband Ruben, 34, and daughter Mica, 5. Police said the motorcycle driven by Ruben was headed towards the Poblacion when it was hit by an Isuzu Rio truck driven by Esperidion Gregorio Niala, 28, of Barangay Bulacanon, Makilala. Police said Janith died after sustaining severe injuries in the head. (Malu Cadelina Manar)
CAVE PRESERVATION Zamboanga City 1st District Councilor Rogelio Gerky Valesco Jr. inspects the Cueva de Siete Puerta the citys biggest cave in an effort to push for its protection against vandals, irresponsible adventurers, and souvenir hunters who frequent the place. (Nonoy E. Lacson)
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Editor: DEOGRACIAS T. MARCELO
Sports News
Filipino Flash became just the seventh three-time winner of the award since the PSA began keeping its records in 1981, joining an illustrious list that included Lydia De Vega, Bong Coo, Paeng Nepomuceno, Luisito Espinosa, Efren Bata Reyes, and the great Manny Pacquiao. The man truly deserved it. Donaire had earlier been named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) for his exemplary performance that saw him win a third world title in the year just past, and successfully defending it thrice the last one against all-action Mexican Jorge Arce In a busy reign as World Boxing Organization (WBO) 122-lbs. champion. Not to be outdone are fellow fearless boxer Gabuco, the gallant Manila softbelles, and the class act Blue Eagles. The 25-year-old Gabuco became the first Filipina boxer to win a gold medal in the World Womens Boxing Championship as she bucked a partisan crowd to eke out a close 8-7 win over local bet and world no. 8 Xu Shiqi in the light-flyweight finals at the Olympic Sports Center in Qinhuangdao, China. On her way up, the two-time SEA Games gold medalists beat out three of the top six boxers in the world as per AIBA rankings of 2013. In the semis, Gabuco defeated current world No. 1 Gnevanova Svetlana of Russia, 12-7, while in the quarterfinals, the world no. 2 outclassed no. 3 Kim Clavel of Canada, 21-15. Lack of funds almost cost Team Manila to skip the World Series, the very same tournament where it thrice finished runner-up in the past. The cash-strapped team struggled to travel together as one in Kalamazoo, Michigan, causing them to lose their two games of the tournament.
SPORTS NEWSBITS
P.R.I.S.A.A. FINALS
LINGAYEN A total of 45 finals in athletics and swimming will be on tap today as hostilities in the 60th PRISAA Collegiate Games finally go in full swing today at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here. Competitions in mens and womens javelin throw finals commence in the morning, and so are the finals in mens 5,000-meter run, mens and womens long jump and womens 3,000-meter run at the NRSCC field. Finals will also be held in mens and womens shotput, triple jump, mens 100-m hurdles and womens 100-m hurdles in the afternoon competitions. The gold in mens 3,000 meter steeplechase is also up for grabs late in the day. In all, 13 gold medals are at stake for the day in athletics, a rich source of medals and one of the 18 sports being contested in the collegiate level of what is said to be the countrys largest athletic meet which involves around 500 member schools and universities from 17 regions.
NET WINNERS
Third seed Rodolfo Barquin and unranked Valerie Jan Desoyo scored a pair of straight-set victories to dominate their respective divisions in the fourth leg of the Philta-Palawan Pawnshop Regional agegroup tennis tournament in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental yesterday. Barquin mastered Carl Catedral twice, essaying a 6-1, 6-2 romp in the 18and-under finals and a 6-1, 6-3 victory in the 16-U class while Desoyo stunned second seed Kiani De Asis, 6-1, 6-1, to cop the girls 12-U crown then overwhelmed Bliss Bayking, 6-0, 6-0, in the 14-U finals of the event presented by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro. Keanu Flores and Toni Rose Raymundo, meanwhile, split the top two titles in girls play in thrilling fashions with the former pulling off a 3-6, 6-4, 11-9 victory in the 16-U finals and the latter squeezing out a 6-4, 3-6, 15-13 in the 18-U championship.
Three champions who made us proud in the world stage and a dominant college basketball team whose championship reign makes it one of the most successful cage programs ever, have been chosen as co-winners of the Athlete of the Year award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA). Reigning super-bantamweight king Nonito Donaire Jr. Big League Softball World Series winner Team Manila, AIBA World Womens Boxing Championship gold medal winner Josie Gabuco, and reigning five-time UAAP mens basketball title holder Ateneo Blue Eagles bask in the limelight of the PSA-Milo Annual Awards Night presented by Milo, as they share the highest honor bestowed by the countrys oldest media organization for the remarkable feats they achieved that made the year 2012 a truly memorable one. All four leads the list of last years top achievers to be recognized on the momentous night of March 16 at the historic Manila Hotel. By sheer impact and the way they dominated their respective fields made all four worthy of the award, according to PSA president Rey Bancod of Tempo. Gabuco is a first time recipient of the accolade, and so does the unassuming Manila softbelles and the amazing Blue Eagles, both of whom also became the first group to be given such honor since Southeast Asian Games overall champion Team Philippines achieved it in 2005. For Donaire, its his third Athlete of the Year trophy and second straight since sharing the award with billiards great Dennis Orcollo in last years staging of the event also supported by Senator Chiz Escudero, Philippine Sports Commission, Smart, Harbour Centre, Philippine Basketball Association, ICTSI, and LBC. A first time winner in 2007, the
World champion Nonito Donaire, left, above, Josie Gabuco and the Ateneo Blue Eagles were accorded Athlete of the Year awards by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Joining them is the Manila softball team. The awarding ceremony will be held at the Manila Hotel on March 16.
By WAYLON GALVEZ
Games Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 5:15 p.m. Meralco vs Alaska 7:30 p.m. Petron Blaze vs San Mig Coffee
BLU BOYS
The Philippine Blu Boys left Monday for New Zealand to compete in the World Mens Softball Championship slated March 1 in Christchurch. Softball association operations manager Jun Veloso said the team left early to get a head start in their preparations as well as to acclimatize to the weather conditions. The Blu Boys will be competing against 15 teams in their first international appearance for this year. They are one of three Asian teams participating, joining Japan and Indonesia. Clyde Mariano
NADAL LOSES
VINA DEL MAR, Chile (AP) Rafael Nadal was beaten in both the singles and doubles finals at the VTR Open on Sunday in a disappointing finish to his comeback tournament after seven months out with a torn tendon in his left knee. Nadal was beaten in the singles final 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 6-4 by Argentina's Horacio Zeballos. Afterward, Nadal and partner Juan Monaco lost the doubles final to the Italian pair of Paolo Lorenzi and Potito Starace 6-2, 6-4.
SNEDEKER WINS
PEBBLE BEACH, California (AP) Brandt Snedeker finally got his hands on some silverware by winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday, having been a runner-up to Tiger Woods then Phil Mickelson in tournaments the previous two weeks. Snedeker finished off a command performance Sunday with a 7-under 65 for a twoshot victory over Chris Kirk.
NLEX returns from a two-month layoff as it battles Jose Rizal University at the start of their best-of-three semifinal series today in the PBA DLeague Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The Road Warriors, owners of the leagues best record after the elimination round, collide with Heavy Bombers squad in the second game at 4 p.m. Blackwater Sports and Cagayan Valley likewise start their own semis series at 2 p.m. with the Elite of Dioceldo Sy determined to advance to the finals. We hope we can make it to the finals this time, said Sy. Coach Boyet Fernandezs team will play its first game since lateDecember as majority of the NLEX cagers played for Gilas Pilipinas in invitational tournaments last month in Dubai and Hong Kong. Fernandez is hoping that the experience gained by Greg Slaughter, RR Garcia, Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Ronald Pascual and Jake Pascual, among others, in those tourneys can help NLEX gain the upper hand against the upset-minded JRU. JRU earned a semis berth after beating fancied Big Chill twice in the quarterfinals. The Heavy Bombers got significant contributions from John Villarias, Dexter Maiquez, Khasim Mirza and Jeckster Apinan in defeating the Superchargers. NLEX weathered the stiff challenge of JRU in their lone elimination round battle on Nov. 13. The Road Warriors lost a 20-point lead and trailed by 11 in the fourth but was able to hack out a 91-87 win thanks to NCAA MVP Ian Sangalang.
This early, things are looking good for Barako Bull. And if its opening week performance is a gauge, Barako Bull is likely to be the surprise package in the PBA Commissioners Cup. While its too early to predict, the character Barako Bull showed in winning its first two games speaks volume of its desire to make good this time after a disappointing show in the seasons opening conference. The Energy Cola opened their campaign with a nail-biting victory over defending champion San Mig Coffee last Friday, then followed it up by beating Globalport, 98-88, in overtime last Sunday. The wins shoved them to the top of the standings. Team consultant Rajko Toroman cited the inspired performance of Josh Urbiztondo and import Evan Brock for the two wins. Brock averaged 21.5 points, 15
rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals, numbers which Toroman said are not really that impressive but enough to help them win. He may not have the most impressive statistics, but we like him, he gets the job done for us, said Toroman, who despite his consultant status actively participates in the coaching chores in tandem with regular Barako mentor Bong Ramos. Also posting impressive wins were Air21 and Meralco which downed fancied foes. With import Eric Dawson exploding for 37 points the most by any import in the 10-team field the Bolts pulled off a 99-92 win over Philippine Cup titlist last Saturday. Air21, on the other hand, broke the hearts of Ginebra fans by pulling off a 74-70 win, a feat that spoiled the coaching comeback of Alfranchis Chua. Alaska was also impressive in its 83-81 win over Rain or Shine. Globalports Japeth Aguilar also made an auspicious return, leading the team to a 94-92 win over Petron Blaze. Alaskas Robert Dozier and Air21s Michael Dunigan also had solid games
for their teams. Dozier, probably the most athletic in this conference batch of imports, struggled in the first half versus Rain or Shine but quickly adjusted in the last two quarters as he collected 21 points, 16 rebounds three shot blocks in 34 minutes. Dunigan finished with 26 points and 19 rebounds while adding three assists and five shot blocks in 47 minutes, totally outplaying Ginebras import Herbert Hill, who had 17 points, 18 rebounds with six errors in 40 minutes.
Dottie Ardina receives her trophy from ICTSI chairman Ricky Razon after capturing the low amateur honors in The Country Club Invitational at the TCC layout in Laguna last Sunday. Ardina, spearhead of the ICTSI-TCC squad, pooled a 294 to finish joint 16th overall in the P5million event won by Frankie Minoza in a three-man playoff.
The Loyola Meralco Sparks and Pachanga Diliman clash for the early lead tonight in the resumption of the United Football League at the new Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill. Coming off victories in the opening week of the season, the Sparks and Pachanga are out to sustain their winning drive when they meet in the opening match of the doubleheader at 5:15 p.m. Kaya and Green Archers United Globe, on the other hand, are going for their first win when the collide at 7:30 p.m. Loyola bucked the absence of brothers Phil and James Younghusband and goalkeeper Ref Cuaresma to score a 4-1 rout of Philippine Army last week while Pachanga posted a stunning 1-0 defeat of Kaya in its first division debut on a goal by Jason Cunliffe. The Younghusbands and Cuaresma, who missed last weeks match for suiting up for the Philippine Azkals in a FIFA international friendly against Myanmar in Yangon, will be back in action for the Sparks.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
P/$ RATE STANDS AT P40.675/$1
The peso exchange rate stands at P40.675 to the US dollar last Friday at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx). The weighted average rate stands at P40.686.
KURODA MUM
TOKYO (Reuters) Asian Development Bank President Haruhiko Kuroda on Monday declined to comment on speculation that he is a candidate for the top post at the Bank of Japan, instead saying he is satisfied with his current job. Kuroda, who is considered by some to be a strong candidate to replace BOJ Governor Masaaki Shirakawa next month, told reporters Japans central bank took the correct step in adopting 2 percent inflation target.
PESO BONDS
The Philippines November 2012 global peso bonds sale has been awarded by Euromoney as one of 2012s Deals of the Year. The Republic of the Philippines returned to the international capital markets with a P30.8 billion ($750 million) offering of 10-year Global Peso Bonds priced at 100 percent with a coupon of 3.90 percent. Other awarded deals in Asia included transactions made by AIG, Sinopec, Genting Singapore, Takeda Pharmaceutical, PICC Group, and IHH Healthcare. According to Euromoney, the global capital markets underwent a remarkable recovery last year as bond and equity markets soared, creating a fertile deal-making environment that few had foreseen at the start of the year. By the end, an impressive volume and variety of capital raisings had hit the markets, highlighting a voracious appetite for risk and complexity that bankers were only too happy to satisfy. (CSL)
DRAGON DANCE WELCOMES CHINESE NEW YEAR AT THE PSE TRADING FLOOR A dragon dance is conducted at the trading floor of the Philippine Stock Exchange in Makati City on February 11, 2013, to celebrate the Chinese New Year also known as the Year of the Water Snake. A similar ceremony was held at the Tektite trading floor in Ortigas. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index breached the 6,500 mark for the first time in early trading but closed barely flat at 6,458.10. (Manny Llanes)
The domestic motor vehicle industry started the year on good footing with a robust 51 percent increase with total sales reaching 12,256 units compared to sales of 8,127 units in January 2012, a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI)
and the Trucks Manufacturers Association (TMA) of the Philippines showed. Industry data showed that the passenger car segment led the years opening sales with a 98 percent growth with 4,161 units sold almost doubling the 2,099 units sold in January 2012. Share of passenger cars also
increased from 26 percent of total January 2012 sales to 34 percent of last months sales. The commercial vehicle sector, which accountS for 66 percent of total sales, also registered a significant 34 percent increase as sales reached 8,095 units compared to 6,028 units sold for the same month last year.
(Contd on page B-12)
REDISCOUNT LOANS
The central banks peso rediscount facility released P4.32 billion worth of liquidityenhancing loans for the month of January, up 54.7 percent year-on-year. About 81.4 percent of rediscounted loans which are available to all banks, were borrowed as commercial credits while 1.6 percent are agricultural and industrial credits, and 17 percent as credits consisting of capital expenditures (11.9 percent), other services (4.9 percent), and permanent working capital (0.2 percent). (LCC)
Prices at the gas pumps are expected to go up this week by P1.10 to P1.40 per liter, but the tight global supply of ethanol has been exerting added pressure on rising pump prices. Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho
L. Petilla apprised reporters that the importation cost of ethanol has gone up $100 per cubic meter, or about P4.00 if translated into per-liter equivalent. Using the E10 or the 10-percent by volume mix in gasoline products, the cost impact of the imported ethanol blend will be P0.40 per liter when re-
flected at the pumps next month. On probable dilemma of ethanol supply shortages, Petilla acknowledged that some countries, like Thailand, may no longer want to export because they are devoting their production to domestic consumption. And while there is a provision in
(Contd on page B-12)
ASIAN MARKETS
BANGKOK (AP) Stock markets in Hong Kong, mainland China and Seoul were among those closed Monday for the Lunar New Year holiday. Japanese markets were also shut for a public holiday. Key stock indexes in the Philippines and Indonesia also rose while markets in Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam were closed for holidays.
NESTL TECHNOLOGY
Nestl, the worlds largest fast-moving consumer goods company, has developed a new web-based tool Ecodex to further build sustainability into its products and processes. (Page B-2)
AYALA LAND
Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) was cited as the Philippines Best Large-Cap Corporate of the Year by a leading financial market publication based in Hong Kong. In the latest issue of Asia Money, which conducted a poll among Asias top financial analysts, ALI was one of the top corporations from across Asia commended for their outstanding financial performance in 2012. The article titled The best businesses in Asia cited companies that stood out by making intelligent business decisions and employing proactive managers.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has underscored the need for government to implement a comprehensive trade in services strategy as the 2015 ASEAN services liberalization draws near.
The Philippines can start implementing necessary policy reforms to strengthen the services sector and enable it realize the substantial benefits and opportunities possible from liberalization, according to a study by Fernando Aldaba and Rafaelita Aldaba of PIDS.
Trade in services is an important component of the countrys development path. Developing an efficient services sector is also crucial given its inherent linkages with manufacturing and agriculture, the Aldabas said.
(Contd on page B-12)
GROWTH FORECAST
Anorther foreign think tank, US-based think tank Global Source, has revised upward its growth forecast for the Philippines. (Page B-3)
MOBILE REVENUE
Despite a highly saturated and competitive market, Globe Telecom ended 2012 with sustained growth on its mobile business after posting P67.2 billion in revenues, a 6% increase from previous years levels, the company stated yesterday. (Page B-3)
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) yesterday reported that the countrys foreign direct investments (FDI) as of end-November totaled $1.23 billion, a very slight improvement compared to $1.22 billion the
same period in 2011. BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows while other government sources have different investment data and coverage. For the full year 2012, FDI which includes equity capital, reinvested earnings and other capital such as intercom-
pany loans, is expected to reach $1.5 billion. Based on the latest data, the 11-month FDI is 1.1 percent higher year-on-year. Net equity capital placements totaled $1.28 billion during the same period, 173.1 percent higher
(Contd on page B-12)
INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES: JOIN US TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND PROVIDE MORE JOBS FOR OUR PEOPLE
B-2
Business News
BPI GLOBE BANKO AND ATENEO RENEW PARTNERSHIP FOR MFI DEVELOPMENT BPI Globe BanKO, the Philippines first mobile-based, microfinance-focused savings bank, reinforced its efforts towards sustainable development with the continuation of its partnership with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on enhancing capacities of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Shown at the BanKO-Ateneo agreement signing at the BPI Globe BanKO head office by Teresita B. Tan, BPI Globe BanKO President and Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J, Ateneo de Manila University President. Also in attendance are (standing from left): BanKO executives Josaias Dela Cruz, VP for Institutional Business Group; Nell Salvador, BanKO Training Academy Head; Francis Abcede, Manager for Insitutional Business Group and Gigi Gatti, VP for Emerging Markets; with Divina Quemi, NSCC Chief Executive Officer; Analiza Nacua, OCCCI Team Leader; Orlando Victoria, ASKI Executive Director; Vincent Rapisura, Program Manager for the Ateneo Microfinance and Capacity Building Program and President of SEDPI;Dr. John Paul Vergara, VP for Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University; Edwin Salonga, Chairperson of SEDPI; and Leland Joseph Dela Cruz, Ateneo Development Studies Program Director.
Shareholders of Minerales Industrias Corporation have approved the entry of the IPM Group, paving the way for the dormant firms conversion into a holding company focused on the waste management business. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, MIC said shareholders approved the subscription of the IPM Group, its subsidiaries and affiliates to P500 million worth of shares of the company. The shares will be taken out of the increase in MICs authorized capital.
MIC shareholders also approved the new managements plan to invest P470 million out of the P500 million fresh capital, to acquire 75 percent of Best Environmental Systems and Technologies for P475 million. The acquisition of BEST, the countrys largest integrated waste solutions provider, will enable MIC to shift its focus from mining metals to municipal solid waste being collected, processed and recycled into renewable source of energy such as refuse derived fuel. Owned by businesswoman Isabelita Paredes Mercado, the IPM Group is a major player in the construction
business for more than 16 years now, initially starting as a building contractor prior to expanding into environment management, equipment trading, information technology, and real estate development. IPM, the operator of the Payatas landfill in Quezon City, effectively gained automatic listing on the stock exchange via the acquisition of MIC, allowing it to tap into a wide pool of potential investors to provide itself with capital for future growth or working capital. The group formed BEST in 1999 primarily as a garbage collection contractor for Metro Manila and hauling these wastes to landfill
Nestl, the worlds largest fastmoving consumer goods company, has developed a new web-based tool Ecodex to further build sustainability into its products and processes. Anne Roulin, Nestls head of Sustainability for R&D, said in a statement that Ecodex was created by its own life cycle assessment experts in partnership with an information technology company called Selerant. The tool uses information specific to the food and beverage industry to provide rapid and accurate data that allows our product development teams to assess sustainability performance across multiple product lines. Importantly, Roulin said it presents complex results in a simple, user-friendly format, so you dont have to be a life cycle assessment expert to use it. Selerant will also make Ecodex commercially available to other companies as it could add considerable value to its industry as a whole, Roulin said. In addressing the sustainability issue, Roulin said that the way Nestls product or service is designed determines its use of resources and can help to minimize waste throughout its lifecycle. As Head of Sustainability for Research and Development at Nestl, I recognize the important role good design can play in the preservation of our natural environment, Roulin said. Were the worlds largest fast-moving consumer goods company and a sizeable part of our contribution to environmental sustainability depends on our ability to evaluate the impacts of our products from the moment we
begin to design or redevelop them, she said. This means going far beyond simply looking at a products packaging and how it is disposed of. Its about examining everything from agricultural production to ingredient sourcing, processing, manufacture, and the products use by consumers. Life cycle assessments are the most widely-used methodology for achieving this kind of in-depth evaluation, but they can be costly and take several months to complete. Thus Nestl, has been working hard to find quicker and more economic ways of analyzing environmental impacts much earlier in the design process. In parallel with the development of Ecodex, Nestl has reinforced the way we train our product developers to encourage them to take a holistic approach across all the different stages of the value chain. Over the past two years weve set up and trained a global community of sustainability champions within our worldwide research and development network. Part of their role is to support the introduction and deployment of Ecodex, Roulin said. Nestl will contintue to educate the teams involved in different stages of product development. This will include holding specific design for sustainability sessions, led by its designers, to help the teams think about where the key opportunities are in its value chain to reduce environmental impacts. Roulin reported that Nestl has already made substantial improvements to the environmental performance of many of its popular products and systems. By linking our product developers to the life cycle assessment process, and providing them with superior tools and a more flexible way of working, I believe were putting them in a better position to create even more efficient, lower- impact products for our consumers, Roulin said.
areas. In 2005, the company began its march towards providing total waste management by taking over the rehabilitation and closure project of the Payatas
controlled dump facility in Quezon City. Three years later, BEST opened a world-class engineered sanitary landfill facility in Morong, Rizal to serve the waste disposal requirements of the province and select private corporations.
Business News
By CHINO S. LEYCO
B-3
looking for expansion opportunities, Global Source said. It also noted that large firms as well as the major banks are flocking to governments public-private partnership (PPP) program which looks more promising today.
BALISACAN
Despite a highly saturated and competitive market, Globe Telecom ended 2012 with sustained growth on its mobile business after posting P67.2 billion in revenues, a 6% increase from previous years levels, the company stated yesterday. The telco also reported 5% growth year-on-year for its fourth quarter 2012 mobile revenues which totalled P17.3 billion, primarily driven by the strong performance of its post-paid segment. Postpaid revenues ending 2012 rose to P22.8 billion, a significant 24% growth from P18.5 billion from last years levels. On a quarterly performance, Globe Postpaid registered P6.2 billion in total revenues, a 7% increase from 3Q 2012. The segment also showed outstanding performance in growing its subscriber base, closing the year with 1.7 million, another new
all-time high. This is a remarkable 19% growth from about 1.5 million in 2011. ull year net acquisitions also reflected the improving quality of acquired postpaid subscribers with 42% of regular post-paid net additions signing up for plans with monthly service fees of P999 and above, compared to 19% in 2011. Post-paid offers and deals, including the iPhone 5 launch in December 2012 boosted sales, according to Martha Sazon, Head of Globe Postpaid. Customers are choosing us, staying with us, and as a result, we are winning the postpaid market. After launching My Super Plan in 2010, Globe strengthened its customer service and after-sales support systems with a dedicated hotline, remodeled Stores, extensively-trained Stores personnel and relationship managers, and forged stronger partnerships with the worlds leading device manufacturers for its
GLOBE BUSINESS PROVIDES WEB ACCESS TO MARBEL TEL Globe Business was recently engaged by Marbel Telephone System, Inc. (Marbel Tel) for its Internet connectivity requirements, empowering the General Santos City-based telco and its subscribers with superior web access. Marbel Tels CEO Virgina Yap-Garcia said that the partnership will empower them to serve their customers with more ease and convenience: Sealing the partnership between the two companies were Globe Business Enterprise Segments Head Grace Castillo, Globe Business Head Jesus Romero, Yap-Garcia and COO Benjamin Garcia.
postpaid segment. Globe intends to sustain momentum in 2013 with the launch of the discounted extension data plan for subscribers with heavy mobile
browsing requirements, and the much-improved and more customercentric My Super Plan which will once again revolutionize mobile postpaid in the country.
TOYOTA AMONG TOP CUSTOMS DUTIES TAXES CONTRIBUTORS Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) was given an Award of Appreciation by the Manila International Container Port (MICP) as one of the top customs duties and taxes contributor during its 34th Founding Anniversary. The award was given in recognition of TMP,s support and contribution to MICP and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). TMP vice president Gerald Amoranto (right) received the award on behalf of TMP from MICP district collector Engr. Ricardo Belmonte. Looking on were (from left) BOC Deputy Commissioner Peter Manzano and BOC assistant commissioner Ericson Alcovendas.
B-4
52 Weeks HIGH LOW
85.4 110 595 32.95 114 86 102.5 68 120 70.5 178 140 1.16 23.9 3.25 39.2 3.06 500 1,110.00 2.7 38.65 1.62 4.99 7.52 27.45 109.2 36.4 309 12.84 14.94 7.6 1.95 18 13.58 2.26 6.74 23.75 120 62 15.26 12.2 6.88 1,010.00 5.18 3.9 119.6 0.22 91.3 5.5 2.08 61 13.26 17 14 11.94 7.5 18.8 14 2.77 2.2 3.12 3.8 7.24 1.9 23 29.3 0.027 5.29 2.35 2.44 1.03 59.9 0.169 20.65 2.7 5.95 6.98 2.98 3.52 585 64.8 3.5 5.98 0.33 755 8 40.7 1.54 7.68 0.85 3.82 5.46 7.65 9.66 0.065 0.77 3.4 2.59 0.42 1,010.00 2.71 0.365 0.54 0.8 3.89 0.229 48 1.7 31.15 5.62 9 5.6 2.4 3 1.5 0.092 1.11 1.13 0.445 1.85 2.29 2.14 3 3.52 0.285 0.99 23 7.71 3.5 7.57 18.66 0.96 4.55 5.39 42 11 1.06 58.9 65 48 18.5 80.2 64 61.55 58 73.2 31.5 120.1 85 0.67 17.9 2 4 1.69 274 879 1.71 28.7 1.2 2.12 4.83 12.8 58.5 21.7 218.8 9.7 8.03 3.2 1.08 3.68 6.22 1.26 4.32 16.5 93 38 3.7 6.8 2.35 239.8 1.48 2.3 100 0.123 50.35 1.05 0.47 17.1 4.93 8.61 11 5.98 2.3 10.44 10.16 1.66 0.9 2.42 1.2 1.44 1.3 1.65 7.6 0.012 3.8 0.61 1.7 0.65 42.15 0.014 10.54 1.88 3.34 3.75 0.9 0.88 374 44.8 2.35 3.87 0.2 455.4 3.65 24.5 0.95 4.96 0.32 1.71 3.5 4.38 1.41 0.044 0.42 1.92 1.31 0.3 610 1.13 0.21 0.28 0.33 2.37 0.162 15 0.47 18.78 4 3.7 3.1 1.35 1.6 1.05 0.06 0.76 0.6 0.155 1.17 1.63 0.83 1.7 1.6 0.105 0.36 14.3 2.35 2 5.72 12.1 0.65 2.31 3.07 24.1 8 0.6
Business News
STOCKS
PAR VALUE 2010 EPS PREV CLOSE OPEN HIGH LOW CLOSE VOLUME VALUE PE RATIO
21.79 28.25 1.44 8.10 22.05 15.94 16.72 27.98 13.51 14.61 13.04 11.92 12.25 25.54 12.78 81.35 12.25 69.92 -47.78 10.45 12.89 19.86 12.67 -823.33 76.63 35.04 20.17 25.83 16.10 10.90 16.43 9.67 13.42 9.51 -153.94 0.00 -4.78 35.66 12.47 50.33 21.05 78.75 15.82 30.50 -4.19 24.06 -1.62 40.00 6.68 -1.70 -278.86 17.60 -170.00 43.55 28.36 46.92 26.47 43.23 -3.40 95.63 12.29 33.33 -494.64 16.70 59.91 19.12 -4.44 93.75 5.31 13.46 2.42 14.94 1786.54 16.98 9.44 7.88 -111.31 -103.31 -104.34 38.68 15.11 1.76 14.25 -8.06 27.24 8.75 12.49 -168.33 8.77 -44.19 -60.86 22.98 -381.67 3050.00 -577.78 6.18 22.92 -149.64 -383.72 28.84 9.54 642.86 -32.22 -2416.67 147.51 121.05 9.13 900.00 53.91 229.13 22.77 27.78 19.71 5.32 7.60 43.71 -17.02 60.59 21.18 15.17 420.00 11.27 4.35 10.60 -2.20 -210.00 19.35 0.00 14.01 14.30 28.37 15.49 67.86 12.68 12.41 28.19 14.83 16.05 -4.21 17.64 -9.32 -82.14 17.74 -0.84 19.45 -677.00 -108.65 N/A -7.23 18.95 11.30 28.26 70.00 11.67 3.33 223.33 -55.63
FEBRUARY 8, 2013 QUOTATIONS FOR FEBRUARY 11, 2013 WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE AS OF PRESS TIME YESTERDAY
World
0.8% DAX 7,652.14 (61.29)
FRANKFURT
NEW YORK
0.4% Dow Jones 13,992.97 (48.92)
PARIS
1.4% CAC40 3,649.50 (48.45)
Asia-Pacific
BANGKOK
0.6% SET Index 1,489.11 (-8.19)
KUALA LUMPUR
KLCI closed
MANILA
0.01% Phisix 6,458.01 (-0.66)
SEOUL
KOSPI Index closed
ShANGhAI
Composite closed
SINGAPORE
ST Index closed
SYDNEY
0.2% SP/ASX 4,959.50 (-11.80)
TAIPEI
W Index closed
TOKYO
Nikkei closed
Top Gainers
STOCKS
TRANSPACIFIC BROADBAND GROUP COAL ASIA HOLDINGS ROXAS HOLDINGS, INC. BERJAYA PHILIPPINES INC. GEOGRACE REOURCES PHIL, INC. ACESITE (PHILIPPINES) HOTEL CORP REPUBLIC GLASS HOLDINGS CORP MACROASIA CORPORATION DIZON COPPER SILVER MINES, INC. IP CONVERGE DATA CENTER, INC.
PRICE %CHG
0.320 0.140 0.350 3.000 0.050 0.110 0.150 0.150 0.840 0.180 15.76 15.38 11.48 10.71 9.43 8.33 5.77 5.66 5.64 4.62
Top Losers
STOCKS
MINERALES INDUSTRIAS CORP PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMM VIVANT CORPORATION CROWN EQUITIES, INC. MABUHAY HOLDINGS CORP ATOK-BIG WEDGE COMPANY, INC. IRC Properties, Inc ANCHOR LAND HOLDINGS, INC. PREMIERE HORIZON ALLIANCE CORP ATN HOLDINGS, INC.
PRICE %CHG
-0.780 -5.400 -0.600 -0.004 -0.030 -1.000 -0.050 -0.900 -0.010 -0.030 -10.29 -6.84 -6.52 -5.71 -5.00 -4.35 -4.00 -3.93 -2.94 -2.88
Most Active
STOCKS
BDO UNIBANK, INC. ALLIANCE GLOBAL GROUP AYALA CORPORATION GLOBE TELECOM, INC. SM INVESTMENTS CORP PETRON CORPORATION DMCI HOLDINGS, INC. METRO BANK & TRUST COMPANY MEGAWORLD CORPORATION NIHAO MINERAL RESOURCES INT
VOLUME VALUE
1.73 -0.25 -0.09 -0.84 0.65 -0.32 0.09 -0.27 0.30 3.95 782,755 236,121 198,313 197,359 161,781 114,888 105,626 99,595 93,015 91,364
1,255.00 990 3.05 2.28 2,940.00 2,290.00 9.7 14 4.7 1.65 17.88 16 3.05 4.5 4.72 16.04 75.6 80 2.65 3.1 18.98 0.242 0.72 4 4.5 1.75 0.54 12.1 3.3 1.68 1.14 1.35 8 52.4 55.95 1.1 2.1 1.05 0.101 0.35
Dividends
SYM TYPE
EX-DIV DATE US$0.004796 PS Jan 28, 2013 8.88% DRPA Jan 25, 2013 P20.00 PS Feb 15, 2013 P1.20 PS Feb 15, 2013 VALUE
RECORD DATE Jan 31, 2013 Jan 30, 2013 Feb 20, 2013 Feb 20, 2013
DATE PAYABLE Feb 15, 2013 Feb 25, 2013 Mar 03, 2013 Mar 03, 2013
**PS - per share **PSR - per share (regular) **POS - per outstanding share **PCS - per common share **RPA - rate per annum **TBA - to be announced **PSS - per share (special) **DRPA - dividend rate per annum **STA - subject to approval **PDPS- per day per share
Business News
PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE
FEBRUARY 8, 2013
PREV CLOSE OPEN 52 Weeks HIGH LOW
12.5 1,100.00 10 31.95 49 0.237 9.9 4.08 22.95 18 0.39 130 24 36.5 0.95 0.6 3.47 3.08 0.0068 6.05 6.05 23.35 48 29 34 1.92 1.68 61.8 1.21 1.66 1.86 0.085 0.087 36.5 12.84 0.84 8.4 27.85 257.8 0.028 0.345 0.032 0.033 7.24 48 0.062 580 109 108 116.7 75.15 81.5 77.9 1,050.00 50 11.02 2.49 11.88 9.75 800 4.9 17.5 8.13 0.019 6.28 1.4 13.78 8.95 0.275 25.1 3.65 20.05 0.6 0.38 1.96 0.92 0.0039 4.1 4.4 16.8 10 18.5 17.7 0.82 0.91 14.54 0.48 0.86 0.92 0.047 0.047 15.78 3.75 0.51 3.07 12.52 200 0.014 0.234 0.016 0.017 5.62 9.96 0.032 505 100 100.5 104.1 74.5 73.95 74.5 1,005.00 22.65 7.99 0.71 4.21
B-5
STOCKS
PAR VALUE
2010 EPS
HIGH
LOW
CLOSE
VOLUME
VALUE
PE RATIO
22.49 16.56 15.69 26.70 565.60 6.00 -234.99 88.06 7.39 27.38 5.88 97.09 0.00 37.01 830.00 -15.18 24.82 202.00 -108.33 -148.33 -150.00 2.11 3492.06 2.21 2.16 -45.05 0.00 -263.33 644.44 189.19 203.50 3250.00 3500.00 8.30 396.00 -24.83 11.99 16.14 15.06 -90.00 6.04 12.35 12.89 14.00 121.07 8.04 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 28.91
**** EDUCATION **** **** EDUCATION **** CENTRO ESCOLAR 1.00 0.53 11.94 11.5 11.92 11.5 11.92 2,500 28,960 FAR EASTERN U 100.00 46.59 1,080.00 1,078 1,085 1,078 1,080 315 340,180 IPEOPLE 1.00 0.6374 9.5 9.6 10 9.6 10 639,300 6,156,400 **** CASINOS & GAMING **** **** CASINOS & GAMING **** BERJAYA 1.00 1.16 28 31 31 31 31 500 15,500 BLOOMBERRY 1.00 0.025 14.14 14.18 14.4 14.1 14.14 6,653,300 94,110,012 IP E-GAME 0.01 0.004 0.023 0.023 0.024 0.023 0.024 219,900,000 5,211,900 LEISURE 1.00 -0.0383 8.99 8.99 9.08 8.96 9 289,400 2,611,549 MANILA JOCKEY 1.00 0.031 2.75 2.73 2.76 2.72 2.73 181,000 494,700 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.00 1.8965 14 14.02 14.02 14.02 14.02 2,000 28,040 PHIL. RACING 1.00 0.39 10.6 10.58 10.8 10.52 10.68 2,400 25,364 PREMIEREHORIZON 0.25 0.0561 0.34 0.335 0.335 0.33 0.33 1,470,000 492,350 **** RETAIL **** **** RETAIL **** 11-Jul 1.00 1.03 99.9 99.9 100 99.9 100 39,600 3,959,940 CALATA CORP. 1.00 0.69 3.83 3.83 3.85 3.78 3.84 836,000 3,179,790 PUREGOLD 1.00 0.97 36 35.9 36.1 35.9 35.9 468,600 16,861,350 **** OTHER SERVICES **** **** OTHER SERVICES **** APC GROUP 1.00 0.001 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.83 4,488,000 3,737,080 ICTVI 1.00 -0.03 0.425 0.425 0.425 0.425 0.425 60,000 25,500 PAXYS 1.00 0.11 2.75 2.75 2.8 2.72 2.73 1,037,000 2,843,090 STI_HOLDINGS 0.50 0.005 1 1 1.01 1 1.01 8,333,000 8,377,480 **** MINING **** **** MINING **** ABRA MINING 0.01 -0.00005 0.0051 0.0051 0.0052 0.0051 0.0052 130,000,000 675,000 APEX MINING A 1.00 -0.03 4.52 4.52 4.52 4.45 4.45 61,000 272,220 APEX MINING B 1.00 -0.03 4.5 4.52 4.52 4.5 4.5 50,000 225,040 ATLAS MINING 10.00 10.7637 22.95 22.95 22.95 22.6 22.75 566,300 12,935,180 ATOK 1.00 0.0063 23 22.2 22.2 22 22 2,900 64,080 BENGUET A 3.00 8.5 19 19 19 18.8 18.8 15,500 293,500 BENGUET B 3.00 8.5 18.52 19 19 18.32 18.32 116,400 2,160,312 CENTURY PEAK 1.00 -0.0222 1.01 1.01 1.01 1 1 111,000 111,010 COAL ASIA 1.00 0 0.91 0.94 1.07 0.94 1.06 86,322,000 88,736,830 DIZON MINES 1.00 -0.00009 14.9 14.9 16.5 14.9 15.8 1,957,300 30,378,448 GEOGRACE 1.00 0.0009 0.53 0.53 0.6 0.52 0.58 41,468,000 23,835,180 LEPANTO A 0.10 0.0063 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.18 1.19 6,120,000 7,274,280 LEPANTO B 0.10 0.0063 1.27 1.27 1.28 1.27 1.28 4,421,000 5,635,160 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.00002 0.064 0.064 0.065 0.064 0.065 72,650,000 4,699,600 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.00002 0.069 0.069 0.07 0.068 0.07 48,770,000 3,377,670 NICKELASIA 0.50 2.64 22.15 22.25 22.3 21.9 21.9 1,074,300 23,653,530 NIHAO 1.00 0.01 3.8 3.8 4.02 3.8 3.96 24,577,000 97,220,990 OMICO CORP. 1.00 -0.0238 0.6 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 83,000 48,970 ORIENTAL P 1.00 0.322 3.7 3.71 3.92 3.71 3.86 4,681,000 17,857,840 PHILEX 1.00 1.171 18.8 18.96 19.1 18.86 18.9 2,943,800 55,841,902 SEMIRARA MINING 1.00 16.93 252.2 253 255 253 255 242,460 61,810,256 UNITED PARAGON 0.01 -0.0002 0.018 0.018 0.019 0.018 0.018 81,500,000 1,545,000 **** OIL **** **** OIL **** BASIC PETROLEUM 0.25 0.048 0.29 0.285 0.295 0.285 0.29 1,160,000 332,300 ORIENTAL A 0.01 0.0019 0.023 0.023 0.023 0.022 0.023 88,000,000 1,998,600 ORIENTAL B 0.01 0.0019 0.024 0.024 0.024 0.024 0.024 5,000,000 120,000 PETROENERGY 1.00 0.4764 6.76 6.89 6.89 6.67 6.67 3,000 20,450 PHILEXPETROLEUM 1.00 0.28 33.75 33.5 33.9 33.5 33.9 137,700 4,640,055 PHILODRILL A 0.01 0.0056 0.045 0.044 0.045 0.044 0.045 334,200,000 15,029,900 AYALA PREF. A 100.00 0 529 529 540 529 540 2,000 1,067,670 FIRST GEN G 10.00 0 106.4 108 108 107 107 300 32,300 FIRST PHIL HOLD 100.00 0 100.7 100.7 100.7 100.5 100.6 12,090 1,215,754 PETRON PREF 1.00 0 109.5 110 110.1 110 110.1 31,130 3,426,909 SMCPREFS2A 5.00 0 75 75 75 74.95 75 1,166,020 87,451,000 SMCPREFS2B 5.00 0 75.25 75.25 75.25 75.25 75.25 272,870 20,533,467.50 SMCPREFS2C 5.00 0 76.45 76.5 76.6 76.5 76.6 129,750 9,927,185 SMPFC PREFS 10.00 0 1,040.00 1,040 1,040 1,037 1,040 4,205 4,372,600 ABS-CBN PDR 0.00 0 41.9 41.9 41.9 41.8 41.85 1,018,200 42,616,365 GMA HOLDINGS 0.00 0 10.08 10.08 10.18 10.08 10.18 1,065,000 10,831,968 WARRANTS, PHIL. DEPOSIT RECEIPT, ETC. **** WARRANTS, PHIL. DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, ETC. **** MEG-WARRANTS N/A 0 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.28 2.3 152,000 349,560 ****SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES**** MALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IRIPPLE 1.00 0.32 9.39 8.99 9.25 8.99 9.25 10,400 94,631
High Low Close %change Pt. Change Volume Value
1,699.67 1,679.5 9,842.59 9,776.84 5,730.88 5,692.16 2,612.12 2,588.75 1,926 1,913.08 22,692.59 22,573.57 6,500.08 6,458.01 4,086.59 4,064.55
nO. OF ADVAnCES: 83 nO. OF DECLInES: 81 nO. OF UnCHAngED: 48 nO. OF TRADED ISSUES: 212 FOREIGN BUYING R3,035,883,210.47 FOREIGN SELLING R3,078,686,098.26
US-lobby group Intellectual International Property Alliance (IIPA) has changed its tune, now cited the Philippines in a special mention for its positive progress in intellectual property rights protection that could the countrys removal list of IP violators of the US Trade Representative (USTR). Based on its February 8, 2013 submission to the USTR, which is undergoing a review for the Special 301 Report, IIPA cited the Philippines in a special mention asking the USTR to denote positive progress in several key areas for protection of creative content warranting recognition, and to otherwise note remaining issues in the country that should be addressed in the coming year. The Philippines is among the eight other countries that IIPA cited as deserving special mention. The other countries are Albania, Estonia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Malta, Moldova, Paraguay and Taiwan. In particular, the IIPA, which groups various IPR activists lauded the leadership of the Philippine government, Ricardo Blancaflor, director general of the IP Office of the Philippines [IPOPHL], and Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts, for taking novel and effective approaches to dealing with piracy in the Philippines and further modernizing protection. The submission noted that the clean up of the notorious markets Quiapo, St. Francis Square in Mandaluyong and Makati Cinema Square as hub of fake optical discs. IIPA also cited the passage of the Anti-Camcording L aw, the issuance of Supreme Court Rules of procedure for IP cases, the establishment of administrative enforcement functions of the IPOPHL and the availability of injunctive relief,
and an MOU memorandum of understanding between Philippine National Police (PNP) and OMB to remove red tape, all evidence the will of the Philippine government to tackle piracy and create space for legitimate creative business to grow. The IIPA, however, noted that there remain IPR issues in the Philippines. IIPA hopes that the [IPOPHL] and the OMB, the Philippine Anti-Piracy Team (PAPT) including PNP and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), will work together in 2013 to deal more effectively with unlicensed software use by enterprises (enterprise end-user piracy), book piracy (textbook copying and pirate or counterfeit bestsellers), Internet piracy, and emerging challenges such as media box and mobile device piracy, IIPA added. In addition, the lobby group also noted that the Philippines is a beneficiary of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade program. The US can remove such benefits of preferential access to the US market if a trading partner does not observe IPR rules. An estimated $1.15-billion worth of Philippine products entered the US duty-free in the first 11 months of 2012. Meantime, IIPA also recommended that 7 countries be placed or maintained on the Priority Watch List in 2013. These are Argentina, Chile, China (306), Costa Rica, India, Indonesia (GSP), and Russia (GSP). It also asked USTR to place or maintain 25 countries on the Watch List: Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon (GSP), Mexico, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand (OCR), Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan (GSP), and Vietnam.
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Business News
the premier international sourcing hub for the finest ethnic Asian food, ingredients, and raw materials. The event would have an entire pavilion devoted to Halal to give the industry players all the room they would need to market their products to a vast foreign audience. Halal pertains to foods that are allowed under Islamic Law. Haram, on the other hand, refers to foods that Muslims are forbidden to consume such as pig and dog and their derivatives, carnivorous animals except animals that only eat fish, amphibians such as frogs, crocodiles, turtles, and seals, among others. Under the Islamic Law, it is likewise forbidden to use dirty equipment during preparation, processing, and manufacturing. This development has turned the Halal seal into an international symbol of good quality and marketability. Halal foods are prescribed for the worlds 1.8-B Muslims, consequently yielding a global annual market that constitutes some 20% of the worlds entire food consumption. In support of the Philippine Export Development Plans Halal Development Plan, a special participation rate for IFEX Philippines 2013 will be offered to Halal-certified companies, Halal certifiers, as well as Halalcompliant restaurants and hotels, if they exhibit, she said. This development underscores CITEMs strategy of using IFEX to help make the Philippines a leading Halal producer in the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), now poised to become the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), a unified regional production and trading block by 2015. (PNF)
JARIN-BENNETT
valuable and direct knowledge of the editorial services she will now be distributing to our affiliate business in Asia. Armie added, Im thrilled to be taking on this new challenge in Hong Kong. CNN is going from strength to strength in Asia Pacific and I look forward to working alongside our affiliate partners to deliver valuable sales support.
Special Feature
WASHINGTON (AP) Martin Ford saw it everywhere, even in his own business. Smarter machines and better software were helping companies do more work with fewer people. His Silicon Valley software firm used to put its programs on disks and ship them to customers. The disks were made, packaged, and delivered by human beings. Now Fords customers can just download the software to their computers - no disks, no packaging, no delivery workers. It is getting easier and easier to avoid hiring people by taking advantage of technology, Ford says. An ordinary entrepreneur might simply have welcomed the cost savings. But something nagged at Ford: He wondered how a consumer economy - and 70 percent of the US economy consists of consumer spending - could function if machines kept dislodging the workers who did the vast majority of the spending. At some point you simply will have too few viable consumers to power a healthy economy, he says. So in 2009 he thought through what would happen to the economy if machines kept replacing human workers. The result was his book, The Lights in the Tunnel. Ford, 49, describes a nightmare scenario. Machines leave 75 percent of American workers unemployed by 2089. Consumer spending collapses. Even those who are still working slash spending and save everything they can;
VANISHING JOBS (AP) This combination of Associated Press file photos shows,(left) passengers checking-in at an American Airlines ticketing counter in 2011, in Dallas, and right, a row of self-check-in kiosks in 2012, in Seattle. Many middle-class workers have lost jobs because powerful software and computerized machines are doing tasks that only humans could do before.
they fear their jobs are doomed, too. As people lose work, they stop contributing to Social Security, potentially bankrupting the retirement system. Ford knows that his apocalyptic vision defies history. For two centuries, technological advances - from steam power to the combustion engine - have delivered more economic growth, more wealth, more and better jobs. The historical argument is compelling, he says. Its been going on for 200 years. But this time is different, Ford contends.
Machines can do more and more human work. They dont just replace human brawn the way older machines did; increasingly, they substitute machine power for human brainpower. And their powers will only grow. Computing power doubles every 18 months to two years. Information technology continues to advance exponentially, Ford says. So the future impact is potentially going to be much greater than anything we have seen thus far. Just look at what the military is doing: waging war with drone aircraft,
deploying robots to sniff out bombs in Afghanistan. If you can build machines that operate autonomously on the battlefield, you can build machines that operate autonomously in a warehouse, he says. In this face of such relentless competition, what can mere humans do? Dont fight technology, Ford says. Smarter machines will make life better and increase wealth in the economy.
The challenge, he says, is to make sure the benefits are shared when most workers have been supplanted by machines. He suggests imposing massive taxes on companies, which would be paying far less in wages thanks to automation, and distributing the proceeds to those left unemployed by technology. That would give them money to spend to keep the economy spinning.
Election News
By EDITH B. COLMO
HEALTH SERVICE EXCELLENCE Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado (left) receives the trophy from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, after the Provincial Government of Bulacan won in the Health Governance Stewards Category for Health Emergency Response in the Central Luzon Excellence Award for Health 2012 in Clark Field, Pampanga. (Freddie C. Velez)
ILOILO CITY Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, yesterday said that there are 40 areas in Western Visayas identified as election watchlist areas (EWAs), and five inactive partisan armed groups (PAGs). Negros Occidental has 13 EWAs, Iloilo -11; Antique -7; Capiz -5; Aklan -3; and Iloilo City - 1. Guimaras Province has no EWAs. Cruz said 50 percent of the EWAs were identified because of the alleged presence of insurgency in the barangays, while the other 50 percent were considered due to election-related incidents in the 2007 and 2010 elections. The list of EWAs was released after the Intelligence Unit of PRO-6 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines harmonized their data yesterday. On Wednesday, the Regional Joint Peace Security Coordinating Center (RJPSCC) composed of Commission on Elections Region 6, AFP and PRO-6 meet to agree on the new parameters of EWAs. Occurrence of election-related incident in the last two preceding elections (2007 and 2010); unresolved political rivalry among contending parties; occurrence of politically motivated violent incidents after the pre-
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to organize Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) Machines Demo Centers nationwide to cater to the publics desire to be informed and educated on the voting, machines that will be used in the May 2013 polls. We want more people to see the demonstrations so we are opening it to the public. Ibig sabihin, we are going to accommodate not just the special interest people, school, organizations, media but also walkins, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said. He said accommodating the walkins is important since they are the ones who have full interest in learning the system since they voluntarily went inside the centers. Jimenez said some 23 demo centers will be put up beginning this
month, which will be housing PCOS machines as well as stand-by mentors/presenters. In the centers, he said, PCOS demonstrations will be conducted daily at regular intervals for about 30 to 45 minutes which will include discussions on basic PCOS operation, such as how to turn the machine on and off; the voting experience, including what to do when ballots are rejected by the unit; basic voters education, such as the party-list system; and an open forum. Jimenez said most of the PCOS Demo Centers will be put up in the National Capital Region, including one at the Comelec Main Office in Intramuros, Manila. The poll official, however, said that they are still open for invitations from special interest groups for them to come and conduct PCOS demonstrations during special events. If you have an event at your
school or in your organization, and you want us to come and show you how the PCOS works and how it will benefit the electoral system and the entire Filipino electorate, simply accomplish the request form, said Jimenez. In the request form (available at http://mycomelec.tv/main/pcosdemo -request/), the Comelec is asking for the name of the one requesting; name of school, company or institution; event name; location; expected number of participants; and topics desired to be discussed. If you dont hear back from us in 72 hours, drop us a line via pcosdemo@gmail.com, said the Comelec. In 2010, the Comelec also conducted several demonstrations of the PCOS machines in schools, offices, and special programs as part of their voters education on how the automated voting system works.
DAGUPAN CITY The Provincial Elections Office here yesterday announced that candidates can now coordinate with the municipal election officer for the whole province as they already established designated poster areas where a candidate can post his/her campaign materials. This, according to Provincial Elections Supervisor Marino Salas, as the campaign period starts today for national candidates and March 29 for local candidates. Salas said the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other concerned agencies will be involved with monitoring the designated areas for poster and campaign materials.
Salas urged the public to report any barangay official or government employee undertaking partisan political activity so that they can be charged for violation of the Election Code. "Barangay as well as government employees, are not allowed to take partisan political activities in this election, Salas said. Salas stressed that only candidates for governor and congressman are entitled to uniformed police or military personnel as bodyguards provided they are incumbents. A vice governor down can only tap bodyguards from private security groups accredited by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), he said. Salas said that based on the Comelec list, there are 1,651,000 registered voters in 48 towns and cities of Pangasinan, including 98,000 voters in Dagupan City.
future," Makalintal says. "Maaaring mas iba ang orientation nila and I look forward to that. Siguro maaaring wala na tayo sa mundong ito at saka pa lamang mangyayari iyon." Romulo said the responsibility lies on the Commission on Elections to educate the public on how to make informed choices. De Vera added that media can help elevate the level of the campaign. He explained one cannot just expect the electorate to make the right choice if information is not available. De Vera said that, while it may take time, Fiilipino voters are showing signs of becoming politically mature. "I think it is because institutions, the media, and civil society organizations are more aggressively trying to make sure that issues are raised in this election that will make it more an issue- rather than a personality-based election," he said.
De Vera and Macalintal pointed to an equally important matter - how the public would behave after the elections. For the Comelec, candidates should take the first step in achieving maturity by graciously accepting defeat. Director James Jimenez, Comelec spokesman, said: "It's easy for Filipinos to reject poll results if it does not come out according to their wishes. That is the biggest symbol of immaturity. Election is a two-way street, either you win or you lose. Just because you lose, doesn't mean you were cheated, and certainly, just because you lose doesn't mean that the rest of the voters are stupid." Many political observers consider this year's midterm polls a dress rehearsal for the 2016 presidential elections. Experts hope both the candidates and the electorate will help improve not only the electoral process but, more importantly, the kind of politicians they put in power.
A partylist that seeks to uphold the rights of health workers particularly in pushing for upgrading salaries of nurses, checking the alleged exploitation of nurses, calling for support among health workers in the country, was launched yester-
day. The Ang Nars Partylist claimed the nursing sector is marginalized, oppressed and neglected because they are subjected to false volunteerism, contractualization, inhumane conditions at work and other forms of precarious work. Ang Nars will stand as one solid voice for nurses to be heard
and empower them to protect their rights and dignity to deliver safe and quality health care for Filipinos, the group said in its primer. Ang Nars President, Lea Paquiz, said the partylist will promote complete benefits of nurses and security of tenure at work. It will also give them the right to organization, grievance hearing and protection
for exploitation. In stopping nurse exploitation, Paquiz said they will pursue the cessation of false volunteerism or false training that entails work without pay in health institutions. Aside from this, Ang Nars will push for the employment of nurses as regular workers, implementing the appropriate salary in accor-
dance with the Nursing law of 2002, to advocate for just treatment for senior and young nurses and to push for the implementation of the Department of Health mandate of 1:12 nurse patient ratio, among others, she said. The Commission of Elections approved the participation of Ang Nars partylist in the 2013 elections.
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Property News
Bluebay Walk
BLUEBAY WALK
DMCI Homes
LEVINA PLACE
Avenue in Rosario, Pasig City, the new project offers proximity to important business and commercial destinations such as SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, SM Center Pasig, Tiendesitas, and MarketMarket. Reputable schools are also accessible, including University of Asia and the Pacific, St. Paul College, Lourdes School Mandaluyong, Pasig Catholic College, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig. Healthcare needs can be serviced at the adjacent hospitals: New Medical City, Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City General Hospital, and St. Therese Hospital. Travel to and from the development also presents less hassle, with
Levina Place being near major thoroughfares, namely C5 Road and Ortigas Avenue. The projects Asian boutique concept will be matched by an exquisite set of resort-inspired amenities. The array of ground-level amenities will occupy approximately 4,069 sqm of premium space, characterized by open spaces, lush landscapes, refreshing water features, and courtyard or pocket parks, which all work seamlessly to create the perfect resort-living ambiance.
Outdoor amenities will provide active recreational activities for the residents. Among them are a clubhouse, swimming pool complex consisting of lap pool and kiddie pool with gazebos and cabanas, childrens play area, barbecue pits/ picnic area, and basketball court. Indoor amenities include a function
Environment News
GUATEMALA CITY (AP) Guatemala's president declared a national emergency Friday over the spread of coffee rust, saying the fungus that has hit other Central American countries is affecting 70 percent of this nation's crop. President Otto Molina Perez ordered the release of more than $14 million to aid coffee growers. He said the funds would help 60,000 small farmers buy pesticides and also finance instruction to teach them how to prevent the disease and stop it from spreading. "If we don't take the needed measures, in 2013-2014 our production could drop by 40 percent,'' Molina said in making his country the third in the region to decree emergencies in recent weeks. Coffee rust, which can kill plants by withering their leaves, also is affecting plantations in El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica. Mexico's agriculture authorities said the fungus has been detected there but so far has not damaged plants. Molina said the pesticides will start being applied to coffee plants in April and two more applications will be needed during the year. Nils Leporowsky, president of the National Coffee Association of Guatemala, or Anacafe, said coffee is grown in 206 of the country's 333 municipalities. "We have planted 667,000 acres (270,000 hectares) of coffee and of that 477,000 acres (193,000 hectares) have rust, affecting 70 percent of the total,'' he added. Leporowsky said coffee growing generates 500,000 direct jobs as well as 700,000 additional jobs in related businesses each year. "We have lost 100,000 direct jobs already and that will affect millions of people,'' he said. Experts say the fungus has been present in Central American since the 1970s but production hadn't previously been affected so severely as what is feared this year. Otto Cabrera, an adviser with
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Horsemeat Scandal
LONDON (AP) Sweden on Friday became the newest European country to be hit by a widening meat products scandal, as frozen-food company Findus said it was recalling beef lasagna meals there after tests confirmed the products contained horsemeat. Already, Britain, Ireland, Poland and France have been drawn into the growing saga over the use of horsemeat and the apparent mislabeling of products along the supply chain. Millions of burgers have been recalled in recent days due to the scandal. Eating horsemeat is not generally a health risk, but the cases have spurred disgust in places where such meat is far from a staple. Earlier this week, Findus said it was recalling beef lasagna meals in Britain because of concerns raised by its French supplier Comigel. Tests later found that some of those meals contained between 60 to 100 percent horsemeat instead of beef. Then on Friday, a second British company, Aldi, confirmed that tests on Comigel-supplied products it had recently recalled beef lasagna and frozen spaghetti bolognese showed some contained between 30 and 100 percent horsemeat. Aldi said it felt "angry and let down'' by Comigel and that it was severing ties with the French supplier. Britain's Food Standards Agency said that in light of the latest information from Aldi, it is working with French authorities and recommends that any companies that have sourced beef products from Comigel "conduct a precautionary withdrawal of product.'' Findus official Henrik Nyberg said about 20,000 frozen lasagna meals are being recalled in Sweden. Nyberg told The Associated Press that the products don't pose any food safety risk, and were recalled solely because they had been mislabeled. British Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday that the scandal is "completely unacceptable'' and must be addressed.
Kangaroo Dundee
SYDNEY (dpa) A loner who dedicates himself to being surrogate mum to baby kangaroos orphaned in road accidents has supplanted swashbuckling Crocodile Dundee as the most popular Australian folk hero in Britain. But the smash-hit BBC documentary about Chris Barns' makeshift animal sanctuary near Alice Springs threatens to upend the Outback idyll of a sentimental bloke who goes by the nickname Brolga. Brolga, the Aboriginal word for stork, suits a lanky man who stands 2 meters tall. ''I wouldn't expect the world to kiss my feet,'' Brolga said of his newfound celebrity. ''I'm not going to change. I'm part of the bush now.'' Brolga still cleans tour buses in Alice Springs to fund his sanctuary for baby kangaroos, which despite being only 15 minutes from town is in the middle of nowhere. It is a tin shed he built himself, with no electricity and no running water. In the first two weeks of this year, the temperature in Alice Springs did not fall below 40 degrees. In the winter months, it can get near to freezing at night and Brolga fills up hot water bottles to keep himself and his kangaroos warm in bed. Australia's last khaki-clad entertainer was Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentaries saw him wrestle crocodiles, catch monster snakes and pester venomous spiders. Brolga, who gave up on city life 20 years ago for a shack with a 10,000-square-kilometer backyard, is featured being lovey-dovey with the joeys he rescues from their dead mother's pouches. At any one time he has 25 kangaroos including five infants at his 36-hectare enclosure. He feeds the lactose-free formula every four hours, night and day. The permanent residents cannot be released because of their injuries. ''They're my family,'' he said. ''A lot of people think I'm a crazy person but that's not true. I'm just a person who's found something that's really important to him.''
WINTER BLIZZARD Eli Schleifer builds an igloo on the Cambridge Commons in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sunday, following a winter blizzard which dumped up to 40 inches of snow with hurricane force winds, killing at least nine people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. (Reuters)
SUNNY WINTER A couple enjoy the view from the peak of Mount Saentis, 2,502 meters/8209 feet above sea level, during sunny winter weather near Schwaegalp in the eastern Swiss Alps, Sunday. (Reuters)
Classied Ads
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B-12
By BARBARA ORTUTAY
Business News
Apple started paying a quarterly dividend last year, but at $2.65 per share, the payout is paltry considering the amount of cash Apple generates each quarter. Apple has also started to repurchase some of its shares, but Greenlight and others say it should be pushing its cash in another direction. Greenlight, a shareholder since 2010 with 1.3 million Apple shares, said its dissatisfied with the way the company allocates capital. Einhorn said his firm has been talking to Apple over the past several months about the creation of new preferred class of stock that would be distributed to Apple shareholders. Apple, he said, rejected the idea in September. The company doesnt currently issue preferred stock. But the proposal Einhorn opposes would eliminate the Apple boards ability to issue such shares without shareholder approval. Apple said in its proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that its board does not plan to issue preferred stock in the future and believes that it is appropriate to eliminate this provision from its charter. If the proposal passes, shareholders will have to approve future issuances of preferred stock, according to the filing. In a letter to Apple shareholders, Greenlight called Apple a phenomenal company filled with talented people creating iconic products that consumers around the world love. But it said the company has an obligation to examine all options to create and unlock additional value. Apple, Greenlight continued, has $145 per share of cash on its balance sheet. As a shareholder, this is your money. Apple plans to hold its annual shareholder meeting on Feb. 27. Greenlights lawsuit claims that Apples proposal bundles three distinct proposals that the SEC requires to be separated so shareholders can vote on each one. Apple has at least one major shareholder on its side. The California Public Employees Retirement System, the countrys largest pension fund, said in an SEC filing Monday that it will vote for Apples proposal. CalPERS owns 2.7 million Apple shares, nearly three times as many as Greenlight.
Motor...
Of the four categories under the commercial vehicle segment, only the Asian utility vehicle category posted a decline. AUV sales in January reached only 2, 508 units or a negative 2.3 percent than 2,566 units in January 2012. The trucks and buses category registered the biggest increase of 68.4 percent with sales of 133 units as against 79 units in January 2012. The light trucks category followed with 201 units sold or 62.1 percent increase from 124 units disposed in the January last year. A total of 5,253 units were sold under the light commercial vehicles or 61.2 percent higher than 3,259 units in the same month last year. CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez cited the strong growth in the
first month of the year when January has traditionally been a slow month following the usual December car buying spree. The January 2013 performance can only be seen as another indication of the overall healthy economic performance of the country, Gutierrez said. For the rest of the year, CAMPI is confident that the overall industry will meet its target of 200,000 units. The stable macroeconomic environment as well as increase in market confidence, steady inflow of foreign investments, active household and government consumption combined with continuous expansion in the industry and service sectors to be complemented with new model introductions and aggressive promotions, will all contribute to realizing this target, Gutierrez said. For the month of January, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation led
the pack with a share of 38 percent, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines with 23 percent, Honda Cars Philippines with 11 percent, Isuzu Philippines Corporation with 6.8 percent, and Ford Philippines with 6.7 percent. Gutierrez further said that the continued positive economic growth projection, the age of motorization for the Philippines seems to be inevitable. It is for this reason that CAMPI fully endorses the passage of the Hybrid Law in support of the government campaign to minimize dependence on fossil fuel. More importantly, CAMPI sees the new law as a potent tool for environment protection, a major advocacy of the industry. While Congress may have run out of time to pass the bill, CAMI said that its early passage must be a priority item in the next Congress.(BCM)
Scant...
the Philippine Biofuels Law on possible suspension of the mandated ethanol blends, he noted that the department has to judiciously weigh the repercussions on the 20-percent domestic ethanol production before coming up with any recommendation. Before we even say that we will
suspend (the mandated blends), we have to think of the 20-percent, you have to take into consideration the local produce, he stressed. Given the developments globally, he admitted that there had been problem with the laws implementation because it has not been rightly anticipated that local production may not be scaled up as expected. He said the DoE is amendable to undertaking a study that will evaluate the weak points of the laws imple-
mentation and this may eventually be used as recommendatory tool for amendments in the Biofuels Act. The last ethanol shipment of the oil companies was from the United States, but the energy department intimated that this may just last for several days. To enforce policy on longer-term supply of biofuels, the energy chief indicated that ethanol supply may already be included in the required 15-day inventory for oil companies.
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of 44 territories. The challenge of increasing costs has pushed the lighting industry and its end-users toward the direction of reducing costs and going green. The HyMOES-HGD technology applies patented electronics in purpose-built assemblies to maximize the output of commonly available High Gas Discharge (HGD) bulbs. HyMOES-HGD lights have been observed to produce similar levels of illumination at one-third of regularly used wattage, cutting electricity consumption significantly and contributing to energy conservation. Already, a number of companies in the Philippines have begun switching to EcoLuminasHyMOES-HGD lights with impressive results. The Crown Regency Hotel and Tower in Cebu has deployed EcoLuminas Haiperion street lights, in keeping with their resolve to go green and
keep energy-efficient. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf chain meanwhile has started using the Ecrown lights for their warehouse. Reducing cost and increasing the quality of lighting in our warehouses is a critical priority, allowing us to continously provide the best products and services to our customers and to efficiently cater to our rapidly expanding business, said Walden Chu, President of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines. Af ter careful evaluation of several alternatives, we settled onEcoLuminasHyMOES-HGD products due their reliability, ease of maintenance, and high quality lux and lumens, he said. EcoLuminasHyMOES-HGD lights have likewise proven to be costeffective alternatives in commercial, industrial and public settings across the Asia-Pacific. At Guams Outrigger Resort, EcoLuminas 250-watt Wualightflood lights have replaced the previously
installed 1000-watt conventional fixtures, and now provide comparable illumination for nighttime beachfront activities. In Batam, Indonesia, 35-watt versions of the Wualight also replaced higher-wattage products in billboard installations, offering the same brightness at less electricity cost. In Taipeis National Tax Administration office, EcoLuminas 150-watt Ecrown high bay lights replaced 450watt metal halide lights. Even with the decrease in wattage, illumination was improved from 150 to 680 lux (the unit of measuring illumination per unit area) resulting in 66% savings in electricity costs. All EcoLumina products are certified by UL, CE, EMC, FCC and TISI; and are compliant with ROHAS standards. EcoLumina received the Light Fair Innovation award from 2010 to 2012, as well as the Taiwan Excellence Award this year, in recognition of its work on eco-friendly, cost-reducing lighting technology. (BCM)
compared to 2011. This accounted for a large portion of foreign investments. Gross-wise, equity capital placements amounted to $1.6 billion from $885 billion in the previous year and the BSP said this is spurred mainly by the encouraging macroeconomic environment. These capital inflows came from the US, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan and the British Virgin Islands. By sector, investments were primarily channeled to the manufacturing, real estate, wholesale and retail, mining and quarrying, and financial and insurance sectors, said the central bank. As of end-November, FDI inflows as reinvested earnings totaled $176 million, lower by 48.2 percent compared 2011s $340 million. The other capital account which is intercompany borrowing or lending is a net outflow of $224 million compared to a net inflow of $410 million in the same period in 2011. The turnaround in the other capital account was due largely to resident companies repayment of their intercompany loans and extension of trade credits to their direct investors abroad, as well as lower intercompany loan availments, ex-
plained the BSP . On a month-on-month basis, FDI net inflows were higher at $102 million from $38 million in October but 72.1 percent lower than last years $366 million. Reinvested earnings decreased 27.3 percent to $40 million while other capital accounts reversed to a net inflow of $28 million from withdrawals worth $24 million in October. As for net equity capital was at $34 million, lower than $47 million in October and also recorded a decline of 88.6 percent year-on-year. These inflows were sourced from investors in the US, Hong Kong and Australia and placed in sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and mining. The original BSP forecast for FDI was $1.2 billion for 2012 but it was revised higher to $1.5 billion after the countrys sovereign rating and outlook was upgraded by three international debt raters Standard & Poors, Fitch Ratings and Moodys. The central bank FDI data includes investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent but other government FDI gathering-offices such as investment promotion agencies do not make use of the 10 percent threshold.
Trade...
The PIDS study stressed that aligned to the approaches of regional and multilateral liberalization in services is a sustained process of domestic unilateral policy reforms and regulatory changes aimed at expansion and innovation of key services.
Such strategy strengthens the sharing of information within the government bureaucracy and enhances coordination among the government, private sector and civil society in the provision of information for policymaking and drafting sub-sectoral roadmaps. It should also broaden public awareness by undertaking an information campaign on the Gen-
eral Agreement on Trade Services (GATS), Asean Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) and its opportunities for export of services as it relates to regional integration. The PIDS study also pointed out the importance of addressing internal policy coordination weaknesses and institutionalizing public-private sector mechanism to deliberate on
services strategy. It cited the US model of industry trade services advisory committees (ITACs) inputting to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as one possible framework. There are 30 ITACS with some for services sector. These ITACs are legally mandated and have influence so that their inputs are properly evaluated for
inclusion in strategies and postures in negotiation, the study noted. The study also stressed the need to build the capacity of private sector in a bid to strengthen the services sector. The government needs to coordinate the creation of roadmaps for each sub-sector including identifying benchmarks towards enhancing their global competitiveness, it said. (EHL)
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I promise you that today you will be in paradise with Me.... Luke 23:43
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devastated cities would have had road networks either similar in style of development as Paris or New York. Of course, thorough planning would have been required. Yes, either the circular roads and the spokes moving out of the center of the city ala Paris or the square style of road deployment like Manhattan island. ,Why the regrets after the liberation of Manila and Cebu? Simply because since the houses and buildings were destroyed, the US government with the support of the Osmena Commonwealth government should have bulldozed through the debris and built a new city of Manila and suburbs as well as Cebu City. The other reason based on historical records was that many of our appointed officials who were supposed to plan out and expedite the reconstruction of a new City of Cebu and Manila by approving a new city plan became instead the leaders
of the status quo. This was true of what was then the Cebu City Planning Board. Some of its members were real estate owners. Thus when there was an attempt to build new modern roads that went through the demolished burned buildings, the city planning board would object to its implementation. Indeed we lost a golden opportunity to have roads that would be better suited to handle the traffic of the future. In the early part after our country became independent, our leaders were preoccupied with other concerns and to a certain extent neglected the road network that would have made any Filipino proud of our master-planned cities. Had our leaders exercised a strong political will, Metro Manila and Metro Cebu would have been modern well-planned cities. Now we are engaged in a debate about what to do to repair one EDSA! There should have been a at least a
dozen EDSA circumferential roads. And two dozen spokes(roads) like those in a wheel. So now we are discussing about superhighways connecting this area with that area which is costing our government billions of pesos. I cannot really say that these roads are really super highways. Parts of these highways are flooded during typhoons. The Auto Bahn in Germany that Hitler built allowed the German Wehrmacht to move anywhere in their country in any kind of weather. Many of those who have been to that country may have noticed that the roads have been elevated several feet above the surrounding area so that when there are floods the roads remain operational. Will superhighways from Manila to Central Luzon, Pangasinan, and Ilocos region be passable even during the worst typhoons? rene.g.espina@ gmail.com
broader system has become deeper and broader. We, therefore, have to be increasingly conscious of the more systemic character of an increasing number of issues: They may only be symptoms of a deeper and bigger problem, which lies outside our immediate field of expertise. Rather than attacking only the symptoms, we have to be prepared to work with other specialists in addressing deeper, more root causes. Otherwise, what we do from our more specialized field may not do much positive good; it may even cause far greater harm over the longer term. Even within a broad profession such as medicine, various specialists are finding the need for a more integrative approach, which goes beyond the immediate cause-and-effect discipline of various specializations. Integrative medicine takes greater account of the systemic make-up of the human body: A cure for a specific ailment in one part of the body can have impact, creating an imbalance in other parts of the body. In the field of finance, recent experience has shown that great accomplishments in financial engineering may have given rise to a false sense of security, which sowed the seeds for a bigger and deeper crisis throughout the bigger financial and economic system. Likewise, in the field of population and development, short-term specialist solutions to seeming overpopulation have brought about more intractable and longer-term problems
of aging and of depressing the secular outlook of economies. A lot of debate is ongoing in many professions about the limits of subspecialization and the neglect of the broader impact of specialist solutions upon the broader system and wider environment. But even as this debate rages, the need of instilling a deeper sense of broader social responsibility in the practice of all professions has gained wide currency. This idea originates from one well-accepted principle: We do not live and operate as separate islands cut off from others; rather, we are smaller, microcomponents of a much bigger whole; and what we do within our respective specialist spheres can have an influence on the broader environment. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary that in our professional formation, we take due account of the systemic character of the many pieces, upon which we train our specialized professional focus. We have to be humble enough to accept that our own field of specialization is an important piece although only a small piece in the bigger puzzle of our respective macro-system and environment. We also have to recognize that what we do in our micro-field of specialization can have significant impact upon the macro-environment. In this light, we are called upon to live by the standards of broad social responsibility, even as we continue the practice of our profession within our narrower fields of specialization.
FREIGHT RATES
Freight rates of liquefied natural gas (LNG) have strengthened in December, 2012 as winter demand kicked in, but the market has not yet escaped the agonies of the second half of 2012, according to Drewrys LNG Freight Index which gained 20% in December. Drewry noted that the biggest worry is Japan, where rising prices are prompting the government to reconsider its nuclear policy and restart its offline nuclear power plants. The delivered price of LNG to Japan remains well above $15/MMBtu, almost double the price in Europe.
AIR SHOW
WASHINGTON (AFP) Facing the prospect of dramatic budget cuts, the US military may skip the Paris air show this year for the first time, Air Force officers said Friday. The move is among an array of cost-saving measures the Air Force has drawn up in case Congress fails to clinch a budget deal by March 1. Without an agreement in Congress to avert automatic spending cuts, military funding would be slashed by roughly $50 billion from March to the end of September, when the current fiscal year ends.
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The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has considered the bid of Fritz & Macziol, the next lowest bidder under post-qualification process for the P8.2billion LTO-IT system. DOTC Undersecretary Jose Lotilla, chairman of the bids and awards committee (BAC) said that Digitext Asia Corp., the lowest bidder for the new LTO-IT system, failed in the postqualification process. Among the reasons for its disqualification were the lack of valid mayors permit for year 2012 and nonsubmission of bill of quantities of items proposed. Because of the exacting require-
ment of RA 9184, the BAC has no choice except to conclude that it failed in the post-qualification, Lotilla said. The new LTO-IT system aims to provide a viable and long-term solution to address the current systems issues. The LTO-IT system is no longer responsive to current land transportation regulation requirements. Aside from correcting the flaws of the current system, it will result in LTO earning approximately an additional P2 billion a year since all computer fees will accrue to the government. It will also make it easier for authorities to recover stolen vehicles, trace smuggled vehicles, prevent double registration and monitor unregistered vehicles. When it finally interlinks with the
automation system of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the government will be able to eliminate cases of PUVs securing an LTFRB franchise without LTO registration, as well as PUVs that are registered with the LTO but have no LTFRB franchise. To ensure the continuity and nondisruption of services to the public, DOTC-BAC decided to procure the services of the current LTO-IT system provider Stradcom Corp. while the evaluation process for the procurement of a new contractor is still underway. After assessing the current situation, we have decided to procure the services of Stradcom for eight months in order not to disrupt the automated
system now being used by LTO and avoid reverting into manual operation, said Lotilla. However, this contract can be terminated sooner at the discretion of the DOTC depending on how soon the new system provider can take over, he added. The contract with Stradcom expires on February 10. While the bidding process for the DOTC Road IT Infrastructure Project has not yet been completed and a new service provider has not yet been determined, it is absolutely essential in the interest of public service that the services be uninterrupted until such time that a new service provider is in the position to provide the service, the DOTC said.
The DOTC had set the bidding process for the new LTO-IT system in time for its February 10 deadline, but the bidding for a new P8.2-billion LTO-IT system was delayed by several months when a Quezon City court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against it. It was only when the Court of Appeals favored the argument of the DOTC when the TRO was set aside and the bidding was able to proceed. It is in the best interest of the public that Stradcom shall continue in the meantime, to render the services pursuant to the terms and conditions as set at in the agreement under emergency interim contract under RA 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act, the DOTC said.
BERLINS TROUBLED AIRPORT (EPA) The sun shines over an empty parking lot in front of the terminal of the new Willy Brandt Berlin-Brandenburg Airport near Berlin, Germany, February 7, 2013. Berlins new international airport, in the planning since 1996, has been plagued by four delays and a cost overrun from 2.4 billion euros ($3.1 billion) to 4.3 billion euros. When the airport code-named BER eventually opens, it will replace Berlins three airports creaking Tegel, budget-airline hub Schoenefeld and the now closed Tempelhof, made famous by the Cold War Berlin airlift.
Gearing up for summer peak travel in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific is mounting additional flights to select domestic and international destinations next month. Starting March 11, the airline is putting out 12 weekly flights from Manila to Tagbilaran, gateway to the island of Bohol. CEBs ManilaTacloban service will also be 33 times weekly, starting March 31. Flight frequencies to key domestic routes from Manila will also increase. There will be up to seven daily Manila-Bacolod flights and up to six
Manila-Kalibo flights starting March 31. Starting April 2, CEB will operate 15 daily flights between Manila and Cebu, and up to 10 daily flights between Manila and Davao. CEB also boosts its Cebu hub with additional flights starting April 2. This includes flights from Cebu to Bacolod (thrice daily), Boracay (23 times weekly), Davao (four times daily), General Santos (10 times weekly), Legazpi (five times weekly), Puerto Princesa (twice daily) and Siargao (six times weekly). CEB will likewise operate five daily flights from Manila to Singapore starting March 23, and 12 weekly
flights from Manila to Bangkok starting April 1. These flight frequency increases are in line with brand-new A320 aircraft deliveries in January and March, the first two of seven aircraft arriving this year, according to CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Last year, CEB flew 13.26 million passengers from January to December, an increase of 11% over 11.93 million passengers flown in 2011. In 2012, the airline launched 10 new domestic routes and 7 international routes, including flights from Manila to Hanoi and Siem Reap.
BOEINGS LIQUID HYDROGEN-POWERED (Reuters) Boeings liquid hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned aircraft system is seen during taxi testing in this Boeing handout photo taken at Edwards Air Force Base, California February 6, 2013. Phantom Eyes liquid-hydrogen propulsion system will allow the aircraft to stay on station for up to four days while providing monitoring over large areas at a ceiling of up to 65,000 feet (19,812 meters), according to a Boeing statement.
BUILT IN 1912
FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: MANILA HOTEL CORPORATION P.O. BOX 307 ONE RIZAL PARK, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL.: (632) 527-0011 CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS FAX: (632) 527-0022 TO 24
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WB LOGS
Health Fitness
EO - Executive Optical marks its 40th year with glam, fun fashion and a refreshing introduction of 20 new color palettes applied to a wide range of exclusive EO private label eye frames. Forty years of functional and expert refraction service spawns an extensive variety of fashionable eyewear made unique with positively energized rich color hues that match the youth or young at heart's mood, character, emotion, occasion and even location. EOs private label eyewear is definitely suited for everyday wear and everyday life. "Colors celebrate life yet life is never predictable. But colors put a bit of structure into life, mood and emotions. For example, red is a warm, passionate color often
associated with occasions of love and romance; purple symbolizes good judgment and spiritual fulfillment; gold is associated with wealth, health and optimism; green with fertility, life and wellbeing and so on. This is what the EO private label brand identity is -- a brand associated with the celebration of life through its complete range of singular and combination color palettes," says Rachelle Uy, AVP Corporate Operations. The modestly priced EO private label color palette collection and high quality models come in gold, black, gun metal, purple, green, blue, orange, brown, among others. Available at all 75 Executive Optical-EO stores nationwide.
Our 65-year-old neighbor died of heart attack two d a ys a g o. W h a t puzzles me is that he does not have hypertension. Can you have heart disease even if your blood pressure is normal? Is it true that heart disease is more common in men than in women? Can you give some advice on how to prevent heart disease? jockey66@yahoo.com Although hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the underlying cause of most heart attacks, hypertension need not be present for CAD to develop. Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, called coronary arteries, get partially or completely clogged because of the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty substances (a process called atherosclerosis) in their walls. Aside from hypertension, there are several other factors that contribute to atherosclerosis and CAD. They include: advanced age, family history of heart disease, smoking, persistent high blood levels of cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), obesity, diabetes mellitus, a sedentary lifestyle and chronic psychological stress. These risk factors often build on each other and act synergistically in promoting atherosclerosis. CAD is not really more common in men than in women, but the dis-
Q. A.
Without Hypertension
ease develops about 10 years earlier in men because before menopause, women are protected from the disease by estrogen, the female hormone. If you go over the list of risk factors for atherosclerosis, you will note that the only ones that you cannot modify are advancing age and family history. Hence, by observing certain dietary and lifestyle practices, you can prevent CAD. To prevent coronary artery disease, your dietary and lifestyle goals, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), should be to: establish an overall healthy eating pattern, maintain an appropriate body weight, maintain a desirable blood cholesterol profile, and maintain normal blood pressure. These goals can be met if you adopt the following measures: If you are a smoker, quit. If you are over weight, you need to lose your unwanted weight through diet and exercise. Thereafter, maintain your appropriate body weight by matching your energy intake to your energy needs. At all times, you should avoid excessive food intake. Adopt a diet that contains a variety of foods from all the food categories, with emphasis on fruits and vegetables; fat-free and low-fat dairy products; cereal and grain products; legumes and nuts; and, fish, poultry and lean meat. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has stated, however, that there are foods that are cholesterol-rich but are low in saturated fatty acid content (notably eggs and shellfishes). AHA also says you can achieve your specified dietary targets even with regular intake of these items provided you limit your intake of food with high content of animal fat. If you drink, limit your alcohol intake to two drinks per day (note: for women, its just one drink per day). A drink consists of 12 oz. (350 ml) of regular beer, 5 oz. (150 ml) of wine or 1 oz(44 ml) of distilled spirit (80 proof). Indulge in a regular exercise program, or at least be physically active. Learn to avoid stressful situations and to unwind after one. Needless to say, in addition to the above measures, normal healthy adults like you need to see their physician periodically (once a year will be enough), so that appropriate medical intervention can be instituted in case any risk factor for coronary heart disease goes out of control. (Note: Email inquiries on health matters to: medical_notes@yahoo. com)
Love lowers risk of alcohol abuse You may be footing a bigger weekly wine bill for all of those cozy nights in, but research has shown that you are less likely to abuse or depend upon alcohol if you are in a relationship. In the study, only four per cent of people who had been in a relationship for between two and four years misused alcohol; whilst only three per cent of those who had been in a relationship for more than five years reported abusing alcohol. However, 12 per cent of the participants who were not in a relationship in their
30s were described as misusing alcohol and 13.5 per cent of people who had not been in a relationship for more than two years treated alcohol in an unhealthy way. Love keeps us young We all know that being in love and making love are two very different scenarios and apparently so does Mother Nature. Being in love is often very trying and can age us; however, research suggests that making love keeps us young. A study conducted by researchers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland found that those women who have sex four or more times a week look 10 years younger than their actual age. Consultant neuropsychologist Dr David Weeks said that loving couples not only look after their bodies more, but that they also benefit from the physical and emotional effects of sex. So, next time you reach for your anti-ageing cream, maybe opt for the baby oil instead? Love: good for women, bad for men? When you think of a married man, do you think of the grumpy, beatendown stereotype? If you do, then dont worry, apparently theres some truth behind this well-worn notion. The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing found that women report a higher quality of life when they are in a relationship, but their husbands or partners report having a significantly
lower quality of life. However, although it is possible that relationships fulfill the needs of women more than men, compared to single people, those in a relationship are still happier overall. In a separate study 40 per cent of married couples said they were happy, compared to only 25 per cent of single people. Love improves our mental health Love has many physical benefits, but it would seem that men and women who are in a relationship get lots of mental health benefits too. In New Zealand a team at the University of Otago examined 1,000 people. They found that people who had been in a relationship for longer than five years were less likely to be depressed and attempt suicide. Other studies have found similar findings, stating that married people report lower levels of depression and distress. Apparently married men are also half as likely to commit suicide as single men, and one third as likely as divorced men. Perhaps the phrase youre driving me crazy should no longer be used in reference to your partner? Love gives us more birthdays Sadly, being in love does not mean you get to have more than one birthday a year. However, it does mean that you get to see more of them. The mortality rates for single males aged
between 30 and 59 are two and half times higher than their non-single counterparts! Dont gloat too much though, girls. Single women also face a 23 percent higher mortality rate than those who are married. Researchers suggest that this difference in longevity is due to the fact that most single people have poorer health benefits, a lower income and are socially isolated. Being supported and connected to others is an essential part of keeping healthy. Love heals the heart Perhaps its no coincidence that love is often depicted using a heart shape. A recent study by researchers at the University of Rochester in New York found that those in a happy relationship are three times more likely to survive heart surgery. The researchers reported that a good marriage can be as beneficial to the heart as quitting smoking, staying at a healthy weight and reducing high blood pressure. Similar findings were found by those at the University of North Carolina and a study in Human Communication Research. They both found that being in love and expressing your emotions had a positive impact on cholesterol. (Article from www.realbuzz.com)
Editor ISABEL C. DE LEON Assistant Editor MALOU E. ROSAL Section Editors Fashion & Beauty LIZA ILARDE Celebrations & Events MARBEE SHING-GO Home & Garden DENNIS LADAW Dining GENE GONZALEZ Wellbeing ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ Moms & Kids AMYLINE Q. CHING Travel & Tourism Arts & Culture
Health Fitness
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Proactiv Resolutions
The Proactiv acne clearing system was developed to treat your whole facehelping to both clear blemishes and prevent acne before it starts. Just follow the three simple BEFORE AFTER Proactiv steps: Renew, Revitalize and Repair. The Renewing Cleanser is a unique, oil-free formulated acne cleanser. The second step is the refreshing, alcohol-free Revitalizing Toner. Finally, apply the Repairing Lotion, a light, oil-free skin-clearing lotion with prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide lotion that heals blemishes and helps prevent new ones. Proactiv Solution is available at any Watsons outlet or SM Department Stores, in kiosks at Glorietta, Ground Floor; Trinoma, 2nd Floor; Robinsons Galleria, 3rd Floor; and Marquee Mall, Ground Floor. Also available through Door-to-Door Delivery Hotlines (729-2222, 1-800-8-7298888, 1-800-10-889-4444, 0917-801-8888). Visit http:// my.proactiv.com.ph for more information.
Imagine the immense health benefits from both fresh garlic bites and button mushroom slices on your pizza paborito and you get the ultimate healthy pizza with the new Pizza Pedricos Garlic Mushroom Melt! Available at over 100 branches nationwide. For more information, call (632) 4119444 or log on to www.pizzapedricos.com
FIRST TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN IMUS FIRST DIVERSION ROAD,TERTIARY HOSPITAL INIMUS, CAVITE PALICO IV, IMUS Tel. No. (046) 472-3987-89 IV, IMUS, CAVITE ADDRESS: DIVERSION ROAD, PALICO TEL NOS.: (046) 4173987-89 4172220 472-2220 FAX: (046) 4173987-89 4172220 LOCAL 130 Fax No. (046) 472-3987-89 imus@yahoo com EMAIL ADDRESS: medical center medical_center_imus@yahoo.com E-mail :medical_center_imus@yahoo.com
Upper Malibu Beach St., Subangdaku, Mandaue City Tel No. (032) 344- 2141, 344-2142 Mobile No. 0920-8184446 520 Dr Sixto Antonio Ave., Maybunga, Pasig City . Tel No. 643-6006, 643-6056 Mobile No. 0920-9538629 Email: metropsychiatry@yahoo.com.ph Website: http://www.metropsych.net/
Atlas Compound, Naga Road, Pulang Lupa, Las Pias City Tel. No:+632 874 6903 / +632 659 1076 TeleFax: +632 872 4827 Training/Nursing Services:+632 874 5178 Pharmacy:+632 872 5950 Email: azarategeneralhospital@gmail.com Website: azarategeneralhospital.com
National Highway Brgy. Tagapo City of Santa Rosa, Laguna, 4026 Tel .No. (02) 520-8419, (049) 534-3499 Trunkline no. connecting to all dept. Local No. 204 Marketing / 100 HMO 114 Emergency Room Mobile No. +639178667059 E-mail: nsmdih_starosa@yahoo.com
The First and Largest Orthopedic Group Practice in the Country Fractures, Arthritis, Sports Medicine, Spine, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
2nd Floor Don Jacinto Building, at the back of Makati Med Tel Nos. 8921541 to 43; 09178544374 2nd Floor Elizabeth Hall, Katipunan, QC, across La Vista Subdivision, near Miriam College Tel Nos. 4335462; 4355462; 09178335642
120 McArthur Highway Valenzuela City, Metro Manila Philippines 1440 Tel. No. 293-2701 / 06 Website:www.fumc.com.ph
CityState Centre, #709 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City Call Center : 441-7442 Website: www.philhealth.gov.ph Email: actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph
Cardinal Santos Medical Center 10 Wilson St. Greenhills West San Juan City Metro Manila Philippines 1502 Trunkline: 727-0001 www.cardinalsantos.com.ph
ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED
Dedicated to the service of the people through medical profession
Carlatan, San Fernando City La Union 2500,+63-72-700-0000 CELL NR.: +63-9175972594 TEL. Philippines Tel: +63-72-700-0000 +63-72-242-3621 U.S. Direct: 619-955-7154 FAX: Cell No.: +63-9175972594 Email: medicalinquiry@lorma.org U.S. Direct: 619-955-7154 Website: http://lmc.lorma.org/ FAX: +63-72-242-2476 Email: medicalinquiry@lorma.org
METROPOLITAN MEDICAL CENTER 1357 G. Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila Trunkline/s: (02) 254-1111/ 2542753/ 251-5727/ 251-5729/ 2560190/ 256-4447 24/7 Ambulance Service: (02) 254-5900 Email:metropolitanmedicalcenterphi ls@ymail.com Website:www.metromedicalcenter.ph
NCR Central Branch #880 F.R. Estuar Bldg., Quezon Ave., Quezon City Tel. : 332-1550 Email: info.proqc@philhealth.gov.ph
Espaa Boulevard, Manila 1008 Philippines Tel. No. 731-3001 Web: http://www.usthospital.com.ph
A Cooperative Health Service Provider Where Our Mission is Your Health Km. 17 Ortigas Ave Ext. Rosario Pasig City Tel. Nos.: (02) 656 2851/ 401 9093 655 4337/ 656 - 2815 Email address: mission_hospital98@ yahoo.com
Pediatrics, OB-Gyn, IM,Surgery, Animal Bite Bite Pediatrics, OB-Gyn, IM, Surgery, Animal Ultrasound, X-Ray, Laboratory, Complete lines of Vaccines Ultrasound, X-Ray, Laboratory, Complete lines of Vaccines
35 BayanSt. Vincent GeneralAve.,Concepcion, Marikina Bayanan Hospital Marikina City Bayanan Ave.,Concepcion, Marikina City Address:35 Bayan Tel :(632) 948-0314-15 Tel :(632)941-7320 ; 948-5553 ; 948-5553 948-0314-15 Fax:Fax: (632) 941941-7320 (632) 7320 Email:msvh2011@yahoo.com Email:msvh2011@yahoo.com
JP Laurel Highway, Lipa City.Batangas Tel. No. (043) 784-9999 Fax No. (043) 757-1357 Web: www.mediatrixmedcenter.com.ph E-mail: mmmcmktg@yahoo.com
6o4 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City Telelphone: 654-55-28 Mobile Hotline: 0917-7920753; 0923-3108326
Perpetual Succor Hospital & Maternity, Inc.
32 Sta. Ana Ext. Corner Betelnut St., San Roque, Marilina City Tel.no.682-3240 Web: www. saintanthony.com.ph
The Generics Ph Th G i Pharmacy The Generics Pharmacy G/F Lawyers Cooperative Bldg.
The Generics Pharmacy corner Banawe St, Quezon CitySM Clinical Branches 459 Quezon Avenue St. Km. 14 Email: janetestranero@yahoo.com Street, Edison St., cor Culdesac Tel:(02) 442-0373 Mobile:09179052520 Leviste Homes, Paranaque Website: http://thegenericspharmacy.com Email:mail@rccamazingtouch.com Website: http://thegenericspharmacy.com Web:www.rccamazingtouch.com
"Natural non-surgical approach in removing warts moles and other skin growths"
Address: 232 Basilan Street, Brgy. Malamig, Mandaluyong City Metro Manila Tel No.(632)438.4814; Fax No.(632)437.3660 E-Mail : gearcom2005@yahoo.com
836 F. Cayco St., Sampaloc, Manila Tel. Nos.: 731-1631 to 33 / 731-5774 to 77 Fax No.: 731-5778 http://www. perpetualsuccorhospital.com
Department of Health
Manila Adventist Medical Center & Colleges, Inc. Tel. No.:525-9191 to 98 E-mail: info@mamcc.org
Dr. Montano Ramos Gen. Hospital
46 Bukidnon St. Bago Bantay, Q.C. Tel. No. 453-1377 / 927-6628 141 Mindanao Ave. Proj. 8, Q.C. Tel. No. 392-8573
9276628
E-Mail:drmgramosgenhosp@yahoo.com
FCC,Alabang,Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila Tel. No. (632) 807-2628 to 32 Direct Line: (632) 809-7599 Fax No. (632) 842-2828 E-mail: info@ritm.gov.ph Web: http://www.ritm.gov.ph
United Doctors Medical Center No. 290 Espaa cor. 6 N. Ramirez Sts., Quezon City, Philippines, Cable Address: "UDMC" Tel. Nos. 712-3640 to 59
E-mail:uniteddoctorsmedicalcenterinc@yahoo.com
Web:www.uniteddoctorsmedicalcenter.com
Ramos Polyclinic
Brgy. Lanatan Balayan, Batangas 4213 Tel. no. (043) 921-2313 Fax no. (02) 429-2706
Maharlika Highway, Daan Sanile, 3100 Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija Tel. No. (044)-463-7845 to 48 / 600-0957 / 600-0176 / 464-1007 Fax No. 463-5868
E-mail: premiere_medcenter@yahoo.com.ph
Address: CHRIST THE KING ROAD, TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE Tel. No.:(084) 216 6375 Fax No.:(084) 216 6376 E-mail:bishopreganhospital@ yahoo.com
World Citi Medical Center 960 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City 1109 Philippines Tel. No. (632) 913-8380 (632) 438-4580 Web: http://www.worldcitimed.com/
JP Laurel Highway, Brgy, Marawoy Lipa City. Batangas Tel. No. (043) 756-0549 / 312-2668 981-1996 E-mail: metrolipamedicalcenter@yahoo.com
Sta Rosa's First in Quality Healthcare Service St. James Hospital, Inc.
ST. JAMES HOSP ITAL, INC.
Mariquita Pueblo, Dita, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Tel. No. (02) 420-8041 / 520-8168 (049) 837-6996 / 837-3669 Telefax: Local 102 and 307 E-mail: stjames1993@yahoo.com
OB-Gyn, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery,Dermatology, Laboratory, Ultrasound, X-Ray, HOSPITAL High School College and Department
De Los Santos -STI City Eye Center Medical Center 4/F, Araneta Square Mall, Monumento Your partner in Sr. Blvd., 201 E. Rodriguezquality and affordable healthcare.
Quezon City, Philippines Tel. No. (632)723-0041 to 54 Web: www.delomed.com/
Circle, Caloocan City Main Clinic: 367-9619 Email: cityeyecenter@yahoo.com
Philhealth Accredited
25 Gen. Luna Rd. Baguio City Tel. # (074) 6198530 to 34 Tel. No. (074) 619-8530(074) 4243361 to 63 to 34 75 Bukidnon St., Bago Bantay Q.C. Tel No. (074) 424-3361Emergency Room Direct Line 42433659275643 Fax No. 9273683 to 63 Emergency Room .- 09178618203 loc 105 Fax No. (074) 304-5960 Operator loc 101 / 0 admin@sioson.bayanteldsl.ph E-mail: E-mail: notredamehospital@yahoo.com
Telefax # Fax # Email Information loc 121 (074) 4243364 (074) 3045960 notredamehospital @yahoo.com
Philhealth Accredited
along National Highway Balintawak, Lipa City, Batangas Tel. No. (043)-756-2342 / 756-2372 / 756-1190 E-mail: lmmc.marketing@yahoo.com
Tamsui Avenue Bayan Luma Imus City 4103 Tel. No:(046) 472-3773 Mobile: 0917-551-7840 0917-801-3773
Planetarium Enterprise
#1 Pres. J.P. Laurel Highway, Tanauan City, Batangas Tel. No. (043) 778-1810 /(043) 405-1000 Fax No: (043) 778-0960 E-mail: customer-service@dmmcinc.com Web: www.dmmcinc.com
Lagazo Village Calinan Davao City Telefax No. (082) 299-1768 E-mail: sales@planetarium-ent.com Web: www.planetarium-ent.com
Rivera Medical Center, Inc. (RMCI) Address: 7302 San Francisco, Panabo City Tel. Nos.:(084)628 5234 /(084)628 4175 Fax No.:(084) 628 4634 Website: www.Rmci.Com.Ph Email: Rmci@Rmci.Com.Ph
Eye Clinic and UT2 Facility Area F. Brgy San Pedro, Sapang palay City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Tel: 09284864155 Email: evrmemorialhospital@yahoo.com
KM. 7 Mcarthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City Tel. Nos.: (082) 297-2597 Fax No.: (082) 2981692 Web: www.davaoadventisthospital.com
Circumferencial Road, Barangay San Juan Accfa, Cabanatuan City Tel. No. (044) 940-0900 / 940-0700 / 940-0300 Fax No. (044) 940-4262 Mobile No. 0917-507-9134
HEALTH FITNESS
D1 Tuesday, February 12, 2013 mblifestyle@gmail.com Editor: ISABEL C. DE LEON
Shape!
Whether you are a Ruler, an Hourglass, an Apple or a Pear
Text by CHESHIRE J. QUE, RND, RN, RD
Love Your
o m e n s b o d i e s were not created equally. Some are slim, some have wide hips, others have broad shoulders, the list just goes on and on. Now the million dollar question is: which one is the most beautiful body shape? Is it the ruler? Think Gwyneth Paltrow. Is it the hourglass? Think Beyonce. Could it be the apple? Oprah Winfrey perhaps? Or the pear shape like Kim Kardashian? I couldnt make up my mind because I dont know the answer. However, I know that everyone can feel and look beautiful whatever their body shape is. How? Read on.. Love Your Body Self-acceptance is the first step to feeling and looking beautiful. Whatever body shape you have, be thankful you have hands, feet, eyes, a nose and a mouth. Imagine if you had three eyes! You are Gods creation. You are fearfully and wonderfully made therefore, you are beautiful. Yes, say that to yourself again and again. Learn Your Style When it comes to choosing what to wear, remember to WEAR THE RIGHT SIZE! Please, my dear beautiful women I beg you, do not try to fit into a dress that is one size smaller. It will only make you look like youve put on weight. Just the same, wearing a dress one size bigger will only make you look like a scarecrow! Wear clothes that flatter your
greatest assets. Choose the right shade and pattern that will suit your skin color and body shape. Choose bright colors like yellow if you want to look wider and dark shades like black if you want to look slimmer. Live Your Life Healthy is the new sexy! We may have different body shapes but we have one thing in common. We all have to live a healthier lifestyle if we want to be beautiful inside and out. Let go of unrealistic goals. Aim for optimum healthy weight range. Take pleasure in eating a variety of foods sans the guilt. Choose a physical activity that will not only make you burn calories but you also find enjoyable. Gym for some, yoga for others, sports, walking the dog, whatever just get moving! Learn to manage stress for it is part of life. De-stress by taking time to just BREATHE!!! P ray! Read! Listen to music. Sleep. Whatever will refresh your mind and stabilize your emotions for a few minutes,
(Turn to page D-2)
D-2
Health Fitness
teach all the different kind of fitness but the only one I teach to the widest range of ages is Flexibility. To be more precise, I have taught Yoga and even simple stretching exercises to babies of only months old all the way to men and women in their 70s. And considering that Flexibility is one of the easiest and most convenient fitness goals to achieve, it also unfortunately seems to be one of the most neglected. Its convenient because it can be done anywhere without any equipment or special workout clothes or even shoes. Its easy because absolutely anyone in any condition can perform an adjusted version or any stretch, and the best thing of all about it is that, if performed safely and properly, every second you spend in a stretch will net you a ton of benefits not only for your flexibility but for your posture, carriage, ease of movement, and health of the spine and lower back. Instead of giving you a whole bunch of stretches that might overwhelm a beginner, well concentrate on just three, for the parts of your body that will benefit the most from achieving better range of motion the hamstrings, the chest and shoulders, and last but definitely not least, the hips and groin an area which gets tight and prone to trouble as we get older (and by older I mean 30s onwards!).
the leg slightly if its uncomfortable. 5. Pull very gently with the sash, not to bring the leg in more unless this feels good but to keep it in place and support it. Instead of counting in seconds how long you can hold it, measure in breaths. Start out with a couple of long, relaxing breaths
and over the next few weeks, build up until youre keeping the leg in the stretch for several breaths. Enjoy the time spent in the stretch put your favorite music on so your body can relax this really helps in releasing tightness and tension and allowing the body to increase flexibility.
FITNESS BULLETIN Our Mommy & Me Rhythmic Yoga classes will be held on February 14, Thursday, 17 Sunday, 21 Thursday and 24 Sunday, at 1:30 2:30 pm. Please sms 09179613765 for inquiries and reservations.
Love...
"I
do it! The world will not end if you take 10 minutes off to just Relax. Chill. Breathe. Lifestyle of Detoxification Detoxify. Not once, not twice but regularly. Cleanse your body by eating life-giving foods that are low in saturated fat, good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Keep yourself hydrated. Never underestimate the power of water. For many years, I have been suffering from iron deficiency anemia despite a well balanced diet and supplementation. I had to adapt major dietary changes like saying no to my favorite drink, tea. Tannin in tea hinders the absorption of non-heme iron we get from vegetables, breads, cereals and other non-animal sources. I was the anemic nutritionistdietitian until I started doing regular colon cleansing and drinking pure wheatgrass everyday. After a year of detoxifying, my blood work just came out normal. I would want to believe that my regular colon cleansing paid off by helping my body absorb available nutrients from my dietary intake more efficiently.
L a s t l y, a woman who has a sound mind, a healthy body, and a strong spiritual life will feel and look beautiful in all aspects. For more information, visit www. cheshireque.com and www.myspadiet.com
Health Fitness
D-3
hile using mounds of chemical-based hair products on our locks may make them shinier and (temporarily) healthier, they make the crowning glory dry, brittle, and unruly in the long run. Worse, thinning and hair loss problems eventually set in. Stress, genetics, post pregnancy, oily scalp, and alopecia are some of the main causes of hair-loss dilemmas for men and women. According to studies, over 80% of male hair loss and dandruff problem is related to oily scalp, while some women find their hair thinning due to hormonal changes especially after giving birth. There is a wide range of products readily available in the market for these kinds of problems. However, the use of chemical treatments is detrimental and damaging to the human body. Hence, amidst the fast-paced technological advances, we always see ourselves going back to the traditional approach, which may very well be more effective and safer. This drives the Singaporean Bee Choo to take the more convenient home remedies to the next level. Bee, like other women, had thinning and dull hair problems and wanted to bring back her hairs volume and natural luster. Thanks to the herbs readily available in her refrigerator and back garden, she came up with an all-natural Oriental concoction that caters both to men and women with problems such as hair loss, hair color, volume, and dullness. Bee Choo brings the magic she discovered through the healing herbs in the country through her TaylorTyler Herbal Hair Spa and Salon, which is dubbed as the first of its kind in the Philippines. Although she finds it hard to communicate in English, Choo says that the her herbal products serve as a way of freeing the hair from product buildup and other impurities caused by other products and treatments, which may leave the hair lifeless.
If there is such a thing as a wellness program for the body, TaylorTyler has its own wellness program for the hair. Our focus is really more on giving our customers a unique experience complete with their own hair regimen. We have our own team of professional stylists that can help them customize their treatment depending on their hair problems, co-founder Johnny Co said in a statement. TaylorTyler products are equipped with the all-natural hair formula that can help rid the hair of all its impurities such as dandruff, trapped chemicals in hair and scalp, bald spots, and red and scaly patches. Herbals include tea, ginseng, ginger, tea, and lingzhi mushroom, or medicine of the kings in English. A treatment session begins by massaging herbal medicated tonic onto the scalp. After which, herbal treatment is applied layer by layer and left to steam for 45 minutes; this opens the pores and allows nutrient absorption into the roots that stimulate hair growth. The variety of Bee Choo herbal hair products include the Origin Purity Scalp Shampoo, Origin Purity Repair Hair Conditioner, Garlic Wine, Origin Treatment Spa Crme, and Origin Crystal Serum all guaranteed safe even for kids and pregnant women. TaylorTyler Herbal Hair Spa and Salon has branches at SM Mall of Asia and Pergola Mall, BF Homes Paranaque, as well as in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
D-4
Health Fitness
t is b y no means comparable to the air-conditioned doctors clinics in the top hospitals. The office of the FGO Herbal Foundation is located in an old building somewhere along a busy section of Roxas Boulevard, near the Baclaran Church practically the same area that was called gritty by Bourne Legacy director Tony Gilroy. The waiting area is a collection of chairs, and upon the MB teams visit, several patients are already waiting for their turn at consultation. Aside from the man sitting at a large table, presumably to act as the reception-
tributors. Among her bestsellers is the aforementioned Krystall Oil, which serves as a sort of cure-all for headaches, sinusitis, and colds -- all the way down to tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, and paralysis. We were told that a purchase of this miracle oil at her office can entitle one to the massage session for free. She also has eye drops to promote clear vision, a foot soak powder for relaxation, tea that can cleanse the liver and treat coughs and colds, and different pills for almost any ailment possible. Understandably, most of her patients are the underserved of society; those who, like her, do not believe in doctors or are those who cannot afford a specialists fees. They are the ones who flock to her seminars, listen to her radio guestings, and give their testimonials about how the companys products were able to cure their illnesses. One of her high-profile supporters was the late radio personality Dely Magpayo, whom, Miss Ong said, she would have been able to revive from her coma had she been given enough time.
Among the mementoes tucked in her files is a letter from a former health secretary lauding her efforts to reach out to the grass roots level. With a growing gap between the health services and the marginalized people of society, and the renewed interest in alternative medicine, outfits like the FGO Herbal Foundation might just be worth looking into. FGO Herbal Foundation is located at 727 Roxas Boulevard Paranaque, telephone number (02) 853-0917, email fgofoundation@ yahoo.com.
TRAVEL
E1 Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Kadsagayan dance tilt (photo by Paul Llanos)
LIFESTYLE
TOURISM
Editor: ISABEL C. DE LEON
Gen. Santos monument at City Plaza the Klaja Karsts. Overlooking the city, Mt. Matutum and Sarangani Bay, it is a splendid location for nature camping, canyoneering, bird watching, and other close-to-nature adventure activities. For adrenaline junkies, it has a 500 and a 300-meter zipline, as well as a cable car. The citys also boasts of mountain resorts, as well as historic spots such as the World War II Japanese bunkers, Gen. Paulino Santos Museum, and the Mindanao State University Museum. For more information, add Kalilangan Festival on Facebook or log on to www.gensantos.gov.ph.
among ethnic leaders, elders, and townsfolk. Custodio added that Kalilangan Festival focuses on the cultural diversity that will enable its people and visitors to revisit and appreciate the citys richness of native songs, dances, sports, games, as well as its local agro-industrial produce. The festival has bagged the Best Tourism Event (Culture and Arts Catergory, City Level) of the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) in 2011 and 2012, and is eyeing a slot in the tourism bodys Hall of Fame this year.
The Hall of Fame is an award given by ATOP to a winner under the same category for three consecutive years. Formerly known as Dadiangas town of the Empire Province of Cotabato, the city was established in 1939 by Gen. Paulino Santos, administrator of the National Land Settlement Administration, upon the instruction of President Manuel Quezon. It was converted into a city on September 5, 1968 and was named after him.
Custodio pointed out that aside from being the countrys hub of the tuna industry, the city is also being developed as an ecotourism spot because of its natural wonders, such as
ENTERTAINMENT
F-1
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Editor: CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN entertainment.mlabulletin@gmail.com
obin Padillas much-talked about love scene with Kris Aquino on the TV series Kailangan Koy Ikaw will apparently not be his last one onscreen even when it had caused some issues between him and wife Mariel Rodriguez. The action star told The Buzz on Sunday that he will not limit himself from doing intimate scenes especially if these are required for work. Aba bakit magiging bawal? Eh, kasama talaga yon. At hindi naman kahit kailan magiging balakid si Mariel sa aking trabaho. Ang ginawa ko eh yung isang lalaking sinuyo ang kanyang asawang babae. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na ibabahag ko na ang buntot para sa asawa ko... kailangan maintindihan din ng asawa ko ang aking punto, he said. Married for almost three years now, Robin said that he informs Mariel of
LOVE PREVAILS for Robin and Mariel (Photo from her Instagram)
ako [nung] sinabi ni Kris na uuwi na [si Mariel], he related. Back on their honeymoon stage after a long suyuan, Robin noted, Ngayon palang siguro [niya] nananamnam na artista yung asawa niya. To reassure Mariel of his love and devotion, Robin paid her a visit at the TV5 studios in the Feb. 6 episode of Wowowillie, which she co-hosts. There, he knelt before her and put the wedding ring back on her finger. To those who continue to bash Mariel online for her recent reactions, Robin reminded them that its better to make love, not war.
the scenes he shoots, though not the details. Nevertheless, he pointed out that, Open ang aming relasyon. A few days ago, Mariels Instagram page was replete with jealousy-ridden posts. Robin confirmed these were ignited by the love scene on his series that aired Feb. 5. Madaling sabihin na maiintindihan mo. Pero pag nakita mo, iba. Hindi ko siya masisi, dapat ay naintindihan niya dahil nasa showbiz
siya. Pero dapat nating tingnan isa siyang asawang babae na nagmamahal, said the actor. Mariel was said to have returned her wedding ring and stormed out of their home. Robin feared then that their marriage was over. Nevertheless, hes grateful to Kris for talking to his better half. Ang lungkot ko na nun. Parang tinalo ko na yata yung iba sa dami ng naging asawat nahiwalayan. Hindi na maganda. Kaya masayang-masaya
Entertainment News
MOVIE SYNOPSIS
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
-R18
-R13
-R13
GANGSTER SQUAD
-PG13
SEDUCTION
-PG13
2 CHINESE ZODIAC
- PG13
3 HAUNTED
LES MISERABLES
-R16
WARM BODIES
- PG13
HOUSE
- PG13
CHINESE ZODIAC
2D
-G/R 13
(NOTICE TO MOVIEGOERS:The schedules of showing are subject to change without prior notice. Sometimes a movie is pulled out earlier than its stipulated days of showing due to sudden change in exhibition contract or poor performance at the box-office. The following schedules are provided us in advance by exhibitors. You may call the theaters for confirmation.)
ylvester Stallone takes aim at the action genre again with the kick-ass thriller Bullet To The Head, directed by Walter Hill. The hard-hitting actioner is based on the French graphic novel Du Plomb Dans La Tte, written by Matz and illustrated by Colin Wilson. Bullet to the Head also stars Sung Kang (Fast Five), Sarah Shahi (Showtimes The L Word), Christian Slater (TVs Breaking In) and Jason Momoa ( H B O s Game of Thrones). In the film, Stallone stars as Jimmy Bobo, a New Orleans hitman who forms an alliance with Washington D.C. detective Taylor Kwan (Kang) to bring down the killer of their respective partners: The mercenary Keegan (Momoa).
TO THE
BULLET
Now showing across the Philippines, Bullet to the Head is distributed by Buena Vista International through Columbia Pictures
HEAD
MAMA
12:50, 3:15, 5:40, 8:05, 10:30 - PG13
CHINESE ZODIAC s/ GANGSTER SQUAD HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER in 2D BULLET TO THE HEAD MAMA UPSIDE DOWN BROKEN CITY LES MISERABLES
LES MISERABLES WARM BODIES BULLET TO THE HEAD MAMA GANGSTER SQUAD RESERVED RESERVED CHINESE ZODIC HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS in 2D SEDUCTION
Feb. 14,1 2013 Feb. 15, 2013 March 9, 2013
BROKEN CITY
12:10, 2:45, 5:20, 7:55, 10:30 - R13
in 2D
UPSIDE DOWN
12:00, 2:35, 5:10 7:45, 10:20 - GP
in 2D
The New Minstrels & Circus Band 8:00 PM The New Minstrels & Circus Band 8:00 PM Bryan Termulo 8:00 PM
Bo Cerrudo A Valentine Classic: Love Story Aim Private Party Ccatto Singers Golden Screen Awards
CHINESE ZODIAC MAMA SEDUCTION CHINESE ZODIAC DILIG ( IF ) DRAG ME TO HELL CONGKAK CHINESE ZODIAC HAUNTED HOUSE WARM BODIES RESERVE
BULLET TO THE HEAD in 2D
Feb. 14, 15 Feb. 21, 2013 Feb. 22, 2013 March. 1, 2013
UPSIDE DOWN in 2D
BULLET TO THE HEAD
CHINESE ZODISC GANGSTER SQUAD BROKEN CITY in 2D HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS in 2D LES MISERABLES WARM BODIES
GANGSTER SQUAD R-13 BROKEN CITY (IN 2D) R-13 CHINESE ZODIAC (IN 2D) PG BULLET TO THE HEAD (IN 2D) MAMA PG UPSIDE DOWN (IN 2D) G
RESERVE
RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED CHINESE ZODIAC WARM BODIES BULLET TO THE HEAD DIGITAL MOVIE SEDUCTION WARM BODIES HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER SEDUCTION UHAW SA PILING MO ( IF ) MOUNTAIN SPIRIT SEDUCTION DIGITAL MOVIE PARKER HAUNTED HOUSE CHINESE ZODIAC SEDUCTION PARENTAL GUIDANCE GANGSTER SQUAD RESERVED
UPSIDE DOWN 2D BULLET TO THE HEAD BROKEN CITY 2D MAMA WARM BODIES CHINESE ZODIAC GANGSTER SQUAD LES MISERABLES HANSEL & GRETEL
WARM BODIES BULLET TO THE HEAD CHINESE ZODIAC MAMA CHINESE ZODIAC HAUNTED HOUSE SEDUCTION
CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED HAUNTED HOUSE PARKER CHINESE ZODIAC CHINESE ZODIAC SEDUCTION LES MISERABLES
CHINESE ZODIAC HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTER HAUNTED HOUSE SEDUCTION s/ THE STRANGERS CHINESE ZODIAC
F-3
CAMILLE PRATS
ctress Camille Prats has categorically stated that she isnt dating anyone these days, not even the member of Philippine Volcanoes who was linked to her late last year. In an interview at the press con of the upcoming GMA-7 soap, Bukod Kang Pinagpala, Camille cited distance as the biggest reason she and the athlete would not work out as a couple. Hes not here, he lives in a differ-
f-4
BALTIC & CO.
Entertainment News
by Roni Santiago BLONDIE
CALLOUS
by Mike Peters
COPY-PASTE
by Stanley Chi
ZITS
NORMANS ISLAND
by Norman Isaac
REX MORGAN, MD
IPENUTS
by Felipe de la Cruz
MARVIN by Tom Armstrong
BEETLE BAILEY
by Mort Walker
YOUR STARS
(tuesDay, 12 february 2013)
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) You will now be able to appreciate the bright and happy side of a rather seemingly unfavorable event. If you have a fairly good reason to put your head up high, then therefore you should do so. It may do you good to make a few revisions before proceeding any further with a task at hand. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) There will be some inconsistencies and you must do your best to have them removed. A decision by which you are bound will tend to be rather unfair, but by accepting it, you will make it more bearable. You would do well not to take success for granted or to make provision for some lack of it. ARIES (March 21-April 20) An opportunity you missed previously will occur again. Doing more than is expected of you can help your career. You will be in the best of moods and should try to avoid controversy. Seek to spend your day in the company of nice people. TAURUS (April 21-May 20) You will be able to see an old problem in a new light and that will help you to deal with it. Never mind if the solution is a bit unorthodox, all is well provided it works. You will be able to turn what seemed like a disadvantage profoundly in your favor. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Always keep your phone clean, but keep the receiver tray depressed while cleaning. Something you thought would only take minutes will take much longer than that. Do not however let that be an excuse for falling behind. Seek to always look at what is before you and not what you have left behind CANCER (June 21-July 20) Something that you had resolved upon will need all the willpower of which you are capable. What is important is that you have the willpower that is needed. You have a lot of catching up to do and until you catch up try to cut down on your lunch and break hours. LEO (July 21-Aug. 20) If you are suffering from boredom, do not resort to eating or drinking as a means to relieve it. Do not spend too much time thinking about what might have been but more about what is still to come. You will find it a little hard to understand what others really mean. Do not hesitate to ask and to discuss. VIRGO (Aug 21-Sept. 22) You are liable to be apprehensive for no good reason. The best you can do about it is to attend to other things that really do need doing. You may well just make matters worst if you insist on having your own way so dont. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Seek to be aware of what others would prefer. Do not however base your actions on what you think will please rather than on what you think is right. Seek to always look at what is before you and not what you have left behind. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) Begin now to think about a special present for a special occasion. Do not hesitate to consult a lawyer if you are faced with a legal problem beyond your own resources. Make sure you do not do anything to upset your partner. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) Exert an effort to understand and appreciate the attitudes and working methods of your colleagues. What is of importance now is that they get the results that you want. What you have now is reasonably good; no need to worry if others have better things. CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) You are liable to be superficial and if you are not careful, you might consequently miss an important detail. Do not be afraid to take action which you deem necessary and seek not to delay them any longer. Plan your work; do not start with too many things all at once and dont force the issues.
by Art Sansom
by William Contreras
LIFE IN PROGRESS
by Julius Villanueva
Local Channels
TVGuide
Tim Yap Show 1:00 Lee San: Wind of the Palace 1:30 One True Love: Second Chance STUDIO 23 6:00 a.m. Myx 7:00 IbaBalita 7:30 I Got It! 8:00 Swirl Fighters 8:30 Galaxy Racers 9:00 Wonder Pets 9:30 Back At The Barnyard 10:00 Kirarin 10:30 Eyeshield 21 11:00 Alias 12:00 p.m. Lunch Box Office 2:00 UAAP Season 75 Women's Volleyball 6:00 Alias 7:00 Barkada Nights 9:00 Iba-Balita 9:30 Donde Esta Eliza 10:30 WWE NXT 11:30 UFC Unleashed 12:30 a.m. Myx TV 5 4:00 a.m. Mondo Manu 4:15 Reaksyon Replay 4:30 Presinto 5 5:00 Good Morning Club 7:00 Mickey Mouse Club 7:30 Jake and The Neverland Pirates 8:00 Fish Hooks 8:30 Codename: Kids Next Door 9:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 9:30 Ben 10 10:00 The Alabang Housewives 10:30 Face To Face 11:30 Wowowillie 2:30 p.m. White Lies 3:00 You Are My Destiny 3:30 Super Sine 5 5:00 Jeepney Jackpot: Pera O Para 5:30 T3: Reload 6:00 Aksyon 6:45 Kidlat 7:30 Never Say Goodbye 9:00 Super Sine Prime 10:30 Giants 11:00 Pilipinas News 11:30 Reaksyon
ABS CBN 2 4:15 a.m. XXX 5:00 Umagang Kay Ganda 8:00 KrisTV 9:00 Inazuma Eleven 9:30 Reborn 9:45 You're Still The One 10:30 Oohlala Couple 11:00 Minute To Win it 11:30 Be Careful With My Heart 12:30 p.m. It's Showtime 2:45 May Isang Pangarap 3:30 PHR Presents: Paraiso 4:15 A Gentleman's Dignity 4:45 Pinoy True Stories 5:15 Rooftop Prince 5:50 Kahit Konting Pagtingin 6:30 TV Patrol World 7:30 Juan Dela Cruz 8:15 Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw 9:00 Ina, Kapatid, Anak 9:45 Apoy Sa Dagat 10:30 Bandila 11:15 Patrol Ng Pilipino GMA 7 4:30 a.m. I Witness 5:00 Unang Hirit 5:00 Unang Hirit 8:00 Mojacko 8:25 Doraemon 8:50 Inuyasha 9:15 Atashin'chi 9:40 Bleach 10:05 Detective Conan 10:30 One Piece 11:00 Knock Out 11:30 Kusina Master 12:00 p.m. Eat Bulaga 2:35 Yesterday's Bride 3:25 Bukod kang Pinagpala 4:15 Smile Dong Hae 5:05 Paroa: Ang Kuwento Ni Mariposa 5:50 Forever 6:30 24 Oras 7:30 Indio 8:30 Pahiram Ng Sandali 9:30 Temptation Of Wife 10:30 The Greatest Love 11:30 Saksi 12:00 a.m. Reporters Notebook 12:30 The
11:45 Ang Latest Up-Late 12:15 m.n. Medyo late night show w/ Jojo A. all the way PTV 5:30 a.m. Pag-Asa I Weather 6:00 Metro One 7:00 Family Rosary Crusade 8:00 Japan Documentaries 9:00 EZ Shop 11:00 Winner TV Shopping 12:00 p.m. ASEAN Snapshots 1:00 News @ 1 2:30 ASEAN Basketball League 5:00 Teledyaryo 5:00 PTV Sports 6:00 News @ 6 7:00 Presscon 9:00 6 Digit & 6/42 Lotto Draw 9:15 News Life 10:30 ASEAN Snapshots 11:00 Oras Ng Himala ETC ON RPN 9 6:00 a.m. Pretty Little Liars 7:00 The Lying Game 8:00 The Next 9:00 Emily Owens M.D. 10:00 I Am Meg 11:00 Entourage 11:30 TMZ 12:00 p.m. Pretty Little Liars 1:00 ETC HQ 1:15 2 Broke Girls 1:45 Etcetera 2:00 The Lying Game 3:00 The Next 4:00 Emily Owens M.D. 5:00 Pretty Little Liars 6:00 The Insider 6:30 Friends 7:00 Glee 8:00 The Vampire Diaries 9:00 Beauty And The Beast 10:00 Extra 10:30 The Insider 11:00 Friends 12:00 a.m. The Next 1:00 Pretty Little Liars 2:00 Gossip Girl 3:00 Stay Alive 5:00 Emily Owens M.D.
ENLIGHTENED
Returns To Asia For Second Season
unique blend of comedy and drama, HBOs original comedy series ENLIGHTENED, kicks off its eight-episode second season in Asia on Monday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 p.m. on HBO/10:30 p.m. on HBO HD. Season 2 picks up with Amy immersed in gathering evidence against Abaddonn, where she enlists the help of journalist Jeff Flender. As they work together on a searing expos, Amy dreams of a bigger life and develops
ENLIGHTENED
romantic yearnings for the handsome, well-travelled reporter. Meanwhile, Amys ex-husband Levi is still at Open Air Treatment Center in Hawaii, but it remains to be seen whether he will embrace recovery and return as the man she always wanted him to be. Academy Award nominee Laura Dern stars as Amy in the series which she executive produces along with Mike White, who also co-stars, writes and directs.
OWN HALL, a PPCRV and Solar News Channel event series, visit six different universities and sit down with the future senators to get firsthand their platforms and advocacies. On the first leg of TOWN HALL are Team PNOYs Bam Aquino, independent candidates former Olongapo City Councilor JC De Los Reyes, former Senator Ernesto Maceda and Senator Gregorio Honasan. Participating panelists are PPCRV Chair Amb. Henrietta
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1:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 2:00 Rock Myx 2:30 My Myx 3:00 M.I.T 20 5:00 Take 5 5:30 Myx Backtrax 6:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 7:00 My Myx 7:30 Pinoy Rock Myx 8:00 Myx Sure Fire Hits 8:30 Myxellaneous 9:00 Pinoy Myx 9:30 Pop Myx 10:00 Myx Backtrax 10:30 Star Myx 11:00 Myx Mobile Top Picks 12:00 p.m. Myx Daily Top Ten 1:00 My Myx 1:30 Pinoy Myx 2:00 Mellow Myx 2:30 Pop Myx 3:00 Rock Myx 3:30 Myx News 4:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 5:00 Take 5 5:30 Myx Sure Fire Hits 6:00 Pop Myx 6:30 Pinoy Rock Myx 7:00 My Myx 7:30 Tugtugan 8:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 9:00 Pop Myx: K-Pop 9:30 Radio Myx/Myxposed 10:00 Star Myx 10:30 Urban Myx 11:00 Mellow Myx 11:30 Myx Sure Fire Hits CHANNEL [V] INTERNATIONAL 12:00mn [V] Special: Take That The Ultimate Tour 1:00 p.m. Parental Control 1:30 Double Shot 2:00 The Rock Show 2:30 Flava 3:00 Poparazzi 3:30 The Record Shop 4:00 CD USA 5:00 [V] Special: Take That The Ultimate Tour 5:30 Double Shot 7:00 The Ticket 7:30 Soundtracks 8:00 America's Next Top Model S7 9:00 Double Shot 11:00 Poparazzi 11:30 The Record Shop 12:00nn Double Shot 2:00 p.m. Parental Control 2:30 Double Shot 3:00 America's Next Top Model S7 4:00 CD USA 5:00 Poparazzi 5:30 The Record Shop 6:00 [V] Special: Take That The Ultimate Tour 6:30 Double Shot 7:00 Fashion File 7:30 Double Shot 8:00 One-Tastic 8:30 Discovered 9:00 Arcade 9:30 Cactus Garden 10:00 Backpackers 10:30 Double Shot 11:00 The Rock Show 11:30 Flava DISCOVERY CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. You Have Been Warned 1:00 Man vs. Wild 2:00 Abalone Wars 3:00 Bering Sea Gold 4:00 Man vs. Wild 5:00 How Do They Do It? 5:30 How It's Made 6:00 You Have Been Warned 7:00 Deadliest Catch 8:00 Man vs. Wild 9:00 Gold Rush 10:00 Bering Sea Gold 11:00 Man vs. Wild 12:00 p.m. How Do They Do It? 12:30 How It's Made 1:00 You Have Been Warned 2:00 Gold Rush 3:00 Abalone Wars 4:00 Bering Sea Gold 5:00 Man vs. Wild 6:00 How Do They Do It? 6:30 How It's Made 7:00 Curiosity 8:00 Flying Wild Alaska 9:00 Life In The Undergrowth 10:00 River Monsters 11:00 Surviving The Cut NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. Family Guns 1:00 Secrets of The Great Escape Revealed 2:00 Inside 3:00 Family Guns 4:00 Secrets of The Great Escape Revealed 5:00 Inside 6:00 Family Guns 7:00 Scam City 7:55 Secrets of The Great Escape Revealed 8:50 Inside 9:45 Fight Science 10:40 Asia's Deadliest Snakes 11:35 Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 12:00 p.m. Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 12:30 Hong Kong To The World 1:25 Inside 2:20 Fight Science 3:15 Kung Fu Quest 4:10 To Catch A Smuggler 5:05 Asia's Deadliest Snakes 6:00 Wild Case Files 7:00 Dog Whisperer 8:00 Scam City 9:00 Hong Kong To The World 10:00 Hard Time 11:00 Locked Up Abroad A1 12:00mn Into The Deep 1:00 a.m. Ultimate Playground 1:30 Formula D 2:00 Pororoca: Quest For The Endless Wave 3:00 Into The Deep 4:00 Into The unknown 4:30 Game For It 5:00 Lost 6:00 Into The Deep 7:00 Beyond The Horizon 7:30 Extreme Latitude 8:00 Nomads 9:00 Into The Deep 10:00 Into The Unknown 10:30 Game For It 11:00 Lost 12:00nn Into the Deep 1:00 p.m Beyond the Horizon 1:30 Extreme Latitude 2:00 Nomads 3:00 Into the deep 4:00 Into The Unknown 4:30 Game For It 5:00 Lost 6:00 Into the Deep 7:00 Beyond The Horizon 7:30 Extreme Latitude 8:00 Nomads 9:00 Into the Deep 10:00 Into The Unknown 10:30 Game For It 11:00 Lost ANIMAL PLANET 12:00 a.m. Call of the Wildman 1:00 Gator Boys 2:00 Call Of The Wildman 3:00 North Woods Law 5:00 Gator Boys 6:00 Orangutan Island 6:30 Escape to Chimp Eden 7:00 Big Cat Diary 8:00 The Crocodile Hunter 9:00 Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom 10:00 I Shouldn't Be Alive 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 4:00 p.m. Fatal Attractions 5:00 Infested! 6:00 Dirty Jobs 7:00 Alaska Wildlife Troopers 8:00 Man-Eating Super Snake 9:00 Wildest Arctic 10:00 Drug Kingpin Hippos 11:00 Man-Eating Super Snake CARTOON NETWORK 12:00 a.m. Chowder 1:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 2:00 Adventure Time 3:00 Camp Lazlo 4:00 My GYM Partner's A Monkey 5:00 Chowder 6:00 Strawberry Shortcake 6:30 Tom & Jerry Tales 7:00 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 7:30 The Amazing World Of Gumball 8:00 Tom & Jerry Show 11:30 Adventure Time 12:30 p.m. Tom & Jerry Show 1:30 Oggy The Cockroaches 2:30 Adventure Time 3:30 Codename: Kids Next Door 4:30 The Garfield Show 5:00 Oggy The Cockroaches 6:00 Johnny Test 6:30 7:00 Adventure Time 8:00 Toonilicious 9:00 Adventure Time 10:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 11:00 Oggy And The Cock NICKELODEON 12:00 a.m. Chalkzone 2:00 CatDog 4:00 El Tigre 6:00 The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron 6:30 Fairly Odd Parents 7:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 8:00 Max & Ruby 11:30 SpongeBob SquarePants 12:30 p.m. Tuff Puppy 1:00 Winx 2:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 3:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 4:00 Artzooka 4:30 Winx 5:00 Kid vs. Kat 5:30 Tuff Puppy 6:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 6:30 SpongeBob SquarePants 7:00 iCarly 7:30 Big Time Rush 8:00 Victorious 8:30 True Jackson, VP 9:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 11:00 SpongeBob Squarepants DISNEY CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. Sonny with a Chance 12:30 Shaun The Sheep 1:00 Kim Possible 1:30 Lilo & Stitch: The Series 2:00 Fish Hooks 2:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 3:00 Good Luck Charlie 3:30 Phineas And Ferb 4:00 Stitch: The Series 4:30 Suite Life On Deck 5:00 Sonny with a Chance 5:30 Hannah Montana 6:00 Upin and Ipin 6:30 Boboiboy 7:00 Bola Kampung 7:30 Mr. Bean: Animated 8:00 Upin and Ipin 9:00 Canimals 9:30 Boboiboy 10:00 Supa Strikas 10:30 Kick Buttowski 11:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 12:00 p.m. Upin and Ipin 12:30 Mr. Bean - Live Action 1:00 Mr. Bean: Animated 1:30 Just For Laughs Gags 3:30 Upin and Ipin 4:30 Art Attack 5:00 Boboiboy 5:30 Dreamkix 6:00 Phineas & Ferb 7:00 Just Kidding 9:30 Phineas & Ferb 10:00 Oggy And The Cockroaches 10:30 Zig & Sharko 11:00 Fish Hooks 11:30 Pair Of Kings ANIMAX 12:00 a.m. Spooky Kitaro 12:30 Idaten Jump! 1:00 Letter Bee 1:30 Last Exile 2:00 Fairy Tail 2:30 Beelzebub 3:00 City Hunter 3:30 Kekkaishi 4:00 Inuyasha The Final Act 4:30 Last Exile 5:00 Bleach 6:00 Inuyasha The Final Act 6:30 Last Exile 7:00 Fairy Tail 7:30 Beelzebub 8:00 Spooky Kitaro 8:30 Idaten Jump! 9:00 Bleach 10:00 Letter Bee 10:30 Last Exile 11:00 Fairy Tail 11:30 Beelzebub 12:00 p.m. Spooky Kitaro 12:30 Idaten Jump! 1:00 Bleach 2:00 Letter Bee 2:30 Last Exile 3:00 Fairy Tail 3:30 Beelzebub 4:00 Spooky Kitaro 5:00 Idaten Jump! 6:00 Inuyasha The Final Act 6:30 Last Exile 7:00 Fairy Tail 7:30 Beelzebub 8:00 City Hunter 8:30 Kekkaishi 9:00 Spooky Kitaro 9:30 Idaten Jump! 10:00 Fairy Tail 10:30 Beelzebub 11:00 City Hunter 11:30 Kekkaishi HERO 12:00 a.m. Jigoku Shoujo 12:30 Reborn 1:00 Crystal Warrior 1:30 Yugioh 5D 2:00 New Captain Tsubasa Road To 2002 2:30 Code Geass 3:00 Sailor Moon 3:30 Devil May Cry 4:00 Working! 4:30 Gintama 5:00 Jigoku Shoujo 5:30 Slayers Revolution 6:00 One Outs 6:30 Phantom 7:00 New Captain Tsubasa Road To 2002 7:30 Devil May Cry 8:00 Yugioh 5D 8:30 Reborn 9:00 Crystal Warrior 9:30 Sailor Moon 10:00 Code Geass 10:30 One Outs 11:00 Working! 11:30 Slayers Revolution R 12:00 p.m. Jigoku Shoujo 12:30 Gintama 1:00 Devil May Cry 1:30 Phantom 2:00 New Captain Tsubasa Road To 2002 2:30 One Outs 3:00 Sailor Moon 3:30 Code Geass 4:00 Yugioh 5D 4:30 Reborn 5:00 Working! 5:30 Slayers Revolution 6:00 New Captain Tsubasa Road To 2002 6:30 One Outs 7:00 Sailor Moon 7:30 Jigoku Shoujo 8:00 Working! 8:30 Reborn 9:00 Slayers Revolution 9:30 Yugioh 5D 10:00 Code Geass 10:30 Gintama 11:00 Devil May Cry 11:30 Deltora Quest STAR WORLD 12:00 a.m. Revenge 12:50 Parenthood 1:35 Jane By Design 2:20 Desperate Housewives 3:05 Splash TV 3:50 Grey's Anatomy 4:35 Revenge 5:20 Glee 6:05 Jane By Design 6:50 Once Upon A Time 7:40 Gary Unmarried 8:30 Revenge 9:20 Parenthood 10:10 Bunheads 11:00 American Idol 12:00 p.m. DC Cupcakes 12:50 Australia's Next Top Model 1:40 American Idol 3:20 Splash TV 4:10 Glee 5:00 How I Met Your Mother 6:00 Splash TV 7:00 Asia's Next Top Model 8:00 Cougar Town 9:00 The Glee Project 9:55 Greek 11:00 Parenthood STAR PHOENIX 12:00mn Phoenix Midnight News Update 12:20 a.m. A Date With Lu Yu 12:25 Amzing Legacy 12:30 Phoenix Kidult Drama 1:20 A Date with Lu Yu 2:10 Phoenix Midnight News Update 3:00 Web Buster 3:25 Entertainment Whirlwind 3:50 Trendy Guide 4:10 Phoenix Buster 4:50 Health Express II 4:55 From Phoenix To The World 5:25 News Line 5:50 Singer Profile 6:30 Liaos Standpoint 6:55 Music Video Selection 7:00 The Intellectual Life 7:30 Weekend Morning News 7:55 Weather Forecast 8:00 Whos Who In Olympics 8:45 Singer Profile 8:55 Weather Forecast 9:00 Panoramic Eyeshot Of Phoenix 9:30 TLC From Phoenix 9:55 Mentally & Physically In Action 10:00 Phoenix Selection 11:25 Health Express II 11:30 Advertising Magazine 11:35 Music Video Selection 11:40 Totole Belle Gourment 11:55 Feng Lu Newsline 12:25 p.m. Weather Forecast 12:30 The World This Week 1:00 Bai Sha Celebrated China Heritage 1:05 A Voyage To The Western Ocean 1:45 Panoramic
PIA HONTIVEROS
Eyeshot Of Phoenix 2:20 China Forum 3:15 Phoenix Buster 3:50 Super Star Show 4:35 Advertising Magazine 4:40 Super Star Show ARIRANG 12:00 a.m. Arirang News 12:30 Travelog 1:00 Showbiz Korea 1:30 Pops in Seoul 2:00 Arirang News 2:30 Discover World 3:00 Heart to Heart 4:00 Arirang News 4:30 Discover World 5:00 The Sensation 6:00 Day Break 6:30 Visit Korea 7:00 Korea Today 8:00 Prime Time News 8:30 Pops in Seoul 9:00 The INNERview 10:00 Arirang News 10:30 Discover World 11:00 Simply K-Pop 12:00 p.m. Arirang News 12:15 100 Icons of Korean Culture 12:30 Korea Today 1:00 Showbiz Korea 1:30 Pops in Seoul 2:00 Arirang News 2:30 Visit Korea 3:00 The INNERview 4:00 Arirang News 4:30 Discover World 5:00 Simply K-Pop 6:00 Arirang News 6:30 Korea Today 7:00 Showbiz Korea 7:30 Pops in Seoul 8:00 Arirang News 8:30 Visit Korea 9:00 The INNERview 10:00 Arirang News 10:30 Discover World 11:00 Simply K-Pop JACKTV 12:00 a.m. 30 Rock 1:00 Futurama 1:30 Unsupervised 2:00 Two And A Half Men 3:00 The Big Bang Theory 4:00 Live From Abbey Road 5:00 Glee 7:00 Bob's Burger 7:30 The Cleveland Show 10:00 Arrow 12:00 p.m. 30 Rock 1:00 Arrow 3:00 Grimm 5:00 Paid Programming 6:00 Suits 7:00 Raising Hope 8:00 Live From Abbey Road 10:00 I Think I Love My Wife PBO 1:30 a.m. Tatak Kriminal 3:30 Bugbog Sarado 5:30 Gising Na Ang Higanteng Natutulog 7:30 Magic Kombat 9:30 Love At First Sight 11:30 Utang Ni Tatang 1:30 p.m. Mega Snake 3:30 Roberta 5:30 Ikaw Pa Rin, Bongga Ka Boy 7:30 In Your Eyes 9:30 Wala Nang Iibigin Pang Iba 11:30 Banyo Queen VELVET 12:00 a.m. The Soup 12:30 Awkward 1:00 90210 2:00 Made In Chelsea 3:00 Ringer 4:00 House of Lies 4:30 So You Think You Can Dance 5:30 Excused 6:00 Is She Really Going Out with Him 6:30 I Know My Kid's A Star 7:30 Ringer 8:30 The Good Wife 9:30 Made In Chelsea 10:30 So You Think You Can Dance 11:30 Cougar Town 12:00 p.m. Mobbed 1:00 Inside The Actors Studio 2:00 Awkward 2:30 90210 3:30 Made In Chelsea 4:30 Ringer 5:30 So You Think You Can Dance 6:30 The Secret Lives Of Dancers 7:00 The Mortified Sessions 7:30 Cougar Town 8:00 Ice Loves Coco 8:30 Texas Women 9:30 Tia and Tamera 10:30 Nurse Jackie 11:00 RuPaul's Drag Race VIVA CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. The OPM Show 12:30 Especially For You 1:00 Concert 2:30 Popstar Rewind 3:00 Petra's Panniest 3:30 Daily Top 10 4:30 The OPM Show 5:00 Pinoy Star Stories 6:00 Annebishowsa 6:30 Popstar Diaries 7:00 The Jon Santos Show 8:00 Petra's Panniest 8:30 Especially For You 9:00 Concert 10:30 The OPM Show 11:00 Especially For You 11:30 Annebishowsa 12:00 p.m. Daily Top 10 1:00 Popstar Rewind 1:30 Star Yayey 2:30 KC.com 3:00 Pinoy Star Stories 4:00 Petra's Panniest 4:30 Pantaxa 5:30 Daily Top 10 6:30 The OPM Show 7:00 Petra's Panniest 7:30 Daily Top 10 8:30 Star Yayey 9:00 The Jon Santos Show 10:00 Especially For You 10:30 Concert AUSTRALIA NETWORK 12:30 a.m. Q&A 1:30 Newsline With Jim Middleton 2:00 Tonic 2:30 Catalyst 3:00 ABC News Breakfast 6:30 Newsline with Jim Middleton 7:00 Business Today 7:30 News 8:00 Business Today 8:30 News 9:00 Giggle and Hoot 9:05 The Wiggles 9:30 Giggle and Hoot 9:35 Play School 9:55 Giggle and Hoot 10:00 English Bites 10:20 Study English 10:30 Underwater World for Kids 11:00 Worst Best Friends 11:30 News 12:00 p.m. McLeod's Daughters 1:00 Tonic 1:30 Catalyst 2:00 Giggle and Hoot 2:05 The Wiggles 2:30 Giggle and Hoot 2:35 Play School 2:55 Giggle And Hoot 3:00 News 3:30 English Bites 4:00 Underwater World for Kids 4:30 Worst Best Friends 5:00 News 5:30 7.30 6:00 Animal Rescue 6:30 Surf Patrol 7:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 8:00 Grandstand 8:30 News 9:00 Newsline with Jim Middleton 9:30 Offspring 10:30 Animal Rescue 11:00 Surf Patrol 11:30 Who Do You Think You Are?
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Entertainment News
he last time we talked to BB Gandanghari was in 2012 when we chanced upon him at Greenbelt 3 in the company of his dear friend, Rufa Mae Quinto. He just came from his film studies and modeling stints in New York. He also just joined Viva Artists Agency and was so excited about the companys future plans for him. Among them are TV shows, movies and a political play titled Halik ng Tarantula, slated to be staged next month and will mark his grand comeback in the local performing arts scene. Upon his return to the country, BB played a significant role in TV5s highly rated fantasy series Enchanted Garden. He also gave a sensitive performance as a sympathetic transgender, who is torn between two rival lovers played by Wendell Ramos and Baron Geisler, in an episode of the controversial Untold Stories. This role made it to the long list of potential winners of the PMPC Star Awards for TV 2012, the same body which bestowed on him the New TV Personality Award. In the recent past, BB played a gay character in the film version of the comic book Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, and also appeared on some teleseryes of GMA-7 (La Vendetta) and ABS-CBN (Eva Fonda). Going back to Halik ng Tarantula, it is a translation by noted Filipino playwright, Rene Villanueva, of the highly-acclaimed Kiss of the Spider Woman which is about two inmates of a Buenos Aires prison in the 1970s. One is a political prisoner, Valentin Arregui, and the other, Luis Molina, is imprisoned because of his homosexuality. BB Gandanghari plays Molina. Valentine Shows At Merks
the 60s trio, Tiongco Brothers. Also performing on Valentines Day is Henry Katindig and his band. On Feb. 15, talented vocalist Suy performs during Happy Hour after which Forever Young Band takes centerstage. Bloomfields, a young quartet of talented guys namely Dino Pascual, Louie Poco, Lakan Hila and Rocky Collado, will perform on Feb. 19 and every Tuesday thereafter. Wednesday Jazz Night continues regularly with Richard Merk and Friends. Joining them are Emcy Corteza, Ferdie Topacio and other jazz artists. Pat Castillo is featured solo on Feb. 20, while Jacqui Magno sings on Feb. 27. Visit Merks Place on the 2nd floor of Colbella Arcade at 910 Pasay Road, Makati City.
singing sensation Psy in Ang Tanging Family Valentine Show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Other special guest performers are Wally Bayola and Jose Manalo. On Feb. 22, Kim Idol will give a riotous performance at PAGCOR Angeles. Joining him onstage is Anton Diva. Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 12, go to Mrs. Alice Lacson, Mrs. B ing Atienza, Denise Ysmael Lacon, Tessie Sioson Roque, Elizabeth Manlongat- Carino, Joe Recio, Mitos Escalambre, Honey Hazel Lim, Noemi Rivera, Lourdes Calma Bisaya, David Ty, Jr., US-based Lambert Santos, Nervin Bautista Areola, Madelain
AI AI DELAS ALAS
POOH
SITTI
Backroom Artists Schedule Of Shows Backroom artists started the year right with various showbiz commitments. Bossa Nova Queen Sitti was one of Showtimes hurados from Jan. 14 to 19. After that, she had a mall tour at Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Galleria then she performed at the Bar 360 of Resorts World Manila. On Feb. 14, make it A Valentine Date with Sitti at Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. On Feb. 22, Sitti and Hansen Nichols will perform live at Casino Filipino Olongapo. Also on Feb. 14, K-La Rivera will be Makati Shangri-Las featured artist in its Valentine show, while K Brosas will have a show with Rico J. Puno titled Groovy Kind of Love at Resorts World Manila. On Feb. 15, Pooh will tickle funny bones with his My Poohny Valentine at PAGCOR Tagaytay. On Feb. 16, Comedy and BoxOffice Queen Ai Ai delas Alas, celebrates laughter and romance as she grooves to the beat of Gangnam Style with Koreas hottest YouTube
Salcedo-Tabor, Joey Sermonia, Karvin Grace Gerilla, Baby Eric Slotta, and entertainment writers Marinel Cruz, Ambet Nabus and Nene Riego
RICHARD MERK
Va l e n t i n e t r e a t s a t Merks Place kicked off with Poppin Jazz, featuring Emcy Corteza, Tek Faustino and brother Ding yesterday. On Feb. 12, its sing your favorite love songs and do a free-wheeling expression of love in a sing-along poetry night. Tomorrow, Feb. 13, Save Your Heart for Me features Richard Merk and Friends, with Emcy Corteza, Ferdie Topacio and other top artists. On Feb. 14, featured are Richard Merk, Jeannie Tiongco and Ferdie Topacio in My Cherie Amour. Jeannie is the eldest daughter of Emil Tiongco of the famous Tiongco Brothers. Joining them are Ferdie Topacio, and
RICHARD POON will serenade couples with romantic hits along with special guest Emmanuelle Vera on Feb. 13, 8:30 p.m. at The Bellevue Manila grand ballroom
FOR THE WYNN. Up and coming singer Wynn Andrada hopes for a place in showbiz and hes more than fortunate to get a fast track by becoming one of the finalists in this years Himig Handog songwriting tilt. At 18, Wynn is the youngest among 12 finalists and one of the few who gets to interpret his own composition, Tamang Panahon, on record and come finals night on Feb. 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena to air live on ABS-CBN. His entry, he said, was inspired by his high school crush. First time ko po magsulat and I spent three nights writing my song, Wynn told Bulletin Entertainment. Will youngest be the luckiest in the contest? All in the right place and, as his song puts it, at the right time. (Report by Jecelyn V. Macahindog)
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The Students and Campuses section is looking for campus writers. E-mail your resume and sample works at MByouthsection@ gmail.com.
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ll children are fascinated with astronomy. While they may not be familiar with the term astronomy, their interest in outer space is evident at an early age with their fascination with celestial objects such as the moon, stars,
planets, and galaxies. In fact, when children who are exposed to space exploration activities such as observing stars and planets using a telescope are asked what they want to be when they grow up, being an astronomer would probably be the first word to come out of their mouths! Sadly, this interest in exploring outer space is not retained as children grow older. Here in the Philippines, astronomy is among the least popular fields of science because there is only one university that offers astronomy-related courses. Also, the facilities needed to fuel the interest of young people in outer space are simply lacking. PLANETARIUM IN A SNAP Knowing the importance of using creative methods in teaching to sustain childrens interest particularly in astronomy, former lawmaker and Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) president Anna Dominique Nikki Coseteng has come up with a program specially designed for young learners. I started the program because of my fascination with outer space. Since I was small, Ive always believed that were not the only creatures in this universe. Even now that I am older, I still believe that we are not the first and were not the only ones, Coseteng says. As part of her Discover and Probe the Skies (DPS) Foundation, Inc., which is aimed at the development of research and astronomy in the country, Coseteng introduced the SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium, a mobile digital planetarium in 2010 to create greater awareness on astronomy, especially among young pupils. Aside from her fascination with outer space, Coseteng says that she set up the program because she feels that the countrys educational system shortchanges students who are often taught using a two-dimensional plane. The perception is that the planets are all on a sheet of paper or in a magazine but you see, that is not how outer space is like, she says. I want
THE MOBILE planetarium goes to various schools to promote greater awareness and interest in astronomy.
DILIMAN PREPARATORY School's SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium is one creative way to learn more about outer space.
the children to understand how vast the universe is, that even if you go millions of kilometers, youre not even there yet, she adds. Coseteng explains that the digital planetarium makes it easy for the foundation to promote her advocacy to as many children as possible because it can easily be transported to any place. First introduced in Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City , the SpaceDome Planetarium has been going to schools all over the country with the goal of promoting the science of astronomy. We hope that we can inspire Filipino students to delve deeper into the fascinating world of science and technology, she adds.
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To Space...
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of difference because it can be manipulated anytime. The digital planetarium uses inflatable domes that can accommodate more than 10 students at a time. A computer attached to a special projection system also enables it to show the sky on a real-time set up. CHANGING THE WAY THINGS ARE TAUGHT Coseteng says that to be able to generate greater awareness in astronomy as well as in other fields, it is very important to explore new and creative ways to educate Filipino students. We should give them the opportunity to go beyond the confines of the classroom and textbook education, she says. She believes that it is vital for children to have a holistic educational experience. Academic excellence is no longer enough today. You can be the number one in your class but if you cannot communicate, if you cannot solve problems, if you cannot analyze, feel, empathize, and sympathize, and if you do not possess the basic self-mastery skills, youre practically not needed anymore because the computers can do all of that, she points out. In her school, DPS students are exposed to astronomy as early as Grade 2 in Science, English, and Math subjects. We want the children to see the importance of astronomy, and encourage them to take it up as a course. There are so many college graduates today who cant even find a job but if one took astronomy, he or she will be all over the world because it is in demand, she says. She observes that it is very difficult to encourage children to take up astronomy or the sciences for that matter because they always think that its difficult. Parents also have the tendency to feel that its difficult and recommend another course. Young people hesitate to take sciences because they are not aware of the magnificence of the course. So if you expose them earlier, then its in the back of their minds and when they choose a career path, it will be one of those, she adds. Rosales, meanwhile, shares that it saddens him to think that the Philippines is far behind other countries when it comes to astronomy. Setting up an observatory would require a lot of funds. Thats why its understandable why this field is not a priority, he says. But through its digital planetarium, DPS hopes that more people would become interested in this science, and hopefully encourage government to provide facilities that would put the country on the map of the astronomical world.
ASTRONOMY 101 Clockwise from top left shows astronomer Edmund Rosales giving a lecture on outer space; a modern telescope used for viewing the sun and stars; and the students preparing to enter the SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium.
ONE-OF-A-KIND CELESTIAL EXPERIENCE SkyXplore SpaceDome Planetarium chief astronomer Edmund Rosales personally oversees school visits along with seven other astronomers and 12 events crew. Its rewarding to go to schools and see the reaction of the students when we set up the digital planetarium. They say its awesome to see outer space and celestial objects using this kind of technology, he says. Students usually spend the whole day exploring the digital planetarium which is a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects. It engages the students in a personal sense of wonder and discovery in a unique digital environment. It includes a tour of the night sky which features main constellations which are exciting, stimulating, informative, and memorable for the pupils, he says. Then, students also get to see astronomical movies as well as an exhibit of authentic meteorites and NASA space photos. This collection boasts of stunning photographs about the solar system, deep sky objects, and space exploration. One of the most exciting activities is the Ask-anAstronomer where students can ask any question regarding outer space and the astronomers give easy-to-digest information that teachers can also use. This activity is a combination of curriculum-related material and the latest scientific discoveries which is customized at an appropriate level for the age and ability of the students. If the sky is clear and the weather is good, students can also engage in solar telescope viewing. The highpowered state-of-the-art telescopes allow them to view the sun in the daytime and go star gazing at night. Rosales says the planetarium is ideal for students in lower levels because they can easily relate to it. The activities vary depending on the grade level and schools may also request for a particular topic for the astronomer to discuss. As much as possible, we want to discuss the basics like why there are seven days in a week or where the sun rises and sets. Thats a very important foundation to have deeper understanding in astronomy, he says. Unlike the analog planetarium in Luneta Park, Rosales says that the digital planetarium makes a lot
book review
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Spiritual Connection to
Nature
By JoJie AlcAntArA
ilfredo L. Leonado, at 56, reminisces about his adolescent years when he was first drawn to the art of photography. One of his friends introduced him to a professor in photography, which he then took as a college course.
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Picture Perfect
(Editors Note: The following text is a foreword, reprinted with permission, from the coffee-table book Creative iPhone Photography by Edwin Loyola)
hat makes the photography of Edwin S. L oyola so compelling yet leaves its viewers in a bewildered and perplexed state? Common to all master photographers, passion and creativity define the artistry of Loyola. But what makes his art more potent is his zeal for ingenuity as he crafts extraordinary images out of ordinary things, transforms common sights into confounding marvels, and puts souls to dull and conventional subjects until they connect to the viewers while using the simplest gears that could rival the finest cameras in the field. And nothing puts a big stamp to his ingenuity that marks his creative legacy than his iPhone Photography. After years of admiring Loyola as a friend, a fellow artist and a fan, I always find myself going back to his photography, because in it I find home for inspiration. His works give a higher sense of spirit and purpose, reminding one the significance of art and beauty to life. That inspiration was renewed with him coming up with another subdiscipline in photography, the creative iPhone Photography. Promoting that less is more and by simply using the built-in, 8-megapixel autofocus camera of his iPhone, Loyola had captured some of the worlds best images and award-winning photographs. From landscapes, still life, portraits, travel, photojournalism, and to every other facet of photography,
edwin Loyola has come up with another subdiscipline in photography, the creative iphone photography. his coffee-table book "Creative iphone photography is now available online (print on demand).
his artistic images always leave his viewers in amazement for his mere use of a phone camera. For him, an iPhone is as effective as a professional camera. Indeed, what his iPhone Photography imparts is that in creating a great image, the tool a photographer uses is only secondary to his creative instincts. From the pieces of advice he gives to his students, the most important qualities a photographer must have are his passion to create, his confidence to express what he sees through his lens, and the stanch desire to pursue
this art. As he always maintains, it is not only our intelligence and talent that determine where our photography leads, but our attitude guided by a relentless passion as well. Allow this book to show it to you . (John Paul M. Belarmino, 2012 World Poetry International Empowered Poet and Artist of the Year) The proceeds from sales of the coffee-table book (available online, print on demand) will be donated to Mission: Save Kids with Cancer. For details, visit: http://www.lulu. com/shop/edwin-loyola/edwin-sloyola-creative-iphone-photography/ hardcover/product-20642314.html.
traditional weaving
Picture Perfect
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ongratulations to all our local participants to the ADAY.ORG project and particularly to those whose photos were chosen to be exhibited, and /or published in a book (A Day In The World). Last year, the Expressions for Humankind foundation of Sweden together with partner institutions and organizations called on photographers around the world, both professionals and amateurs, to take a photo about everyday life on May 15, 2012 and submit this to www.aday.org. Through this project, the foundation aimed to pursue its mission of using the power of photography to create, share and inspire perspectives on daily life today and tomorrow. Exactly 63,294 people from more than 190 countries signed up to take part. Almost a hundred thousand pictures were ultimately uploaded. Of these, one thousand photos were selected for publishing in a book. From
the Philippines, at least six photos were chosen: Street children sleeping in a busy train station in the heat of the afternoon by Candice Reyes; VideoConferencing by Aiza Tanedo; Beef mami by Luar Joy Dela Cruz; Our old hound, Johnny, asleep in the corner by yours truly; a portrait by Adam Bejar; and Rhea Monis cradles her first child, a boy, moments after giving birth by Rey Espinueva. The beautiful two-page spread photo by Espinueva was especially cited by Desmond Tutu, retired Anglican archbishop in South Africa, social rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in his introduction to the book. Every photographer with a photo selected received a free copy of the book. Interested readers can view all the 100,000 photos uploaded to ADAY.ORG and the profiles of those who joined the project at the website. A copy of all these photos, selected prints and the book will be put in a special stainless steel time capsule to be
stored in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Falun Coppermine in Sweden for future researchers. The book can be purchased online. And now to our featured readers. Randy Mirano sent in the photo titled Dusk Fishing which he took from their beach house in Batangas. Randy, a hobbyist for two years now is currently in the country on a holiday. Roussam P Dilig, a VSO volunteer . assigned in Sierra Leone describes his feelings when he took his photo (Beatitude) of African children: I felt extraordinary goosebumps when I saw these kids smiling regardless of their condition in one of the remote villages in the northern part of Sierra Leone (West Africa). Mark Christian de Omania, a member of the Subic Shutter Club, digital artist and photography enthusiast at Light of the World Christian Center in Olongapo City shares his photo of a farmer who is also like an image of a scarecrow. The
photo titled Hay-man was taken last month in Nueva Ecija. This kind of photo of a farmer is very rare for me because it is the first step of planting, he writes. After tilling the soil they put some special kind of dry weeds that will be a very helpful way to decrease the irrigation or application of water to the land or soil. Ingenious way it is. From Jonel Candelaria is the photo of two young boys by the shore titled One Wish. Kenneth Q. Macapugay of Universal Records Inc. sent in the photo of a playful couple titled Carry Love, a timely image for Valentines week. Isaias Herrera Zantua shares a black-and-white photo of a young girl sitting in a basin and titled Titanic. Dennis Joseph T. Verzosa of Toshiba Information Equipment (Phils.) Inc. had their photo taken as a family during the Christening
of their daughter, Rencia Danele T. Verzosa. I love the art of photography especially when its a photo of my family, he teasingly writes. David Wong relates that he was pleasantly surprised when he saw the social hall of the Bagong Barangay Pamana center in Pandacan which seemed like a surrealist print art that came to life. His photo titled Pamana Social Hall shows the geometric patterns that caught his attention. And from Arthur Celis is the photo titled Kasadyahan from the Dinagyang festival in Iloilo last month. Also in todays column is a photo by Mei Del Rosario (The Ruins) which was incorrectly attributed to another contributor last week. Readers may now view recent issues of Picture Perfect including this column at www.mbpictureperfect.com. For comments, suggestions or just to share an image or idea, email rfyparedes@yahoo.com.
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Picture Perfect
osaka skyline
saka, in Khanji means the rich and the influential. This city used to be the center of economic development in Japan. It is geographically surrounded by rivers connected forming a foursided configuration, thereby business and lifestyle converged on these water canals. The dynamism of this city is felt in the energetic human and vehicular traffic plus the flickering, lighted billboards comparable to Piccadilly in London and Times Square in New York. This place is a haven for food trippers with its display of a wide variety of Japanese cuisine from the sophisticated beef steak (Kobe and Wagyu) down to the Kaiseki cooking, udon, nigiri zushi, crab and beef shabu shabu, and the konamon (flour-based snacks with bean paste or seafood filling). There are also Chinese, French, Italian, and other international fast food chains with their own Japanese menu. The majestic Osaka Castle is an eight-storey edifice with gold inlay on its faade and is a blend of Chinese Ming and Korean architectural conception. It houses more than 8,000 pieces of relics arranged as if a diorama unreeling in real life, depicting the golden years of Japan in the 16th century. It is surrounded by a garden with 4,500 cherry trees, 1,250 plum trees and chrysanthemums hugging the slope of the man-made hills and lakes. We also visited Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) which has the entire faade laden with gold leaf and its reflection as seen in a nearby tea house is splendor of a symmetrical elegance. The Ryoanji Temple flaunts its rock garden surrounded by ivory white gravel combed carefully like ripples of convoluted scrolls. A water basin with inscription saying, I learn only to be contented, was a sight to behold. On our last day, we witnessed the solemnity of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Here we learned that each motion has a meaning and only green tea is used to dignify this ceremony. Upon imbibing with a genuine toast, they are imbued with four principles: Wa, Kei, Sei, Joku (harmony, respect, purity and tranquility). This motto spells the gravity of the expression: Ichi-go ichi-e (This single chance is my only fruition to impress you or one
photo events
Kinkaku
osaka Castle
Philippine-based Sri Lakan photographer, Tilak Hettige, will be at the BenCab Museum for his 4th Dawn to Dusk photography workshop from March 1 to 3 to engage photographers and photography enthusiasts in a
tea Ceremony
rock garden
chance in a lifetime). This trip has imparted me with some of lifes greatest lessons. The philosophy and principle that the Japanese people adhere to
since time immemorial are really commendable. Its no wonder that they became one of the most powerful clans in Asia, if not the world.
photoworLd asia 2013. LIFE magazine and National Geographic photographer Joe McNally (center) demonstrates a lighting lesson using portable flash during the hands-on photo shoot with photographer-delegates to the PhotoWorld Asia 2013 convention. Shown here is a shoot with a body painting model held at the Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. McNally also presented other setups with bridal and fashion models, and construction workers. The handson session is part of PhotoWorld Asia, a yearly photography trade show and convention held for 25 years now by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF).
PrIZes:
1st Place All-expense-paid Trip to New Zealand Canon EOS 550D with 18-55mm kit lens PIXMA MG6270 2nd Place Canon Powershot SX30 PIXMA MG5370 3rd Place Canon Powershot SX230 PIXMA MG3170 (B) Submission of entries starts on December 18, 2012 and will end on March 15, 2013. Send entries to: mbpictureperfectonline@ gmail.com
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in cooperation with:
Picture Perfect
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Little Surprises
all those little Led lights
verybody likes presents and its always a pleasant surprise when you get one. In the photography world, that can mean a lot of things a new idea for a place to go, a means to get there, something new to shoot, something new to shoot with. For some people, that can also mean somebody new to shoot with. For all of these, except the last one, of course, getting these free or cheap enough that it feels free is one hell of a way to get the smiles up.This is especially true with the growing crop of really cool stuff that unfortunately has the price tag that goes with it.Fortunately, you do come across stuff once in a while that will be enough to amuse you, get you interested and possibly even help in a real job. You can get some mirrors on the streets of Quiapo, for example, and use them as reflectors. Try and find some globs of clay and you can use them to prop up different elements of a scene or even hold a small piece of cardboard so that it can act as a reflector. What about damaged stockings to put in front of your lens so that it can diffuse your scene and give it that dreamy look. Well get into that stuff soon enough but for now How does Php1,650 sound for a flash?It was a bit surprising at first but you really get a grip soon enough and not expect much. Honestly, because what youd pay for the top-of-the-line flash from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, or Sony (Thats all alphabetical so no one can say were biased or anything), or even the third-party flash units from Metz, Nissin, Quantum, Sigma, Sunpak, Vivitar, or even Yongnuo, finding something this cheap is amusing to say the least. You also have to realize though that the reason the flash units from your manufacturer or the guys like Metz or Sunpak cost that much is that these things can really fire with such powerful light and last such a long time.
The potato masher or hammerhead flash units from Sunpak and Quantum can really take quite a beating and still keep firing. So where does this little baby or ours fit in? It really is, for me, in the lets play with this category. Lets talk about the foot, for starters. Everybody knows Im a Canon user. Id love to get my hands on a Nikon D3s or a Sony Alpha 850 but at the end of the day, Im a Canon guy. I can use my camera without having to take my eye off the viewfinder and my hands feel at home knowing if I turn this way I zoom in and if I turn that way, I zoom out. So imagine the surprise of being told that this flash unit is for a Canon hotshoe and then seeing that its obviously a Nikon set of contacts for the hot shoe. It doesnt make a difference they say. Hard to believe but it seems to be true. First, why the different pin layout? Canon puts some electronics here and Nikon puts some there. Any camera enthusiast worth his/her salt will know what these look like. Suffice it to say that the electronics of the flash communicate with the electronics of the camera to determine just how powerful a pop there
should be. Nikons system is quite admirable in the sense that it was first to use the information coming from the lens itself to determine how far a subject was from the camera and therefore, how much power was necessary to get light to that subject. Another thing you can more easily control with this whole electronic wizardry is flash exposure compensation (just think of it for now as using more power when you want it or less power when you dont). However, of all those pins, the most important one is really the one in the middle as it tells the flash when to pop. All those bells, whistles, and hoots, are nothing if the flash doesnt generate a burst of light when its supposed to. For this little toy of ours, apparently, thats the only pin that works. Everything else is just for show so, technically, you really can use what seems to be a Nikon flash mount on a Canon camera. How is exposure controlled though? Fortunately, those of us whove been using flash units for quite some time and especially those who have used studio strobes will not find this at all daunting
Looks like your regular macro ring flash but build quality could be better.
Part II
or surprising: The thing just shoots in full power or fractions of it. Its up to you to determine for yourself if you have the right amount of light you require. Its really an artistic decision and you have all the deciding power without the aid of things like Canons ETTL or Nikons iTTL. You may want to use a handheld flash meter but thats another expense you may not want to get into at least not yet. Some of you may not be too familiar
with why this thing is round. It has to be attached to the end of your lens and it goes without saying (though well say it anyway) that there should be adapters for the diameter of whatever lens it is youre using. Fortunately there are six adapters and the popular ones are thankfully there 52, 58, and 77mm are all crucial for me. Some may need the 67mm like some medium format lenses have. Next week: Some test shots.
power ratio settings, controls for getting just the right or left half of the LeDs to fire on exposure.
meChaniCs: Open to all photograph-loving individuals (amateurs and professionals) All entries must be in 5x7 (5R), colored or black & white prints (photos taken using either digital or conventional cameras; minimal digital enhancement is allowed). Each entry must be accompanied by an information sheet provided below (to be placed on the back of each photo; photocopy of registration form is only allowed if two or more entries are sent).
Participants can send as many entries as possible. The entry should not be entered in any other competition. All entries sent (prints only) are considered as property of the contest organizers. Non-winning entries will have the chance to be chosen as Photo of the Week. Winners can win more than once
during the promo period. The decision of the board of judges will be final. Winners will receive an official call from Manila Bulletin and shall be given specific instructions on how to claim the prize.
month
JanuarY-marCh
theme
reLigious festivaL
deadLine of suBmission
marCh 21
puBLiCation date
marCh 26
first prize
Canon eos 1100d P5,000 SM Gift CheCk
second prize
Pentax OPtiO VS20 P3,000 SM Gift CheCk
third prize
nikOn S2600 P2,000 SM Gift CheCk
MB-CANON Photo Challenge c/o Ronald G. Jayme Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. Muralla cor Recoletos Street Intramuros, Manila
in Cooperation with:
2013
Challe
Photo
nge
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Picture Perfect
Light, the very essence of photography, does unimaginable wonders when used effectively and appropriately, at its best, in its golden hour, producing vibrant colors, bringing out the best in natural creations, which brings about so much pleasure, and by which one is reminded of the loving Creator.
Wilfredo Leonado
tour guide
A Spiritual...
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I felt a strong feeling of great enjoyment and pleasure, looking at photographs in magazines and newspapers, he muses. Light, the very essence of photography, does unimaginable wonders when used effectively and appropriately, at its best, in its golden hour, producing vibrant colors, bringing out the best in natural creations, which brings about so much pleasure, and by which one is reminded of the loving Creator. A born-again Christian, he grew up in Sta. Mesa, Manila and considers Christian Revivalists as inspirations in his life. I am particularly interested and I specialize in nature photography. My favorite subject and theme are small creatures and still photography. It is amazing to know, understand, and conceptualize their natural essential contributions in the cycle of life. When it comes to his preferences in pictures, he discloses, Colored and black and white, film-based or digital, all these have their distinct appeal to me, similarly eliciting varied excitement and passions inside of me, although digital photography has its common advantages. For Wilfredo, technical principles are indispensable to come out with very effective photographs, but he also considers the mood, emotional factors, and the message that make the highest quality of pictures. Good pictures, with good concepts, are often the results of wholesome emotional status of the artist. It is this seemingly constant state of being inspired that makes it easy for him to choose his particular subjects and see the most significant elements of foreground and background, making the subjects come alive and tell their story. His most momentous experience was when his photo entry garnered 10th place in the photo competition during the Philippine Centennial celebration in 1998, the other five being among the 50 finalists, and this was his very first photo contest. Delightful feelings easily come back whenever I recall receiving the award with the medal, he says with pride.
street icon
found something
gumamela Beauty
Jetsetter someday
Queen
Colored Buli
vows
street Life
Birthday party
Looking Back
He has joined photo contests where majority of his entries won, to name a few: 1st place in the "2010 Uniliver Flores de Mayo"; 2nd place in the succeeding year (2012); and finalist in 2011. In 2012, his entry was among the 15 calendar photos of the international Caltex Driving Moments Photo Contest. He also won 2nd place in Picture Perfect Photo Challenge with the theme Colors; top 6 finalist of Make It Makati; top 16 in the Professional Division, Peoples Category in the Standard Charters Capturing
Timeless Visions; top 25 in Ten Photos to Shake the World; top 30 in Wow Batangas Ala Eh! Festival 2012; and the rest won as finalists. Currently president of the Likha Camera Club, his ultimate goal as a visual artist is to give glory to the Great Creator, who is the First Cause of all the beautiful subjects now available for every artist around. A photo exhibit will jump-start such goal. He relates his accomplishments today as just the tip of an iceberg. I
feel such fulfillment as I am able to give life to inner feelings as an artist, to be able to express, sometimes about the needful society, or at times, the insignificant individual not to mention the material compensation that comes with the reward. It is important for a photographer to accept challenges, but be ready to fail sometimes. It is said that experience is the best teacher. Wilfredo ends his interview by encapsulating his principles on photography: Photography may be compared to a super high-
tech, state-of-the-art vehicle with the most advanced level of technology in any field at any given time, and that is being able to travel, transcending time and the physical dimension. This means it can convey ideas, meanings, and messages, where there is more to it than meets the eye. Through a photograph, the lights have the power to decide the image, shape and dimensions of subjects photographed at varying degree of light and time of the day, through which the real beauty of nature comes alive. Even more, photography has the power to record and preserve cultures and the entire world.