Manila Standard Today - April 9, 2012 Issue

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Palace keeps energy
summit venue secret
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Death March
survivors and
their boxcar
Moro rebel
group sees
peace pact
signing dim
Lawmakers push death penalty
Prosecution goes on
war footing anew
Abus strike
again, seize
Jolo trader
3 killed as gunmen storm
bank owners residence
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Vol. XXVI No. 44 16 Pages, 3 Sections
P18.00 MONDAY, April 9, 2012
TODAY
Standard
Manila
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Trip to the past. From left, US war veterans Warren Jorgenson, Wayne
Carringer and Jim Collier pose before a boxcar during their visit to the
Capas Memorial Shrine. JESS MALABANAN
By Ferdinand Fabella
GUNMEN stormed the residence of Banco
Filipino owner Albert Bobby Aguirre in
Las Pias City late Saturday, killing three
of his security escorts in an attack that po-
lice said could have been the work of pro-
fessional hitmen.
The threeDavid Manguerra, retired
policeman Melvin Padacan, and Police Of-
cer 3 Luisito Macatunaowere all shot
in the head, the Southern Police District
said Sunday.
Macatunao was a member of the Police Se-
curity Protection Group, a unit of the National
Police that provides security to top government
ofcials, diplomats, and personalities who have
been receiving death threats.
Police said the security men were found
dead inside Aguirres house along Pablo
Roman Tropical Avenue on BF Interna-
tional Village. The gunmen left behind a
motorcycle, they said.
Southern Police District chief Romulo
Sapitula refused to say if Aguirre or any
member of his family was present when the
armed men broke into the compound.
He ruled out robbery as a motive be-
cause nothing had been taken. There were
indications that the victims knew their at-
tackers, he said.
There were no signs of forced entry,
Sapitula said.
It is hard to speculate on the possible
motive this early.
The Bangko Sentral placed Aguirres
Banco Filipino under receivership on
March 17, 2011 after declaring it insol-
vent. It said the banks liabilities amounted
to P23 billion.
By Maricel Cruz
AT LEAST two inuential members of the
House of Representatives renewed calls to
re-impose the death penalty at the weekend
as Filipinos grapple with daily accounts of
murders, kidnappings, robberies, rapes and
other heinous crimes.
House Assistant Majority Leader and
Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said the death pen-
alty would discourage criminals from getting
aggressive, and Maguindanao Rep. Simeon
Datumanong, a member of the House justice
committee, supported the idea.
The death penalty would be a deterrent
to frequent and agrant acts of heinous
crimes and capital offenses, Datumanong
said.
Capital punishment in the Philippines
was abolished in 1987, reintroduced
in 1993when the mode of execution
changed to lethal injection from the elec-
tric chairand again abolished in 2006.
In 2006 the sentences of 1,230 death
row inmates were commuted to life im-
prisonment in what Amnesty International
claimed as the largest ever commutation
of death sentences.
By Maricel Cruz
BARELY two weeks after de-
claring a Lenten truce, the
prosecutors in the impeachment
trial of Chief Justice Renato
Corona have returned to a war
footing amid accusations they
bungled their case against the
countrys top magistrate.
Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara,
a spokesman for the prosecution
panel, said the members of the
prosecution team, which com-
pleted their presentation in court
last month, would meet to draw
up strategies aimed at proving
their case against Corona.
We will pick-up where we
left off when the trial paused,
Angara said.
We will review the tran-
scripts of past testimonies and
other exhibits, as well as review
what the defense has presented
so far.
A Palace announcement only
said that President Benigno
Aquino III would convene the
summit in Davao to discuss and
approve immediate and long-
term solutions to the power
shortage in Mindanao.
It will be a stakeholders
meeting composed of represen-
tatives from the energy provid-
ers, energy consumers, the busi-
ness sector, local and national
government ofcials and Con-
gress, Mindanao Development
Authority chairwoman Luwal-
hati Antonino said.
It will be an opportunity
to present the concerns of the
stakeholders as well as their
recommended actions which the
President can immediately ap-
prove if they are doable.
The most vocal critics of the
administrations energy poli-
cies said they had not yet been
invited.
I am attending even with-
out a formal invite. We want a
permanent solution to the power
crisis, not just stop-gap mea-
sures that they are now offering
us, said Ramon Floresta, presi-
dent of the Kidapawan Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, who
rst aired the demand for the
summit.
By Joyce Pangco Paares
THE Moro Islamic Liberation
Front said Sunday the pros-
pects of signing a nal peace
agreement with the Aquino ad-
ministration were dim even as
both sides continued to prepare
for their next round of peace
negotiations in Kuala Lumpur
on April 24 to 26.
The coming talks were seen
as crucial after more than 200
political ofcers of the Moro
group expressed doubt that
a comprehensive agreement
could be signed within the term
of President Benigno Aquino
III.
The prospect of signing a
comprehensive agreement with
the Aquino administration is not
bright, said Mohagher Iqbal,
the chief negotiator of the group
that was formed in 1977 and has
been ghting for its own terri-
tory since 1984.
The government earlier ap-
pealed to the MILF not to fuel
fears that the peace talks would
fail.
By Florante S. Solmerin
THE police on Sunday said
they had identied two of the
kidnappers of Salug, Zamboan-
ga del Sur Mayor Jeffrey Lim
who was abducted on April 2.
They made the statement
even as they announced that al-
Qaida-linked militants abducted
a businessman in Jolo late on
Saturday.
Chief Insp. Randell Bueno
said seven gunmen seized 62-
year-old gas station owner Car-
los Ty from his residence. He
said the gunmen escaped on a
vehicle used by the Abu Sayyaf
in previous kidnappings.
Supt. Kenneth Mission said the
two men who helped kidnap Lim
were known personalities from
the Abu Sayyaf, and that they had
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Department had begun tapping local government
units and the Philippine Information Agency to monitor the
pump prices outside Metro Manila amid reports that the gas
stations there were charging P3 to P5 more per liter, an ofcial
said Sunday.
We asked for the help of the LGUs because we have been
criticized over the price disparity, said Energy director Zenai-
da Monsada.
Mass protest feared;
critics not invited
Oil price disparity noted
Next page
Next page
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Next page
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By Christine F. Herrera
DAVAO CITYThe Palace on Sun-
day kept the venue of its April 13 En-
ergy Summit secret and did not invite
lawmakers, environmentalists and the
businessmen who exposed the crippling
blackouts in Mindanao and opposed
the privatization of the Agus-Pulangui
hydroelectric plants.
Shrine of Valor. This 36-story cross serves as a
backdrop to the Philippine ag at the Dambana ng
Kagitingan on Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan. The shrine
is the center of the Araw ng Kagitingan rites today
marking the historic fall of Bataan to the invading
Japanese forces on April 9, 1942. More than 70,000
Filipino and American soldiers laid down their arms
and were forced to march from Mariveles, Bataan,
to San Fernando, Pampanga. About 10,000 Filipinos
and 1,200 Americans died on the road.
By Jess Malabanan
CAMP ODONNELLSix survivors
of the Bataan Death March during
World War II had a glance of the box-
car that transported them to the San
Fernando terminal 70 years ago during
their visit to this former Japanese con-
centration camp, where the prisoners of
war were held.
After 70 years Im back and Im
proud, said Warren Jorgenson, 91,
of the 4th Marine Regiment, who was
among the defenders of Corregidor at
the height of the Japanese invasion.
Jorgenson and ve other Philip-
pine war veteransWayne Carringer,
91, of North Carolina, and member of
the 27th Bomb Group of the US Army
Air Corps; Jim Collier, 88, of the US
Armys 59th Coast Artillery; Bob Eh-
rhart, of the 4th Marine Regiment;
Ed Night, of the US Armys 43rd In-
fantry; and Lawrence Nelson, of the
US Armys 1st Cavalryrelived the
past while touring the Capas National
Shrine on Saturday.
The veterans were accompanied
by students from the College of the
Ozarks during their 10-day tour of the
various signicant sitesincluding
Camp ODonnell in Balanga City, and
Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataanto cel-
ebrate the 70th anniversary of Araw
ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com APRIL 9, 2012 MONDAY
A2
TOKYO Just two months ago,
amid celebrations of the 1979 Islamic
Revolution, an Iranian rocket roared
off a military launch pad and placed a
110-pound Earth observation satellite
into orbit. The US State Department
grumbled about possible missile appli-
cations, but that was pretty much it.
Moro...
Ghadzali Jaafar, the groups vice chairman for political affairs,
cited their problems with the government policy as the main rea-
son for doubting the governments timetable of signing a peace deal
within the year.
Iqbal, however, admitted that the presence of representatives
from the Organization of Islamic Conference in this months round
of negotiations would be an added value that could move the
talks forward.
Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the Aquino ad-
ministration would be coming to the negotiating table in good faith.
Despite these developments [the statements from the MILF], we
hope we can still sign a peace pact with them, she said.
Government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen was optimistic a
peace accord could be signed within the year.
I believe that the best results are always hardest to achieve,
Leonen said Sunday.
We always have a choiceto succumb to the difculties, espe-
cially in the political negotiations, and become pessimistic. Or we
can study carefully why these difculties are there, seek and consult
on ways forward and struggle for a result.
Our panel chooses the second option. There can be solutions-
--there must be because both sides believe in achieving peace an-
chored on justice for our peoples.
Abus...
withdrawn to Zamboanga del
Norte to a training camp of the
separatist Moro Islamic Libera-
tion Front.
We identied them through
the computerized images pro-
vided by our intelligence units
and initially conrmed by wit-
nesses, Supt. Kenneth Mission
told the Manila Standard in a
phone interview.
These personalities are from
the Abu Sayyaf group, but Im
not at liberty to name them be-
cause were still waiting further
conrmation. I will release their
names later.
Mission said the intelligence
reports conrmed that the ab-
ductors left Zamboanga del Sur
a few days ago.
Weve no intelligence report
so far that the abductors and
their victim proceeded to Basi-
lan, he said.
They cannot pass unnoticed
by the Naval blockade and the
aerial patrols.
Lim was seized around 7:20
p.m. on April 2 while having
dinner with family and friends
in a fast-food outlet in front of a
terminal in Salug town. He was
held at gunpoint and then forced
into a yellow mini-van.
The Abu Sayyaf aside, Mis-
sion said, another group was
also involved in Lims abduction
but declined to name it.
Its a tandem between two
groups: one from Zamboanga
Sibugay and the other from
Zamboanga del Norte, Mission
said.
Until now the kidnappers
have not yet contacted the fam-
ily of the victim or our Crisis
Management Committee for
a possible negotiation. Our
search-and-rescue operations are
ongoing.
Brig. Gen. Rainier Cruz, com-
mander of the Armys 1st Infan-
try Division, earlier said his men
found the van where Lim had
ridden an hour after his abduc-
tion. It had been torched.
The abductors boarded three
motorized outriggers with Lim,
Cruz said.
Mission said they were not
looking at politics as the motive
behind Lims abduction.
He won unopposed in the
last election and he has no en-
emies in politics, he said.
The victim has no threat as-
sessment. With AP
Palace...
We want to hear what the
President will have to say about
the power crisis we are hurdling
everyday.
Agham Rep. Angelo Palmones,
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casio
and Von Hernandez, Greenpeaces
Southeast Asia executive director,
who were vocal about the Palaces
inaction on the power crisis, said
they too would attend the summit
with or without an invitation.
The Palace is making the ven-
ue a secret so we are also making
our plans secret, Casio said.
We do not know if the Sum-
mit proper will be in Davao or in
Manila, so I guess they did not
want people to rally against the
President.
The Palace should realize that
the protest-rallies are also the
peoples way of raising their con-
cerns because not everybody can
be accommodated in the summit.
We did not get an invitation, so we
will invite ourselves to the event
wherever that is.
Francis dela Cruz, public out-
reach coordinator for Greenpeace,
said his group would hold mass
actions in support of the commu-
nities in Mindanao opposing the
governments plan to put up more
coal-red power plants.
The dirty coal will tie the peo-
ple of Mindanao to 30 years of
high power rates and generations
of serious adverse impact on the
environment, Dela Cruz said.
Palmones, who comes from Co-
tabato, said the people of Mindan-
ao were demanding transparency
from the government.
The people of Mindanao want
to know the extent of the power
crisis, yet the Palace ofcials keep
on denying there is a power crisis
[and say its] just a situation, Pal-
mones said.
But they are using this situa-
tion to make the people pay a hefty
price for power, knowing that the
people will be blackmailed into ac-
cepting it or face daily blackouts.
At a pre-energy summit con-
ference last week, Energy Under-
secretary Josephine Patricia Asirit
assured Mindanaos residents that
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Al-
mendras was doing his best to re-
solve the power situation on the
island.
However, Asirit said the people
of Mindanao had to pay a higher
price of 50 to 80 centavos a kilo-
watt hour because the power barg-
es deployed by Therma Marine
Inc. would charge more for the 200
megawatts they would generate.
She said more coal-red plants
generating 700 megawatts would
be built and be operational by
2014.
But Casio criticized the move
to force the electric cooperatives to
buy expensive power from private
suppliers such as Therma Marine.
Some cooperatives such as the
Cotobato Electric Co. said the im-
pact of buying power from Ther-
ma Marine would be more than
80 centavos per kilowatt hour, and
closer to one peso or more.
Casio said that would be
on top of the rate increases ap-
proved by the Energy Regula-
tory Commission, which would
knock energy rates up by P3.50
per kilowatt hour.
He said the power from the
barges was articially expensive
because Therma Marine had been
allowed to jack up their rates.
It would simply be wrong for
the government to force consum-
ers to bear the cost of such corpo-
rate manipulations, Casio said.
In the long term, aside from
immediately rehabilitating the
hydropower plants in Mindanao,
the government should tap solar
power and other renewable energy
sources to augment the existing
supoly.
Antonino said more barges
might have to be contracted with
the 30-day shutdown of the Pu-
langi hydroelectric power plant for
repairs and maintenance starting
Monday, which would reduce the
power supply to the region by 180
megawatts.
In the House, lawmakers de-
manded that the government spell
out its strategic and tactical plan
for energy development.
Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner
Baguilat Jr., an administration
ally, underscored the need for
President Aquino and his Energy
Department ofcials to come
up with a blueprint for energy
and power development that is
heavily dependent on renewable
and indigenous energy.
We really need to reduce our
independence on oil and imported
coal, Baguilat said.
House Deputy Minority Leader
and Zambales Rep. Milagros Mag-
saysay, a member of the commit-
tee on energy, said it would no
longer be surprising if the Philip-
pines emerged as one of the most
expensive countries in the world
for power.
A 2011 survey by the Japan Ex-
ternal Trade Organization showed
that Metro Manilas residents paid
the highest electricity bills in Asia
and Oceania. Manila Electric Co.
charges consumers $0.23 a kilo-
watt hour or an average of P8.48
a kilowatt hour, but Mindanaos
residents would have to pay even
more, or P14 per kilowatt hour, if
the Palace used power barges to
generate power, she said.
From all these facts, it appears
that the Aquino government is deaf,
blind and totally insensitive to the
countrys notorious distinction of
having Asia and Oceanias highest
electricity rates, Magsysay said.
With Joyce Pangco Panares and
Maricel Cruz
Death...
I feel good, Collier said
as he agreed to a photo shoot
by the Manila Standard.
The 240-square-foot
boxcar, a World War II rel-
ic, is on display in Camp
ODonnell. It is one of the
last known surviving freight
cars of its kind and one of
the major tourist attractions
of the national shrine.
It was the mute witness
to the human sacrice and
heroism of all the victims of
the death march, the mark-
er says.
Carringer experienced
the Death March after his
capture by the Japanese sol-
diers. From Mariveles in
Bataan to kilometer 102 at
the old train terminal in San
Fernando, the prisoners en-
dured severe heat, hunger,
and thirst.
The terminal was recon-
structed, and it now serves
as a memorial to the horror
of war, to mans inhumanity
to his fellow man.
The prisoners were forced
to board the boxcars, which
could accommodate only 50
people but were made to hold
up to 150. The prisoners got
off on the train terminal in Ca-
pas, and from there they were
ordered to walk 10 kilometers
to reach Camp ODonnell,
which Carringer described as
a death factory.
We were burying a lot of
our fellows there a day, and
most of us were too weak,
he said.
We had to bury our own
dead. They were buried in
mass graves, just barely
covered over, Carringer
says in a book owned by
the D.H. Ramsey Library
Special Collections, in
North Carolina.
Oil...
We are coming up with a mon-
itoring scheme with the PIA and
LGUs. We have started it, but it is
not yet very systematic. We have
not yet institutionalized it.
Monsada said they had not led
charges against any oil company
because, based on the depart-
ments computations, the prices in
the provinces were reasonable.
Their prices are correct, she
said.
There is a price war in Metro
Manila, so you cannot compare it
to other provinces. In Cebu, they
also have lower prices because of
the price war.
The departments reports show
that diesel now sells at P46.30 to
P49.30 per liter while gasoline
sells at P55.05 to P61.72 in Metro
Manila.
Diesel in Cebu is priced at
P46.80 to P48.15, while gasoline
sells at P54.13 to P60.79 per liter.
Diesel in Iloilo, on the other hand,
is around P51.95, while gasoline is
around P62.50 to P64.90 per liter.
Eastern Petroleum Corp.
president Fernando Martinez
said there was not much price
disparity between Metro Manila
and Cebu and Davao due to the
aggressive presence of the inde-
pendent oil players, which was
intenswifying the competition.
But he said there were still pric-
ing gaps in other areas.
Where there are fewer players
due to logistics constraints like
Bohol, Samar, Surigao, Palawan,
Masbate, Negros and other islands
needing additional transportation
costs, prices are relatively higher,
Martinez said.
Monsada said despite the com-
plaints about disparities, pump
prices were almost the same with
only a few centavos difference.
Cebu [prices) improved
because of the growth in their
economy, Monsada said. She
said her department needed an
additional budget to institu-
tionalize the price monitoring
in the provinces.
Her department will sit down
with stakeholders on April 17 and
18 to discuss energy issues, in-
cluding the pricing of petroleum
products.
The department, meanwhile,
reported that as of April 3, the ten-
sions between the West and major
crude producer Iran continued
to push up oil prices as investors
worried over possible supply dis-
ruptions.
The supply outages in other pro-
ducing countries were also affecting
prices, but the price increases were
being tempered by assurances from
Saudi Arabia and the reports that the
Western nations would likely re-
lease strategic crude reserves in the
next few months.
Meanwhile, LPG-Marketers
Association Rep. Arnel Ty said the
independent re-llers of liqueed
petroleum gas had started to en-
ter the markets in the Visayas and
Mindanao to provide consumers
there with a less costly supply of
cooking and auto fuel.
Independent re-llers are put-
ting up a new relling plant in
Metro Cebu. It will likely be op-
erational by midyear, Ty said.
If the independents can help
soften LPG prices in the Vi-
sayas and Mindanao by estab-
lishing a presence in the mar-
kets there and competing with
the big players, then we will
have made a difference in the
lives of the consumers.
Ty said a survey by the Energy
Department had conrmed his
previous complaint about the the
abnormally high LPG prices in the
Visayas and Mindanao.
He said the LPG prices in the
Visayas and Mindanao were found
to be higher by P75 to P100 per
11-kilogram cylinder tank com-
pared with those in Luzon.
The ndings were based on the
inspections conducted by the En-
ergy Departments eld ofces in
the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Rox-
as, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan
and Zamboanga.
But the big players have justi-
ed their higher LPG prices in the
Visayas and Mindanao, citing their
higher distribution and transport
costs. with Gigi Muoz-David
Prosecution...
Coronas impeachment trial
will resume on May 7, when
Congress is also expected to
resume its session after more
than a month-long Lenten
break.
Angara reiterated the pros-
ecutions challenge to the de-
fense camp to explain the sup-
posed P8-million mismatch
between Coronas declared
assets and his actual worth in
real estate properties and cash.
Cavite Rep. Joseph Emilio
Aguinaldo Abaya Jr., the pros-
ecutions team manager, said
they were praying for the en-
lightenment of the Supreme
Court to lift its temporary re-
straining order against an ex-
amination of Coronas dollar
accounts.
Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Col-
menares and Citizens Battle
Against Corruption Rep. Sher-
win Tugna, both public pros-
ecutors, said they would focus
their campaign on winning
public support.
We have also assessed and
reviewed what has happened
so far in the impeachment trial.
Sensing the desperate situation
of the defense, we are gearing
for a more intense trial after the
break, Colmenares said.
The battle lines will be the
defense trying to delay by pre-
senting a host of unnecessary
witnesses while the prosecu-
tion tries to counter the delay-
ing tactics of the defense... to
enable the impeachment court
to decide immediately.
The public can expect the
prosecutors to continue with
the zeal and enthusiasm they
have shown before the break,
Tugna said.
Lawmakers...
Garin, who a known ally of
the Aquino Administration, said
the re-imposition of the death
penalty must go hand in hand
with reforms in the justice sys-
tem so that those we put in
death row are actually criminals
and not scapegoats.
But the proponents of capital
punishment face stiff opposition
in the assembly, where many
members are against it and have
other ideas on how to address the
rising criminality in the country.
DIWA party-list Rep. Em-
meline Aglipay, vice chairman
of the human rights committee,
said the death penalty was use-
less because the county had an
inefcient judicial system.
[What we need] is a more ef-
fective prosecution of criminals.
A swifter justice system would
better address rising criminal-
ity, Aglipay said.
CIBAC party-list Rep. Sherwin
Tugna said the death penalty was
not stopping people from commit-
ting crimes, and the root cause of
criminality was poverty.
People will still kill, steal and
commit crimes unless we address
the root causes of their problems,
which include poverty and lack of
education, Tugna said.
The criminals who commit
heinous crimes put little value
on their own lives.
House Deputy Minority Lead-
er and Zambales Rep. Milagros
Magsaysay said she considered
law enforcement and police visi-
bility as the real deterrent against
criminals.
National Police chief Nicanor
Bartolome has voiced his sup-
port for the re-imposition of the
death penalty following a daring
robbery in a shopping mall a few
weeks ago.
But Bartolome backtracked
following Malacaang pro-
nouncement that President Aqui-
no, who has opposed the death
penalty, would never reconsider
his position on the issue.
Rocket launch worries more
Now its North Koreas turn. As
it prepares to launch a rocket to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of
the birthday of its founder, it too is
telling the world that its goal is to
get a satellite into orbit. It is even
promising to give international ob-
servers front-row seats at its newly
built launch facilityjust like Iran
did in February.
But the international condem-
nation is much louder over the
satellite launch North Korea
plans sometime between April
12 and 16. The US is promising
to scrap a just-signed food aid
deal if the rocket is launched.
Tokyo and Seoul have vowed
to shoot it down if it veers off
course. Russia and China, which
have long-standing ties with the
North, have urged Pyongyang to
rethink its plans.
Though the international com-
munity is concerned about both
countries satellite launches, which
require technology also needed to
launch missiles, Pyongyangs ef-
forts are seen as a greater threat, in
part because it already is believed
to be capable of producing nuclear
weapons.
Experts also are more skepti-
cal of North Koreas claim that its
launch is a scientic mission. It has
nothing to show for nearly 15 years
of off-and-on efforts to launch a
satellite, in contrast to Iran, which
has successfully launched three.
While the two countries, which
have a long history of cooperat-
ing to develop long-range mis-
siles, appear to be pulling pages
out of the same playbook, experts
say Pyongyangs launch plans are
particularly bold.
They are deliberately pushing
the envelope, said James Moltz,
a professor at the US Naval Post-
graduate School in Monterey,
California.
Moltz said the launches under-
score how both countries, isolated
from the international community,
are struggling to develop military
capabilities that no one else wants
them to get.
For Iran, long-range missiles
are seen as a key to keeping Israel
at bay. North Korea wants a cred-
ible threat to counter the United
States. Nothing could accomplish
that better than raising the fear
that it will put a nuclear weapon
on the tip of an intercontinental
ballistic missile, though North
Korea is not yet believed to be
capable of making weapons small
enough.
Developing missiles is a tricky
game for both countries. North Ko-
rea is under heavy UN sanctions
JERUSALEMIsrael has banned German intellectual Guenter
Grass from visiting the country because of a critical poem published
by the Nobel laureate last week.
In his order, Interior Minister Eli Yishai used an Israeli law that
allows him to bar entry to ex-Nazis. Grass, 84, admitted in 2006 that
he served in the paramilitary Waffen-SS in the nal months of World
War II.
Yishai said Sunday, If Guenter wants to continue to spread his
twisted and lying works, I suggest he does this from Iran, where he
can nd a supportive audience.
Grass published a poem called What Must Be Said last Wednes-
day in which he claimed a nuclear Israel was a threat to world
peace and called for supervision of both Israel and Irans nuclear
facilities. AP
to prevent it from conducting any
ballistic missile tests. Iran is under
sanctions preventing other nations
from selling it missile-related
technology.
Even so, conducting satellite
launches helps both countries
achieve military goals, though
they have had different levels of
success.
North Korea rst tried to launch
a satellite back in 1998. It tried
again in 2006 and 2009, but in-
ternational observers say neither
succeeded.
Iran launched its rst satellite
aboard an Iranian-built rocket in
2009 and its second in June last
year. In February, it successfully
launched the Navid satellite into
orbit with a missile launch-vehicle
called the Sar. AP
Israel bans German author
Guenter Grass from visiting
APRIL 9, 2012 MONDAY
A3 News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com
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Female solons push RH bill again
WHO campaigns
for healthy ageing
IN BRIEF
Highways speeds up repair
of roads hit by Sendong
Education Department hikes budget for Special Education centers by 50%
Police
zero in on
bombing
suspects
Justice endorses bills on reckless driving
Govt still owes veterans P16 billion
THE Department of Public Works and
Highways is hastening the rehabilitation
of roads and bridges damaged by typhoon
Sendong late last year in Cagayan de
Oro, Illigan and other areas in Northern
Mindanao.
Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered
DPWH Northern Mindanao director
Norma Gironella to closely monitor the
progress of works in the area to hasten the
rehabilitation of the typhoon devastated
cities more particularly on the on-going
rehabilitation works which have reached
a total cost of P1.47 billion.
Singson cited the on-going road works
along Cagayan de OroIligan road in the
municipalities of Gitagun, Libertad, and
Initao in Misamis Oriental and the El
Salvador section.
Along Cagayan de Oro CityButuan
City road section, the department is
rehabilitating six sections at a cost of
P469.8 million wherein the three sections
were funded from the savings derived
from open competitive biddings done
for these projects. Also programmed this
year are three road rehabilitation projects
worth P161.4 million.
Also among those being repaired or
reconstructed are the Mandalug Bridges
1 and 2 in Iligan City and the repair
and rehabilitation of Dansolijon road in
Cagayan de Oro City. Joel E. Zurbano
THE World Health Organization marked
World Health Day 2012 on Saturday with
a campaign to promote healthy ageing as
the proportion of older people continues
to grow worldwide.
It is important that we see old age
not as a time of inevitable decline but as
one of active, meaningful and productive
living, WHO Regional Director for the
Western Pacic Dr. Shin Young-soo said
as he noted that the rapid ageing of the
worlds population has no precedent.
The implications for health policy
are enormous. Fortunately, how we age
depends to a large degree on how we
behave. By watching what we eat, being
physically active and avoiding exposure
to tobacco and the harmful effects of
alcohol consumption, we can add both
years to our life and life to our years,
he said.
Shin said that over the past century, life
expectancies have increased signicantly
due largely to improvements in public
health. People are living longer as birth
rates have declined in many parts of the
world.
Also, people 65 and older will
outnumber children under five within
the next five years; by 2050 these
older adults will outnumber children
under 14.
For example, while it took more than
100 years for Frances population aged
65 and older to double, Chinas over 65-
year old population will double in less
than 25 years. By 2050, the proportion of
the worlds population aged 60 and older
is expected to rise to 22 percent, up from
11 percent in 2000, Shin said.
Macon Ramos-Araneta
By Gigi Muoz-David
THE Department of Education has
increased the budget allocation for
Special Education centers in the
elementary level nationwide by more
than 50 percent to properly respond to
the needs of gifted children and those
with learning disabilities.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro
said that from P115 million last year,
the government has increased the
budget subsidy to P180 million, up by
56 percent.
The number of SPED centers operated
by DepEd also increased from 276 in school
year 2011-2012 to 345 for the coming 2012-
2013 school year, Luistro said.
We believe that special learners
deserve special attention and
specialized learning tools thus the
increase in funding support, he said.
Each SPED center will receive
P500,000 to sustain the implementation
of its programs, projects, and activities.
DepEd has also allocated P42,000
per division and P40,000 per region
to monitor the implementation of
programs for children with special
needs as well as keep track of the
efcient utilization of SPED funds.
Luistro added that the grant subsidy
is intended for pupil development
activities such as training, educational
visits, camp activities, sports and pupil
participation in SPED related events.
It is also allotted to procure
instructional and reference material,
psychological and other assessment
tools, early intervention materials,
supplies for the transition program,
manipulative materials for the gifted
and talented and those with disabilities.
Certain amount is also earmarked
for the professional upgrading of
teachers, school heads, and supervisors
including travel expenses relative to
their participation and attendance in
activities relevant to the implementation
of the program.
Luistro also said the instructional
materials to be procured for gifted
children should be over and above
those already included in the regular
program.
The instructional materials should
likewise be able to develop the gifted
childs intellectual abilities and talents
in the arts and sciences, mathematics,
social sciences, and communications.
By Florante S. Solmerin
THE Armed Forces is trying
to nd more ways to improve
services to its veterans but the
lingering problem on how it will
pay its 113,000 pensioners more
than P16 billion in arrearages
remains a headache for the
organization.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff
Gen. Jessie Dellosa said they
have set aside an amount of P5
million for the construction of a
facility that will be called AFP
Pensioners Business Center that
can accommodate almost 350
persons who can line-up in an
orderly fashion while waiting for
their turn to transact.
Our former soldiers have
spent their years ghting bravely
for the sake of the nation. The
improvements to our pension
system and facilities are just small
gestures of appreciation for their
sacrices and seless service for
the country, Dellosa said.
Military spokesman to Col.
Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., citing
the present number of pensioners
from the Pension and Gratuity
Management Center, majority of
them are observed to be not in
their best physical condition.
So, it is imperative for the
military to take care of their
former soldiers whenever they
visit the AFP Headquarters. It is
a given fact that since many of
our war veterans are growing
old and ill, they will need extra
care and comfort whenever they
transact with military
ofces. An amount of almost
P5 million will be used to put up
said facility, Burgos said.
He said the center will be
located near the AFP Finance
Center and PGMC that will
also be equipped with medical
clinics, comfort rooms, vending
machines and misting fans.
Monitors will also be put up
for purposes of transaction,
information and entertainment.
Last year, the Association
of Generals and Flag Ofcers,
which is composed of both active
and retired ofcers, said that the
accumulated pension differential
arrearages (PDA) from January
2000 to June 2010, October to
December 2010 and June 2011 to
the present have already reached
more than P16 billion.
THE Department of Justice has
recommended the legislative approval
of several proposed laws in Congress
aimed at keeping the countrys roads
more safe by making reckless driving
a criminal offense and providing stiffer
penalties for its commission.
In a six-page letter-reply to Sen.
Francis Escudero, chairman of the
Senate committee on justice and human
rights, Justice Secretary Leila de
Lima stressed that there is a pressing
concern plaguing our roads and
highways that necessitates immediate
passage of these pending measures.
De Lima said the DOJ does not
object to the passage of Senate
Bill numbers 169, 484, 956, 1307,
1339, 1988, 2078, 2215 and 2683,
commonly known as Anti-Driving
Under the Influence of Alcohol and/
or Dangerous Drugs.
Those bills seek to dene as crime
the act of driving under the inuence
of alcohol and dangerous drugs and
impose stricter penalties against
violators.
The proposed measures also
addresses the problem of drunk
driving through a comprehensive
systems approach, which includes
driver education, mandatory alcohol
and drug testing of drivers involved
in motor vehicle accidents, the
establishment of a drunk driving
prevention fund for the purpose of
funding the implementation of the
proposed legislation, and the conduct
of public information campaigns
by alcohol beverage manufacturers
about drunk driving and its ill effects.
Rey E. Requejo
THE Department of the Interior
and Local Government on Sun-
day said closed circuit television
footage and 10 witnesses may
provide information to the per-
petrators of two bomb explosions
in Palawans El Nido and Puerto
Princesa City.
Secretary Jesse Robredo
said police in Palawan sdfd
now working hand with
concerned people to enable
them to resolve the blasts that
injured at least three people on
April 5.
He believes the twin explosions
are politically motivated than an
act of terrorism.
Aside from the CCTV footage
of the incident, police investigators
have taken five separate statements
from the owner and employees
of the Entaula Beach Resort in El
Nido. Two Philippine Marines
who conducted a checkpoint
immediately after the blasts also
gave statements, he said.
In the Puerto Princesa City
explosion, he said separate
statements were also taken by
police probers from three bus
passengers, a bus helper, and
the owner of a sack of rice and
two sacks of charcoal where the
bomb was placed.
He added two other possible
witnesses may also surface to
testify.
The Interior secretary directed
National Police chief Nicanor
Bartolome to conduct and in-
depth probe, identify and arrest
the suspects, and determine the
motives behind the bombings in
Palawan.
Rio N. Araja
Gabriela Reps. Luzviminda Ilagan
and Emmi de Jesus and Youth against
Corruption and Poverty Rep. Carol
Jayne Lopez said it was time for the
government to seriously consider the
equitable distribution of the countrys
rich natural resources.
The lady legislators made the call as
they pressed the House leadership to
pass the highly divisive Reproductive
Health bill.
They said some powerful and rich
people are the ones beneting from
the nations wealth.
You know an increasing population
is not and should not be a problem
in terms of resources. Its how the
resources are managed and distributed
equitably that matters. Our countrys
problem is the unequal distribution of
wealth or resources and the poor suffer
from the impact of inequality, Ilagan
told reporters.
The bottom line here is for the
government to ensure that natural
resources should be for the Filipinos
and not for foreign and local big
businesses to exploit. Lands should
be primarily for agriculture to ensure
food security of the people coupled
with promotion of national industries.
Population should not be a problem
if there is equitable distribution of
wealth, De Jesus said.
While the growing population
strains our limited resources,
Lopez agreed that whats necessary
is proper allocation of resources,
equitable distribution of wealth, proper
management of human resources and
among others.
Lopez said the RH bill would also
be a tool in helping the government
to address the problem of informal
settlers.
It is time for a serious consideration
of the passage of the RH bill. But at the
same time, we should also look at ways to
avoid the rise in the number of informal
settlers and keep them in the provinces.
This is where equitable distribution
and proper management of wealth and
resources come in, Lopez said.
But if the poor have aces to family
planning services, they would prefer
only two or three children, like the
rich, Ilagan added.
Under the Proclamation No. 362
which President Benigno C. Aquino
III signed, the countrys population has
reached 92,337,852 as of 2010 and will
grow to 100 million by 2015.
Under the proclamation, it declares
as ofcial the 2010 population gures
based on the Census of Population
and Housing conducted by the
National Statistics Ofce from May
to June last year.
By Maricel Cruz
THREE female legislators on Sunday urged
the Aquino government to promote responsible
parenthood in the country, saying the countrys
rich natural resources may be incapable of
absorbing the bloating number of Filipinos
which may reach 100 million by 2015.
Summer dip. Swimmers enjoy the cool waters of Maasin Falls in the mountains of Lambunao, Iloilo.
PINOY GONZALES
Rock revisited. World War II survivors and their relatives disembark from Navys BRP Bacolod after a trip from Manila to celebrate
veterans week in Filipino Heroes Memorial Park in Corrigidor Island. DANNY PATA
Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com APRIL 9, 2012 MONDAY
A4
THE fall of Bataan to the
invading Japanese forces 70
years ago today may be a blur
in the minds of the younger
Filipino generation. But for
the few who can still relive
that fateful day in Philippine
history, April 9, 1942 was
the start of a hellish Japanese
occupation that lasted for
nearly three years.
A radio broadcast from the
Malinta Tunnel on Corregidor
Island announced the surrender
of the combined American and
Filipino forces, who for months
had resisted the aggressive
advance of t he I mper i al
Japanese Army, then led by
General Masaharu Homma.
That broadcast became
familiar and probably served
as the rallying point for the
Philippine resistance movement
that ensued in the following
months. History class students
will find this famous radio
broadcast on April 9, 1942
familiar: Bataan has fallen.
The Phi l i ppi ne-Ameri can
troops on this war-ravaged and
bloodstained peninsula have
laid down their arms. With heads
bloody but unbowed, they have
yielded to the superior force and
numbers of the enemy... Bataan
has fallen, but the spirit that
made it standa beacon to all
the liberty-loving peoples of the
worldcannot fall!
The fal l of Bat aan and
the whole Philippines, as
we commemorate it today,
accelerated Japans effort to
control this region of Asia
and grab what we now know
as Indonesia. The historic
moment, considered the largest
US surrender since the Civil
Wars Battle of Harpers Ferry,
gave Japan a stranglehold on
Southeast Asia and the leash
to start a reign of terror in the
region.
The fall of Bataan also led
to the infamous Bataan Death
March, in which over 60,000
Filipino and 15,000 American
prisoners of war were forced
to walk on their way to Camp
ODonnell under sweltering
heat. The death of thousands of
prisoners from this episode in
our history should remind us of
the sacrices our grandfathers
had to endure to reclaim liberty
from the Japanese oppressors.
The fall of Bataan should not
be forgotten. Like an eternal
ame, it is a reminder of how
we as a nation fought for our
rights and resisted aggressors. It
has also taught us to be vigilant
to preserve our democratic
gains.
70 years ago today
The blessing
of perspective
IT WILL be Easter by the time this
piece is read, and the appropriate
time, I reckon, to share a perspective
I had from the foot of the cross. In the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, a priest
is ad scrito when he is neither pastor
nor assistant pastor but attached to
a parish so that he is not some vagrant
cleric. As an attached priest of the
Cathedral Parish of Tuguegarao, I
received the assignment to preach the
seventh word at the traditional Siete
Palabras, and in the Tuguegarao
Cathedral, one does this at an ambo (a
pulpit) literally
beneath a large
wooden cr oss
set up on Good
Fridays.
W h i l e
a wa i t i n g my
turn to preach,
I was, as has
b e e n u s u a l
f or me t hes e
p a s t we e k s ,
brooding over
the misfortune
that befell me
and ruing over
the inconstancy
of friends, the
empt i nes s of
pr omi ses. I was wal l owi ng i n
self-pity. And my reflections on
the seventh wordactually Jesus
last words according to Lukes
Gospel , t hough wi t hout doubt
echoi ng Psal m 31bore many
hints of my pain, my frustration,
my disappointment. When the Good
Friday service was over, the long
procession of the Santo Entierro
commenced, and from the Parish
Center, I watched the passing of
the carrozas and the images of the
saints they borewith the Santo
Entierro and the Mater Dolorosa
and a whol e t rai n of devot ees
bringing up the rear.
I looked at each face, and I had
no doubt that in each heart there was
some fervent petition, some earnest
wish, some burden of soul, some
anguish of spirit. Then it came
to me: What gave me the right to
think that I was bearing the greatest
pain, weighed down by the deepest
anguish? That did not of course
make the wound I bear vanish, but
it gave me the perspective I so badly
need. I had become obsessed with
the wrong I think was done me; I
was allowing myself to be defined
by what I planned to do to vindicate
the wrong. Lately, I had been given
to brooding and the misery that
inevitably comes in its wake. It
was most certainly not a case of
misery rejoicing in company, but
rather the sobering realization that
I had no right nurturing a sense
of self-importance because of my
wounded spirit.
I continue to hope that things
will be set aright; so that my hope,
however, be genui nel y East er
hope, it should be the hope not
that in the end I prevail but that
Gods will be done. I will not be
a fatalist, however, and throw up
my hands, give up on all remedies
and initiatives. But Gods will is
always what is noblest, what is
holiest, what is ethically best and
what is truly just. When the women
visited the tomb on the first day of
the week, they thought they would
find Jesus amidst their memories
of death, the pain of separation and
the gloom of what could have been
but never was. They thought they
would find him where he had been
buriedin their frustrations and
broken dreams. But the Strangers
me s s a g e a t
t h e T o m b
p r o v i d e s
us wi t h t he
perspective of
Easter: Do not
l ook f or t he
living among
the dead.
T h e r e i s
f or mebut
c e r t a i n l y
not or i gi nal
t o m e a
p e r s p e c t i v e
o n t h e
Resurrect i on
that makes it
more than the
quasi-mythical tale of a man who
died and then shortly thereafter rose
to life again. In fact, that is not at
all what the Resurrection stories of
the Gospels tell us. They certainly
proclaim the victory of Jesus and
all he stood for. The Resurrection
i s t he r eal i t y of t r ans f or med
lives and of fear and trepidation
vanquished. The Resurrection was
not only something that happened
to Jesus. It was also I venture to
say, principallywhat happened
to his followers, to the earliest
Christian communities. Because
of t he Res ur r ect i on, Chr i s t s
disciples were sure that there was
a difference between being hopeful
and being delusional. In the light of
the Resurrection they arrived at the
blessed assurance that a life lived in
imitation of Christs was safe and
secure in God, although it may very
well have to suffer the humiliation
of a crucifixion.
I am hurt by the insulting text
messages that have been let loose
to go viral against me. I am grieved
that those who once sought me
out now prefer to keep a discreet
distance. But aside from ridding
myself of the unjustified conceit
that mine is the greatest pain of all,
I must live each day with a truly
Resurrection hope: that what is best,
what is truly ennobling, what is
truly redeeming come upon us all!
r a nni e _ a q ui no @c s u. e d u. p h
rannie_aquino@sanbeda.edu.ph
r a n n i e _ a q u i n o @y a h o o . c o m
EDITORIAL
Globe tries harder
THE current aggressive and all-out
effort of Globe Telecom to give the
best possible service to its subscribers
reminds us of that brilliant and highly
successful ad campaign of Avis rental car
company in the 70s which said Were
number two but we try harder.
Customers reacted positively to that ad
campaign and Avis was able to increase
its market share versus the leading car
rental player at that timeHertz.
Globe Telecom, in terms of market
share, is trailing behind the combined
force of the three telecommunication
companies under the PLDT umbrella
namely Smart, Talk N Text and Sun. It
seems, though, that it is trying harder.
To illustrate, Globe Telecom unveiled
its Davao City network change-out, three
months after implementing its ambitious
$790-million landmark mobile network
modernization program nationwide.
With the roll-out, other areas in the
country will soon enjoy a radically
enhanced network experience that
residents of Davao City are now getting
used through fast call connections,
on-time delivery of text messages, and
reduced incidence of dropped calls
even at peak hours and traffic-heavy
occasions.
That huge investment of Globe
Telecom comes on the heels of the
newfound lure of the Philippines to
foreign investors. It could signal a
strengthened resolve from foreign
groups now looking at Asia and its
emerging economies by reason of their
projected growth trajectory. The telcos
investment, which was announced in
Malacaang and with President Benigno
Aquino III as witness, brings to the
fore the need for embracing the new
technologies insofar as the digital world
is concerned.
Being a key market and focus area for
Globe, Davao City was tapped for the
implementation of the network change-
out beginning December last year. This
has resulted in doubled mobile telephony
capacity in the area to support growing
customer demand and improvements in
voice and SMS service quality.
The network modernization program,
touted as the most signicant investment
of Globe in the last two decades, includes
an all-IP infrastructure, pervasive 3G
coverage, double ber optics capacity,
4G and LTE readiness, and overall
quality and resiliency.
Once completed, Globe envisions
a robust and resilient network that
can provide an unparalleled customer
experience to truly set the company
apart from competition. The new Globe
network and IT systems are not only
designed to address all current customer
needs but would also have the capacity
and capability for more sophisticated use
of mobile and broadband technologies.
With the telecom industry worldwide
evolving at a breakneck speed, it has
become imperative for local players
to stay competitive and up-to-date
with the latest developments. Thus,
Globe constantly pushes its underlying
infrastructure capabilities to much higher
levels so as to touch both consumers and
industries in new and progressive ways.
The unprecedented undertaking
will modernize all layers of the Globe
network within the next ve years and is
anticipated to set the industry benchmark
for the most technologically advanced
network in the Philippines.
It is expected to bring aggressive
growth prospects, savings in capital
spending and expenses, as well as
operational efciencies from the synergy
among Globe and its partners, Huawei
and Alcatel-Lucent. Together bound by
vision and resolve, the three companies
are committed to instrumentally deliver
a superior customer experience for the
benet of the consuming public.
At a higher level, the Globe network
modernization program also serves to
broaden the telecommunications horizon of
the Philippines as its corollary infrastructure
expansion and service innovation stands to
attract investment and business. Globe is
effectively raising the bar of technology
and service in the industry to make it at par
with the worlds most advanced telecom
communities and practices.
The investment complements a
Globe happiness campaign whereby
its subscribers would have access to
upgraded services and to lower cell
phone charges due to the roll-out of its
service paradigm.
Globe Prepaid subscribers, for
instance, can take advantage of the Globe
Prepaid Load Watch, a free and automatic
load notication service triggered by
specic load usage scenarios and other
related transactions that allows prepaid
subscribers to get free and automatic
real-time load usage updates, so they
are always updated of their load balance,
therefore eliminating suspected cases of
load theft or nakaw-load.
For Globe Post-paid, service guarantees
include the No Bill Shock policy with the
implementation of the P999 data bill cap,
which assures users that they will never
have to pay P999 a month even if they
go beyond their data subscription. Users
just simply sign up for a PowerSurf or
SuperSurf booster and they can rely on
the P999 bill cap thats sure to keep them
from overspending, no matter how much
they surf and browse. Thats a guarantee
that Globe is happy to give.
ALVIN
CAPINO
COUNTER-POINT
FR. RANHILIO
CALLANGAN AQUINO
PENSES
I realized I had
no right nurturing
a sense of self-
importance because
of my wounded
spirit.
ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher
RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN Managing Editor
CHIN WONG/ RAY S. EANO Associate Editors
RALEIGH J. JALECO News Editor
JOEL P. PALACIOS City Editor
ROMEL J. MENDEZ Art Director
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TODAY
CLIMACO E. CALIWARA Controller
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A5 Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com
TO MANY Filipinos, lent is a
welcome respite from work; a time
to hit the road to go home to ones
roots; or to cool off in beaches or
swimming pools. Not too many
continue to observe the tradition
of pabasa (reading the Passion of
Christ) or salubong, the traditional
p r o c e s s i o n
where life-sized
images of Jesus
and Mary meet
at the break of
dawn on Easter
Sunday.
It is, after
all, more
c o n v e n i e n t
to forget the
reasons why
Lent is observed
and why it is
good for ones
soul to reflect
on the passion
of Christ and
his resurrection
every so often.
I am a Catholic
but I must
confess I, too, have often fallen into
being lukewarm in my faith. Truly,
the demands of work and living
can desensitize even pious souls.
But, in this years Good Friday, I
insisted on getting all our helpers
and my family to watch the film,
The Passion of the Christ by Mel
Gibson. It was not my first time to
see this movie, much less my first
time to know Jesus Christs life and
death. Yet, this time, it impacted on
me so much that, for a moment, I
felt like seeing all my iniquities
and transgressions in panorama. A
feeling of revulsion and remorse for
being a part of the sea of humanity
that inflicted the countless wounds
and untold pain on the Christ took
me in a flash. I was surprised at
myself. I must have been numbed
to the selfish ways of the world for
far too long that Jesus taking on of
the cruel scourges that left him in
pulp, the crowning with thorns, the
humiliation of it all, and finally, the
crucifixiondespite being innocent
of any crimejolted me.
It is Easter once more and as I
prepare to return to the old grind,
I feel I am bound to an anchor; a
compelling resistance against going
back to the fast-paced routine of life.
This is perhaps what a hangover is
like, only that it is a welcome one.
Somehow, I wish not to forget the
learnings and lessons that made my
Lenten week more meaningful than
I had counted on.
The first learning I picked up is
that we should love our enemies.
There is no virtue and no reward
in loving only those who love
you. This teaching by Christ is
admittedly a tall order but in reality,
and with a little effort, it is doable.
One need not literally pour love
upon those who hate or persecute
him but, if at least, he can forgive
his enemies and tormentors, he
will essentially have taken the first
step toward loving them. This act
is not only worthy of divine credit;
more importantly, it can spell ones
survival, too. Forgiving releases the
hater from the consuming power of
hate.
The second lesson I gathered
is that we should not judge if we
do not want to be judged. And
this reminds me of what Senator
Gregorio Honasan recently said.
The senator said that there is an
o r g a n i z e d
h y p o c r i s y
lording it over
in our society
today. They
are those
who, self-
righteously, act
as though they
are without
sin and that
they have the
monopoly over
what is legally
and morally
right. Much
like the scribes
and Pharisees
that roused
the rabble into
c o n d e mn i n g
Jesus to death,
the hypocrites in our society cast
stones against those who may
even have fewer sins than they
have. They easily see dirt in
others shirts but not their own.
For as long as people refuse to
acknowledge their own sinfulness,
change in them is hardly possible.
Change in society is then unlikely
as hypocrites continue in their old,
unchanging ways.
The third lesson is humility. If
Jesus Christ who was hailed as the
Master, the Divine Healer and the
Son of God were so proud as not
to have allowed Himself to be so
humiliated and publicly vanquished
and destroyed, there would have
been no redemption for mankind at
all. But I am not comfortable about
preaching. All I wish to remember
from this learning for always is that
we cease to move toward becoming
better persons the very moment we
start to believe we are perfect. And
then begins the fall because a person
who stops to grow begins to wilt
and die. This is an illness that strikes
many who reach, what they believe,
is the top. Their pride prevents them
from recognizing that man should
continue growing and learning until
the day he ceases to live.
My learnings in the Holy
Week were by no means new. Our
parents, elementary and high school
teachers have taught us exactly
the same precepts. Yet, we need to
be constantly reminded as we are
reminded by our doctors to look
after our sugar and cholesterol
levels. And if I have to nurse my
Lenten hangover far longer than
usual, I will be the merrier. A Happy
Easter to all!
E-mail: ritalindaj@gmail.com
Visit: www.jimenolaw.com
A Lenten
hangover
What to do with VAT
BONG C.
AUSTERO
ARE WE THERE YET?
SQUEALS of pain have been heard
from those who feather the nest of this
government. The source of their outcry:
the rise in fuel prices and with it the
value-added tax they have to cough up.
Being a percentage tax, the VAT is
latched on to the value of a commodity.
Good if its price drops because it would
mean that the VAT paid will plunge with
it. The ipside is that when the price
jumps, the VAT soars too.
Here the paradox that confounds
the government comes in. When it
should cushion oil price hikes, it instead
aggravates the situation as the tax bite
swells in proportion with the value and
thus inates the nal price.
So when oil prices rise, it is not only
the oil companies that rake in windfall
revenues. The government strikes a
revenue bonanza as well.
It is against this backdrop that calls
for government to waive its tax windfall
from spiraling gas prices are made. The
argument is that if charity will not drive
oil companies to lower their prices,
then maybe compassion will move the
government to abolish the tax. The logic
is that government should lighten the
load on consumers shoulders instead of
adding to it.
To this clamor, the governments
reply has been predictable: VAT will
remain gasolines biggest additive.
I, however, think the choice shouldnt
be narrowed down to retaining VAT or
removing it. Theres a middle ground:
reduce it from 12 to 10 percent.
That is why I felt the disappointment
of many when Malacaang shot down
the well-meaning proposal by some of
its congressional allies that the current
VAT rate of 12 percent on all goods and
services and not just on oil be shaved to
10 percent.
This must be the reason the Palace
nipped it in the bud. It was wary of a
wholesale reduction. But the architects
of VAT counter with a good explanation.
The cut must be across-the-board
because for the VAT system to work, it
needs to be applied uniformly on a at
surface and pocket exemptions will
create distortions that will work against
its nature as a pass-on tax.
Aside from this, the 10-percent
proposal has other merits.
First, any revenue loss on oil, for
example, can be recouped by its high
price: This is illustrated in this example
of nger math: 12 percent of a $90 barrel
oil is 10 dollars and 80 cents while 10
percent of a $110 barrel oil is 11 dollars.
As to the fear that the states revenue
program will be left in shambles, one
proponent of the cut said it will not. Oil will
still ll its quota in the total tax pie. The
latter was drawn based on world prices
before Irans Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
brashly updated his countrys nuclear
status from complicated to completed,
which sent jitters to the market.
Again, if the tax take will not take a
hit, then the government programs that
rely on it will not also be affected. No
services will be scrapped, no projects
scuttled.
Besides, the government already has
a hard time spending revenues collected
that last year alone it shelled out P150
billion below program. This begs the
question: Why hanker for more revenues
when one is allergic to spending it?
Then theres the other compelling
argument for the return of the VAT to
its original rate. If I remember it right,
raising it to 12 percent was a supposedly
a band-aid measure, a bitter medicine of
sorts to bring our country out of scal
ICU. Lately, the economic managers
have never tired of pronouncing how
hale and hearty the patient is, complete
with charts that show its dynamic vital
signs. If this is so, then maybe it is time
for the people to stop paying for the
medicine
Instead of summarily rejecting the
VAT proposal, the Palace could have at
least said that it was giving the proposal
some thought.
Perhaps the Palace thought that it
could resort to brutal candor as it has
enough political capital to spend in
weathering this brewing crisis. But high
presidential ratings are not immune to
the corrosive effects of high prices of
basic goods. Popularity is soluble in the
deadly mix of the three Fshigh food,
fuel and fare prices.
So perhaps a little sensitivity to the
ordinary folks plight is in order.
If the government is trying to
inculcate tax obedience among the
people, it should well know that the best
way to do it is through a tax break.
More so that the nation is about
to enter a very taxing season as
government tries to make high taxes
out of vices a virtue. If you are going to
wring more taxes out of the people, then
it doesnt hurt if you adopt a one step
backward, two steps forward stance, with
the VAT rollback presaging the great sin
tax leap forward.
Government must be seen as sharing
the burden and not proting from it.
To the consumer, the reduction in the
price of goods may be minimal if VAT
is trimmed. But it sends out a powerful
signal that government feels his pain and
is trying to alleviate it.
By Francisco S. Tatad
DESPITE the Senate impeachment
trials long Lenten break, from
March 22 to May 6, there has been
no letup in Chief Justice Renato
Coronas other trial in the Franken
press.
New charges have been aired, and
questionable opinion surveys used
to proclaim the respondents guilt.
In the Senate trial, the prosecution
unilaterally dropped ve of the eight
original Articles of Impeachment,
breezed through the other two, and
zeroed in on just one or less than
one of the three articles left. It cut
down its previously announced 100
witnesses to just one-third, and then
rested its case.
The other trial has remained
open-ended, and far more inventive.
For its part, the defense has tried
to show that, contrary to the charge,
Corona has been ling his annual
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and
Net Worth faithfully; that he owns
ve pieces of real property, not 45
as previously claimed; that his legal
income has allowed him to build
up his modest assets; that his wife
Cristina, as attorney-in-fact for her
family corporation, Basa Guidote
Enterprises, Inc., had received P34.7
million from the City of Manila as
payment for a BGEI real property,
from which he had borrowed P11
million to acquire another piece of
real estate; and that she had parked
the BGEI money in his bank account
purely for the sake of convenience.
The money does not appear in
Coronas SALN because he does not
own it.
The senator-judges have yet
to decide what constitutes an
impeachable offense, and what
quantum of evidence to use in judging
the respondent. Assuming Corona
had failed to declare every asset he
owns in his SALN, the question is
this: Is it an impeachable offense, in
the same class as culpable violation
of the Constitution, treason, bribery,
graft and corruption, other high
crimes, or betrayal of public trust,
for which an impeachable ofcial
must be removed?
The Senate has yet to grapple with
it.
Republic Act 6713, enacted in
1989, and known as the Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Public Ofcials, provides that both
Houses of Congress shall designate
two committees, which shall
establish procedures for the review
of statements (SALN) to determine
whether said statements which
have been submitted on time, are
complete, and are in proper form.
In the event a determination is made
that a statement is not so led, the
appropriate Committee shall so
inform the reporting individual and
direct him to take the necessary
corrective action.
Since 1989, however, the
Congress has failed to designate
those committees. Thus the law
appears non-enforceable in its
present state, for all intents and
purposes. It may be used to punish
an ofcial who has failed to le his
or her SALN, but not an ofcial who
has led an incomplete, erroneous,
and therefore correctible statement.
How then can the senator-judges use
it to remove the Chief Justice?
That is a dilemma for the
impeachment court, and the only
possible outcome is acquittal, not
conviction, of the respondent. In the
Clinton impeachment trial, at least
one senatorSen. Arlen Specter
(R-Pennsylvania)instead of voting
Guilty or Not Guilty, simply
voted Not Proved. Some honest
and thoughtful senator-judges might
nd that a useful precedent.
Yet determined to convict Corona
at all costs, anti-Corona forces
have come up with new charges in
the media, and so-called opinion
surveys, purporting to show that
a large portion of 96 million or
so Filipinos, based on 1,200 or so
samples allegedly surveyed,
would like to see Corona convicted.
The obvious purpose is to bamboozle
the senator-judges to succumb to the
purported pulse of the masses.
So while the case in court is
hemorrhaging from lack of merit,
malignant public opinion against
Corona, manufactured by the
propaganda pollsters and the Franken
media, continues to gather in
magnitude and strength. The clear
intent is to judge Corona not according
to the law, but according to the alleged
surveys. To compel him to prove
his innocence instead of requiring the
prosecution to prove his guilt.
Ironically, some senator-judges,
the President and the prosecution
have suggested that Corona take the
stand to defend himself. Ordinarily,
counsel, rather than the judge,
decides whom to call as witnesses.
In Clintons case, there were some
suggestions that President Bill
Clinton take the stand to explain
his sexual conduct inside the Oval
Ofce. He was ultimately prevented
from doing so because of the
principle of separation of powers.
The same principle could apply in
Coronas case.
Continued on page 6
Reclaiming the essence of Easter
I WOKE up yesterday to nd 11 Happy
Easter text messages in my mobile
phone. Perhaps this is a reection of
the kind of kith and kin that I have, but
I couldnt help but mull over the fact
that the number of text messages were
only less than a tenth of the text message
greetings I would get on Christmas day,
and probably only a third of what I would
normally get on Valentines Day. Heck,
most people probably receive more text
messages warning them about natural
calamities than those proclaiming the
good news of salvation.
Why is Easter Sunday not a very big
deal for Christians? In fact, I think more
people ascribe more meaning to Good
Friday than they do to Easter Sunday. In
this country, everything practically comes
to a halt on Good Friday afternoon. And
of course we all go gaga on Christmas.
But Easter Sunday is virtually just any
other Sunday, except of course for
those who stand to make a prot from
organizing Easter egg hunts and Easter
bunny-inspired buffet and celebrations.
In fact, many people dread Easter
Sunday because it usually means the end
of a four-day vacation; it usually means
a full days arduous trek back to Manila
after three days on some beach or
mountain hideaway. Fortunately, today
is still a holiday because of Araw Ng
Kagitingan so at least people dont have
to worry about braving the congestion
and the other aggravations that have
always been associated with going in
and out of Metro Manila before and after
long holidays.
Come to think of it, this problem
about congestion at Metro Manilas
entrance and exit points has been there
for the longest time. Everybody gets
riled up about it during Holy Week,
Christmas and New Year, All Saints Day,
and during long holidays when throngs
of people make a mad dash out of the
metro. Our authorities, with the help of
media and civic organizations, set up all
kinds of programs to help commuters
during these times. All of these, however,
are palliative efforts designed to help
ease peoples difculties. But we still
havent been able to put in place more
permanent and comprehensive programs
to x the problem once and for all. Its as
if were all expected to just put up with
the difculties as some kind of atonement
for being Filipinos.
Is this the reason why most of us nd
more identication with the image of the
crucied Christ? More and more each
year, I think we are becoming Good
Friday people rather than Easter
Sunday people.
In one of those exercises one is
required to do during recollection
sessions, I noted that most people tended
to chose the image of a suffering Christ
as the symbol of their faith rather than
the more hopeful image of a baby in a
manger, or the pristine and triumphant
image of a risen Christ. I remember that
during sharing sessions people tended
to underscore the many metaphorical
crosses that they bear in life, their
own Calvary road, the many trials and
tribulations that they seem to accept as
essential part of existence.
Not many question it, but this is the sad
and inescapable truth. The Catholic faiths
mantra of guilt has sadly programmed all
of us to think that misery is our birthright
and that the only way for anyone to achieve
triumph is by undergoing a journey of
redemption. This was the same message
that most priests harped on during the Holy
Week this year: That we are all unworthy,
sinful people.
I sat aghast last Friday listening to a
priest drone on and on about just how
despicable mankind has become. He
ticked off from a long list of supposed
sins, which inevitably (and quite
expectedly) segued to the evil that is the
reproductive health bill and the divorce
bill. I wish our Good Friday reection
fare didnt have to be so divisive and so
politically colored. And while we are at
it, wouldnt it be so great if our bishops
and priests use Holy Week to strengthen
spirituality rather than perpetuate
Catholic guilt?
Can we blame people then for not
associating great meaning to Easter
Sunday?
The real essence of Easter Sunday is
unconditional love. It is forgiveness and
re-strengthening personal relationships
with God.
The Senate, the pollsters and the press
PASTOR APOLLO
QUIBOLOY
PLUMBLINE
RITA LINDA
V. JIMENO
OUT OF THE BOX
EVERYMAN
We cease to
move toward
becoming better
persons the very
moment we start
to believe we are
perfect.
News
ManilaStandardToday
mst.daydesk@gmail.com APRIL 9, 2012 MONDAY
A6
Biking with history on the road
Alien abused partner, too
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Office Of the District engineer
CATANDUANES ENGINEERING DISTRICT
VIRAC, CATANDUANES
RE-I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Department of Public Works
and Highways, Catanduanes Engineering District, invites contractors to bid for the
aforementioned projects:
Contract ID : 11FH0043
Contract Name : 1. ROAD UPGRADING (GRAVEL TO PAVED)
BASED ON GRAVEL ROAD STRATEGIES,
TRAFFIC BENCHMARK FOR UPGRADING TO
PAVED ROAD STANDARD (HDM-4 PROJECT
ANALYSIS), JCT. CCR TO PANGANIBAN-
SABLOYON SECTION, PANGANIBAN, CATAN-
DUANES
(K0059+815 K0060+300)
Contract Location : PANGANIBAN, CATANDUANES
Scope of Work : CONCRETING OF 496 L.M. X 0.23M X 6.70M W/
SHOULDER AS PER PLAN & SPECS.
Approved Budget For the Contract (ABC) : P 12,599,860.00
Contract Duration : 180 CD
Source of Fund & Year : CY 2012 REG. INFRA
Amount of Bid Documents : P10,000.00
ANALYSIS),BARAS-GIGMOTO-VIGA ROAD,
BENTICAYAN SECTION, BARAS, CATAN-
DUANES (K0031+847-K0033+416)
Contract Location : BARAS, CATANDUANES
The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised
IRR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
at the opening of bid.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), purchase
bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration
with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation,
cooperative, or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost
of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC
within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least
equal to ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC
will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary
examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH Central Procurement Offce (CPO) before the deadline for the receipt
of LOI. The DPWH Central Procurement Offce (CPO) will only process contractors
applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors
Certifcate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the
DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Interested contractors shall submit their duly
accomplished Expression of Interest statements upon presentation of their Contractor
Registration Certificate (CRC with the Contractors Information), buy Tender
Documents and drop their bids in person or through their Authorized Representative
as refected in their CRC with the Contractors Information to the Chairman, Bids
& Awards Committee (BAC), DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering District.(Please
bring valid I.D.)
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
1. I ssuance of Bidding Document s From: APRI L 9-MAY 3, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference APRI L 18, 2012
3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from Prospect ive Bidders APRI L 25, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: UP TO 2: 00 P.M., MAY 3, 2012
5. Opening of Bids 2: 00 P.M., MAY 3, 2012
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at DPWH,
Catanduanes Engineering District, Virac, Catanduanes, upon payment of a non-
refundable fee of (Fee for BDs). Prospective bidders may also download the BDs
from the DPWH web site, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs
from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees at DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering
District, Virac, Catanduanes on or before the submission of their bids Documents.
The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased
the BDs. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable
form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in
the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy
of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid.
Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined
in the bid evaluation and post-qualifcation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, Catanduanes Engineering
District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding
process any time prior contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected
bidder/s.

Approved by:
(Sgd.) NOEL B. BALMADRID
Engineer III
BAC Chairman
The public is hereby notifed that the
Philippines Representative Offce of BEST
RE (a corporation registered in The Republic
of Tunisia), with registered address at Unit
911, 9/F Philippine AXA Life Center, Sen. Gil
Puyat Ave. cor. Tindalo St., Makati City, will
be CLOSED. The closure of the Philippine
representative offce will take effect upon
approval by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
In view of the withdrawal of license of Best
Re Representative Offce, its activities and
functions will be assumed by BEST RE (L)
Limited, the Philippine Representative Offce
of Best Re (L) Limited, a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of Malaysia holding
offce in the same address.
(MST-Apr. 2, 9 & 16, 2012)
NOTI CE OF WI THDRAWAL
OF LI CENSE
(MST-Mar. 26, April 2 & 9, 2012)
Pursuant to Sec. 3 Art. XIII of RTCCI Articles, the Board of Directors have ordered the auction of
shares of members/stockholders listed below whose account have been delinquent for over ninety
(90) days. The auction is scheduled at 2:00 PM, April 22, 2012 at the Board Room of RTCCI,
Alfonso, Province of Cavite:
SHARE# MEMBERSNAME CLASS Stock Certifcate No.
1. 03-1347 ABUEG,ANGELITOT. A A1046
2. 03-1328 AMORES,ROBERTOC. A A0050
3. 03-0614 ASTILLERO,EMMANUELI. A A2281
4. 03-0336 BLANCO,GEORGEB. A A1516
5. 03-0987 CARAG,CARLOA. A A1492
6. 03-1021 CEBALLOS,FREDDIEM. A A0585
7. 04-2859 CHUA,HARRIS B B0288
8. 03-0345 CHUA,VICENTEY. A A0956
9. 04-0455 DAVID,GERONIMOP. B B0072
10. 04-1493 DEGUZMAN,GERILYN B B0231
11. 04-1014 DELROSARIO,RAMONA S. B B0023
12. 03-0161 DELA SERNA,DIONISIOC. A A0873
13. 03-1198 ESCALANTE,ERMELOJR. A A1763
14. 04-1485 FRANCISCO,EDUARDOG. B B0218
15. 03-0631 ILETO,RAFAELM. A A1033
16. 03-0489 JOAQUIN,CARLOSF. A A1517
17. 03-1295 KELEMEN,ROSARIOF. A A0603
18. 03-0375 LAO,ROWENA C. A A1520
19. 04-1587 LAVIA,LIGAYA Q. B B0263
20. 03-0787 LEE,SAMUELU. A A0781
21. 03-0986 LIM,ANNA C. A A1500
22. 04-0891 LINSANGAN,NICOMEDESS. B B0270
23. 03-0935 LO,JAIMEB. A A1472
24. 03-1392 MANANSALA,GABRIELV. A A0889
25. 03-1443 MENDOZA,EPITACIOE. A A1350
26. 03-0498 MORALES,GERARDOA. A A1425
27. 03-0359 NER-SONGCO,ROSALINA L. A A0082
28. 03-0526 NOVALJR.MARTINR. A A1473
29. 03-1521 PADUA,RAYMONDC. A A1504
30. 03-1088 PARLAN,MAXIMOV. A A0859
31. 03-1077 PLATON,JOHNNY A A1592
32. 03-0866 POSADAS,JESUSCRISTINOP. A A0566
33. 03-0554 REYES,JOSEALEJANDROB. A A0618
34. 03-0558 RODRIGUEZ,JOVITA C. A A0197
35. 04-0169 RODRIGUEZ,VICTORC. B B0116
36. 03-0356 ROMUALDEZ,ALFREDOT. A A1005
37. 03-0996 SALVADOR,LORENZOA. A A1506
38. 03-0563 SANDICO,FRANKLINS. A A1041
39. 03-0775 SUI,FRANCISCOA. A A0822
40. 03-0052 TIROL,MA.CECILIA G. A A1510
41. 03-0369 TIU,TONNYT. A A0101
42. 03-0303 TORING,VENUSS. A A1096
43. 03-0671 TY,VICENTEL. A A1224
44. 03-1152 VELASCO,FRANCISCOV. A A0809
The general public and primary member of good standing are qualifed to participate in the auction
sale either personally or by written proxy. The minimum bid for each share to be auctioned shall be
announced before the auction is commenced.
Done this 10
th
day of March, 2012 at Alfonso, Cavite.
(Sgd.) AURORAD.ROBLES -and- (Sgd.) ATTY.NORMANM.VERZOSA
Corporate Secretary Assistant Corporate Secretary
Chairman, Legal & Legislative Committee

NOTICE OF AUCTION
Royale Tagaytay Country Club
Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. (046) 413-2384, 0917-8557855; 02-7822016
E-mail: royaletagaytay@yahoo.com.ph
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
Office Of the District engineer
VIRAC, CATANDUANES
RE-I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
ANALYSIS), JCT. CCR TO PANGANIBAN-
SABLOYON SECTION, PANGANIBAN, CATAN-
DUANES
(K0059+815 K0060+300)
Contract Location : PANGANIBAN, CATANDUANES
ANALYSIS),BARAS-GIGMOTO-VIGA ROAD,
BENTICAYAN SECTION, BARAS, CATAN-
DUANES (K0031+847-K0033+416)
Contract Location : BARAS, CATANDUANES
IRR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), purchase
of LOI. The DPWH Central Procurement Offce (CPO) will only process contractors
applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractors
Certifcate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the
DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. Interested contractors shall submit their duly
accomplished Expression of Interest statements upon presentation of their Contractor
Registration Certificate (CRC with the Contractors Information), buy Tender
Documents and drop their bids in person or through their Authorized Representative
as refected in their CRC with the Contractors Information to the Chairman, Bids
& Awards Committee (BAC), DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering District.(Please
bring valid I.D.)
1. I ssuance of Bidding Document s From: APRI L 9-MAY 3, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference APRI L 18, 2012
3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from Prospect ive Bidders APRI L 25, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: UP TO 2: 00 P.M., MAY 3, 2012
5. Opening of Bids 2: 00 P.M., MAY 3, 2012
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at DPWH,
refundable fee of (Fee for BDs). Prospective bidders may also download the BDs
from the DPWH web site, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs
from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees at DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering
District, Virac, Catanduanes on or before the submission of their bids Documents.
The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased
the BDs. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable
form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.
the BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst
bidder/s.

Approved by:
Engineer III
BAC Chairman
The public is hereby notifed that the
Philippines Representative Offce of BEST
RE (a corporation registered in The Republic
of Tunisia), with registered address at Unit
911, 9/F Philippine AXA Life Center, Sen. Gil
Puyat Ave. cor. Tindalo St., Makati City, will
be CLOSED. The closure of the Philippine
representative offce will take effect upon
approval by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
In view of the withdrawal of license of Best
Re Representative Offce, its activities and
functions will be assumed by BEST RE (L)
Limited, the Philippine Representative Offce
of Best Re (L) Limited, a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of Malaysia holding
offce in the same address.
(MST-Apr. 2, 9 & 16, 2012)
NOTI CE OF WI THDRAWAL
OF LI CENSE
(MST-Mar. 26, April 2 & 9, 2012)
Pursuant to Sec. 3 Art. XIII of RTCCI Articles, the Board of Directors have ordered the auction of
shares of members/stockholders listed below whose account have been delinquent for over ninety
(90) days. The auction is scheduled at 2:00 PM, April 22, 2012 at the Board Room of RTCCI,
Alfonso, Province of Cavite:
SHARE# MEMBERSNAME CLASS Stock Certifcate No.
1. 03-1347 ABUEG,ANGELITOT. A A1046
2. 03-1328 AMORES,ROBERTOC. A A0050
3. 03-0614 ASTILLERO,EMMANUELI. A A2281
4. 03-0336 BLANCO,GEORGEB. A A1516
5. 03-0987 CARAG,CARLOA. A A1492
6. 03-1021 CEBALLOS,FREDDIEM. A A0585
7. 04-2859 CHUA,HARRIS B B0288
8. 03-0345 CHUA,VICENTEY. A A0956
9. 04-0455 DAVID,GERONIMOP. B B0072
10. 04-1493 DEGUZMAN,GERILYN B B0231
11. 04-1014 DELROSARIO,RAMONA S. B B0023
12. 03-0161 DELA SERNA,DIONISIOC. A A0873
13. 03-1198 ESCALANTE,ERMELOJR. A A1763
14. 04-1485 FRANCISCO,EDUARDOG. B B0218
15. 03-0631 ILETO,RAFAELM. A A1033
16. 03-0489 JOAQUIN,CARLOSF. A A1517
17. 03-1295 KELEMEN,ROSARIOF. A A0603
18. 03-0375 LAO,ROWENA C. A A1520
19. 04-1587 LAVIA,LIGAYA Q. B B0263
20. 03-0787 LEE,SAMUELU. A A0781
21. 03-0986 LIM,ANNA C. A A1500
22. 04-0891 LINSANGAN,NICOMEDESS. B B0270
23. 03-0935 LO,JAIMEB. A A1472
24. 03-1392 MANANSALA,GABRIELV. A A0889
25. 03-1443 MENDOZA,EPITACIOE. A A1350
26. 03-0498 MORALES,GERARDOA. A A1425
27. 03-0359 NER-SONGCO,ROSALINA L. A A0082
28. 03-0526 NOVALJR.MARTINR. A A1473
29. 03-1521 PADUA,RAYMONDC. A A1504
30. 03-1088 PARLAN,MAXIMOV. A A0859
31. 03-1077 PLATON,JOHNNY A A1592
32. 03-0866 POSADAS,JESUSCRISTINOP. A A0566
33. 03-0554 REYES,JOSEALEJANDROB. A A0618
34. 03-0558 RODRIGUEZ,JOVITA C. A A0197
35. 04-0169 RODRIGUEZ,VICTORC. B B0116
36. 03-0356 ROMUALDEZ,ALFREDOT. A A1005
37. 03-0996 SALVADOR,LORENZOA. A A1506
38. 03-0563 SANDICO,FRANKLINS. A A1041
39. 03-0775 SUI,FRANCISCOA. A A0822
40. 03-0052 TIROL,MA.CECILIA G. A A1510
41. 03-0369 TIU,TONNYT. A A0101
42. 03-0303 TORING,VENUSS. A A1096
43. 03-0671 TY,VICENTEL. A A1224
44. 03-1152 VELASCO,FRANCISCOV. A A0809
The general public and primary member of good standing are qualifed to participate in the auction
sale either personally or by written proxy. The minimum bid for each share to be auctioned shall be
announced before the auction is commenced.
Done this 10
th
day of March, 2012 at Alfonso, Cavite.
(Sgd.) AURORAD.ROBLES -and- (Sgd.) ATTY.NORMANM.VERZOSA
Corporate Secretary Assistant Corporate Secretary
Chairman, Legal & Legislative Committee

NOTICE OF AUCTION
Royale Tagaytay Country Club
Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. (046) 413-2384, 0917-8557855; 02-7822016
E-mail: royaletagaytay@yahoo.com.ph
Business catalyst. Quezon City administrator and QC special assessment task force chairman Victor Endriga listens to QC Association of Filipino-
Chinese Businessmen Inc. president Bobby Chua Ching during the launch of a unied inter-department effort in reducing the number of inspec-
tions to support a business-friendly climate under Mayor Herbert Bautista. With Endriga are co-members environmental protection and waste
management head Frederika Rentoy, city health ofcer Dr. Antonieta Inumerable, special assistant to the city treasurer Arvin Gotladera, business
permits and licensing ofce chief Gary Domingo, ofcer-in-charge of the city assessors ofce Rodolfo Ordanes, city building ofcial Engr. Isagani
Versoza and Fire Marshal Bobby Baruelo. PAISO
The Senate... From A5
But Corona is no longer the only one on trial now.
The Senate, the propaganda pollsters and the Franken
press are also on the dock.
Consider the Senate. For all the high praises
heaped upon Senate President Juan Ponce Enriles
handling of the trial, at least three questions have to
be asked:
Has the impeachment proceeding been in full
accord with the Constitution?
Has the trial been totally fair to the respondent?
Have all the senator-judges observed political
neutrality, according to their oath and the Rules of
the Impeachment Court?
Although some senator-judges describe
the impeachment court as sui generis, and
independent of the Judiciary, it is not quite beyond
judicial review. The Supreme Court will not tell the
senator-judges how to do their work, but like any
other branch or instrumentality of government, the
Senate will have to submit to the Courts authority
in case of a grave abuse of discretion amounting
to lack or excess of jurisdiction.
Seven petitions before the High Court, including
one from Corona himself, allege as much. They
say the Articles of Impeachment have not been
constitutionally veried, and are therefore void ab
initio, and that the Senate has decided to try Corona
based on a mere scrap of paper.
That should give the Court a legitimate reason to
intervene. But President Benigno Aquino IIIs open
attacks on Corona and the Court, and the senators
repeated warnings against any Court interference
in the trial appear to have successfully silenced the
Justices, and prevented them from acting on the
petitions.
Still, it has been shown that the impeachment
case was initiated primarily by the President rather
than exclusively by the House of Representatives,
and that it was never veried, according to the strict
requirements of the Constitution.
What began with a bang of eight charges has been
reduced to a whimper of just one or one-half. That
could not have happened if the proceeding had been
in full accord with the Constitution.
Mr. Tatad is a former senator.
Key infra projects lauded
He said the two sites are
meant to add significance in
recalling heroic deeds with
a program on biking with
history.
It was in Balara where a
guerrilla unit was able to rescue
the water lters from demolition
a few days before the start of
the Battle for Manila.
In Bilibid, guerrilla fighters
rescued their comrades held
behind bars.
For those who enjoy a
challenge for a more meaningful
Araw ng Kagitingan, this is
it, said Jimenez, adding that
biking is cleaner, quieter and
healthier.
He said the department was
planning to support the biking
communitys advocacy for
safer routes, parking and the
like.
The route connecting Ba
lara and Bilibid takes the
eastern corridor of Metro
Manila.
From Quezon City, it goes
through Pasig and traverses
the Spanish road that linked
the localities of Rizal to its
former capital.
The 2B Tour, approved
and endorsed by the National
Steering Committee on National
Observance led by the National
Historical Commission of the
Philippines, covers at least 35
kilometers one way.
The open tour includes a
return trip with scheduled rest
stops along the way.
Its not a race. It will be
run at a leisurely pace of 15 to
20 kilometers per hour, said
Jimenez.
The challenge is to complete
the bike run, he said. Organizers
have mapped mount an alternate
route for those wanting to head
south or north without passing
through Edsa, C-5 or the SLEX
service roads.
The DOT urged cycling
participants to create a Web
site to prepare a historical
background, a map of the
route, with photos and the tour
schedule and rules.
The sign-up form is posted in
2b-biking.weebly.com for those
who wish to register online.
The Kagitingan tour is
supported by National Historical
Commission of the Philippines;
Hunters Association, the
veterans association whose
guerilla efforts the event
commemorates; Hunters
Historical Society, for the WWII
from the Filipino accounts;
UP Beta Sigma Fraternity for
bikers mobilization and social
media networking; UP Diliman
and New Bilibid Prison, for
the launch and ceremonies
venue; MMDA for traffic
management, AEROMED, as
the official medical support
group, Lungsod ng Quezon
City and Taguig City for
their support and provision
of LGU-based relay bikers;
Philippines Daily Inquirer, as
official media partner; and the
Army, Air Force and Marine
Corps for logistical support.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez will
launch today the 2B Commemorative
Bicycle Tour in Balara, Quezon City and
Bilibid, Muntinlupa City, to mark Araw
ng Kagitingan.
By Vito Barcelo
IMMIGRATION agents arrested an
overstaying American for allegedly
abusing and maltreating his Filipina
live-in partner.
Arrested was William Ray Smith, 64,
who is now behind bars at the Bicutan
immigration jail, was nabbed inside the
export processing zone compound in
Rosario, Cavite.
Immigration Commissioner Ricardo
David said Smith overstayed in the
country for more than six years until his
status was reported to authorities by his
common law wife.
The woman, whose identity was
withheld, allegedly complained of
mental anguish due to continued
physical and verbal abuse she suffered
in the hands of the American.
Let this serve as a warning to
other foreigners that they should not
abuse our Filipino women. They
do not deserve our hospitality and
the privilege to stay in our country,
David said.
Lawyer Ma. Antonette Mangrobang,
Immigration intelligence chief, said it
was when Smith physically assaulted
the complainants daughter from her
rst marriage that prompted the mother
to report him on hos wrongdoings.
Records show that Smith had managed
to obtain a one-year probationary resident
visa after falsely entering into a marriage
with a Filipina business partner.
But the visa was invalidated after he
failed to petition the BI to amend his
status to permanent.
Top event.
Paraaque Mayor
Florencio Bernabe Jr.
(right) joins Senate
President Juan Ponce
Enrile, other government
ofcials and business
leaders during the
topping out ceremony
of the Solaire Manila
Hotel Complex at the
Entertainment City Manila
in the Bay Reclamation
area known as the citys
Special Investment
District which includes
the Bloomberry Resorts
and Hotels Inc. project
which is expected to make
a major contribution to
the countrys tourism and
economy.
By Gigi Muoz-David

VALENZUELA Mayor Sherwin
Gatchalian commended the 2013 project
proposals of attached government
agencies of the Infrastructure Sector of
Regional Development Council-National
Capital Region under the Metro Manila
Development Authority.
As chairman of Infrastructure Sector
of RDC-NCR, he said the planned
undertakings were scrutinized consultation
and hearing held in the city recently.
Gatchalian endorsed the Department of
Public Works and Highways Build Operate
Transfers Three Priority Expressway
Projects following the presentation of the
Toll Regulatory Board.
Around 70 to 80 percent of our
constituents use the highways on a
daily basis. I understand that it is indeed
costly if modernization has to take place
to extinguish overwhelming accidents,
which even took the life of our dear friend
Vice Mayor Arnold Vicencio at SLEX,
he said. I am satised of the revitalized
budget proposal of the TRB, he said.
Gatchalian noted the need for the
Daang Hari-SLEx Link Project worth
P1.956 billion. The four-kilometer, four-
lane paved toll road will pass through
the New Bilibid Prison reservation,
and will connect Bacoor, Cavite to
the South Luzon Expressway through
Susana Heights.
Also included is the NLEx-SLEx
Connector worth P20.181 billion
consisting of a 13.4 km four-lane
elevated expressway on the national
railways alignment as route together
with the Naia Expressway Project,
Phase 2 for P14.59 billion.
A7 Sports Riera U. Mallari, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
Peter Hanson answered with four birdies
on his last ve holes, claiming some of those
cheers for himself and taking the outright
lead Saturday in the Masters with a 7-under
65, the lowest score of the tournament.
What a nishand its all just beginning.
Fortune favors the brave at times here,
Padraig Harrington said.
More Masters coverage
When youre leading a tournament, thats
not the type of golf course you want to be
on, he added. You want to be on probably a
boring golf coursewhich this aint.
That much was evident on a day lled
with cheers from every corner, a prelude
for a nal round that would gure to favor
Mickelson.
Hanson, a 34-year-old Swede playing in
A Tiger story worth retelling
Hanson holds off Mickelsons charge
AUGUSTA, GeorgiaPhil Mickelson set off
roars at Augusta National with a 20-foot eagle putt
for a share of the lead, and an amazing op shot
behind the 15
th
green that only he would dare try.
IN deference to Holy Week,
this was written in advance.
Thus, the Masters in Augusta,
Georgia, had yet to begin when
this was composed. And Tiger
Woods being my top topic
here, I could merely speculate
on what might happen to Tiger
Woods in the Masters, which
ends today (Monday), while I
was writing this.
Because he won by ve
shots in the Bay Hill two weeks
ago, would that mean Tiger
Woods was back to reclaim his
crown, more than two years
after he got himself sideswiped
by a terribly inappropriate
liaisons with women of ill-
repute, thereby leading to a
super-costly divorce ($100
million to ex-wife Elin) and
the termination of his multi-
million dollar endorsements of
several blue-chip companies?
But speculating and all, I was
tempted to ask myself while in
the heat of composing this:
Will he be the leader today,
three days after the Masters
blasted off on Good Friday?
If not, will he be in
contention as we go to todays
last and nal round?
I had honestly hoped hed
be contending seriously for
the championship and become
a Masters winner again15
years after he rst won the rst
of his four Green Jackets in the
years rst of four majors.
A win today would move
Tiger Woods three majors shy
of Jack Nicklauss record 18
majors.
And I want him to win.
You cant blame me.
Ive always been a Tiger
Woods fan since Ive seen him
play in the esh the rst time
in 1985.
He was nine years old.
The tournament he was
playing in was the Optimist
World Juniors at the Presidio
Hills, San Diego, California.
The division he was in was for
10 years old and below. Fifty
four holes.
I was then covering the
event as a sportswriter for the
Bulletin Today (the Martial
Law name of Manila Bulletin).
I got the job there almost a
decade back, thanks mainly to
Ding Marcelo. Ding is now the
Bulletin sports editor, replacing
our rst boss, Lito Fernandez.
The very kindly Lito is now
based in the US.
So gripping and heart-
rending was the drama of that
tournaments third and nal
day that I keep retelling the
story to friends and others
interested and willing enough
to listen.
In that tournament for junior
golfers, the Philippines, upon
the urgings of the late, well-
loved Maling Montecillo,
usually sent boys and girls to
compete against the best from
around the world.
Aside from the 10-and-
under division, the other age
brackets in the annual Optimist
include the 11-12, 13-14 and,
nally, the supreme 15-17
division.
But I focused on the 10-and-
under in 1985 mainly because
one of our entries, Martin
Valdes, was then leading the
eld.
On the third and nal day,
Martin was up by two strokes.
And who would be Martins
No. 1 rival for the crown?
No less than Tiger Woods,
who was two down with one
hole left to play.
Nerves knocked down
Martin approaching the 18th
green. Tiger showed nerves of
steel.
On the last hole, Martin
missed the green and made
double bogey.
Tiger was on in two and
banged home the birdie. He
won by one shot.
At such an early age, Tiger
already showed class.
To defeat Martin, Tiger
needed to sink a birdie putt
from almost 12 feet.
He rammed it in like he was
merely tossing in a pebble into
a manhole. Dead center.
During the awarding
ceremonies, Tiger Woods
was all smiles.
Martin Valdes was in tears.
Martins Dad, Gabby, did
everything to persuade Martin
to come back to the 18
th
green
to receive his runner-up trophy.
Martin wouldnt budge.
That trophy he is holding
(pointing to Tiger), thats
mine, Martin said, bawling
uncontrollably, inconsolably,
behind an old, oak tree.
Earl Woods, Tigers late,
lamented Dad, was standing
beside me watching the
proceedings. We had been beer
buddies the many, many times
we were in San Diegohim
tutoring Tiger, me covering
the Optimist. We had often
chatted at the golf clubhouse
barcold beer always in hand.
Your kid (Martin), why,
hed become a ferocious
ghter someday, Earl said to
me. To feel hurt is to seek
revenge.
Alas, Martin Valdes, not
long after, would quit the
game.
And thats another story
worth telling here. Soon.
IN BRIEF
AL S. MENDOZA
ALL THE WAY
CLOSE to 800 triathletes from around the
country and abroad are set to converge at
the Subic Bay Freeport to compete for
honors and London Olympics qualifying
points as the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay
International Triathlon, presented by
Century Tuna, res off on May 5 and 6.
Now on its 19th year, the SUBIT is
the nations longest-running triathlon
event and is organized by the Triathlon
Association of the Philippines and
the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
and sanctioned by the International
Triathlon Union and the Asian Triathlon
Confederation.
Depending on their respective
categories, participants can choose to
race in the standard distance course of 1.5
kilometer swimming, 40-km cycling and
10-km running (for Elite, Under-23 and
Age-Groupers) or in the sprint distance
(750M swim20km bike5km run for
juniors and adults at least 20 years old).
Also available is the mini-sprint distance
course (350M swim9.8km bike3km
run) for participants age 13 to 15.
At stake in the event sponsored
by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, SBMA,
Speedo, Davids Salon, SM Olongapo,
Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines,
Gatorade, Fitness First, Philippine Sports
Commission and Standard Insurance is
P300,000 in total cash prizes.
Medals, gift certicates and premium
items from event sponsors will also be
given away for age-grouper, team relay
and club category winners.
Registration will last until April 20.
A 10% discount is offered for TRAP-
registered athletes as well as a 20%
discount for students and senior citizens.
A portion of the proceeds from the entry
fees will go to the TRAPs TriGIVING
program, which aims to support
triathletes in the developmental pool.
Interested parties are welcome to contact
the TRAP via email (rreyes_upm@yahoo.
com, fabiedavid@yahoo.com), landline
710-8259, mobile phone (0916-5046513,
0921-9954764, 0915-6394233) or by
visiting Triathlon.org.ph today.
Subic international triathlon lures 800 bets
only his second Masters, has never been
closer than seven shots of the leaders in his
previous 17 majors. He goes into Sunday
with a one-shot lead over Mickelson, who
already has three green jackets.
Hanson passed his rst test.
He was walking up the 14th fairway
when he heard a commotion that shook
Augusta. He knew what it was without
lookingMickelson draining an eagle
putt on the 13th hole, raising the putter
with his right arm and slamming down
his left st to celebrate along with 15,000
of his best friends.
Im standing in the middle of the
fairway and I feel him breathing down
my neck a little bit, Hanson said.
Hanson followed with an approach
into 2 feet for birdie, a 15-foot putt from
the fringe on the 15th, a 30-foot birdie
putt over the ridge on the 17th and one
last birdie at the 18th with a shot that
stopped inside 3 feet from the cup.
He was at 9-under 207.
Ive been watching this tournament
since I was a young kid, and seeing Freddie
Couples and the guys go and shoot 30 and
31 on the back nine is something you just
dream about, Hanson said.
Mickelson shot 30 on the back and
signed for a 66, putting him in the nal
group at the Masters for the fourth time
in the last nine years. Lefty won the last
three times he was in that spot.
I love it here, and I love nothing more
than being in the last group on Sunday
at the Masters, Mickelson said. Its the
great thing in professional golf.
Mickelson gave the leaderboard some
star power when so many others faded
or, in the case of Tiger Woods, never
came close to getting there. Woods now
has gone 26 consecutive holes on the
back nine at Augusta without a birdie.
He had to settle for a 72 and was 12 shots
behind, his largest 54-hole decit ever at
the Masters.
But he wasnt alone. AP
Dizon wins 2 tennis titles
DAVAOS Jenni Dizon captured
yesterdays the 18- and 16-and-under
girls singles titles of the fourth Smart
Presents the HEAD 2012 junior national
Tennis Age-Group Satellite Circuit
Davao rst leg at the GSIS tennis courts
in Davao City.
The 14-year-old Dizon upset third
seed Nikkirey Arandia, 7-5, 7-5, to win
the girls 18-and-under crown of the
tournament attended by 180 participants.
She also performed her best in the
nals of the girls 16-under, continuing
her giant-killing ways by upsetting top
seed Jzash Canja, 6-2, 3-6, 10-2, to win
the title of the rst leg, supported by
Smart, Head, Chris Sports, Meralco,
Maynilad and Toalson.
The second leg is set in Koronadal
City, starting today until Arpil 12.
In the boys 18-and-under singles,
unheralded Joel Cabusas whacked Nico
Lanzado, 6-2, 6-2, to gain the crown
of the countrys only national junior
tennis national tournament supported by
Smart Sports and the Philippine Tennis
Association.
KARTING enthusiasts now
have a new venue to test and
hone their racing skills as the
Global Karting Westgate opens
today at the Serenity Parking
Area, Westgate Compound,
Alabang-Zapote Road.
The Global Karting at
Westgate is an outdoor
recreational kart racing facility
operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
from Tuesday to Sunday with 12
adult karts, twi kid karts and one
two-seater kart available.
Backed up by Bridgestone,
Tuason Racing School, OMP,
Congo Grill and Westgate,
Global Karting Westgate is an
excellent venue for kart racing
events, corporate affairs, parties,
summer karting camp, racing
classes and mobile race track.
Drivers will be provided with
complete equipment, including
helmets, headsocks and racing
suits. All drivers will be given
a short, drivers brieng before
each 10-minute drive session.
Experienced drivers and
groups will be allowed to have
mini races of eight laps.
Global Karting Westgate
also offers karting for kids and
adults, as well as Basic Kart
racing classes.
Interested parties may
call 0939-9375744 or email
globalkarting@yahoo.com.ph
for further details.
Global
Westgate
kart opens
Dragons join Martin Cup
Games Sunday
(San Beda College-Mendiola)
9 am Adamson vs NCBA (jrs-B)
10:30 am JILCF vs JRU (jrs-A)
12:00 nn Chiang Kai Shek
vs UST (jrs-A)
1:30 P.M. OLFU vs Ateneo (women)
3 p.m. LPU vs FEU (women)

THE presence of the Chiang Kai Shek
Blazing Dragons is expected to spice
hostilities in the 18th Fr. Martin Summer
Cup, which starts on Sunday at the Dom
Placid gymnasium inside the San Beda
College-Mendiola campus.
The Blazing Dragons, who will parade
the same team which won the Metro
Manila Tong Lian crown, battle the
University of Santo Tomas Tigers on
opening day in the junior division at 12
noon.
The Adamson Baby Falcons clash with
the National College of Business and Arts
Junior Wildcats at 9 a.m., while the Jose
Rizal University Light Bombers tackle
the Jesus Is Lord Christian Foundation
cagers at 10:30 a.m.
In the womens division, the Ateneo
Lady Eagles will slug it out with the
Our Lady of Fatima University Lady
Phoenix at 1:30 p.m., while the Lyceum
Philippine University Lady Pirates take
on the Far Eastern University Lady
Tamaraws at 3 p.m.
Forty school teams are taking part in
this three-month cagefest, including 16
collegiate mens teams, 18 high school
boys squads and six womens quintets.
The tournament is considered as the
countrys oldest pre-season collegiate
cagefest.
BAGUIOLeandro Bagtas, the
youngest son of a decorated touring
pro, pulled off a runaway victory in
boys Class E in the same easy way
veteran internationalists Kristoffer
Arevalo and Arnie Taguines topped
their respective age-groups in ICTSI
Jungolf Summer Circuits opening leg
at the Baguio Country Club.
Bagtas, trying to follow the footsteps
of his father Eddie who was once one of
the biggest names in the local pro scene,
roared to a 48-stroke win in the 7-8 years
age bracket with rounds of 75 and 83 at
the short but tricky BCC layout.
Arevalo, playing in boys Class
C (11-12), routed the eld by 65
strokes while Taguines ended up
61 ahead of the second best player
in the girls Class E division in the
tourney kicking off the 10-leg
summer tour organized by the Junior
Golf Foundation of the Philippines.
Aside from ICTSI, the other
sponsors of the summer circuit
are Pancake House, Teriyaki Boy,
Sizzlin Pepper, PAL, Duty Free
Philippines, McDonalds, Golf Depot,
Pioneer Insurance, PacSports, Julies
Bakeshop, Inquirer Golf and B Hotel.
The other winners are Shen Chang-
yo and Anne Sabater in Class A,
Gabriel Joseph Aoyong in Class B,
Ashia Nocum in girls Class C, Josh
Jorge in boys Class D, and Aenaes
Posadas in boys Class F.
The next leg is the Annual Jungolf
Interclub on April 11-13 at the Eagle Ridge
Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias,
Cavite with 140 players confirmed entries.
For tournament details and registration:
JGFP Secretariat at tel. 893-9599, 0917-
8841436 or email jungolf1976@yahoo.
com (Ms. Hazel Novero).
Bagtas son leads winners
Champ coach renews ties with Bosch
UNIVERSITY Athletic Association of the
Philippines champion coach Norman Black
renewed his contract with Bosch Skil, a brand
of power handtools produced by Robert Bosch.
Black who led the Ateneo Blue Eagles
to four straight collegiate titles, is also the
third winningest coach in the history of the
Philippine Basketball Association
One of the best imports to have ever played
in the PBA and one of only four coaches to
accomplish a rare grand slam feat for the San
Miguel Beermen in 1989, Black admits using
handtools in his house. Black has built a small
gym in their abode, using Skil tools that include
circular saws, cordless drill/drivers, cordless
screw drivers, cordless tackers, cordless sealant
guns, belt sanders, random orbit sanders, multi-
sanders, angle grinders, hammers, drills, mixers,
jig saws, lasers and measuring tools, reciprocating
saws, routers and planers.
I am happy to endorse a product that I have
been using for years already, said Black during
the contract signing with Bosch executives
Martin Valenzuela and Country Sales Manager
Mr. William Go recently.
Bosch will also sponsor the construction and
renovation of 88 basketball courts all over the
country, with Black inaugurating every court.
The Bosch Skil endorser is excited for his
coming coaching commitments. In July, he will
vie for his fth straight title for Ateneo in the
UAAP and in October, will be the head coach
of Talk N Text. He will also be a consultant of
the national basketball team.
Participants of the tournament are shown during the awards ceremony
UAAP champion coach Norman Black is shown with Bosch
Executive William Go after signing a contract with Bosch Skil
Sports
Manila Standard TODAY
The do-it-all Freeman
showcased his full arsenal by
erupting for a game-high 34 points
and 19 rebounds in a monster game
to propel Barako Bull to a 106-85
dismantling of Alaska last night
at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in
Game 3 of their quarternal duel
of the 2012 Philippine
Basketball Association
Commissioners Cup.
The Energy, who
advanced to its second
straight seminal
appearance, will have another
uphill climb ahead when they
start their bid against well-rested
defending champion Talk N Text
tomorrow in a best-of-ve clash.
From the opening moments
of the game, it was quite evident
that Freeman was on a mission,
attacking aggressively on offense.
Barako Bull pulled away in the
second quarter, outscoring the
Aces, 30-12, to take a commanding
55-42 spread at intermission, a lead
that would be taken care of the
rest of the way. The comebacking
Freeman already had 20 at halftime.
Gabe (Freeman) promised
that he will do hes best to help us
win and thats what he did, said
Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi,
a rst timer in the seminals as a
bench tactician in the PBA. He
recovered well from his jetlag and
he gave us 34 points and
19 rebounds. What more
can we ask for?
Ronald Tubid
continued his offensive
resurrection as he came
up with 20 points. Willie Miller had
the same amount of markers.
The veterans once again
responded. I told the players that
theres only one stumbling block
left for us to reach the semis and we
deserve to be there, added Baculi.
Alaskas only threat came early
in the third where it surprised
Barako Bull with a 14-5 blast
coming off the dugout to inch
within just four, 56-60, but the
focused Energy quickly responded
to regain their grip on the game and
restore their sizeable advantage.
MONDAY
A8
NBA RESULTS
Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports@manilastandardtoday.com sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
By Jeric Lopez
GABE Freeman reminded everyone, why
hes a two-time Best Import awardee.
Pacmans Hennessy commercial gets rave reviews
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
THE LATEST commercial of eight-division
world boxing champion and Fighter of the
Decade Manny Pacquiao for Hennessy has
received great reviews, according to his adviser
Michael Koncz.
Koncz who attended the launch last Thursday
in New York, told the Manila Standard there
were a lot of people at the launch and that
Pacquiaos commercial is fabulous and
getting a lot of great reviews.
The commercial is running at Times Square,
where Hennessy rented the entire television on
all three sides, which has never been done before
and they have a huge billboard of Manny on
Times Square, too, said Koncz.
The commercial was also aired during the
NBA games.
Koncz added that the so-called Wild
Rabbit campaign is all about chasing the
rabbit, chasing your dreams, dont give up.
The Hennessy commercial, which was shot
in the Philippines, is a campaign that seeks to
celebrate new and greater levels of greatness
and Pacquiaos touching rags-to-riches story is
a perfect t.
Koncz said Hennessy is also placing the
commercial on primetime television, which the
company hasnt done for many years.
They are going all out on this. They never
really advertised on TV the last seven years
because they are the No.1 seller of cognac
throughout the world, but now they have
decided they are going to push it with Manny,
said Koncz.
LOTTO RESULTS
6/49 000000
3 DIGITS 000
2 EZ2 00
P11.7M+
TRS, Ford bag motorsports award
TUASON Racing School, the longest
running and only professional racing
school in the country and one of
the premier racing schools in Asia,
again bagged the Car of the Year
Award for Motorsports, together with
Ford Philippines during the recently
concluded Automobile Association
Philippines Awards Night.
TRS and Ford Philippines again
earned the prestigious distinction
from the local governing motorsports
body for their successful partnership
that established the grassroots
program for circuit racing, dubbed
as TRS CUP powered by the Ford
Fiesta.
TRS not only provided the
springboard for the careers of racing
enthusiasts in motorsports, but also
helped some of the big names in
racing achieve their goals. Celebrated
racers like Michelle Bumgarner,
Stefano Marcelo and Basti Escalante
all underwent training with either JP
or Mike Tuason.
TRS has been providing state-
of-the-art professional training,
coupled with the latest technology
in Karting, Circuit Car, Formula Car
and Drifting for 13 years now.
Just recently, TRS president JP
Tuason launched a new program to
provide a complete career ladder in
motorsports in the country. Racers
from India, Guam, Singapore,
Australia, Finland, Germany,
Canada, and others have been
taking advantage of all the programs
offered in the country.
TRS has been the recognized and
accredited by both the Automobile
Association of the Philippines and the
Singapore Motor Sports Association
as a premier certication entity.
Supported by Castrol,
Bridgestone, Standard Insurance,
TopTul, Aguila Auto Glass, Coke
Zero, C! Magazine, Oakley, OMP,
and Speedlab, TRS offers easy
access into motorsports by providing
cost-effective entry points that do
not require enthusiasts to invest
heavily into equipment.
APRIL 9, 2012
Wide-open
race for 9
th
Shakeys tilt
THE Shakeys V-League un-
wraps its ninth season on April
24 with one of the most power-
packed cast ever assembled in
years10 teams with varied
strengths, guaranteeing a slam-
bang battle for womens volley-
ball supremacy at The Arena in
San Juan City.
Ateneo goes all out to defend
the crown, former champions
Adamson and San Sebastian are
raring to get another title crack,
Far Eastern University, Letran,
University of Perpetual Help
and National University are all
primed up for the big one and
Visayan squads Southwestern
University and University of
St. La Salle-Bacolod are out to
make an impression.
With the leagues winningest
teamUniversity of Santo
Tomasback in the mix after a
two-year hiatus, the title race is
expected to be erce, wild and
wooly, with no team holding
a distinct advantage over the
other.
This is going to be a wide-
open race. All teams have got
what it takes to win, said
Ricky Palou, president of the
organizing Sports Vision. The
return of UST makes its doubly
interesting.
Truly, focus will be on UST,
which dominated the Shakeys
Pizza-sponsored league with six
victories, including three straight
from 2009 and 2010, until it took
a leave of absence following the
graduation of its star players.
To underscore its desire to put
up a highly competitive team, the
Espana-based squad has tapped
the services of former most valu-
able player Mary Jean Balse and
Thai ace Patcharee Sangmuang,
who hope to combine well with
mainstays Katrina Carangan, Ja-
mie Morado, Maruja Banaticla,
Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and
skipper Rhea Dimaculangan.
Age-group
meet draws
167 chessers
ONE-hundred-sixty-seven play-
ers from different provinces such
as Cebu, Negros Occidental,
Leyte and other areas as far as
Zamboanga, Davao, Misamis Ori-
ental, General Santos City and the
National Capital Region were on
hand to witness the opening cer-
emonies of the Visayas Leg of the
2012 National Age Group Chess
Championships held on April 7 at
the Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Train-
ing Center in Kalibo, Aklan.
The tournament, which is
sponsored and hosted by the
Province of Aklan, headed by
Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, will
determine the nal cast of partic-
ipants in the grand nals, which
will be held from April 23 to 30
in Tanauan, Batangas.
Grand nals champions will
represent the country in the
ASIAN Youth Chess champion-
ships in Sri Lanka on June 24 to
July 4.
In behalf of the Province of
Aklan, I welcome all the participants
of this tournament. We are very
pleased with the number of players,
who joined, considering that a lot
of them came from Mindanao and
Luzon, Gov. Marquez said.
Pacquiaos conditioning
worries his fitness coach
MANNY Pacquiaos physical
conditioning in preparation for
his World Boxing Organization
welterweight title defense against
undefeated light welterweight
champion Timothy Bradley at the
MGM Grand Garden Arena on
June 9, is causing some concern
for strength and conditioning
coach Alex Ariza.
Unhappy over the distractions
and personal problems that
affected Pacquiaos focus
and preparation for his third
ght against Juan Manuel
Marquez, Ariza was hoping
that Pacquiao would take his
physical conditioning program
seriously in the buildup to the
Bradley showdown, knowing
that the undefeated 140-pound
champion is always in ne
physical shape.
Ariza, who wanted Pacquiao
to return to the demanding
training regimen that put him
in great shape for the ghts
against Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky
Hatton and Miguel Cotto, told
the Manila Standard he is a bit
concerned about the preparation
for the ght, considering that the
champ announced he will begin
training camp in Baguio City on
April 16.
We cant have a bad camp.
His physical conditioning is
very important. This must
happen all the way, said Ariza.
Manila Standard learned
that Pacquiao has been jogging
regularly, while in his home
province of Sarangani, which
he represents in Congress. His
trainer Freddie Roach, who
leaves for Baguio next Sunday,
isnt bothered that Pacquiao
moved his original start of
training from April 14 to 16.
Ronnie Nathanielsz
SUNS 125, LAKERS 105
CELTICS 86, PACERS 72
HAWKS 116, BOBCATS 96
HORNETS 99, TIMBERWOLVES 90
GRIZZLIES 94, MAVERICKS 89
BUCKS 116, TRAIL BLAZERS 94
MAGIC 88, 76ERS 82
CLIPPERS 109, KINGS 94
WARRIORS 112, NUGGETS 97
Gabe lifts
Barako 5
THE Philippine Davis Cup team, led by Johnny Arcilla, posted
a 5-0 sweep of Pakistan Sunday at the Philippine Columbian
Association indoor tennis courts in Paco, Manila.
Arcilla, who scored his second straight singles win in the
tie, joined hands with Francis Casey Alcantara in providing the
nishing blows against the Pakistanis.
The 32-year-old Arcilla, who eked out a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over
Aqeel Khan in the rst singles match, formalized the Philippines bid
to advance to the third round of their Group II Asia/Oceania tie with
a 6-3, 6-4 beating of Yasir Khan in the second reverse singles.
It was the Philippines fth team win over the Pakistanis since
their rst encounter in 1950, and their fourth consecutive since
1975. Peter Atencio
PH Cuppers score 5-0 sweep
Two of the
youngest
participants,
six-year-old Precious
Day Anne Yecla and
Nino Andrei Joe
Protacio shake hands
with Aklan Provincial
Sports Director NM
Wilfredo Neri and NCFP
Executive Director
GM Jayson Gonzales
during the Opening
Ceremonies of the 2012
National Age Group
Chess Championships
Visayas Leg held on
April 7 in Kalibo, Aklan.
Tuason Racing Schools Mike Tuason and Vinay Piparsania of Ford
Group Philippines (rst and second from left) receive the AAP
Award as they are anked by Eric Soriano of the Philippine Auto
Club and Gary Paller of Kart Plaza.
Game Tomorrow
(Semifinals - Ynares
Center Antipolo):
6 p.m. Barako Bull
vs Talk N Text
Alaskas Adam Parada (left) and Wesley Gonzales (right) force Barako Bulls
Dorian Pena to lose the ball in a PBA Commissioners Cup game won by the
Energy, 106-85. SONNY ESPIRITU
Business
B1
Ray S. Eano, Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com
Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor extrastory2000@gmail.com
IN BRIEF
Big Vale
carriers
stranded
in Subic
Osmea wants competitive power rates
SMC not raising fresh funds
NFA urged to disclose 19 winning bidders
BSP to test banks
for liquidity risks
PSE COMPOSITE INDEX
Closing April 4, 2012
5,038.920
17.56
OIL
PRICES
TODAY
P780-P895.00
LPG/11-kg tank
P54.55-P61.02
Unleaded Gasoline
P46.10-P49.90
Diesel
P52.34-P57.85
Kerosene
P38.50-P39.20
Auto LPG
FOREI GN EXCHANGE RATE
Currency Unit US Dollar Peso
United States Dollar 1.000000 42.6630
Japan Yen 0.012073 0.5151
UK Pound 1.591300 67.8896
Hong Kong Dollar 0.128800 5.4950
Switzerland Franc 1.099263 46.8979
Canada Dollar 1.009693 43.0765
Singapore Dollar 0.797587 34.0134
Australia Dollar 1.032700 44.0581
Bahrain Dinar 2.652661 113.1705
Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266652 11.6156
Brunei Dollar 0.794092 33.8783
Indonesia Rupiah 0.000110 0.0047
Thailand Baht 0.032489 1.3861
UAE Dirham 0.272264 11.6156
Euro Euro 1.323600 56.4687
Korea Won 0.000891 0.0380
China Yuan 0.158579 6.7655
India Rupee 0.177869 0.8425
Malaysia Ringgit 0.328299 14.0062
NewZealand Dollar 0.822978 35.1107
Taiwan Dollar 0.033956 1.4487
Source: PDS Bridge
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
PESO-DOLLAR RATE
40
42
44
46
48
P42.800
CLOSE
Closing APRIL 4, 2012
5200
4460
3720
2980
2240
1500
1200
VOLUME 878.800M
HIGH P42.780 LOW P42.870 AVERAGE P42.821
Upbeat in
Luzon.
Agriculture
Assistant Secretary
and rice program
coordinator
Dante Delima
(left) observes
farmers threshing
newly-harvested
palay in Zambales
province.
Zambales and
Central Luzon
farmers are upbeat
on the current dry
season crop, as
palay is bought
at least P18 per
kilo by traders.
Agriculture
Secretary Proceso
Alcala and the
National Irrigation
Administration
have encouraged
farmers to plant
early this main
season, preferably
April and May, so
they could harvest
by August and
avoid crop damage
due to typhoons
and oods in
September and
October.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp.
said it may not raise fresh funds to nance
the acquisition of a 49-percent stake in
ag carrier Philippine Airlines.
We have enough funds,
San Miguel president and chief
operating ofcer Ramon Ang
said in a text message over the
weekend, when asked if the
conglomerate would raise funds
to nance the PAL stake.
The conglomerate ended 2011
with a cash balance of P129
billion.
San Miguel last month sought
a loan equivalent to $800 million
to complete its $577-million
acquisition of 65 percent of Esso
Malaysia Berhad and 100 percent
of both ExxonMobil Malaysia
Sdn. Bhd. and ExxonMobil
Borneo Sdn. Bhd.
San Miguel and business
taipan Lucio Tan on Wednesday
last week signed investment
agreements for a minority stake
in PAL and low-cost partner Air
Philippines Corp.
Trustmark Holdings Corp. and
Zuma Holdings and Management
Corp., the holding companies of
PAL and Air Philippines will issue
new shares to San Miguel Equity
Investments Inc., a wholly-owned
unit of San Miguel. Trustmark
and Zuma are owned by Tan.
Tan and Ang said in a joint
statement the new investment
would allow the two airlines to
strengthen operations and stay
competitive with a modernization
program.
The purchase would support
Angs goal of increasing San
Miguels sales to P1 trillion by
2016 through expansion beyond
its main food and brewing
business into industries such as
oil, power and infrastructure.
It will help unprotable PAL
raise funds to add planes and
routes amid market share losses
to budget airline Cebu Air Inc.
and increased competition from
AirAsia Bhd.
It might take time to recover
the investment, but given
the outlook on tourism and
infrastructure, PAL should
eventually contribute to San
Miguels bottom line, Jonathan
Ravelas, chief market strategist
at BDO Unibank Inc., said
before the announcement. San
Miguel wants to be an integrator
by putting up a complete
infrastructure offering.
Philippine Airlines Inc. had
direct and indirect shareholdings
of 81.57 percent and 3.1 percent
respectively in PAL, according to
a ling from the holding company
in February. Tan controls about 98
percent of PAL through Trustmark,
according to data compiled by
Bloomberg. With Bloomberg
A FORMER lawmaker has urged the
National Food Authority to identify
the 19 traders that will be allowed to
import 10,000 metric tons of duty-free
rice.
It would be in the publics best
interest for the names of the 19 entities
to be fully disclosed, along with their
controlling owners. This will ensure
transparency in the NFAs plan to allow
a new round of private sector-nanced
rice importation, which we presume are
required to secure the countrys supply
of the staple, said former senator Juan
Miguel Zubiri.
The NFA conducted two separate
tenders for a combined 380,000 metric
tons of imported rice.
The agency made the rst tender of
190,000 MT in March 19, drawing over
190 bidders from the private sector.
The NFA conducted the second tender
of 190,000 MT rice in March 26. About
270 farmers groups and organizations
tendered bids for the second tranche.
Zubiri said it would be ironic if the
government would grant concessions
to import rice to companies that were
remiss in their tax obligations.
Zubiri said in a statement the Bureau
of Internal Revenue recently led
separate tax evasion cases against two
rice importers.
One trader was sued for failing to
declare rice imports worth P310 million
in 2009, and slapped P135 million in
unpaid back taxes. Another trader who
imported P183 million worth of rice
was also charged for understating by
over P100 million his taxable income.
The government has ordered the NFA
to facilitate the importation of as much
as 500,000 MT of rice to augment the
supply of the countrys staple during
the lean months.
About 120,000 MT will be imported
under a government arrangement,
possibly with Thailand, Vietnam or
Cambodia.
The NFA generated as much as P1.14
billion from the service fee collected
from the bidders during the rst tender.
It is set to announce results of the
second tender shortly.
The government kept imports at
500,000 MT in anticipation of increased
harvests in 2012. The government
expects rice output to reach 18.46
million MT in 2012.
Othel V. Campos
THE Energy Regulatory Commission
has sought comments on the proposal
of Senator Sergio Osmea to bid out
the rates of renewable energy projects,
instead of the cost-based, feed-in tariff.
The regulator said Osmea had cited
the Renewable Energy Act did not
provide for any specic rate setting
in determining the feed-in tariff, or
the proposed rate charged for each
renewable energy source. The tariff
will impose a xed 20-year rate for
each renewable energy project.
Osmea said in a letter that ERC had
powers to set the rules in determining
the power rates of renewable energy
projects as long as certain conditions in
the law were met. The lawmaker cited
priority connections, purchases and
transmission of electricity to the grid and
a xed rate of not less than 12 years.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene
Almendras earlier disclosed discussions
in the Senate and Congress about
applying competitive rates for each
renewable energy project, instead of
the feed-in tariff.
The way to determine the FIT is to
bid it out so they will have to compete
and give the lowest price, Almendras
said.
ERC executive director Francis
Saturnino Juan earlier said the agency
wanted to decide on the feed-in tariff
in the second quarter while National
Renewable Energy Board chairman
Pete Maniego urged the regulator to
issue a ruling to prevent a delay in
renewable energy projects.
We have to approve the FIT now in
order to start the projects. Renewable
energy projects are in limbo as they
wait for the FIT, they cannot go into
nancial closing, Maniego said.
NREB had earlier asked the ERC for
a feed-in tariff rate of P7 per kilowatt-
hour for biomass, P17.65 for ocean,
P6.15 per kWh run-of-river hydro,
P17.95 per kWh for solar and P10.37
per kWh for wind projects.
ERC, meanwhile, wants to review
the calculation of the FIT-Allowance
to ensure the expedient implementation
of the FIT once approved by the
regulator.
By Elaine R. Alanguilan
THE Bangko Sentral will
subject banks to additional tests
to determine their resilience
against liquidity risks stemming
from other countries.
Stress tests are designed
to determine how banks
could absorb certain levels of
stress and check the nancial
systems capability to deal
with shocks.
Johnny Noe Ravalo, managing
director of the banks central
supervisory support sub-sector,
said the regulator expanded the
stress tests to include liquidity
risks, aside from credit and
market risks.
Aside from market and credit
risks, the BSP is also now testing
the resilience of the banking
industry against liquidity risks,
said Ravalo.
The Bangko Sentral assesses
banks loan exposures by
client and economic activity
to determine credit risks. The
stress test on market risks looks
at interest rate risks of banks
investment portfolios.
The bank conducts the stress
tests among 55 universal,
commercial and thrift banks
twice a year.
Ravalo said the stress test
exercise would soon cover all
thrift banks as well as rural and
cooperative banks.
The test is aimed at
providing the Bangko Sentral
with information to formulate
appropriate policies and
measures to address emerging
risks in the Philippine nancial
system, he said.
The Bangko Sentral through
the Philippine nancial stress
index looks into the strength
of the countrys banking and
nancial sectors strength using
variables including the two-year
Philippine Treasury bonds, the
JP Morgan emerging bond index
plus sovereign spread, and the
Philippine credit defaults swap
(ve-year spreads).
VALE SA, the biggest producer
of iron ore, idled two of the
worlds largest carriers of the
commodity for as long as a month
and delayed taking delivery of
two new vessels after Brazilian
cargoes to China slumped.
Vale China and Vale Brasil,
both able to carry 400,000
metric tons, stayed at Subic Bay
in the Philippines where they
unloaded, according to vessel
tracking data compiled by
Bloomberg. A spokesman for
Vale in Rio de Janeiro declined
to comment, in an e-mailed
response to questions, asking
not to be named in line with
company policy.
Vale China arrived at Subic
Bay on Feb. 27 and next signaled
about 23 miles away on March
31, by which time it was sailing
for Singapore, the data show.
The vessel was 8.4 meters (27.6
feet) higher in the water once it
departed, indicating cargo was
unloaded. Vale Brasil arrived
at Subic Bay on Feb. 11 and
signaled from the same place on
March 3. Its next signal was on
March 8 about 200 miles from
Singapore.
Vale, which controls about
26 percent of seaborne iron ore
trade, is spending more than $8
billion on the so-called Valemax
ships to lower freight costs to
Asia from Brazil and allow
it to compete with Australian
exporters. Eight of the 35
ships being built for Vale were
delivered in the past 11 months,
according to the spokesman and
company statements.
The Valemaxes have so far
been excluded from China, the
companys biggest customer.
Jose Carlos Martins, Vales head
of ferrous and strategy, told
journalists in London on Dec. 7
that the company was was seeking
permits for the vessels to call at
Chinese ports. Bloomberg
Car sales to rebound
THE local automotive industry expects car
sales to recover in the second quarter this year,
an industry ofcial said.
The drop in sales in the previous months
was expected during the transition period
while many manufacturers and importers were
replenishing their inventories in the aftermath
of the crises that happened in 2011, an
industry source told Manila Standard.
The source said while he was expecting sales to
go down in March, it would be in a lesser degree.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of
the Philippines Inc. is expected to release the auto
sales report for March this week.
But sales are expected to pick up in April,
signaling the recovery of the auto industry,
the source said.
A weak seasonal demand coupled with the
lingering effects of the supply disruptions due to
Thailand oods last year caused the 6.9-percent
decline in car sales in February to 10,681 units
from 11,472 units a year ago. Julito G. Rada
Makati refunds CIIF
THE Makati City Treasurer has refunded
P8.7 million in business taxes earlier paid by
14 holding companies that are wholly-owned
by the CIIF Oil Mills Group.
CIIF OMG president Jesus Arranza said the
refund was made based on opinion by Presidential
Commission of Good Government chairman
Andres Bautista that the 14 companies were not
liable to pay business taxes to Makati City.
The holding companies are the owners of
753 million preferred shares in San Miguel
Corp. that are now worth P56 billion given the
present market price of P75 per share.
Arranza said that under the Makati Revenue
Code, a company based in Makati must pay
yearly business taxes equivalent to 55 percent
of 1 percent of the companys gross income or
revenue for the previous year.
Arranza said it was PCGG chairman Bautista
who insisted that the cash dividends received by
the 14 holding companies from SMC are merely
passive income, and consequently, the companies
should not be assessed business taxes.
Business
ManilaStandardToday
business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com
B2
On Philippine higher education
WEEKLY MOST TRADED
STOCKS VOLUME
Philodrill Corp. À 2,032,860,000
Greenergy 955,200,000
Oriental Pet. À 566,100,000
Manila Mining À 502,450,000
Abra Mining 419,000,000
Phil. Estates Corp. 232,408,000
United Paragon 193,300,000
Oriental Pet. `B 164,700,000
Megaworld Corp. 117,654,000
Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. 107,348,000
STOCKS VALUE
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 1,181,619,456.00
Ayala Corp À 761,087,464.00
SM Investments Inc. 709,761,740.00
Alliance Global Inc. 526,313,006.00
Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. 457,468,210.00
Metrobank 452,139,764.50
PLDT Common 436,543,490.00
Cebu Holdings 400,498,122.00
DMCI Holdings 351,667,075.50
Aboitiz Power Corp. 340,371,035.00
M
S
T
WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW
April 2-4, 2012 March 26-30, 2012
STOCKS CLOSE VOLUME VALUE CLOSE VOLUME VALUE
FINANCIAL
Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 60.25 19,157,420 1,181,619,456.00 66.20 5,452,870 363,376,857.00
Bank of PI 72.00 2,517,440 186,413,002.00 74.00 10,850,340 791,080,290.00
Bankard, Inc. 0.80 1,076,000 860,970.00 0.79 5,058,000 4,046,650.00
China Bank 476.00 7,800 3,707,842.00 473.00 19,140 9,009,030.00
BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. 1.67 207,000 342,010.00 1.65 474,000 762,780.00
COL Financial 22.8 933,800 21,032,425.00 22.6 5,569,600 122,804,085.00
Filipino Fund Inc. 14.90 521,000 9,283,700.00 10.52 30,400 311,367.00
First Abacus 0.78 139,000 108,420.00 0.80 1,508,000 1,224,260.00
First Metro Inv. 65.9 15,960 1,052,198.00 63 14,960 935,964.00
I-Remit Inc. 2.60 17,000 44,000.00 2.60 1,290,000 3,369,090.00
Manulife Fin. Corp. 565.00 80 45,350.00 570.00 480 276,600.00
Maybank ATR KE 25 53,400 1,336,430.00 24.9 1,078,900 28,338,445.00
Metrobank 86.20 5,227,560 452,139,764.50 87.35 11,820,820 1,035,505,063.50
Natl Reinsurance Corp. 2.48 9,102,000 22,494,610.00 2.48 31,955,000 79,326,490.00
Phil Bank of Comm 80.00 5,520 442,923.00 85.00 46,700 3,911,983.00
Phil. National Bank 75.90 1,467,920 110,455,081.00 75.00 5,203,850 379,804,930.50
Phil. Savings Bank 80.00 3,840 310,660.00 81.00 2,270 176,382.00
PSE Inc. 379 58,670 22,376,810.00 380 125,370 48,660,142.00
RCBC À 41.75 759,900.00 31,732,685.00 41.9 2,327,200.00 95,121,925.00
Security Bank 140.1 1,978,860 279,417,673.00 143 4,101,620 612,363,936.00
Sun Life Financial 990.00 240 237,300.00 988.00 750 746,610.00
Union Bank 101.40 1,196,010 121,430,958.00 104.30 3,397,940 352,899,945.00
Vantage Equities 1.84 829,000 1,542,470.00 1.88 102,728,000 191,113,970.00
INDUSTRIAL
Aboitiz Power Corp. 34 9,898,900 340,371,035.00 33.9 20,246,400 672,243,540.00
AGP Ind. À 49.05 303,000 14,752,470.00 47 547,040 25,962,905.00
Agrinurture Inc. 12 594,900 7,087,368.00 11.56 669,800 7,926,212.00
Alaska Milk Corp. 23.45 162,600 3,806,920.00 23.4 1,289,460 31,260,360.00
Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. 1.59 4,369,000 6,934,620.00 1.55 9,167,000 14,083,200.00
Alphaland Corp. 28.75 600 17,285.00 28.95 2,700 78,770.00
Alsons Cons. 1.43 25,370,000 36,663,500.00 1.40 23,124,000 32,014,320.00
Bogo Medellin 60.10 900 56,532.00 85.00 9,110 674,109.50
Bloomberry 30.30 1,604,100 49,899,775.00 33.45 1,449,500 50,898,570.00
C. Azuc De Tarlac 19.62 8,100 140,188.00 18.50 300 5,630.00
Calapan Venture 2.33 17,000 39,760.00 2.34 470,000 1,103,350.00
Chemrez Technologies Inc. 2.71 405,000 1,096,250.00 2.70 715,000 1,932,050.00
Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 8.1 411,100 3,320,025.00 8.11 970,800 7,896,143.00
Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 5.85 16,888,000 99,149,090.00 6.00 85,756,600 502,435,765.00
EEI 5.89 3,046,400 18,233,937.00 6.07 16,251,500 95,511,917.00
Euro-Med Lab. 2.60 2,020,000 5,466,240.00 2.65 6,492,000 18,075,130.00
Federal Chemicals 10.30 6,400 64,411.00 10.94 100 1,094.00
First Gen Corp. 13.5 2,111,900 28,510,648.00 13.52 8,921,100 120,426,808.00
First Holdings A 64.9 278,560 18,025,797.50 64.85 1,435,740 91,667,356.00
Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 23.70 26,300 621,370.00 23.50 134,100 3,125,590.00
Greenergy 0.0190 955,200,000 17,959,000.00 0.0180 1,373,500,000 24,333,200.00
Holcim Philippines Inc. 11.90 172,700 2,048,556.00 11.86 64,072,486 16,691,472.00
Integ. Micro-Electronics 4.95 59,000 292,060.00 4.92 119,300 590,225.00
Ionics Inc 1.800 950,000 1,654,130.00 1.690 2,993,000 5,216,710.00
Jollibee Foods Corp. 117.00 1,324,340 155,309,880.00 117.00 4,000,550 451,058,588.00
LMG Chemicals 3.65 504,000 1,878,490.00 3.56 5,336,000 20,700,530.00
Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. 1.5 263,000 390,290.00 1.5 362,000 528,690.00
Manchester Intl. A 2.45 927,000 2,321,930.00 2.17 51,000 99,730.00
Manchester Intl. B 2.13 165,000 418,930.00 2.05 23,000 47,150.00
Manila Water Co. Inc. 23.9 3,108,200 73,371,135.00 23.2 6,278,200 147,005,415.00
Mariwasa MFG. Inc. 4.65 111,000 522,020.00 4.61 103,200 536,333.00
Megawide 14.88 1,843,800 27,455,908.00 14.78 14,000,800 196,550,552.00
Mla. Elect. Co À 260.00 371,770 96,445,672.00 262.00 1,968,020 511,779,334.00
Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 2.71 1,035,000 2,812,060.00 2.74 2,684,000 7,567,670.00
Petron Corporation 10.68 28,136,100 298,004,346.00 10.22 52,046,300 528,701,879.00
Phinma Corporation 12.00 137,200 1,541,314.00 11.60 53,500 631,258.00
Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 9.74 961,400 9,272,538.00 9.50 1,267,100 12,245,856.00
Republic Cement À 8.48 2,080,700 17,222,268.00 8.04 4,979,800 42,733,707.00
RFM Corporation 2.13 12,429,000 25,635,760.00 2.00 46,581,000 90,521,480.00
Roxas and Co. 2.7 3,000 8,100.00 3.2 109,000 282,140.00
Roxas Holdings 3.4 186,000 659,170.00 3.4 3,012,000 9,938,220.00
Salcon Power Corp. 4.8 179,800 1,010,890.00 4.8 57,000 242,900.00
San Miguel Brewery Inc. 30.00 77,100 2,297,195.00 30.00 66,400 1,987,020.00
San Miguel Corp À 114.40 2,113,780 240,407,274.00 113.70 2,997,740 340,345,929.00
Seacem 1.81 10,015,000 17,954,490.00 1.78 67,299,000 119,205,940.00
Splash Corporation 1.96 671,000 1,338,030.00 2 872,000 1,726,080.00
Swift Foods, Inc. 0.150 11,810,000 1,738,000.00 0.146 145,040,000 22,660,210.00
Tanduay Holdings 3.85 346,000 1,330,380.00 3.85 1,531,000 5,948,350.00
TKC Steel Corp. 2.51 580,000 1,418,460.00 2.49 1,238,000 3,149,630.00
Trans-Asia Oil 1.26 8,796,000 6,301,340.00 1.27 28,819,000 36,609,170.00
Universal Robina 62.10 2,219,530 138,216,958.00 63.00 10,206,660 650,386,342.50
Vitarich Corp. 0.510 3,855,000 1,881,745.00 0.500 1,599,000 813,400.00
Vivant Corp. 12.32 98,900 1,259,858.00 14.52 886,600 12,061,553.00
Vulcan Indl. 0.98 157,000 154,380.00 0.98 714,000 701,070.00
HOLDING FIRMS
Abacus Cons. À 0.75 1,955,000 1,474,040.00 0.76 23,888,000 18,454,370.00
Aboitiz Equity 49.95 3,444,230 170,584,594.00 50.10 8,590,500 426,259,770.00
Alcorn Gold Res. 0.0160 23,700,000 379,200.00 0.0160 381,000,000 6,102,000.00
Alliance Global Inc. 12.22 42,914,100 526,313,006.00 12.60 228,515,700 2,928,186,910.00
Anglo Holdings A 2.14 1,662,000 3,492,230.00 2.06 269,000 544,620.00
Anscor À 4.35 576,000 2,528,120.00 4.30 133,000 570,270.00
Asia Amalgamated A 4.75 3,296,300 16,356,266.00 5.57 6,433,200 34,910,833.00
ATN Holdings A 2.06 6,000 12,060.00 2.07 73,000 146,730.00
Ayala Corp À 410 1,859,680 761,087,464.00 406.6 2,401,410 974,198,176.00
DMCI Holdings 54.55 6,434,620 351,667,075.50 54.00 7,768,950 420,738,752.00
Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.72 2,406,000 11,329,800.00 4.69 5,934,000 27,815,500.00
Forum Pacic 0.265 740,000 197,200.00 0.270 1,260,000 344,200.00
House of Inv. 4.58 4,640,000 22,930,710.00 4.70 3,933,000 17,579,980.00
JG Summit Holdings 29.90 1,554,400 47,054,150.00 30.50 37,452,100 1,122,448,870.00
Jolliville Holdings 2.5 11,000 27,500.00 2.51 95,000 236,700.00
Keppel Holdings `B 4.25 1,000 4,250.00
Lopez Holdings Corp. 5.63 8,219,100 46,173,708.00 5.48 17,279,300 93,026,116.00
Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 1.2 8,147,000 7,859,547.00 1.19 38,185,000 46,122,550.00
Mabuhay Holdings À 0.640 1,103,000 707,920.00 0.660 16,098,000 10,898,320.00
Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 3.450 36,330,000 120,281,430.00 3.130 56,483,000 174,732,640.00
Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. 4.20 107,348,000 457,468,210.00 4.14 154,816,000 645,000,330.00
Minerales Industrias Corp. 4.9 166,200 835,245.00 5 664,000 3,177,190.00
MJCI Investments Inc. 2.25 31,000 69,600.00 2 17,000 36,950.00
Pacica À 0.0620 3,960,000 240,250.00 0.0610 26,060,000 1,588,390.00
Prime Media Hldg 1.630 197,000 323,130.00 1.660 600,000 998,650.00
Prime Orion 0.510 890,000 453,930.00 0.510 15,092,000 7,701,920.00
Republic Glass A 2.5 454,000 1,236,690.00
Seafront À 1.58 21,000 33,020.00 1.57 337,000 547,750.00
Sinophil Corp. 0.355 1,080,000 382,350.00 0.355 13,450,000 4,811,850.00
SM Investments Inc. 644.50 1,084,360 709,761,740.00 660.00 7,035,000 4,701,543,860.00
Solid Group Inc. 1.30 140,000 182,160.00 1.31 3,567,000 4,578,950.00
South China Res. Inc. 1.30 3,000 3,900.00 1.30 238,000 300,030.00
Transgrid 503.00 20 10,030.00 520.00 370 201,600.00
Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2900 1,770,000 525,300.00 0.3100 40,200,000 12,868,750.00
Wellex Industries 0.4200 62,740,000 26,788,450.00 0.4050 117,050,000 47,126,900.00
Zeus Holdings 0.680 2,479,000 1,636,980.00 0.670 5,627,000 3,802,880.00
P R O P E R T Y
Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 33.00 3,700 114,755.00 33.00 23,600 737,050.00
A. Brown Co., Inc. 2.52 1,000 2,520.00 2.55 935,000 2,368,380.00
Araneta Prop À 0.560 34,000 19,050.00 0.580 141,000 80,580.00
Arthaland Corp. 0.183 2,310,000 425,010.00 0.190 2,380,000 438,220.00
Ayala Land `B 20.05 14,708,800 298,845,690.00 20.75 26,008,700 541,008,795.00
Belle Corp. À 5.03 10,617,200 53,508,471.00 5.13 25,731,100 130,404,180.00
Cebu Holdings 7.2 54,109,300 400,498,122.00 8.38 114,262,900 926,335,546.00
Cebu Prop. À 4.9 18,000 89,840.00 5.6 6,800 36,520.00
Cebu Prop. `B 5 20,000 100,000.00 5 40,000 203,000.00
Centennial City 1.66 4,627,000 7,447,260.00 1.58 14,391,000 23,101,280.00
City & Land Dev. 2.10 126,900 362,020.00 1.90 34,000 63,240.00
Cityland Dev. À 1.14 120,000 137,560.00 1.15 439,000 496,740.00
Crown Equities Inc. 0.085 1,800,000 149,110.00 0.081 23,130,000 1,898,560.00
Cyber Bay Corp. 0.90 2,512,000 2,248,800.00 0.90 9,768,000 8,808,180.00
Empire East Land 0.630 9,427,000 5,890,930.00 0.640 21,974,000 14,216,030.00
Ever Gotesco 0.199 1,340,000 261,130.00 0.200 5,600,000 1,096,080.00
Global-Estate 1.98 12,334,000 24,649,420.00 2.00 27,702,000 54,905,080.00
Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.30 48,466,000 62,072,520.00 1.29 74,985,000 97,713,310.00
Highlands Prime 2.51 4,814,000 15,317,810.00 2.80 3,696,000 9,430,510.00
Interport À 1.76 6,607,000 11,917,530.00 1.87 62,350,000 119,248,400.00
Keppel Properties 2.20 52,000 113,250.00 2.05 53,000 107,420.00
Megaworld Corp. 1.97 117,654,000 233,235,930.00 1.96 557,292,000 1,133,261,710.00
MRC Allied Ind. 0.2250 3,100,000 692,500.00 0.2220 23,800,000 5,349,840.00
Phil. Estates Corp. 0.9600 232,408,000 214,233,940.00 0.8600 486,055,000 390,923,970.00
Phil. Realty À 0.540 1,104,000 593,330.00 0.530 8,631,000 4,524,520.00
Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry 14.08 1,000 14,114.00
Polar Property Holdings 3.47 599,000 2,053,450.00 3.45 1,583,000 5,277,780.00
Robinsons Land `B 16.38 9,342,900 154,175,896.00 16.50 20,386,500 344,900,792.00
Shang Properties Inc. 2.48 155,000 388,480.00 2.50 1,604,000 4,059,900.00
SM Development À 6.85 13,281,600 91,241,215.00 6.82 14,262,000 98,604,515.00
SM Prime Holdings 16.60 11,563,800 193,568,614.00 16.90 52,153,700 874,487,408.00
Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.77 1,157,000 880,750.00 0.76 3,861,000 2,953,700.00
Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.560 353,000 197,680.00 0.570 3,656,000 2,164,490.00
Vista Land & Lifescapes 3.840 12,322,000 46,964,830.00 3.850 21,173,000 81,068,490.00
S E R V I C E S
2GO Group 2.8 242,000 695,620.00 2.99 1,322,000 3,889,130.00
ABS-CBN 40 252,000 9,881,705.00 37.75 68,200 2,540,600.00
Acesite Hotel 14.46 563,700 8,122,154.00 14 1,852,800 25,737,056.00
APC Group, Inc. 0.690 132,000 91,090.00 0.700 3,962,000 2,685,710.00
Asian Terminals Inc. 8.65 1,300 11,210.00 8.9 43,000 386,300.00
Boulevard Holdings 0.1840 39,100,000 7,094,050.00 0.1840 195,680,000 37,764,490.00
Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 67.10 1,219,510 81,675,244.50 67.10 5,853,580 387,941,315.50
Centro Esc. Univ. 10 45,700 459,520.00 9.9 13,600 135,000.00
DFNN Inc. 7.50 770,900 5,817,561.00 7.70 1,679,500 13,478,487.00
Easy Call Common 3.54 153,000 575,000.00 4.00 1,445,100 6,511,195.00
FEUI 930 3,880 3,505,080.00 960 10,860 10,426,900.00
Globalports 30 17,500 478,630.00 20 54,400 341,300.00
Globe Telecom 1115.00 53,235 59,766,260.00 1134.00 538,995 606,673,805.00
GMA Network Inc. 8.80 1,952,500 17,236,155.00 9.11 7,181,200 65,253,910.00
I.C.T.S.I. 67.8 5,103,440 339,983,234.00 65.5 7,747,540 497,897,191.00
Information Capital Tech. 0.480 353,000 174,870.00 0.500 839,000 424,600.00
Imperial Res. À 9.00 2,300 22,200 8.62 18,400 159,723
IPeople Inc. À 5.02 1,500 7,860.00 5.4 116,300 595,930.00
IP Converge 3.09 471,000 1,483,070.00 3.17 1,881,000 5,808,940.00
IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.159 46,570,000 7,247,740.00 0.148 143,120,000 22,546,700.00
IPVG Corp. 1.25 4,644,000 5,878,310.00 1.27 9,609,000 12,220,580.00
Island Info 0.0620 5,280,000 317,100.00 0.0610 18,440,000 1,156,780.00
ISM Communications 3.1300 463,000 1,423,270.00 3.1200 1,237,000 3,794,700.00
JTH Davies Holdings Inc. 2.49 244,000 607,700.00 2.49 249,000 626,830.00
Leisure & Resorts 7.78 452,500 3,521,847.00 7.91 4,814,100 37,839,147.00
Liberty Telecom 2.90 626,000 1,781,960.00 2.80 498,000 1,392,090.00
Lorenzo Shipping 1.85 96,000 175,160.00 1.91 631,000 1,240,180.00
Macroasia Corp. 2.99 78,000 227,000.00 2.80 22,000 61,970.00
Manila Bulletin 0.68 30,000 20,400.00 0.66 382,000 268,270.00
Manila Jockey 1.53 2,122,000 3,182,850.00 1.5 3,335,000 5,023,340.00
Metro Pacic Tollways 8.00 100 800.00 8.00 400 3,200.00
Pacic Online Sys. Corp. 18.96 31,200 589,412.00 18.94 485,200 9,128,862.00
PAL Holdings Inc. 8.29 4,751,200 39,714,874 8.14 2,519,900 20,134,364
Paxys Inc. 3.03 23,211,000 69,931,020.00 3.15 37,800,000 119,372,270.00
Phil. Racing Club 9.3 1,000 9,300.00 9.4 116,000 1,086,530.00
Phil. Seven Corp. 40.00 81,800 3,278,210.00 49.00 32,660 1,572,144.50
Philweb.Com Inc. 16.76 1,572,500 26,276,382.00 16.68 4,649,600 76,752,694.00
PLDT Comm & Energy 4.38 137,000 599,980.00 4.39 500,000 2,252,920.00
PLDT Common 2660.00 162,950 436,543,490.00 2700.00 911,750 2,445,107,480.00
PremiereHorizon 0.340 6,450,000 2,224,900.00 0.350 19,750,000 6,938,900.00
Puregold 21.50 7,866,400 58,416,700.00 20.40 49,425,500 1,052,960,370.00
Touch Solutions 3.56 2,000 7,140.00 3.58 30,000 107,740.00
Waterfront Phils. 0.560 7,446,000 4,148,880.00 0.580 6,508,000 3,793,610.00
MINING & OIL
Abra Mining 0.0057 419,000,000 2,390,300.00 0.0058 296,000,000 1,723,400.00
Apex À 5.40 810,100 4,450,140.00 5.55 5,759,800 33,045,900.00
Apex `B 5.40 228,200 1,260,137.00 5.70 3,187,400 18,243,886.00
Atlas Cons. À 18.50 5,075,100 95,320,408.00 17.94 3,199,500 57,798,516.00
Atok-Big Wedge À 23.75 700 16,625.00 23.80 13,000 297,650.00
Basic Energy Corp. 0.290 9,670,000 2,812,100.00 0.300 57,620,000 17,247,800.00
Benguet Corp À 26 186,000 4,721,825.00 25.75 1,784,500 47,988,325.00
Benguet Corp `B 29.95 131,600 3,473,855.00 29 589,900 17,794,275.00
Century Peak Metals Hldgs 1.75 868,200 2,379,510.00 1.78 4,313,000 7,612,730.00
Dizon 48.75 1,789,500 85,891,065.00 45.85 2,066,900 94,112,985.00
Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 0.87 15,985,000 13,830,900.00 0.87 61,811,000 54,632,330.00
Lepanto À 1.450 51,240,000 73,723,200.00 1.490 97,499,000 145,217,660.00
Lepanto `B 1.550 15,008,000 23,263,170.00 1.610 64,700,000 103,956,800.00
Manila Mining À 0.0750 502,450,000 37,336,410.00 0.0760 586,403,000 59,099,720.00
Manila Mining `B 0.0750 27,060,000 2,025,540.00 0.0760 128,520,000 9,812,240.00
Nickelasia 32.6 3,572,400 116,601,100.00 32.95 18,698,500 707,481,905.00
Nihao Mineral Resources 11.48 12,787,900 146,861,374.00 11.1 13,452,000 150,782,252.00
Omico 0.8100 21,000 17,210.00 0.7900 351,000 279,400.00
Oriental Peninsula Res. 8.100 10,935,900 88,197,837.00 8.050 31,022,300 248,007,356.00
Oriental Pet. À 0.0230 566,100,000 12,868,800.00 0.0220 569,400,000 12,526,100.00
Oriental Pet. `B 0.0230 164,700,000 3,877,800.00 0.0230 230,800,000 5,364,500.00
Petroenergy Res. Corp. 6.30 113,800 717,412.00 6.48 130,700 842,852.00
Philex À 20.75 3,287,400 68,736,030.00 21.15 12,033,800 249,385,015.00
PhilexPetroleum 11.8 384,000 4,521,290.00 11.7 590,800 6,946,068.00
Philodrill Corp. À 0.053 2,032,860,000 109,178,120.00 0.052 3,002,810,000 155,942,220.00
PNOC Expls `B 52 500 26,000.00
Semirara Corp. 248.00 520,860 129,181,126.00 244.80 904,700 223,206,538.00
United Paragon 0.0210 193,300,000 4,213,300.00 0.0220 198,800,000 4,218,000.00
PREFERRED
ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. 42 332,500 13,396,015.00 38.3 4,180,500 151,454,815.00
GMA Holdings Inc. 8.49 8,527,800 72,458,151.00 8.77 23,118,800 207,884,255.00
PCOR-Preferred 115 6,160 708,400.00 115 2,681,480 1,327,100.00
SMC Preferred 1 77.2 72,300 5,578,340.00 77 45,070 3,468,258.50
SMPFC Preferred 1027 15,800 16,213,400.00 1035 7,205 7,418,325.00
Swift Pref 1.12 45,000 52,880.00 1.2 220,000 265,990.00
WARRANTS & BONDS
Megaworld Corp. Warrants 0.99 534,000 531,650.00 0.98 7,356,000 7,581,790.00
Omico Corp. Warrant 0.0860 240,000 20,640.00 0.0820 200,000 16,400.00
Bloomberry willing
to raise public float
DR. BRIAN
C. GOZUN
GREEN LIGHT
AMID the sweeping changes in Philippine basic
education through the K to 12 program of the
Department of Education, another important
aspect of education that needs revitalization is
higher education. A recent study by the Philippine
Institute for Development Studies highlights the
deterioration in the quality of higher education.
The authors, Vicente Paqueo, Aniceto Orbeta Jr.,
and Jose Ramon Albert, state the various positive
developments in higher education but found that
these are still sluggish and inadequate. Worse, the
low expenditure in higher education is considered
a major factor in the continued deterioration and
underperformance of higher education in the
country.
Quantity over quality
As students graduate from high school this
summer and go to higher educational institutions
for their much-coveted college diploma this June,
HEIs are in a mad rush to get students. Most top-
ranked schools maintain a quota but a majority of
HEIs take in almost all the applicants. There is a
signicant relationship between student selectivity
and quality of the school but sad to say a lot of HEIs
do not turn down students who are neither qualied
nor equipped with the basic skills for college-level
analysis. Sometimes, quantity is emphasized over
quality.
Once a student enters an HEI, quality is dened
in various ways. Some schools would banner their
performance in licensure examinations, while some
would emphasize their state-of-the-art facilities. Top
schools would focus on the research outputs of their
faculty members and how these researches play an
important role in improving the lives of our people
and how these studies create a dent in the vast body
of knowledge. Some schools would also emphasize
quality in terms of student achievements. But these
quality schools are few and far between. A lot of
HEIs barely meet the minimum standards set by
the Commission on Higher Education on faculty,
research and community engagement.
Commercialize assets
A majority of HEIs in the country are private
and there are only a handful of state universities.
The observation by PIDS pinpoints the relationship
of low budget allocation with underperformance
of HEIs. The budget given to state universities is
quite small and state universities are now forced
to commercialize their idle assets to supplement
their budgets.
There are many schools of thought on this issue
of commercialization of education. What I really
want to see in the end is how these projects in state
universities really improve the teaching-learning
process by the availability of additional funds.
Emerging challenges
Given the perennial problems of higher education
in the country, what can be done to improve our
standing with our Southeast Asian neighbors?
There are several answers to this question and
most of these will be tackled as the De La Salle
University hosts the Association of Southeast
Asian Institutions of Higher Learning Conference
on the 11
th
and 12
th
of April 2012. The theme
will focus on emerging challenges of university
leadership and management that are crucial in our
quest to improve higher education in the country.
Certain topics on interfacing with government,
entrepreneurial universities, and collaboration and
networking will be discussed.
The topics in the conference are valuable since
we want to further improve higher education
in the country. The topic on interfacing with
government is very important in the Philippines
since all HEIs are under CHED, whether private
or public. In some countries, private schools
have more leeway or it can also be the state-run
schools.
On entrepreneurial universities, there is a need
for universities to think outside of the box and learn
how to optimize their physical and human resources
in order to augment their budgets. On the topic of
collaboration and networking, a truly interconnected
world would entail deeper ties among universities
here and abroad. Given these nuggets of wisdom on
improving HEIs, we can denitely hope for better
higher education in our country.
Brian C. Gozun, PhD is dean of the Ramon V.
del Rosario Sr. College of Business, De La Salle
University Manila. He can be reached at brian.
gozun@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the authors
and do not necessarily reect the ofcial position
of De La Salle University, its faculty and
administrators.
Keidanren visitors.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Governor Amando
Tetangco Jr. (center)
welcomes members of the
Nippon Keidanren (Japan
Business Federation)
headed by its chairman
Hiromasa Yonekura (left)
and Japanese Ambassador
to the Philippines
Toshinao Urabe (right).
Tetangco and the business
federation ofcials
discussed common areas
of interests, particularly
strengthening regional
nancial cooperation
and fostering technical
collaboration. The Japan
Business Federation is
an extensive economic
organization in Japan
comprised of over 1,600
member companies.
BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp., the
casino venture of port magnate Enrique
Razon Jr., said it will consider various
options to comply with the 10-percent
minimum public ownership rule set by the
Philippine Stock Exchange.
Bloomberry is committed to
satisfy the 10-percent minimum
public ownership before the
end of 2012, the company
said in a disclosure to the stock
exchange.
The company said it was
studying share sales, private
placements, stock rights
offering, stock incentive plan or
a combination of these options to
meet the requirement.
The public oat of Bloomberry,
a listed company formerly called
Active Alliance Inc., currently
stands at 8.82 percent.
The PSE requires all listed
companies to comply with the
10-percent minimum public
oat by end of 2012. Failure to
comply with the rule will result
in possible suspension of trading
of shares and delisting.
Bloomberry reported last
month it remained on track to
complete its $1.2-billion casino
and hotel project called Solaire
Manila in Entertainment City,
following the completion of
major infrastructure works.
It is one of the companies
licensed by state-run Philippine
Amusement and Gaming
Corp. to open integrated resort
complex within the 120-hectare
Entertainment City on a reclaimed
portion of Manila Bay.
Other licensees are Henry
Sys Belle Corp., Andrew
Tans Travellers International
Hotel Group Inc. and Japanese
billionaire Kazuo Okadas
Universal Entertainment Corp.
Phase 1 of Solaire Manila will
consist of a 27,700-square meter
gaming area, which will hold
1,200 slot machines and 300
gaming tables.
The gaming area will be
spread across two levels of the
podium and segregated into
mass market, high-limit and
VIP spaces with distinctive
design themes catering to each
segment.
Phase 1 will also include 500
hotel rooms, various restaurants
and retail shops, and a 1,000-seat
grand ballroom.
Business
ManilaStandardToday business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com APRIL 9, 2012 MONDAY
B3
PBCom bares aggressive growth goals
Forum Energy readies drilling
Vista Land chooses Rustans Supermarket as anchor tenant in Evia
Department of Public Works and Highways
Regional Offce No. V-A
CAVITE DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE
Trece Martires City
Tel. No. (046) 419-0058 / Tel. Fax No. (046) 419-0694
I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH-Cavite District Engineering
Offce, through the (stated below), invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned
projects:
Contract D: 12DF0037
Contract Name: Repair/Rehab. of Drainage at Niog I; Rehabilitation
of Canal at Niog II and Niog III, Bacoor
Contract Location: Bacoor, Cavite
Scope of Work:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 7,000,000.00
Contract Duration: 180 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 10,000.00
RR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
To Bid for the contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of ntent (LO), purchase
bid documents and must meet the following criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH,
(b) Filipino Citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or
joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract,
(d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10
years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line
commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/
fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examinations of bids, evaluation of
bids and postqualifcation. All interested bidders should present the original copy of
their PCAB License, Two (2) valid D's, CRC, Tax Clearance, PhilGEPS Certifcation
to the BAC Secretariat, DPWH-Cavite District Engineering Offce, Trece Martires
City for authentication.
to the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LO.
The DPWH POCW-Central Offce will only process contractor's applications for
registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractor's Certifcate of
Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph.
BAC Activities Schedule
1. ssuance of Bidding Documents April 4 - 25, 2012 until 9:00 A.M.
2. Pre-Bid Conference April 11, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
3. Deadline of Receipt of LO from Prospective
Bidders
April 19, 2012 until 10:00 A.M.
4. Receipt of Bids April 25, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
5. Opening of Bids April 25, 2012 at 10:30 A.M.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at DPWH-Cavite
District Engineering Ofhce, Trece Martires City, upon payment of non-refundable
fee of (stated above). Prospective bidders may also download the BD's from the
DPWH website, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BD's from
the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids
Documents. The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who
have purchased the BD's. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount
and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised RR.
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in the
BD's in the BD'S in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The
frst envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a
copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the
bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined
The DPWH-Cavite District Engineering Ofhce reserves the right to accept or
reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at any time prior contract award, without
thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

Approved by:

(Sgd.) TEOFILO A. AYON
BAC Chairman

NOTED:
(Sgd.) OSCAR U. DELA CRUZ
District Engineer
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
VIRAC, CATANDUANES
Contract Name : 1. REPLACEMENT (TEMPORARY TO PER-
MANENT) OF BRDGES NALMASNAN
BRDGE (PHASE ) ALONG CATANDUANES
CRCUMFERENTAL ROAD @ K0149+638,
CARAMORAN, CATANDUANES
Contract Location : PANGANBAN, CATANDUANES
Scope of Work : REPALACEMENT OF DETOUR, SUB-STRUC-
TURE, APPROACH & SUPERSTRUCTURE
AS PER PLAN & SPECS (NET LENTGH:
BRDGE=80L.M.)
Source of Fund & Year : CY 2012 REG. NFRA
Amount of Bid Documents : P 20,000.00
RR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of ntent (LO), purchase
of LO. The DPWH Central Procurement Offce (CPO) will only process contractors'
applications for registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractor's
Certifcate of Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at
the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. nterested contractors shall submit their
duly accomplished Expression of nterest statements upon presentation of their
Contractor Registration Certifcate (CRC with the Contractor's nformation), buy
Tender Documents and drop their bids in person or through their Authorized
Representative as refected in their CRC with the Contractor's nformation to the
Chairman, Bids & Awards Committee (BAC), DPWH, Catanduanes Engineering
District.(Please bring valid .D.)
1. ssuance of Bidding Documents From: APRL 5-26, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference APRL 13, 2012
3. Deadline of Receipt of LO from
Prospective Bidders
APRL 19, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: UP TO 2:00 P.M., APRL 26, 2012
5. Opening of Bids 2:00 P.M., APRL 26, 2012
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at DPWH,
refundable fee of (Fee for BD's). Prospective bidders may also download the BDs
from the DPWH web site, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the
BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees at DPWH, Catanduanes
Engineering District, Virac, Catanduanes on or before the submission of their bids
Documents. The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who
have purchased the BD's. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount
and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised RR.
the BD's in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst
bidder/s.

Approved by:
Engineer III
BAC Chairman
National Capital Region
SECOND METRO MANILA SUB-ENGINEERING DISTRICT
2
nd
Street, Port Area, Manila
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)

The Second Metro Manila SUB-Engineering District, through its Bids and
Awards Committee (BAC), nvites contractors to bid for the following contracts.
1. Contract D : 12OO035
Contract Name : Construction/ Rehabilitation of Drainage
System and Other Facilities and Structures
at Brgy. Tunasan
Contract Location : Muntinlupa City
Scope of Work : Cleaning/ Desilting/ mprovement of box
Culvert, cleaning/ desilting of Creek,
concreting of pathways and construction
of elevated pathways
Approved Budget for the Contract : 7,262,999.99
Bids Documents Cost : P10,000.00

Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in
accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of ntent (LO) and must
meet the following , major criteria : (a) prior registration with the DPWH, (b) Filipino
citizen or 75 % Filipino owned partnership/corporation, cooperative, or joint venture
with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract , (c) completion
of similar contract costing at least 50 % of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d)
Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC or credit line commitment
at least 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the
eligibility check, preliminary examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their LO's applications for
registration, to DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of
LO's. The DPWHPOCW Central Offce will only process contractor's applications
for registration, with complete requirements, and issue the Contractor's Certifcate
of Registration (CRC) Registration Form may be downloaded at the DPWH website.
(www.dpwh.gov.ph.)
The Signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
1. Receipt of Lois from Prospective
Bidders
Deadline : April 18, 2012
2. ssuance of Bidding Documents Date: April 3 to 23, 2012
3. Pre-Bid Conference April 11, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m.
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline until: April 23, 2012, @ 12:00 noon
5. Opening of Bids April 23, 2012, 2:00 PM @ the
Conference room
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at Second Metro
Manila SUB-Engineering District, 2
nd
Street, Port Area, Manila, upon payment of
a non-refundable fee (stated above). Prospective bidders may also download the
BD's, if available, form the DPWH web site. Prospective bidders that will download
the BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission
of their bids Documents. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and
acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised RR.
the BD's in the (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The First
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, Which shall include the
eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component
of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as
determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualifcation.

The Second Metro Manila SUB-Engineering District reserves the right to
accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process any time before Contract
Award, without incurring and liability to the affected bidder or bidder's..

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.) ELENA M. CASTILAN
OC-Construction Section
Chairman, SMMSED-BAC

NOTED :
(Sgd.) MAGRARA B. DIMALAWANG
District Engineer
Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. has sealed a lease agreement with Rustans Supercenters Inc. that makes
Rustans Fresh Supermarket the anchor tenant in the developers Evia project in Las Pias City. Shown
in front are (from left) Vista Land president and chief executive Manuel Paolo Villar and Rustans
Supercenters president and chief executive Bienvenido Tantoco III. Vista Land founder and incumbent
Senator Manuel Villar (third at the back) is among those who witnessed the agreement.
By Elaine Ramos Alanguilan

PHILIPPINE Bank of Communica-
tions, a commercial bank acquired last
year by the Ongpin group, is targeting a
double-digit growth in loans this year as
it strengthens its position in the small and
medium enterprise market.
We have an aggressive target
this year, which is double-digit
growth in our loan portfolio
and low-cost deposits, PBCom
president Henry Uy told
reporters.
Our focus remains on SMEs,
Uy added, noting that the bank
was one of the key players in the
segment.
The banks shareholders
approved last month a capital
reorganization plan that involved
increasing the banks authorized
capital by P9.5 billion to P27
billion.
It said to facilitate capital build-
up, existing common and preferred
shares would be declassied into
just one class of common shares
with the par value reduced from
P100 to P25 per share.
PBCom will also issue
additional 100.56 million shares
to be subscribed by former
owners, the Chung and Nubla
groups at P27.88 per share,
representing more than P2.8
billion in fresh capital.
The bank will also apply for
listing at the Philippine Stock
Exchange of additional shares
that would be issued to the Chung
and Nubla families.
The bank is currently in the
middle of quasi-reorganization
efforts, which include the infusion
of additional paid-in capital of
P4 billion to partly reduce the
P9.6-billion decit in the capital
accounts, improve operating
prots this year, and next so decit
would be going down through the
years, said Uy.
The reorganization of the
capital, including the P2.8-billion
fresh equity infusion as well as
the change in the valuation of the
banks assets in its books, would
reduce the decit of the banks
capital account to P4 billion from
P9.6 billion at end-2011.
The banks shareholders led
by businessman Roberto Ongpin
is currently in talks with foreign
investors, including an Indonesian
group and some Malaysian banks
for a possible infusion of fresh
capital.
PBCom chairman Roberto
Ongpin expressed optimism the
bank could attract additional
capital as it pursues an aggressive
capital build-up strategy.
PBCom has a very valuable
franchise. There is interest to
invest in PBCom by major banks
in China. One of the driving forces
for us [buying into PBCom] is our
ability to attract them [investors]
to make PBCom their partner in
the future, Ongpin said.
PBCom vice chairman Eric
Recto also said that while the
bank was keeping its options
open with regard to possible
mergers and acquisitions, its
priority remained strengthening
the bank organically.
I think the rst order of
the day is for us to x our own
house and that is an effort that we
began late last year and continue
to this day. Fixing the house is
not going to stop anytime soon
but were seeing the growth as a
result of it. We want the bank to
grow organically through higher
deposits that we are able to
deploy at a prot, said Recto.
Once the bank is there, then we
will have the opportunity to look at
acquisitions. But if the opportunity
comes in earlier, we are optimistic we
could attract new capital to pursue it
via partnerships, Recto said.
FORUM Energy Plc will push
through with drilling for oil
and gas prospects in the Recto
Bank, despite protests by
other countries with territorial
claims over the area, according
to the companys majority
shareholder.
Manuel Pangilinan, chairman
of Philex Mining Corp. which
controls Forum Energy, said the
exploration rm had no plans to
postpone drilling at service contract
72 covering the Recto Bank, which
is formerly known as Reed Bank in
the South China Sea.
No, we dont [plan to
postpone]. So far we are on
schedule with respect to our
work program in SC 72. We
hope we dont get delayed,
Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said he was hoping
the planned drilling would push
through despite ongoing claims
by countries such as Vietnam,
Brunei, China, Taiwan and
Malaysia over the whole or parts
of South China Sea.
He said Philex was already in
the process of raising a bulk of
the $85 million needed for the
drilling program.
We are arranging the relevant
nancing, [although] the bulk of
the funding anyway will come
from Philex Mining. The rest has
to come from other shareholders.
We have not nalized it yet,
but denitely it will be funded
[mainly] by Philex Mining,
Pangilinan said.
Forum Energy has a 70-
percent stake in SC 72, which
covers 8,800 square kilometers
in offshore West Palawan. Monte
Oro Resources and Energy Inc.
holds the remaining 30 percent.
Philex Mining owns 64.45
percent of Forum Energy through
its interests in FEC Resources
Inc. and Philex Petroleum Corp.
Atok-Big Wedge Co. Inc. holds
25.95 percent while minority
shareholders in the UK account
for the remaining 9.6 percent.
Pangilinan earlier insisted
SC 72, which was estimated to
contain 3.4 trillion cubic feet
of gas reserves, belongs to the
Philippines.
Where we are is in the Recto
Bank so its not part of Spratlys.
Id like to believe its part of
Philippine territory which I think
is consistent with the Philippine
government position, he said.
HOMEBUILDER Vista Land
& Lifescapes Inc. has tapped
Tantoco-owned Rustans
Supercenters Inc. to be the lead
anchor in the rst commercial
building at its new project in Las
Pias City.
Vista Land said in a statement
it signed a long-term lease
agreement with the Rustan
group for the construction of a
supermarket in the companys
300-hectare Evia project.
Evia offers residential units
under the Brittany, Crown Asia,
and Camella brands.
Vista Land said the
move towards commercial
developments in the area was part
of its overall strategy since the
residential projects had reached
critical mass.
Our company is pleased to
be a partner with one of the
countrys leading high-end
supermarket chains, whose
track record speaks for itself.
We are extremely optimistic that
Rustans will be very successful
in Evia, and we look forward to
other potential partnerships with
the Rustans group in the future,
said Vista Land president and
chief executive Manuel Paolo
Villar.
Rustans Supercenters Inc.,
which was established in 1998,
operates 30 stores under the
Shopwise chain of hypermarkets
and Rustans supermarkets.
Rustans Supercenters
president Bienvenido Tantoco
III expressed optimism about the
partnership with Vista Land.
Vista Lands track record
of success and its vision of
providing quality housing for
all is congruent with our own
vision of bringing quality goods
and experiences to every market
that we enter. We look forward to
the success of this development
and to future projects together,
Tantoco said.
Vista Land said that aside from
Rustans Supercenters, it was also
in talks with other commercial
operators to set up shop in Evia.
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
THIRD METRO MANILA ENGINEERING DISTRICT
APDC-BAI Compd., R. Valenzuela Ext., Marulas, Valenzuela City
The TMMED-DPWH, through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites
contractors to apply to bid for the following contract(s):
Contract ID: 120D0008
Contract Name: Repair/Rehabilitation of Samson Road, Caloocan City
(Km. 10+(-785) to Km. 10+340) with exception
Contract Location: Caloocan City
Scope of Work: Asphalting/Re-blocking of road
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 14,743,969.08
Contract Duration: 120 calendar days
Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in
accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and
must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH, (b) Filipino
citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or joint venture
with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of
a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10 years, and (d)
Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line commitment
for at least 10% of ABC, (e) original copy of Accreditation Certifcate of Materials
Engineer, and (f) CY 2011 CPES Rating. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/
fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for
registration to the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt
of LO. The DPWH POCW-Central Offce will only process contractor's applications
for registration with complete requirements, and issue the Contractor's Certifcate of
Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph.
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below;
1. Receipt of LOI from Prospective
Bidders
April 4-18, 2012 until 12:00 NN only
2. Issuance of Bidding Documents April 04-23, 2012
3. Pre-Bid Conference April 11, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M.
4. Submission of Bids April 23, 2012 @ 12:00 NN
5. Opening of Bids April 23, 2012 @ 2:00 P.M.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at APDC-BA
Comp., R. Valenzuela Ext., Marulas, Valenzuela City, upon payment of a non-
refundable fee of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) only. Prospective bidders
may also download the BDs, if available, from the DPWH web site. Prospective
bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees
on or before the submission of their bids Documents. Bids must accompanied by
a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the
Revised IRR.
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include the
eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component
determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualifcation.
The TMMED-DPWH reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid and
to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award, without incurring any
liability to the affected bidders.
Approved by:
(Sgd.) ALLAN REY R. PAJIMNA
Engineer III
BAC Chairman
NOTED:
(Sgd.) MARLO B. CORREA
District Engineer
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLC WORKS AND HGHWAYS
Cordillera Administrative Region
OFFCE OF THE REGONAL DRECTOR
Engineer's Hill, Baguio City
BI D BULLETI N No. 10
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
This Bid Bulletin No.10 dated April 4, 2012 is issued to modify or amend items in the
Bid Documents. This shall form as an integral part of the Bid Documents.
A. APPROVED BUDGET COST (ABC) FOR THE PROJ ECT:
1. Contract ID : 12P00020
Contract Name : Rehabilitation/Reconstruction /Upgrading of Damaged
Paved Nati onal Road (Intermi ttent Secti on) al ong
Acop-Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road
Contract Location : K0278+532-K0279+815 (K0278+502-K0279+812 as per
RBIA) & KO263+(-190) K0264+000
Approved Budget Cost (ABC)
From To
51,134.520.00 43,458,738.01
B. APPROVED BUDGET COST (ABC) FOR THE PROJ ECT:
Contract Name : Road Upgrading (gravel to concrete) along Gurel-
Bokod-Kabayan-Buguias-Abatan Road
Contract Location : K0345+513- K0348+687 V. S. ( K0344+951
K0348+687 as per RBIA), K0356+148-K0357+000 (V.S)
& K0358+795 K0359+300
Approved Budget Cost (ABC)
From To
66,853,370.00 66,075,425.58
C. POSTPONEMENT FOR THE SUBMI SSI ON/OPENI NG OF BI DS FOR
THE FOLLOWI NG PROJ ECT/S :
Contract Name : Rehabilitation/Reconstruction /Upgrading of Damaged
Paved National Road (Intermittent Section) along Baguio-
Bontoc Road
Contract Location : K0269+000K0275+000 (V.S.),
K0286+000-K0289+000 (V.S.),
K0299+000-K0300+900(V.S.),
KO305+000-K0308+500(V.S),
K0309+000-K0311+000(V.S),
K0323+000 K0328+000(VS)
Contract Name & a. Rehabilitation/Reconstruction/Upgrading of Damaged
Contract Location : Paved National Road (Intermittent Section)
a.1 Baguio-Bontoc Road, K0259+000 K0259+890
a.2 Bagui o-Itogon Road, K0258+887-K0258+938,
K0259+128-K0259+160, K0259+220-K0259+247,
K0259+750-K0259+803, K0259+918-K0260+196
(V.S & K0265+884-K0265+922
b. Road Upgrading (gravel to concrete) along
b.1 Pico-Lamtang Road, K0255+108 K0256+500
(V.S)
b.2 Shilan-Beckel Road, K0265+000 K0265+922
(K0265+00 K0265+952 as per RBIA)
b.3 I t ogon-Dal upi r i p Road, K0271+460
K0278+587 V.S. (K0271+460 K0278+648as
per RBIA)

Submission/Receipt and of Opening of Bids
From To
Submission/Receipt- April 16, 2012 until
10:00am
Opening of Bids - April 16, 2012,
10:00am
Postponed IndeniteIy
For guidance and information of all concerned.
(Sgd.) WI LBUR B. LI KI GAN
Chief, MQCH Division
BAC Chairman
2nd Street, Port Area
Manila
(MST-Apr. 9, 2012)
The Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region
(DPWH-NCR), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), invites potential
contractors to bid for the hereunder contract:
a) Contract ID : 12OO0013
b) Name of Project: Construction/Improvement of Visayas Avenue
Extension (Tandang Sora Avenue to Republic Avenue)
c) Location : Quezon City
d) Brief Description : Construction/Improvement
e) Approved Budget for the Contract : P96,999,613.31
f) Contract Duration : 180 calendar days
g) Source of Funds : CY 2012 GAA
The BAC will conduct this public bidding in accordance with R.A. 9184 and its
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) purchase
bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with
the DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino - owned partnership/corporation, with
PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract, (c) completion of
similar contract costing at least 50 % of ABC and (d) Net Financial Contracting
Capacity at least equal to ABC or credit line commitment for at least 10% of the
ABC. The DPWH will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check,
preliminary examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, may submit their LO's simultaneously with
their applications for registration, to the DPWH-National Capital Region before the
deadline for the recept of LO's. The DPWH-Central, BAC-TWG Offce will process
the Contractor's Certifcate of Registration (CRC) before processing their LO's.
The DPWH Central BAC-TWG will process only those with complete registration
requirements.

1. Issuance of Bidding Documents April 10 to 30, 2012
2. Receipt of Letter of Intent from
Prospective Bidders
Deadline: April 23, 2012 until 5:00 P.M.
3. Pre-Bid Conference April 18, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m.
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline : April 30, 2012, until 10:00 A.M.
5. Opening of Bids April 30, 2012 @ 10:00 A.M.
Prospective bidders may download the Registation and LOI Forms from the
DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph. The BAC will issue hard copies of LOI Forms at
DPWH-National Capital Region, BAC Secretariat 2nd Port Area, Manila.
Interested contractors are also required to present the originals of their PCAB
License and Contractors Registration Certicate, Certicate of Registration
from Philgeps, DPWH Accreditation of their Materials Engineer to be assigned
to the project pursuant to D.O. #184, s.1999, Mayors Permit and Tax Clearance
per E.O. #395, s. 2005, to the BAC for Authentication.
Prospective bidders, may also download the Bidding Docuents (BDs), if
available, from the DPWH website. The NCR-BAC will also issue hard copies of the
BDs at the same address to prospective bidders upon payment of a non-refundable
amount of THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (P30,000.00). Prospective bidders that
will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before
the submission of their bid documents. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security,
in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include
a copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the nanciaI component
determined in the bid evaluation and post-qualifcation.

The DPWH-National Capital Region reserves the right to accept or reject any
bid and to annul the bidding process and reject all Bids at any time prior to contract
award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected Bidder or Bidder's.

(Sgd.) LYDIA G. CHUA
OIC-Planning & Design Div.
Chairman, NCR-BAC
NOTED:
(Sgd.) REYNALDO G. TAGUDANDO
Regional Director
Provinces
Edited by Leo A. Estonilo www.manilastandardtoday.com mst@manilastandardtoday.com
B4
Designer in Valor fair
Nueva Ecija team
takes the heat
By Ferdie G. Domingo

PALAYAN CITYNueva Ecija Vice
Governor Jose Padiernos, also provincial
vice chairman of the Liberal Party, said he
remains in the team of Governor Aurelio
Matias Umali belying talks of a rift as next
years poll maneuvers start heating up.
I will run for the same position as governor, he told Manila
Standard. I am not eyeing Governor Umalis position.
Padiernos also doused water on speculations that he was targeting
the seat for the fourth congressional district or the mayorship of his
hometown Gapan City.
He ran for congressman in 2004 but lost to outgoing three-term
Rep. Rodolfo Antonino.
Padiernos aligned with Umali in 2010 to succeed the Josons who
have ruled the province for almost half a century.
During the campaign, Padiernos indicated his initials GP to
mean Governors Partner only to fuel arguments that P really
meant his surname.
The supposed rift is raising fears of a repeat of the three-year
power struggle in the Capitol from 2007 to 2010 amid the rivalry
between Umali and then-vice governor Edward Thomas Joson, which
Padiernos was quick to squelch.
In the rst place, actions speak louder than words. Was there a single
request of Governor Umali that I did not support? The SP, under the
leadership, is always supportive of the Umali administrations legislative
agenda, he said, acknowledging the support of his followers.
I thank those who have been endorsing me to run for Congress or
for Gapan mayor but absolutely, this is not part of my political plans.
But I am grateful just the same, he said.
In July, a falling out allegedly was caused by differences over the
collection of real property taxes from the California Energy, operator
of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project.
The provincial government, Pantabangan town and host Villarica
barangay have a share in the tax take which Padiernos said was outside
of his function as presiding ofcer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Our role in the SP is checks and balance. The RPT collection is just
being made an issue between me and the governor, he said. I respect
him as the governor and as a person and he respects me, too.
Six lucky visitors
extend their stay
By Butch Gunio
BALANGA CITYBataan
Tourism Council Foundation Inc.
chairwoman Vicky Garcia, wife of
Bataan Governor Enrique Garcia,
said Hollywood fashion designer
Oliver Tolentino will open the Agri-
Aqua Trade Fair during the 70th Day
of Valor rites in Bataan.
Raised in Orani town, he
introduced local fabrics to the
international circuit with the support
of the Fiber Industry Development
Authority by designing clothes for
celebrity events.
At the Global Green USA Pre-
Oscar Party, past Golden Globe
nominee Emmy Rossum and actress
Maggie Grace wore Tolentino-
designed cocktail dresses.
Rossums yellow pia dress
created a fashion stir and was picked
by the New York Post as Look of
the Week.
Tolentino arrived last week
following his acclaimed San Giego
gala and dressing up Gossip Girl
star Michelle Trachtenberg.
The province is hosting Padyakan
sa Bataan 2012 which the governors
daughter Gila, consultant, described
as an event to position the locality
as a premier sports and adventure
destination.
Organizer Eboy Roselada, past
president of the Bataan Trailriders
and Adventurers Network, said
the trail in Sitio Karagatan,
Barangay Alas-asin is considered
an international course by seasoned
bikers.
By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY-A long
weekend was exactly what six
visitors got out of their Lenten
break.
The Baguio Correspondents
and Broadcasters Club took
to Kennon Road to pick the
unsuspecting travellers for a
four-day red carpet treatment
as part of the traditional
welcome to the surge of
vacationers.
Princess Evangelista, 20,
an information technology
student and her cousin Annalyn
Villanueva, 26, Union Bank
staff from Cebu city, were
picked from passengers in a
Baguio-bound Victory Liner
bus in front of a gasoline station
in Rosario, La Union.
The lucky pair was joined
by Engr. Leo Bedoso, 28, a
eld engineer of Banco de
Oro; girlfriend Dalia San
Antonio, 28, a cashier from
Talavera, Nueva Ecija; May
Branzuela, 24, a sales staff
from Calbayog City, Eastern
Samar; and Rona May Parcon,
34, a call center agent from
Novaliches, Quezon City.
Evangelista didnt understand
their bus was stopped and some
people came aboard and started
looking for at the riders until
they were told of their prize.
We were surprised why
our bus was agged down by
uniformed policemen in front of
the gasoline station, Villanueva
told Manila Standard.
LEGAZPI CITYThe Regional Tripartite Wages and Pro-
ductivity Board V has approved a P3 to P23 increase in the
daily minimum wage rates of private workers and employees
in the Bicol region.
Rosendo Belo, board secretary, said Wage Order RBV-15
followed the petition led last year by the Alliance of Pro-
gressive Labor and Pinag-isang Manggagawa sa Kooperatiba
sa Koryente-Bicol/ National Solidarity Unions in the Electric
Cooperative.
In the non-agriculture sector, business rms with more than
15 workers, a P5 basic increase is added to the old minimum
wage of P 247, making the new minimum wage P252.
Those with 11 to 15 workers, the wage is P252 (P18 basic
increase plus old P234 minimum).
For establishments employing not more than 10 workers, a P12
basic increase tacked on P216 to make the new wage P228.
For cottage/handicraft employing less than 20 workers, the
new wage is P228 (P16 plus old P222 minimum).
For plantation workers receiving P225 under the old mini-
mum wage, P3 is added, making the new wage P228 while non-
plantation workers receiving P205 will get a P23 basic increase
for a new wage of P228, said the order. Florencio P. Narito
Bicol approves minimum wage
Upland grace.
A native lass
performs a tradional
dance during the
Lang-ay festivities
in Bontoc, Mountain
Province, gathering
tribes from 10
localities in their
ethnic attires.
DAVID CHAN
fashion beauty health wellness
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
W
H
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S
I
N
S
I
D
E
RIDING THE GLOBE
PREPAID LOVE BUS
TheGlobePrepaidLoveBus will take
its passengers totheir preferred
summer destinations inandout of
themetro, fromshoppingmalls all the
way toBatangas andLaUnion, homes
of thenest beaches inLuzon.
WHATS ON YOUR LIST?
It doesnt matter if youre not
going to the beach; protection
from the sun is necessary as
long as youre going outdoors.
If youll be out sunning, hiking
or will be doing water sports, a
higher SPF is recommended.
Gianna Maniego, Editor
#lovemy
Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor
WHAT LITTLE GIRLS
ARE MADE OF
Little girls, after all, are said
to be sugar and spice and
all things nice,and they will
simply be delightful as they
walk the summer streets in
Sugarkids shoes from SM.
C1
CELEBRATING both beauty and talent,
Jimmy Choo heats up the awards season
with celebrities adorning the Iconic Luxury
brand in recently concluded Screen Actors
Guild Awards (SAG) and Annual Directors
Guild of America Awards (DGA).
On its 18
th
year, stars lent their shine
and brightened up the SAG awards red
carpet donning fabulous pieces from
the Jimmy Choo collection. Natalie
Por tman aunted her toned body in a
burgundy gown, matched with a pair
of Jimmy Choo Macy. English actress
Emily Blunt was a show stopper in her
jade, one-shoulder gown, matched with a
lovely pair of Jimmy Choo Linda.
The Helps lead actress Viola Davis
received her Outstanding Actress in a Female
role trophy in a white gown and Jimmy
Choo Louisa pair. On the same night, her co-
actress Jessica Chastain joined the rest of
the cast to receive the movies Outstanding
Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture
award, wearing deep blue sleek gown, with
Jimmy Choo Suki platform sandals.
Australian beauty Rose Byr ne stole the
show in her 70s inspired look, wearing
a white lace jumpsuit and Jimmy Choo
Vibe. Glee star Diana Agron matched
her braided hair-do with a sweet fuchsia
sleeveless gown and a pair of Jimmy
Choo Koko. Jennifer Car penter opted
to show her long legs in a short, red lace
dress. She nished off her look with a
Jimmy Choo Vita.
Honoring directorial achievement
in Hollywood, the 64
th
DGA Awards
was attended by both notable directors
and stars alike. Dressed for the evening
are young stars Shailene Woodley
and Amber Heard. Woodley, known
for her performance in the movie The
Descendants, wore a sheer red gown. She
completed her look with a pair of Jimmy
Choo Darby. Gorgeous Heard was a head
turner in her navy dress and Jimmy Choo
Zodiac peep toe pumps.
In the Philippines, Jimmy Choo
is exclusively distributed by Stores
Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at
Greenbelt 4, AyalaCenter, Makati City.
Jimmy Choos light up the seasons red carpets
By Ed Biado
BEING composed of thousands of islands, the Philippines has a lot of coastline to work
withand that is the very reason that Filipinos take to the beach whenever schedule allows.
This is also why summer is a big deal in the country. From the secret hideaways in Palawan to
the bustling island of Boracay; from the sleepiest area in Pagudpud to the challenging surng
spots in Siargao; theres bound to be a bikini-clad girl or a boardshorts-wearing guy.
So yes, no Filipino wardrobe is complete without swimwear or beachwear. Its in our
DNA to own at least one. And if youre looking for new irems to update your beach look,
why not go for a brand thats known to produce the most functional watersports attire in
the world?
SPEEDY
SWIMMERS
suits for all kinds of
The new Speedo swimwear built to maximize performance
and comfort is released just in time for the London Olympics
2012.
Speedo, a staple at the Olympic Games
and practically in every swimmers closet,
recently unveiled their Spring/Summer
2012 collection at the Bonifacio High
Street. A usual practice of the brand is to
mix professional models and athletes on
the runway to differentiate between leisure
swimwear and performance swimear. They
did that again this year.
All eyes were on the Fastkin3 Racing
Systema swimsuit, cap and goggles
set engineered to work together as one,
offering a cohesive, hydrodynamic solution
to cut theough the water with maximum
efciency. The design is futuristic and
its strategically constructed to enhance
hydrodynamic efciency and comfort.
The Fastskin3 line has three variations
tailored to match different kinds of
wearers: Super Elite (professional
athletes), Elite (advanced competitors)
and Pro (intermediate swimmers).
Showing them off at the show were
Philippine Mens 100m Freestyle
record holder Char lie Walker , UAAP
Mens 50m Freestyle Record Holder
Kendr ick Uy, Arafura Games Mens
200m Buttery record holder Dhill
Ander son Lee, Philippine Mens 50m
Backstroke record holder Johansen
Benedict Aguilar , UAAP Womens
50m Buttery Record Holder and
2011 UAAP Most Valuable Player
Anna Celina Gonzales, 2010 UAAP
Womens Rookie of the Year and
Womens 50m Freestyle record holder
Jasmine Ong, 2011 UAAP Womens
Rookie of the Year and UAAP Womens
400m Freestyle record holder Atenean
Kim Uy and WNCAA Womens 100m
Breaststroke record holder Cana Guanio.
Aside from the competition range, other
designs were shown as well. Theres the
Play & Fun collection, a line perfect for
leisure swimmers and beach bums. It
includes bright and retro-inspired bikinis,
tankinies and boardshorts. This season,
the new compact short is launched. Its
packaged inside its own pocket to save you
space in packing.
For those who swim for exercise, the
Swim Fitness line combines style and
function through chlorine-resistant fabric in
a variety of colorways and silhouettes. The
suits are specially constructed to improve
comfort and movement.
The Health & Wellbeing collection, on
the other hand, is for watersports use. The
suits provide support where you need it
most, like the Aquaspir suit that provides
greater hold, and the Cross Back two-piece
that gives better exibility of movement
and increased bust support.
The launch was a well-attended affair.
Guests include the Pentland Groups Mike
Ball together with Speedo International
Ltd.s vice president for International
business development Michael ODonnell,
business development director for Asia & the
Middle East Barry Halpenny and business
development manager Harry Singh. Merete
Page from the British Embassy was present,
as well as Philippine Olympic Committee
president Jose Peping Cojuangco Jr.,
Philippine Swimming Inc. president Mark
P. Joseph, Triathlon Association of the
Philippines president Tom Carrasco Jr.,
triathlete and sports enthusiast Senator Pia
Cayetano and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano.
To get your own Speedos, visit their shops
at Abreeza Mall, Alabang Town Center,
Ayala Center Cebu, Bonifacio High Street,
Chimes Davao, LimKetKai M a l l ,
Lucky China Town Mall,
Marquee Mall, Gateway,
Glorietta 4, Paseo de Sta.
Rosa, Robinsons Place
Bacolod, Robinsons
Place Manila, SM City
Cebu, SM City Davao,
SM Mall of Asia,
SM Megamall,
The Podium and
Trinoma.
SOCIAL enterprise-fashion brand
Rags2Riches (R2R) collaborates once
again with top designer Rajo Laurel
to launch its delightfully colorful
summer bag collection, Athletenique
at the Ayala Museum. This collection
celebrates the philosophy of tness
is fashion, where athletic and ethnic
inuences collide to create an
amalgamation of textures and colors
perfect for the season.
R2Rs 2012 Spring Summer designer
pieces by Rajo Laurel showcases the
enduring craftsmanship of empowered
artisans from community-based
enterprises across the country whose
hands meticulously weave the fabrics
for the entire collection.
Pierre Satchel showcases the classic
basket weave that has become an R2R
signature. Front and interior pockets
add functionality to its playful shape.
Adjustable leather straps and antique
brass accents put the nishing touches
to this iconic piece.
The Maia Clutch is the perfect,
statement piece for galas and
evening affairs. The diagonal pattern
creatively juxtaposes the indigenous
hand-woven kantarines fabric and
kamagong bar accent.
Vela Tote mixes casual with chic,
with canvas and leather accents
merged with knitted cotton basket
weave in the most delicious shades.
Remo and Bali Totes depict seamless
elegance with cotton wraparound
shoulder straps, antique brass accents,
cotton lining with interior zip, and
wall and cell phone pockets. These
functional features are set to make any
fashionista reel with excitement.
R2R has noted an uptrend in
demand for its exclusive line of eco-
ethical bags, both in the Philippines
and abroad. It unveiled plans to
further boost growth by expanding
its distribution to retailers in the
Philippines. Through its enterprise,
R2R seeks to continuously
encourage potential partners in
the retail industry to support its
enduring philosophy of doing
well by doing good. Presently,
R2Rs industry partners include
Firma, House of Laurel, Aranaz,
Oliver Tolentino and Shangri-la
Hotels and Resorts (Makati, Edsa,
Mactan, Boracay).
Empowering
artisans the
fashionable way
Emily Blunt
during the
18
th
Annual
SAG
Awards
Rags 2 Riches and Rajo Laurel
empower artisans with their R2Rs
2012 Spring/Summer collection
C
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A

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B
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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
#lovemy
C3
C2
ANSWER TOMORROW
64 Stealthy craft
65 Zellweger of
Chicago
66 Room with
bookcases
67 Tolerate
68 Flowers with
swordlike leaves, briefly
Down
1 Expels from the
country
2 Should I deal you a
hand?
3 Abundantly supplied
(with)
4 Helen of __
5 Partner of hither
6 __ salts
7 Filthy dough
8 Preppy collars
9 Downed Russian
space station
10 Mushroom with a
black-edged top
11 Secretion used in
hives
12 Stir up
13 Strolled, as to the
saloon
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
Across
1 Like Eastwoods Harry
6 Aromatic resin
11 Emeril catchword
14 Start of un ao
15 Add to the mix
16 Freudian subject
17 *Get really angry
19 Cocktail cooler, in
Coblenz
20 Paris airport
21 Having trouble
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
deciding
22 Hindu social division
24 Fish eggs
25 *Belfast-born flutist
27 For shame!
29 Sedative
30 Suffix with bed or
home
31 Arthur of tennis
34 Selected on a ballot,
with in
35 *2004 loser to George
Bush
39 Source of quick cash,
briefly
42 Operating system
since the 60s
43 Ball hit over the wall
47 Steals
50 Title street of kids TV
51 *Sandwich request
55 Accomplished
56 Islamic deity
57 College head
58 Shower affection (on)
59 __ tai: cocktail
60 One of the four that
end this puzzles starred
answers
63 Rock producer Brian
18 French state
23 Float like a
butterfly boxer
25 Karate relative
26 Habitu
28 __ Mahal
31 Landers or Lee
32 Enjoy the slopes
33 Put a spell on
36 Awed crowd reaction
37 Stat start
38 Casual hellos
39 Humiliated
40 Like many rural roads
41 Thousand thousand
44 Papa Dont
Preachsinger
45 Radiated
46 Flights leaving
around midnight,
usually
48 iPhone, e.g., briefly
49 Rules of conduct
50 In __: harmonious
52 Twin Cities suburb
53 Subatomic particle
54 Oohed and __
58 Face-off with pistols
61 Squealer
62 Nonprots URL ending
BOBBIE, a quality brand of nail pol-
ishes and total nail care solutions,
can help you get ready for the beach
this summer. Regularly clean your
nails with the use of Bobbie nail care
tools like fingernail clipper, toenail
clipper, nipper, buffer and toe sepa-
rator, nail polish remover and cuticle
remover. Clean each implement after
use to avoid bacteria build up that
can damage your nails.
For dry skin, Bobbie Cuticle Oil
should be applied before doing your
manicure and pedicure by massaging
your t oes for at l east 10 mi nut es.
Also, dont forget to regularly use a
Bobbie Nail Hardener for protection
while your nails grow.
Pai nt your nai l s wi t h t he col or
of your choice. Start with the Base
Coat t o pr ot ect
nails from get-
ting yellowish.
Then, use your
f avor i t e shade
of Bobbie Nail
Cr me . The r e
ar e mor e t han
70 col or s t o
choose from
such as Pure
White, Vamp,
Ko h l , P i a
Colada, Grass
Ski rt , Pat ent
Bl ue and Or-
ange Juice to name a few. Bobbie has
a gorgeous array of shadesfrom the
most vibrant reds and the brightest
greens to neutral, barely-there hues.
For those who love trendy and edgy
polish with a cracked effect, use the
Bobbie Smashed Collection. There are
striking, attention-grabbing colors to
choose from: Smashing Red, Smash-
ing Violet or Smashing Black.
Bobbie nail colors are not only
affordable but safely formulated as
well because they are free of the Big
3 toxins like formaldehyde, toluene
and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Che c k out Bobbi e Na i l Ca r e
products, distributed by Chic Centre
Corp. , i n Wat sons Personal Care
s t or e s , Robi ns ons De pa r t me nt
St or es, Robi nsons Super mar ket ,
Mercury Drug
S t o r e s , Th e
L a n d m a r k
De p a r t me n t
St or es, Pur e-
gol d out l e t s ,
Shopwise out-
lets, and other
leading drug-
stores, con-
v e n i e n c e
s t or e s , s u-
pe r ma r ke t s
and depar t -
ment s t or es
nationwide.
Getting
your nails ready
for the beach
Reveal skins natural radiance with strawberry
FRUITS & Passion has drawn on nature
once again to create a new body care
product line based on a new ingredient:
strawberries.
Canadas own northern strawberry
is joining the Nourishing Collection to
offer nature lovers a homegrown ingredi-
ent. The strawberry chosen by Fruits &
Passion has all the characteristics of a
typical northern strawberryits extracts
are chock-full of vitamins that help bring
out skins natural radiance.
The strawberry is a universally adored
berry and an excellent source of vitamin
C and anthocyanins, which give it its
antioxidant properties.
The strawberry selected by Fruits &
Passion is grown and extracted according
to environmentally responsible criteria to
guarantee the ethical and authentic origin
of the extract.
The del i cat el y s cent ed nor t her n
strawberry line is both comforting and
energi zi ng. It s fragrance i s a subt l e
ManilaStandardToday
beauty
memo
beauty
memo
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
WE dont have spring in
the Philippines but beauty
enthusiasts, believe it or
not, practice the four sea-
sons in terms of the colors
and nishes of the makeup
that they wear. What these
women who live in the trop-
ics do is match their makeup
to the clothes they are wear-
ing, not in terms of color but
in the look. For example,
if a woman is wearing a pink
dress, the makeup would be
pared down and minimalist.
A more severe suit would
look good with winged eye-
liner and bright pink lipstick
to make the look more femi-
nine. Its all in the lipstick
and here are some of the best
lipsticks for spring.
1. MAC Ever Hip. This
cremesheen lipstick is a
limited edition rst released
in 2010 and then in 2011.
Its a sheer pinky coral that
could be too light for darker
complexions but if you layer
it on, it could work.
2. NARS Pure Matte Lip-
stick in Valparaso is a rich
berry shade named after one
of Chiles most important
cities.
3. Shiseidos Shimmer-
ing Rouge in Opal is a baby
doll pink that would be
the best complement for a
smokey eye and falsies.
4. Topshop lipstick in
Charmed is a irty tanger-
ine thats truly perfect for
summer.
5. Laura Mercier Gel
Lip Colour in Orchid is for
the woman who wants a
loud lip.
6. If you like the no-
makeup look, go for Bobbi
Brown Lip Color in Uber
Beige.
7. YSLs new Volupt
Sheer Candy N9 Goyave
Sorbet is a delightful bub-
blegum pink scented with
delicious mango.
8. Revlon Colorburst Lip
Butter in Lollipop is a bright
opaque pink thats soft and
buttery on the lips.
ITS great to be girly again with fashionable celebrity kids
like Suri Cruise leading the way! Little girls, after all, are said
to be sugar and spice and all things nice,and they will simply
be delightful as they walk the summer streets in Sugarkids
shoes from SM.
Sugarkids embraces everything that is sweet, feminine and
pretty with a sprinkling of storybook nostalgia. And girls will
love its exciting new summer collection at SM:
Ballerina Flats! Bright, beautiful, or striped, Sugarkids
ballerina shoes celebrate great summer style.
Wedges! Blooming with the prettiest orals, loving summer
with heart prints, daintily dotted or blissfully blowed, wedges
are way to go this summer!
Peep Toe Flats! Naughty and nice atties with bow accents.
Sailing Shoes! Little girls will make waves as classic top-
sider shoes go oral and brightly colored
The Sugarkids summer collection is available at the Childrens
Shoes Department in all SM Stores.
Thats why we need sunscreen. It
doesnt matter if youre not going to
the beach; protection from the sun is
necessary as long as youre going out-
doors. If youll be out sunning, hiking
or will be doing water sports, a higher
SPF is recommended. Meanwhile, SPF
25 or below is sufficient if youll just
be going around sightseeing.
To prevent sunburn, apply some
cooling gel to your skin when you get
back indoors. Some people like to ap-
ply alcohol but this isnt the best thing
to do because alcohol is harsh on the
skin and causes dryness. Also, it may,
in theory, cause the desired instant
cooling effect, but if your skin is tender
and sensitive, it will result in a burning
sensation insteadwhich means your
skin is being fried. Not good.
The eyes need to be protected from
the suns rays as well. Its a must to
wear sunglasses at all times, preferably
those with UV-protection lenses. Your
shades are not a mere accessorythey
actually have a very important func-
tion.
Being out in the sun causes us to
sweat more than usual. Therefore,
never forget to apply deodorant. It
will be better if your deo has strong
anti-perspirant properties. (Read the
label carefully because not all deos are
anti-perspirants.) If youre going spray
some perfume on, make sure its a light
summery scent. Heavy perfume doesnt
interact well with sweat and youll end
up smelling like dirty laundry if your
scent is too strong or if you put on too
much.
This is also the time to put your reg-
ular moisturizer away and use a lighter
one instead. Its also better to choose a
variant with SPF. Remember that one
of the leading causes of premature skin
aging is excessive exposure to sunlight.
The sun can also dry out your lips so do
have some lip balm handy in your bag.
TODS No_Code explores new terri-
tories to create a capsule collection for
both men and women inspired by the
visionary editor J effer son Hack.
Tods Art i sanal craft smen and
Design Team worked with Jefferson
to develop a streamlined product, in
which the extraordinary craftsman-
ship of Tods meets influences from
the worlds of music, art and cinema.
Tods heritage values - fine quality,
attention to detail, authenticity, the
essence of Made in Italybecome
the perfect allies of a modern, refined
and versatile style.
Born by Jefferson Hacks desire to
develop a perfect shoe both for men
and women, Tods No_ Code collec-
tion breaks with convention, respects
no boundaries between night and day
must-haves
SUNNY DAY
By Ed Biado
THIS week, many Filipinos in the city are
going out of town to take advantage of the
Holy Week holidays, which extends to Mon-
day next week. Some will be doing a little
reflecting while others will be on full-on
vacation-mode. Those who will be spending
a lot of time under the sun risk sunburn and
other minor skin conditions due to the elements.
Sugar and spice
and everything nice for kids
The best
lipsticks
for spring
brand new plant-origin formula featuring
the extract of ethically and authentically
harvested Canadian strawberries and
13.7 percent plant-based ingredients,
including sunflower and safflower. It
lathers more than other Nourishing Col-
lection Shower Gels, producing light and
generous foam that leaves skin feeling
silky and moisturized after rinsing.
The exfoliant that revitalizes skin!
Strawberry Exfoliant is also new at
Fruits & Passion. Presented in a vintage
glass jar, its innovative jelly texture with
added argan and apricot powder is like that
of strawberry jam. The formula ensures
even application and a sensory experience
that is sure to please. It also produces gen-
erous foam and can be used daily.
In the Philippines, Fruits & Passion
is distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.
(SSI) located at Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio
Hi gh St r eet , Al abang Town Cent er,
Rustans Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall
and TriNoma.
Exploring new territories
and is untethered to the formal codes
of dress or casual attire.
It is a collection for the 24-hour, al-
ways on-the-move, global nomad who
works and lives without boundaries.
The collection, very linear, includes
four styles in a rened, eclectic, sea-
sonal colour palate.
Tods No_Code collection is a
modern yet timeless collection that
represents the intuitive and spontane-
ous style of Made in Italy.
In the Philippines, Tods shoes,
bags, and accessories are exclusively
distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.
(SSI) and are available at the boutiques
located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center,
Makati and Rustans Tower, Shangri-
La Plaza Mall.
FROM chic to classic, women
have always been in check when
it comes to fashion. This season,
carry the fun carefree spirit and
the revelry of summer with Unica
Hijas Spring Summer 2012 Col-
lection that will surely excite the
fashionista in you.
Uni ca Hi j as l at -
est wear-anywhere
fashion features
l ai d back
and airy
s i l hou-
ettes for
a n e f -
fortless
s t y l e
t hat wi l l
put the flavor
of t he t ropi cs
in the spotlight.
With its relaxed
resort feel, you
can cel ebr at e
the rise of the
nat ural spi r-
its even with
our weathers
es cal at i ng
temperature.
Welcome
t he season
with lovely
t o p s a n d
dresses com-
pl ement ed
by sheer and
rufe details
t hat add a
touch of vi-
brancy and
festivity to the
designs. Women with a boxy
and straight figure can give
an allure of a svelte silhouette
with a soft tailored treatment
combined with smocking and
cinching to delicately accentuate
the feminine form. Keep it light
and breezy with Unica Hijas
Spring Summer 2012 Collection
that features cropped hems and
extended sleeves perfect for the
seasons sunny atmosphere that
has everyone enjoying the warm
heat of the sun.
Earthy hues of brown and
beige mixed with pops of color
in hot pink, bright yellow, vivid
blue and bold orange make up
for Unica Hijas color palette
for their latest collection. Clas-
sic designs with color blocking
keeps women looking chic and
fun with shades that liven up any
outt. Bright tribal prints will
keep you in the mood for outdoor
fun for an enjoyable summer you
wouldnt want to miss.
Be it an out of town trip, a
vacation outside of the coun-
try or even just exploring the
Welcome
effortless style
this summer
By Arian Vina L. Sarmiento
SUMMER has finally arrived and most
people, especially students, are already
planning what to do and where to go dur-
ing the hottest season of the year. Wor-
ried on how much transportation costs
to get to your dream destination? Easy
and affordable traveling this summer to
and from the metro is made possible by
Globe thru the Globe Prepaid Love Bus
and Love Boat.
Elevating this summer to the next level,
Globe gives back to its subscribers by giv-
ing them free rides during the most fun and
dynamic time of the year. The Globe Pre-
paid Love Bus will take its passengers to
their preferred summer destinations in and
out of the metro, from shopping malls all
the way to Batangas and La Union, homes
of the finest beaches in Luzon. If staying
in the metro or in nearby provinces is not
enough for t he
summer bums
o u t t h e r e ,
t h e n h o p
aboard t he
Globe Pre-
pai d Love
Boat in Cat-
iclan that
city, Unica Hijas
Spring Summer
2012 Collection
wi l l keep you
looking fab, gor-
geous and fun.
Unica Hija is
located in East-
wood Ci t y-
walk, Festival
Mall Alabang,
Gaisano Mall
Davao, Glori-
etta 5, Mar-
ket! Market!,
Robinsons
Gal l er i a,
R o b i n -
s o n s
Lo a o g ,
SM Fair-
view, SM
Iloilo, SM Manila, SM
North, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Sucat,
Sta. Lucia East Grandmall, Tri-
noma, ICM Bohol, KCC GenSan,
KCC Marbel, Landmark Makati,
Landmark Trinoma, RDS Ala-
bang, RDS Bacolod, RDS Ermita,
RDS Galleria, and SM Department
Stores nationwide.
For more details, visit www.
unicahija.com.ph and www.face-
book.com/wearunicahija.
Get on
the Globe Love Bus
message will serve as their ticket to the
Globe Prepaid Love Bus.
In line with the free ride gimmick, Globe
is going to launch their new menu of prepaid
promos known as the *143#. Just like the
Globe Prepaid Love Bus and Love Boat, the
new *143# menu is in itself a journey that
subscribers will nd easy and enjoyable.
Key words and registration codes need not
to be memorized any longer because it will
be made available in the new *143# menu.
The *143#s premiere promos are the
UnliAllTrio, AllNetCombo and the re-
turn of the youths favorite Globe promo,
Immortal. Indeed, just like their free
rides in and out of the metro, availing
the promos and services of Globe thru
*143# is easier and more convenient for
the subscribers.
will travel all the way to Boracay and make
you experience summer like never before.
The Globe Prepaid Love Boat will stay in
the tranquil blue waters of Caticlan from
April 13 to 15.
Trips to Batangas and La Union will
be on April 4 and 5 and return trips to
Manila will be on April 8 and 9, which
is in time for the Holy Week break. Sub-
scribers who will avail one of these trips
will be able to experience some peace
and quiet in the comforts of rural sur-
roundings with their loved ones.
The Globe Prepaid Love Bus will con-
tinue to traverse along EDSA from April
10 to May 10. Free rides from Trinoma,
North Edsa to SM Mall of Asia and back
will be made available to subscribers
with ages 14 to 24. Passengers will not
only save money on their trips, but they
will also get to experience an interactive
ride because of the games and prizes that
Globe has in store for them.
Pr epai d subscr i ber s can avai l of
these free trips by registering on Globe
Telecoms Facebook page (http://www.
facebook. com/globeph). Click on the
Love Bus icon to launch the application.
The subscribers can then choose their
preferred schedule on the Love Bus Trip
Calendar. Upon registration, they will
receive a text message, confirming their
registration and scheduled trip. The text
Shades to protect
your eyes
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Globe gives back to its subscribers by
giving free rides this summer.
blend of sparkling grapefruit, straw-
berry and fresh rhubarb accompanied
by an elegant floral harmony of straw-
berry flowers and pink tulips.
The Shower Gel was developed with a
C
Y
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M
A
G
E
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A

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W

B
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A
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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
#lovemy
C3
C2
ANSWER TOMORROW
64 Stealthy craft
65 Zellweger of
Chicago
66 Room with
bookcases
67 Tolerate
68 Flowers with
swordlike leaves, briefly
Down
1 Expels from the
country
2 Should I deal you a
hand?
3 Abundantly supplied
(with)
4 Helen of __
5 Partner of hither
6 __ salts
7 Filthy dough
8 Preppy collars
9 Downed Russian
space station
10 Mushroom with a
black-edged top
11 Secretion used in
hives
12 Stir up
13 Strolled, as to the
saloon
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
Across
1 Like Eastwoods Harry
6 Aromatic resin
11 Emeril catchword
14 Start of un ao
15 Add to the mix
16 Freudian subject
17 *Get really angry
19 Cocktail cooler, in
Coblenz
20 Paris airport
21 Having trouble
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
deciding
22 Hindu social division
24 Fish eggs
25 *Belfast-born flutist
27 For shame!
29 Sedative
30 Suffix with bed or
home
31 Arthur of tennis
34 Selected on a ballot,
with in
35 *2004 loser to George
Bush
39 Source of quick cash,
briefly
42 Operating system
since the 60s
43 Ball hit over the wall
47 Steals
50 Title street of kids TV
51 *Sandwich request
55 Accomplished
56 Islamic deity
57 College head
58 Shower affection (on)
59 __ tai: cocktail
60 One of the four that
end this puzzles starred
answers
63 Rock producer Brian
18 French state
23 Float like a
butterfly boxer
25 Karate relative
26 Habitu
28 __ Mahal
31 Landers or Lee
32 Enjoy the slopes
33 Put a spell on
36 Awed crowd reaction
37 Stat start
38 Casual hellos
39 Humiliated
40 Like many rural roads
41 Thousand thousand
44 Papa Dont
Preachsinger
45 Radiated
46 Flights leaving
around midnight,
usually
48 iPhone, e.g., briefly
49 Rules of conduct
50 In __: harmonious
52 Twin Cities suburb
53 Subatomic particle
54 Oohed and __
58 Face-off with pistols
61 Squealer
62 Nonprots URL ending
BOBBIE, a quality brand of nail pol-
ishes and total nail care solutions,
can help you get ready for the beach
this summer. Regularly clean your
nails with the use of Bobbie nail care
tools like fingernail clipper, toenail
clipper, nipper, buffer and toe sepa-
rator, nail polish remover and cuticle
remover. Clean each implement after
use to avoid bacteria build up that
can damage your nails.
For dry skin, Bobbie Cuticle Oil
should be applied before doing your
manicure and pedicure by massaging
your t oes for at l east 10 mi nut es.
Also, dont forget to regularly use a
Bobbie Nail Hardener for protection
while your nails grow.
Pai nt your nai l s wi t h t he col or
of your choice. Start with the Base
Coat t o pr ot ect
nails from get-
ting yellowish.
Then, use your
f avor i t e shade
of Bobbie Nail
Cr me . The r e
ar e mor e t han
70 col or s t o
choose from
such as Pure
White, Vamp,
Ko h l , P i a
Colada, Grass
Ski rt , Pat ent
Bl ue and Or-
ange Juice to name a few. Bobbie has
a gorgeous array of shadesfrom the
most vibrant reds and the brightest
greens to neutral, barely-there hues.
For those who love trendy and edgy
polish with a cracked effect, use the
Bobbie Smashed Collection. There are
striking, attention-grabbing colors to
choose from: Smashing Red, Smash-
ing Violet or Smashing Black.
Bobbie nail colors are not only
affordable but safely formulated as
well because they are free of the Big
3 toxins like formaldehyde, toluene
and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Che c k out Bobbi e Na i l Ca r e
products, distributed by Chic Centre
Corp. , i n Wat sons Personal Care
s t or e s , Robi ns ons De pa r t me nt
St or es, Robi nsons Super mar ket ,
Mercury Drug
S t o r e s , Th e
L a n d m a r k
De p a r t me n t
St or es, Pur e-
gol d out l e t s ,
Shopwise out-
lets, and other
leading drug-
stores, con-
v e n i e n c e
s t or e s , s u-
pe r ma r ke t s
and depar t -
ment s t or es
nationwide.
Getting
your nails ready
for the beach
Reveal skins natural radiance with strawberry
FRUITS & Passion has drawn on nature
once again to create a new body care
product line based on a new ingredient:
strawberries.
Canadas own northern strawberry
is joining the Nourishing Collection to
offer nature lovers a homegrown ingredi-
ent. The strawberry chosen by Fruits &
Passion has all the characteristics of a
typical northern strawberryits extracts
are chock-full of vitamins that help bring
out skins natural radiance.
The strawberry is a universally adored
berry and an excellent source of vitamin
C and anthocyanins, which give it its
antioxidant properties.
The strawberry selected by Fruits &
Passion is grown and extracted according
to environmentally responsible criteria to
guarantee the ethical and authentic origin
of the extract.
The del i cat el y s cent ed nor t her n
strawberry line is both comforting and
energi zi ng. It s fragrance i s a subt l e
ManilaStandardToday
beauty
memo
beauty
memo
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
WE dont have spring in
the Philippines but beauty
enthusiasts, believe it or
not, practice the four sea-
sons in terms of the colors
and nishes of the makeup
that they wear. What these
women who live in the trop-
ics do is match their makeup
to the clothes they are wear-
ing, not in terms of color but
in the look. For example,
if a woman is wearing a pink
dress, the makeup would be
pared down and minimalist.
A more severe suit would
look good with winged eye-
liner and bright pink lipstick
to make the look more femi-
nine. Its all in the lipstick
and here are some of the best
lipsticks for spring.
1. MAC Ever Hip. This
cremesheen lipstick is a
limited edition rst released
in 2010 and then in 2011.
Its a sheer pinky coral that
could be too light for darker
complexions but if you layer
it on, it could work.
2. NARS Pure Matte Lip-
stick in Valparaso is a rich
berry shade named after one
of Chiles most important
cities.
3. Shiseidos Shimmer-
ing Rouge in Opal is a baby
doll pink that would be
the best complement for a
smokey eye and falsies.
4. Topshop lipstick in
Charmed is a irty tanger-
ine thats truly perfect for
summer.
5. Laura Mercier Gel
Lip Colour in Orchid is for
the woman who wants a
loud lip.
6. If you like the no-
makeup look, go for Bobbi
Brown Lip Color in Uber
Beige.
7. YSLs new Volupt
Sheer Candy N9 Goyave
Sorbet is a delightful bub-
blegum pink scented with
delicious mango.
8. Revlon Colorburst Lip
Butter in Lollipop is a bright
opaque pink thats soft and
buttery on the lips.
ITS great to be girly again with fashionable celebrity kids
like Suri Cruise leading the way! Little girls, after all, are said
to be sugar and spice and all things nice,and they will simply
be delightful as they walk the summer streets in Sugarkids
shoes from SM.
Sugarkids embraces everything that is sweet, feminine and
pretty with a sprinkling of storybook nostalgia. And girls will
love its exciting new summer collection at SM:
Ballerina Flats! Bright, beautiful, or striped, Sugarkids
ballerina shoes celebrate great summer style.
Wedges! Blooming with the prettiest orals, loving summer
with heart prints, daintily dotted or blissfully blowed, wedges
are way to go this summer!
Peep Toe Flats! Naughty and nice atties with bow accents.
Sailing Shoes! Little girls will make waves as classic top-
sider shoes go oral and brightly colored
The Sugarkids summer collection is available at the Childrens
Shoes Department in all SM Stores.
Thats why we need sunscreen. It
doesnt matter if youre not going to
the beach; protection from the sun is
necessary as long as youre going out-
doors. If youll be out sunning, hiking
or will be doing water sports, a higher
SPF is recommended. Meanwhile, SPF
25 or below is sufficient if youll just
be going around sightseeing.
To prevent sunburn, apply some
cooling gel to your skin when you get
back indoors. Some people like to ap-
ply alcohol but this isnt the best thing
to do because alcohol is harsh on the
skin and causes dryness. Also, it may,
in theory, cause the desired instant
cooling effect, but if your skin is tender
and sensitive, it will result in a burning
sensation insteadwhich means your
skin is being fried. Not good.
The eyes need to be protected from
the suns rays as well. Its a must to
wear sunglasses at all times, preferably
those with UV-protection lenses. Your
shades are not a mere accessorythey
actually have a very important func-
tion.
Being out in the sun causes us to
sweat more than usual. Therefore,
never forget to apply deodorant. It
will be better if your deo has strong
anti-perspirant properties. (Read the
label carefully because not all deos are
anti-perspirants.) If youre going spray
some perfume on, make sure its a light
summery scent. Heavy perfume doesnt
interact well with sweat and youll end
up smelling like dirty laundry if your
scent is too strong or if you put on too
much.
This is also the time to put your reg-
ular moisturizer away and use a lighter
one instead. Its also better to choose a
variant with SPF. Remember that one
of the leading causes of premature skin
aging is excessive exposure to sunlight.
The sun can also dry out your lips so do
have some lip balm handy in your bag.
TODS No_Code explores new terri-
tories to create a capsule collection for
both men and women inspired by the
visionary editor J effer son Hack.
Tods Art i sanal craft smen and
Design Team worked with Jefferson
to develop a streamlined product, in
which the extraordinary craftsman-
ship of Tods meets influences from
the worlds of music, art and cinema.
Tods heritage values - fine quality,
attention to detail, authenticity, the
essence of Made in Italybecome
the perfect allies of a modern, refined
and versatile style.
Born by Jefferson Hacks desire to
develop a perfect shoe both for men
and women, Tods No_ Code collec-
tion breaks with convention, respects
no boundaries between night and day
must-haves
SUNNY DAY
By Ed Biado
THIS week, many Filipinos in the city are
going out of town to take advantage of the
Holy Week holidays, which extends to Mon-
day next week. Some will be doing a little
reflecting while others will be on full-on
vacation-mode. Those who will be spending
a lot of time under the sun risk sunburn and
other minor skin conditions due to the elements.
Sugar and spice
and everything nice for kids
The best
lipsticks
for spring
brand new plant-origin formula featuring
the extract of ethically and authentically
harvested Canadian strawberries and
13.7 percent plant-based ingredients,
including sunflower and safflower. It
lathers more than other Nourishing Col-
lection Shower Gels, producing light and
generous foam that leaves skin feeling
silky and moisturized after rinsing.
The exfoliant that revitalizes skin!
Strawberry Exfoliant is also new at
Fruits & Passion. Presented in a vintage
glass jar, its innovative jelly texture with
added argan and apricot powder is like that
of strawberry jam. The formula ensures
even application and a sensory experience
that is sure to please. It also produces gen-
erous foam and can be used daily.
In the Philippines, Fruits & Passion
is distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.
(SSI) located at Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio
Hi gh St r eet , Al abang Town Cent er,
Rustans Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall
and TriNoma.
Exploring new territories
and is untethered to the formal codes
of dress or casual attire.
It is a collection for the 24-hour, al-
ways on-the-move, global nomad who
works and lives without boundaries.
The collection, very linear, includes
four styles in a rened, eclectic, sea-
sonal colour palate.
Tods No_Code collection is a
modern yet timeless collection that
represents the intuitive and spontane-
ous style of Made in Italy.
In the Philippines, Tods shoes,
bags, and accessories are exclusively
distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.
(SSI) and are available at the boutiques
located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center,
Makati and Rustans Tower, Shangri-
La Plaza Mall.
FROM chic to classic, women
have always been in check when
it comes to fashion. This season,
carry the fun carefree spirit and
the revelry of summer with Unica
Hijas Spring Summer 2012 Col-
lection that will surely excite the
fashionista in you.
Uni ca Hi j as l at -
est wear-anywhere
fashion features
l ai d back
and airy
s i l hou-
ettes for
a n e f -
fortless
s t y l e
t hat wi l l
put the flavor
of t he t ropi cs
in the spotlight.
With its relaxed
resort feel, you
can cel ebr at e
the rise of the
nat ural spi r-
its even with
our weathers
es cal at i ng
temperature.
Welcome
t he season
with lovely
t o p s a n d
dresses com-
pl ement ed
by sheer and
rufe details
t hat add a
touch of vi-
brancy and
festivity to the
designs. Women with a boxy
and straight figure can give
an allure of a svelte silhouette
with a soft tailored treatment
combined with smocking and
cinching to delicately accentuate
the feminine form. Keep it light
and breezy with Unica Hijas
Spring Summer 2012 Collection
that features cropped hems and
extended sleeves perfect for the
seasons sunny atmosphere that
has everyone enjoying the warm
heat of the sun.
Earthy hues of brown and
beige mixed with pops of color
in hot pink, bright yellow, vivid
blue and bold orange make up
for Unica Hijas color palette
for their latest collection. Clas-
sic designs with color blocking
keeps women looking chic and
fun with shades that liven up any
outt. Bright tribal prints will
keep you in the mood for outdoor
fun for an enjoyable summer you
wouldnt want to miss.
Be it an out of town trip, a
vacation outside of the coun-
try or even just exploring the
Welcome
effortless style
this summer
By Arian Vina L. Sarmiento
SUMMER has finally arrived and most
people, especially students, are already
planning what to do and where to go dur-
ing the hottest season of the year. Wor-
ried on how much transportation costs
to get to your dream destination? Easy
and affordable traveling this summer to
and from the metro is made possible by
Globe thru the Globe Prepaid Love Bus
and Love Boat.
Elevating this summer to the next level,
Globe gives back to its subscribers by giv-
ing them free rides during the most fun and
dynamic time of the year. The Globe Pre-
paid Love Bus will take its passengers to
their preferred summer destinations in and
out of the metro, from shopping malls all
the way to Batangas and La Union, homes
of the finest beaches in Luzon. If staying
in the metro or in nearby provinces is not
enough for t he
summer bums
o u t t h e r e ,
t h e n h o p
aboard t he
Globe Pre-
pai d Love
Boat in Cat-
iclan that
city, Unica Hijas
Spring Summer
2012 Collection
wi l l keep you
looking fab, gor-
geous and fun.
Unica Hija is
located in East-
wood Ci t y-
walk, Festival
Mall Alabang,
Gaisano Mall
Davao, Glori-
etta 5, Mar-
ket! Market!,
Robinsons
Gal l er i a,
R o b i n -
s o n s
Lo a o g ,
SM Fair-
view, SM
Iloilo, SM Manila, SM
North, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Sucat,
Sta. Lucia East Grandmall, Tri-
noma, ICM Bohol, KCC GenSan,
KCC Marbel, Landmark Makati,
Landmark Trinoma, RDS Ala-
bang, RDS Bacolod, RDS Ermita,
RDS Galleria, and SM Department
Stores nationwide.
For more details, visit www.
unicahija.com.ph and www.face-
book.com/wearunicahija.
Get on
the Globe Love Bus
message will serve as their ticket to the
Globe Prepaid Love Bus.
In line with the free ride gimmick, Globe
is going to launch their new menu of prepaid
promos known as the *143#. Just like the
Globe Prepaid Love Bus and Love Boat, the
new *143# menu is in itself a journey that
subscribers will nd easy and enjoyable.
Key words and registration codes need not
to be memorized any longer because it will
be made available in the new *143# menu.
The *143#s premiere promos are the
UnliAllTrio, AllNetCombo and the re-
turn of the youths favorite Globe promo,
Immortal. Indeed, just like their free
rides in and out of the metro, availing
the promos and services of Globe thru
*143# is easier and more convenient for
the subscribers.
will travel all the way to Boracay and make
you experience summer like never before.
The Globe Prepaid Love Boat will stay in
the tranquil blue waters of Caticlan from
April 13 to 15.
Trips to Batangas and La Union will
be on April 4 and 5 and return trips to
Manila will be on April 8 and 9, which
is in time for the Holy Week break. Sub-
scribers who will avail one of these trips
will be able to experience some peace
and quiet in the comforts of rural sur-
roundings with their loved ones.
The Globe Prepaid Love Bus will con-
tinue to traverse along EDSA from April
10 to May 10. Free rides from Trinoma,
North Edsa to SM Mall of Asia and back
will be made available to subscribers
with ages 14 to 24. Passengers will not
only save money on their trips, but they
will also get to experience an interactive
ride because of the games and prizes that
Globe has in store for them.
Pr epai d subscr i ber s can avai l of
these free trips by registering on Globe
Telecoms Facebook page (http://www.
facebook. com/globeph). Click on the
Love Bus icon to launch the application.
The subscribers can then choose their
preferred schedule on the Love Bus Trip
Calendar. Upon registration, they will
receive a text message, confirming their
registration and scheduled trip. The text
Shades to protect
your eyes
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Globe gives back to its subscribers by
giving free rides this summer.
blend of sparkling grapefruit, straw-
berry and fresh rhubarb accompanied
by an elegant floral harmony of straw-
berry flowers and pink tulips.
The Shower Gel was developed with a
C4
showbitz
Isah V. Red, Editor standard_showbiz@gmail.com
ISAH V.
RED
SIMPLY RED
Reacting to the current issue
of haters bashing celebrities on
social networking sites, he says,
I am aware of the fact that there
are people who may not like me
and may post negative things
about me. What I do, I read
them, and think why they said
that. But I wouldnt react as to
post similarly negative things on
the site. Maybe Id send them s
smiley.
Xian became popular playing
Andy Wu in the hit ABS-CBN
series My Binondo Girl with Kim
Chiu and Matteo Guidicelli.
The rest, as they say, is history.
After his huge My Binondo Girl
exposure came a barrage of guest
appearances, movie projects, and
endorsements which ultimately
testied to Xians charisma,
talent and huge following. Much
recently, he was welcomed by
leading telecommunications
company Globe Telecom as
its newest addition to its roster
of endorsers, joining the ranks
of Sarah Geronimo, Gerald
Anderson, and Vice Ganda.
Xian is the new face behind
the companys latest offer,
Globe Super Facebook (FB).
Exclusively available to Globe
Prepaid subscribers, Globe
SuperFB is a mobile Internet plan
perfect for Facebook users who
are always on the go. Accessible
via m.facebook.com for Internet-
enabled mobile phones, the
service allows users to browse
through their Facebook accounts
to post status and comments, add
friends, upload and tag photos,
and more via their mobile phones.
TM subscribers can avail of the
promo via the AstigFB offer.
Xian is the perfect endorser for
the offer since he is a Facebook
fanatic himself and at the same
time, hes always on the go with
his hectic schedule comprised
of tapings, pictorials, and other
showbiz commitments. He
regularly updates his Facebook
account to keep his legion of
fans in the loop, as well as his
family members and loved ones
especially during his busier
days.
Through Globe SuperFB,
Xian is able to enjoy unlimited
access to Facebook on his
mobile phone, which allows him
to post status to announce his
upcoming basketball game with
his friends, make comments on
his fans Facebook proles, and
upload and tag photos straight
from a romantic movie date with
Kim. Thanks to Globe SuperFB,
Xian is able to capture and share
Facebook moments in an instant,
Unravel
mysteries
past and
present
THIS month, explore deep-seat-
ed mysteries from the past and
the present as SkyCable Select
present an unbeatable array of
top-notch factual programs on
History, Bio and Crime and In-
vestigation.
On the 100
th
anniversary of
the sinking of RMS Titanic, re-
turn to the site of the disaster
as History sheds new light and
presents the denitive story in
Titanic Mystery Solved. For the
rst time, the entire wreck is
mapped; new discoveries and
information answer the ultimate
questionexactly how did Ti-
tanic break apart? Titanic Mys-
tery Solved, premiering on April
15, 8 p.m. will document the
most recent mission, unveiling
astonishing pieces of never-be-
fore-seen wreckage and present-
ing the expeditions unexpected
ndings as well as denitive
answers.
Catch a glimpse of the secret
fears of famous people on Bio
as Celebrity Nightmares Decod-
ed premiers on April 13 and airs
every Friday at 9 p.m. World
renowned dream analyst and
author Lauren Lawrence un-
ravels the mystery behind Hol-
lywood celebrities dreams and
nightmares. For the series pre-
miere, see whats behind Saved
by the Bells Dustin Screech
Diamonds terrifying dream of
a faceless butcher wanting to
burn his face off, and rapper Too
Shorts dream of being chased
down an alley by rabid dogs.
Catch these real life stories and
more real life stories on Bio.
Explore the dark realities of
crime and get full access to the
criminal underworld where fear-
some mob legends ruthlessly
clawed their way to a distorted
vision of the American Dream.
The series premier features the
horrendous story of Frank Lu-
cas, Harlem New Yorks heroin
kingpin for a decade before his
fall and immortalized in the
movie American Gangster.
Mobsters premiers on April 11
and airs every Wednesday at 10
p.m. on Crime and Investigation.
Know more about the real drama
of real people behind real crime
on Crime and Investigation.
Imagine what new insights
and deeper knowledge you can
glean from History, Bio, Crime
and Investigation, all available
through SkyCable Select at P50
each.
IN THE tradition of beautifully
crafted drama series innova-
tions that capture the minds of
viewers and the nods of critics,
ABS-CBN Corporation and TFC
are unveiling Kung Akoy Iiwan
Mo (If You Will Leave Me) on
April 16 via Channel 2 and TFC
worldwide.
The very rst overseas Filipi-
no-serye of OFserye, Kung Akoy
Iiwan Mo tells the story of two
individuals who traversed miles
to be with each other and so was
shot in majority in Doha where
the OFserye was set.
Doha in Qatar is in the Mid-
dle East, home to the third larg-
est group of Filipinos outside the
Philippines. Interestingly, while
a few movies have been made
to tell the story of overseas Fili-
pinos in the region like Dubai,
the Star Cinema movie, this is
the rst time that a teleserye has
been shot in Dubai, UAE and in
Doha Qatar.
The OFserye tells of two chil-
dren (Jake Cuenca and Shaina
Magdayao) of two best friends,
played by Christopher de Leon
and Philip Salvador, both over-
seas Filipinos who served as
inspiration to their kids chosen
path.
When Philip Salvador saves
Christopher from eminent death,
the latter feels responsible for the
welfare of Philips family until
he himself dies. Fate seems to al-
ways be bringing Jake and Shai-
na together as they fall for each
other, and then yet apart with the
presence of another girl played
by Bangs Garcia.
On April 22 at 9 p.m., TFC
Middle East, the international
arm of ABS-CBN Corporation in
the Middle East will unveil the
rst OFserye in Al Majlis Hall,
Sheraton Doha Resort and Con-
vention Hotel.
The red carpet premiere will
be graced by the lead stars Shai-
na Magdayao, Jake Cuenca and
Bangs Garcia.
Tickets are priced at QR 100
for VIP and QR 50 for regular
seats. In the premiere, attendees
will preview the making of the
teleserye and the preview of the
rst few episodes which will cov-
er the rst week of the airing.
Kung Akoy Iiwan Mo will air
in the Philippine via Channel 2
beginning April 16 as well as in-
ternationally via TFC especially
in the Middle East daily for about
three months. For interested par-
ties, visit www.abs-cbnglobal.
com or contact the nearest dealer
in your area.
ABS, TFC to premiere drama series in Middle East
Facebook
Xian Lim
Denitely one of the hottest young celebrities in the
country today, Xian Lim, with a little over three years in
show business, says social networking is a good avenue to
interact with fans, friends and family.
and he doesnt need to wait
until hes home, in an Internet
caf, or get hooked to a Wi-
Fi connection just to make his
Facebook presence felt.
Like Xian, you can enjoy
your full day, anywhere-you-
are unlimited Facebook access
for only P10. To avail of the
offer, Globe Prepaid subscribers
can dial *143#, the companys
newest service that allows
subscribers to easily register to
various Globe promos without
having to memorize keywords.
TM subscribers can register by
texting ASTIGFB10 to 8888.
Fame Factory artists
on PLDT Telpad
Tablets are the must-have
gadgets for the tech-savvy
teens of today. They have a
constantand more importantly,
immediateneed to surf the
web, post status updates, upload
the latest videos or pictures,
and connect with a multitude of
friends through real-time social
media. Indeed, if lifecasting is
the story of the digital age, then
teenagers are its most prolic
authors, and tablets are their
chosen instrument.
Because of this growing
trend, PLDT Telpad has
strategically links its innovative
tablet landline service with the
rising stars of Fame Factory, a
company that aims to go beyond
artist management. The PLDT
Telpad is the worlds rst tablet
landline with unlimited local
calls, unlimited Internet, and
exclusive PLDT content, such as
the highly popular TelMeHow
application. TelMeHow allows
users to discover something
wonderful at home, thanks to
its highly informative yet easy-
to-follow content, remarked
Patrick Tang, PLDTs Vice
President for Home Videos.
This content is meticulously
designed in order to appeal to
a vast array of interests, which
is highly useful for todays
tech-savvy teen, he further
explained.
In terms of embodying the
youthful spirit and wholesome
pursuits of the tech-savvy teen,
the Fame Factory talents truly
make an ideal match. In fact,
it is likely that they will be
used as models for new content
for TelMeHow. Their unique
abilities, communication skils,
and natural enthusiasm opens
up my opportunities, Tang
pointed out. Abel Estanislao
is a guitar protg, while Kate
Alejandro is a theater scholar
with a strong background in the
performing arts. Jake Seeres
can talk about health and tness,
while Anika Gonzalez is a
trained dancer. Finally, Rollo
Espinos is a qualied culinary
arts practitioner, so they can
all TelMeHow to do something
engaging and worthwhile.
Powered by the Android plat-
form, the PLDT Telpad doubles
as a multimedia device to house
all your information, commu-
nication, and entertainment
needs, thus revolutionizing the
telecommunications experience.
Units are offered to Telpad Plan
subscribers at a discounted rate
of P5,500 (with installment op-
tions), down from the original
P13,900.
Abel, Kate, Jake, Anika, and
Rollo cant stop talking about
the PLDT Telpad to their friends,
and showing off its remarkable
features. Its become an integral
part of their lifestyle, revealed
Fame Factory President Mayet
German-Tiaoqui. These
young stars truly dene an
active digital lifestyle, and
we are very happy that PLDT
Telpad recognized the alignment
between the talents and their
product, she concluded.
MyJaps Collection
by TeamManila
Rarely do we see talent
with substance, someone who
displays her love for music and
acting without losing sight of
her fanbase.
Julie Ann San Jose (a.k.a
MyJaps) celebrates her 18
th
birthday this year, in style, with
the launch of her My Japs
Collection in collaboration
with Team Manila.
This special collaboration
takes on the youthful and fun
loving attitude of the bubbly
performer, reflected in the
release of the limited edition
collection of specially designed
shirts and hoodies that will be
released this April and will
be made available in all Team
Manila stores nationwide.
Proceeds of the My
Japs Collection will go to
the cancer patients of the
Philippine Childrens Medical
Center.
ignores bashers,
shares good things on
Julie Ann
San Jose

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