23_03_2012

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Yellow Magenta Cyan Black

HIGH-RISE RESPONSE – A firefighter inspects an adjacent unit on the 15th floor of the Legaspi 300 Tower in the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) Street in Manila as fire breaks out in one of the units of the condominium yesterday, March 22, 2012. (Ali Vicoy)

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VOL. 471 No. 23 FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012 86 PAGES R18.00 IN METRO MANILA http://www.mb.com.ph ISSN 0116-3086

By JIM GOMEZThe Associated Press

Concealed by the night sky, the two aging Philippine Air Force (PAF) planes unleashed a surprise high-tech weapon: US satellite-guided bombs that whizzed down with deadly precision toward a long-elusive ter-

US Smart Bombs Target Abu Sayyaf

rorist suspect and two other top radicals dozing with their men in Jolo Island’s jungle.

The use of smart bombs, con-firmed to The Associated Press by four senior Philippine security of-ficials, marks a new chapter in the long-running battle against an al-Qaida-linked movement in Mindanao,

(Turn to page 6)

By ROY C. MABASA

A marmalade made in the Phil-ippines won a silver medal in the international category at the 2012 World Marmalade Championships held recently in England, the Brit-ish embassy in Manila announced yesterday.

The calamansi marmalade with brandy was made by British chef and Bacolod resident Robert Harland.

According to the British embassy,

PH Marmalade PlacesSecond In World Tilt

this is the first time the Philippines has been represented at the champi-onships, now on its seventh year.

The championships were part of a weekend-long marmalade festival held at the historic Dalemain Estate in England’s Lake District. Over 70,000 British pounds (P4.7 million) was raised for various charities.

The organizers received over 1,700 entries from all corners of the world – a 30 percent increase over 2011.

Harland’s citrusy concoction (Turn to page 6)

By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO

A Catholic Church official yes-terday described the gathering of world religious leaders in Manila as “providential.”

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle cited that the gathering is providential because it came at a time

Church Gathering

‘Providential’

(Turn to page 6)

SITE INSPECTION – File photo dated February 2, 2012, shows operatives of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Forces inspect the site where three most wanted leaders of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah were killed in a United States-backed dawn airstrike in Jolo, Sulu. (AP)

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA

More Filipinos expressed confidence and trust in Vice President Jejomar Binay than in President Benigno S. Aquino

Binay Tops SurveyRating In Pulse Asia Poll Higher Than President Aquino’s

(Turn to page 6)

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Criss Declines ‘X • Factor’ Hosting Gig; Cowell Eyes Kiebler

Manila

Filipino-Irish “Glee” star Darren Criss reportedly turned down a hosting gig for Season 2 of the US version of “The X Factor.”

ADDITIONAL SUN EXPOSURE FOR GMA — The Commission on Elections yesterday granted an additional one-hour sun exposure every afternoon for former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

STRICTER JAYWALKING LAW — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority asked local government units in Metro Manila to strictly enforce the law on jaywalking by coming up with stern penalties for undisciplined pedestrians.

— Stories on Page 8

RARE WHALE SWIMS UP WEST COAST TO RUSSIAN HOME —Scientists named her Varvara, the Russian version of Barbara. This endangered, rare western Pacific gray whale

crossed the Pacific Ocean from Russian waters and spent time

off Baja Mexico then moved back north along the west coast of the United States. Read more about her in

the “Out of This World”

news.

B-1BUSINESS

Jollibee Earmarks • R5.8B For Store Expansion Here And In China

NG’s• Growth Targets ‘Achievable’ – ADB

Korean• Investors Eyeing Water, Power

III, the latest Pulse Asia survey results, released yesterday, showed.

The survey found that 84 percent of the respondents ap-prove of Binay’s work, while 80 percent expressed trust in

him.Aquino, on the other hand,

had a 70 percent approval rating and 69 percent trust rating.

The survey, conducted Febru-ary 26 to March 9, polled 1,200 respondents.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile also scored high in the survey, with 71 percent for approval and 63 percent for trust.

Pulse Asia noted that all three government officials also scored

single-digit overall disapproval ratings (3 to 9 percent).

Less than one in 10 Filipinos distrusts the three government officials (4 to 8 percent).

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte

70% 69% 71% 63%41% 32% 14% 11%

84% 80%

President Benigno s. Aquino iii

vice-President jejomar binay

senate president juan ponce enrile

house speaker feliciano belmonte jr.

supreme court chief justicerenato corona

Approval rating Trust ratingLegend: Duration: February 26, to March 29, 2012 Number of Respondents: 1,200

News2 Friday, March 23, 2012

IN TER ESTED TO B U Y C O R N ER LA N D O R W ITH B U ILD IN G IN M ETR O M A N ILA A N D PR O V IN C ESSU ITA B LE FO R M A N ILA B U LLETIN B R A N C H ES. PLEA SE SEN D O FFER TO M A N ILA B U LLETIN P.O . B O X 769, M A N ILA

READ AND SUBSCRIBEANG NANGUNGUNANG PAHAYAGANG TAGALOG SA BANSA

By KRIS BAYOS

The government will be spending 600 million to purchase boats, jet

skis, life vests, radio and survival kits to boost the Philippine Coast Guard’s(PCG) search and rescue capability.

Transportation and CommunicaTT -tions Secretary Manuel “Mar” RoxasII said the Department of Transpor-rrtation and Communications (DoTC) is scheduled to bid out next montha contract to supply PCG the equip-ment needed to “complete its short-fall for coastal and inland disaster response requirements.”

The PCG presently has 12 dis-tricts, 63 stations and 237 detach-ments guarding 36,289 kilometers of coastline and 1,830 square kilome-ters of water nationwide.

The PCG has a total of 63 rubber boats, 10 of which are used by the PCG main headquarters in Manila,

30 in various PCG districts, 20 in dif-ffferent stations and three in various ffPCG vessels. In effect, at least four PCG districts, 47 stations and 237 detachments do not own a single rub-ber boat. Roxas said this statistics il-lustrates how PCG’s capability is lim-ited by its lack of search and rescue equipment.

This is why Roxas said the DoTC will shell out at least 500-million capi-tal to procure at least 300 units of rub-ber or aluminum boats and 81 units of plastic inflatable boats; 2,286 commonlife vests (6 units per boat), 762 regular life vests with sturdier survival kits for Coast Guard personnel (2 per boat); 762 VHF handheld marine-type radio de-vices (2 units for each of the 381 boats) vvand 381 megaphones (1 per boat).

The PCG, for its part, will spend 100 million for the purchase of at least

40 additional rubber boats and at least six units of jet skis. This is separate from the 31 million annual budget

that DoTC will allocate for the main-tenance and operation of the PCG’s disaster response equipments.

“In line with the government’s ‘Kayo ang Boss’ advocacy, we want to upgrade the PCG’s rescue and relief capability to a level where they can protect our sea lanes and flood-prone areas when the rainy season comes,” Roxas said.

Without the capital expenditure toWWupgrade PCG’s disaster response ca-pabilities, Roxas said PCG personnel will rely on borrowing fishing boats wwthat can be lent to them.

After the procurement project,AARoxas vowed that each PCG stationand detachment that did not have asingle boat before will have at least a rubber or aluminum boat.“Yan ang nadatnan naming sitwasyon dito kaya inaaayos namin ito,” Roxas said.

“Ayaw na naming maulit ang mga“nangyari nung mga nakaraang taon namaraming taong napinsala kaya’t sa

onfronted with thefront page murder of ROTC Cadet Mark Chua and the “left-ist” orchestrated and

strategically chosen campus protest in Baguio City, Manila, Cebu, and Davao City, to create the propagan-da of “nationwide” dissent, the late Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes convened a stakeholders conferencein the National Defense College of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo. Welson Chua, (father of Mark) was WWpresent pleading to maintain ROTC as mandatory course in all Colleges and Universities. This corner joined said conference in unison with a grieving fathers clarion call, despitehis personal tragedy. The obvious Maoist climate outside the confines however, among militant voices, was rrof “Throwing the baby with the bath water,” — removing ROTC from all rreducational institutions.

In the course of said gathering,this corner’s modest contribution was: 1) In place of expensive ROTC fatigues and boots for parents who could ill-afford the complete uniform, was allow white T-shirts with School ROTC emblems, jeans and rubber shoes as standard uniform for theentire unit. 2) To have the originally proposed Law Enforcement Com-ponent (NSTP) to be supervised by Policemen replaced by a differentcomponent.

A Study Group was formed by Secretary Reyes, headed by one of rtwo Defense officials who eventually torpedoed ROTC, due to a personal bias versus Reserve Force Develop-ment. I recall Reyes giving open and specific instructions in the assem-bly ordering said Defense Official, that Welson Chua and this corner be part of said Group. The notice for the ROTC working group to convene did arrive, but by snail-mail, days after the appointed date.

An administrator/educator fromthe University of the Philippines, who prefers to be unnamed, provid-ed the following nationwide obser-rrvation on NSTP:1)There is no uni-

formity of Adm. Structure for NSTP implementation 2) Some faculty members are chosen on the basis of being under-loaded, not on qualifica-tion 3) Honoraria are insufficient to cover travel expenses etc. amountvaries school to school 4) Lack of awareness on some school adminis-trators in the IRR makes it difficultfor coordinators to carry out NSTP effectively 5) Vulnerable to interven-tion of “left-leaning” individuals who have access to implementation 6)LGU unfamiliar with NSTP, hencecoordination of community projects generally inefficient 7) A concern to sustain gains of NSTP among stu-dents who finish one year manda-tory requirement 8) Lack of effective rrproject benefit monitoring/evalua-tion of NSTP implementation makes it difficult to assess gains and gaps of the program 9) Need to include basic drill and ceremonies to ensure order when students mobilized for com-munity service 10) Need for wide info, education and communicationcampaign on NSTP to be effective in mobilizing society towards its objec-tives and goals.

For a country under siege with FFa twin insurgency for roughly four decades, one Maoist — and violent in nature; an armed secessionists movement sponsored by Malaysia; and a potential propellant in Western Philippine Sea, government leaders are tip-toeing over misplaced sensi-bilities rather than charging ahead with common sense, strengtheninginstead national defense via ROTC (or Citizens Armed Force Training Course). A significant problem with present ROTC, including 5 Bills inCongress is, it fails to address the “learning curve” of week-ends only training. I propose a “One Sum-mer Training” (45-60 days, Mon-Fri training) for all requirements. The student decides which sum-mer to enroll in before graduation. Rifle firing must be standard for all schools as well. Hence, the orders, sun, map reading, drills, shoutingetc. will all make sense. Even the saluting.

CMETRO CORNERERIK ESPINA

abot po ng aming makakayaay hinahanda po natin ang ating Philippine Coast Guardpara sa pagsagip at pagbibig-ay-proteksyon sa ating mga aakababayan,” he added. kk

SUMMER IN MANILA — Children beat the heat by wading in the watersof the landmark Carriedo fountain in Sta. Cruz, Manila, yesterday. The nation marked World Water Day on March 22 every year to recognize the Earth’s precious natural resource. The celebration, adopted bythe United Nations Conference on Environment and Development,was first observed 20 years ago. (Linus Guardian Escandor)

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News 3Friday, March 23, 2012

By KRIS BAYOS

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) have agreed to set up a “Holy Week Express Lane” for the expected surge of mo-torists during the Lenten Season.

Metro Pacific Tollway Corpo-ration (MPTC), mother company of NLEx's concessionaire Manila North Tollway Corporation and SC-TEx's manager Tollway Manage-ment Corporation, said the express lanes will only be available for north-bound traffic.

Under the "Holy Week Express Lane" program, owners of class 1 vehicles such as private cars, vans and jeepneys intending to exit in Dau, Pampanga or Subic-Tipo or Tarlac via SCTEx may already pay for the toll at the NLEx's Balintawak or the Mindanao Avenue toll plazas.

Motorists exiting Dau will pay P218, while those exiting Subic via SCTEx will pay P408 and those exit-ing Tarlac will pay P322.

According to MPTC, the program will shorten transaction time in busy plazas and alleviate the queuing at toll booths especially during peak hours of the Holy Week exodus of Filipinos to their provinces.

Motorists who will make one-time payment will be given access to designated express lanes located at the left side of toll plazas for their

By CHITO A. CHAVEZ

The Metro Manila Drinking Wa-ter Quality Monitoring Committee (MMDWQMC) has given a 100 per-cent satisfactory compliance rat-ing to Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad).

To ensure the safety of water in the metropolis, the committee conducts monthly water sampling in over 800 points in Maynilad’s concession area.

Maynilad President and CEO Ricky Vargas said the samples un-

Express LanesFor Holy Week

Tap Water SafeFor Drinking

dergo strict bac-teriological, physi-cal and chemical examination to ensure that the water meets the Philippine Na-tional Standards for Drinking Wa-ter (PNSDW) of the Department of Health (DOH).

“To ensure the safety of the wa-ter we deliver to our customers, we maintain world-class facilities and continue to reha-bilitate the pipe system we inher-ited,” Vargas said.

Vargas noted that the com-pany’s service i m p r o v e m e n t projects including the replacement of old, leaky pipes throughout its con-cession area has reduced the risk of intrusion of dirty water into the dis-tribution network.

The MMD-WQMC is com-posed of repre-sentatives from the DOH Center for Health Devel-opment - Metro Manila, DOH National Center for Health Facil-ity Development, Manila Health De-partment - Public Health Laboratory,

Marikina Clean Food Laboratory, Makati Health Department, Pasay City Health De-partment, Parañaque City Health Department, Quezon City Health De-partment, Las Piñas City Health Department, Environmental Manage-ment Bureau, MWSS Regulatory Office, May-nilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company Inc.

percent increase from the daily av-erage users of both NLEx and SC-TEx before, during and after the Holy Week.

Traffic is expected to become heavier along NLEx and SCTEx starting the afternoon of April 4, Holy Wednesday, until the morning of April 5, Maundy Thursday.

entry and exits.But MNTC vice president for toll

operations Bobby Bontio said that the "Holy Week Express Lane" could not be implemented for south-bound traffic of NLEx and SCTEx.

“This is because the toll plazas in Subic and Tarlac are too limited to accommodate an Express Lane. It may also cause long queues of motorists and these toll plazas are not too wide and long like those in Balintawak and Mindanao Avenue,” Bontio said.

The “Holy Week Express Lane” is part of the joint NLEx and SCTEx motorist assistance program called “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko.”

Aside from the setting up of “Holy Week Express Lane,” there will also be free towing of stalled ve-hicles to the nearest exit, available medical personnel to administer first aid, free wifi and emergency mobile calls at selected public assis-tance camps.

MNTC president Rodrigo Fran-co said NLEx and SCTEx manage-ment is doing all it can to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel to its cus-tomers but enjoined the motorists to do their part of the bargain.

“Make sure your vehicles are in good condition before departing, properly maintained and checked up for the long travel ahead,” he said.

The NLEx caters to 160,000 ve-hicles daily while the SCTEx has 24,000. The TMC expects 15 to 20

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4 Friday, March 23, 2012

AN APPEAL TO PRESIDENT BENIGNO C. AQUINO IIIWe, the commercial and

backyard hog and poultry raisers, feed-millers and

stakeholders in the agri-business industry are appealing to his Excellency President Benigno C. Aquino III to help bail us out from our present predicament which, if it will continue to hound us, will endanger our livelihood and the very survival of our existence, that of our families

and the farmers that rely on us. Mr. President, the hog and

poultry industry, which ranks second in the total agricultural output, is, at present, in a situation where it is losing heavily in earnings as a result of a continuing fall in farm gate price which can be attributed to the dumping of imported meat in the domestic markets.

Mr. President, the farm gate price of pork – from July 2011 to Feb. 2012 – was averaging at R86 per kilo, as against a production cost of R92 per kilo. Clearly, the hog raisers were losing P6 per kilo which translates to R8.5 billion in the eight months period, considering the 2.2 Million hogs sold per month both from commercial and backyard raisers. Despite the plunge, the pork’s average retail

price remains at P170 per kilo in the wet markets. This is also true in the case of chicken.

The glaring discrepancy in pricing has been going on for years at the expense of the producers and farmers.

Mr. President, numbers do not lie. Record shows that importation of pork has steadily increased from 109,366,006 kilos in 2008 to

169,218,977 kilos in 2011; the highest was registered in 2010 at 178,905,096 kilos.

On the other hand, importation of chicken rose from 45,772,404 kilos in 2008 to 127,227,725 kilos in 2011. Importation of meat has strangely soared up in spite of a steady supply of these commodities taken up by domestic hog and poultry producers.

CHICKEN IMPORTATION YEAR 2008 – 2011Increased by 178% from 2008 to 2011 or 2.8(x) times

PORK IMPORTATION YEAR 2008 – 2011 Increased by 55 % from 2008 to 2011 or 1.5(x) times

We cannot simply comprehend the logic behind this scheme.

Mr. President, we are not against importation of meat per se, if, by

doing so, the consuming public gets benefitted. We categorically support your program of keeping the prices of goods at a reasonable level.

What we denounce is the

unhampered importation coupled with smuggling, technical or otherwise, of meat carcasses that are afterward dumped in the local market - at our expense. This vicious practice of over-

importation stands to benefit only meat importers (and smugglers) and never the consumers.

It may interest you, Mr. President, to know that the government, which you head, is losing at least R3.7

billion annually in revenues as a result of an unabated smuggling of meat; a huge amount that could be spent for constructing more school buildings, farm-to-market roads and other pro-people projects.

AN APPEAL TO PRESIDENT BENIGNO C. AQUINO III

We, the commercial and backyard hog and poultry raisers, feed-millers and stakeholders in the agri-business industry are appealing

to his Excellency President Benigno C. Aquino III to help bail us out from our present predicament which, if it will continue to hound us, will endanger our livelihood and the very survival of our existence, that of our families and the farmers that rely on us.

Mr. President, the hog and poultry industry, which ranks second in the total agricultural output, is, at present, in a situation

where it is losing heavily in earnings as a result of a continuing fall in farm gate price which can be attributed to the dumping of imported meat in the domestic markets.

Mr. President, the farm gate price of pork – from July 2011 to Feb. 2012 – was averaging at P86 per kilo, as against a production

cost of P92 per kilo. Clearly, the hog raisers were losing P6 per kilo which translates to P8.5 billion in the eight months period, considering the 2.2 Million hogs sold per month both from commercial and backyard raisers. Despite the plunge, the pork’s average retail price remains at P170 per kilo in the wet markets. This is also true in the case of chicken.

The glaring discrepancy in pricing has been going on for years at the expense of the producers and farmers. Mr. President, numbers do not lie. Record shows that importation of pork has steadily increased from 109,366,006 kilos in 2008 to

169,218,977 kilos in 2011; the highest was registered in 2010 at 178,905,096 kilos. On the other hand, importation of chicken rose from 45,772,404 kilos in 2008 to 127,227,725 kilos in 2011. Importation of meat has

strangely soared up in spite of a steady supply of these commodities taken up by domestic hog and poultry producers. CHICKEN IMPORTATION YEAR 2008 – 2011 Increased by 178% from 2008 to 2011 or 2.8(x) times

45,772,40467,264,871

101,957,447127,227,725

0

50,000,000

100,000,000

150,000,000

2008 2009 2010 2011

PORK IMPORTATION YEAR 2008 – 2011 Increased by 55 % from 2008 to 2011 or 1.5(x) times

We cannot simply comprehend the logic behind this scheme. Mr. President, we are not against importation of meat per se, if, by doing so, the consuming public gets benefitted. We categorically

support your program of keeping the prices of goods at a reasonable level. What we denounce is the unhampered importation coupled with smuggling, technical or otherwise, of meat carcasses that are

afterward dumped in the local market - at our expense. This vicious practice of over-importation stands to benefit only meat importers (and smugglers) and never the consumers.

It may interest you, Mr. President, to know that the government, which you head, is losing at least P3.7 billion annually in revenues

as a result of an unabated smuggling of meat; a huge amount that could be spent for constructing more school buildings, farm-to-market roads and other pro-people projects.

OUTRIGHT SMUGGLING TECHNIGAL SMUGGLING

(Misdeclaration/Undervaluation)

Meat of Swine Poultry Meat Swine Liver and Edible Offals

Volume(kilos) Value ($) Volume (kilos) Value ($) Volume (kilos) Value ($) Trading Partner

105,761,459

$ 168,215,657

118,957,154

$94,023,021

56,447,786

$55,931,130

Phil. Imports 63,801,472 46,886,364 107,124,384 71,230,378 93,732,688 47,922,216 Difference 41,959,987 $ 121,329,290 11,832,770 $ 22,792,643 37,284,902 $ 8,008,914 TARRIFFS LOST

Php 2.07 Billion ($ 121,329,290 X p42.7 X 40%)

Php 389.2 Million ($22,792.643 X P42.70 X 40%)

Php 1.3 Billion (37,284,902 X $2.50 value X P42.70 X 40% - 5%)

TOTAL TARRIFFS LOST Php 3.7 Billion

Source : UN Statistics Division (COMTRTADE)

We already have a series of dialogues with the officials of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs under the

Department of Finance, aimed at rationalizing the importation of meat and eradicate smuggling. But, it seemed, they are helpless in curbing the plague of unrelenting meat imports, especially frozen meat.

We do not want to be a burden to the government, Mr. President. But if our livelihood would be taken from us as a result of

excessive meat importation, some 36 million Filipinos across the country, including corn, rice, coconut, cassava and sugarcane farmers as well as fishermen, who derive income from this part of the agriculture sector, will unnecessarily be driven to poverty. Thus, our ranks will be added to the statistics of the millions of Filipinos, who now are suffering from involuntary hunger.

Mr. President, you are our last hope. We believe that with your timely intercession, we will be able to survive and in turn become

partners in your strive for food security for our people and country. If your precious time will permit, we wish to have a dialogue with you on effort to ventilate our sentiments. We pray for your health and the success of your administration. SIGNED:

Source : UN Statistics Division (COMTRTADE)

We already have a series of dialogues with the officials of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs under the Department of Finance, aimed at rationalizing the importation of meat and eradicate smuggling. But, it

seemed, they are helpless in curbing the plague of unrelenting meat imports, especially frozen meat.

We do not want to be a burden to the government, Mr. President. But if our livelihood would be taken from us as a result of excessive meat importation,

some 36 million Filipinos across the country, including corn, rice, coconut, cassava and sugarcane farmers as well as fishermen, who derive income from this part of the agriculture sector, will unnecessarily be driven to poverty. Thus, our ranks will be added to the

statistics of the millions of Filipinos, who now are suffering from involuntary hunger.

Mr. President, you are our last hope. We believe that with your timely intercession, we will be able to survive and in turn become partners in your

strive for food security for our people and country.

If your precious time will permit, we wish to have a dialogue with you on effort to ventilate our sentiments.

We pray for your health and the success of your administration.

SIGNED:

Rep. NICANOR M. BRIONES

AGAP Partylist

ROSENDO O. SO ABONO Partylist

EDWIN G. CHEN

Pork Producers Assoc. of the Phils.

DAN JAVELLANA National Federation of Hog Farmers

ALFREDO DY

United Agricultural Producers Group, Inc.

MEYNARDO E. LOPEZ Zamboanga Del Norte Hog Raisers Assn

NELSON LICUP Licup Farm

ARNEL MARASIGAN CAFMACO

VINCENT GO Universal Robina Corporation

JOSE NGO Cavite Pig City

RICHARD G. YU Bulacan Swine & Poultry Producers Assn.

DAVID CO PSPA MEMBER

VIOLETA PRESNO Zamboanga Sibugay Swine Raisers

Association

ERNESTO WONG Fil-Cantonese Hog Raisers Assn

NELSON VILLAMARIN Angono Backyard Hog Raisers Assn.,

YSABEL G. GATMAITAN Laguna Hog Raisers Association

NELSON VILLAMARIN Angono Backyard Hog Raisers Assn., Inc.

ALFREDO N. MAJABA Bansud Livestock Marketing

Cooperative

ANTONIO A. HERNANDEZ Bicol Hog Raisers Association

ARSENIO E. DE GUZMAN, JR. Bicol Swine Board

RODOLFO C. CUSTODIO

Pangasinan Agri-Ventures Primary MPC ARTURO C. CAPILE

Bulacan Swine & Poultry Raisers MPC BENJAMIN A. JARO

Cavite Livestock, Poultry & Feedmillers Assn.

ERNESTO WONG Fil-Cantonese Hog Raisers Assn.

JERRY MEDRIANO Ilocos Swine Raisers Association

ESTEBAN G. OÑATE

Swine Producers Assn., of Nueva Ecija JOSELITO LINGAO

LIMCOMA MPC DENNIS C. TUMBAGA

Luntian MPC VICTOR LACSON

Magalang Hog Raisers Association BENEDICT SEAN G. ARELLANO

Southern Luzon Livestock Raisers Assn.

PLUTARCO ONG

Cebu Assn. of Meat & Poultry Products MPC

ELISEO S. YU Rizal Hog Farmers Association

VICTOR LACSA San Mateo Livestock Backyard Raisers

Assn., Inc.

RICO B. GERON Soro-Soro Ibaba Development

Cooperative

GALO L. AGUS

Neighborhood Farmers & Hog Raisers Assn., Inc.

WELMAR L. YAP

Golden Valley Swine Raisers Assn., Inc. JOEL M. BORJAL

Tabaco Livestock Raisers Association PATRICK PETER O. YAP

United Swine Producers of Ilo-ilo, Inc. WARREN K. UY

Iloilo Hog Farmers MPC SANTIAGO J. TANCHAN, JR.

Cebu Poultry & Livestock Association

ARTURO CALMA

Southern Negros Occ. Hog Breeder/Raiser Assn ROLANDO MAGNAYE

Surigao City Livestock & Poultry Raisers Assn.

MILA T. MENDEZ Ubay Swine Growers & Meat Retailers

Assn.

ROQUE H. GALARAGA Davao Del Sur Livestock & Poultry Raisers

Group

ROGELIO P. LEDESMA Koronadal Valley Livestock Growers & MPC

FORTUNATO O. VEÑEGAS Northern Mindanao Hog Farmers

Association, Inc.

EMILIO V. ESCOBILLO, JR. South Cotabato Swine Producers

Association

ERIC M. HARINA Zamboanga City Hog Raisers Association


AGAP Partylist


EDWIN G. CHEN



ALFREDO DY










Association






Cooperative



RODOLFO C. CUSTODIO






ESTEBAN G. OÑATE






PLUTARCO ONG




Assn., Inc.


Cooperative

GALO L. AGUS


WELMAR L. YAP






ARTURO CALMA




Assn.


Group



Association, Inc.


Association



AGAP Partylist


EDWIN G. CHEN



ALFREDO DY










Association






Cooperative



RODOLFO C. CUSTODIO






ESTEBAN G. OÑATE






PLUTARCO ONG




Assn., Inc.


Cooperative

GALO L. AGUS


WELMAR L. YAP






ARTURO CALMA




Assn.


Group



Association, Inc.


Association


Paid Advertisement

TOTAL TARIFFS LOSTTARIFFS LOST

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News 5Friday, March 23, 2012

A Quezon City councilor has proposed a resolution to request the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to grant amnesty to its blacklisted customers on condition that they pay their illegally consumed elec-tricity.

In proposed resolution PR2011, S-140, Councilor Ranulfo Z. Ludovi-ca, president of the Liga ng Baran-gay of Quezon City, said that illegal tapping of electric lines especially in the slum areas has become rampant after service to customers who have not paid their bills were cut.

Ludovica said the major cause of fires has been traced by the Bu-reau of Fire Protection (BFP) to the overloading of the electrical system in households and the main line caused by illegal connections.

Ludovica noted that the many blacklisted electric users resort to illegal tapping or use of jumpers from the main line putting the whole community at risk due to systems overload.

With the grant of the amnesty, Ludovica said that the number of blacklisted former Meralco custom-ers is likely to drop dramatically since they will return to the good graces of the utility company.

Aside from the expected dip in fire incidents, Ludovica said the amnesty will also minimize the “systems loss” of Meralco and result in lower monthly electric bills of its customers.

The councilor aired concerns about the rash of fires in Metro Ma-nila, ironically during Fire Preven-tion Month that is being observed this March.

Last week, fire ravaged the Ever Gotesco Mall in Caloocan City. The fire smoldered for at least five days before it was completely put out.

Meralco supplies electricity to 95 cities and towns in Luzon.

The electric company was estab-lished in 1903. (Chito A. Chavez)

By Chito A. ChAvez

A Quezon City barangay chair-man is asking the city government to strictly enforce the 20 percent special discounts on goods and medicines to special children in the city.

Chairman Victor Ferrer of Ba-rangay Bahay Toro in the city’s first district raised the issue after re-ceiving numerous complaints that the special rates are not accorded to special children.

Ferrer, a former president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), reminded businessmen they are obliged to give the discount to special children under ordinance number SP 1801-S-07.

It came to his attention that non-complying stores in the city have denied their customers with the benefits embodied in the “special children discount’’ ordinance.

Ferrer said the ordinance is with-in the “General Welfare Clause’’ of the Local Government Code which seeks protection and promotes health and safety enhancing the rights of the people to a balanced ecology.

He added that the ordinance also allows the city government to ease the burden and protect the rights of the children with mental disabilities.

In issuing the reminder to busi-ness firms, Ferrer said the condi-tions of the special children should not be taken against them by ne-

Discount To Special Children Pushed

MeralcoAmnesty

glecting their needs and excluding them from gaining basic services from the government.

“It is my desire to improve the quality of their life to cope with their standard of living in spite of their standing in the society. We

must show compassion instead of discriminating them,” Ferrer said.

The term special children refers to those having difficulties in learn-ing, making modifications in the educational curriculum and other related instructions absolutely

necessary.Special children include those

afflicted with autisim, attention def-icit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, pervasive develop-mental disorder, down syndrome, mental retardation, speech and

language delay, learning disability, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain in-jury, developmental disabilities and similar conditions.

Small retail stores offering basic commodities are exempted from the ordinance.

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viewed by the US as a key front in the global effort to keep terrorists at bay.

Successive blasts shattered a hillside rebel encampment of Abu Sayyaf, which remains one of South-east Asia's most violent groups de-spite a decade of battle losses. The Vietnam War-era turboprops roared away after delivering a bull's-eye hit near mountainous Parang town in Maguindanao, around 3 a.m. on Feb. 2.

Thermal imaging from a US drone, described by two of the senior officials, depicted the aftermath: Sev-eral slain gunmen lay amid a clutter of destroyed trees, huts and tents, while survivors pulled away the dead and wounded in the pitch darkness.

Although it remains unclear whether all three of the most-wanted terrorists were killed, the introduc-tion of smart bombs reflects shifting battlefields and strategies.

The US has been assisting the Philippine military since shortly after the September 11 attacks, providing advice, training, and intelligence, including drone surveillance, but the smart bombs are the first major high-tech hardware supplied to the Philippines.

They offer a less manpower-intensive way to combat Abu Sayyaf at a time when both the Philippines and the US militaries want to focus resources on tensions with China in the South China Sea. They also dovetail with a change in recent years from massive offensives to surgical, intelligence-driven strikes that target holdouts of the battered Abu Sayyaf.

The four senior officials said the strike on the Abu Sayyaf lair employed GPS-guided bombs, a previously unavailable technology acquired from the United States un-der a confidential military assistance project. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren't au-thorized to discuss those details with the media.

A Philippine military document detailing the project, a copy of which was seen by the AP, said that US de-fense contractor Raytheon Co. was to deliver 22 kits last year to convert

conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions that could be launched from the OV-10 turboprop. Accompanying that was crew train-ing, equipment upgrades to allow the OV-10s to deploy the bombs and two test runs.

A military spokesman, Col. Ar-nulfo Marcelo Burgos, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines “neither confirms nor denies the exis-tence of such munitions citing opera-tional security reasons. However, its pilots have been training vigorously to further improve their proficiency particularly in the precise delivery of munitions to its identified target.”

Many Western, Middle Eastern and Asian countries have acquired smart bombs since they were first widely used by the US-led coalition in the 1990-91 Gulf War. They have guidance kits and fins and use the US GPS satellite system, laser and other technologies to zero in on targets.

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin praised “the care-fully planned precision attack” in a statement days after the strike. The well-planned assault, he said, avoided the military casualties often incurred in ground raids.

Gazmin would not respond to questions about the new bombs in an interview with The AP last week, but he said that technology from the Americans has given the military lifesaving skills such as enabling pi-lots to fly at night. Training with US forces has focused on ways to avoid harming noncombatants and wasting resources, he said, citing last month's airstrike.

“We were able to trace that they were all together at a certain time so that was the time to hit,” Gazmin said. “So we took off early morning and bombed them, delivering four bombs. We were successful.”

The Philippine military an-nounced that a top Malaysian ter-rorist suspect, Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was among the dead, along with Singaporean martial arts instructor Muhamda Ali – whose rebel name is Muawiyah – and Abu Sayyaf commander Gumbahali Um-bra Jumdail.

US Smart...(Cont'd from page 1)

PH Marmalade...(Cont'd from page 1)

Binay Tops...(Cont'd from page 1)

Church Gathering...(Cont'd from page 1) scored 19 points out of a maximum of

20. He was edged out by Singaporean Sharon Lee Puay Ming, who won the gold medal.

The embassy pointed out that calamansi is not very well-known in Europe and the judges noted the marmalade's unusual taste, but they enjoyed the flavor.

“I had heard that one can make a very decent marmalade using cala-mansi so I decided to have a go,” said Harland in a statement. “I liked the taste as did friends so when I heard about the championships I thought why not give it a go. But I knew that

competition would be fierce with so many entries coming in from around the world.”

Harland said he intends to enter the competition again next year, but perhaps with a slightly modified reci-pe using whisky rather than brandy.

“This is a great example of the UK and Philippines working together,” British embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Trevor Lewis said in a statement as he congratulated Harland. “A British national uses local produce to make marmalade in the Philippines that then wins an international award in England. It must taste good!”

when there is division in the country due to the ongoing impeachment of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, among others.

“The division seems more dra-matic now when it comes to politics but even in our everyday life there is also division,” he told reporters before addressing the participants of the pre-assembly of the World Council of Churches’ Commission for World Mission and Evangelism (WCC-CWME) in Manila yesterday. The event is ongoing up to March 27, 2012.

“Until now the division between the rich and the poor, the learned and the illiterate, and the division of political party has not healed that no matter where we look, there is seem-ingly a division,” added Tagle.

He said he is hoping that the event will inspire people to work together.

“We come together to proclaim our common faith in Jesus Christ and mission that we can work togeth-

er for our mission in a world where competition, fragmentation, division are so strong…all these efforts are aimed at uniting people and giving them hope,” Tagle said.

The Manila prelate, however, stressed that he was just invited to speak to the event and not the organizer.

“I’m invited to attend because the event is being held here in Manila,” said Tagle.

Rev. Rex Reyes, secretary general of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), one of the organizers of the event, explained that it was just a mere coincidence that their gathering is held at a time when there is an ongoing impeach-ment.

“This has been set a long time ago even before the impeachment so we are not going to say anything about the impeachment,” he said.

Reyes said he is still hoping that Filipinos will use their faith to be united for the sake of the country.

By ROY C. MABASA

The Department of Foreign Af-fairs (DFA) said yesterday they are still verifying reports that Yemeni

tribesmen kidnapped three Filipino sailors on Tuesday in the central province of Marib as they were traveling to a port in the far-eastern Mahrah province.

There has been no word yet on

3 Filipinos Kidnapped In Yemen

Jr. had the same percentage – 41 per-cent – for performance approval and for respondents indecisive about his performance.

About two in 10 Filipinos (16 per-cent) don’t approve of Belmonte’s performance.

Chief Justice Renato Corona, who is on trial in the Senate after be-ing impeached, had the highest dis-approval rating – 58 percent.

Only 14 percent appreciate Co-rona's performance, while about a quarter (26 percent) is "ambivalent" or not sure of their answer.

Sixty percent also distrust the Chief Justice.

Only 11 percent said they trust Corona, while 32 percent expressed trust in Belmonte.

Pulse Asia noted that between November, 2011 and March, 2012, the overall performance ratings of Pres-ident Aquino, Binay, and Belmonte were “practically unchanged.”

However, significant changes oc-curred in the performance ratings of two other leading government of-ficials.

Enrile enjoyed an 11-percentage point improvement in his national approval score and a seven-percent-age point drop in the level of indeci-sion toward his performance.

Corona, meanwhile, dropped 24 percentage points in his overall ap-proval rating and gained 34 percent-age points in his overall disapproval score.

Ambivalence or the percentage of undecided respondents as re-gards Corona’s work became less pronounced during period men-tioned (-11 percentage points).

Only two government officials

had significant movements in their trust ratings between November 2011 and March 2012, Pulse Asia noted.

Belmonte had a lower overall trust rating in March, 2012 than five months ago (32 percent versus 41 percent), while ambivalence toward his trustworthiness became more manifested (+8 percentage points).

In the case of Corona, trust in him and indecision on the matter of trusting or distrusting him eased during this time (-18 and -14 percent-age points, respectively).

These movements translated to a significant increase in the Co-rona’s national distrust rating (+33 percentage points), Pulse Asia said.

The survey also found that not one of three key government institu-tions gained a majority approval or trust rating in March 2012.

However, the Senate emerged as the most appreciated and trusted in-stitution (50 percent).

The House of Representatives and the Supreme Court both scored essentially the same approval and indecision ratings (43 percent ver-sus 40 percent and 41 percent ver-sus 35 percent, respectively).

Disapproval for the work done by these institutions is more pro-nounced toward the Supreme Court (24 percent) compared to Congress (13 to 16 percent).

The survey showed that 50 per-cent of the population trusts the Sen-ate, while indecision regarding the Senate’s trustworthiness is more pronounced than outright distrust (40 percent versus 10 percent).

However, the same overall trust and indecision ratings are scored by

the House (41 percent versus 47 per-cent) and Supreme Court (37 per-cent versus 42 percent).

The Supreme Court obtained a higher distrust rating than the Sen-ate and the House (21 percent ver-sus 10 to 12 percent).

The Supreme Court’s overall trust score dropped by 16 percent-age points while its national indeci-sion rating increased by 9 percent-age points during this period.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday President Aquino’s 70 percent trust rating and 69 percent approval rating was an indication of support for his fight against corruption and poverty.

Lacierda said the Palace is not bothered that Binay scored higher than Aquino. “Historically the Vice President’s trust rating is higher than the President. You go through the surveys even the past adminis-tration the reason being is that any criticism, any displeasure is always directed towards the chief execu-tive,” he said.

Binay has played down his higher ratings than the President. "Excuse me but it is not an apple-to-apple comparison," he said in a previous interview.

Enrile is also satisfied with his Pulse Asia ratings. But he said popu-larity, just like ice cream, would also melt along the way.

“Thank God, I no longer think about such things, as long as I just do my job. You know popularity is like ice cream. Sometimes it’s hard, at times soft. But when your popularity melts it doesn’t mean you are a bad official or you rendered bad service. Sometimes it has something to do with making unpopular decisions,” he said. (Additional reporting by Ge-nalyn D. Kabiling, Jc Bello Ruiz and Hannah L. Torregoza)

MANILA (AFP) – The Depart-ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday that diplomats had in-creased their efforts to save 77 Fili-pinos on death row overseas after four nationals were executed in China last year for drug trafficking.

“We are helping them out. We are making high level representations and making sure they have access to legal and consular assistance and trying to get their sentences commuted,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

Last year, four Filipinos were

put to death in China for drug traf-ficking despite the intervention of high-level officials, including an appeal from President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The executions triggered wide-spread condemnation in the large-ly-Catholic country which abolished the death sentence in 2006.

Of those facing execution, 42 are detained in China on drugs charges, he said.

Six Filipinos face the death sentence in Malaysia, five also for drugs-related offences, while one

Filipina convicted for the same rea-son is detained in Indonesia.

There are 27 Filipinos on death row in the Middle East, most for murder, while another Filipino is facing execution for murder in the United States, said Hernandez.

He did not say when the 77 were due to be executed.

The welfare of Filipinos abroad is a sensitive issue in a country where more than nine million work overseas, many in harsh conditions where they can be tricked into act-ing as drug mules.

DFA Seeking Mercy For 77Pinoys On Death Row Abroad

the identities of the Filipinos.Reports said the kidnappers be-

long to the Bani Jabr tribe and are demanding the “release of one of their own, who is in prison in Sanaa (the capital of Yemen) for a serious criminal offense."

According to the Yemeni Inte-rior Ministry, the Filipinos and their captors had been forced to travel overland after a flight from the capi-tal was canceled because of a sand storm.

"We are still verifying the report," DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez

told Manila Bulletin in a text mes-sage.

Yemeni security forces have been ordered to "quickly free the hostages and arrest their kidnappers," the interior ministry said.

This was the second report of kid-napping of foreigners in the poor and generally lawless Arabian Peninsula country in the past week.

A Swiss woman teaching at a foreign language institute in the Red Sea port of Hodeïda was seized by gunmen from her home on March 14 and moved to the eastern province of

Shabwa, according to the ministry.On Tuesday, a tribal chief who

had offered to mediate her release said she was being held hostage in eastern Yemen and was safe and in good health.

As in the latest case, the ministry said the kidnappers were demanding the release of prisoners.

A local official said those detain-ees were both Al-Qaeda suspects, and a security official said “the kidnapping bears the hallmark of Al-Qaeda.” (With a report from Agence France Presse)

“When are we going to unite? There are some who are favor of the so-called ‘Noynoying’ and there are also those who oppose it. When will it end? What are the chances that we will unite?” he said.

“That is also the struggle of Christians. But I think every Filipino should ask themselves that question because unity is very important to a country, in the same way that it is important to Christians,” added Reyes.

Considered as one of the broadest international ecumenical gatherings in the Philippines, the WCC-CWME is being attended by member-churches and associate members of the World Council of Churches and representa-tives of independent Pentecostal and Evangelical churches and move-ments, including the Roman Catholic Church, an observer at the WCC, but a full participating member of its major Commissions on Mission and on Faith and Order.

The World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 church-es representing over 560 Million Christians, seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service.

By MARIO B. CASAYURAN

“Grant us O Lord, even for a sec-ond, the supernatural power of being able to read the mind and feel the conscience of the respondent stand-ing trial before this impeachment court, so we will be spared the agony of acquitting a guilty man or worse, pronouncing the guilt of an innocent man…

“And whatever is the outcome of this trial, we pray that the ac-cuser and the accused, and all the participants in this painful exercise, will learn to forgive and forget all the harsh and cruel words said and heard, for the sake of our beloved

country and Your children in this part of the world.

“All these we ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

This was part of the six-para-graph prayer of Sen. Panfilo M. Lac-son yesterday at the start of the 34th day of the impeachment trial of em-battled Chief Justice Renato C. Co-rona. It was also the last day of the hearing before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, goes into a six-week Lenten recess starting to-day.

The impeachment trial of the chief magistrate resumes on May 7, which is also the resumption of the regular session of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Ping Prays For Supernatural Power For Senator-Judges

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7News Friday, March 23, 2012

By MARVYN N. BENANING

The families of the Disappeared

for Justice (Desaparecidos) yester-day welcomed House Bill 98, seeking to penalize enforced or involuntary disappearances, on its third and final reading at the House of Rep-resentatives.

“We welcome the House of Rep-resentatives’ action of passing the bill in its third reading. This is a step towards ending the impunity by which perpetrators of this most heinous crime commit human rights violation in this country. A law crimi-nalizing enforced disappearance is long overdue. We hope this will be enacted into law at the soonest time

By EDD K. USMAN

Negotiators of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have scheduled another meeting in April to continue negotiation for the MILF's Comprehensive Compact peace proposal.

GPH and MILF peace panels headed by Dean Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal respectively, conclud-ed Wednesday their three-day 26th Round of Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

They issued a Joint Statement without any hint of what happened in the meeting, aside from agreeing to meet again next month.

They also announced their approv-al of the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to sit as observer in the 15-year-old Mindanao peace process.

"The Parties continued their dis-cussions on substantive issues, includ-ing power sharing on governance and wealth sharing," the two panels said in the statement issued in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Another development is the sign-ing by both parties of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for participation of their respective consultants who will join them in succeeding negotiations.

GPH and MILF panels came out of the latest face-off amid Leonen's open-ing day statement, claiming that the negotiation is nearing a "stalemate."

The OIC, formerly Organization of Islamic Conference, established in 1969 after the burning of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, is the biggest pan-Islamic bloc of Muslim countries.

OIC addresses issues and con-cerns of the Islamic world, including Muslim minorities in non-Muslim countries.

It can be recalled the OIC brokered the 1993 to 1996 peace talks between GPH and the Moro National Libera-tion Front (MNLF) that resulted in the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agree-ment (FPA).

Von Al-Haq, spokesman for mili-tary affairs of the MILF, confirmed the OIC requested or applied to become an observer in the peace process and also to be member of the ICG.

Malaysia as third party facilitator presented to the two parties the OIC request during the 25th exploratory talks in February.

Both GPH and MILF panels said then they have to consult their respec-tive principals back home.

"In the case of the MILF, our Cen-tral Committee convened a meeting upon receipt of the request and right away approved the OIC's request unanimously," said Al-Haq.

"The OIC has good track record in the ways of peace-making. Its pres-ence in the peace process is very much welcome," the MILF leader said.

The ICG for the GPH-MILF peace process is composed of the states of Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, and non-state groups Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and The Asia Foun-dation.

‘Desaparecidos’ Families Seek Bill’s Passage possible,” said Desaparecidos sec-retary general Mary Guy Portajada, whose father, unionist Armando Portajada, disappeared more than 25 years ago.

“We hope that our legislators in the Senate also realize the signifi-cance of passing this bill as enforced disappearance is still committed today even as we have a ‘new’ ad-ministration,” Portajada claimed.

The bill defines enforced disap-pearance as “the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty committed by government authorities or by persons or groups of persons act-ing with the authorization, support or acquiescence of such persons in authority, followed by a refusal

to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which places such person outside the protection of the law.”

Portajada said that they hope “the bill’s passage will help families of enforced disappearances prove that state forces are allegedly be-hind the abduction of their loved ones.”

She pointed out in particular Article12 of the bill stating the Li-ability of the Commanding Officer or Superior as principal to the crime of enforced disappearance, either in assisting, abetting or allowing, whether directly or indirectly the commission of his or her subordi-nates.

“This will also serve as warning to state agents who continue to enjoy impunity under the current administra-tion,” she said.

For her part, Dr. Edita Bur-gos, mother of the missing Jo-nas Burgos, said that while they welcome the bill’s passage, the pain and agony of families searching for their loved ones never stop.

“As long as they remain missing, we will feel the pain every day,” Burgos stressed.

Burgos also said families of desaparecidos (Spanish term for “the missing”) will continue to exhaust all means to seek justice.

Peace PanelsSchedule

New Meeting

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bob jess

AROUND THE NATION

National News8 Friday, March 23, 2012

115TH PHILIPPINE ARMY DAY CELEBRATION — Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin salutes as he troops the line during the 115th Philippine Army Day celebration at the Army headquarters, Fort Bonifacio, in Taguig City yesterday. (Ali Vicoy)

By SAMUEL P. MEDENILLA

Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were repatriated from conflict-torn Syria still prefer to work abroad than to stay in the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Em-ployment (DOLE) said yesterday.

Citing a report from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement that one out of every three repatriated OFWs from Syria sought to be redeployed abroad.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has earlier reported that at least 1,105 OFWs of the estimated 15,000 Filipino workers, most of them were undocu-

Filipinos PreferTo Work Abroad

mented house hold service workers (HSWs), have been sent home from Syria since the political tension in the Middle East country escalated last year. Baldoz said about 845 of these OFWs were already profiled and have availed of the government’s re-integration program. “Majority of the repatriates requested for job search assistance (318 OFW-returnees for overseas and 54 for local).”

The OWWA has earlier said that most of the repatriated OFWs prefer to work abroad because of higher pay and other personal reasons.

Despite the high turnout of OFWs seeking redeployment, Baldoz said they are still encouraging repatriated OFWs to consider the government’s reintegration program, so they can

stay with their families. About 212 of the OFWs availed of DOLE’s livelihood assistance, while 104 went through skills training courses. The remaining OFWs availed of DOLE’s legal assistance program. “We en-courage them to stay put in the coun-try because there are jobs and other non-wage employment opportunities are waiting for them, where the pay or income is much greater than their salaries as domestic workers in Syria.”

“If they remain in the country, we could better protect them. It will also minimize the social cost of being away from their homeland which could be higher in vulnerable occupations like domestic work,” she added.

By JENNY F. MANONGDO

ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Su-rin Pitsuwan has posed a challenge to governments in the region to rid the air of tobacco smoke in every capital city of the member nations and to every street by the end of 2012.

“Let us hope to extend the clean air to every capital of ASEAN cities, and on to every street, to all 600 mil-lion people of ASEAN, by end of 2012,” Dr. Surin said, as he spoke during the opening ceremonies of the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH) held in Singapore recently.

Tobacco control advocates in the Southeast Asian region joined forces recently with the global tobacco control community in pushing for a ‘tobacco-free world’ and rid the en-vironment of toxins that come with

‘Rid Air Of Tobacco Smoke’tobacco smoke. Some 2,600 interna-tional delegates attended the event that pushed for the ASEAN region to become smoke-free.

In a statement, Surin considered the 15th WCTOH held in Singapore as a milestone as it is the first time the convention was held in the ASEAN region.

“Together, the ASEAN Member States and the global tobacco control community will work hand-in-hand to attain our goal of making a tobacco-free world,” he said in a statement.

According to Surin, ASEAN will become known as one Community known as ASEAN Economic Com-munity (AEC) in 2015. “Although Free Trade has been seen as a key agenda of ASEAN, we believe it is not enough to focus only on free trade and fair trade, but SAFE trade should be a pri-mary consideration,” Surin noted.

Quoting Brunei Sultan Bolkiah

who spoke in an International Semi-nar on Tobacco, Surin said there are people who argue that from the eco-nomic standpoint, tobacco is an im-portant revenue-producing industry. “However, from another perspective, others found as a matter of fact that smoking brings with it grave dangers that pose a threat to health, and in-deed life itself. Economically, there may be many alternatives available, but where health and life are con-cerned, do we have any alternative? The answer is clearly no. There are no alternatives as far as health and life are concerned, because health and life are all that we have. Therefore, the issue before us is really quite obvi-ous, whether we want to survive with smoking from the economic view-point, which has many alternatives, or do we choose one that totally has no alternative that is to safeguard health and save lives? ” Surin asked.

By JEAN FERNANDO

The Commission on Elections

(Comelec) granted yesterday an additional one hour sun exposure every afternoon for former Presi-dent and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

At the hearing held at the Pasay City regional trial court, the poll body did not oppose the new motion filed by the lawyer of Mrs. Arroyo.

Lawyer Ray Montri Santos filed the motion before RTC Branch 112 under Judge Jesus Mupas on recom-mendation of Mrs. Arroyo’s attending

Additional Sun Exposure For GMAphysician, Dr. Victoria Javier at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), where she is currently un-der hospital arrest. Based on the mo-tion, Javier made a recommendation for additional one hour sun exposure in the afternoon for Mrs. Arroyo due to her Vitamin D deficiency.

Santos prayed to the court to come out with the same order on their Urgent Ad Cautelam they filed last December 13, 2011 that the former president be allowed to leave her room daily to have sun exposure and daily exercise for at least one hour in the morning every day.

Mupas granted the request of

Santos on December 21, 2011 that the former president to have at least one hour sun exposure in the morning within the hospital vicinity.

Felda Domingo, court spokesper-son, said that the court’s order on the motion filed by Santos will favor them since the Comelec did not oppose it. But the Comelec headed by Atty. Maria Juana Valeza asked Mupas to order the attending physicians of the former president at the VMMC to strictly comply with the court’s order last February 9 and to submit immediately as possible the monthly medical reports and costs/expenses reports.

By ANNA LIZA T. VILLAS

The Metropolitan Manila Devel-opment Authority (MMDA) urged yesterday local government units in the city to strictly enforce the law on jaywalking by coming up with stern penalties for undisciplined pedestrians.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolen-tino said that he sees the imposition of stricter penalties as one of the simplest solutions to enforce the law on jaywalking.

“In the coming days, we will launch an intensified campaign against jaywalkers in the metro,” Tolentino hinted, over the agency’s radio program.

Citing that not all local govern-ments in Metro Manila have their own anti-jaywalking ordinances, Tolentino said “it is high time for all the 17 local government units in Metro Manila to come up with their own jaywalking regulations.”

Pedestrians caught crossing on prohibited areas along major thor-oughfares are being apprehended by MMDA traffic enforcers for vio-lating the anti-jaywalking law.

Tolentino said that he is both-ered by people who choose to cross the streets despite the presence of footbridges which the MMDA built in strategic locations. “Make use of these structures as they will be built primarily for their protec-tion.”

In the past, the old “Bawal Tumawid Dito Nakamamatay” pe-destrian warning signs along major thoroughfares were replaced with the new version which read “Bawal Tumawid, May Namatay na Dito” to warn pedestrians and deter them from crossing wherever they want to cross.

JaywalkingLaw To BeReinforced

By ROLLY T. CARANDANG

A day before the Senate go on Lenten break, Sen. Manny Villar yesterday filed a bill that seeks to remove value-added tax on medi-cines.

“Hindi naman talaga dapat na patungan pa ng VAT ang gamot. Dagdag na pahirap po iyan sa mga mahihirap na kababayan natin na may sakit. Kulang na nga ang pam-bili nila ng pagkain, lalong hindi nila kayang bumili ng mahal na gamot,” (Medicines should not in the first place be included in the 12 percent value added tax (VAT). That for me is an added burden to our poor people with illness. They already have not enough money for foods, they cannot afford to buy expensive medicines) Villar said.

Villar, who is chairman of the Qual-ity Affordable Medicine Oversight Committee, authored Senate Bill 3163 which seeks to exempt the sale and importation of drugs, medicines, pharmaceutical products and related raw materials and pharmaceutical equipment and instruments used for drug manufacturing from the coverage of Republic Act 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code.

A counterpart bill was also filed at the House of Representatives. Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar authored House Bill 6051.

In filing the bill, the younger Villar said tax on medicine is regressive and becomes more burdensome on the poor who are less likely to have access to medicines.

The Family Income and Expen-diture Survey of the National Sta-tistics Office, drugs and medicines account for 46 percent of the total medical out-of-pocket expenses of households.

Bill OpposesVAT On

Medicines

KUWAITI AMIR President Benigno S. Aquino

III is set to receive the Kuwaiti Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah in Malacañang this afternoon. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Amir of Ku-wait will arrive in the country at around 2 p.m. and will be in the Palace at 5:30 p.m. today. The Amir of Kuwait will be in the country from March 23-27, 2012 upon the invitation of President Aquino. President Aquino is ex-pected to discuss with the Amir of Kuwait ways on how to further enhance the bilateral relations between Kuwait and the Philip-pines, particularly in the areas of labor, trade, and investment. (Madel Sabater)

WINNERS

A 28-year-old factory worker in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, has only been into lotteries three years ago, and bets only twice a week, that is if he has money left to spare. On March 17, his P20 "Lucky Pick" bet won Grand Lotto 6/55's P68.65-million jackpot. Still, it took him and his carpen-ter father and two siblings five days to come to Manila because they have to borrow money from friends for fare to Manila. Now, they will return home awash in cash. Philippine Charity Sweep-stakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II said yesterday the Cebuano lucky bettor claimed his winnings Thursday morning. Rojas said another winner of Lotto 6/42's P6.5 million prize, also drawn on March 17, came to the agency Wednesday to claim his money. (Ed Usman)

ASSISTANCE

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe signed yesterday eight grant contracts for various social development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao worth P34 million during simple ceremonies held at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) headquarters in Pasig City. The event was witnessed by major stakeholders in the Mindanao Peace Process such as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles; Head of Mission of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) Major General Dato Abdul Rahim Bin Mohd Yusuff, and other OPAPP officials. OPAPP disclosed that the new pack-age of assistance, amounting to $824,653 or about P34 million, will form part of Japan's com-mitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao. (Francis T. Wakefield)

CASE JUNKED

The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal has junked electoral protests filed against television host and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez after finding no sufficient reason to unseat her. Torres-Gomez, a member of the Liberal Party, welcomed the decision that was handed down by the panel of congressmen and Supreme Court justices. Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David disclosed that the HRET rejected the quo warranto case filed by Silverio Tagolino who claimed that Torres-Gomez cannot be considered the rightful occupant of the congressional seat in the fourth district of Leyte because she replaced a congressional candidate who had been dis-qualified by the Commission on Elections during the May 2010 congressional polls. (Ben Rosa-rio)

FILIPINO TALENT

Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Inc., one of the major proponents of Entertainment City, recently held the ceremonial topping-off of its Solaire Manila at the city’s complex. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who was one of the lawmakers pres-ent during the event, said Solaire Manila and the Entertainment City in general are handiwork of Filipino talent.

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News Friday, March 23, 2012 9

By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

Five foreign nationals who were believed to be drug mules of an Af-rican drug syndicate were formally charged Thursday by the Bureau of Customs for alleged smuggling of il-legal drugs into the country.

Charged before the Department of Justice were Lina Achieng Noah, a female Kenyan; Josephine Balikud-dembe, a Ugandan woman; Aicha Ca-mara, a six-month pregnant woman from Guinee; and couple Joseph Yao Kyeremateng and Hamshawu Sule-mana from Ghana.

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Bi-azon said they could all be members of an international drug syndicate who have tried establishing its net-work here.

5 Foreigners Face Smuggling Charges

“We will never allow the country to be used as a transshipment point for international drug syndicates, much more make it a market for their illegal drugs trade,” Biazon said

They were charged for violation of certain provisions of the Compre-hensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines.

The African drug couriers were caught by Customs authorities for al-legedly smuggling 25 kilos of metham-pethamine hydrochloride or “shabu” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

They placed the total value of the seized contraband items at P185 million.

“Our airport Customs officials are trained to detect suspicious passen-gers and cargoes, especially those

suspected of carrying illegal drugs and chemicals. And while we give the best courtesy to the foreign visitors, we will however apply the full force of the law to those who violate it,” he said.

Noah arrived from Dubai on Feb-ruary 24 with nine kilos of shabu while Balikuddembe had three kilos of the same illegal drugs concealed in her luggage.

Weeks after, Camara and couple Kyeremeteng and Sulemana brought into the country some 13 kilos of “shabu”.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service noted an “in-creasing number of seizures of big volumes” of chemicals and equip-ment for the production of dangerous drugs, including manufactured ones, in recent months.

By JUN RAMIREZ

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is deporting a Japanese fugitive wanted for trafficking Filipina nightclub en-tertainers to his country.

BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Teruaki Nasu, 61, is now de-tained at the BI jail in Bicutan, Taguig following his arrest two weeks ago in San Pedro City, Laguna.

David said he ordered Nasu’s ar-rest at the request of the Japanese embassy which informed the BI about his activities in recruiting Filipina entertainers to Japan without the appropriate working visa.

Charges of violating Japan’s im-migration and refugee recognition law and forging of public documents was filed against Nasu before the Omiya summary court in Saitama prefecture.

The Japanese embassy said the court issued an arrest warrant against Nasu in August last year.

Lawyer Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, disclosed that Nasu was accused of using a non-profit organization which he chaired as a front in recruiting the Filipinas to work at a nightclub in Gyoda, alleg-edly owned by a certain Yoshimasa Matsuoka.

Japanese Held For Illegal Recruitment

Nasu’s organization purportedly helps Filipinos who are children of Japanese nationals to travel to Japan and file lawsuits and claims for dam-ages against their parents.

By JC BELLO RUIZ

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay urged graduating students to honor their parents and teachers for their heroic roles in making their journey to life possible

"Today is indeed your day, but it is not yours alone. Your parents and families beam with pride and we must thank them for being so generous to you. They have endured the pains of work in order to provide for you and your needs at school. Some of them may not have been blessed with a college education, but they toiled to grant you what they themselves were denied," Binay said during the Eastern Visayas State University-Tanauan Campus 37th Commence-ment Exercises in Tanauan, Leyte last Monday.

Binay also paid tribute to the teachers whose "candles burned at both ends to ensure that the class-room is a place where character and skills would be forged."

"I am sure that just as they were tough on you, many of you also made

Graduates Urged:Honor Parents, Teachers

the classroom a challenging place for them. Still, they remained committed to their vocation and poured into you all that they could offer," he said.

The Vice President, meanwhile, reminded the graduates of the impor-tance of discipline in order to suceed in their careers.

He also urged them to respect the law and, as "scholars of the people," to use their knowledge for nation-building.

"Bring a spirit of discipline into your lives. Come to work on time and be punctual with all the tasks assigned to you. Be thorough in your duties, maintaining an eye for detail. Relish every opportunity to learn new skills or fields. Above all else, use your knowledge to improve the lives of those you encounter," he said.

"If we wish to decry those who disrespect the law, then we must obey the law ourselves. Let us re-spect the rules of our households, the ordinances of our cities and the laws of the land. If we find defects in what we are asked to obey, then let us seek remedy through the law and its agents," Binay said.

By RAYMUND F. ANTONIO

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday gave notice to motorists and riding public that they should expect traffic gridlocks in 20 road sections in five Metro Manila cities due to continu-ing road improvement works.

The road projects in Manila, Que-zon, Pasay, Malabon and Muntinlupa

DPWH: Expect Metro Traffic Gridlockcities will begin at 10 p.m. Friday, March 23 and will end at 4 a.m. on Monday, March 26.

In a traffic advisory, the repairs will be implemented by DPWH along Anda Circle to 2nd St., Port Area, Manila; Sta. Ana Church to Lamayan St., New Panaderos St., Sta. Ana, Manila, and Jacinto St. (northbound), R-10 Road, Tondo, Manila.

In Quezon City, road works will

be carried out on the outer lane of Aurora Boulevard (eastbound) from Anonas to F. Castillo St., Araneta Avenue from Baloy St. to Landargun St., N. Domingo Street from Balete Drive to Rosario Drive, and 15th Avenue between Ermin Garcia to Aurora Blvd.

Included are E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Welcome Rotonda to Mat-imyas St., and Aurora Blvd. going to Manila, among others.

By RIO ROSE RIBAYA

A member of the House of Rep-resentatives yesterday encouraged inventors to focus on projects that would support inventions and tech-nologies, to address pressing environ-mental and economic concerns.

AGHAM party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones said the Department of Sci-ence and Technology (DoST) is man-dated to provide support to inventions and inventors under theTechnology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

"It has an Invention Development Division extending an array of sup-port and services to our inventors,” Palmones explained.

Palmones said inventors can avail of support from TAPI’s invention-based enterprise development pro-gram for developing the inventor’s invention into an enterprise com-modity, and industry-based invention development program for funding of inventions with industry application.

He added TAPI conducted the an-nual invention contests and exhibits to recognize outstanding inventions and innovations.

Seek Gov’t Support,

Inventors Told

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WELCOME,AMIR OF KUWAIT,

SHEIKH SABAH AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH,ON

STATE VISIT TO THE PHILIPPINES

10 MANILA BULLETIN FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Editorial

THE Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-

Jaber Al-Sabah, is arriving for a State Visit to the Philippines on March 23, 2012. He is scheduled to meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang and with other Filipino officials and business leaders.

The focus of the State Visit will be on trade and investment. The two countries will discuss opportunities in infrastructure, agribusiness, out-sourcing, tourism, and energy. This year, the Philippines is eyeing $3-bil-lion investments from Kuwait, one of the country’s largest investors. Kuwait’s global investment plans reportedly include a potential invest-ment of $2 billion in the 177-hectare Logistics Center being constructed at Clark Export Processing Zone in Pampanga.

Kuwait, one of the world’s rich-est countries, has the fifth largest global oil reserves. It is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Ex-porting Countries and is part of the Organization of Islamic Conference that supports the Philippine govern-ment’s peace process in Mindanao. In the 1990s, the Philippines was among the countries that helped in

rebuilding and reconstructing war-torn Kuwait. Today, Kuwait hosts over 130,000 Filipinos who work as nurses, caregivers, engineers, in-formation technology experts, and in the household sector.

Born June 16, 1929, in Kuwait City, Sheikh Sabah was proclaimed Amir of the State of Kuwait on January 29, 2006, by the National Assembly of Kuwait. Prior to this, he was Prime Minister from July 13, 2003, to January 29, 2006. He held various posts in the Kuwaiti government – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of In-formation, Head of Department of Press and Publications, Member of the Organizational Body of the Higher Council, and Member of the Building and Construction Council. He is involved in various projects to help the tourism sector. He is an advocate of women’s rights in the Middle East.

We welcome the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Members of his Delegation on their State Visit to the Philippines. We wish them success and an enjoyable stay in the country. MABUHAY!

We welcome the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Members

of his Delegation on their State Visit to the Philippines. We wish them success and an enjoyable stay in the country.

MABUHAY!

Friday, March 23, 2012 11Reflections Todayfl y

THE JEWISH FEAST OF TABERNACLES

Changing Worldg g

By DR. BERNARDO M. VILLEGAS

Below the Line

By AMBASSADOR JOSE A. ZAIDE

(Cont’d on page 12)


(Cont’d on page B-9)

THE RETURNOF U.S. INVESTORS


(Cont’d on page 12)(Cont’d on page 12) (Cont’d on page 12)

Merry-Go-Roundy

By FLORO M. MERCENE

INT’L AVIATIONISSUES & POLITICS

By HECTOR R.R. VILLANUEVAFormer Press Secretary

Chaff from the Grainff f

LEARN FROM JAPAN’SVAST EXPERIENCE

Page Eleveng

By ELINANDO B. CINCO

DUD DOCUMENTARY


“The real man in Japan is the one who keeps his feelings to himself, so as not

to disturb the Harmony of others”— SADUHARU OH,

famous Japanese baseball player

By FRED M. LOBO

Punchline

JEEPNEY FARES:UP, UP, ARUY!

Views Comments •

(Cont’d on page B-9) (Cont’d on page 12)

Voice from the Southf

By FR. EMETERIO BARCELON, SJ

SENDONG STORY

Commemoration

SLOW: DIPLOMATS AT WORK (2)

JA PA N E S Escientists are

openly predict-ing, so that thecitizens are fully aware and alert,that a more pow-erful earthquake probability will hit Tokyo and South-ern Japan any day now, or soon, or hopefully never.

The earthquake is forecast to be more powerful than the one that struck the Fukushima area a year ago.

Japan is hemmed in by four tecton-ic plates, namely, the North America plate, the Philippine plate, the South Pacific plate, and the China plate.

The Philippines is squeezed by the Philippine plate and the China plate.

Visiting Japanese Kizuna Ambas-sador (Ambassador of Resilience),Hatsuhisa Takashima, who was a cel-ebrated and long-time news anchor-rrman and commentator of NHK, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, university professor, UN diplomat, and former Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently deliveredan authoritative commentary at theAIM (Asian Institute of Management)on “ Disaster Management with fo-cus on Japanese quick and efficientrecovery.”

Essentially, Professor Takashima talked about Japan’s history with nat-ural disasters, such as earthquakesand tsunamis, hoping that the Philip-pines, which shares with Japan the Ring of Fire, will encourage its lead-

DESPITE the admirable efforts of the American Chamber of Com-

merce of the Philippines to promotemore US investments in our country, foreign direct investments from theUS have been lagging behind other n a t i o n a l i t i e sover the last few years. South Ko-rean, Japanese, and European investors have been more bull-ish in the recent past, with some notable exceptions in the energy sector where one of the largest en-ergy firms in the US, AES, plowed in one billion dollars four years ago inpurchasing the coal-powered plant in Masinloc, Zambales and is planningto invest in another 600-megawatt plant if the appropriate policy is in place. This apparent reticence of US investors to invest more heavily in the Philippines motivated me and a handful of top executives from theprivate sector to offer our services toAmbassador Jose Cuisia to organizea nondeal investment road show to three key cities in the US, i.e., Wash-ington, DC, New York City, and SanFrancisco City. The results exceeded our expectations.

The Washington, DC leg was co-sponsored by the US-ASEAN Busi-ness Council. It was a very appro-priate forum because our message was that the Philippines is part of the large free market of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and is a moststrategic gateway to a total popula-tion of close to 700 million consumers. I focused especially on what I callthe VIP emerging market (Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines) that can offer a total consumer market of more than 400 million and can com-

NOT even the internationally prestigious National Geograph-

ic television channel could save itfrom the doldrums of dismay thatnational TV audiences expressedlast Sunday evening.

“Inside Mala-canang” was a much-awaitedd o c u m e n t a r y show aired inthat Americancable channelthat lasted onehour – 9:00 to10:00 – the evening of March 18.

Thrillers of the production hadbeen constantly aired for almost twomonths before showtime.

(It was premiered by President Noynoy himself in Malacanang at anearlier date.)

The expectation of many was that the production would let them see their President in a typical day atwork. Many of us have not seen whata Palace insider is privileged to see first-hand.

Instead, what the audience saw was not their President working or going through his working schedule,fulfilling his presidential duties andhis routine functions on a typical day in Malacanang. Those segmentsaudiences were eager to see.

What the disenchanted viewers saw were segments of his gunsling-ing security men showing how deadshot they were, his food-taster going about lip-smacking some food and sipping some juice, and the com-mander of the Presidential Guard Battalion explaining how they react to threats by terrorists and other lawless elements or maybe from justplain crackpots.

All those scenes occupied moreor less 30 minutes of the one-hour

PHILIPPINE aviation has beenmired in Category 2 status in

the last five years, despite efforts of the authorities to correct the 89 “safety concerns” whose details were enumerated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the In-ternational CivilAviation Orga-nization (ICAO), and the Europe-an Union (EU).

But solvingthe technical as-pects of the problems is quite easy and straight forward. It is the political aspects that have to be addressed if the Philippines hopes for an easy resolution of the ticklish issue.

This new “political” viewpoint wasrevealed recently in the newspapersby Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director Gen-eral Ramon S. Gutierrez. He said his men can only address the technical aspects, but threw the political solu-tions to the lap of other agencies such as Foreign Affairs or the Office of the President.

This pertains to the FAA’s recom-mendations to revised Republic Act 9497, the law that created the aviation body in 2008. The Americans wanted US-registered aircraft to be allowed to be operated by local air carriers.The FAA reasoned that since America permits Philippine-registered aircraft to operate in the US, a reciprocal ges-ture would be apt, thank you.

Thus, the CAAP is now askingCongress for a revision of RA 9497, whose draft is about to be transmitted to the House Committee on Trans-portation.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) used tofly US- and European-registered air-rrplanes, which the airline rented and

THE government grants public utility vehicles (PUVs) a provi-

sional increase in fares as oil prices continue to rise.

Up, up, and aruy! Commuting and travelling become painful.

*** Jeepneys in

the Nat ional Capital Regionand Regions 2,3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, and 11 now charge a mini-mum fare o f R8.50.

There goes our 50 cents. And look for those 25- cent coinsagain.

***The LTFRB says the 50-centavo

additional charge in the minimumfare of jeepneys covers the first four kilometers of travel while the rate of the succeeding kilometers remains the same.

No overcharging, please. Or that would amount to “double jeep-ardy.”

***High power rates are also

among the structural problemsthat the Philippine governmentshould address to promote eco-nomic growth and reduce poverty, World Bank says.

Yes, please save us also from mild electrocution.

***Protesters still float and criticize

so-called “Noynoying.”P-Noy should just laugh it off and

actively go “Ninoying.”***

Forty-seven percent of Filipinos believe that Chief Justice Renato C. Corona is guilty of the charges against him in the on-going Sen-

TO follow through the successfulvisit of Foreign Secretary Albert

del Rosario to Berlin, a 24-man del-egation (including spouses) arrivedfrom Germany –mixing business with pleasure– to give more punch to Philip-pine economicdiplomacy.

TEAM PHIL-IPPINES MADE IN GERMANY. Heading the delegation is Am-bassador Maria Cleofe Natividad accompanied by Consul General Raul Santiago, who must be un-dertaking (no pun intended), the last-gasps effort for our ConsulateGeneral in Frankfurt which is dueto close. Completing the core groupare Trade Attaché José Antonio Buencamino and Tourism Attaché Venus Tan.

To give the team more bang for bucks are our honorary Consuls, Prof. Dr. Gerhard Zeidler, Consul Generala.h. (Stuttgart). Eckbert von Bohlenund Halbach, Consul a.h. (Munich),Heinz-Peter Heidrich, Consul a.h.(Essen) and Hartmut Fromm, Consula.h. (Dresden)

Consul General Zeidler repre-sents the no-nonsense GermanTÜV which validates road worthi-ness of motor vehicles. If DoTC and MMDA are serious on emission control, Consul General Zeidler can provide the service to squelch smoke belchers and rolling coffinson our thoroughfares.

The delegation includes represen-

IT was just past midnight whenmy celphone rang and one of Mi-

lamdec’s managers was calling me from Manila past midnight of Dec17 when Send-ong occurred. Hewas frantic about getting some res-cue help for our branch in Car-men. They had texted him thatthey were on the third floor of their rented office and were afraid the water would reach them. It had already reached the ceil-ing of the second floor. It was pitched dark and no electricity in Cagayan de Oro. I had no numbers of rescueoffices, not even the police on my celphone.

It was almost nine in the morning before we got to the head office of Milamdec in Carmen. There about 20of our staff had already taken refuge with some of their families. Somewere still drenched. Good I had the foresight to bring dry clothes.

Earlier at the Jesuit house we had emptied our wallets to a Jesuit who volunteered to go out to investigate how we could help. The people at theMisa de Gallo at 4:30 a,m. did not fill the church , unusual. After the Massthe news came of the areas flooded.

There was no extraordinary rain the day before but what seemed tohave happened was the heavy rainsin Bukidnon gorged the rivers,including Cagayan River. About 20 kilometers up the river was a bridgeto Baungon. Logs and uprooted treesclogged the bridge so that a reservoir of water built up behind it. When thebridge finally gave way an avalancheof water of over 30 feet or more cas-

JOHN 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

JESUS moved about within Gali-lee; but He did not wish to travel in

Judea, because the Jews were tryingto kill Him.

But the Jewish feast of Taber-nacles was near. But when Hisb r o t h e r s h a d gone up to thefeast, He Himself also went up, not openly but [as itwere] in secret.

So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is Henot the one they are trying to kill? And look, He is speaking openly andthey say nothing to Him. Could theauthorities have realized that He isthe Messiah? But we know where Heis from. When the Messiah comes, noone will know where He is from.” SoJesus cried out in the temple area asHe was teaching and said, “You know Me and also know where I am from.Yet I did not come on My own, but theone who sent Me, whom you do not know, is true. I know Him, becauseI am from Him, and He sent Me.” Sothey tried to arrest Him, but no one laid a hand upon Him, because Hishour had not yet come.

REFLECTIONSThe Jewish feast of Ta ber-

nacles. This feast commemoratesthe time when the Jews lived intents. After they had been liberatedfrom slavery in Egypt, the people of Israel journeyed from the desert to the Promised Land. Living in tentsmeant living in temporary dwellings, thus keeping alive in their spirits theyearning for the Promised Land astheir true home.

Jesus goes up to the feast in spiteof the threat on His life. Even with the evil and hostile intent of the Jews,

REPUBLICDAY OF

PAKISTANTODAY

PAKISTANcelebrates

i t s R e p u b l i c Day (sometimes called Pakistan Day) today. This event commem-orates the 1940 Lahore Resolution and the adop-tion of Pakistan’s first constitution on its transition from the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, making the country the world’s first Islamic republic.

Even before the 1940s, the cre-ation of an independent Muslim state in India had long been desired by the Muslim minority. After World War II and the defeat of the Muslim League in the general election in 1937, Paki-stan obtained its independence from the British Raj on August 14, 1947.

Various events both in private and public offices are celebrated during Pakistan Day. Celebrations include a military and civilian parade in Islam-abad, the country’s capital, presided by the country’s President. National awards are given during this holiday by the President.

Keynote speakers speak about therole of ordinary Pakistan citizens in maintaining peace and order andsupporting the economic progress of the country. Wreaths are placedat the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding leaders of Pakistan.

We greet the government andpeople of Pakistan led by Their Ex-cellencies, President Asif Zardari,

WH I L Eg e n d e r

d i s c r i m i n a -tion around the world is st i l l w i d e s p r e a d , United Nations (UN) Member States are urged to advance eco-nomic empowerment for women in their anti-poverty programs. Women,especially in rural communitiesaround the world, are mostly the oneswho face difficulties. They do not have equal access to the tools they need to create better living condi-tions, and are often left out when it comes to services and information and technology.

To help women achieve their full economic potential, governments are enjoined to expand women’s ac-cess to these tools and resources.The UN’s youngest agency, the UNEntity for Gender Equality andthe Empowerment of Women (UN Women), is determined to advance women’s issues, including leadership and political participation, expansion of economic opportunities, an end togender-based violence, and increas-ing women’s contributions to peace.

The UN Women grants start at $200,000 for programs that will maketangible improvements in women’slives and enable women to run for office and manage their resources tosupport themselves and their fami-lies. Contributions to UN Women lastyear totaled $235 million, a 33 percentincrease from 2010; the agency will

Informationf

ADVANCING ECONOMIC

EMPOWERMENT FOR

WOMEN

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Friday, March 23, 201212 News

BARCELON...(Cont’d from page 11)

VILLANUEVA...(Cont’d from page 11)

VILLEGAS...(Cont’d from page 11)

REFLECTIONS...(Cont’d from page 11)

ZAIDE...(Cont’d from page 11)

tatives from the German business community and the German media: Nico Westphal, Regional Manager ASEAN and South Pacific, OAV Hamburg (East Asia Association); Harald Penner, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific Forum Berlin, Berlin Parner GmBH; Reiner Zimmerman, Managing Director, Commerzbank, Frankfurt; and Cristina Padilla, AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial De-velopment Cooperation, Cologne.

Team Philippines will be up-dated on policies and priorities of the government and our trade and investment opportunities. The delegation called on Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Ro-

sario. They also call on Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, and PEZA Director General Dr. Lilia de Lima.

The Team will briefed by DTI, PEZA, DoT, and the Philippine Re-tirement Authority. For R&R, they will visit Bohol, (hopefully at Fred Ong’s Panglao Resort and Spa) for the one spot which offers the all-in-one package of beaches, chocolate hills, churches, a cappella choir, tar-sier (world’s smallest monkey), and fireflies-lit river tours.

A high point of the visit is the sister city agreement between Las Piñas, home of the world-famous

bamboo organ and former Repre-sentative Cythia Villar’s green self-help community, and Freiburg, the German university town which is the equivalent of a fairy tale Camelot.

Earlier last year, the Philippine Embassy in Paris also flew in with the Philippine honorary consuls from France on a similar orientation and business opportunities presen-tation. President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s administration and Foreign Secretary Del Rosario’s stewardship of DFA put money where mouth is to fund meaningful foreign service programs in economic diplomacy… including bringing the horse(s) to the water. FEEDBACK: [email protected]

intensify its efforts to raise $700 mil-lion for its work this year in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and Central Asia. Fifteen organizations will receive grants totaling $4.85 mil-lion to work on innovative programs that range from advancing women’s political participation in Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, to maximizing the use of technology for sustainable develop-ment initiatives run by women in rural Morocco, Algeria, and the oc-cupied Palestinian territories.

As UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet put it, we can no longer afford to deny the full potential of one-half of the world’s population.

The world needs to tap into the tal-ent and wisdom of women. Whether the issue is food security, economic recovery, health, or peace and secu-rity, the participation of women is needed now more than ever. Unleash-ing women’s economic potential will make economic growth and recovery faster and more equitable, she said.

Economic empowerment for women makes other rights possible for them. It allows women and girls to enjoy their full human rights, and leads to more stable economies and stronger societies. They will have equal opportunities to take on leader-ship roles and shape a better world for all. CONGRATULATIONS!

ADVANCING...(Cont’d from page 11)

Jesus speaks the truth and testifies to the Father. He knows what is ahead of Him. Yet, with courage and determination, He is ready to follow and accom-plish the will of the Father.

Let us pray for the courage to speak the truth, work for justice in the face of opposition, and stand for the Gospel and for God.

The present world is our tent; heaven is our homeland.We are pilgrims in this passing world.SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2012,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul

Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.,); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, Senate Chair Farooq Naek, and House Speaker Fahmida Mirza, and its Embassy in the Philippines, headed

by H.E., Ambassador Mohsin Razi, on the occasion of its 72nd Repub-lic Day. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. MABUHAY!

REPUBLIC...(Cont’d from page 11)

caded down Cagayan River, taking along everything in its path. Float-ing ten-wheel trucks became rams against concrete houses and water wiped out an island with about 500 families and their dwellings, some to the open sea. A few lucky ones drifted towards Camiguin Island and were rescued.

The flood took about 2,000 lives. In a few days the areas around the funeral parlor reeked with the stench of death. The mayor finally asked to bring the body bags to the garbage dump and was severely criticized for that. But he had no other choice where the stench would not bother people. A lot of survivors were trying to identify the bodies and asking that they not be buried until they got the chance to identify.

A lot of heroic stories came up. The grandmother of a friend floated holding on to a kitchen table to the roof a neighboring house. She re-counts how she wanted to give up but her teenage grandson kept on telling her that she could make it. A foreigner married to a Filipina was in CDO for a vacation. They called home at about eight the previous evening and the grandmother with their two preteens told the couple it may be good for them to stay in the central district till the next morn-ing. When morning light came they found the grandmother and the two children drowned.

Nothing like this ever happened before although records show that there was a flood in 1916 almost as big but few were old enough to remember. The first body I blessed

was the autistic child of friend who would not leave her room and the flood was rising up rapidly. The whole thing was over in about an hour once the mountain of water was able to get to the open sea.

On Christmas Day I was as-signed to say the afternoon Mass in the Xavier University covered courts where about 500 families had taken temporary shelter. What I remember well were the two rows of children in front of me, some of them lone survivors of their fami-lies. The were willing to tell their stories but as children they did not realize the implications. Next time I hope to tell of the generosity of almost everybody. This is where the Filipino seems to excel, in disasters. <[email protected]>

pete with the two giants of the region, China and India, in attracting foreign investors. My message especially to the Washington, DC audience was to integrate their operations in the VIP region with their headquarters in the Philippines. Those who ac-companied me were Isidro Consunji of the DMCI construction and real estate, conglomerate; Mr. Bienvenido Araw, Vice President for Projects and Organizational Development of Benguet Corporation; and Jesus Zulueta, Managing Partner of ZMG Ward Howell. Mr. Consunji gave a presentation on the construction, real estate, energy, and tourism sec-tors. Mr. Araw excited the crowd of more than 60 in each city about how the Philippines sits on a mining wealth worth about $840 billion in gold, copper, and nickel deposits. Mr. Zulueta described the Philippines' competitive advantage in global out-sourcing, which made the country the world's number one call center destination and a major player in the non-voice services.

When the road show moved to New York, the news was rife that in his State of the Nation Address, President Obama promised that he would encourage "insourcing," i.e. bring back the jobs to the US. There would be tax incentives for American companies not to outsource their business process and knowledge process services. I concurred with the retort given by Mr. Zulueta that the American corporations would be the first to lobby for such a policy not to be legislated in the US Con-gress. In an economy that is grow-ing slowly, the only way American firms can protect their bottom line is to significantly reduce their costs. Outsourcing is a major strategy to reduce operating and overhead costs. Not all the tax incentives can counter the huge savings in labor, real estate and other costs from which American firms benefit by outsourcing business services to such countries as India, the Philippines, and China. Mr. Zu-lueta was especially confident that today's total employment of 415,000

workers in voice/call centers in the Philippines will balloon to 1.3 million employees by 2016. An additional 3.0 million people are indirectly em-ployed in allied industries. Each of the speakers had his hands full in an-swering specific questions about how to actually start the process of invest-ing in the Philippines, especially in infrastructures like airports, bridges, toll roads, and power plants.

The New York economic briefing was co-sponsored by the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of New York, headed by Mr. Rene Meilly. It was held in the very spa-cious Kalayaan Hall of the Philip-pine Center in mid-Manhattan. We were told by the staff of the New York consulate headed by Ambas-sador Mario de Leon that they had never experienced a similar event in which the New Yorkers stayed till the very end, even lingering to ask more questions from the individual speakers. It is customary for busi-ness people in New York, especially investment bankers, to rush to take

their respective trains headed for home before briefings are over. Their staying till the very end was an indi-cation of their great interest in what is happening in the Philippines. We could really confirm that the Philip-pines is back in the radar screen of US investors.

The final phase of the road show was in San Francisco. The co-sponsors were the California Asia Business Council and the prestigious law firm, SNR DENTON Law firm. Here, the crowd was really Standing Room Only (SRO) and some even had to be turned away because of the strict building code limiting the number of people who can be accom-modated in a room. The California crowd was even more easily en-thused with all the positive features described by the speakers because their state is part and parcel of the Asia Pacific region. More than people in the Eastern coast of the US, the Californians feel an affinity with the emerging markets in the Western Pa-cific region. I reminded them of the

fact that, with more than 50 million consumers, California could easily be considered as a separate country that can trade with and invest in the economies of the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Consunji was especially busy hav-ing business to business meetings after our panel spoke. Many engi-neering and construction companies in California are setting their sights on the numerous infrastructure projects under the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program of the government. I was glad that I could announce that the phase of waiting, the phase of "paralysis by analysis" was over and that 90 percent of the annual capital budget for the whole year of 2012 is scheduled for release in the first quarter of the year. I have no doubt that with the overwhelming interest shown by the more than 200 prospective investors we saw in this road show, we can be assured that the US investors will return to the Philippines with a vengeance. For comments, my e-mail address is [email protected].

ers to focus on disaster prevention measures based on Japan’s vast and extensive past experiences. Thus, out of Japan’s 54 nuclear-powered reactors, only 2 plants are now op-erating, and serious policy debates are on-going whether to continue or discontinue nuclear power genera-tion which supplies 30 percent of the country’s energy consumption.

The probable de-commissioning of nuclear reactors will mean a quantum jump in fossil fuel importation, higher electricity rates, higher production cost, and consumer prices.

With higher production costs and a strong yen currency, it will be disastrous for an economy highly dependent on exports.

For these reasons, some Japanese industries have opted either to relo-cate some of their factories overseas either for safety factors, or due to a strong currency, or labor shortage owing to Japan’s acute aging popu-lation.

Simultaneously, Japan has also awakened from its economic lethargy by resuming aggressive direct foreign investments overseas, roadshows, cultural exchanges, and exhibits to mark Japan’s economic comeback.

Hence, the economic recovery in Japan, and its aggressive return to the international economy after nearly two decades of stagnation,

is good news for the Philippines as this country had always enjoyed a harmonious and close cooperation with Japan.

Notwithstanding the tragic conse-quences, of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that claimed at least 20,000 deaths, excluding more miss-ing, injured, and homeless townspeo-ple, Japanese Prime Minister Noda expressed gratitude to 160 countries and 40 international organizations that helped in the rehabilitation of the devastated regions.

The supply chain for the manufac-turing sector and production levels in the mining and commercial sector has already recovered to the levels prior to the disaster, according to the Prime Minister.

The Aquino administration may consider establishing, as in Japan, a “Reconstruction Agency” to provide maximum support in the disaster-affected regions.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III should focus on disaster pre-paredness and mitigation measures against the big earthquake that will inevitably strike Metro Manila sooner than later.

You be the judge***

(For comments and views please email [email protected])

SAFE MOTORING – Present during the launching of the ‘Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko’ motorists assistance pro-gram yesterday are (left to right) VP for Traffic Operations Francis Aberilla, VP for Toll Operations Bobby Bontia, President and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Manila North Tollways Corporation President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco, VP for Operations Raul Ignacio, and VP for SCTEX Operations Charlie Española explain the advantage of the project of the Manila North Tollways Corporation and Tollways Management Corporation in response to the expected heavy influx of motorists during the Lenten Season. (Mark Balmores)

-

KIA MOTORSThe Power to Surprise"

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By Ed MAHILUM

Fire broke out anew at the Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall in Caloocan City last Wednesday night, a day after au-thorities declared it had been put out.

Bureau of Fire Protection – National Capital Region (NCR) Officer Louie Abi-nales said a fire broke out at the 5th floor of the fire-ravaged mall at around 8:55 p.m. with thick smoke billowing.

The billowing smoke caused nearby residents to panic in fear that another major fire would break out.

Authorities said the fire was eventu-ally put out at 9:37 p.m. but firemen have been on placed on standby in the area in case another fire erupts.

The investigation in the cause of the fire which originally broke out last Fri-day and put out days later is now being handled by an inter-agency task force.

The fire-ravaged Gotesco building lo-cated at Rizal Avenue Extension is now guarded by the mall's security guard

preventing persons, even renters, from entering the premises.

The fire started at 10:36 p.m. of March 16 and lasted until March 20. Firefighters alleged had difficulties in containing the fire due to alleged lack of equipment and the presence of high-ly combustible materials inside the mall, prompting the Department of In-terior and Local Government to order an investigation.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo order the relief of Caloocan Fire Marshal Oscar de Asis for being allegedly drunk when the fire broke out, and replaced him with Senior Superintendent Jeremy Diaz.

Sources said that De Asis, who re-placed Diaz as fire chief last year, is re-portedly retiring from the service this year.

With the inter-agency task force handling the incident, the Caloocan fire department, now under the Diaz, ex-pressed readiness in cooperating with the task force if needed, an arson inves-tigator said.

Fire Hits GotescoMall Anew

A total of 1,190 students in Caloocan will benefit from the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The Caloocan City Labor and Indus-trial Relations Office-Public Employ-ment Services Office-(LIRO-PESO) said that the SPES program will provide sub-stantial assistance to parents of school-children who under SPES are entitled to salaries for 20 days of work which they could use for their school expenses.

Student who qualify for SPES will be-gin work at the 188 different barangays of the city on April 23 and would continue

to do so until May 21, the LIRO-PESO said. About 60 percent of the salaries of the SPES students would be shouldered by the local government, while the re-maining 40 percent would come from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The implementation of the SPES by the local government is in line with Re-public Act 9547, also known as “An Act Strengthening and Expanding the Cov-erage of the SPES, Amending for the Purpose Provisions of RA 7223.” (Ed Ma-hilum)

SPES Benefits 1,190Caloocan Students

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Luzon

LUZONNEWSBITS

15Friday, March 23, 2012

$400-M World-Class Tourism EstateBreaks Ground In Clark Freeport

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — An inter-national investor will pour $400 million for the construction of a world-class tourism estate, in-cluding recreational and leisure projects inside this premier port, the Clark Development Cor-poration (CDC) reported yesterday.

Tagged as the new leader in tourism com-plex inside Clark, the Donggwang Clark Corpo-ration (DCC) has broken ground for the construc-tion of a P200-million golf clubhouse in a 304-hect-are tourism estate where a new golf course at the former True North will also be constructed.

DCC Chairman Lee Shin Kun said the project consists of a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse, condo-minium with 330 rooms, a water park, spa and gym-nasium, eco park, busi-ness center, store and function, international school, golf academy and driving range, clinic and drug store, hotel, casino, 500-unit villas and shop-ping arcade.

Lee told CDC Presi-dent and Chief Executive Officer Felipe Antonio B. Remollo, who was the guest of honor during the rites, that the DCC tourism estate project is expected to be com-pleted by the year 2016 and would employ more than 2,000 workers. Lee said the tourism estate is expected to draw more foreign and local tourists in Clark.

Meanwhile, the CDC said Tower 1 and 2 of Donggwang’s Clark ODE County Officetel has also been inaugurated before the groundbreaking cer-emonies at the former True North area. Tower 3 is expected to be com-pleted before the end of the year.

“The leisure com-munity project aims to increase tourism and economic activities in the Central Luzon region and to provide employment and job creation during construction and opera-tion phases of the proj-ect,” the CDC added.

The South Korean firm also told Remollo that the 10-story building is worth $30 million and will house an officetel, condotel, hotel and casino. The DCC is the Philippine subsidiary of Donggwang Construction in South Korea.

The CDC said the con-struction of the officetel will generate about 730 jobs for Filipinos in the area.

The DCC also cur-rently owns and operates three golf courses and condotels in South Korea, the CDC said.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has provided a $3-million grant for the construction of the Cavite Collabora-tion Center for Public Health at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memo-rial Hospital compound in this city.

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Vice President Jong Seon Lee, a repre-

sentative of the Korean government, and Gov. Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. led yesterday the ground-breaking ceremony for the Center

which will help address public health concerns in the province.

Aside from the Center construc-tion, the grant will also be used for

the procurement of equipment and training of Center staff officers and personnel by Korean experts. (With a report from Anthony Giron)

COASTAL BIODIVERSITY

MUNOZ SCIENCE CITY, Nueva Ecija — The Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Man-agement (ICCEM) here is con-ducting conservation research on coastal biodiversity resources to reduce poverty among fisher-folk in Central Luzon. Housed at the Central Luzon State Univer-sity (CLSU), ICCEM is undertak-ing scientific research on critical biodiversity resources including sensitive ecosystem, and de-signing and operating a biodi-versity conservation program. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

BULACAN FACILITY

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — “It’s more fun in Bulacan” especially if you’ll see the pris-tine beauty of the Angat River, the environmental water sports complex that will soon open, offering fun and adventure. Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said they are now in the process of developing the Angat River into an Environment Water Sports Facility which is designed to provide a range of water sports activities and also serve as a wildlife haven. Bu-lacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) Chief Atty. Rustico De Belen explained that the project will be divided in two major locations — one is on Bustos Dam and the other is on the upstream part of Bakas to Pugpog river. (Freddie C. Velez)

BATAAN ‘PARADISE’

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — This town is expected to draw more tourists after a business-man committed to convert 218 hectares of forest land into what he called “Nature’s Paradise.” Dr. Renato P. Legaspi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Green Asia Construction and Development Corp., has entered into a contract with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 3 to develop the area by put-ting up various facilities such as retirement village, resort haven, housing, and lodging facili-ties for retirees and transients among others, making the area into what he called “Paraiso ng Kalikasan.” (Mar T. Supnad)

VACATION TIME

CAMP BGEN. OSCAR M. FLO-RENDO, La Union — The entire province is now under height-ened alert to augment the route security, traffic management, and preventive patrol operations in the four provinces of Region 1 in anticipation of this year’s Holy Week and summer vacation. Po-lice Regional Office 1 (PRO1) di-rector Chief Supt. Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu issued the alert order to hundreds of uniformed men, including Route Safety Marshalls who will be deployed in police assistance hubs and checkpoints established in main thorough-fares and in various tourist desti-nations in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte where thousands of visitors and local folk are expected to visit. (Liezle Basa Inigo)

ACTION CENTERS

ARAYAT, Pampanga — Joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have established four action centers strategically located in all boundaries of the province to curb criminality and insurgency in Pampanga. Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Atendido, assistant commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the ac-tion centers are model projects and first in Central Luzon. "It is only here in Pampanga that there is such a kind of PNP-AFP Action Centers,” he said. Aten-dido said they are planning to replicate the project in some other provinces falling under their jurisdiction, particularly in Region 3 and 1. (Mark Anthony N. Manuel)

By MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL and FRANCO G. REGALA

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VISAYASNEWSBITS

Visayas16 Friday, March 23, 2012

R702-M Cebu Water Deal InkedBy MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.

CEBU — Cebu will soon have cheaper water as the Cebu provincial government and the Ayala Corpora-tion officially sealed a joint investment agreement paving the way for R702-million bulk water supply project for Metro Cebu.

The joint investment agreement was signed last Wednesday, March 21 by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Gerardo Ablaza Jr., chairman and president of Ayala-led Manila Water Consortium (MWC), Inc.

Under the agreement, the MWC, including Vicsal Development Corp. and Stateland Inc., will develop, op-erate, and maintain the bulk water system in Cebu province. As agreed, the MWC will own 51 percent and the provincial government will own 49 per-cent of said water system. Both parties will name two members each to the board and agree on a fifth member.

The province will shell out R125.6-million as initial investment incorpora-tion phase while R256.5 million repre-senting 30 percent of the total project cost will be paid immediately upon the creation of MWC by the consortium’s incorporators.

Ayala Corporation President Fer-nando Zobel de Ayala witnessed the signing at the Capitol Social Hall.

In his speech, Ayala said they are delighted and honored to part of the continued development of Cebu, which, he said, “plays a significant contribution to the country's overall growth.”

Said Ayala, “Our confidence in the great potential of Cebu has never wavered.”

For her part, Garcia said , “We must now forge this partnership in order to see to it that the gains we have achieve will be sustained not just dur-ing this term and this generation but for many generations to come.”

Taking care not to jeopardize the environment, the project will increase the coverage of potable water supply in Cebu and lessen the province’s dependency on groundwater. This will also help boost the Cebu’s economic development particularly in terms of commercial and industrial needs.

“With the signing of this joint investment agreement to supply bulk water, we, in the business sector, are confident that this will entice more in-vestors for Cebu,” said Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Prudencio Gesta.

CEBU LANDMARK — The Parian Heritage Monument, which is a sculpture depicting the country’s foreign colonizers and Christianity, is a prominent landmark in downtown Cebu City. In late 2011, the Cebu City government sent inspectors to check cracks observed on said landmark and the Cebu City Council has pro-posed the release of over R1 million from the city’s coffers for its repair. (Cheryl Baldicantos)

DPWH-8 Braces For Holy WeekPALO, Leyte (PIA) — The Depart-

ment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has already mapped out plans to ensure orderly and hassle-free travel by thou-sands of commuters who are expected along Maharlika Highway for the tra-ditional pilgrimage during the annual Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Regional Director Rolando Asis said he has instructed all district en-gineers to activate composite teams to man stations set up in strategic locations in the region to assist the traveling public during this season.

“The DPWH program involves the deployment of composite teams comprised of DPWH personnel and

mechanics who will be responding to road emergency situations,” Asis said.

Composite teams will be deployed in strategic areas of the region start-ing April 4 until April 9 to assist and ensure safety of motorists during the Holy Week, he said.

As in previous Holy Week cel-ebrations, the DPWH will establish motorists assistance stations under its annual project when commuters to and from Manila visit their respective provinces to spend Holy Week.

The motorist assistance stations, to be manned by auto mechanics and provided with emergency vehicles and towing equipment, will be operational

24/7, said Asis.The stations will be complemented

by the government agency’s equip-ment and service vehicles which can be utilized as tow trucks, he added.

Coordination will be made with the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and concerned local government officials to ensure that information and assistance is easily provided to travelers.

Also, in preparation for heavier traffic on national roads due to the long Holy Week weekend, the DPWH has also started removing traffic obstruc-tions along major thoroughfares and step up its road maintenance initiative in Region 8.

HRET Acts On Solon’s CaseBy TARA YAP

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — The House

of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has junked the election pro-test against Iloilo City Rep. Jerry P. Treñas for lack of merit.

In a decision promulgated last March 15, the HRET dismissed a pro-test lodged by former Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. questioning the result of the Iloilo City congressional race during the May 10, 2010 automated elections.

“The tribunal dismisses the in-stant election protest without further proceedings for lack of merit,” said the decision penned by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr.

Treñas was declared winner of the city’s lone congressional seat on May 14, 2010 after garnering 101,304 bal-lots, which is 24,826 votes more than Gonzalez’s 76,478 votes.

Gonzalez filed a protest 10 days later, contesting the votes from all 344 clustered precincts.

He filed on the grounds that the compact flash cards may have been switched or pre-programmed in favor of Treñas; that more than half of the compact flash cards were transported illegally from the precincts to the board of canvassers; that the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines misread the ballots; that the election returns are questionable; and that the election returns obtained from Bo. Obrero village have been printed as

early as December 2009.The HRET, however, was not given

evidence by Gonzalez to prove the al-legations.

“Taking into consideration the evidence presented, there is no rea-sonable recovery in favor of protestant as shown and established from the initial revision of ballots in the pilot protested clustered precincts,” the HRET emphasized.

Likewise, the HRET found out that after the recount, an additional 159 votes were cast for Treñas. In total, Treñas won by a margin of 24,985.

A separate election protest was filed by former justice secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. against Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with the Commis-sion on Elections (Comelec).

TRANSPORTING AN ASSET — This farmer has employed the use of a tricycle outfitted to effectively transport his work animal, a water buf-falo or carabao, along Iloilo City’s Diversion Road. (Tara Yap)

CV Mine Rehabilitation Fund EstablishedBy PHOEBE JEN INDINO

TOLEDO CITY, Cebu — Aware of the need to ensure just and timely compensation for damages

and progressive and sustainable rehabilitation plans in case of any adverse effects as a result of min-ing operations, a Mine Rehabilita-tion Fund (MRF) was established by the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Re-gion 7 involving five industrial sand and gravel (ISAG) permit holders that traverse Sapangdaku river in this city.

DENR7 regional information of-ficer Eddie Llamedo bared that the said undertaking developed after a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was inked by MGB-7 Regional Di-rector Loreto B. Alburo and the five ISAG permit holders last Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

During the said MOA signing, MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo explained that the man-agement of mining operations and whatever social and environmental impacts result from such opera-tions is a shared responsibility as it involves the government, industry and other stakeholders.

The five ISAG operators with ac-tivities in Sapangdaku River which cover portions of seven barangays in this city with approved applied areas are Maria Celeste Dolino, 13.5421 hectares; Carino Obiso, 9.5304 hect-ares; Ophelio Dolino, 5.24 hectares; Humphrey Benitez, 8.3619 hectares; and Gina Besañes, 7.7640 hectares.

Leyte Gov’t Sponsors Mass

Wedding

LINIS ESTERO

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte (PIA) — Eastern Visayas marked World Water Day yesterday March 22, by conducting various activities relevant to the theme, “Water and Food Security,” highlighted by “Linis Estero” mobilization at Burayan River and Mahayahay Creek, in San Jose, Tacloban City. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the activ-ity, which began at 8 a.m. was attended by DENR personnel, media practitioners, and the city government of Tacloban.

FOREIGN TRAINING

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA6) — An international non-govern-ment organization is in need of workers to train on technology farming in Japan. Workers will be trained in Okinawa Prefec-ture for three years and will also be paid while on training, said Michiyasu Arayashiki, man-aging director of the Organiza-tion for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)- International. Arayashiki was in the province recently and made this remark during a cour-tesy call to Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr., who is also OISCA-Philip-pines president at the Capitol.

TOURISM PACKAGES

SILAY, Negros Occ. (PIA 6) — The Silay Tourism Office will launch “Duaw sa Tingadlaw” (Summer Visit), a tourism pack-age for summer vacation aimed at drawing tourists to visit the “seat of the arts, culture and ecotourism in Western Visayas." Cultural heritage tours include museum and touring ancestral houses, food trip, and folklore village exploration while Silaynon speakers can give organized groups a talk on the city’s his-torical heritage. Silay Tourism Office and IKAW-AKO Japan-Ne-gros Partnership for Environmen-tal Protection also have pack-ages for a mangrove tour, Patag upland excursion, watershed showcase, and outdoor camps.

CANINE VACCINATION

CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The lo-cal government of Mandaue City has conducted a massive free vaccination campaign to make the city rabies-free by 2013. Observing Anti-Rabies Month this March, the Mandaue City Veteri-nary Office (MCVO) vaccinated and registered a total of 8,475 dogs in all 27 barangays of the city. The MCVO also regularly conducts awareness campaign on responsible pet ownership, and free registration and vaccination for all pets. “Pet owners can save a total of R250, i.e., R100 for the registration and R150 for the vaccination fee,” according to city veterinarian Dr. Daisy Penetrante.

ZERO WASTE

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar (PIA) — The newly organized Council of Women in the City (CWC) of Borongan is will imple-ment “Zero Waste sa Kalsada” program in support of city ordi-nance number 64, an anti-litter-ing and beautification campaign dubbed “Baysay Borongan.” CWC chairman Gracia Anacta said the Brigada Eskwela to be held when school opens will see school-children barangays here en-couraged to collect plastics and cellophanes from their nearby streets. With the participation of teachers, every collected cel-lophane will be recorded and in a month's time, cash incentives will be rewarded the child with the most cellophanes collected.

By JACK C. GADAINGAN TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — For-

mal church wedding vows were said by a total of thirteen couples from Palo and Alangalang towns, this prov-ince, in a church wedding sponsored by the Leyte provincial government recently.

The couples, some already living together for a number of years, and some with up to five children, ex-changed respective marriage vows at the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Tanauan, Leyte.

The mass wedding ceremony was held separately from a mass baptism for the wed couples’ children also spon-sored by the provincial government in Palo town. The mass marital ceremony was held after it was found out that some of the couples who identified themselves as parents of the baptized children, were not formally wed, either in church or civil rites.

Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla said that this activity was meant to help the couples who wished to be married but were without monetary resources to expend for a wedding ceremony.

“More than that, since most of the couples already have children, we wanted them to have the benefit of marriage for the sake of their children,” Petilla said.

To recall, the province sponsored a mass baptism for children born under the private-run Mother Bles Birthing Clinic and assisted the children in ob-taining their official birth documents.

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Mindanao 17Friday, March 23, 2012

MINDANAONEWSBITS

YOUNG MUSICIANS

TAGUM CITY (PIA) – About 189 young musicians were added to the RTU Musical Instruments Workshop, a brainchild project of Mayor Rey T. Uy that trains chil-dren how to play various types of musical instruments. The latest addition – referred to as the 25th batch – staged their recital at the City’s Trade and Cultural Cen-ter Pavilion recently. The 25th batch of young musicians include 64 electric organists, 15 drum-mers, 56 acoustic guitarists, 15 bass guitarists, seven alto saxophones, a tenor saxophone, seven clarinet players, six trum-peters, a prince horn, 15 violin-ists, a viola, and a cellist.

MENTORS’ SEMINAR

KORONADAL CITY (PIA) – At least 295 elementary and high school teachers in nearby Tam-pakan, South Cotabato attend-ed a two-day seminar on public accountability and values en-hancement. Schools district su-pervisor Ramona F. Bangoc said the seminar aims at refreshing the school teachers of their re-sponsibilities, and improve their appreciation of their conduct as public servants. They were also reminded against practicing deeds that can be considered corrupt, Bangoc added, and en-couraged them to perform what is required of public servants such as being punctual and us-ing government property only for which these are intended.

PEACE ADVOCACY

DAVAO CITY – The Moro Is-lamic Liberation Front (MILF) has conducted peace advocacy programs recently in support to the ongoing peace negotia-tions between the government and MILF. Members of the MILF committees on social welfare and Da’wah and Masjid Af-fairs conducted dialogues with stakeholders to provide updates and prospects of the ongoing government-MILF peace talks, review of institutional status and accomplishments, and consoli-dation of plans, programs, and priorities. The two MILF commit-tees are composed of empow-ered and strong Bangsamoro women and Islamic learned scholars. (Joseph Jubelag)

A.R.M.M. COUNCIL

COTABATO CITY – Stakehold-ers in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are calling on the Aquino govern-ment to revive the ARMM legis-lature from current paralysis by appointing its new members just the way Malacañang had ap-pointed caretakers in the region-al executive branch. Concerned residents, including the Bang-samoro Successors’ Generation Network, echoed the appeal amid speculations about the ARMM governance fast becom-ing a ground for “political and selfish” schemes by individuals. The Regional Legislative Assem-bly is composed of 24 members to be elected by districts every three years, alongside the re-gional governor and vice gover-nor. (Ali Macabalang)

TRADE CARAVAN

ILIGAN CITY (PIA) – The Region-10 office of the Depart-ment of Trade and Industry (DTI-10) through its Provincial Office here and Lanao del Norte gained support from the par-ticipants in this year’s conduct of small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) caravan held at a pension house in this city recently. “We didn’t expect such number of participants of 250, as we only targeted 150 from Iligan City plus 50 slots for the Lanao del Norte participants,” said Ruel B. Paclipan, provincial director, DTI Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Provincial Office. City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz chal-lenged the SMEs to move on as the city experienced disaster recently.

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

LALA, Lanao del Norte – Major-ity of residents of Lanao del Norte and neighboring areas, including stakeholders of the local fishing industry, trooped to this town to witness and participate in the cel-ebration of this year’s “Alimango Festival” yesterday.

Visitors and curious traders from other areas in the region had the op-portunity to taste the “alimango” or crab that is abundant in the seven coastal barangays (villages) of this town fronting the Panguil Bay.

The Alimango Festival is in line with this town’s celebration of “Araw ng Lala” that coincides with the De-partment of Tourism’s (DoT’s) vision to promote and enhance community-based development and eco-oriented agriculture sustainable tourism.

According to Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Di-maporo, this town is the No. 1 producer of the local species of Ali-

By NONOY E. LACSON

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Rubber tree planting is now becoming popu-lar in many provinces in Mindanao, particularly in the Central Mindanao region as evidenced by rows of rubber trees lining the roads of the areas.

It has been observed that the provinces in the central region con-centrated in the planting of rubber trees based on the report of the Unit-ed States Agency for International Development-Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) Program.

ELDERS’ WELFARE – An elderly woman receives free medicines during the recent mobile clinic conducted by the provincial government of Lanao del Norte in the interior town of Salvador – benefiting the needy residents in the area. (Mike U. Crismundo)

LEGISLATIVE VACUUM – The building of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City is in a virtual lifeless state amid the absence of 24 RLA members to be named by Malacañang after Congress reset the 2012 ARMM elections to 2013 and authorized the President to appoint transition caretakers. (Ali G. Macabalang)

Lanao Town Marks ‘Crab Festival’mango in the province.

Aside from the town’s Charter Day celebration and the Alimango Festival, the municipal govern-ment also conducted the Alimango Street Dance Contest, consisting of a package of native and indigenous costumes, dances, and the contest depicts and promotes local cul-tures and traditions, and alimango-inspired motifs of the Ati-Atihan dances during the parade.

The crab became a symbol of unity among Christians, Lumad community, and Muslims who are living in harmony and prosperity with one another in the 27 villages of this town.

It is also a symbol of economic development as more people in various communities developed sus-tainable livelihood and agricultural practices.

The establishment of Alimango Festival was already included in the pages of the WOW Magazine and part of the registry in the calendar of activities of the DoT since 2002.

On the other hand, an agri-aqua trade fair was also established at the town proper where visitors and guests can view the products dis-played at the various booths.

During the celebration, other activities were also conducted to entertain the visitors and local residents.

These include: the Barangay “Pinaka” Contest on vegetables, live-stock and marine products; Kasalan (mass wedding); sports activities with the Sangguniang Kabataan; a tribute to the Women’s Month Celebration, citizens’ and teachers’ day; variety shows; free clinic; the 2012 Miss Lala Pageant; disco, and a fireworks display.

In another development, at least 12 towns in the province of Lanao del Norte continue to benefit from the free medical and dental mission conducted by the provincial govern-ment.

The latest of series of mobile clin-ics is in partnership with Represen-tative Fatima Aliah Dimaporo (2nd

District, Lanao del Norte).All the municipalities under the

second congressional district were already served by the free clinic last week.

The medical team is composed of doctors from the provincial hospital, staff of the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Community Affairs Of-fice, and members of the Provincial Volunteer Health Workers.

Until yesterday, the mobile clinic already visited the towns of Salvador, Sapad, Kapatagan, Munai, Lala, Sul-tan Naga Dimaporo, Poona Piagapo, and Tangkal,

On Monday, the team is scheduled to visit Pantao Ragat, and Nunungan town on the following day.

“We are now focusing our efforts on the delivery of basic health servic-es to residents of our interior munici-palities. We are happy that Governor Dimaporo and Congresswoman Dimaporo share the same passion in providing quality healthcare to their constituents,” said Provincial Health Officer Melania Untao.

Rubber Tree Propagation Gains PopularityUSAID-GEM reported that for

the period 2005-2010, overall rubber production has increased by about 25 percent in Mindanao, and went up by 50 percent in the Central Mindanao sub-region.

In order to obtain good produc-tion of rubber in North Cotabato, the University of Southern Mindanao recently partnered with the USAID to provide training on rubber tap-ping and bark management for the farmers in Aleosan town, and in the neighboring municipalities of Libun-gan and Matalam.

The training, which was imple-

mented through the USAID-GEM Program, is part of USAIDs larger ef-forts to improve the competitiveness of growers across conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, and to enable for-mer combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to diversify into high-value agriculture produc-tion like rubber tree plantation.

USAID reported that in New Panay, Aleosan, the trees, some of them over 60 years old, have wit-nessed the transformation of this once conflict-affected region into an emerging rubber production hub.

New Panay village chieftain Lolita

Caputolan said “people started plant-ing rubber here as early as the 1950s. Aleosan’s hilly terrain and agro-climatic conditions make it a good location for rubber plantations.”

It was learned that Caputolan’s father had just started the family’s rubber farm in the 1970s when armed hostilities broke out between two lo-cal ethnic groups.

“We had to flee to evacuation centers in Libungan and Midsayap. More than once, we had to stay away for two to three years from our village but every time we returned home, we found our rubber trees in relatively good condition,” she recounted.

“That’s the thing about rubber trees. They are resilient and need minimal care, unlike other crops,” Caputolan said.

As local economy and security conditions in the area improved over the years, residents focused more on developing their farms – and on realizing income from rubber pro-duction.

“Domestic demand for rubber continues to grow,” said Caputolan, a member and business adviser of the New Panay Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, whose 40 members include former combatants of the MNLF.

According to government data, aggregate rubber production in the Philippines amounted to more than 395,000 metric tons in 2010, with pro-duction concentrated in Central and Western Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of North Cotabato, Basilan, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Caputolan said the training pro-vided farmers with improved tech-niques in rubber tapping, including the proper angling and thickness of the cut.

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WORLD MONITOR

Friday, March 23, 201218 Foreign

OuT OF ThIs WORLD

RARE WhALE sWIMs uP us WEsT COAsT TO RussIAN hOME

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – A rare western Pacific gray whale that crossed the Pacific Ocean from Russian waters and spent time off Baja Mexico has moved back north along the west coast of the United States.Scientists expect the whale to cross the Pacific again to summer feeding grounds off Russia's Sakhalin Island.The 9-year-old whale was named Varvara, the Russian version of Barbara. It was tagged off Sahkalin last fall by U.S. and Russia scientists.Her journey is the first time scientists have documented an endan-gered western gray whale traveling to Baja Mexico, where most eastern gray whales breed and give birth every year.Oregon State University's Bruce Mate says that as of Saturday, Varvara had passed the entire West Coast and was in Canadian waters at the Northwest end of Vancouver Island.

PRAGuE AIRPORT

PRAGUE (AP) – A petition drive by Czechs has persuaded their government to rename Prague's Ruzyne International Airport after the late President Vaclav Havel. Transport Minister Pavel Dobes announced the decision Wednesday, saying he has pro-posed the state-run airport make the name change on Oct. 5, the 76th anniversary of Havel's birthday. Dobes says Havel's widow, Dagmar, has approved the plan to honor Havel that way. More than 82,000 people had signed a petition demand-ing the change. Filmmaker Fero Fenic, who came up with the plan, called the government's approval ``great news.'' Havel was the dissident playwright who led the 1989 revolution that toppled four decades of com-munist rule before becoming the country's president. He died Dec. 18 at age 75.

ROsWELL VIsIT

MALJAMAR, New Mexico, (AFP) – A lighthearted President Barack Obama on Wednesday joked that although he had landed in Roswell he could not disclose if extra-terrestrials had done the same in a flying saucer in 1947.''I announced to people when I landed that I come in peace,'' said the US leader, mocking an expression attributed to alien species in numerous works of fiction, including the animated blockbuster comedy ''Toy Story.''Roswell, a town of 50,000 inhabitants in the state of New Mexico, is known worldwide for being the place where a space-craft and its alien occupants were allegedly recovered 65 years ago and then hidden by the US government.

OVERsEAs TRIP

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr is making his first over-seas trip in his new job, with stops planned in Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore. Carr leaves Australia on Saturday for the weeklong trip. He became foreign minister on March 2, after his predecessor Kevin Rudd resigned amid a bid to unseat Prime Minister Julia Gillard in an internal party vote. Carr said in a statement Thursday that he is looking forward to discuss-ing political reforms in Myanmar while visiting Singapore, where he will meet his counterpart K. Shanmugam.

ROMNEY ENDORsED

MIAMI, (AFP) – Former Florida governor Jeb Bush announced Wednesday he was endorsing Mitt Romney for president, giv-ing the ex-Massachusetts gov-ernor a boost after a big win in the Illinois Republican primary. Bush issued his endorsement a day after Romney extended his lead over former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum by win-ning the Illinois primary, gaining ground in the race for the nomi-nation to challenge Democratic President Barack Obama in No-vember. Other former or current governors who have endorsed Romney include Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Jon Huntsman of Utah and Chris Christie of New Jersey.

AsTEROID IMAGEs

PASADENA, California (AP) – Sci-entists analyzing the surface of a giant asteroid are puzzling over bright spots that represent some of the purest materials seen so far by a NASA spacecraft. NASA on Wednesday released new images of the asteroid Vesta taken by the orbiting Dawn spacecraft that show some places on the surface twice as bright as others.The bright material, found mostly around craters, appeared as a result of rocks slamming into the surface and exposing it. Research-ers are still trying to determine what it's made of but believe it's pristine and unchanged from the asteroid's formation some 4 billion years ago. Dawn has been study-ing Vesta since it entered orbit last year. The spacecraft is set to depart Vesta this summer and cruise to another asteroid, Ceres, arriving in 2015.

BOULDER CITY, Nevada, (AFP) – President Barack Obama launched a bold defense of his energy policy Wednesday, fending off an election year onslaught by Republican foes who blame him for high gas prices.

''As long as I'm president, we will not walk away from the promise of clean energy,'' Obama said during a visit to a solar energy plant in Boulder City, Nevada.

Obama said he had been unable to get an energy and climate change bill through Congress, as he had promised during his campaign, be-cause ''some'' politicians were bent on preventing public investment in solar energy.

''If these guys were around when Columbus set sail, they'd be charter members of the Flat Earth Society,'' Obama joked, stressing that all US energy resources should be tapped at a time when gas prices hover on average above $3.85 per gallon (3.79 liters).

His trip was part of a two-day tour of four states as his reelection cam-paign heats up ahead of November's general elections.

Obama was due to next head to oil and gas production fields on fed-eral lands in New Mexico, in order to highlight his administration's ''com-mitment to expanding domestic oil and gas production.''

But in a jab at Republicans, Obama said ''an energy strategy that focuses only on drilling and not on an energy strategy that will free ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil, that's a losing strategy.''

He urged Congress to repeal sub-sidies to oil companies and redirect them instead toward green energy efforts.

Nevada and New Mexico are both

Obama Defends US Energy Policy

considered key battlegrounds ahead of the November 6 ballots, when Obama hopes to score a second four-year mandate ahead of the world's superpower.

Although unemployment has dropped in recent months, allowing the Democratic president to make gains in polls, rising oil prices trig-gered by tensions in the Middle East have cast a shadow over the US eco-nomic recovery.

Candidates for the Republican presidential nomination have sharp-ened their criticism of Obama.

Tuesday, frontrunner Mitt Rom-

ney reprised his attacks on Obama's economic policies and cast the gen-eral election as a choice between ''economic freedom'' and ''job-killing regulation.''

On Thursday, the president will be in Oklahoma, a state that consistently votes in the Republican column but is the proposed site of a portion of the giant Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Republicans have attacked Obama for rejecting a northern portion of the $7 billion dollar pipeline, which was supposed to link Canada to the Gulf Coast of Texas.

Obama has delayed a decision

on the pipeline until 2013, allowing Republicans to claim that Democrats have turned down a project support-ers insist would quickly create 20,000 US jobs and help bring down fuel prices in the sour economy.

In Oklahoma, Obama is expected to announce a new executive order to identify regionally and nationally significant infrastructure projects, including oil pipelines.

Before returning to Washington, Obama will make a stop in Ohio, a bellwether state in the White House race, to discuss energy research and development.

YANGON, (AFP) – Fume-belching classic European cars and ageing Japanese sedans have rattled along Myanmar's streets for decades, but as the country opens up many of the rust buckets are finally facing the scrapheap.

The cars rumble loudly as engines rebuilt with parts salvaged from dead autos gasp for life and fan belts squeal. Their headlights sometimes die at night and many have rotten floors that offer a view of the asphalt beneath.

Most of the rusting automobiles on the streets of the main city Yangon hail from Japan, but there are also classic Western models dating back to a by-gone era before the reclusive generals seized power half a century ago.

The main reason for the ageing fleet is not international sanctions; which do not prevent foreign cars reaching Myanmar's shores , but rather the sky-high import cost under the former junta.

Now, however, the country's new nominally civilian government is eas-ing car import regulations to allow more vehicles to be brought in from

Junkyard Beckons For Rust Buckets

overseas; for those who can afford it.''The government is offering own-

ers a chance to own imported used cars if they swap their old cars, which is a good idea,'' said classic car owner Than Htay, 52, as he checked the engine of his 1950s-era Mercedes Benz that in other parts of the world would arouse the interests of serious collectors.

''But many ordinary Burmese are poor and will still not be able to afford newer models,'' he added.

Under military rule, imported cars were a luxury reserved for people close to the junta, whose cronies are more likely to be seen behind the wheel of a Mercedes or a Ferrari than a battered old Toyota.

Even a two-decades-old Japanese saloon could fetch $20,000 or more, while a brand new Toyota Land Cruis-er could boast a price tag of upwards of $250,000.

In September of last year the gov-ernment announced that owners of cars at least 40 years old could trade them in for hard-to-get permits to pur-chase imported used vehicles, sending prices of the rust buckets soaring.

It said the scheme, under which the old cars will be scrapped; would be gradually expanded to include ve-hicles at least 20 years old.

But even under the offer, taxes and import duties mean a used car costs more than $10,000; a huge sum in a country where a third of the nearly 60

million people still live in poverty.Nowadays local newspapers pub-

lish special sections advertising used cars, while several dealerships offer-ing imported second-hand autos from Japan have sprung up around Yangon in recent months.

Small Chinese-made cars in brash colours can also now be seen along-side the rattletraps.

Self-taught vintage car expert and mechanic Soe Min Latt is one of thou-sands in Myanmar whose livelihoods depend on their skills in keeping the old cars on the streets.

''We can revive everything on four tires,'' boasted the 32-year-old.

He said the new scheme caused a drop in business since late last year at his shop in Yangon's Bayint Naung industrial area, with many owners who could afford to trading in their ancient models.

''Those who owned old cars were trading for import permits, instead of having them serviced and buying parts,'' he said.

But despite reforms that have advanced at a startling pace since the new government took power last year, Myanmar remains one of the world's least developed countries and owning a newer car remains just a dream for most.

Than Htay said his faded rust-orange Mercedes would remain in service, unless somebody looking to buy an old car to swap for an import permit came along with a very good offer, or if a restoration expert took the risk of going through the corrupt bureaucracy to take it abroad.

RusT BuCKETs – This photo taken on March 1, 2012 shows a rusting 1950s era Mercedes-Benz parked in Yan-gon. Belching fumes, classic European cars and ageing Japanese sedans have rattled along Myanmar’s streets for decades, but as the country opens up many of these rust buckets are facing the scrapheap. (AFP)

ENERGY POLICY – Boulder City, NV- u.s. President Barack Obama speaks at sempra u.s. Gas & Power’s Copper Mountain solar 1 facility, the largest Photovoltaic solar Plant in the united states on March 21, 2012 in Boulder City, Nevada. Obama is on a four-state tour promoting his energy policies. (AFP)

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19March 23, 2012, Friday •S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

The economy of Pakistan is the 47th largest in the world in nominal terms and 27th largest

in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). Pakistan is South Asia's second largest economy, representing about 15 percent of regional GDP. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to USD18 billion in 2011. Exports during the fiscal year 2010-11 amounted to USD25 billion as against USD20.4 billion in the fiscal year 2009-10. Being the sixth populous country in the world, having a young demographic profile, abundant availability of skilled manpower, rich mineral resources and bumper agriculture production, Pakistan is an attractive destination for investors. Pakistan falls among the middle income countries and presence of a large middle class provides vast local market to the business as well.

Despite challenges in the recent past, Pakistan’s economy remains resilient. Our economy has achieved a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of seven percent. Modern banking sector, growing industrial and agriculture sectors are making significant contribution in the national economy. There are numerous opportunities for foreign investors especially in the engineering power, manufacturing sectors and horticulture. The government aims to diversify the economy; therefore, an enabling investment environment for investors has been created in the country.

Pakistan has a strategic location that enables it to serve the market of over two billion people in China, India and Central Asia. Perhaps no other country has such a strategic location or claims such a great opportunity to businessmen and entrepreneurs. Pakistan is amongst the important emerging economies of the region, with a consumer base of 190 million people and a prime location in the heart of Asia. In order to capitalize on its strategic location, Pakistan has adopted liberal and investor friendly policies, broad features of

Pakistan’s Economy Offers Stellar Prospects

to Foreign Investorswhich include; proactive facilitation, guarantees of equal treatment to both local and foreign investors, easy tariff structures and a liberal regime on repatriation of profits. Almost all sectors of economy are open to investment with attractive incentives and liberal policies to give Pakistan an edge over all its regional competitors.

Pakistan is an investor friendly country and offers complete legal protection to foreign investment in all sectors. Foreign companies can start their business without any official approvals on 100% equity basis. The Government has established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to offer some additional benefits and facilities to the foreign investors. The foreign businesses can freely remit royalties, technical and franchise fee, capital, profits and dividends. To provide a hassle free business environment, the Board of Investment (BOI), Government of Pakistan has almost become ‘One Window” operation to facilitate investors. The initiatives taken by the BOI to setup Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and other Industrial Zones further harness the investment and the BOI assures its full cooperation and support to the investors ready to come to Pakistan.

The Government has declared the Power Sector as one of the top priorities for investment and is taking all necessary measures to build a more conducive environment by simplifying procedures to facilitate potential investors. At present, Pakistan’s total installed generation capacity from Hydroelectr ic , Thermal, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and Nuclear

Celebr atingPAKIS TAN Day72nd

H.E SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANIPrime Minister

H.E ASIF ALI ZARDARIPresident

QUAID-E-AZAM MUHAMMAD ALI

JINNAHFounder

MESSAGESOn the auspicious and happy occasion of the 72nd anniversary of Pakistan Day, I avail the opportunity to wholeheartedly greet the readers of the Manila Bulletin and through them the people of the Philippines and members of Pakistani community in the Philippines.

On this momentous day, on 23 March 1940, the Muslims of the sub-continent gathered in Lahore under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and adopted the Pakistan Resolution, which changed the course of history.

Pakistan Resolution represented the beginning of a journey, which started from seeking a separate homeland for the Muslims in the Muslim majority regions of the subcontinent and successfully culminated in attaining the goal of a separate Muslim state. The establishment of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, only seven years after adoption of Pakistan Resolution, is a living testimony to the Muslims’ commitment towards the cause of right to self-determination and willingness to go the extra mile for realization of their ideals.

As we celebrate the 72nd Pakistan Day today, it is important to introspect ourselves whether we achieved the objective for which the Muslims of the sub-continent rendered immense sacrifices with their blood. The present democratically elected government remains committed to translating the dream of our founding fathers into reality. The various milestones achieved by the government such as the passage of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments, NFC Award, strengthening of Parliament and other state institutions and the Balochistan package to name only few are geared towards strengthening the Federation of Pakistan by removing the age-old deprivations of the federating units. The Government of Pakistan has founded a culture of reconciliation and dialogue to resolve the national and international issues in concurrence with all stakeholders.

Pakistan’s economy, which faced serious challenges at the time of assumption of the office by the present government after 2008 elections, is turning around. Thanks to pro-active economic policies by the present government, Pakistan’s economy has shown healthy signs of improvement in 2011 as the economic activity in the country became relatively firm during the second half of 2011. According to a World Bank report, Pakistan’s industrial production grew at a robust 32.1 percent annualized pace during the three months ending in October, 2011 after falling at 9.1 and 10.1 percent during the first and second quarters of 2011. The World Bank noted that monetary tightening in Pakistan brought about positive real lending rates in early 2011 as well, the first time since late 2009.

Pakistan’s export rate strengthened particularly in the first half of 2011, led by textiles that surged 39 percent in the first half of the year. Robust exports along with an upswing in worker remittances inflows have supported Pakistan’s external positions and contributed to an improvement in the current account from a deficit of 0.9 percent of GDP in 2010 to a surplus of close to 0.5 percent of GDP in 2011. Remittance inflow to Pakistan rose by an estimated 25 percent in 2011.

Cordial and cooperative relations between Pakistan and the Philippines are the hallmarks of 63 years old bilateral relations. Democratic governments being at the helms of affairs in both Pakistan and the Philippines have witnessed high level interaction and closeness. The fruitful interaction between the leadership of our two countries gave fresh impetus for further enhancement and broadening of relations.

Regular Policy Consultation Talks between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines set directions and identify new avenues of cooperation between the two countries. Both sides are committed to further intensify cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, trade, education, science & technology and promotion of people-to-people contacts.

An important and mutually beneficial element of our friendly relation is the growing volume of bilateral trade. I firmly believe in the wisdom behind President Benigno S. Aquino III’s observation that trade is an important source of employment for the work force in the economy of a country. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Philippines remained over US$ 152 million during 2010-2011. Pakistan’s exports to the Philippines were recorded at US$103 million. The Philippines’ exports to Pakistan amounted to US$49 million. The trade between the two countries has witnessed tremendous growth since last few years and exports from Pakistan to the Philippines have diversified. This gives us a good reason to be optimistic, since greater potential exists which need to be tapped for the betterment and welfare of the people of both the countries.

In the field of culture, which is an important avenue of people-to-people contact, there is growing cooperation. Both countries signed the Philippines-Pakistan Cultural Exchange Program for the period 2011-2015 on 4 November, 2011. Cooperation in other sectors such as Defence, investment, education is expanding and there is desire from both sides to further fortify the relations. I am confident that 2012 would be yet another fruitful year of further expanding cooperation between the government and peoples of Pakistan and the Philippines.

On behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan and all Pakistanis in the Philippines, I wish resounding successes to our Filipino friends in their endeavours for peace and prosperity on the happy occasion of the “72nd Pakistan Day”.

Mabuhay! and Pakistan Zindabad

Mohsin RaziAmbassador

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

On behalf of the Philippine gove rn -m e n t , I ex-tend my warmest congrat-

ulations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as you commemo-rate your 72nd Pakistan Day

Republic Day honors events in Pakistan’s evolution as a state; the passage of the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940, which called for the creation of a separate Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent, and the promulgation of the new Constitution on 23 March 1956, which transformed Pakistan into an Islamic Republic. These two events in Pakistan’s history manifested your country’s desire to forge a unique national identity.

The Philippines and Pakistan nurture a strong bilateral relationship which dates back to the foundation of diplomatic relations on 18 September 1949. Our bonds have seen us reciprocate high level visits between our two countries , and have allowed us to extend mutual support in regional and international fora, primarily in the United Nation, the ASEAN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

This strong partnership was enhanced with the holding of the 3rd Philippine-Pakistan Policy Consultation in Islamabad in January 2011, and the signing of the Executive Program on Cultural Exchange for 2011-2015 in Manila in November also last year which signify our common desire to expand our cooperation in various field. I am confident that our initiatives, in culture, counter-terrorism, defense cooperation, trade and investment, science and technology, as well as interfaith dialogue, will continue to progress in the years to come.

I take this opportunity to wish their excellencies, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani good health and continued success, and the people of Pakistan, enduring prosperity and genuine peace.

Mabuhay!

ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIOSecretary of Foreign Affairs

sources stands at 19,566 MW. The existing capacity of thermal power generation in Pakistan stands at 12,630 MW, which is almost two-third (64.6 percent) of the country’s total generation capacity. Hydel energy is the second largest sources of electricity and accounts for 33.1 percent of total power generation in the country. The rapid economic growth over the past few years has led to a power shortage in Pakistan and the country today is looking for investment in power production to meet its short and long term power needs. Solar and Wind Power sector can be explored by potential investors.

The financial sector of Pakistan is regarded as one of the best performing sectors in our region. The banking sector has shown robust performance and so have the stock markets. The contribution of the service sector in the growth of the economy has been almost 60% over

the last few years. The financial sector has also attracted significant attention from the foreign investors in the recent past and still holds sufficient potential.

We avail this opportunity to invite Filipino investors to visit the Board of Investment for consultation to do business in Pakistan, where stellar profits are awaiting the prospective Filipino investors. The Embassy of Pakistan, Manila and Board of Investment Government of Pakistan assures you its full support and commitment to facilitate all your investment needs. Board of Investment can be contacted online at www.pakboi.gov.pk.

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Sports20 Friday, March 23, 2012

Editor: DING T. MARCELO [email protected]

Bulls Determined To End DroughtTORONTO (Reuters) — The

NBA-leading Chicago Bulls remain wary of complacency as they look to close out a dominant regular season, mindful of their premature exit from last year's playoffs as the top seed.

Chicago has not lost consecutive games all season and carry a 39-10 record with 17 games left, raising their hopes of ending a 14-year title drought.

“We are not satisfied with regular season. Right now we are just getting prepared for what's yet to come,” Joakim Noah, who leads Chicago in rebounds and blocks per game, said

before the Bulls' 94-82 road win over the Toronto Raptors.

“We want to play our best basket-ball during the playoffs and just stay focused, stick to our principles and just improve while winning.”

The Bulls do not need any remind-ers that dominance in the regular season does not guarantee playoff success as they were the top seed last year before falling to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Bulls' latest victory, their 14th in the last 16 games, came despite playing without injured starters Der-rick Rose and Richard Hamilton.

Rose, the NBA's reigning most valuable player, missed his fifth consecutive game with a sore groin while Hamilton remained out with a sprained right shoulder he suffered two weeks ago.

The injuries have not slowed down the red-hot Bulls as Noah and Carlos Boozer are among a handful of players who have stepped up their game.

“The thing for us is to continue to strive for improvement in all areas because what you're trying to do is you want to be playing your best basketball at the end of the season,” said the Bulls' Tom Thibodeau, who

earlier this week became the fastest NBA coach to 100 career wins when he set the mark in his 130th game.

“You want to build the right habits, you're also trying to be as healthy as possible. We know we have a long way to go.'”

The Bulls need only to look at the standings to find motivation, with Miami nipping at their heels for the conference lead.

“Always stay on edge and never feel good about yourself. That's one thing about our team, we always play with edge,” said Bulls forward Taj Gibson.

NBA RESULTS

New York 82, Philadelphia 79Orlando 103, Phoenix 93Chicago 94, Toronto 82

Washington 108, New Jersey 89Atlanta 103, Cleveland 102 OT

Golden State 101, New Orleans 92Oklahoma City 114, LA Clippers 91San Antonio 116, Minnesota 100

Denver 116, Detroit 115LA Lakers 109, Dallas 93

“When you feel too good about yourself somebody just comes and knocks you on your butt and that's kind've the mindset we have and it's been working so far.”

NEW YORK (AFP/AP) — Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and Jeremy Lin added 18 to power the New York Knicks to their fifth victory in a row, defeating hosts Philadel-phia 82-79 in an NBA matchup on Wednesday.

The Knicks have not lost since Mike Woodson took over as coach, re-placing Mike D'Antoni, who resigned after disagreeing with ownership and players over the direction the team should take.

Lin, the Asian-American sensa-tion, came off the bench last month to spark New York to seven victories in a row and now the Knicks are catch-ing fire once again as the push to the playoffs begins.

At 23-24, the Knicks are eighth in the Eastern Conference. And by beat-ing the 76ers, 26-21, they pulled within three games of Atlantic division lead-er Philadelphia in the standings.

Jrue Holiday scored 16 points to lead Philadelphia.

LAKERS 109, MAVS 93In Dallas, Kobe Bryant scored 30

points and Pau Gasol added 27 points and nine rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers stopped the defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks' four-game winning streak with a 109-93 victory on Wednesday night.

Ramon Sessions contributed 17 points and nine assists in his fourth game for the Lakers since he was acquired in a trade with Cleveland on March 15.

Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Terry scored 23 points for the Mavericks, who fell to 0-3 against the Lakers this season.

THUNDER 114, CLIPPERS 91At Oklhaho City, Kevin Durant

had 32 points and nine rebounds and Russell Westbrook added 19 points as the Thunder shut down Blake Griffin to beat the Clippers.

Playing in his hometown, Griffin was held to a career-low seven points in the rematch of a Clippers victory perhaps best remembered for his em-

phatic dunk over Kendrick Perkins.Griffin didn't have any dunks in

this one, settling mostly for long jumpers and hook shots, and went just 3 for 11 from the field.

Randy Foye started in place of Caron Butler and scored 23 points to lead Los Angeles, which hit 37 per-cent on a miserable shooting night from inside the 3-point line.SPURS 116, TIMBERWOLVES 100

At San Antonio, Tim Duncan had 21 points and 15 rebounds as San Antonio beat Minnesota despite play-ing most of the game without All-Star guard Tony Parker.

Stephen Jackson and Gary Neal each added 16 points for the Spurs, who won their fourth straight and fifth in their last six.

Parker left with tightness in his left hamstring with 8:03 remaining in the first half. He spoke briefly with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich before heading to the locker room with two points and six assists.

KNICKS 82, 76ERS 79At Philadelphia, Amare Stou-

demire had 21 points and nine re-bounds to lead New York to its fifth straight victory.

Jeremy Lin scored 18 points and Carmelo Anthony had 10 to help the Knicks pull within three games of the Atlantic Division leaders. Elton Brand had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers. Jrue Holiday scored 16.

The Sixers shook off a miserable start and a double-digit hole to make a run in the fourth, with Lou Williams nailing a 3-pointer to tie it at 63.

MAGIC 103, SUNS 93At Orlando, Ryan Anderson hit

seven 3-pointers and scored 29 points, and Dwight Howard added 28 points and 16 rebounds to help Orlando hold off Phoenix.

Orlando led by as many as 22 before the Suns rallied with under 5 minutes to play. But the Magic, who were 11 for 23 from beyond the arc, were able to string together enough baskets down the stretch to hold on.

Lin Helps Knicks Nip

Philadelphia

The AirAsia Philippine Patriots will face a familiar foe on Sunday as they travel again to face the Job-street.com Singapore Slingers at the Indoor Stadium.

Center Kyle Jeffers was tapped by the Slingers before last weekend's games in a move to boost the Sin-gaporeans’ faltering bid of making to the semifinals of the eight-team league.

Standing at 6-foot-8, Jeffers was one of Singapore's American imports during the league's first two seasons. He led the Slingers in the semis in each of the first two seasons but lost both times to Satria Muda BritAma

and the Chang Thailand Slammers.Jeffers had 14 points, 10 rebounds,

six assists, and two steals in his re-turn on Sunday as Singapore defeated Thailand, 77-70, to snap a seven-game losing skid.

The Slingers are in sixth place at 5-8, trailing the Indonesia Warriors (6-7) and Bangkok Cobras (5-7) in the race for the last semis berth.

Jeffers replaced Donald Little, who moved to the Westports Malaysia Dragons after Brian Williams suf-fered a knee injury.

The Patriots, who will head to the Lion City on Saturday, are seeking their fourth victory after coming off a rigorous three-game, 10-day road trip.

Patriots BattleSlingers On Sunday

By joNAS TERRAdo

dr james Tan, president of the Grace Christian College and judith Tan, Student Affairs directress, pose with the jr. NBA coaches during a recent clinic at the GCC gym which drew hundreds of participants.

The 2nd round of NAMSSA’s 2012 National Motocross Development Program gets underway on Sunday at the Speedworld MX Circuit, SM City Bicutan.

The races this weekend will serve as the final tune-up event for the Philippine National Motocross Team members competing in the 2012 FIM Asian Motocross Supercross Cham-pionship scheduled on April 12-15 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

This year marks the ninth straight year that the Philippine leg of the FIM Asian continental motocross champi-onship will be hosted and sponsored by the City of Puerto Princesa.

As in previous seasons, the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Associa-tion (NAMSSA) is once again tasked to organize the event which is also recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and spon-sored by Asia Brewery.

The overall individual winner in the premier Asian MX2 category will be awarded the 2012 Mayor Hagedorn Cup, a handsome sterling silver token from the Hon. Edward S. Hagedorn and his constituents.

This year’s edition of the Asian continental series promises to be bigger and better than the previous versions with the introduction of the Asian Veterans class, a category for riders 40-55 years of age.

Asian MotoSlated InBicutan

Clark Field To Host BaseballBaseball Philippines will hold ma-

jority of its games for the 2012 season in three newly-installed fields in Clark Field, Pampanga.

This developed after the league and Clark Development Corporation forged a partnership recently to hold the matches every Sunday at the former US naval facility.

CDC president and Dumaguete Uni-Bikers owner Ping Remollo of-fered the hosting of the games and BP officials welcomed it gratefully.

The new season, which retained the six teams led by the four-peat seeking Manila Sharks, opens on Mar. 31 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. Games on the following day will also be held at the same venue before the matches shifts to Clark beginning on Apr. 22.

For the first time in history, the league will have a triple-round elimi-nation schedule or 15 games per teams. The top four teams will enter the semis with the finals being a best-

of-three series.Other squads competing this sea-

son are the Cebu Dolphins, Batangas Bulls, Alabang Tigers and the Taguig Patriots.

Batangas battles Alabang in the opening day at 8 a.m., Manila takes on Taguig at 11 a.m. before Cebu and Dumaguete clash at 2 p.m.

Coached by Jhoel Palanog, Manila has ruled the league's last three tour-naments led by formidable pitchers Charlie Labrador, Jonjon Robles and key hitters Christian Galedo, Saxon Omandac and Jarus Inobio.

Expected to challenge the Sharks' four-peat bid are Batangas and Cebu. The Bulls will be led by Justin Zial-cita and Charles Catangui while the pitcher Joseph Orillana is expected to lead the Dolphins' attack.

SEA Games baseball hero Darwin dela Calzada will spearhead Taguig's quest to make a return trip to the semis, Matt Laurel is going to power Alabang's campaign and Dumaguete is leaning on its young core to make significant strides this season.

By joNAS TERRAdo

New York Knicks guard jeremy Lin (middle) protects the ball from Philadelphia 76ers defenders Lou Wil-liams, jrue Holiday and Elton Brand during their NBA game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. USA. The Knicks won, 82-79. (EPA)

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Sports Friday, March 23, 2012 21MEDIRun

SlatedMEDICard, one

of the country’s lead-ing health mainte-nance organization (HMO) companies, celebrates its 25th anniversary and good health by stag-ing its first ever MEDIRun on May 19 at Bonifacio Glob-al City.

The event will showcase a 100 me-ter toddler and kiddie dash as well. Events on tap are 100m, 3K, 5K, 10K. Prizes await the winners in all di-visions. Registration fee is pegged at P450 for non-MEDICard members, P350 for MEDICard mem-bers and P200 for toddlers.

Aside from priz-es, participants are entitled to pre-race check-up vouchers which entitles them to special rates for select run-related tests that can be availed at MEDI-Card clinics.

These include free cholesterol screening, free trig-lycerides test, free check-up with a pri-mary care physician, 30% discount on treadmill stress test and 20% discount on lipid profiling. Registration starts March 30 at Chris Sports and select MEDICard clinics – Alabang, Fairview, Las Piñas, Medicard Lifestyle Makati, Or-tigas, Quezon City and Santa Rosa.

Shakey'sVolleyMighty Sports-

H o p e C h r i s t i a n High School and Baguio City Na-tional HS survived a pair of four-setters to join University of St. La Salle and Pajo National High School at the start of the Shakey’s Vol-ley League Tourna-ment of Champions in Davao City last Wednesday.

The HCS toss-ers, who beat the National U side to rule the NCR elims last week, recov-ered from a second set setback and out-steadied Davao City National HS, 25-15, 24-26, 25-17, 26-24, to match Pajo’s vic-tory in Pool B in the two-division tourna-ment which features the eight winners of the various regional legs of the annual event sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza and organized by Metro Sports.

Pajo swept De La Salle-Lipa, 25-19, 25-19, 25-10.

T h e B a g u i o -based spikers, on the other hand, turned back New Ormoc City National HS, 25-23, 25-13, 22-25, 25-22, to pace Pool A with Univ. of St. La Salle, which clob-bered Holy Family Academy, 25-8, 25-9, 25-11.

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Brian Viloria’s first defense of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crown against Omar Nino Romero of Mexico has been pushed back to April 22..

The venue will still be the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, according to Solar Sports big boss Peter Chanliong, who revealed that Romero has to settle his an obligation with the Nevada Ath-letic Commission before his title chal-lenge can be sanctioned by the WBO.

Chanliong said he has gotten in touch with the NAC regarding Rome-ro’s woes and that everything will be settled in the coming weeks, paving the way for the staging of the title fight in the country.

Viloria had crowned himself as the WBO 112-lb king last December after stopping the heavily-favored Giovani Segura of Mexico.

The fight with Romero will be held

around Sunday noon so it can ac-commodate the large audience in the mainland US and Mexico.

Viloria, born to pure Ilocano parents in Hono-lulu, is in the thick of training in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the other Filipino world boxing champions and contenders are also going to be busy in the coming months.

WBO minimum weight titlist Don-nie Nietes will return in mid-May, while Manny Pacquiao is booked for a June 9 date and Nonito Donaire will resurface in July.

Sonny Boy Jaro, the reigning World Boxing Council flyweight ruler, will meet mandatory challenger Toshiyuki Igarashi in June in Japan.

Sports22 Friday, March 23, 2012

By KRiSTEL SATUMBAGA

PH Boxer Assured Of Bronze

Czech Ends Capadocia’s Win RunEven in tennis, height is might.Marian Jade Capadocia learned

that yesterday as she suffered a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to the towering Barbora Krejcikova of Czech Republic in their third round showdown in the 23rd Mitsubishi-Lancer International Junior Championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

With her 5-foot-10 rival firing rock-ets, the 5-foot-2 Capadocia was ren-dered helpless, falling into a maze of errors that hastened her downfall in the game delayed by several hours due to bad weather.

Capadocia tried to make the match

interesting by engaging her third seeded rival in several long rallies but Krejcikova proved steadier and stronger than her.

Capadocia, who won a local wom-en's tournament late last year, also struggled with her serves in their one hour and 40 minutes showdown.

Krejcikova, who has an ITF ranking of No. 39, thus arranged a quarterfinal match against the winner between eighth seed Nao Hibino of Japan and ninth pick Abbie Myers of Australia, who were playing at presstime.

Capadocia, however, remained in the hunt in the doubles after her part-nership with Fil-Vietnamese Tamitha Nguyen won, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, over the

Japanese pair of Natsumi Chimura and Kanami Tsuji, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, to barge into the second round of the Grade 1 tournament Wednesday.

Among the matches stopped by intermittent rains was the match of Jurence Mendoza against 16th seed Liu Siyu of China.

Mendoza crawled from a 2-3 deficit to take a 5-4 lead in the first set before the match was stopped for the second time.

Jordan Thompson of Australia and Krittin Koaykul of Thailand, mean-while, shocked their respective seeded foes to advance to the boys' quarters.

Thompson surprised Korean fifth seed Chung Hyeon, 6-1, 6-4, while Koaykul stunned 12th pick Jordan Angus of Great Britain, 7-5, 6-1.

Top pick Nikola Milojevic of Serbia easily crushed Jacob Grills of Australia, 6-3, 6-0, to also move into the Final 8, while Omar Jasika of Australia bested fellow Daniel Guccione, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

But for Capadocia and Nguyen to advance to the third round, they have to raise their game several notches to outplay the third seed pair of Oleksan-dra Korashvili of Ukraine and Anna Tyulpa of Russia.

Korashvili and Tyulpa, both ranked in the top 80, earned a first-round bye.

Marinel Rudas and Hong Kong's Carina Ma Ka Man, likewise, also took a bye and will meet seventh pick Kimberley-Ann Surin of Canada and Hsu Ching-Wen of Taiwan, in the sec-ond round. But the rest of Filipino bets were unsuccessful.

The University of Perpetual Help System dalta (UPHSd) Altas Perps squad finished third in the recent 2012 National Cheerleading Cham-pionship held in Phil Sports Arena in Pasig City. The CCP Bobcats emerged champions for the fourth time while the FEU Cheering Team settled for second.

Thailand’s Krittin Koaykla returns a shot against jordan Angus during their quarterfinal match in the 23rd Mitsubishi Lancer International junior Tennis Championship at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. (Bob dungo jr.)

Nesthy Petecio assured the Philip-pines of at least a bronze medal by advancing to the semis in grand fash-ion in the 6th Asian Women's Boxing Championships Wednesday at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Palace here.

The dusky Davaoeña bantam-weight again displayed agility and power in annihilating North Korean Un Jong Choe, 12-5.

The wily Korean tried to use one-upmanship to rattle the Filipina, but Petecio kept her cool and stayed with her game plan of quick punches to the head and body behind excellent footwork to pile up points.

She got the nod of all 5 judges in the 4-round affair to set up a semis meeting with China's Kejia Luo on Saturday.

Not as fortunate was Josie Gabuco

who ran into Yukie Luo in her first ap-pearance in the 48 Kg light-flyweight category.

The Puerto Princesa native en-gaged the Chinese fighter in several fierce exchanges, but came out with the shorter end, 16-10.

The other member of the PLDT-ABAP team, flyweight Alice Kate Aparri sees action Thursday against Vietnam's Tuyet Mai Nguyen Thi.

Aparri earlier disposed of Chi-nese-Taipei's Meng-Shieh Pin while Tuyet won over Sri Lanka's Anusha Dilrukshi Kodithuw in the first round of eliminations.

The winner of the match earns a slot to the semis. India's Meri Kom and China's Ren Cancan are the fa-vored boxers in this 51 Kg class.

ULAANBAATAR, Mon-golia — Filipina slugger

NESTHY PETECio

Viloria Defends Title April 22Former world No. 1 Venus Williams of the United States reaches for her shot against Kimiko date-Krumm of japan during their match at the Sony Ericsson open on Key Biscayne, Florida, USA. Williams won, 6-0, 6-3. (EPA)

Nate Burkey scored two goals on Wednesday night as Kaya FC trounced Nomads Auction Manila, 3-1, to gain the solo lead in the UFL first division at the University of Makati (UMak) Field.

Coming off a stint with the Philip-pine Azkals in the AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal, Burkey showed no signs of fatigue as he scored the second and third goals to hike Kaya's point total to 18.

With six wins in seven games, Kaya is now three points ahead of Loyola Meralco and Global FC.

Loyola Meralco was playing Pasargad, also at the UMak Field last night.

Joshua Beloya, who was also part of the Azkals roster in Nepal, gave Kaya its first goal in the 27th minute before Burkey struck in the 43rd and 55th minutes.

Dominic William Mensah gave Nomads a consolation goal in the 71st minute or 19 minutes before extra time.

The defeat was the third for the seventh-running Nomads booters against one win and two draws.

Action continues tomorrow at the UMak Field in Makati.

Burkey LiftsKaya PastNomads

By joNAS TERRAdoViLoRiA

By NiCK GioNGCo

Games Tuesday(The Arena, San juan)

2 p.m. — RnW Pacific Pipes vs Boracay Rum4 p.m. — Junior Powerade vs NLEX

Big Chill TripsCaféFrance, 74-73

By joNAS TERRAdo

Allan Santos beat the buzzer yesterday to lift Big Chill past Cafe-France, 74-73, giving new coach Robert Sison a rousing debut in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Trailing by a point with 1.3 seconds left, inbounder Alex Mallari threw a lob pass intended for Keith Jensen to the right side of the shaded lane.

Jensen failed to get a good grip of the ball and muffed the shot but an alert Santos came through with an easy putback before the horn and the Superchargers wildly celebrated their come-from-behind win.

"It was a well-executed play," said Sison. "I have to give credit to the boys, they stayed with the system even though we have been practicing for five days."

The heroics of Santos enabled Big Chill, which trailed by a high of 11 points in the third quarter, to barge into the win column after a disappointing 80-70 loss to NLEX last week.

That setback forced management to make a change, replacing Arsenio Dysangco.

Sison was a former mentor of the Negros Slashers and Montana Pawnshop in the now-defunct MBA and PBL.

Santos' winning shot was actually a make-up for committing a looseball foul with 2.4 seconds left. But Café-France's Josan Nimes lost the ball off an inbound, giving Big Chill a chance to steal the game.

Mallari led Big Chill with 16 points while bruiser Jewel Ponferrada added 12 points and seven boards. Mac Montilla had 11 markers while Santos chipped in four including the game-winner.

The defeat spoiled CaféFrance's bid to go 2-0 for the first time in his-tory. It also put in vain a career-game from former Far Eastern University guard Jens Knuttel.

Knuttel, seldom-used during his UAAP days and played just one game for RnW Pacific Pipes last confer-ence, scored a career-high 18 points aside from tallying four rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 27 minutes.

The scores:First Game

BiG CHiLL 74 — Mallari 16, Ponferrada 12, Montilla 11, Jensen 8 Tan 8, Viernes 5, Reyes 5, Dizon 5, Santos 4, Collado 0, Glorioso 0.

CAFéFRANCE 73 — Knuttel 18, Parala 17, Nimes 15, Guillen 6, Mabayo 6, Semira 5, Or-beta 3, Jasmin 2, Ighalo 1, Garcia 0, Gallardo 0, Magbitang 0, Magat 0.

Quarters: 17-16; 33-35; 53-58; 74-73.

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Sports Friday, March 23, 2012 23

Members of the Camp john Hay Seniors team hoist their trophies after completing their back-to-back title romp in the 24th Philippine Corporate Cup at john Hay Golf Club in Baguio City recently. They are (third from left) Clyde Cabreros, Nelson Eslao, Fred Puckett and Park jong Won with CjH Golf Club board member Rafael de Tagle (left) and CjHGC general manager Steve Mcdonald.

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) got an opportunity of a lifetime as he made it to the list of torchbearers during the Olym-pic Torch Relay leading to the London Games this July.

Reymund Enteria, a native of Antipolo City who works as a therapist in Kent, England, was among the 7,300 torchbearers named for the momentous event lasting 70 days and snaking through 1,000 cities, towns and villages in a 8,000-mile journey that begins May 18.

“I am truly grateful to be chosen as torchbearer. I share this honor to all OFWs around the world. I’m proud to represent our country” the 30-year-old Enteria said in an e-mail to Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco early this week.

“To my family, friends, relatives, patients and colleagues at work, be proud as I am officially chosen to be an Olympic torch-bearer,” added the son of a former jeepney driver who’s been working abroad since he was 25.

Enteria made it along with 7,229 others after passing the public nomination processes run by the Olympic organizers and presenting partners Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. The remaining 300 will be chosen in the coming weeks.

Enteria’s big Olympic moment comes on July 22, when the torch relay enters Barking and Dagenham boroughs in the heart of London, five days before the biggest, greatest athletic show on earth comes off the wraps.

Apol to family and friends, Enteria will be among the 115 people who’ll take the limelight as torchbearers on that special day, when the Olympic Flame enters its final few stages before arriving at the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremonies on July 27.

When informed of the news, Philippine team Chief of Mission and POC vice-president Manny Lopez immediately congratu-lated Enteria for getting the “honor which comes only once in a lifetime”.

“It (his inclusion in the relay team) will be a good representa-tion for the more than 90 million Filipinos,” said Lopez. “It shows that the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and LOGOC are putting credence to our presence in the Olympic movement.”

OFW Named Olympic

Torch Bearer

Surging Tigers Eye Playoff BerthBy WAYLoN GALVEz

STANdiNGS W LTalk ’N Text 5 2B-Meg 5 3Ginebra 4 3Powerade 4 3Barako Bull 4 4Alaska 4 4Air21 3 4Petron Blaze 3 5Meralco 3 5Rain or Shine 3 5

Games Today(Smart-Araneta Coliseum)5:15 p.m. — Air21 vs Meralco

7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs PoweradeGame Tomorrow

(Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)6:45 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Talk ’N Text

Powerade, a surprise finalist in the Philippine Cup and a team besieged by off-court controversies, hopes to extend its magical run against Alaska in the hope of clinch-ing an outright playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigers, who surprised ev-erybody when they advanced to the championship round for the first time in nine years, will try to do the same in this shortened but exciting reinforced tournament.

Powerade coach Bo Perasol and his boys hope to formalize their entry to the next round as they aim to beat Alaska at 7:30 p.m.

Clashing in the curtain raiser at 5:15 p.m. are Air21 and Meralco, who are also in the thick of playoff fight where only the top ix teams will ad-vance while eliminating the last four squads after the single elimination round.

The top two teams will earn out-right slots in the best-of-five semifi-nal, while the third to sixth teams will play in the crossover best-of-three

quarterfinal showdown.So far, only defending champion

Talk ’N Text (5-2) and B-Meg (5-3) are assured of at least a playoff in the next stage.

Even the three teams at the bot-tom of the standings, Rain or Shine, which claimed its second straight win with a 101-95 victory over B-Meg Wednesday night, Petron Blaze and Meralco – all with 3-5 cards – have mathematical chances to earn a spot in the playoffs.

A victory by the Tigers will give them, as well as the Tropang Texters and the Llamados playoff berths.

However, Perasol isn’t thinking too much about the scenarios.

“We can’t be distracted with so many possibilities when we win or when we lose,” said Perasol. “We just want to focus on getting a crucial win.”

The Tigers are coming off a 121-92 win over the Express last week, but they will have to contend with the tall frontline of the Aces.

“We will definitely be undersized as compared to Alaska but we will find a way to win,” Perasol added.

Powerade will again rely on Gary David, Marcio Lassiter and JV Casio, while providing interior production are 6-foot-11 import Dwayne Jones and 6-foot-4 forward Sean Anthony.

The Aces, who are nursing a 90-75 setback to the Llamados a week back, are expected to bank heavily on 7-foot import Adam Parada, 6-foot-7 Sonny Thoss, 6-foot-6 JR Reyes, and backcourt mates LA Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio and Bonbon Custodio.

If Alaska wins and Meralco beats

Air21, the Aces will advance to the playoffs together with TNT and B-Meg.

“There is a small window of opportunity for us to make the playoffs, that small opportunity is dependent on our victory against Air21. For sure, we will do what-ever it takes to have a chance for the last bus,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Our season is on the brink. Our survival instincts will again be tested. We will keep on fight-ing until the fighting is over,” he added.

Barako Bull guard Wynne Arboleda comforts team-mate Mick Pennisi when he fell down after getting hit in the head by a ball thrown by new Petron Blaze import Will Mcdonald during the second quarter of their PBA Commis-sioner’s Cup game Wednes-day night at Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Mcdonald was thrown out after the incident and his ejection contributed to Petron’s loss to Barako Bull, 94-80. (Ali Vicoy)

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Lifestyle

24 Friday, March 23, 2012

Like scouts would say, it’s always best to be prepared. And you will be surprised at how technology can help us make our home fire free. Ever the helpful place, ACE Hardware shares with us some fire prevention tips, as well as some great gear to have around the house.

*Prevention and protection, of course, are the best ways to go. And it maybe a good idea to use Fire Flame Guard Retardant Paints, install smoke alarms in your home and protect your valuables and important documents in all steel fire safes.

*Always be prepared. Have fire escape masks, non-toxic fire extinguishers and collapsible fire escape ladders handy for fire emergencies.

While shopping for your fire-safety needs for your home at ACE Hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders stores, check out also its ongoing Fire Safety and Protection Must-Haves promotion where you can avail great savings and discounts on assorted fire safety products only this March. You can earn Rewards Points when you use your SM Advantage, Prestige, and BDO

Rewards Cards when you shop.

Likewise, every P500 single or accumulated purchase entitles you to a raffle coupon and a chance to win one of six (6) Nissan Frontier cars until March 31. You can also double your chances of winning when you use your SM Advantage, Prestige, and BDO Rewards Cards when you shop.

You can find these items at selected stores of ACE Hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders or you can visit our website at www.acehardware.ph.

This Panasonic Slim Smoke and Voice Alarm warns about fire and equipment problems.

This Halotron Fire Extinguisher from Palmer Asia will help you save lives and property in a fire. It is non-expirable, non-toxic, non-acidic and leaves no messy residue.

Keep your family safe from fire with this folding Escape Ladder from Kidde.

This Honeywell Fire Safe has a four number combination lock, which provides a high level of security.

Innovative Fire Safe from Honeywell with digital lock.

Wear this Miller Fire Escape Mask

with hood to help you breathe normally in a

room filled with smoke.

Fire proof your home with these Fire Flame Guard Retardant Paints.

Every P500 single or accumulated purchase at ACE Hardware, ACE Express and ACE Builders stores until March 31 entitles one to win one of six Nissan Frontiers.

March is known as the

Fire Prevention Month, and

this is the best time to think

of precautions to reduce the risk of fire in

our homes and offices.

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NEWS IN BRIEF MARKET& INVESTMENT

Global money transfer company MoneyGram is bullish that the Philip-pines can be the third largest ‘remit-tance received’ market in the world as remittance from the 8.2 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)

worldwide is expected to increase this year.

This was shared by MoneyGram International executives during the launch of the company’s ‘Moneygrado’ campaign, a global marketing drive specifically aimed to reach the Filipi-nos living around the world, not only

geographically, but through messages and initiatives that are culturally and emotionally relevant.

According to World Bank’s Mi-gration and Remittances Factbook, the Philippines is the fourth largest ‘remittance received’ market in the

The National Economic and Devel-opment Authority (NEDA) has stressed that the quality of employment in Janu-ary 2012 improved due to the expan-sion of remunerative wage and salary employment as well as the rebound of full-time employment growth.

“The growth of remunerative wage and salary employment expanded by 3.3 percent from a negative 1.2 percent in January 2011. Likewise, the growth of full-time employment rebounded from negative 2.6 percent in January 2011 to 2.6 percent in January 2012,” NEDA Deputy Director General Mar-garita R. Songco said.

Songco said that based on the labor force survey, majority of Filipino work-ers remained employed in more remu-nerative and stable work considering wage and salary workers comprised 54.8 percent of total workers and 3.6 percent were employers. Lesser pro-portions were self-employed (30.1%)

South Korean firms have expressed keen interest to invest over $1 billion in water and power projects in the country, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday.

NEDA assistant Director-Genera

Ruperto P. Majuca said at the Philip-pine-Korea Development/Business Partnership Forum identified these firms as K-Water, the leading water resources and power company in Korea, and Youil Ensys, Korea’s larg-est renewable and engineering power firms.

K-Water has expressed interest to

pursue a planned $1 billion equity for different projects in the country while Youil Ensys plans to invest $160 million for solar-powered projects.

In addition, the Department of Energy and the Korean Ministry of Knowledge have signed an agreement to set up a power plant in the Subic Bay

The Philippine government's 7 percent to 8 percent economic growth target is achievable, but would require concerted reforms and tougher mea-sures, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday.

Neeraj Jain, ABD Philippines coun-try director said that the Philippines

needs concerted policy reforms as well as to strengthen the government's institutions, implement strict decision making and a mindset to invest heavily in infrastructure.

“Successive increases in potential growth rate become more difficult to achieve and require tougher measures as well as reforms. The Philippines can do it and is starting to do it,” Jain

said in his speech at the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Economic Briefing 2012.

“Increasing the potential growth rate to 7 percent to 8 percent is doable,” he added.

This year, ADB is currently pro-jecting that the Philippine economy, as measured by the country's gross

Jollibee Foods Corporation is allot-ting P5.8 billion for its capital invest-ment budget this year as it aims to continue expanding its operations in the Philippines and in China.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Jollibee said up to half of this year’s budget will be spent

to increase its store count by 125 stores in the Philippines and 100 stores in China.

Jollibee chairman Tony Tan Cak-tiong said the company is “always on the lookout” for acquisition opportu-nities overseas and in the domestic market and wants to expand in India at some point.

However, he said this year’s spend-

ing plan doesn’t yet include any budget for acquisition.

In 2011, Jollibee made P6 billion in capital investments consisting of P4 billion in fixed assets, mostly in new stores and supply chain facilities, and P2 billion in projects related to the acquisition of new businesses.

The firm opened a total of 260 new

By JAMES A. LOYOLA

By CHINO S. LEYCO

FINEX 3RD GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING – Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson (left) is welcomed by Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) President Ramon G. Opulencia of Ayala Corporation. The Secretary was the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the FINEX Third General Membership Meeting on March 21, 2012, in Makati City. (Photo by Regie Mason)

LOCAL SHARESUP BY 0.3%

Local shares were higher in early trade yesterday, staging a mild technical rebound following the market's substantial decline over the last three sessions. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) was up 0.3% at 5053.50, with all of the sub-counters in the red, except for the mining and oil index. "The market will continue to consolidate with downside bias ahead of the Lenten break (next month)," said Jun Calaycay, a trader with Accord Capital Equities. Most active shares were Megaworld, up 2.1% at P1.97; BDO Unibank, off 0.8% at P66.00 and PLDT, up 0.1% at P2,596. (Dow Jones)

ASIAN STOCK MARKETS

CLOSE LOWER

BANGKOK (AP) – Asian stock markets fell Thursday after mixed US housing data and disappointment over the limited scope of China's latest monetary loosening maneuver kept investors on the sidelines.Benchmark oil fell below $107 per barrel while the dollar fell against the euro and the yen.Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell 0.1 percent to 10,071.55 as its battered export sector ceded earlier gains amid a strengthening yen.Hong Kong's benchmark struggled for direction. After a higher open, the Hang Seng ventured into negative territory before flattening out at 20,862.88.

* * * *

Adopting the unitary tax rate for alcohol and tobacco products may contravene the Constitution, a Philippine taxation law expert warned. (Page B-2)

* * * *

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to compel this year drug manufacturers including herbal drug makers to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as part of ensuring safety in compliance with global standards. (Page B-2)

P/$ RATE STANDSAT P43.04$1

The peso exchange rate stands at P43.04 to the US dollar, the closing rate on Wednesday at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx). The weighted average rate stands at P43.025.

S.S.S. STARTS NEW AMNESTY

PROGRAM

State-run Social Security System has called on its members with overdue loans to apply for the new loan condonation program, which would start on April 2.In a statement, the pension fund said the new loan condonation program allows members to settle the unpaid principal amount and corresponding interest of their loans without paying the entire amount of incurred penalties."Its terms and requirements vary depending on the type of applicant availing the program," SSS said.The agency said beneficiaries of deceased borrowers filing their death claim applications and borrowers filing total disability or retirement claims within the availment period are also covered by the new amnesty.(CSL)

L.B.P. GETS NOSTATE SUBSIDY

State-lender Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) clarified yesterday that it did not receive any subsidy from the national government that was used for the bank’s operation expense.Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva, Land Bank, corporate affairs vice-president said the P7.932 billion the lender received from the budget department was exclusively used for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) landowners compensation. (CSL)

FIRST GEN INCOME

DIPS 50%

The operational setbacks suffered by its major subsidiary triggered the 50 percent dip in the net income of First Gen Corp. in 2011 to $35 million from $70.2 million the previous year.The company reiterated that the “decline was mostly attributable to the lower income from its affiliate;” primarily referring to the non-cash impairment provision of P5.0 billion due to the shutdown of the Northern Negros Geothermal Plant of the Energy Development Corp.Compounding that had been the estimated P1.8 billion worth of foregone steam revenues from its Bacon-Manito geothermal facility acquisition, as the plants are currently undergoing rehabilitation. (MMV)

N.Y.T. LIMITS FREE ONLINE ARTICLES

NEW YORK (AP) – A year after it began charging for full access to its website, The New York Times is cutting the number of articles available for free from 20 per month to 10.The Times says the change takes effect in April.The publisher offers three unlimited access plans, ranging in price from $15 per month to $35.

By IRENE V. FERNANDO

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

By EDU LOPEZ

INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES: JOIN US TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND PROVIDE MORE JOBS FOR OUR PEOPLE

Friday, March 23, 2012 http://www.mb.com.ph

MANILA BULLETINACCEPTING ADVERTISEMENTS

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTSON INAUGURATIONS, ANNIVERSARIES, ETC.

IN COLOR OR BLACK & WHITEPLEASE CONTACT OUR HEAD OffICEMURALLA COR. RECOLETOS, INTRAMUROS, MANILASUPPLEMENT-DISPLAY DEPARTMENT

Tels. 527-8121 to 35 loc. 308524-7890 • 527-9791

fax 527-4331 • 527-3403CLASSIfIED ADS DEPARTMENT

Tels. 527-8121 to 35 locs. 299 • 301-304527-7523 • 527-7530 • 450-7094

• (Obituary) 450-7095fax 527-7534 • 527-1627

112 Years of Service to the Nation

BUSINESS BULLETINCLASSIFIED ADS

SHIPPINGPHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY QUOTATIONS

Jollibee Earmarks P5.8B For StoreExpansion Here And In China

Korean Investors Eyeing Water, Power

Quality Of Employment Improves – NEDA

RP Next 3rd Remittance Market

NG’s Growth Targets ‘Achievable’ – ADB






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By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

By MELODY M. AGUIBA

BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT, Asst. Section EditorBusiness B-2 Fri., March 23, 2012LORETO D. CABAÑES, Business Section Editor

The economic well-being of the nation, the reproductive health of women and the prevention of STD (sexually transmitted diseases) are three big enough reasons the "RH" (Reproductive Health Bill) should be calendared by Congress.

The Philippines is close to 100 million people today. The National Statistics Office (NSO) said that RP will be 103 million people in 2015; 180 million or almost double after 40 years. That's a lot of mouths to feed.

The average GDP growth rate from 2001-2011 is about 4.3%. If one takes the 2.0% population growth rate – in real terms the country only effectively grew by a tiny 2.3% per annum. That will keep us forever in a Third World category.

If one factors in the 5% average inflation rate through the years – Juan de la Cruz seems to be re-ally worse off today than before. Unabated population growth rate (among the world's highest) has been a major factor for this unfor-tunate state. Poverty, we submit, is still the nation's No. 1 problem today.

The lack of information espe-cially for the unlettered poor and the deficiency in the appropriate equipment, tools and personnel to slow down population growth are contributory to this negative state of affairs.

This, to us, is the main reason why Congress should act with de-liberate speed in addressing the RH Bill. Not doing so would make the country akin to doing a speed treadmill- exerting much effort (to achieve GDP growth) but get-ting nowhere (due to population growth).

The reproductive health of wom-en comes in as second reason. Lack of education (including the lack of "zipper control") and lack of access to "preventive" tools cause un-wanted pregnancies nation-wide – resulted in 500,000 abortions a year in a predominantly Catholic country which is supposed to practice a pas-sionate reverence for life.

Because of poverty engulfing

Congress Should Pass RH Bill

both mother and child – out of 1,000 borths-162 babies die at child birth and 33 others die before the age of 5. The RH Bill rightfully aims for the protection of both.

The "RH Bill" seeks to mandate LGUs to provide information, mobile equipment and train enough person-nel accessible especially to the poor womenfolk. Knowledge and freedom of choice empower women who alone (not the men) die in the process of child bearing and potentially the off-spring as well.

The program also aims to educate the children with "age appropri-ate" tools to complete the equation of widespread reproductive health education. Likewise, the program – vigorously championed by senators Pia Cayetano and Miriam Santiago, seeks to provide reproductive health care before, during and after the preg-nancy of the mothers under a health insurance program.

Thirdly, it is a sad fact that RP is among only 7 nations in the world today where the prevalence of HIV AIDs is on the rise – not on the wane. At the current rate of incidence – the 11,000 (2008) cases is expected to rise to 42,000 (2015).

The RH Bill aims to provide educa-tion to mitigate the ill effects of reck-less sex leading to AIDs transference from man to woman (or vice versa) – but ultimately to the child produced from that sexual union.

The bill, therefore, aims to reduce the number of mortality of men and women (due to STD) and the number of new born children afflicted with the disease. It is hard to argue against the usefulness of the effort against that dreaded disease.

The legal basis for endorsing the bill includes Article Ii Section 15 stat-ing that " The state shall promote and protect the right to health of people and instill health consciousness among them." and Article II Section 12 :" The state shall protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn upon inception."

But the moral issue is another story where a practicing 51-year-old Catholic president in Benigno Aquino III's pro-RH Bill (representing the

State) runs diametrically opposed to that of the conservative Catholic Church in a country where 80% of the population are Catholics.

One cannot begrudge the Catho-lic Church, that as a shepherd , She has to lead with moral authority over Her flock. It is also in conso-nance with Her theological position that is only the natural birth control method (rhythm and abstinence) that is consistent with God's pro-life philosophy. The artificial method uses the condom , contraceptives and pills.

But the Church faces the issue of moral relativism of the Flock. For instance while professing fil-ial loyalty to Rome, 68% (or 7 out of 10) Catholics support both the natural and artificial birth control methods.

But the State does not prohibit any church to endorse a particular method of family planning among their followers-based on their doc-trines and conscience. The Bill only proposes ot give women the power of choice through availability of information and tools to exercise such choices.

The Church has no right to in-terfere against the passage of the Bill as the Constitution's Article II Section 6 states that the separation of church and state is an "inviolate" doctrine and Article III Sec 5 calls for the free establishment of reli-gion and the free exercise thereof.

"One cannot compel all Filipinos to comply with the doctrines of a Church even if a majority of Filipi-nos belong to that group". It smacks of religious bigotry.

There are enough reasons for the State to pursue the passage of the Bill for the well being of the citizens by giving people the democratic choices for reproduc-tive and family health. We call on all legislators to debate the issue extensively.

After all, contraceptives are there – not necessarily to encour-age sexual promiscuity in the same manner that seat belt in cars are set up – to protect man – not to encour-age people to drive recklessly.

Adopting the unitary tax rate for alcohol and tobacco products may contravene the Constitution, a Philip-pine taxation law expert warned.

Antique Governor Exequiel Javier, a taxation law expert, said that Con-gress is mandated by the Philippine Constitution to evolve a progressive system of taxation. “When enacting tax measures, whether it pertains to income taxation or excise taxation, Congress should always be mindful of its constitutional mandate to evolve a progressive system of taxation as provided under Sec. 24 Article 6 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” Javier said, a former congressman and chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means during the 9th, 10th, and 14th Congress.

“The mandate for progressiv-ity under the Constitution does not exempt excise taxes. This is why we had an Ad Valorem system before, and even our current system taxes higherpriced brands more than less expensive brands,” Governor Javier clarified.

“The poor people should pay less tax while the rich people should pay more. This is the so-called Ability to Pay Principle and is the defining essence of a progressive system of taxation. Unfortunately, this principle is absent in the DOF’s proposal for a unitary tax rate for alcohol and tobacco products,” Governor Javier said further.

According to Governor Javier, the previous Congresses rejected

earlier proposals for a unitary tax rate and instead enacted a four-tier excise tax structure for alcohol and tobacco products in recognition of its mandate to evolve a progressive system of taxation.

“We are all aware that majority of the people who consume alcohol and cigarettes are poor people. A unitary rate discriminates against poor peo-ple and makes products exclusively available for the well-to-do Filipinos. If we adopt a unitary tax rate, gov-ernment is impliedly telling the poor that they can’t drink alchol or smoke cigarettes – both legal commodities. A unitary tax rate proposal is an anti-poor measure”, Javier stressed.

“The current excise tax system has provided the government with a stable and significant source of government revenues notwithstand-ing the fact that alcohol and cigarette products have been subjected to reg-ular tax increases every two years. I do not understand why the DOF is pushing to restructure the current four-tier excise tax system when it clearly works,” Javier stressed.

Governor Javier also expressed concern on the amount of tax to be im-posed under the DOF proposal, not-ing that the same is inequitable. “In my evaluation of House Bill No. 5727, I noticed that the excise tax of P2.72 per pack on low-priced cigarettes will be increased to P30.00 per pack, equivalent to a 1000% percent tax increase. I have never seen anything like this. This is clearly unreasonable and unacceptable.

The Food and Drug Administra-tion (FDA) is set to compel this year drug manufacturers including herbal drug makers to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as part of ensuring safety in compliance with global standards.

Companies will not be able to reg-ister with FDA without GMP.

“Hopefully, we’re trying to swing it this year. They cannot register when we impose it already as mandatory. But it’s the only way to go if we’re serious about our pharma industry. You cannot backtrack on that,” said FDA Secretary General Suzette Lazo in an interview at a health research forum.

However, the details on this pro-posed regulation has yet to be worked out as some small and medium en-terprises (SME) may be adversely affected.

“How you implement it is another matter. How much time will you give

them? How much help you will give them? SMEs don’t have much capital, so they will do it themselves. Who’s going to help them?” she said.

GMP has long been deliberated in the 1980s while countries were yet negotiating on trade liberalization agreements related with the World Trade Organization. However, the Philippines has not taken it seri-ously.

But the upcoming South East Asian free trade expected to be fully in force by 2015 is feared to cause the local drug-herbal industry to fall by the wayside as much as cosmetic companies in the past have shut down arising from a stricter regulation.

The Technology Licensing of Of-fice (TLO) of the University of the Philippines has invited SMEs to avail of the free assistance for their GMP compliance.

“UP Manila is now the licensor for all 10 medicines including lagundi and sambong. Any potential licensee is now required to have GMP. If not,

they’re not given a license. But as part of our licensing agreement, we send our industrial, pharmacy ex-perts to applicants to help them. The licensor itself has experts on GMP,” said Lawyer Elizabeth R. Pulumbarit, TLO officer-in-charge.

A system for ensuring drug and food safety is a necessity especially with cases as that in Punjab, Pakistan

where around 100 cardiac patients died for contamination of drugs. Their drug intake were later linked with a manufacturing facility previously used to manufacture anti-malarial substances.

The GMP will also protect Filipino consumers from any imports from certain countries — perhaps India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran.

FDA is aware that the Philippines has huge potential in herbal drug manufacturing.

“We like to develop herbal medi-cine in our country because we have a wealth of flora, unlike other countries that use animal source for traditional medicine,” Lazo said.

But GMP has already become a reality.

GMP Certification ForDrug Manufacturers

Unitary Tax Rate MayBe Unconstitutional

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Business E-mail: [email protected]

By CHINO S. LEYCO

Friday, March 23, 2012 B-3

The Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Inc. (Philippine Prudential) announced yesterday that its total gross premiums reached P1.009 billion last year, a 600 percent growth over the past five years.

In a statement, Gregorio D. Mer-cado, Philippine Prudential president and chief executive explained that the company has done a great deal of expansion and has introduced nu-merous innovations during the same span of time.

“From a ranking of 24, we are now number 15 among all life insurance companies in the country and number five among all Filipino-owned life in-surance companies,” Mercado said.

The company also reported that its total assets amounted to P825 mil-lion, while its legal policy reserves, or funds invested to be used for future

claims, totaled P405 million in 2011.Total investments were recorded

a P433 million.Philippine Prudential is a 100 per-

cent Filipino-owned financial services company providing the best financial advice and diversified and affordable products to its valued clients through its multiple and accessible distribu-tion channels since 1963.

Its products include endowment plans, whole life plans, group and permanent plans, healthcare cover-age, education and pension policies and credit life insurance.

Philippine Prudential was re-cently recognized by the IC and the Department of Finance, in partner-ship with the German financial or-ganization GTZ and the Embassy of Japan. The award was in recognition of the company’s pioneering efforts and leadership in the field of micro-insurance.

Philippine PrudentialPremiums Exceed P1-B

Korean...(Cont'd from page B-1) NG’s...

(Cont'd from page B-1)

Jollibee...(Cont'd from page B-1)

RP...(Cont'd from page B-1)

stores last year, of which 167 were in the Philippines led by Mang Inasal with 86 new stores and Jollibee with 40 stores.

Abroad, Jollibee opened a total of 93 new stores led by Yonghe King in China with 70 stores and Jollibee Viet-nam with 11. It also built and started operating the Jollibee Food Process-ing in Anhui Province, China and its Research & Development Center in Shanghai while starting construction for its Distribution Center in Manila.

Jollibee reported that its net in-come attributable to the parent com-

pany inched up 0.5 percent to P3.21 billion last year from P3.2 billion in 2010, boosted by the 10 percent gain in profits in the fourth quarter.

The firm said the growth in fourth quarter profits to P1.16 billion offset the negative profit growth rate in the first half of the year and brought 2011 earnings at par with that of 2010.

The firm said system-wide sales rose 17 percent to P82.17 billion from P70.25 billion in the previous year. In the fourth quar-ter, system-wide sales rose 18 percent to P22.97 billion from P19.46 billion in the same period of 2010.

domestic product (GDP), would grow by 4.8 percent and 5 percent in 2013.

Jain said that the ADB is now reviewing its growth projection for the Philippine economy, but the agency “does not see significant re-visions to these numbers.”

“The Philippines is cur-rently in a very happy situ-ation characterized by low inflation, low interest rate, confidence, and sufficient flexibility for macroeconom-ic policies like monetary policy and fiscal policy,” Jain pointed.

To further increase the country's potential growth rate, Jain, meanwhile, urged the government to increase its investments in job cre-ation, noting that the Philip-pines has a very “sluggish almost stagnant growth” of labor productivity.

economic zone. The power plant will be designed using environment-friendly technology to address the medium and long-term projected electricity needs of the Luzon Grid.

Korea and the Philippines also signed last year a $500 million EDCF Framework Agreement, a grant in aid program for the Philippines for 2011-2013.

”We also look forward to more op-portunities to learn from each other with the signing of the Framework Agreement on Grant Aid,” Majuca said.

With these strategies and intensi-fied cooperation efforts, he said, the Philippines and Korea shall continue

to partner together to bring economic development and growth to both our countries.

South Korean conglomerates have been aggressive in investing in the Philippines making Korea the Philippines second biggest in terms of number of registered with the Philip-pine Economic Zone Authority.

A total of 269 Korean enterprises are operating in various PEZA zones, constituting 3.89 percent of all local and foreign investors.

Net foreign direct investments from Korea increased by 184% in 2011 to $20.9 million, from $7.24 million in 2010. This level is higher than FDI from other Asian countries such as In-donesia, India, China and Singapore.

Meanwhile, approved Korean in-vestments registered at P14.5 billion in 2011.

and unpaid workers (11.5%).Despite the favorable perfor-

mance of the labor market in January 2012, government must continue to prioritize generating more decent, productive and quality employment

world. “We want to take it to third place,” shares Vice President for Asia Pacific Nick Cunnew. With a global network of more than 267,000 agent lo-cations, MoneyGram is set to expand its presence in the country to address the growing remittance market in the Philippines.

“Across the Philippines, and in key markets around the world, this new campaign will reinforce to the Filipino community that MoneyGram under-stands the important role that money transfers play in helping families stay connected,” says MoneyGram EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Juan Agualimpia. “We plan to heighten awareness of the safe, reliable, and convenient services that MoneyGram offers to Filipinos including the 8.3 million Filipinos living abroad, wheth-er sending or receiving funds.”

The company aims to be “the

preferred global network for consum-ers and businesses that send and receive funds.” Agualimpia believes that they are well-positioned here in the country as evidenced by the fact that the Philippines, together with India, exceeded 40 percent increase in received transaction.

MoneyGram con-tinues its growth with more than 9,000 agent locations added in 2011 alone.

Its $1.25 B revenue for the whole year of 2011 is a seven percent increase from previous year’s $1.17 billion.

Its EBITDA also grew 42 percent with a 2011 figure of $264 million.

It is also tapping the Filipino seafarer sec-tor as it looks for ways to provide efficient ser-vice for them.

Quality...(Cont'd from page B-1)

that provides adequate income for the Filipino workers.

“Government must continue to implement employment-related poli-cies such as more frequent monitor-ing of and closer coordination among government agencies that implement the community-based employment program (CBEP), supporting advo-cacy campaigns for the tourism plan and promote employment-intensive interventions, intensifying implemen-tation of public private partnership (PPP) projects and providing micro-

financing and marketing support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” Songco said.

The government must also im-prove skills matching through en-hancing coordination among employ-ers, the academe and government, reduce youth unemployment by mo-tivating the private sector to increase youth employment opportunities and intensify the use of online labor mar-ket information systems by public and private offices to expand the reach to job searchers, Songco pointed out.

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70 46 10.00 3.37 66.5 66.35 66.35 65.65 66 4,572,650 301,496,916.50 19.5876.8 50 10.00 3.38 73.5 73.95 75.8 73.55 75.45 1,432,840 107,846,750.50 22.32473 370 100.00 46.65 470 473 473 470 471 2,640 1,242,856 10.1090 60 20.00 5.02 87.9 88.6 88.6 87.5 87.5 2,602,870 228,460,903.50 17.43126 35 100.00 2.19 83 83 83 72 72 280 21,040 32.8872.95 41 40.00 5.31 71.6 71.6 71.6 71 71 464,430 33,127,077.50 13.3780 52 10.00 2.47 58 - - - - 0 0 0.0085 57.7 10.00 7.53 78.5 82 83 81 83 5,100 418,200 11.0242.25 25.45 10.00 4.06 42 41.6 41.7 41 41.25 944,400 38,947,545 10.16151 77 10.00 17.1 148.5 147 148.5 146 148 1,139,260 168,577,310 8.65140 58 10.00 8.35 101 100.8 103.5 100.8 102.5 281,270 28,665,208 12.28 1.82 0.69 1.00 0.09 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81 300,000 243,000 9.001.9 1.42 1.00 0.14 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 1.63 36,000 58,680 11.6423 12.4 1.00 0.55 22.3 22.4 22.45 22.1 22.4 63,000 1,402,930 40.7315 7 1.00 1.56 9.1 9.12 9.12 9.12 9.12 300 2,736 5.850.95 0.62 1.00 0.06 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.84 0.85 268,000 229,590 14.1780 40.1 10.00 4.51 62.25 62.15 62.3 61.3 62.3 320 19,888.50 13.813.26 1.91 1.00 0.14 2.38 2.35 2.89 2.35 2.4 1,928,000 4,964,910 17.14775 475.2 0.00 -11.85 535 540 540 540 540 200 108,000 620.6928.9 3 1.00 0.31 28.85 28.85 29 27.95 28.1 321,300 9,061,470 90.653.06 1.3 1.00 -0.22 2.59 2.58 2.59 2.44 2.49 18,435,000 46,460,960 -11.32539.5 204.8 1.00 13.66 400 400 401 398 400 175,530 70,131,230 29.281.98 1.43 1.00 0.33 1.84 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.82 15,000,000 27,300,000 5.52 34 26.5 1.00 3.4 32.6 32.9 33.3 32.6 33.05 8,224,000 271,788,915 9.721.65 1.08 1.00 0.06 1.46 1.47 1.52 1.35 1.36 11,480,000 16,317,450 22.677.06 4.83 1.00 0.22 5.66 5.66 5.7 5.66 5.67 11,032,100 62,625,809 -630.0015.58 11.88 1.00 0.92 13.66 13.66 13.76 13.5 13.6 1,335,400 18,214,036 38.8667.2 51.5 10.00 40.652 63.5 64 64 63.4 63.45 129,690 8,250,144.50 1.5624.35 17.6 1.00 1.62 23.45 23.45 23.9 22.8 23 1,534,900 35,617,380 14.20295 215 10.00 8.59 260.4 260.2 260.6 260 260 206,410 53,696,730 30.2717.4 9.7 1.00 0.77 9.96 9.96 9.99 9.9 9.96 15,146,500 150,487,192 12.9415.24 9.6 1.00 1 14.66 14.7 14.7 14.58 14.62 1,561,800 22,835,920 14.621.41 0.9 1.00 0.01 1.32 1.35 1.36 1.31 1.31 8,727,000 11,547,520 131.007.4 2.55 1.00 0.46 6.2 6.2 7.38 6.2 7.37 100,100 682,898 16.02 13.58 7.32 1.00 0.45 11.88 11.88 11.92 11.86 11.88 74,700 887,626 26.4023.5 11.98 1.00 2.06 23.35 23.35 23.45 23.35 23.45 100,100 2,339,395 11.381.86 0.97 1.00 0.13 11.54 1.51 1.53 1.5 1.5 642,000 970,280 11.5432.9 22.5 1.00 3.03 23.6 23.1 23.6 23 23.6 20,000 468,700 7.79120 80 1.00 3.08 119.2 118 118 117 117 639,290 74,831,378 37.9911 7 1.00 0.34 11 10 10.54 10 10.2 4,300 43,722 30.003 1.96 0.15 0.2 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.89 2.9 749,000 2,180,530 14.501.76 1.01 1.00 0.2 1.6 1.61 1.76 1.61 1.66 4,697,000 7,871,310 8.302.6 1.1 1.00 0.03 2.1 2.1 2.6 2.1 2.6 19,000 44,260 -14.443.49 2.01 1.00 -0.81 2.69 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 100,000 270,000 -3.3333 27.7 1.00 0.78 30 30 30 30 30 13,000 390,000 38.46175 105.7 5.00 6.14 114 114 115 113 113 562,840 64,254,254 18.400.25 0.112 1.00 -0.04 0.131 0.131 0.138 0.131 0.132 13,360,000 1,793,950 -3.305.46 2.92 1.00 0.18 3.91 3.92 3.92 3.9 3.92 275,000 1,076,900 21.7826.55 12.5 10.00 0.57 17.6 17.38 17.38 17.38 17.38 3,300 57,354 30.4965.5 33.5 1.00 2.25 63.05 62.95 63.1 62.75 62.8 2,118,480 133,207,640.50 27.911.12 0.285 1.00 -0.5 0.5 0.52 0.52 0.51 0.52 217,000 112,810 -1.04 61 10 1.00 -0.17 51.2 51.9 52 50 51 138,020 6,952,719.50 -300.00144 36 10.00 1.05 70 70 70 70 70 1,000 70,000 66.675.8 2.8 1.00 0.63 5.69 5.69 5.72 5.67 5.7 485,700 2,766,798 9.0513.8 7.8 1.00 0.31 11.7 11.7 11.72 11.7 11.72 1,258,100 14,719,788 37.816.95 0.6 1.00 0.15 4.7 4.7 4.8 4.7 4.8 28,000 132,100 32.0013.8 8.12 1.00 0.82 12.6 12.9 13.8 12.9 13.58 6,583,200 87,718,882 16.5614 10.3 10.00 1.85 12.1 11.8 11.8 11.7 11.7 5,000 58,620 6.329.5 5.25 1.00 0.59 8.8 8.8 8.9 8.8 8.8 49,600 440,990 14.921.9 1.25 0.35 0.18 1.72 1.72 1.73 1.72 1.72 2,589,000 4,453,130 9.564.15 1.99 1.00 -0.51 2.36 2.41 2.77 2.4 2.67 3,442,000 9,167,620 -5.241.22 0.68 1.00 -0.01 0.98 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.97 805,000 788,700 -97.00 3.07 2.3 1.00 0.39 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 93,000 249,240 6.872.14 1 1.00 0.08 1.58 1.69 1.69 1.64 1.69 153,000 258,420 21.128.4 1.04 1.00 -0.0003 5.3 5.5 5.5 4.9 5 910,100 4,618,033 -16666.671.9 0.99 1.00 0.08 1.32 1.38 1.9 1.38 1.5 691,000 1,074,460 18.753.2 1.05 1.00 0.33 2.3 2.1 2.31 2.04 2.1 93,000 194,330 6.36 55 26 1.00 0.9 29.3 29.25 29.25 26.5 29 4,100 116,565 32.22102.8 3.02 1.00 0.02 35.5 35.5 38.25 35.5 35.65 693,000 25,356,125 1782.508.33 7.41 1.00 0 8.25 8.26 8.26 8.16 8.24 69,200 570,007 N/A0.099 0.0095 0.01 -0.004 0.017 0.018 0.018 0.017 0.017 185,900,000 3,214,000 -4.259 4.75 1.00 0.09 5 5 5 4.95 5 89,800 447,690 55.562.35 0.95 1.00 0.18 1.77 1.82 1.85 1.66 1.7 2,022,000 3,466,050 9.442.6 1.85 1.00 0.21 2 2 2.1 1.95 1.95 493,000 977,010 9.29 1.18 0.65 1.00 0.12 0.78 0.78 0.81 0.78 0.79 5,251,000 4,185,110 6.5859.9 35.5 1.00 3.96 48.4 49 49.55 48.95 49.5 2,153,300 106,488,990 12.500.019 0.014 0.01 0.00008 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.016 0.016 300,000 4,800 200.0013.48 8 1.00 0.711 12.9 12.88 13.18 12.84 13 31,663,500 411,695,658 18.282.97 1.57 1.00 0.48 2.05 2.02 2.08 2.02 2.03 273,000 560,860 4.234.4 3 1.00 1.46 4.27 4.26 4.34 4.25 4.3 353,000 1,517,380 2.956.98 0.26 1.00 -0.0004 6.2 6.2 6.2 6.13 6.14 319,100 1,961,009 -15350.003.15 1.49 1.00 -0.01 2.14 1.99 2.15 1.99 2.15 120,000 244,120 -215.00431 272 50.00 20.56 414.8 414.8 414.8 412.2 414 162,510 67,267,690 20.1456.6 30.5 1.00 2.96 54.5 54.5 54.5 53.2 53.2 3,606,660 193,952,540 17.974.19 1.03 1.00 0.14 2.89 2.98 2.98 2.98 2.98 1,000 2,980 21.294 1.15 1.00 0.14 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.76 2.76 22,000 63,520 19.715.25 3.3 1.00 0.47 4.43 4.47 4.59 4.43 4.45 989,000 4,434,080 9.470.98 0.1 1.00 -0.04 0.275 0.295 0.3 0.275 0.275 1,070,000 312,300 -6.884.35 2.9 1.50 0.81 4.15 4.15 4.19 4.15 4.16 41,000 171,040 5.1428.6 19 1.00 2.42 27.9 27.9 28 27.85 28 2,557,000 71,485,375 11.575.17 2.3 1.00 0.06 4 4.09 4.1 4.09 4.1 5,000 20,470 68.331.54 0.61 0.10 -0.02 1.28 1.29 1.3 1.25 1.26 14,217,000 17,971,720 -63.006.95 4 1.00 2.86 5.53 5.5 5.5 5.3 5.4 1,323,400 7,220,032 1.890.91 0.3 1.00 0.11 0.64 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.62 355,000 221,350 5.643.52 1.5 1.00 -0.0008 3.17 3.21 3.27 3.18 3.22 8,796,000 28,316,690 -4025.004.25 2.56 1.00 0.14 4.01 4.03 4.22 4.03 4.18 49,475,000 206,380,980 29.866.24 2.1 1.00 -0.007 4.95 5.23 5.23 4.9 4.9 169,000 842,270 -700.004.72 1.22 1.00 0.07 1.9 2.28 2.85 2.22 2.22 69,000 175,580 31.710.077 0.054 0.01 -0.0002 0.061 0.061 0.062 0.061 0.062 3,800,000 234,600 -310.002.2 1.42 1.00 -0.03 1.75 1.74 1.95 1.74 1.8 2,076,000 3,881,650 -60.000.82 0.44 1.00 0.82 0.51 0.51 0.54 0.51 0.53 808,000 425,110 0.654.1 1.56 1.00 0.39 1.94 2.28 2.28 2.28 2.28 2,000 4,560 5.852.4 0.9 1.00 0.05 1.81 1.9 2.1 1.61 1.8 598,000 1,129,640 36.000.49 0.285 1.00 -0.001 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.37 700,000 263,400 -370.00699 450 10.00 30.17 635 635 640 633 633 262,550 166,862,095 20.981.78 1 1.00 0.13 1.28 1.3 1.3 1.28 1.3 176,000 226,300 10.001.57 1.14 1.00 0.02 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 1.32 51,000 67,320 66.000.42 0.09 1.00 -0.0008 0.29 0.295 0.295 0.285 0.285 850,000 247,350 -356.250.62 0.056 1.00 -0.01 0.44 0.45 0.49 0.445 0.475 100,080,000 47,163,000 -47.501.37 0.171 1.00 -0.0002 0.68 0.68 0.72 0.67 0.72 5,461,000 3,846,260 -3600.00 2.82 1.7 1.00 0.42 2.58 2.6 2.6 2.59 2.6 167,000 434,190 6.190.218 0.145 0.18 0.06 0.187 0.184 0.184 0.184 0.184 100,000 18,400 3.070.74 0.31 1.00 0.007 0.62 0.6 0.62 0.6 0.62 193,000 115,900 88.5722.1 13.36 1.00 0.41 21.3 21.25 21.3 21.15 21.15 6,134,500 130,310,050 51.596.12 3.08 1.00 0.075 5.18 5.22 5.25 5.08 5.17 17,357,300 89,677,941 68.937.55 2.2 1.00 0.21 6.15 6.1 6.3 5.87 6.15 1,419,100 8,611,927 29.295.05 1.9 1.00 0.17 4.85 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 20,000 96,000 28.245.1 2.1 1.00 0.17 5.05 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 1,000 4,800 28.245.66 0.26 1.00 -0.16 1.66 1.67 1.67 1.64 1.65 2,797,000 4,620,770 -10.312.25 1.2 1.00 0.47 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 39,000 68,250 3.721.65 1.07 1.00 0.18 6.22 1.13 1.13 1.11 1.12 147,000 163,690 6.220.127 0.06 0.10 0.0008 0.087 0.085 0.086 0.085 0.086 1,060,000 90,200 107.501.25 0.67 1.00 -0.02 0.9 0.9 0.93 0.9 0.93 566,000 519,610 -46.500.9 0.54 1.00 0.02 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.63 0.64 1,083,000 693,110 32.003.8 2.9 1.00 0.56 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 11,000 37,400 6.070.31 0.099 1.00 0.009 0.201 0.201 0.201 0.194 0.194 4,170,000 819,440 21.561.35 0.98 1.00 0.12 1.3 1.3 1.34 1.3 1.33 44,039,000 58,126,410 11.083.06 1.76 1.00 0.14 2 2.04 2.05 2.02 2.03 1,637,000 3,327,510 14.502.55 1.21 1.00 0.004 1.56 1.7 1.7 1.65 1.65 22,000 37,000 412.502.14 0.62 1.00 0.09 1.53 1.53 1.55 1.51 1.54 614,000 933,290 17.114.5 1.5 1.00 0.03 2 2.24 2.25 2.01 2.2 27,000 59,320 73.332.48 1.51 1.00 0.2 1.93 1.95 1.99 1.94 1.98 181,177,000 357,095,890 9.900.83 0.22 0.20 -0.1 0.227 0.228 0.229 0.226 0.227 2,980,000 676,440 -2.270.99 0.072 1.00 -0.006 0.95 0.97 0.99 0.91 0.91 107,482,000 101,868,250 -151.6738.1 12.5 1.00 0.42 14 14 14 14 14 500 7,000 33.330.71 0.41 1.00 -0.01 0.59 0.59 0.61 0.57 0.58 553,000 327,510 -58.004.9 1.8 1.00 0.049 3.39 3.21 3.45 3.01 3.32 476,000 1,519,540 67.7617.5 10 1.00 1.16 16.8 16.8 17 16.7 16.9 1,412,000 23,835,946 14.572.6 1.7 1.00 0.21 2.52 2.49 2.5 2.49 2.5 210,000 524,990 11.909.55 6.5 1.00 0.53 7.12 7.2 7.28 7.11 7.12 2,064,400 14,783,078 13.4318.2 10.9 1.00 0.58 17.02 17.02 17.3 16.6 16.6 7,817,500 131,769,106 28.621.15 0.64 1.00 0.01 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.77 0.77 330,000 254,600 77.000.8 0.45 1.00 0.002 0.57 0.57 0.57 0.56 0.56 124,000 70,380 280.004 2.6 1.00 0.36 3.88 3.89 3.89 3.84 3.88 5,045,000 19,497,600 10.78 43.5 28.6 1.00 4.21 36.5 36.5 37.5 36.5 37 21,100 782,040 8.7910.34 6.18 1.00 0.58 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.24 9.25 371,400 3,447,015 15.950.72 0.57 1.00 0.06 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 66,000 42,900 10.83 1,270.00 692 50.00 74.02 1,140.00 1,140 1,155 1,139 1,150 83,815 96,139,380 15.544.49 2.65 1.00 -0.46 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.78 2.8 427,000 1,192,200 -6.092,886.00 2,000.00 5.00 212.85 2,594.00 2,594 2,626 2,588 2,600 203,350 529,883,500 15.936.9 3.8 1.00 0.12 4.39 4.36 4.36 4.36 4.36 3,000 13,080 25.65 9.7 5.4 1.00 -0.5 7.14 7.14 8.6 7.1 8.4 2,294,200 18,522,445 -16.804.29 2.2 1.00 0.48 2.93 2.93 2.95 2.9 2.94 225,000 655,910 6.1234.5 0.169 1.00 0.5 0.174 0.174 0.174 0.165 0.17 60,750,000 10,184,430 0.343.87 1.16 1.00 0.21 1.3 1.31 1.31 1.29 1.3 1,810,000 2,352,710 6.190.076 0.04 0.01 -0.002 0.066 0.061 0.066 0.061 0.065 2,850,000 174,970 -32.505.19 2.9 1.00 0.17 3.1 3.11 3.36 3.11 3.36 669,000 2,181,560 19.76

BDO UNIBANK BPI CHINABANK METROBANK PBCOM PHIL. NATL BANK PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK **** OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION **** BANKARD BDO LEASING COL FINANCIAL FILIPINO FUND FIRST ABACUS FIRST METRO IREMIT MANULIFE MAYBANK ATR KE PHILNARE PSE VANTAGE **** ELECTRICITY, ENERGY, POWER & WATER **** ABOITIZ POWER ALSONS CONS ENERGY DEVT. FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MANILA WATER MERALCO A PETRON PHOENIX TRANS-ASIA VIVANT **** FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO **** AGRINURTURE ALASKA MILK ALLIANCE SELECT GINEBRA JOLLIBEE PANCAKE PEPSI-COLA RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO. ROXAS HLDG. SAN MIGUEL SAN MIGUEL CORP. SWIFT TANDUAY HLDG. TARLAC UNIV ROBINA VITARICH **** CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE & ALLIED SERVICES **** AGP INDUSTRIAL CONCRETE A EEI CORP. HOLCIM MARIWASA MEGAWIDE PHINMA REPUBLIC CEMENT SEACEM TKC STEEL VULCAN IND`L **** CHEMICALS **** CHEMREZ EUROMED LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MANCHESTER A **** DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS **** ALPHALAND BLOOMBERRY CHIPS GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICRO IONICS SPLASH CORP. **** HOLDING FIRMS **** ABACUS A ABOITIZ ALCORN GOLD ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO-PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIA AMALGAMATED ATN HOLDINGS A AYALA CORP DMCI HOLDINGS F&J PRINCE A F&J PRINCE B FILINVEST DEV. FORUM PACIFIC HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG. A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDGS. MABUHAY HLDG. MARCVENTURES METRO PAC INV MINERALES IND MJC INVESTMENTS PACIFICA A PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION REPUBLIC GLASS SEAFRONT RES. SINOPHIL SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SOUTH CHINA UNIOIL HLDG. WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HOLDINGS **** PROPERTY **** A. BROWN ALCO ARANETA PROP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP. CEBU HLDG. CEBU PROPERTY A CEBU PROPERTY B CENTURY PROP CITY & LAND CITYLAND DEVT. CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY EMPIRE EAST ETON EVER-GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL-ESTATE HIGHLANDS PRIME IRCPROPERTIES KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL. TOBACCO PHILREALTY POLAR PROPERTY ROBINSONS LAND SHNG PROPERTIES SM DEVT SM PRIME HLDG. STA.LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND **** MEDIA **** ABS-CBN GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN **** TELCOMMUNICATION **** GLOBE TELECOM LIBERTY TELECOM PLDT PLDT ENERGY **** INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY **** DIVERSIFIED IP CONVERGE IP E-GAME IPVG CORP. ISLAND INFO ISM COMM.

Business B-4 Friday, March 23, 2012

****BANKS****

52 Weeks PARVALUE

2010EPS

PREVCLOSE

PERATIOLOWHIGH STOCKS LOW CLOSE VOLUME VALUEHIGHOPEN

PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE

Top Gainers

Top Losers

Most Active

Dividends

STOCKS

GRAND PLAZA HOTEL CORPORATION 45.00 50.00LORENZO SHIPPING CORPORATION 2.40 50.002GO GROUP, INC. 4.45 41.27EASYCALL COMMUNICATIONS PHILS 2.60 30.00ROXAS AND COMPANY, INC. 2.60 23.81VIVANT CORPORATION 7.37 18.87DFNN INC. 8.40 17.65REPUBLIC GLASS HOLD'S CORP 2.28 17.53MJC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION 2.22 16.84MABUHAY VINYL CORPORATION 1.50 13.64

PHIL BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS 72.00 -13.25ATOK-BIG WEDGE COMPANY, INC. 24.00 -9.43MANCHESTER INT'L HOLD UNLI "A" 2.10 -8.70PANCAKE HOUSE, INC. 10.20 -7.27ALSONS CONSOLIDATED RESOURCES 1.36 -6.85LMG CHEMICALS CORPORATION 5.00 -5.66INFORMATION CAPITAL TECHNOLOGY 0.54 -5.26JTH DAVIES HOLDINGS, INC. 2.42 -5.10CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORP 1.12 -5.08CEBU PROP VENTURE & DEV'T "B" 4.80 -4.95

PLDT COMPANY "Common" 203 529,883ALLIANCE GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 31,663 411,695MEGAWORLD CORPORATION 181,177 357,095BDO UNIBANK, INC. 4,572 301,497ABOITIZ POWER CORPORATION 8,224 271,788METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO. 2,602 228,461METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORP 49,475 206,380DMCI HOLDINGS, INC. 3,606 193,952SECURITY BANK CORPORATION 1,139 168,577LEPANTO CONS MINING "A" 113,405 167,520

STOCKS VOLUME VALUE

PRICE %CHG

STOCKS PRICE %CHG

**PS - per share**PCS - per common share**PSS - per share (special)

**PSR - per share (regular)**RPA - rate per annum**DRPA - dividend rate per annum**PDPS- per day per share

**POS - per outstanding share**TBA - to be announced**STA - subject to approval

DATE PAYABLEDATESYM TYPE VALUE EX-DIV RECORD DATE

LR CASH P0.02 PS 24-Feb-2012 29-Feb-2012 23-Mar-2012PSB CASH P0.15 PS 05-Mar-2012 08-Mar-2012 23-Mar-2012MBT CASH P1.00 PS 29-Feb-2012 05-Mar-2012 26-Mar-2012TA CASH P0.04 PS 27-Feb-2012 01-Mar-2012 27-Mar-2012

**** FOOD, BEVERAGE & TOBACCO ****

**** CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE & ALLIED SERVICES ****

**** CHEMICALS ****

**** DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS ****

**** HOLDING FIRMS ****

**** PROPERTY ****

**** MEDIA ****

**** TELECOMMUNICATIONS ****

**** INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ****

World

March 22, 2012 closings

March 21, 2012 closingsWorld

0.2%DAX7,071.32 (16.38)

1.0%SET Index1,195.40 (-12.27)Intraday

0.01%FTSE5,891.95 (0.54)

0.2%Hang Seng20,901.56 (44.93)

0.4%Dow Jones13,124.62 (-45.57)

0.1%Composite2375.77 (-2.42)

0.04%KLCI1,583.24 (0.71)

0.5%SP/ASX 4,273.70 (19.40)

0.1%KOSPI Index2,026.12(-1.11)

0.1%CAC-403,527.37 (-3.46)

0.9%ST index2,979.25 (-26.38)

0.1%Phisix5,043.52 (5.58)

1.0%W Index8,059.94 (78.00)

0.4%Nikkei10,127.08 (40.59)

Asia-Pacific

BANGKOK

FRANKFURT

hONG KONG

KUALA LUMpUR

LONDON

MANILA

NEW YORK pARIS

SEOUL ShANGhAI

SINGApORE SYDNEY

TAIpEI TOKYO

MARCH 22, 2012

**** OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION ****

**** ELECTRICITY, ENERGY, POWER & WATER ****

LR

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16.72 14.5 1.00 0.57 16.12 16.12 16.36 16.12 16.36 2,749,900 44,635,544 22.414.75 3.3 1.00 0 3.89 3.7 3.71 3.7 3.7 67,000 247,910 N/A 4.72 1.2 1.00 -0.33 3.15 4.05 4.72 3.88 4.45 2,738,000 12,417,750 -13.4898.15 62.5 1.00 11.78 68.6 68.6 68.6 68 68.3 241,230 16,499,328.50 11.5263.4 40.5 1.00 2.19 62.95 62.95 63.1 62.9 63 570,760 35,951,766.50 23.082.4 0.92 1.00 0.09 1.6 1.69 2.4 1.69 2.4 2,145,000 5,032,990 26.678.25 4.49 1.00 0.03 7.57 7.55 7.55 7.5 7.5 72,000 540,750 250.00 13.18 1.6 1.00 -0.09 12.6 12.6 13.08 12.6 13 13,200 171,102 -144.440.53 0.066 0.10 0.0006 0.198 0.196 0.201 0.193 0.194 31,650,000 6,172,780 323.3370 26 10.00 2.74 30 44.85 45 44.85 45 400 17,975 15.5712.18 5.9 1.00 0.25 8.36 8.36 8.39 8.12 8.16 685,000 5,614,081 32.643.25 1 1.00 0.02 1.55 1.54 1.75 1.54 1.54 3,847,000 6,333,850 77.0010 4.6 1.00 -0.06 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.2 9.2 700 6,460 -153.330.48 0.23 0.25 -0.01 0.35 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.34 1,370,000 465,900 -34.000.79 0.26 1.00 -0.02 0.61 0.62 0.62 0.6 0.61 1,680,000 1,016,810 -30.50 10.6 8.2 1.00 0.53 10 10.5 10.5 10 10 800 8,150 18.871,750.00 760 100.00 65.23 950 960 960 950 950 2,190 2,098,700 14.566 3.8 1.00 0.5 5.12 5.4 5.49 5.4 5.49 5,100 27,549 10.98 0.8 0.45 1.00 -0.0006 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.68 0.7 297,000 207,350 -1166.675.9 1.45 1.00 0.03 2 2.4 3 2.4 2.6 44,000 115,640 86.671,172.00 11.7 1.00 -1.14 21 20.05 20.05 20 20 4,500 90,080 -17.540.98 0.34 1.00 -0.03 0.57 0.55 0.55 0.54 0.54 95,000 51,550 -18.003.79 1.58 0.50 0.002 2.55 2.55 2.55 2.42 2.42 45,000 112,400 1210.0021 16.5 1.00 2.15 18.9 18.92 18.92 18.88 18.88 52,000 981,840 8.783.2 1.05 1.00 -0.21 3.02 3.03 3.03 2.84 2.98 1,530,000 4,518,640 -14.1923.6 10.68 1.00 0.97 22.5 22.5 23.15 21.9 22 3,016,600 68,257,935 22.68 0.0083 0.0035 0.01 -0.00005 0.0059 0.0059 0.0059 0.0059 0.0059 93,000,000 548,700 -118.006.2 3.01 1.00 -0.13 5 5 5.1 5 5 360,800 1,804,100 -38.466.22 3 1.00 -0.13 4.92 5 5 5 5 235,000 1,175,000 -38.4625.2 14.5 10.00 -0.71 18.02 18 18.18 18 18.06 1,100,900 19,893,052 -25.4438.8 20 1.00 -0.03 26.5 26.95 26.95 22.5 24 51,100 1,192,625 -800.0030.35 12.5 3.00 15.14 26 25.65 26 25.65 26 25,300 656,985 1.7234 12.1 3.00 15.14 25.5 25.55 25.55 25.55 25.55 600 15,330 1.692.51 1.62 1.00 -0.007 1.77 1.77 1.8 1.77 1.8 1,627,000 2,886,950 -257.1448.95 4.34 1.00 -0.05 45.4 45.7 48.95 44.8 48 3,074,400 146,679,945 -960.001.21 0.5 1.00 0.002 0.9 0.91 0.92 0.88 0.9 33,450,000 29,887,580 450.001.82 0.455 0.10 -0.0007 1.44 1.44 1.53 1.42 1.52 113,405,000 167,520,560 -2171.432.07 0.445 0.10 -0.0007 1.53 1.5 1.64 1.5 1.63 37,946,000 60,095,060 -2328.570.085 0.03 0.01 -0.00004 0.074 0.074 0.077 0.073 0.077 387,890,000 29,277,590 -1925.000.087 0.031 0.01 -0.00004 0.076 0.076 0.08 0.074 0.08 209,490,000 16,278,630 -2000.0028.45 15.04 0.50 1.43 28.3 28.45 29.5 27.55 28.5 2,405,700 68,564,285 19.9312.52 2.08 1.00 0.01 11.7 11.68 11.9 11.56 11.7 5,010,400 58,531,130 1170.001.1 0.008 0.01 0.0002 0.79 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 200,000 160,000 4000.008.15 2.12 1.00 -0.005 7.86 7.97 8.15 7.88 8 9,035,700 72,664,973 -1600.0028.95 14.32 1.00 0.81 20.4 20.4 20.5 20.1 20.15 5,676,800 114,601,490 24.88252 161.1 1.00 12.1 247 248 248 242 243.4 75,230 18,337,856 20.120.029 0.011 0.01 -0.0001 0.021 0.021 0.022 0.021 0.021 44,300,000 939,700 -210.00 0.38 0.148 0.25 0.006 0.335 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.325 13,590,000 4,420,400 54.170.032 0.012 0.01 0.0007 0.023 0.023 0.023 0.022 0.023 153,900,000 3,533,700 32.860.033 0.013 0.01 0.0007 0.024 0.024 0.025 0.023 0.025 43,300,000 1,038,900 35.717.2 5.1 1.00 0.75 6.4 6.34 6.5 6.34 6.5 600 3,852 8.6714.18 3 1.00 0 12 11.8 12 11.64 11.7 351,900 4,129,716 N/A0.058 0.013 0.01 0.003 0.053 0.052 0.053 0.051 0.052 297,440,000 15,499,000 17.33 1,050.00 990 10.00 0 1,030.00 1,024 1,024 1,023 1,024 1,100 1,125,500 N/A44 27.3 0.00 0 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.1 36.1 496,200 17,912,820 N/A11.02 6 0.00 0 9.7 9.6 9.6 9.5 9.5 79,000 753,020 N/A 1.35 0.62 N/A 0 0.98 1.01 1.04 1.01 1.01 1,811,000 1,852,700 N/A

PHILWEB TOUCH SOLUTIONS **** TRANSPORATION SERVICES **** 2GO GROUP CEBU AIR, INC. INTL CONTAINER LORENZOSHIPPING PAL HOLDINGS **** HOTEL & LEISURE **** ACESITE HOTEL BOULEVARD HLDG. GRAND PLAZA LEISURE MANILA JOCKEY PHIL. RACING PREMIEREHORIZON WATERFRONT **** EDUCATION **** CENTRO ESCOLAR FAR EASTERN U IPEOPLE **** DIVERSIFIED SERVICES **** APC GROUP EASYCALL GLOBALPORTS ICTVI JTH DAVIES PACIFIC ONLINE PAXYS PUREGOLD **** MINING **** ABRA MINING APEX MINING A APEX MINING B ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK DIZON MINES GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B NICKELASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP. ORIENTAL P PHILEX SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON **** OIL **** BASIC PETROLEUM ORIENTAL A ORIENTAL B PETROENERGY PHILEXPETROLEUM PHILODRILL A P R E F E R R E D SMPFC PREFS ABS-CBN PDR GMA HOLDINGS WARRANTS, PHIL. DEPOSIT RECEIPT, ETC. MEG-WARRANTS

Business B-5Friday, March 23, 2012

52 Weeks PARVALUE

2010EPS

PREVCLOSE PE

RATIOLOWHIGH STOCKS LOW CLOSE VOLUME VALUEHIGHOPEN

PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE

**** PREFERRED ****

**** OIL ****

**** MINING ****

**** DIVERSIFIED SERVICES ****

**** EDUCATION ****

*** HOTEL & LEISURE ****

**** WARRANTS, PHIL. DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, ETC. ****

MARCH 22, 2012

COMPANIES UNDER SUSPENSION BY THE EXCHANGE AS OF MARCH 22, 2012

ASIA -ASIATRUST CBC -COSMOS DGTL -DIGITEL EIBA -EXPORT BANK EIBB -EXPORT BANK B FC -FIL-ESTATE CORP FYN -FILSYN A FYNB -FILSYN B GO -GOTESCO LAND A GOB -GOTESCO LAND B

MAH -METROALLIANCE A MAHB -METROALLIANCE B MC -MARSTEEL A MCB -MARSTEEL B NXT -NEXTSTAGE PHC -PHILCOMSAT PNC -PNCC TELA -PLDT A TELB -PLDT B TELC -PLDT C

TELD -PLDT D TELE -PLDT E TELF -PLDT F TELG -PLDT G TELH -PLDT H TELI -PLDT I TELJ -PLDT J TELK -PLDT K TELL -PLDT L TELM -PLDT M

TELN -PLDT N TELO -PLDT O TELP -PLDT P TELQ -PLDT Q TELR -PLDT R TELS -PLDT S TELT -PLDT T TELU -PLDT U TELV -PLDT V TELW -PLDT W

TELX -PLDT X TELY -PLDT Y TELZ -PLDT Z TLAA -PLDT AA TLBB -PLDT BB TLCC -PLDT CC TLDD -PLDT DD TLEE -PLDT EE MED -MEDCO HLDG. PCP -PICOP RES.

PMT -PRIMETOWN PROP. PPC -PRYCE CORP. PTT -PT&T STN -STENIEL UW -UNIWIDE HLDG. VMC -VICTORIAS TLFF -PLDT FF

FINANCIALS 1,268.15 1,275.41 1,266.25 1,272.61 0.47 5.9 48,261,863 P 1,090,139,843.3 INDUSTRIALS 7,712.56 7,735.29 7,688.82 7,688.82 -0.3 -23.13 289,674,651 P 1,111,830,424.29 HOLDING FIRMS 4,161.46 4,191.21 4,161.46 4,173.61 0.54 22.5 300,943,016 P 1,441,982,465.32 PROPERTY 1,911.21 1,924.59 1,900.86 1,900.86 -0.55 -10.49 393,105,044 P 952,874,280.11 SERVICES 1,698.74 1,712.2 1,696.67 1,702.59 0.23 3.84 123,276,937 P 895,875,459.05 MINING AND OIL 25,274.7 25,732.9 25,053.02 25,732.9 1.81 458.2 1,457,100,047 P 840,357,770.24 PSEI 5,041.63 5,063.69 5,041.63 5,043.52 0.11 5.58 ALL SHARES 3,415.94 3,427.04 3,415.94 3,417.29 0.08 2.8 SME GRAND TOTAL 2,612,361,558 P 6,333,060,242.3086

NO. OF ADVANCES: 85NO. OF DECLINES: 89NO. OF UNCHANGED: 39NO. OF TRADED ISSUES: 213

FOREIGN BUYING R2,736,833,076.62FOREIGN SELLING R2,671,724,147.82

SECTORIAL SUMMARY ValueVolumePt. Change%changeOpen CloseLowHigh

**** TRANSPORTATION SERVICES **** By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

The World Trade Organi-zation has cited the Philip-pine economy for performing well since its last review in 2005 largely because of its open trade policy, but said the economy is operating below its potential due to the slow pace of reforms to further open up the economy and institute governance reforms that con-strained overall growth.

This was contained in the 4th WTO Trade Policy Review of the Philippines conducted on March 20 to 22 this year.

The WTO noted that during 2005-2011, the Philippines had an annual real GDP growth rate of 5%, moderate inflation (5% on average during the period), and a surplus in its external account in part due to high remittances inflows (about 10% of GDP).

This makes the Philippines the world's 37th largest exporter and the 29th importer of goods in 2010. In services trade, it ranked 27th among exporters and 36th among importers.

The report, however, said that improved productivity is essential for the Philippines to compete with low-cost neigh-boring economies, and addition-al steps are needed to promote more competition, improve human capital, eliminate limi-tations on foreign investment, reduce incentives, and reform state-owned institutions.

“It is also hoped that the gov-ernment's recently launched public-private partnerships initiative will encourage invest-ment in major infrastructure projects,” the report said.

“The Philippines' outward-orientation makes it vulnerable to external shocks but has also contributed to the resilience of the economy in adapting to challenges. Greater trade diversification would help the Philippines, since it relies heav-ily on manufactured products (85% of exports and 67% of im-ports),” the report added.

While the WTO praised the Philippines economic progress over the past six year period, it also scored for granting tax and

Philippine EconomyPerforming Well – WTO

incentives that are contingent on export performance and Fili-pino ownership in enterprises.

“Measures have been taken over the review period to im-prove the business environment but there remains considerable scope for improvement. More-over, the Philippines maintains its overall policy of ensuring that key sectors are effectively controlled by Filipinos and remain restricted for foreign investors, notably agriculture, fisheries, and a large number of services,” it said.

This failure, the WTO said, has resulted into low foreign direct investment inflows com-pared with other countries in the region. While the govern-ment has expressed concern, no concrete changes are foreseen to open up these sectors to for-eign investment.

Foreign investment is en-couraged in some sectors, par-ticularly manufacturing, which mainly takes place within ex-port processing zones (EPZs), where substantial fiscal incen-tives are offered.

“While this policy has sup-ported manufacturing em-ployment and exports, it adds pressure on the budget deficit and discourages efficiency,” the WTO pointed out.

On the country’s role in ASEAN, WTO cited the Philip-pines commitment to the deep-ening of economic integration among members, including removing obstacles to trade and improving trade facilitation.

The Philippines, both uni-laterally and through ASEAN, has continued to pursue a policy of negotiating regional trade agreements (RTAs), now totaling 15 including its first bilateral free trade area agreement with Japan.

The WTO, however, noted that the country’s trade poli-cy has not undergone major changes since 2005; the tariff remains the main policy instru-ment. With the adoption of the 2007 ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature, the Philippines' tariff was simplified and now comprises 8,299 lines at the HS eight-digit level (compared with 10,688 in 2004).

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Classified Ads Friday, March 23, 2012B-8

ASIANLIFE AND GENERAL ASSURANCE CORP. (ASIANLIFE) AND HEALTH PARTNERS – DENTAL ACCESS INC. (HP-DAI) SIGN CONTRACT – AsianLife has joined HP-DAI to provide access to its accredited dentists and dental clinics. AsianLife is part of the Maybank ATR Kim Eng Group, the leading conglomerate of di-versified non-bank financial services in the Philippines. Shown in photo (seated in front from left) are: HP-DAI Director for Operations, Dr. Jennie Y. Gonzales, HP-DAI Managing Director Dr. Teddy C. Gonzales, AsianLife President and Chief Executive Officer Eulogio A. Mendoza, AsianLife Executive Vice President for Group Insurance Marketing Division Manuel M. Alfonso, AsianLife Vice President & Legal Counsel Atty. Raul M. Hebron. Standing from left are AsianLife First Vice President & Medical Director Dr. Veronica Julia J. Leonardo, and AsianLife Assistant Vice President for Medical Operations Dept. Dr. Cecilia Paz Cruz-Ram.

The 2012 Summer Positivism Art Workshop was announced by painter E.R.Tagle, at 5080 Filmore St., Baran-gay Palanan, Makati City.The art work-shop is once a week, for seven weeks, with morning, afternoon, and evening. Classes start March 30, 2012.

The participants will be introduced to the use of pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, acrylic, and mixed media. It is now ac-cepting as participants children four to 12 years old and adults from 13 to 84 years old interested to learn basic and advanced drawing and painting. The schedules are Friday and Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon or 1:30 to 3 p.m. Evening class are on Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After the program, the best works

Summer Positivism Art Workshop Set In Makati

TAGLE

of the participants will be exhibited and for sale to help recover the tuition fees paid by the student.

The Positivism Art Workshop was founded in 1988 by

Tagle to develop the creative talents as well as cultivate appreciation for the creative art of the participants. They are encouraged to focus on subjects that extol positive Filipino values and tradition such as bayanihan, family unity, hard work, care for the preserva-tion of the environment, spirituality and love of God, and love of country.

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B-9 Friday, March 23, 2012

MERCENE...(Cont’d from page 11)

LOBO...(Cont’d from page 11)

which were allowed under the now-defunct Air Transportation Office (ATO), before the creation of CAAP.

On the other hand, no Philippine-registered airplanes fly out of the European Union (EU), which had blacklisted Philippine carriers from operating in EU skies. It has also warned their citizens not to patron-ize Philippine carriers, or risk invali-dating their travel insurance.

Another problem requiring a po-litical solution is the issue of many European airlines complaining about the Common Carrier’s Tax (CCT) levied on them by the Philip-pine government. Many, if not all, of the European carriers have been fretting about this tax, and want it

abolished. All of them have ceased flying directly from Europe to the Philippines, except KLM, whose direct flight from Amsterdam to Manila was also terminated early this year. It now flies to Korea, which connects to Manila.

Let us not forget that Germany is still smarting from the ongoing claim by Fraport AG to be paid separately for its contribution to the construc-tion of the Ninoy Aquino Interna-tional Airport 3 (NAIA 3). Its partner, the Philippine International Airport Terminal Corporation (PIATCO), has withdrawn its case against the Philippines, after agreeing to be paid “just compensation.”

The Fraport case is now pending

before the International Court for the Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID).

Could the Philippines be another collateral damage in the stiff compe-tition between the two giant aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus?

Although PAL operates the old reliable B-747, it is now re-fleeting with several types of Airbus, such as the A320 and A330. Cebu Pacific is also acquiring four A330, aside from its fleet of A320s.

Is it possible that our airlines deci-sion which manufacturer to patron-ize could also affect the Americans’ or the Europeans’ decision to speed up granting us back the Category 1 status we used to enjoy?

presentation.An irrelevant portion was some 10

minutes of replay of a young Noynoy, a bit blooded, after being grazed by a bullet fired by some rebellious and renegade soldiers while being driven in a vehicle near Malacanang in 1987.

From the title of the documentary projects – “Inside Malacañang” view-ers expected to see how the Chief Executive and “his work horses” – Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Chief Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and Undersecre-tary Abigail Valte – go about their functions, with each one of them shown as if getting some instruction from the President.

But not one of them was shown.Also conspicuously missing from

the scene is a typical Cabinet meet-ing. A few minutes of it would have

satisfied the viewers’ curiosity: How a Cabinet meeting is conducted, is there a pre-arranged seating ar-rangement of the members, how does the Cabinet meeting hall look like?

The above situation would have enlightened the average Filipino TV viewer of a scene that he only sees in newspaper photos.

Sadly, none of those were shown.Similarly, a human-interest seg-

ment would have been a film clip of a foreign diplomat or an ambas-sador presenting his credentials to the President, with all that brief but formal ceremony, at a ceremonial hall in the Palace.

Or a scene of the President re-ceiving in a courtesy call foreign businessmen, industrialists, or investors in his study (or, any place in Malacañang where the President

normally does these functions) or the Chief Executive in his study table pouring over documents.

We noted none of those appeared in the documentary.

Likewise, the producers missed including proverbial endearing scenes like, the President in casual attire and in a lighter mood, talking to Palace household staff.

Those segments may be tagged as run-of-the-mill but they are what most of TV viewers nationwide want to see.

Instead, we were watching a President who wore the same tight-fitting barong Filipino all throughout the one-hour episode. Even worse, he was doing the talking while ap-parently seated, posing in a semi-side view angle that focused on his apparently skinny body frame.

And, yes, add this observation to

CINCO...(Cont’d from page 11)

ate impeachment trial, says Pulse Asia.

The public-judges have their own verdict..

***But 43 percent cannot categorical-

ly say whether the chief magistrate is guilty or not, Pulse Asia adds..

Speed and wind up trial. Unde-cided still open to both prosecution and defense.

***Defense lawyers say they would

go ahead with the presentation of the asset declarations of other public officials to prove that Chief Justice Renato Corona did not vio-late the Constitution as alleged by the prosecution.

Call it the hanap-damay strat-egy. Eow!

***

Filipinas Eugene Domingo of “The Woman in The Septic Tank” and Sha-maine Buencamino of “Nino” win the Peoples Choice Awards for Favorite Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, at the Sixth Asian Film Award (AFA) in Hongkong.

Topnotch Pinays, congrats!.***

Philippine Azkals’ Phil Youn-ghusband is named one of Asia’s top strikers, wins the Golden Boot Award.

If his luck continues, would Angel Locsin marry a young hus-band?

***Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao says

he is not yet hanging up his gloves but may still have three fights pa.

Okay, Manny as long as you won’t fight just for the money. He-he!

* * *A Manila-Bulletin-DZXL alli-

ance is firmed up by Radio Mind-anao Network (RMN) Vice Presi-dent for AM Operations Charley Canoy and Manila Bulletin Vice President for Advertising Melito Salazar Jr.

Yes to strong media alliance for a well-informed public.

the package of audience disappoint-ment: Weeks before the documentary hit the TV screen were thrillers that mentioned showing “Malacañang’s secret chambers”!

“Where were they?” they asked in dismay. Mysteriously, the documen-tary did not show even one.

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B-10 FRIDAY, March 23, 2012

By EDU LOPEZ

HELSINKI – Finnish cargo handling equipment maker Cargotec is considering listing its marine unit on the Singapore ex-change to strengthen its presence in Asia, the firm said.

It said it would own the majority of Cargotec Marine, which would remain con-solidated within the group.

Cargotec Marine is one of Cargotec's three reporting segments and makes load-ing equipment including electrical cranes and hatch covers for maritime transporta-tion and offshore industries.

Cargotec PlansListing In Singapore

HEBRON, Ky. (AP) – Officials from DHL Express and the Cincinnati/Northern Ken-tucky International Airport will join local officials at the airport in Hebron, Ky., to break ground for an expansion of DHL's Americas hub facility there.

DHL says it is investing $47 million to expand the hub and will create 280 new jobs at a 193,000-square-foot sort facility in the next 14 months.

The company says 90 percent of the DHL volume that enters the US is handled by the hub.

DHL ExpandingIts US Hub

M i t s u i O . S . K . Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has launched the hybrid car carrier Emerald Ace at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe shipyard.

The Emerald Ace, designed to generate zero emissions while berthed, was designat-ed as a project to re-duce CO2 emissions from ocean-going vessels, and earned MOL a subsidy from Japan's Ministry of Land, In-frastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in 2009.

Slated for delivery in June 2012, the Emerald Ace will be the world's first newly delivered hybrid car carrier and begin test operations of its hybrid power system.

The vessel's hybrid system rep-resents a significant step forward in realizing ISHIN-I, the concept for the next-generation car carrier that MOL announced in September 2009.

The Emerald Ace will be equipped with a hybrid electric power supply system that combines a 160kW solar generation system-jointly developed by MHI, Energy Company of Pana-

sonic Group and MOL-with lithium-ion batteries that can store some 2.2MWh of electricity. Conventional power gen-eration systems use diesel-powered generators to supply electricity on board while berthed.

However, on the Emerald Ace, electricity will be generated by the solar power generation system while the vessel is under way and stored in the lithium-ion batteries.

The diesel-powered generator will be completely shut down when the ship is in berth, and the batteries will provide all the electricity it needs, re-sulting in zero emissions at the pier.

The "Solar Hybrid" logo is painted on the sides of the vessel near the stern to identify its hybrid system and its use of renewable energy.

By ANURAG KOTOKY

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India will urge its airlines not to take part in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a senior official said, the latest salvo in an escalating row over an EU law requiring all flights in and out of Europe to pay for their emissions.

China in February said its airlines were barred from participating in the scheme unless they get government approval to do so. Beijing has also suspended the purchase of $14 billion worth of planes for Europe's Airbus due to the dispute.

India does not yet plan to ask airlines to cancel Airbus purchases, but that is a possibility if the dispute escalates, the Indian official said.

The official, with direct knowledge of talks between the EU and other countries on the issue, told Reuters that India would soon ask local airlines not to share emissions data with the bloc or buy any carbon credits.

If the European Commission re-taliated by suspending Indian airlines from flying to Europe, India would make similar moves and consider charging an ''unreasonable'' amount for flying over India, the official said on Monday.

''We have lots of measures to take

if the EU does not go back on its demands. We have the power of the economy; we are not bleeding as they are,'' the government official said, add-ing that Europe's position would harm its own economy and airlines.

The Indian government is await-ing formal approval from several ministries to implement the order to airlines, which it expects soon, the official said.

''The questions is, 'Are you (the EU) provoking the world into a trade war?'' the official said.

Amber Dubey, director for avia-tion at global consultancy KPMG, said India was in the midst of a huge increase in the size of both its civilian and defence fleets, with a significant share of the orders coming from Eu-ropean suppliers.

''The EU-ETS issue is escalating fears of a trade war between the EU and the rest of the world. There is a chance that the government may de-cide to use these large aircraft orders as a negotiating tool,'' Dubey said.

European planemaker Airbus has a 73 percent share of the commercial plane market in India. It has orders for more than 250 planes with IndiGo, Go Air and Kingfisher Airlines, making fast-growing India a crucial growth market.

Foreign governments say the EU

is exceeding its legal jurisdiction by charging for an entire flight, as op-posed to just the part covering Euro-pean airspace.

But Europe's highest court ruled in December that the EU law did not breach international agreements.

The EU scheme has been widely criticized by the aviation industry, and on Tuesday Indonesia's state-owned airline Garuda said it might stop flying to Amsterdam in response.

''If (the regulation) is too costly, we could be forced to close our European routes,'' President Director Emirsyah Satar told Reuters.

Thai Airways President Piyasvasti Amranand said the state-controlled airline also opposed the EU law, but declined to comment on its impact on plane purchases.

''If nothing changes, this will cost us 200-300 million baht $6.5-$9.75 mil-lion) a year starting 2013,'' Piyasvasti said.

''I do agree with the idea of reduc-ing carbon emissions but the way EU has come up with the calculation for making airlines pay is something we feel is unfair.''

India this month inadvertently delayed approval of some European summer schedules by a day, which disrupted the flight schedules of many European airlines.

India Urging Airlines To OptOut Of EU Carbon Scheme

The hybrid car carrier Emerald Ace

World’s FirstMOL Launches

Hybrid Car Carrier

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(1) Cropped blazer, Jinggo Inoncillo. (2) V-neck shirt, Zara Men. (3) Gray trousers, Memo

C1 • Friday, March 23, 2012 Editor: ISABEL C. DE [email protected]

For june 22 issue

A HISTORICAL LANDMARK

BUILT IN 1912

A VENUE OF BIG EVENTS AND GRAND ASPIRATIONSONE RIZAL PARK,

MANILA, PHILIPPINESTEL.: (632) 527-0011 CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS

FAX: (632) 527-0022 TO 24http://www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Email Address: [email protected]

PLEASE CONTACT:

C1 • Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Editor: ISABEL C. DE [email protected]

L I F E S T Y L EA R T SFASHIONH O M EH E A L T HT R A V E L

•••••

A HISTORICAL LANDMARK

BUILT IN 1912

BANQUET RESERVATIONS - TEL (632) 527- 8802––6 FAX (632) 527-8808––8

ROOM RESERVATIONS - TEL (632) 527- 9462––6 FAX (632) 527-9467––8

A VENUE OF BIG EVENTSAND GRAND ASPIRATIONS

FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:MANILA HOTEL CORPORATION

P.O. BOX 307ONE RIZAL PARK,

MANILA, PHILIPPINESTEL.: (632) 527-0011 CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS

FAX: (632) 527-0022 TO 24 http://www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Email Address: [email protected]

FOR CONVENTIONS OR BANQUET RESERVATIONSAT THE

FIESTA PAVILIONMANILA HOTEL TENT CITYCENTENNIAL HALLMAYNILA BALLROOMSAMPAGUITA HALL

2,5002,5001,250550200

SEATING CAPACITYSEATING CAPACITYSEATING CAPACITYSEATING CAPACITYSEATING CAPACITY

CULTURED I N I N GG A R D E NF I T N E S STOURISM

Photography: DARREL POBREStyling: JEAR DE MC CUTTACStyling associate: KAYE AWATINGrooming: NINA DUMPAModel: PAUL FOSTER at RECOLocation: GALLERY BIG Special thanks to Gallery Big, LRI Design Plaza,Makati City. For more information, call 895-4516 or log-on to www.gallerybig.com.

(1) Graphic shirt, Zara Men.(2) Brown trousers, Jinggo Inoncillo.

(3) Studded, leather bracelet, Topman.(4) Buckled belt, Aldo

RIGHT ANGLE

(1) White, tailored buttondown, Zara Men.(2) Slim-fit, suit jacket, Zara Men. (3) Teal pants, Zara Men

(1) Color-blocked buttondown, Joey Samson. (2) Brown trousers, Jinggo Inoncillo (3) Loafers, Hush Puppies. (4) Gradient, printed wayfarers, Aldo

(1) Geometric buttondown and mustard pants, Jinggo Inoncillo. (2) Beads and hardware necklace, Bosquejo. (3) Black, leather shoes, Guess

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Fashion Friday, March 23, 2012C-2

EditorISABEL C. DE LEON

Assistant EditorMALOU E. ROSAL

Section EditorsFashion / i • JOYCE L. FERNANDEZCelebrations• MARBEE SHING-GOHome & Garden • DENNIS LADAW

Dining • GENE GONZALEZWellbeing • ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ

Moms & Kids • AMYLINE Q. CHINGTravel & Tourism • Arts & Culture

ou don't have to go broke to look and feel beauti-ful. Follow these simple to tips to save money on beauty products:

Shop online. Shopping online is your best bet to saving money on cos-metics and other beauty products. Use reliable online retailers such as www.beautybar.com.ph and www.weemall.com for the latest promos and great deals on health and beauty products. Sometimes they give free shipping so you also get savings on travel and time.

Buy less expensive brands. This may seem obvious, but many people think they must buy salon-quality

ouglas Ferguson’s mind is a vault, storing memories of Manhat-tan in the late 1970s and '80s, when the city, as he

tells it, was a petri dish, breeding all manner of outsize personalities.

Ferguson knew plenty of them. There were Helen Gurley Brown, the trailblazing editor of Cosmopolitan; the jeweler Robert Lee Morris; and Diana Vreeland, the Vogue editor whose extravagant vision inspired a series of popular costume exhibi-tions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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D

How To Save Beauty MoneyLooking beautiful on the cheap

Douglas Ferguson’sChain-Mail Fashions

Text by JAKE GALVEZ

Text by RUTH LA FERLA

shampoo or branded facial tissues. If you have always used pricey name brand products, you may not realize that many good, inexpensive brands exist. Challenge yourself to downgrade one product, to see if the cheaper product is an acceptable substitute. Watsons Label offers top-grade products that are signifi-cantly cheaper than their expensive branded counter-parts, and a trusted name synonymous to quality and affordability. Most of its products offer fantastic deals—Buy 1 Take 1, discounted, bundled in threes—ensuring you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Buy products that do double duty. Your lotion can double as a sunscreen. Your BB cream or moisturizer can be your anti-aging cream. Mineral makeup is another fine choice because a little goes

a long way. Buy products that you can use for more than one

purpose. For example, you can use some gel blushes as lipcolor. My new favorite is the new Blood On gel blush from Majolica Majorca. The

perfect, dual-purpose blush

and lip stain for everyday use. Use homemade beauty prod-

ucts. Many facial scrubs, cleansers, makeup removers and other products can be made from ingredients in your own kitchen. You can use salt to ex-foliate the skin and lips. And you can actually use brown sugar to remove unwanted hair. Simple recipes have inexpensive ingredients and you can find the ingredients at most grocery stores. If you have ever had to buy an ultra-powered dandruff shampoo, you probably cringed at the price. Instead of buying dandruff shampoo, I use malt vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing my hair. This cleared up my dandruff and left only a hint of a vinegar smell. You can also try using baking soda instead of shampoo and toothpaste.

Don’t use too much makeup. Don’t overdo it when you apply makeup. You only need one coat of mascara and one coat of blush to last the entire day. Using a damp makeup sponge to apply foundation cuts down on the amount of foundation you use. Don’t wear makeup every day; save your products for when you have spe-cial plans, instead. When you use less

makeup, you save money because your makeup lasts a lot longer. But if you’re worried about your fine lines, use Olay’s Wrinkle Relaxing Cream that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just 1 application. No need to use makeup!

Shop duty-free stores. If you travel internationally, stop in at the duty-free stores to find deals on your favorite cosmetic brands. Duty-free stores offer great deals on products you use every day, and they sometimes have special offers.

Go to a beauty school. If you want to wear make-up to a special event, but you don’t want to have to purchase it, go to a beauty school and let one of the stu-dents do your makeup. This works well for students going to prom or for a bride’s wed-ding makeup. This benefits both parties because you receive a free makeover, and the beauty student gets some practice. Visit the Tony Galvez School of Cosmetol-

ogy (www.tonygalvez.com) and try their free hair and beauty services.

So if you need to tighten up your spending and saving efforts, consider these tips and take your beauty al-location out of your monthly budget

to free up some extra cash. You don’t need to give up makeup and toiletries when tightening up your budget. You just need

to practice smart shopping techniques.

Ferguson, 60, came of age at a time, he recalled, “when the most sophisticated technology you had was a telephone and an answering machine.”

“There was face time then,” he continued. “You’d go out, and if there was someone you hadn’t met, you knew someone who had.”

It was through such serendipi-tous, face-to-face encounters that he discovered his metier as a fashion designer—an alchemist, really, who excelled in transforming unlikely materials like leather, chain mail and industrial paint into the fashion equivalent of gold.

Ferguson, who studied fine arts in Rome, began hand-painting panels of leather and tulle soon after arriving in Manhattan, at one point draping an eight-foot plywood doll in a winsome flapper gown. Created for an instal-lation at the Mudd Club, that fabled haunt of assorted social renegades, it caught the eye of the designer Patri-cia Field. She chased down Ferguson at the club, he recalled, telling him breathlessly, “I’m not leaving here tonight without that doll!”

Soon Ferguson was whipping up hand-painted chiffon and leather dresses for Field’s shop on East Eighth Street. Before long, he began transferring his designs to chain mail, reviving a technique used in the 1920s for metal mesh bags, then stenciling, block-printing or hand-painting Chinese florals, medieval tapestry motifs and Art Deco pat-terns onto the metal, using automo-

tive paints from a local garage.Entirely novel in the '70s, Fer-

guson’s painstakingly draped and pieced chain-mail halters, bandeau tops, micro-skirts and mantles were admired by the city’s fashion and pop-cultural elite, including Tina Turner, who posed in the mid-'80s in his cowl dress for a cover of Vanity Fair; Brown, who wore a dress emblazoned with peonies to a benefit ball in the '80s; and Morris, who introduced Ferguson’s designs at Artwear, the pioneering SoHo showcase for hand-wrought jewelry and accessories.

Today many of those pieces, rescued and restored, are likely to captivate a new clientele at Frock, a high-end vintage store in NoLIta. “It’s nice to see something that’s actually hand-done,” said Lexi Sac-chi, Frock’s buyer and manager. “Douglas designed them not just for a runway but for how they would function every day.”

Cynthia Altoriso, the veteran stylist who introduced Sacchi to Fer-guson’s work, called his pieces liquid mercury. “They beg to be caressed,” she said.

On view at Frock through Sunday, the designs are as costly as they are distinctive, priced from about $1,500 for a slithery mesh shawl to $12,000 for a goddess look, one of three Grecian-draped dresses highlighted

in a 2003 costume exhibition at the Met. Other designs, shaped to spill lavalike over the body, graced the covers of Cosmo-politan, Vogue and Vanity Fair; some refracted confetti-size flecks of light as their wearers danced at Studio 54.

At the dawn of the disco era, Ferguson had talked his way into a volunteer job, scouting props and performing errands for Vreeland at the Met. In his spare hours, he drove a Check-er cab to subsidize his volun-teer work. At the Met he found excuses to escort Vreeland to her cab just to hear her tell the driver, “Step on it, buster.”

And now, strangely enough, many of his Art Deco-flavored frocks bear an uncanny resem-blance to the shimmering Jazz Age looks that proliferated on the spring runways. Ferguson, who still designs for private clients, is not that surprised that many of his inspirations have found their match at Gu-cci, Alberta Ferretti and Ralph Lauren. The shelf life of his dresses was never limited to a particular period or decade, he said.

“They were out of time when I made them, and they’re out of time now.” (NYT)

A dress by Douglas Ferguson on the cover of New York Magazine

Douglas Ferguson, the fashion designer whose work has been

worn by Tina Turner, with his chain-mail fashions at Frock, in

New York. (NYT photos)

A Grecian-inspired goddess-look dress

A dress by Douglas Ferguson on the cover of Vogue

Blood On Gel blush by Majolica Majorca

Watsons Label offers fantastic deals

Wrinkle relaxing cream

for fine lines

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Fashion Friday, March 23, 2012 C-3

STEPHANIE CASTILLO

HAUTE OFFTHE PRESS

ll hell breaks loose when a girl hits teen-dom.

Before that, your wardrobe consists of

cotton T-shirts and Bermuda shorts, little sundresses and maryjane shoes, pigtails and plaits. You think of cleavage as something your mom has—when she’s going out to dinner with your dad. You see high heels as a rite of passage—something that you will one day earn the right to wear (but not yet). You play with Mom’s makeup in the master bathroom, but you know that’s about as far as you can push it.

Your parents think it’s pretty cute.

Then suddenly, you’re thirteen, and you want to dress like Britney Spears.

Your parents think, “Hell no.”But every time you see Britney

on MTV, belly out and legs flashing, you just long to be her. In your room, with the door locked, you rebel. You tie up your shirts and you practice the “Baby One More Time” routine in front of your mirror. “Oh baby, baby,” you lip sync (with feeling!) as your stomach pokes out in utter defiance.

You get creative. You devise ways to sneak shorter skirts and lower necklines into your closet—and wear them to the mall, where your barkada can admire them—all without your mom noticing. (She ob-viously does, with fearsome indigna-tion). You try on low-slung pants ala Christina Aguilera, scorning the mini mom-jeans your mother hands you in the dressing room. As far as your fashion sense is concerned, Mom has become Public Enemy No. 1.

You just can’t wait for the day when you can wear LBDs and stilet-tos and red lipstick, without your dad taking one look at you and sending you back to your room to change.

And then you grow up, and you find that the tables have somewhat turned. It’s a decade later, when you have every right to wear more revealing things; you reflect on your desire to dress sexy at a time when you could more or less be called a “kid,” and you realize how inappro-priate it was to even try. You know it was inappropriate, because that’s exactly what you’re thinking when you see today’s tweens in their tight, tiny outfits. Your lips might curl in disdain, but that used to be YOU. Can you say awkward?

But like I said, with age comes privilege—and that includes the license to dress sexy.

Except now you know what you’re doing. You can distinguish the line between downright vulgar and sexy-chic, and you know that while the first demeans you, the other empow-ers you. I don’t know about you, but I’m always down for empowerment through fashion.

So, if you’re of age, bare some skin this summer! (And if you’re not sure, please ask your mom). The hot months are the most permissive sea-son for skin-show; take advantage of the fact with this sexy trend watch for Summer 2012.

The Bare MidriffThink Sue Lyon or Dominique

Swain in their respective adapta-tions of Lolita. Bra tops are in great demand for the balmy season, high-lighting the midriffs of the young and hip—or anyone who’s toned.

But don’t think of this as another tired sequel in the innerwear-as-out-erwear saga. In essence, these short, fitted blouses and sporty bandeaus are legit tops, not lingerie. There’s just a little extra cheekiness because they reveal a slice of skin where we usually cinch our belts.

So unsheath your midriff this summer—but keep it classy. Cropped shirts and bra tops ooze sophis-tication with high-waist bottoms, whether midi skirts, trousers, or straight (not tight, straight) shorts.

A

Sexy-Chic

Google the summer showings of gypsy-like Dolce & Gabbana, aquatic Versace, and athletic Helmut Lang for reference.

Ideally, you should only be show-ing a two to three-inch strip of torso right below the bra line. Your belly button should never be seen—it’ll pass when you’re at the beach, but for a cosmopolitan setting, it’s just too much information.

High-Low Leg Show“Mullet cut” is a big buzzword for

this season. As its illustrative (albeit not very pretty) name suggests, this silhouette for dresses, skirts, and tops features a short hemline in the front and a longer one in the back. (I’ll give you a second to think about mullets.)

Also called “high-low,” this asym-metrical wonder presents you with the perfect opportunity to play hide-and-seek with your legs. In front, it’s all long, lush limbs and burnished skin, but in the rear, you get bonus coverage—which rules out all that strategic miniskirt training for get-ting into a car or picking up some-thing you’ve dropped. In other words, goodbye unwitting panty-flash!

A mullet cut tunic would make an ideal cover-up for summer, whether sheer or printed or both at once. The skirts are also a must-have: you can pair them with tucked tops or let the shirts spill over and anchor your waist with a belt. But the real stand-outs are the floaty frocks, which seem to have built-in wind effect when you walk. Try them in juicy cit-rus shades ala DKNY, animal prints ala Just Cavalli, or easy, immaculate white ala Gianfranco Ferre.

And don’t forget to oil up your gams. They’re the whole point of this exercise, after all.

Peek-a-Boo BodyWhen towing the line between

classy and sassy, remember three things: cut-outs, sheer fabric, and mesh. We’ll go through these one by one.

Cut-outs. By now, I expect that cut-outs are nothing new to the av-erage style spectator. But I couldn’t leave them off the list because they’re the epitome of summer-friendly. Es-pecially since they continue to enjoy popularity with a brand-new twist.

Sheer Underlay. If you don’t know what that means, just think of a top with cut-out shoulders, or an LBD its sides scooped out—then imagine sheer fabric in the place of those gaps. You’re flaunting some serious skin, but at the same time, you’re keeping it under wraps, too. Your best peg?

Quirky sundresses by Kenzo and Stella McCartney, which incorporate sheer cut-outs in a medley of mixed prints and color blocking.

wI can already see some of you reeling at the mere mention. But toss those visions of hiphop booty dancers aside, because the new mesh is fresh, sporty, and so fun. It’s almost too tame, in fact, to com-mand seduction—but its signature perforations, which reveal the skin beneath, guarantee a touch of flir-tatiousness.

For summer, Jil Sander does sleek mesh midi dresses in brights and whites, Alexander Wang opts for mesh overlay for almost everything, and Vera Wang makes mesh virtually unrecognizable in bodacious peplum tops. Again, the great thing about

these clothes is that you’re showing skin, but technically, there’s fabric covering all that flesh.

And that’s how you strike a bal-ance.

Flaunt some serious skin, but at the same time, keep it under wraps, too

Unsheath your midriff this summer

but keep it classy

This asymmetrical wonder presents you with the perfect opportunity to play hide-and-seek with your legs. (New York Times file photos)

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D-1 �• Editor: CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN • [email protected], March 23, 2012

ENTERTAINMENTMOVIE • TV • COMICS

Filipino-Irish “Glee” star Darren Criss reportedly turned down a hosting gig for season 2 of the US version of “The X Factor.”

Sources from E! Online c la imed that TV ’s b iggest 2011 discovery had to beg off because of prior commitments. Apart from his regular “Glee” chores, Criss just wrapped up his lead role run in Broadway’s “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and is currently shooting his movie debut via the comedy “Imogene” opposite Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening and Matt Dillon.

Criss Declines ‘X Factor’ Hosting Gig; Cowell Eyes

KieblerBy KAYE VILLAGOMEZ

According to the report, “X Factor” producers “were after Criss” to replace Steve Jones, who was axed from the reality show with judge Nicole Scherzinger in January. Paula Abdul resigned from her post as judge in the show soon after.

The names of Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Pink and the late Whitney Houston were all rumored to join the show as possible replacements for Scherzinger and Abdul but it was Britney Spears who seems to be joining the judge’s seat come season two.

Patterned after Jennifer Lopez’s superstar charisma that has benefitted “American Idol,” “X Factor” creator and judge Simon Cowell is said to be sold on taking Brit-Brit on board.

“I’m fascinated by Britney. The fact that she’s one of the most talked about – not just pop stars but people – in the world today, means that you’ve got this star power,” Cowell said of 30-year-old Spears.

Cowell was reportedly into the Spears connection too much that the “Hold It Against Me” singer is about to close a $10-million contract for sitting alongside Cowell and LA Reid in the show’s panel, said The Hollywood Reporter.

Other online reports have now hinted that the singing contest have turned to George Clooney’s current girl Stacy Keibler to host the sing-off series following Criss’ decline.

“She looks fantastic and has bags of charisma,” a source told New York Post.

DARREN CRISS

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Entertainment Friday, March 23, 2012D-2

MOVIEGOERNESTOR

CUARTERO

JUST A THOUGHT: As much horror as we have always created, we are a species that keeps moving forward, see-ing new sights in new ways,

and enjoying the journey. – Martha Beck

• • •

F I L - I N D O N E S I A N CONNECTION: The Indonesian partners were upbeat through it all.

So impressed by the talent and professionalism of their imported lead actress, Gwen Zamora of the Philippines, film director Muhammad Yusuf articulated during a media conference March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph, that it was but the start of more collaborations between Skylar Pictures and GMA Films.

More Filipino-Indonesian Movie Partnerships Lined Up

The partners have just put in the can (GMA is the film’s Philippine distributor) the suspense-thriller “The Witness,” the fictitious story of the murder of a Filipino family in Jakarta. The heinous crime is witnessed by the lone survivor and family member, the character played by Gwen.

Yusuf said he could see more artistic and economic collaborations between the two companies , announcing that in May, another film, an action-drama, shall start rolling in both countries. I hear it will star Rhian Ramos, fresh from her “My Kontrabida Girl” outing, in the lead role.

Yusuf also did not discount the possibility of co-producing with GMA a TV series set to air both in Jakarta and Manila.

Asked why it was important to cast a Filipina in the top female

role, Yusuf said the producers intend to reach a broad Asia-wide market for “The Witness,” which opened locally on March 21. The director downplayed our question regarding the marketability of Filipino actors in Indonesia, but explained that Gwen’s casting was in line with the company’s move to diversify. To provide the film a new, if also different, color.

“The Witness” will be shown next in Indonesia, after which it is set for screenings in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

• • •

W H Y GW E N A N D W H Y A FILIPINA: “The Witness,” starring an all-Indonesian cast, was filmed 90 percent in English and 10 percent in both Bahasa and Filipino. Gwen says the hardest parts were the running scenes. The film, she says, is highly physical. In many scenes, she is shown either running for her life, or crying her heart out.

The scenes could be terrifying, indeed, for a newcomer in acting whose local credits have been limited to prettifying on TV sitcoms and a big-screen debut via “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote” in 2010.

Gwen says landing the lead in the Indonesian film caught her by surprise. The Indonesian

producers came to Manila to audition local actors following an agreement with GMA Artist Center.

T h e y p i c k e d Gwen from among the auditionees. The young actress says she was chosen because “she looked sad.”

T h e s t a t e m e n t continues to baffle her, although she doesn’t want to give it much thought. At

the media event, Gwen smiled through her gills, never for a moment caught with a sad

face.

• • •

STAR NEWS: Derrick Monasterio has been getting the breaks in both singing and acting at GMA. Being groomed among the next batch of teleserye leading men, Derrick, a son of ’70s actress Tina Monasterio,

sings the theme of “The Witness,” an Indonesian tune called “Before I Die.”

Andi Eigenmann, bracing for a movie and teleserye comeback, says she’s not sorry being an unwed mother. Andi acts opposite Jessy Mendiola, Enchong Dee, Martin del Rosario and Joseph Marco

in a forthcoming TV series.

([email protected])

‘THE WITNESS’ international cast, from left: Stro Sajorno, Kimberly Ryder and Agung Saga GWEN ZAMORA with ‘The Witness’ director Muhammad Yusuf

Celebrities not only entertain, some also manage to make a significant difference in soci-ety, as evidenced by the inclu-sion of a handful of female

celebrities in the list of “100 Amazing Filipinas” complied by local website Female Network.

Released on March 19, the list enumerates the inspiring women “who have shown… that adversity only serves to make a strong woman stronger,” and is divided into five categories: Artists, Superstars, Trailblazers, Warriors for a Cause, and Real Women.

About two dozen celebrities were cited in the Superstars category. These include actresses Nora Aunor, Anne Curtis, Ai Ai de las Alas, Eugene Domingo, Angel Locsin, Cherry Pie Picache, Vilma Santos, Andi Eigenmann, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, KC Concepcion, and Ruffa Gutierrez; songbird Regine Velasquez; TV hosts Bianca Gonzalez, Maricel

Laxa-Pangilinan, Christine Jacob-Sandejas, and Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez; beauty queens Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj; model-racer Gaby dela Merced; Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay; and international performers Lea Salonga and Charice.

Half-Filipinos Nicole Scherzinger (of The Pussycat Dolls fame and former judge on “The X Factor USA”) and Hailee Steinfeld (who reaped acclaim for her debut performance in the film “True Grit”) are also part of the list.

Veteran broadcast journalists Luchi Cruz-Valdez, Kara David, and Ces Oreña-Drilon were among the Trailblazers, or the individuals who “bring truth and innovation to the country.” Also part of this illustrious category are international designers Josie Natori, Monique Lhuillier, and Melissa Ramsay.

“Creative souls” were likewise cited in the list via the Artists category. These include singer-songwriter Cynthia Alexander, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, theater actress

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and famous film extra Lilia Cuntapay.

Meanwhile, broadcaster Mel Tiangco was recognized under Warriors for a Cause, the “passionate, driven individuals who are working to better the country – and the world – one step at a time.” She was listed

alongside Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Pia Cayetano, and congresswoman Risa Hontiveros.

And because one does not always need to be a celebrity to affect change and inspire others, the Real Women category lauds non-celebrities who are advocates of certain causes, survivors

of illnesses, entrepreuers, even writers and other such representatives of strong women who “overcome adversity” and “draw on her inner strength when the situation calls for it;” women that are “living proof that you can achieve your dreams with a little luck and a lot of hard work.”

Local, International Celebs Among ‘100 Amazing Filipinas’By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

Sarah Confirms Going Out On A Friday Night Dinner Date With Gerald

By JULIEN C. MATABUENA

NORA AUNOR LEA SALONGA ANNE CURTIS

Sarah Geronimo was put on the spot for a few minutes in her own Sunday show, “Sarah G.

Live,” after her guest co-hosts Christian Bautista and Kean Cipriano asked her where she was the Fri-day before.

“Nag-commercial shoot

po ako last Friday. Ta’s after no’n… dumalaw po kasi si Gerald,” Sarah revealed, referring to actor Gerald Anderson, who just last week admitted to wooing her.

Kean interjected, “‘Yun nga, ‘yung nga ‘yung nabalitaan namin. Sabi nga raw, sinundo ka raw ng date mo tapos nag-dinner daw kayo sa Eastwood, nag-date daw kayo n’ung Friday. Totoo ba ‘yon?”

“Totoo ‘yon! Nag-dinner kami sa Eastwood ‘pagkatapos ng shoot,” the pop star confirmed.

Amid cheers from the audience, Sarah stressed, “Oh, hindi po ‘yun tsismis ha… inuulit ko. Hindi ‘yun intriga.”

For his part, Christian said, “We’re very, very happy for you. Your happiness is our happiness.”

Prior to the talk about Sarah and Gerald’s date, Kean expressed anew his admiration for the singer.

“Sarah, I want you to know that I’m a fan,” the Callalily front man said while handing her a red rose.

“Thank you, Kean. Salamat

naman. Ako din ay tagahanga mo,” Sarah told him.

When Sarah said that she’s happy to have Kean and her “good friend” Christian on the show, the rock singer quipped, “Sana gano’n din ako. Good friend mo si Christian Bautista, [sana] good friend mo [rin] si Kean Cipriano.”

Kean worked with Sarah for the first time during the promotions for the latter’s “One Heart” album last year, appearing as a special guest in one of her live performances.

KEAN CIPRIANO’s wish to work with Sarah again comes true as he becomes a one-time guest co-host in ‘Sarah G. Live.’

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Entertainment Friday, March 23, 2012 D-3

CELEBRITY WORLDCRISPINA

MARTINEZ-BELEN

Ateneo Law Batch ’88 will launch “Make A Difference” (M.A.D.) via a concert fea-turing Basil Valdez, Pops Fernandez, Billy Crawford,

Nikki Gil, Geneva Cruz, Kris Law-rence, Rage Band, Spirit of ’67, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Isabella Gonzales and Kuh Ledesma, hosted by Grace Lee and directed by Freddie Santos.

To be held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on March 29, the spectacle is called “MAD For Music.”

“It’s a dream come true!” exclaims “MAD For Music” organizer and Ateneo Law Batch ’88 spokesperson Atty. Raul Gerodias. “Not only is it a great thrill to bring together some of our finest homegrown talents for such a landmark event, but it warms our hearts even more to know that they support MAD for positive change as well.”

Proceeds of the concert have been earmarked for Batch ’88’s social outreach programs, foremost of which is a partnership with Waterhope, a collaborative social enterprise that teams up with NGOs and private groups to provide affordable clean drinking water to the country’s poor.

Ateneo Law Batch ’88 also plans

Basil, Pops Headline All-Star Concert

to run legal mission and read-along program for an urban poor community in June.

P r o d u c e d b y A LV E v e n t s International, “MAD for Music” is presented by The Ateneo Law ’88 Inc. and brought to you by San Miguel Corporation, LRWC, Rusty Lopez, Universal Lift, PCSO, Discovery Suites and Astroplus, with media partners TV5, 2ndAvenue, TALKtv, JackTV, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Business World, Tiger 22, 105.1 Crossover, 105.9 Radio High, 96.3 Easy Rock, Yes 101.1, DZXL, Tatak RMN and RJ 100.3.

For ticket inquiries, log on to www.

Joining the nursing graduate vox in this climb were members Business Management student and guitarist Jules Montañez (19); HRM student and drummer Amiel Avila (19); graphic designer and bassist Arvin Nacario (21); and Industrial Technology graduate cum guitarist Kenneth Zamudio (21).

During the finals, David vs Goliath performed an out-of-this-world collaboration with Greyhoundz’ Reg Rubio. “Performing with Reg Rubio was unbelievable! Then after we were announced as winners, he even came to hug and congratulate us. We were like ‘Is this real?’” said Jules.

David vs Goliath took home P1,000,000 worth of prizes. When asked what they’ll do with their cash prize, Oliver said, “We plan on dividing the prizes equally among us, but we

will invest on new instruments and equipment to produce better music.”

Visit www.redhorsebeer.com for updates.

• • •Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings

today, March 23, go to Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna, Margarita A . Fores, topnotch PR man Chris Cahilig, Marivic A. Gancayco, Manny Cinco, Charo Jalandoni, Tita Basa, Monica Casta, Alex Ongoco, Marivic Alvarado, Sandra Jean P. Melicor, Flor Liam, Dely Lim, Alex Wong, Tiya Pusit, Lily Bruno-Lagasca, Vicenta Bonnin, Andie Babante, Jackie Tolentino, Atty. Gaby Concepcion and actor Geoff Eigenmann… Belated b-day greetings to Jaden Kurt S. Tabor (March 22)...

CATEGORY D Singing Contest Champion. Arven S. Condes (2nd from left) honor student from Coronado’s School of Quezon City, holds his championship trophy, Category D Singing Contest in celebration of CSQS 13th Foundation Day. Also in photo are, from left, Mrs. Rizalinda G. De Leon, CSQC Principal; Dr. Lourdes M. Coronado, School Directress; and Mrs. Almira D. Uy, English Teacher. Arven, student of People’s Music Center, is now on his Level 1 for Voice Development. (BA)

‘MAD For Music’ performers Pops Fernandez

and Basil Valdez (inset)

METALCORE band David vs Goliath, from left: Bassist Arvin Nacario, guitarist Kenneth Zamudio, drummer Amiel Avila, guitarist Jules Montañez and vocalist Oliver Lagdameo.

ticketnet.com.ph. Showtime is 8 p.m.

• • •Metalcore Band From Davao

Wins Muziklaban

For David vs Goliath, Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban was the key to opening more doors for opportunity in the music scene.

The Davao based metalcore band bested over thousands of bands who auditioned to the biggest rock challenge and the other three top contenders during the Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Grand Finals.

The band’s lead vocalist Oliver Lagdameo, 22, shared that they had several member changes just to find the right distinct sound of David vs Goliath.

DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX -GP

JOHN CARTER - GP

MIRROR MIRROR -GP

DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX ( in 2D )-GP

THE MUPPETS (in 2D )

JOHN CARTER -GP

1

Tarlac City

MAGIC STAR MALL

(NOTICE TO MOVIEGOERS:The schedules of showing are subject to change without prior notice.Sometimes a movie is pulled out earlier than its stipulated days of showing due to sudden change in exhibition contract or poor performance at the box-office. The following schedules are provided us in advance by exhibitors. You may call the theaters for confirmation.)

2

3

1

VAMPIRE SUCK -PG13

-R13

-R13

-PG13

-G

-G

-G-G

- R13-R13

DR. SEUSS THE LORAX

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL

JOHN CARTER

MoviesMOVIE SYNOPSIS

THE WITNESS

THE WITNESS

JOHN CARTERTHE WITNESS

THE WITNESS

KAPALIT AY LIGAYA ( DIGITAL MOVIE )

JOHN CARTERMIRROR MIRROR

CORAZON ANG UNANG ASWANG

JOHN CARTER

THE WITNESS

THE WITNESSRESERVED

JOHN CARTER

STANDING ROOM ONLY DIGITAL MOVIE


JOHN CARTER

MY KONTRABIDA GIRLTHE WITNESS

RESERVEDRESERVED

THIS MEANS WAR

MIRROR MIRROR

THE WITNESSMY KONTRABIDA GIRL

CORAZON, ANG UNANG ASWANG


MIRROR MIRROR

JOHN CARTER

DR. SEUSS THE LORAXTHIS MEANS WARCORAZON, ANG UNANG ASWANG

JOHN CARTER

MY KONTRABIDA GIRLTHE HAUNTEDTHE DESCENDANTS

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL

RESERVED

JOHN CARTER

CLOSECLOSE

CORAZON, ANG UNANG ASWANGMY KONTRABIDA GIRL


THE WITNESS

MY KONTRABIDA GIRLRESERVED


THE WITNESS

DR. SEUSS THE LORAX

RESERVED

JOHN CARTER


UNOFFICIALLY YOURSMIRROR MIRROR

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL

THIS MEANS WAR

JOHN CARTER


MUPPET MOVIE in 2D

MUPPET MOVIECORAZON, ANG UNANG ASWANGTHE WITNESS

UNOFFICIALLY YOURS

MY KONTRABIDA GIRLEXTREMELY LOUD

MIRROR MIRROR

WILDERNESS

JOHN CARTERTHE WITNESSMIRROR MIRROR

KAPALIT AY LIGAYA ( DIGITAL MOVIE )

DR. SEUSS THE LORAXMY KONTRABIDA GIRL

JOHN CARTER

MIRROR MIRRORJOHN CARTER

MUPPET MOVIE in 2DMIRROR MIRROR

DR. SEUSS THE LORAX

JOHN CARTER


THE WITNESS

DR. SEUSS THE LORAXJOHN CARTER

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL

DEVIL INSIDE


MIRROR MIRROR

THE WITNESS

MUPPET MOVIE s/ DR. SEUSS THE LORAX

THIS MEANS WAR

DR. SEUSS THE LORAX

JOHN CARTER

MIRROR MIRRORRESERVED

THE WITNESSDEVIL INSIDE

( DIGITAL MOVIE )

PLEASE CALL

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL


DEVIL INSIDE

April 12, 13,19,20

Rico J.80 2 90 The Repeat

Gary V.

8:00 PM8:00 PM

8:00 PM

- PG13

- GP

- GP

THE DEVIL INSIDE

THE LORAX

March 29, 2012March 31, 2012

March 24, 2012 8:00 PM

8:00 PM

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL

CORAZON: ANG UNANG ASWANG

Kermit the Frog is back on the big screen, and this time, he’s

teaming up with Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper and newcomer Walter, plus the whole Muppet gang, for a brand-new, big-screen adventure in Disney’s “The Muppets.”

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest

Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend,

12:00, 2:35,5:10,7:45,10:20

12:10, 3:30,6:45, 10:00

11:30, 2:40,5:50, 9:00

1:00, 4:15,7:25, 10:35

12:00,2:00,4:00

6:00,8:15,10:30 - GP - GP

- PG13 - PG13

- PG13

HUNGER GAMES

HUNGER GAMES

THE MUPPETS 2D

HUNGER GAMES 2D

THE LORAX 2D

MIRROR MIRROR

HUNGER GAMES

HUNGER GAMESHUNGER GAMES In Digital

THE MUPPETS 2DTHE WITNESS

LORAXMIRROR, MIRROR

CORAZONJOHN CARTER

HUNGER GAMESJOHN CARTER

MIRROR, MIRROR

THE LORAX (3D)

8:00 PM

8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM

Golden Screen AwardsMusikabataan Recital

Recollection With Fr. Larry FaraonOdds Of Joy

March 24, 2012March 31, 2012April 04, 2012April 27, 2012

Mary (Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.

Now showing across the Philippines, “The Muppets” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Mot ion P ictures International through Columbia Pictures.

JOHN CARTER

UNOFFICIALLY YOURS

CORAZON: ANG UNANG ASWANG

JOHN CARTER

Monique Wilson " V- Day

G

Friday, March 23, 2012

MIRROR MIRROR

April 14, 2012 Nina 8:00 PM

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EntertainmentFriday, March 23, 2012

D-5

Fox International Chan-nels (FIC) launches the FIC Fun Run on March 25 at the Bonifacio Global City. Participants can

play dress up, hobnob with ce-lebrities and support a worthy cause.

The event gives runners the opportunity to choose and participate in any of the four races: 500m Fox Costume Run, 3K Star Movies Blockbuster Run, 5K Star World Lifestyle and the 10K Nat Geo Run For a Cause.

Come dressed in your favorite character and run alongside sponsor mascots in the 500m Fox Costume Run. Fifty runners in costume will compete and make a dash for the finish line.

Star Movies rolls out the red carpet for movie aficionados in the 3K Star Movies Lifestyle Run where writers, film producers and movie directors are expected to support the event.

Have fun while reaching out to others in the 10K National Geographic Run for a Cause. The race is in partnership with 10 select non-government organizations like Physicians for Peace, ICANSERVE Foundation, Virlanie, Greenpeace, Philippine Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Wor ld Vis ion and Gawad Kalinga.

Four Channels LaunchFun RunA

TLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) – Beyoncé is set to return to the stage for the first time since giving birth to daughter Blue Ivy.

The Grammy winner will perform three concerts in New Jersey in May at Atlantic City’s Revel Resorts. Revel said Monday that the shows will be held over Memorial Day weekend for the premiere of the $2.4-billion resort.

Beyoncé gave birth to her first child in January. She is married to rapper Jay-Z.

Beyoncé will perform in the Ovation Hall, which has 5,050 seats.

The singer released her fourth album, the platinum-seller “4,” in June.

Beyoncé Set For Post-Motherhood Concert

BEYONCé

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KULAS by Freely Abrigo

MA-COLLETE by Dexter Roxas

D-6BLONDIE by Dean Young & Jim RaymondBALTIC & CO. by Roni Santiago

Comics

BEETLE BAILEY by Mort Walker

DENNIS THE MENACE by Hank Ketcham

MARVIN by Tom Armstrong

REX MORGAN, MD by Woody Wilson and Graham Nolan

MOTHER GOOSE & GRIM by Mike Peters

TOK & MOL by William Contreras

IPENUTS by Felipe de la Cruz

THE BORN LOSER by Art Sansom

NORMAN’S ISLAND by Norman Isaac

ZITS by Scott and Borgman

PUPUNG by Tonton Young

THE Daily Commuter PuzzleEdited by Wayne Robert Williams


YOUR STARS(thursDay, 22 March 2012)

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) – Avoid treating things that are rather similar as though they were one and the same. Try re-reading the instruc-tions; it will show you how to use a device more efficiently. For the sake of your health, do your best to avoid excessive tension and make sure you get enough rest.ARIES (March 21-April 20) – Although you may have thought twice, think once more before finally deciding exactly on what to do. You would do well to rid yourself of some fixed and outdated ideas. You will have your views in a quarrel between friends, but do try to see the good on both sides. TAURUS (April 21-May 20) – Do be prepared to do your friends a favor; if you do you can always anticipate they will repay you to the same degree. You should try your best to preserve your sense of wonder as you get older. Do not torment yourself with unfounded fears and needless doubts. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) – It is better to concentrate your attention on fundamentals just now, leaving details for the moment. Try to reserve some time reading and keeping up to date with vital information. It will not be possible for you to overcome a small difficulty at present; you will just have to learn to live with it.CANCER (June 21-July 20) – Do not allow a disinclination to travel to predominate. It is essential to your completion of a particular task. Do be more patient, but on the other hand, do not just wait for things to happen. Time is a bit short but a little time spent now for being tidy will save a lot of time later.LEO (July 21-Aug. 20) – You will not know precisely what you have to do but that is no reason why you should not make general plans. Take care; remember that once you have fallen behind, it will be very hard to catch up so try not to do so. Go out of your way to choose your words carefully.VIRGO (Aug 21-Sept. 22) – You will be satisfied with how things are going on at work. A close friend will now come to you for comfort and advice. Treat him compassionately but do not become too involved in his affairs. Let others make themselves heard and listen attentively to what the have to say. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) – You are liable to get into a controversy and should avoid losing your temper. If an acquaintance of yours has done something on the dubious side that is no excuse for you to follow suit. You are liable to overlook an important point so take care you do not.SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) – Make sure you do not do anything that would aggravate a rather friendly relationship. Do not waste your time trying to stave off the inevitable, but do make sure you are able to discern what is inevitable. This is not the right time to discuss a controversial matter with your partner.SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) – Beware; there is a tendency to place the wrong interpretation to certain things. Do not give up too easily; if you think you are on the right path, persevere. If however, you begin to feel that what your are pursuing is leading nowhere, then by all means abandon it.CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 19) – Do not allow a small setback to discourage you unduly. Concern yourself with positive things and leave unpleasant thoughts to one side for the day. You will now realize the impor-tance of something that you had missed; still better late than never.AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) – An occurrence you thought might happen, will but you will get quite unexpected results. You will have to act quickly to avoid damaging consequences. Do your best to vehemently fight against a tendency to leave things until the very last minute.

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Your Guide to Ultimate Party! Schedules for March 23 (Fri) - March 29, 2012 (Thu.)

Online Partner:

To get gig schedules via SMS, just text CTC GIG <name of bar>. For band schedules, text CTC GIGB <name of band>. Send all msgs to 2333 for Globe and 2355 for Sun

BARS AND BANDS Send your high resolution group picture through email: [email protected]

Groove Friday, March 23, 2012 D-7

19 East Bar and GrillWhere: Km. 19, East Service Rd., Sucat, Muntinlupa CityContact: 837-6903 Fri 23: SittiSat 24: Side AMon 26: MYMPTue 27: FreestyleWed 28: South BorderThu 29: Juris

70’s Bistro Where: 46 Anonas St., Project 2, Quezon City Contact: 434-3597 Fri 23: Brownman RevivalSat 24: Barbie Almalbis/ Color It Red Mon 26: KamikazeeTue 27: Gabriel Linch Wed 28: 6Cyclemind/ Callalily/ GracenoteThu 29: Brownman Revival/ Talahib

Bagaberde Grill and BarWhere: Boom na Boom Grounds, CCP Cmplx. Roxas Blvd. corner G. Puyat Ave., Pasay CityContacts: 831-2242/ 0915-2852832Fri 23: Side A/ Daughters 5Sat 24: Surreal/ PoshTue 27: MYMPWed 28: Juries/ Arpie/ Multivitamins BandThu 29: Six Part Invention/ True Faith

Bliss Ultra ClubWhere: Bliss Ultra Club Tomas Morato Ave. Q.C.10pm-6amContact: 410-0092Fri 23: Suppah FridaySat 24: Blissfull SaturdayWed 28: Girls Nite OutThu 29: Models Closet

Blue Onion BarWhere: Eastwood City, LibisContact: 633-7111 loc. 7418 Fri 23: DJ Bobby and Blue Onions original DJ, Ariel Liberato Ledge DancersSat 24: DJ Bobby and Blue Onions original DJ, Ariel LiberatoLedge DancersSun 25: Retro LoversMon 26: Rhythm & BluesTue 27: live performance by Mike ChanWed 28: Open Mic Night, Mr Vince AralasThu 29: karaoke concept, COMEDAY

Bobby Velasco's Cafe formally Cafe De MalateWhere: 1888 M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila.Contact: 4040408/ Telefax 5273295Fri 23: Margarette Montenegro with pianist JeorgeSat 24: Pianist TetengMon 26: Kim Marcado with pianist TetengTue 27: Karen Ortiz with pianist TetengWed 28: Kristel Herrera with Pianist Teteng

Café Havana - MakatiWhere: Ground Level Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Contacts: 757-4370 or 757-4371 Fri 23: Arriba!Sat 24: Sabor LatinoSun 25: Reggae MistressMon 26: Arriba!Tue 27: GuaranaWed 28: Arriba!

Café Havana - MalateWhere: 1903 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila Contact: 524-5526 Fri 23: Sabor LatinoSat 24: Arriba!

DISCLAIMER: All Information are subject to change without notice. Call establishment for verification. For Comments & Ad Placements, look for BARBIE ATIENZA, External Affairs Dept

or CALL 524-5059 email: [email protected]

Attention all clubs, bars and bandsThe GROOVE wants to know who’s playing in your club, schedules of your gigs and special events.

Conspiracy Garden Cafe Where: 59 Visayas Ave., Project 6, Quezon City Contact: 453-2170 Fri 23: Bayang Barrios/ Mike VillegasSat 24: Cynthia AlexanderSun 25: Gospel JamMon 26: Rica ArambuloTue 27: Writer’s Night/ Banyuhay ni BartolomeWed 28: Noel Cabangon

Conways Where: 2nd Level Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala cor. Makati Aves., Makati City Contact: 840-0884 or 813-8888 Fri 23: Brown Union (Pop / R&B)Sat 24: Kudos Loves 80's (Variety)Mon 26: Class 6 (Variety)Tue 27: Behind Closed Doors (Retro/ Ballroom)Wed 28: Highway 54 (Ballroom)Thu 29: Silk (Variety)

Hard Rock Café - Makati Where: Levels 3 & 4, Glorietta III Ayala Center, Makati City.Contact: +63-2-893-4661 to 64 Fri 23: Freestyle/ Kudos Loves 80'SSat 24: Breaking Through 'Drizzle w/ DNA Live!Mon 26: BreakthroughTue 27: SilkWed 28: Drizzle w/ DNAThu 29: Mocha Girls

Heartbeat Mega KTVWhere: 357 Quezon Ave. Quezon CityContact: 3724692Fri 23: Half NoteSat 24: Fabella DuoSun 25: Boy ColladoMon 26: Musical NotesTue 27: Infinte DuoWed 28: Metrojive

Hobbit House ManilaWhere: 1212 M.H. del Pilar cor. Arquiza St. Ermita Contact: 521-76-04Fri 23: Peter & Vangie/ Topher/ Oggie GallegosSat 24: Music Box/ Jazz & Allan/ TopherSun 25: Marc Velasco and Vic Nicolas/ Tess Carandang/ Leo RomeroMon 26: John & Lucky/ Willy San Juan/ Rene AngaraTue 27: Friends & Rome/ Maribeth Velarde/ Ed ArcosWed 28: Waling-Waling/ Leo Romero & Lyra Raposa/ Mae PascualThu 29: Salt & Pepper/ Neil Salvador/ John Gatacilo

Jill’sWhere: Unit 10 Fort Strip Global City TaguigContacts: 818-4557Fri 23: “Decadance” featuring Boyet AlmazanTue 27: Rnb Night featuring Abby AsistioWed 28: 80’s alternative Night featuring Peppermint JamThu 29: Rock N' Roll Night Featuring: The Acoustic Bravados/ Mike "The Wildman" Lirio

Kudos BarWhere: Metrowalk, Ortigas, PasigFri 23: Hip2SoulSat 24: Live8Sun 25: EmergeMon 26: DominationTue 27: SKAbeche

Mag:netWhere: Ayala AvenueFri 23: Tribu Ni Dulu/ Noli Aurillo Sat 24: Moonfire Music/ Denise SagunTue 27: Tao AvesWed 28: Joniver

MartinisFri 23: Bea & The Sauce Sat 24: Mano a Mano/ Beatle Mania with BloomBrothers/ Saturday Night FeverMon 26: Guarana Tue 27: Bloom Brothers Wed 28: Blues Night Thu 29: Blue Rats

Merk’s Bar Bistro Where: 3rd Level Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Contacts: 757-4720 or 757-4721 Fri 23: Romy GarciaSat 24: Hi-way/ Mae Romero/ Rx 80’s w/ Rachel Anne WolfeTue 27: Noah's Ark/ Pete Lacaba’s Salinawit/ Cooky Chua/ Willie Nepomuceno/ Mara Viola/ Atty. Ferdie Topacio/ Richard Merk/ Ferdie Borja Wed 28: Richard Merk/ Romy Posadas /Judith Banal

Metrowalk Commercial Complex (Central Plaza)Where: Meralco Ave. Ugong Pasig CityContacts: 634-9058 or 634-9060Fri 23: Rx80s BandSat 24: XPO & Ansyl YapSun 25: Beats & PiecesMon 26: FilipinasTue 27: Elan BandWed 28: Davey Langit and Turnip Cake bandThu 29: Key Of C

MO LoungeFri 23: Jenny Rawollee Mon 26: David Starck Tue 27: Jenny RawolleeWed 28: David Starck Thu 29: Jenny Rawollee

Musica - GreenhillsWhere: Unit G 108 G Strip Greenhills Shopping CenterFri 23: Boomers/ Rockin the 60'SSat 24: Flintstones and the GangSun 25: Retro NightTue 27: DynasoulsWed 28: Noahs's Ark/ Mobb

PegasusWhere: Quezon Avenue Corner Scout Chuatoco St., Queon CityContacts: 374-4464/ 09163003519Fri 23: Rico & AnneSat 24: RecapMon 26: Rico & AnneTue 27: Joseph & JackieWed 28: RecapThu 29: Joseph & Jackie

RockvilleWhere: #59 Timog Avenue, Quezon CityContacts: 355-9151 / [email protected] 23: The Bloom Brothers & Bat’tala Sat 24: Arnel Pineda w/ Ammo Band Wed 28: Ammo BandThu 29: Mixedknots

Shangri-La Makati Lobby Lounge Where: Makati Shangri-La Lobby, Ayala cor. Makati Aves., Makati City Contact: 813-8888 Fri 23: Vicente Andres New (Piano); 14-piece Orchestra (MSE Orchestra); Roberto Duran (Piano); Musicats (Contemporary, Pop and Variety Music)Sat 24: 14-piece Orchestra (MSE Orchestra); MP3: Music Power of Trio (Jazz: saxophone, bass and piano); Music Society Band (Contemporary and Pop Music)Sun 25: 14-piece Orchestra (MSE Orchestra); MP3: Music Power of Trio (Jazz: saxophone, bass and piano); Music Society Band (Contemporary and Pop Music)Tue 27: Vicente Andres New (Piano); 14-piece Orchestra (MSE Orchestra); Martin Avila (Piano); Music Society Band (Contemporary and Pop Music)Wed 28: Vicente Andres New (Piano); 14-piece Orchestra (MSE Orchestra); Holy Paraiso (Harp); Musicats (Contemporary, Pop and Variety Music)Thu 29: Vicente Andres New (Piano); No 14-piece Orchestra (Fashion Watch); Roberto Duran (Piano); Music Society Band (Contemporary and Pop Music)

Drew, Timmy and Vhim @ Groove

Taboo Ultra LoungeWhere: Unit P18-C23, Bldg. II, Ortigas Home Depot Complex Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig CityContacts: 706-5047/706-5048Fri 23: Mocha/ SanipilifSat 24: SouthborderWed 28: Fat Session

Tia Maria Where: 522 Remedios cor. Madre Ignacia Sts., Malate, Manila Contact: 522-0429 Fri 23: CrosstownSat 24: Pitch PipeSun 25: ZitivoizMon 26: April FoolsTue 27: FeedbackWed 28: Li’l Ize

The Black Hole Bar at City Garden SuitesWhere: 1158 A. Mabini St., Ermita, ManilaContact:536-1458Fri 23: InvictusWed 28: Music and MeThu 29: Desiderata

The Exchange at Richmonde Hotel OrtigasFri 23: Big Bash Band Wed 28: V.O.Z AcousticThu 29: Girl Valencia

The Gallery at Eastwood Richmonde HotelFri 23: Kudos Loves 80sSat 24: DJ ChrisThu 29: Milan

Top of the CenturyWhere: 19th floor of Century Park Hotel 599 P. Ocampo St., Malate, ManilaContacts: 528-8888 or 528-5907Fri 23: Crooner/ Arthur Manuntag/ Trio with Romy Posadas Sat 24: Chanteuse/ Anne Castro with Pianist Bobby CabralMon 26: Chanteuse/ Maricel Cruz with Pianist Ben UyTue 27: Chanteuse/ Sheerleen Dela Cruz with Pianist Jerry Cuyas/ Mariano w/ Pianist Jerry CuyasWed 28: Chanteuse/ Jane Ocampo with Pianist Bobby Cabral

Tribu Diwata Bar and Music LoungeWhere: Gen. Luna St. cor. Makati Ave. Makati CityContact: 899-4104 to 05 Fri 23: Ground Six (Classic Rock)Sat 24: Open Mic NightMon 26: Acoustic Night w/ CirclesTue 27: Jam Night with Alex Ching and Pianist Neil MaglasangWed 28: Retro Night with Innocent Soul Band

Watering Hole Where: G/F Carpark Bldg. Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd.,Mandaluyong CityContacts: 634-0284 or 634-0288 Fri 23: Day One BandSat 24: WavMon 26: Red Letter DayTue 27: Spread the LoveWed 28: Anonymous

Local ChannelsNBN 4 6:00 a.m. Quiapo Mass 7:00 One Morning 8:30 She... Ka!!!! 9:30 EZ Shop 10:30 Winner TV Shopping 11:30 Teledyaryo Business 12:00 p.m. @ Ur Serbis 1:00 TV Shopping 2:00 Shakeys V-League 4:00 EZ Shop 5:00 Teledyaryo 5:30 Pulsong Pinoy 6:00 Teledyaryo Sports 7:00 GSIS Member's Hour 8:00 T.S.I.P 8:45 Lotto Draw & Segment 9:00 Teledyaryo Final Edition 10:00 Bantay OCW with Susan K 11:00 Oras Ng Himala

ETC ON RPN 9 6:00 a.m. Extra 6:30 The Insider 7:00 American Idol 9:00 The Secret Circle 10:00 The Fashion Show 11:00 Friends 11:30 TMZ 12:00 p.m. America's Next Top Model 1:00 Extra 1:30 The Insider 2:00 The Fashion Show 3:00 The Secret Circle 4:00 America's Next Top Model 5:00 The Insider 5:30 Extra 6:00 American Idol 7:00 America's Next Top Model 8:00 2 Broke Girls 8:30 New Girl 9:00 American Idol 10:00 Extra 10:30 The Insider 11:00 TMZ 11:30 Friends 12:00 a.m. New Girl 12:30 2 Broke Girls 1:00 Vampire Diaries 2:00 The Fashion Show 3:00 The Bachelor 4:00 The Secret Circle 5:00 Glee

7:00 Sineskwela 7:30 Les Miserables 8:00 Swirl Fighters 8:30 Akazukin Cha Cha 9:00 Transformers Cybertron 9:30 Rocko's Modern Life 10:00 Back At The Barnyard 10:30 Super Inggo 11:00 Ibabalita Ngayon 11:30 Lunch Box Office 1:30 p.m. A Blow To The Heart 2:30 Three Brothers 3:00 He's Beautiful 5:00 Kiba 5:30 Soul Eater 6:00 Justice League 6:30 Blood Plus 7:00 Top Rank Boxing 9:00 Iba-Balita 9:30 WWE Super Stars 10:30 UFC Mayhem 12:30 a.m. Myx

TV 5 4:00 a.m. Alagang Kapatid 5:00 Good Morning Club 7:30 Mickey Mouse Club 8:00 Handy Manny 8:30 Phineas & Ferb 9:00 Ed, Edd N Eddy 9:30 Powerpuff Girls Z 10:00 Ben 10 10:30 Face To Face 11:30 Sine Tanghali 1:30 p.m. Balitaang Tapat 2:00 Super Sine 5 3:45 Isang Dakot Na Luha 4:15 Felina: Prinsesa Ng Mga Pusa 4:45 Asunto O Areglo 5:15 T3: Kapatid Sagot Kita 5:45 Metro Aksyon 6:00 Aksyon 6:30 Wil Time Big Time 9:00 Nandito Ako 9:30 Valiente 10:00 Super Sine Prime 11:30 Pilipinas News 12:00 a.m. Bitag

AXN 12:45 a.m. Hawaii Five-0 1:40 Numb3rs 2:30 Justified 3:20 Hawaii Five-0 4:10 Numb3rs 5:00 Bleach 6:00 Numb3rs 6:50 24 7:40 CSI: NY 8:30 The Amazing Race 9:20 Justified 10:10 Bleach 11:10 The Amazing Race 12:05 p.m. CSI: NY 1:00 Most Daring 1:50 Wipeout Australia 2:40 Breaking The Magician's Code Specials 3:30 Hawaii Five-0 4:25 CSI: NY 5:15 Bleach 6:15 The Amazing Race 7:10 Most Daring 8:05 Criss Angel Mindfreak 8:35 EBuzz 9:05 Hawaii Five-0 10:55 Iron Man

AXN BEYOND 12:15 a.m. Top Chef 1:00 Face Off 2:00 Ringer 3:00 Melrose Place 4:00 Hair Battle Spectacular 5:00 Face Off 6:00 Teen Wolf 6:55 Damages 7:50 Fallen 8:40 Ji Yeon 9:30 Hair Battle Spectacular 10:20 Teen Wolf 11:05 Damages 12:00 p.m. Fallen 12:50 Ji Yeon 1:40 Melrose Place 2:30 Teen Wolf 3:20 Ringer 4:10 Top Chef 5:00 Fallen 5:50 Damages 6:45 Ji Yeon 7:35 Teen Wolf 8:25 Hair Battle Spectacular 9:15 Face Off 10:05 Top Chef 10:55 Chuck 11:40 Melrose Place HBO 8:00 a.m. Life As A House 10:00 Girl, Interrupted 12:00 p.m. The Majestic 2:30 Born In East L.A. 4:00 Anger Management 5:45 Green Card 7:30 The Marc Pease Experience 9:00 Luck S105: 10:00 Robin Hood 12:15 a.m. My Soul To Take 2:00 Middle Men 3:50 Proof Of Life 6:00 Blast From The Past

MAX 6:00 a.m. Death Wish 3 7:30 Rocky 2 9:30 Wild Things 2: The Glades 11:00 Dead Again 12:45 p.m. Poison Ivy 2:20 The Seventh Sign 4:00 Invasion Of The Body Snatchers 5:30 Land Raiders 7:45 Rocky 2 9:45 Epad On Max 10:00 XIII S113: Revelation 10:45 The Book Of Eli 12:45 a.m. The Uninvited 2:15 30 Days Of Night: Dark Days 3:45 Poison Ivy 5:15 Teen Wolf

STAR MOVIES 12:30 a.m. Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead 1:55 Delgo 3:25 True Justice 4:55 Unrivaled 6:40 Gothika 8:15 Avatar 10:55 Aliens In The Attic 12:25 p.m. 127 Hours 2:00 Money Train 3:50 Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead 5:20 Michael Forever - The Superstar Tribute Concert 6:55 Michael Jackson's This Is It 9:00 Hot Shots 10:35 Money Train

STAR CHINESE MOVIES 12:35 a.m. Nightmare 2:10 Royal Tramp 4:05 Road to Dawn 6:20 Star Reformer 8:40 Ocean Flame 10:25 Shopaholics 12:05 p.m. He-Man 1:40 Troublesome Night 2 3:25 Papa Loves You 5:10 A Better Tomorrow III: Love and Death in Saigon 7:20 Hot Summer Days 9:00 Fist Power 10:40 Police Story

DIVA UNIVERSAL 12:00 a.m. Smash 1:00 The Good Wife 2:00 Carnal Innocence 4:00 Girlfight 6:00 The Watch 8:00 The Closer 9:00 Merlin 10:00 Hot In Cleveland: Behind The Hotness Special 11:00 The Biggest Loser 12:00 p.m. Fairly Legal 1:00 Merlin 2:00 The Closer 3:00 Home Shopping Network 4:00 We Have Your Husband 6:00 The Biggest Loser 9 7:00 The Big C 2 8:00 A Night For Dying Tigers 9:50 And Baby Will Fall 11:40 Covert Affairs

CINEMA ONE 1:00 a.m. Bunsong Kerubin 3:00 Omar 5:00 Student Body 7:00 Ang Kuya Kong Siga 9:00 Ang Tanging Ina 11:00 Ano Bang Meron Ka? 1:00 p.m. Oh, My Girl 3:00 Thirst 5:00 Madrasta 7:00 A Very Special Love 9:00 Cinemanews 10:00 Till My Heartaches End

ESPN 1:00 a.m. Vancouver Golden Moments 1:30 Sportscenter Asia 2:00 The Football Review 2:30 Premier League World 3:00 US Figure Skating C'ships 5:00 Power Snooker 2011 Finals 5:30 Power Snooker 2011 H'ights 6:30 am Sportscenter Asia 7:00 MLB Spring Training 10:00 US Figure Skating C'ships 12:00 p.m. KIA X Games Asia 1:00 Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open H/L 6:00 Asian Golden Moments 6:30 KIA X Games Asia 7:30 Sportscenter Asia 8:00 Football Asia 8:30 Planet Speed 9:00 Classic Boxing 10:00 Sportscenter

Asia 10:30 One Fighting C'ship

STAR SPORTS 1:00 a.m Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia 1:30 Hot Water 2:00 Score Tonight 2:30 Inside Grand Prix 3:00 Auto GP World Series 5:00 FA Cup 7:00 Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia 8:00 Hot Water 9:00 FIA World Touring Car C'ship 9:30 Inside Grand Pri 10:00 AFC Champions League 12:00 p.m. FA Classics 1:00 Total Rugby 1:30 Inside Grand Prix 2:00 Barclays Premier League 4:00 Hot Water 5:00 Inside Grand Prix 5:30 FIA F1 World C'ship 7:00 Barclays Premier League 9:00 Football Asia 9:30 Score Tonight 10:00 When The Games Begin 10:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 11:00 Inside Grand Prix 11:30 FA Cup SOLAR SPORTS 12:00 a.m. Jai - Alai 1:00 AVC Beach C'ships Final 3:00 2012 Presidents Cup Official Film 4:00 PGA TOUR Arnold Palmer Invitational Day 1 7:00 HSN 8:00 FIG World Cup Artistic Paris 10:00 2012 Asian Table Tennis C'ships 12:00 p.m. HSN 1:00 2011 Mosconi Cup 2:00 2012 World Darts C'ship 3:00 Road To London 3:30 FLW Outdoor Tour Bass Fishing 4:30 AVC Beach C'ships 7:30 Inside the PGA 8:00 2011 Mosconi Cup 9:00 Perspectives: Without Bias 10:00 World Of Athletics 10:30 World Wide Sports 11:00 World Tennis Challenge

LIFESTYLE NETWORK 12:00 a.m. Love/Lust 1:00 Healthy Appetite 1:30 Mad Hungry 2:00 Rachael Ray 3:00 The Doctors 4:00 Deserving Design 4:30 Beyond The Box 5:00 Martha 6:00 How Do I Look 7:00 Rachael Ray 8:00 The Great Food Truck Race 9:00 The Doctors 10:00 HGTV Design Star 11:00 Martha 12:00 p.m. Royal Inquest 1:00 What Not To Wear 2:00 The Emeril Lagasse Show 3:00 Deserving Design 3:30 Beyond The Box 4:00 Martha 5:00 Everyday Italian 5:30 Barefoot Contessa 6:00 How Do I Look 7:00 Rachael Ray 8:00 Style & Entertainment Special 9:00 Real Simple, Real Life 10:00 Food, Home & Travel Special 11:00 The Fabulous Beekman Boys 11:30 Buying Asia

BASKETBALL TV 1:00 a.m. Backstage: 2012 All Star 1:30 NBA Regular Season 3:30 EUROLeague 5:30 2012 Player Profiles 1 6:00 NBA Live 6:30 NBA.com Fantasy Insider 7:30 Backstage: 2012 All Star 8:00 NBA Regular Season 10:30 NBA Regular Season 1:00 p.m. NBA Gametime 1:30 Backstage: 2012 All Star 2:00 HSN 3:00 NBA Greatest Game 4:30 NBA Regular Season 7:00 Hoop Life 8:00 NBA Regular Season

MTV PHILIPPINES 12:00 a.m. The Playlist 1:00 After Hours 6:00 Roll Out 7:00 The Playlist 7:30 Time Out 8:00 Tong Hits 9:00 The Fave Five 9:30 The Playlist 4:00 p.m. The Hills 4:30 The City 5:00 The Fave Five 5:30 The Playlist 7:30 Time Out 8:00 The Playlist 9:00 The Hills 9:30 The City 11:00 Gimme 10

MYX 12:00mn Myx Backtrax 12:30 Radio MYX/MYXposed 1:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 2:00 Rock Myx 2:30 My Myx 3:00 M.I.T 20 5:00 Take 5 5:30 Myx Backtrax 6:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 7:00 My Myx 7:30 Pinoy Rock Myx 8:00 Myx Sure Fire Hits 8:30 Club Myx 9:00 Pinoy Myx 9:30 Pop Myx 10:00 Myx Backtrax 10:30 Star Myx 11:00 Myx Presents 12:00 p.m. Myx Daily Top Ten 1:00 My Myx 1:30 Pinoy Myx 2:00 Mellow Myx 2:30 Pop Myx 3:00 Rock Myx 3:30 Pop Myx: K-Pop 4:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 5:00 Take 5 5:30 Myx Sure Fire Hits 6:00 Pop Myx 6:30 Pinoy Myx 7:00 My Myx 7:30 Myx Versions 8:00 Myx Daily Top Ten 9:00 Wer U At? 9:30 Tugtugan 10:00 Star Myx 10:30 Urban Myx 11:00 Mellow Myx 11:30 Myx Sure Fire Hits

CHANNEL [V] INTERNATIONAL 12:00mn Roller Girls 1:00 a.m. Arcade 1:30 Cactus Garden 2:00 CD USA 3:00 Poparazzi 3:30 The Record Shop 4:00 Backpackers 4:30 Double Shot 5:00 America Next Top Model S6 6:00 [V] Special: John Mayer 7:00 The Ticket 7:30 Soundtracks 8:00 Arcade 8:30 Cactus

Garden 9:00 Double Shot: 80’s/ Rock/R&B/Hip-Hop 11:00 Poparazzi 11:30 The Record Shop 12:00nn Roller Girls 1:00 p.m. Double Shot 2:00 Arcade 2:30 Cactus Garden 3:00 The Ticket 3:30 Sound Tracks 4:00 North Shore Boarding House 5:00 CD USA 6:00 America’s Next Top Model S6 7:00 [V] Special: John Mayer 8:00 For The Record 8:15 Doouble Shot 9:00 North Shore Boarding House 10:00 Remote Control 11:00 Roller Girls

DISCOVERY CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. Salvage Hunters 1:00 I almost Got Away With It 2:00 American Chopper 3:00 Sons Of A Guns 4:00 Deadliest Catch 5:00 Everything You Need To Know 5:30 How Do They Do It? 6:00 I almost Got Away With It 7:00 Dirty Jobs 8:00 Salvage Hunters 9:00 The Detonators 10:00 Deadliest Catch 12:00 p.m. Everything You Need To Know 12:30 p.m. How Do They Do It? 1:00 I almost Got Away With It 2:00 Salvage Hunters 3:00 American Chopper 4:00 Sons Of A Guns 5:00 Deadliest Catch 6:00 Everything You Need To Know 6:30 How Do They Do It? 7:00 Squeamish 7:30 Deconstructed 8:00 Mega Moves 9:00 Mythbusters 10:00 I almost Got Away With It 11:00 Nightmare Next Door

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. Mega Factories 1:00 Seconds From Disaster 2:00 Air Crash Investigation 3:00 Mega Factories 4:00 Seconds From Disaster 5:00 Air Crash Investigation 6:00 Mega Factories 7:00 Seconds From Disaster 7:55 Air Crash Investigation 8:50 Mega Factories 10:40 Trapped 11:35 Seconds From Disaster 12:30 p.m. Dog Whisperer 1:25 Seconds From Disaster 2:20 The Border 3:15 Is It Real? 4:10 World's Weirdest 5:05 Mega Factories 6:00 Dog Whisperer 7:00 Trapped 8:00 Seconds From Disaster 9:00 Is It Real? 10:00 World's Weirdest 11:00 Taboo

A1 12:00mn Into The Deep 1:00 a.m. Pororoca: Quest For The Endless Wave 2:00 Ultimate Playground 2:30 Focused 3:00 Into The Deep 4:00 Into The unknown 4:30 Budget Travel S2 5:00 Mysterious Life of Caves 6:00 Into The Deep 7:00 Formula D 7:30 Action Asia Challenge Taiwan 2006 8:00 Fearless 9:00 Into The Deep 10:00 Into The Unknown 10:30 Budget Travel S2 11:00 Mysterious Life of Caves 12:00nn Into the Deep 1:00 p.m Formula D 1:30 Action Asia Challenge 2:00 Fearless 3:00 Into the deep 4:00 Into The Unknow 4:30 Budget Travel S2 5:00 Mysterious Life of Caves 6:00 Into the Deep 7:00 Formula D 7:30 Action Asia Challenge Taiwan 2006 8:00 Fearless 9:00 Into The Deep 10:00 Into The Unknow 10:30 Budget

ANIMAL PLANET 12:00 a.m. Wild Russia 2:00 Viking Wilderness Bigfoot 4:00 Wild Russia 6:00 Orangutan Island 6:30 Escape to Chimp Eden 7:00 Big Cat Diary 8:00 The Crocodile Hunter 9:00 Must Love Cats 10:00 Animal Cops Houston 3:00 K9 Cops 4:00 The Haunted 5:00 Country Justice 6:00 River Monsters 7:00 North Woods Law 8:00 Alaska Wildlife Troopers 9:00 North Woods Law 10:00 Rattlesnake Republic 11:00 North Woods Law

CARTOON NETWORK 12:00 a.m. Chowder 1:00 The Marvelous Mis-Adventures Of Flap Jack 2:00 Ben 10 2:25 Camp Lazlo 3:00 Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends 3:25 My GYM Partner's A Monkey 4:00 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 4:35 Generator Rex 5:00 Chowder 6:00 Strawberry Shortcake 6:30 Care Bears 7:00 Good Morning Scooby-Doo 8:00 Tom & Jerry Show 10:30 Oggy The Cockroaches 11:30 Adventure Time 12:30 p.m. Tom & Jerry Show 1:30 Oggy The Cockroaches 2:30 Adventure Time 3:30 Johnny Test 4:30 Tom & Jerry Show 5:00 Oggy The Cockroaches 6:00 Power Rangers Samurai 6:30 Metal Fight Beyblade 7:00 Ben 10 8:00 Toonilicious 9:00 Action Hero 10:00 Generator Rex 10:30 Toonilicious

NICKELODEON 12:00 a.m. Chalkzone 2:00 CatDog 4:00 El Tigre 6:00 The

Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron 6:30 Fairly Odd Parents 7:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 8:00 Bubble Guppies 8:30 Team Umizoomi 9:00 Dora, The Explorer 9:30 The Backyardigans 10:00 Go, Diego, Go! 10:30 Ni Hao Kai Lan 11:00 Bubble Guppies 11:30 Wonder Pets 12:00 p.m. Dora, The Explorer 12:30 Team Umizoomi 1:00 Ni Hao Kai Lan 1:30 Winx 2:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 3:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 4:00 Fanboy & Chum Chum 4:30 Nick Karaoke 5:00 Kid vs. Kat 5:30 Grachi 6:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 7:00 iCarly 7:30 Supah Ninjas 8:00 Bubble Guppies 8:30 True Jackson, VP 9:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 11:00 SpongeBob Squarepants

DISNEY CHANNEL 12:00 a.m. Sonny with a Chance 12:30 Shaun The Sheep 1:00 Kim Possible 1:30 Donald Duck Presents 2:00 Fish Hooks 2:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 3:00 Good Luck Charlie 3:30 Phineas And Ferb 4:00 Stitch: The Series 4:30 Suite Life On Deck 5:00 Sonny with a Chance 5:30 Hannah Montana 6:00 Stitch: The Series 6:30 Oggy The Cockroaches 7:00 Upin and Ipin 7:30 Mr. Bean Animation 8:00 Boboiboy 8:30 Canimals 9:00 Fish Hooks 9:30 Phineas & Ferb 10:00 Supa Strikas 10:30 Kick Buttowski 11:00 Oggy The Cockroaches 11:30 Zig & Sharko 12:00 p.m. Upin and Ipin 12:30 The Jungle Book 1:00 Mr. Bean: Animated 1:30 Mr. Bean - Live Action 2:00 Titan A.E. 3:30 Upin and Ipin 4:30 Phineas & Ferb 5:00 Supa Strikas 6:00 Phineas & Ferb 7:00 Mr. Bean: Animated 7:30 Monster Inc. 9:30 Supa Strikas 10:30 Mr. Bean - Live Action 11:00 Phineas & Ferb 11:30 Fish Hooks

ANIMAX 12:00 a.m. Naruto 12:30 Sergeant Keroro 1:00 Busou Renkin 1:30 Blassreiter 2:00 Gurren Lagann 2:30 Fairy Tail 3:00 Chromed Shelled 3:30 K-On! 4:00 Animax Music 5:00 Idaten Jump! 6:00 Busou Renkin 6:30 Blassreiter 7:00 Gurren Lagann 7:30 Fairy Tail 8:00 Naruto 8:30 Sergeant Keroro 9:00 Idaten Jump! 10:00 Busou Renkin 10:30 Blassreiter 11:00 Gurren Lagann 11:30 Fairy Tail 12:00 p.m. Naruto 12:30 Sergeant Keroro 1:00 Idaten Jump! Idaten Jump! 2:00 Busou Renkin 2:30 Blassreiter 3:00 Gurren Lagann 3:30 Fairy Tail 4:00 Naruto 5:00 Sergeant Keroro 6:00 Busou Renkin 6:30 BlassReiter 7:00 Gurren Lagann 7:30 Fairy Tail 8:00 Chromed Shelled 8:30 K-On!! 9:00 Naruto 9:30 Sergeant Keroro 10:00 Gurren Lagann 10:30 Fairy Tail 11:00 Chromed Shelled 11:30 K-On!!

HERO 12:00 a.m. Mobile Suite Gundam 00 12:30 Reborn 1:00 The Legend Of Ne Zha 1:30 Blue Dragon 2:00 Viewtiful Joe 2:30 AL Football GGO 3:00 Hunter X Hunter 3:30 Knock Out 4:00 Major 4:30 Code Geass 5:00 Blue Dragon 5:30 Bakugan 2 6:00 AL Football GGO 6:30 Majo 7:00 Viewtiful Joe 7:30 Knock Out 8:00 Mobile Suite Gundam 00 8:30 Reborn 9:00 The Legend Of Ne Zha 9:30 Hunter X Hunter 10:00 AL Football GGO 10:30 Prince Of Tennis 11:30 Knock Out 12:00 p.m. Blue Dragon 12:30 Code Geass 1:00 Bakugan 1:30 Hunter X Hunter 2:00 Viewtiful Joe 2:30 Prince Of Tennis 3:30 AL Football GGO 4:00 Mobile Suite Gundam 00 4:30 Reborn 5:00 Major 5:30 Knock Out 6:00 Viewtiful Joe 6:30 Prince Of Tennis 7:30 Blue Dragon 8:00 Major 8:30 Reborn 9:00 Bakugan 2 9:30 Mobile Suite Gundam 00 10:00 Needless 10:30 Gintama 11:00 Knock Out 11:30 Hunter X Hunter

STAR WORLD 12:40 a.m. Parenthood 1:30 American Idol 3:15 America's Next Top Model 4:05 Parenthood 4:55 New Girl 5:50 Masterchef US 6:45 Junior Masterchef Australia 7:35 How I Met Your Mother 8:30 Parenthood 9:20 New Girl 10:10 Glee 11:00 American Idol 12:50 p.m. Parenthood 1:40 Junior Masterchef Australia 2:30 Glee 3:20 New Girl 4:15 American Idol 7:00 How I Met Your Mother 7:30 The Source 8:00 American Idol 9:00 Glee 9:55 Parenthood 10:50


TVGuide your everyday guide to local television and cable TV.

Cable Channels

2nd AVENUE ON RJTV 29 12:00 a.m. Hart Of Dixie 1:00 Smash 2:00 Million Dollar Decorators 3:00 Up All Night 3:30 Whitney 4:00 Modern Family 4:30 How I Met Your Mother 5:00 Top Chef 6:00 The Oprah Winfrey Show 7:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 8:00 Hart Of Dixie 9:00 Smash 10:00 HSN Paid Programming 11:00 Inside Edition 11:30 ET 12:00 p.m. The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The Oprah Winfrey 2:00 Love Bites 3:00 Up All Night 3:30 Whitney 4:00 Smash 5:00 Top Chef 6:00 Inside Edition 6:30 ET 7:00 The Oprah Winfrey Show 8:00 Modern Family 8:30 How I Met Your Mother 9:00 Top Chef Just Desserts 10:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 11:00 Thank God Its RJ

TALK TV ON SBN 21 12:00 a.m. The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 1:00 The Late Show With David Letterman 2:00 Anderson 3:00 NBC Nightly News 3:30 Today's Talk 4:30 The Today Show 6:30 Early Today 7:00 Inside Edition 7:30 NBC Nightly News 8:00 The Talk 9:00 Anderson 10:00 Today's Talk 11:00 Jay Leno 12:00 p.m. The Late Show With David Letterman 1:00 The

Tonight Show With Jay Leno 2:00 Late Show With David Letterman 3:00 The Today Show 5:00 Today's Talk 6:00 NBC Nightly News 6:30 Inside Edition 7:00 The Talk 8:00 Anderson 9:00 The Today Show 11:00 Today's Talk

IBC 13 7:00 a.m. Oras Ng Katotohanan 8:00 Tipong Pinoy 8:30 Tagamend 9:00 Ez Shop 12:00 p.m. Tipong Pinoy 2:00 Ez Shop 4:00 Cooltura 4:30 News Team 13 5:00 PBA 10:00 PXC 29 Flashback 11:00 News Team 13 11:30 Cooltura

GMA NEWS TV 5:00 a.m. PJM Forum 5:30 Adyenda 6:00 Dobol B Sa News TV 9:00 News To Go 10:00 Power Review 11:00 Showbiz Exclusives 11:30 Balitanghali 1:00 p.m. On Call 2:00 Pinoy Abroad 3:00 Pinoy MD 4:00 I Juander 4:30 Pop Talk 5:00 Follow That Star 6:00 News TV QRT 6:30 Balita Pilipinas Ngayon 7:00 Personalan 8:00 Motorcycle Diaries 9:00 State Of The Nation With Jessica Soho 10:00 Weekend Getaway 11:00 Extranatural 12:00mn Adyenda 12:30 Legal Forum

American Idol 11:45 The Source

STAR PHOENIX 12:00mn Phoenix Midnight News Update 12:25 a.m. Phoenix Midnight Finance Express 12:30 Phoenix Kidult Drama 1:20 A Datze With Lu Yu 2:10 World Of Success 2:15 Summary Of Press 2:35 World Chit-Chat 3:00 Drama 3:55 Trendy Guide 4:15 Phoenix Buster 4:50 Health Express II 4:55 From Phoenix To The World 5:20 Newsline 5:45 Entertainment Whirlwind 6:10 Behind The Headlines with wen Tao 6:40 Music Video Selection 6:45 Cultural Kaleidoscope 7:00 Good Morning China 9:00 Panoramic Eyeshot Of Phoenix 9:35 Picture Today 10:10 A Date With Lu Yu 11:00 Newsline 11:25 Health Express II 11:30 Entertainment Whirlwind 11:55 Earth Report 12:00nn Behind The Headlines With Wen Tao 12:25 p.m. Weather Forecast 12:30 Phoenix

JACKTV 12:00 a.m. Weekday Series Strip 1:00 Animated Strips Presents 2:00 Survivor: One World 4:00 HandPicked Movies 6:00 Conan O' Brien 7:00 Animated Strips Presents 8:00 Raising Hope 9:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:00 Raising Hope 12:00 p.m. Weekday Series Strip 1:00 Conan O' Brien 2:00 Glee 3:00 Terra Nova 5:00 Paid Programming 6:00 Animated Strips Presents 7:00 American Horror Story 9:00 Pride And Glory 11:00 Conan O' Brien

PBO 1:30 a.m. Contreras Gang 3:30 Ex-Deal 5:30 Dunkin Donato 7:30 Bukas Uulan Ng Bala 9:00 Popstar Diaries 9:30 Kapantay Ay Langit 11:30 Reyna 1:30 p.m. Mahal Kita Alam Mo Ba 3:30 Dear Diary 5:30 Ipukol Ang Unang Bato 7:30 Regine Most Requested 9:30 Sarah: The Other Side 11:30 Miss Na Miss Kita, Utol Kong Hoodlum 2

VELVET 12:00 a.m. Velvet Entertainment Specials 1:00 Hawaii Five-0 2:00 Blue Bloods 3:00 The Good Wife 4:00 The Celebrity Apprentice 5:30 Medium 6:30 Life Unexpected 7:30 Velvet Entertainment Specials 8:30 Celebrity Apprentice 10:00 On The Red Carpet 10:30 Tabatha's Salon Takeover 11:30 Shear Genius 12:30 p.m. So You Think You Can Dance 1:30 On The Road with Austin and Santino 2:00 On The Red Carpet 2:30 Hawaii Five-0 3:30 Blue Bloods 4:30 Dexter 5:30 So You Think You Can Dance 6:30 On The Red Carpet 7:00 The Soup 7:30 On The Road with Austin and Santino 8:00 The Apprentice 9:00 Tough Love 10:00 Work Of Art 11:00 Big Rich Texas

VIVA CINEMA 12:00 a.m. Stop Talk & Listen 12:30 Daily Top 5 1:00 All Out with Nicole Hyala 1:30 OPM Tv 2:30 Sgt. Miguel Carpio: Multiple Murder 4:30 Unang Tibok 6:30 Zoom In 7:30 Isang Saglit Na Walang Hanggan 9:00 Burlesk Queen 11:00 Daily Top 5 11:30 OPM Tv 12:30 p.m. Stop Talk & Listen 1:00 All Out with Nicole Hyala 1:30 Sala Sa Init, Sala Sa Lamig 3:30 Status: Single 5:30 Daily Top 5 6:00 OPM Tv 7:00 Stop Talk & Listen 7:30 All Out with Nicole Hyala 8:00 Ate 10:00 Alas Dose

AUSTRALIA NETWORK 12:30 a.m. The Straits 1:30 Newsline With Jim Middleton 2:00 One Plus One 2:30 Foreign Correspondent 3:00 ABC News Breakfast 6:30 Newsline With Jim Middleton 7:00 Business Today 7:30 News 8:00 Business Today 8:30 News 9:00 Giggle And Hoot 9:03 The Wiggles 9:30 Giggle And Hoot 9:33 Play School 9:57 Giggle And Hoot 10:00 English Bites 10:30 Score 11:00 Worst Bestfriend 11:30 News 12:00 p.m. Packed To The Rafters 1:00 News 1:30 Foreign Correspondent 2:00 English Bites 2:10 Living English 2:20 Study English 2:30 Scope 3:00 News 3:30 Giggle And Hoot 3:33 The Wiggles 4:00 Giggle And Hoot 4:03 Play School 4:30 Worst Bestfriend 5:00 News 5:30 Contact Sport 6:00 Poh's Kitchen 6:30 Costa's Garden Odyssey 7:00 The Best In Australia 8:00 The World This Week 8:30 News 9:00 Contact Sport 9:30 Bed Of Roses

ABS CBN 2 4:45 a.m. Umagang Kay Ganda 8:00 Sailor Moon 8:30 Naruto Shippuuden 8:45 Inazuma Eleven 9:00 KrisTV 10:00 Kapamilya Blockbusters 11:30 Showtime 2:30 p.m. Mundo Man Ay Magunaw 3:15 Angelito: Batang Ama 4:00 Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited 5:00 Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin 6:00 Wako Wako 6:30 TV Patrol World 7:45 E-boy 8:30 Walang Hanggan 9:10 Dahil Sa Pag-ibig 9:40 Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited 10:30 City Hunter 11:00 Bandila 11:45 SOCO 12:30 a.m. Urban Zone

GMA 7 4:00 a.m. Rescue 5:00 Unang Hirit 7:30 Tom & Jerry 8:00 Jackie Chan Adventures 8:30 Mojacko 9:00 Slam Dunk 9:30 Knockout 10:00 Kapuso Movie Festival 11:45 Kusina Master 12:00 p.m. Eat Bulaga 2:00 Hiram Na Puso 2:30 The Good Daughter 3:30 Broken Vow 4:30 It Started With A Kiss 5:30 Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis 6:00 24 Oras 7:30 Biritera 8:30 My Beloved 9:30 Legacy 10:30 Bubble Gang 11:30 Saksi 12:00 a.m. Tunay Na Buhay

STUDIO 23 5:00 a.m. DZMM Teleradyo Dos Por Dos 6:00 MYX Daily Top Ten

‘NANDITO AKO’ Airs Grand Finale ‘TROPANG POTCHI’ Goes To Ilocos

David Archuleta fans all over the world are abuzz this week more

than ever as TV5’s primetime mini-series “NANDITO AKO,” top-billed by the “American Idol” sensation with TV5’s own homegrown stars Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero, airs its much-awaited grand finale today, March 23.

After finding out that Holly (Eula) has brain cancer, Anya (Jasmine) decided to let go of her love for Josh (David), knowing that it’s the only way for the terminally-ill Holly to be

happy. But will Josh ever realize that Anya is the young girl who saved him from the fire and owns the missing piece of his watch?

Will Josh root for his real love Anya or choose to make Holly’s remaining days nothing but full of memorable and happy thoughts? Don’t miss the grand finale of the Mac Alejandre-helmed mini-serye, airing after “Wil Time Bigtime” on TV5.

GMA’s Saturday morning show for kids “TROPANG POTCHI”

welcomes this year’s summer season by having fun under the sun and exploring the

beautiful and historic province of Ilocos.

M iggy J imenez and Sabrina Man will experience

sandboarding and dune bashing in the province as well as the Sinking Bell Tower and the Paoay Church. Of course, the

excursion wouldn’t be complete without savoring the delectable Ilocano dishes.

Meanwhile, Liane gets busy at Potchi’s house with her school report. Her classmate Sofia arrives but she says that she plans to skip class because she’s not feeling well. However, Julian thinks that Sofia is just making up excuses so Liane would do their school report alone. Is Julian right about Sofia? Find that out on “TROPANG POTCHI,” Saturday, 9 a.m. on GMA-7.

DAVID ARCHULETA with Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula CaballeroSABRINA MAN

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Friday, March 23, 2012E-1 [email protected] Editor: IVY LISA F. MENDOZA

(Cont'd on page E-2)

OUR years ago, St. Paul College in San Rafael Bulacan (SPCSR) was an ugly, dirty, and stinking campus.

Plastic bags, empty bottles, pieces of trash were strewn all over the place; a foul-smelling odor emanated from a garbage dump behind the school, and snakes thrived in the jungle of tall, overgrown cogon grass that surrounded the five-hectare campus.

For 10 years, the students had to endure such an unhealthy, dangerous and truly uninspiring environment.

In 2009, then newly-appointed school directress Sister Teresita Capurihan couldn’t stand such a sight. On her first day, she literally picked up pieces of trash and set out on a mission to transform the place. Yet she knew that to do this, she needed the help of the entire community.

So together with the school administration and the Congregation, they mapped out the SPCSR Environmental Stewardship Program, a five-year development plan from 2009 to 2013 that would lead towards the transformation of the school.

First was “Basura ko, Responsibility Ko” which required everyone to segregate and dispose of their trash properly. Sr. Capurihan met with the community stakeholders consisting of students, faculty, staff, security guards, drivers, parents and barangay officials to involve them in the programs.

“The community needed to realize that we are part and parcel of God’s creation, so they have to become stewards of the environment. True enough, they owned up to the task. On the first day, I was the only one picking up trash. On the second week, 10 students joined me. After a month,

By RaChEl C. BaRawid The LearningvilleF

all of us were cleaning the school!” she enthuses.

Furthermore, Sr. Capurihan totally removed the garbage cans from the campus to inculcate discipline in the students and make them responsible for their own trash. A Paulinian

peace culture was also established on campus.

Next , a community c lean-up followed, with people from the municipal government and school working together in cutting down the cogon grass and clearing the dumpsite.

A zero waste management program which encourages to reduce, reuse and recycle waste was also carried out not just in the school but throughout the barangay.

The task of transforming the place thus began, with the 46 teachers, 1,154

students and their parents, school staff and the barangay residents, all eagerly helping out.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOMToday, SPCSR has become one of the ideal campuses in the country.

Named as the Learningville, the area surrounding the school has been transformed into an oasis for learning. Fruit-bearing trees, vegetable and butterfly gardens now provide a beautiful backdrop to the once unsightly scenery. Animals such as goats, ducks, chickens, geese, rabbits and turkeys can be found in a small farm. A fish pond is teeming with tilapia which high school students sell in the market as part of their Entrepreneurship classes.

Later on, a vermicompost area, nipa huts, a grotto for the Virgin Mary and a meditation island accessible via a bamboo raft were also built. A swimming pool was also constructed to teach students how to swim and prepare themselves for the constant flooding that occur in the area during the rainy season. Students also get to engage in various sports activities with the opening of the soccer field, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.

With all these developments, the Learningville has become an outdoor classroom and a mini-fieldtrip destination. Teachers began taking the students out of the four corners of the classroom to conduct activities that complement their lessons in all subjects.

For instance, lessons in Technology Livelihood Education enabled students to go fishing at the pond, or cook outdoors using the vegetable produce from the school garden.

The Learningville is a bustling science laboratory for the students in Biology class. They study plants and

OASIS FOR LEARNING – The students of St. Paul College in San Rafael, Bulacan go on a fieldtrip right on their own campus everyday and engage in various activities such as (clockwise from top left) fishing, animal interaction, plant observation for Biology class, and nature games.

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Friday, March 23, 2012E-2

The Learningville(Cont'd from page E-1)

CaMPUS BEaT

ORE and more Fili-pinos are pushing for change through volun-teerism.

For five days in early March, the province of Cavite, witnessed a milestone movement that is expected to bring positive changes in the country.

Instead of carrying arms, the participants – composed of ordinary citizens, notable celebrities, organiza-tions, and corporations – pushed four-wheeled carts that symbolized the different advocacies they support.

This is Kariton Revolution, the brainchild of 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida and the young members of the Dynamic Teen Com-pany (DTC).

More than three years after he bagged the CNN Hero of the Year Award for his innovative Kariton Klasrum program that reached out a n d p r o -vided edu-c a t i o n t o out-of-school c h i l d r e n o n t h e

Kariton Revolution PushesTo Make A Nationwide Difference

Mobile Training Bus Rolls Into Barangays

commissioned pas-senger bus equipped with training tools and equipment and manned by a compe-tent trainor makes its

way to barangays in Metro Manila to serve the skills training needs of poor residents.

First stop of the bus are at Baran-gays Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, and Tumana in Marikina City.

The Mobile Train-ing Plus (Park and Train) bus is the latest training technology of TESDA re-launched last month. It serves as a computer labora-tory, contextual learn-ing area, and training and learning resource areas to make skills training more acces-sible especially to the poor young people and unemployed adults in remote areas.

Target communi-ties are those where there are no existing government trade schools and training centers and those that are often hit by natural calamities.

Initial program offerings of the MTP bus include Automotive Ser-vicing NC I, Motorcycle and Small Engine Servicing NC II, Electri-cal installation and Maintenance, Mechatronics Servicing NC II, and Computer Hardware Servicing NC II. Course duration for these programs ranges from 80 to 356 training hours or about two months.

Only the Computer Hardware Servicing NC II program is being

aconducted inside the air-conditioned bus while the other programs are done in tents installed for the purpose.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT TRAININGThe facility also offers Community Di-saster Management modules designed to equip participants with skills in per-forming basic life support, coordinating

NoMiNaTioNS FoR TEaChER SEaRCh oN

CiNEMaTogRaPhy woRkShoP SET

PalaNCa SETS dEadliNE FoR ENTRiES

THE Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI) and the Diwa Learning Systems is now accepting nominations for its search for The Many Faces of the Teacher 2012 program.

The teacher search is on the lookout for role models in the teaching profession who inspire their fellow educators to excellence. The program seeks to recognize teachers not just for their skills and dedication to their craft but also for their efforts in making a difference in the lives of their students and communities.

The search is open to teachers of all ages who are actively teaching in private or public institutions. He or she must demonstrate exceptional performance in teaching; have employed creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness; and has exemplary values in his/her teaching, family and personal life. Nominees will be evaluated on the basis of their integrity and morality; relationships with students, colleagues, community and family; commitment and dedication to the vocation; strength of values and principles; and involvement in school and community activities.

Deadline of submission of nominations is on May 15. For details, call 892-5462 or email [email protected].

THE Filipino Society of Cinematographers in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Plusiminus Film Camp is holding a cinematography workshop on March 23, 24 and 25, at Arthur’s Resort in Siniloan Laguna.

The workshop will teach participants how to use special effects in cinematography. Speakers include FSC president Isagani Sioson, Jess Navarro, George Toralba, Karl Claveria and Ariel Reyes. Workshop fee is P4,000 inclusive of food, transportation and accommodation. For inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected].

THE Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) is accepting entries for this year’s contest. Deadline for submission is at 12 midnight of April 30.

The Palanca Awards welcomes submissions under the following regular categories: English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play; Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Pambata,Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon and Short Story-Iluko.

Each contestant may submit only one entry per category. To further encourage the youth to hone their literary talents,

writers below 18 years old may submit essays under the Kabataan Division. This year’s theme for the Kabataan Essay is “In the advent of e-books, do I still consider printed books to be an important part of education?” The theme for the Kabataan Sanaysay is “Sa paglaganap ng e-books, maituturing ko pa bang mahalagang bahagi ng edukasyon ang mga nakalimbag na aklat?”

The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens. Entries with complete requirements may be submitted at the Foundation’s office at the 6th floor, One World Square Building, No.10 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or at the website www.palancaawards.com.ph.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 1. For details,call 856-0808 loc. 33.

aN iNSPiRaTioN To yoUNg woRkERS – Trainees in Computer hardware Servicing NC ii learn and practice their repair and servicing skills inside the air-conditioned MTP bus in Barangay Silangan, Quezon City.

emergency resources, managing the emergency scene, transporting emer-gency and non-emergency patients, and delivering pre-hospital patient care in times of calamities.

Other programs that can be offered in the facility are Building/House Re-pair and Maintenance Services, Beauty Care and Wellness Services, and Appli-ance Repair Services.

A total of 264 out-of-school youth and unemployed adults from the Quezon City barangay are currently enrolled in the training programs.

Among the training partners in the region which have TESDA registered programs in these quali-fications are Jacobo C. Gonzales School of Arts and Trades for Com-puter Hardware Servicing, Quezon City Lingkod Bayan Skills Develop-ment Center (Motorcycle Servicing), Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (Electrical Installa-

tion and maintenance), and Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services (Com-munity Disaster Man-agement).

Aside from a train-ing workshop, the MTP bus also serves as as-sessment center for graduates who want to undergo competency assessment and be certified as a TESDA Specialista.

All those certified as TESDA Specialista receive tool kits for their trade under the TESDA Specialista Technopre-neurship Program.

The Mobile Training Plus is a product of a Public-Private Partner-ship initiative by TESDA

with the Genesis Group of Companies which donated two old buses for the purpose. The buses were originally intended as shuttle service units for TESDA employees, but agency of-ficials saw their better use as mobile classrooms and training workshops.

For more information on TESDA programs and services, call 887-7777, send SMS message 09174794370 (Globe) 09182738232 (Smart) or fol-low us in Facebook (TESDA, Sec Joel Villanueva TESDA) and Twitter (SecJOELngTESDA).

Mstreets, Peñaflorida, together with his team, now encourages Filipinos of all ages to push for Kariton Revolu-tion’s seven advocacies: environment, livelihood, culture, peace, education, youth, and health. The campaign is a volunteer sign-up program that encourages Filipinos to support any of the worthwhile causes they believe in.

“The idea for Kariton Revolution came from one of our young mem-bers, Cris ‘Kez’ Valdez, a 13-year-old boy who united and mobilized the entire city and collected donations for the victims of typhoon Sendong,” ex-plained Peñaflorida. “He showed that as long as your heart is in what you are doing, no matter what your age is and even if you lack resources, you can help out and make a difference

when the opportunity arises.” More than 100 karitons repre-

senting different groups marched from the Ladislao Diwa Elementary School to Samonte

Park to signify their support for the campaign for five consecutive days.

Personalities including DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro; actress Lorna Tolentino, and Zsa Zsa Padilla; musicians Dulce, Aiza Seguerra,Juris Fernandez, Krizza Neri and Paolo Valenciano; TV hosts TJ Manotoc, Makata; and Philippine Volcanoes Rugby superstar player Andrew Wolff joined students, employees, and members of different organizations during the event.

“I believe that caring for others is innate in every Filipino. Through Kariton Revolution, we want to serve as the bridge between those who want to help out but don’t know how and the organizations and groups that work for worthwhile causes,” said Peñaflorida. “We should all take an active participation if we truly want to transform the country.”

To sign up for Kariton Revolution, interested volunteers may e-mail [email protected] or call (46)431-5263.

EFREN Peñaflorida (left) promotes six more advocacies aside from education at the launch of his new project kariton Revoluition. at right, TV host TJ Manotoc and musician Paolo Valenciano push a kariton for the advocacy they are supporting during the five-day event.

animals no longer under the microscope but in its actual environment. Math teachers likewise found a creative and interesting way for the students to learn concepts on area and volume by measuring objects in the farm. Art classes are now more enjoyable as students sketch the scenery in the Learningville. They also write reflection papers for English and Religion classes at the nipa huts and meditation island.

According to the teachers, the Learningville also enhanced their classroom discussions and made the students more interested and eager to learn.

The parents, meanwhile, were surprised to see their children getting more curious and caring about nature and the environment. They have also started discovering new talents and interests.

“The Learningville has opened doors of opportunities for our children. For one, they have started getting into sports. Dati yung kindergarten students walang kaalam-alam sa swimming. Now they’re even part of the varsity swim team. Many of our students have become outgoing and competitive. They join sports and academic contests. They really enjoy school now,” attests Odessa Santos, the former president of the SPCSR Parents Teachers Association.

Sister Capurihan says all these structural developments were complemented with the procurement of high-tech equipment such as laptops, sewing machines, drawing boards, laboratory equipment, computers and

television sets to make teaching and learning more effective.

“More importantly, we have less trouble now with the kids. They are more behaved and disciplined. I guess this is because they are no longer confined in their classrooms and have a lot of freedom to do outdoor activities. I attribute that to the Learningville. The transformation of the place which they helped create, makes them proud of themselves and finally, of the school which they can now really call their second home," says Sr. Capurihan.

INNOVATIVE SCHOOLSAll these innovations in learning spaces and places for learning effectiveness have earned for SPCSR the Excellence in Educational Transformation Award (EETA). SPCSR is one of the seven innovative schools that were feted recently by the ABS-CBN Bayan Academy, Rex Bookstore, and the Knowledge Channel Foundation.

Other awardees are Assumpta Technical High School in Pampanga, Pembo Elementary School in Makati, Claret School of Zamboanga, Ednas School of San Carlos, Pangasinan, and Colegio de San Agustin.

Elizabeth Seton School earned the top award for being the most transformative school for learning effectiveness and school efficiency.

iN Religion class, students (left) pray and reflect at a meditation island in the learningville. They also learn to feed and tend the animals at the farm.

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hat can be a better testament of product dependability and customer satisfaction than the one coming from no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines himself?

Text and photos by ARIS R. ILAGAN

Text and photos by IÑIGO S. ROCES

• March 23, 2012 • EVERY FRIDAY

Section Editor: PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES • Asst. Editors: ANJO PEREZ

JOHANNES L. CHUAF1 Drive

(Continued on page F2)

W

New Toyota Land Cruiser LC200

Ride Of Power And Presence

(Continued on page F2)

nother rise in fuel prices has taken hold and no doubt, many are already re-evaluating their current mode of transport. Most likely they’ll lean on choices from the subcompact category

where cars like the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta will likely come to mind. Of course, it’s hard to hand over a verdict without revisiting one of the older players in this game. One of

those is the Honda City 1.5 E and it’s not hard to see why.

The car exudes speed and energy with its design. The new chromed front grille and headlights combine to produce a futuristic angled shape that still keeps it looking as modern today as the day it first appeared. The three bars now feature larger slats in between while the headlights continue a line that tapers towards the sides. There’s a tasteful mix of edges and curves in its shape.

A

2012 Honda City 1.5 E

Old Favorite

Up to now, President Noynoy Aquino re-fuses to let go of his personal Toyota Land Cruiser LC100 as his official presidential car amid offers not only from Congress but from the private sector for newer, more luxurious and armor-protected vehicles for his comfort and security.

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ere’s a l ittle back-grounder on the all-new Ranger: Prototypes of this pickup were tested in 15 countries around the world, from the

Australian Outback to the German autobahn. The model was subject to severe heat and cold, as well as the worst roads imaginable. This truck had to pass every test because it will be sold in 180 markets. You could say that the Ranger is prob-ably the most “global” in the entire Ford lineup. Throughout the course of its creation, there were some cool developments:

The all-new Ranger is now much bigger than its predecessor, but is no less maneuverable. It can also wade through 800mm of water, even when loaded to capacity with passengers and cargo. Its beltline has also been raised, and this makes the cargo area much deeper. Ride height is now 237mm. Combine this towering ground clearance with short front and rear overhangs, and the Ranger is ready for any sort of off-road chal-lenge.

Comfort is optimized of course, thanks to the new hydro mounts be-tween the cabin and chassis. While

EVERY FRIDAY • March 23, 2012DriveMotoring • Racing

F2

By PAULO RAFAEL T. SUBIDO

H

Tough RangerAll-New Ford Pickup Tested In Terrains Of 15 Countries

(Continued from page F1)

Land Cruiser...“Thanks but no thanks!” PNoy said in the

latest news, referring to the offers for a new official luxury vehicle. Just by reading between the lines, PNoy’s obsession with the white Toyota Land Cruiser is deep. From his days as senator until he was elected as President, the Land Cruiser LC100 is serving him with utmost loyalty.

The possibility that his obsession to this particular type of Sport Utility Vehicle would probably become deeper if he encounters the new 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 launched by Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) alongside the upgraded Toyota Yaris subcompact hatch-back in Greenbelt 5, Makati City last Friday, March 16.

With a bigger body and bolder look, President Noynoy would look more ‘presidential’ on board this vehicle as he goes in and out of Malacañang. From its exterior alone, the Toyota Land Cruiser is ready for anything – from formal occasions to rugged situations.

Even without the aid of armored proofing, the powerful aura of the new Toyota Land Cruiser is enough to deceive PNoy’s adversaries as if it’s ready to take bullets any time and any place.

“For decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser has always set the bar high when it comes to SUVs. The new Land Cruiser sports the perfect bal-ance between durability and performance of an SUV while still providing maximum comfort to ensure a relaxed ride during drives,” Michinobu Sugata, TMP president, said in his speech.

“The combination of these features helped the Land Cruiser become an all-time favorite,” he added.

Looking “presidentiable” himself during the occasion was Alfred Ty, Jr., Vice Chairman of TMP and Lexus-Manila accompanied by Danny Isla, president of Lexus-Manila.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser – which is powered by a 1VD-FTV 4.5-liter V8 Diesel engine matched with a six-speed super ECT (electronic control transmission) – looks fresh with numer-ous exterior and interior upgrades.

Starting with the new stylish front grille de-sign and big barreled dual-headlamps equipped with High/Low Bi-HID projector system with daytime running lights and pop-up nozzle cleaner. At the tail is a pair of LED combina-tion lamps that guarantees excellent visibility in dark situations.

With the Toyota Land Cruiser’s interior improvements, PNoy – who reportedly likes to sit in front – will surely feel pampered with the SUV’s classy instru-mentation highlighted with wood grain and bright silver finish.

If he’s conscious about speed and other driving in-formation, he can easily view from his seat the optitron color-information display with TFT (Thin Film Transistor). To keep him comfortable with the onset of the summer sea-

son, PNoy can just reach for buttons of the air conditioning system with 4-zone independent temperature control.

PNoy wants to drive when stressed from his presidential obligations. The Land Cruiser’s new steering wheel design wrapped in wood grain and leather trimmings along with audio, telephone, voice and display integrated controls. This means he can either sing with the music or converse by phone with his girl friend hands-free just to forget the day’s heavy load.

A shooting enthusiast, PNoy can take the Land Cruiser to remote areas where there is a firing range, considering its superb off-road capabilities while at the same time providing a comfortable ride.

With the Congress ready to approve the budget for the purchase of a new presidential car, PNoy will be insulated from lifestyle checks while cruising on the new Toyota Land Cruiser priced at P4,292,000 in colors Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black and Beige Mica Metallic.

One more thing, PNoy likes his SUV in white skin. And a White Pearl color option with a tag price of P4,307,000 will be perfect for this bache-lor-president who is always looking forward for a romantic date.

MICHINOBU SUGATA, TMP president.

(Continued from page F1)Honda City...There’s also uniformity in the design idea with the new tail lights, with white out sig-nal and reverse lamps that continue the arrow theme; protruding outward diago-nally from an invisible line suggested by the alignment of the door handles. A more dynamic rear bumper, now with sports car-inspired dif-fusers and corner reflectors updates its look.

Inside is an alluring inte-rior that subtly hints of sports car inspiration. The shoulder line outside is reflected in the interior, ex-tending from the doors and arching around the dashboard. The interior takes on a black (thankfully opting away from the passé carbon fiber trim) and silver color scheme. The front seats wrap around one’s body and better bolster both driver and passengers, and a whole range of height, tilt, and tele-scopic adjustments for the steering wheel are available.

Dials in the instrument cluster take on a blue and white color ambience. Vital info is separated into three dials while in the very center dial sits a fuel efficiency computer that provides real time and average fuel consumption along with estimated range. A new “eco” light has been added that lights up and encourages the driver to drive ef-ficiently. Closer to the driver is the steering wheel that now has audio controls to keep hands safely on the wheel.

The flush piano black and matte silver center dash holds the stereo and climate controls on a bib that seems to hang from the arched dash. The stereo plays radio and CDs through four speakers and will easily accommodate MP3s and iPods through its auxiliary input and USB cable at the bot-tom of the center stack. As for climate, the interior is quickly cooled thanks to additional vents on the rear seat floor.

The rear is usually a source of complaint for this kind of class, yet the City remedies this with a floor that is nearly flat and offers some additional storage space under the seats. There is also an abundance of cup holders, pockets and storage bins that will hold drinks and snacks on the go while the cavernous 506-liter capacity trunk can take up to four 9-inch wide golf bags.

Under the hood is a competent 1.5 li-ter i-VTEC engine that produces a hefty 120 hp and 107 pound feet of torque. Un-like some of its rivals, you have a selec-tion of five gears to shift through (using the paddle shifts either in D or S) or left for the computer to decide. Grade logic control and shift hold, cleverly keep it in gear for you during inclines or curves for better response when it is needed. With all that bundled together, you can expect to achieve high fuel efficiency figures of 10 km/L in the city and 12.5

km/L in the highway. Macpherson strut suspension in front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear provide for a comfortable ride and good stability.

Then, there’s the safety factor. Dual airbags and discs on all four wheels coupled with ABS, EBD and brake assist bring pas-sengers and car to a brisk but safe stop. Collision compatibility design assures pas-sengers that their lives are in good hands even in impacts with larger vehicles. Finally, even those outside the car have been thought of with pedestrian safety impact absorbing components in front.

What makes one hesitate to buy into the City is the price of P836,000 for this par-ticular model. Then again, few other cars in this category can offer 120 horsepower with a 5-speed auto and still return the kind of mileage a 1.3 liter would usually get. Other than that, there’s very little argument against it besides the price and a tempting new selection of colors, like this sparkling brown and its new wheel design, should renew interest.

on the subject of the chassis, major driveline components are tucked into the frame rails to prevent damage during off-road excursions. This is good thinking in the part of the en-gineers. For those who will use this pickup as a heavy-duty hauler, pay-load capacity is actually more than 1,400kg. That’s pretty impressive.

The biggest engine is the new Duratorq TDCi 3.2L with a variable-geometry turbo. It generates 200PS and a whopping 470Nm of torque. The smaller Duratorq TDCi 2.2L variable-geometry turbo engine offers 150PS and 375Nm of torque — still quite considerable for an engine of smaller displacement. We hope both options will be readily available.

We were able to drive the all-new Ford Ranger a few months ago, but during that time its specifications for the Philippine market have not yet been finalized. This anticipated pick-up will be launched next week during the Manila International Motor Show (I’m sure some have seen the huge billboard on C5), and we hope that all of the clever innovations that are available abroad will find their way here. I know, I guess you can say that we are being a bit spoiled, but the nevertheless, it would be great to sample these cool features.

We’d like to see tech like the

electronic locking rear differential; traction control system; hill-descent control and hill-launch assist; adap-tive load control that optimizes stability when the cargo area is fully loaded; and the roll-over mitigation system that helps prevent a situation where the Ranger will end up on its side. And who wouldn’t want an 80-liter fuel tank?

One of the best things about the all-new Ranger is its cabin. It has been designed from the ground up,

and it looks great, very much like what’s found in its Fiesta sibling. Surprisingly, the look works very well in a large pickup such as this. But there’s more than just appear-ances. Ford’s designers also ad-dressed the shortcomings inherent in the design of pickup, the most an-noying of which is the lack of storage areas within the cabin.

That won’t be the case if the Phil-ippine-spec Ranger will be fitted with all 20 stowage areas, with pockets on

each door; a large console bin with upper and lower receptacles; driver-side storage areas; and under-seat storage trays. We’re certain that the passenger glovebox, that can also fit a 16-inch laptop computer, will be a hit, though.

Whatever the spec package that becomes available, the Ranger al-ready has a very huge following. We can’t wait to drive one on local roads, because once it arrives, the pickup wars are bound to heat up.

2012 Honda City 1.5 E

Engine: 1.5 liter DOHC 16 valveDrivetrain: front-wheel driveMax Power: 120 hp / 107 lb-ftTransmission: 5-speed A/TSeating: 5 passengersBrakes: Discs and drum with ABS, EBD and Brake AssistSuspension: MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rearWheels & tire: 15 inch alloy on 175/65 series tiresPrice: P836,000

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uzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) in partnership with Land Transporta-tion Office (LTO) and the Motorcycle Phil-ippines Federation

(MCPF), over the weekend formally launched the ‘Learn to Ride’ pro-gram held at LTO main office in Quezon City.

SPH president Satoshi Uchida said the motorcycle safety program was initiated to address the rising number of road crashes involving motorcycles in the country. “We are one with the government in creating a safer and more responsible driving environment through road courtesy and discipline.”

The course will acquaint riders with traffic laws, correct attire and riding posture, pre-riding inspec-tions and first aid, and proper skills in handling a motorcycle.

LTO records show a total of 3.88 million registered motorcycles in

By JULIUS P. VICENTE


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Suzuki Launches ‘Learn To Ride’

AT the figure of eight track.

THE author doing the proper handling and throttle control. Instructors show the proper warm up exercise (right).

LTO Asst. Secretary Virginia Torres (center) with the participants.

the Philippines, 54 percent higher than last year. The LTO expects the number to double by next year.

LTO Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres said the rise of motorcycles as the vehicle of choice of Filipinos is attributed to its ease in operation, af-fordability, enjoyment, employment, cost effectiveness, and mobility in different traffic situations.

“With the Learn to Ride program, we will give motorcycle drivers free training and seminars on Saturdays and Sundays at the main LTO office,” she said.

The weekend course incorpo-

rates theoretical knowledge, along-side with actual demonstrations for a complete safety-riding program.

Members of media were given a short course on riding during the launching. In the first day, Mel Aquino, SPH Safety Riding supervi-sor, taught the basics of riding which included the proper safety gears, ba-sic control, handling, proper posture, starting the engine, throttle control, and start and stop exercises.

The lecture was followed by an ac-tual training inside the LTO grounds using different Suzuki motorcycles. Together with other trained profes-

sionals, he demonstrated the many scenarios that riders encounter along the road.

He said that most motorcycle ac-cidents are caused by human error, which involves over-speeding, drunk driving, and non-compliance to road signs. “The program provides whole two-day training to let them fully un-derstand how to drive a motorcycle and learn the traffic laws in a Philip-pine setting,” he said.

Day two of the program focused on advanced lessons. SPH instruc-tors discussed the use of headlights and mirror, gear-shifting, and ad-

vanced riding techniques such as lean-ins/outs and with U-turns, figure of eight track, outer and inner slalom, and outer and inner circle.

The program certifies the skills level of a rider for application of a non-professional drivers license with the LTO. It qualifies graduates to skip the written and practical exams of the LTO.

By the end of the year, the Learn to Ride program is expected to graduate 600 trained riders, includ-ing trainors for future trainings. Suzuki will also provide instructors and personnel to guide, train and assist future motorcycle instructors of the LTO, alongside motorcycle units, handbooks and certificates of completion to be used on the imple-mentation of the program.

SPH is wholly owned company of Suzuki Motor Company Ltd. of Japan known for manufacturing superior quality motorcycle models in the Philippines.

Suzuki takes pride in its motor-cycle line-up for leisure, sport or business. The company is also the exclusive distributor of Suzuki au-tomobiles and genuine spare parts here in the Philippines.

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he all-new Ford Ex-plorer has been rais-ing the bar on SUV safety by combining technologies to help avoid crashes with

those that set new standards of protection in the event of one.

The comprehensive safety story of the all-new Ford Explorer adds new features including the world’s first inflatable second-row seat belts.

“The all-new Explorer 2.0L GTDi XLT combines – all at once – our best technologies to not only help prevent a crash, but to help prevent injuries to occupants when a crash is unavoidable,” said Vinay Piparsania, VP for marketing and sales, Ford Group Philippines. “The use of high-strength steels such as boron in the Explorer body struc-ture also offers a greater level of protection, while meeting the most stringent roof crush standards.”

Explorer showcases Ford’s commitment to safety by offering passengers an unprecedented

afe-T-Ryders Train-ing Center will be holding its second Biker Meet-Up on Saturday, March 24 at the Quezon Memo-

rial Circle. The program starts with an

open forum to listen and respond to urgent concerns of motorcycle riders, giving them an opportunity to dialogue on issues related to traf-fic regulations, safety ordinances, etc.

Former LTO Chief Alberto H. Suansing will once again listen to the bikers from Quezon City.

A unique feature of this meet up is a series of fun games that will put to test the riders’ mastery of handling their motorcycles. Instructors of Safe-T-Ryders have created a set of exercises designed to bring out fun not only from the contestants but from all the riders

he Nissan Teana bal-ances the elements of driving performance, a handsome silhouette, and interior style.

Catering to the taste of the achiever, the Nissan Teana claims its place in the local automo-tive market with its performance, European design, class-leading hos-pitality and comfort.

The Nissan Teana carries the globally renowned VQ-V6 engine – the only engine to be included in the coveted Ward’s 10 best engines list for 14 consecutive years.


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Tarray of active and passive safety technologies.

The Explorer 2.0L GTDi XLT offers a Ford technology unique in the automotive industry in the first-ever inflatable second-row seat belts. Rear seat passengers – often children or mature pas-sengers – can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries, thus the advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce such injuries.

Advances in airbag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppli-ers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash. Vehicle safety sen-sors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts’ airbags. Each belt’s tubular airbag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed be-low the seat.

Ford ExplorerInflatable Second-Row

Seatbelt Introduced

TIt also features a stylish top-load

sunroof that provides a more open and relaxed ambiance for the rear pas-senger. The UV-protected, privacy-enhanced glass sunroof comes with front electric tilt-and-slide function and is one-touch electric retractable. And because the glass sunroof slides back over the roof, there is no reduc-tion in rear headroom, which ensures optimum comfort for all passengers, even when it is open.

Showing style and comfort, the Te-ana has a power-operated Ottoman-style leg rest. Adjustment controls are provided for the calf-support position

to match individual physiques and preferences.

It also offers mobility and enter-tainment with the multimedia system that doubles as reverse camera. The reverse camera features a safety CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) with night vision feature that can simplify park-ing, even in tight spaces.

The all-new Nissan Teana 3.5L is offered with a choice of four attractive exterior colors: White Pearl, Sapphire Black, Deep Amethyst Purple, Bril-liant Silver. Experience the all-new Teana 3.5L, now available at all Nis-san dealerships nationwide.

Nissan Teana: Style And Performance

itsubishi Motors Phil-ippines Corporation (MMPC) recently an-nounced to the De-partment of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it

will have a special safety recall of the Mitsubishi Fuzion model sold from June 2007 to February 2012.

The safety recall is to inspect and replace (if needed) the steering column intermediate shaft. MMPC was informed that some batches of steering column intermediate shafts produced between 2007 to 2012 were suspected to have insufficient weld-ing that may result to failure. The

etron Corporation re-cently marked another milestone as it bagged two distinctions from the Management As-sociation of the Philip-

pines (MAP), including the Integral CSR Award for its success in mak-ing social responsibility an essential part of its business operations.

Petron bagged the prestigious Integral CSR Award at the 2nd MAP CSR Leadership Challenge for its “Growing. Greening. Giving Back: Making CSR and Sustainability a way of life in Petron” strategy along with the Best in Environ-ment and Sustainable Development Special Award for its “Measuring, Managing and Minimizing our Environment Footprint in Bataan” program.

The Special Award for Environ-ment and Sustainable Development cited the company’s initiatives to preserve and protect the environ-ment and promote sustainable de-

M

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inspection and replacement proce-dure is estimated to take one and a half hours at the most.

Although there has been no reported occurrence of failures on the steering column, MMPC was directed by its principal, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Japan to con-duct the safety recall. MMPC also informed the Office of Secretary Gregory Domingo of DTI of this re-call campaign.

Hikosaburo Shibata, president and CEO of MMPC said that MMPC has already mobilized its Customer Relations Department to trace the units from its customer database. He

Safety Recall Campaign For Fuzionsaid that all the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines service centers nation-wide have been alerted to conduct the inspection and do the necessary repairs on all affected units.

MMPC will be issuing out the Ve-hicle Identification Numbers (VIN) of the 2,137 units of Fuzion vehicles potentially affected by this campaign. The VIN list will be published in the website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph.

For additional concerns and in-quiries, customers can get in touch with MMPC Customer Care Center at 658-0673, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

velopment in Bataan, particularly in effectively managing its water use and consumption, waste gen-eration, greenhouse gas accounting

and air emissions inventory, as well as its leadership in implementing the Bataan Integrated Coastal Management Program.

Petron Receives CSR, Environment Awards

Sgathered.

Another key component of the program will be a special presen-tation on the dangers of “Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol”. A Safe-T-Ryders instructor will conduct a demonstration using the much talked-about “Fatal Vision” goggles to emphasize the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and its severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death.

According to founder Arnel Doria, "The Bikers Meet-Up pro-gram is part of our campaign not only to promote safety awareness but also to engage club members in the active campaign to breed more responsible and disciplined bikers. This will be a continuing program for Safe T-Ryders Training Center and we invite corporate partners to join us in this road safety advo-cacy."

Safe-T-Ryders Set Bikers Meet

There must be no overheating — of any sort — while on the road. That’s the vi-sion that drives Rob-erts Automotive and Industrial Parts Man-ufacturing Corpora-tion (Roberts AIPMC), the company behind 'Evercool,' a lead-ing name in automo-tive and industrial radiators. The com-pany supplies a line of high-quality radiator products to a growing clientele of original equipment manufacturers and assemblers here in the Philippines and abroad.

Roberts AIPMC launched the first Evercool in 1993, and has since grown to develop a wide range of high-quality radiators for all segments of the market, in all kinds of applications: cars, trucks, buses, big bikes, agricultural machinery, industrial equip-ment, even computers and power plants.

All Evercool radiators — and there are over 350 models so far — are 100 percent certified leak-free. This, along with an ISO 9001:2008 certification, delivers an extra measure of assurance about the quality management system.

Evercool Radiators

Since the introduction of the AVT Navigator as the country’s first portable GPS navigation system with extensive local support for updated maps, the AVT Navigator product range has seen increased demand from motorists who appreciate a reliable road guide.

Exclusively for the 2012 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) — to be held from March 29-April 1 at the World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Manila — the AVT Navigator PN503 will be on sale at the AVT booth at a special discounted price.

The AVT Navigator PN503 features a 5-inch high-resolution touch screen, SD card slot, multimedia functionality and voice prompt technology. Extremely portable, the PN503 can be set up in any car in minutes. Users can add favorite and home locations so it’s easy to get back from unfamiliar places.

The AVT booth will also showcase AVT navigation devices and other multimedia systems customized for various vehicle models. These include custom head units for the Honda CRV and Civic; Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Tucson; Subaru Forester and Legacy; Toyota Camry and Prado; and others. These display units will also be offered at a special discount on the last day of the 2012 MIAS, on a first-come, first-served basis.

AVT Navigation Promo At MIAS

PETRON President Eric O. Recto (center), together with Petron Foundation Executive Director Marilou G. Erni (3rd from left), Petron Environment Manager Edith G. Cabrera (3rd from right) receive the Integral CSR Award and the Environment and Sustainable Development Special Award. Also in photo are Petron HR Management Department Head Ma. Rosario D. Vergel De Dios (far left), Petron Marketing AVP Ana M. Neri (2nd from left), SMC-Corporate HR Head Ma. Cristina M. Menorca (2nd from right), and Petron VP for Supply and Operations Rowena O. Cortez (far right).

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t’s a good feeling that floats around when you’re with winners – and it does not matter if they won a raffle, a singing contest, or

a life challenge. They just radiate an air that makes them pleasant company.

Last week, I had the pleasure of being with the five winners --and their companions – of an all-expense trip to Isuzu 4x4 Land in Pattaya, Thailand. The five winners purchased an Isuzu D-Max in the last quarter of 2011 and won the trip from Isuzu Philippines. They were: Pepito Marcelo (with his wife, Ofelia) from Pampanga; Alvin Guinanao (with sister, Alexis) from Magallon in Negros Occ.; John Marciales (with niece Cheska, whose father is the owner of the winning en-try) from Kalibo, Aklan; Pilar Pardo (with son, Jose Antonio) from Kor-onadal, Cotabato; and Julia Rudes Strong and Doreen Manos Rudes (representing the D-Max owner, their mother, Selma Reisland Rudes) from Sarangani.

Unlike other 4x4 events that I’ve cov-ered, this one did not involve 4x4 experts. Except for Pepito Marcelo, the other drivers have never maneuvered vehicles through off-road ter-rain. To them, the experience of driving or even just riding through the famous 4x4 Land in Pattaya – where Thailand’s police force, the UN peace keeping vol-unteers, and adven-ture celebrities have learned skills in 4x4 driving – was “exhili-rating!” That impres-sion comes from Jose Antonio Pardo, 30,

Tuned Ford GT Sets Recordhe Ford GT of tun-ing firm Autoplus Sportzentrium, ex-clusive distributors of Motul Oil and Lu-bricants, recently set

the fastest land speed record at the recently concluded Autoindustriya Speedfest held at the former Subic International Airport. Boasting of a dyno-tested 872bhp lurking under the hood of his Ford GT, Carlos Gono, managing partner of Au-toplus, piloted his car to a blistering 330.7 kilometers per hour down the 1.6-kilometer runway.

Pacho Blanco, chief mechanic of Autoplus, claimed that the excel-lent lubricating properties of Motul provided the necessary protection and power that allowed the car to exceed its limits.

As the French company cel-ebrates its 160th year anniversary in 2013, Autoplus is giving something back to its loyal patrons by way of slashing the price of its top three oil products. Dubbed as the Motul


F5

Edited by ANJO PEREZ

Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena produced another heroic performance to claim their 69th career win at the Rally Mexico a fortnight ago. The Cit-roen Total World Rally Team enjoyed a clean sweep as second place was secured by Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen.

Loeb and Hirvonen remain first and second in the Drivers’ World Cham-pionship standings, while Citroen has extended its lead in the Manufactur-ers’ rankings.

TSebastian Loeb Wins Rally Mexico

four, five and six program, Motul’s Multipower, a semi-synthetic oil for gasoline and diesel cars will now be priced at P400 per liter from previ-ous price of P500 per liter; followed by Motul’s H-tech 100, a 100 percent synthetic oil for gasoline engines car newly priced at P500/liter from pre-vious price of P640/liter and Motul’s Specific CRDi oil, a 100 percent synthetic base oil for CRDi diesel cars newly priced at P600/liter from

previous price of P800/liter. Motul is supporting teams in in-

ternational competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the FIA GT1 World Championship, Formula Nip-pon, Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Super GT, Dakar, IRC, Drift, Pikes Peak, MotoGP, World Superbike, World MX, Endurance, Superbike, Supercross, IOM TT, Rallycross, F1 Boat and scores of other motor-sports competition.

PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES

ROADSENSE

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who works in the family burger chain business, who said the 4x4 drive taught him to “always trust your vehicle.” That is the Isuzu D-Max which his father purchased from the Isuzu General Santos dealership in October 2011. “I was impressed by what it can do,” he said after driving through the 13 stations in the newly-renovated 4x4 Land.

One of the more challenging sta-tions was the 10-meter climb on a steep hill which tilted the D-Max 49 degrees downhill – a detail that the Isuzu instructor emphasized. And there was the station that demon-strated that the D-Max can also tilt sideward – when driving across a steep incline, putting the driver an arm’s length from a pool of water below. The most daring feat that pickup performed was traversing a balancing bridge, which it “boarded” and then with its weight, manipulated the bridge to tilt to touch the ground on the other side of the canal – so that it could now drive off to stable ground.

Clearly, the winners all had an extraordinary ride, except Pepito, who said the off-road terrain was familiar to him. He described the roads he traverses in the Cordillera mountains, where “the tires stood

4x4 Winnersan inch from the cliff.” Pepito uses the D-Max for his rice mill business in Porac.

Sisters-in-law Julia and Doreen said they were “very impressed with the performance of the D-Max in 4x4 Land.” For them that was a fun ride they truly “loved!” – and noth-ing compared to their regular 160-km drive from Maitum, Sarangani, to Gen-san and Davao – on Doreen’s D-Max, of course.

Two other participants had never experienced driving through off-road terrain – Alvin and John. But more impressive is the fact that Alvin, a nurse working in California – and holding a U.S. passport – traveled from the U.S. to Manila and then to Bangkok – just to enjoy his prize! Alvin had never owned a pickup until he purchased a D-Max from the Isuzu dealer in Bacolod late last year, for his personal use when he visits the country. When he was informed that he won a trip to Thailand, he flew home and joined the group, with his sister, Alexis.

John Marciales from Kalibo, who teaches in a local university, had

not driven a pickup before (his car is a Honda CR-V). He was in that trip to represent his brother, Saldes, who had purchased the D-Max to be used in a farm enterprise. He said the performance of the D-Max was impressive. The winning entry could be credited to John, who had taken the time to fill the raffle coupon at the showroom while the purchase of the pickup was being completed. And his companion in the trip, Cheska, 14, the daughter of Saldes, had answered a phone call informing them of the winning entry. She at first thought it was one of those scams and ignored the call, until Isuzu formally made the announcement.

The reasons why the winners chose the D-Max are interesting and shows how regular buyers come

to a choice of which brand to buy. It does not even show that advertise-ments had anything to do with their choices.

The mother of Julia and Doreen, for example, who is 84, personally chose the D-Max because of its form. Of course that also came with the “inspiration” of observing the D-Max which Doreen had purchased a year ago – and was driving to and from Davao and Gensan to Maitum, Sarangani at least twice a week, carrying cement (she is building a house). “My father always had an Isuzu vehicle, so we just naturally followed,” Julia said.

Pepito said he was attracted to the pickup’s rear view camera and a gadget that could track the location the vehicle, should it be stolen. “But most of all, I was drawn to it by its very quiet engine,” Pepito said.

After using the pickup for a few months, he has been endeared to it by its fuel efficient engine. His pride showed in a story he related – he kept “pace with a 6-cyliner Ford Expedi-tion at the Batangas STAR” and he felt that “there was more power – even at 150 kph!”

The mother-and-son tandem – Pilar and Jose Antonio – knew about off-road terrain but not in the serious degree that was demonstrated at the 4x4 Land. The D-Max had been pur-chased for the burger chain operation in Cotabato, but Jose Antonio said it had already been driven to Zam-boanga, through 1,300 kilometers of various roads – a 12-hour drive which his father accomplished alone. That must be what trusting one’s vehicle means.

Naturally, the five couples will always remember that extraordinary trip to Thailand – to the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise, the Floating Mar-ket, the Thai Village Show, and to the Siam Niramit Show. As Dorren and Julia said: “IPC treated us like royalty, like we are very special. And we enjoyed the experience!”

I enjoyed the experience too. After all it is not often that one travels in the pleasant company of winners and the IPC executives led by my good friend, Art Balmadrid, senior vice president; the adventure traveler, Joseph Bautista, who is IPC assis-tant division head; the charming and interesting conversationalist, Timmy de Leon, corporate communications manager; the always-fun-to-be-with Rico Macalintal, dealer development manager; and Mylene Gimutao, ad-vertising supervisor.

IPC's Joseph Bautista and Timmy de Leon inside the D-Max.

IPC SVP Art Balmadrid with Alvin & Alexis Guinanao.

JOHN and Cheska Marciales.

PILAR Pardo with son, Jose Antonio.

PEPITO and Ofelia Marcelo.

ISUZU D-Max at 4x4 Land.

ARTIST's perspective of the 4x4 Land. DOREEN Rudes and Julia Strong.

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oung kids aged seven to 13 years old have a chance to live up their racing dreams as Cas-trol Philippines and Tuason Racing School,

the country’s longest running profes-sional racing school and one of the premier racing schools in Asia, stage the second “Castrol Champions of the Future” (COF).

COF is a grassroots karting pro-gram that aims to discover potential racing champions. The screening is set on April 1 and 15 at the Carmona Racetrack in Cavite.

This year, the two main project proponents, Castrol and Tuason Racing School got the support of cor-porate sponsors BMW, Automobile

Edited by ANJO PEREZ Button Wins F1 Season Openerc L a r e n M e r c e d e s driver Jenson Button drove a brilliant race last Sunday to win the Formula One season opener in Melbourne,

Australia. Button, who started from second on the grid, snatched the lead from teammate Lewis Hamilton at the start and never looked back until the chequered flag.

As the red lights went out, Button forcefully powered his MP4-27 off the grid – getting maximum traction enabling him to take the lead as the cars entered Turn 1. Hamilton, who started from pole, had a lackluster start and was forced to tuck in behind his teammate.

MLotus driver Romain Grosjean

who started from third, got swal-lowed up by the mid-pack and lost several places. A couple of laps later, he made contact with Pastor Maldonado’s car breaking his front suspension in the process and end-ing his race.

From there on, Button controlled the race towards his 13th F1 victory and his third in Australia.

“Every win means a lot,” Button said after the race. “It’s nice to come away with victory in the first race of the new season. The guys have done an amazing job. This win will definitely help them push hard. A big thank you to everyone at Woking for this victory. It’s a pretty amazing

day.” Reigning world champion Se-

bastian Vettel recovered from a dreary qualifying performance to take second place — thanks to Safety Car Period when Vitaly Petrov’s car came to a complete stop in a danger-ous position on the straight fronting the grandstand. Vettel was able to overtake Hamilton on the restart and finished in third place.

“I decided to stay out when Lewis went into the pits and I think we would have had a crack without the safety car,” Vettel said.

The Formula One circus moves to Sepang Circuit in Malaysia this weekend for the second round of the F1 World Championship.

YAssociation Philippines, Philippine International Karting Association (PIKA), OMP, AUTS Racing, Indus-tria Racing, Lifeline Ambulance, KZone and TimeZone in the thrust of discovering future karting champions and continuing the transition of tal-ents to intensify the development of Philippine motorsports.

The karting clinics will provide these young aspiring racing wan-nabes the basics of racing and other techniques under the tutelage of multi-titled champions JP and Mike Tuason.

Among the hundreds of aspirants, two young drivers will be selected and will be given the chance to race, at subsidized cost, in the three legs of the COF Race series starting on

April 22.“The number of aspiring young

kids who joined the first batch is re-ally quite inspiring. And we consider this as a big step in the fulfillment of our dream of seeing a future Filipino champion in the Formula One Rac-ing scene,” said Castrol president Mars Sota.

“We believe motorsports is the next sport that Filipinos will excel in globally. This is the first step to ensure that. We hope that one of them will rise to be the next Karter of the Year and possibly a F1 world racing champion,” TRS president JP Tuason said.

Search For Young Racers On

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