Manila Standard Today - April 20, 2012 Issue

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Nation faces meatless week,
still, PNoy ignores growers
Mindanao-like
power crisis in
Luzon feared
Daily rice
wastage to
feed 4.3m
Lee drops bid as envoy to China
Aquino, Binay meet but not
on parting of ways issue
PH position on Chinas claim on Panatag Shoal
Palace junks
theres wave
of deance
War casualty. Filipino and American marines carry a wounded
man during war games at the Marine Base Camp in Ternate, Cavite,
as part of the 2012 Balikatan exercises. DANNY PATA
Why are they smiling? President Aquino visited the ofce of
the vice president in the Coconut Palace at the CCP Complex in Pasay
City Thursday and toured the building known as Tahanang Pilipino.
President Aquino will be in
Cebu today to attend the World
Electronic Forum in Mactan,
but he skipped the national con-
vention of the hogs and chicken
growers at the Cebu International
Convention Center in Mandaue
City, where he had been invited.
Mr. Aquino earlier conrmed
his attendance at the convention,
but apparently changed his mind
after the cold reception he re-
ceived from the Mindanao Power
Summit in Davao City last week,
said Durian Tan, director of the
Swine Development Council and
treasurer of the National Federa-
tion of Hog Farmers.
We believe we have already
exhausted all possible means to
relay our predicament to the gov-
ernment all the way up to the
President, but he chose to ignore us.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Members of a business
group at the Subic Bay Free-
port on Thursday expressed
concern that the power crisis
besetting Mindanao will soon
hit Luzon if the government
failesto speed up investing in
the power industry.
Danny Piano, presi-
dent of the Subic Bay
Freeport Chamber of
Commerce, said there
was growing concern among
its members about the possibil-
ity of a Mindanao-like power
shortage affecting Luzon.
The Mindanao crisis is proof
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines, the worlds
biggest rice importer for many
years, wastes as much as
308,000 tons of the grain every
day, which is worth P23 mil-
lion, a study says.
That amount is enough to
feed 4.3 million people, ac-
cording to the study by the Sci-
ence Departments Food and
Nutrition Research Institute.
The study says each Filipino
wastes an average of 3 table-
spoons or 9 grams of rice daily,
which is equivalent to 3.3 ki-
lograms a year. That wastage
is equivalent to 36 percent of
the Philippines rice imports in
2011 based on the 94 million
population and the 9 grams of
wasted rice each day.
The study says the daily rice
wastage in Luzon is 16 grams
per capita and 12 grams each
BUSINESSMAN Domingo Lee
has asked President Benigno
Aquino III to withdraw his nom-
ination as the countrys ambas-
sador to China, and Mr. Aquino
has agreed, Communications
Development Secretary Ramon
Carandang said Thursday.
In his one-page letter to Mr.
Aquino dated April 12, Lee,
who was bypassed by the Com-
mission on Appointments thrice,
said the pressure from the rig-
ors of the conrmation process
has deeply affected my family
and myself.
He said the lack of a sitting
ambassador to China had been
burdening the President, and
especially in light of the Philip-
pines recent tensions with Bei-
jing over the territorial disputes
in Panatag Shoal or Scarborough
Shoal.
Military vessels from the two
countries have been facing off
over a shing incident since last
week near the shoal in the South
China Sea. Both sides claim sov-
ereignty over the maritime terri-
tory.
It is not lost on me that the
on-going confrontation with
China has gravely put much of
the diplomatic work in the shoul-
ders of [the
President], which should not
be the case if there is, at pres-
ent, an ambassador in China,
Lee said in his lewtter that the
Palace received on April 17.
By Joyce Pangco Paares
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino
III toured the Coconut Palace
with Vice President Jejomar
Binay on Thursday, but both
denied they met over the re-
ports of their inevitable part-
ing of ways in the 2016 presi-
dential elections.
The two leaders came from
the 2nd ministerial meeting of the
Abu Dhabi Dialogue at the Sotel
Philippine Plaza in Pasay City be-
fore proceeding to Binays ofce
at the Coconut Palace.
It was the rst time that the
President was able to tour the
newly renovated Coconut Pal-
ace. It was a social call. The tour
lasted about 10 minutes, and
By Albert del Rosario
Foreign Affairs Secretary
BAJO de Masinloc (Scarbor-
ough Shoal) is not an island.
Bajo de Masinloc is also not
part of the Spratlys.
Bajo de Masinloc (Scarbor-
ough Shoal) is a ring-shaped cor-
al reef, which has several rocks
encircling a lagoon. About ve
of these rocks are above water
during high tide. Of these ve
rocks, some are about 3 meters
high above water. The rest of
the rocks and reefs are below
water during high tide.
Bajo de Masinlocs (Scar-
borough Shoals) chain of reefs
and rocks is about 124 NM from
the nearest coast of Luzon and
approximately 472 NM from
the nearest coast of China. Bajo
de Masinloc is located approxi-
mately along latitude 15
o
08
N and longitude 117
o
45E.
MALACAANG on Thursday
brushed aside the accusations
that its efforts to oust Supreme
Court Chief Justice Renato
Corona has eroded public con-
dence in the judiciary and
caused public deance of court
orders.
Communications Develop-
ment Secretary Ramon Carang-
dang said Malacaang was not
involved in any of the cases and
the supposed wave of deance
against recent court orders.
Again, if people are react-
ing to certain decisions that
have been made by Coronas
court, I dont think you can
blame the administration for
the actions of the people to
cases that we have no involve-
ment in, he said.
By John Anthony Concepcion
and Florante S. Solmerin
THE Philippines on Thursday conrmed that three Chinese sh-
ing vessels have been sighted near the disputed waters of the
Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, where it was locked last week in
a tense standoff with surveillance vessels from China.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez conrmed the
presence of the Chinese boats even as he urged China to prove
its claim over the disputed shoal in the International Tribunal of
the Laws of the Sea, a demand Beijing has already rejected.
We are still pursuing a diplomatic and peaceful solution to
the standoff, Hernandez said.
However, the presence of these Chinese shing vessels will
not help diffuse the situation.
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TODAY
Standard
Manila
Vol. XXVI No. 54 16 Pages, 3 Sections
P18.00 FRIDAY, April 20, 2012
Next page
Poultry growers join
pork holiday protest
3 NEW CHINESE BOATS SIGHTED IN DISPUTED SHOAL
Turn to A5
Next page
Next page
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By Christine F. Herrera
POULTRY growers on Thursday joined
hog raisers in planning a week-long
pork-and-chicken holiday after Presi-
dent Benigno Aquino III snubbed their
three-day national convention in Cebu
to discuss their problems caused by the
rampant smuggling of imported meat.
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News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com APRIL 20, 2012 FRIDAY
A2
Low status hobbles Asian women
SHANGHAITwo billion women living in
Asia are still paid less than men for similar
work and are extremely underrepresented
in top leadership positions, even in wealthy
countries such as Japan, according to a report
issued Thursday.
The Asia Society survey on
womens status in health, edu-
cation, economic activity and
political leadership urges im-
provements to ensure the region
benets fully from its underused
pool of human talent.
While the status of women var-
ies widely from country to coun-
try from one category to the next,
overall, to continue in this direc-
tion would put in peril Asias many
achievements, said the report,
compiled by Astrid Tuminez, a pro-
fessor at the Lee Kuan Yew School
of Public Policy in Singapore.
Limits on female employment
cost the region $89 billion a year
in lost productivity and human
resources, the report said, citing
United Nations data.
Overall, based on various mea-
suresciting data from The Eco-
nomic Forum and other sources
the gender gap was narrowest and
womens leadership strongest in
New Zealand, Australia, the Phil-
ippines, Sri Lanka and Mongolia.
The gap was widest in Paki-
stan, Nepal, India, South Korea
and Cambodia.
Some economies in Asia with
the highest human development
rankings also perform most poor-
ly in some measures of womens
leadership, said the report, refer-
ring to Japan and South Korea.
Asia leads the world in the
number of years women have
governed as heads of state, and
now has four women leaders. But
the report attributes that to dynas-
tic traditions calling for women to
take over from fathers, husbands
or sons when they die, are impris-
oned or killed.
The problem begins before birth,
with sex-selective abortions and in-
fanticide due to a preference for sons
in China and India, for example.
The bias in favor of sons means
that girls receive poorer medical
care, nutrition and education than
boys, especially in developing
countries.
The discrepancy in schooling
leaves the majority of women in
four Asian nations illiterate, the
report said, citing literacy rates of
10 percent in Bhutan, 16 percent
in Pakistan, 25 percent in Nepal
and 31 percent in Bangladesh.
Although women live longer in
Asian nations as in other regions,
such disadvantages affect health
and earning power over a life-
time, the report noted.
From the very start, girls in
Asia face signicant obstacles to
fullling their human potential,
in general, and their potential for
leadership, in particular, Asia
Society President Vishakha Desai
said in introducing the report.
Pay gaps show the ratio of
womens pay to mens lowest in
South Korea, at 51 percent, below
that of Nepal, Bangladesh and
China. Japan fared no better, at 60
percent.
The narrowest gaps, the report
found, were in Malaysia and Sin-
gapore, at 81 percent, and Mon-
golia and Thailand, at just under
80 percent. Globally, womens
pay is 20 percent to 30 percent
less than mens, on average.
As far as women in senior
corporate positions, Japan came
in worst in the region with just
5 percent of those postions held
by women.
Thailand and the Philippines
ranked highest with women hold-
ing 39 percent of senior level
positions, while India posted 14
percent and China 25 percent, it
said, citing a survey by human re-
sources consultancy Grant Thorn-
ton International. AP
Aquino...
the vice president thanked him
for the visit, Binays spokesman
Joey Salgado said.
They did not have the oppor-
tunity to talk in private, but they
have both made their respective
statements earlier. The President
said he and the Vice President
have already gone through a lot,
while the vice president said they
will not have a falling out just be-
cause of politics.
Communications Develop-
ment Secretary Ramon Caran-
dang agreed.
It was really more of a social
call rather than anything else.
They did not discuss any issue,
he said.
On Sunday, deputy presiden-
tial spokeswoman Abigail Valte
said the two would be parting
ways because their respective
parties---Mr. Aquinos Liberal
Party and Binays United Na-
tionalist Alliance---will be sup-
porting different standard bearers
in 2016.
But Mr. Aquino denied that
a split was inevitable on Mon-
day, saying Binay remained a
team member of the administra-
tion, while the Vice President on
Tuesday said they would really
be parting ways.
On Thursday, Chief Justice
Renato Corona avoided being
drawn into the political maneu-
vering of both sides. He de-
clined to comment on the obser-
vation by former senator Ernesto
Maceda, who is allied with the
vice president, that a vote by the
senators to acquit Corona in his
impeachment trial would be a
vote for Binay in the 2016 presi-
dential elections.
I am not a politician. I think
I should no longer comment on
that, Corona said in a chance in-
terview in Baguio City.
Binay has already distanced
himself from Macedas state-
ment, while Malacaang has not
commented on the issue.
Senator Francis Escudero
said Coronas impeachment trial
should not be used as a venue
for a showdown between Mr.
Aquino and Binay for the 2013
midterm elections.
He told a weekly news forum
that it would be wrong for Co-
rona to become collateral dam-
age in the contest between the
two sides after the Senate had ex-
pended so much time and energy
on the trial. He said Macedas
observation was unfair as the
senator-judges should not vote
based on political afliations.
With Rey E. Requejo and
John Anthony Concepcion
Daily...
in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Middle-class families tend to
waste more than low-income
families. Apparently, the more
people have the more they
waste.
The study says that if the
statistics on the wastage cause
deep concern, the global g-
ures for throwaways and
post-harvest losses are equally
alarming.
A Food and Agriculture Or-
ganization study, 2011 Global
food losses and food waste,
says a billion tons or a third of
the worlds cereal production,
including rice, go to waste.
The study says rough rice is
wasted as a result of poor har-
vesting and poor post-harvest
activities, inefcient trans-
portation, inadequate storage,
wasteful processing and mar-
ket spoilage.
The rst rice wastage hap-
pens after harvesting. The
losses during agricultural
production happen when rice
grains spill and degrade dur-
ing handling, storage, and
transportation from the farm
to the wholesale and retail
markets.
The wastage during con-
sumption takes place as a
result of throwaways due to
bad cooking or the leftovers
in the rich countries that can
afford to waste food.
Lee...
I believe that it is my pa-
triotic duty to advance the in-
terests of the country that I
profoundly love and allow [the
President] a free hand in select-
ing a new nominee, Lee said.
Carandang said the long de-
lay in Lees conrmation was
not something that the country
could afford at a time when it
was confronting serious issues
with China.
His putting the interest of the
country rst in this way is com-
mendable, and we thank him for
this patriotic act, Carandang
said.
He described the former am-
bassador-designate as cultur-
ally and politically attuned to
the developments in China. He
said Foreign Affairs had yet to
submit a shortlist of Lees re-
placement.
Earlier, Mr. Aquino said the
next ambassador to Beijing
must possess the necessary
skills to address issues such as
the tensions in Panatag Shoal,
which has resulted in a stale-
mate between the Philippines
and China.
China claims all of the West
Philippine Sea as a historic
right, even the areas well within
the Philippines 200-nautical-
mile exclusive economic zone
recognized by the United Na-
tions.
During the recently conclud-
ed summit meeting of the Asso-
ciation of Southeast Asian Na-
tions, Mr. Aquino insisted that
China not be part of the team
to draft the Code of Conduct on
the South China Sea.
The code, which will be
a binding pact among the
10-member Asean, will govern
the maritime territorial disputes
within the region.
The Philippines and China
aside, the other countries claim-
ing the whole or parts of the
West Philippine Sea are Malay-
sia, Vietnam, Brunei and Tai-
wan. Joyce Pangco Paares
positive that there is shortage of
power in the Philippines, Piano
said.
To put this looming problem
in perspective, imagine the ma-
jority of the 90,000 workers in-
side the Subic Bay Freeport out
of work for hours on end during
extended [blackouts].
Piano made his statement even
as the state-run National Power
Corp. on Thursday vowed to
work double-time to rehabili-
tate the 26-year-old Pulangi IV
hydroelectric plant in Bukidnon
by May 16 to address the power
shortage in Mindanao.
All the contingency and
safety measures related to the
shutdown of Pulangi IV are al-
ready in place, and we will up-
date management on the progress
of the rehabilitation project, the
company said in a statement.
In the 1990s Luzon was hit
by a severe power shortage re-
sulting in blackouts lasting up
to 12 hours a day. That took
place mainly because President
Corazon Aquino shut down the
620-megawatt Bataan Nuclear
Power Plant, which was built
to ll the power shortage it had
been expected to ll, but did not
order the construction of other
power plants to replace it.
The governments failure to
ll the power shortage forced the
administration of President Fidel
Ramos to contract for power with
independent power producers, re-
sulting in very high power rates.
Mr. Piano said one of the plants
re-commissioned at the time was
the 100-megawatt bunker diesel
plant left by the US Navy inside
the Freeport that became opera-
tional in 1994.
It is now a backup and peak-
ing plant, meaning it usually op-
erates only during peak periods
and emergencies, he said.
The rates are, however, quite
expensive and made even high-
er by the current high prices of
petroleum. It will denitely in-
crease the cost of doing business.
But even at full capacity op-
eration, the diesel plant will not
be sufcient to support the con-
stantly increasing power needs
of the Freeport and surrounding
areas.
The Energy Department has
estimated that a power shortage
is expected to occur starting this
if no additional power generation
sources become available in Lu-
zon. It said energy consumption
in the Luzon grid would increase
by 4.38 percent annually over the
period 2009 to 2018.
A study by a team of engi-
neers from the University of the
Philippines National Engineer-
ing Center agreed and predicted
that blackouts in Luzon would be
growing in frequency and dura-
tion if additional power was not
made available.
The study says the rst stage of
power interruptions is already hap-
pening in some areas in Luzon,
that it will increase in frequency,
and that by 2014 will peak at 84
days a year of blackouts.
The problem is already star-
ing us in the face, Piano said.
3 new...
Chinese state media reported on Thursday that
another ship had been sent to the disputed area that
has been the subject of the standoff since April 10.
Reports said Chinas fastest shery administra-
tion vessel, the Yuzheng 310, left Guangzhou for
the Panatag Shoal.
The standoff started on April 10 when the BRP Gre-
gorio del Pilar, the Philippine Navys largest warship,
encountered eight Chinese shing boats lled with
clams, whale sharks and other endangered species.
The ship attempted to conscate the shipment
and arrest the shermen, but it was blocked by Chi-
nese maritime surveillance ships.
The Chinese shing boats freely exited the area
when the BRP Del Pilar withdrew from the site for
operational reasons, and was replaced by a Coast
Guard vessel.
Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Anthony
Alcantara on Thursday said the MY Sarangani, a ves-
sel rented by the National Museum to conduct archeo-
logical research, and one of the two Coast Guard ves-
sels, left the Panatag Shoal Wednesday night.
So we have only one ship left in the area, the
Coast Guards SARV 002, Alcantara said.
The two maritime surveillance ships (71 and 84)
of China were still in the area along with three other
unidentied foreign vessels believed to be from
China also.
Alcantara said he was waiting for orders.
Also on Thursday, leftist groups said Chinas ag-
gression against the Philippines at the Panatag Shoal
showed its imperialist ambition in the region.
Chinas aggressive moves on Philippine terri-
tory are the results of Chinas capitalist leadership
who now appear to have imperialist ambitions in
the region, said a statement from the Bagong Aly-
ansang Makabayan.
It bears noting that Chinas state has long ceased
to be socialist. It is now unabashedly capitalist. Its
impingement on our territory is in pursuit of ex-
panding its economic interests in the region.
Bayan also warned the Philippine government
against using the Panatag Shoal standoff to justify
the expanded and increased presence of US troops
in the Philippines.
US intervention is also a violation of national
sovereignty, the group said.
Poultry...
We are joining the hogs indus-
try in the week-long pork holiday,
so we will also mount a week-
long chicken holiday, said Gre-
gorio San Diego, president of the
United Broilers Raisers Associa-
tion.
The country will be dead
meat. The comfort zone has al-
ready been breached. Mounting a
chicken holiday is our way of cut-
ting down on losses.
A Palace spokesman on Thurs-
day said the spike in pork imports
was temporary, and that the Trade
and Industry Department would
handle the situation.
Still, Communications Devel-
opment Secretary Ramon Caran-
dang said there was a need to bal-
ance the needs of the growers and
consumers.
Agriculture ofcials urged the
hog growers to cancel their plans
for a pork holiday, saying that
would disrupt the supply of meat in
the wet markets and supermarkets.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary
for Livestock Salvador Salacup
said that would drive pork prices
up and encourage buyers to shift
to chicken or beef.
But Cedric Sycip, also an of-
cial of the broilers association,
said the inaction by Agriculture
and Customs ofcials could only
mean corruption.
How else would you explain it
that the government ofcials are
helpless in curbing the rampant
smuggling and importation even
if they see these are already kill-
ing the hogs and chicken indus-
tries? Sycip said.
What straight path? This
government is killing the local
chicken and hogs businesses by
allowing the rampant smuggling
and massive importation.
Rosendo So, an SDC director,
said the hogs and poultry sectors
were now engaged in panic- sell-
ing nationwide.
Several commercial farms in
Pangasinan, Pampanga, Angeles
and Bulacan are now up for sale.
These farms have 3,000 to 5,000
head, So said.
There are 10 farms being sold
in Bulacan alone.
Rolando Tombago, also an
SDC director and president of the
Central Visayas Pork Producers
Cooperative, said several farms
in Central Visayas were laying off
their workers to cut costs.
There are 33 commercial
farms in Central Visayas and one
of the biggest, the Dumanhog
Farm with 5,000 head, is up for
sale, Tombago said.
San Diego said the unabated
chicken importation increased by
178 percent when President Aqui-
no assumed power, up from 45
million kilos under then President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to 127
million kilos under Mr. Aquino.
In 2008 and 2009 we still tried
to be patient with the importation
of chicken meat at 45 million ki-
los and 67 million kilos, respec-
tively, San Diego said.
But when President Aquino
came, the importation grew to 101
million kilos in 2010 and got worse
in 2011 at 127 million kilos.
In the rst two months this year,
San Diego said, the quantity of im-
ported chicken meat had already
reached 20 million kilos. And the
tariff being slapped on imported
chicken was stuck at 54 centavos
per kilo, allowing the importers to
bring down their prices to the detri-
ment of local growers.
San Diego, also president of
the Philippine Egg Board, said the
hog and poultry growers were dis-
mayed when Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala, who addressed
the opening of the convention on
Thursday, asked the stakeholders
about their concerns.
For the past two years we
have been complaining about the
rampant smuggling and massive
importation of hogs and chicken
and we constantly held dialogues
with them, and now they face us
still sounding clueless about our
predicament. Are they listening at
all? San Diego told the Manila
Standard.
Chicken meat aside, San Di-
ego said, the government was
also allowing the importation of
mechanically de-boned chicken
meat being used as extenders in
hotdogs and sausages. He said the
meat was contaminated with sal-
monella, but the government was
simply ignoring the health issue.
We learned about the Salmonel-
la contamination from the report of
the National Meat Inspection Ser-
vice, but when we asked what they
were doing about it, they simply
said, Dont worry about it, they are
cooking it anyway, so the bacteria
will die, San Diego said.
He said Alcala had asked the
two groups to give the govern-
ment two weeks to do something
about their concerns.
Customs Commissioner Roz-
zano Runo Biazon is scheduled
to address the convention today.
The poultry and hog raisers
will be meeting at the last day of
the convention to decide on when
exactly we would be launching
the pork and chicken holiday. We
have had enough already, San
Diego said.
The Aquino government of-
cials are good only at giving
promises. With Joyce Pangco
Paares and Othel V. Campos
Palace...
Carandang was reacting to
Court Administrator Jose Mi-
das Marquezs criticism of Mr.
Aquinos deliberate dismantling
of the publics condence in the
courts. Marquez cited recent
cases in which court orders were
ignored as a result of the declin-
ing condence on the Judiciary.
Corona is under impeach-
ment for alleged corruption and
violation of the Constitution in
the Senate, which will resume
its hearings in May after a
month-long recess. Mr. Aquino
has called for Coronas removal
as chief Justice of the Supreme
Court.
Carandang said Malacaang
had called on the people to
follow the rule of law, but the
decisions made by courts have
to be properly explained to the
people as well.
I dont know if I would say
there is a wave of deance, he
said.
I think if people are dis-
agreeing with the Supreme
Court, it is more because the Su-
preme Court has made actions
under the current leadership
that people feel [have] not been
explained or justied properly.
Joyce Pangco Paares
Mindanao-like...
THE governments decision to
stop charging airlines for the
overtime of Customs and other
airport personnel will make the
country more competitive and
attractive to tourists, foreign and
local airlines said in a statement
on Thursday.
This singular act speaks vol-
umes in terms of governance,
said Bayani Agabin, spokesman
of the Board of Airline Repre-
sentatives.
An airport is a gateway to the
country and its services. The en-
forcement of customs laws are
the responsibility of the govern-
ment, not the airlines.
Finance Secretary Cesar Puri-
sima last month told Customs of-
cials that the international ports
would be operating 24 hours a day
and seven days a week compared
with just one shift now that starts
at 8 in the morning and ends at 5 in
the afternoon. He told them to sub-
mit their manpower requirements
for budget purposes.
His order also resolved the is-
sue between the airlines and the
Customs people at the airport,
who have increased their over-
time charges to include their
meals and transportation.
The amount charged to air-
lines are excessive because, if
four airlines land, they charge
four times for overtime, meals
and transportation for the same
hour that they serve, Agabin
said.
The feud between the airlines
and Customs boiled over after
the Customs ofcials decided
to double their charges in 2005,
Agabin said.
The ofcials claimed that the
increase was due to the doubling
of the exchange rate to around
P50 to the dollar from around
P25 in the mid-90s.
Told that the Customs
people were not spending in dol-
lars, they replied that it was ir-
relevant since the airlines were
earning in dollars.
Airlines hail decision
against overtime pay
APRIL 20, 2012 FRIDAY
A3 News
ManilaStandardToday mst.daydesk@gmail.com
US approves PH
air security plan
Tax exemption for airlines rushed
Agencies step up anti-graft campaign
I-Cards pile up
at Immigration
The action plans approval boosted the
countrys hope of regaining the Category
1 status it lost in 2007 because of 88
signicant security concerns.
Although the CAAP had addressed
the 88 concerns, an FAA team,
headed by Jacques Astre, added 23
more items during its last visit to the
country in January.
The CAAP subsequently prepared
its plan on the 23 additional concerns
and presented it to the FAA in
meetings here on April 16 and 17.
The Philippine team was headed
by CAAP director general Ramon
Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said the FAA assessment
last January was not an audit, but a
technical review that was done upon
CAAPs request in preparation for a
forthcoming safety audit by the FAA.
The FAA technical review was
conducted to determine what
Philippine aviation ofcials have
done to correct eight critical elements
that caused the downgrading of the
THE House of Representatives will priori-
tize the approval of the proposed income tax
exemption on income derived by interna-
tional air carriers operating in the country.
Iloilo Rep. Jerry Trenas, chair of the
House Committee on Good Government and
Public Accountability, revealed on Thursday
that the House leadership has agreed to ap-
prove House Bill No. 4444, which was con-
solidated with HB 6022, when Congress re-
sumes session on May 7. The bill is among
the administrations priority measures.
The measure seeks to advance Philippine
tourism, trade and employment and econom-
ic integration with the rest of the world by
eliminating the negative impact of Common
Carriers Tax (CCT) and Gross Philippine
Billings (GPB).
The exit of international carriers from the
country, where foreign carriers are taxed, has
been in stark contrast to the growth in services
experienced by neighboring Asian countries
that either give incentives or do not tax foreign
carriers, Trenas said. Maricel Cruz
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE Ombudsman has established a
partnership with the Commission on
Audit (COA) and the Department of
Justice (DOJ) to hasten the investi-
gation and prosecution of corrup-
tion cases involving government
ofcials and employees.
Ombudswoman Conchita Carpio
Morales and COA Chairperson Ma.
Gracia Pulido Tan signed an agree-
ment to form a joint investigation
team for the purpose, after the Om-
budsman signed a similar pact with
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
Under the agreement, which will
run for three years, the Ombudsman
and the COA will share resources
and expertise to process cases under
joint investigation.
The designated focal persons for
the joint investigation team are Chief
Executive Staff lawyer Gilbert G.
Kintanar from the COA, and Deputy
Special Prosecutor John I.C. Turalba
from the Ombudsman.
Morales said they are deeply
mindful of the culture of impunity
as one of the most impelling factors
in the countrys incidence of graft
and corruption.
How so often bewailed that graft
pays, because only the small sh, if at
all, get punished, and the big sh get
away to yet another adventure, em-
boldening the next-in-ranks to help
themselves in adventures of their own
until they, too, become big sh, and
the cycle goes on, she noted.
She said this culture of impunity
must go if we are to restore public
ofce as truly a public trust.
Under the Ombudsmans agree-
ment with the DOJ, procedures will
be simplied to hasten the investiga-
tion and prosecution of graft cases.
The Ombudsman will have prima-
ry jurisdiction in the conduct of pre-
liminary investigation and inquest pro-
ceedings over complaints for crimes
cognizable by the Sandiganbayan.
The Ombudsman and the DOJ will
have concurrent jurisdiction over
cases involving public ofcials fall-
ing outside the exclusive jurisdiction
of the Sandiganbayan.
Fully Abled Nation. Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, Minister-Counsellor Octavia Borthwick of the
Australian Agency for International Development and Emily Abrera of the Foundation for Communication Initiatives
show the declaration of commitment they signed earlier to kick off a campaign to increase the participation of disabled
people in elections. TEDDY PELAEZ
By Eric B. Apolonio
WASHINGTON D.C. The US Federal
Aviation Authority (FAA) has accepted and
approved the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippiness (CAAP) action plan on the US
agencys 23 concerns about aviation safety
in the country.
Philippines to Category 2.
Gutierrez said the eight critical
elements concern laws, regulations,
CAA system and safety oversight
functions, qualied inspectors,
technical guidance, certication,
licensing and ongoing surveillance.
The issues also include ne-
tuning of the Philippine Civil Air
Regulations, changes in CAAP
safety and oversight structure,
upgrading of its database system,
standardization of the agencys
certication of safety inspectors and
revalidation of airline carriers.
The FAA downgraded the
Philippines to Category 2 in
2007 because the defunct Air
Transportation Ofce, responsible
for implementing policies on
Philippine civil aviation at that time,
committed lapses on safety issues
established by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
and lacked qualied personnel
regulatory oversight.
By Vito Barcelo

MORE than 3,000 alien identity cards remain
unclaimed at the Bureau of Immigration ofce,
according to Immigration Commissioner
Ricardo David Jr.
David appealed to the foreigners to claim
their alien certicate of registration identity
card so they will not encounter problems on
their immigration status.
David stressed that the I-Card is an important
and indispensable document that every foreigner,
who holds a non-immigrant or immigrant visa in
the Phillippines, must obtain.
He said a foreigner, who holds a non-immigrant
or immigrant visa, should present the I-Card to
immigration ofcers at a Philippine port of entry
everytime he or she enters or exits the country.
David warned that the visa of a foreigner will
be downgraded to tourist if he arrives or departs
the country without his I-Card.
This card is proof of a foreigners legal
residence status. Without it, a foreigner is
deemed improperly documented and may be
sanctioned for violating our immigration and
alien registration laws, he added.
(MST-Apr. 20 & 27, 2012)
Republic of the Philippines
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
IN THE MATTER OF THE
APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF:
A) RECALCULATED MAP FOR
REGULATORY YEAR 2013; AND B)
THE TRANSLATION INTO
DISTRIBUTION-RELATED RATES OF
DIFFERENT CUSTOMER CLASSES
FOR THE THIRD REGULATORY
YEAR OF THE ERC-APPROVED
REVENUE REQUIREMENT FOR
VISAYAN ELECTRIC COMPANY,
INCORPORATED (VECO) UNDER
THE PERFORMANCE-BASED
REGULATION (PBR) FOR THE
REGULATORY PERIOD 2011 - 2014
ERC CASE NO. 2012-051 RC
VISAYAN ELECTRIC COMPANY,
INCORPORATED (VECO),
Applicant.
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x
NOTI CE OF PUBLI C HEARI NG
TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:
Notice is hereby given that on March 29, 2012, Visayan Electric Company, Incorporated (VECO) fled an
application for approval of: a) recalculated maximum average price (MAP) for regulatory year 2013; and b) the
translation into distribution-related rates of its different customer classes for the third regulatory year of the ERC-
approved annual revenue requirement (ARR) under the performance-based regulation (PBR) for the regulatory
period 2011 - 2014.
In the said application, VECO alleged, among others that:
1. It is a private corporation existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal business
address at J. Panis St., Banilad, Cebu City.
2. It is a duly authorized distribution utility of the electric light, heat and power systems in the Municipalities of San
Fernando, Minglanilla, Consolacion and Lilo-an and the Cities of Naga, Talisay, Cebu and Mandaue, all in the
Province of Cebu, pursuant to its franchise under Republic Act No. 9339.
3. Under the Commissions Resolution No. 54, Series of 2006 (Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates
(RDWR) for Privately Owned Distribution Utilities Entering Performance Based Regulation), as amended by
Resolution No. 20 Series of 2008 (Resolution Modifying the Rules for Setting Distribution Wheeling Rates for
Privately Owned Distribution Utilities Entering Performance Based Regulation), a PBR-entrant distribution
utility will be given an ARR which will be used to derive the MAP to be allocated by the said distribution utility
in the setting of its rate schedule for distribution, supply and metering charges for each customer class.
4. It was among the entrants at the third entry point to the PBR adopted by the Commission pursuant to Section
43 (f) of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the
EPIRA. As such, on June 15, 2009, it fled an application for approval of its ARR and Performance Incentive
Scheme (PIS) for the second regulatory period commencing on July 1, 2010 and terminating on June 30, 2014
in accordance with the RDWR. Said application was docketed as ERC Case No. 2009-040 RC.
5. Thereafter, in the aforementioned case, the Commission issued a Final Determination on March 8, 2010. In
view of its motion for partial reconsideration on the Final Determination, the Commission rendered an Order
on May 5, 2010 modifying the ARR, MAP and PIS.
5.1 Based on the reconsidered Final Determination, its smoothed MAP (SMAP) (excluding the price-linked
incentive under the PIS) is as follows:
Particulars Regulatory
Year 2011
Regulatory
Year 2012
Regulatory
Year 2013
Regulatory
Year 2014
Revised SMAP, PhP/kWh 1.1717 1.2682 1.3739 1.4891
6. The updated MAP after the foregoing adjustments amounts to PhP1.4780/kWh. This was derived using the
Commissions pricecap formula. The computations are based on the following formula as prescribed in the
RDWR:
MAP = [MAP
t-1
X {1 + CWI
t
- X}] + S
t
- K
t
+ ITA
t

Where:
MAP
t-1
= PhP1.2970
CWl
t
= 0.0395
X = -0.0369
S
t
= 0.0316
K
t
= -0.0502
ITA
t
= 0
7. The MAP of PhP1.4780/kWh was a result of the updates in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effective over/
under-recoveries and the price-linked incentives under the PIS.
8. In compliance with the requirements under the RDWR and the Final Determination for the conversion of the
approved MAP into a distribution rate structure, it applies for approval of the translation into distribution rates
of different customer classes of its approved MAP for the third regulatory year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013)
of the regulatory period 2011 - 2014.
9. The translation into distribution-related rates is consistent with the methodology used in the Uniform Filing
Requirement (UFR) in the rate unbundling using updated scenarios and values. The proposed translation of
rate calculation and the defnitions of the rate schedules for each of the customer classes are attached to the
application.
10. Summarized below is the proposed distribution-related rate structure:
Customer Class
Distribution Supply Metering
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
kW
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
Cust./Mo.
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
Cust./Mo.
Streetliqht 1.2251 - - 911.65 - -
Residential 1.4742 - 0.3553 - 0.5812 5.00
General Service 1.4742 - 0.3553 - 0.5812 5.00
General Power 1.3890 - - 371.59 - 471.19
Bulk Power 0.2302 172.81 0.0358 908.69 0.0216 547.25
Wholesale Power 0.3144 113.30 0.0354 5,484.29 0.0275 4,268.32
Special Wholesale Power - 229.41 0.0028 13,781.99 0.0018 8,528.39
Lame Wholesale Power - 229.41 0.0028 13,781.99 0.0018 8,528.39
11. From the commencement of the third regulatory year for the second regulatory period 2011 - 2014, it shall
cease the grant of a discount to demand customers with power factor above ninety percent (90%) while
maintaining the existing penalty applicable to demand customers with power factor below eighty-fve percent
(85%). This is consistent with the Decision of the Commission in ERC Case No. 2009-056 MC which held
the removal of the power factor discount (PFD) extended by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
(NGCP) to its customers including VECO.
12. Thus, it prays that the Commission approve the instant application and authorize it to adopt and implement the
proposed:
12.1 Recalculated MAP for regulatory year 2013 in the amount of PhP1.4780/kWh;
12.2 Distribution-related rate structure and rate schedule summarized as follows:
Customer Class
Distribution Supply Metering
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
kW
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
Cust./Mo.
PhP/
kWh
PhP/
Cust./Mo.
Streetliqht 1.2251 - - 911.65 - -
Residential 1.4742 - 0.3553 - 0.5812 5.00
General Service 1.4742 - 0:3553 - 0.5812 5.00
General Power 1.3890 - - 371.59 - 471.19
Bulk Power 0.2302 172.81 0.0358 908.69 0.0216 547.25
Wholesale Power 0.3144 113.30 0.0354 5,484.29 0.0275 4,268.32
Special Wholesale Power - 229.41 0.0028 13,781.99 0.0018 8,528.39
Large Wholesale Power - 229.41 0.0028 13,781.99 0.0018 8,528.39
12.3 Removal of the power factor discount for demand customers with power factor above ninety percent
(90%) and retention of existing penalty for demand customers with power factors below eighty-fve
percent (85%).
The Commission has set the application for initial hearing, expository presentation, pre-trial conference and
evidentiary hearing on May 10, 2012 (Thursday) at eight-thirty in the morning (8:30 A.M.) at the ERC Visayas
Field Offce, Ground Floor, Machay Building, Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.
All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding may become a party by fling, at
least fve (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements in the ERCs Rules of Practice and
Procedure, a verifed petition with the Commission giving the docket number and the title of the proceeding and
stating: (1) the petitioners name and address; (2) the nature of petitioners interest in the subject matter of the
proceeding, and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding;
and (3) a statement of the relief desired.
All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the
proceeding may fle their opposition to the application or comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before
the applicant concludes the presentation of its evidence. No particular form of opposition or comment is required,
but the document, letter or writing should contain the name and address of such person and a concise statement
of the opposition or comment and the grounds relied upon.
All such persons who may wish to have a copy of the application may request the applicant, prior to the date
of the initial hearing, that they be furnished with a copy of the application. The applicant is hereby directed to
furnish all those making such request with copies of the application and its attachments, subject to reimbursement
of reasonable photocopying costs. Likewise, any such person may examine the application and other pertinent
records fled with the Commission during the usual offce hours.
WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson, ZENAIDA G. CRUZ-DUCUT, and the Honorable Commissioners,
MARIA TERESA A.R. CASTAEDA, ALFREDO J. NON, and GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC, Energy
Regulatory Commission, this 10
th
day of April, 2012 at Pasig City.
ATTY. FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN
Executive Director III
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
The Commission on Appointments (C.A.), with offces located at the 6
th
Floor, PNB
Financial Center, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City invites all Government
Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS) registered bidders to apply for eligibility and to
bid for the rental/lease of ffteen (15) units of printers.
Bidding requirements/bid forms may be obtained, beginning April 26, 2012 from C.A.
General Service upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P2,000.00. Interested parties
may get in touch with Mr. Nani Mitra, Head, BAC Secretariat at telephone no. 831-1779.
All rules relative to the eligibility, bid evaluation, and award of contract shall
be governed by the provisions of R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the Government
Procurement Reform Act.
A pre-bidding conference will be held on May 10, 2012, Thursday, 10:00 AM at the
CA Conference Room, 6
th
foor, PNB Financial Center, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.,
Pasay City.
Public bidding will be held on May 22, 2012, Tuesday, 10:00 AM at the CAConference
Room, 6
th
foor, PNB Financial Center. Bid proposals will be opened in the presence of
the participating bidders.
The approved agency budget for this contract is P 630,000.00.
The Commission on Appointments reserves the right to review all eligibility
requirements, reject any or all bids, waive any defects contained therein and accept the
offer most advantageous to the government, and the right to confscate the bid bond and/
or pursue appropriate legal action should the winning bidder refuse to accept the award.
Further, the Commission on Appointments assumes no obligation whatsoever
to compensate or indemnify the bidder for any expense or loss that they may incur in
participating in this undertaking nor does it guarantee that an award will be made.
JOEY C. FLAMINIANO
Deputy Secretary for Administration
Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee
I NVI TATI ON TO APPLY
FOR EL I GI B I L I T Y A N D T O B I D
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS
Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com APRIL 20, 2012 FRIDAY
A4
IF THE President is sincere about the
people being his boss, why is he giving
priority to the tasks they care little
about while ignoring those they deem
the most important?
This is the natural question that
springs to mind when we consider the
ndings of a recent Pulse Asia survey
of 1,200 respondents nationwide that
shows that only 13 percent felt it was
important for the administration to
ensure a fair impeachment trial for Chief
Justice Renato Corona, while an even
lower 12 percent felt it was important
to run after former and incumbent
government ofcials accused of graft
and corruption.
By contrast, 68 percent of the Filipinos
polled felt it was important to address
rising ination and low wages, a task that
the administration has failed to do, if its
disapproval rating of 40 percent in the
same survey is any indication.
Just as worrying for Mr. Aquino, a
high percentage of those polled were
undecided about his administrations
achievements in population control
(42 percent), strengthening public trust
in the government and its ofcials (46
percent), increasing the pay of workers
(35 percent), creating more jobs (38
percent), and reducing poverty (38
percent).
All of these tasks, too, were deemed
more important than the Corona trial,
which has occupied the time and effort
of the President and Congress to the
exclusion of the more pressing national
concerns. The survey, conducted
between Feb. 26 and March 9, tracks
a period in which gasoline and other
fuel prices continued to spiral upward,
and during which the administrations
response was for the public to simply
suck it up. Calls for relief including a
reasonable proposal to put a cap on its
windfall prots from the value-added tax
on petroleum productsfell on deaf ears.
This administrations penchant for
ignoring the public surfaced again
this month, when the President ew
to Davao for a Power Summit to
solve Mindanaos acute shortage of
electricity. While he agreed to abide
by the consensus of the stakeholders
at the summit, he ended his visit by
telling Mindanaos residents they had
two choices: pay more for their power
or suffer more outages. In doing so,
he dismissed widespread calls to put
a halt to the governments policy of
privatizing its power generating plants
despite fears that their sale would
increase electricity costs on the island.
Sadly, the same pattern is emerging
in the administrations dealings with
the livestock industry, which is up in
arms over the governments failure to
curb the smuggling of imported pork
and chicken. Tellingly, the President
has decided to skip a dialogue with the
hog and chicken growers in a national
convention in Cebu, setting aside even
the pretense of listening.
Wrapped in the yellow armor of his
late mother, Mr. Aquino may believe he
is impervious to criticism and no longer
needs to listen to his bosses. Time
and the next electionswill show him
the folly of that assumption.
Is anybody listening?
De Limas perversions
SOME time back, in keeping with
his newfound faithand in a bid to
ingratiate himself to President Noynoy
AquinoSaranggani Rep. Manny
Pacquiao had taken to texting the Chief
Executive verses from the Bible. One
day, though, Aquino seemed to have
gotten tired of receiving text messages
on his cellular phone from the boxing
great who wanted desperately to be his
political ally and told him so in a curt
reply.
Thank you. But I also have a
Bible, was Aquinos snarky reply to
the last of Pacmans biblical messages.
That convinced
the newbie
lawmaker, who
had already
suspected that
Aquino had let
loose the dogs
of the Bureau of
Internal Revenue
on him, that he
could never be
this Presidents
friend and ally,
whatever he did.
The rest, you
already know. A
piqued Pacquiao
(who has always
been considered by Aquino to be a
very close chum of Gloria Arroyo and
a shameless turncoat, to boot) was
ignored when he asked the President
to relieve the BIR ofcial who was
persecuting him, was snubbed by
the Aquino at the recent Davao power
summit and was forced, eventually, out
of the ruling Liberal Party and into the
arms of the PDP-Laban.
Its a safe bet that Pacquiao will not
be wearing yellow gloves in his next
ght, something the celebrated boxer
did in one of his most blatant attempts
to curry favor with Aquino. And
that the state-sanctioned ticker-tape
parades for Pacman will never happen
while Aquino is in power, no matter
who he beats in the ring.
Now, as the Nike ad says, Pacman
knows. And all the other Yellow-come-
latelys like Pacquiao should, too.
* * *
Someday, Justice Secretary Leila de
Lima will be called to account for all the
legal contortions she performed in the
service of the Aquino administration.
And no one with a half a brain will
be surprised if De Lima, too, ends up
like all the Aquino enemies that she
implacably pursuedin jail.
De Limas latest preoccupation
is imposing her will on the joint
panel of her Department of Justice
and the Commission on Elections
which is prosecuting former Comelec
Chairman Benjamin Abalos for
supposed electoral sabotage before the
Pasay City regional trial court. Time
and again, De Lima has dominated
the panel that is supposed to be
led by Comelec and obstructed the
proceedings by refusing to present the
two questionable witnesses that she
made unethical and possibly illegal
deals with in order to get Abalos
upon the obvious orders of her boss,
President Noynoy Aquino.
De Lima is already facing a
disbarment case before the Supreme
Court, which has referred the matter to
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in
connection with her role in the arrest
and imprisonment of former President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But that
hasnt deterred her from pursuing the
Aquino shaky administrations case
against Abalos using former fugitive
election ofcials Lilian Radam and
Yogi Martirizar.
Both Mindanao poll ofcials were
charged by Abalos and his commission
of having committed electoral fraud
in the 2007 elections. The succeeding
commission led by Jose Melo pursued
the case against the two, who went into
hiding to avoid prosecution.
But they
surfaced upon
De Limas urging
to implicate
Abalos as the
mastermind of
the poll fraud
they committed;
De Lima,
meanwhile, has
insisted that
the charges
against them
be dismissed
because they
now qualied as
state witnesses.
As the original
complainant in
the 2007 cheating case led against
Radam and Martirizar, Senator Koko
Pimentel, said, the two accused
Comelec ofcials cannot be absolved
since they were the most guilty in the
case even if they suddenly discovered
(after not having said a word about it
all these years that they have been in
hiding) that Abalos ordered them to
cheat.
But De Lima will not back down
from her determined bid to keep
Abalos in jail and to absolve her
suborned witnesses. This, even if
Comelec itself insists (a bit weakly,
it must be said) that Radam and
Martirizar should remain charged
because they committed the crime of
fraud themselves and although one of
the two Pasay judges hearing Abalos
cases is now moving inexorably to
grant the former chairman his release
on bail.
But De Lima, who famously ignored
the Supreme Court itself when it ordered
her not to prevent Arroyo from leaving
the country, will have her comeuppance.
As the most zealous implementor of
the assault on the judicial system by
this legally challenged administration
(something she agreed to become in
exchange for either a Supreme Court seat
or a slot in the Liberal Party senatorial
ticket), she has decided to assay the
role of chief violator of the laws that
her benignorant boss simply has no
patience with.
Sooner or later, whether at the polls
or at disbarment proceedings, De Lima
will be made to pay for her eagerness
to prove that she is Aquinos most
willing perverter of the law. And there
will be few in this administration who
will deserve that fate more.
EDITORIAL
Tree huggers hyperbole
OUR Karambola sa dwIZ co-host Teddy
Boy Locsin facetiously commented that
the 182 trees that are being earth-balled
for the extension and development of
SM Baguio got better due process than
Chief Justice Renato Corona who is
undergoing an impeachment trial at the
Senate.
Teddy Boys comment was made in
reaction to the information shared by
SM Supermalls Inc. president Annie
Garcia that it took SM about one year
to get all the necessary permits from
the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources and the Baguio City
government for the tree balling of the
182 pine and alnus trees that would be
affected by the SM Baguio expansion.
Even the information given by Garcia
that the number of trees involved in the
whole brouhaha is only 182 trees out
of some 2,000 trees in the SM Baguio
complex caught us by surprise because
as Teddy Boy half jokingly observed that
based on the news that had been coming
out as well as the publicity that the tree
huggers have been putting out one gets
the impression that SM is cutting all the
trees in the Cordillera mountain range.
It is unfortunate and sad that the
supposed pro-environment activists
are resorting to hyperbole and outright
disinformation in their campaign against
SM on the tree balling issue. In the long
run such tactics would boomerang and
would cast doubts on the pro-environment
groups well-meaning campaign to save
and protect the environment.
SM, because it is big, is a natural
target but it would seem that the Baguio
project is a wrong environment issue to
raise against it.
It appears that SM already anticipated
the sensitiveness of the expansion and
development project which is also being
undertaken, according to Garcia, as a
long term solution to the erosion issue
for the whole SM Baguio complex that
could threaten its main structures.
Garcia said rip-rapping had been
proven to be inadequate and the experts
advised SM to do a more extensive
solution to the erosion problem and the
extension would do this by serving as an
integral part of an engineered retaining
wall.
The SM executive has pointed out that
the SM redevelopment project has taken
into consideration all the environmental
issues and the design for the P1.2
billion project has been certied as eco-
friendly by the Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED)
and internationally-recognized standard
for green-building and construction
developed by the US Green Building
Council.
Minus the emotions the critics of the
SM Baguio earth-balling exercise for the
trees affected by the development have
not raised any real and valid issue.
For example the news was spread
that SM was secretly and surreptitiously
earth balling at night to hide what they
are doing from the public. It turns out
that the earth balling at night was an
order of the DENR and DENR ofcers
were there to supervise it.
DENR undersecretary Demetrio
Ignacio has explained that trees that
are being balled have bigger chances
of survival when balled at night when
its cooler and there is less stress on the
trees.
The critics even questioned why
the work areas were fenced and
surrounded with tarpaulin when SM
is just complying with the law which
requires this to be done to protect
surrounding areas.
A big issue was also made about SM
ignoring the temporary environmental
protection order (TEPO) issued by a
Baguio court last April 9 and continue
with its earth balling operations but it
turns out that SM did not receive the
TEPO immediately and SM sent a
representative to the court to get a copy of
the TEPO on April 11. When it ofcially
got a copy of the TEPO the earth-balling
operation stopped.
Understandably the critics of the SM
are trying to downplay the fact that as
a condition for the permit for the earth
balling and transfer of the 182 affected
by the redevelopment project SM is
required to plant over 50,000 trees in
areas in Baguio and Benguet designated
by the DENR.
DENR had admitted that this is over
and above the usual requirement and said
that SM has agreed to plant the rst batch
of 20,000 trees this month.
Annie Garcia said that the SM Baguio
mall is designed and developed to be a
potential prime tourist destination in the
city. She said that a lushly landscaped
Roof Garden with water features will be
one of the expanded attractions of the
mall.
The Roof Garden will use Green
Roof Technology which will create
an environment for the more than 300
trees to be planted in the Roof Garden
that is as close to the plants natural
environment.
Shouldnt pro-environment groups be
happy with this Green development in
SM which is certainly a better than the
concrete trees planted in Session Road.
JOJO
A. ROBLES
LOWDOWN
ALVIN
CAPINO
COUNTER-POINT
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TODAY
CLIMACO E. CALIWARA Controller
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Leila will pay
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contortions she
performed in the
service of this
administration.
A5 Opinion Adelle Chua, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
mst.lettertotheeditor@gmail.com
I CANNOT start this column
without first greeting former
President Erap all Gods blessings
on his 75th birthday yesterday.
I have been trying to call him
personally to greet him being a
close personal friend and in fact
my former student at the Ateneo
High School when
he was still in
short pants, but he
must have changed
numbers.
Despite what
some people
think of Erap,
our friendship is
something very
valuable to me.
In this world I
believe sincere
friends are a rarity.
I consider them
Gods blessings.
I know many who
call themselves
friends in times
of need, but when
you can no longer
give them what
they want, they
are no longer your
friends.
Erap is a cut above the rest.
Despite what he portrays in his
past movies, tough and rough on
the surface, he has a generous
forgiving soul. Santa Banana, he
even forgave his worst detractor,
Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson,
leading to his ouster way back in
2001. He is what they call in the
vernacular, pusong mamon,
(hearts soft as marshmallow)!
Erap may have lost the
presidency, and even his bid for
President in 2010. But, he is not
yet. In spite of his protestations
that he as of now has a 50-50
willingness to run for mayor of the
city of Manila, if I know Erap, it
will be a fight between Asiong
Salonga versus Dirty Harry in
2013. The thing going for Erap is
that he has his heart for the poor.
***
Read this and weep: The
Multilateral lender International
Monetary Fund in its latest World
Economic Outlook tagged the
Philippines to remain as the laggard
of Asean comprising Southeast
Asian nations.
Even as the IMF said that the
countrys Gross Domestic Product
would grow 4.2 percent this year
and 4.7 percent in 2013 after
slackening to 3.7 percent in 2011
from 7.6 percent when former
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
stepped down due to weak global
trade and cautious spending by
the Aquino government, the IMF
forecast on the countrys GDP is
still slower than Indonesias 6.1
percent; Vietnams 5.6 percent;
Thailands 5.5 percent; and
Malaysias 4.4 percent.
For 2013, the countrys GDP
forecast is also lower than the
Thailands 7.5 percent, Indonesias
6.6 percent; and Vietnams 6.3
percent, but at par with Malaysias
4.7 percent. Is that any consolation,
my gulay?
The only Asean countries below
us are Bangladesh, Myanmar,
Cambodia and Laos. Is that a
distinction?
What went wrong that the country
is forecast to remain the laggard of
Asean this year and next year when
President Aquino inherited from the
Arroyo administration a 7.6 percent
growth rate? I may as well repeat
what Gloria stated in her briefing
about the economy to President
Aquino, her former economics
student at the Ateneo, its the
economy student, referring to his
lack of focus on the economy, which
is the main criteria for the success or
failure of any President.
What went, or, is wrong?
President Aquino strewed up
sense priorities, like his fixation
on sending to jail his predecessor
and ousting Chief Justice Renato
Corona from office, while the
economy stagnates, thats what is
wrong.
Despite the rosy picture of the
economy that Aquinos economic
managers are peddling to the
people, more foreign investments
are going to our neighbors; and
despite Tourism Secretary Ramon
Jimenezs enthusiasm about more
Fun in the Philippines, foreign
tourists are pouring also to our
neighbors. If the President still
cant get it, then well continue to
be the laggard of the Asean.
***
Another tsunami of sorts that
is forthcoming to the country after
these summer months when the
typhoon season comes around in
June is climate change and global
warming. And what is Malacaang
doing to at least cushion its impact
on the country, especially on the
poor, who are
always on harms
way because
of floods, mud
and landslides,
d e s t r u c t i o n
of livelihood,
agriculture and
infrastructure.
For these past
years, we have
seen the havoc and
disaster caused by
Ondoy, Pepeng
and many others
because of climate
change. We have
also seen havoc
and destruction
wrought by loss
of lives. Well,
whats President
Aquino doing?
Santa Banana,
noynoying?
Malacaang already knows the
geohazard areas of the country
where they are prone to floods,
mud and landslides that endanger
lives. But, the President and the
administration all seem to be
waiting things to happen before
acting. Its almost always like
that. The Aquino administration
acts only after the fact, and the
President doesnt seem to care,
visiting devastated and calamity
areas not soon enough. The people
need their leader early on not
only to distribute relief goods,
but to ensure rescue, relief and
rehabilitation.
***
There is this recent move of the
Philippine Medical Association
(PMA) to put pressure on the
Department of Trade and Industry
to close down emission testing
centers run by either the government
or the private sectors that have
been caught issuing certificates
of compliance to smoke-belching
vehicles.
This is commendable and long
overdue. And to show they mean
business, PMA officers said the
association would sue the DoTC
for P1 billion if it failed to heed
the demand for it to do its duty and
protect lives and health of Metro
Manila commuters and citizens.
Under Republic Act 8749,
the Clean Air Act, the DoTC is
mandated to regulate and endorse
the law on all vehicles in the
country. The fact that smoke-
belching vehicles are still a common
sight in the streets of Metro Manila
is proof enough of the DoTCs
laxity in enforcing the law. Its
no secret that operators of many
emission testing centers can easily
be bribed into giving a passing
grade to offenders, especially
public transport vehicles.
This is a golden opportunity for
DoTC Secretary Mar Roxas to earn
some pogi points with the public,
regardless of his political plans
next year or in 2016. Well, Mar?
***
There has been a log of
misconception and even
misinformation on the brouhaha
caused by the expansion plan of
SM in Baguio City, caused mostly
by misreporting by media with bias
and prejudice against SM.
First misconception and
misinformation is the alleged cutting
of pine trees within the SM area. The
fact is that there trees were not cut,
but earth-balled, and they are done
at night when the solid is soft, not at
daytime. And the area is fenced and
protected, not hidden to avoid the
earth-balling effect on the public.
All these are done in the presence
of authorities- the DENR, DILG and
the Baguio City representatives with
clearances.
Another misconception caused
by misinformed self-styled
environmentalist is that the earth-
balled trees will be transferred
elsewhere. The truth is that they
will be transferred within the SM
Baguio property.
Why we remain
Asean laggard
Its all about control
WAY back in ancient times, Neanderthal
man lived a simple life. There were no
cellphones then, not even clothes (the skin
of a leopard would do. Or of a dinosaur
skin cut for the family?). He learnt to tame
re, but just to cook, turning iron ore into
steel was a little way off yet. But what
he did have was wood, lots and lots of it.
Forests of it. Good not only for cooking
but also for putting a roof over his head.
The horse and cart (wooden, including the
wheels) was a little way off yet. But it came
and so did steel in 1400 BC. The revolution
had begun.
Man turned from wood to steel, the
forests were saved. But they werent,
were they? The demands (for wood, for
land) of seven billion people saw to that.
And if the Catholic Church has its way,
a too rapidly growing population will
have no choice but to decimate the 20
percent of what is left of the forests here.
There will be 200 million Filipinos by
2070 seeking desperately for somewhere
to live, to grow food, to survive. At 200
million Filipinos, thats 15 for every
hectare of habitable land. Perhaps hell is
on Earth.
There is one farmer per hectare
of agricultural land, 12 million on 10
million hectares. They earn a miserable
P260/day. If the trend continues, as it has
in the past, then by 2070, farmers will
need 26 million hectares of land. Its not
available, alternatives must be found.
One is staring us in the face: Mining.
Another is tourism, but I want to focus
on mining again today because its such a
hot and important topic. One the Church
and other oppositors need to understand.
If all prospective mines are developed
and added to existing ones, that would
be total mining coverage of 130,000
hectares, a mere 0.4 percent of the
country. But those 130,000 hectares
would support 410,000 miners and pay
them at least P550 per day, or P16,000
per month. Thats a total annual salary
income from mining of almost P80
billion.
The total gross production from
mining would be some P300 billion per
annum, of which about P26 billion would
go into government coffers in one way
or another. The 12 million farmers on the
other hand, would pay negligible taxes.
Agriculture is one sector that has been
lightly taxed. From a strictly economic
viewpoint, its a no brainer, isnt it? We
need agriculture for food, but we need
mining for wealth. Theres room, and
need, for both.
Now I agree there are other factors
to consider, not just economic. Theres
the impact on the environment (but
remember only 0.4 percent of the land
is affected), and the social costs such as
accidents and health risks, and the need
to provide added security for mining
rms. Critics also argue that mining
leads to social divisiveness. But it must
give you pause to think. Id like parents
to be able to feed their children, and
themselves too. To have a job, to have a
little human dignity. Something some 2.6
million Filipinos dont have. Will that
2.6 million double too by 2070? It will if
industries like mining are blocked.
Mining isnt going to destroy any
forests, there are none left. The greedy
loggers have seen to that. Theres 20
percent of what there was and mines didnt
do it, slash and burners, unscrupulous,
uncaring loggers did. By all means lets
protect what forest is left, and allow no
mines there. But lets be sure it is forest,
not just an historical memory. Lets ask
the mining companies to plant trees. The
responsible ones already do. XXX trees
for every $1 million of net income after
tax. But to be fair to everyone, require the
legal loggers to plant X trees for every
one cut down. Is it really such a difcult
and expensive thing to do, to plant a tree?
Seedlings cost next to nothing. As to the
illegal loggers and unscrupulous small
scale miners, just throw them in jail.
It comes down to what Ive emphasized
elsewhere: Control. And dont tell me it
cant be done. Put me in charge, Ill do
it. Seriously though a tough, determined
leader can do it. P-Noy has proved hes
tough and determined in attacking top
level corruptors, so he can do it too on
controlling logging, and mining, because
control is what its all about. Mining
properly controlled, responsibly done
can bring far more good to a country than
the harm it does.
Its a simple equation (for a mind
that used to handle calculus). Benets
damage = + or for society.
The problem with the Philippines
isnt lack of laws, its the inability to
enforce them. Thats an inability that can
be curedif you want to.
PETTER
WALLACE
LIKE IT IS
Despite the
rosy picture of
the economy that
Aquinos economic
managers are
peddling to
the people,
more foreign
investments are
going to our
neighbors.
The rocks of Bajo de Masinloc are situated north of the
Spratlys.
Obviously therefore, the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc is also
within the 200 NM Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and 200
NM Continental Shelf (CS) of the Philippines.
A distinction has to be made between the rock features of
Bajo de Masinloc and the larger body of water and continental
shelf where the said geological features are situated. The rights
or nature of rights of the Philippines over the rock features of
Bajo de Masinloc is different from that which it exercises over
the larger body of water and continental shelf.
The Philippines exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction
over the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc, and sovereign rights over
the waters and continental shelf where the said rock features of
Bajo de Masinloc are situated.
The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over
the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is distinct from that of its
sovereign rights over the larger body of water and continental
shelf.
A. The Rock Features of Bajo de Masinloc: Basis of
Philippine Sovereignty under Public International Law
The rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are Philippine
territories.
The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over
the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is not premised on the
cession by Spain of the Philippine archipelago to the United
States under the Treaty of Paris. The matter that the rock
features of Bajo de Masinloc are not included or within the
limits of the Treaty of Paris as alleged by China is therefore
immaterial and of no consequence.
Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rocks of
Bajo de Masinloc is likewise not premised on proximity or the
fact that the rocks are within its 200 NM EEZ or Continental
Shelf (CS) under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS). Although the Philippines necessarily exercise
sovereign rights over its EEZ and CS, nonetheless, the reason
why the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are Philippine
territories is anchored on other principles of public international
law.
As decided in a number of cases by international courts or
tribunals, most notably the Palmas Island Case, a modality for
acquiring territorial ownership over a piece of real estate is
effective exercise of jurisdiction. Indeed, in that particular case,
sovereignty over the Palmas Island was adjudged in favor of the
Netherlands on the basis of effective exercise of jurisdiction
although the said island may have been historically discovered
by Spain and historically ceded to the US in the Treaty of Paris.
In the case of Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippines has
exercised both effective occupation and effective jurisdiction
over Bajo de Masinloc since its independence.
The name Bajo de Masinloc (translated as under Masinloc)
itself identies the shoal as a particular political subdivision of
the Philippine Province of Zambales, known as Masinloc.
One of the earliest known and most accurate maps of the
area, named Carta Hydrographical y Chorographica De Las
Yslas Filipinas by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, S.J., and published
in 1734, included Bajo de Masinloc as part of Zambales.
The name Bajo de Masinloc was a name given to the shoal
by the Spanish colonizers. In 1792, another map drawn by
the Alejandro Malaspina expedition and published in 1808
in Madrid, Spain, also showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of
Philippine territory. This map showed the route of the Malaspina
expedition to and around the shoal. It was reproduced in the
Atlas of the 1939 Philippine Census.
The Mapa General, Islas Filipinas, Observatorio de Manila
published in 1990 by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey, also
included Bajo de Masinloc as part of the Philippines.
Philippine ags have been erected on some of the islets of
the shoal, including a ag raised on an 8.3-meter high ag pole
in 1965 and another Philippine ag raised by Congressmen
Roque Ablan and Jose Yap in 1997. In 1965, the Philippines
also built and operated a small lighthouse in one of the islets
in the Shoal. In 1992, the Philippine Navy rehabilitated
the lighthouse and reported it to the International Maritime
Organization for publication in the List of Lights (currently
this lighthouse is not operational).
Bajo de Masinloc was also used as an impact range by
Philippine and US Naval Forces stationed in Subic Bay in
Zambales for defence purposes. The Philippines Department
of Environment and Natural Resources together with the
University of the Philippines has also been conducting
scientic, topographic, and marine studies in the Shoal.
Filipino shermen have always considered it as their shing
grounds owing to their proximity to the coastal towns and areas
of Southwest Luzon.
In 2009, when the Philippines passed an amended
Archipelagic Baselines Law fully consistent with the law of
the Sea, Bajo de Masinlocs was classied under the Regime
of Islands consistent with the Law of the Sea.
Section 2. The baseline in the following areas over which
the Philippines likewise exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction
shall be determined as Regime of Islands under the Republic
of the Philippines consistent with Article 121 of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):
a) The Kalayaan Island Group as constituted under
Presidential Decree No. 1596; and
b) Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.
COMMENTS ON CHINESE CLAIMS
Question:
But what about the historical claim of China over Bajo de
Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)? Does China have a much
superior right over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)
on the basis of it so-called historical claim? China is claiming
Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) based on historical
arguments, claiming it to have been discovered by the Yuan
Dynasty? China is also claiming that Bajo de Masinloc
(Scarborough Shoal) has been reected on various ofcial
Chinese Maps and has been named by China in various ofcial
documents?
Answer:
Chinese assertion based on historical claims must be
substantiated by a clear historic title. It should be noted
that under public international law, historical claims are not
historical titles. A claim by itself, including historical claim,
could not be a basis for acquiring a territory.
Under international law, the modes of acquiring a territory
are: discovery, effective occupation, prescription, cession, and
accretion. Also, under public international law, for a historical
claim to mature into a historical title, a mere showing of long
usage is not enough.
Other criteria have to be satised such as that the usage must
be open, continuous, adverse or in the concept of an owner,
peaceful and acquiesced by other states. Mere silence by other
states to ones claim is not acquiescence under international
law. Acquiescence must be afrmative such that other states
recognize such claim as a right on the part of the claimant that
other states ought to respect as a matter of duty. There is no
indication that the international community have acquiesced to
Chinas so-called historical claim.
In relation to name giving and maps, name-giving (or
names in general) and placing of land features on maps, these
are also not bases in determining sovereignty. In international
case law relating to questions of sovereignty and ownership
of land features, names and maps are not signicant factors in
the determination of international tribunals determination of
sovereignty.
Question:
What about China claims that Bajo de Masinloc as
traditional shing waters of Chinese shermen?
Answer:
Under international law, shing rights is not a mode of
acquiring sovereignty (or even sovereign rights) over an area.
Neither could it be construed that the act of shing by Chinese
shermen is a sovereign act of a State nor can be considered
as a display of State authority. Fishing is an economic activity
done by private individuals. For occupation to be effective
there has to be clear demonstration of the intention and will
of a state to act as sovereign and there has to be peaceful and
continuous display of state authority, which the Philippines has
consistently demonstrated.
Besides when UNCLOS took effect, it has precisely
appropriated various maritime zones to coastal states, thus
eliminating so called historical waters and justly appropriating
the resources of the seas to Coastal States to which said seas are
appurtenant. Traditional shing rights is in fact mentioned
only in Article 51 of UNCLOS, which calls for archipelagic
states to respect such rights, if such exist, in its archipelagic
waters.
It should also be noted, that in this particular case, the
activities of these so-called shermen can be hardly described
as shing. The evidence culled by the Philippine Navy
showed clearly that these are poaching activities involving the
harvesting of endangered marine species which is illegal in the
Philippines and illegal under international law, specically the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
B. Waters Outside and Around Bajo de Masinloc: Basis of
Philippine Sovereign Rights under UNCLOS
As earlier indicated, there is a distinction between the rock
features of Bajo Masinloc and the waters within its vicinity.
The question of who owns the rocks is a matter governed by
the principles of public international law relating to modalities
for acquiring territories. On the other hand, the extent of its
adjacent waters is governed by UNCLOS. In like manner, the
waters outside of the maritime area of Bajo de Masinloc are
also governed by UNCLOS. (To be continued tomorrow)
PH position..
From A1
News
ManilaStandardToday
mst.daydesk@gmail.com APRIL 20, 2012 FRIDAY
A6
IN BRIEF
4,000 jobs to Paraaque
Paco Market now
in private hands
National security. A Quezon City team leads participants of the 17th executive course
organized by the National Defense College of the Philippines composed of public affairs
and information chief Gregorio Banacia, barangay operations center ofcer-in-charge
Jorge Felipe, assistant city health ofcer Dr. Verdades Linga, social welfare ofcer Cynthia
Oria and Roger Cuaresma, a security ofcer from the citys department of public order and
safety. Joining them are senior military and police ofcers along with senior managers in
the government and private sectors welcomed by defense college president Fermin de Leon
PhD (center) at Camp Aguinaldo.
By Ferdinand Fabella
The city government of
Paraaque will get the biggest
chunk of the estimated one
million jobs to be generated
by the Pagcor City, a casino
and tourism complex now
being built at the reclamation
area at Manila Bay.
Paraaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. said the
project will generate at least 4,000 jobs for city
residents once it starts initial operations by the
third or fourth quarter of 2012.
Pagcors (Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corp.) Entertainment City Manila project is of great
importance to Paraaque. It will translate to huge
taxes and revenues for the city and thousands of job
opportunities to city residents. It will make Paraaque
at par with Las Vegas in the US, Bernabe said.
Pagcor City, also know as Entertainment City
Manila, covers an area of 961,937 square meters
at the bay area of Paraaque City, plus 141,250
square meters at the Aseana Business Park and
Mall of Asia Complex.
Of the projects total land area, 561,937 square
meters was bought by Pagcor.
Meanwhile, Bernabe defended Naguiat who
got caught in the crossre of warring gaming
casino moguls after one of the partners Japanese
billionaire Kazuo Okada opted to invest $2 billion
in the US$5 billion gaming and entertainment
project of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corporation (Pagcor).
Pagcor guidelines require a minimum $1-billion
investment in each integrated resort. Each licensee
is also required to build a minimum of 250,000
square meters of oor area and complete 800 hotel
rooms with an average room area of 40 sq m.
But for doggedly pursuing the Entertainment
City project, Naguiat has come under re from
Okadas estranged partner Steve Wynn of Wynn
Resorts, who objected to Okadas investments in
the Philippines.
Wynn apparently feels, Naguiat said, that the
local gaming and hotel complex will draw away
high-rollers and high-limit, VIP gamblers from
China, in direct competition with Wynns casino
in Macau.
Because of this, Wynn had Okada ousted from
the Wynn Resorts board by using a report pointing
to Okadas alleged irregularities, to include giving
Naguiat and Pagcor ofcials special privileges and
accommodation at the Wynn Resorts Macao.
But Bernabe said he sees nothing wrong with
what Naguiat did and that it is a common practice
in the industry for gaming ofcials and operators
to receive reciprocal perks and privileges in any
ofcial business trips locally and abroad.
It cannot be misinterpreted as an impropriety
on the part of Mr. Naguiat. It is part of doing
business, the Paraaque mayor said when asked
to comment.
The four companies granted licenses to build,
own and operate integrated resorts in Pagcor
City are the SM group, through its gaming and
leisure unit Belle Corp.; Okadas Aruze Corp.;
Enrique Razons Bloombury Corp.; and Travellers
International Hotels.
Naguiat said that the mix-use gaming and
multi-billion entertainment project will transform
the Philippines into one of the premier tourist
destinations in the world.
A 10 per cent share in the $115 billion global
gaming pie will give the Philippines $11.5 billion
in revenue, making the country an even bigger
destination than Las Vegas in terms of earnings,
Naguiat explained.
If we succeed, we will generate an additional
one million jobs and bring in a million more
tourists, he added.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE Paco Market, one of the first structures built by the
Americans at the start of the 20th century, will soon be
transformed into a tourist destination and a model for
environmental sustainability after its management was turned
over to the ABS-CBN Foundation.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and ABS-CBN Foundation
Managing Director Gina Lopez signed the agreement that handed
over management of the market to the foundation for a period of
10 years.
It is the rst time a public market will be managed by an non-
prot organization with the specic aim of making the market
environmentally sound.
The Paco Market, completed in 1911 and designed by New
York architect William Parson, is one of the oldest public markets
and became dilapidated over the decades until it came under
redevelopment in 2011.
The markets make-over was an off-shoot of the Kapit Bisig
para sa Ilog Pasig rehabilitation program spearheaded by Lopez,
who realized that Paco Market was one of the primary sources of
river pollution through the Estero de Paco.
Lopez enlisted designer Maja Oliveros-Co to help in
redeveloping the market and the estuary and solicited help from
former Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, who helped defray the
P70 million cost of the markets make-over.
The redevelopment took 10 months and started with the
relocation of more than 1,000 families who used to live along
Estero de Paco and other connecting estuaries. It was followed by
the dredging and cleaning of the waterway
The water, which would eventually go to the Pasig River, was
then treated with the introduction of organisms that hastened the
decomposition of toxins in the water. The water is also being
aerated to encourage the re-introduction of aquatic life.
3 suspects arrested
for Aguirre attack
THREE suspects in the killing of three
bodyguards of Banco Filipino owner
Bobby Aguirre were arrested by police
almost two weeks after the bloody attack
on the businessmans residence in BF
International Village in Las Pias City.
Police are withholding the identities of
the three suspects whom they believed were
among the 10 men who raided Aguirres
house and killed the three victims, one of
whom was a policeman, last April 7.
The gunmen then shot dead David
Manguera and retired policeman Mel-
vin Padaca. The third security aide, PO3
Luisito Macatunao of the Police Security
Protection Ofce, was shot in his quar-
ters. Ferdinand Fabella
Actress Ara Mina sues
sis Christine for libel
ACTRESS Cristine Reyes is facing
charges of grave coercion and libel before
the Quezon City prosecutors ofce led
by her half sister, actress Ara Mina.
Ara Mina (or Hazel Pascual Reyes
in real life) led the lawsuit after Reyes
(Cristine Pascual Klenk) allegedly sent
defamatory text messages to Ara Minas
aide Aida Quimbo, Bulacan, Bulacan
Mayor Patrick Meneses and Meneses
mother Precy from April 5 to April 12.
Ara Mina said Cristine sent the libelous
messages because the later wanted Ara to
pay back the P1 million that Christine con-
tributed for the P3-million house they bought
for their mother Frances Marie Klenk. Ara
contributed P2 million for the house.
Ara Mina claimed that Christine
threatened to ruin my reputation and
spread defamatory and malicious lies
against me if I do not give in to her illegal
demands. Rio N. Araja
Rizal opens nominations
for ALAB ng Rizal awards
RIZAL Gov. Casimiro Ynares III has
announced the opening of nominations
for the 2012 Anak ng Lahing Bayani
(ALAB) ng Rizal award.
Ynares asked interested parties to
submit their nominees for the award, the
highest recognition given to Rizaleos in
any eld or endeavor. The capitol will ac-
cept nominations until May 11.
Nomination forms and award details
are available at the capitol or from the
websites www.rizalprovince.gov.ph/al-
abngrizal.htm and www.facebook.com/
alabngrizal. Gigi Muoz David
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
Department of Public Works and Highways
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
Second Cotabato Engineering District
Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato
Fax No. (064) 2298925 Tel. No. (064) 2298494
RE-I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) , Cotabato Second
Engineering District, Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato through its Bids and Awards
Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply to bid for the following contract(s):
1. a. Contract ID: 12-MD-0027
b. Contract Name : Concreting of Farm to Market Road in Villarica
c. Contract Location: Midsayap, Cotabato
d. Scope of Work : Surplus Excavation, Embankment, Subgrade
Preparation, Aggregate Subbase Course,
Portl and Cement Concrete Pavement,
Construction Safety and Health, Mobilization/
Demobilization
e. Cost of bid documents: 7,500.00
f. ABC : P 9,654,376.76
g. Duration: 140CD
h. Source of Fund: VILP- CY-2011
Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in
accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)
and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with the DPWH,
(b) Filipino citizen of 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative or
joint venture with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract,
(c) completion of similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10
years, and (d) Net Financial Contracting Capacity of at least equal to ABC, or Credit
Line Commitment of at least 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/
fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LOI.
The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will only process contractors applications for
registration, with complete requirement, and issue the Contractors Certifcate of
Registration (CRC) .
The signifcant times and deadlines of procurement activities are shown below:
BAC Activities Schedule
1. Receipt of LOI s from prospective Bidders 4:00 P.M. May 2, 2012
2. Issuance of Bidding documents From: April 1 7, 2012 to May 8, 2012
3. Pre-bid Conference 10:00 AM April 26, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: 10:00 AM Date: May 8, 2012
5. Opening of Bids Right after the dropping of bids Date: May 8, 2012

Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed
in the Bidding Documents (BDs) in two (2 separate sealed bid envelopes to the
BAC Chairman, The frst envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid,
including the eligibility requirements. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial
component of the bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive
Bid as determined in the bid evaluation and the post-qualifcation.
Prospective bidders may download the Registration from the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph. The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents at DPWH
Cotabato Second Engineering District, Villarica, Midsayap, Cotabato. Prospective
Bids must accompanied by a bid security in any acceptable form in the amount stated
in Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.

Prospective bidders may also download the Bidding Documents (BDs), if
available, from the DPWH website. The BAC will also issue hard copies of the BDs at
the same address to eligible bidders upon payment of a non-refundable fees of the
amount stated above for Bidding documents. Bidders that will download the BDs from
the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids.
The DPWH-Cotabato Second Engineering District, Midsayap, Cotabato reserves
the right to accept or reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process anytime
before Contract Award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidders.

APPROVED BY:

(Sgd.) BARTOLOME T. PAGADUAN
(BAC Chairman)
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS
Zamboanga del Sur 3
rd
District Engineering Offce
Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur
Tel. No. (062) 211-3598
I NVI TATI ON TO BI D
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH-3rd District Engineering
Offce, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, invites contractors to bid for the following projects:
1. Contract ID: 12JG0013
Contract Name:
Repair/Rehabilitation/Improvement of Lakewood-Bayog-
Sindangan National Secondary Road (R01594MN),
K1716+820 K1717+340, Poblacion Lakewood Section
Contract Location: Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur
Brief Description:
Work includes the Construction of 360.00mx6.70mx0.23m
thick PCCP, Installation of One (1) unit Box Culvert,
Cross Drains and Slope Protection Structures.
Appropriation: Php 10,000,000.00
Contract Duration: 85 CD
2. Contract ID: 12JG0014
Contract Name:
Repair/Rehabilitation/Improvement of Lakewood-Bayog-
Sindangan National Secondary Road (R01594MN),
K1717+340 K1717+860, Poblacion Lakewood Section
Contract Location: Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur
Brief Description:
Work includes the Construction of 500.00mx6.70mx0.23m
thick PCCP, Installation of Cross Drains and Slope
Protection Structures.
Appropriation: Php 10,000,000.00
Contract Duration: 75 CD
The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised
IRR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
at the opening of bid.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), purchase
bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration with
DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative,
or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract,
(d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10
years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line
commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/
fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to
the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LOI. The DPWH
POCW-Central Offce will only process contractors applications for registration with
complete requirements and issue the Contractors Certifcate of Registration (CRC).
Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph.
1. Issuance of Bidding Documents April 25, 2012 May 9, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference April 24, 2012
3. Deadline of Receipt of LOI from Prospective Bidders May 9, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids May 14, 2012, 10:00 A.M.
5. Opening of Bids May 14, 2012, 2:00 P.M.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BDs) at DPWH-3rd District
Engineering Offce, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, upon payment of a non-refundable fee
of Php 10,000.00. Filing of Letter of Intent (LOI) is free of charge.
Prospective bidders may also download the BDs from the DPWH web site, if
available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website shall
pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids Documents. The Pre-Bid
Conference shall be open only to interested parties who have purchased the BDs. Bids
must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated in
Section 27.2 of the Revised IRR.
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in the
BDs in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst envelope
shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy of the CRC.
The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid. Contract will be
awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined in the bid evaluation
and post-qualifcation.
The DPWH-3rd District Engineering Offce, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur reserves
the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at any time prior contract
award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.
Approved by:
(Sgd.) INOCENCIO P. SABUGAL
BAC Chairman

Offce of the President
of the Philippines
Malacaang
BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE
The Offce of the President, through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC),
hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered manufacturers, suppliers, dealers
automotive manufacturer and authorized franchised to submit bids for the following
projects, to wit:
Purchase
Request (PR)
Number
Project Approved Budget for
the Contract
(ABC)
Non-Refundable
Bid Fees
12-03-4308
1. Procurement of One (1) Lot Materials
for the 500 Hours Requirement of
S-70A Blackhawk Helicopter
Php 73,860,092.92 Php74,000.00
12-03-4309
2. Procurement of One (1) Lot Materials
for the Annual 300 Hours inspection
of B-412 HP with Tail No. RP 2000
Php2,371,493.00 Php2,400.00
12-03-4390
3. Procurement of One (1) Complete
Twin Pac Engine and One (1)
Combining Gear Box (C-Box) for
B-412 Helicopter with Tail No. RP-
2000
Php119,526,287.00

Php120,000.00
12-03-4313RB
4. Purchase of Two (2) Units Closed
van (12 passengers rear capacity
with foldable seats for cargo) for
PAOCC
Php1,720,000.00 Php1,800.00
12-03-4316RB
5. Purchase of Four (4) Units Sport
Utility Vehicles for PAOCC Php3,176,000.00 Php3,200.00
12-03-4317RB
6. Purchase of Two (2) Units Trucks for
Malacaang Motor Pool Php2,720,000.00 Php2,800.00

Bid Documents may be secured from the BAC Secretariat Offce, RM 118 Ground
Floor Mezzanine, Mabini Hall Bldg., J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Malacaang, Manila
(Tel. No. 784-42-86 loc. 4161), upon payment of the non-refundable fees as indicated
above, beginning on April 19, 2012 up to May 10, 2012, from 8:00AM to 12:00N
and 1:00PM to 5:00PM, Monday to Friday, and up to 9AM on the last day of the
issuance and acquisition of bid docs, at the BAC Secretariat Offce, RM 118, First
Floor Mezzanine, Mabini Hall Bldg., JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Malacaang, Manila
(Tel. No. 784-42-86 loc. 4161).

A pre-bid conference for the purpose will be held on April 26 2012 at 1:00
PM at the Executive Secretaries Hall and Gallery, 4
th
Floor, Mabini Hall Building,
Malacaang, Manila. Only those who have purchased bidding documents will be
allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference.

Deadline for the submission of the Bid/Tender Documents/Forms is on May 10,
2012, Thursday at 10:00AM at 10:00 AM at the BAC Secretariat Offce, RM 118
First Floor Mezzanine, Mabini Hall Bldg., JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Malacaang,
Manila. The opening of bids will be held on the same day, May 10, 2012, Thursday,
at 10:05 AM at the Executive Secretaries Hall and Gallery, 4
th
/F, Mabini Hall Bldg.,
Malacaang, Manila.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-
discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed in the Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the Government
Procurement Reform Act. Bids received in excess of the Approved Budget for the
Contract (ABC) shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

All particulars relative to eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-
bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post-qualifcation and award of contracts shall be
governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Revised IRR.

The Offce of the President-Bids and Awards Committee reserves the right to accept
or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to
contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO
Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)

FAMED trainer Freddie Roach
believes that the recent devel-
opments in the sport has given
him an idea on who will be Pac-
quiaos late 2012 opponent.
According to Roach,
undefeated American Brandon
Rios and Juan Manuel Marquez
will most likely ght in the
middle of this year, with the
winner guaranteed of facing
Pacquiao late this year.
Both Rios and Marquez are
under the Top Rank banner of
Bob Arum, making it easier
for the astute promoter to
deal with either ghter as
Pacquiaos next foe.
Roach added he sees a tough
challenge from either ghter as
both Rios and Marquez have
specic motivations in scoring
a win against the current pound-
for-pound king.
Marquez has been angling
for a fourth ght with Pacquiao,
while the undefeated Rios is
aiming for a marquee match-
up to underscore his claim as
boxings next superstar.
Experts said Rios is being
groomed as a potential Pacquiao
opponent after he was gifted
with a win in his recent ght,
where he struggled in scoring a
controversial 12-round split de-
cision win over Cuban Richard
Abril last weekend in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao though has declined
to comment on the proposal as he
is currently in Baguio focusing on
his next bout versus another unde-
feated American Tim Bradley set
on June 9 in Las Vegas.
FOURTH BRAWL. Talks
about a Pacquiao-Marquez
fourth ght are gaining more
credibility compared to rumors
about a Pacquiao vs. Floyd
Mayweather, Jr. megaght.
Early this week, Mexican
promoter Fernando Beltran
conrmed to Mexican media
that he is now negotiating with
the camp of Pacquiao about a
possible fourth match before
the end of the year.
According to Beltran, the
Pacquiao camp has been receptive
to the possibility of staging the
fourth match in Mexico.
Arum, meanwhile, said a Pac-
quiao-Mayweather match this
November is unlikely consider-
ing that the undefeated Ameri-
can ghter wants full control of
the Pay-Per-View buys.
Arum said it would be
foolish for Pacquiao to allow
Mayweather to walk away with
all the Pay-Per-View earnings.
Pacquiao assured theres
nothing to worry about when it
comes to scheduling his com-
mitments between his business
dealings and training for his
upcoming bout.
According to Pacquiao he
intends to train the way he pre-
pared for Marco Antonio Bar-
rera, his rst Mexican superstar
victim whom he pummelled for
11 rounds back in 2003.
I will train the way I
prepared for Barrera. It will
be like this will be my rst
marquee ght, Pacquiao told
broadcaster Snow Badua in a
recent radio interview.
Back then, Pacquiao was
labelled as a heavy underdog
and was supposed to be one of
the victims of Barrera who was
being hyped as the next top dog
of the sport.
Pacquiaos hard work paid
off as he trained for nearly
three months in partnership
with famed trainer Freddie
Roach in preparing for Barrera.
Roach arrived in Baguio
two weks ago where hes been
training another prized ward
British superstar Amir Khan.
FIRST LADY QUALIFIER.
Bantamweight Nesthy Petecio
and lightyweight Alice Kate
Aparri will ght it out as the
countrys yweight representa-
tive in the upcoming Olympic
qualier in China.
The highly anticipated box-off
will happen this Saturday at the
Amateur Boxing Association of
the Philippines Gym at the Rizal
Memorial Coliseum.
Meantime, the world womens
championship, which will serve
as the Olympic qualier for
womens boxing will happen
from May 9 to 20 in China.
FUTURE FLASH FOES.
When former bantamweight
champions Abner Mares and
Eric Morel collide this week-
end, ght fans will start to
talk about a potential Nonito
Donaire opponent.
Mares and Morel will battle
for the vacant World Boxing
Council superbantamweight
crown this Sunday (Manila time)
at the Don Haskins Convention
Center in Houston, Texas. It will
be shown on AKTV on IBC-13
starting at 10AM.
The undefeated Mares (23-
0-1, 13 KOs) vacated his
bantamweight throne to ght
for the vacant 122-lb belt, while
the former superyweight ruler
Morel has not lost in his last
10 ghts since being released
from prison in 2008.
Donaire, meanwhile, holds
the World Boxing Organization
version of the division and is still
hunting for a July opponent.
A7 Sports Riera U. Mallari, Editor
ManilaStandardToday
sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
Ocampo birdied the rst
three holes and closed out with
another three-birdie string to
highlight his record-setting
30-29 round at the par-68
layout, putting himself ahead
of the eld and within 18 holes
from wrapping up his rst
maiden victory on the ICTSI-
Philippine Golf Tour.
If I can play fearless like Ive
been the past two days, theres
nothing to worry about, said
Santos-Ocampo, who surged
from joint third to the top of the
heap with a stirring 13-under
123 aggregate.
But Dumandan made sure
Ocampo grabs lead
BAGUIOCarl Santos-Ocampo set
a new course record nine-under par 59
at John Hay yesterday and stormed to
a two-stroke lead over an equally hot
Marvin Dumandan in another torrid
scoring day in the P1-million ICTSI
Camp John Hay Championship here.
IN BRIEF
Jr. NBA eyes young cagers
Cantada boxing meet set
JR. NBA action shifts to Manila this
weekend as the 2012 Jr. NBA Philippines
Program presented by Alaska selects
the top junior players in the National
Capital Region at the University of the
Philippines Gym in Diliman, Quezon
City starting at 8 a.m.
The 2012 Jr. NBA Philippines,
presented by Alaska, has just nished
successful swings in Puerto Princesa City
on April 10 and 11, Cagayan de Oro on
April 14 and 15 and Pampanga on April
18 and 19 to choose the best players in
those areas.
At the Manila Regional Selection
camp, boys aged 10 to 14 will undergo
skills, aptitude and endurance challenges
on April 21 and will be taught proper
fundamentals.
ADD the recently concluded Tanduay
Metro Manila Amateur Boxing Monthly
Series to the rich history of sports
programs and excellence of the Cantada
Sports Center in Taguig City.
The one-day event has been dubbed
as another feather on the cap of the
organizers, especially the Cantada
family, headed by Edgardo Tito Boy
Cantada, for luring in no less than 50 of
the top and promising amateur boxers
from Mandaluyong, Taguig, Caloocan,
Malabon, Paranaque and Quezon City.
Tanduay Rhum is bankrolling the
monthly series.
Cantada Sports has been conducting
amateur boxing events for the past ve
years. And were very proud of our
humble contribution to the development
of the sport, said Cantada.
DENNIS PRINCIPE
SPORTS CHAT
Fessap officers
sworn into office
THE Federation of School Sports Association of the
Philippines recently held an induction of its new set of
ofcers at the National Press Club of the Philippines
in Intramuros, Manila.
With Senator Antonio Trillanes as the inducting
ofcer and the Honorable Consul General Shen
Zicheng of the China Embassy in Manila and
National Press Club president Jerry Yap as witnesses,
the FESSAP ofcials that were inducted into
ofce for the Year |Term 2012 to 13 are Alvin Tai
Lian, Chairman; David Ong, President; Richard
Ang, Honorary President; and Robert Milton Calo,
Executive Vice President.
Also inducted were co-FESSAP Vice Presidents
Teresita Abundo, Christian Tan, William Aw, Dr. Diosdado
Amante, Richard Cuartero and Thomas Espina.
As FESSAP President, Ong appointed Graham
Lim as the organizations Secretary General and
Col. Ariel Querubin as Deputy Secretary General.
Appointed Treasurer and Auditor were Jeane
Monteverde and Jedel Agron, respectively.
Castrol tilt
set Sunday
in Carmona
AFTER their series of karting
clinics, qualied young racing
wannabes plunge into actual
competition as the three-leg 2012
Castrol Champions of the Future
Series kicks off this Sunday at
the Carmona Racetrack.
Seven new faces chosen from
this years ve karting clinics
and ve Cadet Expert karters
from last years pioneer batch
of Castrol Champions of the
Future discoveries will initially
see action to dispute the titles at
stake in this event powered by
Castrol, Tuason Racing School,
Automobile Association of the
Philippines, BMW, AUTS Rac-
ing, Standard Insurance, PIKA,
OMP, Industria, Lifeline Am-
bulance, Carmona Race Track,
Philippine Star, Hastravel.com,
Kzone, 99.5 RT and Timezone.
Seven-year-old Bobby Red-
path, son of champion GT driver
Sean Redpath, leads the cast of
fresh young potentials, includ-
ing eight-year-old Jelly Ann
Knapp, 12-year-old Mark Tanlu,
11-year-old Julia M. Delos An-
geles, 10-year-old Jacob Paolo
Ang, eight-year-old Eduardo
Coseteng and 10-year-old Julian
Raymund Yu as they battle each
other for the crown in the Nov-
ice division.
Last years COF products AT
Tuason, Wills Casequin, Tiger
Espino, Xedrei Dacuigan and
Flynn Jackes complete the eld
as they clash for the crown in
the Expert class.
Rios or Marquez next for Pacquiao
Lariba wins Luzon crown
DE LA Salles Ian Yan-yan Lariba
earned a qualifying slot yesterday for
the national open in the 1st Jose Peping
Cojuangco Jr. Cup National Table Tennis
Luzon Qualication tournament after
winning the girls 17-under class at the
Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Lariba, 17, bested all the participants
in the girls 17-under class including her
nal opponent Lyr Lea of University
of the East, 11-9, 11-5, 11-5, to gain a
ticket for the national open tournament
scheduled this year in October.
Lariba also captured the womens
singles open crown after upsetting
national player Ayra Malabayabas, 12-
10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, for a second title.
Chiz to grace
jr chess meet
SENATOR Francis Chiz
Escudero will be the guest of honor
when the grand nals of the 2012
National Age Group and National
Juniors Chess Championships
gets underway on April 23 to 30
at the Tanauan Event Center in
Tanauan City, Batangas.
Other personalities, who
will grace the ceremonies are
Tanauan City Mayor Sonia
Torres Aquino and other city
ofcials, National Chess
Federation of the Philippines
ofcials, led by Chairman/
President Prospero Butch
Pichay Jr., Secretary General
Abraham Bambol Tolentino
Jr. and organizing committee
Chairman Raul V. Canobas.
After the completion of the
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
legs, the 180 qualiers for the
12 categories (boys and girls
8-under, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U
and 20-under) in the Age Group
Championships are contending
for title and a berth in the
delegation to the 2012 ASIAN
Youth Chess Championships
in Sri Lanka.
Lyceum alone at the top in Sandugo cagefest
THE Lyceum University of the Philippines
Lady Pirates vaulted to the solo lead in
the womens division of the Sandugo-
Collegiate Development League after
posting hard-earned back-to-back victories
over University Athletic Association of the
Philippines teams National University and
University of Sto. Tomas.
The team tallied three straight victories
following its earlier win over San Beda
College-Alabang.
Most Valuable Player candidate Frances
Mae Cabinbin, together with veteran
Dianne Vichuaco, provided the leadership
in the closing minutes of the game against
NU for a 58-54 victory last Saturday.
Cabinbin again led the team, supported
by Su Vasquez, in a hard-earned victory
over UST 58-50. It was the second loss
in as many games for the Tigresses.
UAAP champion Far Eastern University
Lady Tamaraws, meanwhile, leaned on
Socorro Borjas three-point shot, with less
than a minute left, to regain the lead over
UST, 44-43 while Camille Sambile sealed
the victory with another goal for a 46-43 win.
FEU and LUP square off this Saturday
at the Treston College in Bonifacio
Global City in a possible preview of the
womens championship.
Santos-Ocampo will have
anxious moments when they
tee off in the championship
ight today as he pressed his
own title bid with a seven-
under 61 for an 11-under 125.
Dumandan won three legs in
the 2010 edition of the circuit
organized by Pilipinas Golf
Tournaments, Inc. but went on
a winless campaign last year.
The power-hitting Dumandan
likewise birdied the rst three
holes, hit back-to-back bird-
ies from No. 7 and added two
more at the back to complete a
bogey-free round of 61 and put
himself in contention for the
top P200,000 purse in the event
sponsored by International Con-
tainer Terminal Services, Inc.
Joenard Rates, who surprised
the eld with a 61 Wednesday,
lost his touch in the early going
at the back and made the turn at
two-over 35 but rebounded with
three birdies in the last ve holes
at the front to salvage a 67. He
slid to solo third at 128.
Ferdie Aunzo, just two
behind Rates in the rst round,
birdied the opening hole but
went on a horrible skid from
No. 2, which he double-
bogeyed, then bogeyed the
next three holes to drop out of
contention. He bounced back
with two birdies in the last three
holes but still fell 10 strokes off
the pace at 133 after a 70.
Oldympics backed.
Tsoko.Nut Batirol committed its
full support to the Paco Catholic
School Batch 1974 Oldympics
in November. The Pinoy coffee
and tsokolate shop will be the
ofcial food and drinks provider
of the one-day sportsfest of the
members of the class. Tsoko.Nut
Batirol, which has 10 outlets
in Metro Manila, is likewise
supporting the batchs other
activities such as the 100 Trees 4
PCS 00 as part of its advocacy for
a greener environment. Photo
shows two of the four team
captainsJay Ferrer of Trece
de Agosto and Teddy Perea of
Team Herran during the formal
launching of PCS74 Oldympics
at the Tsoko.Nut Batirols branch
at RCBC Plaza in Makati.
Named to head the various Member Commissions
were Tony Fabico (Finance), Antonio Yap Chin
(Competitions and Eligibility), David Zamar, Edward
John Ponce and Joseph Sy (Coaches); Henry Liao
(Marketing and Promotions), and Red Dumuk (Ethics).
Newly accredited organization to participate
in national and international competitions
were Philippine Swimming League, headed its
president Susan Papa; Triathlon Association of
the Philippines represented by Red Dumuk; Aklan
Sports Association of the Philippines, represented
by its Secretary General Jerome Briones and Cavite
Athletic Association of the Philippines president
Graham Lim.
Newly elected ofcers of FESSAP are inducted into ofce by Senator Antonio Trillanes.
(MST-Apr. 20, 21 & May 4, 2012)
Notice is hereby given that RHODORATAWAGON, HONEY
LYNN TAWAGON, EMIL ANTON TAWAGON, married to
Kristine Anne F. Tawagon, ANA BIANCA TAWAGON and
REX EVAN TAWAGON, all of legal ages, Filipinos, and
residents of Blk 1 Lot 3 Sarmiento Homes, Abangan Norte,
Marilao, Bulacan, are the surviving legal heirs of the late
ELEUTERIO ANGELES TAWAGON, executed an Extra
Judicial Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights over
three parcels of land covered by TCT Nos. T-191308 (M),
T-342202 (M), T-342203 (M), with all the buildings and
improvements found therein, all situated at Sarmiento
Homes, Abangan Norte, Marilao, Bulacan, with each
parcel of land containing an area of 120 square meters
or a total of 360 square meters, as well as real properties
covered by Tax Declaration No. 135-02-0020-004-011
(land, 110 square meters) and Tax Declaration No. 135-
02-0020-004-011-1001 (building, 51.50 square meters),
both situated in Naga City; That spouse-heir, RHODORA
TAWAGON, agreed to waive her share/right in favor of her
co-heirs, her legitimate children in equal shares as to all the
properties mentioned except TCT Nos. T-191308 (M); That
children-heirs, HONEY LYNN TAWAGON, EMIL ANTON
TAWAGON, ANA BIANCA TAWAGON and REX EVAN
TAWAGON agreed to waive their shares/rights in favor
of their mother RHODORA TAWAGON as to the FAMILY
HOME under TCT TCT Nos. T-191308; as per Doc. No.
451, Page No. 25, Book XXV, Series of 2012, before Notary
Public Atty. Jose S. Ordua.
EXTRA J UDI CI AL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF
ELEUTERI O ANGELES TAWAGON WI TH WAI VER OF RI GHTS
(MST-Apr. 20, 21 & May 4, 2012)
Notice is hereby given that ELMAURIE GARCIA,
ELGINERO GARCIA and ELGEROME GARCIA, all of
legal ages, Filipinos, and residents of 85-1 P. Tuazon
St., Cubao, Quezon City are the surviving legal heirs of
the late GERARDO GARCIA, executed an Extra Judicial
Settlement of Estate with Waiver of Rights over a parcel
of land covered by TCT No. N-292074, containing an area
of 72 square meters, situated in Cubao, Quezon City;
That spouse-heir ELMAURIE GARCIA agreed to waive
her share/right in favor of her co-heirs, her legitimate
children ELGINERO GARCIA and ELGEROME GARCIA
as to such property; That children-heirs ELGINERO
GARCIA and ELGEROME GARCIA agree to equally
divide such property between them; as per Doc. No. 29,
Page No. 7, Book II, Series of 2011.
EXTRA J UDI CI AL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF
GERARDO GARCI A WI TH WAI VER OF RI GHTS
Regional Trial Court
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION
Branch 49, Manila
IN THE MATTER OF THE
PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF
ENTRY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF
LIVE BIRTH OF MINOR
GABRIELLE ANNE PAGJUNASAN y
BUENAVENTURA
TO CORRECT:
ENTRY NO. 2, FROM MALE TO
FEMALE
Minor GABRIELLE ANNE
PAGJUNASAN y BUENAVENTURA,
Represented by her Father
ERNESTO C. PAGJUNASAN,
Petitioner,
-versus - S.P. No. 12-127350
THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF
THE CITY OF MANILA AND
OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS,
Respondent.
x-----------------------------------------------x
O R D E R
In a verifed petition for correction of entry, petitioner prays that, after due
notice, publication and hearing, an order be rendered directing the Local Civil
Registrar of Manila to cause the correction of her daughters Certifcate of Live
Birth particularly the entry no. 2 thereof from:
From: Male
To: Female
Finding the petition to be suffcient in form and substance, set the same
for hearing on June 6, 2012 at. 8:30 o clock in the morning before this branch
located at Room 512, Fifth Floor, Manila City Mall, on which date, time and
place any interested person may fle opposition and appear to show cause,
if any, why the petition should not be granted.
Let a copy of this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner,
once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general
circulation in Metro Manila, to be selected by raffe pursuant to P.D. 1079.
The Solicitor General shall appear at the hearing on behalf of the
government.
Furnish the Offce of the Solicitor General and the Civil Registrar of
Manila with copies of the Petition and of this Order for their guidance.
SO ORDERED.
Manila, February 23, 2012.
(Sgd.) DANIEL C. VILLANUEVA
Presiding judge
(MST-Apr. 13, 20 & 27, 2012)
Sports
Manila Standard TODAY
Pacquiaos adviser Michael
Koncz, who is with the Filipino
champ at his training camp in
Baguio City, told the Manila
Standard that a fourth ght with
Marquez is a a possibility, adding
that that he and the Pacman had
discussions about it. (See related
column on A7)
After discussing the nancial
matters with some Showtime and
HBO executives and then talking
to Manny about it, we decided it
was better to do Bradley now and
then entertain doing Marquez in
the fall, revealed Koncz.
He also said that it would depend
on whether Floyd Mayweather Jr. is
available and wants to ght.
If not, we are certainly looking
forward to having one nal ght
with Marquez, added Koncz, who
conceded that out of their three
ghts the last one was the most
controversial. We are not going to
make excuses, but Manny wasnt
100 percent in that ght.
Marquez is scheduled to
ght at the Dallas Cowboys
Stadium on July 14 against a
still unnamed opponent.
Pacquiao picked up the tempo
of his training in Baguio on
Thursday, running uphill in
the morning after trekking the
atlands around Burnham Park
on Wednesday.
While doing the punch-mitts
with trainer Freddie Roach,
Pacquiao discussed strategy for
the Bradley ght. Roach pointed
out that Bradley, nicknamed
Desert Storm, who has a record
of 28-0 with 12 knockouts, is very
different from the other ghters
that Pacquiao has faced.
A8
NBA RESULTS
Riera U. Mallari, Editor sports@manilastandardtoday.com sports_mstandard@yahoo.com
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
THE prospect of a fourth ght with
four-division world champion Juan
Manuel Marquez looms for Manny
Pacquiao, who is training relentlessly
for his World Boxing Organization
welterweight title defense on June 9
against undefeated junior welterweight
champion Timothy Bradley.
By Peter Atencio
BORACAYSpikers from Far Eastern
University and the Holy Cross of Davao
College came away with convincing wins
Thursday at the start of the 15th Nestea
Beach Volleyball national nals at the
Balabag beach front sand-court here.
FEU duo Arvin Avila and new partner
Karl Ian de la Calzada, hardly bothered by
northeasterly wind blowing towards the
land, eked out a pair of victories to keep pace
with Holy Cross Davao College Crusaders
Joel Villonson Jr. and Edmar Flores.
Avila and De la Calzada, who are
teaming up for the rst time this year,
repulsed Mindanao State University of
Tawi-Tawis Roldan Medino and Imbran
Idris, 21-7, 21-12, in an early morning
match in the mens division.
Later in the afternoon, Avila and De la
Calzada braved the searing midday heat
and put away La Salle-Dasmarinas bets
Alnakran Abdilla and Joel Villanueva, 21-7,
21-11.
Villonson and Flores, who took the last
seat in the Mindanao eliminations, got off to
a difcult start, needing three sets to get past
University of Luzons Roneil de Guzman
and Nelson Alejo, 21-17, 18-21, 15-12.
Then, the Davao City-based spikers
frustrated Visayan leg topnotchers,
Roelene Inaudito and Kerwin Reje of the
University of La Salle-Bacolod, 21-15,
20-22, 16-14.
They made it to the next stage of
the tournament, which uses the double
elimination format in the preliminary
round. Under such a format, which is
used in the Olympics, teams which score
two consecutive wins in the prelims will
advance to the next stage.

Far Eastern U, Holy Cross spikers score convincing wins
LOTTO RESULTS
6/49 000000000000
6/42 000000000000
6 DIGITS 000000000000
3 DIGITS 000000
2 EZ2 0000
P0.0M+
P0.0M+
Marquez
next for
Pacquiao
MULTI-TITLED champion
Jody Coseteng proved he hasnt
lost his touch despite a two-year
hiatus following his big victory in
the kickoff of the 2012 Yokohama
Philippine GT Championship
Series recently at the Batangas
Racing Circuit.
It was a big comeback for
Coseteng, who went through a
tough encounter with defending
champion and Golden Wheel
Driver of the Year Vincent Floirendo
nearly throughout the nal race
before capturing the GT300
crown of this event sanctioned
by the Automobile Association
Philippines and sponsored by
Ofcial Tires Yokohama, Ofcial
Oil Torco Racing Oil and Racing
Beat@Wave 89.1.
Everybody thought Floirendo
would sweep the kickoff leg
after ruling the Sprint race over
four-time karting champ Stefano
Marcelo of Marcelo Racing and
third placer VM Kaikkonen of
Hafele-Tuason Racing, while
Coseteng only nished sixth
overall.
Starting from the back of the
reverse grid order, Floirendo
went full throttle to get into the
main pack. Soon enough, he
found himself behind Coseteng
and even came just 0.2 of a
second behind.
However, the reigning champ
failed to sustain his pace in
the nal two laps as Coseteng
zoomed ahead to claim the
checkered ag. He completed 15
laps of racing in 27 minutes and
14.565 seconds, 30.909 seconds
ahead of Floirendo.
Marcelo made an impressive
debut in circuit racing as he posted
the fastest laptime of 1:47.409 and
nished fth overall. He also claimed
third place in the GT300 class.
Arnel Carlos nished third
overall in the nal race and
clinched the GT200 title over
runner-up Willie Torres.
Jody shows he still has winning touch
By Jeric Lopez

AS dominant as his team is,
Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes
is so used to getting back to the
nals the last two years. But
for him, it never gets old.
Its always a special feeling
to be in the nals. It never gets
old, said Reyes, who aims for
his ninth title in his 15th nals
appearance as a pro tactician.
For the fth straight
conference, the standard of
excellence continued for
the Tropang Texters as they
entered the nals yet again in
the 2012 Philippine Basketball
Association Commissioners
Cup to give themselves a chance
to defend another crown.
Facing another elimination
game, Talk N Text, just like
a lot of times the last two
seasons, once again rose to
the occasion to nally get rid
of pesky Barako Bull, 101-90,
in Game 5 of their bruising
seminal series to move
forward to the big stage.
Again, its a perfect
opportunity to go for all the
marbles once more for the
Tropang Texters.
I always say to the team
before each conference starts
that we need to put ourselves
to win a title and thats just
what we did so far. However,
this celebration will be very
short. We cannot be satised.
We need to prepare hard for the
nals, said Reyes.
As a reward, the defending
champions earned a much
anticipated clash with the
B-MEG Llamados in the nals.
I think in the nals, it will
once again be very tough every
game of that series. We have to
nd a way and devise a game-
plan against B-MEG. They
are really playing well, said
Reyes.
The Tropang Texters are
shooting for their fourth
championship in the last ve
conferences.
Chot: Making
it to nals is
always special
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
GRETCHEN Chen Chen
Abaniel gets another
crack at a world title
when he fights Thailands
Tereraport Pannimit for
the vacant World Boxing
Organization female
minimumweight title in
Bangkok on April 25.
The 26-year-old
Abaniel lost her bid for
the International Boxing
Federation title to talented
Mexican Katia Gutierrez
by a fourth-round technical
knockout in Sinaloa, Mexico
last Dec. 10.
She also dropped a 10-round
decision for the Womens
International Boxing
Association and World
Boxing Council Asia Boxing
Council title to Samson Tor
Buamas in Sukothai, Thailand
on Feb.19, 2011.
The younger 19-year-
old Pannimit also lost
by a fifth- round TKO to
another fancied Mexican
Jessica Chavez in an IBF
light flyweight female title
fight on Jan. 14, but came
back to win an eight-round
unanimous decision over
Naporporn Superchamps,
whos real name is Napaporn
Sor Ploenchit.
Abaniel, who is handled
by former Australian boxer
Terry Mogg, has a record of
10-3 with 2 knockouts, while
Pannimit has a record of 15-
5, with 5 knockouts.
Abaniel
gets crack
at crown
CARMONACebu pride Gio Gandionco rallied
with a tournament-best four-under-par 68 to
salvage the boys Class A crown, while Princess
Superal cruised to victory in the girls side at
the close Thursday of the national qualifying
tournament for the Junior World Championships at
the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Clubs
Legends course.
Gandionco, four strokes behind Miggy Yee after
three rounds, saved his best for last to nish with a
289 aggregate, three ahead of Yee, who soared to
a 75 for 292.
His Cebu teammate, Lloyd Jefferson Go, was
second runner up with a 75 for 294, followed by
Jama Reyes with a 76 for 302. They will represent
the country in the Junior World meet in San Diego,
California this coming July.
ICTSIs Superal shot a three-over-par 75 to capture
the girls Class A title with a 295. Eight behind was
Andrea Unson, who churned out a 76 for 303.
In the next two places were Marvi Monsalve
(80-306) and Felicia Medalla (74-308) at the
completion of the four-day, ICTSI-sponsored
qualier organized by the Junior Golf Foundation
of the Philippines.
Raymart Tolentino, 14, posted a three-over-par
75 for 298 to cruise to a seven-stroke victory in the
boys Class B. The other players who made it to the
top four were Kristoffer Arevalo (75-305), Gabriel
Manotoc (75-312) and William Lanz Uy (79-315).
Tolentino, a Marist high school student,
roared with birdies on the rst two holes only
to lose them with bogeys from the fourth to the
sixth holes. He salvaged a birdie on the ninth to
go even at the turn.
At the back nine, he three-putted on the 15th for
another bogey then dropped two more shots on the
17th and 18th, where he failed to nail the par-saves
from about 10 feet.
Im pretty excited for the Junior World. It will
be my third time there but rst time in the Class B
division, said Tolentino.
Gandioco, Superal top jungolf tilt
KNICKS 105, NETS 95
CELTICS 102, MAGIC 98
HEAT 96, RAPTORS 72
GRIZZLIES 103, HORNETS 91
BULLS 100, BOBCATS 68
MAVERICKS 117, ROCKETS 110
JAZZ 112, TRAIL BLAZERS 91
CLIPPERS 104, NUGGETS 98
THUNDER 109, SUNS 97
SPURS 127, KINGS 102
LAKERS 99, WARRIORS 87
Summer games. Paraaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. (center)
leads the ceremonial toss during the opening of the Tau Gamma
Inter-Chapter Basketball Tournament. Joining him is City Councilor
Benjo Bernabe.
Jody Coseteng (center) shows the way against defending champion
Vincent Floirendo in the 2012 Yokohama GT Championship.
Unbeaten. Garvo Laneta of NLEX scores a layup in a
Philippine Basketball Association D-League Foundation Cup
game won by the Road Warriors, 76-63, over Cebuana Lhuillier
at the Ynares Sports Arena. Clifford Hodge tallied 20 points
and Lanete added 13 points for the Warriors, who bolstered
their bid for an outright seminal seat with a 5-0 card.
Business
B1
Ray S. Eano, Editor business@manilastandardtoday.com
Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor extrastory2000@gmail.com
PSE COMPOSITE INDEX
Closing April 19, 2012
5,173.28
12.92
OIL
PRICES
TODAY
P780-P895.00
LPG/11-kg tank
P54.55-P61.02
Unleaded Gasoline
P46.10-P49.90
Diesel
P52.34-P57.85
Kerosene
P38.50-P39.20
Auto LPG
FOREI GN EXCHANGE RATE
Currency Unit US Dollar Peso
United States Dollar 1.000000 42.6320
Japan Yen 0.012309 0.5248
UK Pound 1.602200 68.3050
Hong Kong Dollar 0.128848 5.4930
Switzerland Franc 1.092061 46.5567
Canada Dollar 1.009082 43.0192
Singapore Dollar 0.800256 34.1165
Australia Dollar 1.036699 44.1966
Bahrain Dinar 2.652661 113.0882
Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266660 11.3682
Brunei Dollar 0.797067 33.9806
Indonesia Rupiah 0.000109 0.0046
Thailand Baht 0.032446 1.3832
UAE Dirham 0.272264 11.6072
Euro Euro 1.312100 55.9374
Korea Won 0.000878 0.0374
China Yuan 0.158660 6.7640
India Rupee 0.019342 0.8246
Malaysia Ringgit 0.326456 13.9175
NewZealand Dollar 0.816927 34.8272
Taiwan Dollar 0.033881 1.4444
Source: PDS Bridge
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Thursday, April 19, 2012
PESO-DOLLAR RATE
40
42
44
46
48
P42.610
CLOSE
Closing APRIL 19, 2012
5200
4460
3720
2980
2240
1500
1200
VOLUME 825.650M
HIGH P42.610 LOW P42.690 AVERAGE P42.649
IN BRIEF
Cigarette company
regrets leaving PH
BSP halts interest rate
cut on better outlook
Investors
commit
$200m in
5 hotels
SSS cuts interest, raises value of home loans
Renewable energy board wants govt to impose carbon tax
THE Singaporean owner of
Manila Ocean Park has partnered
with the largest hotel chain
operator in Europe to invest $200
million in ve luxury hotels in
the Philippines over the next
ve years, including a P2-billion
project under construction in
Makati City.
Frankfurt-based Worldhotels
AG and H2O Ventures Inc.,
the hotel arm of Manila Ocean
Park owner Lim Chee Yong,
unveiled Thursday their plan
to establish hotels in Metro
Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and
Boracay under the Worldhotel
brand.
Soon to rise along Kalayaan
and Makati Ave. in Makati
City is the P2-billion, 40-story,
401-room, ve-star Worldhotel
& Residences Makati which is
just a 30-minute drive from the
airport, said Yong.
It is going to be the largest
hotel in the Kalayaan-Makati
Ave. area, he added.
Yong said that aside from the
Makati hotel, H2O Ventures
also plans to build another
hotel in Metro Manila and three
properties of the same scale in
major tourist destinations.
Plan is now on the look
out to expand to locations like
Busuanga, Boracay and Cebu.
H2O Ventures is now on the
lookout for land owners who
are interested to partner with us
in developing more Worldhotel
properties in the heart of Metro
Manila, he said.
Yong, who is also the
president and chief executive
of China Oceanis Group of
Companies which operates
theme parks in Asia, said the
success of the H2O Hotel
within two years of operation
in Manila encouraged him to
invest in other hotel projects in
the country.
Roland Jegge, Worldhotels
vice president in Asia-Pacic,
said the Philippines has a
lot of potential to grow its
accommodation sector. There
is a need for more modern,
hip and edgy hotels in Metro
Manila, he said.
Worldhotels also signed
an agreement with Global
Hospitality Franchise System
Inc. to provide consultancy
and marketing support for the
Philippine operations.
Roderick T. dela Cruz
H2O Ventures Inc.
and Worldhotels
AG unveiled
Thursday the
scale model of
the 40-story
Worldhotel and
Residence Makati,
which is being
constructed along
Kalayaan Ave. in
Makati City. The
P2-billion hotel
is expected to be
completed by the
fourth quarter of
2013. Shown are
(from left) H2O
Ventures president
Lim Chee Yong
and WorldHotels
vice president for
Asia-Pacic Roland
Jegge.
LINO SANTOS
By Elaine R. Alanguilan
KUALA LUMPURBritish
American Tobacco said it
regretted the decision to pull out
of the Philippines in 2009, as it
completely lost out in one of the
largest cigarette markets in the
region.
William Toh, managing
director of BAT Malaysia, told
Manila-based reporters that as
head of the Philippine operations
in 2009, he recommended that the
London-based cigarette maker
leave the Philippine market which
was losing that time because of its
inability to compete with Philip
Morris Philippines Manufacturing
Inc. and Fortune Tobacco Inc.
I was the one who recommended
that BAT pull out of the Philippine
market, said Toh. There was no
light at the end of the tunnel so I
made a proposal for the company
and I said to pull out of it because
there is no level playing eld. We
will never be competitive so with a
very heavy heart, we pulled out of
the Philippines.
BAT, which distributes the
Lucky Strike brand, asked the
government at that time to amend
the law on excise tax but the
Supreme Court ruled against it
and upheld the constitutionality
of the excise tax structure.
Obviously, its [pulling out of
the Philippine market] the wrong
call, its not the right thing to do,
we should still continue to lobby,
appeal, ght for a level playing
eld so we made the decision this
year to re-enter the Philippines.
We will see how the business
environment evolves in the
Philippines, said Toh.
Roberto Eugenio, BAT
corporate and regulatory affairs
manager, said the company is
more upbeat about its prospects
in the Philippines this time
because the current excise tax
has already expired and that a
new one should be put in place.
Its almost imperative for the
government to pass a new law
this year. Because otherwise, you
get to 2013, which is an election
year and theres a new Congress.
Were looking at another two
to three years where theres no
change in the law and effectively,
youre giving the industry an
effective rate freeze on tobacco
and alcohol, said Eugenio.
By Julito G. Rada
THE National Renewable Energy
Board has proposed a carbon tax
on coal, diesel and bunker fuel
to cut greenhouse gas emissions
and encourage investments in
renewable energy.
NREB chairman Pete Maniego
said during the 2
nd
Philippine
Renewable Energy Summit the
government may consider following
the lead of other countries that have
already slapped carbon tax.
Maniego said the government
could study carbon tax on imported
coal used by power generation
facilities in the country today.
He said coal imports hit
10,965,818 metric tons in 2011
while local production reached
7,611,333 MT.
If the $1 per MT carbon tax
is imposed on coal imports,
$10.965 million or P469 million
could be raised, he said.
Maniego also asked the Energy
Regulatory Commission to
approve the feed-in tariff as soon
as possible because renewable
energy projects could not proceed
without those incentives.
We are hoping that the FIT will
be approved by end June. Most
projects are in limbo. They are all
waiting for the FIT, he said.
The tariff guarantees the
developers a xed rate for renewable
energy over a 20-year period.
Some of the investors have left
already. What I am saying is the
more we delay the FIT, the more
people will lose interest, he said.
The summit was attended by
different stakeholders from policy
and key decision-makers from
both the public and private sectors,
investors, nancial experts,
scientists and innovators and
industry professionals.
By Lailany P. Gomez
THE Bangko Sentral
kept the policy interest
rates unchanged Thursday,
following two consecutive
cuts this year, on signs
of manageable ination
and improved economic
outlook.
Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco
Jr. said the banks Monetary Board decided
to keep rates for overnight borrowing and
lending unchanged at 4 percent and 6 percent,
respectively. The reserve requirement ratio
was also kept steady at 19 percent.
Latest baseline forecasts continue to
indicate that ination will likely settle near
the lower half of the 3 percent to 5 percent
target range in 2012 and 2013, while ination
expectations have remained well anchored,
Tetangco said.
He said while global economic conditions
remained fragile, prospects for overall domestic
economic activity are gradually strengthening.
The Monetary Board noted that the
balance of risks to the ination outlook
now leans slightly toward the upside as oil
prices have remained elevated and at risk
from ongoing tensions in the Middle East
as well as strong demand from emerging
economies, Tetangco said.
Baseline ination forecast was placed at 3.1
percent this year and 3.3 percent in 2013.
Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa
Guinigundo noted that ination softened to
4.0 percent in January and 2.7 percent in
February.
The Monetary Board said weak global
economy and the stable peso could provide
a moderating effect on ination.
Asian central banks are juggling the need
to boost economies hurt by Europes debt
crisis and slowing Chinese growth with
increasing pressure to contain ination
fanned by elevated oil prices.
The feeling is that the central bank has
done its part to stimulate growth earlier and
we most likely have seen the last of rate
cuts, Santitarn Sathirathai, a Singapore-
based economist at Credit Suisse Group AG,
said before the decision.
The government raised the minimum fare
in jeepneys by 6 percent to P8.50 last month.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
sought a P90 increase in minimum wage, Labor
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said on March 16.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose
to a record this week and is the second-best
performer among 23 Asian share indexes
tracked by Bloomberg in the past six months.
Remittances sent home by Filipinos
overseas rose 5.8 percent in February from a
year earlier, faster than the 5.4 percent pace
in January, the central bank said April 16.
Exports rose at the fastest pace in 10
months in February.
The World Bank, International Monetary
Fund and Asian Development Bank all predict
growth in the Philippines will accelerate in
2012, aided by higher government spending.
President Benigno Aquino is increasing
spending to a record this year, while seeking
$16 billion of investment in projects from
rail to airports in an effort to create jobs and
reduce poverty. With Bloomberg
By Maria Bernadette Lunas
THE Social Security System has doubled
the ceiling for housing loans to P2 million
and reduced the interest rates it charges
borrowers.
SSS president and chief executive
Emilio de Quiros Jr. said members can
now borrow up to P2 million in housing
loans, or double the amount previously
offered.
Annual interest rates on housing loans
were reduced by as much as 5 percent.
The new interest rates for individual
members, which are xed for 15-year
period, were pegged at 8 percent per annum
for loans up to P400,000; 9 percent for P1
million; 10 percent for P1.5 million; and 11
percent for P2 million.
The revised guidelines aim to align
SSS housing loan programs to current
industry practices. Our longer payment
terms and xed interest rates also
make SSS loans competitive to lending
facilities offered by other institutions
such as banks, De Quiros said in a
statement.
The lending facility also increased the
limit on house repair and improvement
loans from P300,000 to P1 million.
The fund also lowered its 14-
percent interest rate to 11 percent
for entrepreneurs and developers of
subdivisions, condominiums, and other
residential properties.
The SSS said employees, self-
employed and overseas Filipino workers
with at least 36 months of contributions,
including 24 months of continuous
payment of premiums and have no
retirement or total disability claims, can
borrow from the fund.
BoP surplus thins
THE Philippines posted a $1.24-billion
surplus in its balance of payments in the rst
quarter, down by 64.4 percent from a year ago,
owing to wider trade decit and governments
debt payment during the period.
Bangko Sentral said the BoP, which represents
the countrys external strength, actually incurred
a net outow of $209 million in March, a reversal
of the $2-billion surplus a year ago.
The government paid at least $481 million in
debt during the period.
Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.
said the BoP is expected to remain in surplus this
year, but at a much slimmer level of $2.8 billion.
Tetangco said remittances, which grew 5.8 percent
in the rst two months of the year, are projected to rise
at a slower rate of 5 percent this year. Remittances
from Filipinos overseas coursed through banks rose
to $1.6 billion in February 2012, posting a year-on-
year growth of 5.8 percent.
Total remittances in the rst two months
reached $3.1 billion, higher by 5.6 percent from
a year ago. Lailany P. Gomez
ICTSI to spend $150m
PORT operator International Container
Terminal Services Inc. may spend $120 to $150
million to acquire majority interest in Pakistan
International Container Terminal Ltd.
ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon
Jr. said in an interview following the companys
annual stockholders meeting the group would
make a tender offer after it recently signed a
deal to acquire a 35-percent interest in PICT.
The cost of acquiring 51 percent in PICT will
be between $120 to $150 million, Razon said.
PICT, a company listed on the Karachi
stock exchange, runs a container cargo terminal
located at the Karachi port, which has a
maximum handling capacity of 750,000 twenty
foot equivalent container units (TEUs).
Razon said the company continues to actively
look for acquisitions, particularly in the Middle
East, Latin America and Africa.
ICTSI currently owns or operates 22 terminal
facilities: six in the Philippines and one each in China,
Ecuador, Poland, Brazil, Madagascar, Syria, Georgia,
Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, India, Colombia, Argentina,
Croatia, Mexico and US. JennifferB. Austria
TRADI NG SUMMARY
SHARES VALUE
FINANCIAL 13,406,619 1,006,698,302.2
INDUSTRIAL 99,225,096 831,067,022.21
HOLDING FIRMS 173,764,596 1,303,432,067.87
PROPERTY 214,874,094 709,320,816.62
SERVICES 125,587,412 1,023,799,321.22
MINING & OIL 537,654,019 624,047,877.43
GRAND TOTAL 1,164,511,849 5,498,365,446.7474
FINANCIAL 1,295.84 (down) 0.45
INDUSTRIAL 7,918.62 (up) 3.41
HOLDING FIRMS 4,410.98 (up) 17.70
PROPERTY 1,925.40 (down) 15.18
SERVICES 1,703.40 (down) 6.72
MINING & OIL 25,588.80 (down)50.02
PSEI 5,173.28 (donw) 12.92
All Shares Index 3,425.43 (down) 8.28
Gainers: 82; Losers: 69; Unchanged: 52; Total: 203
Market halts 5-day
rally; MetroPac up
Business
ManilaStandardToday
business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com
B2
52 Weeks Previous % Net Foreign
High Low STOCKS Close High Low Close Change Volume Trade/Buying
MST BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012
M
S
T
FINANCIAL
70.00 46.00 Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. 67.45 67.45 66.85 67.00 (0.67) 2,779,590 27,182,385.50
76.80 50.00 Bank of PI 75.10 75.40 74.75 75.00 (0.13) 658,850 (23,917,430.50)
1.82 0.69 Bankard, Inc. 0.78 0.79 0.77 0.79 1.28 408,000
459.00 370.00 China Bank 501.00 512.00 501.00 512.00 2.20 169,830 5,627,050.00
1.90 1.42 BDO Leasing & Fin. Inc. 1.77 1.78 1.75 1.75 (1.13) 108,000
23.00 12.40 COL Financial 23.20 23.40 23.00 23.40 0.86 2,300
15.00 7.00 Filipino Fund Inc. 12.80 14.50 12.00 13.02 1.72 66,700
3.26 1.91 I-Remit Inc. 2.43 2.45 2.30 2.30 (5.35) 193,000
775.00 475.20 Manulife Fin. Corp. 520.00 530.00 520.00 520.00 0.00 300
25.00 3.00 Maybank ATR KE 21.60 22.80 22.50 22.50 4.17 22,000 (63,000.00)
89.50 60.00 Metrobank 92.95 93.00 91.50 91.90 (1.13) 4,657,170 (60,407,411.50)
3.06 1.30 Natl Reinsurance Corp. 2.23 2.22 2.20 2.20 (1.35) 2,275,000 2,952,600.00
126.00 35.00 Phil Bank of Comm 83.75 75.00 75.00 75.00 (10.45) 30
72.90 41.00 Phil. National Bank 74.45 76.00 74.00 74.60 0.20 626,300 11,652,316.00
85.00 57.70 Phil. Savings Bank 83.00 85.00 81.00 85.00 2.41 60
80.00 52.00 Philippine Trust Co. 58.00 58.00 58.00 58.00 0.00 2,000
539.50 204.80 PSE Inc. 350.00 352.00 350.00 352.00 0.57 37,680 (3,141,360.00)
42.25 25.45 RCBC À 43.00 43.20 42.15 43.20 0.47 83,100.00 116,140.00
147.00 77.00 Security Bank 144.60 147.90 144.00 145.90 0.90 1,149,260 29,434,753.00
1390.00 950.00 Sun Life Financial 1000.00 1002.00 1000.00 1000.00 0.00 405
140.00 58.00 Union Bank 101.80 103.50 101.00 103.00 1.18 159,720 (1,864,050.00)
1.98 1.43 Vantage Equities 1.89 1.85 1.85 1.85 (2.12) 7,000
INDUSTRIAL
34.00 26.50 Aboitiz Power Corp. 34.80 35.50 34.75 35.00 0.57 4,065,400 (42,732,885.00)
13.58 7.32 Agrinurture Inc. 11.74 11.60 11.60 11.60 (1.19) 21,900 176,320.00
23.50 11.98 Alaska Milk Corp. 23.45 23.45 23.45 23.40 (0.21) 512,800 (3,444,440.00)
1.86 0.97 Alliance Select 1.58 1.58 1.55 1.58 0.00 19,000
55.00 26.00 Alphaland Corp. 32.00 32.00 29.50 31.50 (1.56) 10,900
1.65 1.08 Alsons Cons. 1.38 1.38 1.37 1.38 0.00 1,245,000 659,640.00
Asiabest Group 47.20 49.45 47.20 48.00 1.69 16,900
102.80 3.02 Bloomberry 13.50 12.98 11.00 11.80 (12.59) 2,771,900 3,006,382.00
26.55 12.50 C. Azuc De Tarlac 16.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 6.25 200
144.00 36.00 Conc. Aggr. À 68.00 65.00 65.00 65.00 (4.41) 100
3.07 2.30 Chemrez Technologies Inc. 2.73 2.72 2.70 2.70 (1.10) 148,000
8.33 7.41 Cirtek Holdings (Chips) 8.11 8.10 8.06 8.10 (0.12) 51,000
7.06 4.83 Energy Devt. Corp. (EDC) 6.04 6.05 5.99 6.00 (0.66) 28,560,600 (36,250,936.00)
5.77 2.80 EEI 6.15 6.28 6.15 6.20 0.81 783,300 (528,499.00)
2.14 1.00 Euro-Med Lab. 2.17 2.21 2.18 2.21 1.84 8,000
15.58 11.88 First Gen Corp. 14.06 14.12 14.00 14.00 (0.43) 2,785,200 (5,914,148.00)
67.20 51.50 First Holdings A 65.80 66.50 65.45 65.55 (0.38) 671,800 (20,221,077.00)
32.90 22.50 Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 23.50 23.50 23.20 23.50 0.00 35,700 (590,725.00)
0.10 0.0095 Greenergy 0.0180 0.0180 0.0170 0.0180 0.00 14,100,000
13.80 7.80 Holcim Philippines Inc. 12.02 11.76 11.70 11.76 (2.16) 21,500 246,160.00
9.00 4.75 Integ. Micro-Electronics 4.74 4.80 4.77 4.77 0.63 25,000
1.66 0.95 Ionics Inc 1.690 1.720 1.650 1.690 0.00 134,000
120.00 80.00 Jollibee Foods Corp. 110.00 113.40 110.00 112.00 1.82 81,410 (3,266,252.00)
91.25 25.00 Liberty Flour 56.00 56.00 56.00 56.00 0.00 170
8.40 1.04 LMG Chemicals 3.28 3.28 3.00 3.15 (3.96) 237,000
3.20 1.05 Manchester Intl. A 2.05 2.10 1.98 2.10 2.44 29,000
24.00 17.60 Manila Water Co. Inc. 24.40 24.55 24.30 24.50 0.41 1,427,200 (13,519,990.00)
6.95 0.60 Mariwasa MFG. Inc. 4.80 4.60 4.02 4.60 (4.17) 5,000
13.28 8.12 Megawide 14.56 15.30 14.58 15.30 5.08 3,799,400
295.00 215.00 Mla. Elect. Co À 263.00 263.20 262.40 262.40 (0.23) 222,640 15,184,032.00
2.97 1.96 Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. 2.74 2.80 2.72 2.80 2.19 4,585,000 (3,281,840.00)
17.40 9.70 Petron Corporation 10.60 10.70 10.58 10.60 0.00 7,810,800 (12,636,026.00)
15.24 9.60 Phoenix Petroleum Phils. 9.56 9.70 9.48 9.70 1.46 174,100 383,651.00
9.50 5.25 Republic Cement À 8.88 8.92 8.01 8.92 0.45 419,100 (2,600,180.00)
1.65 1.01 RFM Corporation 2.43 2.55 2.43 2.49 2.47 16,158,000 5,160,580.00
5.00 2.90 Salcon Power Corp. 3.70 3.70 3.70 3.70 0.00 3,000
33.00 27.70 San Miguel Brewery Inc. 30.00 30.00 29.50 30.00 0.00 14,100
175.00 105.70 San Miguel Corp À 112.60 112.50 112.30 112.50 (0.09) 149,600 (1,722.00)
1.90 1.25 Seacem 1.80 1.80 1.76 1.79 (0.56) 3,112,000 (1,932,570.00)
2.60 1.85 Splash Corporation 1.90 1.90 1.89 1.90 0.00 581,000 9,500.00
0.250 0.112 Swift Foods, Inc. 0.141 0.146 0.139 0.139 (1.42) 2,860,000 (71,410.00)
4.15 1.99 TKC Steel Corp. 2.49 2.49 2.49 2.49 0.00 121,000
1.37 0.90 Trans-Asia Oil 1.24 1.24 1.23 1.23 (0.81) 213,000 (83,060.00)
65.50 33.50 Universal Robina 67.80 67.80 66.80 67.25 (0.81) 746,140 (10,012,301.00)
1.12 0.285 Vitarich Corp. 0.580 0.590 0.570 0.570 (1.72) 457,000
7.40 2.55 Vivant Corp. 12.26 12.00 11.90 12.00 (2.12) 6,400
1.22 0.68 Vulcan Indl. 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.97 0.00 10,000
HOLDING FIRMS
1.18 0.65 Abacus Cons. À 0.72 0.75 0.72 0.75 4.17 1,170,000
59.90 35.50 Aboitiz Equity 50.00 50.30 49.70 50.15 0.30 1,072,900 198,363.00
13.48 8.00 Alliance Global Inc. 12.76 12.76 12.50 12.68 (0.63) 16,459,100 12,106,646.00
2.97 1.57 Anglo Holdings A 2.05 2.10 2.05 2.10 2.44 266,000
4.29 3.00 Anscor À 4.53 4.55 4.50 4.50 (0.66) 300,000
6.98 0.260 Asia Amalgamated A 4.02 4.10 3.96 4.05 0.75 185,000
3.15 1.49 ATN Holdings A 2.00 2.00 1.99 2.00 0.00 20,000
431.00 272.00 Ayala Corp À 424.20 429.00 424.00 424.80 0.14 571,940 (37,082,716.00)
56.60 30.50 DMCI Holdings 59.20 59.00 57.60 57.60 (2.70) 2,815,300 (58,609,203.00)
5.25 3.30 Filinvest Dev. Corp. 4.60 4.65 4.51 4.57 (0.65) 605,000 31,640.00
0.98 0.10 Forum Pacic 0.260 0.260 0.260 0.260 0.00 70,000
4.35 2.90 House of Inv. 4.60 4.64 4.54 4.63 0.65 42,000
28.60 19.00 JG Summit Holdings 33.65 34.70 33.65 34.10 1.34 2,201,700 (309,945.00)
6.95 4.00 Lopez Holdings Corp. 5.85 5.85 5.80 5.83 (0.34) 4,848,100 (185,816.00)
1.54 0.61 Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. 1.12 1.25 1.14 1.25 11.61 45,462,000 769,740.00
0.91 0.300 Mabuhay Holdings À 0.620 0.650 0.630 0.630 1.61 832,000
3.52 1.500 Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. 3.660 3.710 3.630 3.670 0.27 3,644,000 633,630.00
4.25 2.56 Metro Pacic Inv. Corp. 4.21 4.45 4.20 4.45 5.70 71,102,000 129,582,310.00
6.24 2.10 Minerales Industrias Corp. 4.83 4.85 4.80 4.80 (0.62) 780,000
0.0770 0.054 Pacica À 0.0600 0.0610 0.0590 0.0600 0.00 3,320,000
2.20 1.42 Prime Media Hldg 1.580 1.600 1.600 1.600 1.27 77,000
0.82 0.44 Prime Orion 0.510 0.530 0.510 0.510 0.00 122,000
4.10 1.56 Republic Glass A 2.00 2.45 2.02 2.02 1.00 7,000
2.40 0.90 Seafront À 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48 0.00 5,000
0.490 0.285 Sinophil Corp. 0.350 0.350 0.350 0.350 0.00 570,000 (14,000.00)
699.00 450.00 SM Investments Inc. 680.00 684.50 680.00 680.50 0.07 85,080 42,416,025.00
1.78 1.00 Solid Group Inc. 1.26 1.26 1.25 1.26 0.00 836,000
1.57 1.14 South China Res. Inc. 1.27 1.26 1.26 1.26 (0.79) 30,000 (37,800.00)
0.420 0.09 Unioil Res. & Hldgs 0.2750 0.2750 0.2650 0.2700 (1.82) 2,220,000 35,100.00
0.620 0.056 Wellex Industries 0.3850 0.3950 0.3800 0.3900 1.30 3,500,000
1.370 0.171 Zeus Holdings 0.640 0.640 0.630 0.630 (1.56) 882,000 (4,410.00)
P R O P E R T Y
29.00 11.00 Anchor Land Holdings Inc. 38.50 38.00 32.50 38.00 (1.30) 700 20,600.00
0.74 0.31 Araneta Prop À 0.690 0.720 0.640 0.690 0.00 594,000
0.218 0.143 Arthaland Corp. 0.192 0.186 0.185 0.186 (3.13) 1,200,000
22.10 13.36 Ayala Land `B 21.90 21.85 21.50 21.55 (1.60) 7,882,100 (21,401,895.00)
6.12 3.08 Belle Corp. À 4.96 5.01 4.94 4.98 0.40 6,992,000 (8,682,400.00)
7.55 2.20 Cebu Holdings 7.15 7.19 7.00 7.14 (0.14) 10,547,000 610,770.00
5.00 1.80 Cebu Prop. À 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 0.00 30,000
5.10 2.10 Cebu Prop. `B 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 0.00 20,000
5.66 0.26 Century Property 1.70 1.72 1.68 1.71 0.59 3,324,000 (2,709,470.00)
2.25 1.20 City & Land Dev. 2.45 2.60 2.30 2.60 6.12 77,000 (20,970.00)
1.65 1.07 Cityland Dev. À 1.24 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.61 18,000
0.127 0.060 Crown Equities Inc. 0.084 0.084 0.081 0.084 0.00 3,200,000
1.25 0.67 Cyber Bay Corp. 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.00 126,000
0.90 0.54 Empire East Land 0.620 0.620 0.610 0.610 (1.61) 845,000
3.80 2.90 Eton Properties 3.48 3.40 3.32 3.32 (4.60) 4,000 (10,200.00)
0.310 0.10 Ever Gotesco 0.190 0.190 0.188 0.188 (1.05) 120,000
3.06 1.76 Global-Estate 1.87 1.89 1.87 1.89 1.07 1,380,000
1.35 0.98 Filinvest Land,Inc. 1.30 1.31 1.29 1.31 0.77 25,052,000 8,075,490.00
2.55 1.21 Highlands Prime 2.10 2.12 2.03 2.12 0.95 25,000
2.14 0.62 Interport À 1.44 1.49 1.38 1.44 0.00 2,497,000 1,549,420.00
4.50 1.50 Keppel Properties 1.92 1.84 1.84 1.84 (4.17) 9,000
2.48 1.51 Megaworld Corp. 2.04 2.05 1.99 2.02 (0.98) 89,317,000 46,152,620.00
0.83 0.220 MRC Allied Ind. 0.2240 0.2240 0.2210 0.2240 0.00 180,000
0.910 0.072 Phil. Estates Corp. 0.7500 0.7900 0.7400 0.7700 2.67 43,922,000 46,040.00
0.71 0.41 Phil. Realty À 0.540 0.540 0.520 0.540 0.00 37,000
4.90 1.80 Polar Property Holdings 3.45 3.48 3.40 3.40 (1.45) 395,000
17.08 10.00 Robinsons Land `B 17.98 18.04 17.90 17.90 (0.44) 2,490,500 13,475,370.00
2.60 1.70 Shang Properties Inc. 2.49 2.49 2.40 2.49 0.00 4,000
9.55 6.50 SM Development À 7.02 7.15 7.02 7.05 0.43 1,205,400 (303,230.00)
18.20 10.70 SM Prime Holdings 16.64 16.86 16.60 16.60 (0.24) 5,424,500 (16,506,438.00)
1.15 0.64 Sta. Lucia Land Inc. 0.79 0.78 0.76 0.76 (3.80) 1,620,000
0.80 0.45 Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. 0.560 0.560 0.560 0.560 0.00 141,000
4.00 2.60 Vista Land & Lifescapes 4.250 4.250 4.160 4.240 (0.24) 4,905,000 (3,690,120.00)
S E R V I C E S
2GO Group 2.25 2.38 2.22 2.37 5.33 90,000
45.00 28.60 ABS-CBN 41.55 41.80 41.50 41.58 0.07 34,100
12.98 1.60 Acesite Hotel 11.00 11.94 10.70 11.64 5.82 83,100
0.80 0.45 APC Group, Inc. 0.670 0.670 0.670 0.670 0.00 15,000
9.30 7.13 Asian Terminals Inc. 8.80 8.80 8.80 8.80 0.00 71,000 624,800.00
0.5300 0.0660 Boulevard Holdings 0.1720 0.1740 0.1710 0.1730 0.58 15,770,000 62,080.00
98.15 62.50 Cebu Air Inc. (5J) 69.40 40.00 69.45 70.00 0.86 236,630 13,923,811.50
9.70 5.40 DFNN Inc. 7.05 7.16 7.01 7.01 (0.57) 125,200 35,050.00
1750.00 760.00 FEUI 930.00 935.00 925.00 935.00 0.54 80
1270.00 692.00 Globe Telecom 1120.00 1120.00 1119.00 1120.00 0.00 47,255 4,070,260.00
10.34 6.18 GMA Network Inc. 9.14 9.72 9.10 9.69 6.02 2,590,600
62.70 39.90 I.C.T.S.I. 68.15 68.15 67.90 67.90 (0.37) 2,357,560 (56,200,895.00)
18.40 5.00 Imperial Res. À 8.50 11.00 8.50 11.00 29.41 9,000
6.00 3.80 IPeople Inc. À 5.65 6.30 5.65 6.10 7.96 52,000
4.29 2.20 IP Converge 3.10 3.12 3.04 3.04 (1.94) 110,000 (206,720.00)
34.50 0.169 IP E-Game Ventures Inc. 0.133 0.134 0.123 0.125 (6.02) 79,050,000 192,810.00
3.87 1.16 IPVG Corp. 1.22 1.22 1.21 1.21 (0.82) 2,231,000 (765,400.00)
0.0760 0.040 Island Info 0.0610 0.0610 0.0610 0.0610 0.00 10,000
5.1900 2.900 ISM Communications 3.0000 3.1000 3.0000 3.0900 3.00 620,000
3.79 1.58 JTH Davies Holdings Inc. 2.40 2.50 2.49 2.50 4.17 6,000
12.18 5.90 Leisure & Resorts 7.64 7.87 7.60 7.75 1.44 171,600 12,320.00
4.75 2.65 Liberty Telecom 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.75 0.00 10,000
3.96 2.70 Macroasia Corp. 2.95 3.07 2.88 3.07 4.07 3,000
0.72 0.57 Manila Bulletin 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.71 0.00 16,000
3.25 1.00 Manila Jockey 1.54 1.59 1.52 1.59 3.25 291,000 (11,130.00)
21.00 16.50 Pacic Online Sys. Corp. 18.70 18.80 18.78 18.78 0.43 18,000
8.25 4.49 PAL Holdings Inc. 7.60 7.70 7.60 7.60 0.00 192,900 (39,269.00)
2.93 1.05 Paxys Inc. 2.83 2.95 2.82 2.90 2.47 1,798,000 (2,164,870.00)
43.00 17.02 Phil. Seven Corp. 42.00 42.00 42.00 42.00 0.00 20,000 840,000.00
16.72 14.50 Philweb.Com Inc. 17.02 17.04 17.00 17.02 0.00 707,900 (3,046,966.00)
6.90 3.80 PLDT Comm & Energy 4.28 4.28 4.20 4.20 (1.87) 11,000
2886.00 1990.00 PLDT Common 2572.00 2572.00 2546.00 2550.00 (0.86) 187,350 (90,877,940.00)
0.48 0.23 PremiereHorizon 0.345 0.36 0.34 0.36 2.90 1,650,000
23.60 10.68 Puregold 22.30 23.60 23.40 23.50 5.38 1,957,400 22,203,950.00
Touch Solutions 3.52 3.78 3.60 3.60 2.27 20,000
3.79 2.40 Transpacic Broadcast 2.80 2.94 2.94 2.94 5.00 1,000
0.79 0.26 Waterfront Phils. 0.520 0.540 0.510 0.530 1.92 1,139,000
MINING & OIL
0.0083 0.0035 Abra Mining 0.0056 0.0056 0.0055 0.0056 0.00 99,000,000 33,600.00
6.20 3.01 Apex À 5.19 5.19 5.05 5.05 (2.70) 172,700
6.22 3.00 Apex `B 5.15 5.16 5.10 5.16 0.19 70,000
25.20 14.50 Atlas Cons. À 18.98 19.36 18.98 19.24 1.37 6,994,700 1,359,808.00
38.80 20.00 Atok-Big Wedge À 26.85 27.90 24.00 26.90 0.19 10,400
0.380 0.148 Basic Energy Corp. 0.285 0.285 0.280 0.280 (1.75) 12,270,000
30.35 12.50 Benguet Corp À 25.00 24.90 24.50 24.90 (0.40) 5,500
34.00 12.10 Benguet Corp `B 26.75 26.80 25.20 25.30 (5.42) 3,000
2.51 1.62 Century Peak Metals Hldgs 1.75 1.75 1.74 1.75 0.00 2,206,000
47.50 4.34 Dizon 46.40 47.10 46.05 46.75 0.75 733,300 (7,999,415.00)
1.21 0.50 Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. 1.00 1.03 0.98 0.99 (1.00) 34,011,000 (3,505,090.00)
1.82 0.4550 Lepanto À 1.400 1.420 1.390 1.410 0.71 8,793,000
2.070 0.4750 Lepanto `B 1.530 1.520 1.490 1.520 (0.65) 3,533,000 (27,000.00)
0.085 0.030 Manila Mining À 0.0740 0.0740 0.0730 0.0740 0.00 36,060,000
0.087 0.031 Manila Mining `B 0.0740 0.0750 0.0740 0.0740 0.00 26,330,000
25.70 15.04 Nickelasia 32.45 32.50 32.00 32.40 (0.15) 76,700 (216,150.00)
12.52 2.08 Nihao Mineral Resources 12.08 12.46 12.06 12.38 2.48 6,548,500 (2,340,674.00)
7.70 2.12 Oriental Peninsula Res. 7.970 8.100 7.920 7.990 0.25 4,641,400 48,576.00
0.032 0.012 Oriental Pet. À 0.0230 0.0230 0.0220 0.0230 0.00 83,000,000
0.033 0.013 Oriental Pet. `B 0.0230 0.0240 0.0220 0.0230 0.00 57,200,000 (138,000.00)
7.20 5.10 Petroenergy Res. Corp. 6.40 6.35 6.35 6.35 (0.78) 5,000
28.95 14.30 Philex À 20.90 21.00 20.70 20.90 0.00 5,293,700 (33,629,490.00)
14.18 3.00 PhilexPetroleum 11.60 12.38 11.58 12.30 6.03 1,545,600 1,112,772.00
0.058 0.013 Philodrill Corp. À 0.053 0.054 0.053 0.054 1.89 134,820,000 (132,500.00)
80.00 20.25 PNOC Expls `B 53.00 53.00 53.00 53.00 0.00 40
252.00 161.10 Semirara Corp. 246.40 248.00 239.00 239.00 (3.00) 535,150 (90,304,520.00)
0.029 0.011 United Paragon 0.0210 0.0210 0.0200 0.0210 0.00 13,600,000
PREFERRED
11.02 6.00 GMA Holdings Inc. 8.99 9.75 9.00 9.62 7.01 13,270,600 (12,606,449.00)
116.70 106.00 PCOR-Preferred 115.00 115.00 115.00 115.00 0.00 1,100
80.00 74.50 SMC Preferred 1 77.00 77.50 77.00 77.30 0.39 6,400
1050.00 990.00 SMPFC Preferred 1026.00 1035.00 1026.00 1027.00 0.10 1,910
WARRANTS & BONDS
1.35 0.62 Megaworld Corp. Warrants 1.02 1.02 1.01 1.01 (0.98) 1,254,000
1.38 0.67 Megaworld Corp. Warrants2 0.94 0.98 0.98 0.98 4.26 25,000
MAYA BALTAZAR
HERRERA
INTEGRATIONS
When in doubt,
choose to try.
Compass
STOCKS fell Thursday, halting a ve-
day rally that sent the benchmark index to
the record territory, as lingering concern
over Europes debt curbed appetite for
emerging markets assets.
The Philippine Stock
Exchange index, the 30-company
benchmark, shed 12 points or 0.2
percent to close at 5,173.28, as
four of the six sub-indices ended
in red.
The heavier index representing
all shares also tumbled 8 points
or 0.2 percent to 3,425, even as
gainers outnumbered losers, 82
to 69, with 52 issues unchanged.
Some 1.16 billion shares, with
total value of P5.5 billion, were
traded Thursday.
GMA Network Inc. rose 9.7
percent to P9.69 while Metro
Pacic Investments Corp. jumped
5.7 percent to P4.45.
Lodestar Investment Holdings
Corp. increased 12 percent to
P1.25, the sharpest advance since
March 6, after its board approved
a proposal to sell shares to
investors to raise P350 million in
additional capital.
Meanwhile, Asian stock
markets struggled for direction
Thursday as investors remained
wary following more unsettling
news from economically fragile
Spain and a record trade decit
in Japan.
Tokyos Nikkei 225 stock
average slipped after the country
posted its biggest annual trade
decit ever. The benchmark
index fell 0.8 percent to 9,585.85
after the Finance Ministry said
exports for the scal year that
ended March 31 dropped 3.7
percent from the previous year,
while imports climbed 11.6
percent.
The trade decit for the year
was 4.41 trillion yen ($54 billion).
With all but one of Japans 54
nuclear power reactors ofine
in the aftermath of last years
nuclear disaster, the country
has been forced to rely on
imported oil and gas to generate
electricity.
South Koreas Kospi index
opened higher then slipped into
negative territory, falling 0.2
percent to 2,000.79. But Hong
Kongs Hang Seng index held
onto its gains, rising 0.5 percent
to 20,877.67 while Australias
S&P/ASX 200 added 0.4 percent
to 4,364.50.
Benchmarks in mainland
China and Indonesia also fell,
while Thailand and Taiwan rose.
Singapore swung between gains
and losses.
Spains central bank said the
amount of bad loans held by
Spanish banks rose to an 18-year
high in February. If those banks
falter, it would put pressure
on Spains already troubled
government to prop them up.
The next key indicator for
Spain will occur Thursday when
the country holds a 10-year bond
auction. With Bloomberg, AP
IT IS April and commencement exercises are the
order of the day across Philippine campuses.
It is a time for endings and
beginnings, joy and sorrow,
celebration and remembrance,
reection and anticipation. It is a
time of transition, when the walls
fall away and the horizon seems
limitless. It is a time for dreams,
hope and trepidation.
On my desk this week are two things that remind
me of transitions: the invitation to my son, Kevins
commencement exercises, and a little book called
Remembering Gaby, a tribute to Gaby Mendoza.
For me personally, it has been a time for looking
back and looking forward, for tears and laughter,
for promises and for hope, for lessons learned and
lessons still to be learned.
Beginnings
Perhaps the most important thing on the new
graduates mind is the question of direction, which
job to apply for, which path to take. Mobility,
nancial considerations and relative capability
are at the forefront of these decisions. Too often,
the important things are missed. What is truly
important?
It is an easy question to ask: What is your dearest
dream? The answer is often more difcult to craft.
At graduation, when the road forward seems bright
and unending, everything seems possible, choices
are difcult. The beginning, as we already know
begins with the preferred ending. At the dusk of
your life, as you look back on the path you took,
the work you did, the lives you touch, what do you
hope to see?
It is one of the most important rites of passage,
graduation. I often wonder what I would have
told the young me during my own graduation all
those years ago. As my son dresses for his own
graduation this week, I think about my dreams and
hopes for him and know that that is not important.
What is important are his own dreams and hopes.
The mother in me, of course, still wishes to give
him something, words of guidance, suggestions if not
wisdom, questions to ponder if not answers to gather.
Clarity
What do you love doing? What would you like
to be able to look back on? What will make you
happy? What mark do you want to leave on this
world? Those are some of the questions I would
like for my son to think about.
It is that big question, who are you? It is the rst
of the three phrases carved into the temple at Delphi,
home of the Oracle of Apollo: Know Thyself.
Self knowledge helps us choose goals and make
decisions. It also helps us craft that little voice
inside, the one that warns us when our own little
foibles are in danger of leading us astray, when our
emotions are getting in the way of our logic, when
our emotions need to overrule our logic.
Know thyself. It is the rst lesson we learn
as children and it is an answer we never nish
crafting. Every decision, every day is a molding of
the person we become.
It is the question I want my son to keep asking
himself. Who am I? Who will I become if I choose
this path? What is my purpose?
The other question is just as important. Why?
One of the things we learn in management school
is to break down the job into little chunks, set
milestones. Sometimes, in the rush of moving from
one goal to the next, we lose sight of what is truly
important. Why? Who or what are we doing all of
this for?
It is like that old tale of the three
brick layersone of whom was
laying bricks, the other building
a wall, and the other building a
cathedral. The same work, the same
little goals, entirely different ways
of seeing their reason.
The nal question I want to leave with my son is
this: Who? Who do you want to do this with? Who
do you want to do this for? Building a house for
faceless strangers is entirely different from building
a home for your family.
As I watch my son take his rst steps as a
graduate, I whisper prayers into the wind.
Looking back, looking forward
I opened the tribute book for Gaby with
anticipation. I had met him in the twilight of his
career, over 10 years after he relinquished the
deanship and presidency of the Asian Institute of
Management. At the time, Gaby had settled into his
role as faculty elder. In the grand tradition of the
AIM case method, however, Gaby never gave direct
advices. His job was to poke, question, challenge
and force to think about what we really thought,
what we really wanted. All of the elders did this,
of course, but Gaby was the maestro. Each time I
heard him intone It seems to me, I knew we were
in for a rollicking discussion, sometimes painful,
often loud, always educational.
I looked forward to learning more about the young
Gaby, Gaby the person, the father, the husband, the
friend.
As I read that book, I realized one thing. I could
have discovered the real Gaby earlier, in a much
more meaningful manner. I could have entered his
room during one of his quiet moments. I could have
engaged him. I could have broken my usual silence
at the faculty lunch table. As I closed the pages of
Gabys tribute book, I resolve never to miss these
opportunities again.
And that is the one piece of guidance I want to
leave with my son: When in doubt, choose to try. It
is much better to have tried and failed than to live
with the regret of not having tried at all.
I end this with words of Gandhi, whom Gaby
quoted at the high school graduation rites of one of
his children.
A glory has departed, and the sun that warmed
and brightened your days has set, and you shiver in
the cold and dark. But you must not feel this way;
after all, the glory that you lived through all these
years has changed you. You have been molded by
the divine re of knowledge and out of that re, you
have also taken a small spark which will strengthen
and warm you all the days of your life.
To all the graduates out there, and especially
to my son: I hope you choose always to nd the
light in the darkness and to help it light your way.
Congratulations. Best wishes.
You can e-mail Maya at integrations_manila@
yahoo.com. Or visit her site at integrations.tumblr.
com or www.mayaherrera.com.
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
Regional Offce No. V-A
CAVITE SUB-DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE
Trece Martires City
Tel. No. (046) 419-0058 / Tel. Fax No. (046) 419-0694
The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the DPWH-Cavite District Engineering
Offce, through the (stated below), invites contractors to bid for the aforementioned
projects:
Contract D: 12DF0050
Contract Name: Concr et i ng of Far m-t o-Mar ket Road at Br gy.
Navarro, Gen. Trias
Contract Location: Gen. Trias, Cavite
Scope of Work:
Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC): Php 7,500,000.00
Contract Duration: 90 calendar days
Cost of Bidding Documents: PhP 10,000.00
The BAC will conduct the procurement process in accordance with the Revised
RR of R.A. 9184. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected
at the opening of bid.
To Bid for the contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of ntent (LO), purchase
bid documents and must meet the following criteria: (a) prior registration with DPWH,
(b) Filipino Citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation, cooperative, or
joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost of this contract,
(d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC within a period of 10
years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least equal to ABC, or credit line
commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC will use non-discretionary pass/
fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary examinations of bids, evaluation of
bids and postqualifcation. All interested bidders should present the original copy of
their PCAB License, Two (2) valid D's, CRC, Tax Clearance, PhilGEPS Certifcation
to the BAC Secretariat, DPWH-Cavite District Engineering Offce, Trece Martires
City for authentication.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration to the
DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LO. The DPWH-
POCW Central Offce will only process contractor's applications for registration with
complete requirements and issue the Contractor's Certifcate of Registration (CRC).
Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph.
BAC Activities Schedule
1. ssuance of Bidding Documents April 19, 2012 May 10, 2012 until 9:00 A.M.
2. Pre-Bid Conference April 26, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
3. Deadline of Receipt of LO from Prospective
Bidders
May 3, 2012 until 10:00 A.M.
4. Receipt of Bids May 10, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
5. Opening of Bids May 10, 2012 at 10:30 A.M.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at DPWH-Cavite
District Engineering Ofhce, Trece Martires City, upon payment of non-refundable
fee of (stated above). Prospective bidders may also download the BD's from the
DPWH website, if available. Prospective bidders that will download the BD's from
the DPWH website shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids
Documents. The Pre-Bid Conference shall be open only to interested parties who
have purchased the BD's. Bids must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount
and acceptable form, as stated in Section 27.2 of the Revised RR.
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in the
BD's in the BD'S in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The
frst envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a
copy of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the
bid. Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined
in the bid evaluation and post-qualifcation.
The DPWH-Cavite District Engineering Ofhce reserves the right to accept or
reject any bid, to annul the bidding process at any time prior contract award, without
thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder/s.

Approved by:
(Sgd.) TEOFILO A. AYON
BAC Chairman

NOTED:
(Sgd.) OSCAR U. DELA CRUZ
District Engineer
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLC WORKS AND HGHWAYS
OFFI CE OF THE SECRETARY
Manila
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
1. The Government of the Philippines (GOP) has received a loan (Loan No. PH-P246)
from the Japan nternational Cooperation Agency, toward the cost of Post Ondoy
and Pepeng Short Term nfrastructure Rehabilitation Project, Roads and Bridges
Component and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to payments
under the contract for Cluster No. RB39, REHABILITATION/RESTORATION OF
VARIOUS ROAD SECTIONS IN KALINGA, CAR.
The Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) is PhP 55,822,296.56
2. The Department of Public Works and Highways now invites bids for the
rehabilitation/improvement of the above project. Completion of the Works required
is One Hundred Eighty (180) Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed,
within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a single
contract similar to the Project, equivalent to at least ffty percent (50%) of the
ABC. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents,
particularly, in Section . nstruction to Bidders.
3. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using
non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specifed in the mplementing Rules and
Regulations (RR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the
"Government Procurement Reform Act.
Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or
organizations with at least seventy fve percent (75%) interest or outstanding
capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.
4. Contractors/applicants who are interested in the DPWH civil works are required to
register prior to the set schedule of submission of bid while those already registered
shall keep their records current and updated. Contractor's eligibility to bid on the
project will be determined using the DPWH Contractor Profle Eligibility Process
(CPEP) and subject to further post- qualifcation. nformation on registration can be
obtained at DPWH website www.dpwh.gov.ph or CPO, 5
th
foor, DPWH Building,
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
5. nterested bidders may obtain further information from Bureau of Maintenance
and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m.
6. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders at
Central Procurement Offce, 5
th
Floor Department of Public Works and Highways
Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila upon payment of a non-refundable
fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Thirty Thousand Pesos
(P30,000.00.).
t may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine
Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the
Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents
not later than the set deadline for the submission of bids.
7. The Department of Public Works & Highways will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on
April 24, 2012, 9:00 A.M. at Central Procurement Offce, 5
th
Floor Department
of Public Works and Highways Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila, which
shall be open to all interested parties.
8. Bids must be delivered on or before May 8, 2012, 10:00 A.M. at Central
Procurement Offce, 5
th
Floor Department of Public Works and Highways Building,
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area Manila. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security
in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the Bidding Documents,
TB Clause 18.1.
Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders' representatives who choose
to attend at the address above. Late bids shall not be accepted.
9. For further information, please refer to:
BETTY S. SUMAIT
Director III
OC, Bureau of Maintenance
2
nd
Street, Port Area Manila
Tel. No. (02) 3043618
Fax No. (02) 3043627
10. The Department of Public Works & Highways reserves the right to accept or
reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time
prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected
bidder or bidders.
(Sgd.) ROY L. MANAO, CESO VI
Assistant Secretary for Support Services

INVITATION TO BID
RB39, REHABILITATION / RESTORATION OF VARIOUS ROAD
SECTIONS IN KALINGA, CAR, UNDER THE POST ONDOY AND
PEPENG SHORT TERM INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION PROJECT
(POPSTIRP)
(MST-Apr. 20, 2012)
Caraga Region X
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ENGINEER
2
nd
Surigao del Norte Engineering District
Dapa, Surigao del Norte
The 2
nd
Surigao del Norte Engineering District, through its Bids and Awards
Committee (BAC), invites contractors to apply to bid for the following contract(s):
Contract D : 12NG0003 (Re-ad)
Contract Name : Construction of Katipunan-Maasin Farm to Market
Road
Contract Location : Brgy. Katipunan, Pilar, Surigao del Norte
Brief Description : construction
Approved Budget for
the Contract (ABC) : Php.5,000,000.00
Contract Duration : 270 calendar days
Contract Name : Const./Completion of Multi-Purpose Building
(DAPA MUNCPAL GYM)
Contract Location : Dapa, Surigao del Norte
Brief Description : Construction/Completion
Approved Budget for
Contract Name : Const./Completion of Multi Purpose Building
(DAPA MUNCPAL GYM)
Contract Location : Dapa, Surigao del Norte
Brief Description : Construction/Completion
Contract Name : Repair/Rehab. and Const. of Tangbo-Alegria Farm to
Market Road
Contract Location : Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte
Brief Description : Repair/Rehab./Construction
Procurement will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures in
accordance with R.A. 9184 and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations.
To bid for this contract, a contractor must submit a Letter of ntent (LO), purchase
bid documents and must meet the following major criteria: (a) prior registration
with DPWH, (b) Filipino citizen or 75% Filipino-owned partnership, corporation,
cooperative, or joint venture, (c) with PCAB license applicable to the type and cost
of this contract, (d) completion of a similar contract costing at least 50% of ABC
within a period of 10 years, and (e) Net Financial Contracting Capacity at least
equal to ABC, or credit line commitment at least equal to 10% of ABC. The BAC
will use non-discretionary pass/fail criteria in the eligibility check and preliminary
examination of bids.
Unregistered contractors, however, shall submit their applications for registration
to the DPWH-POCW Central Offce before the deadline for the receipt of LO.
The DPWH-POCW Central Offce will only process contractors' applications for
registration with complete requirements and issue the Contractor's Certifcate of
Registration (CRC). Registration Forms may be downloaded at the DPWH website
www.dpwh.gov.ph.
1. ssuance of Bidding Documents From: April 19, 2012 to May 10, 2012
2. Pre-Bid Conference April 24, 2012@ 9:30am
3. Deadline of Receipt of LO from Prospective Bidders April 30, 2012
4. Receipt of Bids Deadline: Not later than 8:30 pm
May 10, 2012
5. Opening of Bids May 10, 2012 @ 9:00 a.m.
The BAC will issue hard copies of Bidding Documents (BD's) at 2
nd
Surigao
del Norte Engineering District, Dapa, Surigao del Norte upon payment of a non-
refundable fee of P5,000.00 each for contract D No's. 12NG0003, 12NG0006,
12NG0007 and P10,000.00 for contract D No. 12NG0005 for Bidding Documents.
Prospective bidders may also download the BDs from the DPWH web site, if
available. Prospective bidders that will download the BDs from the DPWH website
shall pay the said fees on or before the submission of their bids Documents. Bids
must accompanied by a bid security, in the amount and acceptable form, as stated
in Section 27.2 of the Revised RR.
Prospective bidders shall submit their duly accomplished forms as specifed in
the BD's in two (2) separate sealed bid envelopes to the BAC Chairman. The frst
envelope shall contain the technical component of the bid, which shall include a copy
of the CRC. The second envelope shall contain the fnancial component of the bid.
Contract will be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid as determined
in the bid evaluation and post-qualifcation.
The 2
nd
Surigao del Norte Engineering District reserves the right to accept or
reject any or all bid and to annul the bidding process anytime before Contract award,
without incurring any liability to the affected bidders.
(Sgd) FEDERICO J. GOTICO III
BAC Chairman
NOTED:
(Sgd) SALVADOR E. MONTIL, JR.
District Engineer
Business
ManilaStandardToday business@manilastandardtoday.com extrastory2000@gmail.com APRIL 20, 2012 FRIDAY
B3
DA plans to auction
grains project in Q4
EDC profits seen to rise
despite delay
Human capital degeneratesNSCB
ENERGY Development Corp. may
have missed out on its target prot by
86 percent last year, but the renewable
energy arm of the Lopezes is projected
to increase earnings by over 41 percent
at P6.3 billion. And thats in spite of
the continued operational delay of the
Bacon-Manito (BacMan) power plants
in Bicol, since analysts foresee better
selling prices from the Visayas-based
Palinpinon and Tongonan geothermal
plants, plus lower operating costs due
to lesser drilling activities.
Currently, BacMans Unit 1 plant with a 55-megawatt capacity
is undergoing offshore repairs and will probably be operational
by June at the latest. On the other hand, Unit 2 (with an equal
capacity) is already running and accounts for almost half of
Bacmans contracted volume of 114 megawatts. Unit 2, however,
will be up for repair, with September being targeted by EDC as
deadline for Bacman to become fully operational.
Considering that the much-touted Energy Summit in Mindanao
ended on a disappointing note for Mindanaoans with President Noynoy
Aquino giving a take-it-or-leave-it option with regard to higher
energy rates, the continued operation of Bacman will be critical to the
Visayas, given previous warnings of an impending power crisis.
The call for renewable and alternative sources of energy is
mounting, and companies like EDConsidered a pioneer in
geothermal energy in this country (whose chairman emeritus Oscar
Lopez is really big on green, going all the way to Isabela just to
personally turn over a nursery as part of reforestation efforts)can
contribute a lot in mitigating the power crisis.
Godly but not humane
With the 2013 elections just around the corner, a lot of
By Othel V. Campos
THE Agriculture Department
plans to start soliciting bids for
the P1.25-billion corn grains
bulk terminal project by the
fourth quarter of 2012.
Were still targeting to bid
out the grains central project
by the end of the year. The
feasibility is currently ongoing
and is being undertaken by the
International Finance Corp.,
Agriculture Undersecretary for
nance Antonio Fleta said in an
interview Thursday.
The P1.25-billion project
will be implemented under
the public-private partnership
scheme.
Fleta said the project,
however, needed to be approved
by the Investment Coordination
Committee of the National
Economic and Development
Authority rst.
The project involves
establishing grains bulk handling
systems, corn grains processing
centers and transshipment
stations in major corn producing
areas and selected sea ports.
It aims to upgrade, expand and
enhance existing operations
in at least 15 corn postharvest
processing and trading centers.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso
Alcala said the processing centers
would make it more efcient to
produce and store corn. Were
currently expanding areas
planted to corn so we need the
grains terminal where we can
store it, said Alcala.
The government is seeking
to boost corn production and
prevent shortages to ensure the
stability of the price of local
meat products.
Price increases of yellow corn,
the main ingredient for animal
feeds, usually affect the price of
meat products such as chicken
and pork.
THE governments main statistical agency
on Thursday presented data showing
worrisome trends towards deterioration of
human capital in the country.
Number of higher education
graduates has not risen fast
enough, said Carmelita Destreza
and Patricia Anne Rivera of the
National Statistical Coordination
Board.
The authors of the report also
warned the number of graduates
of Education Science and
Teacher Training was thinning.
Who will teach our children?
they asked.
Data showed the growth in
population of university and
college graduates has slowed in
recent years.
The NSCB said that from
2000 to 2010, the total number
of graduates increased from
363,640 to 481,862, translating
to an annual growth rate of 2.9
percent. The population grew
annually at 1.9 percent during
the period.
The ratio of higher education
graduates to the 20-34-year-
old population, however, barely
improved from 1.9 percent in
2000 to 2.0 percent in 2010.
Competing against the
knowledge-based economies
of the Third Millennium, these
marginal improvements will
not be sufcient to build our
knowledge base as a nation, the
authors of the report said.
The authors were also worried
about future trends, as the number
of teachers may soon decline.
In academic year 2000-2001,
there were 71,349 graduates of
education science and teacher
training. In academic year 2009-
2010, the number went down to
56,209, they said.
Data showed the share of
graduates of education and
teacher training and engineering
and technology to total higher
education graduates was on a
downtrend.
The share of these disciplines
was 31.3 percent of university
and college graduates in academic
year 2000-2001. That ratio went
down to 22.0 percent in academic
year 2009-2010.
Who will build our future?
the authors asked.
The NSCB also noted the
oversupply of nursing and business
administration graduates.
Graduates of medical and allied
sectors pushed down engineering
and technology from number
three discipline in academic year
2005-2006, and overtook business
administration as the number one
eld by academic year 2006-2007
up to 2008-2009.
With the oversupply of
unemployed nurses, business
administration became the
number one eld again by 2010.
The report also said the share of
graduates from Metro Manila has
been going down signicantly
as other parts of the country,
particularly Regions 3 and 4,
increased their higher education
graduates.
With Bernadette Lunas
last-term politicians will most surely field spouses, children,
siblings or some other relatives to perpetuate their hold on
powerlending credence to public perception that politics is
indeed a lucrative family business. A last-term legislator in one
of the biggest districts in Metro Manila is reportedly grooming
his spousenot his son as earlier thoughtto take his place.
Word has reached Happy Hour though that this is not considered
welcome news by the legislators constituents since the wife
who we are told is allegedly sharp tongued and sharp nosed
on account of her South American lineageis perceived to be a
bit tight (and uptight) when it comes to finances.
Not that Mr. Legislator himself is
considered generous or openhanded,
since his workers (oh yes, he has
another family business aside from
politics, critics commented) are
allegedly underpaidreportedly
below minimum wage. Worse, workers
often receive their salaries way
beyond payday because the company
signatories who also happen to
be relatives of this politician
conveniently disappear, leaving the employees (in particular
the maintenance and utility crew) with no other recourse but to
borrow in order to tide them over, sources narrated. Even special
seasons like Christmas or New Year are no exceptionwhich
is rather ironic considering that the politician is perceived to
be religious and God-fearing. Apparently, this is all for show,
since Mr. Lawmaker does not at all act like a loving shepherd
to his flock, insiders intimated.
Happy Hour Nibbler: 21 million with falsies
Several media attendees during the oral health care lecture arranged
by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) last Wednesday were surprised to learn
that an estimated 21 million Filipinos wear denturesmeaning the
Philippines has one of the highest incidences (33 percent) of denture
wearing among emerging markets. GSK ew in British health expert
Dr. Angus Walls to conduct the lecture focusing on gerodontology
(dental problems in the aged) and the fact that even those with well-
tting falsies need to use dental adhesives such as Polident to make
sure that no embarrassing incident happenslike choppers sticking
to challenging food (like suman) or worse, falling off during videoke
sing-outs.
###
For comments, reactions, photos, stories and related concerns,
readers may e-mail to happyhourtoday2012@yahoo.com.
Crossover wonder
B4
Motoring
Ramon L. Tomeldan, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com
IF
LOOKS
COULD
KILL
HYUNDAI Asia Resources,
Inc. (HARI), ofcial distribu-
tor of Hyundai cars in the
Philippines, recently won the
Hyundai Motor Company
(HMC) Asia Quality Informa-
tion Performance Award 2012
at the HMC Asia and Pacic
Service Conference held at the
JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta,
Indonesia. HARI Senior Assis-
tant Vice President Engr. Fred
Jose (R) and Richard Gapasin,
Manager (L) of HARIs Qual-
ity Assurance and Process En-
hancement Division received
the award for the countrys
third top-ranking automotive
company.
HMC cited HARI for top-
ping 33 countries in the exhaus-
tive and prompt submission of
reports on customer feedback
regarding technical improve-
ments on units. According to
Engr. Jose, HARI observes the
highest standards in customer
satisfaction and so any techni-
cal concerns about units sold
are quickly sent by his division
to HMC along with the cor-
responding solutions. HMC
greatly appreciates our reports
because they want to immedi-
ately address details of quality
improvement so that, on the
next shipment, our models
would be no less than perfect.
Our reports also benet Hyun-
dai globally because HMC dis-
seminates them to all its dis-
tributorships worldwide.
THIS summer, keep your
sports utility vehicles interi-
ors free from dirt and stains.
Get the mat covering that will
ght all the sand, mud and dirt
stains and keep it away from
your carpets.
Mothers Auto Detailing
offers the new Weather Tech
mats that are sturdy, exible
and safe to use.
Weather Tech is made from
high quality materials that are
digitally cut to the specication
of your SUVs or cars to make a
snug t, eliminating the prob-
lem of sliding mats that often-
times cause unintended accel-
eration.
Weather Techs design al-
lows it to cover the largest
open space on your ooring to
ensure that the biggest exposed
part of your carpet are kept safe
and clean.
Weather Tech from Mothers
are currently available at Suba-
ru Motor Image showrooms,
select Toyota dealerships and
at Mothers Auto Detailing at
322 Santolan Road, Barangay
Little Baguio, San Juan City,
Metro Manila.
Check out their website
at www.HARTINTL.com or
email them at Hart_Intl@ya-
hoo.com or call them at 632-
744-5875.
ENJOY summer with Thule.
Engineered to maximize the
loading capacity and to pro-
tect your personal belongings,
Thule the Worlds fore-
most authority on bike
rack systems encourages
you to experience the
beauty of Mother Nature
from the saddle. Noth-
ing beats the experience
of listening to the birds,
crickets and the wind in
the trees as you move
along a dirt road riding
your bike and being one
with nature.
Just mount the bike
rack on your vehicle
and secure the bicycle
and you are ready to go.
Thule bike racks has an
easy snap on, snap off
feature which lets you
install it with ease. With
Thule, theres no drilling
required, it is guaranteed safe
from rust, and is wind tunnel
tested to aerodynamically com-
pliment the exterior design of
any vehicle. Shown in photo
is a Subaru Forester equipped
with one of Thules newest roof
mounted bike rack. Thules line
of load carriers is recommend-
ed for all trucks, SUVs, vans,
wagons, subcompact sedans
and larger sedans.
For more information on
how to gear up and make your
vacation a more adventurous
one, load up and visit their dis-
play at the Thule-EGR Show-
rooms at the Ground Floor
of the Banco de Oro Bldg. 2,
Ortigas Avenue, West Green-
hills, San Juan, beside the Se-
gafredo Zanetti Caf, with Tel.
numbers 744-6367 and Pasong
Tamo 892-7847 or visit our
website www.thule.com
Text and photos by Dino Ray V. Directo III
AFTER a journey across the seas
and hours of anticipating some pre-
cious time with her, our date to spend
the rest of the day was nally real-
ized. As I got off the service bus for
our rendezvous at the car park of the
Singapore Jockey Club, there she sat
alone in a corner, seemingly waiting
for me to initiate the rst move. She
was drop dead gorgeous, with a well
sculpted body like an athlete and a
tight sexy rear end.
I could no longer contain my
emotions and started her up.
The guttural sounds of the 2.0
liter horizontally opposed engine
roared to life, as my test drive of
Subarus latest rear-wheel drive
sports car commenced. This
writer was part of the exclusive
media contingent invited by Mo-
tor Image to take its latest vari-
ant through its paces.
The motoring World was
abuzz about this engineer-
ing and design collaboration
between two automotive gi-
ants Toyota and Subaru. Many
questions were asked regarding
its exterior design, engine per-
formance and how the car will
inuence the future of both
brands. It was a bold move
for the Worlds second largest
manufacturer, considering that
Toyota has just been reeling
from a global sales downtrend.
The BRZ is part of Toyotas
strategy to develop multiple
models simultaneously to boost
the number of common parts.
This would help in lowering the
costs and freeing up resources
that could be shifted to pursue
regional demands.
There has been mounting
anticipation for the BRZ since
it received outstanding reviews
at the Los Angeles and Tokyo
Motor Show late last year,
states Glenn Tan, Executive
Director of Tan Chong Interna-
tional Limited. The low slung
stance, sleek exterior with a
newly developed FA engine,
Subaru hopes to carve a prof-
itable niche among gear heads
who would want to have more
driving fun into their motor-
ing lifestyle. This car is not
for drifters or weekend racers.
Its all about the experience of
getting behind the wheel of an
agile, stable and sexy car, adds
Tan. A second car need not be
boring right? he quips.
For the BRZ experience,
Motor Image converted a spa-
cious car park of the Jockey
Club into a race course with the
usual slalom and round-about
Hyundai Quality Information
Performance Award 2012
Summer fun with Thule
Summer-proof your car
areas, plus a stretch of asphalt
to test the cars acceleration and
braking capabilities.
With media colleagues from
the rest of Southeast Asia, we
had our work cut out for the day
as excited motoring scribes took
turns in driving the BRZ and the
recently launched Crossover XV
vehicle.
Summoning some mojo from
my racing experience, I took the
wheel of the BRZ and dropped
the hammer. The tires fought
for grip as I negotiated the tricky
slalom course. The steering feel
was excellent and the BRZ was
both stable and agile around
the cones of the slalom course.
Although the car does not ac-
celerate like the Impreza STi,
this pocket rocket jumps like a
rabbit when you slam the ac-
celerator. This superb handling
is due to the cars low center of
gravity. The overall package like
the streamlined exterior and
rooine, seat positioning and
the at Horizontally-Opposed
engine design allows the car to
have precise handling. Its an en-
gineering marvel, explains Tan.
Motor Image plans to launch
the BRZ locally in the First Quar-
ter of next year. With its twin
brother, the Toyota GT-86 due for
launched sometime June or July,
Subaru is quick to point out that
the BRZ is better equipped than
the GT-86. We will denitely
be more expensive than Toyota
because our car is the premium
model, reveals Tan.
Although Motor Image is
downplaying the issue if an STi
variant will be available, indus-
try sources are saying that the
STi version will also be avail-
able sometime next year. Expect
the STi version of the BRZ to
be more aesthetically aggres-
sive with more horses being ex-
tracted from the 2.0 liter Boxer
engine. Subaru displayed an STi
version in last years Tokyo Mo-
tor Show.
Visually appealing dashboard layout
Best of both Worlds
Subarus pocket rocket eases through the slalom course
TODAY
@play Life
Manila Standard
Gianna Maniego, Editor
Dinna Chan Vasquez, Assistant Editor
food travel event shopping
W
H
A
T
S
I
N
S
I
D
E
ENJOYING HAM
ALL YEAR ROUND
Purefoods Fiesta Ham can
be enjoyed by everyone
all year round. The brands
HAMbasasadors tell us
how.
MORE IS BETTER, SAYS GREENWICH PICK YOUR OWN WINE
Whether you need a special
wine gift or planning to host a
party at home and looking for
a pre-dinner drink or a great
accompaniment to a meal, the
best place to visit for exquisite
wines is Wine Story.
Greenwich has made spaghetti enjoyment even
better to give its loyal followers more reasons
to agree as to why Greenwich is the Favorite
ng Barkada. The new and improved Greenwich
Spaghetti Supreme brings more avor and
goodness to spaghetti that guarantees a better
than ever pasta experience.
home work relationship---- wednesday
FRIDAY APRIL 20, 2012
C1
Thia Megia performs in Manilaagain
SEASON 10 American Idol contestant Thia Megia is coming back to
the Philippines as part of her Asian concert tour.
Megia, 17, will perform at the Glorietta Activity Center on April
22 from 4p.m. to 6:60 p.m. along with Greenwich barkada guests
Solenn Heusaff and Loyd Bruno Zaragosa. The event, aptly dubbed
as Idol Overload Challenge, will be hosted by Dj Gino and Dj Fran
of RX 93.1. Guests will be treated to an overload of freebies, lots of
entertainment and tons of fun!
Megia has her hands full until June as she will also be holding a
series of performances not only in Asia but also in the US. Megia is
also scheduled to perform in , Taipei, Bali, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur
from April 19 until May 3. Aside from her performance in Glorietta,
Thia will also sing at Macys in San Francisco this May 5. Shell also
hold a concert in Saratoga come May 6 and the next day, she will be
performing in Missouri.
On May 12, Megia will be performing in Beverly Hills together
with Paula Kent Meehan and Debbie Reynolds. Possible guest
attendee is TV host Ellen De Generes. She will be flying back to
Missouri on May 13 and will be staying there until June 17 before
coming home to California. She will be performing in Missouri along
with American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze in June. Megia
is also a part of the Girl Scouts Rock the Mall event in Washington
D.C.
Joba Botana
Enchanted by
HANOI
(PART 1)
Words by Joba Botana
Images by Rose Razon
Additional images by Mark Parlade
The Temple of
Literature in
Hanoi provides
a sanctuary for
relaxation and
good stroll.
Lakes and rivers in Hanoi often are frequented by locals and tourists
for their natural beauty.
Offerings to the god of fertility
The One-Pillar Pagoda
MY IDEA of Hanoi, Vietnam before was of
an old rustic city. Honestly, I didnt think it
would be wonderful, except probably for the
food. I would nd out later that I was wrong.
When the countrys largest low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific
Air, headed by its president and chief executive Lance
Gokongwei, invited select lifestyle press, including myself, to
cover the launch of their Manila-Hanoi-Manila twice-weekly
direct service, I took it as an opportunity to explore and get to
know Hanoi firsthand.
The ight going there was memorable as
we took the inaugural ight, which marked as
an important milestone for Cebu Pacic being
the only airline in the country to operate ights
between Manila and Hanoi. Hanoi is Cebu
Pacics 17th international destination.
This step reinforces our commitment to
continue expanding the largest Philippine
national ag carriers reach in the Asia-Pacic
region, and promote air travel to destinations not
previously easily accessible to our passengers,
said Gokongwei during a short press con held at
the departure area in Terminal 3 prior our ight.
The rst thing that caught my attention when
we were toured the city was the blend of old and
new buildings. I had the impression that the city has
withstood countless of changes over time. In a way, its
one of the traits that make Hanoi uniquely charming.
Despite the scooters and motorcycles that dont stop
when you want to cross the street, the overall feel of the
place is that its peaceful, almost languid.
Hanoi is also a melting pot of culture.
Being a French colony many years ago,
Vietnamese people have somehow acquired
some Western traits that blend well with their
own. Good examples of this maybe are the
outdoor or street cafes that occupy almost
every street and corner of Hanoi. People
there seem to love to take some time off their
day to enjoy the mix of the crowd and the
beauty of the city. Rivers and lakes such as
From left: Genivi Facto of Malaya Business Insight, Charles Legaspi of Business Mirror, Felix Diaz Suerte of
Philippine Star, Deni Rose Anidad of The Daily Tribune, the author, Michelle de Guzman of Cebu Pacic Air,
Emylou del Castillo of Manila Bulletin, Viveca Singson of JG Summit, Ed Uy of Manila Times, Mark Parlade
of Stratworks and our guide, Lam
the West Lake, Truc Bach Lake and Sword Lake provide Hanoi
with a natural beauty and a right atmosphere for relaxation
and entertainment. In the afternoon, students, teenagers and
even working professionals dally along the street in groups and
enjoy each others company while popping sunflower seeds
and sipping iced tea. The sight of them seemed to tell me that
the locals enjoy simple joys in life.
Hanoi has also inherited many French architectural style buildings
such as Hanoi Opera House, Presidential Palace and several
buildings around Sword Lake, Old Quarter and Trang Tien Street.
These buildings do not only provide attraction for tourists all over
the world but also venue for staging cultural events.
If theres one thing that people ought to experience while in
Hanoi, it should be visiting temples. The historic city has hundreds
of temples, pagodas and architectural works that are invaluable such
as Tran Quoc, One Pillar, Quan Su or Quan Thanh, to name a few.
One of the biggest and most important temple that we visited is the
Temple of Literature, which is a crowd-drawer located right smack
dab in the middle of the city.
The structure and architecture of the temple
is something that will always remind you of
Hanoi. To visitors, the place provides a sanctuary
for relaxation or good stroll. The temple was
constructed in 1070 and was dedicated to
Confucius (and up to now, some people refer to it
as the Temple of Confucius), sages and scholars.
The temple also houses the Imperial Academy.
There are, in fact, several temples of literature
that can be found throughout Vietnam but the
most popular is the one in Hanoi as it also serves
as Vietnams rst university.
We also visited the One-Pillar Pagoda, a
historic Buddhist temple, which is also known as
the Perfume Temple. The pagoda takes the shape
of a lotus ower, which, according to the locals,
is a symbol of a womans fertility and purity.
According to our guide, it was built by an ancient
emperor as a way of thanking the gods when his
prayer to have a son had been heard. Another
iconic and one of the oldest temples (in fact, it is
the oldest) is the Tran Quoc Pagoda constructed
in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor
Ly Nam De.
(Next week: More about the beauty of Hanoi,
the Cebu Pacic press conference, water-puppet
show and opera concert.)
Cebu Pacific Air flies to Hanoi twice
weekly. For more information, visit www.
cebupacificair.com.
C
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B
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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Globe Telecom promotes fair trade with
environment friendly My Fair Share Eco Bags
Reinforcing its commitment
to preserving the environment
and supporting fair trade, Globe
Telecom is giving away free My
Fair Share (MFS) eco bags to all
new postpaid mobile accounts
opened on Earth Day, April 22.
Made from recycled and bio-
degradable materials, the eco
bags are part of the telecom
companys initiative to move
beyond their environmental
sustainability commitment
which includes reducing
energy, water, and solid waste
footprints and harnessing and
integrating green solutions in
its operations. In 2012, Globe
will lead a value-chain analysis
study to assess greenhouse gas
reduction opportunities and
increased recyclability.
Globe is working with
Gifts and Graces Fair Trade
Foundation, Inc., a social
enterprise which partners with
non-government organizations
(NGOs) to support marginalized
groups and underserved
communities to produce the
eco bags for Globe Telecom
subscribers.
According to Rob I. Nazal,
head of Globe Corporate
Social Responsibility, Globe is
committed to synergize eforts
to encourage the reduced
use of plastic and promote
environment conservation.
The company also supports fair
trade practices and is working
with partner organizations
such as Gifts and Graces Inc.
which share our advocacy
for supporting communities
and helping them become
sustainable social enterprises.
Through the My Fair Share eco
bags, we hope to empower
underserved communities, one
bag at a time.
Globe recently strengthened
its environment preservation
eforts by donating P1 million
to the Philippine Fund for
Nature (PFN), an initiative of
the WWF Philippines, designed
to ensure the long term
growth of the organizations
wide range of projects for
preserving the countrys natural
resources. Other environment
conservation initiatives by the
telecom company include the
upcoming Globe Cordillera
Challenge 3, a biking challenge
slated for May 5 which aims
to support the establishment
of seedling nurseries for the
reforestation of the Cordillera
mountains.
The My Fair Share eco bags
are also available to all Globe
Telecom subscribers for only
P99 each from April 23 onwards
at all Globe Business Centers.
Proceeds from the sale of the
bags help support the Kaibhan
Womens Association, one of
the benefciary groups of Gifts
and Graces Inc., which works
to prevent maternal deaths
and disability among the urban
poor women in Valenzuela
City. The group utilizes the
sewing and embroidery skills
of unemployed women for their
various livelihood projects.
Life @ play
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
food travel events shopping
C3
FRIDAY
C2
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
ANSWER TOMORROW
5 1 S t a n z a r h y me
scheme
55 1880s Whi te House
monogr am
56 Basi c I nst i nct co-
st ar
59 Cassi s cockt ai l
60 Drug del i very mode
61 New al ums, l ast yr.
62 Out war d i mpr es -
si ons
Down
1 I nsect sensor
2 Emmy wi nner Fal co
3 Ocean f l i er
4 Used wi t h ski l l
5 Suf f i x wi t h Ecuador
6 Aquat i nt s, e. g.
7 Get s upset
8 S u b j . i n v o l v i n g
br ead?
9 Wha t a c ol l ec t i v e
noun usual l y l acks
10 Pea pod, e. g.
11 Cel ebr at e, i n a way
12 Radi sh, f or one
13 Shoot i ng si t e
14 Reduced
22 Ski r esor t near t he
Acr oss
1 Dodger s hor t s t op
af t er Leo Dur ocher
12 I ki ss d t hee __ I
ki l l d t hee: Ot hel l o
15 Medi terranean arm
16 24- hor a per i od
17 Wher e sheet s ar e
spot t ed
18 Supposi t i ons
19 Coat of a ki nd
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
20 Chi ck chaser
21 Adj ect i ve s howi ng
conf i dence
23 Cost of member shi p
25 Ra c ed on a l a k e,
per haps
26 Many Twi l i ght se-
r i es r eader s
29 Racket
30 Phar maceut i cal s co.
di vi si on
31 Upsi de l i st
32 Horse wi th a hi gh tai l
car r i age
34 Past , i n t he past
35 Accommodat es
38 2011 Hi r oshi ma Ar t
Pr i ze wi nner
39 Take of f t he t op
41 Hogwash!
42 The Supr emes __:
1966 #1 al bum
44 Real l y messed up
46 Gl ossy- coat ed t r ee
dwel l er
47 Cr ust y ent r es
48 Not i ce on t he l i nks?
49 Be r i ght wi t h ya
50 Where chads became
f amous: Abbr.
Gr eat Sal t Lake
24 Rever se
25 Tough j obs
26 25% of doce
27 Revel s i n t he mo-
ment
28 Concl ude wi t h an
emot i onal demonst r a-
t i on, per haps
29 Shout ed
31 Pr act i ces
33 Benef i t
36 Good st ock
37 Mi ner al - r i ch Eur o-
pean r egi on
40 Googl e __
43 I ncr ease
45 For d subcompact
si nce 1976
46 Mal cont ent
47 Hai l damage marks
48 Ar ea pl ant s
50 . . . get one __!
52 For mer U. K. car r i er
53 Le Havr e handl e
54 Some school com-
pet i t i ons
57 One of t en t ur ned
up i n a cl ub
58 70s r adi cal gp.
APRIL 20, 2012
"Coat it in a bit of maple syrup
and pan fry it," says Chef Jessie
Sincioco when asked what the
best way to enjoy Purefoods Fiesta
Ham is.
Celebrity moms and Purefoods
Hambassadors, Suzi Entrata-
Abrera, Christine Jacob-Sand-
ejas, Barbie Almalbis-Honasan
and Danica Sotto-Pingris also
apply that Noche Buena enthusiasm
to every occasion.
Sundays are often spent recharg-
ing for the coming week. For Suzi
Entrata-Abrera, Sunday is spent
reconnecting with her husband
Paolo Abrera, and her children,
Leona, Jade and Nela. But no
family bonding is complete without
foodSuzis food of choice for her
family? Crepe pouches and kebabs
made with Purefoods Fiesta Ham
Smoked Boneless.
As a former Olympian, staying
t continues to be part of Christine
Jacobs lifestylerunning, playing
tennis and yoga are just a few of the
ways she continues to stay active.
But Christine knows that after a
work out she and her friends like to
enjoy a light and tasty bite. Theres
no better way than to toss up a salad
with fresh greens, topped with a
hearty herbal dressing, and spiced
with chunks of Purefoods Fiesta
Ham. Complementing the salad is
a creamy potato soup with small
bits of ham.
Barbie Almabis is wife to
painter, Martin Honasan and
mom to their daughter, Noa Sti-
na and son, Liam. The multi-
awarded artist continues to write
songs and perform live, but when
its time to prepare for her kids
party, Barbie prepares a delicious
creamy pasta with Purefoods Fi-
esta Ham Smoked Boneless.
When you have been in the
limelight for your entire life
Enjoying
ham
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
PUREFOODS Fiesta Ham is known as the
star of the Filipino Noche Buena feast. Ad-
mittedly, ham is associated with Christmas
but there is no reason why we can't enjoy it
all year round.
sometimes its difcult to spend
quality time with the people that
you love. Actress and celebrity
mom, Danica Sotto likes to ro-
mance her husband, PBA player,
Marc Pingris, by capturing and
recapturing her husbands heart
through his stomach. This entails
a meal made special with an ex-
tra dose of creativity; Danicas
dish of choice is a Ham Wel-
lington prepared with Purefoods
Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless.
Grilled Ham & Vegetable
Kebab in Mini Skewers
Cut esta ham into 1 inch strips,
grill.
Cut into bite size pieces, season
with salt, pepper and pesto: auber-
gine, zucchini, broccoli orets, red
bell pepper, tomato, onion. Grill.
Skewer grilled vegetables and
ham.
Drizzle with pesto before
serving.
Summer Vegetables & Greens
Salad with Fiesta Ham Strips
in Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Dressing
Ingredients:
20 g spinach tips
20 g arugula
20 g salad greens
12 pcs French beans, cleaned
and blanched
6 pcs asparagus spears, blanched
20 g red bell pepper, cut into
strips
40 g cucumber, thinly sliced
lengthwise
60 g Fiesta ham, cut into strips
Dressing: (Passion Fruit Vin-
aigrette)
2 T passion fruit, including seeds
2 T olive oil
4 T corn oil
2 T honey
Salt & pepper
Procedure:
Wrap cucumber slice around
the French beans, asparagus and
bell pepper strips and place at the
center of the plate.
Arrange spinach tips, arugula
and greens around the center-
piece together with the strips of
esta ham.
For the dressing; mix all the
ingredients in a bowl. Cool.
Dress salad before serving.
Cream of Potato
& Fiesta Ham Soup
Ingredients:
50 g potatoes, peeled and cut
into cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 piece onion, chopped
50 g Fiesta ham, diced
2 oz. white wine
liter chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
Boil potatoes until soft. Drain.
Saut garlic and onion.
Add esta ham.
Deglaze with white wine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add chicken stock.
all year round
WHETHER you need a
special wine gift or planning
to host a party at home and
looking for a pre-dinner
drink or a great accompa-
niment to a meal, the best
place to visit for exquisite
Highlighting this season
are some of the best wine
picks you can enjoy this
summer. The Champagne
Deutz, which originates
from the famous vineyards
of A, France. Deutz Brut
Ros NV has a blend of 75
percent Pinot Noir (a grape
variety noted for being sen-
sual, ethereal, savory and
full of fruit) and 25 percent
Chardonnay. Other equally
worthy picks are Cham-
pagne Pol Roger, with a
trademark appeal of being
crisp and clean, following
a mature and concentrated
nose of complex roses; and
Les Monts Damns, which has an impres-
sively soothing nish.
This summer or other occasions happening
the rest of the year, champagne is an adven-
turous alternative for brunch that includes
smoked salmon and eggs. A superb bottle
of champagne is also a great accompani-
ment for ne sh like sea bass. One of Wine
Storys recommended options, Champagne
Deutz, offers a seductive rst sip that creates
a memorable impression, with taste of fresh
berry fruit, making it ideal for dinner dates.
Deutz Brut Rose NV is a rich, textured wine
characterized by oral notes that reappear to
round out the nish. On the other hand, wines
like Cuve William Deutz -- made in years
when nature enables the Champagne region to
create an exceptional harvest has a powerful
nose, rich and complex, that shows aromas
reminiscent of baked apples, together with
light and pleasant hints of preserved ginger
and nutmeg, amongst others.
Among the excellent
options from Wine Sto-
ry is a wine that goes by
the intriguing name "Les
Monts Damns" (translated
as "the Damned Moun-
tains"), so named because
the specific vineyard lies
on a steep incline and it is
impossible to work the land
without special equipment.
Les Monts Damnes tastes
spirited, stimulating the
palate and igniting the ap-
petite, especially with dishes
like salmon croquettes or
freshly grilled sea scallops.
Les Monts Damnes 2009
offers honeysuckle, narcis-
sus, honeydew melon, white
peach, and pineapple on the
nose of, with mint and chalk
notes. The nish is impres-
sively soothing and long.
Last but not the least
is Champagne Pol Roger
whi ch has excel l ent l evel of dept h,
freshness and mature, rich bouquet. It is
ideal for pairing with dishes like oysters,
crayfish and most other seafoods. Pol
Roger Brut Rserve Non-Vintage was
the official Champagne served at the
Royal Wedding of Prince William and
bride Kate. It is made from equal parts
of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot
Meunier. Chardonnay from white grape
variety offers finesse; Pinot Noir gives
depth of fruit, while Pinot Meunier gives
richness.
Make your summer more memorable,
wherever you choose to spend it. Accom-
pany delicious meals with ne wines and
take your pick from the superb selections
at Wine Story with branches located at the
ground oor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall along
EDSA, Mandaluyong City and at the ground
oor of Serendra, Taguig.
The nest picks
at Wine Story
ManilaStandardToday
IN the Philippines, the classic red spaghetti is
almost always found in the menu of restau-
rants to cater to the avid Filipino food-
lover. It is a must-have especially
in barkada gatherings and other
parties to celebrate any occasion.
Filipinos have embraced this
Italian fare and made it their
own in more ways than one.
The red sauce has been given
a uniquely sweet twist that is
denitely Filipino and loaded
with an ample serving of
meat. This combination never
fails to add a festive atmosphere
to fun get-togethers.
With the spaghetti choices
around, quality is not the same for all.
Not all kinds of spaghetti have the same
amount of beef, noodles, sauce and cheese.
Theres the type of spaghetti that has less beef or
noodles and theres the type that is full of bland sauce making
the dish unsatisfying. Some customers are left to settle for what is
available just to have their spaghetti x. Nevermind that the spaghetti
is not perfect to the palate.
Thankfully, Greenwich, the countrys favorite pizza and pasta
chain, knows and understands what the customers desire. Its fa-
miliarity with the Filipino palate as well as the fun that goes with
sipping on strands of al dente noodles pushed Greenwich to come
up with a satisfying spaghetti formula that equals to a full tummy
and a happy customer. Greenwich has made spaghetti enjoyment
even better to give its loyal followers more reasons to agree as to
why Greenwich is the Favorite ng Barkada. The new and improved
Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme brings more avor and goodness to
spaghetti that guarantees a better than ever pasta experience.
The all-new and improved Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme is
further proof that in Greenwich, we are always making our prod-
ucts better to satisfy more customers, Jo Anne
Ingalla, Greenwich assistant brand manager
for Pasta, said. We added more of what
our market loves in spaghetti and the
result has made our product even
much better.
Starting off these mouth-
watering add-ons is the added
25 percent serving of noodles
and sweet-blended sauce. That
means spaghetti lovers will
denitely have a feast day in
Greenwich and leave the store
with big smiles on their faces
and happy tummies.
The tomato sauce is made
even richer using the finest
and freshest ingredients. Its
sweet blend is just perfect for the
Filipino taste and will surely delight
everyone.
Getting into the meat of the matter, the
Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme uses high quality and juicy
ground beef and topped with freshly grated cheese. Completing the
hearty meal is a piece of the tasty Garlic Stix to set off the unique
supreme spaghetti goodness.
And to top it off, the better than ever Greenwich Spaghetti Su-
preme can still be availed at the same friendly price of P49 when
ordered a la carte.
We want to extend the best Greenwich can offer to as many
customers as possible, Jo Anne Ingalla said. Greenwich Spaghetti
Supreme is just the right answer for people seeking for a truly enjoy-
able and lling yet affordable meal.
There is really no stopping the ow of enjoyment and fun in
Greenwich with the new Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme. With more
sumptuous additions, more people will fall in love over and over
with the all-time favorite spaghetti.
COFFEE dates are now more exciting for Citibank cardhold-
ers who can enjoy a free upsize treat when they pay using
their Citibank Credit Card at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Cool down with a refreshing Mocha Ice Blended Coffee on
a hot summer day or cozy up with your loved one while sharing
a Double Chocolate Hot Latte. Whatever beverage you warm
up to, let Citibank Credit Card give you a rewarding coffee
experience at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Enjoy that free upsize on any cup of The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf beverage, which you can pair with any freshly baked
bread or cake. Try complementing your favorite Caramel Mac-
chiato with the heavenly blueberry muffin, or add sizzle to
that steaming cup of Tea Latte with a delicious serving of Roast
Chicken and Mushroom Fusilli pasta.
Hot or cold, you can have it your way at any The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch
you frequent and Citibank will upsize it for you. Just charge your purchase to
any Citibank Credit Card. Enjoy this treat the whole year round as this promotion
runs until Dec. 31, 2012.
Visit www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-Hour CitiPhone at 995-9999 for more
exciting dining privileges with your Citibank Credit Card.
Java and Citibank: Perfect
Because more is better
with Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme
WITH summer right here and
all the new style trends popping
up, ladies can denitely step up
their chosen fashion look with
no less than a perfect fun-
under-the-sun shoe accessory.
Primer Group of Companies,
distributor and retailer of pre-
mium quality global brands,
brings the brilliant shoe that
blends beautifully with ones
summer attire via the grand ar-
rival of the authentic espadrille,
the Espadrij.
The ultimate feel-good,
versatile footwear essential
now made extra chic and flat-
tering by vibrant colors and
interesting hand-sewn stitch
details, Espadrij speaks true of
its genuine European origin.
Produced using high-grade,
durable canvas with a rich
selection of colors and braided
jute sole coated with natural
rubber, each Espadrij under-
goes traditional methods in
its original workshops located
in a small village in the Pyr-
enees, south of France. These
basic soles are then vulcanized
underneath, after which the
uppers are built on the jute
soles and vertically stitched,
to complete the perfect ladies
espadrille.
Fun, modern, ultra-attering
and can be worn with anything
from jean shorts, cutesy skirts
to maxi dresses, a pair of Espa-
drij is perfect to wear for almost
any warm weather occasion,
whether from the pool, to the
party or a casual weekend date.
The very feminine Espadrij
come in the perfect colors of
summer and in a variety of
styles in Classic, Handmade,
St. Tropez, Pyrenees 3, and
Nice models.
Espadrij is now available
at Res| Toe| Run bout i ques
l ocat ed at Ayal a Abreeza-
Davao, Ayala Cebu, Gateway
Mall, Nuvali, Trinoma, Mar-
ket Market, Robinsons Ermita
and at SM Makati and soon at
SM North Edsa.
Step up
your look
By Carla Mortel
IN COOPERATION with the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources,
Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc.
(EDNPI), the national secretariat of Earth
Day in the country, will launch the Earth
Day celebration on Sunday.
With the theme Earth Day Everyday,
Everywhere, this year s celebration
carries on the message that caring for
Mother Earth is timeless and goes beyond
borders. To encourage the participation
of different sectors, the network shall
feature several advocacy activities.
The main even will be held at the
Ayala Triangle from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
with the support of Makati City gov-
ernment, Ayala Land, Inc., and Ayala
Foundation, Inc.
Contingent of support groups are ex-
pected to march along Paseo de Roxas
and Makat i st reet s and converge i n
front of the Philippine Stock Exchange
in an activity called the E(nvironment)
Lakad. At certain points, the marchers
will encourage motorists to momen-
tarily stop for the Tigil Buga program of
Makati City and Ms. Earth Foundation.
At the main program, DENR Secre-
t ary Ramon Paj e wi l l del i ver t he an-
nual St at e of Phi l i ppi ne Envi ronment
report al ong wi t h di fferent i ni t i at i ves
and act i ons undert aken.
For his part, Roberto Guevarra, EDNPI
chairman and president, shall deliver the
civil societys response. He will also un-
veil the water project of EDNPI, known
as the Agos Ram Pump project that aims
to install 100 ram pumps for upland com-
munities nationwide.
Another highlight of the event would
be t he revel at i on of t hree cel ebri t y
ambassadors as champions for Green
Busi ness, Bi odi versi t y Conservat i on
and Yout h Envi ronment al Empower-
ment, respectively.
Se ve r a l a dvoc a c y boot hs s ha l l
s howcas e di f f er ent envi r onment al
i ni t i at i ves at t he venue such as t he
Unl i t r i ke boot h wher e a pr ot ot ype
el ect r i c t r i cycl e wi l l be di spl ayed.
Li kewi s e, an organi c mar ket s hal l
be set up for support ers who enj oy
heal t hy and eco-fri endl y meal s.
Cel ebr at ed f or mor e t han f or t y
year s , Ear t h Day has become t he
worlds largest and longest running en-
vironmental celebration. This Sunday,
more than one billion people around
the globe will participate in Earth Day
2012 with people of all nationalities
and background wi l l voi ce t hei r ap-
preciation for the planet and demand
its protection, says Voltaire Alferez,
executive director of EDNPI.
A day for Mother Earth
Fiesta Ham
Christine Jacob nishes off her workout with healthy salad and
soup Prepared with Purefoods Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless Strips
Sunday family reunions deserve
special dishes made with Purefoods
Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless
C
Y
A
N

M
A
G
E
N
T
A

Y
E
L
L
O
W

B
L
A
C
K
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Globe Telecom promotes fair trade with
environment friendly My Fair Share Eco Bags
Reinforcing its commitment
to preserving the environment
and supporting fair trade, Globe
Telecom is giving away free My
Fair Share (MFS) eco bags to all
new postpaid mobile accounts
opened on Earth Day, April 22.
Made from recycled and bio-
degradable materials, the eco
bags are part of the telecom
companys initiative to move
beyond their environmental
sustainability commitment
which includes reducing
energy, water, and solid waste
footprints and harnessing and
integrating green solutions in
its operations. In 2012, Globe
will lead a value-chain analysis
study to assess greenhouse gas
reduction opportunities and
increased recyclability.
Globe is working with
Gifts and Graces Fair Trade
Foundation, Inc., a social
enterprise which partners with
non-government organizations
(NGOs) to support marginalized
groups and underserved
communities to produce the
eco bags for Globe Telecom
subscribers.
According to Rob I. Nazal,
head of Globe Corporate
Social Responsibility, Globe is
committed to synergize eforts
to encourage the reduced
use of plastic and promote
environment conservation.
The company also supports fair
trade practices and is working
with partner organizations
such as Gifts and Graces Inc.
which share our advocacy
for supporting communities
and helping them become
sustainable social enterprises.
Through the My Fair Share eco
bags, we hope to empower
underserved communities, one
bag at a time.
Globe recently strengthened
its environment preservation
eforts by donating P1 million
to the Philippine Fund for
Nature (PFN), an initiative of
the WWF Philippines, designed
to ensure the long term
growth of the organizations
wide range of projects for
preserving the countrys natural
resources. Other environment
conservation initiatives by the
telecom company include the
upcoming Globe Cordillera
Challenge 3, a biking challenge
slated for May 5 which aims
to support the establishment
of seedling nurseries for the
reforestation of the Cordillera
mountains.
The My Fair Share eco bags
are also available to all Globe
Telecom subscribers for only
P99 each from April 23 onwards
at all Globe Business Centers.
Proceeds from the sale of the
bags help support the Kaibhan
Womens Association, one of
the benefciary groups of Gifts
and Graces Inc., which works
to prevent maternal deaths
and disability among the urban
poor women in Valenzuela
City. The group utilizes the
sewing and embroidery skills
of unemployed women for their
various livelihood projects.
Life @ play
standardlifestyle@gmail.com
food travel events shopping
C3
FRIDAY
C2
ANSWER
TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE
ANSWER TOMORROW
5 1 S t a n z a r h y me
scheme
55 1880s Whi te House
monogr am
56 Basi c I nst i nct co-
st ar
59 Cassi s cockt ai l
60 Drug del i very mode
61 New al ums, l ast yr.
62 Out war d i mpr es -
si ons
Down
1 I nsect sensor
2 Emmy wi nner Fal co
3 Ocean f l i er
4 Used wi t h ski l l
5 Suf f i x wi t h Ecuador
6 Aquat i nt s, e. g.
7 Get s upset
8 S u b j . i n v o l v i n g
br ead?
9 Wha t a c ol l ec t i v e
noun usual l y l acks
10 Pea pod, e. g.
11 Cel ebr at e, i n a way
12 Radi sh, f or one
13 Shoot i ng si t e
14 Reduced
22 Ski r esor t near t he
Acr oss
1 Dodger s hor t s t op
af t er Leo Dur ocher
12 I ki ss d t hee __ I
ki l l d t hee: Ot hel l o
15 Medi terranean arm
16 24- hor a per i od
17 Wher e sheet s ar e
spot t ed
18 Supposi t i ons
19 Coat of a ki nd
LOS ANGELES
TIMES
CROSSWORD
20 Chi ck chaser
21 Adj ect i ve s howi ng
conf i dence
23 Cost of member shi p
25 Ra c ed on a l a k e,
per haps
26 Many Twi l i ght se-
r i es r eader s
29 Racket
30 Phar maceut i cal s co.
di vi si on
31 Upsi de l i st
32 Horse wi th a hi gh tai l
car r i age
34 Past , i n t he past
35 Accommodat es
38 2011 Hi r oshi ma Ar t
Pr i ze wi nner
39 Take of f t he t op
41 Hogwash!
42 The Supr emes __:
1966 #1 al bum
44 Real l y messed up
46 Gl ossy- coat ed t r ee
dwel l er
47 Cr ust y ent r es
48 Not i ce on t he l i nks?
49 Be r i ght wi t h ya
50 Where chads became
f amous: Abbr.
Gr eat Sal t Lake
24 Rever se
25 Tough j obs
26 25% of doce
27 Revel s i n t he mo-
ment
28 Concl ude wi t h an
emot i onal demonst r a-
t i on, per haps
29 Shout ed
31 Pr act i ces
33 Benef i t
36 Good st ock
37 Mi ner al - r i ch Eur o-
pean r egi on
40 Googl e __
43 I ncr ease
45 For d subcompact
si nce 1976
46 Mal cont ent
47 Hai l damage marks
48 Ar ea pl ant s
50 . . . get one __!
52 For mer U. K. car r i er
53 Le Havr e handl e
54 Some school com-
pet i t i ons
57 One of t en t ur ned
up i n a cl ub
58 70s r adi cal gp.
APRIL 20, 2012
"Coat it in a bit of maple syrup
and pan fry it," says Chef Jessie
Sincioco when asked what the
best way to enjoy Purefoods Fiesta
Ham is.
Celebrity moms and Purefoods
Hambassadors, Suzi Entrata-
Abrera, Christine Jacob-Sand-
ejas, Barbie Almalbis-Honasan
and Danica Sotto-Pingris also
apply that Noche Buena enthusiasm
to every occasion.
Sundays are often spent recharg-
ing for the coming week. For Suzi
Entrata-Abrera, Sunday is spent
reconnecting with her husband
Paolo Abrera, and her children,
Leona, Jade and Nela. But no
family bonding is complete without
foodSuzis food of choice for her
family? Crepe pouches and kebabs
made with Purefoods Fiesta Ham
Smoked Boneless.
As a former Olympian, staying
t continues to be part of Christine
Jacobs lifestylerunning, playing
tennis and yoga are just a few of the
ways she continues to stay active.
But Christine knows that after a
work out she and her friends like to
enjoy a light and tasty bite. Theres
no better way than to toss up a salad
with fresh greens, topped with a
hearty herbal dressing, and spiced
with chunks of Purefoods Fiesta
Ham. Complementing the salad is
a creamy potato soup with small
bits of ham.
Barbie Almabis is wife to
painter, Martin Honasan and
mom to their daughter, Noa Sti-
na and son, Liam. The multi-
awarded artist continues to write
songs and perform live, but when
its time to prepare for her kids
party, Barbie prepares a delicious
creamy pasta with Purefoods Fi-
esta Ham Smoked Boneless.
When you have been in the
limelight for your entire life
Enjoying
ham
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
PUREFOODS Fiesta Ham is known as the
star of the Filipino Noche Buena feast. Ad-
mittedly, ham is associated with Christmas
but there is no reason why we can't enjoy it
all year round.
sometimes its difcult to spend
quality time with the people that
you love. Actress and celebrity
mom, Danica Sotto likes to ro-
mance her husband, PBA player,
Marc Pingris, by capturing and
recapturing her husbands heart
through his stomach. This entails
a meal made special with an ex-
tra dose of creativity; Danicas
dish of choice is a Ham Wel-
lington prepared with Purefoods
Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless.
Grilled Ham & Vegetable
Kebab in Mini Skewers
Cut esta ham into 1 inch strips,
grill.
Cut into bite size pieces, season
with salt, pepper and pesto: auber-
gine, zucchini, broccoli orets, red
bell pepper, tomato, onion. Grill.
Skewer grilled vegetables and
ham.
Drizzle with pesto before
serving.
Summer Vegetables & Greens
Salad with Fiesta Ham Strips
in Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Dressing
Ingredients:
20 g spinach tips
20 g arugula
20 g salad greens
12 pcs French beans, cleaned
and blanched
6 pcs asparagus spears, blanched
20 g red bell pepper, cut into
strips
40 g cucumber, thinly sliced
lengthwise
60 g Fiesta ham, cut into strips
Dressing: (Passion Fruit Vin-
aigrette)
2 T passion fruit, including seeds
2 T olive oil
4 T corn oil
2 T honey
Salt & pepper
Procedure:
Wrap cucumber slice around
the French beans, asparagus and
bell pepper strips and place at the
center of the plate.
Arrange spinach tips, arugula
and greens around the center-
piece together with the strips of
esta ham.
For the dressing; mix all the
ingredients in a bowl. Cool.
Dress salad before serving.
Cream of Potato
& Fiesta Ham Soup
Ingredients:
50 g potatoes, peeled and cut
into cubes
2 cloves garlic
1 piece onion, chopped
50 g Fiesta ham, diced
2 oz. white wine
liter chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Procedure:
Boil potatoes until soft. Drain.
Saut garlic and onion.
Add esta ham.
Deglaze with white wine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add chicken stock.
all year round
WHETHER you need a
special wine gift or planning
to host a party at home and
looking for a pre-dinner
drink or a great accompa-
niment to a meal, the best
place to visit for exquisite
Highlighting this season
are some of the best wine
picks you can enjoy this
summer. The Champagne
Deutz, which originates
from the famous vineyards
of A, France. Deutz Brut
Ros NV has a blend of 75
percent Pinot Noir (a grape
variety noted for being sen-
sual, ethereal, savory and
full of fruit) and 25 percent
Chardonnay. Other equally
worthy picks are Cham-
pagne Pol Roger, with a
trademark appeal of being
crisp and clean, following
a mature and concentrated
nose of complex roses; and
Les Monts Damns, which has an impres-
sively soothing nish.
This summer or other occasions happening
the rest of the year, champagne is an adven-
turous alternative for brunch that includes
smoked salmon and eggs. A superb bottle
of champagne is also a great accompani-
ment for ne sh like sea bass. One of Wine
Storys recommended options, Champagne
Deutz, offers a seductive rst sip that creates
a memorable impression, with taste of fresh
berry fruit, making it ideal for dinner dates.
Deutz Brut Rose NV is a rich, textured wine
characterized by oral notes that reappear to
round out the nish. On the other hand, wines
like Cuve William Deutz -- made in years
when nature enables the Champagne region to
create an exceptional harvest has a powerful
nose, rich and complex, that shows aromas
reminiscent of baked apples, together with
light and pleasant hints of preserved ginger
and nutmeg, amongst others.
Among the excellent
options from Wine Sto-
ry is a wine that goes by
the intriguing name "Les
Monts Damns" (translated
as "the Damned Moun-
tains"), so named because
the specific vineyard lies
on a steep incline and it is
impossible to work the land
without special equipment.
Les Monts Damnes tastes
spirited, stimulating the
palate and igniting the ap-
petite, especially with dishes
like salmon croquettes or
freshly grilled sea scallops.
Les Monts Damnes 2009
offers honeysuckle, narcis-
sus, honeydew melon, white
peach, and pineapple on the
nose of, with mint and chalk
notes. The nish is impres-
sively soothing and long.
Last but not the least
is Champagne Pol Roger
whi ch has excel l ent l evel of dept h,
freshness and mature, rich bouquet. It is
ideal for pairing with dishes like oysters,
crayfish and most other seafoods. Pol
Roger Brut Rserve Non-Vintage was
the official Champagne served at the
Royal Wedding of Prince William and
bride Kate. It is made from equal parts
of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot
Meunier. Chardonnay from white grape
variety offers finesse; Pinot Noir gives
depth of fruit, while Pinot Meunier gives
richness.
Make your summer more memorable,
wherever you choose to spend it. Accom-
pany delicious meals with ne wines and
take your pick from the superb selections
at Wine Story with branches located at the
ground oor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall along
EDSA, Mandaluyong City and at the ground
oor of Serendra, Taguig.
The nest picks
at Wine Story
ManilaStandardToday
IN the Philippines, the classic red spaghetti is
almost always found in the menu of restau-
rants to cater to the avid Filipino food-
lover. It is a must-have especially
in barkada gatherings and other
parties to celebrate any occasion.
Filipinos have embraced this
Italian fare and made it their
own in more ways than one.
The red sauce has been given
a uniquely sweet twist that is
denitely Filipino and loaded
with an ample serving of
meat. This combination never
fails to add a festive atmosphere
to fun get-togethers.
With the spaghetti choices
around, quality is not the same for all.
Not all kinds of spaghetti have the same
amount of beef, noodles, sauce and cheese.
Theres the type of spaghetti that has less beef or
noodles and theres the type that is full of bland sauce making
the dish unsatisfying. Some customers are left to settle for what is
available just to have their spaghetti x. Nevermind that the spaghetti
is not perfect to the palate.
Thankfully, Greenwich, the countrys favorite pizza and pasta
chain, knows and understands what the customers desire. Its fa-
miliarity with the Filipino palate as well as the fun that goes with
sipping on strands of al dente noodles pushed Greenwich to come
up with a satisfying spaghetti formula that equals to a full tummy
and a happy customer. Greenwich has made spaghetti enjoyment
even better to give its loyal followers more reasons to agree as to
why Greenwich is the Favorite ng Barkada. The new and improved
Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme brings more avor and goodness to
spaghetti that guarantees a better than ever pasta experience.
The all-new and improved Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme is
further proof that in Greenwich, we are always making our prod-
ucts better to satisfy more customers, Jo Anne
Ingalla, Greenwich assistant brand manager
for Pasta, said. We added more of what
our market loves in spaghetti and the
result has made our product even
much better.
Starting off these mouth-
watering add-ons is the added
25 percent serving of noodles
and sweet-blended sauce. That
means spaghetti lovers will
denitely have a feast day in
Greenwich and leave the store
with big smiles on their faces
and happy tummies.
The tomato sauce is made
even richer using the finest
and freshest ingredients. Its
sweet blend is just perfect for the
Filipino taste and will surely delight
everyone.
Getting into the meat of the matter, the
Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme uses high quality and juicy
ground beef and topped with freshly grated cheese. Completing the
hearty meal is a piece of the tasty Garlic Stix to set off the unique
supreme spaghetti goodness.
And to top it off, the better than ever Greenwich Spaghetti Su-
preme can still be availed at the same friendly price of P49 when
ordered a la carte.
We want to extend the best Greenwich can offer to as many
customers as possible, Jo Anne Ingalla said. Greenwich Spaghetti
Supreme is just the right answer for people seeking for a truly enjoy-
able and lling yet affordable meal.
There is really no stopping the ow of enjoyment and fun in
Greenwich with the new Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme. With more
sumptuous additions, more people will fall in love over and over
with the all-time favorite spaghetti.
COFFEE dates are now more exciting for Citibank cardhold-
ers who can enjoy a free upsize treat when they pay using
their Citibank Credit Card at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Cool down with a refreshing Mocha Ice Blended Coffee on
a hot summer day or cozy up with your loved one while sharing
a Double Chocolate Hot Latte. Whatever beverage you warm
up to, let Citibank Credit Card give you a rewarding coffee
experience at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Enjoy that free upsize on any cup of The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf beverage, which you can pair with any freshly baked
bread or cake. Try complementing your favorite Caramel Mac-
chiato with the heavenly blueberry muffin, or add sizzle to
that steaming cup of Tea Latte with a delicious serving of Roast
Chicken and Mushroom Fusilli pasta.
Hot or cold, you can have it your way at any The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch
you frequent and Citibank will upsize it for you. Just charge your purchase to
any Citibank Credit Card. Enjoy this treat the whole year round as this promotion
runs until Dec. 31, 2012.
Visit www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-Hour CitiPhone at 995-9999 for more
exciting dining privileges with your Citibank Credit Card.
Java and Citibank: Perfect
Because more is better
with Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme
WITH summer right here and
all the new style trends popping
up, ladies can denitely step up
their chosen fashion look with
no less than a perfect fun-
under-the-sun shoe accessory.
Primer Group of Companies,
distributor and retailer of pre-
mium quality global brands,
brings the brilliant shoe that
blends beautifully with ones
summer attire via the grand ar-
rival of the authentic espadrille,
the Espadrij.
The ultimate feel-good,
versatile footwear essential
now made extra chic and flat-
tering by vibrant colors and
interesting hand-sewn stitch
details, Espadrij speaks true of
its genuine European origin.
Produced using high-grade,
durable canvas with a rich
selection of colors and braided
jute sole coated with natural
rubber, each Espadrij under-
goes traditional methods in
its original workshops located
in a small village in the Pyr-
enees, south of France. These
basic soles are then vulcanized
underneath, after which the
uppers are built on the jute
soles and vertically stitched,
to complete the perfect ladies
espadrille.
Fun, modern, ultra-attering
and can be worn with anything
from jean shorts, cutesy skirts
to maxi dresses, a pair of Espa-
drij is perfect to wear for almost
any warm weather occasion,
whether from the pool, to the
party or a casual weekend date.
The very feminine Espadrij
come in the perfect colors of
summer and in a variety of
styles in Classic, Handmade,
St. Tropez, Pyrenees 3, and
Nice models.
Espadrij is now available
at Res| Toe| Run bout i ques
l ocat ed at Ayal a Abreeza-
Davao, Ayala Cebu, Gateway
Mall, Nuvali, Trinoma, Mar-
ket Market, Robinsons Ermita
and at SM Makati and soon at
SM North Edsa.
Step up
your look
By Carla Mortel
IN COOPERATION with the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources,
Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc.
(EDNPI), the national secretariat of Earth
Day in the country, will launch the Earth
Day celebration on Sunday.
With the theme Earth Day Everyday,
Everywhere, this year s celebration
carries on the message that caring for
Mother Earth is timeless and goes beyond
borders. To encourage the participation
of different sectors, the network shall
feature several advocacy activities.
The main even will be held at the
Ayala Triangle from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
with the support of Makati City gov-
ernment, Ayala Land, Inc., and Ayala
Foundation, Inc.
Contingent of support groups are ex-
pected to march along Paseo de Roxas
and Makat i st reet s and converge i n
front of the Philippine Stock Exchange
in an activity called the E(nvironment)
Lakad. At certain points, the marchers
will encourage motorists to momen-
tarily stop for the Tigil Buga program of
Makati City and Ms. Earth Foundation.
At the main program, DENR Secre-
t ary Ramon Paj e wi l l del i ver t he an-
nual St at e of Phi l i ppi ne Envi ronment
report al ong wi t h di fferent i ni t i at i ves
and act i ons undert aken.
For his part, Roberto Guevarra, EDNPI
chairman and president, shall deliver the
civil societys response. He will also un-
veil the water project of EDNPI, known
as the Agos Ram Pump project that aims
to install 100 ram pumps for upland com-
munities nationwide.
Another highlight of the event would
be t he revel at i on of t hree cel ebri t y
ambassadors as champions for Green
Busi ness, Bi odi versi t y Conservat i on
and Yout h Envi ronment al Empower-
ment, respectively.
Se ve r a l a dvoc a c y boot hs s ha l l
s howcas e di f f er ent envi r onment al
i ni t i at i ves at t he venue such as t he
Unl i t r i ke boot h wher e a pr ot ot ype
el ect r i c t r i cycl e wi l l be di spl ayed.
Li kewi s e, an organi c mar ket s hal l
be set up for support ers who enj oy
heal t hy and eco-fri endl y meal s.
Cel ebr at ed f or mor e t han f or t y
year s , Ear t h Day has become t he
worlds largest and longest running en-
vironmental celebration. This Sunday,
more than one billion people around
the globe will participate in Earth Day
2012 with people of all nationalities
and background wi l l voi ce t hei r ap-
preciation for the planet and demand
its protection, says Voltaire Alferez,
executive director of EDNPI.
A day for Mother Earth
Fiesta Ham
Christine Jacob nishes off her workout with healthy salad and
soup Prepared with Purefoods Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless Strips
Sunday family reunions deserve
special dishes made with Purefoods
Fiesta Ham Smoked Boneless
C4
Isah V. Red, Editor standard.showbiz@gmail.com
showbitz
ISAH V.
RED
SIMPLY RED
Dennis Trillo
GMA Network President and
Chief Operating Ofcer Gilberto
R. Duavit, Jr. claried certain
points raised by the reporter.
He said that it is not true that
two out of the three major stock-
holders of GMA are already
amenable to selling their respec-
tive 33-percent stake.
In a number of blogsites, the
reports are of varying avors, a
couple reporting that the sale to
Pangilinan by the three major
stockholders is already a done
deal.
Duavit said that the major and
controlling shareholders have not
yet received a price that is accept-
able to them.
We are presently not in seri-
ous negotiations with the PLDT
group as we have not yet received
an offer price that is acceptable to
us. The Network is not for sale
but that is not to say it may not
be sold, depending on the offer
price, Duavit reiterated.
He also claried the item tha
GMA nearly sold the network
to the PLDT group in 2001 with
the signing of a Memorandum
Of Understanding between the
owners and the said group. He
said that there were agreements
already reached then among the
owners on both pricing and a
sale of a majority stake, contrary
to the news article. The transac-
tion, however, did not materialize
due to issues encountered by the
buyer, and not because of a dis-
agreement on the indicated P14
billion price.
So, those who are feeling jit-
tery that Kapuso will soon turn
into Kapatid should relax. There
is no sale yet. The network is
rmly still in the hands of the
Gozons, Jimenezes, and Dua-
vits. For how long? Ask me not.
THE much awaited clash
between reigning WBO
yweight champion Brian
Viloria (30-3-0, 17 KOs)
and his nemesis Omar Nio
Romero (31-4-2, 13 KOs)
has been pushed back. This
will be the third ght between
the two ghters. In their rst
meeting, Viloria came in as
the WBC light yweight title
but he was frustrated to no end
by a determined Romero. The
Mexican challenger won the
title via unanimous decision.
Viloria exercised his rematch
clause in an effort to reclaim the
title but he fell short again as
the ght was ruled as a majority
draw. However, the result was
later on changed to a No Contest
as traces of illegal substance was
traced in Romeros urine sample
after the ght.
The completion of their
trilogy will have to wait a little
longer as the Nevada State
Athletic Commission prevented
the WBO from sanctioning the
ght due to unpaid penalties
on Romeros part. From 2006,
Romero has amassed a total of
$11,500 in penalties which he
needs to pay before the ght is
sanctioned.
The fight will be held on
May at the Ynares Sports
Arena in Pasig.
TOMORROW on Life And Style
With Gandang Ricky Reyes, tips
and suggestions on how to keep
skin and hair healthy after being
exposed to sunlight and soaked
in salty sea water will be the
topic.
The show goes to Golden
Sunset Resort and Spa for
facial massage, hydro massage
and other health care services.
Everyone needs pampering
especially if they could only
have time for self improvement
in the summer. For busy men
and women we recommend easy
beauty regimen and affordable
services, says host-producer
Ricky Reyes.
A new comic character Akira
Lakwatsera with equally funny
friends will delight televiewers
in wacky situations while dressed
in sea creatures costumes.
To make your summer outing
experience more fun, Golden
Sunset opens the bird sanctuary,
shing ground and movie
watching in the evening.
Vacation time is family
bonding time as well so Ricky
advises to make the most of it.
Life and Style airs Saturdays
at ten in the morning on GMA
News TV. Iproduced by
ScriptoVision.
NICKIE
WANG
WITHOUT WANG
2
RMS Titanic did not arrive in its destination
but even after 100 years since it sank in the
North Atlantic Ocean, its story has reached
many great heights as it captures the interest
of many people around the globe.
The story of the sinking of the Titanic
has an enduring fascination for millions
of people, hence it led to one of the most
successful movies of all time. The trouble
is that movie has dened the history of the
event for many people. What we wanted to
do was to revisit this tragedy from a scientic
point of view and really discover the truth
shares Louis Boswell, General Manager,
AETN All Asia Networks that owns and
operate History channel.
In 2010, in a major, exclusive underwater
expedition, History took part alongside
the worlds top underwater experts, in the
most thorough and exhaustive study of the
wreck ever undertaken. The expedition
yielded unprecedented new discoveries
and the rst comprehensive map of
Titanics watery grave.
In a two-hour special entitled Titanic:
Mystery Solved that premiered last Sunday,
the high-tech mapmaking process unveiling
astonishing pieces of never-before-seen
wreckage was presented. The denitive
special uses CGI to illustrate what happened
structurally to the ship after the collision
with the iceberg.
In an email sent to the
ManilaStandardTODAY, Rushmore
Denooyer, one of the producers of the
documentary special said that technology
played an important role in the expedition
that aimed to solve the entire mystery in the
Titanic mishap.
Using sonar and cameras and other
kinds of underwater vehicles in the water
at the same time was something that
they had never done before. They were
so impressed with the results and this, I
believe would be a new methodology
towards shipwreck explorations, says
Denooyer.
The television executive adds that
people sometimes become too impressed
with our own technology and we forget
the power of nature.
From the analysis of the special, experts
walk through the audience in nding out
who or what was at fault and who or what
has been blamed unfairly. Additionally it
also answers how did the unsinkable
ship break apart and plunge into the icy
waters by recreating a visual replica of the
famous ship.
But ships sink, no matter what we build,
nature is still more powerful than humans.
So I think thats the theme of the Titanic
story, Denooyer afrms.
Fox celebrates fun in style
Before the metro observed the lent,
around 3500 people joined the rst ever
Fox International Channels (FIC) Fun Run
at the Bonifacio Global City. Participants
eagerly joined the fun as they played dress
up and hobnobbed with celebrities and
some famous personalities who were in
their running shoes.
The event, which started at dawn, gave
runners the opportunity to choose and
participate in the four races that represent
FIC key channels. Aptly called 500m Fox
Costume Run, 3K Star Movies Blockbuster
Run, 5K Star World Lifestyle and the 10K
Nat Geo Run For a Cause, runners were
also able to show off the stylish way to
cross the nish line.
Some runners came dressed in their
favorite character and ran alongside
fellow enthusiasts and sponsor mascots
in the 500m Fox Costume Run. Star
Movies rolled out the red carpet for
movie aficionados in the 3K Star Movies
Lifestyle Run where some writers, film
producers and movie directors showed
their support to the event. For a bit of
a movie trivia and a tad of inspiration,
popular quotes from movie characters
were set up along the course.
For the 5K Star World Lifestyle Run
featured a red carpet along the route to
mimic the paparazzi scene. Finally, for the
10K National Geographic Run for a Cause,
which was in partnership with 10 select non-
government organizations, sought to raise
awareness for their respective advocacies.
Among the partner NGOs are Physicians
for Peace, ICANSERVE Foundation,
Virlanie, Greenpeace, Philippine Red
Cross, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision
and Gawad Kalinga.
Running is something that a lot of
people enjoy. So we thought of incorporating
fun and healthy lifestyle while creating
awareness on our key channels and us as
a corporate entity, says Fox International
Channels vice president and territory head
for Philippines, Jude Turcuato.
Tragedy of Titanic proportions
Island Assault 4:
Viloria-Romero on May 13
Hair, skin tips
from Ricky Reyes
SO, rumors about Manny Pangilinan
gobbling up GMA Network is not true, after
all, though talks about the PLDT and TV5
top gun offering to buy the countrys most
protable network is for real. In fact, there
have been reports that Pangilinan is offering
to buy the network for P45 billion, as
published in the business section of a daily,
not ManilaStandardTODAY.
Warm Kapuso
welcome at Panaad
An estimated crowd of 15,000
Negrenses were treated to an ex-
citing Kapuso experience at the
Panaad Festival: Kapuso Night at
the Panaad Park and Stadium in
Bacolod City.
Featuring topnotch perfor-
mances from RnB Princess Kyla
and Steven Silva of Party Pilipi-
nas, and Kapuso leading lady
Sarah Lahbati (from the upcom-
ing Kapuso primetime offering
Makapiling Kang Muli), the event
served as the highlight of the Ka-
puso Networks participation in
this year s Panaad Festival.
Steven and Sarah, who are
both products of GMA s popular
talent reality search StarStruck,
surprised the audience with a
duet.The sizeable crowd went
agog as the two artists fueled the
kilig explosion with their seem-
ingly good rapport.
The excitement reached fever
pitch as soon as Kyla took the
stage. She also participated in the
Kapuso Meet and Greet in SM
City Bacolod at 4 p.m. that day.
I feel very touched by the
warm welcome extended to us
by the Negrenses. It was nice to
see them dancing and singing
along during my performances.
Nakakatuwa sila! shares Kyla.
It s my third time here in Bacolod
and it feels good to be here again
to entertain our Kapuso fans. I
hope they ll continue to support
all our shows on GMA.
Sana abangan din nila ang
mga bago naming programa,
says Sarah.
Steven is also excited about
joining the Panaad festivities.
Ang daming tao! I hope they
enjoyed celebrating the festival
with us and I denitely look for-
ward to seeing them again in our
next visit.
Meanwhile, RnB Prince JayR
of Party Pilipinas and Kapuso
heartthrob TJ Trinidad (Makap-
iling Kang Muli) serenaded the
candidates of the Lin-ay Sang
Negros beauty pageant during its
Coronation Night on April 13 at
the Panaad Park and Stadium. TJ,
together with Bubble Gangs sexy
actress Jackie Rice, were also at
the Meet and Greet the following
day at SM City Bacolod.
The team behind GMA Re-
gional TV was just ecstatic not
just with the successful outcome
of the events but also with the
warm reception they received
from the local audience. By just
merely seeing all the smiles in the
audiences faces, we know for a
fact that all of our hard work and
preparations for this years Pa-
naad Festival surely paid off. We
thank all Kapusong Negrenses for
welcoming us once again and for
continuously making GMA Net-
work number one in their hearts,
says Oliver Amoroso, Assistant
Vice President for Sales and Mar-
keting of GMA Regional TV.
On April 29, catch the high-
lights of the Kapuso celebration
of the Panaad Festival via the
Lets Fiesta TV Special airing
in all eight regional stations of
GMA Network in Davao, CDO,
GenSan, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo,
Naga, and Bacolod.
Biritera remains
rmly at the top
With ABS-CBN piloting a new
show The Princess and I with
Albert Martinez and Gretchen
Barreto and a new starlet (the
name escapes my memory at
the moment), GMA Networks
Biritera with Dennis Trillo and
Roseann Magan stood rmly on
its slot as the audiences favorite
soap opera.
Based on AGB Nielsens over-
night ratings last Monday, April
16, Biritera earned a 33.7 rating
points against Princess and Is
31.6.
If this gure continue for the
GMA Network show, it would be
clear that Barreto is no lethal am-
moto shoot down the Kapusos
child friendly tearjerker.
Even if the ABS-CBN show
had been taped in a picturesque
local, I believe the audience wants
to watch a show with characters
they can empathize with.
I am not saying that Barretto
does not elicit empathy, but clear-
ly she has alienated herself to far
a distance away from the audi-
ence even in real life.
MVP
offer not
acceptable to
GMA
Sarah Lahbati (above), Steven Silva and Kyla
Jude Turcuato with coach Rio
Network

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