Manila Standard Today - July 22, 2012 Issue

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Vol. I No. 4 12 Pages, 1 Section P18.00 SUNDAY, July 22, 2012
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PhilHealth probe eyed; Palace hits party list

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan
ALACAANG on Saturday took potshots at several groups that claimed that the PhilHealth cards were intended for use in the 2013 election campaign.
hospitals, rural health units and barangay health centers so that they can provide services to indigents for free? she said. With this budget, will incumbent candidates be giving out PhilHealth cards in 2013 as they did in 2004 and 2007? she said. Meanwhile Filipino workers in Italy and Afghanistan expressed their strong opposition to any increase in the premium contributions of PhilHealth. In a statement released Saturday, Federation of Filipino Communities in Italy spokesman Juan Felix asked the House of the Representative to investigate the PhilHealth on the planned premium rate hike. Felix said that 200,000 migrant Filipinos are against the increase stressing that the assistance of PhilHealth would not benet them and their families who are already living abroad. Migrant Filipinos are against the increase since most of their dependents are in Italy and they themselves cannot use the medical coverage offered by PhilHealth, Felix said. Recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said that more than 8,000 Filipinos in Afghanistan also shared the same sentiments with the foreign workers in Italy. In fact seven to eight workers out of 10 all over the world do not use the PhilHealth coverage for themselves and their dependents who avail of other medical coverage provided their own international companies, Geslani said.
But even before the Palace could parry the blows came another group, the Federation of Filipino Communities, which demanded a congressional investigation on the increase in contributions planned by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda dared the party-list lawmakers to stop politicizing a project that is meant to serve the Filipinos. Can they not distinguish what is politics and what is for the people? We are serving the people. Our promise is we are going to alleviate poverty, Lacierda said. The Palace was reacting to Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan who said that the Aquino administration wanted to distribute health insurance cards worth P12.61 billion during the election campaign next year. She claimed that a huge chunk of the Health Departments budget would be used for election purposes. We are serving the people. Our promise is we are going to alleviate poverty. This is one way of doing that, Lacierda said.Thats a myopic view coming from the Left. Ilagan criticized President Aquino IIIs policy of privatizing health care services and taking the funding from public hospitals and transferring it to PhilHealth. Why spend P12.6 billion for the distribution of PhilHealth cards when the same amount can be allocated to public
SONA costs P3m; Aquino spent a week rehearsing

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III spent the whole Saturday rehearsing his latest draft of his State of the Nation Address that he will deliver on Monday. Amid all the preparations, including the P3-million allocation for hosting the constitutional obligation, Mr. Aquinos spokesmen said they would not know until he is fully satised with his nal SONA. I can safely say that he will be working on the speech today [Saturday] and he will hopefully have the time to rest tomorrow [Sunday] for Mondays state of the nation presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. In a separate interview, Presidential Communication secretary Ramon Carandang said he and his teammates have been up all night almost all week working with the President regularly for the consolidation of Aquinos speech. Aquino, who will wear a Barong Tagalog, will deliver his speech in Filipino, Carandang said. Asked about the accomplishments of Aquino since he assumed ofce, Carandang said: I think what we have done is we have turned the corner from what is a very dark page in our history and the Philippines is becoming what the president has promised could be on his term. A country where we have economic growth that is felt not by just a few people but by a broad segment, a country that is able to stand up for itself and defend its territory, a country that encourages business to drive here so that people can create jobs and investors can prot, and a country where its government has a greatest sense of accountability, and the people who have a greater sense of pride on themselves and have greater faith in their own ability to get things done. Aquinos forthcoming address will be the 73rd since 1936 and the 26th since the restoration of democratic rule under the Fifth Republic in 1987. The SONA delivered by the President is a yearly tradition wherein the chief executive reports on the status of the country, unveils the governments agenda for the coming year, and may also propose to Congress certain legislative measures.
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Rare earth. Patches of green are all thats left of the concrete
jungle that is the Ortigas Center. Photo by MANNY PALMERO
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The Batman shooter who killed 12 and injured 58 people in a Colorado theater.
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SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012
Ferdie leaves 2 dead

By Florante S. Solmerin
THE weather bureau lifted all rainfall warning signals in Metro Manila on Saturday, but warned of occasional, moderate to heavy rain due to Ferdie. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted red warning signals earlier on Saturday after two people were drowned while six others were missing because of oods triggered by Ferdies heavy rain. The red warnings were lifted later in the day although Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and Abra remained under Storm Signal No. 1 as of 4 p.m. Pag-asa said Ferdie was 240 km west-northwest of Laoag City as of 4 p.m. and was moving in a west-northwest direction away from the country and may leave the Philippine area of responsibility by late Saturday. Meanwhile, Executive Director Benito Ramos identied the two fatalities as Jonathan Sagodaquiel, 31, a resident of Barangay Wawa in Lumban, Laguna and Wilcor Rellera, 35, of Barangay San Isidro in Naguillan, La Union. Weve six reported missing in Pangasinan, Rizal and La Union, Ramos said.
Budget bill and RH get Palace priority; Cha-cha still iffy

By Maricel V. Cruz
APART from the P2-trillion national spending plan, priority bills that have a ghting chance in the House of Representatives include the measures on reprodutive health and the freedom of information.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said on Saturday that the 15th Congress will exert efforts to set both measures in full swing as soon as Congress resumes session on Monday. We will try our best to have these measures approved at least before the year ends, Belmonte told the Manila Standard. Charter Change will likely be included in the legislative mill, although Belmonte has yet to give any categorical statement on whether such a proposal will get priority or shelved altogether. The proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution focusing only on the economic provisions has been pending before the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments. The House committee chairman Rep. Loreto Leo Ocampos has admitted that it would be hard for his committee to act on the measure without the marching order from Malacaang. Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad on Tuesday was expected to turn over to the House leadership the proposed General Appropriations Bill for 2013. Abad admitted earlier that the 2013 GAB would include the governments increased allocation for the conditional cash transfer program by almost 20 percent, from this years P39 billion to roughly P45 billion in 2013. At least 3 million poor families are currently enrolled in the program, and the government plans to raise that number to 4.8 million by 2014. While the FOI bill is pending for action at the House Committee on Public Information chaired by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone,
the RH bill still has a chance to make it. Theres a good chance the bills will get enacted, Belmonte added when asked for the prospects of the controversial bills. The RH bill, filed on July 1, 2010, was awaiting committee approval. Proponents were pushing for the measures approval as they expressed alarm over the countrys ballooning population which reached 92,337,852 as of 2010. The burgeoning population could grow to 100 million by 2015, estimates showed. The proposed freedom of information law will also likely pass muster at the committee level, according to Evardone. And hopefully, we will be able to have it discussed and debated thoroughly on the oor, Evardone told the Manila Standard. About 15 bills were led on the measure. Consolidating the 15 versions of the proposed Freedom of Information law was the crucial part, Evardone said. The FOI bill was led on July 27, 2010. Evardone, former journalist, said FOI is going to be the priority agenda of his panel in August.
Chaos on the streets. A chaotic situation ensued in most parts of Metro Manila in the aftermath of heavy rain dumped by tropical depression Ferdie. But when all else fails, you can depend on pedal power (inset) to do the job. EY ACASIO/DANNY PATA
FEATURES
Hard facts on sex

product containing banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), malunggay (Moringa oleifera), takip kuhol or gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Gotu kola is known as an aphrodisiac because it enhances mental abilities, strengthens blood vessels, improves circulation, heals wounds, has anti-stress element and works against rehumatism, among others. Malunggay is known to have potent antioxidant properties. It also has high calcium content. Banaba is known to improve glucose and lipid metabolism Tongkat ali or long jack (Eurycoma longifolia) is the active ingredient of Enduranz. It is the herbal supplement that has a unique property to bring back to normal the testosterone level that has declined with age. These properties appear to stimulate the availability of natural testosterone which otherwise is not available as a result of advancing age. They can also help in male infertility problems, morphology, activity (motility) and improve sperms count. Enduranz is sold at P20.50 per capsule. It is advised that to get the best results, a capsule should be taken daily before breakfast or may even be raised to 2 capsules, one to be taken before breakfast and the other before dinner before strenuous activity. Animal studies have shown that Tongkat ali can produce arousal, libido and sexual motivation. The overall effect of Tongkat ali is gradual and safe. Another male enhancement product is sexual booster Monster Excyte, a dietary supplement which is supposed to increase stamina, sex drive and virility. One or two capsules should be taken 45 minutes before any sexual activity. This dietary supplement removes stress and tension which are the main reasons of erectile dysfunction. Monster Excyte promises a longer and harder erection and improved sexual performance. Among foreign brands, the most popular among prescribed treatments for is Viagra, developed and marketed by pharmaceutical company, Pzer Inc., according to Department of Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa. Viagra is also called the Blue Pill due to its color. It is a lm-coated, diamond shaped tablet that comes in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of sildefanil for oral administration. It is generally taken by men who are suffering from impotence, thirty minutes or an hour before sexual intercourse. When the effect of Viagra sets in, a man will be able to engage in sexual activity. In many cases, he can achieve and maintain an erection sufcient for satisfactory sexual activity. Viagra improves the following aspects of sexual function: frequency, rmness and maintenance of erections; frequency of orgasm and level of desire; frequency, satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse and overall relationship satisfaction. To be continued
(First of 2 parts ) By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SOME men in their 40s may encounter difculties in gaining full erection or experiences loss of sex drive. Based on a survey entitled Ideal Sex in Asia conducted by Harris Interactive Asia, a full-service global market research rm, erection hardness is considered a signicant factor in attaining an ideal sexual experience with a sex partner. The European Association of Urology recently developed a scale which measures erection and quality, known as the Erection Hardness Score (ERS). A Grade 1 score depicts a penis that is larger, but not hard. For Grade 2, the penis is hard, but not hard enough for penetration while Grade 3 is a penis that is hard enough for penetration, but not completely hard. Grade 4 is a penis which is completely hard and fully rigid. EHS Grade 4 erection hardness is correlated with better health and higher feelings of self-worth than EHS Grade 3 erections. However, not all men are capable of reaching optimal erection or Grade 4 because some men experience erection problems, hindering the nerves or blood vessels which play an important role in the sexual arousal process. Erection problem is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). This pertains to a mans inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufcient for mutual sexual satisfaction. ED is commonly caused by diabetes, highblood pressure, liver disease, obesity and stroke as well as psychological factors like stress and trauma, and hormonal imbalance, among many others. But men with ED need not lose hope. Nowadays, there are several potency pills which could help men rediscover their sex drive and once again achieve erection hardness. The cure may come from herbal medicines, which are available locally, and the more expensive chemical-based pills. Former Health Deparment secretary Dr. Jaime Tan Galvez said that at present, there are only two FAD-approved herbal medicines for ED available in the local market. These are Enduranz and Excyte. He admitted though that these herbal cures, which are marketed as food supplement, may not be at par with the branded potency drugs in terms of efcacy. The effect of branded potency pills for ED is instant unlike their herbal counterparts, said Galvez Tan. The good news, however, is that Enduranz and Excyte do not have any side effects because they are made from pure herbs. Since they are pure herbal, they have no side effects, said Galvez Tan who practices integrative medicine. Enduranz, which comes in 350 mg capsule, has been described as a multi-herb
Members of a militant group Alliance of Peoples Organization put the nishing touches on a giant efgy of President Aquino who will deliver his state of the nation address on Monday. MANNY PALMERO
Finishing touches.
Sona...
The SONA is a constitutional obligation, as written in Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution: [t]he President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. Moreover, Article VI, Section 15 prescribes that the Congress shall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular session. The President of the Philippines appears before Congress upon its invitation, for which purpose a joint session is held in the
Session Hall of the House of Representatives. Congress issues tickets, and all preparations are undertaken with Congress as the ofcial host. On Monday morning, both the House of Representatives and the Senate hold their respective sessions in their respective chambers and elect their ofcials. For this years SONA, at least P3 million has been earmarked by Congress as the ofcial host, on top of the funds set aside to spruce up the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City. A few days before the SONA,
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. lead the blessing of the North Wing extension, which entailed P57 million. The North Wing extension now houses a lounge on 2nd oor and meeting rooms on the 3rd oor. The extension building was not only built in symmetry with the entire Batasan structure but also allowed bigger functions. I have been guests of some parliaments and activities were always within the parliament building. I would like to follow the same patern to give prestige to the people, Belmonte said. Maricel Cruz and Sara Fabunan
Edited by FRANCIS LAGNITON mst.daydesk@gmail.com
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Second thoughts on new Falcons

By Ben Cal
ALTHOUGH about 25 air forces around the
world have F-16 jet ghters as the backbone of their defenses, Philippine ofcials are having second thoughts about buying second-hand F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States because of their huge maintenance cost not to mention the short remaining ying hours before they become obsolete.
the F-16, there life span shall have lapsed, Okol said. The advice of the US security ofcials was right for the Philippines not to get a second-hand F-16. The F-16 is a multirole jet ghter aircraft developed originally by General Dynamics and later by Lockheed. It was designed as a superior jet interceptor that can y in all kinds
Excess defense materials are not economical, said PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Okol after Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia said the US was prepared to sell the Philippines two supersonic F-16 jetghters but cautioned of the jets high maintenance cost. By the time our pilots shall have nished training how to operate
Newest assets. The Philippines took delivery of four of these Polish Sokol helicopters earlier this year.
of weather conditions. The Fighting Falcon saw extension action during the Gulf War against Iraq with great success and at least 25 countries have F-16 in their Air Force because of the jets versatility. In fact, the PAF has been craving to have F-16 aircraft to replace the retired F-5 ghters which were decommissioned in 2005, leaving the Air Force without a single jetghter. As a consequence, Philippine airspace is devoid of air defense the past seven years and intrusions by foreign aircraft have remained unchecked. Okol said that a brand F-16 costs US$60 million without the weapons and training. He said the weapons such as airto-air missiles are very expensive but buying these weapons will have the nod of the US government or any foreign government that sells defense materials. The Philippines badly needs modern ghter aircraft to protect its sovereignty from foreign intrusion like what is happening at the Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal. The Department of National Defense has been scouting for the purchase of supersonic jetfighter
interceptors for the Philippines. Aside from the F-16, the government will also look for other sources of fighter jets that are comparable to the Fighting Falcon but at a lesser price. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the upgrade and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is in full swing. Gazmin said the defense department is working speedily on the approval of contracts for the upgrade and modernization of 138 projects to be implemented over the next ve years. The deadline for the approval of these contracts is on July 31. These projects would surely provide the Philippine Air Force with brand new and reliable assets for its operations, along with the operational requirements of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Army, Gazmin said. The acquisition will include surface attack aircraft, lead-in ghter trainer, attack helicopters, light transport aircraft and medium transport aircraft to be delivered in 2014. There are several countries the Philippines can purchase jet ghters such as the Mirage jets of France, the Tornado jets manufactured by Britain,
Germany and Italy, the Kr of Israel, to name a few. Congress had passed the AFP Modernization Law in 1995 allocating P331 billion spread over 15 years, but its implementation is snail-paced with only about P33 billion spent during the period. The PAF acquired early this year four of the eight Sokol combat helicopters from Poland and the remaining four will be delivered late this year. On the other hand, the Philippine Navy also acquired a refurbished cutter from the US and another will be delivered shortly but these vessels are already 45 years old and considered as US excess defense materials. Like the Air Force, the Navy also needs modern warships and gunboats two guard the countrys territorial waters which are twice as long as that of the United States. Some of its ships are World War II vintage and the Navy has no missile capability. The Center for a New American Security, a US think-tank, recently said that the Philippines needs 48 F-16 jet ghters, four to six mini submarines, more armed frigates and corvette-size combat vessels and minesweepers if it is to have a credible military defense capability.
European Union gives P460-m more for peace in Muslim Mindanao

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan
ONLY days after the Philippine government expressed optimism that a deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front would be signed within the term of President Aquino, the European Union provided a 9-million, or P460-million, grant to support the peace negotiation in Mindanao. With this comprehensive threefold assistance, the EU intends to help the parties achieve and put into effect a peacefully negotiated settlement to the conict which is the unique way to ultimately bring peace and prosperity in Mindanao and for the benet of the whole country, said EU ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux. Ledoux said the renewed involvement and expanded support from the EU is another illustration of its commitment to promote conict resolution based on democratic values and respect for human rights, justice and solidarity, economic prosperity and sustainable development. Despite all the international support drawing on valuable experience and expertise gained elsewhere, it is the duty of the Parties to nd for themselves with the approval of their constituents, an acceptable and durable solution to a conict that has lasted for far too long the ambassador said. The assistance package is aimed at expanding its support for the peaceful negotiation and implementation of an agreement over the next three years through its continuing participation in the International Monitoring Team. The adoption of the Decision Points on Principles by the government and the MILF in April also encouraged the EU to further its assistance to the peace effort. The P460 million covers their support for the humanitarian rehabilitation and development component of the IMT and increase support to the local and international non-governmental organizations that comprise the IMT Civilian Protection Component. Secondly, the money will also increase the funding to the International Contact Group through its informal non-government coordinator. Thirdly, it will support a series of condence-building measures, including the joint clearing of unexploded ordnance and the promotion of womens rights, as well as various initiatives in the elds of governance and security. To date, the EU has contributed a total of 13 million, or P660 million, for the peace process program. Since 1990s, the EU has been active in addressing poverty and development in Mindanao as a contribution for the advancement of the ongoing peace negotiations between the two parties in the conict. Since then, the EU has assisted the Philippines with a total of 170 million, or P9 billion, for programs, like the rehabilitation of displaced people, institution building; and increasing the revenues of the most vulnerable members of society and responding to humanitarian crises.
More whale shark fun in Oslob, Cebu
Whale shark experience. A Cebu sherman feeds krill to a whale shark in Oslob town. GREENPEACE
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
WHALE sharks were rst spotted off Barangay Tan-awan in Oslon town only around September last year, but the number of people who have been ocking to the small town in southern Cebu has steadily increased over the past few months. Last January, about 3,000 tourists lined up for interaction with the whale shark, but the success has began to worry ofcials who are concerned about their new tourism goose that lays the golden egg. Local ofcials, led by Mayor Ronald Guaren, sought the help of the Department of Tourism which took the initial steps of teaching the local community how to handle whale shark tours via seminars for boatmen on basic frontline services, lifeguard techniques and effective communication. The local government has also been convening with several groups to regulate and manage the emerging tourism destination, as well as preserve these sea creatures and empower the locals in the community. In fact, Guaren said Oslob shermen have taken responsiblity for feeding and protecting the whale sharks at their own expense without support from the municipal government. The shermen spend P2,000 a day to buy krill, locally called uyap, from other places in Cebu. Faustino Hudar, chairman of the Barangay Tan-awan, said uyap is scarce in the waters of the barangay, particularly in February, March and April, so they have to buy krill from shermen in the cities of Toledo and Danao and the towns of Maolboal and Alegria at cost raning from P40 to P90 per kilo. More recently, town ofcials went on a study tour to Donsol, Sorsogon where the whale sharks rst made their appearance some years ago. Accompanied by DOT Central Visayas regional director Rowena Lu Y. Montecillo, the Oslob officials
went to Donsol to learn from Donsols best practices in the management of its whaleshark watching tour, human-cetacean interaction, visitor supervision, as well as enterprise development, community involvement, and partnership approaches. During the workshop, Donsols Butanding Interaction Ofcers shared their experiences and expert advice on responsible whaleshark interaction. Both parties exchanged ideas and views on the differences of their respective whaleshark watching tours and on how they can further improve their tourism product. Bicol regional tourism director Maria Ravanilla noted that the success of the whaleshark watching tour in Donsol is due to the cooperation and collaboration between the local government, community, the DOT, and private sector. I have high hopes that the successful and sustainable practices will be replicated in Oslob, she said. Already, the town has increased its fees for swimming or diving with whale sharks in order to regulate the number of tourists. Guaren said they increased their fee to P300 for local tourists and P500 for foreiners. The fee covers only watching the whale sharks from a non-motorized banca steered by local shermen. If the visitor wants to swim with the whale shark, locals will have to pay P500 fee for 40 minutes of snorkeling while foreigners will be charged P1,000. Local divers have to pay P600 while it will cost foreign divers P1,500. Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez lauded the local governmen of Oslob and stressed the greatest successes we have in tourism are always hinged on active local government participation and initiative. We depend highly on our local community partners to implement sustainable tourism practices, as we work towards our common goals of economic growth and job creation in the country, Jimenez said.
Replicating success
Taking care of business
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THAI BLAST MARS RAMADAN
Muslims start fasting, praying

JAKARTA, Indonesia Muslims have begun fasting for the start of the Ramadan holy month in Indonesia, Malaysia and elsewhere around Asia, but the somber occasion was marred in Buddhistdominated Thailand by two bomb blasts that killed one person and injured seven.
The Muhammadiyah group, Indonesias second-largest Muslim organization, told its 30 million followers that Ramadan starts Friday. The government, however, declared the ofcial start as Saturday, when most of the remaining 190 million Indonesians began the dawn-to-dusk fast. Muslims in Thailand also began Ramadan on Friday, while Malaysians began Saturday. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were to start Saturday or Sunday. The Muslim holy month devoted to dawn-to-dusk fasting, prayers and good deeds culminates with the three-day holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Muslims believe God revealed the rst verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan, which starts with the sighting of the new moon. The Muslim lunar calendar moves back through the seasons, so Ramadan starts 11 days earlier each year under the Western calendar. The holy month started ominously in southern Thailand, the region where most Thai Muslims live and where an insurgency has claimed thousands of lives. The car bombing started res at shops and residences and sent black smoke wafting from a row of four-story buildings in a commercial area of Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat province. Seven people were injured, including four who were briey trapped on the roof of a burning building, said police Col. Maitree Chimcherd. He said Muslim insurgents hid the homemade bomb in a pickup truck parked in front of a computer store. On Thursday night, a roadside bomb killed a villager and wounded his companion while they were hunting for squirrels in the woods in Yala province, said police Col. Wichai Jaengsakul. Still, residents of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani provinces ocked to local markets Friday to shop for fresh and dried fruit including date palm to be consumed at dusk after the rst day of fasting ends. In Malaysia, where nearly two-thirds of the population is Muslim, people began observing the holy month by heading to mosques Friday night on the eve of Ramadans start, with special Quran-reading and prayer sessions to proceed nightly throughout the month. The start of Ramadan is often quiet in Malaysia, with excitement peaking in the nal week, when people buy new clothes, food and other supplies to celebrate the end of the holy month. Many hotels in Kuala Lumpur have begun advertising promotional dinners featuring roast lamb, savory curries and sumptuous cakes for more afuent Muslims to break their fast, while in numerous neighborhoods, entrepreneurs will set up evening stalls for customers to purchase cooked rice, meat and vegetables to bring home for their families. AP
Casualties of war. Syrians wait under an Arabic sign reading arrival to Lebanon, as they cross into Lebanon at the
border crossing point in Masnaa, eastern Lebanon, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Damascus, Syria. Private cars as well as taxis and buses carried thousands of people eeing the violence in the Syrian capital. Syrian troops regained control of a rebellious neighborhood in Damascus Friday as more than 300 people were reported killed the day before in a sharp escalation of the countrys civil war. AP
Yale defends plans for new college in Singapore

WASHINGTON Students at Yale Universitys new liberal arts college in Singapore will have academic freedom but wont be able to stage protests on campus, Yale ofcials say. A human rights group has accused the university of betraying its own principles by accepting the constraints imposed by Singaporean law. Members of the universitys arts and science faculty have also criticized the plans. Yale is based in New Haven, Connecticut. It is establishing the college with National University of Singapore to open in 2013. Singapores schools are internationally renowned, and the national university already cooperates with other American universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke University. But Singapore retains restrictions on speech and assembly it says are needed to preserve economic prosperity and harmony among its 5 million people. It has democratic elections but has been ruled by the same party since independence ve decades ago. Yale entered its partnership with the National University of Singapore in full awareness that national laws concerning freedom of expression would place constraints on the civic and political behavior of students and faculty, Yale University President Richard Levin said in a statement issued Thursday. Levin said academic freedom and open inquiry on campus would be protected, as would the freedom to publish in academic literature. But students and faculty would have to observe national laws as do students and faculty in Yale programs from London to Beijing. Human Rights Watch says Singapores 2009 Public Order Act requires a permit for people to meet for a cause-related activity, and outdoor gatherings of ve or more people require police permission. Limited demonstrations and rallies are allowed, however, at Singapores Speakers Corner. AP
Colorado shooter faces death penalty

JAMES HOLMES, the suspect in a shooting at a Colorado theater that left at least 12 people dead and 58 injured, is scheduled to appear in court for the rst time next week, Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said. Holmes, 24, who is being at the Arapahoe County jail, is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on July 23, Oates said yesterday at a press conference. Holmes is suspected of ring into a crowded theater during an early morning showing of the new Batman movie. The rampage was the deadliest shooting in Colorado since the Columbine High School massacre in April 1999 and the worst mass shooting in the U.S. since November 2009, when 13 people were killed at Fort Hood in Texas. If deemed competent to stand trial and convicted, Holmes may face the death penalty. Oates said earlier yesterday that the suspects apartment was booby trapped with incendiary and chemical devices and tripwires. At the press conference later, Oates said entering the apartment safely was a very vexing problem and police hoped to resolve the issue today. The gunman bought a ticket for The Dark Knight Rises, entered the theater and watched the movie for a while before leaving, according to a federal ofcial. Holmes went to a white Hyundai criminal record and there is no indication of a terrorism link at this point, ofcials said. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting interviews and following leads outside the state, said Jim Yacone, the agent in charge of the FBIs Denver division. Capital cases are rare in Colorado, said Craig Silverman, a former prosecutor in the Denver District Attorneys Ofce whos now in private practice. To seek the death penalty prosecutors would need to establish one statutory aggravating factor, Silverman said. The case would qualify because it involves multiple victims, some of them children, he said. Three men are on the states death row, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections website. The last person executed in the state was 53-year-old Gary Lee Davis in October 1997. The case will be handled by the ofce of District Attorney Carol Chambers. Chambers sought the death penalty against six defendants in four cases during a time when only one other capital case had been led in the state, according to a 2010 prole by the Denver Post newspaper. AP beach, a path that often took her by the bar where de Moraes and Jobim spent long hours nursing their drinks. Their eyes would follow Helo when she passed, entranced with her glowing skin and long dark hair. Helo had no idea. When she rst heard the hit on the radio, she liked it. Shed whistle it sometimes. But she never suspected shed inspired the lyrics. There were rumors from the guys at the bar, but she wouldnt believe them. Finally, in 1965, Moraes offered the denitive proof, writing in a magazine that Helo was the beauty behind the song, the golden girl, mix of ower and mermaid, full of light and grace, but whose sight is also sad because it carries within it, on the way to the sea, the sense of youth that passes, of beauty that doesnt belong only to us. Her fiance, who had been her high-school boyfriend, pushed for a quick wedding, and she spent the next decade as a housewife. Now, at 68, shes far more comfortable with her notoriety, doing two TV shows and planning to launch a book in English about her past. Back then, I never thought Id get old, she said. But youth passes. We have to live each moment. AP
James Holmes
parked outside the building, donned a helmet and ballistic vest, armed himself and returned. Police apprehended Holmes behind the shopping mall movie theater in the Denver suburb after the rst 911 call at 12:39 a.m. Three weapons were retrieved at the scene. A fourth, a 40caliber Glock handgun, was found in Holmess car. Police arent sure if that was used and its unclear how many rounds the suspect red. Holmes, who had been a graduate student in neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Denver, doesnt have a
The Girl from Ipanema turns 50

RIO DE JANEIRO Tall and tan and young and lovely... Youve heard of her. The Girl From Ipanema. You might have come across the bossa nova classic while on hold on the phone, during a long elevator ride, or in a cafe in Beirut or Bangkok but youve heard it. Its been recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse and survived to become, according to Performing Songwriter magazine, the second most recorded song in the world. The quintessential bossa nova tune, inspired by a young woman who passed the songwriters in a beachside bar on her way to the sea, introduced Rio de Janeiro to the world. Now, its turning 50, and to its legions of fans, the decades have only heightened its allure, adding a wash of nostalgia to this hymn to passing youth and beauty. I love this music, and had been searching for this place, said Venezuelan tourist Xiomara Castillo, who with her husband was taking pictures inside the bar where the songs authors watched their muse saunter by in the songs eponymous neighborhood. For me, Rio de Janeiro is this song, is bossa nova; the city has this rhythm, this charm, this sensuality. Indeed, the song carries within its chords and lyrics an image of a city thats light and easy, palm trees and blue sky, a sun-kissed life without care. This girl who swings so cool and
Heloisa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto, the inspiration behind the classic bossa nova song The Girl from Ipanema.
sways so gently first stepped out in public on August 1962, in a cramped Copacabana nightclub. On stage together, for the first and only time, were the architects of bossa nova: Tom Jobim on piano and Joao Gilberto on guitar, with help from the poet Vinicius de Moraes, who gave The Girl her lyrics. Bossa nova was still young then, somewhat of a novelty even in Rio. The name meant new trend or new way, and thats what it was: a fresh, jazzy take on Brazils holiest tradition, the samba. The 1962 show at the club Au Bon Gourmet established bossa nova, wrote Castro in his book about the genre. It didnt just introduce the Jobim-penned Girl; other bossa classics, such as So danco samba and Samba da bencao, also were played publicly for the first time. The small club 20 by 130 feet sold out every night as patrons realized something extraordinary was happening on the cramped little stage. That was also the year most Americans rst heard bossa nova. The 1962 record Jazz Samba, by Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, took the sound of Brazil and ltered it through the sensibility of American musicians, making it palatable to the countrys listeners. Although
an instrumental jazz album, it remained on the Billboard charts for 70 weeks. After that, everyone wanted a bit of Brazil. Jazz greats such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald made bossa-inspired recordings. Performing Songwriter magazine says only The Beatles Yesterday has been recorded more often. Still, it wasnt until 1964 that The Girl came to the U.S., with its English lyrics written by American Norman Gimbel. The words are different from the original Portuguese ones but remain true to their spirit. Astrud Gilberto, Joao Gilbertos then-wife, sang the English words in the album Getz/Gilberto. It was her first professional gig. Her voice is young, breathy, but theres a little hesitation; she trips over her English oh-so-lightly. As it turns out, she was perfect: exotic but accessible, sultry and innocent at once. Like the girl in the song, Astruds voice suggested a beauty that was enticing but just out of reach: Each day, when she walks to the sea, she looks straight ahead not at he. She was Heloisa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto, then 17 years old, known among her friends as Helo. The teenagers days were spent between home, school and the
Sunday
OPINION ManilaStandardTODAY
A5
Dont phase out charity wards yet

ARE WE THERE YET?
I AM sure that the technocrats in government who are behind the idea of phasing out charity wards in public hospitals to give way to the so-called PhilHealth wards invested considerable time putting together the proposal. I am sure that this brainchild went through rigorous discussions, that the people behind the proposal had the best interest of Filipinos at heart; that they genuinely believed in their heart of hearts that using the PhilHealth platform is the most sustainable course of action for a country with a public health infrastructure that teeters at the edge of total collapse from the sheer weight and magnitude of the problems. The proposal to shift to a medical insurance system is worth considering. Lets get real, folks. Health is such a huge responsibility; it cannot be a task borne by only one government agency, or solely by government itself, for that matter. Actually, if this government dares to be honest, the idea and concept is actually not novel anymore. The former administration started the ball rolling just as it did with the 4Ps program. The people who actually visit government hospitals are familiar with what I am talking about. Most of our public hospitals dont have the resources to function efciently. I still have to come across a public hospital that actually had adequate resources to take on the next patient that arrived at the emergency roomevery single one I have been to is heavily congested, with two or three patients sharing a single bed, and have already run out of medical supplies weeks before their new supplies are due to arrive. The government bureaucracy is simply unable to manage the gravity and complexity of our health problems. We must begin moving to a setup where people are sensitized to the idea that, really, they are responsible for their own health and well-being. The government cannot possibly take care of all sick peoplethe costs are just staggering. People should really prepare for sickness just as they should prepare for old age or retirement. The reality is that most Filipinos give less priority to their health needs somehow believing that God will provide or that when ones number is up then thats it. Those who can afford to contribute a small amount in order to guarantee medical attention in the future should be made to do so. And their contribution should translate into better medical care and attention.
EDITORIAL
BONG C. AUSTERO
So yes, I agree with our health ofcials. We should transition towards a more sustainable model. The use of medical insurance platforms such as the Philhealth where funds can be made contributory and therefore self-sustaining is a good idea. Having said that, I would like to register my utter exasperation with how government is trying to fast track the whole setup as if it could be done in a day. I cannot understand why government has suddenly imposed a deadline for phasing out charity wards without adequate consultation or preparation. We need to rst put in place the necessary mechanisms and foundation blocks to transition to such a set-up. We need to educate people, do parallel runs, strengthen PhilHealth capability, etc. This is not something that we can afford to do on a whim precisely because lives are at stake. Are our technocrats so totally isolated from the real world that they do not know the actual conditions in public hospitals? Many public hospitals have started to set up PhilHealth wards. The problem is that these wards are almost always full; in short, theres just not enough wardswhether PhilHealth or charity wards, period. So even if people have PhilHealth cards, our hospitals would still be hard put responding to the medical needs of our people. The other problem is that the process of securing a PhilHealth card and making it active is actually complicated for most people to comprehend. There are rules about number of payments that have to be made before the benets can be availed of. People need a steady source of income to be able to make regular contributions. We need to make the system of payments more convenient for everyone. We need to put in place mechanisms that would protect the system from abuse, particularly by politicians who are salivating at the idea of using the set-up to further their political agenda. We need to educate people about the wisdom of becoming a PhilHealth member. Whats even more important to stress is that regardless of everyones best efforts, there will always be people in this country who would not have access to a PhilHealth card either because they are simply not qualied, or just dont have the means to get enlisted. By phasing out charity wards, is government saying these people do not deserve medical care and attention? Once again, we have a promising idea that is doomed to fail because of the absence of strategic, or any kind of planning at all. What will it take for our leaders to realize that good intentions are never enough, that leadership is needed to push ideas into fruition?
Numbers as snapshots
NUMBERS help us understand what is going on in our environment. When statistics are released by government agencies or reputable polling rms, we take them at face value. It seems natural to form opinions and then make decisions based on the gures. Take, for instance, the recent report that the number of crimes in Metro Manila for the rst six months of the year increased to 29, 231 from 18,671, or by 36 percent, from the same period in 2011. By itself, the news is alarming Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome has to emphasize that the rate in Metro Manila does not reect the general downward trend for the rest of the country. The rate is higher in the metropolis, Bartolome said, because of the huge population here. Another police ofcial however says that crime volume has gone up because more crimes are being reportednot necessarily that more are taking place. On the economic front, the administration is crowing about the 6.4-percent growth in the gross domestic product observed during the rst quarter of 2012, compared to the GDP level in the rst three months of 2011. The gure beat expectations; even the government expected a more modest 4.9-percent expansion. The rst-quarter gures made the Philippines the best performer in Southeast Asia and the second best in Asia, next only to China. President Benigno Aquino III is likely to invoke this growth rate when he makes his State of the Nation Address tomorrow. These are only two of the gures we have encountered in recent weeks. But we wonder: how many Filipinos actually make the effort to dig deeper and ask what makes the numbers what they are and how they were arrived at? The bottom line to the crime rate is whether Filipinos feel safe in their homes, in their schools and workplaces, and on the street. If they dont, are their fears grounded? What are the authorities doing to assuage this fear? Why are so called riding-in-tandem criminals becoming bolder? Similarly, can the ordinary wage earner feel the better-than-expected economic growth gures, and does he feel more optimistic that he can provide for his or her family in the years to come? It is just as important to step back and appreciate the gures over the long term. Unfortunately, there is no data readily available on crime volume trends in Metro Manila and in the whole of the country over, say, ve or ten years. Only then can we know whether the police have been doing their jobor whether the criminals are getting more audacious. Only then can we know, too, whether the growth is sustainable, and, when measured against the number of Filipinos, whether life is getting better for the ordinary man and woman. Numbers are good, but we must remember they are mere indicators they point to a situation that is the result of a confluence of factors. Saying that the situation is getting better takes more than a snapshotit is a continuous stream of action, a story that is unfolding as we tell it.
An open letter to the President

WE who come from many parts of the country including Bataan, Batangas, Davao, Gen San, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental, Negros, Subic-Olongapo, Zamboanga will bear the brunt of your governments decision to erect coal power plants in our communities despite the already well-documented and insidious impacts of such facilities on the local environment and the global climate. On the occasion of your third State of the Nation Address as the countrys President, we, your bosses, wish to remind you of the commitment you made when you ran for ofce in 2010, specically to phase out coal-red power plants in the country and shift towards clean, green technologies and energy sources. When you assumed the presidency, many of us were encouraged by your promise to fully implement the Renewable Energy Act. Indeed, we were hopeful that your leadership would usher in a real transformation towards a clean, energy future. Early into your term, the Department of Energy launched the National Renewable Energy Plan, supposedly the countrys roadmap to mainstream renewable energy, which in your own words shall fuel our movement towards the rebuilding of this nation. Three years into your presidency, however, the commitments you made on the renewable energy front have barely seen the light of day. Instead of realizing a surge of investments in clean, renewable energy as envisioned in the law, we have seen a resurgence of dirty, coal power plant proposals. Under the direction of Secretary Jose Almendras, the Department of Energy has approved an unprecedented number of coal projects, at least 11 nationwide, with a combined output of 4,385 MW far exceeding the aggregate number of coal projects approved by previous administrations. While it was busy laying down the red carpet for coal, the DOE also effectively stranded the full implementation of the RE law, allowing the approval of feed-in-tariff (FIT) rates for renewable energy to drag on. As a consequence, the Philippines vast RE potential of about 261,000 MW remains untapped, with investors now opting to move to other markets in the region, having been locked out by coal projects in the pipeline. For our communities who will end up hosting these plants, this means living under the shadow of life-threatening toxic emissions, destroyed livelihoods, greater water scarcity, and conicts. For Filipinos in general, this also means greater energy insecurity and higher electricity costs in the long term given the ever-increasing price of nite coal and fossil fuel supplies globally. Mr. President, the legacy of good government that you wish to leave behind is being tainted by the enduring pollution associated with your administrations obvious bias for coal power. Would you rather be remembered as the President who ushered in a truly transformational Energy Revolution for the country, or the President who extinguished the promise of a clean, renewable energy future for the country? For the remainder of your term, we implore you to make the right choices now for the sake of current and future generations of Filipinos. Msgr. Antonio Dumaual (Nuclear Free Bataan Movement); Father Lito Mabiliran (Archdiocesan Ecological Concerns Ofce, Batangas); Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles (Lipa, Batangas); Dra. Jean Lindo (Convenor, No to Coal Davao); Mary Ann Fuentes (Executive Director, Interface Development Interventions Davao); Ted Aldwin Ong (Chairperson, Freedom from Debt Coalition, Iloilo); Melvin Purzuelo (Coordinator, Green ForumWestern Visayas); Engr. Aurora Alerta-Lim (Co-Convenor, Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy); Rodolfo P. Dewara (Corporate Secretary, KPSFI); Stan Salcedo (Convenor, Task Force MacajalarMisamis Oriental); Junjun Mojica (Convenor, Green Alert Negros); Alex Hermoso (ZambalesOlongapo Civil Society Network); Gregorio Magdaraog (Chairperson, Convenor of Subic No-to-Coal Coalition); Norma Amata (People Power Volunteers for Reform ZambalesOlongapo Chapter); Josephine Pareja (Barangay Chairman, Talisayan, Zamboanga); Von Hernandez (Executive Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia).
MST Sunday
ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO RAMONCHITO L. TOMELDAN FRANCIS LAGNITON ARMAN ARMERO EDITH D. ANGELES EDGAR M. VALMORIDA MARIEROSE ANG LINO SANTOS Publisher Managing Editor News Editor Senior Deskman Advertising Manager Circulation Manager Graphic Design Photo
ROGELIO C. SALAZAR President & CEO
OPINION ADELLE CHUA ARTS & LIFE DINNA VASQUEZ Staff JOBA BOTANA GRACE CORTEZ CARLA MORTEL-BARICAUA TECH MARLON MAGTIRA CHRISTIAN CARDIENTE BUSINESS RODERICK DELA CRUZ SPORTS REUEL VIDAL
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Sunday
ManilaStandardTODAY
TECH
mstonlineeditor@gmail.com
A6
SUNDAY
JULY 22, 2012
ON-THE-GO
One-Stop Guide for Shutterbugs
By Marlon C. Magtira Photos by Kin Enriquez
DIGITAL PHOTOS
THE shutterbug inside us senses that it is denitely nice

to have those moments documented. And what else can be more useful in capturing memories than the handy digital camera. No matter how we take digital photos, with conventional digicam systems or with mobile phones, digital camera frenzy is undeniably in!
Manila Standard Today | Gadgets explores the world of digital cameras to bring our readers practical guides in choosing their next camera. With a lot of products and a sea of options in the wild, you can get easily confused in picking the right camera that ts you perfectly. There are seemingly pretty bargain pointand-shoots, high-zoom compact cameras, hybrid video-enabled cameras, cameras with complicated interchangeable-lens, DSLRs and so on. Deciding to purchase a digital camera could be easier if you know what you need. The basic items you should consider are: resolutions usually rated in megapixels; features to t how you intend to use the camera; and of course, the price to see if it suits your budget. Most digital cameras these days are built with 10-megapixel sensors. But manufacturers have shifted the megapixel wars of the past to a new battle ground designing specialized cameras for specic use or types of users. But no matter what you would intend to use your camera, there is one type that is perfect t for you. Determine how you will use the camera Digital camera shoppers usually commit the rst step mistake getting the camera that is not what they really need. Questions list before you buy: 1. How will I use the camera? 2. What type of photos will I take? 3. Will take indoor or outdoor photos? 4. Is this just for the fun of taking photos or I want to explore the art of photography? 5. Which is more important: size or portability? 6. What is my budget? If the salesperson cares, he will ask you these questions. You are in a good start after contemplating on these considerations and you will probable get a better decision which one to pick. Larger megapixel rating does not really matter Digital camera shoppers usually think that it is better to have higher megapixels on digital cameras. This is a feature that manufacturers have exploited in the past to lure enthusiasts. While megapixel ratings are important, most cameras today are being used to capture images in digital format so megapixel rating is not anymore a crucial feature unless you are venturing in professional photography. For the casual photographer, a higher megapixels rating can actually be a disadvantage to store large-sized images that take up enormous amounts of storage space on memory cards and computers. If you are going to printing photos, which is unlikely nowadays, then 10 megapixels rating is for you. But if you are only storing in digital format, 5 megapixel rating would be enough to have decent photos for viewing. Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom It is a fact that not all digital cameras are created equal. And Optical and Digital Zooms are not equal, too. Optical Zoom is quite superior to Digital Zoom because the former actually enlarges the image while the latter merely enlarges the pixels of photos, which make images look bigger. Digital Zooms produce pixilated images when viewed. Point-and-Shoot or DSLR? Point-and-Shoot digital cameras are the usual mostly inexpensive pocket types in which you just aim and the press the button. More pricey high-end cameras also have point-and-shoot options when you set the camera on automatic focus and exposure. DSLR or Digital Single Lens Reex cameras are designed with a more complicated mechanism compared to Poinand-Shoots. DSLRs are bigger and heavier and come with advanced settings for various lighting conditions and adjusting the aperture, shutter speed and focus. Point-and-Shoot and DSLR cameras are suited for different situations. DSLRs can have higher quality shots but the convenience of point-and-shoot is undefeatable. While the digital camera industry continuously evolves, the border line between DSLRs and point-and-shoots are increasing blurring. Get a DSLR if you have the budget and you want higher quality photos and you are ready with the advanced manual settings. Get the cheaper point-and-shoot if you need to move about, you may want to consider getting a more portable camera that can take good photos that will be stored or printed in small sizes. Read online product reviews Take a little time to do an online research about the product you want to buy. Dont just rely on the sweet words of that camera salesperson. Manila Standard Today | Gadgets (http://manilastandardtoday.com) is cooking up a section for this subjects, so stay tuned to keep you updated on the latest and hottest electronic devices in the market, including digital camera scoops. Must-have digital camera features Versatile zoom range: Around 24mm will capture better landscapes, while a long telephoto end (300 or longer) can be useful for shooting subjects from afar. Longer battery life: Choose a camera that can take between 100 and 200 images on a single charge. This should be enough for the day. Nice-to-have digital camera features Built-in GPS: Image geotagging is trendy. This feature is handy for frequent travelers tp for documenting locations. Wi-Fi connectivity: This will allow you to quickly share or transfer photos to computers and to online storage. Weather-proong and Tough features: The camera should be strong enough to withstand bumps and knocks on the way as well as unwanted weather conditions. Essential Accessories Underwater casing: More adventurous shutterbugs that dive will need specialized underwater cases that will increase the cameras waterproof depth. Most brands have their own proprietary underwater cases customized for a particular tough camera model. Spare batteries: Bring spare batteries so youll get to enjoy more time in taking photos while youre on the road. Hardy bags and cases: Youll need a camera carrier to protect your device from the harsh elements. An all-weather protection with its waterproof lower compartment and padded inserts that will cushion your snapper from bumps and knocks along the way. Camera support: Tripods need to be light enough to be hand-carried across rough terrain, yet strong enough to fully support the weight of the camera. The best thing about such tripods is that they are lighter and smaller than conventional models and can be easily stowed away in your backpack.
Q
mstonlineeditor@gmail.com
Sunday
ManilaStandardTODAY
TECH
JULY 22, 2012 SUNDAY
A7
uick
shooting advice
USE faster shutter speeds. Set a higher shutter speed if you want to capture fast moving action, most caameras have Shutter Priority mode or Sports mode settingwhich allows you to shoot at higher shutter speeds and freeze a fastmoving action. Use autofocus mode. Cameras with an autofocus option enables you to track your target images. This feature detects your photo subject and it automatically adjusts the lens focus to provide crispier photos. Plan. Get more information about the place where you plan to take photos. Check the weather so you will be prepared on unlikely situations. Undertake proper for your gadget. New cameras are built to take some beating, but you should take proper care and maintenance to ensure their efciency. Make sure you have all the important accessoriese ready. Clean your equipment accordingly to remove residual stains and other elements that might be harmful to your camera. The beach can dip you camera with salt.Check of the efciency of waterproof or rubber seal accessories to ensure that they work when you need it. Regularly clean your camera. Dust off any foreign particles from your camera lens with a soft micro-ber for stubborn stains after the day. Double check batteries. Make sure that you have fully-charged your battery before you go. Dont forget the bring the battery charger as well. Theres nothing more disastrous than beaing in a spectacular location only to nd out that your cameras batteries are dead. Also, bring spare storage devices. Some situations might require you to have more than one piece of storage media. Dont let the water ruin your device. If you need to go the locations with really wet conditions, make sure to bring along a waterproof case to protect your camera. Some special waterproof cases can allow you bring your camera under water.
Memory Cards
A MEMORY card is one of the most important device in storing precious memories. Even if your camera has builtin memory that can hold some photos, you will dentely come to a point when you will realize that the best of your built-in camera storage is never enough. A larger memory card is a must if you are to take high-resolution images or full-HD videos. Lets take a close look at the various media storage formats available in the market today. Things you should know about memory cards Formats. Most new model cameras are usually compatible with MicroSD cards formats that are now appearing in ultracompacts forms. Regular cameras, some entry-level DSLR usually use the Secure Digital or SD cards. There are still DSLRs that use CompactFlash or CF cards. SD card speed. Card speed determines how fast the card can read or write data. Th slowest cards usually start from Class 2 and the fastest models are in Class 10. If you just need to shoot small sized images or occasional video for viewing, cards in Class 2 to 6 should be enough to hold such images. But if youre going to shoot higher
resolution RAW images or full-HD movies, size of the SD cards). Class 6 to 10 cards are recommended. But Most CF cards feature higher speeds than the faster the speed the more expensive the SD cards. This is the reason why CF cardsare card will be. more commonly used by professional DSLR pjotographers. Secure Digital (SD) cards The speed ratings of CF cards are usually SD cards are the standard memory indicated by the amount of data thats being format used by most regular compact transferred per second, or megabytes per camera today. Some DSLRs are design to second (MB/s). hold SD cards as a secondary card format to be used as a backup. XQD cards For more advanced applications, there are The XQD card is a new format which improved versions of the format including was recently announced by the Compact the higher-capacity SDHC(High Capacity) Flash Association. and SDXC(Extended Capacity) cards for The XQD card was designed to be a more advanced compacts and DSLRs. high performance card that provides faster These cards are available speed class speeds and higher storage that the rest. ratings between Class 2 to Class 10,. With a fast 125MB/s or higher transfer speed, the XQD is designed for use in MicroSD cards professional-series DSLRs. MicroSD card is one of the smallest card The XQD card can allow allow formats available today. More cameras are photoshoots at up to 100 frames continuously starting to adopt the MicroSD card becuase in the RAW format. of the cards ultrathin compact features. Some MicroSD cards are bundled with an Other card formats external adapter which transforms it into There are cameras that use proprietary a SD card for use with regular compact card formats like Sonys Memory Stick/ cameras. Like the SD card, MicroSD cards Memory Stick PRO Duo and Olympus smaller versions are also rated with class es xD-Picture Cards. according to their read rate speed. These memory cards tend to be more expensive than SD or CF cards, but it CompactFlash (CF) cards pretty much do the same storage capacity. First produced by SanDisk, the CF card These cards in proprietary formats are is bigger than the SD card (about twice the not usually supported on most devices.
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ManilaStandardTODAY
ARTS & LIFE
A8 SUNDAY
JULY 22, 2012
The Body Shop Philippines managing director Dr. Mike Muoz (right) and marketing director Jo-I Kapunan (second from left) with celebrities Robi Domingo and Martin del Rosario.
Pulse
the
By Dinna Chan Vasquez
The Body Shop sources its products and ingredients from countries like Nepal, Ghana, Namibia, Paraguay, India, Ethiopia and Samoa, just to name a few, and the local communities they work with have beneted greatly. Thus, the launch of the brands new beauty movementBeauty with Heartis welcome news for The Body Shop fans. We know that our brand delivers more than beauty; our products truly contain heart as well. Today, were looking to a future where our vision of beauty can be experienced by new generations for whom it is all about looking good, feeling good, and doing good, too, says Sophie Gasperment, The Body Shops executive chairman. Shopping for beauty products is a sensory experience. One needs to see, smell and touch everything before making a decision. You would want the store to represent what the brand is all about and by that, we dont just mean lipsticks and lotions. You want to know what the brand stands for and what it believes in. Beauty with Heart comes to Manila via The Body Shops rst Pulse store at the Mall of Asia Complex. The Pulse stores reect the ve core Values at The Body ShopProtect The Planet, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights, Support Community Fair Trade and Against Animal Testing. The Pulse store brings a fresh new look together with sustainable design to The Body Shop, and aims to sig-
FEEL
The Spa Fit toning massage oil
THE Body Shop, for me, is synonymous with super moisturizing body butters, which I cannot live without. Beyond the products like the best-selling lip and cheek stain, I like the way The Body Shop does business, especially how Community Fair Trade empowers small communities worldwide. In the 1990s, I was even lucky enough to meet founder Anita Roddick when she came to the Philippines. A trip to the mall would not be complete without stopping by The Body Shop. I have a healthy relationship with the brand, which may not be that good for my wallet.
Lily Coles makeup line for The Body Shop is pretty in pink
nicantly reduce store impact on the environment even further. With energy consumption reduced by up to 49 percent compared to regular stores, this has been achieved by replacing uorescent lights in the bays with LED strips, reducing to 35w ceiling lamps, more efcient air-conditioning system design and a building management system which improves energy efciency by automatically shutting off air conditioning or heating when the shop is closed. The Pulse store aims to create a natural feeling space, to reect the natural ingredients which power products from The Body Shop. As a result, the wooden xtures and ttings in the store are all 100-percent FSC certied.
Every Pulse store will have a dedicated makeup artist and skin care expert to help advise customers.Every Pulse store worldwide will have a dedicated space which will act as a gallery of The Body Shops core values, supported by unique images from around the world. In addition, each store will have a resident Values Ambassador who will be able to talk to customers about the work undertaken by the company. Antique-style shopping carts that are replicas of those found in traditional French market place hold merchandise like soaps and lip treatments. The signs are hand-written. There are story-telling tables which encourage customers to interact with the products, be informed, experiment and try new looks.
The products are beautifully displayed on the shelves with their respective Community Fair Trade Ingredients for you to be well informed of where each jar, tub and bottle came from. There is also a Top 10 display of the bestselling Body Shop products. It will be a different display for every country, says says Jo-I Kapunan, marketing director for The Body Shop Philippines. The brand has tapped English model and actress Lily Cole as its rst global brand advocate. Cole last appeared in the movie Snow White and the Huntsman. We dont necessarily call her an endorser because she has also believed in the values we also believe in, says Kapunan.
MERCHANDISING PROGRAM
Green
reduces
By Elaine Ruzul R. Alanguilan

DO YOU wonder where the tarpaulins and awnings used in outdoor advertising go once companies are done with them? Industries produce millions of outdoor advertising materials and marketing collaterals. If not managed properly, all these could end up in all the wrong places, congesting landlls and waterways and lead to damage to the environment, properties, and even to loss of human lives. The severe ooding that ensued following Ondoy in 2009 was a huge wake-up call for everyone in the country. It increased the awareness on environmental issues. Companies are now looking for eco-friendly solutions toward a sustainable environment. Smart Communications Inc. is one of those corporations. Its Green Merchandising Program nominated for this years Green Technology Award of the prestigious Singapore-based Asia Communication Awards. Launched in July 2011, the campaign involves the use of recycled and oxo-degradable materials for its packaging and outdoor advertising materials such as awnings, tarpaulins and bags for its mobile phone kits. This is complemented by other initiatives like the tarpaulin recycling program that enables Smart to not only help save the planet but also provide livelihood to partner communities. Smart has been making signicant inroads in shifting to the use of eco-friendly materials for its merchandising materials. For instance, of the 21.77 million awnings produced last year, about two-thirds of which are already oxo-degradable. As of latest count, Smart has already produced over 7 million plastic banners and over 18,000 recyclable banners. It has also started using recycled paper instead of virgin paper when producing posters, yers and other paper-based materials with about half a million of its yers already made of newsprint. Smart Store, the companys ofcial retail outlets, did a pilot test of using paper bags made of recycled papers. Smart has also tapped Gawad Kalinga communities for its tarpaulin recycling project to turn these biodegradable wastes into bags, tents and other materials for their source of livelihood. Residents of the pilot
waste, saves money
These bags and candle holders are made out of recycled Smart merchandising materials. These bags are carried by Nautilus brand of designer PJ Araador.
Anne Curtis as she appears in a Smart billboard
GK site in Sooc, Iloilo were trained to lead the production of tarp-based outputs. Green Merchandising makes business sense since we are not only helping the environment, we are also helping the company save on costs, said Frances Ching, Smarts manager for Merchandising and Out of Home. The oxo-degradable materials ensure that the promo materials will degrade in three to four months, the normal period of the telcos offers, so no manpower is needed to dismantle the expired materials. These awnings should be costlier to produce by ve percent than the regular plastic but Smart was able to procure it from suppliers at the same cost as regular plastic due to the sheer volume of its orders. Using recycled paper, meanwhile, gives Smart ve to six percent savings on posters and as much as 60 percent for yers. The tarp recycling program, meanwhile, saves the company money normally allocated for storage cost of used tarpaulins. Smart continues to look for other environment-friendly solutions, including the use of plastic made out of cornstarch and launching an alternative to tarpaulin banners using recyclable materials. We are still in search of environment-friendly materials. The company is also starting to invest on more permanent and practical materials to avoid wastage such as road signage, barricades, barangay signage, poster holders, and bulletin boards for schools and barangay halls, said Ching.
Sunday
ARTS & LIFE
ManilaStandardTODAY
Local music
celebrates rebirth
By Joba Botana
A9
industry
MUSIC is a reection of life in general. All feelings, experiences and contemplation can be expressed through a song. The Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPOP) Foundation Inc. sees Filipino music as a cultural treasure and an indication of Filipinos identity.
PhilPOP is a nationwide search for some of the most talented Filipino musical composers. Whether these artists reside here in the Philippines or are living abroad, they continue to showcase Filipino musical ingenuity and passion to an overwhelming degree. Thus, the foundation seek to resound and preserve the vanishing, perhaps forgotten musical gems from the rural areas. We seek to empower Filipino songwriters whose fresh music can inspire and motivate a nation, says Ryan Cayabyab, PhilPOPs executive director. In the PhilPOP Music Festival Grand Finals at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center, 14 finalistscomposed of both professionals and amateurs showcased their talents in songwriting. The event was hosted by singer and songwriter Ogie Alcasid and singer-actress Nikki Gil. Of the finalists, Karl Vincent Villuga, whos an amateur in song writing contests, took home the grand prize of P1million pesos and a trophy created by renowned Filipino glass sculptor Ramon Orlina. Villugas Bawat Hakbang performed by popular crooner Mark Bautista together with The Akafellas, won the favors of the judges. The two runner-ups, Toto Sorioso with his song Tayo Tayo Lang and Soc Villanueva with his song Kontrabida, each received P500,000 and P250, 000, respectively, as well as their own Orlina-made trophies. According to Sorioso, his rock-ballad entry, performed by former Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel, talks about the loneliness of playing music on stagewith no one really paying attention. Sorioso, who started writing songs in high school, is a sound engineer and singer. On the other hand, Villanueva, whos currently based in Australia, has created beautiful songs for artists such as Angeline Quinto and Bituin Escalante. Young hearthrob Sam Conception took the lead role for his entry Kontrabida. Songwriting contest rookie James Leyte won the Smart Peoples Choice Award and took home P200,000 for his song Brown performed by the reggae group Brownman Revival. Many of the entries were fresh, daring and edgy. In the end, judges chose songs that, according to them, would still be played and loved by Filipinos of all ages years and years from now. Among the veteran songwriters who made it to the finals were Trina Belamide, Mike Villegas, Gary Granada and Edwin Marollano. Present during the event were PhilPOP Foundation chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan as well as PhilPOP president Ricky Vargas and Cayabyab. Among the local music industys big names who performed and graced during the finale night were Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro, Sharon Cuneta, Bituin Escalante and Rachel Alejandro. Kitchen Musical star Christian Bautista, singer-actor Gian Magdangal, Philippine Idol alumnu Jan Nieto and Reymond Sajor, RnB singer Kris Lawrence, Fil-Am violinist Bryson Andres, hip-hop artist Gloc 9, singer-songwriter Kitchie Nadal, comedic duo Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, The Ryan Cayabyab Sing-
PhilPOP grand champion Karl Villuga
ers, theater actress Cris Villonco and balladeer Erik Santos also graced the evening. The show was directed by veteran Rowell Santiago. Excerpts of the final 14 songs maybe listened to online at PhilPOP. com.ph while the CD containing the compilation of the finalists will soon be made available at all music stores nationwide.
Villuga (third from left) with PhilPOP executive director Ryan Cayabyab, Mark Bautista, PhilPOP Foundation chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and PhilPOP president Ricky Vargas
OPM artists graced the Finals Night
Indie film about indie filmmakers honored

By Carla Mortel
THE Grand Jury prize win of the lm, Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro, capped the awards night of the rst Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival at Abreeza Mall in Davao City. Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro is a lm about a ragtag of frustrated indie lmmakers that resorted to and orchestrated the kidnapping of the most famous Filipino indie lm actor Ronnie Lazaro. The ensemble, composed of Ronnie Lazaro, Nonnie Buencamino, Epy Quizon, Dwight Gaston, Soliman Cruz, Hector Macaso and Mon Lee, garnered the Best Actor award. The lm script was penned and directed by Sigfried Barros Sanchez. Sanchez is an Urian-nominated independent lmmaker, screenwriter, TV and advertising director, actor and an awarded music video director. He took up a bachelors course in Political Science student at the University of the East in Recto but eventually dropped out of school to pursue his passion in lmmaking. To work on his craft, he joined the 11th Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop, the 10th Cinema-As-Art Filmmaking Workshop at the UP Film Institute and the Marilou Diaz Abaya Filipino Feature Filmmaking Workshop in De La Salle-Bacolod. As an independent lmmaker, he has directed three indie lms such as Lasponggols for the 1st Cinemalaya Film Festival, Ang Anak ni Brocka for the rst Cinema One Originals and Tsardyer for 2010s Cinema One Originals. His last lm has earned him six nominations from the 37th Gawad Urian namely for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, and Best Supporting Actor. In 2007, the University of the East gave Sanchez a special award for his exceptional contribution to the performing and visual arts. Sanchez, who dedicated his latest triumph to fellow Filipino indie lmmakers, was euphoric over his lms screening schedules. Way before the awards night, we already felt like winners when it was relayed to us that the Spiderman movie got bumped off from two theaters at the Abreeza Mall venues just to accommodate the public clamor for our lm. With that, we felt have triumphed over Hollywood at their game, enthuses Sanchez. We are now looking forward to have lm shown in Metro Manila theaters, curious of the audience reception here. Another feature lm entry, In Banka Ha Ut Sin Duwa Sapah, was co-diSapah rected by Sanchez with Fyrsed Alsad Alfad III. Its lead actor, Sue Prado, III won as Best Actress. Rounding-off the roster of winners were: Ramon del Prado and Ayene Pineda, Best Animated Short for Si Pineda Pagong at si Matsing; Mc.Robert NaMatsing cario, Best Cinematography for Qiyacario mah; and Cierlito Tabay, Best Documah mentary for Walay Tumoy na Punterya. The Jury prize went to Eduardo Lejano Jr. for Qwerty and Guttierez Mangansakan II for Qiyamah. The Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival is a joint undertaking of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the city of government of Davao under Mayor Sara Duterte. Sineng Pambansa is the Duterte agship program of the FDCP featuring full-length features, documentaries and animation shorts from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Seventeen lm nalists were screened during the festival at the malls in Davao from June 29 to July. Deserving lm projects were given seed money and competed under the full-length feature, documentary and animated short lm categories. Through this lm fest, FDCP aims to encourage creativity of lmmakers, showcase the countrys indigenous cultural heritage through lm and expose the new generation of Filipino lmmakers to a wider audience. The festival entries are unique with use of the local languages in their dialogue or narration. The jury was composed of international lm authorities: Paolo Bertolin ofVenice Film Festival adviser; Kim Je Seok of the Busan International Film Festival; Dr. Rolando Tolentino, Dean of the UP College of Mass Communication; and Sabrina Baracetti of Udine Asian Film Festival. For the documentary section, the jury was composed of Christian Merer of the French Embassy in Manila and documentary lmmaker Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala. The lm festivals Ikalawang Yugto (Second Chapter) will be held this November in Davao City. The Manila premiere of Ang Mga Kidnapper in Ronnie Lazaro is scheduled on July 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In Bangka Ha Ut Sin Diwa Supah and Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro will be screened on Aug. 4 at the UP Film Center in Diliman.
Sineng Pambansa grand prize winner director Sigfried Barros Sanchez
Sunday
BUSINESS ManilaStandardTODAY
extrastory2000@gmail.com
A10
Feminine charm steers PH automotive industry

By Julito G. Rada
MARIA Fe Perez-Agudo, a product of an all-girls Catholic school in Manila, believes in the capability of women to climb the corporate ladder even in industries known to be mens turf.
Her own ascent to the top position at the fastest-growing car distributor in the Philippines changed the face of the once male-dominated automotive industry. I believe in the power of the feminine genius, the amiable Agudo says, as she encourages women to explore more avenues. Unleash and maximize that inner power. Choose to seek opportunities, add value, deliver results, and most importantly, love what youre doing, she says. Agudo speaks from experience. Married and a mother of two, she is the president and chief executive of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., the ofcial distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines. A decade ago, Hyundai was a Korean car brand looked down in the Philippines and other markets. Things changed, as Hyundai employed the best hands in engineering and the best brains in marketing. Back in 2001, Hyundai was literally a dwarf to the Japanese and American motoring giants that dominated the industry at that time. Korean cars then were considered of poor quality and it was a huge challenge to change public perception on that, she adds. Agudo took the challenge head-on. Under her leadership, Hari grew by leaps and bounds and is now considered the leading distributor of imported vehicles in the Philippines. Now, she says Hyundai takes St. Scholasticas pride in integrity of design. alumnus Hyundai vehicles are a total She nished Bachelor of package in terms of power, Science in Commerce, Major in beauty, fuel-efciency, and ecoAccounting under a full scholarship friendliness, she says. at St. Scholasticas College, an allHyundais girls school run by the Benedictine Sisters in Manila in 1983. This turnaround is the same college where the late Hari has consisPresident Corazon Cojuangco tently placed among Aquino and 1969 Miss Universe the top three car firms Gloria Diaz studied. in terms of sales over Agudo also completed the past two years. It a Leadership Development distributes 13 models Program at Wharton School in three different segof Business in University of ments. Pennsylvania in 2003. For her exemAgudo admits that as a young plary management girl in the 1970s, she never thought of Hari in its 10 she would nd herself involved in years as a corpothe automotive industry, especially ration and for her in the distribution in the Philippines role behind its of the now-considered world- success as a major leading Korean cars. player in the auA real estate professional tomotive industry, for over 20 years, Perez-Agudo Agudo was named says a rare opportunity knocked the Woman Entreon her door in 2001, requiring a preneur of the Year by advisory group total career shift. Ernst & Young in A career shift I was already enjoying a career 2011. Agudo says Hari in the real estate industry when an will not rest on opportunity arose. I was asked to spearhead the selling in the its achievements Philippines of this still-unknown attained over the years, and will Korean car brand, she says. continue expanding its eet of vehicles. After the launch of Eon and preview of Veloster during the International Motorshow in March, she says they will launch the allnew, upgraded Santa Fe later this year.
Expanding dealerships
Hari also aims to expand its number of dealerships in the country in a bid to meet the increasing demand of
customers. Agudo says the plan is to add seven more dealerships, bringing to 45 its nationwide network this year. Despite criticism Hyundai is undercutting competition, Agudo says the Korean car maker is in fact promoting healthy competition. As the countrys third topranking brand in terms of local industry sales, Hari is engaged in friendly competition with the countrys leading Japanese brands, she says. Hari chooses to co-exist with and engage in healthy competition with them because healthy competition challenges everyone to outdo themselves in delivering the best possible products and services to the consumers. She says Hari aspires to be the Filipinos most trusted lifetime partner in motoring and beyond. Hari wants Filipinos to experience Hyundai not just as a car but a space where customers experience lifes most brilliant moments, she says.
are happy that Ford Philippines will continue to do business here as a distributor, she says.
Good corporate citizen

Agudo says Hari nurtures a strong partnership with the government. Hari takes pride in being a good corporate citizen, abiding by the governments laws on engaging in private business in the Philippines, she says. Through Hari Foundation Inc., the company engages the government in its corporate social responsibility efforts at community building, economic development and environment protection. Through the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, of which I am president, we bring together the best minds in government and private business to discover innovative ways to make Philippine businesses step up and be counted as a erce new player in Asia-Pacic and the world, capable of offering our markets innovation, a wider range of choices in products and services, and friendlier prices to meet a broad range of needs and lifestyles, she says. Agudo says she draws inspiration from Hyundais philosophy of shaping a happier, healthier and greener world. Hari has partnered with non-government organizations and government entities to make a reality its commitment to good corporate citizenship that is expressed through a triple bottomline approach economic growth, community development, and environment protection, she says. On her vision for the future, Agudo says: Hari hopes to see a more vibrant and healthier environment of competition for all players in the automotive industry. As long as the playing eld is equal for all, this would boil down to happier consumers and thriving, vibrant businesses. Agudo says women have as much capability to manage companies as men. Her advice to young girls still on the planning stage for their career is to pursue their dreams with passion. Discover your passion and when you nd it, look for ways to keep it alive, spread it and inspire others, she says. My benchmark for success at this point of my career is to be able to leave a legacy of values that Hari can keep passing on, intact and alive, to the next generation of leaders in the automotive industry.
Importers group
Aside from leading Hari, Agudo also serves as the president of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors. Other members of Avid include The Covenant Car Co., Motor Image Pilipinas, Cats Motors, PGA Cars, Scandinavian Motors and British United Automobiles. Avid saw its sales rise 4 percent to 24,880 units in 2011 and expects a double-digit growth this year, on improved supply condition and stable economy. This would allow the group to increase their combined market share to 20 percent from 15 percent in 2011, cutting into the share of rival group Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. Agudo says the recent announcement of Ford Group Philippines to stop manufacturing operations in the country should serve as a challenge to both the government and the automotive industry to review current policies, strategies and directions. This is an opportunity to seek the best program to advance the growth and development of the Philippine automotive industry, in the interest of boosting the countrys overall economy. We
Vision for the future
Finance lady shows path to riches

FINANCIAL numbers excite April Lynn Lee-Tan. This is because the ability to understand numbers justies a well-paid career in nance that helps clients such as stock investors increase their wealth. When we look at numbers, we see stories. Numbers are just a representation of stories, she says in an interview at her ofce in Ortigas. I nd numbers very exciting. Tan, an articulate nancial executive with modellike physique, says numbers help her pinpoint listed companies that are doing well and that provide investment opportunities to clients who have extra cash to buy stocks. She encourages college students to pursue a career in the number-crunching world of nance, as this is an industry that created millionaires among stock brokers. Tan says while salaries in nance may have a wide range depending on the positions, you can actually earn a lot of money if you work in the nance industry. When asked how much stock brokers are earning, she says: To give you an idea, among top 100 taxpayers, we have people there working in stock brokerage rms. These people, she adds, earn most of their income from commissions on managing the funds of other people. fund managers, portfolio managers, nancial analysts and chief nance ofcers. She admits that back in her college days, she was not aware of the opportunities available in nance. Honestly speaking, when I started out, there was not much awareness on careers in nance. In college, the most sought-after jobs are careers in Marketing, maybe because the marketing departments of companies are the ones more aggressive in hiring, she says. I also had the same perception. I also wanted to be in Marketing. But I was not a very good Marketing student nor did I belong to that group. In school, what I was good at was Math and Economics, she says. Tan nished Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1996. She says a friend introduced her to the exciting world of nance. I had a friend who was working for a stock brokerage rm as an analyst and when she told me what she did on a day-to-day basis, I said it was quite interesting. I then applied for the job as an analyst, she says. Tan joined CSIs Research group in 1996 and earned the right to use the CFA designation in 2000. She explains that to be a CFA charter holder, one needs to pass three levels of exam focused on various nance topics. Over and above passing three levels of exam, you have to have four years of relevant experience in the nance industry, she says. the US and they are surprised that in our seminars, we have more or less equal numbers of men and women attending. A lot of women are working in this country. In other countries, you dont nd this type of dynamics, she says. She says nance is a growing local industry here, because of the good economic prospects for the Philippines. The nance industry is growing because the economy is growing. Secondly, you see interest rates going down. In the past, people are content leaving their money in the bank where they earn interest from their deposits. Now, they are trying to look for alternatives to earn more from their money. That is creating a demand for fund managers and analysts. Partly, that is also fueling the stock market, she says. Tan says people are looking for alternatives to bank deposits, because deposit rates have gone down in recent years. In the 1990s up to the early 2000s, it is quite common for banks to give time deposit rate of around 10 percent. Now, even in bonds you cannot earn 10 percent. Long-term bonds are now down to 6 percent to 7 percent, probably 8 percent at most, but that is for 10 years. So people are thinking of ways to earn more money, she says.
A growing industry
An exciting career
Tan, the vice president and head of research at online stock brokerage rm COL Financial Philippines, is at the forefront of promoting nance as an exciting profession among college students. A career in nance is very exciting. It is not at all boring. The perception that it is a boring desk job is not true, she says. The 36-year-old mother of two is currently the president of CFA Society Philippines, the local chapter of Chartered Financial Analysts Institute, a global network that accredits nancial professionals. CFA Institute has more than 109,000 members worldwide. When we say careers in nance, people usually think about frontline banking, accounting, bookkeeping and backroom jobs. We feel we have to create an awareness that nance is much more than those jobs and in fact those are not even nance jobs. Those are backroom jobs. Finance is so much more, she says. Tan says nance offers various careers such as
Stock market boom

With so much liquidity in the market, as evident in P1.6 trillion worth of peoples money placed in freezer account of the Bangko Sentral called special deposit account or SDA, she says one investment opportunity people should consider is the stock market. The economic growth outlook is very positive and should continue to fuel corporate earnings growth. As earnings go up, share prices have also to go up to reect this reality. We are quite condent that this trend will hold for the next ve years, she says. She says money invested today may double over the next ve years, if invested in good stocks. This is on the assumption the annual 15-percent growth trajectory of returns over the past 15 years would be sustained in the future. Tan says the 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index, which surpassed the 5,400-point mark on July 5, may hit 10,000 points over the next ve years. At this point, if you are talking of a target of 10,000 in ve years, that would translate to an increase of 15 percent per annum. If earnings grow by 15 percent per annum, as they did in the past ve years, then denitely 10,000 points is something that we can attain in the next ve years. It is an attainable target, she says.
CFA designation
Opportunities in nance
People who have CFA designation have exciting opportunities here and abroad, says Tan. Many of their members have in fact left for high-paying jobs in the nancial hubs of the US, Hong Kong and Singapore. Only 122 CFA charter holders remain in the Philippines. She says at CFA Society, we have ethics at the core. She says the group promotes ethical nance profession. When speaking of ethics, she says: You have to put clients interest rst and foremost before yourself. It is especially relevant now given all the scandals going on globally. The end goal of the CFA program is to be wellequipped nancial professional who can handle well other peoples money and have these good ethical bearings. This means you are using what you know for the betterment of your clients, she says. Tan says nance offers equal opportunities for both men and women. We have speakers coming from
Time to buy stocks

She says now is the good time to buy stocks. If we are gonna hit 10,000 in ve years, I dont see any reason why you should not be investing right now. I guess people are a bit shy or hesitant about doing it all at once. AT COL Financial, we suggest that people follow an investment plan to set aside a certain amount of their salary on a monthly basis as investment in stocks, she says. Tan particularly encourages the young professionals to start investing in stocks. If you are young, you could invest as high as 50 percent of your salary in stocks, because you do not have a lot of cash requirements in the short-term, she says. Set aside a big portion of your salary for stocks while you are young, she says. The younger you are, the bigger amount you should set aside for investments in stocks, she adds. RTD
Sunday
ManilaStandardTODAY
SPORTS
A11
Cortuna VICTORIOUS IN
Hong Kong
By Reuel Vidal
Veteran bodybuilder Dondon Cortuna has collected a hefty number of rst place trophies from tournaments here and abroad in his 20 years of competitive bodybuilding. He adds to the collection with his victory in Hong Kong. Jerome Miranda (above, left) displays the form which earned him the gold in the Mens 65 kilogram and below category. Reysan Nonepara ruled the Mens Novice Overall and 75 kilogram and below categories. ERIX LEAO AND JAMES LEETONG
Filipinos excel in mind games

THERES a new sport which requires participants to exercise their mind and powers of memory even more than chess and Filipinos are again in the forefront. The Philippine Memory Team bannered by skipper Roberto Racasa and rst Filipino Grandmaster of Memory Mark Anthony Castaeda, dominated a eld of 260 mental athletes, to snare 10 gold medals in the Thailand International Open Memory Championships held at the Kasetsart University in Bangkok last week. Mary Sharmaine Deldio Dianquinay, who ruled the womens division of the tournament, is setting her sights at the 2012 Australian International Open Memory Championship in Melbourne in November. The 18-year-old Dianquinay is a third year BS Speech Pathology student at the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Campus. She is now very busy in her preparations for the memory competition in Australia. I know its going to be hard but I hope to do well in the Australian International Open Memory Championship, said Dianquinay whose family owns the LNJ Pop Music and Academic Tutorial Services at Lores Plaza, Antipolo City. Coincidentally, another player from Antipolo, Princess Grace Mendoza, won the gold in the girls category. Mendoza is a 15-year-old student of the Lady of Rosary School where she has been a consistent honor student since her preparatory school days. She is a chess enthusiast, knows how to play the guitar, is the president of her schools student council and dreams of becoming a lawyer someday. Other members of the Philippine Memory Team are Ydda Graceille Mae Habab and 10-year-old whiz kid Jamyla Lambunao of St. Scholastica Academy of Marikina, Anne Bernadette Bonita of Caloocan City, Cristine Eon Barao of Paranaque City, Ian Roi Spencer Betiong and Blessie Mae Ayalde of Pasig City. As preparation for the sports coming world championship the team is scheduled to compete in the 2012 International Memory Championship in Melbourne, Australia on November 16 to 17. The final competition of the year will be the World Olympic Memory Championship on December 14 to 17 in London, England. The Thailand mind festival was organized by the Association of Creativity Memory and Play (ACMP) under the auspices of World Memory Sports Council and attracted 260 mental athletes from all over the world. Marlon Bernardino, Jr.
ANOTHER group of unheralded
Filipino athletes went home last week without fanfare after ruling the 2012 HKFBF International Bodybuilding and Fitness Invitational Championship at Star Hall, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
career that spans two decades. Unlike other sports where athletes face a steep decline after they reach their peak in their late 20s the nature of bodybuilding is such that after all the long years of competition Cortuna is now probably at his peak condition. He expressed his pride at being able to represent the Philippines in competitions abroad. He said he was happy to show the world that local athletes can also conquer the international stage. I was honored to represent my country especially when I got the championship. I was pleased to hear them call my country and then announce my name as champion, said Cortuna. I really worked hard to prepare for that competition. I spent ve months preparing religious-
Veteran internationalist Dondon Cortuna added another bodybuilding gold medal victory to his collection by ruling the 75 kilogram category of the international tournament. Cortuna is not the only Filipino bodybuilder to emerge victorious in the Hong Kong meet. Local athletes won the gold in ve other categories. Jerome Miranda was triumphant in the Mens 65kg and below category. Reysan Nonepara ruled the Mens Novice 75kg and below category as well as the Mens Novice Overall. Joseph Fernandez was triumphant in the Mens Novice 70kg and below category. Finally, Paolo Lobo Daligdig took the gold in the Mens Novice 65kg and below. Cortuna is at the zenith of a
ly. The diet was tough and I had to work out extremely hard. After all that sacrice I was condent of winning because of my 100 percent dedication, self-discipline and determination. Rocky Dauden of the Unied Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of the Philippines likened Cortuna to Manny Pacquiao who, for a while, seemed unbeatable. He won in his category at the Arnold Amateur early this year. From then until now, this guy has continued his winning ways thats why he is considered to be the Manny Pacquiao of bodybuilding. Champions have no off-season, said Dauden. Cortuna bagged the gold in the 75 kg category in the recent Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Dauden explained that Cortuna was able to overpower his competitors through his superior symmetry. In the stage kasi its all about symmetry. I was able to talk to Dondon (Cortuna) and he said karamihan daw ng kalaban mga Americans and some Europeans. They may have big upper bodies pero pagdating sa legs, medyo
mahina, said Dauden who noted that Cortuna had the whole package. HKFBF is a competition of different nations from different parts of the world. It started a few years ago and has virtually exploded in popularity with the best bodybuilders in the region competing. And next up for Cortuna and other local bodybuilders is the 2nd Phil Asia 2012 International Bodybuilding championship to be held September 21 to 24 at the Mariners Court, Cebu. Registration is September 21, 8 to 12 noon at the Workout Fitness Center. Interested parties may call 032-255-5531, visit the Web sites http://www.strongpinoy.org and http://maximummusclemag.com or send email to strongpinoy@gmail.com. It will be the biggest and most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the Philippines and will actually serve as qualier to the Mr. Universe. Its a safe bet that local bodybuilders, including Cortuna and the other local winners of the past HKFBF tournament, will again step up and dominate to bring honor and glory to the country.
The Magician
THE MORNING AFTER
THE most popular cue artist of all time is Efren Bata Reyes, who after racking up hundreds of titles in more than three generations, is still feared by his inveterate enemies and revered by his adoring fans as the most cunning magician in the world of billiards. Bata Reyes, at 57, owns one of the most recognizable faces on television among local athletes, having been cast alongside the most bankable talents in the Da King, the late Fernando Poe, Jr., and recently boxing icon Manny Pacman Pacquiao. Since he began knocking down colored balls from the most toilsome angles, Bata Reyes has established a cult of his own. Ambitious and restless, Bata Reyes grew up in the hobo jungles of old Manila in downtown Sta. Cruz where he played the game to survive. He made the billiard tables his satin bed and dreamt of becoming a star player someday. Even in his tender age, Bata Reyes, armed with rmness of purpose, was already considered a barracuda in the game at a time when the nations most prolic money maker was the affable Jose Amang Parica. Even when he lost closely-contested games, Bata Reyes never once railed or
RAY ROQUERO
complained against the luck of fate. He never uttered bitter remarks, except to murmur in his soft voice: Amang got all the breaks. I guess it was in the 80s when Parica and Reyes joined forces to establish the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines(BSCP) along with the amboyant pelotari, Joaquin Perez de Tagle, at the old Sports Grille of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila. Before that, there were only the rare tournaments. Their exploits seldom landed in the sports pages nor broadcast on TV. But soon, billiards became a passion and an ubiquitous sight in many street parlors. Through the guidance of Tagle, the BSCP gathered the countrys best players, calendared tournaments year round and rated the competitors to separate the men from the boys. There was order and lucrative competitions that enriched everyone in the group followed. Reyes and Parica were now the foremost entertainers with their brilliance and amazing skills. They became household bywords and their names were quickly added to the roster of Filipino champions in international meets as billiards took a convivial turn for fame and glory. This was of course before the days when big time event organizers and promoters took over from the BSCP which was then crippled by a leadership crisis. Billiards became an instant money maker with Bata Reyes, joined by a plethora of eminent pool maestros like Django Bustamante and Ronnie Alcano, among others.
Times have changed but despite the wealth and accolades, Reyes has remained unspoiled and carefree. The only variations in his life are his brittle bones and his dimming sight. Yet, he has never run out of tricks. It would not be fair to Bata Reyes to say that he did not take himself seriously in all those rich tournaments he had conquered. His amiable spirit and comic demeanor belie the strength and resolve he displayed to rule numerous tournaments. In recognition of his exceptional accomplishments, the Filipino champion was bestowed the singular honor by the US Billiard Media Association as the sports Player of the Decade for 2000 to 2009. Thrice, he was named Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), rst in 1999; the second in 2001, sharing the plum with golfer Dorothy Delasin; and the third in 2006 with fellow player Ronnie Alcano and four other athletes. Bata Reyes was among the few picked to grace the Nintendo DS World Cup of Pool game alongside Earl Strickland and Ronnie OSullivan of the US. Now in the market, the video game allows players to duel against the worlds top 60 cue artists in a reality match. In the yearend money list two years ago, Bata Reyes earned $93,709, second only to Darren Appletons $118,494. Well, what more can we say of the Magician, now with the capital M. Efren Bata Reyes is a gracious companion and a gentle human being. He is everybodys friend and there is always laughter in his heart and a smile on his lips.
Philippine Memory Team skipper Roberto Racasa (center) demonstrates how to memorize the order of a full deck of cards in less than a minute. Looking on are rst Filipino Grandmaster (GM) of Memory Mark Anthony Castaeda (right) and journalist Marlon Bernardino Jr.
MoreFun
A12
Manila Standard TODAY
in the Philippines
DUTY FREE OPENS NEWLY RENOVATED NAIA T3 OUTLET
top tourist destinations list
Manila, Boracay
Duty Free Philippines (DFP) partly opened its new outlet that was undergoing major renovation at the Terminal 3 arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Paraaque City recently. This is in fulllment of the companys commitment to enhance its retail footprint through an aggressive store expansion and improvement project, and as part of the Manila International Airport Authoritys rehabilitation and beautication program.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez
Based on the 2011 Visitor Sample Survey for Inbound Visitors, the most popular destinations are Manila, Boracay, Cebu, Laguna, and Tagaytay. These destinations are most visited by tourists because these places continue to o er varied types of products and activities, namely, sun, sea and beach, entertainment and shopping, sightseeing, and recreation. In terms of popularity, fast-rising destinations from the Visayas are Albay, Camarines Sur (especially Caramoan), and Samar. Tourist interest in these places is steadily growing due to their untapped natural resources and beautiful sceneries. The Tourism Department (DOT) also projects that the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas will be the next favored tourist destinations once the needed infrastructure and investments in accommodation and tourism products are completed. According to the Department, the country remains on track in achieving its year-end target with a total of 1,819,781 million foreign visitors from January to May. The gure is 13.05 percent higher compared to last years
White Beach in Boracay
1,609,651 visitors. The Department also reported that all key markets registered a positive growth from January to May, with Korea, USA, Japan, China, and Taiwan maintaining their positions as the countrys top tourist generators. Korea remains to be the biggest source, contributing 397,170 visitors for a share of 21.83 percent of the total volume and posting a 12.41 percent growth. Overseas Filipinos supplied 5.16 percent to the total tourist traffic with 93,814 arrivals, exhibiting a steady growth rate of 4.26 percent. To further boost the arrival of visitors, the Department intends to maximize available resources and focus on channels that will yield higher mileage come September. With about
25M Facebook and Twitter users in the Philippines, the Department is tapping the power of social media to push the campaign locally. Its website, www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com, is currently being developed to feature more information about the Philippines places to see and go depending on tourists interests To encourage participation in the on-going campaign, Tourism chief Ramon Jimenez rallies the whole Filipino nation around a very simple idea: Tourism is the peoples business. More than any other country in Asia, the Philippines has the power of buzz and buzz creation is beyond anything our competition can generate. This same insight has been at
the core of our new tourism campaign, Its more fun in the Philippines, a campaign with a central strategy executed and spread by millions of active, enthusiastic Filipinos who feel they have the power to persuade people to visit their country. Its phenomenal and viral success so far is greatly due to the people who have participated in the campaign with their catchy and witty versions, each proving to the world how it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. It is hoped that every Filipino will continue to support the campaign and engage in becoming tourism ambassadors who will ensure that our foreign guests will always have a positive, memorable, and fun experience, Secretary Jimenez said.
The revitalized airport store has adopted a more innovative, modern and sleek design. The improvements aim to provide a better shopping experience for its customers, specically the international travelers and tourists. As of this date, the outlet has proven to be more protable as it already gained an outstanding 36 percent year over year increase in sales since it opened last May 6. Renovation plans of DFPs departure store at the NAIA Terminal 1 are already underway. The Tourism Departments attached agency is hopeful that the new duty free stores more attractive and functional retail environment will be instrumental to the achievement of its goal of contributing to the countrys tourism efforts.
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Manila Standard Today - July 22, 2012 Issue

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Manila Standard Today - July 22, 2012 Issue

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The Sunday Edition of ManilaStandardTODAY

PhilHealth probe eyed; Palace hits party list

SONA costs P3m; Aquino spent a week rehearsing

ARTS & LIFE A8

CHARMER STEERS THE AUTODOM

DIGITAL PHOTOS ON-THE-GO

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SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Ferdie leaves 2 dead

Budget bill and RH get Palace priority; Cha-cha still iffy

Hard facts on sex

(First of 2 parts ) By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Edited by FRANCIS LAGNITON mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Second thoughts on new Falcons

ALTHOUGH about 25 air forces around the

European Union gives P460-m more for peace in Muslim Mindanao

More whale shark fun in Oslob, Cebu

Taking care of business

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SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

THAI BLAST MARS RAMADAN

Muslims start fasting, praying

Yale defends plans for new college in Singapore

Colorado shooter faces death penalty

The Girl from Ipanema turns 50

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Dont phase out charity wards yet

An open letter to the President

ROGELIO C. SALAZAR President & CEO

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

can be accessed at:

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JULY 22, 2012

THE shutterbug inside us senses that it is denitely nice

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JULY 22, 2012 SUNDAY

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ARTS & LIFE

JULY 22, 2012

The Spa Fit toning massage oil

By Elaine Ruzul R. Alanguilan

waste, saves money

Anne Curtis as she appears in a Smart billboard

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SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

PhilPOP grand champion Karl Villuga

OPM artists graced the Finals Night

Indie film about indie filmmakers honored

Sineng Pambansa grand prize winner director Sigfried Barros Sanchez

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SUNDAY JULY 22, 2012

Feminine charm steers PH automotive industry

Good corporate citizen

Vision for the future

Finance lady shows path to riches

Stock market boom

Time to buy stocks

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