Hontiveros files “Tres Marias” Bills vs. Gender-Based Electronic Violence, Peer-to-Peer Sexual Harassment and Rape

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“We need to speak up”. [L-R: Senator Risa Hontiveros, Anne Nicole de Castro and Dr. Sylvia Claudio. De Castro faced sexual harassment online after protesting the Marcos burial last week.] Photo by Joseph Vidal, Senate PRIB

Coinciding with the observance of the International Week for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (VAWC), Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday filed three (3) legislative bills to fight sexual harassment and violence against women. The senator was joined by women rights advocate, Dr. Sylvia Claudio and several student women leaders.

Hontiveros’ three bills are the Anti-Rape Act (Senate Bill No. 1252), the Anti Sexual Harassment Bill (Senate Bill No. 1250), and the Gender-Based Electronic Violence (Senate Bill No. 1251). Dubbed as the ‘Tres Marias" bills, the said measures seek to strengthen the existing Anti-Rape Law, and criminalize gender-based electronic violence and peer-to-peer sexual harassment.

Hontiveros expressed alarm over the growing number of sexual harassment cases against women both offline and online. She cited the examples of Vice President Leni Robredo who was recently the subject of a nasty pregnancy rumor and students like Anne Nicole De Castro, who were sexually harassed online after participating in a protest action against the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“There is an urgent need to institute protective measures and strategic policies to combat the prevalence of the rape culture in our society which leads to physical sexual assault and other forms of violence against our women and children,” Hontiveros explained.

Reece McLaren inspired by Eduard Folayang’s title victory, looks to upset Fernandes

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Filipino-Australian bantamweight sensation Reece McLaren burst onto the scene in ONE Championship after joining the promotion in 2015. He has since come away with two highly-impressive victories over top caliber opponents inside the ONE Championship cage which has earned him a shot at ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.

McLaren (9-3) is set to challenge reigning champion Fernandes (19-3) in the co-main event of ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION which takes place Friday, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The 25-year-old McLaren says he draws inspiration from another Filipino warrior who recently became an MMA world champion.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Baguio City’s Eduard “Landslide” Folayang shocked the world with a scintillating technical knockout victory over Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki to capture the ONE Lightweight World Championship. McLaren says the win has motivated him in training for his upcoming title shot against Fernandes.

“I saw the Eduard [Folayang] fight and I drew a lot of inspiration from it. Another fellow Filipino winning a world title shows that it can be done,” said McLaren.

“Watching the fight was super exciting. I was on the edge of my seat. It was such a massive opportunity for him and to see him walk away with the victory was just so inspirational.”

Thanksgiving Treats at Gumbo

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In celebration of Thanksgiving Day this November, Gumbo New Orleans Restaurant will serve Large Appetizers (Baked Artichoke Formaggio, Steamed Clams, Jumbo Onion Rings, Cheesy Baked Oyster, etc) and Salads (Classic Caesar, Smoked Salmon, Mardi Gras, Four Seasons Salad and more) for the price of regular only! Enjoy this huge and sumptuous treats from November 21-30.

Thanksgiving Day is a joyous family festival celebrated with lots of enthusiasm. On this day people express gratitude to God for His blessings and give thanks to dear ones for their love and support. Thank your family and friends by treating them with these sumptuous, big, and mouth-watering dishes at Gumbo! Other dishes worth trying at Gumbo are Seafood Jambalaya, Bayou’s Stuffed Crabs, Shrimp Etouffe, Bourbon-Style Baby Back Ribs, Southern-Grilled Chicken Caesar, Cajun-Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Boil, Family Feast, among others.

Visit Gumbo at SM Mall of Asia (5560238), The Block 442-0106, Mega Atrium (6353015), Robinsons Manila Midtown (5671820), Gateway Mall (440-4632), Robinsons Magnolia (7209632).

BomberMinds: Creating Noise from Explosive Ideas

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Watch out as notable figures in the advertising industry share their expertise and creativity in making explosive ideas behind explosive publicities to the young Advertising and Public Relations savvies.

On November 28, the fourth year students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines will bring you BomberMinds: Creating Noise from Explosive Ideas, as part of the 16th Annual Student Advertising Congress happening at the La Virginia Hotel and Resort, Barangay Manggahan, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas.

Get ready to hear the stories and experiences of the BomberMinds’ speakers as they lead you to the different levels of talks about creative and effective publicity. They will discuss some of the best created publicity in the Philippines and how to make it explosive like it’s the best bomb ever.

Explosion of ideas in workshop and fun-filled activities is included in the seminar for the advertising majors.

The said event is organized by BAPR 4-3D or Invert3D.


For more details and inquiries about the BomberMinds: Creating Noise from Explosive Ideas, visit its Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BomberMinds2016

Coworking Makes Sense at Impact Hub Manila with KMC Solutions

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Any freelancer, home-based employee, and entrepreneur know what it’s like to have an idea, but fail to execute. As your own boss, you’re awarded with the appearance of freedom, but find yourself swamped with more tasks today from failing to finish the tasks of yesterday. As the day goes by, you’re finding it harder to focus on your daily goals.

Working from the comfort of your own home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and there are several reasons why – the distractions, isolation, lack of collaboration can all build up to one thing, failure.

Firstly, your home provides too much stimulus for you to focus on one single thing. Getting caught in one distraction will lead to procrastination, and then pulling an all-nighter over a deadline that’s coming up. This scenario leads to two possible outcomes; First, you miss the deadline, your client is disappointed, and you stress over it. Second, you meet the deadline, fail to produce quality outcome, your client is disappointed, and you stress over it.

Second, the isolation can drive you nuts. One of the best things about working in an office is seeing people working hard, which in turn, motivates you to do your best as well. There’s always a sense of synergy when you work alongside others, even if you’re not working with them.

Third, you have this great idea that you know is going to be a big hit, but you can’t seem to bridge idea to prototype. What you lack is collaboration, as well as the network, or community to share your idea with. Never be afraid of sharing your idea for fear of having it stolen. In a network of similarly-minded entrepreneurs or possible consumers, sharing your idea could pave way for better user interface, user experience, and pricing, thus a better prototype.

These are the exact reasons why Impact Hub Manila collaborated with KMC Solutions to present you with four coworking spaces around Manila that will cater to your needs as a creative entrepreneur. There’s a vibrant learning community waiting for you at Impact Hub Manila today to collaborate, create, and make a global impact. Join them and network with the world’s most innovative professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Impact Hub Manila is now available in 4 locations!

Disruptive Collaboration with KMC Solutions

SM Aura Office Tower, 11th Floor, Bonifacio Global City
Uptown Place Tower 2, Bonifacio Global City
Rufino Pacific Tower, 29th Floor, Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Rockwell Business Center Tower 1, 5th Floor, Ortigas Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City

Microsoft Survey: Business Leaders in the Philippines Prioritize Hybrid Cloud for Digital Transformation

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Microsoft recently held a press launch of the Windows Server 2016 on November 18 at the Hexagon Lounge of Tower 2 of RCBC Plaza. Herns Hermida of Microsoft gave us an overview of how the new Windows Server 2016 and System Center 2016 accelerates transition to a digital business.

As expected, cloud technology is primarily a significant part of the digital transition if we really want to be more competitive, innovative, and revolutionary, in a sense, as we embrace advance technology with trust and vision.

I do believe it is the way to go since everyone, even traditional media, is going digital. Now that the cloud has gone hybrid - a merging of both public and private solutions, the possibilities are becoming endless and infinite too.

True enough, businesses are evolving especially those who courageously joined the ICT bandwagon ahead of others. Being pioneers in technological innovations makes us look more credible and stronger in the yes of not only our customers but also our peers in the industry.

I've been a Systems and Server Administrator for several years and I couldn't really catch up with how speedy the development of technology has been. It seems there's a new technology coming up every second that there no longer is a specialist that could say he or she knows everything about a certain technology.

FuckUp Night: Celebrate Failures on November 24th!

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WTF! This is the first time I've heard of an event which celebrates failures! This got to be so interesting to personally witness. I'm excited to be part of it since it is very rare that we recognize or admit our failures. We simply couldn't accept the fact that we were weak or fragile, or "incomplete" and "vulnerable" to succeed on our first try. 

What we don't realize is that those who really make it through life are those that do not use the word "fail" in their vocabulary and merely treat them as a challenge and learning experience to do better next time. Success is easily achieved when you know you have to get back up every time you fall down.

"I’m a firm believer that consistent hustle always wins. This is why when I set my heart to achieve a goal, I make it a point to keep moving towards it no matter how many setbacks I may encounter! I am not afraid to fail. In fact, rather than failing, what scares me the most is giving up. 

I’m sure you have your own set of fears to conquer as well. Why don’t you respond to this email right now and tell me what you’re most afraid of? 

You see, on the 24th, we’ll be having our FuckUp Night – a night to celebrate failures and conquer fears! We’re giving the spotlight to entrepreneurs who know firsthand what it’s like to fail their way to success. 

So if you find yourself in the same place – making mistakes and constantly battling fear – don’t worry, you’re in great company! :) 

Hub On,
LizAn Kuster | Impact Hub Co-Founder"

FuckUp Night – where we’ll all get a chance to celebrate our failures to make way for bigger successes! It’s going to be a FUN night – with free booze, inspiring speakers, and an amazing crowd!

On our Rockstar line-up are Carlo Valencia, Georgianna Carlos, Ron Hose, and more – don’t miss finding out how these entrepreneurs handled the biggest business obstacles they’ve ever encountered.

We’re expecting a lot of people coming in this Thursday, but feel free to invite more of your friends, family, or strangers who could use a spark of motivation.

It’s happening on November 24 at 7:30PM at Picadilly Star, 4th Ave., Bonifacio Global City – see you there!

Monitor Your Health in Real-Time with the Helo Smart Wristband

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We cannot deny that we worry a lot about our health because of so many possible sickness that we may encounter during our lifetime. With every advancement in technology for just about anything, there seems to be a new virus or bacteria that evolves or mutates to produce a new disease.

Thus, we are not really sure nowadays if we are still in tough shape because at any time we may succumb to poor health if we take our bodies for granted. 

We even hear of athletes going down while performing their regular routines. There are runners who get into a heart attack in the middle of a run, there are swimmers who drown because of sudden fatigue, and many other horror stories even for the seemingly physically fit.

This is why there are people who also design cures or remedy for situations like these in order to prevent their occurrences.

Say HELO Philippines! The latest innovation in the health monitoring gadget, HELO is a smart wristband that you can wear 24/7 to monitor your vital signs real-time, providing data that can be used to improve your lifestyle choices leading to a healthier well-being and physical condition, and better life. Helo is equipped to monitor your blood pressure, breath rate, heart rate, and ECG. It has fitness functionality to record your number of steps, distance and calories burned. It monitors your mood and levels of fatigue. For emergencies, simply press the *Panic Button located on the side. Change the way you live.

The product is already available online.... and the people responsible are in the process of bringing the product here in the Philippines.

#HELOph #HealthMonitoringDevice #HealthyOptions #Healthvestment Please follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @HELO_phofficial

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HELO.phofficial/

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Globe Partners with Kiva for a Globe of Good

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Unemployment continues to be one of the Philippines’ biggest challenges to date. Millions of Filipinos either remain on the loose for a job opportunity to earn their keep or are employed but are dissatisfied with their current pay, role or job fit, categorizing them in the “underemployed” segment.

In the year 2000, unemployment rate was at a record high of 13.9. While unemployment rate steadily decreased over the years at a record low of 5.4 in the third quarter of 2016, it remains a major roadblock in seeing the country’s full potential.

Micro-, small- and medium- enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed largely to this increase in employment. In ASEAN countries, majority of enterprises are MSMEs, reaching up to 99% in some. In the Philippines, there are currently close to a million MSMEs. From 1995 to 2011, the number of people employed by MSMEs has increased from 2.7 million to 3.9 million, and the number only continues to grow, allowing people to slowly rise over the poverty line.

MSMEs encounter difficulty when it comes to funding due to having mostly personal assets. Without acceptable collateral such as real property and with a limited track record, MSMEs, especially the smallest ones, are put at a disadvantage in loaning capital as they cannot meet bank requirements.

With its renewed purpose of seeing a country where businesses flourish, Globe Telecom constantly looks at forging partnerships to grow employment opportunities. In partnership with global crowd-funding source Kiva, the company has revolutionized an avenue to help Filipinos, empower local businesses, and promote economic growth. Globe customers can now help Filipino start-up entrepreneurs realize their dreams by donating or lending funds.

Leveraging on its online facility and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva provides loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. The micro-finance institutions, which are called Field Partners, administer the loans in the field, giving people in need a safe and affordable access to fresh capital to further their lives and that of their families. Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), Center for Community Transformation Credit Cooperative, Gata Daku Multi-purpose Cooperative, Paglaum Multi-purpose Cooperative, Community Economic Ventures, Inc., MILAMDEC Foundation, SEED Center Philippines, Inc. and Bagosphere Ph. Inc. are Kiva’s partner Microfinance Institutions (MFI) in the Philippines. To-date, Kiva has over 1.5 million individual lenders from every country in the world. These lenders have funded loans amounting to over US$890 million to 2.1 million beneficiaries.

As part of its month-long celebration for its loyal and tenured customers in September, Globe enabled its prepaid and postpaid customers to support 917 micro-enterprises through a Kiva gift card worth US$25. The beneficiaries in the agriculture, farming, retail and food industries can, in turn, use the amount to scale their businesses.

To welcome the month-long Yuletide season, Globe customers can still continue making a difference in the lives of others by making a donation via Kiva. There are 3 ways: (1) converting Globe Reward Points into Kiva donations, (2) donating via GCash, or (3) by texting Kiva to 2158-Kiva to avail a Kiva Card, a gift card that can be used to choose a beneficiary.

“The best gift that anyone can give this Christmas is a gift that keeps on giving, and we at Globe are encouraging our customers to create a Globe of good by harnessing our partnership with Kiva. Through their donations, they can empower and boost livelihood and employment opportunities which can have a positive impact to many today and in the future,” says Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability Officer at Globe.

The company’s partnership with Kiva follows its commitment to 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals—knowing that sustainability is possible only through collaboration with relevant organizations. Ultimately, this allows Globe to enable Filipino entrepreneurship and instigate job creation, contributing towards SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Paris Agreement Passes First Stress Test at COP22

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In response to the close of COP22, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, leader of WWF International’s Climate & Energy Practice, issued the following statement:

“The UN climate talks continue to be filled with twists and turns, but they have delivered what they needed to this week – putting substance behind the promise of the Paris Agreement so it can be fully implemented. The Marrakech work has not been the most glamorous, but it’s a key step in the chain reaction needed to roll out the agreement.

“Countries’ commitment to the Paris Agreement also passed its first stress test this week with the US election results. Unequivocally, they restated that they are in this for the long haul.

“The reality is that the world is moving ahead on this issue. This irreversible momentum will only build as market signals and commitments across all sectors of society continue pouring in.

“Already, 111 countries have ratified the Agreement – underscoring its historic importance. Nations also began submitting their long-term roadmaps for decarbonisation.

“But there’s still work to do. The emissions gap continues to grow between what science tells us is needed to protect the planet from the worst impacts of climate change and the goals governments set in Paris. Urgently reducing emissions and preparing for the climate change impacts that are already affecting us is essential for the world’s future prosperity, safety and security.

“In Marrakech, countries agreed to take stock of progress in two years and make every effort to come back with more ambitious targets and plans before 2020 to ensure we work quickly to close the widening emissions gap. This is a critical outcome this week that further solidified progress on the Paris Agreement.

“While parties work to finalize the Paris Agreement “fine print” by the next major political moment in 2018, more needs to be done in the next few years to clarify consistency of national targets. In addition, there are still gaps in finance and adaptation, despite some announcements here on financing for adaptation and capacity building. We expect to see developed countries up their game significantly on finance and other support beyond current projections, and are very encouraged to see China and other countries stepping up their south-south cooperation.

“This work was bolstered by the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a group of around 50 countries that committed to reviewing and improving their current emissions-cutting goals in 2018 and shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050 or before.

“Here in Marrakech the negotiations kick-started a critical discussion about the rules for implementing the agreement and accelerating climate action. It set the path for the next set of negotiations to complete those rules and raise ambition, paving the way to tighten national commitments, improve preparedness at home and provide financial support in line with science and equity.

“Over the coming years, we expect to see the trends of falling costs for renewables and scaled action by all actors – private sector, cities, investors, and by governments all over the world – continue to accelerate the inevitable shift to low carbon, climate-resilient development.”

Storylines: 2016 - 2017 NBA Regular Season

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Here are some National Basketball Association (NBA) storylines and trivia that you may find interesting for Week of Nov. 21, 2016.

WORTH THE WAIT: Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Joel Embiid all made strong cases to be the top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. In the end, Wiggins got the nod and went on to capture Rookie of the Year honors with the Timberwolves. Parker, the second pick by Milwaukee, missed the bulk of his rookie season after tearing his ACL. Embiid, chosen third by Philadelphia, missed two full seasons with foot problems. But all three are finally playing in the NBA at the same time and validating their place at the top of the draft. Wiggins is averaging more than 25 points and leading the NBA in three-point accuracy. Parker is scoring 20 per game and, like Wiggins, diversifying his game. And Embiid has hit the ground running as a game-changing big man with an array of skills.

TINY’S LEGACY: Nate “Tiny” Archibald’s name has popped up repeatedly early this season because James Harden and Russell Westbrook look poised to chase his record as the only player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring and assists in a single season. That singular accomplishment is only part of Archibald’s legacy. The Bronx, N.Y., native defied the odds by even reaching the NBA, and being a second-round pick didn’t augur future stardom. But Archibald used his speed, smarts and creativity to develop into an All-Star, NBA champion, Hall of Famer and Top 50 player. These days, Archibald is very active in the community mentoring youth and participating in NBA Cares events.

PLAYING BIG: Size and versatility will forever move the NBA scouting needle. Look no further than Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Size is not a prerequisite for success, however, especially in today’s game, which features a more wide-open and up-tempo style of play. Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Charlotte’s Kemba Walker, Atlanta’s Dennis Schröder, Memphis’ Mike Conley and the Clippers’ Chris Paul continue to prove that impact players still come in small packages. All five 6-1-and-under point guards are off to great starts. Thomas, Walker and Conley are putting up career numbers. Schröder has risen to the challenge of being a full-time starter. And Paul, in his 12th season, is showing no signs of slowing down. Also in the mix as 6-foot or 6-1 forces: Toronto’s Kyle Lowry, Phoenix’s Eric Bledsoe and Dallas’ J.J. Barea.

CARRYING THE TORCH: For years, Kobe Bryant (along with Dwyane Wade) anchored the NBA’s shooting guard spot. With Kobe’s departure, a host of his former counterparts – many of whom consider him a big influence on their careers – are showing that the position is well stocked for the present and future. Houston’s James Harden (now running point) and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan are off to historic starts. Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Chicago’s Jimmy Butler are two-way stars. Portland’s CJ McCollum, Phoenix’s Devin Booker and Utah’s Rodney Hood are budding young players. Boston’s Avery Bradley keeps getting better. The depth and variety at shooting guard is impressive.

GLUE GUY: One big reason for the Hawks’ outstanding start is the play of Thabo Sefolosha, who has overcome adversity and is playing some of the best basketball of his pioneering career. The NBA’s first player from Switzerland, the 31-year-old Sefolosha is scoring at the highest rate of his 11-year career and ranks among the league leaders in steals, field goal percentage and plus-minus. He is enjoying success off the court, too, as the fashion maven recently opened a men’s boutique in Atlanta.

PERSEVERING PELICAN: The NBA’s assist leaderboard features the usual suspects such as James Harden, Chris Paul, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Draymond Green. Also on the list is Tim Frazier, the Pelicans’ third-year point guard, who excelled during Jrue Holiday’s absence. Frazier came in through the back door. First, he tore his Achilles at the start of his senior season at Penn State. After a solid redshirt senior campaign, he went undrafted in 2014 before earning NBA D-League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season. His big break came when he averaged 13.1 points and 7.5 assists in 16 games for New Orleans last season after signing in March. Even with Holiday’s return this week, Frazier has shown that he deserves to continue playing a big role for the Pelicans.

SWEET PRINCE: The Clippers’ starting lineup features three stars (Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan) and one of the game’s great shooters (J.J. Redick). The fifth member of the unit, however, is also leaving his mark during the best start in team history. Luc Mbah a Moute has helped lead the NBA’s top defense while making unsung contributions on offense. Coach Doc Rivers recently called him the league’s best defender. Mbah a Moute has long been regarded as a terrific teammate and a mentor to young NBA players, including fellow Cameroon native Joel Embiid, who participated in one of Mbah a Moute’s hoops camps back home. Mbah a Moute, the prince in his Cameroonian village, was a camper at the inaugural Basketball without Borders Africa camp in 2003. He has been instrumental in growing the game in Africa.

Upcoming Games

Nov. 22: Thunder @ Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV: Solid test for a young Lakers team.
Nov. 23: Timberwolves @ Pelicans, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Anthony Davis.
Nov. 25: Warriors @ Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV: Warriors look to avenge recent loss at Staples.

Malaysia, Middle East, China, Russia, Japan Investors Invited for PEZA’s SEZs

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Numerous companies of Malaysia, the Middle East, China, Japan and others are now in discussions and being invited to invest in the Philippines’ tax-free industrial, agricultural, tourism, forestry, defense industry and other Special Economic Zones (SEZs) “due to President Rody Duterte’s new independent foreign policy to make the Philippines a friend of all countries and enemy of no one”, said the new director-general of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Dr. Charito “Ching” B. Plaza on November 21 at the Pandesal Forum of 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City.

PEZA Director-General Dr. Plaza said that the Philippines traditionally received foreign investments in the past from the United States and its allies like Japan and the West, but now investors and governments of other countries in the Middle East, Russia, China and other regions are also being invited to invest in the fast-growing economy of the Philippines. She said these defense industrial complexes can rise in Bataan, Zambales, Palawan, and at least in two areas of Mindanao.

Plaza said the Duterte government also has a bold vision to transform some of the country’s islands into self-contained SEZs which can become future cities.

Plaza said officials and members of royal families United Arab Emirates and Qatar have expressed interest to lease land here for 75 years for possible agricultural and oil refinery projects, with one interested group even asking for as much as a million hectares of agricultural land in exchange for part of the venture’s profits to be donated as social development projects and schools. Dr. Plaza mentioned that among those she had discussed possible SEZ investments was Sheikh Al Thani of the respected Qatari royal family. One possible major SEZ project is the creation of a halal food processing hub in Davao, in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

PEZA Director-General Plaza added that they are also proposing the creation of defense industry SEZs with countries like Russia, China, Israel, South Korea or others. She added that these defense industrial complexes will not only boost economic development, they can also strengthen the Philippines’ national defense and manufacturing capabilities. Plaza had the rank of brigadier general in the military reserve force.

Dr, Plaza added that President Duterte’s economics-focused diplomacy and independent foreign policy are boosting our ties with Asean and Asian countries, with Malaysian investors expressing interest in undertaking business ventures in the Philippines such as a large-scale palm oil planation and milling project.

PEZA Director-General Dr. Charito Plaza said the Duterte government’s pro-poor priority shall encourage more foreign and also Philippine investors to do business in the poorest and neglected yet resource-rich rural regions of the country such as in Mindanao and the Visayas.

Brandon Vera Returns to ONE Cage to Defend Heavyweight Title

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ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera (14-7-0, 1NC) of San Diego, California is set to make his much-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage next Friday, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The Filipino-American fighter is set to defend his title belt against undefeated Japanese challenger Hideki Sekine (7-0) in the main event of ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION.

The matchup headlines a stacked fight card featuring a posse of local homegrown Filipino mixed martial artists. Seeing action are Team Lakay standouts Geje Eustaquio, Honorio Banario, April Osenio and Danny Kingad. Also to see cage time are Eugene Toquero, Mark Striegl, and Filipino-Australian Reece McLaren.

Vera, 39, takes pride in leading the charge for team Philippines who are ready to put on a show in Manila.

“The Philippines is just as much my home as the United States is, and I am truly blessed to be able to compete here in front of all the Filipino fans,” said Vera. “It’s an amazing country and we discover something new everyday. It’s an honor to be able to headline massive ONE Championship fight cards.”

Vera was last seen in the cage nearly a year ago, when he captured the ONE Heavyweight World Championship with a first round knockout victory over Taiwanese-Canadian fighter Paul “Typhoon” Cheng.

Healthway Medical Launches Executive Check-Up Package for Senior Citizens

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Healthway Medical, the country’s most trusted and preferred network of mall-based clinics, recently launched PrimeCheQ, an executive check-up package specially made for senior citizens.

As people age, their immune system becomes slower to respond, which may cause them to become more susceptible to different chronic health conditions, like obesity, osteoporosis, respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, vision problems, diabetes, dementia and cancer, among others.

Healthway Medical promotes preventive healthcare and a proactive lifestyle among the elderly through making healthy choices such as eating healthy, being active, and visiting the doctor regularly for check-ups.

Healthway Medical brings you PrimeCheQ, a customized executive check-up for senior citizens. With its complete diagnostics and comprehensive physical evaluation, elderly patients are assured that every aspect of their health will be assessed.

The package includes laboratory tests, imaging procedures, eye screening, posture evaluation and other specialist consultations. It also has a geriatric screening, developed especially for older people, to evaluate their functional ability, physical, cognitive and mental and socioenvironmental circumstances. Finally, examinations that detect cervical cancer among women (pap smear) and prostate cancer among men (prostate-specific antigen test) are also included.

Healthway Medical promotes excellent patient care experience and convenience to its PrimeCheQ customers. The results of the check-up is available within 24 hours after the completion of the tests.

According to Healthway Medical’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing Carmie de Leon, aside from being in line with the clinic’s long-standing commitment in cultivating preventive healthcare and giving people of all ages access to quality health and wellness, PrimeCheQ is Healthway Medical’s way of giving thanks to the elderly.

“The primary objective of PrimeCheQ is to pay tribute to our parents and grandparents for all the love and care they give us. This product aims to encourage them to continue embracing their life with confidence on health,” De Leon said.

For more information, kindly visit Healthway Medical’s website at www.healthway.com.ph and follow Healthway Medical on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/healthwaymedical/.

Cusi Salutes Linemen-Heroes of Task Force Kapatid

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For their selfless dedication, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi salutes the heroes of the power sector during the supertyphoon Lawin restoration efforts.

“In behalf of the entire energy family, my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to all the linemen and staff who braved the storm to ensure that electricity will be accessible again to the affected areas of Lawin,” Cusi expressed.

“Hindi biro ang kanilang sinasabak tuwing nagkakaroroon ng mga line rehab efforts para maibalik agad ang kuryente, these linemen are true to the spirit of bayanihan,” Cusi added.

Cusi lauded the heroism of 30-year-old Jomar Betonio of Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOLECO), who died in the line of duty in the Province of Cagayan.

Cusi emphasized that linemen should strictly follow safety standards and precautionary measures to avoid accidents.

As of 20 November, the National Electrification Administration reported that the restoration level for supertyphoon Lawin stands at 94%.

Of all the affected provinces in Northern Luzon, only Cagayan (82.48%), Kalinga-Apayao (79%), Abra (87%) and Isabela (78%) are still undergoing rehabilitation covering 94,332 households for energization due to inaccessible roads and uneven terrain.

"The rehabilitation of the road networks is necessary for the smooth restoration of the distribution facilities in the said areas."

The following institutions have nobly participated in Task Force Kapatid or Bayanihan in the power sector when disasters hit fellow industry participants:

Abra Electric Cooperative, Angeles Electric Corporation, Batangas I & II Electric Cooperatives, Benguet Electric Cooperative, Cabanatuan Electric Corporation, Cagayan I Electric Cooperative, Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative, Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Dagupan Electric Corporation, Davao Light & Power Company, First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Ifugao Electric Cooperative, Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative, Isabela I & II Electric Cooperatives, Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative, Leyte III Electric Cooperative, Manila Electric Company, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, Nueva Ecija I Electric Cooperative, Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative -Areas 1 & 2, Pampanga I, II, & III Electric Cooperatives, Pampanga Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Pangasinan I & III Electric Cooperatives, Peninsula Electric Cooperative, Quezon I Electric Cooperative, Quirino Electric Cooperative, San Fernando Electric Light & Power Company, Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative, Subic Power Corporation, Tarlac Electric Incorporated, Tarlac I & II Electric Cooperatives, Visayan Electric Company Incorporated and Zambales I & II Electric Cooperatives.