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Air Force delivers election paraphernalia in remote barangays in Tapaz

THE PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) delivered election paraphernalia and personnel in three far-flung villages of the town of Tapaz in Capiz last week, and remain on standby for other possible support needed for the May 13 midterm elections. “The PAF airlifted election personnel including our election paraphernalia such as Vote Counting Machines for Barangay Rizal Norte, Rizal Sur and Hilwan,” Election Officer Lene A. Sausa said in an interview on Saturday. She noted that these three barangays, with a combined total of 825 registered voters, could take as long as 18 hours to reach from the town center by foot and motorcycle. Ms. Sausa added that airlifting the materials and election officers is also part of security measures, although she stressed that there are no sightings of rebel groups in these areas. Lt. Col Dennis Q. Alcarde, group commander of the PAF-Tactical Operations Group 6 (PAF-TOG 6), said they are ready for further instructions from the Commission on Elections. “We are on standby… but after elections, most probably we will be providing them again with air support,” he said. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

Chinese envoy proposes Longyan-ComVal sisterhood for mining development

A SISTERHOOD agreement between Longyan in China and Compostela Valley (ComVal) province, both rich in mineral resources, has been proposed, according to Davao City-based Chinese Consul General Li Lin. “Longyan is a city in China that is advanced in mining and it has mining company that is considered the world’s biggest focusing on gold and copper mining, and apart from that, the machine industry and other machineries are advanced,” Mr. Li told BusinessWorld. Officials from the Davao consulate and a delegation of Chinese businessmen participated in ComVal’s first De Oro Business and Investment Conference held early March. The province raked in P1.2 billion in investment pledges during the event, the biggest of which is a P500-million property development plan from China State Construction Engineering Group. Mr. Li said they are planning to invite Longyan’s government representatives to visit and meet with ComVal’s provincial officials, or vice-versa. ComVal is rich in gold and silver reserves, with 10 out of the 11 municipalities hosting both large- and small-scale mining sites. A 1998 report by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional office placed placed the province’s gold deposits at 36,328,699 metric tons, one of the biggest in the world. — Maya M. Padillo

Keeping traditional Bangsamoro music and dance alive

THE BUREAU on Cultural Heritage (BCH) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is organizing classes this summer on traditional music and dances, with the first batch of 22 students completing lessons on Kulintang and the Pangalay last May 10. Ardan D. Sali, BCH-BARMM executive director, said the classes are intended to preserve the culture and tradition of the Bangsamoro by teaching and passing on the knowledge to children. “These cultural treasures are slowly fading. Now, we will slowly revive them,” he said. The next classes will cover the Kutyapi stringed instrument and the Sagayan dance of the Maguindanao and Maranao.

Stronger minority in 18th Congress still seen possible

By Charmaine A. Tadalan
Reporter

A CONGRESSIONAL candidate running under the Bayan Muna party-list group sees increasing support for the minority in the next three years, despite the consistently high satisfaction rating of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“In the next three years, especially leading to the 2022 elections, the trust will be going towards an alternative or the opposition,” incumbent Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate said in a phone interview, Friday.

“‘Yung minority d’yan, mag-gravitate ‘yung mga ayaw nang sumama sa isang sinking ship,” he added. (Members will likely gravitate to the minority, especially those who want to leave the sinking ship.)

Bayan Muna is among the 7-member independent Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives. Mr. Zarate is again its first nominee for the midterm polls.

Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., for his part, said it is still difficult to determine the composition of the minority at this point.

“We cannot determine yet who will be the minority and majority in the House of Representatives, as of this time. It’s s too early to say that the minority will be stronger this 18th Congress,” Mr. Garbin said in a separate phone interview, Friday.

Both Bayan Muna and Ako Bicol landed as among the party-list groups most likely to secure seats in the House, based on Pulse Asia’s May 2019 survey.

Mr. Zarate raised the need for a stronger House minority to counter the administration’s attempt to shift to a federal government, which is seen to commence anew in the 18th Congress.

“Remember that the next three years of course there will be a realignment. That’s expected after the midterm election, it’s very crucial that the minority will represent the voice of the minority in the House,” he said.

“Especially after the midterm election, the Executive will really try to have control of both Houses. Next project of changing the Constitution, I think, will immediately be put on the table. Itutulak at itutulak nila yan. (They will really push for that).”

Sought for comment, University of Sto. Tomas political science professor Marlon M. Villarin said in a phone message, Sunday, “This midterm election is beneficial and detrimental to President Duterte’s administration especially to the members of the House — beneficial, because having a super-majority both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, the President is assured that most of his agenda is at the topmost priority and supported.”

“(I)t’s detrimental because making the Congress to be more of a rubber stamp instead of an effective fiscalizing body to the Executive can be very futile to our democratic institutions.”

Comelec ready for midterm elections, cites technology, social media presence

By Gillian M. Cortez
Reporter

IMPROVED technological advancements and stronger social media response have enabled Commission on Elections (Comelec) to improve preparations for this 2019 elections, its spokesman said when sought for comment.

In an interview with BusinessWorld, Comelec spokesperson James B. Jimenez said, “Operationally, we are improving and honing are craft and, in fact, we are moving away from too much focus on technical sides of elections and more on the inclusivity side. That’s because we got the technology nailed down, because we have the time and energy to devote to rounding out the whole experience. That’s one of the hallmarks of us improving,” he added.

For this election, the Comelec has set up 33 accessible voting centers (AVCs) for indigenous peoples (IPs) nationwide, more than pin ast elections. Comelec has also put up more voting centers for 65,000 detainee voters.

A Comelec Precinct Finder is now available to the public despite earlier reports of glitches.

The Comelec has also used social media platforms such as Twitter so voters can report election violations to the Poll Body by tagging the poll body to tweets and photos indicating such violations.

“Prior to 2019, expenses for social media were not recorded and hopefully that changes in 2019 and hopefully become more institutionalized,” Mr. Jimenez said.

The biggest challenge facing the Comelec is misinformation. Mr. Jimenez said, “Misinformation tactics and black propaganda are old tactics even in the old elections but they’re getting a boost in social media because it increases their reach. The challenge is how to get ahead of that.”

UST Tigresses working to return to the crown

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WITH the kind of path they are carving in their ongoing championship run in Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, it is not hard to refer to the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses as a team of destiny.

But while they welcome such inference, they are not letting themselves be too caught up with it, choosing instead to continue working in every game to achieve their goal of bringing back the UAAP women’s volleyball title to España after nine years.

On Saturday, UST moved a step closer to its championship goal after beating top seeds Ateneo Lady Eagles in straight sets, 25-17, 25-16 and 25-20, in Game One of their best-of-three finals.

It was a continuation of the fine form of the Tigresses of late, winning seventh straight since the windup of the elimination round, and the good tidings they have been receiving that have seen them claim the second seed and the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four and dethrone the De La Salle Lady Spikers in the semifinals at the first instance.

In Game One at the weekend, graduating UST captain Sisi Rondina was in her element and did a good job leading her team to the victory.

Rondina finished with a game-high 23 points, 20 off spikes, in their dominant win over Ateneo, which simply did not have any answers to the Tigresses’ attack all game long.

Super rookie Eya Laure had 11 of her own for UST with Caitlin Viray adding seven and Ysa Jimenez and Alina Bicar six points apiece.

After the game, the Tigresses noted that key for them is just going for it and having their eyes fixed on the prize.

“Going into the finals I was not thinking of anything else but doing whatever it takes. We came here thinking of winning and at the same learning from it. We had the same preparation but just worked hard for this victory,” said Rondina, the league most valuable player.

“Our coaches said we just have to have our eyes on the prize and we just responded to what the coaches asked of us,” she added.

For UST coach Kungfu Reyes, while the win was a good one for them, it is important for the team not to get too ahead of itself and stop working and let the title just fall on its lap.

“This is a good win for our morale. We have to continue playing at the present, work on our goal step by step. We had our game plan and studied Ateneo’s game to counter them. And the players stepped up,” said Mr. Reyes, who has taken the Tigresses to their first finals appearance under his watch.

Game Two of the UAAP women’s volleyball finals is on May 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Barangay Ginebra celebrates 40 years of being ‘family,’ never-say-die spirit

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THIS year is a landmark one for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings as they celebrate 40 years of existence in the Philippine Basketball Association, which, they said, has been honed by the sense of being a family and, of course, of the Never-Say-Die (NSD) spirit.

In celebrations held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center on May 9, Barangay Ginebra stars past and present joined company officials, partners and fans in looking back and celebrating the Gin Kings’ 40 wonderful years in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Ginebra San Miguel also took the event as an opportunity to unveil its commemorative 40th anniversary team jersey collection which the Gin Kings will wear in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup beginning later this month and will be available for fans to have for a limited time.

Present at the celebrations were PBA legend and recognized father of Ginebra’s NSD spirit Robert Jaworski, Jr., former Kings player and now-retired Jayjay Helterbrand, veteran Mark Caguioa, current star Scottie Thompson and champion import Justin Brownlee.

The stars took turns in sharing their experiences in playing for undeniably the PBA’s most popular team, which started playing in the league under Gilbey’s Gin.

In 1985, it is widely believed that the NSD spirit of Barangay Ginebra took form after Mr. Jaworksi in a game versus the Northern Consolidated Cement took a wayward elbow in the second quarter that required him to go to the hospitals to get stitched up.

To everyone’s surprise, the “Big J” returned in the third quarter with seven stitches on his lip and jolted his team from being 15 points down all the way to the victory.

From there the team’s identity of not giving up no matter the adversity was established and what endears it to its fans up to this point.

In his message at the 40th anniversary celebrations, Mr. Jaworski, who went on to become a senator of the republic after his PBA playing days were over, said Barangay Ginebra is rooted in being a family which, in turn, fosters its never-say-die identity.

“It’s the spirit of the family. In the different households we have roles to play and it’s the same with basketball. And for it to make it work you have to have team spirit. So if you would notice the team that works together makes it happen. Even if you have 10 superstars but don’t communicate nothing would happen,” said Mr. Jaworski, now 73 years old.

“That’s what we pride in Barangay Ginebra. We made them (players) understand that we have a direction we take and follow; and emphasis on ‘We.’ You cannot say I’m the star here. If that’s the case you go on your own and nothing will happen. Upholding team work, and again, never say never, never say die, those are what Ginebra is all about,” he added.

Since 1979, Barangay Ginebra has won 11 PBA titles, the last one the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.

JERSEY COLLECTION
Meanwhile, available for fans to avail until June 30 this year are the limited-edition jersey collection.

For the first time in the history of Barangay Ginebra, the mantra ‘Never-Say-Die’ is featured on the team’s jersey.

On offer are the retired #7 jersey of Mr. Jaworski, Mr. Helterbrand’s #13, Mr. Caguioa’s #47, Mr. Thompson’s #6 and Mr. Brownlee’s #32.

To avail of the jersey, one just needs to buy Ginebra San Miguel products. Every six seals of Ginebra San Miguel or any five caps of GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Primera Light Brandy and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, entitles customers to purchase one jersey for only P100 at various supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.

San Miguel forces sudden death

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE San Miguel Beermen staved off being outright dethroned as PBA Philippine Cup champions on Sunday after beating the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, 98-86, in Game Six of their best-of-seven finals to force a sudden-death match.

Needing to win to stay alive in the series, the Beermen played with a lot of drive right from the start to notch the win and force a deciding Game Seven for the Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino title on Wednesday also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Chris Ross, June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter led the steady San Miguel attack on their way to levelling the series at 3-3.

The Beermen took control right from the get-go on the hot shooting of Mr. Ross from downtown.

They held a 25-12 lead at the end of the first canto and stretched it to a 21-point separation, 37-16 in the early goings of the second frame.

Magnolia tried to claw its way back behind big men Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis, coming to within 10 points a couple of times.

But San Miguel would hang tough, continuing to hold sway, 50-36, by the halftime break.

In the third quarter it was Magnolia’s turn to have it strong.

Led by guards Jio Jalalon and Paul Lee, the Hotshots hounded the Beermen to narrow the gap, 68-62, heading into the final quarter.

Jolted, the Beermen opened the final canto on firmer footing, speeding with a 14-1 run in the first three minutes to build a 19-point lead, 82-63.

Magnolia tried to regain some lost real estate after but Mr. Fajardo and Arwind Santos did not allow much slippage by the Beermen.

It was a 21-point lead by San Miguel, 90-69, with five minutes remaining in the game.

The Beermen continued to control the match, 98-80, with two minutes left and never looked back from there.

Mr. Fajardo led San Miguel with 23 points and 18 rebounds with Marcio Lassiter adding 20 points.

Mr. Ross had 17 points while Christian Standhardinger finished with 16 points.

For Magnolia it was Mr. Jalalon who top-scored with 17 points with Mr. Sangalang adding 14.

“We are very thankful to be able to level the series. I think key for us in this game was our defense, especially by our second unit. Hopefully we can continue it in the rubber match,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

Raptors, Sixers shoot for Eastern Conference final berth today in Toronto

LOS ANGELES — A wildly unpredictable Eastern Conference semifinal series will conclude the only way that seems fitting today night when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Toronto Raptors for a decisive Game 7.

Each team has taken turns being dominant or inept, depending on one’s perspective, with the latest twist coming in Game 6 Thursday when the 76ers completely controlled the game after being humiliated in Game 5 at Toronto.

The winner meets the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals. If Game 7 experience means something, then the edge goes to the Raptors, whose players have a combined 21 games of experience in a Game 7 compared to nine combined games by 76ers’ players.

“It’s not unlike where we have been a couple of times already in this series,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse told reporters. “They are critical games. They are all critical. We’ve got to play with great physicality, great speed, connected on the defensive end. I think we have to play one of our best defensive games of the year and play with some gusto on offense.”

Sixers coach Brett Brown said a Game 7 provides a different experience. “They’re very unique,” he said. “They’re special, they’re a life-lesson opportunity.”

The first six games of the series have been won by the team with the higher field-goal shooting percentage. Game 1, thoroughly dominated by the Raptors, was the only one won by the team that had the inferior shooting percentage from 3-point range while still having the better overall field-goal percentage.

The Raptors have leaned heavily on Kawhi Leonard and the supporting cast has not always backed him up.

“We win the last game, that’s all that matters,” Leonard said. “We lost some games playing their way, so it doesn’t matter. I’m going to try to win.”

The shooting has varied widely from game to game. Toronto shot 40% (16-for-40) from 3-point range in Game 5 when Leonard received strong support from his teammates in a 125-89 win. Toronto shot 48.8% overall in that game, while the Sixers shot 25% (six-for-24) on 3-pointers and 41.8% overall.

In Game 6, however, the Raptors shot 25% (nine-for-36) from 3-point range with Leonard 0-for-four, Marc Gasol 0-for-three, Serge Ibaka 0-for-3 and Danny Green two-for-eight.

Meanwhile, the Sixers made 35.7% (10-for-28) of their 3-point attempts and had a 46.1% to 43.2% advantage in field-goal shooting.

“I feel like we messed up sometimes on transition and defense,” said Leonard, who had 29 points and 12 rebounds Thursday. “We didn’t knock down open shots early, you know, and they played well. They came with pace and knocked down their open shots early on, and we tried to dig ourselves out of the hole.”

With enigmatic Joel Embiid battling illness and inconsistency and Ben Simmons not producing until Game 6, Jimmy Butler has been the main force for the Sixers.

Butler led the Sixers with 25 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals on Thursday.

Simmons had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists and committed no turnovers on Thursday.

Embiid also was a big factor in Game 6 after playing so poorly in the previous game. He had 17 points and 12 rebounds with two blocked shots and was a presence beyond those numbers.

“He’s got an incredible defensive impact on a game,” Brown said. “Pick ‘em, Kawhi, Kyle Lowry, whatever — if you see (Embiid) you’re probably going to think a little bit more about what you want to do, what’s your plan?

“His importance to our team is obvious. (Thursday) you saw a healthier Joel Embiid and for that example, situation, him and his health, he comes out and has a plus-40. It’s a huge number. It’s a huge plus-minus number in a playoff game. His significance is felt all over the place.” — Reuters

Feisty Nuggets-Trail Blazers series down to decisive finale

LOS ANGELES — Paul Millsap is the sage veteran among the youthful Denver Nuggets, but even he had to admit he was sick of seeing the Portland Trail Blazers.

And that was after five games of this seven-game Western Conference semifinal series that is tied at 3-3. The sentiment hasn’t changed heading into Sunday’s Game 7 in Denver.

The winner will advance to the conference finals to play the two-time reigning champion Golden State Warriors. Game 1 of that series will be Tuesday night in Oakland, Calif.

The fatigue of Denver and Portland playing each other 10 times in the regular season and playoffs came to a head in the Trail Blazers’ 119-108 win on Thursday. Things got chippy midway through the fourth quarter when Portland center Zach Collins fell at the feet of Nuggets guard Will Barton.

Blazers guard Seth Curry pushed Barton away from Collins and Barton responded by putting a finger in Curry’s face. — Reuters

Lakers pick Vogel as head coach

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a deal with Frank Vogel to become their next head coach, ESPN reported Saturday.

Vogel will have a three-year contract, and his staff will feature Jason Kidd in a prominent role as an assistant, according to ESPN.

The Lakers were forced to reset their coaching search after Tyronn Lue turned down the opportunity to be Luke Walton’s replacement. Lue reportedly had the chance to run the team but considered the Lakers’ three-year, $18 million offer a snub after discussing a five-year contract.

Vogel, 45, was head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 2010-16. He also coached the Orlando Magic from 2016-18, and has a career record of 304-291. The Pacers made five playoff appearances during his tenure.

Vogel reportedly made a strong impression during a meeting with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka on Thursday and was on the short list to replace Derek Fisher in Los Angeles in 2016 before the job went to Walton. — Reuters

Canada-based firm Trak Outdoors lauds Filipino workmanship, pushes for paddlesports growth

HAVING established itself as home to quality workmanship, among other things, many global brands have decided to have their manufacturing and production site here in the Philippines.

One such company is Canada-based Trak Outdoors, which in seven years since putting up its factory in Mariveles, Bataan, has been enjoying the “delightful” experience that goes with working with Filipino workers and credits it as a big part to what it has become as a brand up to this point.

Maker of various outdoor products, in particular portable performance kayaks, Trak was established in 2006 and is headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

In 2012 it relocated its manufacturing and production in a world-class outdoor gear facility in Mariveles. It was a move that has been complementing well its thrust since, the company said.

“My experience working here and working with Filipino workers have been delightful. And it is mostly because of the people, the Philippine culture, the spirit of bayanihan (civic unity and cooperation) which is like being selfless and the concept of teamwork,” said Nolin Veillard, Trak managing director and founder, when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts on setting up shop in the Philippines in the launch recently of the “2.0” version of their innovative kayaks in Corregidor Island.

“That’s our experience in the factory. People are very helpful and they have helped lift Trak and helped us develop the boats to the point that we have. It’s interesting that most people in the Philippines do not realize that you have a top-notch outdoor gear factory in Mariveles in Bataan and there are all this top outdoor brands in the world that get their manufacturing done here. Good people, good workers, good environment and it is enjoyable to work with them. They are smart and their commitment to detail and quality is high which is very important for the kind of products that we make. The ability to speak English, too, is a big help as we get to establish a good relationship with them,” added Mr. Veillard, whose company he said counts 40 to 50 Filipinos directly involved in product development. Trak is known for portable performance kayaks that can fit in a golf bag sized carrying case and can be taken anywhere.

The 2.0 version of the kayaks, which is a lighter and shorter iteration and makes use of carbon fiber ribs that make the kayak stiff for better performance in the water, was recently launched in the country, something Trak hopes would enhance the good reception the new version has been getting globally.

As per numbers shared by Trak, the 2.0 version, which was introduced via Kickstarter and Indiegogo, raised “more than $1 million in pre-sales during late 2017 and early 2018” and have been increasing still.

Mr. Veillard also shared that they as a company are pushing for the further growth of paddlesports, especially in countries with environs like the Philippines where kayaking fits well.

Last year Trak began offering kayak tours and experiences, with help from Kayak Philippines, to give people a chance to dip their hands in the sport.

“The core thing about kayaking is people being comfortable in the water. So training is important for the sport to grow. We work with Kayak Philippines in building interest and the community for paddling,” Mr. Veillard said.

Trak organized one-week kayak trips to Palawan in April and early this month which attracted a good number of participants.

Mr. Veillard went on to say that they, too, are open to helping the country’s kayak and canoe federation if ever asked, seeing it as another platform to help paddlesports grow.

“We are very much behind partnerships. We like to form partnerships if there is something that makes sense for us to grow the sport. We are open to that,” the Trak official said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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