Philippine Financial Capital in Chaos

... as 2 mayors stand off

By: Agenec France-Presse

MANILA -- The Philippines' financial capital Makati has been plunged into chaos with two politicians claiming to be mayor, forcing courts to close and delaying government business during a bitter stand-off triggered by graft claims.

Surrounded by hundreds of supporters, Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay has been holed up in city hall since the ombudsman suspended him last week because of an investigation into alleged corrupt practices.

Insisting the graft accusations are trumped up, Binay has refused to cede power to his deputy and rival, Romulo Pena, who insists he is now "acting mayor".

The power struggle is widely seen as a battle between the nation's ruling Liberal Party and main opposition.

Binay is the son of opposition leader, Vice President Jejomar Binay, while Pena is a member of President Benigno Aquino's Liberal Party.

It also threatens to delay the salaries of 8,000 government workers and payments for utilities and services.

Makati's courts closed on the first day of the stand-off last week, and some judges have continued to postpone hearings to avoid the crush of Binay supporters outside the building, family spokesman Joey Salgado told AFP.

He said welfare recipients had also been unable to collect benefits, and warned there was a looming crisis over who had the authority to sign the city's cheques.

If banks do not honour cheques signed by Binay, street lamps and traffic lights will be shut down, taps in government buildings will run dry and garbage collection will stop, according to Salgado.

"This is a very dangerous situation, if their (national government's) actions result in delays in salaries, utilities," he said.

"Any perception of instability would have an effect on the country. They are sending the wrong signal to investors. Makati is the financial centre of the country."

From an adjacent old building, with hallways that reek of leaking toilets, Pena issued a memorandum on Friday to all city hall employees asserting his authority.

"All ordinances, official documents and official actions must be submitted and referred to the undersigned for approval and/or appropriate action," Pena said, referring to himself.

Binay's family has said the mayor's suspension is politically motivated as his father continues to dominate presidential polls, ahead of the presumptive nominee of Aquino's party for the 2016 elections, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Makati is the country's largest city in terms of revenue, with 11.9 billion pesos ($265 million) in earnings from taxes and fees in 2013, according to government data.

The city hosts the country's stock exchange, 82 embassies and consulates, 506 bank offices and 246 business process outsourcing and technology companies.

Mindanao Conflict Uproots Tens of Thousands

More than 120,000 people have fled their homes in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, as fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels intensifies. Food and shelter are urgently needed.

Government sources indicate that more that 123,000 people, or 24,700 families, have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting as of March 17, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said in a statement.

The clashes have affected people from 13 municipalities and as a result, a state of calamity has been declared in Maguindanao, a province located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) - the country's second biggest and southernmost major island - which has been the scene of a Muslim separatist conflict over the past 40 years.

Where to go?

Families are now living in evacuation centers, schools, madrasahs (Islamic educational centers), covered courts, tents and with host relatives and friends, says the IOM, adding that more than 2,200 pregnant women in evacuation centers are in need of medical support, while classes in 42 public elementary and high schools have been affected.

The fighting in the area follows a bloody anti-terror operation on January 25

The intergovernmental organization also indicate that the displaced families are constantly exposed to a number of hazards and risks, as many of them have installed tents under trees, along the roads and nearby military sites with artillery installations.

Moreover, there seem to be other organizational challenges. For instance, Besim Ajeti, IOM Head of the Cotabato Office, explains that it has become increasingly difficult for those in charge to track some of families as they transfer from one evacuation site to another.

Mindanao is home to the biggest and most relevant Muslim minority in the archipelago, the indigenous Moro people. Created in 1989, the ARMM is composed of five predominantly Muslim provinces and is the only region that has its own government.

Supplies may soon run out

The ARMM government has begun distributing food packs and a few plastic sheets (tarpaulins) to those affected. But as Ajeti pointed out, "Food supplies from government agencies may run out in less than 20 days, considering the limited funds available."

Aquino facing 'biggest crisis' as Philippine president

Dozens of police officers were killed in an anti-terror raid that has dented the popularity of Philippine President Benigno Aquino, rendering major reforms unlikely during the rest of his term, says analyst Alecia Quah. (19.02.2015)

Is the Philippines peace process in jeopardy?

Philippine government and Muslim rebels complete peace deal talks

Philippines attacks: A rebel group's last stand

Currently, the ARMM is spending approximately PHP 13 million (USD 290,000) per week to support the displaced families, mainly on food assistance, according to IOM. But an IOM assessment reveals the need is much larger: Food, non-food items, emergency shelter support, latrines, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, mosquito nets, jerry cans, clothing and safe water (drinking, cooking and general use), are urgently needed.

In addition, evacuation center support, displacement tracking, medical personnel and supplies, psychosocial support as well as mechanisms for addressing protection were recognized as key priorities to continue assisting the affected populations in Maguindanao.

The fighting continues

In the meantime, more than 50 militants have reportedly been killed in attacks launched by the Philippine military last month against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a Muslim rebel group seeking independence.

The fighting in the area follows a bloody anti-terror operation on January 25 aimed at capturing or killing a top Islamist militant. But the raid took a turn for the worse, ending in the killing of 44 police commandos. The police were killed by members of the country's biggest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and its breakaway group, the BIFF, when they entered rebel-controlled territory.

It was the government's biggest single-day combat loss in recent memory, prompting calls for retribution which could potentially threaten a peace deal, which entails the establishment of a more powerful autonomous region for minority Muslims in the south of the Catholic-majority nation.

But the botched raid, which took place in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province, has also triggered a wave of outrage in the Southeast Asian nation. Public opposition to the granting of further concessions to the MILF has stiffened and the administration of President Benigno Aquino has been shaken, with opposition lawmakers calling for the president's impeachment.

(C) 2015 Deutsche Welle

Amadis Ma. Guerro: Erotic Productions, Anniversary Dances and a Major Recital

REPORT CARD ON THE PERFORMING ARTS

By: Amadis Ma. Guerro, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—As part of its Drama-in-Education Program, St. Scholastica’s College Manila (SSC) has been staging since 1990 Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with its magical atmosphere, mortals, immortals, fairies, love potions and quarreling quartet of lovers.

This year it restaged the popular play to celebrate 25 years of presenting it. And what a major production it was! There was a large cast of children and young adults, felt performances, lavish sets and costumes, and special effects.

What also made the production special was the fact that many who appeared in the play ten years ago as students now acted in the play as young adults.

Kudos to the school’s Grade School Unit and the SSC Children and Teachers Theater; Divine David, head of the directorial team; and director emeritus Naty Crame Rogers, PhilStage Gawad Buhay! awardee and a high school alumna of St. Scholastica.

It was ingenious to bring opera—well, opera arias and duets—to audiences in the form of a storyline stringing together works by Mozart and Verdi (“Seasons of Desire” at Abelardo Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman). The performers were soprano Elaine Lee, tenor Ivan Nery and baritone Lawrence Jatayma, with Dingdong Fiel at the piano. The narrators (Jacqui Amper and Ruth Alferez) were even bilingual. The Valentine show was directed by multitalented Nazer Salcedo.

For adults only

Rody Vera’s “Bilanggo ng Pagibig” was a powerful for-adults-only play (Dulaang UP, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater), directed with vivid imagery by Jose Estrella. It was inspired by “Prisoner of Love,” the memoirs of Jean Genet: inmate, thief, male prostitute, homosexual and celebrated French novelist-playwright.

The play highlighted events in Genet’s life, notably his support of the Palestinian struggle against Israel. Ensemble acting was compelling, with a clutch of hunky, handsome young actors playing Genet’s lovers, including a circus acrobat (Paul Cedrick Juan), a race car driver (JC Santos) and Palestinian revolutionaries (Ybes Bagadiong and Io Balanon).

Vera and director Loy Arcenas are at it again.

After having transplanted Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” (“Tres Marias”) to the Ilocos, they have now adapted Chekhov’s “Cherry Orchard” to the Visayas (“Arbol de Fuego” at the Peta Theater Center, Quezon City).

Agrarian Russia in the late 19th century became semifeudal Negros in the l970s, during martial law, when the price of sugar fell and the sugar barons faced ruin. The production was riveting, the cast headed by the luminous Cherie Gil as the Señora. It was like watching an original Filipino play, with class-war overtones.

Hacienda Carmen at the end was sold, and the flame trees (los arboles de fuego), Chekhov’s cherry orchard, were destroyed.

It’s the season for adapting foreign classics to Filipino settings. This time, Elmer Gatchalian set the French novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” in Manila on the eve of the 1896 revolution, with references to “insurectos” (“Juego de Peligro,” directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio with his flair for eroticism).

They may not always have been convincing as snooty Spaniards, but the cast was outstanding, with knockout performances by Shamaine Centenera as the evil Señora (Glenn Close in the film version) and Arnold Reyes as the seducer Vicente.

It was another for-adults-only play.

Ballet Manila celebrated its 20th anniversary with a heady mélange of classical and contemporary works (Aliw Theater, Pasay City). Soloists Abigail Oliveiro and Brian Williamson stood out in Marius Petia’s “Paquita.” Striking was “Bloom” by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Belgian-Colombian choreographer, which focused on Asian rituals of prayer approximating the formation of petals.

“Ecole,” by Osias Barroso, a tribute to the demands of classical ballet, started with the dancers limbering up as if in rehearsal. Then the pace became faster, the performers increased in number until they filled the stage, the music by Czerny rose to a crescendo, and the audience during the matinee—mostly students—erupted in applause.

New music

Composer-conductor Chino Toledo, the apostle of modern music, strikes again.

In a recent concert at the Unilab Compound in Pasig City, in celebration of the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra (MMCO), Toledo presented works by four new composers: Jimuel Dave Dagta, Jourdann Petalver, Timothy Kyle Siaton and Jem Robert Talaroc.

This brought to 33 the original works produced by the MMCO under its pioneering program Music UnderKonstruction.

The evening was capped by the premiere of a major work by composer Alfredo Buenaventura, “Maharlika,” commissioned by the MMCO through the heirs of Vicente Rufino and dedicated to the late cultural organizer Conchita Sunico.

The recital of Romanian soprano Nelly Miricioiu at the Meralco Theater was a triumph. The audience was impressed by her still-powerful voice and her emoting, as she interpreted art songs and arias by Verdi, Rossini, Respighi, Chausson, Puccini and Bellini, with gestures and expressions suited to each composition. But they were simply bowled over by her heartfelt rendition of three iconic Filipino songs: Velez’s “Sa Kabukiran,” Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig” and the Visayan folk melody “Ay, Kalisud.”

Miricioiu was accompanied by the always excellent collaborating artist Najib Ismail. Translations into English of the lyrics on the screen helped in appreciating the repertoire.

Philippine Supreme Court Relaxes Rules on Marriage Annulment

The Supreme Court (SC) has taken a liberal stand in allowing the annulment of marriage on the ground of psychological incapacity. The court reversed itself and nullified a marriage of private individuals, saying that a strict implementation of the rules would allow diagnosed sociopaths, schizophrenics, narcissists and the like to stay married.

In a 25-page ruling, the FC's First Division through Associate Justice Lucas P. Bermasin, reversed its September 2011 ruling "after taking a second hard look" at the facts of the case. The SC said that the lower court failed to make factual findings which can serve as legal bases for concluding that one of parties is suffering from psychological incapacity.

In its recent ruling, the SC said that Article 36 of the Family Code should not be so strictly and too literally applied. This article provides "that a marriage contracted by any party who, at the time of celebration, was psychologically incapacitated to comply with the essential marital obligations of marriage, shall likewise be void even if such incapacity becomes manifest only after its solemnization".

In 1997, the SC set specific guidelines before a marriage can be nullified on the ground of psychological incapacity. These guidelines have turned out to be rigid, such that their application to every instance practically condemned the petition for declaration of nullity to the fate of certain rejection - so the SC in its recent ruling.

"Instead, every court should approach the issue of nullity 'not on the basis of a priori assumptions, predilections or generalization, but according to its own facts' in recognition of the verity that no case would be on "all fours" with the next one in the field of psychological incapacity as a ground of the nullity of marriage; hence, every 'every trial must take pains in examining the factual', the SC said.

In this case, the SC granted the motion for reconsideration filed by the husband against who loves to play mahjong and frequents the beauty parlor, displaying narcissistic behavior.

Aside from medical experts, the SC also gave credence to the testimony of Fr. Gerald Healy, S.J., a canon law expert and a consultant of the Family Code Revision Committee, who testified that the wife's duties to her husband and children bad become secondary to hear beauty, being a former model, her going-out, going to beauty parlor and mahjong.

The SC added that taking her children with her while playing mahjong is exposing them to a culture of gambling which was 'a very grave and serious act of subordinating their needs of parenting to the gratification of her own personal and escapist desires.

In relaxing the rules in determining psychological incapacity for nullification of marriages, the SC said that they are not 'demolishing the foundation of families but is actually protecting the sanctity of marriage, because it refuses to allow a person afflicted with a psychological disorder, who cannot comply with or assume the essential marital obligations from remaining in that scared blood'.

The SC added that the courts may be flooded by petitions for nullity of marriage but there is no reason to be worried because of ample saveguards such as intervention of the government.

"The court should rather be alarmed by the rising of cases involving marital abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and incestuous rape", the SC said.

Four Soldiers, 40 Rebels Killed in Maguindanao Fighting

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Xinhua) - Some 40 Islamist rebels from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and four army soldiers, including a captain, were killed in intense fighting as the Philippine Army continued its all-out-offensive in Maguindanao, a military official said today.

Philippine Army Captain Joan Petinglay, spokesman for the Philippine Army's 6th Division, said the latest casualties from both the Philippine Army and the BIFF began occurring on Saturday as a law enforcement operation against the rebels continued around the borders of Mamasapano, Datu Piang and Shariff Saydona Mustapha towns.

Four Philippine Army soldiers, including Elite Scout Ranger Captain Gromel Auman of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, were killed.   

"Four of the enemy bodies were recovered by our troops in the village of Pusao in Mamasapano. One of them was clad in uniform of Philippine Police Special Action Force (SAF)," Petinglay said.   

"We believed there were also wounded on the side of the rebels because we have used howitzers against them,"she added.

Troops have recovered one M-60 machinegun; two M14 rifles, a grenade; two pairs of binoculars and assorted ammunition.

The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement which broke away from the The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel force in the southern Philippines, in 2010 because of disagreements over the peace talks with the government.

(C) 2015 by Philippine Star

U.S. Envoy Wowed by Flower Festival

By Dexter A. See 

Manila Standard Today

The magnitude of the Panagbenga, popularly known as the Baguio flower festival, which is the longest running festival in the country today will help attract more American tourists to visit the Summer Capital.

This was the assessment made by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Golberg on Saturday at the sidelines of the street dancing parade, one of the highlights of Panagbenga.

DANCING IN THE STREETS. Student- participants in the Panagbenga

street dancing  competition  make their moves on Saturday, 

celebrating  the  20th  anniversary of the Baguio  flower festival. 

DAVID CHAN

Goldberg, who spoke in front of a mammoth crowd gathered at the Baguio Athletic Bowl for the grand street dancing parade, said Filipinos and Americans have a long history to speak of ranging from struggles during the World War II and eventual successful suppression of the Japanese forces and eventually to being robust partners in trade and commerce.

He said Baguio City has always been a home for the Americans outside Metro Manila because of the existence of the Ambassador’s Residence within the Camp John Hay which was the former American military base and a historical site. It  was the venue where Gen. Tomoyoki Yamashita, leader of the Japanese Imperial Army, signed his surrender paper to the allied forces on September 3, 1945, Goldberg added.

“We are awed by the active participation of the people in the flower festival and the resourcefulness in making the flowers a true representation of friendship, unity, team works and solidarity among the local residents and visitors,” Goldberg said.

The US envoy pointed out that with the city’s cool and romantic weather, pine-scented air and scenic spots coupled with the annual conduct of the flower festival, foreign tourists especially the Americans will be enticed to visit and contribute in improving the growth of the local tourism industry.

He said because of the city’s “natural air conditioning,” he might be spending more time in  Baguio attending to important concerns rather than in the US embassy in Metro Manila.

The grand street dancing parade Saturday is one of the major highlights of the annual Panagbenga which is now on its 20 year. Several contingents from the elementary, secondary, college and open categories will compete by showcasing their dance steps with the inter-play of flowers and recyclable materials to remind the people of their individual responsibility to preserve and protect the environment.

Some nine elementary, four high school and three open category contingents joined this year’s finals for the grand street dancing competition that lasted for around three hours along the 7-kilometer parade route from Upper Session Road with its junction with South Drive, Loakan Road and Military Cut-off up to the Baguio Athletic Bowl.

The US ambassador expressed his gratitude to the people, officials and visitors   for their warm welcome that contributed in making his stay in the city over the past several days a wonderful and fruitful.

PNoy Believes Purisima Lied to Him During Mamasapano Operations

By XIANNE ARCANGEL, GMA News

President Benigno Aquino III felt he had been lied to by then-suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director-General Alan Purisima during the police operation to arrest two high-value terrorists in what is believed to be Moro Islamic Liberation Front territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

 

Two lawmakers who were present at the meeting Aquino held Monday in Malacañang confirmed the President believed he was told lies when he received inaccurate information from Purisima that help was on the way for the beleaguered SAF troopers trapped in a gunfight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano.

 

In an interview over dZBB Tuesday, House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora recalled Aquino was asked by a lawmaker who used to be in the uniformed services if he felt he had been misled by the information he received regarding “Oplan Exodus,” the police operation to arrest Malaysian bomb making expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman. 

 

“Ang sagot ng Pangulo, tingin ko hindi lang [ako] na-misled. I had been told lies,” Zamora recalled Aquino as saying.

 

“I still remember the word [the President used]: ‘I had been lied to,’” the lawmaker added.

 

'They were lies'

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said he was the lawmaker who asked Aquino if he felt he had been misled by the information Purisima relayed to him regarding “Oplan Exodus.”

 

“I asked him: Do you think you were fed inaccurate information regarding this police operation? The President was candid enough to respond: I think they were lies,” Acop, a former police director, said.

 

In a transcript of text messages that he read before a Senate inquiry Monday, it was revealed that Purisima had told Aquino the military was already providing mechanized and artillery support even though they have not yet been deployed at that time. 

 

Purisima was already suspended as PNP chief when the SAF commandos carried out the operation to nab Marwan and Usman. According to Zamora, Purisima updated Aquino about the “Oplan Exodus” from Nueva Ecija. 

 

Aquino met with House leaders and select lawmakers later that day to explain how much he knew about the SAF operation in Mamasapano. Aquino recollection of his actions that day was accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation containing the text messages he received from Purisima.

 

Aquino is commander-in-chief

 

While Aquino did not specifically mention Purisima as the person who lied to him, Acop believes the President could have only been talking about him since the text messages the lawmakers saw came from the now-resigned PNP chief.

 

Zamora, for his part, said: “Hindi niya (Aquino) sinabing sinungaling si Purisima, but he felt he deserves to be told the truth.”

 

Acop said Aquino deserved to know the whole truth about the Mamasapano operation because he is the police and military’s Commander in Chief.

 

“The President should have been given all the true information regarding the operation, kasi if the information given to him were not true or relevant, he couldn’t make a good decision,” he said.

 

Acop said it was clear from the President’s presentation to them that he gave specific instructions to Purisima to inform PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas about “Oplan Exodus,” and to then- SAF director Getulio Napeñas to coordinate with the AFP but these were not followed.

 

“The burden of the operational lapse on communication on the ground now falls on Purisima and Napeñas since they had failed to coordinate and even when the President specifically instructed them to,” he said. 

—NB, GMA News

Right-of-way Issues Hamper Davao City's Road Projects for Tourist Sites

By Carmelito Q. Francisco, Correspondent, BusinessWorld Online

DAVAO CITY -- Expropriation proceedings are now under way in some parts of Davao Region to resolve right-of-way issues that have been hampering several road projects leading to tourist destinations.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza said some segments of the DPWH’s tourism infrastructure program, covering 15 projects with an allocated budget of P1.19 billion last year, could not be implemented due to the refusal of some land owners to accept the government’s offer for their property.

As of end-January 2015, overall construction work under the 2014 Department of Tourism (DoT)-DPWH Convergence Program was about 80% complete, Mr. Alquiza said.

The DPWH official declined to identify which projects are now under litigation through expropriation cases filed by the local government units concerned.

Most of the projects are secondary road networks that provide access to previously hard-to-reach tourism spots. The DPWH program list includes the following:

• Davao City -- Davao-Cotabato road leading to Eden Nature’s Park, Lacson-Megkawayan road leading to Megkawayan Park, Barrio Obrero roads leading to People’s Park;

• Davao del Norte -- Western and eastern sides of the circumferential road in the Island Garden City of Samal, coastal road from Panabo City to La Paz, Carmen leading to Mariculture Park, Baywalk, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Mangrove Sanctuary;

• Davao Oriental -- La Union-Mt. Hamiguitan road leading to Mt. Hamiguitan

• Davao del Sur -- Road leading to Megkawayan Peak, and Kapatagan road leading to Mt. Apo Camp Sabros, Mt. Apo Highland Resort, and Tadaya Falls.

The DoT-DPWH program was established to facilitate a more efficient and coordinated effort between the two agencies for developing access to tourism destinations as identified in the National Tourism Development Plan.

2015 BUDGET

This year, the DPWH Region 11’s budget for tourism-related roads has been almost doubled to P2.2 billion with 30 projects lined up.

Davao del Norte is getting the biggest chunk at about P810 million; Davao City, P456 million; Compostela Valley, P330 million; Davao del Sur, P274 million; and Davao Oriental, P153 million.

Christine T. Dompor, tourism officer of Compostela Valley, said this is the first time that the province is getting road projects specifically supporting the local tourism industry and the provincial government is optimistic that there will be continuing infrastructure initiatives to help them attract more visitors.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. earlier said these proposed roads “are essential components and are needed infrastructure facilities in promoting the tourist spots of each province.”

Immigraton Issues New Guidelines on Visa Re-stamping

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will enforce its new rules on re-stamping  of visas for foreigners with permanent residents status in the Philippines.

Under Immigration Administrative Circular No. SBM-2015-001, the BI requires all foreign nationals covered by Republic Act (R.A.), otherwise known as the Alien Social Integration Act of 1995, to have the new security visa stamp implemented in their passports as a requirement for reneal of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) - I-Card.

According to BI Spokesperson Elaine Tan, the new rules were part of the effort to upgrade the bureau's database on visa holders.

"The new guidelines intend to update the bureau's database on holders of the visa," she said in a statement.

With this, the B.I. official said that for the re-stamping of passport, visa holders are required to submit the following documents:

1. Duly accomplished RA 7919 re-stamping form;

2. Photocopy of passport pages showing: a) Bio-data page, b) Latest admission as 7919 visa holder; c) New/amended name of the applicant, if any; and

3.) Photocopy of ACR I-Card (front and back).

Tan also said that the new guidelines will be effected next month - so to say March 2015! The new rules will take effect around the second week of March, or 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

RA 7919 granted permanent residency to illegal aliens upon compliance with certain conditions provided in the law.

(C) PNA

News From The Philippines

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES Enlarge Photo 6th SUBIC BAY TO BORACAY RACE and BORACAY CUP REGATTA Yacht racing is recognized as a gentlemanly sport, rich in tradition, passion and strong sense of community. The rousing success of acclaimed past racing events in the Philippines has brought the country and its sailing community great pride. Such an event is the upcoming Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race (SBBR) from February 27 to March 2, followed immediately by the Boracay Cup Regatta (BCR) on March 2-6, 2015. “Over the years, we work tirelessly with our sailing partners toward opening more doors for occasions in spreading the spark of sailing and enliven big boat racing pursuits in the Philippines,” so said the SAGS Co-Chairman and The Lighthouse Marina Resort President, Jun Avecilla. Sailing enthusiasts and Grand Prix race boats have been attracted to the challenges that these races bring. The shifting winds that sailors encounter in Subic Bay, as well as en route to the beautiful island of Boracay cause headaches for the unwary, opportunities for the observant and hard work for the crews. Nevertheless, challengers anticipate the excitement and uncertainty towards the finish line and reap the rewards from their two to three days of gruelling racing. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), the official airline partner, is working hand in hand with the organizers to bring in international competitors, to make this regatta an even more thrilling one. “International events like this can put the Philippines on the map for sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the region. CEB welcomes the racers to fun Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Stakes are high as Capt. Marty Rijkuris, organizer of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Circuit (asianyachting.com) keeps score of the regattas that count towards the much coveted AY Skipper and Yacht of the Year. The race to Boracay and the Boracay Cup are two out of the twelve races which are conducted across South East Asia, in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong that award points to the winners. The accolades are given at the end of the racing season in Koh Samui. Jelik (title holder of 2013 Yacht of the Year) owned by Asian Yachting Grand Prix Skipper of 2013, Frank Pong, snatched the combined Standard Insurance Subic Bay to Boracay Race and Boracay Cup Regatta 2014 title from two-year consecutive champion Karakoa skippered by Ray Ordoveza in the IRC Racing Class. One of the best race management teams in Asia will be led by renowned International Race Officer Jerry Rollin for both events, ensuring a high standard and world class race conduct. Starting the race in Subic Bay provides the advantages of safe marina facilities and the wide expanse of Subic Bay for the start and this is more than matched by the windy conditions in Boracay that makes for an exceptional racing experience. Truly, sailing is more fun in the Philippines. The Standard Insurance 6th Subic Bay to Boracay Race & Boracay Cup Regatta is spearheaded by Saturday Afternoon Gentlemen Sailing, (also known as SAGS), Asian Yachting Grand Prix and Philippine Sailing Association, co-presented by PLDT Alpha, in conjunction with Resorts World Manila, Watercraft Venture Corporation and The Lighthouse Marina Resort. In cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay HATS & Visitors Board, Olongapo City, Department of Tourism, Province of Aklan, Municipality of Malay, Philippine Coast Guard and the Regatta’s Official Airline Partner, Cebu Pacific. Major Sponsors include PLDT SME Nation, North Philippines Visitors Bureau, North Luzon Expressway, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Tanduay, ICTSI-Subic, Allphones, Ruckus Wireless, Pepsi Cola Inc. and Tourism Promotions Board Official Media Partners Manila Bulletin, Wondertower Creative, Asia Pacific Boating Hotel Partners are Sea Wind Resort, Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Regency Beach and Spa, Discovery Shores, Terrace Hotel and Bayfront Hotel. Minor Sponsors Smart Satellite, Sand Bar Beach Club, Quiksilver, Autohub, Petron, Jack Daniels, PLDT Subictel, Broadwater Marine, International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians, Phinsaf, Papaya Yacht Charter and Services, and San Miguel Brewery. Media Partners Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Calibre, Business Mirror, La Isla Magazine, Freeport Cable Inc., Batang Gapo News TV, Subic Times, Fragrant Harbo