One Archipelago

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/reds-lose-peace-talk-opportunities-terrorists-proclamation-issued/1040/

Reds to lose any peace talk opportunities once ‘terrorists’ proclamation issued

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III said once a proclamation to tag communist rebels as terrorists comes out, it will be the “end of everything” in terms of pursuing peace talks with the Left.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will issue a proclamation that will call communist rebels as terrorists after the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) conducted a series of attacks against police and military forces despite the ongoing peace talks.

“If the issuance [of the proclamation to tag communist rebels as terrorists] happens, then it will be the end of everything [in terms of peace talks] because we cannot negotiate with terrorists,” Bello said Thursday in an interview at the House of Representatives.

One of the Left’s attacks last Nov. 9 in Bukidnon resulted to the death of a 4-month-old baby. It forced Duterte to issue Proclamation No. 360 that formally ended peace negotiations with the communist rebels.

Bello said the communists are aware of the termination of peace talks because it was clearly stated in Proclamation No. 360.

“Probably, I may even go to the motion, either I or [Presidential advisor on peace process Jesus] Dureza may furnish the NDF-CPP-NPA panel a copy of the Presidential proclamation just to comply with the notice of 30 days,” he said.

Last Monday, Nov. 27, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte felt betrayed by the actions of the Left. Roque said Duterte expected that the rebels would be sincere in the peace talks.

“You know here in Davao, the President truly had close relations with them [communist rebels]. He really feels betrayed,” Roque said in a press briefing in Davao City, while citing the good gestures Duterte gave for the Left.

“He [Duterte] thought because his relationship with the Left is very close, they would talk with sincerity. What else do they want with the President?”

Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was Duterte’s teacher at the Lyceum University. The two had nice words to speak when Duterte was still campaigning for presidency.

However, the latest turn of events unfortunately broke the two’s teacher-to-student bond, with Duterte saying he will arrest Sison if Sison returns in the Philippines.

“If Joma Sison comes here, I will arrest him. Or if I were him, I will not return here,” Duterte said during the San Beda Homecoming in Makati City last Nov. 24.

“But still, I will not allow him to enter his native land. And that is a very painful experience, especially if you’re dying and you think that you should be buried in your own cemetery, in your town.”

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/phl-farmers-income-increases-3-68/1034/

PHL farmers’ income increases by 3.68%

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol said farmers’ income has increased by 3.68 percent from July to September this year compared to the same period last year.

In June, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed famers were one of the poorest in the country’s basic sectors, where poverty incidence was at 34.3 percent, based on a triennial study of 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES).

The fishermen and children from low-income household were also included, having a poverty incidence of 34 percent and 31.4 percent, respectively. These groups, including the farmers, have been consistently included in sectors with the highest poverty incidence based on FIES reports in 2006, 2009, and 2012.

The 2015 FIES report also stated that farmers’ income, on average, was only P108,800 in 2015, four times lower than Thailand farmers.

But that is about to change soon.

According to PSA’s report on the Performance of Philippine Agriculture (July to September 2017), the agriculture sector grew by 2.32 percent compared to the same period last year. In the first nine months of 2017, agriculture grew by 6.27 percent than in the previous year.

Except for the fisheries subsector, all agricultural subsectors grew – crops (5.18 percent), livestock (0.19 percent), and poultry (3.41 percent).

These growths, especially in the crops subsector, contributed to the increase of farmers’ income by 3.86 percent in the third quarter of the year. Counting from January to September, the farmers’ income rose by 4.19 percent.

During his visit at Iloilo in October, Piñol said President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration will work on a system that would revolutionize how rice trading is done, particularly removing the traders and middlemen who dictate the buying price.

There have been some traders and middlemen who would only buy rice from farmers at a very cheap price and then sell the crop on a higher price to the public. Piñol wanted to cut this.

He told farmers that new programs will be implemented to assist them in the whole production process – from plowing, planting, to harvesting, milling, and marketing. This, thereby, reduces the role of the traders and middlemen.

“Farmers should gain fairly for his labor and sacrifices,” Piñol said.

Through Piñol’s leadership in the DA, the Philippines was able to achieve near perfect rice self-sufficiency in October, where it posted a growth of local rice production by 95 percent.

On a Facebook post, Piñol stated that famers’ awareness of using modern technology have contributed to it.

“But we will not stop at 95% because the Agriculture Department is targeting a 100% local production to supply the national requirement,” he said.

With the advent of the middlemen being removed and with the drive to use modern technologies to produce more crops, farmers are set to experience a financial revolution.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/pnp-use-body-cams-war-drugs-operations/1029/

PNP to use body cams in war on drugs operations

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said police officers participating in the campaign against illegal drugs would be using body cameras in order to be transparent to the public.

Critics have been accusing the PNP of being responsible for the extra-judicial killings since the war on drugs started.

However, the PNP denied these accusations, saying they never employed extra-judicial killings and the deaths were the results of the police officers defending themselves.

In Philippine laws, the police are allowed to defend themselves when their lives are in danger.

But after 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos died at the hands of police officers of Caloocan City, President Rodrigo Duterte transferred all anti-drug operations to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and ordered the PNP hands-off from his war on drugs campaign.

For two months, the PNP focused on ridding their ranks of police scalawags – those police officers identified to be drug protectors, members of syndicates, or engaging in illegal activities – and conducted a crackdown against riding in tandem hitmen.

However, recently, Duterte seems to be keen on returning the PNP in the war on drugs, saying he has to return the police force because drug activity is going to increase.

For his part, Dela Rosa said they are ready to return and they will be ready to engage anybody.

“We will be proceeding at full speed. We will not care whom we would cross paths with. Let us hit and hit this particular problem (proliferation of illegal drugs),” Dela Rosa said.

But he added that they will proceed with caution.

“Full speed with extreme caution. We have learned a lot of lessons already,” he said.

The death of Delos Santos in August was marred with great controversy after a video footage showed Caloocan Police officers dragging the teenager to a corner, away from the camera.

Delos Santos was later found dead, with the Caloocan City police officers claiming the teenager threatened their lives and they had to shoot him to defend themselves.

Duterte immediately ordered Dela Rosa to detain the police officers involved in the killing of Delos Santos. The entire Caloocan City police force was also sacked for failure to follow the proper procedure.

“The Caloocan experience alone gave a lot of lessons to be learned. To prevent this from happening again, I would request the local government units to procure body cameras if we are assigned back to handle the war on drugs,” Dela Rosa said.

“I will not allow policemen operating without the body cameras for transparency, we will make sure that everything is recorded.”

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/president-duterte-cancels-peace-talks-npa-reds-react/1019/

President Duterte cancels peace talks with NPA; Reds react

President Rodrigo Duterte has canceled again peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) following the attacks made by the Left’s armed wing, the NPA.

On Nov. 9, Thursday, the NPA launched an attack against a police vehicle near the borders of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte that killed three people: a police officer, an Army sergeant, and a 4-year-old baby.

There were also nine others injured: an Army corporal, five civilians, and three police officers.

The death of the 4-year-old month baby made Duterte snap against the NPA and slammed the rebel group. He said he would no longer pursue peace talks with the Communists and would release a proclamation categorizing them as terrorists.

“Yes, terminating the talks and categorizing them as terrorist groups. It’s an entity anymore worth talking to,” Duterte said when asked about the decision to cancel the peace talks.

Yesterday, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza released a statement in line with Duterte’s orders to cancel peace talks with the Left.

“We are hereby announcing today the cancellation of all planned meetings with the CPP/NPA/NDF in line with President Duterte’s directive that there will be no more peace talks with them,” Dureza said.

“Recent tragic and violent incidents all over the country committed by the communist rebels left the President with no other choice but to arrive at this decision. We take guidance from the President’s recent announcements and declarations.”

Dureza added that Duterte has walked the extra mile just to end the war that has plagued the Philippines since the 1970s.

“However, the Communist Party and its armed elements have not shown reciprocity, Dureza said, adding that there would be no negotiations until it becomes evident for the government that the Left is sincere in pursuing peace.

The Kingdom of Norway has been hosting the peace talks between the Philippines and the NDF in Oslo. Under the Duterte administration, the first round of talks started in August last year and has gone through at least four rounds.

The fifth round of talks, which was supposed to happen in May this year in the Netherlands, was suspended after the NPA conducted another series of attacks.

Dureza thanked the Royal Norwegian Government for their strong support while expressing to their officials “regrets for this turn of events.”

“Despite this setback (hopefully only temporary), we remain steadfast and undeterred in our unrelenting journey for sustainable and just peace,” Dureza said.

The NPA, on its website, said they would not be cowered with Duterte’s threats and the possibility of being considered as terrorists.

“The democratic mass movement will continue to strengthen itself by organizing, propaganda and militant mobilizations, while the revolutionary forces will continue advancing the people’s war comprehensively to achieve genuine democracy and national sovereignty,” the CPP said in a statement.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/pres-duterte-offers-china-3rd-telco-player-destroy-duopoly/1010/

Pres. Duterte offers China to be 3rd telco player to destroy the duopoly

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte has offered China to operate as the third telco player in the Philippines in a bid to fix the slow internet connection – something that has already become the Philippines’ global reputation – and to end the duopoly of PLDT and Globe Telecom as well.

In OpenSignal’s “State of the LTE Report” for November 2017, the Philippines ranked 74th out of the 77 countries listed in the 4G internet speed race, only three places left before it lands at the bottom.

On average, the Philippines only clocked a download speed of 8.24 megabits per second (Mbps), compared to the global average of 16.6 Mbps. On top of that, the internet rate is one of the most expensive in the world, three times than the global average to be exact.

Improving the internet situation was one of Duterte’s campaign promises. He once warned local telecommunications companies (telcos) to shape up or face competition.

Now, it seems that has arrived.

“During the bilateral talks between President Duterte and the Chinese Premier, President Duterte offered the People’s Republic of China the privilege to operate the third telecom’s carrier in the country,” Roque said in a press briefing at Malacanang on Monday, Nov. 20.

The President’s offer to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang should not be confused with the recent partnership with Facebook. The deal with Facebook was about the laying of cables for the two terabits connectivity, Roque explained.

“That’s equivalent to the current capacity of the duoply,” he added.

There are other foreign internet service providers (ISPs) who wanted to invest in the country. Telstra was one and no doubt they have the technology to provide what average Filipinos need.

But so does China.

Roque said Duterte believed on China’s technology and capital to provide efficient telecom service – something that is a lot faster and more stable than what we currently have.

“With the number of subscribers that Chinese telecoms company have in China, there can be no doubt that they are amongst the biggest in the world,” Roque said.

“Consider also the proximity and the fact that we want to avail of as much economic advantage that we could arising from the renewed friendly ties with China.”

But by the looks of it, the Philippines could see more than two telcos in the future, standing against Globe and PLDT: China is one, Facebook is second, PT&T is third (though there could be a possibility that PT&T Chairman Salvador Zamora would team up with a Chinese telco), and the Villar Group, who just had its telco firm franchise approved at the House of Representatives and is now trying to secure the Senate approval.

Regardless of how many they are, Roque’s announcement spells hope for business owners and for regular Filipinos.

“So the good news is, the consumers can look forward now to better telecommunications, not just in terms of cellular technology but also in terms of internet speed as well as access,” Roque said.

“I repeat, the announcement is that duopoly, that telecom’s duopoly is about to end with the entry of the Facebook subsidiary as well as the offer by the President of the People’s Republic of China to operate the third telecom’s carrier.”

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/india-seeks-supply-ph-modern-military-hardware/999/

India seeks to supply PH with modern military hardware

Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana said India wanted to help the Philippines’ effort to modernize its military arsenal by supplying military hardware.

Lorenzana was asked if there was any signed agreement between the Philippines and India during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit last week.

Lorenza revealed there was no deal formally signed so far, except for documents, memorandum of understanding on visitation (MoU), military students coming in the Philippines, among others.

“We haven’t signed any right now, but we already have some documents, memorandum of understanding about visitation, military students coming here, or students, officers of the AFP and enlisted personnel of the AFP going there,” Lorenzana said.

“What they want to enter is they want to provide us, to supply us also with equipment because they have a very robust defense industry. They are making there ships, tanks, whatever ammunitions. In fact, in the past, we bought ammunition rounds of our military artillery from them, so they are capable of doing that and they want to tap into our market because they know we are modernizing, we have so many things to buy and they want to enter.”

It remains to be seen if the Philippines will form an agreement with India on military equipment supply. But in the past, India was almost close to secure a deal with the Philippines in its Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

State-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), one of India’s leading shipyards, previously won the first round bid to sell frigates to the Philippines that were worth P18 billion during the wake of the Hague ruling; however, Lorenzana said India got disqualified due to some financial requirements.

“In fact, they participated in the bidding last time in the frigate (project) but they lost in the second round. They won in the first round but when our technical personnel went to India to (inspect) their financial capability, they found out they cannot, there were technically, disqualified; so that’s why Hyundai won because they were the second winner,” Lorenza said.

By that time, India’s defense ministry sought to save the issue by sending a diplomatic mission in Manila, where discussions on whether or not India could assure that the yard would be financially backed were made, according to sources by Economic Times.

The Philippines’ requirement in the bid included a single payment after the two frigates were delivered, which the GRSE could not meet. India’s system of procurement is usually by tranche payments, meaning, structured payments are made as the construction progresses at the shipyard.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/ex-bucor-chief-testifies-de-limas-involvement-drug-trade/995/

Ex-BuCor chief testifies on De Lima's involvement in drug trade

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has excluded ex-Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Rafael Ragos from the illegal drug trade case against Senator Leila De Lima and Ronnie Dayan, the former aide of De Lima when she was still Secretary of Justice during the Aquino administration.

Ragos was co-accused with De Lima and Dayan for allegedly violating R.A. 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” despite being admitted in the Witness Protection, Security Benefits Program (WPSBP).

Ragos’ inclusion in the charges was based on his non-disclosure regarding De Lima’s involvement in the drug trade during her term as Justice Secretary.

But recently, the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors decided to remove Ragos’ name after Ragos filed a supplemental motion for reconsideration and for providing additional sworn statement that detailed the sources of the drug money he sent to De Lima.

In an 11-page joint resolution signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong, the DOJ recommended that Ragos be excluded from criminal case no. 17-165.

“This non-disclosure is tantamount to a violation of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into by respondent Ragos with the WPSBP,” the joint resolution stated.

“Nonetheless, such non-disclosure was rectified when respondent Ragos executed an additional sworn statement detailing the sources of the money he delivered to then Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima and Ronnie Palisoc Dayan on November 24, 2012 and December 15, 2012.”

“With the foregoing disclosures and his admissions into the WPSBP, the undersigned panel of prosecutors recommends that Ragos be excluded from the information in criminal case no. 17-165. The other grounds relied upon by respondent Ragos in assailing the joint resolution dated February 14, 2017 are, thus rendered moot and academic.”

The DOJ sent an amended charge sheet that left De Lima and Dayan as the only respondents for the said case, which they were accused of the conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, a violation of Section 26 (b) in relation to Section 5, Section 3 (jj), and Section 28 of the same Republic Act No. 9165.

Ragos said he only delivered P10 million of drug money to De Lima and Dayan on separate occasions, where P5 million of it was sent to Dayan at De Lima’s residence in South Bay Village in November 2012. He reportedly saw Dayan give the bag of money to De Lima.

Ragos said he could not refuse Dayan because he knew how close Dayan was to De Lima.

“I am a frequent visitor to the house of Secretary De Lima in Paranaque [City] and her office in Padre Faura [a street in Ermita, Manila where the DOJ office is located] and even their house in Bicol, so I was able to observe their behavior and intimacy toward each other,” Ragos said in his sworn affidavit.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/ph-costal-radars-soon-japan-donates-5-aircraft-maritime-security-boost/992/

PH to have costal radars soon as Japan donates 5 aircraft for maritime security boost

Japan has donated five Beechcraft TC-90 turboprop aircraft to the Philippines as a fulfillment of an agreement between President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit early this week.

The donated aircraft would boost the Philippines’ maritime capability and law enforcement within its exclusive economic zone.

“We welcome that gesture of Japan and the addition of these five aircraft to our inventory will greatly enhance our capability to monitor and conduct search-and-rescue (operations) within our territory,” Arsenio Andolong, chief of the department of public affairs office, said Wednesday, Nov. 15.

The aircraft were first leased to the Philippine Navy for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations with an amount of US$7,000 per year for the first four aircraft and US$200 annually for the fifth.

Abe earlier this week said he and Duterte have agreed to deepen their ties for maritime security and the fight against terrorism as well as for their collaboration of resolving the ongoing North Korea crisis.

“[Our] collaboration with regard to solving NoKor issue, maritime security, terrorism, and rule of law and order, we have agreed to deepen cooperation, specifically, in addition to supplying the Philippine Coast Guard with patrol vessels which already are being implemented,” Abe said.

Abe also said his administration has shelled out ¥1 billion for the Philippines to install additional coastal surveillance facilities and four coastal radars at the country’s southernmost part.

“We have decided on a ¥1-billion grant in aid to install coastal surveillance, radar facilities and signed documents were exchanged in the presence of myself and President Duterte,” Abe said.

For two years, Japan would also provide assistance amounting to ¥15 billion for projects that would improve the peace and order situation in the south of the Philippines, particularly in the Sulu and Celebes seas.

Japan would be helping as well the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City, where a total of ¥1.5 billion heavy equipment and machineries would be given to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

These would include bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks.

In addition to these, Japan would give approximately ¥9.4 billion for the construction of the Plaridel bypass road which would reduce traffic congestion and increase transportation capacity in Plaridel City.

Abe first visited the country last January and he was the first head of state to do so since Duterte won the presidential election. A grant of ¥6 million from Japan was given to the Philippine Coast Guard for the acquisition of high-speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment.

A memorandum of cooperation was also signed by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Japanese Coast Guard in the same month.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/ph-might-build-floating-nuclear-power-plants-rehabilitate-bataan-nuclear-power-plant/989/

PH might build floating nuclear power plants, rehabilitate Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

The Philippines and the Russian Federation are set to implement nuclear-related projects in the Philippines after both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the 12th East Asia Summit on Monday, Nov. 13.

A part of the MoU included the possibility of rehabilitating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and the building of modular nuclear power plants across the country.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and state nuclear company Russian State Atomic Energy Corp. (Rosatum) have represented the Philippines and Russia respectively. The documents were witnessed by President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The MoU intended to “support further implementation of the peaceful nuclear program” in the Philippines and to create working groups that would undertake specific projects; exchange of expertise; workshops; training and education of personnel; and sharing of technical information.

There was also the possibility of building offshore and onshore nuclear reactors in the Philippines, a logical move given the country is an archipelago of 7,641 islands.

“Partners will also explore the possibilities for the construction of land based or floating nuclear power plants with small modular reactors in Republic of the Philippines,” Rosatom said in a statement.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said the deal with Russia has been a part of the Philippines’ thrust to “develop a variety of applications of nuclear energy that are within our policies, particularly for power generation.”

“Through this MOC, we can tap the significant experiences of Russia in harnessing nuclear energy and the emerging technologies related to it for peaceful purposes that is safe and secure,” Cusi said.

Another important part of the deal was the planned audit and assessment of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant’s condition, whether or not it would still be feasible for the Philippines to turn on the switch, and its possible rehabilitation.

Other areas in the agreement include the following:

nuclear infrastructure studies towards national energy policy development and nuclear energy program implementation in the Philippines;

audit and assessment of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant’s (BNPP) technical condition, including the option of its rehabilitation;

feasibility studies on construction in the Philippines of small modular nuclear power plants, onshore or offshore, but not limited to analysis of technical, commercial, financial and legal aspects

“The two Parties may also carry out similar studies on nuclear power plants in general as may be deemed necessary and consistent with national energy development plans and policies of the Philippines,” the DOE said in a statement.

The agreement would last for five years and could be renewed for the same period. The Philippines or Russia could choose to suspend or end the agreement by notifying the other Party in writing through diplomatic channels.

The Philippines and the Russian Federation are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Both are also parties to the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of July 1, 1968.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/calabarzon-pnp-receives-200-m16-rifles-400-magazines-72000-ammunitions/984/

Calabarzon PNP receives 200 M16 rifles, 400 magazines, and 72,000 ammunitions

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the CALABARZON region has received new weapons yesterday in a bid to upgrade the police force against possible threats of terrorism.

Two hundred M16 rifles, 400 magazines, and 72,000 ammunitions were turned over to the policemen stationed in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

Chief Superintendent Ma. O Ranada Aplasca led the turnover ceremony of weapons and ammunitions from the PNP National Headquarters Directorate for Logistics for distribution to the Regional Public Safety Batallion (RPSB) and the public safety forces in Calabarzon.

Aplasca said the new assets would boost the police force in the region to counter terrorist attacks.

“The threat of terrorism has been one of the concerns of the Police Regional Office, hence, these rifles will further boost the capability of our personnel and will mobilize them for possible terror attacks and other circumstances,” Aplasca said.

The weapons would be distributed among the police headquarters in Calabarzon:

28 M16 rifles, 10,080 ammunitions, and 56 magazines would go to the RPSB4A

39 rifles, 14,040 ammos, and 78 magazines would go to Batangas PPO

17 rifles, 6,120 ammos, and 34 magazines for Cavite PPO

32 rifles, 11,520 ammos, and 64 magazines for Laguna PPO

74 rifles, 26,640 ammos, and 148 magazines for Quezon PPO

10 rifles, 3,600 ammos, and 20 magazines for Rizal PPO.

China and Russia have donated arms and ammunitions to the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) and to PNP in the wake of the Marawi crisis which led to the death of several government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute Group.

China gave 3,000 assault rifles, 90 sniper scopes and 3 million rounds of ammunition worth $3.3 million or P168.65 million. Except for 100 guns and the sniper scopes, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered everything to be given to the PNP for counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.

“It will all go to the PNP except 100 were retained by the Armed Forces, but the scopes will be also be retained by the military to be used for counter-terrorism,” Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana said.

Russia, meanwhile, donated 5,000 AK-74M Kalashnikov rifles, 20 multi-purpose vehicles, 1 million rounds of ammunition, and 5,000 steel helmets. All of them were used to combat terrorism, a pressing concern among Southeast Asian nations.

On Friday, Nov. 10, President Duterte thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam for the military support, saying the weapons helped the Philippine military turn the tide of the battle in Marawi City.

“According to my soldiers, the arms that you sent are very accurate and they were able to take care of the snipers that abounded,” Duterte said. “In a way, you helped us turn the tide and to shorten the war there because of your assistance.”

Duterte also said his administration would be buying more arms from Russia, making it as the Philippines’ new source for armaments.

“And that is my dream that before I finish my presidency, I want to build a strong Armed Forces and a strong police and the reason is very important for you to know that we are eyeing – we are buying arms from Russia this time,” Duterte said.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/filipino-accused-ny-bomb-plot-laughs-easy-recruiting-terrorists-ph/957/

Filipino accused of NY bomb plot laughs on how easy it is to recruiting terrorists in PH

The Philippines might just need to tighten its border security and strengthen its capability to fight terrorism after a Filipino doctor allied to the Islamic State (IS) just a matter-of-fact laughed how easy it is to recruit or train terrorists in the Southeast Asian country.

Russell Langi Salic, 37, was accused of being a part of the group who planned to carry out a foiled bombing in New York City during the Ramadan in 2016, together with a Canadian and a U.S. citizen in Pakistan.

In his conversation with an undercover agent from the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Salic laughed and said the Philippines is not strict in monitoring suspected terrorists, Agence France-Presse reported.

“[I]ts not strict here. Unli[k]e in Aus (Australia) or Uk (the United Kingdom) even liking FB (Facebook) status will put[] u in jail . . . Terrorists from all over the world usually come here as a breeding ground for terrorists . . . hahahaha . . . But no worry here in Philippines. They dont care bout IS [ISIS]..loll[.] Only in west,” he told the undercover FBI agent while boasting his popularity as a public figure.

Salic was based in Cagayan de Oro City and was working as a surgeon in Northern Mindanao Medical Center. Jihadist members allegedly referred to him as “Abu Khalid” and “The Doctor.”

On May 11, 2016, during last year’s election, Salic was traced sending $423.80 (around P22,000) to the undercover agent from a Western Union outlet in Cagayan de Oro City, thinking that the latter was carrying out a planned attack.

More transactions followed, with Salic eventually sending amounts larger than $400 (P20,000). According to Canadian Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 19, who was arrested after traveling to the U.S., the ISIS considered Salic a trusted supporter and that Salic has been providing funds for the terrorist group in numerous occasions.

Salic was reportedly desperate to go to Syria and join the ISIS. He also said he could send funds from the Philippines without being detected by local authorities.

“For example, on May 9, 2016, Salic informed the [undercover agent]that he was ‘desperate’ to travel to Syria to join ISIS. Salic also expressed his belief that he could safely send money to support the [New York attacks] from the Philippines, where he claimed to be at the time, without attracting law enforcement scrutiny,” the US Department of Justice (DoJ) said.

Local authorities arrested Salic in April this year and would extradite him to the U.S.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/intel-kians-drug-link-based-social-media-said-ex-caloocan-police-chief/894/

Intel on Kian’s drug link was based on social media, said ex-Caloocan police chief

“Based on social media.”

This is what the former Caloocan police chief said when asked where they based their allegations that slain Kian Delos Santos was involved in drug activities.

“We also based it on social media posts. Others also said it. That’s all our basis, Sir,” ex-Caloocan police chief Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna said during the Senate public order committee hearing on Thursday.

Bersaluna’s answer irritated Senator Manny Pacquiao who told the police chief that their basis is shallow.

“Your reason that you based your intelligence on social media is shallow,” Sen. Pacquiao said.

The police chief admitted they were not sure if Kian was really involved in drug activities before they conducted their anti-drug operation. A certain Nono Lubiras, whom they arrested a day after Kain’s death, allegedly confessed that he dealt with the 17-year-old.

Saldy Delos Santos, Kian’s father, denied that his son was involved in drug trade. He said his son was innocent and was a good person.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who proposed an anti-fake news bill, told Bersaluna to not base everything posted on social media.

“Don’t base everything on social media. That is why we say ‘intelligence report’ is important and why the ‘report’ was placed with ‘intelligence’ to make sure that the intelligence has substance,” Sen. Villanueva said.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday the Caloocan police might have committed a mistake with their intelligence. He said the police cannot use their intelligence report in court if it has “no probative value.”

“Those are just information gathered by the police and the military. It is an internal thing. It may even be wrong,” the President said.

He also said right after he saw the CCTV, he told Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to place the Caloocan police personnel involved the operation in jail until the inquest.

President Duterte clarified he would definitely protect the police and the military for doing their duty. However, they should not expect any support if they were found committing abuses, he said.

“I said I would protect those who are doing their duty. I never promised to protect those who are supposedly engaged in doing their duty but committing a crime in the process – abuses,” he told reporters on Thursday. “That cannot be done.”

President Duterte explained that the police should learn to calibrate. If a suspect is only armed with a stick or a bat, they should just only immobilize him.

“If he’s just using a stick or a bat, then you immobilize him. Shoot him in the hand. If he’s using a gun or a bolo or a knife, and you think that your life is in danger, that will justify the policeman to kill you,” he added.

The President described the operation conducted by the Caloocan police chief as “really bad.”

“What I reminded again the military and the police is that it should be in the performance of duty. That you are not allowed to kill a person who is kneeling down, begging for his life. That is murder,” he said.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/peace-talks-ph-reds-dying-heres/888/

Peace talks between PH, ‘Reds’ dying; here’s why

Chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said Sunday that the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDF-CPP-NPA) are dying following two incidents made by the NDF.

Silvestre Bello III said while President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet issued a formal letter of termination on the peace talks, he believed that the President’s position was clear as day: “No talks with the NDF.”

The apparent cause of the turnaround was due to two recent incidents made by the NDF: commanding their troops to intensify attacks against the government as a form of protest on the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao and an ambush against the Presidential Security Group last July 19 at Cotabato City, where five soldiers were injured and one Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) died.

Bello said the NDF’s actions were not providing a positive environment for a peace talk to push through, saying these made them question their sincerity.

“We just met [in the Netherlands for the peace talks] and yet there was the ambush of the PSG convoy. Before that, there’s also the threat to step up attacks against the government,” he said in a phone interview with The Manila Times. “I am in constant communication with the NDF, but the events that transpired make us question their sincerity.”

The CPP’s actions are seemingly in contrast with President Duterte’s gestures. During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year, he declared a unilateral ceasefire with the NPA and officially took it into effect on Aug. 21, 2016 at 12 a.m. Manila time.

He also offered cabinet positions for members of the Left, appointing Judy Taguiwalo as Social Welfare Secretary, Rafael Mariano as Agrarian Reform Secretary, and Liza Maza as the National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor. But despite these as well as the ceasefire offered by the government and giving some of the CPP’s other demands, such as freeing 19 NDF consultants, the Left, however, did not stop its series of attacks.

After his second SONA, President Duterte tried to sort things out again by talking with the protesters from the Left, but nothing came out of it. And although the ceasefire between the government and the CPP has been intermittent, the ambush against the PSG, however, led him to end the truce, apparently, once and for all.

During his visit to Marawi City, he told the soldiers that after they wipe out the terrorists, the next fight would be with the NPA.

“After this (Marawi siege), we will re-orient and target the NPA,” President Duterte said. “They owe us huge debt. I don’t want to talk to them. They killed many of my soldiers. They killed many of my policemen.”

He also said that he would kill Jose Maria Sison, his former teacher at the Lyceum University, if he had the chance. He accused Sison of killing government soldiers and policemen.

“So, to the enemies of the state – No. 1 is the Communist Party of the Philippines. No more talk, let us fight,” President Duterte said.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/biggest-indie-film-festival-13th-cinemalaya-ayala-malls-cinemas/861/

Biggest indie film festival the 13th Cinemalaya at Ayala Malls Cinemas

Ayala Malls Cinemas brings the biggest independent film festival in the country closer to the audience as the 13th Cinemalaya Film Festival opens on August 5 -13 at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, U.P. Town Center, and now reaching Pampanga audiences at MarqueeMall.

This year’s highly-anticipated Cinemalaya features an exciting lineup of nine full length feature films and twelve short films featuring talented and iconic actors in their most challenging roles yet such as Sharon Cuneta, Alfred Vargas, Jake Cuenca, Boots Anson-Roa, Yayo Aguila, Bembol Rocco, Gina Alajar, Angel Aquino, Niño Muhlach, Lou Veloso, Mon Confiado, and Ricky Davao along with up and coming talents to watch out for.

Ayala Malls Cinemas, in partnership with the Cinemalaya Foundation, has been home for the last seven years to the cinematic, and highly creative works of new and veteran Filipino filmmakers.  Wholly attuned to this year’s Cinemalaya theme “See the Big Picture”, Ayala Malls Cinemas’ state-of-the-art digital screens render clear images and crisp sounds enhancing the quality of films selected for this year’s festival that provides a pleasant viewing experience.

This year’s entries in the Full-Length category include “Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa” (My Teacher Who Doesn’t Know How to Read) by Perry Escaño, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” (The Family that Doesn’t Weep) by Mes De Guzman, “Bagahe” (The Baggage) by Zig Dulay, “Baconaua” by Joseph Israel Laban, “Kiko Boksingero” by Thop Nazareno, “Nabubulok” (The Decaying) by Sonny Calvento, “Requited” by Nerissa Picadizo, “Respeto” by Alberto Monteras II and “Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig” (Clouds of Plague) by Iar Arondiang.

For the first time in the history of the festival, twelve films (instead of 10 in the past) have been selected to compete in the Short Film category – “Aliens Ata” (Maybe Aliens) by Karl Glenn Barit, “Bawod” (Bent) by TM Malones, “Fatima Marie Torres and the Invasion of Space Shuttle Pinas 25” by Carlo Francisco Manatad, “Hilom” (Still) by P.R. Patindol, “Islabodan” (Free Men) by Juan Carlo Tarobal, “Juana and the Sacred Shores” by Antonne Santiago, “Lola Loleng” (Grandma Loleng) by Jean Cheryl Tagyamon, “Manong ng Pa-aling” (Man of Pa-Aling) by E del Mundo, “Maria” by Jaime Habac Jr.,  “Nakauwi Na” by Marvin Cabangunay and Jaynus Olaivar, “Nakaw” by Arvin Belarmino and Noel Escondo, and “Sorry For The Inconvenience” by Carl Adrian Chavez.

“We at Ayala Malls Cinemas believe in the great talent of our Filipino filmmakers, and we want to help them reach out to a variety of audiences by making Cinemalaya available in our cinemas,” said Amir V. Precilla, General Manager of Ayala Malls Cinemas.

See the big picture as Ayala Malls Cinemas’ opens its screens for the full slate of this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival.

Log on to www.sureseats.com to book tickets in advance and follow Ayala Malls Cinemas’ social pages – Facebook AyalaMallsCinemas, Twitter @ilovesureseats and Instagram @iloveAyalaMallsCinemas for the latest updates.

Experience it best at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

#gallery-2 margin: auto; #gallery-2 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-2 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-2 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/hard-target-based-real-heroic-accounts-marine-commandos/854/

'Hard Target' based on real heroic accounts of marine commandos

From Simon West, director of iconic action movies such as “Con Air,” “The Mechanic” and “The Expendables 2” comes “Hard Target” (aka Stratton), the latest non-stop action movie to explode in theaters on Aug. 9.

Based on the real-life heroic accounts of former Special Boat Service commando Duncan Falconer turned scribe, “Hard Target” is the first movie made from his eight-novel series. Members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) are trained individuals who are a part of the UK Special Forces, they have been on active duty since its inception in 1940.

“Hard Target” stars Dominic Cooper as John Stratton, one of the most resourceful agents of MI5. Stratton goes on a mission to infiltrate a laboratory complex in Iran to obtain deadly biochemical weapons. The complex mission goes sideways and his partner Marty (Tyler Hoechlin) gets caught in the crossfire resulting in his death.

Back at headquarters, Stratton finds out that a former Soviet Union operative by the name of Barovski (Thomas Kretschmann) who was thought to be dead for the last 20 years, has gone rogue and plans to start a deadly terrorist attack as revenge with the stolen biochemical weapons. Stratton together with his team and Hank (Austin Stowell) a US navy seal trained by Marty goes all out to find, capture and prevent a terrorist attack in the United Kingdom.

Cooper who started his career by playing the role of Sky in the 2008 film version of Broadway classic “Mamma Mia,” is not new to taking up roles that feature combat scenes, he played Howard Stark in “Captain America: The First Avenger,” and as Darcy in “Dead Man Down.”

In an article by Deadline.com, Director Simon West sees “Hard Target” as his answer to the 007 series. “We’ve got Bond, who’s an institution. But we don’t have anyone else. I felt there was a gap for a British action hero that was an alternative to Bond. More gritty and realistic, but just as fun.

“Hard Target” also stars Gemma Chan (“Sherlock”, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”), Tom Felton (“Harry Potter Series”), Olegar Fredoro (“The Wedding Video”), Derek Jacobi (“Gladiator”, “The King’s Speech”) and Connie Nielsen (“Wonder Woman”, “Justice League”).

“Hard Target” opens in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 9 from Axinite Digicinema.

#gallery-2 margin: auto; #gallery-2 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; #gallery-2 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-2 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/cafe-basas-eatsplorecb-pioneers-food-specialty-trend-right-ati-atihan-town-kalibo/754/

Cafe Basa's #eatsploreCB pioneers food specialty trend right in Ati-Atihan town, Kalibo

We had the privilege to attend Chef Mychal Kim Basa’s first ever event. He’s that guy who’s slowly making a name for himself with what he’s putting on the table, whether among tourists who are just passing by Kalibo for Boracay or among foodies in Aklan.

Who would not be? After tasting something good and that you know it costs a thousand bucks in Metro Manila but you only have it like just around P200, you would definitely be impressed.

Surprise us

The event was through invitation and he considered my fiancé and me to be a part of it; so we made sure to go there.

We got ourselves a nice place to sit as we waited for the others to arrive. I thought of the things that could happen in the next couple of minutes.

When everyone has finally come, he presented us to that day’s event, #eatsploreCB, which stood for “eat” and “explore,” with CB being Café Basa.

The event was his way of introducing new dishes with his own twists. (And us as his food critics for the day.)

“Surprise us, Chef!” I told him. We were around 16 people, ready for the journey.

After waiting for a minute or two, the first in the menu was out – Pizza Bianca. Everyone took their bite and each in the first batch was generally impressed. (Yes, there was a second batch).

I took my first bite, too. I could hear the soft crunching sound from its thick crust.

After around five minutes, I emptied my plate. It was better than the pizzas I’ve tasted in Kalibo!

I then became excited about where we were heading.

(While I am making this, I’m craving for three dishes prepared in #eatsploreCB, with one being Pizza Bianca).

Why #eatsploreCB?

I asked Chef Myck the purpose of the event and he told me he wanted to offer something new and unique that people in Kalibo have never tasted before.

Growing up, he observed there were not much of dishes that could be uniquely attributed to Kalibo. Because of that, it became his burning passion for making a trademark cuisine for the province.

But, more than that, #eatsploreCB is his way of telling a story.

“My goal here is to write a story,” he told me.

Pizza Bianca

#gallery-11 margin: auto; #gallery-11 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; #gallery-11 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-11 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Pizza Bianca, technically, was based from one of Café Basa’s popular pizzas. It’s a tomato-less, thick-crusted version topped with several goodies: special cheese sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, ham, mushroom, and a hint of garlic.

So, you understand why it took me just five minutes?

Chef Myck would not be Chef Myck if it was not because of Pizza Bianca. Well, not really mainly because of Pizza Bianca, but because of “pizza” – it was his gateway to cooking.

“I had to include a pizza in the first #eatsploreCB because this is where my passion for cooking started,” he said. “Pizza-making became my gateway to culinary arts.”

Bolognese Pasta

#gallery-12 margin: auto; #gallery-12 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-12 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-12 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Commonly known in the Philippines as tomato-based, Chef Myck’s version is not just the “same same” Bolognese pasta, the Italian classic decorated with ground beef, marinara sauce, and tomato. He made a different approach to it.

As opposed to using the typical tomato-based sauce, he painted it with olive oil (ala Café Basa *wink*).

Being also both a meat and a tomato-based pasta lover, Chef Myck could not pass this out. The Bolognese pasta has become a part of who he is in terms of professional growth.

“Pasta Bolognese is one of the very first pasta dishes I learned to cook, as I am a meat and tomato-based pasta lover,” he said. “Although not the original recipe that I was taught with, this version has evolved as I grow further into the culinary profession.”

Curry Pasta

#gallery-13 margin: auto; #gallery-13 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-13 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-13 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

This is something new in Kalibo, as far as I know, and Chef Myck was right in saying, “Not your traditional pasta combination.”

Curry (not the basketball player, but the food) is commonly associated with chicken in the Philippines.

“This is not your traditional pasta combination,” he told me. “I’d like to add an Indian cuisine twist. For Filipinos, authentic Indian cuisine is a daring flavor, so I had to start with something familiar, curry. So it’s not common that you would see pasta but I ought to give it a try.”

What I love about Chef Myck’s take was how he transformed those spinach leaves into something like chips. I literally feel like eating chips and I asked myself, “How on earth did he make these?”

“I made those crispy vegetables from thin carrots strips and spinach. It’s sweet and savory,” he said.

And rightly so!

Pamahaw Pasta

#gallery-14 margin: auto; #gallery-14 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-14 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-14 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Now this will really blow you away.

Pamahaw Pasta is mainly Italian carbonara pasta. But!!! (Yes, with an exclamation.) Chef Myk perhaps perfectly made one of the most satisfying combinations I ever tasted: Italian carbonara pasta mixed with a rich and creamy sauce made from salted egg yolks and some sprinkles of chorizo de Aklan. (Oh, how I really love this!!!)

I literally did not expect that salted egg would go well with chorizo. What I like was the feeling of the flavors somewhat fighting each other but seemingly agreeing to combine and make my meal palatial. It was that delicious.

Even Chef Myck was also surprised that the flavors blended well together.

“Actually for me, I was quite surprised with it as well. Why I got there was, honestly, I haven’t tried salted egg dishes before. I told myself, and for me, ‘I want to do something new,’” he said. “Though it’s already done in other places but not here in Kalibo, I want to be daring and try the salted egg craze; Most of the time I have salted egg and chorizo de aklan for my breakfast; thus, the Pamahaw Pasta.”

The best time to have this? Breakfast.

Well, it’s obvious based on its name, “pamahaw.” In the Central and Southern parts of the Philippines, “pamahaw” means breakfast. This certainly gives mornings a fresh start. (And oh, combine it with coffee!).

Crispy Shang-hai w/ Spicy Pineapple Sauce

#gallery-15 margin: auto; #gallery-15 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-15 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-15 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

This is a classic pork lumpia paired with this season’s harvest, pineapples with hot chili. It’s your sweet, sour, and hot shang-hai rolls.

The menu hits a certain spot at Chef Myk’s heart. This is the recipe that he grew up with because it’s made by his mother.

“It’s one of the reasons why I love food,” he said. “What I can remember vividly when I was a kid, mom cooks a whole bunch. Let’s just say we’re three siblings, she’ll put 30-40 pcs., and everything’s sniffed. Sometimes, we’d fight for the last piece.”

Chilled Pipino Soup

#gallery-16 margin: auto; #gallery-16 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-16 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-16 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

If you happen to enter in their café, you would see beautiful furniture, particularly tables and chairs.

You would also be surprised that all of them were made from scrap such as boxes used for forklifts, chairs from fast food chains, among others. Guess who made them? His dad designed by Chef.

He has this knack of turning ordinary things into something beautiful and useful that you would think he must have purchased this somewhere in Manila.

Chef Myck has extended this skill of being resourceful to his cooking. Case in point: Chilled Pipino Soup, where pipino is a bountiful resource in Kalibo.

He transformed the common pipino into a good palate cleanser. And he made it taste like a fruit shake.

Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage

#gallery-17 margin: auto; #gallery-17 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-17 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-17 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Aside from stuffing cabbage with steamed pork, Chef Myck made an oyster mushroom meatball to complement the mix. He also paired it with his signature cheese sauce as well as his homemade tomato sauce.

But before I continue, I have something to ask, have you ever watched “Ratatouille”? Could you recall the time when Alfredo Linguini in the animated film gave a dish to Anton Ego and when Anton ate it, he remembered his childhood days?

Alfredo’s dish was special because it made a mark at Anton. Anton walked down the memory lane.

Chef Myck’s Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage had a similar effect to me. It’s my “Ratatouille.”

When I tasted this dish, deep inside I was smiling because I recalled the memories of my dorm days when I used to cook my own cabbage. And yes, my dorm days were special for me.

It was a time where trials, laughter, and fulfillment were mixed in one. I would consider it my golden years. And Chef Myk’s Pork & Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage tugged at my heartstrings.

This is what makes dishes really special, when you are able to recall certain memories as you eat; when it touched your heart; when it made you eat with #hugot. And when that happens, you know you are in a good restaurant.

“I’ve been searching, traveling, doing a lot of studies because I want to hit the spot where it will remind you of something,” Chef Myck said. “I’m trying to hit the spot in a way that, I’m hoping, my food is not just the typical restaurant food but something that will remind you of your good ‘ol days. This dish reminded me of my culinary studying days”

Café Basa’s tagline is perfect: “The quality experience you can eat.”

Grilled Chicken with Spicy Yogurt Sauce

#gallery-18 margin: auto; #gallery-18 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-18 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-18 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

In their usual menu, Café Basa serves a grilled chicken dish that is mainly flavored with homemade focaccia bread and cheesy penne pasta. It’s fairly enough to satisfy your palate aside from the fact that it’s one of their popular dishes.

But as if it’s not enough, Chef Myck upped the game. With the new grilled chicken, he added more flavor to it by pairing it with yogurt sauce and garlic. It’s a bold Greek infusion, he said.

Matcha Cheesecake

#gallery-19 margin: auto; #gallery-19 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; #gallery-19 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-19 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

A disclaimer, I do not have a sweet tooth. Sure, I eat sweets but a single serving of them is enough for me: a little chocolate there and an ice cream here is sufficient.

I happen to taste Chef Myck’s usual cheesecake and I do like it. With the Matcha Cheesecake, they taste almost the same thing for me.

But what interested me about the Matcha Cheesecake was the story behind it. And it had something to do with his lovelife (hearts everywhere!!!).

“Aside from being a tea-lover, Matcha speaks to me. In fact, every time me and my girlfriend [Norvie], tackle something with matcha [on the table], we end up laughing,” he lovingly recalled. “Not just once or twice, but plenty of times. It brings us joy for no reason and we end up having a great and memorable time. Seriously, I know it’s kind of a stupid story but that happens every time we eat something with matcha, we’re just having a good time. So I really had to include it here.”

I know it’s too early for Valentines Day but, hey, love is for all seasons. So, if you want to invite someone for a date, the Matcha Cheesecake at Café Basa is worth a try.

Halo-Halo (Buko Pandan Version)

#gallery-20 margin: auto; #gallery-20 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 100%; #gallery-20 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-20 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

If there is one thing that you should never miss when you visit Café Basa, it’s their Halo-Halo. I will not spoil you by revealing what it is made of but you will never regret it (unless you do not like halo-halo).

It’s their bestseller; it has no other in Kalibo. Just like Apple whose flagship product is the iPhone device or Samsung with their Galaxy S8, Halo-Halo is Café Basa’s flagship dessert. It is one of the reasons why most of their customers return.

During #eatsploreCB, Chef Myck made a slight twist by adding aromatic pandan leaves and toppings of macapuno strings, sweet corn, and cornflakes. Mouthwatering, I would definitely say.

“It’s a new rendition of Café Basa’s popular Halo-Halo! I am planning to expand my Halo-Halo line because my guests are asking for more,” he said.

And yes, we want more.

Was it worth a dime?

My words are really not enough to express how I enjoyed the #eatsploreCB event. Of course, I would be lying if I tell you that every food was my favorite.

We have different taste buds; some are fond of sweets while others are fond of sea foods. It really depends on the person.

If you ask me if going to Café Basa is worth it, I can’t answer that for you. I’ll leave that to you and invite you to test their dishes.

As far as my experience is concerned, I have gone back to them for the nth time already. If you would also ask me whether or not their dishes are worth my dime, I would vouch for them; that their service and food are topnotch; and that every single peso my fiance and I paid to them is never wasted.

You would also be surprised how full you would be with just around P500 for their dishes. In fact, you might even say that they charge low for a menu and for the experience that are, in reality, expensive when you’re in other places.

Café Basa is living up to their tagline:

“The quality experience you can eat.”

About #eatsploreCB

#eatsploreCB is a first of its kind in Kalibo and possibly in the province of Aklan. This is an event and a gastronomic adventure that aims to introduce a new culinary culture in town. It gives access for new and traditional dishes that come with the use of new flavors, cuisines, infusions, or techniques. Some dishes will be familiar, but they have a different approach, while others will be influenced by different cultures, or from the imaginations of Chef Myck. In the near future, Chef Myck plans a collaboration event with other chefs and aspiring chefs.

#eatsploreCB is not just a culinary event. It also comes with socializing with other people. Here, you will be joined by other food enthusiast and chefs! Meet them or make friends with them and get a chance to exchange ideas, cooking and traveling tips, and share the whereabouts of other culinary gems. As with high hopes, we at Café Basa, are aiming to create a community of food lovers here in Kalibo!

Café Basa is located at Judge Martelino Rd, Andagaw, Kalibo, 5600 Aklan. For reservations, contact them via landline [phone]. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

[onearchipelago-blog]

New Post has been published on https://www.onearchipelago.com/power-mac-center-goes-cinemansanas-2017/746/

Power Mac Center goes all-out for ‘Cinemansanas’ 2017

A jam-packed second edition of Power Mac Center Pixelworx: Cinemansanas awaits film artists all over the country as the premier Apple reseller goes all-out this year. Among the highlights are Masterclass sessions with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, a digital short film competition, post production workshops, film scholarship grants, and in-store games, which all culminate in a Grand Movie Premiere at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema.

Power Mac Center tapped Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza to hold Masterclass sessions and share techniques on how to make movie concepts come to life. The sessions will be exclusive to 23 aspiring filmmakers selected for the extensive three-day acting, directing, and cinematography workshop. Application is coursed through Power Mac Center and runs until July 30, 2017.

In the bid to continue challenging artists to break convention, there will be another digital short film competition for videos shot and edited using Apple devices. Film submissions must be made specifically for the Pixelworx: Cinemansanas “Do you have a Minute Film Competition.” Entries may be about any subject but must run for no longer than 60 seconds. Deadline for submission is on Aug. 25, 2017.

To assist in completing the film entries, Power Mac Center Apple Certified trainers will be holding Post Production workshops on Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X. Online registration is required as limited slots are available.

Awaiting the winners are a MacBook Pro with Retina Display, iPad Pro, and gift certificates worth P100,000. To join the workshops and competition, visit https://goo.gl/9SC9ai.

Apart from the workshops, Power Mac Center has granted 15 aspiring filmmakers scholarship to Rebelde Film Camp. It is a five-day jamboree of film artists in a secluded place to learn the craft of filmmaking from icons of Philippine cinema such as Kidlat Tahimik, Ricky Lee, and Lee Briones-Meily. Power Mac Center carefully selected the scholars who came from all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“For Pixelworx: Cinemansanas, our goal is to discover emerging filmmakers who can showcase originality, imagination, and the ability to engage audiences with masterpieces shared via social media ─ a space where stories never stand still and always move forward. We are challenging them to be brave, bold, and brilliant in sharing their voice,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Non-filmmakers can still join the Cinemansanas fun by participating in the in-store activities. If you have what it takes to act on-the-spot and make a famous movie line your own, visit Power Mac Center and put your skills to the test. Best Actor for the day gets two movie tickets for free!

Pixelworx is Power Mac Center’s advocacy of celebrating ideas, technology, and art. It features artists who strive to start something new and recognizes those who break the standards of the art scene.

More information on promos, products, and services may be obtained at Power Mac Center branches nationwide or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@powermaccenter).

#gallery-2 margin: auto; #gallery-2 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; #gallery-2 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-2 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

About Power Mac Center

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Center, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.

The company has grown to 30 branches, with stores located in Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 5, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia,  SM Megamall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Festival Supermall, Cash and Carry Mall, Circuit Makati, SM East Ortigas, Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM City BF Parañaque, Harbor Point, SM City Southmall, SM City Pampanga, SM City Bacoor, SM City Lipa, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Batangas, SM City Dasmariñas, Vista Mall Sta. Rosa, KCC Mall de Zamboanga, and Vista Mall Bataan.

Visit a Power Mac Center store or find more online: PowerMacCenter.com  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube.