VOLUME 5, ISSUE No. 1 MAY 1-10, MAY 1-10, 20152015 Ecstatic crowd in one of the parties at the White Beach during Laboracay. Photo by Jack Jarilla Over 50,000 tourists join LABORACAY 2015 By Karen Bermejo Despite the increase of visitors, this year’s Laboracay event went smoothly due to the rigid preparation, ore than 50,000 tourists joined this year’s according to Malay Chief Tourism Officer Felix delos Santos. “Laboracay became a good marketing strategy to sell Labor Day week dubbed as “Laboracay.” Data from Malay Tourism Office showed the island, not just for foreign tourist but for the domestic that the island hosted 50,099 visitors travelers as well,” delos Santos said. Delos Santos also lauded the cooperation of the various during the Labor Day week from April 27 to May 3, higher event organizers for maintaining the cleanliness of the compared to last year’s 49,992. On May 1 alone, 10,701 tourists arrived in this resort- island despite the influx of tourists by different clean-up island to celebrate Labor Day, also higher compared to drives. Apart from the success of Laboracay, tourist arrivals on last year’s 10,431. M the first four months of the year already reached 567,351, data from Malay Tourism Office showed. It is however a little lower compared to last year’s 567,554. After Laboracay, the island will host delegates and guests for the two Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings here. This resort-island will host the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings which will be held on May 10 to 21 and the Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting on May 23 to 24.* Preparations for Boracay hosting of APEC meetings IN FULL SWING P ersonnel from various government enforcement agencies have been deployed in Boracay as the island play host to the several high-profile meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from May 9 to 24. Malay Councilor Rowen Aguirre, head of the APEC Malay Task Group said everything is already in place for the two APEC meetings here. “All government agencies are now ready,” he said. Boracay will host the back-to-back Second APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM2) from May 10 to 21 and the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting from May 23 to 24. Around 2,500 delegates from the 21 member APEC-economies are expected to attend the two APEC meetings. However, no head of state from the APEC member economies will attend the meeting in Boracay. Three hotel venues have been identified for the APEC meet namely: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Crown Regency Hotel and Convention Center, and Paradise Garden Resort. Aguirre said APEC delegates started to arrive in the island since May 7. Maximum security measures and some adjustments will only be allowed during designated hours to avoid road congestion. Utilities Aside from security, Aguirre assured power By Karen Bermejo utilities supply here are stable. “We got an assurance from the National Grid Corporation of will be implemented during the duration of the APEC meeting, the Philippines and Aklan Electric Cooperative that no power Aguirre added. interruptions will happen during APEC,” Aguirre said. Among government agencies that were deployed here to For any untoward incidents, Aguirre said all venues have their ensure security of the delegates are the Philippine National Police, own power back-ups. The National Organizing Committees have Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Land Transportation brought two big generators in the island, Aguirre added. Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and Armed Forces of the Effect in tourism Philippines. Despite the full alert status, Aguirre assured tourists visiting Aside from the augmentation from various government the island will still enjoy their vacation. agencies, Aguirre said additional land, sea and air assets were The task force head said only minimal adjustments will be transported to Boracay to ensure the enough rescue services made in water sports activities in the island. here. “Water sports activities will still be allowed during the duration Nine closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) are also installed of the APEC meetings here, but it should only be conducted in in different strategic areas in the island for easy monitoring in designated areas,” he said. the island, Aguirre added. Meanwhile, Lt. Jimmy Oliver Vingno, station commander Traffic of PCG-Caticlan said boat trips to and from Boracay will be on The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) normal schedule. also deployed its select personnel in the island to help in traffic Vingno however clarified boat in front of the White Beach management operations and relevant crowd control operations should be docked 500 yards from the shoreline. during the APEC meetings here. “Only APEC authorized bancas are allowed within the 500 MMDA also dispatched its road emergency group to the yards,” he said. province to help respond in cases of emergencies. Vingno said pontoons are stationed in some areas of the Meanwhile, Aguirre said that the delivery trucks and vehicles White Beach to cater to APEC delegates. (Informer) For more information visit us at www.boracayinformer.com like and follow us on /boracayinformer /RadyoTodo885Fm Laboracay tourists join Megaworld’s ‘Cause for a New Coast’ campaign S ince its launching last year, Laboracay, or the much hyped Labor Day Week celebration in Boracay Island has attracted thousands of tourists in the island, both local and foreign. Most of the tourists join Laboracay for the non-stop beach partying events consisting of music concerts, sports events, bazaars, rave parties and other exciting activities in this resort-island. However, tons of garbage was also left after these events. This year’s Laboracay celebration attracted more than 50,000 tourists. If every person can produce at least one kilo of trash, around 50,000 kilos or 5 metric tons of garbage were also accumulated in that week alone. If not collected properly, this scenario can result in several environmental problems in the near future. In a bid to encourage tourists and residents to be more responsible in cleaning up and protecting the Boracay coastline, a clean-up movement dubbed Cause for a New Coast was initiated by Megaworld during the start of the Laboracay week. Megaworld is the country’s leader and pioneer in developing integrated urban townships, through its subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI). GERI is the developer of Boracay Newcoast, which is a 150-hectare master-planned development project that is poised to become the next tourism hub in Boracay Island. “This Cause for a New Coast campaign was initiated with the intent to help clean and restore the island paradise. Every year, thousands of visitors have left undetermined amount of garbage along the white beach, which gradually affect the natural surroundings, especially after LaBoracay,” said Saki Mirabueno, head of marketing for Boracay Newcoast-GERI. The clean-up drive launched during the Labor Day gathered volunteers and tourists from all walks of life, mostly the partgoers for a clean-up movement along the 4-kilometer White Beach. Trash bags were distributed to the volunteers. But as a treat for the volunteers, for every 1-kilo of trash they collected, a coupon was given to them in exchange for free drinks sponsored by the Emperador Distillers, Inc. In partnership with Sur Bar located in Station 1 and Epic Bar in Station 2, plastic bags were distributed to partygoers to encourage them to participate in the clean-up movement from May 1 to 4. “We want them (partygoers) to be part of this small act but significant solution to the littering problem during LaBoracay caused by parties and events,” says Mirabueno. Aside from the clean-up movement, Boracay NewCoast also plans to institute various environmental initiatives to foster sustainable preservation of the island paradise.* 2 By Karen Bermejo Photos by AGS Photography OPINION C all it pathetic but like the print in my shirt – “I love SG,” indeed I love Singapore. I love it in so many ways and those who saw and conquered SG in one week will agree with me too. I keep coming back to Singapore, no matter how hot the weather as others complain but it’s all about the people, the law and the food. It is to good travel abroad and to get the best practices of each city when you have the opportunity. I am very much grateful for the privileged of meeting the locals, dining with the family and being able to browse elbows with other people whose values are rooted with integrity, love of culture and passion for healthy living. While in our place we talk literally about politics, in Singapore their politics is food. Boracay Informer is published by HMV Multimedia Productions, Inc. with main business office at Manggayad Main Road, Brgy. Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines. HMV Multimedia Productions, Inc. Publisher Jonathan Cabrera, General Manager Lilia dela Cruz, Operations Manager Karen Bermejo, Editor-in-Chief Kent Jufre Taborda, Layout & Graphics Bryan Gonzales, Online Administrator Columnists & Contributors: Megs Lunn, Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino, Odon Bandiola, Narciso Dionson, Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman Central Office : Manggayad Main Road, Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Tel. No. (036) 288-2418 (Operations & Marketing) Manila Office: Big Bag Marketing Services and Promotions Email: theinformerboracay@yahoo.com We b : w w w. b o r a c a y i n f o r m e r. c o m I love SG! You see in every corner of the city a food court where a fusion of Asian cuisine of Indonesia, China, India and Singapore of course abounds. Every time I am in the city, I indulged in food. I take a toast and kaya (coconut egg jam) a cup of kopi (coffee) for breakfast, in the middle of the day I eat curry puff and yong tau foo (vegetables and tofu stuffed with fish paste), lunch is nasi padang (Indonesian Malay curried dishes and rice) and at dinner, I enjoy Hainanese chicken rice or a western chicken chop with fries and rojak (Indonesian Chinese fruit and vege salad with seasoned shrimp paste sauce and peanuts…a bit sweet but still healthy to me. They said, the place is where people eat Hainanese chicken dish all the time, but why not. I can’t blame them. My Singaporean friends took us to too many choices of food courts, the Hawker Centre (China town) with the best of Chinese cuisine choices or Tekka Market (Little India) where my favorite of all is the roti prata (Indian Muslim fried flatbreads with curry gravy). Another is the Pek Kio Market and Food Center and many more. According to one writer in Singapore, “food means unity.” The city though multi-racial, multi-lingual with English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil – food is still their national language. What is admirable is my idol in governance and leadership – the late 1st Prime Minister of Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew. As a former affluent leader which he did not think it that he was, I learned that he flew economy class and not on private jet on his business visit anywhere. He likewise advised his officials to fly economy class for flights under 6 hours. According to one official, “we do not want our next generation to work and pay what the last generation has already spent.” Amazing! And what is more amazing is that their government ends each term with a balance budget. You can see around how they spend more on infrastructure, healthcare and education and they still will manage the same up to the next 10 to 15 generation, notwithstanding a lifetime health care coverage for all Singapore residents. I had the chance to have my morning walk around the community with a resident friend while I was there and all the people are health ambassadors especially the younger generations. Frequent exercise is a must-do and each park is connected to the next if you want to run more than what you can tackle and end up coming back to where you started. Their passion for healthy living is seen in every person who runs and eats good food with always THE GOOD LIFE a serving of vegetable salad Megs Lunn and or fresh squeezed juice drink. Watching them is solitude to me. I can feel their energy and passion. Healthy living is another language of the city. Not to mention, that the people are courteous in so many ways and aspects of life, too. Though they are well known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, their political leaders wholeheartedly devoted time to health campaigns like “No Smoking” even in the open park and no wonder I still meet Singaporeans who are 80 years old and 91 during my visit. According to the people in Singapore, it’s the late PM Lee Kuan Yew who is their chief architect, advocate and defender, and so why in 50 years of existence, Singapore is stable, peaceful and with warm relations with countries of races and religion. Even there minorities trust the government that there is a possibility of moving and progressing up. Again and again, I am impressed with their Housing and Development Board (HDB) where a family of 5-6 persons can fit in a three to four bedrooms and where a Social Service Office can come knocking on your door offering assistance and find ways to resolve and plug them. The help and services are always a ready assistance from the government of which the community does not need to find them; instead the government will find you even before you ask. What is the most refreshing when you arrived in the city? The flowers from the airport to the city center to even their urban housing. The blooming city is clean and green, indeed. The late PM Lee once said, “It is the most cost effective way to get visitors be impressed and lure investors to stay and invest.” Tourists alike would feel that if they take a photo in front of Merlion – just across the beautiful and most valuable property of Marina Bay Sands, then you know you are in Singapore. So be it! I can speak more but I want you to experience if for yourself and so I have to stop now. It is a ‘field of dreams’ the people say in Singapore and for me, it is a place of limitless opportunities - Singapore! WV workers get P11.50 increase M inimum wage earners in Western Visayas started to receive their P11.50 salary increase beginning May 2. The Wage Order No. RBVI-22 was approved on March 27 by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-6), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6, and was affirmed by the National Wages and Productivity (NWPC) on April 15. According to RTWPB-6 Board Secretary Nesa Nolido, the new wage order covers the employees both belonging to the agricultural and nonagricultural industries in the private sector. For non-agricultural, industrial and commercial establishments employing more than 10 employees, the minimum wage rate will increase to P298.50, while those who are employing 10 workers and below the new wage rate is P256.50. Meanwhile, for workers in agricultural plantation, the wage of the workers was raised to P266.50 and P256.50 for the non-plantation workers. The said wage increase is a result of the petitions filed by the General Alliance of Workers Association, New independent Workers Organization and Ceneco Union of Rational Employees last year, according to DOLE-6 Regional Director Ponciano Ligutom.* PSA cites 6 Boracay Firms S (Seated from left) Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commander, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Aklan Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Iver Apellido during the signing of a joint declaration to hand-over the Internal Peace and Security Efforts responsibility in Aklan to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC). ix business establishments in Boracay Island were recognized recently by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan for their invaluable support to the agency’s business and industry surveys conducted last year. These are Boracay Peninsula, Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center, Aklan Baptist Hospital, Paradise Cable Television Network, Caticlan-Boracay Transport Multipurpose Cooperative, and Discovery Shores-Boracay. The awarding was held during the Respondent’s Forum on April 30 at Eurotel Boracay. Rodelyn R. Panadero, PSA-officer in charge said these firms showed active cooperation to the agency by providing quality data and prompt submission of survey questionnaires during the 2013 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) and Survey on Information and Communication Technology (SICT). Data from ASPBI will be used by the government and private sector to formulate policies and economic development plans, while data in ICT will help decision-makers develop policy measures and make investment plans. “Actually, it’s not easy to collect data from business firms as most are unwilling to provide information about their operations,” Panadero said. By doing this recognition, the PSA hopes to inspire and encourage other establishments to fully support future related undertakings of the agency.* (PSAAklan/Informer) INC plant mangroves to celebrate 101 years I n celebration of their 101st Anniversary, more than 500 members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Aklan planted some 3,000 Api-Api propagules across the 17 hectares mangrove plantation in Bakhawan Eco-Park located in New Buswang, Kalibo. The man grove planting was in support to the implementation of the National Greening Program–Mangrove Rehabilitation which is now in its second year of being maintained and protected. “Refores ting our mangrove areas helps our coastal communities become climate change resilient,” said Aklan PENRO head Ivene D. Reyes. Reyes likewise lauded the INC group for helping in their campaign to minimize the impact of climate change. “We are happy to see so many concerned individuals who are willing to lend a hand to promote environmental protection,” Reyes added. PENRO Aklan led the mangrove planting together with members of the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (K A SAMA) and other volunteers. The planting site was damaged by Typhoon Ruby on December 2014. “If we can reforest all of our coastal communities with mangroves, then we are sure that they will have their buffer zones strengthened. It is their first line of defense against the cruel effects of climate change,” said Regional Director Jim Sampulna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6. He said working hand in hand with other environmentally-conscious groups or people will help in the call for stronger and climate change resilient communities.* (DENR-6/Informer) To promote environmental protection, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo join the mangrove planting activity of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office at the Bakhawan Eco-Park. 5 Aklan’s barefoot runner, arnis champ grab medals in Palaro 2015 A klan’s barefoot runner Anjelica De Josef and arnis athlete Angie Nicole Reyes bagged medals for Western Visayas in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. De Josef delivered silver and bronze medals for WV in the 400-meter and 800-meter run. The 15year old De Josef of Lezo Integrated School won the silver in the finals of secondary girls 400-meter dash by clocking 58.71 seconds. Feiza Jane Lenton of Eastern Visayas emerged as the fastest runner after winning the gold in 58.66 seconds while Jessel Lumapas of Calabarzon 6 captured the bronze in 59.69 seconds. De Josef won bronze in 800-meter run with a time of 2:14:49 behind gold medal winner Jie Anne Calis of Northern Mindanao who clocked 2:12.27. Feiza Jane Lenton of Eastern Visayas edged De Josef for the silver with a time of 2:14.47. Meanwhile, Reyes, high school student of Saint Gabriel College, stamped her class in winning the gold in Arnis Espada y Daga event with a score of 67.50. Geraldyn Canete of Calabarzon settled for silver with 66.75 points and Jamaica Natangcop of Northern Mindanao for the bronze with 66.50 points. Reyes also led the WV-trio composed of Neve Fairuza Tajaran and Jan Elaine Anquilan from Regional Science High School for Region VI (Kalibo) for a silver medal finish in Anyo Team Event-Single weapon with 66.25 points. Arnis players from Northern Mindanao ruled the event for the gold with 67 points while Calabarzon team settled for bronze with 66 points. Reyes was also part of the WV team along with Tajaran and Jamie Ignacio from Saint Gabriel College that won the silver in Anyo Team event-Double Weapon behind gold medal winner Northern Mindanao. As of May 7, Reyes hiked her tally to three silvers and one gold in the arnis event.* Bulk water supply to start this month T he bulk water supplier of the Metro Kalibo Water District will start its distribution this month. Edgar Isada, MKWD general manager said Datem Water, its bulk water supplier is expected bring in an additional of 5,000 cubic meters of water daily to fill in the shortage of its supply. MKWD serves consumers in the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Banga, Balete and portions of Batan. Datem Water will be using ultra filtration technology designed by Mann+Hammel, a German membrane filtration specialist that introduce environment-friendly technology to filter and remove impurities from water, making tap water safe for drinking. The water district also has a bulk water supply agreement with Numancia Water District. Datem Water will source its water from Aklan River. Isada said residents of Calizo, Balete and Camaligan, Batan are experiencing low water pressure since February. To address the water shortage in far-flung barangays, MKWD is already implementing potable water rationing to thousands of residents in Balete and Batan. With the bulk water agreement with Datem, Isada said it will address the provision of potable water to more towns and meet the future drinking water requirements of consumers. He said the bulk water technology is seen to reduce groundwater extraction and use of deep wells. He also assured the water concessionaires of no increase in water rates, although, Datem Water will sell water to MKWD at P13 per cubic meter. Datem Water bulk water supply contract with MKWD is 15 years, subject to review of water rates every five years. The bulk water contract was awarded by MKWD to Datem Water last year, which had initially targeted to operate and distribute the bulk water last January. At present, a temporary zoning clearance for 90 days was issued for Datem Water by the municipal government pending the favorable approval of Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo for the project.* (Boy Ryan Zabal) (From left) Barangay Balabag chairman Lilibeth Sacapano, Managing director of BonChon Philippines Scott Tan, BonChon founder and president Jinduk Seh and Malay Chief Tourism Officer Felix delos Santos during the store’s opening. BonChon opens first WV store in Boracay By Karen Bermejo B onChon, a famous Korean restaurant, opened its 86th store in Boracay Island and its first in Western Visayas on April 7. BonChon, famous for its crispy chicken is located at Lime Hotel in Station 2, along Barangay Balabag. Scott Tan, managing director of BonChon Philippines, said this newest store is their first BonChon store in the region. “Opening of BonChon in Boracay brought us closer to our dream of serving more Filipinos as possible. It is our pleasure to give locals and tourists the chance to enjoy the same crispy chicken that has made its mark in the international market,” Tan said. BonChon is famous for its crispy chicken that’s light and not greasy; the meat is perfectly moist and juicy, topped with either soy garlic, spicy, honey citrus glaze or crunchy garlic sauce that’s bursting with delightful flavors. BonChon also offers Ricebox Meals, light and hearty snacks and some seafood offerings, which include the brand’s take on the English classic Fish and Chips; Crispy Shrimp, Crispy Squid Rice; and the raved-about Fish Taco, inspired by the California food truck mishmash of Korean and Mexican delights. True to its heritage, BonChon also serves the classic Korean bulgogi, flavourful Korean Yogurt or Ko-Yo, and their very own version of Crispy Crepe; a crispy dough filled with fruit preserves and finished with delicious toppings. From its original home in Seoul, BonChon opened branches in New York where its crispy chicken secret earned major media and industry accolades, as well as raves from discriminate diners. Its similar success in other US cities such as San Francisco, Boston, Virginia, and New Jersey set the stage for the restaurant chain’s international expansion in Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, and Singapore. BonChon which means “my hometown” in Korean also continue to make its strong presence in key cities in the Philippines such as Cebu, Davao, Baguio, General Santos City and Cagayan de Oro. To realize its vision of having BonChon in every key city in the country, Tan said they will also expand another BonChon branch in Iloilo this July.* Scott Tan, Managing Director Crepes Snackwich KOYO Chicken Sandwich Box fish taco drum stick & wing Seoul Fried Rice with 2pcs chicken Bulgogi rack platter seafood Wings Ricebox crispy squid rice fish a n d chi ps oriental crispy chicken salad Caesar Salad 7 Puka Shell Beach JULY 21-27, 2014 MAP Puntabunga Beach BORACAY ISLAND Ilig-Iligan Beach Diniwid Beach Lapuz- Lapuz Beach Diniwid Road Boracay Kitchen Mainroad Station 1, Boracay Island Malay, Aklan Tel No. (036) 288-2410 iBoracay I Boracay D’mall de Boracay, Boracay Island Malay Aklan 09053460464 Manila Showroom: G/F Forbeswood Parklane, Forbestown Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Boracay Showroom: 2nd Floor Plaza Sta. Fe, Station 1, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Contact No. +63-917-8104374 Email: boracaynewcoast@global-estate.ph Website: www.boracaynewcoast.ph White House Resort Station 1, Boracay Island Malay Aklan Tel No. 036-288-3675 us R oad White House Resort ASYA PREMIER SUITES BORACAY Sitio Cagban, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island Malay, Aklan Philippines 5608 Tel: (6336) 288.1790 Fax: (6336) 288.1789 8H Lap Boracay Plaza us- TILAPIA N' CHIPS Lap G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay Phone:(036) 288 2283 Hampstead Boutique Hotel BANS RESORT Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Tel. Nos.: (036) 288-3156 / (036) 288-3837 Fax No.: (036) 288-4510 Mobile No.: (0909) 691-1038 BANS BEACH RESORT CROWN REGENCY & CONVENTION CENTER Boat Station 2, Main Road Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island Malay, Aklan 5608, Philippines Phone number: (+6336) 506 3111 Fax number: (+6336) 506 3131 E-mail: reservations@crownregency.com Bulabog Road Road 1A iBoracay CANYON DE BORACAY Station 2 Alice in Wonderland, St. Boracay Island, Malay, Borocay Island, Philippines OLE Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant D’Mall Phase 4 -#1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Phone number: (036) 288-5940 Email: Ole_tapas@yahoo.com Website:www.oleinboracay.com The Orient Sun Travel and Tours Across E'Mall, Zone 7 Manggayad Highway, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island Malay Aklan, (036) 288-2789/09278220727 Email:bebe@TheOrientSun.com/torientsun@yahoo.com Merly’s Place Cottages Boracay Lugutan Road Tulubhan Beach Angol Road Tulubhan Road LEGEND Hospital Main Road Jetty Port Beth Shalom Academy Tambisaan Road EMERGENCY HOT LINES Municipal Tourism Office Department of Tourism - D’Mall Boracay Tourist Assistant Center/PNP Boracay Action Group Red Cross Phil. Coast Guard (036) 288-7108 (036) 288-3689 (036) 288-3066 (036) 288-2338 (036) 288-2068 (036) 288-6150 For iMap inclusion, just contact: Boracay Hospital Bureau of Fire Protection Municipal Health Office Mayor’s Office Malay Auxiliary Police PNP Cagban (036) 288- 3041 (036) 288-4198 (036) 288-5624 (036) 288-8772 (036) 288-5269 (036) 288-4392 (036) 288-2418 www.boracayinformer.com Manoc-Manoc Beach
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