Businessmirror August 02, 2019

INVESTMENTS IN ELECTRONICS DIP 24% ON TAX POLICY JITTERS I

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

BM-Motoring » E2-3

All-new MAzdA 3 sizzles in sepAng

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2006 National Newspaper of the Year 2011 National Newspaper of the Year 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year

@alyasjah

NVESTMENTS into the country’s top export industry have declined nearly 24 percent after the first five months, as semiconductor firms remain uncertain about expanding operations in the Philippines over the government’s plan to rationalize tax incentives.

According to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi), capital inflow to the industry from January to May slowed 23.6 percent to P5.47 billion, from P7.16 billion in the same period last year. This reflected the overall declining registrations of new projects and expansions to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

In the same period, investments in Peza crashed 26.03 percent to P43.22 billion, from P58.43 billion, on negative sentiment from foreign investors.

Investments from local firms in the five-month span fell nearly 15 percent to P25.53 billion, from P29.96 billion during the same period in 2018.

However, the bigger decline came from foreign firms at 37.87 percent to P17.68 billion, from P28.46 billion.

“Uncertainties in tax policy are seen to have affected the investment climate in 2018, resulting in the withholding of expansion plans, or the eventual transfer of investments to other countries,” Seipi said in a report on Thursday.

See “Investments,” A12

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

www.businessmirror.com.ph

n Friday, August 2, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 296

Govt fails to hit infra spending goal for H1 40% T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE government missed its infrastructure spending target for the first semester, largely due to the four-month delay in the passage of the national budget, according to data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Data from the DBM showed that actual infrastructure spending reached only P311.4 billion, P81.5 billion lower than the P392.9 billion programmed for the Januaryto-June period.

Total disbursements for the period, which include current operat-

ing expenditures, capital outlays and net landing, reached only P1.59 trillion. This is P125.8 billion lower than the goal of P1.716 trillion for the first half.

“This is largely due to the delayed implementation of various infrastructure projects following

the late approval of the FY 2019 General Appropriations Act and the election ban,” the DBM said in a statement.

Infrastructure spending in the first semester was down by an annualized rate of 11.7 percent, or P41.3 billion, compared to last

The decline in infrastructure spending for June alone— down to P43.5 billion from the P71.9 billion recorded in the same month in 2018

year’s actual program. Disbursements for infrastructure last year reached P352.7 billion.

For June alone, infrastructure spending fell by nearly 40 percent to P43.5 billion, from the P71.9 billion recorded in the same month last year.

The national government was Continued on A12

@caiordinario

T

HE budget impasse and the President’s move to veto insertions in the 2019 budget have forced a local think tank to cut its growth forecast for this year.

In a phone interview on Thursday, University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) Senior Economist Victor A. Abola told the BusinessMirror that First Metro Investment Corp.-UA&P (FMIC & UA&P) Capital Markets Research now expects the economy to grow by around 6 to 6.5 percent this year.

This is lower than the 6.8 percent to 7.2 percent the think tank initially forecast in its first economic briefing in January. “[There was] more than one quarter delay in the budget, that’s why we saw the first-quarter growth

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n

was well, well below expectations,” Abola said. “When we considered it, [the budget] was already delayed.

[The budget for] infrastructure wax also cut because of the [removal of the] insertions. We had [no choice but] to cut the forecast.”

However, Abola said beginning in the second quarter, growth will get back on track to 6 percent.

Growth is expected to be even better in the second half of the year given the “tri-star domestic demand engines.”

FMIC & UA&P Capital Markets Research said these engines are consumer spending, government spending and investment expenditures.

Consumer spending, the think tank said, will be fueled by low inflation and the “sustained inflow of remittances” from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

See “FMIC,” A2

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REVENUE COLLECTION GOAL OF B.I.R., B.O.C.: P3.3T IN 2020

By Rea Cu

@ReaCuBM

T

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs—the main collection agencies of the government—are targeting to collect P3.307 trillion next year, data from the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) showed.

Based on the DBCC’s medium-term program as of July 18, the BIR’s goal for 2020 is pegged at P2.576 trillion. The figure is 13.4 percent higher than the bureau’s target of P2.271 trillion for 2019.

As for the BOC, its target is to collect P731 billion, 10.6 percent higher than this year’s goal of P661 billion.

The DBCC figures for next year took into account the implementation of the fuel marking system, the approval of Package 1B sans the electronic invoicing system and the increase in motor vehicle

FMIC & UA&P cut growth forecast on budget woes

By Cai U. Ordinario

2018 EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

users charge, as well as Package 2 Plus sans the increases in the mining taxes under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP).

The total tax revenues for 2020 are expected to reach P3.332 trillion, 12.8 percent higher than the P2.995 trillion projected for this year. This will translate to a tax effort of 15.7 percent of GDP. Total revenues of the government for 2020 are projected to hit P3.536 trillion, 12 percent higher than the P3.149 trillion L a st mont h, t he DBCC said revenue collection for 2020 is projected to rise to P3.54 trillion, equivalent to 16.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), while disbursements are programmed at P4.21 trillion, or 19.9 percent of GDP. Revenue and disbursements are estimated to rise to P4.42 trillion or 17.2 percent of See “BIR,” A2

Recovery signs from manufacturing

T

NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER Sen. Richard Gordon, the country’s veritable action man for all sorts of emergencies, especially health crises like measles and dengue and the recent water shortages, strikes a pensive pose while fielding questions on Thursday at the BusinessMirror Coffee Club.

Among others, he urged authorities to go slow on plans to resort to another round of Dengvaxia vaccinations amid the current spike in dengue cases.

Story on page A12. NONIE REYES

HE Philippine manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in July after rising concern in recent months that it is headed toward a slowdown.

The monthly Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report from international think tank IHS Markit and Nikkei showed the Philippines’s index hit 52.1 in July, up from the 51.3 index seen in June.

The PMI is a composite index aimed to gauge the health of the country’s manufacturing sector.

It is calculated as a weighted average of five individual subcomponents. Readings above the 50 threshold signal a growth in the manufacturing sector while readings below 50 show deterioration in the industry.

See “Manufacturing,” A12

US 50.8650 n JAPAN 0.4678 n UK 61.8569 n HK 6.4980 n CHINA 7.3889 n SINGAPORE 37.0331 n AUSTRALIA 34.8120 n EU 56.3432 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.5622

Source: BSP (1 August 2019 )

A2 Friday, August 2, 2019

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Duterte grants Solar Para Sa Bayan 25-yr franchise

P

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

No subsidy

@BNicolasBM

RESIDENT Duterte has granted a 25year nonexclusive franchise to Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation despite competition concerns earlier raised by business groups.

Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation, owned by Leandro L. Leviste, son of former senator and now Antique Rep. Loren B. Legarda, is allowed to put up and operate solar grids in remote and unviable, unserved and underserved areas in the country.

Under Republic Act No. 11357 signed by the President last July 31, the corporation is given a nonexclusive franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain in the public interest and for commercial purposes, Distributed Energy Resources and microgrids utilizing renewable energy technology or a hybrid to provide electric power to customers and end users.

Moreover, the franchise granted to Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation shall also not affect the duty of the Department of Energy (DOE) to promote private sector participation in the electrification of remote, unviable, unserved and underserved areas.

Other qualified third parties shall be able to continue to participate in any competitive selection to operate in these

areas as determined by DOE, in accordance with some provisions of the Act, even without a similar franchise from Congress.

The DOE is also tasked under the measure to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to operationalize this franchise without compromising the grid stability, the rate effect on consumers, the continued viability and sustainability of the grantee’s operations and other technical and financial considerations.

Should any competing individual, partnership or corporation receive a similar permit or franchise with terms and provisions more favorable than those granted or which tend to place Solar Para sa Bayan at any disadvantage, such terms and provisions shall be deemed part of the Act and shall operate equally in favor of Solar Para sa Bayan.

However, any term and/or provision granted under the Act which are not contained in other franchises that may be granted hereafter shall likewise be enjoyed by the future grantees.

FMIC & UA&P cut growth forecast on budget woes Continued from A1

These will be boosted by low inflation which the local think tank expects to slow to below 2 percent in August. Inflation in June, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed, averaged 2.7 percent.

In terms of remittances, FMIC & UA&P Capital Markets Research said more inflow is expected given that a new school year has begun.

“The continued increase in remittances, especially its peso equivalent, is expected to fuel domestic demand,” it added.

In ter ms of gover nment spending, FMIC & UA&P Capital Markets Research believes the catch-up plan was well-defined and is on track to boost spending.

The think tank said government spending recovered in May after posting year-on-year declines in April and March. Total NG disbursements in May stood at P314.7 billion, 7.8 percent higher than May 2018.

FMIC & UA&P Capital Markets Research believes the government has enough fiscal space to ramp-up spending beginning in June until the end of the year.

“The fact that national government expanded infrastructure spending by more than 20 percent for 13 consecutive months [October 2017 to November 2018] tells us that NG can

accelerate spending especially with a well-defined catch-up plan it has laid out for the rest of 2019,” the think tank said.

In terms of investment expenditures, the local think tank said that while manufacturing output “appears lethargic,” the increase in government spending will boost construction.

This will buoy the manufacturing sector in the coming months. Election-related spending may also have boosted factory production in the second quarter.

T he slowdow n in m a nufacturing output will also be boosted by an improvement in the country’s exports. The think tank said demand for Philippine exports is expected despite trade tensions between the US and China.

Demand from the country’s top 2 export destinations improved. Shipments to the US rose 23.1 percent to $1.1 billion while sales to China went up 11.5 percent. The US remained as the top export destination in April, accounting for 17.6 percent of sales.

“We think that exports will continue to improve, as we see better demand from top exports destinations as well as purchases of gold by BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] from small miners [tax-free] which in May reached $111.7 million,” the think tank said.

BIR. . .

Continued from A1

GDP, and P5.24 trillion or 20.4 percent of GDP, respectively, by 2022.

The passage of the remaining CTRP packages is expected to help ensure a reliable revenue base and boost economic growth.

AS for its rates for services, the retail rate charged by Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation to end users shall be the true cost and shall not be entitled to any government subsidy. Such retail rates shall be regulated by and subject to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approval.

In June, business groups asked Duterte to allow his economic team to review the bill granting the franchise to Solar Para sa Bayan due to issues of corruption and alleged lack of deliberation.

According to them, the grant of the franchise “may defeat the President’s objective of leveling the playing field in the renewable energy sector and would prejudice power consumers.”

The joint statement was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines (Seipi) Foundation Inc. and the Women’s Business Council Philippines also signed the statement.

In its web site, Solar Para sa Bayan Corporation claimed an estimated 12 million Filipinos lack access to electricity as of 2016. This translates to 10.4 percent of Philippine households without electricity.

By island, 5.2 percent of households in Luzon is in need of power access, 7.6 percent in Visayas and 27.6 percent in Mindanao.

The DOE is eyeing to achieve 100-percent electrification by the end of Duterte’s term in 2022.

NegOr. . .

Continued from A12

separate martial-law declaration in Negros Oriental apart from the currently-imposed martial law in Mindanao.

“The Constitution states you can declare martial law in the entire country or parts thereof,” Panelo said.

On Wednesday night, Malacañang also issued a separate statement that the President is “cautioning the enemies of the state in the island of Negros that he will use his emergency powers under the Constitution to quell the lawless violence engulfing the island, as well as to crush all forms of threats aimed to destroy the government.”

The Palace has blamed communist rebels for the killings.

“The President has also issued a stern warning that the members of the New People’s Army [NPA] in Negros have gone overboard and that their killings have become brazen and unbridled where men in uniform, as well as civilians are murdered with impunity. The land disputes in Negros have escalated to killings among—and between—the claimants. The communist rebels have exploited the land unrest and turned the province into a quasi-state. They have arbitrarily chosen who will own the lands subject of the controversies surrounding them,” Panelo said.

The Palace said Duterte has also raised the reward money to P5 million for the capture, dead or alive, of the killers of the Negros policemen.

As for the reward money for the capture for every participant in the killing, the reward money has also been raised to P100,000.

While there were criticisms on the effectivity of martial law imposition in Mindanao considering that bombing incidents still occur, the Palace has since said the President’s declaration of martial law is an effective tack in maintaining peace and order in the area.

In 2016, the President also signed Proclamation No. 55 officially declaring a state of emergency in the whole country following the Davao City bombing.

Despite this existing proclamation, Panelo insisted that there is still a need to use “stringent measures” in Negros Oriental considering the number of killings. Bernadette D. Nicolas

“Completing the passage of the remaining tranches of the tax reform will ensure a steady revenue flow and equitable sharing of contributions for the government’s social and infrastructure programs while securing fiscal stability long into the future,” the DBCC said.

Given the revenue and disbursement program adopted by

the DBCC, the deficit target will be maintained at 3.2 percent of GDP from 2019 to 2022 to sustain the government’s investments in infrastructure and human capital development.

The GDP growth target was maintained at 6 to 7 percent in 2019, 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2020, and 7 to 8 percent in 2021 and 2022.

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Angel R. Calso

The World BusinessMirror

Friday, August 2, 2019

A5

China, US plan next round of trade talks for September U NITED STATES and Chinese trade negotiators plan to meet again in early September, as the latest round of negotiations ended with few signs of concrete progress.

US officials including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer wrapped up talks with their Chinese counterparts including Vice Premier Liu He Wednesday afternoon in Shanghai. The White House in a statement specified Washington as the location for the next round of talks, and said the sides held “constructive” talks this week over “forced technology transfer, intellectual-property rights, services, nontariff barriers and agriculture.”

“The Chinese side confirmed their commitment to increase purchases of United States agricultural exports,” according to the US statement. The negotiators from Beijing and Washington discussed increasing China’s import of agriculture products from the US based on its needs and favorable conditions from America, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Chinese state media on Thursday struck a united tone in commentaries on Thursday, emphasizing that two nations need to cooperate rather than confront each other, and repeating lines that trade talks are difficult and

need to be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

Farming goods

THE latest round of talks took place against a backdrop of a fresh outburst by President Donald J. Trump, who, as delegates gathered Tuesday, let fly at China’s perceived unwillingness to buy American agricultural products and said it continues to “rip off” the US. The People’s Daily, mouthpiece of the Communist Party, responded to Trump on Wednesday with a commentary saying that China has no motive to “rip off” the US and has never done so, and China won’t make concessions against its principles on trade.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addressed the drag from the trade war during a news conference Wednesday after the US central bank cut rates for the first time in more than a decade.

“Trade policy uncertainty has been more elevated than we anticipated,” he told reporters. “The secondary effects of tariffs, especially the knock to business confidence, have had more impact on the economy than the tariffs themselves,” he said.

The Americans arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday and attended a dinner at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in the evening. A person familiar with the event described the atmosphere at the dinner as being all about rapport build-

Fed cuts key rate for first time in more than a decade

W

ASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate on Wednesday for the first time in a decade to try to counter the impact of President Donald J. Trump’s trade wars, stubbornly low inflation and global weakness.

It left open the possibility of future rate cuts, but perhaps not as many as Wall Street had been hoping for. During a news conference, Chairman Jerome Powell struggled to find just the right words to articulate the Fed’s strategy and what might prompt future rate cuts at a time when the risk of a recession in the United States seems relatively low.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled to finish down 333 points, or 1.2 percent. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.01 percent from 2.06 percent late Tuesday, a sharp drop.

The central bank reduced its benchmark rate—which affects many loans for households and businesses—by a quarter-point to a range of 2 percent to 2.25 percent. It’s the first rate cut since December 2008 during the depths of the Great Recession, when the Fed slashed its rate to a record low near zero and kept it there until 2015. The economy is far healthier now despite risks to what’s become the longest expansion on record.

But Powell stressed that the Fed is worried about the consequences of Trump’s trade war and sluggish economies overseas.

“Weak global growth and trade tensions are having an effect on the US economy,” he said.

Powell also said that sluggishness in some sectors of the US economy, like manufacturing, along with inflation chronically below the Fed’s target level justify the “insurance of a rate cut now.”

Yet he struggled to explain clearly whether, why and by how much the Fed might further reduce rates.

“It’s not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts,” he said. “I didn’t say it’s just one or anything like that. When you think about rate-cutting cycles, they go on for a long time, and the committee is not seeing that—not seeing us in that place. You would do that if you saw real economic weakness.”

Market analysts said it was no surprise that stock traders were disappointed.

“Powell appeared very reluctant to suggest that additional rate cuts were likely, only doing so when he was asked if this cut was ‘one and done,’” said Eric Winograd, senior US economist at Alliance Bernstein. “Even then, he emphasized that if there are additional cuts it would likely be a brief cycle.”

Trump, who has repeatedly attacked the Fed for failing to cut rates aggressively, expressed irritation with its message Wednesday.

“What the market wanted to hear from Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve was that this was the beginning of a lengthy and aggressive rate-cutting cycle which would keep pace with China, the European Union and other countries around the world,” Trump tweeted. “As usual, Powell let us down.” AP

Oil slides as tempered rate notions counter stockpiles fall

O

IL retreated from a two-week high as the Federal Reserve dimmed hopes for more US interest rate cuts, countering a seventh weekly decline in American crude stockpiles.

Futures slumped as much as 2 percent in New York, snapping five days of gains.

While the Fed cut rates for the first time in a decade, Chairman Jerome Powell said it wasn’t the start of an extended cycle of monetary-policy easing to protect the economy. US crude inventories fell by 8.5 million barrels last week, more than triple the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

Oil last month capped its smallest monthly move since 1991 as it was caught between fears global demand may slow and concerns crude flows from the Middle East may be disrupted. The US on Wednesday

imposed sanctions on Iran’s foreign minister, deepening tensions between Tehran and Washington.

“The comments from the Fed would likely have dampened energy demand and most asset classes are currently experiencing reversals,” said Howie Lee, an economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. in Singapore. Declining American stockpiles suggests “that either demand is strong in the US, or they are exporting more to cover the lack of supply worldwide,” he said.

West Texas Intermediate for September delivery lost 68 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $57.90 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange as of 7:59 a.m. London time. The contract rose 53 cents to $58.58 on Wednesday, capping a 0.2 percent gain for July.

Bloomberg News

ing without substance on negotiations.

Relations between the delegates appeared cordial, according to the pool report. Xinhua said it was a candid, efficient and constructive exchange on major economic and trade issues.

China’s Trade Minister, Zhong Shan, played a more prominent role in the

discussions than in previous rounds. His greater involvement had caused concern among some US delegates as he is perceived as tougher negotiator.

On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry Spokesman Hua Chunying said at a briefing in Beijing that it doesn’t make any sense for the US to exercise

a maximum-pressure campaign. “Only when the US shows enough sincerity and good faith can we achieve progress in the trade talks,” she said.

Low expectations

EXPECTATIONS for a breakthrough in the trade talks have been low. The two

sides are further apart than they were three months ago, when negotiations broke down and each side blamed the other for derailing attempts to reach a deal. China is pushing for compromise in the talks, with state media underlining this week that the US should meet it “halfway.” Bloomberg News

The World A6 | Friday, August 2, 2019

Indonesia eyes incentives to form electric-vehicle hub

I

NDONESIA is planning a slew of incentives for electric-car manufacturers and drivers, to help bolster a sector that has already lured investment from Toyota Motor Corp. and SoftBank Group Corp., according to a draft government strategy seen by Bloomberg.

The measures are aimed at accelerating the adoption of batterypowered cars in Indonesia and building a base for the production and export of such vehicles. They include lower taxes for manufacturers and buyers of electric cars, and benefits for EV owners, such as special parking areas, the draft that’s only awaiting the president’s approval shows.

The country is vying with nearby Singapore and Thailand to become the dominant force in Southeast Asia for electric cars, part of an effort to fortify the local economy and reduce reliance on imported oil. Indonesia, one of the largest untapped markets for electric vehicles, wants EVs to constitute a quarter of its car production by 2030 as it tries to bring in more global companies.

“This regulation is the largest overhaul of Indonesian automotive industry and it is an ambitious, as well as a brave move by the government,” said Jeffrosenberg Tan, head of investment strategy at PT Sinarmas Sekuritas. “We hope this will lead to huge investments in EV infrastructure and will be followed through by the development of the supply chain ecosystem.”

President Joko Widodo said in a statement on Thursday that he will “surely” sign the decree once he receives it, without elaborating

on the specifics of the new rules.

“We can go ahead and prepare the infrastructure to support electric vehicles,” he said.

The rules would change taxation of vehicles so they would be levied based on fuel consumption and carbon emissions instead of body type and engine size, favoring electrified vehicles. Under current rules, a $65,000 BMW X3 sDrive sport-utility vehicle carries a lower luxury tax rate than a $58,000 Hybrid-powered Toyota Camry because sedans have been considered a more luxurious car type.

The new rules will also require automakers to gradually increase the amount of locally produced parts to 80 percent by 2029, according to the draft. Motorcycle producers would need to meet that requirement already in 2026.

A number of global carmakers have decided to commit billions of dollars worth of investment even before the new rules have kicked in. Toyota, which has the biggest market share in Indonesia, has said it plans to spend $2 billion to build hybrid vehicle plants in the country.

Hyundai Motor Co. is set to build two plants, including an electric-vehicle unit, in Indonesia by investing $1 billion, according to Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan. SoftBank said this week it will invest $2 billion in Indonesia through ride-hailing giant Grab over the next five years and plans to explore investment opportunities in the country’s electric-vehicle, battery and renewable-energy sectors. Bloomberg News

North Korea says it tested new rocket launch system

S

EOUL, South Korea—North Korea said Thursday leader Kim Jong Un supervised the first test firing of a new multiple rocket launcher system that could potentially enhance its ability to strike targets in South Korea and US military bases there.

The report by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) differed from the assessment by South Korea’s military, which had concluded Wednesday’s launches were of two short-range ballistic missiles.

The launches from the eastern coastal town of Wonsan were North Korea’s second weapons test in less than a week and were seen as a move to keep up pressure on Washington and Seoul amid a stalemate in nuclear negotiations. Pyongyang has also expressed anger over planned USSouth Korea military drills. KCNA said Kim expressed satisfaction over the test firing and said the newly developed rocket system would soon serve a “main role” in his military’s land combat operations and create an “inescapable distress to the forces becoming a fat target of the weapon.”

The report didn’t directly mention the United States or South Korea, but experts say the rocket system, along with new

short-range missiles the North tested last week, could potentially pose a serious threat to South Korea’s defense. North Korea places thousands of rocket launchers and artillery pieces near its border with South Korea, and its perceived ability to quickly devastate the Seoul metropolitan area, where about half of South Koreans live, has been a central part of its strategy to deter military action from its rivals.

The agency provided no specific descriptions of how the “large-caliber multiple launch guided rocket system” performed, but said the test confirmed the system’s “combat effectiveness.” North Korea’s state media didn’t immediately release images of the test.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesday that the weapons it assessed as missiles flew about 250 kilometers (155 miles) at an apogee of 30 kilometers (19 miles), a range that would be enough to cover the region surrounding Seoul and a major US military base just south of the city.

Kim Dong-yub, an analyst from Seoul’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said the North might have tested an improved version of its 300-millimeter multiple rocket launcher system or an entirely new system, such as 400-millimeter rockets. AP

Taiwan says China is limiting tourism to island out of fear

T

AIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan’s foreign minister has criticized China’s suspension on trips by individual Chinese citizens to the island, saying Beijing appeared to be afraid of allowing its people to experience “a country where freedom, openness [and] tolerance are the order of the day.”

China announced the ban Wednesday in an apparent move ahead of Taiwan’s elections in January to intensify its pressure on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to endorse Beijing’s position that Taiwan is Chinese territory.

The one-sentence notice from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said such trips would be suspended from Thursday “in light of the current relations between the two sides.” It did not mention tour groups, which were already declining after previous restrictions.

In a tweet Wednesday night about

Beijing’s tourism restrictions, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu wrote “How very sad?” “They should be allowed to join more & more travelers from around the world in experiencing a country where freedom, openness & tolerance are the order of the day,” Wu wrote. “What’s to fear?”

Taiwan’s Presidential Office also criticized China’s move, with Spokesman Kolas Yotaka saying it will “not only restrict mutual understanding between the people of China and Taiwan but also deprive Chinese of the opportunity to know Taiwan.”

Both the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party ruling and the China-friendly opposition Nationalist Party issued statements critical of the ban.

China’s foreign ministry referred questions on the ban to the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office, which did not immediately respond. AP

News

BusinessMirror

A8 Friday, August 2, 2019

Unfinished A Metro FCPs

COMMISSION on Audit (COA) report on Thursday revealed that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may have failed to complete the construction of 117 flood-control projects (FCPs) worth P878.57 million last year due to lack of procurement timelines, depriving citizens of the projects’ socioeconomic benefits In its annual audit report, COA said MMDA, through its

Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO), programmed 170 FCPs last year but only 53 projects worth P273.541 million were completed.

The MMDA’s FCSMO allegedly was unable to start 64 FCPs worth P486.492 million, while the construction of remaining 53 projects worth P392.077 million were still ongoing, according to the COA report published last July 31.

The COA attributed to the low percentage of completed products to the absence of a procurement time schedule for each project in the MMDA management’s annual procurement plan (APP).

The APP, COA explained, serves as a “major determinant” to how an agency would facilitate procurement activities to ensue fast delivery of output.

www.businessmirror.com.ph The delays in the completion of the FCPs could have been avoided if MMDA had strictly complied with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 on the requirements of an APP, COA added.

Due to non-completion of projects, the unutilized funds allocated for the FCPs would be reverted to the National Treasury, it added. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Friday, August 2, 2019 A9

‘Rice planters to get free machines in 2020’

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

ice planters would have to wait until the first quarter of next year for their free farm machines from the government as the budget impasse stalled the release of funds.

Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Applied Communication Division Chief Rodolfo P. Estigoy said the agency just received P2.1 billion from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through a special allotment release order last July 22.

The amount is part of the agency’s share of P5 billion from the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11203.

RCEF was created to help farmers cope with the adverse effects of the rice trade liberalization law.

Estigoy said PhilMech, an at t ac hed agenc y of t he De partment of Agriculture (DA), will start the survey of some 1,200 rice-producing municipalities which would receive f r e e f a r m e q u i p m e nt f r o m the government.

The survey aims to determine the required and suitable farm machines of each municipality to help planters improve their productivity and increase their income, he added.

“The P100 million will be used

for extension services while the P2 billion will be used to purchase agricultural machines,” Estigoy told reporters in a news briefing on Thursday.

“PhilMech will adopt a needsbased approach wherein the agency will determine the most pressing needs [in terms of machinery] in the municipalities and provide these needs,” he added.

Citing a recent evaluation by PhilMech, Estigoy said the agency found that the most immediate need of rice farmers are equipment for land preparation, like hand tractors and dryers.

He said the agency expects to finish the survey and evaluation of the target beneficiaries within the month. PhilMech is targeting to kick off the bidding and procurement of farm equipment by September.

The agency is expected to start delivering the free farm equipment in February 2020.

Beneficiaries of the free machines include farmers’ groups in the 1,200 municipalities in 57 major rice-producing provinces that are in the DA’s database, Estigoy said.

Nueva Ecija, which accounts

for 10.18 percent of national output, Isabela, Pangasinan, Cagayan and Iloilo are among the country’s top rice producers, according to PhilMech.

The agency will group rice producers into six clusters to facilitate the implementation of free equipment program. These clusters are Luzon A, Luzon B, Luzon C, Visayas, Mindanao A, and Mindanao B. Estigoy said PhilMech expects to get the remaining P2.9 billion from the national government before the end of the year as the rice trade liberalization law mandates that the agency should get P5 billion annually in the next six years.

Money for the RCEF is being frontloaded by the government to cushion the impact of a more open Philippine rice market on planters. Starting next year, money from the RCEF will be funded by tariffs collected from rice imports.

The DBM said on its web site that it has released a total of P5 billion last July 18 to RCEF implementing agencies.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (Phi lR ice) received P2.095 billion while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) was given P700 million.

The DBM also released P100 million to the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), another attached agency of DA. Under R A 11203, PhilMech must receive P5 billion for the distribution of free equipment to farmers, while PhilRice woud be given P3 billion for the distribution of inbred rice seeds.

Tesda and ATI will get P1 billion each for credit assistance and farmers’ training.

Govt must slap antidumping duty on imported rice–group B

Brazil soy farmers spend more to exploit trade war edge

T

he Federat ion of Free Farmers (FFF) urged President Duterte to order the Department of Agriculture to conduct an antidumping investigation into rice imports to curb undervaluation by unscrupulous traders.

FFF National Manager Raul Q. Montemayor said imposing antidumping duties is the “best and fastest way” to discourage traders from shortchanging the government by misdeclaring the value of their rice shipments.

“The idea is to put pressure on importers to declare the right prices and pay the correct tariffs,” Montemayor told the BusinessMirror in an interview. “The President should issue the order [for an investigation] to fasttrack the process.”

Using figures released by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the average landed cost of rice imports which arrived in the country after the rice trade liberalization law took effect was only $227 per metric ton (MT).

This is nowhere near the internationally published prices of rice, which range from $391 per MT to $422 per MT. Montemayor said the low valuation of rice shipments could have caused the government lose P5 billion in revenues. What’s worse, he said, is that cheap imports contributed to the decline in the drastic decline in the price of unhusked rice.

Under Republic Act 8752, or the Anti-Dumping Act of 1999,

the government could impose antidumping duties on imported commodities that are sold at a lower price than its original value in its country of origin.

The antidumping duty is equivalent to the difference between the export price and the normal value in the exporting country, Montemayor said. The antidumping duty applies on top of the regular implement tariffs on imports.

“In June for example, the monitored export price for rice with 5-percent brokens from Vietnam was $359 per MT. If a shipment arrives in the Philippines with a landed cost of $227 per MT, it is equivalent to an exVietnam export price of only $159 per metric ton after removing costs for freight and insurance,” he said in a separate statement on Thursday.

“This is $200 cheaper than the monitored export price, and this difference can be the basis of the antidumping duty that will be charged against the importer in addition to regular tariffs,” Montemayor added.

Under RA 8752, the agriculture secretary could initiate an antidumping investigation based on a preliminary determination of dumping based on three factors: the price difference between the export price and the normal value of the commodity; presence and extent of threat to cause injury to a local sector; and causal relationship of the alleged dumped product and the threat to domestic sector.

Once init iated, impor ters would be required to post a cash bond equivalent to the estimated antidumping duty while a thorough evaluation of the complaint is being undertaken by the Tariff Commission.

A ntidumping measures on imports could be applied for as long as five years from the date of initial implementation, Montemayor said.

P u rsu ing a n a nt idu mping measure on rice imports is more effective than imposing a safeguard duty since most shipments come from Asean member-states wherein the Philippines applies a low bound rate, he added.

Montemayor also said the safeguard duty would only be imposed when the cumulative imports exceed a trigger volume and would only be in effect until the end of the calendar year.

“The BOC has argued that they cannot question the declared value of imported rice if valid documents are submitted by the importer, even if there appears to be a clear case of undervaluation. With antidumping, an importer will be subject to higher antidumping duties the larger the undervaluation, no matter what documents are submitted,” he said.

“RA 8752 also provides that the license of an importer who is caught dumping can be canceled, and its officers can be barred from holding positions in any business enterprise in the country,” he added. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

razilian farmers will likely spend more money on soybean farming in the coming season as the United States-China trade war continues to leave room for the South American powerhouse to increase its grip on the title of world’s biggest exporter of the oilseed.

Crop-nutrient giants Mosaic Co. and Yara International ASA ex pect fertilizer deliveries to Brazilian producers will reach a record. Planting in the country starts in September, and most of the sales for the coming season have already been made, underscoring the confidence in the forecasts.

Brazil has benefited from China’s yearlong trade dispute with the US, the second-biggest soybean exporter. A spring deluge that threatened crops in the US Midwest gave the South American country an added advantage.

While not providing an outlook

for Mosaic’s sales, Eduardo Monteiro, the company’s supply director in Brazil, forecasts that deliveries will rise 2.8 percent this year to 36.5 million metric tons. The gain will come as farmers spend more to help ensure a good harvest and as soy plantings climb by about 0.8 percent, he said, estimating that producers have already bought about 80 percent of the fertilizer they need.

“Farmers are in a good mood after a record corn harvest, profitable soybean prices and good prospects for shipments amid the ongoing trade war and weather issues in the US,” Monteiro said in a telephone interview.

Yara expects Brazil’s soybean planted area to rise by 2.5 percent this season as farmers divert pastureland and sugarcane areas to the oilseed. That will lead fertilizer demand to increase by more than 2 percent in 2019, according

to Cleiton Vargas, the company’s sales and marketing vice president in Brazil.

“Fertilizer demand remains promising amid uncertainties over the trade war between China and the US,” Vargas said by e-mail.

Even as the amount of fertilizer deliveries should reach an all-timehigh, the growth pace is starting to slow. The forecasts from Yara and Mosaic, which together account for about half of Brazil’s fertilizer sales, are below last year’s increase of about 3 percent reported by the industry group Anda.

Demand was slower than usual in March and April, and it’s still sluggish for this time of the year due to rising fertilizer prices in the country, according to Simone Correa, a market analyst at GlobalFert consultancy. She expects deliveries to increase between 1 percent and 1.5 percent this year. Bloomberg News

A10 Friday, August 2, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Responsive leadership

‘T

HE squeaky wheel gets the grease” is an old saw that conveys the idea that the most noticeable (or loudest) problems are the ones most likely to get attention. That’s what happened when we wrote an editorial in February about the day-to-day ordeals that thousands of commuters using LRT 2 have to suffer because of its oven-hot trains (See, Who wants to ride on oven-hot trains? in the BusinessMirror, February 14, 2019).

Here’s part of our editorial: “Serving close to 200,000 passengers daily, the LRT 2 is the least busy among Metro Manila’s three rapid transit lines. But unlike the LRT 1 and MRT 3 whose coaches have wellfunctioning air-conditioning systems, most LRT 2 coaches are ovenhot. No wonder, for the good part of 2018, LRT 2 passengers have been constantly complaining.”

It took about a month for the LRT 2 management to fix the problem.

Now, all LRT 2 coaches have well-functioning air-conditioning systems.

We commend the LRT 2 management for a job well done. At the same time, we also want to thank the management of MRT 3 and their unsung security guards for their alertness, which might have prevented a fatal incident.

We recall an incident in February at the MRT 3 Cubao station where authorities nabbed a passenger who was found in possession of a live hand grenade. The MRT 3 management said security personnel found the grenade inside the baggage of a passenger at the inspection area.

The confiscated grenade could potentially kill and maim hundreds of passengers.

While we’re at it, we must also give credit to the responsive leadership of the Department of Transportation Undersecretary Arthur Tugade.

The good secretary is working hard to make life a little easier for commuters in the metropolis amid the daily traffic gridlock. Recently, the DOTr started offering free train rides to students. The LRT-2 offers free rides to students up to college level, as well as those taking up technicalvocational courses from 4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Friday except holidays. Students may also avail themselves of free rides on the MRT-3 from 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as the Philippine National Railways from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tugade said the schedules for the free rides are aimed to encourage students to go to school early and help ease traffic congestion during rush hours.

Here’s more good news: Starting August, students are exempted from paying terminal fees in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. In a memorandum signed by CAAP Director-General Jim Sydiongco on July 26, he directed all airport managers to exempt students (from nursery to college, including those enrolled in Trade, Arts and technical vocational schools) from paying terminal fee. Students must fill up the application form for Student Exemption Certificate. A photocopy of a student ID or current school registration card will also be required.

An author once said a responsive leader is driven to understand people, recognizes the ever-changing nature of business and can quickly react to new challenges and circumstances. These are the traits displayed by Secretary Tugade and the officials of LRT 1, LRT 2 and MRT 3 in facing the challenges of their respective jobs. To them we say: Thank you for your hard work.

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The Philippines as innovation achiever

T

Clearly, the rise in our global innovation index ranking can be a source of pride for the many who work hard to push for reforms in this country.

This is a particularly welcome development considering that today innovation is key to adding value to products and enhancing productivity in any economy— which in turn increases incomes.

This year, the GII puts the country’s performance at 54th out of the 129—a huge jump from last year’s 73rd spot. Since the inception of the GII more than a decade ago, this is the first time our country has been dubbed as an “innovation achiever” or among the economies who outperform on innovation relative to their level of GDP. This designation puts us together with such countries as Thailand, Montenegro, Costa Rica and South Africa.

According to the report, the Philippines improved in almost all indicators of the GII. Among those are our business sophistication (32nd) or how favorable businesses are to innovation, knowledge and technology output (31st), infrastructure (58th), and creative goods output (63rd).

Such strong showing has in part been brought about by the private sector’s

given more priority.

The index also revealed, however, that we have yet to catch up with most of our Southeast Asian neighbors. Economic powerhouse Singapore is ranked eighth and is the only East Asian country to be in the top 10, while Malaysia (35th), Vietnam (42nd), and Thailand (43rd) continue to be ahead of the Philippines. In fact, since 2011, Vietnam has consistently been among the innovation achievers, while Thailand has held this classification five times already.

According to the study, the country should focus on improving our ease of starting a business, ease of getting credit (or financial inclusion) and expenditure on education, among others. As we’ve been successful with the passage of the free college law in the previous Congress, we are confident that the reforms to ease the process of starting businesses and financial inclusion will follow suit.

For instance, just recently, the government finally issued the implementing rules and regulations of the

Sonny M. Angara

BETTER DAYS HE country’s continuing efforts to improve has once again been recognized as we inched up in rankings of this year’s Global Innovation Index (GII). Published by the World Intellectual Property Organization in coordination with Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business and the European Institute of Business Administration, the index is an annual benchmarking exercise of the innovation performance of 129 countries and economies around the world, including the Philippines. apparent enthusiasm to improve its services and inculcate innovative ideas such as introducing app-based access to their goods and services.

Our government has also done its part to improve our competitiveness in terms of innovation. For example, in a statement by the Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez optimistically emphasized that our global ranking is expected to continue improving especially with the help of recently enacted laws such as the Philippine Innovation Act and the Innovative Startup Act to boost our MSMEs and industries.

The Department of Science and Technology has also pledged that projects and programs—with regard to science, technology and innovation—for the advancement of Filipino companies, universities and other institutes will be

Debt to Mother Nature Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual

SERVANT LEADER

O

N July 29, humanity has used all of the ecological resources that we can regenerate this year. In simple words, we have advanced whatever remaining natural resources we have for the entire year. Which is why July 29 was called the Earth Overshoot Day.

According to the Global Footprint Network, the level of natural resources usage across the world is equivalent to more than one planet. Our future is compromised due to over-abuse of these resources. If we have a deficit in natural resources right now, how about the future?

We are able to do much to redeem nature before it takes its toll on us.

One of the primary actions is to thoroughly observe our lifestyle.

The Global Footprint Network compared the levels of use of natural resources from several countries.

The comparison saw that America has used natural resources nearly equal to that of five earths, followed by Australia equal to over four, and Russia equal to three.

We need to have a mechanism to

hold these countries accountable for the abuse of natural resources.

We have only one Earth. Everyone is affected from the abuses of some countries.

We must also find earth-friendly alternatives in habits, services, and duties that we indulge in. One of these is our transport system, not only within our country but all over the world. The rush hour people experience in urban areas across the world fills the air with smoke from vehicles. The number of urban areas in the world and the rapid rate of urbanization exacerbate the effect of this situation.

Brothers and sisters, the plastic in our surroundings suffocate our planet. It kills the wildlife in the sea and air. It also blocks drainages and waterways. They slowly fill our planet. And plastic does not degrade or decompose. They will stay forever on Earth.

Let us not wait for Mother Nature to claim payment for our debts.

Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which was signed into law last year.

As for our country’s financial inclusivity, in 2018, the Philippines was among the rising countries in terms of financial inclusion. In a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the country was fourth among the 55 nations reviewed—making us the highest-ranking Asian country along with India.

Clearly, the rise in our global innovation index ranking can be a source of pride for the many who work hard to push for reforms in this country.

This is a particularly welcome development considering that today innovation is key to adding value to products and enhancing productivity in any economy—which in turn increases incomes.

Rather than using this result just to toot one’s horn, the more pragmatic attitude would be to analyze this study and assess how its findings can be used to provide real benefits that trickle down to regular Filipino families. If anything, this result could serve as an opportunity for both the private and public sector to take stock not just of the good points, but also of the focus areas that need to be improved.

Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service for 15 years—nine years as representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and six as senator. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He recently won another term in the Senate.

E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara.

When it last demanded payback in our country, it wasn’t only our waterways taken, but the lives of many people. We must not allow these to happen again. Do you recall the devastation of Supertyphoons Yolanda and Ondoy?

According to the Rerum Novarum, it doesn’t mean if the Lord has given the world to us that we treat it as private property. A message from the Gaudium Et Spes: God created the Earth and everything in it for all the people and countries.

All living beings must equally and adequately be responsible for using the resources God created, through the guidance of justice and love. We must take good care of the natural resources God has given us.

Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 Ang Radyo ng Simbahan in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph and follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts @veritasph and YouTube at veritas846.ph. For your comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.

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Negative income tax to eradicate poverty

‘Summer, do your worst’: August!

Tito Genova Valiente

ANNOTATIONS

Luis F. Dumlao

EAGLE WATCH

A

CCORDING to Van Parijs and Yannick in Basic Income (2017), the term negative income tax can be traced back to Augustin Cournot, one of the founders of mathematical economics. Cournot once said that the tax bonus invented around his time was the opposite of IT; as a mathematician, he coined the term “negative income tax.” Apart from Cournot, Nobel laureates George Stigler in an American Economic Review (1946) article brought about the idea, and Milton Friedman has been credited to have popularized it in Capitalism and Freedom (1962).

In the present IT law under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN, there is no negative IT. Every peso earned up to P250,000 is tax free, every peso earned above P250,000 to P400,000 is taxed 20 centavos, every peso earned over P400,000 to P800,000 is taxed 25 centavos, and so on.

Suppose a negative IT is inserted in the following form. Every peso below P65,000 is subsidized by a peso, every peso earned above P65,000 to P250,000 is tax free, every peso earned above P250,000 to P400,000 is taxed 20 centavos, and so on. So, essentially, if one makes P35,000, his or her income is short from P65,000 by an amount of P30,000. The government would then give a P30,000 subsidy. This equates to a negative IT of P30,000.

Every person who works and files a tax would have a guaranteed P65,000 take home income.

What does it have to do with poverty? The government’s poverty threshold is an income of about P10,500 per month for a family of five. This translates to P126,000 per year. Assume that the typical family of five has two employed workers, both file income tax, and that there is the negative IT. Then each is guaranteed a take home income of P65,000. The family of five is guaranteed an income of P130,000 per year or P4,000 over the poverty threshold of P126,000.

The family will be technically elevated from poverty.

But some considerations should be noted. First, does having a peso over P10,500 per month for a family of five make them no longer poor? One can argue that it is insensitive and inhumane to say so.

But consider the global benchmark for poverty. The World Bank poverty threshold is $1.25 per day per person. Given an exchange rate of P50/$1, this translates to P62.50 per day per person or P312.50 per day for a family of five. Given a 31day month, P312.50 per day translates just under P9,700 per month.

Hence, by global benchmarking, having P10,500 per month makes the family no longer poor.

Second, would this encourage dependence in dole outs and worse indolence among the poor? Why work to earn P10,500 per month when government would guarantee it anyway? If the family having P10,500 per month is argued to be still poor, then it follows from the argument that the family is still in economic misery. Then it must follow that the poor’s incentive is still to work and earn more. After all, there is so much more if two abledbodied members of a family work regularly for minimum wage. Hypothetically, doing so would make approximately P500 per day. With 22 regular working days per month for the two, the family stands to earn an income of P22,000.

Third, if government is to use negative IT to totally eradicate poverty, how much would it cost?

The poverty incidence is approximately 20 percent. With population rounded to 105 million, this translates to 22 million poor people. If— and this is a big “if”—each family is composed of five members, this translates to 4.4 million families.

If each family is to benefit from the negative IT of P130,000, the cost would be P570 billion. It would be expensive but not impossible to reach.

Brazilian economist Eduardo Suplicy once said that “the way out is through the door.” His point is that the solution is not so complicated and obvious. The way out of a room is through the door and the way out of income poverty is to give income. This is not to recommend to full-swing use negative IT to eradicate poverty. Its successful use depends on government’s readiness and government is likely not 100 percent ready. The way out of it is to ease in the use of negative income tax.

Luis F. Dumlao, PhD., is dean of John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo de Manila University.

Friday, August 2, 2019 A11

Summer, do your worst!

Light your tinsel moon, and call on Your performing stars to fall on Headlong through your paper sky From “August” by Dorothy Parker

A

UGUST is a brittle month. The poet’s words suffice: the sky over August is paper. It can be broken perhaps by slight drizzle. The August of my memory is an arid season. The colors, in my mind, are bled into a whiteness, not as blinding as April’s, less torrid than those of the month of May. The traditional summer, which begins in March and extends into May and parts of June holds sway over the calendar. By July, all children destined or conscripted to learn are back in the classrooms. Their teachers have, by then, memorized these children’s names—who lives far, who is without a father, who has just lost his mother, who are the orphans, who has food surplus, and who are fated to hide during lunch breaks from everyone because there is nothing to eat, or there is only sweet potatoes to be ashamed of.

The world has its own August.

It was the first day of August when Anne Frank wrote the final entry to her diary. Anne was a Dutch-Jewish diarist who hid from the Nazi behind a concealed area in their home. She wrote and wrote until they were discovered by the Germans. She and her family were hauled to different concentration camps, where, it was assumed, they all perished.

Otto Frank, the father, was the only one in the family who survived the Holocaust. After the war, he would discover Anne’s diary.

History records that in 1939 Albert Einstein wrote a letter to American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt about the possibilities and potentials of an atomic bomb. On

August 6, 1945, the first A-bomb was dropped over Hiroshima a little bit past 8 in the morning. Killed during the bombing were more than a hundred thousand people. More would die years and years after because of radiation.

As in any war, children— thousands of them—were the first to die. The deaths occurred during the bombing and after that, to diseases caused by the chemicals released by the bomb.

In the memorial park in Hiroshima, there is a statue of a woman cradling a child.

As if in a swoon, the woman is seen bending, sheltering, it seems, the child from things falling from the sky.

The story was when the first rescue team arrived in the city, they saw these dark figures of a woman and a child in the park. They rushed to touch them—save them— but the figures, like phantoms, crumbled down as dark ashes.

The statue is a tribute to teachers, brave and consoling to children they teach and vow to protect.

T hree days after

Hiroshima, another bomb was dropped over Nagasaki. Visibility was the factor that made the city the second victim of a grand scientific breakthrough. Kokura, the castle town, was spared because of the clouds that covered it. Some 70,000 people died that day and more would die years and years after.

The paper skies of Dorothy Parker could not exist in the cities of war.

I was 19 years old when I first visited Hiroshima as an exchange student to the Peace Culture Center of the City. A letter made it possible for me to be there. It was a letter to Dr. Tomin Harada. The Japanese surgeon became famous when he led a group of disfigured women, the “Hiroshima Maidens,” to the United States for plastic surgery in the 1950s. He would become a peace activist.

In the small house that served as a meeting place of A-bomb survivors, I had free board and lodging. In return I had to do two things: clean the Japanese garden and visit the Hiroshima

Red Cross Hospital.

It was in Hiroshima that I saw, for the first time, the huge glass vase containing the paper cranes made by a young girl. Sadako Sasaki was only two years of age when Hiroshima was hit by the A-bomb. When she turned nine, she developed leukemia. The vase contained the paper cranes—bird forms shaped through the art of origami, or paper-folding.

She believed she would be cured if she continued making these paper cranes. She passed away after eight months.

In the hospital, I went around with books for the patients. Still not adept with Nihonggo, I had to memorize the polite Hon wo ikagadeshoka (How about a book?)

I found myself in one of these visits in a room with an elderly teacher.

She was going blind, I was informed.

I introduced myself to her to say that my mother was also a teacher.

She got up and began to speak in English. Then came the question, “Where are you from?” Hearing that I was from the Philippines, she struggled to stand because she wanted to bow. I could not stop her when she bowed deeply and, almost in a whisper, said: “We are sorry for the war.”

A month after, the old teacher passed on.

The August of my memory is a bright, dry, quiet month.

In Hiroshima of my memory, August had an eerie silence. In Nagasaki, the quietude assumed even a darker tone. Here was a Christian city decimated by a bomb that was not intended for the place, which should not be intended for any place.

Paper cranes abound in the two peace memorial parks. The cranes are prayers for peace. Crisp, colorful birds that could calmly soar above the poetry paper sky.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

What Iran will do next, and how to stop it

By James Stavridis Bloomberg Opinion

P

REDICTABLY, Iran is reacting badly to the announcement that Europe is planning to send a multinational naval force to protect merchant shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz. “We heard that they intend to send a European fleet to the Persian Gulf which naturally carries a hostile message, is provocative and will increase tensions,” said an Iranian government spokesman this week.

In combination, the Europeans’ welcome decision to increase the warship count and the Iranian response—only verbal thus far, thankfully—are likely to increase the chances of a military miscal-

culation that provokes a shooting war.

The strategic backdrop, of course, is the US-Iranian conflict that is being played out in the aftermath of the American pullout from the 2015 agreement to circumscribe the Iranian nuclear program. Disappointed with the somewhat limited scope of that agreement, the Trump administration withdrew, much to the dismay of our European allies, and proceeded to levy harsh economic sanctions on Iran. In response, the Iranians are trying to show the world that they control the Strait of Hormuz and can close it if they choose, thus causing significant disruption to the global economy.

This disruption strategy is somewhat akin to a protection racket: “That’s a nice naval strait you’ve got there, and

it would be a shame if something were to happen to it.” The Iranians are striking Saudi oil assets, shooting down US drones, affixing mines to ships and, most recently, seizing a British tanker. So far, the Western response has been strong— Washington is tightening sanctions and now the Europeans (not including, alas, Germany) are literally getting on board with the US. So what happens next? What are the Western allies’ options to defuse the crisis but still keep up the pressure to modify Iran’s bad behavior?

It seems clear the Iranians have little inclination or motivation to back down.

They will probably increase the aggression toward merchant shipping, either putting mines in the Strait of Hormuz (which they did as part of the so-called

tanker wars in the 1980s) or actually sinking a ship, probably surreptitiously using a diesel submarine. They could also widen the conflict “horizontally” by unleashing their surrogate terrorist organization in Lebanon, Hezbollah, against Israel, or having its Afghan spinoff, Liwa Fatemiyoun, carry out attacks against US troops in Afghanistan.

If Iran takes such a reckless course, the West will likely respond militarily. Certainly the international escort mission will be ramped up in size and intensity. The US part of it—which will be called Operational Sentinel, according to General Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—will include significant intelligence, logistic and command and control support.

Micronutrients are big deal: The role of beta-carotene in improving the nutritional status of Filipinos

By Gemiliano DL. Aligui, MD, MPH, PhD

H

ISTORICALLY, night blindness has been the earliest description of vitamin A deficiency in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, micronutrient deficiencies still exist as a major health problem not only among children but also in adults. In the Philippines, anemia (iron/B12 deficiencies), in the last 26 years (1990-2016), has declined very little from about 45.7 percent to 30.3 percent, among women of reproductive age. Currently, about half a million pregnant and lactating Filipino women have vitamin A deficiency.

Among preschool children VAD has increased from 15.2 percent in 2008 to 20.4 percent in 2013 (FNRI-NNS), representing about 2.1 million Filipino children, from six months to five years old having the burden of deficiency. Worldwide, the condition is estimated to be 190 to 250 million preschool children, based on the World Health Organization reports

in 2009 and 2012. The Global Hidden Hunger Index, which roughly measures micronutrient deficiency, places the Philippines in the moderate category (30.7).

Among the most vulnerable segments of the population, women and children are at greatest risk of decline in immune defenses against diseases, while children would also suffer from blindness. VAD is due to the lack of vitamin A in the diet; a vicious cycle of VAD and decreased appetite, which brings about inability of the body to absorb vitamin A, will further aggravate the deficiency. If left untreated, VAD will result into permanent blindness, partial or total. The problem of VAD is not only biological (physical body) but also economic, affecting the community and society. It impacts on human development and productivity. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund Study on the Economic Burden of Malnutrition in the Philippines (2016), there are 1,840 childhood deaths per year as-

sociated with VAD. This translates to projected cost or economic burden due to malnutrition of more than $4.65 billion annually and contributing to the overall burden of about $33 million. As a factor of the total GDP, childhood undernutrition is impactful to combined cost of education and productivity losses, amounting to 2.84 percent and, in 2013, this is about P328 billion.

More than a decade ago, there were two breakthroughs in the control and prevention of VAD, these are direct oral supplementation of vitamin A (Patak Vitamin A, Garantisadong Pambata) to counteract dietary deficiency, and the fortification of commonly consumed food (Sangkap Pinoy). However, these have less long-term effects due to the need of providing a steady supply of vitamin A in a diversified diet. This is problematic since current data show that our diet is below the standard diversity to provide the micronutrient needs. Due mainly to poverty, most families are not able to purchase the

right food rich in nutritional value.

Operationally, implementing public health interventions in an archipelagic geography, with wide community dispersal, limits the reach of programs nationwide. Given the increasing population, the solution should seriously consider the sustainability and availability of micronutrients in the main staple diet, while improving the supply and increasing the consumption of affordable fruits, vegetables and food from animal sources. We made progress in vitamin A supplementation, which has reduced by 24 percent to 30 percent all-mortality causes in children less than five years old. With the current projection, vitamin A should be available enough to prevent 1.3-2.5 million deaths, among nearly 8 million late-infancy and preschool-age population. Not to mention the importance of prenatal nutrition, which can prevent neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with undernutrition, this appears to be the scope of the problem. Note

that vitamin A is needed for fetal lung maturation, so if given adequately during pregnancy, can potentially reduce lung diseases in infants at birth and onwards.

What is needed is a sustainable food-based intervention to deliver beta-carotene and/or vitamin A. The novel approach is to create a way to provide a steady supply of nutrients, particularly to those at risk; food that can improve the poor dietary diversity score of vulnerable population groups. Beta-carotene and vitamin A delivery within the Filipino diet should be steadily available. There are two ways to look at the diet as a function of vitamin A supplementation: increase vitamin A content of animal products, improved maternal nutrition—particularly breast feeding, and increase the content of provitamin A (beta-carotene) in vegetables and grains. Will these cause any untoward effects? Technically or biologically not; our experience in population intervention from fortified food, such as “Sangkap Pi-

noy,” as vitamin A was made available in most consumed food, showed that it has approximated natural food.

One possibility is biofortification using carotenoid (beta-carotene) for population with low consumption of animal products, and for this example, the simulated model, given the proper selection on food consumption pattern, the projection showed that about 55 percent to 60 percent reduction in the prevalence of VAD can be achieved in women and about 30 percent reduction of VAD in children for the Philippines. Thus, we need to be proactive in nutritional interventions; we can even reduce stunting in the long term, which is a problem we have been trying to solve for more than 10 years. We can make a difference in our intergenerational health through our “epigenes” by making our nutrition right.

The author is the vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc. E-mail: gdlaligui@gmail.com.

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Don’t use dengue case spike for dengvaxia rehab–Gordon

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EN. Richard Gordon sounded the alarm against a “quick-fix” resort to another mass vaccination with Dengvaxia amid another rise in dengue cases, saying this could be an even worse “disaster” than the spread of the disease itself.

The country’s Dengvaxia debacle should not be allowed to be a “forgotten disaster in dengue,” Gordon told the BusinessMirror Coffee Club Forum on Thursday.

He warned that the new upswing in cases should not be used as an excuse to resume mass vaccinations, especially among children.

Dengvaxia was administered in 2016 to over 800,000 schoolchildren before the French multina-

tional Sanofi-Pasteur disclosed that the vaccine could cause “severe disease” among those who have never been infected with dengue. It is effective, though, for those who have been afflicted before.

Gordon’s reaction was sought after Malacañang said the government was open to making the controversial dengue vaccine available again in the market.

A Senate Blue Ribbon Committee

inquiry, chaired by Gordon, found apparent anomalies in the way the previous government handled the P3.5-billion procurement of the vaccines from French multinational Sanofi-Pasteur, with then-Health Secretary Janette Garin seen to have hastened the process by which regulators gave their stamp of approval to its mass use.

“If the government does decide to allow vaccination, it should not be administered in a buckshot manner,” Gordon told the BM Coffee Club, where he fielded questions from Philippine Graphic magazine, dwIZ and Pilipino Mirror.” We should do it the way others like Singapore do it,” on a limited scale and under close doctor’s supervision so that the background of the recipients is well assessed, said Gordon, also chairman of the Philippine Red

Cross (PRC).

The Red Cross has in past months helped the DOH in administering measles vaccines to schoolchildren after epidemics of the highly contagious disease. Some quarters had said the measles outbreaks arose in part from declining support by parents for the government immunization program, as a result of the trauma from Dengvaxia.

The senator asserted that the “real solution to dengue is a massive cleanup,” noting that the dengue vector mosquito travels only 400 meters, so it should be easy to stop its spread if “everyone helps in cleaning up.”

Gutters and eaves must be cleaned up, and things that store stagnant water, like old tires, should be turned upside down, he added.

At the same time, Gordon advised that people going to dengue

NegOr killings may spur martial law–Panelo

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RESIDENT Duterte may declare martial law in Negros Oriental following the spate of killings in the province, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo

said the President can choose among the many options under the Constitution, including the martial-law declaration, in order to put a stop to the state of violence in Negros Oriental.

“Grabe na ’yung patayan ’ dun [The killings there are terrible].

We have a village or barangay captain, a municipal mayor, four policemen and a lawyer [as victims].

The President does not want this to happen. He wants it stopped.

And the only way to do that is to use his emergency powers,” Panelo told reporters.

Aside from martial-law declaration, Panelo also told reporters that the President can also call the Armed Forces of the Philippines to quell lawless violence in the area.

He also said it is also constitutional for the President to issue a See “NegOr,” A2

Govt fails to hit infra spending goal for H1 LOW PRESSURE AREA 980 KM EAST OF VIRAC, CATANDUANES SOUTHWEST MONSOON AFFECTING WESTERN SECTION OF LUZON as of 4:00 pm - August 1, 2019

Continued from A1

forced to operate on a reenacted budget for months as the passage of the 2019 national budget was delayed due to a number of issues, including disagreements among lawmakers over last-minute insertions and realignments.

The President was only able to sign the proposed 2019 General Appropriations Act on April 15.

Due to the budget impasse, new and continuing infrastructure projects were stalled earlier in the year, when weather conditions improved. Construction was also affected by the election ban from March 9 to May 12.

The delay in the passage of the budget was cited as the biggest reason for the slower GDP growth of 5.6 percent for the first quarter. The figure is lower than the 6.5 percent recorded last year.

Moving forward, the DBM said it expects the bulk of disbursements, especially for infrastructure and capital outlays, to be made in the second semester.

“For instance, the Department of Public Works and Highways anticipates that their spending will pick up in the third quarter and peak in the fourth, barring any other significant delays, such as weather disturbances and other implementation bottlenecks,” it said.

The DBM said it continues to monitor implementing agencies that committed to ramp up their spending in the second half of the year. The government has been banking on higher infrastructure spending to hit its growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent for 2019.

SEN. Richard Gordon, guesting on Thursday at the BusinessMirror Coffee Club, is flanked by his hosts, ALC Media Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon (left) and BusinessMirror Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon, after fielding a wide range of questions on, among others, the Philippine Red Cross’s work in disaster response and management. NONIE REYES

hot spots also take precautions like wearing protective clothing or applying mosquito repellants.

Gordon said the Blue Ribbon panel gave copies of its report to the Justice department and the Ombudsman, citing the liabilities of then-President Benigno Aquino III, Garin, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and officials of regulatory agencies who cleared

the mass use of Fengvaxia without a scaled-down clinical trial.

Meanwhile, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has spearheaded the filing of cases by parents who said their children died after being administered by Dengvaxia.

Health experts, however, have not yet proven that several deaths were actually linked to Dengvaxia. Butch Fernandez and Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Manufacturing. . .

“New order growth was up notably in July, easing some worries in recent months that the manufacturing environment was facing a slowdown. Output, meanwhile, increased at a solid rate, albeit one that was weaker-than-average for the Filipino goods-producing sector,” IHS Markit economist David Owen said.

The growth for the month was largely underpinned by an acceleration in the rate at which new orders increased in July. The report said local companies reported higher demand for manufactured goods compared to the previous month, with some highlighting the impact of new projects and higher spending power among customers.

The report also said this increase in demand was largely domestic, as latest data indicated a second successive monthly fall in new export orders.

Owen also expressed optimism on the sustainability of the recovery seen in July. In his commentary, he noted that despite the uplift in demand, price pressures appeared unaffected.

“Input prices rose at only a modest pace, with an improvement in

Investments. . .

Continued from A1

the exchange rate with the US dollar helping to ease the impact of higher raw material prices. This fed through into the softest increase in selling prices at manufacturers since June 2017. Overall, this should help to maintain strong sales growth if demand conditions remain elevated,” Owen said.

At this rate, the Philippines remained the third fastest-growing economy in the Southeast Asian region in terms of its manufacturing sector.

Myanmar’s manufact ur ing sector continued its run of solid improvements with the strongest PMI during the month at 52.9.

Vietnam also saw a strong rate of growth during July with a PMI of 52.6.

Growing next to the Philippines is Thailand with a 50.3 PMI during the month.

Three countries, meanwhile, slipped to the contraction territory during the month. Indonesia’s firms reporting the quickest deterioration in operating conditions since the end of 2017 to hit 49.6.

Malaysia registered a PMI of 47.6 while Singapore was at 44.5.

Bianca Cuaresma

Continued from A1

With slower investment inflow, the country’s leading exporter is suffering from flat growth this year based on records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Shipments of electronic products from January to May grew flat at $16.83 billion, from $16.78 billion during the same period last year.

In spite of this, electronic items still accounted for nearly 60 percent of the country’s exports as of May amounting to $28.1 billion.

‘Junk tax perks tweaking’ AS such, semiconductor firms are asking the government to junk its plan of rationalizing the country’s incentive regime, as proposed under the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) bill in the 17th Congress, to remove uncertainties. They argued the bill was the main reason investments in economic zones are declining.

They are also willing to raise from 5 percent to 7 percent the tax on gross income that ecozone locators are paying in lieu of all local and national taxes, just to keep this incentive. “[The] Seipi supports the overall objectives of the tax reform. However, we maintain our position that amending tax incentives will adversely impact the investment climate, including decisions to expand or assign production to offshore facilities,” Seipi said.

On top of keeping the tax on gross

income perk, semiconductor firms are asking to retain the autonomy of the Peza, whose one-stop shop they described as “instrumental” in attracting investors, and to maintain exemptions on taxes and duties on importations of capital gear and spare parts.

The Seipi is just one of several industry coalitions demanding that government carry on with the plan to reduce corporate income tax to 20 percent, from 30 percent. However, they are hoping such move will not be at the expense of incentives economic zone firms are enjoying at present.

In spite of opposition from the business community, members of the 18th Congress are determined to pass the remaining tax packages of the Duterte administration, including the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act (Citira)—the substitute version to the Trabaho bill—filed by Albay Rep. Joey S. Salceda.

Members of the House of Representatives agreed to conduct only one committee hearing for measures passed on third reading in the previous Congress.

This means the Citira, as the substitute measure to the Trabaho bill, will undergo only one committee deliberation for it to be up for plenary discussion. Salceda believes passage of the Citira will remove uncertainties brought about by the Trabaho bill and, thus, should help arrest the declining capital inflow to the Peza.

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If you have any information / objection to the above mentioned application/s, please communicate with the Regional Director thru Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare (EPWW) Division with Telephone No. 400-6011.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Friday, August 2, 2019

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Caution urged on green-energy tariff

By Lenie Lectura

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@llectura

CONSUMER group said it remains cautious on the planned green energy tariff program of the Department of Energy (DOE), which it said should not burden consumers by way of granting subsidy to renewable-energy (RE) developers.

“The DOE is mulling over a green rate for renewable-energy players. The DOE is planning to set a ceiling price for new renewable-energy players to attract investors and promote competition in the subsector, but LKI is cautious about this,” said LKI President Victor Dimagiba.

Instead, the group urged the agency to focus on the possible rate impact should the proposal is implemented.

“DOE should show that there is no subsidy with RE under their proposal.

Hopefully, this is not an innovation of the feed-in-tariff and FiT allowance power rate scheme, which the consumer group had consistently opposed,” Dimagiba said.

He also urged the DOE to first conduct public consultations so consumers can participate in crafting the proposed policy.

“There is already CSP [competitive selection process], and that is why CSP is put in place. CSP is there to ensure lower rates so now we are questioning the objective of the green rate,” he added.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said last month that his office plans to auction about 2,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable-energy capacity under the proposed program. The tariff will be auctioned off among the renewable-energy developers, depending on the type of power that their

respective projects are capable of delivering. He added that a price ceiling will be implemented to achieve the lowest rate possible.

“We will put a [price] ceiling, then they compete, offer the lowest. [It is] not per technology, but per type of power, whether peaking or mid-merit,” Cusi said.

“We want to build 2,000 MW of RE in 10 years. DOE has already asked NREB [National Renewable Energy Board] to review the concept of giving an allocation to RE. DOE will make a green energy tariff rate that will be auctioned among them. We will put a ceiling and then [they will] compete [in terms of who offers the lowest] rates. It’s not per technology, but rather per type of power, if peaking or mid-merit,”explained Cusi.

NREB is the advisory body tasked by the law to recommend policies, rules and standards to govern the implementation of the law, which granted fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to RE projects.

Earlier, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged the DOE and NREB to conduct more studies on the planned green energy tariff program.

“The DOE and NREB must conduct a careful study on the program, especially

when it comes to the implementation of the green energy tariff rate, taking into consideration the declining costs of RE technologies.

“Will this new tariff require subsidy and if so, how much will the rate effect on consumers be? These are some of the things that the DOE needs to thoroughly study before they push through with the plan,” commented the senator who leads the Senate energy committee.

Further studies, he added, would ensure success and prevent any unnecessary pass on charges to consumers.

The proposed RE capacity auction

PSALM resets bidding for Cebu, MisamisOr properties to Sept. 5 T HE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has moved the deadline for the bidding of its real-estate assets (REA) located in Barangay Aplaya, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental and Toledo City, Cebu.

The state firm rescheduled the auction from August 1 to September 5 at 12 noon to give interested bidders more time to conduct their own due diligence.

The sale of the two land assets is on an “as is, where is” basis. These lands

used to be the location of the dismantled Aplaya Diesel Power Plant and the Cebu Diesel Power Plant, but are now either at ground zero or with minimal structures left.

The Aplaya, Misamis Oriental property consists of 49 lots with a total area of about 155,504 square meters (sq.m).

PSALM has set the minimum bid price at P567.63 million.

The land asset in Toledo City, Cebu, consists of 21 lots with a total area of

about 129,589 sq.m, with a minimum bid price of P171.47 million.

Proceeds from the privatization of PSALM’s real-estate assets will be utilized to augment funds to pay off its assumed financial obligations.

PSALM is the agency mandated by Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to handle the sale of the remaining state-power assets and the financial obligations of National Power Corp. Lenie Lectura

MPIC’s first-half income flat on cost pressures in expansion

By VG Cabuag @villygc

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ETRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said its core income was virtually flat during the first half of the year at P8.7 billion, slightly up from last year’s P8.6 billion as its high cost of debt eats up its profitability.

For the second quarter alone, its income was down by 10 percent to P5.1 billion from last year’s P4.6 billion. “The rise in our borrowing costs has largely offset the increased operating contribution as we continue to make major investments in our new road, water, energy and logistics projects. These will take some time to complete and begin contributing

to earnings,” Jose Ma. K. Lim, the company’s president and CEO, said.

Power accounted for P6.1 billion or 54 percent of net operating income; toll roads contributed P2.4 billion or 22 percent; water contributed at P2.3 billion or 21 percent; and the hospitals group provided P400 million or 3 percent of the total.

“Our 5-percent growth in contribution from operations reflects meaningful volume increases at most of our businesses following years of high investment and our continuing emphasis on operational efficiencies,” Lim said.

Operating revenues grew 11 percent to P44.62 billion from last year’s P40.06 billion.

Lim said he expected volume

growth to continue throughout this year but full-year earnings may remain flat throughout the year.

MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said the company is seeing resolution of our long-pending tariff issues, in its water and tollways businesses.

“The shape of such resolution has taken the form of staggered tariff increases and concession extensions, which means front-ending the financing of our current expansion programs for tollways and water, and consequently absorbing the financing costs associated with these,” he said The company is also seeking to list its hospital group, possibly toward the end of the year, to ease

some of the pressures brought about the rising cost of its debt to fund its expansion. No timetable has been set for the said possible IPO, which has been on its plan for years now, or for taking in new investors to sell a chunk of the group.

Officials said they are talking to some investors and other parties for their competitive bids.

“The process to raise funding for MPIC, as well as for our hospitals group to support its continued expansion is proceeding well. Once this is completed within the year, we should see a reduction in MPIC’s interest cost and a consequent improved translation of operating profit growth into the bottom line,” Pangilinan said.

URC income up slightly in H1; revenues sluggish

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NIVERSAL Robina Corp.

(URC), the food group of the Gokongwei family, said its net income grew 7 percent during the first half of the year to P5.3 billion from last year’s P4.93 billion in re-stated income but its revenues posted a meager growth.

The company said its sales grew 4 percent to P67.04 billion, up from P63.47 billion last year, still driven by the revenues from its home market, the Philippines, as sales were down on its overseas ventures.

For the second quarter alone, the company also had a flat income at P2.17 billion, from last year’s P1.91 billion, while sales was at P33.72 bil-

lion, up by 3 percent from last year’s P32.72 billion.

First-half sales from its branded consumer foods segment posted a 4-percent increase to P51.51 billion for the first half of 2019 from P49.51 billion last year.

Domestic operations posted a 10-percent increase in net sales to P31.22 billion from P28.43 billion last year, driven by all categories, with coffee continuing to exhibit double-digit growth.

Its international operations, however, saw a 4-percent fall in net sales to P20.28 billion from last year’s P21.07 billion, due to the sluggish performance of Thailand, compounded by forex devaluations,

particularly in New Zealand and Australia.

“In constant US dollar terms, sales is flat with mixed results from major markets. New Zealand is now back to growth of 1.5 percent with better sales coming from sweet biscuits to both local and export markets, and from the newly launched snacking cracker,” the company said.

Its business in Australia improved by 1 percent driven by the stronger sales of crackers and private labels, while Vietnam is still on track on its path to recovery as sales continue to grow by 4.3 percent with C2 leading overall growth. Sales in Thailand remain weak, down by 8 percent on

trade inventory corrections.

Sales of its agro-industrial group amounted to P6.58 billion, an increase of 20 percent from P5.47 billion last year as its feeds business grew 43 percent, driven by higher volumes. Meanwhile, sales of its commodity foods group fell 5 percent to P8.18 billion from P8.6 billion last year as its sugar business declined by 15 percent, driven by the phasing of sugar volumes in the first half.

The renewables business grew by 3 percent, driven by the improved sales volume of distillery division.

Flour business, on the other hand, posted a 19- percent increase due to strong volumes. VG Cabuag

veers away from the FiT program, a system that provides guaranteed payments in the form of power rates given to RE developers for 20 years.

FiT is basically an incentive in the form of fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for emerging power sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro. It was meant to encourage RE developers to invest at the initial stage and hasten deployment of RE. However, the consumers are the ones who shoulder the FiT rate via a uniform charge per kWh. At present, 22 centavos per kWh is being collected from consumers.

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Companies BusinessMirror

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UHC has enough provisions on competitive pricing, no need for MRP–pharma group

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FTER the Department of Health (DOH) pressed for the implementation of the maximum drug retail price, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said it remains committed to working with the government in developing “comprehensive, sustainable solutions to strengthen the country’s health-care system,” but still balked at the MDRP proposal.

PHAP, composed of research-based providers of life-saving medicines in the country, said it supports full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (Nicca), and we believe that they offer broader and sustainable approaches to improving access to medicines and health care.

However, the group said, “Given the passage of the UHC Act and the Nicca, we believe that the proposed imposition of maximum retail price [MRP] is unnecessary. We note that the Universally Accessible Quality and Cheaper Medicines Act recognizes mandatory price cuts in the form of MRP is only a reserve instrument and a temporary measure in the absence of effective competition.”

The newly signed law, it added, gives “primary importance to facilitating the development of a free and competitive environment that would allow market forces to provide choices and alternatives for patients, as well as shape the development of the pharmaceutical industry.”

The group also stressed that “data shows that competition is fierce in the pharmaceutical industry,” and is “driving medicine

prices down, and providing broad price range and treatment options to government, physicians and patients.”

Competition in the pharmaceutical industry, the group added, also creates benefits beyond health, such as employment and revenues for the government, among others.

Both the UHC Act and Nicca contain provisions aimed at making medicines more accessible.

Provisions for (1) price negotiations, (2) expansion of primary care drug benefit, (3) early access to innovative medicines, (4) special access schemes from the private sector, (5) health technology assessment, and (6) pooled procurement are tools available in these laws to make medicines more accessible and affordable, the industry group noted.“Specifically, expanding pooled procurement gives the public-sector leverage in bringing medicine prices further down. Pooled procurement, also called group purchasing, creates economy of scale which result in low transaction costs and better leverage in pricing negotiations and terms of contract.” Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

PXP Energy posts lower net loss in 1st half on dip in oil production cost, depletion rate

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ISTED upstream oil and gas firm PXP Energy Corp. posted a lower net loss of P17.9 million in the first half of the year from P32.8 million in the same period a year ago.

The company said this was mainly due from the reduction in oil production costs, lower depletion rate, among others, which were partially offset by lower petroleum revenues.

Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent company stood at P7.6 million compared to P20.1 million posted in the first half of 2018.

Revenues were lower by 22.9 percent to P51.4 million at end-June this year from P66.7 million last year, mainly due to a 13.6-percent drop in crude oil price in Service Contract 14C-1 Galoc, and the plug and abandonment (P&A) of SC 14A Nido and SC 14B Matinloc production wells.

The company also recorded lower consolidated cost and expenses at P86.2 million from January to June this year from P110.5 million in the same period a year ago, brought about by lower depletion cost in SC 14C-1 Galoc, and the cessation of operational costs in SC 14A Nido and SC 14B Matinloc. PXP Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the company still “has enough cash to stay where it is in

the next few years.”

“The question really is, when something does break out, then we have to raise funds for development. That’s a better problem than balance sheet. Although, we are looking at, of course, domestic properties not part of the disputed territory,” said Pangilinan when sought for comment on the company’s first-half financial report.

PXP Energy holds a 78.98-percent operating interest in SC 72, or the contract to explore Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea through London-listed Forum Energy Plc. It also has a direct operating interest of 50 percent in SC 75 northwest Palawan. It is also waiting for guidance from the Philippine government in respect of any future activity in the SCs, given previous complications arising from the Philippines’s filing of a case in an international tribunal against China, whose claims overlap the country’s territory.

“PXP, through Forum Energy Limited, will take guidance from the Philippine government in respect of any future activity in SC 72 and SC 75. The company is mindful that the Malampaya gas resource, which supplies about 40 percent of Luzon’s power requirements, could be exhausted within the next decade. Lenie Lectura

PLDT-Smart converged store now present in QC

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LDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. have opened a converged store in an Ayala-operated mall in Quezon City, their first ever in this area.

With the opening of their fourth converged store, the two telcos claimed to have strengthened their presence in the largest city in Metro Manila.

Located at Vertis North, a mall owned by Ayala Land Inc., the store serves as a one-stop experiential hub and digital lifestyle center for their customers.

The store features a “customer-centric design and innovative digital installations that will raise the bar in in-store service experience.”

“Quezon City has always been a key market for us, and we look forward to serving our customers

better through our industry-leading digital solutions and support services,” PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio said.

He explained that as the country’s largest and most populous city, Quezon City is “a vital business hub” for PLDT and Smart.

Quezon City has the second-largest subscriber base nationwide for the fixed line business, and has the biggest number of wireless subscribers in Metro Manila.

“With the opening of the newest PLDT-Smart Store in a strategically located and upscale mixed-use development in the north, we are expanding our footprint and strengthening our brand presence in this area,” PLDT SVP Alex O. Caeg added. Lorenz S. Marasigan

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Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

IC: Singaporean insurer to get license this year S INGAPORE Life Pte. Ltd. may soon open shop in the country as the Insurance Commission (IC) announced the company would secure its license to operate

by November this year.

Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa said the multinational company will be submitting the requirements needed to operate in the local insurance industry in the coming weeks.

According to Philippine Life Insurance Association (Plia) President Hans Loozekoot, Singapore Life is eager to enter the Philippines to do business and bring in its “digital-only approach.”

“I encourage that [approach] because it will also keep the rest of the insurance companies on their toes,” Loozekoot said. “It keeps the pressure up because we all need to embrace change and it’s good to have a few companies from outside.”

He also explained that the entrance of

foreign players in the country will enable more companies to work together in line with building a stronger insurance industry.

“If foreign companies with strong local players bundle, again, it’s about working together well to build a much stronger Philippine life insurance sector,” he added. “All I know is that they are really eager to enter the Philippines and I welcome them. I’d like to work with them, as well.”

Earlier, Plia revealed it will work with the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association of the Philippines (Pira) in terms of pushing for the capitalization requirement for insurance companies to remain at P900 million.

Loozekoot told financial reporters that he wants collaboration with the Pira as both sectors of the insurance industry have shared goals, including making better the image of the insurance industry to consumers, among others. Rea Cu

Manila mayor vows to settle ₧230 million owed to GSIS

THIS photo courtesy of the City Government of Manila shows Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso (center) during the July 22 meeting with key officials of the Government Service Insurance System.

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AYOR Francisco M. Domagoso has agreed to the proposal of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to create a task force that will immediately resolve the outstanding premium liabilities of the City Government of Manila (CGO Manila), which has so far reached P230 million.

This was an offshoot of the mayor’s July 22 meeting with key officials of the State pension fund.

“We owe it to our employees to speed up the reconciliation of their GSIS premium records, so that they will enjoy an array of GSIS loan privileges and benefits they deserve as government employees,” Domagoso said.

For his part, GSIS Chairman and concurrent Officer in Charge Rolando L. Macasaet

said “we welcome the full cooperation of the good Mayor.”

“It is crucial to update and reconcile the records of some 9,000 affected CGO Manila employees to ensure they will receive the correct level of benefits upon their retirement or when they apply for a loan,” Macasaet added.

The unpaid obligations of CGO Manila stemmed from the discrepancies in the records of social insurance contributions of their employees, which were remitted from 2012 to 2019. The computed obligations also included interest charges that had to be imposed for delays and non-remittances as required by law. “We have high hopes that the seamless coordination between GSIS and CGO Manila will finally resolve this long-standing problem for the mutual benefit of both parties,” Macasaet said.

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Association World Octavio Peralta which offers members opportunity to join as either an individual (like a typical professional society) or as an organization (like a typical trade association or chamber). In 2011 only 13 percent of respondents identified their association as having a combination membership structure. This year 26 percent of respondents identified their association as a combination association.

Another developing innovation for associations is the use of paid digital media for marketing efforts. For membership recruitment, this channel has increased as a preferred channel from 12 percent to 15 percent over the past year. Of the 15 percent of associations that consider paid digital marketing tools as a highly effective method for recruiting new members, Facebook paid advertising remains the most effective digital marketing tool (68 percent).

The other technology-driven development that associations report this year is a significant decrease in data problems that have been reported in the past. The top data complaint is lack of marketing results tracking and analysis, which dropped from 51 percent in 2018 to 39 percent in 2019. Similarly, the issue of inadequate

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Congress vows to hasten bills for invigorating PHL business

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HE chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means said the lower chamber will fasttrack the deliberation of the Corporate Income Tax and Incentive Rationalization Act (Citira) bill that lawmakers said would help remove uncertainties for investors.

Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda said Congress was encouraged by the overall positive view of the business groups and foreign chambers that view the Citira bill as beneficial to the country’s economy.

Salceda said the measure is, at best, “revenue neutral” and the key to this reform is to get it done quickly and remove any uncertainty from the business ecosystem.

“Congress considers the measure as a structural reform to make the tax system more efficient, more performancebased and fairer to all sectors,” he said in a statement.

“We have heard all views and, since it is viewed as overwhelmingly more positive then, the better strategy for the House of Representatives is to remove any further protracted deliberations as a source of business uncertainty,” he added.

The measure seeks to encourage investments by bringing down the corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 20 percent, and modernize tax incentives to enhance fairness, improve competitiveness, plug tax leakages and attain fiscal sustainability, according to Salceda.

The bill, which is the second package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, also aims to ensure that the grant of fiscal incentives helps bring in the greatest benefits, such as higher and more dispersed investments, more jobs and better technology.

According to Salceda, the bill is projected to generate 1.4 million new jobs from domestic enterprises during the said period.

Wish list

SALCEDA said the Lower Chamber will consider the wish list submitted by the

Association membership benchmarks RECENTLY got a copy of the 2019 membership marketing benchmarking report published by Marketing General Inc., a Virginia, US-based marketing agency working exclusively with membership organizations. The MGI has been publishing this report annually since 2009 and associations find it most useful in recruitment, engagement, renewal and reinstatement of members.

Despite the rapid changes in technology, culture, and demographics, MGI’s data show that many associations have been able to sustain a level of membership growth and continue to serve their markets. A closer look at the trend data also reveals that the percentage of associations reporting membership growth over the last decade is on a gradual decline: from 52 percent in 2012 to 45 percent today. The remainder, in fact a majority of associations, is seeing either no growth or declines in membership.

Associations reporting important positive outcomes in membership also report higher innovation and level-of-value scores.

In short, these more innovative and valueproducing associations are successfully adapting to the challenges faced in today’s competitive marketplace. Eighty-one percent of associations reported membership growth in the past five years, and 82 percent have an increase in overall new members, indicating that their organization has a culture that supports innovation.

In terms of membership models, one that has seen remarkable growth is the move toward “combination membership”

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membership dashboards and reporting tools went from 48 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2019.

Similar to 2018, the most effective offers for obtaining new members include conference/convention discounts (54 percent), a membership dues discount for the first year (52 percent), and additional months free, e.g., 15 months for the price of 12 (46 percent).

Almost identical to 2018, the top reasons executives believe members join is to network with others in the field (57 percent), learn best practices in their profession (26 percent) and access specialized and/or current information (25 percent).

Association executives reiterate the same top challenges as in 2018: difficulty in communicating value or benefits (38 percent, up from 35 percent), insufficient staff (35 percent; same as in 2018) and difficulty in proving ROI (25 percent, up from 22 percent).

Octavio Peralta is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (Adfiap) and the CEO and founder of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE). PCAAE is holding the Associations Summit 7 (AS7) on November 27 and 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The two-day event is supported by Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board and the PICC. E-mail inquiries@adfiap.org for more details.

business chambers.

“The driving force, however, for the legislative effort of the 18th Congress, will be the President, as the country’s Chief Executive, in his articulated imperatives in the State of the Nation Address,” he said.

According to Salceda, some of the bills listed in the wish list will benefit from House Rule 10, Section 48, which requires only one committee hearing for bills approved on third reading in the previous Congress.

He said the “one-hearing only” rule will be applied to the amendments in the Excise Tax on Alcoholic Beverages law, Foreign Investment Act and Retail Trade Act. The rule will also be applied to the Public Service Act, Citira and the proposed National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority Act. Meanwhile, included in the wish list of businessmen are the amendments to the Agri-Agra law, the build-operate-transfer law, the Philippine Airports Authority Act, the Commonwealth Act 541, Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, the Peza Act and the Bank Secrecy Law. Included, too, are the proposed Freedom of Information Act, lifting of foreign equity restrictions, the property Valuation and Assessment bill, Capital Income and Financial Taxes bill, Open Access in Data Transmission Act and the Water Department Act. Also in the business sector’s wish list are the following proposed laws on Farm Entrepreneurship, Holiday Rationalization, National Land Use, National Traffic and Congestion Crisis, for a Water Regulatory Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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Globe Telecom sweeps finance titles at 9th Asian Excellence Awards

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LOBE Telecom again bagged highly-coveted titles such as Best Investor Relations (IR) Company, Asia’s Best Chief Finance Officer (CFO), and Best IR Professional at the recently-held Asian Excellence Awards, Asia’s biggest IR award-giving body, for its commitment to the highest standards of disclosure, transparency and fairness in disseminating information to its shareholders and stakeholders.

Organized by Hong Kong-based Corporate Governance Asia, the 9th Asian Excellence Awards recognizes companies’ excellence in management acumen, financial performance, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices, and investor relations. Winners came from several countries across the region, including China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Globe CFO and Chief Risk Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala was named one of Asia’s Best CFOs in Investor Relations, while Globe Director for Investor Relations Jose Mari Fajado was recognized among the Best IR Professionals.

“This reaffirms our resolute commitment to a transparent disclosure regime and accessibility for all stake-

Globe Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala (3rd to the left), Globe Director of Investor Relations (IR) Jose Mari Fajardo (2nd to the left), Globe Vice President for Financial Planning and Analysis Carlo Puno (rightmost), Globe IR Manager Millet San Gabriel (leftmost), and Globe IR Expert Rasia Tan (2nd to the right) receiviing the awards from Aldrin Monsod (3rd to the right), Founder, Managing Director and Publisher of Corporate Governance Asia.

holders for a fair, accurate, and comprehensive assessment of the company’s financial performance and prospects.” said Maniego-Eala.

Globe also joined the roster of elite Asian companies for Excellence in Investor Relations. Fajardo, Globe IR Manager Millet San Gabriel, and Globe IR Expert Rasia Tan form the company’s Investor Relations team. It is under the Globe Fi-

nancial Planning group, which is headed

by Carlo Puno and is in charge of upholding investor confidence at the firm.

Aside from winning at the Asian Excellence Awards this year and in prior years (2009 and 2010), Globe Investor Relations team has also garnered similar accolades through the years from various award-giving bodies such as ING Finex, Finance Asia, and the Asset Corporate Awards.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp (SMHCC) Soon to Open Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in North Edsa

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HE entry of the Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa solidifies SM Hotels and Convention Corp’s (SMHCC) vision to make a significant mark in the tourism industry and be a prime mover among the country’s top hotels, country clubs and convention centers. A sneak preview of Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa facilities was shared with some selected guests on July 31, 2019.

SMHCC’s growing number of well-appointed hotels and convention centers include: Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and the SMX convention centers located in Taguig, Pasay City, Davao and Bacolod.

Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa is a 238-room hotel strategically linked to SM City North Edsa and is part of the massive complex that sits on over a 675K sqm development. The hotel is also within short driving distance to Quezon City’s prime business and entertainment districts.

The hotel appeals to both domestic and international travelers as they are welcomed by the vibrant décor and amenities in their rooms. A fitness gym and an outdoor pool with a resplendent view of the city are available to enjoy. The staff’s positive attitude, coupled with a professional and attentive approach visibly displayed every day through the “Yes I Can!” service philosophy assure guests of a happy experience.

Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa likewise provides an ideal venue for meetings and social events. It has a 162 square meter function room, Banahaw which can accommodate up to 100 persons and the Makiling Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 persons. The

main lobby at Level 7 welcomes guests with a magnificent view of the outdoor pool. The hotel’s “The Living Room” concept allows guests at the lobby to socialize and also provides an intimate space for individuals who wish to unwind through reading or surfing the net.

The hotel presents a great opportunity for food lovers to immerse themselves to a new dining experience.

Casa, Urban Table is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant with an option for alfresco dining for those who wish to appreciate the outdoors while enjoying their meal. The pool bar, Terraza on 7 provides guests with a city view experience over signature cocktail drinks and light snacks.

For guests who may not have the time to dine, the hotel’s grab-and-go corner Dash is open 24/7 to serve them.

For more information or booking enquiries, please visit: www.parkinn.com/hotel-northedsa.

Quest Plus Clark offers 3-Peso villa and room deals

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ELEBRATE with Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark as it turns three years old this month with an irresistible 3-peso promo for the third night from August 1-31. Get your vacation mode on and book two nights in a deluxe room for only P 4,300/night to get a third stay for only P 3, or go all out and celebrate the hotel’s third anniversary in an exclusive villa by just adding P 3 to get the dream vacation you deserve. Chill in a private villa with its own infinity pool, luxe spaces, and a stunning golf course view.

Book a 2-night stay for P 13,000/night in a villa deluxe or P 16,500/night in a villa premier to get the third day for only P 3. Deals are inclusive of a buffet breakfast, a 20% discount on lunch or dinner buffet at Mequeni Live, and complimentary use of swimming pool, eQuinox fitness center, kid’s zone, and bicycles.

This treat is a thank you to all staycationers and Quest Plus Clark patrons. For inquiries or reservations, call (045) 599 8000 or message Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark on Facebook.

Philippines celebrates strong economic relations with china through annual expo

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HE Philippines continue to strengthen its ties with China by signing business deals amounting to P633 billion ($12.16 billion). According to the Department of Trade and Industry, majority of the deals cover energy, infrastructure, food, telecommunications, tourism, and economic zone development.

This is why for the past fourteen years, one trade show has been making sure that Philippine companies get the chance to explore business opportunities with brands and companies from China. Global-Link MP Events International Inc., together with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) has teamed up to organize a one of a kind event.

Entitled the China Machinery and Electronics Brand Show, the trade event is aimed to connect Chinese manufacturers with potential distributors and importers in the Philippines. It will be back with an even bigger showcase on August 15 to 17, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex. Those interested to visit the show can register online at www.globallinkmp.com.

“Over these years, the holding of the show has suc-

cessfully provided a platform to Chinese enterprises and their Philippine counterparts. We strongly wish to join hands with more Philippine and international partners in the economic and trade area to communicate and to promote trade cooperation,” said Zhang Yujing, President of CCCME. With the show generating more than hundreds of visitors and exhibitors, the show is set to feature products and equipment from industry sectors such as power & electrical products, machinery, automobile, hardware tools, and household electric appliances and more.

To see which world-class manufacturers will be participating at the 15th year of China Machinery and Electronics Brand Show or request for business meetings with the exhibitors, register online or call (02) 893-7973 local 532. You can also email the local event manager Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. through liza. mara@globallinkmp.com.

China Machinery and Electronics Brand Show is colocated with Systems Integration Philippines, a leading trade show for emerging technologies in ICT, cyber security, AVL integration and e-commerce solutions; as well as Electrical, Energy & Power Philippines.

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IMA, Peru—After they soared with acrobatic skills in the water, Canada’s Claudia Holzner and Jacqueline Simoneau embraced Halle Pratt, who wept tears of joy when they won the artistic swimming overall team gold Wednesday at the Pan American Games and an Olympic ticket to Tokyo 2020.

“I’m just so happy now. It’s been a dream since I was a little girl,” said Pratt, whose father Jasen Pratt won a bronze medal in 400-meter individual medley swimming at the Havana 1991 Pan Am Games.

“My dad swam for the national team for a long time,” she said. “He went to the Pan Ams and won a bronze medal, but he never got to qualify for the Olympics, so this is really special.”

Canada swept the competition, winning duet and team as they did back at home in Toronto 2015, which was then known as synchronized swimming and not an Olympic qualifier. Mexico won silver and the US earned bronze.

“We’ve swum this routine thousands of times,” Simoneau said. “So, I think we are able to put it on autopilot and really just enjoy the moment of being together.”

On their way to receiving their gold medal, the nine members of the Canadian team put their hands together in a circle and yelled ‘ya boys!’ a chant that they used throughout the tournament to lift their spirits before they dove in the water.

“Since we got here our coach randomly started calling us by boy’s names,” Pratt said, “Like a guy’s name in relation to what our real name is. So all week we’ve been going, ‘ya boys!’”

Holzner and Simoneau won the duet with a score of 180.0343 over Mexico’s Nuria Diosdado and Joana Jiménez’s 174.3661 points. Americans Anita Alvarez and Ruby Remati took bronze with 170.6698 points.

“It was such a special moment,” Holzner said.

“Before we swam, our Coach Gabor [Szauder] was like: ‘Jackie, go for a second Olympics,’ and ‘Claudia, become an Olympian.’”

Canada bags artistic swimming ticket to Tokyo Olympics

Sports BusinessMirror

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| friday, August 2, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

MEMBERS of Canada’s artistic swimming team perform their gold medal winning routine. AP

LOCHTE: I’M BACK, WOO! S

By Rick Eymer The Associated Press

TANFORD, California—Olympic champion Ryan Lochte made an emphatic return to competition Wednesday, swimming the fourth-fastest time by an American in the 200-meter individual medley during a time trial in the US national championships at Stanford University.

“I’m back, woo!” Lochte proclaimed in his opening remarks on the pool deck at Avery Aquatic Center after qualifying for next year’s US Olympic trials with the time of one minute and 57.88 seconds. “It’s been a long three years but it’s good to be back, get on those blocks and race again.”

Lochte is entered in the 100 butterfly, 100 and 200 backstroke and 200 and 400 IM this week, though he hasn’t decided which events he will focus on for the Tokyo Olympics “I don’t do that much anymore,” he said. “I’ve been splotchy with my swimming. Family trumps everything. Swimming has been my second priority. Nationals, for me is a stepping stone to see where I’m at in the swimming world. It’s a long

journey to next year to see what I can do.”

Michael Phelps has told his old rival and teammate that making another Olympics is going to be that much harder.

“You’re older. You’re different. Your body changes. Your mentality is different. You can’t do as much in the pool,” Phelps told The Associated Press recently. “The other things outside the pool take up your time. For him, if he truly wants to come back and be at that level, he does know what it takes to get there. He has to be willing to do the work. If not, it’s not going to be as good as he probably hoped.”

Lochte said he’s not the same man he was three years ago, when he partied hard during and following the 2016 Rio Olympics, in which he was involved in a fake police report. Last year, he was given a 14-month suspension for receiving an infusion of vitamin B12 above the allowed limit.

The meet is his first event since the suspension ended last week. During that time, he checked himself into a rehab center for six weeks for alcohol abuse.

“There was a point in my life where I needed to change, so I checked myself in,” he said. “My wife was pregnant and I needed to help her. I did all the classes and got out.

Since Caiden and my new daughter Liv, I have a new perspective on life.”

He said he has limited himself to a glass of

RYAN LOCHTE returns from suspension to swim a fast 200 meters individual medley. AP

wine to celebrate the birth of his daughter but that’s been the extent of his alcohol intake since going to rehab.

“There are bigger and better things in my life,” he said.

“I’m glad I went to rehab. I needed help and I came out a better man.”

A chance to compete in his fifth Olympics motivates him in the pool. His family drives him to succeed.

“I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone,” Lochte said. “My big goal is 2020 and to reach the podium. I do it for me and my family. I’m having fun again. I haven’t had fun since the 2012 Olympics. My wife and kids have been my backbone. It’s awesome.”

Phelps said Lochte’s best chance to make another Olympics may be in the relays, particularly the 800 freestyle.

“It has to be in your heart. That’s the biggest thing to know,” Phelps said. “At this age, if deep down you don’t want to do it, it’s going to be that much harder.”

A murder indictment, meanwhile, was filed against the former head of Hungary’s swimming federation for allegedly ordering the 1998 killing of a rival media mogul, prosecutors in Budapest said on Tuesday.

Tamas Gyarfas decided to have Janos Fenyo killed over business disputes and personal conflicts, Budapest Chief Prosecutor Tibor Ibolya said in a statement.

According to prosecutors, after his initial attempt to hire a killer fell through despite paying half the fee of 12 million forints (then $60,000), Gyarfas entrusted Tamas Portik— currently in prison for ordering an unrelated murder—with having Fenyo killed. A Slovak man, Josef Rohac, was sentenced to life in prison in 2017 for Fenyo’s murder.

Fenyo was gunned down at the age of 43 on February 11, 1998, while sitting in his car at a Budapest traffic light.

Gyarfas led the Hungarian Swimming Federation from 1993 and 2016 while also holding top positions in European and international swimming organizations and on Hungarian Olympic Committee. He is still listed as a member of Fina’s executive body.

Gyarfas, a 70-year-old former sports journalist, was also an important media figure after Hungary’s return to democracy in 1990, producing and also appearing for years on the country’s most popular morning news and talk show, Napkelte (Sunrise).

Gyarfas was questioned and arrested by Hungarian police in April 2018 and named as a suspect in the Fenyo case, but he “firmly denied” being involved in the murder.

He was later released after posting bail of 200 million forints ($680,000), but a Budapest court last week said the sum was returned to him as he was considered to have complied with the terms of his release, for example, by coming back to Hungary after trips abroad.

VIRGINIA FUCHS poses with fans after her fight in the women’s flyweight 51-kg semifinal of boxing. AP

US boxing captain fights back after bout with OCD

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IMA, Peru—Ask US boxing team captain Virginia Fuchs about her toughest fight and she’ll tell you it was far from a ring.

She felt the knockout in her mind and it was a long count. In boxing it’s only 10 seconds that can sometimes seem like a lifetime. Here, it lasted a whole month, and it was only at a hospital where she regained her feet.

Fuchs is back in the ring at the Pan American Games in Peru’s capital less than six months after she received in-patient treatment for a bout of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition in which a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior.

“Boxing is the peace, the easy part of my life,” Fuchs told The Associated Press after she won a fight on Tuesday and advanced to the final in the flyweight category. “I know that sounds funny, but yeah, outside the ring is the challenge in my life.”

The 31-year-old spent February at a hospital. It could have been longer, she says, but the Pan Am Games were in her sight since she began boxing 10 years ago.

In the ring in Lima, she has felt light, at ease, at last standing on a solid base. She moved quickly and threw sharp punches against Venezuela’s Irismar Cardozo, and after the fight, she raised her arms in victory, while The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ USA blared from the arena’s speakers. She even stopped to high-five the crowd in the stands and take selfies.

Sometimes, though, she still feels pain.

“I’m still struggling with my OCD today. But the treatment did help in teaching me some skills just to help when I’m in a really tough situation. It kind of brought me back so I could get a hold on it,” Fuchs said clenching her fists covered with tape.

Fuchs grew up in Houston and tried all sorts of sports.

Her dad taught her how to water ski and she joined the swim team. She also played softball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. She got into running in high school. On her first track meet in freshman year, she broke her school record in the one mile and two mile race. She then ran cross-country for Louisiana State University. In her freshman year, she met a professional boxer who took her to a gym to practice her first punches. The coach saw potential and knew she’d go far.

When the International Olympic Committee announced in 2010 that they were including women’s

boxing in the program for the London Games in 2012, she moved back home.

“I started training for my Olympic dream and built my way up to becoming number one,” she said. To focus fully, she moved to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. The training paid off when she won the US Olympic Team Trials.

Then, she took her winning streak to the Olympic test event in Rio de Janeiro, where she won gold, and nearly made it to Rio 2016.

“Even though I won the Olympic trials there’s that second qualification process...the International qualification process and that’s why I came short,” she said. “That was really devastating because I came so close.”

Last year, she won the bronze medal at the world championships and at this year’s Pan Am’s, she is regarded as the US team’s top boxer. Now she’s going for more: “Since I haven’t made it to the Olympics yet, I decided to go for Tokyo.”

Boxing remains her salvation and joy.

“I feel so relaxed here,” she said smiling. She wiped sweat from her face and later fixed blue socks embroidered with the American flag and the letters of her alma mater of LSU. “When I’m in the ring, all those OCD thoughts, all the struggle in my life outside the ring is gone,” she said. “That’s why boxing brings me happiness, and I really don’t know where I would be without it.”

Fuchs also credits the support of her family and her teammates, who lovingly call their captain “the pirate” when she tells them that they’re all on a journey to find gold.

“My parents are so excited. I’m sure they’re going crazy right now. They knew that I came here to get gold—everybody knows I’m going to get gold. I’m the pirate! Silver is ok, but I need gold in my treasure chest!” she said laughingly.

On the road to Tokyo 2020, she said she also wants to fight to help break the stigma associated with OCD and other mental illnesses.

“There are people who are struggling with OCD and any mental health and they should know that they’re not alone,” she said.

“You can still be successful, conquer your dreams and do anything. You just got to remember that every day is not going to be easy. You’re going to have hard days, but if you always believe in yourself, you’ll make it through.” AP

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WOMEN’S CUP EXPANDS F

IFA’S Council has unanimously approved expanding the Women’s World Cup from 24 teams to 32 for 2023 and has reopened bidding to host the tournament but made no mention of changing prize money.

Fifa said Wednesday the decision was made remotely.

Nine national associations had expressed interest in hosting and were due to submit their formal bids by October 4: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea, which could bid jointly with North Korea.

Under the new timetable, any national association has until December to make a bid. Fifa expects a bid evaluation report next April and a decision the following month.

Fifa’s statement made no mention of prize money. The US received $4 million of a $30-million prize pool for winning the World Cup on July 7, a small percentage of the $38 million from a $400-million pool that France got for winning the 2018 men’s World Cup. Fifa has increased prize money for the 2022 men’s World Cup to $440 million and Fifa President Gianni Infantino said July 5 that he was proposing to double the women’s prize money to $60 million for 2023.

After the US...won the women’s final in Lyon, France, fans in the stadium chanted “Equal Pay!” UNITED States players hold the trophy as they celebrate their victory in the Women’s World Cup in Lyon, France, last month. AP Infantino said in a statement that “this is the time to keep the

Ellis leaves, GM coming soon, Olympics loom F

RESH off of a repeat performance as World Cup champions, the US women’s national team finds itself in flux.

On Tuesday, Jill Ellis announced she was stepping down after more than five years as the team’s head coach.

Under Ellis, the United States won eight total tournaments, including two World Cups, and lost just seven games.

Meanwhile, US Soccer is in the process of naming the team’s new general manager, who will report to President Carlos Cordeiro and Chief Executive Officer Dan Flynn. The GM, expected to be appointed soon, will lead the search for a new coach.

Ellis, the national team’s third female coach, hopes it will be another woman.

“I think there are a lot of qualified females. You also hope by doing it people have trust a female can do this,” she said. “People have seen it and people potentially want to aspire to coach, not just soccer but whatever sport. You really hope that is part of the legacy you leave behind.”

Once named, the new coach will be taxed quickly with preparing the team for Olympic qualifying and next summer’s Tokyo Games. Ellis said she’d be there for her successor: “I want whoever comes next to know that there will be that support.”

Hanging over all of the immediate uncertainty is the legal dispute between the women’s team and US soccer.

The players filed a federal lawsuit last March accusing the federation of gender discrimination in matters including pay.

The lawsuit capped a long-simmering dispute between the federation and the players, who claim they deserve to make as much as their counterparts on the men’s national team.

The two sides have agreed to mediation now that the World Cup is over.

Ellis steps away after winning back-to-back titles in soccer’s premier global tournament. Her contract was set

momentum going and take concrete steps to foster the growth of women’s football” and “it means that, from now on, dozens more member associations will organize their women’s football program knowing they have a realistic chance of qualifying.”

“We have a duty to do the groundwork and strengthen women’s football development infrastructure across all confederations,” he said.

The Women’s World Cup started with 12 teams in 1991, expanded to 16 in 1999 and 24 in 2015.

The men’s World Cup was played with 13-16 teams from 1930-78, 24 from 1982-94 and has been contested with 32 since. It is due to expand to 48 in 2026, when the tournament is cohosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Infantino also has proposed a Women’s Club World Cup and creating a women’s world league. Fifa is also doubling the funding being made available to women’s soccer in the next four-year cycle to $1 billion.

Five-time winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were among the 10 candidates for the Fifa best player award announced Wednesday. United States forward Megan Rapinoe is the favorite for the women’s award.

Ronaldo and Messi were joined by three Liverpool players, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane. Liverpool won the Champions League title in June. to expire following the World Cup, and she said Tuesday she started to think months ago about leaving following the event in France.

She’ll stay with the team through its five-game victory tour, which starts Saturday against Ireland at the Rose Bowl. After that, she’ll serve as an ambassador for US Soccer for at least a year.

Ellis said she wants to spend more time with her family.

“The timing of this is good. Not only on a personal level but also for the program in terms of preparing to start a new cycle,” she said. “It’s obviously been a fantastic run and fantastic ride. I’m going to enjoy these last few games.” AP JILL ELLIS is stepping down after more than five years as the US team’s head coach. AP

Also in the list were Ajax players Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, who have since joined Barcelona and Juventus, respectively, along with former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, who has joined Real Madrid, Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.

Luka Modric, who won the award last year after leading Croatia to the World Cup final, was not on the list.

Rapinoe was in a list of 12 players that included teammates Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz. Ada Hegerberg, a Norway forward who won the Ballon d’Or but skipped this year’s World Cup, was also nominated.

Liverpool Coach Jürgen Klopp was nominated for best coach along with Premier League rivals Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham.

United States Coach Jill Ellis, who won back-to-back World Cup titles before stepping down after more than five years in charge, was nominated for the award for the best coach in women’s soccer.

Three finalists in each category—best male player, best female player, best coach in men’s soccer and best coach in women’s soccer—will be announced before the ceremony in Milan on September 23.

The winners will be voted by national team coaches and captains, selected media and online fan voting. AP

orts

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CIGNAL CRUISES TO 3RD STRAIGHT WIN, BEATS FOTON IN 4

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IGNAL played like a well-oiled machine, disposing Foton, 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 25-21, to cop its third straight win in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Team captain Rachel Anne Daquis paced the assault for the HD Spikers, who improved to 6-5 to forge a tie with idle Generika-Ayala at the fourth spot of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport.

Daquis finished with 18 points and 25 digs, while Mylene Paat chipped in 17 markers and setter Alohi Robins-Hardy submitted 15 markers of top of 24 of the HD Spikers’26 excellent receptions in the match that took two hours and five minutes to finish.

“The third set was a big factor for us, they gained confidence and I saw that they really wanted to win,” said Cignal Coach Edgar Barroga, whose team rode on a big third set to build momentum.

From a 4-4 contest in the third set, the HD Spikers went with an 11-2 run to put up a commanding, 15-6, and Daquis

FAB ladies shine in WGAP Valley leg

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ERNANDO Air Base (FAB) kept its steady rise in the 2019 Champion Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) Circuit ranking, posting a victory and a runner-up finish to close in on overall leader Sta. Elena after the fifth leg at Valley Golf Club South course in Antipolo recently.

Grace Montilla and Jill Raymundo turned in identical 41 Stableford points while Terry Fasol and Lina Galang backed them up with 37 and 33 points, respectively, as FAB assembled a 152 and beat Wack Wack (144) by eight points to dominate Class A. The Lipa City, Batangas-based squad nearly pulled off a “twinkill,” yielding the Class C diadem to Alabang by just one point, 134-135, to emerge the best scoring team in the second half of the eight-stage circuit organized and conducted by the WGAP. With that five-point haul, FAB tied Alabang at second with 13 points in the overall race with Sta. Elena, which sizzled with a tournament-best seven-point romp at Southwoods last month but went scoreless at Valley, barely clinging to the lead with 14 points.

After a shutout stint in the first leg at Villamor, the FAB ladies placed second in Class B in Canlubang and in Class A in Tagaytay then topped Class B and finished third in Class A at Southwoods to get into the mix.

Tagaytay, with Mathilda Sun firing 39 points, ruled Class B with a 137, five points ahead of Villamor (132), as the Highlanders moved to solo fourth overall with 11 points followed by Villamor (10), Wack Wack (8), Forest Hills (7) and Canlubang (6) heading to the sixth leg of the circuit sponsored

by Champion at Alabang Country Club on August 19.

Wack Wack’s Diana Araneta led the team’s runner-up effort in Class A with 38 points that also netted her the individual title with Maria Delia Angeles, also of Wack Wack, bagging the Class B plum with 40 points and Camp Aguinaldo’s Robie Ann Ramirez claiming the Class C trophy with 41 points.

Other scorers for Wack Wack’s Class A squad were recent US Kids champion Monique Arroyo (37), Mikaela Arroyo (36) and Alice Jay Crisologo (33).

Manila Southwoods, led by Lia Rosca’s 39 points, placed third in Class A with a 135 followed by Tagaytay (126), Alabang (125), Forest Hills (125) and Sta. Elena (125); Wack Wack finished behind Tagaytay and Villamor in Class B with a 130 followed by Camp Aguinaldo (129), Sta. Elena (125), Alabang (123), Canlubang (119), Forest Hills (117) and FAB (108), while Camp Aguinaldo came in third in Class C with a 130 followed by Villamor (130), Wack Wack (126), Sta. Elena (122), Forest Hills (122), Tagaytay (110) and Canlubang (109).

Beta Epsilon holds golfest on Monday

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HE Mike Villanueva Cup (MVC)-9th Purple Tower Tee unfurls at the Sta. Elena Golf Club on Monday with the University of the Philippines (UP) Beta Epsilon hosting the event on the occasion of its 90th anniversary—the oldest college-based fraternity.

The MVC is part of the UP Barkada calendar of events and is copresented by DMCI Holdings Inc. and the UP Alumni Engineers.

Tournament slots have been filled, bringing a total of 144 golfers who will join the shotgun start at 8 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will help sustain the fraternity’s scholarship fund, as well as other key alumni projects.

Platinum partners include AboitizPower, Big Wave Resources, DATEM, Presam Construction & Services and Shell V-Power.

The organizing committee also thanked Gold Sponsors Ayala Land Premier, Andy Chua, EEI, Elecsys Power, Grapteck, Ideal Marketing, Quad-AM, SGS, Steel Asia, Webcast Technologies and Yokohama Tires.

Adding spice to the event will be exciting raffle prizes, sumptuous food and overflowing drinks. Hole sponsors are Beta Epsilon batches 74B, 75C, and 78A, Jojo Malolos, Gary Viray, Boysen, CV Solutions, D&L Industries, Distribution Control Phils., G&W Clubshares, IMI, Jack Daniels, K&G, Kampfortis, MG Cars Phils., Ostrea Mineral Labs, Perkeno Plastics, RMR Electric, San Miguel Brewery, Shinsei Industrial, Southwest Gas Trading and STANCE Golf Socks.

took over with her own 3-0 spurt to widen the gap, 21-9, en route to reach set point, 24-10.

Foton, however, refused to surrender and saved four set points, 14-24, before Daquis ended the Tornadoes’ agony.

Alohi, who was converted to opposite spiker late in the match, put on a show as Cignal broke loose from a, 19-19, contest to give the HD Spikers a, 22-19, breather while Daquis did the finishing touches for her team.

“It was part of our game plan, to give Alohi the chance to spike because she really wanted to help the team and we gave her a chance,” Barroga said.

Jaja Santiago had a game-high 25 points for Foton, while skipper Mina Aganon had 11 markers and Dindin Santiago-Manabat added 10.

It was an even contest in spikes (52-52) but the Tornadoes only had four blocks against 12 of the HD Spikers.

Foton, which came from a loss to F2 Logistics, slid to 7-5.

Cignal will face Generika-Ayala on Saturday to break their tie entering the crucial stretch of this battle that also has ESPN and Kapatid TV5 as broadcast partners.

Black, Titans make mincemeat of debuting rivals in D-League

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ARON BLACK again churned out a triple-double as AMA Online Education gave debutant iWalk a rude 110-92 welcome to register its first win in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Black, the son of Philippine Basketball Association great and Meralco Coach Norman Black, registered 26 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists as he became only the third player in the league’s history to rack up multiple triple-doubles after Mike Tolomia (twice) and Jeron Teng (thrice).

“I really gave Aaron the confidence to play his game because I have so much trust on him. He was already my player when he was in the under-13 bracket,”AMA Coach Mark Herrera said of Black.

Dennis Santos also uncorked 32 points and 10 rebounds as the Titans hiked their card to 1-1.

AMA built a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter, 81-67, but the veteran-laden iWalk fought back and knocked within just four, 83-87, after a Wowie Escosio lay-up with 5:45 remaining.

The Titans did respond immediately, scoring eight

CIGNAL’S Janine Navarro beats the towering defense of Foton’s Jaja Santiago.

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AIN or Shine goes for the equalizer when the Elasto Painters tackle the San Miguel Beermen in Game Four of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinals series on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elasto Painters finally toppled their foes’ big men when they protected an 18-point first-half lead en route to a 112-104 win in Game Three on Wednesday and send the duel to a race-to-three duel. The match is set at 7 p.m.

Thanks to Beau Belga’s crucial plays and Rey Nambatac’s steady production, Rain or Shine got back in contention after getting blown away in the first two matches.

“It’s a good win, but we almost had another meltdown,” Coach Caloy Garcia said after the Beermen staged another comeback Belga and Nambatac stopped.

The Elasto Painters built their biggest lead on Javee Mocon’s three-pointer, 37-19, in the second quarter.

Behind import Chris McCullough, San Miguel Beer slowly erased the margin and even took the driver’s seat in the closing minutes.

But learning from their Game Two disaster where they blew a 29-point lead, the Elasto Painters remained focused this time and uncorked a 10-0 run in the pivotal stretch.

Gabe Norwood hit a triple off a Belga feed to make it 105-104 with 1:11 left. In the next possessions, Nambatac converted two charities and Belga nailed a three-pointer with 11.2 seconds remaining to seal the deal.

“It’s really hard playing against San Miguel,” Garcia admitted.

Rain or Shine survived the 51-point production of San Miguel’s import Chris McCullough, while also limiting June Mar Fajardo to just eight points.

“We were able to contain June Mar,” Garcia said.

straight points capped by Santos’s three-pointer to make it a 95-83 advantage with 4:54 left to play and to cruise to the 19-point win.

Newcomer Vince Tolentino also made his presence felt for AMA with 14 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Ryusei Koga led the Chargers with 18 points, while Bernie Bregondo provided 15 points and 20 rebounds, and Escosio added in 14 points and eight boards off the bench.

BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare, meanwhile, continued to impress by clobbering Hyperwash by 57 points, 129-72, in Thursday’s other game.

Malian slotman Mohammed Pare had 25 points, six rebounds and three assists to set the pace for the Saints.

Jhaps Bautista supplied 23 points, as Cris Dumapig and Ray Rubio chimed in 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the blowout victory that saw all but one of the 15 BRT Sumisip-St. Clare players scoring at least two points.

Khasim Mirza had 21 points and six rebounds to lead Hyperwash, who dropped to 0-2. Jeric Fortuna had 16 points while Mac Montilla produced 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.

ELASTO PAINTERS SEEK EQUALIZER

The Elasto Painters also silenced Chris Ross.

Ross, who knocked down 10 triples and scored a career-high 34 points in Game Two, managed only six points both three-pointers.

Their defense clicked, but Garcia still has words for his error-prone team.

“We have to take care of the ball. We have to man up and don’t turn the ball over,” he said, referring to his team’s 17 turnovers—15 of them they committed in the first half.

Carl Montgomery led Rain or Shine with 25 points and 15 rebounds, Nambatac had 22 points and three assists, while Javee Mocon and Belga added 16 points apiece.

McCullough, who was raging from the start, added 14 rebounds and three assists across his name. Alex Cabagnot had 16 points while Christian Standhardinger tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Beermen. Ramon Rafael Bonilla SAN MIGUEL Beer’s Christian Standhardinger is trapped by Rain or Shine’s Carl Montgomery and Kris Rosales in Game Three.

MEMBERS of the fraternity pose for posterity.

PPS Mercado Cup, MCF juniors get going

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IXTEEN of the country’s leading and rising junior players slug it out for the men’s singles crown in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Mayor Nikko Mercado Open Championship, while close to 200 entries will vie in the MCF Global national age-group which get going on Friday at the Maasin Lawn Tennis Club in Leyte.

Cebuanos Joshua Kinaadman and Norman Enriquez gain the top seeding in the centerpiece men’s singles held as part of the city’s 19th Charter Day celebrations. The cast also features the likes of John David Velez, Vinz Lominoque, Gerald Jumadas, Mikel dela Cruz, Francis Hidalgo, Austin de los Santos, Andre Laguda, Ashton Villanueva, Chris Encarnacion, Vinz Alforque, Sal Lago, Elmer Alila, Fritz Tabura and Miles Sotes.

Velez, Alforque and Lominoque also banner the boys’ 18-under field in the age-grouper sponsored by the MAC’s Crankit Foundation headed by Coach Patricia Concon-Puzon which also serves as the second of fourth MCF-backed tournaments

after Davao. San Carlos City, Negros Occidental and Iloilo will host the last two stops.

“We take pride in putting up this big gathering of junior players from Ozamiz, La Salle-Lipa, Ormoc, Cebu, San Carlos, Tacloban and Baybay City and we thank Maasin City Mayor Mercado and MAC’s Crankit Foundation for their continued support of our tennis program,” said Palawan Pawnshop President and CEO Bobby Castro, whose aegis in this event is being staged in partnership with Dunlop.

Velez, Villanueva along with Judy Ann Padilla and Angel Denopol make up the squad from Ozamiz while Gabby Zoleta, Julia Ignacio, Sophia Moreno, France Idjao, Dwyne Faelnar and Lago head the bets from La Salle-Lipa.

Joining Kinaadman and Enriquez in the talent-laden Cebu side are Alforque, Lominoque, Gio Manito, Aron Tabura, David Sepulveda and Jonathan Largo, all eyeing a crack at the crown in their respective age-group categories of the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-MEG.

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Friday, August 2, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

JAPANESE beach volleyball player Miki Ishii cools off with a bag of ice after competing in a test event at Shiokaze Park, a venue for beach volleyball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach demonstrates fencing with junior high-school student Yui Hashimoto during the Games’ One year to Go ceremony in Tokyo. AP

Boxing schedule finally finalized

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OKYO 2020 has finally unveiled the schedule for the boxing tournament due to take place at next year’s Olympic Games.

The tournament and qualification system is being run by a task force chaired

by International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the International Boxing Association (Aiba) as the Olympic governing body for the sport.

That came after the IOC Inquiry Committee noted severe concerns with Aiba’s governance, refereeing and judging and financial situation and claimed the crisis at the embattled governing body “presents serious legal, financial and reputational risks to the IOC and the Olympic Movement.”

Now the schedule has been finalized after Tokyo 2020 reached agreement with stakeholders.

Boxing is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 9, 2020, at Ryōgoku Kokugikan.

The first day will see action start in the men’s welterweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight categories, as well as the women’s featherweight.

Women’s flyweight and welterweight bouts are set to begin on July 26, as are duels in the men’s middleweight and super heavyweight.

The completion of the boxing schedule finalizes the entire competition schedule for Tokyo 2020.

The boxing test event is set to be held from October 29 to 31 at Ryōgoku Kokugikan as part of the “Ready Steady Tokyo” test event series.

Regional qualification events for the Games are due to be staged from January to April before a last-chance tournament is held in May. Athletes will be able to compete through their National Olympic Committee, which can select professionals.

Judges for the qualification tournaments and the Tokyo 2020 tournament will be selected from a pool devised by Aiba but the governing body itself will not be involved in who appoints them.

Tokyo 2020 has consistently claimed the crisis at Aiba has not affected its preparations for the boxing competition at the Games. Insidethegames

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TOTAL of 11 people died and 5,664 people were taken to hospitals in Japan due to heat-related medical issues last week when temperatures rose sharply following the end of the rainy season in most areas, the Japanese government revealed.

The latest figures have been released at a time when Tokyo 2020 organizers and the government’s Bureau of Environment are working on measures that can be taken to safeguard athletes, spectators and volunteers during next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At last week’s beach volleyball test event in Tokyo misting sprays and airconditioned tents were among the features trialled in order to combat the effects of rising temperatures in the capital.

As temperatures rose to 38 centigrade, the 11 deaths were reported in 11 different areas among Japan’s 47 prefectures, Japanese

agency Kyodo News reported.

Aichi Prefecture had the most people rushed to hospitals at 392, followed by Osaka Prefecture at 388 and Tokyo at 299.

The number of people sent to hospitals nearly tripled from 1,948 in the preceding week as the rainy season came to an end.

Those aged 65 and older accounted for 52.6 percent of the total in the week to last Sunday (July 28), according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Of the 5,664 people, 119 displayed severe symptoms that would normally require at least three weeks of treatment as an inpatient, while 1,792 suffered less serious issues, necessitating shorter stays.

As temperatures are likely to remain above the average in Japan in the upcoming week, the agency urged people to stay hydrated and to take rest occasionally.

While the capital hosted its first Summer Games in the much-cooler month of October

HOT ISSUE ON TOKYO OLYMPICS in 1964, next year’s competition featuring 33 sports and 339 events is due to take place between July 24 and August 9.

Weather-related concerns have mounted since Tokyo was awarded the Games in 2013, especially after a historic heatwave affected Japan’s capital last summer, with an area near Tokyo seeing a record temperature of 41.1oC. Tokyo 2020 has admitted the threat posed by the extreme heat and typhoons is considered a “major issue” resulting in the shifting of start times of several events.

The men’s and women’s

Felix competes for medals, campaigns for motherhood

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BOUT a month after her daughter’s emergency delivery, sprinter Allyson Felix went through one of her toughest workouts—a 30-minute walk.

It was then the six-time Olympic gold medalist realized just how difficult the road ahead would be in her return to track.

It was also when she became even more determined to line up for another sort of race: Campaigning for greater maternity protection from sponsors.

She along with other track moms spoke up. Their voices are starting to be heard.

Case in point: Felix agreed to a sponsorship deal Wednesday with the women’s apparel company Athleta that offers maternity safeguards and guarantees.

“I totally want to be remembered for having some impact on the sport, having changed things for women of the next generation to not have to feel like they have to choose between a career and motherhood,” Felix said in a phone interview. “If I could walk away from the sport with some of these issues looking a little different, that’s a win for me.”

Felix was only 32 weeks into her pregnancy when her daughter, Camryn, was delivered on November 28 via emergency C-section after tests showed the baby’s heart rate had dropped to dangerous levels. Camryn weighed in at 3 pounds and 7 ounces.

At the time, Felix was without a contract.

She’d been trying to renew her deal with Nike since it ran out in December 2017. She wanted

to start a family in ‘18 but was worried about the ramifications.

The 33-year-old Felix explained her situation in a New York Times editorial piece on May 22: Nike wanted to pay her 70 percent less. Although she was willing to accept a reduction, she wanted assurances around maternity. It was declined.

Alysia Montano and Kara Goucher also spoke out about the need for sponsors to support female competitors before, during and after pregnancy—that contracts shouldn’t penalize someone for starting a family.

In a May 17 statement, Nike wrote: “Last year we standardized our approach across all sports to support our female athletes during pregnancy, but we recognize we can go even further.... We recognize we can do more and that there is an important opportunity for the sports industry to evolve to support female athletes.”

For Felix, taking an initial stand was daunting. She didn’t know if there would be repercussions.

“I just felt compelled,” she said. “I think it was becoming a mother and knowing that this is a world that my daughter will grow up in and even though it’s uncomfortable and it’s still scary, sometimes you just have to talk about your experiences. When I did I was just overwhelmed with the stories that women shared with me. It just reinforced that it was the right thing to do.”

Athleta brought Felix on board with a

marathons were pushed back one hour to 6 a.m. and the men’s 50 kilometers race walk will commence at 5:30 a.m.

The organizers are set to provide information about weather conditions and safety precautions through the official mobile app.

They are also considering allowing spectators to bring their own bottled drinks into event venues, a departure from previous Games at which sponsor and security considerations have made such a possibility a no-go.

FELIX

wideranging partnership deal as she becomes the company’s first sponsored athlete.

The partnership includes such things as collaboration on initiatives to empower women and a hand in designing products.

“When you’re supported in that way, you are now a better athlete, you’re a better mother and you’re a better person,” said Felix, who’s still working on obtaining a shoe contract. “It’s already hard enough to be a new mother. It’s extremely difficult to be an athlete. It’s so much better this way.”

The road back to sprinting hasn’t been easy. Felix wasn’t sure if she would even make it back.

She remembered one day in early December being in the newborn intensive care unit with her daughter, who was struggling to breathe.

“I just remember that day just feeling heavy and feeling like I don’t know if I will return,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s still as important to me.”

Her first workout was a simple walk (it was taxing). Her first track practice wasn’t until around March.

“This is all aimed at making spectators feel as comfortable as possible, given they have come to see events in a very hot and humid environment,” Tokyo 2020 delivery officer Hidemasa Nakamura said last month.

He added that the measures taken would include a “specific focus on the elderly, children and international visitors.”

Insidethegames has contacted Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee for comment on the latest heatwave casualty figures.

Insidethegames

Gradually, Felix is rounding back into form.

At the US championships last weekend, she finished sixth in the 400-meter final during her first competition in 13 months. A solid step forward and one that earned her a chance to possibly run in the relay at the world championships in Doha, Qatar, this fall.

She’s on the fence about making the trip if selected. She wants to dedicate her time to training. Her priority is being in top shape a year from now for the Tokyo Games.

Plus, there are plenty of things to do at home—like take her daughter to swim classes. She’s getting the hang of balancing track with motherhood.

“The biggest change has just been not getting as much sleep and feeling exhausted,” she said with a laugh. “But you figure it out and you just find a way.”

Because she wants more moments like this: Her husband handing Camryn to her after finishing the 400 at nationals. Felix is yearning for a similar scene in Tokyo as she tries to make her fifth Olympic team.

“I look forward to hopefully being able to compete there and have her there with me,” Felix said. “That’s the biggest goal right now.” AP

God of our longing

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EAR God, You are our hope for everlasting life. With trust in Your saving presence, we pray: God, come to our aid.

Sustain the hope of those who wait for the return of a loved one, the healing of a relationship or the cure of an illness.

Comfort and console those who are distressed, vulnerable or troubled. Strengthen those who are recovering from a stroke, surgery or injury. Lead away from danger the lost, the least and the youth at risk. May God look upon us with love and mercy, and grant us salvation. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • lifestylebusinessmirror@gmail.com

KATY PERRY at the 10th annual DVF Awards at the Brooklyn Museum in New York on April 11. AP

Life BusinessMirror

GAB FAB: A WORD OR MORE FOR GERALD ANDERSON D4

Friday, August 2, 2019

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In a globalized world, music fragments take unexpected roads N

By teD aNthoNy The Associated Press

EW YORK—At my son’s fourth birthday party, a classmate presented him with a toy recycling truck. Atop it was a button that, when pushed, uncorked a familiar tune with the words: “To the dump, to the dump, to the dump dump dump!” An adult nearby heard the melody and said, “Hey—that’s the Lone Ranger theme song.”

Well, yes and no. It is indeed the fanfare to the famed 1950s TV series. But before that it was something even more venerable—the “William Tell Overture,” by a 19th-century Italian composer named Gioachino Rossini.

So goes the story of modern music. A century of near-continuous recording, packaging, repackaging, riffing and—more recently—the technical ability for anyone to create cultural collage and sample all facets of creative expression, has turned our musical reservoir into a collection of quotations. Millions of snippets, words and music sit at the ready, waiting to be recruited into the service of something new.

Or, occasionally, retooled into something legally actionable.

On Monday, a federal jury decided unanimously that pop star Katy Perry and her record label had, with her song “Dark Horse,” copied a 2009 Christian rap song called “Joyful Noise” released by an artist named Marcus Gray.

Perry’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, had taken issue with this line of thinking, saying that “they’re trying to own basic building blocks of music, the alphabet of music that should be available to everyone.”

Legal arguments aside, those basic building blocks—the “alphabet of music”—are responsible for producing huge chunks of the American

songbook in ways far more fundamental than most listeners realize.

The likes of Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones built their repertoires by plundering traditional Delta Blues. Bob Dylan made his name remixing the folk canon in innovative ways; “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall,” for instance, is a direct descendant of a centuriesold British ballad called “Lord Randall.” Simon and Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair,” with its “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,” traces back straight through American mountain folklore to British tradition.

Think you’re familiar with the 1970 Steve Miller Band classic “The Joker” and its lyrics, “You’re the cutest thing that I ever did see/I really love your peaches, wanna shake your tree?” North Carolinian Charlie Poole, one of America’s seminal early country musicians, recorded a jaunty song in 1930 called “If the River Was Whiskey,” which included this line: “I was born in Alabama, raised in Tennessee, if you don’t like my peaches, don’t shake on my tree.”

This stuff can be revelatory for so many music listeners because it operates under the radar. It’s our own musical history, hiding in plain sight, an ocean of raw material awaiting some fresh genius glue to bind it into something new.

This was true, at least, as far back as the second half of the 19th century.

By then, according to the eccentric roots-music pioneer Harry Smith, enough folk lyrics were kicking around the republic, cross-pollinating between black and white musicians, to provide fodder for thousands of still-to-be-written songs—what the critic Greil Marcus calls “an almost infinite repertory of performances.” So many tales of American experience emerged from that era and its critical mass of storytelling fragments.

The case involving pop star Katy Perry again brings to focus a difficult subject: What to one artist is a nod or tribute can, to another, be theft. And when lyricists and musicians begin drawing not from tradition but from fellow modern, revenueconscious entertainers, the results get more contentious.

Now, the fragmentation has gone global. The character of this new disapora, though, is different.

It now includes high-powered marketing, mass

intellectual-property theft and economic forces that dwarf—sometimes steamroll—the local and regional traditions that spread folk music around in the 1800s.

Today, the practice of harvesting musical and lyrical snippets is flourishing—most creatively, perhaps, in hip-hop and dance music, where readily accessible technology encourages sampling for remixes, remakes, dance mixes and party mixes.

But what to one artist is a nod or tribute can, to another, be theft. And when lyricists and musicians begin drawing not from tradition but from fellow modern, revenue-conscious entertainers, the results get more contentious.

In 1976, former Beatle George Harrison was ordered to pay damages of nearly $1.6 million after a court ruled that his song “My Sweet Lord” had copied musical pieces of the Chiffons’s 1963 hit “He’s So Fine,” written by Ronnie Mack. The battle went on for years and the damages were later reduced.

In 2015, songwriter Sam Smith agreed to share the royalties for his song “Stay With Me” with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, whose 1989 hit “I Won’t Back Down” had melodies similar enough to also give Petty and Lynne cowriting credits.

The list of disputes based on musical similarity goes on: Radiohead (“Creep,” 1992) and Lana del Rey (“Get Free,” 2017); Huey Lewis and the News (“I Want a New Drug,” 1984) and Ray Parker Jr. (“Ghostbusters,” 1984). And many more.

Advertisers recognize the power of the American songbook, too. “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” appropriated

by Aaron Copland after being recorded in the field by musicologist Alan Lomax through the fiddler W.H. Stepp, showed up in a recent ad from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The old tune “Turkey in the Straw” was used in the 1970s and 1980s as an ad for

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Friday, August 2, 2019

Society BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Adelaide Kane, 29; Anna Kendrick, 34; Gillian Anderson, 51; Hoda Kotb, 55.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Look at what you can accomplish, not impossible tasks. Don’t waste your time trying to live up to someone else’s demands or lifestyle. Do your own thing and follow the path you find most liberating.

By pacing yourself this year you will build up the energy and reserves mentally, emotionally and financially to accomplish new goals next year. Your lucky numbers are 8, 14, 20, 26, 34, 38, 44.

KEY Maybank executives officially open the Maybank Premier Center in the Maybank Ayala Avenue Branch, (from left) Community Financial Services Country Head Gail del Rosario, Community Financial Services Group CEO Dato’ John Chong, Maybank Philippines Board Chairman Puan Fauziah Hisham, Malayan Banking Bhd. and Group Chief Strategy Officer and CEO:International Michael Foong, and Maybank Philippines President and CEO Choong Wai Hong

MAYBANK executives with Visa partners revealing the Visa Infinite Credit Card, an exclusive credit-card variant for Maybank Premier members, (from left) Group Community Financial Services Head for Cards B. Ravintharan, Chong, Visa Malaysia Country Manager Ng Kong Boon, and Visa Philippines and Guam Country Manager Dan Wolbert.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Piece together your plan of action. Sticking to simple, effective transitions will prove to be seamless and gratifying. Share your long-term plans with someone close to you. Be willing to compromise to accommodate someone you love and respect. HH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Situations will change rapidly. You’ll have to be ready to deal with matters without letting your emotions lead you down the wrong path. A responsible approach to what needs to be done will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. HHHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Speed up the process when bringing about personal or physical changes. Your personal and professional lives will clash if you cannot find a way to distribute your time evenly. HHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put greater emphasis on your creative goals. Develop a plan that will help you incorporate what you enjoy doing into a moneymaking venture. Stressful situations will lead to ill heath. Take time to relax and rejuvenate. Don’t take on physical demands. HHH

e MAYBANK Premier relationship managers together with Amie Quillo, Phyllis Lim, Conie Oba-ob, Paula Manuel, Maybank Premier Philippines Head Jaqui Wieneke, Group Wealth Management Head Alvin Lee del Rosario, Cecile Carillo, Jinky Uy, Marc Fuentes, Karen Geronilla, Derwin Eugenio and Diego Poblete.

Posh business, new credit lines GUESTS were welcomed

by Maybank Philippines President and CEO Choong Wai Hong.

O

By Chelsea Bagotsay

NE of Asia’s leading banking groups, Maybank has launched Maybank Premier with its first Premier Center in the country. The launch is touted to be a major milestone for the bank. Also, in partnership with Visa, the bank has unveiled its Maybank Visa Infinite Credit Card to provide its premier clients exclusive lifestyle privileges.

As the bank’s ties within the country continue to strengthen, Maybank’s offers of various Asean propositions will cast serious value to its clients. With Maybank Premier, clients are able to perform all their banking needs in the solace of the Premier Centers located in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam.

The group has its presence in all 10 Asean countries, allowing their clients access to both national and international solutions.

“We are excited to bring Maybank Premier to the Philippines which will allow us to better cater to our Premier clients’ specific requirements and provide them with priority service and preferential banking products and services. The opening of the Premier center will also enable us to deliver an even more tailored service to our Premier customers,” Maybank Philippines Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer

Choong Wai Hong said during the launch.

Designed for the company’s high net worth customers, Maybank Premier is a personalized banking service grounded on trust, understanding and enhanced relationship management. This service aims to provide wealth advisory and solutions,

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Work behind the scenes. Pay close attention to every little detail before you decide to share what you are doing with others. If you are too open, someone will encourage you to expand too quickly. HHH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look for solutions and you’ll be considered an asset to any group you contribute to. Protect against loss when divvying up an estate, winnings or a settlement that includes others. HHHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put a little passion into whatever you do. Whether it’s an adventure with someone you love or a change you make to the way you live, it will encourage you to finish what you start. Make a commitment. HH

h relationship benefits and various lifestyle privileges.

As mentioned during the launch, one of Maybank’s main focuses for their Premier line is wealth management advisory and solutions. Working together with the member, the bank will design specific strategies that will guide them in creating their heritage for future generations to come, for it is the priority of the company to assure that the client’s wealth is not only protected, but also increased over time.

The bank will integrate the Premier Relationship Managers with the client’s risk profile and monetary aims in order to provide specialized solutions, and suggested proper investment and Bancassurance products specifically for the client.

Another significant feature of Maybank Premier is the enhanced lifestyle privileges through the Maybank Visa Infinite Credit Card. The company stated the new credit card is the ultimate travel companion with its specially curated features and benefits. Premier clients are sure to enjoy their travels with 1 percent cashback on overseas spend, access to complimentary airport lounges, comprehensive travel insurance and the best conversion for foreign currency transactions.

Through this, they will be able to fully utilize the Global Visa Infinite Privileges, such as golf privileges, promos, luxury hotels and a 24/7 global concierge. n

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep your plans a secret until you have everything in place. Someone will interfere if your plan doesn’t live up to his or her expectations. Look out for your interests and be willing to walk away from anyone making too many demands. HHHHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ve got everything under control. Speak up and bring about changes you can afford. If someone suggests excessive additions to your plans, ask that person to pay for the updates. HHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make suggestions and carry out your plans.

Bring about changes that will improve your domestic environment and make you feel at home and comfortable with your surroundings. Convenience and comfort will make a difference to your emotional outlook. HHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Discussions will be difficult if one or more people involved overreact. Make a point to stick to your script and to make your thoughts concise for anyone who may try to entice you to take on more than you can handle. HHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look for ways to bring in more cash, but don’t get involved in a get-rich-quick scheme that has the potential to backfire. If you want to bring about positive change, add to your qualifications and work hard to achieve your goals. HHHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are enthusiastic, popular and demanding.

You are outgoing and demonstrative.

‘going in reverse’ BY FRED OHLES The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Moments of revelation 5 Zone 9 Xerox competitor 14 “Isn’t that something!”

15 Radio alphabet end 16 Fuming 17 State by Lake Erie 18 Prepares for lithography 19 Conduit from the heart 20 Use as a starting point 22 Trojan War figure with a loud voice 24 Rather challenging 27 One of four at an MLB game 30 Facing reality again, literally? (Hint: Enter this answer “back”ward!)

35 Woodpile covering 37 Yes, in anime 38 Vikings’ tongue 39 Shoe bottom 41 Erving’s court moniker 43 Best possible 44 “Old MacDonald” refrain 45 “Agnus ___” 47 Long tale 48 Give no way out, literally? (enter

“back”ward) 2 Set of answers 5 53 Exacts revenge 55 Famous print maker?

59 Lawn trimming tools (Bonus diagonal clue: Extra power source, literally? [enter from this answer’s 3rd letter to 20-Across’ 4th letter]) 63 Like Huawei and Samsung 64 Not quite closed 67 “Hurry!”

68 Lunch box in Kobe 69 Taxis 70 Othello’s false friend 71 Rising ingredient 72 Pants patch place 73 Boot out DOWN 1 Wide-eyed 2 Santa laugh syllables 3 “In your dreams!”

4 ___-sheeting (bed prank) 5 Astronomy angle 6 Seek office 7 Antlered animal 8 Down Under dweller

9 Still uncertain, literally? (enter “up”ward) 10 Smooth with heat 11 Haul (off) 12 Name that sounds like a car 13 Learn through the grapevine 21 “I’m impressed!”

23 Chinese menu general 25 New B.A. or B.S. 26 Salon styles 27 Speak 28 Organizer Kondo 29 Primp 31 Assents silently 32 Cause, as havoc 33 August: ___ County 34 Airport frustration 36 Two queens, e.g.

40 Causing mischief, literally? (enter “up”ward) 42 Dancer’s jump 46 Opposite 49 Top of the corp. ladder 50 Lash out at 51 Unofficial bomb: Abbr.

54 Crime writer Marsh

5 Miniature carrot size 5 56 “So that’s how it is” 57 Rodriguez of Jane the Virgin 58 Some are saturated 60 Isaac’s eldest 61 Teases a lot 62 Place in line 65 Resolution-forming mo.

66 Honest ___ Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, August 2, 2019

D3

Bravo, women!

SOMETHING LIKE LIFE

MA. STELLA F. ARNALDO

@akosistellaBM

E

IGHT remarkable Filipinas were recently recognized for their invaluable contributions in their respective fields, and their work’s impact on the economy and society.

On July 25, Security Bank Corp. (SBC), together with the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, presented the winners of the 3rd Bravo Empowered Women Awards at the JYD Hall of Security Bank Center in Makati.

The Bravo Empowered Women Awards program honors changemakers, achievers, and advocates of social change nationwide. It also acknowledges the contributions of notable individuals who demonstrate an incredible dedication to service and leadership.

This year’s winners were selected across a broad range of demographics and interesting backgrounds, which include a tribal chieftain from Davao; a 29-year-old Jiu-jitsu world champion; and a former investment banker who established the first sustainable and most technologically advanced rice processing complex in the Philippines. n MA. RHODORA P. FRESNEDI (BUSINESS). Fresnedi was the first global vice president for Unilever in London, and served as one of the most senior Asian women working in the company.

She also holds senior advisor positions in organizations such as the Center for Talent Innovation and the Hidden Brain Drain Project. She founded the Leadership Journey Institute, which provides development programs and coaching for health-care leaders in the country, and Project Diffabilities (or Different Abilities) for people with disabilities, which enables PWDs to secure equal opportunities for employment and for life. n RACHEL MARJORIE RENUCCI-TAN (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY). Renucci-Tan is the owner of Chen Yi Agventures (CYA), a private company focused on modernizing rice processing and providing assistance to farmers in Leyte.

A former real-estate investment banker and fund manager, Renucci-Tan and her husband established the Renucci Partnership Program after Supertyphoon Yolanda struck Leyte in 2013. The program extends low-interest, loan-in-kind venture to farmers.

Established in 2015, CYA is the first sustainable, fully integrated rice processing complex in the country, which has lowered production costs while yielding high-quality rice. n MARGARITA P. OCHOA (SPORTS). A three-time jiujitsu world champion, Ochoa is also the first and only Filipina to have become the Ju-Jitsu International Federation world champion, and the first Asian to win the top prize.

When not training, Ochoa teaches at Jiu-jitsu

WINNERS of this year’s Bravo Awards are: (seated, from left) Margarita P. Ochoa (Sports), Dr. Rosario Oreta-Lapus (Education), Waya Araos-Wijangco (Culinary), Mona Magno Veluz (Social Services), Lourdes Reyes-Montinola (Lifetime Achievement), Maria Rhodora P. Fresnedi (Business), Bae Arlyne Salazar (Arts, Culture and Heritage), Magnolia Fernandez-Yrasuegui (Media and Public Affairs), Rachel Marjorie Renucci-Tan (Science and Technology). Standing are judges: Maria Isabel Ongpin (from left), a 2015 Bravo awardee; Former Supreme Court Justice and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; and Olivia Villafuerte, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Philippine Women’s University and Director, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs.

Manila. She is currently leading the Fight to Protect movement, which aims to create awareness about child sexual abuse through jiu-jitsu. She was also instrumental in pushing for a Safe Sport Commission, an agency to ensure the localization of policies and measures against abuse and harassment in sports. n MAGNOLIA FERNANDEZ-YRASEUGUI (MEDIA/PUBLIC AFFAIRS). As station manager of the Far Eastern Broadcasting Co., Fernandez-Yraseugui began a program called “Blessing Rahab” last February, working with commercial sex workers to teach them livelihood skills so they can leave their profession.

She uses her voice not only to encourage others to take part in her championed causes, but also to spread messages of hope in the various communities and sectors she works with. n DR. ROSARIO ORETA-LAPUS (EDUCATION). As president of Miriam College, Oreta-Lapus aims for a fuller integration of Steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) in the curriculum.

She also spearheaded Project Cogent (Cooperation for Girls’ Education, Nurturance and Training), where a gathering of 18 girls’ schools led to the creation of Page (Philippine Alliance for Girls’ Education), a partnership towards the pursuit of quality girls’ education. n MONA MAGNO VELUZ (SOCIAL SERVICES). Veluz is the national president of the Autism Society of the Philippines and the brain behind its Autism Works economic empowerment program. Among its projects are the ASP AustiMALL Pilipinas, a virtual marketplace for products and services by Persons With Autism, and ASP Project ChocolatA, a workshop for chocolate truffle making.

She is also participating in an Asean mapping project to improve data collection on autism in Southeast Asia to help craft policy in the region.

n WAYA ARAOS-WIJANGCO (CULINARY ARTS). AraosWijangco is the owner and founder of the Open Hand School of Applied Arts, a vocational school she established in 2011 for people with special needs to learn basic skills. She is also the owner of Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, a social enterprise where 30 percent of the staff have special needs.

Aside from her work in giving PWDs a sense of dignity, purpose, and pride, Araos-Wijiangco aims to promote sustainable and waste-free food preparation and support for local farmers. n BAE ARLYNE SALAZAR (ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE). Salazar heads the Bagobo-Tagawaba tribe in Davao del Sur, and also manages the Bagobo Arts and Crafts Center on behalf of the Bagobo Tagabawa Council. As one of the first female chieftains, Salazar champions Bagobo culture by teaching beadwork to her fellow tribeswomen, while narrating stories about their ancestors.

She strives to promote sustainable livelihood for Bagobo women, with their beadwork and embroidery sold abroad. Aside from mentorship, Salazar also engages institutions to educate the women on financial literacy. n LOURDES REYES-MONTINOLA (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT). This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was accorded to Lourdes Reyes-Montinola, chairman emeritus of Far Eastern University’s Board of Trustees, for helping reestablish FEU as a prominent educational institution.

Also, in 1991, she authored Piña, which helped revive the local piña fabric industry. Her memoir about the fate of 100,000 civilians during the Battle of Manila, titled Breaking the Silence, won the National Book Award for Biography in 1997.

“The accomplishments of these women are as breathtaking as the lives they chose to lead,” said Ada

Mabilangan, chairman of 8 Bravo Empowered Women Awards. “What’s more inspiring is their unrelenting commitment to uplift the lives of Filipinos from socially marginalized sectors. We are privileged to put a spotlight on the exemplary work they do,” she added.

SBC President and CEO Sanjiv Vohra believes the Bravo awards are aligned with the spirit of the bank’s mission to uphold conscientious decisions and actions for a sustainable Philippines.

“Our corporate success is sustainable only if we lead positive social change. We are committed to the ideals of ‘BetterBanking’, which entails creating better opportunities for all. Our partnership with Zonta, through the Bravo awards, aims to promote the important roles and contributions of women in today’s landscape. Their work needs to be supported, highlighted, and increasingly recognized,” said Vohra.

This year’s judges were Maria Isabel Ongpin, herself an 8 Bravo Awardee for Arts, Culture and Heritage in 2015; Former Supreme Court Justice and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; Olivia Villafuerte, dean of Arts and Sciences, Philippine Women’s University, and director of Zonta Club of Makati and Environs; Dr. Jikyeong Kang, SBC director, and president and dean of the Asian Institute of Management; and Cherrie Atilano, founder and CEO of the Agricultural Systems International Inc. Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 63 countries and geographic areas, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship programs aimed at fulfilling Zonta’s mission and objectives. n

Makati Shangri-La, Manila wins PMAP Employer of the Year Award BPI Foundation, DepEd, DSWD collaborate to enrich art education THE social innovation platform of Bank of the Philippine Islands, BPI Foundation is collaborating with the Departments of Education and Social Welfare and Development for the Pandayan arts and culture lecture and workshop series for teachers, students and peripheral communities.

Pandayan, in Filipino, refers to blacksmiths’ forges where they mold metal objects of purpose and beauty. BPI Foundation takes inspiration from their craft in its efforts to encourage the youth to become better members of society through art education.

“While we believe in the value of science, technology, engineering and math in enabling a more competitive work force, BPI Foundation also believes in the power of art to foster creative expression, critical thinking and civic consciousness, which are also becoming more essential in light of the technological disruptions and economic developments happening today,” said Maricris San Diego, BPI Foundation executive director.

“As a financial institution that is also a corporate art patron, we are uniquely equipped to assist the government in enriching our art education and appreciation in schools to maximize its impact for future generations.”

Pandayan seeks to bolster art education in public schools in rural communities where many teachers struggle to teach a broad subject such as art for an hour each week. To further inspire its beneficiaries and champion local arts and culture, the program showcases pieces by Filipino artists from BPI’s private art collection as case studies.

This year, the program will visit schools in Lucena, Calabarzon; Lucban, Quezon; Cebu, Central Visayas; and Zamboanga, Zamboanga Peninsula.

MAKATI Shangri-La is the first hotel to have been nominated and receive this recognition award by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) as the country’s premier HR professional association that helps institutions mold an enlightened, competent, socially responsible, and influential sector of people managers who can effectively participate in nation-building.

The PMAP Awards Program is an annual tradition established in 1977 with a vision to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals to help advance the people management profession in the country.

The Employer of the Year (EOY) Award gives recognition to a company that satisfactorily fulfills its people management responsibilities, as demonstrated by its leadership, dynamism, professionalism, strategic thinking and implementation, continuous improvement in HR processes and programs, linkage of HR to business objectives, and employee focus.

Now on its 43rd year, PMAP continues to give public honor to the most outstanding companies for others to emulate its example.

This year, from among 67 companies that took part in the EOY competition, Makati Shangri-La, Manila stood out from a series of qualifying panel interviews by the board of judges and numerous focused group discussions with the hotel’s colleagues sharing workplace experience.

Sheila Marie Sepulveda, assistant vice president for Human Resources (Southeast Asia and Australasia) of Shangri-La Group, warmly expressed, “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the PMAP. This is a testament of our passion in creating engaging, meaningful, and purposeful experience for our colleagues.”

On July 17, at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City,

FROM left: Ed Soriano, National Board of Judges and PMAP past president; Rene Gener, PMAP executive director; Efren Alberto Jr., PMAP board of trustee; Julie Miteria, PMAP Awards Committee member; Sheila Sepulveda, assistant vice president, Human Resources (Southeast Asia and Australasia) of Shangri-La Group; Gerry Plana, PMAP president; Greg Findlay, general manager, Makati ShangriLa, Manila; Atty. Bienvenido Laguesma, National Board of Judges/former Labor secretary; Louisa Mila Echevarria, PMAP vice president; Atty. Ma. Anthonette Allones, National Board of Judges/executive director, Career Executive Service Board.

Makati Shangri-La was awarded by the PMAP as the 2019 Employer of the Year in the Philippines.

Together with Greg Findlay, general manager of Makati Shangri-La, Manila, they accepted the award presented by the PMAP Leaders and Board of Judges.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resort (www.shangri-la. com), an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, currently operates over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts with a room inventory of over 35,000.

Renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality, the company has properties across the globe including Australia, Canada, mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The group’s awardwinning Golden Circle loyalty program extends to all properties of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

D4

Show BusinessMirror

Friday, August 2, 2019

www.businessmirror.com.ph

A word or more for Gerald Anderson GAB FAB JET VALLE

Netflix’s epic new series ‘The Witcher’ debuts teaser art, first-look photos NETFLIX launched the official social handles for the highly anticipated new series The Witcher, along with first looks at the three lead characters: Geralt (Henry Cavill), Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and Ciri (Freya Allan). Fans can follow official show news on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.

Henry Cavill leads the cast of The Witcher saga, playing the role of Geralt of Rivia, alongside other main cast members, Anya Chalotra as Yennefer and Freya Allan as Ciri. Other previously announced cast include Jodhi May as Calanthe, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson as Eist, Adam Levy as Mousesack, MyAnna Buring as Tissaia, Mimi Ndiweni as Fringilla, Therica Wilson-Read as Sabrina, Emma Appleton as Renfri, Eamon Farren as Cahir, Joey Batey as Jaskier, Lars Mikkelsen as Stregobor, Royce Pierreson as Istredd, Maciej Musial as Sir Lazlo, Wilson RadjouPujalte as Dara and Anna Shaffer as Triss.

In a globalized world, music fragments take unexpected roads

@jetvalle

M

Y apologies to the brilliant Ruth Sheehan for this week’s column.

Gerald Anderson: You know.

We know you know.

Whatever happened between you and Bea Alonzo, you know the truth. She has come forward through a brief statement about you ghosting her. In the interview, you can still see her hurting. Slightly confused, too. But definitely hurt.

You must come out to explain to her what happened.

Do not be afraid of retribution. Do not be persuaded that somehow, you didn’t do anything wrong.

If what Bea say is true—that there was no actual breakup, and if what others say is true (that you cheated on her)—then it’s not good.

I can see your friends patting you on the back, saying how Pinoy boys (emphasis on boys) see you now as their “Lodi,” managing to put in your list of exes a number of the most beautiful and most popular women in showbiz. They would reassure you that you are not what others and your exes say about you, and that you’re actually a nice guy, just wanting to live life freely and love anyone you want.

But the truth is, there is a woman hurting. And you’ve hurt a lot of women. It may be an “occupational hazard” to be chased by girls, with you being a handsome, virile, affluent boy who happens to be one of the most famous people in this country. But this doesn’t give you any excuse.

You may think that you’re just an actor, and that you don’t owe the public any explanation. But the moment you signed your name in the application form to audition for Pinoy Big Brother, you knew that once accepted, you would kiss your private life goodbye. Heck, it wouldn’t even surprise me that besides winning the whole boatload of prizes offered then, one reason you joined was to become famous.

And now you are. Well, you were actually. Because

now, you’re infamous to a lot of women who can relate to Bea Alonzo. nnn JAYA has finally launched her latest album, titled Queen of Soul, her much-awaited studio work after seven years, and her first under Star Music, featuring eight fresh, soulful tracks.

“We first released a few singles through digital platforms and I am happy with the positive reception it’s been receiving for the songs ‘Hanggang Dito na Lang,’ ‘Tanggap Ko Na,’ ‘Kasalanan Ko Ba,’ ‘Won’t Cry’ featuring Gloc-9, “You’re a Liar,’ ‘Tayo Pala Talaga’ and ‘Miracle Child,’” the singer said of her new album, coproduced by Cornerstone Music.

The Queen of Soul grand launch was held at the Ponte de Amore Bridge in Venice Grand Canal Mall at McKinley Hill, where she serenaded the crowd against a romantic Italian backdrop.

Lucky fans who downloaded her digital album were also treated to a Meet and Greet session. Star Music artist JMKO opened the show which was hosted

by MOR DJ Eva Ronda.

Jaya’s newest album followed the success of her concert last April at Resorts World Manila held in celebration of her 3oth year in the music industry.

“I am only reinventing for the newer audience but I still cater to the crowd who loved me since Day One. I want the album to speak for itself, music they can relate to and love through the years to come,” Jaya shared enthusiastically.

Jaya is the first Pinoy recording artist who made it to the Billboard charts. Recently, her YouTube collaboration “SOULJA” with Filipino R&B artists Jason Dy and JayR reached a million views.

Don’t miss her latest music on the Queen of Soul album, now out in digital stores. n

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon (right) formally receives the YouTube Diamond Play Button from Sarin.

CoNtINUeD FRoM D1 Murphy’s Oil Soap.

And several Decembers ago, when I sang “Jingle Bells,” my young son objected. “That’s not a Christmas song,” he said indignantly. “That’s Elmo’s song from the end of his show.” And so it was. Who’s to say I’m any more right than he is?

The wholesale expropriation of music on such a large scale is unprecedented and can be roundly blamed on—or credited to—two things: technology and globalization. It has produced some genuinely odd mash-ups. I have found “Edelweiss,” a show tune, cast as a cowboy song; Wham’s elegiac “Careless Whisper” branded as perfect driving music; and Scott Joplin’s 1902 ragtime classic “The Entertainer” pressed into service as a cell-phone ringtone in Islamabad, Pakistan, by a man who didn’t know it but liked it better than the built-in ring.

If the recent past is any hint, cultural context will matter less and less. Consider what happened to my wife in China a few years back. She was driving around Beijing with a twentysomething Chinese realestate agent named Kimberly Teng when they passed a certain roast-chicken restaurant named after a certain white-bearded Southern singer known for certain pop-country standards, such as “The Gambler” and “Coward of the County.”

“Do you know of Kenny Rogers?” Teng asked reverently. Then an earnest, serious look came over her face. “He sings many ancient and beautiful love songs.” A good chunk of our global culture— misquoted, revered, decontextualized and misquoted again, then served up for an entirely new audience— is, for better or worse, now in the hands of a generation of Kimberly Tengs in many lands. Movies, video games and music are their currency, streamed into the devices in their pockets, purses and packs.

It can bind itself to local traditions and flourish, growing into something fresh and exciting. Or, commoditized to the nth degree, it could become the equivalent of putting “Careless Whisper” on a road-trip playlist—something decontextualized and irrelevant to anyone’s life experience anywhere. To the dump indeed. n

GERALD ANDERSON and Julia Barretto in Between Maybes

YOUTUBE’S Southeast Asia Director of Content Partnerships and Business Development Vishal Sarin (third from left) with GMA personalities (from left) Atom Araullo, Bianca Umali, Michael V., Jessica Soho and Kyline Alcantara.

GMA receives Diamond Creator Award for YouTube milestone LEADING media conglomerate GMA Network celebrates another milestone as the GMA Entertainment channel recently surpassed 10 million subscribers on YouTube, thus joining an elite group of content creators in Southeast Asia that have also achieved such a feat.

With this accomplishment, the network formally received on July 23 the Diamond Creator Award, a recognition given

by YouTube to content creators that have reached 10 million subscribers. Present in the ceremonial turnover were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon; President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr.; Executive Committee Vice Chairman Joel G. Jimenez; Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong; GMA New Media Inc. President and COO Judd Gallares; and GMA NMI Senior Vice President and General Manager Dennis Caharian.

The Diamond Play Button was awarded by YouTube Southeast Asia Director of Content Partnerships and Business Development Vishal Sarin, and Content Partnerships Philippines Country Lead Pablo Mendoza.

Through NMI, the network’s technology arm, GMA forged a partnership with YouTube, dubbed the YouTube Player for Publishers (YT PfP), in mid-2017 that has enabled viewers everywhere to watch official, full episodes of GMA programs online. The partnership not only supports the anti-piracy efforts of GMA Network, but more significantly addresses

the millennial video viewing habits that demand access to premium content when they want, wherever they may be. The YT PfP partnership was an enabler for GMA as it aided strategy for boosting YouTube views and hastening the acquisition of subscribers. It also allowed for a more robust content archive that used to only house show highlights, recaps, and behind-the-scene videos, among others.

From only 1.6 million subscribers at the start of the YT PfP agreement in June 2017, this soared past 10 million in May this year. As of December 2018, the GMA Network YouTube channel’s rank improved from being in the Top 200 in 2017 to being among the Top 50 worldwide.

“We are very gratified that GMA has reached quite an achievement and it is translated into about four times growth [in watch time] year-on-year, so that’s enough reason for us to be really happy. This is the work of many people and they are all here as we receive this Diamond Creator Award,” said Gozon. Meanwhile, YouTube’s Sarin said, “We congratulate GMA for growing their channel to more than 10 million subscribers. This is a great milestone as there are only five media networks in Southeast Asia that have received the Diamond Creator Award and GMA is one of them.”

Of the achievement, Gallares shared, “Our mandate is to lead GMA’s transformation from a media and entertainment giant into a dominant multi-platform content provider

worldwide. YouTube has, in recent years, been a strategic ally in this regard, as it has not only helped us expand GMA’s online footprint but also been key to building preference for the GMA brand. This recognition affirms that we are on track.”

Caharian added that they were just showcasing the output of GMA Entertainment and how they help in making sure that their content can also be discovered online. “At the end of the day, what attracts a lot of viewers is still the quality of the content, so congratulations to GMA Entertainment. We’d also like to thank the viewers for their support, and we’d like them to know that many projects are in the pipeline for more viewing fun.”

Since its launch in November 2006, the GMA Entertainment channel now has 11.8 billion lifetime views. Total subscribers are currently at 11.1 million, a million more in a span of less than three months.

Other GMA Network YouTube (www.youtube.com/ GMANetwork) channels include GMA News for daily video clips from the network’s news programs, now with 4.1 million subscribers; GMA Public Affairs for documentaries, docudrama, and news magazine shows, now with 6.1 million subscribers; GMA Playlist for heartfelt song renditions from various network stars; GMA Playground for some of the network’s child-friendly programs; and GMA Regional TV for the top stories from the regions.

Motoring BusinessMirror

E4 Friday, August 2, 2019

BMW X7 lands on PHL shores–finally

I

F you aren’t surprised yet over the seeming flurry of car launches happening right now in the local autoworld, it’s all right. Folks giving us a grim scenario on the car front have gotten it all wrong—seemingly.

After the well-applauded unveiling of the Toyota Supra sports wonder just weeks back came the BMW X7 getting unwrapped to the oohs and aahs of an auto crowd always endlessly discriminating in its tastes and persuasions.

While the Supra was presented at swanky Manila Polo Club, the BMW X7 got itself mounted at the

uppity Rockwell in Makati.

And this much, I can tell you.

With my boss no less present in the jam-packed auditorium, my day was made.

Anton Cabangon is one of those nosy, hard-to-please, car chaps so that for him to be there—and oozing with praise for the X7—the BMW brand’s reputation got all

the more cemented.

And so, immediately, upon seeing him, I got myself photographed with him, together, of course, with my lady Motoring section boss, Tet Andolong.

The rest, as they say, is history.

We missed Ramon S. Ang, the amiable owner of SMC Asia Car. But I know that, in spirit, he was with us.

A nd now to Sp e ncer Yu’s speech, definitely a highly for the glittering night.

“Good evening , l ad ies a nd gentlemen.

“On behalf of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., I would like to welcome you to the exclusive unveiling of the first-ever BMW X7.

“Before that, allow me to acknowledge the presence of our esteemed guests: “Members of the diplomatic corps, our partners from BMW Group Asia: Managing Director Christopher Wehner, Marketing Director Brenda Pek, Area Manager Sue Ann Phoon, our BMW dealers, our valued BMW customers, and our friends from the media, thank you all for joining us this evening.

“Tonight, you will witness the unveiling of a new product that’s set to shake up the full-size premium SUV segment.

“The first-ever BMW X7 marks the culmination of creating the biggest and most luxurious SAV experience to date.

“We bring you tonight the BMW X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence, sitting proudly as the flagship of the SAV family.

“Building on the iconic design of BMWs, the first-ever X7 makes a statement with its imposing twin kidney grille and chiseled proportions. Its design echoes those who long for superior space and luxury, without compromising the latest in safety and technology.

“The first-ever X7 comes comprehensively equipped with: A highly efficient three-liter six-cylinder TwinPower turbo diesel engine with enough power and torque to allow the X7 to accelerate from 0-100 in just 7.0 seconds.

Adaptive four-wheel air suspension that allows for utmost comfort while retaining the famous driving dynamics BMW is known for.

“On the inside, you are greeted with the most spacious vehicle in our product portfolio, combining the very best materials and premium finishes, such as carefully selected leather, glass elements, and a Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge.

“Form follows function as we also have BMW Live Cockpit Professional that offers full digital instrumentation, paired with official Apple CarPlay support.

“Powered by the latest iDrive interface, the first-ever BMW X7 also comes with the additional standard equipment: n Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. n Rear seat entertainment package. n 5-zone air conditioning.

“A s w it h e ver y new BM W launched by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the X7 will come with the standard premium warranty of five years or 200,000 kilometers. “ The BMW X7 is priced at P9.290 million, undercutting rivals in its class by offering the most attractive value proposition for buyers.

“I could not be more excited for all of you to experience the flagship of our SAV segment, the charismatic leader—the X7.

“Have a fantastic evening, and enjoy the rest of the dinner.

Thank you.”

PEE STOP I will be interviewed today, the second of August, at the

US Embassy for my visa application together with my beloved Sol, the sun of my life. If successful, our main trip to America is to visit Sol’s brother, Bonnie, who lives in San Francisco and whose one of three sons works at SF’s Lexus Pleasanton area. From there, we hope to fly to New York for the Global Reunion of residents from Calauag, Quezon, now based in the US and Canada. The last reunion in 2017 held in Manila was chaired by, who else but my beloved Sol herself.

So, it’s a must that she should be there—hopefully, in October….

Welcome home, Sir John. Sir John, of course, is Danny Isla, the founding president of Lexus Manila Inc. He is in town with his beloved, Joy, from a break in their new base, Auckland (New Zealand), their second home now as they tell their friends back in Manila. Mabuhay kayo, love birds!... Happy birthday to Felix J. Mabilog Jr.! The living legend of the motoring world turned 80 yesterday, August 1. The saying, “Age is just a number,” appropriately refers to Felix, whose spring in his knees coupled with that infectious smile of his make him genuinely look like he is only in his fifties! More birthdays to come, Felix! Cheers!

INTRODUCING THE RALLY DRIVING IMMERSION PROGRAM Story and photo by Randy S. Peregrino

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ALLY racing is indeed one of the exhilarating motorsport disciplines to watch for. It’s an engaging feast of car performance along with driver and navigator teamwork.

Whenever we get the chance to watch the sport, whether via television or over the Internet, it never fails to put us at the edge of our seat. There’s just something about racing on the dirt that elevates our adrenalin, even by just watching it.

Here in the Philippines, there has been a remarkable resurgence, thanks to a few avid enthusiasts who move heaven and earth to stage rally events so the sport won’t be forgotten. After more than a decade of absence in the Philippine motorsport scene, the discipline was revived through the Philippine Rallycross Series (PRS), which was the brainchild of organizers Olson Camacho and Ronnie Trinidad.

Since its much-awaited comeback in 2015, the regular

rallycross event has since been a regular and calendared motorsport event sanctioned by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).

Now on its fourth year, motorsport enthusiast and race driver Eggay Quesada has joined the Philippine Rallycross Series as director, to help the sport grow even bigger.

From a modest 10 participants in 2015, there are now over 50 registered participants. These race drivers regularly compete for different categories in the 12-Round national series now being held in different venues, including sites in the provinces of Pampanga and Cavite.

With the motorsport discipline in the upswing, the Philippine Rallycross Series partnered with veteran motoring journalists and avid rally enthusiast, Anjo Perez, to help further raise the popularity of the event. Through the Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP), an experiential ride and drive event, the program aims to involve members of the

media to experience the motorsport firsthand. As the ones who usually writes about these races, it would only be fitting for these scribes to experience and know exactly what a rally driver go through during a race.

This ongoing Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP) will allow motoring journalists to convey first-person experience of the events or situations that transpire during the race events.

The Isuzu D-MAX finished the round unscathed, with both of us media drivers posting decent times. In fact, even besting a number of seasoned drivers.

The next round of the PRS WAS tentatively scheduled

for July 27.

For the upcoming leg, another set of motoring media drivers will be invited for the next experiential ride and drive event.

Powered by Isuzu, Black Rhino, Nitto and PIAA

D U R I N G t h e p ro g ra m ki c ko f f, a n Is u z u D - MAX 4x4 pickup truck has been commissioned for different motoring media drivers to participate in the remaining legs of the PRS. Along with Isuzu Philippines Corp., other partners and sponsors are Black Rhino Wheels, Nitto Tires, PIAA, SONAX, CTEK, and Ichiro Motor Oils.

The RDIP flagged off on July 7, 2019, during the 7th Round of the PRS held in Tanza, Cavite. Together with Motoring Today’s Matt Mallari, this writer was fortunate to have been invited on the pilot stage as one of the initial media drivers tasked to drive the Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 variant around the challenging 1.6-kilometer of dirt road with muds and scattered puddles ahead. We experienced an astounding drive around the track, not to mention the difficult paths we went through that really tested our novice level of rally driving skills.

Remarkably, the Isuzu D-MAX’s 4-wheel drive capability, coupled with its reliable suspension system, aided tremendously in going through the difficult course, without stalling at all. Providing that surefootedness on both loose dirt and ankle-deep mud were the Black Rhino wheels shod in Nitto Grappler tires.

The mud baths on the windshield, meantime, were no challenge for the PIAA Aero Vogue silicone wiper blades.

Mud splashes were instantly wiped with just one pass.

Moreover, night vision also greatly improved, thanks to the pair of PIAA Hyper Arros LED bulbs compared to the stock halogen bulbs. Providing engine protection during the high revs and rigorous driving around the track was Ichiro Motor Oil.

THE media team’s workhorse during the initial run

GOING through muds and puddles ANJO PEREZ

ISUZU TURNS OVER MODERN PUV UNITS TO ATSC Continued from E1

As for modern features, these modern PUV units are fitted with GPS tracking system, CCTV cameras, dash cam, LCD information screen and automated electronic fare collection system. Soon, these brand-new modern PUV units will operate along the existing routes from Las Piñas and Parañaque all the way to Alabang.

Since the launch of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, Isuzu has always been on top of its priority of giving modern, safe, and environment-friendly transport solutions to Filipino commuters. More important, these modern PUV units are also equipped with PWD-friendly features for convenience of commuters in need.

ALL modern PUV units are equipped with CCTV, automated electronic fare collection system, and LCD information screen

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

Editor: Tet Andolong

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Friday, August 2, 2019

E1

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

ODERN public-utility vehicles are now more visible everywhere.

Not only have these vehicles started operating to new and existing routes, its respective operations also continue to expand as more units are being rolled out since the past several months. Recently, Isuzu Philippines Inc. (IPC) turned over more brand-new units of modern PUV to Alabang Transport Service Cooperative (ATSC). This means that commuters in southern Manila will have more access to modern public transport soon.

“We are glad that there is a growing number of transport cooperatives like Alabang Transport Service Cooperative who trust our brand and is confident that Isuzu will be able to serve their mission to the community,”

said IPC President Hajime Koso.

ATSC is one of the oldest and biggest cooperative in Muntinlupa, and continues to grow steadily since its establishment in 1975.

He ld at t he I s u z u sto c kyard along Muntinlupa-Cavite

THE two Isuzu QKR77-based PUV designs supplied by Almazora (left) and Centro (right)

Expressway (MCX), the formal turnover was attended by IPC executives, ATSC officers, and local government officials. Of the 24 units of Class 2 PUV turned over to the cooperative, the two d i f ferent body desig ns were manufactured by body builders Almazora and Centro. “As our cooperative grows, we are assured that through the newly acquired Isuzu PUVs, we are able to promote development of the transport service here in A labang, improve the quality, and safety

of the commuters, and to ser ve our mission to the community of Muntinlupa,” said ATSC Chairman Bienvenido Barra.

T he 24 moder n PU V units tur ned over by IPC were based on the Isuzu QK R77 light-dut y t r uc k pl at for m. T he u n i f ied body desig ned was supplied by A lma zora Motors Cor p. whi le the units supplied by Centro retained the truck ’s cab attached t o t he p a s s e n ge r b ay. B ot h a re C l a s s 2 a i r - cond it ione d (Co ol a i re) mo de l w it h s ide -

f a c i n g b e n c h c o n f i g u r at i o n that could easily accommodate more than 20 commuters. T his pl atfor m is equ ipped w it h a Eu ro I V- compl i a nt 4 J H1-TC t u rbod iese l eng i ne desig ned to deliver e xcel lent f uel economy. It generates 105 hp and 230 N-m of ma x imum torque.

Moreover, the new PUV body is compliant to Philippine Nation al Standards (PNS 2126:2017).

T his translates to passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway width of 1,780 mm,

and 830 mm respectively. That’s means more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door, meantime, is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshield s, f u l l-body insu l at ion with GeneQ shield, door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, and side view mirrors.

Continued on E4

Moto

Business

E2 Friday, August 2, 2019

5 THINGS THAT MAKE THE FORD EXPEDITION A STANDOUT

ALL-NEW MAZDA 3 M

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

AZDA Philippines recently flew us to Sepang, Malaysia, as part of the next wave of motoring scribes to experience the upcoming allnew Mazda 3 prior to its Philippine debut.

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INCE it debuted at the Manila International Auto Show last year, the all-new Ford Expedition has set the benchmark in the country’s full-sized sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with a bold and robust new design, improved performance and a collection of bestin-class luxury features.

Most notable enhancements include a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and innovative changes in its transmission, fuel consumption, frame, body and driver-assist technologies.

With the increasing demand for SUVs in the Philippines, the all-new Ford Expedition is the perfect choice for the discerning car market seeking for refinement, power and comfort in their SUVs. Here are five things you need to know about the all-new Ford Expedition:

It’s the most powerful Expedition by far.

IT is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, capable of producing 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft torque at 3,500 rpm. This powerful engine is mat-

ed with a 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission, offering quicker shift times along with a wide ratio span that optimizes gear spacing for greater responsiveness.

It is more fuel efficient.

THE Ford Expedition achieves greater fuel efficiency and vehicle tailpipe emissions during city driving through its Auto Start-Stop Technology. This programs the engine to switch off while keeping the air-conditioning, audio system and exterior lighting functioning as the vehicle comes to a stop when in traffic.

It sports a bolder and more noticeable look.

THE all-new Expedition has been redesigned with fully-boxed high strength steel frame and all-aluminum-alloy body. It comes with a raised power dome hood, which adds to the daring stance of the vehicle. Behind, the Expedition features an accent trim indicating “Expedition,” followed by new LED tail lamps.

It offers maximum comfort inside.

THE all-new Expedition supports a spacious cabin with room for up to eight passengers and their gear, with power folding seats that allow second-row seats to tip and slide forward for easy third-row access. This current generation Expedition also offers a bucket seat option.

It makes every drive more convenient.

BOOSTING convenience when driving the all-new Expedition is a collection of intuitive features, which include SYNC 3 with builtin navigation. It also has more options to charge devices with power outlets on every row. While on the road, drivers can also use natural light for more scenic drives through its panoramic vista roof, which brightens the vehicle interior and gives passengers their own skylight.

To know more about the all-new Ford Expedition, visit www.ford. com.ph/suvs/expedition/ or any Ford dealer nearest you.

MG is named the official global car partner of Liverpool FC

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H AT began in 2016 as a regional deal has now evolved into an international alliance, as MG and top-flight English football club Liverpool FC have taken their partnership to the global level.

This collaboration is expected to deliver mutual brand growth and awareness for both esteemed parties in several key regions around the world.

“Just like the well-known saying goes: ‘one tree does not make a forest,’” said Michael Yang, managing director of SAIC Motor International Business. “We’re always looking for more people and partners to come together to create great things. The joint cooperation between MG and Liverpool FC will surely do this as we create more great moments together and bring more special experiences to fans around the world.”

Currently, MG branding is featured on the LED screens of Anfield Stadium, Liverpool FC’s home pitch, while other perks include first team player access, signed merchandise and exposure on the football club’s thriving digital platforms. MG has also created limited-edition Liverpoolbranded vehicles, launched a TV commercial and has invited Liverpool FC legends to attend the Shanghai International Motor Show on behalf of the brand. In addition, the partnership looks to launch engaging, fan-centric campaigns in the future, so it’s best to stay tuned for these. Such promotions may include trips to the United Kingdom to watch a Liverpool FC match live at Anfield Stadium, and the chance to be part of exclusive player meet-and-

greet/autograph-signing sessions.

Billy Hogan, managing director and chief commercial officer of Liverpool FC said, “MG, an iconic car brand with a rich sporting heritage, has been a valued partner of the club for several years and we’re incredibly pleased to not only be renewing this relationship, but also be expanding it on a global scale. As partners, we have brought some incredible opportunities to our fans and chances for them to get closer to the action. I’m looking forward to seeing what else we

THE sporty hatchback’s front end

can achieve now that our focus becomes global.”

Locally, MG Philippines also dabbles in sports partnerships, inking deals with popular college leagues, such as the UAAP and NCAA for basketball and volleyball—arguably the two most popular sports in the country today.

Clearly, MG recognizes sport as an effective means to strengthen its youthful, passionate brand image.

With its numerous international and regional sports partnerships, MG is primed to score big. www.mgmotor.com.ph

NEW and driver-centric cabin layout

There, the all-new Mazda 3 has just been recently introduced. So by the time we arrived at the Bermaz Motor dealership, several units were already on display for us to feast on.

But aside from appreciating the enhancements, we also came there to get our own share of behind-the-wheel experience set on the tracks and open grounds at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Beginning of a new era

NO less than Project Manager Ken Tashima presented the all-new Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan models.

Now with more pronounced front grille, slimmer headlamps, and bolder delineations, the all-new Mazda 3’s distinctive KODO design language, has transformed into a more imposing guise.

In terms of exterior profiles, the all-new Mazda 3’s bolder and curvier aesthetic elements stem from the design influence of both the Vision Coupe and the RX-Vision concept cars. Just like that distinctive curvature in the car’s door panels which gradually bends in. According to Tashima, this particular profile resulted from the intention to eliminate mainstream side panel contours. In fact, it’s so flowing that as you move your hands closely and vertically, the shadow from light will only show fluidity. Another fresh element from the Mazda 3’s new hatchback design is the thicker rear pillars. Interestingly, it gives that apparent look of a crossover vehicle. The sedan’s rear, on the other hand, highlights more contours with soft edges on the upper rear panels.

For the all-new Mazda 3, the design variation is not only limited to a hatch or a sedan. Tashima made it clear that these two variants have its respective character to project.

Aside from the hatchback’s sporty curves, it has an exclusive darkened grille frame and a different bumper design with dark chin. According to Mazda, this elicits a sense of excitement and freedom. The sedan, meantime, sports that chrome accent we’re accustomed with, as well as a different bumper design. The distinct look projects that sleek and elegant proportions we’ve come to know in every Mazda sedan vehicle.

Inside, the cabin’s new layout evidently makes that connection between the car and the driver. Aside from the improved NVH, Mazda also applied the “less is more” approach which simply means a cabin that is as beautiful as it is functional. True enough, the new dashboard is welllaid out with controls clustered within reach. Highlighted on the center top of the horizontally symmetrical cockpit is the new 8.8-inch head up display unit. Notably, Mazda decided to remove the touch operation in order to concentrate all the operation via the control knob and switches in the center console.

We like the finely crafted interior of the two versions. Fine leather materials were utilized for the tilt/ telescopic steering, seats, dashboard panels, door sidings and everywhere.

The amount of metal trims, meantime, are just enough to create that needed accentuations. Exclusive to the hatchback variant is the dark ceiling while the sedan version received the common gray-colored ceiling There are two gasoline engine options for the all-new Mazda 3. One is the 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G producing 118 hp and 153 N-m of maximum torque. The bigger and more powerful 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G motor for the top spec models generates 162 hp and 213 N-m of maximum torque. Both motors are mated to a six-speed Sky-

THE sleek sedan’s elegant rear end

THE sedan variant in action at the slalom course. Ma

activ Drive automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The all-new Mazda 3 will be officially launched in the Philippines this August.

Skyactiv-G power and GVC Plus

THE initial test drive activity showcased the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) Plus advanced feature of the all-new Mazda 3. Set on the parking grounds, pylons were positioned to mimic a technical slalom course with sudden turns at the end. Tested cars for comparisons were the 2.0-liter hatchback, 1.5-liter sedan, previous generation 1.5-liter sedan and two

BACTAKLEEN BACTERIAL SYSTEM FOR CARS, SUV

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RE you worried about your loved ones being infected by the flu or other airborne diseases at school or at the mall? Bacteria and viruses are widespread on surfaces that we touch every day or in the air that we breathe. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), the areas most likely to be contaminated by bacteria are surfaces, like doorknobs, offices, restaurants, escalators, handrails, shopping trolleys and even in the cool comforts of your car or SUV. Just by touching these surfaces or

by merely breathing air in a confined contaminated space, we all are at risk of infection. Molds and bacteria usually breed inside your air-conditioning system affecting the air you breathe.

The inhalation of pathogenic bacteria into the body can result to dire consequences, which can affect your health on a short- to long-term basis.

Fast and efficient cleaning system

BACTAKLEEN is a two-in-one bacterial treatment system that effectively kills 99.9 percent of the bacteria and germs in your vehicles, home and of-

fice. Bactakleen uses a proven technology which is widely used in Japan and in the United States. The device encompasses an especially designed fumigation device to atomize the concentrated antibacterial solution into an ultra-fine mist made up of hundreds of millions of microscopic “nano-sized” cleaning particles. It can penetrate virtually all areas of the ventilation system, including the car’s air-conditioning system and interior, and those hard to reach places of the vehicle where molds and bacteria thrive.

oring

sMirror

Friday, August 2, 2019

SIZZLES IN SEPANG

E3

STSI supports PUV modernization caravan

DOTr Undersecretary Richmund de Leon (center) , LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, OTC OIC Medel Afalla, SM City Clark Mall Manager Andrea Madlangbayan, Malabanias Barangay Chairman Rey Gueco and officials of DBP, Landbank and STSI

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HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently launched the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program caravan to mark the simultaneous nationwide roll off of the new routes for the modern PUVs. The caravan will cover some 32 major cities in the next seven months in partnership with the Land Transportation Office, Office of Transportation Cooperatives, LandBank, and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Supermalls Transport Services Inc. (STSI) is one of the private partners in the program which kicked off at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga. The firm is engaged in terminal operations and construction, development, management, maintenance and operations of PUV terminals, as well as home advertising, rolling stocks, product campaigns and activations.

STSI is a joint venture of SM

Prime Holdings and LKY Group of Cos. which developed the PUV central terminals where most of the caravan events will be held.

“The PUVMP is probably the biggest non-infrastructure program of the Duterte administration. We are happy that in this endeavor, we have the full support of the stakeholders involved like the Truck Manufacturers Association, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, Philippine Parts Maker Association and the gadget suppliers,” said DOTr Undersecretary Mark de Leon.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said that the caravan will introduce to potential PUVMP regional participants the modern PUVs which are powered by either Euro 4-compliant diesel engines or electric motors fully compliant to the PNS standards for body dimensions of the Bureau of Philippine Standards.

“They will be equipped with the

required gadgets such as the automated fare collection system and will be exhibited nationwide for one day in some 32 cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, from July 2019 to January 2020,” he added.

The caravan’s Phase 1 will cover 10 cities in North Luzon such as Clark, Pampanga, Urdaneta, San Fernando, La Union, Laoag, Santiago, Isabela, Baguio, Cagayan, Tuguegarao, Cabanatuan and Marilao. Phase 3 will island hop six cities in the Visayas, while Phase 4 will go through seven cities in Mindanao.

“Many people are not fully aware of the provisions of the PUVMP, have not seen a modern PUV, the brands and models available, gadgets required, how to avail of the subsidy and bank loans, and how to form and register a transport cooperative. These concerns will be addressed through the caravan. Millions of commuters will also appreciate up close the modern, safe, environment-friendly PUVs,” he added.

Shell Light Duty Range launched at PhilBus Truck Expo Story & Photo by Patrick P. Tulfo

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azda Philippines

other premium German cars.

Interestingly, the NVH improvement was really evident switching from the previous generation model to the all-new models. During the slalom, the newly developed GVC Plus made each tight turn more manageable compared to the German cars.

Without racing through the course and while maintaining a steady pace, we were able to feel the system activation more while we continued to abruptly steer. The system enabled the vehicle’s abrupt transitions in good control, despite the anticipated body rolls, but without skids, as well as over and under steers. Impres-

V’S AND BUSES Bactakleen can effectively clean Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureaus, Candida albicans (yeast), Aspergillus niger (mold), Pseudomonas aeroginosa, S. Epidermis, Bacillus, Salmonella and M2 virus (type of influenza virus).

Aside from cars and SUV’s, Bactakleen is ideal for bus, vans, trucks, planes, taxis and other establishments such as schools, homes, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and Hospitals.

The Bactakleen showroom is along 341 G.Araneta Avenue, Quezon City 1113. Visit their Facebook page at Backtakleen PH.

THE hatchback variant in action at the race track.

sively, all we needed to was to steer correctly and brake when we have to.

At the track area, we were able to try out both the 2.0-liter and 1.5-liter variants. While the bigger engine is obviously more potent, both mills love to rev when you further push the throttle on straights. But what impressed us was how both the hatchback and sedan, whether 1.5 liter or 2.0 liter, easily tackled the turns in great form. Even while doing late braking with abrupt turns, the advanced safety features enabled the vehicle to handle the situation well.

Again, all we had to do was to steer correctly and brake on time.

MAZDA PHILIPPINES

Miata Club 30th anniversary celebration

MEA NWHILE, members of the Miata Club Philippines also flew to Malaysia to join other MX-5 owners from Singapore and Thailand to celebrate 30 years of two-seat and open-top driving. Headed by MCP President Jose Luis Yulo Jr., 50 other members joined the momentous gathering dubbed as “TRI5+.” They also had the chance to ride with local owners in driving around the SIC. Over a hundred units of various MX-5 generations in different setups and tunes flocked at the open grounds.

ILIPINAS Shell clearly understands the changing needs of growing world of logistics and e-commerce nowadays, that’s why they introduced the newest member of their lineup of premium lubricants, the Shell Light Duty Range.

Launched during the PhilBus Truck Expo on July 25 in Pasay, Shell Rimula Light Duty is an oil variant that is specially formulated for commercial light-duty vehicles, such as pickups and light duty truck. The role of these workhorses was tackled in a lively panel discussion held during the launch event. The panelists include: Jesli Gloria, Transportify senior manager for Sales Operations; Martin Cu, Ninja Van Philippines country head, George Royeca, Angkas head of regulatory and public affairs; DJ Javier, technical manager for PH Lubes of Pilipinas Shell and Al Silva, product application specialist of Shell Global Lubricants.

During the panel discussion, the exponential growth of the online platforms such as Shopee and Lazada have pushed the e-commerce industry in the country to skyrocket in the last couple of years. The movement is predicted to reach record growth in the country’s e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) to the tune of $10 billion by 2025, that is according to Bloomberg intelligence.

The predicted increase in customers demand and supply entails the need for a more functional logistics solution.

According to Shell Lubricants Marketing Manager Anthony Wee, “The rise of e-commerce globally has resulted in a similar growth in logistics operations as a crucial element that ensures product bought from online platforms are delivered to their buyers quickly and in excellent condition. This is where light-duty vehicles come in, they provide that crucial service of delivering products to their buyer,” he added.

Wee explained that certain driving conditions that light-duty trucks undergoes everyday such as constant starting and stopping may cause sludge buildup and eventually causes more wear on en-

SHELL Rimula Light Duty oil is available in 1-liter and 5-liter containers.

PANELISTS George Royeca of Angkas, Jesli Gloria of Transportify, and Martin Cu of Ninja Van Philippines (center) join Pilipinas Shell’s DJ Javier, Technical Manager for Ph Lubes, Al Silva, Product Application Specialist, host Amor Maclang and Shell Rimula Brand Manager Rebecca Menchavez

gine parts. Especially those that are operated in the busiest urban areas.

The slow movement of these light-duty trucks often results in “high engine idle.” And with the high demand of the online businesses they’re oftentimes forced to overload to maximize time and revenue.

ShellRimulaBrandManagerReccaMenchavez said, “Today’s light-duty truckers need a product they can rely on. Shell Rimula was designed to address this need.”

The secret behind Shell Rimula light-duty lubricants is the Dynamic protection plus technology which protects light-duty trucks in three ways. First, when the truck gets stuck in traffic, the technology in the lubricant offers a better pro-

tection of up 60 percent against wear and tear in constant stop and go situations. The antioxidants meanwhile prolong the oil life.

Dispersants on the other hand also help break down soot and deposit buildup for vehicles carrying variable loads. Shell’s Dynamic Protection Plus technology boast of improve engine cleanliness and 46 percent less carbon deposit.

“We are positive that these products will shed a whole new outlook to the business of logistics. But more important, we want this to be our driver’s partner-in-crime,” Wee stressed.

“Because of this, the new range of products will come at an affordable price point.”

The new Shell Rimula Light Duty Range is set to available come August or September of this year.

Motoring BusinessMirror

E4 Friday, August 2, 2019

BMW X7 lands on PHL shores–finally

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F you aren’t surprised yet over the seeming flurry of car launches happening right now in the local autoworld, it’s all right. Folks giving us a grim scenario on the car front have gotten it all wrong—seemingly.

After the well-applauded unveiling of the Toyota Supra sports wonder just weeks back came the BMW X7 getting unwrapped to the oohs and aahs of an auto crowd always endlessly discriminating in its tastes and persuasions.

While the Supra was presented at swanky Manila Polo Club, the BMW X7 got itself mounted at the

uppity Rockwell in Makati.

And this much, I can tell you.

With my boss no less present in the jam-packed auditorium, my day was made.

Anton Cabangon is one of those nosy, hard-to-please, car chaps so that for him to be there—and oozing with praise for the X7—the BMW brand’s reputation got all

the more cemented.

And so, immediately, upon seeing him, I got myself photographed with him, together, of course, with my lady Motoring section boss, Tet Andolong.

The rest, as they say, is history.

We missed Ramon S. Ang, the amiable owner of SMC Asia Car. But I know that, in spirit, he was with us.

A nd now to Sp e ncer Yu’s speech, definitely a highly for the glittering night.

“Good evening , l ad ies a nd gentlemen.

“On behalf of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., I would like to welcome you to the exclusive unveiling of the first-ever BMW X7.

“Before that, allow me to acknowledge the presence of our esteemed guests: “Members of the diplomatic corps, our partners from BMW Group Asia: Managing Director Christopher Wehner, Marketing Director Brenda Pek, Area Manager Sue Ann Phoon, our BMW dealers, our valued BMW customers, and our friends from the media, thank you all for joining us this evening.

“Tonight, you will witness the unveiling of a new product that’s set to shake up the full-size premium SUV segment.

“The first-ever BMW X7 marks the culmination of creating the biggest and most luxurious SAV experience to date.

“We bring you tonight the BMW X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence, sitting proudly as the flagship of the SAV family.

“Building on the iconic design of BMWs, the first-ever X7 makes a statement with its imposing twin kidney grille and chiseled proportions. Its design echoes those who long for superior space and luxury, without compromising the latest in safety and technology.

“The first-ever X7 comes comprehensively equipped with: A highly efficient three-liter six-cylinder TwinPower turbo diesel engine with enough power and torque to allow the X7 to accelerate from 0-100 in just 7.0 seconds.

Adaptive four-wheel air suspension that allows for utmost comfort while retaining the famous driving dynamics BMW is known for.

“On the inside, you are greeted with the most spacious vehicle in our product portfolio, combining the very best materials and premium finishes, such as carefully selected leather, glass elements, and a Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge.

“Form follows function as we also have BMW Live Cockpit Professional that offers full digital instrumentation, paired with official Apple CarPlay support.

“Powered by the latest iDrive interface, the first-ever BMW X7 also comes with the additional standard equipment: n Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. n Rear seat entertainment package. n 5-zone air conditioning.

“A s w it h e ver y new BM W launched by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the X7 will come with the standard premium warranty of five years or 200,000 kilometers. “ The BMW X7 is priced at P9.290 million, undercutting rivals in its class by offering the most attractive value proposition for buyers.

“I could not be more excited for all of you to experience the flagship of our SAV segment, the charismatic leader—the X7.

“Have a fantastic evening, and enjoy the rest of the dinner.

Thank you.”

PEE STOP I will be interviewed today, the second of August, at the

US Embassy for my visa application together with my beloved Sol, the sun of my life. If successful, our main trip to America is to visit Sol’s brother, Bonnie, who lives in San Francisco and whose one of three sons works at SF’s Lexus Pleasanton area. From there, we hope to fly to New York for the Global Reunion of residents from Calauag, Quezon, now based in the US and Canada. The last reunion in 2017 held in Manila was chaired by, who else but my beloved Sol herself.

So, it’s a must that she should be there—hopefully, in October….

Welcome home, Sir John. Sir John, of course, is Danny Isla, the founding president of Lexus Manila Inc. He is in town with his beloved, Joy, from a break in their new base, Auckland (New Zealand), their second home now as they tell their friends back in Manila. Mabuhay kayo, love birds!... Happy birthday to Felix J. Mabilog Jr.! The living legend of the motoring world turned 80 yesterday, August 1. The saying, “Age is just a number,” appropriately refers to Felix, whose spring in his knees coupled with that infectious smile of his make him genuinely look like he is only in his fifties! More birthdays to come, Felix! Cheers!

Introducing the Rally Driving Immersion Program Story and photo by Randy S. Peregrino

R

ALLY racing is indeed one of the exhilarating motorsport disciplines to watch for. It’s an engaging feast of car performance along with driver and navigator teamwork.

Whenever we get the chance to watch the sport, whether via television or over the Internet, it never fails to put us at the edge of our seat. There’s just something about racing on the dirt that elevates our adrenalin, even by just watching it.

Here in the Philippines, there has been a remarkable resurgence, thanks to a few avid enthusiasts who move heaven and earth to stage rally events so the sport won’t be forgotten. After more than a decade of absence in the Philippine motorsport scene, the discipline was revived through the Philippine Rallycross Series (PRS), which was the brainchild of organizers Olson Camacho and Ronnie Trinidad.

Since its much-awaited comeback in 2015, the regular

rallycross event has since been a regular and calendared motorsport event sanctioned by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).

Now on its fourth year, motorsport enthusiast and race driver Eggay Quesada has joined the Philippine Rallycross Series as director, to help the sport grow even bigger.

From a modest 10 participants in 2015, there are now over 50 registered participants. These race drivers regularly compete for different categories in the 12-Round national series now being held in different venues, including sites in the provinces of Pampanga and Cavite.

With the motorsport discipline in the upswing, the Philippine Rallycross Series partnered with veteran motoring journalists and avid rally enthusiast, Anjo Perez, to help further raise the popularity of the event. Through the Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP), an experiential ride and drive event, the program aims to involve members of the

media to experience the motorsport firsthand. As the ones who usually writes about these races, it would only be fitting for these scribes to experience and know exactly what a rally driver go through during a race.

This ongoing Rally Driving Immersion Project (RDIP) will allow motoring journalists to convey first-person experience of the events or situations that transpire during the race events.

The Isuzu D-Max finished the round unscathed, with both of us media drivers posting decent times. In fact, even besting a number of seasoned drivers.

The next round of the PRS WAS tentatively scheduled

for July 27.

For the upcoming leg, another set of motoring media drivers will be invited for the next experiential ride and drive event.

Powered by Isuzu, Black Rhino, Nitto and PIAA

D u rin g t h e p ro g ra m ki c ko f f, a n Is u z u D - MAX 4x4 pickup truck has been commissioned for different motoring media drivers to participate in the remaining legs of the PRS. Along with Isuzu Philippines Corp., other partners and sponsors are Black Rhino Wheels, Nitto Tires, PIAA, SONAX, CTEK, and Ichiro Motor Oils.

The RDIP flagged off on July 7, 2019, during the 7th Round of the PRS held in Tanza, Cavite. Together with Motoring Today’s Matt Mallari, this writer was fortunate to have been invited on the pilot stage as one of the initial media drivers tasked to drive the Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 variant around the challenging 1.6-kilometer of dirt road with muds and scattered puddles ahead. We experienced an astounding drive around the track, not to mention the difficult paths we went through that really tested our novice level of rally driving skills.

Remarkably, the Isuzu D-MAX’s 4-wheel drive capability, coupled with its reliable suspension system, aided tremendously in going through the difficult course, without stalling at all. Providing that surefootedness on both loose dirt and ankle-deep mud were the Black Rhino wheels shod in Nitto Grappler tires.

The mud baths on the windshield, meantime, were no challenge for the PIAA Aero Vogue silicone wiper blades.

Mud splashes were instantly wiped with just one pass.

Moreover, night vision also greatly improved, thanks to the pair of PIAA Hyper Arros LED bulbs compared to the stock halogen bulbs. Providing engine protection during the high revs and rigorous driving around the track was Ichiro Motor Oil.

The media team’s workhorse during the initial run

Going through muds and puddles Anjo Perez

Isuzu turns over modern PUV units to ATSC Continued from E1

As for modern features, these modern PUV units are fitted with GPS tracking system, CCTV cameras, dash cam, LCD information screen and automated electronic fare collection system. Soon, these brand-new modern PUV units will operate along the existing routes from Las Piñas and Parañaque all the way to Alabang.

Since the launch of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, Isuzu has always been on top of its priority of giving modern, safe, and environment-friendly transport solutions to Filipino commuters. More important, these modern PUV units are also equipped with PWD-friendly features for convenience of commuters in need.

All modern PUV units are equipped with CCTV, automated electronic fare collection system, and LCD information screen