BusinessMirror February 27, 2019

NEDA: RICE M.A.V. MAY EXCEED 350,000 MT

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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A RICE farmer walks on the field at the International Rice Research Institute in Laguna in this BusinessMirror file photo taken in January. According to the draft IRR of the rice trade liberalization law, more rice imports from non-Asean countries can enter the Philippines at lower tariff rates. NONIE REYES

DEPT. OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY

2018 BANTOG DATA MEDIA AWARDS CHAMPION

HE government may increase the volume of rice imports from non-Asean countries that can enter the Philippines at a lower tariff rate, according to the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the rice trade liberalization law.

Based on the second draft of the IRR for Republic Act (RA) 11203, the minimum access volume (MAV) for rice will revert to its 2012 level of 350,000 metric tons (MT) based on the country’s commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“If there will be a huge demand for rice from India, Pakistan, China, then that’s the

time we will increase the MAV,” National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Assistant Secretary Mercedita A. Sombilla told the BusinessMirror via SMS. “Any recommendation to increase it [MAV] will depend on market situation,” Sombilla added.

The draft IRR indicated that an “equitable and transparent” mechanism for allocating the MAV shall be developed and established.

It also stated that the Neda may be advised by the National Food Authority Council (NFAC) to formulate guidelines on the auction of the rice MAV to importers.

These guidelines will be formulated on or before March 5.

The auction of the rice MAV will be imple-

See “Rice,” A2

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Vol. 14 No. 140

BOC assures bizmen: Port congestion easing T

By Rea Cu

@ReaCuBM

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has assured Filipino-Chinese businessmen that the government is doing everything it can to address the crippling port congestion, which is seen to impede commerce and slow trade facilitation in the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cu s tom s Com m i s s ione r R e y Leonardo B. Guerrero told Filipino-Chinese businessmen that the government is doing everything it can to address the issues and concerns affecting the opera-

tions at the ports, including the congestion problem.

His formal assurances followed a forum on February 19, hosted by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), where Guerrero

presented the actions taken by the bureau to address various trade challenges.

He also laid out the bureau’s initiatives and plans to further improve Customs systems and operations.

As much as possible, these shipping lineowned depots must be located near industrial areas. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority [Peza] should, therefore, be urged to have a space for empty containers and BOC should accredit these depots.”

—BOC Action Plan

Relatedly, Manila South Harbor operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) gave assurances on Tuesday that it’s “business as usual” at the port despite the fire that hit the Customs headquarters last Friday.

See “BOC,” A2

‘New BSP chief must have integrity’

Department of Tourism office in Makati City on Tuesday, three days after an exuberant homecoming parade where she wowed thousands of her countrymen. The tourism chief described Catriona as the best person to help promote the Philippines to the world. ROY DOMINGO

ASF-free Brazil sees more meat exports to PHL

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

B

@jearcalas

RAZILIAN pork and poultry exporters expect their shipments to the Philippines to reach a new record high this year due to the increasing demand of local traders from sources that are

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 52.1490

free from the dreaded African swine fever (ASF).

Brazilian Animal Protein Association (Abpa) Executive Director Ricardo Santin said their exports to the Philippines have “strongly improved” in 2018 after their shipments were temporarily halted in 2017 due to Salmonella issues.

“The Brazilian exporters have improved exports to Philippines, thanks to the trust built between the two countries,” Santin told the BusinessMirror in an interview.

“Brazil has offered quality products, guaranteed by strict controls of process and sanitarian issues.

See “Brazil,” A2

BUSINESS NEWS SOURCE OF THE YEAR

Japan, true friend Teddy Locsin Jr.

FREE FIRE Opening statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. at the Bilateral Meeting with H. E. Taro Kono, Japan’s minister of foreign affairs, on February 10, 2019, at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City.

Y

OUR Excellency Foreign Minister Taro Kono and the members of your delegation.

We take great pleasure in welcoming you to the City of Davao— every weekend the country’s capital.

Continued on A6

As enrolled copy of ’19 budget bill pends, DBM chief inks ’20 budget call

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BEST PHL PROMOTER Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray pays a courtesy call on Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat at the

2017 EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

P25.00 nationwide | 5 sections 28 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

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RESIDENT Duterte has yet to appoint a new Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor, but Malacañang made an assurance that he will appoint someone competent and with integrity.

Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said the Palace also expects the new BSP governor to continue the initiatives started by the late BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr., who died last Saturday after battling cancer for a year.

Asked about the President’s expectations for the next BSP chief, Panelo said: “I suppose it’s the same—it’s the continuity of the work done by the previous governor.”

Aside from the progressive regulations he rolled out, Espenilla was known for championing financial inclusion, delivering financial services to the countryside and advancing electronic banking in the Philippines.

The Palace spokesman said the President will most likely visit the wake of the late BSP governor this week.

Panelo said he is not aware of a short list of potential candidates for BSP governor that was supposedly submitted to the President.

He made the statement in reaction to the pronouncement of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III on Monday that there is Continued on A2

mented by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said rice imports from non-Asean countries within the MAV will be charged a lower applied tariff of 40 percent, while those outside of MAV will be slapped a rate of 50 percent.

For rice imports from Asean member-states like Vietnam and Thailand, the applied tariff rate is 35 percent, as provided for the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga).

Apart from paying tariffs, rice importers will be required to secure sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSIC) from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

@BNicolasBM

ENDING the transmittal of the 2019 budget to Malacanang, Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno revealed on Tuesday that he already signed a memorandum on the national budget call for FY 2020.

The government is eyeing a P4.249-trillion national budget for 2020, as the Philippines continues to ramp up infrastructure spending.

The government is also eyeing to spend P1.222 trillion on infrastructure for 2020.

“I just signed the Budget Call. No news yet on when we will receive the enrolled copy of the [2019 General Appropriations] Bill,” Diokno told the BusinessMirror in a message.

The planned national budget for 2020 is higher than the P3.757trillion outlay for 2019, which was already approved by Congress but has yet to reach the desk of the President. Congress is targeting to submit the money measure to Malacañang on March 1.

Budget call

MEANWHILE, the budget call is a budget document issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at the start of the budget preparation phase.

This contains the budget priorities framework, which sets the budget priorities, macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal parameters for the proposed budget. It also

contains the guidelines, procedures and prescribed forms in formulating budget proposals.

According to the copy of the memorandum obtained by the BusinessMirror, the budget proposal for 2020 shall be consistent with the policies of the Duterte administration as embodied in the 0+10 Socioeconomic Agenda and Philippine Development Plan.

“Priority Programs and projects contained in the Updated 20172022 Public Investment Program and Approved 2020-2022 Three Year Rolling Infrastructure Program reflect the continuing emphasis on infrastructure spending,” said the memorandum. However, it pointed out, “increased infrastructure spending will not, in any way, detract from the full support provided” to the areas that are “poorest, lagging” and vulnerable to climate change and disaster risk, nor the social sector.

As the government is also modernizing the national budgeting process, Diokno also ordered the continued implementation of budget reforms, particularly the ongoing transition toward the annual cash-based budgeting system (ACBB), as well as the consolidation of national government funds to the Treasury Single Account.

“In the second year of the transition toward ACBB, there will be greater focus on ensuring the implementation-readiness of the proposals through better procurement Continued on A8

n JAPAN 0.4697 n UK 68.3413 n HK 6.6443 n CHINA 7.7977 n SINGAPORE 38.6489 n AUSTRALIA 37.3908 n EU 59.2517 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.9064

Source: BSP (26 February 2019 )

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Ballot face templates allow voters to vet bets this early

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By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

OTERS may now start picking their bets for the 2019 polls.

This after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) finally released the ballot face templates for each district.

Comelec Spokesman James B. Jimenez said they opted to release the images of the ballots so voters could become aware of both national and local candidates for the May 13 elections.

“This will allow them more opportunities to study their options and to familiarize themselves with the ballot itself,” Jimenez said.

The ballot face templates may be accessed at the Comelec’s official

“This will allow them more opportunities to study their options and to familiarize themselves with the ballot itself.”—Jimenez

web site at http://www.comelec.gov. ph/?r=2019NLE/BallotFaceTemplates.

With only around two months before the midterm elections, the Comelec en banc announced through Resolution 10500 that it has reset the date of the release of the Posted Computerized Voters

DOH: 2018 vaccine fund had 98% utilization rate

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HE D epar tment of Health ( D O H ) o n Tu e s d ay vowe d to continue to strengthen the information campaign on vaccination, disclosing that the P7.4-billion budget for its national immunization program in 2018 had a 98-percent utilization rate—a report that appeared directed at critics.

“Based on our public records, we had a 98-percent utilization rate which translates to an expenditure of P7.30 billion,” the DOH said in a statement.

BOC. . .

Continued from A1

Meanwhile, at the BOC forum with the chamber, it was discussed that international shipping lines should be required to have their own container depots outside Metro Manila and not inside port terminals, as what is being practiced at present.

The container yards would be for the storage of their empty containers, “with the space allocation of the facility to be efficiently managed to maximize storing capacity.”

The BOC also reported that as an alternative, a unified or shared facility where empty containers of all shipping companies may be accommodated can also be established.

“And as much as possible, these shipping line-owned depots must be located near industrial areas. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority should, therefore, be urged to have a space for empty containers, and BOC should accredit these depots,” the BOC said.

Furthermore, the strict enforcement

Rice. . .

Continued from A1

This covers even rice importation for the purposes of donation during calamities and emergency situations. In these instances, the agency/office/organization or private entities, if they are based in the Philippines, will be required to secure the SPSIC. This is because the food safety regulatory function of the NFA stipulated in the Food Safety Act of 2013 will be transferred to the BPI.

Powers of the President

UPON the recommendation of Neda and as advised by the NFAC, the President “may increase, increase, reduce, revise or adjust existing rates of import duty up to the bound rate” of rice tariffs.

Further, in the event of an “imminent or forecasted shortage,” the draft IRR provides that the President may allow the importation of rice at a lower applied tariff “for a limited period and/or specified volume” to address the situation.

The lower applied tariffs shall only apply for a maximum of 90 days or until the “shortage ceases to exist, whichever comes first.” The extension of the period may be done upon the recommendation of Neda, as advised by the NFAC. However, the draft IRR stipulated that these powers of the President will only be allowed when Congress is not in session. The NFAC may create a technical working group

The agency said bulk of the budget was allocated for the procurement and use of vaccines for all life stages including infants, adolescents, and senior citizens, while the rest were for injection devices.

“Specifically, for the Measles Mumps Rubella vaccines which are currently in use, we ensured that all doses planned have been procured, despite inflation of vaccine costs. We unfortunately still witnessed a drop in the vaccination rate due to vaccine

hesitancy,” the DOH added.

The DOH also thanked the Office of the President for its support in boosting the campaign to educate the public on the importance of vaccination and to correct misconceptions about it.

“Vaccination only works when there is collective action. We very much hope to get the support of the public, government agencies and civil societies in our fight against measles and misinformation.”

of the 90-day rule on empty containers should be also undertaken, if only to penalize those that have stayed in the country for over 90 days.

“Thus, a re export bond should be required from shipping companies for their empty containers. And the container imbalance charge , which is now being charged to importers and brokers, should be included in the reexport penalties and taxes on over-staying empty containers,” it added.

Last week, the National Economic and Development Authority said the port congestion could dampen the country’s trade performance this year.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia admitted to the BusinessMirror that port congestion played a part in the country’s lackluster trade performance in 2018.

Congestion particularly at the Port of Manila has also been cited by German firm Hapag-Lloyd as the reason it has “ceased acceptance for all reefer cargo to Manila, for both North and South Harbor.” In 2014, a study by state-owned think tank Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) estimated that the economy lost

P43.85 billion due to port congestion, with the BOC losses comprising an estimated P25.55 billion of the total.

to monitor these kinds of events.

The draft IRR also provides that the President may task the secretary of trade and industry and the Philippine International Trading Corp. “to expeditiously participate in the rice industry to enhance market competition and stabilize rice prices.”

The Neda Board Committee on Tariff and Related Matters will determine the need for negotiation and renegotiation of international trade agreements/commitments for rice.

The Philippine position and tariff modifications will be recommended to the President, who has the power to negotiate and/or renegotiate the country’s trade agreements.

These trade agreements include WTO agreements and RA 8178 as amended by RA 11203; Atiga; Asean Plus trade agreements; an Agreement on Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve, and Asean Food Security Reserve Agreement, among others.

NFA rationalization

THE draft IRR provided that, effective on March 5, the functions and powers of the NFA, such as those on licensing and instituting a quedan system, are repealed.

The NFA will be given 60 days to transition and restructure according to the stipulations in RA 11203. The NFA will be required to submit its restructuring or reorganization plan for the review and approval of the Governance Commission for GOCCs within the first 30 days of effectivity of the IRR. The reorganizational plan will include

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Business as usual after fire

IT is business as usual at the Port of Manila, ATI assured stakeholders in view of the fire that hit the BOC headquarters on Friday.

A fully operational one-stop-Ssop satellite office was immediately set up by ATI inside Pier 15’s passenger terminal to ensure uninterrupted port transactions.

The satellite office houses ATI’s Billing and Collections unit where brokers can settle port fees, book TABS (terminal appointment booking system) transactions, print gate passes using self-help kiosks and conduct other online transactions.

ATI’s customer helpdesk, the Verification, Receipting and Monitoring Unit of Philippine Ports Authority-NCR South, Philippine Export Zone Authority units and BOC-Port of Manila’s Operations Division, Export Division and Container Control Division are also housed at the same location. With reports by Cai U. Ordinario, Lorenz S. Marasigan

the compensation packages for employees considered redundant; work-force plan for those who will be retained; job matching and retooling of personnel; and other systems that will allow the NFA to mange the country’s buffer-stocking requirements and become “an open market player in the rice industry.”

The NFA’s Commercial Stocks Survey activities will also be transferred to the Philippine Statistics Authority starting on March 5. This means all documents and records concerning commercial rice stocks will be turned over to PSA within 15 days of the effectivity of the IRR. In terms of buffer stocking, the NFAC is tasked to craft rules, regulations and procedures involving the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of buffer stocks

by December 31.

Until the study is commissioned and completed, the NFA will be tasked to adopt a rice inventory level equivalent to 15 to 30 days of national rice consumption. This procurement will be funded by the NFA’s 2019 appropriations for palay procurement.

Safeguards

THE IRR provides for a Special Rice Safeguard to help protect local rice farmers from sudden or extreme price volatilities. These will be imposed in accordance with RA 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act and its IRR. The DA will be tasked to monitor rice importation and impose rice safeguards if the volume of imports exceeds the average in the last three years. The volume trigger

List (PCVL).

The poll body made the decision due to the delays “in the deployment of the continuous forms needed by the field offices in the printing of the PCVL.” The Comelec moved the deadline for Verification and Certification of the PCVL from February 7, 2019, to March 25, 2019. Likewise, it also changed the deadline for the Posting of the Certified PCVL from February 12, 2019, to March 29, 2019.

The PCVL contains the list of names of people qualified to vote for the 2019 polls, as well as the number of the polling precinct where they are assigned.

‘New BSP chief must have integrity’ Continued from A1

already a short list of candidates for the position.

Panelo also dodged the question on whether the President is inclined to appoint an insider in the BSP. “If that’s the judgment call of the President, it’s his prerogative.”

Former BSP Governor Jose Cuisia said in a television interview that it would be good for the President to appoint an insider, noting that there are very competent people in the agency who can do the job.

Cuisia said he thinks Espenilla’s successor should also be able to continue the initiatives of the late BSP governor.

Among the presumed contenders for Espenilla’s post include three deputy governors—Diwa Guinigundo, Chuchi Fonacier and Cyd Tuano-Amador.

Tuano-Amador was designated by the Monetary Board as the BSP officer in charge until the President names Espenilla’s successor.

Prior to Espenilla’s appointment as BSP governor in 2017, Espenilla rose through the ranks in the BSP since joining the institution in 1981. He served 38 years in the BSP and used to describe himself as a “homegrown” product of the local Central Bank. Bernadette D. Nicolas

will be 125 percent of the average in the last three years.

In line with this, all tariff lines with the heading 10.06 in the Asean Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature will be annexed to the IRR of RA 8800 on the list of agriculture products eligible for special safeguards.

“If the volume trigger is activated, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue a department order requesting the commissioner of Customs, through the secretary of finance, to impose an additional special safeguard duty on an agricultural product, consistent with Philippine international treaty obligations,” the IRR stated.

“The additional safeguard duty shall be at most one-third of the applicable out-quota customs duty, and is only valid at the end of the year in which it is imposed,” it added.

Road map

THE DA will lead the crafting of the Rice Industry Roadmap, which, the IRR stipulated, should be adopted no later than September 5.

Agencies that will craft the road map include the Neda, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, National Irrigation Administration and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

Representatives from the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Committees on Food Staples and Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and a farmer will also help draft the rice road map.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Give Pinoys good jobs at home, don’t give 1st crack to Chinese labor’

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

V

Correspondent

ICE President Leni G. Robredo on Tuesday urged President Duterte to provide jobs for Filipinos first, rather than letting an unbridled flow of Chinese workers enter the country.

“I think it is wrong to let our countrymen leave [ the Philippines] and give space for Chinese workers here,” Robredo said on the sidelines of the “Ka Pepe Diokno Human Rights Award 2019,” a recognition for democracy advocates named in honor of the late Sen. Jose W. Diokno.

“For me, there is one patently wrong there [Duterte’s policy to allow Chinese to work in the Philippines]. Because the very goal of the government is how to bring back Filipino workers abroad here in the country,” Robredo said, reiterating that the priority in providing jobs should be the Filipinos.

She also assailed President Duterte for saying that the government cannot be too aggressive in cracking down on Chinese workers in the Philippines since Beijing could do the same to 300,000 Filipinos in China.

“Why can’t we provide good working conditions here so that the Filipinos will no longer work abroad and leave their family?”

Robredo asked.

In the last three years, the Department of Labor said that roughly half of the 169,000 Alien Employment Permits issued by the agency went to Chinese nationals, a third ofwhich are in support services, including offshore gaming.

The Senate labor committee is currently investigating the influx of hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers in the country, many of them believed to be illegals and employed in offshore gaming and in construction.

‘With new law, lobbying at SSS will soon end’

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NEWLY enacted law is touted to end the problematic palakasan scheme in getting appointed as members of the governing board of the Social Security System (SSS), Sen. Richard Gordon said on Tuesday.

Gordon, who chairs the Senate Committee on Government Corporations, cited key provisions of Republic Act 11199 that, he said, was projected to “usher in an era of competent professional management” in the SSS. “The Republic Act 11199 or the SSS Act of 2019 would put an end to the palakasan system in the appointment of members of the governing board of the state pension fund,” the senator said.

For instance, Gordon pointed out that one of the key amendments in the newly enacted Social Security law is “the inclusion of qualifications and standards in the selection of the members of the Social Security Commission (SSC), the policy-making board of the SSS.” “Now, members [of the SSS governing board] will no longer be appointed merely on the basis of a palakasan system,” added Gordon.

The senator confirmed that under the new SSS law embodied in RA 11199, the SSS Commission will be composed of the secretary of finance as the ex officio SSC Chairman; SSS president/CEO

Brazil. . .

Continued from A1

Also, Brazil has no bird flu or African swine fever in its territory,” he added.

Data provided by the Abpa showed that Brazil’s poultry meat exports to the Philippines in 2018 rose by 47.62 percent to 52,454.218 metric tons from 35,530.988 MT recorded in 2017.

Brazil’s pork exports to the Philippines expanded by 481.9 percent to 12,055.879 MT from just 2,071.68 MT in 2017, Abpa data showed.

Its chicken ex ports to the Philippines in 2018 were valued at $27.136 million, 40.3 percent higher than the $19.344 million recorded in 2017, according to Abpa data.

Abpa data also showed that the value of Brazil’s pork exports to the Philippines ballooned to $20.079 million, a 571.4-percent increment from the $2.99-million export re-

as its vice chairman; the secretary of labor and employment as ex officio member; and six other members from the workers’ and employer’s group.

Gordon said the SSS law further provides that members of the SSC shall be of known competence, probity, integrity and recognized expertise in the fields of social security, pension fund, insurance, investment, banking and finance, economics, management, law or actuarial science and with at least 10 years of managerial or leadership experience.

In a statement, the senator stressed the huge responsibility of the SSS leadership, citing its fiduciary duty.

“Napakalaki ng responsibilidad ng Social Security Commission.

Sila ay may fiduciary responsibility para pangalagaan at palaguin ang pera ng bayan. Nararapat lamang na ang mga taong ilalagay natin sa Social Security Commission ay kwalipakado, may karanasan at eksperto sa larangan ng social security [The Social Security Commission has a huge task.

They have a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard and grow the wealth of the people. It’s only right that only those who are qualified, have enough relevant experience and are experts in social security are appointed there],” Gordon stressed.

Butch Fernandez

ceipt recorded in 2017.

“There is no reason to not repeat [the growth in exports last year]. Brazil is going to increase its international actions to be closer [to] its clients/partners,” Santin said.

“We intend to show to all importer-countries our position to increase our partnership for food security,” he added.

Santin said Brazil’s ASF-free status would be one of its key competitive advantages, as many countries, including the Philippines, have closed their borders to products from countries hit by the dreaded swine disease.

Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that Brazil is the country’s third-top supplier of poultry meat, and it is also the top 8 exporter of pork products to the Philippines.

BAI data showed that the majority of the country’s poultry meat imports from Brazil are used by the meat-processing sector to manufacture hot dogs and chicken nuggets.

The Nation

A4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

BusinessMirror

Floating cocaine may just be a ‘diversionary tactic’ for bigger shabu haul–PDEA chief

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By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking at the possibility that the bricks of cocaine that were successively fished out of the waters in the country’s eastern seaboard beginning early this month may have come from Mexico or Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle.

PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said this possibility cropped up following confirmation that one of the earlier recovered drugs in the waters of Sorsogon in the Bicol region came from Columbia, as indicated by the result of tests.

“We conducted a drug purity profiling of the drugs that we recovered in Matnog, Sorsogon, and it came out

that it is from Columbia,” Aquino told radio station dzMM, which validated earlier claims of international drug cartels’ operations in the country like the Sinaloa of Mexico.

However, Aquino said the Columbian source can’t be confirmed yet for other recoveries like those that have been fished out in the waters of Quezon, Camarines

Norte, Aurora, Dinagat, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental, since Columbia is still considered just too far from the country.

“We are taking representative samples from those that we recovered from Siargao, Dinagat and other areas and we are sending it to America for us to really determine the source of these drugs,” he said.

If they are not of Mexican source, the official raised the possibility that the cocaine could have come from drug syndicates based or operating in the Golden Triangle, the opium-rich region in the tri-boundaries of Lao PDR, Burma and Thailand.

“We are also looking at the Golden Triangle since they are also involved in opium and cocaine,” Aquino said.

The PDEA director general said the possible dumping of cocaine in the country’s eastern seaboard could be a ploy by drug syndicates to bring in drugs, or use other parts of the country’s waters, for their transshipment operations, noting that the country has vast maritime waters

which could not all be covered by patrols, even by the Philippine Navy.

“So there is a probability that cocaine were being deliberately floated in the eastern side, while a big shipment of shabu is now going in the western or maybe northern or southern part. So we could see the diversionary tactics,” he said.

In the case of cocaine, Aquino said once they reached the country, they would be repacked for international markets like Hong Kong, China and Australia.

Unlike shabu, marijuana and ecstacy, cocaine is not popular among Filipino drug users, according to Aquino, and this is the reason why the price of cocaine in the country is comparatively lower than shabu.

“Cocaine has only 2 up to 3 percent of the drugs market in the Philippines,” Aquino said. “And since it is not the drugs of choice, it is much cheaper.”

According to him, a gram of shabu fetches P6,800, while a gram of cocaine only costs about P5,400.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PNP orders crackdown on illegal use of sirens, blinkers by May poll bets

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ATIONAL Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde has ordered the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to strictly enforce the ban on the use of sirens and blinkers following reports of rampant abuse by candidates running in the midterm elections.

PNP Spokesman Senior Supt.

Bernard Banac said that Albayalde reminded the HPG to implement the prohibition on the use of sirens, blinkers and other devices by individuals and groups, other than those who are authorized under the existing law to use them.

“Acting on persistent reports of violations by convoys and motorcades of political parties and candidates for the 2019 midterm elections, the chief PNP said he has put to task the PNP Highway Patrol Group to strictly enforce the provisions of Presidential Decree [PD] 96,” said Banac.

The law prohibits the “use of siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.”

“We are moving forcefully against the indiscriminate use of prohibited

sirens, bells, horns, whistles, or similar gadgets that produce staggering sounds; as well as illegal dome lights, signaling or f lashing devices,” Albayalde said in his order.

Banac said that PD 96 mandated that sirens and blinkers can only be used on motor vehicles designated for official use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, police departments, fire departments and hospital ambulances.

Violation of the law would result to the cancellation or revocation of the certificate of registration of the vehicle involved.

At the same time, Albayalde reminded political parties and their candidates to observe road safety protocol and courtesy when holding campaign motorcades and convoys along national highways and main thoroughfares to prevent accidents and unnecessary inconvenience to other motorists.

The PNP advised organizers of large convoys and motorcades to coordinate their activities with local government units and local PNP offices for appropriate assistance.

Rene Acosta

No discrimination against HIV patients, solons remind HMOs, insurance firms Duterte meets Misuari

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

A

LAWMAKER on Tuesday said insurance companies should cease to discriminate against Filipinos living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) under the new law on AIDS prevention and control.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel said health maintenance organizations (HMO) and life insurance firms are expected to revise policies or face sanctions under law.

Pimentel made the statement after an unnamed leading insurer’s standard policy reportedly stipulated that, “No benefit shall be payable in cases of HIV and or any HIV-related illness, including AIDS and/or any mutations, derivations or variations thereof.”

The lawmaker also cited another major insurer’s policy which states that “No benefit shall be payable in malignant cancer cases when the tumors are in the presence of HIV infection.”

“All insurers in the country are expected to revise their standard policies to comply with the provision of the law that prohibits the exclusion of persons living with HIV,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said people living with HIV could no longer be left without insurance coverage and protection by reason of their condition.

Under Republic Act 11166, which took effect January 25, “No person living with HIV [PLHIV] shall be denied or deprived of private health insurance under a HMO and private life insurance coverage under a life insurance company on the basis of the person’s HIV status. Furthermore, no person shall be denied of his life insurance claims if he dies of HIV or AIDS under a valid and subsisting life insurance policy.”

The law said violators of the provision face up to five years imprisonment and a fine of at least P50,000, plus administrative sanctions, such as suspension or revocation of business permit, business license or accreditation and professional license,

according to Pimentel.

“We’ve gone over several standard insurance policies issued prior to the passage of the law, and we came across a number [of policies] that categorically excluded HIV-related cases from coverage. These exclusions are no longer possible,” Pimentel said.

HIV causes AIDS which destroys the human body’s natural ability to fight off all kinds of infections.

The condition still does not have any known cure, but Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) slows down the virus.

A total of 11,427 new HIV cases were diagnosed in the country in 2018, according to the Department of Health ’s (DOH) National HIV and AIDS Registry.

T he fig ures brought to 62,029 t he c u mu l at ive nu mber of peo ple fou nd l iv i ng w it h HI V si nce t he gover nment bega n pa ssive su r vei l l a nce i n 198 4.

Of the 62,029 cases, the registry said 3,054 have died, while another 7,098 had “clinical manifestations” of advanced infection based on World Health Organization standards.

A total of 33,575 Filipinos living with HIV were undergoing ART as of December 2018.

Rep. Ron P. Salo, citing latest figures from the DOH, said

four pregnant mothers in their 20s and 52 adolescents are among the 877 new HI V-A IDS cases recorded last December.

“All the adolescents found to have been infected with HIV got it through sexual intercourse and two of them were in the 10 to 14 years age range. The four pregnant with HIV are in the 22 to 25 age range,” Salo said.

“The latest report is deeply disturbing. We really need more prevention, education and other forms of effective intervention. The new law must be implemented fast,” he added.

“Considering that the 108 patients who said they paid for or received payment for sex were aged 17 to 53 years, that means for those who are 10 to 16 years old, there was no money involved, so other factors like rape, sexual abuse, molestation or experimentation would have been present,” Salo added.

With the new HIV-AIDS law, teenagers aged 15 to below 18 can volunteer for HIV testing and do not need parental consent.

“Persons younger than 15 who are pregnant or engage in highrisk behavior making them open to infection can also choose to be tested but with the assistance of a licensed social worker or health worker,” Salo said.

amid BTA ‘ramblings’

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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RESIDENT Duterte held a brief meeting with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding Chairman Nur Misuari on Monday night at the Palace, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said in a briefing on Tuesday that the meeting only lasted for about 15 minutes.

“What transpired last night was [that the] President told the chairman that he admired his patience, and apologized for not having implemented or enforced whatever agreements that they had previously… with respect to federalism or something. They would be talking again precisely about that. They didn’t have much time to talk so they will meet again,” Panelo said.

He also said the President thanked Misuari for being very patient as the President had to attend to so many matters, which is why he wasn’t able to fulfill what was promised, especially on some aspects that has something to do with President’s campaign for federalism.

Nonetheless, the Palace is still not backing down on its federalism push, Panelo said. “Well if there’s a political will, anything is possible,” he said.

The President’s meeting with the MNLF founding chairman comes after the President revealed that there were “ramblings” happening within the rebel group amid reports that the MNLF members are not happy with the composition of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

However, Panelo said these ramblings were not discussed during the meeting.

“Well, for one, if the MNLF was complaining about it, the chairman did not mention it last night. Number two, per [Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process] General [Carlito] Galvez, there has been equitable distribution or representation on that authority,” he said.

The Palace spokesman added that the “equitable” distribution can also mean how effective the representation is with respect to the goals of the BTA. Panelo also noted that Sandiganbayan has allowed Misuari to leave the country for meetings with officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from February 26 to March 20.

Bishop: Death threats kept me away from award rites

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

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ALOOCAN Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David had opted not to attend the Ka Pepe Diokno Human Rights Awards 2019 to personally accept his recognition due to death threats.

In a message read by his brother University of the Philippines sociology professor Randy David, the bishop said that he decided not to come so as not to “unnecessarily endanger the lives” of those who will accompany him to the event at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Taft, Manila.

The bishop has been very vocal in criticizing the antidrug campaign being waged by Duterte administration.

Bishop David said that “well-meaning friends who worry for my personal safety had advised me not to take this threats to my person lightly.”

“So I’m begging off from today’s event. What was paramount is that I did not want to unnecessarily endanger the lives of those who would accompany me to this venue,” Bishop David said.

“I hope you will forgive me for not being able to join you today. For over a week now, my phone

has been buzzing with text messages written in screaming and intimidating capital letters telling me that I [would be] next in line for execution,” Bishop David stated in his message.

Another recipient of the award is Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa who was arrested recently by the National Bureau of Investigation due to a cyber libel case filed by the Department of Justice. She was detained overnight at the agency.

For her part, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed alarm over the reported death threats received by clergymen.

“The culture of impunity is very worrisome.

When I was in Cebu, I was able to talk to some of the local officials and even ordinary people there and this is what we talked about—the death threats. So the question is, why did we reach this point?” Robredo said in an ambush interview after the program. She was the keynote speaker at the event.

In her speech, Robredo, the world’s eyes are cast upon the Filipinos and the unfolding developments in the Philippines. “...As our nation comes to grips with portent foreshadowing that our past trauma has returned: the growing culture of division and polarization among us Filipinos, the dark

side of the war on drugs that trample human rights, and threats to press freedom that weaken the Fourth Estate, a critical element in our democracy,” she said referring to the pre-1986 Edsa Revolution.

She also cited the threat to remove scholarships of those students considered as “rebellious.”

“Instead of threats to revoke scholarships for student activists, we should talk about how we can make education more accessible. Because for every child sent to school, we help a family rise out of poverty,” Robredo said.

Meanwhile, senatorial aspirant Chel Diokno also condemned the death threats against Bishop David.

“It’s about time that we stop this kind of tactics. What Bishop David wants is only the betterment of this country and justice,” Diokno said.

Also present at the event were former President Benigno S. Aquino III, DLSU President Bro. Armin A. Luistro, Chancellor Brother Bernie S. Oca, among others.

Earlier, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle wrote to President Duterte to inform him that Bishop David and some priests received death threats from “someone claiming to be working for the President’s family.”

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D.T.I. REPORTS 72% SURGE IN I.P. APPLICATIONS IN CENTRAL LUZON

By Ashley Manabat Correspondent

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ITY OF SAN FERNANDO—A 72-percent increase was noted on the applications for registration of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in Central Luzon.

There were 307 applications for patent, trademark, copyright, utility model and other forms of IPR registrations in 2018 as compared to 2017’s 178 applications.

The figures were based on the report of the local Intellectual Property Office (IPO) at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) regional office here.

“Registrants from the province of Pampanga made the bulk of applications with 174, while applicants from Bulacan totaled 58. There were also 25 IPR applications from Tarlac, 22 from Bataan, 18 from Nueva Ecija, seven from Aurora and one from Zambales,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.

Of the 307 IPR applications processed by the local IPO office, 115 were part of the “Juana Make a Mark” program of DTI, where women entrepreneurs are assisted by the agency to register the intellectual property associated with their products at discounted rates.

It was learned that for Central Luzon, the majority of the applications are for trade names or brands, product designs, product labels and label colors.

“Micro, small and medium enterprises are encouraged to register their trademarks and IPRs with the IPO to ensure their legal rights to use the marks or symbols associated with their products,” Angeles added.

Republic Act (RA) 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code, outlines the rights to trademarks, patents, industrial designs, service marks, copyrights and utility models.

RA 8293 also sets rules on the use of these marks and penalizes infringement of the legal rights of IPR holders.

The DTI, as head of the National Committee on IPR, intends to ensure that the benefits or proceeds from the commercial use of IPR redound to the legal holder, and to avoid undue copying and illegal use of IPO-registered trade names.

Retail strip of 1st CBD in Region 3 set for opening in Q2 this year

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

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HE pioneering and biggest central business district (CBD) in Central Luzon will soon witness the opening of its retail component to serve not only as a leisure hub for locals but also to bolster tourism in the area.

“We started constructing The Shoppes in June of 2018 and we are very excited to announce that we are ahead of schedule,” said Byron John T. Siy, general manager of AC Beautiful Island Realty Development Corp.

(ACBI). “We expect the completion of the newest retail and commercial hub in the region this year.”

Projected to open by the second quarter of 2019 and become fully operational, thereafter, Siy said that this sprawling retail strip within their flagship project called “The Infinity” will also be a catalyst of change in its host province, the region and other areas.

“By opening The Shoppes, we are not just introducing a new leisure hot spot, but we are bridging business from the capable province of Pampanga to the rest of Central Luzon and even the metro,” Siy added.

Designed by LG+V Architects, it will feature a modern contemporary influence and sustainable building ideas.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, February 27, 2019 A5

Govt allots 5-hectare lot for Isla Puting Bato squatters affected by bay rehab

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By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie & Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE leadership of the House of Representatives announced on Tuesday that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) had agreed to donate a parcel of land to squatter residents who are expected to be affected by the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. During an oversight committee hearing at the Rosauro Arboleda Elementary School in Zaragoza, Tondo, House Committee on Housing and Urban Development Chairman Alfredo Benitez said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the PPA and the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Under the MOU, Benitez said, a 5-hectare PPA property in Tondo has been allotted for the occupancy of more than 2,000 squatter families

that inhabit the Isla Puting Bato off Manila Bay. The PPA, through its General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, confirmed the signing of the MOU not only with the NHA but also with the local government of Manila for the turnover of the relocation site, an area near the country’s premier seaport, the Manila International Container Terminal.

“We will concretize the agreement and arrangement for the relocation

of approximately 2,086 informal settler families situated at Isla Puting Bato,” Santiago said.

He added that the PPA will work with the NHA, the Manila North Harbor Container Port Inc. and the International Container Terminal Services Inc. to “construct housing facilities on that 5-hectare property.”

Santiago was referring to a government-owned property near the North Harbor in Manila.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade lauded the PPA’s move to free up space in the port. However, the move might present some challenges since part of the 5-hectare land is a portion owned by the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

“The beauty behind this announcement is that I will be talking to the management of the PNR to resolve the 1,000-square-meter issue and balance it out,” he said.

For his part, PNR General Manager Junn Magno had “committed to donate 1,064 square meters of land for the informal settlers.”

The MOU likewise justified the need to remove, relocate and resettle

squatter dwellers not only within the Isla Puting Bato area but also its surrounding areas.

Benitez added the NHA will identity the qualified recipients, while the City of Manila will help in the implementation of the project.

The NHA, he said, will conduct tagging and census activities to identify the qualified structure owners and non-structure owners at Isla Puting Bato and peripheral areas.

The MOU also provides a budget for the clearing operations of the occupied areas and the site, as well as for the construction of low-rise buildings.

According to Benitez, the PPA has donated some P1 billion for the relocation project.

Under the agreement, the City of Manila will provide support and assistance in the implementation of the clearing operations, relocation and resettlement of the informal settlers.

The housing allocation came after House Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo called for a hearing of the Oversight Committee on Housing to address the delay in the release of titles to the recipients of urban

poor housing proclamations she issued when she was president.

During her term, Arroyo issued Proclamations 96, 518 and 825 and Executive Order 108 for the purpose of providing socialized housing sites to actual occupants in Parola, Tondo, and Binondo, both in Manila.

During the hearing it was revealed that more than 2,000 families living in a property owned by PPA will be displaced because of the ongoing rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Isla Puting Bato Barangay Chairman Bryan Mondejar said the thousands of residents are worried about their condition for years, especially with the Manila Bay cleanup and had decided to come to the hearing to bring to the attention to Arroyo about their condition.

The hearing was attended by Tugade, Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Manila Rep. Manuel Lopez and heads of the NHA, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and PPA.

Bacuit Bay in Palawan could be next on DENR’s rehabilitation list

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is eyeing to rehabilitate El Nido’s Bacuit Bay. The target is to get the job done in two months, or by May this year,

DENR Region 4A Executive Director Henry Adornado told participants of a recent forum in El Nido, Palawan.

Bacuit Bay pales in comparison to Palawan’s surrounding waters that are generally rated “healthy.” The bay has deteriorated over the years because of unsustainable tourism activities in the El Nido Resorts, ironi-

BTr awards P113.772B for 5-year RTBs amid strong appetite for govt security

By Rea Cu

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@ReaCuBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has awarded P113.772 billion for five-year retail treasury bonds (RTBs), which is four times oversubscribed from the initial offering of P30 billion with market investors showing strong appetite for the government security.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon told financial reporters that the auction committee is pleased with the turnout of the RTB rate setting auction on Monday, as it was able to award P113.772 billion higher than what was initially offered at P30 billion.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the auction today [Monday]. So we have upsized the offering to P120 billion from P30 billion, so that’s almost four times the rate we expect...So it’s a coupon setting exercise, so 6.25 percent, we see that investors view this as what we call a last call to be able to get this good rates because of the expectations that eventually rates will be trending downward with inflation expectations also to continue to decline. And particularly with the two bills that were passed by the administration, the rice tariffication and the amendments to the Central Bank Act,” de Leon said.

The coupon rate for the IOU was set at 6.250 percent, with tenders amounting to as much as P121.807 billion.

De Leon explained that the passage of the rice tariffication bill and the amended central bank charter was taken as positive move by investors as this is seen to help ease inflation further.

“And based on our initial survey, they view that inflation might really be settling [at] around the 4 percent area…It really shows that we will be in the path of 2 percent to 4 percent infla-

tion and within the target of the BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] within the year,” she added.

Last week, the BTr announced that it will be offering five-year RTB on February 26, as part of the government’s funding exercise for the year with an initial offering of P30 billion.

“Based on the feedback, we can reach P200 billion but I don’t think we will really be availing that much from these offering...so we’ll see first from the demand because we also want to get more from this exercise the retail and individual investors...

In the past we averaged about 10 percent to 20 percent of individuals, so hopefully with the online ordering platform that we have now, it can only be accessed by LandBank [Land Bank of the Philippines] and DBP [Development Bank of the Philippines] depositors because the rest of the other banks are not yet ready with their system,” she said.

The offer period for the security starts on February 26 and ends on March 8. RTBs are made available to small investors for a minimum denominations of P5,000. RTB tranche 22 will mature in the year 2024.

Proceeds from the issuance of RTBs will form part of the Philippine government’s fund raising efforts for its health services, educational programs, and public infrastructure.

The online RTB ordering platform is available to those who have peso accounts with the LandBank and the DBP who are the Joint Lead Issue Managers for the 22nd RTB offering.

cally, the country’s first supposedly sustainable ecotourism site.

The surrounding waters in Bacuit Bay has been reported to be contaminated and was found to have high fecal coliform level because of direct discharge of untreated wastewater into the water body.

The DENR, as part of its effort

to rehabilitate tourist spots around the country, last year completed the rehabilitation of Boracay Island after six months of shutting down the country’s top tourist destination to local and foreign and tourists last year.

“We are confident we can present to the public an improved Bacuit

Bay—safe and fit for bathing and swimming,” Adornado said in a news statement.

Around 200 participants attended the forum, which included commercial establishment owners, business operators and representatives of local and national government agencies.

A6 Wednesday, February 27, 2019 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

Paying lip service to PHL agriculture

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OLLOWING the ratification of the 1987 Constitution, the Philippines elected senators and congressmen in May 1987.

The elections took place more than a decade after the abolition of the bicameral legislature and the establishment of a unicameral body under a parliamentary government as provided for under the 1973 Constitution. Lawmakers elected in 1987 were known as members of the 8th Congress as the old congressional count was maintained.

Before 1986 Philippine GDP contracted by 7.324 percent in 1984 and 7.307 percent in 1985, according to data from the World Bank. The Philippine economy recovered in 1986, when GDP grew by 3.417 percent. When the 1987 Constitution was ratified, hopes were high that this would pave the way for a more prosperous Philippines. This is because Article II, Section 9 of the Constitution indicates that the State “shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.”

Three decades after the 1987 Constitution was ratified and the Filipinos were again given the power to elect their lawmakers, the Philippines has yet to see poverty incidence fall to a single digit. Many of the poor are in rural areas and according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the poorest Filipinos are farmers and fishermen. Despite its contribution to Philippine economy, the agriculture sector did not get the attention it deserved, even if Article II, Section 21 of the Constitution stated that “the State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.”

This lack of focus on the agriculture sector is also evident in terms of legislative priority. Among the most significant measures enacted for the sector in the last three decades are Republic Act 8178, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996; RA 6657, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law; RA 8435, or the Agricultural Fisheries Modernization Act (Afma) of 1997; and RA 10000, or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009.

RA 8178, which was enacted after the Philippines joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, converted the quantitative restrictions on farm goods, except for rice. The Afma sought to provide the legal basis for modernizing the farm sector and included provisions aimed at developing rural areas and organizing these into Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones. The AgriAgra law wanted to expand the access of fishermen and farmers to loans from the banking sector.

Unfortunately, loopholes in these measures were exploited. This is evident in the Agri-Agra law, as banks were allowed to tap other mechanisms so they can comply with the provisions of the law. As for Afma, its provisions were simply ignored by government. Until now, government is not funding initiatives to implement the law.

As for the accession of the Philippines to the WTO, the promised gains of open export markets were not realized by local agricultural producers. This could have been remedied by Congress by putting in place the necessary safety nets for farmers to help them become more competitive. RA 8178 prescribed the set up of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which would consist of tariffs collected from the importation of farm goods but many farmers could not tap the Acef.

Need we wonder then if the sector could not jack up its contribution to Philippine GDP? In fact, agriculture’s share to GDP has declined in recent years. It took spikes in inflation last year for bureaucrats to realize the importance of agriculture, particularly in easing supply-side pressures, to temper price increases.

Because inflation remains a popular issue, many candidates running for the midterm polls have started parroting economic managers who harped about the importance of agriculture to the economy. But lawmakers should not just stop at parroting economic managers. Rhetoric will not make crops grow and shield the Philippines from the ill effects of climate change. Voters have the power to choose candidates who can give the agriculture sector the attention it deserves.

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Japan, true friend

N 1957 President Carlos P. Garcia welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s grandfather, Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, to the Philippines, and expressed “sincere hope that [his] presence in our country…will presage the birth of a new era of closer friendship and more sympathetic understanding between the Filipinos and the Japanese.”

In the context of President Duterte’s vision for economic expansion leading to an inclusive, just and stable society, Japan’s assistance has proved vital. Not only has it been consistent and resolute, it has also become the gold standard—in quality of outcomes, breadth and in the generosity of its terms; indeed, it is the template for similar such arrangements with other countries.

They testify to Japan’s selfless commitment to the Philippines.

A year later Prime Minister Kishi welcomed President Garcia to Tokyo.

These reciprocal leaders’ visits, the first since the normalization of our relations, marked the beginning of a tradition of high-level visits and dialogues that have come to define and underpin Philippine-Japan ties— the most vibrant in the region—that happily continue to this day. I thus thank you, Minister Kono, for accepting my invitation to undertake your first bilateral official visit to the Philippines.

and stable society, Japan’s assistance has proved vital. Not only has it been consistent and resolute, it has also become the gold standard—in quality of outcomes, breadth and in the generosity of its terms; indeed, it is the template for similar such arrangements with other countries.

They testify to Japan’s selfless commitment to the Philippines.

But we meet today not only to take bilateral relations further forward. The regional security and economic situation provides a larger context for our future cooperation. I

Teddy Locsin Jr.

FREE FIRE Continued from A1

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Guidelines for online/mobile app platform operators Atty. Mabel L. Buted

✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor Senior Editors

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Efleda P. Campos Dennis D. Estopace

Online Editor Social Media Editor

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TAX LAW FOR BUSINESS

T. Anthony C. Cabangon Lourdes M. Fernandez

This morning is an opportunity for stocktaking and for advancing our cooperation to more mutually beneficial outcomes. Japan has been our staunchest partner. Presently, Japan is at the forefront among partners helping President Duterte achieve his transformative agenda —in infrastructure, social inclusion, and securing peace and progress in Mindanao.

In the context of President Duterte’s vision for economic expansion leading to an inclusive, just

thus look forward to engaging Your Excellency in a frank exchange of views on the pressing regional concerns of our time.

The rise of new powers, coupled with economic and security challenges old and new, augur that our region will be yet again the principal stage of great power competition. A delicate balance and equilibrium needs to emerge so the region can keep its gains, grow them and keep up the momentum. This hopefully means a balance that reaffirms the fundamental values of the modern international system—mutual respect, nonaggression, rule of law, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Cultivating and harnessing strategic relations among all players is vital to the continued stability and prosperity of our dynamic Asian neighborhood.

It is highly reassuring, therefore, to be navigating these waters with Japan, which has played an increasingly important role in contributing to regional peace and stability.

I look forward to enlightening and fruitful discussions with Your Excellency, this morning.

(Secretary Locsin invites FM Kono to deliver his opening remarks.)

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HE advent of today’s technology, such as the Internet, has clearly changed the way businesses offer their products and services, as well as the way consumers avail themselves of them. Back then, we usually become aware of new products only after watching television commercials. But now, most, if not everything, that you need to know about a particular product can be searched online. Online shopping is the new trend.

This has paved the way for the development of many online platforms or applications that serve as a “market” where these businesses could sell and the consumers could, in turn, buy. But you might encounter a problem on equity restrictions if you are found to be using your platform for advertising or for mass media activities.

For you not to be deemed as engaged in advertising activities, (a) you must not write or prepare commercial messages or materials for the products of your third-party clients to be posted in the platform or mobile app and (b) you must not select for or advise your third-party-clients what medium or vehicle to use to disseminate the advertising materials and commercial messages (SEC-OGC Opinion No. 18-21).

The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) also opined that for an online or mobile app platform operator not to be deemed as engaging in mass media activities, (a) there must be no pervasive or indiscriminate display to the general public of any promotional materials or advertisements on the products or services being offered by the third-party clients or even the platform or mobile app itself; (b) only the following information must be made available in the app, web site or platform: (i) enumeration of the services offered by the platform itself, (ii) instruction on how to use the said platform, (iii) enumeration of third-party partner, and this shall only be limited to the listing of the name or logo of the third-party client and (iv) any other information on the platform

The problem with these guidelines is on their enforcement.

The Internet is capable of generating infinite applications and web sites. But the government is finding it hard to build the infrastructure to catch up with the Internet world. With all its vast powers, who knows the government might develop its own app or platform to enforce these guidelines.

required to be disclosed by any law or regulatory measures; and (c) the disclosure of the products and services offered by its third-party clients must only be for the purpose of completing the transaction enabled by the app, web site or platform. (SECOGC Opinion No. 18-21).

Note that in the said opinion issued by the SEC, the entity involved is a software developer of a digital loans origination and management platform, which provides the following services to financial institutions (a) providing information about their loan products in the “marketplace” feature of the application; (b) accepting, processing and approving applications for such loan products; and (c) monitoring the status of loan products availed of. Information about the loan products featured there are accessible and can be availed only by a registered consumer who must have

to create an account first before it can use the application and avail himself/ herself of the said loan products.

It must be emphasized that although information about the loan products are not disseminated to the public and cannot be seen by the public and only the registered users can view the said information, the SEC still laid out the aforesaid specific guidelines just to ensure that the platform operator is not engaged in any form of advertising or mass media activities. Otherwise, the entity will be subject to the 70 percent/100 percent equity restriction of the Philippine Constitution.

The problem with these guidelines is on its enforcement. The Internet is capable of generating infinite applications and web sites. But the government is finding it hard to build the infrastructure to catch up with the Internet world. With all its vast powers, who knows the government might develop its own app or platform to enforce these guidelines.

The author is a senior associate of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a memberfirm of WTS Global.

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 403-2001 local 312.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019 A7

Duterte’s Hobbesian bargain Annual Premium Equivalent: Measuring

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By Emmanuel Doy Santos

HIS May a political milestone will be reached without anyone noticing. It will be 21 years since Joseph “Erap” E. Estrada’s election as president. He won with the largest plurality ever attained up until then, using a populist slogan, “Erap para sa mahirap” (Erap for the poor).

Estrada’s presidency was brief, cut short by his own doing. Had it continued, Erap would have designated Fernando Poe Jr. to succeed him.

Both were dispatched by the iron lady Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who toppled Erap and out-maneuvered FPJ in a subsequent election.

One lasting Erap legacy is the present disdain for civil society. If his rise was fuelled by populism, exploiting class resentments, his fall was marked by a response equally resentful of elite condescension toward those whose values are deemed primitive.

Fast-forward 20 years and we are ruled by another populist, President Duterte, who has revived the culture wars stoked in Erap’s wake.

This war is directed at those who claim to uphold democratic values, but undermine duly elected officials whose views they oppose. Support comes from large swathes of our population who back his illiberal governance style.

An illiberal democracy is a state where free elections determine who rules, but where democratic mandates are used to violate constitutional rights of certain citizens, normally belonging to minority, ethnic groups. In the Philippines, the focus has been on suspected drug offenders. Anyone who presses for the protection of their civil rights is tarred with the same brush—treated as enemy of the state.

Duterte’s electoral victory is used to justify a deadly anti-narcotics operation nationwide. This has resulted in thousands of deaths, under questionable circumstances, according to human-rights advocates.

Duterte and his followers have adopted a Hobbesian view where rulers and the ruled enter a social contract for mutual preservation.

In exchange for sacrifices made by citizens, like paying taxes and observing laws, rulers establish order, punishing those who harm others within the community.

Post-Edsa regimes prior to Duterte seemed unable to uphold this part of the bargain. This is why voters threw out of office so-called yellow forces for paying too much respect to civil liberties, not enough

on duties and responsibilities.

Extrajudicial killings carried out in full view are not meant to render justice. They are purposefully done to provide irrefutable proof that the ruler is performing his end of the deal. That is why Duterte has publicly owned up to the “sin” of EJKs. This isn’t Erap’s populism anchored on class antagonism. It harks back to a pre-Enlightenment era where the legitimacy of rulers was based on their ability to preserve the peace.

The opposition may harp on about his dictatorial tendencies to delegitimize him. But, majority of Filipinos, as indicated in opinion polls, disagree with his methods, but see them as necessary. Those who oppose Duterte will have to provide viable alternatives.

That means demonstrating somewhere that liberal governments can protect communities from social ills. This is why Duterte’s labeling of Naga a haven for drugs needs to be addressed by the Liberal Party led by Vice President Leni Robredo who hails from there. The tag “coddler of drug lords” sticks in a postfacts world. Robredo who showed an openness to the Portuguese model of decriminalizing drug use to deal with addiction, has not effectively laid out a solid case for it.

Her “Ahon Laylayan Koalisyon” (Rise up from the fringes) program isn’t creating a bandwagon effect like “Jeep ni Erap” (Erap’s Jeep). Other Liberals like Sen. Bam Aquino seem more interested in taking pot shots at Duterte’s tax reforms. Bam, who previously banked on his “Aquinoness,” now suffers a drag due to that association.

Until the opposition addresses its law and order deficit, none of its appeals to economic populism will cut through. This is a war fought on cultural grounds. It will have to win the argument on Duterte’s turf, before it can regain legitimacy in people’s eyes to be entrusted with the reins of power again.

Emmanuel Doy Santos is a policy analyst who dabbles in international development. Known online for his blog and Youtube channel The Cusp PH., he tweets as @cusp_ph.

As Fidelity dives into China bonds, JPMorgan Asset hesitates

By Andreea Papuc Bloomberg Opinion

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HINA’S bond market is dividing two titans of the finance industry. Fidelity International likes the diversification it offers, but for JPMorgan Asset Management there remain too many questions to pile in at this point.

Chinese policy-makers’ moves to make it easier for foreign investors to invest has put a spotlight on international fund managers’ appetites to jump into the world’s third-biggest bond market.

Its government bonds are on course to be added to global indexes, though not everyone is yet convinced, as shown in the interviews with managers at the two firms—which manage a total of more than $4 trillion globally.

“China’s monetary policy” and “its onshore bonds are not correlated to what US or Australian government bonds do,’’ said Bryan Collins, the head of Asian fixed income at Fidelity International in Hong Kong. “I can diversify the risks within in my portfolio.”

Yields on 10-year Chinese government bonds dropped to just above 3 percent, from about 4 percent early last year, as China’s central bank shifted toward stimulus amid an economic slowdown.

By contrast, yields in the US climbed for much of 2018 as the Federal Reserve kept tightening, though the dovish pivot there has seen Treasury rates retreat more recently.

JPMorgan Asset Management is siding with those such as Mellon who are treading more carefully. Bob Michele, its

chief investment officer for global fixed income, cites issues with regard to risk management and trading practices. He highlighted uncertainty about which specific bonds will be included in the new indexes, and how the People’s Bank of China will be involved in the market.

“I can’t say I’m committed one way or another, but for sure everybody’s got to start putting them into their process and looking at them,” Michele said in a recent interview in Sydney. “In terms of suggesting that this is a cheap area and we are going overweight in our portfolios—no.”

Bloomberg LP said Chinese local-currency bonds will be added to the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index on a phased-in basis from April. Bloomberg LP is also the parent of Bloomberg News.

Market participants expect other large index providers to follow suit in time.

For Fidelity’s Collins, the easing bias on policy in China will help stabilize growth and support bond prices. Fidelity is keeping “a long bias” for Chinese sovereign debt, he said.

Fidelity has been investing in the domestic market through the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors program, the China Interbank Bond Market, and earlier this year through Bond Connect, Collins said.

“Chinese government bonds have, and are likely to continue to have, a slightly higher yield than what you would have in other markets and historically have had higher risk-adjusted returns,’’ said Collins, who oversees Fidelity’s China RMB Bond Fund, which beat 90 percent of its peers over the past year.

the industry’s new business Dennis B. Funa

INSURANCE FORUM

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OMPARING the sales performance of insurers would have been simpler if there were only one premium payment method. Unfortunately, there are two payment methods which make comparison problematic. With these two payment methods, comparison of companies’ new sales is not determined accurately.

For years, the life insurance industry’s sales performance has been measured by the total premiums or total premium income, net of reinsurance, generated in one year. This has been criticized, however, because in determining the total premium income, 100 percent of the single premium business is factored in, thus distorting the premium income for the year since a single premium covers the entire period of the policy, which could be several years. Counting in single premium policies bring in more money up front because of the immediate payment of the entire premium than the regular premium policies. Single premiums are paid at the start of the policy. This can be distorting especially when

comparing the new business of one insurer with the others that both generate single premiums and recurring premiums. The proportion of single premium policies differs from one insurer to the other. It is not a good way to compare new sales generated among insurers.

Single premium is also known as single-pay or one-time pay, as opposed to the regular pay. For the regular pay, it is to be noted that insurance policies afford several premium payment options. Premiums can be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually and annually. Thus, the acceptance of 100 percent of the single premium business has become the root of contention. New sales or new business of life insurance

One alternative measure to determine new business is the present value of new business premiums, which recognizes all premiums at their present value. It is the present value of total confirmed premiums that will be received from present to future. It is a more sophisticated alternative that is part of the European Embedded Value standards. products written during a reporting year are not measured accurately using total premiums.

Beginning 2019, the Insurance Commission has adopted the Annual Premium Equivalent, also known as the New Business APE or the Annualized Premium Equivalent, as a standard to measure life insurance industry sales performance. The APE is already widely used across the globe. It has, in fact, become an international standard. New sales of life insurance products are measured more accurately using the APE. Under the APE, the value of regular premiums from products newly sold in a specific year (or the initial annualized premium) is added to 10 percent of any new single premiums written. Only 10 percent of the single

premiums are considered. It is the sum of the annual premiums of new recurring premium business (initial annual premium) plus a portion, or one tenth, of the single premiums written during the reporting year.

Why 10 percent? It assumes that the average life insurance policy lasts only for 10 years. The 10 percent annualizes the single lump-sum payment received over the 10 years the policy is in effect. The APE, thus, normalizes policy premiums into the equivalent of regular annual payments.

One alternative measure to determine new business is the present value of new business premiums, which recognizes all premiums at their present value. It is the present value of total confirmed premiums that will be received from present to future. It is a more sophisticated alternative that is part of the European Embedded Value standards. Still, there are others in the horizon such as the New Business Margin, which is determined by the Value of New Business divided by the present value of new business premiums PVNBP. The APE is not covered by IFRS 17 or by any GAAP. Dennis B. Funa is the current insurance commissioner. Funa was appointed by President Duterte as the new insurance commissioner in December 2016.

E-mail: dennisfuna@yahoo.com.

Reaching out to the Aetas in Sapang Uwak Florante S. Solmerin

FACT IS MIGHT!

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IVING much-needed help or assistance to our less fortunate countrymen like the Aetas in Barangay Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga, is a commendable act of compassion, concern and seriousness of Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. (AKFI) Thanks to AKFI through the leadership of Menchie Silvestre, with Claire Jacob of AKFI’s Sales Department.

The TV5 group would also like to thank Peace Camp through the leadership of retired Army Col. Samuel Sagun.

Peace Camp is a registered group

that promotes peace, education, unity, and concern for our Aeta brothers and sisters, toward a prosperous and vibrant community. Most of all, the group seeks to banner the Aetas’ innate talent and culture in taking care of the environment, thus helping enhance tourism efforts in Barangay Sapang Uwak and nearby towns.

According to Sagun, everyone is welcome to visit and commune with the Aetas who will share their jungle survival skills.

Visitors will have the chance to meet 90-year-old Apo Jungle, who can still hunt wild boars in Mount Pinatubo. Those who want to visit the Peace Camp can contact me.

Even with little preparation, AKFI members were able to distribute food packs to 30 Aeta families in Sapang Uwak. And these families were very grateful for what they received.

Menchie’s group was able to bring joy to Aeta kids by giving them toys and school supplies. In return, the kids showed them their respective talents.

The activities of the Peace Camp and AKFI communing with Aetas to help them adjust to modern times are indeed commendable. For example, AKFI brought various seeds that were

distributed to the Aetas. Noticeable also is the AKFI effort to bring lasting programs for the Aetas. We should emulate this if we want to help other sectors of society that also need help and support.

Peace Camp and AKFI also joined hands with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in their efforts to bring medical and dental mission and feeding activities in Sapang Uwak.

For Aetas in Sapang Uwak, they don’t know what the PCSO is or what the agency does. It’s a good thing Sagun brought us there with AKFI. It was an enlightening experience.

Again, thank you Peace Camp and AKFI and to all the members of the Sales and Production Departments of TV5 for the experience of meeting the Aetas in Sapang Uwak!

E-mail: fetad@yahoo.com

Trump’s China trade ‘win’ will cost the US

By Michael Schuman Bloomberg Opinion

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ONALD J. TRUMP believes he is about to score yet another big win on trade, this time with China. Progress in talks with Beijing, he claims, has been so “substantial” that he’s delayed a looming March 1 deadline and is likely headed for a summit with China’s President Xi Jinping to finalize a long-awaited settlement.

This latest “win,” however, is shaping up to be a typical Trump victory—much, much more smoke than fire. And the potential consequences could be costly: long-term damage to US credibility with China and, more broadly, within the entire global economic order.

So far, Trump’s negotiators appear to have made headway on large-scale Chinese purchases of American goods to narrow the trade deficit, some market-opening measures for US companies, a pledge not to manipulate the yuan and perhaps better protection for US intellectual property.

The progress, though, has come in areas that either mean little to China, such as reducing the trade deficit, or are already in line with overall Chinese policy, as in improv ing intellectual-propert y rights. The Chinese delegation so far appears to have deftly dodged concessions that would force

fundamental changes in Beijing’s core policy agenda and stateled economic system. Of course, talks are still ongoing, so further breakthroughs are possible. But, as Trump seems more and more intent on sealing a deal, they’re increasingly unlikely.

That means the China trade agreement will in all likelihood follow an all-too-familiar pattern: Trump talks big but settles for little.

Last year, he sold a revised freetrade agreement with South Korea as “brand new” when the changes were cosmetic. Beyond a couple meaningless tweaks on automobile trade, Trump managed to blackmail Seoul into imposing a quota on steel exports to the US. The revisions in the replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement are more substantive, especially in automobile, dairy and digital trade. But the revised pact, the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement, is hardly a game changer. As Claude Barfield, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, has explained, there are “large sections of the old Nafta which were not touched” in the update, and the new deal “won’t really be affecting trade flows.”

The petty way Trump dealt with allies South Korea, Canada and Mexico in trade negotiations was bad enough for Washington’s reputation. The fallout from the

China deal could be much more severe. First off, Trump’s strategy of speaking loudly and carrying a small stick will only make it harder to negotiate with China in the future. His climbdown will reinforce the perception among Chinese leaders that they can outlast elected American politicians, no matter how combative they appear, who will eventually wither under shortterm political pressures.

That means the next time Washington complains about Chinese trade practices—which is inevitable, given the likely incomplete nature of the current deal—Beijing will be even more resistant to making major concessions.

More important, Trump is, in certain respects, prodding Chinese economic policy in the exact wrong direction. Clearly, those big purchases of US agricultural produce, energy and other products pledged by Beijing can happen only if organized by the Chinese state. That puts Washington in the awkward position of demanding Chinese bureaucrats overrule markets and twist trade flows on behalf of the US. What American companies really want is to get the Chinese state out of the way—to allow market forces and private enterprise greater sway in the Chinese economy.

Only then will China become a more open and fair place to do business.

So the ultimate price for these extra soybean sales is rather steep: core American economic principles.

Ever since the end of World War II, the US has taken the lead in forming an international order based on free enterprise, open markets and peaceful integration. Trump, too, has claimed his policies are meant to create “fair” trade by blasting away at remaining barriers. But, the China deal is exposing his willingness to sacrifice long-standing American ideals for short-term political gain.

Trump could make matters even worse if he interferes in the case brought by the US Justice Department against Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.’s chief financial officer, as he has suggested is possible, to ink a trade deal. That would undermine the standing of the US legal system around the world.

Even if he doesn’t go that far, though, Trump is weakening Washington’s ability to influence the global economic order by whittling away at both US leverage and authority. And be assured the world is watching. As Trump looks set to dive into another trade war—this time with Europe and Japan over automobiles—their policy-makers are well aware of the gap between his stated goals and actual outcomes. Trump’s quest for big “wins” on trade threatens to leave the US a bigger loser.

2nd Front Page BusinessMirror

A8 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Security, terrorism and MDT to top Pompeo PHL agenda

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

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@BNicolasBM

ALACAÑANG said on Tuesday that President Duterte and United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will likely discuss issues on security and terrorism, as well as the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US, when the latter arrives in the Philippines on Thursday.

Following his visit to Vietnam, Pompeo is scheduled to visit the country on February 28, Thursday, until March 1, Friday.

He is also expected to pay a courtesy call on Duterte on Thursday.

“I’m sure there will be talks between their government and our

government with respect to our relations,” Presidential Spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo told Palace reporters.

Panelo also said they may also tackle issues concerning the country’s relations with China if

it will be raised by the US Secretary of State.

Pompeo will also be meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Last December, the Department of National Defense said it is high time for both sides to look into the MDT’s provisions given the continuing disputes in the South China Sea. In moving for the review, the Philippines’s defense department wanted Washington’s definitive stand on whether Manila could count on its ally’s support in case of a confrontation with outside forces in the nine islets and features that it occupies or claims in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana also earlier hinted that the islets and shoals should be covered by the treaty, which, one one hand, obligates the US to militarily come to the aid of the country once it is attacked by the other states.

While the country has occupied or claimed the islets and shoals in the West Philippine Sea, its claims are being challenged aggressively, specifically by China, which has already built fortified bases on its man-made islets in the South China Sea. Lorenzana has also said the review is needed in order for the country to make its alliance with the US stronger, “because it is the only country we have an alliance with.”

This comes as the Duterte administration has sought warmer relations with China despite the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea, which Manila raised in 2013 before a United Nations arbitral tribunal, where it got a favorable ruling.

Although the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a landmark decision in 2016 invalidating China’s “excessive” claims to the West Philippine Sea, China has opted not to recognize the arbitral ruling.

V

@villygc

ILLAR-LED property developer Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. on Tuesday said it will spend some P20 billion to develop a new product called Camella Condo Homes, or Coho, across 25 locations around the country.

Coho are affordable and highquality mid-rise of five to 15 stories of residential condominiums in highly urbanized cities.

It will cater primarily to the enduser market and aims to elevate the lifestyle of young professionals and starting families.

“For over four decades, Camella has been providing quality and affordable homes to Filipinos, and now expanding its market reach with the launch of Camella Coho not just in the Metro but across the Philippines,” Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar said.

“Coho is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience of condo living and the warmth of a friendly,

NORTHEAST MONSOON AFFECTING THE WHOLE COUNTRY as of 4:00 pm - February 26, 2019

nurturing community at an affordable price,” he said.

Its af ford able condo projects will be built in 25 locations across the country, such as in Antipolo, Bacolod, Bacoor, Baliuag, Bataan, Bohol, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caloocan, Davao City, Du mag uete, Genera l Sa ntos, Iloilo, Imus, Las Piñas, Legazpi, Lipa, Mactan, Palawan, Pampanga, Subic, Tagaytay, Taguig, Tagum and Talisay, Cebu, which will initially comprise 32 midrise buildings.

M.V.P. SAYS P.L.D.T. ADDING MORE LINES TO ‘8888’ AFTER DU30’S TIRADE

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

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USINESSMAN Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), on Tuesday assured President Duterte that the phone giant will install more trunk lines so that the Citizens’ Complaint Center 8888 hot-line number would be more accessible to the public.

“We apologize for that. We are glad that the President caught our attention to it. It’s a bit more complicated than what it appears. Apparently, the 8888 is really a call-center operations for both telcos, 20 lines each.

“We’re supposed to provide the lines, which we have provided, but the lines are not manned properly, undermanned. So, not all the calls are getting answers,” explained Pangilinan.

Duterte has threatened to shut down PLDT should it fail to

”We’re supposed to provide the lines, which we have provided, but the lines are not manned properly, undermanned. So, not all the calls are getting answers.”—Pangilinan

address the problem. The President said this during a campaign rally of the ruling PDP-Laban in Cebu on Sunday.

“To be fair, while it’s a 2020 to cover 40 lines of 20 each [telco]. So, we’re gonna put more lines than the 20 mandated in the contract with the government, and we will man it,” Pangilinan said on Tuesday.

“We will forget what the agreement said, so we will increase the number of lines to accommodate the calls, and we will man it ourselves. So we are responding to the President’s criticism,” the business leader added.

Nurses’ group wants GMA order cutting pay nullified

Vista Land to spend P20B to build ‘Coho’

By VG Cabuag

www.businessmirror.com.ph

By Joel R. San Juan

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@jrsanjuan1573

NG Nars party-list group on Tuesday appealed to the Supreme Court to nullify an executive order of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which declares that the entry level of Nurse 1 be pegged from salary grade 10 to salary grade 11.

At oral arguments on the petition, Ang Nars Party-list Rep. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz argued that the government should instead be compelled to comply with Section 32 of Republic Act (RA) 9173, also known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, putting the minimum base pay of government nurses not lower than salary grade 15.

Arroyo, now House Speaker, issued Executive Order (EO) 811 by virtue of a Joint Resolution issued by Congress in 2009 authorizing her to modify the compensation and position classification system of civilian personnel and the base pay schedule of military uniform personnel in the government.

Paquiz argued that Arroyo’s EO cannot validly repeal Section 32 of RA 9173, since only a law passed

by Congress can repeal the latter.

“Executive orders, administrative orders or circulars are not laws

within the ambit of the Constitution,” Paquiz pointed out.

She added that although Joint Resolution 4 attained status and effect of a law, it did not attain the status of a bill or under the purview of Article VI of the Constitution.

The said provision requires every bill passed by Congress to have only one subject, which should be expressed in its titles.

It also states that a bill can only be considered a law once it has passed three readings in Congress.

“Even assuming a Joint Resolution can become a law, it did not follow the one-subject rule for its title,” Paquiz pointed out.

Salary grade 15 for civilian personnel of the national government and in first-class provinces and cities starts at P29,010, while salary grade 11 starts at P22,000.

During interpellation, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio asked Paquiz whether the Court can compel Congress or the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund the implementation of RA 9173, to which the latter admitted that it is within the jurisdiction of Congress.

“To implement the law requires funding. In effect, when we say ‘implement the law,’ it means go have it appropriated. Can we do that?” Carpio asked.

Carpio said the group should have directly sought relief from Congress instead of the Court considering that it cannot compel the latter to appropriate.

In their petition for certiorari and mandamus, the party-list group asked the Court to declare null and void, for being contrary to existing law, Section 6 of EO 811.

The party-list group was joined in the petition by the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation headed by Annie Geron.

Ang Nars is an accredited partylist organization that promotes the rights of nurses.

Paquiz claimed that the DBM through Assistant Director Edgardo M. Macaranas acknowledged that there is a law providing for the entry level of government nurses to salary grade 15 but said the implementation of which will distort the hierarchical relationships of medical and allied positions in the bureaucracy and will require additional funding to the government coffers.

“By reducing the salary grade of nurses from salary grade 15 as provided for by RA 9173 to salary grade 11, Executive Order 811 has violated the principle of nondiminution of pay expressly provided for in Joint Resolution No. 4,” Ang Nars said.

As enrolled copy of ’19 budget bill pends, DBM chief inks ’20 budget call Continued from A1

planning, programming of projects and activities, and coordination among agencies,” the memorandum read.

“With budgeting as the last phase of the planning process, agencies are expected to anchor their budget proposals on more concrete plans and designs that outline key procurement implementation milestones, specific beneficiaries and improvement in monitoring priority outputs and results.”

Moreover, to ensure that the national priorities are responsive to regional and local needs in a manner that local government unit development capacities are strengthened in the process, agen-

cies should also undertake consultations within the Regional Development Councils.

This also ensures that regional plans are aligned with national priorities.

Departments and agencies shall, likewise, prepare the indicative 2020 Annual Procurement Plan to support their budget proposals.

This shall be a consolidation of their different procurement projects.

Despite the deletion of proposed provisions on cash-based budgeting in the bicameral version of the General Appropriations Bill ratified by both houses of Congress, Diokno last week said they would stick to the new

budgeting system for 2019.

According to Section 36, Chapter 5, Book VI of Executive Order 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, “an operational cash budget shall be implemented to ensure the availability of cash resources for priority development projects and to establish a sound basis for determining the level, type and timing of public borrowings.”

The DBM said the shift to cashbased from obligation-based budgeting will hasten the implementation of projects. A cash budget would also reflect “more accurately” the annual outputs and outcomes of the government, according to the DBM.

Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Companies BusinessMirror

Meralco 2018 net income tops ₧23 billion

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By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) on Tuesday said it surpassed sales and operational targets in a conducive business environment last year.

The utility firm posted a 13-percent increase in net income last year to P23.1 billion from P20.5 billion a year ago.

Core profit also jumped to P22.4 billion, 11 percent higher than the P20.2 billion in 2017. Revenues stood at P304.5 billion at end-2018, 8 percent higher than 2017.

“The sustained growth of the domestic economy, and the resilience of the global economy amidst political uncertainties, have allowed Meralco to still achieve healthy energy sales growth in 2018, despite an increase in the pursuit of greater energy efficiency across all customer classes, distributed and self-generation, particularly rooftop solar, which could negatively impact sales volumes,” Meralco Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“We hope the government’s ‘Build Build Build’ program and private-sector investments will pick up steadily to support domestic consumption and help hurdle the uncertainties affecting our growth,” he said.

Energy sales volume last year grew by 5 percent to 44,313 gigawatt hours. This included the volume distributed by Clark Electric Distribution Corp. of 527 GWh. Meralco’s customer base at end-2018 stood at 6.6 million.

The company’s capital expenditure last year stood at P13.7 billion, including facilities and lines to support embedded renewable energy plants, the total capacity of which is currently at 180.3 megawatts.

The Board of Directors approved a final cash dividend of P10.594 per share to all shareholders as of March 22, 2019, payable on April 15, 2019.

Avida Land sees ₧4.3-B sales from Makati project

By VG Cabuag

A

@villygc

VIDA Land Corp., the midrange brand of property developer Ayala Land Inc., on Tuesday said it expects P4.3 billion from the first of a three-tower development in one of its remaining projects in Makati. Reginald D. Alabe, the company’s business area head of the Metro south project, said the company will start selling Avida Towers Makati Southpoint to the public during the week, though it had started preselling the project since December.

Alabe said the project will sit on a 1.1-hectare lot, a former warehouse of pharmaceutical firm Wyeth, located on Don Chino Roces Avenue in Barangay Bangkal, Makati.

The location is close to the Makati CBD, and is a thriving residential and commercial area, he said.

Makati Southpoint will be selling at P197,000 per square meter, representing an average of about 170-percent increase in residential unit values per sq m since Avida began in the city.

A 23.3-sq-m studio unit costs about P4.4 million, a junior one-bedroom unit of the same size costs P4.5 million and a one-bedroom unit of 38.2 sq m costs P8.1 million to P8.5 million.

“The next two towers will be launched depending on the take-up of the first tower,” Alabe said in a briefing.

Makati Southpoint’s first tower will rise 32 stories high and feature 924 residential units, 247 parking lots and 10 retail units.

It will feature a grand central lobby for all three towers. Its amenity area will have a swimming pool, clubhouse, children’s play area, indoor gym, jogging path and linear park. A collaborative space and lounge areas will be included as points for convergence, functioning as extensions of the residents’ living spaces. The first tower is set for completion by 2024.

“We expect Makati to contribute 8 percent of our residential revenues this year. Our success here will continue with Makati Southpoint, which will fulfill the need of a changing market. Many of our young, upwardly mobile professionals are searching for a mid-priced, right-sized residence closer to their places of work. They need sensible amenities they will actually use,” said Raquel Cruz, Avida's vice president and head of corporate planning group.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 26, 2019

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALS

ASIA UNITED 59.35 59.4 59.35 59.35 59.35 59.35 1280 75968 BDO UNIBANK 130.8 131 130.6 131.3 129.8 131 7463910 975330552 BANK PH ISLANDS 84.8 84.9 86.9 86.9 84.65 84.9 2648830 225993715.5 CHINABANK 27.5 27.65 27.5 27.65 27.5 27.5 56700 1561185 EAST WEST BANK 12.72 12.8 12.58 12.8 12.54 12.72 296900 3754828 METROBANK 79 79.05 82 82 78.7 79 2386770 189196811.5 PB BANK 13.98 14 13.98 14 13.98 14 55800 780326 PBCOM 21.4 21.8 21.55 21.55 21.55 21.55 100 2155 PHIL NATL BANK 51.15 51.4 48 51.5 48 51.15 10202200 504062280 PSBANK 59.3 59.45 59.2 59.5 59.2 59.3 1160 68770 RCBC 26.5 26.55 26.5 26.55 26.45 26.5 424600 11248900 SECURITY BANK 171 171.7 174 174 170.6 171 233940 40111920 UNION BANK 61.6 61.8 62 62 61.55 61.55 14560 897965 BDO LEASING 2.25 2.3 2.23 2.3 2.23 2.3 11000 24600 COL FINANCIAL 18 18.12 17.96 18.12 17.96 18.12 51100 921180 FIRST ABACUS 0.62 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.62 0.64 225000 139800 FERRONOUX HLDG 4.37 4.49 4.4 4.49 4.37 4.49 104000 456290 IREMIT 1.46 1.52 1.51 1.51 1.49 1.5 35000 52480 MEDCO HLDG 0.465 0.47 0.49 0.49 0.465 0.47 670000 314750 MANULIFE 800 810 800 800 800 800 200 160000 NTL REINSURANCE 1.01 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.01 1.01 1080000 1108240 PHIL STOCK EXCH 185.1 185.5 185.5 185.5 185.5 185.5 360 66780 SUN LIFE 1805 1820 1805 1820 1805 1820 40 72350 VANTAGE 1.14 1.16 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 30000 34200

INDUSTRIAL ALSONS CONS 1.48 1.51 1.53 1.53 1.46 1.48 1864000 2789800 ABOITIZ POWER 36.6 36.95 37.2 37.2 36.15 36.95 872500 32079240 BASIC ENERGY 0.244 0.249 0.25 0.25 0.241 0.244 4590000 1120760 FIRST GEN 21.1 21.15 21 21.3 20.9 21.1 945800 20019545 FIRST PHIL HLDG 74.95 75 74.65 76.8 74.65 74.95 94260 7073472 MERALCO 375.6 375.8 375 375.6 369 375.6 236590 88269664 MANILA WATER 26.85 27 27.25 27.25 26.7 26.85 174300 4687365 PETRON 6.82 6.85 6.77 6.87 6.76 6.82 2945100 20068089 PETROENERGY 3.8 3.84 3.75 3.85 3.75 3.8 268000 1020400 PHINMA ENERGY 1.32 1.33 1.32 1.33 1.32 1.32 3029000 4003650 PHX PETROLEUM 11.82 12 11.7 12.26 11.7 12 250900 2962946 PILIPINAS SHELL 47.9 47.95 48 48 47.75 47.95 217800 10430155 SPC POWER 6.39 6.4 6.4 6.8 6.37 6.4 601000 3863531 AGRINURTURE 16.26 16.3 16.7 16.72 16.3 16.3 308300 5123908 CNTRL AZUCARERA 16.62 17 16.9 16.9 16.8 16.8 1200 20180 CENTURY FOOD 16.14 16.46 16.2 16.5 15.84 16.14 827200 13282890 DEL MONTE 6.42 6.5 6.42 6.5 6.42 6.44 9400 60474 DNL INDUS 11.5 11.54 11.52 11.54 11.46 11.5 2712400 31197660 EMPERADOR 7.52 7.67 7.51 7.67 7.51 7.52 191200 1437137 SMC FOODANDBEV 103.5 103.8 104 104.1 102 103.5 429300 44431692 ALLIANCE SELECT 1.05 1.06 1.04 1.08 1.03 1.06 1355000 1434110 GINEBRA 26.1 26.3 26.75 27.7 26 26.1 404100 10529070 JOLLIBEE 313 315 313.4 316.8 310 315 924040 289745428 MACAY HLDG 11.5 11.7 12.08 12.08 11.5 11.5 33700 397768 MAXS GROUP 12.14 12.18 12.2 12.4 12.06 12.14 505900 6146924 MG HLDG 0.201 0.205 0.203 0.214 0.2 0.205 3250000 668930 PEPSI COLA 1.4 1.41 1.45 1.47 1.4 1.4 10878000 15423070 SHAKEYS PIZZA 12.5 12.8 12.48 12.5 12.46 12.5 40200 501668 RFM CORP 4.7 4.74 4.74 4.74 4.7 4.7 187000 879130 SWIFT FOODS 0.13 0.135 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 50000 6500 UNIV ROBINA 149.4 150 149.9 150 146.6 149.4 747800 111740967 VITARICH 1.69 1.7 1.72 1.72 1.69 1.7 1513000 2567440 VICTORIAS 2.86 2.89 3.05 3.05 2.85 2.9 237000 686260 CONCRETE A 70 71 71 72 71 71 800 56900 CONCRETE B 71.05 81.25 71 74.1 71 74.1 70 5032 CEMEX HLDG 2.49 2.5 2.39 2.51 2.38 2.49 9856000 24289440 DAVINCI CAPITAL 6.1 6.4 6.1 6.4 6.1 6.4 17100 104340 EAGLE CEMENT 16 16.06 16.1 16.1 15.88 16.06 134000 2137344 EEI CORP 9.79 9.8 8.78 10.1 8.78 9.8 24976700 241042361 HOLCIM 9.48 9.49 9.49 9.55 9.48 9.48 566900 5379294 MEGAWIDE 19.78 19.8 18.9 19.8 18.88 19.78 10074900 197232452 PHINMA 8.89 9.2 8.88 8.88 8.88 8.88 300 2664 TKC METALS 1.09 1.1 1.17 1.17 1.1 1.1 837000 931210 VULCAN INDL 1.35 1.36 1.38 1.38 1.36 1.36 1158000 1578460 CHEMPHIL 128 137.8 128 128 128 128 520 66560 CROWN ASIA 1.89 1.93 1.94 1.95 1.88 1.88 118000 228880 LMG CHEMICALS 4.4 4.5 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 2000 8800 MABUHAY VINYL 3.59 3.69 3.69 3.69 3.69 3.69 4000 14760 PRYCE CORP 6 6.05 5.97 6 5.97 6 95600 571409 CONCEPCION 39.2 41.95 39 39.3 39 39.2 71100 2781215 GREENERGY 3.41 3.42 3.26 3.42 3.25 3.42 27724000 93625230 INTEGRATED MICR 12.6 12.62 12.6 12.84 12.52 12.6 546000 6916074 IONICS 1.73 1.74 1.77 1.77 1.73 1.73 75000 130460 PANASONIC 5.88 6.16 6.1 6.17 6.1 6.15 10600 65167 SFA SEMICON 1.36 1.39 1.37 1.4 1.37 1.39 62000 85120 CIRTEK HLDG 29.25 29.9 29.9 29.9 29 29.9 272600 8051095

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.73 0.7 0.72 7943000 5640540 ASIABEST GROUP 22.1 22.15 23.25 23.25 21.25 22.15 98500 2142180 AYALA CORP 942.5 945 950 950 935 945 240380 226874760 ABOITIZ EQUITY 64 64.6 64.5 64.6 63.15 64.6 823100 53106138 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 14.16 14.2 14.04 14.28 14.02 14.2 7827700 110728588 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.78 0.8 0.8 0.81 0.78 0.78 357000 281880 ATN HLDG A 1.36 1.37 1.37 1.39 1.36 1.37 5615000 7709260 ATN HLDG B 1.39 1.41 1.39 1.4 1.38 1.39 539000 749370 COSCO CAPITAL 7.83 7.87 7.79 7.87 7.75 7.87 2188400 17086312 DMCI HLDG 12.3 12.32 12.18 12.4 12.1 12.32 4914500 60174466 FILINVEST DEV 13.72 13.82 14.04 14.32 13.8 13.8 1281200 17953462 FORUM PACIFIC 0.233 0.245 0.233 0.233 0.232 0.233 200000 46480 GT CAPITAL 990 998.5 1013 1035 990 998.5 82760 83771177.5 HOUSE OF INV 6.3 6.34 6.17 6.39 6.15 6.3 282500 1757625 JG SUMMIT 69.5 69.55 68.6 69.5 67.8 69.5 5162680 356917571.5 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.51 5.86 5.52 5.52 5.52 5.52 2000 11040 KEPPEL HLDG A 4.63 5.56 5.56 5.56 5.56 5.56 600 3336 LODESTAR 0.58 0.6 0.61 0.61 0.6 0.6 2000 1210 LOPEZ HLDG 5.28 5.29 5.44 5.44 5.26 5.29 131200 695492 LT GROUP 15.68 15.7 15.7 15.78 15.62 15.7 2868700 45080848 MABUHAY HLDG 0.56 0.57 0.56 0.57 0.56 0.56 153000 85730 MJC INVESTMENTS 2.81 3.38 2.81 2.81 2.81 2.81 5000 14050 METRO PAC INV 4.86 4.89 4.83 4.9 4.83 4.89 14074000 68632100 PACIFICA 0.041 0.042 0.041 0.043 0.041 0.042 44000000 1826400 PRIME ORION 3 3.03 3 3.08 2.97 3.03 2601000 7867420 SOLID GROUP 1.34 1.37 1.35 1.35 1.32 1.35 418000 553690 SYNERGY GRID 449 450 452 452 450 450 150 67590 SM INVESTMENTS 975 985 989 989 972 985 175300 172841105 SAN MIGUEL CORP 179.6 180 179 180 178.8 180 3090920 556047723 SOC RESOURCES 0.78 0.81 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 10000 7800 TOP FRONTIER 280 283 280 284 277.2 284 145550 40770712 WELLEX INDUS 0.248 0.255 0.25 0.255 0.248 0.25 2520000 629610 ZEUS HLDG 0.365 0.37 0.355 0.375 0.345 0.37 51310000 18611450

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.92 0.88 0.9 1255000 1123490 ANCHOR LAND 9.88 10.5 10.3 10.6 10.3 10.5 1000 10350 AYALA LAND 44.9 44.95 44 45 44 44.95 17597900 788121535 ARANETA PROP 1.94 1.95 1.9 1.95 1.83 1.94 194000 367590 BELLE CORP 2.56 2.57 2.57 2.6 2.56 2.57 1170000 3008570 A BROWN 0.8 0.81 0.82 0.82 0.81 0.81 720000 586760 CITYLAND DEVT 0.91 0.92 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.92 135000 122780 CROWN EQUITIES 0.25 0.255 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 2660000 665000 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.27 4.29 4.12 4.3 4.12 4.29 803000 3420640 CENTURY PROP 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.49 0.5 9239000 4628570 CYBER BAY 0.44 0.445 0.425 0.455 0.415 0.445 3680000 1627100 DOUBLEDRAGON 22.35 22.5 22.4 22.6 22.35 22.35 226700 5091415 DM WENCESLAO 10.14 10.18 10.42 10.44 10.12 10.14 1140700 11648766 EMPIRE EAST 0.52 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.52 0.52 1667000 878220 FILINVEST LAND 1.52 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.52 1.53 2524000 3852790 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.29 1.31 1.27 1.33 1.27 1.29 4027000 5235120 8990 HLDG 11.74 11.78 12.06 12.06 11.62 11.78 1589200 18760960 PHIL INFRADEV 2.18 2.19 2.13 2.21 2.08 2.19 5021000 10781790 CITY AND LAND 0.89 0.91 0.91 0.93 0.89 0.91 100000 91310 MEGAWORLD 5.31 5.32 5.3 5.33 5.27 5.31 23354700 123985232 MRC ALLIED 0.425 0.43 0.43 0.435 0.425 0.43 12890000 5508900 PHIL ESTATES 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 60000 27600 PRIMEX CORP 2.86 2.92 2.95 2.97 2.85 2.92 171000 490040 ROBINSONS LAND 23.85 23.9 23.9 23.95 23.25 23.85 2658600 63144915 PHIL REALTY 0.47 0.485 0.485 0.485 0.47 0.485 320000 153050 ROCKWELL 2.01 2.02 2.01 2.03 2 2.02 155000 311700 SHANG PROP 3.12 3.15 3.1 3.15 3.1 3.15 13000 40520 STA LUCIA LAND 1.45 1.46 1.46 1.47 1.4 1.45 994000 1421410 SM PRIME HLDG 39 39.35 39.5 39.5 38.85 39.35 6355800 250107600 STARMALLS 6.47 6.58 6.74 6.74 6.4 6.47 321000 2095084 SUNTRUST HOME 0.77 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.76 0.8 51000 39680 PTFC REDEV CORP 35.9 46.3 46.5 46.5 40 45 500 22450 VISTA LAND 7.48 7.5 7.39 7.55 7.31 7.5 35560900 266457266

SERVICES ABS CBN 22.2 22.35 22.85 22.85 22.1 22.35 57400 1282190 GMA NETWORK 5.71 5.73 5.73 5.74 5.7 5.73 147300 842148 MANILA BULLETIN 0.64 0.65 0.69 0.7 0.62 0.65 6120000 3998670 GLOBE TELECOM 1888 1900 1919 1919 1862 1900 40995 77837825 PLDT 1095 1098 1117 1120 1081 1098 118345 129811135 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.047 0.049 0.049 0.05 0.047 0.049 14640000 703120 DFNN INC 7.24 7.34 7.24 7.24 7.24 7.24 300 2172 IMPERIAL 1.93 2.1 1.95 1.95 1.93 1.93 39000 75390 ISLAND INFO 0.131 0.132 0.131 0.135 0.129 0.131 5000000 651140 ISM COMM 5.88 5.89 5.9 5.95 5.81 5.88 3347700 19643970 JACKSTONES 3.07 3.23 3.08 3.08 3.07 3.07 10000 30790 NOW CORP 3.06 3.07 3.11 3.11 3.01 3.06 1058000 3217280 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.445 0.45 0.445 0.45 0.44 0.445 10560000 4695100 PHILWEB 3.15 3.16 3.22 3.22 3.15 3.16 653000 2068120 2GO GROUP 12.62 12.74 12.86 12.86 12.62 12.74 27600 350506 ASIAN TERMINALS 15 15.78 15.78 15.78 14.28 15 2342200 35134416 CEBU AIR 87 87.75 85.75 87.75 84.8 87.75 56920 4903095 CHELSEA 6.09 6.1 6.17 6.17 6.06 6.1 644400 3924663 INTL CONTAINER 119.6 119.8 117.5 121.6 117.5 119.6 4119730 494245804 LBC EXPRESS 15.7 15.9 15.78 15.8 15.76 15.8 25700 405568 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.89 0.92 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9 3000 2750 MACROASIA 19.34 19.44 19.56 19.58 19.3 19.44 254500 4,924,328( METROALLIANCE A 2.03 2.04 2.09 2.09 2.03 2.04 143000 292210 METROALLIANCE B 2 2.15 2 2 2 2 6000 12000 PAL HLDG 11.1 11.48 11.52 11.52 11.1 11.48 45100 509322 HARBOR STAR 2.85 2.88 2.97 2.97 2.83 2.85 956000 2739890 ACESITE HOTEL 1.28 1.35 1.3 1.35 1.28 1.28 100000 129870 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.068 0.069 0.072 0.072 0.068 0.068 118640000 8207310 WATERFRONT 0.68 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.69 0.69 2401000 1663420 CENTRO ESCOLAR 7.68 8.35 8 8 8 8 1700 13600 FAR EASTERN U 892 900 891 891 891 891 1860 1657260 IPEOPLE 10.86 11.16 11.14 11.18 11.14 11.18 800 8916 STI HLDG 0.72 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.72 0.72 1404000 1028240 BERJAYA 2.91 2.92 2.99 2.99 2.9 2.92 324000 947760 BLOOMBERRY 12.2 12.22 12.3 12.32 12.1 12.2 6672500 81577104 PACIFIC ONLINE 9.25 9.64 9.25 9.26 9.25 9.26 4200 38890 LEISURE AND RES 3.31 3.32 3.3 3.36 3.3 3.32 386000 1285560 PH RESORTS GRP 5.05 5.17 5.17 5.2 5.05 5.17 119400 610445 PREMIUM LEISURE 1.01 1.02 1.01 1.03 0.99 1.01 25156000 25396800 TRAVELLERS 5.57 5.6 5.63 5.63 5.53 5.57 189200 1053083 METRO RETAIL 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.08 2.96 3.04 1743000 5297510 PUREGOLD 49.35 49.5 49 49.65 49 49.5 4066400 201271870 ROBINSONS RTL 87.75 88 87 88.25 85.5 87.75 323450 28388126 PHIL SEVEN CORP 133 133.7 131.6 133.9 131.6 133 115590 15223699 SSI GROUP 2.26 2.27 2.26 2.28 2.25 2.27 4729000 10711860 WILCON DEPOT 14.76 14.8 14.22 14.9 14.22 14.76 5070400 74268496 APC GROUP 0.44 0.445 0.445 0.45 0.44 0.44 2690000 1192200 EASYCALL 14.9 14.98 14.96 15.1 14.9 14.98 60100 899336 GOLDEN BRIA 350.4 360 349.6 360 349.6 360 1080 387096 PRMIERE HORIZON 1.32 1.33 1.41 1.43 1.32 1.33 37324000 50556710 SBS PHIL CORP 8.51 8.79 8.8 8.8 8.8 8.8 2800 24640

MINING & OIL ATOK 13.4 13.78 13.3 13.78 13.3 13.7 17600 238944 APEX MINING 1.52 1.53 1.51 1.56 1.5 1.52 1008000 1541790 ABRA MINING 0.002 0.0022 0.0021 0.0021 0.002 0.0021 286000000 595400 ATLAS MINING 2.96 2.97 3.03 3.08 2.97 2.97 17000 51620 CENTURY PEAK 2.19 2.21 2.19 2.22 2.18 2.2 460000 1008250 DIZON MINES 7.77 8 7.78 8 7.78 8 300 2356 FERRONICKEL 1.51 1.52 1.5 1.53 1.48 1.52 2959000 4453470 GEOGRACE 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.28 0.26 0.27 3830000 1003850 LEPANTO A 0.128 0.129 0.126 0.129 0.126 0.128 600000 76780 LEPANTO B 0.127 0.133 0.133 0.133 0.133 0.133 500000 66500 MANILA MINING A 0.009 0.0097 0.009 0.0097 0.009 0.0097 7000000 64400 MANILA MINING B 0.0092 0.0093 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 0.0092 3000000 27600 MARCVENTURES 1.07 1.09 1.08 1.09 1.06 1.09 148000 158270 NIHAO 1.05 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.06 1.09 203000 215300 NICKEL ASIA 2.84 2.87 2.83 2.87 2.79 2.87 1979000 5599630 OMICO CORP 0.63 0.65 0.65 0.66 0.62 0.65 1095000 693210 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.98 0.99 1 1 0.99 0.99 557000 552590 PX MINING 4.15 4.17 4.18 4.21 4.13 4.17 1109000 4602010 SEMIRARA MINING 22.85 22.9 22.75 23.15 22.75 22.9 727700 16661680 UNITED PARAGON 0.0079 0.0081 0.008 0.0081 0.0079 0.0081 20000000 159800 ORNTL PETROL A 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 55700000 674900 PHILODRILL 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 3500000 43300 PHINMA PETRO 3.21 3.3 3.47 3.47 3.2 3.21 73000 235600 PXP ENERGY 15.04 15.08 14.72 15.24 14.72 15.04 1477600 22216418

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GTCAP PREF B LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A PCOR PREF 2A SFI PREF SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

95.15 481 96.8 103 899 0.98 99.7 100 971 1.75 75.1 76.5 72.9 74.4 73.7 72.25 72.45

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR

20.1

1.93

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ITALPINAS 4.75 MAKATI FINANCE 2.69 XURPAS 1.42

118.2

-135050 87835 8842420 34256041.5 -20527168 -6838491 -11835994 991968 11130290 -25200 86539920.5 -202497 6486850 20301660 379790 -529390 13356620 -5616882 -5590 -661950 179797240 128550 -10800 -692120 45000 -700 4925 48816 -481240 -467100 11670 -5896196 -55330 54215782 215000 -1619055 -4850 159009850 -129004275 3664595 25025875 2172 3930 168938 -12240 -429150 -0 2465731 18280 52071017 1,879,282.0003) -833500 -31730 -32250 869140 -10100 552550 -308106 592240 86063525 13305336.5 173797 2385170 -1411892 8800 -1395560 -618120 -2970 763560 1645050 -44100 133550 -3100930 1604720

96 481 97 103 900 0.99 100 102 985 1.7 75.45 76.1 73 74.5 74.5 72.65 73

96 490 97 103 900 1 100 102 985 1.7 75.45 76.5 73 74.5 74.5 72.65 73

96 481 96.5 102 900 0.99 100 101 971 1.7 75.45 76.1 73 74.2 74 72.25 72.8

96 490 96.8 103 900 1 100 101 971 1.7 75.45 76.5 73 74.5 74 72.25 72.8

350 140 21900 23010 1110 95000 18280 6510 1240 9000 20 18990 100 27940 13410 2120 32250

33600 68080 2121266 2363330 999000 94700 1828000 657520 1210960 15300 1509 1449235 7300 2078780 992345 153527 2347820

-14430 29700 -

20.35

20.1

20.1

20.1

20.1

22100

444210

-

1.97

1.96

1.98

1.94

1.97

76000

149380

-

4.8 2.9 1.43

4.88 2.9 1.52

4.88 2.9 1.52

4.74 2.9 1.42

4.8 2.9 1.42

426000 1000 15997000

2034470 2900 23196760

-14340 -1228500

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

-469610 7408760 49540 15292270 -879797.5 15434868 -584935 -8975897 -11400 -229152 -1966205 -69340 2222186 1521344 -1884 -2327816 -1042913 -8156305 47200 46202524 830230 701240 78490 -150430 46328398 -345590 4339110 -269510 -4082241 2883904 34473298.0003 25220 17987 -105405 -3457090 3714514 -265195

96 490 97 104 900 1.01 100.5 102 990 1.8 75.45 76.6 73 75 74.5 73.75 72.8

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

72407 -95378536 -95297056.5 -522865 -1785520 -115095861 212625220 7001085 -2543749 901376 -154580 -22260 -

118.8

118.2

118.2

118

118.2

4330

511513

-

Editor: Efleda P. Campos

Phoenix Petroleum posts ₧2.77-B net income last year

P

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HOENIX Petroleum Corp. is determined to surpass last year’s banner year with better results in 2019.

“We are positioning ourselves for more success in 2019 and beyond, with a focus on growth, execution, and delivering for our customers and shareholders,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert Fadullon said.

The oil firm reported on Tuesday it recorded last year its strongest revenue and earnings driven by record volume from new businesses and sustained strength in its core fuels business.

Reported net income surged to P2.77 billion, 82 percent higher than the previous year.

Revenues grew 99 percent to P88.61 billion in 2018 as volume of petroleum products sold grew by 49 percent year-on-year to an alltime high of 2.75 billion liters. This even as there was a sharp decline in benchmark crude in the fourth quarter of last year.

It also reported growth in its domestic business, driven by fuels and liquefied petroleum gas,

which delivered a 15-percent volume increase.

As of end 2018, 600 stations were operational nationwide.

Total LPG volume increased by 23 percent year-on-year on the back of the continued expansion in Luzon and consistent strength of its Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) business.

Luzon accounted for 10 percent of total LPG volume versus 4 percent pre-acquisition. VisMin continued to outpace industry growth and grew volume by 14 percent.

Further driving the company to new records was the trading operations at PNX Petroleum Singapore, which contributed 758 million liters of volume sold to third parties.

This was equivalent to 28 percent of the consolidated volume sales, 44 percent of which was sold mostly to customers within the fast-growing

markets in Southeast Asia, laying a strong foundation for Phoenix’s regional expansion.

The company’s convenience store retailing business, through Philippine FamilyMart (PFM), recorded an increase in average daily sales by 8 percent year-on-year while store operating costs and back-office costs were down by 14 percent and 13 percent, respectively, turning store Ebitda positive in 2018 from a loss in 2017.

PFM has also been realizing the synergies within the Udenna Group ecosystem with the first Generation 2 FamilyMart store being opened in August 2018 in Clark Global City. Currently, there are four FamilyMart kiosks aboard four Starlite ferries. At least three Phoenix stations are slated to have FamilyMart stores on-site.

Okada released by HK anti-corruption commission

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

T

HE camp of Japan’s casino mogul Kazuo Okada on Tuesday said he was unconditionally released by Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Okada representative Reody Anthony Balisi of Blanco and Esguerra Law Office said Okada was not arrested last week as reported, though he was barred from leaving Hong Kong during the past few days.

“He was able to return to Japan

now,” Balisi said.

A statement from Cheng Huan, Okada’s legal counsel in Hong Kong, said they accompanied the Japanese magnate in ICAC on February 22.

“Mr. Kazuo Okada was, on the same day, was released from bail unconditionally by the ICAC and he does not need to report any further to the ICAC,” Huan said in his statement, adding Okada’s bail money was returned to him. Okada’s camp said the ICAC’s decision to unconditionally release Okada was a big blow to Okada Manila operator and United

Geri to build second tower in Southwoods

L

ISTED property developer Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (Geri) on Tuesday said it is building a second tower for Tulip Gardens inside its 561-hectare Southwoods City township in the boundaries of Laguna and Cavite, following the successful take-up of the first tower in July last year.

The project, scheduled for completion in 2024, is expected to generate P1.3 billion in sales, it said.

It will be 22 stories high, offering 361 residential units ranging from studio, with sizes of up to 24.5 square meters, and one bedroom with balcony, with sizes of up to 41.5 sq m.

“The interest of buyers in Southwoods City is overwhelming, and this has been the trend since we introduced our first residential development, the Holland Park,

three years ago,” said Rachelle Peñaflorida, vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld GlobalEstate Inc. Southwoods City is just 30 minutes away from the Makati central business district and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. It is also just 10 minutes away from the business districts of Alabang, and just 45 minutes away from Tagaytay.

From 2016 to 2017, the company was able to sell the four towers of Holland Park with a total inventory of 622 units worth P2.7 billion.

In 2017, the three-level Southwoods Mall opened to the public offering around 58,000 sq m of retail spaces.

Southwoods City has its own direct access to the South Luzon Expressway via the Southwoods Exit. VG Cabuag

briefs

C.A. DENIES GMA-7 PETITION ON 96 MEDIA TALENTS

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has denied the petition filed by network giant GMA-7 seeking the reversal of the decision issued by the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) that declared 96 media talents of the television station as regular employees. In a 19-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Zenaida Galapate-Laguilles, the CA Special 14th Division held there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the NLRC in declaring the talents were regular employees “entitled to security of tenure and all benefits and rights appurtenant to their status.” The appellate court did not give credence to the argument of GMA-7 that the NLRC failed to consider the history and peculiarity of the broadcast industry and its practice as well as the circumstances surrounding the payment of talent fees to so-called talents, including it being glaringly high compared to the other employees of petitioners. Joel R. San Juan

ACER LEADS PHL PC MARKET FOR 10TH STRAIGHT YEAR

ELECTRONICS multinational Acer has sustained its lead for the 10th straight year in the Philippine personal computer (PC) market after accounting for one in every five of total shipments last year. Acer Philippines said it once again led the local PC market—the fastest in Southeast Asia—for the 10th consecutive year. Data from intelligence firm International Data Corp. reported the Philippines shipped 2.45 million PC units last year, with Acer accounting for about 20 percent, or 490,000 units, of this, and topped its competitors Lenovo, HP and Asus in the process. Elijah Felice E. Rosales

Entertainment Corp. (UEC), the Japan listed firm of the business formerly led by the magnate.

“They deceived the anti-corruption agency with their accusations against the casino magnate,” the lawyers said.

Okada said he is focused on his

MUTUAL FUNDS

legal battle to regain control of his company, Okada Holdings Inc. As 99-percent owner of OHL, Okada maintains that he holds 68-percent ownership of UEC, the parent company of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc., the operator of Okada Manila.

February 26, 2019

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 266.41 -7.23% 3.58% 2.72% 5.62% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.578 -1.54% 13.22% 4.33% 9.52% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 4.1272 -9.14% 4.82% 1.41% 5.74% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.9511 -3.73% N.A. N.A. 6.81% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.8629 N.A. N.A. N.A. 5.14% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 5.5419 -4.97% 3.57% 2.18% 5.14% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 123.45 5.24% N.A. N.A. 6% ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC. -A 0.8821 -8.59% -3.34% N.A. 5.97% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 52.3136 -6.18% 4.72% N.A. 6.32% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 546.44 -6.02% 3.49% 2.24% 6.16% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.3161 -4.36% 5.01% 5.38% 4.95% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 38.82 -4.5% 6% 4.7% 5.97% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,3 1.0381 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A 5.2897 -5.64% 5.64% 4.81% 6.67% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 882.77 -5.54% 5.41% 4.75% 6.55% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.8997 -6.13% 2.8% N.A. 4.47% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 4.3218 -4.62% 5.42% 3.49% 6.48% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 1.0155 -5.95% 5.32% N.A. 6.41% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.6863 -3.18% 6.84% 4.18% 5.29% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C,2 118.0151 -5.27% 6.53% 5.85% 6.56% ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B $1.001 -10.92% 8.49% 1.42% 7.74% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.2394 -4.23% N.A. N.A. 12.15% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.7245 -5.36% 0.7% -0.48% 4.44% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.3037 -5.15% 2.83% 1.43% 4.28% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.6448 -3.43% 0.89% -0.68% 3.97% GREPALIFE BALANCED FUND CORPORATION -A 1.3587 -5.76% N.A. N.A. 4.17% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.9106 -2.67% 2.42% 2.1% 3.66% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.6418 -5.49% 1.05% 1.07% 3.19% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 16.4821 -4.63% 1.29% 1.18% 3.61% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.1483 -3.1% 2.69% 2.92% 3.67% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.8338 -3.5% 2.7% 2.21% 5% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D,4 0.9933 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D,4 0.99 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D,4 0.9894 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 0.9726 -3.38% 2.33% N.A. 5.52% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.03568 1.51% 0.23% 1.63% 1.22% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -A $0.9829 -7.87% 5.3% -0.12% 4.99% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $3.5956 -3.03% 6.86% 2.02% 8.68% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A $1.0664 -4.69% N.A. N.A. 5.58% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 345.58 2.46% 2.04% 2.11% 0.64% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A,1 1.8623 -0.72% -0.54% -0.33% 0.17% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 2.9922 5.4% 5.26% 5.26% 0.72% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.1478 2.07% 1.48% 1.83% 0.81% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.2286 0.66% 0.3% 0.68% 0.87% GREPALIFE FIXED INCOME FUND CORP. -A P 1.595 -0.99% -0.42% 0.26% 1.96% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.925 -1.43% -1.05% 0.36% 0.13% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.5737 2.31% 1.16% 1.15% 1.61% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 0.9096 0.1% -0.79% N.A. 1.9% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 2.8328 1.72% 1.38% 1.52% 2.42% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A 1.5731 1.36% 1.04% 1% 2.16% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $451.4 2.15% 2.14% 2.98% 0.7% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є214.63 0.92% 1.36% 1.56% 0.93% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.1512 2.94% 1.47% 2.24% 2.26% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.025 1.21% 0.81% N.A. 0.81% GREPALIFE DOLLAR BOND FUND CORP. -A $1.6973 -1.74% -0.96% 0.91% 0.42% MAA PRIVILEGE DOLLAR FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. MAA PRIVILEGE EURO FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. ЄN.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -A $1.0499 0.39% -1.05% -2.34% 1.19% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A

$2.2198 2.11% 0.74% 2.74% 2.24% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0574942 1.23% 1.01% 1.73% 0.9% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $2.928 - 0.47% 0.13% 1.95% 1.95% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 121.77 3.32% 2.06% 1.7% 0.77% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A,5 1.0025 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A 1.1868 2.23% 0.86% 0.61% 0.41% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.2259 2.9% 2.37% 1.72% 0.57% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0195 1.96% N.A. N.A. 0.35%

* - NAVPS AS OF THE PREVIOUS BANKING DAY ** - NAVPS AS OF TWO BANKING DAYS AGO *** - LISTED IN THE PSE.

**** - RE-CLASSIFIED INTO A BALANCED FUND STARTING JANUARY 1, 2017 (FORMERLY GREPALIFE BOND FUND CORP.).

***** - LAUNCH DATE IS NOVEMBER 6, 2017 ****** - LAUNCH DATE IS JANUARY 08, 2018 ******** - RENAMING OF THE FUND WAS APPROVED BY THE SEC LAST APRIL 13, 2018. ********* - BECAME A MEMBER SINCE APRIL 20, 2018. ******* - ADJUSTED DUE TO CASH DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST JANUARY 29, 2018

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The World BusinessMirror

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Wednesday, February 27, 2019

B3

‘Hundreds of terrorists Vietnam vows ‘maximum level’ India: killed in strikes on Pakistan’ security for Trump-Kim summit I

H

ANOI, Vietnam—With North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on an armored train barreling through China toward Vietnam’s capital, and US President Donald J. Trump en route to Hanoi, Vietnamese officials scrambled on Monday to finish preparations for a rushed summit that will capture global attention.

Officials in Hanoi said they had about 10 days to prepare for the summit—much less than the nearly two months they said Singapore was given for the first Trump-Kim meeting last year— but still vowed to provide airtight security for the two leaders.

“Security will be at the maximum level,” Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung told reporters at a briefing meant to showcase the nation’s efforts to welcome Kim and Trump.

Another official, Nguyen Manh Hung, the leader of the information ministry, said the 3,000 journalists from 40 countries expected in Hanoi could rely on his agency as “you’d

count on a family member.”

The world will be watching as Trump and Kim deal with one of Asia’s biggest security challenges: North Korea’s pursuit of a nuclear program that stands on the verge of viably threatening any target on the planet.

Although many experts are skeptical that Kim will give up the nukes he likely sees as his best guarantee of continued rule, there was a palpable, carnival-like excitement among many in Hanoi as the final preparations were put in place.

T-shirts were being sold bearing Kim’s face along with the phrase “Rocket Man,” a nod to the insulting

nickname Trump gave Kim in 2017, when North Korean weapons tests and back-and-forth threats by the leaders had many fearing war. Kindergarteners dressed in traditional Korean Hanbok were practicing songs meant to welcome Kim. Grinning tourists were posing in front of the hundreds of US and North Korean flags around the city.

The ultra-tight security will be appreciated by North Korean authorities, who are extremely vigilant about the safety of Kim, the third member of his family to rule the North with absolute power. Kim’s decision to take a train, not a plane, may have been influenced by better ability to control security. When Kim flew to Singapore, North Korea borrowed a Chinese plane.

Vietnam is eager to show off its huge economic and development improvements since the destruction of the Vietnam War, but the country also tolerates no dissent and is able to provide the kind of firm hand not allowed by more democratic potential hosts.

Take the reaction to two men impersonating Kim and Trump who’d been posing for pictures with curi-

ous onlookers ahead of the summit.

Last week, the Kim lookalike, whose name is Lee Howard Ho Wun, posted on Facebook that about 15 police or immigration officers demanded a mandatory “interview” and threatened him with deportation. He said officials later told him that his visa was invalid and he had to leave the country.

“I feel a little bit annoyed,” the Hong Kong-based impersonator, who uses the name Howard X, said as he checked out of his hotel. “But what is to be expected of a one-party state with no sense of humor?”

Vietnam has also announced an unprecedented traffic ban along a possible arrival route for Kim. The Communist Party’s Nhan Dan newspaper quoted the Roads Department as saying the ban will affect the 169-kilometer (105-mile) stretch of Highway One from Dong Dang, on the border with China, to Hanoi.

Hundreds of soldiers guarded the area near the Dong Dang railway station on Monday ahead of Kim’s expected arrival. Kim may get off his train in Dong Dang and finish his journey to Hanoi by car. AP

NDIA said its fighter jets destroyed a major terrorist camp in Pakistan in the worst escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals since 2001, in an incident that Islamabad has described as a “grave aggression.”

More than 300 people were killed in the air strikes at the camp belonging to terrorist group Jaish-eMohammed that has trained suicide bombers, according to an Indian official speaking on condition of anonymity. Pakistan denies the attack did any damage or caused casualties.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said in New Delhi on Tuesday that India carried out strikes in Pakistan following attack in Kashmir earlier this month in response to intelligence that indicated Jaish-e-Mohammed was planning more attacks.

“In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary,” Gokhale said. “In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated.”

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at a televised news conference in Islamabad that India violated the line of control. “We have the right to respond,”

Qureshi said. “India has committed aggression against Pakistan today—I will call it a grave aggression. Pakistan reserves the right to respond reasonably,” he said adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan had called a security briefing.

Earlier Tuesday, the Indian rupee weakened offshore, but has since erased most losses and is now trading 0.1 percent lower at 71.05 per dollar. Pakistan stocks dropped 1.5 percent in the first 10 minutes of trading, with the benchmark KSE100 Index near the lowest level in almost six weeks. India’s S&P BSE Sensex was down 0.6 percent at 12:09 p.m. in Mumbai, after plunging as much as 1.4 percent.

“The last time the Indian Air Force crossed the line of control intentionally and publicly to conduct air strikes was 1971,” Vipin Narang, an associate professor of political science at MIT said via e-mail, referring to the last Indo-Pakistan war. But the fact that Pakistan has already said the aircraft did no significant damage could lead to de-escalation, he said.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesman of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said the Pakistan Air Force responded by scrambling its own jets, adding in a tweet there were “no casualties or damage.” Bloomberg News

BusinessMirror Special Feature

B4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Real estate sees upbeat and positive growt

W

By Leony R. Garcia

ITH a growing population, and stable consumer and labor demand, a positive outlook for the real-estate landscape is seen in the Metropolitan regions in the country. Infrastructure projects and government initiatives are key factors necessary to sustain these growth expansions. In around fiveyear time, these expansions are expected to produce significant positive performances.

This is according to Prime Philippines, a property consultancy and advisory company headquartered in Quezon City. The youngest, yet fastest, in the industry, Prime was founded in 2013 by young entrepreneur Jettson “Jet” Yu, whose goal at the age of 23 was “to challenge tradition and to create better real-estate solutions.”

The company has since grown to provide extensive consultation services, as well as cost-efficient management strategies backed by top-notch research that will yield a maximum profit for commercial properties. It now has a satellite office in Davao City, as it aims to make Davao the central business district of Mindanao. Yu and his millennial team recently meet industry stakeholders and the media to present the company’s “Philippine Real Estate Outlook 2019.”

Accordingly, with the ongoing infrastructure projects of the government, the Build, Build, Build (BBB) program, which is expected to be completed or partially operational by 2020 in developers are now on track getting and developing the most strategic locations in and out

JLL HEEDS THE NEED FOR STRONG PROJECT, CONSTRUCTION AND COST MANAGEMENT THRU PDS C

ORPORATE Real Estate should be managed by experienced and seasoned professionals and in the Philippines, the number one service provider is JLL. The construction of Office Buildings, Hotels & Resorts, Industrial Projects, Corporate & BPO Fit Outs, Retail Renovations, Building Refurbishments and similar projects are costly major undertakings that are at times, not given enough importance or worse taken for granted in the Philippines.

The JLL PDS Team offers comprehensive services required for the current industry demands and totally focused on managing client risk, including stakeholder management, project planning, procurement, design, construction, budget, and quality.

JLL PDS provides Project Management services whereby they manage the complete life cycle of a project from building audit / selection, design, tender, construction and project closeout. They also provide Construction Management services where construction managers are deployed to a project site to directly manage works and safety on a daily basis. They also provide management of Design & Build Projects from the appointment of D&B contractors, construction and project closeout. A key attribute of this service is ensuring that the proposed design and installations by D&B contractor complies with client requirements, building codes and best industry practice.

On the front end of the Project, JLL PDS also provides Building Audit services which includes the review of buildings and lease space as part of a client’s site selection process and which benefits building owners who intend to make improvements to their properties. Moreover, JLL’s PDS also offers Design Management which includes the review of drawings from Consultants to ensure compliance to client requirements, project budget, building codes and best industry practice.

JLL PDS has a dedicated team that offers complete Quantity Surveying and Cost Management Services. Part of these services is Cost and Claims Management where they track, review, evaluate and make recommendations relating to a project budget, progress billings and variation claims throughout the project duration. Procurement Management is also offered which entails the complete documentation and implementation of a professional and transparent tender process for appointment of consultants, contractors, vendors, and equipment. If required, Value Engineering services can be rendered to review design drawings and issue recommendations to reduce cost while still complying with client requirements.

If required for the Project, Energy and Environmental Design Management (LEED/ BERDE) can also be provided to oversee the implementation of various works to allow compliance to the requirements of LEED, BERDE or other similar green initiative certification organizations in coordination with the project consultants.

The biggest edge of JLL PDS is that it applies the best practices in the industry, harness technological innovations, take advantage of its vast global and local experience and leverage its substantial spend volume to ensure that client’s projects are accomplished on time and on budget with the least amount of issues. Since 2002, JLL has already shelled out $2.5 billion in capital expenditure and has managed 400 assignments totaling 42 million sq. ft. JLL undertakes projects ranging from 2000 sq. ft. to 2 million sq. ft. for various local and multinational blue-chip companies and has completed or is currently undertaking Industrial, Commercial, and Corporate multi-million dollar projects including Offices, Fit-outs and new High-rise buildings.

Among JLL’s most notable clients are Aboitiz Equity Ventures, where they took the lead in the transfer and construction of their main headquarters at the NAC Tower Building at Bonifacio Global City. The Tower is home to the various Aboitiz Business Units.

JLL was also responsible in improving the facility from a ‘Traditional Office’ to an ‘Agile Work Place (AWP)’ configuration. Aside from this, JLL helped Aboitiz move forward with their ‘Digitalization initiatives”. As for Aboitiz Land, JLL managed the transfer of their Main Office from Cebu to the Ore Central Building, located just behind NAC. It boasts of numerous ‘Collaboration Areas’ to provide their Architects, Engineers and various Staff venues for creative work.

JLL also lent its expertise in Project and Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and Cost Management Service to Net Lima and Net Park, The Net Group’s 6th commercial office tower which is 100 percent leased to top multinational and local companies like Coca Cola, Google, and Sony Pictures. JLL also serviced Net Park, to make it become a landmark office building with iconic world-class architecture and pioneering ecologically responsive features.

Other Projects in the pipeline for JLL’s PDS include First Philippines Holdings Corporation which entails the redevelopment of the old Benpres Building in Ortigas into a 40-storey high-rise Grade A Building which shall target Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Also lined up is the Construction of a Visual & Performing Arts Building of British School Manila, BGC.

More than its wealth of work, JLL Philippines possesses a team of 55 expert project management professionals who utilize their experience, knowledge, resources, and tools to ensure that every project they handle attain considerable success.

The JLL Project & Development Services team is headed by Calum Swinnerton who has 28 years project experience in various sectors of engineering, varying from civil, marine, electrical, mechanical and telecommunications within Asia and the UK. He is a qualified and capable construction and project manager for fit-out and new build

projects. His involvement covers the entire life cycle of projects from site feasibility studies and budget developments, to bid process and Bid evaluations, to design and construction, and Project Close-Out. Prior to joining Jones Lang LaSalle, He is one of the Director of JCL International Inc., responsible in ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on time, and within JCL quality standards.

Working side by side with Calum since 2002 is John Morgan who is currently JLL’s Operation Director for Project & Development. John is the Operations Director for JLL Project & specialized in Civil/Architectural Trade. He has been involved in more than ten (10) key clients operating in the business districts and IT parks of Greater Manila and Cebu as well in offshore locations. With over 30 years of project experience in locations throughout the world, John is a highly qualified and capable project and construction manager. His experience includes business development, project and construction management, quantity surveying, site supervision, client and contractor/vendor liaison and safety management.

John was previously the Vice President for Operations for CMInternational Philippines in 1999 and was the Country Manager in year 2001. Prior to joining Jones Lang LaSalle, he was one of the Directors of JCL International Inc., who monitored the daily operations of the company and ensured that high quality international standards were implemented in all projects.

Lawrence Valguna is an Associate Director for the Company and provides Senior Management support for various Projects.

He gained diverse project experience as an Architect, Contractor and Project / Construction Manager working with various Projects within the Metropolis both for local and multi-national clients for over 20 years. His experience includes management and supervision of works for Interior and Architectural Design, Fit-out Works and General Construction Projects. He is also very knowledgeable in various MEEPF Engineering works, Fire Code requirements, modern Building Management Systems, basic computer software and hardware as well as common Information Technology and Security System related works. Prior to joining Jones Lang LaSalle, he was the General Manager of JCL International Inc. He was responsible for management of Key Projects and Clients as well as Administrative functions for the Company.

JLL’s PDS team takes pride in the work they do- noting how their work in big name companies like Aboitiz has stirred them into delivering quality developments to JLL’s other clients.

As a Fortune 500 company that has 280 corporate offices across 80 countries employing more than 90,000 people, and 4 billion sq. ft. in portfolio space, there is no doubt that when it comes to Project, Construction and Cost Management Services, JLL PDS should be the only option.

of Metro Manila. Likewise, some of the key infrastructure projects, such as the BGC to Ortigas road link, Nlex-Slex connector, Metro Manila skyway Stage 3, MRT Line 7, Mega Manila subway, Manila bus rapid transit (Quezon Avenue and EDSA) and the unified common station, providing connectivity from Metro Manila to nearby provinces, would drive development outside.

Decongesting the Metro, it would help develop regional urban centers in Central Luzon in the process.

An example of this regional growth center is Pampanga. Already, several township developments have gathered around some of the key infrastructure projects passing through the province— Subic-Clark railway, Manila-Clark railway and PNR North railway —like the 1,800-hectare Alviera

by Ayala Land and Leoncio Land, the 35.6-hectare by Megaworld, 40-hectare The Infinity by ACBI Realty, the 117-hectare Clark Global City by the Global Gateway Development Corp.

Aside from Pampanga, Cavite and Laguna are also considered for urban expansions where affordable

housing and towns are expected to rise. Some existing projects include Ayala Land’s Evo City and Altaraza, Santa Lucia Land’s Colinas Verde, Megaworld’s Southwoods and Profriends’ Lancaster City.

Luzon has the greater Metro Manila as the center for trade and business activities. Likewise, the Visayas and Mindanao have Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

Cebu City, which has long been the center of development within the Visayas region, owing to its central business parks—Cebu IT park, Cebu business park, and the south road properties (SRP)—continues to attract developers, investors and business locators. For instance, Mandaue City, which already has the 191-hectare north reclamation area housing SM City Cebu and Robinsons Galleria, is coming up with a 17.2-hectare Gatewalk Central joint venture development of Ayala Land and Aboitiz; and 20-hectare Mandani Bay joint venture of Hongkong Land and Taft Property ventures. With the upcoming connecting bridges to other Metro cities, Mactan has also its share of development-especially

with the upcoming properties, such as The Mactan Newton Ayala Land’s integrated resort development and the SeagroveMegaworld’s township development with a beachfront.

Meanwhile, Davao City is expanding within its urban core in the downtown area. The most progressive area in this city at the moment is JP Laurel Avenue, where most large developers concentrate such as Ayala Land, Megaworld and SM. But with the development of infrastructure railways and road networks, such as the Davao Expressway, Davao bypass road, Davao coastal road and urban mass transit, the general connectivity within the city is expected to improve and increase business confidence.

Despite the extension of martial law in the region, most Davaoeños find the general situation “normal” and “regular” with businesses operating as usual. In fact, the tourism sector reverted back to an even more robust performance after months under martial law. Several foreign investors have expressed their interest in expanding their business in the city. Cur-

DAMOSA DIAMOND TOW

DAVAO’S FUTURE SY AGRICULTURE AND R

M

INDANAO’S economic performance has grown remarkably in the past few years, notwithstanding some challenges, particularly the implementation of Martial Law in the whole region and a phase of sudden inflation along with the entire Philippines. Mindanao continued to contribute largely to the national economic growth, owing to its rich agricultural sector, with large produce that are for export.

This substantial growth in agriculture has been paralleled by the boom of the

real estate industry in the region. Construction, property development, and advancement

of infrastructure services have sprung in many areas in the cities and municipalities in Mindanao, most notably in the city of Davao.

Davao-based real estate developers seized this favorable opportunity to keep up with this rapid progress. The economy of Davao, being the largest city in the Philippines and the most urbanized in the southern part of the country, continue to attract sectors such as industrial and tourism that are at an all-time high, empowering the city and the region even more.

Damosa Land Inc. is one of the homegrown developers that stepped up to this trend.

Damosa Land is an affiliate of the Anflo Group of

www.businessmirror.com.ph

B5

th potential for 2019

rent large-scale developments on the rise outside of the stretch of HP Laurel includes DMCI’s Verson Parc, Cebu Landmaster’s The Paragon Davao and Davao Global Township. Lastly, with the plan of connecting Samal Island and the city, more developments, particularly residential projects, are seen to expand to this underutilized area.

The massive, nationwide BBB program, the first to be held in the Philippines for the longest time, is expected to boost the local real-estate sector, according to Prime Philippines. The infrastructure program opens up new areas for property development. The continuous infusion of overseas Filipino workers’ investments in housing units, plus the rising business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, real-estate companies can look forward to a boom starting this year.

Prime Philippines also sees the expansion of the following industries:

Online gaming operators, Financial technology and BPO. The online gaming operators in The Bay area have become the primary growth drivers for retail busi-

nesses in the area. However, online-gaming space demand is still seen to sustain the general officespace, market in the short-termdriving the operators to look for bulk spaces outside Metro Manila.

Pampanga and Cavite have become primary choices for the operators.

With the continuous growth of businesses in the financial technology industry in the Philippines, office space from as small as a serviced office to, whole office floors are seen to feed the remaining available supply in business districts. With these co-working spaces are expected to perform even more in 2019.

Strategic expansion of large retail mall developers.

SM Prime Holdings has expanded outside Metro Manila on its last 10 mall ventures with 17 more until 2020, with SM Center Ormoc established in 2018. For 2019 large retail developers have also targeted developing cities outside Metro Manila with Davao as common denominators among them.

Continuous growth of the e-commerce industry, demand for storage and industrial warehouse. The e-commerce industry

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YMBOL OF REAL ESTATE Companies, the biggest business conglomerate in Mindanao, owned by the Floirendo family.

Damosa Land established itself in the industry with its business and lifestyleoriented commercial center, Damosa District in Lanang, Davao City. In the recent years, it ventured into developing residential properties and now, its expansion has extended to developing industrial, agricultural, and more mixed-use developments in the city and in the province of Davao del Norte.

On December 7, 2018, Damosa Land broke ground for Damosa Diamond Tower, a 15-storey building that will stand amongst the two

other buildings in Southern Mindanao’s first PEZAaccredited park, the Damosa IT Park in Damosa District, Lanang, Davao City.

Damosa Land Vice President Ricardo Lagdameo proudly shares, “This next project of Damosa Land will be something of a milestone for the company.

It is one of our biggest projects today. It is our attempt to help shape the skyline of Davao city which is constantly changing over the last few years.”

Designed by PDP Architects and with Carwill Construction Inc. as the construction partner, the Diamond Tower has a total floor area of 20,000 sq.m. and will reflect a piece of Davao city’s

in the Philippines gained traction in 2010 with the increase in popular retail e-commerce platforms, such as Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, Ebay and Kimstore.

With more coming, warehouse demand from these companies and other logistics firms are expected to pick up in 2019. However, most Filipinos still prefer traditional commercial centers that provide lifestyle experience. Therefore, the e-commerce platforms only serve as a complement to the actual retail business and are expected to affect only small-scale retail locators.

Asian fusion restaurants to top inline space demand.

As the millennial market reigns with the rise of restaurants such as the Korean barbecue, the trend continues for 2019. There would be more space demand in secondary business districts in Metro Manila, such as Quezon City, San Juan City, Mandaluyong City, Malate and Pasig. International food concepts shall, likewise, continue to flourish with the Filipinos’ capability for franchising by tying up with retail development giants in the country.

Demand for the residential condominium to further increase. The Bay area had the largest share of residential space demand coming from China-based gaming businesses in the area. Additional residential developments are in the pipeline in Bonifacio Global City and Makati City amid rising prices. Quezon City had the largest increase in average capital values driven by the addition of luxury condominium units from large developers in Vertis North.

Shares living spaces to gain further steam. Serviced apartments and dormitories are expected to hit the market in 2019. Targeting the working population of Makati, BGC, Ortigas and The Bay area, these shared living spaces are expected to expand considering that majority of the workers in these CBDs come from the north as far as Bulacan.

MICE to drive hotel sector in business districts. Aside from tourist destinations, various business districts are all set to have an influx of both domestic and foreign arrivals driven by meetings, incentives. Conventions and expositions (MICE) in the country with Clark emerging as the next primary MICE destination. The Bay area in Pasay City and Paranaque City is not left behind, and so is Davao City and other MICE destinations.

The closure of tourist-magnet Boracay Island may have left significant impact of the tourism figures in 2018, but other tourist destinations were boosted to compensate for the target deficit.

history and the heritage of the Floirendo family’s agricultural roots in its overall aesthetics, hence, will have banana fibers in its design.

“The history of Davao and the history of the Floirendo family is purely agriculture.

The wavy lines [in the building] depict banana fibers or abaca fibers. So it’s truly something that characterizes the city and what our family is all about. So our tenants and locators who will be locating here in the Diamond tower will be like having a piece of Davao City and its rich culture and history,” Lagdameo said.

Sustainable technology is applied throughout the tower which will include a green roof deck, solar energy, LED lights, exterior fin placement wherein the gentle weave patterns function in helping the building’s insulation system. It will be fully operational 24/7 as it will have 100% back-up power supply.

Damosa Diamond Tower is targeted to be completed by 2020 to welcome lessees.

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ENCHANTED KINGDOM GOES TO THE CITY OF PINES!

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T Enchanted Kingdom (EK), you take pride in creating long-lasting magical experiences—the young and young at heart—with its thrilling rides and attractions!

People from the north can have a taste of the magic as EK brings this oneof-a-kind experience in Baguio! Catch its enchanting float with Eldar The Wizard and Princess Victoria, with the EK circle of artists at the Panagbenga Flower Festival on March 3.

Share your magical experience by tagging @ek_philippines on your photos!

Visit www.enchantedkingdom. ph for more updates on our promos and offerings.

DAIKIN PUSHES FOR IMPROVED AIR QUALITY, INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCTS

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AIKIN Philippines is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a renewed commitment to provide Filipinos with energy-efficient products that will improve the quality of their lives, throughbetterairqualityandlesserelectricity consumption resulting to more savings.

For Daikin, air conditioning is further defined as an avenue to contribute in improving the quality of the environment and, furthermore, the lives of the people by continuously developing new products for

residential and commercial market.

Daikin has continued on with its aim for inverterization, as well as tackling indoor air quality (IAQ).

IAQ refers to the air quality within and aroundbuildingsandstructures,especiallyasit relates to the health and comfort of occupants.

Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.

In the residential market, Daikin has released a full range of air purifiers to help families in reducing the risks of illness such as asthma. While for the commercial market, Daikinhasdevelopedproductsthatiscapableof inducing fresh air that is essential to attain the best conditions for people occupying the space.

Revolutionizing the residential airconditioning market, Daikin introduces the multi-inverter, which perfectly fits today’s lifestyle of the typical working-class Filipino, where 20-square-meter spaces are now considered a 1-BR unit.

The multi-inverter is a single-condensing unit that allows connection of up to three indoor units compared to the conventional single-split units. The multi-inverter is perfect for smaller spaces and applications.

With this product’s compact design and low power output, it is not a chore to install and be energy-efficient, therefore, giving the user all the benefits of an inverter split-type air conditioner at a bargain.

Also to be launched this year is Daikin’s brand new inverter FTKM and its new large floor-standing model.

Inphotoare(fromleft)divisionmanagerof Sales Operation Jed Caburian, Vice President Toshiyuki Tanaka, Daikin Philippines President Lee Wai Kok, division manager of Human Resources and General Affairs Gerry Cortez and Daikin consultant for After Sales Services Ogie Quitco.

CCIP, GLOBAL-LINK ALL SET FOR 4TH BEAUTY & WELLNESS MANILA

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N time for the celebration of its 45th anniversary, the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines Inc. (CCIP) renews contract with GlobalLink MP Events International Inc. for the Beauty and Wellness Manila expo.

Considered the country’s leading organization for the beauty industry, CCIP has been a co-organizer of Beauty and Wellness Manila for three years now. The expo is scheduled from September 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center.

“Beauty and Wellness Manila, through the years, has been an avenue for the local and international market to foster their trade relations, and

showcase their latest innovations and alternatives to business and consumers.

In a way, the event has established its purpose to cater to different demands of consumers and buyers for finished products, ingredients and packaging of the cosmetics, organic and wellness industry,” CCIP President Emil Virtudes said.

Last year the show had over 13,000 trade visitors and decisionmakers from all over the country, and this 2019 the show is expected to welcome more than that. For exhibiting opportunities and more information, visit www.globallinkmp.com/ beautyandwellnessmanila.

In photo are (seated, from left) Global-Link Chief Operating Officer Jing S. Lagandaon, Virtudes and CCIP Vice President for Strategy and Special Project Committee Diego Jaime B. Buenaflor; (standing, from left) Global-Link Assistant project manager Karen Pareja and GlobalLink project manager Katrina Lagandaon.

TIM HORTONS BRINGS GOODNESS TO STUDENTS OF FOOD FOR HUNGRY MINDS INC.

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IM Hortons Philippines kicked off their Make Your Day Good campaign by sharing their delicious and freshly baked donuts to a school run by an organization that works with disadvantaged children.

Tim Hortons Philippines recently visited the Food for Hungry Minds School Inc. in Pasay City to provide filling and heartening snacks to 71 students.

“Tim Hortons wants to bring goodness everyday to people, any where. Something as simple as a coffee or a donut can make someone’s day or make them smile,” said Stephanie Guerrero, marketing director of Tim Hortons Philippines.

Grade 6 student Kirby Silvestre said, “When I went home I shared the donuts

with my parents and siblings. We were all happy! It was our first time to eat Tim Hortons donuts, [and those] were yummy!”

Hungry Minds is an organization that helps create schools for children in the poorest places in the world with the aim of helping them succeed academically.

Since 2004 Hungry Minds has provided high-quality education to 500 underprivileged kids in Manila and Bulacan.

Over 90 percent of their scholars complete high school and 81 percent of their graduates continue on to further education, with 58 percent completing their college education.

For more details, visit www. foodforhungryminds.org.

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REENSBORO, North Carolina—Reggie Hearn is not going to play in China at the Fiba World Cup this summer.

He got a memory that’ll last a lifetime anyway.

Hearn hit a long jumper from the right corner as time expired, and the United States defeated Argentina, 84-83, on Monday night in the final qualifying game before this summer’s World Cup for both teams.

Hearn—who played in more games than anyone else for the US in qualifying—connected to cap a 7-0 run that ended the game and gave the Americans first place in Group E of qualifying for the tournament.

“It was very fitting that Reggie, who’s participated in the most qualifying games for us, was the one that hit the shot,” US Coach Jeff Van Gundy said. “I was very happy for him.”

Michael Frazier II led the US (10-2) with 23 points.

Charles Cooke added 10 for the Americans, whose spot in the World Cup field—where National Basketball Association players will take over for the G Leaguers who were called upon for the qualifying games—was clinched long ago. Argentina (9-3) is also World Cupbound.

The US trailed by as many as nine in the fourth, and was down by six with 1:20 remaining before the gameending flurry.

Travis Trice hit a three-pointer with 38 seconds left to get the US within one, and the Americans got a stop on the next possession. With a chance at the lead, Josh Adams’s jumper missed—but the ball went out off Argentina with one second left, giving the US one final opportunity.

A LONG JUMPER TO REMEMBER Sports BusinessMirror

NBA RESULTS

Detroit 113, Indiana 109

Golden State 121, Charlotte 110 Portland 123, Cleveland 110

Brooklyn 101, San Antonio 85 Phoenix 124, Miami 121

Houston 119, Atlanta 111

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| Wednesday, February 27, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Memphis 110, LA Lakers 105

Milwaukee 117, Chicago 106

Minnesota 112, Sacramento 105

Philadelphia 111, New Orleans 110 LA Clippers 121, Dallas 112

Van Gundy set up the play for Hearn, who delivered.

“Calm going into it...crazy hectic afterward,” was how Hearn described the final second, and the final shot.

Lucio Redivo scored 18 points for Argentina, which got 16 from Facundo Pinero and 14 from Marcos Delia.

Xavier Munford had five points and Chinanu Onuaku had a pair of dunks in an 11-0 run that put the US up 2614 early in the second quarter, and the Americans went into the locker room up 42-35 at the half.

But the US was outscored 30-17 in the third, and found itself down by nine in the fourth before rallying.

The US rallied and tied the game at 75-75 on a threepointer by Trice, capping a 14-5 run by the Americans.

Argentina scored the next six, and the US then scored the final seven.

“It’s one of the great honors of a lifetime to be able to coach a United States basketball team with that ‘USA’ across their chest,” Van Gundy said.

Monday was the final day of qualifying, and five teams were still alive for three spots.

Montenegro took the 12th and last spot from the European region, despite losing to Latvia, 80-74. The Latvians needed to win by nine points, and a three-pointer at the buzzer for a trip to the World Cup was off the mark.

The outcome meant three of Europe’s top 10 national teams in the Fiba rankings—Slovenia, Croatia and Latvia—are not going to China this summer.

The last two spots out of the Americas region were decided later on Monday night. Puerto Rico beat Uruguay, 6561, in a do-or-die game for both teams, and the Dominican Republic took the last spot despite a loss to Brazil.

China automatically qualified as tournament host.

The rest of the 32-team World Cup field, by region: Africa—Angola, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia.

Americas—Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela.

Asia—Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea, New Zealand and Philippines.

Europe—Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain and Turkey. AP

Harden’s 30-pt streak ends; Grizzlies add to Lakers’ woes HOUSTON’S James Harden (below photo), shown dribbling against Atlanta’s DeAndre’ Bembry, scores a “low” 29 points as LeBron James’s triple-double goes to naught. AP

REGGIE HEARN’S jumper gives the US an 84-83 win over Argentina.

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N.B.A. EARNS $2.2M FROM MISBEHAVING PLAYERS, COACHES

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HE National Basketball Association (NBA) is not happy that tensions between teams and referees seem to be rising.

Then again, ‘tis the season.

Playoff-race pressure is real, and the NBA thinks—or hopes—that some tantrums in recent weeks can be attributed to that and not an eroding of the alwaystenuous relationship between those who commit infractions and those who call them.

Golden State Coach Steve Kerr smashing clipboards and Houston star James Harden calling out longtime official Scott Foster are sights and sounds that the league doesn’t want, so the NBA is once again reaching out to teams to offer reminders about not going too far when ripping the refs.

“This is the dark ages of the season,” said Michelle Johnson, the NBA’s senior vice president and head of referee operations. “Teams are shaping up where they stand, and it matters more to some teams than others,

and some coaches do tactical outbursts for the good of their teams. So even if we go to teams and they don’t have a lot of issues...we want to keep the dialogue open.”

Kerr got fined $25,000 earlier this month for verbally abusing referee Ken Mauer, and the tirade was at the level where the Warriors’ coach obviously knew it would be costing him cash so he decided to get his money’s worth. He got ejected, the Warriors lost that night in Portland, but writing that check probably earned him some more points with players who always need to know that their coach has their back.

Kerr actually likes Mauer, and believes he’s one of the best refs in the league.

That being said, Kerr also said the coach-ref dynamic is almost always weird.

“I don’t know why anybody would want to be a ref,” Kerr said. “What a brutal job.”

Harden also got fined $25,000 for saying that Foster should no longer work Houston’s games, after the Rockets

were upset with a number of calls in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Foster is traditionally one of the league’s highest-rated refs, and it’s a really good bet that at some point in this postseason, the Rockets will be playing a big game and Foster will be out there.

Johnson and referee-turned-league-executive Monty McCutchen have made improving relations a top priority.

They’re talking to every team again about finding common ground—just as they did around this time last year.

“I think there’s progress,” Johnson said. “It’s still the same passionate game, a tough game, and the stakes are up now.”

Players and coaches have been fined more than $2.2 million already this season for technicals, ejections and other reasons for sanctioning by the league office—not counting salaries lost to suspensions.

And if there’s any good to be derived from behaving badly, it’s this: That $2.2 million (and more to come) goes to charities chosen by the NBA and the players’ union. AP

OUSTON—James Harden isn’t exactly lamenting the end of his impressive scoring run.

Harden had 28 points, snapping his 32-game streak with at least 30, while the Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks, 119-111, on Monday night.

He’s glad it’s over, too—especially since he had no expectation of matching Wilt Chamberlain’s 65-game streak, the longest in National Basketball Association history.

Harden’s stretch with 30 or more points ranks second.

“Yeah I am. It was cool, but I knew I wasn’t going to get to No. 1,” Harden said before walking away chuckling.

Houston overcame a scoring outburst from Hawks rookie Trae Young, who set career highs with eight threepointers and 36 points.

Harden returned after missing Saturday’s win over Golden State with a neck injury and missed all 10 threepointers he attempted.

“This was the first time I was able to move it since a few days,” he said. “So it kind of felt good to go out there and just move it and run around. I hadn’t really done any movement or working out. I’ve been in bed really.”

He got to 28 points with 23.3 seconds left and had the ball on Houston’s last possession but did not attempt a shot from half court with the game in hand. When asked if the injury affected his shot he said: “I don’t care.

Made shots, missed shots, we won the game.”

Harden last came up short of 30 points in a December 11 win over Portland, when he had 29. During the streak, he scored 50 or more points four times, including a career-high 61 in a win at the Knicks on January 23.

“Eventually it was going to have to end one of these days,” Coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He’s unbelievable. He’ll start another one.”

Chris Paul added 20 points, and Eric Gordon hit four three-pointers for 16 points.

LAKERS YIELD TO GRIZZLIES

THE Lakers got a triple-double from LeBron James in Memphis and 32 points from Brandon Ingram but still suffered another dent to their playoff hopes.

Mike Conley had 30 points, including key free throws in the final minute, Jonas Valanciunas finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, and the Grizzlies beat Los

Angeles, 110-105, on Monday night.

The loss to the Grizzlies, in next-to-last place in the West, came two days after the Lakers lost, 128-115, to the Pelicans in New Orleans. That game had James wondering if his teammates’ lack of experience in the playoff hunt had them prepared for the pressure and grind of trying to reach the postseason.

This time, James, who finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, couched his comments with optimism, saying it is up to him and his teammates to continue their push.

“Just to stay positive and keep knocking on the door,” James said when asked about improving through the final stretch of the regular season. “I feel like if we play like we did [Monday], then we’ve got to continue that consistent effort to get us over this hump while we make this push.”

Kyle Kuzma finished with 22 for Los Angeles, which is tied with Minnesota in 10th place in the Western Conference—three games out of the final playoff spot occupied by San Antonio.

“I was very pleased with the effort and the togetherness of our group,” Lakers Coach Luke Walton said. “I thought we got back to what we were doing earlier in the season. Unfortunately, we didn’t make enough plays.”

Joakim Noah had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Avery Bradley scored 15 points for Memphis, which ended a four-game skid.

Memphis led, 105-98, with 1:42 left, but a threepointer from Kuzma and lay-up from James pulled the Lakers within 105-103 with a minute left.

Conley converted three of four free throws down the stretch, and one Lakers possession ended with an offensive foul on James. An airball on a three-point attempt by James with 16 seconds left gave the Grizzlies the ball with a 108-103 lead.

Bradley made a pair of free throws with nine seconds left to provide the winning margin.

It was the first time that Valanciunas had been a part of a win at FedExForum since joining the team at the trade deadline.

“It felt really good and was really needed,” the 7-foot center said. “It’s fun to play with this group.” AP

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PAL INTERCLUB ON THE 33rd Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub golf team championships get under way on Wednesday with defending champion Canlubang and 16-time titlist Luisita kicking off their showdown at the Alta Vista Golf Club, a mountain course designed by Gary Player, in Cebu City.

Both teams made only one change in their respective lineups with Tommy Manotoc returning for Canlubang and former pro Demy Saclot debuting for Luisita.

Except for Dave Hernandez, Canlubang will be r epresented by the same team that beat Luisita by eight points last year in Bacolod City.

They are brothers Abe and Pem Rosal, Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Abe Avena, Zaldy

Villa and Damasus Wong.

Luisita, which last won the crown in 2017, also fielded the same players that played last year, namely, Eddie Bagtas, Benjie Sumulong, Rodel Mangulabnan, Raffy Garcia, Chino Raymundo, Edmund Yee and Chito Laureta.

With the addition of Manotoc, a fixture in many champion teams, Canlubang remains a formidable squad, but Luisita captain Jeric Hechanova is unfazed.

“In the end, it’s up to our team to perform and not worry about the other team,” Hechanova said.

Hechanova said all his players are playing well in the run-up to the Interclub, particularly Mangulabnan, the reigning

national seniors champion.

Cebu Country Club and Del Monte complete the cast in the championship division.

A record field of 108 teams is seeing action in the four-day event that will also be played at the Club Filipino de Cebu.

The field is divided into five divisions— Championship, Founders, Aviator,

Sportswriters and Friendship.

The Molave scoring system will be used in the four-to-play, three-to-count event.

Par is worth 3 points and regulation play is equivalent to 54 points.

This year’s Interclub is sponsored

by Radio Mindanao Network, Asian Air Safari and Vanguard Radio Network. Also extending support are ABS-CBN Global Ltd. (The Filipino Channel), Rolls-Royce, Primax Broadcasting Network, UM Broadcasting Network (Mindanao), Fox Sports, Cignal TV, GECAS, Boeing, Lufthansa Technik AG, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Dusit Thani Manila, and Casino Filipino. Official hotel is Quest Hotel Conference Center Cebu.

Antique’s Clemente swims to three golds as host Iloilo shines

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GUILIVER CLIVE CLEMENTE is dominating the swimming events of the Visayas leg.

NTIQUE’S Guiliver Clive Clemente splashed his way to two gold medals in swimming to hike his total to three, even as host Iloilo City made its presence felt with a massive golden harvest on Day Two of the Visayas Leg of the 2019 Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Tuesday in Iloilo City.

Clemente, 14, topped the boys’ 400-meter individual medley (IM) in five minutes and 18.92 seconds, rested for a bit and then ruled the 50-meter breaststroke in 33.48 to add to his 200-meter IM gold the day before.

The eighth-grader from Antique National School will gun for two more mints as he is scheduled to compete in the 100-meter and 200-meter breast today.

“My goal coming here is to win five gold medals and I hope to win two more

tomorrow [today],” said Clemente, who hails from San Jose.

After a slow start, Iloilo went on a golden harvest as it raked in six gold medals in taekwondo and two each in rapid chess and swimming.

Iloilo’s taekwondo triumphs came from poomsae courtesy of Cyd Edryc Esmana (cadet male) and Elizabeth Marie Borres (cadet female) and kyorugi from Kyle Chin (flyweight), Seth Hendrick Poquez (feather), Jake Christian Mamigo (light) and Bill Donton III (heavy).

The other taekwondo winners were Cebu City’s Xander Palacpac (junior male), Bacolod City’s Jamiehannah Agaloos (junior female) and Julio Miguel Zaata (fin), Mandaue City’s Rodito Sinugbojan (bantam), and Antique’s Jean Sebastian Durana (light middle) and Adrian James Juanitas (welter).

Kimberly Colaste and Checy Aliena Telesforo delivered the chess gold medals for the hosts after reigning supreme in the rapid event in their respective age categories.

Cebu Province’s Sean Kenneth Cogonon took the boys’ 12-under gold, while Cebu City’s Jave Mareck Peteros finished undefeated in six games to rule the U15 section.

It also picked up two gold medals in pool, thanks to Dee Vianne Catedrilla in the girls’ 12-under 50-meter breast and Francesca Gabrielle Jabian in the girls’ 13 to 15 50-meter breast.

In centerpiece athletics, Bacolod City’s Krisha Aguilon and Aubrey Mae Mercado teamed up with Athena Rose Desana and Shalthea Deloteavo to capture the 4x100meter relay gold in 52.7.

CENTENNIAL III (second from right) leads the other boats as they head out into the sea.

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OERGE HILL’S Antipodes claimed line honors but it was Jude Echauz who hoisted the trophy after his Centennial III emerged champion after the corrected time was applied in the Second Subic Bay Around Verde Island Passage Race.

Nine boats took off at noon on Saturday from Subic and returned to the bay one after the other on Sunday.

Antipodes took line honors after 23 hours, 28 minutes and 18 seconds over the 200-nauticalmile course with Centennial III coming in a close second.

After the times were corrected because of the windy conditions, Centennial III dethroned Antipodes by 13 minutes in the IRC I Racing Class competition. Antipodes

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‘CENTENNIAL III’ REIGNS won last year’s inaugural race in 22:54:09.

Centennial III led all the way down to the Verde Passage but Antipodes came out on top and held on for the long run back home.

Ray Ordoveza’s Excel 53 Karakoa crossed the finish line in 29:23:40 to finish third in the race presented

by Standard Insurance Inc., and supported by Tanduay Rum, Broadwater Marine, Nano Fixit and Lighthouse Marina Resort.

“It was a very tiring and technical race in close company with Antipodes. But we held on and happy

to take the overall IRC I title,” Echauz, a recipient of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Executive of the Year Award in 2018, said.

Despite having to anchor for a while, George Hackett’s Mills 43 claimed first place in the IRC II class. Bobby Benares’s Beneteau 44.7 Sabad was second. Albert Altura’s Beneteau First 40 Hurricane Hunter retired in its debut in the race.

In the absence of an IRC certificate, Jun Avecilla’s Beneteau First 36.7 Selma Star and Michael Raueber’s Swan 65.1 Emocean 1 joined Stephen Wu Shifu’s Oceanis 45 Asia Pacific Sailing in the

Cruising class and after the arbitrary handicaps were applied, they wound up 1-2-3.

Verde Island Passage is a strait that separates the islands of Luzon and Mindoro, connecting the South China Sea with the Tayabas Bay in Quezon province and the Sibuyan Sea in Romblon and beyond.

The event is part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix (AYGP), where all the skippers and yachts are awarded points based on their finish at the end of the regatta. Up for grabs are the AYGP Skipper and Yacht of the Year awards.

Super Crunch, Knights register lopsided triumphs in Datu Cup

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PHOENIX Coach Louie Alas says they are avoiding losing consecutive games.

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YDNEY ENRIQUEZ and Eric Tangub lived up to the hype as they nailed two titles each to clinch the Most Valuable Player honors and lead the Zamboangeños’ romp in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPSPEPP) President R. Barrios Cup national age-group tennis circuit at the Kidapawan City Tennis Club in Cotabato on Tuesday.

Enriquez, from Salug, Zambo del Norte, proved overpowering in the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under divisions, posting a pair of 6-0, 6-0 victories over May Torrecareon and doubles partner Zkyla Cervantes, respectively, while Tangub, from Tukuran, Zambo del Sur, thumped Reyman Saldivar Jr., 6-1, 6-2, and Brent Magno, 6-0, 6-2, to claim

the boys’ 16- and 18-under titles in the Group 2 event presented by Dunlop.

Other winners in the fourth of the six-leg Mindanao swing of the nationwide circuit put up

by PPS-PEPP, headed by President and CEO Bobby Castro were Kabacan, Cotabato’s Jairo Ramirez (10-unisex), Josh Cabanting (boys’ 12-under), Ysay Ysulat (girls’ 14-under) and Saldivar (boys’ 14-under) and Sindangan, Zamboanga’s Rose Mesiona (girls’ 12-under).

The second-seeded Ramirez foiled No. 1 Yusuf Maldo, 2-4, 4-2, 4-1; Cabanting upset top seed Ben Flores, 4-2, 4-2, in the quarters then outlasted Ramirez, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, in the finals; Ysulat ripped Zheta Saldivar, 6-1, 6-2; Saldivar crushed Yassan Al

Anazi, 6-1, 6-3; and Mesiona beat Jeanne Rayray, 6-1, 6-2.

Enriquez actually made it three-for-three as she and Cervantes routed Puline Binoya and Joanne Gornes, 8-0, to claim the doubles 18-U plum with Eric Comendador and Magno edging Tangub and JV Comendador, 8-6, in the boys’ final.

Ysulat and Khirylle Saldivar took the girls’ doubles 14-under title with an 8-1 romp over Maia Aton and Alyssa Ramirez, while Josh Cabanting and Reyman Saldivar Jr. nipped Al Anazi and Justine Niegas, 8-7(3) in the boys’ championship.

Joanel Maldo and Jairo Ramirez pocketed the 10-under doubles diadem with an 8-0 rout of Inigo Barrios and Mesiona.

Lady Spikers target fourth straight victory

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EFENDING champion De La Salle and last year’s semifinalist National University (NU) collide in a heavyweight match on Wednesday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The match is set at 2 p.m., with the Lady Spikers hoping to stretch their winning streak to

three matches against the Lady Bulldogs (1-1).

Winless teams Adamson University and University of the East (UE) get the chance to barge into the win column when they take the floor at 4 p.m.

The Lady Spikers destroyed the Lady Falcons, 2516, 25-21, 25-20, last Saturday with veteran Desiree Cheng and rookie Jolina de la Cruz playing solidly in their quest for a fourth straight crown.

De la Cruz topscored with 10 points, while Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya added nine points apiece.

Michelle Cobb also made her presence felt for

Hail Blatche, but thanks also to South Korea THAT’S ALL

AL MENDOZA | alsol47@yahoo.com SOUTH Korea had just done us good. By beating Lebanon, it shoved us beautifully back to the Fiba World Cup. The crucial Korean push—a totally unexpected come-from-behind 84-72 beating of the hard-luck Lebanese—happened on the same night that Gilas Pilipinas fashioned out its 93-75 rout of Kazakhstan on Sunday at the Republican Saryaka in Sartana.

Not only was our victory over Kazakhstan sweeter than wine, our players also avenged their earlier defeat to the Kazahks—weathering a minus-10 killer degrees in the home turf of the former member of the Soviet Republics.

We have plenty to thank South Korea for.

Most notably, this: It did not face a must-win situation as South Korea, before the game against Kazakhstan, had already qualified for a slot in the eight-country contingent alloted to Asia/Oceania in the Fiba World Cup in China set to begin some

six months from now.

With its 7-5 win-loss record in Group F to emerge as the best fourth-placed team, the Philippinies will join fellow Asia/Oceania qualifiers Australia (10-2), Japan (8-4), Iran (8-4), New Zealand (10-2), South Korea (10-2), Jordan (7-5) and China, which will host the World Cup from August 31 to September 15.

Other entries will come from Europe, Africa and the Americas to complete the first-ever 32-nation field in the tournament last held in Spain in 2014, where the Philippines also saw action to snap a 40-year absence in the quadrennial event.

Although the Philippines only won once in Spain—an 81-79 overtime victory over Senegal—it thrilled the crowd almost endlessly by putting up one gallant stand after another against the established giants of the sport.

With the back-to-form Andray Blatche in

De La Salle with 25 excellent sets.

The undermanned NU side barely broke a sweat in beating UE, 25-19, 25-23, 25-19, also last Saturday.

Joni Chavez took over as setter from Joyme Caganda, whose knee injury she sustained against Far Eastern University forced her out of the season.

Rookie Ivy Lacsina unleashed 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks and an ace, while Chavez had 14 excellent sets in her debut.

Ramon Rafael Bonilla command, the Philippines dominated Kazakhstan from all angles on the floor.

Blatche, the naturalized 6-foot-11 formerly of the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets in the National Basketball Association, banged home a game-high, three-riddled 41 points, hauled down 14 boards, stole four times, and had three assists and two blocks.

He uncorked his scoring rampage by burying 21 of the Philippines’s first 26 points. Amazing, indeed.

If that’s not total domination, momentous madness, I don’t what is.

I have never doubted Blatche’s brilliance when he puts his heart into the game.

Thus, with him anchoring us in China—plus the possible inclusion of Jordan Clarkson as finally a Filipino into the Gilas squad—who knows, we might yet make wonders in China.

Believe. It costs us nothing.

THAT’S IT The Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Golf will blast off on Wednesday in Cebu City, with the spotlight on the PAL Seniors event featuring Luisita and Canlubang, the main title rivals for the longest time. PAL President Jaime J. Bautista is expected to hit the ceremonial tee shot in keeping with tradition. The annual PAL Interclub, born just years after the end of World War II, has now actually embraced a three-in-one format. After the PAL Seniors, the PAL Media Golf follows on March 3 and 4 and the PAL Men’s Regular from March 5 to 8. Venues are Cebu Country Club, Alta Vista, Club Filipino de Cebu and Mactan.

HE Makati Super Crunch cruised to a record win-streak while the San Juan Knights continued their rampage in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup on Monday night at at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Recovering from a cold start, the Super Crunch routed the Quezon City Capitals, 102-78, to notch their 15th straight victory and finish the elimination round with an overall second best 21-4 won-lost record.

The Knights, on the other hand, dumped the Valenzuela Classic, 102-83, behind the 22-point explosion of Wilson and the 10-point contribution of Carlos Isit to wind up with a 20-5 card in the North division, where the Super Crunch are also bracketed.

With John Rey Villanueva and Jeckster Apinan puncturing the hoops, the Super Crunch

erased a 10-18 deficit and went on to lead by as many as 30 points, 97-67, before settling down.

Villanueva came through with 20 points while Apinan chipped in 19 as the Supers Crunch surpassed the 14-game win run of the Basilan Risers, the overall pacesetter at 21-2 with two games left to play.

The Capitals, who dropped to 11-12, got 15 points from Jay Collado and 14 from Kim Medina.

Joseph Sedurifa and Cedric Ablaza also delivered with 13 points each for the Super Crunch.

Makati Coach Cholo Villanueva attributed the Super Crunch’s surge to the hard work and determination of his undersized wards.

“We don’t have a John Wilson, a Mac Cardona, or a Reil Cervantes,” said Villanueva, referring to the former pros seeing action for the San Juan Knights and the Manila Stars “All we have are a bunch of hard workers.”

GAMES RESUME P

Enriquez, Tangub bag MVP honors in Kidapawan tilt

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HOENIX hopes to regain its winning ways when it takes on NorthPort, as the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup resumes on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game starts at 7 p.m., as the second-place Fuel Masters (5-1 won-lost) try to bounce back from their first loss against the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-1).

In the first game, Meralco (2-3) collides with Columbian (2-4) at 4:30 p.m.

Phoenix jump-started its All-Filipino conference with a five-game win streak.

But the team faced its nemesis in Rain or Shine that took the squad down with a 98-94 win on February 10, three days before the league took a break to give way to the national team’s

campaign in the sixth and final window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Doha and Astana.

Fuel Masters Head Coach Louie Alas said the two-week lull may have given the teams enough rest, but he insisted that the long layoff may cause some disadvantage when hostilities resume.

“There’s pros and cons from this long break.

Yes, we had more time to improve and correct our mistakes,” Alas said. “But also, we want to bounce back right away and we had to wait longer to try to do that so it will be hard.”

Alas, however, is confident that his team will get back to the win column.

“If we want to be tougher, we can’t afford to lose two in a row,” Alas said. “We just have to keep on improving, especially on defense,

for us to really compete against the league’s heavyweights.”

Jason Perkins is expected to lead the team along with Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva and Alex Mallari.

Holding fort for the Batang Pier are thirdoverall pick Robert Bolick, Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle.

Marinerong Pilipino, meanwhile, whipped SMDC-National University, 86-71, to chalk one in the win column in the D-League on Tuesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Santi Santillan led the way with 18 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Anton Asistio added 14 points on a 3-of-8 shooting from the distance to go with his four rebounds. Ramon Rafael Bonilla

Sports BusinessMirror

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| Wednesday, February 27, 2019 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

SPAIN’S KOSOVO CRISIS

KOSOVARS wave national flags as they wait to watch a military parade, during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence in Pristina. AP

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By Graham Dunbar The Associated Press

ENEVA—Spain’s refusal to respect the flag and anthem of Kosovo has forced UEFA to move qualifying games in soccer’s Under-17 European Championship.

The latest hostility from Spain toward athletes from Kosovo seems to break a promise its government made to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to respect athlete rights.

The IOC intervened in November, and announced an agreement reached with Spanish ministers, after Kosovo symbols were prohibited at the karate world championships in Madrid.

“This will ensure that the athletes of Kosovo can participate under the same conditions as all the other athletes from the 206 National Olympic Committees recognized by the IOC,” the Olympic body said three months ago.

The Spanish city of Bilbao is also one of 12 cities selected

by UEFA to host the 2020 European Championship, with Kosovo a potential qualifier. The Balkan republic is assured of a place in the March 2020 playoff round.

Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 is still not formally recognized by some European countries which have their own issues with separatist regions.

Now, UEFA confirmed on Monday that six games in a fournation qualifying group for its main youth championship can no longer be played in Spain next month.

The games, also involving Greece and Ukraine, had been

scheduled in Benidorm and Alcoy in eastern Spain.

“These under-17 matches will not be played in Spain, as the national symbols [flag and anthem] of Kosovo are not recognized, authorized in the country,” UEFA said.

Instead, the four national teams will come to the stadium next to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, to play the games from March 25 to 31.

Spain’s political stance on Kosovo has affected soccer after UEFA selected Madrid to host the Champions League final this season, though no team from Kosovo will be involved.

However, Kosovo won its UEFA Nations League group in November and is a contender to play at Euro 2020.

Spain’s government has also expressed interest in bidding to host the 2030 World Cup with neighboring Portugal and Morocco.

Former Barcelona President Sandro Rosell, meanwhile, arrived in handcuffs on Monday to stand trial on charges of money laundering related to the sale of television rights for matches involving the Brazil, national team.

Rosell, a former Nike executive in Brazil who presided over Barcelona from 2010-2014, has been accused of misappropriating money coming from the sale of TV rights for friendly matches featuring Brazil, as well as from a sponsorship contract between Nike and Brazil. He is also charged with forming part of a criminal organization.

Rosell has been in custody since his arrest nearly 21 months ago. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Police officers took Rosell’s handcuffs off inside the courtroom, but put them back on when he left for a short recess during the trial.

He did not speak before the judge on the trial’s first day but was expected to be questioned this week.

Rosell’s lawyers again called for him to be released, saying it was not fair for him to be in custody for such a long period without being convicted of any crime.

Several requests to release Rosell have been denied as judges deemed he poses a flight risk because of his connections abroad.

Defense lawyers also pointed to procedural irregularities they thought could nullify some of the evidence produced against their client, and argued the court in Madrid was not fully competent to hear the case.

Spanish prosecutors are seeking an 11-year prison sentence for Rosell, plus a fine of nearly €60 million ($68 million).

Rosell’s wife and four other individuals also have been charged in the case.

The accusations are not directly related to Rosell’s presidency at Barcelona.

Prosecutors say Rosell helped launder nearly €20 million ($22 million) related to commissions for Brazil matches during the time embattled Brazilian Football Confederation President Ricardo Teixeira was in charge.

Teixeira, a former Fifa executive committee member, was indicted by US authorities in 2015 as part of the soccer corruption scandal.

Rosell’s trial is expected to last 10 days with different sessions through March.

The 54-year-old Rosell was also involved in a case related to Neymar’s transfer from Brazilian club Santos to Barcelona in 2013. Corruptions charges have been brought after a Brazilian investment group said it received a smaller compensation because part of Neymar’s transfer fee was concealed by those involved.

POLICE videotapes the 77-year-old Robert Kraft engaging in a sex act and then handing over an undetermined amount of cash. AP

MESSI IN HIS BEST ELEMENTS M

ADRID—With consecutive matches coming up against Barcelona, Real Madrid got a glimpse of a Lionel Messi that it would rather not see again this week.

After a series of lackluster performances, Messi had a stellar game against Sevilla in the Spanish league, scoring a hat trick and erasing any doubts about his form.

Messi regained his scoring touch just before the two decisive matches against Real Madrid—in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and in the Spanish league on Saturday, both at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

“When everything flows, things go well for us,” Messi said after the 4-2 win in Seville on Saturday, when he also set up a goal. “We were back to playing like we know how.”

Messi had struggled recently and had not performed up to his standards since getting injured at the beginning of the month. His right leg injury kept him from playing in the first leg against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey three weeks ago, when Barcelona was held to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou. The Catalan club went through a slump while Messi underperformed, winning only one of five matches and losing momentum ahead of the two matches this week. But with one of the best games of his career against Sevilla, Messi quickly put Barcelona back on track.

“We are just a small step away from another final,” Messi said. “It’s a match that is going to be very hard, against Real Madrid, at their stadium. But we are confident that we can go there and win it. Then we will start thinking about the league again. We are going to try to win everything.”

Real Madrid, on the other hand, is far from where it wants to be heading into the two games against its biggest rival.

Despite the advantage of having scored the away goal in the first leg, Madrid has not played well recently. It is coming off a demoralizing home loss to relegation-threatened Girona last weekend, and it struggled in a 2-1 win at Levante on Sunday, when it scored from two controversial penalty kicks.

Real Madrid had been in high spirits ahead of the first leg of the Copa del Rey, carrying a five-game winning streak in all competitions. It was gradually cutting into Barcelona’s lead in the league, but it will be nine points behind when the teams meet on Saturday. It also trails secondplace Atletico Madrid by two points, and anything but victory in the league match will practically end the team’s title hopes.

Madrid players downplayed the team’s recent form and said they were fully prepared, even to face Messi at his best.

“We are ready for everything,” Madrid forward Vinicius Junior said. “Messi is an incredible player who does things that nobody else can do. But we are not afraid of him. Even though he is a great player, we have the best players in the world in our squad. We are excited to have these two ‘clasicos’ this week.” AP BARCELONA’S Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele celebrate after scoring his side’s second goal during their La Liga match against Sevilla over the weekend. AP

Patriots owner visits parlor for sex on day of AFC game W EST PALM BEACH, Florida—New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft visited a Florida massage parlor for sex acts the night before and the morning of last month’s American Football Conference (AFC) championship game, authorities said on Monday in documents charging him with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution.

Kraft is one of hundreds of men charged in recent days as part of a crackdown on prostitution allegedly occurring in massage parlors between Palm Beach and Orlando. Ten spas have been closed and several people, most of them women originally from China, have been charged with running the operation.

The 77-year-old Kraft was chauffeured to the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in a 2014 white Bentley on the evening of January 19, where police say they videotaped him engaging in a sex act and then handing over an undetermined amount of cash, Jupiter, Florida, police said in charging documents released by the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office.

Investigators said Kraft returned 17 hours later, arriving at the upper-middle class shopping center where the spa was located in a chauffeured 2015 blue Bentley, the documents said. Kraft, who is worth $6 billion, was videotaped engaging in sex acts before paying with a $100 bill and another bill, police said. He then flew to Kansas City to watch his Patriots defeat the Chiefs in overtime hours later.

Kraft, whose team won the Super Bowl earlier

this month in Atlanta, denied wrongdoing on Friday, shortly after Jupiter police announced he was being charged. The National Football League said on Monday in a statement that its personal conduct policy “applies equally to everyone in the NFL” and it will handle “this allegation in the same way we would handle any issue under the policy.” Kraft’s wife, Myra Hiatt Kraft, died in 2011. He has been dating 39-year-old actress Ricki Noel Lander since 2012.

Another high-profile businessman, former Citigroup President John Havens, 62, is also charged with paying for sex at the Orchids of Asia spa. He too has denied wrongdoing. He was Citigroup president in 2011 and 2012.

He now runs a hedge fund that was spun off from Citigroup.

Twenty-three other men are also charged in Palm Beach County, with others charged in a string of counties spanning more than 150 miles (240 kilometers).

Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg said Kraft will be issued a summons that is similar to a traffic ticket and assigned a day to appear in court. Most people charged for the first time with soliciting are eligible for a diversion program where they pay a fine, perform 100 hours of community service and attend a class where they learn about the dangers of prostitution and how it is often tied to human trafficking. Fines can be up to $5,000.

Authorities investigated the parlors for months, gathering evidence through observation, interviews with men stopped leaving the spas, trash bin searches and surveillance of their owners. Judges then issued warrants allowing them to secretly install cameras inside the spas to record what transpired.

Aronberg steered a Monday news conference away from Kraft’s case to the larger issue of human trafficking. No humantrafficking charges have been filed against Kraft, Haven or any of the other alleged customers, but at least one alleged operator is charged in Indian River County with trafficking. AP

Righteous and Wise God

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IGHTEOUS and Wise God, You favor those who love Your name.

In company with Saint Agatha and all women martyrs we pray: Gladden our hearts with Your Spirit, Oh God. Raise up the voice and gifts of women in the Church. Disarm terrorists, and thwart the strategies of all oppressors. Uphold us by Your love, and grant us holy perseverance in times of trial. May God the glory of all the saints, bless us and keep us through endless days. Amen.

GIVE US THIS DAY, SHARED BY LUISA LACSON, HFL

Word&Life Publications • teacherlouie1965@yahoo.com

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

Life BusinessMirror

BACKSTAGE AT THE OSCARS: SING-ALONGS AND CHAMPAGNE FOR GAGA D3

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 D1

Huawei unveils 5G phone with folding screen HUAWEI CEO Richard Yu displays the new Huawei Mate X foldable 5G smartphone at the Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday. AP

By Kelvin Chan

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The Associated Press

ARCELONA, Spain—China’s Huawei unveiled a new foldingscreen phone on Sunday, joining the latest trend for bendable devices as it challenges the global smartphone market’s dominant players, Apple and Samsung.

Huawei revealed its Mate X phone on the eve of MWC Barcelona, a four-day showcase of mobile devices, as the company battles US allegations it is a cyber-security risk.

The device can be used on superfast next-generation mobile networks that are due to come online in the coming years.

Device makers are looking to folding screens as the industry’s next big thing to help them break out of an innovation malaise, although most analysts think the market is limited, at least in the early days.

The Mate X is the answer to a question Huawei faced as it sought to satisfy smartphone users’ demands for bigger screens and longer battery life, said Richard Yu, CEO of its consumer business group.

“How can we bring the more big innovation to this smartphone industry?” Yu said at a glitzy media launch.

The Mate X will sell for €2,299 ($2,600) when it goes on sale by midyear. That’s even more than Samsung’s recently revealed Galaxy Fold, priced at nearly $2,000.

The Mate X’s screen wraps around the outside so users can still view it when it’s closed, unlike the Galaxy Fold, which has a screen that folds shut. Unfolded, the Mate X’s screen is 8 inches diagonally, making it the size of a small tablet.

Yu said Huawei engineers spent three years working on the device’s hinge, which doesn’t leave a gap when shut.

“No matter how innovative and technology advanced the new device is, it will take a lot more time for a critical mass of consumers to experience the benefits of foldable phones and 5G technology,” Forrester analyst Thomas Husson said. Huawei still “has to find its own brand voice to differentiate from Samsung and Apple and stop acting as a technology challenger.”

Huawei Technologies is trying to raise its profile in the fiercely competitive smartphone market. Almost everyone with a smartphone has heard of Apple and Samsung, the top device makers, and Google, the power behind Android’s pervasive software.

Huawei, a Chinese company with a name many people in the West don’t know how to pronounce (it’s “HWA-way”), wants to join the market’s upper echelon.

It’s getting close. Samsung was the No. 1 smartphone seller for all of last year, followed by Apple, according to research firm International Data Corp. Huawei came third, though in some quarters it took second place, IDC data showed.

The company stealthily became an industry star by plowing into new markets, honing its technology, and developing a lineup of phones that offer affordable options for low-income households and luxury models that are siphoning upper-crust sales from Apple and Samsung in China and Europe.

But Huawei’s products are few and far between in the US. The scarcity stems from long-running security concerns that the company could facilitate digital espionage on behalf of China’s government. Washington has been lobbying European allies to keep its equipment out of new 5G networks.

The cloud over Huawei also includes US criminal charges filed last month against the company and its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who US prosecutors want to extradite from Canada. They accuse her of fraud and say the company stole trade secrets, including technology that mobile carrier T-Mobile used to test smartphones.

Huawei is making its push at a time that both Samsung and Apple are struggling with declining smartphone sales amid a lull in industry innovation that is causing more consumers to hold on to the devices until they wear out instead of upgrading to the latest model as quickly as they once did.

The company sells high-priced smartphones, as well as an extensive range of cheaper models priced from $200 to $600 that offer a good camera and other features most consumers want, analysts said.

But Huawei wouldn’t be where it is today if it had been content

focusing merely on China and other Asian markets.

The company took a huge step forward several years ago when it began pouring millions into promoting its brand and building partnerships in major European markets, such as Germany, France, Britain, Spain and Italy. Research firm Gartner estimates it now sells about 13 percent of its phones in Europe.

As for the US, Huawei can only make so much headway as long as the government is casting the company as a cyber villain, said Gartner analyst Tuong Nguyen.

“Brand building is a long-term exercise, but it’s going to be especially difficult in the US because of the way they have branded all of China,” he said. “The barriers in the US are just getting more difficult.”

n Mike Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report.

Beat summer heat with latest Nokia promos IT’S never too early to get ready for summer. HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, offers hefty discounts that are sure to give you a premium summer experience at an affordable price.

From now to April 30, you can purchase the Nokia 7 Plus for a reduced price of P15,990, and the Nokia 3.1 for P6,990 from their original prices of P19,990 and P9,990, respectively. These special discounts let you find the perfect mobile buddy to capture your best summer vacation with, yet.

The Nokia 7 Plus is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and has a largecapacity 3800 mAh battery, perfect for worry-free long trips with family or friends. You can also count on your Nokia 7 Plus to capture your crazy night-outs with loved ones. The phone’s 16MP front-facing camera and 13MP + 12MP dual rear cameras with ZEISS optics guarantee only the best pictures even in low-light conditions.

The so-called Bothie feature offers unique photos that showcase both your best smile and the THE Nokia 7 Plus

New Samsung Galaxy S10 now available for preorder from Globe SOME of life’s biggest challenges are best tackled with the right and reliable tools. Whether it’s finally moving out and starting on your own, or landing that dream job, having that right amount of support counts. Staying connected is also a top priority and with the right device, you can face everyday head on.

This is what makes the new Samsung Galaxy S10 the latest must-have smartphone.

Now available for preorder until March 3, 2019, with Globe Postpaid’s ThePLAN (www.globe. com.ph/postpaid/theplan), you can now be one of the first to get this latest device.

The flagship phone series that cemented Samsung as the leader in smartphones, the latest Galaxy device boasts of the next-level infinity display that now allows a more immersive experience. A compact bezel-less design gives the newest smartphone the industry leading screen-to-body ratio—great for enjoying your favorite movies and shows on Amazon Prime Video and DisneyLife, free for six months with ThePLAN. Music lovers can enjoy their three-month subscription to Spotify with ThePLAN on the Galaxy S10’s class-leading stereo speakers, while selfie junkies get up to five cameras (three rear plus two front on the S10 Plus) with upgraded HDR 10+ and UHD front

camera recording for capturing those picture-perfect life events.

Your files, photos and videos will also be safer and secure in the new Galaxy S10, which now comes with an on-screen fingerprint sensor for opening and locking the smartphone. All these features, including a wireless power share, power-efficient Snapdragon processors and Bixby, Samsung’s personal voice assistant are housed in the familiar IP68 water- and dust-proof body.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 powered by Globe Postpaid is the perfect pair that prepares you for your next big adventure. Choose the model that best suits your needs—the 6.1-inch S10, 6.4-inch S10 Plus, or 5.8-inch S10e. Bring home the S10 for only P2,599 (ThePLAN 1499 + P1,100/month cashout). Special freebies are in store for Globe Postpaid customers who preorder the S10 from now to March 3. Globe Postpaid customers who preorder the S10 with 128GB memory will receive Samsung Galaxy Buds, BT Hand Grip and Nanofixit Screen Protector. Meanwhile, those who preorder the S10 Plus with 128GB memory will receive Samsung Galaxy Buds, Duo Wireless Charger and Nanofixit Screen Protector.

gorgeous view in front of you in a single snap.

Meanwhile, the Nokia 3.1 is Nokia mobile’s most-affordable 18:9 smartphone but it doesn’t make any compromises on design and performance. It blends a careful selection of materials into a perfect harmony to create a premium-looking smartphone that can perfectly complement your summer OOTDs. It runs on an octa-core MediaTek 6750 chip for high-speed performance that can keep up with your actionpacked summer adventures.

The Nokia 3.1 also has a 13MP auto-focus rear camera and a wide-angle 8MP front camera, making it the ideal partner to take along to the beach, mountains or wherever your vacation takes you.

Microsoft workers protest use of HoloLens headsets for war

By Matt O’Brien The Associated Press

A GROUP of Microsoft workers is demanding the company to cancel a contract supplying the US Army with HoloLens headsets that they say would turn real-world battlefields into a video game.

Microsoft’s head-mounted HoloLens displays use augmented reality, which means viewers can see virtual imagery superimposed over the scenery in front of them.

A letter signed by more than 50 Microsoft employees on Friday and circulated on an internal messaging board said the technology could help soldiers spot—and kill—adversaries on the battlefield.

They say they “refuse to create technology for warfare and oppression.”

“We did not sign up to develop weapons, and we demand a say in how our work is used,” the letter says. It asks Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and President Brad Smith to cancel a $480-million contract the Army announced in November.

Microsoft said in a statement on Friday that it is committed to working with the military, including the Army under the HoloLens contract.

Microsoft pointed to an October blog post by Smith saying those who defend the US should have “access to the nation’s best technology.”

The company added it will continue to address “important ethical and public policy issues relating to [artificial intelligence] and the military.”

Military bidding documents say the new technology—which the Army calls its Integrated Visual Augmentation System—will be used for both training and warfighting. The Army’s stated aim is to bring more situational awareness to troops so that they become more lethal and mobile.

The protesting workers say it means HoloLens, better known for its business and entertainment applications, will be used to help kill.

The protesting workers write that “it will be deployed on the battlefield, and works by turning warfare into a simulated ‘video game,’ further distancing soldiers from the grim stakes of war and the reality of bloodshed.” The Army didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

The letter also asks Microsoft to stop building any weapons technologies and appoint an independent ethics review board to determine acceptable uses of Microsoft technology.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Pet Corner BusinessMirror

Salina center’s therapy dogs help manage mental health

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By Gary Demuth

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By Eugenia Last

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Stay focused this year to gain selfesteem, as well as popularity. Being responsible will turn you into the go-to person in your circle, giving you the insight into what everyone else wants and is willing to do.

Positive changes will make a difference to you, as well as to those you love. Don’t lose sight of your dreams. Your lucky numbers are 8, 12, 20, 24, 36, 39, 43.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make plans, attend meetings and discuss possibilities, but don’t offer personal information or anything that might lock you into something you may decide you don’t want to do. Today is about listening, assessing situations and considering your options. «««««

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put more muscle behind your ideas. Oversee the costs involved.

If you leave responsibilities in someone else’s hands, you will be disappointed with the results you get.

Leave some free time to be with someone you love. «««

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GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t be too open regarding your feelings, your intentions or your plans. Someone will give you the wrong impression, leading you to believe something that isn’t true in order to get something from you. Listen, observe and avoid being duped. «««

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): Step up, ask question and make decisions based on facts, feelings and your intuition. Offer only what you feel comfortable giving away, and make your demands clear to anyone asking for too much. A partnership will face changes. «««

kind of temperament to interact with subjects who may be going through trauma or other mental or physical issues, Cleavenger said.

“A lot of times people come into the clinic, and they’ll be highly anxious or depressed,” she said. “A therapy dog helps to ease the anxiety and make it easier to converse with that person. I’ve had a patient with high blood pressure who, once they spent a little time with Phil, their high blood pressure dropped.”

Koerperich said Daisy, who, like the other therapy dogs, wears an identifiable vest while at “work,” does wonders with children at the Veridian outpatient office.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get children to engage or take their medicine, and the dogs can help,” she said. “When you are talking to kids about trauma, it’s nice to have Daisy in the room. Sometimes a child will talk to the dog and not the therapist. They’ll take Daisy

outside, walk her around. It’s nice to have that physical distraction.”

Pekarek said at Veridian’s inpatient unit at the hospital, Louise has been an immense help when it comes to communicating with patients who are virtually disabled as a result of trauma or mental issues.

“Louise seems to warm up to people really fast,” Pekarek said. “I’ll bring Louise into the inpatient units, and she seems to know who needs her the most. She will stay with them, even if that person won’t get out of bed. There was 14-year-old girl here who would not talk to me or her mother, but she talked to Louise. It’s amazing to watch.”

For Casteel, having Louise by her side during therapy sessions has given her hope that her life will continue to improve in the future.

“I got an animal myself after I met Louise,” she said. “I know now that I need an emotional support animal, that without one I’ll be more depressed than usual. I got a cat, but he’s as gentle as [Louise] is.”

New app lets dog lovers swipe right for perfect pet match

By Liudas Dapkus The Associated Press

VAIDAS GECEVICIUS, who developed an app helping to match stray dogs with potential owners, poses for a picture with a dog and shows this dog’s profile on the app in Vilnius, Lithuania. A group of enthusiasts have launched an app that helps match aspiring dog owners with stray dogs. AP

Today’s Horoscope

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Josh Groban, 38; Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, 48; Donal Logue, 53; Howard Hesseman, 79.

The Associated Press

ALINA, Kanas—Whenever Jackie Casteel has difficulty dealing with her depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, she knows she can rely on the comforting paw of a four-legged therapist named Louise.

Louise, a black English Labrador, doesn’t ask anything of Casteel except to provide a warm lap to sit in or a ball to chase across the room.

For Casteel, it’s about the best therapy she’s ever had. n [Louise] calms me down,” said Casteel, who lives in the Manhattan area. “She’ll play with you, she’ll sit with you. She knows when you’re sad.”

Casteel is a client at Veridian Behavioral Health, a multidisciplinary mental health-care center that is part of the behavioral health department of Salina Regional Health Center. Many of Veridian’s psychiatrists, counselors and nurse practitioners serve individuals and families struggling with common life problems, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital problems, parent-child conflicts or grief and loss.

Recently, the center added another tool to help clients in their programs—certified therapy dogs.

Three dogs specifically, have been introduced to the programs: Louise, a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Phil, and a Great Dane named Daisy. These dogs assist adult inpatient and outpatient clients at the hospital, as well as children suffering trauma and other mentalhealth issues at Veridian’s east campus, the Salina Journal reported.

Angela Koerperich, an advanced nurse practitioner who owns and supervises Daisy, said Veridian received a grant in October 2015 to add three certified therapy dogs into its mental-health program. She and two other Veridian nurse practitioners took on a dog: Louise belongs to Jennifer Pekarek, and Phil is owned by Marcia Cleavenger.

“We’ve talked about this for years as something that would be great to have in the inpatient unit,” Koerperich said. “We worked together to make it happen. We got in contact with CARES, and the pieces just came together.”

CARES, which stands for Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education & Services, is Concordia-based specialty service that offers specially trained canine assistants to people with disabilities throughout the US, as well as professional therapy dogs for schools, mental-health facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.

The majority of dogs that CARES trains are produced from their own breeding programs or are donated ex-show dogs, specifically bred puppies and family pets. Dogs are fostered out to volunteer homes and facilities where they are raised for nine to 18 months, learn basic obedience and become socialized to all aspects of public and private life.

Louise and Daisy happened to be trained by inmates at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility, Cleavenger said, which has established a dog training program.

“It can be nearly a two-year process before they’re certified,” she said.

To become a certified therapy animal, a dog has to have the right

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VILNIUS, Lithuania—If the pooch melts your heart, swipe right.

Animal lovers in Lithuania have created a mobile application inspired by the popular dating app Tinder to matchup dogs in local shelters with new owners.

Called GetPet, the app was launched last month and is getting hundreds of new users daily and already has made a few matches. It joins a growing market of apps for people looking to adopt a pet, including PawsLikeMe and BarkBuddy.

“It is like Tinder, but with dogs,” said Vaidas Gecevicius, one of app’s creators. “You can arrange a meeting with the dog—a date.”

GetPet features profiles of furry four-legged creatures looking up with soft, yearning eyes.

Scrolling down reveals more information about the pup, and those interested can then swipe right.

But there are limits to the Tinder comparison. It’s a one-sided situation and the dogs don’t get to have a swiping experience. If you swipe left, another dog profile appears.

Gecevicius said the idea came to creators when they saw a stray dog on the street through the window during a computer workshop.

The app only features dogs for now but the plan is to eventually include cats and other animals.

Two friends, Emily and Elena, recently scanned the app and then visited the SOS Gyvunai shelter in Vilnius to meet Piff, a medium black-and-gray mongrel. They took him for a walk in a snow-covered park and said they would return soon to take him home.

“I think it’s actually a very great idea because in Lithuania we have a lot of stray dogs and a lot of people who want to adopt,” 24-year-old Elena said as dogs nearby ran around in outdoor cages barking.

Ilona Reklaityte, the shelter’s founder, said she is very happy about the innovative approach to an old problem.

“I really welcome this new app as it gives us more chances to find our pets new owners and a new home, and that means we can then help other dogs still on the streets,” Reklaityte said.

“We have 140 dogs right now. Sometimes we give away one or two of them every day, but now we receive [many] more calls and people are coming more often.”

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate and have some fun, but don’t be too quick to believe what others tell you. Do your own factchecking, and stay on top of the changes going on around you. Update your skills to suit changing employment qualifications. «««««

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You know what’s best for yourself, so don’t give in to someone putting demands on your time or asking you to pay for his or her mistakes. Talk to an expert before you agree to anything that appears to be unfair. ««

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a moment to mull over your choices. A short trip or updating your personal papers or contracts will give you better insight into what’s possible. Take better care of your health, your home and your emotional well-being. ««««

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Learn from experience or talk to someone who can shed light on your situation. The information you gather will help you make a sound decision that can improve your home environment and your relationships with loved ones. «««

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t say something you don’t mean or mislead someone who wants to know how you feel. Honesty is the best policy. Put stress and your problems behind you by being straightforward and making the changes necessary to achieve personal happiness. «««

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t expect others to do things for you. Keep your personal thoughts to yourself, and protect what’s yours.

A change at home should be made for the right reason.

Make sure your personal documents and finances are in order. «««

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t get angry; get moving. If you want to make a change, look at your options and start the ball rolling. If you wait for someone else to make the first move, you will end up falling behind. ««««

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Listen, but don’t feel obligated to follow. If you have a better way of doing things that fits your budget better, stick to your own path. It’s the outcome that will make a difference, not making someone else your leader. «« BIRTHDAY BABY: You are sensitive, outgoing and impulsive. You are inventive and opportunistic.

‘pay attention!’ BY KEVIN CHRISTIAN The Universal Crossword/Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1 Light beige 5 Go too quickly 9 ___ diving 14 Devastate 15 Theater award 16 Greenish eye color 17 Gymnast Korbut 18 Major PC maker 19 The Little Mermaid 20 “You’re about to rear-end that sports car,” e.g.?

23 Elizabeth of cosmetics 24 Alone 25 “Bingo!”

28 Dog-___-dog 29 Was flaky?

31 Footnote abbr.

34 “Cigarettes are dangerous,” e.g.?

38 Speck of dust 39 Baaing female 40 Three, in Dresden 41 “We need to tone down the decorating,” e.g.?

45 “___ la vie”

6 Still hidden 4 47 Year, in Juarez 49 Tokyo, once 50 “___ girl!”

53 Noted march composer 56 “Don’t mess with Berry’s X-Men character,” e.g.?

59 Jackson or Reno 62 Earth’s pull, for short 63 Head, to Macron 64 Kind of symmetry 65 Skier Lindsey 66 Camper owner, informally 67 Beauty and the Beast princess 68 Bluesy James 69 Quaint affirmative DOWN 1 Greek Cupid 2 Mea ___ 3 Demanding standard 4 The North Star can be seen with it 5 Guinea pigs, e.g.

6 Lyft competitor 7 “___ Marner” 8 Formal “Yo!”

9 “My” girl in a 1979 hit 10 Basket alternative 11 Action film gun 12 Spelling event 13 The whole shebang 21 Meadow 22 “What ___ is new?”

25 Cognizant 26 “___ the thing...”

27 Confess 30 Germany, for Einstein 31 Permeate 32 Leap 33 “Nice to meet you!” preceder?

35 Actress Ryan 36 Possess 37 Mauna ___ 42 Puget Sound city 43 Fascinated by 44 Wide pasta 48 Fish-fowl connector 51 Treasure cache 52 Playground retort 54 It doesn’t hold water 55 Starts a poker pot

6 Ball-balancing animal 5 57 “What ___ wrong?”

58 Disease cause 59 One-two punch part 60 Body spray brand 61 Zilch

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

BLIND SPOT BRUCE C.

DEALBREAKER SO why did this lovely couple break up? It appears that the girl became tired of her ex-boyfriend’s bad habit so she gave him an ultimatum and, sadly, he kind of chose that over her. It’s sad that the guy, a former matinee idol, hasn’t gotten over this bad habit because this is the second time he is reportedly on the watch list of antidrug authorities. He is also reportedly using a foundation to collect funds to use for his nasty habit. Someone needs to do an intervention real soon or else it may be too late for the former matinee idol, who is loaded with good looks and talent.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Backstage at the Oscars: Sing-alongs and champagne for Gaga

FRANCES

THREATENED THE celebrity recently came out with a pronouncement that she fully supports another prominent female figure. But that’s not true. The celebrity is very insecure about how the other girl’s popularity will affect hers. It’s not that the celebrity hates the other girl. It’s that she is scared for her future. She is very young and this is the only way she knows how to earn a living. The other girl is very lovely and quite charming, so she can really be a threat.

McDORMAND (left) presents Olivia Colman with the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for The Favourite.

HELEN

MIRREN (left) and Jason Momoa present the award for best documentary feature.

CLINGY BF

ABS-CBN Global Ltd. is among the business “gems” recognized by the Optical Media Board for being a compliant exporter in the Philippines, in the recently held “OMB Appreciation Night” at the Winford Hotel in Santa Cruz, Manila. For two consecutive years, the company was recognized for adhering to OMB’s mandate of securing licenses and permits before exporting content, which is part of the Philippine agency’s efforts in regulating the production, use and distribution of optical media.

OMB Chairman and CEO Atty. Anselmo Adriano said of the company: “You are truly the gems of OMB. Your compliance and support of OMB’s mandate is greatly appreciated. It is no secret that regulating the businesses involved in optical, magnetic and other storage devices is not an easy job.

This is the reason we give recognition to those who have been religiously compliant.”

ABS-CBN Global Ltd. is a subsidiary of ABSCBN Corp., the world’s largest Filipino media and entertainment company that reaches out to Filipinos overseas through its wide variety of Filipino movies and programs online, on mobile, IPTV, cable and satellite, through ad sales solutions, produced and partnered events, online retail, community engagement and partnerships, and its philanthropic arm, the ABS-CBN Foundation International.

LOPEZ and Chris Evans present the award for best production design.

PHOTOS: AP RONSON (from left) Anthony Rossomando, Lady Gaga and Andrew Wyatt, winners of the award for best original song for “Shallow” from A Star Is Born.

SO there will reportedly be an exchange of talents between two giant networks and if it is successful, it will be a reel loveteam to end all loveteams. The project will definitely be a hit as it involves one of the biggest female stars of her generation and a male star whose popularity has faded slightly but still is a force to reckon with. The exchange of talents is supposedly for a movie. The other network is just talking to a group that the actor is under contract with. Perhaps if he makes it big again, he will be a bit more humble?

ABS-CBN Global among the business ‘gems’ recognized by OMB

JENNIFER

MARK

TALENT SWAP

EVERYONE is wondering why this talented actor’s romances never seem to last as he is handsome, rich and amiable. According to sources, the actor is very generous to his lovers but that generosity comes at a price. The actor is reportedly a jealous and controlling lover. The thing is that he has a new boyfriend every few months, and he is always hopeful and then that relationship fizzles out. Let us hope the actor finds true love soon.

D3

By Lindsey Bahr

L

The Associated Press

OS ANGELES—Right offstage from where the Oscars are handed out, there’s a whole mini-show happening in the wings with a cast of busy production people, anxious stars and dazed winners circulating in and out of the tight space. The Associated Press got a front seat to the action, where Aquaman star Jason Momoa could be seen giving a bear hug to Free Solo director Jimmy Chin, Lady Gaga asked, “Did I nail it?” after her show-stopping “Shallow” performance, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse producer Amy Pascal looked at her Oscar and proclaimed, “It’s so cute!”

Here are some highlights that didn’t make the broadcast of the 91st Academy Awards.

BUT WHERE’S MY DRINK? WINNERS are often quite shell-shocked walking off the main stage of the Dolby Theater and into the wings where they’re immediately photographed and asked to do a reaction video, but some quickly decide on what they want: A drink.

Lady Gaga, still wiping away tears from her emotional win for best song, came backstage and asked, “Is there champagne?” By the time she’d made it to the main hallway, a flute had found its way into her hands, but she hoped that photographers wouldn’t capture her downing it. Others had friends to help, and best actress winner Olivia Colman had two: Sam Rockwell and Frances McDormand.

“White wine for this woman, white wine,” McDormand said as soon as they got offstage.

Rockwell chimed in: “She needs a white wine.”

And sometimes, you don’t even need to have won to get one. Sarah Paulson told her copresenter Paul Rudd they were going to get cocktails—after they’d finished their job of course.

CAPTAIN AMERICA MEETS AQUAMAN CHRIS EVANS had moments with more than a few people backstage as one of the early presenters, many of which came in line for the restroom of all places. One such encounter was when comicbook imprint rival Jason Momoa, a.k.a. DC’s “Aquaman,” came backstage. “Captain America” kept things civil as the two exchanged “hey mans.”

Later, a woman came through saying, “I have somebody who needs to be in the theater” who hoped to skip the line. That somebody was best supporting actress nominee Rachel Weisz. “Oh, just somebody,” Evans joked, while letting Weisz cut to the front of the line. Steve Rogers would be proud.

included, was too rapt with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s performance.

EVERYONE WHO’S ANYONE HAD A COMFORTABLE SHOE OPTION THE Oscars can be a long night for women in uncomfortable footwear, so Jennifer Hudson and Bette Midler came prepared. Hudson, who performed the nominated song “I’ll Fight,” wore slippers with royal blue feathers before putting on her lacy high heels for her moment on stage. And Midler had on a pair of black boots and socks, as well as a corduroy jacket, that were switched out for a pair of metallic platforms to sing “Where the Lost Things Go.” But there was one woman who stayed in the comfy footwear all night: last year’s best actress winner Frances McDormand rocked a pair of bright yellow Birkenstock sandals.

BRIE LARSON OFFERS OSCARS ADVICE BRIE LARSON seemed a little hesitant to join in on Spike Lee’s adapted screenplay win moment. She presented the award to him with Samuel L. Jackson, who Lee called to join in on a photo backstage.

Larson demurred. “No, no, I’m in the back,” she said as Jackson tried to pull her up to the front of the photo with a beaming Lee, still clutching his speech in one hand and his Oscar in another.

“Major,” Larson said, as they all posed.

As they walked out, Larson gave cowriters David Rabinowitz and Charlie Wachtel a piece of advice about winning an Oscar.

“Enjoy the moment,” she said. “It won’t make sense for a long time.”

Larson won her best actress trophy for Room in 2016.

A BACKSTAGE SING-ALONG SURE, everyone who tuned in for the Oscars probably caught the opening number at the very least, but right offstage, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph all had their own private sing-and-dance-along to the performance. They bobbed their heads along to “We Will Rock You,” but really got into it for “We Are the Champions,” before taking the stage to present the best supporting actress trophy to Regina King. Not even “Shallow” got such a karaoke reception—but perhaps it was because everyone, KiKi Layne

EVEN THE PRESENTERS ARE NERVOUS “I’M so nervous,” said Awkwafina as she made her way to stage to present the sound editing and mixing awards with John Mulaney. Thankfully her bit was all about being nervous, so it wasn’t exactly a bad thing to actually be feeling that way. Others get ribbed. Guillermo del Toro laughed and greeted Allison Janney, who had just walked offstage, telling her, “You didn’t [expletive] it up!” And some treat themselves to a snack. Jennifer Lopez grabbed a small plate of cheese and crackers after presenting.

“You deserve it,” said Evans.

AMY ADAMS IS A SUPPORTIVE COSTAR LATE into the show, Amy Adams dashed out of the green room, champagne in hand. Her husband Darren Le Gallo chased after her with her purse.

“You forgot this,” he said. But Adams had more important things to think about, like where she was going to stash the champagne. “I want to be back there for this,” she said. The best actor category was quickly approaching and her Vice costar Christian Bale was a nominee.

Netflix’s ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ announces ensemble cast for fall debut AN Ellen DeGeneres-produced project, Netflix’s Green Eggs and Ham features voice talents of Adam Devine, Michael Douglas, Ilana Glazer, Diane Keaton, Eddie Izzard, Tracy Morgan and KeeganMichael Key, among others.

Based on the beloved book by Dr. Seuss, the upcoming animated series follows opposites Guy and Sam as they venture out on a road trip to save an endangered animal from a far off zoo. Along the way, they learn to try new things like hope, friendship and a certain delectable dish. Produced

by Warner Bros. Animation, Green Eggs and Ham

debuts this fall on Netflix.

The story of Green Eggs and Ham is like a postmodern plains, trains and automobiles through the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. Sam rescues the rare Chickeraffe from the Glurfsburg Zoo, hides it in a briefcase, and attempts to make his way to Meepville where he can charter a cold air balloon to take the Chickeraffe to his island home.

Guy, meanwhile, just flopped his last big chance at being a world-famous inventor for the industrial Snerz Co. He packs up his invention in a briefcase and resigns to give up on his dreams and become a

paint watcher.

A chance meeting at a diner with Sam and a switch up with the briefcases result in these two unlikely souls getting mixed up on an adventure that takes them on a journey of self discovery.

The two mismatched heroes cross paths with overprotective Michellee, whose daughter, EB, desperately wants a pet, and falls madly in love with the Chickeraffe...despite her mother’s fears that it will eat off her face (it won’t). Michellee’s walled-up heart also connects with the heart-hardened Guy. And a laborious love story begins.

Image BusinessMirror

D4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

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Gratitude attitude

H

E bellows in his standard greeting complete with arms open wide—“Good afternoon beautiful people of L&D”— and everybody turns to look at him and smile. Nerv is a self-confessed follower of the positive thinking paradigm which focuses on the silver lining in every cloud. This grows from his belief that we are to be thankful for another day of opportunities to better ourselves. It is no surprise that when the team faces challenges and hiccups, he remains composed, calm and collected. Having a grateful attitude helps him focus more on what can be done rather than wallow in self-defeatist thinking.

This is just one of the benefits of having a thankful attitude. You go beyond the challenge and discover that problems are really opportunities for growth and success.

Studies have been conducted linking gratefulness to a plethora of benefits. Foremost among these psychologists is Dr. Robert Emmons, who wrote the best-selling book Thanks!, Gratitude Works!, and The Little Book of Gratitude. In his book Thanks!, he discovered that people who are grateful enjoy such physical benefits as having a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and being less weighed down by aches and pains. Other benefits include an increase in positive emotions, like joy and pleasure, and social benefits which makes you more helpful, generous, content, and outgoing, and feel less reclusive and detached. If you want to enjoy these benefits, you need to start adopting a grateful attitude. I compiled a list of things you can do to start feeling grateful.

You need to learn to say thanks to others. Being grateful for what others have done not only endears them to you, but also creates a social bond which could be the start of a friendship. A simple thank you when people hold the elevator for you, or when a friend helps you out of a jam fosters camaraderie and general feelings of goodwill. That can become the catalyst for the person to help others in return, consequently creating a domino effect for others to help others. Take the opportunity to brighten somebody’s day just by saying “thank you.”

You also need to thank yourself. More often than not, we become morose and dejected when we compare ourselves to others and focus on what we do not have. We mostly feel this in social media when we see posts of our friend’s new gadgets, destinations or adventures. This could also happen when we go to reunions and family gatherings where relatives compare and pit their kids against each other. These events create feelings of discontent, unworthiness and rejection. You can counter these feelings by comparing yourself—not with others, but with yourself several years before. When you compare what you have now to what you did not have before, you will instantly realize you have come a

long way and this will make you appreciate yourself more. You need to thank yourself for all the efforts and sacrifices you did to ensure you are where you are right now. This, in turn, will help you appreciate yourself and stop comparing yourself to others.

Another way you can adopt grateful thinking is to list down at least five blessings you received for the day. It does not matter if you write them at the start or at the end of your day. The important thing is to write them down because it helps you focus and look for the good things that happened for the day. One of the things I am grateful for the past nine months are the relaxing mornings I spend just before I go to work. These mornings help me appreciate that life is worth it even if work takes a toll on me.

Finding things you are grateful for prepares you for your daily tasks because it puts you in an I-can-doit frame of mind, and increases your confidence to overcome challenges. Once you appreciate what you have, you are more courageous and fearless to face the next challenge because you understand you have been through worse and you have survived.

Words can also help you change your perspective and become grateful for what you have. I remember a story of a blind man with a cardboard sign begging for alms and people just walked by. An astute passerby saw him and took his sign and changed the blind man’s sign. People started giving more alms to him. Curious, the blind man asked a woman passing by what was written on his cardboard. The passerby read, “Such a beautiful day. Too bad I cannot even see it.” The sign helped people appreciate their sight and made it easier for them to give. Similarly, when we stop and count our blessings, we become grateful making it easier for us to be magnanimous and benevolent.

You can put together those blessings into a gratitude journal. I mentioned this in my previous column and I repeat it here. The journal will give you a boost during those times when you doubt yourself and what you can do. By reading through your gratitude journal, you give yourself a confidence boost and you will start to appreciate things that fade into the background.

Another way you can start feeling grateful is by changing a single word. James Clear in his book Atomic Habits says you can start being grateful by changing the word “have” to “get.” Statements like “I have to attend a meeting,” “I have to finish my work,” and “I have to complete this project” take on a whole new meaning when turned into “I get to finish my work,” “I get to finish my work,” and “I get to complete this project.” Notice that the burdens suddenly become opportunities. It takes a conscious effort to do this but once you get the hang of it, work does not become work but becomes the reward in itself because you see it as an opportunity to better yourself.

Having a grateful attitude is not only good for your physical, psychological and social well-being. It is also good for the people around you because your grateful attitude will help them see the good in what they do. So, go ahead and take the time to appreciate the good in your life. You just might discover your life is riddled with every good thing you need—and so much more.

Malaysian coworking space operator finds niche among start-ups, freelancers

By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez

A NEW type of office space is gaining popularity in Ortigas Center: coworking spaces.

While the central business district continues to pride itself in being a favored location for conglomerate buildings and offices, a lucrative market composed of start-ups and a growing freelance work force is fueling the need for this new type of working environment.

The Malaysian-based coworking space operator Common Ground came just at the right time.

“If you look at the size of the Philippine economy—how robust and fast-growing it is—there’s really a long-term commitment to help build this brand [here],” Enrique Gonzales, the company’s director, told reporters during a recent press briefing at its newest site in IBP Tower, Ortigas Center, in Pasig City.

Common Ground opened its pioneering venue in the Philippines

(and outside Malaysia) in November 2018. Located at the Penthouse of ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower in Bonifacio Global City, 75 percent of the shared space has already been taken up by tenants since its launch.

On the other hand, occupancy in the second facility at the IBP Tower currently stands at 40 percent.

“The real-estate sector continues to enjoy strong fundamentals with a growing preference toward flexible office solutions and coworking spaces,” said Gonzales.

It is noted that the past few years have seen the Philippines’s gig economy thrive. In a 2018 Global Freelancer Insights Report by United States-based payment firm PayPal, it said the Philippines has one of the most numbers of freelancers per capita of the 22 countries surveyed, at around 2 percent of the population. This means that the country has an estimated 1.5 million freelancers, placing us third just after the United States and India.

Philippine start-ups also managed to secure $50 million in

SM Supermalls sole shopping center to win Metrobank Foundation’s PEACE award SM Supermalls (www.smsupermalls.com) was recently awarded the PEACE (Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence) Award during Metrobank Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration, giving SM the distinction of being the only mall developer to receive this prestigious award. The award is given to select institutions which, over the years, have supported the foundation’s major programs for nation-building. Receiving the PEACE Award were SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan and Senior Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin from Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña and Metrobank President Fabian Dee.

COMMON Ground, Malaysia’s largest coworking space operator, has opened a second site at the IBP Tower, Ortigas Center in Pasig City. From left: Enrique Gonzales, director for Common Ground Philippines; Lucia Aguila, expansion manager of Common Ground; and, Tina Fernando, head of operations of Common Ground Philippines.

venture capital funding in 2018, and are expected to grow this year because of the growing number of venture capital firms parachuting in different industries.

Gonzales said that Common Ground offers versatile settings for these technopreneurs.

At its IBP Tower outlet, clients, depending on their space requirement, may choose to avail themselves of either a Hot Desk (P12,000-P17,000/ month), with 37 seats, which is an entry-level product fit for a laptop; a Fixed Desk (P16,000-P27,000/month) or a dedicated spot, with 18 seats which come each with a drawer; and private offices (P21,000-P24,000/ month), with a total of 159 seats, each equipped with four to 12 seats.

They can also book multiple rooms and customize the space.

Those who sign up are entitled to free refreshments and cleaning services, on-duty staff and participation in weekly organized events.

Exclusive discounts and freebies from partner establishments, such as Shangri-La Fort, Edsa Shangri-La, Anytime Fitness, Kerry Sports, AirAsia, Amazon Web Services and PruLife UK, sweeten the deal.

“The rent is not necessarily about the place but rather the experience,” said Expansion Manager Lucia Aguila. “It’s a space that you really look forward to work in. You connect to people and the community, and you’re here not only to grow your business but you can just relax, as well.”

Common Ground also offers Enterprise Solutions, designed to power large teams of 50 or more. “When we were just starting, we all thought that we would cater mainly to start-ups—people who are just starting their companies but can’t afford their own place. But then, we found out that established companies like this concept as well,” Aguila said.

She added, “Back in Malaysia, we have companies like Petronas and Amazon Services where we provide these solutions. How it works is that your company will look like Common Ground; you will have the same perks and partnerships, but it will be customized according to your needs. In the Philippines, I was pretty surprised that most of our lessees are some sort of enterprise.”

The company is poised for even bigger projects this year, starting with the construction of the third branch in 8 Rockwell Makati. The company is also eyeing possible locations in Alabang, Ortigas, Makati and even outside of Metro Manila, including Cebu, Davao and Iloilo.

“We have the same plan for the Philippines. We want to grow here as aggressive as we did in Malaysia. So, hopefully, this year we can open at least eight more venues,” Aguila said.

BusinessMirror E1 | Wednesday, February 27, 2019 • Editor : Tet Andolong

The Calista Model House render at PHirst Park, Lipa City

PHirst Homes taps Megawide

again for Lipa project

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

M

@brownindio

ajor contractor Megawide Construction Corp. was recently chosen by PHirst Park Homes Inc. for the use of its precast technology for the construction of more than 1,800 homes in its Lipa City, Batangas, project.

Kerwin Amar (from left), PHirst Park Homes VP for Technical Operations; Kiyoto Asari, Mitsubishi Corp. senior manager; Ricky Celis, PHirst Park Homes president; Jose Carlo Antonio, PHirst Park Homes chairman; Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chairman; Markus Hennig, Megawide executive vice presidentStrategic Business Units; Einstein Chiu, Megawide assistant vice president-Precast and Jeralbine Nuguid, Megawide sales manager-Precast

PHirst Homes is a joint venture between Century Properties Group (CPG) and Mitsubishi Corp. geared for the affordable housing market.

This is the second partnership between PHirst Homes and Megawide which also signed an agreement in 2017 for 2,830 units in the PHirst Park Homes Tanza, Cavite, project.

“PHirst Park Homes is pleased to continue its partnership with Megawide because of its experience and leadership in modern precast technology. As with our ongoing project in PHirst Park Homes Tanza where Megawide has demonstrated an exemplary performance, we are confident that it will deliver the same level of professionalism and quality to PHirst Park Homes Lipa,” said Ricky Celis, president of PHirst Park Homes Inc., in a press statement.

“We are proud to once again be a partner of PHirst Park Homes and Century Properties in delivering first-world structures for the affordable housing market,” said Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chairman and CEO. “Through our Precast unit, we are able to custom-build to the specifications of PHirst Park Homes and ensure higher standardization for

all units from production to installation,” he said.

PHirst Park Homes Lipa, a 20-hectare horizontal community in Barangay San Lucas, Lipa City, is near Lima Technology Center and Light Industry and Science Park III. SM City Lipa is an 18-minute drive from the property.

Launched in June 2018, the development sold out its first phase as early as September and has presold 900 units to date with a sales value of P1.16 billion.

Land development has commenced on site and construction of the first batch of homes will begin in September 2019.

The PHirst Park Homes is positioned in the market for its 4Cs: Complete and well-provisioned homes with a perimeter fence and gate; Conceptive amenities; Connected living through Wi-Fi zones; and a Convenient and simplified experience for home buyers. For Lipa, the development highlights Conceptive amenities that invite families to rediscover the joy of outdoor play.

CPG has identified the first homebuyer market as one of the four allied real-estate segments for its

Rendering of the open-air cinema at PHirst Homes, Lipa City

An artist's rendition of the swimming pool for adults and children

ongoing business expansion, with the others being in-city residential developments, for lease properties, and leisure and tourism. The company’s foray into quality affordable

homes seeks to address the strong housing demand in the segment of the expanding middle class in the Philippines.

Within the next five years, PHirst

Park Homes will launch 15 masterplanned communities in Calabarzon and Central Luzon with approximately 33,000 homes. Near-term launches will be concentrated in

the booming provinces of Laguna, Bulacan and Cavite, where several major infrastructure projects of the government are in various stages of construction and development.

Business

E2 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The great power of extreme responsibility:

Building a greener Philippines

Amor Maclang

first dibs in real estate

A

ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower

Engr. Edgar Sabidong plans to change this outlook—a move that may be possible now that he has a new role to fulfill. As the recently elected chairman of the Philippine Green Building Council (PhilGBC), he now heads the nonprofit organization that promotes green-building education and champions certified greenbuilding practices in the country.

Engr. Edgar’s latest achievement—a cherry on top of his many other notable accomplishments— is one of the most fitting roles I’ve seen granted to anyone. With the PhilGBC’s goal of being the voice for holistic and market-based greenbuilding practices and facilitating these through a green-building rating system, Engr. Edgar seems to have found the calling that matches his own life mission.

It’s also hard not to acknowledge the fact that all of his hard work has really put ArthaLand on the map of green architecture in the Philippines. Engr. Edgar, ArthaLand’s current vice president for Techni-

into a thoughtless haze of “build big and more.”

In ArthaLand, Engr. Edgar’s role is on the opposite end of this mindset. Knowing full well that green buildings are not easy to establish because of tedious planning and surveying, Engr. Edgar has made pursuing green architecture his mission in ArthaLand and, now, more extensively, with the PhilGBC. He knows that there really needs to be constant innovation as far as green technology is concerned.

Focusing on polishing every detail to deliver each project is a key ingredient that set apart ArthaLand’s projects. The results already speak for themselves. Arya Residences broke ground in the Philippines as the first residential green-building development to ever achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating and a Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (Berde) 4-star certification.

This dual green-building certification recognizes the systems for resource and waste management, use of high-quality sustainable materials, low energy consumption and natural ventilation in the entire structure. This certification also highlights the importance of amenities and appliances that contribute to a greener lifestyle. When you have a residential building that accommo-

LMOST every business movement is starting to acknowledge the importance of learning the perfect balance of gain and goodwill. When it comes to goodwill for the environment, however, we still seem to be in the process of adapting environmental sustainability as a need rather than a niche practice. cal Services and chief sustainability officer, has been with the company since 2008, and with over a decade of working on buildings that promote rather than hinder environment preservation, he knows a lot about how to balance going green and getting good cred.

It probably boils down to the words he said before that really stuck with me: “It’s not about putting out in the market as many units as possible. It’s about perfecting the design, respecting the architects that work on the building, and valuing the contribution of the engineers and the entire staff. It’s about doing a service to the future residents or tenants of the green building—because at the end of the day, our business is really about happy clients.”

Land-value maximization is an open-secret practice in the industrializing landscape of urban Manila. As Engr. Edgar puts it, profit sometimes gets prioritized over proper deliberation. It’s a race to find the best space for commercial buildings, ballooning

Engr. Edgar Sabidong, ArthaLand vice president for Technical Services and chief sustainability officer, upholds the mission of greening the Philippines’s cityscapes with style and respect for environment.

dates biking racks, dual piping for irrigation and even local vegetation that requires minimal maintenance and watering, you know the goal is really to deliver a green lifestyle to its future residents.

There is also the beautiful ArthaLand Century Pacific Tower, which

breaks the cityscape of Bonifacio Global City with its jagged paneled glass façade. I remember looking at the striking, sleek modern exterior, then stepping inside and being greeted by the warm yet contemporary interior of the lobby. Natural light and a lot of space, with serrated-edged

windows and neutral brown wooden finishes, warm up the cool exterior the moment you enter.

It was like the best of both worlds in design, well-matched and wellmade for each other—just like ArthaLand and Engr. Edgar’s thrust of merging two supposedly differing philosophies. Imagine having a beautiful building like that and boasting another dual greenbuilding certification, both of the highest possible ratings—LEED Platinum and 5-star Berde. It’s the office space that you’d want in the most coveted business address in the Metro today.

In my talks with Engr. Edgar about ArthaLand’s plans in the future, I discovered two things: Even after years of working and planning, they’re just breaking ground on green building in the Philippines, and it’s not just the Metro they are eyeing.

The company is currently developing the Cebu Exchange Tower, which is set to be among the largest green developments in the Philippines. With Cebu still aiming to achieve a sustainable status, the Cebu Exchange Tower will add to this strengthening endeavor.

This will be made possible with green elements like an efficient building envelope, an efficient plumbing system, low-energy airconditioning system, low-emitting materials and even a vertical garden to add to the physical and aesthetic well-being of the space.

At the end of the day, Engr. Edgar and his team in ArthaLand see each building as a local response to the different challenges of the environmental sustainability. Until now, a decade after he first became a part of the ArthaLand group, the battle for green-building practice adoption continues to face resistance.

For passionate people like Engr.

Edgar, whose philosophy has continually translated to each green building he’s contributed to in the country, it’s a challenge he is ready to accept. He sees his new role as a potential new dawn for changing Philippine architecture.

I, for one, am expecting more traction on educating the public on green space benefits. More people need to know why we need green buildings and more people need to promote adapting the sustainable building practices, so we can all hope to see a change in Philippine architecture, one green building at a time.

Megaworld unveils ‘iconic monument’ in Pasig City T

HE 19-meter-tall “Arco de Emperador,” a masterpiece of Spanish sculptor Gines Serran-Pagan that highlights the Filipinos’ potential for greatness and success, is reminiscent of Madrid’s Arco de la Victoria and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

“Everyone can be an emperador [emperor in English].” Such was the inspiration embraced by the award-winning Serran-Pagan in crafting the Arco de Emperador monument—the iconic arch monument in Arcovia City, Megaworld’s 12.3-hectare township along C-5 Road in Pasig City.

Artistry and greatness take the spotlight through Serran-Pagan’s nine massive sculptures standing proudly side by side atop the arch. This imposing masterpiece is composed of a victorious emperor, three horses pulling his chariot, two lions named Pride and Passion, and two trumpeting angels coated in 24-karat gold.

The monument was first designed in 2013, but the actual work on the bronze sculpture began in 2015 and ended a year after. However, the last pieces—the two golden angels—were only completed late last year and installed just a few days ago.

The arch monument will be also be highlighted by cascading waterfalls leading to the water feature at the basement area where the future museum will be built. It will also be surrounded by a landscaped plaza with benches.

At night, the monument will be illuminated in colors, making it a vibrant centerpiece of Arcovia City as seen along C-5 Road.

“We have created this as a tourism landmark for Metro Manila that brings out the message of how hard work, passion and perseverance can create a self-made successful man. This is how an emperor is made,” revealed Kevin L. Tan, EVP and chief strategy officer, Megaworld. The inspiration for the Arco de Emperador stems from the idea of “selfmade success” that characterizes the “emperor.” Unlike kings who inherit the throne—an emperor only gains power and becomes the leader of an empire the moment he wins a war.

“Our vision for Arcovia City is to ignite the passion of the young generation to commit themselves to work hard, nurture their passions and succeed in whatever path they want to pursue. This thrust will be brought to life through the installations and attractions that will in-

spire people to cultivate passions and celebrate their milestones,” added Tan. Through the Arco de Emperador, Serran-Pagan brings to life what Arcovia City is truly all about: the affirmation that everyone—no matter who they are, what their background is, or where they came from—can work their way toward success. More important, it embodies how today’s generation celebrates personal triumphs and victories.

The bronze monument is expected to last for thousands of years, just like the famous bronze statues of Europe, which turn into a greenish color as years, and even centuries pass by. “The angels, together with the animals and the emperador, form a symbolic group—a sculptural group that is unique here in the Philippines,” Serran-Pagan added.

“The idea behind the sculpture practically [celebrates] the triumph of personal achievement. It’s a symbol that everyone can make it in life, and this is the philosophy of Dr. Andrew Tan, founder of Megaworld. He wanted to fulfill the message of effort and hardwork, and achievement, and that everyone can truly be an emperador,” explained Serran-Pagan.

The Arco de Emperador is inside Megaworld’s Arcovia City, a new town-

Kevin L. Tan, EVP and chief strategy officer, Megaworld (left); Gines Serran-Pagan (center); and William Co, president, Megaworld Resort Estates Inc. ship development in Pasig City.

Arcovia City is strategicially within close proximity to the business dis-

tricts of Fort Bonifacio, Makati City, Ortigas Center and Eastwood City. The 12.3-hectare township development will

be composed of residential towers, office towers, a lifestyle mall, open parks and gardens, and Landers Superstore.

sMirror

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 E3

KMC boosts presence in southern part of Metro Manila

KMC Griffin stone pantry

The newly opened KMC One Griffinstone branch in Alabang

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

M

@brownindio

AJOR Philippine coworking and private space office provider KMC recently opened its first office facility in Alabang in anticipation of a boom in the southern part of the metropolis.

“Our Alabang office is futureready. The infrastructure connecting the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila makes Filinvest more accessible,” KMC COO Tracy Ignacio said in a recent press briefing.

“The property’s future-ready master plan proves to be more suitable for establishing businesses operations as it takes into account a green system, city districting and technology integration,” she added.

Located inside One Griffinstone building in Filinvest City Alabang, Filinvest City is recognized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce as one of the best locations to do business in the Philippines, having been named the most business-friendly local government unit in the country.

Ignacio said accessibility, modern infrastructure and cost competitiveness has made Alabang an attractive

location to both national and international businesses looking to establish or relocate business operations.

Griffinstone, one of Alabang’s newest properties and home to KMC’s Alabang space boasts both leader in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold and Philippine Economic Zone Authority accreditations, further adding to its attractiveness as a premier location for business operations.

With this addition, KMC now boasts over 52,000 square meters of office space across 21 buildings located throughout Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas, Cebu, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Iloilo and now Alabang.

“We aim to create businesses through the community of businesses. Our offices are designed to foster collaboration and partner-

KMC Chairman and Cofounder Gregory Kittelson (from left), COO Tracy Ignacio and Vice President for Sales Thomas Cragg answer questions from the attendees at the KMC One Griffinstone launch on February 21.

ships,” she said.

Being an enabler in the business processing outsourcing industry and the tech industry, KMC Solutions chairman and cofounder Gregory Kittelson said they made it sure that locators could collaborate with each other toward growth by allowing collaborative spaces.

“By developing a collaborative space, they would have easy interaction and community network,” Kittelson said.

Home

Amiya Raya unveils designer homes offering

Amiya Raya executives Chay Garcia of Community Creators Inc. (left), and Robbie Antonio of Revolutions Inc.

F

ebruary 2 was a day of good vibes and pleasant surprises at Amiya Raya Highland Homes (Amiya Raya), which welcomed the 2019 Chinese New Year with auspicious celebrations. Amiya Raya is one of the latest community developments by Community Creators Inc. (CCI) is the owner and developer of premium residential projects Amiya Raya in San Mateo, Rizal, and Altana in Malolos, Bulacan. It is founded and headed by CEO Chay Garcia.

Amiya Raya is a modern Asian-

themed development located at San Mateo, Rizal, just 20 minutes away from Quezon City. It is walking distance to major schools and universities, churches, commercial malls and key business districts. Amiya Raya is a Hindu-Sanskrit phrase, which means “a view that delights the senses.”

The development boasts of majestic, panoramic views of the city, Laguna de Bay, mountain ranges and spacious, open parks that will make you feel like you’re living in

a resort. It is 240 meters above sea level at its highest point and offers a cooler climate and is in a floodfree zone.

The event, hosted by Binibining Pilipinas finalist Sarah Joson, featured a dragon dance by the Philippine Rui Lion and Dragon Dance Group, as well as a Fengshui lecture

by Master Ang. Present in the event were Garcia, and landowners-partners Vicente Cristi Jr. and Angie Cristi.

Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of Revolution Hills—a partnership of CCI and Revolution Precrafted, a propertytech company founded by Robbie Antonio. Revolution Hills at Amiya Raya is a collection of designer homes by three of the top and most soughtafter architects in the Philippines, namely, Eduardo Calma, Kenneth Cobonpue and Budji Layug/Royal Pineda. These designer homes are fully furnished with prices starting at P6.8 million.

“I would like to thank Revolution Precrafted headed by their very maverick founder and CEO for this collaboration. This is a collection of premium homes that define what a true dream home is. With this, we pursue our passion and vision, which is community creation,” Garcia said during the event.

“We want to encourage local startups from Alabang, Las Piñas and Paranaque,” he added.

The flexible workspace features KMC’s trademark design elements, in addition to boasting one of the KMC’s largest private office spaces, coupled with coworking spaces suitable for teams of all sizes.

“With the increasing number of foreign companies that want to establish presence in the Philippines, there is a growing demand for flex-

ible workspaces,” KMC Managing Director Michael McCullough said.

“The growing number of startups and entrepreneurs also prefer flexible workspaces as they offer low capital requirements and flexible leasing terms,” McCullough said in a press statement.

Olive Rivera, Enterprise Development Division Chief of the Department of Trade and Industry, said the decision of KMC to open a site in Muntinlupa City was a good decision

because this will spur growth in the National Capital Region, especially in the southern part of the area. “This will also boost the capabilities of small to medium enterprises.”

Aside from workspaces, KMC also offers a range of technical, legal and administrative support that eases the entry of foreign companies and start-ups into the business arena.

As established Central Business Districts become more congested, KMC is committed to offering increased choice and convenience for companies in establishing their business operations anywhere throughout the Philippines. The company further cements its presence in Cebu with a second facility in the Cebu IT Park at Skyrise 4B to be launched next month. The first facility in Iloilo opened its doors last year at the Festive Walk Office Tower.

One of its clients praised the Alabang site for its location and functionality.

“The office is near the commercial establishments, public parking areas and transportation hubs. KMC was able to address most of our requirements, such as high-speed and reliable internet connectivity and a private office that’s flexible since our company is growing, meeting rooms and many more,” Sheena Lamera, application integration engineer for Qualtera said in a statement.

Equus responds to demand for upscale projects in Laguna

Z

adia, Equus Property Venture Inc.’s latest upscale residential development in Santa Rosa, Laguna, is making waves in the property investment scene with its Tower 1 units almost sold out less than 90 days.

The success of Tower 1 brought overwhelming demand for investment-worthy projects within Greenfield City.

Banking on the success of its Pramana and Solen residences, the company unveils yet another “green,” future-ready and sustainable community with Zadia’s second residential building.

In line with its vision of “Building for Generations,” Zadia offers the first premier vertical community in Greenfield City, providing the best of both worlds for those looking for a quiet, nature-inspired lifestyle, but also yearns for the convenience of condominium living. It will also feature “Greenspiration” lifestyle so residents can turn away from everyday stress and commune with nature for inspiration and positive vibes.

The golden opportunity

At the heart of the 450-hectare Greenfield City in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Zadia successfully integrates luxurious suburban vibe and first-class condominium living. Envisioned to be the next Makati south of Metro Manila, Zadia will become an iconic landmark that redefines the skyline of Santa Rosa City and catapults multi-level residential developments in the city.

Zadia, a five-building, low-density condominium, will be a luxuriant haven built with Greenspiration lifestyle. Residents will enjoy lush landscapes, sprawling spaces, world-class

amenities, and cozy homes.

High demand for investmentworthy developments

The 15-floor Zadia Tower 2 will have 480 saleable studio units. To further give investors and homebuyers the flexibility of diversifying their investment portfolio, the option to combine adjacent studio units will be open for a limited time.

Tower 2 follows the signature Greenspiration theme, with focus on green living, green architecture and ecological designs. This new condominium development will also feature the intricate beauty and wonderful designs from nature itself, encouraging residents to leave their worries behind and be one with nature.

From the lush landscapes like its open fields, to lively common areas like its clubhouse and lobby areas, and cozy spaces like its rooms, Zadia integrates green and sustainable living

in all aspects of its development. Each unit is equipped with its own balcony so residents can enjoy clear blue skies, early morning sunlight or the nostalgic afternoon sunset without leaving their doorstep.

Zadia successfully integrates rustic, tranquil life with modern condominium living. It is close to Paseo, Laguna Central and Arcadia, three lifestyle establishments where restaurants, bars, cafés, outlet stores and sprawling open spaces, operate.

GDC has been fueling the progress of Santa Rosa City through its remarkable real estate developments since the 1990s. In the last three decades, Greenfield City transformed an agricultural land into an urban masterpiece. Known as the “city within a park,” this 450-hectare township encapsulates the developer’s vision of creating modern, future-ready homes and communities that complement the nature-rich landscape of Santa Rosa.

Entrepreneur BusinessMirror

E4 Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Goodbye ‘labandera?’ Laundromat era dawns in PHL urban neighborhoods

L

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

Contributor

EADING distributor of premium laundry machines, Technolux, has recently introduced its entrepreneurship program for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to go into the laundry business.

Eugene Corpus, sales supervisor for consumables and laundry of Technolux, said the self-service, coin-operated laundry business has a great potential, especially these days as demand for self-service, coin-operated laundry machines continues to rise over time owing to different factors, foremost of which is the added convenience sought after by busy students, professionals and families to employ a more time- and cost-efficient way of doing their laundry.

With the innovations through the years, Corpus said, these laundry equipment for have undergone major improvements and have become user-friendly.

Corpus said one of the most important components of a successful laundry business primarily depends on the machines’ speed, capacity and durability.

For sure, an operator would like his customers to be able to do their laundry in a quick and efficient manner, which only reliable washers and dryers can guarantee, he stressed during the recently concluded Laundry Expo held at the SMX complex in Pasay City.

The Technolux business package offers premium equipment carrying the IPSO and Primus names that belong to Alliance Laundry Systems Network, the global leader in commercial laundry. These equipment are smartly designed and equipped with the latest technology to boost efficiency and reduce water, energy and detergent costs.

Technolux offers different ways to get into the coin-operated laundry enterprise. Clients can simply purchase individual IPSO/Primus washers and dryers so they can start their own business by themselves.

Moreover, Corpus said, interested parties can choose from the following packages: Business Package No. 1 (StartUp) is ideal for new entrepreneurs wanting to launch their first coinoperated laundry business within a 30-square meter (sq m) space.

This includes five units of stackable IPSO/Primus washer and dryer, 250 tokens, 10 laundry baskets, a table for folding clothes and another table/ counter for staff, plus six units of monobloc chairs for the customers.

Package No. 2 (Established) clients will get 10 units of IPSO/Primus stackable washer and dryer, 500

tokens, 20 laundry baskets, three rectangular tables, one table/counter for staff, plus 12 units of monobloc chairs enough for a 50 sq m space.

Package No. 3 (Expansion) includes 15 units of stackable IPSO/ Primus washer and dryers, 750 tokens, 30 laundry baskets, two tables, one table/counter for staff, plus 18 monobloc chairs for a 80 sq m space.

Technolux also regularly conducts training and seminars with topics, such as operating machines, simple troubleshooting, and the ins and outs of the laundry business for interested entrepreneurs.

“What sets Technolux apart from

other distributors is that clients are assured of the best heavy duty commercial washing machines and dryers complete with a two-year comprehensive warranty and a preventive maintenance service free for one year. Plus, a service response guarantee time of 24 hours to avoid down time for clients. No other distributor provides such solid support to their clients,” said Alex Dumayag, vice president for laundry division in a news statement.

Corpus said clients of Technolux could expect comprehensive support, hauling and delivery of machines and installation and commissioning.

Further, he said, Technolux would walk the extra mile by inspecting the sites, advising clients on design and layout of the space, supervising construction and staff training.

With their 43-year excellent performance in customer service, Corpus said, every business package would be provided a round-the-clock call center facility that will respond to any inquiry 24/7, plus a fleet of motorcycle-riding technicians.

“Now is the best time to invest in a coin-operated laundry business because, aside from the increasing demand, Technolux’s self-service, coin-operated laundry business gives you the options tailored to your needs, premium machines, technical service support and a chance to grow your business exponentially.

We invite entrepreneurs to partner with us, ” Dumayag said.

Marina vows support to entrep behind Cebu sea jeepney proposal

C

EBU CITY—Metro Cebu commuters may soon opt to escape the grueling road traffic by taking a catamaran, or a sea jeepney, in going to their destinations.

This, as a young entrepreneur-led shipping company recently launched its MyBoat coastal routes at the Naga Baywalk, right beside the Philippine Coast Guard-Naga City substation.

Dr. Nelson Mejia Jr., chief executive officer of MCE Shipping Lines, said passengers from the southern towns and cities in the Metro will have a maximum travel time of 30 minutes when the south coastal routes start next month.

Mejia said a huge catamaran that can carry at least 64 passengers is now 90

percent finished and will soon be delivered by its manufacturer, Steven Deans Marine Inc., a Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)-accredited shipbuilder in Liloan, Cebu.

Aside from a catamaran that will be serving passengers, commuters can also choose to ride in a sea jeepney—a 15-seater speedboat—for shorter travel routes.

According to Mejia, commuters who will take the sea routes will have a maximum travel time of 30 minutes from Naga City to this city’s Pier 3.

He added that the company is also planning to put two more coastal travel lines—Minglanilla-Cebu City and Talisay-Cebu City.

“Minglanilla to Pier 3 will take you for only 20 minutes. When you are from Talisay, you only have 10 minutes to reach Cebu City,” he said on the sidelines of the launching.

“Our business plan is research-based model being considered by maritime and land transport experts,” he also said in his welcome remarks.

The 27-year-old CEO said he is willing to share his business model.

“It can help Mega Cebu achieve its vision,” he added.

“Traffic congestion is a sign that there is progress in a place. On the other hand, each one of us has experienced traffic. Sea transport system will augment such problem,” he said, citing

Japan International Cooperation Agency’s first quarter of 2018 studies, which said that Metro Cebu’s traffic has translated to P1.1 billion in economic and opportunity losses.

Mayor Elanito Peña, in separate interview, said his town of Minglanilla is willing to provide the company with a parking space so that motorists who wish to go to the city would not have to take the congested south national highway, and take the catamaran or sea jeepney, instead.

“They have presented to us their proposal and we studied it,” he said.

The mayor said the company needs to negotiate with a private firm, Primary Structures, that is currently undertak-

ing a reclamation project in Minglanilla’s coastal barangay of Calajoan, in order to operate in the area.

For his part, Mejia said they need only a short wharf in Minglanilla, where they can dock a vessel to pick and unload passengers.

While there is no commitment from the city yet, Naga City Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong told the media that the company needs to complete its permits first before it can operate.

Marina Officer in Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., who graced the launching in Naga City, vowed to assist Mejia’s company in completing its papers so that it can serve the Cebuano commuters the soonest possible time. PNA

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Start-up group gets ready for factory robots working alongside humans

V

EO Robotics Inc., a start-up developing sensor technology that lets industrial robots work safely side-by-side with humans, closed a funding round as it prepares to roll out the product in May. The company raised $15 million late last month, bringing total financing to around $28 million, cofounder and CEO Patrick Sobalvarro said in an interview. Veo’s proprietary technology uses lidar sensors to create realtime maps of factory workspaces, so that robots can slow or stop completely when human workers get too close.

There are more than 2 million industrial robots in operation worldwide, mostly toiling inside metal safety cages. The seclusion is fine for repetitive tasks that can be done entirely by machines, such as arc welding, but the majority of work even in the most automated factories requires involvement of people. Embedding force sensors into industrial limbs is one way to prevent them from plowing through obstacles, but the same technology that makes the arms safe also makes them weak. Most so-called cobots cannot handle weights heavier than 10 kilograms. Computer vision offers a way to get robots into more complex environments, without compromising their strength.

“Where you see a lot of robots, that’s just the beginning of assembly,” Sobalvarro said. “Those welding robots make for flashy pictures, but what you don’t see is another 250 to 500 process steps that are entirely manual.”

Another obstacle is that manufacturers increasingly have to make multiple products on the same assembly line and are constantly retooling their production to accommodate shifting consumer tastes. An automotive line worker might handle an SUV, followed by a minivan and a sedan at a pace of one a minute, the kind of variety that robots don’t handle well, Sobalvarro said.

“It just doesn’t make any sense to automate further because of mass customization,”he said.“We let manufacturing be more flexible and adopt to increasingly tighter product cycles.”

There are also not enough workers to do the job. About half a million jobs were left open in manufacturing in the US last year, and the shortage may widen to 2.4 million over the next decade, according to a report by Deloitte Consulting LLP and the Manufacturing Institute. “Anywhere you can find a place to introduce robots, it helps,”Sobalvarro said. Bloomberg News

Israeli start-ups join firms making lab-grown ‘clean meat’

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ES ZIONA, Israel—Several Israeli startups have joined a handful of companies around the globe trying to develop labgrown meat, something they see as a solution to the needs of the world’s ever-growing population and burgeoning demand for food.

The product has been known under different names, including cultured meat, in-vitro or artificial and “clean meat”—a term advocates say underscores its environment-friendly nature. It’s basically made of animal muscle cells grown in a culture in a lab, a technology similar to stem cells.

And while “synthetic steaks” are perhaps not a candidate for everyone’s favorite dish, they could someday compete with conventional chicken or beef, an affordable price tag permitting.

“Producing meat is very inefficient,” said Yaakov Nahmias, a bioengineering professor at Hebrew University and founder of Future Meat Technologies. Cultured meat, by comparison, consumes “10 times less water, less land, less energy than the current meat production.”

Advocates say lab-grown meat is flavorful and better for the environment than conventional meat. They say it consumes less water, energy and land, produces less greenhouse gases and reduces animal suffering.

Agriculture is estimated to generate around 13 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions, with livestock alone responsible for two-thirds of those emissions, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

For Israel, the advances are a far cry from the country’s early decades, when meat was rationed.

In fact, Israel is quickly becoming “the leader in the space, or [is] side-by-side with Silicon Valley” in cultured meat technologies, said Alex Shirazi,

cofounder of the Cultured Meat and Future Food podcast and a founder of the Cultured Meat Symposium, an industry gathering in San Francisco in November.

Israel has a thriving high-tech scene, so the pursuit of lab-grown meat was a natural avenue for its entrepreneurs, experts say. The government’s Innovation Authority has also sought to stimulate food-technology companies through grants and the financing of a $25 million food-tech incubator.

Israel currently imports much of its meat and the government is invested in creating food security.

For observant Jews, several prominent Orthodox rabbis have already expressed approval for lab-grown meat being kosher. Because it doesn’t come from a slaughtered animal, some rabbis have even said cultured meat could be consumed as a cheeseburger—a combination of meat and milk otherwise forbidden in Jewish tradition.

In February, the Good Food Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit promoting the development of meat alternatives, announced a series of research grants “for the benefit of the entire scientific community and good food industry.”

One of the six $250,000 grants for “clean meat” researchers went to Israel, and a second Israeli researcher received funds for “plant-based” meat alternatives.

“Israel is a fertile ground for tech in general and specifically for what we call alternative protein,” said Beni Nofech, a board member at the institute.

“Israel is such an innovation-driven economy and infrastructure, both governmental and private, is already in place to actually catalyze innovation and research.”

The industry still faces some significant hurdles, including astronomical cost, developmental

challenges, regulatory issues and questions about whether people are ready-to-eat lab-grown meat.

Until now, most companies involved in the effort have only managed to produce fleshy granules.

Future Meat Technologies, a company based out of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University, and SuperMeat are among those combining animal cells and plant proteins as a potential alternative to processed meats.

Aleph Farms, an Israeli start-up launched in 2017, announced in December it succeeded in producing a lab-grown “minute steak” made from bovine cells that closely resembles the texture and flavor of its cow-borne counterpart.

For now, the tiny steaks are just 3 millimeters (a 10th of an inch) wide—roughly the size of a very thin strip of roast beef.

Each Israeli player has raised several million dollars in early investment, including from major food manufactures, such as US giant Tyson Foods, Germany’s PHW Group and Israel’s Strauss Group.

The first lab-grown burger was made by a Dutch company in 2013 at a cost of over $300,000. Production costs have fallen in the years since. Last year US-based Memphis Meats’ ground beef alternative was reported to cost about $2,400 per pound. Each slice of Aleph Farms’ “steak” costs about $50 to produce.

Before it can hit the shelves, lab-grown meat will face regulatory obstacles. The US government’s Food and Drug Administration and US Department of Agriculture announced in November they would “jointly oversee the production of cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry.”

Cultured meat has already faced resistance from the US meat industry and will probably face a label battle once it comes on the market. AP

ALL SET FOR FRANCHISE EXPANSION In line with its aggressive drive

to boost its nationwide expansion this year, BonChon, the leading Korean fast food known globally for its Korean-style crispy fried chicken recently tapped the expertise of Francorp, the world’s largest franchise consulting company. After eight successful years in the Philippines and with increasing loyal following, BonChon is more than ready for an aggressive expansion plan that will lead into opening more doors in strategic locations across the nation. “We want more Filipinos to have access to good food by expanding our reach and opening more branches in various locations nationwide. Through Francorp, we are confident that BonChon will become the best business partner for future entrepreneurs interested in franchising a global brand,” said BonChon Managing Director Scott Tan. Currently, BonChon has 189 branches in the country.

“The addition of BonChon in our roster of popular global brands is a new boost to Francorp’s track record of being the most trusted franchise consulting firm in the country. BonChon’s expansion targets are very clear and Francorp will do its best to provide them the franchising support system that they require,” said Francorp Chief Marketing Officer Sam Christopher Lim. In photo sealing the partnership with a handshake are Lim (third from left) and Tan (fourth from left). With them are (from left) Francorp Assistant Vice President Lito Samson, BonChon Senior Financial Analyst Paulina Tan and BonChon General Manager Roel Sun.