BusinessMirror January 28, 2020

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020 Vol. 15 No. 110

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‘Virus may disrupt PHL tourism, manufacturing’ ₧51B T

By Cai U. Ordinario

Over the weekend, Bloomberg reported that the lockdown imposed in Wuhan is a concern as

the ground zero for the nCoV is one of China’s major industry and logistics hubs.

Economist Calixto V. Chikiamco said the spread of the disease has the potential to disrupt trade

BORACAY, MLA TOURIST HUBS’ CHINA GUESTS CANCELING BOOKINGS

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

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@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

and affect the Philippine manufacturing sector’s performance this year.

ESORTS in Boracay Island are bracing for the impact from the novel coronavirus (nCoV), with a number of them already receiving cancellations on guest bookings from China.

Most resorts, however, are disinclined to grant refunds despite the unusual situation, and in spite of an appeal from Chinese travel agents, according to industry sources. China is the top source market of foreign tourists in Boracay. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 showed there were 363,832 Chinese tourists from January to September 2019.

In “An Open Letter on Giving Preferential Treatment to Chinese Tourists to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus Pneumonia,” dated January 26, 2020, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror, the China Association of Travel Services, asked for “your full understanding and support. In addition, we look forward to your introducing relative refund and changes policies to minimize Chinese tourists’ financial loss.”

Continued on A2

See “Bookings,” A2

@caiordinario

HE spread of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) to other parts of China, dubbed the factory of the world, will hit not only the tourism sector but also Philippine manufacturing firms and international trade, local economists said on Monday.

P25.00 nationwide | 4 sections 34 pages |

The equivalent of what Chinese tourists spent ($979.4 million) in the first half of 2019, in the Philippines. They were the secondlargest spender as a market, after South Koreans

‘Constitution impedes fight against corruption’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

& Samuel P. Medenilla

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@sam_medenilla

ALACAÑANG on Monday said the Duterte administration’s campaign against corruption is being hampered by the Constitution, as its provisions make it difficult for the President to go after erring officials.

Presidential spokesman and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo told reporters in a news briefing that President Duterte’s hands are tied when it comes to investigating officials suspected of committing graft and corruption as the Constitution accords due process to the accused.

“The problem is this: There are many complaints of corruption but the President, as a lawyer, needs certain documentary and testimonial evidence to give him the basis, and many Filipinos are still afraid to reveal themselves or to give evidence of this sort,” said Panelo.

Sans this “restraint,” Panelo said the President would have already sacked corrupt officials.

Duterte issued the statement after Transparency International issued its latest Corruption Perception Index, wherein the country’s ranking slid by 14 points from 99th in 2019 to 113th this year.

A total of 180 countries were covered by the Corruption Perception Index.

PESO exchange rates n

Solons, DTI find price violations in Taal-hit sites

Despite the result of the index, Panelo maintains Duterte’s approach against corrupt officials is “effective.”

“As we have seen, the President has been firing top government officials and erring government officials have been charged in the Ombudsman and in the Courts,” Panelo said.

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Vested interests

Rep. Joey Salceda, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, on Monday said he is now studying measures to combat regulatory capture as part of efforts to intensify the Duterte administration’s anti-corruption drive.

In an aide-mémoire addressed to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Salceda said there is a need for a measure that would promote “regulatory recovery.”

“On this representation’s end, and as a contribution to the President’s anti-corruption drive, we shall begin rigorously studying what I would like to call regulatory recovery, the process of reclaiming for the public interest regulatory agencies that have been corrupted by special interests or that have become too closely aligned with the sectors [they] sought to regulate,” he said.

“The Regulatory Recovery Project of this office will be characterized by ‘Bill, Bill, Bill,’ a flurry of proposals to reform agencies where entanglement with vested interests is structurally embedded or contracted from inception,” he added.

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT PSE The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. celebrated the Chinese New Year with a lion and dragon dance at the trading floor on Monday (January 27), the first trading day in the Year of the Metal Rat. PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon expressed the hope that “the Year of the Metal Rat will bring prosperity, abundance and stability to the stock market.” Aside from REITs, he said they look forward to introducing other products and services to spur liquidity in the bourse this year. NONIE REYES

‘Fight vs corruption needs more Pinoys reporting it’

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F more Filipinos report corrupt practices via 8888, the government can do better in its fight against corruption, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said greater citizen engagement is the key to curbing corruption in the country.

Pernia issued the statement days after Transparency International released the latest Corruption Perception Index, where the Philippines

slipped 14 notches to 113 out of 180 economies.

“Let us encourage our citizens to report incidents of corruption through the 8888 hotline. But we also appeal to people to promote integrity by not giving false information,” Pernia said.

“While we encourage the use of technology through mobile and Web platforms to increase access and improve awareness of anti-corruption initiatives, we also need to emphasize the need to be responsible,” he added.

Apart from greater citizen engagement, Pernia said the government should simplify its procedures to reduce corruption and opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.

The Neda chief said this can be done by maximizing technology that can also be used to expedite processing and prosecution of cases.

Through the use of technology, Pernia said, the government can also enhance interagency multi-stakeholder cooperation for its anti-corruption drive. Cai U. Ordinario

WO weeks after the eruption of Taal Volcano, the House Committee on Trade and Industry, and the Department of Trade and Industry have found price violations for bottled water, sugar, and other basic commodities deemed essential during calamities.

House Committee on Trade and Industry Chairman Wes Gatchalian, together with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, inspected prices of basic and prime commodities in the calamity-stricken province of Batangas to check compliance with the Consumer Act and Price Act. “Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers should be extra sensitive during these times.

Basic commodities are critical for the survival of our fellow countr ymen who just experienced a calamity. No one should be allowed to take advantage of these kinds of situations,” the lawmaker said.

The DTI immediately issued notices of violation and show-cause orders to correct these price violations.

“That is why we, at the Committee on Trade and Industry, are prioritizing the amendments to the Consumer Act. We will ensure stricter penalties for violators to ensure compliance,” Gatchalian said. Also, the solon said their See “Price violations,” A2

US 50.8990 n japan 0.4674 n UK 66.5810 n HK 6.5487 n CHINA 7.3675 n singapore 37.6193 n australia 34.6775 n EU 56.1569 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.5687

Source: BSP (27 January 2020)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, January 28, 2020

www.businessmirror.com.ph

DOJ told to study impact of VFA abrogation

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573 & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

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HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has been tasked by President Duterte to conduct a study on the possible consequences of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra admitted that the new order from the Office of the President expanded the scope of his previous directive, which was to conduct a study only on the process of terminating the VFA. In light of the new instruction, Guevarra said they might have to include in their comprehensive and in depth impact assessment the “wisdom of the executive action” of terminating the agreement.

The broader study will include the impact on the security,

economic and environmental aspect of the VFA , as well as the impact of the VFA’s termination on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca).

The Edca is a supplemental agreement to the VFA. “We have just been instructed today to expand the scope of our study to include a preliminary impact assessment on the possible termination of the VFA,” Guevarra explained.

The DOJ was supposed to submit their memorandum on the study

to Duterte on Monday, but did not push through in light of the new directive.

Guevarra said he believes that Duterte has not yet given the order to terminate the VFA because he is still awaiting the results of the study by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), DOJ, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica).

“It is my understanding that the President has threatened, but has not given an order, to terminate the VFA. That’s why his office has requested us to study the potential impact of such termination,” the justice secretary added.

The DOJ secretary believes that while coming out with a study on the legal side of the VFA would be an easy task for them, “the impact assessment would require a more thorough study.”

Thus, Guevarra declined to give a deadline as to when they would be able to complete their study.

He said it would also depend on how soon they can convene the Cabinet Cluster on Justice, Secu-

“We have just been instructed today to expand the scope of our study to include a preliminary impact assessment on the possible termination of the VFA.”—Guevarra

rity and Peace and/or the VFA Commission for an in-depth and comprehensive impact assessment.

Among the members of the Cabinet Cluster on Justice, Security and Peace are the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), the DFA, the DOJ, NBI and the Nica.

Senate’s move

Senate President Vicente Sotto III indicated Monday the senators are likely to take up the VFA amid recent calls for its abrogation under the Duterte administration.

“Perhaps, kailangan pag-usapan lang [we need to just discuss it],” Sotto said, even as he hastened to

‘Virus may disrupt PHL tourism, manufacturing’ Continued from A1

“[If more places in China will be affected], it will affect not only the Philippines, but also global trade since China is an export powerhouse doing trade with many countries,” said Chikiamco.

Government data indicated that China was the country’s top source of imports, accounting for 19.3 percent of the bill in January to November 2019.

China is also the Philippines’s fourth top export market as its purchases accounted for 12.8 percent of the receipts in the same period.

University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist Victor Abola said the spread of nCoV to other parts of China will be a “different ball game” given the extent of the impact of the disease.

Abola said the spread of the virus is a concern as China is not always “forthright” when it comes to data.

Fewer tourists

Chikiamco and Abola believe it is the tourism sector that would bear the brunt of

the spread of nCoV in China.

Abola said nCoV could easily reduce the growth of the tourism sector by half or even cause the sector to post flat growth.

“There will be some impact on tourism since Chinese tourists represent one of the biggest nationalities arriving as tourists—Koreans and Japanese are the others,” said Chikiamco.

Last week, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said there was a 15.6-percent increase in foreign tourists in the country, reaching 7.4 million from January to November 2019.

China was the second top source market for tourists at 1.63 million, after South Korea’s 1.8 million for the year in review.

In the first half of 2019, Chinese tourists spent $979.4 million, or some P51 billion, in the Philippines. They were the secondlargest spender as a market, after South Koreans.

However, in light of the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus, the Tourism Congress of the Philippines has called for a temporary travel ban on Chinese tourists.

The Civil Aeronautics Board has also banned inbound travel from Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, which was the reported source of the novel coronavirus infection.

Assessment

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon said it is “too early” to tell whether the nCoV will affect the performance of the Philippine manufacturing sector and trade in general.

The Neda was also mum on whether it has run simulations to estimate the impact of the disease on the country’s economy.

However, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said the spread of the virus is a concern of authorities. “It will be discussed during the next Cabinet meeting.”

According to the Associated Press report, China’s government said the death toll from nCoV has risen to 80 with more than 2,700 confirmed cases. Beijing’s health minister also warned that the virus’ ability to spread is “getting stronger.”

Price violations. . .

Bookings. . .

inspection showed that some vendors of fresh meat did not have the proper NMIS (National Meat Inspection Service) certificate.

“Based on the Price Act, areas that are proclaimed or declared a disaster area, or under a state of calamity must freeze the prices or basic commodities at their prevailing prices. This ensures that enterprises cannot take advantage of the situation to earn increased profits,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said surgical masks were generally below the suggested retail price (SRP).

“However, the inspection teams were unable to verify prices of N95 masks because there is a shortage of N95 masks in Batangas City,” he added.

In addition to price checks, the team also inspected appliances for compliance with product safety standards.

“The inspection team was greeted with some products that do not have the proper product safety and ICC marks. These were immediately confiscated by the DTI to prevent the introduction of substandard products in the market. The corresponding notices of violation and show cause orders were issued, thereafter,” he said.

The cancellations of bookings in Boracay come on the heels of Beijing’s order for all its national travel agencies and online travel companies to temporarily suspend business group travel and “ticket + hotel” products effective immediately. The order, contained in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Emergency Notice 29, was issued on January 25, just as China was to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

“Yes,” said a representative of a resort in Boracay, confirming the receipt of cancellation requests from Chinese guests. “We’re looking at replacement business,” the representative added, but stressed no refunds will be made by their resort for the cancellations, just “offsetting or rebooking.”

Shift

While their resort has yet to receive cancellations from other markets, the resort representative said, “we are anticipating already.”

However, a Manila-based tour operator, who requested not to be identified, said they already received a notice of cancellation of a tour group from Sri Lanka. Although the group was only for 15 persons, the entire booking, which included a hotel stay and tours around Manila and Angeles City, Pampanga, cost $7,000 or some P357,000.

For its part, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Inc. confirmed that Chinese guests were canceling bookings not just in Boracay, but also in Manila. HSMA President Chris-

Continued from A1

Meanwhile, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said authorities should now shift from recovery phase to response mode after Phivolcs lowered the Taal Volcano status to Alert Level 3.

“They should now implement transition from response phase to recovery mode,” he said.

Also, Salceda said a post-disaster damage assessment should be conducted, including risk adjustment and protocols due to geomorphological changes and new data.

“There should also proper accounting and reporting of fund transfers, donations and status of calamity funds, and their uses and beneficiaries,” he added.

Salceda, likewise, pitched the need for “cash-for-work, house repairs from DSWD and Tupad for street community cleanup from DOLE” as a means for providing the victims with some form of transient livelihood, he said.

Salceda also sought psychosocial care and stress debriefing for affected residents. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Continued from A1

Other markets

tine U. Ibarreta said, “There are more [cancellations] in Boracay, but also in Manila.” She said about 10 Boracay resorts have so far reported cancellations from China.

She added, “Some hotels allowed the cancellations and guests can rebook their stay within three months,” or until April this year.

The Tourism Congress of the Philippines has already recommended expanding the Philippines’ travel ban to cover the entire China to protect the health of Filipinos. (See, “Tourism stakeholders: Ban tourists from China,” in the BusinessMirror, January 27, 2020.)

In response, DOT spokesman and Undersecretar y for Tour ism Development Planning Benito Bengzon Jr. said, “ We acknowledge the va luable inputs and recommendations of our stakeholders. We are closely monitor ing the situation and w ill defer to our hea lth and immigration author ities in implementing the appropr iate measures the w ill ensure the safet y and well-being of ever yone.”

Tour ism Undersecretar y for Lega l A ffairs Edw in Enr ile said there were no plans by the Civ il Aeronautics Board to ex pand the travel ban outside of Wuhan. “A s of T hursday, [the ban is] only for Wuhan. For other Chinese cities, we follow Iata [Inter nationa l A ir Transport A ssociation] r ules/protocol, regarding screening and quarantine. C A B and Caap [Civ il Av iation Author it y of the Philippines] are in close coordination w ith the DOH [Department of Hea lth],” he underscored. T he Tour ism secretar y is v ice chair man of the C A B.

clarify that “I am not proposing anything other than talk about it.”

The Senate leader added they will likely take up the matter either in a caucus or public hearing.

“What is important is to discuss the issue so that the perspectives or opinions of other senators are discussed because we are the ones that will ratify it.”

Sotto recalled that the VFA and other accords ratified by the Senate in the past did not yet include a new provision in treaties and agreements recently ratified.

He was referring to a recently added provision, adopted “about a year already,” which deals with abrogating or canceling a treaty or agreement that senators need to act on. “Nilagyan namin doon ng provision na nagsasabi na pagkain-abrogate, or ika-cancel ’yung treaty or agreement, ay kailangan aksyunan namin. Nandoon na ’yun sa bagong resolution, lately, sa mga bagong treaties. Pero sa dati, wala ’yun [We put a provision there that says that if a treaty or agreement will be abrogated or canceled, we

senators must act on it. It’s in the new resolution, in the new treaties.

But it wasn’t there before],” Sotto explained.

The Senate president, however, dodged a query on whether this includes pushing through the RP-US VFA abrogation.

“It depends, As I said earlier—I have my own opinion on that, but I do not want to preempt the opinion of my colleagues first, and a unified Senate stance on the matter, or opinion on the matter. Hintayin ko na lang muna [I will just wait first].”

Asked if he foresees a unified position on the issue, Sotto replied, “that is possible.”

Sotto sidestepped a follow-up question on whether he thought Duterte was on the right track to abrogate the VFA. “That is his [Duterte] opinion.... I would rather retain the separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary. [That’s the call of the] Executive. As Senate president, I would rather not be drawn into saying what is right or what is wrong.”

Taal eruption to delay until April graduation, promotion of students

By Samuel P. Medenilla

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@sam_medenilla

HE Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday that students who were affected by the Taal Volcano eruption may have to wait up to April to graduate or be promoted to a higher grade level.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said they will be implementing a “modified school calendar” following the long suspension of classes in Region 4A, which started on January 13 with the onset of the eruption.

During the period, a total of 1,083 schools with 616,809 students were forced to suspend their classes for 10 days.

Under the proposed school calendar, Briones said the affected students would have to take Saturday classes for 10 weeks starting next month. “We have a post modified school calendar which will enable the affected schools to catch up,” Briones said.

DepEd recommended the resumption of classes in Batangas,

DFA. . .

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fluid, paracetamol and analgesics to manage the symptoms of the disease.

As of January 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 2,014 confirmed 2019-nCoV worldwide.

DENR. . .

Continued from A8

It is also on the list of protected areas upon the enactment of Republic Act 11308, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System signed by President Duterte on July 24, 2017.

A tourism magnet, the volcano, lake and its surrounding environs have generated local employment. Many people have since decided to live on the volcano island itself, which is part of the tourism package offered by local government units (LGUs) in Batangas.

TVPL is also a place targeted for scientific research, being an active volcano with unique landscapes and volcanic features, including ecosystems.

Assistant Secretary Ricardo Calderon, concurrent director of the DENR’s Biodiversity

which was among the most affected by the eruption, on February 3.

She said they hope to use the remaining days of January to rehabilitate and clean up the classrooms which were used as evacuation centers due to the Taal Volcano eruption.

A total of 328 schools were used as evacuation centers by 84,372 individuals displaced by the eruption.

“We hope that we will be able to complete the required number of schools days [for] face to face interaction by April,” Briones said.

As of Monday, Briones said local officials have ordered the resumption of classes in Cavite, as well as in Batangas, except in Laurel and Agoncillo.

In their modified school calendar, she said their final examinations for the affected students will be on the following dates—March 20 and 21 for those in Grade 6 and Grade 12; March 27 and 28 for those in Grades 1 to 5, as well as Grades 7 to 11.

The school year-end preparations, graduations, recognition rites and moving up for the affected students is scheduled on April 1 to 6.

Currently, its fatality rate or number of people, who died from it in proportion to those who were affected by it, is 2.7 percent.

This is lower compared to the fatality rate for the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) at 35 percent and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which could be as high as 50 percent for certain age groups.

Management Bureau (BMB), said with Phivolcs recommendation and Duterte’s order to prohibit human habitation of the Taal Volcano island, the TVPL’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) should, convene “as soon as possible” to carry out the order.

Calderon said the order declaring the entire island off limits for human settlement should be strictly observed from now on.

The DENR, through the BMB, has oversight authority over PAMBs, the highest policymaking or governing body over protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. “There should be limited tourism activities on the volcano island and a quick evacuation plan should be put in place in case of sudden volcanic eruption,” he said. The airspace over Taal remains dangerous to aircraft, and Phivolcs advised the Civil Aviation Authority to effect necessary measures. Jonathan L. Mayuga

The Nation BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, January 28, 2020 A3

DA bares aquaculture plan for Manila Bay

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas & Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it plans to rejuvenate fishing activities in Manila Bay as part of government’s rehabilitation efforts in the area.

The DA said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will create a baseline information system “to identify when it is possible to raise and capture fish in Manila Bay.” The DA added that the BFAR would monitor weekly developments in the Manila Bay area, and establish an office for environmental issues and promote aqua farming in Metro Manila.

“Basta may tubig, sana may isda [If there’s water, then there should be fish],” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said during the anniversary celebration of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program held at the Baseco Port Area on Sunday (January 26, 2020).

“We will work with other departments to clean up the water so that the fishes that thrive here will also be a source of livelihood for the

Cavite drug sweep leads to arrest of 16 suspects, seizure of P4M worth of drugs

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AVITE policemen arrested 16 suspects and seized P4 million worth of drugs during overnight operations in the province as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa reiterated to police commanders the organization’s one-strike policy against crimes.

“I am serving notice to all police unit commanders that their actions in enforcing the campaign against corruption and crimes against public morals, particularly illegal gambling, shall weigh heavily in the succeeding rounds of individual performance evaluation to determine their competence to continue leading their respective units,” Gamboa said on Monday.

“The one-strike policy will strictly apply to unit commanders who will fail to curb these illegal activities in their areas of responsibility,” he added.

In his report, Col. Marlon R. Santos, officer in charge of the Cavite Provincial Police Office, said the 16 suspects were nabbed in operations overnight on Sunday against illegal drugs and illegal gambling in various parts of Cavite.

“On the campaign against illegal drugs, Cavite Police arrested three drug suspects and accounted drugs with value of P4,080,060 million,” said Santos.

In Silang, 34 pieces of bricks of suspected dried marijuana leaves were discovered by authorities inside the vacant lot owned by Cathay Land along Aguinaldo Highway at Barangay Lalaan 1st, Silang.

On most wanted persons, two suspects who have pending warrants of arrest were taken into custody in Kawit and in Cavite City. Another suspect was arrested for violation of PD 1602 while engaging in illegal cockfighting in Bacoor City, Cavite.

Santos said that 10 other suspects were arrested through warrantless arrest for the crimes of violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions in Rosario, reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and physical injury in Bacoor and Trece Martires City, physical injury in Trece Martires and Bacoor, trespassing in GMA, robbery in Gen. Trias, attempted homicide in Imus City and car theft in Dasmariñas City. Rene Acosta

Eruption damage to natl roads placed at ₧137.16M

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimates the initial damage estimate of the Taal Volcano eruption to national roads could be at P137.16 million, citing data from its maintenance bureau.

In a news statement, the agency said the eruption and the earthquakes that came with it caused major cracks and settlements on national roads surrounding the lake in Batangas, namely PalicoBalayan-Batangas Road; Sinisian Bridge; Lemery Taal Diversion Road; Diokno Highway; Tanauan-TalisayTagaytay Road and Talisay-LaurelAgoncillo Road.

“DPWH Quick Response Teams will fix affected sections, and re-

sume clearing operations once areas are deemed safe by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology-Department of Science and Technology,” the statement read.

While all roads remain passable, three national roads were closed due to the government-mandated lockdown. They are: Palico-Balayan-Batangas Road, K0127+050K0132+600 Mahabang Ludlod Junction, Lemery Town Proper, Batangas; Tanauan-Talisay-Tagaytay Road, K0064+-398-K0085+673, Talisay, Batangas; Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo Road, Laurel Section, K0081+224-K0102+815, Batangas, Agoncillo Section, K0102+271-K0114+-254, and K0114+-254-K0121+074 sections. Lorenz S. Marasigan

people,” Dar added.

Dar noted that the fisheries subsector comprises a big chunk of the agriculture sector as it contributes almost 19 percent in gross value.

He added that areas in Metro Manila, Calabarzon region, and Central Luzon region are critical areas in bringing back into good state the condition of Manila Bay. Dar has directed the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to strongly support the rehabilitation program with focus on liquid waste management, DA said.

In addition, the Bureau of Plant Industry, in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, will promote the DA’s urban agricultureprogram,accordingtoDA. DA is one of the 13 government agencies, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR), ordered by the Supreme Court Mandamus on Manila Bay to cleanup, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay.

Epic failure?

A FISHERFOLK organization on Monday described the Duterte administration’s “Battle for Manila Bay” as a farce because of the campaign’s alleged failure to reverse the deterioration of the historic bay’s coastal and marine ecosystem.

Joel Falcis, spokesman of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) in Cavite, said small fishers, particularly in the southern part in Cavite province, continue to endure the deteriorating quality and quantity of marine resources.

The group held a protest action in front of the DENR in Quezon City, which is spearheading the P4.7

billion, seven-year rehabilitation program to rehabilitate Manila Bay and restore its waters to pristine, swimmable state.

Pamalakaya has earlier questioned the DENR’s decision to resume the public hearing for the massive land reclamation of Bacoor City. Other land reclamation projects are also threatening coastal and marine ecosystems in other parts of Manila Bay, where 22 of such destructive development projects are in various stages of the permitting process.

The protest action came a day after the DENR led the first year anniversary commemoration of Battle for Manila Bay in front of the Manila Yacht Club with the inauguration and ceremonial turn-on of a sewerage treatment plant (STP) and program at the Baseco Beach in Tondo, Manila.

During the event, Environment

Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the waters of Manila Bay is now in a much better state with the level of coliform bacteria going down dramatically over the past 12 months since the campaign started.

However, Falcis said the government failed to address the severe water pollution in Manila Bay, citing the fish kill that was observed in October last year in Parañaque and Las Piñas areas.

Moreover, Falcis said even oyster and mussel farms are under attack by a parasitic shellfish locally called bahong.

A Cavite-based fisherman, Falcis argued that these are indications that the government’s rehabilitation effort has failed miserably.

“If it’s true that the waters of Manila Bay had improved, why are we experiencing fish kill and why are we troubled by pests?” he asked.

Maute Group supporter and courier yield to Army troops in Lanao del Sur

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

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SUPPORTER and a courier of Maute Group yielded on Sunday to security forces in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, as the military continues its manhunt against suspected terrorists in Mindanao.

Farhan Salik, alias Orak, 20, and Alimoden Maunada, 38, surrendered to members of the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion at around 3:30 p.m.

at Barangay Gacap, Piagapo.

The surrender happened two days after the encounter that transpired in the boundaries of Piagapo and Balindong on Friday, according to Maj. Clint Antipala, spokesman of the 1st Infantry Division (ID).

“The negotiations were made possible by Salic Dimasangkay, an MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] commander, and Usman Amboloto, the barangay chairman of Dado, Balindong, Lanao del Sur,”

Antipala quoted Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, 82nd IB commander, as saying.

The two yielded a Garand rifle.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Sur, said the military has been continuously calling on local terrorist members to surrender to the government.

“We continuously encourage DI [Dawlah Islamiyah]-Maute remnants, other local terrorist groups

and their supporters to surrender and submit themselves to the fold of the law,” he said. Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st ID commander, commended the efforts of the soldiers over the successful surrender of the two local terrorist group supporters.

“We thank the local government and MILF forces for their continued trust and support to our troops in contributing peace and development in the whole province of Lanao del Sur,” Ponio said.

WB approves ₧24-billion loan DPWH sets completion to ‘split’ cCLOAs under CARP goal of infrastructure

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HE World Bank (WB) has approved a P24-billion loan package for the subdivision of vast tracts of collective titles issued by the government to beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced on Monday.

In a news statement, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones said the program, dubbed Support to Parcelization of Lands to Individual Title, or SPLIT, seeks to give farmer-beneficiaries covered under collective certificates of land ownership awards (cCLOAs) the chance to identify and own their respective shares of farm lots.

The DAR had originally proposed a P27billion loan, but the WB has approved only P24 billion for the program.

Many collective cCLOAs are issued by DAR in the past under the name of group organizations as listed titleholders.

Castriciones explained that the issuance of cCLOAs had repercussions to the government, notably on the collection of taxes and amortization.

The same can be said to many beneficiaries who are not engaged in collective farming.

“All these issues can be cured once these cCLOAs are split into individual titles,” he said.

The implementation of SPLIT calls for the procurement of survey equipment to identify and delineate exact boundaries of each farm lot, including vehicles for better mobility, of DAR

survey teams that will be deployed.

The DAR is also eyeing to hire additional manpower to do the job.

Undersecretary Bernie Cruz of the DAR Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office said the issuance of cCLOAs had been the common practice before because of time constraints and intense pressure exerted by peasant and peasantbased nongovernment organizations.

Initially, the CARP, launched in June 1988, had a life span of only 10 years. Its implementation, however, was hampered by the strong resistance from private landowners, resulting in the delay and the huge balance in land acquisition and distribution, even as it was twice extended in 1998 and in 2014.

As a consequence with the issuance of cCLOAs, farmer-beneficiaries have had reservations in cultivating farmlands under a group ownership, resulting in the stunted growth of the local economy, save for those engaged in successful joint venture arrangements with multinational firms and private investors.

“We wanted to change the situation by reducing these cCLOAs into individual titles so that each farmer may enjoy a sense of security as he, or she, can identify exactly which farm lot is his or hers, and where it is exactly located,” Cruz explained.

“Only then does he, or she, will be encouraged to work harder and invest more on the farm for greater productivity,” he added.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

projects in Mindanao

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) aims to complete within the year roughly P100 million worth of road projects in Mindanao to facilitate faster travel between Koronadal City in South Cotabato and General Santos City.

Basir M. Ibrahim, who heads the regional office in Soccsksargen, said the road development program involves a road widening project and the upgrade of three bridges.

“To decongest roads, specifically in this area, a P100-million road widening from the present four lanes to six lanes of Marbel-Makar Road traversing Koronadal City to General Santos City is ongoing with target completion of April 2020,” he said.

The three bridges to be widened, on the other hand, are the following: the P19.4-million Bulok Bridge near the famous landmark Marbel Ball to be completed on January 2020, P80-million Palian Twin Bridge in Barangay Palian to be completed on March 2020, and P10-million Saravia Bridge in Barangay Saravia which was already completed in December 2019.

“Wider roads and bridges will not only provide more convenience to the traveling public, but also faster delivery of local goods in the area,” Ibrahim said.

DA opens ₧5-million animal disease laboratory in Magalang, Pampanga

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HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened its P5million animal laboratory in Pampanga as part of improving the country’s diagnostic capacity against transboundary animal diseases (TADs), notably African swine fever (ASF).

The DA said the newly established Animal Disease Diagnostic Research Facility (ADDRF) inside the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in the town of Magalang has the

capability to detect ASF, avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease, among others.

“With Pampanga and Bulacan having the highest population density for poultry and tilapia, the facility will serve as a strategic center for animal disease control in Region 3,” it said on Monday.

The laboratory, which was established in collaboration with the Bureaus of Animal Industry and the Agricultural Research,

“aims to elevate knowledge in animal disease and develop preventive measures.”

“The ADDRF, which supports the government’s campaign for food security, safety and sustainability, seeks to form a synergy of efforts and initiatives among animal health practitioners, through the use of modern equipment and leading technologies,” it said.

“The P5-million worth facility was established in support to the

agriculture and fishery sector of Pampanga and nearby provinces, which include livestock, poultry, small and large ruminants, and fisheries,” it added.

The DA has been beefing up its quarantine power as a countermeasure against the spread of TADs, like ASF, that has resulted in the depopulation of over 140,000 hogs in Luzon, most of which are in Region 3.

In recent months, Central Luzon has been battling with

the threat and impact of ASF as the fatal hog disease spread to over three provinces in the region, including Pampanga and Bulacan.

Aside from being the country’s rice granary, Central Luzon is also the top pork producer with an output of about 417,000 metric tons of hogs annually, accounting for about 20 percent of the country’s total production of about 2.3 million MT, according to Philippine Statis-

tics Authority (PSA) data.

The region is also the leading region in terms of chicken output as it accounts for 36 percent of the total output, or about 700,000 MT annually, PSA data also showed.

Central Luzon is the country’s second-top producer of chicken eggs with an annual output of about 120,000 MT. In 2017, Pampanga suffered the brunt of the damage caused by AI, or bird flu, to the layer industry.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

A4 Tuesday, January 28, 2020 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

DTI, Ilocos university launch P50-M SSF for RE research and development

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has turned over equipment and facility worth P50 million to an Ilocos Norte university that locals can utilize for research, innovation and testing of new renewable-energy (RE) products.

Last week the DTI granted the provision of Shared Service Facility laboratory equipment to the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). The P50 million SSF consists of machineries for bioenergy innovation, incubation hub and product testing center for RE development in the school’s National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center.

According to Trade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, the facility and equipment is still under the name of the DTI, but will be transferred to MMSU if it shows it could maximize the use of the SSF. “We are happy for being part of this project. DTI has already provided the equipment so they can start the activity. Now, DTI still owns the equipment, but if the cooperator, which is MMSU, can operate it optimally and can show us that all

the equipment are being used, then, in a span of two years, these equipment will be awarded to the MMSU,” Lantayona said in a news statement on Monday.

“During the two-year period, ano man ang mangyari sa mga makina, sagot ’yan ng DTI [whatever happens to the machineries, it will be shouldered by the DTI],” she added.

As the DTI’s collaborator, MMSU will regulate the utilization of the SSF for the beneficiaries, including researchers, innovators, teachers and students, stakeholders, and most especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The MSMEs in the region can make use of the SSF to access better machines and equipment, which they can exploit to tap a wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain. As such, MMSU President Shirley Agrupis said the SSF will have

two purposes—first, for research, and second, as training facility.

“The equipment will serve two purposes—for continuous research to form the innovative ideas of young researchers, scientists, in the development of the technology, and at the same time, this is going to be a training facility for the farmers, and even entrepreneurs whom we are developing as scientists in the village,” Agrupis explained.

According to the state university’s president, the granted SSF apparatuses will contribute to the research center’s objective to capacitate all the key players and stakeholders in bioenergy for countryside development through research, training, extension and technological entrepreneurship.

The SSF project is a DTI initiative wherein the agency grants machineries, equipment, training, facilities, among others, that will be used communally by locals of the beneficiary province. It is aimed at addressing the infrastructure gap in the regions, as well as support MSMEs to improve their production capacity and penetrate the global supply chain.

To date, DTI has already established 2,528 SSFs nationwide mounting up to P1.6 billion in expenditure since 2013, and 220 of it were launched in Ilocos region with 3,225 beneficiaries, and 4,539 jobs generated. Most of the SFFs granted are designed for food processing, loom weaving and furniture industry.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Compliance automation–you need it!!!

assessment from a static document into a real-time, actionable resource.

Policy management, code of conduct and conflicts of interest

A GOOD compliance program keeps track of employee engagement with the policies. An automated compliance tool can help you keep track of who read which policy or participated in which online training. Keeping track centrally helps grow accountability in your organization.

Being able to quickly understand which employees signed which policies and at what times, can be immensely valuable information when problems or allegations of misconduct arise.

Training

T

By Henry J. Schumacher

HERE is no question that the adoption of compliance automation continues to grow. If you study the best practices in compliance management, you will see that those organizations have deployed the latest technologies within their programs.

However, deciding that automation will be a part of your compliance program is only the first step. Implementing the technology and processes around automation workflows is a much greater feat. From selecting the right tools to deciding which processes should be automated (and which shouldn’t), many important decisions lie ahead.

To help you tackle the critical questions that will arise, let’s focus on the fundamental role automation has in creating a cutting-edge compliance program, in data privacy protection, cyber security, anti-corruption, environmental and labor law compliance (to name a few areas only).

The critical elements you should have in mind when reviewing automation functionality within your program are:

Risk management;

Policy management, code of conduct and conflicts of interest;

Training;

Whistle-blower hotline and case management; and

Reporting and monitoring While many compliance programs have some of these building blocks fully optimized, it is rare to find a compliance program that holistically addresses all of these critical elements in a highly strategic and automated way.

Risk management

USING an automated risk management solution will allow you to manage your risks on an ongoing basis.

As your business changes, new risks will inevitably emerge that need to be addressed. These could be new “types” of third parties, geographical risks, regulatory risks, and so on.

Automating your risk assessment will allow you to track your organization’s overall risk profile and help you to prioritize emerging risks and easily follow-up on the implementation of mitigation measures. Risk management technology can transform your risk

AUTOMATED training solutions can help you sort employee groups and training material to effectively assign the right training to the right employees. Employ an integrated platform to track group training results and to send automated notifications to employees that haven’t completed their training. Your training solution should give you an overview of training completion rates in a single glance. Remember, data breaches and other compliance failures happen on the operations level, and are mainly due to inadequate training of your operations employees.

Whistle-blower hotline and case management

COMPLAINTS need to be categorized into high, medium, or low risks to understand the severity of the allegation, and the urgency of response.

A case management system should help compliance officers analyze the differences quickly and accurately. This process is made much more effective when supported by automated functions.

Reporting and monitoring

A ROBUST reporting system needs to provide you with a complete picture of activity. A strong advantage of automated compliance programs is that they will capture as much data as possible and subsequently consolidate that information in an accurate, useful way. Your data protection officer will love it and will be able to protect management from harm.

An automated compliance solution can provide you with ready-made reports of all compliance activity. Once that reporting material is created, it can easily be forwarded to the appropriate executives for review. When this process of data consolidation is established, broader trends of compliance activity can be monitored, while gaps can be detected and remedied. While automation can make ongoing monitoring seamless, it also has the advantage of assisting in your dialogue with regulators when compliance breaches happen.

Automatic and human processes

AS helpful as automation is, there are certain elements that are best left to humans. Finding the correct blend of automation and human processes is essential to creating the best compliance program. While repetitive or timeconsuming tasks are ideal candidates for automation, reviewing high-level risks and strategic decisions are better handled by compliance officers themselves.

In conclusion, to support compliance, you will need to have processes in place to manage your data inventory, risk assessments, consumer rights requests, privacy notices, sale of data, consent, incident response, and more.

As compliance is such a strategic issue it deserves top management’s utmost and undivided attention, and willingness to make resources, like automation tools, available.

If you need assistance in tool selection or are interested in a free demo, contact me at schumacher@eitsc.com

OFWs in South Korea to receive pay increase beginning this month

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VERSEAS Filipino workers (OFW) in South Korea will be getting a pay hike starting this month.

This after the Korean government raised the minimum-wage rates of all workers in South Korea, including Filipinos.

“Effective on January 1, 2020, employees in Korea, regardless of their employment status, or nationality, will now receive an hourly minimum wage of 8,580 Korean won from the 8,350 won hourly rate in 2019,” the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

(POEA) said in an advisory.

POEA said this translates into a monthly minimum wage of 1,795,310 kwon at 209 working hours per month and 40-hour workweek, including paid holidays.

POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said the new rate will immediately apply to all OFWs in South Korea.

“Those with existing [contracts] no longer need to update their contract since their employer will have to follow with the increase. But for those who will renew their already expired contracts, it should be already re-

flected in the said documents,” Olalia told the BusinessMirror in a SMS. It noted that OFWs, who will not be paid with the new wage rate, could seek the assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, or the nearest job stability center.

Korea is currently among the top destination for OFWs bound for abroad.

Latest government figures showed there are 201,760 Filipinos in South Korea, of which, 66,723 are documented workers, while 2,370 are undocumented. The remaining are classified as permanent. Samuel P. Medenilla

Oil firms to roll back fuel pump prices for 3rd consecutive week

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IL firms announced a price rollback in fuel prices to take effect Tuesday morning.

In separate announcements, oil companies will reduce gasoline prices by P0.30 per liter, diesel by P0.40 per liter and kerosene

by P0.35 per liter.

Pilipinas Shell, PTT Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum, Seaoil Philippines and Chevron Philippines said they will implement the price adjustment at 6 a.m. of Tuesday, January 28.

Other oil firms are expected to follow suit.

This is the third consecutive week of price

rollback for diesel and kerosene, and the second for gasoline. The price adjustment reflects movements in the world oil market.

Pilipinas Shell, PTT Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Petro Gazz, Seaoil Philippines and Total Philippines are already implementing the third and final tranche of excise taxes on petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

The law took effect at the start of the year but oil firms were told by the Department of Energy to utilize their 2019

oil inventories before they could implement additional excise taxes.

So far, over 900 retail outlets are already implementing this. There are 9,003 retail outlets nationwide.

Under this tranche, additional excise taxes of P1 per liter for gasoline, P1.50 per liter for diesel, and P1 per kilogram for household liquefied petroleum gas will be imposed. There will also be an additional 12-percent valueadded tax, bringing the total to P1.12 per liter for gasoline and per kg of LPG, and P1.68 per liter for diesel. Lenie Lectura

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Strong market demand evident as BTr fully awards ₧20-B T-bills

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he Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) fully awarded P20-billion worth of Treasury bills (T-bills) on offer on Monday’s auction, with the securities fetching lower average auction rates.

Strong market demand was evident in the auction as bids were oversubscribed with total bids reaching P44.5 billion, more than twice the P20-billion offering.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon attributed the lower auction rates to the downgrade in the status of Taal Volcano to Alert Level 3 from Alert Level 4, among others.

The T-bills auction was also conducted on the heels of the successful euro-bond sale where the government was able to raise €1.2 billion.

“We saw rates going down.

[This auction shows] there is a very strong liquidity onshore in the appetite on the short end of the turf given the tender amount. It’s like 1.5 times to two times of our offer size; so full award for all tenors,” de Leon said.

The national treasurer believes the tepid rates were due to “some of the uncertainties.”

First is the Taal Volcano’s behavior; “knowing that the Alert Level has already been brought down.”

“Then, of course, we were able to successfully raise €1.2 billion this week and also we’ve announced in terms of the RTB

[Retail Treasury Bond] offering, which we’re having the auction tomorrow [January 28], as well,” de Leon added.

The 91-day tenor worth P6billion was awarded in full with bids oversubscribing by more than three times, amounting to P18.832 billion. The average auction rate settled at 3.297 percent, posting a 9.3-basis-point decline compared to the previous auction rate at 3.390 percent.

Bids for the 182-day T-bill worth P6-billion on offer reached P11.995 billion.

The average auction rate for the debt paper was at 3.597 percent, lower by 5.5 basis points than 3.652 percent registered during the previous auction.

As for 364-day tenor, the auction committee awarded the P8 billion on offer as tenders for the security reached P13.689 billion.

The security fetched an average auction rate of 3.963 percent, posting a 0.8-basis-point reduction compared to the last average auction rate at 3.971 percent.

Meanwhile, de Leon also expressed confidence that their initial P30-billion offering for the three-year RTBs will be met by strong market demand, noting that they still see a very strong liquidity onshore.

While the rate-setting auction and start of offer for the RTBs begins January 28, the offer period

will end on February 6; the settlement date on February 11.

“First of all, we see that the tenor is three years. It’s something right now that still would have a strong appetite from investors recognizing that it’s still within the immediate part of the curve,” she said on Monday.

“So we are hopeful now [that] we will have a good demand coming from investors when we do the auction tomorrow and, of course, on succeeding days for the subsequent marketing,” she added.

De Leon is also not closing its doors on upsizing the initial offering, adding that they have done so in the past wherein they upsized the offering to more than a hundred billion.

“Right now, we’re going to auction P30 billion as always the case.

If we see rates are good and then we still see that there would be a secondary follow-up—meaning after the auction—then definitely we will upsize the offering,” she said.

Investors can also purchase RTBs through the online ordering facility of Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Along with the launch of the 23rd tranche of the RTBs on January 28, the BTr will also conduct a switch tender for the 19th tranche of RTB as part of its liability management exercises.

Bernadette D. Nicolas

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 A5

Missing 2019 collection target, BOC cites higher efficiency rate

P

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

reliminary data submitted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to the Department of Finance (DOF) showed the bureau was able to collect P630.571 billion in revenues in 2019, representing a 6.3-percent improvement, or up by P37 billion, over the P593-billion collection in 2018.

While the bureau missed its target for 2019 of P661.04 billion, the BOC said its collection efficiency was posted at 95.4 percent.

“The collection in 2019, apart from the efforts of our Collection Districts, is also attributed to revenue collection from issued ‘Alert Orders’ amounting to more than P40.9 million, ‘Post Clearance Audits’ with more than P2-billion collected revenue, and more than P527.9 billion from public auctions,” the BOC said in its report to the DOF. According to a statement the DOF issued on January 27, the BOC seized P20.58-billion worth of smuggled goods in 2019, mostly

counterfeit goods, illegal drugs and tobacco products.

Of the total value of smuggled goods seized, counterfeit products amounted to P9.44 billion, illegal drugs (P3.59 billion), and cigarettes and tobacco products (P2.67 billion). This accounted for a combined value of P15.7 billion, or three-fourths of BOC’s total haul last year.

According to the DOF, the rest were composed of other products (P4.1 billion), agricultural goods (P398.47 million), vehicles and accessories (P106.55 million), steel products (P78.59 million), used clothing (P66.86 million), general merchandise (P59.87

million), currency (P35 million), electronics (P21 million) and firearms (P815,000).

Criminal cases against 345 importers and 75 customs brokers were also filed by the BOC last year.

Moreover, the BOC also revoked the customs accreditation of 196 importers and customs brokers for various violations of customs rules and regulations.

Last December 30, the BOC was finally able to joint the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Single Window for the exchange of electronic certificates of origin (Asean Trade in Goods Agreement e-Form D) with Malaysia and Indonesia in a bid to facilitate trade.

The official launch of the “Authorized Economic Operator” program also provided the bureau and its stakeholders with increased security while ensuring the seamless movement of goods, the DOF said.

The BOC was able to reduce yard utilization to 71.2 percent in the Port of Manila and 72.66 percent in the Manila International Container Port “to provide a facilitated trade environment to its stakeholders.”

Its online accreditation program also resulted in the accreditation of 17,760 importers and 2,241 customs brokers with zero backlog.

A6 Tuesday, January 28, 2020 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

OK to be ‘OA’

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t’s a good thing that—as of this writing—both the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared there is no confirmed 2019-nCoV case in the Philippines.

The DOH, however, said on Monday that there are at least 11 persons under investigation for suspected 2019-nCoV in the country, all of them are foreigners.

The WHO has not declared the 2019-nCoV, which originated from Wuhan province in China, as an “international emergency,” partly because of the low number of overseas cases, although it may yet become one given how contagious the pathogen is, and the alarming rate it is spreading.

To date, outside China, a number of confirmed cases have been found in Thailand, the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and France.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has dealt with infectious outbreaks before. He served as secretary of Health under the administration of thenPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when the A (H1N1) virus reached the Philippines in 2009, part of a larger global flu epidemic that killed nine people in the country.

We hope Duque’s second tenure as health secretary and his previous experience dealing with A (H1N1) has better prepared him to prevent another potential epidemic, or to cope with one if it happens.

Scientists say viruses behave in different and, often, unpredictable ways.

Even a relatively harmless virus can become deadly depending on the environment and the population in which it is transmitted, and whether it mixes with other flu bugs.

Practicing stringent policies can help prevent an epidemic. In this regard, it is better to be overzealous and err on the side of caution, especially considering there is still no vaccine for 2019-nCoV, and that it still has a lot of unknowns, or “blind spots” as Duque said.

The Chinese government should have shut down its cities and impose travel lockdowns sooner to stop the Wuhan coronavirus from spreading.

The US, UK and other countries have told their citizens to avoid the outbreak hot zone. North Korea has reportedly banned foreign tourists altogether, since most of the country’s tourists are from China, its diplomatic ally and biggest aid benefactor.

Our government’s decision to ban all incoming flights from Wuhan was overdue. More than a hundred tourists reportedly landed in Aklan from Wuhan, despite a health alert. None of the Chinese tourists who arrived in Kalibo were quarantined because government authorities said they did not show the red flag symptoms of 2019-nCoV. But even strict health screenings in airports are not guaranteeing that the Wuhan coronavirus will not enter the country. The incubation period of the virus, or the time from exposure to the onset of its symptoms, is reported to be about two weeks. If people who arrive in the country manifest no fever or other symptoms, that does not mean they are 2019-nCoV negative.

Chinese officials are now saying that the Wuhan coronavirus can be spread even before symptoms show, which makes contact tracing and quarantine doubly difficult.

Several private schools have reportedly canceled classes as a preventive measure. This is a good containment and social distancing measure, especially if some of their students came from abroad.

Both public and private offices should cancel scheduled overseas trips, to prevent their employees from being infected.

Employers should relax their sick leave rules in order to encourage staff to stay home if they develop flu-like symptoms. They should discourage staff who manifest flu-like symptoms from reporting for work, even if this means temporarily raising their sick leave credits.

Social distancing also calls for the cancellation of nonessential large gatherings, including conferences, conventions, parties, flag-raising ceremonies and similar assemblies in offices, and lessening human traffic in crowded areas, such as office cafeterias, and other public or common places.

This is the time for the government and the entire nation to be extra igilant and pragmatic.

Again, it is better to take extra precautions. It’s okay to be “OA” or overacting.

Since 2005

Markets in the time of confusion John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

‘T

hese are the times that try men’s souls.” The opening words of The American Crisis, by Thomas Paine, in late 1776. Paine was speaking from the perspective of the first few months of the American War of Independence but the sentiment applies in our current investment climate.

We are in a time of chaos. We think of that word in terms of negative situations, but it means a period of instability and unpredictability.

We humans are not good at dealing with chaos. We like things to run smoothly and this is not the time to expect “smooth.”

Realistically and statistically, the chances of you or a loved one falling victim to the nCoV virus is virtually zero. But there is that nagging doubt, no matter how small, about the risk. So while our intellect says move on, our emotions say, “Wait a minute.” Then, as investors, comes the question: “What do I do if it hits

Minimizing Taal’s damage

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

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the Philippines?”

Smart stock market investors are always looking at the risk/reward equation against the probability of success or failure. We will wait until there are no cars and it is 100 percent safe to cross the street if our reward is to only get to the other side. Any risk is too much based on the reward.

However, if you are being chased by a crazed drug addict wanting to harm you, you accept more risk because the reward is worth it. It is the same when you are buying (or holding) a particular stock.

We are assured that the economy

I

T is too early to estimate the impact of Taal Volcano’s unrest on the general economy at this point, and we can only pray that the worst of the volcanic activity is over.

As the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminds people to stay away from the 14-kilometer danger zone for fear of a hazardous explosive eruption, I hope everyone will be safe from this natural calamity.

Our country is prone to natural disasters given its location in the “Ring of Fire.” Luzon and Visayas were battered by several typhoons while Mindanao experienced a series of tremors last year. Now, we have to deal with the wrath of Taal, which in 1754 buried several communities of Batangas (Bonbon).

This highlights the need of our national government, local government units, private companies and communities to prepare a risk management plan.

We know that Taal Volcano is one of the most active in the world. Yet, we have millions of people living around it. The best we could do is to have contingency measures in place, in case the volcano behaves erratically like it did in the past.

Taal’s phreatic eruption on January 12, spread ashes as far as Metro Manila and Central Luzon, causing the shutdown of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Fortunately, the cancellation of flights lasted for only one to two days. The closure of the airport for several days or weeks would have taken its toll on the economy.

So far, Taal’s unrest led to the relocation of over 200,000 people from barangays surrounding the volcano and forced the lockdown of several Batangas towns within the 14-km radius, which are considered as high risks. It affected agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors in these areas.

More than 2,700 fishermen depend on the 239-square-km Taal Lake for their livelihood. Two freshwater species tawilis and maliputo are endemic to the area.

Tourism activities in Tagaytay City, not surprisingly, came to a halt. The two electric cooperatives in Batangas—Batangas 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. and Batangas 2 Electric Cooperative Inc.—reported a drastic drop in

is doing well and will continue to rise.

Therefore, buy stocks. Except, for example, what happens if the nCoV goes viral? (Sorry, I could not resist).

To make a sound decision, we have to go through a long intellectual process balancing all the factors. Good luck with that. I am far too lazy for that particular exercise. I will leave that to the experts.

Most of us would fall back on “gut feeling” which is our instinct.

Instinct is knowledge plus experience. Unfortunately, many people are not confident enough to trust their gut over their brain. They are making a mistake.

While everyone’s instinct is not the same—some have more knowledge and experience—too much thinking is not the path to success. It’s now science.

A paper published in the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics by a group of British economists found that people who second-guess themselves make considerably worse decisions than those who stick with instinct.

They focused on prediction accuracy in sports betting which is probably as close as you are going to get to stock market investing.

There is historical data, external factors, and lots of tips, rumors and experts.

The final data set consisted of 57,000 individual predictions, each consisting of a user’s best guess of the final score of a given soccer match. The researchers specifically wanted to know whether the revised predictions were more accurate than unchanged ones.

“In theory, there are a lot of reasons to believe this might be the case.

A person would presumably revise a prediction after obtaining new information, such as an analyst’s match forecast or a team roster change.” So what happened?

Revised forecasts accurately predicted the final match score 7.7 percent of the time. But the unaltered forecasts were correct 9.3 percent of the time. In other words, revised forecasts were about 17 percent less accurate than those that had never changed. Trust your first analysis and your gut.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Visit my web site at www.mangunonmarkets.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stockmarket information and technical analysis tools provided by the COL Financial Group Inc.

power consumption. Several power plants in Batangas were operating below their production capacity.

Initial estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority showed that Taal’s unrest resulted in P4.3 billion in economic losses within the 14-km radius of Taal, representing 0.17 percent of the gross regional domestic product of Calabarzon. The figure would balloon to P6.6 billion if the high-risk areas were expanded to a 17-km radius.

Sixteen towns and cities are within the 14-km radius, including San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Talisay, Laurel, Tanauan City, Tagaytay City, Cuenca, Mataas na Kahoy, Balete, Lemery, Taal, Lipa City, Santa Teresita, Malvar, Alitagtag and San Jose. Ten more towns would be added to the list if the high-risk areas would expand to a 17-km radius, including Alfonso, Calaca, Bauan, Lian, Nasugbu, San Luis, San Pascual, Santo Tomas, Tuy and Balayan.

Yet, there were still pieces of good news. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said about 90 percent of companies operating in the Calabarzon region have resumed operations, after a temporary disruption of one to two days.

Some of the largest industrial parks in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna had to temporarily stop their operations on January 12 and 13 as Taal Volcano spewed thick ashes that posed threat to human health.

Companies quickly conducted a massive cleanup to resume operations after the wind changed direction.

However, businesses within the 14-km danger zone as identified in

the Taal Volcano Base Surge Hazard Map released by Phivolcs were told to evacuate, along with the residents.

Philvolcs also encourages businesses outside the 14-km radius to have contingency measures and risk management plan ready in case of a hazardous eruption. The plan should include safety, recovery and cleanup measures. The Department of Trade and Industry says the priority should be the safety of workers and their families before business continuity.

As Taal’s unrest is expected to last for weeks, if not months, it is important that there is constant flow of communication between the government, businesses and communities to avoid the loss of lives. Although no country can truly prepare for natural disasters as serious as what confront the Philippines, we should constantly observe risk management to mitigate the impact of calamities on our people and our economy.

It is heartening to see the long lines of vehicles carrying relief goods to Batangas towns following the volcano’s eruption. Coordination with government agencies is critical to make sure the private-sector assistance will have the most meaningful impact on the most affected communities.

The government should also extend guidance and assistance to businesses at this point in terms of information, power and water security and infrastructure to ensure business continuity. In case of disruption, we should try to quickly recover as a showcase of Filipino resiliency.

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Is Citira ready to tax the digital economy?

‘No person is above the law’ Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

Benedicta Du-Baladad

Tax Law for Business

H

ow are the likes of Netflix, Spotify, iTunes or Amazon taxed? How about subscription-based media like news, magazines, streaming TV shows, gaming and the likes? Or, perhaps, web site hosting, online data warehousing, file-sharing and cloud storage services? How are these taxed when the suppliers are outside the country? How? Each time my credit card is charged for subscription fees, I stare at the wall and wonder if my payments to online suppliers can be taxed under our current rules. These payments go tax-free, not monitored, not quantified. Surely, there is income earned from the country. But whether that income can be taxed is another matter.

Our current Tax Code says that an income from the performance of a service is taxed only if performed in the country. The same rule was carried in Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (Citira) under House Bill 304. The determining factor to tax is the place where the service in rendered. In the case of digital services, where is the service deemed rendered? Is it where the content provider is? Or where the user is located?

The nexus to tax is not clear. And how much to tax is, likewise, not clear. But we are in a tax reform mode, aren’t we? Citira can say that digital services are considered rendered in the country where user is located, and instantly, that would give the government the right to tax.

But where the foreign supplier is a resident of a tax treaty country, still, no income tax can be imposed unless the supplier has a physical presence (or permanent establishment [PE], in technical term) in the country. Of course it follows that most of these online providers are housed in a tax treaty country to avoid being taxed.

In the end, the country is left with an empty bag just the same.

In the case of Korea and India, while they are stuck in traditional rules requiring the presence of a brick and mortar presence, a PE, before they can impose a tax, they have expanded the concept of PE to include servers in the case of Korea or digital sales in the case of India.

The erosion of revenue from the untaxed digital economy is a worldwide problem affecting especially the developing countries who are mostly the users, in contrast to the developed countries hosting valuable intellectual properties of big digital providers, thus raking in all the revenues. BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) 2.0, an initiative driven by OECD, is trying to resolve this with difficulty.

The Philippines is a strong user of digital services, but taxwise, we haven’t collected a cent, I suppose.

One reason is that, our rules seem to have not embraced the digital economy. Second is the problem of implementation and monitoring.

The same reasons could be what pushed most countries to shy away from the traditional use of sourcerules, transfer pricing, or formulary approach for their share in digital revenue. In Asia, for example, there seems to be a convergence toward the use of indirect tax such as consumption taxes like GST (goods and services tax) and VAT. Singapore, for instance, have revised their rules to impose a GST on digital services beginning January 2020. It has required foreign suppliers of online services in nonGST B2C transactions to register under the “Overseas Vendor Registration” system, and file and pay the GST. Malaysia did basically the same concept.

Similarly, Japan used its consumption tax system (VAT) to cover digital transactions by shifting its rules from “place of supplier” to

The Philippines is a strong user of digital services, but taxwise, we haven’t collected a cent, I suppose. One reason is that, our rules seem to have not embraced the digital economy.

Second is the problem of implementation and monitoring. The same reasons could be what pushed most countries to shy away from the traditional use of source-rules, transfer pricing, or formulary approach for their share in digital revenue. “place of user” as regards digital services and using the reverse-charging mechanism to collect.

If we follow Japan’s place of user concept which, by the way, is aligned with the destination principle under our VAT system, the act of streaming or use of digital services is VATable.

To collect, the current system using the withholding VAT mechanism can be used but only with respect to B2B transactions. B2C transactions may have to follow Singapore’s and Malaysia’s Overseas Vendor Registration.

The magnitude of the digital economy and its impact on stripping a country’s revenue cannot be taken lightly. Data is the new oil, so they say. But unlike oil, data is nonrivalrous—a single piece of data can be used in multiple algorithms and applications at the same time. It can generate positive externalities and it exhibits economies of scope according to a UK Treasury Paper—“The Economic Value of Data.” Overtime, it will displace traditional ways.

And soon.

Digital services include the following, among others: 1. Downloadable digital content (e.g., downloading of mobile applications, e-books and movies); 2. Online subscription-based media (e.g., news, magazines, streaming of TV shows and music, and online gaming); 3. Online licensing of software programs (e.g., downloading of software, drivers, web site filters and firewalls); 4. Electronic data management (e.g., web site hosting, online data warehousing, file-sharing and cloud storage services); 5. Support services, performed via electronic means, to arrange or facilitate a transaction, which may not be digital in nature (e.g., commission, listing fees and service charges); 6. Online platform (e.g., offering platform to trade products and services); 7. Advertising platforms; 8. Search engines; 9. Payment processing services; and 10. Social networks Now, going back to my question —Is the Citira ready to tax the digital economy?

The author is the founding partner, chairman and CEO of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm 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 dick.du-baladad@bdblaw.com.ph or call 403-2001 local 300.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 A7

I

N light of the alleged tape that recorded President Donald J. Trump ordering the firing of former US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, plus the various other evidence that the White House has blocked to be presented during the impeachment investigation, there is mounting pressure to bring in relevant witnesses during the Senate impeachment trial.

In 1973, the Senate Select Committee on Watergate headed by Sen. Sam Ervin had uncovered that President Richard Nixon had installed an elaborate voice-taping machine that recorded all the president’s conversations inside the Oval Office. Indisputably, the recorded tapes contained critical evidence, which would prove whether the president had knowledge of the Watergate burglary and had committed acts to cover-up the crime. Thus, Nixon refused to hand over the tapes and had undertaken efforts to obstruct justice. Fortunately, the Special Counsel of Nixon, John Dean, broke ranks and testified that Nixon had been involved in the cover-up. So they badly needed the tape of the June 23, 1972 conversations to prove that Nixon was part of the conspiracy. Atty. Archibald Cox, who was appointed by Atty.

General Elliot Richardson as special prosecutor to investigate the Watergate scandal, issued a subpoena to obtain the tapes. Nixon ordered his lawyers to oppose it and claimed that his conversations constitute “executive privilege.”

A case, US v. Nixon, was brought before District Judge John J. Sirica

of Washington, D.C., who ruled to release the tapes, but the President appealed. Nixon lost again with the CA Court in Washington ruling that the president was not above the law.

The president had offered a compromise that instead of turning over the tapes, written transcripts would be submitted to the grand jury but with deletions to protect national security and personal privacy. Cox refused and demanded for the raw tapes. Stung by Cox’s snub to his compromise offer, Nixon ordered Richardson to fire Cox. Richardson, who had earlier committed to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would protect Cox’s independence to ensure an impartial Watergate investigation, resigned instead of heeding the president’s order. He was succeeded by Deputy Atty. General William Ruckelhaus who could not, likewise, fire Cox in good conscience and, instead, resigned as well. Eventually, Acting Atty. General Richard Bork had to fire Cox. This series of events is what is now known in US political history as the “Saturday Night Massacre.”

As the US Supreme Court was deliberating the case of Nixon, it was

reported that former Chief Justice Earl Warren summoned his closest SC colleagues, Justices William Brennan and William Douglas, at the hospital where he was confined after suffering from a heart attack. Although both Californians, Warren, who once served as the governor of California, hated Nixon’s guts. While lying on his bed, Warren grabbed Douglas’s arms and declared: “If Nixon is not forced to turn over tapes of his conversations with the ring of men who were conversing on their violations of the law, then liberty will soon be dead in this nation.” His trusted former associates in the SC assured Warren that the Court would rule against his old nemesis. A couple of hours later, Chief Justice Warren died. That same month, the US SC unanimously decided the case with all three Nixon appointees—Burger, Blackmun and Potter—joining all others in voting against the President.

The decision was penned by Chief Justice Burger himself. While the Court recognized the doctrine of executive privilege, it held that it did not apply in the case of Nixon since the issue involved a criminal offense.

This doomed Nixon’s presidency. The crucial June 23 tape, considered as the smoking gun, was released. The Republican House Minority Leader, Representative John Rhodes of Arizona, who was Nixon’s staunchest supporter, said after listening to the tape: “This is it. It’s all over….

There’s the smoking gun.... I admire Richard Nixon, for the many great things he has done for the people of America…but the most important aspect of our entire system of government is equal justice under the law, the principle that “no person...is above the law.” Cover-up of criminal activity and misuse of federal agencies can neither be condoned nor

tolerated…. When the roll is called in the House of representatives, I will vote ‘aye’ on impeachment.”

Although Nixon left his office before he was impeached, his case is a watershed from which the current 100 senators-jurors may draw lessons from. This week, when the roll is called to decide whether more witnesses will be presented or not to obtain evidence if Trump has abused his power and obstructed Congress, will the honorable senators be equal to their oath of office and uphold the cardinal principle that no one is above the law? And like Caldwell Butler, congressman from Virginia, who had worked with Nixon every time he ran for an elective office, who rose above partisanship and declared: “I am deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and courtesies he has shown me over the years. I am not unmindful of the loyalty I owe him.... The people of the US are entitled to assume that their president is telling the truth. It is a sad chapter in American history, but I cannot condone what I have heard; I cannot excuse it, and I cannot and will not stand still for it…. I will vote for impeachment for obstruction of justice and misuse of power but there will be no joy in it for me.”

But why didn’t Congress bring the case to the federal district court when its subpoenas were not obeyed? Such route could take a long time to adjudicate, which would be disruptive of the coming presidential election.

Was it a tactical error on the part of the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives? We can only trust that the enlightened Senate shall not let darkness and gloom prevail in “America, America—the banner of the free.”

After Trump’s acquittal, it will only get worse for Republicans

T

By Francis Wilkinson | Bloomberg Opinion

he Senate trial of President Donald J. Trump is proving less Soviet than expected. Representative Adam Schiff of California, the House impeachment manager, last week presented a coherent, damning and often eloquent narrative of Trump’s guilt, backed by text messages, e-mails, letters and sworn witness testimony previously delivered to the House.

As my colleague Jonathan Bernstein points out, the weight of such facts can alter political gravity. Even Republicans who have made up their minds to acquit—which almost certainly describes the entire GOP caucus—have had to sit through the avalanche of evidence. Surely it weighs on at least a few consciences.

Meanwhile, writes New York Magazine’s Jonathan Chait, ignoring the facts carries risks of its own: “The impeachment trial is an exercise in displaying the Republican Party’s institutional culpability in Trump’s contempt for the Rule of Law. At some point, they will have to decide to damn the president or to damn themselves.”

It’s a foregone conclusion—Republican senators will damn themselves to infinity and beyond. The

question isn’t what Republican senators will decide next week, but where the Republican Party will go after Trump’s acquittal. That answer, too, is alarmingly clear—further downward. From 1994 to 2015, give or take, the party was tumbling down a slippery slope. Since 2016, Republicans have been falling at 32 feet per second squared.

Acquitting Trump is not the same as shrugging at the president’s venality and vindictiveness, or mumbling and walking away when a reporter asks whether you believe it’s OK to solicit foreign sabotage of a US election. Acquitting Trump is a bold, affirmative act. The acquittal will mark the senators as political made men. It will be their induction into Trump’s gangster ethos, using constitutional powers to enable

corruption. For those who have hovered on the periphery of Trump’s political gangland, there is no route back to innocence.

Many long ago crossed that Rubicon, proclaiming their fealty to “the chosen one.” But acquittal will transform even the most reticent Republicans into conspirators against democracy and Rule of Law. It will not be long before they are called upon to defend the indefensible again. And they will do it, acquiescing to the next figurative or literal crime just as they did to Trump’s videotaped boast of sexual assaults, his horrifying sellouts to Russian President Vladimir Putin, his personal use of charitable contributions intended for veterans, his brutality toward children, or his quotidian blitzes against decency and democracy.

Schiff’s repeated use of the word “cheat” to describe Trump’s posture toward US elections was less an accounting of past performance than a guarantee of future results. “No one is really making the argument, ‘Donald Trump would never do such a thing,’ because of course we know that he would and, of course, we know

that he did,” Schiff told the Senate last week. “He’ll do it now. He’s done it before. He’ll do it for the next several months. He’ll do it in the election if he’s allowed to.”

Whether the game is golf or politics or business, Trump cheats. On trial for seeking foreign interference in the 2020 election, after having been the beneficiary of foreign interference in the 2016 election, Trump will find many willing accomplices before November. His presidency is a strategic boon to multiple US adversaries, most prominently Putin. Another modest investment in Trump’s presidency could yield an even larger return— destroying, for a generation or more, American democracy not only as a vehicle of ethical government but also as a protector (aspirationally if not always actually) of human dignity.

This is not cynicism. It’s the reality of US politics in 2020. Acquitting Trump will destroy what’s left of the Republican Party’s claims to ethical legitimacy and pave the way for the further erosion of democracy. The only question that remains is how much more corruption the non-MAGA majority of Americans is willing to take.

Let’s celebrate global cooling and fix global warming

By Andreas Kluth Bloomberg Opinion

S

ince the 19th century, temperatures have been falling. I was as surprised as you. As it turns out, this isn’t about the climate for once, but about human body temperatures. On average, millennials in the United States today run 1.06 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Americans did in the 1800s, if they’re male, and 0.58 degrees F cooler if they’re female. The reason appears to be a steady decrease in inflammation.

In short, we keep getting healthier.

Let’s meditate on that for a moment. Some important indicator that we’ve never even thought about has been improving. And this particular trend, in fact, is part of a much bigger one. Come to think of it, almost

everything seems to be getting better. So let’s take a brief break from worrying about environmental apocalypse and rejoice. Because we’re getting healthier, we’re also living longer. In fact, we’ve become so good at staying alive that we’ll bankrupt our pension systems if we don’t reform them first. And, thanks to modern medicine, we’re close to eliminating child mortality.

Moreover, we’re not just living longer, we’re also on average living better. Poverty keeps decreasing, and literacy keeps increasing. We’re also killing each other less. Homo sapiens has been getting steadily less violent since we hunted and gathered in the savannas; and despite our increasingly lethal weapons, deaths in war keep decreasing.

For some reason, though, we

spend less time celebrating our advances than worrying about the bad stuff. Sure, we live longer, but aren’t our sperm counts falling? Journalists in particular (and, thus, the media you get) have a bias toward the dark side. I’ve recently kept busy fretting about the next pandemic, the risk of nuclear war and, of course, inequality and climate change.

But don’t hold that against us, or yourself. Our negative lens seems to be a side effect of evolution. It’s always been much more useful for survival and procreation to dread the saber-toothed tiger that’s out there somewhere than to rejoice in another day of fine metabolism and harmony around the campfire.

Unfortunately, however, this same evolution has not only skewed our attention away from boons and

toward banes, but it’s also given us a flawed perception of risk. Terrorism, for example, isn’t much of a risk at all, statistically speaking. Similarly, we should stop fretting about the radiation coming from our cell phones and start panicking about the danger of cognitive distraction when we talk on them while driving.

That brings us back to the mother of all risks, temperature change, but on our planet, not in our bodies. We don’t dread global warming (warming sounds so cosy, doesn’t it?) the way we feared the saber-toothed tiger, unless we’re Greta Thunberg.

Worse, when the tiger showed up, the village instinctively parried it together; by contrast, faced with climate change, we can’t quite figure out how to share the burden of mitigating it.

A8 Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Dealing with disruptions 101: Govt prods biz

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

N times of calamity, such as the Taal eruption, how prepared should businesses be in order to continue operations or nimbly shift assets, while helping their workers cope with the disruption?

It’s such a serious matter that the Board of Investments (BOI) wants the private sector and state agencies to come up with a business continuity plan outlining how firms should respond in times of calamity, in light of the Taal eruption.

In the wake of Taal’s outburst

that began January 12, the BOI gathered industry players and officials from relevant government agencies to discuss business continuity plans geared toward assuring operations will be mostly intact even in the events of calamities. Trade Undersecretary and BOI

Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo argued that a business continuity plan (BCP) should be in place all the time so firms can respond proactively to disruptions.

Such plan should include communication protocols, evacuation scheme, standard procedures for saving goods and equipment, among others, Rodolfo said in a statement.

“It was notable that companies in the affected areas were able to fully operate within two days from the eruption. Still, it is important that a business continuity plan in case of calamities, is in place,” Rodolfo said.

“It should, at the least, cover communication protocols from the management to staff including legitimate sources of information, efficient movement of people in the plant to safer areas, standard procedures on utilities dependent

“It was notable that companies in the affected areas were able to fully operate within two days from the eruption. Still, it is important that a business continuity plan in case of calamities, is in place.”—Rodolfo

on the risk involved, and access to roads and ports for movement of raw materials and final goods,” the trade official added.

As such, Rodolfo said the private sector and state agencies should continue the dialogue on crafting business continuity plans, as these would serve the BCP’s contingency framework in any eventuality.

Checklist: power, roads, fuel

He also bared the plan to put up

a BCP network whose members would include local governments, national agencies and industry players.

“Notwithstanding any lowering of Alert Level on Taal Volcano, we encourage the private sector and other relevant agencies to continue the dialogue and agree on a contingency plan for any eventuality. The BOI will thus be calling an interagency meeting to discuss all the concerns raised including the monitoring of air quality and the activation of a BCP network that would include LGUs, relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders,” Rodolfo said.

During the forum, operators of major thoroughfares, such as South Luzon Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway and Manila-Cavite Expressway, promised a toll holiday

in a worst-case scenario. They also committed there will be more water trucks next time to help clean ashfilled vehicles.

According to Rodolfo, economic zones in Southern Tagalog encountered power interruptions except for those using underground transmission cables where energy supply remained stable. The affected locators operated using their generation sets that powered at least 70 percent of their facility equipment.

“They have fuel reserves equivalent to two days of operation. The companies had to spend a day cleaning the ash in the factory premises, and another day to test the equipment and ensure its sound operation. On the third day, almost 90 percent of businesses have resumed operations,” Rodolfo added.

DENR to curb human activities, Chinese DFA TAPS D.O.H. EXPERTS tourism on Taal Volcano Island schools halt ON HANDLING NCOV classes on FOR AT-RISK FILIPINOS A virus fears

S Taal Volcano continues to calm down with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observing weaker volcanic activities since its phreatic eruption on January 12, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is

eyeing to impose stricter measures for the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL).

The Taal Volcano, Taal Lake, and its surrounding watersheds are part of the TVPL and straddle 12 Batangas towns: Talisay, Malvar, Tanauan, Laurel, Agoncillo, Santa Teresita, Cuenca, Alitagtag, Mataas

EASTERLIES AFFECTING VISAYAS AND MINDANAO as of 4:00 pm - January 27, 2020

na Kahoy, Lipa City, Balete and San Nicolas; and Tagaytay City in Cavite province.

The TVPL encompasses a total of 62,392 hectares by virtue of Proclamation 906, as signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on October 6, 1996.

See “DENR,” A2

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

& Recto Mercene

Correspondent

S

EVER AL Chinese schools in Metro Manila suspended classes on Monday as a precaution after some teachers and students traveled to parts of China —the source of the novel coronavirus that has sparked alarm—and joined the celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said the spread of coronavirus across the world is “alarming.”

“Our action will be based on the official advisory of the Department of Health,” Briones said, adding that DepEd will be in close coordination with the DOH and other concerned agencies for “preparation, management and monitoring as the need arises.”

Citing concerns over the deadly virus, the following schools canceled their classes: ■ Chiang Kai Shek College (Algue and Narra campuses); ■ Hope Christian High School in Manila; ■ Pace Academy in Quezon City ■ Saint Jude Catholic School in Manila; ■ Saint Stephen’s High School in Manila; and ■ Uno High School in Manila.

Briones said the schools that suspended classes are required to hold makeup classes.

Meanwhile, those who will be absent due to self-quarantine will be entitled to makeup classes and/ or make up examinations.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III was surprised by the move of some Chinese schools in Metro Manila after they suspended their classes.

“These schools’ actions are not in accordance with our guidelines.

I don’t want to say it’s bad idea,” Duque said as he stressed that the schools must wait first for the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).

“I’m not aware of their reasons but I’m willing to listen to them [school officials],” he added.

Suspending classes right away, just as certain Filipino-Chinese students or teachers are just flying in from a Lunar New Year holiday in China may be ill-advised, said some quarters, because the novel coronavirus does not manifest itself until after seven to 14 days—by which time an infected person would have already re-

@rectomercene

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said the number of patients under investigation (PUI) due to the possible infection of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has risen to 11.

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said the 11, who are all foreigners, demonstrated symptoms which could be attributed to coronavirus infection, like fever and cough, after traveling from Wuhan City in China, deemed ground zero of 2019-nCoV. He said the nationalities of the PUIs are Chinese, Brazilian, German and American. Last week, DOH only registered two PUIs in relation to the 2019nCoV. Meanwhile, officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) met with DOH officials who are deemed experts on measures to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the coronavirus threat.

Led by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, the group convened an emergency meeting on Monday where the DFA sought DOH’s guidance on the establishment of protocols on evacuation and repatriation of Filipinos in Wuhan City, and other affected cities and provinces, as well as the formulation of further health advisories for overseas Filipinos in affected countries, including DOH hotlines in every Foreign Service Post in China that they can directly call.

Health Undersecretary for Public Health Services Myrna Cabotaje advised overseas Filipinos in affected areas to avoid crowded places, use masks and gloves, and practice proper hygiene in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of the virus.

So far there are no reports of any Filipino abroad affected by the deadly virus.

The DFA, through its embassies, and consulates general in China and affected areas, continues to reach out to overseas Filipinos to take precautions and follow the advice of local health authorities in their area.

It is also in close coordination

with the Filipino communities, calling for volunteer nurses and doctors who may serve as first responders for overseas Filipinos in affected areas.

Ongoing testing In Manila, the DOH said 4 of the 11 PUIs have already tested negative for the disease and have been discharged.

“What we know is the one in Cebu, the five-year-old kid, has been discharged already. And there are some who have been in the process of being released now, like the one in Aklan; they are going home today [January 27],” DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau Officer in Charge Chito Avelino said.

Duque said the sample specimens from the seven others are still being tested by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Mimaropa, Northern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas each have one reported case. Three came from Central Visayas and two are in Metro Manila, particularly in Pasay City and Muntinlupa.

Duque said the PUIs should not be a cause for alarm to people living in those areas.

“It doesn’t mean those areas are infected novel coronavirus because there is none.

We keep har ping t he fact there is none. We have zero [confirmed 2019-nCoV] as of today,” Duque said.

He explained if any of the specimens yield possible results for nonspecific pancoronavirus, then they will send it to a laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, for confirmation if it is indeed the 2019-nCoV.

Government preparations

Duque noted that even if any of the remaining PUIs would test positive for the 2019-nCoV, the government measures are already in place.

These include an intensified thermal scan monitoring at the country’s ports of entry as well as preparedness of local hospitals for such a scenario.

He said currently there is still no vaccine and cure for 2019nCoV, which was first discovered on December 31, 2019.

Treatment for those infected with the new disease, Duque said, is limited to supportive measures like giving intravenous See “DFA,” A2

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In the ad material of Notice of filing of application for Alien Employment Permits published on September 3, 2019, the nationality of Mr. Hsu, Chia-Wei under DIGICHROM INC. should have been read as Taiwanese and not as published. In the ad material published on January 18, 2020, the Company name and address of Mr. Platz, Claudius Wolfgang under Lufthansa Services Philippines, Inc. should have been read as LUFTHANSA TECHNIK PHILIPPINES, INC. located at MacroAsia Special Economic Zone, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Metro Manila and not as published.

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE NCR Regional Office located at 967 Maligaya St., Malate, Manila, within 30 days after its publication.

Please inform DOLE NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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Del Monte PHL selling 13% of company to Singapore firm

By VG Cabuag

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@villygc

AMPOS-LED fruit canner Del Monte Pacific Ltd. is selling some 13 percent of the Philippine unit to a Singapore-based firm through private placement.

In a disclosure, Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) and Central American Resources Inc. entered into an agreement to sell some 363.65 million common shares to SEA Diner Holdings Pte. Ltd. for about $130 million (about P6.5 billion).

The campos-led firm, already dual-listed at the Philippines and Singapore, is taking the private placement route instead of listing the shares of its Philippine unit at the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Del Monte Philippines was sup-

Phoenix Petroleum OKs transfer of 72 retail stations to subsidiary

By Lenie Lectura

posed to sell some 587.43 million common shares, or about 21 percent of the company, in May 2018.

A month later, it postponed the share sale due to adverse market conditions.

“The board [Del Monte Pacific] has since decided to explore the possibility of partnering with an investor to enhance value in DMPI through a private placement involving the sale of some of DMPI’s shares, such as the proposed sale. The proceeds from this transaction will be

used to partially prepay/repay certain loan facilities,” it said.

Since 2017, the company worked to reduce its debt from $1.7 billion to $1.4 billion in 2018.

“The funds that can be raised from the proposed sale will be used for the group’s capital restructuring plans moving forward, especially given that the company was unable to undertake the proposed public offering due to volatile market conditions that show no signs of improving. As the proposed public offering was deferred, the group was unable to make prepayment/ repayment of certain loan facilities to reduce the group’s debt to the extent planned,” it said.

SEA Diner is a Singapore-incorporated company focused on investing in leading companies in the consumer sector in China and the Asean region. It has invested over $1 billion in Asean and Chinese consumer businesses to date,

including consumer product companies and technology companies.

The food category has been a key focus for the investor and its affiliates, with a particular emphasis on food products with a large addressable market in China.

The company reported a net loss of $75.61 million during its fiscal first half ending October 2019, from $11.44 income during the previous year.

The group generated sales of $934.6 million, down 6 percent from the previous year’s $993.5 million.

Its US unit, Del Monte Foods Inc., generated $0.6 billion or 68.2 percent of group sales, lower by 12 percent, largely driven by the planned divestiture in Sager Creek vegetable business in September 2017, and the lower volume of private label and USDA sales, in line with company strategy. Volume decline in packaged fruit was also due to the impact of pricing, it said.

Volvo counting on hybrid cars to avoid paying hefty CO2 fines

@llectura

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HOENI X Petroleum Philippines Inc. said Monday its board of directors approved the transfer of 72 company-owned dealer-operated retail stations to its subsidiary PFL Petroleum Management Inc. (PPMI).

The retail stations are valued at P700 million, the oil firm said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The move, it said, is part of the capital investment in PPMI as previously approved by the board in June last year.

No other details were provided.

It also disclosed that the board approved the extension of its corporate life from 50 years to “perpetual existence from and after the date of incorporation as allowed in the Revised Corporation Code.”

The independent oil firm is set to hold its annual meeting on March 27 this year in Davao City.

The oil company posted P918 million in earnings at end-September last year, lower than the P1.32 billion posted in the same period a year ago.

The oil company attributed the lower figures to “higher costs from increased fuel premiums” that weighed on its volume and margins.

“The company continued to face headwinds during the quarter as the passedon impact of TRAIN I and II taxes put pressure on our competitiveness against the informal market,” the company had said.

The company also posted an operating income of P2.47 billion at end-September last year, higher by 10 percent from the same period in 2018. Revenues reached P73.17 billion, up 13 percent.

The oil firm has 650 retail stations.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge electric sports-utility vehicle (SUV) is displayed during an unveiling event in Los Angeles, California, on October 16, 2019. Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg)

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OLVO Car AB is counting on tripling sales of plug-in hybrid models this year as a way to avoid paying what could amount to hundreds of millions of euros in European penalties for the sale of its more polluting yet popular combustion-engine SUVs. A fifth of all new Volvos sold in 2020 should be plug-ins or allelectric, compared with just 6.5 percent of the total last year, according to Chief Executive Officer Hakan Samuelsson. That would see hybrid sales rising to more than 150,000 based on the pace of growth in 2019. The company is only planning to start shipping its first fully-electric model—the XC40 Recharge—later this year.

The stakes are high for Volvo’s electric strategy because conventional SUVs made up more than half of sales last year and are largely behind the carmaker’s success since the takeover by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. a decade ago. As Europe’s tough emissions rules kick in, the company could pay dearly. PA Consulting Group puts Volvo’s potential fines for this year at a quarter of annual operating profit.

“Paying fines is something that just shouldn’t be in the equation,”

Samuelsson said in an interview at the company’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. “That’s not part of our plans. We want to invest in product development, not in fines to Brussels.”

The CEO pointed to Volvo’s goal for half of all cars sold in 2025 to be all-electric and the rest plug-in hybrids. It will relaunch its batterypowered range under the “Recharge” moniker, and while the volume of the electric XC40 will be modest this year, Volvo has the capacity to produce “tens of thousands” next year, he said.

The question for Volvo and other conventional manufacturers selling cars in the EU is whether consumers will buy into the plans. Rival automakers including Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG’s Audi are also rolling out battery-powered models. The threat of penalities for the companies, dubbed “the 2020 CO2 cliff”

by Evercore IS auto analyst Arndt Ellinghorst, comes at a tricky time, when the region’s market is expected to shrink.

PA Consulting Group earlier this month warned that the EU could inflict €14.5 billion ($16.1 billion) in fines on the region’s 13 largest

carmakers for surpassing carbondioxide targets. The penalties will be calculated on the basis of the average emissions of new car registrations.

For Volvo, they could reach €382 million by 2021, based on the assumption that only 14 percent of its sales will be all-electric or plug-in hybrids, the consultancy said.

Volvo’s bet on plug-ins comes despite criticism of the technology for being a half-measure that doesn’t go far enough in reducing emissions, especially as some users run them on fossil fuels without charging the battery. European sales dropped in the first nine months of last year, but according to a report by BloombergNEF are expected to rise quickly this year due to new models on the market and the emissions crackdown.

Volvo’s own studies indicate its plug-ins run on battery 40 percent to 50 percent of the time. The company plans to promote recharging by paying owners’ electricity costs.

“We don’t feel that there’s any reason to feel guilty about plug-in hybrids,” Samuelsson said. “Plug-ins are necessary for the transition, but it’s also a more long-term solution for those who may not have adequate access to charging.” Bloomberg News

City of Dreams switches on solar rooftop panels to supply 20% of its need

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ITY of Dreams (CoD) Manila, the country’s first integrated resort to harness solar energy, on Monday switched on its 1.2-megawatt (MW) solar rooftop panels installed by a subsidiary of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

There are 3,120 solar PV panels installed on a 6,436-square, meter area across two buildings.

The P76-million solar project can generate power of up to 1,730 megawatt hour (MWh) annually, equivalent to 923,820 kilograms of carbon footprint reduction, which is enough to power almost 1,000 households every year.

City of Dreams Manila Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning said the solar panels could power up to 20 percent of its total consumption, which is estimated at about 7 MW. Investment can be recovered in seven years, he said.

“This venture is a significant step in our vision to be sustainable in our operations. Utilizing clean and renewable energy is only one of our numerous green initiatives and we hope that as we set the bar for sustainable operations, we also inspire positive change as we all take part in the growing movement towards a more sustainable future,” Benning said.

CoD Manila is also considering to tap Meralco’s renewable-energy (RE) subsidiary Spectrum in providing more solar panels for the luxury integrated casino resort.

“It’s already under rev iew.

We are currently evaluating our roof deck where we can build additional panels. We will be done this year with our evaluation,” added Benning.

Spectrum, for its part, is hopeful it can seal anther contract with CoD. Benning said it only took “less than eight months” upon contract signing with Spectrum for CoD to harness solar power.

“The City of Dreams Manila’s 1.2-MW solar project is the single largest installation in a commercial rooftop, so you can consider yourself an industry benchmark.

Now this begs the question: Why did Meralco, a company whose core business comes from the distribution of electricity, set up a subsidiary that effectively reduces consumption? Isn’t this cou nter i nt u it ive? ” Spec t r u m President and Meralco First Vice President, and Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communications Victor Genuino wondered aloud.

He then answered his own question: “ The simple answer is because you, our customers, demanded it. Our customers are evolving. They are becoming more conscious of their impact to diminishing resources—and they want to do something about it.”

Business partners, like City of Dreams Manila, “are a prime example of this rising social involvement by integrating sustainability into their business DNA,” added Genuino. Lenie Lectura

AirAsia extends to Feb. 15 suspension of all flights to and from Wuhan, China

A

IR ASIA on Monday announced it was extending the suspension of all its flights from Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok and Phuket to Wuhan, China, until February 15, as air authorities worldwide struggle to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus that started in China’s Hubei province.

AirAsia is also making provisions for guests with flight bookings to/ from all destinations in mainland

China to obtain credit account or full refund from the Philippines to include Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

“Certain destinations within AirAsia’s flight network have imposed travel bans for guests based on nationalities, cities of origin, travel history or the purpose of travel. Options are available to AirAsia guests who were affected by the flight changes and travel bans,” the carrier said in a statement. Recto L. Mercene

Ford to pay $30-M settlement for lawsuit over transmissions

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ORD will pay at least $30 million in a proposed settlement over a class-action lawsuit related to failing transmissions in its Fiesta and Focus vehicles.

The lawsuit represents nearly 2 million owners and former owners of the cars, which had bad dual-clutch transmissions, the Detroit Free Press reported, citing court documents.

In addition to the $30 million in

cash reimbursement, there will be an easier process for people to get compensated and a simplified buyback program for defective vehicles, the report said.

Ford spokesman T.R. Reid said the company believes the settlement is “fair and reasonable” and expects it to be approved during a final hearing on February 28. The case was filed in 2012. AP

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Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

January 27, 2020

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH

1560000 40114799 82851702.5 33651645 3284434 37532438 2697600 204500 19591350 2327854.5 831600 14382240 3695381.5 61690 210180 7140 497300 56560 17102

10488565 4200518.5 12550 -976814 6048648.5 -361200 -6653615 -917329.5 -1892775 -1369733.5 -17000 -8600

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 2.12 2.13 2.15 2.18 2.1 2.13 1287000 2731420 ALSONS CONS 1.21 1.24 1.22 1.24 1.21 1.21 157000 190830 ABOITIZ POWER 33.15 33.2 33 33.3 32.95 33.2 278700 9241365 BASIC ENERGY 0.231 0.232 0.229 0.233 0.229 0.232 910000 210040 FIRST GEN 21.05 21.2 21.2 21.25 20.75 21.05 1378800 29048580 FIRST PHIL HLDG 66.3 66.5 66.1 66.8 66.1 66.5 62800 4172611.5 MERALCO 293.8 294 302.2 302.2 291 294 250490 73954632 10.22 10.28 10.48 10.48 9.93 10.22 6916000 70131787 MANILA WATER 3.9 3.94 4.03 4.03 3.9 3.9 1229000 4812140 PETRON 3.88 4.15 4.1 4.15 4.1 4.15 3000 12350 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 11.76 11.94 11.8 11.94 11.78 11.94 21700 256388 31 31.1 32 32 30.85 31.1 295600 9181560 PILIPINAS SHELL 9.32 9.4 9.24 9.63 9.11 9.32 266700 2484171 SPC POWER 11.98 12.1 11.3 12.1 11.3 12.1 1222000 14571240 AGRINURTURE 3.39 3.4 3.63 3.65 3.31 3.4 6995000 23987090 AXELUM CENTURY FOOD 14.98 15.26 15 15 14.86 14.98 460600 6896066 DEL MONTE 5 5.02 5.93 5.93 4.91 5 409900 2082413 DNL INDUS 8.91 8.92 8.99 8.99 8.8 8.92 273100 2414599 EMPERADOR 7.22 7.23 7.22 7.23 7.22 7.23 30400 219591 SMC FOODANDBEV 73.9 74.5 76.05 76.15 73.9 73.9 79260 5914744.5 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.56 0.57 0.59 0.59 0.56 0.56 1704000 976440 FRUITAS HLDG 1.78 1.79 1.84 1.84 1.74 1.79 24968000 44494990 GINEBRA 36.55 37 36.85 37 36.5 37 21100 778140 213.2 213.6 216 216 211 213.2 219790 46923360 JOLLIBEE 27.4 41.5 41.5 41.5 41.5 41.5 300 12450 LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG 6.89 7.04 6.9 7.13 6.9 7.13 2000 14030 MAXS GROUP 10.94 11 11 11.1 10.92 10.94 23800 261300 1.82 1.85 1.85 1.85 1.82 1.82 140000 256170 PEPSI COLA 9.5 9.6 9.79 9.79 9.5 9.5 52900 508334 SHAKEYS PIZZA 1.69 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.67 1.69 1121000 1913010 ROXAS AND CO 5.05 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.12 5.2 47900 246080 RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG 1.63 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.8 5000 8800 SWIFT FOODS 0.118 0.121 0.121 0.121 0.118 0.118 490000 58720 UNIV ROBINA 159.5 159.7 162.1 162.1 158 159.5 387500 61869247 VITARICH 1.28 1.29 1.31 1.31 1.25 1.28 6269000 8011830 VICTORIAS 2.43 2.57 2.57 2.57 2.57 2.57 2000 5140 CONCRETE A 61.65 66.9 62.5 62.5 61.6 61.6 1240 76774.5 CONCRETE B 66 69.85 67.1 67.1 66 66 4660 310153 CEMEX HLDG 1.58 1.6 1.66 1.66 1.57 1.58 13784000 21956410 13.6 13.7 13.7 13.8 13.56 13.7 7300 99810 EAGLE CEMENT 8.95 9.01 9.09 9.09 8.94 8.95 37600 337149 EEI CORP 12.84 12.9 12.84 12.9 12.84 12.9 125400 1612492 HOLCIM 15.38 15.4 15 15.44 15 15.4 490600 7461054 MEGAWIDE 9.7 9.94 9.95 9.95 9.6 9.94 136500 1334432 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.99 1.02 0.99 1.03 0.98 1.02 233000 230610 VULCAN INDL 0.95 0.97 0.98 0.98 0.95 0.97 1086000 1044010 CHEMPHIL 165 185 165 165 165 165 40 6600 CROWN ASIA 2.13 2.16 2.14 2.14 2.13 2.13 76000 162590 LMG CHEMICALS 4.85 4.91 4.85 4.85 4.85 4.85 2000 9700 MABUHAY VINYL 3.12 3.13 3.39 3.39 3.13 3.13 28000 88110 PRYCE CORP 4.7 4.75 4.7 4.74 4.7 4.74 40000 188040 GREENERGY 1.96 2 1.95 2 1.95 2 1941000 3817630 INTEGRATED MICR 7.7 7.78 7.8 7.8 7.68 7.78 106600 823335 IONICS 1.3 1.34 1.3 1.36 1.3 1.3 479000 628010 4.81 5.2 4.84 4.85 4.8 4.85 7000 33800 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.26 1.29 1.22 1.4 1.14 1.26 6838000 8687700 11.52 11.58 11.86 12.1 11.02 11.58 4652400 53629730 CIRTEK HLDG

-108210 1053355 16030 -7226355 3001505 -8248798 15554564 -674830 -10620 -223235 89920 1747972 136120 1507042 825085.9997 72200 -3302667 -221750 10506232 1264 -171710 -193066.9997 5080 -24200 15169695 -53760 -4274080 -13750 -25757 385800 -1253426 2910 1650 1693610 -33092 87150 56694

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SYNERGY GRID SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

53.25 155 82.65 25.15 12.12 64.8 12 20.4 33 60 21.95 187.3 60.9 0.88 4.15 1.19 0.41 0.83 170.5

0.88 10.8 738 52.8 10.92 2.67 6.2 0.71 0.92 0.95 6.44 6.11 12.98 3.75 783 76 0.5 3.74 10.5 0.58 3.24 4.37 1.18 190 1025 147.4 0.81 2 180 0.215

53.95 156 82.7 25.2 12.16 64.9 12.1 20.45 33.05 60.05 22 188.5 61.1 0.89 4.25 1.2 0.43 0.86 172

0.89 10.84 744 53 10.98 2.7 6.39 0.73 0.94 0.99 6.45 6.21 13.08 4.06 785 76.1 0.52 3.75 10.54 0.59 3.25 4.45 1.21 192 1035 148 0.83 2.35 190 0.236

52 155.8 82.3 25.1 12.1 64.55 12 20.45 31.95 59.25 22 190 60.1 0.89 4.05 1.19 0.43 0.86 172

0.87 11.62 748 52.5 11.1 2.72 6.22 0.76 0.95 0.99 6.42 6.2 13.08 3.77 791 75.25 0.5 3.71 10.3 0.58 3.32 4.45 1.21 192 1036 149.8 0.86 2.01 176.4 0.218

52 156 83 25.15 12.18 65 12 20.45 33.2 60.5 22 190 61.2 0.89 4.32 1.19 0.43 0.86 172

0.9 11.62 748 53.25 11.12 2.72 6.22 0.76 0.95 0.99 6.5 6.24 13.08 3.77 793.5 76.85 0.53 3.76 10.54 0.59 3.32 4.45 1.23 192 1045 149.8 0.88 2.01 198.9 0.238

52 153.2 82.3 25.05 11.94 64.5 12 20.45 31.9 59.25 22 186 60.1 0.88 4.05 1.19 0.41 0.85 170

0.86 10.8 738 52.25 10.84 2.62 6.22 0.7 0.92 0.97 6.4 5.9 13.08 3.75 780.5 75.25 0.495 3.71 10.28 0.58 3.2 4.45 1.18 190 1025 147.1 0.8 2 176.4 0.215

52 156 82.7 25.15 12.12 64.8 12 20.45 33 60.05 22 188.5 60.9 0.88 4.2 1.19 0.41 0.85 170.2

0.89 10.84 738 52.8 10.92 2.67 6.22 0.71 0.92 0.99 6.45 6.21 13.08 3.75 785 76.1 0.52 3.74 10.5 0.59 3.24 4.45 1.19 190 1025 147.4 0.84 2 180 0.236

30000 258470 1002900 1343200 271900 579000 224800 10000 601200 38670 37800 76630 60660 70000 50000 6000 1210000 66000 100

16860000 35800 157720 593620 1155700 570000 1500 5060000 2321000 232000 354300 8744900 15100 11000 20270 318100 1086000 404000 2389000 158000 20565000 6000 105000 20 82615 84580 409000 8000 3670 980000

14856150 394904 116773990 31367197 12616110 1508540 9330 3645770 2166140 226680 2276287 53196456 197508 41340 15910135 24188561.5 553515 1515340 25068244 91660 66748330 26700 125240 3820 85409480 12492385 334870 16010 658788 214800

-893050 165400 -4759700 -635756 -445258 -336470 10650 -233351 -31120130 -8117185 9120116.5 -327120 15019608 -25711170 -25852765 -4383668 -401154 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.81 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.8 0.81 1358000 1091190 ANCHOR LAND 8.81 9 9 9 9 9 10000 90000 31500 AYALA LAND 41.6 41.7 41.4 42 41.35 41.6 28759100 1194475990 81142610 ARANETA PROP 1.92 1.93 1.64 2.07 1.59 1.92 5639000 10767790 25840 BELLE CORP 1.68 1.69 1.72 1.75 1.68 1.69 2275000 3868060 64940 A BROWN 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.71 0.68 0.69 180000 125910 CROWN EQUITIES 0.182 0.187 0.184 0.187 0.182 0.187 140000 25610 6.4 6.59 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.6 200 1320 CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS 4.61 4.68 4.6 4.71 4.6 4.69 52000 242530 CENTURY PROP 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.53 0.51 0.52 2194000 1140480 16320 0.39 0.41 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 430000 167700 CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON 17.98 18 18.02 18.26 17.94 18 386900 6968132 -3686746 9.23 9.25 9.44 9.44 9.25 9.25 154000 1430523 -916848 DM WENCESLAO 0.405 0.41 0.43 0.43 0.405 0.41 550000 223900 -97300 EMPIRE EAST 0.101 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 0.105 10000 1050 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND 1.52 1.53 1.52 1.53 1.5 1.52 7509000 11363630 -1921890 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.08 1.1 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 515000 561350 8990 HLDG 14.72 14.74 14.72 14.72 14.72 14.72 426000 6270720 659456 PHIL INFRADEV 1.22 1.23 1.2 1.23 1.19 1.22 1409000 1697450 CITY AND LAND 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 1000 750 MEGAWORLD 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.28 4.24 4.26 7916000 33715080 -18163250 MRC ALLIED 0.236 0.237 0.25 0.25 0.234 0.236 24070000 5786090 -290420 PHIL ESTATES 0.4 0.415 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 820000 328000 2.18 2.2 2.22 2.25 2.17 2.17 383000 839900 PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND 27.6 27.95 28.3 28.3 27.6 27.6 1517300 42431455 8995665 0.345 0.355 0.355 0.355 0.34 0.345 460000 159850 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 2.06 2.13 2.07 2.07 2.05 2.06 18000 37170 SHANG PROP 3.11 3.2 3.15 3.2 3.15 3.2 24000 76000 44500 2.56 2.58 2.55 2.58 2.5 2.56 1237000 3179930 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 41 41.45 40.75 41.5 40.55 41 1830900 75243775 36342480 5.6 5.75 5.61 5.85 5.5 5.75 78200 437849 VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME 2 2.06 2 2.11 1.9 2 9393000 18922280 -1096270 VISTA LAND 7.27 7.29 7.29 7.29 7.2 7.29 326800 2371259 -427941

SERVICES ABS CBN 16.78 16.8 17.1 17.1 16.8 16.8 332800 5636076 GMA NETWORK 5.29 5.31 5.3 5.32 5.28 5.29 287300 1521981 MANILA BULLETIN 0.405 0.415 0.41 0.41 0.405 0.405 590000 240100 GLOBE TELECOM 2002 2006 2004 2020 1995 2002 3210 6435565 -444770 PLDT 1045 1049 1061 1062 1038 1045 61020 63990810 -27613885 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.047 0.048 0.046 0.047 0.045 0.047 15900000 743100 DFNN INC 4.91 5.48 4.75 5.49 4.74 5.48 341000 1819721 1.6 1.62 1.56 1.6 1.56 1.6 29000 46040 IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO 0.105 0.107 0.104 0.107 0.104 0.106 1230000 130290 ISM COMM 3.77 3.8 3.92 3.92 3.7 3.77 1723000 6550350 -534870 2.51 2.52 2.54 2.6 2.47 2.52 2489000 6308270 -30470 NOW CORP 0.28 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.275 0.285 7110000 1970250 TRANSPACIFIC BR PHILWEB 4.11 4.12 4.3 5.17 4.02 4.12 104006000 480354860 753130 9.54 9.58 9.58 9.58 9.53 9.53 2800 26782 2GO GROUP CHELSEA 5.3 5.33 5.34 5.34 5.22 5.33 440600 2326526 CEBU AIR 83.05 83.4 83.8 83.8 82.8 83.05 139120 11547952.5 -815568 INTL CONTAINER 132.5 132.8 132.5 134.7 131.4 132.5 541470 71773732 32376546 LBC EXPRESS 12.92 13.68 13.68 13.68 13.68 13.68 500 6840 MACROASIA 11.52 11.56 12.1 12.3 11.38 11.56 2259000 26233862 -2105076 METROALLIANCE A 1 1.11 0.95 1.15 0.95 1 711000 746460 METROALLIANCE B 1.02 1.1 0.95 1.15 0.95 1.1 934000 976990 33000 PAL HLDG 7.36 7.4 7.4 7.4 7.35 7.4 6200 45658 HARBOR STAR 1.3 1.31 1.35 1.35 1.25 1.3 3723000 4831250 -685400 1.34 1.39 1.34 1.34 1.34 1.34 1000 1340 ACESITE HOTEL GRAND PLAZA 9.59 13.08 9.59 13.18 9.59 13.08 1100 12038 WATERFRONT 0.59 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.59 0.61 205000 122550 STI HLDG 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.64 0.61 0.63 13445000 8412470 3087000 3 3.04 3.27 3.29 2.99 3.04 1191000 3666460 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 9.86 9.87 10.32 10.4 9.87 9.87 8632900 87016808 -20195035 2.26 2.34 2.7 2.71 2.2 2.26 2371000 5,616,190( 1,422,610.0001) PACIFIC ONLINE 2.57 2.58 2.75 2.85 2.57 2.58 1069000 2846160 139320 LEISURE AND RES MANILA JOCKEY 3.01 3.15 3.18 3.2 3.18 3.2 234000 746000 PH RESORTS GRP 4.31 4.5 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 2000 8600 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.55 0.56 0.58 0.58 0.56 0.56 4829000 2717290 -136909.9997 ALLHOME 11.26 11.28 11.4 11.4 11.22 11.28 168500 1902516 1028248 METRO RETAIL 2.05 2.06 2.1 2.1 2.04 2.06 349000 715870 -99659.9999 PUREGOLD 39.35 39.75 39.8 39.8 39.1 39.75 77200 3049370 -937689.9997 ROBINSONS RTL 78 79 79.5 79.5 75.6 79 41340 3217897 863114.5 PHIL SEVEN CORP 139 145 140 141 140 141 2230 313820 149260 2.53 2.54 2.56 2.56 2.49 2.53 855000 2146910 -220920 SSI GROUP 18.84 18.86 18.84 18.86 18.78 18.84 505100 9508298 5854358 WILCON DEPOT 0.415 0.42 0.435 0.435 0.41 0.42 1760000 733600 APC GROUP EASYCALL 8.6 8.82 8.55 8.89 8.52 8.84 38500 332615 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.405 0.41 0.4 0.415 0.39 0.41 8600000 3473750 -11850 9.03 9.2 9.2 9.44 9.2 9.2 253100 2340645 SBS PHIL CORP

MINING & OIL ATOK 10.12 11.48 10.84 12 9.9 12 21000 226938 APEX MINING 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.1 1.07 1.08 943000 1020480 -88400 ABRA MINING 0.0014 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 0.0015 625000000 937500 ATLAS MINING 2.56 2.59 2.54 2.6 2.54 2.6 4000 10220 BENGUET A 1.15 1.23 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 2000 2300 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.27 0.275 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 160000 43200 CENTURY PEAK 3.1 3.17 3.1 3.18 3.06 3.1 920000 2844850 1.52 1.54 1.53 1.54 1.5 1.54 1348000 2036880 55520 FERRONICKEL 0.204 0.21 0.212 0.212 0.204 0.21 1160000 237800 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.097 0.099 0.097 0.099 0.096 0.097 1510000 146430 MARCVENTURES 0.81 0.83 0.8 0.85 0.8 0.81 241000 196980 NIHAO 1.01 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.01 1.04 3000 3090 NICKEL ASIA 3.12 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.02 3.2 4370000 13555160 -513660 0.46 0.48 0.46 0.47 0.46 0.465 150000 69650 OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA 0.71 0.74 0.73 0.74 0.7 0.74 110000 78130 PX MINING 3.09 3.1 2.94 3.2 2.94 3.1 508000 1571690 142580 SEMIRARA MINING 21.45 21.65 22 22 21.2 21.65 99300 2127805 -549075 UNITED PARAGON 0.0056 0.006 0.0057 0.0057 0.0056 0.0056 8000000 45000 ACE ENEXOR 7.92 8 8.1 8.1 7.85 8 175000 1388314 40386 ORNTL PETROL A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 9200000 99900 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.012 762200000 9901400 PHILODRILL 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 15100000 166000 PXP ENERGY 8.84 9.12 8.93 9.12 8.75 9.12 482300 4292579 -254452

PREFFERED

AC PREF B2R 500 504 500 500 500 500 200 100000 CPG PREF A 100.9 101.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 100.9 2190 220971 DD PREF 100.6 100.9 100 101 100 101 12010 1201010 SMC FB PREF 2 990 1000 990 992 990 990 6290 6227700 FGEN PREF G 105.2 107.9 108 108 108 108 50 5400 GLO PREF P 480 500 420 420 420 420 4000 1680000 GTCAP PREF A 970 980 980 980 980 980 3410 3341800 970 990 990 990 990 990 10 9900 GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF 100 100.1 100.1 100.1 100 100.1 28860 2888884 SMC PREF 2C 76.9 77 77 77 77 77 990 76230 SMC PREF 2D 74.8 75.5 75.2 75.2 75.2 75.2 1200000 90240000 SMC PREF 2E 75.1 76 75.1 75.1 75 75.1 18400 1381340 SMC PREF 2F 76 76.5 76 76 76 76 40000 3040000 SMC PREF 2G 75.15 75.8 75.8 75.8 75.8 75.8 50 3790 SMC PREF 2H 75.7 75.9 75.9 75.9 75.9 75.9 13000 986700 SMC PREF 2I 75.3 76 76 76 76 76 800000 60800000 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

15.34 5.15

15.4 5.2

15.5 5.15

15.5 5.2

15.34 5.15

15.4 5.2

85700 237000

1321798 1225555

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.28

-1012258 -705555

1.29

1.41

1.42

1.28

1.28

562000

762200

-

ITALPINAS 4.02 KEPWEALTH 11.72 XURPAS 0.91

4.03 11.78 0.92

3.88 10.38 0.88

4.1 11.92 0.94

3.88 9.94 0.86

4.02 11.72 0.92

409000 3380700 7498000

1628620 37879815 6849330

-141050 30272 -46500

FIRST METRO ETF

114.1

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS 114

114.3

114.3

113.4

114.1

6720

765306

-

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TikTok rival from Vine creator debuts at top of US App Store

B

YTE, a new video-sharing app released on Friday to compete with ByteDance Inc.’s TikTok, has rocketed to the top of Apple Inc.’s US App Store.

Created by Dom Hofmann, Byte reboots the deprecated Vine videosharing service, which he cofounded in the summer of 2012 and sold to Twitter Inc. later that year. The parent company failed to find a way to make the service profitable, and eventually discontinued it in 2016.

Despite its brief existence, Vine be-

came a cultural touchpoint in the US, with many users embracing its six-second time limit as a creative challenge. It was where controversial YouTube star Logan Paul, whose channel now has more than 20 million subscribers, got his start.

Byte “ended Friday as the No. 1 free iPhone app on the US App

Store, and is still in the top spot,” said Randy Nelson of research firm Sensor Tower. Beside the US, Byte is also the top free iOS app in Canada and ranks in the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the UK. On Android’s Play Store, Byte is sixth among free apps in the US. The timing of Byte’s release coincides with a moment of reckoning for TikTok and its Beijingbased parent company. ByteDance is looking to hire a chief executive officer for TikTok, which is under increasing scrutiny from US lawmakers wary about the influence of Chinese companies on American consumers. TikTok’s runaway popularity has been deemed to create

“national security risks,” according to a letter by Sens. Chuck Schumer and Tom Cotton in the fall.

Unlike ByteDance, which is the world’s highest-valued start-up, and most other social-media contenders, Byte is starting off small and its community guidelines make several references to the company’s modest budget. Still, the strong early response to Byte’s arrival— coming with little to no advance fanfare—suggests the community that Vine built up remains loyal to the particular six-second format.

Some of the early popular videos on the platform are humorous proclamations of “Don’t post TikToks here.” Bloomberg News

LT Group holds 2-day relief operations in Batangas mutual funds

Absolut Distillers Chief Operating Officer and Overall General Manager for Distillery Operation of the LT Group Gerry Tee (right, in green shirt) led the two-day relief operation for the evacuees of the Taal Volcano eruption, who are now in Lian, Batangas. He is joined by Philippine Airlines Corporate Affairs Manager Pinky Mag-iba Balagtas (center).

T

HE Lucio Tan (LT) Group of Cos., whose Absolut Distillers Inc. (ADI) facility is situated in Lian, Batangas, started its relief operations for the families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

“We are here to help the barangays and communities whose people we consider as family. The LT Group has come together to provide for their basic necessities during this challenging time,” said ADI COO Gerry Tee, who spearheaded the distribution of relief items to the families who fled their homes in nearby towns of Lemery and Taal, Batangas.

ADI and Tanduay, along with Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, held relief operations in Bagong Pook, Lian, in Batangas; Barangay Malaruhatan in Lian; and Barangay Banilad in Nasugbu for two days.

“This is just the start. We will be working closely with the barangay officials in our relief efforts in the coming days. Aside from bringing them temporary relief from this situation, we are also willing to extend our help to the community and the government to provide long-term solutions so our kababayang Batangueños will be able to rebuild their lives again,” Tee said.

The Provincial Government in Nasugbu commended and thanked the LT Group, which was among the first companies to respond and provide the much-needed help to almost 700 evacuees.

As of January 20, 2020, the number of people staying at evacuation centers have reached 104,377, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Manulife extends settlement period for policyholders in Taal disaster zone

T

WO weeks after Taal Volcano erupted on January 12, the Manufacturers Life Insurance Co. (Phils.) Inc. (Manulife Philippines) announced it is extending the settlement period for the insurer’s policyholders in the affected areas.

These areas include all the cities in Batangas province and others in nearby provinces, such as Santa Rosa, Laguna; and Tagaytay, Alfonso and Cavite City, Cavite.

An expanded payment grace period of 91 days will be given to customers owning all life insurance policies issued and assumed

by Manulife Philippines, Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp., as well as Manulife Financial Plans Inc. pension and education plans, whose due dates fall between December 12, 2019, and February 12, 2020.

“We stand with all Filipino families impacted by this natural disaster,” Manulife Philippines President and CEO Richard Bates said in a statement.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation, and continue to look for ways to help make decisions

easier,” Bates added.

Bates failed to mention if the volcanic eruption is an act of God—an event outside of human control or activity—covered by the policies his company sold.

Thousands of people have been displaced by the phreatic explosion of one of the world’s smallest volcano that has been generating up to a 15-kilometer ash column A January 27 bulletin by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Alert Level 3 is maintained over Taal Volcano after two weeks it has been placed on the higher Alert Level 4.

The Phivolcs bulletin said “sudden steam-driven and even weak phreatomagmatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, ashfall, and lethal volcanic gas expulsions can still occur, and threaten areas, within Taal Volcano island and nearby lakeshores.”

The agency “recommends that entry into the Taal Volcano Island, as well as into areas over Taal Lake and communities west of the island within a 7-kilometer radius from the main crater must be strictly prohibited.” Roderick L. Abad

January 27, 2020

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 246.2 -8.41% -1.22% -2% -2.26% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3321 -10.18% -1.65% -4.41% -3.61% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.4583 -16.93% -5.33% -5.01% -5.98% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.8668 -9.5% n.a. n.a. -3.38% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.8286 -5.95% n.a. n.a. -2.44% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 5.1925 -7.05% 0.03% -2.04% -2.55% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,6 0.8306 -7.23% -3.76% n.a.

-2.69% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 101.94 -16.91% n.a. n.a.

-1.35% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 49.9658 -5.78% 0.99% n.a. -2.57% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 519.36 -5.55% 0.02% -1.73% -2.52% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,8 1.0046 n.a. n.a. n.a. -2.48% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.2568 -5.57% 0.77% -0.61% -2.34% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 36.9005 -5.73% 1.61% -0.6% -2.63% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9961 -5.57% n.a. n.a.

-2.16% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 5.0908 -4.92% 1.62% 0.25% -2.54% 849.93 -4.97% 1.55% 0.12% -2.54% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.8035 -12.04% -2.18% -3.72% -5.63% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.0647 -6.21% 0.75% -0.8% -3.43% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9755 -5.26% 1.42% n.a.

-2.53% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.5524 -4.36% 2.49% 0.7% -2.76% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 113.9988 -4.67% 2.25% 1.06% -2.53% ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.0289 7.21% 4.93% 0.31% 0.05% 2.35% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.4111 19.65% 9.69% n.a.

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5352 -11.57% -3.94% -4.83% -1.77% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1241 -7.98% -2.55% -2.32% -2.61% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5877 -2.53% 0.86% -2.19% -1.66% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,5 0.2261 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-1.05% Grepalife Balanced Fund Corporation -a N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.945 1.49% 1.88% 0.2% -0.92% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.7273 2.51% 0.76% -0.81% -1.63% -1.64% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.683 1.22% 0.7% -0.88% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.1059 -2.59% 0.57% 0.2% -0.94% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.7791 -1.36% 1.25% -0.47% -2.19% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9981 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-1.73% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9748 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-2.17% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d,2 0.9715 n.a. n.a. n.a.

-2.18% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9486 -2.19% 0.45% -1.72% -2.69% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities 3.07% 1.93% 0.86% Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03856 8.68% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -a $1.0405 9.49% 4.53% 0.83% 0.25% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.9782 14.59% 7.6% 4.32% 1.72% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,7 $1.1416 10.12% 4.59% n.a.

1.13% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 358.31 4% 2.71% 2.21% 0.14% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9049 1.93% 0.36% -0.79% 0.15% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.1225 4.73% 5.11% 5.15% 0.2% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2254 3.91% 2.01% 1.72% 0.02% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.3541 5.89% 2.06% 1.3% -0.21% Grepalife Fixed Income Fund Corp. -a P N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.3559 12.25% 2.05% 1.27% -0.39% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.7619 5.57% 2.53% 0.61% -0.69% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 0.9636 6.01% 1.06% -0.28% -0.07% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.0616 8.85% 3.99% 2.02% -0.46% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.6876 7.88% 3.45% 1.36% -0.79% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $469.81 4.47% 2.77% 2.66% 0.34% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є220.04 3.14% 1.83% 1.27% 0.14% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2101 6.53% 3.07% 2.31% 0.24% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0259 4.02% 1.59% 1.37% 0.39% Grepalife Dollar Bond Fund Corp. -a N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -a $1.103 6.13% 1.55% -0.28% 0.71% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4236 10.35% 3.72% 2.52% 0.82% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0607042 6.23% 2.4% 1.88% 0.65% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.216 11.02% 3.33% 2.47% 1.28% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 126.09 3.9% 2.88% 2.2% 0.25% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a,3 1.0299 n.a. n.a. n.a.

0.35% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.2507 5.78% 2.93% 1.59% -0.48% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2672 3.68% 2.91% 2.4% 0.21% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0385 2.06% n.a. n.a.

0.13% Feeder Fund Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,4 $1 n.a. n.a. n.a.

1.01% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Launch date is January 3, 2019. 2 - Launch date is January 28, 2019. 3 - Launch date is February 1, 2019. 4 - Launch date is November 15, 2019.

5 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 6 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.).

7 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019. 8 - Launch date is December 09, 2019.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The World BusinessMirror

Virus fears become new source of unrest for battered Hong Kong

T

HE Hong Kong government halted work to use a housing estate as a possible coronavirus quarantine facility, after violent protests at the site showed outbreak fears becoming a new source of unrest for the city.

A few hundred protesters in surgical masks initially barricaded a road in the Fanling district to object to a proposal to use the unoccupied Fai Ming housing development as an emergency medical facility. Some said the site was too close to their homes, while others complained that approved applicants risked losing their flats in the estate should it be implemented.

Demonstrators blocked roads, built barricades with trash and paralyzed traffic in Fanling near the facility, police said. Later, they damaged traffic lights and set fire to the lobby of one building by throwing petrol bombs, it said. Riot police were seen walking around the estate asking people to show their identities and inspecting their bags.

The incident saw Hong Kong’s twin crises—political unrest and the threat of a viral outbreak in mainland China spreading across the border— converge in a striking echo of a similar period of anxiety about the city’s future during the SARS scare 17 years ago. Both issues were charged with deep local mistrust of authorities.

At least 80 people have died in China from the coronavirus outbreak, state broadcaster China Central Television said on Monday, up from just two fatalities a week ago.

More than 2,000 cases have so far been confirmed, the vast majority of them in China.

On Saturday, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam upgraded the gov-

ernment’s response against the coronavirus to the highest level and said the outbreak could extend the city’s recession into 2020. Hong Kong has six confirmed infections as of Sunday.

Hong Kong has been on high alert regarding communicable diseases since the 2003 outbreak of SARS, which originated in China’s Guangdong province in 2002 and ripped through the financial hub the following year. The virus infected about 2,000 people and killed nearly 300 in Hong Kong, crippling tourism and the real-estate industries—dealing a major blow to the economy.

On Sunday, the government said in a statement that it would halt work to ready the Fai Ming Estate in Fanling as a possible quarantine site.

Three other facilities were already prepared, it said.

“The government acknowledges and understands that there is concern among some residents in the North District of the requisition of Fai Ming Estate,” it said in a statement. “Representatives of relevant government departments will attend North District Council meeting this Wednesday to explain and discuss on the issue. Meanwhile, the government will cease the related preparation work in Fai Ming Estate.”

Hong Kong called off its largest marathon, which was scheduled to be held with events on February 8 and 9, further delaying the city’s efforts to bounce back from political unrest that has forced the cancellation of numerous events. Other tourist-focused facilities have temporarily shut their gates, such as the Ocean Park, just two weeks after the government detailed plans to help the theme park through financial difficulty. Bloomberg News

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Tuesday, January 28, 2020 B3

China New Year holiday extended as new virus death toll climbs to 80 C

HINA’S death toll from the coronavirus climbed as the country extended the Lunar New Year holiday amid government reports that the infection’s spread was accelerating around the globe.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is visiting Wuhan on Monday as the government comes under pressure to combat an epidemic that shows little sign of slowing down. Deaths in China climbed to 80 from just two a week ago. There are 2,744 confirmed cases on the mainland, the National Health Commission said on Monday. More than 30,000 people are under observation.

Anxiety is growing amid evidence that the disease has an incubation period of about two weeks before those infected start to show signs of the illness. That raises the possibility that people carrying the virus but don’t show symptoms could infect others.

“The virus can be contagious during the incubation period, which is about 10 days, with the shortest being one day and longest being 14 days,” Ma Xiaowei, minister of National Health Commission, told a press conference on Sunday. “This is very different from SARS.” The sell-off that dominated US equity markets on Friday continued on Monday in Asia. Japanese shares tumbled along with US futures and crude oil, while the yen jumped in early trading.

Chinese authorities on Sunday said the virus isn’t yet under control, despite aggressive steps by authorities to limit movement for millions of people who live in cities near the center of the outbreak.

China extended the Lunar New

Year break until February 2 from January 30 originally. Government officials are delaying the end of the year’s biggest holiday, when hundreds of millions of Chinese leave cities to return to their hometowns, to avoid having travelers contribute to the spread.

Mainland China accounts for 98 percent of confirmed global infections, while more than a dozen countries and territories reported the illness within their borders. The World Health Organization said out of 29 patients with infections outside China, 26 traveled through Wuhan, epicenter of the outbreak.

Scientists have been working to understand the virus better, how contagious it is and where it comes from.

First detected in Wuhan last month, it has sparked fears that the disease could rival SARS, the pandemic that claimed almost 800 lives 17 years ago.

China’s national medical products administration has granted emergency approval to test kits developed by four companies, without identifying them, to meet growing demand, the regulator announced on Sunday.

A clinical trial is under way using anti-HIV drugs ritonavir and lopinavir to treat cases of the new coronavirus, according to an article published in The Lancet medical journal on Friday. Beijing’s municipal health commission said on Sunday the drugs made by AbbVie Inc. are part of the National Health Commission’s latest treatment plan, and its hospitals have supplies of the medicine if needed.

The National Health Commission said that while there is not yet any effective antiviral drug, it rec-

ommends patients are given two lopinavir and ritonavir tablets twice a day and a dose of interpheronalpha through nebulization twice daily. Meanwhile, China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention will start developing a vaccine, according to the Global Times.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough or chest tightness, and difficulty of breathing.

Li is visiting Wuhan on Monday to investigate and guide the virus prevention work, as well as to express sympathy to patients and frontline medical staff, according to the government’s web site.

Hong Kong, which has eight confirmed cases, announced the city would bar residents of Hubei province, where Wuhan is based, from entering the former British colony after midnight local time on Sunday.

The ban would also apply to anyone who had traveled to Hubei in the past 14 days. An exception would be made for Hong Kong residents, the statement said.

Authorities in Hong Kong halted plans to establish a possible quarantine center in the northern New Territories district of Fanling after protests by nearby residents and local councilors. In France, the organizers of a Chinese New Year parade in Paris scheduled for Sunday canceled the event due to virus fears.

The US consulate in Wuhan plans to evacuate some Americans in a charter flight on Tuesday, and other governments and companies have said they are prepared to help their people leave the city that’s under lockdown. France is seeking approval to repatriate its citizens by mid-week,

the health minister said on Sunday.

Japan also plans to evacuate nationals who wish to leave Wuhan. About 550 Japanese are in Hubei province.

More than 1,600 people will be sent to Wuhan over the next two days to assist in efforts to contain the spread. The Chinese government is banning all outgoing overseas group tours as of Monday after suspending domestic group tours last week.

Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea had more confirmed cases on Sunday, while Canada announced its first case on Saturday.

Taiwan confirmed a fourth case of a woman who had visited Wuhan during the New Year’s holiday, and then traveled in Europe before being diagnosed on her return on January 25.

The US confirmed three cases within 24 hours: two in Southern California and one in Maricopa County, Arizona. All the patients had recently been in Wuhan and are hospitalized.

Their close contacts are being monitored for signs that they may be developing the disease, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Sunday. Washington state and Chicago earlier had confirmed infections.

“The US has faced multiple pandemics before, of varying degrees of severity,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We need to be preparing as if this is a pandemic, but I continue to hope that it is not.”

The virus is believed to have emerged last month in a seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan, spreading from infected animals to humans, and police have raided wildlife markets across eastern China. Bloomberg News

Fighting rages as Libya force pushes toward western city

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel waits for the arrival of leaders prior to a group photo at a conference on Libya at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Front row (from left): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Back row (from left): European Council President Charles Michel, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi. AP PHOTO/MICHAEL SOHN

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AIRO—Officials from Libya’s two rival governments said fighting erupted on Sunday as the country’s east-based forces advanced toward the strategic western city of Misrata, further eroding a crumbling cease-fire agreement brokered earlier this month.

The clashes came just hours after the United Nations decried “continued blatant violations” of an arms embargo on Libya by several unspecified countries. The violations fly in the face of recent pledges to respect the embargo made by world powers at an international conference in Berlin last week.

Libya is divided between rival governments based in its east and west, each supported by various armed militias and foreign backers.

The weak but UN-recognized government is based in the capital, Tripoli, and led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. It is backed by Turkey, and to a lesser degree Qatar and Italy. Rival forces based in the east and loyal to military commander Khalifa Haftar receive support from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, as well as France and Russia.

Haftar’s forces were advancing some 120 kilometers (around 75 miles) east of Misrata, near the town of Abugrein, according to the media office of militias allied with the Tripoli government. It said clashes were still taking place in the outskirts of Abugrein.

A spokesman for forces allied with the Tripoli government, Mohamed Gnounou, said in a state-

ment posted online that Haftar’s repeated violations made the cease-fire “useless.”

An official with Haftar’s forces said they have control of two towns, Qaddaheya and Wadi Zamzam, on their way to Abugrein. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Ahmed al-Mesmari, a spokesman for Haftar’s forces, told a press conference that their offensive on Abugrein was a “limited, preemptive strike to achieve certain targets” after they received intelligence that the Tripoli-allied militias were preparing to attack in the area. He did not elaborate.

Misrata is Libya’s second-largest city and home to militias who oppose Haftar and have been extremely

important in Sarraj’s defense of the capital. Haftar’s forces have laid siege to Tripoli since last April.

Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya expert at The Netherlands Institute of International Relations, said Haftar’s swing toward Misrata was a tactic calculated to draw away the Misratan militias defending the capital toward their hometown.

He said it had a “good chance of succeeding” and weakening the UN-supported government’s defenses in Tripoli as a result.

Haftar’s forces captured Sirte earlier this month, a major below to the Tripoli-based administration. Sirte is located about 370 kilometers (230 miles) east of Tripoli.

The nationwide truce, brokered

by Russia and Turkey, marked the first break in fighting in months, but there have been repeated violations.

Also on Sunday, the UN Support Mission in Libya, UNSMIL, said two civilians were wounded when two Grad missiles hit Tripoli’s only functioning airport, Mitiga. The airport was shut down earlier this month following a similar attack, with Haftar’s forces saying they would impose a no-fly zone over the terminals’ area.

Late Saturday, the UNSMIL released a statement saying “several [countries] who participated in the Berlin Conference” have been violating the arms embargo.

“Over the last 10 days, numerous cargo and other flights have been observed landing at Libyan airports in the western and eastern parts of the country providing the parties with advanced weapons, armored vehicles, advisers and fighters,” the UN statement said.

Turkey has sent troops in support of the Tripoli government, but the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated that the deployment consists of “trainers and educators” and not a combat force.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks Syria’s civil war, says hundreds of Turkey-backed Syrian

rebels have arrived in Libya and joined the fighting on the side of the Tripoli-based government.

US officials said Haftar’s recent push came with the aid of hundreds of Russian mercenaries. UN experts said in a report earlier this month that Sudanese armed groups from the Darfur region also joined the fighting recently on both sides.

The Berlin summit participants were from Algeria, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus representatives of the United Nations, African Union, European

Union and Arab League.

The peace push followed a surge in Haftar’s offensive against Tripoli, which threatened to plunge Libya into chaos rivaling the 2011 conflict that ousted and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Earlier this month, powerful tribal groups loyal to Hifter also seized several large oil export terminals along the eastern coast, as well as southern oil fields. The closure of Libya’s major oil fields and production facilities has resulted in losses of more than $255 million in the six-day period ending January 23, the country’s national oil company said on Saturday. AP

B4 Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria offers the Fortune Menu Sun Life marks 125th year, promises of a brighter future

Sun Life brand ambassadors Inigo and Piolo Pascual; Charo Santos -Concio, international singer and performer Rachel AnnGo, Judy Ann Santos, Enchong Dee and Matteo Guidecelli take centerstage at Sun life’s 125th Anniversary celebration.

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OT many institutions have the honor and history to commemorate 125 years. Sun Life Philippines, the country’s first and longest-standing life insurer, is blessed with this honor which comes the pleasure to acknowledge what made this longevity possible.

Benedicto Sison, Sun Life chief executive officer and country head, said that the key to the company’s longevity is the partnership it built through the years especially the one forged with its clients.

“We nurture and keep this sacred – this partnership and the mutual trust built with our clients for generations,” Sison said, adding that it takes a village to nurture these partnerships.

Sun Life has stood the test of time alongside Filipinos, providing them quality insurance products and services for over a century. It acknowledges and values the support of individuals and organizations which enable the company to serve its clients, achieve its goals and prosper in the industry.

It has always been a collective effort

among Sun Life regulators, as well as its business partners, former and present leaders, field managers, financial advisors, employees, and clients. The leading international financial services organization honors the village of partners and friends that made this happen.

The company that achieved its target five million clients ahead of the schedule takes pride of what it has accomplished – targets exceeded and numbers surpassed, as well as awards, recognitions, and citations conferred.

He also said the company is committed to delivering products and services ‘beyond lifetimes’ – a fitting theme for its anniversary celebration.

To immortalize oneself beyond one's lifetime, he noted to plant trees which will later on bear fruits, feeding the next generation. In fulfilling the company’s purpose, “we are in a sense planting trees and immortalizing both the clients and ourselves,” he added.

Sun Life plants seeds of financial security that like a tree will give its clients

shade and comfort throughout their lives, Sison related. “We plant trees that in time will bear abundant security for the coming generations.”

In the past 125 years, the company has been overjoyed to witness the countless fulfillments of these in clients it has served for generations, such as the families of Dio Sy and former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon.

In the life of its advisors, one of whom was Sixto Sandejas who was a Sun Life advisor from the 1920s and one of the first Filipinos to advocate the cause of financial security. Even then, he considered his job as an insurance agent a vocation second to none.

Another one is its oldest active financial advisor Carlos Medina who has been an advisor for over 40 years and continuous to serve his clients until today at the age of 93.

Since the company is given this rare privilege and rich legacy to live by and uphold, “we shall make sure to preserve it and make it even richer,” Sison said. It will also continue to serve its clients with renewed fervent, caring for them and their loved ones in this and in the next generations.

Sun Life, named the country’s number one insurance company for eight consecutive years, has likewise unveiled its commemorative marker and client stories art exhibit.

Last January 17, a grand concert musical was held to celebrate the company's 125th year, remembering significant events that shaped the company’s history and honor the people who became a part of this journey.

Ascott Makati teams up with Kaya FC Academy

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SCOTT Makati, an award-winning serviced residence and the flagship property of The Ascott Limited – Philippines (Ascott), announced a year-long partnership with Kaya FC Academy (Kaya), Philippines' largest football academy.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with Kaya to include activities for Ascott Makati’s guests,” commented Ascott’s Country General Manager Daniel Wee. “This relationship will enhance the value we provide to make our serviced residences guests’ home away from home as this year marks Ascott’s 20th anniversary milestone in the country.”

Kaya is a community-minded and culturally inclusive club that aspires to further the domestic football here in the Philippines and continues to be at the forefront of this pursuit. The Academy also aims to provide an avenue for the youth to harness their talents and pursue careers in professional football and increase participation in the sporting community.

“Ascott Makati is proud to be one of the official partners of the Academy this

year,” said Philip Barnes, Deputy Country General Manager of Ascott. “We recognize that sports and travel can work hand-inhand and so we are eager to introduce a brand-new consumer experience by bringing guests who are football fans closer to the sports that they love.”

Kaya works in tandem with Gawad Kalinga in supporting underprivileged children through sport and values Ascott Limited’s Deputy Country General Manager Philip Barnes (lefrt) with Kaya FC which complement Academy Director Chris Greatwich at the official partnership signing Ascott’s efforts in the past years in helping the same community feed 700 Somerset Alabang Manila in Muntinlupa, kids via Kusina ng Kalinga.

Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila Ascott’s portfolio in the Philippines include in Ortigas, Citadines Bay City Manila properties which are operating in Makati in Pasay, and Citadines Cebu City in namely Ascott Makati, Somerset Millennium Cebu. Ascott stands as one of the largest Makati, Somerset Olympia Makati and international hospitality companies in Citadines Salcedo Makati. Other properties are the country with 24 properties and more Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila in Taguig, than 5,000 units.

Charlie Agatep wins Agora for Marketing Communication

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NE of the pillars of the Philippine public relations industry has been named the recipient of the Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communication during the 40th Agora Awards held last January 20 at Okada Manila in Parañaque City.

Charlie Agatep, Chairman and CEO of Grupo Agatep, was given the distinction for his incontrovertible contributions to public relations here in the country. Agatep, who is also regarded as the PR Guru, is the first public relations practitioner to accept this award from the Philippine Marketing

Association (PMA).

“Public relations is a legitimate and important ingredient in the marketing mix,” Agatep said. “Instead of four, there should now be five Ps in marketing, namely, product, price, place, promotions, and public relations.”

Agatep is only the sixth individual to receive the Agora for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communication.

The category was first introduced by the PMA in 2014 and has been won by some of the most respected names in digital marketing and advertising.

In his acceptance speech, Agatep

underscored the value of storytelling in this age of hyperconnectivity because of advancing technology. He reminded everyone of the importance of tuning to the needs of their target publics and being able to communicate to them effectively by using language that directly speaks to them.

“To stand out from the competition, marketing communication must be memorable and must put the audiences’ needs and goals ahead of our own, bring value to their lives, and help them find success and happiness,” Agatep said.

He also extolled the value of creating stories that not only inform but also move hearts and minds.

“Marketing communication should build emotional connection leading to memorable experiences. Brand storytelling should inspire, it should resonate, it should build trust and forge a relationship,” Agatep adds.

The Agora Award is an annual recognition given by the PMA to some of the leading names and companies who have demonstrated unparalleled innovation and excellence in marketing their products and services. At the 40th Agora Awards, nine individuals and companies were feted for their contributions to marketing.

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EJOICE to a beginning of abundance, good fortune and genuine happiness at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The hotel’s Chinese specialty restaurant, Xin Tian Di, has prepared a medley of authentic dishes for the year of the metal rat.

The Fortune Menu is fit for a generous family of ten starting at PhP26,888.00++. Aside from the appetizer, soup and dessert, the menu features Roasted Peking Duck Two-way, Stir Fried Tiger Prawn with Superior Soup and Garlic, Stewed Home-style Pork Knuckle “Patatim Style”, Work-Fried Norway Salmon Fillet with Golden Garlic and Salted Egg, Wok-Fried Minced Duck in Lettuce, Braised E-fu Noodle with Crab Meat and Assorted Seafood with Egg White and Friend Organic Rice with Veal and Asparagus in Abalone Sauce.

A special round Tikoy is also available for only PhP1,088.00++ per piece, available in original, ube and pandan flavors. Known to be

a significant part of Chinese New Year, Tikoy usually signifies wealth and prosperity and usually given to relatives and closest friends.

Offers are available until January 31, 2020. For inquiries, call Xin Tian Di at 86337222 or email fandb.reservations@ihg. com. Like the hotel’s Facebook page: www. facebook.com/crowneplazamanilagalleria and follow their Instagram account: @ crowneplazamanilagalleria for hotel updates and other promotions.

MANILA CITY PARTNERS WITH RAJAH AT PRINSESA FILIPINAS 2020’. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso through the Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) headed by Charlie Dungo (second from left) shakes hand with Rajah at Prinsesa Filipinas founding Chairman Prof. Julio Castillo, Jr. as it seals the staging of the newest and one of the prestigious school-based beauty contests happening on May 23, 2020.

Rajah at Prinsesa Filipinas (RAPF) aims to highlight and promote Manila’s cultural heritage, Education and environmental care as its main objective. The event is in cooperation with Eighfinity and Beyond Events Management (EBEM) as organizing Committee, joining them in photo are RAPF President Emely Katigbak, Atty.

Sol Arboladura, and (EBEM) Head Zeus Serrano.

Taal volcano eruption may leave children homeless for months, says Save the Children

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ALF a million people made homeless by the Taal volcano eruption will need immediate and longterm support as they face growing uncertainty over whether they will ever be able to return to their towns and villages.

As the volcano continues to erupt, Save the Children is warning of a prolonged crisis that could see hundreds of thousands of people unable to return to their homes for months and forced to live in evacuation centers or with friends and relatives.

The Philippines government estimates that in the worst case scenario, communities may not be able to return for up to seven months, though that could change should there be a catastrophic eruption.

According to government figures, at least 580,000 pupils from more than 1,000 schools have been missing out on classes for the past two weeks due to heavy ashfall in the provinces around the volcano and schools being used as evacuation centers. Of this figure, an estimated 55,000 schoolchildren come from the six abandoned towns located in the 14km danger zone, where many classrooms are damaged and buried under hazardous ash. Many of these students could fall behind and miss graduation in three months, affecting their future job prospects. Meanwhile, more than 300 schools

are still being used as evacuation centers.

Jerome Balinton, Humanitarian Manager for Save the Children Philippines, said: “The emotional and psychosocial stress of being made suddenly homeless and surrounded by so many strangers in such close proximity are taking a toll on children.

It’s vital that we meet their immediate needs for food, clothing, clean water, hygiene and healthcare, while recognizing that they need long-term solutions as well. This means setting up temporary schools so children can return to a normal routine while they wait for the fury of the volcano to subside.”

Save the Children is distributing family household and hygiene items to families.

We have also set up mobile child-friendly spaces where children can learn and play in a safe environment while receiving emotional support.

Yanson matriarch leads election of Bachelor Express Inc.'s board

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LIVIA V. Yanson, the matriarch of the Yanson Group, led the stockholders of Bachelor Express Inc., a sister company of Vallacar Transit Inc., the country’s largest bus transport company, in the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on January 19, where they elected their board of directors.

The board subsequently re-appointed Leo Rey V. Yanson as the president of the company.

Under the company’s by-laws, the annual stockholders’ meeting of Bachelor Express should be held every third Sunday of January at its principal office. Pursuant to the by-laws, the annual stockholders meeting was held at the company’s principal office in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro. The stockholders re-elected Olivia V. Yanson, Leo Rey V. Yanson, Ginnette Y.

Dumancas, Charles M. Dumancas, Arvin John V. Villaruel, Rey C. Ardo, Anita G. Chua, Daniel Nicolas P. Golez, Danny O. Lorenton, Hernan B. Omecillo and Alfredo O. Ligo, Jr. as members of the board of directors.

The elected directors will serve for one year until January 2021, or until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.

The meeting was presided over by chairman and president Leo Rey Yanson and corporate secretary and treasurer Olivia Yanson.

Following the election of the directors, the board also held an organizational meeting and re-appointed Leo Rey Yanson as the president and CEO of the company and Olivia V. Yanson as treasurer and corporate secretary.

The stockholders also ratified the acts of the board of directors led by Leo Rey Yanson.

Sports

Kobe Bryant was a basketball superstar for his entire adult life, and he grew up from a teenager to a respected veteran in the unforgiving Hollywood spotlight.

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OS ANGELES—Kobe Bryant inspired a generation of basketball players worldwide with sublime skills and an unquenchable competitive fire.

He earned Los Angeles’s eternal adoration during his two decades as the fierce soul of the beloved Lakers, and he was respected by basketball fans from every place with a hoop and a dream, including his native Philadelphia and in Italy, his other childhood home.

Less than four years into his retirement, Bryant was seizing new challenges and working to inspire his daughters’ generation through sports and storytelling when his next chapter ended shockingly early.

Bryant, the 18-time All-Star who won five National Basketball Association (NBA) championships and became one

The Associated Press

By Greg Beacham

of the greatest basketball players of his generation during a 20-year career all with the Lakers, died in a helicopter crash Sunday. He was 41.

The crash occurred in the foggy hills above Calabasas, California, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Bryant was killed, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press (AP), and a different person familiar with the case confirmed Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna also died.

Bryant lived south of Los Angeles in coastal Orange County, and he often used helicopters to save time and avoid Southern California’s notorious traffic.

He traveled to practices and games by helicopter before his playing career ended in 2016.

He continued to use them after retirement as he attended to his new ventures, which included a burgeoning entertainment company that recently produced an Academy Award-winning animated short film.

The basketball world and Los Angeles reacted with an outpouring of pain and disbelief.

Bryant is all but certain to be elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this year, when he is eligible for the first time.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary...but he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.”

The crash occurred about 20 miles from Mamba Sports Academy, Bryant’s basketball training complex in Newbury Park, California. A youth basketball tournament—the Mamba Cup—was scheduled for a second day of competition Sunday at the facility, and Bryant had attended the opening day Saturday with Gianna.

Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, had four daughters. He had been a vocal booster of women’s sports since his retirement, coaching and mentoring basketball players around the world, while also backing women’s soccer and other endeavors.

Bryant retired as the thirdleading scorer in NBA history with 33,643 points, all scored in Lakers purple and gold. The self-nicknamed Black Mamba was a prolific, gifted shooter with a sublime all-around game and a relentless, hard-edged work ethic that thrilled his fans and almost everyone else, even those who reviled him.

Taking cues from Michael Jordan, one of his idols, Bryant played with a swagger that compelled him to talk trash, to guard the toughest opponents, to play through pain and to demand the ball at the biggest moments of games.

He didn’t always hit them, but Bryant never stopped trying.

“He had zero flaws offensively,” LeBron James said Saturday night. “Zero. You backed off of him, he could shoot the three. You body him up a little bit, he could go around you. He could shoot from midrange. He could post. He could make free throws.... He was just immortal offensively because of his skill set and his work ethic.”

A youth basketball tournament—the Mamba Cup—was scheduled for a second day of competition Sunday at the facility, and Kobe Bryant had attended the opening day Saturday with daughter Gianna. AP

Continued on C2

THE MAMBA LEGACY

January 28, 2020 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

uesday,

C1 | T

BusinessMirror

REST IN PEACE. KOBE.

Spo

Business

C2 Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Woods stunned to learn of Bryant’s death

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AN DIEGO—Tiger Woods has heard just about everything from playing before the biggest crowds in golf, and he tends to ignore it. Most puzzling was what he kept hearing along the back nine Sunday at Torrey Pines.

“Do it for Mamba.”

Only after Woods finished his final round of two-under 70 to tie for ninth in the Farmers Insurance Open did he realize what it meant.

His caddie, Joe LaCava, told him as they walked to the scoring room that Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash.

Woods could be heard replying, “Excuse me?”

Such was the shock for Woods that he made a rare detour from his two media stops to sign autographs, presumably to collect his thoughts.

Woods typically signs after he is done with his interviews.

“One of the most shocking, tragic days that I’ve ever been a part of,” Woods said.

Woods and Bryant arrived at roughly the same time in 1996. Woods won the first of his 82 titles on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour on October 6, 1996, at the Las Vegas Invitational.

Bryant made his first appearance for the Lakers the following month.

Woods said they spent time together when he still had a home in Newport Beach, but they rarely connected after Woods moved to Florida.

“We really connected on more the mental side of it...how much it takes to be prepared,” Woods said. “For me, I don’t have to react like he does in my sport, we can take our time. But you’ve still got to pay attention

to the details, and that’s what he did better than probably any other player in NBA history.

“That’s where he and I really connected, because we’re very similar,” Woods said. “He came in the league and I turned pro right around the same time, and we had our 20-year run together.

It’s shocking.”

Most other players were not aware of the tragedy about two hours to the north during the round, including Rory McIlroy, a sports junkie who said he grew up idolizing Bryant. McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, said the 2000 National Basketball Association Finals is what led him to follow basketball.

“He was a pure master of what he did,” McIlroy said. “That’s just so sad.”

For Woods, it was personal. He was a Lakers fan for as long as he can remember. Woods once told of how his late father would tell him that Magic Johnson would add a new shot to his repertoire every year. And along came Bryant, roughly the same age, and someone with whom he spent time.

“It’s unbelievable, the reality that he’s no longer here,” Woods said.

Bryant meant so much to Tony Finau that the golfer’s manager drove from Los Angeles to San Diego to tell him after the round. Finau wore golf shoes that were purple-and-gold in the first round of the FedEx Cup playoffs opener on August 24, 2017, in honor of “Mamba Day”—8/24 on the calendar, the two jersey numbers worn by Bryant. AP

TIGER WOODS learns about the tragedy from his caddie. AP

S

AN DIEGO—Marc Leishman realized he had at two-shot lead as he stood over a six-foot birdie putt on the final hole at Torrey Pines.

He also knew Jon Rahm was the only one who could catch him.

That made his final birdie all the more important.

It turned out to be the winner Sunday in the Farmers Insurance Open, much to Rahm’s surprise.

Leishman shot 31 on the front nine to seize control, came up with three big par saves on the back nine and closed with a birdie for a sevenunder 65 and a one-shot victory.

Rahm played so badly at the start—two bogeys and a double bogey through five holes—

Leishman rallies to win at Torrey Pines that he started firing away, and few players are more dangerous. He made an eagle and three birdies over a five-hole stretch to at least have a chance.

His one mistake, aside from a bogey on the 15th hole, was not knowing the score.

“He stuffed his tee shot on the 16th to 8 feet, and he went after the pin on the 17th to five feet for birdie, drawing him to within two shots.

Leishman had finished by then at 15-under 273.

Rahm shot 70. When he won at Torrey Pines in 2017, he rallied with a 65 to win. This time, it was Leishman’s turn. Leishman and Rahm are the only players to win with a 65 in the final round since the South Course was revamped and

lengthened ahead of the 2008 US Open.

Rory McIlroy, needing a victory to return to No. 1 in the world, started three shots behind in the final group and opened with two straight bogeys. He missed a short birdie attempt on the third, and then pulled his tee shot into the hazard and had to scramble for bogey.

Much like Rahm, he stayed in the mix by playing his last five holes on the front nine in 5 under.

McIlroy couldn’t make up enough ground, shot 69 and tied for third with Brandt Snedeker (68).

Tiger Woods, trying to set the PGA Tour record with his 83rd career victory, never got anything going. Woods had to settle for a 70 and tied for ninth, six shots behind. AP

Continued from C1

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OBE Bryant held the No. 3 spot in the league scoring ranks until the day before his death, when James passed him during the Lakers’ game in Philadelphia.

On Saturday night, James said he was “happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play. One of the all-time greatest Lakers.”

Bryant always reacted graciously to the achievements of James, his former on-court rival who joined the Lakers in 2018.

“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames,” Bryant wrote in his last tweet. “Much respect my brother.”

Tim Duncan, the San Antonio Spurs great who also retired in 2016, is also expected to be part of the Hall of Fame class that will be announced at the NBA’s All-Star weekend next month. Duncan, now a Spurs assistant, was visibly emotional on the bench during their game against Toronto on Sunday.

Bryant had been spending more time with his daughters since leaving the league. The Bryants’ first daughter, Natalia, turned 17 a week ago. Bianka Bella is 3 years old, and Capri Kobe was born last June.

Gianna, better known as Gigi, had a promising youth career and a competitive pugnaciousness that reminded everybody of her dad. Bryant sat with her courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game late last year, clearly passing along his wisdom to his daughter.

Bryant told Jimmy Kimmel in 2018 that Gianna wanted to play in the WNBA, and recalled how fans would

THE LEGAC

Kobe Bryant was a basketball superstar for and he grew up from a teenager to a respe unforgiving Hollywood spotlight. often approach him saying, “you gotta have a boy, you gotta someone to carry on the tradition, the legacy.”

Gianna took exception: “She’s like, ‘Oy, I got this,’” Bryant recalled.

News of Bryant’s death inspired an outpouring of grief around the sports world and beyond, but it was felt particularly painfully in Los Angeles, where Bryant was unquestionably the sprawling city’s most popular athlete and one of its most beloved people.

Buildings from downtown to Los Angeles International Airport were illuminated in Lakers purple and gold.

The Lakers’ next game is Tuesday night against the crosstown rival Clippers, but hundreds of fans— many in Bryant jerseys and Lakers gear—spontaneously gathered at Staples Center and in the surrounding LA Live entertainment complex on Sunday, weeping and staring at video boards with Bryant’s image before the Grammy awards ceremony.

“I thought he was going to live forever,” Lakers great Magic Johnson told KCBS-TV. “I thought he was invincible....

There was nobody who took more pride in putting on that Laker uniform than Kobe. Nobody. He was just special. We will miss him and we’ll remember him for his greatness, but let’s not forget how he impacted the world, too.”

Bryant retired as the Lakers’ franchise leader in points, games played, 3-pointers and steals—no small feats on a franchise that has employed many of the greatest players in basketball history.

The NBA kept its games on as scheduled when the news broke. The Spurs and Raptors both took voluntary 24-second shot clock violations at the start of their game in honor of Bryant, who wore No. 24 for the second half of his career.

Several other teams followed up by deliberately taking delays of 24 and eight seconds, honoring both of his jersey numbers. Many players were seen crying before their games, and James looked emotional on the tarmac when he got off the Lakers’ team plane from Philadelphia.

Bryant’s future appeared to be limitless in retirement, whether in sports or entertainment. He opened a production company shortly after leaving the Lakers, saying he was just as passionate about storytelling as he had been about his sport. He won an Oscar in 2018 for his contributions to Dear Basketball, an animated short about his relationship to the game. He also produced content for ESPN. In 2003, Bryant was charged with attacking a 19-year-old employee at a Colorado resort.

He had said the two had consensual sex, and the charge was eventually dropped when

their choppers.

The helicopter plunged into a steep hillside at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday with an impact that scattered debris over an area the size of a football field and killed all aboard.

The accident unleashed an outpouring of grief from

admirers around the world who mourned the sudden loss of the all-time basketball great who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thousands of fans, many wearing Bryant jerseys and chanting his name, gathered

AUSSIE OPEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRYANT Bryant’s helicopter flew in fo M

ELBOURNE, Australia—Nick Kyrgios wore a Lakers No. 8 jersey to honor Kobe Bryant ahead of a fourth-round match against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.

The 15-year-old Coco Gauff had Bryant’s Nos. 8 and 24, along with the inscription “Mamba Mentality,” on her shoes in a doubles match at Melbourne Park.

Bryant’s sudden death in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Sunday along with eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, has shocked, and upset, fans and athletes around the world.

Kyrgios, a big National Basketball Association fan who often wears basketball jerseys while practicing, wore a Bryant jersey from the locker room, through the corridor of champions, and into the warm-up on Rod Laver Arena. He took it off before play began against top-ranked Nadal.

Fans in the crowd wore Bryant jerseys with the Nos. 8 or 24. Australian Open organizers also played a short video tribute to Bryant ahead of the match, one of the most anticipated encounters in the two-week, season-opening major.

Darren Cahill, who coaches two-time major winner Simona Halep and works as television analyst for ESPN, said he “felt sick” when he woke up to news of Bryant’s death.

“Certainly, I looked up to what he used

to do as an athlete, as a professional, an incredible basketball player,” Cahill said. “And especially his daughter passing away, as well.

I couldn’t think of anything worse. My two kids are here. They are 18 and 15. I could not get my head around that.”

Former Australian player and TV commentator Rennae Stubbs said she knew Bryant was a big tennis fan.

Roger Federer, meanwhile, needed some time to get going in the Australian Open’s fourth round, a match after a draining and difficult escape in which he was two points from defeat.

To be precise, he required a full set to get sorted.

After seeming sluggish while dropping the opener, Federer quickly righted himself and pushed through the next three sets without a hitch, reaching the 57th Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career by coming back to beat Marton Fucsovics, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2, on Sunday.

The other quarterfinal on that side of the bracket is defending champion Novak Djokovic against No. 32 Milos Raonic of Canada. AP

C

ALABASAS, California— The helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant and eight others that crashed into a rugged hillside outside Los Angeles was flying in foggy conditions considered dangerous enough that local police agencies grounded

Nick Kyrgios walks onto Rod Laver Arena wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey ahead of his fourth-round match against Rafael Nadal. AP

Cars up for aces in Bill Shaw Classic at Wack Wack

A

GRAND lineup of cars and motorcycle will be up for grabs in the annual Bill Shaw Golf Classic, which gets under way on Wednesday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.

A Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and Jeep Renegade from CATS Motors, and Lexus UX 200 F-Sport are but among those staked as hole-inone prizes at all par-3 holes of Wack Wack’s East and West courses.

Also offered as prizes for aces in the four-day tournament are Mazda 3 from ANC Group, Mitsubishi Xpander from Union Motors, Toyota

Vios XE from Toyota Otis and Cherry Tiggo 2 from Foton-United Asia Automotive Group.

A total of 700 players featuring 350 two-man teams make up the grand 31st staging of Wack Wack’s centerpiece tournament copresented by San Miguel Corp., Yakult and Pilipinas Shell.

The event actually kicks off on Monday with Wack Wack President Lawrence Tan leading the ceremonial drive with Asia Car Distributor Corp. President Spencer Yu, Yakult Vice President Michael Ong and Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Wholesale Commercial Fuels Dennis Javier Tan, Yu, Ong, Javier and other members

of Wack Wack’s board of directors, are also expected to participate in the sponsors’ and media day side event of tournament also backed by Chronos and D&L (Platinum) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

(Diamond) and the opening night cocktails.

The Gold sponsors are Meralco, RGB, Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo, Stradcom, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, First Sunday Group, DDT Konstrakt, ICTSI-PGTI, Asia Traders Corp., Peerless Products, Resorts World Manila, EVA Air, MovenPick, GG&A Clubshares, VMJ, Boysen and 3D Northern Islands.

Thousands of fans, many wearing Kobe Bryant jerseys and chanting his name, gather outside the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, home of the Lakers and site of Sunday’s Grammy Awards where Bryant is honored. AP

orts

sMirror

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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CY of kobe bryant

r his entire adult life, ected veteran in the

the women declined to testify in a trial. The woman later filed a civil suit against Bryant that was settled out of court.

Bryant went on to become one of the NBA’s most popular players and the face of the Lakers.

Winning a record four NBA AllStar Game MVP awards, he was the overall league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion, but he also earned 12 selections to the NBA’s AllDefensive teams.

He teamed with Shaquille O’Neal in a combustible partnership to lead the Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002. He later teamed with Pau Gasol to win two more titles in 2009 and 2010.

A two-time Olympic gold medalist with the dominant US team, Bryant retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final NBA game. In December 2017, the Lakers hung banners retiring his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys in the Staples Center rafters in an unprecedented double honor.

Bryant looms large over the current generation of NBA players, most of whom grew up either idolizing Bryant or absorbing his work ethic and competitive spirit in the same way Bryant’s generation learned from Jordan. Bryant exemplified and passed on that mentality to James, Stephen Curry and the NBA’s current wave of highscoring superstars.

After James passed Bryant on Saturday, he remembered listening in awe to Bryant when

COURTESY CALL

Hidilyn Diaz (center) makes a courtesy call with PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (second from left) ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers in Rome, Italy. Also in photo are (from left) PLDT Chief Revenue Officer, and Smart President and CEO Al Panlilio, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella and MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director Ryan Gregorio.

PALACE, SENATE MOURN

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the superstar came to speak at a childhood basketball camp.

“I remember one thing he said: If you want to be great at it, or want to be one of the greats, you’ve got to put the work in,” said James, who later teamed up with Bryant on the 2008 US Olympic team in Beijing.

Bryant was a basketball superstar for his entire adult life, and he grew up from a teenager to a respected veteran in the unforgiving Hollywood spotlight.

He entered the NBA draft straight out of suburban Philly’s Lower Merion High School in 1996 after a childhood spent partly in Italy, where his father, former

NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, played professionally.

Bryant was occasionally estranged from his now65-year-old father, but reconciled.

Bryant spoke four languages, and played a major role in the NBA’s international growth over his two decades in the league, traveling the world and connecting with athletes in other sports and celebrities.

The Lakers acquired the 17-year-old Bryant in a trade shortly after Charlotte drafted him, and he immediately became one of the most exciting and intriguing players in the sport alongside O’Neal, who had signed with the Lakers as a free agent.

Bryant won the Slam Dunk Contest as a rookie, and the Lakers gradually grew into a team that won three consecutive championships.

Bryant and Gasol, the Spanish star, formed the nucleus of another championship team in 2008, reaching three straight NBA Finals and winning two more titles.

Between those title runs and before the quiet final years of his career, Bryant accomplished innumerable feats including an 81-point game against Toronto in January 2006.

Bryant’s final NBA seasons were dogged by injuries, but he still went into retirement with that jaw-dropping 60-point performance against Utah.

og that grounded other choppers outside the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, home of the Lakers and site of Sunday’s Grammy Awards, where Bryant was honored.

The 41-year-old Bryant, who perished with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was one of the game’s most popular players and the face of the 16time NBA champion Lakers.

The cause of the crash was unknown, but conditions at the time were such that the Los Angeles Police Department and the county sheriff’s department grounded their helicopters.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner, Dr. Jonathan Lucas, said the rugged terrain complicated efforts to recover the remains.

He estimated it would take at least a couple of days to complete that task before identifications can be made.

Bryant’s helicopter left Santa Ana in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, shortly after 9 a.m. and circled for a time just east of Interstate 5, near Glendale. Air-traffic controllers noted poor visibility around Burbank, just to the north, and Van Nuys, to the northwest.

After holding up the

helicopter for other aircraft, they cleared the Sikorsky S-76 to proceed north along Interstate 5 through Burbank before turning west to follow US Route 101, the Ventura Highway.

Shortly after 9:40 a.m., the helicopter turned again, toward the southeast, and climbed to more than 2,000 feet. It then descended and crashed into the hillside at about 1,400 feet, according to data from Flightradar24.

When it struck the ground, the helicopter was flying at about 160 knots and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet per minute, the data showed.

The chopper went down in Calabasas, about 48 kilometers northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in nearby Thousand Oaks was holding a basketball tournament on Sunday.

Federal transportation safety investigators were on their way to the scene.

Among other things, they will look at the pilot’s history, the chopper’s maintenance records and the records of its owner and operator, said NTSB board member Jennifer Homendy at a news

conference.

Kurt Deetz, a pilot who used to fly Bryant in the chopper, said the crash was more likely caused by bad weather than engine or mechanical issues.

“The likelihood of a catastrophic twin engine failure on that aircraft—it just doesn’t happen,” he told the Los Angeles Times.

Justin Green, an aviation attorney in New York who flew helicopters in the Marine Corps, said pilots can become disoriented in low visibility, losing track of which direction is up. Green said a pilot flying an S-76 would be instrument-rated, meaning that person could fly the helicopter without relying on visual cues from outside.

The National Transportation Safety Board typically issues a preliminary report within about 10 days that will give a rough summary of what investigators have learned. A ruling on the cause can take a year or more.

Colin Storm was in his living room in Calabasas when he heard what sounded to him like a low-flying airplane or helicopter.

“It was very foggy so we couldn’t see anything,” he said.

“But then, we heard some

sputtering and then a boom.”

The fog cleared a bit, and Storm could see smoke rising from the hillside in front of his home.

Firefighters hiked in with medical equipment and hoses, and medical personnel rappeled to the site from a helicopter, but found no survivors, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said.

Among those killed in the crash were John Altobelli, 56, longtime head coach of Southern California’s Orange Coast College baseball team; his wife, Keri; and daughter, Alyssa, who played on the same basketball team as Bryant’s daughter, said Altobelli’s brother, Tony, who is the sports information director at the school.

Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley tweeted that the dead also included Christina Mauser, a girls basketball coach at a nearby private elementary school. Her husband, Matt Mauser, founded the Tijuana Dogs, a popular Orange County band. In a Facebook post he said: “My kids and I are devastated. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash.” AP

HE sudden death of Kobe Bryant was sadly met on Philippine soil.

Malacañang on Monday expressed its condolences to the fans and loved ones of the National Basketball Association—as well as Sens.

Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva.

“The Palace extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, loved ones and fans around the globe who Kobe left behind. We share in their grief,” Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo commended Bryant’s basketball prowess, which earned him countless fans worldwide throughout his career.

“Because he was bringing his daughter to a basketball tournament, then it can be said that Kobe died with his sneakers on, for the love of the game,” Angara said also in a statement.

“In his prime, he was a superstar waited on by a staff of hundreds. In retirement, he was happiest as coach-cheerleader of the most important ball player in his life,” he added.

“The streets of heaven are now full of people attending the ticker-tape parade of a player who soared like an angel in court, and with his good heart acted like one of it. They’re now hanging ‘24’ jerseys in the rafters up there.”

Villanueva said: “We join the sporting community in mourning the untimely demise of Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash this morning with his daughter Gigi and seven others.”

“We remember his intensity and passion for the game, which he is instilling in his daughter and this generation,” Villanueva added. “Kobe’s life and work ethic is a rare phenomenon in the sport.”

“As former Philippine Basketball Association Chairman and as NorthPort Batang Pier team owner, I join Filipino basketball fans everywhere and the global basketball community in mourning the sudden, tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” Rep. Mikee Romero (1-Pacman Party List) said.

Refreshed Mighty faces Tunisia five

M

ighty Sports returns to action after a two-day breather when it faces Tunisia’s Es Rades on Tuesday in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Utilizing the break as a way to recuperate from the tough streak that saw the Filipino team unscratched in two games, Mighty tries to score two more victories and sweep the group stage.

Game time is set at 1 a.m. (Manila time) at the Shabab al Ahli Sports Club.

Andray Blatche led Mighty to a 77-72 win over Syrian club Al Ittihad last Friday as the country’s representatives notched their second victory after an 88-82 triumph against the Fadi El-Khatib-powered United Arab Emirates squad

in the tournament opener.

The naturalized player Blatche also chipped in 11 rebounds, while import Renaldo Balkman added 15 points and 10 boards against the Syrian club.

Es Rades, meanwhile, holds a perfect 3-0 record after win over Beirut SC (86-85), UAE (8171) and Al Ittihad Aleppo (63-62).

Against Al Ittihad last Sunday, Anton Grady and Hosni Elahi top-scored for the Tunisian team with 17 points apiece.

Mighty looks to get more productions from collegiate stalwarts Thirdy Ravena, Juan Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso and Isaac Go. The squad targets to improve its third-place finish last year.

Siya Kolisi Vincent Juico @VJuico, Instagram vpjp_j, vince.juico@gmail.com

SPORTS WITHOUT BORDERS Siya Kolisi is South Africa’s first black rugby team captain. He led The Springboks (South Africa’s rugby national team) to the 2019 Rugby World Cup last year by beating England, 32-12.

Just a segue, I’ve always wondered why there are more injuries in American football than in rugby despite the wearing of a helmet and shoulder pads.

Anyway, Kolisi lived a hard life full of challenges ever since he was a child. According to a CNN article, “There were nights where I was worried like, am I going to eat all day?

“My grandma would go and visit her friends in the township...they’ll make tea and maybe a slice of bread and butter. She would take that, wrap it in paper, put it in her pocket and bring it home for me. That would be my meal for the day.”

Despite all these challenges, trials, tribulations and adversity, Kolisi has become a symbol of inspiration not just to black South Africans, but to all of South Africa, according to CNN World Rugby, “Having Siya with his story of having come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and communities, to then overcome all those odds and grab the opportunity.... It’s something truly, truly special,” Habana, the country’s top try scorer, tells CNN World Rugby.

“I think under his guidance and through his story, this current crop of Springbok players know that, yes, they’re Springboks, but they’re now a symbol of hope to this country. It’s more than just that jersey they wear. It’s the story they’re telling.”

Remember the movie Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, the true story of the 1995 South African World Cup Rugby

Team? Freeman played the late South African President Nelson “Madiba” Mandela and Damon played Team Captain Francois Pienaar.

I’m sure Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, would be overwhelmed with pride and joy by how Kolisi has captained the team and his country to victory as another black African man breaks the glass ceiling.

At first, Kolisi was reluctant to accept the captaincy, “I don’t like the spotlight. I’m very shy,” he admits.

“People had obviously high expectations and everything, and I think seeing myself in newspapers every single day, it’s something I wasn’t used to.

“My game went a little bit down, and it was tough. You can see with the stats and stuff. Even the coach would tell you that my game wasn’t up to standard.”

The reluctance to lead the team all the more justified the decision to hand the captaincy over to him.

“We’ve broken through some barriers I thought we couldn’t do,” says Kolisi. “The respect is back in the Springbok jersey.

“I think we’re getting it right without trying. We’re not trying to be something. It’s just coming. It’s working for us because we’re a young team and we get along so well. And we just want to grow. We want to make sure that the Springboks are the best.“ They certainly proved it last year. Kolisi’s grandmother, who raised Siya, summed it up best when, according to him, “My grandma taught me one thing,” he says, “love. If someone gives you love, that’s all you need.”

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Saving God

EAR GOD, Your love is our joy. With trust in Your mercy, we pray. Oh God, receive our prayer. Show mercy on those who grieve over their sin, and all who struggle to overcome an addiction and depression. Shower Your love upon those who grieve the death of a loved one to violence. Shine the light of Your glorious face upon all the faithful departed, and bring to eternity those who are at death’s door this night. May God heal us of all shame, enfold us with tender care, and bless us with peace, through our Savior Jesus Christ. 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

A ROOM washed in Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year, called First Light, a dreamy, soft shade of pink. Director of Color Marketing and Development Andrea Magno says that while the color was already part of the 3,500-hue library, “it’s always fortuitous when the trend concept and color name complement one another. While descriptions like ‘light pink’ are quite straightforward, we also look for names that evoke positive associations and experiences.” BENJAMIN MOORE VIA AP

E

VER wonder how paint colors get their names? If you’re shopping for pink, say, you’ll find dozens of shades referencing roses, bubblegum and shells. There are some extra-evocative names like Calamine and Dead Salmon. And what about a pink called Harajuku Morning? Modern Love?

Names can sway a person, says New York designer Daun Curry. “We once had a client choose one paint color over another because the name was Peace and Happiness,” she says.

More often, we pick a shade because we like it, says color consultant Debra Kling of New York, and “the names’ associations serve to augment our feelings about the hues.”

She warns clients that paints when applied can look very different from their names: creams, especially, easily veer into yellow territory, even when there’s no hint of that hue in their name.

Natalie Ebel, cofounder of the direct-to-consumer paint company Backdrop—which is behind Harajuku Morning and Modern Love—says that choosing the right names for paint colors is essential.

“We encourage customers to not just paint their walls, but create their backdrop,” she says. “So each name was chosen to evoke an emotional connection; we were inspired by real people, places, things and moods.”

Farrow & Ball is known for creative naming; their latest Colour By Nature palette, made in collaboration with London’s Natural History Museum, was inspired

by Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours, an 1814 guide that cross-references hues with markings and colorations found in nature. Scotch Blue, for example, suggests

both the throat of a blue titmouse and copper ore.

Time and place also provide inspiration, says Farrow & Ball’s color consultant Joa Studholme.

“Occasionally, the paint name comes almost before the color. Plummett was mixed after an afternoon spent fishing on the river, where the color of the lead used to weight the fisherman’s line was a thing of such beauty that it just begged to be added to the Farrow & Ball palette,” she says.

Studholme shares the backstories on two Farrow & Ball pinks, Calamine and Dead Salmon: “For many people of a certain age, Calamine lotion was an intrinsic part of early life. Applied to treat scraped knees, stings and the general travails of a lively childhood, it was always of comfort. And what was more calming, the actual lotion or its extraordinary delicate color? It certainly creates soothing rooms in the modern world,” she says.

As for the fishy one, the name was found on a decorator’s invoice dated 1805 for a library. “Salmon is the color, and Dead actually refers to the matte paint finish,” Studholme says.

Another rosy paint that Studholme thinks is wellnamed was inspired by the soft, feminine shade found in traditional ladies’ private quarters. But “Boudoir Pink” didn’t sit right, she says.

“So, we spent time considering how the boudoir got its name, only to discover it comes from the French bouder, meaning ‘to sulk.’ Thus, Sulking Room Pink was born,” she says.

Pink has enjoyed a favored position in the color pantheon since at least 2014, when movie director Wes Anderson clad his Grand Budapest Hotel in the hue. That was followed by rose gold fever. Color company Pantone designated light pinks as signature colors in both 2016 and 2017.

Paint marketers generally like names that are

aspirational, that stir the imagination. First Light is Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year, a dreamy, soft shade of pink. The company’s director of color marketing and development, Andrea Magno, says that while the color was already part of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500-hue library, “it’s always fortuitous when the trend concept and color name complement one another. While descriptions like `light pink’ are quite straightforward, we also look for names that evoke positive associations and experiences.”

PPG Paint’s senior color marketing manager, Dee Schlotter, says Linen Ruffle is the top pink requested on the company’s Paintzen platform. It’s a pale, taupetinged white with a pink undertone, named to evoke images of ruffly pillows and curtains.

And what about Kenny’s Kiss or Salsa Diane, two other pinks in the PPG collection? The former was named after an employee’s dog; the latter after a color lab stylist’s beachy dress.

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’s color of the year is Romance, another gentle pink with a name that stirs feelings.

Ebel, of Backdrop, says pinks have been the most fun to name.

“I wanted to keep the colors and names approachable for people like me—I wasn’t a huge pink person before Backdrop,” she says.

“Harajuku Morning was inspired by a trip we took to Tokyo in 2016. The color is bright, airy and fun, and reminded us of the playfulness of Takeshita Street, but in the morning before the crowds. Modern Love was inspired by one of my favorite New York Times columns—the color makes me think of the beautiful, messy feelings that come with relationships,” she says. Just like the beautiful, messy relationship we all have with the brushes, rollers and paint colors we bring home. n

Innovative furniture inspired by Filipino music Paraiso Lounge Chair, Mark Jayvee Begaso (“Paraiso,” Ryan Cayabyab)

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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A ROOM designed by Daun Curry, who says she once had a client choose a paint color called Peace and Happiness because they liked the name.

In this child’s room, the color is Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon—a popular hue in the company’s palette, albeit with a name that causes some mixed feelings. F&B’s color consultant Joa Studholme explains that historic—and sometimes unusual—references are something the team likes to use. EMILY GILBERT/DAUN CURRY VIA AP

Calamine pink, or Dead Salmon?

What’s behind paint names

By Kim Cook The Associated Press

CIRCLES: ‘More immersive,’ ‘an evolution’ and what to expect from Art Fair PHL 2020 D4

MusiKasangkapan: Obra ng Pinoy Milenyal, a special exhibition of over 50 exquisite furniture, showcased the seamless interpretation and transformation of the beauty of Filipino music, from its rich tradition to current pop culture.

The collection from the Interior Design Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) included outdoor lounges that relive the beauty of the Filipino courting called harana; armchairs reminiscent of a classic vinyl record player; accent chairs inspired by the charm of wind chimes; and a furnishing that portrayed an indigenous instrument from T’boli.

Pieces, such as hammocks and coffee tables, put into shape the iconic songs of all-time favorite performers, from singers, such as Rey Valera and Regine Velasquez, and 1990s rock

band Eraserheads, to today’s leading artists, such as Moira dela Torre and Ben&Ben. The exhibit, likewise, featured a special section that celebrated the legacy of Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

Inspired by the renowned maestro’s notable tracks, such as “Paroo’t, Parito,” “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” “Nais Ko” and “Limang Dipang Tao,” the showcase included designer fittings that radiate the musician’s remarkable rhythm and warm emotions.

These innovative creations from young innovators proved to be a promising display of true Filipino heritage and talent, as each piece was made from scratch using locally sourced materials, such as rattan, bamboo, woven buri (palm leaf) strips, T’nalak textiles and polished Capiz shells.

Trendcasting and inspired living at Ayala Malls’ Stylescapes IF the Ayala Malls’ Stylescapes are any indication, 2020 will be all about colors, textures and personalities, given the vibrant and exciting ideas that the annual design showcase presents. Stylescapes gathers, and curates, various items from Ayala Malls’ home, and specialty stores in eye-catching sets styled by celebrities and renowned interior designers. Through the years, it has inspired ideas among mallgoers on how they can spruce up their own homes to reflect their taste and creativity. Stylescapes is copresented by Avida Land, the developer of choice among those who put a premium on value and aspire to experience an Ayala Land lifestyle. Avida Land takes pride in its vision to provide delightful living, offering Filipino families secure and sensible homes where they can feel inspired to celebrate life every day.

On view at the Greenbelt Stylescape until January 23, Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Cyndi Fernandez of Moss Manila created a vignette that reflected the modern and luxe interior design ideas shaping the new year. Aptly named “Trends for 2020,” the showcase was inspired by Tessa’s personality. “It’s eclectic and glamorous,” said Cyndi. The vignette also featured this year’s Pantone color Classic Blue in eye-catching accents.

It’s a refreshing take on East-meets-West over at the Alabang Town Center Stylescape, curated and styled by actor Derek Ramsay and award-winning events stylist Zenas Pineda. Inspired by the British Colonial aesthetic, the vignette presents tropical leaves, woven solihiya and Asian-inspired furniture right beside accents, such as Union Jack flags and miniature Mini Cooper model cars.

It’s a cross-cultural exchange that reflects Derek’s own background. “We went for an all-green, natural look that is very much like the ATC vibe,” said Zenas. The showcase is a serene oasis in the middle of the Corte de las Palmas, and is on view until January 31.

Those who want to truly usher in the rejuvenating spirit of the new year into their homes can definitely take a pointer or two from Stylescapes.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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France’s #MeToo: Book on child-sex writer prompts outcry P

By John Leicester The Associated Press

ARIS—He was a middle-aged French author becoming known, even celebrated, for writing about sex with children. She was a fragile 14-year-old, too young to foresee the damage she says was done to her life by his predatory grip on her body and mind.

Now a grown woman, Vanessa Springora is causing a literary, legal and cultural storm in France with her explosive tell-all book that alleges, in cutting detail, an underage and destructive sexual relationship with French writer Gabriel Matzneff, now in his 80s.

The publication this month and quick commercial success of Consent is also being hailed by childprotection activists as a possible watershed moment for France. The book has ignited renewed debates about the country’s permissive attitudes toward sex with minors and soul-searching about why Matzneff was long celebrated in Paris.

“This is a very important book. It’s France’s #MeToo moment,” says Homayra Sellier, an advocate for child victims of sexual violence with the group Innocence in Danger.

Matzneff is rapidly becoming a pariah in the wake of the book’s publication and is now the target of a new rape probe by Paris prosecutors. Yet, for years, Matzneff was a frequent guest on French TV and radio. He was awarded a prestigious literary prize as recently as 2013, and honored by the French government with medals and an annual allowance.

But for the teenage Springora, Matzneff was the 50-year-old for whom she developed a schoolgirl crush after her mother, who worked in publishing, dragged her to a dinner party. There, she met and was bowled over by the writer who seemed to have eyes only for her. She alleges he then set about grooming her until he was habitually waiting at her school gates so he could take her away for sex in his flat or a hotel.

Matzneff has defended himself in an essay, which the L’Express magazine published in full. He wrote that he will not read Springora’s book, describing it as “a dagger to the heart” that is “intended to harm me, to destroy me,” and which “tries to make me out as a pervert, a manipulator, a predator, a bastard.” He described his relationship with Springora when she was “my young lover” as one of the “passionate loves” of his life.

Springora says it was Matzneff’s own writings that helped break his hold on her.

While he was away on a trip, she read his fetid descriptions of having sex with other children, works he had told her not to look at. They punctured her illusions that their relationship was a special romance.

“His books were populated by other 15-year-old Lolitas,” Springora writes, recalling how the blinders fell from her eyes. “This man was no good. He was, in fact, what we are taught to fear from childhood: an ogre.” Many other prominent French figures— belatedly—now say, likewise.

Jacques Toubon told the Quotidien talk show that he regrets his decision as culture minister in 1995 to decorate the writer with France’s Arts and Letters medal. The current culture minister, Franck Riester, now says Matzneff should no longer receive the annual state allowance for which he is eligible as a renowned author, calling him “the eulogist of pedo-

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ariel Winter, 22; Elijah Wood, 39; Sarah McLachlan, 52; Frank Darabont, 61.

Happy Birthday: Take a deep breath, and pull yourself together. Stay ahead of any competition you meet by being fully prepared. Don’t lose sight of your objective. You will reach your destination, regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way. Persistence will be necessary if you want to stay in control. Caution should be maintained this year. Your lucky numbers are 3, 17, 20, 26, 38, 42, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Speed things up if you think it will help, but don’t take shortcuts.

Someone will deceive you regarding a rule or regulation you should be aware of before you commit to a project or proposal. Practice moderation. HHH

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take a step back if uncertainty prevails. Go over details, dissect opportunities and make decisions based on what you discover. Observation and intuitive insight will help you make the best decision. Refuse to let someone push you one way or another. HHHH

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GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Speak up, do your own thing, and don’t trust anyone who is hovering over you or being too complimentary. You’ll be disappointed if you leave essential details in someone else’s hands. Take control, and speak your mind. HH

CANCER (June 21-July 22): How you handle the people you work alongside will make a difference. If you are generous with your compliments, offer solid suggestions, and put in extra and unexpected details, you will surpass your expectations. Romance is in the stars. HHHHH

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Question everyone and everything. Gather facts, and put in the energy required to go the extra mile. How you handle situations, people and projects will make a difference. An unexpected change will put you on the spot. Don’t wait; act quickly. HHH

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Interact with people who have something interesting to offer. Someone you encounter will spark your interest, and prompt you to make changes to the way you live or do things. Romance is in the stars, and will improve your life. HHH

criminality.” While Springora’s book is flying off the shelves, already in its seventh printing after a week on sale, publishers who for years backed Matzneff are running in the other direction. They are withdrawing his writings, including The under 16s, a shock essay first published in 1974.

That essay came in the wake of France’s intellectual ferment and social upheaval unleashed

by May 1968 riots and strikes, when protesters sought to break free of the country’s old political and social order, and build anew, behind the slogan “it is forbidden to forbid.”

For some, those changes included permissive attitudes to sex, even with minors.

France’s trail-blazing 20th-century thinkers JeanPaul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, future Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and dozens of others joined Matzneff in signing a 1977 petition, published in the Le Monde newspaper, that defended three men detained for three years ahead of their trial for sexual activity with minors.

“Three years of prison for caresses and kisses, that’s enough,” said the petition, which Matzneff later claimed he wrote.

Child-protection activists want to believe that the revulsion sparked by Springora’s book shows that French attitudes are changing. They’re also gratified by the refocused attention on Matzneff, a writer who had been allowed to slowly slide into relative obscurity, becoming unknown to many younger readers and seemingly freed of the risk of the legal and financial entanglements he now faces.

“It was very hard to watch him being praised to the skies by everyone,” says Sellier, who wrote to then-

President Francois Hollande in protest after Matzneff won the prestigious Renaudot literary prize, in its essay category, with few complaints in 2013. “It was shocking. It is shocking. Everyone looked the other way for 30 to 40 years.”

Springora says that award was “unbearable” for her and was one of the triggers that prompted her to write about her experiences and the adults she blames for not protecting her as a vulnerable adolescent. They include her mother, who knew of the relationship, her absentee father, the French police, and others.

Now working as a literary editor, the 47-year-old says she also struggles to understand why Matzneff’s publishers marketed his most nauseating writings.

Child-rights activists hope the outcry over her book could boost efforts to toughen child protections in France. They have been unsuccessful so far in getting a statutory rape law that would remove rapists’ ability to argue that children consented to sex.

Some French courts have refused to prosecute men for rape because authorities couldn’t prove that children were coerced, cases that have exposed legal loopholes that are still open to abusers.

“May 1968 shouldn’t have been a license to rape children and, yet, that is what it became,” says Sellier.

“This book helps us because it’s the first time that a victim of Gabriel Matzneff is expressing themselves.

The huge interest of this book is that it’s pinpointing France’s problem with consent.”

For Springora, the book is her way of turning the tables and having the final word.

“What has changed today,” she writes, “...is that after the liberation of moral standards, the words of victims are also liberating themselves.” n

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Think before you act. A misleading situation, coupled with someone hustling you, will push you in a direction you shouldn’t head. Be aware of the changes taking place around you, and consider if you want to be a part of what’s going on. HHH

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll get a different perspective on life, where you want to go next and how you see yourself spending the next chapter of your life. If you’re going to find peace and happiness, live your dream, not someone else’s. Spiritual growth is encouraged.

HHHHH

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make decisions that fit into your schedule, and consider your plans. If you let someone tempt you with something that sounds too good to be valid, you will be disappointed in the outcome. HH

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Go over your papers, money matters, and any health and physical concerns you might have. A positive change should include a healthier lifestyle. Let what’s happened help you choose a better future. HHHH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Follow through with your plans, regardless of what others do or say. Consider your options if boredom is troubling you. Look at ways to diversify, and you will find something that makes you feel excited and alive. HHH

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stay calm, approach situations with caution and be responsible for your actions. You’ll have to make decisions that can lead to trouble or a truce. Play fair, do your best and stand up for those who can’t.

HHH

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Birthday Baby: You are competitive, disciplined and resourceful.

You are confident and original.

‘scale up’ by paul coulter The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Cowardly Lion portrayer Bert 5 Annoying sound from a roommate 10 Kylie Jenner’s mom 14 Southeast Asian tongue 15 Sponsorship 16 Congressional assistant 17 Off-key rapper who loves to send paper copies of his songs?

19 Sure-footed goat 20 Reduce in rank 21 English exam, often 22 Unruly kind of rule 24 Composer Brian 25 Defensive spray 27 Squirrel’s stash 29 Off-key singer’s amplified command?

33 Troughs’ places 34 ___ in Show 35 Go here and there 36 Carbonated drink 37 Backstabber 38 Gathering clouds, some say 39 Often-political column 40 M&M’s maker 41 Pancreas, for one

42 Off-key singer whose clothes are always neat?

44 Traveling bag 45 Video file format 46 Like romantic lighting 47 “...___ any drop to drink” 48 Audition tapes 51 Smooth fabric 53 Baker?

54 Schifrin, when playing off-key rock music?

58 Elaborate party 59 Kind of investor 60 Love, in Lima 61 Brawl 62 Many mature in 10 years 63 Smaller amount DOWN 1 Capt.’s inferiors 2 Tuna in a wahine’s belly?

3 Like some eggs and detectives 4 Abounding 5 Anglo-___ (early invaders of England) 6 “Swell!”

7 Eye improperly

8 9 10 11 12 13 18 21 22 23 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 34 40 1 4 43 44 46 48 49

Kia subcompact January hrs. in Jersey City Crusty sandwich part Barbecue entree Think tank product Alluring Congregation responses Prefix for “conscious” Mr. Met or Mariner Moose Sea creatures with many arms Light sprays Its max. score is 36 Cash on hand Anne of 1960s comedy A college’s usually ends in .edu Be that as it may Melt down, as lard Fort whose name sounds like a boast West of My Little Chickadee One may play for a living Location finder, briefly Essential statistics at a hospital Went out with Remove, as a hat “Did I ___!”

0 5 51 52 54 55 56 57

Self-referential ___ on the dotted line Carrier to Jerusalem Word lover’s gift?

Tres minus dos The “L” of L.A. Places to wear scrubs: Abbr.

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

‘Bad Boys,’ ‘1917’ best ‘The Gentleman’ at box office

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Salma Hayek apologizes for praising controversial new novel

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

ARK CITY, Utah—Boys trumped Gentlemen in movie theaters over the weekend as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s Bad Boys for Life easily remained the top ticket seller over newcomer The Gentlemen.

The third Bad Boys film, coming 17 years after Bad Boys II, sold $34 million in tickets in its second weekend, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

The R-rated action comedy from Sony Pictures, which cost about $90 million to make, has grossed $120.6 million in two weeks domestically.

Second place went to Sam Mendes’s 1917, which added theaters in its fifth week of release to keep pace with its Academy Awards momentum. The film grossed $15.8 million over the weekend to bring its North American total to $103.9 million. Worldwide, it’s taken in $200.5 million.

It was a good weekend for 1917. On Saturday night, Mendes took the top prize at the Directors Guild Awards, solidifying the World War I tale as the clear Oscar front-runner and Mendes as the favorite for best director. The film earlier triumphed at the highly predictive Producers Guild Awards. And its venerated cinematographer, Roger Deakins, also won the American Society of Cinematographers award on Saturday. The weekend’s top new release was Guy Ritchie’s star-studded gangster film The Gentlemen.

The STX Films release came in on the high side of

Martin Lawrence (right) and Will Smith in a scene from Bad Boys for Life, which again finished as the No. 1 film in North America. AP

expectations with $11 million in ticket sales. The film, a return to the criminal underworld for Ritchie (Aladdin, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), stars Matthew McConaughey as a American expat with a London marijuana empire under threat. Reviews were fairly strong for The Gentlemen (72 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) though many critics saw traces of racism in the film’s depictions.

The Universal horror film The Turning, a modern adaptation of Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw that drew terrible reviews, collected $7.3 million in its debut weekend.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore.

1. Bad Boys for Life, $34 million 2. 1917, $15.8 million 3. Dolittle, $12.5 million 4. The Gentlemen, $11 million 5. Jumanji: The Next Level, $7.9 million 6. The Turning, $7.3 million 7. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, $5.2 million 8. Little Women, $4.7 million 9. Just Mercy, $4.1 million 10. Knives Out, $3.7 million. n

Family affair: Billie Eilish, Finneas win big at Grammys

By Mesfin Fekadu The Associated Press LOS ANGELES—The edgy, avant-pop album that siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell created in a small bedroom made a big splash at the 2020 Grammy Awards, winning 11 honors for the musical family.

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?—created in the musicians’ Los Angeles home—helped Eilish win the top 4 honors, including album, song and record of the year, along with best new artist. The 18-year-old is the youngest artist to achieve the feat and the first to do so since Christopher Cross did in 1981. Finneas—who cowrote, produced and engineered the album—walked away as Sunday’s top winner with six. Eilish won five honors.

“We didn’t write a speech for this because we didn’t make this album to win a Grammy. We didn’t think it would win anything ever. We wrote an album about depression, and suicidal thoughts, and climate change and being the bad guy—whatever that means—and we stand up here confused and grateful,” Finneas said onstage. Together, they also won best pop vocal album, while Finneas’s individual honors included producer of the year (nonclassical) and best engineered album (nonclassical).

“This is my first Grammys. I never thought this would happen in my whole life,” Eilish said. “I genuinely wanna say I am so grateful, and I only wanna say that I am so grateful.”

“This is to all the kids who are making music in the bedroom today—you’re going to get one of these,” Finneas added. The bedroom where they created magic was brought to life when they hit the stage and performed “When the Party’s Over,” which featured Finneas on keys and Eilish singing in a soft, pitchperfect tone.

Los Angeles, where the show was held, had a central theme at the show Sunday: hometown heroes Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant, a global icon, were honored and celebrated at the show.

The Grammys kicked off with a performance in honor of Bryant, who died hours before the awards along with his daughter and seven others. And later in the show Hussle’s collaborators and friends, including DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and YG, gave an all-star tribute to the man who died last year.

Hussle also posthumously won his first pair of Grammys on Sunday.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay introduced the performance, which featured band players, background dancers and Legend wearing traditional

NEW YORK—Salma Hayek is apologizing for promoting a controversial new novel, Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt, without actually reading it.

American Dirt, published on Tuesday, tells the story of a Mexican woman and her eight-year-old son fleeing to the US border after numerous family members are murdered in drug cartel-related violence. The heavily publicized book has been praised by Stephen King and Ann Patchett, among others, and was chosen by Oprah Winfrey for her book club. On Saturday, it ranked No. 4 on Amazon’s best-seller list.

But numerous Mexican-American writers have called American Dirt an ill-informed narrative about Mexico that reinforces stereotypes. Cummins, a non-Mexican, even acknowledged in an author’s note that she had reservations about writing the novel.

She has said she wanted to personalize the issue of immigration, and be a “bridge” between different worlds.

Earlier this week, Hayek had posted a picture of herself on Instagram holding the book, and she praised Winfrey for “giving a voice to the voiceless & for loving harder in response to hate.” But after facing criticism online, the Mexican-American actress pulled back Friday, writing that she was unaware of any controversy.

“I thank all of you who caught me in the act of not doing my research, and for setting me straight, because that means you know me and gave me the benefit of the doubt,” she wrote, “I apologize for shouting out something without experiencing it or doing research on it.” AP

Billie Eilish (left) and Finneas O’Connell pose in the press room with the awards for best album, best engineered album and best pop vocal album for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, best song and record for “Bad Guy,” best new artist and best producer, nonclassical at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards held on January 26. AP

Ethiopian and Eritrean clothing in honor of Hussle’s African roots. Mill performed a new song called “Letter to Nipsey” while others joined together for “Higher,” which won best rap/sung performance.

“This is for Nipsey Hussle. This is for hip-hop,” said DJ Khaled, who collaborated on the song with Legend and Hussle, whose family stood onstage.

“We all love him. We all miss him. It’s terrible that we had to lose him so early,” Legend said. “We’ve seen some tragedy today and last year...let’s hold each other tight.” The show—which took place at the Staples Center, Bryant’s old stomping ground—began with a touching, emotional and a cappella performance of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by host Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men. “Los Angeles, America and the worldwide world lost a hero,” Keys said, adding that the audience was “heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”

“Right now Kobe and his daughter Gianna...are in our spirits, they’re in our hearts, they’re in prayers, they’re in this building,” she said. “Take a moment and hold them inside of you and share our strength and our support with their families.”

Before the show officially honored Bryant, Lizzo performed the songs “Truth Hurts” and “Cuz I Love You,” saying at the top of the show: “Tonight is for Kobe.” Lizzo won three honors, including best pop solo performance for “Truth Hurts” and two R&B awards. “Hold on one second,” she said, catching her

breath. “Thank you to the academy. This is really [expletive] sick.”

Lizzo was among the mix of newcomers and well-known acts who reached their goals of winning their first-ever Grammy Awards on Sunday, which also included Tanya Tucker, J. Cole, DJ Khaled, Eilish, Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Michelle Obama, Sara Bareilles, RosalÌa, 21 Savage and Tyler, the Creator.

More crying took place Sunday.

Demi Lovato, who has mostly taken a break from the public since focusing on her recovery after reportedly overdosing in July 2018, gave a stirring, vocally top-notch performance that earned her a standing ovation. She was so emotional that she had to restart the song as a teardrop ran down her cheek.

Lil Nas X brought the story of “Old Town Road” to life by performing alongside the artists who helped the song stay at No. 1 for 19 weeks through various remixes, including BTS, Mason Ramsey, Diplo and the track’s main co-star, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Veteran rapper Nas then joined Lil Nas X for a new song, shouting out Bryant at the end: “Kobe, we love you.” A dark cloud loomed over ceremony since the Recording Academy announced it had put its recently hired CEO, Deborah Dugan, on administrative leave for misconduct. Dugan and her lawyers fired back at the academy, claiming that the awards show is rigged.

But no mention of Dugan was directly made during the three-plus-hour show.

Ballet Manila’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ world premiere BALLET Manila, the Philippines’s most solidly trained classical ballet company, held a special preview of its production of Sleeping Beauty at the Ballet Manila studios in Pasay City before its staging at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, last January 18 and 19.

The production was part of the company’s 24th performance season, and marked the conclusion of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Princess Trilogy.

Featuring an original choreography by the prima ballerina herself, Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty featured new storylines and characters; exciting crossovers; and unexpected twists.

Shown in the photo during the preview are (from left) Ballet Manila Co-artistic Director Osias Barroso, CEO and artistic director MacujaElizalde, and principal dancers Jasmine Pia Dames and Romeo Peralta.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Art

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‘More immersive,’ ‘an evolution’ and what to expect from Art Fair PHL 2020

A

RT Fair Philippines returns for the eighth year with its most expansive edition to date.

Running from February 21 to 23 at its home of The Link Carpark in Makati City, Art Fair is rolling out programs related to film and immersive learning opportunities for the first time in line with its mission to expand the audience of Philippine visual art.

“We are introducing a lot of things this year, and in terms of how they’re going to be presented, they’re all big at a certain level,” said Dindin Araneta, one of the three cofounders of the annual art showcase alongside Lisa Periquet and Trickie Lopa.

Araneta said that Art Fair’s focus on photography, for one, has expanded to include moving images with the introduction of a film program. She added the talks have evolved and become more immersive.

New to this year’s run is ArtFairPH/Film. The section celebrates “the last 100 years of Philippine cinema and the possibilities for the next hundred” by screening a selection of feature-length and short films, narrative and experimental, documentary and animation.

Curated by Erwin Romulo, Philbert Dy, and Teddy Co, ArtFairPH/Film coincides with the celebration of 100 years of Philippine cinema launched by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

“Movies aren’t just shown in theaters anymore, but also streamed on our devices and projection-mapped on buildings,” the curators said. “Our program will challenge the typical notion of cinema. We intend to curate new experiences of cinema.”

Another new section is ArtFairPH/Open Studios.

Developed to augment the learning opportunities at the fair and to complement ArtFairPH/Talks, the section will present a series of workshops and demos with respected practitioners in the fields of arts and culture. “From just listening to artists talk about their art, they audience will now see how the art is being created,” Araneta said.

Lined up are a two-day photography workshop with Paco Guerrero, lighting techniques for photographers with Neal Oshima and Mark

Art Fair Philippines cofounders Dindin Araneta, Trickie Lopa and Lisa Periquet, with Art Fair Philippines 2020 consultants (from left) Neal Oshima, Erwin Romulo, Yael Buencamino, Boots Herrera, Philbert Dy and Norman Crisologo

Nicdao, wooden furniture with Benji Reyes, and a demo on watercolor painting techniques with Claude Tayag. There will also be a workshop on cyanotype with Alexis Oshima and Angela Silva, another about rubber cutting with the Association of Pinoyprintmakers and, lastly, one centered on sculptural planter-making with Rita Gudiño of Tahanan Pottery.

Art Fair Philippines 2020 also welcomes a series of performances and projects that go beyond the mainstream gallery format with the participation of incubator spaces under ArtFairPH/Incubators. In this section, art/n23 from Dumaguete will present a virtual reality piece by Issay Rodriguez. Curated by Sandra Palomar, Rodriguez’s work will immerse the audience in a simulated and interactive beehive-like environment.

With all the new servings for this year’s Art Fair, Araneta said that it’s fair to tag the 2020 edition as the most diversified, yet. However, she maintained that all the expansions were still taken within the confines of visual art, stating that the inclusion of a film program, for example, was a natural step to take as part of their mission to continuously engage and educate the audience of Philippine art.

“We want to make sure that we show them something new every year,” she said. “It’s part of our mission to make people from various backgrounds to be more interested in art.”

Novelties aside, Art Fair Philippines 2020 will continue to showcase its other programs. One is ArtFairPH/Projects, which will feature new commissions in the form of interactive and/or thought-provoking installations by internationally established Filipino visual artists.

For this year, Art Fair is working with art consultant Norman Crisologo, who takes on

exhibitors, of course, are the 10 galleries that broke away from Art Fair to establish their own event, ALT Philippines.

Araneta said they view ALT Philippines as one of three art fairs in the country, together with Art Fair Philippines and ManilArt. To have a third entry of such event, she added, is a testament to how dynamic the local art market has become.

“I’ve been in industry for 27 years. I came in when there was no audience for it. Now the growth has been amazing,” she said. “Finally, art is going public.” n Art Fair Philippines tickets can be purchased in advance at www.artfairphilippines.com. Tickets will also be available at the reception area from February 21 to 23.

‘8 Women Artists’ group exhibit

A.C.L.U. demands answers on censored Women’s March photo WASHINGTON—The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is demanding answers from the National Archives in the wake of a scandal over politically motivated edits to a photo of the 2017 Women’s March.

The rights group has filed a Freedom of Information Act request demanding all correspondence relating to the decision to censor elements of the photo, as well as any information on other photos at the National Archives that had been similarly altered.

The archives quickly apologized when The Washington Post revealed that a large photo of the Women’s March on display at the National Archives had several protest signs altered to blur out both President Donald J. Trump’s name and references to female body parts. “An apology alone is not enough,” said ACLU spokesman Abdullah Hasan.

“The public needs to know more.” The organization is seeking clarity on how the decision was made and who was involved. The National Archives is an independent agency that is meant to be nonpartisan. The archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero, was appointed in 2009 by then-President Barack Obama.

The original posted apology from the archives began with the sentence “We made a mistake.” But the ACLU is rejecting that characterization.

“A mistake is tripping and spilling coffee on the photo.

Blurring signs critical of Trump or referencing women’s bodies is a deliberate act,” said ACLU Deputy Legal Director Louise Melling. “Doctoring the photo was nothing less than Orwellian. Instead of documenting history, the National Archives had altered history to mask criticism of the president and erase our bodies.”

The archives said the photo in question is not one of its archival records, but rather was licensed for use as a promotional graphic in an exhibit on the women’s suffrage movement. In announcing the reversal, the statement from the National Archives said the institution will immediately begin a “thorough review” of its policies and procedures for exhibits “so that this does not happen again.” AP

conceptualized exhibition projects for art galleries, and with Ed Lacson for the exhibition design.

It’s the first time that Art Fair has tapped an art consultant for the ArtFairPH/Projects. According to Crisologo, he chose the featured artists from all over the country based on whose works need to be recognized.

An adjustment Crisologo has made for this year is putting the featured artists in one space.

“They are all together, but it’s not like a group show,” he said. “They will just be tied together by the architecture of what we’re doing, but they will have different spaces. It’s more like a journey.”

The featured artists are Salvador Joel Alonday, Perry Argel, Jaime de Guzman, Roedil Joe Geraldo, Jellyfish Kisses, Gene Paul Martin and Neil Pasilan.

Also in this section is Carlo Villafuerte, the 2020 recipient of the Karen H. Montinola Selection, a private grant created in homage to art patron Karen Montinola.

There will also be a special exhibition in cooperation with the estate of the late Onib Olmedo, an award-winning artist best known for his expressionistic figurative paintings and for his contribution in founding the Filipino Expressionist movement.

Olmedo will also be the subject of a panel under ArtFairPH/Talks, featuring speakers Elmer Borlongan and Allan Cosio.

Elsewhere, the fair continues to develop ArtFairPH/Photo, which aims to boost support for photography as contemporary art and expand its collectability among Filipinos. On spotlight are the works of Filipino contemporary artist Poklong Anading.

This year, Art Fair welcomes 61 exhibitors from the Philippines and abroad. Absent from the list of

SHE. She is a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a best friend.

And she is always curious, captivatingly creative and ever complex. She is limitless.

In the ongoing group exhibition, titled 8 Women Artists, Hiraya Gallery seeks to capture a glimpse of the many ways a woman breathes life into her own version and story of art and beauty. The show features work from Jinky Lorenzo-Reynoso,

Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, Sequi Cu Unjieng,Donna dela CuestaSy, Nina Alagao, Sophia Chizuco, Jem Magbanua and Pia Yupangco who all share their piece through their own renditions of various media.

8 Women Artists exhibition runs until January 31, at the Mezzanine of Makati ShangriLa, Manila.

More information is available at www.hiraya.com.

Pineapple Lab opens 2020 with an exhibition by Yasmin Almonte WITH her instinctual, visceral approach to creating new work, Yasmin Almonte allows her thoughts and emotions to unravel organically. “I paint very fast. I can finish a work in three hours,” Yasmin says about her process, an instantaneous surge of paint and passion. The result can be seen in her new exhibition, Unmasked; a journey through her diaristic process, and a celebration of life through a deeply expressionistic and vital series of paintings.

Currently a professor at the University of the Philippines with a Masters of Arts Degree in Painting from the University of Northern Iowa, she brings her mastery of technique to an annual solo exhibition of her works. Her new show at Pineapple Lab, Unmasked is a collection of paintings created over the past year, reflecting the movements of her day-today life, as well as her liberation from fear and loneliness.

A cancer survivor, Yasmin has long portrayed the evolution of her attitude toward life and those around her. “My works were galit, maangas, angsty,” she says of her oeuvre prior to her diagnosis with malignant fibrous histiocytoma nearly 10 years ago. “My work started changing because my cancer taught me to be many things. Before cancer, I felt so alone and unloved...and I hated it. I learned to be forgiving.

I learned that people loved me, and wanted me to live. My paintings changed from that black and red period to flowers, to vibrant colors...to life.”

Variations on flowers, be it in full bloom, in color, or

wilting, is a featured subject in Yasmin’s works, embodying the dynamism of her own thoughts and emotions. One work, titled Beyond Memories, curiously features unpainted outlines of flowers. “I thought, ‘My God, I don’t need to paint the flowers because the flowers are gone. I cannot bring the flowers back. They are just memories,’” Yasmin says.

Embracing the feeling of loss, she left the flowers in their sketch form and painted the negative space surrounding them. Yasmin says, “When I paint, it’s my way of reaching out, of taking away, of being able to exhale from the pain and expose it onto canvas, and make something sad or painful into something beautiful.”

She owes much of her zeal to those around her, especially her daughter, the theater actress, director and professor Missy Maramara, who she has portrayed in a painting, called The Actress.

After 33 years of practice, and having taught some of today’s most prominent contemporary visual artists, like Leeroy New, Celeste Lecaroz, Marc Malto, Riel Jaramillo Hilario, Rebie Picazo Ramoso, Louie Talents, Leo Veloso and many others, she feels this may be one of her last exhibitions.

“This is a very weak body, but not a weak soul,” Yasmin says.

Even then, her work and sense of resolve have become more vital than ever. “When I am painting, I forget my labels, I forget my body, I forget my age. I am getting stronger.”

Unmasked is on view until February 2. Located at 6053 R.

Palma Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, Pineapple Lab Gallery is open from 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Featured under ArtFairPH/ Projects this year are the works of Onib Olmedo, the founder of the Filipino Expressionist movement. JOJO GLORIA