FamilyMart: Authentic Japanese ‘konbini’ experience

October 9, 2019 | 2:28 pm

FamilyMart is one of the biggest convenience store brands in Japan, and the only homegrown one among the top three in the country. Owing to its wider network, especially in Asia—such as China, Taiwan and Vietnam—it is also now the second largest in the world, and the Philippine market is seen to play a continuing role in this growing success.

With Davao businessman Dennis Uy’s Phoenix Petroleum completing a buyout of Philippine FamilyMart CVS Inc. (PFM)just last year as part of the company’s strategic growth and expansion into relevant sectors and market segments, FamilyMart is revitalized and re-energized—poised to strengthen its own niche in the local convenience store sector.

“We are aiming to be more relevant to the market we believe needs to be served,” says PFM general manager Bernard Suiza. That market is a new category that FamilyMart would like to count itself in, which it has dubbed “convenience food retailing.” It seeks to cater to the demographic of extremely busy urbanites who end up eating daily meals outside of the home—from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to the snacks in between. An increasing number of city dwellers are also opting for transitory homes within the metro, such as dorms and apartments, and they are seeking alternative and better food establishments for daily sustenance.

FamilyMart’s best-selling Famichicky chicken fillet

Pivot to food

While still making other everyday offerings easily available, FamilyMart has zoomed in on food. This is being more faithful to the role that the brand plays in its strong markets such as Japan, where commuters treat convenience stores or “konbini” as a haven for daily sustenance. “This is the pivot to food that we are embarking on here in the Philippines—going back to the essence of what ‘konbini’ is, which is hearty, home-cooked meals,” explains Suiza. He articulates this strategy as “ready to eat, ready to heat, take and bake” food.

This entails a stronger focus on edible items in terms of variety, flavor, as well as quality. Thus, an integral part to achieving this is having a hot kitchen in each FamilyMart store. Such feature sets FamilyMart apart from other convenience stores and the usual food that they offer. “Our hot meals are served freshly cooked and prepared,” notes Suiza. While they will also offer ready-to-eat or microwaveable meals, fresh meals will be a trademark that FamilyMart hopes will create and sustain loyal following.

This strategy also means FamilyMart will be focusing on key urban areas in the Philippines where there are dense populations of BPO employees, office workers, condo dwellers, and other similar types of urbanites. As such, its concentration of stores will be in areas such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Quezon City. According to Suiza, they are currently embarking on expansion in these areas. In fact, the
largest FamilyMart branch in the whole world will also be inaugurated in Manila soon—a 400-square-meter store at the ground level of the new UDENNA Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Classic Japanese donburi with a Pinoy twist: pakbet, caldereta and pork sisig rice toppings

Authentic “konbini” experience

Aiming to be a daily sanctuary for Filipinos, FamilyMart stores in the Philippines are undergoing a facelift by way of a more youthful, vibrant and engaging design. The food counter will naturally be the central area of the retail space, and its menu will ensure that there is an exciting variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, as well as Filipino favorites.

PFM is working closely with FamilyMart Japan for research and development (R&D) of the menu and offerings. Also coming into play is valuable synergy with other business units within PFM’s parent group, Udenna. Well-loved Filipino restaurant brand Conti’s will provide expertise in commissary production of meals, while Chelsea Logistics through its wholly owned affiliate Worklink will provide vital supply chain support.

Little but thoughtful touches will make the Japanese “konbini” experience even stronger. The trademark entrance chime of FamilyMart stores in Japan, for instance, will soon be played in its Philippine counterparts. Its international best-selling Famichiky breaded chicken fillet has also been slowly introduced to the local market, gradually gaining cult following among Filipino foodies.

Further making the case for a stronger food and drink line-up, and in line with the booming beverage market, Suiza adds that FamilyMart will soon be launching its own signature brewed coffee blend in partnership with another iconic Japanese brand, UCC.

All these improvements aim to make the local FamilyMart experience more distinct and memorable; true to the authentic Japanese experience of “konbini” while offering the daily conveniences that today’s generation of discerning Filipino consumers want and deserve.

Boysen partners with QC government, DepEd for anti-dengue drive

October 9, 2019 | 2:16 pm

In response to the Department of Health’s (DOH) declaration of a national dengue epidemic with the continued rise in cases and deaths from the disease, leading Filipino paint manufacturer Pacific Paint Boysen Philippines Inc. has partnered with the local government of Quezon City and the Department of Education (DepEd) for a city-wide, school-based anti-dengue drive.

The public-private initiative spearheaded by Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte dubbed “Operation Deng-Go-Away, Mag-Amok Laban saLamok”, aims to contribute tomosquito vector control in Quezon City through clean-up and rehabilitation of public schools and daycare centers utilizing a revolutionary new anti-insect paint from Boysen.

Boysen Bug Off is a breakthrough anti-insect paint that can kill Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are the primary dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes in the Philippines. The product is approved by the DOH Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and possesses the Green Label for Environment Seal from the Singapore Environmental Council.

It has been tested in laboratories in Europe, the United States, Thailand and the Philippines, and has proven compelling results in effectively combating deadly insects such as dengue-carrying mosquitoes, all while being safe for humans and animals.

Boysen VP Johnson Ongking, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Payatas C Elementary School Principal Dr. Juan Amormio D. Cabardo, and DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Natividad Bayubay

“Boysen recognizes the need to support the nationwide campaign to curb the rise in dengue infections and believes cooperation between the government and private sector is an essential strategy in addressing this health crisis,” said Boysen vice president Johnson D. Ongking at the inaugural school-painting event at Payatas C Elementary School in Barangay Payatas.

Barangay Payatas is identified as one of those with the highest reported number of dengue cases in Quezon City. Boysen supplied 100 gallons of anti-insect paint applied by volunteers from the local government as well as teachers, students, and other members of the local community.

“Our participation in this important activity is part of our corporate social responsibility efforts and commitment to the welfare and well-being of the communities where we operate, Quezon City being one of them,” added Ongking.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte leads the ceremonial painting of Payatas C Elementary School with the revolutionary Boysen Bug Off anti-insect paint

The Quezon City government is slated to paint 21 more public schools within their jurisdiction in the following months.

“Our products such as Boysen Bug Off also illustrate our steadfast commitment to Filipinos for 66 years now to continuously innovate and offer the best solutions for the home and the environment,” concluded Ongking.

European Higher Education Fair 2019 calls on Filipino students to a Journey to Excellence

October 9, 2019 | 12:37 pm

For Filipinos, a chance to study abroad and obtain a world-class higher education remains a dream. But with the European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines and the EU Member States’ Embassies, this goal can now become a reality.

On 26 October, the European Higher Education Fair 2019 (EHEF) will take place at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City from 11 am to 6 pm.

EHEF will feature more than 30 universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and Spain.

This year’s theme, “Study in Europe: EUr Journey to Excellence,” establishes EU’s position as an outstanding center of quality and excellence in higher education. Pursuing postgraduate studies in the EU offers many advantages and possibilities.

The EU is an excellent destination for academic and scientific research programmes, as well as being an ideal atmosphere for scholarly activities. Most EU universities offer specialized and advanced study courses in Engineering, Architecture, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Information Technology.

The other tangible benefits of an educational experience in the EU include learning new languages, immersing in diverse cultures, and joining an international network of students and peers.

The EU also provides scholarship schemes to foster student mobility and academic excellence such as the Erasmus+ programme, which encourages students from partner countries to take higher education courses in the EU. This year alone, 66 Filipino students have been awarded Erasmus+ scholarships that will allow them to take MA courses in various EU universities. More than 400 Filipino students have already pursued their academic dreams in several European member states and have successfully made their mark in their chosen fields.

EHEF enables students to interact directly with EU universities and HEI representatives to gain comprehensive information about their study programmes. They can also look forward to country presentations from EU member states and listen to testimonials from EU alumni and past Erasmus+ scholars.

The EHEF is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Groups, and in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),

This year, EHEF gets bigger as it goes to Lyceum University of the Philippines (LPU)
Cavite Campus on 28 October for the fair’s second leg.

Free admission. Interested parties can pre–register online via www.ehefphilippines.com.

Global competitiveness index 2019 ranking

October 9, 2019 | 6:15 am

AFTER figuring as one of the most-improved economies last year, the Philippines fell eight notches to 64^th out of 141 economies in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2019, the Makati Business Club (MBC) said in a press release on Tuesday. Read the full story.

Philippine edge erodes in annual survey

October 9, 2019 | 6:15 am

The MBC is the forum’s Philippine partner for the 2019 Executive Opinion Survey conducted March 15-April 30 which is a key component of the yearly report.

The country also slid to sixth place from fifth among the nine Southeast Asian countries covered.

According to the report, each country’s score is based on 12 “pillars of competitiveness,” namely: institutions, infrastructure, ICT adoption, macroeconomic stability, health, skills, product market, labor market, financial system, market size, business dynamism and innovation capability.

The MBC said in its statement that this drop was a result of the Philippines’ overall score falling to 61.9 from 62.1 last year.

“In the global ranking, Singapore took the top spot this year, with an overall competitiveness score of 84.8, outranking last year’s top performer, the United States,” MBC said.

For American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Senior Adviser John D. Forbes, “these results show that the country’s competition never sleeps.”

“The Philippines will need to move faster to reverse the downturn and return to an upward trend,” he said. “We suggest the NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) identify several key short-term strategies to improve next year’s rankings.”

INDICATORS
The country’s biggest drops this year were in the fields of ICT adoption and macroeconomic stability.

In terms of ICT adoption, the Philippines dropped 21 spots to 88^th globally from 67^th, with its score dropping to 49.7 from 54.8.

In terms of macroeconomic stability, the country’s rank fell to 55^th from 43^rd despite maintaining a score of 90. MBC noted that this pillar includes inflation rate, which has nevertheless been dropping to within the central bank’s 2-4% target from 2018’s successive multi-year highs. In terms of inflation, the Philippines placed third in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines was also the least competitive in terms of health, in which it placed 102^nd as life expectancy slipped to 65.6 years from 67.6 years in 2018.

The country’s highest rankings among the 12 pillars were in market size (31^st), labor market (39^th), financial system (43^rd), business dynamism (44^th), and product market (52^nd).

In terms of specific indicators, the country’s best rankings were in internal labour mobility (7^th), insolvency regulatory framework (9^th), diversity of workforce (9^th) and companies embracing disruptive ideas (10^th).

“We would like to stress the need to foster investments in human capital and matching the benefits of innovation with talent development and a well-functioning labor market,” MBC Chairman Edgar O. Chua said in the statement.

“Innovation in education is key. We should use technology in classrooms and in training grounds. Furthermore, upskilling of workers will help us meet the changing demands of industries.”

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said that the country’s competitiveness can improve with better information and communications technology infrastructure.

“This ranking is comparative, so countries that are better in terms of communications technological advancement would rank higher,” he said by phone.

“We need to adopt the latest advancements in communication technology. DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) needs to exert more effort in improving our infrastructure in communications technology and software.”

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) President Nabil Francis recommended policies to improve the Philippine ranking.

“While the Philippines has made great strides, its regional peers have improved by leaps and bounds in terms of creating a more conducive business environment. Moving forward, it is crucial to put in place sound economic policies that will further boost the investor confidence of European businesses,” Mr. Francis said when sought for comment.

“The ECCP believes that reforms such as the amendments to the Public Services Act and the Open Access Bill are crucial to improve the ICT landscape. Lastly, the chamber remains committed to working closely with the government to create a level playing field, foster competition and further improve the investment and business climate here in the Philippines.”

The proposed Open Access in Data Transmission act now awaiting legislative approval aims to improve data transmission services through the sharing of infrastructure among service providers, while the Public Services Act amendment aims to open the telecommunications and transport sectors to foreign investors. — with Beatrice M. Laforga

Meralco bills rising after 5 straight months of decline

October 9, 2019 | 12:32 am

AFTER five straight months of power rate cuts, average households using 200 kilowatt-hours (kWH) will see their total electricity bill this month to increase by around P9 after Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced a rise in the overall energy generation charge.

In a statement on Tuesday, the distribution utility said the electricity rate in October will be higher by P0.0448 per kWh to P9.0862/kWh from P9.0414/kWh the preceding month.

Those using 300 kWh, 400 kWh and 500 kWh can expect their bills to go up by P13.44, P17.92 and P22.40, respectively.

“Even with the slight increase this month, following five straight months of decrease, there has been a total downward adjustment of electricity rates amounting to almost P1.47 per kWh since April 2019,” the company said.

Meralco said the generation charge for October moved up by P0.0215/kWh to P4.5406/kWh from P4.5191/kWh because of the smaller net settlement surplus (NSS) refund during the month.

NSS is the remaining surplus or deficit after all market transactions have been accounted for. This accounts for price differences occurring between the power generator and customer locations or nodes because of losses and congestion. It is distributed to trading participants that are entitled to receive a share of the surplus or deficit in accordance with an Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)-approved methodology.

For October, a smaller NSS refund was recorded by the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), hence, the increase from the preceding month. In September, the power rate reduction was in part because of the NSS refund of around P684 million, bigger than the P381 million refund in October.

WESM charges also decreased by P0.5290/kWh after the power supply situation in the Luzon grid improved, with fewer power plants reporting outages. These charges also included the second installment of the NSS refund, as directed by the ERC in an Aug. 1 order.

Meanwhile, the transmission charge for households slightly increased by P0.0249/kWh as a result of higher ancillary service charges.

Taxes and other charges decreased by P0.0016/kWh.

Meralco said its distribution, supply and metering charges had been unchanged for 51 months, after these registered reductions in July 2015. It reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, including the generation and transmission charges.

Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. Taxes and other public policy charges like the feed-in tariff allowance rate are remitted to the government.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Victor V. Saulon

BSP not closing doors on further RRR cuts

October 9, 2019 | 12:31 am

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) could still cut banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) further towards December after a cumulative 300-basis-point reduction this year so far should relevant data warrant such move, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno signaled on Tuesday.

Monetary authorities, however, are likely done for 2019 with cuts in benchmark interest rates that have totaled 75 bp, through 25bp equal cuts on May 9, Aug. 8 and Sept. 26, he added.

Mr. Diokno told reporters on the sidelines of The Asset Philippine Forum in Taguig City that the central bank is waiting for relevant economic data to be released in the coming months.

Ask whether the central bank is done with easing the RRR in 2019, he said: “Sabi ko nga (As I’ve said), we’re looking at the data, kung pwede pa, bakit hindi? (If it’s still possible, why not) We’re looking at October [data]. September lang ’yung lumabas e (Only September data have been released).”

Among others, monetary authorities are watching if RRR cuts totaling 200 bp in 2018 and 300 bp so far this year have fueled lending to economic activities. The central bank reported at the start of this month that money growth eased in August despite continued demand for credit.

Domestic liquidity or M3, the broadest measure of money supply in an economy, grew 6.2% year-on-year to P11.9 trillion, slowing from the 6.7% growth logged in July. Month-on-month, money supply inched up by 0.3%.

Outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks grew 10.5% year-on-year in August, slowing from July’s 11.1%.

The RRR for universal and commercial banks, thrift banks and rural banks are now at 15%, five percent and three percent, respectively.

Remaining macroeconomic data that may weigh on monetary policy decisions include October and November inflation on Nov. 5 and Dec. 5, respectively, and the third-quarter gross domestic product to be released on Nov. 7.

“So meron ka pang (you still have) third quarter di ba? Lalabas pa ’yung World Economic Outlook around October so marami pa kaming titignan. Hindi pa sarado (The World Economic Outlook will be released in October so we still have a lot of data to assess. We may not yet be done with RRR cuts for this year).”

The Monetary Board has two more policy meetings left for the year on Nov. 14 and December 12, although it can act on the RRR in any of its weekly meetings.

“Nasa 15[%] na tayo (We are already at 15% for big banks’ RRR)… So you can extrapolate, I have two years and a half [left as BSP governor].”

Mr. Diokno has vowed to reduce the RRR to single digit before his term ends in July 2023.

Asked whether any cuts for 2020 will be similar to the cumulative cuts amounting to 300 bps announced so far for the year, Mr. Diokno replied: “Pwede naman naming gawing 50 [bps]… per quarter (We can also opt to trim RRR by 50 bps per quarter)… depende lang nga sa (it depends on) inflation dynamics.”

Asked if there could be even more cuts in policy interest rates, he said: “‘Yun siguro papabayaan na muna natin. Sarado na muna ‘yun (Maybe let’s leave it at that. That will be it)…”

“I think everybody’s happy.” — Luz Wendy T. Noble

A spirited 5th generation entrepreneur

October 9, 2019 | 12:30 am

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2019 has concluded its search for the country’s most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines is a program of the SGV Foundation, Inc. with the participation of co-presenters Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Philippine Stock Exchange. In the next few weeks, BusinessWorld will feature each of the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2019.

Olivia Limpe-Aw
President and Chief Executive Officer
Destileria Limtuaco & Company, Inc.

OLIVIA LIMPE-AW was challenged to make her mark in the liquor industry after taking over the leadership of Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. (DLCI).

Taking over a well-established company since 1852, she was under immense pressure to sustain her family’s legacy that had been managed through four generations. She was determined to prove her abilities as an entrepreneur by positively transforming DLCI’s culture and operations as well as establishing her own brands and ventures.

Ms. Limpe-Aw was introduced to the family business at young age. She thought of her father’s office as her playground and spent much of her childhood running around the plant. During summer vacations, she would run simple office errands and sit in board meetings, eventually learning to love the company.

As the first female head of DLCI, she admits that some would not associate the liquor business with women leaders but, as fate would have it, her father had seven daughters but no son. He naturally had to pass the business on to one of them.

“If I had a brother, I wouldn’t be talking to you today,” she said.

Of the seven sisters, only Ms. Limpe-Aw was interested in taking over the company after seeing how her father devoted his life to the business. She recalls, “I saw him deal with different problems in the company. I just wanted to help him and make his life a little easier.”

This interest led her to study Business Economics at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. After graduating, she went straight to work at DLCI as her father’s assistant before being assigned to the cashier department. She eventually rose through the ranks and became the executive vice-president of finance.

Her ultimate test as an entrepreneur came in 1989 when the company suffered a labor strike, shutting down its plants and offices for nearly six months. Sales declined and the company’s distribution network fell apart, causing it to lose most of its market share of White Castle Whiskey.

DLCI had to undergo two retrenchment programs and manage its low sales volume.

Although DLCI was at the brink of collapse, closing was not an option for the Limpe family.

Ms. Limpe-Aw recalls that her father was adamant that they never give up no matter how difficult things became. Inspired by her father’s commitment, she developed sustainable solutions to address the company’s situation.

To alleviate the company’s financial problems, she decided to try her hand at exporting and making use of their inventories of imported malt whiskey. She studied trade agreements, identified prime export opportunities, and revived their manufacturing bonded warehouse. Soon, the company started exporting to Taiwan and other Southeast Asian markets.

She also improved the company’s products by adopting the ISO 9001 quality management system. In 1998, DLCI became the first distillery plant in the Philippines to receive an ISO 9001 certification.

Aside from paralyzing operations, the strike also led to labor-management distrust. Realizing that the company would need to adapt, Ms. Limpe-Aw facilitated change management initiatives by introducing changes to DLCI’s culture, policies, processes, systems and procedures. She worked with labor unions to rebuild trust and improve labor-management relations, forming resolutions that balanced the interests of all her stakeholders.

She recalls, “I sat through collective bargaining agreements and labor hearings to show them that I am not afraid and that I am fair.”

Through this process, she also formed her personal employee management principle: I will not give to one what I cannot give to all.

Despite the numerous challenges she faced, Ms. Limpe-Aw looks at the silver lining of her experience, saying: “I’m not afraid of problems because they’re opportunities.”

“If I didn’t go through tough times, there would be nothing to learn and I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Ms. Limpe-Aw’s foresight, principles and hard work paid off as she was able to slowly rebuild DLCI, referring to herself as “the turnaround CEO” when she assumed leadership in 2004.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Ms. Limpe-Aw continues to seek new ways to innovate and grow the company, while simultaneously promoting sustainable practices.

She developed her own line of craft spirits made with Philippine fruits sourced from local farmers, whom the company promotes in its advertising campaigns. Her product line includes Paradise Mango Rum Liqueur, Amadeo Coffee Liqueur, Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, Very Old Captain Artisan-crafted Dark Rum and Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao. These products have become staples at pasalubong centers, promoting Philippine-made products overseas.

This has also allowed DLCI to expand its operations to cosmetics. After extracting the essential oils of the calamansi and dalandan fruits, the company uses the by-products from this process as ingredients for soap.

Ms. Limpe-Aw said that her planned line of cosmetic products is all-natural and fruit-based, as part of a sustainable environmental approach.

Together with her sons, Ms. Limpe-Aw also launched Gaz, a ready-to-drink cocktail packaged in doypacks. Gaz is now exported to South Korea, where it is available in over 4,000 convenience stores.

In February 2018, she opened the Destileria Limtuaco Museum in Intramuros, which aims to preserve and showcase DLCI’s history and entrepreneurial legacy. It also features a scaled model of the company’s liquor making process to teach visitors about the liquor industry.

Driven by her desire to prove that she had what it takes to become an entrepreneur, Ms. Limpe-Aw has gone beyond developing DLCI and has ventured into projects in other industries.

In 2007, she tried her hand in publishing and established Asian Dragon, a bilingual (English-Chinese) business and lifestyle magazine that features the stories of various political personalities and entrepreneurs. In addition, she formed Sulu Food and Beverage Corp. which produces Sulu Originals mangosteen jam. The company will soon launch other products like coconut jam and sugar coconut nata vinegar made from organic coconut water. As part of an initiative to bring economic progress and peace to the region, the company established the first manufacturing facility in Sulu, sources its raw materials from the province and employs locals in its plant.

Aside from her current projects and ventures, Ms. Limpe-Aw assures her clients and customers that she has many products in the pipeline aimed for the mass market. She is confident that the company will grow even stronger after she retires because she has trained her sons to take over the business. “What my father did not finish, I continued. Likewise, what I cannot finish, my children will continue,” she said.

Her entrepreneurial journey is filled with tales of grit and resilience amid significant challenges, earning her several awards such as the Filipino Investors Society Big Boss of the Year Award, Priority Integration Sector Excellence Award, and the Go Negosyo Women Starpreneur Award.

Ms. Limpe-Aw has proven that established companies like DLCI can benefit from the younger generations. As an entrepreneur who has carried her family’s legacy into the future, she summarizes her advice to would-be entrepreneurs: “Today’s CEO cannot just be a professional CEO, but an open-minded entrepreneur as well because one must be able to think out of the box to successfully manage a business.”

The official airline of the Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2019 is Philippine Airlines. Media sponsors are BusinessWorld and the ABS-CBN News Channel. Banquet sponsors are Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., Jollibee, Udenna Corp. and Uratex.

The winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines 2019 will be announced on Oct. 15 in an awards banquet at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines will represent the country in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020 in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2020.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program is produced globally by Ernst & Young.

The revenge of Sweeney Todd

October 9, 2019 | 12:07 am

THE ABUSE of power may lead its victims to go to extremes when seeking revenge.

“If you were Sweeney, what are you going to do? Would you allow yourself to [pursue] just mere revenge [or] to something more?” asked Jett Pangan, who plays the ferocious barber in Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group’s staging of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street which opens this weekend.

“It’s an examination of how far people can be pushed under certain circumstances,” Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga, who takes on the role of Mrs. Lovett, said of the story’s characters.

The Tony award-winning musical is the third and final Stephen Sondheim musical to be staged in Metro Manila this year. Written by Hugh Wheeler, the musical marks its 40^th anniversary since it premiered on Broadway in 1979.

SONDHEIM’S MUSICAL
Set in London during the Industrial Revolution, the story follows ex-convict Benjamin Barker who returns from exile and takes the name Sweeney Todd. While settling in a barbershop above Mrs. Lovett’s bakery, he plots to take his revenge on Judge Turpin, who convicted him even though he was innocent, and reunite with his wife and daughter, Johanna.

“We have gathered quite the cast for this retelling of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical thriller. I think we will be bringing to the stage a unique version of Sweeney Todd as told by some of the best musical theater storytellers in the country, led by Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan. I am also so excited to be collaborating with a creative team full of geniuses in their craft. I can’t wait to begin,” director Bobby Garcia was quoted as saying in a press release.

During last week’s press launch at the Theatre at Solaire in Pasay City, Ms. Salonga noted her openness to play darker roles. “The thing about being an actor is that you should be open to playing both the good and the bad… You can’t always play the nice guy,” Ms. Salonga said. “I’d like to think that audiences are intelligent enough to be able to separate who I am in real life from who I am onstage as a character.”

Mr. Pangan admitted that “nothing prepared him” for the musical. “Two words — Stephen Sondheim. I almost hate the guy. But he’s a genius, no doubt. And to put his music into our bodies and tell the story was indeed a challenge for me,” Mr. Pangan said.

“This musical is not easy,” he added, pointing out that he saw Repertory Philippines’ staging in 2009 starring Audie Gemora as Sweeney Todd.

“When I saw that show in Greenbelt, I saw how difficult it was… I said to myself, ‘I’ll never do this thing,’” Mr. Pangan said. “And here I am. I respect the material so much.”

For Nyoy Volante, who takes on the role of Sweeney’s competitor, the barber Adolfo Pirelli, there is more to the show than just plain shaving.

“In theater, you have to flare (the actions) up a bit,” Mr. Volante said. “You have to watch it. We have different techniques that goes beyond shaving.”

Joining Mr. Pangan, Ms. Salonga, and Mr. Volante in the cast are: Ima Castro as the Beggar Woman; Gerald Santos as Anthony Hope; Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Johanna; Luigi Quesada as Tobias; Arman Ferrer as Beadle; and Dean Rosen as Jonas Fogg. Completing the ensemble are Steven Conde, Sarah Facuri, Christine Flores, Jep Go, Kevin Guiman, and Emeline Celis Guinid.

The show’s musical director is Gerard Salonga who will be conducting the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Andrew Fernando, who plays the role of Judge Turpin, noted that ignorance of consequences of one’s actions makes the musical relevant in today’s society.

“People nowadays have very little grasp of consequences,” Mr. Fernando said. “We see a lot of that in the world today. That because of one’s desire to get what he wants or what she wants, nobody is looking at the consequences.”

Despite its dark and heavy themes, Mr. Volante interjected, “It’s a very nice show, ha.”

Sweeney Todd runs from Oct. 11 to 27, at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph or through 891-9999. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

DPWH to acquire majority of CALAX right-of-way by yearend

October 9, 2019 | 12:06 am

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is on track to complete the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) by 2022 with a target of delivering 70% right-of-way for the Cavite segment before the year ends.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said on Tuesday the government has already acquired 40% right-of-way for the 27.2-kilometer Cavite section of the toll road, and this is expected to move up to 70% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

“Majority na siguro ng right-of-way by the end of the year, siguro mga 70% [Majority of the right of way may likely be delivered by the end of the year, maybe around 70%],” he told reporters, referring to the Cavite segment of CALAX.

The DPWH and the project’s concessionaire MPCALA Holdings, Inc. conducted an inspection of the Laguna segment of CALAX on Tuesday. They determined that the first three sections from Mamplasan to Sta. Rosa will be ready to be opened by end-October.

“Target namin by the end of the month i-open namin itong 10-kilometer segment [Our target is to open by the end of the month this 10-kilometer segment],” Mr. Villar said, referring to a portion of the 18.1- kilometer Laguna segment of CALAX.

The DPWH expects about 10,000 cars benefitting from the three sections once it opens, easing congestion along Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway and Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road.

The whole 45.3-kilometer CALAX will connect the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) from Kawit, Cavite to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) at the Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

The P35.43-billion project will have interchanges at Kawit, Imus Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Boulevard, Technopark and a toll barrier before SLEx.

Once operational by the second quarter of 2022, CALAX is seen to cut travel time between CAVITEx and SLEx to 45 minutes from the current 2.5 hours.

MPCALA Holdings is under Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC). MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong-Kong based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Denise A. Valdez

Nature through the eyes of Filipino and Chinese artists

October 9, 2019 | 12:06 am

BREATHTAKING landscapes and personal encounters in Palawan take focus on the Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s latest exhibit, In Harmony with Nature.

Done in partnership with the Bank of China and the Chinese Culture and Art Association Limited, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila launched the exhibit on Sept. 28 as part of its international arts and cultural exchange program for artists from China and the Philippines.

The project seeks “to cultivate fresh artistic encounters, current dialogues on environmental awareness, and enhanced understanding of cultural perspectives” and “cross-cultural linkages between China and the Philippines and the cultivation of new artistic encounters in respective unique locations,” a press release said.

Five artists were shortlisted for both countries. Participating artists from the Philippines are: painter, sculptor, and illustrator Manuel Baldemor; abstract painters Rico Lascano and Noberto Carating; painter Phyllis Zaballero; and watercolorist Jonahmar Salvosa; the Chinese artists are calligraphy artists and painters Kuku Chai Bukuk and Cai Zhixin; painter Ding Jie and Liu She; and printmaker Hao Ping.

“The Chinese artists were already chosen,” Metropolitan Museum of Manila president Tina Colayco told BusinessWorld about the shortlisting of Filpino artists, during the exchange program’s press launch in August.

“We just thought that we would do a match with artists who would have similar synergies,” she added, noting that all participating artists are established names in the art scene in their respective countries. For the Philippine leg of the exchange program, the 10 artists visited El Nido, Palawan in September to collect inspirations for their artworks.

Exhibit curator Desi Tolentino explained that Palawan has been “one of the ancient trade routes between the Philippines and China since the earlier centuries” prior to the colonization period.

The artworks include Manuel Baldemor’s landscapes (Early Birds) and marine life (Underwater World); Rico Lascano tranquil abstracts (Spatium Divinae); Norberto Carating’s bold colored abstracts painted with pumice gel, Tumauini #1; Jonahmar Salvosa’s cool-toned landscapes, Inherited Blessings, Dorocoy, My Island Happiness, and Bantilan, My Childhood Playground; Phyllis Zaballero’s nighttime landscape, Fireflies in the Iwahig River, and a bright beach painting, Crab; and Bukuk Chai’s Sea Turtle which shows a baby sea turtle with its tiny head above water.

After the exhibit walk-through, Ms. Tolentino told BusinessWorld that the activities aim to “create a more important dialogue on environmental awareness and ecological consciousness both in China and in the Philippines.”

The exhibition opening concluded with a live collaborative painting between the Filipino and Chinese artists. They created a seascape of Palawan with a shoreline and overlooking mountain ranges.

THE COUNTERPART EXHIBITION
After the exhibition in Manila, the 10 artists will go to Shenzhen, China on Oct. 20 to visit the city of Liling which is known for its traditional porcelain-making. They will take a tour to get inspiration for their paintings which will be shown in the upcoming counterpart exhibit in Art Wharf Gallery in Shenzhen, China on Oct. 26. A collaborative painting demonstration with the Chinese artists will also be held on the exhibition opening.

In Harmony with Nature is on view until Oct. 30 at the Bangko Sentral Gallery of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila. Museum doors open at 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday through Saturdays; admission is free on Tuesdays. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

LANDBANK asked to clarify details of PDS takeover

October 9, 2019 | 12:05 am

LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is moving closer to getting exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in line with its proposed acquisition of the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDSHC).

SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis B. Amatong said they are currently reviewing LANDBANK’s application for exemptive relief which the state-run lender filed about two to three weeks ago.

“The application is under review, we already gave them a reply,” Mr. Amatong told reporters after the listing ceremony of Axelum Resources Corp. in Bonifacio Global City on Monday.

“We’re asking for clarity on the amendments to the fee structure, and then also they mentioned efforts to be more inclusive and fund agriculture, we want more detail on agricultural businesses (how they can) be more inclusive both to investors and to greater access to finance.”

LANDBANK needs to secure exemptive relief for the PDSHC acquisition since the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) states that no single group can own up to 20% of an exchange.

Item C of Section 33.2 of the SRC states that “no person may beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, more than five percent (5%) of the voting rights of the Exchange and no industry or business group may beneficially own or control, directly or indirectly, more than twenty percent (20%) of the voting rights of the Exchange.”

However, the SRC also states that the commission may adopt rules, regulations, or issue an order defying the limit so long as “such ownership or control will not negatively impact on the exchange’s ability to effectively operate in the public interest.”

BusinessWorld sought Landbank’s comment on the matter but has yet to receive a reply as of press time.

Mr. Amatong did not answer when asked whether LANDBANK can get clearance within the year, but noted that discussions are “progressing.”

“Nagiging more focused na ’yung questions namin…Marami na silang substantive discussions sa application nila, kaya lumiliit ’yung requests namin for additional comments or clarity,” Mr. Amatong said.

LANDBANK said last July that it wants to acquire a 49% stake in PDSHC before the end of the year, already securing commitment from about 21% of shareholders at the time. It has set an offer price of P215 apiece for the shares.

The bank expressed its intention to increase its stake in PDSHC amid the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc.’s (PSE) longstanding plan to merge the country’s capital markets. The PSE, however, has yet to bring down broker ownership to meet the single industry limit, consequently failing to secure exemptive relief for the PDSHC buyout.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, who also acts as LANDBANK’s chairman, earlier said that the delays in the PSE’s acquisition of PDSHC hampered the growth of the capital markets. — Arra B. Francia

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