How to get the most out of a startup competition

December 19, 2018 | 2:21 pm

As the number of startup competitions rises in Asia Pacific – most centered around presenting a prototype or making a pitch to judges—more and more people in the tech ecosystem are questioning their usefulness. Some argue that these competitions distract founders from what they should be focusing on: actually building their business.
As someone who’s been participating in these competitions since 2012, I believe they do have merit for founders in particular and for the startup ecosystem-at-large. This goes for the competition losers just as much as it does the winners, and I speak from experience. I’ve lost many more times than I’ve won, and all instances have been equally helpful.

For entrepreneurs who are considering joining a competition, such as Ideaspace Foundation’s 2019 Startup Competition in the Philippines, here is how you can get the most value out of the event.

Use the event as a springboard to build momentum

Entrepreneurs can suffer from analysis paralysis, particularly at the ideation stage. We have many great ideas, but we put off pursuing any individual one because we try to build a 360-degree understanding of the particular industry or space. No great tech business was achieved through stellar market research alone, so we have to be biased toward action. We have to start, even when we have less than perfect information.

Startup competitions can get us over this hump. Because most have deadlines, entrepreneurs are forced to concretize their ideas into actual businesses. Some, like Startup Weekend, even force founders to assemble a team and create an elevator pitch laying out their future roadmap for the future, all in under 48 hours.

As an engineer who did not come from a business background, I found these artificial deadlines very helpful when making my taxi-hailing startup, Micab. Rather than spend countless hours researching the transportation industry, I was pressured into building a prototype, then an SMS-based solution, as the clock ticked toward the deadline. Founders should take this healthy pressure as a boost to build momentum for their startup.

Realize that face-time, not winning or losing, is what matters

Unfortunately, as most of these events have a winner at the end, many founders mistakenly adopt a false paradigm. They think that if they win the competition, it’s a validation of their business idea. If they lose, it’s a condemnation.

This kind of thinking is, of course, false. Many tech startups have won prestigious competitions only to stumble and fade away afterward. Others have lost competitions one after the other, before going on to become profitable, venture-backed companies. Here’s the truth: Only you can decide whether you are a winner.

How do you win? Because these competitions unite many people from across the industry – successful founders, investors, corporate sponsors, journalists, and more – you should maximize your face-time in meeting these stakeholders. Connecting and building valuable relationships with as many of these people as you can will generate enormous value for your company.
I lost a major competition in 2012, but the corporate organizers of the event ended up being a key partner for Micab. I have no doubt that other founders can create these relationships, so long as they get past the obsession over winning.

Know when to stop participating and focus

My one caveat: While I do believe that these competitions are helpful, there is a point in a startup’s growth when they experience diminishing returns in joining these. Later-stage founders, in particular, should carefully consider the opportunity cost of joining them, when they now have a fiduciary duty to their investors to focus on growing the business. Some opportunities, such as competitions relating directly to their space, may still be worthwhile, but the vast majority will only serve to distract.

While this might sound obvious, I have seen many startups fall into the trap of joining competition after competition, only to lose sight of their overall business. As with anything, you should participate in these competitions in moderation, and know when it’s time to stop. When you think about it, this is a good problem to have: You’ve graduated beyond the point where these events are helpful. Your fate is now completely in your hands.

Eddie Ybanez is the founder and CEO of Micab. Based in Cebu, he is a “hacker” by training and by heart.

Philippines’ outstanding entrepreneurs and organizations feted at APEA 2018

December 19, 2018 | 9:00 am

Mark Louis F. Ferrolino, Special Features Writer

Twenty business leaders and organizations from the Philippines who have showcased outstanding performance and responsible leadership were named awardees of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2018 held last Dec. 6 at Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

Over 200 attendees, comprised of industry leaders, leading entrepreneurs and dignitaries, were present at the glittering gala dinner with the theme “Promoting Inclusive Economic Development through Sustainable Entrepreneurship.”

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya, Philippine Retailers Association President Rosemarie B. Ong, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Vice-President David Chua, and Enterprise Asia President Dato’ William Ng graced the event.

Organized by Enterprise Asia since 2007, APEA is a regional awards program that recognizes entrepreneurial excellence with the aim to band leading entrepreneurs and organizations across Asia to spur greater innovation, fair practices and growth in entrepreneurship, thus creating a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem which will then shape the region to sustainable economic and social growth.

The prestigious award ceremonies are currently held in over 14 countries and markets including the Philippines, which is now on its fifth consecutive year. This 2018, the committee received 80 by-invitation only nominations across 24 industry categories from the country. After a thorough, stringent selection process, 20 organizations and business leaders emerged as the winners.

For the Corporate Excellence Category, winners were C&E Publishing, Inc. for Education and Training Industry; Damosa Land, Inc. for Property Development Industry; G-FOXX International Inc. for Direct Selling Industry; Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) for Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry; Karcher Inc. for Industrial and Commercial Products Industry; KMC Solutions for Professional and Business Services Industry; LBC Express, Inc. for Transportation and Logistic Industry; Medilink Network Inc. for Telecommunications and ICT Industry; Reyes Tacandong & Co. for Professional and Business Services Industry; United Auctioneers Inc. for Industrial and Commercial Products Industry; Viventis Search Asia for Professional and Business Services Industry; and Zuellig Pharma Corporation for Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry.

Meanwhile, winners for the Outstanding Category were the following: Rienzi Ramirez, president and country manager of 24/7 Customer Philippines Inc., for Telecommunications and ICT Industry; Carmelo T. Casas, founder and president of Casas+Architects Inc., for Professional and Business Services Industry; Dr. Steve Mark Gan, president and chief executive officer of GAOC, for Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry; Oliver James N. Matias, president of Grundstein Construction & Development Corporation, for Construction Industry; Dr. Michael A. Machica, founder and chairman of Machica Group, for Professional and Business Services Industry; Robert Blancaflor, president and managing director of Robert Blancaflor & Groups Inc., for Professional and Business Services Industry; and Stephen James Reilly, chief operating officer of Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., for Hospitality, Food Service and Tourism Industry.

The Entrepreneur of the Year, which was the most coveted award of the night, was given to Necisto U. Sytengco, chairman of SBS Philippines Corporation, for Chemical Industry.

This recognition, according to Enterprise Asia, is given to extraordinary individuals who have shown outstanding ingenuity. Only one winner is honored under this category for each industry in every country a year, making it the most highly sought-after award for entrepreneurship in the region.

Enterprise Asia cited Mr. Sytengco as an exemplar of excellence in enterprise building. His work principles of proper preparation, effective execution and continuous improvement have allowed him to recognize opportunities that others would have missed. Under Mr. Sytengco’s leadership, SBS Philippines has expanded to serve the chemical requirements of the market. At present, the corporation has impressive market capitalization of P10.5 billion.

In a speech delivered after receiving the award, Mr. Sytengco shared that setting up a chemical trading company in 1970 was not easy. He was at the age of 16 then, filled with sheer determination and a heart to succeed. He also acknowledged certain individuals, who have helped and contributed significantly to the growth of the company through the years.

Mr. Sytengco said that the award will serve as the motivation of the company in delivering what people expect and deserve.

“As an APEA awardee for 2018, we in SBS ensure that we contribute towards sustainability of environment, to the economic development of our country, and nation-building, and foremost, for the society, such as helping deserving students to attain their university degree through scholarship program to bring better community for our country to live in,” Mr. Sytengco said.

All the awardees received the APEA Trophy, which symbolizes the leading role of entrepreneurs and enterprises in advancing humankind, in uplifting communities, in scientific and technological discoveries, and in innovations that make the world a better place.

APEA, as noted by Mr. Ng in a speech during the gala dinner, not only honors some of Asia’s most enterprising men and women, it also highlights the importance of entrepreneurship in nation-building and in preserving peace and order within the region.

“In Enterprise Asia, we believe entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with social responsibility. As leaders of our respective companies and industries, we have both the means and the ways to help those who are less fortunate and those who have been marginalized,” Mr. Ng said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Cuison-Maglaya said that considering entrepreneurship as a key economic driver is both apt and timely.

“It is not an understatement to say that our economy is built to the sweat and tears of entrepreneurs. Despite the many turmoil and challenges that we have faced over the years, the hard work and perseverance of our entrepreneurs are the reasons why Philippines’ economy is as diversified and as robust as it is today,” Ms. Cuison-Maglaya said.

Moratorium on new mines stays for now

December 19, 2018 | 12:33 am

By Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan
Reporter
THE GOVERNMENT is maintaining for now a six-year-old moratorium on new mining permits as it awaits enactment of a new revenue-sharing scheme with the industry that has just hurdled the House of Representatives, according to a press statement on Tuesday of the Finance department (DoF), which co-chairs the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) with the Environment department.
The same news release said the MICC is preparing to conduct an “objective, science-based and fact-finding review” of the remaining 15 of the country’s 41 mines that were not covered by the first audit.
These were the results of the MICC’s 33^rd meeting on Dec. 12 that was co-chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.
That meeting tackled Executive Order No. 79, which in July 2012 imposed a moratorium on new mining permits “until a legislation rationalizing existing revenue-sharing schemes and mechanisms shall have taken effect.”
“During the same meeting, the MICC deferred a recommendation on the lifting of the moratorium on the issuance of new mineral agreements,” DoF said.
The DoF said that Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) that took effect in January, did not satisfy EO 79’s condition for the lifting of the moratorium.
TRAIN increased only the excise tax on mineral products, doubling the rate to four percent, but did not set up a new fiscal regime for miners — covering royalty, profit, windfall earnings and incentives — to give the government just compensation as the owner of the country’s natural resources.
“Given the clarification, the MICC resolved to defer a recommendation to lift the moratorium on new mineral agreements, stressing that a new revenue-sharing scheme and mechanisms for mining will be covered in the Package 2-plus of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program,” the statement read.
“There’s a pending bill on the new fiscal regime for mining. It has passed third reading in the House of Representatives and is now with the Senate,” Finance Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin said in a mobile phone message.
“The MICC agreed to discuss the lifting of the moratorium when this is passed into law.”
House Bill No. 8400 proposes to slap a 1-5% margin-based royalty on all large-scale mines outside mineral reserves, while lowering the same levy on those large-scale mines within mineral reserves to three percent from five percent currently, on top of all other national and local taxes.
Small-scale miners will be levied a royalty equivalent to one-tenth of one percent of gross output, regardless whether it is operating in or outside mineral reserves.
The measure will also introduce a 1-10% margin-based windfall profit tax on income before corporate income tax, and a provision that disallows interest expense deduction when a mining contractor records a 3:1 debt-to-equity ratio. It also said that each mining operation would be treated as separate taxable entities.
The bill’s explanatory note said that the bill seeks to lift the moratorium imposed by EO 79.
The bill is now up for Senate committee-level deliberations.
“We believe it should be enough to lift the moratorium. Given the pressure for further tax increases, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines is of the opinion that a structure based on a profits-based royalty and a windfall profits tax as passed by the House Ways and Means Committee, with the rates thereon tied to operating margins, is the most equitable tax regime,” Rocky G. Dimaculangan, vice-president for communications of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, said in a mobile phone message.
Moreover, the DoF also said that the MICC “has agreed to conduct the second round of ‘objective, science-based, and fact-finding’ review of mining operations in 2019 to cover the remaining 15 mining companies which were part of the 41 mines initially reviewed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under former Secretary Regina [Paz L.] Lopez in 2016.”
Although there was no date provided for the start of the review, the DoF said that the MICC plans to get the same team of experts who conducted the first round of the three-month audit that began in March.
Moreover, the Environment department “was tasked to study the process of delineating the ‘go and no-go zones’ for mining application identified under EO 79.”

PHL edges up on gender gap report’s top 10 list

December 19, 2018 | 12:32 am

THE PHILIPPINES edged up in the world’s top 10 and took the helm in East Asia and the Pacific in an annual report that tracks how countries have been closing the gap between women and men in more than 70 indicators in the fields of health, education, economy and politics.
Spurred by a marked improvement in terms of “economic participation and opportunity,” where it moved to 14^th place out of 149 countries with a score of 0.801 — on a 0-1 scale where 1 reflects gender parity — this year from 25^th/140 with a 0.764 grade in 2017, the Philippines moved to eighth place overall globally from 10^th last year as it score improved to 0.799 from 0.790, according to the The Global Gender Gap Report 2018 which the World Economic Forum released on Tuesday.
The Philippines’ overall position compared to its seventh place out of 144 countries in 2016 with a score of 0.786, 7^th/145 with a 0.790 score in 2015, 9^th/142 with a 0.7814 grade in 2014, 5^th/133 with 0.7832 in 2013, 8^th/135 with 0.7757 in 2012, 8^th/134 with 0.7685 in 2011, 9^th/134 with 07654 in 2010, 9^th/134 with 0.7579 in 2009, 6^th/130 with 0.7568 in 2008, 6^th/128 with 0.7629 in 2007 and 6^th/115 with an overall score of 0.7516 in 2006.
Launched in 2006, The Global Gender Gap Index provides a framework to measure the magnitude of gender-based disparities and tracking the progress of closing these gaps over time, according to this year’s report.
This year’s report also showed the Philippines:

• shared first place with a perfect 1.000 score with 24 others in the field of “educational attainment”;

• dropped to 42^nd spot from 36^th last year in terms of “health and survival” even as it kept a 0.979 score;

• and stayed in 13^th place as it maintained a 0.416 grade in terms of “political empowerment”.

Among others, the report noted that the Bahamas, Colombia, Jamaica, Laos and the Philippines have achieved “full parity” in terms of “political and economic leadership” and that “women and men are already equally likely to attain managerial positions” in these countries.
The Philippines, it noted, “manages to narrow its Economic Participation and Opportunity gender gap due to increases in wage equality for similar work and women’s estimated earned income.”
“The country’s Health and Survival gender gap remains open for a second year, although its Educational Attainment gender gap remains fully closed.”
For Women’s Business Council of the Philippines, Inc. Chairperson Carolina “Chiqui” Escareal-Go, however, the Philippines still has a long way to go towards achieving full parity between women and men, the country’s performance in the latest report notwithstanding.
“… Despite better awareness of women’s rights, or the many laws supporting gender diversity or equality, Filipino women still face many issues that prevent their full participation in society — like women’s representation in corporate boards or (perceived) women’s roles that remain stereotypical both at work and at home,” she said in an e-mailed reply to a request for comment on Tuesday.
The report noted that if current rates of closing the gender gap “were to be maintained in the future, the overall global gender gap will close in 61 years in Western Europe, 70 years in South Asia, 74 years in Latin America and the Caribbean, 135 years in Sub-Saharan Africa, 124 years in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 153 years in the Middle East and North Africa, 171 years in East Asia and the Pacific, and 165 years in North America.” — Gillian M. Cortez

Banks’ bad loans rising

December 19, 2018 | 12:31 am

BAD LOANS held by big banks climbed further in October but remained modest compared to growth of total lending, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.
Non-performing loans (NPLs) of universal and commercial banks reached P114.472 billion that month, up from the P112.762 billion in September and rising by 6.3% from the P107.691 billion recorded in October 2017.
NPLs — loans left unpaid for at least 30 days past due date — are considered risky assets given the slim chance that borrowers would settle them, leaving lenders holding the bag.
Still, the increase in soured debts was slower than the 18.5% rise of total credit, which amounted to P8.721 trillion in October.
The share of problem loans to total borrowings declined to 1.31% from 1.46% in October 2017.
Past due loans, which cover all types of debts that missed payment deadlines, surged by 29.3% to P165.049 billion.
Restructured loans — those that bagged longer repayment periods — dropped 15% to P30.469 billion.
Big banks raised the allowance they set aside for potential loan losses to P157.608 billion, 8.7% more than the year-ago level. This is enough to cover nearly 1.4 times total NPL, ensuring that lenders can stay afloat even if these debts were written off.
On the other hand, the value of non-performing assets — consisting of items of value which were forfeited by non-paying borrowers — steadied at P70.332 billion.
Overall, bank assets continued to grow as deposits increased by a tenth to P11.31 trillion in October from P10.306 trillion a year ago.
The central bank monitors the NPL ratios of banks and other financial businesses in order to keep track of asset quality and safeguard the soundness of the financial system.
Bank lending has remained buoyant despite higher interest rates this year, as the BSP raised benchmark yields by a total of 175 basis points this year to arrest inflation.
S&P Global Ratings projects credit growth to ease to around 14-15% in 2019 due to rising borrowing costs, versus a 19% increase posted in December 2017.
Bank lending picked up by 18.1% in October, according to latest available BSP data.
Market players have cited “tight” liquidity conditions over the past few months amid rising interest rates, although central bank officials have said that bank lending will continue to be “healthy” and supportive of economic activity. — Melissa Luz T. Lopez

The Global Gender Gap Index 2018

December 19, 2018 | 12:30 am

IMF: Trade war already hurting Asia, may cut growth forecasts

December 19, 2018 | 12:30 am

TOKYO — US-China trade frictions are already affecting business confidence and investment in Asia, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said, warning that the fund could cut global growth forecasts in January.
Changyong Rhee, director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, said Japan and South Korea could be among countries in the region hit hardest by the trade war given their reliance on exports to China.
“Investment is much weaker than expected. My interpretation is that the confidence channel is already affecting the global economy, particularly Asian economies,” Mr. Rhee told Reuters on Monday. “We see global growth a little bit slower than we forecast in October.”
The IMF cut its global growth forecast in October to 3.7% for both 2018 and 2019, down from 3.9% projected in July.
It expects Asia’s economic growth to slow to 5.4% next year from 5.6% projected this year.
Mr. Rhee said there was a chance the IMF could cut further its growth forecasts when it reviews them in January, given signs of slowdown not just in Asia but in Europe and the United States.
“Uncertainty is so large… uncertainty means you have upside potential as well as downside risk. At this moment, we believe the downside risk is a little bit higher,” he said.
On China, Mr. Rhee said it was not resorting to big-scale stimulus despite growing external headwinds, given the need to deal with long-term challenges such as curbing excess debt.
“They aren’t accelerating (stimulus) yet but taking the foot from the brake for the time being. But that doesn’t exclude the possibility that if the trade tension escalates, if growth goes down, they are ready to use stimulus,” he said.
“What we’re concerned and what we’re advising them is that the medium-term goals such as deleveraging are still important for financial stability,” he added.
“So when they actually try to use stimulus, we hope they can use more fiscal policy rather than credit expansion.” — Reuters

Aboitiz unit revises unsolicited proposal for Laguindingan airport

December 19, 2018 | 12:08 am

By Denise A. Valdez
Reporter
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) has submitted a revised unsolicited proposal for the development of the Laguindingan Airport.
Transportation Undersecretary for Planning Ruben S. Reinoso, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a text message on Tuesday it received a revised submission of the P42.7-billion proposal from AIC to operate, maintain and expand the Laguindingan Airport. The original proposal was submitted in August.
“Revised submission (given on) Dec. 18, 2018,” he said, noting the revised proposal will be reviewed.
“They have nominated technical partners but I don’t remember. It can change though,” Mr. Reinoso added.
AIC earlier submitted a P148-billion bundled proposal to modernize four key regional airports, namely the Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport.
When it announced the plans in March, AIC said it wants to “transform the facilities into world-class airports every Filipino deserves and can be proud of.”
But the bundled proposal was rejected by the DoTr in April, requiring interested private entities to submit separate proposals for airport projects.
In September, AIC received original proponent status (OPS) for the operations, maintenance and expansion of the New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport.
It was able to beat Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLC), which also gave an unsolicited proposal for the Panglao Airport and Davao International Airport. The Dennis A. Uy-led company had been granted OPS for its Davao airport proposal last October.
Aside from proposals for Panglao and Laguindingan airports, AIC is also part of the consortium that was given OPS to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The consortium also includes AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp.; Alliance Global Group, Inc.; Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp.; Filinvest Development Corp.; JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
After getting OPS, airport proposals will have to go through the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for evaluation, and then subjected to Swiss challenge where third party companies could contest the original proponent.

CPG bullish on new BGC office building

December 19, 2018 | 12:07 am

By Arra B. Francia
Reporter
CENTURY Properties Group, Inc. (CPG) has leased out about 75% of the P1.6-billion Asian Century Center (ACC) in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), with majority of the locators coming from the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector.
The Antonio-led property developer on Tuesday formally opened ACC, a 21-storey office tower with a net leasable area of 29,628 square meters (sq.m.). The building was developed in partnership with Asian Carmakers Corp.
“We’re hopeful that by yearend we’ll be majority leased. The interest has been very good. All our tenants are full floor tenants so far, we’re quite hopeful that the trend will continue. That’s much more efficient for us from the point of revenues,” CPG Co-Chief Operating Officer Jose Marco R. Antonio told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the building. ACC’s lease rates stand at about P1,200 to P1,400 per square meter (sq.m.), in addition to P190 per sq.m. in monthly dues. CPG tapped real estate consultancy services firm Leechiu Property Consultants as the exclusive leasing manager for the building.
Mr. Antonio noted the typical lease agreement covers five years, but some have already expressed interest in renewing it in the future. Some tenants are also planning to further expand their operations in the same building.
“It’s a good sign that the underlying businesses of these tenants are growing and that demand for their services is robust. It’s very encouraging not just for the building but for the industry as a whole,” he added.
ACC is accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), which grants tax perks to locators. This indicates that the building has complied with PEZA’s requirements such as 100% power backup, provision for high-speed internet and infrastructure, and a building management system.
The building is the fifth by CPG to be registered under PEZA.
ACC is also pre-certified for LEED, a global green building and sustainability certification system by the United States Green Building Council. The company looks to secure the LEED Silver status for ACC.
CPG expects ACC to contribute P500 million in annual revenues to its leasing portfolio once fully leased out.
ACC forms part of CPG’s goal to have about 300,000 sq.m. of gross floor area under its leasing segment once all projects are completed in 2020. The company’s leasing portfolio is seen to generate P1.5 billion worth of revenues by then.
CPG’s net income attributable to the parent rose 13% to P608.56 million in the first nine months of 2018, following a 45% uptick in gross revenues to P7.5 billion during the same period.

Lea Salonga, Binondo win big at Aliw Awards 2018

December 19, 2018 | 12:06 am

LEA SALONGA and the team behind Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical were the big winners at the annual ALIW Awards night held on Dec. 13 at the Manila Hotel.
Tied with singer Erik Santos, Tony Award-winning actress Ms. Salonga won the Entertainer of the Year award.
“Thank you also for the Entertainer of the Year Award! It was a huge thrill accepting it alongside my friend Erik Santos, who won his own as well! Yup, it was a tie!!! 2018 has been quite the year, and I’m grateful for it all. Grateful for a great cadre of fans that have been nothing but kind, for a wonderful supportive family that has been my grounding force and for great friends that encourage and lift me up, as well as tell me the truth when I need to really hear it. I can’t say this enough: thank you. You are beyond the word ‘blessing’,” she shared in her Facebook account.
Ms. Salonga’s concert for her 40^th anniversary in the industry, LS40, also won her the Best Major Concert (Female) award.
“Since it was the concert that won and not the artist, that trophy belongs to my mother, the indomitable and indefatigable Ligaya Salonga, who at 81 years old is one of the fiercest humans on the planet. The concert truly was hers; all I had to do was get up on stage in a cool tux or gown and sing,” she added in her lengthy Facebook post.
The Binondo team, produced by Rebecca Chuaunsu, bagged six awards: Best Original Musical Production, Best Stage Director (Joel Lamangan), Best Ensemble Performance, Best Actor-Musical (David Ezra), Best Actress-Musical (Carla Guevarra-Laforteza), and Best Composer for Original Musical Theater (Von de Guzman).
The Philippine re-staging of David Henry Hwang’s M. Butterfly won major awards including Best Non-Musical Production and Best Actor (Non-Musical) RS Francisco.
Founded by Alice H. Reyes in 1976, ALIW Awards recognizes live entertainment performances of the year. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

RS Francisco and Oliver Borten on stage at the Philippine restaging of *M. Butterfly* — *FACEBOOK_M. BUTTERFLY PHILIPPINES*

And the winners are:

THEATER

• Best Non-Musical Production — M. Butterfly (Frontrow Entertainment/Jhett Tolentino)

• Best original musical production — Supremo Redux (Philippine Stagers Foundation) and Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical (Rebecca Chuaunsu Production/Synergy 88 Digital)

• Best Dance Production — Iconic 2 (Ballet Manila)

• Best production for children — Cinderella (Kids’ Acts Philippines)

• Best stage director (non-musical) — Kanakan Balentagos (M.Butterfly/Frontrow Entertainment)

• Best stage director (musical) — Joel Lamangan (Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical/Rebecca Chuaunsu Production) and Luigi Nacario (Cinderella/Kid’s Acts Philippines)

• Best actress in a featured role (musical) — Dulce (Nasaan si Hesus/ Buhay Isang Awit Foundation)

• Best Actress In A Featured Role (Non-Musical) — Missy MaraMara (Kundiman Party/Dulaang UP)

• Best Actor In A Featured Role (Musical) — Norman Penaflorida (Geegee at Waterina/Artist Playground) and Patrick Libao (Supremo Redux/Philippine Stagers Foundation)

• Best Actor In A Featured Role (Non-Musical) — Vance Larena (Dilaw o Pula/Philippine Stagers Foundation)

• Best Ensemble Performance — Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical

• Best New Concept Production — Hanggang sa Dulo ng Forever (CLDCAS Jocson College)

• Best Performer In A New Concept Production — Banaue Miclat-Janssen (Ginugunita Kita 2018/Maningning Miclat Foundation)

• Best Director In New Concept Production — Jayson Gantan Pabalan (Hanggang sa Dulo ng Forever/CLDCAS Jocson College)

• Best Actor (Non-Musical) — RS Francisco (M.Butterfly/Frontrow Entertainment/Jhett Tolentino)

• Best Actress (Non-Musical) — Skyzx Labastilla (Ang Dalagita’y ‘Sang Bagay na ‘Di-Buo/Dulaang UP)

• Best actor (Musical) — Roeder Camanag (Geegee at Waterina/Artist Playground) and David Ezra (Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical/Rebecca Chuaunsu/Synergy88)

• Best Actress (Musical) — Tanya Manalang (All Out of Love/Resorts World) and Carla Guevarra- Laforteza (Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical/Rebecca Chuaunsu /Synergy 88)

• Best child performer — Kris Robles (Cinderella/Kids’ Acts Philippines)

LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

• Best Concert Stage Director — Floy Quintos (Madly Filipiniana/Pinoy Playlist)

• Best Musical Director — Jesse Lucas (Geegee at Waterina/ Artist Playground)

• Best Composer For Original Musical Theater — Von de Guzman (Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical/Grand Leisure Corp.)

• Best Performer In Hotel, Music Lounges, And Bars — Jean Kiley (Centerstage/City of Dreams)

• Best Performer In Hotel, Music Lounges, And Bars (Group) — Silk (Centerplay/City of Dreams)

• Best Performance In A Concert (Male) — Ruben Laurente (PPP Trip ni Bentot/Maybank Performing Center)

• Best Performance In A Concert (Female) — Dulce (Saturday Special/Hipodrome/Winford Hotel)

• Best Collaboration In A Concert — Lani Misalucha/Morissette Amon (A Lani Morissette Musical Journey/ Solaire)

• Best major concert (group) — 4^th Impact (Invasion/Kia Theater)

• Best major concert (male) — Erik Santos (My Greatest Moments/MOA Arena)

• Best Major Concert (Female) — Lea Salonga (40^th Anniversary Concert/PICC)

• Entertainer Of The Year — Erik Santos and Lea Salonga

HALL OF FAME AWARDEES

• Best Festival Practices and Performance Best Festival Practices and Performance — Bambanti Festival (Isabela)

• Best Instrumentalist (Violin) — Merjohn Lagaya

• Best Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges and Bars — Draybers

• Best Classical Performer — Al Gatmaitan-

• Best Child Performer — Noel Comia, Jr.

SPECIAL AWARDS

• Quezon City mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte-Alimurung

• Maybank Performing Arts Center

• Anabelle M. Calleja (Mauban Quezon Tourism)

• Jose “Toots” Tolentino

• Pablo Tariman

• Madly Filipiniana

• Dance Xchange (NCCA/Shirley Halili Cruz)

• Tanghalang Sta Ana

ALICE HERNANDEZ REYES

• Achievement Award — Imelda Papin

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

• Pocholo Malilin (Executive Producer/Club Mwah)

• Rey Valera

• Lisa Macuja-Elizalde

• Nemesio V. Regalado, Jr.

MUSIC AND DANCE

• Best new artist (Female) — Janah Zaplan

• Best new artist (Male) — Shanti Dope

• Best New Artist (Group) — Ben N Ben

• Best cultural dance group — Tribu Panayanon (Iloilo City)

• Best classical dance company — Ballet Philippines and Junior Halili Dance Company

• Best Classical Dancer — Nicole Barroso (Ballet Manila)

• Best cultural/theater group — Uyat Artista (Angeles City, Pampanga)

• Best Choral Group — Capiz State University Main Chorale (Roxas City)

• Best Festival Catalyst/Organizer — Mayor Mildred Joy Que (Karatong Festival/Dulag, Leyte)

• Best Festival Practices and Performance — Fiesta Republika (Malolos Bulacan)

• Best Instrumentalist — Noli Aurillo (Guitar)

• Best Dj For Electronic Dance Music — Jennifer Lee

• Best Classical Performer (Female) — Jade Riccio

• Best Classical Performer (Male) — Jon Joven Uy

• Best Crossover Performer (Male) — Arman Ferrer

• Best Crossover Performer (Female) — Lara Maigue

ENTERTAINMENT

• Best Female Host — Cherry Maning

• Best Male Host — RJ Ledesma

• Best Stand-Up Comedian/Host For Comedy Bars — Boobay

• Best Special Events Director — Rodel Mercado (Michaela Fashion Revolution/Robinsons Manila)

• Best Special Events/Product Launch — Gabay Guro PLDT (MOA Arena)

Trina Solar targets residential market in Philippines

December 19, 2018 | 12:06 am

SINGAPORE-BASED Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd. is targeting to install 5-6 megawatts (MW) of solar rooftop energy systems in Filipino homes each year as it sets its sights on the local residential market, its local manager said.
“We have quiet a bit of aggressive target in the Philippines… Usually we are given the task of at least 10% market share,” Junrhey Castro, Trina Solar country manager, told reporters in a briefing in Makati City on Tuesday.
Mr. Castro, who is also Trina Solar senior sales head for Australia and Southeast Asia, said the installation would cover both residential and commercial market segments.
Trina Solar launched its Trinahome solutions brand that focuses on residential consumers. The parent firm has previous projects in the Philippines but mostly industrial-scale development.
Mr. Castro said Trinahome offers “plug and play” residential solutions that come with warranties and backed by an international supplier.
Aside from homes, the entity also targets small to medium-sized commercial applications for distributed power generation.
“With Trinahome, we hope to give Filipinos an option to tap into a clean, sustainable and cheaper energy source,” he said, adding that its local strategy is in line with the country’s target of becoming energy self-sufficient and bringing cheaper and more reliable energy source.
Mr. Castro said the country relies for much of its power generation on coal, oil and gas that are largely imported, thus resulting in unpredictable energy prices that have “great economic impact.”
He noted the Philippines has some of the most expensive electricity prices in Asia, making the cost of power a major expense for households and businesses. He placed a Filipino’s electricity charge at around P8.5 to P9 per kilowatt-hour and accounts for a household’s major monthly spending.
Solar energy is cheaper than energy from the grid since a rooftop system become its owner’s power generation source, he said. The cost of solar has significantly declined in the past years because of new manufacturing technology and economies of scale.
A Trinahome solution is available in 1.5-kilowatt (kW), 3-kW, 5-kW and 10-kW systems depending on the size of the customer’s home and requirement. It is now commercially available in the Philippines through its approved distributors and local partners.
Mr. Castro said the country has new policies in place that would motivate consumers to go into solar, citing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).
RPS took effect on Dec. 30, 2017 and mandates energy sector participants to source or provide a minimum annual requirement from renewable energy (RE) resources through the trading of RE certificates.
GEOP is a voluntary program allowing end-users to choose RE resources. The program is aimed at end-users with a monthly peak demand of 100 kW and above for the past 12 months.
Trina Solar’s previous utility-scale solar projects in the Philippines include 132.5 MW in Cadiz, Negros Occidental; 80 MW also on Negros Island; 63.5 MW in Calatagan, Batangas; and 60 MW in Toledo, Cebu. — Victor V. Saulon

Young artist sets up own gallery in Antipolo

December 19, 2018 | 12:05 am

IMPATIENCE and passion have brought young and emerging visual talent Nadia Marie Ibay to put up her own art gallery where she can, of course, showcase her own works.
“I was going around the galleries and they have a waiting time of two years. I was like ‘No.’ So I made my own. I saved money to build a gallery. If my paintings have to wait for it, wala eh. I don’t really have the patience for that,” said the 21-year-old artist.
At 18, she was able to sell her abstract works which she then used to open her eponymous gallery.
The NMI gallery is located in Antipolo Rizal and opened on Dec. 13. The gallery will be home to contemporary Filipino abstract artists and their art works.
And of course, Ms. Ibay is NMI’s first featured artist.
Called Intuition of Colors, the ongoing exhibition on view at NMI art gallery runs until Dec. 31.
On showcase are her works in acrylic, spray paint, and mineral pigment.
“I love colors,” said Ms. Ibay, whose other passion includes music and makeup, and antiques and crystals.
With a penchant for texture, Ms. Ibay’s style includes multiple layers of colors, and incorporation of techniques like drip paints, splatters, and splashes of acrylic.
“All of my works have texture. I don’t even mind if someone touches my art. It’s fine. For example, there’s a blind person, I want them to appreciate the art,” she said.
A riot of colors in her canvas, she said that “each piece is always busy,” yet planned despite being abstract.

Written in a small note about the artist, it’s said that she sets herself apart from the other artist thanks to “the dichotomy of her old soul” which becomes “the quintessence of her art.”
“My art inspiration comes from my everyday experiences and my other passions,” she explained.
A self-taught artist, Ms. Ibay said she doesn’t have an art idol she looks up to, but she likes Banksy “because he’s scandalous and mysterious.”
Her youth and vigor allows her to work and finish ten abstract paintings in one week.
“I don’t sleep. The only rest I have is when I am waiting for them to dry,” she said while laughing.
“My mind is always on. I never stop,” she added.
Besides aiming to become a home for young artists looking for their platform, NMI is also self-serving. The artist-owner said: “It’s also my showroom, I have a lot of friends who wanted to see my painting, so I opened this for that [reason].”
Her ongoing exhibition has prices that start at P40,000 up to P60,000.
After Ms. Ibay’s Intuition of Colors finishes on Dec. 31, the artist-owner will be opening the NMI line up with another exhibition of her work.
Her second show is scheduled in February and will be about the Greco-Roman mythology. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

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