Springs eternal

May 31, 2019 | 12:03 am

Pag-asa (Hope)
Directed by Lamberto Avellana
Citizen Jake vimeo site

MIKE DE LEON mentioned in passing that “Huk, despite the propaganda, in my opinion, remains one of the best Avellana films. Along with Pag-asa.”

Which aroused my curiosity; which compelled me to look it up. Turns out it’s a gem — arguably the most likable of Avellana’s films, or at least of those readily available for viewing.

(Lamberto Avellana’s Pag-asa or Hope, 1951, is available on Mike de Leon’s Citizen Jake vimeo site, and is one of decent clarity, with English subtitles.)

Celing (Priscilla Cellona) and younger brother Piding (Ike Jarlego, Jr.) arrive at the mansion of Don Paco (Paco Zamora) with a letter: their father has died and entrusted them to his care. Care however means in the hands of Don Paco’s wife Doña Esperanza (Naty Bernardo) who yanks at Celing’s hair and threatens to send Piding to Lulumboy. Later in bed Piding explains why the threat terrifies him so: “They’ll cut off my tongue, my nose, and my ears!”

That little detail, explained with wide-eyed fear by an adorable child missing his front teeth, helped explain to me the appeal of this film, a somewhat light melodrama about the sufferings of an oppressed young girl — this is basically the tale of “Cinderella,” the prospect of slicing off little bits of face recalling the casually gruesome cruelty of the Grimm Brothers (Charles Perrault’s earlier, more famous version did not insist on slicing anything).

Avellana (under the pseudonym Donato Valentin), his wife Daisy and brother Jose Jr., hit upon the notion that Celing would suffer considerably more if she had a scrawny younger brother hanging from her neck like an albatross, who she would nevertheless cherish as family (aside from, presumably, her dad). I think the addition works wonders: Ike Jarlego, Jr. is a lively little performer, his Piding full of bravado and initiative and quick, often dead-accurate, intuition — the way he latches onto Victor (Armando Goyena), for example, despite Victor’s cross words at them for sneaking into his carnival ride (the classic Caterpillar, once found in all amusement parks, now down to only two left in the world still operating), or his instant bonding with Victor’s mother Aling Teria (the always lovely Rosa Aguirre), who treats them as her adopted children. He seems to know what the situation (and peril) is and who to trust, and takes it on himself to initiate the two actions that irrevocably change the siblings’ lives.

Which brings us to the fairy tale’s second act: Cinderella (following Piding, who runs away from Doña Esperanza’s home) meets her Prince Charming at the aforementioned carnival. Unlike Disney princes, Victor is far from wooden — Goyena has a boyish yet intense looks that predates Joseph Estrada’s slicked-hair machismo and James Dean’s hidden sensitivity; I assume his comic timing is all his own. Seen bickering with Piding, or Teria, or garrulously alcoholic neighbor Mang Sebio (Gregorio Ticman), you can lean back and relax, confident that you’ll enjoy the company of Victor and his folks — chuckle at their silliness, the unmistakable if unfussed-over affection on display in this randomly assembled yet closeknit little community.

It’s Sebio — presumably sleeping off a hangover — who discovers Celing’s talent for singing and appoints himself her manager, kicking off the film’s third act: her growing fame and blossoming love for Victor, and his unaccountable lack of enthusiasm in response. Then bossy, bullying Doña Esperanza steps back into the picture, attracted by the fuss over this rising radio star, and pushes matters to a frenzied froth.

For a fairy-tale/romantic comedy/rising-star drama there is, at the heart of this film, a remarkably poignant unburdening. Cellona’s Celing at this point has pretty much functioned as a prop — pretty and appealingly affectionate but sidelined by all the louder actors. Suddenly (skip the rest of this paragraph if you plan to see the film!) her kid brother (running away a second time) has an accident and dies (much as you wish he wouldn’t, Avellana follows narrative and dramatic logic unrelentingly). It’s a more moving death than a similar one in Anak Dalita partly because Ike in the part of Piding is a funnier, more emphatic actor (or at least is written and directed that way), partly because Celing seems to care for him so much more — you can imagine Tita sending Ipe on dangerous or at least risky solo missions on his own and he seems perfectly capable of taking care of himself, but Piding represents Celing’s exposed heart — when he passes to a better world, something of Celing’s soulfulness passes too. When Victor explains to Celing how everything isn’t his fault, she turns and unloads her long hidden bitterness at him like a double load of buckshot: “What do you know about love?” she demands, throwing his macho pride, his self-centered anguish (an accusation I’d apply even to James Dean), his unspoken jealousy of her success back at his face. It’s a jawdropping moment, one that makes one wonder if this isn’t some kind of anachronistic progressive feminist tract, dropped here in the early 1950s by a time-traveling filmmaker. For good measure she does the one thing Victor (and we) doesn’t want her to do — goes back to Doña Esperanza. Talk about scorched earth and burnt toppling bridges, of cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face — Celing doesn’t go for half measures, a tribute in its way to her love for Piding.

It ends happily as most commercially successful melodramas do — Avellana can hardly be blamed for (again) upholding the status quo on social norms. Though, when you think about it, is this still status quo? Wouldn’t Celing with her considerably larger income call most of the shots? Wouldn’t the suitably chastened Victor allow her to do so (and if he resists and she insists wouldn’t that make for a fascinating sequel)? When they invoke Piding’s name he gazes down on them (and us) like a benevolent child-god, and it’s a fascinatingly meta moment — the actor, of course, would grow up to leave an outsized footprint in Philippine cinema, becoming the legendary editor of Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, and Himala among many others. A fairy-tale ending if you like, just not quite the one we were expecting.

Tanduay opens 1st restaurant

May 31, 2019 | 12:03 am

TANDUAY Brands International, Inc. (TBII) said it opened its first restaurant, The Kushi Bar (TKB), in Makati City.

In a statement, the company said TKB is managed by Nightwing, Inc., a restaurant management company, and will serve Filipino-Japanese dishes paired with Tanduay rum-infused drinks. It also sells a variety of Tanduay premium novelty items.

“We Filipinos love to eat and drink, and through TKB, we wanted to elevate the awareness that specific dishes may be best enjoyed with a glass of their favorite spirit or cocktail,” Lucio K. Tan, Jr., president of TBII, said in a statement.

Located along Ayala Avenue, TKB features chef Yuri Amani, who worked as a corporate banquet chef in Japan for 15 years; and chef Allan Gatchalian, who has 27 years of experience in Japanese cuisine.

“As we celebrate our 165^th year, we want to offer an experience that goes beyond our iconic rum brand. Tanduay has long valued and continues to value culture, heritage, and family tradition. Through TKB and our other initiatives, we would like to further showcase these to our most loyal customers — our fellow Filipinos,” Mr. Tan said.

Tanduay Distillers, Inc. is a subsidiary of listed LT Group, Inc. It produces a range of rum products such as Tanduay Rhum, Tanduay Light, and Tanduay 1854, as well as brandy Compañero, whiskey Embassy, Cossack Vodka, London Gin and Gin Kapitan. — V.M.P.Galang

France pledges to fight for plant where GE plans 1,044 job cuts

May 31, 2019 | 12:03 am

STRASBOURG, FRANCE/NEW YORK — French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday he would fight to save jobs at a General Electric Co. (GE) factory in eastern France where more than 1,000 posts are threatened.

GE earlier on Tuesday said it was considering ways to cut costs and make its operations more efficient in France in response to a shrinking market for power plants. While details have not been finalized, GE’s plan calls for cutting up to 1,044 positions, mainly at its Belfort site, which employs 4,300 people.

GE said the plan would potentially cut 792 out of 1,900 jobs at the gas power unit, and possibly 252 other support positions.

The remaining reductions also would occur mainly at Belfort, which handles gas, steam, nuclear and hydro technology, GE said.

The proposed reductions are separate from 1,000 jobs GE said it cut from its power unit in the first quarter.

GE presented its plans to French union officials on Tuesday, kicking off negotiations. The proposals “are in line with the company’s intention to improve operational and financial performance of its gas activities,” GE said.

But job reductions face a tough climate in France. Le Maire said on Tuesday France would seek four guarantees in exchange for supporting a proposed merger between Renault and Fiat Chrysler, including preserving industrial jobs and factories. It could not be learned whether GE plans other reductions in power operations in Europe.

French industrial group Alstom was Belfort’s biggest employer until 2014 when it sold its gas turbine manufacturing business to GE, which pledged to create 1,000 jobs to win backing for the deal from the French government.

However, the company had to break that commitment as the gas turbine power plant market collapsed.

In the end, GE created just 25 jobs, and in February agreed to pay 50 million euros ($56 million) into a reindustrialization fund for falling short of the target.

Speaking in the lower house of parliament, Le Maire said he wanted the money to be used in Belfort to support projects in aeronautics, dismantling nuclear plants and the hydrogen industry.

“We are ready to fight alongside you … and local politicians and obviously alongside GE workers to ensure the industrial future of the GE site,” Le Maire told lawmakers during a weekly questions to government session.

A Finance Ministry official said the site would not be shut down outright.

GE tamped down enthusiasm earlier this month about a quick recovery in its power-plant unit, which lost a staggering $22.8 billion last year, mainly due to a large goodwill writedown.

GE said it has about 16,000 employees at 20 industrial locations in France, and the country houses GE’s headquarters for five divisions: renewable, hydro and offshore wind power generation, plus grid and power conversion units. — Reuters

Malaysia’s Mahathir proposes common East Asia trading currency pegged to gold

May 31, 2019 | 12:02 am

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday mooted the idea of a common trading currency for East Asia that would be pegged to gold, describing the existing currency trading in the region as manipulative.

Mahathir said the proposed common currency could be used to settle imports and exports, but would not be used for domestic transactions.

“In the Far East, if you want to come together, we should start with a common trading currency, not to be used locally but for the purpose of settling of trade,” he said at the Nikkei Future of Asia conference in Tokyo.

“The currency that we propose should be based on gold because gold is much more stable.”

He said under the current foreign exchange system, local currencies were affected by external factors and were manipulated. He did not elaborate on how they were manipulated.

Mahathir has long been a critic of currency trading, and once famously accused billionaire George Soros of betting against Asian currencies.

During the Asian financial crisis, Mahathir pegged the ringgit currency at 3.8 to the dollar and imposed capital controls. That peg was scrapped in 2005.

Mahathir served a 22-year term as prime minister before stepping down in 2003. He was re-elected in May last year in a shock election, defeating the Barisan Nasional coalition that had ruled Malaysia for the six decades since independence.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration said no major trading partner met the criteria required to be placed on the US Treasury Department’s list of its currency manipulators but named Malaysia among nine countries that required close scrutiny.

In response, Malaysia’s central bank said on Wednesday its intervention in currency markets was limited to managing excessive volatility. — Reuters

What to see this week

May 31, 2019 | 12:02 am

5 films to see on the week of May 31 — June 6, 2019

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

HUMANITY’s existence is endangered when ancient monsters which were thought to be myths — such as Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and the three-headed King Ghidorah — rise up. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the film stars Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, and Charles Dance. The Wrap’s Alonso Dularde writes, “Finally, here’s an American monster movie that understands that one positive effect of CG technology is to give us giant monsters that don’t rely on wires, miniatures or zipper-backed suits, something that the Japanese figured out ages ago.” The film has a low score of 45% on film review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.

MTRCB Rating: PG

The Hole in the Ground

SARAH and her young son Chris live a quiet life in an Irish countryside — that is until Chris’ odd behavior after an incident near a sinkhole in the forest. She starts to suspect that Chris may not be her son at all. Directed by Lee Cronin, the film stars Seana Kerslake, James Quinn Markey, and Kati Outinen. The AV Club’s Mike D’Angelo writes, “The Hole In The Ground finds a somewhat fresh angle on the possessed-kid subgenre.” The film has a score of 88% on the film review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Brightburn: Son of Evil

A CHILD from another world crash lands on Earth — what if he turns out to be a threat rather than a savior? Directed by David Yarovesky, the film stars Jackson A. Dunn, Elizabeth Banks, and David Denman. The New York Times’ A. O. Scott writes, “The gore and the scares work pretty well. The director, David Yarovesky, and the screenwriters, Mark Gunn and Brian Gunn, hit the genre beats cleanly and efficiently.” The film has a low score of 57% on the review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Quezon’s Game

BASED on a true story, the film follows Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon and his American poker buddies’s efforts to rescue Jews during World War II. Directed by Matthew E. Rosen, the film stars Raymond Bagatsing, Rachel Alejandro, and Audie Gemora. Esquire’s Mario Alvaro Limos writes: “The movie has the scope and enormity of Schindler’s List but unlike it, it was set on the opposite side of the world — well away from the ghettos, away from European Jews, away from Hitler. And yet, without all these seemingly essential elements needed to tell a deeply moving story about the Jewish predicament in the 1930s to 1940s, Quezon’s Game delivers the same powerful message against racism, bigotry, and discrimination.”

MTRCB Rating: PG

Finding You

THE romantic drama follows Nel who has hyperthymesia, the ability to rememebr everything that has happened to him, and his efforts to keep up his relationship with his best friend. Directed by Easy Ferrer, the film stars Jane Oineza, Jerome Ponce, and Barbie Imperial.

MTRCB Rating: PG

LBC sells QuadX to subsidiary

May 31, 2019 | 12:02 am

LBC Express Holdings, Inc. said it is selling its shares in QuadX, Inc. to a subsidiary as part of a plan to refocus the e-commerce firm’s strategy.

The listed firm told the stock exchange in a disclosure Thursday it is divesting all its 1,860,214 common shares in QuadX, which the company bought last year for the price of P100 per share, or P186 million.

The parent company said subsidiary LBC Express is buying the shares for the same transaction price, and will now own 86.11% of QuadX.

“The divestment by the Company of its QuadX, Inc. shares is being made pursuant to the plans of the Company to refocus the strategic direction for QuadX, Inc., which may include implementing certain organizational changes, with a view of turning around losses for Company,” the parent company said.

QuadX is a local company that owns, maintains and operates an e-commerce website with an online marketplace and retail store. It was bought by LBC Express Holdings in March 2018 with a goal of diversifying the group’s business.

After the deal, LBC Express Holdings said it is “optimistic that such organizational changes will ultimately benefit both the Company and QuadX, Inc.”

Aside from QuadX, LBC Express Holdings last year made several other acquisitions, such as a 30% stake in Orient Freight International, Inc. and $461,782 worth of shares in Malaysia-based LBC Mabuhay.

It also acquired LBC Mundial Corp.; LBC Mabuhay Saipan, Inc.; LBC Mabuhay Hawaii Corp. and LBC Mabuhay North America Corp. for $8.5 million.

The attributable net income of the listed firm slumped 95.6% to P25 million in the first quarter of 2019. — Denise A. Valdez

Airbus moves staff to help secure Hamburg jet output

May 31, 2019 | 12:02 am

PARIS/HAMBURG — Airbus is mobilizing staff from outside Germany to assist with a tricky production ramp-up of A321 passenger jets at its plant in Hamburg, industry sources said.

The planemaker has faced a string of industrial problems at the plant, which is responsible for the in-demand A321 model — the largest member of the best-selling single-aisle A320 family.

Although single-aisle jets are increasingly standardized, manufacturing has been complicated by the fact that planes like the 180-240-seat A321 are in demand for long-range trips of up to eight or nine hours as airlines test out new markets.

Such long trips require new multi-class cabins, compared to short- or medium-range trips for which the A321 was originally designed, and Hamburg is the Airbus factory responsible for handling this type of work on the company’s important cash cow.

Airbus is moving workers from other locations to help in the industrial recovery and to prepare for higher production.

“There are staff shortages in Hamburg,” a person familiar with the matter said.

“The long-range variant has three-class seating. This is a completely different technique and requires a lot more work… The management has miscalculated the number of hours required for the aircraft,” a union source told Reuters separately.

Airbus is offering redeployment to some of the 3,500 staff who face losing jobs as output of the A380 superjumbo ends in 2021. It is upgrading some temporary workers to permanent contracts to work on the complex A321 “Cabin Flex” variant.

“The A320 production generally, and especially in Hamburg, is ramping up,” an Airbus spokesman said.

“A321 Head of Versions (the first edition of a new cabin design) are exclusively built in Hamburg. To address the above challenges, attention and resources are shifting to Hamburg.”

Hamburg has felt the brunt of a race to meet growing jet demand because it is introducing new versions of the A321 just as overall production is running faster than ever.

Production has however improved compared to last year, the company’s new operations chief told reporters last week.

Airbus aims to increase production of single-aisle jets to 63 a month in 2021 from about 60 now and has been studying the possibility of 71 a month. Airbus says it will decide in the second half on any future output hikes. — Reuters

DoF anniversary, reunion and outlook

May 31, 2019 | 12:01 am

At the 122^nd Department of Finance (DoF) anniversary hosted by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III on May 6, it was a wonderful reunion of former DoF Secretaries: Prime Minister Cesar Virata, Ed Espiritu, Jose Pardo, Gary Teves and former Undersecretaries Romy Bernardo, Kune Gison, Chil Soriano, Ruben Fruto, among others. Present were current DoF Undersecretaries and agency heads: Karl Chua, Gil Beltran, Antonette Tionko, Bayani Agabin. Also present were Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. President Bobby Tan, Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Tonette Ibe, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar Dulay, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, Development Bank of the Philippines President Manny Herbosa, Land Bank of the Philippines’ Cecille Borromeo, and Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency head Albert Pascual, among others.

Everyone at the anniversary was upbeat as the Philippines was just upgraded to BBB+.

S&P Global Ratings didn’t even wait for the outcome of the elections which indicated its positive outlook on the Philippines. Seated at our table was DoF’s very capable Chief of Staff Annie Aquino who told us that the Philippines’ international credibility is very high. Economic managers have good plans — they articulate what they’re going to do, and they deliver on their plans, such as Regionalization, Diversification of the Loan Portfolio, and the Tax Reform. Last year’s surge in inflation rate to over 6% initially charged to the TRAIN implementation is now traceable mainly to the rice supply issue as well as the rise in world oil prices. With the passage of rice tariffication law, rice can now be imported by private sector with 35% tariff. DoF Secretary Dominguez had proposed rice tariffication 30 years ago when he was Secretary of Agriculture.

Flashback to 2000, when I was DoF Undersecretary, the DoF building was old. Some rooms did not have any aircon, the toilets were… never mind, and elevators worked, sometimes. Now, it’s a brand new DoF that welcomed us, newly renovated with modern glass facade. Progress!

We have gone a long way. In 2000, the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) was at $15 billion or about 30% of the external debt of P51 billion. Inflation was 4.4% and gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate was 4.4%. In 2018, GDP growth was at 6.2%, GIR stood strong at $79 billion versus total external debt of $78.96 billion. As of April, GIR was already $83 billion and if we just consider maturing short term obligations, the reserve cover is more than three times.

Clearly, the Philippines is in strong financial condition. The first-quarter GDP growth rate was 5.6% and had the budget not been delayed, the economy could have grown much more than 6%. There’s still half a year left and the country’s economic managers led by DoF have a catch-up plan to cover for time lost.

Business’ consensus on the economy? Very good. Sampling done with former Philippine National Bank (PNB) Chair Paquito Dizon and PNB Directors Ric Tan and Vicot Panlilio confirmed this, and so did JG Summit Holdings, Inc.’s chief strategist BJ Sebastian in his church message last Sunday.

PNB Economist Jun Trinidad however says there are some external headwinds to watch out for. The Philippines’ tech exports may not be spared the fallout from a worsening US China trade conflict. The US government’s blacklisting of Huawei that would compel US tech companies’ manufacturers not to deal with this China telecoms giant, will affect not just the global rollout of 5G but also disrupt the supply chain-driven tech activities. We may feel the pain sooner than later. Fortunately, the Financial Stability Coordination Council is mapping out a strategy against global shocks.

Meanwhile, over at Manila Polo, the Diamond Club with Eric Filamor and Archit Bartolome recently sponsored “Making Sense of Rocket,” a talk on real estate with Jun Camcam, Eddy Santos and Ricky Santos. It’s amazing how real estate prices have really gone up. he outlook remains upbeat as well in the provinces, especially with infrastructure expected to be in full swing with Build, Build, Build now that the budget has been passed.

Annie Aquino said DoF Secretary Dominguez’ goal is to make the Philippines a mid-high economy, meaning $4,000 income per capita in a year’s time. With the hard-working economic team and effective strategies, this is achievable. I am proud to be a Filipino and an alumna of the DoF.

Flor Gozon Tarriela is the Chairman of Philippine National Bank. She is former Undersecretary of Finance and the First Filipina Vice President of Citibank N.A. She is a Go Negosyo 2018 Woman Intrapreneur Awardee. She is a FINEX Foundation Trustee and an Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) fellow. Contact her at ftarriela@yahoo.com.

Five questions to ask in managing work overload

May 31, 2019 | 12:01 am

We have a flexitime work schedule allowing our employees to attend to their various personal activities, like bringing kids to school or pursuing graduate studies, and applies even to navigating daily commuting hassles. We receive above-average pay and perks for our industry and this makes the workforce doubly satisfied. Personally, I like this flexible schedule except for the fact that our department boss keeps loading me with many special projects that upset my day-to-day plans. It appears that I am not alone in this. Many of my colleagues are complaining of the same thing. Clearly, flexitime has become a sham to cover for our pressure-cooker work environment. How do we manage our situation? — Overly Stressed.

One summer, a man made his three sons work in the cornfields while their friends spent their vacation at the beach or other fun place. Noticing this routine, a nosy neighbor admonished the father saying: “Why are you making those boys work so hard? With your wealth, you don’t need all that corn.”

The wise father replied: “Sir, I’m not raising corn. I’m raising responsible and hardworking boys.”

At times, it’s just a matter of changing our paradigm to accept and understand our current situation. If you think of your situation as a burden, think again. You’re receiving lucrative pay from an organization that pushes you to work to your limits. Unlike other workers in other companies, you are overpaid and overworked. On the other hand, many people are underpaid and overworked. Therefore, what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances?

The answer is in your hands.

Obviously, you can only do so much at any given time, without sacrificing quality and quantity of your work performance. Unfortunately, many of us fail to recognize the work overload as an opportunity to discover many opportunities, like offering an alternative solution to a mountain of paperwork that you handle every day.

Therefore, the first step to manage work overload is establishing priorities with the approval of your department manager. Learn to discuss everything with your boss, preferably in person. With this in mind, let’s look at the following questions to help you explore your priorities:

One, why is this project very important to complete? If your boss says it should be done right away, then you don’t have much choice. But at least, discover the reasons why it is important to complete ahead of all others. Tell him that it means you will fall behind in your other timetables. When asking this question, you must act like a diplomat who knows how to ask questions without hurting the sensibilities of the boss.

Two, what’s the firm deadline of the project? Can we negotiate a reasonable timeline given the complexity of the assignment? If the deadline can’t be changed, emphasize its effect on your other duties. If another project is missed because of this new assignment, let your boss know about it and its adverse impact on the department, in particular and on the organization, in general.

Three, what resources are needed to complete the project? Do we need assistance from other departments? How about other colleagues from the same department? How soon can they provide the resources needed? If it’s really necessary, is it possible to factor in the time needed to mobilize others to come up with a reasonable date of completion, without sacrificing quality?

Four, what happens if the task is not completed on time? This is an important question to ask. Would this be a matter of life and death for the organization and other stakeholders? If not, what’s the point of giving it priority status? At times, you may discover that the assignment is a product of your boss’s wild imagination for the sake of keeping everyone busy.

Last, can I delegate this priority project to my colleagues? Is it possible to enlist the support of everyone in the department? Make sure that you have the approval of the boss on this. Even if their assistance is not apparent, seeking the permission of the boss is necessary so that you do not commit the mistake of assigning a confidential project to others. Above all, this also helps you get the much-needed support to meet an important task, just in case.

Coping with an overloaded work schedule is not easy. But managing your priorities can be achieved if you take the necessary action with the approval of your boss. Besides, were talking here of special projects. They are usually imposed on top of your regular day-to-day duties, in exchange for a flexible work arrangement and at times, while avoiding close supervision which is also time-consuming on the part of management.

Therefore, if you are overpaid and overworked, better to reassess your options. After all, your personal and family life and your health are more important than anything. Once again, it’s your choice.

ELBONOMICS: Enjoying work comes in two stages. One is when you enter the workplace. The other is when you leave it.

Send anonymous questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

Senate OK’s Magnum Air franchise

May 31, 2019 | 12:01 am

THE Senate has approved on third and final reading the bill granting a 25-year air transport franchise to Magnum Air, Inc., which operates SkyJet Airlines.

With 17 affirmative votes and zero negative, the chamber on Monday approved House Bill No. 6317, which will allow Magnum Air (SkyJet), Inc. to “establish, operate and maintain domestic and international air transport services.”

The boutique airline has been providing transportation services in the country since 2012. It currently offers direct flights from Manila to Camiguin, Batanes and Coron, among others.

The bill specified the franchise include maintenance and operation of hangars and aircraft services stations as well as other facilities.

Magnum Air still needs to get required certificates, permits and licenses from the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

If enacted, the airline will also be mandated to “maintain scheduled and/or nonscheduled and/or Chartered air transport services to any and all points and places throughout the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries.”

Moreover, it shall require Magnum Air to offer at least 30% of its outstanding capital stock to Filipinos, in compliance with the constitutional provision, promoting public participation in public utilities. — C.A.Tadalan

Your Weekend Guide (May 31, 2019)

May 31, 2019 | 12:01 am

The Kundiman Party

THE final performances of The Kundiman Party will be this weekend at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City until June 2. Written by Floy Quintos and directed by Dexter M. Santos, the musical follows retired kundiman singer whose quiet life takes a turn when one of her student’s boyfriend gets her acquainted with social media. For information and tickets, visit www.facebook.com/pages/category/Performance-Art-Theatre/The-Kundiman-Party-at-the-PETA-Theater-1087627344777762/.

Sarangani Bay Festival

THE country’s top rock bands and deejays will rock Gumasa Beach during the Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival on May 30 to June 1. Opening the three-day event is the San Miguel Night featuring the band Rocksteddy and DJs Kouta Kutsuma and Cupcakes. The second night features the Bay Bodies ’19 pageant, a DJ Battle, and the Talk ‘N Text party featuring 6Cyclemind, DJ Marc Marasigan, and DJ Kat. The festivities draw to a close on June 1 with the Globe party series featuring Ben&Ben, and DJs Tom Taus and Carlo Atendido. For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/saranganibayfest/.

K-Street festival at BGC

THE K-Street Festival will focus on Korean culture from May 31 to June 1 at Bonifacio High Street’s C1 Park, and June 1 and 2 at the BGC Amphitheater. Taguig. The K-Pop zone — one seven zones at Bonifacio High Street’s C1 Park — one can listen to K-pop artists, and play games to win freebies. At the K-Food Zone, savor the flavors of authentic Korean food. At the K-Tour zone, check out the various tours and travel options available. Check out the K-Fashion and Beauty zone, organized in partnership with Hanbok Palace. Try out some Korean traditional clothing and take some selfies. For high-tech fun, head over to the K-Tech zone which features cutting-edge Korean innovations. At the K-Sport zone, witness traditional Korean performances and sports. For details, visit Bonifacio High Street’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/.

Nat’l Artist families exhibit

ROBINSONS Land Corp. presents an exhibit works by three grandchildren of three National Artists for visual arts. Titled, Legacy: Beyond the Blood, the exhibit will feature the works of Ronna Manansala (granddaughter of Vicente Manansala), Carlos “Totong” Francisco II (grandson of Carlos “Botong” Francisco), and Macoy Coching (grandson of Francisco Coching). The exhibit will be on view at Level 3, Veranda, Robinsons Galleria from June 1 to 21.

Max Factor Slash Sale

HEAR THIS makeup lovers, Max Factor will be holding a Slash Sale from June 1 to 15, with P50 to P100 off regular prices at Max Factor counters nationwide or shop online at Zalora, Lazada, Shopee, BeautyMNL, Watsons and Beauty Bar. Promo is valid on all Max Factor products, except new launches.

Regional distribution of state infrastructure investments

May 31, 2019 | 12:00 am

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