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Bank of Japan likely to stay on path to ‘virtual normalization’

THE Bank of Japan (BoJ) will likely continue its “virtual normalization” of monetary policy under its new leadership, former board member Takahide Kiuchi said. The appointment of reflationist Masazumi Wakatabe as a deputy governor is unlikely to change the course of policy toward additional easing, as some in the markets are speculating, Kiuchi said on Bloomberg TV on Tuesday.

The nomination of Executive Director Masayoshi Amamiya to the other deputy governor position is more important when gauging the course of monetary policy, Kiuchi said.

“The nomination of Amamiya means that the current virtual normalization policy is likely to continue,” he said, explaining that Amamiya is very influential among BoJ policy makers.

Kiuchi staunchly opposed much of Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s easing program. His term ended last year.

The BoJ has been reducing its bond-buying since implementing its yield-curve control policy in 2016, a trend some have called de facto tapering.

One particular cut in bond purchases in January heightened speculation about policy normalization. Rising global yields have also led some observers to say the BoJ could move its yield target higher.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last week nominated Kuroda for another five-year term at the helm of the central bank, and Wakatabe and Amamiya as deputy governors. The nominations are subject to confirmation by parliament, but Abe’s coalition enjoys a strong majority.

It’s important to note that Abe nominated Kuroda even though the governor has failed to meet the BoJ’s 2% inflation target, Kiuchi said.

That means the government is more focused on the stability of financial markets and sustaining the economic recovery than actually achieving 2% inflation, he said.

While it’s hard for the BoJ to talk officially about an exit because 2% inflation hasn’t been achieved, and because the yen would likely strengthen as a result of such talk, the central bank will continue to look for ways to normalize policy without describing it as normalization, Kiuchi said.

One possibility is switching its yield-curve target to 5-year government bonds from 10-year bonds, Kiuchi said. The central bank could say it’s keeping the shape of the yield curve at the most stimulative for the economy without saying it’s starting to exit, he said. Such a step could take place this year, he said. — Bloomberg

Phoenix and Blackwater in all-important game today

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Phoenix Fuel Masters and Blackwater Elite, two teams that had a promising start in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, battle in an all-important game today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum whose result could well determine if they advance to the next round of the competition or not.

Set for 7 p.m., the Fuel Masters (4-5) and Elite (4-6) shoot for the key win in their main game encounter to boost their chances of booking a place in the quarterfinals of the season-opening tournament of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) even if they could well end up in seventh or eighth place and having to overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage in the quarters.

Phoenix, which won two of its first three games in the tournament, is coming off a loss its last game against the Meralco Bolts, 92-90, a match that could have helped it a lot had it come away with a victory.

While they fought resilient against the Bolts to pad their cause, the Fuel Masters just could not complete the task in the end as Meralco hung on tight to claim the win.

Veteran Willy Wilson led Phoenix with 24 points while sophomore Matthew Wright added 16 points before fouling out in the loss.

Despite falling short last time around, Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas is still bullish of their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals, saying their “fate is still in their hands.”

“We’re still in contention for a quarterfinal spot despite the loss [to Meralco]. The good thing about this is that our fate is still in our hands. The top six may be out of our reach at this point but we intend to see our goal of reaching the quarterfinals through,” said Mr. Alas.

Unfortunately for Phoenix it has to play today’s game sans Mr. Wright, who is with Gilas Pilipinas as it takes on Australia in a FIBA World Cup Qualifier away match on Thursday.

LOSE AND OUT
For its part, Blackwater is in a more precarious situation heading into today’s game as a loss translates to automatic exit.

Playing their last game in their elimination assignment, the Elite, who also won two of their first three games before hitting a major road block midway into the tournament, are in a must-win situation after dropping their previous game against the NLEX Road Warriors, 93-90, that pushed them on the brink of elimination.

Blackwater was pretty much in control of the contest against NLEX until the latter made a furious run in the payoff quarter to propel itself to the victory and deal a huge blow to the Elite’s playoff hopes.

Michael DiGregorio led Blackwater with 16 points with JP Erram adding 14 and Allein Maliksi 13.

Like Phoenix, Blackwater will be playing with one less key stalwart as Mr. Maliksi is also with Gilas Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, playing in the opener at 4:30 p.m. are the GlobalPort Batang Pier (4-5) and Kia Picanto (1-8).

The Batang Pier is gunning for win number five in their penultimate elimination round assignment that would allow them to remain in the hunt for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Kia, for its part, is already eliminated in the race and is out to have a better finish in the tournament.

Enriching Filipino artists

FOR printmaker Ambie Abaño, her six months spent in the United States on printmaking fellowships was “enriching.”

“I lived alone in a studio in New York. If I wanted to work, then I’d take the train to my art studio in Brooklyn. I designed my own program… All the artists would have to open their studios [to the pubic] at a designated period and put up a solo exhibition. So, I prepared for that, and I had to go to the [art] studio almost every day,” she told BusinessWorld of her three-month International Studio and Curatorial program (part of her printmaking training). Then for another three months, Ms. Abaño trained at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop for lithography (printmaking done on limestone).

All of this was possible because she was an Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Fellowship program grantee in 2012. The fellowship program offers residency programs for visual artists where an organization provides for the grantees’ studio space and programs where they meet and collaborate with other artists.

“What they want to support you for is the broadening of your exposure and experience so that you’ll learn from it, expanding your network, engaging with artists of [a] different culture, and being exposed to the art that’s being presented by New York and other parts of America,” Ms. Abaño said of her experience as an ACC fellow. “If I had not gone, I would not have this way of looking at life or looking from a point of view of a Filipino who has gained a wider sense of self [in being Filipino].”

THE AUCTION
In support of the ACC Philippines Fellowship program and its scholars, its annual benefit auction at the Leon Gallery in Makati City will be held on March 3, 2 p.m.

Up for auction are Jose Joya’s Space Transfiguration, Anita Magsaysay Ho’s 1960 painting Tahip, several paintings by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, antique furniture from the collection of Ramon Villegas, and a 32-inch ivory crucifix from the 17th century.

In addition to all that, three letters by Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto at the time of the Tejeros convention and documents signed by Bonifacio acquired from the estate of Epifanio de los Santos also join the lineup of materials at the auction.

A week-long preview of the auction pieces will begin on Feb. 24 at the Leon Gallery. Some pieces will also be displayed at the ACC-Leon Gallery booth (No. 14) at the upcoming Art Fair Philippines at The Link carpark in Makati City from March 1 to 4.

ASIAN CULTURAL COUNCIL
The Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is a nonprofit organization that awards fellowships and grants to individuals and organizations to foster an Asia-US exchange in the arts. Since 1963, it has provided support to over 400 art scholars in 17 art fields from 26 countries.

The Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation, Inc. (ACCPFI) has held fund-raising campaigns to support the ACC Philippines Fellowship program since its institution in 2000. It aims to uphold “ACC’s vision of promoting cultural exchange and international dialogue, understanding, and respect while advancing the development in Filipino artists.”

“The ACC lives strictly to give help and grants to local Filipino artists who want to broaden their horizons by engaging in further studies in the United States,” ACCPF Chairman Ernest Escaler said during a press launch on Feb. 7 at the Milkyway Café in Makati City.

Filipinas Heritage Library associate manager (curator) Faye Cura is one of this year’s ACC Fellowship program grantees. “I’ll be an intern for three months at the Library of Congress in Washington DC at their exhibitions department. For the other half of my grant, I’ll be observing history museums and library exhibitions in New York,” Ms. Cura told BusinessWorld of her upcoming fellowship program.

“Curation of library collections in the Philippines is not as established compared in America wherein they have exhibits that showcase their library collection. I want to study how that can be done in the Philippines,” Ms. Cura said in a mixture of English and Filipino, citing that only a few libraries in the country mount collection exhibitions.

“Firstly, we only have a few libraries in the Philippines. Secondly, very few libraries exhibit their collections… Content is very few, and [I think] we would still be able to enrich that.”

Ms. Cura is set to leave for the US in April for her six-month ACC Fellowship program on museum studies.

Leon Gallery is located at G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino Corner Legaspi Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City. For more information, visit www.leon-gallery.com/asianculturalcouncil.org/artfairphilippines.com. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

UAAP ‘avian war’: Lady Eagles vs Lady Falcons

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

“AVIAN” teams in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) collide today as the Ateneo Lady Eagles take on the Adamson Lady Falcons in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. of women’s volleyball play at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Both sporting identical 2-2 records, the Lady Eagles and Lady Falcons are out to break away from the log jam with one another and two other teams and move up in the standings as the first round of the eliminations hits the halfway point.

Playing in the main game at 4 p.m., meanwhile, are the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers (3-1) against the still-winless University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors (0-4).

Ateneo is currently on an ascent, having won two straight matches after starting Season 80 with back-to-back losses.

The latest of the Lady Eagles’ victories was over UE on Feb. 17, winning in four sets, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-14.

They struggled early against the Lady Warriors, showing the kinks that go with teams in transition, but managed to right their ship as the match progressed en route to booking the win.

Jhoanna Maraguinot paced the Ateneo attack with 20 points, 17 from attacks, with skipper Maddie Madayag adding 12 points.

Bea De Leon and Kat Tolentino each had 10 points for the Lady Eagles while Ponggay Gaston had nine.

“We did not play well in the first set. It’s like we were out of focus and was just not enjoying ourselves out there. But we picked it up as the game moved on,” said Madayag after their win as she touched on their slow start.

She went on to say that the team hopes to build on its current winning run and put itself in better position to compete as the tournament rolls.

BACK ON THE WINNING TRACK
Adamson, meanwhile, looks to go back on the winning track after being tripped by University of Santo Tomas last time around.

Won their previous two matches, the Lady Falcons were rolled over by the Golden Tigresses in straight sets, 25-9, 31-29 and 25-19, in their match on Sunday.

Adamson was kept at bay by UST for much of the time and just could not get the lift it needed to stretch its winning run.

Jema Galanza was the lone Lady Falcons in double digits with 10 points.

In other news, National University’s Jaja Santiago was once again named UAAP player of the week after she led the Lady Bulldogs to a big five-set win over La Salle in their battle of unbeaten teams last Sunday.

The graduating player tallied 27 points, 20 from attacks, four block and three service aces, to help her team survive the Lady Spikers, 26-24, 19-25, 22-25, 25-17 and 16-14.

In winning the weekly award, Santiago edged out Sisi Rondina of UST, Bernadeth Pons of Far Eastern University, Dawn Macandili of La Salle, and Ateneo’s Madayag.

All in the Volante family

HIS six-inch red boots and perfect makeup are making a comeback on stage as singer Nyoy Volante reprises his role as the drag queen Lola for Kinky Boots’ limited encore run on March 2 to 18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.

Mr. Volante will be joined on stage by his wife, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, who would do his makeup when Kinky Boots had its successful and sold-out run in July 2017.

“When I was doing his makeup, I would get a chance to watch the show a lot. So I think, whether I had intended to learn the role or not, it was already engraved [in me],” she said.

Ms. Bradshaw, a theater actress, will play as Lauren, the shoe factory employee who falls in love with Lola. Ms. Bradshaw replaces Yannah Laurel who had prior commitments with Resorts World Manila’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is also returning to the Newport Performing Arts Theater stage from Feb. 22 to March 25 after a successful run last year. It just so happens that the Volantes’ daughter, Sofie, is part of the ensemble of the musical about a family and their magical car.

It’s not the first time that the off-stage partners are working together on stage — they previously played a couple who got divorced in Atlantis Productions’ Jersey Boys.

“It’s nice to have an extra pair of eyes for feedback. We’re always critical of each other, but it’s not to say that we’re directing each other,” said Ms. Bradshaw of their partnership.

The Fil-Am actress said she corrects her husband’s intonations on set. “It’s my job to nitpick, to fine tune things,” she said of her husband who is 13 years her senior.

Asked if Mr. Volante is open to doing straight plays — after all he has a wife for a coach — he said he’d rather not because he is too lazy to memorize scripts.

While it is easier to rehearse a rerun, Mr. Volante — whose amazing performance as the drag queen Lola wowed the critics — said that he will make little changes in this version of his role.

“Reruns usually evolve in a good way, because you are left with a certain number of months to study the role more. ‘Dapat pala ganito ginawa ko, dapat ganyan (I should have done this, or that).’ So you apply it,” he said, adding that he’ll be fine-tuning the comedic parts of the show.

Is there any pressure on him to maintain the success of Kinky Boots? “I’m just gonna do the thing that’s assigned for me to do — which is to dance, sing, and act. As far as it is being a hit, it is not just me working eh, but it’s a collaboration with the rest of the crew. I’m not going to put pressure on myself, but I am sure to up my game,” said Mr. Volante.

He said he was initially scared to do the role of Lola because he might offend the LGBTQ community. “I thought na baka mabastos ko sila (I thought they might find me discourteous), but fortunately they liked it. From there, nagkaron ako ng (I gained) new knowledge and opening of my mind about them. I may be not one of them, but I am with them,” he said.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price (played by Laurence Mossman) who inherits a shoe factory, which he does not like and know nothing about. But the business needs to stay afloat. He meets — fortuitously — Lola, a transvestite cabaret performer who not only inspires him to produce kinky footwear, but encourages him to follow his dream and become who he wants to be. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

Kinky Boots will run from March 2-18 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil Puyat Aves., Makati City. Tickets and schedules are available on Ticketworld (www.ticketworld.com.ph).

Murakami in Manila?

IS Haruki Murakami finally coming to Manila?

Talk that Japan’s famed writer would be coming to the country started in 2016, right after acclaimed novelist and Nobel winner Mario Vargas Llosa — who has a Filipino-Spanish partner, Isabel Preysler — visited the Philippines. But the elusive Japanese writer has not yet set foot in the Philippines.

With the announcement of the Japan Foundation Manila’s six-day festival called “Haruki Murakami Festival,” the rumors flared again. Is the Tokyo-based writer known for books like Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Woods, and Men Without Women be the special guest at his own festival?

Unfortunately, the foundation says no.

Instead, the festival promises to “enjoy the world of Murakami with your senses,” through a series of experiences in music, films, and talks, which are all open to the public for free.

TALKS
On Feb. 27, there will be a “Talk About” Murakami, a session of discussions among diehard fans called “Harukists” and first-time Murakami readers.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)’s English professor Alona Guevarra — who specializes in Murakami studies — will lead the talks. Among the topics are Murkami’s popularity and his global appeal.

The literary discussion will be held at Ateneo’s Leong Hall, followed by an overview and sneak preview of other elements of the festival, including a performance by award-winning pianist April Dawnena Merced-Misa, who will take part in the “Listen to” Murakami segment.

On March 17, some Palanca award-winning Filipino writers will talk about Murakami’s story, his writing style, and his social influence. On March 18, two Filipino writers and running enthusiasts will talk about Murakami’s work and his dedication to running, as inspired by his memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.

The March talks will be held at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

WATCH AND LISTEN
two award-winning film adaptations of Murakami’s printed works, Norwegian Wood and Tony Takitani, will be screened at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Film Institute on March 15 and 16.

Directed by Tran Anh Hung, Norwegian Wood, published in 1987, is one of Murakami’s best-known international novels. The film portrays the inner anguish of a young man torn between two completely different women.

Also a tale of the heart, Tony Takitani, directed by Jun Ichikawa, is based on an elegant Murakami short story. Starring Issey Ogata and Rie Miyazawa, the movie tells the story of a lonely man who finally finds love.

Murakami isn’t only a marathoner, but a music lover. The author ran a small jazz bar for several years, and his love for music always finds spaces in his writings.

In honor of this aspect of the author, a music festival with some spoken word performances by David Ezra will be held on March 23 and 24 at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City.

All the events are free and open to the public. — Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

El Arabi double gives Qatar giant Al Duhail Champions League win

DOHA — Qatar giants Al Duhail stormed to the top of Group B in the AFC Champions League with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Al Wahda at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi, the leading scorer in the Qatar Stars League with 21 goals, was the hero for Djamel Belmadi’s men with a double, while Karim Boudiaf added one as Al Wahda were handed their second straight defeat in the tournament after their 5-1 loss to Lokomotiv Tashkent last week.

Al Duhail, who defeated Iran’s Zobahan 3-1 in Doha last week and are yet to taste defeat this season in Qatar in 17 league matches, made a dreadful start on Monday when Sultan al-Brake fouled Mourad Batna in the third minute.

Argentine striker and captain Sebastian Tagliabue sent the ball into the top-right corner of the net from the resulting penalty to put the hosts ahead in front of their home crowd.

Al Duhail failed to make good of the several chances that came their way after that, but eventually found the equalizer in the 57th minute when El Arabi shot home from just six yards after a pass from Youssef Msakni.

Al Wahda struggled to contain Al Duhail after that and conceded the lead in the 75th minute when a deflected ball fell near Boudiaf who made no mistake for his third goal of the tournament in two matches.

El Arabi then made it 3-1 with an 80th-minute header after an assist from al-Brake to compound Al Wahda’s woes.

And although the hosts pulled one back in the 90th minute through Batna courtesy of another penalty, it couldn’t prevent them from slumping to the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al Gharafa also won, beating Tractorsazi Tabriz of Iran 3-0 in a Group A clash in Doha.

New signing Mehdi Taremi was on target twice for the hosts, scoring in the 11th minute and adding a late goal in second-half injury time.

Al Gharafa, who had lost 3-2 to the UAE’s Al Jazira in their opening game of the tournament, found their score boosted by an own goal by Tractorsazi’s Sime Gregov in the 21st minute.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Zobahan defeated Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv 2-0 with Morteza Tabrizi and Mohamedreza Hosseini scoring in the second half.

In a late night match, Saudi Arabia’s Ahli beat Al Jazira 2-1. Taisir al-Jassim and Mohanad Aseri scored for the winners, while Al Jazira’s only goal came from an own goal, scored by Yasser al-Mosailem. — AFP

ALI in list of world’s most sustainable companies

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) is the only Philippine company included in The Sustainability Yearbook 2018 as one of the most sustainable companies in the world.

In a statement, ALI said the company was 16 points away from the global industry best, narrowing the previous year’s 24-point gap.

Released annually by RobecoSAM, the Sustainability Yearbook is considered the world’s most comprehensive publication on corporate sustainability. To be included, a company must be within the top 15% of its industry and must get a score within 30% of its industry’s top performing company.

The property giant is committed to undertake an aggressive carbon-neutral program that will offset the projected 490,000 tons of carbon emissions from its commercial properties by 2022.

Among its initiatives include “natural light and cooling design, energy efficiency, renewable energy sourcing, and carbon offset mechanisms such as forest regeneration and protection,” ALI said.

To meet its goal, ALI is taking a three-pronged approach by dedicating 450 hectares of its land bank to carbon forests along with efforts to implement passive cooling design in its developments, and shift to renewable energy.

By the end of the program, the real estate company expects the usage of renewable energy in its malls, offices and hotels to increase to 80% from the current 10%.

Ayala Land is setting aside 4.5% or 450 hectares (has.) of its land bank to forests with the capacity to hold 68,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent across five sites located in different parts of the Philippines. These “carbon forests” are located in Lio, Palawan (50 has.); Sicogon, Iloilo (148 has.); Alaminos, Laguna (133 has.); Kan-Irag, Cebu (63 has.) and Talomo, Davao City (54 has.)

“As we continue to track our various environmental, social, governance (ESG) metrics in pursuit of carbon neutrality, our inclusion in this year’s Sustainability Yearbook is a reflection of the company’s holistic commitment to environmental conservation,” ALI Sustainability Manager Anna Maria M. Gonzales was quoted as saying in a statement.

RobecoSAM conducts its Corporate Sustainability Assessment every year with a survey of over 3,900 listed companies around the world that are eligible for inclusion in one of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Batasan exhibit raising funds for UP Fine Arts scholarships

SIXTY artworks by UP College of Fine Arts alumni have been on view at the northwing lobby of the House of Representatives in Batasan Pambansa from Feb. 19 to 21.

The Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), in partnership with the UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, Inc. launched Art for Heart’s Sake, a fund-raising art exhibit for the benefit of the UP College of Fine Arts scholarship program.

“[I believe] we should generously support our artists so they can dedicate their lives to creativity. Through creative art, they are able to enrich our culture, shape our national identity, help us gain insights into reality, as well as get our country known in distant lands,” said Carmen Pascual, UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPCFAAFI) vice-president, during the exhibit’s opening. “We buy art for the joy and pleasure of appreciating it and decorating our homes, but art is also an alternative investment. So, invest in the arts, and in the process, give support to the creators — the artists,” she said in her speech.

The exhibit showcases works by Jingjing Romero, Jonahmar Salvosa, Maan Nueva, Junyee, June Dalisay, Ruben de Jesus, Virginia P. Garcia, Yasmin Almonte, and Boysie Villavicencio, to name a few. The works — both paintings and sculptures, range from Philippine landscapes to portraits to nudes.

Painter, fashion designer, and UPCFAAFI member Boysie Villavicencio told BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the exhibit launch that the artworks’ prices range from P20,000 to P600,000.

The exhibit is open for viewing and selling to the public. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to the scholarship program. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Diether Ocampo, Andrea del Rosario among celebrities compete in Cockatoo Polo Cup

DIETHER OCAMPO and Andrea del Rosario, two celebrities who are hooked into sports.

Mr. Ocampo, a heartthrob during the 1990s, was into extreme sports while Ms. Del Rosario, a former member of the Viva Hot Babes, and has now assumed higher office as Vice-Mayor of Calatagan, was very much involved in dragon boat racing.

But they’ve found a new passion in a different field of sports — polo.

“I’ve been into extreme sports,” Mr. Ocampo told BusinessWorld in an interview. “I did motocross, I did slalom before then rally cross. I did sky diving and scuba. I briefly started with ice hockey but didn’t progress. I’m always curious on almost everything. But this one, polo, caught my attention because it takes so much patience and determination and enough passion because horses are intelligent, very smart animal. They know that as soon as you mount them, that you’re scared or sense how you feel. They can feel it. When you’re scared, they’re playful, all the more they try to scare you.”

“But there’s something in horses that I truly love. Why I was so passionate about horses? I think everyone could relate to it. Back in the day, when you were a kid, I would remember I used to ride horses in Tagaytay or Baguio, a typical thing you do on a tour. But then, I really never expected myself to have like this connection. It’s a wild animal to be considered, but the thing is, very gentle and very intelligent animal. They’re like human. They exhibit behavior almost like human. They’re very emotional, but they’re very powerful. Once you can control that, I became more obsessed about learning the psychology of horses and learning how to connect to the horse.”

His passion for horses led to the creation of the Cockatoo Polo Cup, which is now on its third year.

Mr. Ocampo, Ms. Del Rosario and GlobalPort top executive and Congressman Mikee Romero were among the prominent figures who took part in the event presented by Cathy Valencia Advance Skin Clinic recently at the North Polo Club in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The event also attracted some of the top players in the country, including Anthony Garcia, Jun Juban, Santi Lujan, Miguel Dure and international campaigners like Kathryn Fischer, Marina Rose Best, and Alexander Vogi among others.

With his new found passion in the sport, Mr. Ocampo committed to do this event annually to help uplift the level of play among Filipinos.

Like Mr. Ocampo, Ms. Del Rosario got hooked on the sport, but it was her boyfriend, Anthony Garcia, who inspired her to pursue it.

To continue her training, she was able to hook up with friends, one of them is Mr. Romero, who lent him horses to sustain his regular workout.

“I was fortunate enough to be lent horses by Congressman Mikee Romero, so I was able to continue my training,” added Ms. Del Rosario. “In any sport, if you are eager to learn, you will learn it. I just took of the fact that my boyfriend is one of the best Asian players and I had that beautiful field in America to train. It’s really addicting. I wish I could afford the sport. My boyfriend has plans for me, allowing me to participate in international tournaments. I like our partnership because he would push me to do it.”

Although the sport is regarded as a game for the elites, Mr. Ocampo is trying to uplift awareness of polo in the Philippines and he became a first-hand witness on the strong potential of Filipinos excelling in the sport when they defeated a visiting squad in a friendly event.

“Our Filipino riders beat the Malaysians. They’re the top when they played here, but they were beaten so bad by the Filipino riders — all female. We were surprised. I guess they have a strong potential to compete. We want to develop the roster for that. I know it’s just a matter of time, people like me, who is not connected with the equestrian industry, had learned to appreciate it. What more other people who are closely related to this kind of sport,” added Mr. Ocampo.

For Mr. Romero, creating more awareness in the sport thru the Cockatoo Polo Cup,

“I’m the captain of the Philippine (polo) team now, so I have to help create more awareness. It’s unfortunate we were not able to join the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games last time, but this coming SEA Games, we’ll try to put up a team. We tried to elevate the game for the grassroots just like what Diether is doing. It’s an elite sport, game of the kings as they say, but it’s not getting bigger in the Philippines, particularly here in Bulacan. I think here in Bulacan, there’s about 50 players competing,” added Mr. Romero. — Rey Joble

Harbor Star poised to enter Myanmar

HARBOR STAR Shipping Services, Inc. (TUGS) is set to enter Myanmar, as it received approval for the creation of a subsidiary in the Southeast Asian country.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Monday, the company said Myanmar’s Ministry of Planning and Finance approved the incorporation of subsidiary Harbor Star East Asia (Myanmar) Ltd.

“TUGS, through the said Myanmar subsidiary, intends to explore the territory by marketing its expertise in integrated maritime services… The entry of TUGS in Myanmar is in line with the Company’s international expansion plans,” the company said.

Harbor Star emphasized Myanmar’s strong economy, citing the International Monetary Fund’s 7.6% gross domestic product projection for 2018.

Last year, Harbor Star said it plans to spend about $8 million for domestic and international expansion.

It was previously talks with a port authority in Myanmar, as well as also looking at opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The company also planned a P1-billion follow-on offering last year but nothing has been finalized.

Harbor Star specializes in ocean towage and commerce, and navigation carriage of goods and passengers.

For the first nine months of 2017, Harbor Star reported a net income attributable to parent of P65.72 million, 27% lower than the same period last year.

As of end-September, the company’s total service income fell 6% to P915.6 million, on lower revenues from harbor assistance, lighterage services and towing services. However, this was partially offset by the recognition of P33.2 million in salvage income from the wreck removal works for a vessel that ran aground off the Saranggani Province.

Canada’s Virtue and Moir win ice dance gold

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA — Canada’s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir conjured up a magical record breaking performance to win Olympic ice dance gold on Tuesday.

The Vancouver 2010 champions looked destined for silver after French rivals Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron appeared to have stolen the show, breaking their own free dance and combined score mark.

But skating last, Virtue and Moir pulled out the dance of their lives under incredible pressure to earn 122.40 for a combined total of 206.07 points, narrowly bettering the French duo’s 205.28.

“Amazing. It was a special moment to come out last,” said Virtue.

“It was a strong last group, there was a lot of pressure, but I’m so happy with how we performed.”

In bronze, almost 13 points behind, came American brother and sister Maia and Alex Shibutani.

For Virtue, 28 and Moir, 30 this was a fifth medal to go with their Vancouver gold and silvers they won in the team and ice dance at Sochi, and gold in last week’s team event in PyeongChang.

That made the popular Canadians the most decorated figure skaters of all time.

They had led after Monday’s short program, in which Papadakis suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

Wearing a backless all in one number this time with no annoying clips to become unfastened she and her partner could not have done any more in their bid to become only France’s second ever champions in this discipline likened to ballroom dancing on ice.

They have been superb all season, becoming the first ice dancers to break the 200 point mark last year.

Their elegant and seamless routine to Beethoven’s Piano and Moonlight sonatas earned a row of level fours from the judges.

Papadakis fell into Cizeron’s arms crying, before the couple exited to the wings of the Gangneung Arena to see if their training companions in Montreal could deny them the title.

The Canadian couple began their routine to Roxanne from Moulin Rouge with many at the venue believing they were tilting at windmills.

But their energetic and sensual tango stole the rink jury’s hearts, and broke those of their two French friends’ watching their dream of Olympic glory disappear. — AFP

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