Peso expected to start the year on a strong note on remittances

January 3, 2018 | 12:13 am

THE PESO is seen to start the new year stronger against the dollar as it is boosted by the continued influx of remittances.

On Friday, the trading day of 2017, the local currency closed at P49.93 against the greenback, gaining five centavos from its P49.98-to-a-dollar finish the previous session.

The last trading week of 2017 saw the local unit rally as it returned to the P49 level for the first time in over six months.

The peso’s ascent was attributable to the reduction of long dollar positions, continuous remittance flows, and some concerns over the US tax revamp.

Traders interviewed over the weekend said the peso will likely sustain its rally against the greenback this week as overseas Filipinos continue to send home money even after the holidays.

“We’re still expecting a surge of remittance inflows, so this will continue to drive the peso,” a trader said over the phone, noting that there would be a backlog following the two-day holiday break.

Aside from this, Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist of UnionBank of the Philippines, said the peso will be boosted by upbeat views on the country’s economic growth.

“[Another driver] will be the lingering optimism on Philippine economic growth, both for [fourth quarter] and 2017 as a whole,” Mr. Asuncion said in a text message.

In mid-December, the World Bank hiked its 2017 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.7% from 6.6% previously on the back of the stronger-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the third quarter, as well as the upward revision of the second-quarter print.

Asian Development Bank also raised its economic growth projection in the Philippines for 2017 to 6.7% from 6.5%, citing robust growth and accelerated infrastructure spending.

However, Mr. Asuncion noted that: “[I]nvestors would be cautious based on expected future monetary policy tweaks.”

Market players in the US are looking at the Federal Reserve to hike their rates four or more times this year, more than their forecast of three rate hikes, as they might be compelled to normalize their policies quicker following the Republican tax overhaul.

Meanwhile, Asian currencies firmed on Tuesday, marking a strong start for the new year as sentiment was boosted by gains in the euro, while a weaker US dollar prompted further interest in Asia.

The Taiwan dollar was the biggest percentage gainer, rising 0.8% against the dollar to a more than four-year high.

The Chinese yuan was also firmer, gaining 0.1% to a near four-month high against the greenback. Growth in China’s manufacturing sector unexpectedly picked up to a four-month high in December, a private business survey showed, highlighting unexpected resilience in the world’s second-largest economy.

The South Korean won was also stronger against the dollar, edging up after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered an olive branch to South Korea, saying he was open to dialogue. Increased tensions in the Korean peninsula had served as a major detriment to the won. — K.A.N. Vidal with Reuters

Supreme Court challenge to tax reform looms

January 3, 2018 | 12:10 am

OPPOSITION legislators said they may seek to block in the Supreme Court the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, citing procedural defects in the approval of the law, such as the absence of a quorum.

“We will challenge the legality of this run-away TRAIN as it was railroaded in the House without the required quorum and distribution of approved copies to the members,” Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, member of the Makabayan bloc, said in a statement.

Mr. Zarate said that the poor do not stand to benefit since they are already tax-exempt under the old rules but will have to spend more on transportation, among others, due to higher taxes on fuel.

“Majority of our poor people will suffer more and would be mired further in poverty with the expected spike in the prices of major basic commodities and services beginning this month,” he said, estimating that about 15.2 million poor families will suffer because of tax reform.

“These would have a severe domino effect on the prices of other products and services which is further aggravated by the VAT increases on these said products themselves. The effect of this ‘price shock’ can be crippling to the 15.2 million poor families and even to the whole economy,” Mr. Zarate said.

The Makabayan bloc earlier cited the lack of a quorum during the ratification of the TRAIN bicameral report last month before Congress went on a one-month holiday break.

The TRAIN Act was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Dec. 19. The law exempts from income tax those with annual salaries of less than P250,000.

The first package of the tax reform program also charges P1 per liter of excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas starting this month, rising to P2 in 2019, and P3 in 2020 onwards. The new tax on diesel fuel is P2.50, rising to P4.50 in 2019 and P6 in 2020.

The tax on regular and unleaded premium gasoline will rise to P7 in 2018 from P4.35 in 2017 and will rise further to P9 in 2019 and P10 in 2020. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

PFF expects better, busy year for football in 2018

January 3, 2018 | 12:08 am

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Year 2017 proved to be a landmark one for local football marked by notable achievements and events that officials hope to build on in the brand-new year.

In its Christmas message posted on its official Web site, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the association in charge of affairs in the sport in the country, detailed the highlights of the year just passed as far as football goes while at the same expressed hope that 2018 will be another solid year.

Foremost of the highlights of 2017 was how the Philippine women’s national team qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 to be played in Jordan later this year.

In the qualifier held last year, the Filipina footballers made a huge impression with a quality performance, booking three wins, one draw and one loss for 10 points and good to advance to the prestigious continental competition for the first time since 2003.

The Malditas will begin their quest in the Asian Cup in April where they are lumped in Group A along with Jordan, China and Thailand. The teams will play each other once and the top two squads advance to the knockout round along with those from Group B — Japan, Australia, South Korea and Vietnam.

If the Philippines manages to move to the semifinals, it automatically qualifies for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 in France.

Also gearing up for greater heights is the national men’s team which is currently in pole position in its grouping in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers.

The Azkals are sporting a record of two wins and three draws with nine points and for good measure just have to win in their final game against Tajikistan here at home in March to formalize their entry into the Asian Cup.

Trailing the men’s team in the qualifiers are Tajikistan (2-0-2) and Yemen (1-3-0), which are tied at second spot with six points apiece.

Also making waves last year was the Philippine Girls Under-15 National Team, which again clinched a runner-up finish in the AFF Girls Under-15 Championship in May.

The PFF also touted the programs and initiatives it was able to set up in 2017 which are all geared toward the further development of the sport in the country.

Among them were the numerous FIFA and AFC coaching courses it had which were designed to give local coaches more “tools” in dispensing their duties and at the same time inspire others to make a career out of coaching.

The PFF Football Turf Field was also inaugurated last year. Funded by world-governing body FIFA, the newly built field will serve as the nucleus of the planned National Football Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The Year 2017 also saw the birth of the first national professional league, the Philippines Football League.

Planned and organized by the PFF with help from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA, the PFL saw eight pioneering clubs play a total of 112 Regular Season matches and six Finals Series matches with Bacolod-based Ceres Negros FC eventually being crowned inaugural champion.

In closing the message, the PFF, through President Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. and General-Secretary Edwin B. Gastanes, expressed its gratitude to all those which helped it make 2017 the kind of year it was and said it hopes to gain more help from various stakeholders in what it expects to be another busy year in 2018.

“We would like to thank everyone who have helped us reach where we are today. This year (2017) has been a year to remember and we expect that next year will be another busy year for Philippine football,” the message read.

DoF targets 2018 launch for key ease-of-doing-business projects

January 3, 2018 | 12:08 am

THE Department of Finance (DoF) has set 2018 launch targets for key projects intended to improve the ease of doing business, addressing current hurdles to trade and access to credit information, among others.

These platforms include the National Single Window (NSW) trade facilitation system, the Advanced Security Operations Center (ASOC) cybersecurity defense system, digital registries such as the Philippine Business Data Bank (PBDB), the Credit Information System (CIS), and a movable collateral registry system under the Land Registration Authority (LRA).

“For 2018, the DoF will continue expanding the NSW to realize the goal of connecting a total of 76 government agencies online to the BoC (Bureau of Customs),” the agency said in a statement yesterday.

The NSW, also known as TradeNet, was launched in December and is expected to shorten the processing time of import/export clearances, reduce the number of transactions and required documents to be submitted.

It also serves as the Philippines’ link to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Single Window (ASW) gateway to speed up cargo clearances and promote economic integration by enabling the electronic exchange of border documents among the organization’s 10 member-states.

Currently, the system is only available for inbound and outbound shipments of rice, sugar, used motor vehicles, chemicals such as toluene, frozen meat, medicines for humans and animals and cured tobacco, regulated by 16 government agencies overall.

“The cybersecurity system will be set up through an Advanced Security Operations Center (ASOC) and would involve deploying communication ‘brokers’ to connect all online security appliances of each attached agency to this ASOC,” the DoF said.

“By 2021, the DoF expects the system to be fully in place and operational. The DoF will also work with the DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) to ensure the sustainability of the system,” it added.

The program aims to ensure that the government’s online portals and communication systems are secure against cyberattack.

Meanwhile, the Finance department said that the Online Unified Business Permit Application Form under the Philippine Business Data Bank “could be pilot-tested by the first quarter of this year.”

The PBDB platform — a universal registry of businesses’ public information — was piloted by the Quezon City government in December. Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran said in the statement that he hopes “to cover all 1,634 local government units nationwide within a two-year period.”

Mr. Beltran said that the online business platform will aid the Securities and Exchange Commission in seamlessly launching the CIS and the movable collateral registry this year, after the targeted approval by Congress of the amendments to the Warehouse Receipts Law, or Republic Act No. 2137, within the year.

The amendment overhauls the 105-year-old law to provide a legal basis for a computerized central registry for all warehouse receipts, which are used by the agriculture sector as collateral to obtain credit.

Farmers are issued warehouse receipts as proof of ownership of their goods stored in warehouses. Such receipts are then traded or encumbered in exchange for credit to informal lenders as banks are often hesitant to extend loans using unreliable and easily-counterfeited paper receipts as collateral.

“Both these initiatives aim to benefit micro, small and medium enterprises as the CIS would help banks assess the credit worthiness of its potential borrowers using a credit information database, while the movable collateral registry system will enhance and simplify the process on taking movable assets, such as inventory, equipment, sales contracts, quedan and other intangible assets as collateral,” the DoF said. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Gallup poll ranks PHL 3rd place among happiest countries

January 3, 2018 | 12:07 am

THE PHILIPPINES — which had been in the global limelight amid a fierce anti-drug campaign on the Duterte administration’s watch — placed third among the ten happiest countries in the world, according to a survey on 55 countries by Gallup International covering the period of October to December last year.

Gallup’s 41^st Annual Global End of Year Survey showed the Philippines with a net score of +84, below top scorer Fiji’s +92 and Colombia’s +87 and above Mexico, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, and Argentina and the Netherlands sharing the 10th spot at +64.

Iran led the Top 10 Unhappy Countries with a net score of +5, followed by Iraq, Ukraine, Greece, Moldova, Brazil, Hong Kong, South Africa, Turkey, and Ghana at the 10^th spot.

Among the Top 10 Optimists, Kosovo and the Philippines placed eighth and ninth with each having a net score of +40, above Sweden’s +38. Indonesia topped the optimists, followed by Nigeria, Fiji, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Albania on 7^th place; while Italy led the Top 10 Pessimists, followed by Greece, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Turkey, Republic of Korea, and Ukraine, Latvia and South Africa on the 10^th spot.

In the Economic Optimism Index, the Philippines placed fifth in its economic outlook toward the new year, with a net score of +32 (optimists +42 over pessimists +10). Nigeria led the optimists with a net score of +59, followed by Vietnam’s +55, Indonesia’s +53, and India’s +46.

On the other hand, the survey noted, “Economic optimism has declined over the last months. The study shows that 28% of the world is now optimistic for the economic outlook in 2018, but the economic pessimism is 2 points higher. Net optimism (the shares of those saying the next year will be one of economic prosperity minus the shares of those who say the next year will be one of economic difficulties) has shown a downward trend +23 (at the end of 2015), +20 (at the end of 2016) to -2 (at the end of 2017).”

“About two-thirds (59%) of the surveyed world claim they are happy. This is almost 10 points lower than twelve months ago. 2017 was a tough year with terrorist attacks over almost each week and it may have influenced personal lives all around the world. Nevertheless, a majority in all polled countries are happy,” the survey said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in part about the latest poll: “(H)ope about the country’s economic prosperity and hope about the new year can be attributed to the palpable change our people have felt under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Our economy is one of the fastest growing in the region. The local stock market ended the last trading day of 2017 in an all time-high. Board of Investments-approved investments are record-breaking. The government decisively liberated Marawi.

“Our people have, indeed, appreciated these changes as reflected in the survey numbers. The challenge, therefore, is for us in the government to sustain the pace and momentum of our economic growth and bring it to the greatest number of our people.”

Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar, for his part, said: “While Gallup places the Philippines as the third happiest country in the world with a net score of +84 and two places behind Fiji, many Filipinos will agree that we are the happiest people in the world despite our circumstances.”

“In the coming months and years of this administration, we are determined to give greater substance and a more solid foundation for our people’s happiness through a booming economy, effective governance, enduring peace and justice.” — with Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz and Arjay L. Balinbin

New Year, new shows

January 3, 2018 | 12:07 am

WITH THE NEW YEAR comes new shows and encores to the delight of theater fans. Here are some of the plays, musicals, ballets, and a special music festival which are scheduled for the first half of 2018.

Comedy of Tenors
Jan. 26 to Feb. 18
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

Set in 1930s Paris hours before an important concert, a harassed producer and his assistant, a temperamental Italian tenor singer and his passionate wife, their daughter and her lover, a singing waiter, and an opera diva suddenly find themselves together in a room. What ensues inside that room is a comedy and chaos of mistaken identities, mayhems, and bedroom fun.

Repetory Philippines’ Comedy of Tenors is directed by Miguel Faustmann and stars Loy Martinez, Jeremy Domingo, Noel Rayos, Issa Litton, Mica Pineda, Arman Ferrer, and Sheila Martinez.

’Night Mother
Feb. 2 to March 3
PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City

Closing the 50^th season of the Philippine Educational Theater Association — better known as PETA — ’Night Mother is a powerful drama that tackles mental health and relationships. Starring Eugene Domingo and Sherry Lara, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama tells the tale of a mother-daughter household and their relationship when, on a rather ordinary night, Jessie (Domingo) announces her plans to kill herself before another day begins and her mom, Thelma (Lara), works to convince her that life is worth living.

Don Quixote
Feb. 9-18
Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Ballet Philippines’ last show in its 48^th season is a classic — Don Quixote which is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ tale. The ballet follows the adventures of Don Quixote in Barcelona where he meets Kitri, an innkeeper’s daughter whom he thinks is his ladylove Dulcinea. Kitri is in turn enamored by Basilio, the town barber of whom her father doesn’t approve. Mayhem ensues as the gentleman from La Mancha unwittingly helps the two lovers have their happy ending.

Ballet and Ballads
Feb. 10 and 18
Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Part of “Flights of Fantasy,” the 22^nd performance season of Ballet Manila, comes this concert featuring the ballet company’s dancers and balladeer Christian Bautista.

Himala the Musical
Feb. 10 to March 4
Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Makati City

Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical present the musical based on the masterful 1982 film by writer Ricky Lee and director Ishmael Bernal, Himala (Miracle), about Elsa, a woman who symbolically becomes the savior of a small town longing to find peace and an end to its misery. In 2004 Himala was translated from the screen to the stage via a musical featuring music and lyrics by Vincent de Jesus, script by Mr. Lee, and orchestration by Jed Balsamo. The revival stars Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, Sandino Martin, Kakki Teodoro, Neomi Gonzales, David Ezra, and Floyd Tena.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Feb. 22 to March 25
Newport Performing Arts, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport Blvd., Pasay City

After a successful run in 2017, this “fantasmagorical” family musical returns to the Newport stage. Based on the film directed by Ken Hughes and written by Roald Dahl and Hughes, which in turn was based on a novel by Ian Flemming — who is best known as the creator of James Bond — Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the tale of struggling inventor Caractacus Potts (Gian Magdangal) who, together with his children Jeremy (Noel Comia/Albert Silos alternating) and Jemima (Isabeli Araneta-Elizalde/Zoey Alvarade), and his love interest Truly Scrumptious (Yanah Laurel), sets out on an adventure aboard a restored race car — which magically flies — to the faraway land of Vulgaria to face its spiteful ruler Baron Bomburst (Raymund Concepcion). Also in the cast are Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Michael Williams, Lorenz Martinez, Mako Alonso, Reb Atadero, and James Paolleli.

The 43^rd International Bamboo Organ Festival
Feb. 23-26 and Feb. 28
St. Joseph Parish Church, Pas Piñas City and the San Ezekiel Moreno Oratory, Villar Sipag Cmpd., C-5 Extension Rd., Pulanglupa, Las Piñas City

Classical music lovers look forward to this yearly treat when the only bamboo organ in the world takes centerstage in a festival of classic and church music. This year’s festival includes the concerts Sing to Him with Psalms…Italian Baroque Music on Feb. 23 and 25, and A Night of My Favorites on Feb. 24, all at the parish church; and The Splendor of Choral Music on Feb. 28 at the oratory.

Kinky Boots
March 2-18
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Gil Puyat Aves., Makati City

The Kinky Boots squad returns on stage to tell the funny and inspiring story of a fabulous entertainer called Lola (Nyoy Volante) and Charlie (Laurence Mossman), a struggling shoe factory owner, as they forge a friendship that will test their dreams — and their sturdy kinky boots.

The award-winning musical show (it won, among others, a Tony, Grammy, and London’s Olivier Award) has music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. The Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group’s production, which had a very successful run in 2017, is directed by Bobby Garcia.

Silent Sky
March 2-26
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

Repertory Philippines presents this Lauren Gunderson play which tells the true story of a woman who literally reached for the stars — Henrietta Levitt whose pioneering work in the 1920s was responsible for the discovery of the existence of galaxies other than our own. Told with a great deal of humor, the play follows Henrietta from her small hometown to Harvard. Directed by Joy Virata, it stars Kathy Azanza Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Naths Everette, Sheila Francisco, and Topper Fabregas.

The Lion King
March 18 to April 22
The Theatre, Solaire Resort & Casino, Entertainment City, Tambo, Parañaque City

Get ready to relive the iconic songs “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” as Michael Cassel Group and Concertus Manila, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, make Metro Manila one of the stops in the first international tour of The Lion King.

Under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King tour marks the 20^th anniversary of the stage musical and leads up to the 25^th anniversary of the animated movie it is based on. The show won six Tony Awards in 1998 and has earned more than 70 major awards since it started, including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year, and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

Arsenic and Old Lace
April 6-29
Onstage Theater, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City

For the third time in 50 years, Repertory Philippines is restaging the 1929 classic Joseph Kesserling farce Arsenic and Old Lace, the tale of two sweet old ladies who, aided by their slightly off nephew, keep their lonely houseguests eternally with them by offering them a sip of their elderberry wine. When another nephew discovers their special brand of hospitality, he finds himself trying to protect them from the law while keeping the secret from his fiance. Directed by Jamie Wilson, it stars Joy Virata, Jay Glorioso, Raymond Concepcion, Jeremy Domingo, Barbara Jance, Nelsito Gomez, Nino Alejandro, Miguel Faustmann, Steven Conde, and Gabe Mercado.

Ginebra’s Jervy Cruz: Success through hard work and being ready

January 3, 2018 | 12:07 am

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

NOW on his ninth year in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings forward Jervy Cruz said he is very much proud of what he has achieved so far in the local pro league especially since it is a product of his hard work, being ready and commitment to growth.

Drafted fourth overall by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2009 PBA Draft after being a champion and most valuable player in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines while playing for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, the 6’4” Cruz has had a solid PBA career.

While his has not been a marquee-type one, still Mr. Cruz has been a steady contributor to the teams he has played for that has seen him become a three-time PBA champion and earn the praise and respect of his peers and coaches.

“I’m entering my ninth year in the league, and I have to say that key to my success and staying this long in the PBA has been hard work, being ready when called upon, continuous growth and getting along well with my teammates and coaches,” said Mr. Cruz in a recent interview with BusinessWorld.

It is something he takes special pride in more so because among those in his rookie batch he is one of the few left in the PBA.

“For me to stay this long is an achievement in itself. I think in my batch there are only four or five of us left in the PBA,” he said, referring to teammate Japeth Aguilar, San Miguel’s Chris Ross, Rain or Shine’s Ronnie Matias and Blackwater’s James Sena as those left standing with him from Batch 2009.

The 31-year-old Cruz said it has not been easy especially for players like him who are considered “undersized” for the power forward and center position, but he said he is managing by working on his game and coming in prepared game in and game out.

“Right now it seems like you have to be 6’7”, 6’8” or 6’9” to play center or power forward but I still believe there is a place for us (undersized front court players) here. You just have to work hard and keep on improving to stay in the league,” said Mr. Cruz, who is also a brand ambassador of sports brand Under Armour.

“I’m always ready with the physical game. I understand they are bigger than me so as much as possible you have to hold your own against them. I’m also working on my agility and shooting to give myself an advantage as well over the league’s big men,” he added, mentioning the likes of San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and incoming rookie Christian Standhardinger, TNT’s Mo Tautuaa, Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan and imports as some of the players he has to deal with.

Playing behind All-Stars Greg Slaughter, Joe DeVance and Mr. Aguilar in Barangay Ginebra, Nueva Ecija native Cruz said he does not mind it for he knows fully the thrust of the team and where he figures in it.

“As player and competitor, of course I want to play more but I understand my role in the team. I’ll make the most of the opportunity given to me and will make it a point to be ready each time,” he said.

In their lone game so far in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup — an 89-78 win over the Magnolia Hotshots on Christmas Day — Mr. Cruz played efficiently in 19 minutes, finishing with 12 points on 62% shooting (five-of-eight) to go along with eight rebounds.

The Kings return to action on Sunday, Jan. 7, against GlobalPort Batang Pier.

TRAIN proceeds should improve commuter train system, Angara says

January 3, 2018 | 12:06 am

THE GOVERNMENT should use its additional revenue from tax reform, known as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, to fix Metro Manila’s commuter rail system, Sen. Juan Edgardo M. Angara said in a statement.

“The TRAIN law should fix our trains,” he said, adding in Filipino: “It is not just that thousands of commuters suffer from poor service from the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT). The government should ensure that taxes collected go to programs that every Filipino can benefit from.”

Mr. Angara, who chairs the Senate ways and means committee, noted that “for the entire 2017, the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) broke down more than 500 times, with thousands of passengers forced to disembark due to disrupted operations.”

Mr. Angara also noted that “under Republic Act 10963 or the TRAIN law, 70% of the yearly incremental revenues generated will be allocated to the Build, Build, Build Program and other infrastructure programs that seek to address congestion through better mass transport and new road networks.”

“If we provide the public an efficient, dependable, safe and affordable public transport system, it would definitely encourage more Filipinos to take mass transit rather than use their own cars, which would reduce traffic congestion,” Mr. Angara added.

Part of the 70% will also go to projects that seek to enhance military infrastructure, sports facilities in public schools, and the drinking water supply.

The other 30% of revenue from TRAIN law will be allocated to social mitigating measures and investments in education, health, targeted nutrition, and anti-hunger programs, social protection, employment, and housing that prioritize and directly benefit both the poor and near-poor households.

“Apart from higher take-home pay because of lower income tax rates, Filipinos should see improved public services as this law intended,” Mr. Angara added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Fitness scare for Muguruza as Brisbane proves too hot

January 3, 2018 | 12:06 am

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — World number two Garbine Muguruza suffered a fitness scare ahead of this month’s Australian Open when she was forced to retire from the Brisbane International on Tuesday with severe cramping.

Wimbledon champion Muguruza was ahead 2-1 in the deciding set against Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic in the second round of the warm-up tournament for the season’s first Grand Slam event when she collapsed to the ground following a serve.

The Spanish top seed was unable to continue and handed the match to Krunic 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 2-1.

Muguruza had won a tight first set and appeared heading for a straight sets win over Krunic when she opened up a 5-2 lead in the second.

However, she began to struggle in the 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) heat and oppressive humidity as Krunic fought back to win the second set on a tie break.

Muguruza received treatment from the physio on court before the start of the decider and broke Krunic only to collapse while serving to consolidate the service break.

The loss ends any hope Muguruza had of leapfrogging Simona Halep and becoming world number one before the seedings are decided for Australian Open which begins on Jan. 15.

Krunic will now play either Sorana Cirstea or Anastasija Sevastova in the quarterfinals. — AFP

British panto brings a contemporary twist to fairy tales

January 3, 2018 | 12:06 am

LONDON — A figure styled as Donald Trump is booed off stage by a rowdy audience enjoying the thrills of British pantomime, bringing a contemporary twist to traditional fairy tales.

Up and down the country over the festive season, children and adults alike flock to theaters to watch a “panto” — complete with princesses, political jibes, and innuendo.

Audiences attending pantomimes instinctively know when to yell out stock phrases such as “He’s behind you!” while newcomers quickly learn when to join the collective hissing or cheering.

“Lots of Americans who come in are just wide-eyed and can’t believe it! And by the end they’ve got it, they’re joining in too,” said Susie McKenna, director and actor who plays the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella at London’s Hackney Empire Theater.

“It is definitely unique, it is definitely quintessentially British.”

Pantomime traces its origins to the 16^th century Commedia dell’Arte, a form of Italian street theater which travelled to Britain, according to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

It was transformed through London theaters, initially with music but no dialogue, morphing into the familiar Christmas panto during the Victorian era.

Pantomimes are now staged at theaters across Britain, often starring a local celebrity and actors of all ages.

In Hackney, McKenna has been writing the annual festive show for nearly 20 years and has become accustomed to another tradition — weaving in references to recent events.

“This year because we were talking about the travesty that is Brexit, we have a character who’s Italian who’s going to be deported,” she lamented, reflecting the views of the largely pro-EU neighborhood.

Tax havens and fake news also get a mention, while the brief appearance of Trump at the royal ball — which Cinderella flees at midnight — speaks to the ongoing saga of the US president’s planned state visit to the UK.

“So many people have said to me it was such a release, to feel that they could boo him,” said McKenna, recalling audiences’ delight when Trump is banished from the ball.

For Darren Hart, who plays Cinderella’s best friend Buttons, contemporary audiences are open to a recap of news alongside their musical theater.

“That’s how fast society is now and how fast we are with our media,” he said.

“Referencing social culture but having our twist on it, and allowing the audience to debate it more afterwards.”

WEINSTEIN SCANDAL
While pantomimes fill big theaters, new spaces are also tackling the genre with one London show this season being performed in a converted caravan.

Caravantomime takes on the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, whose star joins forces with a lost Cinderella to change both their destinies.

“With a bit of sense of humor, we question what’s going on in certain fairy tales, and we absolutely bring in what’s been happening,” said Robin Steegman, creator of the 20-minute show she describes as an “anti-panto.”

Steegman gives her heroines the agency they lack in their original stories, while also making direct reference to disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein — who is facing multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.

“Sexual harassment, I think, especially in this climate, it’s good to bring it to life that it happens in many situations,” she said.

But although Steegman has overhauled the fairytale ending, her play has kept true to panto form with its wider cultural references and men in drag.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
As well established as the pantomime horse — played by two actors inside a furry costume — the pantomime sees a male actor take on a lead female role.

While men and boys have played female parts for centuries in Britain, largely due to societal restrictions placed on women, Hart believes that continuing to bend the gender norms can help children become more open-minded as they grow up.

“What it allows them to do is to break down those barriers that may form later on in life and the questions they may ask. Because a lot of children don’t question it,” he said.

But beyond the celebrated traditions on stage, the key to a successful panto is the audience.

“It’s different to normal theater, because normal theater is like watching a TV boxset but it’s live,” said Aisha Jawando, who plays Cinderella at Hackney Empire.

“Panto is very inclusive. We want to hear people making noise,” she added.

Hart agreed, rolling off a list of pantomime essentials including a good script and a great dame.

“The last thing is an audience that is willing to have a good time. There’s no point coming to a panto expecting to just sit there and watch it, it’s a waste!” — AFP

NCCC, SSI suspended after fire

January 3, 2018 | 12:06 am

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has issued a suspension order on the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) in Davao as an economic zone developer and American market research company Research Now SSI as a locator after the Dec. 23 mall fire that led to 38 dead.

PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza told reporters in a year-end briefing last Friday that both NCCC and SSI had been registered since 2008 after the mall was built but had failed to comply with the requirements to annually renew their permits since 2013.

Ms. Plaza also said NCCC and SSI had failed to furnish their own preventive maintenance test record. “They (SSI) missed also…conduct(ing) the fire exit drills at least twice a year wherein employees are trained to use the portable fire extinguishers and perform fire evacuation drills,” she added.

Further, they failed to submit proof of compliance for the 2013 to 2016 annual inspection reports secure fire safety inspection certificates from 2013 to 2017.

“What happened was they were already dependent with the LGU and the local issuance and they ignored us but we have been writing to them every year. Maybe that is what the PEZA missed (SSI enjoying PEZA benefits) but that is what we are trying to straighten,” Ms. Plaza said.

Deputy Director General for Operations Mary Harriet O. Abordo said the suspension will last until the ongoing investigation clears them of safety hazard. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

Manila Biennale 2018 passes are now available

January 3, 2018 | 12:05 am

PASSES for events in the first Manila Biennale — an arts festival set inside Manila’s walled city of Intramuros from Feb. 2 to March 5 — are now available.

Visitors can access the various events and exhibits in three ways: a “passport” which is good for the entire month, day passes, and student passes.

For the duration of the festival, Intramuros’ many gardens, plazas, chambers, and museums will transform into public platforms for art, performance and expression. It includes curated exhibitions, a play performed inside a centuries old chamber, art workshops, lectures, outdoor movies, parties, and concerts.

The theme of the first Manila Biennale is “Open City,” referring to 17^th century Manila’s role in the Galleon Trade, a time when the Philippines welcomed new people, products, and ideas, and also references World War II and the tragic events that led to Intramuros’ destruction in 1945.

The Manila Biennale hopes to revive Intramuros and transform it into a vibrant arts and cultural center.

The “art passport” is valid for the entire month and costs P5,300. This gives buyers access to the Aduana lounge at the Plaza San Luis; entrance to all exhibition sites inside Intramuros; transportation via e-trike to exhibition sites; one ticket to the Artists Ball on Feb. 21; one ticket to the Manila Transitio Memorial Concert on Feb. 25; priority reservations for all lectures, movies, programs, and performances of the Open City Festival programming; exclusive invitations to specially planned tours and event; and discounts and special deals with Manila Biennale partners. The passport is valid throughout the biennale.

The day passes, which cost P880, include entrance to all exhibition sites inside Intramuros and transportation via e-trike to exhibition sites. The pass is valid for one day or until all exhibition sites have been covered.

The student pass, which costs P350, includes entrance to all exhibition sites inside Intramuros and is valid for one day or until all exhibition sites have been covered.

All tours and events managed by La Crazy Nun Boutique Tours, Stages, and Intramuros administration.

For details, e-mail opencity@manilabiennale.ph. Call or e-mail to inquire about student field trip packages and discounts for large groups at 484-4945 and 0936-888-6478.

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