Coco and Mexico’s Day of the Dead rule at the N. American box office

December 5, 2017 | 12:06 am

LOS ANGELES — The animated Disney and Pixar hit Coco ruled at the North American box offices for a second week, figures out Sunday showed, beating out superheroes, dramas and Christmas comedies.

The film tells the story of a 12-year-old Mexican, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), who longs to become a musician but faces a generations-old family ban on music. It netted an estimated $26 million for the three-day weekend and $109 million since it opened over the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Exhibitor Relations said.

Coco, which takes Miguel into the magical Land of the Dead, where trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) helps him unravel a deep family secret, received a rare A+ rating from audiences surveyed by CinemaScore.

In second place again this weekend was Warner Bros.’ film Justice League, with a three-day take of $16.6 million in its third week out. The superhero all-star cast of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, and Jason Momoa — Khal Drogo of Game of Thrones — as Aquaman joining to fend off supervillain Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds).

Third, also in its third week out, was Lionsgate’s feel-good film Wonder, which netted $12.5 million over the weekend. The movie, starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay, tells the story of a fifth-grade boy with a facial deformity who must deal with other children’s shock and bullying when he first attends a mainstream school.

Thor: Ragnarok, from Disney-owned Marvel, claimed fourth place with $9.7 million. The film features the self-effacing humor of Chris Hemsworth as the powerful Norse god and Cate Blanchett as death goddess Hela. Thor has netted $291.4 million since its debut five weeks ago.

In fifth place was the Christmas comedy Daddy’s Home 2 from Paramount, netting $4.5 million over the weekend. It stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg as the less-than-competent co-parents of Wahlberg’s kids as they cope with their own visiting fathers (John Lithgow and Mel Gibson). The movie has netted $88 million since its debut four weeks ago.

None of the week’s newly released movies cracked the top 10 list.

Rounding out the list were: Murder on the Orient Express ($6.7 million); Lady Bird ($4.54 million); Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri ($4.53 million); The Star ($4 million); and, A Bad Moms Christmas ($3.48 million). — AFP

Rush to renewables saddling PHL with costly power — DoE

December 5, 2017 | 12:06 am

THE PHILIPPINES has embraced renewable energy but may be paying the price in the form of increased power costs, deterring industries from locating here, the Department of Energy (DoE) said.

“We at DoE are trying to find ways to make our electricity more affordable, more competitive,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a news conference on Monday. “I’m having a hard time thinking because our electricity tariff is expensive.”

He said climate change has encourage the country to turn to renewables. He added that the Philippines is way ahead of other countries not only in the region or Asia as it has efficiently developed renewable energy sources from hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind.

As of June, renewable energy accounted for 32.6% or 7,038 megawatts (MW) of total installed capacity, with dependable capacity at 31.7% or 6,199 MW.

“Our carbon footprint is only 0.4%,” he said.

However, he said in embracing renewables the country seems to have been penalized with higher electricity tariffs, which is said to be the second-highest in Asia.

“We are uncompetitive in our region,” he said, with investment pouring into other countries “that continue to use coal and nuclear.”

He said although the country is “happy” in promoting renewable energy, it should also be rewarded for doing the right thing.

“Can we not ask also the Climate Change Commission to [tell] manufacturing companies to go to countries where energy is cleaner, the power source is cleaner, even though it is more expensive,” he said.

“Why can’t we have that outlook,” he said in Filipino. “I hope industries eventually prefer to locate in countries where the source of energy is clean.”

He said in wealthier countries, consumers can demand that their electricity distributors supply clean energy. He said the Philippines would need to put up a “smart” grid to allow end-users to elect their preferred power source.

The DoE held the news conference in its headquarters in Taguig City to observe the annual National Energy Consciousness Month, which was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda. During the event, Energy officials unveiled four electric vehicles, four plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and a charging station. — Victor V. Saulon

Dalaguete mayor gets 3-month suspension for negligence

December 5, 2017 | 12:06 am

THE OFFICE of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension for three months of Mayor Ronald Allan G. Cesante of Dalaguete, Cebu and seven other town officials for neglect of duty arising from the sinking of a boat that was under the local government’s custody. Investigation showed that the fishing boat was in the custody of respondents after it was seized for violation of the Fisheries Code. On Nov. 26, 2014, during the onslaught of typhoon Queen, the boat sank despite persistent pleas and requests to relocate the boat to a safer location by the owners Rusell and Jowleyn Heredia. According to the Ombudsman, “the record establishes respondents’ failure to preserve the vessel seized. Despite repeated requests to transfer the vessel to a safer location amidst the coming typhoon, the respondents have the complainants the run-around to avoid the responsibility of giving the clearance to move the vessel.” The seven others who were found guilty of simple misconduct and neglect of duty were Municipal Administrator Rydal Cisneros, Chief of Police Clito Pia, Division Head Almar Villahermosa, Agricultural Technician Juana Tangpos, Peter Bejarasco, Municipal Deputy Fish Wardens Felipe Calisang and Juan Millan.

Warriors dominate 3rd quarter to thump Miami Heat, 123-95

December 5, 2017 | 12:06 am

LOS ANGELES — The NBA champion Golden State Warriors rode a dominant third quarter to a decisive 123-95 victory over the Heat in Miami on Sunday.

Miami took a 36-33 first-quarter lead despite 16 points in the period from Stephen Curry.

The Warriors then saw forward Shaun Livingston ejected in the second quarter after making contact with a game official while arguing a non-call.

But the Warriors roared ahead in the third quarter, opening the second half with a dunk from Kevin Durant en route to a 12-2 scoring run.

The Warriors outscored the Heat 37-17 in the third to take a 99-77 lead into the final frame.

Curry finished with 30 points as the Warriors improved to 3-0 on their current road trip.

Durant added 24 and Klay Thompson scored 19.

The Warriors seemed fired up by the ejection of Livingston, who thought he was fouled on a shot attempt and leaned in to argue with the referee. He bumped heads with the official, who also appeared to be moving forward, and was instantly sent to the locker room.

OKC THUNDER
The Oklahoma City Thunder held off the depleted San Antonio Spurs 90-87, aided by Russell Westbrook’s seventh triple-double of the season.

Westbrook scored 22 points with 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Thunder, who led 90-82 before failing to score in the final 3:34.

A turnover in the closing seconds gave San Antonio a chance to tie the game, but Brandon Paul missed a three-pointer and Oklahoma City’s Raymond Felton grabbed the rebound to seal it.

Steven Adams added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, whose 20 turnovers made it closer than was comfortable against a Spurs team missing Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Spurs forward Kyle Anderson suffered a sprained knee when he went down hard under the basket in the third quarter. He hit the court in obvious pain and had to be helped to the locker room.

BUTLER LEADS TIMBERWOLVES
In Minneapolis, Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 33 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, as the Timberwolves out-dueled the Los Angeles Clippers, 112-106.

Karl-Anthony Towns notched his league-leading 19^th double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds and Taj Gibson added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who surrendered a fourth-quarter lead before Butler pulled them through.

Austin Rivers scored 30 points for the Clippers, equaling his career-best with seven three pointers.

DeAndre Jordan had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, who were again without injured starters Blake Griffin, Patrick Beverley, Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic.

The Orlando Magic encountered little resistance in a 105-101 victory over the short-handed New York Knicks.

Nikola Vucevic scored 34 points, Evan Fournier added 20 and Jonathon Simmons chipped in 16 as all five Magic starters scored in double figures.

The Knicks, already without leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis who missed his third straight game with an ankle injury and a apparent flu, announced shortly before tip-off that second-leading scorer Tim Hardaway would be sidelined by a leg injury.

In their absence Michael Beasley led the Knicks with 21 points. Courtney Lee had 19 and Enes Kanter had 18 points with 16 rebounds.

Vucevic dominated his matchup with Kanter, scoring 12 of his points in the fourth quarter as the Magic thwarted a Knicks’ rally.

“I was just being aggressive whenever I got a good look at the basket,” Vucevic said. “In the fourth quarter, we needed to close the game, so I wanted to keep my aggressiveness and carry my team until the end.” — AFP

Industry lobby says coal excise defeats gov’t inclusivity goals

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) said plans to increase the excise tax on thermal coal used by power plants threatens to derail growth, possibly upending government plans to make the economy more inclusive.

“To continue unlocking our country’s economic potential and improve living standards, power supply must be delivered in an accessible, affordable, reliable, sustained and competitive manner,” PCCI President George T. Barcelon said in statement on Monday, adding that economic growth needs to rise beyond “7% per annum in order to make real significant comparative gains over our neighbors in the region and achieve real inclusiveness.”

Mr. Barcelon said that “Within ASEAN, we have one of the highest unemployment rates of 5.5% of the population; the second highest poverty level with 22% of the population below poverty line… and we rank as the 3^rd lowest in secondary education enrolment at 60.5% of the population.”

He said “any policy affecting the quality and costs of power supply should be approached with active awareness and purpose of enhancing the key elements of our economy and that the same shall promote sensitive inclusiveness,” noting that “power quality and costs are among those critical elements that are always viewed with clinical valuation by foreign and local investors.”

The PCCI president also warned that “many (investors) left some years ago due to high and unpredictable power costs and policies.”

Tax reform legislation under Senate Bill 1592, which is currently being reconciled with the House version in bicameral conference, increases the coal excise tax from P10 per metric ton (/MT) currently to P100/MT in the first year of implementation, P200/MT in the second year and P300/MT starting the third year.

Mr. Barcelon said the potential rise in power prices comes at a critical time for foreign investment in the Philippines.

“We now enjoy this rare opportunity when our country is catching the eye of the international business community, so let us not rock the boat, as it were,” Mr. Barcelon added.

For his part, Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who chairs his chamber’s committee on energy, said the coal tax impact can be mitigated by implementing the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) of the 16-year old Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), which is expected to foster competition among electricity suppliers.

“With the coal tax in place, all the more that we need to implement RCOA to democratize our power sector. The RCOA will help lower costs to protect consumers from the inflationary effects of the coal tax,” Mr. Gatchalian said in a statement.

Mr. Gatchalian has estimated an “increase of P10 in the monthly electricity bills of average households in 2018, P20 by 2019, and P28 by 2020, noting that these estimates are bound to grow as new coal plants come online in the near future.”

“I was the lone dissenter on the coal tax because we all know that this will be passed on to consumers,” Mr. Gatchalian said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Facebook opens new London HQ, to create 800 UK jobs

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

LONDON — Facebook opens its new London office on Monday and said it would add 800 more jobs in the capital next year, underlining its commitment to Britain as the country prepares for Brexit.

The social network said more than half of the people working at the site in central London will focus on engineering, making it Facebook’s biggest engineering hub outside the United States.

It will also house Facebook’s first in-house start-up incubator, called LDN_LAB, designed to help kick start fledgling British digital businesses.

EMEA Vice-President Nicola Mendelsohn said Facebook was more committed than ever to the UK and supporting the growth of the country’s innovative start-ups.

“The UK’s flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem and international reputation for engineering excellence makes it one of the best places in the world to build a tech company,” she said.

“And we’ve built our company here — this country has been a huge part of Facebook’s story over the past decade, and I look forward to continuing our work to achieve our mission of bringing the world closer together.”

The new jobs, which come 10 years after the company set up its first London office, will take Facebook’s total British work force to more than 2,300 by the end of 2018, it said.

Facebook, along with other US digital giants including Google and Amazon, has not been deterred from expanding in London by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.

It announced the new headquarters last year, shortly after Google said it was building a new hub in the city that will be able to accommodate more than 7,000 employees in total.

Facebook’s new office in the capital’s West End, designed by architect Frank Gehry, will house engineers, developers, marketing and sales teams working on products like Workplace, its business product which was built in London, it said. — Reuters

Woods fires final-round 68 as Fowler wins Hero World Challenge

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

MIAMI — Tiger Woods capped his return to competition with a fine four-under par 68 on Sunday as red-hot Rickie Fowler won the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Former world number one Woods, who once wondered if nagging back trouble would spell the end of his career, had an eagle and six birdies to finish 72 holes on eight-under par 280.

That never put him within striking distance of Fowler, who produced a remarkable course-record 61 on the par-72 Albany Golf Club layout.

Fowler birdied the first seven holes, and eight in total on the front nine. After birdies at 11, 13 and 15, he was eyeing golf’s magic number of 59.

No more birdies were forthcoming, however, and Fowler settled for a course-record 61 and an 18-under total of 270.

Fowler finished four shots in front of fellow American Charley Hoffman, the overnight leader by five strokes who carded a final-round 72.

“I knew I needed to get off to a quick start today to at least show Charley I was there,” said Fowler, who started the day seven shots adrift. “”We took care of that and kept it rolling from there.”

Fowler was disappointed with his par at the eighth, where he had hoped to improve on his career-best birdie streak.

“Seven (birdies) was the most I had made (in a row) before, so I was really trying to get that eighth,” he said. “Didn’t want to get too greedy, just tried to make it with good speed, but ultimately left it short.”

Jordan Spieth, tied for second to start the round, fired a final-round 69 to share third with England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who signed for a 67.

Woods finished tied for ninth with Matt Kuchar in the unofficial 18-man event that benefits his charitable foundation.

A back-nine double-bogey and two bogeys to finish took some wind out of Woods’s sails, but the 41-year-old superstar, playing for the first time since February after yet another back surgery in April, found plenty to be encouraged about.

‘BRIGHT FUTURE’
Most importantly, he said, he played all week without pain.

“Overall, I’m very pleased. I showed some good signs,” he said, adding that they pointed toward “a bright future.”

Woods’s impressive display off the tee included a monster drive at the par-four seventh that led to his eagle.

That was just one of the shots that delighted an enthusiastic gallery following the 14-time major champion that included Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.

“I knew I was going to be able to play all four rounds, that wasn’t going to be an issue,” said Woods, who also missed all of the 2015-2016 season with back trouble.

“The issue was how my scoring was going to be, how was my feel? How am I going to get used to the adrenaline in my system, because it’s the first time in a while. — AFP

Partnerships important in addressing Philippines’ double burden of malnutrition

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

THE Philippines is battling the double burden of malnutrition. An estimated seven million children in the country still face hunger and undernutrition, with the economy losing at least P328 billion a year due to the impact of childhood stunting on work force productivity and education.

Research from Save the Children Philippines also found that the country’s investment in nutrition programs is low at only 0.52% of general government expenditure. This is in comparison to the global average of 2.1%.

The report also indicated that in 2013, combined losses as a result of malnutrition were more than triple the cost of damage inflicted by 15 natural disasters that hit the Philippines in 2015. This highlights the heavy impact of malnutrition in the country.

Yet at the same time, the obesity and overweight epidemic is also increasing in the Philippines, affecting around 18 million locals — and this is on an upward trend.

According to the “Tackling Obesity in ASEAN: Prevalence, Impact and Guidance on Interventions” report produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the prevalence of overweight among adults has risen by 24% between 2010 and 2014.

Commissioned by the Asia Roundtable on Food Innovation for Improved Nutrition (ARoFIIN), the report also states that 23.6% of Filipino adults are overweight, with women more affected than men (26.3% and 21% respectively).

This is leading to a huge economic burden in the country. In 2016, obesity cost the Philippines between $500 million and $1 billion, accounting for between four and eight percent of national health care spending. This makes the country the fourth-highest spender for obesity-related problems across the region.

Obesity in the Philippines is largely driven by the lack of exercise and low-quality diets. An April 2017 study by researcher Cecile Klaudine C. Cabigas from the University of the Philippines, outlined that due to growing urbanization and increased incomes, younger Filipinos are now opting for energy-dense and nutrition-poor foods. Physical inactivity is also a significant problem, with many adults not physically active and children lacking places to play.

It is clear the double burden of malnutrition is an important issue that needs to be addressed in the Philippines. To do so, a paradigm shift in focus and strategies is needed. This includes more attention being placed on preventive health care; consumer education on healthy nutrition; and multi-stakeholder partnerships and knowledge exchanges.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY
Solving the Philippines’ double burden of malnutrition is an inclusive priority between both the public and private sectors — the government cannot solve the problem alone; neither can industry groups.

Strong partnerships and open engagement between all players in both sectors are required given the important roles that each of the parties play in addressing the issues of malnutrition — especially stunting — and obesity.

Government bodies and agencies set the strategic direction for any measures and policies to be implemented, whereas the private sector plays an equally important role by recognizing the significance of promoting healthier and more nutritious choices as a core part of their business.

For example, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in the Philippines works with food service establishments in the country through the “Pinggang Pinoy” advocacy group which ensures that appropriate portions are served to consumers. At the same time, food from the different levels of the food pyramid need to be included in each serving to ensure that consumers are eating healthy and nutritious food.

This is just one example of how a multi-stakeholder approach can efficiently reach out to the community. As it is difficult for one sector to work alone to solve the country’s double burden of malnutrition, it is important that there are collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, academia, industry and nongovernmental organizations.

This is where public-private partnerships like ARoFIIN can also be a part of the solution. By bringing the food industry and the private and public sectors together in a strategic alliance to identify and recommend interventions that can have an impact on the Philippines’ malnutrition and obesity problems, ARoFIIN can be a catalyst for change.

IMPORTANT TO HAVE OPEN, HONEST DIALOGUE
For the public and private sectors to collaborate successfully, there has to be transparent and honest dialogue. Companies in the private sector need to identify and be open about any conflicts of interest that their respective businesses may have in relation to the promotion of a healthy and nutritious lifestyle, and manage these appropriately with the public sector.

This transparent engagement will create trust between stakeholders in both sectors, which is important to meet the goal of educating consumers and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. In this fight against the simultaneous issues of malnutrition and obesity, we need serious systematic intervention paired with a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach.

A great deal is required from various parties to combat and reduce levels of obesity; but at the end of the day, creating trust through an open and honest dialogue between both sectors will ensure there are engaging means taken to solve the double burden in the Philippines for the benefit of all.

The Asia Roundtable on Food Innovation for Improved Nutrition (ARoFIIN) in Partnership with Dr. Leonora Panlasigui, Dean Emeritus — School of Nutrition, Philippine Women’s University

GSIS offers emergency loan to members, pensioners in 3 Mindanao areas

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

THE GOVERNMENT Service Insurance System (GSIS) opened the emergency loan window to its 20,494 active members and 3,838 pensioners in Zamboanga City and municipalities of Tupi in South Cotabato, and Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay, areas which were affected by flash floods and landslides in recent months. Active members who have no existing emergency loans may apply for a P20,000 loan, while those who have not yet fully paid a loan may borrow P40,000, from which the outstanding balance will be deducted, GSIS said in a statement released yesterday. Deadline for filing of loan application is today, Dec. 5. Active members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and selected SM City branches. — Mindanao Bureau

Sex misconduct allegations snag Levin, Rush, and Russell Simmons

December 5, 2017 | 12:05 am

NEW YORK — New York’s Metropolitan Opera on Sunday suspended its relationship with former long-time music director, the acclaimed conductor James Levine, as it investigates several allegations of sexual misconduct.

The opera said in a statement that it decided to act following “multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Levine that took place from the 1960s to the 1980s, including the earlier part of his conducting career at the Met.”

The organization said Levine, Met music director for 40 years until his retirement in 2016, would not be involved in any Met activities, including conducting scheduled performances this season. “While we await the results of the investigation, based on these new news reports, the Met has made the decision to act now,” General Manager Peter Gelb said in the statement, adding that the action was supported by the leadership of the Met Board and its Executive Committee. “This is a tragedy for anyone whose life has been affected.”

The allegations at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses come amid widening sexual misconduct scandals in the fields of entertainment, politics and journalism.

GEOFFREY RUSH RESIGNS
Academy award-winning actor Geoffrey Rush resigned as head of an Australian film industry body Saturday after allegations surfaced against him of “inappropriate behavior.”

Rush, who has denied any wrongdoing, stepped down as president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), which he had led for several years, the organization said in a statement.

“AACTA acknowledges the decision today of Geoffrey Rush to voluntarily step aside as president of AACTA and accepts and respects his decision to do so,” it said. “We have been deeply concerned about the situation and support a course of action that both respects Geoffrey’s rights to the presumption of innocence and due process, but also acknowledges good corporate governance in these circumstances,” it added, declining further comment.

Rush, 66, took the step after the Sydney Theatre Company revealed last week that it had received a complaint alleging that the veteran Australian actor had engaged in “inappropriate behavior” when working with the company. No further information about the nature of the behavior or the identity of the complainant was revealed, but Australian media reports said the allegations related to Rush’s time playing King Lear for the company in 2015 and 2016.

SIMMONS STEPS DOWN
Music producer Russell Simmons said on Thursday he was stepping down from his fashion and production businesses after a screenwriter said in a column in the Hollywood Reporter that Simmons sexually assaulted her in 1991.

Jenny Lumet, the screenwriter daughter of the late movie director Sidney Lumet, accused Simmons of forcing himself on her in his New York apartment in 1991.

Simmons, 60, the cofounder of hip-hop label Def Jam Records and also a film producer, apologized for his behavior in a statement on his Instagram site.

“While her memory of that evening is very different from mine, it is now clear to me that her feelings of fear and intimidation are real,” Simmons said in his Instagram statement. “While I have never been violent, I have been thoughtless and insensitive in some of my relationships over many decades and I sincerely apologize.” — AFP/Reuters

Star Wars sisters hail girl-powered galaxy

December 5, 2017 | 12:04 am

LOS ANGELES — Carrie Fisher’s death caused a huge disturbance in the Force, but the women of The Last Jedi vowed Sunday to honor her legacy in the latest girl-powered Star Wars chapter.

The cast came together in a secret location in Los Angeles with director Rian Johnson to build buzz for the latest chapter in the blockbuster space saga, which hits theaters on Dec. 15.

“You get to see women that are not big and strong just because they’re acting like men. They’re doing something else,” said Gwendoline Christie, 39, who plays stormtrooper commander Captain Phasma.

“And also you’re seeing a developed character, or a developing character, that is showing some complex character traits. I’m delighted that something as legendary as Star Wars has decided to reflect our society.”

The Last Jedi — filmed on the west coast of Ireland and at Pinewood Studios near London — sees the return of the characters introduced in 2015’s seventh installment, The Force Awakens.

Christie, flanked by red-robed Praetorian guards as she took the stage, was joined by returning stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domnhall Gleeson, and Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill.

There were new faces too: Kelly Marie Tran as Resistance maintenance worker Rose Tico and Laura Dern, who plays Vice-Admiral Amilyn Holdo.

Ridley, 25, spoke of growing up in London in a liberal household where sexism wasn’t an issue — and of being overwhelmed by the rapturous response to her appearance as a rare female action star in The Force Awakens.

“When I got involved, I knew it was a big deal, but the response was so beyond anything I could have imagined, that it was only afterward that I was like ‘Oh — oh yeah,’” she said.

THE GIRLS ‘KICK BUTT’
Tran, 28, spoke of the “honor and responsibility” of playing a prominent female character and wanting to do the role justice.

“And the girls in this movie kick some butt. Every single one is so good,” she said.

Fisher — who played General Leia Organa when she was known simply as Princess Leia in the original 1977-1983 trilogy — died last December, having already wrapped her scenes for The Last Jedi.

“I watched TV and film obsessively from such a young age, but [she] stayed with me throughout my formative years,” said Christie, who plays warrior Brienne of Tarth on HBO’s Game of Thrones.

“She’s really interesting, she’s really smart, she’s really funny, she’s courageous, she’s bold, she doesn’t care what people think, and she isn’t prepared to be told what to do.”

Written by Johnson, The Last Jedi — the eighth installment in the franchise — picks up where The Force Awakens left off, with Rey looking to Luke to teach her about The Force.

Lucasfilm has released various trailers for The Last Jedi, hinting at dark times ahead for the Resistance — and prompting comparisons with The Empire Strikes Back.

“It’s the second movie in the trilogy, and I think we’ve been kind of trained to expect it will be a little darker, and obviously it looks a little darker,” said Johnson, 43.

‘DIRE SITUATION’
But he added that he was still aiming for movie that “makes you come out of the theater, run around your back yard, grab your spaceship toy and fly around.”

Hamill, 66, has stirred controversy in the past with candid comments about his thoughts on his character and direction of the story, but was one of the least vocal in the news conference.

He confirmed that his role was “twice as big” as his last-minute cameo in The Force Awakens — but gave almost nothing else away.

Like Fisher and Hamill, Harrison Ford is a Star Wars institution as loveable rogue Han Solo. But the character is missing from the latest chapter, having been killed off by director J.J. Abrams in the previous installment.

The cast was asked if Ford’s absence was a wrench but Boyega said central characters Finn, Rey, and Poe weren’t given much time to mourn and that “everyone’s keeping it moving” in the new film.

“Rey’s off training, she’s got stuff to go. I got a back injury, I’ve got stuff to do,” he said.

“It’s a dire situation, the Resistance is on its last legs,” added Isaac, who plays Poe.

“The First Order is right on top of us. You have to keep moving to try to survive.” — AFP

Gov’t launches unified business database in bid to cut red tape

December 5, 2017 | 12:04 am

THE GOVERNMENT launched yesterday an online database of business information that is intended to streamline the renewal of the permit process at line agencies.

The Philippine Business Databank (PBDB) allows government agencies to verify information on a business using a single reference document online, as an alternative to filing a set of documents from various agencies.

Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran said the launch of the PBDB is among the initiatives of the Department of Finance as lead agency of the government’s anti-red tape program to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

“With the PBDB, government agencies can readily access data on a particular business, eliminating the need for business owners to bring numerous documentary requirements when transacting with the government,” Mr. Beltran said in a statement.

The PBDB is a program steered by Mr. Beltran along with the Departments of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The database was developed by a team from the Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology.

“This would comprise all business establishments in each local government unit (LGU). This will share information across national government (agencies) to local government units,” DILG Bureau of Local Government Development Director Anna Liza F. Bonagua said during the program’s launch yesterday.

The program’s project manager, Stefan Andrei D. Flores of the DICT, said the database is designed to improve the ease of doing business.

“These are common requirements when you do transact as a private sector entity with government. Now you’re only looking at a single reference document,” he said.

“It helps ease processes. The information will be shared across government agencies. It will help ease of doing business, and fast-track the verification process,” Mr. Flores added.

The database will initially be seeded with business information from the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, the Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA) and the Quezon City government.

Mr. Flores said that the program will be linked to more LGUs with large business districts in Metro Manila by the first quarter next year.

However, the expansion will depend on the willingness of government agencies as it is not legally binding.

Information included in the database are the enterprises’ name, business permit number, registration date, expiry date, status, address, contact details, taxpayer identification number, the attached Unified Accounts Code Structure, and the firm’s owners.

However according to the DICT, the verification of a specific business entity is limited to exact name searches, which prevents users from resorting to random searches.

The database can be accessed at pbdb-staging.apps.gov.ph. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

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