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75,000 children in Cebu to get dengue vaccine

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DoH) is set to conduct rounds of dengue vaccination for nine to 14-year-old children in public schools in Cebu before the month ends. This is part of the health agency’s expansion program for its anti-dengue vaccination drive to include Grade 4 students in the province. The campaign was launched in Lapu-Lapu City last month. Dr. Jonathan Niel V. Erasmo, DoH-7 chief of Local Health Support Division, earlier estimated that about 75,000 children in the province will receive the vaccine. Data from the Cebu provincial health office show that 9,137 dengue cases were reported in the province last year, much higher than the 2,486 in 2015. In a coordination meeting last week between the DoH and the local government, Dr. Maria Rosario Z. Capeding of the DoH national office presented research data and studies supporting the vaccine’s efficacy amid reservations expressed by the head of the Provincial Health Office. — The Freeman

True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis, 39

WASHINGTON — Nelsan Ellis, an actor best known for his role in the vampire series True Blood, has died. He was 39 years old.

The actor died following complications from heart failure, his manager told CNN.

His portrayal of Lafayette, a gay cook and medium, helped him spring onto the acting scene after his character became a favorite of fans of the HBO drama, which ran from 2008 to 2014.

“We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Nelsan Ellis,” the HBO network said in a statement Saturday. “Nelsan was a long-time member of the HBO family whose groundbreaking portrayal of Lafayette will be remembered fondly within the overall legacy of True Blood.”

“Nelsan will be dearly missed by his fans and all of us at HBO.”

As news of his death spread many fans posted a clip from the show where Ellis’s character bursts out of his restaurant kitchen to confront a table of homophobic diners.

An alumnus of New York’s prestigious Juilliard performing arts conservatory, Ellis’s credits include silver screen appearances in 2009’s The Soloist as well as 2011’s Oscar-award winning film The Help.

“My heart breaks for his kids and his family,” wrote his co-star in that film Octavia Spencer in an Instagram post. “He was sooooo funny. I miss him.”

The Illinois native also depicted Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Butler, released in 2013.

True Blood co-star Joe Manganiello took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late actor: “Crushed today by the loss of my friend and castmate Nelsan Ellis.”

“He was a wonderful person, a pioneer, and a one of a kind artist.” — AFP

Hard work is a talent

Chess Piece — Bobby Ang

(Part 1)

Last June 22, 2017 Ms. Janelle Mae Frayna graduated from the Far Eastern University (FEU) with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Psychology, cum laude. She was chosen as class valedictorian in recognition of her achievements both inside and outside the classroom.

As you may know Janelle is a Woman’s Grandmaster of Chess (WGM), the first ever for the Philippines. I will dedicate a few columns to talking about one of our chess heroes, after all we don’t have many of them now. Let us start off the series with some excerpts from her inspirational valedictory message.

“I started from the bottom. I don’t consider myself as extraordinary both in class and in chess. When I was 14, I transferred to FEU Diliman and ventured on my dream. At that time, I was with teammates who are far stronger than me. In the eyes of many, I was nobody. As a matter of fact, when I first applied as a chess varsity, the head coach rejected me. Thankfully with some twist of events, he had a change of heart and I was reconsidered. Some people told me I could never be a Grandmaster because according to them I lacked the talent. Despite these discouraging words I did not waver in pursuing my dream.

“The 13th World Chess Champion, the legendary Garry Kasparov once said, “Don’t you know that hard work is a talent?” His statement has inspired me to work very hard, so I guess that also makes me talented. To improve my performance I dedicated 6-8 hours a day of training. But then my progress in chess caused a decline in my grades. That was a wake-up call because I wanted to be great in chess and be a college graduate at the same time. So I promised to do better both in class and in chess.

“Some people say life is a race, life is a struggle, life is a war. For me, life is a chess game. In chess the main goal is to defend and conquer the King. Nevertheless, no matter how you think you have made the best plans, craftily positioned your pieces, you cannot always win. I have never known a player who in his entire career never lost a game or never made blunders. Just like in real life, nobody’s perfect right? We commit mistakes because we’re just human. Yes, some mistakes may mess up the entire game. These may put us into seemingly hopeless situations and hurt our chances for success. But do not let those mistakes define who you are. As long as you live, as long as you’re breathing, keep on fighting. Give your best moves and never say “I resign.”

“Remember that in every chess game there is a time limit. Just like in real life, we don’t have the luxury to live forever. Every hour, every minute, every second counts, so we must use our time wisely and make the right moves. We may win, lose or draw the game, but never stop learning. The real checkmate is when you give up and accept that you are a loser. As long as we live, there will always be next games, next opportunities and next chances. Seize them! And I hope we all become champions on and off the chessboard.”

Wow, a really powerful message!

WGM Janelle Mae Frayna is the only woman ever to play in the Men’s Championship — this happened in the 2014 competition where she beat Grandmasters Joey Antonio and Richard Bitoon to finish in 5th place. In 2015, she was back in the national championship and there she beat GM Eugene Torre, a game Janelle considers her “Most Memorable Game.” Here it is, with Janelle’s own notes.

* * *
Frayna, Janelle Mae (2204) — Torre, Eugenio (2463) [E08]
National Open Chess Championship, 25.10.2015
<WGM Janelle Mae Frayna>

1.d4

This is one of the games that I will treasure for life. I defeated the endgame virtuoso, the legendary GM Eugene Torre in his forte. I learned a great deal in this game.

1…Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2

I decided to test my newly acquired opening repertoire — The Catalan.

4…Be7 5.Nf3 0 — 0 6.0 — 0 Nbd7 7.Qc2 c6 8.b3

GM Boris Avrukh wrote a best-selling book on the Catalan where he advocated 8.Nbd2 as the main line. After 8…b6 9.e4 Bb7 10.e5! (10.b3 Rc8 11.Bb2 c5 12.exd5 exd5 is equal) 10…Ne8 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Re1 Nc7 13.Nf1 Ne6 14.Ne3 c5 15.Nf5 White is slightly better.

8…b6 9.Rd1 Bb7 10.Nc3 a5 11.Bb2 Qc7 12.Rac1 Rfc8 13.Nd2

A typical plan in the Catalan is to play the space-gaining e4.

13…Qd8 14.e4 b5

Also a usual counter-approach on the other flank to question the stability of the queenside pawns.

15.Qb1

Better is 15.e5 Gaining space and control at the center. 15…Ng4 16.c5 to avoid any counter play at the queenside.

15…bxc4 16.bxc4 a4?!

The a4-pawn now becomes a potential target. After 16…Rab8 17.Na4 Ba6 18.Qc2 the game is equal.

17.c5 Rcb8 18.Qc2 Qa5

After the game 18…a3 was suggested by GM Eugene as an improvement because after 19.Ba1 my bishop may have a difficult time re-routing and improving its scope.

19.Rb1 Bc8 20.Ba3

During the game, I was very careful not to spoil my positional advantage. I don’t want to create unnecessary pawn moves, and my main plan is to exchange pieces and prove that the a4-pawn is a liability for the Black’s camp.

20…g6 21.e5!?

GM Eugene was playing for a wait and see strategy. As for me, I would like to have the full grip on the position. Therefore, I chose to clamp the center and focus on my main plan, exploiting the weak a4-pawn.

21…Ne8 22.Rxb8

Objectively, playing 22.Nf3 and improving my knight’s scope first was a much stronger move but I want to immediately exchange the major pieces and execute my plan.

22…Rxb8 23.Rb1 Nc7?

[23…Rxb1+ 24.Ndxb1 was the lesser evil. 24…f6 25.f4 Ng7 26.Qxa4 White is definitely better since Black has no counterplay at all! I am playing only for two results: A win or a draw]

24.Rxb8 Nxb8 25.Nxa4 Nb5 26.Bb2 Qb4 27.Nb6 Ba6 28.Nf3 Bd8 29.a4 Na3 30.Qc3

Forcing more simplifications.

30…Qxc3 31.Bxc3 Nc4 32.Nxc4 Bxc4 33.Nd2 Ba6 34.f4 <D>

POSITION AFTER 34.F4

I love how I was able to convert my material advantage to a totally winning position. Endgames really teach us how to be patient!]

34…h5 35.Kf2

Step 1: Improving the King’s Position, ideally His majesty should be placed at the center.

35…Kf8 36.Bf3

Step 2: Do not hurry! Everything’s under control so I have the luxury to improve my pieces to their optimal squares before launching action!

36…Ke8 37.h3 Bd3 38.Bd1!?

Protecting potential entry squares.

38…Kd7 39.Ke3 Ba6 40.g4

Step 3: Create another weakness! Applying the two weaknesses principle. Since the queenside where my extra passed pawn was located was adequately guarded, I have to look for another “door” or “entry” to confuse my opponent with simultaneous threats.

40…hxg4 41.hxg4 Kc8 42.Nb3 Bc4 43.Nd2 Ba6 44.Bc2

Preparing the eventual breakthrough in the f5 — square.

44…Kd7 45.Nf3

Since my knight excursion on the queenside has been neutralized, time to jump on the other side of the board!

45…Be7

I believe that Black’s position is in some sort of zugzwang. In every move I happened to improve my piece placement while he lands into much more difficult task of defense. 45…Ke8 46.Be1 Bc4 47.g5 Nd7 48.Nh2 Kf8 49.Ng4 Ke7 50.Kf3 Bc7 51.Bc3 Bd8 52.Nf6 was another plan available to our game.

46.Ba5 Bf1 47.Nd2 Ba6 48.Bb6

Diversion. I wanted to force Black to attend on the queenside weaknesses and then I will strike at the other side of the board.

48…Kc8 49.Nf3 Nd7 50.Ba5 Nb8 51.Be1

Now my plan to play Bh4 was now very feasible.

51…Bd8 52.f5 gxf5 53.gxf5

The breakthrough — my King now has the option to participate in the future actions at the kingside!

53…Kd7 54.Bh4 Bxh4 55.Nxh4 Ke7 56.f6+!

The killer move, erasing all possibilities of any counterplay. The position seems locked but the weakness of the pawn on f7 is the telling factor.

56…Kf8 57.Nf3 Bf1 58.Ng5 Na6 59.Bd1

Threatening Bh5.

59…Nb4 60.Kd2 1 — 0

Black has no counterplay!

We will continue this story on Thursday.

Bobby Ang is a founding member of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and its first Executive Director. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he taught accounting in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for 25 years and is currently Chief Audit Executive of the Equicom Group of Companies.

bobby@cpamd.net

Entertainment (07/11/17)

Game of Thrones returns

THE EMMY- and Golden Globe-winning Game of Thrones returns for its seven-episode 7th season same time as the US on Monday, July 17 at 9 a.m. exclusively on HBO, with a same day prime time encore at 9 p.m. New episodes premiere on subsequent Mondays at the same time. Based on the best-selling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, the hit fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. In the new season, Daenerys Targaryen has finally set sail for Westeros with her armies, dragons and new Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister. Jon Snow has been named King in the North after defeating Ramsay Bolton in the Battle of the Bastards and returning Winterfell to House Stark. In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister has seized the Iron Throne by incinerating the High Sparrow, his followers, and her rivals in the Sept of Baelor. But as old alliances fracture and new ones emerge, an army of dead men marches on the Wall, threatening to end the game of thrones forever.

Music at RWM

THE PLAZA in Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila spices up evenings with music and food with the Live Mall Sessions — free nightly concerts starting at 7 p.m. The Plaza has turned into a dining hall for the shows as Newport Mall restaurants set up tables directly on The Plaza’s grounds, giving diners premium views of the shows to go with their world class cuisine. Upcoming weekend shows feature “The Singing Diplomat” Raoul Imbach on July 15 (Saturday), and King of Philippine R&B JayR featuring Mica Javier on July 16 (Sunday). Those who prefer cool cocktails to go with their entertainment can visit RWM signature restaurant Bar 360 at the ground floor gaming area. The Draybers, Mocha Girls, Singing Sensations, and Primo lead the pack of artists lighting up the Bar 360’s stage. As a special welcome back treat for guests, Bar 360 and other RWM gaming area restaurants are offering select menu items for only P88 for a limited time. For reservations and inquiries, call the Tourist/Visitor hot line at 908-8000 or visit rwmanila.com for the complete show schedules.

Posporo(s) concert series

POSPORO(s) sets local music enthusiasts on fire on July 15 when Spanish and Filipino artists share the stage again in this series of concerts organized by the Embassy of Spain and the Instituto Cervantes de Manila with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, a project aimed at showcasing indie music talents from both countries. Le Parody and BP Valenzuela take over the scene on July 15, 8 p.m., at Social House, Circuit Makati, Makati City. Entrance to the show is free. Sole Parody, better known by her stage name Le Parody (a play on her own surname), is a Spanish musician and recording artist from Southern Spain. She is also a poet and an advocate of feminism. Her work features African folk, Bollywood rhythms, Asian echoes, flamenco beats and a rave attitude. Meanwhile, BP Valenzuela launched her singing career at 18 while a student at Ateneo de Manila University. In 2014, she released her first EP entitled be/ep and later decided to pursue a degree in music at the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. Her debut album, The Neon Hour, was released in 2015, with her first single, “Steady,” featured in the indie film Sleepless. For the first time in Posporo(s), there will be a video installation by Mvltiverse, a multimedia collective formed by Derek Tumala, Megan Palero, Clarissa Gonzalez and Junie Linsoco. Today, Le Parody will perform on the a digital music platform oneMusic.ph.

HISTORY Con is returning

THE 2nd HISTORY Con entertainment convention will be held on Aug. 10 to 13 at the World Trade Center. HISTORY Con 2017, promoted by Viva Entertainment, promises to be “bigger, better, and bolder,” with more popular celebrities coming to visit, over 300 exhibitors’ displays to explore, three new world records to attempt, and a whole lot more. Among the guests are Ride ‘N Seek host Jamie Dempsey, Forged in Fire finalist and fellow Pinoy Ryu Lim, Counting Cars’ airbrush artist Horny Mike, and Photo Face-Off’s photographer Justin Mott. Back by popular demand is Rick Harrison of Pawnstars, as well as Danielle Colby from The Pickers who will make her debut appearance. The convention will also feature local talent such as Filipino personalities Phoemela Baranda and Gaby Dela Merced for Celebrity Car Wars. HISTORY Con saw 50,000 attendees in 2016. HISTORY is also celebrating its 10th anniversary in Asia and marks the occasion by awarding 10 notable individuals the HISTORY Maker Awards. Tickets to the convention are now on sale at SM Ticket outlets and www.smtickets.com. Packages for schools and individuals are also available. For details, visit historyasia.com/historycon.

It’ll remain dark in Gotham

Courtside — Anthony L. Cuaycong

For the record, the Knicks were not targeting five-time National Basketball Association All-Star Tim Hardaway when they dangled their richest contract offer to a free agent in the current offseason. They were after the Junior, who normed 14.5 points in 28 minutes of exposure for the Hawks through the 2016-2017 campaign. As obvious as their intentions may have been over the weekend, the clarification seems in order given the staggering figures; their $71-million proposal through four years is more than one and a half times that being mulled by his immediate past employers, who, it must also be noted, happened to be their only rivals for his services.

Needless to say, the reactions came fast and loose. An amalgamation of the best: Knicks fans prayed for the Hawks to exercise their right to match the numbers every other franchise wouldn’t have thought of putting forward even if the denomination were in Yen, noting that if the neighboring Falcons could blow a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, the next-to-impossible development could happen as well. Yesterday, however, came confirmation, that all was still right with the rest of the world, and honchos of the blue and orange got who they wanted under their terms.

The story would have been juicy enough to spawn countless Internet memes were it to end there. The Knicks being the Knicks, though, there’s more. Even as it comes in the tradition of the $100-million albatross they handed Allan Houston at the turn of the century and following last year’s $72.6-milion atrocity given to the player formerly known as Joakim Noah, the windfall due Hardaway hangs over the franchise more importantly because it shouldn’t at all have been necessary for them to foot a single cent. To recall, they drafted him with the 24th overall pick in 2013. And, adding injury to insult, here’s the clincher: They traded him to the Hawks for Jerian Grant, who was then sent to the Bulls for Derrick Rose, who had to be waived to make room for him.

Clearly, the Knicks are high on Hardaway. And they’re high enough, at least, to forget the fact that, just a season ago, they committed $52 million to Courtney Lee, who so happens to play his position. Oh, and for good measure, they threw in a 15% trade kicker and a player option for the fourth year, not to mention agreed to pay half his annual salary by the end of every September. What was Executive Vice-President and General Manager Steve Mills smoking?

If there’s any consolation to the whole affair, it’s that the Knicks may be buoyed to lower their asking price for star-cum-pariah Carmelo Anthony. Their preferential option for youth and dwindling salary cap space demand it. And Mills may be many things, but he is also close to the 10-time All-Star; the amiable working relationship may yet lead to a deal with the Rockets, who can’t wait to partner the erstwhile top dog with Most Valuable Player runner-up James and banana boat buddy Chris Paul. In any case, it’ll remain dark in Gotham; with due respect to Kristaps Porzingis, the flicker of hope that appeared to be in sight after the departure of Phil Jackson is evidently back in hiding.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.

Zamboanga City Muslim leaders discuss ‘doable actions’ to fight extremism

SOME 50 Muslim religious leaders, mostly Ulama or Islamic scholars, in Zamboanga City gathered on Monday to discuss and draft “doable actions” to help suppress the escalation of violent extremism and terrorism in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. Prof. Ali T. Yacub, Al-Hj, president of Golden Crescent, a group of Muslim professionals, and one of the initiators of the activity said they recognize the “vital participation of the Ulama and other Muslim religious leaders in addressing the sociopolitical problem in the region.” The forum, dubbed “Issues of radicalism and extremism affecting the peace process in Mindanao,” also involved youth leaders. The fighting in Marawi City between government forces and IS-inspired local extremist group Maute, which is now entering its 8th week, has shown that disillusioned and marginalized youth are among those recruited by the terrorists. Yesterday’s dialogue was one of the outputs of the recent peace forum initiated by various stakeholders from the peace and security sectors. — Albert F. Arcilla

Federal Land, 2 Japanese firms to develop P20-B project in BGC

By Arra B. Francia

FEDERAL LAND, Inc. is partnering with two Japanese firms to develop a P20-billion Japanese-inspired residential and retail complex in Bonifacio Global City.

The property arm of GT Capital Holdings, Inc. partnered with Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd and retail service firm Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. for Sunshine Fort, which will feature a four-tower residential condominium, and a shopping mall.

The three firms will jointly finance the project on a 60-40 basis, wherein the 40% will be split between Nomura and Isetan.

“GT Capital leads the way in establishing partnerships to bring Japanese technology and know-how for the enjoyment and benefit of the Philippine market. Aside from the excitement that the retail mall will bring to many, this partnership will introduce Japanese design in condominium buildings,” Federal Land Chairman Alfred V. Ty said in his speech during the project’s launch in Makati on Monday.

Both Nomura and Isetan noted that their foray into the Philippine market is due to the rapid growth of the country, pointing to the “charm” of the business district in Bonifacio Global City.

Tokyo-based Nomura was founded in 1957 and is part of the Nomura Group of Companies, which includes one of Japan’s largest financial institutions, Nomura Securities. The firm invests in residential development, corporate real estate brokerage and commercial property development, among others, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

“Nomura Real Estate has the strong will and intention to disseminate the experience and knowledge we have cultivated over the years in Japan, to the Asian regions. We believe or most important mission is to contribute to development of Manila, and we place this Sunshine Fort project as our first step in real estate development in the Philippines,” Nomura Chairman Eiji Kutsukake said in his speech.

On the other hand, Isetan is known for the Mitsukoshi Department stores, which is present in Japan, Europe, and the United States as well as in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan.

“This project will be our first challenge for the overseas complex development, and we would like to make a contribution to establishing a retail facility that will be long beloved by Filipinos through offering ‘new lifestyle’ with our strategy which has been cultivated by managing a lot of stores in Japan and abroad over the decades,” Isetan President and Chief Executive Officer Toshihiko Sugie said.

The development will stand on Federal Land’s 10-hectare Grand Central Park development in BGC and is expected to be completed by 2025.

The first residential tower will be launched in the first quarter of 2018, with completion slated for 2022. The tower will have a total of 1,294 units — 841 one-bedroom units, 388 two-bedroom units, and 65 three-bedroom units.

However, Mr. Ty said it is still too early to talk about the price point for the residential condominium units.

“We are gauging the market situation. We’re reliant on extra factors that we are putting for this project ahead of market competition and these are features you normally see in Japanese condominium buildings and so all of that will be integrated into the cost,” he said.

For the retail component, the shopping mall will have a total area of 25,000 square meters, and will feature brands from Isetan’s branches in other countries.

“Any product that fits to Filipino culture will be the best. Aside from that, if there is any necessity we will bring in some Japanese products but it will be better if we have retailers currently deployed in Singapore or Malaysia,” Mr. Isetan said.

While the joint venture is still only limited to the Sunshine Fort, Mr. Ty noted that they hope they can expand into other areas as well.

“We want to exert all efforts into making this a success. Of course in the future we hope that business will allow for it to multiply into other areas,” he said.

BMW may expand PHL auto parts purchasing

BMW AG is exploring buying more auto parts from the Philippines and is preparing to help the local electric-vehicle (e-vehicle) industry set up the needed infrastructure for e-vehicles, including charging stations, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

Mr. Lopez made the announcement in a chat message to reporters following meetings at a conference in Nuremberg, Germany where he explained the government’s economic policies.

“In all the talks, meetings and fora with several German business chambers and companies this week in Germany, we had the chance to explain Dutertenomics and the inclusive growth agenda of the Duterte administration,” Mr. Lopez said.

He said the BMW group will be sourcing more electrical parts from the Philippines as part of its strategy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He said BMW imports €16 million worth of auto parts, specifically components and electric control units, from the Philippines annually “and intends to increase that value in the coming years.” He did not disclose a figure for the target growth.

Based on BMW’s ASEAN strategy, Thailand and Malaysia are its designated manufacturing hubs in the region while the Philippines is a key parts supplier, Mr. Lopez said.

“BMW also intends to bring latest plug-in hybrid vehicles and collaborate with the E-Vehicle Association of the Philippines in building the necessary e-vehicle infrastructures such as the setting up of charging stations in the country,” he added.

He added that he had the opportunity to talk more of “the various trade and investment opportunities in the country, the inclusive and innovation-led industrialization strategies, including the tax reform and the aggressive infrastructure program,” he said on Monday.

Meanwhile, Knauf Gips also met the secretary at the Asia Pacific Forum, which gathered in Nuremberg around 400 participants from German business chambers and companies that trade with and invest in the region.

“Excellent meeting here with the CEO of German company Knauf, a leading manufacturer of gypsum-based plasterboard worldwide,” he said.

Mr. Lopez said Knauf is investing $50 million to set up a new plant in Batangas, a move that will serve as “the beginning of its local production of plasterboards for domestic and export markets.”

“They recognize the fast-growing Philippine market, the stability of the business environment in the Duterte administration and the quality output of Filipino workers,” he said.

He said the investment is expected to create 100 direct jobs at the start, which could grow over time. He said the starting production capacity would be 16 million square meters “and they have provided space for future expansion.”

Mr. Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry and its investment promotion arm, the Board of Investments, are “committed to provide assistance in documentary requirements and accredited contractors as they aim to commence commercial production toward early 2018.”

Mr. Lopez said during the meetings and conferences he attended, he gave his assurance to German entities “of the effective anti-crime and illegal drug campaign that improved the peace and order situation in the country and generated higher approval ratings for the President.”

He said a “usual topic” raised during most meetings was the importance of strengthening the country’s economic relations with Germany, which is the Philippines’ sixth largest export market.

Germany is also the country’s seventh-largest source of investments. The Philippines enjoys a surplus with the trading partner, a member of the European Union, with which the country is negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA).

Mr. Lopez said the importance of the FTA negotiations and the generalized system of preferences plus (GSP+) were also discussed. GSP+, a preferential tariff scheme, allows the Philippines to export more than 6,200 products to the bloc’s member countries tariff-free. — Victor V. Saulon

Uy bullish on prospects for Cebu resort-casino

By Krista A.M. Montealegre,
National Correspondent

THE Udenna Group of businessman Dennis A. Uy is set to complete the funding requirements for an integrated resort and casino in Cebu, which is expected to turn profitable in the first full year of operations.

“The debt component is given by China Bank. They are very supportive,” Mr. Uy said in an interview, noting that an agreement will be signed soon.

To recall, the Udenna Group sold last May a 25% stake in Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. to ES Consultancy Group, Inc. for P4 billion to help finance the development of Lapu-Lapu Leisure Mactan, slated to become the first integrated resort and casino outside of Metro Manila.

Udenna is open to taking in a foreign partner to run the casino, but “we think we can do it on our own,” Mr. Uy said.

“A lot of the good managers and operators are Filipinos. They are in Macau and (Las) Vegas,” he said.

The group of Mr. Uy, through its wholly owned subsidiary Udenna Development Corp., will build the integrated resort and casino on a 12-hectare prime beachfront property at the Punta Engaño peninsula in Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City — six kilometers or a 20-minute drive from the airport.

Udenna will break ground on Lapu-Lapu Leisure Mactan by the end of July or August.

Target completion is slated in 2022, but the casino, retail complex and hotels are scheduled to open as early as 2019.

Asked when the project will become profitable, Mr. Uy said: “On year one of full operations.”

Lapu-Lapu Leisure Mactan will feature iconic modern buildings surrounded by lush greens and infinity pools. It will have a skydiving center on a pier; a retail complex; a convention center; luxury hotels and villas; specialty dining options; private residences; and condominium-hotels.

Mr. Uy downplayed concerns of oversupply in the gaming market, citing that it is the only player in Mactan and the modernization of the Mactan Cebu International Airport will boost foreign tourist arrivals in the area.

In the last four years, three integrated resorts have opened in Entertainment City, the Philippines’ response to gaming hubs in Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore. They are Solaire Resort and Casino of Bloomberry Resorts Corp., City of Dreams Manila of the SM group and Melco Resorts Entertainment, Inc., and Okada Manila of Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada.

Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., which runs Resorts World Manila in Newport City, has pushed back the opening of Westside City Resorts World — the fourth and last casino to rise in Entertainment City — because of oversupply issues.

Lapu-Lapu Leisure Mactan presents a “good alternative” to similar developments in Metro Manila, but the challenge lies in its ability to attract an international gaming operator with relevant a track record in turning greenfield locations such as Cebu as a new gaming location or a complementary development to the existing ones in the capital, said Claro dG. Cordero, Jr., head of Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) Philippines’ research, consulting and valuation advisory services.

“As supply of gaming developments continue to increase, the prospects and opportunities for the new project lies in its ability to successfully differentiate in the long-term and the expected growth of tourist arrivals with the increased number of direct international flights due to the on-going redevelopment of the Mactan Cebu International Airport,” Mr. Cordero said.

SC asked to review NGCP expropriation ruling by RTC

THE Social Security System (SSS), through the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to bar the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) from taking over a property in Pasay City.

In a 16-page petition for certiorari filed yesterday, the SSS, through Government Corporate Counsel Rudolf Philip B. Jurado, asked for a status quo ante order and/or a writ of preliminary injunction on Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 108 on its decisions dated March 2 and April 24, 2017

The court orders issued by Judge Gina M. Bibat-Palamos is a 60,872 square meter-property of the SSS in Pasay City.

The earlier of the RTC rulings directed the “expropriation” of the property by granting the NGCP’s Motion for Issuance of Writ of Possession, while the second ruling rejected the motion for reconsideration filed by the SSS.

The OGCC alleged that Judge Palamos acted with grave abuse of discretion when the court issued the orders.

“The property is intended for the use by the SSS in the furtherance of its mandate, which is subject of an Expropriation Case instituted by the [NGCP], a private corporation with the general power to expropriate private property,” the OGCC said in a statement.

“On the premise of a mere delegated power to expropriate, a Court granted NGCP the right to enter and take over the land it seeks to own without evident circumspection,” the OGCC pointed out.

The RTC accepted the NGCP’s argument, which was based on Section 6 of Republic Act 10752.

However, the OGCC reiterated that the said law does not apply to the NGCP, “owing to [its] private character and the public character of the SSS’ land to be expropriated.”

The OGCC also pointed out that under the law, “whenever it is necessary to acquire real property for right-of-way site or location for any government infrastructure through expropriation, the appropriate implementing agency, through the Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel or their deputized counsel, shall initiate the expropriation proceedings. “

However, the NGCP, as argued by the OGCC, “condescendingly arrogated upon itself the authority to initiate expropriation proceedings without seeking the required authority.”

The OGCC also pointed out that the NGCP took possession of the contested property on May 8.

“Pending action by this Honorable Court on the Petition, SSS is entitled to have Judge Palamos, NGCP and all persons acting for or in their behalf enjoined from continuing with the implementation of the null and void writ of possession,” the OGCC added. — Kristine Joy V. Patag

Cebu Pacific to add flights to Sydney

CEBU PACIFIC is planning to expand its Sydney operations this year as it continued to dominate the route in the first four months of 2017.

“We’re intending to expand our operations to Australia, we’re studying it and you’ll be hearing about it soonest… We’re already doing the preparation,” Cebu Pacific Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Paterno S. Mantaring, Jr. said in a media briefing on Monday.

The Gokongwei-led airline expressed interest in increasing the frequency between Manila and Sydney, noting strong demand for this route.

Cebu Pacific has seven weekly flight entitlements to Australia, four of which are currently being used for its Manila-Sydney operations.

“We have been granted allocations by the Philippine government to operate I think at seven flights to Australia. Right now, we’re operating 4 times a week,” Mr. Mantaring said.

The decision to mount more flights comes as the budget carrier continued to dominate the Manila-Sydney route, both in terms of passenger and cargo services.

Citing data from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), Cebu Pacific said it flew 59,953 passengers in the January to April period. This represented 41.7% of the total market share for the Manila-Sydney route, the highest among the three carriers plying the route. Its load factor was at an average 80% for the first four months of 2017.

Its closest competitor on the route, Philippine Airlines, captured 33.5% market share, while Qantas Airways recorded 24.8%.

Year on year, total passenger volume for the January to April period for all three carriers flying the Manila-Sydney route reached 143,765, up 12% versus the 128,352 passengers flown in the same period in 2016.

BITRE is an agency under Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, which “provides economic analysis, research and statistics on infrastructure, transport and regional development issues.” The bureau holds data and statistics on the aviation industry.

For cargo service between Manila and Sydney, Cebu Pacific said it had 47.4% market share of the total 3,114 tons of cargo carried on that route.

In April, Cebu Pacific said it flew 16,441 passengers, representing 41.8% of the total market share for the route. It also grabbed a 43.8% share of the total 789 tons of cargo carried during the same month.

“Since opening the Sydney route in 2014, we are proud to have contributed to the growth of trade and tourism between the Philippines and Australia… Sydney is one of the top international routes in and out of the Philippines. The strong growth of our Manila-Sydney route bodes well for our future expansion plans in the Australian market,” Mr. Mantaring said.

Cebu Pacific said the additional flights on the Manila-Sydney route will use A-330 aircraft.

“We’ll concentrate first on the Manila-Sydney [route],” the Cebu Pacific official said when asked if Cebu Pacific is also looking to mount flights to other Australian cities.

Mr. Mantaring noted that its dominance in the route could have been driven by the relatively low fares it offers for its Manila-Sydney flights.

Cebu Pacific currently offers the most number of seats between Manila and Sydney, operating up to five non-stop services between Sydney and Manila, departing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Sydney at 11:35 a.m. and arriving in Manila at 5:50 p.m. The flights from Manila to Sydney, on the other hand, depart at 12:05 a.m. and arrive in Sydney at 10:05 a.m. — Imee Charlee C. Delavin

A Cebu Pacific plane taxis on the runway at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in this file photo taken Oct. 8, 2010. — AFP

BoC opens one-stop-shop facility at Subic

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it opened on June 1 a one-stop-shop (OSS) trade facility at the Tipo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) gate, which reduces a one-day processing time of documents to only four hours.

The facility includes personnel from Customs Enforcement, Customs Clearance, and X-ray equipment to cater to clients’ needs, especially port users.

The OSS facility bureau is seeking to replicate the current one-stop-shop at the New Container Terminal 1 in Port of Subic which was first constructed by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. with the BoC and SBMA in 2015.

“The OSS promotes ease of doing business where BoC stakeholders can switch between counters in processing BoC requirements,” the bureau said.

Due to this, port users no longer need to travel to various government offices to secure their trade documents.

The BoC estimates that the average one-day processing time of documents will be reduced to four hours.

“With the BoC-OSS, importers and brokers can expect shorter document and cargo processing times, thereby improving the overall processing efficiency at the Port of Subic,” the statement read.

The BoC and the Department of Finance has been making moves to reduce red tape in trade facilitation.

Currently, the Department of Finance (DoF) is pilot testing the system called TradeNet, a computerized internet-based system, which will be able to connect Philippines’ single window of trade-related agencies with neighboring countries, as it rationalizes and harmonizes all of trade data for faster processing.

This is because traders, who are required to secure permits from various government agencies before importing or exporting products, may be able to lodge all the necessary documents at a single window.

The DoF expects the system to be rolled out in September. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

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