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Zhangjiajie: A land of other-worldly terrain

TIANMEN CAVE, which is also called the ‘Gateway to Heaven.’ — JUSTINE IRISH DP TABILE

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

IN THE northwestern part of Hunan Province in China, there is a city known for its natural landscapes — tall sandstone pillars and mountains and deep canyons, all surrounded by greenery.

The city, Zhangjiajie, is home to the first national forest park in China which also happens to be a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is home to over 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars with heights that can reach over 200 meters, according to multinational travel service provider Trip.com.

These pillars, whose features resulted from years of erosion and weathering, were the inspiration behind the other-worldly floating mountains of James Cameron’s science-fiction movie Avatar.

In fact, one of the sandstone pillars had been named Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in honor of the film. This is the name of the floating mountains in the movie.

Aside from the pillars, the park is also known for its 7.5-kilometer Golden Whip Stream, where the protected Chinese giant salamanders make their home. The stream, which boasts crystal-clear water, is named after one of Zhangjiajie’s 10 Wonders, the 350-meter-high Golden Whip Rock.

A VIEW FROM ABOVE THE CLOUDS
But if a visitor goes to the park on a rainy day, as this writer did, they might have a hard time seeing the tall pillars from the ground as most of them will be covered by fog. Which emphasizes the importance of Huangshi Village, the largest natural viewing deck of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

With an elevation of over 1,000 meters, Huangshi Village, also known as Yellow Stone Village, is where visitors can have a scenic view of the park even as it is enveloped in seas of clouds and mist.

Aside from the view, visitors will also be welcomed by wild animals, including wild monkeys, sometimes with their babies, who just hang around the area.

Once visitors arrive at the top through a cable car, they can walk along the loop road to appreciate the scenic view. There are two routes that visitors can take: the small loop, which will take around 50 minutes to traverse, and the large loop, which takes around two hours.

CABLE CARS AND ESCALATORS
Zhangjiajie is not only known for its “floating mountains” but also for its highest mountain — Tianmen Mountain.

Located south of the city, the mountain has an elevation of around 1,500 meters. To get to its top, tourists have to ride one of the world’s longest cableways, the Tianmen Shan Cable Car, which is over seven kilometers long.

From the cable car, passengers can see the 99 bends of Tongtian Avenue and Zhangjiajie’s second national forest.

Visitors who have a problem with heights can opt to get to the top of the mountain through a shorter cable car trip, and by taking tunnel escalators to the mountaintop.

The Tianmen Mountain Escalators are among the world’s longest mountain escalators. Divided into 12 segments, they start at the foot of the mountain and end at the mountaintop.

AIRPLANES AND SKYWALKS
One of the highlights of a visit to the mountain is seeing its natural karst arch called the Tianmen Cave, or “Gateway to Heaven.” It is a natural archway located at the top of a 999-step stairway.

The cave’s opening is among the highest natural arches in the world and garnered global attention when an aerobatic pilot, Peter Besenyei, flew through in 1999, the first pilot to fly an airplane through a natural cave. 

Today the cave is known for wingsuit flying and is the site of a wingsuit performance competition.

Tianmen Mountain also has several glass skywalks built along the cliffside: the Eastern and Western Lines of the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk, and the Coiled Dragon Cliff Glass Skywalk which is the longest of the three. The 100-meter glass bridge hugging the mountain is just 1.6 meters wide. 

Looking down at the bottom of the bridge, one will be able to see the 99-Bend Road, but taking pictures in the area is a bit hard during peak hours as guides usher the guests to walk faster.

With its height, Tianmen Mountain is also where locals pray to deities and tie ribbons around the tree branches as offerings.

Between the otherworldly floating mountains and the majestic Tianmen, one can feel very close to Heaven when visiting Zhangjiajie.

Disney Cruise Line to launch first ship from Asia in 2025

AFTER two years of working on a cruise ship designed specifically for the Asian market, the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is set to debut the Disney Adventure in 2025, with Singapore as its home port.

It will mark the first family holiday cruise destination that is entirely Disney-themed, with some Pixar and Marvel stories incorporated in the ship.

“Consumers in this region have shown such strong affinity for Disney, and we are thrilled to bring an unparalleled Disney Cruise Line vacation to their backyard,” Sarah Fox, DCL Vice-President and Regional General Manager for Asia, said in a virtual press conference on June 26.

Personalized touches unique to Asia include “global cuisines and retail offerings carrying a distinct local flavor.”

“There will be a vast array of food, from fast casual to family-friendly to gourmet dining, including vegetarian and halal options,” Ms. Fox said.

The cruise ship will be designed for three-night and four-night voyages, filled with immersive storytelling and entertainment.

SEVEN AREAS
There are seven uniquely themed areas in total aboard the Disney Adventure, a first for all of DCL’s ships. They are:

The Disney Imagination Garden, an enchanted valley, garden, open-air performance venue, and gateway to the rest of the ship that channels sorcerer Mickey, Moana on the high seas, and Mowgli in the jungle.

The Disney Discovery Reef, where families can shop and dine in an underwater retreat that evokes Disney and Pixar aquatic stories like The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo, and Luca.

San Fransokyo Street, inspired by Big Hero 6, a family entertainment area and vibrant street market with an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, and cinemas.

Wayfinder Bay, a Pacific Islands-inspired open-air oasis under the sun based on Moana, with exclusive entertainment paired with views of the sea and sky.

Town Square, a celebration of Disney princesses filled with shops, lounges, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It will have nods to Tangled, Cinderella, Frozen, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Princess and the Frog, and more.

The Marvel Landing where larger-than-life Avengers offer all-new attractions and experiences that showcase imaginative representations of superhero adventures.

Toy Story Place, a whimsical and interactive playland with themed food venues and water play areas, where the world of Pixar’s Toy Story comes to life. 

“Every design detail of the venue takes its cues directly from our films. Imagine a ship laid out like a treasure map with incredible stories that come to life for you as you explore, each chosen because they resonate strongly in this region,” said Laura Cabo, Walt Disney Imagineering’s portfolio executive creative director, at the press conference.

“It’s a layering of entertainment, experiential design, and cutting-edge technology that our team has worked hard on for over two years.”

The Disney Adventure is good for families, with dedicated spaces and clubs for children and lounge and spa experiences for adults. There will be character encounters, stage shows, films, karaoke, and game shows. The ship also features spacious staterooms and concierge accommodations.

The ship will sail from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre for at least five years, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. Its estimated capacity is approximately 6,700 passengers, with around 2,500 crew members.

More details about the maiden voyage and onboard experiences will be announced later through this page: https://disneycruise.ph/adventure. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Ayala Corp. board OKs up to P15-B preferred shares offering

FREEPIK

AYALA Corp. has received board approval to issue up to P15 billion worth of peso-denominated preferred shares, aimed at supporting its capital raising efforts, the listed company announced on Thursday.

The proposed offering includes a base amount of P10 billion with an option to oversubscribe for an additional P5 billion, pending regulatory approvals, Ayala Corp. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The conglomerate did not disclose detailed terms of the issuance.

“Appropriate disclosures shall be made once the terms have been finalized,” it said.

The conglomerate has allocated P284 billion for its capital expenditure (capex) budget this year, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.

The capex budget focuses on expanding the operations of its energy arm ACEN Corp. and property unit Ayala Land, Inc.

In May, Ayala Corp. sold its remaining stake in east zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. to Razon-owned Trident Water Co. Holdings, Inc. for $252 million. The deal is part of the conglomerate’s divestment plan to raise P50 billion, which will be used for financing future investments and reducing debt.

For the first quarter, Ayala Corp. saw a 28% jump in its attributable net income to P13.07 billion while consolidated revenue increased by 10.5% to P87.27 billion. The conglomerate said the growth came from its banking and property segments.

Ayala Corp. shares climbed by 1.38% or P8, closing at P588 per share on Thursday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Culinary family drama The Bear serves up 3rd season

Emmy-winning series premieres on Disney+

IN THE world of fine dining, chefs and restaurateurs must push themselves hard and work out every single detail to elevate their establishments to the highest level. Maintaining this high level is another problem.

The first two seasons of TV show The Bear saw the intensely driven Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White) working with his ragtag crew to transform the family-run beef stand The Beef into the fine dining restaurant The Bear — but now they must navigate the struggles of actually running it.

At his side are his talented sous chef and business partner Sydney Adamu (played by Ayo Edebiri) and his stubborn cousin-turned-maître d’, Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Season Three of The Bear follows their battle keeping their Chicago restaurant afloat in their quest for culinary excellence, all while working through feelings of grief and family trauma.

The first season garnered the show an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series while Mr. White, Ms. Edebiri, and Mr. Moss-Bachrach earned acting Emmys for their roles. Following the acclaim of its second season, The Bear season three premiered on June 27 on Disney+, with 10 episodes in total.

The half-hour series also stars Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, and Matty Matheson, with Jon Bernthal playing Michael “Mikey” Berzatto, Carmy’s older brother who killed himself before the events of the show.

While the story of The Bear is fictional, it is inspired by real-life stories of restaurants and chefs with a passion for the cutthroat culinary industry, particularly in Chicago, according to executive producer Matty Matheson, who also plays the minor role of Neil Fak.

“More little tidbits are gonna come out. Chris [Storer, the showrunner] loves Chicago very much and the rest of us have all fallen in love with it dearly,” Mr. Matheson said at a press conference on June 25 that was livestreamed from the United States.

The Beef was inspired by an actual Italian beef restaurant in River North called Mr. Beef, founded by Joe Zucchero in 1979. The sibling duo at the helm of The Bear — creator Christopher Storer and culinary producer Courtney Storer — encourage the cast and crew to immerse themselves in Chicago’s food scene.

On portraying an intensely focused head chef, Jeremy Allen White said that the effect is having a newfound “hypersensitivity to how restaurants work.”

“Carmy continues to do what he does best, which is be incredibly avoidant of all the issues he has going on. We’ll see more of that this season. He sort of buries himself in his work and tries to challenge himself; in doing so, it really makes him become challenging to be around,” he said.

For Ayo Edebiri, whose character is the only newcomer to the restaurant after the death of Mickey Berzatto who used to handle it, the inherent darkness in the show makes the comedy more poignant.

“Grief touches them all in different ways. It’s one of the connecting threads of the show, how people deal with it throughout the seasons. This show is dark, but it has really beautiful and light moments too, and you get to take that with you,” she said.

Both Mr. White and Ms. Edebiri were asked if their characters would develop a romance in addition to being business partners, to which they responded with a resounding no.

The latter explained: “Sydney really looks up to Carmy but is in the thick of being in a business with him, something she now realizes she idealized before they started working together.”

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, whose character grew from the impulsive loser cousin to the eager maître d’ over the course of the first two seasons, said that all the characters’ growth is “forward and back; not a clear, one-direction path.”

“I think Richie is in a place where he’s been exposed to a more evolved way of being, and he sees a path to head towards. But it’s one thing to see a path and another thing to walk it,” he explained.

“Grief is the river that runs through all of us and it’s one of the common things we share in the human experience. Everyone deals with it in their own way.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Matheson said that those who watch The Bear to see how they depict delicious, potential Michelin-starred dishes onscreen will not be disappointed.

“Courtney [Storer] handles a lot of menu development and ideation of what Carmy and Syd would be thinking, how the food they make can reflect who they are. An entire team of chefs bring that to life. We’re just trying to make thoughtful food and push the envelope,” he said.

The Bear was created by Christopher Storer, who acts as executive producer alongside Josh Senior, Joanna Calo, Cooper Wehde, Tyson Bidner, Matty Matheson, and Hiro Murai. Courtney Storer serves as a co-executive producer and culinary producer. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Its third season is out now on Disney+. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

GERI says land assets enough to sustain dev’t activities

GLOBAL-ESTATE Resorts, Inc. (GERI) on Thursday said it has enough land to support its growth over the next ten years.

“The company has an expansive land bank in the flourishing centers of Batangas, Cavite, and Cagayan de Oro, sufficient to sustain its development activities in the next ten years,” GERI President Monica T. Salomon said during the company’s virtual annual stockholders’ meeting.

GERI, a subsidiary of Andrew L. Tan-led Megaworld Corp., is a developer of integrated tourism and leisure townships.

Ms. Salomon said that GERI aims to launch more leisure estates and lifestyle communities that are “integrated with nature.”

“To realize the company’s vision for its development model, the company formed an integrated resorts property management to provide resort style property management for the company’s destination estates as well as hospitality inspired customer experience to leisure property buyers,” she said.  

“Through integrated resorts, the company seeks to facilitate harmonious engagements inside its communities while promoting a culture of stewardship towards the natural environment integrated into its developments for the enjoyment of the present and future generations,” she added.

GERI has nine tourism estates and integrated lifestyle communities nationwide covering over 3,300 hectares of land namely: Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas (1,200 hectares); Southwoods City in Biñan, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite (561 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island, Aklan (150 hectares); and Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares).

Also included in the company’s portfolio are Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); Arden Botanical Estate at the boundary of Trece Martires and Tanza in Cavite (251 hectares); and Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite (340 hectares).

For the first quarter, GERI saw a 5% increase in its net income to P596.5 million as consolidated revenue rose by 3.4% to P2.1 billion.

Real estate sales dropped by 4% to P1.61 billion while hotel revenue surged by 41% to P201.6 million due to the continued rise of local tourism and travel.

Rental income rose by 4% to P128.7 million led by higher occupancy of retail spaces.

GERI shares rose by 1.37% or one centavo, closing at 74 centavos per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

K-Dramas refreshed with the PPO

KOREAN DRAMAS, or K-Dramas, are loved for their heart-pounding and tear-inducing qualities. The complex emotions in Descendants of the Sun and cherished memories in Crash Landing on You, for example, resonate with Filipinos’ penchant for drama and romance.

On June 29, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will celebrate this genre of entertainment with OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

The PPO will be playing music to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations. The concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines.

Led by conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO will perform melodies from both South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. For this concert, South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will give renditions of K-drama OST favorites while singers Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of K-dramas.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean Wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga in a statement.

“These cultural exchanges and exposure play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding.”

The event is free to the public. Seats may be reserved via bit.ly/ostsymphony

Adapting and leading the way in post-pandemic healthcare

With COVID-19 seeming like a distant memory for Filipinos, the Philippines’ focus has shifted to addressing longstanding healthcare challenges driven by the lessons Filipinos learned during the health crisis.

According to Christopher Tan, Cocolife’s Head of Sales and Marketing Department in their Healthcare Division, the pandemic impacted the healthcare industry in several ways ranging from the population’s awareness to the integration of technological advancements in healthcare.

He noted that during COVID-19, healthcare facilities were mostly availed by those requiring urgent care as the population feared the virus and the government’s restriction of public movement. Mr. Tan said that this fear and restriction led to the rise of telehealth services as the patients became more open to and complacent with virtual consultations which in turn led to greater investment in telemedicine infrastructure and technology by healthcare providers.

Christopher Tan, Cocolife’s Head of Sales and Marketing Department, Healthcare Division

“Once the restrictions were lifted, the population became more comfortable with visiting healthcare facilities again. Moreover, the pandemic has raised the population’s awareness about the importance of health and preventive care; and the people are more conscious about maintaining overall health to prevent illnesses,” he said.

However, while population awareness and initiatives to maintain health are great outcomes after a health crisis, they also resulted in the rise of the so-called “revenge claims.” Mr. Tan said such a trend in healthcare insurance has caused industry losses for the past years which, coupled with the inflation of medical costs, “revenge claims” forced providers to increase their prices of membership fees.

These trends have made it challenging for healthcare insurance providers and health maintenance organizations to stay relevant and competitive in the market. In this regard, Cocolife continuously reviews its products and services to ensure they meet its members’ healthcare demands.

“During the pandemic, Cocolife has beefed up its capabilities to provide access to physicians for telemedicine by accrediting a third-party provider to complement the in-house physicians of Cocolife for the members’ needs for teleconsultation. The telemedicine capabilities of Cocolife also provide access to mental health consultants/specialists to address the increasing demand for mental health services,” Mr. Tan said.

He also stated that Cocolife continues to accredit its wide network of medical providers to give members from all over the country different options. Mr. Tan also said that his company has augmented its manpower to effectively and adequately provide convenient and satisfactory service to its growing member base.

With its team of customer service agents, he said that Cocolife has long been advocating the utilization of different communication channels to speed up and further enhance its service delivery system. This allows them to cater to their partners’ calls, emails, and messages regarding their requests and queries and provide 24/7 assistance.

Along with the launch of their Virtual Card application, Mr. Tan mentioned their investment in a company-wide system that will be used by the different divisions in its day-to-day operations and a separate system, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), developed for its customer service center to improve their operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction.

For Mr. Tan, these enhancements in their overall system will help automate certain tasks, eliminating or reducing the need for human intervention and thus reducing room for human error.

Cocolife Virtual Card: Healthcare on Filipino’s fingertips

While the increased awareness of Filipinos about the importance of healthcare may be seen as one of the few bright spots that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased utility and integration of online applications and technology in their daily lives can also be considered as one.

Recognizing this trend, some in the healthcare insurance and health maintenance organizations industry embraced digital transformation, developing apps designed to enhance access to medical services and improve overall patient care. The premier healthcare app making waves in the Philippines is Cocolife’s Healthcare Virtual Card. Launched in December last year, the virtual card is a comprehensive healthcare solution that aims to bring quality healthcare to Filipinos’ fingertips.

According to Atty. Paulo Rabanal, Head of Technical Services and Compliance Department, Cocolife’s Healthcare Division, the application was developed to achieve the company’s mission to provide the highest quality standards of products and services to all its stakeholders as well as to improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

Atty. Paulo Rabanal, Cocolife’s Head of Technical Services and Compliance Department, Healthcare Division

“Ensuring that Cocolife provides the best possible healthcare experience for its members is one of the top priorities. As part of this effort, Cocolife is consistently embarking on service and product innovations to cater to the evolving needs and requirements of its partners,” Mr. Rabanal said.

The virtual healthcare card has redefined and improved Cocolife’s service capabilities by providing quicker access to medical services, making it more convenient and efficient for its members. Through the app, members can view and manage their profile and benefits details, access and review the availment process, their respective medical benefits, and the limitations of their insurance.

The virtual card’s Provider Directory feature allows the member to search for Cocolife’s accredited medical providers whether the closest hospitals and clinics or their preferred physicians and dentists.

“Cocolife’s Provider Directory is a valuable resource that allows members to easily search from Cocolife’s wide network of accredited medical providers. The Provider map feature enables members to locate the nearest facility with ease, making it convenient to access the care they need,” Mr. Rabanal noted.

Users of the Virtual Card application can also request for electronic letter of authorization (LOA) for their consultation or outpatient diagnostic procedures. Additionally, it serves as an alternative to the members’ physical cards as well.

“The members can easily request LOA through Virtual Card application, print it out, and submit it to their doctors and/or facility for their procedures. This saves them time and effort allowing them to focus on what matters most – their health and well-being,” Mr. Rabanal said.

These unique features set the Cocolife Virtual Card apart from other digital healthcare solutions. Aside from a seamless experience for all their healthcare needs, the innovative tool offers users of the app unparalleled convenience and efficiency in managing their authorization processes.

As Filipinos continue to use the services given on the internet daily and emphasize the importance of maintaining their health, Cocolife’s Virtual Card provides the answer to their needs, sets a precedent for future advancements in the healthcare industry, and ensures that quality care is always within reach for every Filipino.

For more information, visit https://www.cocolife.com/products/healthcare/.

 

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CALAX battles RoW challenges on 2 segments, eyes 2025 completion

THE METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said it is working to resolve right-of-way (RoW) issues for the Kawit to Governor’s Drive sections of its Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project, aiming to meet the completion target by September 2025.

“We are still working on the right-of-way, but it is progressing… There are two remaining subsections, subsection 1 and 2,” MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Raul L. Ignacio told reporters in a recent interview. 

Subsection 1 of CALAX is an 8.8-kilometer, 2×2 lane expressway from Kawit Interchange to Open Canal Interchange, while Subsection 2 is a 9.8-kilometer, 2×2 lane expressway from Open Canal Interchange to Governor’s Drive Interchange.

CALAX, a four-lane, 45-kilometer toll road connecting the westbound Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) to the eastbound Mamplasan rotunda of the South Luzon Expressway, is set for completion by the third quarter of 2025.

Currently, MPTC has acquired the RoW for Subsection 3 of the CALAX project, from the Governor’s Drive Interchange in General Trias to the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange. 

The tollway company has secured approximately 76% of the RoW for Subsection 1 and 71% for Subsection 2, according to Mr. Ignacio.

“Practically, RoW for subsection 3 is 100%… Once we complete the subsection 3 that is almost 100%, we will partially open that,” he added.

MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — AEOJ

Reforestation for the birds and turtles of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

While accustomed to a life on the move below water, female sea turtles use their geomagnetic abilities, or an internal GPS, to return to their place of birth and lay their own eggs.

At the same time, way above, migratory birds also possess their own inner compass, which guide them in moving from low resource areas to areas with high or increasing ones.

For both species, food and nesting locations are major considerations when determining where to go. This puts a premium on places that are bustling with plant life — mangroves for the turtles and trees for the birds — which host fishes and insects for their consumption. This puts emphasis on the importance of conserving and protecting these special sites.

Mangrove boardwalk. Visitors of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park can tour the site’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest — home to 108 different bird species — and, at the right timing, maybe even participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings on its beach.

At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary for sea turtles and various bird species, owing to initiatives to populate the site with more trees and mangroves, as well as conscious efforts to conserve and protect wildlife.

Sea turtles and mangroves

Sea turtles can lay over 150 eggs at a time. Beaches with mangroves are among the suitable sea turtle nesting sites since the mangroves’ roots and dense vegetation offer safety and protection from predators and the sea waves.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

In some cases around the world, mangroves provide temporary shelter, hiding spots, and ample food for the sea turtles. Mangrove ecosystems foster a rich biodiversity of marine organisms, like small fish and crustaceans, making it an ideal breeding and feeding area.

At Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, park personnel patrol its beach to monitor sea turtle nesting activities. A team from Davao Light, an Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utility, along with the Aboitiz Foundation and volunteers, help protect the area through educational campaigns, coastal clean-ups, and mangrove planting. Further, when the turtle eggs are seen to be vulnerable to being caught by the sea waves, they are transferred to the park’s turtle hatchery.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

The park held its most recent sea turtle hatchling release last April, involving 90 hatchlings from a nest found in February. In total, 9,507 hatchlings have been released from the area since 2014. These turtles are immediately greeted by a rich coral reef surrounded by a 37-hectare Marine Protected Area.

While only a few will survive into adulthood, conservation efforts and proper waste management remain important to ensure that these endangered creatures can thrive in the oceans. Sea turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. Hawksbill sea turtles, in particular, live on coral reefs and, in their own way, give back to the environment by eating overgrown sponges that suffocate slow-growing corals, resulting in a healthy reef. They also help prevent the overpopulation of jellyfishes in the ocean.

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

To date, over 21,448 mangroves have been planted at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest. However, several natural and man-made factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30%, which emphasizes the need for continuous collaborative efforts to plant more mangroves and increase awareness of its importance to sea turtles and the rest of the natural world.

Birds and trees

An absolute hoot. The nocturnal gould’s frogmouth, a near-threatened species solely found in Southeast Asia, rests on a tree branch at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. Photo is courtesy of Davao Light.

Similarly, birds have a symbiotic relationship with trees. Most build their nests in trees as strong branches and dense canopies can keep their eggs and themselves safe from predators and other external threats. Barks are also adequate materials for building nests.

When it comes to food, flowers and leaves attract insects which are critical to a bird’s diet. Trees also provide other varieties of food, including sap, nuts, and fruit, as well as water that collects on its leaves, which birds use for drinking and bathing.

Golden. (L-R) The golden-bellied gerygone likes to stay in subtropical or tropical moist lowland or mangrove forests, while the golden-headed cisticola prefers grassy areas like rivers and wetlands. Pictures were taken by Peter Simpson at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

Aside from the mangrove reforestation site, the eight-hectare Aboitiz Cleanergy Park also propagates multiple native tree species. Consequently, many species of birds — from migrants, residents, to localized endemics — consider it their home. Following a recommendation by the University of the Philippines Mindanao and the University of Southeastern Philippines back in 2013, the park steadily propagated trees in the area through years of joint efforts from the public and private sectors, enabling an increase in the number of bird species residing there — rising from just five in 2015 to 108 in 2024.

As observed by birdists who frequent the park, more trees meant more food and shelter that accommodated the influx of more bird species. This growth was further sustained by habitat conservation activities and proper biodiversity management which made it a safer reserve for the birds, especially as too few people move around the area.

In other parts of the country, other AboitizPower business units in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao also consistently champion initiatives throughout the past few years to plant more trees and mangroves and produce carbon sinks within their host communities.

Mangrove boardwalk. Visitors of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park can tour the site’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest — home to 108 different bird species — and, at the right timing, maybe even participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings on its beach.

With its efforts, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park continues to be a model of habitat conservation and biodiversity management in an urban setting. It affirms the collective vision of various stakeholders — AboitizPower and the rest of the Aboitiz Group, the local and national government, the academe, and other friends and volunteers — to create a positive impact by preserving the environment and nurturing wildlife.

 

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Entertainment News (06/28/24)

ANIMA Studios debuts queer series Marahuyo Project

IN time for Pride Month, ANIMA Studios has released the queer series, Marahuyo Project. Inspired by nostalgic 1990s barkada shows, it explores themes of representation, equality, and safe spaces through heartwarming and relatable stories revolving around a group of friends. With queer narratives at its core, the series’ diverse cast is led by Adrian Lindayag as King, a vocal and feisty transferee to the fictional traditional town of Marahuyo. There, he lobbies to create the first LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual plus) organization in the local school campus along with his newly formed friends group played by Nour Hooshmand, Yani Villarosa, AJ Sison, and Ian Villa. Marahuyo Project can be streamed via ANIMA Studios’ YouTube channel.

A Quiet Place: Day One now in Philippine cinemas

THE HORROR franchise of A Quiet Place gets more intense with the new prequel showing day one of its version of the apocalypse. It stars Lupita Nyong’o as Samira, one of the main survivors. According to writer-director Michael Sarnoski. her character was developed from his initial pitch of a woman going through the city in the middle of the apocalypse to get pizza from a childhood restaurant. In the middle of the chaos and horror, Samira and her cat Frodo find companionship in Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. A Quiet Place: Day One tells their tale of survival in the massive city of New York as it falls apart. The movie is now in Philippine cinemas.

Red Velvet fan tour coming to Metro Manila

K-POP group Red Velvet has announced that its fan tour will be coming to Metro Manila in September. The fan-con tour is titled <HAPPINESS : My Dear, ReVe1uv>, and is set for Sept. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The group’s members — Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri — will perform their hits live and will interact with their fans. More details will be revealed soon.

Thai horror-romcom My Boo comes to PHL

THE HORROR-romantic comedy My Boo revolves around gamer Joe (played by model-actor Sutthirak “Gee” Subvijitra), who inherits a haunted house. Down on his luck, he gets the idea of turning the place into a horror attraction and recruits its three resident ghosts to be his actors. Love begins to bloom when Joe develops a deep connection with the charming ghost, Anong (played by popstar-actress Maylada “Bow” Susri). Produced by Jungka Studio and written and directed by Khomkrit “S” Treewimol, My Boo has grossed over 100 million baht (around P158 million) in Thailand, one of the highest-grossing Thai films of 2024. It can now be seen in the Philippines exclusively in SM Cinemas.

The Met: Live in HD shows Verdi’s La Forza del Destino

GIUSEPPE Verdi’s opera, La Forza del Destino (The Power of Fate or The Force of Destiny), explores love, death, and betrayal through the intertwined journeys of anti-heroes Leonora, Alvaro, and Carlo. It is also the next opera in the current installment of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ The Met: LIVE in HD, a series of recordings of operas performed at the Metropolitan Theater in New York. Lise Davidsen takes on the titular role of Leonora while baritone Igor Golovatenko embodies the role of the vengeful Don Carlo, under the direction of Mariusz Treliński and guided by the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. La Forza del Destino will be screened on July 2, 5:30 p.m., exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1 in Makati City. Regular tickets are priced at P350 while the discounted price for students and seniors is P100. Tickets are available at the venue’s ticket booth or can be booked online at www.sureseats.com.

Gateway holds Binibining Pilipinas 2024 photo exhibit

PAGEANT fans can get up close with their favorite Binibining Pilipinas 2024 candidates through the “Glam Shot and National Costume Photo Exhibit” at the Gateway Mall Activity Area in Araneta City, Quezon City. The exhibit showcases the contestants in seven-foot-tall portraits shot by official lensmen Raymond Saldana and Owen Reyes of Klickbox Studios. The contestants were styled by Patrick Henry Mergano for the portraits, and wear outfits by Manny Halasan and Allan Laserna. The exhibit is ongoing until June 30, then will be transferred to other Araneta City malls until the 60th Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on July 7.

Robinsons Antipolo holds pet adoption activity

ROBINSONS MALLS’ Happy Pets Club and the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) are organizing a slumber party for those who want to find a new pet to bond with. To be held at the Robinsons Antipolo Main Mall Atrium on July 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the adoption drive under the Gift of Furever Home program aims to find permanent loving homes for the stray cats and victims of dog-meat trade rescued by its partner advocacy group AKF. All cats and dogs are healthy, rehabilitated, and ready for adoption.

Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 on HBO in July

THE 12th season of Larry David’s comedy where he plays an over-the-top version of himself is coming to HBO and HBO GO on July 8. The iconic Emmy and Golden Globe-winning comedy series will continue to prove how seemingly trivial details of one’s day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events. To keep the narrative spontaneous, the series is shot without a script and cast members are given scene outlines and improvise lines as they go. The series also stars Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and Cheryl Hines.

Ayala Malls Cinemas screen Marupok A+

STARTING July 10, the catfishing film Marupok A+ (Where is the Lie?) will be shown in Ayala Malls Cinemas. Based on a true story that went viral on Twitter, it follows Janzen Torres (EJ Jallorina), a hopeless romantic who goes on a dating app and matches with the seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda (Royce Cabrera). On the day of their first date, Janzen gets ghosted. This then leads to an intricately planned web of deceit and catfishing, with a sociopathic mastermind named Beanie Landridos (Maris Racal) behind all of it. The film, directed by Quark Henares, was previously shown in Cinemalaya 2023.

Dingdong Avanzado at The Theatre at Solaire in July

SINGER Dingdong Avanzado will be back onstage at The Theatre at Solaire to perform his greatest hits. Joining him in this one night-only event are the Jessa Zaragoza, Pablo of SB19, Jayda, Idol Philippines Season 2 winner Khimo, Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Duets champions Marielle Montellano and JM dela Cerna, singer/actor LA Santos, and pop music icon Randy Santiago. Dingdong Avanzado, The Original Prince of Pinoy Pop will take place on July 19, at 8 p.m., at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are now available via TicketWorld.

Jolianne releases R&B ballad

RISING singer-songwriter Jolianne has released “I’ll Be Somebody You Want,” an R&B ballad all about finding a genuine romantic connection with someone regardless of complexities and imperfections. Written by Jolianne, the song is produced by RJ Pineda, a keyboardist for Filipino bands such as Apartel and Brat Pack. “I’ll Be Somebody You Want” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Providing affordable and quality care through HMOs

Photo by vectorjuice on Freepik

Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, and having access to quality healthcare services is essential for maintaining a high standard of living. Proper healthcare also ensures that individuals can lead healthy and productive lives that will further contribute positively to society.

However, healthcare expenses can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the financial aspect. These costs can lead to significant strain on individuals and families, creating barriers to accessing necessary medical care and even exacerbating health disparities.

According to the World Health Organization, global health spending in 2021 reached a record high of US$9.8 trillion, accounting for 10.3% of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

In the Philippines, healthcare expenses continue to be a major financial burden for Filipinos. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the average Filipino spent an average of P10,059.49 for healthcare in 2022.

Meanwhile, out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, prescription drugs, and other healthcare-related services can also quickly add up, which will put a strain on household budgets.

Instead of foregoing necessary medical care or opt for cheaper, potentially less effective alternatives, individuals and families are getting healthcare insurance plan, such as those from health maintenance organizations (HMOs), to mitigate expenses.

HMO is a type of health insurance plan that offer comprehensive medical coverage through a network of contracted healthcare providers. According to a study published by StatPearls Publishing, HMOs have become increasingly popular in recent years because they can provide quality care at lower costs for members by combining financing and care delivery.

HMO members typically pay fixed monthly premiums, low or no deductibles, and modest co-pays for services. This makes healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for those with limited budgets. In fact, studies have shown that HMO enrollees have 25%-30% lower healthcare expenditures compared to those with traditional fee-for-service insurance.

HMOs also have an ability to closely monitor and manage the care provided by their contracted network of doctors and hospitals.

For instance, Cocolife, a Filipino-owned stock life insurance company, is continuing to innovate its healthcare plans to help its clients and their loved ones achieve their dreams and aspirations.

In a statement, Atty. Jose Martin A. Loon, president and chief executive officer of Cocolife, said that their products and services are tailored to Filipino families to provide them with better financial protection and stability in the occurrence of unfortunate events.

“Our products cater to all segments and demographics — to all Filipinos. As the biggest Filipino stock-life insurance company, we value every peso invested in our products as we make it our mission to provide excellent and efficient service to all our countrymen. No matter how big or small your investment,” Atty. Loon added.

Ensuring comprehensive care post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in enrollment in HMOs across the Philippines, as individuals have recognized the value of comprehensive healthcare coverage and accessible care during these challenging times.

Many HMO plans have provisions for cost-sharing and out-of-pocket maximums, providing individuals with a greater sense of financial security during a time of economic uncertainty. In fact, HMOs saw a 17.3% surge in healthcare payouts in the first quarter of 2024, equivalent to $255.9 million in benefits. This was accompanied by a 20.09% year-over-year increase in total industry revenues, reaching $317.56 million. The Insurance Commission attributed this growth to a rise in membership fee collections, which totaled $303.26 million.

According to a report by Health-Scape Advisors, the economic impact of the pandemic has led employers to increasingly favor HMO products that can tightly control medical costs and administrative expenses, while limiting member cost-sharing. As employers look to defend against rising healthcare costs, they are shifting away from broad provider networks and high-deductible health plans towards more managed care options like HMOs.

Recent data also indicates that the percentage of covered workers enrolled in high-deductible health plans has leveled off in recent years, suggesting a potential resurgence in employer demand for HMO plans.

As a result, health insurers are responding by launching new and innovative HMO plans that leverage strategic partnerships with health systems, provider groups, and employers to enable accountable care at low premium price points.

HealthScape Advisors also mentioned that providers are increasingly open to joining capitated and delegated HMO models as they aim to protect themselves from potential revenue decreases and secure a larger portion of the premium. Therefore, there is growing cooperation between health plans and provider organizations to establish HMO networks.

Furthermore, the pandemic forced lockdowns and restricted in-person visits have driven the implementation of telehealth programs to continue providing care remotely. COVID-19 has also driven the expansion of telehealth capabilities, such as “virtual wards” that allow low-risk patients to receive hospital-level care at home.

In response, HMOs are leveraging telemedicine to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive better health outcomes. HMOs have been able to connect their enrollees with virtual healthcare professionals that provide convenient and accessible medical services. This approach helps to overcome geographical barriers, improve patient engagement, and ultimately boost patient satisfaction and loyalty.

The proliferation of smartphones also allowed HMOs to enhance their engagement with members through mobile health applications. These apps enable patients to schedule appointments, access their health plans, receive medication reminders, and even obtain personalized health tips, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

A research published in BMC Health Services Research also found that 23% of primary care physicians reported using telemedicine service apps, including HMO-provided applications, several times a day.

Meanwhile, electronic health records (EHRs) have enabled HMOs to streamline the management of patient data, further allowing healthcare providers to access comprehensive patient information in a centralized digital platform. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, ensuring they receive consistent and coordinated care across different healthcare facilities.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, psychiatric hospitals that were part of an HMO were 82.7% more likely to have a certified EHR system compared to those not affiliated with an HMO. The same study found that hospitals that were part of a preferred provider organization (PPO) were 87.8% more likely to have a certified EHR.

AI and data analytics are also being used to streamline administrative tasks within HMOs, such as automating data entry, processing claims, and managing medical records. These technology helps in reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Some forward-thinking HMOs are also exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to optimize their service delivery. For example, chatbots and virtual assistants powered by natural language processing is helping patients schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and get answers to basic medical questions. — Mhicole A. Moral

NGCP seeks ERC approval for grid upgrade project

NGCP.PH

THE NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it is seeking approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to upgrade Luzon and Leyte-Cebu Interconnection Lines 3 and 4.

This upgrade involves establishing 500-kilovolt (kV) backbone looping and extensions, which are part of the efforts “to continuously expand the power grid through ongoing transmission projects,” the NGCP said in a statement on Thursday.

“With expedited project approvals and proper support from the ERC and the DoE (Department of Energy), NGCP can do more and is ready to deliver more available power supply to the Filipino people,” the grid operator said.

The NGCP said that it is “more than ready” to accept additional generation capacity following the completion of its latest transmission backbone projects to meet the growing demand for electricity.

“Aside from strengthening our transmission network, the recently completed backbone projects allow NGCP to create room for additional generation capacity, whether from conventional or renewable power sources,” the NGCP added.

Among the NGCP’s recently energized projects are the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500-kV Transmission Line and the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kV Transmission Backbone.

The Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) adds 2,400 megawatts overhead transmission capacity and allows power sharing between the two regions of up to 450 megawatts (MW) of power, expandable to another 450 MW of capacity.

The grid operator said it has also completed Mindanao 230-kV Transmission Backbone extensions, which provides an additional transfer capacity of 2,200 MW in the north and 2,400 MW in the south of the region.

Ongoing projects such as the Tuy-Dasmarinas 500kV Transmission Line Project will provide a transmission capacity of 2,400 MW at its initial 230-kV energization stage.

Moreover, the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project in the Visayas will provide Bohol with 1,200-MW total interconnection capacity to Cebu island where MVIP is connected.

“Various new transmission backbone projects, such as the upgrade of the Luzon-Visayas HVDC (high-voltage direct current) interconnection, will upgrade the facility’s transfer capacity from 440 MW to 880 MW,” the NGCP said.

The grid operator also said that the country must double its current power output by installing more power plants “to keep up with the economy-driven rise in demand, and the continuing capacity degradation of aging power plants.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

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