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Alternergy board OK’s use of IPO proceeds for wind projects in Rizal, Quezon

MATT ARTZ–UNSPLASH

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. announced on Monday that it intends to use some of the money raised from its initial public offering (IPO) for its two wind power projects in Rizal and Quezon provinces.

The company’s board of directors has approved the reallocation of P64.86 million from the IPO funds to its indirect subsidiaries Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. and Alabat Wind Power Corp., according to a regulatory filing.

This is to support the upcoming construction of the 55-megawatt (MW) Alabat wind farm in Quezon and 86-MW Tanay wind farm in Rizal.

“[P64.86 million is] needed to be immediately deployed to the Wind SPVs (special purpose vehicle) to secure the issuance of a notice to proceed to the contractor for each wind project,” the company said.

The company allotted an additional P18.86 million for Tanay wind project and P46 million for the Alabat wind project. As of March 22,  the remaining budget is at P385.15 million.

Alternergy has awarded the construction contract for the projects to China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd.

The construction of both projects is targeted to start by the second quarter of 2024 and is slated for completion by the end of 2025.

The Department of Energy awarded both projects their respective certificates of confirmation of commerciality, allowing the company to transition from the pre-development to the development stage.

Alternergy previously allocated funds from its IPO proceeds to finance projects including the Solana solar project, Ibulao mini hydro project, and Calavite and Tablas Strait offshore wind projects.

It has also previously allocated funds for working capital to operationalize its retail electricity supplier, Green Energy Supply Solutions.

The renewable energy company raised P1.62 billion from its IPO in March 2023.

Altenergy aims to develop up to 1,370 MW of renewable sources such as onshore and offshore wind, solar, and run-of-river hydropower projects.

At the local bourse on Monday, shares of the company went down by P0.01 or 1.32% to close at P0.75 each. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Streaming subscriptions boost 2023 recorded music revenues — report

CHRISTINA VICTORIA CRAFT-UNSPLASH

LONDON — Global recorded music revenues grew for the ninth year running in 2023, increasing 10.2% to $28.6 billion mainly thanks to a rise in paid streaming subscribers, a report said on Thursday.

Paid subscriptions to music streaming services exceeded 500 million globally for the first time, with more than 667 million users of such accounts, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s (IFPI) Global Music Report said.

The body, which represents the recording industry worldwide, said streaming revenues made up most of the total growth, rising 10.4% to $19.3 billion. Subscription streaming revenues rose 11.2%.

Physical format revenues — CDs and vinyl — rose 13.4%, as did those for performance rights, up 9.5%.

Only revenues for downloads and other digital formats fell, down 2.6%.

“The figures in this year’s report reflect a truly global and diverse industry, with revenues growing in every market, every region and across virtually every recorded music format,” John Nolan, IFPI’s chief financial officer and interim joint head, said in a statement. “For the third year in succession, both physical and digital formats grew with a strong rise in the users of paid streaming subscribers — as well as price increases — contributing significantly to total revenue growth.”

Geographically, sub-Saharan Africa saw the fastest growth, with revenues up 24.7%. South Africa, its biggest market, accounted for 77% of regional revenues after growth of nearly 20%.

Latin America followed with revenues up 19.4% in the region’s 14th consecutive year of growth.

Asia, the third largest region globally, saw revenues rise 14.9%, driven by physical format and digital revenues, while the Middle East and North Africa saw an increase of 14.4%, led by streaming. Australasia revenues rose 10.8%.

Europe, the world’s second largest region for music revenues, accounted for more than a quarter of global figures. Its revenues gained 8.9%.

The USA and Canada, representing around 41% of global recorded music revenues, saw a rise of 7.4%.

“The sustained growth of the recorded music market is encouraging,” Lauri Rechardt, IFPI’s chief legal officer and interim joint head, said.

“But it’s also right for us to acknowledge the challenges the industry faces, including streaming fraud, digital piracy… and, of course, the threat from the abuse of generative artificial intelligence if it is not developed responsibly and with respect for artists’ and labels’ rights.”

Last month, the IFPI announced Miley Cyrus’ hit “Flowers” as the world’s best-selling single in 2023 and said K-pop group Seventeen’s FML was the biggest-selling album globally. — Reuters

Upson International profit down 13.7%

LISTED information technology (IT) retailer Upson International Corp. saw a 13.7% drop in its 2023 net income to P464.20 million from P537.86 million the prior year due to pre-opening costs and lower gross margin.

“Net income declined 13.7% to P464.2 million as a result of lower gross margin and pre-opening costs, helped by other income mainly through promotional support from suppliers, such as volume-based rebates and sell-out incentive programs as well as inventory price protection to drive demand and replacement cycles,” Upson International said in a stock exchange disclosure on Monday.

Despite the lower net income, the company’s revenues rose by 5.8% to P10.01 billion in 2023 from P9.46 billion in 2022, led by revenue growth from new stores, which have operated for less than one year.

 In terms of product category, Upson said computers were its primary sales growth driver led by midrange laptops, followed by printing and communication products. The sales growth partly offset the lower sales of storage and components.

The company said that the Visayas market had the fastest sales growth followed by Northern Mindanao.

“2023 was a year of investment and transition, evolving from being privately held to becoming a public company,” Upson International Chief Executive Officer Arlene Louisa T. Sy said.

“For the first time in our history, revenues surpassed P10 billion as we increasingly reap the benefits from our expanding footprint. This strong foundation is what we will build on this year. Our focus is on serving our customers better to unlock the full potential of the new stores and deliver sustainable and profitable growth,” she added.

Upson International saw an 8.9% increase in cost of inventories to P7.93 billion, resulting in a lower gross margin at 20.8% from 23% in 2022. The decline in gross margin was due to revenue mix and lower product margin rates from increased promotions, including product bundling and price discounts.

Operating expenses climbed by 9.5% to P1.68 billion from P1.53 billion in support of the company’s strategic growth initiatives, specifically relating to store and warehouse network expansion.

“These higher expenses were mostly lease payments, contracted and other services, depreciation and amortization, and personnel-related costs. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses were slightly up from 16.2% to 16.7% in 2023,” Upson International said.

Upson International opened 25 new stores in 2023, ending the year with an overall store count of 232.

Its store brands include Octagon, Micro Valley, Gadget King, Octagon Mobile, and concept stores.

The company carries 115 tech brands in its portfolio. The company previously introduced 12 tech brands including AUKEY, ESR, Garmin, MOMAX, Verbatim, MONOCOZZI, and Cricut to expand its product offerings. It also began to set up Apple product corners in select stores.

On Monday, Upson International shares were unchanged at P1.02 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

3 Body Problem: Netflix adaptation of Liu Cixin’s alien invasion trilogy is captivating

SEA SHIMOOKA in Netflix’s 3 Body Problem.

CHINESE science fiction writing has experienced an unparalleled surge in global acclaim over the last decade, with author Liu Cixin and his novel The Three-Body Problem (2006) at the forefront. Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg are among the many readers captivated by Liu’s Three-Body trilogy, thanks to its unique blend of historical and cultural storytelling.

The eight episodes of the new Netflix adaptation take place across the trilogy, including the other two novels, The Dark Forest (2008) and Death’s End (2010).

The series offers an intense narrative journey that probes into the trilogy’s core questions. If a technologically superior alien civilization were to invade Earth — a planet already plagued with ecological destruction and human conflict — how should humanity respond? Is humanity worth saving? Is saving ourselves even possible?

The series begins with the story of astrophysicist Ye Wenjie’s (Rosalind Chao) disillusionment with humanity, which leads her to invite aliens known as Trisolarans to intervene. The show then follows a number of strategic defenses against the impending Trisolaran invasion, culminating in complex interstellar efforts to preserve human civilization. It weaves a story of survival, betrayal, and the relentless quest for human and alien coexistence with cosmic threats and the search for a mutual understanding between vastly different beings.

The series showcases some of the most widely discussed plots from Liu’s science fiction universe, bringing them to life with stunning visuals. It makes for a superb viewing experience, both for fans of Liu’s original novel and those new to the story.

A STRANGE ECHO OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION
China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) is an important cultural backdrop for Liu’s novels. This nationwide political campaign brought death and catastrophe for millions of families in the People’s Republic of China, under the leadership of Mao Zedong.

Ye Wenjie is a witness to this calamity. The Netflix series opens with a harrowing scene where she sees her father, a leading physicist, brutally beaten to death by the Red Guards.

Nearly every episode in the series alludes to the Cultural Revolution in some way. However, the adaptation oversimplifies its impact on Ye’s life, and consequently her complex role in the clash between humanity and the Trisolarans.

For instance, in the second episode, Ye immediately sends a message to the Trisolarans after encountering the unrepentant Red Guard who killed her father. This accentuates her deep-seated bitterness toward the Cultural Revolution and her ensuing disillusionment with humanity.

But in the novel, her confrontation with the Red Guard doesn’t happen until much later. By this point, she’s gone through a whirlwind of ideological shifts and emotional developments that are key to her changing attitudes toward both China and humanity as a whole.

Netflix’s adaptation glosses over the significant influence of the Cultural Revolution on the plot of The Three-Body Problem. These changes to the story, which presumably aim to add global appeal, miss a deeper exploration of the novel’s important themes.

REWRITING CHARACTERS AND HUMANITY’S DECISIONS
The Netflix series introduces the “Oxford Five” — a diverse group of Oxford-educated physicists and intellectuals with various skin colors and cultural backgrounds, who don’t appear in Liu’s novels. This creative decision highlights the message that humanity, despite our differences, should be united in addressing existential threats.

Through the Oxford Five, the series successfully explores deep ethical questions. Should we sacrifice individuals today to prevent potential future crises? Or should we focus on current issues, such as poverty and social inequality?

Despite the additions and changes, 3 Body Problem masterfully unfolds Liu’s expansive universe. It teases potential collaborations between the scientists and the UN, and questions how humanity might reassess its social fabric and relationships amid external threats.

The first season offers a range of diverse answers but ultimately, its mix of intrigue and open-ended storytelling encourages viewers to draw their own conclusions.

 

Mia Chen Ma is a research fellow in Medical Humanities, China and the United Kingdom, University of Strathclydey.

Maynilad, Manila Water told to implement supply measures for hot season

PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALMA

THE METROPOLITAN Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has directed its two water concessionaires to ensure the implementation of augmentation measures as the summer season begins.

“MWSS has already issued instructions to our two concessionaires to ensure that all our augmentation measures are operational,” Patrick James B. Dizon, manager of MWSS’ water and sewerage management department, said in a Viber message on Monday.

The statement came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the official start of the warm and dry season in the country last week.

Mr. Dizon said that Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc. are already implementing reduced water pressure.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said last week that it would cut the raw water allocation of Metro Manila to 48 cubic meters per second (cms) from April 16-31.

“MWSS [is] dependent on the approved raw water allocation from the NWRB. A raw water allocation of less than 50 cms could potentially impact our service areas, particularly those situated at higher elevations,” Mr. Dizon said.

Among the augmentation measures being implemented by the concessionaires is the installation of static water tanks to minimize any inconvenience to their customers.

Mr. Dizon said that Maynilad has 130 static water tanks in its service areas, while Manila Water has nine.

Jennifer C. Rufo, head of Maynilad’s corporate communications, said that the company is “aligned” with MWSS on its supply augmentation projects, which include deep wells, modular treatment plants, among others.

“These are already producing additional water supply from alternate sources, augmenting the supply we get from the main source (Angat Dam) and mitigating any reduction in the raw water allocation,” she said in a Viber message.

Maynilad recently inaugurated a modular water treatment plant in Muntinlupa City, which is expected to produce 20 million liters per day of potable water supply.

“Our preparations for summer happen all year round and that includes continuously exercising and working on our augmentation measures, especially this year when we have to also mitigate the effects of El Niño,” Dittie L. Galang, head of Manila Water’s corporate communications, said in a Viber message.

In a statement, Manila Water has assured its customers of 24/7 water service for Holy Week, with its key projects and mitigating measures in place.

“Anticipating the rise in water demand, the East Zone Concessionaire ramped up its system checks in its water supply augmentation projects prior to the announcement of summer by the [PAGASA] last week,” the company said.

Manila Water serves the east zone network of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Maynilad serves the cities of Manila, except San Andres and Sta. Ana. It also operates in Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. It also supplies the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in Cavite province.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three 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 an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Schedules of malls and public transport for Holy Week 2024

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

MALLS and transport lines have announced their operating hours for Holy Week. Their schedules are as follows:

MALLS

SM Supermalls

March 28, Maundy Thursday

Aside from SM By the Bay, SM City Baguio, and SM City Puerto Princesa, SM malls all over the country will be closed.

March 29, Good Friday

SM By the Bay will have normal operating hours and SM City Baguio will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. All other malls aside from the ones mentioned will be closed.

March 30, Black Saturday

SM City Baguio will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. All other malls will operate during their normal operating hours.

March 31, Easter Sunday

Only the following branches will be open, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: SM City Baguio, SM City Clark, SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City San Jose, SM City Taytay, SM City San Mateo, SM City Marikina, SM City Bacoor, SM City Calamba, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City Cebu, SM City Consolacion, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM Lanang

Ayala Malls

March 28, Maundy Thursday

Except for Ayala Malls Harbor Point, UP Town Center, Ayala Malls Solenad, Ayala Malls Serin, and Ayala Malls Vermosa, Ayala malls all over the country will be closed.

March 29, Good Friday

Ayala Malls Serin will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. while Ayala Malls Solenad and Ayala Malls Vermosa will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  All other malls aside from the ones mentioned will be closed.

March 30 and 31, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday

All Ayala malls will resume their normal operating hours.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

March 28, Maundy Thursday

Megaworld Lifestyle malls all over the country will be closed except for: Venice Grand Canal (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.); Newport Mall (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.); Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.); Alabang West Parade (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.); and, Southwoods Mall (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Mall partners in Uptown Parade, Uptown Ritz, Uptown Palazzo, and One Uptown Residence may operate, but the rest of Uptown Bonifacio will be closed.

March 29, Good Friday

Venice Grand Canal will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. while Alabang West Parade will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. All other malls will be closed.

March 30, Black Saturday

All Megaworld Lifestyle malls will resume their normal operating hours except for Forbes Town, which will operate only from noon to 9 p.m.

March 31, Easter Sunday

All Megaworld Lifestyle malls will resume normal operating hours.

Robinsons Malls

March 28 and 29, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Except for Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria, and Robinsons Antipolo, all Robinsons malls will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

March 30 and 31, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday

All Robinsons malls will resume their normal operating hours.

Araneta City

March 28 and 29, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Araneta City malls, namely Gateway Mall 1 and 2, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza, will be closed, as well as some shops and tenants at the Farmers Market and Farmers Garden.

Provincial buses, city buses, and beep jeeps will continue to operate at the Araneta City Bus Port.

March 30, Black Saturday

Araneta City malls will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

March 31, Easter Sunday

Araneta City malls will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Greenhills Mall

Greenhills Mall will be closed on March 28 and 29 and will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 30 and 31.

Power Plant Mall

The Power Plant Mall will be closed on March 28 and 29. It will operate from noon to 10 p.m. on March 30, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on March 31.

TRANSPORTATION

PUVs

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) special permits for Holy Week this year were given to 1,021 public transport vehicles. These are effective until April 14, to accommodate commuters going home to their respective provinces for the long holiday.

Railways

Light Rail Transit system (LRT) 1 will suspend operations for maintenance from March 27 (Wednesday) to 31 (Sunday).

Light Rail Transit system (LRT) 2 will shorten its operating hours on March 27 from 5 a.m. for its earliest trip to 7 p.m. for its last trip. It will suspend operations from March 28 to 31 for maintenance.

Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT) will suspend operations from March 28 to 31 for maintenance.

The Philippine National Railway is momentarily suspending operations in Metro Manila starting March 28, lasting for five years to give way to the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway project.

EDSA Busway and PITX

The Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Carousel Busway and all city and provincial routes at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) will continue to operate 24/7 during Holy Week.

Group proposes maximizing solar to offset summer power rate hikes

FREEPIK

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

POWER RATES are likely to increase this summer season as demand rises, said the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, Inc., suggesting building up more renewables, especially solar energy, to meet the demand.

“Historically, during summer months, especially during times when supply is short, the power rates always go up,” Jose M. Layug, Jr., president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, said via phone call.

He said that “it would help if we have a lot of solar” to add more capacity that will provide power supply.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) declared the official start of the dry and warm season in the country last week.

“In the coming months, the number of dry and warm days across the country will continue to increase, although isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur, usually in the afternoon or evening,” PAGASA said in a statement.

Mr. Layug said that building more renewables, which are now “cheaper,” may help increase supply.

As of November 2023, data from the Department of Energy showed that solar energy accounted for 19% of the total installed capacity connected to the grid.

Terry L. Ridon, a public investment analyst and convenor of think tank InfraWatch PH, said that distribution utilities and electric cooperatives may have to rely more heavily on the spot market to fulfill electricity demand.

“With the summer months, we are expecting higher electricity prices due to a greater demand for cooling in homes, offices and commercial establishments,” he said in a Viber message.

Meanwhile, Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr., president of the free market think tank Minimal Government Thinkers, foresees a decrease in power rates in April and May due to the resumption of coal power plants that underwent maintenance shutdown.

“Coal is ready during summer because their maintenance shutdown are generally scheduled on rainy months where hydro output is high,” he said in a Viber message.

Netflix’s 3 Body Problem leaves jaws dropped among Chinese viewers

Zine Tseng and Yang Hewen in Netflix’s 3 Body Problem. — IMDB

BEIJING — A Netflix adaptation of a Chinese science-fiction classic The Three-Body Problem found a large audience in China on the first day of its release despite the streaming service not being available there, and prompted immediate debate on social media.

The Netflix series 3 Body Problem is an adaptation of the first novel in a trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin, and made for the screen by the creators of Games of Thrones.

Liu’s novel has sold millions of copies since it was published in Chinese in 2008 and counts former US President Barack Obama among its fans. The English translation was the first novel by an Asian writer to win science fiction’s Hugo Award for best novel.

The Netflix version, like the English translation of the novel, starts with violent scenes from China’s Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, events that set in motion a plot that includes an impending alien invasion.

The new series was trending on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Friday with 21 million views so far and was first on the platform’s “top hot” trend rankings despite Netflix being officially inaccessible in China.

Chinese viewers would have had to watch the Netflix series from behind a VPN or on a pirate site.

“Jaw dropping” moments for Chinese viewers included an opening scene where a prominent scientist is beaten to death by paramilitary Red Guards, a depiction of recent history that remains controversial in China.

“The first scene made my jaw drop. Even though I had anticipated this, the scene still startled me,” said one Weibo user.

The video unit of Tencent Holdings released a 30-episode, Chinese language adaptation of the series last year. On Monday, seeking to capitalize on the publicity, Tencent Video released a streamlined version, and many online commentators said the made-in-China version was better.

The tagline “China version wins” was shown as trending on Weibo on Friday as one of the most-discussed topics of the day.

Others objected to the way the Netflix adaptation shifts the action from China to a group of British physicists nicknamed the “Oxford Five.” That showed “Westerners fundamentally can’t accept the idea of Chinese people inventing cutting-edge technology,” one viewer posted on the ratings and social network site Douban.

Another Douban user said Netflix had short-changed the Chinese elements of the story for “a Hollywood product that values individual heroism.”

Some viewers said critics were missing the point: a work of Chinese fiction was becoming even more widely known around the world. “Is it somehow a bad thing for the Netflix adaptation to become a global sensation?” a third Douban user said. — Reuters

BDO Unibank, Inc.: Notice of 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

BDO Unibank, Inc. will hold its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 19, 2024, Friday, at 2:00 p.m., at the Forbes Ballroom 1, Third Floor, Conrad Manila, and will be livestreamed for stockholders participating remotely.

 

 

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Rethinking Mobility: Embracing mass transit over elevated toll roads

PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALMA

(This is a statement released by the Management Association of the Philippines on March 15 and signed by the authors. — Ed.)

Traffic congestion has long been the bane of Metro Manila (MM) commuters and motorists alike, particularly along EDSA. As authorities search for solutions to alleviate this gridlock, proposals for elevated toll roads have surfaced.

Having elevated toll roads is a quick fix that may offer traffic relief, albeit short term, as they ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of sustainability, equity, and environmental impact.

The Braess Paradox and, similarly, the induced demand phenomenon have proven time and again that adding more road space only attracts more cars that will sooner than not choke the new road space with severe traffic congestion. The status quo ante will prevail in no time.

Instead, prioritizing investments in mass transit systems presents a far more viable and sustainable solution to the mobility challenges faced by MM and will be in consonance with the NEDA National Transport Plan (NTP) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Holistic Plan for traffic and transportation, wherein mass transportation is prioritized to move people, not cars.

A well-designed mass transit network, including efficient bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, light rail transit (LRT), and metro systems can significantly move more people and reduce congestion by drastically reducing private car usage, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

Elevated toll roads come at a significant cost. They will cause massive congestion and disruption at ground level during and after construction that will add to the already heavy cost to society, the economy and the environment.

Additionally, an elevated toll road will permanently preclude the transformation of EDSA from an ugly concrete corridor to a pleasant tree-lined avenue where clean energy mass transit is the primary means to move people, not traffic-congesting private vehicles; where sidewalks can be widened for landscaping for much needed softening of the urban landscape that would invite and enhance non-motorized mobility.

Elevated toll roads prioritize private vehicle usage, perpetuating car-centric urban planning and exacerbating issues of inequality in access to transportation.

Mass transit serves the broader population, including low-income communities who may lack access to private transportation, thus fostering social cohesion and economic opportunities for all residents, while offering long-term sustainability benefits that elevated toll roads cannot match.

Transit-oriented development around mass transit hubs can promote walkable neighborhoods, reduce urban sprawl and preserve green spaces.

The MAP encourages the government and the big infrastructure players to prioritize investments in mass transit systems that address the needs of all residents, while building more resilient, inclusive, and environment-friendly urban infrastructure for generations to come.

 

Noel P. Bonoan is the MAP vice-president, and Eduardo H. Yap is the chair of the MAP Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

AirAsia Philippines expects 100,000 travelers during Holy Week

BW FILE PHOTO

AIRASIA Philippines is expecting stronger demand for travel as it anticipates 100,000 travelers this week alone, the low-cost carrier said on Monday.

With this, AirAsia Philippines is ramping up its operations and deploying additional manpower to cater to higher passengers during the Holy Week.

The airline said its president and chief executive president, Ricardo P. Isla, personally inspected check-in counters to ensure operational efficiency and readiness. 

“All counters are fully operational, with additional manpower and standby team deployed to accommodate the expected influx of tourists during this period,” AirAsia Philippines said.

“Beyond safety, the airline is also focused on enhancing customer experience by partnering up with Locally PH. Hundreds of Locally products have been handed out to guests, adding a refreshing touch to their journeys,” it added.

“A dedicated customer help desk has been established to provide additional assistance to travelers with rebooking and flight change concerns.”

Data provided by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) showed about one million travelers both for domestic and international are expected this Holy Week, 7.9% higher than the 926,755 travelers logged during Holy Week last year.

On Sunday alone, the DoTr recorded a total of 134,660 passengers, of which 62,097 are inbound passengers while 72,563 are outbound passengers. 

Sought for comments, budget carrier Cebu Pacific said it expects “high demand” for travel as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) kept fuel surcharge for April unchanged. 

“With fuel surcharges holding steady, we anticipate that high demand for air travel will be sustained. We continue to encourage guests to book early to avail of affordable fares,”  Alexander G. Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer, said in a Viber message.

For April, CAB has retained the airline fuel surcharge at Level 6. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Entertainment News (03/26/24)

MTRCB bans film over nine-dash line

THE MOVIE and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has announced its decision to ban the film Chasing Tuna in the Ocean from domestic exhibition, citing scenes that prominently display the controversial nine-dash line. The film has been slapped with an “X” rating, categorizing it as “Not for Public Exhibition” within the Philippines. The decision comes after a review by the MTRCB Committee on First Review, which concluded that the film’s depiction of the nine-dash line symbolizes China’s territorial claim over the South China Sea. The film records the hardships of the fishermen fishing for tuna in the Indian Ocean.

Madame Tussauds Singapore adds Wurtzbach figure

TO RELIVE Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s crowning glory, Madame Tussauds Singapore has added an image of her to its star-studded lineup of wax figures. The launch last week was attended by the Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Maderdo G. Macaraig. The beauty queen herself was there as well to unveil her wax figure, which will be available for viewing until Sept. 1.

GMA Network’s Holy Week special programming

IN OBSERVANCE of the Holy Week season, GMA Network will have special programming starting March 28, Maundy Thursday. The day’s programs start with the biographical religious drama Magdalena at 6 a.m., followed by a series of family-friendly comedies, dramas, and adventures, including the Hollywood retelling of the Biblical story of Moses in The Ten Commandments at 7 p.m. Good Friday on March 29, will start with Jesus at 6 a.m., followed by religious program Power to Unite at 7:30 a.m. Recall Jesus’ seven last words from the Sto. Domingo Church via Siete Palabras at noon, to be followed by Women of the Bible at 2 p.m. Another special program is the epic biblical drama film Son of God at 9 p.m. Black Saturday (March 30) opens with The Story of Jesus for Children at 6 a.m. The day will be filled with family friendly fare including Seven Sundays at 7 p.m. For more information visit www.gmanetwork.com.

MAX to have Ayala Malls shows in April

FOLLOWING his viral song “Stupid In Love” featuring K-pop group LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin, the pop singer MAX will return to the Philippines for a string of mall shows: at the UP Town Center on April 5, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on April 6, and at One Ayala on April 7. This will be MAX’s first visit to the country in eight years. For details visit Ayala Malls’ social media pages.

Lola Amour announces concert and album

AFTER dominating the charts with “Raining in Manila,” eight-piece pop-funk band Lola Amour has announced a two-stop album concert this April. The first stop will be at the Circuit Event Grounds, Makati, on April 13 with Cup of Joe, Any Name’s Okay, and PLAYERTWO as after-party guests. This will be followed by a trip to Draft Punk, Cebu, on April 27 which will feature surprise Cebuano acts. The concerts mark their self-titled debut album coming out on April 10. The band revealed that the album’s visual identity will have each member’s quirkiness in mind: “We just really wanted to portray joy, fun, and playfulness to bring out the band’s personalities,” they said in a press release.

Tyla releases self-titled debut album

GRAMMY award-winning South African pop-R&B superstar Tyla has released her self-titled debut album, TYLA, featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo. It is accompanied by the release of a brand-new music video for the remix of her chart-topping single, “Water,” featuring Travis Scott. In the Philippines alone, “Water” has amassed 3.1 million creations and 3.3 billion views on TikTok, making it the top contributor on the platform, especially after Filipino stars Sarah Geronimo and Kathryn Bernardo performed the song on television last year. TYLA is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Epic.

Wish to stream on Disney+

WALT Disney Animation Studios’ original musical-comedy Wish will stream on Disney+ beginning April 3. The film is set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, where sharp-witted, idealistic Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose) makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they confront a formidable foe — the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine) — to save their community.

Josh Cullen teams up with Al James in new single

P-POP star Josh Cullen from the boy group SB19 has released his collaboration with prolific rapper Al James in the new single “Yoko Na.” The song expresses the words left unsaid in the middle of relationship fallout while sounding like a summer anthem, thanks to infectious rap verses from both artists and a blend of modern hip-hop and R&B sensibilities. Brian Lotho, who co-produced the track with Cullen, incorporates sounds of bottles shattering, tables flipping, and other little sonic details. “Yoko Na” is out now on all streaming platforms via Sony Entertainment.

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