Lions, 49ers dig in for dogfight with Super Bowl on horizon

January 28, 2024 | 6:24 pm

TOSS your history lessons and memories of a woebegone franchise, and Lions coach Dan Campbell knows what you can do with your opinions about underdog Detroit as it prepares for the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

“This is going to be an outstanding test for us. It’s one we’re ready for,” Mr. Campbell said. “We’re built to handle this. … Our guys will be ready to roll.”

The 49ers are in the conference championship game for the third consecutive year. Kyle Shanahan is still seeking his first trip to the Super Bowl since he became San Francisco’s head coach.

“They’re a team that is really very aggressive in what they do,” said Mr. Shanahan, who has a 7-3 playoff record in seven seasons with the 49ers. “Their whole defense. “See their numbers, 31^st (against) the pass, but then when you watch the tape you realize they’re aggressive, mix everything up, which is going to make you susceptible to big plays but they’re fourth (in the NFL) in causing negative plays.”

Mainstream media began taking the Lions seriously after a Week 1 win at defending champion Kansas City, the first of six regular-season road wins.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff said he first realized this Detroit team was ready for spotlight games such as this week’s when they won at Green Bay to end the 2022 regular season.

Neither team is short on star power.

The 49ers will have do-it-all wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in the divisional round and was cleared to play. He’ll need no introduction to the Lions. Mr. Samuel caught nine passes for 189 yards and a touchdown in Campbell’s first game with the Lions, a 41-33 win for the 49ers at Detroit in 2021.

Mr. Goff, who grew up in the Bay Area, knows his way around Levi’s Stadium, too, from his time with the Rams. Mr. Goff is 3-6 in his career against the 49ers, but he hasn’t thrown an interception in four consecutive playoff starts and had multiple TD passes in each of his past four games in San Francisco. “There’s four teams left. These are the times you dream of as a kid; we’re one win away from the Super Bowl,” said Mr. Goff, who is 4-3 in the playoffs as a starting quarterback and 2-0 with the Lions, who are in the conference championship game for the first time since 1991.

Lions center Frank Ragnow is fighting injuries to his knee, ankle, toe and back but plans to play. Mr. Ragnow said Mr. Goff and Detroit’s veterans are “hardened” by the low points with the franchise. Mr. Ragnow repeated a framework shared by Mr. Campbell with context of the rise to within a game of the Super Bowl.

“I’ve been at the lowest, I’ve been at the highest. It helps,” Mr. Campbell said. “You learn a lot. I’m glad I’m not there anymore.”

Mr. Campbell doesn’t deny he’s a risk-taker. He said he’s willing to “give up something to get something” as a general approach that specifically applies to his “salty” defense. He reminded his defense if it will hit and disrupt, dividends are realized in the fourth quarter.

“You see our confidence going up,” Mr. Campbell said.

Selective risk-taking applies to the quarterbacks in this game. But the more apt description of the overall offensive approach might be bully-ball.

The Lions average 135.9 rushing yards per game, and San Francisco held opponents to an average of 89.7 rushing yards before allowing an individual 100-yard rusher last week (Packers RB Aaron Jones, 108). The 49ers rushed for 140 yards per game in the regular season.

Disrupting quarterback Brock Purdy is one of Detroit’s top priorities this week. The Lions are allowing 338 passing yards per game in the playoffs but kept the Rams and Buccaneers to 33 percent third-down conversions.

“Every week it’s been sort of been a little bit different based on who they’re playing — how they play guys and certain receivers — it’s always a little bit different with them,” Mr. Purdy said. “As a quarterback you’ve got to know that they’re going to be aggressive and they can make a play. It’s a fine line.”

One of Mr. Purdy’s four career losses in 21 starts was in the 2023 NFC Championship Game to the Eagles. He left the field with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm, which led to offseason surgery. Mr. Purdy said he’s “hungry to get to the next game,” casting his focus forward rather than rewinding to last year. Mr. Shanahan, 2-0 in his career against Detroit, expects balance from the Lions. He also stressed the offense is willing to give opponents “opportunities” by trying to steal possessions in going for it on fourth down.

“You understand it, you prepare for it,” Mr. Shanahan said. “Those guys are trying to steal possessions as much as they can. I’ll tell you after the game whether that’s a good or a bad thing for us.

“Any time you try to steal possessions, you’re offering an opportunity to lose possessions. … Those are big opportunities for us, too.”

The 49ers listed just two players as questionable for Sunday: defensive tackle Kalia Davis (ankle) and linebacker Oren Burks (shoulder). The Lions ruled out offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (knee) and returner/receiver Kalif Raymond (knee). For the Lions, left guard Jonah Jackson (knee) and wide receiver Kalif Raymond (knee) won’t play Sunday, while cornerback Chase Lucas (illness) and quarterback Hendon Hooker (tooth) are questionable.

When it comes to potential Super Bowl LVIII matchups, the Baltimore Ravens battered the Lions, 38-6, and won at San Francisco, 33-19, in the regular season.

The Lions beat the Chiefs, 21-20, in Week 1. Kansas City did not play the 49ers in 2023.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS UNDERGO PUPPY THERAPY
The San Francisco 49ers soothe their nerves getting some tender love from furry friends in puppy therapy before their NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday for a berth at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

San Francisco, which last played the Super Bowl in 2020 after beating the Green Bay Packers, received a visit from the puppies on Friday courtesy of the Humane Society Silicon Valley.

The team posted a video on TikTok with players hugging the furry dogs. “I’m gonna be here for a while,” said tight end George Kittle.

With animal therapy having a positive impact on athletes, the 49ers adopted two French bulldogs named Rookie and Zoe in 2018, becoming the first NFL team to foster emotional support animals. — Reuters

Sabalenka hails team for adding madness to her method after AO triumph

January 28, 2024 | 6:23 pm

MELBOURNE — Aryna Sabalenka won her second Australian Open (AO) title in emphatic style on Saturday and hailed her team of coaches for making life a little “crazy” off the court to ease the pressure that comes with elite level tennis.

The Belarusian became the first woman since her compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to retain the title after pummelling China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena to win her second major crown.

The manner of her romp to the title without giving up a set will send out a warning to her rivals that the days when her on-court meltdowns threatened to undermine her undoubted talent are long gone.

Her relaxed attitude has been reflected in her new pre-match ritual at this event — signing the bald head of her performance coach in marker pen — while warm-up routines now involve balloons and coordinated dances.

“I think it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process. We always doing a lot of crazy stuff with the team,” Ms. Sabalenka told reporters.

“I don’t know. It’s helped me to stay focused on court. You know, because there’s enough pressure on the court, and off the court we’re just trying to keep it simple, keep it fun and make sure that all of us enjoy the process.”

Ms. Sabalenka jokingly put the blame on her team after she was thrashed in the Brisbane final three weeks ago.

Having become ruthlessly effective in Melbourne, she said she was happy to be a different person on and off the court.

“Because if I would be the same person that I’m on the court off the court, I think I wouldn’t have my team around me,” the 25-year-old said with a smile. “I think I would be alone.

“Yeah, it takes me so much time to become who I am right now on court, to have this control over myself, and to understand myself better.

“It’s been a long journey … I just said it like I’m going to retire after today. But no, too early. Can still do something else.”

Ms. Sabalenka, who briefly took the world number one ranking from Iga Swiatek last year, said having two Grand Slam titles would only boost her confidence now. “I just have this knowing that all my life it wasn’t, like, wasting of time and I was doing the right thing,” she said. I’m where I’m meant to be, so that’s really important.”

One of Ms. Sabalenka’s first calls after winning the title was to her family and she joked that a minor argument had already broken out.

“I spoke to my mom and there’s already a fight about where the trophy is going,” Ms. Sabalenka said with a laugh. — Reuters

Alex Eala wins her first pro doubles title in India

January 28, 2024 | 6:23 pm

ALEX Eala made it up for her early exit in the Australian Open by winning her first professional doubles title in the W50 Pune in India over the weekend.

Ms. Eala and Latvian partner Darja Semenistaja hacked out a 7-6 (8), 6-3 win against the top-seeded duo of Naiktha Bains and from Great Britain and Fannin Stollar of Hungary.

The Filipino-Latvian tandem came in the tourney as the No. 4 seed but rammed through the opposition highlighted by a comeback from a 4-5 deficit in the first set against the No. 1 pair en route to the win.

Ms. Eala, WTA No. 187, and Semenistaja, WTA No. 142, started with a gritty first-round win against Eri Shimizu of Japan and Yu-Yun Li of Chinese Taipei, 6-7, 6-1, 10-7 win.

They were not to be stopped from there on, beating Jessie Aney of the United States and Germany’s Lena Papadakis, 6-4, 2-6, 10-4, in the quarterfinals, and the Japanese duo of Saki Imamura and Naho Sato, 7-6, 6-3, in the semifinals.

“First doubles title! Thank you Darja (Semenistaja),” posted Ms. Eala on her social media account.

The 18-year-old Ms. Eala, after reaching a career-high at No. 185 to start the season, absorbed a first-round exit in the Australian Open earlier this month against Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson, 6-2, 7-5.

Now, she’s finally a pro doubles champion to add to her growing treasure chest that includes four singles titles in a budding career. — John Bryan Ulanday

Strong Group Athletics dominates Beirut, 94-72, braces for finals

January 28, 2024 | 6:22 pm

UNBEATEN Strong Group Athletics reasserted its mastery of Beirut, 94-72, and barged into the championship match of the 33^rd Dubai International Basketball Championship yesterday at the Al Nasr Club.

NBA veteran Dwight Howard ran roughshod with 26 points, 20 rebounds and three steals as the Filipino club arranged an anticipated titular showdown against reigning champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon.

Led by FIBA Asia Cup MVP Wael Arakji, Al Riyadi drubbed Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli Sports Club, 83-73, in the other semifinal pairing to also extend its undefeated run.

Behind Mr. Howard’s first 20-20 game in Dubai, Strong Group made sure to gain a shot at Al Riyadi anew in a vengeance bid after absorbing a quarterfinal loss in the last edition. The one-game gold medal duel was to be played last night.

“It’s the last one. We didn’t come here to lose. We got one more (game) and it’s gonna come out really hard and aggressive. This is ours. We believe,” said Mr. Howard.

The former three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner drew ample support from locals Kevin Quiambao and Justine Baltazar with 18 and 15 points, respectively.

Jordan Heading added 10 points as Strong Group hardly felt the absence of its other ace Andray Blatche due to an ankle injury.

Strong Group, mentored by Charles Tiu with support from Brian Goorjian, Topex Robinson and TY Tang, previously scored a 95-73 romp of Beirut in the group phase and wasn’t to be stopped in the semis anew behind a 50-34 start.

The Frank and Jacob Lao-owned squad led by as many as 26 points en route to its sixth straight win after a 5-0 sweep of Group B and a 92-80 victory against Morocco’s As Sale in the quarterfinals.

Dar Tucker, the naturalized player of Jordan national team, sizzled with 22 points while Alexander Saleh put up 19 points and 11 rebounds for Beirut, which will be up against Al Ahly for the bronze medal. — John Bryan Ulanday

Bolts eye Grand Finals of PBA 3×3 Season 3 Third Conference

January 28, 2024 | 6:22 pm

MERALCO aims to continue on its sizzling run in the PBA 3×3 Season 3 Third Conference as Leg 5 fires off today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

The fully-charged Meralco Bolts have won three of the first four legs, spiked by a back-to-back last week that they can extend to a three-straight feat in the penultimate leg of the season-ending tournament.

On their strongest performance yet, the hard part for the Bolts is keeping their eyes on the big prize.

“As coach Pat (Fran) said, we never won in the Grand Finals so we just humble ourselves, keep working, take challenges everyday and keep improving,” Meralco ace Joseph Sedurifa said.

Mr. Sedurifa reunites with Jeff Manday and JJ Manlangit from last week’s winning squad as Red Cachuela takes over Alfred Batino’s spot.

The Bolts start their bid in Pool A Cavitex and NorthPort.

Meanwhile, TNT continues its quest for a conference breakthrough after settling for runner-up to Meralco the last two legs.

Almond Vosotros, Ping Exciminiano and Chester Saldua and debuting Xyrus Torres suit up for the Triple Giga, who compete in Pool B versus San Miguel Beer, Purefoods and Pioneer.

MCFASolver, the Leg 2 ruler, duke it out in Pool C with Leg 4 third-placer Blackwater, Barangay Ginebra and Terrafirma.

The Top 2 teams in Pool A and Top 3 in Pools B and C move forward to tomorrow’s KO rounds. — Olmin Leyba

They still belong

January 28, 2024 | 6:22 pm

The Lakers dodged a bullet yesterday. Against the rival Warriors, they didn’t have to just to go through double overtime to claim victory. They did so by relying on 39-year-old LeBron James, who burned rubber for a ridiculous 48 minutes. So much for restricting his exposure so that he has enough left in the tank when the playoffs arrive. And they needed every single one, too; his game-clinching free throws capped an outing in which he posted an astounding 36, 20, and 12, numbers not seen by the purple and gold since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s in the seventies.

The irony, of course, is that the Lakers cannot afford to have James coast in the regular season. They’re barely treading water, with their single-point win over the supposedly overmatched Warriors getting them a hair above .500 past the halfway mark of their 2023-24 campaign. And he wasn’t the only one toiling yesterday. Anthony Davis had to return to the match after a collision with Draymond Green in the third quarter produced a busted hip. Jared Vanderbilt was likewise walking wounded in extra time, having previously turned an ankle while trying to secure a loose ball.

The fans, to be sure, loved every instance of the encounter, and not simply because it featured the Lakers and the Warriors. The ebbs and flows mimicked those in postseason contests, with marquee names trading haymakers until the final buzzer. That there were also questionable calls and non-calls only added to the set-to’s allure. The 18,064 blue-and-yellow diehards at the Chase Center were, of course, disappointed at the close setback. That said, even the stars could not help but marvel at the quality of the battle in the aftermath. Stephen Curry, who very nearly played hero with a clutch trey in the second overtime, had 46, three, and seven, and told James as they exchanged post-mortem pleasantries, “How do we keep getting better?”

Indeed. There is already a youth invasion in the National Basketball Association. Sooner rather than later, the likes of James and Curry will give in to Father Time. If there’s anything yesterday’s humdinger underscored, however, it’s that they won’t be going down without a fight. For all their advancing age, they’re showing that they still belong, and how.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

More countries pause funds for UN Palestinian agency

January 28, 2024 | 4:11 pm

Hamas-Israel flags — Toy soldiers, Hamas and Israel flags are seen in this illustration taken, Oct. 15, 2023. — REUTERS

LONDON — Six European countries paused funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) on Saturday, following allegations that some of its staff were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland on Saturday joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing funding to the aid agency, a critical source of support for people in Gaza, after the allegations by Israel.

“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner-general, said on X. “This stains all of us.”

The agency said on Friday it had opened an investigation into several employees and severed ties with those people.

Encouraging more donor suspensions, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA should be replaced once fighting in the enclave dies down and accused it of ties to Islamist militants in Gaza.

“In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” he added on X.

Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, asked about Katz’s remarks, said: “We are not responding to rhetoric. UNRWA overall had had a strong record, which we have repeatedly underscored.”

Mr. Lazzarini said the decision by the nine countries threatened its humanitarian work across the region, especially in Gaza.

“It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the Agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” he said in a statement.

The Palestinian foreign ministry criticized what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA, and Hamas condemned the termination of employee contracts “based on information derived from the Zionist enemy.”

AGENCY PLAYS BIG ROLE IN GAZA AID
UNRWA was set up to help refugees of the 1948 war at Israel’s founding and provides education, health and aid services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It helps about two thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population and has played a pivotal aid role during the war that Israel launched to eliminate Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks.

Announcing the investigation, Mr. Lazzarini said on Friday that he had decided to terminate the contracts of some staff members to protect the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance.

Mr. Lazzarini did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their alleged involvement. He said, however, that “any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror” would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.

During weeks of Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, UNRWA has repeatedly said its capacity to render humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza is on the verge of collapse.

Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the Palestinians’ umbrella political body the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said cutting support to the agency brought major political and relief risks.

“We call on countries that announced the cessation of their support for UNRWA to immediately reverse their decision,” he said on X.

The Foreign Ministry in Germany, a major donor to UNRWA, welcomed UNRWA’s investigation, saying it was deeply concerned about the allegations raised against agency employees.

“We expect Lazzarini to make it clear within UNRWA’s workforce that all forms of hatred and violence are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” it said on X. — Reuters

N. Korea fires multiple cruise missiles off east coast

January 28, 2024 | 4:11 pm

SEOUL — North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles off its east coast on Sunday, its second such launch in less than a week, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

The missiles were launched at around 8 a.m. (2300 GMT on Saturday) and were being analyzed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities, the JCS said, without specifying how many missiles were fired.

“While strengthening surveillance and vigilance, our military is cooperating closely with the United States and monitoring additional signs and activities from North Korea,” it said in a statement.

The latest launches came days after North Korea fired what it called a new strategic cruise missile called Pulhwasal-3-31, suggesting it is nuclear capable.

North Korea is stepping up confrontation with the United States and its allies, but officials in Washington and Seoul say they have spotted no signs Pyongyang intends to take imminent military action.

Kim Jong Un’s government is likely to continue or even increase provocative steps, officials and analysts say, after it made strides in ballistic missile development, bolstered cooperation with Russia and scrapped its decades-long goal of peacefully reuniting with South Korea.

Earlier on Sunday, North Korea’s state media KCNA denounced a series of military drills conducted in recent weeks by US and South Korean troops, warning of “merciless” consequences.

“The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said.

North Korea carried out its first test of a cruise missile with possible nuclear strike capabilities in September 2021. — Reuters

India pivots away from Russian arms, but will retain strong ties

January 28, 2024 | 4:10 pm

India-Flag — A WORKER folds an Indian flag at a workshop in India, Aug. 11, 2005. — REUTERS

NEW DELHI — India is seeking to distance itself from its largest arms supplier after Russia’s ability to supply munitions and spares was hobbled by the war in Ukraine, but must step carefully to avoid pushing Moscow closer to China, Indian sources said.

The world’s biggest arms importer is slowly turning West as the United States looks to strengthen ties in the Indo-Pacific region, hoping to contain an ascendant China by weaning the South Asian nation off a traditional dependence on Russia.

Russia supplied 65% of India’s weapons purchases of more than $60 billion during the last two decades, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, but the Ukraine war hastened the impetus to diversify its weapons base.

“We are not likely to sign any major military deal with Russia,” said Nandan Unnikrishnan, a Russia expert at New Delhi think tank the Observer Research Foundation. “That would be a red line for Washington.”

That view comes despite Moscow’s offers, described by four Indian government sources, among them a senior security official who recently retired, as including platforms such as the most advanced Kamov helicopters and Sukhoi and MiG fighter jets, with the added fillip of joint manufacturing in India.

All four sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive subject.

The foreign and defense ministries of India and Russia did not respond to requests for comment.

Russia has publicly urged India to step up defense ties, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned his focus to domestic production with Western technology, experts and officials said.

Such efforts would better fit Modi’s “Make in India” program to encourage domestic manufacturing, as he makes a rare bid for a third term in general elections due by May.

India expects to spend nearly $100 billion on defense orders over the next decade, its defense minister has said.

Last year, India and the United States signed a deal for General Electric to produce engines in India to power its fighter jets, the first such US concession to a non-ally.

They also plan to “fast-track” technology co-operation and co-production in areas ranging from air combat to intelligence, they said at the time.

Further driving India’s ties with the United States is disquiet over China, as their troops are embroiled in a standoff on their Himalayan frontier since 2020, when one of their bloodiest clashes in five decades killed 24 soldiers.

The nuclear-armed neighbors fought a war in 1962, but their frontier, more than 2,000 miles (3,200 km) long, is still contested.

CLOSER TO BEIJING
India must walk a fine line in ties with Russia, as the largest buyer of its arms and, since 2022, one of the largest purchasers of its oil. Halting such trade would push Moscow closer to Beijing, the only other major economy it deals with.

“Arms purchase buys you influence,” said the retired security official. “By shutting them out you make them subservient to China.”

Trade with Russia in energy and other areas would help “keep it as far away as possible from China,” added Mr. Unnikrishnan, the analyst.

Russia’s arms exports have largely stabilized since the Ukraine war’s early disruptions, which fueled concerns about India’s operational readiness, the officials said, but the fears have not entirely dissipated.

“As the Ukraine war stretches, it raises questions if Russia will be able to give us spare parts,” said Swasti Rao, Eurasia expert at the state-run Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. “It is fueling the diversification.”

India is eyeing French jets for its latest aircraft carrier and wants to make submarines with French, German or Spanish technology, and fighter jets with American and French engines, the sources said.

“India’s multi-alignment will continue, to straddle ties with Russia and balance it with the West, but it will not be an equal distribution,” Ms. Rao said.

RUSSIAN PUSH
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the latest push for more defense deals with India on Dec. 27, during a joint press conference with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar who was visiting Moscow.

Mr. Lavrov said he discussed with Mr. Jaishankar prospects for military and technical co-operation, including joint production of weapons, adding that Russia was also ready to support India’s goal of increasing domestic production.

Mr. Jaishankar responded that ties were very strong, with two-way trade at a record, thanks to deals in energy, fertilizer and steel-making coal, but stopped short of mentioning defense.

There has been no progress on a 2015 deal for the two nations to jointly make Kamov Ka-226T helicopters in India, with 200 going to its defense forces.

Instead, in 2022, India started inducting combat helicopters made by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

Weapons, from Soviet or Russian-origin tanks to an aircraft carrier and surface-to-air missile systems, make up more than 60% of India’s military hardware.

New Delhi will require Russian spares for their maintenance and repair for nearly two decades, officials said.

They jointly make the BrahMos cruise missile and plan to produce AK-203 rifles in India.

But hiccups have included comments last year by the Indian Air Force that Russia had been unable to meet its commitment on delivery of a major platform it did not identify.

And there has been more than a year’s delay in Russia’s delivery of parts of an air defense system India bought in 2018 for $5.5 billion, two Indian military officials said. — Reuters

vivo Y27s brings bigger storage at 256GB

January 26, 2024 | 6:00 pm

Introducing the vivo Y27s upgraded, which is an addition to the growing Y Series lineup. Elevating user experience, this smartphone is an upgraded version of the vivo Y27 launched in August 2023.

The vivo Y27s brags a significant boost in storage, jumping from 128GB to a spacious 256GB ROM, coupled with 8GB RAM for seamless multitasking.

It also boasts a 90Hz refresh rate coupled with a vibrant FHD+ sunlight display. The dynamic combination ensures crystal-clear visuals, even in the brightest outdoor settings.

The enhanced display technology makes the smartphone a reliable companion, delivering a seamless and effortless viewing experience under the blazing sun.

Aesthetically, the vivo Y27s introduces a new Garden Green colorway, bringing a refreshing nature-inspired elegance to the device.

While embracing new advancements, vivo has wisely retained the most beloved features of vivo Y27. The smartphone still packs a robust 5000mAh battery, complemented by a 44W fast-charging capability featuring Nighttime Charging Protection.

Also, the impressive 50MP main camera ensures stellar photography, while IP54 water and dust resistance guarantee durability in various environments.

For those who appreciate classic aesthetics, the timeless Burgundy Black colorway is still available on the vivo Y27s. This sophisticated blend of luxurious wine and rich black tones transforms into a shimmering shade of deep red, adding a touch of elegance to the device.

Despite these enhanced features, the vivo Y27s remains an affordable choice, priced at only P9,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant.

With its upgraded features, stunning design choices, and an affordable price point, the vivo Y27s stands out as a compelling option in the competitive smartphone landscape.

Get your vivo Y27s now at vivo’s website, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, and physical stores nationwide.

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Trade gap narrows by 9% in 2023

January 26, 2024 | 5:31 pm

The country’s trade-in-goods deficit narrowed by 9% in 2023 as exports and imports declined faster than government projections amid slowing demand.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday showed merchandise exports dropped by 7.6% to $73.52 billion, more the revised 4% decline projected by the Development Budget and Coordination Committee (DBCC) for 2023. This was a reversal of the 6.5% growth in 2022.

Imports fell by 8.2% year on year to $125.95 billion in 2023, also below the 3% drop expected by the DBCC. It ended two straight years of annual growth in imports.

The full-year trade balance — the difference between the values of exports and imports — narrowed by 9.1% year on year to a $52.42-billion deficit from the $57.65-billion gap in 2022.

It was the lowest trade gap since the $42.19-billion gap recorded in 2021.

“Economic conditions were harder for the country last year. All major economies were moving on a lower growth trajectory and geopolitical tensions were at an escalating stage,” University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) Senior Economist Cid L. Terosa said in an email interview.

In December, the trade-in-goods deficit narrowed to $4.01 billion from the $4.51 billion deficit in the same month in 2022. This was the smallest gap in three months or since the $3.57 billion trade balance in September.

Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message that the December trade shortfall was better than they expected.

“We expected a deficit of $4.6 billion, but actual December data yielded only $4 billion,” he said.

This as merchandise exports contracted by 0.5% year on year to $5.78 billion, slower than the 7.5% decline seen in the same month in 2022.This was the smallest contraction in four months.

By value, December export haul was the lowest in eight months or since the $4.91 billion recorded in April 2023.

Meanwhile, imports contracted by 5.1% to $9.79 billion in December, slower than the 9.4% decline in December 2022. The drop in imports December was the fastest in three months or since the 14.1% decline in September.

The import value was the lowest in eight months or since the $9.75 billion in April 2023.

“Although exports decline was at a slower pace year-on-year, seasonally adjusted data (month-on-month) was still a sequential decline, confirming persistent external trade weakness. Import performance was also weaker from the revised November print of +1.3% (previously 0%),” Mr. Asuncion said.

On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, exports fell by 2.3% to $6.14 billion in December, making it the fourth straight month of contraction, matching the decline in September and the lowest since 10.1% decline in April 2023.

Imports contracted by 4.5% month on month to $10.33 billion, the lowest since the 3.3% contraction in September last year.

“December is usually a month when industries and firms close annual production, which makes demand for imported capital goods slower,” Mr. Terosa said.

By commodity, electronic products, which accounted for more than half of total exports, declined by 9.2% to $41.90 billion last year.

Semiconductors, which accounted for the bulk of electronic product sales, slipped by 6.4% to $33.67 billion.

Meanwhile, other manufactured goods inched up by 1.2% last year to $3.97 billion, followed by ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircraft and ships (up by 11.8% to $2.66 billion).

By import commodities, electronic products also slid by 18.7% to $26.63 billion in 2023, with semiconductors down by 21.6% to $18.83 billion.

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials fell by 16.3% to $19.92 billion.

On the other hand, transport equipment went up by 13.9% to $12.43 billion last year from $10.92 billion in 2022.

The United States was the top export destination for locally made products last year with a 15.7% share worth $11.54 billion. Exports to China accounted for a 14.8% share, followed by Japan (14.2%), and Hong Kong (12%).

On the other hand, China remained the country’s biggest source of imports with a 23.3% share worth $29.38 billion. Indonesia followed with a 9.1% share ($11.51 billion), and Japan with an 8.1% share ($10.26 billion).

“[Geopolitical] issues are definite factors largely affecting overall trade sentiment. At this point, our economic players are what you call in economics as ‘price-takers’ and we usually do not have much choice in the international market dynamics, specifically in trade of goods,” Union Bankís Mr. Asuncion said.

Mr. Terosa said the Philippines should continue to pursue trade and market diversification. “I believe diversification is key to successful trade, more than building our competitive and comparative advantages,” he said.

Mr. Asuncion does not see a fast recovery for trade in the short-term as the impact of high interest rates continue to be felt. “However, we expect the trade balance in 2024 to improve on the back of potential cheaper borrowing costs from a more dovish global central banks including our own,” he added.

The DBCC penciled in 5% and 7% growth for exports and imports, respectively, this year. — B.T.M. Gadon

Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Meralco shines at the 20^th Philippine Quill Awards

January 26, 2024 | 5:10 pm

Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) emerged as one of the top winners at the 20^th Philippine Quill Awards, bagging a total of 28 Excellence and Merit trophies — the most number of awards among entrant companies. The power distributor was recognized for its exemplary communications programs centered on sustainability, corporate social responsibility, innovation, and public service.

“Being acknowledged for these achievements is truly a great honor, motivating us to forge ahead with programs and initiatives that profoundly impact our customers’ lives and contribute significantly to the public good,” said Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

Meralco made Philippine Quill history when it won the “Company of the Year” award for three years in a row and is the only one to win the coveted award four times. At the recently held awarding ceremony, Meralco was honored as the “Company of the Year” 1st runner-up.

Organized by IABC Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication — emphasizing the excellent use of communication in achieving goals and in making a difference in society.

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