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Ena Mori to stage electronic rave experience

ENA MORI will once again co-produce and program the club-themed concert Ena Matsuri (in English: Ena Festival) at the Justin Bella Alonte Photography Studio, Makati City, on Sept. 21.

Following the success of her birthday celebration a year before, Ms. Mori has continued to build a dedicated fan base. The Japanese-Filipino indie pop star is known for an eclectic sound, and her full-length debut album DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE! was selected Best Album at the 2023 Awit Awards.

The album, along with newer singles “Trust Me” and “Heartache Generation,” reflect influences like electronic pop and 1980s club music, with classical influences and a futurist edge. It is in this context that she is bringing back Ena Matsuri, featuring long sets by her and her friends in the music industry, to deliver a more club-leaning, endorphin-inducing experience.

“Last year, I produced Ena Matsuri for the first time and invited a bunch of my friends to perform,” Ms. Mori said during a press conference at the Sony Music office in Ortigas, Pasig City, on Sept. 11. “It’s really about creating spaces for artists to have fun, express their music, showcase their talent.”

As for how this year’s birthday show will differ from the last, she added that the atmosphere will reflect her own shifting tastes. “I wanted to focus on more electronic and rave-y elements, which correlate to what I’ve been listening to lately,” she said.

Ms. Mori, born to a Filipino father and a Japanese mother in Tokyo, is now based in Manila. She is currently signed with independent record label Offshore Music, with distribution and promotion handled by Sony Music.

According to a press release, Ena Matsuri boasts “an all-electro/rave/hyper-pop/dance/rhythmic lineup from the scene’s buzziest underground.” The guest artists are indie pop band UDD, electronic producer Crwn (real name: King Puentespina), pop boyband Kindred, techno club DJ Hideki Ito, and synth sound artist t33g33 (real name: Alyana Cabral).

For Ms. Mori, the Philippine music scene has given her motivation to work hard and explore musically, especially given the high level of activity and variety in the post-pandemic scene.

“We inspire each other, poke at each other to get better, and gain more experience,” she said.

Of her upcoming songs and eventual album, Ms. Mori said that it will all still be in the realm of electronic pop music, but with “more natural sounds and raw emotion” in her lyrics. “You can expect a little more string instruments and a bit more guitar. Those are the things that I’m exploring.”

Her live performances will also continue to showcase her captivating stage presence — this year, they include the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Sydney, Australia, in October.

Whether she performs in the Philippines or Japan, or in the Western world, the goal is to be “as authentic as possible.”

“Artistically, I’m proud of my heritage because I get to explore two experiences that I’ve had,” she said. “I’m honestly not really aware of any differences in my performance wherever I may be. I don’t think about how I’m presenting, but I hope it’s all consistent.”

As for what to expect at Ena Matsuri, Ms. Mori teased that there will be music, dance, art, and interactive elements, including a market with independent merchants, to display the best of youth and online culture.

“It’s kind of like a photo studio but with speakers, lights, and all that, so it will be cozy and intimate but still hard-hitting. I hope that it will be really inspiring,” she told the media.

Ena Matsuri will be held on Sept. 21, 6 p.m. onwards, at the Justin Bella Alonte Photography Studio, 2289 Chino Roces Ave., Makati. It is co-produced, curated, and conceptualized by Ena Mori herself, with assistance from Offshore Music and GNN Entertainment Productions.  Tickets are now available via enamatsuritwo.helixpay.ph for the price of P700. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Aboitiz InfraCapital targets to expand core segments, stabilize other businesses

COSETTE V. CANILAO

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

ABOITIZ InfraCapital, Inc., the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz group, is working to expand its core segments and stabilize its other businesses to match the performance of its mature assets, the company’s president said

“I think with most of our operating assets already in place, we will see all the other sectors of our business also mature and become stable sources of cash and revenues,” Aboitiz InfraCapital President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

The company focuses on four segments such as economic estates, water, digital infrastructure, and transport and mobility.

With over 20 years of combined experience in public-private partnerships, investment and corporate banking, crisis management and restructuring practice, Ms. Canilao hopes to lead the strategic growth of the company by advancing each of its key segments. 

Founded in 2015, Aboitiz InfraCapital was initially set up to specifically participate in the government’s infrastructure development program, she said.

“Aboitiz as a group was already into infrastructure through our power arm. The natural progression of the group was going to non-power infrastructure projects,” Ms. Canilao said.

“[We have] a diversified portfolio and some of the mature sectors can actually fund those greenfield projects that we are doing. When we started, we only had our estate water as our operating assets,” she said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital’s water units are Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. and Lima Water Corp. It also has a minority stake in Balibago Waterworks System, Inc., a provincial water utility system.

The company hopes to advance its water business and digital infrastructure segments.

“Airport and economic estates [are doing well] but the two others are catching up. Most likely in three to five years’ time we will have our four business pillars contributing significantly to the revenues as well as the cash position,” Ms. Canilao said.

DIGITAL SPACE
In 2022, Aboitiz InfraCapital signed a partnership with EdgeConneX for its plan to start building its five-megawatt data center.

“But we are still looking at how we can do this. We are not building at risk. So, our partner  EdgeConneX is looking at the interest from hyperscalers before we can start building,” she said.

For now, the company is looking to develop its data center in Luzon.

“We’re being very careful about this. We’ve seen the development of technology, which is a technological shift across the globe. We are just making sure that when we build, it is the right time to do it. We have been closely monitoring the market,” Ms. Canilao said. 

“Most of the data centers that are being built right now are really for retail or enterprise, not for hyperscalers,” she added.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Ms. Canilao, who also runs marathons, said that her passion for running partially influences the company’s initiatives and advancements in mobility and transportation projects.

In 2022, Aboitiz InfraCapital finalized a deal with Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International B.V., allowing it to acquire shares in GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., the company behind the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

“The airports, with our acquisition of Mactan Airport, have also become one of the bigger operating assets that we have, and we are hoping to catch up with trying to capture the resurgence in travel through that airport,” she said. 

She said the company is keen on improving the country’s regional airports.

“I believe that the government is looking at bidding out other airports, and we will definitely look into it,” Ms. Canilao said

The infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz group has submitted unsolicited proposals for the operations, maintenance, and development of New Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Bicol International Airport, and Iloilo International Airport.

Earlier, the Transportation department said that the company will be awarded the contract to operate, maintain, and upgrade the Laguindingan International Airport in Mindanao. 

Aside from airports, Aboitiz InfraCapital is also willing to participate in other government projects, Ms. Canilao said.

“Where it makes sense for us, we will look at it… But if it’s not strategic to the assets that we have right now, we will probably pass on it,” she said.

“Infrastructure projects are very long term in nature, and the cash flow actually comes towards the end because of the nature of infrastructure,” she added.

For now, Aboitiz InfraCapital is focusing on growing its other businesses to match the performance of its mature assets, Ms. Canilao said, adding that going public remains a possibility.

“Maybe in three to five years. Once the various sectors of Aboitiz InfraCapital have stabilized already and more of our assets are really operating, then we will consider all types of capital ways,” she said.

Shogun, Hacks claim top honors at TV’s Emmy awards

HIROYUKI SANADA and Anna Sawai both won Emmys for their work in Shogun. The show bagged the Best Drama award.

LOS ANGELES — Historical epic Shogun won the prestigious best drama award at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, and Hacks upset favorite The Bear to win best comedy as Hollywood celebrated the best of television.

Shogun, a sweeping story about political machinations in 17th century Japan, also won acting awards for Japanese stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai.

Hacks, about a 70-something comedian and a millennial writer, was the surprise winner of best comedy series, which awards pundits believed was close to a lock for the second season of restaurant tale The Bear.

Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, a chilling story about a bartender stalked by a customer, was named best limited series.

The Bear won three of the four Emmy Awards for comedy acting, yielding only to Jean Smart who claimed her third trophy for her starring role as an ambitious stand-up comic on Hacks.

Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach won their second straight Emmys for comedy actor and supporting actor on The Bear. Mr. White portrays chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a man trying to turn his family’s Chicago sandwich shop into a fine dining establishment.

“This show has changed my life and instilled a faith that change is possible,” Mr. White said as he held his award on stage at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Mr. Moss-Bachrach earned his trophy for his role as Cousin Richie, a restaurant manager and father.

Both actors won the same awards at the last Emmys, which was held in January after Hollywood labor strikes disrupted the normal schedule.

In a surprise, Liza Colón-Zayas landed a third Emmy for The Bear. She was named best supporting comedy actress for her role as chef Tina Marrero, winning in a field that included legends Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett.

Ms. Smart received a standing ovation when she won her third Emmy as the septuagenarian comedian Deborah Vance on Hacks.

“I appreciate this because I just don’t get enough attention,” Ms. Smart joked on stage.

Schitt’s Creek stars Eugene and Dan Levy shared hosting duties, the first father-and-son duo to emcee the awards.

“If things go south, my name is pronounced Martin Short,” Eugene Levy deadpanned, referring to the Only Murders in the Building star who was in the audience.

Dan Levy joked that the Emmys were known as “broadcast TV’s biggest night for honoring movie stars on streaming services.”

Winners were chosen by the nearly 22,000 performers, directors, producers and other members of Hollywood’s Television Academy. — Reuters

 

Full list of winners at the 76th Emmy Awards

Jean Smart won the Best Actress in a Comedy award for her work in Hacks. The show was also named Best Comedy.

LOS ANGELES — The Emmy awards, the highest honors in television, were handed out at a live ceremony in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. The following is a list of winners in each category.

Best Drama Series – Shogun

Best Comedy Series – Hacks

Best Limited or Anthology Series – Baby Reindeer

Best Drama Actor – Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun

Best Drama Actress – Anna Sawai, Shogun

Best Comedy Actor – Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Best Comedy Actress – Jean Smart, Hacks

Best Comedy Supporting Actor – Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear

Best Comedy Supporting Actress – Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear

Best Drama Supporting Actor – Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Best Drama Supporting Actress – Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown

Best Director, Comedy Series – Christopher Storer, The Bear

Best Writing, Comedy Series – Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Hacks

Best Director, Drama Series – Frederick E.O. Toye, Shogun

Best Writing, Drama Series – Will Smith, Slow Horses

Best Actor, Limited Series or Movie – Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer

Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series or Movie – Lamorne Morris, Fargo

Best Actress, Limited Series or Movie – Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country

Best Supporting Actress, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer

Best Directing, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Steven Zaillian, Ripley

Best Writing, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer

Best Reality Competition Program – The Traitors

Best Scripted Variety Series – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Best Writing for a Variety Special – Alex Edelman: Just for Us

Best Talk Series – The Daily Show

Filinvest Land acquiring condotel operator FORA Services

LISTED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) is acquiring 100% of condotel operator FORA Services, Inc. (FOSI) as part of bolstering its portfolio and long-term growth plans.

FLI’s executive committee approved the acquisition of FOSI from its subsidiary Filinvest Hotel Corp. (FHC) for P400,000, the Gotianun-led property developer said in a regulatory filing on Monday.

“The acquisition of FOSI would involve the addition of the first-ever Securities and Exchange Commission-registered condotel business model into the diverse portfolio of FLI. With this, FLI can capitalize on the novelty and potential of the condotel business and position itself for long-term growth,” FLI said.

“The acquisition also creates synergies by leveraging on the experiences and resources of both FLI and FOSI. FLI can leverage on its expertise on real estate development and management to enhance the quality and efficiency of FOSI’s condotel operations which can ultimately lead to cost savings and improved profitability,” it added.

Incorporated in August 2018, FOSI is a domestic corporation engaged in operating and managing real estate projects and rendering hospitality-related services, particularly the Quest Hotel Tagaytay Project condotel project in Fora Rotunda Tagaytay.

FOSI is a registered issuer of 164 certificates of participation in the condotel project, which allows its holders to receive a payment of distributable participation interest annually and room use privilege. 

FHC is a subsidiary of listed conglomerate Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), which has business interests in real estate development and leasing, banking and financial services, hotel and resort management, power generation, and sugar milling.

On Monday, FLI shares were unchanged at 63 centavos apiece while FDC stocks rose by 1.11% or six centavos to P5.45 per share. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

National Artists, new filmmakers celebrated for Film Industry Month

FILM SCREENINGS, both online and in cinemas nationwide, are lined up for the fourth celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this September.

The celebration aims to “honor the past and embrace the future of Philippine cinema.” It is the 105th year of the local film industry, its birth marked with the premiere of Jose Nepomuceno’s 1919 film Dalagang Bukid, considered the first Filipino-directed and -produced feature film.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) leads in promoting and implementing PFIM’s programs and activities with the theme “Tuloy ang Tradisyon ng Pelikulang Pilipino” (The Tradition of Philippine Cinema Continues).

“Our films are a reflection of our history. Every chapter we visit in the journey of our nation has been depicted by cinema. More than that, every National Artist we have represents the changing times of our society, politics, and culture. That’s why film is important, not just as an industry, but also because it is the soul of the Filipino,” said film director Jose Javier Reyes, FDCP chairperson, at the gala night on Sept. 13 at Teatrino, Greenhills Promenade, San Juan City.

FILMS FOR P50, FILMS FOR FREE
The PFIM opened on Sept. 1 at the Metropolitan Theater, Manila with a tribute exhibit to National Artist for Film Eddie Romero. His acclaimed film Aguila was also screened.

Then there is Sine Singkwenta: Pelikula ng Bayan, done in partnership with SM Cinema, Robinsons Movieworld, and Ayala Malls Cinema. Five outstanding Filipino films will be shown at SM Southmall, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, and Ayala Market! Market!, with tickets costing only P50, from Sept. 18 to 24.

The films are: January Yap, Don Gerardo Frasco, and Kristoffer Villarion’s Huwebes Huwebes; Glenn Barit’s Cleaners; Keith Deligero’s Iskalawags; Baby Ruth Villarama’s Little Azkals; and Arbi Barbarona’s Tu Pug Imatuy.

Meanwhile, “Pamanang Pelikula: Honoring the Masterpieces of National Film Legends” is a program showing works by National Artists for Film for free until Sept. 27 at FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide, as well as on FDCP’s official streaming platform Juanflix (subscriptions are P99 per month). The lineup of films includes Bulaklak sa City Jail starring Nora Aunor, Genghis Khan directed by Manuel Conde, Perfumed Nightmare directed by Kidlat Tahimik, and Karnal directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee.

Another ongoing program is “Pelikula ng Bayan: Shorts Across Islands,” a showcase of short films highlighting perspectives from around the archipelago. Meanwhile, “Films for Peace” is FDCP’s series of screenings of films that focus on unity, humanity, and current issues. Both programs are ongoing for free at Cinematheque Centres nationwide until Sept. 27.

CONVENTIONS, FESTIVALS
On Sept. 17 and 18 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Design and Arts Campus in Malate, Manila, the first Film Education Convention will gather creatives, students, educators, and enthusiasts for free talks and discussions. Registration is required via bit.ly/film-ec-registration. The sessions will also be broadcast live at Cinematheque Centres in Negros, Nabunturan, Iloilo, and Davao.

The 7th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival, an annual event featuring a slate of nine original short films by young Filipino filmmakers, will be held on Sept. 20 to 22 at the Red Carpet of Shangri-La Plaza mall in Mandaluyong.

On Sept. 27 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City, the 15 finalists of the Film Pitch of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines and the FDCP will be pitching their respective films to potential producers.

For more information on the schedule of activities, visit FDCP’s social media pages. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

13 CREC projects certified for expedited processing

CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.’s (CREC) 13 renewable energy (RE) projects, with a combined capacity of around 800 megawatts (MW), are now eligible for expedited permit processing, the Saavedra-led company said on Monday.

The company’s projects have received “certificates of energy projects of national significance” from the Department of Energy (DoE), CREC said in a statement.

“The recognition of our 13 projects underscores the importance placed by the government in the swift completion of RE projects, which are typically affected by challenges in securing permits and clearances,” CREC President and Chief Executive Officer Oliver Tan said.

The projects are comprised of 430 megawatts alternating current (MWac) of ground mount solar and 362 MWac onshore wind projects.

These are located in Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

The awarded projects from the second round of DoE’s Green Energy Auction Program are part of the company’s goal to build five gigawatts of clean energy capacity in five years.

The certification, under Executive Order No. 30 signed in 2017, expedites the issuance of regulatory procedures and processes of local and national government agencies. 

“We thank the DoE for acknowledging the criticality of RE to the country’s energy security and urge other government agencies to support our country’s renewable energy targets,” Mr. Tan said.

CREC, directly and through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, manages a diversified portfolio of renewable energy generation projects, power project development operations, and retail electricity supply services.

At present, it has a combined gross installed capacity of 285 MW from its 10 solar power facilities in the Philippines. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

The SM IMAX Update!

The SM Cinemas have just made their SM IMAX cinemas enjoy an upgrade that qualifies them as among the best and most updated in the world in terms of technology and viewer experience. The latest SM IMAX cinema to carry these advancements is the one found at the SM Aura Premiere Cinemas, which officially opens on September 17, 2024.

IMAX with Laser is the current zenith of cinema projection technology. Image clarity, brightness, and color accuracy are all part of the groundbreaking Laser projection system that delivers a sharper, more vibrant picture. And it’s complemented by an immersive sound experience powered by advanced audio systems.

It’s the Next Generation IMAX with Laser, designed exclusively from the ground up for the large scale IMAX screens. For the techies out there, it’s a 4K Laser projection system which features a new optical engine, and a suite of proprietary IMAX technologies that deliver crystal clear projection, increased resolution, deeper contrast, and the most distinct exotic colors ever available on-screen.

A patented sound system delivers new, striking clarity and depth, alongside perfected tuned sound and evenly distributed audio throughout the theater. The custom-designed theater now seats over 370, in a stadium-style configuration that offers clear vantage points at every seat.

SM President Steven Tan with actor Glen Powell

SM President Steven Tan was invited to speak at the IMAX Corporation’s 11th Annual CEO Forum at the Ojai Valley Inn in California in April of this year. There he met actor Glen Powell and Director Todd Phillips, and he spoke about the connection between Malls and Cinemas here in the Philippines. It’s rewarding to hear that IMAX recognized the need to understand what the Philippine scenario is like, and prioritize the upgrading of our IMAX cinemas.

The wonderful news is that as the SM IMAX cinemas throughout the country standardize with this new advanced system, we’ll be able to enjoy releases such as Transformers One, Joker: Folie à Deux, The Wild Robot, Gladiator II, Wicked, and Moana 2, in it’s full IMAX glory! Movie-lovers rejoice!

UNCORK THE EXPERIENCE AT DIRECTOR’S CLUB AURA

The newest feature of SM Cinema is the Wine Bar Lounge, and we get to experience its first rollout at the SM Aura Premiere Cinemas this September 17, 2024. A collaboration with Handelaar Corporation, the new Wine Bar Lounge will offer premium wines, single malt whiskey, and gourmet food pairings to the SM Cinema patrons.

The Directors Club (and IMAX) moviegoers, now have the option to imbibe at the lounge — where there will be 4-seater tables and cocktail tables, or have dedicated lounge butlers and staff bring your libation and food to your cinema seat.

As for the food pairings, one has the choice of a charcuterie board, DIY taquitos, or Melba toast with truffle cheese, or Melba toast with chicken pistachio pate. There are also Banana Crisps with Cilantro and Apple salsa, food offerings that have distinct stamp to them, a generous cut above the already expensive selection offered in the cinema snacks booth.

 

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Abacore Capital Holdings, Inc. to hold Special Stockholders’ Meeting on Oct. 17 via Zoom

 

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Entertainment News (09/17/24)

Thai sci-fi epic in Philippine cinemas

DIRECTOR CHOOKIAT “Matthew” Sakveerakul’s ambitious project, Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide, will have its premiere in the Philippines on Sept. 18. The sci-fi epic charts an interstellar journey that reflects on time. It is also an opportunity to broaden the scope of Thai films. “I’m all for it but I wouldn’t call it the acme of my career. I’d rather it be a door which opens opportunities for my more ambitious projects in the future and for those who love sci-fi and challenging film projects to further develop themselves,” said Mr. Sakveerakul in a statement. Taklee Genesis x Worlds Collide is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures.

2nd round sale of Olivia Rodrigo concert tickets

FANS of American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo have flocked online in the first stage of ticket selling for her upcoming concert in the Philippines as part of her GUTS World Tour. Scheduled for Oct. 5 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, ticket prices for the concert were uniformly set at P1,500, inclusive of taxes and fees. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Fund 4 Good, a non-profit organization dedicated to “an equitable and just future for all women, girls, and people seeking reproductive health freedom.” Another round of ticket sales will open on Sept. 29 over the counter at SM Tickets outlets.

Martin Nievera holds 42nd anniversary concert

TO MARK his 42nd year in the music industry, Martin Nievera will once again stage a show, The King 4ever. With it, the singer who earned the moniker “Concert King” aims to bring his audience back in time through music. The concert is scheduled for Sept. 27, 8 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. Tickets, which range in price from P840 to P11,200, are available via TicketNet.

ACEL announces album launch and farewell concert

FILIPINO pop-rock singer-songwriter ACEL has announced that she will be starting a new life in the Netherlands early next year. The former Moonstar88 lead vocalist made the announcement on her social media accounts and extended an invitation to her final performance in a major concert, co-produced by GNN Entertainment Productions. Being And Becoming serves as a farewell concert, album launch, and gift to friends, loved ones, fans, and colleagues. The show will also highlight the advocacies of her NGO, Right Start, which works with children in disadvantaged communities. The concert will take place at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan, on Oct. 11, 7 p.m. onwards. Tickets are now available via bit.ly/acelconcert.

Kai Del Rio releases comeback single

KAI DEL RIO, formerly known as Kai Honasan, has dropped her new single “Ang Nag-iisa” via Underdog Music. The bluesy pop-rock anthem serves as the Filipino singer-songwriter’s comeback single. It looks at a woman coming to terms with her own anger, pain, and disappointments in life. The track is produced by musician Karel Honasan, with Ira Cruz on guitar, Nikko Rivera on keyboard, and Rickson Ruiz on drums, with the help of Tower of Doom sound engineer Macoy Manuel. Ms. Del Rio will also drop the piano ballad, “Storm Like Me,” in the coming week as part of her non-consecutive double single release. The stripped-down track will provide a stark contrast to “Ang Nag-iisa,” which is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Korean action crime film set for PHL premiere

THE action crime thriller I, The Executioner, directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, will be coming to Philippine cinemas on Sept. 25. The film was among this year’s Festival de Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival official selections. The sequel to 2015 box office hit Veteran, this new film stars Hwang Jung-min and Jung Hae-in as detectives of a Major Crimes Investigation Division discovering a murder’s links to past cases and opening up a potential serial killer investigation. It is distributed in Philippines through Warner Bros. Pictures.

Tate McRae releases new song and video

MULTI-PLATINUM pop singer Tate McRae has released her new song, “It’s ok I’m ok,” alongside the official music video via RCA Records. Written and produced with hitmakers Ryan Tedder, ILYA, and Savan Kotecha, the pop-infused offering is accompanied by a dance visual directed by Hannah Lux Davis and choreographed by Sean Bankhead. The high-energy music video follows an unbothered Ms. McRae strutting through city streets. “It’s ok I’m ok” is the first taste of new music following her 2023 album. It is now available on all digital music streaming platforms worldwide.

Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to stream on Disney+

THE highest-grossing animated movie of all time, Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, will be making its streaming debut on Disney+ on Sept. 25. The film returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for new emotions. Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira), who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, are forced to welcome Anxiety (Maya Hawke) to the headquarters of the mind. Inside Out 2 is directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen.

Joker: Folie à Deux to hit theaters in October

THE SEQUEL to 2019’s Academy Award-winning film Joker will be coming to Philippine cinemas on Oct. 2. Joker: Folie à Deux finds Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) institutionalized at Arkham Asylum awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, he stumbles upon true love and finds the music that’s always been inside him. Written, directed, and produced by Todd Phillips, the film also stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. The film will come to Philippine theaters via Warner Bros. Pictures.

Kim Won-shik makes runway debut, teases single

ON SEPT. 1, South Korean actor and singer Kim Won-shik made his runway debut at BENCH Fashion Week Holiday 2024, donning an all-white ensemble that included a sleek tank top, a sheer cover-up, and knee-length shorts. Following a rising career as a fashion icon in the Philippines, he is also back with his second single, “Hello My Love,” a ballad that aims to capture the essence of unwavering love and commitment. Set to be released in October, the song blends English and Korean lyrics.

Max Original film Salem’s Lot to debut in October

NEW LINE Cinema’s film adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 bestselling novel Salem’s Lot will debut on Oct. 3 on HBO GO. The film reunites the producing teams behind the record-breaking horror franchises The Conjuring universe and the It films. Gary Dauberman writes, directs, and executive produces the film, with producers James Wan and Michael Clear for Atomic Monster, Roy Lee for Vertigo, and Mark Wolper.

Bestseller The Wild Robot gets animated film

TO CELEBRATE a story that transcends pages, Peter Brown’s #1 New York Times bestseller has been adapted for the big screen by DreamWorks Animation. The Wild Robot follows the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot stranded on an uninhabited island, and how it navigates the harsh environment and forges new relationships with wildlife. Writer-director Chris Sanders, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon and The Croods, is at the helm of the film. It also features the voices of Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, and Stephanie Hsu. The Wild Robot opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 9.

T-bill yields ease to 5% levels before Fed meet

BW FILE PHOTO

By Aaron Michael C. Sy, Reporter

THE GOVERNMENT fully awarded Treasury bills (T-bills) at an auction on Monday as rates declined to below 6% amid market expectations that the US Federal Reserve would start its easing cycle this week.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P20 billion from debt, with bids reaching P77.899 billion, or more than thrice the amount on offer.

The demand was higher than the P64.515 billion in tenders at the Sept. 10 auction, where the government raised the volume.

“Investors are growing confident that yields are on a downward path,” a trader said in a text message.

The BTr borrowed P6.5 billion in 91-day T-bills as tenders for the tenor reached P28.624 billion. The three-month debt was quoted at an average rate of 5.743%, 9.7 basis points (bps) lower than last week. Accepted yields were at 5.72% to 5.774%.

The government also fully awarded P6.5-billion in 182-day T-bills as bids for the tenor reached P24.71 billion. The average rate for the six-month debt was 5.94%, 4 bps lower than last week. Accepted rates were 5.9% to 5.965%

The Treasury likewise raised P7 billion from 364-day T-bills as demand for the tenor reached P24.565 billion. The average rate of the one-year debt fell by 5.6 bps to 5.973% from last week. Accepted rates were 5.95% to 5.975%.

At the secondary market before the auction, the 91-, 182- and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 5.8616%, 5.9899% and 6.0118%, respectively, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL) Reference Rates data provided by the Treasury.

The mostly lower T-bill yields were due to market expectations of a 50-bp rate cut by the Fed at its Sept. 17-18 meeting, Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a Viber message.

The Federal Reserve will lower interest rates by 25 bps at each of the US central bank’s three remaining policy meetings this year, according to most economists in a Reuters poll that found only nine of 101 expected a half-percentage-point cut next week.

With inflation approaching the Fed’s 2% target and some signs of an economic slowdown, policy makers have made it clear “the time has come” to start reducing the federal fund rate, which has been held at 5.25%-5.5% since July 2023, Reuters reported.

After the release on Friday of a mixed job report for August, interest rate futures contracts briefly priced in more than a 50% chance of a half-percentage-point cut next week, but the chances have narrowed to about one in four. Rate markets are still pricing in more than 100 bps of cuts this year.

A strong majority of economists in the Sept. 6-10 poll, 92 of 101, expect a 25-bp cut when the US central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concludes its two-day meeting next week.

Fifty-four of 71 economists polled said a 50-bp cut at any of the Fed’s remaining meetings this year was unlikely, including five who said it was very unlikely.

On Tuesday, the BTr will offer P30 billion in reissued 10-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) with a remaining life of nine years and four months.

The Treasury seeks to raise P195 billion from the domestic market this month — P80 billion through T-bills and P115 billion via T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.48 trillion or 5.6% of economic output this year.

Netflix’s Squid Game is rip-off of 2009 film, lawsuit says

IMDB
IMDB

NETFLIX, INC. was accused by an Indian filmmaker of copying his 2009 movie for its popular Squid Game series as the company prepares to release the second season of the show later this year.

The filmmaker, Soham Shah, sued Netflix in federal court in New York on Friday, alleging that the show is a “blatant rip-off” of his Hindi-language film Luck, which tells the story of a “group of desperate, indebted people enticed to take part in a series of competitive games to win large sums of money” who later learn that losing the contests means death.

“The main plot, characters, themes, mood, setting, and sequence of events of Squid Game are strikingly similar to that of Luck, defying any likelihood that such similarities could be coincidence,” Mr. Shah said in the suit.

Squid Game made history in 2022 as the first foreign-language drama to win top honors at the Emmy Awards. The series was Netflix’s biggest launch ever, costing $21 million to produce, and viewers watched 1.65 billion hours of the show in just four weeks. It remained one of the service’s top shows for months and Netflix announced in July that the second season will be released on Dec. 26, with a third and final season coming in 2025.

“This claim has no merit,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement. “Squid Game was created by and written by Hwang Dong Hyuk and we intend to defend this matter vigorously.”

It’s not the first time Netflix has faced copyright claims over some of its most popular content. In August 2023, the Los Gatos, California-based company settled a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by a writer who claimed key elements of his earlier screenplay called Totem were used without his permission in Stranger Things.

Mr. Shah says that Netflix continues to infringe his copyrights for Luck with works derived from Squid Game, including a reality TV competition and an immersive experience set to launch in New York City next month. He says the show increased Netflix’s market value by more than $900 million.

Mr. Shah is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction preventing Netflix from infringing his copyrights by marketing and streaming Squid Game, profiting from the sale of merchandise and developing other shows and works that may infringe the copyrights in the future. — Bloomberg

Globe names new finance chief

GLOBE Telecom, Inc. has named a new chief financial officer (CFO) as Rizza Maniego-Eala prepares to retire from the position.

In a regulatory filing on Monday, the Ayala-led telecommunications company announced the appointment of Juan Carlo C. Puno as the new CFO, treasurer, and chief risk officer effective Oct. 16.

Mr. Puno currently serves as Globe’s corporate strategy officer and senior vice-president for corporate finance. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

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