What must be done to the suspended land reclamations in Manila Bay?

September 29, 2023 | 12:04 am

Manila Bay land reclamation — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

(This statement was submitted to be read at the Sept. 27 Senate hearings on land reclamation.)

WHAT can be done with these atrocities inflicted upon our coastal ecosystems? Can the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) be trusted to do the right thing?

The General Manager of its Governing Board says PRA “… acts as the primary regulatory agency of the government to assess the technical, environmental, financial and socioeconomic merits of such projects.”

Scientists always evaluate the worth of any pronouncements according to the pertinent training and experience of the ones who make them. How have the members of this Board been prepared to make such assessments, to meet these heavy responsibilities? Never mind their names, which are easily available to the curious; what are their backgrounds?

PRA’s General Manager himself rose from Sports Editor and newscaster for Bombo Radyo in Iloilo in 1992 to Bombo Manager for Mindanao from 2005-2007. He got a law degree and practiced law in Davao from 2006 until named PRA General Manager in 2016.

PRA’s Board Chairperson is a former Acting Secretary of Justice who specializes in Public-Private Partnership law. His greatest claim to fame is placing first in an obstacle race in Taiwan for his 60s age-group. Other board members are a specialist in Maritime law, and a retired Lieutenant General.

The only board member with any scientific or technical expertise is a dermatologist. He is best known for founding SWORD (Sincere Warriors of Rodrigo Duterte) in 2016.

Clearly, the PRA is scientifically and technologically unprepared and can only rely on whatever the reclaimers tell them. But the reclaimers themselves don’t know what they are doing.

A video taken last August, “Sand Suction Operation Manila Bay Reclamation Project 08-06-2023” (youtube.com/watch?v=64lcUeqA1O8) shows that they are using sand dredged from the nearshore seabed. This would guarantee that liquefaction during the first major earthquake affecting reclaimed land would destroy structures built on it.

In 2004 the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Metro Manila Development Authority reported that Metro Manila was overdue for a magnitude 7.2 earthquake at the West Marikina Valley Fault. For comparison, the Sept. 8 earthquake in Morocco that destroyed Marrakech and killed thousands was a 6.8. (On the magnitude scale, each next-higher number shakes the ground 10 times more strongly, and releases 32 times as much energy.)

The Big One hasn’t happened yet, so nine more years of earthquake energy have been stored in the fault, awaiting release.

Liquefaction? Quoting from my internet-accessible 2014 scientific report “On the geological hazards that threaten existing and proposed reclamations of Manila Bay”: “… All materials, natural or man-made, are made up of pieces of rock ranging in size from tiny particles of clay to large boulders, the spaces between them occupied by water. Under normal conditions, the solid particles are in contact, so that the lower ones bear the weight of other grains above them, as well as the weights of any buildings on top of them. During the minute or so that an earthquake lasts, however, the shaking breaks the contact between grains, the solids and water behave as a liquid without strength… Buildings sink into it or topple.”

Sand is especially susceptible to liquefaction. All the spaces between its tiny, hard grains cannot be compacted away, and so are filled with water.

YouTube videos illustrate liquefaction with models: youtube.com/watch?v=cSaatSdS4Sk; youtube.com/watch?v=UJuHGDmMt0U. Others show how areas have been affected: youtube.com/watch?v=j-hyOwsl_NY.

Even distant quakes can cause liquefaction. In 1968, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Casiguran, Quezon damaged buildings standing on sandy Pasig River deposits 225 kilometers away. The six-story Ruby Tower in Binondo collapsed, killing 260 people.

The great 1990 Magnitude-8 Luzon earthquake happened under Rizal, Nueva Ecija; 100 kilometers away, coastal Dagupan, Pangasinan suffered widespread liquefaction. Many structures built on sandy river deposits toppled, sank into the ground, or were too tilted to reoccupy.

Phivolcs has reported yet another Manila Bay earthquake hazard: tsunamis 32 feet or 10 meters high.

And climate change poses its own worsening threats. Increasingly frequent supertyphoons bring stronger and longer-lasting rains and flooding, winds, and exceptionally large storm waves riding atop higher and longer-lasting storm surges.

Anyone who plans to invest in reclaimed land needs to know that major US insurance companies now exclude natural disaster protections in coastal areas (Washington Post, Sept. 3, “Home insurers cut natural disasters from policies as climate risks grow”). Reclamations are by far the most vulnerable. Do you dare build something uninsurable?

Now that reclamations have been suspended, what can be done with these bare, ugly, sandy surfaces? Despite all the ecological damage and hazards, vested private and governmental interests may yet prevail to complete the projects, and there will be hell to pay. But right now, sand blown off them by strong winds are health hazards. The best solution is to cover them with grass, making them into parks and green spaces where city people can enjoy nature and our spectacular sunsets. Such amenities along Chicago’s lakeshore have greatly enhanced the attractiveness of the city, and are major, lucrative tourist attractions. Philippine population growth has greatly limited the availability of such spaces.

Whether we like it or not, a major research project has been thrust upon the Filipino marine-science community: monitoring how the aborted landfills, so mindlessly built, have upset all the natural balances of the entire Bay ecosystem, and how those disturbances might be mitigated. The knowledge gained, used worldwide, might be the only good to come out of this sorry affair.

The world-class Marine Science Institute at UP Diliman should be funded to supervise this effort for at least a decade. All too often, expertise unfamiliar with the Philippine setting is recruited and funded from abroad.

The US Embassy shares my anger that China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) is a major participant in the Pasay Reclamation Development Project. CCCC is culpable in the vandalism that has transformed Spratley islets from ecological jewels into Chinese military outposts.

The US could help to fund the post-landfilling science. It could also support American scientists who MSI might wish to involve in this effort.

Kelvin S. Rodolfo is a professor emeritus of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago, and a senior research fellow at the Manila Observatory.

Video game performers prepared to strike for more pay, protections

September 29, 2023 | 12:04 am

LOS ANGELES — Cissy Jones isn’t asking to be paid millions of dollars to give video games their voice, but the actress, and others like her performing under a Screen Actors Guild’s video game contract say they need more money to cope with rising costs of living.

“We haven’t had a raise in five years, four years maybe, and prices have gone up. Our rates have not,” said Ms. Jones, a BAFTA winner for her voice as Delilah in the Campo Santo video game Firewatch. Ms. Jones is covered under a contract with video game makers negotiated by SAG-AFTRA.

Voice actors and motion capture performers in the multi-billion dollar video game industry voted overwhelmingly on Monday to authorize a strike if negotiations on a new labor contract set to begin Tuesday fail, setting the stage for another possible work stoppage in Hollywood.

SAG-AFTRA said 34,687 members cast ballots, 27.47% of eligible voters.

SAG-AFTRA is the same union representing film and television actors who went on strike in July, putting Hollywood in the midst of two simultaneous work stoppages for the first time in more than six decades.

In May, roughly 11,500 Writers Guild of America members had walked off the job. The writers union reached a preliminary labor agreement with major studios on Sunday.

The SAG-AFTRA agreement covering video game performers expired last November and has been extended on a monthly basis as the union negotiated with major video game companies.

“We all want a fair contract that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in an industry that delivers world-class entertainment to billions of gamers around the world,” spokesperson Audrey Cooling said in a statement issued on behalf of the companies.

AI CONCERNS
The video game industry generated total revenues of $180.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to generate revenues of $218.8 billion by 2024, according to data analytics firm Newzoo.

With video game console sales up in 2023, PlayStation maker Sony said in July it expects to sell 25 million units of PS5 consoles this year, a record for any PlayStation device.

As earnings climbed, video game company staff beyond the performers covered by SAG-AFTRA have been unionizing for the first time this year.

In July, Sega workers formed the largest multi-department video game union in the United States, after Microsoft’s video game testers formed their first US labor union in January.

Along with pay, video performers represented by SAG-AFTRA say the most pressing issues being negotiated include getting Disney, Activision, EA, Epic Games and others to consult performers over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create voices, something some of the companies are already doing.

AI has been an issue for writers as well as for striking actors covered by TV, theatrical and streaming contracts.

For video game performers, the union is also calling for more safety measures for motion capture performers, who wear markers or sensors on the skin or a body suit to help game makers create characters’ movements.

“These are folks that work in games a ton. They do stunts but also they will perform on stage as different characters, embody the characters, memorize dialogue to get timing correctly and that kind of thing,” said actor Ashly Burch, who has done motion capture as well as voice work for video games.

The union is asking for on-camera performers to have the same five minutes per hour rest period that off-camera performers are entitled to, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement on its website.

They are also asking for a set medic to be present at dangerous stunts, just as on film and television sets.

For Ms. Jones, the power of AI became evident 18 months ago when she saw that a fan had created videos on social media platform TikTok that included a scene from the animated Disney channel show she voiced The Owl House.

“They were using an AI version of my voice in these fan scenes,” she said.

“I panicked,” she said. “This is my only means of making money. This is the only way that I work right now. This is how I feed my children and put them through school. Someone had taken my voice without my consent.” — Reuters

PetPal maps Southeast Asian expansion

September 29, 2023 | 12:04 am

PET TELEHEALTH platform PetPal is looking at three Southeast Asian countries as possible locations where its services can also be launched, according to its creator 917Ventures.

“We believe that there’s a lot of potential for PetPal to help address the pet-veterinary gap across the region, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam where 70% of the population owns pets,” 917Ventures Entrepreneur-in-Residence Miguel Antonio I. Guerrero told BusinessWorld via e-mail interview.

“We are currently prioritizing improving operations and overall experience for our customers,” he said, citing onboarding more services and introducing more clinics and vets on the platform.

“We are open to exploring partnerships across Southeast Asia to bring PetPal to these markets as well,” he added.

917Ventures is a corporate venture builder wholly owned by listed telco firm Globe Telecom, Inc. PetPal was established by 917Ventures to meet the market demand for pet veterinary care options.

In the near term, Mr. Guerrero said PetPal is focusing on onboarding more clinics, more vets, and more services to become a comprehensive pet telehealth platform.

“Pet healthcare is still a small and underpenetrated segment so we foresee significant growth for this in the coming years with PetPal spearheading responsible pet ownership in the Philippines,” Mr. Guerrero said.

According to Mr. Guerrero, the Philippine market is already “mature enough” for services such as PetPal due to rising demand and pet ownership.

“Based on the acceptance and the uptake of services we offer on PetPal and how more and more pet owners are using the platform, the Philippine market isn’t only mature enough to embrace pet telehealth but that there is a clamor for these kinds of services,” Mr. Guerrero said.

A 2021 Rakuten survey in Asia showed that the Philippines had the highest dog ownership percentage in the region at 67%, and the second-highest cat ownership percentage at 43%.

“Still, many pet owners still face significant challenges when it comes to seeking vet care for their pets due to issues like high costs or a lack of available veterinarians. These obstacles often result in pet owners delaying or even skipping necessary veterinary treatments, or worse, abandoning their pets altogether,” Mr. Guerrero said.

Citing data from Euromonitor, Mr. Guerrero said the local pet healthcare industry was valued at P1.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a 9% compound annual growth rate.

He added that the Southeast Asian pet care industry reached $1.6 billion in value last year and is projected to hit $3.08 billion by 2032.

“To ensure that the growth of the industry is in line with the rest of the world, pet telehealth services like PetPal are crucial in helping the local industry address challenges through digitization while ensuring that pet owners and their pets are given access to comprehensive pet care services,” Mr. Guerrero said.

Launched in February, PetPal has over 1,000 vets and 200 clinics on the platform. It partners with vets, clinics, and pet care service providers to help them reach a wider market. Aside from vet teleconsultation, the platform also offers at-home grooming services, home vet visits, lab tests, and vaccinations. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

PHL urged to ensure AI push in jobs strategy does not displace workers

September 29, 2023 | 12:04 am

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE government’s employment masterplan must harness artificial intelligence (AI) to create more job opportunities without displacing them, labor unions said.

“Our vision is that the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council will establish the necessary framework to ensure the responsible deployment of AI technology, benefiting both employees and businesses alike,” Jose G. Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers, said in a Viber message.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday signed into law a bill authorizing the creation of a national employment roadmap and an inter-agency body to draft a national strategy for job generation.

Mr. Matula noted that the council must put forward upskilling programs that allow workers to use automation to their advantage, instead of having robots replace physical labor.

The recently signed law aims to boost the competitiveness of the workforce through upskilling and reskilling programs.

The inter-agency council, which will be headed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Trade and Labor secretaries, will be tasked to assist local government units in implementing job recovery programs.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the law will “facilitate stronger coordination and partnership among relevant agencies and stakeholders for the efficient implementation of employment programs.

In a July report, the Asian Development Bank said 20% of Philippine workers face a “high risk of losing their jobs” due to automation.

Josua T. Mata, secretary-general of the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), said the measure will fail to meet its goal of job creation if it does not ensure workers are afforded full-time employment.

“It could fail to live up to its promise of providing the jobs that we need as it missed a very important point: the need to realize the constitutional mandate for full employment,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Mata reiterated the labor sector’s position that the government must boost public-sector employment programs and offer wage subsidies to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

SENTRO has urged the government to take the lead in employment generation after the Labor department presented its labor and employment plan for the next five years.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in July from 4.5% a month earlier. Job quality worsened as the underemployment rate, which measures employed workers looking for more work or longer hours, rose to a 20-month high of 15.9% from 12% in June.

“Contrary to the government’s orthodox position that it should merely be enablers of jobs generation, we believe that government should directly generate jobs through a robust public employment program,” Mr. Mata said.

Google offers free AI skills courses, new IT certificates

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

GOOGLE Philippines launched on Wednesday a program offering free generative artificial intelligence (AI) courses and information technology (IT) career certificates to upskill the workforce for the digital economy.

The new AI courses include an introduction to the technology, large language models, and its responsible use, among other topics, Google Philippines said in a statement.

“Filipinos can now seize the opportunity to build and demonstrate their proficiency in in-demand AI skills to prospective employers,” it said.

Additions to the Google Career Certificates program include business intelligence, advanced data analytics, and cybersecurity, it added.

“These certificates are professional credentials that help enable people from all backgrounds to earn job-ready skills in high-growth digital fields such as IT support, UX [user experience] design, e-commerce, and digital marketing.”

“Upskilling is so important for realizing career aspirations and improving lives,” Jeffrey Ian C. Dy, undersecretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology, was quoted as saying in a statement.

“Through our technology, skilling programs, and partnerships, we will continue to help unleash the potential of the digital economy and empower the workforce of the future,” according to Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines country director.

The information technology and business process management industry has 1.7 million full-time employees, up 8.7% from a year earlier. — Miguel Hanz L. Antivola

Gov’t to borrow P150 billion from domestic market in Oct.

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

THE NATIONAL Government (NG) plans to borrow P150 billion from the domestic market in October, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said on Thursday.

The October borrowing plan is 16.67% lower than the P180-billion program for September, but higher than the actual P121.064 billion raised by the government this month.

The government plans to borrow P60 billion from T-bills and P120 billion via T-bonds in September, the BTr said.

Broken down, the government will offer P5 billion each in 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day T-bills on Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23.

For the long-term tenors, the BTr will offer P30 billion in five-year T-bonds on Oct. 10 and P30 billion in seven-year bonds on Oct. 17.

It will also auction off P30 billion in 10-year T-bonds on Oct. 24.

The lower borrowing plan for October could have been due to the lower amount of government bond maturities during the month versus September and August, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Meanwhile, rates for the T-bills and bonds to be offered next month could be steady due to elevated US Treasury yields recently, he added.

“Excess liquidity in the financial system could still support demand for government securities, but could be offset by [the] lower amount of maturing government bonds in October/4Q 2023,” he said.

The BTr set a lower October borrowing plan likely to give way to its retail dollar bond (RDB) issuance, China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez said in a Viber message.

The government raised an initial $611.2 million (P34.8 billion) at the rate-setting auction of its second onshore RDBs on Wednesday, more than three times the minimum issue size of $200 million.

The five-and-a-half-year bonds fetched a coupon rate of 5.75%.

The BTr could potentially raise more than $1 billion via the RDBs as investors view it as an alternative to local government securities, Mr. Ricafort said.

Hawkish signals from the Philippine central bank and inflation likely remaining above 5% this month could also contribute to elevated returns for the government securities, Ms. Velasquez added.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told Bloomberg on Monday that he is open to an off-cycle rate hike before their Nov. 18 meeting and ruled out cuts in the near term.

The central bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged for a fourth straight meeting at 6.25% last week.

However, officials signaled they might resume tightening at their next meeting if inflation pressures persist.

The NG’s gross domestic borrowing program this year is set at P1.654 trillion, composed of P54.1 billion in T-bills and P1.6 trillion in T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and external sources to help fund a budget deficit capped at 6.1% of the gross domestic product this year. — A.M.C. Sy

Jollibee opens drive-thru store in Singapore

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

FAST FOOD giant Jollibee has opened its first drive-thru location in Singapore, further expanding its operations in the regional neighbor.

In a statement on Thursday, the fast-food chain said the outlet is its 20^th store in Singapore and the first one to be assisted by artificial intelligence in its branches across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, excluding the Philippines.

The drive-thru store is located at Caltex Jurong Spring gas station and was launched on Sept. 19.

“This milestone coincides with our 10^th anniversary in Singapore, during which time we have expanded from a single outlet in Lucky Plaza to 20 stores across the country, growing our consumer base from serving primarily Filipinos, to now serving the mainstream Singaporean market who compose a predominant majority of our customers today,” said Dennis M. Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia (EMEAA).

“We are grateful for the Singaporean community’s continued support, and we look forward to expanding further in the country and the greater EMEAA region,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jollibee said the opening of the first drive-thru location in Singapore follows the recent store opening in Malaysia, where the brand unveiled its 10^th store in the country at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

For the first half, the Jollibee brand opened 38 stores, of which 23 were opened outside the Philippines.

The Jollibee group, or Jollibee Foods Corp., posted a 13.9% drop in its attributable net income to P4.39 billion in the first semester from P5.1 billion a year ago. Its brands include Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal.

On Thursday, shares of Jollibee at the local bourse rose P1.20 or 0.52% to P230 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

The all-new 7-seater Jeep Grand Cherokee L

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

An off-road legend gets the ultra-luxe treatment

By Manny N. De Los Reyes

Few automotive brands can evoke the spirit of adventure as well as Jeep does. It’s one brand that has established itself solidly as the vehicle of choice for those who are passionate about individuality and forging one’s own path—even in the most challenging conditions.

This is the legacy that is represented by the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the brand’s premiere SUV designed to effortlessly marry the seemingly contradictory pursuits of off-road ruggedness with supreme comfort and luxury.

The Grand Cherokee, which brings with it the Jeep brand’s 81-year history and legacy, has maintained its title as “the most award-winning SUV ever,” and has been praised for its continuously evolving performance and technology since its debut in 1992.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is for the ambitious, driven individual who has attained stature and professional success. More significantly, they take pride in having built a close-knit home and sharing the fruits of their achievements with those closest to their heart. The Grand Cherokee L supports their daily routine by taking them through busy workdays, then transitioning into their family’s favorite recreational partner for weekend bonding adventures.

The most luxurious Grand Cherokee yet

Designed to deliver utmost refinement, the new Grand Cherokee L leaves nothing to chance when it comes to offering luxurious comfort. It’s the first-ever three-row Grand Cherokee, offering spacious seating capacity for up to seven passengers. The cavernous cabin is finished in premium leather, complemented by quilted leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and a contrasting beige-black motif. An all-black variant is available as an option for those who want a more business-like ambience. Every touchpoint holds a mark of elegance, from the leather steering wheel, piano-gloss trim, to the interior ambient LED lighting feature that is unique to the Jeep brand.

All this elegance doesn’t come at the expense of functionality. The Grand Cherokee L is designed to be easily adaptable to a multi-faceted lifestyle, fitted with clean lines in its design cues and a practical, easy-to-navigate interior layout. In addition to the standard steering wheel control system, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is integrated into the center of the dashboard console that offers hands-free capability options, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Power that gets you places

Under its prominent hood, the Grand Cherokee L boasts a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating an exciting output of 282hp and 344Nm of torque, providing driving performance that will satisfy any enthusiast. On the other hand, its 4×4 off-roading capability means that it can be taken and driven anywhere and in any road condition, whether it’s for a wholesome family outing or an overland recreational trip on rougher terrain.

State-of-the-art safety

Of course, the supreme capability to go anywhere needs to be balanced by equally capable safety features. The Grand Cherokee L comes with a driver assist system to ensure maximum monitoring capability with minimum distraction. As part of its standard equipment, there is a floating head-up display right above the instrument cluster and a surround-view camera that shows a view of the exterior perimeter of the vehicle. A special feature is a rear-facing interior camera that conveniently provides a view of the second and third rows of the cabin, as well as a rear-view mirror that only takes a flip of a tab to switch to a secondary screen.

It’s been five years since the previous Jeep Grand Cherokee came to the Philippines—its previous appearance dates back to 2018. Now, it lands on Philippine shores once again with the Grand Cherokee L, filling the gap for a timeless yet classically modern SUV that integrates individuality and family characteristics. An elegant daily driver, a luxurious family car, and an extremely capable off-roader in one, the all-new Grand Cherokee L is a paradigm for an enduring legacy that holds the benchmark for vehicles that are as multi-faceted as the people who drive them.

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Hollywood writers deal may set a template for talks with striking actors

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

LOS ANGELES — The tentative deal Hollywood writers reached with the major studios and streaming services could serve as a template for actors, who have been on strike since mid-July.

Writers and actors share common concerns, including the desire for higher pay and for curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which went on strike May 2, reached a tentative deal with studios Sunday. It calls for improved minimum pay, increased streaming residuals, and assurances that AI cannot be used to undermine a writer’s credit. That agreement generated optimism among striking actors that they may soon settle their differences with the studios.

“I hear it’s an exceptional deal and historically, whatever deal they give to one union, the next union uses as a template for their own deal,” writer and actor Mel Shimkovitz said on Tuesday while picketing outside Netflix.

The WGA said writers could return to work on Wednesday ahead of their final vote to ratify the contract. That means talk shows can return to air and writing can resume, but filming cannot re-start until the actors reach a labor deal.

Negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union have not held talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney, Netflix, and other studios, since this summer. Entertainment industry executives expressed the hope that negotiations would resume as soon as next week.

“SAG should not take long, I’ll tell you that,” said one studio executive after the writers’ agreement. They requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of labor negotiations.

Performers want to protect their images and work from being replaced by “digital replicas” generated with AI. As with writers, actors are looking for compensation that reflects the value they bring to streaming, specifically, in the form of revenue sharing.

But SAG-AFTRA also is seeking gains in other areas, and has a wide range of performers with different issues they want addressed.

Actors want limits on self-taped auditions used in casting, which they argue are more costly than in-person readings. They are looking for hair and makeup artists who can work with various hair textures and skin tones, to ensure equity for all performers. Actors are also seeking more leeway to work during increasingly long breaks between TV show seasons, among other things.

Dancers, singers, background actors, and stunt performers also have specific demands.

“Our fight isn’t over — it’s just heating up!” SAG-AFTRA posted on X on Tuesday night with pictures of Pedro Pascal, Bob Odenkirk and others on the picket lines. “We’re committed to securing a fair contract because we deserve nothing less. Let’s keep pushing, keep fighting, and show the world our determination!”

US LATE-NIGHT SHOWS TO RESUME NEXT WEEK
Meanwhile, late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel are bringing their shows back to television next week following the end of the Hollywood writers’ strike.

The comedians stopped production in May when the strike began and in late August launched a podcast called Strike Force Five with proceeds going to out-of-work staff.

“The founding members of Strike Force Five will return to their network television shows as of Monday, October 2nd and one of them to premium cable on October 1st,” the hosts said in an Instagram post.

They said they will release at least three more podcast episodes for 12 in total. — Reuters

PBW 2023: A milestone for tech and innovation in the Philippines

September 29, 2023 | 12:03 am

It is with immense pleasure and pride that I look back on the success and learning of Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2023. In just its second year, PBW has solidified its position as the premier blockchain conference in the Philippines, a testament to the growing interest and importance of blockchain technology in our nation. At the same time, there is excitement post conference. My next few articles will circle around all these lessons.

But first and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making PBW 2023 a resounding success. To our partners, guest speakers, exhibitors, and our wonderful audience, thank you for your unwavering support.

Through PBW, we’ve witnessed small companies connect with the right investors, and individuals eager to explore the world of blockchain have had the opportunity to learn from some of the finest thought leaders in the industry. This event isn’t just about blockchain; it’s about forging connections and fostering innovation that can elevate our nation’s economic landscape.

PBW’s aim is to foster the growth of the Web3 ecosystem in the Philippines, with the vision of making our nation the blockchain capital of Asia. This year’s event marked a significant milestone as it hosted several firsts that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our country’s tech landscape.

PBW 2023 unveiled the first-ever Metaverse Fashion Gala in the country, featuring the renowned Filipino designer, Michael Cinco. This extraordinary event, held on Sept. 18, seamlessly merged the physical and digital realms, showcasing his stunning collection through both a physical runway and the virtual world.

We were also honored to welcome a delegation from the Korean Blockchain Enterprise Promotion Association, led by its chairman Hanyoung Lee. This collaboration between 140 South Korean companies and Filipino firms opens new opportunities for partnerships in creating tech products and services with global appeal.

The inaugural Nexus Fan Fair by Tier One Entertainment added another layer of excitement to PBW 2023. Fans from diverse realms, including gaming, technology, music, and entertainment, gathered to revel in games, merchandise, and collectibles. Tier One co-founder and managing director Tryke Gutierrez joined panel discussions on Web3 and gaming, enriching our event with valuable insights.

Another highly anticipated moment at this year’s PBW was the Southeast Asian performance of TripleS, the world’s first decentralized K-pop group hailing from South Korea. Utilizing NFTs to engage with their fans, TripleS’ performance and meet-and-greet session created a buzz that will undoubtedly ripple through the world of K-pop and blockchain.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 also embraced blockchain during PBW 2023 by launching her first NFTs, with the proceeds benefiting the Global Spectrum Initiative which is devoted to empowering autistic individuals. Thus, we expect more organizations to utilize NFTs for their product and service offerings.

Throughout the three-day event, we hosted a diverse range of sessions that explored various facets of blockchain technology. Our esteemed panel of Web3 thought leaders, fintech experts, educators, celebrities, and more delved into topics spanning creativity, AI, NFTs, e-commerce, and beyond. A VC startup matchmaking event, hosted by entrepreneur and CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch host John Aguilar, provided budding businesses the opportunity to secure funding for their ventures.

PBW 2023 also featured a Bootcamp and Ideation session, allowing participants to grasp the basics of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, Web3, and decentralized applications.

I’d like to extend our deepest appreciation to the sponsors who played a pivotal role in making PBW 2023 the outstanding event that it was. Our Platinum Sponsors, Smart Communications and Philippine Airlines, have been steadfast partners in our mission to elevate the Web3 ecosystem in the Philippines. We also extend our gratitude to our Gold Sponsors, Metafarms and Tier One Entertainment, for their invaluable contributions in advancing innovation. Our Bronze Sponsors — Gala Games, Assemble Stream, Inc., Xctuality Pte Ltd., DV Code, BayaniChain, and Maya Philippines — have been instrumental in shaping the future of blockchain in our nation. We appreciate their unwavering support, which has not only fueled our event but also inspired creativity and collaboration. We would also like to acknowledge our Silver Media Partners, Jinse Finance and KTRO Media, for their pivotal role in disseminating knowledge about blockchain technology and its transformative potential. Their dedication to our cause is deeply appreciated.

Finally, we are proud to have provided and given the stage to our partners from the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Trade and Industry, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Philippine Intellectual Property office, among others. We are encouraged by our government’s open-mindedness in pushing the use of blockchain in our country.

As we move forward, let us continue to harness the power of blockchain to create a brighter future for our nation and the world. The possibilities are endless, and together, we can shape a world that embraces innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

Thank you, and see you at PBW 2024!

Dr. Donald Lim is the founding president of the Blockchain Association of the Philippines and the lead convenor of the Philippine Blockchain Week. He is also the Asian anchor of FintechTV.

Far Eastern University, Inc. to conduct 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Oct. 21

September 29, 2023 | 12:02 am

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Biden and Trump in Michigan: Views on unions, UAW auto strike

September 29, 2023 | 12:02 am

US President Joe Biden and 2024 Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump both travel to Michigan this week to talk to local auto industry workers, as a United Auto Workers’ (UAW) strike spreads around the country.

Mr. Biden, a Democrat, and Mr. Trump are expected to speak to different crowds and present messages that reflect their vastly divergent views on unions, organized labor and the future of the US auto industry.

Winning the UAW’s support is part of a broader push by both presidential candidates to capture the small-but-influential union vote in the November 2024 election.

JOE BIDEN: SHARE THE PROFITS
Michigan trip: Mr. Biden is expected on a UAW picket line in Wayne County, where he will meet with UAW President Shawn Fain.

Michigan message: Mr. Biden is expected to side with striking workers and urge the companies to share their record profits with workers. As President: Mr. Biden says support for unions is a cornerstone of his economic policies, and he has pushed investment in US manufacturing tied to union jobs and workers’ rights.

Mr. Biden has backed collective bargaining and union wage increases since taking office, but blocked a railroad workers’ strike in 2022, disappointing unions pushing for paid sick leave.

Notable quote: Auto companies “should go further to ensure record corporate profits mean record contracts for the UAW.”

Mr. Fain said last week: “We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line from our friends and families all the way up to the president of the United States.”

DONALD TRUMP: ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs) ARE NOT THE ANSWER
Michigan trip: Mr. Trump will speak at Drake Enterprises, a nonunion auto parts supplier in a Detroit suburb, where he will address hundreds of workers.

Message in Michigan: Mr. Trump will criticize Mr. Biden’s economic policies and incentives promoting EVs and say he would do a better job of protecting blue-collar workers if elected to a second term.

As president: Mr. Trump lowered taxes for US companies including the auto giants and appointed people to the National Labor Relations Board who unions say weakened protections for workers.

Previously as a real estate developer, Mr. Trump faced lawsuits in which contractors accused him of not fully paying for their work.

Notable union quote: “If the UAW ‘leadership’ doesn’t ENDORSE me, and if I don’t win the Election, the Autoworkers are ‘toast,’ with our great truckers to follow,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social.

Mr. Fain says: “Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers.” — Reuters

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