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Globe to defend mobile market lead

GLOBE TELECOM, Inc. aims to defend its mobile market leadership after the results of the subscriber identity module (SIM) registration showed that it still has the highest number of subscribers, its top official said.

“I think it has been some time since we have been leading. We captured leadership in 2016, it is now seven years, and we expect to defend that as well in the coming years,” said Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest L. Cu in an online media briefing on Tuesday.

Data from the National Telecommunications Commission showed a total of 113.97 million SIM registrants or 67.83% of 168.02 million total subscribers.

Globe was able to register a total of 53.73 million subscribers or 61.9% of its 86.75 million total subscribers by the end of the grace period or by July 30.

Meanwhile, Smart Communications, Inc. closed the registration period with 52.5 million or 79.18% of its total users, while DITO Telecommunity Corp. registered a total of 7.74 million users representing 51.72% of its total users.

“We always stated that we want to register close to 100% of our active subscribers or loading subscribers, and we managed to do that because at the 54 million mark our revenues were not affected,” Mr. Cu said.

“Globe has said this many times that we have never really been focused on the number of subscribers we have, it is just a by-product of overall leadership in the industry,” he added.

Darius Delgado, head of Globe’s consumer mobile business, reiterated that the SIM card registration will have no material impact on the network operator’s top line.

“We have seen our top-ups, pickups and acquisitions in the last five weeks and they are still at least 50% higher than how it was pre-SIM registration deadline. And this is because we have already registered 99% of our revenue base,” he said.

Meanwhile, Martha M. Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash said that the platform expects a decline in user base after the registration period.

“We are not reporting the registered users now because we are waiting for the cleanup from the SIM registration. Just to let you know, we are expecting a significant decline similar to the telcos in terms of our user base as we are dependent on SIMs registered,” Ms. Sazon said.

However, she also said that the decline will not impact GCash’s revenues significantly as it will be shifting focus on the quality of its users.

OUTLOOK
For the second half of the year, Globe is expecting lower spending due to the slowdown of the economy which could affect the business, according to Mr. Cu.

“I have to say that in the coming quarter, there could be some headwinds primarily [due] to the slowdown of the economy,” he said.

In the second quarter, the country’s gross domestic product expanded by 4.3%, or slower than the 6.4% economic growth in the first quarter and the 7.5% last year.

“But there is also talk that inflation may be tapering off already. We are hoping that the (central bank) will hold on to the interest rates and not increase rates once again,” he said.

Nonetheless, Mr. Cu said that he was very pleased with Globe’s first-half results and that the team is “optimistic that it can continue for the balance of the year.”

Globe Chief Commercial Officer Maria Louisa Guevarra-Cabreira said that the optimism also comes from the improvement of average revenue per unit as mobility increases.

“This is despite the headwinds that we are actually anticipating in the second half, perhaps driven also by the back to school and the economic activity that has returned to the country,” she said.

Globe’s net income for the first semester declined 27.1% to P14.33 billion from P19.65 billion a year ago, despite a 2.5% increase in its top line to P89.52 billion from P87.32 billion last year.

At the stock exchange on Tuesday, shares in Globe closed higher by P65 or 3.51% to P1,915 each. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Business units drive FDC’s nearly 33% income growth

FILINVEST Development Corp. (FDC) on Tuesday reported 32.6% higher attributable net income for the second quarter to P1.79 billion from P1.35 billion, due to gains from its business segments.

In its financial statement, the company booked a top line of P19.73 billion, 21.5% higher than P16.24 billion in the same period last year.

“We are very encouraged by the continued recovery of our businesses. We look forward to sustaining our growth momentum for the balance of the year. We are working to make the businesses and the entire organization even stronger under the leadership of newly appointed executives,” said FDC President and Chief Executive Officer Chiqui A. Huang.

FDC’s banking and financial services unit East West Banking Corp. contributed the bulk of revenues for the quarter, increasing by 32.2% to P8.33 billion from P6.3 billion the previous year.

The company’s real estate segments Filinvest Land, Inc. and Filinvest Alabang, Inc. saw a combined top line contribution of P3.46 billion, a 6.1% rise from a year ago’s P3.25 billion.

FDC’s power and utility operation, FDC Utilities, Inc., accounted for P3.93 billion, an increase of 23.6% from P3.18 billion. Hospitality operations led by Filinvest Hospitality Corp. saw a 19.2% increase to P645.22 million.

Sugar operations contributed P1.55 billion to FDC’s top line for the period, 15.7% higher than P1.34 billion the prior year.

In the first semester, the company’s attributable net income reached P3.9 billion, higher by 77% than P2.2 billion a year earlier and driven by a 29% increase in revenues to P42.5 billion from P33.1 billion.

FDC said that its banking and financial service business more than doubled its net income to P3.18 billion primarily through sustained lending momentum.

Filinvest Land saw a 15% increase in attributable net income to P1.39 billion after its revenues rose by 8% to P9.92 billion as its residential and rental business segments posted growth.

Its residential revenues grew 4% to P6.06 billion on the back of faster construction progress and the strong performance of its housing projects.

Reservation sales likewise rose by 21% to P11 billion. It launched P4.56 billion worth of residential projects in Rizal, Laguna, Davao, Pangasinan, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga.

Its mall business saw a 64% growth to P1.15 billion, while office revenues went up by 1% to P2.29 billion.

The company’s power unit went up by 3.9% for the first semester to P1.11 billion from 1.07 billion the prior year. Its revenues rose by 24.5% P7.32 billion from P1.44 billion due to power rate hikes.

Profit for FDC’s hospitality segment surged by 84%, while its revenues increased by 61.4% to P1.37 billion due to improvements in occupancy, room rates, and average food and beverage revenues. — Adrian H. Halili

AboitizPower unit to build 2 solar power plants: in Zambales, Negros Occidental

ABOITIZ POWER Corp. (AboitizPower) through its renewable energy arm is set to build two new solar power projects in Negros Occidental and Zambales, further expanding its renewable energy capacity, the listed energy company said on Tuesday.

AboitizPower through Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) will build a 173-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, which is expected to start exporting power by 2024.

“We are looking to begin the construction of our Calatrava Solar and Olongapo Solar projects this year on the way to achieving our growth strategy of providing an additional 3,700 megawatts of renewable energy by the next decade,” Emmanuel V. Rubio, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of AboitizPower, said in a media release.

SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd. will begin the construction of the solar power project by September. It is the same company completing AboitizPower’s 159-megawatt-peak solar power project in Pangasinan.

Further, ARI is also set to build a 211-MW solar power project in Olongapo, Zambales — its largest solar power project to date.

“We are aligned with the ambitious goal to help the country usher in a just and balanced energy transition. Our customers want clean, affordable and dependable energy, and we want to deliver that,” James Arnold D. Villaroman, ARI president and CEO, said.

The project’s construction will also begin in September and will be undertaken by the joint venture between Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. and parent company China Energy International Group Co., Ltd.

The 211-MW solar power project in Olongapo is targeted for commercial operations by 2025, AboitizPower said, adding that this will bring its solar project to five, including San Carlos Sun Power Inc.’s solar projects in Negros Occidental, Laoag in Ilocos Norte, and Cayanga in Pangasinan.

AboitizPower is aiming to expand its renewable energy portfolio in the next 10 years. It has set an ambition of building an additional 3,700 MW of renewable energy, growing its capacities to 4,600 MW by 2030.

To date, the company has a pipeline of projects with a combined capacity of more than 1,000 MW through the development of wind, solar, and geothermal plants.

At the local bourse on Tuesday, shares in the company closed 0.56% higher to end at P36 apiece. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

AREIT registers 26% profit rise to P1.3B

AYALA-LED real estate investment trust company AREIT, Inc. reported a 26.4% jump in net income for the second quarter to P1.3 billion from P815.19 million in the same period last year.

In a regulatory filing, the company reported that its revenues grew by 26.3% to P1.49 billion from P1.18 billion mainly due to rental income and dues.

AREIT’s rental income for the quarter rose by 31.3% to P1.14 billion from P868.68 million in the same period last year.

The company’s net dues reached P298.49 million, 16.7% higher than P255.75 million the previous year.

For the first half, the company saw a 25.2% jump in net income to P2.04 billion from P1.63 billion, driven by stable operations.

Its revenues during the six-month period went up by 26% to P2.97 billion from P2.36 billion in the same period last year, the bulk of which came from rentals.

Its rental income rose by 31% to P2.28 billion from P1.74 billion due to the addition of the Cebu properties, namely: Ebloc Towers 1 to 4, ACC Tower, and Tech Tower, in October last year.

Dues increased by 14% to P583.85 million from P511.49 million the prior year on the back of the operations of new assets acquired in October 2022.

The company said that it had signed the deed of exchange with Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) for the infusion of the P22.48-billion flagship offices and malls to AREIT’s portfolio last June.

“AREIT is looking forward to securing regulatory approvals for this third property-for-share swap with its sponsor, ALI, within the year,” it said.

The transaction will increase AREIT’s gross leasable area by five times to 863,000 square meters or its assets under management to P87 billion.

AREIT shares went up by 0.29% or 10 centavos to P34 apiece on Tuesday. — Adrian H. Halili

PetroEnergy earnings decline 41% 

PetroEnergy Resources Corp. registered a second-quarter attributable net income of P104.96 million, down by 41.1% from P178.23 million a year ago due to lower revenues from its Gabon oil operations.

In a stock exchange disclosure, the company reported gross revenues of P771.31 million, up by 7% from P720.96 million in the same period last year.

The Yuchengco-led energy company registered higher gross expenses for the April-to-June period at P503.74 million, up by 7.2% from the P469.78 reported a year ago.

For the first semester, its attributable net income declined to P277.57 million, 21.9% lower from P355.19 million last year.

The company’s gross revenues for the January-to-June period, however, expanded to P1.48 billion, marking an 8% increase from P1.37 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Higher electricity sales from short-term investments were identified as key contributors to the company’s growth, PetroEnergy said.

It added that short-term investments also offset the decline in the company’s revenues from its Gabon oil operations due to lower average crude oil prices.

Majority of the company’s revenues came from its investments in renewable energy projects, PetroEnergy said.

PetroEnergy, through its renewable energy arm, PetroGreen Energy Corp., invested in the 32-megawatt Maibarara geothermal power project of the Maibarara Geothermal Inc. and the 70-megawatt-direct current Tarlac solar power project of PetroSolar Corp.

PetroEnergy said the improved generation of the Maibarara contributed to a 14% growth in electricity sales compared with the same period last year when its major plant underwent maintenance. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Fruitas Holdings income jumps 27% to P24 million

Fruitas Holdings, Inc. on Tuesday reported a 27% increase in net income for the second quarter to P24.37 million from P22.95 million the prior year on the back of higher revenues.

In a regulatory filing, the company said that its top line rose by 21% to P624.11 million from P457.02 million in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the company saw a 48% higher net income for the first half to P43.5 million from P29.3 million, driven by an increase in revenues.

“Our first half 2023 performance is proof of the group’s capacity to enhance and innovate its product portfolio. We saw improved profits and controlled margins despite the uncertain economic climate,” Fruitas President and Chief Executive Officer Lester C. Yu said in a disclosure.

The company’s top line for the first semester grew by 44.9% to P1.14 billion from P787 million, driven by same-store sales growth, business expansion, and the addition of the Ling Nam store and Fly Kitchen operations.

The company said that it anticipates opening about 10 additional Ling Nam outlets for the rest of the year.

Fruitas announced earlier its acquisition of Fly Kitchen, Inc. whose brands include Hatid Pinoy, Jade Express, and Kanin at Sabaw. It expects to further accelerate sales through the acquisition.

“[We] are eager to seize the upcoming quarters’ growth opportunities through store network diversification and relevant product offerings that will provide value to our customers and stakeholders,” Mr. Yu said.

Fruitas reported a 54.11% increase in cost of sales to P467.6 million from P303.4 million a year prior.

“Despite inflationary pressures, gross profit margin in the first half of 2023 marginally declined versus the same period in 2022,” the company said.

As of June 2023, the company’s network had a total of 822 stores ahead of an anticipated opening of at least 50 additional locations in the last two quarters of the year.

“[Fruitas] intends to keep up its rapid network development while retaining a smart and systematic approach to its growth,” the company said. — Adrian H. Halili

Japan’s Taiheiyo plans Luzon cement distribution terminal

Japan’s Taiheiyo Cement Corp., through its local unit, is looking at developing a new cement distribution terminal in Calaca, Batangas worth Y10 billion.

In a press release, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that it had received the commitment of Taiheiyo to expand its operations in the Philippines.

The cement distribution terminal, which will be built through Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI), is expected to supply 700,000 tons of cement annually to areas in Luzon.

The DTI said TCPI also conveyed its plan to upgrade its facility in San Fernando, Cebu to increase its capacity to 3 million tons a year and the reinforcement of the port area of the plant.

“Taiheiyo’s investments under the letter of intent are expected to generate 2,000 new jobs,” the DTI said.

Dita Angara-Mathay, commercial counselor of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo, expressed her confidence in Taiheiyo as she said the company has a good track in keeping its commitments.

“The company’s latest announcement materializes their plans to expand to Luzon from their long-time base in the Visayas region,” Ms. Angara-Mathay said.

The Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap envisions P130 trillion worth of business to be generated between 2020 and 2030.

This would be made possible through the revitalization of the DTI Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines and the implementation of its action plans, according to the DTI.

“The DTI will continue to work towards a vibrant and globally competitive construction industry that is committed to building with integrity,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said in a statement. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Art as a sensorial showcase

THE AUDIENCE interacts as the paintings on the wall change. —BRONTË H. LACSAMANA

IN the lively One Bonifacio High Street mall, an otherwise empty exhibition space at the third level has become a large-scale canvas, where data paintings are brought to life by vivid audio and visual projections.

Award-winning Istanbul-based new media studio Ouchhh is responsible for this out-of-this-world experience coming to Bonifacio High Street. Using artificial intelligence (AI), they weaved together Leonardo Da Vinci’s technical drawings and works by over 300 artists into cohesive immersive experiences.

“Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience” comes together by taking inspiration from the legendary Italian artist’s own ideas about the marriage of art and science.

“Da Vinci was also a scientist. He tried to integrate art and science and technology,” Ouchhh director and new media artist Ferdi Alici said at the exhibition’s launch in August.

The Curator Lounge is where the experience begins, with a collection of innovative digital displays. One is the Poetic AI Gallery where an algorithm transforms 20 million lines derived from the notes of Albert Einstein and Galileo Galilei into art.

Another is the Manila Real-time Data Artwork, which utilizes Philippine economic data from budgets, agriculture, and statistics, to show a data piece fluctuating in real-time as it reflects the nation’s pulse.

Mr. Alici said that viewers can journey inside the artistry of these data sources thanks to machine learning, which sheds light on “how machines see us and how machines can create art from the data archive.”

The first immersive hall, called Digital Garden of Dreams, takes that philosophy to the next level. Its energetic whirlwind of visuals and sound is divided into chapters:

Atlas, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and his study of the human body;

DataGate, a collaboration with NASA using data gathered by the Kepler space telescope covering 500,000 stars, 2,500 planets, and 60 supernovae;

Superstrings, featuring real-time brain waves of musicians; and,

Filipino Master, featuring the works of Juan Luna created throughout his lifetime translated as data paintings.

The second immersive hall, the titular Wisdom of Da Vinci, explores through abstract aesthetics the works of the artist-scientist and other acclaimed creative masters, combining visual data from the likes of the Mona Lisa down to detailed manuscripts, sketches, invention plans, and paintings.

A dynamic musical score by movie composer Ludovico Einaudi (Nomadland, Alexandreia, The Father) completes the final part of this experience.

Mr. Alici noted that, beyond getting a glimpse of Da Vinci’s unique mindset, viewers “will experience multidimensional universes made by AI.”

For Filipinos, this will prove fascinating, especially now that the pandemic has eased and allowed communal experiences in public art spaces once more, according to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Estate Association executive director Jun Galvez.

He told BusinessWorld after the launch that the “Van Gogh Alive” interactive art exhibit in 2019 showed that AI-made multi-sensory experiences can be a hit in the Philippines.

“Now that we’re back to normal, we want to continue providing immersive experiences because we don’t have a lot of these kinds of shows here. The result was overwhelming before and it proved that Filipinos are into art, especially digital art,” Mr. Galvez said.

“Wisdom of Da Vinci: An Immersive AI Experience” runs until October, at the third level of One Bonifacio High Street mall in BGC, Taguig City. Tickets are priced at P975 for adults and P780 for students. Visit https://bgcimmersive.com for ticket reservations. —  Brontë H. Lacsamana

AllHome, AllDay Mart post lower income

BW FILE PHOTO

VILLAR-led AllHome Corp. reported on Tuesday an attributable net income of P229.85 million for the second quarter, down 8.1% from P250.02 million in the same period last year, as expenses increased.

In a stock exchange disclosure on Monday, the company posted a 3% increase in revenues to P3.12 billion from P3.03 billion a year earlier.

However, gross expenses rose by 3.8% to P2.75 billion from P2.65 billion previously.

“Our [second quarter 2023] performance is a reminder of AllHome’s capability to quickly adapt to shifting consumer spending, and we expect to sustain this energy as we move towards the second half of the year,” said AllHome Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in a media release.

“As we head into the historically strong quarters of AllHome and a positive 2024 outlook that sees a rise in condominium turnovers — which means entry into the furnishing stage — we view the balance year of 2023 with much confidence and optimism,” he added.

In the first half of the year, AllHome’s attributable income almost doubled to P442.13 million from P222.11 million in the previous year.

The company’s revenues fell by 3.6% to P6.04 billion from P6.27 billion in the same period last year.

Sales transactions with individual and corporate customers amounted to P6 billion, which is lower compared with the P6.3 billion posted last year.

Cost and expenses declined by 2.5% to P5.34 billion from P5.49 billion in the previous year.

“We are at looking at every angle to maximize revenue potential for the chain, and I am pleased that our initiatives to strengthen AllHome’s leadership, operations and efficiencies are bearing fruit,” Mr. Villar said.

In a separate disclosure, the Villars’ AllDay Marts, Inc. saw its second-quarter attributable net income drop by 4.4% to P83.40 million from P87.21 million in the same period last year.

During the quarter, the company posted a 6.8% increase in revenues to P2.46 billion from P2.30 billion previously.

It attributed the rise of sales revenues from the transactions with individual and corporate customers amounting to P4.9 billion as of June 30, higher than the P4.6 billion recorded last year.

Likewise, gross expenses climbed nearly 7% to P2.37 billion from P2.22 billion in the previous year.

Meanwhile, the company’s first-half attributable income reached P171.97 million, a significant rise from P11.63 million a year earlier.

Revenues increased by 6.6% to P4.90 billion during the first half from P4.59 billion previously.

“We are pleased with AllDay’s steady business results for the first half of 2023,” Mr. Villar said.

“With the return of customers to in-person retail or revenge retail giving rise to many opportunities, our supermarket concept continues to capitalize on a market that is getting a lot more comfortable with spending time shopping in-store again,” he added.

The company’s gross expenses also grew by 7.2% to P4.71 billion from P4.40 billion in the same period in 2022.

On Tuesday, AllHome shares fell by 2.41% to P1.62 each, while those of AllDay 0.56% to P0.177 apiece. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Braving the new as Manila improv fest returns

THE SILLY People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) will be one of the performing groups at the Manila Improv Festival.

EVERYTHING is new in a post-pandemic world, which is a daunting thought for many — but definitely not for improvisational theater performers.

FOR its sixth year — also the first after the pandemic — the Manila Improv Festival will feature 70 improv acts from all over the world. They will utilize both cultural differences and technological innovations in a showcase of quick wit and showmanship from Sept. 7 to 10 at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of theater where scenes and stories are created spontaneously and, on the spot, inspired by audience suggestions.

“The theme ‘Brave the New’ is perfect because we’ll be taking on so many new challenges. The first is the venue and spaces within, where we’ve never performed before,” festival director Dingdong Rosales said during the launch on Aug. 13 at the Ayala Malls Circuit.

“Stage A will be a cinema converted into a theater. Another space is an empty store unit in the mall. Then there’s the Manila Symphony Orchestra rehearsal hall, which is nice, but in the middle of the stage is their prized possession, a grand piano that we cannot move,” he explained.

Mr. Rosales noted that, because they are improvisers, they are well equipped to make these new, daunting things work in their favor.

This year’s festival will also see over 350 improvisers participating. They hail from more than 15 countries including Australia, India, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore.

“Our call for proposals encouraged lots of collaboration, and it’s exciting because many only met online or a few weeks before deciding to join. We have first-time performers from Vietnam, Slovakia, Austria,” Mr. Rosales said.

The festival is also the perfect avenue to display creative courage even in the face of change, according to festival producer Aih Mendoza.

“This sixth one is so special because it’s our comeback. Cultural differences come in but, in improv, we celebrate it, and it enriches our output,” she told BusinessWorld at the launch.

There will be shows utilizing ChatGPT, music looping technology, and many more innovations as well, highlighting just how fluid and dynamic the art form of improv has become.

For Mr. Rosales, this year’s edition also shows Manila Improv Festival coming full circle, since it will be held just a few blocks away from where it all started 11 years ago — at Quantum Cafe at the intersection of Ayala Ave., Kamagong St., and Bagtikan St.

“There were only eight performing groups back then, four foreign and four local. Now we have 70 groups and over 350 delegates from all over the world,” he said.

“We are the biggest improv festival in Asia — maybe even the world — and the most diverse one for sure.”

Tickets to the festival are now available at bit.ly/mif2023-tickets or via fb.com/manilaimprovfestival. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Max’s Group names new finance chief

LISTED casual dining operator Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI) announced on Tuesday the appointment of a new chief financial officer (CFO) after the previous one stepped down for personal reasons.

In a media release, the company said that its board of directors appointed Roberto Joaquin P. Ramos effective Oct. 2.

“I am pleased to welcome Roberto to the MGI executive management team. His tremendous experience and skilled leadership will be instrumental in realizing our business transformation plans and growth objectives, and will be a valuable contributor in guiding our company forward,” said Max’s President and Chief Executive Officer Robert F. Trota.

The company said that Mr. Ramos has more than 30 years of experience in financial planning, accounting, risk management, and corporate governance.

He was previously the CFO of media investment company Group M. He also held the same position in McDonald’s Philippines operator Golden Arches Development Corp., Philips, and ABB.

The appointment comes after the resignation of the company’s previous CFO Maria Rochelle S. Diaz effective Sept. 15 “to pursue new professional opportunities.”

“I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Rochelle. She has supported us in shaping and steering Max’s Group through a very uncertain environment over the last three years. We wish her the best in her next endeavors,” Mr. Trota said.

Meanwhile, the company reported a 20.6% decline in second-quarter attributable net income to P168.32 million from P239.2 million a year ago.

Its revenues for the three-month period edged up to about P3 billion, 6.4% higher than the P2.82 billion in the same period last year.

For the first half, the company booked an attributable net income of P245.38 million, 12.6% lower than P280.67 million last year.

Its topline rose by 17.5% to P5.85 billion from P4.98 billion, mainly driven by a 14.1% increase in restaurant sales to P4.44 billion from P3.89 billion the prior year

The company’s system-wide sales were at P9.2 billion across both company-owned and franchised stores in its network.

It said that Max’s expanded its business-to-business space by providing its products to 2,585 locations comprising mostly supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.

“This expansion aligns with the company’s efforts to tap into food retail, which is a promising category to supplement its core restaurant and commissary businesses,” the company added.

As of June 30, Max’s network covers 14 territories with 593 locations in the Philippines and 66 stores across various locations in North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Max’s brands include Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Max’s Corner Bakery, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Meranti, Sizzlin’ Steak, Maple, Kabisera, Le Coeur De France and Singkit. — Adrian H. Halili

Arts&Culture (08/16/23)

JOY ROJAS’ Plantito Plantita

Joy Rojas exhibits at ArtistSpace

ARTISTSPACE presents “Res Ipsa Loquitur: The Lines That Define Me,” Joy Rojas’ showcase of works that experiment with the limitless potential of abstraction through color, shapes, and texture. Unlike traditional pure abstraction, he intertwines elements from the natural world and references landscapes and historical imagery. Also a practicing lawyer under the name Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II, Joy is a Filipino visual artist who injects his art with an exuberant and joyous quality inspired by encounters with nature during his travels. Presented by JFR II Studio, Salazar Art Agency, and The Saturday Group of Artists, the exhibit is on view until Aug. 27 at ArtistSpace, at the Ground Level of the Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati City. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Filipinas Heritage Library lowers fees

THE FILIPINAS Heritage Library is celebrating its anniversary this month by lowering its rates until December. Visitors can access the library Wi-Fi, charge their devices, and use the library’s collections and facilities. The price of the regular day pass is now P300 from P400, the student day pass is P150 from P200, the senior/PWDPWD day pass is P210 from P300, while the discounted day pass (for Ayala Museum members, AGC employees, teachers, librarians, cultural workers, graduate students) is now P240 from P340. Meanwhile, the Research passes (up to 30 visits within two months) have also been discounted, with the regular pass now P3,750 from P5,000, the student pass P2,000 from P3,500, the senior/PWD pass P2,600 from P3,750, and the discounted pass P3,000 from P4,250. The library is at the Ayala Museum, Makati Ave., Greenbelt Park, Makati. For more information about the library guidelines and procedures, visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/booking/

Bacolod art on view at JT’s Manukan Grille

FILIPINOART.PH, an online art gallery, collaborates with JT’s Manukan Grille, a chicken inasal restaurant chain, on an exhibit titled “Colors and Flavors of Bacolod.” Ongoing until Oct. 15, the exhibit features acrylic paintings by Roselle Manalastas and Jason Ray Zabat at JT’s Manukan Grille in 32nd Ave. cor. Bonifacio Blvd., BGC, Taguig. The works in Colors and Flavors of Bacolod focus on that city’s cultural heritage, especially its annual celebration of the Masskara Festival. The street festival, which stands as a symbol of the Negrenses’ resilience, started during the sugar crisis of the 1980s. Bacolod native and actor Joel Torre, the owner of JT’s Manukan Grille, wants to use his chains of restaurants as a creative space for Filipino artists. “Our original al-fresco setup wasn’t ideal for displaying traditional visual art due to dust. Nonetheless, we hosted performances and showcased films, aiming to turn the place into an arts hub. We are also transforming our branch in Boracay into an arts community, initiating storytelling, music, painting, and filmmaking workshops. This is our way of giving back to the community.” FilipinoArt.ph has previously partnered with other businesses, including Brewed Specialty Coffee, a third-wave coffee shop in Pasig City, which hosted Sining at Kape, featuring works by Pasigueño artists.

Inclusive literature at the Davao City PHL Book Fest

THE INDIE Publishers Collab PH (TIPC) will feature inclusive literature titles in its booth at the BOOKTOPIA area of the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) to be held at SMX Davao City from Aug. 18-20. “The TIPC booth theme is ‘Book Bridges’ to convey the message that every book by a TIPC publisher is a connection to a more meaningful discovery and a more profound learning. TIPC publishers produce books that address today’s most urgent advocacies and depict the various genres, subjects and languages of Filipino life,” said Ronald Verzo of TIPC and Balangay Productions in a statement. Participating TIPC publishers include: 8Letters, a boutique publishing company based in the Philippines that has over 400 titles focusing on Southeast Asian literature; Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), an organization of poets writing in Filipino; Aklat Alamid, an independent publishing house for children’s books and YA books written in the different languages of the Philippines; Aklat Mirasol which publishes materials for children and youth focusing on their development of a positive identity as Filipinos; Alubat Publishing which focuses on stories of illness and healing written by doctors; Isang Balangay Media Productions (Balangay Books), which focuses on local and grassroots literature and readership; LitArt Publishing which focuses on short-form literature; Pawikan Press which specializes in books about Mindanao and Palawan; San Anselmo Publications, Inc., which spotlights Filipino poetry, biography, fiction, non-fiction and reference books; the Ilocos-based Saniata Publications; and Southern Voices Printing Press which serves as an accessible channel to progressive storybooks and biographical works. TIPC is also holding events at PBF Davao — a talk on “Infinite Inclusive Stories” with Leila Rispens-Noel, Renato Tranquilino, Maita Rue, and Andrew Pasaporte on Aug. 19, 2:30 p.m.; a panel discussion on “Writing About Mindanao” with authors Assad Baunto, Jennie Arado, and Xaña Angel Eve Apolinar on Aug. 20, 5 p.m.; and the launch of the book Ang Gamay Nga Prinsipe (The Little Prince) with translator Maria Cora P. Larobis and poet/writer Agustin Pagusara on Aug. 20, 6 p.m. Venue is at PBF’s Booktopia section. For updates, like and follow the Facebook page of The Indie Publishers Collab PH.

Instituto Cervantes screens Peruvian crime thriller

INSTITUTO Cervantes de Manila and the Embassy of Peru in Thailand will hold a film screening of La Pena Maxima (Operation Condor) on Aug. 17, 2 p.m., at Instituto Cervantes’ Intramuros branch (Real St., Plaza San Luis, Intramuros). The film, adapted from the eponymous novel by Santiago Roncagliolo and directed by Michel Gomez in 2022, follows Felix, a conscientious government employee in Lima who embarks on an investigative journey following a murder during the World Cup in Argentina and unearths a labyrinthine international conspiracy of kidnappings, disappearances, and torture. The film will have English subtitles. Admission is free and open on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit Instituto Cervantes’ website http://manila.cervantes.es or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

Shorts & Briefs is back for a 9th edition

SHORTS & BRIEFS, an independently produced theater festival of short and brief plays, returns this August at the Draper Startup House in Poblacion, Makati, on all Sundays of August. The festival features original plays by first-time theater makers and performers, each running 12 minutes or under. The plays are: Tim Villanueva’s Mga Nakasusuyang Putahe, directed by Naye Hedriana; Ephraim Villafania’s Save the Coffee Jelly, directed by Cyril Balderama; Aldrich Alcantara’s Grief Registry, directed by Jemuel Satumba; Francis Peralta and Sean Macaraeg’s Latency, directed by Eunice Pacifico; Julay Elloso and Frank Conche’s Ang Tigas ng Ulo Mo, directed by Paulo Almaden; Dino Quintana’s Homecoming, directed by Ciri Clarion; Billie Fuentes’ 11:11,directed by Alecx Lorica; and Wilfredo Alipala’s Bakit Bata, directed by Earl Pingol. There will be performances on Aug. 20 and 27 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets, which include a complimentary drink, cost P550 each. For more information, check out Eksena Ph on Facebook or contact 0967-382-8066.

Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe goes on UK tour

THE PHILIPPINE Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PB) is embarking on a month-long UK Cultural Dream Tour with a delegation of 15 members. It will start by participating in the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance 2023 from Aug. 12 to 20 at Stockton-on-Tees, followed by a two-week stay in London with UK-affiliate hosts Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company, Europe’s foremost Philippine cultural ambassadors. They will hold workshops, performances, and barrio fiestas in support of the Philippine Embassy London and the Filipino community in the UK from Aug. 25 to Sept. 3. As a non-profit community group, PB relies entirely on support from families, friends, and sponsors who give donations to fuel the troupe’s mission of promoting Philippine cultural heritage through music, song, and dance. These contributions cover administrative and travel budgets and maintaining PB’s extensive wardrobe of costumes, accessories, and props, along with a comprehensive musical instrument collection. The tour is in part a show of gratitude to these supporters.

Manila International Book Fair returns in September

THE 2023 MANILA International Book Fair (MIBF) will be back on Sept. 14 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia, Pasay City. There will be over 100 exhibitors, with participants spanning publishers both mainstream and indie and local and international, from university presses to academic distributors. It will also have the latest titles, many hot off the press and not yet available online or at regular bookstores, some reprinted or updated specifically for the MIBF crowd. Attendees can look forward to signings by various authors and creators. There will also be storytelling sessions, art workshops, book launches, seminars, book awards, and more. A co-located event, School World, will be a one-stop shop of supplies and gadgets for teachers, students, parents, school administrators, young professionals, and working adults, with a wide selection of products and services to choose from as schools transition into new modes of learning in the new normal. For more details, e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com, or follow @ManilaBookFair on Facebook and Instagram.

CCP and Arthaland to hold exhibit in Cebu Exchange

ARTHALAND and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will hold an exhibition in Cebu City following last year’s collaboration at the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. From Sept. 14 to Oct. 12, “Udtong Tutok: Art at High Noon” will show “affinities, continuities, and contradictions in Philippine art,” selected from the CCP’s 21st Century Art Museum Collection. It will take place at the Cebu Exchange, Arthaland’s green office development in the city. The title, Udtong Tutok, derives from the Cebuano idiom, symbolizing the exact point at high noon where there is intense heat, glaring brightness, and heightened attention. Notably, this exhibition will be the CCP’s first off-site exhibition outside Metro Manila and the first in the Visayas region due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Theater building.

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