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Indelible Merc

The sole variant, the GLC 200 4Matic, is priced at P5.19 million. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

The best-selling model’s best version yet is now here

THE UPDATED ITERATION of the most successful model from Mercedes-Benz in terms of sales is now in the Philippines. With 2.6 million units sold worldwide over 15 years (if you count its predecessor GLK), the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s upgrade comes on the heels of the C-Class — its mechanical twin — rehash.

No doubt, the most significant change in the GLC refresh is that it is now an EQ Boost mild hybrid. A 48-volt integrated starter generator supplies assistive grunt (20kW of it) alongside the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE). Maximum power is 204hp (at 6,100rpm); peak torque of 320Nm can be realized from 2,000 to 4,000rpm. The nine-speed 9G-Tronic transmission allows the driver to access the performance promises. Compared to the outgoing ICE-powered model, the new GLC is five percent more fuel-efficient, said Mercedes-Benz Philippines Assistant Vice-President for Product Planning Benjie Bautista.

In a release, Auto Nation Group, Inc. (local distributor of the Stuttgart-headquartered luxury automaker) said, “The new GLC is a culmination of years of dedication, of passion and innovation by Mercedes-Benz engineers and designers. The new GLC is bigger, sleeker and sportier… (embracing) its rough-and-ready personality in the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, and it promises an unparalleled driving experience, that blends power and efficiency like never before.”

Mercedes-Benz Philippines explained that the “innovative design language” first seen in the new C-Class has been carried and translated into a luxury SUV form in the GLC — “from the exterior design characteristics all the way to the seamless and extensively digitized interior wherein it can bring all these luxurious touches to a wider market.”

The lone variant here, the GLC 200 4Matic, is priced at P5.19 million. Even if it’s still not yet an all-new iteration, there are enough changes to warrant attention — aside from the aforementioned electrification of the power plant.

It boasts an Avantgarde-trim exterior, supplied with high-performance LED headlamps and two-section taillamps. The vehicle rides on 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tremolite. There are dimensional changes, too, as the GLC grows longer in wheelbase by 15mm and by 58mm in actual length.

All-digital ease defines the cabin and experiencing it — from the voice-activated MBUX system (just say “Hey Mercedes”) to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Gone are the analog gauges — supplanted by an 11.9-inch central display touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Your content will find expression through the Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, hooked up to 15 speakers boasting total output of 710 watts. Customization of ambient lighting hue is possible, with an array of 64 colors to choose from. Additionally, front occupants can conveniently charge their mobile device wirelessly.

Mercedes-Benz said that “more adventurous” motoring is possible with the Offroad driving mode, or just choose Dynamic Select for worry-free, everyday purposes. Behind the rear seats, the GLC accommodates 620 liters of cargo. With the rear-row seatbacks down, the capacity grows to 1,680 liters.

The GLC receives Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and Active Brake Assist with Pedestrian Protection for added safety and convenience, while the Guard 360-degrees feature “ensures your vehicle’s security while you’re away.”

When asked about when car buyers here might see the new version of the sibling SUVs of the GLC, namely the GLA and GLB, Auto Nation Group Chief Operating Officer Francis Jonathan Ang teased, “Maybe we’ll announce soon.”

As for electrics? “I’m very excited with the Mercedes-Benz technology in the EQ lineup,” the executive continued, and promised, “We will electrify before the end of the year. We will soon have the relevant models that we see people in the Philippines demanding.”

For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.ph/glc. The model is available for viewing at the Mercedes-Benz Bonifacio Global City showroom. Other Mercedes-Benz dealerships are in EDSA-Greenhills (02) 8784-5001/0939-937-2009, Bonifacio Global City (02) 8815-7777/0920-974-4575, Alabang (02) 8553-6334/0905-435-2840, and Cebu (32) 260-3333/0917-718-2369.

Fashion industry driving demand for green shipping, Maersk says

MAURO LIMA-UNSPLASH

COPENHAGEN — Fashion brands are a key driver of demand for green shipping fuels, according to shipping group Maersk, as the sector faces pressure from consumers and regulators to reduce their climate footprint.

Retailers ship huge volumes of clothes from production centers in countries such as China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh to consumers around the world, causing carbon dioxide emissions.

Overall, the textile industry is estimated to be responsible for between 2% and 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a United Nations Environment Program report published last month.

The shipping industry, which itself aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, has begun offering low-emission fuels such as biofuels made from cooking oil and food waste or methanol produced from renewable energy as an alternative to fuel oil.

The fashion industry accounted for 26% of the more than 240,000 containers that Maersk shipped last year using biofuels under its ECO Delivery contracts, making it the biggest sector using the low-emission fuel service, the company said.

“Many of the fashion brands have actually been the ones going for this,” Josue Alzamora, global head of lifestyle vertical at Maersk, told Reuters at last week’s Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen.

“Of course, fashion companies also feel the pressure from consumers,” Mr. Alzamora said.

Nearly one out of 10 containers Maersk, the number two global ocean container shipping firm, handled for owners of fashion brands last year was shipped using biofuels, he said.

The ECO Delivery contracts are sold at a premium to regular shipping.

METHANOL PUSH
Many fashion brands and other retailers are looking at how they can respond to environmental issues raised by their often young and relatively affluent client bases, with companies pledging to cut emissions and reduce climate impact.

H&M, the world’s second-biggest fashion retailer, said in 2022 that over the past two years it had purchased eco fuel for a “significant share” of its ocean transports. It has stated its ambition to become “climate positive” by 2040.

“H&M was one of the first companies to join the journey with us for biofuel,” Mr. Alzamora said.

Retail giants including Amazon and IKEA have committed to switching fully to zero-carbon fuel shipping by 2040.

Biofuels can reduce emissions in container shipping by more than 80% compared to standard fuel oil. Still, vessels running on biofuels only accounted for around 2% of Maersk’s total seaborne volumes last year.

Interest is also now also growing in methanol as an alternative fuel.

Maersk has ordered 25 such vessels with the first delivery in September.

In total, shipping companies have ordered more than 100 vessels that can operate on both fuel oil and methanol, according to Maersk. However, sourcing greener fuels such as methanol remains a challenge as the industry is still in its infancy.

“The fashion industry helps us to move the needle when it comes to getting more methanol produced,” Mr. Alzamora said, pointing to the demand from the industry for alternatives given it is one of the biggest sectors for container shipping. — Reuters

H&M to grow third-party brand strategy as online rivalry intensifies

STOCKHOLM — H&M plans to sell more third-party brands online and in stores, CEO Helena Helmersson said on Thursday, as one of the world’s top fashion retailers ramps up its effort to take on e-commerce rivals.

Shoppers can already buy sneakers from brands including Adidas and New Balance, and clothes brands like Swedish mountaineering label Klättermusen, via H&M’s Arket, Cos, and & Other Stories stores and websites.

Its marketplace strategy, launched last year, is aimed at challenging online rivals like Zalando, ASOS, and fast-fashion giant Shein as competition intensifies.

It contrasts with the approach of rival Zara, which has been better able to convince shoppers to pay more for clothes despite a cost of living crisis.

Inditex-owned Zara features other brands only for exclusive collaborations, such as with South Korean label Ader Error and British shoemaker Clarks.

H&M now has 70 external brands on its platform in six markets, Ms. Helmersson said in an interview after the Swedish fashion giant reported a stronger-than-expected profit.

“This has been really well received by customers who also complement the H&M assortment with other brands,” Ms. Helmersson said.

“Now we need to focus on making sure that we have the right kind of backbone, for example the right logistics, to really secure profitable growth.”

H&M’s success in driving a marketplace model will rest on its ability to differentiate itself, said Geoff Lowery, partner at Redburn.

“H&M has great customer reach globally and a lot of infrastructure to leverage, but the field of third-party apparel platforms is increasingly crowded from Zalando to Next, both of whom have already built scale,” he said.

H&M also said its Monki brand would launch on Hong Kong e-commerce site Zalora, indicating the company’s willingness to increase its presence on third-party platforms, again in contrast with Inditex’s Zara.

“Inditex’s thinking is focused on its own brands, own stores, and own online,” said Lowery. — Reuters

‘We’ll see a lot more development in electrification toward yearend’

Auto Nation Group, Inc. (Mercedes-Benz Philippines) Chief Operating Officer Francis “Frankie” Jonathan Ang speaks ahead of the unveiling of the new GLC. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Mercedes-Benz Philippines COO on model supply, electrification

Interview by Kap Maceda Aguila

VELOCITY: Is the supply situation back to normal now?

FRANKIE ANG: It’s getting incrementally better. We’re not yet where we were in 2019, but it’s definitely better than last year. We’re not seeing this (improvement) across the board — some production countries are doing better than others — but generally speaking, it’s better than last year.

We hear that the GLC comes from Bremen in Germany.

Yes, the launch had been delayed also because of production problems, so we’re quite happy to finally be able to introduce this car. The stocks are finally starting to come in. We didn’t want to launch a car when we didn’t have the inventory to fulfill the demand of the market.

We also heard that the demand for the GLC is quite good, and the incoming units are already spoken for.

It is the most popular model of Mercedes-Benz globally, with 2.6 million already sold worldwide since its initial release. In the Philippines, we’ve sold just under a thousand cars since we launched the GLC in 2009.

This has a mild hybrid system. Is it the first time for this model to have that? In addition, what are the aspirations of Mercedes-Benz Philippines with regard to hybrids and electrified vehicles in general?

The mild hybrid technology, as usual, first debuted for us in the S-Class, and it’s been several years that the brand has been playing around with various versions of the technology. For the GLC, this is the first time that the mild hybrid technology is being introduced. In terms of overall electrification, I think we’ll see a lot more development toward the end of this year. That’s something to get excited about.

To clarify, when you say “development” that means more models coming in, more electrified models coming in?

More of everything — something to keep the suspense going and to make sure that the brand stays top of mind for more people. We’ll come into the market in a big way before the year ends.

MIAA studies moving foreign flights of AirAsia to Terminal 1

REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE country’s airport operator is considering the transfer of the international flights of low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines to Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport but only after the coming peak travel season.

“Together with AirAsia, we are studying how we can fine-tune their schedules. And we are identifying several foreign carriers that we can swap with them from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3,” Bryan Andersen Y. Co, officer-in-charge of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), told reporters on Saturday.

He made the statement after the MIAA implemented over the weekend the final stage of its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program, which involved the transfer of AirAsia’s domestic flights to Terminal 2 from Terminal 4.

AirAsia previously pointed out the distance between terminals 2 and 3, which is a challenge for the carrier as some of its international and domestic flights share the same aircraft. Its international flights remain at Terminal 3.

According to Mr. Co, AirAsia’s previous request to transfer to Terminal 1, which is closer to Terminal 2, could not be accommodated because of space limitations, especially since the airline has several international flights, some departing at the same time at peak hours.

“Based on our assessment, we can do that in the latter phases but we would also first want to stabilize our operations for peak season,” Mr. Co said.

Under the program, the international flights of Philippine Airlines (PAL) were moved to Terminal 1 to achieve a fully domestic Terminal 2. With PAL in it, Terminal 1 can no longer accommodate the international flights of AirAsia numbering at least 15 daily.

“The STAR program is a product of a thorough study. Based on our assessment, something has to move first,” said Mr. Co.

“We’re still looking into whether we will have the next stage of the STAR program wherein we will have foreign airlines from Terminal 1 moved to Terminal 3 for us to be able to transfer AirAsia’s international flights to Terminal 1,” Mr. Co said.

Mr. Co said that the latter phases of the STAR program won’t be until after December or until the end of the upcoming peak season.

With the transfer of AirAsia to Terminal 2, the MIAA now expects traffic in the terminal to reach 38,000, broken down to 23,000 passengers from PAL and up to 15,000 from AirAsia.

AIRASIA PLANS MORE FLIGHTS
Meanwhile, AirAsia is looking at reopening by the fourth quarter three flights it discontinued during the pandemic when its fleet also fell short, its top official said.

Ricardo P. Isla, president and chief executive officer of AirAsia Philippines, cited a need to increase flights after the transfer of its domestic flights to Terminal 2.

“Of course, we need to give more services to our riding public,” Mr. Isla said on Saturday.

“In terms of destinations, we would like to put back in our route planning our three flights which were discontinued when we had a shortage in aircraft last year,” he said.

The airline is planning to resume flights by the fourth quarter to Zamboanga, which were discontinued during the pandemic, and to General Santos and Dumaguete, which were discontinued last summer.

AirAsia is also planning to open more international flights not only in Manila but also at Clark International Airport and Kalibo International Airport to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

EU wants all textile waste rules in place by 2028 — commissioner

COPENHAGEN — The European Commission wants all planned regulations requiring fashion companies to produce clothes in a more sustainable way to be in place by 2028, the European Union (EU) environment commissioner said last week.

The Commission is looking to tackle textile consumption in Europe, which has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change after food, housing, and transport.

Europe’s biggest fast fashion firms, Inditex and H&M, show no signs of slowing down production, but are looking to use less water and energy and more recycled textiles.

“The fashion industry has kind of escaped regulation, but we see that they are a big pressure for natural resources and with regard to pollution. We have to react,” Virginijus Sinkevičius said in an interview at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen.

The Commission is drafting at least 16 pieces of legislation that will make fashion companies take responsibility for the environmental impacts of the clothes they produce.

‘CHALLENGE’ FOR FAST FASHION
Mr. Sinkevičius said the measures, which will be in place in the next five years, will be a “challenge” for fast fashion brands.

The Commission will require fashion companies to either collect an amount of textile waste that is equivalent to a certain percentage of their production, or pay a fee towards local authorities’ waste collection work.

The amount will gradually increase every few years.

The Commission is still working on an initial percentage that fashion companies will have to collect.

“It definitely will be higher than 5%” of production, Mr. Sinkevičius said.

The European Union’s goal is that, by 2030, fashion companies will produce more durable pieces that can be reused and more easily recycled.

Around 5.8 million tons of textile products are discarded every year in the EU, equivalent to 11 kg per person. A truckload of textile products is land-filled or incinerated somewhere in the world every second, according to EU figures.

The Commission is also working on regulations that would restrict brands’ use of sustainable claims to advertise clothing. It estimates that half of these claims, or “eco-labels” are misleading.

The eco-label regulation on textiles will come into force at the beginning of next year, the commissioner said.

EU governments agreed last month that the bloc should also ban the destruction of unsold textiles as part of the EU’s green strategy to encourage more reuse and recycling.

Mr. Sinkevičius said the ban rule would take “six months or even more” to be implemented. — Reuters

Contact centers seek a level playing field with freelancers

THE Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is working on luring freelancers while seeking a level playing field as more workers move to an unregulated industry.

“I would be false if I say it’s not affecting us. It is a matter of how we bring them (freelancers) back to the industry and how we can work with government to also make it a level playing field because they’re also working largely unregulated,” said CCAP President Mickey Ocampo said in a chance interview last week.

He admitted that the contact center sector has been affected by the growing freelance industry. But his group has been attracting freelancers via the promotion of benefits and job security. 

Mr. Ocampo added that freelancing has been more prevalent in areas in the countryside that have stable internet connections.

“It is just a matter of finding ways to bring them back into the industry, especially with benefits or security of tenure of the jobs,” he said. 

“These include health maintenance organization (HMO) benefits, work and performance incentives, and other programs,” he added.

In May, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said freelancers were a competition to the local IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. The CCAP is one of the six partner associations under the IBPAP.

“I would say it (freelancing) is something that we need to pay attention to. But it is a force that is hard to stop. I think as an industry, we need to accept it as a challenge because that was catalyzed by the pandemic. It was catalyzed by the fact that we can now work from home,” said Jack Madrid, president of IBPAP.

According to Mr. Ocampo, encouraging more freelancers to consider the local contact center sector could help the local IT-BPM industry’s target of generating up to 1.1 million jobs by 2028 under the Philippine IT-BPM Industry Roadmap 2028.

For 2022, CCAP members accounted for 84% or $27 billion of the $32-billion revenues of the overall IT-BPM industry. The local contact center sector also made up 87% or 1.4 million of the 1.6 million total employment of the industry last year.   

Financial technology company Payoneer said in April that the local freelancing industry is expected to grow amid surging demand in fields such as programming, marketing, project management, and web design.

“A growing number of businesses are relying on freelancers to support their full-time workforce because of convenience, flexibility, and outstanding quality of work. This benefits freelancers, too, since we have seen how they can enjoy a good work-life balance while still sustaining themselves, especially with the convenience, and practicality of earning in US dollars without leaving the country,” Payoneer Country Manager for the Philippines Monique Avila said. 

This year, the Philippine IT-BPM sector is aiming to hit 1.7 million full-time employees (FTEs) and to generate $35.9 billion in revenues, both higher than the $32 billion revenues and 1.6 million FTEs recorded last year. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

All-new Chevrolet Trax rolls out tomorrow

The all-new Chevrolet Trax is bigger and boasts a lot of upgrades. — PHOTO FROM CHEVROLET PHILIPPINES

THE COVENANT Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) will formally unveil tomorrow (July 4) the all-new Chevrolet Trax. Badged as a 2024 model, the new-generation Trax is “bigger and beefier than its predecessor.” The increase in dimensions along with a roomier cabin, said TCCCI, makes the Trax a crossover SUV. It is 279-mm longer and 51-mm wider than the previous model — translating to greater space for five passengers and ability to accommodate cargo up to 1,405 liters. The Trax will get three variants: LT, Redline, and RS.

It introduces “a bolder and a more athletic look” via the latest Chevrolet global design applied in the exterior. Refined body contours and swept-back lines emphasize its wide and muscular physique. The modern take on signature Chevy design cues in the fascia, updated all LED lighting elements across all variants, and unique wheel design also accentuate the overall character of the vehicle.

The Trax is powered by a mill from GM’s line of new-generation engines and technology — a rigid and lightweight 1.2-liter E-Turbo GM Prime three-cylinder engine mated with a Gen III six-speed automatic transmission. TCCCI said it promises “excellent power-on-demand and outstanding fuel efficiency.”

The cabin features a low instrument panel, accentuated by sweeping lines and design cues that stress the width and allows better outward visibility and heightened sense of roominess. A large floating infotainment system with Smart Phone Integration is conveniently slanted toward the driver — the LT features an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Redline and RS have an 11-inch touchscreen and eight-inch full digital driver information center. Other available features include: electronic parking brake with brake auto hold, Smart Key Passive Entry, center console with storage spaces, rear air vents and USB ports, flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls for the Redline and RS trims, and reverse camera. Exclusive features in the RS include: wireless phone charging, power lift gate with height adjust, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and electric sunroof.

The digital premiere happens tomorrow at 6 p.m. via the Chevrolet Philippines official Facebook account (chevyphilippines).

Filipino finance chiefs speak on women leadership

In the photo (L-R): Patricia Poco-Palacios (Global Dominion president & COO), Riza Mantaring (Sun Life Financial Philippines former CEO & country head), and Stephanie Chung (eCompareMo CEO)

By Aian Guanzon

The Philippines is generally doing fine when it comes to gender equality — females are more likely to enter college and be in higher-paying positions in companies, and women occupying high government positions is not an unusual scene. Compared to other nations, women in the country have high levels of access to economic opportunities (David et al., 2017 & 2018). This is far from its historical gender equality stature when there were much fewer women than men enter colleges and only a handful become professionals (Sobritchea, 1989).

Specific to finance, studies support the benefits of allowing women to take due leadership roles in firms. Having female executive officers is positively related to having good financial performance (Shrader et al., 1997; Smith et al., 2006; Francoeur et al., 2008; and Strom et al., 2014).

However, the count of female leaders in senior management roles dipped from 48 percent in 2021 to 39 percent in 2022 according to a report from P&A Grant Thornton.

The challenge is in cultivating a culture and promoting an environment that’s more supportive of career growth for women. Three finance industry leaders share their insights.

“I have found that often, when females do not assume senior leadership roles, it is because they don’t want to,” said the former CEO and country head of Sun Life Financial Philippines, Riza Mantaring. “Many women still feel that they are primarily responsible for the home and for caring for their children. This makes them hesitate to take on more responsibility for fear that it could impact their ability to care for their families,” she added. To these, Mantaring suggested some actions such as providing child-care facilities for emergency situations and holding training sessions during working hours rather than after hours.

Aside from being a result of personal choices, what society has to say as a whole seems to be driving the inequality, as well. “The cooperation of society in consciously accepting that women are marginalized and need support in order to thrive,” is critical in addressing the issue according to eCompareMo CEO Stephanie Chung. She also shared a story about women needing to call their families immediately when working overtime to designate or check on their tasks at home while the men simply continue with their work, as if house chores automatically belong to women.

Finance under more women leaders was described by Chung as, “more robust” and that in firms more opinions will be heard, more discussions will be opened.

“More than just having women in leadership roles for the sake of it, the more important issue that must be addressed is equitable representation of all genders in the workplace,” said Global Dominion President & COO Patricia Poco-Palacios. “This allows for a more connected and psychologically safe environment, cognizant of the needs and issues of the workforce,” she added. More than half of the officers in Global Dominion are females and the company has been led by two women out of a total of three presidents in its 20 years in the industry.

Final Statements

“We have to remember, too, that gender-inclusiveness doesn’t just mean women, but providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for LGBTQA+ too.” – Riza Mantaring

“The industry will be all the better for it since men and women both can contribute equally but differently.” – Stephanie Chung

“As leaders we want to make sure that as many perspectives are heard, and we can support each other in the best way we can. This makes it easier for collaboration and productivity, especially when we are pushing for ambitious goals together.” – Patricia Poco-Palacios

 

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CTA upholds denial of CBK Power VAT refund

CTA.JUDICIARY.GOV.PH

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has stood by its decision denying CBK Power Co. Ltd.’s refund claim worth P35.6 million allegedly representing its excess value-added tax (VAT) for the second to fourth quarters of 2017.

In a 24-page decision dated June 29 and made public on June 30, the CTA Special Second Division said the firm failed to prove its compliance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001’s requirements for claiming a tax refund.

“From the foregoing, for petitioner’s (CBK Power) utter failure to substantiate the alleged zero-rated sales, it cannot claim the input taxes attributable thereto,” according to the ruling penned by Associate Justice Jean Marie A. Bacorro-Villena.

“Petitioner failed to proffer as evidence the original certificates of compliances, if any which would have been relevant to the subject period of the claim,” the tax court said.

CBK Power finances, maintains, and operates a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Laguna.

The tribunal said the operator failed to provide original copies of the certificates of compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission to provide its entitlement to zero-rated sales.

Under the Tax Code, registered taxpayers are entitled to zero-rated sales that do not translate to any output tax. The term “zero-rated sale” must be written on the firm’s official invoices.

“To put it differently, there is then nothing in the records that could ably show that when the petitioner sold electricity generated through hydropower to National Power Corporation.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Style (07/03/23)

Avon holds all-queer fashion show

AVON made Pride history by holding the country’s first-ever All-Queer Underwear Fashion Show on June 27. Celebrating everybody and every body, the historic night featured models across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum wearing pieces by Thian Rodriguez paired with Avon’s new Flexicomfort Intimate Apparel line. The night showcased some of the country’s queer icons including Key Trajano, a trailblazing transwoman in the pageant industry followed by Kapuso actress Klea Pineda. The second half continued with “King of the Catwalk” Sinon Loresca wearing a statement look and show-stopping performances from drag queens Vińas DeLuxe and Precious Paula Nicole. The finale was brought to a close by Drag Race Philippines host, Paolo Ballesteros. “We believe in beauty democracy — proud to be inclusive and open to all,” said Razvan Diratian Avon APAC’s Managing Director and Avon PH’s General Manager in a statement. “Challenging stereotypes has been at the heart of every Avon campaign — first for women, now for all.” An open casting call was held, drawing hundreds of auditionees. Among the queer personalities who made the cut were HBO Max’s Legendary ballroom star Nunoy Revlon, genderless-clothing advocate Deo Cabrera, and veteran hairstylist Lourd Ramos, among others. Highlighting the Avon Flexicomfort Intimate Apparel collection, models featured Jake briefs, the Paloma bra, and the Frida bra and panties. Through ticket selling and product purchase, Avon will be donating proceeds to their partner support groups. To know more about Avon, its products, and the causes they support, talk to your local Avon representative, or visit www.avonshop.ph, Lazada, and Shopee.

UNIQLO.com improves online shopping services

THIS July, Japanese Global apparel retailer Uniqlo celebrates the first ever App Members Month as UNIQLO.com also launches new and improved services with special features within the app. “We launched UNIQLO.com three years ago with our customers in mind, providing an avenue where they can conveniently shop for their LifeWear favorites anytime and anywhere. This year, we aim to continue improving their shopping experience with its better features and benefits that will provide a more seamless purchasing process through their phones up to receiving their orders at their doorsteps fast and hassle-free,” says Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia in a statement. The app’s online-exclusive features include the availability of app exclusive sizes from XS to 3XL on preferred tops and bottoms and a wider array of colors; the ability for customers to check online and in-store inventory (nationwide) in real time; access to an online alteration service, especially for bottoms; customized updates on new offers and arrivals, updates on the availability of items from the wishlist, and alerts on special prices and limited offers; the ability to assess ratings and reviews of other app members; next day delivery service for Metro Manila (items purchased on weekdays — except holidays — and before  noon will be at the customer’s doorstep within 24 hours); and free shipping through the Click and Collect service (same day Click and Collect pick-up now available for Uniqlo Alabang Westgate and Blue Bay Walk stores). In addition to the new features, UNIQLO.com shoppers can look forward to the following promotions this UNIQLO App Members Month: new app members will receive a P300 coupon upon registration, ready to use for their first online purchase; customers can access limited offers through app, website, and all physical stores if they show their Uniqlo App from July 7 to 13; with every single receipt worth P3,500 purchased from July 7 to 13, customers will get a free limited edition Uniqlo collapsible cup, while from July 14 to 16, a Uniqlo travel organizer will be given for every Click and Collect single receipt order with a minimum purchase of P3,000. For Metrobank credit card holders, a special offer of 5% cashback (capped at P500) will be applied when they shop at UNIQLO.com with a minimum purchase of P5,000 from July 7 to 30. Uniqlo will also hold a special App Members Month Celebration at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from July 7 to 9. Members will have access to the different activations showcasing the various app features, additional limited edition novelty items, and freebies from partner brands. For more updates and information on Uniqlo’s App Members Celebration and the UNIQLO App, or visit the Uniqlo website (www.uniqlo.com/ph).

Scandinavian style in MaxMara Resort 2024

MAXMARA, the Italian luxury brand known for its classic and tailored silhouettes, recently showcased its fresh Resort 2024 pieces in Stockholm, Sweden. The collection features feminine and charming touches in the form of delicate weaves and folk-inspired details in a collection inspired by Vikings. Remembered for ruthless plundering, Vikings were also thought to have sowed the first seeds towards gender equality — this was one of the main ideas which inspired creative director Ian Griffith to create pieces that were modern and timeless while still maintaining the core spirit of powerful Nordic women such as 17th-century Queen Christina of Sweden who was hailed as a feminist icon to Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman Nobel Prize winner for literature. The collection included the tailored silhouettes the label is known for, plus prints that complemented the mix of textures seen throughout the show. Also imbibed into MaxMara’s collection is the traditional Midsommar folk festival represented by flower crowns worn by the models on the runway. From modern-looking gigot sleeves, ankle-grazing skirts, elbow-length capes, and chic blouses to wear with bow ties, MaxMara offered a soft and playful rendition of contemporary dressing with a side of spirited femininity. Touches like braids, pom poms, tassels, and studs were just some of the eye-catching details that make the collection stand out. The new Resort 2024 collection can be found at the MaxMara boutique located at Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Gap releases special collections

GAP has released a number of special collections starting with limited edition tees available for men, kids and toddlers celebrating the anniversary of Brannan Bear. Also out is the Gap Barbie collection, a collaboration that combines Gap’s signature product icons with classic Barbie branding in a range of items for kids and toddlers, all designed in bright pinks and bold patterns. Other collaboration pieces include Disney 100 & Peanuts for kids. The limited collections can be found at the Gap branches at Glorietta 4, Shangri-la Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center and Abreeza, Davao, or shop online at gap.com.ph.

Puma selects K-pop group IVE as APAC ambassador

GLOBAL sports brand Puma has selected K-Pop girl group IVE, under Starship Entertainment, as its ambassador in 15 countries in Asia and Oceania. IVE is expected to star in various brand campaigns and events, which Puma plans to launch in order to communicate actively with fans and consumers around the world. Puma has unveiled the first pictorial with IVE, featuring the six members styled with the brand’s iconic T7 track jacket and suede sneakers. Starting with the release of the Korea Exclusive Campaign on July 17, IVE will continue to support the APAC region in the coming months.

PUP, UPHSD teams to represent Philippines at Shell Eco-marathon in Indonesia

PUP Hygears from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines — PHOTO FROM SHELL PILIPINAS CORP.

THE POLYTECHNIC University of the Philippines’ PUP Hygears and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA’s (UPHSD) ALTAS Valor are this year’s country representatives to the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) in Lombok, Indonesia. The teams are part of a global network of student innovators working to create energy-efficient vehicles that reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

Shell Eco-marathon is a global competition that challenges student teams to design, build, and test energy-efficient vehicles — with an aim to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Shell Pilipinas Corp. Vice-President for Corporate Relations Serge Bernal advised the students: “Take this opportunity to learn, to meet more people, and to enjoy. Be proud that you are the representatives of the country to progress sustainable mobility. We at Shell Philippines are proud to support the next generation of innovators through programs like Shell Eco-marathon.”

PUP Hygears’ vehicle Luna IV will be joining the Battery Electric Prototype category. The vehicle aims to reduce the amount of waste produced during the fabrication process by reusing and repurposing the materials used for their vehicle last year. This year, PUP Hygears is determined to bounce back from last year’s competition and to improve their performance.

ALTAS Valor’s vehicle named Avalon is joining the Urban Concept Internal Combustion category. Avalon is an automatic engine powered by Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It has a carbon fiber body with enhanced stock parts and an aluminum chassis.

The teams also received mentoring and coaching from Meg Celine Cruz, Joven Talape, Jerome Sta. Cruz, and Tito Eusebio, who are SEM alumni and are also Shell employees. Pepon Marave, race director for Shell Eco-marathon Asia Pacific and Middle East 2023, was also present at the send-off program held on June 29.

SEM 2023 will take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia from July 4 to 9. For more information, visit www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/shell-eco-marathon.html.

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