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Local skincare products that will give you great skin days without breaking the bank

By Zsarlene B. Chua

SKINCARE has always been a very important part of my daily routine because I believe that feeling beautiful starts with feeling good about yourself. Yes, I’m a believer of the good ‘ol “skincare is self-care” adage.

I’m also a sucker for all the trending skincare products and routines — from the 10-step Korean skincare routine, to the daily facial mask routine and layering on so many toners, hyaluronic everything, to name a few.

But as I continued on my skincare journey, I realized that I needed to craft a routine that would not only suit my skin but also take into consideration the amount of time and money I’m willing to spend on my products.

I became more purposeful in my skincare choices by trying newer, more affordable brands. This led me to gravitate towards local skincare brands which — in my opinion — are having a moment right now by putting out amazing products at amazing prices.

If you’re on the hunt for affordable and local skincare finds, here are some of my favorites:

(NOTE: My skin is currently dry-to-normal.)

SUNGLOW BY FRESH CREME TINTED SUNSCREEN SPF 50 PA+++ FAIR (P329/50ML)
Fresh PH is a local skincare brand that offers “Korean-value skin and personal care products that are affordable yet high quality.” It is not to be confused with the Fresh beauty brand under LVMH.

The brand, according to its website, believes that “looking your best is achievable without having to spend on high value treatments,” something I wholeheartedly agree with. It’s no wonder why Fresh PH is one of my favorite brands right now.

One of the products that has become a staple in my routine is their Sunglow Tinted Sunscreen. I’ve always been a fan of multi-purpose skincare products — especially those that can simplify my makeup routine — that’s why I’ve always used tinted sunscreen in place of foundation or BB creams.

Tinted sunscreens are great if you need light-to-medium coverage or if you’re going for that “clean girl” or no-makeup-makeup aesthetic.

The Sunglow Tinted Sunscreen offers SPF50 PA+++which means it offers broad spectrum protection against the UVA rays that cause skin aging and the UVB rays that cause sunburn. The product also contains Centella Asiatica (which has great anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties), Niacinamide (also anti-inflammatory), and sunflower oil (which has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties), making it perfect for people who have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

At only P329 per 50ml squeeze bottle, it’s a great price for all the benefits it offers. It also comes in three shades: Fair, Medium, and Deep. The texture is smooth, though because my skin tends to be a bit dry, I need to mix in a bit of moisturizer to make it glide on better. I think this texture is perfect for people with oily or combination skin though. A little pump goes a long way for coverage, but since I use this as my main sunscreen, I do two pumps for my entire face and let it set for a bit before putting on my makeup.

While I still have a special place in my heart for the Belo Sunexpert Perfecting Shield Tinted Sunscreen, this Sunglow sunscreen is currently the main character of my skincare drawer.

Sunglow by Fresh Creme Tinted Sunscreen is available on Fresh.ph, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons stores.

FRESH SKINLAB TOMATO GLASS SKIN HYALURONIC WATERDROP CREAM (P239/80ML)
As a dry-to-normal skin girl, moisturizer is something I always have to have in my life. While there are a ton of options out there, I do tend to have very specific requirements for my moisturizers. In the mornings, I prefer lighter moisturizers that will layer underneath makeup, while at night, I prefer heavier moisturizers that will keep my skin moisturized until I wake up.

One of my most recent finds is the Fresh Skinlab Tomato Glass Skin Hyaluronic Waterdrop Cream that I bought on a whim because we were leaving for Boracay the next day and I had run out of my travel-sized Hada Labo moisturizer.

And I loved it. It has that super light “water” texture that sinks into the skin upon application (great for oily to combo people!) but still keeps the skin moisturized all day. Since it has tomato extract, it has anti-aging properties while promising that dewy, juicy glow. It also has Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, a sunscreen agent (though please still use sunscreen!), Hyaluronic Acid (to hydrate the skin), arbutin and Vitamin C (for lightening dark spots).

I put a layer on after my serum in the morning and I add a little bit more to my tinted sunscreen to make it apply smoothly. If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer, this is a product you should consider.

Fresh Skinlab Tomato Glass Skin Hyaluronic Waterdrop Cream is available on Fresh.ph, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons stores.

HUMAN HEART NATURE SUNFLOWER EYE CREAM (P325/15ML)
Human Heart Nature (or Human Nature) is a Filipino vegan and cruelty-free personal, home, and beauty care brand known for using sunflower oil and all natural ingredients in their products.

In the past, I’ve loved their moisturizers and their Sunflower beauty oil still remains one of the top beauty oils I use for my face, hair, and all over my body. Sunflower oil has great anti-inflammatory properties alongside combatting dark spots and moisturizing the skin. This is why I’m happy to have discovered the Sunflower Eye Cream.

Eye creams are one of those types of skincare products that I consider add-ons: they’re not super important like moisturizers and sunscreens and you can certainly live without it, but if you want a little something for your eyes, it’s a product to consider adding to your routine.

I haven’t always used eye creams but now that I’m entering my late-20s, I felt that it was time to step up my anti-aging game and eye creams is one way to do it. The Human Heart Nature Eye Cream promises to improve suppleness and helps relax tired puffy eyes — something you’ll need if you’re like me and prone to staying up late.

I use this in the morning and at night after moisturizing, and a very small dot does more than enough for both eyes so the 15ml squeeze bottle goes a long, long way (I’ve been using mine for more than two months). I love this product because it does moisturize my undereye area and softens my dark circles, plus, it has this very smooth texture that makes it easy to apply.

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Eye Cream is available on HumanHeartNature.com, Lazada, Shopee, and physical stores nationwide.

HUMAN HEART NATURE NATURAL SHAMPOO BAR ZESTY VANILLA DELIGHT (P144.75/35G)
I’m currently on a journey to take better care of my hair and to address issues like hair fall and frizz. I have thin wavy hair that tends to be oily up top and dry at the bottom. I’ve tried the trendy methods like skipping shampoo altogether and using conditioner only, to no avail. It just gives me dandruff and more hair falls. No, thank you, I’ll keep shampooing every day.

So, instead of the no-poo (no shampoo) method, I decided to look for other shampoo brands and that’s what led me to the Human Heart Nature Natural Shampoo Bar. This shampoo bar is not only environmentally friendly as it is plastic-bottle free and contains no harmful chemicals, it also contains nice ingredients like Cocoa seed butter, Vitamin E, and Avocado oil that keeps the hair healthy and smooth.

I was new to this shampoo bar game and it took me a little bit of time to get used to it, but once I got the hang of it, I started to really enjoy the product. Like regular soap bars, you’ll need to wet the shampoo bar and lather it on your hands before applying it to your scalp. As a person with an oily scalp, I only put shampoo on my scalp and condition my mid-length and ends.

The Human Heart Nature shampoo bar is great because it keeps my hair soft, even without conditioner, and the Zesty Vanilla Delight variant smells amazing — it has that refreshing citrusy-vanilla scent. I love smelling my hair with this product. It also keeps major oiliness at bay, so it’s a major plus.

One thing I had to learn to do was to keep it in a dry place to make it last longer. In my first forays, my shampoo bar melted too fast, but now I put it in its very own case and keep it away from water after using it —  I’m on my second month of use now.

I also feel good about making better choices for the environment because using a shampoo bar means one less plastic bottle.

Human Heart Nature Natural Shampoo Bar Zesty Vanilla Delight is available on HumanHeartNature.com, Lazada, Shopee, and physical stores nationwide.

 

Zsarlene Chua is a former BusinessWorld reporter who is now a fledgling PR girl. She’s all about skincare, makeup, and video games. None of the brands reviewed are her clients.

After MCIA, Aboitiz Group sets sights on more regional airports

Megawide eyes data centers, transport terminals from sale of shares

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Senior Reporter

ABOITIZ InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) continues to work towards its goal to enter the airport business, with its eventual takeover of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) seen strengthening its proposals for other provinces.

“We continue to discuss our remaining unsolicited proposals with the government for other regional airports and hope to move forward with them soon,” AIC said in a statement to BusinessWorld on Saturday.

“We are still waiting for the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA),” AIC said.

The company has proposed to develop and operate the New Bohol International Airport in Panglao, Bohol, as well as upgrade and operate the Laguindingan International Airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Deputy Director-General for Administration Danjun G. Lucas said AIC’s submissions, including the Laguindingan proposal, were “returned by NEDA due to some findings.”

“All unsolicited proposals are under further evaluation,” he said in a phone message.

He noted that CAAP is awaiting the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law from the NEDA.

Groups have questioned the BOT Law’s new IRR, as private proponents would shoulder more risks while the government is relieved of responsibility for delayed deliverables. The NEDA is reviewing the provisions of the IRR and is expected to release the revised rules this month.

AIC recently entered into a landmark deal with Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International, B.V. (GAIBV) for Aboitiz company to acquire all their shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), the developer and operator of MCIA, for P25 billion.

AIC will pay P9.5 billion to own 33.3% minus one share in GMCAC. Closing of the transaction is expected in November or December, according to Megawide.

Megawide and GAIBV will then issue exchangeable notes that mature in October 2024 to AIC for P15.5 billion. These notes will be exchanged by the Aboitiz company for the remaining shares in the MCIA operator.

“The more logical justification for AIC’s [investment in MCIA] is to bolster its entry into other regional airports,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a phone message on Friday.

“The bragging rights over MCIA should strengthen [AIC’s] cards versus potential challengers,” he added.

Terry L. Ridon, a public investment analyst and convenor of think tank InfraWatch PH, said in a phone message that the deal “should prove beneficial in developing other airports as well, particularly the scuttled rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and the other bundled airports around the country.”

“It should nonetheless be noted that airports remain a public service, and airport operators should ensure that airport fees and services should remain competitive and affordable to the public,” Mr. Ridon noted.

He added that AIC’s investment in MCIA “should strengthen its stake” in other airport project proposals.

Aboitiz, through a consortium, and Megawide both proposed to rehabilitate NAIA during the previous administration.

“They (Aboitiz Group) don’t have any experience yet, but they have always wanted to get into the airport business, and that’s why this is also a good strategy — like an alliance where they come in as the owner of one-third of the shares, and then we can still partner for other airport projects, whether it’s NAIA or another,” Megawide Chairman and Chief Executive Edgar B. Saavedra said in a briefing on Friday.

“By having this kind of business, it will really help in AIC’s portfolio if they want to get the Bohol and Laguindingan airports,” Mr. Saavedra noted.

Megawide is confident that AIC will already have the technical know-how to run MCIA when it assumes full control of the airport by 2024.

“We were able to build a strong Filipino workforce for the airport and we have a two-year transition period, which means that AIC will get to learn from us how to run the airport,” said Manuel Louie B. Ferrer, GMCAC president and Megawide’s executive director for infrastructure development.

CONFIDENCE IN TRAVEL SECTOR
AIC said its investment in MCIA is a “vote of confidence for the travel sector, which has been steadily improving in the past few months.”

Citing MCIA statistics, the company said the airport welcomed more than two million passengers in the first half of 2022, a 350% increase versus the 470,000 passengers in the same period last year.

Mr. Saavedra said the Cebu airport, which accounts for 30% of Megawide’s revenues, “dragged us in terms of our financials in the last two years due to the pandemic.”

“But right now, we are already operating above the water,” he added.

For his part, Megawide Chief Financial Officer Ramon H. Diaz said: “If you look at the situation now, we are not generating any dividends from the airport because of the pandemic; we will not be generating in the next two years, at least.”

“So, we’re getting the solution already today, which opens up a lot of opportunities to replace the airport dividends,” he added.

On the transaction’s impact on Megawide’s balance sheet, Jez G. Dela Cruz, the company’s vice-president for corporate finance and financial planning, said: “It will have a deconsolidated impact.”

“That means the full debt of GMCAC right now which is around P25 billion will be taken out from the balance sheet of Megawide, so it will be reported as an investment in equity,” he noted.

“On the profit and loss, instead of line-by-line consolidation, it would just be the net operating profit or loss for the period that would be recognized based on the remaining share of Megawide, which should be closed this coming November or December,” Mr. Dela Cruz added.

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to fund Megawide’s “pandemic-resilient” projects.

“It’s going to be a mix of that. At the same time, liability management is something that we are also looking at to further strengthen the balance sheet of Megawide, so that we can be opportunistic. In case there are big projects that will be coming up, then we can aggressively bid for those projects and participate,” Mr. Dela Cruz said.

The projects that Megawide will be focusing on in the next three to five years include public markets, transportation infrastructure such as land transport terminals, affordable housing, hospitals, and digital infrastructure, specifically a data center.

“We’re trying an investment [in a data center] this year,” said Jaime Raphael C. Feliciano, Megawide’s chief business development officer.

“We have a partner already in place. In fact, we have signed preliminary documents. It’s just that we can’t really disclose at this point,” he added.

According to Mr. Dela Cruz, part of Megawide’s business model is “about capital deployment and efficiency.”

“Now, we’re able to have this opportunity to crystalize the value,” he said. “It’s not that we’re letting go of the future earnings of the airport. In fact, we have projected those future cashflows and were able to upfront the value for this transaction.”

After 4 years, PIMS is back on track

At the 8th Philippine International Motor Show press conference are (standing from left, front row): SMC Asia Car Distributor Corp. (BMW Philippines) President Spencer Yu; United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (Chery Auto Philippines) Chairman Rommel Sytin; Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. President Erroll Dueñas; CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez; Sojitz G Auto Philippines, Inc. (Geely Philippines) President and CEO Yujo Kiyofuji, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. President Masahiko Nakamura; and Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. President Lee Dong Wook. In the second row (from left) are: Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. President Atsuhiro Okamoto; Suzuki Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Automobile Norihide Takei; Nissan Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido; Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. President and CEO Takeshi Hara; Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. (Mazda Philippines) Sales and Marketing Manager Saul Babas; KP Motors Corp. (Kia Philippines) President Manny Aligada; and Isuzu Philippines Corp. President Noboru Murakami. — PHOTO FROM CAMPI

CAMPI to hold 8th PHL International Motor Show from Sept. 15 to 18

By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave  

THE CHAMBER of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) is set to hold its 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), marking the event’s return after a four-year hiatus.

CAMPI President Atty. Rommel R. Gutierrez said in a press conference that the PIMS, which has a theme of “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good” will be held from Sept. 15 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“In line with our road to recovery, we are happy to bring back the much-awaited PIMS. Through this comeback, we want to highlight the industry’s role not only as an engine for economic growth and development but also its higher purpose of moving humanity forward through innovations for the common good,” Mr. Gutierrez said.

The PIMS will feature 13 automotive brands: BMW, Chery, Foton, Geely, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota.

“With this year’s theme, we aim to unite and drive our collective efforts towards the shared mission of building a better and more sustainable future for Filipinos through mobility,” Mr. Gutierrez said.

“We will accomplish this by coming together to showcase the positive impact of sustainable and future-ready innovations in our day-to-day lives. We at CAMPI remain committed to embracing smart and sustainable mobility as we adapt to the ever-changing and unique needs of Filipinos,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gutierrez said that the supply issue affecting car brands has not deterred CAMPI’s decision to hold the 8th PIMS, adding that there are many models to be showcased during the event.

“The limitation in supply has not hindered our plans to push through with the PIMS. It’s been four years now and the board decided that we have to push through with this. We are ready with this and we have more than enough models to showcase,” Mr. Gutierrez said.

“The show must go on regardless of supply limitations. We think it is temporary. It is not a reason for us not to proceed with the PIMS. The industry has to show its vibrancy. Like any other industry, we have to show our resiliency in terms of adapting to the changes the environment has brought us,” he added.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands will be the exclusive auto financing partner and diamond sponsor of the motor show, while Foton will provide three modernized jeepneys to serve as shuttles heading to the event.

“From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shuttles will ferry guests free of charge between two pickup points, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center,” the CAMPI said.

Tickets for the 8th PIMS are priced at P200 each and can be purchased at the venue. The first 1,000 ticket buyers will enjoy a 50% discount every show day. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The guys’ turn: online marketplace focuses on men’s skincare

PHOTO FROM DOPPKIT.CO

FRIENDS Burt Chua, Kenneth Toh, and Richmond Chong started an online marketplace for men’s grooming last year. Doppkit (doppkit.co), the online store they founded brings cult skincare lines like Anthony, Reyal, and Groomed Man Co.’s all in one place.

Anthony has been featured on men’s lifestyle bibles like GQ and Esquire, as well as on Forbes and Vogue. Anthony’s Glycolid Facial Cleanser (at P1,850 at 237 mL) claims to gently exfoliate, eliminate dirt, pollution, oil and impurities, and works as a pre-shave softener. It’s powered by 4.2% glycolic acid.

Reyal, a skincare brand, meanwhile, offers a Super Night Moisturizer (P1,730) with restorative active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol to promote cellular regeneration while men rest.

“Male skincare products are developed with the male skincare anatomy in mind —  guys typically have thicker and oilier skin, they sweat more, they contain more collagen, and they age differently than women’s,” said Messrs. Chua, Chong, and Toh in an e-mail to BusinessWorld.

“Those familiar with similar retailers that carry multiple brands of their girlfriend’s or wife’s favorite skincare and makeup would have an easier time getting to know Doppkit,” said Mr. Chua in a statement. “For men, Doppkit offers the same convenience of being able to research about and buy all the products they need on just one site.”

“It’s easy to be intimidated by the range of choices out there, especially if you don’t know where to look or start,” said Mr. Toh in a statement. “We want to narrow those down to the best options, so men can begin to invest in their routines in a no-fuss manner.”

Since the beauty industry usually caters to women, the men told us about the market for male skincare.

“We believe the market is still growing, and still holds a lot of potential. The stigma is still there, but we feel that it is slowly withering away, as self-care becomes more accepted and actually becomes a priority for most, including men,” they said. “We want to push the message that self-care should come first, and for men, self-care can actually improve performance in other aspects of their lives (relationships, career, health). Other brands are also recognizing this movement, and have been catering more and more towards men.”

The men also gave tips on what kind of marketing campaigns in beauty work for men like them. “We believe, from personal experience, that we are more attracted to simple and direct messaging, clearly seeing benefits, and convenience and accessibility.”

“We also tend to rely on word of mouth, and highly value recommendations from close friends and family,” they said. They added a disclaimer: “Of course, these are anecdotal, and from general observation and experience only.”

It’s not every day that we see beauty products over P1,000 geared towards men, but perhaps the ongoing pandemic had a hand in getting men to take care of themselves (and quite expensively too). They said, “We think the pandemic gave a lot of people time to slow down and re-evaluate priorities.

“We don’t consider it as a wave, but more so a catalyst to a more balanced lifestyle. We hope that the focus on health and well-being is not temporary, but becomes a way of life.” — Joseph L. Garcia

Vires Energy’s LNG project seen operational by 2026

VIRES Energy Corp., a subsidiary of A Brown Co., said that its 450-megawatt floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant in Batangas is expected to begin operations by mid-2026.

“Vires Energy is currently seeking baseload power off-take agreements and is in a position to be in commercial operations by mid-2026,” Allan Ace R. Magdaluyo, senior finance manager and compliance officer of A Brown, said via an e-mail on Aug. 31.

Mr. Magdaluyo said that the onshore facilities and floating power barge for the LNG terminals had been completed.

“The property will be developed to include the power barge mooring area, a jetty, switchyard, onshore facilities, and other balance of plant infrastructure,” he added.

In an earlier e-mail, A Brown Chairman Walter W. Brown said that the company saw LNG as the most viable source of new baseload power as renewable energy capacity is scaled up from solar, wind, batteries, and other new technologies.

According to the Department of Energy’s (DoE) accomplishment report, Vires Energy’s floating storage and regasification unit has a total capacity of three million tons per annum (MTPA) and a total construction cost of P6.15 billion.

The DoE said that it has approved six proposed LNG terminal projects, citing the depletion of the Malampaya gas field as the reason for the approval.

The Energy department noted that the six proposed LNG terminals have a combined capacity of 21.7 MTPA and a total estimated investment of P51.2 billion.

In the second quarter, A Brown’s attributable net income increased more than four times to P232.95 million from P53.89 million in the same period last year. Year to date, the company’s net profit increased by 68.8% to P381.21 million from P225.87 million. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Lamborghini looks back at the Diablo

PHOTO FROM LAMBORGHINI

THIS YEAR, Lamborghini is celebrating its iconic V12 engine that has powered its most memorable models for almost 60 years. This power plant was featured in the equally historic Diablo, the first Lamborghini super sports car offered in a four-wheel drive version.

The company reported in a release that when the Diablo debuted in January 1990 during Lamborghini Day at the Sporting in Monte Carlo, it “was so ahead of its time that it was identified as a series production hypercar.”

The 12-cylinder engine initially boasted a displacement of 5.7 liters, then 6.0 liters — with a maximum output of 600hp in the road versions and 655hp in the GT1 Stradale model for the racetrack, of which only two units were made.

The “pure” V12 combustion engine in its final form will go out of production before the end of the year, when the last Aventador Ultimae is made. From 2023, the heir to the Aventador will be fitted with a new plug-in hybrid version of the V12.

Automobili Lamborghini said that the Diablo was the model that propelled it into the modern era. Project 132 — as it was called inside the company — arrived in 1985 to replace the Countach, so “it had to convey the full power of the Sant’Agata-based automaker: appear sporty and muscular yet always appealing; deliver the aesthetics Lamborghini has always been renowned for; and be future-proof, to remain the world’s fastest production car for years to come.”

Development work on the way it handled the road was successfully achieved with the involvement of former Rally World Champion Sandro Munari. During the course of its commercial life, which lasted until 2001, the Diablo also demonstrated its ability to transform itself and adapt to market demands and the expectation of its customers. With 2,903 units made during the 11 years it was in production, the Diablo was considered a huge success.

The technical cornerstone of the Diablo remains the 60° V12 engine, which was directly derived from the 1963 3.5-liter engine, increased to 5.7 liters over the years. The latter configuration, the rear longitudinal position with catalytic converter, generated a maximum power of 492hp at 6800rpm and torque value of 580Nm at 5200rpm. It also featured a Lamborghini-Weber Marelli LIE electronic fuel injection. In 1999, first with the Diablo GT and later with the Diablo 6.0 SE, the engine size was increased to 6.0 liters. This, along with improved fuel injection calibration, allowed it to muster an output of 525hp and 605Nm.

The turning point for Lamborghini came in 1998, when Audi bought the company. The automaker finally had enough resources to develop a more refined industrial plan, while gaining access to new components and technology. The new owners also saw the Diablo as a product worth keeping and further developed. This led to the birth of the second series of the Diablo, designed in the brand’s new Centro Stile. Even faster and more powerful than ever thanks to the bigger V12 6.0-liter engine, it also showcased more luxurious finishes and increased reliability during daily driving, resulting from rigorous quality control during design, testing, and production.

The mechanics of the Diablo, though refined, were originally still considered traditional. The setup consisted of a rear longitudinal engine with four chain-driven camshafts, electronic fuel injection, rear-wheel drive and mechanical transmission. Power steering arrived only in 1993 and the electronics were there only to manage the engine. The Diablo VT, Lamborghini’s first four-wheel drive super sports car, was presented in 1993 to become the benchmark in terms of roadholding and driving safety in any condition.

VT stands for Viscous Traction, where the torque transfer from the rear axle to the forecarriage is done via viscous coupling. With this system, the VT is normally a rear-wheel drive vehicle with up to 20% transfer to the front wheels only if the rear wheels slip via a viscous coupling and a propeller shaft connected to the front differential. The VT also introduced another innovation for Lamborghini: electronically controlled suspension, with five preset operation programs to choose from.

In December 1995, the Diablo Roadster arrived as the first 12-cylinder open-top Lamborghini. This emboldened the brand to start a tradition in this format. The Diablo Roadster made its debut sporting a carbon fiber Targa top housed over the engine cover when down.

Lamborghini returned to racing with the Diablo through the Super Sport Trophy — later the Super Trofeo — racing championship, where it made its debut in a side race during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1996. Thirty-four 550hp Diablo SV-Rs were made for gentlemen drivers competing in one-hour races.

The Diablo also made it to the big screen. One of the most memorable scenes is from the American film Dumb & Dumber starring Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, and a red Diablo.

The Lamborghini also appeared in the 2001’s Exit Wounds directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, with “DMX” Earl Simmons and Anthony Anderson. A 1999 Diablo VT Roadster steals the show in the car showroom scene, bought in cash after an exhilarating engine “rev up.”

The Lamborghini Diablo SV also made it to a popular video game, “Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit.”

Serena’s style changed the game in fashion, business

SCREENSHOT FROM VOGUE.COM

NEW YORK —  From glossy magazine covers to generation-defining on-court styles, Serena Williams took a bow at the US Open on Friday, having rewritten the fashion playbook for female athletes while building an empire of her own.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner chose the bible of women’s fashion, Vogue, to announce she was “evolving away from tennis,” before taking to the court in her bedazzling Nike sneakers at the US Open this week under the watchful eyes of the magazine’s grand dame, Anna Wintour.

The fiercely competitive queen of Queens put on a gritty performance in what is widely expected to be her final tournament, losing in the third round 7-5 6-7 (4) 6-1 to Ajla Tomljanovic with her legacy as a cultural icon firmly in place.

“Style and sport have always been closely intertwined, but no athlete embraced the power of fashion like Serena Williams,” Katie Abel, executive editor of Footwear News, told Reuters.

“She’s never shied away from boundary-breaking looks, on or off the court, and always knows how to send a message, even if it’s controversial.”

She famously competed in Flushing Meadows in a denim skirt in 2004 and ruffled feathers at Roland-Garros in 2018, when she wore a black catsuit to keep her circulation going after developing blood clots in the days after giving birth.

After organizers said they would ban the catsuit from their clay courts, Ms. Williams’ supporters cried foul. Ms. Williams quipped to the Associated Press: “When it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender.”

The moment was an instant classic and showed she could harness fashion to disrupt the status quo, said Katie Lebel, a researcher of gender equity in sport and assistant professor at University of Guelph.

“Sexism has been pretty pervasive when it comes to women’s clothing… The expectations around what women athletes should look like that been particularly steeped in that,” she said.  

“Enter Serena and she pushed back against all this. I think she really rethought (the) uniform standards for women in tennis.”

Serena and her sister Venus brought Black style to the overwhelmingly white sport when they first took the court as professionals in the 1990s, facing criticism for wearing beaded braids in competition.

Ms. Williams wore the style when she won her inaugural Grand Slam in New York. Photos of daughter Olympia in identical plaits in the stands at Flushing Meadows this year were an instant sensation.

“From the moment Serena and her sister Venus stepped onto the court in their signature braids… they have been role models for Black women and aspiring female athletes everywhere,” said Ms. Abel.

‘GLAM SLAM’
Ms. Williams’ friendship with late Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh resulted in one of her most memorable US Open ensembles, a ballerina-inspired Nike kit in 2018, when she got tantalizingly close to clinching a record-equalling 24th major title but came up short in the final.

While her run at the US Open is over, her work in New York has just begun, with a “Glam Slam” preview of new looks from her S by Serena brand planned for Sept. 12 to coincide with New York Fashion Week.

And her retirement from competitive sport is expected to have little to no impact on her brand value — with Nike planning to continue its partnership with the 40-year-old.

“Williams may be retiring from tennis, but I’m guessing her influence on fashion is just getting started. Without her grueling training schedule, I’d think she would have even more time and energy to focus on this category,” said W Magazine Fashion Director Nora Milch.

A bona fide fashion tycoon off the court, Serena was named to the board of shopping app Poshmark in 2019, opening her own closet alongside pieces from Olympia to customers on the fashion marketplace.

Manish Chandra, founder and CEO at Poshmark, said Ms. Williams has inspired several other female entrepreneurs to sell on the app by way of her unique voice and perspective.

“As a champion of female empowerment, Serena always leads with love and helps to ensure that our Poshmark community is front and center in everything we do,” Mr. Chandra told Reuters.

“Her achievements and vision across the worlds of business, fashion and entrepreneurship made her a perfect fit for our board… She leads with humility, kindness and authenticity.” — Reuters

SC affirms CTA order to grant P210-M tax credits to PNB

PHOTO BY MIKE GONZALEZ

THE Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the Court of Tax Appeals’ (CTA) decision for the internal revenue commissioner to refund and grant a tax credit certificate to the Philippine National Bank (PNB) for the reduced amount of P210 million in excess credit withholding tax for 2010.

In a 15-page resolution dated March 15 and made public on Sept. 2, the High Court’s first division said the tax court had not committed an error in denying PNB’s plea to grant its initial P285-million claim.

“In this regard, we abide by the fundamental principle that the findings of fact by the CTA in Division are not to be disturbed without any showing of grave abuse of discretion considering that the members of the Division are in the best position to analyze the documents presented by the parties,” said the High Court.

It added that the CTA was duly performing its function to evaluate tax problems and disputes between two entities.

The High Court noted that the local lender failed to provide “any compelling reason” to overturn the tax court’s decision.

PNB argued that it had submitted all the necessary documents to substantiate its initial refund claim.

The CTA agreed with the commissioner of internal revenue’s (CIR) view that the bank failed to submit enough withholding tax certificates to prove its entitlement to the full refund claim.

On the other hand, the High Court ruled the PNB’s decision to bring the case to the CTA was proper, despite the CIR claiming the petition was premature due to the banks’ incomplete documents.

“Nothing in our laws and jurisprudence supports the CIR’s position that the exhaustion of an administrative claim for tax refund is a condition precedent that must be completely acted upon by the bureau of internal revenue before a  judicial claim for refund may be filed by the taxpayer concerned,” the SC noted.

“Indeed, jurisprudence dictates that a taxpayer need not await the BIR’s action on an administrative claim before going to the CTA.”

A tax credit certificate is a document reflecting the amount due to a taxpayer from an overpayment or erroneous payment of taxes. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

NLEX Drive and Dine continues to grow

DEVELOPED and managed by MPT Mobility, NLEX Drive and Dine is said to “bring together a diverse mix of retail, outlet, leisure, and convenience offers for families and friends to unwind, relax, and create fun memories.”

Strategically set in the last stop before heading to Skyway or Mindanao Avenue Smart Connect, NLEX Drive and Dine is considered the top motorist toll service facility along NLEX, with an average daily foot traffic count of over 23,000, as well as an average daily vehicle count of over 7,000 on regular days and over 10,000 during peak season. Its expansiveness, variety of popular partner establishments, and high foot and vehicle traffic make it the ideal site for brands that are looking to increase their awareness and presence along the country’s longest expressway.

“More than being the leading rest stop, NLEX Drive and Dine has become the go-to destination for comfort and convenience of NLEX motorists and adjacent communities,” said MPT Mobility President and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) CEO Rodrigo Franco. “This has led to an increase in visitors and demand for more food, shopping, and recreational options. So, we must grow and answer this need.”

NLEX Drive and Dine expansion includes the planned construction of five new buildings and a multi-level parking facility. USDS, the country’s leading branded outlet store for shoes, clothes, and home improvements, has already joined the roster and is targeting to open in October 2022. Building 1 is currently occupied by Nike, Levi’s, Oregon Premium Outlet Center, Casio, and A+ Premium Tech Dept. Building 2 still has vacant units, at approximately 150 square meters (sq.m.) each, at the ground and second floors. Building 3 has four vacant units, each at 200 sq.m. and with two floors. Buildings 4 and 5 are two-storey structures with six 200-sq.m. vacant units each.

For leasing inquiries, contact 0919-081-3972 or email jsvelasquez@mptmobility.com.

NLEX Drive and Dine is one of the seven existing operating units under MPT Mobility. MPT Mobility is the innovations arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) whose aim is to improve the overall Pinoy traveling experience through tech-forward products and services and integrating mobility infrastructure all over the Philippines. For more information, visit www.mptmobility.com.ph.

3D clothing visualization: the answer to fast fashion pollution?

3D CLOTHING visualization by Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising students

FAST fashion, or the mass production of cheap clothing, has contributed to textile waste, water and microfiber pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation on a global scale.

To combat the rapidly changing trends which pressure consumers to purchase the latest, many practitioners and experts have turned to 3D clothing visualization as a sustainable alternative.

“It is the future of the creative process,” fashion designer-educator Roxoanne Bagano-Dizon explained. “It is creating clothes using 3D programs. With the help of cutting-edge technology, we can simulate the clothes and have it worn by an avatar.”

Ms. Bagano-Dizon, who owns an atelier that specializes in bespoke garments for weddings, debuts, and formal events, stressed that 3D clothing visualization also fosters creativity.

“All the changes can be achieved with just a click of a finger — you can edit the fit by adjusting it in the 3D environment,” Ms. Bagano-Dizon elaborated. “These garments are as good as their physical counterparts. It is very precise, which reduces the rate of returns as well as the carbon footprint.”

Clothing designer, graphic artist, and illustrator Zak Gonzaga added that this innovative approach makes the process easier. “With the advancement of technology, you can now see what the garment would look like even before it is actually produced,” he stated.

“Clients are able to decide easily on what to get since the design is almost real,” Mr. Gonzaga added. “It allows us to accurately know how much raw material is needed instead of buying it ahead of time.”

The Fashion Design and Merchandising Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where Mr. Gonzaga and Ms. Bagano-Dizon both share their knowledge and expertise as fashion educators, has incorporated 3D technology to train the next generation of style innovators.

For this technology, institutions need devices such as laptops or desktops, supplementary devices like tablets and a subscription to CLO, one of the most advanced, intuitive, and cohesive 3D garment design software.

3D clothing visualization is familiar in the international scene with global fashion schools incorporating it into their curriculum. Industry giants such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and DVN have likewise invested in digital design.

“Digital fashion designers are now in-demand and skills on 3D clothing visualization is a must-have,” Ms. Bagano-Dizon said. Meanwhile, Mr. Gonzaga added that a background in computer-designing is an advantage. “Programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are stepping stones to start learning 3D clothing programs,” he noted.

“It is the future,” Mr. Gonzaga said. “It is the next best thing after the invention of the sewing machine.”

Kia Philippines lowers sales target to 5,000

By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, Reporter

KIA PHILIPPINES President Emmanuel A. Aligada said the company has lowered its sales target for the current year, as economic challenges such as the falling value of the Philippine Peso are making it hard for the automobile manufacturer to meet its original target of 6,000.

The company is now targeting “a little over 5,000 sales” for 2022, Mr. Aligada said on the sidelines of a press conference in Parañaque City last week.

Kia Philippines sold 3,748 units last year.

On the external challenges affecting the company, he said: “[First is] the on-and-off situation on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); second is the economy itself. After the election, the foreign exchange moved all the way up to P56 (to $1).”

Despite the lower sales target, Mr. Aligada said that the company is still expecting strong sales growth towards the latter part of 2022.

The models driving the growth for Kia Philippines include its grand utility vehicle Carnival, mid-size sport utility vehicle Sorento, crossover Stonic, and subcompact sedan Soluto.

“[As for] our sales, we are at 30% growth from the January-to-June period. That 30% growth should further improve towards the end of the year,” Mr. Aligada said.

“Everybody is hit with supply concerns. We have been arranging for supplies to come in, and the fourth quarter is usually the kick-up. That’s the reason why we are confident that we will hit more than 30%, probably closer to 40%,” he added.

Further, Mr. Aligada disclosed that Kia Philippines is eyeing 50 operational dealerships across the country by 2024.

He said that some of the areas being targeted by the company include Northern Manila, parts of Central Luzon, Batangas, and Bicol.

“We now have 42 operational dealerships in the country. The objective is that by 2024, around 50 dealerships will be running,” Mr. Aligada said.

“The objective is to expand them (existing dealerships) to serve the communities they are in. The objective is that by 2023, we all have 50 locations appointed, with operations going up by 2024,” he added.

At the same time, he said Kia Philippines is looking forward to the signing of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea.

“We’re eagerly anticipating it. That’s substantial if we can get it (FTA) sooner,” Mr. Aligada said.

Earlier in the year, Mr. Aligada said that the FTA would help Kia Philippines save 5% on taxes since the company sources the vehicles sold locally from South Korea.

“That’s a good sign for us to be more active in the market because of that 5% that we would be able to save on tax. A good number of our vehicles are sourced from Korea and together with other goods that would benefit from this treaty agreement, yes, we look forward to being more competitive,” Mr. Aligada previously said.

The Trade department recently said that the FTA between the Philippines and South Korea is estimated to be signed by November this year. The two countries began negotiations in June 2019 and concluded in October 2021.

Second round of MSCC Miata Spec Series roars off

The Mazda MX-5 action unfolds anew at the Clark International Speeday in Angeles, Pampanga. — PHOTO FROM MAZDA PHILIPPINES

SIXTEEN RACE-PREPPED Mazda MX-5 roadsters raced to the checkered flag during the second round of the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series.

Changes to the rules at this stage of the four-round series saw the formation of three different classes — the GT Radial Novice Class, the Rota Masters Class, and the Shell Pro Class. “Not only does this reflect the diversity of the racing talent present, but it also aims to nurture and develop up-and-coming racing talents to hone their talents in succeeding years,” said Mazda Philippines in a release.

Allan Uy in Car No. 99 continued to dominate as he took the overall win in Races 3 and 4. In the Shell Pro Class, Mr. Uy took Race 3 with a 1.192-second margin over Tyson Sy in Car No. 05, who is also racing in the Shell Pro Class. Angie King in Car No. 12 completed the podium finishers.

Mr. Uy struck anew in Race 4 with a 4.317-second lead over Ms. King. Paul Henderson Perez, driving in the Shell Pro Class, ended up in third.

In the GT Radial Novice Class, Jaime Miguel Almario took victory in Race 3 with Dino Imperial in second and Kirk Baltazar in third. In Race 4, it was Javier Toledo who took the top spot, followed by Jaime Miguel Almario and Kirk Baltazar.

The Rota Masters Class Races 3 and 4 were won by Windy Imperial, while Lito Ignacio took home second place in Race 4. Providing even more excitement in Round 2, Pilipinas Shell VIPs and guests were treated to a taxi ride in the MSCC Miata Spec Series cars by the racers.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series MX-5 uses a showroom-stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a six-speed Skyactiv manual transmission. In order to extract even more grip, the suspension components have been upgraded and reinforced with Cusco sports coil overs and chassis braces.

A custom stainless steel exhaust system, developed by local company Drift Xaust, maximizes air flow and enhances the aggressive racing note emanating from the MX-5’s 181hp power plant. A Sparco competition steering wheel, racing seat, harness and safety net, along with a new Cusco racing roll cage, are all installed in each car to ensure control and safety. All Miata Spec Series cars come fitted with GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on custom 17 x 8.0 J Rota Strike wheels.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., GT Radial tires, and Rota Wheels. Round 3 is scheduled on Oct. 29 (Races 5 and 6), and Round 4 will be held on Nov. 26 (Races 7 and 8). All races will be held at the Clark International Speedway.

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