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RLC expects to maintain take-up of residences

Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) is expecting this year’s take-up of residential units to be as strong as last year’s record despite geopolitical risks and interest rate hikes.

“Last year was actually a record year for Robinsons Land, just speaking for the Residences, it was our highest take-up ever in history. This speaks well about the reopening of the economy, the confidence of people not just in the company but in the industry as a whole,” said John Richard B. Sotelo, senior vice-president and business unit general manager of RLC Residences, said in a media briefing last week.

“We expect it, cautiously, to be as strong this year. Obviously, there are some risks and headwinds, geopolitical risks and interest rates going up, but I think at the basic level the demand is still there,” he added.

Mr. Sotelo said developers working with the government also helped in securing the growth of the property market along with the move by its partners to take a “slow and responsible approach to not overbuild in certain areas, diversify, and go across all spectrums.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Sotelo said he expects the effect of rising interest rates to be felt more in the second half of 2023.

“So far, we are not seeing the full impact of rising interest rates yet, I’m sure we will feel it maybe in the second half of the year but not enough, I believe, that would drastically slow down the market,” he added.

According to Mr. Sotelo, the slowdown resulting from the rise in interest rates might be offset by market demand and the sector’s strength.

“But currently with what has been happening, we don’t think it’s going to substantially impact,” he said.

However, he added property companies would need to manage their portfolio and spending as expenses continue to go up.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sotelo said RLC Residences would continue building up its core market as it tries to have more offerings in other segments.

“Obviously, we are seeing faster growth in certain segments. One of them would be the premium luxury segment and we are trying to have offerings at that level but we will continue to build our core, so we will continue to have offerings at the mid to mid-high segments,” he said.

Mid to mid-high segments consist of product offerings with price points starting from P5 million, said Mr. Sotelo. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Style (03/27/23)

COS launches white T-shirt capsule collection

COS revisits the iconic white T-shirt with details from the atelier and more sustainably sourced materials. Presenting a nine-piece capsule, the brand explores the elements that form the foundations of the perfect tee, reinventing them through refined design details and distorted garment construction — pleating, deconstructing, and decorating. Focusing on contemporary silhouettes and ergonomic fits, a crew-neck style is crafted from smooth organic cotton-jersey, its oversized shape accentuated by drop-shoulders and elbow length sleeves. Versatile and ideal for layering or wearing solo, a signature shrunken-fit, ribbed-neck T-shirt remains a cornerstone of COS’ collections, while relaxed silhouettes are effortlessly understated. This season COS introduces Circulose, a material recycled from discarded textiles in a process powered by 100% renewable energy. A Circulose blend is used in four of the capsule collection’s T-shirt designs including a cropped silhouette, an oversized style with a functional pocket detail, and a classic tee with a tie-back that offers a more personalized fit. Available in additional colors, the COS White T-shirt collection will be in-store and online at cos.com throughout the Spring/Summer season.

Uniqlo celebrates Women’s Month

IN CELEBRATION of International Women’s Month, Japanese global apparel retailer Uniqlo launched LifeWear for Her, which focuses on supporting women through comfortable innerwear fit for any age, size, and lifestyle. This includes making the complete LifeWear for Her lineup available in all Uniqlo stores nationwide and an exclusive event on March 29 at the UNIQLO Manila Flagship Store. Among the items in the LifeWear for Her lineup are the AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Shorts (P790) which are lightweight, comfortable, and can absorb up to 20 ml of moisture quickly, plus the crotch panel has two wings for use with sanitary napkins; and Uniqlo’s original 3D Hold Wireless Bra (P1,290) which is now available in more cup sizes for an improved fit. Meanwhile, the Making Herstory with LifeWear event is an exclusive intimate gathering where women can come together to speak their minds, empower one another, and forge new connections and friendships. Customers interested in attending the event can check out the Uniqlo Facebook page (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph) and look for the Making Herstory with LifeWear post to know more.

Neutrogena’s new and improved Hydro Boost Water Gel

WITH the coming of summer, it’s time to reset skincare regimens by adopting lightweight, yet potent and hydrating products to protect skin from dryness, aging, and sun damage. With this in mind, Neutrogena has released its new and improved Hydro Boost range. Tested by dermatologists, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost product range is a cult favorite all over the world. The full range is formulated with hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin to combat the dryness brought by external aggressors like summer heat. This year, the beauty brand is introducing its new generation of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, a lightweight moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid. Suitable for daily use, this lightweight moisturizer boosts the skin’s hydration and helps retain moisture. Its formulation is packed with 20% more hyaluronic acid (vs. previous formulation) that gives five times more hydration. The new Hydro Boost Water Gel comes in two sizes — 15 ml and 50 ml that retails for P356 and P1,012 respectively. Before heading out in the sun, apply Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry Touch SPF50 after the Hydro Boost Water Gel for UVA and UVB protection. It is a non-greasy sunscreen that offers broad protection from the sun. The products are available at Watson’s stores and online at Neutrogena’s official Shopee or Lazada stores.

Ito Kish, Rajo Laurel collaborate on homeware

BONDED by their love to create, couturier Rajo Laurel announced a collaboration with renowned interior designer Ito Kish for the “Ito Kish x Rajo Laurel Collaboration series 2023-24,” a tablescape exclusives that make for beautiful dining settings. The collection is now available in store and online at ITOKISH.com.

Ever Bilena holds 40th anniversary sale

THIS year, Ever Bilena, the affordable cosmetics brand, is celebrating its 40-year milestone in a big way with the Ever Bilena Anniversary Sale promo which is ongoing until March 31. The sale is being held at all SM Beauty Department Store, and Watsons outlets nationwide. With the promo, when a customer buys an Ever Bilena makeup product at a regular price, they will get their second item for only P40. Meanwhile, Ever Bilena also has promo offers on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok with products on sale for 40% off.

‘Now is the time to start transitioning’

AC Motors President for Automobiles Antonio ‘Toti’ Zara III — PHOTO FROM AC MOTORS

AC Motors Automobile Group President Antonio ‘Toti’ Zara III predicts a big jump in EV ownership

Interview by Kap Maceda Aguila

VELOCITY: What sort of external factors did you see in the local context that gave you the confidence to release your first EV here?

TOTI ZARA: We’re more than ready. What stimulated it was the approval of President Marcos of the zero tariff on electric vehicles. But even before, we originally had an advantage because under the free-trade agreement, we were able to bring this in at five percent. That’s why prior to the Philippine International Motor Show (last Sept. 5) we were saying it would be less than P4 million. Others were bringing it at 30%.

Weren’t you concerned about the dollar exchange rate then?

We were concerned but with the signing, we have been able to lower the pricing even more than we originally expected. Why now? This signing of President Marcos will trigger an EV race, and it will stimulate EV demand. Ayala as a group is fast expanding its EV ecosystem.

The group has a 2050 vision right?

Yes, that we’ll be carbon net zero by 2050. It’s inevitable that we transform not only our organization, but our products as part of the auto industry. We have no choice. Thailand has declared that its industry will be comprised of 50% EVs by 2030, Indonesia one million EVs by 2030, Korea, three million EVs by 2030, China 100% EVs by 2035. All our neighbors are going into EVs, and we’re more than 80% CBU. Even our CKDs are from these countries. We have no choice.

Now is the time to really start transitioning, and it will trigger this buildup in the ecosystem. In our studies, the total cost of ownership of the cheapest EV prior to the January signing of President Marcos was about P3 million over five years, including maintenance and energy cost. The equivalent cost of the cheapest, most popular (ICE-powered) sedan is about P2.5 million.

With the 30% waiver on import duty, the total cost of ownership swings. The cost of ownership goes down to P2.5 million.

So you’re saying there’s parity now?

There is. Before, it was 20% more expensive. Now that you have a 30% duty waiver, it swings the total cost. It’s now our job as car brands to market that proposition — and I think it’s easy to market. Here’s more: We studied private ownership. Imagine if it’s a public utility vehicle whose milage is 10 times higher. Can you imagine the impact to total cost of ownership? Never mind that — to emissions as well. It will be 10 times more environment-friendly compared to a private-use EV.

While pure EVs are possibly the end-goal of all brands, some are going the hybrid route first. At its present state, of course, our charging infrastructure in the country leaves much to be desired. Therefore, some are saying that the more realistic products to put out there would be hybrids. Kia is going straight to electric. What are you seeing on the ground aside from the incentives available for EVs? Are we ready to make that jump straight to EVs?

Two things. We’re not discounting HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles). We haven’t made announcements just yet but Kia, as a global company, has announced (the targeted sales) of two million eco-friendly vehicles (a year by 2030). Of these, 1.2 million will be BEVs. We’ll be playing in the HEV segment, and you can already see that in other markets. We have that option, and that’s a card we’d like to play at the right time.

Can we say that the arrival of Kia HEVs into the country is imminent?

I wouldn’t use the word “imminent.” We cannot define the global strategy of Kia. Are we asking our customers to jump to EV? I think that as a technology leader, we want to make a statement. The EV6 is about the new essence of the Kia brand. Kia is no longer the value proposition Filipinos used to know. The spirit of the EV6 is in every Kia that we sell.

MIAA readies next phase of terminal assignments

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA)will begin the second phase of its schedule and terminal assignment rationalization (STAR) program in April as part of its plan to make Terminal 2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport an all-domestic facility.

“With this move, we expect a significant increase in Terminal 2’s capacity from 7.5 million to 10 million passengers a year — 20% to 25% more than its current rate,” said MIAA General Manager Cesar M. Chiong.

Under the program, all international flights will be reassigned to Terminals 1 and 3, which have a wider selection of food and retail stores for duty-free shopping.

The MIAA expects the program to improve its manpower deployment in Terminals 1 and 3 which will allow the regulator to assist the customs, immigration, and quarantine offices.

Starting April 16, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, China Southern Airlines, and Starlux Airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3.

Philippine Airlines to and from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh will be moved to Terminal 1 starting April 16, while all of its international flights are expected to be moved to Terminal 1 by June 16.

On June 1, flights of Ethiopian Airlines and Jeju Air will be transferred to Terminal 3.

“While the MIAA works on further expanding the capacity of Terminal 2, domestic operations of Cebu Pacific will remain in Terminals 3 and 4 for the meantime,” the MIAA said.

The third phase of the program will cover the transfer of all domestic flights of AirAsia Philippines to Terminal 2 starting July 1.

“The STAR program is a well-studied undertaking. We met with affected airlines and stakeholders to make sure they come up with their readiness plan as part of these changes. We advised them to get in touch with their affected passengers so they can inform them of the new terminal assignments,” said Mr. Chiong.

The MIAA is requesting the passengers’ understanding of the minor inconveniences they may encounter during the transition even as it plans to make it seamless. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Looming El Niño highlights need for additional support to irrigation

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HANDOUT

By Patricia B. Mirasol, Reporter

AGRICULTURE officials said the expected El Niño will require the government to step in with more support for irrigation.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Field Programs Operational Planning Division cited in a March 16 statement “an increased likelihood” of a transition to El Niño in the July-September period.

El Niño is a climate pattern caused by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The resulting dry spell occurs at irregular intervals every two to seven years.

WATER MANAGEMENT
Preparing for El Niño requires a long-term approach, according to Elias Jose M. Inciong, president of the United Broiler Raisers Association, which consists of small- and medium-scale poultry producers.

“You can’t solve it when it’s already there,” he said via Viber. The government has to provide funding for wells, especially for farmers that rely on river water, he added.

“Kasi kung ang river ay tuyo na or mababa na ang tubig (If the river has gone dry), you cannot pump water from it,” he said.

Elpidio B. Flores, a farmer from Mangatarem, Pangasinan, said that while the government funds irrigation, not everyone is given support.

“Nagbibigay sila sa ibang bayan. Dito sa amin wala e (They give irrigation support to some towns, but not to ours),” he said by phone.

“Malayo sa ilog lugar namin (Our town is far from the river),” he said.

“Sa 100 na nagsasaka dito, 40 lang ang nagtatanim (For every hundred farmers in our area, only 40 plant in the dry season),” Mr. Flores added. “’Yung 60 naghihintay ng tag-ulan (The other 60 wait for the rainy season).”

Roy S. Kempis, a retired Pampanga State Agricultural University professor, said the situation calls for a robust law on water rights.

“The DA and NIA (National Irrigation Administration) should consider it,” he said.

Such a law should serve to grant equal access to water for “farms and farmers far from the source of irrigation water, channeled from dams,” he said via Viber.

He said such laws and regulations should have teeth to deter those who would divert irrigation water away from rightful users.

Both Mr. Kempis and Mr. Inciong called for more water infrastructure.

“(These) dam and canal distributions will be for potable and irrigation water consistent with environmental concerns and the greater good (and) not just (to satisfy) a few noisy and belligerent activists or advocates,” Mr. Kempis said.

He added that the construction of these new water sources should be pursued rationally with “national and international funding.”

Mr. Inciong called for urban residents to harvest rainwater and use the stored water for non-drinking requirements like washing cars. This relieves the pressure to supply dam water to urban centers.

“What’s been happening in the past several years is that farmers give way to urban populations,” he told BusinessWorld. “Hindi na lang sila magtatanim (They choose not to plant).”

More water is needed for urban centers, so dams like Magat and Angat can be utilized for irrigation, he added.

PREPARATION MEASURES
In the poultry industry, Mr. Inciong said, one of the ways farmers prepare for El Niño is to tap deep wells, which he called the first redundancy.

 “If your generator sets are down, you rely on that,” he added. “Water storage should be good for one to two days, so in case of repairs, you should be okay.”

Mr. Flores, the Pangasinan farmer, said he hopes for government assistance in the form of fuel subsidies.

“Wala kaming gaanong kakayahan bumili ng krudo para sa makina… Madaliang lunas ang krudo. (We don’t have the means to buy diesel fuel for our machines. Diesel is the immediate solution),” he said.

Fuel subsidies, he told BusinessWorld, should be in place to help farmers in time for the expected rains in May.

In March 2022, the DA rolled out a P500-million fuel discount program for farmers and fisherfolk.

Mr. Flores hopes to wean himself from reliance on diesel-fueled equipment by having access to solar pumps.

“Kailangan ng solar pumps. Kung may financing sana ng gobyerno sa solar, kahit hulug-hulugan namin (We need solar pumps. If the government had a financing program, we’d be willing to pay by installment),” Mr. Flores added.

Sales and sunscreen

Zalora’s trend report sees rays of sunshine

DOUBLE-DIGIT sales days and sunscreen are on the minds of Southeast Asians, at least according to Zalora’s 2022 trend report.

In the 70-page Southeast Asia Trender Report 2022 from e-commerce platform Zalora of the Singapore-based Global Fashion Group (GFG), it cites data from the World Bank that the inflation rate in emerging and developing economies (a category to which the Philippines belongs) increased from 4.23% to 9.37% in April last year. But it also cites Ascential Digital Commerce which says that e-commerce sales in Southeast Asia were projected to grow by 18% last year, reaching up to $38.2 billion.

“Alluding this significant growth to a mass exodus to digital platforms (with much thanks to the pandemic), a new shopper-brand and shopper-retailer relationship has been formed,” said the report. Though purse strings are being tightened due to inflation caused by the Ukraine-Russia conflict and recovering economies from the COVID-19 pandemic, some spots of hope are seen in online retail from increasing internet use, as well as reopened borders.

This is connected to increased internet connectivity within the region. “In Southeast Asia, communities — even those in remote and rural areas — have become digitally connected, with some turning down desktops in favor of mobile phones,” said the report.

The report estimates that 100 million new internet users have come online in the last three years. A graph in the report shows that the Philippines saw an increase of 48% in those who bought from online retailers compared to before the pandemic, and an increase of 50% in those who buy from chat groups. The same graph shows that 54% of Filipinos have adopted digital wallets compared to before the pandemic.

But what are we buying? In data provided by GFG’s trend report, the Philippines’ top search words are: sports lifestyle shoes, sports performance shoes, sandals and flip-flops, dresses, and sneakers. Contrast this with the number one search term in Singapore (sling bags) or in Malaysia (dresses). In a nod towards relaxed travel restrictions, there has been a 440% increase in Google searches for travel requirements. Across the region which Zalora services (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Taiwan), the customer demand growth at Zalora for sunscreen increased to 8% in 2022 from 3.096% in 2021. A similar scale measuring for swimwear saw an increase to 4% in 2022 from 1.862% in 2021.

Sales of popular items also increase during popular double-digit sale days. Zalora reports that its end-of-year mega campaign days have six times the number of sales as compared to a typical non-campaign day. “Such is the case for Zalora, whose shopping events saw the highest number of sales versus any other day during 2022,” it said.

In another nod towards increased travel, the report says, “But what’s also interesting here is that sales towards the end of April (2022) far exceeded any other time of the year. This uptick could be explained by the ease in COVID-19 restrictions across the region — since late March, most Southeast Asian countries have already relaxed their travel restrictions, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.” (Still, the report suggests that travel levels will only fully recover to pre-pandemic levels by this year or the next).

The report seeks to explain why double-digit sales festivals — think 10-10 (Oct. 10), 11-11 (Nov. 11), 12-12 (Dec. 12) sales) — work: “With special appearances by celebrities and endorsements by popular content creators, these events combine the best of entertainment and retail under one platform. As a bonus, consumers tend to spend more time online and are more inclined to discover new brands. These shoppers would also be more likely to explore new product segments, given the promotional discounts.”

“Now all that’s left is for them to make a purchase.” — JL Garcia

Honda Cars PHL holds road safety program for youth

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. officials pose with AIESEC members who participated in the road safety course. — PHOTO FROM HONDA CARS PHILIPPINES

HONDA CARS Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently held interactive learning sessions for college students on road safety. In partnership with AIESEC (Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales) in the Philippines, 24 students from eight member schools participated in HCPI’s training program. The sessions featured classroom instruction on safe driving behavior, reinforced with a “guided experiential drive” of Honda-Sensing-equipped models.

HCPI’s educational programs for various stakeholders on road safety are inspired by Honda’s “global target of zero traffic collision fatalities by 2025.” Letting participants experience Honda Sensing was deemed effective in understanding how technology is applied to protect the safety of the driver, passengers, as well as pedestrians and other road users.

The learning sessions covered the correct mindset toward driving, facilitated by professional instructors from the Honda Safety Driving Center. Pre-drive inspection, traffic rules and regulations, and common misconceptions about driving were also discussed. During the Honda Sensing driving exercises, the students were guided by HCPI’s technical experts and certified driving instructors. Featured vehicles included the Civic, all-new HR-V, and all-new BR-V 1.5 VX CVT.

HCPI President Masahiko Nakamura expressed his appreciation for the students who are youth leaders in their respective colleges and universities. “It is my pleasure to be with you who are very passionate about creating good change for society. This program is designed to strengthen our consciousness about how our own actions can help reduce road accidents, and how we can influence other road users to also improve their driving habits. When you apply what you learn, and share them in your schools, with your active support, we can create more meaningful change and impact more people,” he said.

“AIESEC in the Philippines is sincerely honored to partner with Honda in this road safety program. We appreciate Honda’s efforts on sustainability and this initiative to help us become better road users,” said the organization’s president, Sajana Vithanawasam.

HCPI has been conducting educational campaigns on road safety for the youth since 2004 through its program, Teen Smart, which seeks “to develop the youth’s consciousness of road safety and strengthen the sense of responsibility in reducing road accidents as pedestrians and future drivers.” HCPI has worked with different partners from the government and civil society to reach more youth who are among the most vulnerable in road accidents. Even during the pandemic, HCPI has continued with this effort online.

For more information, visit www.hondaphil.com or the nearest Honda Cars dealership.

Ovialand projects premium-affordable home sales to rise

PROPERTY developer Ovialand, Inc. is expecting an increase in demand for premium-affordable home products this year, its top official said, citing buyers who have become more discerning.

“The demand for premium-affordable products is going to rise because the market is now more discerning,” Ovialand President and Chief Executive Officer Marie Leonore Fatima Olivares-Vital told BusinessWorld last week before announcing the company’s plan to hold an initial public offering (IPO) of shares.

“We describe our market as educated, hardworking and aspirational. The [rise] of influencers, social media and just the desire to uplift and upgrade makes home buyers more aspirational. So, we believe that the market for our unique and premium products is going to be strong,” she added.

Family-owned Ovialand calls its product offering “premium-affordable,” which is between P2 million and P4 million price points.

“This is the household income of about 60,000 to 100,000,” Ms. Olivares-Vital said.

The property company announced in 2021 its plan to grow its portfolio to 3,300 units within five years.

“That was really designed to make our product more known. And yes, I think we are on track in reaching that,” she said.

As of February, the company has completed a total of 1,800 units on the back of a landbank of around 45 hectares, which it plans to grow.

“Sa sobrang bilis kasi namin magtayo ng bahay, mabilis din siyang mabenta, (Because we construct houses fast, they also get sold fast) so we have to keep on acquiring new land,” she said.

Last week, the company filed a P2.22-billion IPO with the Securities Exchange Commission, the proceeds of which it plans to fund real estate projects.

The offer covers up to 396 million common shares consisting of 336 million primary common shares, 24 million secondary common shares and an over-allotment option of up to 36 million secondary common shares.

Ovialand targets an IPO price of P5.60 per share, with net proceeds expected to fund land-banking initiatives in Laguna and Bulacan and the development of real-estate projects in Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Bulacan.

In 2022, the property company recorded P227 million in net profit, up by 36.7% from the P166 million it booked in 2021. Revenues increased by 64% to P1.4 billion in 2022, higher than the P1.2 billion it set as a target for the year. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Sugar industry rejects direct imports by beverage companies

BOC - PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIVISION (BOC-PIAD)

THE United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) declared its opposition on Sunday to the beverage industry’s request to directly import sugar.

UNIFED President Manuel R. Lamata, in a statement released over the weekend, said the lobbying effort “will affect the more than five million stakeholders of the sugar industry who are ironically their consumers as well.”

Mr. Lamata said that beverage companies sent a letter dated March 22 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., which cited domestic supply constraints and high prices, as well as the alleged “outright refusal” of traders to “provide price quotes to industrial buyers.”

The beverage companies asked Mr. Marcos to review other options to allow industrial users to directly import refined sugar to address shortages.

Mr. Lamata urged beverage companies to buy local.

“Allowing them to directly import now will not just kill the sugar industry but kill the millions who are dependent on this industry just so they can further enrich themselves at our expense,” he said.

Mr. Lamata said that there is a need to import but the government has addressed the shortages via Sugar Order No. 6 which allowed the entry of 440,000 metric tons of sugar. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Benilde to hold lectures on the future of fashion

BUSINESS developer and marketing specialist David Beltrán Valdivieso of digital identity platform Union Avatars

DE LA SALLE-College of Saint Benilde will be holding a series of free public in-person and online lectures on “The Future of Fashion” which will highlight the importance of practicing circular economy, and exploring the metaverse in the industry.

The lectures are part of Sinulid 2023: Renascence, the culminating graduation show of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Environment and Design.

Sustainable fashion advocate Rio Estuar Cuervo, a recent awardee in the Italian Design Awards and the creative visionary behind zero-waste fashion movement RIOtaso, will be talking on the practice of circular economy in the industry.

Estuar Cuervo, who is an alumna from Benilde FDM, will expound on textile waste, its environmental impact, and the value of upcycling fabric scraps into modish pieces. She will likewise enumerate several points to consider in starting an eco-conscious brand. Her face-to-face talk will be held on March 28, 11:20 a.m.

Business developer and marketing specialist David Beltrán Valdivieso of digital identity platform Union Avatars will discuss the incorporation of web3, metaverse, and 3D avatars as a tool and medium in fashion.

He will delve into the role of digital fashion in shaping the local clothing scene, the advantages of using 3D avatars in customizing designs, as well as the technical challenges involved in adapting to this technology. His lecture will be on a hybrid set-up on March 30, 3 p.m.

The Future of Fashion is free and open to the public. It will be conducted at the Benilde Design + Arts Campus, 950 Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate Manila. Interested participants may register through http://bitly.ws/BEK3.

TNVS applicants flock to ‘GrabCar-avan’ as LTFRB nixes CoC requisite

Almost a thousand TNVS applicants trooped to the GrabCar-avan event. — PHOTO FROM GRAB PHILIPPINES

GRAB PHILIPPINES recently saw a huge crowd of almost a thousand Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) aspirants attend the second leg of its GrabCar-avan series. The program is Grab’s initiative to help fill the 4,000 TNVS slots opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last January.

The “GrabCar-avan” was held at the Grab Philippines Partner Center in Marikina City. In a release, the company said it attributed the increase in applicants to the removal of the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) among the requirements of the LTFRB for TNVS franchise application.

TNVS applicants no longer need to submit a bank-issued CoC for the application of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) after the passing of LTFRB’s Board Resolution No. 005 Series of 2023 last March 2.

Among the applicants was 52-year-old Gregorio Garcia. Mr. Garcia has been a GrabCar driver-partner since 2016, paying “boundary” to rent a car from an operator. But thanks to Grab’s partnership with Toyota Financial Services, Mr. Garcia was able to get his own car this January, allowing him to process his TNVS franchise as the owner. Formerly a jeepney driver, Mr. Garcia now plans on getting another unit to rent out to his fellow TNVS drivers.

Said Grab Philippines Senior Director for Operations Ronald Roda, “We thank the LTFRB for making it easier for more Filipinos to earn an equitable living through ride-hailing — and it is clearly manifested with the outpouring of applicants from our recent GrabCar-avan. We are optimistic that through this development and programs such as GrabCar-avan, we are taking the right step toward providing more livelihood in the ride-hailing sector, while offering our commuters with safe, reliable, and more affordable means of mobility for their everyday needs.”

SEC warns on unregistered frozen foods trader

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has warned the public not to invest in Davao-Prime Summit Frozen Products Trading as it is not authorized to solicit investment from the public.

In an advisory, the regulator found out that the entity has been soliciting investments in social media for its supposed frozen products business.

On its Facebook page, the entity stated that it is a “legit distributor and wholesaler of frozen dim sum and other frozen products.”

Investors are asked to place their investments online at an amount that ranges from P10,000 to P500,000 through its “Profit Share Program.”

The entity promises a 120% profit within the lock-in period of six months or 20% profit for every month.

It also said in a separate post that it was, supposedly, registered with the Davao office of the Department of Trade and Industry and has a mayoral permit from Davao City.

The commission also stated that it utilizes an investment contract as a security measure, a prominent measure “when there is an investment or placement of money in a common enterprise with a reasonable expectation of profits to be derived from the efforts of others.”

In its review, the commission stated that both entities are not authorized to solicit investments from the public. — Adrian H. Halili

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