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CTA affirms granting part of manpower firm’s refund claim

CTA.JUDICIARY.GOV.PH

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has upheld its partial refund of Services Resources, Inc.’s (SRI) excess creditable withholding taxes worth P16.12 million for the fiscal year 2016.

In a 23-page ruling made public on March 9, the CTA full court rejected the commissioner of internal revenue’s (CIR) appeal to void the refund saying the Second Division did not abuse its discretion in granting the said amount.

“What is clear, based on a reading of the decision, is that the court has, in fact, methodically considered each of the requisites of the judicial claim,” Associate Justice Maria Belen M. Ringpis-Liban said in the ruling.

SRI initially sought a refund of its CWT overpayment totaling P16.68 million for 2016.

The CIR argued that the manpower firm failed to prove that it overpaid the collected CWT during the period.

The CTA disagreed as it said SRI sufficiently reflected its overpayment in its annual income tax return for 2016 and certificates of taxes withheld at source.

“Other than stating a bare and unfounded contention, petitioner CIR failed to proffer convincing arguments and evidence that would persuade the court en banc to disturb the factual findings of the CTA Second Division,” it said.

Under the country’s revenue code, taxpaying entities must provide certificates of taxes withheld at source to support a claim of erroneous payment or overpayment.

Proof of actual remittance is not a condition to claim a refund of excess tax credits, the tribunal said citing Supreme Court jurisprudence.

It noted that an independent certified public accountant verified the documents and certificates submitted as valid and original copies.

“The Supreme Court ruled that ‘it is fundamental 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,” the tribunal said citing High Court jurisprudence. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Tom Hanks is the best of the worst at the 2023 Razzies for Elvis role

TOM HANKS ‘won’ a Razzie for his role in the film Elvis.

LOS ANGELES — In the 2022 Elvis film, Tom Hanks’ depiction of Elvis Presley’s real-life former manager, Colonel Tom Parker, is cruel, corrupt, and according to the 2023 Razzie award results, deserving of worst supporting actor and worst screen combo awards.

Before celebrating the best films of the season during the Oscar ceremony on Sunday, the Razzie Awards called out the worst on Saturday.

Despite the Forrest Gump actor’s legacy of Oscar-winning roles, many critics and fans condemned his performance in Elvis, particularly his accent.

The Razzies named Hanks worst supporting actor and worst screen combo for the actor and his “latex face” in the film.

Joining Hanks, biographical drama Blonde, starring Ana de Armas as Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe “won” Razzies for both worst picture and screenplay. De Armas, however, is in the running for best actress for the role at Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Also taking home a Razzie is Jared Leto, who portrays Michael Morbius, and Adria Arjona, who portrays Dr. Martine Bancroft, in the Sony Marvel film Morbius. Both win for worst actor and worst supporting actress.

The Redeemer Award, which is granted to a previous Razzie contender who’s redeemed themselves following their unfavorable fall to Razzie status, goes to Colin Farrell for the Oscar nominated film Banshees of Inisherin.

Farrell was nominated in 2004 in the Razzie worst actor category for Winter’s Tale, but as a now 2022 best actor front-runner for his leading role, he has escaped from Razzie prison, possibly rising to Oscar status on Sunday.

Finally, the Razzies awarded itself the worst actress award after it nominated 12-year-old Firestarter actress Ryan Kiera Armstrong for a Razzie. After allegations of bullying, Armstrong was later removed from the Razzie ballot.

The Razzies, the self-described “ugly cousin to the Oscars,” started in 1980 as the Golden Raspberry Awards, created by UCLA film school graduates and film industry veterans John J.B. Wilson and Mo Murphy.

More than 1,100 Razzie members from across the United States and about two dozen other countries vote on the awards, according to the Razzie website. — Reuters

Honda Cars PHL extends ‘Choose Your Own Deal’ promo

PHOTO FROM HONDA CARS PHILIPPINES, INC.

HONDA CARS Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) extends its “Choose Your Own Deal” promotion, with more packages and models covered, including the City, Brio, and all-new BR-V. HCPI offers exclusive freebies such as one-year free preventive maintenance service (PMS), and special deals on genuine Honda accessories. Customers who purchase select variants of the City sedan, Brio, and the BR-V have the option to choose the package that best fits their needs:

To avail of the “Choose Your Own Deal” promo, customers must have a reservation from March 4 to 31, 2023 and the vehicle must be released until April 30, 2023. The free PMS and accessory vouchers will be given to the customer upon the release of the vehicle. Customers are expected to abide by PMS and voucher guidelines.

HCPI additionally offers discounts on selected genuine accessories until March 31, (refer to the chart on the left).

Meanwhile, in partnership with AXA Philippines, BPI MS Insurance, Malayan Insurance, Standard Insurance, and MAA General Assurance Philippines, the Honda Sensing Insurance Partnership Program offers improved preferential rates for comprehensive insurance to customers who will purchase Honda models equipped with the Honda Sensing – namely the all-new BR-V, all-new HR-V, Civic, and CR-V S Diesel 9AT Honda Sensing (seven-seater) and SX Diesel 9AT AWD Honda Sensing (seven-seater). Preferential rates are offered for as low as P2,323 per month.

Now on its last month, customers who will purchase the all-new BR-V 1.5 VX CVT Honda Sensing until March 31 are eligible for a special insurance package and other additional customer benefits from AXA, Standard Insurance, and Malayan Insurance.

To know more about Honda’s latest offers and vehicles, visit www.hondaphil.com or any of 37 authorized Honda Cars dealerships nationwide. Promo duration for the “Choose Your Own Deal” is from March 4 to 31, 2023.

SteelAsia’s Calaca steel plant to use artificial intelligence

SCREENGRAB FROM STEELASIA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION YOUTUBE PAGE

STEELASIA Manufacturing Corp. has tapped a German group to provide a more efficient way to increase steel production via artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement over the weekend, the steel producer said it had signed an agreement with Germany’s SMS Group to equip its Calaca steel mill with an AI system for process automation and digitalization.

It said the deal, called the EAF Performance Improvement Partnership for Calaca (EPICA), will not increase its carbon footprint.

“We are proud to have Calaca as the Philippines’ first steel plant to be equipped with AI,” said Pino Tese, SMS Group’s chief sales officer for India and the Asia-Pacific region.

He said the use of renewable energies and efficiency improvements for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, “equally supported by recycling, is a vital factor for a sustainable circular economy.”

Benjamin Yao, SteelAsia chairman and chief executive officer, said: “It also means higher green steel production for the country as Calaca uses 100% renewable energy for steelmaking.”

In the media release, the company said the latest combustion technology will be used in its electric arc furnace as part of the project. It added that the pollution control system will also be upgraded to support the project.

SteelAsia said its Calaca plant produces up to 450,000 tons of rebar annually, which it valued at around P18 billion. It expects the project improvements “to increase output in anticipation of higher rebar requirements for infrastructure and housing projects.”

SteelAsia operates five other manufacturing plants in Bulacan, Cebu, Davao and Misamis Oriental. It is scheduled to launch a seventh plant this year in Compostela, Cebu. The new plant is expected to increase its output to 3 million metric tons of steel rebars yearly from 2 million metric tons.

SteelAsia, which is said to be the country’s largest steel manufacturer, has been investing to increase local steel self-reliance and cut import dependence.

Direct-sale model comes for middlemen in produce trade

BW FILE PHOTO

By Patricia B. Mirasol, Reporter

MARKET forces are a cruel master, forcing economic actors to be efficient enough to thrive even when prices are low. Sometimes, however, they fall too low for most producers to earn a decent living. And that is where organizations like Rural Rising Philippines (RuRi) step in.

RuRi, a self-described “accidental advocacy,” has dedicated itself to the proposition that farm produce is unfairly priced, and that direct purchasing at higher prices and a distribution model light on middlemen might hold the key to a future where everyone in the supply chain benefits. 

The husband-and-wife team that runs RuRi intended to give farmers enough leverage “to stand up to middlemen,” according to co-founder Ace C. Estrada. “Now they say, ‘Oh, Rural Rising pays us this much.’”

Mr. Estrada and wife Andie sell the produce they pick up at higher-than-market prices via a 38,000-member Facebook group, and to 174,000 followers on the RuRi Facebook page.

The enterprise was inspired by news stories during the height of the lockdown in 2020 about farmers forced to throw their produce away because of a lack of buyers.

RuRi supporters “are entranced by the stories of the farmers,” Mr. Estrada said in an e-mail. “We reveal the names of people and places where we get (the produce). This transparency inspires members to help more, because they are now not just buying vegetables but… (also) buying the opportunity to help.” 

The social enterprise purchases produce from farmers from Luzon and parts of the Visayas, including Leyte and Antique.

A farmer from Zambales, for instance, attested to the sale of three tons of sweet potatoes to RuRi for P35 per kilo. Middlemen would have paid P9 per kilo, the farmer told Mr. Estrada.

The inefficiency of transport in rural areas and the fragmented nature of small farms means middlemen have stepped in to consolidate the harvests and transport them to markets. The cut they take at each stage means that squash that sells for P4 at the farmgate will be priced at P50 by the time it reaches a public market in Metro Manila. 

Middlemen are “not necessarily evil,” Mr. Estrada said. “But there should be price regulation.”

TULFO NG AGRI
For his efforts, Mr. Estrada has been called the “Tulfo ng Agri,” a reference to Senator Rafael T. Tulfo’s public affairs show that aids people victimized by fraud and exploitation. 

The problem of the farmers is also an inability to see opportunity in large harvests, he told BusinessWorld.

“We tell them to be entrepreneurial,” he said. “They come to us ‘pag nagtatapon na sila (when they are about to dispose of produce). It’s always, ‘Sir, nagtapon po kami ng (we discarded) four tons.’ It’s never, ‘We are about to harvest in two weeks.’”

One of the latest purchases is from an Aglipay, Quirino province farmer who was able to bring his ripening Japanese sweet potatoes (bintong) to RuRi’s truck in Nueva Vizcaya — right before it had to travel back to Manila.

Prior to RuRi, Mr. Estrada ran a coding bootcamp in Baguio. The IT worldview of dealing with constant disruption gave him a taste for disrupting agriculture, which he considers riddled with “vested interests.”

“Ano ’yung product na political, or laging pinag-uusapan sa Senado (What product is political and always being discussed in the Senate)?” he asked. “May (There are) vested interests to protect.”

“Some products are more dangerous to handle than others, so we stay away from that,” he said, adding that he has received threats as a result of his work.

Future plans include the opening of stores akin to mini-versions of a Food Terminal, Inc., a center for receiving produce from the hinterlands to systematize urban food distribution.

The founders also aim to develop RuRi as a corporation, and make group members and farmers part owners.

Making farmers shareholders will give them another source of income apart from farming, Mr. Estrada said.

“Members can buy shares for a farmer and donate it to him, to inspire him to continue to contribute — both as a producer and an owner,” he added.

Tuxedos and jumpsuits: menswear dazzles on awards season red carpets

EDDIE REDMAYNE attends the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, US, Feb. 26. — REUTERS/AUDE GUERRUCCI
EDDIE REDMAYNE attends the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California, US, Feb. 26. — REUTERS/AUDE GUERRUCCI

LONDON — From classic tuxedos to shiny jumpsuits, menswear has dazzled on the red carpets this awards season, sometimes even attracting the most attention with eye-catching looks.

Singer Harry Styles arrived at the Grammy Awards in a chest-baring sparkling harlequin jumpsuit, while Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan has chosen ensembles in pale blue and red as his style choices for the Golden Globes and British Academy of Film (BAFTA) Awards.

While classic suits and tuxedos are still a red-carpet staple, menswear now features plenty of variety and bolder choices — vibrant colors, sparkling embroidery or detailing, as fashion favorite, actor Timothee Chalamet has often demonstrated with his non-traditional outfits.

“There is more of an expectation now than perhaps traditionally… definitely more then there would have been 20 or 30 years ago (when it was) much more kind of pre-ordained what guys would be wearing to ceremonies,” Charlie Teasdale, style director of men’s magazine Esquire UK, told Reuters.

“Now it’s much more of a guessing game.”

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne has won style accolades for his red-carpet choices this awards season, which culminates with Sunday’s Oscars. His looks have included an all-brown suit decorated with a large flower, a black jumpsuit, and high-waisted black trousers paired with a white shirt bearing a massive bow at the neck.

In some instances, ties have been loosened or dropped altogether — actor Andrew Garfield sported a more open-neck look in a dark orange suit for the Globes, while Donald Glover chose white silky pajamas under a black jacket for the same event.

“Lots of the guys that you’re seeing at ceremonies, it’s a place where people really see trends that might be appearing over the next year or two, or even shorter,” Mr. Teasdale said.

“Menswear in that sense, particularly on the red carpet has become super exciting particularly in the last few years, just because you never quite know what is going to happen and it is so influential.”

Mr. Teasdale distinguished between film and music ceremonies, such as the Grammys and BRIT Awards, with the former like the BAFTAs featuring more classic tailored suits, and the latter showcasing more daring looks.

Men’s accessories this season have included shiny lapel jewelry worn by the likes of actors Rege-Jean Page and Rami Malek, diamond-encrusted sunglasses favored by music star Pharrell Williams at the Grammys as well as clutch bags.

Asked what she thought of men’s fashion this award season, Oscar nominee Michelle Yeoh told Reuters last month: “I love it.”

“It’s like men are allowed to have color and to be bold and beautiful and stunning or whatever they want.” — Reuters

J&T Express turns 4

PHOTO FROM J&T EXPRESS PHILIPPINES

EXPRESS DELIVERY service provider J&T Express celebrates its fourth year in the country, and reports that it now boasts “expansive nationwide coverage — with most e-commerce platforms (with) MSMEs putting it on top of their lists as their chosen courier.”

Said J&T Express Philippines President and CEO Dean Ding in a company release, “The difficulties and trials we faced are not to be feared; we take these as opportunities and a driving force for progress. With the normalization of the pandemic, online shopping has become the choice of more customers as the company ushered in new development. We seized the opportunity to continue making broader partnerships with large e-commerce platforms, and we actively support double-day and payday promotions.”

The firm now has over 2,500 branches, close to 50,000 service personnel, and more than 2,000 owned trucks and vehicles. Mr. Ding promised to “continue and improve (the) express delivery service, and (to) invest in more advanced technologies and equipment to improve timeliness.”

This March, J&T Express also launched “Jet Care” for all of its employees. The program, which started in Indonesia in 2017, offers financial assistance to help its employees who are experiencing difficulties in life — such as a critical illness or education. J&T Express will provide help, which comes from the company’s funds and donations from management.

Biofertilizer shift to benefit from expertise in state universities

ATLASFERTILIZER.COM

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera

A SHIFT to biofertilizer will allow users to tap an extensive array of know-how residing in state universities and research agencies, a government researcher said.

“I think we have a solid technological base on which we can build a biofertilizer program,” according to Roehlano M. Briones, senior research fellow from the Philippine Institute of Philippine Studies, speaking by phone to BusinessWorld.

The government has ordered greater use of biofertilizer as an import-replacement strategy, following the disruption in the fertilizer market in the wake of the Ukraine war.

“Definitely, there is a large scope for replacement in the medium to long term. That is why, if you want to realize that in the next five years, you have to start now,” Mr. Briones said.

Mr. Briones said that most of the chemical fertilizers used in the Philippines are imported.

Chemical fertilizers require synthesizing major nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, using intensive industrial processes.

He said urea — a white crystalline compound containing nitrogen — uses ammonium as raw material.

“You draw in nitrogen from the atmosphere using the Haber-Bosch Process. Very intensive in use of chemical reactions,” he said.

Biofertilizer, on the other hand, uses crop residue or animal manure enriched with microorganisms using biological processes.

Mr. Briones added that there is no current standard process for producing biofertilizer, because there are many varieties.

Manure-based fertilizer, he said, can be sourced from livestock farms and produced using a biodigester, in which the raw material will undergo anaerobic composition to become a slurry, which then can be used as a fertilizer.

“For overall soil health and long-term sustainability of your agricultural production, biofertilizer is more favorable. There is also an additional benefit, and it is very important (in addressing) climate change,” he said.

He noted that biofertilizer-treated soil can store more carbon, which can mitigate greenhouse gases.

Marlon B. Deblois, a senior agriculturist with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, said the yield performance of biofertilizer varies widely, depending on the area treated or the season in which it is used. 

“Biofertilizers give off different nutrients (depending on the) microorganism,” he told BusinessWorld by telephone.

Mr. Briones said biofertilizer must also be used in conjunction with other fertilizers, though supplementation with biofertilizer means that “At least you can replace a lot of chemical fertilizer.”

The Philippine Rice Research Institute, recommends using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer, which it calculates can save farmers P2,000-P4,000 per hectare, depending on the amounts used, timing, and type of fertilizer employed.

According to Danilo H. Ramos, who chairs the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), a bag of urea currently costs at least P2,000.

“I heard from our scientists that it is indeed possible as long as there is political will and a program from the government, not rely on foreign inputs,” he told BusinessWorld.

He said farmers have been sustaining losses even before the fertilizer crisis. He cited a 2019 KMP case study in Nueva Ecija estimating the cost of production at P69,000 per hectare, when a bag of urea cost only P800.

He also said any impact from using biofertilizer could be offset by the ongoing government push in favor of hybrid rice seeds.

According to Mr. Ramos, hybrid varieties are expensive and cannot be used for the succeeding cropping season. They are also fertilizer and pesticide-intensive, which keeps farmers in debt.

Treasury bill, bond rates seen to move sideways

BW FILE PHOTO

RATES of Treasury bills (T-bills) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds) may move sideways due to US economic data that could affect the US Federal Reserve’s next policy move.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) will auction off P15 billion in T-bills on Monday, made up of P5 billion each in 91-, 182-, and 364-day papers.

On Tuesday, it will offer P25 billion in reissued 25-year T-bonds that have a remaining life of 12 years and six months.

A trader said the T-bills will trade sideways this week, with the BTr expected to reject some bids again.

Meanwhile, the T-bonds may fetch rates of 6.35% to 6.5%, with the maturity of five-year bonds last week and US data to affect the range.

The trader said US economic data could impact the Fed’s next move, which could likewise affect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy decision this month.

“US labor data and February US CPI (consumer price index) would have a larger say in defrosting local risk appetite, assuming their updates do not pose upside surprises,” Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion likewise said in a report.

The US Labor department on Friday said nonfarm payrolls increased by 311,000 jobs in February, Reuters reported.

US unemployment growth also hit 3.6%, slower than January’s 3.4% which was the lowest since May 1969.

However, average hourly earnings only increased by 0.2% last month, compared with 0.3% in January. This lowered the year-on-year increase in wages to 4.6% from 4.4% in January.

Meanwhile, February US CPI data will be released on March 14, Tuesday.

US consumer inflation increased 0.5% in January after gaining 0.1% in December. In the 12 months through January, the CPI increased 6.4%.

The inflation report will be the last major data to be released before the Fed’s next policy meeting on March 21-22.

The US central bank hiked its target interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) at its Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 meeting to a range between 4.5% and 4.75%.

Since March 2022, the Fed has raised rates by a total of 450 bps.

Meanwhile, the BSP will hold its own policy review on March 23.

The Philippine central bank last month hiked benchmark interest rates by 50 bps, bringing the key rate to 6%. The move brought cumulative increases since May 2022 to 400 bps.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message that T-bill rates could track secondary market movements.

At the secondary market on Friday, the 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-bills went up by 9.42 basis points (bps), 15.31 bps, and 10.74 bps week on week to end at 4.7112, 5.3295%, and 5.7163%, respectively, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates data published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

“The upcoming 13-year Treasury bond auction yield could be close to the comparable 12-year PHP BVAL yield currently at 6.41% as of March 10, 2023,” Mr. Ricafort said.

“Lower long-term PHP BVAL yields could also be due to the P76.8-billion five-year Treasury bonds that matured on March 8,” he added.

Last week, the BTr raised just P9.705 billion from its offering of T-bills, lower than the P15-billion program, as rates climbed across the board.

Broken down, the Treasury made a partial P2.455-billion award of the 91-day T-bills versus the P5-billion program, despite tenders reaching P5.712 billion. The average rate of the three-month paper rose by 17.3 bps to 4.586%. Accepted rates ranged from 4.53% to 4.65%.

The government likewise borrowed just P2.25 billion via the 182-day securities, lower than the P5-billion plan, even as demand for the tenor reached P6.8 billion. The six-month T-bill was quoted at an average rate of 5.378%, rising by 20.1 bps, with the BTr only accepting offers with yields of 5.378%.

Meanwhile, the BTr made a full P5-billion award of the 364-day debt papers as bids for the tenor reached P8.157 billion. The average rate of the one-year paper climbed by 13 bps to 5.707%. Accepted yields were from 5.65% to 5.743%.

On the other hand, the reissued 25-year T-bonds to be auctioned off on Tuesday were last offered on Jan. 10, where the government raised the programmed P35 billion. The bonds fetched an average rate of 7.182%, with accepted rates at 7.125% to 7.23%.

The Treasury wants to raise P200 billion from the domestic market this month, or P75 billion via T-bills and P125 billion via T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to finance its budget deficit, which is capped at 6.1% of gross domestic product this year. — A.M.C. Sy

Style (03/13/23)

UNIQLO’s A Sporting Way of Life collection collaboration with JW Anderson

Uniqlo and JW Anderson collaborate

GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo will launch on March 24 the A Sporting Way of Life collection, a collaboration with JW Anderson. The Spring/Summer 2023 range reinterprets quintessential British style through JW Anderson’s elegant and playful lens, taking inspiration from the traditional sports of British universities. “This season reworks our idea of classic sportswear, such as a traditional cricket cardigan alongside sports leggings or hand-drawn traditional British sporting team motifs on utility shorts and more traditional knitted polo shirts,” Creative Director Jonathan Anderson is quoted as saying in a statement. The collection includes a women’s Cricket Cardigan with athletic uniform-inspired lines, in a light cotton-linen blend, as well as women’s and men’s AirSense Blazers, which feature for the first time in the collaboration line. The collection reimagines these iconic British preppy items in the innovative lightweight, stretchy, quick-dry fabric, finished with the original JW Anderson logo button. Several items also double as sportswear including a tennis-inspired Pleated Mini Skirt, leggings in the soft, quick-drying fabric of AIRism, and Cropped Bra Sleeveless Top, and a UV Protection Parka in lightweight nylon, with JW Anderson’s offbeat color blocking. The lineup — 15 items for women and 10 for men and two accessory items — will be available at Uniqlo stores nationwide and on UNIQLO.com/ph, although some items will only be available in select stores.

Beauty procedures available in FamilyMart ‘speakeasy’

THERE’S more than just the regular convenience store fare in one FamilyMart outlet as it also offers facials, glutathione drips, and diamond peel treatments, among others. The beautifying procedures will be available at the aesthetics center tucked in the back of the store like a speakeasy. “We want to offer a different level of convenience and a unique experience to our customers because we want them to make the most out of every visit. Aside from achieving their beauty goals through our treatments, they can also take advantage of the extensive offers of FamilyMart,” said KAS Aesthetics, Inc. president Sarah Lim-Sanchez in a statement. Located on the ground floor of Udenna Tower on the corner of Rizal Drive and 4th Ave. in BGC, Taguig, the KAS Aesthetic Lounge recently opened with a full menu of face and body treatments, including a range of slimming procedures, laser hair removal, facials, and whitening drips. With its unique location, KAS customers who want more privacy can enter the convenience store, and discreetly make their way to the back where the clinic is located. Since FamilyMart also offers a full menu of Japanese favorites such as onigiri, ramen, and donburi, clients may opt to have a meal before or after their clinic appointments. A full range of hot and iced coffee drinks under the FamilyMart Coffee Creations line can also be enjoyed in the store’s dining area. While FamilyMart Udenna is open 24/7, KAS Aesthetic Lounge is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays to Sundays. As a special opening promo, a limited number of customers can enjoy a 50% discount on select procedures, or avail of 5+1 deals on packages. Appointments can be made via 0916-603-8355. For more information, contact the KAS Aesthetic Lounge via their Facebook page facebook.com/kasaestheticlounge/.

POP QC bazaar at Gateway Mall

IN CELEBRATION of Women’s Month, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social development arm of the Araneta Group, has partnered with the local government of Quezon City to promote women entrepreneurs through a bazaar. The Proudly Original Products of Quezon City (POP QC) bazaar will be held from March 17 to 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the ground floor of the Gateway Mall in Araneta City, QC. The three-day event will feature nine groups of women entrepreneurs with interesting products like clothes, bags, and some personally crafted items. Officials from Araneta City and Quezon City government, along with the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates and Quezon City Symphonic Band, will take part in the opening of the bazaar on March 17 at 10:30 a.m. The bazaar is made possible by the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperative Development Promotions Office, J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Gateway Mall and Araneta City.

Gap promo on spring blooms collection

GAP is offering modern and optimistic designs for Men, Women, kids and babies alike with its floral prints for spring. To celebrate the season, the following offers are being made for the entire family this March. VIPs can enjoy 50% off on kids and baby items and 30% off on adult items for a week from March 13-19. The general public can avail Buy 1 Get 1 on Kids and Baby Styles and 20% off on adult regular items from March 17-19. Meanwhile, in celebration of Disney’s 100th year this 2023, a limited collection will be available to celebrate this milestone. Gap has stores at Glorietta 4, Shangri-la Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, Abreeza, Davao and Alabang Town Center (adult styles only). Customers can also shop online at gap.com.ph.

Bazaars and more for summer at Shangri-La Plaza

SHANGRI-LA Plaza mall creates an Ode to Summer as it presents shopping, dining, and creative activities to fill the entire month of March and provide a taste of what’s ahead for the sunniest season of the year. Rustan’s will showcase its must-have fashion fits and accessories for women and kids on March 13-19 with the Summer Town Fair at the Grand Atrium. Toys R US will have the Kids of Summer bazaar on March 28-April 2 at the Grand Atrium. This month the mall will also see the openings of stores from global fashion brand United Colors of Benetton, local jeweler Manila Diamond Studio, and toy brand LEGO. To marks National Women’s Month, The Artologist Gallery presents the first solo exhibition of sculptor Karen Castrillo-Villaseñor, Glamorosa, at the East Atrium until March 19. The collection is composed of copper artworks depicting the beauty and strength of women. Ikebana Manila will have an exhibit of the traditional Japanese flower arrangements at the Grand Atrium on March 21-26. Author Francis Kong is launching an open dated planner with National Bookstore on March 29, 6 p.m., at the East Atrium. More restaurants are joining Shang’s extensive list of eateries including The Manila Baker, known for its Basque burnt cheesecake; Illo’s Buffet, known for its party trays; and Teppanya, popular for its fiery Japanese modern cuisineg. More Bistro Group brands are also opening including seafood spot Fish & Co, Korean BBQ resto Bulgogi Brothers, and American food go-to TGI Fridays. Shang’s Food Forum will also be hosting a series of food bazaars all weekends of March. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Levi’s names NewJeans its global ambassadors

IN CELEBRATION of the 150th anniversary of Levi’s 501 jeans, the brand has named South Korean K-pop girl group NewJeans, as its new global ambassadors. The year-long partnership — spanning Spring/Summer ’23 and Autumn/Winter ’23 — will include a new campaign featuring the brand as well as concerts and appearances. The all-girl group NewJeans broke out with the buzzy music video for their debut single “Attention,” followed up by bold singles “Hype Boy” and “Cookie” from their self-titled debut EP. Their following singles, “Ditto” and “OMG” entered the Billboard Hot 100 while further expanding their sound. In addition to their music, NewJeans has earned fans worldwide for their innovative aesthetics. Known for their Y2K-inspired fashion mixed with modern trends, NewJeans’ name refers to their aspirations to become timeless icons of a new era, like jeans, that people never become tired of putting on. No jeans have been more timeless than Levi’s 501 Originals.  To kick off the partnership, Levi’s will be releasing a brand campaign featuring NewJeans that celebrates the group’s positive energy and each member’s unique personality all while wearing items from the upcoming Levi’s® Spring/Summer 2023 collection. The group can be seen sporting the 501 ’81 and 501 Original as well as Levi’s T-shirts, denim shirts, and truckers. Additionally, NewJeans will celebrate 501 Day on May 20 – the date in 1873 when Levi Strauss & Co. was granted a patent on the process of riveting pants – in Seoul with a live performance.

New PIAA LPX Sport Lamp series now here

Off-roaders are fitted with new PIAA LPX Sport Lamp products. — PHOTO FROM PIAA PHILIPPINES

PIAA PHILIPPINES reports that the new PIAA LPX Sport Lamp series is now available in the country. LPX Sport Lamps come with “an intricately more rugged aesthetic and brighter illumination to satisfy the outdoor lifestyle image of off-roading and overlanding aficionados… and is perfect for any outdoor adventure,” said the company in a release.

The lamps are positioned as tough — offering superior lighting capabilities. The LPX 590 nine-inch round lamps are given a powerful set of 32 LED bulbs, while the LPX 570 seven-inch lamps feature 16 LED bulbs. Both sizes produce a color output of 5,500 Kelvin and each has a built-in DRL rim — giving the driver flexibility, depending on how much road lighting is required.

The LPX 570 seven-inch lamp is also available in a 2,500-Kelvin yellow driving beam. For added protection, the LPX lamps are fitted with a removable stone guard grille. As part of its safety requirements, the PIAA LPX Lamp series comes with a certification that it meets global ECE regulation standards. For more information, check out the PIAA Philippines Facebook (PIAA.PH) and Instagram (@piaa.ph_official) accounts.

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