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The ageless beauty of mid-century furniture

IF one imagines a snapshot of mid-century perfection, it’s impossible to do it without Fritz Hansen in the picture.

On Oct. 6, the Fritz Hansen Manila Lounge in BGC reopened after renovation, right in time for the brand’s 150th anniversary this month. The Danish furniture company is known for its collaborations with very influential designers (like Arne Jacobsen) resulting in classics like The Egg Chair and its sister, the Swan.

For the reopening, Dario Reicherl, CEO for Fritz Hansen Asia, sat down with BusinessWorld behind one of the desks the company makes. Checking out Mr. Reicherl’s Instagram page, we saw the enthusiasm with which Fritz Hansen is regarded in Korea, a market they entered in 2015. In seven years, they’ve managed to open 22 stores there. “I believe the future in the next 50 years is absolutely here in Asia. It’s in the East, not in the West,” he said.

“The values of Fritz Hansen are perfect almost for any place in the world,” he said. “We’re talking about something that doesn’t age. If something is beautiful now and it’s beautiful 100 years later, that doesn’t matter if you’re in the East or in the West. It’s for everybody.”

Mr. Reicherl comments about its mid-century pieces, that have arguably set its place in culture. To this day, the Egg and the Swan have been copied, seen in media, or at least used as reference to pieces we use to this day. “It’s just that the ’50s, design-wise, is the most important period in the history of modern design. Not just for us, but for everybody,” he said, pointing out that they have produced influential work before that, and that they continue to produce pieces to this day.

FORM AND FUNCTION
Furniture stores sell more than just objects to sit, or eat on. What they sell are plans and tools on how one lives life. “It’s an emotional connection. It’s not about if it’s comfortable, or beautiful. That is of course, important. You’ve got to use a chair or a table,” he said.

“The brand represents something. It has actually very little to do with furniture. It represents honesty, family, and believing in what you do.”

It’s often been argued that form should follow function, a philosophy taken from the Bauhaus school. But Mr. Reicherl disagrees with this. “Nothing is comfortable from Bauhaus. Even the architecture of Bauhaus is quite scary, or even terrifying to me,” he said.

“Form versus function doesn’t apply anymore, at all. It’s a matter of balancing these two things, and it should be almost a 50/50. You want to have something that is beautiful, and comfortable, and functional.”

GEOGRAPHY AND STABILITY
Mr. Reicherl talked about the uniqueness of Danish design, which takes off from geography, and compared it to the design approach of Italy, his own country of origin. “Danish design is unique because the Danish have very, very little resources. I’m talking about natural resources. Very small piece of land. There’s no agriculture, there is no oil or gas. It’s basically nothing.

“They have to be very creative and smart. With so little, they have to make something out of it. They’ve been challenged from the time of the Vikings,” he said. “The Italians, we have not been challenged at all. We grow up very lucky: natural resources, mountains, beaches, the weather — everything grows. Up there, it’s more difficult.

“Geography helps a lot.”

More than that, he comments that the stability of European societies becomes reflective in the things they make. “It doesn’t mean that Europe is better than Asia, or better than the US. It’s just that there’s a slow pace in Europe. The way life goes on in Europe is very stable. There’s a very large middle class. Your employees most probably stay with you until they retire. You can train them. You can invest in them, to improve their skills, and have a career within your company. Having a high retention rate of your employees definitely helps you improve and keep your quality standard. That person has been doing that job for many years.”

HUMAN OBJECTS
Some of the objects we own will outlive us. When we turn again to dust, the things we leave behind will tell a part of our stories. “Objects are the expression of our creativity,” said Mr. Reicherl. “We make objects. If an object is designed by a computer and made by a robot, I don’t think that will matter (so much). But even if an object is produced by a machine, like a phone, it’s still designed by people.

“It matters because there’s another human being who tried to make something to improve my daily life,” he said. “Good design makes people happy.”

The Fritz Hansen Manila Lounge is located at Studio Dimensione, G/F One Parkade, 28th Street corner 7th Avenue, BGC, Taguig. — Joseph L. Garcia

Mars Wrigley to invest $2M yearly in next 3-4 years

CONFECTIONERY manufacturer Mars Wrigley is aiming to invest $2 million annually for the next three to four years in a bid to improve the production and sustainability of its factory in Antipolo City.

Fernando del Castillo, Mars Wrigley’s Antipolo factory director, said in an interview on the sidelines of a facility tour last week that the company is aiming to improve the competitiveness of its production.

“We’re spending $2 million this year and next year we’re also spending $2 million. We are spending $2 million [annually] for the next three to four years. We want to make sure that we have a competitive factory here in the Philippines, that we are growing and employing more people,” he said.

According to Mr. del Castillo, the investments are eyed to improve the safety and sustainability of the factory’s production.

“We have a vision for the next three to five years. A lot of the investment that we’re doing is into improving technology around safety — improving the equipment when it comes to quality and food safety to level up. It also has a big focus on accelerating sustainability initiatives such as our biomass project [and] improved chillers,” he said.

Mars Wrigley is aiming to begin the operation of its biomass boiler project by October next year, which will allow its Antipolo factory to become fully powered by thermal renewable energy.

Mr. del Castillo said the Antipolo factory is currently at 70% production capacity and is looking at new opportunities to increase the factory’s output. He declined to provide specific numbers on the company’s plan to boost production capacity.

The Antipolo factory is capable of producing 30 tons of various products. The factory currently produces gum brands such as Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, and Cool Air.

“We’re about 70% production capacity at the moment [in the Antipolo factory]. We still have lots of opportunity for additional volume,” Mr. del Castillo said.

“Even with the new opportunities that we’re seeing, which is how do we bring up additional capabilities beyond what we’re already doing, I will be able to share about that more in the future,” he added. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Note: This article has been updated to reflect some changes requested by the company.

State of charge

Formally opening the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (EVS) are (from left) Nissan Philippines General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund Araga, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, Department of Energy Director Patrick Aquino, Congressman Juan Miguel Arroyo’s Chief-of-Staff Erwin Santos, and Meralco First Vice-President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond Ravelo. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

The 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit shows that the industry has come so far, but there’s still quite a ways to go

AFTER TWO years of online editions, the yearly showcase and forum that is the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (EVS) returned to a physical staging in a big way — back at the SMX Convention Center with a whole lot of electric eye candy and, more importantly, big ideas and updates.

A motorcade of electric vehicles signaled the start of the two-day affair last Thursday, with Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) Chairman Ferdi Raquelsantos himself leading the line of electric vehicles (EVs) from various brands.

While the clarion call to encourage public and private sectors to push for EVs remained, much has changed since the last EVS, let alone its last physical holding. EVAP noted how the summit comes “a month after the implementing rules and regulations of the recently enacted Republic Act No. 11697 took effect.” More commonly known as the EVIDA (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act), the law gives wings to the aspiration for greater EV adoption in the country through both incentives and policy guidelines. For instance, the law requires private and government organizations to make five percent of their fleets electric. In a release, EVAP added that “(EVIDA) also paves the way for (the) allocation of parking slots (for) EVs, installation of charging solutions in parking lots and gasoline stations, and designation of green routes in cities and municipalities.”

Said EVAP President Edmund Araga, “Now that the implementing rules and regulations of EVIDA are set, we count on public and private sectors to work hand-in-hand to make the switch to EVs faster… Hence, our 10th summit theme goes, ‘United in Driving e-Mobility in Support of EVIDA.” During the opening ceremonies, EVAP also revealed its new logo, said to “symbolize the organization’s and the industry’s shift in focus into faster electro-mobility adoption backed by legislation.”

One of the quickest ways to adoption appears to be in the logistics sector. “Volume-wise, it will be commercial vehicles… four-wheels and six-wheeler trucks,” Mr. Araga said in a subsequent Q&A session with members of the media.

A contentious issue though are the different charging protocols or conventions, which may prove to be cumbersome or even a hindrance to the more widespread acceptance of EVs. Mr. Araga said that this is something that should be driven by the market demand. “It’s hard if we just promote one charging standard. The market should be the one to dictate.”

“For us, we really move for interoperability,” said Nissan Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido. “What we need to understand is that technology comes to the Philippines… from China, Japan, the US, Europe. It’s good to see them and not alienate any one of them… We’re trying to address range anxiety, so it becomes more inclusive if everyone can use them,” he added.

As for the local EV industry, Mr. Araga replied to my question about what needs to be done to grow it significantly. “This is something I told our other members as well,” he began. “What if we had a common platform, one design, one chassis? We’d be able to create volume.” By driving up volume, of course, the cost of production can then be lowered significantly — leading, hopefully, to a more accessible retail price.

EVAP Executive Director Manny Biona summarized the requirements for the development of the local industry in three words: “volume, cost, and quality,” namely, higher volume, uniformly good quality, and lower cost. “The priority is to bring down cost,” he emphasized.

Another idea to make EVs more accessible is if the country is able to develop its own electric motors, modules, and batteries. “This way, we can create and develop better (and more affordable) products in the market, like in Taiwan,” added Mr. Araga. Effective localization will, indeed, generate (pun intended) more business and greater adoption.

And while the government has “been listening to the EVAP on what can be done to address challenges,” the EVAP president said that an indispensable part of what is hoped to be the EV success story here is the availability of financing.

“We’ve talked with banks, but they still can’t seem to swallow the idea of EVs,” rued Mr. Araga in response to another question from this writer. “Yes, users buy with cash these days. But we need to help those who want to buy EVs for business. But what happens is that these get tucked into business loans, not vehicle loans. That, sadly, is the scenario now.”

To be honest, everyone needs to get on board the electric train if we really want to go places with it. Truly, it needs a full charge.

No stragglers allowed.

LRT-1 posts surge in riders, says operator LRMC

LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), saw a 139% increase in average weekday ridership in the third quarter, and the trend is expected to continue in the last quarter of the year, a company official said.

“For LRT-1, our average weekday ridership is already at 275,000 (average daily is 251,000) as of end Q3 (third quarter) 2022, which is a 139% increase from the same period last year,” LRMC Spokesperson Jacqueline S. Gorospe told BusinessWorld in a phone message on Friday last week.

She pointed out that last year, the National Capital Region was at the general community quarantine’s alert level 4 or strict mobility restrictions wherein public transport was only allowed to operate at 30% occupancy.

Asked if LRT-1 has reached or surpassed its pre-pandemic level of ridership, she said: “We have not reached or surpassed pre-pandemic level yet, but we expect a consistent increase in ridership trend this Q4 (fourth quarter).” She cited sustained alert level 1 status that allows “more onsite events and gatherings in light of the holiday season, and resumption of face-to-face classes in public schools.”

At the same time, she said that LRT-1’s record number of riders in a day of 300,000 was breached in October.

LRMC recorded a net loss of P329 million for the first six months of the year despite higher revenues amid the easing of travel restrictions.

But the railway company trimmed its net loss for the period from a loss of P402 million in 2021, according to its parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

This is “despite the 41% increase in revenues due to the start of amortization of concession asset and interest costs on the existing rail system,” the listed company said in a recent report.

First-half farebox revenues increased to P767 million from P543 million previously.

Expenses for the period climbed 20% to P1.09 billion from P906 million in the same period a year ago.

“Average daily ridership rose 52% to 185,012 compared with 121,683 a year earlier, with the allowed operating capacity lifted to 70% in November 2021 and further to 100% in March 2022,” MPIC said.

MPIC is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Style (10/24/22)

FUTURISTIC living room

Interior design students hold exhibit

INTERIOR design students from some top schools are presenting their fresh ideas for city living until Oct. 27 at the East Atrium of the Shangri-La Plaza mall. The “Urban Sanctuary” home exhibition features the contemporary design ideas of the current crop of interior design students from leading schools University of Sto. Tomas (UST), De La Salle-College of. St. Benilde (CSB), and SoFA Design Institute (SoFA). Enabled by participating brands of the Shang, these young designers are presenting fresh new ideas to maximize living spaces with impactful design choices. UST sophomore students are presenting a living room concept that cleverly pulls off an intimate and cozy space that’s as functional and efficient as one would want it to be. It is all about aligning with the needs of an urban home by maximizing functionality of areas with more limited spaces. Aptly called “Transcendent Living,” CSB students’ dining and kitchen vignette is a convergence of natural and industrial elements like marble, suede, leather, metal, glass, and ceramic carefully selected to emphasize the space’s main function — as an area where people cook, dine, and commune. Students from SoFA tackle the master’s bedroom not only as a space for rest, but also as a sanctuary for growth and productivity. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Christmas decors at Araneta City’s Parolan bazaar

A TRADITION in the Philippines is to start adorning houses and establishments with bright and colorful Christmas decorations as early as September. Those looking for affordable decor can score a bargain at Parolan, the one-stop bazaar for Yuletide decor and ornaments in Araneta City in Quezon City. Located at Farmers Market Parking Area (just beside Farmers Garden), Parolan offers an array of decor needs for the holiday: colorful giant lanterns made from local materials, Christmas lights, shimmering garlands, Christmas balls, and other tree ornaments, among others. There are also food stalls where families and friends may have a taste of Filipino street food and holiday delicacies like puto bumbong and bibingka. Parolan is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is just a few blocks away from the variety of shopping malls in Araneta City — Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and SM Araneta City.

Streetwear designer makes watch strap

SINGAPOREAN streetwear designer Mark Ong, a.k.a. Mr. Sabotage, has created a limited-edition watch strap set for IWC Schaffhausen. The calfskin strap is available in two different widths and features the green camouflage pattern which has become the visual trademark of the Singaporean’s sneaker customization and streetwear label, SBTG. The IWC x SBTG special edition strap can be fitted on various IWC Pilot’s Watches, including the Big Pilot’s Watch 43, Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, and Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII and XX. The strap sets became available in limited quantities on IWC.com on Oct. 20. Selected IWC boutiques will have the straps available on site to try-on.

Uniqlo’s Fall and winter collections

GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo will launch the Uniqlo and Mame Kurogouchi 2022 Fall/Winter Collection on Nov. 11. Established by designer Maiko Kurogouchi, the Mame Kurogouchi fashion brand is known for timeless designs and the use of innovative materials. This fourth collaboration line offers skin comfort from new materials created with leading-edge technologies. The new Heattech wool blend material developed from yarn especially for this collection provides a warm feel in a thinness suitable for layering. It features crew neck and turtleneck T-shirts with curved bottom edges, as well as leggings to complete the outfit. A newly launched silk blend Heattech provides an even smoother feel against the skin, used in the sleeveless tops and bra T-shirts that directly contact the skin to add comfort to winter outfits. Newly added to the line, Body Shaper Shorts gently sculpt the body with soft comfort. The expanded line of items includes bustiers and shorts in soft 3D souffle yarn, as well as refined see-through Heattech tights and socks in deep khaki. The full line will be available at the Uniqlo Manila Flagship Store, Uniqlo SM Megamall, and the uniqlo.com online store (https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/collaboration/mamekurogouchi/22fw/). Meanwhile, Uniqlo is also introducing its line of travel essentials, a variety of comfortable, high-quality, and innovative clothing for all types of travel, whether trips are long or short, to warm destinations or cold. Among the items are a women’s Ultra Light Down Parka (P3,990) which despite its thick quilting, is ultra-light which makes it easy to pack and carry, with a pocketable design and its own carrying bag; Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full Zip Long Sleeve Jacket (P1,490) for women, an updated design in 100% recycled fleece and even the zipper contains reused material; Woven Combination Puff Short Sleeve T-Shirt (P790) in a cropped-length and boxy silhouette; and Heattech Ultra Stretch High Rise Leggings Pants (P1,490) for women made with an ultra-stretch fabric and a warm brushed lining, with pocket size, stitch works, and button size designed for a pants-like look; a Men’s Smooth Jersey Lined Parka (P1,990) which features a glossy outer fabric and a jersey lining, in a regular fit with sleek shoulders and a cinched cut from the waist to the hem; a Men’s Sweat Long Sleeve Pullover Hoodie (P1,990), updated with weightier, smoother, and more durable sweat fabric, and a contoured hood; and a Men’s Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt (P590), updated in a looser fit. Uniqlo is offering offers and promotions for the whole month of October. For more information, follow Uniqlo Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

Steve Madden taps augmented reality

SHOE brand Steve Madden has launched a new and immersive augmented reality global campaign for Fall 2022, featuring TikTok star Bella Poarch, singer Latto, and actress Chloe Cherry stepping into a bold and psychedelic universe called Maddenwood, which is inspired by the Madden shoes they “audition” to become. “We’ve always been forward-thinking with a clear sense of the brand and our consumer. Maddenwood is the manifestation of that mindset at its most aspirational,” said designer Steve Madden in a statement, adding, “I’m a big movie buff and am fascinated by the whole idea of Hollywood. Here we are creating our own version of Hollywood the Madden way.” At the center of the campaign are three Maddenwood videos that blend a combination of retro references from Andy Warhol’s iconic “screen tests” of the 1960s to the low-fi aesthetics of the 1980s and ‘90s. Maddenwood ultimately explodes into a hi-fi animated world where the shoes represent the wearer’s most unapologetic version of themselves as exemplified in the videos featuring Poarch, Latto, and Cherry’s “auditions.” Through cutting edge augmented reality smartphone tech, consumers are brought into the heart of Maddenwood to experience the world Poarch, Latto, and Cherry find themselves in once slipping on a pair of Madden’s. The campaign expands to feature large-scale posters in key markets around the world that will immerse consumers into the trippy Maddenwood world through AR content activated by unique QR codes via their smartphone cameras. In the Philippines, Steve Madden is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and has stores at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Greenbelt 5, Trinoma, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson’s Manila, and online at Trunc.ph, Zalora, and Lazada.

First Shein pop-up store in PHL

GLOBAL fashion online hub Shein opened a weekend-long pop-up store at Ayala Malls Manila Bay recently. It was the first Shein pop-up in the country, following massively successful pop-ups all over Europe and the US. The three-day pop-up store’s launch was graced by Shein’s first Philippine ambassador, actress Belle Mariano. The three-day event drew guests to the mall activity center, and there was a fashion show hosted by Janeena Chan.

Hyundai enters compact MPV segment with Stargazer

PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

By Kap Maceda Aguila

LAST OCT. 19, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) opened the order books for a forthcoming vehicle to join its local portfolio. The Hyundai Stargazer, a seven-seater multipurpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured in Indonesia, is expected to compete in the highly competitive segment here.

In a release, HMPH said that the model, which debuted at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIS) in Jakarta last August, will be formally launched on Nov. 8. Of note: The Philippines is only the second territory to offer the Stargazer.

The model’s exterior styling particularly calls to mind its larger, previously launched Staria sibling. “Some people refer to it as the ‘baby Staria,’” said HMPH Assistant Manager of PR Section Carissa Castell to “Velocity.” And while the most affordable Staria people mover starts at P1.85 million, the Stargazer is expected to be more appealing to people looking at lower price points. HMPH said that the most affordable variant, the base 1.5 GL, will be priced from P998,000. There will be a total of three trims — the two others being the 1.5 GLS and 1.5 GLS Premium.

“Hyundai Motor really intends to set a benchmark in the segment. It looks nothing like your conventional MPV. This future-oriented style was intentional. We wanted to communicate the brand’s pioneering spirit,” continued Ms. Castell. The Stargazer gets a horizontal line of LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and positioning lamps in front, just above its Hyundai logo. A so-called one-curve silhouette is said to “optimize cabin height” while simultaneously improving aerodynamics by curbing wind drag — leading to “a smoother ride and better fuel economy.”

The variant that “Velocity” recently previewed (the top-spec GLS Premium) rides on 16-inch dual-tone alloys, and boasts chrome-colored door handles, power-folding and adjusting side view mirrors, and doors that unlock without having to fiddle with a key fob (as long as it’s in the driver’s pocket or bag).

The design of the front fascia also takes on an H design, and the grille is fringed by uniquely shaped LED headlamp clusters, below which are halogen foglamps. The rear is similarly marked by an H design through the lights in the rear; a high-mount brake lamp enhances visibility and safety. The GLS models receive a shark fin antenna.

The Stargazer has 185 millimeters of ground clearance, and stretches 4.46 meters from front to back. On its sides are sharp, angular creases which aid to heighten the dynamic, futuristic design of the vehicle.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine generating a maximum of 113hp at 6,300rpm and 144Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The driver accesses the output via an intelligent variable transmission (IVT), which is similar to a CVT system.

HMPH pointed out that the Stargazer has the longest-in-class wheelbase — translating into more generous space in the second and third rows — on top of a flexible seating configuration.

Inside the cabin, the MPV’s seats are covered in leatherette for the GLS models and fabric for the GL. A center armrest is standard for the GLS trims as well, as are a seatback pocket and console box, plus a very useful seatback table with beverage holder. An eight-inch touchscreen display boasts Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and the infotainment system finds expression through four speakers and two tweeters.

In front of the driver is an all-digital instrument cluster platformed on a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen. To accommodate mobile device charging, there’s a port in the front row, and an additional two in the second row. Ms. Castell also suggested to check out a myriad of multifunctional storage spaces such as a hidden dashboard tray, and headrest bag hook.

All variants are equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system. “This includes, but is not limited to, collision avoidance, blind spot detection, tire pressure monitoring and rear occupant alert,” said HMPH.

“The share in the market of MPVs continues to increase year on year,” observed HMPH Managing Director Cecil Capacete. “And along with this growth are the evolving considerations when choosing the right one. As a brand, our focus on humanity is driven by our commitment to understand what people want in life so we can offer them an ownership journey that is meaningful and rewarding. Which is why Hyundai Motor is bringing in the Stargazer as it is not just a head-turner, but a game-changer. With the Stargazer we wish to set a new benchmark in its segment. We recognize the emergence of the modern lifestyle and needs among Filipino families. And we intend to address these through our future-oriented design, top-of-class advanced safety and technological systems and unmatched driver and passenger comfort.”

The Hyundai Stargazer will be publicly launched on Nov. 9 through Facebook (HyundaiMotorPhilippines). For more information, visit www.hyundai.com/ph/en/find-a-car/stargazer/highlights.

Davao de Oro targets poultry, coconut, logistics investments

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

DAVAO DE ORO province is trying to close on at least P500 million in agricultural investment leads during its annual business forum on Oct. 25-26, with the focus on poultry, coconut, and transport and logistics.

Trade and Industry Provincial Director Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said the province is promoting poultry raising in communities as the first dressing plant in the province is now under construction.

“We recently (broke ground for) the multimillion poultry dressing plant and we will be highlighting that because we want to encourage the residents of Davao de Oro to go into poultry raising,” he said at the Habi at Kape forum last week.

The P135-million dressing plant is located in a 12-hectare site in Monkayo. It is targeted for operation within a year from the groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 8. 

Poultry raisers in the province currently ship their goods more than 100 kilometers to Davao City’s dressing plants.

For coconut, Mr. Balleque said the conference will discuss the industry in line with the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, which will tap into a P75-billion fund.

He said some 150 coconut players are expected to attend and assist 250 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Aside from the coconut, we will be highlighting the transport and logistics sector because when we talk of the value chain, transport and logistics are very important components because we cannot move our products to the buyers,” he said.

This year’s Davao de Oro Investment Conference, which will be returning to full face-to-face format at the Montevista Sports Complex, is also seeking to generate about P150 million in sales for local products.

The province’s MSMEs products include chocolate, chili pepper, and banana, among others. — Maya M. Padillo

Netflix opens ‘immersive’ store for fans of popular shows

NETFLIX.COM

LOS ANGELES — Streaming giant Netflix has opened a Los Angeles store that it hopes will combine retail therapy with an “immersive” experience for fans of its popular Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game shows.

The store — open until early January — offers shoppers the chance to take photos alongside the iconic Young-hee animatronic doll with laser eyes from Squid Game and Queen Charlotte’s throne from period drama Bridgerton.

Costumes and props from the shows are also on display, including a guitar used by one of the main characters in Stranger Things. — Reuters

Maynilad cites ‘good faith, real efforts’ after SC ruling

MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. said the Supreme Court had seen the company’s good faith after the tribunal decided to cut the fines imposed on water concessionaires for non-compliance with the Clean Water Act.

“We are grateful that the Supreme Court has taken into consideration our good faith and real efforts to comply with the obligations of the Clean Water Act, as well as our legislative franchise to reduce the amount of our fine,” Maynilad Spokesperson Jennifer C. Rufo told BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Sunday.

In a regulatory filing on Friday, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said the Supreme Court affirmed an earlier decision that found the Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System (MWSS) and concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water Co. liable for violating Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act.

Manila Water has yet to respond to a request for comment.

The High Court also unanimously allowed to lower the fines imposed on the two concessionaires to P202.26 million from P921.46 million.

MPIC, the parent firm of Maynilad, also disclosed to the stock exchange that the SC decision affirmed that each of the concessionaires is jointly and severally liable for violating Section 8 in relation to Section 28 of the Clean Water Act.

In 2019, the SC said that Maynilad and Manila Water are each jointly liable with the MWSS to pay P921.46 million covering the period May 7, 2009 to Aug. 6, 2019, or the promulgation date of the decision.

In 2009, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources filed a complaint against MWSS and its concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, for their failure to provide, install, operate, and maintain adequate wastewater treatment facilities for the sewerage system, resulting in the degraded quality and beneficial use of the receiving bodies of water leading to Manila Bay.

Section 8 of the Clean Water Act mandates the connection of existing sewage lines in all subdivisions, condominiums, commercial centers and other establishments, including households, to an available sewerage system within five years from the law’s effectivity in 2004.

On Friday, shares in MPIC climbed by 3.14% to close at P3.61 each.

MPIC, which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

‘We’re targeting to sell around 500 units of the Stargazer in the first month’

Hyundai Motor Philippines Deputy General Manager for Marketing Mark Parulan

Hyundai Motor Philippines is confident about its new MPV

Interview by Kap Maceda Aguila

HYUNDAI MOTOR PHILIPPINES (HMPH) Deputy General Manager for Marketing Mark Parulan said that the company’s decision to bring in the Stargazer underscores the popularity of the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) format. “We realize that modern Filipino families are looking for a compact seven-seater MPV and we believe that it’s the perfect time to bring in the Stargazer,” he shared. Here are excerpts from our exclusive interview with the HMPH executive.

VELOCITY: What are the key value propositions that you feel will help the Stargazer thrive in a segment that is, yes, emerging, but is also already a highly competitive one?

MARK PARULAN: A lot of people have been calling the Stargazer a baby Staria, most especially with regard to its design. We feel that the Stargazer carries a lot of features that we feel are important to modern Filipinos. Apart from the design, we feel that space is very essential to buyers. The Stargazer is a spacious vehicle with flexible seating configurations that make it not just a people carrier but also one that can accommodate various kinds of loads of cargo. Apart from that, designers have incorporated a lot of safety systems that will keep you worry-free and safe throughout your drive.

It’s relevant to note that these days, people are always asking about supply because there is a lingering global supply chain issue and chip shortage. What’s the supply situation like for the Stargazer?

Starting Nov. 8, its official launch, we are confident that we will be able to accommodate the requirements of the market.

What’s the projection for Stargazer sales in the Philippines?

As a new player, the numbers will be, of course, modest compared to the number-one and number-two brands.

What’s modest?

We’re targeting to sell around 500 units of the Stargazer in the first month. Moving forward, as the demand grows, we’ll make sure that we’ll be able to accommodate that.

With that projection, the Stargazer will obviously be one of your more important models. What else is driving sales at the moment?

Right now, these are the Hyundai Creta, Tucson, Staria, and Santa Fe.

What else can Filipinos expect during this resurgence of Hyundai in the Philippines?

Aside from bringing in new models, we’re here to also establish in the country the vision of Hyundai Motor’s, “progress in humanity.” The founders of Hyundai always believed in not just the ownership experience but in the quality of life itself. Hyundai in general is already bringing in different technologies that will enhance life. Our mission here is not just to bring in cars and assure after-sales but everything that is important to the Filipino market.

At one point in time, Hyundai figured high in the rankings of auto brands in the Philippines. What’s the ultimate, realistic goal for Hyundai Motor Philippines?

We’re not very conscious about the numbers. It’s all about our customers. Our focus is on the customer experience, and how we can make the brand more memorable to them. We believe that once we are able to address this, everything will follow. The numbers will follow as well.

Belgian company signs agreement with Kennemer to promote cacao sustainability in Davao Oriental

BAKED GOODS on display during the Cacao Fiesta held at the Puratos-Kennemer Cacao Trace Center in Mati City on Oct. 20. — DAVAO ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

BELGIUM’s Puratos Group, through its Philippine subsidiary, has partnered with Kennemer Foods International, Inc. to expand and ensure the sustainability of Davao Oriental’s cacao industry.

“Puratos is a Belgian company that is into buying cacao and sustainable agriculture. Puratos wants to ensure that cacao cultivation is ecological and will go on from generation to generation,” Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Michel Parys said in an interview last week as he attended Davao Oriental’s Cacao Fiesta. 

The company, he added, aims to make sure that “farmers will get sufficient income from cacao.”

Puratos Philippines, Inc. sells bakery, patisserie, and chocolate products as well as provides seminars to businesses nationwide on baking trends and innovations.

It has set up a Cacao Trace Center, together with Kennemer, in Davao Oriental’s capital, Mati City, as part of its sustainable cocoa sourcing program that aims to ensure high quality goods and high income for growers.

“Cacao beans need to be fermented and processed for the taste to come out. After the fermentation, the cacao beans are exported. When a consumer buys the chocolates they know where it’s coming from,” Mr. Parys said.

Kennemer manages its own farms and has a contract growing program in various parts of Mindanao. In Davao Oriental, it is engaged with about 4,000 cacao farmers.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, said agriculture will continue to be a priority sector for development while the provincial government pursues policies on ease of doing business to attract more investors. 

“We have what it takes to succeed in agriculture,” Ms. Malanyaon said at the event.

Mr. Parys said another Belgian firm, green-technology developer Turbulent, is planning to set up small turbines in Cateel for energy generation.

“Turbulent is looking at Cateel… putting into the river small turbines that will generate electricity without the need for a big dam because when you put a big dam you are causing trouble to the environment,” he said.

The governor has said that the provincial government is pursuing partnerships to speed up electrification in remote communities. — Maya M. Padillo

Zara UK customers offered in-house swap, mend and donate service

UNSPLASH

MADRID — Zara said on Friday that it will launch an in-house service for British customers to sell, repair, or donate second-hand clothes, moving the Spanish brand into a growing part of the market.

The platform, to be launched on Nov. 3, will be available through Zara stores, its website, and a mobile app.

It is the first time Inditex, the fashion group that owns Zara, has offered a service to resell its products. The company said the initiative would contribute to the reduction of waste and the consumption of raw materials, without clarifying if it would expand the service to other markets.

The Zara Pre-Owned platform brings in-house the success of second-hand Zara clothing sales on other online platforms and among shoppers on social networks such as Instagram.

The resale space will be organized by product categories, with detailed information for each item including current images provided by the seller and original product information provided by Zara, the company said.

Zara is following other fast fashion brands such as its main competitor H&M in offering products for resale at a time when the global second-hand apparel market is growing.

The global second-hand clothing market is estimated at $71.2 billion in 2022, according to a Future Market Insights report published in September.

Future Market Insights expects the market to grow by 14.8% a year in the next decade as people embrace the environmental benefits of using second-hand clothes.

Zara already offers customers the option to donate its clothing to charities in several markets.

Zara customers in Britain will also have the option repair their garments from any season, either in-store or applying online.

Inditex has 100 stores in Britain, including 60 Zara shops. — Reuters

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