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New Ant-Man technology transports moviegoers to vivid world

A SCENE from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

LOS ANGELES — Scott Lang, a.k.a. Ant-Man, and his allies return to the big screen on Friday, years after the origin story in 2015’s Ant-Man, cameos in other Marvel films, and the 2018 sequel Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is the first movie in phase five of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes the superhero and his resizing powers into the Quantum realm, a subatomic world where he meets new challenges.

Directed by Peyton Reed of The Mandalorian fame, the film stars Paul Rudd as Scott/Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne/The Wasp, Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne, and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. The third installment adds Jonathan Majors as the new antagonist, Kang the Conqueror.

Ms. Lilly’s face lit up when asked about her first time seeing the film set in a circular studio with high-definition panels.

“When we were in the Volume, suddenly there were thousands of LED screens building the world for us, creating the characters for us,” she said.

Reality melted away and brought her into the fantasy world that many children grew up reading about in the Marvel comic books, she noted.

The Volume technology used to bring the set to life is like an LED screen that wraps around an entire soundstage where anything can be projected, Mr. Rudd said.

“It was the most elaborate, unbelievable thing I’ve ever seen, and it does help because it gives you a sense, especially with something like this, where the environment is so specific and so imaginative and unfamiliar.”

Disney artists assembled new environments, creatures, buildings, and an entire internal history and logic to make the Quantum realm come to life.

It was key for Mr. Reed to be able to look at old science fiction books, comic books, heavy metal magazines, movies and things that he loved as a kid and as an adult to populate the Quantum realm.

Mr. Reed told the team’s artists that no idea was too crazy because “anything can happen in the subatomic world.”

At the center of the immersive world, Mr. Majors believed Kang’s role was to inform Scott of what was at stake in the Quantum realm “as well as what they’re really up against.”

Despite the eye-catching technology, most critics have given the film mediocre reviews, resulting in a “rotten” rating of 55% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nick Schager, entertainment critic for The Daily Beast, wrote that “Rudd gets swallowed up by the consuming CGI insanity of his latest comic book extravaganza,” referring to computer generated imagery. — Reuters

Citicore Holdings subscribes to Megawide capital hike

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said on Thursday that its parent firm Citicore Holdings Investment, Inc. is subscribing to at least 25% or P9 million of the listed infrastructure firm’s increased capital stock.

In a regulatory filing, Megawide said that the subscription will be through the execution of a subscription agreement dated Feb. 15.

“[A] payment of 25% of such subscription, amounting to P2.25 million was received by the Company on December 23, 2022,” the construction company said.

This subscription follows the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the increase in Megawide’s total authorized capital stock to P5.116 billion.

According to the company, it received both the certificate of approval of the increase in capital stock and the certificate of filing of amended articles of incorporation from the SEC on Wednesday.

The increase allows the company to issue an additional 36 million cumulative, non-voting, non-participating, non-convertible, perpetual preferred shares at one peso apiece, from the previous 150 million non-voting shares.

On Nov. 4, 2022, the board of directors of Megawide approved the increase in the company’s authorized capital stock and the amendment of article seven of its articles of incorporation.

On the stock exchange on Thursday, shares in Megawide increased by nine centavos or 2.18% to P4.22 apiece. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

1960s-70s screen siren Raquel Welch, 82

RAQUEL WELCH in 1966’s One Million Years B.C.

LOS ANGELES — Actress Raquel Welch, who helped reshape the traditional image of the Hollywood sex symbol in an era when the movie industry was still overtly defining an idealized version of sensuality for mass consumption, died on Wednesday at age 82.

Her death following a brief illness was confirmed in a statement released by her Los Angeles-based manager.

Ms. Welch first grabbed the public’s attention with her role in the 1966 sci-fi adventure Fantastic Voyage, playing a member of a miniaturized medical team injected into the body of an injured diplomat and memorable for the skin-tight diving suit she wore in a scene where she was attacked by antibodies.

Her success in that film was followed by an iconic appearance later the same year in the prehistoric fantasy drama One Million Years B.C. depicting cavemen and women coexisting with dinosaurs.

Although Ms. Welch had just a few lines of dialogue in B.C., still photos of her appearance in a deer-skinned bikini made her a best-selling pinup and a global symbol.

Other screen credits in the late 1960s and early ’70s included starring roles in Bedazzled, Bandolero!, 100 Rifles, and the title roles in Myra Breckinridge and Hannie Caulder.

She won a Golden Globe Award for best actress in a musical or comedy for her performance in the 1973 swashbuckling romp The Three Musketeers.

Her portrayal of strong, willful characters was credited with helping break down stereotypes at a time when the sexual revolution and changing attitudes toward gender roles converged to empower women on screen, even if their looks remained objectified.

“Raquel Welch enters into the arena of the American culture industry in a time when one of the products that rolled off the assembly line of that industry was sex symbol,” said Robert Thompson, a media scholar at Syracuse University and founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture.

“She came to represent a certain kind of sensuality for this culture that Aphrodite did for classical culture,” Mr. Thompson said, adding that Ms. Welch had also been “an accomplished actor … who helped to define the kinds of roles that women could play in a society that had some highly compromised ideas about gender.”

‘BEYOND CLEAVAGE’
Playboy magazine once ranked Ms. Welch No. 3 in its “100 Sexiest Stars of the 20th Century,” and though she posed for the magazine in 1979, she never did a fully nude photo shoot.

In a 2010 memoir and self-help guide titled Raquel: Beyond the Cleavage, she wrote: “I’ve definitely used my body and sex appeal to advantage in my work, but always within limits.”

She added: “I feel strongly that a woman’s mystery is part of her appeal; and the power of the imagination is more potent and provocative than graphic on-camera sex or explicit nudity.”

She played a tough frontier wife out for revenge in Hannie Caulder, a Native American revolutionary with a vendetta in 100 Rifles, and a dressmaker to the queen in The Three Musketeers.

Her title role in the 1970 comedy film Myra Breckinridge, based on the Gore Vidal novel of the same name, stirred controversy around Ms. Welch’s portrayal of a transgender woman who undergoes sex-change surgery and later forcibly sodomizes a man with a strap-on dildo.

The film, a box office flop lambasted by critics and disavowed by Mr. Vidal as “an awful joke,” also featured John Huston, Mae West, Farrah Fawcett, and Rex Reed, among others.

She was born Jo Raquel Tejada in Chicago. Her father was an aeronautical engineer from Bolivia. Her family moved to California when she was young. She later studied ballet before entering a series of beauty contests.

She briefly earned a living as a model and cocktail waitress before applying for film roles and breaking into the movie business with small 1964 roles in the drama A House Is Not a Home and the Elvis Presley musical Roustabout.

She went on to a career spanning more than half a century, appearing in more than 30 films and 50 television series, and as an entrepreneur was involved in a successful line of wigs, HairUWear, as well as a collection of jewelry and skin-care products. — Reuters

PAL taps aviation service provider to automate operations

PHILIPPINEAIRLINES.COM

PHILIPPINE Airlines, Inc. (PAL) signed a digital transformation deal with global aviation software provider Ramco Systems to automate and optimize business operations across the carrier’s network.

In a press release, the airline said Ramco Systems will deploy Aviation Suite V5.9, which will replace standalone legacy systems in PAL and its affiliate PAL Express.

“At PAL, our focus has always been on improving our global network infrastructure and making Philippine Airlines worthy of our customers’ enduring trust and support. This has led us to embark on a transformational journey towards technological upgrades and innovation,” PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley K. Ng said.

The flagship carrier said the partnership is in line with its Accelerated Initiatives for Recoveries and Full Optimization through Innovation and Leadership program, as Ramco will offer end-to-end optimization of maintenance and engineering business processes.

“The addition of Philippines’ national flag carrier to our expanding clientele is a testament to Ramco’s track record as a leading software provider in the airlines segment,” Ramco Chairman P.R. Venketrama Raja said. “As PAL’s tech partners, Ramco will support PAL organization’s mission of service and propel its global expansion plans.”

Ramco’s Aviation Suite has more than 24,000 users that manage over 4,000 aircraft globally. It serves more than 90 aviation organizations around the world. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PPA expects 7-8% growth in cargo traffic in 2023

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it is expecting 7-8% growth in cargoes this year after recording zero congestion and backlog in Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor (MSH) in January.

For 2023, the port regulator is set to come up with more projects and appeal for a pullout of overstaying cargoes to make the needed space in the ports.

“We’re still optimistic, we are looking at a 7-8% growth this year as far as cargo traffic is concerned,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said, adding that the country continues consuming, “and as our population grows, consumption will eventually get higher and higher.”

PPA said that in January, MICT reached 80.75% yard utilization, up 9.1 percentage points year on year, while MSH recorded a 0.3 percentage point decrease to 67.8% versus last year.

“Yard utilization is naturally dropping back to the optimal rate which is 50% or below now that the holiday season is over,” the PPA said.

The port regulator said that the yard utilization rate is dependent on the cargo shippers and consignees’ withdrawal of their containers from the port.

In December last year, the yard utilization rate reached 85% in both international terminals.

However, MICT is said to still record high container traffic with 7,765 containers or 12,480.75 twenty-foot equivalent units long overstaying at the port as of Jan. 31.

Mr. Santiago said PPA-covered ports will try to accommodate as much as they can but will seek empty containers not to overstay at the ports to make space for containers with cargo.

“As much as possible, we try to accommodate them in PPA terminals, but we cannot accommodate them all,” Mr. Santiago said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Entertainment News (02/17/23)

Producer of historical film GomBurZa unveils cast

Following an extensive search that included an open call and a series of auditions, Jesuit Communications (JesCom) has announced the stars of GomBurZa — a film based on the story of Catholic priests Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were executed in 1872 on charges of subversion. Playing the leads are: award-winning Dante Rivero as Padre Mariano Gomez, theater and movie thespian Cedrick Juan as Padre José Burgos, and matinee idol Enchong Dee as Padre Jacinto Zamora. Joining them are Epi Quizon, Jaime Fabregas, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Khalil Ramos, Elijah Canlas, Neil Ryan Sese, Paolo O’Hara, Tommy Alejandrino, Gerry Kaimo, Anthony Falcon, Dylan Tay Talon, Jomari Angeles, Bon Lentejas, and many more. Award-winning actor Piolo Pascual will play Padre Pédro Pelaéz, the Filipino clergy leader who was a mentor of Padre José Burgos. Executive producer and JesCom associate director Fr. Ro Atilano, SJ, describes the cast as “God’s answer to our prayers. There were other options before but this ensemble came at the right time,” Fr. Ro elaborates. For updates, like and follow @GomBurZaFilm across all social media platforms. 

Waterwalk Records releases worship song project

WATERWALK RECORDS announced the release of Sambahan, a 10-song series project that contains worship songs from grassroots, church-based songwriters who collaborated through a “lab” setting via the synergetic fellowship, KONEKOLAB. Its first single, “MANLILIKHARI,” is a portmanteau of two words, manlilikha (creator) and a hari (king). The song is co-written with Irving Galang and Mary Ozaraga, both community-based church leaders.” “MANLILIKHARI” is available on all digital music platforms. 

  

HONNE tours the PHL

ALTERNATIVE pop duo HONNE is coming back to the Philippines after four years. The May 2023 Asia Tour Philippines shows will take place on May 10 at the Araneta Coliseum; May 12 at the University of Southeastern Philippines Davao; and May 14 at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. The Asia Tour will also make stops in Taipei, Manila, Davao, Cebu, Singapore as well as Kuala Lumpur. Promoted by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions, ticket prices to HONNE May 2023 Asia Tour Philippines begin at P850 via ticketnet.com.ph (Manila) and smtickets.com (Davao and Cebu).

DTI aims for local production of Mitsubishi’s Xpander

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is hoping that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) would consider the local production of its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model.

Dita Angara-Mathay, DTI commercial counselor and special trade representative to Tokyo, said MMPC’s Xpander “is very popular” and that the department is hoping that the MPV model’s next generation will be made in the country.

“Right now, it is being made in Indonesia,” Ms. Angara-Mathay told reporters in mixed English and Filipino during a recent virtual briefing.

She said MMPC is eyeing the local production of a new model, which has yet to be disclosed. “They have an expansion. They want to get into probably a new model assembly that they have not yet disclosed,” she said.

“That (plan) is really contingent [on] the extension of our program,” she said. “The Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, is time-bound, performance-bound. We have to meet a certain volume of units before you get any subsidy. We had the pandemic. They are asking for an extension.”

Ms. Angara-Mathay also said that the DTI is hoping MMPC would consider the local production of the Xpander as part of its CARS commitment.

As part of the recent visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to Japan, the Philippines previously secured a letter of intent from MMPC’s parent firm, Mitsubishi Motors Corp., to renew target production commitments under the CARS program and expand its car manufacturing activities in the Philippines with the addition of another locally assembled vehicle model.

Currently, the MMPC is engaged in the local production of its Mirage subcompact sedan as part of the government’s CARS program implemented by the Board of Investments. The car manufacturer is also locally producing other vehicles outside of the CARS program such as the L300 utility van.

The CARS program has allotted a P27 billion budget for three car manufacturers to locally produce at least 200,000 units each for six years to avail fiscal incentives from the government. However, only MMPC and Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. enrolled in the program, with the latter producing the Vios model. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Michael B. Jordan premieres Creed III, hopes to expand ‘Creed-verse’

LONDON — Michael B. Jordan reprises his role as boxer Adonis Creed in new film Creed III and the actor-director says he hopes to expand the universe around the character in future.

Mr. Jordan makes his directorial debut with the third instalment of the movies, which first began with 2015’s Creed, a spin-off of the Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone, and telling the tale of Adonis, the estranged son of late heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.

“It was challenging but I never felt more alive,” Mr. Jordan told Reuters of his directorial debut at the Creed III premiere in London on Wednesday.

“I had a chance to put my point of view on everything and that was really good.”

In Creed III, Adonis is enjoying his successful career when an old friend and once promising boxer, Damian, played by Jonathan Majors, comes back into his life after serving a prison sentence.

While the friendship is at first rekindled, things soon unravel when Damian insists he wants a shot in the ring.

Asked if there could be more for Creed in future, Mr. Jordan said: “Definitely. I want to do something like a live on its own, something that maybe if you didn’t see the first two films it would still be able to tell a story and make you feel full when you finished it.

“But I definitely plan on expanding the ‘Creed-verse’ moving forward … comic books to graphic novels to TV to spin-offs. There’s so many ways that you can tell a story with these rich characters and now I’m going to figure out what I’m going to do.”

One potential storyline could concern Creed’s opponent in Creed II, Viktor Drago, son of Rocky IV character boxer Ivan Drago. Viktor makes an appearance in Creed III.

“We’re working on something and I feel like this is some kind of a teaser in Creed III,” actor Florian Munteanu, who plays Viktor, told Reuters.

“This movie was really about digging into the depth of Adonis but I feel like the Drago story is still unfinished, it’s still untold so we still have something to tell there … let’s see.” — Reuters

GCash Overseas beta launch gets green light from BSP

BW FILE PHOTO

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved the use of e-wallet GCash abroad with international SIM cards, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

G-Xchange, Inc., which offers GCash and is a subsidiary of Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt), said the approval of the beta launch of GCash Overseas will make it the first and only e-wallet in the Philippines to have this capability.

This will allow Filipinos in Japan, Australia, and Italy to sign up for GCash without the need to use a Philippine SIM card.

“Under the beta launch, only the first 1,000 users from Japan, Australia, and Italy can access GCash with an international SIM card. Once they’re fully verified, Filipinos overseas regardless of their SIM card can begin signing up for GCash and support their families back home by sending money for free (GCash-to-GCash), paying for bills on time, and instantly buying them load credits with just a few taps on the app,” the company said.

“We continue to make a difference in Filipinos’ lives by making financial services easier and more accessible to our now 76 million-strong registered users. With around 10 million Filipinos living abroad, we want them to also be able to take advantage of GCash services even as they use international SIMs. As more people put their trust in GCash, we strive to remove more barriers and create a better experience for all,” Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive officer, was quoted as saying.

The beta mode launched on Thursday will run for a limited time, with the full rollout expected later this year.

GCash has been working to expand its services worldwide, through its partnership with global payments platform Alipay+.

The e-wallet can now be used to pay at select merchants in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, among others.

GCash ended 2022 with 76 million registered users, 5.8 million merchants and social sellers, and 855 GLife merchant partners, it said earlier this month. It has also disbursed over P57 billion in loans since its launch across two million unique borrowers.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees financial technology platforms helping it reach its goal to have 50% of retail transactions done online and bring 70% of Filipino adults into the banking system by the end of this year.

The share of digital payments in the total volume of retail transactions jumped to 30.3% in 2021 from 20.1% a year earlier, latest BSP data showed. The value of payments done online stood at 44.1% of 2021’s total retail transactions, higher than the 26.8% share in 2020. — AMCS

Stronger intellectual property education seen

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) expects a stronger intellectual property (IP) education in law schools across the country through its partnership with the Legal Education Board (LEB).

In a statement on Thursday, the IPOPHL said its IP Academy partnered with the LEB to promote IP via training, education, and research programs within the legal community.

The partnership was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba and LEB Chairperson Anna Marie Melanie B. Trinidad.

IP Academy is the IPOPHL’s unit engaged in promoting IP education, professionalization, and research.

“With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and other brainchildren of innovators, IP protection has been becoming more complex. These technologies have already shown their potential to manifest change and with it, the creation of new legal issues that require expertise in IP law,” Ms. Trinidad said.

According to the IPOPHL, a technical working group will be formed consisting of IPOPHL and LEB representatives that will implement action plans to support the partners’ objectives once a roadmap has been formulated.

IP Academy Director-in-Charge Frederick P. Romero said the partnership allows the crafting of laws adopting IP policies that promote IP awareness, respect, and enforcement in institutions.

“One way to know that we have effectively maximized this partnership is when we see an increasing number of legal professionals in the Philippines specializing in IP. We will begin to see these effects once we achieve a strengthened education system that students and professionals can depend on to enhance their competence and confidence in IP,” Mr. Romero said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Stuff to Do (02/17/23)

Art Fair Philippines 2023 will once again transform The Link carpark in Makati City into a multi-level art exhibition venue

Art Fair Philippines returns to The Link

ART FAIR Philippines is back in its home venue, The Link carpark at Ayala Center, Makati, on Feb. 17 to 19. Now on its 10th year, this year’s fair will feature a “new biophilic design.” The fair will have 63 exhibitors from the Philippines and overseas. General admission tickets are P350, while students get discounted tickets at P50, and Makati students at P100. This year Art Fair Philippines introduces a new section that focuses on digital media, computer technology, animation, virtual or augmented reality, the metaverse, and Non-Fungible Tokens. Co-presented by BPI and located at The Link’s Roof Deck, artists mounting special exhibits include Faye Abantao, Kiko Escora, Mark Andy Garcia, Raymond Guevarra, Pow Martinez, Yeo Kaa, and Peter Zimmerman. Wawi Navarroza’s self-portraits feature in a survey of Southeast Asian photography. There are several more special exhibits. There will also be ArtFairPH/Talks, ArtFairPH/Workshops, which focuses this year on digital art, and ArtFairPH/Film. Also complementing the fair is the “10 Days of Art” initiative, which started Feb. 10 and will run until Feb. 19. This series of events around the Makati Central Business District — with participation by galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and retail establishments — celebrates art beyond the venue of the fair. For more information, visit the Art Fair Philippines www.artfairphilippines.com.
   

The Japan Fiesta returns onsite

FANS interested in Japanese pop culture can check out Japan Fiesta on Feb. 18 and 19 at the  and Palm Drive Activity Center at the Ayala Center, Makati. With the goal of strengthening the friendship between Japan and the Philippines, the Japan Fiesta Council gathers major airlines and travel agencies that offer trips to Japan. Visitors can book their tickets, schedule their tours, and buy their travel essentials from the council’s partner airlines and agencies during the event.  Meanwhile, there will also be food booths that offer Japanese snacks and beverages. There will also be performances by Namahage Satokagura, the Taiko Drummers, and a guest performer from Japan. OtaCutE, on the other hand, will take Japan Fiesta visitors to the world of cosplay through various stage and booth activities. There will also be performances by the all-girl groups MNL48 and R RULES, as well as through a special appearance of half-Japanese beauty queen Yana Fuentes. To discover more about Japan Fiesta 2023 at Glorietta, visit its official website at www.japanfiesta.ph and its Facebook page at Japan Fiesta PH.    

  

Round table on Intramuros rehab    

ON FEB. 19, 2 p.m., at the Intramuros branch of Instituto Cervantes de Manila, there will be a round table discussion on the building proposals submitted by Filipino architecture students as part of contest to design a residential building for a vacant lot in Intramuros. The judges will be discussing the projects that won first, second, and third prize. The judges are architects Gerard Lico from the University of the Philippines, Rino Fernandez from the University of Santo Tomás, Michael Manalo from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Rancho Arcilla, the Chairperson of the Intramuros Technical Committee on Architectural Standards. The winners came from the Technological University of the Philippines, the University of Northern Philippines, and Mapua University. Admission to the discussion is free. “Rehabilitación de Intramuros: Round table discussion on the proposals submitted by Filipino students in the framework of the EULAT program” is organized by Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, and AECID. For details e-mail cenmni@cervantes.es or follow the Instituto Cervantes on social media. The Instituto Cervantes’ Intramuros branch is located along Calle Real, Plaza San Luis, Intramuros, Manila.

Gigi De Lana live

SINGER Gigi De Lana and the Gigi Vibes band are headlining a concert called G Rules at The Theatre at Solaire on Feb. 18, 8 p.m. After the success of their Domination concert tour last year in Manila, the Middle East, and the US, Ms. De Lana and her bandmates — Jon Cruz (musical director, keyboard), Jake Manalo (bass), Julius Traqueña (guitar), and Romeo Marquez (drums) — will perform their original songs and song covers. Presented by ABS-CBN Events and Solaire Resort Entertainment City, ticket prices range from P1,620 to P6,480. Available on ticketworld.com.ph and the Solaire Box Office.

PETA’s Walang Aray premieres this weekend

THE PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association (PETA) is to full live performances in the theater with a new original Filipino musical, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray. Presented by PETA with Indie.Go Media, Walang Aray is a genre-defying adaptation of the screenplay Walang Aray, based on Severino Reyes’ classic zarsuela, Walang Sugat. The musical mashes the timeless classic with contemporary language, funk and pop tunes, and tongue-in-cheek humor. This old-meets-new production is directed by Ian Segarra, with original music by Vince Lim, and caps PETA’s emerald year. Walang Aray runs at the PETA-Phinma Theater, PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City, from Feb. 17 to May 14. For partnerships and show-buying inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112 or e-mail PETA at petatheater@gmail.com.

TP’s Ang Pag-uusig premieres this weekend

TANGHALANG Pilipino (TP) presents Ang Pag-uusig on Feb. 17 to March 12 at the Black Box Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ang Pag-uusig is a Filipino translation of the Tony Award-winning play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The show features TP’s senior actors Marco Viaña, Lhorvie Nuevo, Toni Go, and Jonathan Tadioan. The Crucible used the setting of the Salem witch trials in the 1690s to comment on the United States government’s persecution in the 1950s of people accused of being communist. Ang Pag-uusig in turn, uses The Crucible to comment on the Philippine situation. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino.

Bridal fair at Newport World Resorts

NEWPORT World Resorts celebrates all kinds of love with the return of its special Valentine’s event, “Royal Weddings,” a showcase of some of the most beautiful bridal gowns, a wedding fashion show, a fair for wedding essentials, and more. From Feb. 12 to 19, the Royal Weddings Exhibit will be on view at the Newport Mall. The Haute Couture Gown Exhibit includes dresses made by Mak Tumang, Amir Sali, Val Taguba, Albert Andrada, Boy Kastner, Pat Santos, Pablo Cabahug, Yeye Pantaleon, Jazel Sy, Edwin Uy, and Leo Almodal. Emerging designers in the industry also showcase a collection of wedding gowns at The Grove 2F Newport Mall. The Royal Weddings Fair will run from Feb. 16 to 18 at The Plaza 2F Newport Mall. All wedding essentials will be found in one place, from wedding rings, giveaways, to catering, cakes, make-up, lights and sounds, and more. On offer are special wedding packages from Newport World Resorts’ international hotel brands Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Manila Marriott Hotel, and Sheraton Manila Hotel, along with Winford Manila Resort and Casino and Belmont Boracay. On Feb. 18, beauty stylists Daniel Forro, Ralph Dela Cruz, Almira Presentation, Dann General-Seterra, and Pamzkie Luna demonstrate the art of bringing out the bride’s most beautiful look in the Bridal Beauty Hair and Makeup Showcase. This includes a fashion show featuring the bridal collection of premiere couture designer Pat Santos. For the finale, the Royal Wedding Fashion Show gathers local designers to present their wedding dress creations on Feb. 19. Beauty queens and fashion models will walk down the aisle wearing bridal gowns from Carl Arcusa, Ehrran Montoya, Joan Ricafuente, Sheila Marie Del Rosario, Mikee Andrei, Ulysses Caragayan, Paolo Blanco, MC Mikael Castillo, Markie Cadag, Mark Lixcel Lantican, Thian Rodriguez, Ranel Espaldon, Adam Balasa, Ryan Chris Baylen, Prisco Y Juliana, Jay Magada, Chris Egne, Edwin Uy, Jian Lasala, Mara Chua, and Nicole Santos.

PHL companies seen investing more in digital skills development

JOHN SCHNOBRICH-UNSPLASH

MORE companies in the Philippines are investing in equipping their employees with digital skills for the modern workplace, according to professional networking platform LinkedIn.

In a report on Southeast Asia, LinkedIn said companies are prioritizing learning and development to boost employee retention.

“An overwhelming majority (94%) of organizations in the region are concerned about employee retention, and 6 in 10 are providing learning opportunities to improve employee retention,” it said.

The platform said firms value soft skills and seek to help employees navigate complex work situations and boost overall productivity.

Investing in learning and development can also help develop digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation among firms in the Philippines, LinkedIn said.

Customer service orientation topped its list of in-demand skills in the Philippines, followed by management and communication skills.

Other sought-after skills listed include sales, critical thinking, project management, leadership, English, research and marketing.

The platform said hard skills such as research and marketing can help workers stand out and thrive in changing work environments.

LinkedIn is offering free courses on these skills on its website until March 15.

The Philippine unemployment rate eased to a three-year low of 5.4% in 2022, which is the lowest since the 5.1% posted in 2019, or before the coronavirus pandemic.

Job quality was also at a three-year low as underemployment, a measure of workers who are seeking more work, stood at 14.2%, against the 14% recorded in 2019.

“Amidst an uncertain economic climate, more companies in Southeast Asia (SEA), including in the Philippines, are investing in learning and development to stay agile and ensure their workforce is ready to optimize opportunities,” it said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

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