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NLEX to start third Candaba viaduct, set to finish connector’s first section

NLEX Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), announced on Tuesday that it targets to start the implementation of its Candaba Third Viaduct project in the first quarter of the year.

“The project will expand the five-kilometer bridge from existing three lanes without a shoulder to three lanes with inner and outer shoulder per direction,” NLEX Corp. said in an e-mailed statement.

The project is seen to enable faster journeys as it will increase the maximum speed at the viaduct from 60 kilometers per hour (kph) to 80kph.

“Also in the pipeline is the construction of new expressway lanes in Pampanga from San Fernando to Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Spur in Mabalacat,” NLEX Corp. said.

The company is also undertaking an eight-kilometer connector project from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road up to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The project is expected to decongest major thoroughfares in the capital region.

“Its first section between Caloocan and España interchanges is at 94% completion and expected to open within the first quarter of the year,” NLEX Corp. noted.

“The second section, connecting España and Sta. Mesa, is now 29% complete,” it added.

At the same time, the company said it plans to enhance its assets for better customer experience by undertaking regular pavement repair and bridge strengthening programs, replacement of traffic safety devices, and continuous enhancement of its toll systems.

The company is also set to install more closed-circuit television cameras along NLEX, SCTEX, and Subic Freeport Expressway, as well as upgrade the NLEX-SCTEX traffic control center.

MPTC is the tollway unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key 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 a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

TP mounts web series on financial literary

IN Tanghalang Pilipino’s (TP) new web series Tara Peeps: Dami Mong Alam, viewers follow the story of the Dimasinop siblings and in the process learn about financial literacy.

One day, the siblings — who all live under one roof — notice that their new money tree has just died. As they go about their day, the household suddenly loses its internet connection, water, and electricity. The series goes on to explain what happened.

Tara, Peeps! is a weekly children’s program which began airing in 2021 on DZRH’s multimedia platforms in a partnership between Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) and the Manila Broadcasting Company.

The original format of Tara, Peeps! featured three main characters: the host, a caller with a dilemma, and an expert, or actor in character, who would share their advice and expertise with the caller. It was filmed in a studio with the three characters conversing over a microphone — much like a tele-radio broadcast. Some of the earliest topics included the importance of vaccines, and coping with separation from loved ones.

THE WEB SERIES
On Jan. 8, TP released Tara Peeps: Dami Mong Alam, a new five-episode web series about financial literacy. Its first episode aired on DZRH News and streamed on the theater company’s social media platforms. A new episode premieres every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. The project was done in partnership with VISA.

“It aims to reach out to young adults and teach lessons on topics we do not learn in school or at home,” TP senior actor and series director Antonette Go told BusinessWorld in a Zoom interview on Jan. 9.

The series follows the Dimasinop siblings and how they cope with budgetary constraints.

The show stars Vince Macapobre, Sarah Monay, Edrick Alontado, and Lhorvie Nuevo as the siblings, Jonathan Tadioan as Tyong Dong, Judie Dimayuga as Mrs. Pound, and Ago Mago as DJ Pipay (the show host).

The production team wrote 20- to 22-minute scripts for each episode (the remaining eight minutes are reserved for radio advertisements).

“We had to reimagine a space audio-wise with scoring and coloring of words,” Ms. Go said. “As a voice actor in the series, kailangan hindi na siya monotonous lang iyung pagkakasabi, at mas colorful iyung pagbigkas ng salita (they should not be monotonous in saying their dialogue and words are delivered colorfully), since it would cater more to the imagination of radio audiences,” Ms. Go said about acting for radio.

Succeeding episodes will use taking care of plants — a trend in many households during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown — as a way of illustrating financial stories.

“Another thing to expect is that each character will encounter a financial challenge that is very relatable and how they will overcome it,” Ms. Go said.

“Tanghalang Pilipino is so open in a lot of topics as long as we can help our community learn about vital lessons we need to learn in life,” Ms. Go said, adding that they are open to pursuing more shows in partnership with other organizations.

“Our vision and mission is always to help our community, and also raising the artistic excellence and using the community issues at hand,” she added.

After Dami Mong Alam, Tara, Peeps! will return to its original format with three main characters in a discussion, with episodes for its second season lined up until May.

SHOWS ONSTAGE
For the upcoming stage performances of TP’s 36th performance season, TP will restage Ang Pag-uusig from Feb. 17 to March 12 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Black Box Theater. The play is the Filipino translation of the Tony Award-winning play The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

While the Cultural Center’s Main Building is closed for three years of renovation, TP will be performing at the Black Box Theater (formally known as Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez), in theaters and schools around Metro Manila, and on regional tours.

“We are you still fixing our deals with the schools, universities, and hopefully (we’ll) have tours around the Philippines.”

“Nagkaroon din ng blessing na hindi kami the stuck sa CCP kasi nakakalabas kami (It is also a blessing that we are not stuck in CCP since we get to move out). Eventually, kapag naayos na iyung CCP (when the CCP is renovated), we will bring back regional projects in Manila.”

Tara Peeps: Dami Mong Alam episodes premiere every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on DZRH News, DZRH News Television, and TP’s social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/TaraPeepsPH/ and https://www.facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Sta. Lucia Land taps Enderun for hotel management

STA. LUCIA LAND, Inc. has tapped Enderun Hotels to undertake the hotel management and consultancy services of the listed developer’s properties in Baguio and Palawan.

In a press release on Tuesday, the company said the partnership with the division of Enderun Colleges covers the full management of its SotoGrande properties in the two areas.

“The hospitality management solutions provider will also oversee the overall strategic direction of the two properties and supervise SotoGrande Baguio and Palawan’s sales, marketing, and revenue management,” the firm said.

SotoGrande Baguio is an eight-storey property on Leonard Wood Road located outside Camp John Hay. It has 188 rooms, two meeting rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

The hotel is also close to Baguio Country Club, SM City Baguio, Brent International School, University of the Philippines Baguio, and Saint Louis University.

Meanwhile, SotoGrande Palawan is a six-storey business hotel in Puerto Princesa City with 147 units. The 1,020-square-meter property is in Catalina Lake Residences.

“We believe that the service, leadership, and integrity that we incorporate into our projects will resonate with the exceptional guest experience that Enderun Hotels can only provide as we continue to work towards providing a legacy through strategic land developments and expanding quality projects,” Sta. Lucia Land Project Development Head Jayson P. Robles said.

The hotels in Baguio and Palawan, which will be launched this year, are the sixth and seventh properties built under the SotoGrande group.

Its other hotels are located in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Neopolitan in Fairview, Katipunan, and Batangas.

On the stock exchange on Tuesday, shares in Sta. Lucia Land closed unchanged at P3.20 apiece. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Arts & Culture (01/11/23)

The PPO goes to Guimaras and Iloilo

THE PHILIPPINE Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will be holding outreach concerts in Guimaras Island and Iloilo City this week. The PPO, along with conductor Herminigildo Ranera, will have a concert at the Guimaras Museum today, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. It will then be opening the 2023 Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City on Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., at the Iloilo Convention Center. The concerts will include classical pieces, selections from Broadway shows and Hollywood movies, kundimans, and OPM. The performances will be live-streamed on the CCP Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines.). Tickets to the concerts are free and are open to the public. For more information, visit the CCP website www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Early bird ticket sale for TP’s Ang Pag-uusig

TANGHALANG Pilipino (TP) will be presenting the play Ang Pag-uusig from Feb. 17 to March 12 at the Black Box Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. There is currently an early bird ticket promo at https://bit.ly/PAGUUSIG2023 until Jan. 26. Ang Pag-uusig is a Filipino translation of the Tony Award-winning play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino.

Santo Niño exhibit in Ali Mall

IN HONOR of the feast of Santo Niño, Araneta City is holding an exhibit, “Ang Batang Hesus,” in Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City until Jan. 14. The exhibit features more than 60 images of the child Jesus from Santo Niño devotees around the country. Among the replicas on view are those of the three oldest Santo Niño images in the Philippines — Santo Niño de Cebu, Santo Niño de Tondo, and Santo Niño de Arevalo.  Other notable images in the exhibit include a replica of Santo Nino de Tacloban which was flown directly from Leyte, Santo Niño de Aranzazu, and Santo Niño de Malitbog (patron prince of Southern Leyte).  The exhibit is open for free public viewing during mall hours.

MSO marks 97th year with concert

THE MANILA Symphony Orchestra (MSO) marks its 97th anniversary of performing for audiences with a live concert entitled Opera Gala 2023: The MSO 97th Anniversary Concert at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati on Jan. 22, 8 p.m. As the MSO looks back at its past and pays homage to its very first live performance at the Manila Grand Opera House, it has gathered four of the most respected and talented opera singers in the Philippines today, to perform Italian arias from the different periods and techniques of opera — from Bel Canto to Verismo. The performers are the wife and husband team of soprano Rachelle Gerodias and baritone Byeong In Park, tenor Ivan Niccolo Neri, and soprano Bianca Lopez-Aguila. The opera classics will be performed together with the Philippine Vocal Ensemble. Pieces by Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, and Mozart will be performed by the MSO under the baton of conductor Marlon Chen. Tickets are available via Ticket world at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=MSOPERAG23.

MO_Space opens year with 2 shows

MO_SPACE gallery opens 2023 with two shows: “Measures” by MM Yu at the Main Gallery and “a glass (or two) to (my old self showing me) all things new” by Bert Antonio at Gallery 2. MM Yu’s latest solo exhibition, “Measures,” directs the viewers’ attention once again to some of the essential traits found in painting. Her ‘drip’ paintings have established themselves as one of the more recognizable in contemporary Philippine art. Meanwhile, for his latest show, Bert Antonio pursues originality through the creation of a myriad of elements in his “Truth in Line” series. Each combination becomes unique in seemingly random movements and moments that eventually come together. They stand for the countless relationships that one builds, keeps, loses, and cherishes — each one a page, one day in a diary. The two exhibits are open for public viewing at MO_Space from Jan. 11 until Feb. 12. The gallery at Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries call 8403-6620 or mobile number 0917-572-7970.

Tickets to The Sound of Music now on sale

TICKETS to the international tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, produced by Broadway International Group, are now on sale and available online at ticketworld.com.ph and TicketWorld outlets. The touring production will have shows in Manila from March 7 to 26 2023. The brand-new international production is set to be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. This original production tells the uplifting true story of Maria, the fun-loving governess who changed the lives of the widowed Captain Von Trapp and his seven children by re-introducing them to music, and culminating the family’s flight across the Austrian mountains as tensions rise prior to the outbreak of World War II. One of the most popular Broadway musicals in the international marketplace, The Sound of Music is celebrating its 65th birthday in 2024.  For more information visit www.broadwayasia.com.

PETA opens 2023 with Walang Aray

THE PHILIPPINE Educational Theater Association, better known as PETA, opens 2023 with its production of Walang Aray from Feb. 17 to May 14. Presented by PETA with Indie.Go Media, in partnership with Star Magic, Walang Aray is an adaptation of a screenplay of the same name, based on Severino Reyes’ classic zarzuela, Walang Sugat. Walang Aray follows lovers Julia and Tenyong who struggle to hide their relationship from Julia’s mother who wants her daughter to wed an affluent suitor. However, Julia and Tenyong’s relationship struggles when she joins the revolution. Tickets can be booked through official Showbuyers (https://bit.ly/3W6Rakz), or at TicketWorld (premier.ticketworld.com.ph). For inquiries, visit https://bit.ly/3vdpcrW.

National Museum opens 14th branch in Dumaguete

THE NATIONAL Museum of the Philippines (NMP) recently inaugurated its 14th branch in Dumaguete City which showcases the geology, zoology, botany, archaeology, and marine biodiversity of the two Negros provinces. Housed at the Dumaguete Presidencia or old municipal hall — which underwent extensive renovations which were temporarily halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic — it also has exhibits on architectural arts and built heritage of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and a few loaned items from the Silliman University Museum. The museum is also envisioned to showcase seasonal and thematic displays, as well as art exhibits in the future. Also unveiled at the inauguration is the marker declaring the edifice as an Important Cultural Property (ICP) of the NMP, a citation in earlier received in 2019 because of its exceptional cultural, artistic and historical significance manifested in its blend of Spanish, American and Filipino architecture. An ICP entitles historical structures to be granted government funding for its restoration, protection and conservation by the National Museum. Built in 1937, the Dumaguete Presidencia was designed by Filipino architect Juan Arellano who also designed the Legislative Building, which is now the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Filipino Mandala artworks showcased in Berlin

VISUAL artist Carlito Camahalan Amalla, a member of the Agusanon Manobo tribe, pays homage to the Filipino indigenous communities in his latest solo exhibition in Berlin, Germany. Entitled “Mandala: Concert of Cultures,” it featured a collection of 12 contemporary Mandala art — wood carvings with acrylic paint and repousse brass sheet — inspired from unearthed Surigao and Butuan gold from ancient civilizations. Mr. Amalla, founder and head of the Agusan Artists Association in Butuan City and the Balangay Artists Association in Manila, utilized the Mandala as a spiritual and ritual symbol in Asian cultures to encapsulate, narrate and embrace the diverse and dynamic nature, culture and literature of the Filipino lives. Each piece showcased a radial design that represents a kaleidoscope of signs and meanings, a collective community and the artist’s role in safeguarding the Philippine ecosystem from exploitation and destruction. Mr. Amalla is a performer, puppeteer, dancer, chanter, musician, ceramicist and researcher, who has participated in exhibitions in Wales, Belgium, England, and USA. He holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts with Major in Sculpture and a Master’s degree in Art History, both from the University of the Philippines. He is a recipient of the 2021 Asia Pacific Luminare Award and 2020 Outstanding Leadership in Culture and the Arts Award in New York City. He currently teaches under the Design Foundation of the School of Arts, Culture and Performance of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. “Mandala: Concert of Cultures” was held at the Philippine Embassy in Germany in Berlin, through the support of the consulate and Amalla’s major sponsor Pacita Hienrich. It was curated by ML Ganzon.

Chatbot to aid HCWs deliver maternal health services

FREEPIK

A CHATBOT designed to complete administrative tasks will roll out in more communities as part of a joint effort between Save the Children Philippines and Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Inc., to improve newborn and maternal healthcare. 

“Introducing chatbots into the healthcare system can support the healthcare professional-patient relationship, as this helps residents to be able to access health information, and book appointments more efficiently,” said Riel S. Andaluz, senior manager for partnerships at Save the Children Philippines, in an e-mail.  

Target communities are located in Taguig, Muntinlupa, Pateros, and Parañaque in the National Capital Region; and in Cotabato City, Shariff Aguak, and Datu Odin Sinsuat in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.  

“Adapting technology into the health units’ processes can support HCWs [healthcare workers] to significantly lessen their workloads, by offloading repetitive processes to the chatbot,” she added. 

Since it went live in October 2021, the chatbot developed by reach52, a health-tech platform, has been used by 87 HCWs across four barangays to book appointments for patients. It has recorded 182 engagements to date.  

Of the 144 individuals that successfully booked appointments via the bot, about 95.8% opted for prenatal checkup while around 2.8% preferred a postpartum checkup.  

“Due to the pandemic, numerous services, including the provision of public health services, are under strain,” Ms. Andaluz told BusinessWorld. “This especially can impact the more vulnerable communities.”  

The chatbot is part of a larger three-year project launched in 2021 by Save the Children Philippines and Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Inc., which aims to help pregnant women and women of reproductive age by reducing information barriers. 

“We’re looking forward to continue building on our joint commitment with J&J Philippines to inspire innovation for children most in need,” said Ms. Andaluz. “Through this partnership, we are helping more children and moms have healthier and happier lives.”  

In 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported 468 maternal deaths in the first six months of 2022, an increase from 425 maternal deaths the year prior. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Gov’t readies SIM registration rollout in isolated areas

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday said the government is now preparing to reach the geographically isolated and disadvantaged (GIDA) areas that are not yet connected to the internet to help residents register their subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

“The rollout in GIDA areas will happen as soon as possible,” DICT Undersecretary Anna Mae Y. Lamentillo said during a briefing.

“About 27% of our barangays are classified as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and the government will focus on areas that are not yet connected to the internet,” she noted, adding that about 65% of the country still has no access to the internet.

She said the department is coordinating with the telcos as well as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the rollout in GIDA areas.

“The DILG has already issued a circular reminding the local government units of their role,” Ms. Lamentillo said.

“We are having a meeting tomorrow with the telcos and another meeting on Thursday with the interagency group.”

According to Norman N. Ancheta, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) division chief, there are already 16,150,926 registered SIM cards as of Jan. 10, with 7,584,321 from Smart Communications, Inc., 7,137,764 from Globe Telecom, Inc., and 1,428,841 from DITO Telecommunity Corp.

Mr. Ancheta said the number of complaints received by the CICC Complaint Center has decreased from an average of 95 complaints during the first week of SIM registration, down to an average of 47 during the second week.

He said that most of the complaints were about the registration process, website malfunction, and where to register.

There were also queries about how many SIMs individuals could register, the registration deadline, and what to do if they entered incorrect details, as well as concerns regarding data privacy.

“Having this Complaint Center (Hotline 1326) gives us in the DICT and our attached agencies a clear picture of the concerns of the public so we can relay them to our telcos, and we are aware if there is already a need to intervene to ensure that we provide end-users an efficient way to register their SIMs,” Ms. Lamentillo said.

The government aims to register at least one million SIMs a day.

“Currently, we are on track, but there could be a lull, and then a surge again once we are near the deadline,” Ms. Lamentillo said.

She also reminded the public to be mindful of fake websites, phishing, and other scams that may take advantage of people trying to register their SIMs.

“Please always check the source of the information before following instructions especially if it comes through email or text messages. Visit only the official websites of your [service providers], and if unsure, you can always contact the 24/7 Complaint Center Hotline 1326,” Ms. Lamentillo said.

According to Globe, there are already reports of individuals taking advantage of the SIM registration requirement. “They offer their services through social media either for free or for a fee and request the name, photo, valid ID, birthday, cell phone number, and address of SIM users,” the telco said in a statement.

“Such personal information, when in the wrong hands, may be used to impersonate their owners, access their accounts, steal money or other fraudulent activities. Identity thieves may also open accounts in another person’s name, run up debt, or commit crimes, causing damaged reputation and financial problems,” Globe added.

In a separate statement, Smart said it is ramping up its rollout of assisted SIM registration booths and touchpoints across the country, particularly in GIDCA areas identified by the government.

“We are ready to help the government in accelerating assisted SIM registration in GIDCA, in collaboration with the newly launched Interagency Response Center for SIM Registration. We are also committed to working with our regulator the National Telecommunications Commission, as it forms a Technical Working Group with other public telco entities like ourselves, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other government agencies to discuss further details,” said Cathy Y. Yang, first vice-president and head of group corporate communications at PLDT and Smart. — Arjay L. Balinbin

BTr makes full award of reissued bonds on robust investor demand

BW FILE PHOTO

THE GOVERNMENT fully awarded the reissued 25-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) it auctioned off on Tuesday amid strong investor demand, which drove the series’ average rate down.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P35 billion as planned from the reissued 25-year papers on Tuesday as the offer was oversubscribed by more than five times, with bids reaching P185.196 billion.

The bonds, which have a remaining life of 12 years and eight months, were awarded at rates ranging from 7.125% to 7.23%, bringing the average to 7.182%, 70.5 basis points (bps) lower than the 7.887% quoted for the series when it was last offered on Oct. 25, 2022 and 81.8 bps below the 8% coupon for the issue.

The average rate was also lower than the 7.2956% quoted for the same bond series at the secondary market but 6.28 bps higher than the 7.1192% yield seen for the 10-year tenor at the secondary market prior to the auction, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation (BVAL) Service Reference Rates data provided by the BTr.

To accommodate the strong demand for Tuesday’s offer, the BTr opened its tap facility to raise P5 billion more via the same bonds for a yield-to-maturity of 7.182%.

“The Auction Committee decided to fully award the reissued 25-year Treasury Bonds (FXTN 25-07) at today’s auction. With a remaining term of 12 years and 8 months, the security fetched an average rate of 7.182%, lower than the original coupon rate of 8% set on its first issue in September 2010 as well as comparable secondary market benchmarks,” the Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday.

“With its decision, the committee was able to raise the full program of P35 billion, bringing the total outstanding volume for the series to P123.4 billion,” it added.

A trader said in a Viber message that the BTr made a full award as the market swamped the bond offering amid “pent-up demand… given last month’s supply shortage and that investors are willing to buy bonds as long as [the yield] is above 7%.”

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message that demand for the bond offer was “unusually high” as investors wanted to lock in higher yields amid expectations of easing inflation at home and in the United States.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to return to its 2-4% target by the second half of this year.

In 2022, headline inflation averaged 5.8%, matching the BSP’s forecast but faster than its 2-4% goal and the 3.9% average posted in 2021.

Meanwhile, data released last week showed wage growth slowed in December 2022, fueling bets that inflation is easing.

Slowing inflation could cause the BSP and the US Federal Reserve to begin considering smaller rate increases this year after raising borrowing costs by 350 bps and 425 bps, respectively, in 2022.

The BTr plans to raise P200 billion from the domestic market in January, or P60 billion through Treasury bills and P140 billion via T-bonds.

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

Noma to reinvent Michelin-starred restaurant as new food ‘lab’

Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant becomes a food “lab” — NOMA.DK

COPENHAGEN — Noma will close as a full-time restaurant in 2025, with the $505 per head foodie favorite focusing on pop-ups and innovation instead in order to secure a long-term future.

With three Michelin stars, Copenhagen’s Noma was established in 2003 by Danish chef Rene Redzepi and is renowned for its avant-garde approach to Nordic cuisine, topping the rankings of the world’s best restaurants several times.

“In 2025, our restaurant is transforming into a giant lab — a pioneering test kitchen dedicated to the work of food innovation and the development of new flavors,” Noma said in a posting announcing the move on its website.

“Our goal is to create a lasting organization dedicated to groundbreaking work in food,” said Noma, whose name is a play on the Danish words “nordisk mad,” meaning “Nordic food.”

Reservations for a table at Noma, which is serving its Game and Forest Season menu until Feb. 18 at a cost of 3,500 Danish crowns ($505) per person, were hard to come by even before the announcement of its new “Noma 3.0” incarnation.

“We will still serve guests in Copenhagen for shorter seasons, and through pop-ups, but the details are still to be worked out,” a spokesperson for Noma told Reuters. — Reuters

US experts recommend weight-loss drugs for obese children

KENNY ELIASON-UNSPLASH

THE American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Monday recommended use of weight-loss drugs in children ages 12 years or older for treatment of obesity, which impacts about 14.4 million kids and adolescents in the United States and can lead to serious health complications.  

The new guidelines — the first in over a decade — focus on treatment of obesity, as opposed to prevention.  

“I think they are important because there are a number of misunderstandings about exactly what causes obesity and there are some unintended biases, even by medical providers with regard to childhood obesity,” said Dr. Marc Michalsky of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, a co-author of the guidelines.  

The expert group said that therapies such as weight loss pill orlistat, Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide — an injected diabetes treatment repurposed for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy — and the older, generic diabetes medicine metformin could be given in addition to changes in health behavior and lifestyle.  

Metformin has been used off label to achieve weight loss in children. Of the 27 randomized trials of metformin for weight loss in children reviewed by the guidelines panel, 74% showed some positive effect of the medication.  

“In particular, children with more immediate and life-threatening comorbidities, those who are older, and those affected by more severe obesity may require additional therapeutic options,” the group said.  

The threshold for pediatric obesity is a body mass index (BMI) — a ratio of weight to height — above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender. Severe obesity is defined as a BMI 20% higher than the 95th percentile cutoff.  

GlaxoSmithKline’s orlistat is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term treatment of obesity in children age 12 and older. The appetite suppressant phentermine is approved for ages 16 and older.  

Wegovy last month won US approval for chronic weight management in children ages 12 and older. The FDA has also approved the diabetes drug Saxenda (liraglutide) from Novo Nordisk as a treatment for obesity in adolescents age 12 and older.  

The FDA also approved a supplemental indication for Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsules) from Vivus for chronic weight management in obese patients aged 12 and older.  

The guidelines panel noted that many of the trials it reviewed excluded children with mental health conditions, physical activity limitations, or use of certain medications.  

“In clinical practice, these children often have the greatest need for support in addressing obesity,” the authors said.  

For children ages 2 to 12 years, AAP said there was not currently enough evidence to recommend use of these medications.  

They also include recommendations for diagnosing obesity annually in children ages 6 years and older, through checks on BMI, and practices such as motivational interviewing.  

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is also recommended as a treatment by the group for teens with severe obesity.  

Intensive counseling of children and parents on health behavior and lifestyle over a period of three to 12 months is an effective treatment for child obesity, but is “challenging to deliver and not universally available,” the AAP said. — Reuters 

SC clears two entities’ compromise over property dispute

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Supreme Court (SC) has approved a compromise agreement between Malate Construction Development Corp. (MCDC) and Extraordinary Realty Agents & Brokers Cooperative that involved the former paying a reduced amount of P3 million over a property dispute.

In a five-page resolution, the SC Special Second Division said the agreement did not violate any laws or public policies.

“The parties not only consented to all the terms of the compromise agreement but even jointly clamored for its approval before the Court,” the tribunal said.

“Equally important, all the essential requisites of a  contract are present in the compromise agreement.”

The High Court said the case is now closed and terminated as the parties have settled the dispute.

In 2003, the two companies entered into a marketing agreement where the realty cooperative, the respondent, committed to promote and sell MCDC’s properties in Calamba, Laguna in exchange for a commission.

The dispute stemmed from MCDC refusing to pay the realty firm its commissions in 2005 and 2006, which prompted a damages lawsuit seeking the payment of P4.962,935.77 with interest.

In 2013, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 47 ruled in favor of the respondent and ordered the construction company to pay P4.069,919.88 million with a 12% interest.

The Court of Appeals affirmed the fees and imposed an additional 6% interest for each year after the decision was deemed final.

On Jan. 5, 2022, the High Court upheld the decision but absolved Giovanni Olivares, MCDC’s president, from liability for the unpaid commissions.

The two firms were unaware of the court’s decision when they entered into the compromise agreement on May 11 of that year.

The high tribunal said the agreement was still valid since both parties consented to the compromise even after the ruling attained finality.

“Verily, if a compromise agreement is allowed after a final judgment, then all the more should it be permitted before the judgment attains finality and more so, prior to the parties’ receipt of the ruling,” It said in the ruling. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

PHL working to exit FATF ‘gray list’

BW FILE PHOTO

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) hopes the country can exit the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) “gray list” of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for “dirty money” risks within the next 12 months after failing to meet its original January 2023 goal.

“We have clearly missed the first deadline. The first deadline was this January. We are now given until January 2024,” BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla told reporters on Tuesday.

The BSP chief said the country should show progress in enforcing laws to address money laundering and terrorist financing.

“The problem is enforcement, not legislation. Of course, the usual problem is identifying the real beneficiaries, but that’s no longer a major issue. The major issue is there are not a lot of persecutions and convictions,” Mr. Medalla said in a mix of English and Tagalog.

“What happens between now and then is much critical,” he added.

Global financial crime watchdog FATF put the country in its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for dirty money risks in June 2021.

In October 2022, it said the Philippines remains on the list and cited the need to further strengthen its action plan to address “strategic deficiencies” related to casino junkets, nonprofit organizations, and beneficial ownership.

To be removed from the list, the country committed to comply with 18 action plan items. Progress reports are submitted to the FATF in three reporting cycles in a year: January, May and September.

Mr. Medalla said most of the legislation part of the FATF’s action plan items for the Philippines have been addressed, as only amendments to the country’s deposit secrecy law have yet to be passed.

“We met with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and they told me, if we’re only more diligent in having a system that truly brings out all the real prosecution and conviction, the number (of cases) will be much higher. So that’s what we need to show. The solution requires a whole of government approach, not just the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) and not just the DoJ, but the law enforcement also,” Mr. Medalla said.

“I’m quite confident, given the early meetings with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla. The focus will be there to try our best to increase the chances so that by early next year, those problems have been met,” he added.   

Based on the FATF’s latest assessment, the Philippines needs to show it is implementing effective risk-based supervision of designated nonfinancial businesses and professions. These include jewelry dealers, real estate brokers and developers and service providers for financial businesses.

The dirty money watchdog also said the country has to improve monitoring controls to mitigate financial crimes associated with casino junkets.

It added that it will continue to track the country’s progress in ensuring beneficial ownership information is streamlined and up to date for better access of law enforcement agencies. — K.B. Ta-asan

Tarnished Golden Globes aim to regain role as Hollywood’s ‘party of the year’

HFPA/ GOLDENGLOBES.COM

LOS ANGELES — A year after Hollywood boycotted the Golden Globes, Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg and other big names are set to return as organizers try to restore the luster to what had been one of the biggest stops on the industry’s awards circuit.

Most of this year’s nominees are expected to attend the red-carpet ceremony in Beverly Hills on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines – Ed.), said Helen Hoehne, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the group that hands out the Globes.

“We’ve gotten a really great response from the nominees,” said Ms. Hoehne, a German journalist elected in late 2021 to lead the group through diversity and ethics scandals. “We have very few not coming, so we are thrilled.”

She vowed the night would be “the party of the year.”

Now in their 80th year, the Globes had been known as a festive, alcohol-fueled ceremony that kicked off Hollywood’s awards season and helped propel nominees and winners in their quest for Academy Awards.

The future of the Globes was thrown into doubt after a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation revealed the organization had no Black journalists in its ranks. Some members were accused of making sexist and racist remarks and soliciting favors from celebrities and movie studios.

Longtime broadcaster NBC dropped the 2022 telecast, but the Comcast Corp. network agreed to air the ceremony again this year after the HFPA instituted changes and new ethics rules. Among roughly 200 current voters, nearly 52% are racially and ethnically diverse, including 10% who are Black.

“The organization really went through a total reform process in the last 18 months,” Ms. Hoehne said. “We increased diversity, transparency, accountability.””

The lineup for Tuesday shows Hollywood appears ready to give the HFPA a shot at redemption.

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who is Black, will host the three-hour ceremony, while Eddie Murphy will receive a lifetime achievement honor. Director Quentin Tarantino and actor Jamie Lee Curtis are listed among presenters.

SOME STARS MAY PASS
Nominees expected to attend include Mr. Pitt and his Babylon co-star Margot Robbie, Mr. Spielberg and cast from his coming-of-age film The Fabelmans, The Woman King star Viola Davis, Avatar director James Cameron and singer Rihanna, a nominee for a song from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Some celebrities will stay away.

Brendan Fraser, nominated for his leading role in The Whale, has said he will not attend after accusing a former HFPA president of groping him.

Tom Cruise is not expected to appear even though his blockbuster movie Top Gun: Maverick is nominated for best drama film. Cruise returned his three Globe statues in protest of the organization’s practices in 2021.

Chris Beachum, managing editor at awards website Gold Derby, said producers likely will stage a lively show, but there is a risk that some of the winners might skip the ceremony.

“It’s a matter of how many people are getting their name called and not going on stage because they’re not there. That’s more of an issue,” he said.

Mr. Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic are among the contenders for best drama film. Dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherin leads all movies with eight nominations, and Abbott Elementary tops the field of TV contenders.

Even with the recent controversy, Mr. Beachum believes most actors, studios, and publicists would be happy to have a Globe honor to tout as they head toward the Oscars in March.

“You want to be winning awards in this period of December, January, and February,” Mr. Beachum said. “You hardly ever see somebody go through an entire cycle, losing most everywhere and then winning the Oscar. It just doesn’t happen.” — Reuters

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