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ALI sees new Bulacan estate as trade, commerce center

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) has broken ground for its 49th estate development, which it targets to turn into a center for trade and commerce in Plaridel, Bulacan.

The integrated mixed-use master-planned estate named Crossroads will sit in an 83-hectare lot in the province.

ALI put a P5.2-billion initial investment in the estate to develop the first 20 hectares into a commercial node that it plans to complete within five years.

The commercial area will be the first phase of development in Crossroads. It is expected to house quick-service restaurants, a supermarket, and restaurants.

“As we complete the planning for the residential [area], you can expect that our investment will increase,” ALI Project Development Head For Crossroads John R. Estacio said on the sidelines of the groundbreaking event on Thursday.

The residential segment of the estate is expected to be launched next year and will initially include ALI brands Alveo, Avida, and Amaia.

According to Mr. Estacio, ALI will kick-start the commercial node by building retail spaces to fill the need of the surrounding residential and industrial projects.

“Everything would come in phases, so the office could come at a later date,” Mr. Estacio said.

Commercial spaces will be sold at P75,000 per square meter (sq.m.) with the lots ranging from 300 sq.m. to over 1,000 sq.m.

Also included in the first phase of the development is the transportation hub, which is planned to link the estate to different areas.

“It is part of our program to bring more people here,” Mr. Estacio said, adding that aside from the private terminal, “we will also have a public transport terminal that will link the area to the province center and Quezon City.”

Crossroads is the second estate of the company in Bulacan after the master-planned Altaraza estate in San Jose Del Monte. It will be ALI’s final launch in 2022.

Bernard Vincent O. Dy, president and chief executive officer of ALI, said that the company is planning to launch more projects in the area.

“ALI is slightly underrepresented in terms of product offering in Bulacan, so we want to be able to do more in Bulacan,” Mr. Dy said.

“We want to bring something new to the area and enrich the lives of the people here in Plaridel,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Eddie Murphy to receive lifetime achievement award at Golden Globes

EDDIE MURPHY in a scene from the 2021 film Coming 2 America.

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Eddie Murphy will accept a lifetime achievement honor next month at the Golden Globes, the annual ceremony that is trying to restore its reputation in Hollywood after a diversity and ethics scandal.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the group that votes on the Globe winners, announced on Wednesday that Mr. Murphy would receive the Cecil B. DeMille award to celebrate his contributions to entertainment.

Mr. Murphy, 61, was a cast member on television sketch show Saturday Night Live and went on to star in films such as Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor, 48 Hours, and Dreamgirls.

Previous DeMille award recipients have included Audrey Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Sophia Loren, Tom Hanks, Jane Fonda, and Robert De Niro.

The honor for Mr. Murphy adds a big name to the Golden Globes telecast on Jan. 10. The ceremony has been known as a star-studded, alcohol-fueled event that kicks off Hollywood’s awards season, but it is unclear which nominees will attend the upcoming ceremony.

The Globes were tainted after a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation probed the HFPA’s practices and revealed the organization had no Black members.

Longtime broadcaster NBC dropped the 2022 telecast, but the Comcast-owned network agreed to air the Globes again in 2023 after the organization made reforms. — Reuters

Villar-led PREIT closes higher on its market debut

PREMIERE Island Power REIT Corp. (PREIT) closed at P1.6 apiece on its market debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Thursday.

“With the stock market debut of PREIT, we hope that more energy-themed real estate investment trusts (REITs), especially those based in the provinces will also consider listing their shares in the stock market,” said PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Monzon.

PREIT is envisioned to be the power and infrastructure REIT platform of Villar-led Prime Asset Ventures, Inc.

The company’s initial portfolio includes the land and power plant assets that are used by its sponsors: S.I. Power Corp. and Camotes Island Power Generation Corp.

These assets, which the sponsors also operate, supply power to the islands of Siquijor and Camotes with a total combined capacity of 21.2 megawatts.

Funds from the initial public offering will be given to selling shareholders and will be reinvested in the Philippines.

PREIT is eyeing to expand its assets to include solar farms that are located in various provinces in Luzon, said PSE.

On its listing day, shares in PREIT opened at P1.47 apiece, which was also its average price. Its lowest was at P1.37 each.

PREIT is the second REIT offering of the Villar group of companies after the listing of VistaREIT, Inc. in June 2022.  — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Netflix’s Emily in Paris embraces French life in new season

Lily Collins, Ashley Park, and Camille Razat in a scene from Emily in Paris.

PARIS — Cultural frictions give way to personality clashes in Netflix’s Emily in Paris, according to creator Darren Star who recently joined the show’s cast members in the French capital for the global premiere of the third season.

The new season of the television comedy starring Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American who moves to Paris from Chicago for a marketing job, will be released on Dec. 21.

The show focuses more deeply on its characters, moving away from a play on the cliches of French and American lifestyles, to become more of a “clash of personalities,” said Mr. Star, who is also executive producer and writer of the show.

“She feels less of a fish out of water and more about embracing the culture around her,” said Ms. Collins, of the character she plays.

Watched by 58 million households in its first month, the series debuted at the height of pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and became the most popular comedy on Netflix that year.

In the third season, actors Paul Forman and Melia Kreiling join as new cast members. “New characters come in and add a lot of new texture and complications for the entire ensemble,” said Mr. Star. — Reuters

Flight fuel surcharge to drop in January

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Stefan Fluck from Unsplash

THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is lowering the applicable fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights to Level 7 from Level 8 currently.

The CAB cited the lower average price of jet fuel (P41.50 per liter) between Nov. 10 and Dec. 9.

Level 7 on the CAB matrix permits a fuel surcharge per passenger of between P219 and P739 for domestic flights and between P722.71 and P5,373.69 for international flights.

Under Level 8 currently, the fuel surcharge per passenger ranges from P253 to P787 for domestic flights and from P835.05 to P6,208.98 for international flights.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file their application with this office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding [Level 7],” CAB Executive Director Carmelo L. Arcilla said in an advisory.

In a statement, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said the move will ease the financial impact on consumers brought about by fuel surcharges.

“The lowering of fuel surcharge levels is coming in at a time when we are expanding our flight route network, mounting new flights and restoring our flight capacity to pre-pandemic levels,” PAL noted.

“We have restored flights between Cebu and Bangkok, opened the Cebu — Baguio route, and Cebu — Cotabato. Soon, we will operate flights to Borongan via Cebu,” it added.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said the decrease in fuel surcharge for January 2023 is a “welcome development, especially as we see a continuous increase in passenger traffic and forward bookings.”

“We are excited to offer even lower fares for everyJuan,” said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer.

For its part, low-cost airline AirAsia Philippines said the lowering of fuel surcharge level will help “all airline companies to cushion the effects of the volatile fuel pricing and the weakening value of the peso versus the US dollar.”

“While we all share the optimism on a more stable fuel price in the days ahead, we at AirAsia stay committed to providing our guests with best value deals that will allow them to travel more during the holidays,” it added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Stuff to do (12/16/22)

Air Supply returns to Manila

AUSTRALIAN rock duo Air Supply returns for a two-night concert at Newport World Resorts on Dec. 15 and 16. Graham Russel and Russel Hitchcock are famous for hits such as “Every Woman in the World,” “All Out of Love,” and “Just Another Woman.” Tickets are still available at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets with prices ranging from P2,500 to  P11,000. For inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team (0917-823-9602, 0917-807-9387, 0917-658-9378), Ticketworld (8891-9999), or SM Tickets (8470-2222).

Holidaze at Shangri-La Plaza

SHANGRI-LA PLAZA gets into the festive Holidaze mood with music, food, and Santa. ChubbyCon, the annual food convention by the Masarap Ba? Community, is returning to Shang on Dec. 15-18 at the Grand Atrium for “It’s A Christmasarap Parteh!” food event. It showcases the food brands tried, tested, and rated “masarap” by the online foodie community. Children will get the chance to have their photos taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 17 and 23 at 3 p.m., at Level 1. Present a single receipt of a purchase of at least P500 from any Shangri-La store from Nov. 26 to Dec. 23 to get a ticket for the photo session with Santa. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Simbang Gabi at the CCP

IN KEEPING with the Filipino Christmas traditions, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will hold the nine dawn masses, collectively known as Simbang Gabi, celebrated in cooperation with Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, from Dec. 16 to 24, 5 a.m., at the CCP Main Ramp. There will also be Anticipated Masses from Dec. 15 to 23 at 9 pm, via the official CCP Facebook Page and CCP’s YouTube Channel. The anticipated masses will be celebrated in partnership with regional parishes from around the country. The virtual anticipated masses aim to reach out to Filipinos and other Catholics from across the archipelago and the world. The Masses will be in English and/or Filipino language. The Simbang Gabi novena masses will culminate with a Misa de Aguinaldo (Christmas Eve Mass) on Dec. 24, 8 p.m., live on-site at the CCP Main Theater. There will be a pre-mass program at 7 p.m., featuring invited choral groups, the Manila Symphony Orchestra performing traditional tunes, and soprano Myramae Meneses. As a finale, the Philippine Madrigal Singers will lead a 100-voice chorale in singing Christmas carols with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. For more information, call the CCP Venue Operations Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1412/1413. Or follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.

Christmas concert at the museum

THE YUCHENGCO Museum celebrates the season with Kundiman & Carols: A Night with Krissan Manikan-Tan, on Dec. 16, 7 p.m. The show also features pianist Belinda Salazar. For ticket reservations, contact 8889-1234 or e-mail yspace@yuchengcomuseum.org. The Yuchengco Musuem is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Ave. and Senator Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City.

Handel’s Messiah at the CCP

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) celebrates the Christmas season with a performance of Handel’s Messiah, featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philippine Madrigal Singers, on Dec. 16, 8 p.m., at the Main Theater. For tickets call the CCP Box Office at 8832-3704, 8832-1125 local 1409; TicketWorld at 0917-550-6997 (Globe), 0999-954-5922 (Smart), or visit https://bit.ly/PPOMetamorphosisConcert4.

Banda Rito, Banda Roon presents marching bands

SEVEN brass bands, with a twirling baton group, march their way to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and celebrate the holiday season on Dec. 17, 3 p.m., at the CCP Complex, followed by exhibition drills at the CCP Front Lawn at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. Dubbed Banda Rito, Banda Roon, the marching band show aims to highlight the rich brass band history and heritage in the Philippines while ushering in the lively and vibrant Paskong Pinoy spirit. The brass bands joining the celebration are: the Color Guard of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard Brass Band, the Anak Zapote Band, Banda 96, Banda El Gobernador, and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Band.  Joining them is the Baton Twirling Group. Admission is free. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines/.

Swedish DJ Alesso to perform live in Manila

OVATION Productions presents DJ Alesso on Dec. 17, 2022 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Alesso (Alessandro Renato Rodolfo Lindblad) is a Swedish DJ and music producer who has worked with numerous artists, Including Tove Lo, Hailee Steinfeld, Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, Usher, David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Liam Payne. The concert also features Acraze, Ace Ramos, Martin Pulgar, Marc Marasigan, Rico Arce, KATDJ, Deuce, Katsy Lee, and David Ardiente. Tickets available via ovationtickets.com and ticketnet.com.ph.   

CCP holds Cinema Under The Stars

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents a unique family cinematic experience with Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS), the CCP’s hybrid outdoor cinema, slated on December 17 and 18 at the CCP Front Lawn. The hybrid cinema program will have special screenings of selected Cinemalaya and Gawad Alternatibo films, as well as films from the CCP Collection. On Dec. 17, 6 p.m., there will be back-to-back screenings of Papetir by Darwin Alegre Noivicio, Andong by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino, and Pepot Artista by Doy del Mundo. The 8:30 p.m. screenings feature Si Oddie by Maria Kydylee Torato, Aliens Ata by Karl Glenn Barit, and Ani by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario. Gawad Alternatibo films take the spotlight on Dec. 18, 4 p.m. Featured short films include: Wetsitales: Aponibonilayen and the Sun by Jade Dandan Evangelista; Maris by Gabb Gantala; Ang Liwanag ng Bakunawa by Alvin Gasga and Elisha Domingo; Mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan by Vahn Leinard Pascual; and My Mamily by Cha Roque. At 6 p.m., watch selected Cinemalaya 2022 entries See You, George! by Mark Moneda, Kwits by Raz dela Torre, and Batsoy by Ronald Batallones. Cinema Under the Stars is free to the public.

Ben&Ben’s homecoming concert

AFTER their North American tour, Ben&Ben marks their return to the Philippines with a homecoming concert on Dec. 18 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque. “To match that sense of gratitude, we wanted to mount our largest show yet, with our longest set, most ambitious performance ideas, and simply the best of what we’ve made through the years,” the group said in a statement. The concert will also feature guest performances from artists who collaborated on the group’s sophomore album, Pebble House. Vol. 1 including KZ Tandingan, Zild, and Juan Karlos. Tickets to the Ben&Ben Homecoming Concert 2022 can be purchased on ovationtickets.com and ticketnet.com.ph.

MSMEs see growth after getting financing from digital platforms

BW FILE PHOTO

MICRO, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) posted improved net profit, revenue, employment and performance after tapping financial technology and online lending firms for financing, a study showed.

The ASEAN Access to Digital Finance Study conducted by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School and the Asian Development Bank Institute showed digital financial services contributed to boosting financial inclusion for both consumers and businesses.

The study measures the impact of digital financial services for consumers and MSMEs in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand based on 600 responses from Feb. 28 to April 15, with 200 of which from the Philippines.

A total of 190 responses were received from MSMEs, with 27% being from the Philippines.

“The study aims to understand how individual households, consumers, and MSMEs use digital financial services — such as online lending and capital-raising platforms — to access credit or raise funds from 2020 to 2021,” a statement from fintech firm First Circle said.

First Circle was one of the local fintech firms approached by the study’s proponents for data collection.

“MSMEs saw a positive impact after getting finance through one of these three digital financing models: P2P/marketplace business lending; invoice trading; and equity crowdfunding. The top three positive impacts were in productivity (65%), a larger customer base (41%), and launching a new product/service (39%),” it said.

The study showed that before approaching fintechs and online lenders, MSMEs first sought funding from family and friends, banks, and microfinance institutions.

The top three reasons cited by Philippine MSMEs for choosing digital financing models were better customer service (85%), flexible terms at (82%), and speed of funding at (73%).

“The main reason MSMEs borrowed funds from fintech platforms was to raise working capital, followed by expansion and growth — a contrast from the common misconception that MSMEs who borrow funding do so to bail out struggling and failing businesses,” the statement said.

The report said 26% of MSME respondents in the country reported that 26% their main reason for obtaining funds from a fintech was to lend to individuals or other businesses.

Meanwhile, the study showed in terms of traditional finance products, the top three used Philippine MSMEs cited were personal checking or savings accounts at 55%, personal current accounts at 50%, and personal credit cards at 15%.

The average amount borrowed or raised by Philippine MSMEs from traditional and alternative financing platforms was at $11,722.

Respondents from the Philippines also cited that they received a variety of assistance from fintech platforms for the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with 29% getting help in the form of waived fees, eased payment plans (18%), insurance or coverage plans (14%), and additional credit facilities (12%). 

However, 36% of local respondents cited that they did not receive any support.

MSMEs used savings or checking accounts, loan contracts or term loans, and cash credit to support their business activities in the Philippines.

First Circle said the survey results show that fintech services complement, not compete with, those of traditional banks.

“One of the most interesting findings show that fintech services often complement rather than compete with traditional banking services in ASEAN countries. In many cases, the increased access to finance through fintech platforms also led MSMEs to increase their use of banking products and services,” it said. — A.M.C. Sy

SSS offers new voluntary retirement savings program 

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Social Security System (SSS) said on Thursday that it launched a new variant of its voluntary retirement savings scheme, known as the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program Plus (WISP Plus).

It said in a statement that voluntary WISP Plus scheme accepts a minimum of P500 per payment. It is an evolution of the current WISP, a mandatory provident fund which is open to all private-sector workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the self-employed.

In June, the SSS announced that WISP generated a 6.39% return in its first year of operation, which the pension fund said outperformed the 10-year Treasury bond, which averaged 4.1% in 2021.

“We have been spearheading the concept of work, save, invest, and prosper to our members. WISP Plus is a program both for saving and investing. It is an affordable and tax-free savings scheme which will allow our members to save by contributing to the program and investing because their money will generate earnings,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino said.

WISP Plus serves as an additional layer of protection apart from retirement benefits members receive from the regular program, Mr. Regino said.

The SSS said interested members can join WISP Plus via their My.SSS accounts.

To qualify for the program, members should not have filed for any final benefits claim, such as retirement or total disability benefits, the SSS said.

Two programs the SSS is currently implementing will be part of WISP Plus, SSS said. These are the Flexi-fund Program for OFWs, and the Personal Equity and Savings Option Fund offered to members living in the Philippines and paying maximum monthly contributions. 

Separately, Mr. Regino said in briefing that starting Jan. 1, the new SSS contribution rate will be 14%, up from the current 13% as required by the terms of the Social Security Act of 2018.

For employed members, employers will absorb the 1 percentage point increase in the contribution rate, while individual paying members, such as self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse, and OFW members, will shoulder the whole contribution rate since they have no employers, SSS said.

Additionally, SSS said that it will also adjust the minimum and maximum monthly salary credits (MSCs), which will serve as the basis of the monthly contribution of a member.

The minimum MSC will become P4,000 from the current P3,000-P4,000 while the maximum MSC will rise to P30,000 from the current P25,000. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Message solutions provider targets to reach more PHL industries

CLOUD communications platform Infobip Philippines, which now covers 80% of the local banking industry, said it aims to expand its reach to other verticals as demand for automated messaging remains strong.

“Even if people are going back to physical stores now, the digital setups will be retained and upgraded depending on customer demand,” Infobip Philippines Country Manager Charist B. Montenegro said during a virtual briefing.

“We are really aggressive on expanding further not just by verticals but also the utilization of different channels that we have and the use of the solutions that we offer,” she added.

She noted that Infobip, which entered the Philippine market in 2016, currently covers 80% of the banking industry in the Philippines.

The company now seeks to cover the retail, e-commerce, transportation, and medical industries.

Citing Infobip’s global research, Ms. Montenegro said that chat apps such as WhatsApp are becoming crucial channels for customer communications.

This demonstrates the growing importance of conversational experiences, she added.

“Infobip’s data shows an 80% and 62% increase in WhatsApp and rich communication services (RCS) interactions respectively in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021,” the company said in a statement.

It said that customers now have access to more channels and devices than before.

“Customer communications today are more digital than ever, with a 68% increase in interactions across all digital channels. Second, alongside the growth in chat app interactions, some 99% of customer support and chatbot interactions are now on WhatsApp,” the company noted.

At the same time, the company pointed out that while newer channels are gaining momentum, its study shows the continued growth of more traditional channels, such as SMS and email.

“Interactions on these channels increased by 75% and 91% respectively with Infobip seeing emerging uses around timely alerts and security solutions such as two-factor authentication,” Infobip said.

Conversational customer experiences are quickly becoming the new normal, according to Ivan Ostojić, Infobip chief business officer. “Customers don’t want a one-way interaction with a brand.”

“They want a conversation – whether for support, sales, or marketing. But, as our data shows, to meet customer needs, businesses and brands must first embed global real-time omnichannel communications.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

What to See This Week (12/16/22)

TRINITY Jo-Li Bliss in Avatar: The Way of Water

Avatar: The Way of Water

SET more than a decade after the events of the first film, the sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar follows the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their children) whose peaceful life is interrupted when the Sky People (humans), return for Jake. The family seeks refuge with an oceanic clan and learn the ways of the water to survive. The film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, and Kate Winslet. It is being screened in IMAX, 3D, and 4DX versions. Book tickets at https://disney.asia/dQZ2Oj. Entertainment Weekly’s Leah Greenblatt writes, “The world both above and below the waterline is a thing to behold, a sensory overload of sound and color so richly tactile that it feels psychedelically, almost spiritually sublime.” Film review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer gives it a score of 83%.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Broken Blooms

SET during the COVID-19 pandemic, a young newlywed couple’s relationship is tested by their circumstances. The film reflects the difficulties faced by Filipino families living in poverty. Directed by Louie Ignacio, the film stars Jaclyn Jose, Therese Malvar, and Royce Cabrera. Broken Blooms has made a splash in a number of film festivals, with its cast and director receiving a number of awards. Among these are: the Harlem International Film Festival, New York (Best Actor Jeric Gonzales); the Mokho International Film Festival, India (Best Narrative Feature Film, Best Actor Jeric Gonzales, Best Actress Therese Malvar, and a Special Jury prize for Director Louie Ignacio); and the 2nd Saskatchewan International Film Festival, Canada (Best Feature Fiction, Best Director, Best Actor Jeric Gonzales, Best Actress Therese Malvar, Best Supporting Actor Norman Boobay Balbuena, Best Supporting Actress Jaclyn Jose, and Best Musical Score Jake Abella).

MTRCB Rating: R-16

Robots set their sights on a new job: sewing blue jeans

REUTERS

WILL a robot ever make your blue jeans? There is a quiet effort underway to find out — involving clothing and technology companies, including Germany’s Siemens AG and Levi Strauss & Co.

“Clothing is the last trillion-dollar industry that hasn’t been automated,” said Eugen Solowjow, who heads a project at a Siemens lab in San Francisco that has worked on automating apparel manufacturing since 2018.

The idea of using robots to bring more manufacturing back from overseas gained momentum during the pandemic as snarled supply chains highlighted the risks of relying on distant factories.

Finding a way to cut out handwork in China and Bangladesh would allow more clothing manufacturing to move back to Western consumer markets, including the United States.

But that’s a sensitive topic. Many apparel makers are hesitant to talk about the quest for automation, since that sparks worries that workers in developing countries will suffer.

Jonathan Zornow, who has developed a technique to automate some parts of jeans factories, said he has received online criticism — and one death threat.

A spokesperson for Levi’s said he can confirm the company participated in the early phases of the project but declined to comment further.

Sewing poses a particular challenge for automation. Unlike a car bumper or a plastic bottle, which holds its shape as a robot handles it, cloth is floppy and comes in an endless array of thicknesses and textures.

Robots simply don’t have the deft touch possible with human hands. To be sure, robots are improving, but it will take years to fully develop their ability to handle fabric, according to five researchers interviewed by Reuters.

But what if enough of it could be done by machine to at least close some of the cost differential between the United States and low-cost foreign factories? That’s the focus of the research effort now underway.

Work at Siemens grew out of efforts to create software to guide robots that could handle all types of flexible materials, such as thin wire cables, said Mr. Solowjow, adding that they soon realized one of the ripest targets was clothing.

The global apparel market is estimated to be worth $1.52 trillion, according to independent data platform Statista.

Siemens worked with the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute in Pittsburgh, created in 2017 and funded by the Department of Defense to help old-line manufacturers find ways to use the new technology.

They identified a San Francisco startup with a promising approach to the floppy fabric problem. Rather than teach robots how to handle cloth, the startup, Sewbo, Inc., stiffens the fabric with chemicals so it can be handled more like a car bumper during production. Once complete, the finished garment is washed to remove the stiffening agent. 

“Pretty much every piece of denim is washed after it’s made anyway, so this fits into the existing production system,” said Mr. Zornow, Sewbo’s inventor.

This research effort eventually grew to include several clothing companies, including Levi’s and Bluewater Defense LLC, a small US-based maker of military uniforms. They received $1.5 million in grants from the Pittsburgh robotics institute to experiment with the technique.

There are other efforts to automate sewing factories. Software Automation, Inc., a startup in Georgia, has developed a machine that can sew T-shirts by pulling the material over a specially equipped table, for instance.

Eric Spackey, CEO of Bluewater Defense, the uniform maker, was part of the research effort with Siemens but is skeptical of the Sewbo approach. “Putting (stiffening) material into the garment just adds another process,” which increases costs, said Mr. Spackey, though he adds that it could make sense for producers who already wash garments as part of their normal operation, such as jeans makers.

The first step is getting robots into clothing factories. Sanjeev Bahl, who opened a small jeans factory in downtown Los Angeles two years ago called Saitex, has studied the Sewbo machines and is preparing to install his first experimental machine.

Leading the way through his factory in September, he pointed to workers hunched over old-style machines and said many of these tasks are ripe for the new process. “If it works,” he said, “I think there’s no reason not to have large-scale (jeans) manufacturing here in the US again.” — Reuters

ICTSI says Mexico subsidiary undertakes expansion project

LISTED ports operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) on Thursday said its subsidiary in Mexico recently started its third phase expansion project.

The project is expected to boost ICTSI-Contecon Manzanillo’s (CMSA) capacity to two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 1.4 million within the next five years, the company said in an e-mailed statement.

“Manzanillo is the most important node of international logistics in the Pacific Coast of Mexico and it will continue to be so,” CMSA Chief Executive Officer José Antonio Contreras said.

CMSA is spending $230 million on the project, mainly to upgrade shipping and terminal infrastructure, storage yards, and equipment.

The company noted that the capacity increase will position Contecon as the “largest terminal in Mexico’s Pacific coast.”

“We are convinced that this expansion, as well as the construction of land access to the northern zone of the terminal and the acquisition of new inspection equipment for Customs, will consolidate and strengthen the port’s position among competitors,” Mr. Contreras said.

“This port is designed to meet present and future needs, as well as handle 400-meter ships. If the port wins, we all win – from our clients to the families of our employees,” he added.

The project is expected to create more than 600 new direct jobs, in addition to the existing 1,200, along with 11,600 indirect jobs.

ICTSI is involved in 34 terminal concessions and port development projects in 20 countries worldwide. It has nine terminal operations in the Philippines, including an inland container terminal, a barge terminal, and combined terminal operations in Subic.

For the nine months that ended September, the company saw its net income attributable to equity holders increase by 47% to $465.1 million from $316.4 million previously.

Revenues from port operations climbed 20.1% to $1.64 billion from $1.37 billion last year. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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