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This is Toyota Raize-ing the stakes

PHOTO FROM TOYOTA MOTOR CORP.

TMP will try to get the last word in the crossover war

I STILL remember how, in 2018, it was considered a big deal for Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) to have finally released a product in the then burgeoning entry-level SUV segment. The Toyota Rush launch was significant on multiple counts — but chiefly because it effectively moved the pricing goal post within easier reach. For the first time, TMP priced an SUV south of the psychic barrier of P1 million. Today, to Toyota’s credit, the most affordable Rush is still priced at a respectable P983,000 (that’s for the 1.5 E MT).

Unfortunately, four years in the auto industry might as well be a century. So many things have happened and changed during the interim. A lot more brands have entered the market since the first Rush rollout. And if you think the race to the most realistic price point ended by uncrossing that P1-million divide, think again.

To consumers’ ultimate benefit and in aid of mobility, so many options now exist in that previously “untenable” price point. Even more exciting is that features and creature comforts previously confined to rides with more expensive price tags have begun to regularly appear in more affordable models. Tech toys and accoutrements are now standard fare, so much so that discriminating buyers who are also on a budget can actually pull the trigger on value-rich offerings that appear to stretch the devalued peso.

What’s more, the novel concept that propelled the Rush into our imagination (a sub P1 million SUV) is now a standard fixture, with brands trying to undercut one another via lower prices and better specs.

TMP is now ready to do battle in that space that used to be reserved for lesser players who could price themselves more cheaply. There’s probably a lot of nervous sweating going on in the competition for this lucrative segment.

It’s called the Raize — the worst-kept secret before it became an open secret — definitely because of the excitement for the form and the attractive price point that the vehicle is bringing onto the table. We know that Toyota is set to trot it out formally by Feb. 4 (when it will be available for retail sales), but the industry is already flooded with excitement — or the aforementioned sweating.

According to a TMP memo sent to dealers that we got a hold of, reservations started exactly a week ago (Jan. 10). Four variants of the 2022 Raize are available: the 1.2 E MT (P746,000), 1.2 E CVT (P816,000), 1.2 G CVT (P906,000), and top-tier 1.0 Turbo CVT (P1.031 million). Add P5,000 to the last variant if you want the White Pearl special hue. Other exterior colors are black, turquoise, yellow, red, gray metallic, and silver metallic. Not all the colors will be available across the lineup, while black will be the standard interior hue across all trims.

The Raize measures 4,030mm x 1,710mm x 1,605mm. For comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross (which was previously the brand’s smallest crossover here) measures 4,460mm x 1,825mm x 1,620mm.

Powering the Raize’s top model is a turbocharged three-cylinder, 1.0-liter, 12-valve, DOHC with dual VVT churning out 98ps at 6,000rpm and 140Nm from 2,400 to 4,000rpm. The rest of the lineup gets a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter, 12-valve DOHC with dual VVT — spitting out 88ps at 6,000rpm and 113Nm at 4,500rpm.

Inside the cabin is a digital meter cluster for the top two trims, and an Optitron-style display for the lower two variants. Fabric and synthetic leather wrap the Turbo’s seats, while the other trims get fabric. The driver’s seat is manually adjusted for all flavors; but the Turbo gets a six-way option compared to only four for the rest.

Other niceties for the Turbo include a two-tone exterior color, paddle shifter, additional buttons on the steering wheel, seat under tray, foot lamp, and a nine-inch display audio. Even its shoes are different — the Turbo receives 205/60 R17s, compared to 205/65 R16s for the rest.

Now onto even juicier stuff. TMP appears to be ranging the Raize against other A-segment SUVs — notably the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue. The company is also expecting browsers to include the mini SUV Ford EcoSport, and even the popular Suzuki S-Presso hatch and Toyota’s own Wigo in the consideration set. Owing to the relative affordability of these options, the Raize obviously targets a younger demographic — using concepts such as “sense of security,” “powerful and emotional style (that’s) attractive to the youth,” and “active useful spacious package” to drive home the idea of the Raize. The Raize owners are expected to range in age from 33 to 44 years old — but I suspect that its cuteness should be universal.

If you’re in the market for an even more affordable SUV that also boasts that reliable Toyota badge of reliability, then the Raize should be up your alley.

DoE clears 147 firms to supply clean energy to DUs

RPS program requires part of power sales to come from renewables

MORE THAN a hundred clean energy companies with a total capacity of 2,619 megawatts (MW) have been cleared by the Energy department to participate in its renewable portfolio standards (RPS), a program that requires electricity sellers to source part of their supply from renewables.

In its tally as of end-December 2021, the Department of Energy (DoE) listed 147 renewable energy (RE) companies for the program, 62 of which are solar energy companies with a total capacity of 1,312.96 MW or more than half of the total eligible capacity.

“Eligibility of RE Facilities are based on the criteria provided in Sections 10 and 11 of Department Circular No. DC2017-12-0015 and Sections 9 and 10 of Department Circular No. DC2018-08-0024,” the department in its report released over the weekend.

The first circular covers the RPS program for on-grid areas, or those within the country’s interconnected system that transmits power from where it is produced to where the demand is.

RPS is a policy mechanism under Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 mandating distribution utilities (DU) and retail electricity suppliers (RES) to source or produce at least a percent of their net electricity sales from eligible RE facilities.

The DoE later expanded the scope of the program to include those off the grid, thus increasing the use of RE while optimizing the power supply mix in these areas that are largely served by expensive diesel-fed power plants.

In summary, the DoE’s latest count covers 62 solar farms, 36 biomass and 36 hydro power facilities, seven wind farms, and six geothermal power plants.

Next to solar farms, hydro power plants came out with the biggest capacity of eligible projects at 412.802 MW. Wind farms followed with 409.9 MW, while biomass and geothermal projects under the program have a capacity of 264.845 MW and 218.5 MW, respectively.

Of the 147 renewable energy projects under the RPS program, the biggest project in terms of capacity is EDC Burgos Wind Power Corp.’s 150-MW wind farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It started commercial operation on Nov. 11, 2014.

Bac-man Geothermal, Inc.’s 140-MW geothermal plant in Sorsogon province that started its commercial run on Feb. 5, 2015.

Helios Solar Energy Corp. followed with its 132.5-MW solar farm in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, which began operating on March 14, 2016.

SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. is the fourth biggest power plant that is eligible for the RPS program with its 104.55-MW hydro power plant in Ambuklao, Benguet whose three units all started operating in 2011.

Solar Philippines Tarlac Corp. with its 100.613-MW solar farm in Concepcion, Tarlac is the only project that opened recently — on Sept. 12, 2019.

The RPS program is among the RE initiatives introduced by the DoE after it discontinued granting guaranteed and subsidized rates under the feed-in tariff system when the target capacity was reached.

On Nov. 3, 2021, the department issued revised guidelines for the green energy auction program, or GEAP, which calls for a transparent and competitive selection of RE facilities in assisting electric utilities in complying with their RPS requirements.

The updated GEAP guidelines adopted certain mechanisms under the feed-in-tariff system, such as a “central dispatch” that gives priority to RE when selling power through the wholesale electricity spot market.

The RE initiatives are seen by the DoE to spur greater private sector participation in the power generation sector through renewables, as the government aims to attain a 35% RE share in the mix by 2030.

As of 2020, the country had an installed power generating capacity of 26,286 MW, which is dominated by coal-fired power plants with a share of 42% or 10,944 MW. Renewables, oil-based and gas-fired power facilities had a share of 29%, 16% and 13%, respectively. — VVS

Volkswagen trucks into the PHL

A total of 10 Volkswagen models will be initially available in a wide variety of forms and use cases. — PHOTO FROM VOLKSWAGEN TRUCK AND BUS

MACC marks a milestone by bringing in a German giant

By Kap Maceda Aguila

WITH MORE than three decades of experience in the truck business, MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp. (or MACC) is stepping up its presence in the commercial vehicle segment as it becomes the official distributor and service provider of Volkswagen (VW) Truck and Bus.

Based in Brazil, VW Truck and Bus is a 40-year-old operation that features “German technology and reliability.” In a release, MACC said that “VW Truck and Bus added some extra key components to the combination: flexibility and creativity.”

VW Truck and Bus has exported more than 160,000 vehicles to some 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and now Asia. It is seen as a vote of confidence not only for MACC but the Philippines itself that the company is choosing to do business here.

During a virtual presser to announce the partnership, MACC and VW Truck and Bus officials said that they see a good fit in the portfolio of products and Philippine logistical requirements vis-à-vis road conditions. The deal had been two years in the making, and now the Philippines will be seen as the VW Trucks and Buses gateway into Asia. MACC Associate Director Francis Lu said that the company has already been known for “high quality, reliable, and cost-effective” products and will now boast a “partnership with one of the most recognizable brands in the industry.”

Meanwhile, VW Truck and Bus said it “has been constantly evolving during the years, using state-of-the-art technology, and the innovative and collaborative concept of Modular Consortium. This enables us to produce a complete line of vehicles, tailor-made to the needs of the customer from light to heavy trucks and buses, capable of meeting the most varied applications and requirements of our markets.”

For MACC, securing a deal with VW Truck and Bus adds Category 3 and 4 products to its existing portfolio of Category 5 trucks. “We are bringing in various models in different weight classes ranging from nine tons to 31 tons — in 4×2, 4×4, 6×4, 8×2 and 8×4 executions. These are powered by popular Cummins and MAN engines with efficient common rail fuel management systems. They are Euro 5-compliant with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emission technology. They will come in six-speed, nine-speed and 16-speed transmissions.” The vehicles will be Euro 5-compliant.

The trucks, added MACC, were conceived with comfort and safety being top-of-mind considerations. The VW vehicles will get power door locks, power windows and side mirrors, ergonomic seating, and modern-looking cab.

Expected applications and forms will be closed vans, wing-vans, refrigerated vans, drop-sides, flat beds, people transport, food and beverage transport, boom trucks, tipper trucks, cement mixers, and even special-purpose vehicles. Leandro Pereira of VW Truck and Bus said he is looking forward to establishing the brand here and once volume allows it, even perform assembly. They are also taking a keen look at how the government rolls out its public utility vehicle modernization program and possibly making a play there.

Averred MACC Managing Director Ferdie Lu: “This is a real milestone not only in the history of MACC but the Philippines. This range of products will broaden our ability to service the needs of clients. This has taken some time, and without the tireless support of the VW team in Brazil, we could have not achieved this.”

DTI, PhilDev launch programs to support startups 

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and PhilDev Foundation recently launched two programs that seek to support the growth of startups in the country.

On Jan. 12, the DTI and PhilDev introduced the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) and Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) programs to help local startups.

According to the DTI, the two programs will provide customized support such as coaching, mentoring, training, and workshops to address issues faced by local startups.

“Along with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups are the bedrock of the economy. Hence, supporting startups would be crucial to create a huge pipeline of quality startups,” Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba said.

The DTI said the IDEA program is for early-stage tech startups. The said program encourages collaboration among startups, mentors, investors, and the government to produce market-ready innovative science and technology products and services.

In contrast, the ADVanCE program is targeted at growth-stage tech startups. The program seeks to help the expansion of business operations and allow startups to deliver products and services that aim to solve societal needs.

“These programs are designed to nurture, develop startups, and ensure that they will become economic assets, as competitive job-generating platforms. In these programs, startups will access tailored workshops and mentorship from global talent, market readiness assessment, legal and financial support services, and many more,” PhilDev Foundation Executive Vice-Chairman Eric Tomacruz said.

The DTI said startups that are interested in the program can send their applications to PhilDev’s website until Jan. 17.

“Let us all work together towards increasing business ideas and creating committed founding teams with an aligned vision and high innovation potential. I also look forward to our strong collaboration with PhilDev and other partners towards the successful implementation of these programs and supporting our startups in their business venture journey,” Ms. Aldaba said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Rates of T-bills, bonds to drop

RATES of government securities on offer could ease this week amid excess liquidity in the financial system.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) will offer P15 billion in Treasury bills (T-bills) on Monday, or P5 billion each in 91-, 182- and 364-day securities.

On Tuesday, it will auction off P35 billion in fresh 10-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds).

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort in a Viber message said T-bill yields could ease in response to excess liquidity and the effects of slower inflation.

“The National Government’s cash position increased after P300-billion borrowing from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as well as the retail Treasury bond issuance that could reduce the need for the government to borrow/crowd out in the local market,” he said.

Meanwhile, a bond trader said T-bill yields could drop by 5 to 10 basis points (bps), while bids for the new 10-year notes could range between 4.7% to 5.1%.

“It appears demand for government debt will remain at the short end with end users still purchasing T-bills. However, demand for notes especially those at the long end of the curve may not be as robust despite inflation coming in lower than expected and the BSP Governor saying that a rate hike is unlikely in the first half of 2022,” the trader said in a Viber message.

“This may be because investors are focusing on developments abroad such as the Fed looking to hike rates three to four times this year.”

Headline inflation in December eased to 3.6%, its lowest in a year, from the 4.2% recorded in November as food and transport costs slowed.

The December print brought the 2021 average to a three-year high of 4.5%, breaching the 2-4% target of the central bank as well as its revised 4.4% forecast.

US Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard last week said interest rate hikes could start as soon as the US central bank ends its bond purchases, which is set for March.

The International Monetary Fund said emerging economies should prepare for a US Fed policy tightening that could rattle financial markets.

At the secondary market on Friday, the 91- 182- and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 0.9438%, 1.1246%, and 1.4809%, respectively, based on the PHL Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Meanwhile, the 10-year bonds fetched a yield of 4.8243%.

The Treasury last week raised P15 billion as planned via the T-bills it offered as total tenders reached P73.58 billion, almost five times the initial offer and higher than the P71.05 billion logged a week earlier.

Broken down, the Treasury bureau raised P5 billion as planned via the 91-day securities from P23.7 billion in bids. The three-month debt paper fetched an average rate of 0.969%, down by 10.6 bps from the 1.075% seen previously.

The BTr also borrowed P5 billion as planned from the 182-day securities it offered on Monday from P24.98 billion in tenders. The average rate of the six-month T-bill fell by 14.8 bps to 1.121% from 1.269% previously.

Lastly, the government made a full P5-billion award of the 364-day debt papers as bids reached P24.9 billion. The average yield on the one-year instrument stood at 1.468%, down by 13.2 bps from the 1.6% fetched a week earlier.

The BTr plans to raise P200 billion from the domestic market this month, or P60 billion via T-bills and P140 billion from T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and external sources to help fund a budget deficit seen to hit 7.7% of gross domestic product this year. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Here comes the sun

Seiko’s PHL edition watch looks to the sunrise

A WATCH exclusive to the Philippines tells us to look past these troubled times and look to the sunrise.

Seiko’s SRPH38K1 Prospex watch was unveiled at an online event last week. This piece follows the heels of the first Philippine edition Prospex, the SRPF33K1, launched in 2020. That first watch was inspired by the Tubbataha Reef. The SRPH38K1, meanwhile, is inspired by the sunrise.

It has a sapphire crystal with magnifier, a water resistance of 200 meters, 24 jewels, Day/Date display, stop second hand function, and an automatic movement with a manual winding capacity using Caliber 4R36. Its dial is a bright yellow, meant to evoke sunlight.

There are only 1,000 pieces in the market, with each costing P31,000.

Watch collector Jordan Bergantin, a speaker during the launch, said about the SRPH38K1, “What makes it unique is its color and the fact that it’s exclusive for us Pinoys.”

During the event, Seiko also unveiled the Prospex  SLA055 and SLA057, made with Seiko’s high grade steel and Zaratsu finish. The 055 only has 1,000 pieces in circulation, while the 057 only has 600 in circulation. A portion of the sales made in the Prospex Save the Ocean series will go into marine conservation efforts as a part of the brand’s initiative to support this cause and advocate to stop climate change. — JL Garcia

CAMPI, TMA report 20% vehicle sales growth in 2021

CAMPI/TMA member companies sold a total of 268,488 vehicles last year. — PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

AS EXPECTED, 2021 — at least by the yardstick of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) — proved to be a “recovery year” for the auto industry.

The two associations’ most recent joint report revealed that member companies amassed total sales in the month of December 2021 of 27,846 units — a 5.3% increase versus the 26,456 units recorded in November. The December’s total takeup is the highest the group has mustered “since the pandemic hit the industry in March 2020,” according to its release.

CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez stated, “Looking back at last year’s performance, the automotive industry has remained remarkably resilient with an overall growth of 20% compared with the same performance a year ago; that is no small feat, indeed.”

All told, CAMPI/TMA sold 268,488 units in 2021 — 20% more than the 2020 figure.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) led December sales with 13,502 units (up 6.4% versus November’s 12,690 vehicles sold); it accounted for 48.49% of total sales for the month. For 2021, TMP sold 129,667 units — growing by 29.6% versus its 2020 performance when it moved 100,019 units. Overall, Toyota cornered 48.3% of sales last year.

In second place is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) with 4,065 vehicles sold in December — up by 3.8% versus the 3,918 units it delivered in November. The company accounted for 14.61% of sales in December. MMPC’s 2021 sales total is 37,548 or a 13.98% share.

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is in third for the month with 2,240 units sold (down by one unit versus November’s 2,241 total). It accounted for 8.04% of CAMPI/TMA sales. NPI sold a total of 19,603 units in 2021 — 9.9% below 2020’s performance — and places fourth overall.

Ford Motor Company Philippines, Inc. (FMCPI) is in fourth place for December with 1,851 units sold, (slightly down from 1,860 in November). It accounted for 6.65% of total sales in November. Year 2021 unit sales total is 20,005 — good for third overall and 7.45% share.

Bringing up fifth place in December is Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), which attained 6.56% market share for the month as it sold 1,826 vehicles — 10.1% more than its November sum of 1,658 units. YTD, SPH is also in fifth place overall for the year as it sold 19,393 automobiles (accounting for 7.22% share).

“The industry remains optimistic for a continued recovery this year from the COVID-19 pandemic downturn as progress on inoculation has provided hopes for a better outlook for the wider economy, but ‘business as usual’ is still unlikely as challenges remain at hand,” Atty. Gutierrez concluded. — Kap Maceda Aguila

Philippine Business Bank taps PLDT Enterprise for telco services

PLDT Enterprise has partnered with Philippine Business Bank (PBB) to support the latter’s operations amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a statement, PLDT Enterprise said it is supporting the telecommunication needs of PBB, allowing the bank to continue its services despite the pandemic.

“One of the things that we have, I think, did properly was to partner with PLDT Enterprise. That partnership has ensured us as to the continuity, the connectivity, and most of all, the reliability in being able to comply with our Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP),” PBB President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando R. Avante said.

“During this pivotal change, what is important is that the connectivity is being supplied to us on a higher percentage. From our experience, it has risen to as high as 95-97% and this is important for all our branches for the processing of the transactions. It enables our clients to avail the products and services of the bank on a regular basis,” Mr. Avante said.

PLDT Enterprise recently launched its Unbreakable Commitment campaign, which highlights its partnerships with various institutions across the Philippines.

The said campaign is also part of PLDT Enterprises’ commitment in enabling organizations via digital transformation and technologies.

“PLDT Enterprise has been empowering industries to make them more resilient and agile in adapting to the challenges of the next normal. With our digital solutions and innovative technologies, we are delighted to support our partners in making their unbreakable commitment of serving their stakeholders across different business conditions,” PLDT and Smart Enterprise Head Joseph Ian G. Gendrano said.

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. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

CIC to give access to credit reports via more channels

CREDIT Information Corp. (CIC) will allow access to credit reports through financial institutions to streamline the process, its president said.

“This will expedite the process of getting a credit report which is currently available only through CIBI Information, Inc., one of our accredited credit bureaus,” CIC President and Chief Executive Officer Ben Joshua A. Baltazar said in a statement.

The offering is expected to start within this quarter.

Once operational, accessing entities may tap the CIC database or get access to credit reports through accredited credit bureaus such as CIBI Information, Inc. CRIF Philippines, and TransUnion Information Solutions Philippines. These financial institutions can then provide the credit reports to their clients.

The move will be in line with findings from a survey done last year, which showed that over 50 accessing entities of the CIC are interested in enabling their clients to access credit reports directly through them. These include banks, leasing companies, private financing companies, microfinance firms, as well as a government financial institution.

The CIC is in talks with financial institutions to develop an efficient process of issuing credit reports to clients.

Disputes on any erroneous, incomplete or outdated credit data may be forwarded by consumers to the online resolution process system of financial institutions, the CIC said.

“Apart from driving fresh consumer interest to their institution — be it physically or virtually — this initiative is an avenue for our accessing entities to engage their clients during this pandemic,” Mr. Baltazar said.

There are 130 financial institutions authorized to access basic credit data from the CIC as of Dec. 28. Meanwhile, 662 institutions are submitting data to the agency.

In August 2021, the CIC adopted a wholesale pricing scheme for financial institutions that tap the agency for credit reports. — LWTN

Lacoste snaps back at M&S in lawsuit over crocodile trademark spat

FIRST caterpillars, now crocodiles — Marks & Spencer (M&S) Group Plc is embroiled in another trademark battle over the shape of a creature.

Lacoste sued the British retailer over allegations it’s infringed its famous crocodile logo by using similar images on dungarees to duvet covers, and even a kid’s bucket hat.

Lacoste said in the suit filed at a London court that it had written to the storied retailer last year demanding it cease advertising and selling of the goods. Marks & Spencer refused. The French fashion brand has now asked a London judge to impose an injunction against the chain and an order to destroy all items bearing the crocodile at its own expense.

It’s not the first spat over creature trademarks that Marks & Spencer has found itself. The retailer sued grocery rival Aldi, over allegations it copied its iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake with a similar looking sweet, tasty treat called Cuthbert.

“Animal prints are incredibly popular with our customers and last season selected ranges included decorative crocodile patterns,” a spokesperson for Marks & Spencer said by e-mail. Part of Lacoste’s claim relates to products that featured in Marks & Spencer’s Roald Dahl collection, most of which has been sold. The retailer has previously featured other creatures from children’s author Roald Dahl’s stories on its products.

“All of these products were created independently of any other retailer and we’re confident are unique to M&S and will robustly defend against the claim,” the spokesperson said. It’s yet to file its defense papers.

The Lacoste brand was created in around 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste who was nicknamed “the Crocodile,” lawyers for the French company said in their filing. Marks & Spencer “had no due cause to adopt branding which is likely to cause confusion, to give it an unfair marketing boost.”

A spokesperson for Lacoste didn’t respond to a request for comment. — Bloomberg

Suzuki ‘Ride Your Adventure Promo’ offers deals on 3 models

PHOTO FROM SUZUKI PHILIPPINES

SUZUKI PHILIPPINEs (SPH) kicks off the new year with its “Ride Your Adventure Promo.” The country’s pioneer compact car distributor holds its campaign for the entire month of January.

“Suzuki welcomes the new year with renewed hope and a reinvigorated desire to elevate the level of service to our loyal patrons, past, present and future, to newer heights,” shared Suzuki Automobile Division Vice-President and General Manager Keiichi Suzuki. “We are truly excited for what 2022 has in store for the ever-growing Suzuki family, in terms of potential growth and reach across the country.”

The campaign dangles low down payment deals and generous cash discounts on the Ciaz, all variants of the Vitara AllGrip, and the Suzuki Dzire. The Ciaz GL AT is being offered with a low down payment of P29,000, and a cash discount of P100,000. The Vitara AllGrip, bannering “power, efficient performance, and advanced features,” is available with low down payment of P69,000 and/or a cash discount of P250,000. Finally, the subcompact sedan Dzire is available for as low as P39,000 down payment, and with a discount of up to P60,000.

For more information, visit any of the 72 Suzuki Auto dealerships nationwide or http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/. Like Suzuki Auto Ph’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SuzukiAutoPh, follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPh, and Instagram at @suzukiautoph.

No Jack Animam for Gilas women’s team in SEA Games

JACK Animam in action in Serbian League. — JACK ANIMAM FB PAGE

THE Gilas Pilipinas women’s team will be in for a tough title defense bid in the Southeast Asian  (SEA) Games this May with the expected absence of seasoned anchor Jack Animam.

Ms. Animam last week went through ACL surgery after an injury-hit campaign in Serbia, leaving a huge hole in the Gilas squad that is out to capture a second straight gold medal in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“Jack’s recovery would take at least six months so we may not have her for the SEA Games,” coach Pat Aquino told The STAR.

“It will be a hard one without Jack, but we will do our best. The rest of her teammates will do everything to get that gold again,” he added.

Ms. Animam, the 6-foot-5 ace, led the Philippines to a twin-gold medal harvest in 2019 by ruling the traditional 5-on-5 event and the inaugural 3×3 hoopfest.

The National University standout since then embarked on an international journey with stints in Taiwan for Shih Hsin University (SHU) and in Serbia for Radnicki Kragujevac.

Ms. Animam steered SHU to a perfect championship run and made a solid impression in Serbia behind a double-double average of 20.0 points and 14.3 rebounds before suffering an unfortunate injury last month.

Without her service this time for the SEA Games, Aquino will bank on a hybrid unit led by veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos as well as young bloods Ella Fajardo and Camille Clarin. — John Bryan Ulanday

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