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Arts & Culture (12/15/21)

‘Mga Di Nakikita ng Mata’

Simbang gabi, lights and sounds show return to CCP

GIVEN the more relaxed COVID-19 alert level in Metro Manila, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) brings back its traditional celebration of the Simbang Gabi in real-time and on-site. In partnership with the Our Lady of Sorrows church, the Misa de Gallo will be held from Dec. 16 to 24 at 5 a.m. at the CCP Main Ramp. The Misa de Aguinaldo (Christmas Eve Mass) will be held on Dec. 24, 8 p.m., at the CCP Main Theater, with a pre-mass program. This will be broadcast on the CNN Philippines channel. With encouraging feedback from last year’s virtual Simbang Gabi, the CCP also renewed its partnership with various parishes from different regions in the country to celebrate anticipated Simbang Gabi masses. The Anticipated Mass from the Regions will be held from Dec. 15 to 23, 9 p.m., and streamed simultaneously on the CCP Facebook page and CNN’s Kumu App. The featured parishes are: Sto. Niño Parish in Pandacan, Manila (Dec. 15), St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral Parish in Dumaguete City (Dec. 16), National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles (Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral) in Iloilo (Dec. 17), Holy Cross Parish (Margot) in Angeles City, Pampanga (Dec. 18), Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu in Cebu (Dec. 19), St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cagayan de Oro City (Dec. 20), Our Lady of Piat Basilica in Piat, Cagayan (Dec. 21), the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño in Tacloban City (Dec. 22), and St. Gregory the Great Cathedral Parish in Daraga, Albay (Dec. 23). The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group’s Pastores, a traditional re-enactment of the shepherds’ jubilation on the birth of the Messiah, will be played before the mass streaming. Meanwhile, the CCP will launch its annual Christmas lighting event, PASKO 2021: The CCP Façade Lights and Sound Show, on Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at the Main Building Façade. The launch will be live streamed on the CCP Facebook page. The annual holiday show features projected images of Christmas symbols and Christmas carols. The onsite launching program will be streamed live on CCP’s Facebook page on Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Onsite shows will be held daily until Jan. 2, 2022 at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. There will be no performances on Mondays and during inclement weather. For its Christmas activities, the CCP will strictly follow the IATF guidelines. The Center will implement 70% outdoor capacity for the Misa de Gallo (CCP Main Ramp), and 50% venue capacity for the Misa de Aguinaldo (CCP Main Theater). Read the CCP’s new normal health protocols at http://bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol.

Online exhibit inspired by quarantine blues

A MOTION graphics artist aims to show “the unseen experiences we faced during the online learning setup” in an immersive illustration showcased as part of an online digital art exhibition. Yo Homecillo’s “Mga ‘Di Nakikita ng Mata” is fueled by his observations while in quarantine. “We met people through our screens, Zoom meetings, chats, and e-mails yet failed to empathize with them. With this piece, I was hoping to spark a little empathy in the hearts of the audience,” Mr. Homecillo said in a statement. The motion graphics artist worked on the project using Oculus Quill VR rendered through 3D software and uploaded on an online 3D Viewer. “Since my message revolves around empathy, I’ve decided that the audience be the ones to start empathizing with the characters. By using a 3D viewer, they can choose how to immerse themselves in the artwork, with the characters, and seeing the bigger picture. Sometimes to understand a person, you need to look at their background,” he said. Mr. Homecillo graduated with a degree in Multimedia Arts at Benilde and finished his MA in Fine Arts and Design at Philippine Women’s University.

Galeria Francesca presents ‘Sanso: Unexpected’

IN CELEBRATION of Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sanso’s 92nd birthday, Galerie Francesca at the Festival Mall presents “Sanso: Unexpected,” a rare collection of 33 works by the artist. Aiming to educate the public, Galerie Francesca, with research support and authentication from Fundacion Sanso, presents 33 works from six of the seven decades of Mr. Sanso’s career. These works are from Mr. Sanso’s personal collection which he only entrusted before to museums, and to collectors who understood and appreciated his artistry. As such, they are a revelation to many who have grown familiar only to his floral and Brittany series, hence the title “Sanso: Unexpected.”  Highlights include dated works from 1963, a textile design from the 1960s, a rare cityscape, dated works from the 1970s, and a large reverse series painting that bridges his reverse painting to his Brittany series from the 1980s, and three canvas paintings from his Moderno and Abstract series done in the 2000s. “Sanso: Unexpected” runs until Dec. 19. Presented by Galerie Francesca, the exhibit is located at the 2nd Level Expansion Wing, Civic Drive, Festival SuperMall, Alabang Muntinlupa City. For more details, visit www.galeriefrancesca.com, or https://www.facebook.com/GalerieFrancesca.PH.

Immaculate Mother Exhibit opens in Ali Mall

ARANETA City is hosting an Immaculate Mother Exhibit at the Ali Mall Activity Area. Organized by a group of Marian devotees, the exhibit runs until Dec. 15. It features more than 40 images of the Immaculate Mother. Various titular images of the Blessed Virgin Mary are featured in the exhibit, including the images of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Fatima. The exhibit is free and open to the public during mall hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

OBEMIO and Blanco at Art Lounge Manila

WITH the easing of the lockdowns, Roel Obemio picks up the pace to match his usual pre-pandemic stride and presents 36 works at Art Lounge Manila for his 18th solo exhibition titled “OBEMIO.” The exhibition runs until Dec. 21 at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium, Ortigas Center. The exhibition is comprised purely of works on paper. Among the 36 works presented, more than half are drawings — from quick sketches to built-up, fully fleshed out drawings. The rest of the works are watercolor and pastel works. Meanwhile, two years since his sold-out 3rd solo exhibition, Gerrico Blanco returns with his fourth solo exhibition, “Dreamscapes.” It runs until Dec. 21. For updates on upcoming shows visit https://artloungemanila.com.

Ballet Philippines Christmas shows

THIS holiday season Ballet Philippines presents the show Gratitude to Life, featuring the world premieres of the dances “Ancient World,” choreographed by John McFall, “Abstract,” choreographed by Mikhail Martynyuk, and “She’s So Heavy,” choreographed by Joseph Phillips. The show will be on Dec. 23, 6 p.m., via Ballet Philippine Facebook Live. For more information, visit ballet.ph.

Norberto Roldan, Henrielle Baltazar at MO_Space

MO_Space presents two exhibits — Norberto Roldan’s “Objects Do Not Fall from the Sky” at the Main Gallery, and Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwanagan’s “conversations with myself” at Gallery 2 — for public viewing until Jan. 16, 2022. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For any inquiries, contact 8403-6620, or 0917-572-7970.

BPI launches ‘all-in’ home financing

BW FILE PHOTO

BANK OF THE Philippine Islands (BPI) unveiled a new home financing scheme that will include upfront fees and charges in the monthly amortization of clients.

BPI Retail Loans Group Head Dennis T. Fronda said at an online briefing that the longest tenor they have for home loans is 20 years, with the average term at 10 years.

Given the average housing loan amount of P3.5 million, clients are expected to be spared from having to pay an average of P105,000 upfront.

“Clients have less to worry about because the fees and charges, which is about 3% of the total loan amount, is folded into the monthly amortization and spread throughout the loan term,” Mr. Fronda said.

He noted that current housing loan rates are currently lower at around 6-7.25%.

Payments under the all-in financing scheme will be automatically settled through the client’s auto-debit arrangement account with BPI.

The financing is available to both clients of BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank. The Ayala-led lenders are expected to finalize their merger by 2022.

The new product was launched as the bank has seen higher applications and regular housing loan releases as of October, it said in a statement, marking a recovery from levels seen at the height of the pandemic.

The Ayala-led bank said it is bullish that improving consumer sentiment amid the decline in cases and higher vaccination rates will make more borrowers apply for housing loans.

BPI’s net profit in the July to September period rose 3% year on year to P5.657 billion from P5.495 billion, as lower credit provisions offset the decline in its interest earnings.

This caused its nine-month net profit to climb by 1.8% year on year to P17.5 billion.

BPI shares closed at P94.80 apiece on Tuesday, up by P1.30 or 1.39% from its previous finish. — L.W.T. Noble

Most Shopee users ordered from local sellers on 12.12

PIXABAY

E-COMMERCE platform Shopee on Tuesday said majority of its users shopped from local sellers during its 12.12 Christmas sale.

“Shoppers spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses at 12.12, with nine in 10 users shopping from local sellers,” Shopee said in an e-mailed statement.

Popular sellers among users in the Philippines included ABUBOT_PH, WILLET, and Mi Global Zone.ph.

The top local seller clocked in “over P21 million in sales” on Dec. 12, Shopee said, adding that UNIQ.MNL, which sells women’s clothing, emerged as the “crowd favorite.”

The platform also noted that orders from Shopee Mall, a by-invite-only premium retail space reserved for brand owners and authorized distributors, surged “14 times” from an average day.

Top electronic brands during the 12.12 Christmas sale were Poco, realme, and Infinix.

“On Dec. 12, the most popular products in the Philippines were dresses, women’s footwear, and crop tops,” Shopee said.

“Shoppers also turned to ShopeePay as their preferred payment method, with an 11x uplift in the number of orders made via ShopeePay, compared to an average day,” it added.

Shopee Philippines Director Martin Yu said 2021 has been a year of accelerated digitalization. “As we move into 2022, we look forward to helping even more shoppers, businesses, and communities access the benefits of e-commerce.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

ADB hikes Philippines’ growth forecast at 5.1% in 2021, 6.0% in 2022

THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) raised its Philippine growth forecast for this year and 2022, amid a heightened coronavirus vaccination drive and a plunge in new cases. Read the full story.

ADB hikes Philippines’ growth forecast at 5.1% in 2021, 6.0% in 2022

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 14, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

Benguet farmers say government action vs smuggling inadequate

PHILSTAR

THE GOVERNMENT is not doing enough to deter the smuggling of farm produce, vegetable farmers in Benguet, a major growing area supplying Luzon, said on Tuesday.

Agot Balanoy, spokesman for the League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas, said prosecutors must follow through with charges against smugglers and their protectors, who have yet to be identified, instead of simply raiding markets and retailers.

Testifying before the Senate Committee of the Whole, which is investigating the matter, she said the smuggling of farm produce has been affecting markets since 2001.

She added that the Department of Agriculture (DA) typically does not act without the filing of complaints and the submission of evidence.

Ms. Balanoy said that in September, the DA took a month to act on smuggling complaints aired in the media by the vegetable growers, and only resorted to market raids and confiscations without taking further action. She added that smuggled goods continued to appear in the markets in October and November, forcing her association to elevate its complaint to Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III.

Farmers are likely to grow other crops if smuggling continues, according to Ruben E. Paoad, of the agriculture committee of the Benguet provincial council. If production from the province drops off as a result, he added, import dependence will rise.

“It would be good if the imports were legal, but the problem is that we know they are illegal,” he said.

“The farmers are affected, at the same time the government is being deprived of revenue,” he added.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura President Rosendo O. So said during the hearing that the DA does not appear to coordinate its actions with the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

He said DA and BoC estimates of import volumes do not match, suggesting a disparity between goods officially imported and goods that were smuggled.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Regulations Liza G. Battad said beginning this year, the DA proposes to improve its collaboration with the BoC, particularly on the matter of inspecting goods after they have been admitted into the country.

The government performs two levels of border inspections. Customs and agriculture personnel conduct a spot check with 10% sampling on agriculture imports at the port of entry.

The second border inspection is conducted at DA-accredited cold storage warehouses, in which goods undergo 100% physical examination via x-ray.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero said seizures of agriculture products totaled 80 in 2019, 309 in 2020, and 172 in 2021, while cases filed with the Justice department numbered 55, counting from 2019.

“Eighty-six of the total apprehensions for 2021 are covered by 29 criminal complaints filed from January 2021 to present,” Mr. Guerrero said at the hearing, noting that “one case covers multiple apprehensions.” Twenty-one cases involved violations of Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

Asked by Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, Sr. why smugglers manage to elude government monitoring, Mr. Guerrero said: “there is inadequate space at the port to conduct full stripping of dry and refrigerated containers.”

“Due to the pandemic, the inadequacy of manpower of port operators, shipping lines, and even consignees themselves, continues to be a problem,” he added, noting that the BoC lacks the capacity and resources to do more.

The BoC’s police force currently has only 523 members, augmented by 100 personnel from the Philippine coast guard, to guard 17 major ports and 39 sub-ports. 

Of the 523 customs police, 166 are assigned to the fuel-marking project while 74 are detailed to x-ray inspection. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Bill averting franchise expiry due to regulator inaction moves forward

PHILSTAR

A BILL seeking to keep legislative franchises from expiring if Congress fails to act in time on renewal requests passed the Senate on second reading late on Monday.

Senate Bill 1530, if passed, will amend Section 18 of the Revised Administrative Code which provides for the non-expiration of a license if the license holder has sought an extension and the regulator has yet to make a decision.

Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, who wrote the bill, said the amendment would apply to franchises granted by Congress, noting that it would solve the problem of franchise holders whose renewals remain pending.

“It is acknowledged that there is a gap in the law in cases as exhibited in cases where a franchisee, having taken all the steps to renew its franchise, is unable to do so not due to its own fault, but due to Congress’ failure to act on the application,” Mr. Drilon said in a statement on Tuesday.

“As the principle of equity has been deemed insufficient to fill that gap, the timely passage of this measure is in order,” he added, noting that Congress has applied the same considerations in similar situations.

According to the bill, once an application for renewal of a franchise or license has been made, it cannot expire until the regulator in charge makes a final determination.

The bill hopes to address the “unfair and iniquitous closure” of operations due to the issuance of cease-and-desist orders, said Mr. Drilon, which resulted in job losses in the telecommunications and broadcast industries.

If approved, the concerned agency or branch of government would be required to act decisively on renewal applications and to express its decision in clear, unmistakable terms, he added.

“SB 1530 can save jobs and prevent and fix franchise woes caused by the inability of the grantee, in this case Congress, to act on an application for renewal in a timely manner,” Mr. Drilon said. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

SIM card registration measure wins Senate second-reading approval

PHILSTAR

THE SENATE approved on second reading late on Monday a measure requiring the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards for mobile phones.

Senate Bill 2395 or the SIM Card Registration Act was filed to deter scams committed via mobile phone by allowing law enforcement agencies to track criminals using the phone network.

If passed, the measure will require all telecommunications companies to make the registration of SIM cards a requirement for their sale.

During the application period, registrants must accomplish the required forms and present valid government-issued identification cards as a condition of sale.

Under the proposed measure, all current SIM card subscribers with active services are to register with their respective Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) within a year of the act taking effect.

Failure to register means that the account will be deactivated and the number retired.

Failure by a PTE or a third-party reseller to comply with the registration requirements will result in fines of P100,000 and P10,000 respectively. 

A P200,000 fine will also be levied if any information obtained from the subscriber during the registration process is improperly revealed or disclosed.

The PTE may only provide information on the strength of a court order or a finding that a specific mobile number was or is being used to commit malicious, fraudulent, or unlawful acts.

The penalty for registering SIM cards to persons who present false identification is up to 12 years’ imprisonment or a P200,000 fine.

The features of the bill are according to the first-reading version of the bill. The Senate has yet to release a copy of the bill after second reading. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

British chamber calls for continuity in infrastructure investment

THE NEXT government needs to continue investing in infrastructure to encourage further growth in digitalization, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines said.

Chris Nelson, the chamber’s executive director, said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday that the incoming administration needs to focus on growing the Philippines’ digital footprint.

“I hope we see from the next administration (a) continuation in investment in infrastructure, and in particular on digital. This has been highlighted (by) e-commerce, and has been a key factor. I think that will only continue not only in the Philippines but obviously across the world,” Mr. Nelson said.

“(This) is very important because (it) will further boost the economy, particularly on the digital side, and communication,” he added.

Mr. Nelson said that the delays in passing economic reform bills such as the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and Public Service Act reduces the window of opportunity for the chamber to promote the Philippines to potential investors.  

He added that the chamber is constantly in talks with companies in the UK, adding that promotion efforts will be enhanced once the bills are signed into law.

“We are competing with other countries. When I am promoting the Philippines in the UK, I want to get companies to come here and to do business, and also give an opportunity to do business in Southeast Asia. The non-passage of one of those bills will reduce that opportunity,” Mr. Nelson said.

“In relation to boosting the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, the (chamber) looks forward to seeing more efforts liberalizing the economy by easing restrictions on foreign investment in particular, in retail, transportation, telecommunications and other significant sectors,” he added.

Mr. Nelson said the chamber has received at least 160 inquiries from those wishing to invest in the Philippines, including agriculture technology, business services, food and drink, automotive, advanced manufacturing, and retail companies.

“We’ve seen a lot of interest in the food and beverage sector. We will continue to promote opportunities in the Philippines, highlighting its long-term potential,” Mr. Nelson said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Tourism seen as basis for drawing investment to La Union province

PHILSTAR

LA UNION province needs to leverage its strengths as a tourism destination in order to broaden its potential as an investment destination, a Board of Investments (BoI) official said.

BoI Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla said at a recent investment policy briefing webinar that La Union’s broader potential rests on its current strengths in tourism. The province is a popular beach and surfing destination.  

“I am positive that soon, the province will realize its ambitions,” Mr. Fondevilla said.

BoI Supervising Investments Specialist Lubin R. de Vera, Jr. said local government units (LGUs) are key to investment promotion and must develop their capacity in navigating incentive policy to attract businesses.

Mr. De Vera encouraged LGUs to create their own economic development and investment promotions offices to serve as local counterparts of the BoI.

“Investment promotion is everybody’s business. Such initiatives cover all activities aimed at creating favorable conditions to (attract) investments,” Mr. De Vera said.

Meanwhile, BoI Chief Investments Specialist Edilberto C. Nunag encouraged LGUs to collaborate with the BoI as they draft strategies to promote individual cities and municipalities. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Construction of P1.3-billion dam, irrigation system in Pangasinan to start soon — NIA

THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) expects to start construction soon on the Dumoloc Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Bugallon, Pangasinan.

The SRIP includes a zoned-type, earth-filled dam to be built across the Dumoloc River in Bugallon, Pangasinan. It will channel irrigation water to Cayanga, Cabatuan, and Laguit Dams, as well as the Drainage Reuse Points for Cabigaan.

With a budget of P1.3 billion, the dam is expected to irrigate 1,825 hectares of land during the wet season, and 990 hectares during the dry season. The number of beneficiaries has been estimated at 1,400 farmers.

Separately, eleven completed irrigation projects that took in investment of P35 million were turned over to farmers and members of the Irrigators Association (IA) of barangay Wangal, Benguet.

The projects service 264 hectares of land and stand to benefit 373 farmers and their families.

The eleven projects are the Cabutotan Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Madaymen, Kibungan; Cotop Pinanchay CIS in Bashoy, Kabayan; Jappa-Minak-Conet SIP in Shilan, La Trinidad; Kapangan Central CIS in Central, Kapangan; Mambolo-Tinongdan SIP in Tinongdan, Itogon; Gasal Amsilweng CIS in Masala, Kibungan; Sapid CIS in Sapid, Mankayan; Taba-ao CIS in Taba-ao, Kapangan; Shalongen Creek-Dalabi SIP in Twin Peaks, Tuba; Umesbeg Caucalan CIS in Taloy Sur, Tuba; and Taloy Sur CIP in Taloy Sur, Tuba.

The NIA said it will be devolving such projects to local authorities starting in 2022, with first to fourth-class municipalities taking charge of their own irrigation networks.

NIA will retain control of National Irrigation System facilities in fifth and sixth-class municipalities. —  Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Aquaculture facilities worth P23M completed in Iloilo

HATCHERIES and broodstock tanks involving the investment of P23 million have been completed this year in Iloilo to help fish producers seed their farms, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

The facilities are located within the Tigbauan Main Station of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). They have been in development since 2019.

The project is part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Bangus Fry Sufficiency Program to serve as a prototype for other hatchery ventures elsewhere.

Four new broodstock areas with a capacity of 2,000 tons can accommodate 400 milkfish breeders producing an estimated 320 million eggs annually.

The marine hatcheries have a rearing capacity of 160 tons, and are projected to produce 20 million milkfish fry, 5.4 million pompano fry, 14.4 million post-larvae shrimp, and 2.5 million instars — the term for crab in their developmental stages — each year.

The DA also plans to build a 40-ton freshwater hatchery that can produce 16 million catfish fry, 4.5 million freshwater post-larvae prawn, and close to one million tilapia fry annually.

SEAFDEC has 11 member countries in Southeast Asia. Its aquaculture department is currently hosted by the Philippines.

The aquaculture industry accounts for 50.9% of Philippine fisheries production. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

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