Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 5636

Effectivity of Manila Water, Maynilad revised contracts pushed back

MANILA WATER Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. have been given an extension of up to Dec. 18 on the period for the start of their revised concession agreements (RCAs).

In a stock exchange disclosure on Wednesday, Manila Water said it had signed a second amendment of the RCA with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to further extend the period on the start of the agreement’s effectivity up to Dec. 18.

“This is to allow the parties additional time to complete the remaining conditions to the effectivity of the RCA,” Manila Water said.

This marks another extension for Manila Water, as it previously agreed with the MWSS to extend the start of the effectivity of its RCA to “no later than Nov. 18” versus the original date of Sept. 30.

The prior adjustment was approved in a bid to synchronize the effectivity dates of the two water concessionaires’ revised concession agreements.

In a separate mobile phone message, MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas confirmed that Maynilad had also been granted an extension in the effectivity of its revised concession agreement to Dec. 18.

“Yes, effectivity (of Maynilad revised concession agreement) is Dec. 18. The effectivity both for Manila Water and Maynilad is Dec. 18,” Ms. Cleofas said.

Maynilad was originally given a deadline of Nov. 18 for the effectivity date of its revised concession agreement.

According to Ms. Cleofas, the reason for Maynilad’s extension is also to give additional time to complete the remaining conditions.

Some of the salient features of the two water concessionaires’ RCAs include the removal of the foreign currency differential adjustment and imposition of a tariff freeze until Dec. 31, 2022.

Manila Water delivers water and wastewater services in the eastern part of Metro Manila, which includes Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and Rizal province.

Maynilad provides water to customers in Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, Manila, Makati, and Quezon City, as well as parts of Cavite province including Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which has a majority stake in Maynilad, is one of three 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 an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Talks on heritage cuisine kick off CCA anniversary

facebook.com/ccamanila

The Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) is kicking off its 25th anniversary with a series of talks about Filipino heritage cuisine, a celebration of their alumni, and a cooking competition.

The celebration begins on Nov. 25 with the talk “Pagkaing Atin, Ihain Natin,” where CCA Manila invited known food leaders who will share their experiences on how they can promote Filipino culture and history around the globe. “Entree Pinays,” on the same day, presents a collective of entrepreneurial Filipinas introducing Filipino cuisine and culture to the hearts and minds of Australians and representation of Filipino cuisine on the Australian stage. In another talk, John Buenaventura, named Executive Chef at the newly opened Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, will share how he has been spending his time re-discovering Filipino heritage dishes and promoting them globally; while chef Gelo Guizon will highlight the power of social media, specifically TikTok, and how he uses this platform to advocate Filipino cuisine to today’s generation. These talks will all be held on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. onwards.

To recognize the excellence of CCA’s “ambassadors,” on Dec. 1, 2 p.m., there will be a demonstration of both modern and traditional Filipino dishes by CCA Alumni. This event is a cook-off between graduates of CCA Manila who are well-known in the food industry. They include chefs Allan Briones (Chef de Cuisine at The Peninsula Manila),  Migo Razon (Executive Chef of Sheraton Melbourne), and Sonny Mariano (Corporate Pastry Chef of Tasteless Food Group), and Pauline Sarmiento (owner of a bakeshop and home-cooked foods restaurant). On Dec. 2, 2 p.m., CCA presents the “Clash of the Clans: Culinary Competition.” Groups of CCA Manila students will compete among themselves in a face-to-face Filipino cuisine competition in these categories — meat, plant-based, seafood appetizer, and a cheese-based dessert.

CCA Manila was founded in 1996, less than a decade after Annie Guerrero opened Cravings, a restaurant and catering business in 1988. Her daughter, present Cravings Group CEO Badjie Guerrero-Trinidad, saw a dearth of skilled chefs in kitchens across the country and partnered with a culinary school in Canada to set up CCA.

According to their website, it started with a tour with visitors from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, one of whom asked, “Where do Filipinos learn how to cook?” The mother and daughter team sought the help of Dr. John Knapp, project coordinator of that institution and the College of Home Economics in UP Diliman to build a curriculum. The school is currently recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation as a Quality Program, and has a partnership with the Institut Culinaire Disciples Escoffier, which enables students to earn a French National Diploma in culinary studies.

Veritas Luna, Chancellor for Education for CCA Manila, said during a press conference streamed last week on Facebook Live, “We have to thank God. We are able to provide nurturing and holistic student, faculty, and staff development programs. We have industry-approved facilities and we have current culinary technologies available for learning, and we are able to maintain a robust networking program for our students and alumni.”

For more information on the event lineup and conference tickets, contact Jessical Cristobal at j.cristobal@cca-manila.edu.ph, talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph, 0955-143-8890, Facebook.com/ccamanila, or Instagram.com/ccamanila. One can also register through: http://tinyurl.com/ccamanilasilveranniversary. —  J.L. Garcia

House committee approves bill banning raw black sand exports

A COMMITTEE in the House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday that would prohibit the export of raw black sand, in a bid to capture value-added from processing it before export.

The House Committee on Natural Resources approved an unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 6321 or the proposed Black Sand Processing Act, filed by Probinsyano Ako Party-list Rep. Jose C. Singson, Jr.

The measure permits only the export of black sand that has been processed, and proposes to require miners companies to build, or lease advanced processing plants to extract magnetite in the province or region where the sand was mined.

Violators could be liable for at least six years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least P5 million.

Mr. Singson said that the Philippines is losing billions of dollars from importing processed black sand, which could be instrumental in building up its infrastructure.

“Imports of these processed products (are) very costly, while the raw materials used… were exported from our country at a very cheap price,” he said in the bill’s explanatory note. — Russell Louis C. Ku

Chronicling the PHL blockchain story

WITH digital transformation becoming imperative for institutions and businesses to thrive, three colleagues from the finance industry worked together to write a book on blockchain technology.

The idea of writing a book came over coffee.

“One day, we were having coffee and we struck a conversation on what would be good in terms of pushing adoption and awareness of an important topic,” co-author Henry R. Aguda, chief technology and operations officer of UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc., said during the online book launch on Nov. 11. “That small idea resulted in two years of work that we three collaborated on.”

With the goal of offering a deeper understanding of blockchain and its role in the future of the country, co-authors and work colleagues Mr. Aguda, Catherine Bautista-Casas, and Nathan J. Marasigan wrote Opening the Archipelago: The Sto-ry of Blockchain.

Published by Bookshelf PH, the book focuses on blockchain in the Philippine context and is divided into three parts which discuss the basic concepts of blockchain, a showcase of the different blockchain use cases and initiatives in the Philippines, and concludes with a discussion about the need for progressive regulation and how this can shape blockchain innovation and the future of this country.

A blockchain is a distributed database that stores information electronically in digital format. It is mostly known for its crucial role in maintaining a secure and decentralized record of transactions in cryptocurrency systems. It assures the fidelity and security of data records and allows digital information to be recorded and distributed, but not altered, deleted, or destroyed.

“I hope that this book may serve as a jumping-off point for a broader discussion of the role of blockchain technology in the Philippines. I invite other business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizers, investors, media, and other stakeholders to join in, as it’ll take the entire business community to maximize its full potential to change Filipino society,” Mr. Aguda said in a statement.

A press release said the book is recommended for “anyone who wants to innovate with blockchain or partner with those already doing so in the space, including startup founders, corporate executives, government regulators, community organizers, institutional investors, and other like-minded leaders.”

“We try to document the most innovative and interesting use cases that could play a big role in changing or solving the important pain points in the Philippines,” Mr. Marasigan said at the online book launch.

Ms. Bautista-Casas, who has over two decades of experience in the banking and finance industry, said much like the use of Microsoft products today, “blockchain will be the necessity.”

“Everything in the future will be programmable,” she said.

Opening the Archipelago: The Story of Blockchain in the Philippines is priced at P1,000. For more information, visit https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/opening-the-archipelago-1. — Michelle Anne P. Solima

Term deposit yields mixed on Fed bets, oil prices

YIELDS ON THE central bank’s term deposits ended mixed on Wednesday amid a decline in oil prices and with US Federal Reserve officials saying faster monetary policy normalization could happen on the back of signs of recovery in the world’s largest economy.

Demand for the term deposit facility of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amounted to P614.309 billion on Wednesday, well above the P500-billion offer and also beating the P607.646 billion in bids logged last week.

Broken down, bids for the seven-day deposits reached P258.252 billion, surpassing the P180 billion auctioned off by the central bank and also higher than the P191.315 billion in tenders recorded the previous Wednesday.

Lenders asked for yields ranging from 1.7149% to 1.74%, narrower than the 1.7% to 1.775% band logged a week ago. This caused the average rate of the one-week deposits to decline by 0.45 basis point (bp) to 1.7329% from 1.7374% previously.

Meanwhile, tenders for the 15-day deposits amounted to P356.057 billion, higher than the P320-billion offering but failing to beat the P416.331 billion in bids logged on Nov. 17.

Accepted rates for the tenor were from 1.73% to 1.99%, wider than the 1.74% to 1.8088% range seen a week earlier. With this, the average rate of the two-week papers increased by 1.17 bps to 1.7795% from 1.7678%.

The BSP has not offered 28-day term deposits for more than a year to give way to its weekly auctions of bills with the same tenor.

The central bank uses the TDF and its short-term securities to gather excess liquidity in the financial system and guide market rates.

Term deposit yields ended mixed as Fed officials have become more hawkish in their statements on the pace of the US central bank’s unwinding of asset purchases and rate hikes, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Fed Vice Chair Richard Clarida said they might assess the possibility of increasing the pace of the reduction in asset purchases at the Fed’s December meeting, Reuters reported Saturday.

Last week, Chicago Fed President Charles Evan said he has become “more open-minded” to start raising interest rates by 2022 if inflation remains elevated.

The recent decline in oil prices as major economies pledged to release reserves to curb the low supply that caused costs to rise also affected sentiment, Mr. Ricafort added.

Reuters reported Wednesday that Brent crude futures inched down 7 cents or 0.1% to $82.24 a barrel by 0432 GMT. Meanwhile, the price of US West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased by 10 cents or 0.1%, to $78.60 a barrel. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

A Brown nets 68% higher despite lower revenues

A BROWN Co., Inc. recorded a 68% higher net income for the third quarter of 2021 compared with that in the same quarter last year despite a 23% decline in revenues in the same period.

The listed firm’s net income from July to September 2021 reached P142.18 million from P84.61 million year on year, the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Wednesday.

In a disclosure on Nov. 18, however, A Brown reported topline revenues for the third quarter of 2021 stood at P206.15 million, down by 23% from P270.70 million in the same quarter last year.

For the nine-month period ending in September, A Brown’s consolidated revenues were down by 17.2% to P495.53 million from P598.44 million in the first nine months of 2020.

Nonetheless, the company still recorded a 23% growth in its net income for the three quarters to P368.04 million from P298.24 million in the same period last year.

“Higher margins in the real estate segment due to lower development costs for corresponding units sold contributed to the higher net income,” the listed firm said.

It added that its “real estate sales delivered 89% of the consolidated revenues.”

A Brown’s real estate sales dropped by 24% to P181.11 million in July to September 2021 from P240.20 million year on year due to the lower percentage of completion of units sold.

Its sales of agricultural goods also went down by 25% to P18.43 million from P24.68 in the same quarter year on year because of “lower sales of crude palm oil, palm stearin, and palm fatty acid distillate.”

Meanwhile, the firm’s income for water services grew by 13% in the third quarter of 2021 to P6.60 million from P5.82 million in the same quarter last year brought about by an increase in water connections “due to additional buyers moving in to their units.”

A Brown is primarily engaged in real estate development in Northern Mindanao and in Rizal. It also has investments in power generation through affiliates Palm Concepcion Power Corp. and Peakpower Energy, Inc.

The company also reported that one of its fully owned subsidiaries, Vires Energy Corp. (VEC), has completed the pre-front end engineering design study for the marine and onshore scope of the natural-gas fired power plant and liquefied natural gas terminal it is developing in Batangas City.

The 500-megawatt project is set to become the country’s largest floating power plant and is expected to open for commercial operations in January 2023. — Bianca Angelica D. Añag

Sustainability reporting helps firms become ‘more cognizant’ of issues

FIRMS said sustainability reporting helps their companies address both the positive and the negative impacts of their businesses.

In the first two installments of the virtual Climate Investment Forum on Monday and Tuesday, listed conglomerates said they refer to available international frameworks as well as form their own reporting system for nonfinan-cial disclosures.

“We had seen that disclosing all of our positive and negative impact, actually [made us] more cognizant of the issues,” Ma. Victoria A. Tan, executive director of group risk management and sustainability at Ayala Corp., said on Monday.

“You have that responsibility to make sure that the negative impact will be addressed [as] part of risk management, [while for] the positive impact, you can amplify because it actually serves as an encouragement for others to follow,” she added.

For its part, the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2019 or the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly Listed Companies (PLCs), which adopts a com-ply-or-explain approach.

The regulator said it is their “effort to drive publicly listed companies towards adopting a more sustainable approach in their corporate ventures.”

The guidelines provide a reporting template and PLCs are also allowed to use internationally recognized sustainability frameworks, which firms can choose depending on their goals and what they want to measure.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said the country still needs to simplify reporting frameworks for firms.

“We have to be able to fortify but simplify our frameworks and the disclosure requirements and make it relevant to what they do, and corollary to that would be assurance,” June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla, chief finance, sustainability, and risk officer at MPIC, said on Tuesday.

“Assurance would provide the discipline for accurate, fair reporting, and proper monitoring of performance and targets,” she said.

Both MPIC and SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) said sustainability reporting has to be “personal” to firms and it should be something that is done beyond compliance.

“Reporting is not the same thing as action. Reporting could really help because reporting gives you transparency as to what’s going on, it makes it hard to hide,” Timothy Daniels, consultant and head of investor relations and sustainability at SMIC said on Tuesday.

“If you do it right, it can make it very clear to you what is the priority… or what are the real risks of your business,” he added.

However, amid calls to expand sustainability reporting even for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reporting for smaller firms should have their own criteria that still meet the same objectives.

“There has to be a bit of a different set of criteria for SMEs as compared to PLCs, definitely, in terms of the scope, in terms of the context,” said Marla G. Alvarez, vice-president for sustainability at SM-led BDO Unibank, Inc. on Monday. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

DoF urges Japan to invest more in PHL infra, manufacturing

FINANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III asked Japan on Wednesday to increase its investment in Philippine infrastructure development, manufacturing, and digitization.

Mr. Dominguez also called for stronger business partnerships in renewable energy as well as research and development.

“We have gone through a difficult episode and proved that our institutions are strong enough to keep our people safe and prosperous. We have laid down firm foundations to ensure a stable recovery towards a more inclusive economy,” he said at an economic briefing with government and business representatives in Japan.

He said that the steady decline in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections supports a possible full reopening of the economy by the start of next year.

As of Wednesday, the Health department reported 890 new COVID-19 infections, bringing total active cases to 17,864.

The last few months of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration will be focused on speeding up the infrastructure program, Mr. Dominguez said.

“The modernization of our infrastructure should open many opportunities for Japanese businesses looking at the region for expanding their operations,” he said.

Infrastructure spending in the first nine months of the year increased by 42.1% year on year to P641.5 billion.

Foreign direct investment rose 20% to $812 million in August, although lower levels of earnings reinvestment and higher equity capital withdrawals indicate caution among investors, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Britain seeks ban of single use plastic plates and cutlery in England

Padraig Treanor/Unsplash

LONDON — Single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups could all be banned in England as the British government seeks to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste, it said on Saturday.

England uses 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion items of single-use cutlery, most of which are plastic, per year, but only 10% are recycled upon disposal, it said.

Under proposals in a 12-week public consultation, businesses and consumers will need to move towards more sustainable alternatives.

The government also launched a separate call for evidence to address other sources of plastic pollution, such as wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single-use cups.

Banning plastic in these items could be a future policy measure.

“There is growing recognition of the damage that plastics cause to our environment and marine life in particular. We want to reduce the use of plastics in packaging and ban its use in items linked to littering,” said environment minister George Eustice.

“We have already banned plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds and now plan to extend the ban to cutlery and balloon sticks where alternative materials, like wood can be used.”

A ban on supplying plastic straws and stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds came into force in England last year.

Forced charges for single-use carrier bags has cut consumption in the main supermarkets by 95% since 2015.

The devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own policies on plastic waste. — Reuters

BSP lets banks waive ID requirement for opening basic deposit accounts

BW FILE PHOTO

THE CENTRAL BANK will allow banks to offer basic deposit accounts (BDAs) next year to clients without any IDs to bring more Filipinos into the financial system.

Memorandum No. M-2021-065 signed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier on Nov. 23 directs banks to allow clients to open a BDAs by presenting a physical or online notarized certification that they do not have a valid ID.

“This is to incentivize banks to offer BDA to boost financial inclusion. But, just to clarify, the relaxed KYC (Know-Your-Customer) [process] is subject to certain conditions,” Ms. Fonacier said in a Viber message.

In the absence of an ID when opening a BDA, the memorandum said account activities will be monitored for potential abuse of the relaxed requirement.

“Suspicious transactions shall be reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council within the prescribed period,” the memorandum said.

When deposits under a BDA breach the P50,000 limit for the account type, the bank is expected to initiate measures to convert the account into a regular deposit account. Under this scenario, the KYC rules for a regular deposit ac-count will already be applied, including the need to present an ID.

Banks that will allow clients to open BDAs without the need to present IDs will be given regulatory relief by the BSP, including waiving fees related to the application of Advanced Electronic Payment and Financial Services for 2022.

These banks will also be subjected to lower annual supervisory fees for 2022 to 2023 as the BSP will reduce their average Assessable Assets depending on the average amount of BDAs maintained in the preceding year.

In July, the BSP directed banks to accept the national ID as the sole proof of identity for those who wish to open an account. Prior to the national ID, financial institutions required at least two valid government IDs to open an ac-count.

A central bank study showed the lack of documentary requirements is among reasons that prevent Filipinos from becoming part of the formal financial system, although the main hindrance remained the lack of money (45%) fol-lowed by the view that they do not need an account (27%).

The BSP hopes to bring 70% of Filipino adults into the banked population by 2023.

Earlier this week, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said there were 7.4 million BDAs opened as of the second quarter of 2021, with aggregate deposits worth P4.9 billion. — Luz Wendy T. Noble

DTI estimates 10% of businesses in Metro Manila remain closed

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said 10% of businesses in Metro Manila remain closed even after the easing of lockdown protocols and the decline in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in a radio interview Wednesday that the estimate was a projection from survey findings.

“The survey which is ongoing showed that, even if Metro Manila reopened in October, 10% of businesses remain closed. We think this means that there are some businesses that have permanently closed,” Mr. Lopez said.

Mr. Lopez said owners of the permanently closed businesses may have moved on to other venture, citing the increase in business registrations.

“They opened new businesses, as seen in higher business registrations across local government units (LGUs) and those who applied for mayor’s permits,” Mr. Lopez said.

Mr. Lopez said business registration data from LGUs showed a strong uptrend.

“In 2019, there were 1.5 million registered. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the registrations increased to 1.7 million, and now 2 million in 2021,” Mr. Lopez said.

“Those who lost their jobs started their own businesses. That is one development… Unemployment increased but the opening of small businesses also went up,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lopez said Metro Manila will continue its recovery even if Alert Level 2 is extended until the end of the year. Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 until Nov. 30.

“Frankly, while there is that option and possibility, at Alert Level 2 we are like Alert Level 1. As we are saying, many businesses are already open. Christmas will be merrier. Social events are happening,” Mr. Lopez said.

“You need not have 100% capacity because every establishment still needs to observe minimum public health protocols, especially in indoor activities,” he added. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Dining In/Out (11/25/21)

Escolta Buffet

Thanksgiving celebration at The Pen

CELEBRATE friends and family at The Peninsula Manila with a Thanksgiving feast and a favorite buffet. With so much to be thankful for during these challenging times, The Lobby will celebrate Thanksgiving with a three-course lunch prix fixe menu (P1,900, inclusive of taxes) and four-course set dinner menu (P2,600, inclusive of taxes). For more good news, Escolta’s popular buffet has reopened. Fans can expect to enjoy fresh pasta, grilled specialties, pizzas, a salad bar, addictive cheese spreads, calory-defying desserts, and more. Escolta is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through Saturday, with brunch served on Sunday (P1,976 for adults and P988 for children from six to 12). It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. For inquiries, orders, and reservations, call The Peninsula Manila at 8887-2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations and 7410 for the Christmas Store), 0917-557-8014, or e-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com.

Christmas begins at Savoy Hotel Manila

SAVOY Hotel Manila has a number of food and celebration offerings for the holidays. The Hotel’s all day dining restaurant, Savoy Café has a carefully curated menu of dishes from various cuisines which may also be enjoyed at the restaurant, and at home through takeout and delivery via Food Panda and Pick-a-Roo. If virtual gatherings are still a preferred way of celebrating or holding meetings, Savoy Café offers set menus inclusive of delivery to participants for a stress-free event. Another choice would be the hearty Savoy Christmas Trays which are platters of dishes delivered in a hot box. Try the Kare Kare, Beef Bourguignon, and Butter Chicken. For an alternative dining option that allows more privacy and personalized service, Savoy Hotel Manila has opened the Hotspot — a cozy restaurant nook can accommodate groups of 20 persons or less. Guests can feast on a five-course meal and enjoy the services of a personal dining butler. For unique gifts, the Savoy Christmas Hamper is now ready for pre-order. This basket of goodies contains freshly baked fruit cake, stolen bread, Christmas scone, pralines, merry berry cookies, and granola clusters with candy canes, soju and red wine vinegar. Sparky the Plushie is also part of the hamper. A large hamper is priced at P2,680 net, while a medium hamper is P1,980 net — they are available at Savoy Café for advance order. Whole cakes are also on offer with three special creations taking center stage: Savoy Mango Delight, Rhum Cake, and the Buche De Noel. To know more about Savoy Hotel Manila and its Christmas offers, visit www.savoyhotelmanila.com, call 5317-2869 or e-mail info@savoymanila.com.

Rémy Martin range in limited-edition coffrets

THIS holiday season, Rémy Martin is boosting the festivities through its Rémy Martin VSOP, Club, and XO, housed in exclusive gift boxes. The illustrated boxes show the odyssey of the Centaur, the emblematic symbol of the House of Rémy Martin. Each coffret comes with a golden key in the form of a QR code that opens the doors to special content on the cognac of choice. These includes tasting tips, food pairings, and a dedicated cocktail tutorial designed to match each product. The Rémy Martin VSOP box includes VSOP cognac glasses. For more information, visit www.remymartin.com.

Chef Ghaello Salva launches Dulong in Olive Oil

CHEF Ghaello Salva is taking inspiration from the Batangueño menu of his childhood. His mission is to elevate Philippine cuisine through crafting local dishes using the haute-cuisine approach. He calls his specialty “Batan-gueño fusion” because his versions of traditional Batangueño dishes are prepared and executed using French techniques. His latest culinary creation, launched just in time for the holiday season, is Dulong in Olive Oil. Inspired by the umami and salty notes of the dulong fish (silver fish), Mr. Salva realized that the native fish would be a perfect complement to the usual smorgasbord of nuts, cheese, and cold cuts. Dulong is abundant in Batangas and is characterized by its miniature size (roughly half an inch) and its rich flavor, and is commonly prepared as a fish omelette (tortang dulong). Chef Ghaello’s Dulong in Olive Oil is now available for pre-order for P250 per jar and P650 for the Christmas box set (which includes one jar of Dulong in Olive Oil, crackers, and wine). For more information visit https://m.face-book.com/Ghaello-112571936794148 or call 0917-817-1277. When serving along with bread or crackers, the chef recommends adding a dollop of honey to add a special kick of sweetness.

Malaysian treats for the holidays

NEARING the Christmas season, the Trade Office of the Malaysia Embassy is holding a Malaysia Fest in 46 Robinsons Supermarket and 11 GoRobinsons online groceries this November to showcase Halal Malaysian foods in the local market. These homegrown brands include Old Town 3 in 1 hazelnut coffee and Julie’s Le-Monde puff sandwich. Looking for halal holiday gifts for Muslim (and even non-Muslim) friends won’t be a hassle as one may find the following Malaysian products in a nearby local Robinsons Supermarket: Chinese Charm surimi and surimi-based products, which are foods that use minced fish paste or other seafood as alternatives to fish and others, reflecting the Chinese influence on Malaysian delicacies; Fusipim’s  Rich Mama fish ball flavors and Everbest  tofu-based seafood products; Chek Hup coffees and milk teas, and Old Town Coffee. Also available are Indian-inspired items including frozen flatbreads such as plain roti and paratha, a multi-layered bread with onions, and oil, and healthy, oil-less chappati. Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms is a ready-to-eat version of the classic poppadom, deep-fried bean flour dough. A former British colony, Malaysia still has a fondness for puff pastries. The brand Kawan (“friend” in Malay) has readymade pastry shells and wraps waiting to be filled. The lactose intolerant and vegans can enjoy the sweetness of the season with SoyFresh’s Hershey’s diverse catalog of chocolate variants. These are just some of the Malaysian products that can be found this month in Robinson’s Supermarkets.

Rico’s Lechon introduces new dining concepts

CEBU’S Rico’s Lechon is introducing new dining concepts in their newest — and biggest — store in Blue Bay Walk, Pasay and soon in Circuit Makati. Rico’s is bringing the Cebu’s version of dampa — Sugba, Tuwa, and Kilaw (STK) giving customers more options of original Cebuano food. STK at Blue Bay Walk in Macapagal Ave., Pasay, opened on Nov. 23. It can accommodate 160 people, with dining, al fresco, and VIP areas. Soon to come is the Merkado (palengke in Cebuano), the branch’s “paluto” area complete with an aquarium. Highlighting its best seller is the store’s own lechon roasting area. Starting Nov. 23, customers can enjoy two of Rico’s Lechon’s newest offerings — Boodle Feasta and Palayok Hotpot. Boodle Feasta features a fusion of rice, vegetables, choices of sauces, Rico’s iconic lechon, and seafoods. The feast is served in four sets, perfect for sharing. Set 1 costs P750 (serves two to four persons), Set 2 costs P2,500 (serving five to eight), and Set 3 costs P3,500 (serving nine to 12). Meanwhile, the Palayok Hotpot offers several varieties: Seafood and Vegetable, Chicken Tinowa, Fish Tinowa (Tanigue) or Seasonal Seafood, Lechon Pork Bone Soup, and Beef Bulalo hotpots. Each variety is available in medium and large sizes, good for diners, ranging in price from P580 to P1,100. Meanwhile, Rico’s Lechon Circuit Makati is set to open on Dec. 4. Pre-order for pick-up and delivery by contacting Rico’s Lechon Fulfillment Center at 0917-814-7648, 7799-0810 or the Blue Bay Walk branch at 0917-847-7541.

Jollibee launches Chick’nwich

JOLLIBEE has launched a new chicken sandwich —  the Jollibee Chick’nwich, which is dropping in selected stores this month. It is twice the size of an average chicken sandwich, made with a 100% whole chicken fillet, double hand-breaded for crunch, sandwiched in a buttery brioche bun, and a special mayo dressing and dill pickles. The Jollibee Chick’nwich will be available at all Mega Manila stores starting Nov. 23 for P130 solo, and P175 with fries and a drink. It can be safely delivered via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, or #87000. It is also available in drive-through and take out.

Rodolfo Pizzeria opens in Makati

THERE’S a new Italian pizza shop in Makati — Rodolfo Pizzeria. Opened just a few months ago, Rodolfo Pizzeria serves classic Neapolitan pizzas and Italian dishes. “I put it up because I wanted to make handmade Italian Pizzas accessible to Filipinos. At a time where you could barely travel, having a bite of our pizza, always freshly made and straight out of the oven, will transport you to that Italian dream vacation at a fraction of the price,” said owner and chef Jerick Magadia, of his inspiration in launching his pizza shop during the pandemic. Pizzas include the classic Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage & Pepperoni, Quattro Formaggi, and Pepperoni Pizza. Among the Italian non-pizza classics are Mushroom Truffle Cream Spaghetti and Italian Tomato Basil Pasta (topped with local kesong puti). Rodolfo Pizzeria is at A. Bonifacio Street, Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City, call 0956-025-4686 to place orders for pickup or delivery. The pizza shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. To learn more, visit their website at www.rodolfopizzeria.com and follow Rodolfo Pizzeria on Facebook and Instagram.

Over 3,000 items to buy in pandamart

WITH over 3,000 items from favorite grocery stores available, restocking a pantry is easy and fast with foodpanda’s pandamart. To order, tap pandamart on the foodpanda app and enjoy delivery of snacks, drinks, fruits, vegetables, and home care items in as fast as 20 minutes. As a bonus, there is no shopper fee, and there are deals and vouchers that are available every day. Use the code PANDASMART to get P50 off.  The service is available until midnight. The service is currently available all over Metro Manila, Angeles City, Antipolo City, Bacoor City, Baguio City, Batangas City, Cainta City, Calamba City, Cebu City, Davao City, General Trias City, Lipa City, Malolos City, Mandaue City, San Pablo City, San Pedro City, San Jose del Monte City, Sta. Rosa City, and Tarlac City. More branches and cities are opening soon, catch the announcement on foodpanda Facebook and foodpanda Instagram pages.

Mang Inasal available for takeout or delivery

MANG Inasal has improved its food preparation and cooking process to achieve consistent off-the-grill goodness for its meals, including the juicy-lock grilling process which seeks to ensure the freshness and juiciness of its best-selling Chicken Inasal. Chicken Inasal meals can be ordered for at home dining via manginasaldelivery.com.ph, Mang Inasal App, GrabFood, and foodpanda.

Celebrate Christmas at Ayala Malls

This holiday season, Ayala Malls reframes the sentiment of what it means “to gather.” Gather hope Ayala Malls is extending its facilities to support local businesses and community vendors through bayanihan bazaars, a series of curated fairs in collaboration with home, food, and fashion vendors from November until the yearend. In Fests and Flavors, a group of food vendors and restaurateurs including Expofairs Management Corp., Mercato, and RestoPH initially affected by multiple restrictions have partnered with Ayala Malls to bring back food night markets for mall-goers. Additionally, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is launching Kain Na! in Ayala Malls once again to support local cuisines from Region IV-A including Calabarzon this festive season. One of the many community vendors to spot at the food market is Manong Rogelio, who serves Pinoy street-style ice cream from his Miro Ice Cream stand in Glorietta. Another is Tatay Felix Endrina, 65, the viral taho vendor whose name had spread far and wide for selling his local specialty in social events in and outside of Metro Manila. This season, catch him at Ayala Malls Circuit to support his business and enjoy a cup of sweet taho. For Feasts and Flavors, ExpoFair will set up at Circuit from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, at Market! Market! from Dec. 1 to 13, and Alabang Town Center from Dec. 10 to 23. Feasts and Flavors (with local partners) will also be held at Ayala Malls Marikina every Friday, Fairview Terraces until Dec. 31, Centrio from Dec. 4 to 13, TriNoma from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, Cloverleaf from Nov. 26 to 28, Ayala Center Cebu from Dec. 1 to 15 and Dec. 20 to 31, at Capitol Central from Dec. 1 to 10 and Dec. 16 to 30, UP Town Center from Dec. 2 to 5, and Feliz from Dec. 10 to 12.

Robinsons supermarket’s farm to table event

THE FRESHEST fruits and vegetables will be on sale from November 26 to 30, 2021 at Robinsons Place Galleria and Ermita’s atrium as Robinsons Supermarket holds its, “Farm to Table” event. First 100 customers of each mall with minimum purchase of Php 500 participating products will also get a chance to win a free bayong during the promo period.Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table is a regular activity which features local farmers’ latest harvest with exciting offers or discounts for customers. There’s buy 1 take 1 on select fruits and vegetables, discounts and more. Sample offers include Buy 1 Take 1 on red seedless grapes, apple or chopsuey or pinakbet mixes. Besides fruits and vegetables, plants will also be on sale during this period. The event is possible thanks to Robinsons Supermarket’s partners: Dizon Farms, Organic Options, LiveGreen, Sureleaf, NXTLVL OBP, Chantelle and MCK Flowers. “Thanks to the support of our like-minded partners, Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table project provides local farmers a venue to sell their goods profitably and responsibly. The program also gives consumers easy access to healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables while supporting the local farming community,” said Ms. Lyn de Jesus, merchandising director of Robinsons Supermarket. Farm to Table is also one of Robinsons Supermarket’s sustainability program which aims to provide more opportunities for local farmers to feature and sell their produce at fair prices. To date, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners support over 700 local farmers in the Philippines. Visit Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table event from November 26-30 at the atrium of Robinsons Place Galleria and Ermita.

1...5,6355,6365,637...12,701Page 5,636 of 12,701
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube