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Jack Animam parts way with Serbian club Radnički Kragujevac

JACK Animam and her Serbian club Radnički Kragujevac have parted ways, the team announced over the weekend.

The squad said Ms. Animam is set to return to the United States, thanking her for a brief but solid campaign in the First Women’s Basketball League of Serbia.

“Thanks to (Ms.) Jack for everything she has done in this short time, she was one of the most important players in the senior team,” said Radnicki after giving Ms. Animam a simple sendoff.

Radnicki did not disclose the reason for Ms. Animam’s sudden departure or if they would reunite anytime soon other than a wish for the Filipina’s recovery.

Ms. Animam has not played for Radnicki in the past two games and though there’s no official word on her health status, reports have cited an apparent knee injury as the reason for her absence.

“We wish her a speedy recovery. No goodbyes, just see you,” added Radnicki, which slid to 4-6 without Ms. Animam.

The 6-foot-5 Ms. Animam, after signing last August as the first Pinay player in Serbia, impressed with a double-double average of 20.0 points and 14.3 rebounds in eight games before her injury.

Ms. Animam, 23, has not commented as of press time on the major development of her budding career highlighted by multiple championships with National University in the UAAP, Gilas and Shih Hsin University in Taiwan. — John Bryan Ulanday

Peso seen to weaken on hawkish Fed bets

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO could depreciate this week as the market expects the US Federal Reserve to tighten its policy stance faster amid improving economic prospects.

The local unit ended trading at P50.35 per dollar on Friday, shedding nine centavos from its P50.26 close on Thursday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

Week on week, it appreciated by a centavo from its P50.36 finish on Dec. 3.

The local unit depreciated on Friday amid a wider trade deficit, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The country’s trade deficit widened to $4.01 billion in October from the $2.04-billion gap a year earlier, based on data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Friday. This also marked the biggest deficit since the $4.27 billion posted in January 2019.

Exports increased by 2% year on year to $6.41 billion in October, slower than the 6.4% growth in September, while imports surged by 25.1% to $10.43 billion.

Meanwhile, market sentiment slightly improved on findings about how some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines gave ample protection against the Omicron variant, UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in an e-mail.

Reuters reported Wednesday that BioNTech and Pfizer, Inc. said three shots of their vaccines resulted to neutralizing the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test, showing hopes that booster shots could provide protection from the new variant.

Israeli researchers also said on Saturday they found that a three-shot course of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine provided significant protection against the new Omicron variant.

For this week, Mr. Asuncion said the market will be waiting for Fed’s policy statement as officials have become more hawkish in recent remarks.

The Federal Open Market Committee will have its last policy review for this year from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Fed Chairman Jerome H. Powell and other central bank officials have said they will be assessing the need to speed up the tapering of their asset purchases to conclude it within a few months. Some officials have also floated the possibility of raising the interest rates by 2022.

Mr. Ricafort said the market will also factor in the Monetary Board’s policy decision on Thursday.

All 15 analysts in a BusinessWorld poll held last week said the Philippine central bank will likely keep rates steady on Thursday as there is still need to support growth to make it more sustainable.

The possible impact of the Omicron variant on the economy could also cause policy makers to remain accommodative, they said.

For this week, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P50.10 to P50.50, while Mr. Asuncion expects the local unit to move within P50 to P50.50 versus the greenback. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

Meralco’s Metro Manila service fleet is now all electric

PHOTO FROM MERALCO

THE MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) is deploying 69 electric vehicles (EVs) as it ramps up efforts to adopt sustainable modes of transportation under its Green Mobility Program.

The EV additions are comprised of cars, vans, pickup trucks, and motorcycles that will cater to the transportation needs of its Business Centers and Sector Offices. These will complement some 60 EVs already being used by Meralco field personnel. “With these new EVs, Meralco is on track to electrify 100% of its vehicle fleet, with its Metro Manila service vehicles now all electric,” the company said in a release.

The Green Mobility Program is the company’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting the country’s transition to electrified transport.

At the ceremonial unveiling and blessing of the new EVs last Dec. 7, Meralco President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa announced that the Green Mobility Program would be extended to all Meralco subsidiaries, making it a One Meralco initiative. “Through this program, we express our full support to the Philippines’ transition to electric transportation. As we look forward to the government’s enactment of the EV Bill — which will provide incentives to both EV suppliers and users — we welcome a greener, cleaner, and safer environment in our streets and thoroughfares,” he said.

To support the charging requirements of its EVs, Meralco is also installing five charging stations in strategically located company facilities across its franchise area. Through its subsidiary eSakay, Inc., Meralco also offers end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions to institutional customers and to the riding public.

“Beyond delivering accessible and reliable electricity service to households and businesses, we, in Meralco, are also at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions to our customers. With our important and intensified shift to vehicle electrification, we hope to influence and inspire others to follow suit and to likewise embed sustainability in their operations,” said Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer and eSakay President and CEO Raymond B. Ravelo.

The Green Mobility Program is among the core initiatives under Meralco’s sustainability agenda, which is rooted in and supportive of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Other key priorities in this agenda include the company’s just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean energy through 2030 and beyond; the shift to plant-based ester oil for its distribution transformers; and the One for Trees Program, through which Meralco aims to plant five million trees by 2025.

“All these important initiatives are a testament to One Meralco’s pledge to protect and preserve our planet — and ultimately, to power good lives not only for ourselves today, but also for our children’s tomorrow,” Mr. Espinosa stated.

Taylor Swift to face copyright lawsuit

REUTERS

LOS ANGELES — Pop superstar Taylor Swift must face a lawsuit from songwriters who claim the Grammy-winning singer copied their lyrics in her 2014 hit single “Shake It Off,” a California judge has ruled.

In a decision issued on Thursday, US District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald rejected Swift’s bid to throw out a suit that said she took wording from 2014 song “Playas Gon’ Play” by R&B girl group 3LW.

Mr. Fitzgerald said there were “some noticeable differences” between the songs but also “enough objective similarities” that the case should go to a jury trial.

“Although Defendants have made a strong closing argument for a jury, they have not shown that there are no genuine issues of triable fact,” the judge wrote.

A spokeswoman for Ms. Swift had no comment on Friday. In 2017, her representatives had called the songwriters’ claim of copyright infringement “ridiculous” and “nothing more than a money grab.”

In “Shake It Off,” Ms. Swift sings: “the players gonna play, play, play, play, play, and the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.”

“Playas Gon’ Play,” written by Sean Hall and Nathan Butler, included the phrases “players, they gonna play, and haters, they gonna hate.”

Hall and Butler said the combination of “playas” or “players” with “hatas” or “haters” was unique to its use in their song. The pair are seeking unspecified damages.

Their case had been thrown out in 2018 but the pair appealed and suit was revived. — Reuters

Stocks may rebound ahead of BSP policy meeting

PHILIPPINE shares may rebound this week ahead of the central bank’s policy meeting this week as coronavirus cases stay low and the government boosts its vaccination drive.

The 30-member Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined by 42.75 points or 0.59% to close at 7,192.17 on Friday, while the broader all shares index fell by 12.12 points or 0.31% to 3,830.43.

Still, week on week, the local bourse jumped 136.98 points from its 7,055.19 close on Dec. 3.

“The low daily COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) numbers and the aggressive vaccination campaign will likely keep the index above the key 7,000 level,” Papa Securities Corp. Equities Strategist Manny P. Cruz said in a Viber message.

The Philippines recorded 356 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, bringing active cases to 11,373, the Department of Health (DoH) reported.

Some 40.69 million Filipinos or 36.9% are already fully vaccinated, DoH data showed. The government wants to inoculate 70% of the population by yearend.

“The market may look forward to the upcoming interest rate decision in the country, scheduled for release in the coming days,” Timson Securities, Inc. Trader Darren Blaine T. Pangan said in a Viber message.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is widely expected to keep benchmark interest rates at record lows to support economic growth amid the threat of the Omicron variant.

All 15 analysts in a BusinessWorld poll held last week expect the Monetary Board to keep borrowing costs steady at its last policy review for the year on Thursday, Dec. 16.

The BSP has not touched its policy settings since November 2020.

The possibility of a faster tapering by the US Federal Reserve could also affect sentiment, analysts said.

“Recently, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s disclosed of no longer using the term ‘transitory’ to describe inflation and this is likely an indication that they will raise rates not before long and may have knock-on effect on the global equities,” Papa Securities’ Mr. Cruz said.

Diversified Securities, Inc. Equity Trader Aniceto K. Pangan said the market will continue to be volatile due to rising inflation in most countries and the issues faced by some Chinese developers.

Fitch Ratings downgraded property developers China Evergrande Group and Kaisa Group on Thursday, saying they had defaulted on offshore bonds, while a source said Kaisa had started work on restructuring its $12-billion offshore debt, Reuters reported.

Mr. Pangan said the PSEi could range from 6,920 to 7,265 this week.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message that the PSEi’s immediate major resistance or gap area for this week will be at the 7,230-7,260 levels, while immediate support will be at 7,000-7,040 levels. — M.C. Lucenio with Reuters

Medilines disappoints on Omicron fears, debut free fall

By Ana Olivia O. Tirona, Researcher

MEDILINES Distributors, Inc. underwhelmed last week after its debut disappointed, but investors remain hopeful as healthcare market expectations continue to grow.

A total of 668.16 million Medilines shares worth of P1.15 billion were traded between Dec. 6 to 10, making it the fourth actively traded stock last week, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) data showed.

Financial markets were closed on Dec. 8 in observance of the Immaculate Conception of Mary holiday.

The distributor of medical equipment closed at P1.64 per share on Friday. This was down 28.7% from its initial public offering price of P2.30.

“We think that the price action in MEDIC’s IPO (initial public offering) was mainly driven by bearish sentiment brought about by the [coronavirus disease 2019] Omicron variant. Risk appetite understandably receded in past weeks as uncertainty on forward outlook rose,” China Bank Securities Corp. Research Associate Zoren Philip A. Musngi said in an e-mail, referring to Medilines’ ticker symbol MEDIC.

“Other factors that have likely contributed to the price movement are: (1) perceived overvaluation at the offer price, and (2) lack of a stabilization fund/overallotment option to help support prices,” he added.

Founded in 2002, Medilines focuses on distribution of medical devices utilized for diagnostics imaging, dialysis, and cancer therapy. It carries brands such as Siemens, B. Braun, and Varian.

The company is owned by Virgilio B. Villar, the younger brother of real estate tycoon Manuel B. Villar.

Medilines posted an IPO price of P2.30 last Tuesday, which drastically fell by 30% — the local bourse’s maximum volatility floor — to P1.61 at closing.

Net proceeds of the company’s primary offer of 550 million shares will be used to finance the working capital for the procurements of its existing products, for building its medical consumables inventory, and to repay debt.

“While the reason for its plummet is as good as anyone’s guess, the highly anticipated IPO was said to be oversubscribed by long-only domestic institutional investors according to [Philippine National Bank], but many were expecting a similar performance to AllDay Mart’s stellar listing day just last month,” Timson Securities, Inc. Trader Jervin S. De Celis said separately in an e-mail.

The stock’s volatility on its second market day attracted some short-term players for easy gains, Mr. De Celis said.

“While I still have no profit forecast for Medilines, the company is in an industry with bright prospects and when the company books consistent profit in the years to come, then the expensive valuations may adjust to a healthier level,” he added.

Medilines booked a net income of P100.05 million in the six months to June, a turnaround from the previous year’s P13.04-million net loss. During the same period, revenues grew by almost fourfold to P815.09 million.

Mr. Musngi remains to have a positive outlook for Medilines while there is continuous economic growth as well as high expectation and demand for healthcare amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We expect selling pressure to remain high in MEDIC over the near term as investors will likely take any rally in the issue as an opportunity to lighten/exit the stock. Immediate resistance is at P1.70 while support is at P1.50,” Mr. Musngi said.

Likewise, Mr. De Celis sees “bright prospects” for the healthcare company.

“Good valuations may attract inflow of funds and may result in price appreciation so, I guess, there is still hope for MEDIC holders to recover in the future” he said.

When asked about their forecast levels, Mr. De Celis pegs a “strong” resistance of P2.00 to P2.12.

Yields on gov’t debt drop as inflation eases in Nov.

YIELDS on government securities (GS) mostly declined last week following the release of November inflation data, which showed the average rise in prices to be at a four-month low, albeit above market expectations.

GS yields fell by an average of 1.05 basis points (bps) week on week, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation (BVAL) Service Reference Rates of Dec. 10 published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

The yield on the four-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) fell the most, dropping by 6.43 bps to 3.7362%, followed by those on the five- and three-year papers, which declined by 6.39 bps (to 4.1009%) and 3.89 bps (3.2886%), respectively.

The rate of the 91-day Treasury bills (T-bills) also fell by 1.9 bps (1.2039%), while the 20-year T-bonds and 182-day T-bills saw their yields decline by 1.1 bps (to 5.0123%) and 0.78 bp (1.4505%), respectively.

The 25- and two-year papers also posted marginal decreases of 0.48 bp and 0.04 bp to yield 5.0060% and 2.7785%, respectively.

On the other hand, the 364-day T-bills and the 10- and seven-year T-bonds saw their rates go up by 1.78 bps (1.6774%), 4.16 bps (5.0265%) and 3.91 bps (4.5843%), respectively.

“Players were observed to be bargain hunting after November inflation eased to four-month lows. Although, the GS market continued to trade cautiously on the back of continued volatility in the US Treasuries market,” a bond trader said via Viber message.

ATRAM Trust Corp. Head of Fixed Income Jose Miguel B. Liboro shared this assessment, adding the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) rejection of bids at its 10-year bond auction last week “contributed to more positive sentiment.”

“However, while rates adjusted lower from levels seen [the week before], bulk of activity remained focused on the new five-year retail Treasury bonds (RTB), which has traded at a slight premium,” Mr. Liboro said in an e-mail.    

The BTr last week rejected all bids for its offer reissued 10-year T-bonds even as tenders reached P42.44 billion, more than double the P20 billion on the auction block.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon said all tenders were rejected because of the high rates, even as inflation reported earlier in the day of the auction eased to 4.2% in November, the slowest since July and the third straight month of slowing down.

Had the BTr fully awarded the bond offer, the tenor’s average yield would have declined by 5.9 bps to 5.071%. However, this would have been higher than the 4.99% quoted for 10-year bonds at the secondary market before the auction.

The November headline inflation print, despite being a four-month low, was higher than the 4% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3.3%-4.1% forecast for the month. This was also the fourth straight month inflation exceed the BSP’s 2-4% target for the year.

Meanwhile, the BTr sold P360 billion in five-and-half-year RTBs after a two-week offer from Nov. 16-26. Proceeds from the issuance will be used to fund the government’s pandemic response and recovery programs.

“Rates have already retraced slightly higher from the lows hit during the recent 5-year RTB’s offer period. As we approach yearend, we expect rates to consolidate at these levels with a slightly higher bias on the back of the upward trajectory in global yields and as the seasonal illiquidity kicks in,” Mr. Liboro said.

“Some catalysts we are watching for the week are the seven-year bond auction [on Tuesday] & the BSP’s Monetary Board meeting [on Thursday],” the bond trader added.

“While the central bank is expected to keep rates steady, the market will look for their updated inflation forecasts, if there will be any. Until then, yields are seen to trade range bound to wait for justified directional cues,” the trader said. — Lourdes O. Pilar

Nissan presents ‘smarter, more luxurious’ Patrol SUV

PHOTO FROM NISSAN PHILIPPINES

AS ITS FLAGSHIP SUV turns 70, Nissan has brought into the country the newest iteration of the Patrol.

“Built on 70 years of SUV heritage, the Nissan Patrol continues its legacy here in the Philippines. It is now smarter than ever, and leads its class in innovation, luxury, and performance. We are offering the latest in the Patrol legacy here in the Philippines to leaders who recognize its capability, versatility, stylishness, comforts, and innovations,” said Nissan Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima in a release.

The company said that the biggest upgrade for the new Nissan Patrol is its suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies — making it smarter than ever, and giving more confidence and safety in its driving and riding experience. It boasts features like Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Braking, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Blindspot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist, in addition to the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

The new Nissan Patrol exudes a more commanding presence with a redesigned hood and alloy wheel design, LED headlamps with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lights with sequential turn lamps. It also bears the new Nissan brand identity badge — said to be a first in Nissan’s local lineup.

Inside, the Nissan Patrol gets a more premium and comfortable feel through leather-covered seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. There’s a new seven-inch full-color Advanced Drive Assist Display, 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and cool box for more convenience and sophistication. The entertainment system finds expression through a 13-speaker Bose sound system.

Under the hood of the 4×4 is a 5.6-liter V8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual mode and Hydraulic Body Motion Control. Nissan said that the Patrol delivers a class-leading maximum power output of 405ps and 560Nm of torque.

The new Nissan Patrol will be sold in all Nissan dealerships nationwide at P4.548 million starting February 2022. It will be available in three colors: Brilliant Silver, Black Obsidian, and Pearl White. The Brilliant Silver color variant comes with tan leather interiors, while the other two have black leather interiors. The vehicle also boasts a segment-first five-year warranty. For more information, visit www.nissan.ph.

MPBL: Bicol bounces back with 80-68 win over Laguna

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BICOLVOLCANOESLCC

BICOL-LCC Malls vented its ire on Laguna-Krah Asia, 80-68, for a big bounce back win in the second day of the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Mac Tallo fired 18 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes of play as Bicol avenged its narrow 70-65 loss to Basilan in the opener of the MPBL as the country’s latest pro league.

Kent Lao and Ralph Tansingco added 14 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Volcanoes, who improved to 1-1 in Pool B.

“We played well today compared to our first match, but we are still a work in progress,” said mentor Aldin Ayo.

Kim Aurin was the lone bright spot with 13 markers for Laguna, which slid to 0-1.

Meanwhile, Nueva Ecjia and Rizal picked up first wins over Sarangani and General Santos, respectively.

The Rice Vanguards fended off Sarangani, 99-92, behind Michael Mabulac’s 17 markers while the Golden Coolers bested GenSan with a 73-66 win on Adrian Celada’s 23 points.

Nueva Ecija joined San Juan on top of Pool C with similar 1-0 cards while Rizal (1-0) gained a piece of Pool D lead with Imus (1-0). — John Bryan Ulanday

Style (12/13/21)

Banana Republic holiday suggestions

THIS festive season, Banana Republic continues to provide men and women with rich comfort and luxurious styles that make great presents for the season. Here are some gift ideas: women’s styles include ribbed racerback dress, the Essential shift dress, petite high-rise straight Italian wool pants, petite classic-fit organic flannel shirt, ultra high-rise slim jean, and paperbag-waist short; while in men’s styles, the selection includes authentic Supima crew-neck T-shirt, organic cotton pique polo, luxury-touch performance polo, organic cotton waffle-knit sweater, slim traveler pant, and cotton linen stripe easy short. Shop Banana Republic’s latest collection for gifts worth giving. Visit Banana Republic Greenbelt 5 or shop from home through Banana Republic’s Viber Community: bit.ly/BRPHcommunity or shop deals 24/7 at bananarepublic.com.ph. Banana Republic VIP customers can enjoy exclusive offers, VIP access, plus, other benefits, including a P1,000 welcome voucher, annual milestone vouchers, and a special Birthday treat. Know more about the VIP Program here: http://bananarepublic.com.ph/pages/vip-page.

Ever Bilena unveils new logo, tagline and product refresh

AS MAKEUP and beauty is for everyone, regardless of gender orientation, age, class, and skin tone, or skin type, local cosmetics company Ever Bilena unveils a new theme that speaks to a more diverse and dynamic audience. The brand’s newest tagline is “for every beauty” that embodies the concept that beauty is for every individual. Accompanying the tagline is a new logo — clean, streamlined and straightforward. “This rebranding reflects our goal to make Ever Bilena even more accessible, inclusive and affordable to the individuals who use our extensive range of products. It is our pledge to remain as a beauty brand that supports the dreams and needs of our cosmetics users,” said Dioceldo Sy, Ever Bilena CEO. As part of this new direction is the brand’s product refresh, featuring three new major categories. These are: All Day, all day wearing products including All Day Liquid Foundation which delivers buildable coverage that helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections while giving hydration without the greasy feel; Pro, professional-grade level products for makeup enthusiasts to professional makeup artists; Matte, the signature line of Ever Bilena which includes the Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick and the Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake. To shop for these products, check Ever Bilena on Lazada, Shopee or visit Ever Bilena on Facebook (@everbilenacosmetics) or Instagram (@everbilenaofficial).

Robinsons Malls launch new RMalls+ mobile app

ROBINSONS Malls has come out with its new RMalls+ mobile app which provides exclusive deals and discounts plus first dibs on mall promotions. Shoppers who download the RMalls+ app can be the first to score PLUS benefits such as Buy One Get One deals from Auntie Anne’s and Snow Plus, freebies from Cinnabon, Chili’s, Classic Savory, Kuya J, Pancake House, Smart and Super Bowl of China, and up to 50% discount deals from Charles & Keith, Mary Grace, Levi’s, World Balance, Cherry Mobile, Photoline, Executive Optical, Sarabia Optical, Lay Bare, Hey Sugar, Nailaholics, Ooh La Lash, Vivere Salon and Dental Nook. RMalls+ app users can even enjoy up to 25% off from partner hotels such as Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Crowne Plaza, Summit Hotels and Resorts, and Go Hotels and discounts from Foodpanda merchants inside Robinsons Malls. And starting Dec. 15, the app users can get two free parking vouchers in select Robinsons Malls when they download the app. These offers are just the start of many more in-app perks and benefits that the app will soon introduce for all users nationwide. The RMalls+ app includes information on special events and activities in the Things To Do section of the app. This includes the RC cars drift track at Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Place Iloilo; the malls’ Christmas attractions; various games, free character balloons, and special gifts from Tom’s World, Toys R Us and other retail partners. Get movie screening information about the next blockbuster. And be the first to know about the latest and trendiest shops that opened in various Robinsons Malls. The app’s Gift tile to give Robinsons Malls eGifts which can be spent in participating Robinsons Malls stores nationwide. Find mall information like location, contact details, operational hours, and directions and even find the nearest malls. Each mall listing has a corresponding store directory. One can also contact stores directly in advance and bookmark favorite malls and shops in the RMalls+ app for quicker reference. The app has other unique features like Shop For Me which allows the user to easily contact Robbie and Rosie, Robinsons Malls’ personal shoppers, for a hassle-free shopping experience in select malls. App users can also win prizes from joining Robinsons Malls’ ongoing promos and games through the app. Soon, customers will be able to buy and even gift Robinsons Movieworld movie tickets. RMalls+ is free to download on the App Store and Google Play.

Cebuana Lhuillier holds Christmas Sale    

Cebuana Lhuillier, together with Cebuana Lhuillier Premium and Just Jewel, are holding a Christmas Jewelry Sale nationwide, from Dec. 13 to 18. The sale is offered nationwide, in more than 2,500 Cebuana Lhuillier’s branches, as well as online through Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels, orCebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium Facebook pages. “Most people would spend their bonuses on the latest gadgets and other luxury items that depreciate over time. But they could get the best out of their money with something so small like jewelry. Like what I’ve said before, the value of gemstones are always at an upward trend, it always appreciates in value,”Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier said in a statement. Cebuana Lhuillier is offering 5% off on all items and up to 50% off on selected items, nationwide. Meanwhile, a 5% discount is offered for all online purchases. Visit Cebuana Lhuillier, Just Jewels, or CebuanaLhuillier Jewelry Premium branches or shop online via Cebuana FB Live Selling or cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com

The world is so desperate for manure even human waste is a hot commodity

REUTERS

THE market for manure — from pigs, horses, cattle and even humans — has never been so hot, thanks to a global shortage of chemical fertilizers.

Just ask Andrew Whitelaw, a grains analyst at Thomas Elder Markets based in Melbourne, Australia who runs a commercial pig farm in his spare time.

Mr. Whitelaw said that he’s completely sold clean of animal waste, as farmers hunt for alternatives to the more commonly used phosphate- and nitrogen-based fertilizers that are vital to boosting crop yields.

“We don’t have any left,” he said. “In a normal year, you’d probably get a couple phone calls a year, not a couple of phone calls a week.”

It may be some time before he sees the interest in pig poop taper. Prices of synthetic fertilizer, which rely on natural gas and coal as raw materials, have soared amid an energy shortage and export restrictions by Russia and China. That’s adding to challenges for agricultural supply chains at a time when global food costs are near a record high and farmers scramble for fertilizers to prevent losses to global crop yields for staples.

The Green Markets North American Fertilizer Price Index is hovering around an all-time high at $1,072.87 per short ton, while in China, spot urea has soared more than 200% this year to a record.

The demand for dung is playing out globally. In Iowa, manure is selling for between $40 to $70 per short ton, up about $10 from a year ago and the highest levels since 2012, according to Daniel Anderson, assistant professor at Iowa State University and a specialist on manure.

Manure is mostly a local market and truckloads won’t go further than 50 miles (80 kilometers), Mr. Anderson said. When crop, fertilizer and manure prices soared about a decade ago, more farmers reintroduced animals such as hogs and cattle onto their land, in part for their manure. That option could again be on farmers’ minds as fertilizer costs soar.

In Australia’s Queensland state, Brian Mclean, general manager of an organic fertilizer company, said that sales of his poultry manure compost are going through the roof. If interest keeps up at the same rate, people seeking ready-treated manure in the area would soon miss out.

 “There wouldn’t be enough in total,” he said. In just the last few months, he’s sold about 15,000 tons of the stuff, compared to around 2,000 tons the same time last year, though some of the renewed fervor has been driven by a bounce back in weather conditions after years of drought, Mr. Mclean added.

In the UK, not only are farmers scrambling for animal compost, but many are even trying to get their hands on treated sewage sludge containing human excrement, or biosolids. David Butler, who farms wheat, oats and peas in Wiltshire in the southwest of England, has traditionally relied on his own herd of cows to produce animal waste that he uses for his crops.

“The arable area still requires significant tonnage of synthetic fertilizer, but this is reduced by the use of manures,” Mr. Butler said. Since the animal waste from his farm is not enough, he has been buying biosolids from utility Thames Water.

However, Mr. Butler said that it’s increasingly difficult to source human excrement as “there is more demand than supply for biosolid materials.”

In the US, biosolids are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, and in Europe, biosolids have been in use since 1986 when it received regulatory approval from the European Union.

While manure is an inexpensive alternative to pricey synthetic fertilizers, it is a “poor replacement for those accustomed to traditional fertilizer products,” said Alexis Maxwell, an analyst at Bloomberg’s Green Markets. For example, the fertilizer diammonium phosphate has six times the nitrogen and 15 times the phosphate as manure on a per ton basis.

Commercial fertilizers, invented over a century ago, are among the technologies credited for raising crop yields to feeding billions of people on the planet. But even before prices for chemical fertilizers started surging, organic products had seen increased attention as proponents argue that the potent chemicals found in commercial materials can have a corrosive effect on soil health.

Green manure and composting techniques, meanwhile, can boost crop nutrients with sufficient planning ahead around some natural variability in the greener products compared to their synthetic counterparts.

The recent price spike is likely to have turned more farmers into longer-term converts, even if fertilizer prices start to cool, said Mr. Mclean, the Queensland organic fertilizer seller.

“They’ve now realized how much better off they are using the organic products,” he said. “They’ll be making it a permanent thing in their rotations.” — Bloomberg

How PSEi member stocks performed — December 10, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, December 10, 2021.