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PAL ends Sept. with P1.5-B loss since bankruptcy filing

BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE Airlines, Inc. (PAL) ended September with a loss of $29.56 million, or P1.5 billion, since its Chapter 11 filing on Sept. 3, its chief financial officer said.

Signed by PAL Chief Financial Officer Nilo Thaddeus P. Rodriguez, the embattled airline’s end-September report to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York showed it had a gross income of $91.75 million for the month.

The airline said the cost of goods sold from Sept. 3 to 30 reached $90.42 million, resulting in a gross profit of $1.33 million.

PAL filed its September operating report on Oct. 15, according to a copy of the document from the airline’s claims agent Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC.

Selling expenses, general and administrative expenses, and other expenses were $3.83 million, $4.90 million, and $14.36 million, respectively.

The bankruptcy court has allowed PAL to access the remainder of its debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing of $505 million.

US bankruptcy court judge Shelley C. Chapman issued the “final order” authorizing PAL to obtain “post-petition financing” on Sept. 30 after the second day hearing held that day.

PAL’s DIP financing is composed of a multi-draw term loan facility of $250 million — access to $20 million of which was approved by the bankruptcy court recently — and another multi-draw term loan of $255 million.

The airline expects to exit its recovery phase by 2022, with operating activities seen to generate more consistent positive monthly cash flow.

Its listed holding company, PAL Holdings, Inc. (not included in the Chapter 11 filing), had been incurring losses even before the global health crisis. Its attributable net loss widened to P71.91 billion in 2020 from P10.31 billion in 2019. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Less is more

By Zsarlene B. Chua

SPENDING two years indoors has allowed me to re-evaluate my relationship with my skin and I have found that, sometimes, less is more when it comes to skincare.

Before, I used to subscribe to a “more is more” approach, influenced by the 10-step Korean skincare routine. It did work and has worked for me for years, but what I realized is you can achieve the same result with less product, at least indoors, as I’m sure my routine will once again change once I’m outside more because routines are ever-changing.

Here, I have listed three products that I have been using for a month or so that you can try incorporating to your skincare routine.

Please note that I have normal-to-dry skin. These are product recommendations that have worked for me and may not necessarily work for you. If you used any of these products and experienced sensitivity or irritation, please stop using them immediately.

(Prices are accurate at the time of writing.)

GOOD MOLECULES NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING TONER
(P875/120ml on BeautyMNL)

Good Molecules is a San Francisco-based skincare brand that claims that it’s all about ingredients that work, sans frills, and this plays a part in their competitive pricing.

It’s not the most affordable toner out there but for those who want to splurge a little, this Niacinamide toner is a great option. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier, improves skin texture by making pores look smaller, balances oil production, lightens dark areas, and is good for all skin types. It’s a very hardworking ingredient which is why it’s a constant favorite of mine.

Aside from Niacinamide, the toner also has Vitamin C and arbutin (for hyperpigmentation).

Toners are used after cleansing (both day and night) to return hydration to the skin and prepare it for the next products. It’s a crucial step in my routine because it creates a clean canvas for my next products. How I like to apply it is putting a few drops on my palm and applying it to my skin.

As a toner, Good Molecules is a very good one — it has a very mild scent and a very light, almost watery texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin. The packaging is also great because it has a really tight stopper that dispenses the product at a very controlled rate so you only use what you need without spillage.

Do note that since this product has Vitamin C, you need to apply sunscreen in the morning because the vitamin can increase sensitivity to sun damage.

Anyway, you need to wear sunscreen every day, even indoors.

NACIFIC FRESH CICA PLUS CLEAR CREAM
(P750/50g at Shopee)

Nacific is a Korean skincare brand known for its cult-favorite Herb Origin Serum, but is also home to skincare lines for different skin concerns and needs. One of those is the Fresh Cica line specifically made for acne-prone, sensitive, and irritable skin.

My skin is often normal so I’m fortunate it does not give me a lot of problems, but I do experience increased sensitivity around the time of my period — redness, and small comedones pop up because of hormonal changes. This is why I found the Nacific Clear Cream a lifesaver.

At first, knowing that it’s a gel put me off as my skin needs all the hydration it can get, but what surprised me is how it’s fast absorbing yet substantially hydrates my skin for a long time. With the Green cica complex that is mainly Centella asiatica (Asiatic pennywort), the cream helps calm weak and sensitive skin. It also has ceramide and panthenol that help rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier.

It does have dimethicone though, so for those who want a silicone-free product, this may not be for you.

I found that applying the cream over my troubled skin does calm it down overnight, and the fact that it’s not sticky yet very hydrating is a massive plus for me. The foil squeeze tube that prevents spillage is also an advantage. It’s quickly working its way up in my list of must-haves.

NACIFIC FRESH HERB ORIGIN EYE CREAM
(P790/30ml)

I love eye creams because they do help take care of my eyes, which has become necessary as I grow older. I understand that many people find that eye creams are optional, but for me, having a cream that keeps my under-eye area hydrated and sans fine lines is a non-negotiable.

Often, I use the AHC Pure Real Eye Cream for Face, but recently I discovered the Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Eye Cream through a PR package and have been in love with it since and it will certainly enter my rotation.

The Nacific eye cream has Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, and Adenosine. Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that hydrates the skin by attracting water molecules from the environment into the skin while adenosine helps decrease the appearances of wrinkles.

It’s also very lightweight and a little goes a long way — but it does take time to dry down so I use this in the evening and my trusty AHC in the morning. So, I wake up with softer under eye skin.

Here’s a pro-tip to make your eye creams work harder — apply it on your smile line and any place that is prone to wrinkles to maximize the benefits.

(The author is a former BusinessWorld reporter and now works in a PR firm which has no cosmetics or skin care clients.)

Synergy Grid sets FOO share price at P12 apiece

SYNERGY Grid & Development Phils., Inc. has priced its final offer shares at the lowest end of its lowered offer price range of P12 to P17 apiece.

In Synergy Grid’s Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) filing on Friday, it said the company’s final price for its follow-on offering (FOO) of up to 1.15 billion shares is P12.

The company had lowered the price range of its FOO to between P12 to P17 from the previous P15 to P25 apiece.

“It’s already a sought-after FOO and having this price at the lower end of the price range may further drive interest,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message on Sunday.

Diversified Securities, Inc. Equity Trader Aniceto K. Pangan said in a separate phone message that the offer still “has room for price appreciation dependent on the containment of the virus that will dictate restrictions as we have not yet achieved herd immunity.”

OCTA Research fellow Fredegusto Guido P. David said in a social media post on Saturday that the National Capital Region’s weekly coronavirus case average went down to 996, or lower than 1,000 “for the first time since July 22 to 28” in the week of Oct. 18 to 23.

The country’s Health department on Thursday said the capital may soon be downgraded to Alert Level 2 from Alert Level 3 with the continuous decline of coronavirus cases.

Proceeds from the sale of Synergy Grid’s shares are estimated at P13.8 billion and will be used by the company as capital for National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to expand its network.

Synergy Grid owns 60% of NGCP, with the State Grid Corp. of China owning 40%.

The said share price may be attractive to investors, relative to the average price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of the power sector, according to Papa Securities Corp. Equities Strategist Manny P. Cruz.

“They recently reduced the offer price between P12 to 17 that will be around 6.3x to 9x forward PER, attractive relative to [the] average PER of [the] power sector at 11.2x.”

A higher PER indicates that investors are more willing to pay a higher price for shares due to growth expectations.

The said price will be offered from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.

Synergy Grid’s shares were last traded at the local bourse on May 28, ending at P395.80 apiece.

Trading of its shares were suspended due to the firm’s noncompliance with the required minimum public ownership, based on the PSE’s rules. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Cebu Landmasters eyes green certification for Mandaue tenement

CEBU Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) is hoping to obtain a green building certification for its P100-million tenement housing project in Mandaue City, the company’s chief operating officer said.

“This next one we’re doing in Mandaue will really secure a green building certification,” Jose Franco B. Soberano, CLI chief operating officer, told BusinessWorld in a virtual call last week, referring to the building for ecologically responsive design excellence (BERDE) certification.

“It’s going to go through a BERDE certification since Mandaue City is a big partner,” he added.

Cebu Landmasters pledged to donate a five-story 100-unit tenement housing project for the people of Mandaue City last month, where the company has built over four residential and mixed-use projects to date. It also recently broke ground for its Mandtra Residences project.

In a press statement, CLI said it shares the vision of the city “to provide resilient and quality public housing for its constituents in a highly accessible location.”

“What’s unique here, not all developers will say that we’re okay with an outright donation versus a normal socialized project, where you can recover because you can sell,” Mr. Soberano said.

“These kinds of tenement condos are a tripartite agreement, so Cebu Landmasters, the local government, and DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development),” Mr. Soberano said, adding that the housing projects are part of the BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino Communities) program.

The tenement housing project in Mandaue City is said to be located near the old Cebu International Convention Center. It will be the company’s second tenement housing donation as the first donation is located in Cebu City’s Barangay Lorega-San Miguel.

Both properties were provided by Cebu City and Mandaue City.

“That one we’re doing for Cebu is already topped off, so it’s actually almost done,” Mr. Soberano said.

The P115-million 100-unit condominium in Cebu City aims to offer in-city housing for informal settlers or for those affected by living near danger zones. It will follow a “transient housing” model, which will allow those displaced to stay for five to 10 years “until they are able to get back on their feet, get a good job.” 

CLI said the construction for the Cebu City tenement housing “moved very fast.”

“We used an expensive system. I really wanted to break the mold that socialized housing is that way, the housing for our less fortunate should be just as good as market housing,” Mr. Soberano said.

Units for the tenement housing projects will span 25 square meters (sq.m.) to 30 sq.m. The project in Cebu City will feature open spaces and parking areas, among other recreational areas.

CLI said it aimed to build units where dwellers “would be proud to live in.”

“We’d love to do this as much as we can. That’s why we’re inspired to do more projects, the more projects we’re able to do successfully, the more kinds of tenement condos we’re able to do,” Mr. Soberano said.

A “nice goal” for CLI is to pledge and donate at least one tenement condominium a year, he added.

“But it would also mean there are 10 to 20 projects a year we’d have to launch and it’s a tall order, but it’s a great goal with a great charitable purpose always in mind.” — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Nike Glorietta sports new look, offers expanded services

THE NIKE store at Glorietta 3 in Makati City is now sporting a new look, is twice the size it used to be, and has a wider range of services. The store houses footwear and apparel for men, women and kids while also seeking to elevate customers’ shopping experience.

The new-look Nike Glorietta, which opened to the public on Oct. 21, brings a renewed focus on member services with personalized offerings. These include Women’s First Hour, where female customers can book appointments to shop in-store; Style My Squad, for friends and family shopping; and Tights Styling for consumers’ sport and wellness needs.

The focus on female shoppers is further highlighted with bra fitting and styling services to help them find the right product.

Curbside pickup is also available where shoppers can pick up their Nike gear at designated points within the mall.

Some 65% of the products at Nike Glorietta are dedicated to performance shoes like Vaporfly and Alphafly. And to help customers be more discerning about improving their performance, treadmill trials are also offered to test shoes prior to purchase.

“The new Nike Glorietta has been designed to create experiences for our customers to be active,” said Tarundeep Singh, senior director Nike Stores, Southeast Asia & India, in a release.

“A thoughtful attention has been paid to women and children to delight them with products and services that will encourage them to express themselves through dance fitness, running, yoga collection or as sneakerheads,” he added.

RETURN TO SPORTS
For Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager Jino Ferrer, the launch of the bigger Nike Glorietta is also in anticipation of people returning to sports as pandemic restrictions ease.

“As the country opens up, we are expecting our consumers to do more sport hence that can directly translate into buying more Nike products,” he said in Messenger chat with BusinessWorld.

He was quick to point out though that they are doing it with the safety and wellness of customers as a priority, which is why they made it a point to come up with services specifically designed to address such.

“Since we know that the expectations of our consumers now is to shop in a ‘new normal’ environment as safety and well-being is the utmost priority, our member services like women’s only first hour shopping and curbside pickups will not just be an experience that will make our consumers more comfortable to go to our stores but it will also help encourage and inspire them to gear up and move since they will have easier and safer access to products through the services,” Mr. Ferrer said.

Nike Glorietta is located at Unit 227, second floor of Glorietta 3. It is owned and operated by Green Tee, Inc. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

The Mini grows up

PHOTO BY KAP MACEDA AGUILA

Range-spanning updates show line’s maturation while staying true to its spirit of fun

A BRAND that has always stood for carefree fun gets serious.

Well, okay, just a little more serious.

Mini Asia and local Philippine distributor British United Automobiles, Inc. have refreshed the lineup of the iconic UK marque known for its go-kart-like handling and distinct styling. But maybe “refresh” is too light a term.

In an exclusive interview with “Velocity,” Mini Philippines Sales Consultant Vic Tankeh shared that the official term for the change is “life cycle impulse” or LCI. It’s not yet quite an all-new iteration (which means it’s still part of the fourth generation), but there are enough alterations and additions to glean a new direction from the UK-headquartered brand. “Mini has always been known for being aggressive, cheeky, colorful, and fun. Now, it has matured in a way. You could say it’s probably like an adult person now. It has tamed down the bright colors, and yet it’s boasting new tech.”

Mr. Tankeh, also designated a “Mini genius,” quickly added, “It’s not being serious; it’s still more fun to drive. But you could say that the colorways are more formal.”

The new design cuts across the following models: Mini 3-Door, Mini 5-Door, Mini Convertible, plus the Mini John Cooper Works edition of the 3-Door and Convertible. In a release, Autohub Group (which controls the Mini brand here) President Willy Q. Tee Ten averred, “Mini is kicking things up a notch in the Philippines with its biggest launch to date. With seven new variants across the range, there is a Mini for everyone… These cars are premium, urban, and thrillingly playful. No matter which version you choose, you will see a great leap in modern design, technology and pure Mini-ness while staying true to its iconic, classic go-kart design.”

Mini Design Head Oliver Heilmer distilled it thus, “The new Mini design is more modern, fresher and clearer… All innovations follow a common mission: Purify Mini. Less complexity, more individuality.”

This ethos begins to find expression in the new Mini exterior. “The protection bar in front is now in body color. The hexagonal grille design is now wider, and Mini has stayed away from using chrome items and started using black gloss colors for trimmings. It brings a premium feel to the line,” said Mr. Tankeh.

The Mini decals have also been recast in black in an obvious bid to dial down the Mini’s flashiness. On the front bumper, the additional fog lamps have been supplanted by air ducts that are not merely for show but, maintained Mr. Tankeh, are part of the aerodynamic package. These ducts specifically help exert downforce when the Mini is at speed.

“On the rear apron, Mini added more body color while emphasizing the twin pipe exhaust of the Cooper S — now with a high-gloss black color, of course,” he added. The entire range also gets a fresh palette of colors, along with a unique line of light-alloy wheels. The taillight now has the Union Jack design as standard; same with the soft top of the JCW Convertible. Even the side scuttle and LED design are new.

And there are interesting changes inside as well. A Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel also receives black-gloss accents through its multi-button controls. More notably, Mini has swapped the analog gauges mounted on the steering wheel column with a digital instrument display. “It will show you everything you need to know, and it’s very accurate,” insisted Mr. Tankeh. “It still depicts the analog needles, and has very sharp definition.” This five-inch multifunctional display is a standard fixture across all variants.

The digital innovation complements the large circular central display which holds the infotainment touchscreen, which is much easier to control owing to big widgets. The 8.8-inch screen is complemented by a new piano black high-gloss surround, and modern graphics.

Along with its suite of safety systems, the Mini now boasts as standard a Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning. This camera-based system recognizes and reports speed limits. “The collision warning and pedestrian warning systems with city braking function make it easier to avoid dangerous situations, particularly in city traffic. Notable features in the Driving Assistant package include Park Distance Control with sensors at the rear and the rearview camera, as well as cruise control with braking function,” said Mini Philippines.

Meanwhile, Lane Departure Warning makes sure that the car stays on course at speeds of 70kph to 210kph. The system reads markings “at the edge of the lane and alerts the driver if there is a risk of deviation by vibrating the steering wheel.” Also included in the Driving Assistant package is a camera-predicated speed and distance control which helps keep the Mini a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Being a premium brand, Mini offers a measure of customization options for its buyers. It will take a few months to have them ready, but it surely will be worth the wait. “Customers have already made reservations,” revealed Mr. Tankeh with a smile.

The new Minis are available at Mini Bonifacio Global City, Mini Alabang, Mini Pampanga, and Mini Cebu showrooms.

Happy Skin founder leaves company

HAPPY Skin co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Rissa Mananquil Trillo — HAPPYSKINCOSMETICS.COM

HAPPY Skin co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Rissa Mananquil Trillo announced through an Instagram post on Oct. 19 that she was leaving the brand.

This as Happy Skin co-founder and CEO Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez said that Ms. Mananquil Trillo had stopped working for the company in March 2020.

“Today is also the day I’m announcing my exit from Happy Skin. This is a decision I thought long and hard about. It takes a lot of strength to leave something I poured so much of my life into,” Ms. Mananquil Trillo said in a post accompanied by a video where she takes off a gold pendant engraved with the brand’s name and places it into a box. “I later had this gold Happy Skin pendant made and even gifted replicas to my partners. From then on, I’ve worn it almost every day close to my heart as a reminder of all the hard work, purpose, and passion,” she said in the post.

Ms. Mananquil Trillo had been a model and a beauty columnist for 15 years before co-founding the company.

An official statement announcing Ms. Mananquil Trillo’s departure noted, “Since its creation, and with Rissa’s leadership as Chief Brand Officer, Happy Skin has won over 40 beauty awards… Rissa’s work with Happy Skin paved the way for her to win awards as Ernst & Young’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and GoNegosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur in 2018. In 2019, Rissa wrote her first book, Read My Lips: What It Takes to Build a World-Class Homegrown Brand, published by Summit Books. It was the publishing house’s first business book written by a female author.”

NO DETAILS GIVEN
Ms. Trillo did not give details on her reasons for leaving the company. In both the statement and her Instagram post, she said, “Shared values are so important. Doing a good job has always meant so much to me — not just a good job, but doing it with integrity. It never made sense to me to compromise what I believed in because that meant compromising my respect for myself, too.

“It was honestly a difficult decision. The final step I took was to seek the advice of some of the country’s respected business leaders. Turning to them proved to me that no matter what generation you are from, right is right and wrong is wrong,” she said.

“When I look back at my goals when Happy Skin started, I’ve ticked off everything on my list — to provide a solution to a problem Filipinas had been facing and empower them with skin-caring makeup, to fill the gap in the cosmetics industry with a local makeup brand that offered premium quality products at affordable prices, and to create a homegrown brand that Filipinos can be proud of,” she said.

In an e-mail to BusinessWorld, Ms. Mananquil Trillo said, “I received so many messages telling me ‘It’s an end of an era,’ but I’m excited for what’s next. I will continue to use my platform for things that matter to me — women empowerment, gender equality, sustainability, and helping start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs. More than that, I feel the same fire in me again. The same fire when I started Happy Skin dreaming about a game-changing brand. And it feels good. There are far more opportunities than I imagined.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Yuengtian Gutierrez said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld, “Though Rissa has not been working with Happy Skin since March of 2020, we will always be grateful for her contributions to the brand. We wish her well on the journey ahead of her.” Asked for clarification, she said, “It means that she really hasn’t been working with the Happy Skin team since March of 2020. She only announced [her departure] this week but she hasn’t been working with the team since March of 2020.”

In a Facebook message to BusinessWorld, Ms. Mananquil Trillo said, “I continued to fulfill all of my obligations to Happy Skin until the day I resigned and made the decision to divest all of my interests in the company.”

FOUNDING HAPPY SKIN
The brand is known for combining skincare and makeup, and places great importance on being a homegrown brand. It was first sold in Rustan’s and Beauty Bar, moving on to SM and Watsons, and was eventually found in almost all of the beauty counters of several stores nationwide.

It also trailblazed collaborations with global brands like Disney, Sanrio, and Havaianas, as well as Filipina personalities Kris Aquino, Liz Uy, KC Concepcion, Heart Evangelista, and Kathryn Bernardo.

According to the company website, “In a span of three and a half years, Happy Skin has set up 14 stores and 80 beauty counters across the country, won 30 beauty awards from top fashion and beauty glossies, was awarded by online news giant Rappler as a brand leader in social media, was hailed by Ayala Malls as the Most Promising Retailer for 2015, and garnered Watsons Philippines’ award as the Most Promising New Cosmetic Brand for 2015.”

Ms. Mananquil Trillo and Ms. Yuengtian Gutierrez had worked together since Ms. Mananquil Trillo came on board as a consultant for Unilever brand Pond’s, which Ms. Yuengtian Gutierrez was handling at the time.

“To give Happy Skin its wings, Jacqe partnered with one of the country’s top models, beauty columnist for national newspaper The Philippine Star, and former president of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Rissa Mananquil-Trillo. With Rissa’s 15 years of experience under her belt, this isn’t the first time Jacqe and Rissa worked together,” the company website explains.

Ms. Yuengtian Gutierrez is also the CEO and co-founder of BLK cosmetics, which she co-founded in 2017 with celebrity Anne Curtis.

Ms. Yuengtian Gutierrez said, “Happy Skin will of course continue to fulfill its mission of elevating Filipino beauty and offering world-class products.” — Joseph L. Garcia with ZBC

Food direct-buying IRR stalled, freezing billions worth of funds

PHILSTAR

THE multibillion-peso allocation for a program to buy food directly from farmers and fisherfolk remains on hold because the guidelines governing the purchases have not been completed, a Senator said Thursday.

Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan noted the delay of the guidelines means the intended beneficiaries the Sagip Saka Act of 2019 cannot access funds worth P41 billion from the 2021 budget.

“The economy will move in the countryside if this P41 billion is spent to buy the harvest and catch from our farmers and fisherfolk,” he said in a statement, adding that direct purchasing would cut out middlemen and bolster their incomes during the pandemic.

He said the delay stems from the Government Procurement Policy Board’s (GPPB) failure to complete the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law.

“The year is about to end, and there’s still no IRR from GPPB. There is money reserved for the direct purchase by national agencies for farmers but it’s left hanging,” he said.

The GPPB needs to review and amend its negotiated procurement guidelines to implement the law, which was signed in October 2019.

At the Wednesday finance committee hearing on funding for the budget department, Mr. Pangilinan brought up the delay in implementing Sagip Saka. “This is supposed to be for 2021 purchases, and 2021 is ending.”

“There seems to be no sense of urgency. I hope that this is not deliberate,” he added.

In August, the GPPB said its target for releasing the draft guidelines was September, but the draft was submitted to the members of the board in October.

The GPBB on Wednesday said that it will ask its members to expedite their comments on the draft.

The committee urged the GPBB to approve the guidelines before the budget department’s proposed budget moves to the plenary in November.

“When I talked to our farmers, they were not asking for a donation,” said Mr. Pangilinan. “They are only asking for a little help to balance against imported goods. This P41 billion may be the stimulus for our agricultural sector. Let’s hasten this,” Mr. Pangilinan said. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Smoother operator

Isuzu Philippines Corp. executives pose with the new Isuzu N-Series Smoother. From left are Vice-President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama, Executive Vice-President Shojiro Sakoda, President Hajime Koso, Division Head for Sales Joseph Bautista, and Department Head for Product Planning Robert Carlos. — PHOTO FROM ISUZU PHILIPPINES CORP.

Isuzu Philippines wants sweet-driving trucks to be the norm

IT’S ALL IN the name: the new, Isuzu N-Series Smoother. It’s the latest product offering from Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) in the light-duty truck segment — an N-series truck that uses a special transmission that enables it to be driven clutch-free like an automatic, while still maintaining the fuel efficiency of a manual.

This best-of-both-worlds scenario is made possible by its so-called automated manual transmission (AMT) technology — an intelligent gearshift system which has already been used widely in Japan over the last 10 years!

Basically, the truck driver’s job is made relatively easier via the elimination of the clutch pedal — offering him, instead, two-pedal operation that leaves less room for shifting inaccuracy or mistakes.

The truth is, truck drivers usually have to work long hours; a simple change like this may significantly reduce driver fatigue in the long run. Less driver mistakes also mean less mechanical stress on the vehicle, and ultimately, less cost to the company (in the form of reducing maintenance costs and truck downtime). The absence of a clutch pedal also means one less part of the vehicle to break.

IPC President Hajime Koso shares, “In the Philippines, trucks are maximized and utilized almost at 24/7 operations. And with the increasing demand for delivery, especially in logistics, truckers deal not just with the increase in their operation expenses — particularly fuel and maintenance — but also the need for more professional drivers, which has become quite a problem. So, we thought, why not make our next truck address all these challenges and more?”

Therefore, the mantra of Isuzu’s new N-Series truck is to provide “smoother” business operations alongside a “smoother” driving experience for its drivers. And to further supplement with driver niceties, the new N-Series Smoother now also includes a tuner radio with a USB port, two speakers, a built-in charger port, reclining seats, centralized door locks, and a cab tilt warning system. The cab is now also equipped with power windows.

Mr. Koso adds, “Being the number-one truck brand in the country, Isuzu’s success comes from working closely with our customers, assessing their every need, and coming up with the best business solutions in every step of the way.”

Powering the new Isuzu N-Series Smoother is a 3.0-liter Blue Power diesel engine that can spit out a maximum power of 124ps alongside 354Nm of torque. Its transmission is a six-speed AMT. Of course, being an Isuzu N-Series, it can be fitted — as the model is well known for — with various body applications. For example, it can be customized as a refrigerated van, a dump truck, a fire truck, an aerial platform, or a tanker, among other applications.

The declared three main pillars of the Isuzu N-Series Smoother are: 1) It is easy to drive, since two pedals mean less complications; 2) It is generally economical, because the transmission promotes fuel efficiency and the absence of a clutch means one less part to maintain; and 3) It relatively improves safety because it allows the driver to focus his attention onto the road, without having to think about shifting gears.

And the good news is that the Isuzu N-Series Smoother is now available in all Isuzu dealerships nationwide. Pricing may be viewed via their website www.isuzuphil.com.

Cebu says consortium filed proposal for 254-hectare reclamation project

THE provincial government of Cebu has received an “unsolicited proposal” from the Cordova Mega Consortium to undertake a 254-hectare reclamation project in Cordova town.

“The project will involve the completion of raw land reclamation and horizontal development of 254 hectares, more or less, of foreshore and offshore areas of Cebu Strait and located within the jurisdiction of Cebu Province, particularly in Barangays Catarman, Buagsong, Alegria, and Poblacion, Municipality of Cordova,” Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia said in a notice published in newspapers on Sunday.

The consortium, led by Premium Megastructures, Inc. (PMI), aims to create a joint venture agreement for the development.

PMI has completed projects and was awarded other ongoing projects such as supplier of materials and reclamation work for the Cebu-Cordova Third Bridge, the dredging and reclamation of Manila Bay, on top of other roads and bridges as well as ports across the country.

The Cebu government said it issued a certificate of successful negotiation for the 254-hectare reclamation project on Sept. 1 and is now calling on other interested firms to submit a comparative proposal.

Only proposals submitted by eligible proponents will be accepted. Eligibility requirements may be obtained by Oct. 25 with a non-refundable fee of P100,000. The Economic Enterprise Council set Nov. 3, 12 p.m. as the deadline for eligibility documents.

“Private sector participants should have successfully undertaken at least one project similar or related to the project subject of the competitive challenge,” the notice said.

A proposal must cost at least 50% of the projected cost for the 254-hectare reclamation project.

The comparative proposal must include plans on the construction, development, and sharing of the reclaimed land that is compliant with the provisions set by Executive Order No. 74, series of 2019 and its implementing rules and regulations.

The Cebu government said the project will be awarded through a competitive challenge after a two-stage evaluation procedure, which includes checking of eligibility requirements and the second stage, the technical and financial requirements.

The proponent awarded with the project will take charge of its finances, including the costs for securing approvals, permits, and required clearances from government agencies.

The 254-hectare reclamation project must be completed within three years from the commencement of raw land reclamation, which should start no later than Jan. 15, 2022. All the necessary permits must be obtained by then, the Cebu government said. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Green activist hid in Louvre loos before gatecrashing Louis Vuitton’s show

SECURITY personnel remove an activist belonging to the Les Amis de la Terre France or Friends of the Earth-France, who crashed the designer Nicolas Ghesquiere Spring/Summer 2022 women’s ready-to-wear collection show for fashion house Louis Vuitton during the Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, Oct. 5

PARIS —  Marie Cohuet hid in a lavatory inside the Louvre art museum for over two hours, plotting her gatecrashing of Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week show in protest at the environmental damage that activists say is caused by the fashion industry.

After edging closer to the show’s entrance as the event neared, Ms. Cohuet saw her chance when staff were distracted by the glitzy arrival of actress Catherine Deneuve.

Talking animatedly into her phone, Ms. Cohuet pretended to be from the organizing team and walked in.

She bided her time until the catwalk parade began to a soundtrack of thunderous organ music and church bells, at which point she unfurled her banner and joined the procession of models under a chandelier-lit runway.

“It was a little bit like taking back power,” the 26-year-old environmental campaigner, a member of the Amis de la Terre (Friends of the Earth) group, told Reuters of the seconds before she was bundled to the floor by Louis Vuitton’s security agents.

Her banner was scrawled with the slogan “overconsumption = extinction.”

Ms. Cohuet said she had taken a stand on Oct. 5 against a fashion industry that fell short on its promises to act against climate change and pushed brands to renew collections faster, and produce more for less cost.

She accused LVMH of having pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but excluding its sub-contractors from its calculations. Asked by Reuters to comment, LVMH said its 2030 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than half, announced in April, included those of subcontractors.

Critics say that fast fashion, which replicates catwalk trends and high-fashion designs at breakneck speed, is wasteful, exploits low-paid workers and pollutes the environment, including through intensive use of pesticides to grow cotton.

On the runway, Ms. Cohuet’s heart was in her stomach as she stared ahead and passed the gazes of cinema stars, LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault and members of his clan.

“Sometimes an act of civil disobedience is needed, sometimes we need to challenge head-on those who are screwing the planet today, those who are trampling on human rights and social rights,” Ms. Cohuet said.

As a teenager at home, she expressed her indignation at the failure of global leaders to act on climate change. It had only been in the past few years that she joined protests, organized petitions and lobbied lawmakers.

Ms. Cohuet said she avoided frivolous clothing purchases and air travel but that there was only so much impact an individual could make. Real change must come from governments and leaders of big business, she continued.

Even so, Ms. Cohuet holds little hope for meaningful progress at this month’s United Nations COP26 climate change conference summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

“Nice promises get made on paper but then things tend to falter and states fail to turn them into concrete actions,” she said. — Reuters

Maize association says lower corn tariffs to kill off domestic industry

REUTERS

THE PROPOSED lowering of the tariff on yellow corn imports will be detrimental to both producers and consumers by ultimately increasing import dependency, because such a measure would force many domestic producers out, the corn industry said.

Roger V. Navarro, president of the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc., said domestic producers will be “slaughtered” by the lower tariffs. 

“What is important is to motivate our farmers and to encourage their planting intentions so as to stabilize production. The worst thing to do is for the Department of Agriculture (DA) to announce imports,” Mr. Navarro said via mobile phone.

“Not only producers will be affected, but consumers as well, as our country becomes import dependent with no more local production to fall back on,” he said.  

“In the end, we will all be affected by this since there will uncertainty in our (corn) supply if we rely on imports,” he added.

Currently, yellow corn imports sourced from non-ASEAN countries and under the minimum access volume (MAV) quota are charged a 35% tariff, while those outside the MAV quota are charged 50%. Because of special trade concessions, corn imports from within ASEAN are charged 5%.  

Recently, the Philippine Association of Feed Millers, Inc. (PAFMI) proposed a uniform 5% tariff for yellow corn imports from all sources in order to keep animal feed prices in check and aid the livestock industry.

PAFMI said the tariff adjustment can be done by executive order to address rising prices of feed corn.

It added that the average price of feed corn in September hit P22.88 per kilogram, against P15.30 a year earlier.

“A uniform tariff of 5% is expected to immediately create a level playing field for livestock growers, most especially swine raisers adversely affected by the entry into the country of low-price imported pork,” PAFMI said.  

According to PAFMI, yellow corn accounts for 40% to 60% of the animal feed formulation, while animal feed accounts for 60% to 70% of the cost to produce meat and poultry products.

The maize association’s Mr. Navarro said corn farmers need to adjust their planting intentions to avoid losses.

“We call on our corn farmers to… just plant what you feel you can afford and just enough so that you will not lose much, or you can divert to other crops,” Mr. Navarro said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave 

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