Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 5755

Hospital networks important in managing healthcare facilities better 

TUNG NGUYEN-PIXABAY

HAVING a hospital network in the Philippines will help in making healthcare efficient, affordable and accessible, a top official of Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (MPHHI) said.

“Hospitals [in the Philippines] were actually left alone to do their own thing so there was a lack of standardization across the network,” MPHHI Chief Executive Officer Harish Pillai said in an interview.

“We have a few good hospitals, especially in the National Capital Region, like Makati Medical Center and Cardinal Santos Medical Center but there’s a great value to leverage the power of a network,” Mr. Pillai added.

According to the official, MPHHI addressed this by introducing co-creation and collaboration principles through the creation of experience councils.

“As a holding company, we now have clinical functions. We have a group chief medical officer, we are now going to appoint a chief nursing officer, we have a quality head, patient experience head, and information technology head,” Mr. Pillai said.

“This new leadership at the holding company will influence our hospitals also to really work in a totally different way focusing on the code that is basically patient-focused,” Mr. Pillai added.

Although the Philippines is fortunate to have a very talented healthcare workforce, Mr. Pillai said that since it is fragmented, collaboration among doctors is difficult.

“So, one of our big projects is the digital architecture that we are trying to create. That will really benefit patients at large, especially in the provinces,” Mr. Pillai said.

Through this project, medical experts will be able to share their expertise in a digital ecosystem with the hospitals in the area.

Mr. Pillai said that the digital ecosystem will allow patients in provinces to access the same level of expertise as those in Metro Manila.

To date, MPHHI has 19 hospitals in its network, making it the largest private hospital operator in the country. It also has two allied health colleges, a growing number of primary care clinics and a cancer care center, and a central clinical laboratory. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Isuzu D-Max, mu-X breach 20kpl in five-day test

At the flag-off of the Isuzu Challenge are (from left) Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) President Noboru Murakami; professional drivers Johnsy Reyes, Mon Dimapilis, Alvin Mañalac, and Alex Lao; and IPC Vice-President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama. — PHOTO FROM ISUZU PHILIPPINES

AMID FLUCTUATING fuel prices, Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) sent out two of its best-selling model variants — the D-Max 3.0L 4×2 LS-A AT and the mu-X 3.0L 4×2 LS-A AT — on a five-day journey to “push the limits of… fuel-efficiency” through the so-called Isuzu Challenge.

Boasting a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating and luxurious styling, the D-Max and mu-X units were driven by two teams from the Isuzu Subic dealership up north going to Isabela then Cagayan, accompanied by official verifiers from the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). Faced with torrential rain brought by Typhoon Florita, the drive was made even more challenging as strong winds brought created more drag on the vehicles. Still, both made the trip uneventfully and smoothly even amid road blocks and debris.

Driving down south, the vehicles made their way through the twisty roads of Nueva Vizcaya before heading to Alabang. Through their final stretch down to Bicol, the Isuzu D-Max mustered 20.58kpl on one full tank — a total of 1,564 kilometers. Having a bigger fuel tank capacity of 80 liters, the mu-X went even farther — 1,675 km or 20.94kpl.

Stated IPC Vice-President for Sales Yasuhiko Oyama in a release, “(These vehicles’) highly advanced 4JJ3-TCX engine optimizes engine performance with fuel-efficiency.” An intelligent six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift is said to provide the driver more control over gear changes.

The executive added, “More than highlighting Isuzu’s superiority when it comes to diesel engine technology, we would like to provide solution to our customers especially in the face of increasing fuel prices. Excellent fuel economy is just one of the many Isuzu advantages they can enjoy while driving these models.”

For more information, visit www.isuzuphil.com.

Rates of T-bills, bonds to climb

BW FILE PHOTO

RATES of government securities on offer this week may rise as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) chief signaled another aggressive hike next month amid growing inflation pressures.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) will auction off P15 billion in Treasury bills (T-bills) on Monday, made up of P5 billion each in 91-, 182-, and 364-day debt papers.

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

A trader sees T-bill and T-bond yields moving higher at this week’s auctions after BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla hinted at another big rate increase at their policy meeting next month.

“Expect investors to demand higher T-bill yields as the BSP bills were awarded at as high as 5.2125% earlier,” the trader said, referring to the full awarding of 28-day BSP securities worth P120 billion on Friday, with accepted yields ranging from 4.7% to 5.2125% for an average of 4.9781%.

“This can be attributed to the BSP governor’s statement of a possible 50-75 bps (basis points) hike next month.”

Bid yields for the 10-year T-bond are expected to range from 7.35% to 7.5%, the trader added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort likewise said T-bill and T-bond yields could go up again as traders anticipate policy makers to fire off a large increase at the Monetary Board’s rate-setting meeting on Nov. 17.

“BSP Governor Medalla signaled possible large local policy rate hike of 50 or 75 bps at the next rate-setting meeting … in an effort to reduce the pressure on the peso and also cool inflation as this could impact economic recovery,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The BSP “also signaled a combination of measures such as using international reserves, raising rates, and, if possible, some form of international cooperation,” Mr. Ricafort added.

Meanwhile, UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said higher US inflation, which fueled expectations for a fourth straight 75-bp increase from the Federal Reserve, will likely keep rates of long tenors above 7%, with this week’s offering of 10-year bonds expected to fetch yields between 7.25% and 7.5%.

On Thursday, Mr. Medalla said in a Bloomberg Television interview that the BSP will consider another outsized rate increase in their Nov. 17 review to support the currency and prevent its depreciation against the dollar from further stoking inflation.

The BSP chief said they are looking at a 50-bp or 75-bp increase next month to help rein in inflation and ease currency pressures stemming from a strong dollar amid the Fed’s hawkish stance.

The Philippine central bank has raised benchmark rates by 225 bps since May.

Meanwhile, US consumer prices increased by 0.4% in September as rent and food costs surged. Year on year, the US consumer price index advanced by 8.2%, reinforcing expectations that the Fed will deliver a fourth straight 75-bp rate hike next month.

The US Fed has raised borrowing costs by 300 bps since March.

At the secondary market on Friday, the 91- 182- and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 3.3704%, 4.0154%, and 3.881%, respectively, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Meanwhile, the 10-year bond fetched a yield of 7.2021%.

Last week, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised just P3.97 billion from its T-bill offer, even as total tenders reached P16.31 billion, above the P15 billion on the auction block.

Broken down, the BTr borrowed just P1.27 billion through the 91-day T-bills, even with total bids reaching P7.58 billion, above the P5-billion plan. The average rate of the tenor rose by 150.1 bps to 3.819% from the 2.318% seen on Sept. 5, the last successful award. Accepted rates ranged from 3.6% to 4.25%.

The Treasury also raised only P2.695 billion via the 182-day securities despite tenders reaching P5.645 billion versus the P5-billion program. The average rate of the six-month T-bill went up by 45.7 bps to 4.415% from the 3.958% quoted during for the last successful award on Sept. 26. Accepted rates ranged from 4% to 4.65%.   

Meanwhile, the BTr refused to award any 364-day debt papers, with demand for the tenor only reaching P3.081 billion versus the P5 billion on the auction block. Had the government accepted all bids, the one-year T-bill’s average rate would have climbed by 161.9 bps to 5.401% from 3.782% fetched for the last successful award on Aug. 22.

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

The government borrows from local and external sources to help fund a budget deficit capped at 7.6% of gross domestic product this year. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Mattel celebrates Tina Turner with Barbie creation

PICTURE of a Barbie doll created by Mattel resembling singer Tina Turner due to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of her hit song What’s Love Got To Do With It, Oct. 13. — MATTEL/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
PICTURE of a Barbie doll created by Mattel resembling singer Tina Turner due to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of her hit song What’s Love Got To Do With It, Oct. 13. — MATTEL/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

TOY company Mattel is honoring Tina Turner on the 40th anniversary of her hit song “What’s Love Got To Do With It” with a Barbie doll created in her likeness.

The doll, which is part of their Barbie Signature Music Series, is wearing an outfit inspired by the music video for the song — a black mini dress paired with a denim jacket and her signature hairstyle.

“I am honored to welcome my Barbie into the group of trailblazing women already represented and introduce more kids to my journey,” Ms. Turner, 82, said in a statement.

The eight-time Grammy winner enjoyed huge success in the late 1960s and early 1970s performing with her former husband, Ike Turner, but the couple divorced in 1978 after a stormy marriage.

In early November 2019, Turner attended the opening night of The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway, which chronicles her life and work.

She retired from performing after her last tour, which ended in 2009.

Turner, who was born in Tennessee, moved to Switzerland in 1995 to join her German-born record producer partner Erwin Bach, who she later married in 2013, and became a citizen in April of that year.

The doll is available for purchase on MattelCreations.com and through Amazon, Walmart and Target. — Reuters

On New Zealand farm, scientists reduce cow burps to save the world

REUTERS

PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND — More than a dozen calves wait at a research farm in New Zealand to be fed Kowbucha, a punnily named probiotic that studies show reduces burps — or methane emissions.

The Kowbucha powder is blended into a milk-like drink fed to the calves at the Massey University farm in Palmerston North.

The regular feeds are part of a series of trials being carried out by New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra since 2021 to gauge how effective the probiotic is in reducing methane emissions.

New Zealand has pledged to cut biogenic methane emissions by 10% on 2017 levels by 2030 and by up to 47% by 2050.

The “true eureka moment” came when early trials suggested that calves emit up to 20% less methane when they receive the probiotic supplement, said Shalome Bassett, principal scientist at Fonterra Research and Development Centre.

“Probiotics are great because they’re a really natural solution,” Ms. Bassett told Reuters. “Whatever we do, it has to be something that’s easy for the farmer to use, has to be cost effective, and we have to ensure that it’s good for the cow and doesn’t have any effect on the milk.”

Ongoing trials have shown similar, promising results, she said. If that continues, Fonterra hopes to have Kowbucha sachets in stores by the end of 2024, Ms. Bassett said, before farmers have to start paying for animal burps.

Fonterra said it did not yet have any pricing information for the sachets. Some feed additives available abroad have proved to be more efficient. Royal DSM’s Bovaer feed additive can reduce methane emissions by 30% in dairy cows and by more in beef cattle.

Fonterra said Kowbucha likely provides an easier solution generally as farmers only have to feed it to calves when they are being reared, given it is expected to have a lasting impact.

New Zealand will in 2025 become the first country to price agricultural emissions, including methane emissions from burping cows and sheep, whose digestive systems produce methane when breaking down vegetation.

Agricultural emissions account for around half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Ahead of that, farmers, businesses and scientists are working on ways to cut emissions without reducing herd number, given agricultural products make up more than 75% of the country’s goods exports.

As well as the early optimism around Kowbucha, AgResearch scientists said in December they had successfully bred low-methane producing sheep, while a product called EcoPond that almost eradicates methane in farm sewage has been on sale since late 2021.

New Zealand is also considering whether supplements that have had success abroad can be adapted locally. Much of the science overseas focuses on altering barn animals’ food and is harder to implement in a country where animals largely live outdoors and eat grass.

“The easiest way to reduce emissions is to reduce production or have less animals basically, so that’s a real challenge when we’re trying to also produce food and keep our export returns at the level that we want them,” said ANZ agricultural economist Susan Kilsby.

Ahead of 2025, the government is considering exactly how to price agricultural emissions. While pricing farm emissions is not universally popular, many believe it is the push farmers need to reduce them.

Mike Manning, general manager of innovation and strategy at agricultural cooperative Ravensdown, said farmers have been slow to adopt its EcoPond technology without financial incentives.

The system cuts up to 99% of the methane emitted from the manure-sludge left behind in a dairy shed after milking.

“People go ‘well, I might wait until I have a price of methane then I have a financial driver,’” Mr. Manning added.

New Zealand’s government said in May it would spend NZ$380 million ($213.22 million) on research over four years to counter agricultural emissions. The cash injection may accelerate research and get some emerging technologies into the hands of farmers and growers “much earlier” said Sinead Leahy, principal science advisor at government-funded Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.

A lot of research is already under way. After discovering that some sheep naturally produce less methane than others, AgResearch headquartered in Hamilton bred sheep with this inheritable trait with one another and found that the lowest emitting sheep produced close to 13% less methane than the highest emitters.

If such breeding were to be carried out on a national level, it could reduce New Zealand’s methane emissions by up to 1%, said AgResearch.

The dairy industry is now looking at how to apply that research to cows, Ms. Leahy said.

For Fonterra, research also remains key as it aims to cap farm emissions at 2015 levels. In addition to Kowbucha, it is also trialing other feed additives and seaweed.

“It’s definitely important for us to be leading in this space. Our farmers need a solution and New Zealand needs a solution,” said Ms. Bassett. — Reuters

Economic reopening boosts appetite for SM Prime stocks

SM PRIME HOLDINGS, Inc. was one of the most actively traded stocks in the local bourse last week as investors’ appetite increased due to normalized stock prices following the further improvement of the economy.

SM Prime had the second highest value turnover last week, with P1.27 billion worth of 40.315 million shares exchanging hands from Oct. 8 to 14, data from the Philippine Stock Exchange show.

The share price of the Sy-led property firm closed at P31.80 apiece on Friday, up 1.3% from the previous day and 1.1% week on week. For the year, the stock has gone down 5.1%.

SM Prime’s stock price fell 1% and 0.5% to P31.15 and P31 per share on the first two trading days last week, but the next three days saw its price rebound by 0.6%, 0.6%, and 1.3%, respectively.

“Investor appetite is focused on stocks that have normalized (back to pre-pandemic) like SM Prime’s foot traffic, a strong indicator of recovering fundamentals,” said Cristina S. Ulang, research head at First Metro Investment Corp.

Ms. Ulang added that the opening of SM City Tanza would add to the company’s net asset value, revenue, and earnings per share growth outlook next year.

SM City Tanza opened its doors to the public last week, making it SM Prime’s 80th mall. It is also the seventh “supermall” in Cavite after SM City Bacoor, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Molino, SM City Rosario, SM City Trece Martires, and SM Center Imus.

“With the continuous improvement in our local economy, we hope that SM City Tanza will be an avenue of opportunities for local SMSEs to grow as well as for local employment to prosper and drive progress not only in Tanza but in the whole province of Cavite,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said in a report.

For Aniceto K. Pangan, equity trader at Diversified Securities, Inc., SM Prime became one of the most active stocks last week following a sell-off in the market.

“SM Prime is among the most active stocks this week as investors accumulated with price valuation becoming attractive as price go down with the recent selloff in the market despite its recent expansion in Tanza, Cavite and earnings growth due to the reopening of the economy,” Mr. Pangan said in a mobile phone message.

Mr. Pangan added that with the easing in restrictions and reopening of the economy, the company may continue to expect a double-digit rise in revenue for the year. He gave an estimate of P18 billion for the third quarter. —In the second quarter, the company’s consolidated net income rose 32.7% to P6.857 billion. Buoyed by mall business revenues, first-half income grew by 23% to P14.373 billion.

SM Prime opened SM City Tanza last Friday with an 89% space lease awarded at its two levels. Its shops will be led by the SM group’s The SM Store, SM Supermarket, Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Watsons, Pet Express, Miniso, Uniqlo, Crocs, Surplus, and Banco De Oro.

The mall will house five cinemas, a Cyberzone, a food court, a carpark with around 800 slots, and public transport terminals.

SM Prime has been named Most Outstanding Real Estate Company in the Philippines by Asiamoney, an international financial publication.

For the coming week, Ms. Ulang said that SM Prime’s stock price would continue to increase.

“It will surely be rising because it has been a very resilient stock, a play on [the] Philippines’ strong consumption story even during the high inflation years,” said Ms. Ulang.

She placed the stock’s support level at P30 per share and its resistance at P32 per share. She also gave a near-term target of P35 to P36 a share.

Mr. Pangan said that with the start of the release of third-quarter earnings, optimism might ensue and “a rebound in SM Prime price prior to the release of its earnings.”

He pegged the stock’s immediate support at P30.85 while its immediate resistance at P32.45. — Lourdes O. Pilar

Yields on government debt rise on inflation worries

YIELDS on government securities (GS) climbed last week amid concerns over rising inflation, which could lead to higher interest rates, analysts said.

Rates on debt traded at the secondary market rose by an average of 14.35 basis points (bps) week on week, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates as of Oct. 14, published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Yields at the short end of the curve went up. The 91-, 182- and 364-day Treasury bills (T-bills) saw their rates rise by 18.93 bps, 36.54 bps, and 3.39 bps to 3.3704%, 4.0154%, and 3.881%, respectively.

Likewise, the belly of the curve climbed. Yields on the two-, three- four, five-, and seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bond) went up by 23.04 bps (to 5.6648%), 22.33 bps (5.9885%), 20.54 bps (6.2716%), 18.28 bps (6.5364%) and 20.42 bps (6.9505%).

On the other hand, the long end of the curve closed mixed. Yields on the 20- and 25-year debt papers fell by 10.27 bps (7.3271%) and 10.59 bps (7.329%), respectively, while the 10-year papers went up by 15.23 bps to fetch 7.2021%.

Total GS volume traded reached P3.769 billion on Friday, lower than the P4.818 billion recorded on Oct. 7.

“Main factors continue to be outlook on inflation and interest rates. Persistent inflation both in the US, EU (European Union), and here by our BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas),” Security Bank Corp. Chief Investment Officer for Trust and Asset Management Group Noel S. Reyes said in an e-mail.

“Higher rates remain a market bias and this is evident in the flat curve, where the shorter maturities are being bid up. Worse-than-expected inflation in the US … presents a larger possibility of a 75-bp hike in the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, forcing the hand of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to also lay down at least a 50-bp hike,” Mr. Reyes said.

He added that the Bureau of the Treasury’s offerings of shorter maturities have been met with higher bid yields, pulling up secondary market rates.

ING Bank N.V. Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said global inflation concerns continue to affect local market sentiment.

“Yields across the globe have been on the rise, with almost all markets taking their cue from developments in the US. With US inflation still surging, the Fed is threatening to hike rates aggressively in a bid to cool price pressures,” Mr. Mapa said.

“Meanwhile, locally, we are also seeing signs of broadening price pressures as second-round effects have begun to proliferate. With expectations that inflation will stay high for some time, bond yields have adjusted higher,” he added.

US consumer prices rose more than expected in September on higher rent and food costs, bolstering expectations that the Fed will fire off a fourth straight 75-bp hike next month.

The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.4% last month after rising 0.1% in August.

In the 12 months to September, the CPI rose 8.2% from 8.3% in August, slowing for the third straight month.

The US central bank has raised rates by 300 bps since March.

Meanwhile, Philippine headline inflation picked up to its fastest pace in more than 13 years in September due to higher food costs.

The consumer price index was at 6.9% last month, up from 6.3% in August and 4.2% in the same month last year. It matched the 6.9% print in October 2018 and was the fastest since the 7.2% pace logged in February 2009.

The September print marked the sixth straight month that inflation breached the central bank’s 2-4% target for the year.

For the first nine months, headline inflation averaged 5.1%, faster than the 4% seen in the same period last year but below the BSP’s 5.6% forecast for 2022.

The BSP has raised benchmark rates by 225 bps since May.

On Thursday, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said in an interview in Washington with Bloomberg Television that the central bank will consider another big rate hike in their Nov. 17 meeting to support the currency and prevent its depreciation against the dollar from further stoking inflation.

Mr. Medalla said they are looking at a 50-bp or 75-bp increase next month to help cool inflation and ease currency pressures stemming from a strong dollar amid the Fed’s hawkish stance.

For this week, Mr. Mapa said yields may continue to rise amid global inflation and rate concerns, with the BSP chief’s comments last week also expected to drive sentiment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Reyes said GS yields may move higher across the board as the curve flattens further due to rising rates on shorter tenors as well as expectations of further tightening by the Fed and the BSP. — A.M.P. Yraola

CAMPI, TMA report 64.2% auto sales hike in Sept.

Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez — PHOTO FROM TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES
Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez — PHOTO FROM TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

MEMBER COMPANIES of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported a consolidated sales total of 35,282 units last month. This sum represents 64.2% growth versus September 2021’s figure of 21,493.

“The automotive industry continues its growth momentum… driven by the increased demand for new motor vehicles,” said CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez in a release. The two groups have now recorded double-digit growth year-on-year for seven consecutive months.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) led all auto firms in September with sales of 16,138 units — accounting for 45.7% of total vehicles sold. Versus its August 2022 figure (14,720), TMP sales grew by 9.6%. YTD, TMP has sold 124,884 units, representing 50.3% of the industry total. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) ranked second with 4,932 units sold (14% of industry total), growing by 10.9% month on month; YTD total is 35,139.

In third place is Ford Philippines (2,896 units), with 11.6% month-on-month growth. Its YTD total is 16,244. United Asia Automotive Group, which handles the Chery, Foton, and Mutt brands, is in fourth with sales of 2,249 vehicles in September. Completing the top five is Suzuki Philippines, with 1,634 units sold in September (up 14.9% month-on-month). Its YTD total is 14,475.

Noted Atty. Gutierrez, “The automotive industry foresees a continued growth in the latter part of the year, benefitting from the improving economy based on the recent growth forecast of 6.5% this year — attributed to strong domestic demand and continued easing of pandemic restrictions.”

Year to date, CAMPI-TMA member companies have sold 248,154 units — 29.5% more than the same period’s total (191,695) last year. — Kap Maceda Aguila

Style (10/17/22)

Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign against breast cancer

IN 2019, the Philippines had the highest prevalence of breast cancer in Asia, and ninth highest in the world. The following year, breast cancer was still one of the top two most common cancers among Filipino women with majority diagnosed at advanced stages. This alarming rate is most likely caused by low health literacy and gendered socio-cultural pressures including the absence of organized national screening programs. Every year in October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more people to know more about this disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks. Avon has been one of the most prominent brands to support this cause, having launched the Breast Cancer Crusade in UK in 1992. This year, Avon continues with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe by asking themselves: what three words best describe their boobs? The campaign invites women to know their normal by coming up with three words according to how their breasts usually look and feel and share those three words and the initiative to inspire others to also regularly check themselves. Knowing one’s normal can catch potentially life-threatening changes that signal breast cancer. In partnership with Philippine Cancer Society, Avon encourages their local Avon Representatives to avail the free clinical breast examinations at select branches: Oct. 17 at Taft/San Fernando, Oct. 21 at Shaw Blvd. and Batangas, and Oct. 31 at Cebu and Davao. Associates are encouraged to get free breast checkups at the Avon Head Office at Makati on Oct. 19 and 20. Avon extends this advocacy to the public by asking them to support products and services from Avon and partner brands to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society. Save lives by buying dedicated fundraising products like the Self-Check Watch, Mariposa 2-in-1 Accessory Giftset, Avon Empower Non-Wire Mastectomy Bra, and the Avon Empower Bra Prosthesis. Purchase these items via avonshop.ph or contact an Avon Representative. The public may also donate any amount directly via GCash by scanning the QR code. Interested parties can also participate in the fundraiser through various partners: Food Panda, where they can use the code “AVONFP50” to donate and enjoy a discount for every checkout from Oct. 15 to 31; Electric Studio which will hold special fundraising spin classes on Oct. 19, 26, and 29 at select branches with proceeds will be donated to the cause; and LiveLoveParty.TV which will hold a Self-Check Zumba at SM by The Bay on Oct. 22 with a minimum donation of P50. All proceeds will be donated to Avon’s partner beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society, which is also offering consultation should a person spot a lump or need more help in screening their breasts and pecs. For more information about Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise.

Marks & Spencer’s Autumn Winter 22 Collections

For Autumn Winter 22, Marks & Spencer (M&S) introduces a contemporary collection of easy-to-wear pieces and layering, with flattering fits, perfect for all shapes and sizes. The womenswear has a seasonal color palette of khaki, water inspired greens and aquas, complemented by neutrals, warm honey tones, and metallic touches across pieces. Romantic florals prints are given an autumnal makeover with contrasting prints and feminine detailed finishes across shirts and dresses. While a teal, white, and navy mix sees snake and geo prints reimagined to add a color for the season. The collection includes textured outwear, cozy collared tops and free-flowing midi dresses. Heritage checks and stripes offer easy outfit building alongside wide leg trousers with sporty side stripe detailing. Fluid satin pleated and slip skirts elevate any outfit to be styled up or down. For outerwear there is a longline trench coat in hunter green with a tailored fit, removable hood, and oversized pockets. Textured jackets and oversized slouchy blazers offer easy layering. For winter, hero color pop and print knitwear and outerwear offer unexpected layering combinations. Classic checks and shearling are reworked across modern pieces. Leather and coated blazers, tops and trousers anchor outfit building when paired with colorful statement pieces. The menswear collection features smarter pieces reinvented in a contemporary way. Versatile and sustainable suiting fabrics appear across modern shapes and technical hybrids. A new smart casual aesthetic sees iconic menswear pieces reworked for the season. There are rugby shirts and retro collegiate sportswear influences across a palette of hunter green and ochre, offset by petrol, mushroom, and dark navy tones. Autograph offers smart casual modernity, minimal dressing with a soft touch for the season. Subtle stripe detailing and waffle textures bring understated luxury. It brings together luxury wool fabrics, clean cuts, considered textures, and refined pops of color alongside modern suiting in rich luxe fabrics. For Winter, heritage patterns, cozy knitwear, and outdoor pieces are anchored in a color palette of ecru and neutral hues. Ombres and large graphic checks elevate key pieces. Graphic prints offer easy winter layering with super soft yarns. All these and more, including a children’s collection, can be found in Marks & Spencer stores. Shop in-store and earn Loyalty points through the M&S Philippines Viber Community at bit.ly/MSPH-VC. Shop selected lines online on www.marksandspencer.com.ph.

Seiko opens boutique in Power Plant Mall

Japanese watchmaker Seiko opened its newest boutique at Power Plant Mall. Located at the R1 Level Expansion of the mall, the store showcases both its Seiko and luxury Grand Seiko collections. Found there are two new additions to the Grand Seiko Sport Collection. The travel-ready quartz GMT watch boasts of a stainless-steel case and a dual-curve sapphire crystal surrounded by a fixed stainless-steel bezel with a 24-hour scale. SBGN027 features a black sunray dial with otherwise monochromatic highlights, while the SBGN029 has a blue sunray dial with red-color accents on the dial text and GMT hand. Marking the 55th year anniversary of the signature 44GS, another new watch for pre-order is the SLGH013 under the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection. Inspired by the melting snows of Mt. Iwate, the SLGH013 features a new light blue dial and a case and bracelet made of Ever-Brilliant Steel. Also available at the boutique is the collection that represents the future of Grand Seiko — the Evolution 9 collection. The collection draws inspiration from the traditions and culture of Japan, and has its own dedicated corner at the boutique. The limited-edition Astron 5X Caliber is the optimal traveling companion with its scratch-resistant titanium case and bracelet, GPS Solar Caliber 5X53 that automatically adjusts the time depending on the wearer’s time zone, and Lumibrite that emits a glow and delivers high night-time legibility. The timepiece is available in three color schemes. The boutique also carries Seiko’s sport watch collections including the Prospex Speedtimer Oregon, the Prospex Speedtimer SSC813, the Prospex LX, the limited-edition Prospex SLA063 and the limited-edition Seiko 5 Sports Yuto Horigome watch. There are also Seiko Boutiques at Power Plant Mall, SM Aura, Glorietta 1, and SM Megamall.

All weather boots from Sperry

WITH unpredictable weather, looking one’s best can be a challenge. Sperry, known for its water-friendly yet fashionable topsiders, now offers its Weather Well collection. In the collection are boots such as the Sperry Women’s Torrent Chelsea Rain Boot in lavender (P4,295). It has a waterproof rubber upper that keeps feet feeling fresh and dry while the lugged outsole provides much-needed support and traction. The Sperry Women’s Torrent Chelsea Rain Boot in olive (P4,295) features a comfortable platform construction and micro-fleece lining to keep feet warm and cozy. The Sperry Men’s Halyard Storm Pull-On Boot in Smooth Black (P4,995) has a thick rubber mud guard protects the faux leather uppers from getting too dirty. It also features a lugged non-marking rubber outsole that gives stability with every step. It comes in smooth black and smooth brown. Shop the full Weather Well collection over at Sperry’s official webstore www.sperry.com.ph. Sperry also has stores at TriNoMa, Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, UP Town Center, SM Aura, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM East Ortigas, Robinsons Manila, SM Southmall, SM Lipa, Robinsons Ilocos Norte, SM Baguio, Ayala Cebu, SM Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, Centrio, SM Lanang Premier, SM Davao Ecoland, and Gaisano Mall Tagum.

Kiehl’s PHL launches Family Rewards Program

KIEHL’S recently held a Members Event at the flagship store at SM Mall of Asia where it introduced its latest state-of-the-art derm-grade skin imaging technology, the Derma Reader Pro. It analyses four of the most common skin surface concerns and examines four of the sub-surface skin issues. Dermatologists carrying out an assessment will be able to provide an accurate skin visualization and help users build the perfect skin routine. Kiehl’s customers may book an advanced in-store and online skin appointment for a complimentary skin consultation and product recommendations paired with a personalized skincare routine. Interested parties may schedule a free dermatologist consultation appointment through this link: https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-services.html The event was also the launch of the Kiehl’s Family Rewards Program, a loyalty program that promotes sustainability and rewards users for using Kiehl’s products in an eco-friendly manner. The program contains three membership tiers that reward users with points based on their availed tier. Each in-store or online purchase of Kiehl’s products entitles users under the program to accumulate points that can lead to prizes (including a welcome gift), access to exclusive rewards and events, and a birthday gift. Users under the program can also earn more points by referring friends to Kiehl’s Family Rewards Program. Accumulated points can be redeemed for deluxe offers and exclusive vouchers. Learn more about Kiehl’s Family Rewards Program at https://www.kiehls.com.ph/the-world-of-kiehls/loyalty-rewards/.

Japanese acne care brand Acnes is in PHL

JAPANESE acne care brand Acnes is now in the Philippines, offering effective, simple solutions like Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel that helps shrink acne in as fast as three days. Acnes offers a range of products made with the Asian skin in mind. Its skincare solutions contain acne-fighting ingredients to control oil, unclog pores, clear up the skin, and give it a healthy-looking glow. Acnes is a brand developed by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. and The Mentholatum Co., two entities with a rich history and heritage in skincare product development and over 120 years of experience in pharmaceutical technology. All of the products contain Centella Asiatica or Cica extract that aids in the recovery of blemishes. Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel contains Cica extract, sulfur to control oil production, salicylic acid to unclog pores, licorice extract to calm skin, and Vitamin E to restore skin elasticity. The lightweight refreshing spot gel won’t irritate the skin and will help lighten acne scars. For breakouts with pus and active wounds, there is Acnes Anti-Acne Pimple Patch that repairs and heals. The ultra-thin Hydrocolloid patch works like a sponge to absorb pus and oil. It also acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and dirt. The patch is semi-transparent to easily camouflage the appearance of pimples. It’s sweat-proof and breathable, and can be worn under makeup. Other products include Acnes Creamy Wash, an amino acid soap-free cleanser that’s gentle enough for sensitive acne-prone skin; Acnes Powder Lotion, which can help balance sebum to prevent clogged pores; and Acnes Oil-Control Moisturizer that can replenish moisture and soothe the skin. Acnes is now available at Watsons and Mercury Drug branches nationwide, and online at watsons.com.ph and at the official Mentholatum store on Lazada and Shopee. Acnes Anti-Acne Pimple Patch is exclusively available at Watsons.

Indonesian finance minister says 2023 will be even more risky on food security issues

REUTERS

WASHINGTON — Nearly all agriculture and finance ministers from the Group of 20 major economies agreed to ask the World Bank to map out the various initiatives under way to address ongoing food insecurity, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Tuesday after an inaugural joint meeting in Washington. Ms. Sri Mulyani said the mapping exercise would draw on technical experts and other relevant organizations to analyze existing initiatives and identify any gaps. She told reporters that most G20 officials remained deeply concerned about food insecurity and fertilizer shortages driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine. “We’re heading into 2023, which is going to be much, much more highly risky for this food problem,” she said. — Reuters

Philippine education at ‘moderate’ risk

The Philippines ranked 72nd out of 100 countries in terms of risk to education, improving 24 spots from the previous year’s rank of 48th place. Based on the youth rights organization Save The Children’s Risks To Education Index, the country scored 0.399 with a reading of “moderate” risk to education. Compared with last year, the country received a score of 0.500 and a reading of “high.” The index values are expressed between 0 and 1, with 1 as the least desirable outcome and 0 as the target. In the first edition of the index in 2021, the report noted that the results reflected the severe impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on children’s education. Therefore, a stark contrast can be seen between the two editions. “The closure of schools due to COVID-19 made the structural and systemic inequalities that affect children and young people in humanitarian settings more visible and much worse. Globally, education systems have never been more vulnerable,” the report said.

Philippine education at ‘moderate’ risk

How PSEi member stocks performed — October 14, 2022

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, October 14, 2022.

1...5,7545,7555,756...14,238Page 5,755 of 14,238
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube