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ACEN to lend P2.3B to Greencore solar project

AYALA-LED AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) and its unit ACE Endevor, Inc. have agreed to lend P2.3 billion to an affiliate firm for the construction of a solar power plant and related facilities in Pampanga.

In a stock exchange disclosure on Thursday, the Ayala group said it signed the omnibus agreement with Greencore Power Solutions 3, Inc. and Citicore Solar Energy Corp. for the financing of a 30-megawatt (MW), alternating current, solar farm located in the province’s Arayat and Mexico towns.

The project is the second phase of a solar power plant project. ACEN also financed its first phase.

Greencore Power is the special purpose vehicle of the project and the borrower in the agreement. It is owned by Citicore Solar with 50% of the shares, while ACEN and ACE Endevor hold a 45% and 5% interest, respectively.

Under the agreement, ACEN as the lender will be extending a term loan facility to the borrower to finance the design, engineering, financing, construction, procurement and supply, manufacturing, commissioning, start-up, testing, delivery, ownership, operation and maintenance of the plant.

The loan will be secured by a real estate mortgage over the real assets of the borrower, a pledge over the shares of the borrower, and the cashflows of the project.

The plant is expected to be operational in February 2023.

The loan agreement is the latest development in the partnership between ACEN and the Citicore group.

In February 2020, Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) and ACE Endevor entered into a “framework agreement” for the joint development, ownership and operation of solar and other power plants in the Philippines.

Citicore Solar is a wholly owned subsidiary of CREC.

Under the agreement, CREC and ACE Endevor are to be shareholders of Greencore, which was incorporated to own and undertake the development of the solar farm in Arayat and Mexico. It was planned to have an installed capacity of 50 MW-alternating current (72 MW-direct current).

In February 2021, ACEN and ACE Endevor signed a shareholders’ agreement with Citicore Solar and Greencore for the development, construction, and operation of the project, which started constructed last year.

In its website, ACEN placed the project’s estimated cost at P2.75 billion. It also said that the plant “will be ready to begin its operations and supply power to the grid by the summer of 2022.”

On Thursday, ACEN shares fell by 2.14% or 15 centavos to close at P6.85 each. — Victor V. Saulon

More opportunities seen as esports market grows

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Senior Reporter

GALAXY Racer, an esports, gaming and lifestyle company, sees more opportunities to expand its services and partnerships in the Philippines, where the esports market has grown at a rate of nearly 13% annually since 2017.

“Galaxy Racer Southeast Asia has a total exclusive reach of over 330 million where the Philippines roughly shares 50% of this. The Philippines is primed to be a stronghold in Southeast Asia as it is where we have begun in the region,” Galaxy Racer Southeast Asia Chief Executive Officer Mitch Esguerra told BusinessWorld in an e-mail interview.

The company’s Philippines country manager, Marcia C. Guillermo, said that it is “relatively easy” to penetrate the Philippines, as the market is “mature.”

“However, the organizations surrounding it present different challenges such as strong competition from the local pioneers,” she said, adding that initiatives step back “in consideration of multiple governing bodies in this realm.”

But she said, “Galaxy Racer is prepared to tackle all these harnessing from the assets and capabilities of our growing team.”

Asked if there are any potential obstacles to the company’s growth in the Philippines, Ms. Guillermo said: “One of the biggest challenges is the diverse interests of the target market.”

“The ‘gamers’ which we are looking at are multifaceted, meaning a person could be interested in a certain type of gaming but would be more interested if it were tied in to another string of interest like music or fashion and so approaches will need to be done strategically.”

The target market has evolved, which means that gamers from five years ago are not the same ones today.

“Their behaviors have evolved, like how they engage and interact with different esports or game titles, platforms, types of content, and even how their other interests overlap with gaming. The target market already treats gaming as a part of their daily lives, so naturally, another string of interest like music and fashion freely overlaps,” Ms. Guillermo said.

Such overlaps have resulted in potential opportunities for Galaxy Racer and its stakeholders.

“Right now, we are expanding to multiple business verticals like GXR Limited and GXR Records to tap specific customer segments,” Ms. Guillermo said.

The company is a content partner of SIBOL, the Philippines’ national esports team that represented the Philippines at the recent Southeast Asian Games.

“In the Philippines, we are also partnering with the Collegiate Center for Esports that would solidify Galaxy Racer’s plans in expanding to collegiate esports by producing grassroots leagues and programs that would support and develop student-athletes, and provide scholarship opportunities through esports,” Ms. Guillermo said.

“Lastly, after its huge success in Dubai last March, we are looking into bringing GAMERS GALAXY, our very-own international esports event and tournament, to the Philippines which we see as one of our biggest esports products yet,” she added.

Stuff to do (05/27/22)

Ben Farrales’ masterpieces on exhibit

“FARRALES@BENILDE,” a physical exhibition focusing on the fashion of the legendary couturier Ben Farrales, opens on May 27 at the 12th floor Main Gallery of the Design and Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Known as the Dean of Philippine Fashion, Mr. Farrales was considered ahead of his time when he started in the industry in the 1950s. His 60 years of success introduced signature Muslim-inspired gowns, traditional ternos, and sophisticated traje de mestizas as well as a series of contemporary loungewear, cocktail dresses, and draped frocks. Produced by the Center for Campus Art of DLS-CSB, the exhibit showcases Filipiniana ensembles, beaded ball gowns, pleated dresses, satin garments, and single items from skirts to capes. The exhibit likewise features 40 14-inch miniature designs by Benilde Fashion Design and Merchandising students, inspired by the works of the late icon. “FARRALES@BENILDE” will be on view until Sept. 10. For viewing appointments, visit Benilde CCA on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit www.benildecampusart.com. 

Chance to sing on RWM stage

GUESTS have a chance to live out their stage dreams with resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Calle-Oke Nights. For a P500 cover charge, guests can take the stage and perform three of their go-to karaoke songs every Sunday and Monday night from 7 p.m. to midnight at the El Calle Food and Music Hall, 2F Newport Garden Wing, Resorts World Manila. El Calle Food and Music Hall’s stage is also home to some of the Metro’s hottest acoustic acts every other day of the week. On Friday, May 27, Cass is on deck from 8 p.m., followed by Rox Puno as he serenades the crowd with his acoustic renditions of songs by 10:15 p.m. On Saturday, May 28, it’s Musica’s turn at 8 p.m. followed by Alex Arias at 10:15 p.m. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For more information on RWM’s Calle-Oke Nights and other entertainment offers, visit www.rwmanila.com or follow @rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila on Instagram.

Musica FEUropa Choral Fest returns

MUSICA FEUropa is Far Eastern University’s (FEU) annual national choral festival supported by the European Union (EU) in the Philippines. Now in its 13th year, Musica FEUropa shifts temporarily from live to virtual performances because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each choir in the festival has to sing two songs: one from any EU composer in an official EU language and one from the Philippines. Over the last 13 years, choirs have sung songs in Czech, Latvian, English, Basque, Spanish, Italian, German, Finnish, French, French-Flemish, Flemish, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Tagalog, Cebuano, Bisaya, Ifugao, Ilokano, Itneg, Kinaray-a, T’boli, Maguindanaoan, Yakan and Hiligaynon, among others. One innovation this year will be the special awards awaiting the participating choral groups: Best in Virtual Performance and the Best in Video Production. Musica FEUropa 13 takes place on May 28, 2 p.m. via Zoom and will also be streamed on Musica FEUropa’s Facebook page.

Talks on opera and musical theater

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents Behind Arias and Showstoppers: Conversations with the Pinoy Stars of Opera and Musical Theater, a two-part show featuring the leading Filipino performing artists and theater personalities in the Philippines. Moderated by Floy Quintos, the second part of the series will stream on May 28, 6 p.m. Both episodes will be available for streaming at the official CCP Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Part 2: Quartet For Leading Lights features opera singers Rachelle Gerodias and Camille Lopez-Molina, and musical theater artists Sheila Francisco and Reb Atadero who have all devoted their lives to their arts. The conversations include the differences and similarities of the training, the preparation, rehearsal process and performance of the musical and the opera.

Ayala Museum holds virtual art workshops

LEARN about Filipino culture through art with the Ayala Museum’s virtual summer art workshops for kids, teens, and adults. The Kids’ Workshops (for ages seven to 12) will consist of two sessions, while the Teens’ (ages 13- 19) and Adults’ Workshops will have three sessions each. The workshops feature works by Juan Luna, Damian Domingo, Jose Honorato Lozano, and Fernando Amorsolo from the museum’s current exhibition, Intertwined: Transpacific, Transcultural Philippines. The virtual workshop “Drawing for Adults: Domingo and Drawings with Carla Gamalinda” is scheduled on May 28 (9 a.m. to noon). For all virtual art workshops, students may avail themselves of Art Kits (P1,500) containing exclusive Ayala Museum Shop items as well as the essential art materials needed for the chosen workshop. Each workshop includes consultation sessions with the teachers and is limited to 10 slots only for a better learning experience. Art Kits are of limited quantity and delivery will only be in Metro Manila areas via same day delivery couriers. Register at www.ayalamuseum.org/summer-workshops-2022. The workshop sessions are priced at P3,500. 

CTA denies Melco’s P898-M VAT refund

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has denied Melco Resorts Leisure Corp.’s P898-million refund claim in excess input value-added tax (VAT) for the fourth quarter of 2014 up to the second quarter of 2015.

In a 26-page decision on May 23 and made public on May 25, the CTA Third Division said the company’s sales did not qualify as zero-rated or effectively zero-rated.

“In the instant case, the records are bereft of any showing that petitioner (Melco) is engaged in zero-rated or effectively zero-rated transactions, as provided under sections 106 and 108 of the National Internal Revenue Code,” according to a copy of the ruling written by CTA Associate Justice Erlinda P. Uy. “This is fatal to the petitioner’s cause and bars it from claiming refund of input VAT.”

The tax court’s First Division previously consolidated the tax assessments for both years after a separate motion submitted by the petitioner.

The tribunal noted that the petitioner was able to file its administrative claim for refund within the two-year period prescribed by law.

Under the country’s tax code, zero-rated sales are transactions made by VAT-registered taxpayers that do not result in any output tax.

The commissioner of internal revenue reiterated in its counter-argument that the petitioner did not list any sales subject to zero-percent VAT.

The tax court noted that the company was entitled to a tax exemption due to it being licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

The petitioner is a domestic corporation that handles the operation of City of Dreams Manila resort and casino in Parañaque City.

It argued that even if its revenue from gaming operations were not considered zero-rated sales, it is still entitled to a refund due to its license.

The tribunal said that being exempt from VAT does not remove the tax burden relieved by zero-rated sales.

“Simply put, both the tax liability to pay the output VAT on the sales and the tax burden as a result of shouldering the input VAT on the purchases are removed in favor of the taxpayer-claimant engaged in zero-rated sales,” it noted.

“As petitioner is simply VAT exempt and has not been shown to be engaged in any of the zero-rated or effectively zero-rated transactions, it cannot claim a refund of its input VAT.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

What to See This  Week (05/27/22)

TOM CRUISE in a scene from 2022’s blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick — IMDB.COM

Top Gun: Maverick

THIRTY-SIX years after Top Gun was released, Tom Cruise reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Having worked his way up the ranks to captain, Maverick is now a trainer of a new generation of Top Gun graduates for a special mission, among them Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of his late best friend “Goose.” In the film, Maverick faces an uncertain future and must confront the ghosts of his past, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the movie stars Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, and Glen Powell. The New Yorker’s Anthony Lane writes, “Top Gun: Maverick works. Designed to coax a throng of viewers into a collective and involuntary fist pump, it far outflies the original, while retaining one old-fashioned virtue: the lofty action unfolds against real skies, rather than giant smears of C.G.I.” Review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer gives it a score of 97%.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Blackwater inks top pick Rosser

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser — PBA IMAGES

By Olmin Leyba

BLACKWATER signed Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 47 top rookie pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to a three-year max deal on Thursday, hopeful of a major turnaround coming off a record 29-game skid last year.

Mr. Rosser, a 6-foot-7 big man who can operate both inside and outside, is tipped to play a key role as the Bossing try to work their way up after a long winless spell over the last two seasons.

“Definitely, with Mr. Rosser and the role players and the chemistry na nabi-build so far (we expect to do better),” said Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia, whose team actually goes into the new season riding on a 101-100 win over Magnolia that ended their long-standing losing streak in the Governors’ Cup elims windup.

Mr. Rosser is fresh from a bronze medal feat in the Southeast Asian Games as part of Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3×3 team.

The Bossing have also inked deals with freshmen Mark Dyke and Ato Ular for two years each and trade acquisition Yousef Taha for one to beef up the core of JVee Casio, Baser Amer, Mike Ayonayon, Barkley Ebona Rey Suerte and Rashwan McCarthy.

Terrafirma, meanwhile, signed newbie Javi Gomez de Liaño to a two-year contract. The Dyip acquired the former University of the Philippines standout in a trade with Barangay Ginebra for No. 2 overall Jeremiah Gray.

Phoenix Super LPG formally hired rookie selections Tyler Tio (two years), Encho Serrano (one year), and Chris Lalata (one year), while Rain or Shine continued its youth movement via Gian Mamuyac, Shaun Ildefonso and Jhonard Clarito, who all came in board for two years.

Meanwhile, Meralco welcomed big man Kyle Pascual, who exercised his right to be an unrestricted free agent to bolt the Dyip camp and join the Bolts via a two-year pact.

Action in Asia’s first play-for-pay league gets going again on June 5 with the centerpiece Philippine Cup.

DITO CME losses widen to P3.7B

DITO CME Holdings Corp. saw its attributable net loss for the first quarter of the year widen to P3.67 billion from a loss of P869.22 million in the same period a year ago.

The company’s total revenues surged to P1.33 billion in the first three months of the year from P7.81 million in the same period last year, its first-quarter report showed.

But its non-operating expenses climbed to P3.49 billion from P23.33 million previously.

The company ended 2021 with an attributable net loss of P9.67 billion, higher than the previous year’s loss of P2.63 billion.

“The group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by P126.4 billion and P114.0 billion as at March 31, 2022 and Dec. 31, 2021, respectively,” DITO CME said.

“These conditions indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as going concern and, therefore, the group may be unable to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Albeit these conditions, management believes that the group will be able to meet all its outstanding obligations and continue to operate as a going concern,” it added.

The company said that it continues to ramp up its commercial operations through targeted subscriber acquisition and promotional activities aimed at increasing revenue.

On how the company will fund its expenditures related to the construction of its network, it said that it secured commitments from creditors for a project finance loan facility up to $4.1 billion (P209.1 billion), which is expected to be closed within this year.

At the same time, it said that it has remaining credit line facilities from a bridge loan amounting to $200 million (P10.2 billion), which can be drawn any time to address capital expenditures and operating expenses directly related to network build.

“The group has plans to do various fund-raising activities within 2022, which include a follow-on offering at the parent company level, wherein proceeds will be used to fund the group’s telecommunications and digital businesses funding requirements,” it also said.

“Lastly, Udenna and the minority shareholders of DITO Tel are also committed to infuse additional capital in accordance with the schedule of infusion indicated in the investment agreement,” the company added.

DITO CME shares closed 2.42% higher at P4.66 apiece on Thursday. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Alicia Vikander tackles fame and fears in Irma Vep TV series remake

Alicia Vikander in a scene from Irma Vep. — IMDB.COM

CANNES — Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander said her latest leading role allowed her to draw from her own experiences as an actor.

The Swedish actress plays the title role in Irma Vep, a HBO mini-series remake of Olivier Assayas’ 1996 cult film of the same name.

The eight-episode show centers on American movie star Mira, who, hoping to give her blockbuster film career a new direction and recover from a recent breakup, travels to Paris to star in an arthouse remake of the French silent movie Les Vampires. As the film set slowly descends into chaos, so does Mira’s state of mind.

The role was originally played by Hong Kong actor Maggie Cheung, who starred as herself in the 1996 movie.

“I don’t play myself, I play Mira. But in our series she is anxious because her part has already been played by an Asian actress. So I got to meta, meta, meta play that in layers and actually express my own anxiety over remaking something that already a very extraordinary actor has done,” Ms. Vikander told Reuters in Cannes where she launched the series with Mr. Assayas and its cast.

Like the film, the series examines the challenges of film-making and production, and the many, often absurd, aspects of fame.

Scenes show Mira being mobbed by fans as she is chauffeured around for promotional events, fittings and meetings.

“You get to kind of pull back the curtain and get introduced to what this world can look like behind the scenes and the silliness, the craziness, the stress,” said Ms. Vikander of the screenplay written by Mr. Assayas.

“It’s been nice to have someone point out the things that are pretty strange, things that you see all the time but when he puts it down to paper, I’m like, yeah, I know, that’s pretty out there and quite funny.”

Irma Vep, which was presented out of competition at Cannes, debuts on HBO on June 6. — Reuters

PSC thankful for AFP’s support in Vietnam SEA Games

THE country is indebted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for lending its soldier athletes to the country’s cause in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William Ramirez stressed the importance of the military’s helping hand by allowing its enlisted personnel who are part of the national team like Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn F. Diaz of Air Force to represent the country.

Tokyo Games boxing bronze winner Eumir Felix D. Marcial of Air Force, muay world champion Philip Delarmino, hurdler Clinton Bautista, pug Ian Clark Bautista and cagebelle Marizze Andrea Cabinbin of Navy and two more lady ballers Janine Pontejos and France Mae Cabinbin of Army have all chipped in mints.

Their concerted efforts helped the country edge Singapore for No. 4 with a 52-gold, 70-silver and 104-bronze harvest as against the latter’s 47-46-71 haul in the biennial meet.

“We thanked the AFP for these athletes. The contributions of the AFP proved vital to our success in the SEA Games,” said Mr. Ramirez. “The AFP has been very supportive not only in our SEA Games campaign, but every time we carry our flag in international competitions.”

Military-athletes also grabbed 11 silver and 16 bronze medals from Hanoi with rowers Cris Nievarez (Army) and Joanie Delgaco (Navy) contributing at least two medals each along with WGM Janelle Frayna (Air Force) in chess.

Other silver winners were decathlete Aries Toledo, boxer Irish Magno, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo of chess, Russel Misal of table tennis, Jeson Patrombon (tennis) and wrestlers Alvin Lobreguito, Ronil Tubog and Jhonny Morte.

Chipping in bronzes were Sonny Wagdos and Jelly Dianne Paralige of athletics, boxer Riza Pasuit, rowers Roque Abala and Nicanor Jasmin, sepak takraw’s Jason Huerte and Rheyjey Ortouste, beach volleyball’s Alnakran Abdilla, Jovelyn Gonzaga and wrestlers Jason Balabal and Noel Norada.

It was the best finish by the Filipinos in the meet outside of the Philippines since winding up second overall in the 1983 Singapore tilt.

And it was because of the patriotism displayed by the brave 117 men and women in uniform. — Joey Villar

Congress clears report on firms’ duty over plastic goods

THE CONGRESS has ratified a consolidated version of a bill seeking to cut the Philippines’ plastic footprint by holding enterprises accountable for the life cycle of their plastic products.

The bicameral conference committee report extending producer responsibility (EPR) on plastic products adopted both House Bill 10696 and Senate Bill 2425 as a working draft.

“The proposed legislation focuses on waste reduction, recovery and recycling, and the development of environment-friendly products that advocates the internationally accepted principles on sustainable consumption and production, circular economy, and producers’ full responsibility throughout the life cycle of their products,” said Senator Cynthia A. Villar, primary sponsor of the bill, in her speech.

“The EPR Act, mandates large enterprises, also referred to as obliged enterprises, to establish or phase-in EPR programs for the plastic packaging of their products in order to efficiently manage the plastic packaging waste and reduce the production, importation, supply or use of plastic packaging deemed low in reusability, recyclability or retrievability; and achieve plastic neutrality through efficient recovery and diversion schemes,” she added.

The said enterprises may voluntarily organize themselves to form or authorize a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to establish a viable platform to implement their EPR program.

Ms. Villar said that the target dates for the recovery of plastic product footprint generated are as follows: 20% for the end of 2023; 40% for 2024; 50% for 2025; 60% for 2026; 70% for 2027; and 80% for 2028; and every year thereafter.

The obliged enterprises must also establish and implement an auditing system to monitor and assess their compliance performance. An independent third-party auditor must certify the veracity of the report using standards established by the department.

The National Solid Waste Management Commission will be composed of eight members from appropriate government offices and five from the private sector. The latter will be represented by three non-government organizations with expertise in solid waste management; a representative from the recycling, composting or resource recovery and processing industry; and a representative from the manufacturing industry, packaging industry or obliged producers.

Under the commission, a national ecology center will also be established to provide technical expertise, information, training and network services. The center must maintain a multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary pool of experts.

Monetary and fiscal rewards, as well as  recognition, will be given to individuals, private organizations and entities, obliged enterprises, PROs, and nongovernment organizations that implement “outstanding and innovative projects, technologies, processes and techniques or activities in reuse, recycling and reduction.”

Meanwhile, obliged enterprises that fail to comply with the law can be fined at most P20 million and an automatic suspension of business permit until the requirement of the law is fulfilled.

The proposed law will be reviewed by Congress after five years to study its effectiveness, as well as the performance and compliance of implementing agencies and obliged enterprises.

A joint oversight committee with five lawmakers each from both houses of Congress will monitor the implementation of the act.

The bill will now be sent to the presidential palace for the signature of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Johnny Depp, back on stand, calls Heard abuse claims ‘cruel and false’

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in a scene from the 2011 film The Rum Diary. — IMDB.COM

ACTOR Johnny Depp returned to the witness stand on Wednesday to refute ex-wife Amber Heard’s testimony in their defamation battle, saying the abuse claims she leveled against him were “unimaginably brutal, cruel and false.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 58, sued Ms. Heard for $50 million and argued that she defamed him when she called herself “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” Ms. Heard, 36, has countersued for $100 million, saying Mr. Depp smeared her when his lawyer said her accusations were a “hoax.”

On Wednesday, Mr. Depp and his attorneys worked to rebut Ms. Heard’s testimony that he physically and sexually abused her multiple times before and during their marriage, which ended in 2017.

Mr. Depp offered a string of adjectives to describe his reaction to Ms. Heard’s accounts during the trial, now in its sixth and final week.

“Horrible, ridiculous, humiliating, ludicrous, painful, savage,” Mr. Depp said, adding “unimaginably brutal, cruel and false. All false.”

“No human being is perfect” he said. “But I have never in my life committed sexual battery, physical abuse.”

In earlier testimony, Mr. Depp told jurors it was Ms. Heard who turned violent in their relationship. Closing arguments in the trial being held in Virginia are scheduled for Friday.

“No matter what happens,” Mr. Depp said, “I did get here and I did tell the truth and I have spoken up for what I’ve been carrying on my back, reluctantly, for six years.”

In cross-examination, Ms. Heard’s attorneys confronted Mr. Depp with text messages retrieved from his cell phone. One message to an assistant described a woman’s genitals as being “RIGHTFULLY MINE.”

“I NEED. I WANT. I TAKE,” the message said.

Mr. Depp denied he wrote the texts and said his phone might have been used by someone else or the message was altered.

Earlier on Wednesday, British model Kate Moss appeared briefly and disputed Ms. Heard’s claim about “rumors” of an altercation involving a staircase when Ms. Moss dated Mr. Depp in the 1990s.

Ms. Moss said she slipped on the staircase and injured her back during a vacation the couple took in Jamaica. Mr. Depp rushed to help her, carried her to her room and summoned medical services, she said.

“He never pushed me, kicked me or threw me down any stairs,” said Ms. Moss, who appeared via video from England.

The incident became an issue when Heard testified she once slapped Mr. Depp because she thought he was about to shove her sister down a flight of stairs, as she thought he did with Ms. Moss.

Ms. Heard, best known for her role in Aquaman, met Mr. Depp in 2011 while filming The Rum Diary and the pair wed in February 2015. Their divorce was finalized about two years later.

At the center of the legal case is a December 2018 opinion piece by Ms. Heard in the Washington Post. The article never mentioned Mr. Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear that Ms. Heard was referring to him.

Mr. Depp, once among Hollywood’s biggest stars, said Ms. Heard’s allegations cost him “everything.” A new Pirates movie was put on hold, and Mr. Depp was replaced in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, a Harry Potter spinoff.

Ms. Heard’s attorneys have argued that she told the truth and her opinion was protected free speech under the US Constitution’s First Amendment.

Mr. Depp lost a libel case less than two years ago against the Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a “wife beater.” A London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Ms. Heard.

Mr. Depp’s lawyers filed the US case in Fairfax County, Virginia, because the Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant. — Reuters

Baltazar officially suits up for Hiroshima Dragonflies

LA SALLE stalwart Justine Baltazar — THE UAAP

By John Bryan Ulanday

FROM Taft to Japan.

La Salle stalwart Justine Baltazar is officially off to the “Land of Rising Sun,” striking a deal to suit up for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League as announced by the team on Thursday.

“It is a great honor to be a member of the team. I would like to do my best to contribute to the club,” said the 6-foot-7 forward in a statement, praising Hiroshima for the warm welcome to him and his family.

Mr. Baltazar is coming off a Mythical Team citation in the UAAP Season 84 on averages of 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block as La Salle finished in the Final Four.

The Pampanga native had actually thrown his hat to the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft last week after La Salle’s University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) campaign but pulled out at the last minute.

He was projected as among the top selections in the local league draft led by eventual No. 1 pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of Blackwater.

In Japan this time, Hiroshima is banking on his versatility including finesse paint operation and sweet perimeter shooting aside from his ceiling as a lengthy forward.

The Dragonflies missed the playoffs with a 29-28 record at 12th place of the 22-team B.League.

Mr. Baltazar, 25, joined a growing list of Filipino imports in Japan after Thirdy Ravena (San-en NeoPhoenix), Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakestars), Ray Parks, Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido) and Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB).

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