MMFF launches short films by creators on Facebook

December 21, 2021 | 12:06 am

NELIA — FERRY boats served as the floats for the entries to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival in the first-ever Fluvial Parade of Stars along the Pasig River.

THE METRO Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has partnered with Meta, formerly the Facebook company, to showcase short films by Filipino creators on Facebook.

The MMFF will feature five short films made by creators which will premiere on Dec. 25 at the creators’ respective Facebook pages. With the theme “Lockdown,” the short films run for 10 to 15 minutes.

The short films are: Let It Simmer by Erwan Heussaf of Featr (watch at www.facebook.com/featrmedia) which follows two young people who did not want to spend the first lockdown in Manila alone, so they decide to move in together. While living together, they explore each other’s tastes and learn about each other. Kandado by Pio Balbuena (watch at https://www.facebook.com/PioBalbuena) tells the story of Anghel who ends up in jail after failing to wear a mask. While in prison, he discovers a new power structure that he must carefully navigate to survive. Dito Ka Lang by Beverly Cumla (watch at https://www.facebook.com/BCumla) exposes the stories of those who are trapped, voiceless, powerless, and dealing with a situation more life-threating than the virus. Then and Now by Discover Mnl (watch at https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverMNL) is a rundown of how life was before and at present, and how one occurrence could mean a lot of different things all at the same time. Pepe sa Lockdown by Rayn Brizuela / PGAG (watch at https://www.facebook.com/myPGAG) follows a young man from the year 2080 who is sent back to the past to take on a mission of finding a solution to end the seemingly “eternal” lockdown.

The MMFF jury will also award the Jury’s Choice Award for the short film that “goes beyond mere entertainment, demonstrates creative excellence, and elevates the Facebook viewing experience,” a press release stated.

“In the midst of a lockdown, we witnessed how the creative spirit of the Filipino shines through in the funny, heartwarming, and meaningful content we see online. Through our partnership with Meta, we hope to continue to support the diverse community of Filipino storytellers who share original, engaging, and meaningful content,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF concurrent Chairman Benhur Abalos said in a state-ment.

Content creation has transformed modern storytelling said Revie Sylviana, Entertainment Partnerships Director for the Philippines at Meta, said in a statement.

“In the past year and a half, countless Filipino creators have shared their stories with the world through Facebook, helping bring people together and stay connected through these trying times. By partnering with the Metro Ma-nila Film Festival, we celebrate the creativity and immense talent of these Filipino creators, who have shared original, engaging, and impactful stories that go beyond mere entertainment,” Ms. Sylviana said.

THE FULL-LENGTH FILMS

Unlike last year’s festival which went online, the 2021 festival will return to 300 cinemas, which are allowed to operate at 50% capacity, from Dec. 25 to Jan. 8, 2022.

This year’s eight full-length MMFF films are Lawrence Fajardo’s action drama A Hard Day, starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla; Jun Robles Lana’s comedy Big Night, starring Christian Bables and John Arcilla; Louie Ignacio’s romance comedy Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw, starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan; Adolf Alix, Jr.’s horror film Huwag Kang Lalabas, starring Kim Chiu, Jameson Blake, Beauty Gonzalez, and Aiko Melendez; Carlo Francisco Manatad’s drama Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether the Weather is Fine), starring Charo Santos and Daniel Padilla; Cathy Garcia-Molina’s romance comedy Love at First Stream, starring Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniella Stranner, and Anthony Jennings; Lester Dimaranan’s suspense drama Nelia, starring Wynwyn Marquez and Raymond Bagatsing; and Fifth Solomon’s comedy horror The Exorsis, starring Toni and Alex Gonzaga. — MAPS

Manila Water, MWSS again push back date for new concession deal

December 21, 2021 | 12:05 am

Water concessionaire Manila Water Co., Inc. said on Monday that it would extend anew the effectivity period for its revised concessions agreement (RCA) with the government.

Manila Water and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) signed a third amendment to extend the start of the effectivity of the RCA to Feb. 16, 2022.

“This is to allow the parties more time to fulfill the remaining conditions to the effectivity of the RCA,” the company said in a stock exchange disclosure.

The RCA introduces a tariff freeze until Dec. 31, 2022 to help consumers recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

It also includes a tariff adjustment for inflation that will be two-thirds of the consumer price index (CPI) and the removal of the foreign currency difference adjustment to prevent tariff spikes.

Both parties signed an amendment in Sept. 30 that extended the period for effectivity to Nov. 18, and a second amendment in Nov. 18 that extended it to Dec. 18.

In November, Manila Water decided to waive its water rate increases for 2021 due to the MWSS’s rate-rebasing adjustment.

All debt and expenditures of the concessionaire will also be reviewed and approved by the regulatory office. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Spider-Man ignites pandemic box office with historic opening

December 21, 2021 | 12:04 am

LOS ANGELES — Spider-Man: No Way Home racked up a head-spinning $253 million in US and Canadian ticket sales over the weekend, setting a pandemic record and ranking as the third-biggest domestic debut in Hollywood history even as a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant spreads.

Around the globe, No Way Home generated an additional $334.2 million for a worldwide weekend total of $587.2 million, according to estimates from distributor Sony Corp.

The blockbuster returns delivered a much-needed jolt to US cinema companies such as AMC Entertainment, Cinemark, and Cineworld that have struggled to draw crowds during the pandemic. The emergence of the Omicron variant has sparked new concerns.

But as Broadway and New York City’s Rockettes canceled shows and the National Football League postponed games, theaters were abuzz. Fans packed auditoriums for No Way Home, a big-budget superhero spectacle co-produced by Sony and Walt Disney Co that is playing only in theaters.

The movie stars Tom Holland as Marvel’s web-slinging superhero and Zendaya, as his girlfriend MJ, in the third film in the Spider-Man trilogy. It also brings back stars of previous Spider-Man films.

“This weekend’s historic Spider-Man: No Way Home results, from all over the world and in the face of many challenges, reaffirm the unmatched cultural impact that exclusive theatrical films can have,” Tom Rothman, the chairman and chief executive officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, said in a statement.

US and Canadian ticket sales crushed the most optimistic projections from last week, when analysts deemed $200 million a long shot. No Way Home finished just behind Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War and ahead of the Star Wars film The Force Awakens.

Cinemark said ticket sales for No Way Home were especially strong in the United States and Latin America and on large-format screens.

Mr. Holland offered gratitude to fans. “Thank you thank you thank you and if you haven’t seen Spider-Man No Way Home yet … merry Christmas and you know what to do,” he wrote on Instagram.

The fact that the film concluded a popular trilogy added to its appeal, said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst at Exhibitor Relations Co., and many fans wanted to see the new installment on the opening weekend before they read spoilers on social media.

SUPERHEROES

The success underscored the continuing pull of superhero-based films at cinemas, Mr. Bock added, particularly among young people who are used to streaming movies at home.

“It reinforces the fact that superheroes are number one, and everybody else is somewhere way down below,” he said. The previous pandemic record was set by Marvel superhero film Venom: Let There Be Carnage, which took in $90 million domestically over its first three days in October. Marvel’s Black Widow opened with $80 million back in May.

Other genres have struggled to lure audiences. Steven Spielberg’s remake of classic musical West Side Story, which has earned rave reviews and Oscar nominations buzz, sold $3.4 million worth of tickets in the US and Canadian market over the weekend. Its global total stands at $27.1 million after two weekends in theaters. — Reuters

Summit Hotels expands in Camarines Sur

December 21, 2021 | 12:04 am

[photo for summit]image — Summit Hotel Naga is set to open on Jan. 8, 2022.

SUMMIT HOTELS is expanding in Camarines Sur, with the opening of a new hotel in Naga City in January.

Summit Hotel Naga, the company’s seventh property, will open on Jan. 8, 2022. It is located in the heart of Naga City, and a one-minute walk away from Robinsons Place Naga.

“Our newest Summit Hotel offers 60 spacious guest rooms, a mix of 56 Deluxe Rooms and four Summit Suites,” Joy de Mesa, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts group director of sales and marketing, said in a statement.

The 32-square meter (sq.m.) deluxe room is furnished with a 42-inch flat screen LED television and ample desk space for business travelers.

The four Summit Suites are named Peñafrancia, Makusog, Magayon, and Voyadores, a nod to Bicolano culture. The suites have a floor area of 37.5 sq.m., including a receiving/living room area.

“The (Summit) Suites are tastefully decorated suites — from the wood-paneled floors to the furnishings in neutral tones, to the bath tub inside a spacious bathroom,” Angelo Ascue, associate director of sales at Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, said.

Guests can use the self-check-in kiosks at the hotel.

The hotel also has an all-day dining restaurant, the Cafe Summit. Among its signature dishes include Sorsi, a local version of scallops originated from Sorsogon, and a lava burger, featuring a house-made burger patty and topped with melted cheese and BBQ sauce.

Summit Hotel Naga is expected to be the newest business conference hotel in the city. It has a 46-sq.m. Asog function room, 566-sq.m. pillarless Isarog Ballroom, and 276-sq.m. outdoor patio.

“Summit Hotel Naga offers a complete banquet facilities portfolio best suited for both business and social events,” Mr. Ascue said.

Meanwhile, a new Go Hotels Plus will open in Naga in the second quarter of 2022. The 68-room hotel is next to the Summit Hotel Naga.

Ms. De Mesa said Go Hotels Plus is an “upgraded essential value brand” with many “Instagrammable” areas.

Summit Hotel Naga and Go Hotels Plus Naga are located within the Robinsons Place Naga Complex, along Almeda Highway, Brgy. Triangulo, Naga City, Camarines Sur. — Cathy Rose A. Garcia

NLEX, LRMC outline measures for holidays

December 21, 2021 | 12:04 am

NLEX-toll-gate — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

NLEX Corp. on Monday said it is ready to implement additional measures to manage the expected increase in traffic volume on its toll roads during the holidays.

NLEX, a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), plans to boost its operations along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)-Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3.

MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

The company will “field 1,200 patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams, and toll lane personnel to assist motorists and ensure efficient traffic flow,” NLEX Corp. said in an e-mailed statement.

There will also be close monitoring of Balintawak, Mindanao, Karuhatan, Bocaue, San Simon, San Fernando, Tarlac, and Tipo toll plazas.

“High volume of vehicles is anticipated in these areas,” the company noted. “Emergency medical services and incident response teams will be prepositioned at strategic areas for immediate deployment.”

Meanwhile, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), announced on Monday that it would implement shortened operating hours on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve).

This means that train commuters should plan their trips ahead of time.

“On Dec. 24, the last trip from Baclaran Station will leave at 8 p.m., while the last train from Balintawak Station will leave at 8:15 p.m. from the previous 9:15 p.m. departure on regular weekends/holiday schedule,” the company said.

“While on Dec. 31, the last trip from Baclaran Station will leave at 7 p.m. and the last train from Balintawak Station will depart 7:15 p.m.,” it also said. “The first trains on the said dates will still leave both ends of the train line at 4:30 a.m.”

The Roosevelt Station will still be temporarily closed due the ongoing construction of the Unified Grand Central Station, which will connect LRT-1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and MRT-7.

LRMC is the joint venture of Ayala Corp., MPIC, and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd. It holds the P65-billion, 32-year Public-Private Partnership contract to operate LRT-1 and build its extension to Cavite.

Meanwhile, MPCALA Holdings, Inc., which is also an MPTC unit, unveiled on Monday the first fully electric security vehicle of its Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

“As part of its goal of becoming a green highway, the toll road company will transition its entire fleet of traffic and security vehicles in CALAX into environment-friendly electric vehicles (EV),” it said in an e-mailed statement.

MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of First Pacific, the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

NCCC starts building new mall

December 21, 2021 | 12:03 am

The proposed NCCC Mall Ma-a, as designed by Asya Design. — THE new NCCC Mall in Ma-a is expected to be completed by 2024.

DAVAO CITY — Homegrown retail chain New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) has started construction of a P4-billion shopping mall at the site where an old one was burned down in 2017.

NCCC Malls Assistant Vice-President for Operations Rodolfo Saturos said they are targeting 2024 for the completion of the four-storey building in Davao City with a Philippine eagle motif by architectural firm Asya Design.

He also assured that the mall is compliant with the latest building code and will have the latest technology on fire suppression.

“As you see in the designs, there are presentations of the availability of fire ducts, hydrants, automatic fire alarm detectors. These are the latest technology as of the moment. These are the additional features that the designer put into consideration for this mall,” he said during the project launch last week.

Althea Lucas, vice-president for NCCC Malls, said the project will be funded by a combination of bank loans and internal sources.

The three-hectare area at the corner of MacArthur Highway and Ma-a Road will be developed into a mixed-use complex that will include sports facilities and a condominium project in partnership with DMCI Project Developers, Inc. (DMCI Homes).

“It’s a separate project (the condominium), but in terms of developing the area, we have worked with DMCI to ensure that it would be very friendly for the residents of the condominium and it will be convenient for the shoppers of the mall,” Ms. Lucas said.

Under the approved vehicular traffic impact study of the project, part of the complex will be used as access road to minimize congestion along the two busy main roads. — Maya M. Padillo

JERA official appointed to AboitizPower board

December 21, 2021 | 12:03 am

Aboitiz Power Corp. has appointed Toshiro Kudama as a member of the listed energy company’s board of directors starting on Dec. 22.

Mr. Kudama will be representing JERA Asia Private Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of JERA Co., Inc., a power generation company based in Japan. He will replace Mikel A. Aboitiz, vice-chairman of AboitizPower parent firm Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV).

“In 2016, he joined JERA and took the post of Chief Power Development Officer and Senior Executive Vice- President in charge of diverse energy projects including offshore wind power, liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquification, and state-of-the-art storage battery projects in different markets,” AboitizPower said in a disclosure filed at the exchange.

“To date, he has engaged in investments of over 30 projects in 14 countries with a total value of around US$3 billion. He currently resides in Singapore, as he serves as CEO of JERA Asia, covering the rapidly growing markets of Asia and the Middle East,” it added.

AEV earlier announced that its shareholders had approved and ratified the sale of the company’s 25.05% common shares in AboitizPower to JERA Asia.

The deal is valued at $1.46 billion and will be used to fund AEV’s expansion plans and to accelerate AboitizPower’s initiatives such as developing liquefied natural gas projects and exploring the use of new power generation technologies.

Shares in AboitizPower at the stock exchange fell by 3.63% or P1.15 on Monday to close at P30.65 apiece.

Meanwhile, AboitizPower energized its oil-based power plant that is operated and managed by its subsidiary Cebu Private Power Corp. (CPPC).

In a statement, the company said four CPPC power generator started delivering 18 megawatts (MW) of power supply to partially energize Cebu City after Typhoon Odette.

AboitizPower said it had ramped up its efforts in accelerating the restoration of power in areas where typhoon Odette wreaked havoc on Thursday and Friday, prioritizing hospitals and vaccination areas as called for by the Department of Energy (DoE).

CPPC is targeting to generate an additional 36 MW this week. — Marielle C. Lucenio

Gifts of flavor

December 21, 2021 | 12:03 am

WHETHER you want to do a bit of good while also giving something delicious, or want to give a bottle of cheer to welcome the new year, here are some tasty gift suggestions.

GYPSY BY CHEF WAYA

HIT two birds with one stone this Christmas with a jar of marmalade. You can give the homemade Lemon Marmalade by chef Waya Araos-Wijangco as a present, and at the same time give the gift of good cheer to our fellow Filipi-nos struck by Typhoon Odette as 100% of the proceeds from every purchase of the marmalade (P250/jar) will be donated to the relief efforts of the Office of the Vice-President. For orders, message face-book.com/gypsybychefwaya/.

ONE WORLD DELI

WE dare you to ditch the Queso de Bola this Christmas for plant-based cheese from One World Deli, which just opened in Makati this year. One World Deli is offering deals on dairy-free, vegan cheeses by In a Nutshell, a brand based in the Philippines. Herbed Fetta (P225/200 gm) made from tofu, or make a holiday cheesecake with the cultured cashew Cream Cheese (P380/200 gm). Shop these and more at https://oneworlddeli.com/.

CMV TXOKOLAT

We’re going back to one of our favorites, the Sofia Strawberries from CMV Txokolat. What’s Christmas without chocolate, or a touch of red and green? The Benguet strawberries are filled with Nutella and covered in silky milk chocolate. The box of six costs P500, while the dozen costs P1,000, and to go all out, spring for the box of 24 for P2,000. For orders, shop at cmvtxokolat.com, or drop them a line at @thecmvtxokolat on Instagram.

SIMPARICA TRIO

WELL, just because we’re having all this fun shouldn’t mean we should forget our pets this Christmas. Ask your veterinarian about Simparico Trio, a monthly chewable supplement for your dog. The preventative supplement is an FDA-approved prescription product deemed safe for puppies as young as eight weeks old (weighing at least 2.8 pounds). The dog medicine is taken once a month to help protect pets from heartworm, gastrointestinal worms, ticks, and fleas. Visit facebook.com/ZoetispetcarePH, follow @zoetispetcareph on Instagram, and get to know more about the brand and Zoetis Philippines on their official website ph.zoetis.com.

BOOZY

THE LIQUOR delivery site, Boozy, has a selection of holiday gift packs for a little nip at Christmas parties. The Johnnie Walker Black Label gift pack (P1,249) comes with a liter of Johnnie Walker Black, but also free 50 ml bottles of Johnnie Walker Gold and Double Black. The Chivas Regal 12 Gift pack (P1,649) comes with a liter of the blended Scotch, and two glasses. It’s already in a holiday-themed box ready for gifting. Meanwhile, the Jameson Irish Whiskey Holiday Gift pack has a liter of the triple-distilled whiskey and one highball glass (P1,399). Finally, for someone truly special, the Lagavulin 16 Gift Bag (P4,799) is a 700 ml bottle of Lagavulin 16, one of Diageo’s Special Releases in 2014. The whisky has notes described as fruity and meaty, “with Lagavulin’s trademark smoke not far behind.” It’s packed in a gift bag from Diageo that claims it to be “Rare and Exceptional” — just like its recipient (or you know, just you). To shop, log on to boozy.ph for these and other holiday deals.

BDO looking to raise at least P5B via sustainability bonds

December 21, 2021 | 12:03 am

BDO Unibank, Inc. plans to raise at least P5 billion via an issuance of peso-denominated fixed-rate sustainability bonds, the lender said on Monday.

The issuance would have an indicative tenor of two years, while the offer period will run from Jan. 10 to Jan. 21, 2022, BDO said in a disclosure to the local bourse on Monday. The listing date will be on Jan. 28, 2022.

The offer will mark the third issuance out of the bank’s P365-billion bond program.

“This is the first time that the bank will be issuing a peso-denominated sustainability bond to both institutional and retail investors,” BDO said.

BDO said the net proceeds from the issuance will be used to diversify the bank’s funding sources and finance assets under its sustainable finance framework.

The bank set a minimum investment amount of P500,000 for the papers, with additional increments of P100,000 thereafter.

BDO said it reserves the right to change the terms and timeline of the issuance.

Standard Chartered Bank is the sole arranger of the bond offer. It will also be a selling agent along with BDO and BDO Private Bank, Inc. Meanwhile, BDO Capital & Investment Corp. is the financial advisor for the issue.

The issuance qualifies as an ASEAN sustainability bond under the standards set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The proceeds of these issuances must be used to finance projects with environmental and social benefits.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the ASEAN sustainability bond standards were developed for transparency and consistency, helping investors make informed decisions and reducing due diligence costs.

The Finance department and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in October released a sustainable finance roadmap, which seeks to bridge policy and regulatory gaps in promoting sustainable investments.

The Philippine roadmap is aligned with Southeast Asian standards for green bonds along with other international green finance standards.

BDO in 2017 issued a $150-million green bond with the International Finance Corp. as the sole investor.

The bank’s net earnings in the July to September period went down by 10.6% to P11.033 billion from P12.346 billion a year earlier.

This brought BDO’s net income for the first nine months to P32.484 billion, jumping by 95.7% from the P16.598 billion logged in the same period in 2020.

BDO shares closed at P127 apiece on Monday, up by P1.70 or 1.36%. — J.P. Ibañez

BRIEFS (12/21/21)

December 21, 2021 | 12:02 am

Rada Promenade offers outdoor dining in Makati

THE MAKATI Commercial Estate Association (MACEA) and Ayala Land, Inc. launched the first phase of a new permanent outdoor dining initiative called the Rada Promenade in Makati City.

Located along Rada Street in Legaspi Village, the space offers al fresco dining options every day, along with Makati Live busking performances. It also has pet-friendly and bike-friendly features.

Rada Promenade hosts restaurants and merchants such as Wildflour, Nikkei, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Sarsa, Wicked ‘Wich, among others.

“(Rada Street) now becomes a place [where] we can enjoy [and] we can spend time in, hopefully not just on weekends but more often. We have a much livelier neighborhood because of this,” Manuel Blas II, MACEA board of governors member, said in a statement.

MACEA targets to complete the Rada Promenade by 2022.

‘Millionaire’s playground’ opens doors in Clark

THE HANN Group last week opened the doors of the Hann Casino in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Hann Casino had its soft opening on Dec. 15. It is part of the integrated Hann Casino Resort, which will also feature Clark Marriott, and Swissotel Clark. The lifestyle resort, touted as a ‘millionaire’s playground,’ is the first premium sub-brand under the master brand Hann Resorts.

“Despite the undeniable disruption that the pandemic has caused, Hann’s vision of creating the ultimate playground in Clark remains true and the same. We are set to open Clark’s first fully integrated resort, and our guests can expect only the finest in hospitality and entertainment,” Daesik Han, chairman and CEO, Hann Philippines, Inc., said in a statement.

Hann Casino is three times the size of the gaming area in Widus Hotel & Casino, with hundreds of table games and over 800 slot machines.

The second phase will involve the grand launch of Hann Casino and the first flagship franchise of Swissotel Clark.

“The soft opening of Hann Casino and Swissotel Clark will help kickstart the country’s economy by providing much-needed jobs to Filipinos. By 2022, Hann Casino Resort is expected to employ more than 1,000 Filipinos,” Mr. Han said.

Federal Land tops off The Seasons Residences

FEDERAL LAND, Inc. and its Japanese partners Nomura Real Estate Development Corp., and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., recently held the topping off ceremony of The Seasons Residences Haru Tower in Bonifacio Global City.

The Haru Tower is the first tower of The Seasons Residences, a Japanese-inspired residence located within Grand Central Park. Grand Central Park is the master-planned community being developed by Federal Land in Bonifacio Global City.

“Aki, the third tower of The Seasons Residences, is set to be launched in the first quarter of 2022,” the company said in a statement.

Shakey’s launches new 100% plant-based pizza

December 21, 2021 | 12:02 am

Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. launched its 100% plant-based pizza called the “Goood Taco Pizza,” which is now available in selected Shakey’s branches.

“Shakey’s is well-known for pizza, and since the beginning of our journey in plant-based, we’ve been aiming to develop a great-tasting vegan pizza for our guests,” Shakey’s President and Chief Executive Officer Vicente L. Gregorio said in a statement on Monday.

Shakey’s partnered with Century Pacific Food, Inc.’s unMEAT brand for its plant-based meat alternative products. Patties, nuggets, and meat toppings are made with the brand’s plant-based burgers and nuggets, which are created with non-genetically modified organism (GMO) soy proteins.

The Goood Taco Pizza will “serve as the centerpiece” of the company’s “Goood Menu,” which include Goood Burger and Goood Nuggets.

unMEAT also created a dairy-free cheese alternative to complete the vegan pizza. Called the “unCHEESE,” the product is made with potato starches and is blended with natural flavors and oils.

Shakey’s vegan pizza is made up of 100% plant-based ground “meat,” onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and “savory spices.”

“From the dough to the toppings to the cheese, or unCHEESE rather, everything was made entirely of plant-based ingredients,” Mr. Gregorio said.

The company said it plans to continue building up its “Goood” menu as the demand for healthier alternatives continue.

“As health and wellness become more widespread among our consumers, the demand for healthier choices will continue to rise. Thus, we will continue our pursuit in building our ‘Goood’ menu,” Mr. Gregorio said. “Expect more green innovations to come from Shakey’s kitchens.”

Shakey’s shares on Monday closed 0.21% or two centavos higher to P9.50 apiece. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Avatar director James Cameron’s inspirations laid bare in art book

December 21, 2021 | 12:02 am

LOS ANGELES — Movie director James Cameron has created some of the most striking images on screen, from the sinking of the ocean liner in Titanic to Sigourney Weaver battling with an extraterrestrial creature in Aliens.

The original concepts and characters stem from his early days as a young artist in Canada, as revealed in the book Tech Noir: The Art of James Cameron, which shows how his early ideas evolved into films.

Researchers collected Mr. Cameron’s sketches and paintings as a young man and compiled them into thematic chapters. When Mr. Cameron first read the book, he was astounded.

“I think those strong thematic threads were the surprise or the revelation to me, because I’d just always thought it was all scattershot,” he said.

Mr. Cameron began drawing as a child, and as a young man he focused on scenes based on his favorite sci-fi stories and comic books.

One of his first forays into movies was creating the fantasy world of Xenogenesis, a film that never saw the light of day but a pilot can be seen on YouTube.

The book shows pages of concept art from the unproduced film with much of the imagery foreshadowing scenes from Terminator, Aliens, and Avatar.

“Every idea I ever had for a plant or an animal or a planet or a piece of technology or a robot or anything, I just stopped my life for a year and a half and drew it all up. It’s really all the things I was playing around with, kind of in the sidelines of my life,” Mr. Cameron said.

The Terminator was based on a dream in which he saw a robotic man emerging from flames; an entire sequence in Aliens was based on a nightmare; and the blue Na’vi humanoids from Avatar originated from a dream his mother told him about.

Mr. Cameron ground his fantasy designs in reality, creating anatomically correct aliens, fully operative machinery, and aerodynamic spacecraft.

“There’s a sense that what’s happening is very real and very immediate. You can kind of project your mind into the screen and into the story because … what’s happening looks like it could be real,” he said.

Tech Noir: The Art of James Cameron was published by Insight Editions. — Reuters