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Nominations for 70th FAMAS awards announced

THE FILIPINO Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) announced the nominees for the 70th FAMAS Awards on July 22 through its official Facebook page.

Katips comes into awards night with 15 nominations including Best Actor (for Vince Tañada and Jerome Ponce) and Actress (Nicole Laurel Asensio) nods, plus Best Director (Vince Tañada) and Best Picture nominations. Also in the running for Best Picture are Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (which got 12 nominations), Big Night (11 nominations), A Hard Day, and Arisaka.

The FAMAS Awards is considered the oldest existing award-giving body in the Philippines and one of the oldest in Asia, having started in 1953. The awards are given by the organization which is composed of writers and movie columnists.

The FAMAS will declare winners in 15 categories this year at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on July 30.

Aside from the regular categories, it will also confer special awards including the FAMAS Natatanging Alagad ng Sining to newly conferred National Artists Nora Aunor and Ricky Lee, a Lifetime Achievement Award to actress Tessie Agana, and will induct into the Hall of Fame Allen Dizon (Actor), and Jess Navarro (Editing).

Below is the complete list of nominees:

Best Picture: Cinematografica, Planc, Quantum Films’ Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Philstagers Films’ Katips; Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films’ Big Night; Viva Films’ A Hard Day; Ten17P’s Arisaka

Best Director: Vince Tañada for Katips; Law Fajardo for A Hard Day; Jun Lana for Big Night; Carlo Francisco Manatad for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Mikhail Red for Arisaka

Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes for A Hard Day; Christian Bables for Big Night; Vince Tañada for Katips; Jerome Ponce for Katips; Daniel Padilla for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Mon Confiado for Arisaka

Best Actress: Maja Salvador for Arisaka; Charo Santos-Concio for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Nicole Laurel Asensio for Katips; Janine Gutierrez for Dito at Doon; Sharon Cuneta for Revirginized; Rita Daniela for Huling Ulan sa Tag-araw

Best Supporting Actor: John Arcilla for A Hard Day; Mon Confiado for Katips; Johnrey Rivas for Katips; Nico Antonio for Big Night; John Arcilla for Big Night

Best Supporting Actress: Eugene Domingo for Big Night; Janice de Belen for Big Night; Adelle Ibarrientos for Katips; Rans Rifol for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Luz Valdez for My Amanda; Shella Mae Romualdo for Arisaka

Best Screenplay: Vince Tañada for Katips; Jun Lana for Big Night; Carlo Francisco Manatad, Jeremie Dubois, Giancarlo Abrahan for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Melanie Honey Quiño for Nelia; Kristin Parreño Barrameda, Alex Gonzales for Dito at Doon; Angie de Ramos for Dok

Best Production Design: Roland Rubenecia for Katips; Maolen Fadul for Big Night; Whammy Alcazaren for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Eero Yves Francisco for Arisaka

Best Cinematography: Jun Aves for A Hard Day; Manuel Abanto for Katips; Teck Siang Lim for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Carlo Canlas Mendoza for Big Night; Mycko David for Arisaka

Best Editing: Law Fajardo for A Hard Day; Mark Jason Sucgang for Katips; Benjamin Tolentino for Big Night; Joyce Bernal, Renard Torres for My Amanda; Bienvenido Ferrer III for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon

Best Original Song: “Manhid” and “Sa Gitna ng Dulo” — Katips (Music: Pipo Cifra, Lyrics: Vince Tañada); “Umulan Man o Umaraw” — Huling Ulan sa Tag-araw (Rita Daniela); “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin” — Dito at Doon (Ben & Ben); “Sa Susunod Na Ikot Ng Mundo” — Nelia (Von de Guzman)

Best Musical Score: Pipo Cifra for Katips; Peter Legaste, Raphael Catap for A Hard Day; Teresa Barrozo for Big Night; Andrew Florentino for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Kettle Mata for My Amanda

Best Visual Effects: Mofac Creative Works, Ogie Tiglao for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Poli Gonzales, Gaspar Mangarin, Walter Monte for A Hard Day; John Laviña, Edgery Mercad, Mark Victor for Arisaka; Santelmo Studio for My Amanda; Outpost Visual Frontier John Joseph Tan for Katips

Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma, Alex Tomboc, Pietro Marco Javier for A Hard Day; Immanuel Verona for Arisaka and Big Night; Roman Dymny for Kun Maupay Man It Panahon; Outpost Visual Frontier Don Don Mendoza for Katips

Best Short Film: Tukador ni Tatang by Gabby Ramos; See You George! by Mark Moneda; Write Here by Jake Muñoz Consing; Dog-Eaters by Kevin Piamonte; Laro by Fidel Redado — MAPS

T-bills partially awarded at higher rates

BW FILE PHOTO

THE GOVERNMENT partially awarded its offer of Treasury bills (T-bills) at mostly higher rates amid inflation concerns that have caused global central banks to tighten.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P13.75 billion from its auction of T-bills on Monday, lower than the P15-billion program, even with bids reaching P38.84 billion or more than twice the planned amount.

Broken down, the Treasury made a full P5-billion award of 91-day securities as the tenor attracted P20.574 billion in bids. The average rate of the tenor inched down by 5 basis points (bps) to 2.273% from the 2.323% fetched at the previous auction. Accepted rates ranged from 2.22% to 2.295%.

The government also made a full P5-billion award of 182-day securities as tenders reached P12.12 billion. The average rate of the tenor went up by 5.9 bps to 3.142% from the 3.083% fetched at the previous auction. Accepted rates ranged from 3% to 3.2%.

Meanwhile, the BTr borrowed just P3.75 billion from the 364-day debt papers out of the P5-billion program, even with demand for the tenor reaching P6.15 billion. The tenor’s average rate rose by 9.8 bps to 3.356% from 3.258% fetched at the previous auction, with the government accepting offers ranging from 3.25% to 3.5%.

At the secondary market prior to Monday’s auction, the 91-, 182- and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 2.1364%, 2.7365%, and 3.137%, respectively, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon told reporters in a Viber message that the BTr partially awarded the one-year T-bill as “awarding beyond 3.5% is [an] excessive cushion against inflation as we saw recent drops in oil prices.”

“Everyone is waiting for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s State of the Nation message, especially the administration’s priorities and initiatives to curb inflation’s rise,” Ms. De Leon added.

A trader said the auction’s results were in line with market expectations.

“The short-end of the curve continues to be pressured by the global monetary tightening cycle, [which is the] main reason why yields of T-bills have risen significantly compared to those in the belly to the long-end sector of the bond curve,” the trader said.

“The current trend of the GS (government securities) curve is still bear flattening, where yields of those short-end bonds rise faster than those at the far-end and recent results of the T-bill auctions have affirmed that trend,” the trader added.

Central banks around the world have been tightening their monetary policies as supply chain and geopolitical issues have caused inflation to rise.

At home, headline inflation was at a near four-year high of 6.1% in June, exceeding the central bank’s 2-4% target for a third straight month. This brought the first-half average to 4.4%, still below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) full-year forecast of 5%.

With inflation yet to peak and second-round effects already materializing, the BSP on July 14 raised its benchmark interest rates by an all-time high 75 bps in an off-cycle review and left the door open for further tightening.

BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said the “significant” hike was due to signs of “sustained and broadening price pressures” as well as spillover effects from aggressive tightening in other countries, such as the United States.

The central bank’s surprise move came ahead of its regular policy meeting scheduled on Aug. 18, and follows two 25-bp rate hikes each in May and June. The Monetary Board has raised benchmark interest rates by a total of 125 bps so far this year.

Mr. Medalla has also said he would not rule out another interest rate increase in the Monetary Board’s August review, although the need for a 50-bp hike at that meeting is “much less now” following their off-cycle move.

Monday’s T-bill auction was the last one for the month. The government raised just P54.81 billion via the short-term debt papers against its P60-billion program for July after a number of partial awards due to rising rates.

On Tuesday, the BTr will auction off P35 billion in reissued benchmark 25-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) with a remaining life of 13 years and four months for its last offer of long-term papers this month.

The government borrows from local and external sources to help fund a budget deficit capped at P1.65 trillion this year, equivalent to 7.6% of gross domestic product. — Diego Gabriel C. Robles

Barredo guardedly optimistic of Philippine stint in 11th ASEAN Paralympic Games in Indonesia

PHILIPPINE Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo — PHILIPPINE STAR/ JUN MENDOZA

PHILIPPINE Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo was guardedly optimistic about the prospects of the national para team, which leaves today on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight for the 11th ASEAN Para Games set July 30 to Aug. 6 in Surakarta, Indonesia.

“I am guardedly optimistic about the chances of our national para athletes due to the circumstances leading to the 11th ASEAN Para Games,” said Mr. Barredo yesterday on the eve of the departure of the PHL contingent composed of 144 athletes, 38 coaches and 40 officials.

“Since the last one held in 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we have missed two editions of the ASEAN Para Games,” noted the PPC president, including the 10th edition that was supposed to be hosted by the Philippines in early 2020 but was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the restrictions and limitations under the pandemic, the training of our national para athletes has been limited while there has also been a  drought in international exposure and competition as well,” he pointed out.

“The last international competition that majority of our athletes have had was the 2018 Asian Para Games while some were fortunate to compete in the qualifiers and participate in the Tokyo Para Games last year,” added the PPC president.

He was grateful for the bubble training of the national athletes of over a month provided by the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) inside the Philsports Complex in Pasig City as well as its funding of the country’s participation in the regional sportsfest for para athletes.

“Thanks to the PSC, at least our athletes will be more prepared for the battles that await them in Indonesia,” the PPC honcho noted.

“So duplicating our finish in the 2017 ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia would be a workable target,” said Mr. Barredo, referring to the 20 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals the PHL standard-bearers won to finish fifth overall in the 11-nation meet five years ago.

“Nonetheless, I believe our national para athletes are hungry and eager to perform their best for the country in Indonesia. They all want to make their countrymen proud,” he stressed, citing the wave of outstanding feats of Filipino athletes in recent weeks.

A former football player and avid fan of the sport, Mr. Barredo mentioned the Filipinas, the national women’s football team, in capturing the AFF Women’s Championship trophy for the first time and the bronze medal won by pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena in the world athletic meet in Eugene, Oregon yesterday.

“Inspired by feats of the Filipinas and pole vaulter EJ Obiena, I am certain that our national para athletes are just as keen to share the spotlight in the coming days by bringing home medals and honors for the country in the 11th ASEAN Para Games,” Mr. Barredo said.

Globe group’s Asticom, RUSH tie up for SMEs’ digital transformation

GLOBE Telecom, Inc. announced on Monday that its shared services company Asticom Technology, Inc. and loyalty and e-commerce provider RUSH have partnered to help facilitate the digital transformation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

“Under the agreement, Asticom Technology, Inc. will provide people solutions that RUSH needs to accelerate business growth,” Globe said in an e-mailed statement.

This will ensure that talent resources are tailor-fit to the business needs of the tech startup’s operations, business development, and marketing teams, it added.

According to Globe, RUSH, the loyalty and e-commerce enabler of its 917Ventures, “empowers brands with the right tools to bring their products online, understand customer behavior, and earn customer loyalty to drive repeat purchases.”

“It is the go-to partner for… businesses in empowering their customers at every stage of the customer journey.”

Asticom has formed various subsidiaries, including Asti Business Services, Inc. (ABSI), Fiber Infrastructure and Network Services, Inc. (FINSI), BRAD Warehouse and Logistics Services, and HCX Technology Partners, Inc.

Created in 2021, ABSI serves as Asticom’s business process solutions arm.

FINSI, which was also created in 2021, offers end-to-end services and industry-specific solutions to telecommunications, tower, infrastructure, and technology, including construction, building, installation, and maintenance services.

BRAD is an end-to-end supply chain technology solutions provider. Its services are tailor-fit for different industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, health and wellness, and telecommunications.

Meanwhile, HCX is a provider of human resources, customer relationship management, and digital solutions.

The group announced in January that it had reached P2 billion in revenues as of the fourth quarter of 2021. — Arjay L. Balinbin

ACE Hardware introduces more sustainable products

ACE HARDWARE expanded its offering of sustainable home solutions products to address the shift in consumer demand during the pandemic.

“Perhaps, the only major shift for ACE Hardware during the pandemic has been the increased consumer interest in plants so we expanded our gardening range to serve the plantitos and the plantitas out there,” Bernard L. Ong, senior vice-president ACE Hardware Philippines, said in a statement.

Consumer preferences changed during the pandemic, and ACE Hardware was able to adapt by monitoring consumer sentiment through social media and online trends, Mr. Ong said.

“We list customer requests at each branch and collate these monthly. Our merchandising team engages suppliers to respond to emerging trends quickly, then new products are sourced and evaluated for inclusion into our assortment monthly,” he said.

Mr. Ong said Filipino consumers shifted to sustainable products when these are priced reasonably compared to traditional counterparts.

He also cited the popularity of green products, such as LED lights and the lawn and garden range.

The hardware store chain also introduced ACE-branded paints that are lead-free, odorless and non-toxic. It also has a wide range of garden supplies like seeds, tools, hoses, biodegradable pots, and anti-erosion coco-coir mats.

“It’s heartening to note that the pandemic also opened the eyes of many Filipinos to turn to planting despite the limited space in their residence, and help in their own little way to save the planet’s precious oxygen since plants directly reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere,” Mr. Ong said.

ACE Hardware has over 200 branches nationwide, and has three ACE Builders Centers.

After 7 years, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano reaches finale

PHOTO FROM ENT.ABS-CBN.COM

AFTER a seven-year run, ABS-CBN’s series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is on its last three weeks.

In a video posted by Dreamscape on July 22, the lead actor of the action-drama series Coco Martin (a.k.a. Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno) said: “Ang programang minahal ninyo nang pitong taon ay nalalapit na po ang pagtatapos. Malungkot man na tayo ay maghihiwalay, pero walang hanggang pasasalamat and aming nararandaman. (The program you have loved for seven years is coming to an end. It is sad that we are parting ways, but we feel eternal gratitude).”

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which first aired on Sept. 28, 2015, is the Philippines’ longest-running primetime television series. It is based on the 1997 film of the same name starring the late action star Fernando Poe, Jr.

The series premiered and aired on ABS-CBN until 2020 when its broadcast was halted due to the shutting down of the network when Congress turned down the renewal of its franchise. Since then, new episodes have aired on the Kapamilya Channel, simulcast on Cine Mo! and Jeepney TV. It also airs on A2Z and TV5 which received rights to broadcast the series through a partnership with ABS-CBN Corporation. The series is also streamed online via iWantTFC, TFC IPTV and Kapamilya Online Live. — MAPS

Daren dela Cruz tops U14 Age Group Chess Championship

DAREN dela Cruz overcame a first round defeat to rule the girls’ Under-14 (U14) division of the National Age Group Chess Championships that concluded over the weekend at the Robinson’s Place Malolos.

Ms. Dela Cruz dropped her opening round duel with Allie Jean Ong but scored 8.5 points in the last 10 rounds including a ninth-round triumph over fiercest rival and national girls juniors runner-up Ruelle Canino.

Robick Vohn Villa and Lexie Grace Hernandez, meanwhile, reigned supreme in the elite U18 section with the former seven points in nine rounds and the latter 10 out of the possible 11.

Cedric Khalel Abris drew his 11th and last round game with Franklin Loyd Andes and then edged Jerish John Velardo via tiebreak (win-over-the-other rule) after the two ended up tied at first with 9.5 points to snare the boys’ U16 crown.

April Joy Claros split the point with Angel Nheazy Nicole Po in the final round to finish with 9.5 points and the girls’ U16 crown. — Joey Villar

8990 Holdings lines up projects for coming years

8990 HOLDINGS, Inc. said that it will be launching two new projects this year, in Quezon City and Pampanga, which it expects to generate P6 billion each apart from its pipeline projects for the coming years.

“Both of these projects would bring P6 billion each in revenues once completed,” 8990 Holdings President Anthony Vincent Sotto said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting on Monday.

The project in Commonwealth, Quezon City will have four high-rise buildings while the one in Pampanga will be a horizontal development situated on a 29-hectare property.

The company has several ongoing projects, including its Urban Deca Homes in Marilao, which will have 3,780 units; and Urban Deca Homes Banilad in Cebu, which will have 3,264 units. Both are expected to be completed by 2023.

In 2024, 8990 Holdings expects the completion of its 4,961-unit Urban Deca Homes Cubao, which has yet to start construction; Deca Homes Leganes in Iloilo, which will have 3,054 units; and Deca Homes South Bacolod, with 7,067 units.

In 2025, the company expects the completion of its Deca Homes Meycauayan project, which will have 5,169 units; Urban Deca Homes Ortigas, which will have 19,046 units; and Deca Homes Talomo in Davao, with 5,948 units.

Deca Homes Sta. Barbara in Iloilo will have 10,238 units and is expected to be finished by 2026.

Mr. Sotto said consumers are feeling the pinch of price inflation and 8990 Holdings was also affected in terms of construction costs.

“What we’ve been doing is that we’ve been planning ahead to make sure that we are vigilant in price changes in construction and we are able to adjust the prices so that it remains the most competitive in the market,” Mr. Sotto said.

“As for our buyers … they will likely keep their houses because our monthly amortization approximates what they would be paying for rent so it really makes sense for them to not forgo the purchase,” Mr. Sotto added.

On Monday, 8990 Holdings shares ended unchanged at P10.20 apiece on the stock exchange. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

RLC’s Bridgetowne hosts 2 sports events

ROBINSONS Land Corp.’s (RLC) Bridgetowne Destination Estate will be hosting two international obstacle sports events in August.

Ninja World Cup No. 1 by World Obstacle and New Fifth Discipline Test Event (Obstacle Discipline) by the International Modern Pentathlon Union will be held on Aug.  6 and 7 at the Bridgetowne Central Park.

“Bridgetowne’s expansive spaces and roads make it conducive to outdoor sports such as Obstacle Course Races (OCR) — there is plenty of space to set-up the obstacles, biking, running and more, making it a great and safe place for families, young and old alike, if they’re looking for active fun, sports and adventure,” Loise Albert Montes, senior development director for Bridgetowne, said in a statement.

Bridgetowne is a 32-hectare masterplanned destination estate being developed by Robinsons Land Corp. The estate will feature a mix of retail, commercial, offices, hospitality and residential developments.

Bridgetowne will soon unveil the 20-storey-high public art installation dubbed as “The Victor,” designed by Filipino-American visual artist Jefre Manuel Figueras. It will be installed next to the project’s 200-meter bridge connecting Quezon City and Pasig City.

FILSCAP celebrates Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino with lecture series

IN CELEBRATION of this year’s Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP), in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will hold its 8th Annual Master Lecture Series.

FILSCAP is the government-accredited non-profit collective management organization for music creators and copyright owners which primarily licenses the public playing, broadcast, and streaming in the Philippines of copyrighted local and foreign songs. Part of its mandate is to promote local music creation, development and appreciation.

The lecture series features renowned Filipino songwriters who will share tips, their songwriting process, and stories behind their compositions that have become part of the country’s collection of original Filipino songs.

The lectures will be held on July 26 with Yael Yuzon who co-wrote the songs “Bitiw,” “Di Na Mababawi,” and “Jeepney” by Spongecola; July 27, Ebe Dancel who wrote the songs “Bawat Daan,” “Dapit Hapon,” and “Dear Kuya” by Sugarfree; July 28, Fr. Manoling Francisco who wrote the church songs “Ama Namin,” “Anima Cristi,” and co-wrote “Tanging Yaman”; and July 29, Edwin Marollano who wrote the jingles “Ayos Na Ang Buto-Buto” by Vhong Navarro, “Asim Kilig” by Michael V., and “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako” by KZ  Tandingan.

Moderated by songwriters and music producers Jungee Marcelo, Trina Belamide, and Jonathan Manalo, the lecture series will be accessible on FILSCAP’s Facebook page at 7:30 p.m.

Proclamation 933, issued on Dec. 19, 2014, declares the last week of July as Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/FILSCAP.

Philippines’ tax effort eased in 2020

THE PHILIPPINES’ tax effort eased in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdowns, falling below the Asia-Pacific average, a study showed. Read the full story.

Philippines’ tax effort eased in 2020

BSP upgrades debt management system

REUTERS

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has enhanced its external debt monitoring and analysis by shifting to the latest version of the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS).

“The DMFAS 6 has strengthened security to ensure data integrity and confidentiality and an enhanced user experience and navigation. It also offers enhanced analytical and managerial tools for debt portfolio analysis and reporting,” the BSP said in a statement on Monday.

“The upgrade to DMFAS 6 is expected to improve and expand BSP’s operations with the use of available DMFAS data sets in generating pre-built and user-defined reports,” it added.

The DMFAS acts as the primary database of the central bank for comprehensive external debt statistics used for operational and policy purposes. It is also used for dissemination to local and international stakeholders.

It is a database software developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2012. It is aligned with international standards and a rigorous set of validation checks to ensure the consistency of records.

The software is currently being used by 105 central banks and ministries of finance and other debt management offices in 69 countries.

The software is usually installed in a country’s central bank or Finance department or ministry. It supports the management of both external and domestic public debt, or loans and securities, and can also be used for private debt or grants, among others.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue its data-driven initiatives by expanding the coverage of the DMFAS database and analysis through possible integration with other external debt data sources,” the central bank said.

As of March, the Philippines’ external debt hit a record $109.8 billion, up by 3.1% from the $106.4-billion level as of end-December 2021.

Public sector external debt rose by $3.4 billion to $67.4 billion as of end-March, from $63.9 billion as of end-December 2021. Around $58.8 billion or 87% were National Government borrowings while the rest were loans of government-owned and -controlled corporations, government financial institutions and the BSP.

Meanwhile, the country’s outstanding debt stood at P12.5 trillion as of May. — K.B. Ta-asan

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