2GO Group losses trimmed to P1.14 billion in 2021

April 13, 2022 | 12:04 am

2GO Group, Inc. trimmed its 2021 attributable net loss to P1.14 billion from a loss of P1.84 billion a year earlier, its audited financial statements showed.

The improvement came after the cost of services and goods sold went down 15.1% to P14.81 billion from P17.44 billion previously.

The company’s revenues decreased 11.5% to P15.41 billion from P17.41 billion in 2020.

Broken down, freight revenue for the year grew 11.9% to P3.39 billion from P3.03 billion a year earlier, while travel revenue dropped 47.8% to P437.69 million from P839.14 million previously.

Revenue from logistics and other services increased 4.5% to P6.09 billion from P5.83 billion in 2020, while sale of goods fell 28.8% to P5.49 billion from P7.72 billion a year earlier.

“2GO, across its various business units, has been significantly affected by the… quarantine measures,” the company said.

The government-imposed pandemic restrictions had resulted in “limited business operations in Luzon and in many other parts of the country.”

“Given the restricted mobility in and out of the country and the curtailed economic activities affecting demand not only in the Philippines but in other countries, 2GO experienced a decline and gradual recovery in sales/revenue volumes as… quarantine measures were slowly relaxed,” it added.

The company said last year that it was aiming to cut business costs and improve operational efficiency by investing more in technology.

The company said its subsidiary, 2GO Express, Inc., had invested in new technology that boosts efficiency, speeds up processing times, and makes it possible to increase reliability while scaling up.

2GO Group shares closed 0.27% higher at P7.52 apiece on Tuesday. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Easter in the Metro

April 13, 2022 | 12:04 am

April springs to life at the Shang — APRIL springs to life at the Shangri-La Plaza

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Shangri-La Plaza holds an egg hunt

ON EASTER Sunday, the Shangri-La Plaza will host a whimsical SpEGGtacular Easter Hunt as the Grand Atrium transforms into a tropical paradise on April 17. The egg hunt is open to children from one to 12 years old. The registration fee is P500 per child and includes a map, a bag, and a special Easter giveaway. Every adult can register up to four children. To join and for more information, visit the Administration Office, Shangri-La Plaza, Level 5, Main Wing on weekdays at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Rustic Rainbow Easter Egg-scape at New World Makati

NEW WORLD Makati Hotel invites guests to hop along on a Rustic Rainbow Easter Egg-scape as it offers an array of experiences for the whole family, from a relaxing stay that comes with two passes to the Rustic Rainbow Easter Fair, an Easter Sunday buffet, and gift-worthy sweet treats. From April 15 to 17, guests can avail themselves of the Easter staycation package that comes with two passes to the Easter Fair at the poolside with loads of fun activities. With a choice between a Deluxe (P7,000++) or Residence Club Deluxe (P8,500++) room, the package comes with breakfast for two adults and two kids (11 years and below). The Residence Club Deluxe room package also provides exclusive access to the Residence Club Living Room on the 24^th floor. The Rustic Rainbow Easter Fair will be on April 17 from 8-10:30 a.m. Children who find the lucky eggs may win an overnight stay, a buffet for two, or an all-you-can-eat dim sum for two, as well as toys and other prizes. There will also be a bouncy castle with a ballpit and slide, a giant bubble show, balloon twisting, a bunny mascot meet-and-greet, and booths for a kiddie salon, face painting, and paint-your-own Easter bag. There will also be game booths and snacks and sweets stations. Afterwards, families can dine at the Easter Sunday Buffet at Café 1228. The buffet includes prime rib and fresh lobsters, lechon (whole roast pig), as well as Easter-themed sweet treats from cakes and pastries to chocolates. The Easter Sunday Buffet isP2,000 net per person on April 17 for lunch and dinner. Finally, The Shop features Easter-themed cakes such as the Speckled cake and Fruit garden cakes; egg-shaped cakes in salted caramel, cheesecake, and berries chocolate flavors; large and small chocolate bunnies; and the smashable Chocolate egg piñata in large and medium sizes, to name a few. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance. For room reservations, visit https://bit.ly/NWEasterStay.

Grand Hyatt Manila hosts Easter Wonderland

BOOK a stay at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Easter weekend and get complimentary access to the hotel’s Easter Wonderland event, which is exclusive to all registered in-house kids. Easter activities include face painting, Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, a movie screening, board games, food carts, and a dedicated play area. Easter Wonderland will be held on April 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at The Gallery. Guests get their third night for free when they book a two-night stay through the hotel’s official website, manila.grand.hyatt.com. If celebrating Easter at home, the hotel has Dine at Home set menus featuring the specialties of No. 8 China House, The Grand Kitchen, and Florentine. A 50% discount awaits Metrobank World and Peso Platinum cardholders, with a minimum spend of P4,000. Order through bit.ly/DineAtHomeGHM. The hotel’s pastry team have created a lineup of sweet treats including the Easter Carrot Nest Cake: a seven-inch cake made of cinnamon shortbread layered with carrot sponge biscuit and citrus cream cheese, and topped with white chocolate and assorted praline eggs. It is available in Florentine and through Dine at Home for P1,850. Other Easter goodies include chocolate eggs, chocolate pralines in limited edition flavors, hot cross buns, and an Easter hamper. For inquiries and reservations, call 8838 1234 or e-mail manila.grand@hyatt.com.

Some Robinsons Malls open this Holy Week

FIVE Robinsons Malls will remain open during Holy Week (April 14, Maundy Thursday and April 15, Good Friday). These are: Robinsons Tagaytay which will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Robinsons Luisita, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Robinsons Place Antipolo, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Robinsons Place La Union, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 14 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 15; and Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 14, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 15. Some Robinsons Malls will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, but will be closed on Good Friday. These are: Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Robinsons Place Lipa, Robinsons Place Naga, Robinsons Place Palawan, Robinsons Place Pangasinan, Robinsons Place Santiago, Robinsons Place Tuguegarao, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Place Dasma, Robinsons Place Gen Trias, and Robinsons Place Malolos. The following malls will be closed on both days: Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Place Manila, Forum Robinsons, Robinsons Place Las Pinas, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Cainta, Robinsons Place Imus, Robinsons Town Mall Los Banos, Robinsons Town Mall Malabon and Robinsons Metro East. They will reopen on April 16 (Black Saturday).-

Alabang Town Center holds Easter Academy

FOR the month of April, the Alabang Town Center will hold The Easter Academy, a month-long calendar of fun, educational, and physical activities for children. The Easter Academy kicks off on April 16 and 17 with The Easter Cup, a challenging obstacle course that teams (groups of five) can compete on. There will be two divisions: Peewee for ages four to seven, and Junior for ages eight to 12. On April 17 there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. Search for the Golden Egg for a chance to win a gift certificate from TimeZone worth P1,000. There will be five hunting schedules and three divisions: Toddlers, Peewee, and Junior. Individual activities are available, too. On April 23, the Alabang Town Center will celebrate World Book Day with an entire afternoon of activities for kids and the kids-at-heart. Donate a book to join the storytelling and art workshops by Southville International School, plus a chance to meet TAYO, the friendly bus. For more details and the mechanics for joining the activities, visit https://facebook.com/AlabangTownCenter/photos/pcb.10159784283665813/10159784280830813

Summit Hotels offer Easter treats

ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts’ Summit Hotels chain is offering a number of deals for this holiday. In Tagaytay, the Summit Ridge Hotel has special room packages for as low as P5,000++ which come with two tickets to Easter activities such as a magic show, egg hunting, and loot bags for kids while a Special Easter Lunch Buffet will be offered at Café Summit. Over at Summit Greenhills, families will be able to avail of an Easter Holiday package at P3,288 net for its deluxe rooms inclusive of breakfast for two plus two tickets to Easter Wonderland where kids aged six to 12 will be able to enjoy egg hunting, egg painting, and bunny hat making. Themed lunch and snack buffets await tourists and locals at Summit Hotel Naga, Summit Galleria Cebu, and Grand Summit Hotel General Santos. Summit Hotel Naga offers a deal of P888 net per person and P388 net for children with activities such as egg hunting and an egg painting contest, plus sweet treats and giveaways for kids. At Summit Galleria Cebu, deals at P850 net per person and P388 net for children are up for grabs. Kids get to bring home free donuts, plus a chance to join in egg hunting, face painting, and Egg Wizard activities. At Grand Summit Hotel General Santos, the Easter Lunch Buffet rate is P880 net per person and P440 net for children. For more deals and information visit www.summithotels.ph

Lenten, Easter Activities at Sheraton Manila Bay

IT’S going to be a restful Holy Week capped by an activity-laden Easter Sunday at Sheraton Manila Bay. Avail of the Easter Room Package for a staycation at a Deluxe Room for two adults and two kids below 12 years old, inclusive of breakfast buffet, lunch or dinner at Pacific Lounge, P500 worth of food and beverage credit at the Pool Bar, special turndown amenity, and late check out up to 2 p.m. Stay period from April 9 to 17, On Easter Sunday, April 17, the Pacific Lounge will hold a Spacestastic Easter Party which includes an Easter brunch buffet for P1,200++ per adult and P600++ per child aged six to 11 years, arts and crafts activities, parlor games, loot bags, and access to the Easter egg hunt where kids can get a chance to win prizes and giveaways from sponsors. Meanwhile, for those who wish to celebrate at home, there is the Easter Surprise Basket for P750. To order, visit the Sheraton Kiosk located at Robinsons Place Manila, Padre Faura Wing, Mall Entrance or call the Culinary Courier for delivery at 0917-583-7294, 0917-583-7326 or e-mail sh.mnlsb.fnb@sheraton.com. The Pacific Lounge is at the 21^st floor, Sheraton Manila Bay, M. Adriatico cor. Gen Malvar Sts. Malate, Manila. For reservations call +632 5318-0788 or e-mail reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com.

Galleria hotels offer Easter packages

THE HOTELS at the Robinsons Galleria area are offering Easter Festival in Galleria packages. Offers start at P5,500 net for an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room at Crowne Plaza or P4,500 net at Holiday Inn with tickets to the Easter Festival. Enjoy the Easter Festival’s different activities: arts and crafts, singing, dancing and Easter egg hunting. Complete the Easter Festival with a special lunch buffet for four persons at Seven Corners Restaurant. For inquiries and reservations contact: Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria at 8790-3100 or e-mail cpgm.reservations@ihg.com, and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria at 8790-9400 or e-mail higm.reservations@ihg.com

Century Park Hotel’s Easter party returns

CENTURY Park Hotel will hold a live Easter Sunday celebration on April 17, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Grand Ballroom. A yearly tradition (which was on old for the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic), children and parents alike can look forward to Easter Sunday’s games, raffle, egg hunting and other activities. This year’s Easter Carnival 2022 is open to children under 12. There will be giant inflatables, face painting, a photo booth, raffle and games, a magic show, and an egg hunt. The event includes a set meal plus an array of food cart treats (popcorn, ice cream, French fries, and hotdog on a stick) that can be availed for a nominal fee. Kids get to take home a special loot bag courtesy of Century Park Hotel’s Easter partners. Tickets are available for P1,500 net which includes a loot bag and set meals for one adult and one kid. Extra tickets can be purchased for P1,000 for one person (kid or adult) which comes with a set meal and a loot bag. To purchase tickets, call or send a message via SMS at 0917-633-2545 or e-mail sales9@centurypark.com.ph. The hotel also has an Easter Staycation Package available from April 11-18. The Easter Carnival Room Bundle comes with a complimentary Easter Carnival 2022 ticket good for one adult and one kid. The packages (Deluxe Room, P5,500 net/night; Park Tower Suite, P6,500 net/night; Premier Suite, P7,500 net/night) each come with breakfast for two, access to the pools and jacuzzi plus a 50% discount on the Churrasco-style Buffet at Café in the Park upon presentation of the Easter ticket (one ticket/person and one-time use only). There is also the Easter Week Getaway packages (P5,000 net/night for a Deluxe Room, P6,000 net/night for Park Tower and P7,000 net/night for a Premiere Suite) which come with set breakfast for two, and use of the pools and jacuzzi. For reservations, contact 0956-523-2880 or e-mail reservations@centurypark.com.ph.

Easter packages, parties at Richmonde Hotels

THIS Holy Week, the Richmonde Hotels have a number of Easter offers. Richmonde Hotel Ortigas has the Easter Break Escape promo until April 17. The room rate can be as low as P3,000 net per night for a two-night stay inclusive of daily breakfast at the Richmonde Café for two adults and two children aged five years old and below, and use of the Health Club’s gym and heated indoor pool. In addition, all in-house guests on April 14, 15, and 16 will enjoy complimentary Afternoon Snacks at the café from 2 to 4 p.m., and Ice Crushers at the poolside at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1 and 5 p.m. For guests who wish to stay for just one night, rates start at P3,200 net with breakfast buffet for two, and P2,600 net without breakfast. Eastwood Richmonde Hotel has special room packages for as low as P4,500 net for two adults and two children 5 years old and below, including a breakfast buffet at Eastwood Café+Bar. Those checked in on April 14, 15, and 16 can enjoy a free afternoon snack buffet. Walk in guests can enjoy the merienda for P500 net per person. At rates starting at P5,900 net, the Easter Celebration Package on April 16 or 17 includes room accommodations, breakfast buffet for two, late check-out at 5 p.m., and two tickets to the hotel’s Easter Fun Fair Party on April 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children two to six years old and seven to 12 years old, live music and dance entertainment, a magic show, various game booths, a kiddie lunch buffet, food carts, a photo booth, glitter tattoos, loot bags, and raffle prizes. All attendees are encouraged to wear their most creative Easter Hat or Fun Fair costume for a chance to win gift certificates for hotel accommodation. The Best in Costume awards will be given to one child and one adult. Tickets are priced at P950 net per head (adult or child). Children under the age of two can participate for free if accompanied by a paying adult. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo has its Easter Eggsclusives promo packages available until April 17, with discounted rates as low as P3,780 net (Sunday to Thursday) and P4,050 net (Friday and Saturday), when staying for two nights or more. All rates come with a breakfast buffet for two adults and two children ages five and under at The Granary, and use of the Fitness Center’s gym and outdoor pool. To reserve or inquire, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638-7777 or 0917-859 7914 or e-mail stay@richmondeortigas.com; Eastwood Richmonde Hotel at (632) 8570-7777 or 0917-521 6867 or e-mail stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com; or Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at (6333) 328-7888 or 0917-563-3558 or e-mail stay@richmondeiloilo.com.

Farm-tastic Easter Weekend at Crimson Hotel

CRIMSON Hotel Filinvest City Manila offers itself as a Easter weekend destination with its “egg-citing” activities, staycation packages, and dining offers. The hotel’s Easter Staycation packages from April 16-17 have rates starting at P7,700 net for a Deluxe Room which includes access to the hotel’s exclusive amenities, breakfast buffet at Café Eight, two tickets to the Farm Easterville event, and complimentary late check-out. Farm Easterville, a farm-themed Easter Sunday event, will be held at the Crimson Grand Ballroom. In addition to an egg-hunt and afternoon snacks, participants can join the live entertainment, interactive games, and an egg-decorating contest. Each participant can take home Easter chocolate and other giveaways too. The rate per person is P1,100 net. Café Eight is hosting a lavish buffet brunch with international and local dishes on April 17 for P1,900 net per person. Meanwhile, Baker J’s has an Easter Gourmet Box filled with uniquely-shaped chocolates from gigantic eggs to farm animals and Easter bunnies, a roll of beef and lamb sausage, a loaf of artisan bread, and a bottle of wine. Available from April 11-17 for P2,500 per box. Baker J also has an array of chocolate candies that come in different shapes such as eggs, chicken, bunnies, and mini fish. To get tickets to the Farm Easterville event, visit https://bit.ly/farmeastervilletickets. For more information or room reservation, visit www.crimsonhotel.com/manila.

Easter treats, activities at City of Dreams Manila

CITY of Dreams Manila highlights activities at DreamPlay, and a collection of artisanal chocolates and confections at Café Society for Easter. There is DreamPlay’s Ultimate Easter Eggstravaganza on Easter Sunday, where a VIP Pass (P2,399 net per person) gives pass holders all-day access to all the play space’s attractions, a make-your-own Easter egg activity, Easter egg cookie baking, an egg hunt at 3 p.m. with special freebies and chocolates to be awarded to winners, and an Easter parade at 5 p.m. The participants walk through City of Dreams Manila’s The Shops at The Boulevard retail strip as they fill their loot bags with Easter goodies from restaurants along the strip and from participating retail shops such as Boss and Furla. VIP Pass ticket holders are also entitled to the following freebies: an Easter tote bag, one scoop of bubble gum ice cream at Chez Gingy, and special DreamShop items from DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon movie. DreamPlay’s regular tickets with access to all the play space’s attractions are also available on the day at P1,500, while non-participating tickets can be purchased for P250. Guests can hop over to Café Society which is brimming with chocolate indulgences until April 17: Easter bunny and duck chocolates, colorful eggs with eight egg pralines, small bunny chocolates in white, dark, milk or ruby variants, Easter chocolate chicks, chocolate eggs in a meringue nest, Easter cookies and cream tiles, Easter cherry gianduja bars, among others. Other Easter-themed confections include bunny face cookies, egg chocolate sugar cookies, bunny green tea and white chocolate mousse cake, among others. For inquiries, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

The Pen holds Easter Egg hunt again

AFTER sheltering at home these past two years, The Peninsula Manila is inviting guests back to celebrate Easter Sunday on April 17 with a variety of activities and experiences for the whole family that include splashing in the pool or enjoying classic holiday traditions such as Easter Egg Hunts and special meals together as a family. There is the Easter Egg Hunt at The Conservatory where children enjoy activities while filling their Easter baskets with eggs at The Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt. This year, they can choose one of two sessions for the hunt, with a morning session taking place from 10 a.m. to noon, and another in the afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. The Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt activities include: Felt Eggs decorating; Craft Lollipop decorating; Papier-mâché Bunny, Bear, and Chick painting; the Candy Jenga Corner; the Ice Cream Stacking Corner; a Playground; and the Easter Egg Hunt. Only guests availing the Easter room package or Escolta restaurant’s Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet will enjoy complimentary access to the Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt. Only one accompanying adult per one child 10 years old and below. Throughout the Easter holiday weekend, from April 14 to 16, young guests can try Easter painting kits, playtime in bubble baths and in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, breakfast buffets in Escolta, and a fun Easter experience in the Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt on April 17, Easter Sunday, when their parents book the It’s Hip to Hop to The Peninsula this Easter room package. Rates start at P10,000 for a Deluxe Room (exclusive of taxes) and include a breakfast buffet in Escolta for two adults and two children, one Easter painting welcome amenity kit, and one passport to the Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt. Stay dates are April 14, 15, and 16. There is also an Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet in Escolta on April 17, noon to 3 p.m. (P4,300 for adults, and P1,700 for children under 12). The buffet features a spread that includes soups and mixed salads, fresh seafood, a variety of cheeses, pasta creations, a carving station, breakfast specialties, and a dessert buffet. Children under six years old get one passport to the Peninsula Candyland Adventure and Egg Hunt (only one complimentary passport per one adult and one child 10 years old and below availing of Escolta restaurant’s Easter Sunday Brunch). Meanwhile, seafood lovers can gather in Escolta and choose from a varied menu featuring the ocean’s bounty on April 15 and 16, 6:30-10 p.m. (P3,500 for adults; P1,400 for children under 12). This Easter weekend, the hotel will offer afternoon tea at The Upper Lobby. Tuck into macarons and chocolate cake and French pastries, in addition to the usual suspects of smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches and hot scones. There will also be a live station featuring fresh crepes and Filipino merienda specialties such as bibingka and puto bumbong. Afternoon tea will be offered on April 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2:30-5:30 p.m. (P3,000 with one flute of Champagne, P2,400 without). Finally, visit The Peninsula Boutique at the basement arcade where Easter-themed treats will be available from April 5 to 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For inquiries or reservations on The Peninsula Manila’s Easter room packages and culinary experience, call 8887-2888 (ext. 6630 for Rooms Reservations or 6694 for Restaurant Reservations), or e-mail reservationpmn@peninsula.com or diningpmn@peninsula.com.

EDSA Shangri-la celebrates easter

JOY, music, and laughter are part of the Easter celebration at Edsa Shangri-La’s La Casita Madrigal. With an interactive mini-musical by Clowning Around plus activities for the family the celebration will be on April 17, 2-5 p.m., at the Isala Grand Ballroom. Registration starts at 1 p.m. with rate set at P2,500 net per person. The price is inclusive of access to all entertainment and activities, snacks, and drinks. For tickets, visit bit.ly/ESLLaCasita or e-mail events.esl@shangri-la.com. In addition, HEAT will offer an “egg-stra” special Easter Lunch buffet that feature international and Asian cuisine. Specialties include its signature 36-hour roasted Angus beef leg, Japanese and Chinese favorites, Indian fare, Mediterranean dishes, and heirloom Filipino recipes. The Easter lunch buffet is P2,950 net, and is available on April 17 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Meanwhile, an Easter Afternoon Tea set is available daily at P1,450 net from 2 to 6 p.m. for the whole month of April. The Bakeshop also offers Easter treats, like its Easter Cake (P1,450 net) and Easter Hamper (P2,800 net) which are available until April 30. Japanese restaurant Senju will have a buffet on April 17 for P2,800 net. For home celebrations, there are the Easter Take-Me-Home sets for P5,500 net (good for five persons). Order a home feast from April 11-17. For takeaway and delivery orders, a 24-hour notice is needed. For inquiries and reservations, call 8633-8888, or e-mail manilaedsa@shangri-la.com. For takeaway and delivery, visit https://bit.ly/eslshangshop.

Celebrating Easter at RWM

EASTER is being celebrated at Resorts World Manila (RWM) through hotel offers and dining deals. International hotel brands, Marriott Hotel Manila and Sheraton Manila Hotel, offer Easter Room Packages that include an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two plus additional dining credits. Book the special offer until April 17. At the Holiday Inn Express Manila-Newport City, an overnight stay in a Superior Room with breakfast for two comes with a free Easter Carrot Cake for rates starting at P5,246 net until April 13. Kids can enjoy Marriott Cafe’s Easter Holiday Buffet with Egg Hunt and Dessert Table for P3,188 net on April 16-17. Hilton Manila’s Madison Lounge & Bar’s offers Easter egg kits, carrot cake, and hot cross buns in a special Easter bundle that also includes lamb chops and an 11-Spiced Spring Chicken. Order a set for the family from April 14-17. Feast with the family at Casa Buenas with the Seafood Fiesta for P1,999 net that features octopus and coconut kilawin, gambas al ajilo, wood oven roasted salmon with adlai and mixed vegetables, and garlic baked oyster. The Seafood Fiesta menu is and Easter Hamper (P2,800 net) which are available until April 30. Japanese restaurant Senju will have a buffet on April 17 for P2,800 net. For home celebrations, there are the Easter Take-Me-Home sets for P5,500 net (good for five persons). Order a home feast from April 11-17. For takeaway and delivery orders, a 24-hour notice is needed. For inquiries and reservations, call 8633-8888, or e-mail manilaedsa@shangri-la.com. For takeaway and delivery, visit https://bit.ly/eslshangshop.

Meralco Bolts get their chance to do it right in Game Four, a win away from PBA crown

April 13, 2022 | 12:03 am

By Olmin Leyba

SITTING on a 2-1 lead in a race-to-four dispute against Barangay Ginebra looked all too familiar for Meralco.

They were in the same situation back in 2016, the maiden edition of what has become a four-part Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup finals rivalry, but as everybody knows, that didn’t end well for Bolts, who eventually lost that one in six games.

Six years later, coach Norman Black and his troops get their chance to do it right in Game 4 and this time move a win away from their breakthrough PBA title.

“That was six years ago. We just have to live in the present, which is we’re up, 2-1, and we’ll be back on Wednesday,” Mr. Black said after the Bolts claimed the go-ahead 83-74 victory in Game 3 last Sunday.

“We have a couple of days to get our legs fresh and so do they. But in this business, you can’t live in the past, you have to live with what’s going on right now.”

Most pressing at this point is the strong fightback expected from the Gin Kings in the 6 p.m. dogfight likely to draw another huge crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Needless to say, we don’t want to fall too deeply into a (3-1) hole. It’s a must-win,” said Ginebra mentor Tim Cone, who rued how his charges “panicked” in the end game of the previous outing.

“We were disappointed with Game 3. We had our chances but they were tougher and better down the stretch. We’re hoping the extra day between games allows us to get over the disappointment and we can get our focus for Game 4.”

Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson banner the Gin Kings’ bid for the equalizer on the night they are tipped for personal achievements in the conference awards set at 5:55 p.m.

Mr. Brownlee looms as top candidate for Best Import versus Magnolia’s Mike Harris, Meralco’s Tony Bishop and NLEX’s Cameron Clark while the do-it-all Mr. Thompson contends for his first Best Player of the Conference accolade against NorthPort’s Robert Bolick and Arwind Santos, Phoenix’s Matthew Wright and TnT’s Mikey Williams.

Christian Standhardinger and LA Tenorio are similarly expected to step up as Ginebra tries to prevent the tough crew of Mr. Bishop, Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan from getting Meralco on the hill.

Big man Japeth Aguilar, who hasn’t seen action in the finals yet due to calf injury, remains a “game-time decision” for the Holy Wednesday encounter.

Gov’t partially awards reissued bonds on US CPI, Fed hike fears

April 13, 2022 | 12:03 am

THE GOVERNMENT partially awarded the reissued Treasury bonds (T-bonds) it offered on Tuesday as investors asked for higher rates due to expectations of tightening by the US Federal Reserve and faster US inflation.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised just P22.027 billion via the reissued five-year T-bonds it auctioned off on Tuesday, less than the programmed P35 billion, even as tenders reached P45.907 billion.

The reissued five-year debt papers, which have a remaining life of four years, were awarded at an average rate of 4.968%, 29.9 basis points (bps) higher than the 4.669% quoted when the series was last offered on March 15.

The average yield fetched for the debt papers was also higher than the 4.6929% quoted for the four-year tenor — the closest benchmark to the remaining life of the reissued papers — at the secondary market prior to the auction, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Had the Treasury made a full award of its offer, the reissued papers would have fetched an average rate of 5.019%.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon said in a Viber message to reporters that investors asked for higher rates following a rise in US Treasury yields due to hawkish comments from Fed officials last week, with the minutes of their March meeting also showing they intend to raise rates and reduce their asset holdings aggressively to fight rising prices.

“Markets also expect US inflation print in March to breach 8%,” Ms. De Leon said.

The Fed is expected to deliver two back-to-back half-point interest rate hikes in May and June to tackle runaway inflation, according to economists polled by Reuters who also say the probability of a recession next year is 40%.

With the unemployment rate near a record low, inflation the highest in four decades and a surge in global commodity prices set to persist, most analysts say the Fed needs to move quickly to keep price pressures under control, Reuters reported.

Fed officials in March “generally agreed” to cut up to $95 billion a month from the central bank’s asset holdings as another tool in the fight against surging inflation, even as the war in Ukraine tempered the first US interest rate increase.

Minutes of the Fed’s March 15-16 meeting showed deepening concern among policy makers that inflation had broadened through the economy, which convinced them to not only raise the target policy rate by a quarter of a percentage point from its near-zero level but also to “expeditiously” push it to a “neutral posture,” estimated to be around 2.4%.

Yields on US Treasury securities ticked higher after the release of the minutes last week, with the 10-year note yield climbing to 2.6%.

Economists polled by Reuters forecast the US consumer price index (CPI) to be released on Tuesday would post an 8.4% year-over-year increase for the month.

A trader in a Viber message said the auction result was “well within expectations,” as they expected the BTr to cap bids at 5%.

“However, we can also see that the market is really defensive given higher CPI forecasts and a much aggressive Fed tightening cycle,” the trader said.

“The partial award implies that dealers and investors are cautious and still hesitant to build up major positions in anticipation of higher yields in the months to come,” a second trader added.

The BTr plans to raise P200 billion from the local market in April, or P60 billion through Treasury bills and P140 billion via T-bonds.

The government borrows from domestic and external sources to help fund a budget deficit capped at 7.7% of gross domestic product this year. — T.J. Tomas with Reuters

Should you get a second COVID booster?

April 13, 2022 | 12:03 am

CHICAGO — US officials now say that people 50 and older can get a second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) booster shot to fortify their immune defenses against COVID-19. But for individuals in that group, the decision is complicated.

Here are considerations health experts say people should weigh.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION?
Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said any person aged 50 and older can get a second COVID-19 booster of an mRNA vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech at least four months following their last shot.

The same goes for people who are severely immunocompromised aged 12 and up as well as those who have received two doses of Johnson & Johnson’s shot.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the aim is to give older adults the option to top up waning vaccine protection against severe disease as the virus continues to circulate.

The highly transmissible Omicron BA.2 subvariant has fueled cases in other countries and is now sweeping the United States, accounting for the majority of all coronavirus infections here.

WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?
Data presented to a panel of FDA advisers last week showed that current vaccines lose much of their effectiveness in staving off infections from the Omicron variant but still do a good job at preventing severe disease, especially in people with healthy immune systems.

Concerns about the variant’s ability to evade the vaccine as well as data showing the shots become less protective over time prompted US health officials to authorize a second booster.

Evidence in favor of a second booster comes from an Israeli study of more than 1.2 million adults published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that a fourth dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine lowered rates of severe COVID-19 among those age 60 and older but offered only short-lived additional protection against infection.

WEIGHING THE RISK
The decision to get a fourth dose should take into account a person’s individual risk factors, experts say.

For people 65 and older, the immunocompromised, or those 50 and older with serious medical conditions, the answer is “pretty easy,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. They should get a second booster.

But for healthy people over 50, experts are unsure available data makes a clear case for them to get another booster.

“There’s no clear evidence that vaccine protection against severe illness is waning in healthy adults with functioning immune systems,” said Dr. Michael Daignault, emergency physician and chief medical advisor to Reliant Health Services, an Atlanta-based testing company.

Dr. Daignault said the Israeli study may have been flawed by confounding factors such as other preexisting health conditions and behavior.

“I’m not convinced that most people need a fourth dose — or second booster — at this time,” he said.

Dr. Gregory Poland, a former FDA vaccine advisory panel member and head of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group, said the decision is challenging for many.

“I get many, many calls from my physician colleagues at the clinic and around the United States, wondering what to do,” he said.

For people who have had a third shot, the risk of severe disease is already pretty low, said Dr. Jesse Goodman, an infectious disease expert at Georgetown University and a former FDA chief scientist.

Dr. Goodman said a fourth dose “may reduce it further, but we don’t know for how long. That’s why this is such a difficult call,” he said.

Dr. Goodman, who is 70, and Dr. Poland, who is 66, both said they are holding off on a fourth dose based on their current health.

Because protection from a second booster is likely short-lived, Dr. Poland suggested people may want to time their shot for a trip, a high-risk event, or a new surge in cases. — Reuters

PhilWeb posts P5.6-M net income

April 13, 2022 | 12:03 am

GAMING and internet company PhilWeb Corp. announced that its first-quarter net income hit P5.58 million, lower by nearly 22% year on year, but it said revenues during the period were on an uptrend.

“Our revenues are now increasing with the easing of COVID restrictions. These were dampened due to the Omicron surge earlier this year, but our March 2022 revenues are the highest since our gaming services resumed in 2017,” PhilWeb President Brian K. Ng said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the community quarantine restrictions had prevented patrons from visiting gaming venues from April to October last year.

“But the timely launch of our ‘egamescasino.ph Remote Gaming Platform’ at the end of March 2021 allowed our partners to continue to provide safe and legal gaming services to their registered patrons, in the safety of their own homes,” Mr. Ng added.

In the first quarter of 2022, the company said its revenues were up 32% to P181.7 million, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was at P32.1 million.

In 2021, total revenues more than doubled to P538 million from P265 million in the previous year.

PhilWeb’s Chairman Gregorio Ma. Araneta III said the company’s services had already contributed more than P256 million to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the government in the first quarter alone.

“Our business partners, the licensed venue operators, are able to provide a legal, regulated, trusted, and safe gaming experience to the public, whether it be inside the venue, or online. We look forward to growing and continuing this for the long term,” he said.

PhilWeb’s regulated gaming solutions currently covers more than 150 eGames and eBingo venues nationwide, up 75 locations as of end-2020.

In 2003, the company received a government license to launch e-Games Stations, which are Internet cafes exclusively dedicated to casino games.

PhilWeb’s subsidiaries include BigGame, Inc.; e-Magine Gaming Corp.; PhilWeb Asia-Pacific Corp.; Major Games and Amusement Corp.; and PhilWeb Mobile Lottery Corp.

At the stock exchange on Tuesday, PhilWeb shares were up by 3.57% or P0.08 to close at P2.32 each. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Hugh Laurie brings Agatha Christie murder-mystery to TV

April 13, 2022 | 12:03 am

Joshua James, Lucy Boynton, Will Poulter, and Jonathan Jules in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (2022) — A scene from the TV show Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?. — IMDB.COM

LONDON — British actor Hugh Laurie, best known for playing an eccentric doctor in the TV series House, brings what he says is his favorite Agatha Christie novel to the screen with his new TV show Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?.

The three-part mini-series was written, produced, and directed by Mr. Laurie, who also stars in a supporting role.

“I would say the novel has been a passion of mine for a long time,” Mr. Laurie, 62, told Reuters on the eve of the show’s debut.

“The more I thought about it, the more I enjoyed the idea of trying to get what I thought was a sort of comic adventure spirit onto the screen.”

Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? was first published in the United Kingdom in 1934.

The novel, and the TV show, center around the affable Bobby Jones (Will Poulter), who finds a dying man near the cliffs of the Welsh seaside. The stranger is only able to utter the puzzling question of the title before he dies. Together with his childhood friend, Lady Frances “Frankie” Derwent (Lucy Boynton), Bobby sets out to find what happened to the man and provide an answer to his final query.

“There’s a snappy, almost American kind of style to it that I think she (Christie) was going for,” Mr. Laurie said of his source material.

“I felt it was a very precious thing to try and preserve and maybe in some places, go and explore a little further. But I’m trying to be as faithful to the spirit of the thing as I could.”

Why Didn’t They Ask Evans, which also stars Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent and Paul Whitehouse, starts streaming on BritBox on Tuesday. — Reuters

Britney Spears expecting third child

April 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

britney-post — SCREENSHOT FROM INSTAGRAM.COM/BRITNEYSPEARS

SINGER Britney Spears announced she is pregnant with her third child by posting a message on Instagram on Monday.

Ms. Spears, 40, not only revealed her pregnancy but also appeared to announce she has gotten married to her fiance Sam Asghari, 28, calling him her “husband” in the post.

Ms. Spears described how she noticed changes in her stomach that at first she dismissed as weight gain.

“So I got a pregnancy test … and uhhhhh well … I am having a baby,” she posted.

The pop star also recounted how she suffered depression during a previous pregnancy and how she now feels women can more openly discuss their mental health while pregnant.

“This time I will be doing yoga every day !!! Spreading lots of joy and love!!!” she wrote.

In June 2021, Ms. Spears complained in court in her conservatorship case that she was being prevented from marrying or having more children.

In November, a judge ended her 13-year conservatorship that had allowed her father, Jamie Spears, to control her personal life and $60 million estate.

Ms. Spears has two sons, Sean Preston, 16, and Jayden James, 15, from her previous marriage with Kevin Federline. — Reuters

Meralco outlasts Limitless, 22-18, advances to PBA 3×3 quarterfinals

April 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

LEG 4 winner Meralco 3×3 outclassed Legs 3 and 5 victor Limitless in a heavyweight showdown, 22-18, to go 3-0 and grab an early quarterfinal seat in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 3×3 Second Conference Leg 6 on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Maclean Sabellina, Tonino Gonzaga, Dexter Maiquez and Joseph Sedurifa unleashed an 11-4 blast to take the fight out of the Appmasters, who struggled with a 1-2 start in Pool A action.

The Bolts made Limitless their third victims of Day 1 after previously stamping their class on Sista Super Sealers, 21-11, and NorthPort, 21-13.

Barangay Ginebra ran second in the group with 2-1, anchoring its output on a 21-17 upset of the Appmasters and a 21-11 mangling of Sista. The Gin Kings, though, fell to the Batang Pier, 21-16.

Fancied Appmasters Brandon Rosser, Jorey Napoles, Reymar Caduyac and Marvin Hayes have a win to show in three games, a 22-15 verdict over NorthPort, and face a must-win in Wednesday’s elims wind-up against Sista (1-2) to salvage a ticket to the Last-8.

TnT and Pioneer Pro Tibay, meanwhile, secured the two quarters spots from Pool B with back-to-back wins.

The Tropang Giga beat Terrafirma, 21-16, and San Miguel Beer, 21-18, while Pioneer prevailed against the Beermen, 17-16, and the Dyip, 16-12.

Purefoods matched TnT and Pioneer’s 2-0 marks to take pole position in Pool C ahead of Platinum Karaoke (1-1) and Cavitex (1-1).

The Titans dominated Master Sardines, 21-9, then turned back Platinum Karaoke, 21-17. Platinum was victorious against Cavitex, 21-16, while the Braves won over the Fishing Champs via the same scoreline. — Olmin Leyba

Two digital banks approve 120,000 deposit accounts in less than a year

April 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

TWO DIGITAL BANKS onboarded more than 100,000 deposit accounts in less than a year of operations, the central bank said.

“I’m happy to share that they were able to onboard additional 120,000 deposit accounts in a span of less than a year,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.

“With a seamless and innovative customer experience in a mobile application for account opening and with the relaxation of regulatory requirements for basic deposit accounts, the usual barriers to opening deposit accounts were addressed,” Mr. Diokno said.

Among the six entities that were granted digital bank licenses by the BSP, only state-led Overseas Filipino Bank and Tonik Digital Bank have started operating after being established last year.

The others given licenses by the BSP in 2021 are Uno Digital Bank, Union Digital Bank, GOTyme and Maya Bank. All are expected to start operating within this year.

The BSP has imposed a moratorium on granting digital bank licenses as it wants to monitor developments and foster competition in the sector.

“I think we plan to see first how they [digital banks] will perform relative to the regular banks… I’m thinking of a time horizon of about two years [for the moratorium],” Mr. Diokno said.

Digital banks, unlike traditional lenders, are not required to set up branches. Instead, they have digital platforms where clients can set up an account, deposit, or apply for a loan, among other services.

“This can spell the difference in digital bank operations and in greater market penetration, especially since 47% of Filipino adults are still unbanked,” Mr. Diokno said. The BSP hopes to bring in 70% adult Filipinos into the formal financial system by 2023.

Online lenders are also seen to help bridge the gap in financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up about 99% of all businesses in the country.

“Digital banks can cater to MSMEs with low or no digital footprint in terms of historic electronic financial data,” Mr. Diokno said.

“A common strategy for these digital banks is to engage MSMEs through simple and quick deposit onboarding, then empower them with business solution platforms that facilitate the digitalization of MSME operations,” the BSP chief added. — L.W.T. Noble

From leptospirosis to dengue, the health risks created by improper waste disposal

April 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR — such as improper waste disposal — is exacerbating the effects of climate change.

“Climate change is creating more severe weather events. Metro Manila can barely handle the heaviest rains, and we have areas that are naturally low-lying — from houses to streets, subdivisions, and even cities,” said Ricardo Noel R. Gervasio, supervising health program officer of the Health Promotion Bureau, in an April 7 webinar organized by the World Health Organization-Philippines. “What more if we exacerbate the problem by illegally dumping garbage?”

There are 1,500 tons of garbage that are either dumped or burned illegally in Metro Manila alone, he added, citing the Asian Development Bank’s Garbage Book.

“For context, a compact sedan — let’s say a Toyota Vios — weighs around one ton,” Mr. Gervasio told the webinar audience. “Imagine burning or dumping 1,500 Toyota Vioses everyday… and that’s just from illegal dumping.”

Garbage is the “number one cause” of flooding in Metro Manila as it blocks drainage, said former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin de Castro Abalos, Jr. in a June 2021 news report.

Flooding can lead to waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that people are susceptible to when they have to wade through contaminated water. It can also cause dengue outbreaks, as stagnant bodies of water become breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.

Practicing proper hygiene, including hand washing, becomes very important in the face of climate change, said Mr. Gervasio: “On the one hand, we have to warn people against drinking contaminated water during the rainy season. On the other hand, you have to remind people to conserve water for times when there isn’t enough to go around.”

Climate change touches all seven areas in the bureau’s Health Promotion Framework Strategy: diet and exercise; environmental health; vaccine and immunization; substance use; mental health; sexual and reproductive health; and violence and injury prevention.

Mr. Gervasio added that the upcoming elections will be key in implementing the national health roadmap: “Our votes count and can shape climate change resilience, the environmental impact our community has, and health in general.” — Patricia B. Mirasol

Cebu Pacific takes delivery of 18^th eco-plane

April 13, 2022 | 12:02 am

BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced on Tuesday that it had taken delivery of its 10^th A321neo (new engine option) from Airbus, as part of its strategy to boost operations by adding more environmentally friendly aircraft.

The newest A321neo is the airline’s 18^th eco-plane, it said in an e-mailed statement.

The eco-plane “is known for its 20% increase in fuel-efficiency, on top of nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft,” it added.

Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex B. Reyes said the airline’s shift to the more fuel-efficient neo engine aircraft “not only supports our sustainability strategy, but also enables us to continue offering our trademark low fares.”

“The arrival is timely because we see positive developments indicating recovery. We are continuously ramping up our domestic network and are preparing for more international destinations to ease restrictions for leisure travelers,” he added.

The airline aims to restore more than 100% of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity this month.

It recently renewed its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board “to inspire Filipinos to travel again.”

“We believe this partnership is very timely as it’ll surely contribute to the recovery of both the industry, as well as our respective countries,” said Candice A. Iyog, vice-president for marketing and customer experience at Cebu Pacific.

The airline noted that Singapore recently reopened its borders to all fully vaccinated Filipinos. — Arjay L. Balinbin