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Gilas Pilipinas in difficult outing against tall Indian squad — Reyes

COACH CHOT REYES — SBP.PH

By John Bryan Ulanday

GILAS Pilipinas is not expecting a walk in the park in spite of its home court advantage and a higher ranking when it troops into action against India in the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ranked 33rd in the FIBA World rankings plus the perks of having the Filipino fans for the first time in two years, Gilas will still be in a tough outing against the taller and more cohesive Indian squad, according to coach Chot Reyes.

“No. 1 is they have size. They’re a tall team,” said Mr. Reyes of India, No. 80 in the world but with an average height of 6-foot-6.

“They’ve been together for a decade already. You can imagine the kind of chemistry and familiarity they’ve built with each other. That alone is a cause for us to make sure that it will take our best to be able to compete against them,” he added.

Gilas, on the other hand, is ushering a new start following a coaching change and roster overhaul only this month.

Add that to India’s revenge bid after bowing to New Zealand in a wire-to-wire 101-46 loss last night for the lone game opener of the Group A games, and Gilas has an even bigger mountain to scale, warned Mr. Reyes.

“We’re certain that they’re going to be well-coached and well-prepared. That’s the thing I told our team, we have to completely be ready for a very tough team against India,” he added.

Gilas is yet to name its final 12-man cast from the 15-strong pool it brought to the FIBA bubble, but it is expected to be bannered by the TnT Tropang Giga core and naturalized player Ange Kouame.

TnT players that are in the pool are Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Troy Rosario, Kelly Williams, Gab Banal and Kib Montalbo with Robert Bolick, Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Lebron Lopez, Will Navarro, Jaydee Tungcab and Tzaddy Rangel.

The Batman: Robert Pattinson lives childhood dream on big screen

A SCENE from the film The Batman

LONDON — Robert Pattinson used to dress up as Batman his “entire childhood,” he said. Now the British actor is about to debut his version of the caped crusader in the latest movie about the DC Comics superhero.

“This is bizarre to me,” Mr. Pattinson, 35, said on the red carpet for a London screening of The Batman on Wednesday. “I’d be so curious what my childhood self would think of this.”

Mr. Pattinson, who rose to global fame with the Twilight movies, follows in the footsteps of Adam West, Val Kilmer, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and more recently Ben Affleck among others, to play Bruce Wayne/Batman.

“I mean the legacy of the actors who played (Batman), they’ve all been such massive parts of my life and my interest in film and why I wanted to be an actor in the first place,” Mr. Pattinson said.

“It’s just incredible to be a part of the same coterie,” he said, noting that acting with a mask on was “surprisingly difficult.”

“I grew up on Adam West (playing Batman). I think my costume when I was a kid was an Adam West one.”

In the movie, Batman investigates corruption in Gotham following the murders of several of senior figures by sadistic serial killer, the Riddler.

“There are great Batman movies and it’s a character that everyone loves … so for me you don’t approach it without a heavy dose of terror,” director Matt Reeves said.

“In certain ways it’s a psychological horror movie, it’s a thriller, it’s a serial killer movie and it’s also a kind of a grand love story.”

The cast also includes Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis and Paul Dano. Zoë Kravitz plays Selina Kyle/Catwoman.

“Matt … really wanted to explore Selina as a three-dimensional human being and to meet her so early in the story before she’s Catwoman is something we haven’t necessarily seen before,” Ms. Kravitz said.

The Batman begins its global rollout from March 1. — Reuters

ICTSI Subic now part of maritime giant MSC’s Asian coverage

ICTSI.COM
SBITC facilitated the maiden call of the 2475 TEU-capacity MSC Sotiria III — one of the vessels operating MSC’s expanded Seahorse Service.

LISTED port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) announced on Thursday the inclusion of its Subic port in the expanded service of Swiss-Italian maritime giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.’s (SBITC) inclusion in the so-called Seahorse Service of MSC provides “industries in northern and central Luzon with a reliable link to global markets — especially Europe and the United States,” ICTSI said in an e-mailed statement.

MSC is considered the world’s largest shipping line in terms of capacity. It has access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources worldwide, ICTSI said.

It sails on more than 230 trade routes and calls over 500 ports.

The expanded service is seen to improve connection between Subic and Singapore, ICTSI said.

The updated service is expected to help speed up shipments of dry and reefer imports by MSC from Europe, United States, Canada, South America and other long-haul markets.

“Aside from making regular calls in Subic, the updated service also calls North Port in Manila, which was already part of the previous port rotation,” ICTSI said.

“The updated rotation covers Tanjung Pelepas – Singapore – Manila – Subic – Kaohsiung – Vung Tau – Tanjung Pelepas.”

As of the third quarter of 2021, ICTSI’s total revenues hit $1.37 billion, a 24% increase from $1.1 billion previously.

Its net income attributable to equity holders for the January-to-September period was $316.4 million, 73% higher than the $182.6 million earned in the same period in 2020.

The company handled consolidated volume of 8,266,621 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the period, 11% more than the 7,426,307 TEUs handled in the same period in 2020.

ICTSI shares closed 2.78% lower at P210 apiece on Thursday. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Meralco Bolts break Terrafirma Dyip, 107-95

MERALCO turned to full power and tripped Terrafirma, 107-95, to coast to its sixth win in seven starts and stay in the Top 2 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup standings on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Bolts used a 30-19 exchange in the second quarter to break away to a 60-45 margin and kept on charging en route to their second straight victory after their 109-98 embarrassment to erstwhile winless NorthPort last week.

Meralco coach Norman Black said the squad was conscious about not repeating the NorthPort misstep against a Dyip crew (2-6) that’s hungry for an upset and seeking a major boost to their playoffs drive.

“Certainly, that loss to NorthPort was on our minds entering this game. We didn’t want to stumble again knowing the elimination round is coming to an end pretty soon and everyone’s fighting for position,” said Mr. Black.

“We don’t want to fall today to Terrafirma and we just want to come out and run as much as possible, play good defense, get a win and prepare for our next game against Alaska,” he added.

That they did as the Bolts scored 20 fastbreak points and held the Dyip to a 33-of-82 shooting clip (40.2%) while making half of their 78 attempts in their offensive end.

Tony Bishop delivered 26 points and 11 rebounds with Meralco’s local troops Allein Maliksi (18 markers and six assists), Cliff Hodge (16 points and six boards), Bong Quinto (11) and Chris Newsome (10) providing heavy support.

Antonio Hester banged in 23 with 17 rebounds for Terrafirma, which fell to back-to-back losses and stranded at 10th spot.

Meanwhile, third-running NLEX beefed up for its Top 4 push by trading with Phoenix Super LPG to get stretch big man Justin Chua on Thursday.

The Road Warriors welcomed Mr. Chua even as they sent young forward Kris Porter as well as their 47th season second-round pick and 48th season first-round selection to the Fuel Masters.

“We like Justin’s game and we believe his style of play is a good fit for our system,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. “He is a big man who can shoot, he’s a good player who can play coming off ball screens and he can post as well.”

NLEX (6-3) is making a run for the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals while dealing with injuries to frontliners Tony Semerad, Calvin Oftana and Mike Miranda.

The Scores:

Meralco 107 – Bishop 26, Maliksi 18, Hodge 16, Quinto 11, Newsome 10, Black 8, Almazan 7, Banchero 6, Caram 5, Baclao 0, Pasaol 0, Canete 0, Jose 0

Terrafirma 95 – Hester 23, Munzon 17, Tiongson 13, Daquioag 11, Camson 10, Cahilig 6, Gabayni 5, Batiller 3, Pascual 3, Ramos 2, Calvo 2, Balagasay 0, Go 0

Quarterscores: 30-26, 60-45, 89-73,107-95. — Olmin Leyba

Husband of slain cinematographer ‘so angry’ Baldwin took no blame

ALEC BALDWIN in Still Alice — IMDB.COM

THE HUSBAND of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins has said he was “so angry” that actor Alec Baldwin denied responsibility for her death after Mr. Baldwin shot her during the filming of the Western Rust.

In his first interview since filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr. Baldwin and about two dozen other defendants last week, Matt Hutchins was asked if he had watched Mr. Baldwin’s December interview with ABC News in which the actor said he was not responsible for Halyna’s death.

“I was just so angry to see him talk about her death so publicly, in such a detailed way and then to not accept any responsibility after having just described killing her,” Mr. Hutchins said in a clip aired on Wednesday from a Today program interview.

Aaron Dyer, Mr. Baldwin’s lawyer, was not immediately available for comment.

Halyna Hutchins was killed in Oct. 2021 when a revolver Mr. Baldwin was rehearsing with during filming in New Mexico fired a live round that hit her and movie director Joel Souza, who survived.

Mr. Hutchins last week filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mr. Baldwin and about two dozen other defendants, claiming they disregarded standard industry practices meant to keep movie sets safe.

In the December interview, Mr. Baldwin said live rounds should never have been allowed on the set.

“I feel that someone is responsible for what happened, and I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me,” Mr. Baldwin said.

Mr. Hutchins was asked if the majority of blame for his wife’s killing lay with Mr. Baldwin.

“The idea that the person holding the gun causing it to discharge is not responsible, is absurd to me,” Mr. Hutchins said.

Last week, in response to the lawsuit, Mr. Dyer said Mr. Baldwin should have been able to rely on the film’s armorer, prop department, and assistant directors to ensure the gun was safe to use. — Reuters

BDO posts higher profit in 2021

BW FILE PHOTO
BDO UNIBANK, Inc. booked a higher net income in 2021 as its core businesses recovered. — BW FILE PHOTO

BDO UNIBANK, Inc. recorded a higher net income in 2021 following the recovery of its non-interest earnings and lower loan loss provisions.

The bank’s net income rose by 51% year on year to P42.8 billion from P28.2 billion in 2020, it said in a filing with the local bourse.

Return on equity improved to 10.5% in 2021 from 7.6% in 2020.

However, the bank’s income was 3% below the P44.2 billion it booked in 2019 before the crisis.

“BDO’s full-year profits were buoyed by an 11% increase in non-interest income and normalized provisions,” the bank said.

BDO in an e-mail said its net interest income for 2021 decreased by 1.79% year on year to P131.3 billion from P133.7 billion.

Meanwhile, non-interest income rose by 11% to P61.3 billion from P55.2 billion.

Loan growth was at 6% last year, faster than the industry rate of 5%. This was supported by improving business conditions in the latter part of the year, which partly offset muted credit activity for most of 2021.

Asset quality at end-2021 improved as BDO’s nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio declined to 2.8% from 3.1% as of the third quarter. The ratio stood at 2.65% as of end-2020.

The bank’s NPL coverage was also higher at 111% despite normalizing provisions.

On the funding side, total deposits with the bank increased by 8% year on year, supported by the 13% growth in current account/savings account deposits.

BDO’s total capital base increased to P424.5 billion in 2021. At end-2021, the capital adequacy ratio was at 14.6%, which is above the regulatory minimum.

Its book value per share rose by 8% year on year to P95.26 in 2021 from P88.11.

BDO said it will continue to prioritize digital initiatives. Last year, the bank launched its mobile wallet called BDO Pay.

Meanwhile, the rollout of the QR-based branch processing now covers about 65% of the network, with full completion targeted by midyear. QR-based processing allows 80% of branch transactions to be processed straight-through end-to-end significantly, which improves branch productivity and customer experience.

BDO has over 1,500 consolidated operating branches. It is the country’s biggest bank in terms of its assets, which was at P3.409 trillion as of September 2021, based on central bank data.

The Sy-led lender’s shares closed at P130.10 apiece on Thursday, down P4.70 from its previous finish. — Luz Wendy T. Noble

Century Properties lists P3-B five-year bonds

CENTURY Properties Group, Inc. (CPG) on Thursday listed the first P3-billion tranche of its P6-billion shelf-registered debt securities.

“As we value the trust given by our investors, we commit and we will be guided by our prudent financial management to help bring to fruition our expansion plans and make quality homes accessible to more Filipinos through our horizontal affordable housing business, a segment that has remained robust even as the pandemic loomed,” CPG President and Chief Executive Officer Marco R. Antonio said during the listing ceremony.

“We are also cautiously optimistic on the prospects of our leasing business and our vertical residential projects,” he added.

The company previously said that P1 billion of the proceeds from the bond offering will be used for the projects of its joint venture with Mitsubishi Corp., PHirst Park Homes, Inc.

PHirst Park Homes currently has 11 masterplanned communities in Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Pampanga.

Proceeds from the offering will also be used to partially refinance debt as well as for other general corporate purposes.

The P3-billion five-year 5.7524% fixed-rate retail bonds due 2027 issuance comprised a P2-billion base offer with an oversubscription option of P1 billion, marking the company’s fourth capital markets transaction of CPG.

“With the market fully taking up not only the P2-billion base offer but likewise, the full amount of the P1-billion oversubscription, we thank our investors for the trust and confidence and this confirms our outlook that brighter prospects are ahead of us, not only for CPG but also for the Philippine economy,” Mr. Antonio said.

Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx) President and CEO Antonino A. Nakpil said the CPG’s P3-billion fixed-rate retail bonds were the fifth-straight oversubscribed issuance this year. The year-to-date total of the new listings at the PDEx amounts to P112.5 billion.

The total level of tradable corporate debt instruments stands at P1.38 trillion, which are issued by 53 firms via 193 securities.

Meanwhile, shares of Century Properties at the stock exchange declined 3.53% or 0.015 centavos to close at 41 centavos apiece on Thursday. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Azkals up against familiar foe in 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

PHILIPPINE AZKALS — THE AZKALS FB PAGE

THE Philippine Azkals will be up against familiar opponents led by Yemen as they make the final push for a spot in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.

During Thursday’s virtual draw, the Pinoy booters found themselves bunched with the Yemenis, Palestine and host Mongolia in Group B in the last round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers set in June in Ulaanbaatar.

The Azkals will meet Yemen again after four previous face-offs the last seven years. They took turns winning their two matches in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2015 then battled to a pair of draws two years later in the Qualifiers for the 2019 Asian Cup.

Palestine is also an old rival with the Azkals beating the Middle Eastern side in the bronze medal match of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, 4-3, and the Palestinians getting payback in the Challenge Cup title showdown in 2014, 1-0.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Mongolia battled back in 2011 in the Challenge Cup qualifiers with the Filipinos winning the first leg in Bacolod, 2-0, and the Mongolians responding with a 2-1 win at home. The Azkals won on goal aggregate, 3-2.

The goal will be to top the group or finish among the best five second-placers across the six groups to book a return trip to the Asia’s premier competition to be held in China. Already through the main tournament are the host Chinese, Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Oman, 2019 champion Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. — Olmin Leyba

Metrobank net income up 60%

METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) saw its net income increase by 60% last year as it set aside lower loan loss reserves.

The bank’s net profit reached P22.364 billion in 2021 from P13.974 billion in 2020, based on its audited financial statement filed with the local bourse.

Return on equity increased to 6.89% as of end-2021 from 4.36% a year earlier. Meanwhile, return on average assets rose to 0.89% from 0.56%.

However, the lender’s net earnings have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic level of P28.874 billion in 2019.

“Our positive performance in 2021 validates our strategies of fortifying our balance sheet and proactive provisioning during the pandemic,” Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee said in a statement.

Metrobank’s net interest income dropped by 12.8% to P75.049 billion in 2021 from P86.107 billion a year earlier, mainly due to lower income from loans and receivables amid the decline in volume and the interest rate cap on credit card.

Interest earnings from loans and receivables went down by 23.5% year on year to P65.525 billion from P85.69 billion. The bank’s net interest margin has stabilized at 3.4% since the second quarter of 2021.

“The sequential quarterly recovery in corporate and credit card loans has likewise been sustained, reflecting improving business and consumer confidence,” Metrobank said.

It added that the 12% increase in its low-cost current and savings accounts to P1.5 trillion helped bring down overall funding costs.

Metrobank’s loan loss provisions reached P11.834 billion, down by 71% from the P40.76 billion in 2020, which was during the height of the pandemic lockdowns.

Gross nonperforming loans (NPLs) dropped by 11.5% to P27.354 billion from P30.919 billion.

This brought the bank’s NPL ratio to 2.2%, down from 2.4% in the prior year. NPL cover also improved to 174.7% from 163%.

Meanwhile, the lender’s non-interest income went down by 26.4% year on year to P25.831 billion from P35.129 billion amid lower trading and foreign exchange gains which offset the increase in free income.

Broken down, income from fees, services and commissions rose by 14.6% to P13.418 billion. However, trading gains went down by 48.9% to P3.354 billion, while foreign exchange gains dropped by 55.9% to P1.904 billion.

Other operating costs declined by 1% to P59.473 billion from P60.12 billion mainly amid lower occupancy and tax costs.

As of end-2021 Metrobank’s consolidated assets and equity stood at P2.5 trillion and P318.5 billion, respectively.

Its capital adequacy ratio was estimated to have ended 2021 at 19.3%, while common equity Tier 1 ratio was seen at 18.4%, based on its end-December balance sheet. Both are above the minimum regulatory requirements.

The Ty-led lender raised P19 billion through its offering of 5.25-year bonds in May last year.

Metrobank’s shares finished at P59.50 each on Thursday, down by 35 centavos or by 0.58% from its previous close. — L.W.T. Noble

Alternative metrics pointing to tighter US labor market

REUTERS

THE US labor market is even hotter than the picture given by an unemployment rate nearing a 50-year low, according to research by some economists that warns of sustained inflationary pressures.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. economists led by Jan Hatzius found there’s a shortage of 4.6 million workers, the most since the World War II period. That figure compares the total number of jobs — including the near-record for those still open — and the size of the labor force, or the number of people employed plus those looking for work.

In separate research this week, economists including Jason Faberman at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that the labor force is smaller than traditional data suggest. That’s because more people don’t want to work, and those who do want fewer hours. By their measure, which relied on a survey from the New York Fed, the job market at the end of 2021 was already tighter than the pre-pandemic period. 

The research points to a drastically reshaped labor force coming out of the pandemic that traditional indicators may not capture. It also highlights that employers are set for an even tougher — and more expensive — year finding workers. Wages will jump 5% in 2022 as companies fight for talent, Goldman economists said in a note to clients last week.

A recent research paper by another group of economists measured the so-called natural rate of unemployment, or the jobless rate needed for inflation to remain stable. That measure rose from about 4.5% before the pandemic to 5.9% by the end of 2021, mostly due to strong wage growth, they calculated. The current rate, at 4%, is comfortably below both figures.

That adds pressure to prices, and will keep underlying inflation 0.5 percentage points above trend even by the end of 2023, according to the authors, including Marc Giannoni at the Dallas Fed and Ayşegül Şahin at the University of Texas at Austin.

The estimates of job-market tightness come even as payrolls are 2.87 million lower today than in February 2020. The labor force, which captures working age people who either have a job or are looking for one, remains about 900,000 lower since that time. Job openings and the quits rate are hovering near record highs. — Bloomberg

Metro Pacific Tollways invests in mobility app for customers

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) officially introduced on Thursday its MPT DriveHub, a smartphone application that houses the company’s mobility solutions for customers.

The application, which will be available on March 1, allows motorists to manage their trips through its three key features: RFID or radio-frequency identification transactions, trip planning, and roadside assistance.

This means that users will be able to manage their RFID accounts, whether to check their balances or reload; calculate their toll fees to prepare payments ahead; know where the nearest pit stops are for dining, bathroom breaks, gas-ups, and shops; as well as get relevant traffic advisory and updates.

“MPT DriveHub allows users to immediately request for roadside assistance by readily having the expressway hotline number in the app, so help is one call away wherever you are on NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), SCTEX (Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway), and CAVITEX (Manila–Cavite Expressway) or CALAX (Cavite–Laguna Expressway),” the company said in a statement.

At a briefing, MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco said the company’s vision for the MPT DriveHub is “to become a superapp for motorists.”

“It’s going to be a superapp for all your mobility needs to make your journey and travel more pleasant,” he added.

MPT Mobility Vice-President for Business Development Mark Richmund M. De Leon said the company is already developing the app “to introduce more services in the future such as e-wallets, motorists’ marketplace, and electric vehicle charging locator map to equip our motorists with more solutions.”

“We’re open to partnerships and app integrations to accelerate the MPT DriveHub’s service offerings,” he also said.

MPTC noted that aside from NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITE, and CALAX, the application will also be available for Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., 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

Stuff to do (02/25/22)

OPM live at Resorts World Manila

RESORTS World Manila (RWM) celebrates the long weekend with live entertainment from the best ballads, to alternative rock, to pop at the The Grand Bar and Lounge, Bar360, and El Calle Food and Music Hall. Headlining the weekend shows at The Grand Bar and Lounge is pop/R&B band Freestyle on Feb. 25, 9 p.m. Door charge is P800 with consumable food and drinks. Catch Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 4 Quarter Finalist Shan dela Vega’s sets at 7:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. On Saturday, Soul Republiq is on, at 8 p.m., and Judith Banal and The Powerplay Band perform at 10:15 p.m., while Donna has got you on Sunday at 8 p.m. Top Suzara takes the Bar360 stage on Feb. 26, 10:45 p.m. There is a door charge of P1,000 minimum consumable of food and drinks. For more music, Bar360 has Jo and The Holy Notes and Juan Miguel Salvador and The Authority Band performs on Friday at 7:45 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively; Tirso Cruz IV and The TAC4 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.; and Brad and Nina on Sundays at 8 p.m. Guests aged 21 years old and above can watch The Grand Bar and Lounge and Bar360 shows for a minimum cover charge per person, with consumable food and drinks. Over at Newport Mall’s El Calle Food and Music Hall, Tawag ng Tanghalan alumnus Rox Puno will perform on Feb. 25, and singer-songwriter Nino Alejandro on Feb. 26, at 8 p.m. RWM adheres to the strict implementation of the standard health and safety protocols set by the IATF and health department. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. For more information on RWM’s entertainment offers, visit www.rwmanila.com and follow @rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila Instagram.

Online fan meet for KDLex

THE FANS of Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada have a chance to meet them in the duo’s first fan convention, “Closer: The KDLex FanCon,” on Feb. 26, 8 p.m., via KTX and SKY Pay-Per-View. The KDLex tandem grew from their friendship as housemates in Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10. The meet-and-greet — presented by ABS-CBN Events and kumu — will be an evening full of music. Robi Domingo will host along with KDLex’s former housemate, Shanaia Gomez. Regular tickets to Closer are available on ktx.ph for P199 while SVIP and VIP tickets are already sold out. The event is also available on SKY Pay-Per-View.

The Margaha Film Festival goes online

THIS YEAR’s Margaha Film Festival will stream online from Feb. 21 to 28. The Margaha Festival is presented by Sagay City, Negros Occidental, and encourages all homegrown writers and directors to create a film depicting the Sagaynon heritage and lifestyle. The film festival, now on its third year, will exhibit three centerpiece short films and will conduct the first Margaha Story Lab, a month-long writers’ workshop and story development lab that will help local filmmakers improve their short films that will compete in the 2023 edition. Done in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Margaha Film Festival has hosted the FDCP Online Film School to help the local filmmakers create their short films. To check the full list of films from this year’s festival, watch the film teasers at https://bit.ly/34VY9rp. Visit www.fdcpchannel.ph and click the Festival tab on the menu to watch the films.

CCP’s Pasinaya celebrates EDSA People Power

THIS year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Pasinaya Open House Festival celebrates the spirit of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Two years into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the CCP’s Pasinaya goes online again on Feb. 26 to 27. This year’s festival carries the theme “Sana All Lumilikha, Lumalaya” (Hopefully all can create, be free).  Celebrating the 36th anniversary of EDSA People Power this year, Pasinaya 2022 is a two-day virtual event that will showcase various activities in the performing arts, literary arts, visual arts, film and broadcast arts. It will feature an exhibit, a forum, a digital timeline, and the lighting of the CCP façade. The festival has special premieres such as Radyo Malaya: Soundbites of a Revolution by PumaPodcast, a radio drama re-enactment of the events during the EDSA Revolution in 10 episodes; Pagsamo: Gabay at Pagbabago, presented by Kaisa sa Sining — Luzon Network, a performance that is a prayer for guidance and change; Isang Harding Papel, a storytelling session by Kara David of a book that talks about a girl and her mother during Martial Law; OPM’s Not Dead! Ang Panitik sa Musika ng Asin, Banyuhay at Punoy Punk, a tribute to the songwriters and musicians of Original Pilipino Music (OPM); Pili-pino, a dance video collaboration interpreting the song “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,” with direction and choreography by Ronelson Yadao; and Panata sa Kalayaan, a dramatic reading of Panata sa Kalayaan by artists Nanding Josef, Shamaine Buencamino, Irma Adlawan, Monique Wilson, Nonie Buencamino, Tibo Fernandez, PETA, Kasing Sining of Bohol, and the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company followed by the song interpretation by Sing Philippines Youth Choir conducted by Mark Anthony Carpio. Visitors can reminisce about the days of the EDSA Revolution through social media by tuning in to various posts such as “People Power 1986: Where Were You? Mga Saysay Mula Sa Sining Biswal”; “Edsa 36: An Intimate Retrospective on the CCP During the People Power Revolution”; “Banned! Valerio Nofuente Collection” — online exhibits, and the Kalayaan Book Fair. For more details, follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Robinsons Galleria opens in-mall RC multi-track with tilt

ROBINSONS Galleria in Ortigas, Quezon City is having a three-day competition to officially launch the newest RC Tracks Galleria on that side of Metro Manila. It will be held from Feb. 25 to 27 at the third floor beside Comic Odyssey. There will be the Drift Competition on Feb. 26, and the Rally Club Competition on Feb. 27. Remote control (RC) car groups in the Philippines like RC Rally PH, Manila On-Road RC, Philippine RC Drifters, and Meralco RC Club are joining. All events are open for spectators for free. The public can bring their own RC car to try out the tracks during contest breaks. After the three-day event, Robinsons Galleria’s newest tracks can be used for free every day during mall hours. Touted as the first RC Multi-track inside a mall in the country, RC Tracks Galleria meets the requirements of a professional track, which means it can be used to practice for competitions. It is also open to newbie racers and casual racers. It features two kinds of race tracks: a rally track and a drift track. Robinsons will soon have an RC car rental, where enthusiasts can borrow an RC car for free. This will be accessible through the RMalls+ App, where one can claim a voucher for RC Tracks Galleria. Download the RMalls+ App and enjoy other perks like free parking, free VIP lounge use, exclusive discounts and more. Also in the pipeline are RC Rally and RC Drift classes for the newbies, and more races throughout the year.

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