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PHL-Sibol wins 1st esports gold in Hanoi SEAG, expects more

HANOI — Team Sibol came through with the Philippines’ first esports gold late on Wednesday night and is expecting more medals in 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) at the Vietnam National Convention Center.

“Four to five, high chance natin for podium finish,” said overall esports head coach Ralph Andrei Llabres, whose prediction of a gold-medal finish in the Wild Rift event came true.

Eighteen-year-old Charize “Yugen” Doble utilized the Corki hero twice to help lift Team Philippines-Sibol, represented by Grindsky Eris, to a historic 3-0 triumph over Singapore for the gold at the end of the three-round League of Legends: Wild Rift finals late on Wednesday night.

The team, also composed of Christine “RAY RAY” Natividad, Rose Ann “HELL GIRL” Robles, Giana “JEEYA” Llanes, April “AEAE” Sotto and Angel “ANGELAILAILA” Lozada, became the first female medalists in SEA Games esports’ history.

Team Sibol, represented by Blacklist in the Games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, is already in the semifinals awaiting its next opponent late Thursday, with the finals slated on Friday.

The Philippines, which won three golds, a silver, and a bronze during esports’ debut into the SEA Games’ calendar in the 2019 edition, is taking part in the nine of the 11 events slated in these games, with its strongest teams entered in Wild Rift, Mobile Legends and CrossFire.

Ms. Doble’s Corki character did a lot of damage as Team Sibol eventually swept its clash with the Singaporeans with scores of 16-9, 17-8, 27-21.

In Game 2, Corki delivered nine kills after respawning only once.

Claiming the SEA Games gold has handed Ms. Doble one of her biggest achievements after she earlier rallied her team Grand Sky Eris to the Southeast Asian Esports Championship this year, while claiming Most Valuable Player honors along the way.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was on hand to award the members of the Philippine Sibol team their gold medals.

Ms. Doble’s Corki, which is a bombardier, gives at least 20% physical damage with Hextech munition, long distance capabilities with the Valkyrie and short range attacks with the Gatling Gun.

In Game 3, Ms. Doble had some difficulty as she had only six kills, and a need to respawn four times as well.

Team Sibol reached the finals after sweeping the four-team group stage, and hurdled Thailand, 3-1, in the semifinals.

What to See This  Week (05/20/22)

ELIZABETH McGovern and Laura Carmichael in a scene from the film Downton Abbey: A New Era — IMDB.COM

Downtown Abbey: A New Era

IN the latest chapter of Downton Abbey, the Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess’s newly inherited villa. Directed by Simon Curtis, the film stars original cast members Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, and Penelope Wilton. Joining them are new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye and Dominic West. The Wrap’s Nicholas Barber writes, “Fans of the television series may not care. The director, Simon Curtis (who is coincidentally married to McGovern) ensures that they get what they want, e.g., enviable tailoring, swirling orchestral music, whooshing drone shots of the Granthams’ honey-colored home, and a comforting, relentlessly nice atmosphere in which every crisis can be sorted out in minutes, and every unattached person has a soulmate waiting for them. But it was disingenuous of the filmmakers to use the phrase ‘A New Era,’ because the film relies wholly on its viewers’ affection for characters and situations they have seen many times before. Anyone who isn’t a diehard Downton Abbey devotee will wish they were watching The Gambler instead.” Review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer gives the film a score of 77%. The film is showing in select Ayala Malls Cinemas.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Memory

WHEN expert assassin Alex (Liam Neeson) refuses to complete a job for a dangerous criminal organization, he becomes a target. FBI agents and Mexican intelligence are brought in to investigate the trail of bodies, leading them closer to him. Alex has the skills to stay ahead of his pursuers, except for one thing: he is struggling with severe memory loss, affecting his every move. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film also stars Guy Pearce, Monica Belluci, Harold Torres, Taj Atwal, and Ray Fearon. The Washington Post’s Michael O’Sullivan writes, “Memory is by no means a deep film. But there’s something here that lends the familiar proceedings a bittersweet aftertaste that lingers in the mind. That’s the film’s mix of moral ambiguity and the regret of someone for whom it’s too late to undo the past, but not perhaps to rectify the present, even when the law can’t.” Review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer gives the film a score of 30% while the audience score is 82%.

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon

THE STORY follows a young girl and her Spirit Guides, Dillo, a cute and humorous armadillo, and Vaca, a goofy oversized tapir, who work to save their home in the Amazon rainforest. Directed by José Zelada and Richard Claus, the animated film features the voices of Lola Raie, Bernardo De Paula, Naomi Serrano, Alejandra Gollas, Joe Hernandez, and Dino Andrade. The Guardian’s Cath Clarke writes, “A family animation from Peru that spins a magical tale in the Amazon with a cast of mythological creatures from rainforest legend — and importantly, it’s told from the perspective of indigenous characters.” Review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an audience score of 82%.

MTRCB Rating: G

Bloomberry acquires Paniman land for casino resort

BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. announced that it purchased a Paniman property in Ternate, Cavite for the construction of an integrated resort and entertainment complex.

The property will feature a casino, hotel, golf course, commercial, residential and mixed-use development, according to a disclosure on Thursday.

The acquisition was made through Bloomberry’s newly incorporated subsidiary, Solaire Entertainment Property Holdings, Inc. (SEPHI), which made the purchase through an agreement with a group of landowners comprising Boulevard Holdings, Inc., Puerto Azul Land, Inc., Ternate Development Corp. and Monte Sol Development Corp.

The property spans a total area of 2.8 million square meters (sq.m.) with an average selling price of P2,700 per sq.m. Bloomberry noted that SEPHI will buy only titled and cleared land.

Development of the property will begin after the Solaire North in Vertis, Quezon City has started its commercial operations.

In a separate disclosure, Boulevard Holdings said it sold a total of 281,932 sq.m. of land at a selling price of P5,050.00 per sq.m. to SEPHI.

In 2021, Bloomberry reported that it trimmed its net loss to P4.2 billion from a loss of P8.3 billion in 2020.

Consolidated net revenue increased by 24% to P22 billion from P17.8 billion a year earlier.

Bloomberry is a holding company for hotel, gaming and entertainment businesses companies.

Through its subsidiaries, the company is the owner and operator of Solaire Resort & Casino. Its other subsidiaries include Sureste Properties, Inc.; Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Inc.; Bloomberry Cruise Terminals, Inc.; Solaire Korea Co., Ltd.; and Bloomberry Resorts Japan, Inc.

At the stock exchange, Bloomberry shares dropped by 0.62% or four centavos to P6.40 on Thursday. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Hallasgo caps SEAG athletics’ campaign with marathon silver

CHRISTINE HALLASGO (center) — JEROME ASCANO

HANOI — Christine Hallasgo capped the Philippine athletics team’s campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) at the My Dihn National Stadium with a silver in the marathon.

Still in contention in the final 600 meters, Ms. Hallasgo was slowed down by cramps the rest of the way but soldiered on to pull through with the runner-up finish in the event she ruled during the 2019 edition in the Philippines.

Ms. Hallasgo finished with a time of 2:56.07 behind winner Odekta Naibaho Elvina (2:55.280). Vietnam’s Ngoc Hoa Hoang Thi finished third at 2:57.350.

Ms. Hallasgo’s silver was the seventh for Team PH in these games, to go with five golds and 14 bronze medals.

The team failed to match or surpass its 11 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals in the 2019 SEAG held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac, but Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) head coach Joeffrey Chua still considers the tracksters’ stint a success.

“This version of the SEA Games is by far the most challenging because of the effect of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019)  pandemic. But with one SEAG record, five new Philippine national records recorded, and eight personal records established, this can be considered as a very successful campaign for PATAFA national athletes,” said Mr. Chua.

The team was led by Asia’s best pole-vaulter Ernest John Obiena, whose gold-winning feat set a new SEAG record of 5.46 meters.

MEDALISTS
Other gold medalists were William Morrison in the men’s shot put (18.14 meters), Clinton Bautista, who set a new national record in the 110m hurdles at 13.78 seconds; Eric Cray, who won a fifth straight 400m hurdles SEAG crown and Kayla Richardson, who regained the 100-meter tiara (11.60 seconds) that she won in the 2015 Singapore edition.

Silver medalists were Kyla Richardson (200 meters, 23.56), Hokett delos Santos (pole vault, 5 meters), Janry Ubas (long jump, 7.73 meters), Aries Toledo (decathlon, 7499), Sarah Dequinan (Heptahlon), Harry Diones (triple jump, 15.87m) and Ms. Hallasgo.

Bagging bronze medals were Kayla Richardson (200 meters, 23.87), Joida Gagnao (5000m and 3000m, steeplechase), Alfrence Braza (men’s 1500m, 3:56.35), Melvin Calano (javelin, 66.86m), Sonny Wagdos (men’s 5000m, 16:39:89), Mr. Ubas (decathlon, 6977 pts), Bernalyn Bejoy, Jessel Lumapas, Edgardo Alejan, Jr. and Joyme Sequita (4×400 Mixed Relay), Jelly Paragile (100m Hurdles), Alyana Nicolas (pole vault), Robyn Brown (women’s 400m hurdles, 56.44 seconds), Mr. Morrison (discus throw), Evalyn Palbrica (javelin, 49.07 meters), and Bejoy, Brown, Eloise Medina and Maureen Schrijvers (4×400, Women’s Relay).

“The feeling of pressure, disappointment, excitement, and victory made each performance memorable. All athletes gave their all and we couldn’t be more proud,” said PATAFA’s Judith Staples.

Stuff to do (05/20/22)

Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag screening at the CCP

THE CCP Arthouse Cinema, in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Philippine Film Archive, and the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film, presents National Artist Lino Brocka’s Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, a special screening for the 2022 National Heritage Celebration and in commemoration of Lino Brocka’s Death anniversary on May 22. Watch the film for free on May 20, 2 p.m. at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde. Pre-register for the event through https://tinyurl.com/ccparthouse-nationalheritage.

Film screening marks Pasolini’s centennial

IN celebration of the centennial of one of the most important intellectuals of the 20th Century, the UP Film Institute, with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Manila and in partnership with the Philippine Italian Association, is opening the space in front of Cine Adarna for outdoor screenings. Closed since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Cine Adarna will reopen with the outdoor screening of Accattone, the first film entirely directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, the famous Italian poet, novelist, and filmmaker. Accattone debuted at the Venice International Film Festival in 1961. This film will be introduced by Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente who will share some insights on the film and its author. The screening will be preceded by a “Poetic Conversation: Pasolini and Me. A Shared Moment in Film and Poetry” with filmmaker and film historian Nick Deocampo. The program, which is free, will start at 5 p.m. Seating capacity is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

Pet fair at Bonifacio High Street

THE PET Huddle — a Pet Lifestyle and Community Fair, will be held at the Bonifacio High Street Ampitheater in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on May 21 and 22. Cat, dogs, and their owners can take part in the activities, games, food and music. It will be attended by 65 community brands, pet partners, and more. With the theme Tropical Summer, the event will start with a pet blessing, a talk from a certified behavior trainer, raffle draw, games, and a color pet parade. Discover dog treats in a wide array of flavors and choices, a line-up of dog toys, grooming must-haves, accessories, and a whole lot of other products for a pet. Drop by the Pawssion Project’s Pawssion Summer Camp Booth to meet some adorable stray dogs and cats in search of a home. One can also opt to sponsor a rescue dog, or buy Pawssion merch to help fund the needs of these animals. For more information and the latest updates, visit Bonifacio Global City on Facebook and on Instagram.

3D clothing certificate course offered

LEARN to transform your design illustrations into a three-dimensional fashion collection through Introduction to 3D Clothing Visualization, a short online certificate course which will run for four Saturdays starting May 21. The lectures are aided by the simulation technologies of CLO, one of the most advanced, intuitive and cohesive 3D garment design software used by small and big names in the fashion industry. The program will walk the students through the basic tools of the software and will train them on how to navigate through its diverse functions. The Introduction to 3D Clothing Visualization is one of the latest short course offerings of the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPaCE) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. It will be facilitated by clothing designer, graphic designer, and illustrator Zak Gonzaga. Classes will be conducted online and will run from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with combined synchronous and asynchronous sessions. The module fee is P11,895 for a total of 24 hours of classes. Participants must have a qualified internet connection and computer or laptop that can accommodate Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, plus basic knowledge of both programs. Visit SPaCE on the Benilde website or on its official Facebook account for more details.

Marga Monserrate’s first book launched

SEVENTEEN-year-old writer Marga Monserrate’s first novel, It Was a Pleasure to Be Yours, Arabella Brown, was published by 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing in December 2021. It will be officially launched on May 21, 3 p.m., at Robinsons Magnolia’s Central Garden. Aside from the usual book signing, there will also be a question-and-answer session with the author. A live reading with University of Asia and the Pacific students is also scheduled during the afternoon affair. The book is a modern take on the forbidden love trope popularized by Romeo and Juliet. In Ms. Monserrate’s novel, Arabella Brown and Carter Nordom fall in love in Los Angeles — but challenged by family issues, they resort to sneaking glances, running away to secret spots, and trying their best to keep the spark alive. And like most epic love stories, there is a never-ending threat to their relationship that they must move past.

Wellness weekends at Crowne Plaza

CROWNE Plaza is offering a #WellnessWeekend Staycation for the whole family. Rejuvenate, refresh and energize over the weekend at The Courtyard for a yoga class while the children enjoy themselves in the new Play Zone. The yoga class comes with free detox drinks and complimentary use of yoga mats and resistance bands (on a first come first serve basis). The schedule is on Saturdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Sundays from 7 to 8 a.m. For registration, send an e-mail to mnlcp.frontoffice@ihg.com or call Guest Services at 8790-3100 and 8790-9400 local 0. Book a stay at www.crowneplaza.com/galleriamanila or www.holidayinn.com/higalleria.

Haus Talk earnings up 93% in 2021

HAUS Talk, Inc. and its subsidiaries announced that its net income last year surged by 93% to P97.43 million from P50.4 million, aided by new acquisitions.

“This bullish growth in profitability indicates a strong capability of the corporation to raise internally-generated funds for continuous acquisition of real estate for development of housing projects, thereby further maximizing revenue as well as returns,” the company said in a disclosure on Thursday.

The company was the first to make its debut at the stock market this year, listing on the small, medium, and emerging (SME) board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Jan. 17 after raising P750 million from its initial public offering.

In 2021, the company reported revenue increased by 52% to P441.29 million from P290.31 million in 2020.

The real estate developer also announced that its performance was also propelled by the acquisition of a 12-hectare property in Biñan, Laguna.

The property will be developed into economic residential housing units, which are expected to generate revenues of about P3.4 billion.

It is expected to begin development by the third quarter of 2022 and start revenue generation within the year.

“Continuous growth and increase in profit are expected in the future as seen in the corporation’s track record of improving operational efficiency, maintaining an effective marketing strategy and continuous production of quality and competitively built housing units,” Haus Talk said.

Haus Talk primarily develops horizontal and vertical residential projects in select cities of Metro Manila as well as in Rizal and Laguna provinces.

To date, it has completed 10 projects that cater to economic, mid-end, and high-end market segments.

The company also holds 100% interest in Lifestyle Development Corp. and has another wholly owned subsidiary, Tradition Homes, Inc.

Haus Talk shares on Thursday ended lower by $0.9 or P0.01 to close at P1.05 apiece. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

PHL strikes second gold in bowling team event

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Ian Dychangco, Merwin Tan, Patrick Nuqui and Ivan Malig won gold in Men’s Team of Four in bowling. — PHILPPINE STAR/ JUN MENDOZA

HANOI — With singles gold medalist Merwin Tan leading the way, the men’s bowling team sparkled on Thursday, adding a second victory to the Philippine campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games by ruling the team-of-4 event.

Three days after Mr. Tan ended the country’s golden drought in bowling in the biennial games, the Philippine flag was raised and national anthem heard anew at the Royal City Hanoi Bowling Lanes as the Filipino keglers dominated action, finishing with 5,275 pinfalls, 113 pins ahead of runner-up Malaysia.

The gold was the Philippines’ 39th overall, counting the mint delivered by the women’s squad in the Wild Rift event of esports late on Wednesday.

Mr. Tan, a 22-year-old left-hander, rolled 1,411 pinfalls for a six-game average of 235.17, the best among all the competitors in the six-team field, while Christian Dychangco backed him up with 1,377 pinfalls and an average of 229.50, including a tournament-high 278 in the sixth and final game.

Ivan Malig carded 1,285 pinfalls for an average of 214.17 while the fourth member of the winning team, Patrick Neil Nuqui, shot 1,202 for an average of 200.33.

Malaysia finished second with a total of 5,161 pinfalls, while Singapore bagged the bronze with 4,963. Indonesia finished fourth (4,890), followed by Thailand (4,691), and Vietnam (4,570).

Women’s silver medalist Alexis Sy will lead the country’s quest for a double gold team win in the distaff side later on Thursday.

Entertainment News (05/20/22)

TV5 launches spiritual anthology

THIS month TV5 launches Dear God, a spiritual drama anthology, featuring a powerhouse lineup of stars led by Piolo Pascual, Lara Quigaman, Kris Bernal, Sue Ramirez, Vina Morales, and Riva Quenery. Dear God will present universal stories of lives encountered, changed, and blessed by God. Each episode will have its own unique storyline. Dear God was created and directed by Richard Ibasco Arellano in collaboration with Cignal Entertainment, 5 Stars Productions, Ria Productions, and Heaven’s Best Entertainment Productions. The show will air Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, starting May 23, on TV5.

Young Cocoa releases new single

FILIPINO singer-songwriter/producer Young Cocoa returns with “Nova,” his new single under pan-regional label, OFFMUTE. Incorporating a bossa nova sample, the singer raps about young love. “We wanted to create a song that was an easy listen, had a lot of bounce, and felt ‘bubbly’ in the same way the lyrics were written,” the artist said in a statement. “[The song’s] creation just started off of the exploration of a different sound and progressed into a song that I wrote about having an innocent crush, or puppy love. The title is directly inspired by my favorite snack, Nova, and the use of Bossa Nova elements in the production.” “Nova” is available to stream on all digital music platforms.

Gloc-9 and Skusta Clee collaborate

RAPPER AND songwriter Gloc-9 releases a new single titled “Kumpisal,” his third release from his Pilak album which celebrates his 25th year in the Philippine music industry. Joining him in this string-fueled and vibrant collaboration is Skusta Clee. Written and composed by Gloc-9 with musical arrangement, mixed, and mastered by Thyro Alfaro, “Kumpisal” looks into the dynamics of the Catholic sacrament of confession from the perspective of a confessor. An official music video is released alongside the single. “Kumpisal” is available to stream on all digital platforms.

Max’s Group profit down 88%

MAX’S Group, Inc. reported that its first-quarter earnings fell by 88% to P42 million from P337 million amid lockdown restrictions.

“We are very excited with our first quarter results despite the January lockdown, as they gave us indication of the shape of what’s to come for Max’s Group. We have not experienced a full quarter without any lockdown restrictions since the start of the pandemic, and the coming months will give us a better picture of the full realization of the company’s business revolution over the last two years,” Max’s Group President Ariel P. Fermin said in a statement on Thursday.

System-wide sales, composed of sales generated by both company-owned and franchised stores, increased by 25% to P3.55 billion from P2.84 billion.

“Our results for the first quarter, even more markedly so in March, are an indication of strong demand for our brands and patronage of our core of core, which are available both in traditional brick-and-mortar spaces, and expanded to business-to-business and off-premise platforms,” Max’s Group Chief Executive Officer Robert Ramon F. Trota said.

Revenues likewise climbed by 18% to P2.17 billion from P1.84 billion in 2021.

“Local sales were still tempered as a result of the strict lockdown in January due to the Omicron surge, while international business continues to flourish, surpassing even pre-COVID levels,” the company said.

Among its core brands, Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., and Krispy Kreme all realized an upturn and are expected to further realize gains as dine-in customers continue to return.

“As planned, our dine-in brands Max’s and Pancake House, which have been managed for profitability during the pandemic, realized significant growth towards the back-end of the quarter. We are expecting that as the market continues to open up, the recovery of these brands will be even more vibrant, giving our margins a boost,” Mr. Trota added.

Over the course of the pandemic, the company said that it pivoted its business model through remastering the fundamentals of its operations, backed up by tighter, more efficient box economics that allowed them to benefit from both higher margins and a lower break-even point.

“We also continue to expand our reach and market not only though brick-and-mortar stores but across all available channels, such as cloud kitchens, retail outlets, and e-commerce platforms. After squeezing three years of transformation into three quarters of execution, we are confident in the momentum we’ve built and are proud to see the results of the fruits of our labor,” Mr. Fermin said.

He said the group is cautiously optimistic in the “transformative possibilities” for Max’s Group for the rest of this year and the next three to five years.

“The execution of our strategy will have long-term benefits for the group as we nurtured demand from our fans, while crafting an economic model surpassing the margins of our pre-pandemic levels,” Mr. Fermin added.

As of March 2022, the company’s store network reached 14 territories, with 603 Philippine sites and 62 stores across various locations in North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Max’s Group’s other brands include Jamba Juice, Max’s Corner Bakery, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Sizzlin’ Steak, Maple, Max’s Kabisera, Le Coeur De France, and Singkit.

At the stock exchange on Thursday, Max’s shares remained unchanged at P5.50 apiece. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Nine of nine ABAP boxers in SEAG semis

ALL nine Filipino boxers who were registered in the boxing competitions in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) being held in Bac Ninh province in Vietnam are in the semifinal round of the competitions.

They are all assured of at least a bronze medal and if they succeed in their matches on Thursday and Friday, will advance to the gold medal round on Sunday.

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) fielded 10 boxers but there were only two entries in the women’s middleweight class (75 kg), so the competition in that category was canceled.

Filipina Hergie Bacyadan, who recently won gold in the Thailand Open, will not be able to suit up.

Appeals by ABAP president Ed Picson and secretary-general Marcus Manalo went unheeded as the Technical Delegate from Jordan stood pat on his decision not to allow matches in the said division.

The same situation occurred in the women’s welterweight class (69 kg) where only the host nation and Thailand had entries. The Thais also tried to appeal the decision to no avail.

In the penultimate round, Thursday are Josie Gabuco (vs. THA), Rogen Ladon (vs. THA), James Palicte (vs. Indonesia), Eumir Felix Marcial (vs. THA) and Riza Pasuit (vs VIE).

Four other Filipinos see action on Friday in their own semifinal round matches. They are Nesthy Petecio (vs. VIE), Ian Clark Bautista (vs. CAM), Marjon Pianar (vs. INA), and Irish Magno (vs. INA). Aside from Messrs. Picson and Manalo, also in the team are head coach Don Abnett, men’s head coach Ronald Chavez with Gerson Nietes, and women’s coach Mitchel Martinez.

Tom Cruise swoops into Cannes, igniting film festival with jets and star power

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick — IMDB.COM

CANNES, France — Tom Cruise rolled into the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday — jet planes in tow — cranking up festivities with action, star power and autograph signings on the red carpet.

Fans greeted him with whoops and hollers and the French Air Force aerobatic team Patrouille de France flew overhead, spraying the sky with colored smoke trails in red, white and blue.

Cruise was in the city to promote the long-awaited Top Gun: Maverick movie sequel, which was held back for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. A big ticket draw, it has added considerable buzz to the world’s largest film festival as it marks a splashy return for its 75th anniversary edition.

In a tuxedo and black bowtie, the American star worked the crowd lined up along the red carpet, signing photos and posing for selfies.

He posed with fellow actors Jennifer Connelly and Miles Teller, clapping festival director Thierry Fremaux on the back when the jets flew over head.

Cruise had arrived earlier in the day, stepping out of a black car to the chants of “Tom! Tom!”

Some fans had been camping out since breakfast.

“I was like, ‘I must see him, absolutely, one way or another!’” said Oriane Holz, 22. She held up a sign asking for tickets to the screening of the film.

Katy McNulty, 46 and Joanne Routledge, 52, had been on the road since before dawn. The pair were up at 3 a.m. and traveled from the north of England to Scotland, taking a plane from Edinburgh to Nice, and then a train to Cannes to arrive in time for Cruise’s appearance.

What were they angling for?

“A selfie with Tom because we promised them at work that’s what we’ll deliver — and they told us we wouldn’t,” said Routledge.

Stan Hamilton, an American student learning French in Cannes, said: “Me and my father watched Top Gun when I was a child. I wish he could be here with me now.” — Reuters

High Court affirms canceled tax assessment on First Gas

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the cancellation of the tax assessment on First Gas Power Corp. for the calendar year 2000 worth P37 million, and tax liabilities for 2001 worth P82.4 million.

In a ruling on Feb. 15 and made public on May 16, the High Court reiterated the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) full court’s ruling that said the formal letter of demand and the final assessment notice were issued beyond the mandated three-year period.

The tribunal added that the assessment did not indicate the date within which the tax liabilities should have been paid by the company.

The company is a renewable energy company that operates a natural gas power plant in Batangas City.

The High Court noted that the company received the final notice and demand letter in 2004 for the 2000 tax assessment, which was clearly beyond the three-year prescriptive period provided by the country’s revenue code.

The commissioner of internal revenue, the petitioner, said that the inadvertent absence of dates should not be a fatal error that invalidates the assessment.

“Similarly, in this case, the failure to indicate the date of acceptance by petitioner in the First Waiver means that the same is defective, and therefore, the original three-year prescriptive period to assess the deficiency income tax of respondent for the taxable year 2000 was never extended,” according to a copy of the ruling written by SC Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez.

The SC said that the CTA did not err in canceling the final assessment notice and formal letter of demand, all dated 2004.

“They are all invalid assessments because the period of the petitioner to issue the same for the taxable year 2000 has already been prescribed, and the assessments for the taxable year 2001 did not contain a definite due date for payment by the respondent,” it added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

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