SMC Global Power unit applies to link battery storage facility to grid

October 7, 2021 | 7:49 pm

UNIVERSAL POWER Solutions, Inc. (UPSI), a unit of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for approval to link its 60-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) in Concepcion, Tarlac to the Luzon grid.

In a UPSI filing posted by the commission on its website, the company sought approval to invest P93.81 million in a dedicated transmission line connecting BESS project to a National Grid Corp. of the Philippines 69 kiloVolt (kV) substation.

Construction is expected to take around eight months.

“The dedicated facility project is the most cost-effective and viable option for the immediate connection of the Concepcion BESS,” the company said.

It added that the construction of the line is a prerequisite for the testing, commissioning and commercial operations of its BESS project, which aims to provide regulating reserves to the power grid.

The ERC said it has scheduled virtual hearings on the matter on Oct. 21 and Oct. 28.

The Energy department has said that UPSI is developing 43 committed power projects with an installed capacity of 1,500 MW in Luzon, as of the end of June, including the Concepcion BESS.

Committed projects are those that have obtained financial closing with their investors or bankers. — Angelica Y. Yang

NGO calls on toymakers to comply with norms on lead paint levels

October 7, 2021 | 7:48 pm

THE EcoWaste Coalition has urged manufacturers and sellers of toy and childcare products to comply with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) standards after noting high levels of lead in a toy gardening set.

The group said in a statement Thursday that dealers in such products, including those online, must check whether their products are registered with the FDA, and if they hold a certificate of conformity signifying compliance with national lead paint standards.

EcoWaste conducted chemical sampling using an x-ray fluorescence device on a toy shovel and spade from a product called “Jin Feng Kinder-Gartengerate” set, which yielded lead content of up to 27,100 parts per million (ppm).

They said this was over the 90 ppm threshold of the Environment department’s Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, which covers toys, paints and cosmetics.

“The group finds the detection of lead on the Jin Feng kiddie shovel and spade worrisome as the lead-containing paint will surely age, peel and break with frequent use and cause the lead in paint to get discharged into the soil,” EcoWaste said.

According to the group’s Chemical Safety Campaigner Thony Dizon, complying with the registration scheme will help implement lead paint regulations meant to protect children.

He added that retailers should only offer registered products which meet safety standards, including the 90 ppm lead paint limit.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.

Exposure to lead may “adversely” impact children, causing brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and hearing and speech problems, the CDC said. — Angelica Y. Yang

EU-ASEAN council urges greater use of online processes to boost regional trade

October 7, 2021 | 7:46 pm

BUSINESSES within ASEAN must make use of online tools to facilitate trade within the region, an official with the European Union (EU)-ASEAN Business Council said.

Chris Humphrey, EU-ASEAN Business Council executive director, said in a virtual briefing Thursday that online tools currently provided by the EU can help companies in the region recover from the pandemic.

Mr. Humphrey said the ASEAN Trade Repository (ATR) and ASEAN Solutions for Investments, Services and Trade (ASSIST) platforms can help companies get past trade bottlenecks.

“One of the great benefits of these tools is that at the moment, you cannot travel and meet governments. You cannot meet government officials face to face and ask them questions. These tools are allowing us to get answers from governments,” Mr. Humphrey said.

“These tools, if they are used and if companies find out about them, will help them navigate bureaucracy and regulations. The tools will help them be more compliant and reduce their trading costs since the companies will not be issued fines,” he added.

ATR is a free online repository that “provides a single point of access to all the trade-related information of ASEAN Member States.

ASSIST offers a “non-binding and consultative mechanism for the expedited and effective solution of operational problems encountered by ASEAN Enterprises on cross-border issues related to the implementation of ASEAN economic agreements.”

Both online tools are supported by the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the European Union (ARISE) Plus initiative that aims to extend the EU’s commitment in assisting ASEAN with trade facilitation.

However, Mr. Humphrey said the online tools will only serve their purpose if both the private and public sectors use them.

“The private sector actually needs to use the system and put those filings on there. Equally, the ASEAN member states need to respond in a very timely fashion with full and comprehensive responses. The more that states do that, the more trust will be there from the private sector and this will benefit everybody,” Mr. Humphrey said.

ARISE Plus expert Paolo Roberto Vergano said the low level of utilization within ASEAN is due to lack of awareness and skepticism of businesses in engaging with governments.

“Our plea is to use it. The tools can be used through a mobile phone. The penetration of mobile phones in Southeast Asia is incredible,” Mr. Vergano said.

According to the European Commission, the EU is ASEAN’s third largest trading partner after China and the US. The bloc accounts for 10.6% of ASEAN trade. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Australia to discontinue anti-dumping measures on PHL canned pineapple

October 7, 2021 | 7:45 pm

delmonte-pineapple-supermarket — PHILSTAR

AUSTRALIA has lifted anti-dumping measures imposed on canned Philippine pineapple, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

The DA cited a report from Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission on Oct. 6 that the measures were discontinued after a determination that their expiration “will neither lead to the dumping of the products concerned nor cause material injury to the domestic industry.”

The Philippines can begin exporting canned pineapple duty-free to Australia once the measures expire, as provided for under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

The measures expire on Oct. 17 for consumer canned pineapple, and Nov. 13 for food service industrial canned pineapple. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

TnT, San Miguel in key Game Three battle; Magnolia goes for 3-0 lead

October 7, 2021 | 6:54 pm

Pogoy — THE TnT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen, currently tied at 1-1 in their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semis series, go for the upper hand when they collide in Game Three on Friday at 6 p.m. — PBA IMAGES

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

PIVOTAL Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Game Three semifinal action takes place on Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The TnT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen, currently tied at 1-1 in their Philippine Basketball Association best-of-seven semis series, go for the upper hand when they collide in the scheduled 6 p.m. contest while the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots shoot for a commanding 3-0 lead in their own series with the Meralco Bolts in the 3 p.m. match.

San Miguel successfully came from behind and took Game Two, 98-96, from TnT on Wednesday, punctuated by the game-winning putback by Marcio Lassiter.

The win thrusted the Beermen to leveling the series and reducing their semifinal joust to a race-to-three wins.

TnT was in control of the contest for much of the time, even holding a 19-point lead, 80-61, at one point.

But the Beermen were undeterred, and led by Terrence Romeo they made a ferocious comeback in the fourth quarter.

Off a time out with six seconds left to play, and the count knotted at 96-all, the Beermen went to June Mar Fajardo, but his attempt to the basket was defended well by the TnT defense.

Arwind Santos got to tip the ball to the direction of the basket, but also missed to connect before Mr. Lassiter grabbed the rebound and drained the putback as the seconds ticked away.

“We were drained physically, but the players just would not quit. It’s pure heart and determination,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria in the postgame press conference, describing the efforts of his team.

For TnT, while it lamented not being able to complete the win that would have pushed it to a 2-0 lead, it is moving on, looking to correct its mistakes and get better for the rest of the series.

COMMANDING 3-0 LEAD
Meanwhile, Magnolia tries to push Meralco to the brink of elimination in their grind-it-out matchup.

The Hotshots fortified their hold of the series after winning Game Two, 92-78, also on Wednesday to go up 2-0.

Paul Lee starred for Magnolia in the win, finishing with 28 points, going 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva also came up big, finishing with a double-double each.

It was a close match for the first three quarters until the Hotshots made their move in the fourth, creating a considerable distance from the Bolts and never looking back.

They may be ahead in the series, but the Hotshots are not getting ahead of themselves.

“We’re not claiming anything yet. It’s one game at a time for us. We’re going to prepare for the next game,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Meralco big man Raymond Almazan was not able to finish Game Two after injuring his left ankle. His status for Game Three is still to be determined.

Thirdy says trailblazing Japan B.League foray comes with responsibility

October 7, 2021 | 6:53 pm

Thirdy-(2) — THE first homegrown player to play in the Japan B.League, Thirdy Ravena brims with pride, but also recognizes that it comes with responsibility and standards to live up to. — B.LEAGUE

THE first Filipino homegrown player to play in the Japan B.League, Thirdy Ravena brims with pride, but also recognizes that it comes with responsibility and standards to live up to.

Now on his second season with the San-en NeoPhoenix in Division 1 of the Japanese league, former Ateneo King Eagle Mr. Ravena is very excited more so that other Filipino athletes have come to join him to showcase and share their talent in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“It’s a great feeling to be the first out here and it’s an even greater feeling to see other people coming in after me, after opening the door for them. It’s something bigger than me,” said Mr. Ravena during the virtual press conference for the documentary Local Hero: Thirdy Ravena on Wednesday.

“But it’s a big responsibility as well, especially now that I’m still playing,” he quickly added. “I have to make sure that I stay strong to be an inspiration to others, especially to the young ones, who someday dream of playing. Also, you want to show that you can do it. And that you are up for the challenge.”

Joining Mr. Ravena this season in B.League Division 1 play are his brother Kiefer, who plays for the Shiga Lakestars, Javi Gomez de Liaño (Ibaraki Robots), Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB), Dwight Ramos (Toyoma Grouses) and Ray Parks, Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins).

Two others, Juan Gomez de Liaño (Earth Friends Tokyo Z) and Kemark Cariño (Aomori Wat’s), meanwhile, are seeing action in Division 2.

Mr. Ravena said that playing in Japan has enhanced further his growth as a player, and he expects the same thing to happen for the others who have followed suit.

But he also said that the arrival of Filipino players is a boon to the B.League across various levels.

For one, he said, the fan base of the league has been shored up with more Filipinos based in Japan as well as those here in the Philippines paying attention to the league.

“It’s really nice to see Filipino basketball fans here watching the games live and cheering for us and our teams. They even travel for hours just to see us. And that’s good for the league,” Mr. Ravena said.

Also, the NeoPhoenix player said Filipino players bring added dimension to the B.League in how they play the game.

“Our style of play is different from them, but when you combine these, good things can happen. Whether it’s athleticism, scoring and grit, we can do a lot of things and bring to the league,” he said.

Meanwhile, further chronicling Mr. Ravena’s B.League journey is Local Hero.

Produced by Empower Asia by Gatsby, the documentary will be streamed on VivaMax Philippines.

“This is about what went through here in Japan on and off the court when I started my journey. I hope people will be inspired by it, especially in believing in themselves and going for their dreams,” Mr. Ravena said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Spain ends Italy’s long unbeaten run to reach Nations League final

October 7, 2021 | 6:52 pm

MILAN — Spain ended European champions Italy’s world record 37-match unbeaten run as Ferran Torres scored twice in a 2-1 win at the San Siro stadium in an entertaining Nations League semifinal on Wednesday.

Italy, trailing by two goals at the break, had to play the entire second half with 10 men after captain Leonardo Bonucci was sent off, but showed real determination as they sought to avoid their first loss since a September 2018 defeat by Portugal.

Spain will face the winners of Thursday’s semifinal between France and Belgium in Sunday’s decider.

Torres put Spain ahead in the 17^th minute, steering a left-wing cross from Mikel Oyarzabal past Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner.

Donnarumma, booed by AC Milan fans angered at his recent move from the club to Paris St.-Germain, nearly gifted Spain a second when he fumbled a harmless Marcos Alonso effort against the post, but Bonucci scrambled the ball clear.

Any lingering questions about the importance of the match had been blown away by the blistering start and it was by no means one-way traffic, as Italy started to open up the Spanish defense.

Federico Bernardeschi went close to an equalizer with a low drive from the right which Spain keeper Unai Simon pushed against the post and Lorenzo Insigne missed a great chance, firing wide when in space on the edge of the box.

The Azzurri, who beat Spain on penalties in the Euro 2020 semifinal in July, went a man down in the 42^nd minute when Bonucci was sent off for a second yellow card after elbowing Sergio Busquets.

Torres sent Luis Enrique’s side in with a two-goal lead at the break when he was left unmarked to head in another fine cross from Oyarzabal. — Reuters

Rebisco men’s team plunges into Asian club volleyball action

October 7, 2021 | 6:50 pm

PNVFMens-(2) — THE Philippine men’s national volleyball begins its 2021 Asian Club Volleyball Championship campaign in Thailand on Friday. — PNVF

AFTER its women’s counterparts, it is now the Philippine men’s national volleyball team’s turn to see action in the 2021 Asian Club Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Coached by Dante Alinsunurin, the nationals begin their campaign in the continental club competition on Friday, playing in Pool A.

It will be the team’s first international competition since its historic silver medal finish in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

The men’s campaign comes on the heels of that of the women’s national pool, which was divided into two teams by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), playing under the Rebisco and Choco Mucho banners.

The women’s Choco Mucho squad was to play in the fifth-place game later on Thursday while Rebisco finished at seventh place.

The Rebisco men is composed of veterans John Vic De Guzman (team captain), Rex Intal, Mark Alfafara, Ricky Marcos, Ish Polvorosa, Jessie Lopez, Kim Malabunga, Francis Saura, Josh Retamar, and Jao Umandal.

Ysay Marasigan, who played in the 2015 SEA Games, is back to represent the country, while Nico Almendras, Manuel Sumanguid and JP Bugaoan are making their senior debut.

Missing are Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, who are currently playing in the Japan V.League.

Rebisco is grouped along with Iran’s Foolad Sirjan, Qatar’s Al-Arabi, Thailand’s Diamond Food and Uzbekistan’s AGMK.

In Pool B are Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima QminC, Sri Lanka’s CEB, Kazakhstan’s Burevestnic Almaty, Kuwait’s Kazma and Iraq’s South Gas.

The top two teams in each pool after the preliminaries will make the semifinals. The winner of the week-long tournament, meanwhile, will qualify for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship in a venue to be announced later.

Mr. Alinsunurin said the tournament like the one at hand is important for them for exposure to competitive level of play and to sustain the gains of the national team program.

Rebisco men will first play Foolad Sirjan on Friday in a match set for 11 a.m. (Manila time). It will be shown live over One Sports+.

Apart from Rebisco, the men’s team’s campaign is also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Familiar challengers Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays duke it out in AL Division Series

October 7, 2021 | 6:49 pm

THE Tampa Bay Rays will seek to recapture last year’s postseason buzz as they open their American League Division Series (ALDS) against the AL East rival Boston Red Sox on Thursday night in St. Petersburg, FL.

Last season, the Rays secured their first AL pennant since 2008 to set up a World Series matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rays pushed the Dodgers to six games before ultimately falling short of their first title in franchise history.

One year later, Tampa Bay is again in good position to make a deep postseason run. With a 100-62 record, the Rays reached the century mark in victories for the first time ever while finishing eight games ahead of Boston atop the AL East standings.

Boston went 92-70 to claim the top AL wild card spot before defeating the rival New York Yankees (6-2) in the wild card game on Tuesday to set up their best-of-five ALDS matchup with Tampa Bay.

Despite posting their worst attendance figures in the franchise’s 24-year history amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Rays are expecting to get a big boost from their Tropicana Field crowd as they host postseason baseball for a third consecutive season. — Reuters

Boxing: Fury promises to knockout Wilder in heated press conference ahead of trilogy fight

October 7, 2021 | 6:49 pm

A FURIOUS Tyson Fury vowed to knockout Deontay Wilder when the two rivals meet for the third time on Saturday in Las Vegas with the Briton’s World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title on the line.

The undefeated Fury (30-0-1), who battled Wilder (42-1-1) to a draw in 2018 before taking the belt from the American 20 months ago, was the aggressor in Wednesday’s press conference, repeatedly berating the former champion.

“You’re a weak man and you’re getting knocked out,” said Fury, who wore a colorful suit with a pattern of WBC belts on it at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“Your legacy will be in tatters. Torn to bits. Finished,” he added during a particularly heated back-and-forth near the end of the event, which led organizers to call off a planned face-off for the cameras.

Fury was particularly bothered by Wilder’s claims that the “Gypsy King” cheated in their last meeting by illegally tampering with his gloves ahead of the seventh-round stoppage.

Saturday’s fight was scheduled for July 24 before Fury’s positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test forced a postponement.

Fury welcomed a baby girl nearly two months ago, but she had to be placed into the hospital’s intensive care unit. He said he spent two weeks by her side before she came home.

“I knew if I got that hurdle out of the way, things would be good and I could concentrate on the fight,” he said.

“Daddy’s just got to do his job. That’s it,” he said.

Wilder, sporting a blood red track suit with the words “Eye for an eye” written on it in Russian, appeared more relaxed, saying he had “nothing to lose and everything to gain” in the fight.

“I’m in a great place, a great state of mind,” Wilder said.

“There’s nothing to prove at all. This right here in redemption, retaliation and retribution.”

Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott said the two have been working to expand the knockout artist’s toolbox while Fury’s trainer Sugar Hill Steward said their focus has been on fine-tuning the “already exceptional” Fury.

The winner is expected to face Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the other three titles, for a chance to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lenox Lewis 21 years ago. — Reuters

‘No more silence’: NWSL players return to the field

October 7, 2021 | 6:49 pm

NEW YORK — Banners and signs declaring, “PROTECT THE PLAYERS” and “NO MORE SILENCE” ringed National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) pitches on Wednesday as teams took to the field for the first time since sexual misconduct allegations rocked the competition.

The matches were the first since a report from The Athletic on Thursday outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct from former North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley, prompting the league to postpone last weekend’s games.

The Athletic said Riley has denied “the majority” of the allegations in its report.

Attempts by Reuters to reach Riley for comment were unsuccessful.

Play was halted six minutes into Washington Spirit’s game against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Suburu Park in suburban Philadelphia on Wednesday as both squads linked arms at the center circle.

The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) said the gesture was in recognition of the six years since former players Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly came forward with allegations, “and all those who fought for too long to be heard.”

Players stood in silence for a minute.

“During that time, we ask you to stand in that pain and discomfort with us,” the statement read.

The NWSLPA also outlined demands for the league, including that “every coach, general manager, representative on the board of governors and owner” submit to an independent investigation into abusive conduct.

In Cary, North Carolina, where Riley led the Courage to a second consecutive NWSL title in 2019, the home team and visiting Racing Louisville delivered the same gesture.

Riley has been fired by the Courage and the league.

The allegations also led to the ouster of Commissioner Lisa Baird and prompted investigations by the NWSL, US Soccer and International Federatio of Association Football (FIFA).

An hour before the Portland Thorns kicked off their home match against Houston Dash, the club announced general manager Gavin Wilkinson had been placed on administrative leave.

The Thorns had previously apologized for not being more transparent after receiving a complaint against then-coach Riley in 2015.

As the Thorns and Dash linked arms inside Providence Park, a fan was seen holding a sign reading: “Six years.”

Wednesday’s game between Spirit and Gotham, which ended 0-0, was supposed to have been an occasion to honor two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, who is set to retire.

“It’s been emotional week — we’ve had a lot to celebrate, a lot to reflect on,” the NJ/NY forward said after the game.

Courage beat Louisville 3-1 in North Carolina. — Reuters

Para sports focus of coaching webinar series

October 7, 2021 | 6:47 pm

Para-swimming will be one of the featured para sports in a coaching webinar series which will begin this weekend.

Goal ball, para-swimming, wheelchair basketball, para-athletics, and para-table tennis will be the focus of the Philippine Sports Commission–Pilipinas Para Games (PPG) Para Sports Coaching Webinar series starting on Saturday.

The six-day coaching program, done in partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), will have long-time coaches and expert practitioners imparting fundamental coaching and experiences in the aforementioned para sport disciplines.

“After the PSC’s successful webinar on para-athlete sensitivity, this coaching program will complement and boost the knowledge of our coaches and trainers in para sports,” said PSC Oversight Commissioner for para-athletes Arnold Agustin.

Coaching webinar for wheelchair basketball starts on Oct. 9, followed by goal ball on Oct. 11, para-swimming on Oct. 12, para-athletics on Oct. 14, and para table tennis on Oct. 15.

The PSC said it is expecting five hundred participants for the webinar series.

“Participants who will be able to complete the webinar series will be awarded a certificate and commemorative event shirts,” Mr. Agustin said.

Those who are interested to participate may register through https://bit.ly/ParaSportsWebinar or contact pilipinasparagames@gmail.com and its official Facebook page.