Secuna eyes partnership with gov’t for cyberattack simulation

March 24, 2022 | 12:03 am

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Senior Reporter

SECUNA, a cybersecurity testing platform provider in the Philippines, said it is in talks with a national government agency to use its platform “for free.”

The company is serious about “collaborating” with the government on cybersecurity, Secuna Chief Executive Officer Allan Jay “AJ” Dumanhug told BusinessWorld in a recent virtual interview.

“Why for free? Our competitors in the United States are actually doing it in a small amount, but we want to do it for free because we want to help the government secure our countrymen, our citizens, as they also have our data,” he added.

On its website, Secuna describes itself as “the biggest and most trusted cybersecurity testing platform” in the country helping startups and small and medium-sized enterprises “by connecting them to the most advanced and highly-vetted cybersecurity professionals in the world to simulate cyberattacks and find security flaws that real-world malicious hackers can exploit and leverage to gain access to IT systems.”

Mr. Dumanhug noted that Secuna is also developing a business model with government agencies that is similar to “Hack the Pentagon” and “Hack the Air Force” cybersecurity programs in the US, in which ethical hackers identify security holes in an entity’s computer networks.

“We are planning the same thing like ‘Hack the Comelec’ (Commission on Elections). So that’s how we will generate revenue,” he added.

“This is a community of researchers, and we want to bring this idea to the Philippines.”

Data analytics and consulting company GlobalData said organizations should start strengthening their cybersecurity defenses amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

“Malicious state-sponsored cyber activities have historically escalated when geopolitical tensions are high. Concerns about increased cyber activity amidst the Russia-Ukraine crisis serve as a stark reminder of the importance of identifying the threat model and altering risk management objectives accordingly,” Manish Dixit, principal disruptive tech analyst at GlobalData, said in a statement.

Pranjali Mujumdar, also a GlobalData tech analyst, said companies must also invest more in information security, with risk management teams aiming for a fine balance of technology, people, and processes to manage risk.

“Both Russia and Ukraine have a high level of expertise in information technology and computer hacking, thus, cyberwarfare can not only target big companies or government organizations; any small business involved in the public sector’s supply chain will also be vulnerable.”

Dutch publisher recalls discredited book on Anne Frank’s betrayal

March 24, 2022 | 12:03 am

AnneFrank1940_crop — HTTPS://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/ COLLECTIE ANNE FRANK STICHTING AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM — The Dutch publisher of a discredited cold case investigation into the betrayal of teenage Jewish diarist Anne Frank on Tuesday said it was recalling the book following a critical report on its findings.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation, by Canadian best-selling author Rosemary Sullivan has been widely dismissed by experts since its release in January.

The book named a Jewish notary, Arnold van den Bergh, as the main suspect in exposing the family’s hideout to the Nazis.

There was a backlash by Jewish groups, historians and independent researchers who subsequently criticized the cold case team’s conclusion.

Last month, the main umbrella group for Europe’s national Jewish communities urged HarperCollins to pull the English edition, saying it had tarnished Anne Frank’s memory and the dignity of Holocaust survivors.

On Tuesday, a counter-report by World War II experts and historians was released in the Netherlands, saying the conclusions of the cold case team, led by a retired US FBI investigator, did not withstand professional scrutiny.

“It is without exception very weak, sometimes based on an evidently erroneous reading of the sources, fabricated additions to sources, and has not in any way been subjected to a critical assessment,” the report concluded.

“There is not any serious evidence for this grave accusation,” the experts found.

In response, Dutch publisher Ambo Anthos said: “Based on the conclusions of this report, we have decided that effective immediately, the book will no longer be available. We will call upon bookstores to return their stock.”

The English edition of the book was published by HarperCollins. HarperCollins did not respond to a request for comment.

Anne’s diary about life in hiding has been translated into 60 languages. She and seven other Jews were discovered in August 1944 after they had evaded capture for nearly two years in a secret annex above a canal side warehouse in Amsterdam. All were deported and Anne died in the Bergen Belsen camp at age 15. — Reuters

Converge ICT Solutions acquires Alaska Aces franchise

March 24, 2022 | 12:03 am

Dennis-Uy-Converge — DENNIS ANTHONY H. UY

AS ITS entry as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) newest member was formally announced, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. management vowed to form a competitive squad that will give the league’s powerhouses a run for their money.

Converge is officially taking over from Alaska after the PBA board of governors unanimously approved on an 11-0 vote the sale entered into by its co-founder and CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy and Aces owner Fred Uytengsu.

“Converge will be a strong and active member of the PBA. With full management support and continuous recalibration, we’ll be competing at a high level and we’ll be bringing topnotch basketball to Filipino fans,” said Converge’s designated governor, former commissioner Chito Salud, in a presscon with commissioner Willie Marcial and Alaska governor Dicky Bachmann.

“Our brand of basketball will be reflective of the core values of hard work, discipline, creativity, grit and excellence,” added Mr. Salud.

Converge purchased Alaska lock, stock and barrel and has the option to retain the old Aces squad and coaching staff.

“We have barely three months to prepare for the next season in June and I’ll be working closely with Mr. Dicky Bachmann on this. Together, we’ll assess the performance of the players and coaches and we’ll make a decision soon,” said Mr. Salud. “We believe this team has great potential and we just need to recalibrate and move forward.”

Converge executives are grateful to PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan for allowing the company to come in despite essentially being a competitor.

“Mr. Uy wants to highlight the sporting spirit Mr. Pangilinan showed in accepting the entry of Converge. In the mind of Mr. Uy, Mr. Pangilinan is a true ambassador of the sport and does the PBA proud with this sporting gesture,” said Mr. Salud.

The amount of the purchase was not disclosed but is estimated to be at least P100 million in addition to franchise transfer and other league fees.

Mr. Bachmann presented a framed signed Alaska t-shirt each to Converge and the pro league during the presser. “The proceeds of this sale could have stayed with the PBA… We want to thank the PBA for allowing Mr. Uytengsu and Alaska Milk Corp. to actually receive all the proceeds from this sale,” he said. — Olmin Leyba

Cebu Pacific net loss reached nearly P25 billion in 2021

March 24, 2022 | 12:02 am

BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) on Wednesday reported a net loss of P24.9 billion for 2021, widening from a loss of P22.2 billion a year earlier.

The airline “continues to weather through the coronavirus pandemic,” it said in an e-mailed statement.

“CEB generated P15.7 billion in revenues in 2021, 30% below 2020,” it added.

The airline said the decline in revenues was mostly driven by the 50% drop in passenger revenue to P6.3 billion from P12.6 billion in 2020.

“Cargo operations continued to flourish in 2021 as it posted record sales of P6.5 billion, a 20% increase versus 2020,” it noted.

The airline’s total operating expenses fell by 10% to P38.9 billion “despite the higher fuel prices.” It cited the limited flying activities, supported by cost-cutting initiatives such as right-sizing of its network, fleet, and manpower.

“With these, CEB posted an operating loss of P23.2 billion, 12% bigger than the previous year,” the airline noted.

At the same time, the budget carrier incurred non-core losses of P1.12 billion, “driven primarily by higher peso translation of its US dollar debt and mark-to-market losses from the derivative value of its convertible bonds, which were partially offset by P1.4 billion gained from aircraft sale and leaseback transactions.”

The airline said it remained resilient and ensured its long-term sustainability despite the losses.

“Aside from its cost-saving initiatives, [CEB] successfully raised over $1.6 billion from various fund-raising initiatives,” the airline noted.

“This not only allowed for an even longer liquidity runway but also resulted in a stronger balance sheet with cash balance of P19.6 billion, surpassing even the pre-pandemic cash levels.”

The budget carrier sees “strong” domestic demand becoming apparent.

Bookings have been “increasing,” it noted, adding that it anticipates recovery to its pre-COVID domestic capacity levels by the second quarter of the year.

The airline, operated by listed Cebu Air, Inc., said it flew more than 3.4 million passengers last year, 32% lower than the previous year.

“In the first quarter of 2020 alone, before the onset of the air travel lockdown in March 2020, Cebu Pacific flew close to 4.4 million passengers on about 30,000 flights,” it noted.

Cebu Air shares closed 2.60% higher at P43.40 apiece on Wednesday. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Commonwealth Insurance tops nonlife companies in terms of bond performance

March 24, 2022 | 12:02 am

COMMONWEALTH INSURANCE Co. (CIC) topped nonlife insurers in terms of bond performance in 2020, the Insurance Commission (IC) reported on Wednesday.

The list ranks nonlife insurance companies on premiums on direct or bond business or premiums for bonds received by insurers before considering reinsurance ceded.

CIC had the highest bond earnings in 2020 at P447.45 million, followed by Travellers Insurance & Surety Corp. with P406.08 million.

Other companies in the top 10 were Stronghold Insurance Co., Inc. (P256.90 million); MAA General Assurance Philippines, Inc. (P237.55 million); United Coconut Planters’ Bank General Insurance Co., Inc. (P213.94 million); Malaysian Insurance Co., Inc. (P155.39 million); BPI/MS Insurance Corp. (P146.77 million); Milestone Guaranty & Assurance Corp. (P120.54 million); Alpha Insurance & Surety Co. (P114.53 million); and Bethel General Insurance & Surety Corp. (P89.86 million).

IC Circular Letter No. 2018-47, which outlines the rules on insurers’ issuance of bonds, organizes bonds into five classes.

Insurance companies generated a total of P3.01 trillion from bond premiums in 2020, based on data from the IC.

Class 3 Bonds, which include Performance Bonds and General Bonds, among others, made P1.40 billion or 46.69% of the total income from over 103,000 policies, latest data from the commission showed.

The Philippine insurance sector is composed of 135 licensed life and nonlife insurers as well as mutual benefit associations. — T.J. Tomas

Beyonce, Billie Eilish among musical performers to take Oscars stage

March 24, 2022 | 12:02 am

LOS ANGELES — Music superstars Beyonce and Billie Eilish will perform their Oscar-nominated songs live at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony on March 27, producers announced on Tuesday.

Beyonce will sing “Be Alive,” a song she co-wrote for the movie King Richard about the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, at the film industry honors on Sunday.

Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell will team for their James Bond theme “No Time to Die.”

Country music star Reba McEntire also will take the stage to sing “Somehow You Do,” a song written by Diane Warren for the movie Four Good Days. “Dos Oruguitas” from animated musical Encanto will be performed Sebastian Yatra.

All four are competing in the category of best original song at the Academy Awards ceremony that will take place in Hollywood and be broadcast on Walt Disney Co.’s ABC.

The fifth nominee, “Down To Joy” from the movie Belfast, will not be performed during the telecast. Singer Van Morrison declined because of his tour schedule, organizers said. — Reuters

Samsung launches new midrange Galaxy A series smartphones

March 24, 2022 | 12:02 am

SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd. last week announced its latest midrange Galaxy A series smartphones, the A73, A53 and A33, which have 5G connectivity and better battery life.

“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the positive impact mobile technology can have on their lives,” TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business, was quoted as saying in a statement. “With the latest Galaxy A series release, we’re making it easier than ever to enjoy Galaxy’s advanced, innovative mobile experience at a great value.”

The Galaxy A73 5G has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy A53 has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive experience. The A33 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The phones are made with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and have IP67 water and dust resistance.

The Galaxy A series phones are also equipped with 5000mAh batteries, which can power up to two days of use and support 25W super fast charging.

The phones’ AI-powered camera is powered by a 5nm processor for improved image and video quality even with low lighting. The A73 has a 108-megapixel (MP) main camera as well as 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth and 5MP macro lenses for its rear setup and a 32MP front camera, while the Galaxy A53’s quad-camera system features a 64MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and 5MP depth and macro lenses. It also has a 32MP front camera.

Lastly, the A33’s rear setup has a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP depth and 5MP macro sensors, while it has a 13MP front camera.

The Galaxy A series does not come with a charger plug and is packaged with sustainable materials. The Galaxy A53 5G also guarantees up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates to maximize its life cycle.

The new phones are secured by Samsung Knox. The Secure Folder offers an encrypted, digital safe, while Private Share allows users to control access to files.

The Galaxy A73 5G will be available starting April 22 and will come in Awesome Gray, Awesome White, and Awesome Mint for P29,990 (8GB RAM + 256GB memory), P27,990 (8+128GB) and P26,990 (6+128GB, online exclusive).

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G will come in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach variants.

The Galaxy A53 5G will be available starting April 1 in all authorized Samsung Stores and online for P25,490 (8GB+256GB), P23,490 (8+128GB) and P22,990 (6+128GB, online exclusive).

The Galaxy A33 5G will be available beginning April 22 for P21,990 (8+256GB), P19,990 (8+128GB) and P18,990 (6+128GB, online exclusive). Its white 128GB and 256GB versions are also online exclusives.

Also, a new Onyx color of the Galaxy Buds2 and Buds Live is set to be launched in April. — BVR

TaskUs, Cignal TV strikes partnership to support Cignal HD Spikers in PVL

March 24, 2022 | 12:02 am

Cignal-x-TaskUs — TASKUS AND CIGNAL formalize partnership to support Cignal HD Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference. (LEFT TO RIGHT) Eric Centeno, Cignal’s vice-president of channel sales; Dino Laurena, Media5’s chief operating officer; Victoria Alcachupas, TaskUs’ division vice-president of integrated marketing; Paul Garcia, TaskUs’ accounts director for geos and employer branding; and James Meneses, team owner of Cignal HD Spikers.

TASKUS, a provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to innovative and disruptive technology companies, entered a sponsorship deal with Cignal TV, Inc. to support the Cignal HD Spikers women’s volleyball team in the famed Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The partnership was formalized during a contract signing that was attended by Victoria Alcachupas, TaskUs’ division vice-president of integrated marketing; Paul Garcia, TaskUs’ accounts director for geos and employer branding; Dino Laurena, Media5’s chief operating officer; Eric Centeno, Cignal’s vice-president of channel sales; and James Meneses, team owner of Cignal HD Spikers.

“TaskUs shares the same work ethic of the Cignal HD Spikers. Both TaskUs Teammates and Cignal HD Spikers inspire others by believing in themselves and are always striving for excellence,” said Ms. Alcachupas. “We are very excited to support these young and highly ambitious athletes in clinching the gold. We believe they deserve the spotlight as sports arenas are now open to athletes.”

Cignal TV, Inc. has been sponsoring the Cignal HD Spikers since 2013. This is the first time that they will be partnering with TaskUs to support their impressive 2022 rosters in the women’s division of PVL.

“Professional athletes need support now more than ever as sports leagues bounce back from the pandemic,” said Mr. Centeno. “With TaskUs on board, the Cignal HD Spikers have become stronger in bringing their A-game and inspiring their supporters.”

“We are very excited with this partnership with TaskUs, an organization that is known for their unique, collaborative, and innovative approach to work — just exactly how the Cignal HD Spikers are known in the court,” said Mr. Meneses. “With the support of TaskUs, we are confident that the Cignal HD Spikers are more empowered to strive for gold.”

The PVL games will be airing live on One Sports (Channel 41 on free-to-air TV and Channel 6 on Cignal) and One Sports+ (Cignal Channel 91 on SD and Channel 261 on HD), with both channels also available on Cignal’s OTT platform and Cignal Play. The livestream of the games will also be accessible on Smart GigaPlay — a platform exclusive for Smart subscribers.

IMI revenues up despite supply constraints

March 24, 2022 | 12:01 am

DESPITE a double-digit revenue growth, Ayala-led Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) closed last year with a net loss of $10.6 million due to a string of factors, including the high cost of raw materials.

In a media release on Wednesday, the company said it posted revenues of $1.3 billion in 2021, up by 15% from the earlier year, despite constraints in its supply chain for the whole year.

“IMI was able to deliver on strong customer demand for electronic products,” it said, adding that key market segments automotive, industrial and aerospace grew 24%, 16%, and 15%, respectively.

No comparative bottom line figure was given in the media release, but the company previously disclosed an after-tax loss of $6.37 million in 2020, and a net loss of $3.46 million attributable to equity holders.

It attributed last year’s net loss to “increased growth and technology-related investments in non wholly-owned subsidiaries, along with high raw material prices and elevated logistics expenses.”

IMI Chief Execuitive Officer Arthur R. Tan said: “Although component shortages and supply chain disruptions have burdened the entire industry this past year, we continue to see strong demand for electronics driving our growth momentum, particularly in key subsegments of electric vehicles and autonomous driving.”

He said the company’s sales teams were able to book $356 million of annual revenue potential in 2021, up 52% from 2020.

“IMI remains committed to delivering high quality, high reliability technology solutions to meet these requirements,” Mr. Tan said.

IMI said wholly owned subsidiaries in 2021 registered revenues of $1 billion, a 16% growth from 2020. It said the business units overcame “immense challenges” last year.

It added that acquired businesses VIA optronics GmbH and STI Ltd. posted revenues of $296 million, up 10% year on year.

“As we pursue further growth in 2022, our focus now is to proactively drive manufacturing efficiency and control costs as the supply situation improves,” Mr. Tan said.

IMI, a unit of Ayala Corp., specializes in electronics for long product life cycle segments such as automotive, industrial electronics and the aerospace market.

On Thursday, shares in the technology and manufacturing solutions company slipped by P0.02 or 0.24% to close at P8.20 each at the stock exchange.

BoT backs lenders after S&P cuts ratings

March 24, 2022 | 12:01 am

THAILAND’S BANKING SYSTEM remains resilient with high levels of capital buffer to withstand future risks and uncertainties, the nation’s central bank said on Tuesday, a day after S&P Global Ratings downgraded the top lenders citing increased systemic risks.

The capital adequacy ratio of Thai banking system stands at 20% and lenders have increased provisioning against bad loans by 430 billion baht ($12.8 billion) in the past two years, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) said in a statement. Total provisioning at 890 billion baht is equivalent to 1.6 times of nonperforming loans, it said.

“This reflect banks vigilance against the backdrop of heightened uncertainties,” the central bank said. “Currently, the financial positions of the Thai banking system remain resilient with high levels of buffer.”

S&P Global ratings lowered ratings of Siam Commercial Bank Pcl and Kasikornbank Pcl to BBB from BBB+ and that of Krung Thai Bank Pcl and TMBThanachart Bank Pcl to BBB- from BBB, saying the move reflected its view “that systemic risks have increased for banks operating in Thailand.” The rating company affirmed ratings of Bangkok Bank Pcl and Bank of Ayudhya Pcl at BBB+ and also retained the stable outlooks for all the six lenders.

“Systemic risk for Thailand’s banks has risen, and high leverage among borrowers is likely to persist for longer than we previously expected,” S&P said. “Regulatory relaxation, such as a loosening of loan-to-value ratio requirements for mortgages, or an absence of any concrete action to rein in high household debt would delay a resolution of structural issues, in our view.”

S&P’s base case scenario project bad loans ratio of Thai banks jumping to 5% over the 24 months, the highest level since the 2008 global financial crisis, from 3% currently, it said.

But the central bank said regular stress tests on banks’ capital found that the “Thai banking system remained resilient and able to withstand future risks and uncertainties.” “Going forward, the continued recovery of the Thai economy will help improve income and debt serviceability of borrowers as well as the loan quality of banks,” BoT said.

Various debt relief measures introduced by the central bank during the pandemic have been instrumental in bringing down the number of debtors under the financial assistance program of banks to 14% of total loans from a peak of 30% during a surge in COVID-19 outbreak in July 2020, BoT said.

The ratings pressure stemmed from the quality of the bank loans, especially the restructured debt, which may not reflect in financial ratios, Ivan Tan, S&P’s director for financial institutions ratings, told a briefing on Wednesday.

“There is no immediate fix to the structural issues plaguing the country’s lenders and COVID-19 has only inflamed the situation,” S&P said in the statement. “The fragile and uneven recovery is exacerbated by the economy’s high dependence on tourism.” — Bloomberg

PSC resumes sports science lectures for local coaches

March 24, 2022 | 12:01 am

LOCAL coaches from various provinces will receive sports science lectures as the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) National Sports Coaching Certification Course (NSCCC) resumes today.

Over 100 coaches from all over the country are expected to join the Level 2 of online lectures for Badminton and Lawn Tennis via Zoom, from March 24 to 26, led by the agency’s Philippine Sports Institute (PSI).

“We want to continue building on the momentum we had last year with these coaches and elevate their learning and mastery of coaching in their specific sport,” said PSI Grassroots Program Head Abby Rivera.

This is the third leg of the NSCCC which started from its first course on Sport-Specific Training for Table Tennis Level 1 and Sports Science Lectures Level 2 last Feb. 24 to 26 and March 17 to 19, respectively with almost 200 coaches attending.

Ms. Rivera added that, “more than half of the attendees also signed up for the optional examination where they are entitled to receive certificates.”

After the three courses, the PSI will continue another set of topics and lectures for Sports Science Level 1 until April 28, to be led by the expertise of Prof. Henry Daut for Sports Management, UP CHK Dean Francis Carlos Diaz for Training Program Design and Development, Karen Leslie Pineda, Ashly Villa and Jane Serapion for Sports Nutrition, Arsenio Lantin, MD and Victor Francis Gaddi, MD for Sports Sports Injury and Rehabilitation, Mary Jane Santos for Sports Massage, and Marc Donyell Bayang for Strength and Conditioning.

Dining In/Out (03/24/22)

March 24, 2022 | 12:01 am

1 of 7

RWM switching to cage-free eggs

ON March 22, Resorts World Manila (RWM), kicked off its overarching sustainability program dubbed, “I Love Earth” with the launch of its Sustainable Culinary initiative advocating the use of cage-free eggs. The integrated resort has committed to join a global shift towards the use of only cage-free eggs across all its hotels and food and beverage (F&B) outlets by 2025. Batangas Free Range Chicken (BFRC) is one of the partners which will supply sustainable products to the different hotels and F&B outlets. RWM worked with the Lever Foundation on making the switch. The global NGO works with food companies across the region to help them upgrade their protein sourcing for a more humane, safe and sustainable supply chain, with a focus on cage-free eggs and alternative protein. Animal protection and food safety organizations around the world are encouraging a switch to cage-free eggs, which are more humane to animals and safer for consumers. On caged egg farms, each egg-laying hen is confined for nearly her entire life in a cage so small she can barely turn around. Research by the European Food Safety Authority and others has found that cage-free egg farms are up to 25 times less likely to be contaminated with key strains of salmonella compared to hens raised in cages. Battery cage egg production has been banned throughout the European Union as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, India, and parts of the United States.

Sheraton joins Earth Hour 2022 celebration

ON Saturday, March 26, the Sheraton Manila Bay will be one with the world in the observance of Earth Hour. Aside from joining the global movement by switching off lights in its main public and office areas from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sheraton Manila Bay’s top-floor restaurant Pacific Lounge will also be serving a special Earth Hour Cocktail at its Saturday pre-dinner cocktail buffet. The Earth Hour Cocktail (P988++ per person) is a zero-waste rum-based cocktail infused with basil syrup made to compliment the wide array of tapas and international cuisine at the buffet. Bring along friends and family and take home a signature WWF Plushie Panda for every group of four persons. Proceeds from the Panda Plushies are donated to the wildlife conservation projects of the World Wide Fund. Sheraton Manila Bay’s Pre-dinner Cocktail is available daily starting 6 p.m. For reservations call 5318-0788 or e-mail reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com. Sheraton Manila Bay is located at M. Adriatico cor. Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila.

Eden Melt Sarap now ‘meltier,’ cremier

EDEN Melt Sarap has been made creamier and meltier, making it even easier to use in recipes that need melty cheese. The company has created recipes using the updated product that can be accessed at www.cheeseanything.com. One can also follow and like the Facebook page Eden Cheese PH for updates and more recipes.

Seattle’s Best Coffee offers Skippy Peanut Butter Collection

SEATTLE’S Best Coffee has unveiled the new Skippy Peanut Butter Collection, now available at all Seattle’s Best Coffee branches nationwide. The collection is made up of the Skippy Hot Choco, which blends dark chocolate sauce, milk, and Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter; Skippy Iced Choco Java, crafted with a shot of espresso, white chocolate mix, and Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter; Dreamy Skippy Cookie Javakula, an ice-blended beverage made with a shot of espresso, dark chocolate sauce, Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter, and garnished with whipped cream and peanut cookies. All are available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery through Facebook Messenger (https://www.facebook.com/seattlesbestcoffeephilippines), Grab Food, Food Panda, and Pickaroo.

Seafood for Lent at RWM

FILIPINOS usually observe Lent by giving up meat and embracing seafood in their diets. For the season, Resorts World Manila (RWM) F&B outlets are focusing on the bounty from the sea. Casa Buenas, is cooking up a Seafood Fiesta featuring Octopus and coconut kilawin, Gambas al ajilo, Wood oven roasted salmon with adlai and mixed vegetables, and Garlic baked oyster. The special seafood fare is available for P1,999 net, every Friday until April 30 at Casa Buenas, GF Newport Grand Wing. Abalone is the star at the Newport Garden Wing’s Victoria Harbour Cafe (VHC) and the Newport Grand Wing’s Silk Road which are serving several abalone dishes such as Double boiled abalone and chicken soup (P608 net) at VHC and Biryani chicken with abalone (P840) at Silk Road. Meanwhile, Silogue’s Seafood Bilao is an exotic feast of grilled squid, catfish, river snails, and sinigang na tuna served with a native fermented rice dip. The Filipino feast (P2,000 net) is available every Friday until April 30. Silogue is located at the GF Newport Garden Wing. The Garden Wing Cafe is serving up its take on a Seafood Binalot — garlic shrimp, vinegar mussels, and grilled salmon inasal are placed on top of aligue rice, all wrapped with a banana leaf and served with atchara and salted egg ensalada. The Seafood Binalot (P688 net) is available every Friday until April 30. The Garden Wing Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Breakfast set made with bio-based plastics

WITH the Eco Conscious Edition, Philips Domestic Appliances introduces the first complete sustainable breakfast set made with 100% bio-based plastics from plant oil waste. The breakfast set is designed to offer consumers a green alternative and supports Philips Domestic Appliances’ ambition to grow responsibly and sustainably. The set includes a kettle, toaster, and coffee maker that come with different energy-saving functionalities. The set of these three products accounts for 21% less CO2 emissions. Even the packaging is eco-friendly. In line with the sustainability push, Philips Domestic Appliances is partnering with EcoMatcher to plant trees with every purchase from the Eco Conscious Edition products i.e., each item comes with a tree that can be redeemed. Consumers can redeem trees and track every tree with satellite maps. Philips Domestic Appliances will create a forest by initially investing in a few thousand trees and will work with EcoMatcher’s NGO partner in the Philippines, Fostering Education & Environment for Development (FEED), to plant the trees. Trees can be tracked on EcoMatcher’s website as well on EcoMatcher’s iOS/Android app. The introduction of biologically based plastics made from used cooking oil as part of the product assembly not only means a reduction in water pollution, CO2 emissions, and overall use of natural resources, it represents a breakthrough in the field of developing and manufacturing sustainable materials. The products are available on online malls and some Lotte department stores.