PHL AirAsia secures permit to transport COVID-19 vaccines

April 27, 2021 | 12:04 am

LOW-COST carrier Philippines AirAsia, Inc. announced on Monday that it had received government approval to transport coronavirus vaccines packed in dry ice.

In an e-mailed statement, Philippines AirAsia said the regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) “came just in time for the expected arrival of the bulk of vaccines from Sinovac BioTech, Gamaleya Institute and Pfizer-BioNTech in the coming weeks and months.”

“The country is expecting the delivery of 1,000,000 doses of CoronaVac, 480,000 doses of Sputnik V, 195,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines and 20,000 doses of Gamaleya towards the end of April while Moderna is slated to begin the delivery of 13,000,000 vaccine doses starting June and July 2021,” the company said, citing the National Task Force against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The company said it is currently in discussions with different local government units to map out the deliveries.

Only the flag carrier Philippine Airlines and the budget carrier Cebu Pacific had been certified as dangerous goods carriers prior to CAAP’s approval of Philippines AirAsia’s application for authorization to transport COVID-19 vaccines.

Cebu Pacific announced on April 19 the delivery of a total of 41,480 vaccine doses to Tuguegarao and Palawan.

It has delivered approximately 264,000 doses across Visayas and Mindanao and some parts of Luzon.

On April 22, Philippine Airlines transported another 500,000 vaccine doses from Beijing to Manila.

“This latest batch of 500,000 government-purchased vaccine doses brings to 2.4 million the total number of doses flown into the country by the national flag carrier,” Philippine Airlines said in a statement. — Arjay L. Balinbin

PNB to issue dividends

April 27, 2021 | 12:03 am

PHILIPPINE National Bank will issue property dividends to its shareholders, it said on Monday. — BW FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB) will distribute property dividends to its stockholders following the lender’s investment in PNB Holdings Corp. (PHC) in exchange for certain properties of the bank.

“The distribution of PNB Holdings shares through the dividend declaration allows PNB stockholders to share from the benefit of the realized values of the properties and any future valuation gains,” PNB President and CEO Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso was quoted as saying in a statement on Monday.

PNB in January said the central bank had approved the lender’s request for “temporary exemption from prudential limits on its equity investments in PHC.

The bank’s dividend declaration is the second phase of the bank’s “strategic initiative to recognize the unrealized value of three properties,” including the PNB Financial Center in Pasay, PNB Makati Center in Ayala’s Central Business District, and the Prime Property at the corner of Buendia Avenue and Paseo De Roxas, also in Makati.

“Through the distribution of PHC shares via the declaration of the property dividends, all shareholders of PNB will become part owners of PNB Holdings, allowing them to benefit from future potential gains from the development of the properties, either through potential dividends and/or through the increase in the valuation of the shares,” the bank said in a statement.

“PNB is pursuing plans to reduce its low-earning assets to build up its financial position. PNB Holdings increased its authorized capital stock to reflect the value of the three prime properties,” PNB said.

Mr. Veloso said the development of the properties is already being studied by real estate professionals working alongside PHC and PNB.

PNB’s net income dropped 73.14% to P2.6 billion in 2020 from P9.68 billion in 2019 as it beefed up loan loss provisions amid the coronavirus crisis.

Its shares closed at P25.90 apiece on Monday, up by P2.95 or 12.85% from its previous finish. — L.W.T. Noble

SMART’s campaign with BTS to entice younger consumers

April 27, 2021 | 12:03 am

IN an effort to snag younger consumers, Smart Communications, Inc. launched its “Live Your Passion with Purpose” campaign with one of the world’s leading pop icons, the Korean boy band BTS. This is Smart’s first collaboration with the Grammy-nominated artists.

On Thursday, Smart dropped the TVC featuring the seven BTS members — Jung Kook, RM, j-hope, Jin, V, Suga, and Jimin — walking up and down seven iterations of The Penrose Stairs which is “symbolic of defying impossible situations.” The campaign is set to two of the band’s most recent hits, “Life Goes On” and “Dynamite.”

An hour after its launch at 5 p.m. on April 22, the TVC earned more than 156,000 views and 120,000 views on Smart Communications’ official Facebook and YouTube pages.

“BTS won over the hearts of millions all over the world not just with their talent, but also with their messages of hope and inspiration,” Jane J. Basas, Smart SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business, said in a statement.

During an online press launch held over Zoom on April 22, Ms. Basas said that the campaign is targeted to the younger generation of consumers.

“We wanted to pivot the messaging of the brand and for the brand to start talking to the younger generation of Filipinos, the Gen Zs. We felt that what’s unique about this generation is that they know their voice. They know their capabilities. They know they’re a talented bunch, but what makes them unique is that they believe that… they can change the world,” she said. “And we were looking for talents that can deliver that message [which] is BTS.”

“This campaign is centered really with the youth. We want to make sure that we have the affinity with the youth. They are the future customers for us long term. We want to make sure that we’re able to address what their needs are from us,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO said of the campaign’s expected contributions to the business.

“The drivers of our business today is content. Everybody wants to go online, to listen to music, to watch movies. And BTS is one global brand,” Mr. Panlilio added.

Alongside the TVC launch, Smart also launched the Smart x BTS microsite (www.smartbts.com.ph) which is exclusively for Smart Prepaid, Postpaid, Infinity, Bro, TNT and PLDT Prepaid Home Wifi subscribers.

The microsite offers exclusive BTS content including a feature to view the TVC using mobile light sticks. Smart will soon announce the release of BTS photocards as part of the campaign. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Robinsons Malls hosts national ID registration centers

April 27, 2021 | 12:03 am

PHILIPPINE STATISTICS Authority (PSA) has named Robinsons Malls as its official mall partner for the registration of the national ID or Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

The PSA has set up PhilSys registration areas at the following malls from Mondays to Saturdays: Robinsons Place Malolos, Robinsons Place Roxas, Robinsons Place Tuguegarao, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Place Antipolo, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Robinsons Place Santiago, Robinsons Luisita, and Robinsons Starmills.

PhilSys registration at Robinsons Place Dumaguete and Robinsons Place Antique are available until Sunday.

The second step of the PhilSys registration involves the validation of supporting documents and capture of biometrics such as fingerprint and iris scans and front-facing photographs.

More registration centers will be opened at Robinsons malls in north Tacloban and Cebu.

FedEx moves Clark facility launch to Q3

April 27, 2021 | 12:03 am

THE FedEx Express facility being built in Clark will be operational by the third quarter, the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said.

“FedEx is almost complete with its state-of-the-art facility that will hopefully be operational by the third quarter of this year,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio B. Dizon said at the Sulong Pilipinas 2021 economic forum on Monday.

The logistics company announced in October that it would build a 17,000 square-meter facility for processing documents and parcels in Clark, initially setting an April launch.

The facility will bring up the company’s employee count in Clark to 800.

FedEx said the facility would reduce delivery time to Northern Luzon by an average of two hours, and would extend the cut-off time for Northern Luzon and Cebu customers.

The project could also increase the company’s sorting capabilities to 9,000 documents and parcels per hour.

FedEx Express is the transport subsidiary of FedEx Corp., which also works on e-commerce and business services. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Cable subscribers called to join campaign showcasing local culture

April 27, 2021 | 12:02 am

THE PHILIPPINE Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc. (PCTA) has launched “Mabuhay Ang Lokal,” a campaign aimed to celebrate the stories of local individuals, groups, and cultures. It will do so with video contributions from cable subscribers.

The campaign’s major themes are Lokaltura, Lokalert, and Kwentong Lokal.

Lokaltura will capture the vibrant culture of local communities; Lokalert will highlight programs and initiatives that help communities stay informed; and Kwentong Lokal will focus on different individuals or groups who have special talents and stories to share.

“PCTA and our member operators have always believed that no community must be left behind — even the farthest, most remote ones. Equipped with PCTA’s core competencies, values, and ideas, we have tirelessly worked to come up and run campaigns and initiatives to ensure that every community is served, heard, and celebrated,” Joel Dabao, President of PCTA said in a statement.

To participate, cable TV subscribers must film a one-minute video inspired by the Mabuhay ang Lokal themes. The videos can be e-mailed to secretary@pcta.org.ph, membership@pcta.org.ph or secretariat@pcta.org.ph. Chosen entries will be highlighted and featured in local community channels, and the PCTA Facebook page.

After a year of gathering the content, selected entries will be selected and compiled into The Best of Mabuhay ang Lokal Stories to showcase the most inspiring and engaging pieces of content.

“Mabuhay Ang Lokal” aims to strengthen the presence of PCTA member operators in their respective locales.

“We have and we will continue to play an active, proactive, and productive role in the lives of the communities we serve. Individually, we are local operators whose stories are worth sharing. Collectively, these stories help strengthen our organization’s importance and value to our nation’s narrative and identity most especially in this day and age. Together we will make sure they are known and heard through us,” said Mr. Dabao.

As the umbrella organization of cable television operators in the Philippines, the PCTA member-cable operators serve 75% of the total cable TV subscribers in the Philippines.

For more information, visit www.pcta.org.ph or https://www.facebook.com/pcta.org.ph/?ref=page_internal. — MAPS

Bria Homes properties now available on Ohmyhome

April 27, 2021 | 12:02 am

BRIA HOMES has partnered with property solutions platform Ohmyhome, where buyers can now look for ready-for-occupancy house-and-lot units at its various communities.

In a statement, the developer said property hunters can get assistance in buying a unit at Bria Homes Magalang through Ohmyhome.

Bria Homes Magalang is a 29-hectare community located at Barangay Sto. Rosario in Magalang, Pampanga. Among its offerings are a rowhouse Elena, with 22 square meters (sq.m.) floor area on 36 sq.m. lot area; two-storey townhouse Bettina (44 sq.m. floor area on a 36 sq.m. lot area), and single firewall Alecza (36 sq.m. floor area on an 81 sq.m. lot area). The Bettina and Alecza units have carports.

Prices of these house-and-lot units range from P520,000 to P1.4 million.

Interested homebuyers use the Ohmyhome app or website and start the housing transaction process through the do-it-yourself option which is free.

Oriental Petroleum’s earnings up by 7%

April 27, 2021 | 12:02 am

LISTED Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp. said on Monday that its net income improved by 7.1% to around $2.50 million last year despite a drop in petroleum revenues caused by the decline in oil prices.

In its annual report filed with the local bourse, the oil exploration company said revenues from petroleum operations slid 69.9% to $1.28 million because of “intense downswing in crude oil prices.”

Oriental Petroleum’s operations primarily depend on Service Contract 14, which has four exploration blocks in areas including Nido, Matinloc, Galoc, and West Linapacan.

“Average price per barrel dropped to US$38.18 in 2020 as compared to US$64.48 in 2019 for Galoc operations. The decline in oil price was mainly due to the oversupply of oil in the world market given COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic,” the firm said.

It said petroleum revenues last year were impacted by the decline in the performance of its Galoc well 3 and the continued shut-in of Galoc well 4 due to subsurface production issues.

“In addition, Nido and Matinloc Field was terminated permanently in March 2019,” it added, referring to the halting of production in the two fields.

Meanwhile, petroleum production costs dropped 63.6% to $1.68 million due to the lower cost of petroleum production in the Galoc block. These costs include floating, production, marketing fees, and storage and off-loading charges.

Oriental Petroleum shares in the local bourse were unchanged at P0.013 apiece on Monday. — Angelica Y. Yang

BSP policy to remain supportive of economy

April 27, 2021 | 12:01 am

MONETARY policy will remain supportive of the economy’s recovery, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said. — BW FILE PHOTO

THE CENTRAL BANK will remain supportive of the country’s recovery, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said on Monday, and will ensure that its exit from easy monetary policy would not cause economic risks.

“[T]he BSP will continue to support the economy. The BSP will carry out disengagement strategies in a manner that avoids risks associated with early or delayed implementation,” Mr. Diokno said at the pre-State of the Nation Address of the government’s economic cluster on Monday.

He reiterated that the BSP will continue to be accommodative to support the country, with the economy is still at a “nascent recovery stage.”

“We must have a preemptive view so that we can manage risks before they happen rather than we act on them once they happen,” Mr. Diokno said.

Economic managers expect the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 6.5% to 7.5%. Socioeconomic Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua on Monday said it is “too early” to see the impact of the lockdown, noting they will wait for first-quarter GDP data before they revisit their growth goals.

“The accommodative policy setting provides significant stimulus to demand and should be allowed to continue to work their way to the economy to boost recovery in private consumption and investment,” Mr. Chua said.

Last year, the central bank slashed borrowing costs by 200 basis points (bps), which brought down the key policy rate to a record low of 2%. It also slashed banks’ reserve requirements by 400 bps. The BSP’s policy moves infused about P2 trillion in liquidity into the financial system, the central bank chief has said.

Mr. Diokno on Monday said they still have room if there is a need for further reductions in banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRR).

“Further cuts to the RRR remain on the table but it will depend on the evolution of domestic liquidity and credit dynamics in the coming months,” he said, adding there is enough liquidity at the moment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Diokno said the country’s above-target headline inflation rate, which was at 4.5% as of March, is “transitory,” citing BSP’s forecasts of 4.5% for 2021 and 2.8% for 2022. The central bank targets to keep the rise in prices at 2-4% this year.

“But the BSP remains on the lookout for emerging second- round effects from supply-side inflation to determine whether a calibrated response that will safeguard the public’s inflation expectation will be warranted,” the central bank chief said.

BSP officials have attributed the rise in prices in the past months to supply issues due to the impact of African Swine Fever, as well as the increase in international oil prices.

The Monetary Board will have its third policy-setting meeting for this year on May 13. — LWTN

Entertainment News (04/27/21)

April 27, 2021 | 12:01 am

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Lego releases new Star Wars helmet, droid sets for adults

THE LEGO Group has revealed three new Lego Star Wars construction sets for adult builders to recreate some of the most iconic designs from the Star Wars galaxy. The new sets feature two iconic additions to the Lego Star Wars helmet collection first revealed last year: a bust inspired by Darth Vader and one in the likeness of a loyal Scout Trooper. A new model honouring the imposing Imperial Probe Droid completes the trio. The sets are designed for adults and experienced Lego builders with a passion for the Star Wars galaxy. When done with the build, the models can be displayed with a bespoke plaque to put the final touch for a desk ornament or centerpiece in the home for Star Wars fans. Both the Darth Vader Helmet and Imperial Probe Droid are priced at P4,999.75 while the Scout Trooper Helmet is priced at P3,499.75. All three items are now available in all LEGO Certified Stores and on bankeebricks.ph. These iconic sets are also available on Lazada, Shopee, Dotcom, and Zalora. Other Lego Star Wars builds such as TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet, Scout Trooper Helmet, Boba Fett Helmet and more are also available .

50 singers featured in Mactan victory commemorative song ‘Bagani’

FILIPINO artists collaborated to record “Bagani,” the official theme song of the celebration of the 500^th anniversary of Victory of Mactan and the Philippines’ role in the first circumnavigation of the world. The music video features 50 artists — an ensemble put together by PhilPop and The National Quincentennial Committee, with the help of Jude Gitamondoc of Kadasig and Jeremy Sarmiento of MinPop. Artists include Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios, Catriona Gray, Juris, Dulce, and Nyoy Volante. Written by Roel Rostata, with Visayan lyrics by Jude Gitamondoc, “Bagani” is a result of the PhilPop Bootcamp 2019, an initiative that aims to empower the next generations of contemporary Filipino singer-songwriters. Watch the official music video of “Bagani” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46zzw5FKhJk

Chen Pangan releases debut single

FILIPINA singer-songwriter Chen Pangan, lead guitarist and vocalist of the band Unit 406, takes on the role of solo artist with the release of her debut single, “Sana’y Alam Mo” under MCA Music, Inc. According to Ms. Pangan, the song speaks of one’s yearning for love. “It’s about loving someone without being loved back and eventually accepting reality and choosing to let go,” she said in a statement. “And it’s also about deciding to turn the page and move forward.” “Sana’y Alam Mo” is available on all streaming platforms. Watch the lyric video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTA4bnly00.

Zack Tabudlo hits the charts

FILIPINO singer-songwriter/producer Zack Tabudlo continues to make an impact on local and international charts with the release of his new single “Binibini” and the renewed success of “Nangangamba.” Released under Island Records Philippines and MCA Music, Inc., both songs have charted on the Spotify Top 50 and Viral charts encompassing six countries: the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Since its debut on March 26, “Binibini” has peaked at No. 1 on the Spotify Global Viral charts, Philippines Viral charts, and Philippines Top 50 charts, making it one of the most-streamed releases in Asia in the first quarter of the year. The kundiman-inspired alt pop song has also dominated charts around the world, reaching No. 1 on Spotify Canada and Singapore Viral charts, and No. 31 on Spotify Hong Kong Viral charts. Its music video, which was helmed by multi-awarded filmmaker Dan Villegas, has also dominated YouTube trending charts for more than a week, claiming the top position for several days since it debuted on the platform. To date, the Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin-starrer has over 7 million views and continues to gain significant numbers. Meanwhile, “Nangangamba,” released last year, is making a comeback thanks to the boost that it’s been receiving as part of the soundtrack to the upcoming sci-fi romance drama series, Love Vs Stars, which stars Miles Ocampo, Khalil Ramos, and Kokoy De Santos. The electro-pop tune, which is currently positioned within the Top 5 of Spotify Philippines Top 50 and Philippines Viral charts, has also attained crossover success on several charts abroad, hitting No. 15 on Spotify Canada Viral charts, and No. 20 on Spotify Saudi Arabia Viral charts.

Eighth new Pinoy podcasts on Spotify

AUDIO streaming service Spotify, has unveiled its partnership with eight new Filipino podcasters, further expanding its localized audio offering in the country. Accessible to both Free and Premium users, these podcasts are available exclusively on Spotify as part of the 2.2+ million podcast titles available on the platform today. The newly signed Spotify Exclusive Podcasts made for Filipinos by Filipinos include new genres like true crime and horror. The podcasts are: skypodcast, with celebrity couple Slater Young and Kryz Uy in unplugged and uncensored conversations about everything from life and relationships to family and memorable misadventures; Wag Kang Lilingon, in which Grace Marcellana and Mimai Cabugnason dive deep into a world of horror, mystery, true crime, and suspense; Creepsilog, hosted by Gideon Mendoza and Glenn Tabarejos, this podcast tackles a series of strange phenomena with a dash of true crime and Filipino light humor; Stories After Dark, in-depth retelling of Filipino true crime stories, from recent events to decade old unsolved mysteries; Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast with TV host and model Bianca Gonzalez answering letters from listeners asking for advice on life, career, love or self; Punchline with Alex Calleja where the actor and stand-up comedian discusses the world of comedy and showbiz alongside guests; Gabi ng Bading where LGBTQ advocates AC Soriano and Yani Villarosa provide a fresh perspective on topics, stories, and current events that matter to the LGBTQ community in the Philippines; Lecheng Pag-ibig ‘To! with Sam YG and DJ Chacha conversing on love, relationships, and everything in between.

Ortigas Land begins work on The Empress

April 27, 2021 | 12:01 am

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Ortigas Land has started construction of its 56-floor luxury residential tower in Pasig City.

The Empress in Capitol Commons will have 51 residential floors, retail spaces, and amenities like pools and lounge areas.

Ortigas Land is offering 771 units, from studios to two-bedroom spaces that range from 30 to 106 square meters (sq.m.). Ortigas Land also offers a limited number of bi-level three-bedroom units.

Featuring smart home technology, the building’s residents will be able to control air conditioning temperature and light fixtures through a mobile app.

Divided into the “Active Zone” and “Quiet Zone” the amenities allow residents to either use the pool or garden areas. Other indoor amenities include a dance studio, fitness hall, social function hall, playroom and reading room.

Ortigas Land expects to finish construction and turnover by the fourth quarter of 2026. — J.P.Ibañez

Aboitiz group to launch data innovation unit

April 27, 2021 | 12:01 am

LISTED holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) will be launching a new data innovation unit, which will have a dual role “as a service provider and governance center” for the company.

“By embracing data science and artificial intelligence or DSAI, we open up to new and bigger opportunities to accelerate our productivity, drive business value, and generate new revenue streams,” Sabin M. Aboitiz, president and chief executive officer of AEV, said during the company’s virtual stockholders’ meeting on Monday.

The new subsidiary will be named Aboitiz Data Innovation and will be under AEV International.

“It will consolidate the One Aboitiz DSAI operating model across the group,” Mr. Aboitiz said.

The unit is expected to support the company’s business models and decision making capabilities.

Meanwhile, the first unit of GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. is expected to start commercial operations by August or early September.

AEV’s Aboitiz Power Corp. subsidiary Therma Power, Inc. entered a joint venture with AC Energy Corp. and Power Partners Ltd. Co. for two units.

“It’s on outage for fine-tuning and we expect to be synchronized again and be able to evacuate 668 megawatts allowed by ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) by next week. We expect this to run until June for the last fine-tuning until we do the performance test and, hopefully, declare commercial operations by August or early September depending on the performance test,” AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said during the company’s stockholders’ meeting.

Meanwhile, the company said it is pressing on with its plans for Unit 2 despite the pandemic.

“We expect Unit 2 to be declared [set for] COD (commercial operation date) by late first quarter or probably early second quarter of 2022,” Mr. Rubio said.

AEV shares at the stock exchange on Monday declined by 2.16% or 0.75 to close at P34.05 apiece, while stocks of AboitizPower closed unchanged at P22.75. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte