Important paintings, rare furniture go on the block

March 9, 2022 | 12:03 am

71078 1 — BENCAB, ‘Untitled (Woman with Bilao)’, 2002, Acrylic on Canvas

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FOR its first auction in 2022, Salcedo Auctions presents Important Philippine Art & Furniture, including Tribal & Ethnographic Art scheduled on March 12 at 2 p.m. live at Salcedo’s NEX Tower sale room and online via salcedoauctions.com.

The items for auction range from the country’s old and modern master artists and artisans to established contemporary artists. A recurring theme in National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” R. Cabrera’s artistic career, the Larawan series captures on canvas the image of the turn of the century Filipinas against modernist backdrops, situating them in the present. An untitled work dubbed as Woman with Bilao is one of few examples from what is one of the artist’s most important bodies of work alongside his iconic Sabel editions.

Conferred the title of National Artist for Visual Arts in 2003, José Joya had an immense impact on the development of the Philippine post-war art scene. The 5-by-3-foot masterpiece Festival combines linear and geometric aspects, calculated levels of overlapping transparency, and impressions of intentional movement.

A rare aparador made by the talleres of Isabelo Tampinco is also one of the highlights of the sale.

Other artworks for sale include a 1930 oil on canvas by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, as well as works by fellow National Artists Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, J. Elizalde Navarro, Ang Kiukok, Abdulmari Imao, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Larry Alcala. Also included are works by modern masters Mauro Malang Santos, Romulo Olazo, Juvenal Sansó, Nena Saguil, FB Concepcion, Lee Aguinaldo, Pacita Abad and contemporary stalwarts Justin Nuyda, Ramon Orlina, Elmer Borlongan, and Ronald Ventura.

Among the antique furniture is an Ah Tay Ilustrado Matrimonial Bed from the estate of Magalang, Pampanga’s first doctor, the eminent legislator and former mayor Dr. Andres Luciano.

Other highlights include a Bulacan Tambol Aparador, with rich patina and extravagant scale that speaks of a pampered past in a privileged setting. It is joined by a selection showcasing indigenous and ethnographic arts such as a 19^th century fine pair of Bu’luls, a Boaya warrior necklace, and an exquisite Tagakaolo costume.

The Important Philippine Art & Furniture, including Tribal & Ethnographic Art auction is co-presented by Exclusive Banking Partner HSBC Premier. The auction preview is ongoing till March 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue. For inquiries, e-mail info@salcedoauctions.com or call 09175912191. Follow @salcedoauctions on Instagram and Facebook.

Campaign aims to reduce spread of blood cancer

March 9, 2022 | 12:03 am

LYMPHOMA, the most common type of blood cancer, is difficult to spot early because it shares several symptoms with other diseases such as fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Its most telling sign is the painless swelling of lymph nodes — kulani in local parlance — in the neck, armpit, or groin.

“Stop Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” an initiative led by biopharmaceutical firm Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., aims to raise public awareness about the disease, which has two kinds: non-Hodgkin lymphoma, wherein white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control and form tumors throughout the body; and Hodgkin lymphoma, which makes up 20% of all lymphoma cases and is characterized by the presence of a lymphocyte called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Like any other cancer, survival rates for lymphoma drop when it is discovered in the advanced stages.

“Between 40-48% of those newly diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma present in the advanced stages, or stages 3 and 4,” said Dr. Jorge G. Ignacio, chairman of the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute.

In the Philippines, there were over 4,000 new patients diagnosed with lymphoma in 2020. While its incidence isn’t as alarming as other types of cancers, it is important, said Dr. Ignacio, “because Hodgkin’s lymphoma shows a bimodal age distribution and is seen in both younger and elderly patients.”

Hodgkin’s lymphoma ranks second to melanoma in terms of the premature mortality caused per death in cancers affecting both sexes. Younger patients require more aggressive treatment than their older counterparts.

“These young patients, who are supposed to be very active in society, are lost to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cost of productivity due to this cancer is tremendous,” Dr. Ignacio said at a Feb. 24 webinar organized by Takeda Philippines.

AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
As part of “Stop Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” Takeda Philippines partnered with the Philippine Cancer Society to provide free testing to over 60 patients; webinars are also in the works with the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Philippine Society of Pathology, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, Philippine Society of Hematology, and Blood Transfusion and Health Futures, Inc.

“By joining the ‘Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma’ initiative, we hope to make the general public more aware about lymphoma, the issues that patients face, and what they can do to help,” said Jheric P. Delos Angeles, co-founder of Lymphoma Philippines Foundation.

Mr. Delos Angeles founded LPF in 2016, after he was declared free of the disease. His initial symptoms were persistent back pain, night sweats, and a swollen lymph node in his left armpit. — Patricia B. Mirasol

Some flights delayed after Cebu Pacific runway excursion at NAIA

March 9, 2022 | 12:03 am

SOME flights were delayed on Tuesday due to a runway excursion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 involving a Cebu Pacific aircraft.

“Cebu Pacific Flight DG 6112 Naga-Manila flight upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA T3) at 11:45 a.m., Manila time, had a slight runway excursion,” the budget carrier said in a statement.

It said all 42 passengers and four crew “safely” deplaned “with no reported injuries.”

“All the affected passengers have been assisted accordingly and have left the airport,” Cebu Pacific noted.

“We are working on normalizing our operations as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and we thank you for your kind understanding.”

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said that there would be delays in departures and arrivals because of the incident.

“Due to a runway obstruction at NAIA caused by a disabled aircraft of another airline, there will be delays in flight departures and arrivals,” the airline said in a separate statement.

It said flights from Manila to London, Dammam, Dubai, and Doha were “on hold.”

Flights slated to arrive in Manila (from Ho Chi Minh, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo) were diverted to Clark.

The flag carrier also said that some departing flights were able to proceed because an alternate runway was open.

“However, this is not possible for larger aircraft (e.g., B777, A330, A350 widebody aircraft) which are only allowed on the runway… currently blocked,” it added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Gov’t rejects all bids for 7-year Treasury bonds

March 9, 2022 | 12:03 am

THE GOVERNMENT on Tuesday rejected all bids for its offer of fresh seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) as investors asked for high rates due to inflation fears.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) did not accept any tenders for the securities even as bids reached P36.3 billion, higher than the P35 billion on offer.

Had the government made a full award, the fresh seven-year notes would have fetched a coupon rate of 6.5%, 136.35 basis points higher than the 5.1365% quoted for the tenor at the secondary market before the auction, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon in a Viber message to reporters said the BTr did not accept any bids as there was low demand for the tenor, with tenders just over a billion over the offered amount.

“Markets still roiled by rising inflation fears from surge in oil and commodity prices. Verdict on Fed rate hike is also awaited,” Ms. De Leon said.

“Following strong RTB 27 (retail Treasury bond) reception, the government is well positioned to meet disbursements despite BTr’s rejections during auctions,” Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said in a Viber message.

A bond trader in a phone interview said investors asked for a higher rate due to the weakening peso and expectations of higher inflation.

This also led investors to seek shorter-term tenors over the seven-year instrument, the trader added.

International oil benchmark Brent crude, which briefly hit more than $139 a barrel in the previous session, was up about 2.6% at $126.42 in afternoon trade on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

US crude ticked up 1.8% at $121.55 a barrel, while prices of many other commodities, including nickel, rose as industrial buyers and traders scramble as the Russian-Ukraine conflict shows no sign of cooling.

Philippine inflation was at 3% for the second consecutive month in February, easing from 4.2% a year earlier.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said the war between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on international oil prices will continue to spill over to local costs and could cause inflation to again exceed the central bank’s target range of 2% to 4%.

The peso sank versus the greenback on Tuesday, closing at P52.32 per dollar from its P52.18 finish on Monday.

Meanwhile, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell last week said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not changed the central bank’s plans to start raising interest rates this month.

He has said that he is inclined to support a 0.25% rate hike at the March 15-16 meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee.

The BTr also rejected all bids for its offer of Treasury bills (T-bills) on Monday even as the offer was oversubscribed as investors asked for higher rates.

The Treasury plans to raise P250 billion from the domestic market this month, or P75 billion via T-bills and P175 billion from T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and external sources to help fund a budget deficit capped at 7.7% of gross domestic product this year. — Jenina P. Ibañez with Reuters

Gilas stars Ramos, Ravena return in Japan B.League

March 9, 2022 | 12:02 am

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GILAS Pilipinas stalwarts Dwight Ramos and Thirdy Ravena are expected to be back in Japan B.League action today with hopes of helping their struggling mother clubs string some needed wins midway through the season.

Mr. Ramos, with the Toyama Grouses, and Mr. Ravena’s San-en NeoPhoenix play different opponents on the road in an attempt to climb from the bottom-half of team standings after over 30 matches.

The two rising stars returned to Japan last week after the Manila qualifiers of the 2023 FIBA World Cup (WC) held on Feb. 24-28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum but did not play yet in their teams’ matches over the weekend.

Their contributions are hugely needed tonight as Toyama lurking at 14^th place with a 16-22 card visits Osaka at the Ookini Arena Maishima at 6:05 p.m. while the 21^st-running San-en (5-30) plays at the same time against Nagoya (21-9) at the Dolphin’s Arena.

Nagoya is led by another Filipino stalwart in Ray Parks, Jr., who eyes to assert mastery of his compatriot Mr. Ravena and the NeoPhoenix after their 98-70 win last October.

But Mr. Ravena is unfazed of the challenge with momentum on his side after a superb performance with Gilas that split its campaign in Group A of the WC qualifiers.

Mr. Ravena bannered the Nationals under the tutelage of Chot Reyes with 19.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in two games — a win against India, 88-64, and a loss to New Zealand, 88-63.

Mr. Ramos, for his part, also sizzled with averages of 17.5 points, 7.0 assists, 2.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks that he is hoping to carry over in Toyama.

Other Pinoy players in Kiefer Ravena (Shiga), Javi Gomez de Liaño (Ibaraki), Kobe Paras (Niigata), Matthew Aquino (Shinshu), and Kemark Cariño (Aomori) also take on different assignments. — John Bryan Ulanday

Banks’ NPL ratio climbs in Jan. on tighter mobility restrictions

March 9, 2022 | 12:02 am

THE NONPERFORMING loan ratio (NPL) of the banking industry increased in January after five straight months of decline, reflecting the impact of tighter restrictions that month.

Preliminary data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday showed the gross NPL ratio of the Philippine banking system went up to 4.14% in January from 3.97% in December. It was likewise higher than the 3.72% in the same month of 2021.

In January, NPLs rose by 2% to P461.66 billion from P452.453 billion a month earlier and by 16.7% from the P395.465 billion a year ago.

The pickup in soured loans could be attributed to the tighter restrictions imposed in the capital and other areas in January amid the Omicron-driven surge in coronavirus cases, UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said.

“We have seen it before that when infections rise and the government responds with more restrictions, mobility and economic activity are affected and causes uncertainty for the people,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

The government placed Metro Manila and some provinces under Alert Level 3 in January as cases surged due to the more transmissible Omicron variant, causing slower economic activity.

While bad loans increased, the loan portfolio of Philippine banks shrank by 2.2% month on month to P11.142 trillion in January from P11.391 trillion but rose by 4.9% from P10.618 trillion in the prior year.

Past due loans increased by 6% to P539.425 billion in January from P508.959 billion a year ago. This brought the ratio to 4.84% from 4.79% a year ago.

Meanwhile, restructured loans amounted to P356.449 billion, climbing by 81.8% from the P196.055 billion last year. These borrowings made up 3.2% of the industry’s total loan portfolio from 1.85% previously.

Amid the rise in bad loans, banks ramped up their allowance for credit losses by 8.5% to P402.89 billion from P371.173 billion. This is equivalent to 3.62% of banks’ loans from 3.5% a year earlier.

The NPL coverage ratio of the banking industry was at 87.27% in January, declining from the 93.86% last year.

Mr. Asuncion is optimistic that bad loans will drop anew as economic activity improves following the relaxation of mobility restrictions. However, the Russia-Ukraine war could hit consumer and business confidence if it continues to escalate, he warned.

“This can change the baseline outlook and cause a trimming of recent growth expectations that again can affect peoples’ incomes and capacity to pay,” he said.

Credit growth in January stood at 8.5%, the quickest since the 9.6% print in June 2020. Production loans rose by 9.6%, while consumer borrowings expanded for the first time in 13 months by 0.1%.

The banking industry’s NPL ratio hit a 13-year high of 4.51% in July and August 2021, which is still below the 17.6% seen in the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis in 2002. — Luz Wendy T. Noble

In Greek migrant camp, Afghan woman finds strength in art

March 9, 2022 | 12:02 am

272003162_236539055304756_1378451809259611790_n — Roya Rasuli painting of the green-eyed “Afghan Girl” whose iconic 1985 photo in National Geographic in a red headscarf became a symbol of Afghanistan’s wars. — FACEBOOK.COM/ARTIST.ROYA.1

THIVA, Greece — In a tiny classroom in a migrant camp in Greece, 18-year-old Roya Rasuli teaches a bustling group of young girls how to paint. For Ms. Rasuli, it’s also a lesson in women’s empowerment.

“What is your message for women, for girls?” Rasuli, who was born in Iran to Afghan refugees, asks her class.

“To be strong!” one of the girls shouts.

Hanging on the blue wall behind her is some of Ms. Rasuli’s own artwork, including a painting of the green-eyed “Afghan Girl” whose iconic 1985 photo in National Geographic in a red headscarf became a symbol of Afghanistan’s wars. Ms. Rasuli painted her without a mouth.

“I wanted to show how women are in Afghanistan because they cannot speak, nobody listens to them and they don’t have rights,” Ms. Rasuli said, her fingers stained in black paint.

“I think this is the situation for a lot of women. Maybe in Syria, maybe in Iraq, maybe in Pakistan, maybe in some country in Europe.”

Ms. Rasuli had never picked up a paintbrush before arriving in Greece three years ago but she has since taught herself to draw.

She along with about 500 asylum-seekers — most of them Afghans — live in the Thiva camp, one of dozens set up across Greece since Europe’s 2015 migration crisis, when nearly a million refugees and migrants fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond arrived on the continent through Greece.

She leaves the camp at 5 a.m. for an hour-and-a-half long bus ride to the Athens School of Fine Arts for class, from where she hopes to receive a scholarship to study full-time.

“When I start to paint (it’s) like I’m traveling in another world, in another place that there is peace,” said Ms. Rasuli, who also taught herself English.

Another one of her paintings, in the style of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, shows a woman in the traditional blue Afghan burqa playing the guitar.

“I wanted to show that they can be whatever they want… They are free to do anything, to believe their power and what they like to do. It’s good be themselves, it’s good to speak,” she said.

Ms. Rasuli, whose class in the Thiva camp in central Greece meets every week thanks to a UNICEF-funded program run by Greek charity Solidarity Now, says she hopes to inspire other young women to pursue their goals.

“I changed my life with my hopes and my dreams,” she said. “I will try my best to show them that they can do whatever they want, to be free.” — Reuters

Moderna plots vaccines against 15 pathogens with future pandemic potential

March 9, 2022 | 12:02 am

scientist-laboratory — FACEBOOK/MODERNATX

MODERNA, Inc. said on Monday it plans to develop and begin testing vaccines targeting 15 of the world’s most worrisome pathogens by 2025 and will permanently waive its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine patents for shots intended for certain low and middle-income countries.

The US biotechnology company also said it will make its messenger RNA (mRNA) technology available to researchers working on new vaccines for emerging and neglected diseases through a program called mRNA Access.

Moderna announced its strategy ahead of the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit sponsored by the UK government and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), an international coalition set up five years ago to prepare for future disease threats.

Moderna is already collaborating with partners on vaccines against some of the 15 pathogens, which include Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Dengue, Ebola, Malaria, Marburg, Lassa fever, MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome), and COVID-19.

Those collaborations include a Nipah virus vaccine with the US National Institutes of Health and an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) vaccine with the Gates Foundation and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Moderna President Stephen Hoge said in an interview.

The company will either seek out new partners for the others or develop them internally, he said.

Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel told a virtual press briefing on Monday that the 15 viruses are known threats that have not been addressed by many large drugmakers. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed six million people worldwide and sickened millions more, has made clear that needs to change, Mr. Bancel said.

“Too many lives were lost in the last few years,” he said.

Early in the COVID pandemic, Moderna pledged not to enforce its vaccine patents during the emergency phase of the health crisis.

That has allowed for development of a vaccine manufacturing plant in Africa backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of a pilot project to give poor and middle-income countries the know-how to make COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna said it will make that pledge permanent for the 92 low- and middle income countries that qualify for assistance under the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) led by the GAVI vaccine alliance.

A company spokesperson said Moderna will not enforce patents for COVID-19 vaccines developed in South Africa by WHO-backed Afrigen Biologics for AMC-92 low- and middle-income countries.

Although it will not enforce its patents in these countries, Mr. Hoge said Moderna does not intend to share its vaccine technology with the WHO-backed technology transfer hub in South Africa, in spite of lobbying efforts by the organization.

Earlier on Monday, the company said it will set up a manufacturing facility in Kenya, its first in Africa, to produce mRNA vaccines, including against COVID-19.

As part of its future pandemic plan, Moderna intends to make its technology available to academic research labs to test their own theories for vaccines to address emerging and neglected diseases. Mr. Hoge said some of these may eventually result in partnerships with Moderna to address the 15 priority pathogens.

“What we want to make sure happens is that scientists who have great ideas for how they could make vaccines will be able to access our standards and technology, almost as if they worked at Moderna,” Mr. Hoge said.

Initially, the program will start with a few academic labs, but Hoge expects it to expand rapidly. He sees the program as a way to expand discovery of vaccines using mRNA technology.

“We want to make sure that we allow others to explore the space that frankly, we can’t get to,” he said. “And that’s really what this is about.” — Reuters

Toyota Motor Philippines launches all-new Avanza

March 9, 2022 | 12:02 am

TOYOTA MOTOR Philippines Corp. (TMP) has officially introduced the all-new Avanza on March 7 as part of efforts to strengthen its position in the compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV) segment.

TMP said in a statement that the 2022 update of the Avanza is already available in all dealerships nationwide since March 7, and has four variants, priced at P813,000 for the J manual transmission (MT) variant, P928,000 for the E MT variant, P984,000 for the E continuously variable transmission (CVT) variant, and P1,039,000 for the G CVT variant.

The all-new Avanza marks the third generation of the vehicle since its introduction in 2006.

“The Philippines loves commercial vehicles (CVs). Through the years, MPVs have served as a practical choice for the day-to-day needs of Filipino families,” TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said during the Avanza’s virtual launch on Monday.

“And we love giving our customers choices! That is why, we are reintroducing our reliable, tried-and-tested model in the compact MPV segment. I am sure this full model change of this well-loved family car will bring more happiness for all,” he added.

According to TMP, the Avanza will have an updated exterior, split-type LED headlamps, and for the G Variant, 16-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also comes with a push start button system and a 4.2 TFT multi-information display for the G variant, and auto-fold side mirrors for the G and E variants.

“The all-new Avanza can handle any road trip needs with its flexible 7-seating adjustments with long sofa mode feature and ample luggage space. Controls are within reach and entertainment is guaranteed for the journey with the 8-inch audio display that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity available for the G and E variants, and USB ports available for recharging each family member’s tech,” TMP said.

In terms of safety features, the all-new Avanza has a back camera and back sensor for the G and E variants. The G variant also has blind spot monitoring, rear camera traffic alert, vehicle stability control, and six supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Folayang, Adiwang, Sangiao share thoughts at ONE X Media Day

March 9, 2022 | 12:01 am

WITH ONE X just less than three weeks away, two of the four Filipino representatives in ONE Championship’s tenth-anniversary event shared their thoughts regarding their upcoming fights.

Joined by Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and strawweight contender Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang attended the ONE X Media Day at Novotel Manila on March 5.

Mr. Folayang will face John Wayne “The Gunslinger” Parr in a Muay Thai rules match. This fight will be the last of Mr. Parr’s storied career. This face-off is making the two-time world champion incredibly proud of the opportunity.

“Fighting a legend before he retires is a big honor because he has been a Muay Thai champion at different divisions,” Mr. Folayang said.

While “the art of eight limbs” is a relatively new discipline for the 38-year-old competitor, he welcomes the opportunity to tackle a new discipline.

“I enjoy the challenge as a martial artist. The bigger the challenge, the more we are being pushed, and we see what we need to prepare for,” Mr. Folayang said. “I will be fighting him on his own territory. We’ll see how fast we can adjust in fighting Mr. Parr in his sport.”

He also reflected on being the only fighter who has been with The Home of Martial Arts throughout its first decade. Mr. Folayang competed in ONE’s first offering, “ONE: CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION,” versus A-Sol Kwon in September 2011.

“I’m so happy to be part of ONE X. After a decade, I’m still here. It means that I really took care of myself to stay physically fit,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adiwang will face compatriot Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado inside the Circle on March 26 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

“We’ll look at it in a positive way. We’re fighting in the biggest event of ONE,” Mr. Adiwang said. “But we have to respect the sport and give it our best to show the talent of the Filipino fighters.”

“Thunder Kid” did not keep his motivation coming into this bout a secret.

“I am very motivated,” he added. “I want to get back in the top-five (strawweight) rankings. I know that I belong in that top five, and I will do everything to return there.”

Finally, Mr. Sangiao already knows Mr. Adiwang’s advantage over Mr. Miado but is keeping it a secret.

“We won’t say the specifics because we are still preparing for the fight. But we’ll talk about the game plan and how to execute it well,” the Team Lakay mentor said.

On the other hand, Mr. Sangiao is confident that Mr. Folayang will do well against Mr. Parr, given the fighter’s striking background.

“Maybe you don’t know yet, but Eduard’s first sport was kickboxing before going to wushu. He added more skills to become an MMA fighter, but he became a two-time world champion because of his kickboxing and wushu base,” he said.

The former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and current coach also looked back on his gym’s growth throughout ONE Championship’s first ten years. But as the promotion ventures into its next decade, Team Lakay is just getting started, especially after a pandemic that prompted them to adjust their training routine.

“We learned a lot from our ten years as a coach at ONE Championship, not only in building relationships but also in the knowledge around the sport,” Mr. Sangiao said.

“We always find ways to improve, whether it’s in our facilities or our fighter’s initiative to find therapies or nutrition tips that will help them become better. The willingness to learn and improve will always be there.”

Arts & Culture (03/09/22)

March 9, 2022 | 12:01 am

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Kaida Contemporary holds group exhibit

LIPON, a group exhibit presented by Kaida Contemporary, features six Filipino visual artists: Benjie Cabangis, Jeff T. Dizon, Neil Doloricon, Hermisanto, Nestor Vinluan, and Junyee. It will be on view from March 9 to 22 at the ArtistSpace. An exhibition years in the making, Lipon was scheduled before the pandemic. Now, it is only fitting to look to works of art that can bring the flush of health back to our greyed-out collective perception. Lipon in the local language defines how individuals come together to converse and pursue discourse in contribution to a larger dialogue in society; a meticulously selected collection of paintings signifies this gathering, presented in this timely exhibition that traces not only creative manifestations from the past, but also highlights the divergent paths the artists have taken on their journey to self-expression and social commentary. ArtistSpace is located at the Ground Level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Ave. corner De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati City. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Lecture on Dante Aleghieri

IN CELEBRATION of Dante Day, the National Library of the Philippines, the Philippine Italian Association, Ateneo de Manila University, and the UA&P present “Dante: The Poet and The Statesman,” a lecture by Marco Clemente, Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines, on March 25, 3 p.m. Dante Alighieri is the world-renowned author of the Divine Comedy and “father” of the Italian language, from the point of view of history. This lecture will focus on Dante the man, particularly the statesman, behind the poet. It will expound on Dante’s love for his hometown, Florence; on how he served his city as a Priore; and even on his theories on the state that led to his exile. The lecture will reveal how the Divine Comedy alludes to Dante’s years as a statesman and how the writing itself of the Divine Comedy was impacted by this fundamental period of his life. Ambassador Marco Clemente’s two main cultural passions are the Divine Comedy and the Italian opera, both of which have become, over his many years of service, instrumental in his diplomatic work. The presentation will be followed by an open forum moderated by Dr. Philip Z. Peckson, Assistant Professor at the Department of Literature of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s College of Arts and Sciences. To register for the lecture, go to: bit.ly/DanteRegistration. This webinar is the third of a series of literary lectures and round tables initiated last year by the Philippine Italian Association and the National Library in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Manila, Ateneo de Manila, and the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Book and exhibit launch of Brave New World

A PROJECT initially created to help the artists involved make a living despite the COVID-19 quarantine has culminated in an exhibit and a coffee-table book. Inspired by the bravery of people who continue to persevere despite the severe impact of the pandemic and the challenges of living in the new normal, a collection of more than 400 works by over 300 artists was created. The culmination of these efforts is the book, Brave New World. The artists were asked about the role of art in times of crisis. The featured works also bear witness to a stark new reality with a multitude of struggles to survive and work. Adding to these, many artists also seek to honor various frontliners as our modern-day heroes. The book launch and exhibit opening will be on March 16, 6 p.m. at the Art Lounge Manila in The Podium. Featured artists in the Brave New World coffee table book include Max Balatbat, Anton Del Castillo, Brave Mabalo Singh, John Paul Antido, Renz Baluyot, Kim Hamilton Sulit, Renato Barja Jr., Wesley Valenzuela, Michael Villagante, Charlie Co, Antipas Delotavo, Angelito Antonio, Norma Belleza, Michael Cacnio, Ramon Orlina, Demi Padua, Winner Jumalon, Jojit Solano, Joel ‘Welbart’ Bartolome, Sid Natividad, Chelsea Theodossis, Jomike Tejido, Manix Abrera, Roel Obemio, and Alfredo Esquillo, to name a few.

The evolving art of Tanya Gaisano Lee

DAVAO-BASED artist Tanya Gaisano Lee makes her vibrant pieces available in the form of decorative art trays. In 2014, she entered the local art scene and presented black and white patterns showing her promise. Four years later, she held her first solo exhibit at the Crucible Gallery in Manila. Entitled Beyond Nude, the exhibit showcased her strong artistic voice — not only in her choice of subject, but also in her vivid interpretation. Her last exhibit was truly personal as she came home to her hometown Davao to showcase her art. Beyond the Womb, which was her first solo exhibit in Davao, told her journey in conceiving her daughter. This year she embarks on a new journey as an artist and shares her vision by making her vibrant pieces available via decorative art trays. “I felt inspired to have art trays because I wanted not only to be part of the aesthetic on the walls of some homes but to also have a utilitarian piece that could be available to more people. The artworks are available in two-piece sets with three sizes to choose from: small (12in x8in), medium (14in x 9in), and large (15in x 10in). “The artworks I chose for the decorative trays are my rendition of the Madonna and Child, a vivid rooster, and the colorful peacock. … I also plan to create more and expand available designs for the line in the coming months,” she said in a statement. Visit her Instagram page to learn more: www.instagram.com/tanyagaisanolee_art.

Enderun launches new multimedia arts degree program

ENDERUN COLLEGES is launching a professional undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Multimedia Arts. The program is housed under the College of Architecture and Design (CAD) and is currently accepting student applications for its pioneer batch in August 2022. Enderun’s multimedia arts program has formed an Advisory Board composed of, among others, Budjette Tan, a Filipino comic book writer and co-creator of the comic book series Trese and the Creative Lead for LEGO Agency in Denmark; Dan Matutina, 2013 Art Directors Club Young Guns Awardee and Founding Partner of Plus63 and Hydra Design Group; Seven A.D., seven-time 4A’s Independent Agency of the Year Awardee headed by Teeny Gonzales, Tey San Diego, and Russell Molina; Colman Walsh, Founder and CEO of UX Design Institute in Ireland; Donald Lim, Chief Operating Officer of DITO CME Holdings Corp. and Chief Innovation Officer of Udenna Corp.; Ivan Despi, Co-owner and Creative Director of The Acid House and Partner for the Hydra Design Group; and Michelle Barreto, CEO and Head of Strategy of Vitamin B, Inc. The Advisory Board provides recommendations and suggestions regarding industry trends and curriculum development, learning opportunities through lectures of round table discussions with students to share experiences as leaders in the industry, and opening internship opportunities for students through their industry network. For more information about Enderun’s Bachelor of Multimedia Arts, visit https://cad.enderuncolleges.com/.

Reading drive raises a thousand textbooks for NGOs

APPROXIMATELY 1,000 new textbooks and reading materials were donated to pre-school, elementary and high school students in the most vulnerable sectors through Handog Benildyano: Gift of Reading. The initiative was launched through a partnership between the Read to Know, Read to Grow book drive of the Rotary Club Circuit of Makati and LF Joy Foundation and the Center for Social Action of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. The Rotary Club Circuit Makati conducted a fund-raising project to secure new reference books published by American learning company McGrawHill. The purchased collection covered basic education from language, reading, and writing to mathematics as well as advanced knowledge of algebra, geometry, and calculus and the diverse branches of science. It also included titles on world history and geography, as well as literature, clothing, construction and economics. The materials were distributed to nonprofit, nonstock and nongovernment organizations and social development agencies, such as IT Tender, Honor 1000 Movement, Self Reliance and Development (SRD) Konkokyo and Salinlahi Children’s Alliance. The textbooks donated to Akap sa Bata Phils. were distributed to the parents and volunteer care-teachers in the cities of Pasay, Pasig, and Quezon to address the need for early childhood education among families in need. New sets of learning resources likewise awaited students of Rafael Palma Elementary School and P. Villanueva Elementary School in Pasay City, plus beneficiaries of Dar Amanah Children’s Village, the only Muslim social welfare institution in Luzon. Meanwhile, the books handed over to Unang Hakbang Foundation will propel the organization to build bookshelves along the streets and basketball courts of local communities as part of its Aklatang Bayan Program. The first batch of Handog Benildyano: Gift of Reading donated books to Food for the Hungry Philippines, which were also distributed to Sitio Anginan Daycare Center in San Mateo, Bulacan.

PPO live at the CCP Grounds

THE CULTURAL Center of the Philippines will hold the first live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) in 2022 under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera on March 11, at 6 p.m. at the CCP Grounds. The PPO will be performing timeless orchestral classics, Broadway favorites, and Filipino compositions. Filipino artists performing in the concert include: Lara Maigue, Bo Cerrudo, Robert Seña, Isay Seña, and the Nightingales’ Bianca Lopez-Aguila, and Rhina Palma-Cruz. The concert is free and open to all. First come first serve basis will apply. Strict health and safety protocols will be implemented during the event. The concert will be livestreamed via the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP Office of the President and PPO Facebook pages. For more information, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

NCCA calls for entries for the Young Historian’s Prize

THE NATIONAL Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Young Historian’s Prize. The NCCA, through its National Committee on Historical Research (NCHR) conceptualized the Young Historian’s Prize (YHP) to recognize the potential of young Filipino scholars on the basis of their single original work in the field of Philippine history and historiography intended to foster a sense of national identity, pride, and national interest of the country. The Young Historian’s Prize shall be given to an individual whose work has met the following criteria: the nominee must be a Filipino citizen between 21 to 40 years old at the time of submission; must be single authorship; original work; entry must be written in proper academic style; entry can either be published or publishable work; and must have used primary sources that can contribute to the enrichment of Philippine history and historiography. A duly accomplished nomination form must be submitted along with author’s curriculum vitae, NSO certified birth certificate, notarized sworn statement of authorship, manuscript in a PDF file soft copy and three sets of hard copies all of which should not bear the author’s name or any reference to the author; and two (2) endorsement letters from an academic institution, local historical society, or practicing historian to: The Young Historian’s Prize Secretariat, Program and Project Management Division (PPMD). The past winners include: Escuela Nautica de Manila: Nautical Education in the Nineteenth Century Philippines by Vergel E. Ay-ad (2017), A History of Mental Health Institutions in the Philippines 1898-1935 by Francis Justine M. Malban (2020), and Public Works and the Spanish Colonial Agenda of Sanitation, Order, and Social Control in the Late Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Manila by Ros A. Costelo (2021). Deadline for submission is on April 15, 2022. For more information, contact the Young Historian’s Prize Secretariat at (02) 8527-2192 local 308, or through e-mail at sch@ncca.gov.ph. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and Facebook page for further details.

Portraits of Christ

ARTIST Kristine Lim opens her art installation, Portraits of Christ at Baluartillo de San Francisco Javier, Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila. Portraits of Christ taps on the controversy in history and theology that no one truly knows the real face of Jesus. The face that we recognize to be our Lord’s is, in fact, far from what He could have looked like. The different interpretations of the face of Christ have been dependent on the culture, taste, and era of the artist that envisioned and forged it,” Ms. Lim wrote of the installation. The exhibition runs until April 1, 2022.

The National Museum releases e-book on The Basi Revolt

THE NATIONAL Museum of the Philippines launches a new e-book titled, Visualizing 200 Years: Contemporary Ilocano Commentaries on The Basi Revolt Panels. It features short articles where 17 authors share their thoughts on scenes portrayed in the year 1821, and artworks attributed to Vigan mestizo Esteban Villanueva that pertain to the Pedro Mateo and Saralogo Ambaristo-led revolt in the undivided Provincia de Ylocos in 1807. With 78 pages, the e-book also includes photographs of the 14 panels comprising The Basi Revolt paintings taken by Benigno T. Toda III. Download the e-book and other NMP publications for free at: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/publications/.

Innovation is nothing without access

March 9, 2022 | 12:01 am

Health - Takeda Pharmaceutical — SCREENSHOT VIA YOUTUBE/TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL

There are more than 3,000 projects in the biopharmaceutical pipeline for cancer treatments. These include, in particular, treatments for lung, prostate, and breast cancers and other rare types of cancer. This pipeline is being built using cutting-edge technology and pioneering approaches to science and medicine.

Over 1,300 cancer medicines and vaccines are in development or under review by the US Food and Drug Administration, the majority of which are likely to be first-in-class medicines with new and unique mechanisms of action, said the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations (IFPMA).

All these medicines in the pipeline, as well as the new innovative vaccines and treatments that are available now, have the potential of saving more lives. With these innovations and collective commitment, cancer need not be a death sentence.

In the forum “Transformative Innovations in Cancer Care: The Way Forward,” Michelle Erwee, global head of access to medicines at Takeda Pharmaceutical, said that none of these innovative cancer therapies will matter if patients are not able to get them.

Speaking in the said forum held in conjunction with the third anniversary of the enactment of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), Ms. Erwee highlighted a number of initiatives being undertaken by the research-based pharmaceutical industry to provide better access to patients across the globe.

Takeda’s flagship Blueprint for Innovative Healthcare Access and BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, have screened more than 200,000 patients for cancer, diabetes and hypertension; identified more than 12,000 patients for treatment; and trained over 3,300 healthcare professionals and community health workers.

Its Innovative Patient Affordability and Charitable Access Programs, meanwhile, provide access to innovative medicines in more than 55 countries and territories around the world. These programs have bridged the affordability gap for more than 4,500 patients.

Ms. Erwee also presented the initiatives that the industry is implementing to address affordability barriers. Tiered pricing adjusts the price of medicines to a country’s socioeconomic status and the maturity of its health system.

Value-based agreements respond to the needs of payers and providers to manage uncertainty around the real-world outcomes and economic impact of innovative medicines. Meanwhile, patient assistance programs increase access while addressing affordability hurdles.

Patient access programs are supporting patients in various ways — from early access of investigational drugs undergoing clinical trials, up to financing support for treatment cycles.

These programs, made possible through a multi-stakeholder effort, are the result of dialogue and collaboration between industry, professional associations, healthcare facilities, and patient groups in pooling in expertise and finding tailor-fit solutions adapted for the needs of each patient, in different countries.

“We as an industry believe that a holistic approach is required, not only because it enables broader access, but it also ensures sustainability,” said Ms. Erwee.

The industry’s strategic framework involves implementing innovative affordability programs, collaborating with policy makers, and building long-term, sustainable capacity, all of which are facilitated by strategic partnerships. These affordability programs are delivered through targeted partnerships across the whole patient journey.

Ms. Erwee called on all stakeholders to work together in facilitating access to medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; strengthening countries’ healthcare capacity; and accelerating access for patients in need.

“NICCA offers us the opportunity to come together in achieving our main objective of providing enhanced access to patients. Through this collaboration and continued broadening of partner stakeholders, we can provide sustainable access and make an impact on the lives of patients,” she said.

The Philippines has achieved a great milestone with the passage of the NICCA law. The various provisions provided in the law, and in particular the provision on access to essential medicines, is enabling opportunities to collaborate and provide holistic solutions.

This provision mandates access to medicines in the design of publicly funded programs and also recognizes the complementary support that may be accessed from the private sector.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are at the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.