Everise to keep remote work for BPO operations

April 19, 2021 | 12:03 am

BUSINESS process outsourcing (BPO) firm Everise plans to permanently retain hybrid remote and office-based operations as it expands its Philippine workforce, a company official said.

The company shifted to work-from-home operations at the start of the strict lockdown in March 2020, and maintains remote work for 90% of its employees this year.

Everise in its United States headquarters had a work-from-home model before the pandemic, transferring processes and technologies to the Philippines when the lockdown started. Outsourcing companies were allowed by the government to continue at least some on-site work during the strictest lockdown last year.

“Part of the big plan is actually to bring more work here in the Philippines… we wanna at least try to be better than we did last year,” Everise Philippines Vice-President for Operations Kristine P. Bondoc said in an interview on Wednesday.

Everise hired 1,000 people in March and April 2020, and now has about 3,000 employees.

As the company retains hybrid remote work, Ms. Bondoc said that some of Everise client contracts are exclusively for work at home.

“There will be a balance between having both [remote and on-site work],” Everise Chief Marketing Officer Chris Greenough said.

Ms. Bondoc said that the company will look for the “right balance” between both modes, depending on client requirements. Because of the remote work measures, the company assesses its potential recruits’ internet connection while hiring.

Everise is banking on growth from investments in artificial intelligence and other technology-based solutions, she said, with the company expecting higher revenues in the next few years as it continues to focus on the health care and technology sectors.

“I would say that we would continue to expand in terms of revenue, but it might not be equal to the amount of bodies as well because we provide other services.”

Clients, she said, transitioned their own operations to digital during the pandemic.

“For example, servicing social media — we have that. We automated; we provided chatbots to some of our clients,” she said. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Black Panther director won’t boycott Georgia for superhero sequel

April 19, 2021 | 12:03 am

LOS ANGELES — Black Panther director Ryan Coogler said on Friday he would shoot the hit movie’s sequel in Georgia as planned, despite his opposition to restrictions on voting rights in the state that have prompted calls by some for a boycott.

Mr. Coogler said in a guest column for Hollywood trade website Deadline.com that pulling out of Georgia to make the sequel would adversely affect the lives of people involved in making the film.

“For those reasons I will not be engaging in a boycott of Georgia,” Mr. Coogler wrote. “Our film is staying in Georgia. Additionally, I have made a personal commitment to raise awareness about ways to help overturn this harmful bill.”

Black Panther, the first superhero movie with a predominantly Black cast, made more than $1.3 billion at the global box office. Starring the late Chadwick Boseman, the Walt Disney Co. film was the highest-grossing movie in North America in 2018.

Mr. Coogler announced his decision two days after more than 100 companies, and Hollywood stars including George Clooney and director J.J. Abrams, declared their opposition to voting curbs in Georgia and other states.

Civil rights groups and others say the measures unfairly target Black and ethnic groups.

Actor Will Smith and director Antoine Fuqua said this week they would move production on their runaway slave thriller Emancipation out of Georgia, which has become a major production hub for Hollywood.

Mr. Coogler on Friday wrote that he was “profoundly disappointed” at the passing of the bill in Georgia in March but had decided to educate himself before making a decision about filming the sequel there.

“Having now spoken with voting rights activists in the state, I have come to understand that many of the people employed by my film, including all the local vendors and businesses we engage, are the very same people who will bear the brunt of SB202,” he said, referring to the name of the bill. — Reuters

GR GT Cup 2021 flags off April 30

April 19, 2021 | 12:02 am

Velo_toyota-gr — IMAGE FROM TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES

HOST Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) starts the season of the GR GT Cup Philippines 2021 this month. Organized with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the first round of races happens on April 30. This will be comprised of over 200 players seeking positioning on the leaderboard. The semifinal and heat races happen on May 1, 2021. Fans and enthusiasts can follow the action through the official social media pages of TMP.

The e-motorsport program started last year, and the warm reception from Filipino gamers was heartening for TMP, which now reopens the virtual tracks to gather the gaming community anew.

Players of all skill levels can compete through the various classes. “Starters with no professional e-sports background and affinity can join the Promotional Class, while those who have competed professionally in and out of the country can join the Sporting Class,” said TMP. Young racers ages 17 and below can join the Junior Class. Members of the media and some celebrities will be joining in the Celebrity/Media Class, which will be announced soon.

Several points-earning qualifying rounds will be held for participants. The top 24 who finish on the leaderboard will advance to the semifinal heat, where they will receive points based on their finishing position. The top three winners from the semifinals will compete in the weekend’s final heat.

“Multipliers are set to make the competition even more interesting,” said TMP in a release. “Points are multiplied up to two times as (participants) progress towards the final round. Racers are encouraged to join and re-qualify to earn more points and to get a chance to win their share of up to P1 million worth of prizes at stake.”

Aside from cash prizes, TMP will award exciting gadgets and gear — from gaming peripherals to coveted digital devices. The overall winner of the final heat from each class will be hailed as the fastest in the Philippines and the ultimate champion of 2021 GR GT Cup.

The GR GT Cup carries the passion of Toyota and Toyota Gazoo Racing for building cars and innovating in the game of auto racing. “The GR GT Cup is really our way to continuously give a thrilling driving experience even with our limited physical movement. We cannot wait to find out who will be dominating the e-motorsports arena this year,” said TMP VP for Marketing Services Elijah Marcial.

For more information, visit the official Toyota Motor Philippines GR Supra GT Cup website https://toyota.com.ph/gtcup or Toyota’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Coffee social enterprise supplying pop-up cafés to help revive Davao

April 19, 2021 | 12:02 am

DAVAO CITY — Social enterprise Coffee For Peace said it is supporting pop-up coffee shops, set up mostly by displaced baristas, which have started to crop up in this city.

Felicitas B. Pantoja, founder and chief executive officer of Coffee For Peace, Inc., said some former café workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic engaged with the organization to source coffee.

She said prices have been adjusted to accommodate the new entrepreneurs and keep retail prices low.

“This way, we can move more beans and educate our coffee drinkers to support local coffee. By moving the beans into the hands of the coffee drinker, we also fuel our own local economy,” she said in an e-mail interview. — Maya M. Padillo

Boulevard Holdings incurs nearly P6-M loss as resorts remain closed

April 19, 2021 | 12:02 am

LISTED Boulevard Holdings, Inc. incurred a P5.85-million net attributable loss for the third quarter of its end-May fiscal year as the company’s resorts remain temporarily closed amid the pandemic, the company said in a regulatory filing on Friday.

The net loss during the December-to-February period was 8.5% higher than what the holding firm incurred in the same period in 2019 at P5.39 million.

Third-quarter revenues declined to P65,625 versus the P28.49 million generated a year earlier due to the temporary closure of Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort and Friday’s Puerto Galera Beach Resort.

For the nine-month period, the net attributable loss amounted to P19.34 million, 28.4% lower than the P27.01-million loss incurred for the comparative period in 2019. Revenues also slowed to P196,875 from P67.97 million.

“Lower occupancy rates are expected even after the crisis,” Boulevard Holdings said.

The company plans to reopen Friday’s Puerto Galera Beach Resort by the last week of April, while Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort is scheduled to reopen in the last quarter of the year.

“COVID–19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has caused the group to re–assess and implement new procedures to address the risks upon the reopening of both Friday’s resorts,” the company added.

On Friday, shares of Boulevard Holdings at the stock exchange went up by 1.11% or P0.001 to close at P0.091. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Actress Helen McCrory has died, husband Damian Lewis says

April 19, 2021 | 12:02 am

LONDON — Helen McCrory, the “beautiful and mighty” British actress known for playing steely female characters on stage and screen, has died of cancer at the age of 52, her husband, Damian Lewis, said on Friday.

The shock announcement drew tributes from author JK Rowling, fellow actors including Michael Sheen and from the artistic director at London’s National Theatre who hailed Ms. McCrory as “unquestionably one of the great actors of her generation.”

On screen she starred as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter films, as the matriarch of a crime family in Peaky Blinders and as the wife of former prime minister Tony Blair, Cherie.

On stage she appeared as Medea, Lady Macbeth, and Hester Collyer in The Deep Blue Sea.

“I’m heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” the Homeland actor Mr. Lewis said.

“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

The couple, who had two young children, married in 2007.

They had recently raised over one million pounds to give health workers restaurant meals during the pandemic.

Sam Mendes, who directed Ms. McCrory in the James Bond film Skyfall, said she was an astonishing talent. “The film and theater world has lost a one-of-a-kind actress, and her family and friends have been robbed of an extraordinary, indomitable spirit,” he said.

Rufus Norris, artistic director at the National Theater, said she had an incisive wit. “We are shattered and will miss her terribly,” he said. — Reuters

Yields on government debt close flat

April 19, 2021 | 12:01 am

YIELDS ON government securities (GS) ended flat last week on mixed trading as the market continued to track domestic inflation and US Treasuries.

GS yields, which move opposite to prices, went down by 0.46 basis point (bp) on average week on week, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates as of April 16 published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Yield movements of Treasury bills (T-bills) were mixed last week. The rates of the 182- and 364-day papers fell by 0.83 bp and 2.81 bps, respectively, to 1.6197% and 1.8961%. On the other hand, the yield on the 91-day T-bills went up by 2.49 bps to 1.3804%.

A similar trend was seen in the belly of the curve as yields on the four-, five-, and seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) fell by 0.84 bp (to 3.0186%), 1.27 bps (3.2529%), and 2.20 bps (3.7233%), respectively. Meanwhile, the rates of the two- and three-year T-bonds rose 2.44 bps and 0.29 bp to 2.4395% and 2.7662%.

At the long end, the 10-year debt paper saw its yield fall by 3.59 bps to 4.2737%, while the rates of the 20- and 25-year tenors edged up by 0.53 bp (4.9932%) and 0.74 bp (4.9811%), respectively.

“Buying sentiment from the lower-than-expected March CPI (consumer price index) figure [reported on April 6] persisted into [last week],” ATRAM Trust Corp. Head of Fixed Income Jose Miguel B. Liboro said in an e-mail.

Mr. Liboro said the slight decline in US Treasury yields “also contributed to the improvement in buying interest.”

ING Bank N.V. Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said in an e-mail that local bond yields continued to track the movement of global rates “as inflation concerns subside.”

Inflation eased to 4.5% in March following five straight months of acceleration amid a slower increase in food prices, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported earlier this month.

This brought the year-to-date headline inflation average to 4.5%, beyond the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% target and 4.2% forecast for 2021.

Meanwhile, the yield on US 10-year Treasuries rose 6.6 bps in a late surge to 1.594% on Friday, rebounding from multi-week lows hit the prior session, Reuters reported.

For this week, the market will monitor the Bureau of the Treasury’s auction of seven-year bonds.

“Market will take its cue from [this] week’s bond auction with the market likely to nudge yields lower with inflation expectations more tame than a few short weeks ago,” ING’s Mr. Mapa said.

“We expect rates to adjust slightly higher… and then settle into a consolidation range over the next few weeks. Investors will likely wait for the next inflation print [on May 5] before positioning too aggressively,” ATRAM Trust’s Mr. Liboro added.

Meanwhile, BDO Unibank, Inc. Chief Market Strategist Jonathan L. Ravelas said in a Viber message that he expects interest rates to “move sideways to up in the near-term” following the mixed results last week. — Lourdes O. Pilar

Kia ‘red hot deals’ extended until April 30

April 19, 2021 | 12:01 am

KIA PHILIPPINES continues to extend initiatives to “help Filipinos easily get the high-quality and value-packed vehicles they deserve.” One of these is its “Red Hot Deals” sales promotion, which it extends until the end of month. Under this discounting offer, buyers can get as much as P430,000 in discounts.

The Picanto, highlighted by a small exterior yet spacious interior with a stylish dashboard combining function and entertainment, is available with up to P91,000 off its P590,000 price tag (for the LX MT). The Kia Soluto is marked by a hardworking and efficient 1.4-liter engine, and is available for P80,000 less its original P665,000 price for the 2019 MY LX MT model. Meanwhile, Kia slashes up to P300,000 from the price of the Sportage LX Diesel.

For more information, visit www.kia.com.

Style (04/19/21)

April 19, 2021 | 12:01 am

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Lacoste launches ‘Loop’ polo

THE NEW Lacoste “Loop” polo is an unprecedented recycled version of Lacoste’s bestseller made using cotton from surplus Lacoste polos. The “Loop” polo is a Classic Fit polo made with 30% cotton that has been extracted from surplus polos that never made it to the shop floor due to small imperfections in appearance. These recycled fibers are spun together with 70% virgin cotton, guaranteeing the drape for which Lacoste polos are known. Instead of destroying its surplus stock, Lacoste reintegrates it into its production cycle in a circular manner. The “Loop” polos come in heather gray or midnight blue, with slight variations in color in the random weave of their virgin and recycled cotton fibers. Featuring the legendary “petit piqué” texture, two-button neckline and short sleeves, the shirt’s croc logo is camouflaged in a tone-on-tone effect on the chest, while the buttons stand out in a composite material. The Lacoste “Loop” Polo is now available on lacoste.com.ph. In the Philippines, Lacoste is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, City of Dreams, Eastwood Mall, Estancia in Capitol Commons, Fairview Terraces, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Robinson’s Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Solaire, Trinoma, UP Town Center, Waterfront Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Davao, Veranza KCC Mall General Santos and Zamboanga. Lacoste Accessories is located at Glorietta 4; Lacoste Sport at Ayala Center Cebu; Lacoste Footwear at Alabang Town Center and is available online at Rustans.com and Zalora.

Cetaphil’s gentle but powerful skin products

DERMATOLOGIST-recommended Cetaphil has a wide range of products formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients appropriate even to sensitive skin. The cult favorite brand offers products that not only cleanses skin but also protects against the five signs of skin sensitivity (dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, weakened skin barrier), giving skin #CompleteCare with every wash and application. Cetaphil Sun is a lightweight, dermatologically tested and highly water-resistant face and body sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin. With its SP 50+ and UVA and UVB protection, Cetaphil Sun is the perfect sunscreen for daily use without leaving any white cast on the face. Meanwhile, Cetaphil Body includes: Ultra Gentle Body Wash, a fragrance free body wash that delivers a unique nourishing combination of hydrating pro Vitamin B5 and Aloe Vera extract that leaves dry and sensitive skin feeling soft and replenished during and after shower; Deep Cleansing Bar, a hypoallergenic cleanser that effectively removes skin contaminants including dirt, impurities, pollution and oils; Antibacterial Bar, a mild antibacterial non-soap cleansing that is suitable for all skin types; and, Moisturizing Cream, a rich cream that intensely hydrates for a full 24-hours, replenishing moisture for softer, smoother, healthier looking skin. Cetaphil Sun and Body products are available in Mercury Drug and Watsons stores nationwide, as well as via online at the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Hello Glow Sun Care Gel delivers 3-in-1 skincare benefits

HELLO Glow, Ever Bilena Cosmetics’ new skin care line, introduces its latest three-in-one Sun Care Gel. Made in and imported from Korea, the new Hello Glow Sun Care Gel protects, strengthens, and moisturizes the face and body with just one product. Its lightweight, non-sticky and hydrating water-gel cream formula with SPF 50+ protects the skin from sunburn, heat rash, wrinkles, and other skin problems. There is also minimal to no white cast as it easily blends on upon application. Containing fundamental active ingredients and antioxidants, Hello Glow is enriched and formulated with aloe vera and bamboo leaf extract to soothe, protect, and smoothen the skin and works for all skin types — dry, oily, and sensitive. A vegan and cruelty-free product, Hello Glow Sun Care Gel also has pore minimizing properties, as it contains wood-apple extract and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture on skin, making it healthier and more supple. Apply Hello Glow Sun Care Gel evenly at least 30 minutes before sun exposure to fully enjoy its benefits. Reapply the product every two hours. The new Hello Glow three-in-one Sun Care Gel is now available on Lazada, as well as from authorized distributors and resellers nationwide, for P320.

Tommy Hilfiger launches new version of iconic shirt

IN THIS season’s Spring 2021 Tommy Hilfiger Menswear collection, the new 1985 Polo stands out as a modern take on the brand’s iconic essential. The new 1985 Polo strikes the perfect balance of elevated while ultra-comfortable, thanks to its smart collar and 100% organic cotton flex pique with a mercerized finish. Available in slim and regular fits and a wide range of colors, the 1985 Polo stands out with heritage details true to the TOMMY DNA, including Ithaca stripes and the iconic red-white-blue global stripe trimming. In the Philippines, Tommy Hilfiger is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and has branches at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, TriNoma, Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Tommy Jeans Robinsons Place Manila, and online at Trunc.ph, Rustans.com, Zalora, and Lazada.

Luxury labels in online marketplace

POPULAR designer brands Gucci, Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, and more just dropped on a new virtual address, with each label having its own exclusive boutique. SSI Group, Inc. presents Trunc Show, a digital stand-alone shop within Trunc.ph that carries an exclusive edit of the luxury designers. Trunc Show currently features nine globally renowned brands: Alexander McQueen, including the Tall Story, a spacious tote in calf leather that boasts beauty and functionality with an edgy twist; Burberry, whose newest collections — which include a logo-accented crepe de chine pleated skirt, tailored co-ords, sweaters, and a whole lot more — are available at its online boutique; Hogan’s Spring-Summer 2021 collection, including the H222

Sneaker with a 7cm standout platform sole; Jimmy Choo,including The Erin pointed sling-back pump; Loewe, including its Puzzle bag; Salvatore Ferragamo’s footwear; and Tod’s, including the hand-assembled Gommino Driving Shoes. Trunc Show is offering 0% interest on installment

for up to 24 months. For all BDO and HSBC credit cardholders, avail of the three months installment for a minimum purchase of P7,500 or six months installment for a minimum purchase of P30,000. HSBC cardholders can avail of 12 months or 24 months installment for a minimum purchase of P75,000. Trunc Show is one of the original concepts on Trunc, a multi-brand e-commerce site that launched in November 2020, with the aim of bringing together many of SSI Group’s brands in one premium marketplace. Visit https://www.trunc.ph/ for details, shop at https://www.trunc.ph/trunc_show_ph.

Rice inventory declines 4.5% in early March

April 19, 2021 | 12:01 am

THE rice inventory as of March 1 fell 4.5% year on year to 2.08 million metric tons (MT), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In its rice and corn stocks inventory report, the PSA said rice stocks held by households rose 25.4% year on year to 1.23 million MT, while inventory in commercial warehouses fell 18.3% to 584.66 thousand MT.

Rice stored in National Food Authority (NFA) depositories fell 44.9% to 265.32 thousand MT.

“Of this month’s total rice inventory, 59.1 percent were in households, 28.1 percent were in commercial warehouses, and 12.8 percent were in NFA depositories,” the PSA said in the report.

Compared to the previous month, the PSA said the rice inventory fell 5.2%.

Household rice stocks as of March 1 rose 4.1% from a month earlier.

Rice inventories stored in commercial warehouses fell 17.5% month on month, while NFA holdings fell 12.3%.

Meanwhile, the PSA said the corn inventory as of March 1 fell 20.8% year on year to 628.37 thousand MT.

Household corn fell 0.8% to 201.21 thousand MT, while commercial corn inventory fell 27.7% to 427.16 thousand MT.

NFA held no corn during the period.

Compared to the previous month, the PSA said corn stocks fell 18.9%.

Household corn fell 10.3%, while corn held by commercial warehouses fell 22.4%.

The breakdown for corn was 32% held by households and 68% by commercial warehouses, the PSA said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Investors sell URC amid lowered tariffs for imported pork

April 19, 2021 | 12:01 am

By Jobo E. Hernandez, Researcher

INVESTORS continued to sell Universal Robina Corp. (URC) last week as lowered imported pork tariff rates were seen to hit its agro-industrial unit that contributes historically nearly a tenth of the food manufacturer’s sales.

A total of 6.19 million URC shares worth P818.22 million were traded last week, data from the Philippine Stock Exchange showed.

Shares in the Gokongwei-led company ended at P128.50 apiece on Friday, 9.5% lower than the previous week’s P142-per-share finish. Year to date, the stock fell 15.6%.

“URC has been mostly affected by the reduction in tariff rate cuts on imported pork — denting its agro-industrial group segment, the transition of National Capital Region (NCR) Plus to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), and of course, the resurgence in virus cases,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Equity Analyst Arielle Anne D. Santos said in an e-mail interview.

She expects URC to move sideways with a downward bias in the short- to midterm as the market keeps on showing increased bearishness towards the stock.

Stephen Gabriel Y. Oliveros, research analyst at China Bank Securities Corp., said URC declined on a week-on-week basis last Friday due to sustained selling from foreign funds.

He noted that URC also underperformed the PSE index as well as other consumer manufacturing stocks.

“We don’t see any recent negative news flow/developments regarding the company, and the sell-off was likely a pullback following the rally over the prior weeks,” Mr. Oliveros said in a separate e-mail interview.

To address the pork supply shortage due to the African swine fever, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 7 signed Executive Order (EO) No. 128, temporarily slashing the tariffs on imported pork for a year.

For three months, the EO will lower the tariffs on pork to 5% from 30% under the minimum access volume quota. This will be hiked to 10% for the succeeding nine months.

However, the Senate urged Mr. Duterte to recall the executive order as the new set of tariff rates would end up killing the domestic hog industry and reduce government revenue.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and other areas such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were placed under the strictest lockdown measures March 29 and extended until April 11 to address the increasing new COVID-19 new cases. After the two-week strict lockdown, the government decided to ease restrictions under a modified ECQ starting April 12 up to April 30.

Ms. Santos said the market anticipated URC’s stellar performance in 2020.

“So what basically happened was the market sold upon the release of the earnings,” she said.

URC’s consolidated revenues inched down by 0.8% last year to P133.14 billion. Meanwhile, its attributable net income increased by a tenth to P10.75 billion.

Broken down, the branded consumer food group remained the largest contributor to URC’s revenues last year at 77.8%. Commodity food and agro-industrial segments chipped in 13.3% and 8.9%, respectively.

“Following the assumption that URC’s profitability momentum would be sustained through this year, we project its first-quarter 2021 net income to be around P2.8 billion and estimate its full-year 2021 bottom line to be roughly P10.6 billion,” Ms. Santos said.

For this week, Mr. Oliveros pegged the stock’s major support and major resistance levels at P122.20 and P140.00 apiece, respectively.

“URC’s support at P128.10 has a high possibility to be tested any time soon. Meanwhile, the bulls have to charge really hard forward to breach its resistance at P133.00, at least, for a sustainable uptrend,” Ms. Santos said.

How PSEi member stocks performed — April 16, 2021

April 19, 2021 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, April 16, 2021.