Russian conductor Gergiev shunned by La Scala, other venues

March 2, 2022 | 12:06 am

MILAN — Russian Valery Gergiev will not conduct at Milan’s La Scala this week after he failed to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and he is also set to be sidelined from roles in Munich and Rotterdam.

Mr. Gergiev — general director of the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater and regarded as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin — conducted The Queen of Spades, an opera based on Alexander Pushkin’s novel, at La Scala on Feb. 23.

The show will run until March 15 and the next performance is scheduled for Saturday.

“I don’t think he will be there, I think at this point we can rule it out,” Giuseppe Sala, La Scala theater board chairman and mayor of Milan, told reporters on Monday.

“The maestro did not reply to us,” he added, referring to requests for Mr. Gergiev to comment on the Ukraine crisis.

The Mariinsky Theater did not respond to a request for comments.

According to a BBC report on March 1, Mr. Gergiev, has been forced to resign his position as honorary president of the Edinburgh International Festival. The festival said in a statement that his resignation was effective immediately.

Meanwhile, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra also said it was suspending its work with Mr. Gergiev, who is an honorary conductor in the Dutch city, and would cancel a Gergiev Festival planned for September unless he distances himself from Mr. Putin’s actions.

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter last week gave Mr. Gergiev a deadline of Monday to speak out or be removed as principal conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Moscow-born Mr. Gergiev, 68, has performed in the most famous theaters around the world. In 2013, Mr. Putin awarded him the first title of Hero of Labor of Russia.

But those ties have rebounded on him as Western nations react to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the biggest assault on a European nation since World War II.

Mr. Gergiev had been due to conduct three concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall leading the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra from Feb. 25-27.

But the Russian conductor has been replaced by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, according to the theater’s website.

Separately, the Venice La Biennale art exhibition said the curator and artists of the Pavilion of the Russian Federation had pulled out of the event in protest at the war in Ukraine.

“La Biennale expresses its complete solidarity for this noble act of courage,” it said in a statement. — Reuters

Filipino adults still struggling with obesity and inactivity

March 2, 2022 | 12:06 am

THE Philippines has already surpassed a 2030 projection of diabetes incidence in the country, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

The FNRI pegged diabetes prevalence among adults 20 years old and above at 8.2% as of 2019, exceeding the 2030 projection of 7.8% among adults from 20 to 79 years old in the 2021 edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, and matching its projection for 2045.

Even as tobacco use has declined, risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity continue to pose a challenge among Filipinos.

“More than half of adults are also obese based on their waist-hip ratio,” said endocrinologist Dr. Aurora G. Macaballug, citing 2003–2019 prevalence data from FNRI, at a Feb. 22 webinar organized by the Philippine College of Physicians.

From 2018 to 2019, the prevalence of high waist-hip ratios of adult males and females decreased slightly from 8.3% to 7.2%, and 63.7% to 63.0%, respectively. “It’s bad that it’s stable,” Dr. Macaballug said, noting that the problem still hasn’t been minimized even if it’s been identified.

Abdominal obesity, or too much fat around the waist, is defined as having a waist-hip ratio of more than 0.85 for females, and more than 0.9 for males. It is a marker of disease risk. According to Harvard T.H. Chan’s School of Public Health, abdominal fat releases agents and hormones that lead to high blood glucose and blood pressure.

6 DOUGHNUTS, 32 COOKIES
Breaking a sweat and maintaining one’s weight isn’t only about having a svelte figure, said Dr. Richard Henry P. Tiongco II, a cardiologist.

He recommends following the 52100 habit, which refers to consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables, limiting salt intake to two grams (or one teaspoon), getting one hour of exercise per day, zero tobacco use, and zero consumption of sugary drinks.

Consuming three cans of soda, said Dr. Tiongco, can be equal to six doughnuts, or about 32 cookies — and an hour of exercise won’t be nearly enough to burn the calories.

Obesity, he added, can also lead to other conditions such as fatty liver disease (characterized by extra fat buildup in the liver that can lead to liver damage) and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke).

Dr. Macaballug said parents should inculcate in their children the concept of an active and healthy lifestyle.

“We have to start them young. If we catch them as adults, they already have a concept of what their lifestyle is. Ang hirap na nila i-pull out doon [It would be hard to pull them out of that].” — Patricia B. Mirasol

Alliance Global to infuse nearly P8B to entertainment, hotel segment

March 2, 2022 | 12:06 am

ALLIANCE Global Group, Inc. (AGI) will infuse P7.8 billion in Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc.’s increase in paid-up capital.

“The infusion of fresh capital to augment the working capital of Travellers will afford AGI’s entertainment and hotel business the opportunity to keep current with its obligations and catch the window of business recovery with the easing of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) restrictions,” AGI told the exchange on Tuesday without discussing further.

Travellers is the developer and operator of Resorts World Manila.

For the third quarter in 2021, Travellers’ gross revenues climbed 36% year on year to P5 billion. It generated P4.9 billion in gross gaming revenues, while hotel revenues surged 77% after its occupancy rate hit 79% of pre-pandemic levels.

Travellers logged a P1.9-billion net income for the first nine months of 2021, reversing its P5.4-billion loss seen the previous year. Revenues climbed 28% to P14.8 billion.

AGI shares at the stock exchange went up 2.97% or 38 centavos on Tuesday, closing at P13.18 per share. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte

Diverse voices on climate change

March 2, 2022 | 12:05 am

1 of 3

A FEW months before the Taal volcano eruption and the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, a team of writers from around the world met to brainstorm about writing a book on climate change. Filipino anthropologist and writer Padmapani L. Perez, South African novelist and journalist Rehana Rossouw, Colombian poet and performer Alexandra Walter, and Filipino author Renato Redentor Constantino looked through images submitted by photographers from various countries. After selecting 30 photographs, their next step was to send these to writers in their respective regions to serve as inspiration.

The result was Harvest Moon: Poems and Stories from the Edge of the Climate Crisis, an anthology on climate change.

The book is a project of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities’ The Agam Agenda, a platform that brings together writers, artists, scientists, youth, and campaigners for creative, transdisciplinary collaboration for climate action through stories and art.

The book contains over 30 images and over 30 poems, stories, and essays by writers, photographers, and artists from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America. The contributions come from 24 countries and are written in 11 languages, including Turkish, Spanish, Kankanaey, French, Filipino, English, Chinese, and Bahasa Indonesia.

“The making of this book followed a creative process that we first tried out in Agam Filipino Narratives on Uncertainty and Climate Change (2014). We invited photographers in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America to send in black and white images that showed a place or space with people or traces of humanity in them. Out of over 80 submissions, we selected 30 plus of the best photographs,” Ms. Perez, Agam Agenda lead strategist and the book’s co-editor, said at the online book launch on Feb. 18.

In the selection of photographs, Ms. Perez added that the co-editors “veered away from typical imagery of the environment and disasters.” Every contributing writer received a randomly selected photograph. The writers were tasked to respond to photographs from outside their respective regions.

Ms. Perez further explained that the writers also received a list of 32 words and phrases that they were not allowed to use in their pieces, such as “climate change” and “global warming.” “The intention was to discourage the use of jargon and to steer away from tired ways of describing the state we’re in,” she said.

Contributors include internationally recognized writers Shirley Campbell Barr (Costa Rica), Marjorie Evasco (Philippines), Luisa A. Igloria (Philippines/USA), Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner (Marshall Islands), Fiston Mwanza Mujila (Democratic Republic of Congo), Leonardo Padura (Cuba), Malebo Sephodi (South Africa), photographer Vinai Dithajohn (Thailand), and renowned essayist Rebecca Solnit.

Filipino contributing writer Gawani Domogo Gaongen interprets a photo by South African photographer Masixole Feni showing a young goalkeeper in a soccer field. The resulting Kankanaey poem “Pangwani” (which also includes an English translation by the author) illustrates how moments on earth and the distance of places are measurements of time.

Since the project was interrupted in 2020, the book also includes poems and stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the Filipino contributing writers, Joey A. Tabula, a physician by profession, wrote the poem “Awit sa Dibdib ng Mamang may COVID (Song in the Chest of a Man with COVID).” He interpreted Vinai Dithajohn’s photograph of a half-naked man taking a bath in a lake.

“I was sent a number of images and then it was really hard to choose because all the images are rich [with] interpretation. But I chose the one that spoke to me,” Mr. Tabula said of the photo. “The loneness of the person and taking a bath kind of reminds me of patients in [ICU] getting the morning care of nurses and nursing assistants.”

He wrote the poem in the persona of a physician taking care of a patient.

Pieces from Harvest Moon were also featured in artistic collaborations to coincide with the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) international negotiations in Nov. 2021. Works were featured in light projections by artist Jenny Holzer throughout the city center of Glasgow, Scotland, and at the Tate Modern in London.

“Through Harvest Moon, we hope to show that art and literature have a role to play, not just in communicating climate change, but also in accompany us through the crisis, providing solace, companionship, and opening portals to new possibilities,” Ms. Perez said.

Harvest Moon (P599.60) is now available via Milflores Publishing on Shopee and Lazada, Fully Booked, the Ayala Museum Shop, Mt. Cloud Bookshop in Baguio City, and Solidaridad Bookstore in Manila. To order the book, visit http://agamagenda.com/harvest-moon. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Mitigating the risks of gestational diabetes

March 2, 2022 | 12:05 am

GESTATIONAL diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses health risks for pregnant Filipinas, many of whom were unable to seek usual prenatal care because of lockdown restrictions.

“During this COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, pregnant patients had restriction to mobility because of the lockdowns as well as access to healthy foods. These factors have seemingly contributed to the increased the number of pregnant women with GDM during this period,” said Theresa Marie V. Faller, endocrinologist at the World Citi Medical Center, in an e-mail to BusinessWorld.

GDM is defined as the presence of a glucose abnormality, usually elevated blood glucose levels, first recognized in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and caused by insulin resistance, or the state by which the body does not respond well to insulin.

Risks for the baby include growing too big, which increases their chances of obesity and diabetes during childhood, and pre-term birth, which can result in breathing difficulties.

As for the mother, GDM may increase risk of high blood pressure as well as preeclampsia (characterized by hypertension, proteins in the urine, and swelling of both legs) that can threaten the lives of both mother and baby, Dr. Faller added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that diabetes mellitus was the fifth leading cause of death across the country, accounting for 6.3% of total deaths from January to November 2021, an increase of 22.4% from the same period a year before.

Though it’s unsure how many Filipino pregnant women suffer from GDM due to lack of local studies on the matter, past surveys by the Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies Study Group on Diabetes in Pregnancy in 1996 and University of Santo Tomas Hospital in 2009 have shown a prevalence of 14% and 7.5% respectively.

Unfortunately, the implications of GDM don’t get much attention since it only occurs for a small part of the population, said Dr. Faller.

HEALTH SOLUTIONS
For 25-year-old expectant mother Sherielou Flores, the tough part of having GDM was the need to change her diet and regularly monitor her blood sugar.

“I wanted to avoid unnecessary medical interventions while giving birth, so I worked towards controlling my condition so I would not need medications such as insulin,” she said via e-mail. Her doctor had said too much insulin would not be safe for childbirth.

Aside from frequent urination, fatigue, and weakness, Ms. Flores shared that her own child’s safety fueled much of the fear she felt during her complicated pregnancy.

Technology was what helped her manage her health and access necessary services.

“It positively impacted the way I addressed my condition, from tracking blood glucose levels, monitoring stress levels, to observing carbohydrate intake. Mobile health applications like the mySugr app helped me learn more about my condition,” she said.

Dr. Faller, who recently studied Asian pregnant women’s progress in blood glucose control after six months of their use of mobile health applications, found that data management is indeed key to personalized diabetes care.

“This enables GDM patients to share that information with the caregivers and physician for further consultation and adjust their treatment plan for a better and personalized diabetes care,” she explained.

Even after delivery of the baby upon which GDM is resolved, the patient may still suffer repercussions later on, like developing type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. This is why monitoring is essential in long-term treatment, according to Dr. Faller.

“Managing diabetes today is starting to get easier and that’s what we want for our patients,” she said. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Globe: Mobile business’ return to pre-pandemic levels may take time

March 2, 2022 | 12:05 am

GLOBE Telecom, Inc. said it might take some time for its mobile business to return to pre-pandemic levels despite the easing of mobility restrictions, mainly due to changes in customer behavior.

“As broadband penetration increases, data usage and household spending will now be split between mobile and broadband, regardless of mobility restrictions,” Globe said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday.

Darius Jose Delgado, head of Globe Consumer Mobile Business, said the company expects its mobile business to grow in step with total industry growth, which is now a “low single-digit growth.”

Globe’s consolidated service revenues for 2021 grew by 4% to P151.5 billion from the P146.4 billion reported in 2020.

The company attributed its growth to the “sustained outstanding performance of home broadband as well as corporate data.”

Broken down, mobile revenue for the year slightly increased to P104.4 billion from P103.7 billion in 2020, while home broadband revenue grew by 10% to P29.4 billion from P26.8 billion previously.

Corporate data revenue increased by 12% to P14.2 billion in 2021 from P12.6 billion in 2020, while revenue from fixed-line voice fell by 13% to P2.3 billion from P2.6 billion a year earlier.

“Total data revenues across mobile, broadband and corporate data accounted for 80% of total service revenues, up from 76% [previously],” Globe noted.

The company also said it expects better prepaid data uptake and mobile revenues this year as the government eases restrictions and the economy begins to open up.

“During the lockdowns, we see our prepaid top-ups decline. It’s because those who have broadband connections at home offload their usage to broadband, while those whose incomes are affected by the lockdowns control their spending,” Mr. Delgado said.

“But then we see recovery as soon as restrictions are lifted. So we expect improvements in the take-up of our prepaid data packs,” he added.

Globe shares closed 0.70% higher at P2,586 apiece on Tuesday. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Netflix will not add state-run channels to Russian service, defying regulation

March 2, 2022 | 12:04 am

NETFLIX, Inc. said on Monday that in the current circumstances it has no plans to add state-run channels to its Russian service, despite a regulation that would require the streaming service to distribute state-backed channels.

“Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” said a Netflix spokesman in a statement, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Politico first reported that Netflix, which launched its service in Russia in Oct. 2020, would fall under the new Russian regulations requiring compliance on March 1.

The regulations, overseen by Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, require audiovisual services with more than 100,000 subscribers in that country to distribute 20 free-to-air news, sports, and entertainment channels.

The Netflix spokesman declined to comment on timing or whether the company has held conversations with Russian regulators. It is unclear how the service will be impacted by its decision.

Russia is one the 190 countries where Netflix is available. — Reuters

Ramp up efforts to promote mental health among students, says DoST

March 2, 2022 | 12:04 am

online-class-students — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) recently acknowledged the importance of equipping the youth with the means to improve their overall health amid the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, citing a three-month health and well-being program.

“There’s an urgent need for the government and education sectors to work together and ramp up efforts to create interventions, to promote general well-being and mental health of students during this time,” said Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, at a webinar on Feb. 22.

Published in July 2021, the study on college students showed that guided promotion of positive habits like healthy eating, adequate sleeping, and management of depressive, anxious, and stressful thoughts can lead to improvement in overall health.

“Our aim is to provide students with an online community and an opportunity to feel connected with other students and introduce them to fundamental concepts of health and wellbeing, including the promotion of mental health,” said Dr. Resti Tito H. Villarino, one of the project’s researchers and a member of the National Research Council of the Philippines’ (NRCP) medical sciences division.

The program was designed to relieve stressors brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Its initial run was for 178 students from a private college and a state university in Cebu City.

A control group continued their usual routines while the test group used tools such as questionnaires and guides that promoted positive emotion, engagement, relationships, and meaning.

“These are developed in the West but we can adapt it here to the Philippine context,” said Mr. Villarino, who used questionnaires that were translated to Cebuano.

In post-test scores, students who used the tools showed some improvement in COVID-19 prevention attitudes, frequency of eating nutritious food, number of sleeping hours, and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

BUILDING PERMANENT HABITS
Globally, about 1 in 5 young people aged 15-24 said they often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things, according to a 2021 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In the Philippines, projects by mental health groups and government have tried to address this through studies on growth mindsets and suicide prevention toolkits.

Though Mr. Villarino proposed the study’s results be used by the Commission on Higher Education and Department of Health in developing similar initiatives, he maintained that six months — the full duration of the NRCP-supported health and well-being program — is realistically not enough for a habit to become permanent.

“We have to figure out how to make it consistent to the individual based on his or her well-being practices,” he said, on recommendations for future efforts. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

Gov’t rejects all bids for 3-year Treasury bonds as rates climb

March 2, 2022 | 12:04 am

THE GOVERNMENT on Tuesday rejected all bids for its offer of fresh three-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) as investors asked for high rates amid the crisis in Ukraine.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) did not accept any tenders for the securities even as bids reached P45.26 billion, higher than the P35 billion on offer.

The three-year notes would have fetched a coupon rate of 4.375% if fully awarded, higher than the 3.7984% 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 market demanded a large premium amid expectations of higher inflation as oil prices climbed after Russia invaded Ukraine.

A potential 50-basis-point (bp) rate hike by the US Federal Reserve is still on the table, she added.

Inflation likely jumped to 3.3% in February on rising oil and commodity prices, a BusinessWorld poll of 15 analysts showed.

If realized, this median estimate would be faster than the 3% in January. Still, this is within the 2-4% target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Brent crude futures on Tuesday rose by 0.91% to $98.86 per barrel, Reuters reported.

The benchmark touched a seven-year high of $105.79 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week, though markets calmed as the United States and allies discuss a coordinated release of crude stocks.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve is poised to raise interest rates at its meeting this month, with policy makers publicly sparring about whether a large 50-bp hike is necessary.

Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said on Monday he was in favor of a 25-bp rise, but could consider a 50-bp move if economic data between now and then show high inflation persisting.

Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta Mester, meanwhile, said the conflict in Ukraine would be considered as the Fed decides on the pace of its tightening.

Meanwhile, a bond trader said via Viber that the rejection was expected due to the high bids from investors.

“They have leeway to reject because of the RTB (retail Treasury bond) volume but clearly, [the]market doesn’t have the appetite to add bond holdings given the risks,” the trader said.

The government raised P457.8 billion from its offer of five-year RTBs that ended on Monday.

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

Manila Water profit down 18% to P3.7B

March 2, 2022 | 12:04 am

MANILA Water Co., Inc. reported a consolidated earnings of P3.7 billion for 2021, which was 18% lower than the previous year due to the pandemic.

“The full-year effect of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic impacted customer demand and business operations, even as domestic and international operations outside the East Zone Concession showed improved performance,” Manila Water said in a media release.

“Despite the challenges, including an ongoing tariff freeze, the company pushed through with its projects to ensure prudent compliance to regulatory and service commitments, with group capital expenditures at nearly P17 billion for the year,” it added.

In its unaudited report for 2021, revenues dropped 4% to P20.3 billion from P21.1 billion in 2020, due to “lower billed volume across all segments in the East Zone Concession and in several domestic subsidiaries,” as well as lower customer consumption due to the pandemic.

Cost and operating expenses for the period stood at P9.2 billion, up 7% from P8.3 billion. The water concessionaire said this was due to the ramp up of operating activities after eased lockdown restrictions.

“This increase was partially offset by lower power and chemical costs in line with lower production during the period,” Manila Water added.

The firm placed its spending for projects in Metro Manila’s east zone at P14 billion, largely for water supply improvement and wastewater expansion.

Manila Water said it is working on the Wawa Calawis project that will supply an additional 518 million liters per day (mld), of which 80 mld is expected to be available by end-2022.

It said the water projects would further augment available water supply to its customers and ensure reliable water service, with continued collaboration with key government agencies.

The company added that its customers “currently continue to experience 24/7 water supply but the growing demand will require investments in additional infrastructure.”

At the stock exchange on Tuesday, Manila Water shares were up 0.5% or 10 centavos to finish at P20.10 each. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Hitmaker Neil Diamond sells entire song catalogue to Universal

March 2, 2022 | 12:03 am

ND_CLASSIC_DIAMONDS_COVER_3000X3000 — NEILDIAMOND.COM/

LONDON — US singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, the voice behind classic tunes like “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” has sold his entire song catalogue to the publishing arm of Universal Music Group (UMG), following other hitmakers to cash in on their work.

In a statement on Monday, UMG said the deal also covered the rights to all recordings from Mr. Diamond’s 60-year career, including 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album, and archival long form videos. It said it would record and release Mr. Diamond’s future music if he returned to the studio.

UMG did not disclose financial details of the deal.

Mr. Diamond, who has sold more than 130 million albums making him one of the best-selling artists in the world, has worked with Universal Music Publishing Group since 2014 with the company acting as his publishing administrator.

“After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together,” Mr. Diamond, 81, said in a statement.

“I feel confident in the knowledge that… the global team at UMG will continue to represent my catalogue and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fuelled my career.”

The deal merges Diamond’s early Bang and post-1972 recordings with those he made with UMG’s MCA Records between 1968 and 1972, when he put out tracks like “Holly Holy” and “Sweet Caroline,” a still hugely popular song decades later and anthem at many sports games.

Since 2013, Mr. Diamond has a recording agreement and licensing deal with UMG for his non-MCA recordings through its Capitol Music Group division and Universal Music Enterprises.

“Neil Diamond is by definition, a truly universal songwriter,” Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive of UMG, said. “His immense songbook and recordings encompass some of the most cherished and enduring songs in music history.”

Brooklyn-born Mr. Diamond began his career writing for others but found success after penning his own tracks. He has had more than 70 songs in the Billboard charts and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2018, Diamond said he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would retire from touring. Inspired by his life, the production The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise is scheduled to open in Boston in June.

Other artists to have done rights deals for their work include Sting, Mick Fleetwood, and Bob Dylan. — Reuters

Magnolia Hotshots face Meralco Bolts in battle of leading teams

March 2, 2022 | 12:03 am

Magnolia-Paul-Lee_PBA — PAUL LEE of Magnolia Hotshots — PBA IMAGE

By Olmin Leyba

PACESETTING Magnolia and second-running Meralco clash while NorthPort continues its quarterfinal push against winless Blackwater today as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum after its Antipolo swing.

The Hotshots (7-1) and Bolts (6-2) collide at 6 p.m., both determined to stay ahead in the chase for the top four seeding and twice-to-beat edge in the Last-8.

“We have to have that proper mindset in this stretch, that playoff mentality already,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, whose charges have three elims assignments left, including this one, to nail that coveted win-once bonus.

The Hotshots enter the marquee matchup at the now full capacity-ready Big Dome on a high, thanks to their 104-87 rout of powerhouse San Miguel Beer (SMB) last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“I think with the leadership of Mike Harris, Paul Lee and Rafi Reavis, naging maganda ang takbo ng defense namin last game. If we can maintain that, we’ll be okay,” said Mr. Victolero.

More than drawing level with Magnolia, the Tony Bishop-reinforced Bolts are extra motivated following their 94-93 heartbreaker to Alaska last Saturday.

“Important game for us against the top team in the elims. We need this win if we want to gain the twice-to-beat advantage,” said Meralco’s Norman Black.

“We must slow down their fast-paced offense and do a good job against their full-court pressure.”

The resurgent Batang Pier (3-5), meanwhile, gun for their fourth straight victory and a share of eighth spot at 3 p.m. versus winless Blackwater (0-8).

After claiming the scalps of Meralco, Magnolia and Phoenix, coach Pido Jarencio cautioned the Batang Pier against complacency versus a Bossing side bent on ending a 27-game futility over the last two years.

The Bossing are looking to avert a second consecutive 0-11 conference.

“We won’t stop working hard in practice to earn that elusive win,” Blackwater’s Ariel Vanguardia said. “(JVee) Casio is fully healthy, so does (Kelly) Nabong and our import (Shawn Glover) has been consistent. We feel we are near that W.”

Meanwhile, Jericho Cruz, the latest member of the Rookie Draft Class of 2014 to exercise his option to be an unrestricted free agent, completed his move from NLEX to San Miguel Beer on Tuesday. The Fil-Guamanian guard out of Adamson signed a three-year deal with the Beermen, where he is reunited with his college coach Leo Austria. Mr. Cruz is expected to make his SMB debut tomorrow against Rain or Shine.