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Dining In/Out (09/16/21)

COOP Fresh all natural gochujang pork samgyupsal

The Pen offers deals for 45th anniversary

FORTY-FIVE years ago, The Peninsula Manila opened its doors at the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues to coincide with the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Convention. To commemorate the 45th anniversary of its founding in 1976, General Manager Masahisa Oba asked the hotel’s Executive Chef Xavier Castello and his chefs to cook up an extensive menu featuring classic favorites as well as creating new flavors with only one stipulation — prices must reflect the spirit of the anniversary. That’s how the final selections gracing the 45th anniversary menus got to be priced at P45, P197.60, P450, and P1,976.60. The 45th anniversary menus feature offerings from The Lobby, Spices, and The Peninsula Boutique and are now available until Sept. 30. The Lobby’s Takeout and Delivery Menu includes Avocado Toast, Asado Pork Belly Bao, and Gnocchi Carbonara (each for P450), while Spices has Nasi Goreng, Vegetable Samosa, Tom Kha Gai, Free-range Chicken Satay, Salmon Fillet Tikka Masala, and Yam Sam-O (each for P450). The Peninsula Boutique celebrates its anniversary with ice cream, cakes, cookies, chocolates and other sweet indulgences in its Takeout and Delivery Menu. Among the items on the menu are Chocolate Chip Cookies, Strawberry Croissants, and Chocolate Chip Muffins (available for P197.60 for any two); Moist Chocolate Cake (P1,976); and Strawberry Shortcake (P1,976). For inquiries and orders, contact The Peninsula Manila online through PenChat, the 24-hour e-concierge, via Facebook Messenger https://bit.ly/PeninsulaOnlineFacebook, or via WhatsApp at https://bit.ly/PeninsulaOnlineWhatsApp. Customers can also call The Peninsula Boutique at 8887-5747 or 8887-2888, send an SMS message at 0917-557-8014, or e-mail penboutiquepmn@peninsula.com.

Century Park offers treats as it marks 45 years

CENTURY Park Hotel has a number of reasons to celebrate this September.  After its awarding of the Safety Seal Certification, it was recently granted Multiple Use Hotel status by the Department of Tourism and Bureau of Quarantine. Non-quarantine and quarantine guests can now stay and enjoy the hotel with the enforcement of stringent health and safety protocols. This latest development could not have come at a better time as the hotel is holding its Sapphire Anniversary this month. On its 45th year, the hotel has prepared celebration packages and treats to mark the occasion. For P4,995 net, enjoy a feast good for eight to 10 persons. The hotel’s chefs have prepared weekly themed menus: Chinese, Japanese, Western, and Filipino. Each package comes with a free anniversary Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse Cake and P200 off at the Deli Snack. One day advance booking is required by calling 8528-5855/56 or sending a message to 0917-633-2497. Deliveries can be arranged for Grab, Lalamove or other delivery services, with transport fees shouldered by the customer. Century Park Hotel is also giving away free Deli Snack Rewards Cards to guests on its anniversary month. The DELIciously DELIghtful Deals allows customers to earn rewards such as bread and pastries during their visit from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30.  Each P500 purchase made at the outlet (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only) is equivalent to one stamp. Orders made from food delivery apps, except Food-on-the-Go, are excluded in the rewards program. Redemptions can be made until Nov. 30. To know more about Century Park Hotel and its deals, visit www.centurypark.com or contact the hotel via e-mail at information@centurypark.com.ph or call 528-8888.

Boutwood’s Helm on 50 Best Discovery List

HELM, the fine dining restaurant of chef Josh Boutwood, has been included in the 50 Best Discovery List, an expert-approved collection of dining and drinking destinations worldwide. By virtue of the recent citation, this 10-seater restaurant located at The Arya Residences in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is now part of just over 2,000 venues on the planet that are part of an elite collection of restaurants and bars. The 50 Discovery List curates its selection based on responses from their global voting academies, who name the best restaurants and bars as part of the lists for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. It provides a recommended listing for its 2 million or so followers to explore in their travels, providing a roadmap of where to dine and drink across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Of Filipino-British descent, Mr. Boutwood is recognized as a culinary maverick who worked with some of the best restaurants in Europe. In 2012, he joined The Bistro Group as executive corporate chef. Mr. Boutwood is an advocate of using only the best and, at times, unique ingredients that he weaves into elegant and innovative food. At Helm, he often serves his 11-course degustacion menu based on certain themes like colors. Follow @helmmn.

Crimson Hotel offers dining deals

DINING Deals from Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila are on offer at the HSMA (Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International)’s September Online Sale from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. In the sale, P1,000 Dining Vouchers are going for P700 and P2,000 Dining Vouchers going for P1,300. Then save as much as 35% on Baker J and Firehouse Pizza food & beverage orders. With the Firehouse Pizza Trio Voucher for P999, order any three Classic or Signature pizzas in one go. There is also a Baker J Viennoiserie Voucher for P350. Enjoy savings of 30% per box of six assorted Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, and Pain Au Raisin. There is also a Baker J Cake Voucher for P999 for sweet discounts on any Baker J cake. For inquiries, call 0998-591-5224 or e-mail alabang.salescenter3@crimsonhotel.com. Vouchers are available from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The vouchers are valid for use until Oct. 15, 2022.

COOP Fresh’s all-natural and organic selection

RECOGNIZING the trend for healthier and cleaner options, online specialty grocer COOP Grocer has introduced its own line of all-natural and organic products ranging from meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, to ready-made food. The line is called COOP Fresh, and each item is non-GMO certified and grown with no growth hormones, preservatives, antibiotics, or pesticides and using only natural fertilizers. Additionally, all products are locally farmed in Cavite, Laguna, Ilocos Norte, and Palawan. The produce is freshly harvested every week. By working directly with local farmers, COOP Grocer eliminates the middleman, allowing the company to offer competitive pricing for its customers and easier access to all-natural and organic items. “Certified organic” products guarantee that the animals used were only given hormone- and GMO-free feed and raised in an open range, sustainable environment. “Natural,” on the other hand, means that products were made with only all-natural ingredients and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. When it comes to its meat and seafood, “all-natural” assures that no MSG, additives, chemicals, or extenders were added in the preparation process. Order from the official website www.coopgrocer.com or through the app which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Kenny Rogers offers Beyond Meat burgers

KENNY Rogers Roasters has partnered with plant-based meat producer Beyond Meat to give its customers a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste and flavor. Beyond Meat makes meat substitutes that are low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and free of antibiotics and hormones from animal-based counterparts. Now on offer are Kenny’s Beyond Burger, a Beyond Meat burger patty topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayo, sandwiched between two toasted buns; and Kenny’s Beyond Mashed Potato, a meal that includes a plant-based burger patty nestled on top of mashed potato, and a serving of mushroom gravy. Initially launched in June at selected stores, it was well-received and sold out after a few weeks. Kenny’s Beyond Mashed Potato and Kenny’s Beyond Burger are now available in Kenny Rogers Roasters branches nationwide at P295 each. Order Kenny’s Beyond Deliciously Healthy meals on kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph or via the hotline at 8-555-9000.

McDonald’s Twister Fries are back

THE MCDONALD’S Twister Fries returned to McDo stores on Sept. 15, and can be ordered on its own or as an add-on to McDo favorites like the Big Mac or Coke McFloat. It is available in Regular and Sharing sizes. Order it via McDonald’s Take Out, Drive-Thru, McDelivery, Grab Food, and Foodpanda.

Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster releases a new flavor

JACK ‘N JILL Roller Coaster — an iconic ring-shaped potato snack — now has a new look and flavor, barbecue. Roller Coaster Barbecue comes in two sizes, a solo pack and a buddy pack for sharing. Roller Coaster — created by Universal Robina Corp. — are available in Shopee, all leading supermarkets nationwide, and in select grocery apps.

Saab Magalona-Bacarro shares steak dinner secret

IN THE first episode of La Germania’s recent Masterclass Series, actress and musician Saab Magalona-Bacarro, alongside her husband, businessman and Cheats frontman Jim Bacarro shared their secrets to making their favorite steak and mashed potatoes at home. The full episode can be viewed on La Germania’s Facebook. La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada.

BSP remits P15B in dividends to gov’t

BW FILE PHOTO

THE CENTRAL BANK remitted P15 billion in advanced dividends to give the government liquidity amid the prolonged crisis.

“Extraordinary liquidity measures were undertaken. These include purchases of government securities in the secondary market, remittance of P35 billion in advance dividends, and provisional advances to the National Government,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in a speech on Tuesday.

Mr. Diokno said in a Viber message that they remitted the additional P15 billion last month.

“[The] BSP is committed to sustaining a sound financial system conducive to a strong and inclusive economic recovery,” Mr. Diokno said.

Government-owned and -controlled corporations are required by law to remit half of their profits to the Bureau of the Treasury. However, the New Central Bank Act lets the BSP use these dividends for its capitalization.

In March 2020, the BSP also remitted P20 billion in advanced dividends to the National Government to support its coronavirus pandemic response.

The BSP’s move to remit dividends this year is a welcome development as the country continues to face the crisis, UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said.

“I think this is one of those extraordinary measures during extraordinary times. It is also delivering on what Mr. Diokno has consistently said during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic crisis that the BSP will support government all the way,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

In July, the BSP for the fourth time extended a P540-billion short-term, no-interest loan to the National Government, which Mr. Diokno called “bridge financing.” It is expected to be repaid in October.

The central bank earlier said they are willing to extend direct advances to the government and keep benchmark rates low “for as long as necessary” to support economic recovery. — L.W.T. Noble

SEC launches one-day registration system 

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday launched a new feature in its online company registration system that allows domestic corporations to register with the commission through a simplified one-day process. 

“The single-day processing of applications for company registration will help us further our goal of improving the ease of doing business in the country, complementing our other recent initiatives that aim to provide seamless transactions to the public,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said in a statement.  

The One-Day Submission and Express Registration of Companies (OneSEC) of the SEC’s electronic simplified processing of application for registration company (eSPARC) may be accessed via https://secwebapps.sec.gov.ph/application. 

OneSEC will accept applications for the registration of domestic stock corporations that are 100% owned by Filipinos and those which have common shares with a par value of not less than P1 and in non-decimal currency, and must be subscribed for through cash payment. 

Its incorporators, directors, and subscribers must be natural persons and residents of the Philippines. They must also have a perpetual corporate term of existence and must be located outside an economic zone. 

Meanwhile, its proposed corporate name must include a descriptor of its industry classification. Otherwise, OneSEC will prefill the primary purpose or main business activity based on its chosen industry classification and the applicant will not be able to modify it further. 

The corporate name should not have a trade name and must not be subjected to any appeal for reconsideration. 

OneSEC is also integrated with the commission’s online payment portal, the Electronic System for Payments to the SEC (eSPAYSEC). 

Once applicants complete the registration process, a digital copy of their interim certificates of incorporation (COI) may be downloaded. They may submit hard copies of registration documents a year from the issuance of the certificate. 

“Applicants may secure the original copy of their COI upon presentation of the digital interim COIs and proof of payment of the assessed registration fees, together with the originally signed and authenticated or notarized hard copies of their registration documents to the SEC,” the regulator said.  

Meanwhile, eSPARC will now also accept applications for the registration of partnerships and foreign corporations. 

Pending applications, which include those with company name reservation and applications in the perform and in-form status and those filed but not approved for payment and in compliance status, done through the SEC Company Registration System (CRS) must re-apply in eSPARC. 

 Applicants approved for payment holding a payment assessment form are instructed to proceed to the payment of registration fees. 

 “Meanwhile, applicants that have already paid their registration fees but could not upload the proof of payment in the CRS should submit the proof of payment, together with the signed and authenticated/notarized copies of the registration documents, to the selected processing office for the issuance of their COI,” the SEC said. 

Firms that have uploaded their proof of payment in the CRS but have not yet been issued a COI are instructed to submit their proof of payment, signed and authenticated or notarized copies of registration documents to the selected processing office. — Keren Concepcion G. Valmonte 

Viber launches in-app AR filters with Lens

AS we’ve mostly stayed indoors for the past months since the pandemic, communication apps — chats, voice records, and video calls — were essential tools for work and business, as well as catching up with family and friends. 

To make its app more fun to use, Rakuten Viber has introduced a new feature to chats: the Viber Lens. It teamed up with Snap, Inc., the creator of Snapchat, to bring augmented reality (AR) to its in-app camera.

“Snapchat has positioned itself as the top camera service with insane technology in terms of AR,” Rakuten Viber Vice-President for Product Development Nadav Melnick said in an online press conference on Sept. 7 via Zoom. “Whenever you look at the technology that Snapchat is offering, we will have it together with them.”

“This is enabling us to concentrate on stuff like content and tie all the loose ends between different products that are in our core,” Mr. Melnick added, noting how regular developments in the app affect group chats and calls. “This gives us a really good platform to evolve the lenses into a day-to-day communication tool.”

“By implementing this technology, Viber Lens helps empower our user’s creativity in making simple communication more entertaining and vivid. It gives them more freedom on how they relay their thoughts and feelings to whoever they’re talking to, all while having a little fun,” Rakuten Viber Senior Director for APAC David Tse said in a statement.

“With this partnership with Snap’s most advanced AR capabilities, we’re excited to usher in a new way of messaging while keeping true to our commitment to high security standards for all messages, video, and images sent over the app,” Mr. Tse added. 

The first batch of filters consists of 30 designs of animal masks, fantasy effects, Bitmoji avatars, and Viber characters.

To activate Viber Lens, launch the app’s camera within a chat and pick a filter. Take a photo or a clip and hit send.

“We are seeing a huge trend of people using videos and photos on our app,” Mr. Melnick said. “When we look at camera, [Viber] Lens is the first step in the evolution of how people communicate. Viber started as a voice app and transformed into a messaging app, but we are transforming and adding more abilities to our cameras.” 

“One would be very comfortable [communicate] with voice, one with doing it with only chat. But the majority of our users use different type of expressive media to express themselves,” he added. 

Rakuten Viber is also planning to add at least 20 new lenses each month. The communication app is also working with companies like Globe Telecom, Inc. and with Filipino artists like Leeroy New, Anina Rubio, and Jappy Agoncillo to create exclusive Viber Lenses for its users in the Philippines.

Mr. Melnick said in the future, Rakuten Viber also plans to also develop games, and improving the app with features for organizational communication and businesses.

Viber Lens is now available in the Philippines for iOS (Viber version 15.5.5 and up) and Android (Viber version 15.8.0.15 and up). Local lenses are available starting Viber version 16.0 and above. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

Travel/Hotel News (09/16/21)

Tom Kha Gai

The Pen Manila among ‘The Top 100 Hotels in the World’

READERS of Travel + Leisure voted The Peninsula Manila among the world’s best 100 hotels as well as among the best 15 Asian city hotels in the September “World’s Best Awards 2021” issue. In Travel + Leisure, The Peninsula Manila ranked No. 25 on a list of The Top 100 Hotels in the World that include city hotels, jungle glamping, palace resorts, luxe safari lodges, and seaside hideaways that span the globe from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, from Africa to South America. The Peninsula Manila also placed No. 5 on the list of Top 15 Asia City Hotels. The Peninsula Manila is the only Philippine hotel to make it on the lists. The hotel garnered an average score of 98.40% based on a survey where Travel + Leisure readers are asked to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. The Peninsula Manila is currently celebrating its 45th anniversary, having opened in September 1976.

Johnnie Walker opens Global Visitor Experience

JOHNNIE Walker Princes Street, the eight-floor new visitor experience for the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, officially opened Sept. 2 in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Set over 71,500 sq ft, Johnnie Walker Princes Street uses world-first technology to reimagine the traditional whisky tour experience. The Johnnie Walker Princes Street visitor experience takes the concept of personalization to a scale never before seen in a global drinks visitor experience, with visitors having their personal flavor preferences mapped with drinks tailored to their palate. With more than 800 flavor combinations available in innovative dispensation systems, one person could visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street every day for more than two years and not have the same experience twice. Over 150 employees, speaking 23 languages between them, will bring to life the 200-year story. The building will contain a state-of-the-art experiential retail space where shoppers can select from most unique and exclusive whiskies, fill bottles direct from casks and have them engraved. The building is crowned by two world-class rooftop bars and a terrace with views of the Edinburgh skyline, including the Explorers’ Bothy whisky bar which is stocked with 150 different whiskies, and the 1820 cocktail bar where drinks are paired with a curated menu sourced from, and representing in culinary form, the four corners of Scotland. Johnnie Walker Princes Street opened its doors to the public on Sept. 6. Tickets for tours start from £25 (approximately P1,700) per person, including a 90-minute tour and three personalized Scotch whisky drinks (all samples are provided with carefully controlled measures and non-alcoholic alternatives are available to all guests). To book and for more information visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com.

Sheraton Manila Bay welcomes business travelers

SHERATON Manila Bay now offers the Business Essentials Room Package for business travelers valid for stays from Oct. 1 to Dec. 30, starting at P6,500 for a Deluxe Room and P10,000 for a Junior Suite. Guests can enjoy a relaxing overnight accommodation at the hotel’s spacious guestrooms and suites fitted with amenities to boost productivity such as a work desk with ergonomic seat, power outlets, complimentary local calls, high-speed internet access, and sanitation kits. The package is inclusive of packed breakfast and a 20% discount on food & beverage purchases. The hotel aligns with Marriott International Commitment to Clean program and implemented a variety of new protocols and elevated practices to maintain the hotel’s standards of cleanliness and commitment to providing excellent service. Sheraton Manila Bay has also been granted the Safety Seal Certification and has been authorized by the Department of Tourism and Bureau of Quarantine to operate as a Multi-Use Hotel. For reservations, call 5318-0788 or e-mail reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com.

Richmonde Hotels offer perks to vaccinated guests

THE RICHMONDE Hotel group, a member of the homegrown hospitality brand Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, advocates the vaccination of everyone eligible to get the vaccine, most especially the frontliners and the clinically vulnerable. For their part, the three Richmonde properties, namely Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, are prioritizing the vaccination of all staff on duty, getting them “Vaxxed and Ready” to serve hotel guests safely, while keeping themselves protected as well. The current vaccination rate amongst all employees is 97%, and is expected to hit 100%. But being “Vaxxed and Ready” is not just for the hotels’ employees. Richmonde extends its campaign to guests who are likewise “vaxxed” and ready, offering discount perks to vaccinated guests. Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel are giving 5% off on food and beverage orders to in-house guests ordering from Room Service, and to those ordering take-out. For essential stays, a 5% discount on its Best Available Rates is also offered by Richmonde Ortigas. Vaccinated Iloilo residents and visitors can enjoy a 10% discount on its City Haven Room Rates which start at P3,500 nett. A 10% discount is also available on food and beverage orders for dine-in or for takeaway at The Granary. To avail of the room and dining discounts, guests must show their vaccination card upon check-in or upon settling payments. Discounts are not valid for pastry items, special promotions or offerings, delivery orders, All-Day Snack Menu items at Richmonde Ortigas, Room Service orders at Richmonde Iloilo, and in conjunction with other promotions or discount privileges. For inquiries, reservations, and takeaway orders, contact Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at 8638-7777 and www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel at 8570-7777 and www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at +6333 328-7888 and www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.

Overseas Filipinos’ Cash Remittances (July 2021)

MONEY SENT HOME by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) reached a seven-month high in July, reflecting the improved employment situation in major economies that have begun recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. Read the full story.

Overseas Filipinos’ Cash Remittances (July 2021)

Philippines moves up in economic freedom list

THE PHILIPPINES’ economic freedom ranking went up four places after improved scores in “sound money” measuring inflation and money growth, according to a global report that measured 2019 data. Read the full story.

Philippines moves up in economic freedom list

How PSEi member stocks performed — September 15, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

Peso rises after gov’t RDB sale, US CPI report

THE PESO strengthened versus the greenback on Wednesday after the government’s maiden sale of retail dollar bonds and softer US inflation in August.

The local unit closed at P49.79 per dollar on Wednesday, appreciating by 12 centavos from its P49.91 finish on Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session at P49.92 per dollar. Its weakest showing was at P49.935, while its intraday best was at P49.75 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged dropped to $654.8 million on Wednesday from $678.45 million on Tuesday.

The peso rose after the Bureau of the Treasury’s maiden offer of onshore retail dollar bonds (RDBs).

The government raised an initial $866.2 million from the papers on Wednesday. Broken down, the Treasury borrowed $551.8 million from the five-year notes and $314.4 million via the 10-year RDBs during the price-setting auction on Wednesday.

The offer was upsized from the initial plan to raise just $200 million from each tenor after demand for the papers hit $938.2 million.

Meanwhile, the trader said data showing slower US inflation in August also boosted the peso.

The US Labor Department on Tuesday said the overall consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.3% in August, slowing from the 0.5% in July, Reuters reported. This is also softer than the 0.4% estimate by economists in a Reuters poll.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, rose by 0.1%, marking the slowest increase since February and also easing from the 0.3% in July. It was likewise softer than the 0.3% estimated by economists in a Reuters poll.

For Thursday, Mr. Ricafort gave a forecast range of P49.70 to P49.90 per dollar, while the trader expects the local unit to move within P49.65 to P49.90. — LWTN with Reuters

Shares drop on concerns over new restrictions

PHILIPPINE SHARES declined on Wednesday on concerns over the implementation of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions in Metro Manila.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined by 40.16 points or 0.58% to close at 6,880.20 on Wednesday, while the broader all shares index went down by 17.37 points or 0.40% to finish at 4,277.63.

“The local bourse extended its decline this Wednesday… as investors chose to remain cautious. The concern now is the uncertainties on the sustainability of the NCR’s (National Capital Region) upcoming social restriction setup and its further easing in the future as our COVID-19 cases remain elevated,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

Metro Manila will begin implementing targeted lockdowns via the new Alert Level System on Thursday, Sept. 16. The capital will be under Alert Level 4 amid a high infection reproduction number and as hospitals remain full.

“Trading remained strong with net value turnover posting… above the year-to-date average of P7.11 billion. This was lower compared to the preceding day,” he added.

Value turnover dropped to P7.55 billion with 1.51 billion shares switching hands on Wednesday, down from the P31.17 billion with 4.71 billion issues traded on Tuesday.

“Asian markets including the Philippines fell after Wall Street slipped on growth concerns. US stocks closed as the softer-than-expected inflation reading failed to assuage economic uncertainties and the increasing likelihood of a corporate tax hike,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a separate Viber message.

Wall Street lost ground on Tuesday as economic uncertainties and the increasing likelihood of a corporate tax rate hike dampened investor sentiment and prompted a broad sell-off despite signs of easing inflation, Reuters reported.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 292.06 points or 0.84% to 34,577.57; the S&P 500 lost 25.68 points or 0.57% at 4,443.05; and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 67.82 points or 0.45% to 15,037.76.

US inflation dropped from a 13-year high on Tuesday but was still above the Federal Reserve’s two-percent target. Consumer prices rose by 5.3% in August compared with the 5.4% in June and July. 

Back home, majority of sectoral indices declined on Wednesday except for holding firms, which gained 54.12 points or 0.78% to end at 6,973.58.

Meanwhile, property lost 66.89 points or 2.17% to 3,009.65; services shaved off 25.83 points or 1.39% to close at 1,827.30; industrials went down by 89.66 points or 0.88% to 10,096.79; financials shed 11.05 points or 0.77% to 1,423.70; and mining and oil declined by 17.54 points or 0.18% to 9,603.49. 

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 128 versus 64, as 51 names closed unchanged.

Foreigners logged P73.03 million in net outflows on Wednesday from the P3.60 billion in net purchases seen the previous day. — K.C.G. Valmonte with Reuters

Philippines adds 17,000 cases as targeted lockdowns start

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS
RESIDENTS of a compound along Mabilis St. in the village of Pinyahan, Quezon City that was locked down due to rising COVID-19 cases received food aid on Sept. 15. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

PHILIPPINE health authorities reported 16,989 coronavirus infections on Wednesday, bringing the total to 2.3 million.

The death toll rose to 35,742 after 214 patients died, while recoveries increased by 24,123 to more than two million, the Department of Health (DoH) said in a bulletin.

There were 170,446 active cases, 85.4% of which were mild, 9.8% did not show symptoms, 1.4% were severe, 2.77% were moderate and 0.7% were critical.

Forty-four duplicates had been removed from the tally, 32 of which were reclassified as recoveries and one as a death, while 135 recoveries were reclassified as deaths. Four laboratories failed to submit data on Sept. 13.

In a statement, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said active cases in the country could reach 152,000 to 330,000 by the end of the month.

“This is not cast in stone since lower case projections are achieved when we improve adherence to minimum public health standards, reduce case detection to isolation time and increase vaccination coverage even at lower or less restrictive community quarantines,” she said.

The Philippines is set to start granular lockdowns with five alert levels in the National Capital Region on Sept. 16, as the government tries to revive the economy and curb a fresh spike in infections triggered by a more contagious Delta variant.

Metro Manila will be under Alert Level 4 — the second strictest level — until Sept. 30.

Areas under Alert Level 4, which is almost equivalent to a modified enhanced community quarantine, are those with high or increasing coronavirus transmissions and high healthcare system use rates.

Areas will be placed under Alert Level 5, equivalent to an enhanced community quarantine, only if case counts are alarming and hospital use rates reach critical” levels.

“Wide scale lockdowns might no longer be effective,” Ms. Vergeire said, noting that majority of Filipinos in the capital region were out during the strict lockdown that started on Aug. 10 since more essential activities and workers were allowed.

The presidential palace on Tuesday said the new quarantine classification is good news for workers of restaurants and other food establishments, noting that several businesses would be allowed to operate at limited capacity.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez has said some businesses, including manufacturing companies, would be allowed to operate in Metro Manila, restoring as many as 200,000 jobs.

Business groups have been pushing for a further reopening of the economy. The government earlier said economic losses averaged P73 billion for every week of a modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila. Economic managers cut the full-year growth target to 4-5% to reflect the impact of strict lockdowns.

Under Alert Level 4, restaurants will be allowed to offer al fresco dine-in services at 30% capacity. Restaurants can also offer indoor dine-in services but at 10% capacity and only for fully vaccinated people.

Local government units may lower the allowed capacity for these food establishments.

Personal care services such as barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons will be allowed to operate at 30% capacity, but only if the services are rendered outdoors. They can operate indoors but only at 10% capacity and only for fully vaccinated people.

Workers at these establishments must be fully inoculated against the coronavirus.

Religious gatherings are also allowed but at 30% venue capacity if conducted outdoors, regardless of vaccination status, and 10% capacity if done indoors but only for those fully vaccinated. Religious leaders should also be fully vaccinated.

All other establishments or activities, except those in areas covered by granular lockdowns, may operate at full capacity provided they enforce minimum public health standards, according to the rules. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Coast Guard says waters safe after Japan terrorist warning

PHILSTAR

THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard on Wednesday said the country’s waters were secure, after an intelligence report about a possible terror attack in the country and other Southeast Asian nations.

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it saw no reason to be alarmed by the Japanese government’s warning to its citizens of potential suicide bombings in the Philippines.

Coast Guard Commandant Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said district commanders across the country have always been on intensified border protection and 24/7 seaborne patrol operations.

“Rest assured that our men and women will not put their guards down and will continue to be vigilant in conducting precautionary measures for public safety,” he said.

Mr. Laroya said Coast Guard intelligence officers and personnel were coordinating with the National Intelligence Committee, Anti-Terrorism Council, Armed Forces and police to implement a whole-of-nation approach on national security.

He called on the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons or activities in seaports, harbors and coastal communities for immediate action.

Japan has urged its citizens to avoid crowds, religious sites and western-owned establishments in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar given risks of suicide bombings, according to the Associated Press.

The Coast Guard said it was coordinating with the military and police to deter potential terror attacks. In a tweet, military spokesman Ramon P. Zagala said security reports were being validated. 

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines takes seriously all received reports that pertain to security matters, especially on terrorism,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), military and police said they had not received any reports about the threat.

On Tuesday, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said it could not give further details of the warning issued by its government.

“We issued a warning to alert Japanese people residing in some Southeast Asian countries, but we cannot disclose the source,” it said.

Japan issued the warning days after the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States and after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the pullout of US and foreign troops.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s immediate takeover of the country is the biggest boost to the global jihadist movement and al Qaeda, whose terrorist attacks killed almost 3,000 Americans, since 9/11.

Indonesia, which has been hit by terror attacks in previous years, has been conducting mass arrests of alleged members of Islamic extremist groups, according to the South China Morning Post.

It has arrested more than 120 suspected members of the al Qaeda-linked Southeast Asian terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah and detained members of Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah.

Four years ago, the Islamic State-linked Maute group attacked Marawi City in southern Philippines in a months-long siege where more than a thousand people died. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

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