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BSP advances to gov’t to cease when economy recovers

THE CENTRAL BANK’S direct advances to the National Government are not considered as debt monetization and are temporary in nature due to the coronavirus crisis, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said.

“No it’s not [debt monetization]. We’re not monetizing. This will not be a permanent feature of the fiscal and monetary relationship,” Mr. Diokno said in a briefing on Thursday.

He said the BSP’s direct advances to the National Government are considered as bridge financing to support state spending for its coronavirus pandemic response at a time where tax collections have seen a decline.

“We expect that the economy will fully recover in the middle of 2022. We expect that this accommodation will cease at that time,” he added.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, the BSP is allowed to provide up to 20% of its average annual revenue — equivalent to P540 billion — to the National Government as direct advances.

This ceiling was increased to 30% or about P820 billion through the provisions of RA 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act to help boost government liquidity for its pandemic response.

The BSP Monetary Board in December approved another P540 billion zero-interest direct advance to the National Government. This was after the central bank bought P300 billion in government securities in March and also granted a P540-billion advance in October.

“They have not accessed that [fresh P540-billion advance] yet. I think they will access that anytime soon,” Mr. Diokno said.

The central bank chief said these direct advances from the BSP will help the government save on interest payments.

“That would be less expenditures… That’s why the central bank provided advances to the National Government,” he said.

Mr. Diokno, a former Budget secretary, stressed the need for fiscal measures for economic recovery.

“The good thing about fiscal policies is that they can really target who can benefit from fiscal spending or tax cuts, etc. So there’s still room for more targeted and more intensive fiscal policy,” he said.

Fitch Ratings earlier this week warned that an extension of the BSP’s financing to the National Government “beyond immediate needs of the health crisis could undermine investor confidence and financial stability by raising questions about the independence of monetary policy making.”

The country’s pandemic response reached $21.645 billion or about 5.9% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, based on the policy database of the Asian Development Bank.

While this was the sixth largest in the region in terms of value, this is small relative to the size of the economy as pandemic packages in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand accounted for about 25%, 23% and 16% of their respective GDPs. — L.W.T. Noble

With move to Viva, singer Mark Carpio to provide movie theme songs

“HILING” hitmaker Mark Carpio is the most recent addition to Viva Records’ growing slate of singers and songwriters, coming shortly after announcements that KPop star Minzy and R&B singer Daryl Ong also joined the recording company.

His transfer from Warner Music Philippines to Viva Records had been a year in the making, according to Mr. Carpio, and the reason for the switch is because “he wanted to go mainstream,” he told reporters during a digital conference on Jan. 13 via Zoom.

This means that Mr. Carpio’s songs will be used by Viva Films as theme songs for its movies. To date, he has two songs ready although the production of the movies the songs will be used for were affected by the pandemic. A third song is in the works.

Mr. Carpio gained popularity on the local music scene in 2016 for the ballad “Hiling,” which earned him two nominations — Best Ballad Recording and Best Performance from a New Male Recording Artist — at the 2017 Awit Awards.

To date, Mr. Carpio has released a handful of songs including what he called his “best song,” “Kay Tagal,” a rock ballad released in the same year as “Hiling.”

Beyond being a singer and songwriter, Mr. Carpio also works as executive vice-president at Grand Monaco Estate Developers, Inc., a business his father Reynaldo Carpio put up.

The younger Mr. Carpio said that his involvement in the family business makes him approach his music career “with business sense,” and that since he is not “here for the money” he is also not here for the short term.

He explained that while he does write songs in other genres, the moment “Hiling” became a hit, he “became a balladeer” and started writing ballads.

“[I focused on] what people like instead of only what I liked… the reason why my songs sound like that is that I want it to be timeless,” he said. — Zsarlene B. Chua

DPWH, China firm sign P19.32-billion bridge contract for Davao City

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Thursday it signed a P19.32-billion contract with a Chinese firm for the design and construction of the 3.98-kilometer Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.

China Road and Bridge Corp. bagged the design-and-build contract for the project after the procurement activities in November and December last year, the DPWH said in a statement.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said, “With the signed contract, we can now apply for the loan agreement with the People’s Republic of China through China International Development Cooperation Agency to proceed with the detailed engineering design of the Samal Island to Davao City Connector Project.”

He added that the toll-free four-lane bridge is expected to reduce the travel time of approximately 25,000 daily motorists to “only two to five minutes” between Davao City in Davao del Sur and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte from around 30 minutes via RoRo ferry.

“Its main span measures 250 meters and has a vertical navigation clearance of up to 47 meters crossing over Pakiputan strait. The bridge will also be supported by two pylons with a height of 73 meters,” the DPWH noted.

China Road and Bridge Corp. is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Co., which was “debarred” by the World Bank for eight years beginning Jan. 12, 2009 “for fraud in Philippine roads project,” according to the international financial institution’s website.

Once the detailed engineering design is completed, the construction firm will start the 54-month civil works stage of the China-funded project, the department said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

BIMI launches feeder and income-paying mutual fund

BPI Investment Management, Inc. (BIMI) has teamed up with global asset manager BlackRock to form the country’s first feeder and income-paying mutual fund.

BIMI said ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund (ALFM GMIF) is a global multi-asset fund seeking to deliver “consistent and competitive income for its investors while maintaining a risk-first approach management strategy.”

It invests at least 90% of its assets in the BlackRock Global Fund Multi-Asset Income Fund as the target fund, allowing local investors to tap global securities and other investments for at least $100, and $20 in incremental investments thereafter. 

“Unit holders can expect regular and consistent dividend income paid on a monthly basis, based on the target fund’s historical performance of 3-5% net dividend yield per annum,” it said in a press release late Wednesday.

ALFM GMIF is BIMI’s first new fund in more than 10 years.

“This is a product with many firsts for BIMI and should broaden our product offerings to suit the changing needs of investors,” BIMI President Martin Enrile was quoted as saying.

BlackRock has $7.8 trillion in assets under management to date, according to the statement, making it one of the biggest asset managers in the world.

Meanwhile, BIMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).

Shares in BPI went up by 55 centavos or 0.64% to close at P86.20 apiece on Thursday. — BML

PHL joining forum on migrant workers sponsored by UAE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Philippines will be joining the 13th Global Forum on Migration and Development, which will tackle new technologies and upskilling of migrant workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert E.A. Borje will each chair roundtable discussions — on leveraging new technology to empower migrants and upskilling migrants to make them more competitive, respectively.

The virtual summit, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be held between Jan. 18 and 26 and will center on topics related to the future of human mobility.

“Team Philippines’ participation in the summit seeks to sustain the country’s major contributions in the international debate on migration and development,” the department said in a statement late Wednesday.

The summit will center on six roundtable themes, including labor migration governance, gaps in migrant protection, approaches to irregular migration and the potential for partnerships in realizing migration-related goals.

The Philippine government’s participation in the summit will help bring forward the Philippine agenda for the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

“The Philippine delegation will also highlight the entire Philippine government’s mission to provide a safe and comfortable life for all Filipinos anywhere in the world, by ensuring the welfare and protecting the rights of all overseas Filipinos wherever they may be,” the DFA added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority estimates that there were 2.2 million overseas Filipinos in 2019.

Philippine delegates include representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, National Economic and Development Authority, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Also among the attendees are participants from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Bridgerton offers clever relationship advice — why friendship is the foundation of happy romantic partnerships

(This story contains spoilers for Bridgerton.)

THE first season of Bridgerton, Netflix’s new hit show based on Julia Quinn’s novels, premiered on Dec. 25 last year.

The show is set in London, during the debutante season of 1813. It starts with Miss Daphne, the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family, being presented to the court in preparation for the social season of marriage arrangements.

As the story develops, filled with secrets and scandals, the young lady seeks to understand what marriage and love is all about. Her mother, Lady Violet, offers this advice:

“My dear, why ever do you complicate matters so? You must simply marry the man who feels like your dearest friend.”

As a psychology researcher who studies romantic relationships, I think this touches on an idea well supported by research evidence: friendship is the foundation of happy romantic partnerships.

American psychologist Robert Sternberg originally theorized love is composed of three elements: passion, intimacy, and commitment.

But these elements do not comprehensively describe the complexity of romantic relationships. Researchers have long sought to include other elements such as partner compatibility, emotional connection, accessibility, responsiveness, engagement, acceptance, the ability to communicate and reveal thoughts and feelings (called “self-disclosure”), independence, and conflict resolution.

What’s more, although it’s well established physical attraction and earning potential will influence how people select partners, similarity and familiarity are more important for relationships long-term.

Over time, similarities such as values, political attitudes, and religiosity become more relevant and are likely to lead to greater happiness and relationship satisfaction.

All of these are qualities you’d also find in a good friend.

Indeed marriage researcher and psychologist John Gottman argues friendship is the foundation of happy romantic partnerships and the most important predictor of maintaining good relationships long-term.

In his book, The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work, Mr. Gottman explains couples have a better chance of success if they “know each other intimately — they are well versed in each other’s likes, dislikes, personality quirks, hopes, and dreams.”

The relationship advice and support provided by Lady Violet was a significant contributor to Daphne’s decision to marry Simon, the Duke of Hastings.

The Duke explains that at first, love was out of the question, but in removing it, they found friendship, which is a far greater feat. He put it simply:

“To meet a beautiful woman is one thing, but to meet your best friend in the most beautiful of women is something entirely apart.”

On the other hand, the show demonstrates how people’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors can potentially sabotage their chances in love. One reason why so many couples struggle to navigate conflict in their relationships is because people are often intrinsically motivated to protect themselves rather than be vulnerable.

The Duke of Hastings is a good example. In an attempt to protect himself from the hurtful memories of his childhood and relationship with his father, the Duke closed himself off to relationships and love.

Unfortunately, this is all too common. In my recent study, published in July 2020, I surveyed 696 people and uncovered countless examples of people who describe being afraid and believing they’re not worthy of love.

Here are some of them:

“I am always afraid it is not going to work out or I am going to get hurt, but I know that me trying to maintain a distance like that is one of the reasons my relationships always fail.”

“I fear not being accepted for who I am.”

“My own beliefs that I am maybe not good enough, or worthy of such affection, make it difficult to maintain relationships.”

“I am not good enough for my partner and one day they will realize that and leave.”

These beliefs influence how people perceive quality and stress in relationships, and can mean people prevent themselves from forming and maintaining successful relationships.

Unlike “happily ever after” tales, Bridgerton follows the couple into a story of conflict when navigating the expectations of marriage.

The trust between the couple seemed to have been broken beyond repair after Daphne discovered Simon had been lying to her about his inability to have children. But a foundation of friendship remained. And it was this foundation that helped them overcome their issues.

In my research, I found participants were able to overcome issues in their relationships by focusing on trust, communication, commitment, safety, and acceptance. They noted these as important elements when managing conflict and relationship expectations.

Maintaining a healthy relationship long-term requires partners to know, trust, and be vulnerable with one another, while also engaging in open communication and collaboration towards the common goal of working on their relationship. Altogether, these elements also describe meaningful friendships. — Reuters

Raquel Peel is a Lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland.

ERC grants provisional authority for Meralco-First Gen Hydro power supply agreement

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has recently granted provisional authority to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and First Gen Hydro Power Corp. (FGHPC) to implement their power supply agreement (PSA).

In a Jan. 8 order, the ERC said that both firms must adhere to the applicable rate of P4.2366 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) regardless of plant capacity factor, which measures how often a plant runs at maximum capacity. The agency also said that the rate would be “subject to any escalation,” which could see the rate moving up.

“Meralco is hereby directed to efficiently utilize the contracted capacity from FGHPC bearing in mind its obligation to supply at least cost,” the ERC said in its order.

The ERC added it would determine the final rate in its final resolution of Meralco and FGHPC’s joint application.

The commission said Meralco must use the “best available rate” in the market when it computes for the optimum blended generation rates. ERC also ordered the utility giant to justify its proposed plant capacity factor, and explain in writing the inconsistencies of its data on the average daily load curve, and supply-demand scenario.

The order was based on a 2019 joint application filed by Meralco and FGHPC, which sought the ERC’s approval of their supply agreement.

In November, the ERC granted FGHPC’s motion for reconsideration, which the firm filed in June. The ERC said in its Nov. 11 order that the applicable rate is at P5.1908 kWh, which would be subject to escalation.

Three years ago, the Lopez-led First Gen Corp. said that its unit had entered into a power supply contract with the power distribution company for the sale and purchase of 414 megawatts of baseload capacity.

The power would be sourced from First NatGas Power Corp.’s San Gabriel combined cycle natural gas-fired power plant in Batangas City. The San Gabriel plant started delivering power to the Luzon grid in November 2016.

On Thursday, Meralco shares inched down by 1.69% to end at P292.75 apiece. Meanwhile, First Gen shares shed 1.22% to close at P31.50 each. — Angelica Y. Yang

Transcending the new frontier

The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) will hold its first-ever virtual induction of officers and inaugural ceremonies today. Taking over the helm of the country’s foremost finance organization as the 2021 FINEX President is seasoned lawyer Francisco Edralin Lim, former President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Fresh from his stint as 2020 President of the Management Association of the Philippines, Mr. Lim brings a new perspective to FINEX, which coincidentally is also celebrating today the 53rd anniversary of its founding on Jan. 15, 1968. His board’s theme for this year is “Transcending New Frontier. Leading Beyond Recovery.”

Speaking of new frontiers, one of the most challenging is the development of vaccines and prophylactic treatments for COVID-19. The mutation of the SARS-COV-2 virus has reportedly spawned new variants in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Nigeria that threaten to spread rapidly to other parts of the globe. This raises the need for the Philippines to expand its options beyond mass vaccination since it has to compete with other nations for the limited vaccine supply.

When the pandemic started a year ago, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) started clinical testing and research on virgin coconut oil (VCO) and its components to supplement the diet and medicines of COVID-19 patients. This was among the Philippines’ initial contributions to the United Nations’ call for initiatives against COVID-19 and was reported to the UN Commission on Science and Technology in Geneva, Switzerland last May.

Based on a study by the DoST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), VCO taken as a food supplement can reduce symptoms among probable and suspected COVID-19 cases. DoST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña disclosed that the FNRI study involved patients at two isolation facilities in Santa Rosa, Laguna who underwent a 28-day intervention period last August and September.

Around that time, Dr. Ed Lalusis also cited the results of another study on the efficacy of VCO for inmates and employees of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) who were found positive with COVID-19 and subsequently recovered after being given VCO food supplements as part of a cocktail of treatments. The CPDRC study was conducted by Ateneo de Manila University professor emeritus Dr. Fabian Dayrit and Cebu City integrative medicine expert Dr. Jose Ray Mondejar.

Dr. Lalusis is the inventor of the patented cold-process pure VCO in capsule form, which is being manufactured in the Caloocan City plant of Growrich Manufacturing, Inc. (GMI). A retired surgeon, he now serves as president and CEO of GMI — having seen the health benefits derived by Filipinos from VCO for its ability to boost immunity that is crucial during this pandemic.

According to Dr. Lalusis, the government should be more aggressive in supporting controlled studies to establish the medical benefits of VCO and include it as an additional regimen to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. He believes this would provide Filipinos a more accessible alternative in protecting themselves against COVID-19 as well as promote the interests of poor coconut farmers and workers in the coco-processing industry.

His views are echoed by Marco Reyes, president of VCO Philippines and vice chairman of the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines. A chemical engineer by profession, Mr. Reyes stressed that as an antiviral functional food supplement, VCO is not confined only to fighting COVID-19 but also the broad spectrum of viruses afflicting humanity.

Lamenting that the Department of Health has been silent on the DoST-FNRI findings, Mr. Reyes thinks that mass vaccination in the Philippines will start in the third quarter with priority for frontliners, seniors, and the poorest of the poor. In view of the long wait for the foreign-manufactured vaccines, tapping the therapeutic benefits of VCO should ease concerns about the surge of COVID-19 cases.

Our leaders need not look far in searching for preventive and curative therapies. VCO is available all over the country and can be purchased over-the-counter in many retail outlets. More significantly, there is sufficient medical evidence attesting to its efficacy plus the fact that we have the so-called “tree of life” in great abundance.

 

J. Albert Gamboa is CFO of the Asian Center for Legal Excellence and chairman of FINEX Publications.

Work to link east, west of Metro Manila starts — SMC

SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) on Thursday said it would start work to build a direct link between eastern and western Metro Manila.

“We will continue work to further decongest Metro Manila by linking east and west of the metropolis, through the Pasig River Expressway (Parex) project,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said in a statement.

Mr. Ang issued the statement after the formal opening of the new Skyway Stage 3 on Thursday. The 18-kilometer toll road connects the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

Meanwhile, the 19.4-kilometer Pasig River Expressway is a P95.40-billion project that will connect Manila to Rizal province. It will start from Radial Road 10 (R10) in Manila and connect to the South East Metro Manila Expressway at Circumferential Road 6 (C6).

There will be three segments, namely: R10 to Plaza Azul, Plaza Azul to San Juan River, San Juan River to C5 Intersection, and C5 Intersection to C6 Intersection.

Mr. Ang said the project “can be completed by 2023.”

Work has also started for the construction of SMC’s airport in Bulacan, he added.

The airport project, set to be opened in 2025, will also “connect to major thoroughfares in the metropolis,” according to SMC.

“The ongoing Skyway Extension project, which will extend Skyway’s reach in the south, to Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa, is set for completion this year,” it added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Changing the attitude of problem employees

I’m a department manager at a medium-sized factory. We are currently observing a hiring freeze, and must manage with our current employees, including some that are difficult to deal with. Due to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we don’t want to mete out drastic disciplinary action for minor offenses like absenteeism, tardiness, and missed deadlines. Can you help me solve my situation? — Honey Dew.

A boy was visiting his grandparents on a farm. This was his first visit out of the city, and he was fascinated by how different life in the country. When it was time to gather eggs, the grandfather asked the boy to come along. As the grandfather was gathering the eggs, the boy asked:

“Why do we have to come all the way out here to get eggs? Why don’t we just get them out of the refrigerator like my mother does?”

This story exemplifies how we should be patient in dealing with people who may not fully understand what’s going on. It can be to a manager’s advantage to make them see things your way, helped along by a touch of charm.

However, this requires understanding the situation of people working for you, an understanding which can only come with a close working relationship featuring two-way communication.

SEVEN STRATEGIES
One of the best ways to get people to see and do things your way is to understand their individual personalities. It doesn’t mean giving in to what they want but to reconcile them to company policy. This isn’t difficult as it appears to some managers. You may have done it to a certain degree — talking to them about your concerns, though they may have failed to meet your expectations.

Now, here are some things to explore:

One, continue to talk to all workers under your care. Management must initiate the talking as workers can be reluctant to get the ball rolling. Go to their work stations and initiate small talk. Be spontaneous. Take the opportunity to offer any help in performing their jobs. Be pleasant. It’s hard to be nasty when everyone is always smiling.

Two, observe normal disciplinary procedures. While the pandemic seems like good time to suspend enforcement, it’s not the best answer for problem workers over the long term. Other workers may even be inspired to test the limits of the rules. Announce a date by which time you expect strict compliance, but try to make conditions bearable for all concerned.

Three, master the art of giving constructive criticism. Being nasty can produce instant results, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. If ever it is effective, the solution is fleeting. The best approach is to solve problems while minimizing conflict. Essentially, the trick lies in the tone of your voice. Talk to people in a calm, controlled manner. It will have a better impact.

Four, talk to employees in private. No one wants their mistakes called out in public. It’s just common sense to discuss issues behind closed doors and without interruption. In all cases, avoid making an example of a certain employee. It can backfire as other workers may even rally around him.

Five, be specific about the policy that was violated. Avoid throwing around vague observations about laziness, lack of responsibility, or negligence. For example, if an employee is tardy, cite the number of times and number of hours he was late for work. It would be much better if you can show him a copy of the attendance log and the specific provisions in the employee handbook.

Six, apply substantive and procedural due process. We call it substantive due process when an employee has violated a company policy, if not a certain provision of the law called “just causes.” It is called procedural due process, when you issue a charge sheet, normally referred to a “Notice to Explain” allowing the employee the full opportunity to explain his side.

Last, monitor work performance closely, but not to the extent of micro-managing. Require the worker to give you feedback on the work, but don’t accept alibis. Understand his views, but be polite and professional. If necessary, tell him that you want a real change.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK
By following these strategies, you can develop a more sensitive and empathetic approach to managing each problem employee. Give it some thought. These strategies are meant to constitute a positive approach applicable to corporate or real-life situations. Just remember to ask the essential questions, like: Are you providing the right amount of positive feedback? Are the workers satisfied to hear your views? Do they walk away feeling distraught? The truth of the matter is that praising the workers is a delicate balancing act that’s nonetheless necessary for smooth interaction.

That’s why it has become imperative for executives to keep the workers happy and energetic, making positive feedback a vital and necessary skill in management. If you can’t do this, don’t be surprised if you fail to manage problem workers.

 

Send anonymous questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

Entertainment News (01/15/21)

To All the Boys: Always and Forever to stream on Netflix on February

THE FINAL installment of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film series, based on the Jenny Han books of the same name, dropped on Netflix on Jan. 12. The final film follows Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) as she prepares for the end of high school and the start of adulthood. A pair of life-changing trips leads her to reimagine what life with her family, friends, and Peter (played by Noah Centineo) will look like after graduation.

Romantic comedy film Miss Q&A drops music video teaser

THE UPCOMING romantic comedy Miss Q&A: Para Sa Magaganda Lang Ba ang Love Life? has released a music video teaser featuring the song “Halika” written and performed by Seth Dungca. The film, which has no release date as of yet, tells the story of a romantically frustrated pageant trainer and public relations maverick (played by Kakai Bautista) who goes on a blind date with a handsome photographer (played by Zoren Legaspi). The screenplay was written by John Bedia in collaboration with Lemuel Lorca and Chris Cahilig. The song is also available for streaming on Spotify.

Google, CANVAS launch anti-misinformation magazine #YOUTHink

GOOGLE and the Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) partnered to launch #YOUTHink, a local magazine that aims to help in ending misinformation through media literacy education. The magazine will be distributed for free to 5,000 youths in disadvantaged communities all over the country. Filled with data and case studies, the 42-page magazine comes in a fun and creative zine-style format to engage young readers. It covers several topics such as the types of misinformation and their negative effects, why context matters, how to identify a fact from an opinion, and how to avoid falling for fake information. Stickers are also included with every copy of the magazine. Contributing writers include former COMELEC commissioner Luie Guia; infectious diseases specialist Dr. Edsel Salvana; scientist, and radio and TV speaker Dr. Reina Reyes; Ateneo de Manila University assistant professor of Philosophy Dr. Jacklyn Cleofas; and UP professor specializing in research on political communication and news media effects Dr. Clarissa David.

Leon Gallery online auction features photos of Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala

LOCAL art gallery Leon Gallery is holding its Leòn Exchange Online Auction 18 on Jan. 23 and 24 starting 11 a.m. The weekend event features art, prints, jewelry, and watches on Day 1: The Collector’s Vault, and furniture, objets d’art, silver, glass, porcelain, and china on Day 2: The Heiress’ Homes and Tables. Taking top-billing are three unconventional flower and plant photographs by business tycoon and photographer Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Also in auction are three glass sculptures from Ramon Orlina, works by National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Eduardo Castrillo, Arturo Luz, and Vicente Manansala, and pieces from Pacita Abad, Angelito Antonio, Norma Belleza, Prudencio Lamarroza, and David Medalla. Works from contemporary artists such as Pam Yan Santos, Geraldine Javier, Kawayan de Guia and Max Balatbat are also featured. The preview exhibit will be open to the public starting on Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Leòn Gallery in Warehouse 14, La Fuerza Compound, Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. To join the auction, visit www.leonexchange.com and register as a buyer. Visit www.leon-gallery.com or contact info@leon-gallery.com or call 8856-2781 for more information.

HBO Go streams new films from Anne Hathaway and Seth Rogen

ROMANCE and comedy movie junkies can tune in to HBO GO for the newest films of Anne Hathaway and Seth Rogen, Locked Down and An American Pickle, respectively. Locked Down is a romantic comedy starring Ms. Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor as estranged lovers who end up stuck at home in a mandatory lockdown. Cohabitation is proving to be a challenge, but fueled by poetry and copious amounts of wine, it brings them closer together in the most surprising way. The film premiered on Jan. 14. Meanwhile, An American Pickle follows Herschel Greenbaum (played by Seth Rogen), a struggling laborer who immigrated to America in 1920 with dreams of building a better life for his family. He is preserved in pickle brine for 100 years in a workplace accident and eventually wakes up in the streets of present day Brooklyn.

Twitter kicks off 2021 with a New Year list campaign

TO KICK off 2021 on a strong note, Twitter launched the #NewYearNewList campaign and partnered with creators in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand who will share their New Year’s resolutions and people that inspire them through Twitter List. From Jan. 13 to 15, they will also encourage, help and guide people on how to create their own Twitter Lists to include accounts that can motivate them to achieve their new year’s goals. In the Philippines, Twitter engaged creators like Keiko Necesario-Cubil, Coeli San Luis, Cyrill Acuña, Alexa Asahina, and Een Mercado to share their Twitter Lists. These creators cover a diverse range of topics, from entertainment, arts, and gaming. To exchange further ideas about their #NewYearNewList with fans and followers, they will also host Q&A sessions during the campaign period.

Japan Fiesta is now online 

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announces the return of Japan Fiesta 2021 – New Year on Jan. 18-24, from 9-10 p.m. The flagship event that promotes the friendship between Japan and the Philippines now goes online, with the weeklong celebration to be streamed live via Facebook, and available on playback via YouTube (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JapanFiesta/ and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3AEcUefz34D9ECcMABgb4g ). The online event will feature Japanese culture, tourism, cuisine among others, and promote the best of Japan to Filipinos. Catch Japanese drum group MICO, MNL48, Mona Gonzales, Zen monk and musician Yakushiji kanho Kissaquo, HPN3, Kuya Sawa, Beverly, Junna Tsukii, Carlos Yulo, Japanese performance collective enra, Team Kramer, JaiGa, Fumiya and many more during the festival. Viewers will also get a chance to win gifts by participating in special games. Visit https://japanfiesta.ph and pre-register for more details about the online fiesta.

How PSEi member stocks performed — January 14, 2021

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, January 14, 2021.

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