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Toyota Balloon Payment Plus makes car ownership easy

TOYOTA levels up on making its vehicles more easily accessible. The Balloon Payment Plus, offered by the Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corp., enables low monthly payments and comes with built-in periodic maintenance throughout the finance term, and with convenient end-of-term options.

Supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the finance lease product allows customers to repurchase a new vehicle as they trade-in their current car in the program. “Picture this: You’re at the tail end of your payment term. You’ve been using the car for quite some time now, but let’s also say that there’s a latest Toyota model that has caught your eye. Well, you can make that transition easily thanks to the guaranteed future value of your current car that the Balloon Payment Plus has afforded you. You can use the guaranteed future value as lump-sum payment. Should there be an amount remaining, you can use said portion to apply for your next brand-new car,” said the company in a release.

The Toyota Vios is given as an example. “Down payment is between 20% to 30% of the vehicle price. Say, you go for a 24-month finance term, you’ll be looking at 45% lump-sum amount of the vehicle price and a guaranteed resale value at 55%. Your assured resale price and flexible financing options can be realized in one of two routes: Option A is paying off the lump-sum amount together with the monthly installment indicated on your last due date official receipt. Or go for Option B, which is trading in your vehicle and effectively purchasing a new Toyota vehicle,” continued the release. Balloon Payment Plus thus enables customers to update their car every few years.

Available for the Balloon Payment Plus are all Toyota Vios variants; Corolla Cross 1.8V Hybrid; Toyota Hilux (MC) Conquest, G, E, and J variants; and all Toyota Fortuner (MC) trims.

For more information, go to www.toyota.com.ph/balloon-payment-plus. For final quotation, contacting any Toyota dealer or inquiring with Toyota Financial Services Customer Care Hotline 02-7757-8500, e-mail at feedback@toyotafinancial.ph is advised. Visit their website at www.toyotafinancial.ph. Drop by Toyota’s authorized TCUV dealerships (list is provided at www.toyota.com.ph/tcuv).

How to care for senior pets

WHEN people grow older, they have to adjust their diets (less ice cream, more vegetables), their lifestyle (no more late nights, cutting down on drinking), and exercise (slowing metabolisms means keeping an incipient potbelly in check takes more work). People are not the only ones who have to adjust to aging, pets do too.

As pets grow older, their routine, lifestyle, and nutritional requirements change and pet owners must make adjustments otherwise these pets are at risk of developing serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease.

The Pet Food Institute (PFI) shares suggestions on how pet owners can take care of their senior pets.

NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF SENIOR PETS
Every pet requires a well-balanced diet regardless of their age, but there is no such thing as a one-size fits all diet. Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and cats, and seniors have different needs too.

As pets age, they typically become more sedentary and a well-balanced diet is a must for senior pets. Some pet owners avoid protein, however this nutrient is important to help fuel their pets’ muscles and avoid muscle loss, another common problem among senior pets. Some pet owners may also see food specifically formulated for senior pets, which often is lower in fat and contains fewer calories.

Much like younger pets, senior dogs and cats must avoid toxic treats which include grapes, raisins, onions, chocolates, or anything with caffeine in it. Pet owners are also discouraged from giving their older pets hard food such as bones and hooves.

To better understand the needs of an aging pets’ diet, pet owners are encouraged to consult their local veterinarian.

EVERYDAY EXERCISE
Another common sign of aging in pets is a drop in their energy level. Many pet owners may find them becoming lethargic compared to when they were younger. This adjustment in their pet’s lifestyle may lead to obesity and other health issues. To avoid this, pet owners must provide their four-legged companions the opportunity to exercise every day.

Running with older pets may not be suitable, however pet owners may opt to take longer walks and light jogs around the neighborhood as an alternative to ensure their senior pets continue to get their daily dose of exercise.

Aging pets may also begin to experience sore and stiff joints. In consultation with a veterinarian, pet owners can develop mobility exercises to help keep their pet safely moving if he or she is experiencing joint pain.

VETERINARY VISITS
Regardless of a pets’ age, pet owners must regularly check in with their veterinarians to make sure that their pets are in tiptop condition. These visits can help pet owners establish the proper diet and exercise regimen, as well as acquire vaccinations to protect their pets from fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites.

These visits should happen on a regular basis and not just when a pet is sick. For pets with underlying illnesses, a regular trip to the vet will ensure that they are receiving proper treatment to secure their quality of life.

PSE adds 8 to list of Shari’ah-compliant firms

THE PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) has included eight new securities that are compliant with Islamic principles of finance based on its latest review.

In a Jan. 8 memorandum released on its website, the PSE announced 57 Shari’ah compliant securities that passed its quarterly screening that ended on Dec. 25 last year.

The additions to the list are ATN Holdings, Inc. “A”; ATN Holdings, Inc. “B”; Berjaya Philippines, Inc.; Eagle Cement Corp.; Euro-Med Laboratories Phil., Inc.; Keppel Philippines Properties, Inc.; Macay Holdings, Inc.; and Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc.

Meanwhile, companies that were removed from the last quarter’s list were Basic Energy Corp.; Century Peak Holdings Corp.; Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc.; SPC Power Corp.; and Vulcan Industrial and Mining Corp.

The PSE conducts a review of listed securities every three months. It screens the companies that comply with Islamic standards of finance, which allows Muslim investors to participate in the local bourse.

To be compliant, companies must not be involved in, or get more than 5% of its revenues, from adult entertainment, alcohol, cinema, defense and weapons, financial services, gambling, gold and silver hedging, interest-bearing investments, music, pork, and tobacco.

They are also subjected to a financial screening, which requires that their interest-bearing debt and total interest-bearing deposits or investment do not exceed 30% of their 12-month trailing average market capitalization.

The PSE chose the services of IdealRatings, Inc. for the screening of securities for this period. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

BSP studying climate change impact

THE CENTRAL BANK is looking into the effects of climate change on its operations as it develops a roadmap for sustainability in the financial system, an official said.

“The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is currently conducting a study on the assessment on the impact of climate change and environment related factors to BSP offices and operations,” BSP Managing Director for Policy and Specialized Supervision Lyn I. Javier said in an e-mail.

“The results of these studies will feed into the development of the BSP’s Roadmap for Sustainable Central Banking that will foster environmentally responsible and sustainable policies and work practices,” she added.

The BSP in April unveiled its sustainability framework for financial players and gave firms a three-year leeway to adopt its provisions.

Since the framework was released, the central bank has carried out capacity-building activities for banks as they could be in different stages of implementing its provisions.

“While some banks are in more advanced stages in terms of integrating sustainability principles in their strategic direction and business operations, some are still at the initial stages in this space,” Ms. Javier said.

Potential regulatory incentives for banks engaging in sustainable financing are still being studied by the BSP, she added.

“These incentives, if any, will take into account international best practices and standards as well as relevant domestic developments,” Ms. Javier said.

BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno last year said they are considering counting lending for green projects as compliance with Republic Act 10000 or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, under which banks must allocate 25% of their loanable funds for the development of the agriculture and agrarian reform sector.

International nonprofit Climate Bonds Initiative in November cited the Philippines as a regional leader for sustainable finance on the back of efforts from the government, banks and businesses. — L.W.T. Noble

Palay farmgate price rises 1.1% in late December

THE average farmgate price of palay, or unmilled rice, rose 1.1% week-on-week to P16.43 per kilogram in the last week of December, with the price increasing 3.8% from a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In its weekly update on palay, rice, and corn prices, the PSA said the average wholesale price of well-milled rice rose 0.3% to P37.49 while the retail price rose 0.2% to P41.04.

The average wholesale price of regular-milled rice rose 0.2% to P33.36 while the retail price was flat at P36.17.

The farmgate price of yellow corn grain rose 0.8% week-on-week to P12.23.

The average wholesale price of yellow corn grain fell 0.2% to P19.67 while the retail price fell 0.04% to P24.56.

The farmgate price of white corn grain rose 1% week-on-week to P13.31.

The average wholesale price of white corn grain fell 1.2% to P16.49 while the retail price rose 0.2% to P25.54. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Miss Universe PHL 2020 drives home new MG ZS Alpha SUV

THE WINNER of the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo, was recently given the key to her very own red MG ZS Alpha Crossover SUV. Now outside the pageant bubble, Ms. Mateo will carry out queenly duties using her very own MG ZS, which she fondly named “Abegail.”

“My new MG ZS will be with me on all my mega getaways,” she said. “As Miss Universe Philippines I travel almost every day, and I’m very happy to do so now in my comfortable and stylish ZS. I’m excited for all the extraordinary trips my ZS and I will take together, and all the possibilities to see even more of our beautiful country.” As a new MG owner, Ms. Mateo will receive the signature MG service and client care that has endeared the British heritage brand to owners all over the Philippines.

“It is our absolute honor to turn over this MG ZS Alpha Crossover to our Miss Universe Philippines, Ms. Rabiya Mateo. We hope this new automobile will be able to assist her in her daily activities and busy schedule. I am certain Rabiya will enjoy owning this MG ZS as it complements her dynamic and warm personality. MG Philippines will ensure that her ownership experience will be as impeccable as her work with her advocacies and performance in representing our country,” said Atty. Albert Arcilla, president and CEO of MG Philippines. “As a new MG owner, Rabiya will have access to all of MG Philippines signature aftersales services including speedy periodic vehicle maintenance (PMS), 24/7 emergency roadside support, responsive customer assistance services, and easy access to MG service consultants via online and offline channels, just to name a few.”

Style (01/11/21)

LEGO releases new botanical builds

LEGO is not just for children, but also for adult plantitos and plantitas whose green thumb may be closer to brown. It has come out with the decorative LEGO Botanical Collection which is made up of a Flower Bouquet to brighten the home, and a Bonsai Tree for those opting for zen in the new year. With seven in 10 adults saying they often research new ways to destress, and over eight in 10 saying play helps them relax (73% of adults globally research or think about ways to destress at least weekly, according to the LEGO Play Well Study 2020, while the same study shows 81% of adults globally say play helps them relax/destress), the new sets provide the perfect perennial project for those looking to get creative, destress and find moments of mindfulness in a day. Both sets in the new LEGO Botanical Collection include a number of elements made from plant-based plastic, produced using sustainably sourced sugarcane. The  756-piece Flower Bouquet set features beautiful blooms in an array of stunning colors that older builders can customize as their flowers flourish. The flower stems are adjustable so it’s easy to tailor the arrangement for any vase. A combination of snapdragons, roses, poppies, asters, daisies, and different grasses can be arranged in the bouquet in a number of ways to suit the mood of the builder and the design of the room. The set includes a host of LEGO elements that feature new colors and shapes to recreate petal shapes. Meanwhile, the 878-piece Bonsai Tree model building kit gives builders the option to shape the bonsai tree model with either green leaves or pink cherry blossoms. When you’re ready for a change or when the season starts to turn, just swap the colored crowns to create a totally new look. The model comes with a rectangular pot and a slatted wood-effect stand. Those who look very closely may even notice the little frogs that make up each blossom. Both sets are now available across LEGO Certified Stores and major retailers in the Philippines. The Flower Bouquet blooms can be designed to be over 14 inches (36 cm) high while the Bonsai Tree stands at seven inches (18 cm) high when complete. Both are priced at P3,499.75. To learn more about the new LEGO Botanical Collection, visit the LEGO Flagship Store in Lazada.

Loewe collaborates with Studio Ghibli on Totoro collection

LOEWE has created a capsule collection in collaboration with Studio Ghibli focusing on the film My Neighbor Totoro. The result, LOEWE x My Neighbor Totoro,  features the film’s iconic characters and the fantasy landscapes they inhabit interpreted as prints, jacquard intarsia and leather marquetry, and also as hand-painted motifs or transformed into pom-poms on a range of clothing (T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, culottes, and biker jackets), leather bags and accessories. The collection celebrates the poetry and immediacy of these characters’ iconography — qualities have made My Neighbor Totoro a cultural landmark. Studio Ghibli — which is not only the studio that brought Totoro to life, but also features Totoro as its mascot — is known for its animated feature films, but has also produced short films and television commercials. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, with producer Toshio Suzuki, it has created masterpieces such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and has received a roster of Academy Award nominations. In the Philippines, Loewe is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.

Kiehl’s introduces oil-free facial gel cream

THE ONGOING coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives, including daily skincare rituals. Months of working from home, combined with the constant use of a facemask and face shield led to a host of concerns such as acne breakouts and excessive oil production, that the term “maskne” was coined. With this in mind, Kiehl’s has released the new and improved Ultra Facial Oil-free Gel Cream. The 24-hour no-shine hydrator with its fast-absorbing, residue-free formula cools skin for an all-day fresh feeling even in hot, humid, and polluted conditions. The moisturizer is meant for oily-to-combination skin; 98% of users who tested this product agree that this moisturizer feels ultra-lightweight on skin and reduces the presence of blemishes (based on a four-week, nine-point scale consumer study on 60 subjects). The product’s active ingredients are Antarcticine, a glacial glycoprotein that moisturizes dry skin and protects and hydrates the skin in cold temperatures; and micronized amino acid which helps regulate skin’s excess oil production. To introduce the product, Kiehl’s has a special limited time offer — starting Jan. 20, buy two 50 ml jars of the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream for P3,330 and receive a limited-edition pouch and tote bag. This year, Kiehl’s invites Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to find out which moisturizer is right for their skin type by undergoing a free skin consultation with a KCR (Kiehl’s Customer Representative) at any Kiehl’s Since 1851 store nationwide or by sending a message to Kiehl’s Philippines via Facebook Messenger or Lazada. For more information, visit Kiehl’s Philippines on Facebook, and online at http://www.kiehls.com.ph.

Tommy Sports for New Year resolutions

THE NEW Year inspires many a resolution and one of the most popular is to get fitter in the new year. To support these resolutions, the Tommy Sport collection has items that suit everything from gentle at-home yoga to high-intensity circuits. Featuring enhanced stretchability, moisture wicking properties, breathable fabrics and water repellency, the collection fosters full focus for any choice of activity. The collection includes made-for-comfort soft-touch tees; color-block leggings; archive-inspired jerseys and close-to-body silhouettes.

PT&T, Status Pros partner to help PHL firms’ digital transformation

PHILIPPINE Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (PT&T) has tapped US-based information technology solutions provider Status Pros to provide software technology and support to Philippine firms, the listed telecommunications company said.

The partnership aims “allow companies to work and manage the workforce from anywhere or outside their traditional office amid the global pandemic,” PT&T said in an e-mailed statement on Saturday.

This can be done through the Virtual Desktop Instances (VDI), PT&T said, as the technology “allows users to securely access a company-defined-and-managed virtual computer, where all applications and data reside.”

VDI, which is hosted in company-owned servers or in the cloud, creates an ecosystem where workers can easily communicate through any device, it added.

The company also said free VDI bootcamps are offered for free to select clients.

“This free-of-charge bootcamp is aimed at preparing businesses to adapt their users and right-sizing application environments and determining the makeup of streaming desktops versus applications,” it added.

James G. Velasquez, PT&T president and chief executive officer, said: “As a telco and IT company, PT&T is one with the industry in fully embracing this digital transformation of work, and thru VDI technology, we are able to assist companies in ensuring that technology extends well beyond the confines of a traditional office.”

“But we must emphasize that this is not a pivot to circumvent the realities of the current situation, rather, the pandemic merely accelerated what some are already into: working from anywhere,” Mr. Velasquez added. — Arjay L. Balinbin

World food price index rises for seventh month in Dec.

ROME — World food prices rose for a seventh consecutive month in December, with all the major categories, barring sugar, posting gains last month, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 107.5 points last month versus 105.2 in November.

The November figure was previously given as 105.0.

For the whole of 2020, the benchmark index averaged 97.9 points, a three-year high and a 3.1% increase from 2019. It was still down more than 25% from its historical peak in 2011.

Vegetable oil prices continued recent strong gains, jumping 4.7% month-on-month in December after surging more than 14.0% in November. For the whole of 2020, the index was up 19.1% on 2019.

FAO said supply tightness in major palm oil producing countries had pushed prices up, while trade was also impacted by a sharp hike in export duties in Indonesia. Prices for soy oil rose partly because of prolonged strikes in Argentina.

The cereal price index posted a more modest 1.1% rise in December from the month before. For all of 2020 the index averaged 6.6% above 2019 levels.

Export prices for wheat, maize, sorghum and rice all rose in December, moving higher in part due to concerns over growing conditions and crop prospects in North and South America as well as Russia, the Rome-based FAO said.

The dairy index climbed 3.2% on the month, however, over the whole of 2020, it averaged some 1.0% less than in 2019.

In December, all components of the index rose due to strong global import demand triggered by concerns over drier and warmer conditions on Oceania’s milk production as well as high internal demand in Western Europe.

The meat index pushed up 1.7% last month, while its full-year average was 4.5% below that of 2019. FAO said poultry quotations rebounded in December, partly due to the impact of avian influenza outbreaks in Europe. However, pig meat prices fell slightly, hit by the suspension of German exports to Asian markets following African Swine Fever outbreaks.

Bucking the rises in other indices, average sugar prices dipped by 0.6% in December. For 2020 as a whole, the sub-index posted a most 1.1% gain on 2019 levels. FAO said the relative firmness of latest data reflected a surge in imports by China and increased demand for refined sugar from Indonesia.

FAO did not issue an updated forecast for worldwide cereal harvests in January. Its next estimate is due in February.

Last month, FAO revised down its forecast for the 2020 cereal season for a third month running, cutting it to 2.742 billion tons from a previous 2.75 billion tons. —  Reuters

Up to P600K off on a new Mercedes-Benz this January

MERCEDES-BENZ Philippines welcomes 2021 with discounts on select models. Available for the month of January are savings as much as P600,000 on the E 200 AMG, and up to P400,000 off on the V-Class. Discounts on other models are also being given out.

The bold, muscularly designed E 200 AMG borrows features from the world of motorsport, which the AMG line represents. Under the hood is a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine, mated to a 9G-Tronic, which features a Direct Select lever and Direct Select steering wheel gearshift paddles to facilitate the quick, efficient changing of gears. The versatile transmission also enhances quiet riding comfort and fuel efficiency. Dynamic design features characterize the exclusivity of the Mercedes-AMG exterior. It runs on 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and boasts side skirts painted in the vehicle color with chrome inserts.

The upholstery is in Artico synthetic leather or black Dinamica microfiber. The vehicle gets a three-spoke, flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel covered in black Nappa leather. AMG bucket seats are bolstered with chunky lateral supports for comfort even during long journeys and dynamic drives.

Meanwhile, the versatility of the V-Class ensures that the driver and all passengers will enjoy the spacious comfort. The seating can be configured to fit up to seven without sacrificing luxury. Top-quality materials facilitate overall interior comfort. The van also comes with driver-assistance and safety systems.

Deals on the CLA, C-Class, S-Class, Maybach and more are available. For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.ph/new-year-promo or any Mercedes-Benz showrooms in EDSA Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang or Cebu City. Promo is good until Jan. 31, 2021 only.

Gov’t debt yields end flat on policy bets

YIELDS ON government securities (GS) were little changed on Friday amid expectations of the central bank keeping its policy settings steady and developments in the United States.

Bond yields, which move opposite to prices, inched up by an average of 0.9 basis point (bp) week on week, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL) Reference Rates as of Jan. 8 posted on the Philippine Dealing System’s website.

Yields moved sideways across the board on Friday. At the short end of the yield curve, rates of the 182- and 364-day Treasury bills declined by 1 basis point and 8.6 bps, respectively, to 1.404% and 1.626%. Meanwhile, the rate on the 91-day debt papers went up by 1.6 bps to 1.133%.

At the belly, the yield on the seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) marginally went down by 0.8 bp to 2.775%, while those on the two-, three-, four-, and five-year debt papers rose by 2.1 bps (1.867%), 5.2 bps (2.129%), 6.7 bps (2.366%), and 5.6 bps (2.559%).

The yield on the 10-year T-bond was unchanged at 2.996% from the previous week. Meanwhile, the rates of the 20- and 25-year papers inched down 0.3 bp (3.962%) and 0.4 bp (3.946%).

Analysts attributed the yield movements to the market reacting to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno’s dovish comments and the selloff in US Treasuries in reaction to the Democratic Party gaining control of the US Senate.

First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FAMI) noted that bond yields rallied early in the week following the well-received auction of the reissued 10-year T-bonds.

“Actions reversed and the market turned seller after the yields on the 10-year US Treasuries breached above one percent. Since then, yields in the seven-year space also rose,” FAMI said in an e-mail.

Robinsons Bank Corp. peso sovereign debt trader Kevin S. Palma said Democrats winning control of the US Senate would give President-elect Joe Biden elbow room to push for more spending.

“More government spending could lead to higher inflation and could skew the odds in favor of higher yields,” Mr. Palma said in a Viber message.

The yield on 10-year US bonds, a key global benchmark interest rate, rose above 1% for the first time since March 2020.

Back home, the Bureau of the Treasury made a full award of the reissued T-bonds it offered on Tuesday and even opened its tap facility as the tenor’s yield dropped amid strong liquidity in the market.

The reissued 10-year notes, which have a remaining life of four years and eight months, saw its average rate go down by 36.4 bps to 2.536% from the 2.9% fetched in the Nov. 17 auction.

Meanwhile, Mr. Diokno told the ABS-CBN News Channel last week that benchmark interest rates will remain low “for the next few quarters” to support the pandemic-stricken economy, and that pushing rates below zero is unlikely.

The overnight reverse repurchase, lending, and deposit rates are currently at record lows of 2%, 2.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, following last year’s cumulative cuts worth 200 bps.

Headline inflation accelerated to a 22-month high 3.5% in December, driven by the faster pace of food and transport price increases. This brought the 2020 inflation average to 2.6%, a tad quicker than 2.5% in 2019 but matches the BSP forecast.

For this week, the analysts said the movement of US Treasuries will continue to affect the local market.

“Developments in the US Treasury market will continue to dictate the tempo of trading in the week ahead, but strong interest on the short to belly of the GS curve will persist as the market remains abundant with liquidity,” Robinsons Bank’s Mr. Palma said.

For FAMI, the recent pullbacks provide an opportunity for the market to reposition.

“While we do not discount the upward pressure from US Treasuries’ selloff, this might be offset by added liquidity from the upcoming maturity of FXTN 3-23 [on Jan. 25]. We expect strong demand for short-term papers to be sustained as players park their funds amid lack of catalysts,” FAMI said. — Ana Olivia A. Tirona

Bonsai Festival welcomes the new year

Resorts World Manila (RWM), in partnership with the Laguna Bonsai Society, is celebrating all things Bonsai with a Bonsai Festival that runs from Jan. 8 to 17 at The Plaza, 2F Newport Mall. The festival includes a special exhibition of the intricate and elaborate collections of bonsai plants including banyans and blue bells, and local plants like mulawin aso and bayabas, with most species available for sale. For more information about the Newport City Bonsai Festival, visit www.rwmanila.com or follow RWM’s official social media accounts, @rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila on Instagram.