Cebu Landmasters tests employees as they return to work

June 16, 2020 | 12:02 am

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) has started testing all of its employees for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in its headquarters in Cebu City and its project sites in other cities in the Visayas-Mindanao area to ensure the safety of its personnel upon their return to their offices and work sites.

In a statement, the VisMin residential developer around 600 employees in Cebu City and its environs from CLI, its property management arm, and its first hotel property Citadines Cebu City would initially undergo testing to be conducted by a hospital accredited by the Department of Health.

Those in Bacolod, Davao, CDO, Iloilo, Bohol and Dumaguete will follow.

“Testing all our employees is the beginning of the long road back to normalcy as Cebu Landmasters embraces the new normal. We want our teams to feel safe at work. Testing will also allow us to identify and assist those who turn out positive for COVID-19 but may not know it,” said CLI Chairman Jose R. Soberano III.

The listed company said it would ensure social distancing at its headquarters by scheduling employees so that 50% are working on a “skeletal arrangement” at the headquarters while the rest are working from home.

It said all CLI offices throughout the region would undergo deep cleaning and misting before the return of work teams, “and regularly thereafter.”

It also said thorough disinfection of all offices is also in place. All employees will be provided with N95 masks and undergo daily health checks. A company clinic will be operated by a nurse and a doctor who will do regular visits. Company buses will also be deployed to ensure employees’ safety as they commute to and from work.

CLI said the new norm is backed by the digitization of the firm’s sales transactions. The move has allowed clients to seek, inquire and book for projects online and do payments online. The company also launched a sales promo to stretch buyers equity terms to make them more accessible to economic and mid-market buyers.

“We understand that having a stable and secure home is extremely important especially today. In CLI, we adjusted our terms to make it more accessible to our market. As a result, we are happy that demand for our residential projects remains strong in this challenging time. One of our projects in CDO, Casa Mira Towers CDO, sold over 400 units in the month of May and now is sold out,” Mr. Soberano said.

Gov’t makes full award of T-bills

June 16, 2020 | 12:02 am

THE GOVERNMENT made a full award of the Treasury bills (T-bills) it auctioned off on Monday on strong demand as investors continued to prefer safer assets.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Monday borrowed P20 billion in T-bills as planned from total bids of P81.989 billion, which was four times the amount on the auction block.

The strong bids and lower rates prompted the BTr to open the tap facility and offer another P10 billion in one-year instruments.

Broken down, the Treasury awarded P5 billion in 91-day papers as planned out of tenders worth P20.427 billion. The average rate for the three-month T-bills moved sideways to 2.035% from the 2.038% seen last week.

The government raised another P5 billion as programmed via the 182-day T-bills from P15.615 billion in bids. The six-month papers fetched an average rate of 2.101%, inching up by 0.2 basis points (bps) from 2.099% previously.

For the 364-day instruments, the BTr accepted the programmed P10 billion as the tenor attracted tenders worth P45.947 billion. The one-year securities were quoted at an average rate of 2.35%, down 2.8 bps from 2.378%.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon said they made a full award on the back of strong liquidity and subdued rates.

“Market [is awaiting a] decision on quarantine measures,” Ms. De Leon told reporters on Monday via Viber.

“This auction still shows appetite for yields. Hence, [the one-year papers] exceeded demand by more than four times,” a bond trader said when asked to comment via Viber.

“Still, money has nowhere to go as of the moment but bonds,” the trader added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte was expected to decide on Monday about the quarantine protocols for Metro Manila and other areas in the country for the second half of June.

Metro Manila eased restrictions on June 1 after it was placed under strict lockdown for more than 10 weeks starting mid-March.

However, daily reports of new coronavirus positive cases in the country have continued to rise since the start of June.

On Tuesday, the BTr is planning to borrow P15 billion via the 35-day T-bills.

The government plans to borrow P170 billion from the local market in June: P110 billion via weekly T-bill auctions and the remaining P60 billion in Treasury bonds to be offered fortnightly.

Also this week, the BTr will hold its first and second quarterly draws for Premyo Bonds on Thursday where bondholders will have a chance to win grand prizes of P1 million and a house and lot each for two winners, aside from other cash prizes. — Beatrice M. Laforga

As pandemic upends hospitality industry, hotels roll out measures to ensure a clean, safe stay for guests

June 16, 2020 | 12:02 am

HOTELS are looking to balance hospitality with efforts to meet hygiene and safety standards in the “new normal,” as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues.

Standard health protocols, such as contactless check-in, thermal scanning, physical distancing, and “no mask, no entry” policy, are now being implemented by hotels and other accommodation establishments. Other efforts include increased frequency of cleaning common areas, and extra disinfection of guest rooms.

Global hospitality company Hilton has rolled out Hilton CleanStay, a new standard of hotel cleanliness and sanitation in collaboration with Lysol maker Reckitt Benckiser group. The Mayo Clinic also advised Hilton on training methods, cleaning protocols and quality assurance.

“As the hospitality industry evolves to address travelers’ changing expectations — especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic — Hilton CleanStay is the latest evolution of our commitment to providing the peace of mind and confidence our guests need to travel freely, while protecting our Team Members,” Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, said in a statement.

Changes in some hotels have started, with Hilton CleanStay implemented across the company’s 18 brands worldwide by mid-July. Lysol products will be used in Hilton properties in the United States and Canada, while Lysol and Dettol will be used in other countries where Hilton has properties.

In the Philippines, hotels are allowed to operate but at 50% operational capacity in areas under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), according to the Tourism department. Most parts of the country are under MGCQ, but Metro Manila and some key cities are still in a general community quarantine.

Resorts such as Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar have reopened after being shuttered during the Luzon-wide lockdown that started in mid-March. The heritage resort is located in Bagac, Bataan, which is now under MGCQ.

Under its “Secured Stays at Las Casas” campaign, the 217-room property is hoping its efforts to ensure safety and cleanliness would attract guests. Marivent Resort Hotel, Inc. President Paul Kerr said Las Casas is giving the highest priority to the safety of its guests and employees, and is following stringent health and sanitation guidelines set by the Health and Tourism departments.

Booking platform OYO Hotels & Homes has also introduced “Sanitized Stays,” a badge that will indicate a property meets strict standards for safety, hygiene and protective equipment. Its hotels will go through an initial check, followed by regular checks before getting the Sanitized Stays badge.

OYO is also changing its check-in and check-out procedures to ensure there is only “minimal contact.” Hotel staff will also be trained to conduct health screening and proper disinfection of spaces.

“As a brand committed to offering safe accommodation options, OYO is proactively leading the change in housekeeping and cleanliness protocols within the hospitality industry, across all OYO properties. In this industry, maintaining the trust and confidence of guests is key — and this is reflected in the guest-first approach OYO is taking through our new protocols, in order to provide reassurance and peace of mind to guests,” Ankit Gupta, OYO Hotels & Homes country head for Philippines, said in a statement.

Online hotel management and booking platform RedDoorz introduced “HygienePass,” a cleanliness and sanitation certification program for its properties. It targets to have all of RedDoorz Philippines’ 250 hotels across the country be certified.

The certification process will be in close coordination with RedDoorz’s trainer and consultant for the program, Dr. Renzo Guinto.

“HygienePass is very much in line with current international and national guidelines on infection prevention and control for the accommodations sector. RedDoorz will initiate the development and implementation of the said tech-driven programme and we will both discern COVID-19 response efforts, monitor quarantine and public health safety guidelines, and help these hotels prepare for the reopening of the economy,” Dr. Guinto said.

RedDoorz has developed a “proprietary digital technology solution to help counter the virus spread and to enable key elements of the audit and certification process.” — Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Need a bit more human contact? So do London Zoo’s gorillas

June 16, 2020 | 12:02 am

LONDON — It was party time this weekend for the gorillas at London Zoo — complete with treats like nuts, leeks, and broccoli to eat and bunting in their treehouses — as they got ready to see visitors for the first time in nearly three months.

The zoo, located in Regent’s Park, closed in March as the country went into coronavirus lockdown. It opens again on Monday, albeit with restrictions such as limits on visitor numbers, one-way routes and paw-print markers to ensure social distancing.

The zoo, which says its nearly 200-year history makes it the world’s oldest scientific zoo, normally closes just once a year, on Christmas Day.

Staff laid on a little celebration for the gorillas to mark the reopening.

“Of course the animals have been missing the visitors, the gorillas have really been looking out for people,” said Daniel Simmonds, team leader of primates at the zoo.

“They have already adjusted to the fact that people haven’t been coming in, but equally I am absolutely sure they are going to be really excited when they see lots of friendly visitor faces visiting them tomorrow.” — Reuters

BSP looking into bank’s alleged violation of DOSRI rules

June 16, 2020 | 12:01 am

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is looking into a lender’s alleged violation of rules on lending to related parties, BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said on Monday.

“Please be informed that a complaint was indeed filed on June 3 with the Monetary Board against the directors and officers of a certain bank for alleged violation of provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7653 (The New Central Bank), as amended, and RA No. 8791 (The General Banking Law of 2000),” Mr. Diokno told reporters in a Viber message.

“The matter is already with the Investigation and Prosecution Group of the Office of the General Counsel and Legal Services which is now conducting an investigation. Rest be assured that the legal processes will be observed in handling this complaint,” Mr. Diokno said.

The same day saw a filing with the bourse by China Banking Corp. (China Bank), which noted “some newspaper articles and Viber messages circulating and making insinuations about banking violations by a certain universal bank”. The lender confirmed it has a non-paying client, whose case has been referred to their legal team.

“We would like to emphasize that the said obligation has been properly classified and reported to the BSP. It constitutes less than 1% of our total loan book and for which we have made adequate loan loss reserves,” the bank said in the filing.

China Bank added it is “complying with all regulatory requests for information,” noting it adheres to “the highest” professional standards.

“Rest assured that the China Bank Group continues to be liquid, well capitalized and profitable with Q1 2020 earnings that are 19% higher year on year,” it said.

The statements came following a Manila Standard Today column published on June 12 which said the BSP is dealing with a complaint against top officials from a universal bank for P4-billion worth of unreported and illegal DOSRI or Directors, Officers, Stockholders, and their Related Interests loans.

The opinion column written by Ernesto M. Hilario said the involved “top universal bank” is under investigation for unmet requirements under the BSP’s guidelines on credit extended to a related party.

The General Banking Law imposes individual and aggregate ceilings and regulatory requirements for DOSRI borrowings. DOSRI loans cannot exceed the capital contribution and deposit of the borrowing party. They also need prior written approval by the majority of all the directors of the board.

All DOSRI borrowings should likewise be reported to the BSP within 20 days from the approval. Violations of the central bank’s rules are subject to sanctions.

China Bank’s net income climbed by 19% year-on-year to P2.2 billion in the first quarter. It was the sixth largest bank in terms of assets as of March with P983.498 billion, up 10.73% from the previous year.

Its shares closed trading at P19.80 apiece on Monday, down by 90 centavos or by 4.35% from its previous finish. — LWTN

Father’s Day gift ideas

June 16, 2020 | 12:01 am

Montblanc headphones

As Father’s Day draws near, consider something from Montblanc. Montblanc pieces are designed to become fine lifetime companions, and are meant for men who appreciate artisanal craftsmanship and innovation. Among the gift suggestions are Montblanc’s first Smart Headphones, the Montblanc MB 01 wireless over-ear headphones. Made of aluminum, silicone and leather, each headphones weighs only 280g and is fitted to provide an immersive sound experience. It has active noise cancelling and Google Assistant, and is comfortable and foldable. For something a bit more traditional from a company best known for its pens, there is the Meisterstück Le Petit Prince & Planet, the third and final addition to the writing instrument collection inspired by the book The Little Prince. The polished burgundy-colored precious resin on the cap and barrel of this writing instrument references the story’s rose. The handcrafted 14ct gold nib of the fountain pen features a design of the prince weeding his planet — a symbol of love expressed through caring for others. The clip of every edition is adorned with a lacquered gold-colored star, a reference to The Little Prince’s advice to remember his laugh by simply looking at the stars above. The cap of each writing instrument is etched with the words of the fox: “On ne voit bien qu’avec le coeur” (“One sees clearly only with the heart”). Other gift suggestions are an item from the Montblanc Meisterstück Soft Grain Leather Collection of business luggage and accessories; the My Montblanc Nightflight collection of transit accessories like envelope bags and backpacks; the Montblanc 1858 line of sporty vintage timepieces; and the new Summit 2+ Smartwatch. To shop online, visit www.rustans.com. Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, and Gateway are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Rustan’s Alabang is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Personal grooming

One good way to say thanks to Dad is to elevate his self-care routine with personal grooming kits from Babyliss. The Performance Endurance Power Clipper is equipped with all the accessories he would need to achieve the perfect hairstyle at home. It features a lightweight, ergonomic handle and eight interchangeable cutting guides of various lengths that powerfully cut through, allowing him to easily snip and detail his hair. And if his beard is becoming quite unruly lately, then the Precision Beard Trimmer will solve all his woes. This cordless trimmer features a five-position multi-length comb and three jawline and side burn blending combs for easy styling. It also comes with a convenient storage stand that he can neatly stow away in his dresser. Babyliss is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corp. and available in leading department stores nationwide.

Father’s Day Takeaway Indulgence

Conrad Manila toasts all Dads this Father’s Day, June 21, with its “Takeaway Indulgence” from China Blue by Jereme Leung and signature cakes from Brasserie on 3 inspired by the Man of the House. Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor has come up with a feast of authentic Chinese favorites such as: Braised garoupa fillet with fish lips in Chinese leek XO sauce; Sautéed premier US beef with onions, dry chili, Chinese sweet vinegar; Crispy baby pigeon, Chinese herbal-style; and Chilled marinated jellyfish with sesame Sichuan chili sauce; among others. Price starts at P14,000 nett for five diners. The “Father’s Day Indulgence” Set Menu includes a bottle of house wine. Dad also gets a chance to bring home gifts from Ibarra Watches and Masanting Sasteria. For a sweet treat, choose from a Bourbon Mud Pie (P1,100 nett), or Irish Cream Profiterole Cake (P1,500 nett). For Father’s Day Takeaway Indulgence pre-orders or inquiries, call 0917-650-4043 or e-mail conradmanila@conradhotels.com.

Coffee Project ready for dine-in customers

June 16, 2020 | 12:01 am

Coffee Project has boosted its campaign to welcome both take-out and dine-in customers as the country restarts the economy under a new norm that puts in place more precautionary measures.

Under its “Stronger Apart” campaign, the company said it had ensured a safe and comfortable environment for both its guests and staff.

It has placed acrylic dividers on tables for customers who still want to dine face-to-face. It said the flowers that Coffee Project is known for are used to signal social distancing to customers. These are placed in chairs and tables to ensure the six-feet apart rule.

“Each table also has a QR code that guests can scan to access the menu, discouraging the use of handheld ones. Every table and chair as well as the restrooms will also be sanitized after every use,” it said.

“The body temperature of the employees is being checked regularly to ensure that each staff is healthy and fit to work. They are required to wear masks, face shields and disposable gloves. Regular hand washing throughout the day is also mandatory,” it added.

Only a limited number of guests will be allowed in the store to ensure social distancing. Waiting guests will be seated in the al fresco as they fill out their health checklists.

“Personnel will check the guest’s body temperature and spray alcohol to their hands upon entrance to guarantee that they are healthy and sanitized. A separate waiting area is also in place for delivery riders like Foodpanda and GrabFood to minimize the number of people inside the store,” it said.

Inside the store, social distancing will still be monitored, it said.

“There are floor markers leading towards the cashier to guide customers with their distancing. Also, to avoid physical contact between the guest and staff, clear acrylic dividers in the counter and dispatch areas are in place,” it said.

Payment trays that are sanitized after every transaction are also used to avoid direct hand contact. Coffee Project is also encouraging cashless transactions using GCash and AllEasy.

Those craving for Coffee Project may opt for delivery, take out, curbside pick up, and soon dine inside the cafe. It is present in all major food delivery services throughout the country and also has its own delivery through its website, www.coffeeproject.com.ph or its Facebook page.

PHirst Park Homes holds 1st digital project launch

June 16, 2020 | 12:01 am

PHIRST Park Homes, Inc. (PPHI) is set to launch its sixth horizontal community project in Nasugbu, Batangas on June 20.

The project, located in Batulao, will be unveiled during a watch party on PPHI’s official Facebook page (Facebook.com/PhirstParkHomesOfficialPage). New brand ambassador Robi Domingo will lead the launch event.

The newest PPHI community is located just 1.5 hours from Manila, 15 minutes from Tagaytay’s city center and 42 minutes from Nasugbu’s beaches. It is adjacent to Century Properties Group, Inc.’s (CPG) residential tourism estate Batulao Artscapes.

“The property offers PPHI’s signature 4Cs: Complete and well-provisioned homes with a perimeter fence and gate; Conceptive amenities including an outdoor cinema; Connected living through WiFi zones and a shuttle service; and a Convenient and simplified selling and buying experience,” PPHI said in a statement.

PPHI has so far launched five projects covering a total of 91 hectares and 8,799 units valued at P14.4 billion. These are the 26-hectare PHirst Park Homes Tanza (Cavite), the 20-hectare PHirst Park Homes Lipa (Batangas), the 18-hectare PHirst Park Homes San Pablo (Laguna); 11-hectare PHirst Park Homes Pandi (Bulacan); and 9-hectare PHirst Park Homes Calamba (Laguna).

The company, a joint venture between CPG and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp., said developments and construction in all of its projects have resumed in May after complying with government protocols.

Philippines improves score in global peace ranking (but remains the second-least peaceful in Asia-Pacific)

June 16, 2020 | 12:00 am

How PSEi member stocks performed — June 15, 2020

June 16, 2020 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Monday, June 15, 2020.

Peso declines on flight to safety on worries over new infections

June 15, 2020 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO weakened versus the dollar on Monday on safe-haven demand amid escalating worries over a second wave of infections and as the market priced in the impact of the pandemic on remittances.

The local unit ended trading at P50.345 against the dollar, down by 15 centavos from its P50.195 finish on Thursday, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. Trading was suspended last Friday for Independence Day.

The peso opened Monday’s session at P50.30 per dollar. Its weakest showing was at P50.39 while its strongest was at P50.24 against the greenback.

Dollars traded totaled $791.9 million on Monday, lower than the $874.24 million seen on Thursday.

A trader attributed the peso’s depreciation to market fears of a second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections.

“It’s still safe-haven on the back of fears of second wave likely to come out…,” the trader said in a phone call.

Reuters reported Beijing saw its second successive record new numbers of COVID-19 on Monday, still traced to a wholesale food market which accounts for 80% of Beijing’s farm produce supply. Officials reported 36 new infections for June 14, following the same number tracked a day earlier, and is the highest daily infection rise in the city since late March.

Some states in the US are also seeing a trend of rising patients filling hospital beds due to the virus, including Texas and Arizona.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said market sentiment on the local unit was dragged by the release of remittance data.

“The peso exchange closed weaker after the latest decline in the OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances data,” Mr. Ricafort said in a text message.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data released last week showed cash remittances dropped by 4.7% to $2.397 billion in March from the $2.514 billion logged a year ago amid the COVID-19 situation.

The BSP now expects remittances to contract by 5% this year from the 2% growth it forecasted in May. The World Bank earlier said it expects a 20% drop in global remittances due to the pandemic.

The trader gave a forecast range of P50.20 to P50.50 per dollar for today while Mr. Ricafort expects the local unit to move between P50.20 to P50.45. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

PSEi down by almost 5% on second wave fears

June 15, 2020 | 9:00 pm

By Denise A. Valdez, Reporter

THE MAIN INDEX plummeted on Monday on increasing worries over a second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases across the world.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) erased 312.42 points or 4.82% to settle at 6,163.82 at the end of session. The broader all shares index likewise wiped out 152.33 points or 4.01% to end at 3,646.83.

“The risk-off sentiment was prompted by rising concerns that the ‘second wave’ of infections has started,” PNB Securities, Inc. President Manuel Antonio G. Lisbona said in a text message.

Data from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center showed there were 7.91 million COVID-19 cases across the world as of Monday, with new cases reaching about 134,000 on Sunday.

“US markets declined about 1,800 points last Thursday with a weak snapback on Friday. But since we were on holiday, investors were only able to react today (Monday),” Mr. Lisbona said.

The decline in the local market is in line with the drop across Asian markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix indices fell 3.47% and 2.54%, respectively. China’s Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index dipped 1.20% and South Korea’s Kospi index slid 4.76%.

Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Associate Claire T. Alviar said another factor that weighed on sentiment is the fate of the quarantine in Metro Manila. The relaxed lockdown currently in place over the region is set to expire Monday. Investors are awaiting announcement from the government whether the quarantine will be tightened, maintained or further eased by Tuesday.

“[T]raders booked some gains for now as they braced themselves for the government’s decision on lockdown measures after June 15… We see how optimistic the market was as the global economy slowly reopened, however, the reaction was way too quick which could really trigger profit taking,” Ms. Alviar said in a text message.

“It doesn’t seem like the market will be able to bounce off 6,130 but instead test the psychological 6,000 level and possibly retest 5,850 if more investors become bearish,” Mr. Lisbona added.

All sectoral indices at the PSE closed in red territory on Monday. Property dropped 187.58 points or 5.71% to 3,093.40; financials fell 72.30 points or 5.59% to 1,218.99; holding firms shaved off 311.33 points or 4.70% to 6,300.53; mining and oil lost 220.25 points or 4.22% to 4,992.28; industrials slid 261.86 points or 3.22% to 7,867.70; and services declined 43.28 points or 2.99% to 1,399.72.

Value turnover increased to P7.76 billion from P7.04 billion in the previous session.

But volume fell to 1 billion issues switching hands from 1.87 billion issues in the last session.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 178 against 39. Some 29 names ended unchanged.

Foreign investors ended as net sellers, with net outflows growing to P1.18 billion from P63.15 million on Thursday.