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Peso to strengthen on data showing recovery

THE PESO is likely to strengthen further this week as the market prices in data showing the economy is off to a gradual recovery and await developments in legislation on the government’s crisis response.

The local unit finished trading at P49.80 per dollar on Friday, strengthening by 20 centavos from its P50 close on Thursday, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. This was the peso’s strongest finish in nearly three years or since its P49.63 per dollar close on June 15, 2017

The local unit also rallied by 81 centavos week on week from its P50.61-per-dollar finish on May 29.

Despite the increase in the country’s unemployment rate in April, the continued easing in inflation may have fanned positive sentiment, said UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc. Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion.

“Peso was stronger most probably because of the softer inflation. The unemployment numbers may have already been priced in by investors though,” Mr. Asuncion said in a text message.

Inflation eased for the fourth successive month in May to 2.1%, with downward pressures from food and fuel prices, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The May print is the slowest in six months and compares to the 2.1% logged in April and the 3.2% seen in the same month of 2019.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in April surged to a 15-year high of 17.7% coming from the 5.1% a year earlier and the fastest since 2005 when the PSA adopted new definitions for its labor force survey. This translates to about 7.25 million Filipinos who were jobless, higher by more than three times than the 2.27 million in the same month of 2019.

For his part, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the peso’s strength reflects improving risk sentiment for emerging market currencies as more economies reopen.

“The peso exchange closed stronger amid improved global market risk appetite that led to gains in emerging markets,” he said in a text message.

Investor sentiment this week will depend on the government’s response to the crisis.

“Probably the progress of fiscal stimulus bills may be a factor,” UnionBank’s Mr. Asuncion said.

On June 3, the Senate approved the Bayanihan Act 2 which expands financial aid to industries including farmers, public utility drivers, teachers that have been hit by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill which looks to fast-track the reduction of corporate income tax to 25% from 30% was unable to be passed before the Congress adjourned. Senators said they will work to ensure the bill is passed by August.

Aside from the bills, RCBC’s Mr. Ricafort said the market will also factor in other data, including US jobs and new coronavirus infections.

Data from the US Labor department showed the jobless rate fell to 13.3% in May from the post-World War II high of 14.7% seen in April, according to a Reuters report.

However, the unemployment rate was seen with record decline for whites but rising for blacks and Asians.

For this week, both Mr. Asuncion and Mr. Ricafort expect the peso to trade at P49.50 to P50 versus the dollar. — L.W.T. Noble with Reuters

BMW PHL opens digital showroom, fires off 3-vehicle salvo

SMC ASIA Car Distributors Corp. (SMC ACDC), the official importer, distributor, and service provider of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, is veritably firing on all cylinders as it announced the opening of its digital showroom https://bethefirst.bmw.com.ph/digitalshowroom recently to select members of the media. In addition to this, BMW Philippines, led by its President Spencer Yu, also revealed three new vehicles now available across its dealership network.

BMW 520i SPORT
Moved by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, the BMW 520i Sport sedan serves up 184hp and 290Nm of torque. Its power is accessed by the driver through an eight-speed automatic with Steptronic. A new exterior design is highlighted by 19-inch light alloy V-spoke wheels with mixed run-flat tires.

Inside, it has Dakota leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with extended contents, a smoker’s package, sport seats, and electric seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger (with memory function for driver’s seat). The 520i Sport has a BMW iDrive System, Apple CarPlay, a high-fidelity speaker system, ambient lighting, electric sunblind for the rear window, and manual rolling sun blinds for rear side windows. Pricing is at P4.29 million.

BMW X3 xDRIVE20d BUSINESS
The BMW X3 xDrive20d Business also boasts a refreshed exterior trim and design. It’s powered by a four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo emitting 190ps and 400Nm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles.

As with the 520i Sport, this X3 is fitted with run-flat tires with indicator, and 19-inch light alloy wheels. LED headlights with extended contents, LED fog lights, and Park Distance Control (PDC) on the front and rear are among its other features.

Vernasca leather is used within, and BMW gives the X3 with ambient lighting, electric seat adjustment for front seats (with memory function for the driver’s seat). There’s also a storage compartment package, along with Apple CarPlay, BMW iDrive, a through-loading system, smoker’s package, and automatic three-zone-air conditioning. The rear side windows get mechanical sunblinds. It is priced at P3.99 million.

BMW Z4 M40i FROZEN EDITION
With only five units allocated to the Philippine market, the undeniable star of the three-model unboxing is a limited release of the BMW Z4 roadster, called the Frozen Edition.

Each unit features exclusive Frozen Grey II paintwork from BMW Individual. The 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder gasoline engine that powers it has been given 47 more horses (387hp) over its Z4 M40i sibling.

Inside, the Frozen Edition gets Vernasca Magma Red décor stitching, black upholstery, interior trim finishers Aluminium Tetragon, an instrument panel in Sensatec — to go with M Sport seats for the driver and passenger. It also gets electric seat adjustment with memory function, lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, M seat belts, floor mats in velour, and automatic dual-zone air-conditioning. There’s a BMW iDrive System, Apple CarPlay, and Harman Kardon surround sound system.

The BMW Z4 M40i Frozen Edition is priced at P5.99 million.

All these new BMWs have a now-standard five-year/200,000-kilometer warranty, which covers all mechanical and electrical components, except for preventive maintenance or wear-and-tear items. BMW says that “items and components covered by the warranty are always replaced by original BMW parts.” Declared Mr. Yu, “We believe that our five-year warranty across our lineup is the strongest of its kind for premium vehicles.”

Toyota opens online showroom

TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has introduced an online showroom displaying information about vehicles for sale as consumers remain at home during the pandemic, ahead of the company’s first digital car model launch.

The company in a press release on Saturday said that users can view 360-degree displays of the vehicles through the online platform.

The website will also display payment estimates, and can be used to connect to dealer representatives for inquiries, official quotations, and purchases.

TMP is set to digitally launch its newest Toyota Wigo model on June 15.

TMP First Vice-President for Brand & Product Planning Cluster Cristina Arevalo said that the showroom was designed to simulate the physical sales process. The final purchase will be made at the dealer.

“(Customers) can rotate the exterior view as if walking around the actual vehicle, or manipulate the interior view to see detailed specifications. They can even have a sample computation and prepare the required vehicle purchase documents ahead of time. This way, they are better equipped when they finally visit the dealer,” she said.

The company restarted production at its Laguna plant last month after lockdown restrictions eased, and 66 of 70 dealer outlets opened by May 20. TMP also launched a mobile app for booking car maintenance appointments.

The Philippine automobile industry saw a 66% decline in car sales year-on-year in March. Toyota, which had 39% market share in March, saw a 23% year-on-year sales decline to 25,696 units.

Customers may also access the showroom from outside the country. — Jenina P. Ibañez

‘Am I going to get shot?’ kids ask, as brands try to explain racism and violence to children

NEW YORK — For eight minutes and 46 seconds — the time it took George Floyd, an unarmed black man, to die at the hands of Minneapolis police — cable TV kids channel Nickelodeon’s screen went black on Tuesday to sounds of inhaling and exhaling, as white text flashed “I can’t breathe.”

The Pokémon Company pledged $100,000 in support for Black Lives Matter. Sesame Street co-hosted a televised town hall meeting with CNN on Saturday morning.

These are just a few examples of how companies that entertain or sell products for kids are adjusting their messages, as they attempt to deal with this moment in American history and explain the complexities of racism and police brutality to children through action and words.

“It’s one thing to try to preserve the innocence of children, but you shouldn’t preserve the ignorance of children in a country that is multiracial that has this bad history,” CNN commentator Van Jones told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

Mr. Jones and CNN anchor Erica Hill hosted the hour-long special on CNN titled Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism in partnership with Sesame Street. The show aimed to teach school-aged children how to identify inequality and speak out against it.

CNN is owned by telecommunications company AT&T Inc, whose chief executive, Randall Stephenson, urged other CEOs in a CNBC interview to speak out against racial inequality.

Experts said parents need help interpreting for children the relentless barrage of messages on social media and on television as peaceful protesters and looters clash with authorities all across the country.

“I have seen a spike in anxiety for my black kid clients because they are having access to the news,” said Javonte’ Bass, a clinical mental health counselor. “When the parents are watching, they’re listening.”

Fear of catching the coronavirus forced families indoors. Fear of dying at the hands of police is keeping kids from going back out, Bass said. One nine-year-old black child even asked Ms. Bass, “Am I going to get shot, too?”

Mr. Jones said the CNN event was not meant to be a historical rundown of slavery and colonialism in the United States. It urged parents to teach their children empathy. “Failing to teach kids about empathy and fairness is always harmful,” he said.

That applies to views of law enforcement as well, Mr. Jones and Ms. Bass emphasized. “Police officers are not saints or superheroes. They’re human beings,” Mr. Jones said. “Some are good. Most are good, but some are bad.”

Education is a theme among the responses from brands for children.

“Our mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow and that includes inspiring them to be tolerant, inclusive, and kind,” toy company the Lego Group said in a statement.

In addition to pausing advertising for a week to avoid marketing any of its toys, including police-themed toys, next to images of police violence, the company is committing $4 million to organizations that teach children about racial inequality.

Lego has also encouraged fans to come up with new ideas for inclusive toy sets on its platform Lego Ideas.

One of its previous sets, the Women of NASA, featured astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. It was inspired by a submission to Lego Ideas.

MGA Entertainment Inc, which owns toy brands such as L.O.L. Dolls and Little Tikes, announced it is releasing a limited edition Black Lives Matter Bratz Dolls. The company will donate $10 from each doll sold to anti-racism programs and organizations. — Reuters

Petron stations host more mobile produce stores

SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) said they opened more mobile produce stores at Petron gas stations around Metro Manila.

The new stores are at the Petron Bel-Air on Gil Puyat corner Makati Avenue; EDSA Sierra Madre; Dasmariñas Village, EDSA; Katipunan Ave. (La Vista), Quezon City; Shaw Blvd. corner Wack Wack; C5-Diego Silang, Taguig; EDSA corner Main Ave. Cubao; 188 E. Rodriguez, Jr. Quezon City; Marcos Highway, Pasig; Connecticut, San Juan; Ninoy Aquino Ave., Sucat, Parañaque; Doña Soledad Ave. Better Living, Parañaque; and Dr. A Santos Ave., Sucat Rd., Parañaque.

In a statement Sunday, SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said the company’s partnership with the DA has benefited farmers whose income and livelihood suffered during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Farmers are the backbone of our food supply chain and are essential to our food security, that is why from the very start, we tried to think of programs to help them even more,” Mr. Ang said.

“Although we are glad to see more traditional markets opening up and catering to more people, there is still a need for the Kadiwa stores, especially for those who live nearby looking for a convenient way to buy fresh fruits and vegetables,” Mr. Ang said.

The Kadiwa stores are part of the so-called Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, a DA program.

Meanwhile, SMC added that it rolled out an online ordering platform, www.order.sanmiguelfoods.com, with orders fulfilled and claimed at Petron Treats outlets.

Recently, SMC purchased 69 million kilograms of corn from farmers under its long-term agreement with the DA. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Stocks to extend climb on positive sentiment

By Denise A. Valdez, Reporter

LOCAL SHARES are seen to extend their climb this week as businesses continue to reopen due to the relaxed quarantine.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended Friday’s session at 6,465.13, down 52.36 points or 0.80%.

Friday’s performance snapped a seven-day climb for the main index, which was enough to bring it 10.7% higher on a weekly basis.

Value turnover slipped 2.8% to an average of P8.63 billion, but foreign investors were net buyers in four of five trading days, bringing the average net inflow to P583.85 million from a net outflow of P227.71 million the previous week.

“Local equities’ 10.7% advance to 6,465 during the week on sustained average turnover of P8.6 billion is a good sign on fund managers’ optimism for recovery,” online brokerage 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note.

Last week was the first week that Metro Manila was on a relaxed lockdown after over two months of suspending most economic activities. Investor optimism over the resumption of work, on top of positive news involving global economic data, pushed the PSEi beyond its 5,400-5,700 range.

Heading into the second week of a relaxed lockdown, Equity Trader Aniceto K. Pangan from Diversified Securities, Inc. said he expects the market to maintain its upward track.

“With the Philippine government continuing to ease on lockdowns by allowing other businesses to reopen, we may see a sustained rebound in the local market in tandem with other markets around the world,” he said in a text message.

Mr. Pangan added investors will take note of the country’s “strong fundamental standing at a low debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) level of less than 42%.”

2TradeAsia.com likewise expects the market to extend its climb, saying news of a potential coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine will keep fuelling investor optimism.

It specifically mentioned Britain’s AstraZeneca which is developing a COVID-19 vaccine with the help of Oxford University and billionaire Bill Gates. “If this headline advances, we could see a return of cash towards equities as investors optimize on windows for capital gains,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Another driver would be legislative measures such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) and the Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy (ARISE). The brokerage said the way these measures will be tackled will help sway the market in the coming days.

“While COVID-19 bruised global economies, healing is bound to make its mark too. Seize on dips to gradually position, and opt for modest gains on rallies,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

The brokerage is putting support for the market at 6,400 and resistance within 6,600-6,800.

Yields on government debt end mixed on profit taking

YIELDS ON government securities (GS) ended mixed last week amid remarks from the central bank chief that current policy rates are appropriate as well as speculations of an additional bond issuance.

On average, GS yields rose by 1.7 basis points (bps) week on week, according to the PHP Bloomberg Valuation (PHP BVAL) Service Reference Rates published on the Philippine Dealing System’s website as of June 5.

“Local bond yields rose slightly week-on-week as profit takers outnumbered bargain hunters… [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)] Governor Benjamin E. Diokno’s pronouncements that the central bank is currently satisfied with the policy rate have led bond holders to reduce risk positions,” Kevin Palma, peso sovereign debt trader of Robinsons Bank Corp., said in a Viber message.

“The upward pressure in local yields was further exacerbated by speculations that the government may issue a jumbo-bond after the BTr (Bureau of the Treasury) stated that it is currently gauging market demand,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the movement was “amid improved global market risk appetite or less demand for safe havens such as US Treasuries” after economies reopened from lockdowns.

“The healthy upward week-on-week correction in most long-term PHP BVAL yields also came after the record budget deficit data and the latest developments on the economic stimulus bill that would require more funding requirements by the government, partly through the issuance of more government securities…,” Mr. Ricafort said in an e-mail.

Mr. Diokno said in a Bloomberg interview on Wednesday that he is “happy where the current policy rate is” and negative interest rates are “out of the question.”

The Monetary Board has cut benchmark interest rates by 125 bps to this year while big banks’ reserve requirement ratio was trimmed by 200 bps.

Meanwhile, National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon last week said they were monitoring developments and the “risk return tolerance of investors” as the BTr eyes a possible jumbo bond issue or another sale of retail Treasury bonds.

The government in April posted a budget deficit of P273.9 billion, a reversal of the P86.9-billion surplus it logged a year ago. The Treasury said spending doubled that month to P461.7 billion as it financed the first tranche of the P200-billion Social Amelioration Program, the P50-billion wage subsidy program and the P36-billion “Bayanihan Grant” to local government units.

On the other hand, the House of Representatives passed on Thursday on third and final reading a P1.3-trillion stimulus package called the ARISE (Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy) bill which targets funding for the health sector and government programs for students, workers, and micro, small and medium enterprises amid the pandemic.

At the secondary market on Friday, the 91-, 182-, and 364-day Treasury bills ended lower by 0.8 bp, 1.5 bp, and 5.8 bps, respectively, to 2.072%, 2.171%, and 2.454%.

Most bonds at the belly of the curve also declined, with the two-, three-, four-, and five-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) losing 4.4 bps (2.496%), 2.5 bps (2.582%), 1.7 bp (2.657%), and 1.3 bp (2.743%), respectively. On the other hand, the seven-year debt gained 2.4 bps to yield 2.973%.

At the long end, the 10-, 20- and 25-year debt papers rose 11.2 bps, 19 bps, and 3.7 bps, respectively, to fetch 3.267%, 4.139%, and 4.261%.

“For [this] week, healthy upward correction in some long-term interest rate benchmarks (PHP BVAL yield) could still continue, especially if US government bond yields continue their upward correction amid improved global market risk appetite and recent gains in the US stock markets…,” RCBC’s Mr. Ricafort said.

“An offsetting factor is the slight easing in inflation to 2.1% in May 2020… [that] could still provide some leeway to cut the local policy rates on the next monetary policy-setting meeting on June 25…” he added.

Robinsons Bank’s Mr. Palma also sees the inflation print and the all-time high unemployment rate of 17.7% giving the BSP policy space to ease its rates.

Inflation eased to a six-month low of 2.1% in May due to tempered demand during the lockdown, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

The PSA also said the unemployment rate surged to 17.7% in April from 5.1% a year ago, the fastest since the government adopted new definitions for its labor force survey in 2005.

This translated to 7.25 million jobless Filipinos during that period, more than three times than the 2.27 million a year ago.

“With these, local yields may continue to trade range-bound with downward bias on bargain hunting,” Mr. Palma said. — Marissa Mae M. Ramos

Targa unveiling completes new-gen Porsche 911 lineup

IN EARLY MARCH, the 992 generation of the Porsche 911 Coupe and 911 Cabriolet were revealed. Now, the debut of the Targa completes the model trio of the iconic sports car.

Coming in an all-wheel drive 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S iterations, the vehicle premiered on the Porsche web TV channel 9:11 Magazine.

As with the original 911 Targa of 1965, the 992-gen Targa boasts an innovative roof (fully automated in the new model). It has a unique roll hoop, a movable section above the front seats, and a wraparound rear window. This roof opens and closes in just 19 seconds.

Powering the new 911 Targa is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder boxer power plant. In the 911 Targa 4, it delivers 385ps at 6,500rpm — up 15ps over the previous model — and 450Nm of torque (1,950rpm to 5,000rpm). When the engine is mated to the optional Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 can zoom from standstill to 100kph in 4.2 seconds (up by 0.1 second). It can muster a top speed of 289kph.

In the new 911 Targa 4S, the engine is tuned to deliver 450ps, up 30ps over the preceding model. Its torque rating (plus 30Nm) is at 530Nm — available between 2,300rpm and 5,000rpm. Zero-to-100kph time is 3.6 seconds (up by 0.4 second); it reaches a maximum speed of 304kph (an improvement of 3kph).

Both the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S are equipped with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) intelligent all-wheel drive system as standard, with the Targa 4S additionally available with a newly developed seven-speed manual gearbox with Sport Chrono package. Fitted for the first time onto both models is the Porsche InnoDrive that includes adaptive cruise control. An enhanced Smartlift function allows programming of the cars’ ground clearance — making them ideal for daily use.

An improved front axle, clutch and differential units which are water-cooled, and reinforced clutch discs enhance the performance of the new all-wheel drive models.

Standard to both the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S is the electronically controlled Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) variable damping system, which automatically adjusts driving comfort and handling to a particular situation. It also has two manually adjustable maps: Normal and Sport. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which includes an electronic rear differential lock with fully variable torque distribution, is standard on the Targa 4S and is an option on the Targa 4.

The cabin of the new 911 Targa is characterized by the lines of the dashboard and the recessed instruments, the inspiration for which came from 911 models from the 1970s. Alongside the central rev counter — a defining feature for Porsche — are two thin, frameless freeform information displays. A compact switch unit with five buttons for direct access to important vehicle functions is located below the 10.9-inch center screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Some of the PCM’s features are online navigation based on swarm data, and Connect Plus with Apple Car Play.

Subic expressway expansion eyed this year

DESPITE the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic to construction activities, NLEX Corp. still aims to complete the P1.6-billion Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) capacity expansion project within this year.

“We are still targeting to complete the SFEx expansion this year although January will be the late finish,” NLEX Corp. Senior Vice-President for Communication Romulo S. Quimbo told BusinessWorld in a phone message on Sunday.

He added that the project is now “about 40% complete.”

The company started the expansion project in September last year.

The project involves the construction of two additional lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel on the 8.2-kilometer toll road.

Public and private construction projects have been allowed to resume under the modified enhanced community quarantine, but workers must be housed and fed onsite and observe physical distancing rules, among other requirements for construction work during the pandemic.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar’s Department Order 35 sets rules for carrying out infrastructure projects during the coronavirus pandemic.

NLEX Corp. expects the transport of goods in and out of the Subic Freeport to be faster and simpler once it fully completes the project.

Subic is home to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a special economic zone that facilitates trade in Central and North Luzon through shipping.

The SFEx expansion is also expected to make Subic a more viable tourist and investment destination because of improved connectivity.

NLEX Corp. is under Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Stuff to do at home (06/08/20)

Ayala Museum online


The Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library extends its commemoration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence beyond June 12. The museum will offer Spotify playlists, virtual tours and online exhibitions about the battles of past generations for independence. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ayalamuseum/. For more online content, visit ayalamuseum.org/online-resources.

PETA’s online workshops

PETA launches its first paid and exclusive workshop Let’s Get Creative Plus. Courses include Children’s Theater, Musical Theater for Teens, Acting for Screen, and Acting for Stage. Classes will be conducted via Zoom. For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/PETAOnlineWorkshop.

Digital PRIDE week

Benilde Hive (BHIVE), the LGBTQIA+ student organization of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, takes its Benilde Pride Week 2020 advocacy to its social media platforms. With the theme “Experiencing Love in Diversity,” the first online Benilde Pride will be held from June 8 to June 20. The Spectrum: Art Exhibit spotlights Benildean and non-Benildean artists who continue to promote self-expression through art. PRISM, an online spoken word event, will go on view on June 16 (4 p.m.). Benilde Hive Unfiltered: The Making of Pride is a podcast that discusses the establishment of the country’s first LGBTQIA+ student organization in a Lasallian setting. Hosted by Aica Sylianco and Jacko Ordoñez and facilitated by Justine Macachor, it will be on a pre-recorded Zoom conference on June 17 (2 p.m.). In the Ready, Set, Drag! webinar, guest drag performers will share their personal experiences, on June 20 (3 p.m.). Benilde Pride Week 2020 will be available on view at the organization’s official social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram @benildehive and Twitter @csbbenildehive. For inquiries, contact bhive@benilde.edu.ph.

VLF 2020: KAPIT

Virgin Labfest 2020’s 10 featured plays, staged readings, and revisited plays will premiere via free live streaming on the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ official Facebook page beginning June 10. Recorded versions of the shows will be streamed on the Vimeo website and app from June 14 to 28. Viewers can set up an account, then search for “Cultural Center of the Philippines” or “VLF Kapit” for access to the shows. The festival also offers series packages: Regular Series Package (P100) and the Premium Series Package (P200). (To purchase, go to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/vlf2020kapit or https://vimeo.com/ondemand/vlf2020kapitpremium.) For more details and show schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/culturalcenterofthephilippines/ and https://www.facebook.com/thevirginlabfest/, or join https://www.facebook.com/groups/VLFTambayan/. Meanwhile, watch older Virgin Labfest entries Raymund Barcelon’s Huling Hiling Ni Darling (Virgin Labfest 15) and Em Mendez’s Ang Unang Regla Ni John (Virgin Labfest 9) on CCP’s YouTube channel (bit.ly/CCPOnlineYT). The shows will be online for one week.

Ardhito Pramono and Ben&Ben in a digital concert

Indonesia singer Ardhito Pramono joins Filipino band Ben&Ben, and Singaporean alt-pop artist Benjamin Kheng for a virtual show called From His Backyard, Online #HappyConcert with Ardhito Pramono and Friends on June 8, (9 p.m. Philippine time) via Loket. Tickets are available at https://www.loket.com/event/ardhitoonlineconcert.

Ballet Manila online

BALLET Manila is streaming Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s favorite roles from her Swan Song Series at its official social media pages (www.facebook.com/balletmanilaofficial) and (www.youtube.com/c/balletmanilaofficial). The series opens with Swan Lake, premiering on June 6 (6 p.m.). It will be available until June 12 (10 p.m.).

CAST Recording

CAST Recording’s third radio drama: Arnold Bennett’s A Question of Sex is now on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/5bLSOsJPkZnIaEFDfSSHbl?si=ndUICgUUQj-UKIjxEGbW6w&fbclid=IwAR06k5DEB0zRa4b1jCqeglmtENl3lTwCAwlcOiLltwcNGjg84r8qHdhmL-M). Directed by Nelsito Gomez, the reading features Reb Atadero, Sarah Facuri, Cathy Azanza-Dy, and Jeremy Domingo.

National Museum of the Philippines

THE National Museum of the Philippines has released a new coloring set with Larry Dianco’s illustrations of endemic orchids such as the waling-waling. To download, visit https://www.facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines/photos/a.195151237175869/3282991451725150/?type=3&theater.

Landers online workshops for kids

LANDERS Superstore’s Mommy Club, in partnership with Child’s Home Educational Center, is offering free weekly online workshop classes. It is open to children of Landers members who are aged four to seven. Kids can learn about nature, science, animals, and health. There are storytelling, arts and crafts activities, science experiments, and games. The workshop classes are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will run throughout June. Each class will be 45 to 60 minutes long and will be facilitated by two preschool teachers from Child’s Home Education Center. Participants are required to have a stable internet connection, as well as a phone, tablet, or laptop with the Zoom app. They will receive the Zoom meeting ID and list of materials needed on the day of their kid’s scheduled class. Sign up at https://www.landers.ph/lofcustomermembership/buy. After signing up, go to the Landers Mommy Club Facebook page @LandersMommyClub and join the group. Only 15 kids will be accepted for each class and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/LandersPH/.

J.K. Rowling’s The Ickabog

Best-selling author J.K. Rowling is releasing her new children’s novel The Ickabog online. Ten chapters are currently available, with more chapters to be released over the next seven weeks. The book is set for full release in November. Read the chapters for free at https://www.theickabog.com/.

Swans for Relief

Thirty-two premier ballerinas from 22 dance companies in 14 countries — including Ballet Philippines’ Denise Parungao and Jemima Reyes — dance in a video of Le Cygne (The Swan) to the music by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by cellist Wade Davis. The video was done in support of Swans for Relief, a fundraising program organized by dancers Misty Copeland and Joseph Phillips. Funds will be distributed to participating dance companies as a COVID-19 relief fund. To watch performances, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT14o5Wq7gE/. To donate, visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/swansforrelief.

NCCA online

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents The National Artists series of Sagisag Kultura TV at the NCCA Youtube (https://tinyurl.com/NationalArtistSeries). Premiering episodes include videos of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, National Artist for Dance Leonor Orosa-Gocquinco, and National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kalisag.

Tanghalang Pilipino’s Pantawid ng Tanghalan

Tanghalang Pilipino launches the Pantawid ng Tanghalan fundraising project to sustain its commitment to providing the public with artistically excellent and socially relevant productions during the pandemic. From May 30 to June 30, TP will be streaming six of its original plays through iWant. The streaming plays are Lam-ang: An Entho Epic Musical; Mabining Mandirigma; Coriolano; Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-araw; Der Kaufmann; and Sandosenang Sapatos. To donate, visit https://ktx.abs-cbn.com/events/25444/pantawid-ng-tanghalan.

NHCP Museums

LEARN about Philippine history by visiting various National Historical Commission of the Philippines museums across the country online. To do so, visit https://www.facebook.com/historymuseumsPH/photos/a.474072142988822/769005046828862/?type=3&theater.

The Royal Opera House online

AS part of its #OurHousetoYourHouse, the Royal Opera is streaming Glacomo Puccini’s Suor Angelica at its official Facebook page at (https://www.facebook.com/royaloperahouse/). The show stars soprano Ermonela Jaho in the title role.

Foo Fighters at the Wembley Stadium

THE Foo Fighters’ concert film Live at the Wembley Stadium is now available online at the band’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcwBsntqjmY&feature=emb_title). The show features guest performances by Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.

Tanghalang Ateneo’s Lysistrata ng Bakwit

TANGHALANG Ateneo’s Lysistrata ng Bakwit (2018), an adaptation of Aristophanes’ Greek classic, is available for viewing online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8HhUJTXE2A&feature=emb_title. Directed by Ricardo Abad, the story is set in a fictional war-torn Philippine province and follows the revolt of women evacuees fighting their own wars concerning territory, familial ties, and tribal disputes.

Shelter fund’s photography

THE Shelter Fund gives freelance photographers a venue to exhibit their art for sale amidst the challenges posed by the quarantines. Each print is an original signed artwork specially selected by the photographer for the Shelter Fund, and printed on archival, heavyweight paper in A2, A3, A4 and A5 sizes through Shutterspace Studios. Visit the Shelter Fund on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shelterfund and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shelterfundph.

Jerrold Tarog’s Senior Year

WRITTEN, directed, edited and scored by Jerrold Tarog, the film Senior Year (2010) is now streaming on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/404089376). Set in a Catholic school the story follows the struggles and anxieties of students during their final year in high school.

Dulaang UP’s Adarna

DULAANG UP’s play Adarna (2013) is now streaming online. Adapted by Vlad Gonzales and directed by José Estrella, the story is based on the narrative poem about three princes’ quest to save their ailing father by capturing the Adarna bird which is believed to have curative powers. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=hV2UPXi1wMA&feature=emb_title.

National Library of the Philippines

THE National Library of the Philippines offers free scholarly eResources including research related to COVID-19. The list of resources come from the National Emergency Library, Cochrane Library (Medical & Health Science), De Gruyter — Journals (Multidisciplinary), and more. To view access links to eResources, visit https://www.facebook.com/NLP1901/photos/a.375779479606724/912930019224998/?type=3&theater.

Jenkins at Royal Albert Hall

WELSH mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins performed alone at The Royal Albert Hall. The online show is the first in a series of performances of the London Together initiative as a tribute to the COVID-19 frontliners. Watch the concert at The Royal Albert Hall’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugNt9gmBgZSFEv4lc4B6Zg.

Guggenheim artbooks

THE Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum offers downloadable items from its archives for free. Titles include modern and contemporary art books about Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Vassily Kandinsky, Gustav Klimt and more. The archive is searchable by artist, year, medium and artistic style or movement. Visit the archives, https://archive.org/details/guggenheimmuseum.

BioBalance Wellness consultation

THE BioBalance Wellness Institute offers the following services and features: free online consultation with its clinical nutritionist and nurse practitioners, wellness expert psychologist; online health and immunity risk assessment; and more payment options for availed services and products. For more information, contact 0917-521-4860 or concierge@biobalanceinstitute.com.

IkotMNL tour from home

THE Museo de Intramuros, Ayala Museum, and Presidential Museum and Library in Malacañang Palace have partnered with Google to put their works online. Learn new things at home and visit the museums through a virtual tour: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/malacanang-presidential-museum-and-library; https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/ayala-museum; and https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/intramuros-administration.

Film masterclasses

LEARN film concepts through interviews and film retrospectives from more than 60 directors, producers, writers, and actors including Bong Joon-Ho, Abbas Kiarostami, Agnès Varda, Spike Lee, Werner Herzog (with Roger Ebert), Jane Campion, Jodie Foster, Todd Haynes, Ang Lee, Jessica Lange, and Clint Eastwood. To watch, visit https://walkerart.org/magazine/series/dialogues-film-retrospectives.

Radiohead Concerts

BRITISH rock band Radiohead has been uploading some of its concerts via its official YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/user/radiohead). Fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, known for songs like “Creep” (1992) and “Fake Plastic Trees” (1995), can watch the concerts Live from a Tent in Dublin (2000) and Live in Berlin (2006).

David Guetta: United at Home

FRENCH DJ David Guetta, the man behind the song “Titanium” (2011) featuring singer SIA, held a live concert fundraiser inside his Miami home benefiting the World Health Organization and other charities. The two-hour concert is currently available on his YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/user/davidguettavevo).

Dior’s Designer of Dreams exhibition

DIOR’S exhibition titled Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams is now available to view online. Originally held at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs from 2017 to 2018, the exhibition traces the evolution of the house of Dior from post-war Paris to the present through a behind-the-scenes in-the-making of the exhibition, plus a virtual tour of its rooms. Visit Dior’s YouTube channel to watch the documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1521&v=FLWDWzMrkBE&feature=emb_title).

Frank Lloyd Wright virtual tours

THE Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Unity Temple Restoration Foundation is offering #WrightVirtualVisits every Thursdays (1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific time) in participating sites. Check the participating sites at https://savewright.org/news/public-wright-sites-swap-virtual-visits/.

Color Tolkien characters

THE official Facebook page of the late author J.R.R. Tolkien has uploaded an illustration of Smaug the Magnificent from The Hobbit Movie Trilogy Colouring Book. Download the coloring sheet at https://bit.ly/2wKY3lp.

Print & Play activities for kids

KEEP kids entertained with new curated Print & Play activities from HP. The activities from craft making, mazes, dot-to-dot drawing and puzzles are suitable for ages 2 to 12. With HP Print & Play, parents can choose from a range of activities that are best suited to their children’s needs to achieve the best possible learning outcomes. To try the activities, visit https://www8.hp.com/ph/en/printers/printandplay/index.html?jumpid=va_u19mhncewr.

Harry Potter exhibit online

THE British Library’s Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition is available online through Google Arts and Culture. Its features include video clips and sketches, a Q&A with exhibit curator Julian Harrison. To view, visit https://artsandculture.google.com/project/harry-potter-a-history-of-magic.

Science experiments at home

ENJOY 44 science experiments with the kids at home with the James Dyson Foundation Challenge cards. To download the challenge cards, visit https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html.

Hogwarts online

HOGWARTS Is Here, an online version of the Harry Potter series’ magical school by Harry Potter fans that allows visitors to take courses like the characters from J.K. Rowling’s book series. Various courses include Astronomy, Herbology, History of Magic, and Transfiguration. The website also includes a forum, groups, and library feature. Visit http://www.hogwartsishere.com/.

Color Manolo Blahnik designs

MANOLO Blahnik shares a selection of his original sketches for coloring. The shoe designs are downloadable at https://www.manoloblahnik.com/gb/smile.html.

Palacio de Memoria virtual tour

ART and history enthusiasts can now go on a virtual tour of Palacio de Memoria, the resplendent Colonial Revival mansion, and marvel at its luxurious facilities and hundreds of Euro-Filipino paintings, sculptures, art displays, and historical pieces online. It features the showroom of Palacio de Memoria’s auction house, Casa de Memoria or the Casa, which houses the Lhuilliers’ unrivalled collection of antiques, the Mosphil Lounge, and a passenger plane that was refitted to be a lounge for special occasions. To view the complete Palacio de Memoria’s virtual tour, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com/tours. For more updates, follow @thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio.de.memoria on Instagram.

E-coloring books

THE Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute of Los Angeles offers the Color Our Collections edition for 2020. To view, visit http://library.nyam.org/colorourcollections/page/11/.

US court blocks sales of Bayer weed killer in United States

A US appeals court has blocked Bayer AG (BAYGn.DE) from selling an agricultural weed killer in the United States, the latest setback for a business already fighting an expensive legal battle over another product.

A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) substantially understated the risks related to the use of dicamba, a chemical found in herbicides sold by Bayer and rivals that are sprayed on genetically engineered soybeans and cotton. The herbicides are known to drift away and damage other crops that are not resistant.

The lawsuit was among those German-based Bayer inherited when it bought Monsanto for $63 billion (49.96 billion pounds) in 2018. The company faces separate allegations that its glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup causes cancer.

Environmental groups have sought cancellation of the EPA’s approval of Monsanto’s dicamba-based XtendiMax herbicide, arguing it harms nearby plants and wildlife.

The court agreed, and its ruling, issued on Wednesday, also blocks sales of dicamba-based herbicides like BASF’s Engenia and Corteva Agriscience’s (CTVA.N) FeXapan.

Bayer and BASF (BASFn.DE) said they disagreed with the judgment. Corteva said it was reviewing the decision and believed dicamba could be used safely.

Shares in Bayer fell 4%, while BASF’s stock recovered after initial losses and Corteva’s stock rose 3%.

Bayer said the ruling related to the agency’s 2018 registration decision that expires in December and that it was seeking new EPA registration for the herbicide for 2021 and beyond. The EPA said it was reviewing the court’s decision and would move promptly to address its order.

“Depending upon actions by the EPA and whether the ruling is successfully challenged, we will work quickly to minimize any impact on our customers this season,” Bayer said.

RULING PRAISED, CRITICIZED
US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue criticized the ruling and said it was unclear if farmers who had already purchased dicamba products for the current soy season could legally use them.

“Farmers across America have spent hard earned money on previously allowed crop protection tools. I encourage the EPA to use any available flexibilities to allow the continued use of already purchased dicamba products,” Mr. Perdue said in a statement.

The EPA added restrictions on the use of dicamba in 2018 and the companies adapted as a result. Bernstein analyst Gunther Zechmann said there would therefore be little effect on dicamba volumes for next year’s planting season.

“The company has already made label adjustments, which has therefore made the court opinion moot,” he said in a note.

The decision could cost Bayer 30 million euros ($34 million)in lost earnings, Mr. Zechmann said.

Arkansas farmer Reed Storey said he was encouraged by the ruling, after his soybeans suffered damage from dicamba sprayed on neighboring fields from 2016 to 2018.

“It’s a move in the right direction in getting the in-crop use of it stopped,” he said.

Some farmers and seed dealers said the ruling could drive a shift away from Bayer’s dicamba-resistant Xtend soybean seeds to Enlist E3 soybeans sold by Corteva.

Xtend soybeans account for more than half of US soy plantings. Farmers turned to the product to protect themselves from dicamba sprayed by neighbors and after some weeds developed resistance to glyphosate.

The American Soybean Association trade group said in a statement it “regrets that the future of dicamba — a very effective weed management product when used responsibly — is on the line.” — Reuters

Philippine job situation at a glance

More than seven million Filipinos were jobless amid a coronavirus pandemic in April, driving up the country’s jobless rate to a 15-year record. Read the full story.

Philippine job situation at a glance

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