INFLATION likely held steady in August, but still above the Philippine central bank’s target band for a fifth straight month as lower pump prices and power rates offset higher food costs, a BusinessWorld poll showed.

A BusinessWorld poll of 13 analysts yielded a median estimate of 6.4% for August inflation, well within the 5.9-6.7% forecast of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

If realized, August inflation would be unchanged from the 6.4% print seen in July which was the highest in 45 months or since the 6.9% print in October 2018.

Inflation stood at 4.4% in August 2021.

August inflation would also likely exceed the central bank’s annual 2-4% target range for a fifth straight month.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is scheduled to release the latest consumer price index (CPI) data on Sept. 6 (Tuesday).

Analysts noted that food prices remain elevated and likely drove the faster year-on-year inflation in August.

“The higher prices of key food items are due to supply constraints and the higher suggested retail price issued by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry),” Philippine National Bank economist Alvin Joseph A. Arogo said.    

The DTI released on Aug. 12 the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin for some basic and prime commodities, which reflected increases of between 3% and 10%. 

“The food basket is estimated to have contributed approximately 2.3%, remaining the prime inflationary factor especially with [storm] Florita’s damage to food output, on top of the prolonged sugar shortage,” Robert Dan J. Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp., said in an e-mail.

The Department of Agriculture reported P1.13 billion worth of damage to agriculture due to severe tropical storm Florita last month.

Sugar prices reached over P100 per kilo due to the shortage in supply, but several large supermarkets have agreed to sell sugar at P70 per kilo. 

LOWER OIL PRICES
“Offsetting (inflation) is lower global oil prices and lower cost of other food stuff. Price growth remains mostly cost-push driven amid some demand-side recovery. Upside risks coming from global factors remain significant,” Mr. Roces said.

Global oil prices fell for a third straight month in August over concerns that monetary tightening will hurt economic growth.

As of Aug. 23, pump price adjustments for the month stood at a net decrease of P0.75 a liter, diesel by P1.25, and kerosene by P0.95.

“We estimate August inflation to be slightly lower than the previous month at 6.3% due to declines in pump prices in the first three weeks of the month. Electricity for Meralco-serviced areas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) also posted lower rates for the month,” Domini S. Velasquez, chief economist at China Banking Corp., said in an e-mail.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said the overall rate for a typical household went down by P0.2087 to P9.5458 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in August.

Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said inflation can put a damper on economic growth, more than rising interest rates.

“We have observed a slowdown in spending on discretionary items and services like restaurants dragged by rapid inflation and peso depreciation,” Mr. Neri said.

The local unit closed at an all-time low of P56.77 on Friday, weakening by 35 centavos from its P56.42 finish on Thursday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

For the year so far, the peso has weakened by P5.77 or 11.31% from its Dec. 31, 2021 close of P51 per dollar. The currency is the third worst performer in Asia in 2022, after the Japanese yen and South Korean won.

“We are concerned about the effects of the exchange rate on inflation,” BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said during the virtual Reuters NEXT Newsmaker event on Friday.

The central bank has increased borrowing costs by 175 basis points since May as it seeks to bring inflation back within target.

“If only the midpoint of our forecast is the basis for decision, we are already on the right path. But personally, I want a little bit more room for comfort,” Mr. Medalla said.

“I will not say whether my preference function is above (75 bps), below that, or on that…I don’t want to make my colleagues feel that I’m trying to pressure them to do what I like,” he added. 

At its August meeting, the BSP’s inflation forecast for 2023 was lowered to 4% from 4.2%, as well as the 2024 outlook to 3.2% from 3.3%

“So far, despite the cumulative 175 bps policy rate hike, BPI has not increased charges on credit cards which somewhat indicates that consumer demand has not been constrained by monetary tightening yet,” Mr. Neri said.

“As domestic inflation continues to rise, therefore, recovery to pre-COVID growth consumer demand has not been constrained by monetary tightening yet,” he added.

The Monetary Board will have its next policy-setting meeting on Sept. 22.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) posted gains on Friday, inching up by 39.23 points or 0.57% to close at 6,863.86, while the broader all shares index went up by 15.80 points or 0.43% to 3,635.57.

Week on week, the PSEi surged by 164.2 points or 2.45% from its close of 6,699.66 on Aug. 12.

“The local market has been riding on bullish momentum fueled by confidence towards the strength of the corporate sector evidenced by the robust results seen in our second-quarter and first-half company reports,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

China Bank Securities Corp. Research Director Rastine Mackie D. Mercado said in an e-mail the market maintained its strength during Friday’s session “as buying appetite continued to be robust” despite the central bank’s rate hike and continuing hawkish stance.

The Monetary Board raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points (bps) at its Thursday meeting.

Meanwhile, interest rates on overnight deposit facilities were raised to 3.25% and lending facilities to 4.25%.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecast for this year’s baseline shifted higher as it expected inflation to breach the 2-4% target at 5.4%, while forecasts for 2023 and 2024 declined to 4% and 3.2%, respectively.

For this week, Mr. Mercado said that he expects the market to move sideways as investors are expected to pocket profits from last week’s rally.

“We don’t think that the market will continue to run away given that macro uncertainties (though easing) continue to remain high. As such, we think that the market is highly susceptible to a pullback in the coming weeks given the extent of the rally thus far in August. We expect investors [to] lock in some of those gains,” Mr. Mercado added.

Mr. Tantiangco said: “Next week, investors are expected to watch out for catalysts that would point to the sustainability of the strong results we’ve seen in the [first] half. Lack of such is seen to lead to profit taking.”

He added that: “macroeconomic concerns are expected to challenge the extension of the local market’s rally.”

These concerns include the hawkish outlook of the US Federal Reserve, the possibility of more rate hikes by the BSP, further widening of our balance of payments deficit (BoP), and lingering supply problems in agricultural commodities.

In the data released by the BSP on Friday, the country’s BoP deficit widened to $1.819 billion in July, a reversal from a year ago’s $642-million surplus.

This is the widest deficit posted in 17 months or since $2.019 billion in February 2021 and it is also higher than the $1.574 billion gap in June.

Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell will give a speech on US economic outlook at the annual global central bankers’ conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Friday from which investors may get more cues on the Fed’s actions in the coming months.

China Bank Securities’ Mr. Mercado placed the PSEi’s support at 6,720 and resistance at 6,900-7,000 levels, while Philstocks Financial’s Mr. Tantiangco put support at 6,741.47, the local market’s 200-day exponential moving average, and resistance at the 7,000-7,100 range. — Justine Irish D. Tabile with Reuters

“Learning institutions have realized that a reliable internet partner is an effective tool for education. Globe is helping them seamlessly adapt to the changing times with an affordable and reliable device that will help both students and teachers in distance learning,” says Mark Abalos, Globe Segment Head for Education.

The prepaid kit comes with a WiFi modem that can support online learning. For just P999 per device, students have access to Globe’s nationwide LTE and 3G networks. Each kit comes with a free 10GB data allocation valid for seven days. It is easy to install and has no monthly fees, so students can plug in the device and get started on online classes. It can connect multiple users so families can share it.

Moreover, Globe customized affordable mySchoolSURF internet promos with large data allocations. For just P199 a week, students get 34GB of data, including 6GB of open access data and 4GB daily for learning, productivity, and communication apps like Canva, Course Hero, and Canvas.

To date, over 90,000 students and teachers from  Ateneo de Davao University, Arellano University, Cebu Technological University, STI, De La Salle University, APEC Schools, Mapua University, National University, and the PHINMA Education Network (Araullo University and Cagayan de Oro College) enjoy mySchoolSURF offers.

The Prepaid Internet Kit for Education is designed to help educators and parents integrate technology and digitally transform learning amid the COVID-19 crisis. As the education sector continues to adjust to the pandemic, Globe is strengthening its position as the country’s most reliable and trusted connectivity and ICT solutions partner for 21st-century learning.

On a much larger scale, Globe supports the call of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to address UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Globe has been committed to particularly uphold 10 UNSDGs, which included Education, to help address the country’s most pressing social and environmental issues.

As a purpose-led organization, Globe Telecom seeks to create a wonderful world by combining innovation with the power of collaboration, to achieve inclusive and sustainable development for all. As the business continues to grow, the company strengthens its contribution to nation-building with an engaged and empowered workforce. Hinged on four (4) sustainability strategy pillars: Digital Nation, Care for the Environment, Care for People, and Positive Societal Impact.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.globe.com.ph/business/sme/prepaid-internet-kit-education.html#

The immediate aftermath wasn’t pretty. All and sundry took a hit. The Pelicans were dead in the water; heck, they didn’t even seem to have a choice of trade partners. Davis looked like a mercenary; his scorched-earth approach was fast dismantling his hitherto favorable reputation as a quiet superstar. Paul was compelled to bear the image of a modern-day Rasputin. Fellow Klutch Sports client LeBron James appeared too eager to throw current teammates under the bus in anticipation of his arrival. The Lakers, for whom he wished to ply his trade, subsequently had to cope with internal strife and wound up crashing out of the playoffs yet again.

Looking back, it’s easy to argue that fortune favored Davis’ boldness. He got what he wanted in the ensuing year. He packed his bags for the Lakers, got to play alongside James, saw his star shine even brighter, and finished the 2019-20 campaign with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in his hands. Yet, so many things had to go his way en route. If the Pelicans didn’t land the number one draft pick that turned into generational talent Zion Williamson, if head of hoops operations David Griffin didn’t already have a working relationship with Paul, if the Lakers didn’t break the bank for him, if the most bizarre and most trying season in National Basketball Association annals didn’t resume in a bubble, he would have been left to rue his choice to go all in.

History is, to be sure, written by the winners, and Davis is thus given the right to enjoy his spoils. He is certain to opt out of his contract, but, his coyness notwithstanding, he is also certain to re-up with the Lakers. If nothing else, they possess institutional knowledge in taking care of names on the marquee — where his will be for some time to come. And all because he dared to put all his chips on the table. His gamble paid off. Now, few remember that he once flipped a fan the bird, that he wore a “That’s all Folks” shirt on what would be his last day with the Pelicans, that he was anything but an ambassador for the sport. At 27, he’s just about to enter his prime while already one of the top players in the league. The stage is set, the stage is his.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Bonifacio High Street (BHS) provides the public with different ways to mark the Lenten season while under lockdown. The public can take a virtual walk through Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ, BGC’s annual Stations of the Cross, at http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway. Through this interactive online platform, visitors can go through each of the 14 stations, reflect, and pray over the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. There is also a Walkway Kids Edition which has a special map to help guide parents and children as they go through the stations together. BHS will also be hosting an Easter Expedition on April 12 on its Facebook page, with a virtual Easter Egg Hunt and other activities. Capping off the Holy Week activities is Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ Easter Concert. This live-streamed concert will be headlined by Martin Nievera along with surprise guests. It will be shown on BGC’s Facebook page on April 12, 8 p.m. For more details and updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/ and http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway for Lenten Season activities.

Andrea Brocelli live from Milan on Easter

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will give a solo performance at the historic Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy on April 12. It will be exclusively streamed live globally on the tenor’s YouTube channel at https://AndreaBocelli.lnk.to/LiveFrom on April 13, 1 a.m. (Philippine time).

PETA’s Charot! The Unwanted Prequel 

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) launches episodes of Charot! The Unwanted Prequel once a week at its official Facebook page. The story is a prequel to its play, Charot! The Musical. The prequel is set in a country known as “P.I.,” which is governed by Papsy, as the nation deals with the “Charona veerus.” New episodes will be uploaded on PETA’s official Facebook page weekly. Aside from online content, the theater company is also conducting two donation efforts. One for the distribution of rice to 300 families in Brgy. Kristong Hari, Quezon City; and another for medical equipment such as personal protective equipment for the frontliners of East Avenue Medical Center. To stream the show and for more information on donation efforts, visit https://www.facebook.com/PETATHEATER/.

Bid for a role

Theater Fans Manila, in cooperation with Open House (an online fundraising project for the benefit of the performing arts community), is auctioning off two roles in a live streamed reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night by the members of C.A.S.T. (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre). The live online reading features Mako Alonso, Reb Atadero, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Maronne Cruz, Tarek El Tayech, Wanggo Gallaga, Nelsito Gomez, Jill Peña, Dean Rosen, and Brian Sy. Bids open at P2,500. State one’s bid in the comments section of the Open House Instagram posts for the male role or the female role. Bidding closes at midnight on April 12. All proceeds will go to the Open House fundraising campaign. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseFundraiser.

Color Manolo Blahnik designs

Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik shares a selection of his original sketches in an online coloring book. The shoe designs are downloadable at https://www.manoloblahnik.com/gb/smile.html.

DUP’s plays online

Three Dulaang UP  plays – Floy Quintos’ The Kundiman Party, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, and Nick Joaquin’s Father’s and Sons –  are now available for streaming on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2k83BMK9Fq39P6yJH9lng.

Podcasts on Philippine crime

Stories After Dark features podcasts on Philippine true crime and mystery stories. It currently has 14 episodes including The Maguindanao Massacre (2009), The Ozone Disco Fire (1996), and Pepsi Paloma: Rape or Publicity Stunt? Suicide or Murder? (1982/1985). To listen, visit https://www.facebook.com/storiesafterdarkph/.

Open House show, classes, workshops

The Artists Welfare Project Inc., Philstage, SPIT, Third World Improve, the Theater Actors Guild, and Ticket2Me continue with the Open House online fundraising project for the benefit of the performing arts community. The project allows viewers to stream live online classes, shows, and workshops featuring some of the industry’s biggest names for free. On April 12 (10 p.m.), PalabasTayo AfterParty will feature the cast of Philippine Repertory’s Anna in the Tropics for backstories, lighthearted tea, and general shop talk. For more information and to stream programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseFundraiser. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/DonateOpenHouse.

Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals online

Andrew Lloyd Webber offers his musicals for free in the online series The Shows Must Go On. The series continues with Jesus Christ Superstar (2012), starring Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon.

Palacio de Memoria virtual tour

Art and history enthusiasts can now go on a virtual tour of Palacio de Memoria, the 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, which houses the Lhuillier family’s collection of antiques, the Mosphil Lounge, and a passenger plane that was refitted to be a lounge for special occasions. To view the Palacio de Memoria’s virtual tour, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com/tours.

Intramuros virtual tour 

Visit the sites of Intramuros through its virtual tours at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/intramuros-administration?fbclid=IwAR0aRtUOboFvmpk73FwjO_OZBBD5OKRfoFBWUOGgPAUUpaA7DquxNG0Jlks. The walled city’s sites may also be visited through the Experience Philippines augmented reality app. The app is free and available on Google Play or the App Store.

Photography workshops with Canon PH

Canon Philippines is offering photography workshops for the month of April via its official Facebook page. The workshops will feature Canon brand ambassadors and professional photographers who will tackle basic to advanced techniques, and specialized topics such as food, architecture, wedding, and music events photography, and vlogging. View the workshop schedule at https://www.facebook.com/canonphils/photos/a.436807569702668/2967524323297634/?type=3&theater.

MSO’s music online

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Ennio Marricone’s “Nella Fantasia” from The Mission (1986), which was recorded separately by its musicians while in quarantine, in the hope that it brings some comfort to the listener’s soul. To listen, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceKQHi-9OKQ&feature=youtu.be. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/manilasymphony/.

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/.

NFB animated shorts online

Watch animated short films from the National Film Board of Canada at

https://www.nfb.ca/animation/.

Silverlens launches Art Boost

To keep in touch with art lovers, Silverlens presents Art Boost, an online drive to maintain engagement with art through social media, exhibition catalogues, and videos. Follow Silverlens’ official social media pages for a series of #athomewith, #weeklyartwork, #trivia, and #sundayread. Visit Silverlens’ official YouTube and Vimeo for artists profiles such as Gary-Ross Pastrana, and Patricia Perez Eustaquio.

National Museum of the Philippines 

The National Museum uploaded a coloring sheet of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium by Bryan Ferrer which may be physically or digitally colored. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines/posts/3123148164376147.

Children’s books online

Enjoy digitized children’s book titles from the University of California (UCLA)’s children’s book collection at https://archive.org/details/yrlsc_childrens&tab=collection; and University of Florida’s digital collection of the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at https://ufdc.ufl.edu/baldwin/all/thumbs.

Five-hour museum tour

Experience a five-hour tour in Russia’s Hermitage Museum, shot by filmmaker Axinya Gog on an iPhone 11 Pro. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=49YeFsx1rIw&feature=emb_title.

Guitar lessons with Fender

Fender is offering three months of free lessons for guitar, bass and ukulele. It includes high-resolution videos with teachers, and a progress tracker. Follow along to videos, and practice at your own pace with the adjustable scrolling tablature and a metronome. To sign up, visit https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?utm_source=bouncex&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=PlayThrough_BXPopup&utm_term=fender&src=emaill00DTplaypopup/

Toei anime on YouTube

Japanese animation studio Toei’s YouTube channel will stream shows for free. Seventy shows with English subtitles have been released; on April 13, it will release episode 3 and 4 of National Kid (updated on Mondays); and April 14, it will release episode 3 and 4 of Suki Suki Majo Sensei (updated on Tuesdays). To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ToeiAnimationUS.

Educational TV shows return to ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN brings back 1990s educational TV shows every Saturday. Sineskwela (8:30 a.m.) explains topics on science, Bayani (9 a.m.) is about historical figures and events, and Hiraya Manawari (9:30 a.m.) which focuses on values.

Cirque Du Soleil online

Enjoy free 60-minute specials from shows such as Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, O, and Luzia.To watch, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect.

Ayala Museum online

Continue learning at home with the Ayala Museum’s resources available online. Enjoy previous exhibitions and performances, coloring pages, and playlists. Visit https://www.ayalamuseum.org/online-resources/?fbclid=IwAR2psdA2kvBhhEC-iJs-seLvPXICAZ4zWO-bBIwvxjrhuTm18C_0zyOm3VE.

E-books for kids

Expand your kids’ library at home through the BuriBooks app. Titles include books from publisher Adarna House, reviewers, and Filipino textbooks. Access the app via iOS, Android, or a web browser. Sign up via https://buribooks.com/. Enjoy it free for 30 days.

National Gallery of Victoria’s virtual tours 

The National Gallery of Victoria has developed several virtual tours. Audiences can view exhibitions such as Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness of New York-based artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS; and the world premiere of Crossing Lines, featuring the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Visit  https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/channel/.

New free plays on Thursdays 

The National Theatre in London brings its shows to YouTube. Every Thursday (7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. EST), National Theatre at Home will release a new play free to watch for one week. It includes cast and creative interviews and post-stream talks. The shows are Jane Eyre on April 9, Treasure Island on April 16, and Twelfth Night on April 23. For information, visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home?queueittoken=e_safetyevent25mar20~q_b79a6e28-67d9-44de-88e6-29cedc812122~ts_1585490458~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_8c7928d22caa971981f7edf53563d20e2fe8f68a3a3a1458b34b1cb17f11b50b.

Ballets at the Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre in Russia showcases The Golden Series of classic opera and ballet performances via livestream on the theater’s YouTube channel. Livestreaming began on April 1 with The Tsar’s Bride. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/bolshoi.

Free Murakami books online 

Japanese best-selling author Haruki Murakami’s stories are made available online for free at http://www.openculture.com/2014/08/read-five-stories-by-haruki-murakami-free-online.html. Titles include Kino, A Walk to Kobe, and Samsa in Love.

Free books on modern art

Enjoy PDF and ePubs on modern art from the Guggenheim Museum’s archive. The collection includes books on Francis Bacon, Max Ernst, and Mark Rothko. Visit https://archive.org/details/guggenheimmuseum.

Free vet consultations online

Dr. Cyron Sarmiento opened his Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mcejsarmiento) and Twitter (@Cyrooon) accounts for free online consultations.  For more inquiries, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/648196199302932/. Consultations will run for the entire duration of the enhanced community quarantine.

Free Japanese courses

The Japan Foundation Manila launched an e-learning program of free Japanese courses. It includes six-month beginner and intermediate lessons on calligraphy, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. Sign-up for your chosen course at https://minato-jf.jp/?fbclid=IwAR2SrhYV-9nH4Hbc9TbTspxg0t39DH6xtLQ-jz1n1uOkeGMK3bCdL022O8I.

Arts and Culture

Learn something new every day with Google Arts and Culture from virtual tours of sites, and museums to food, fashion, and design. Visit https://artsandculture.google.com/.

Frida Kahlo’s artworks online

View Frida Kahlo’s work online through the Google Arts & Culture platform. The website has 800 paintings, photographs, and objects by the Mexican artist from 33 international museums. To view the exhibition, visit https://artsandculture.google.com/project/frida-kahlo.

Scribd materials for free for 30 days

Enjoy free books, audiobooks, magazines, and documents for 30 days at Scribd. To view titles, visit https://www.scribd.com/readfree?fbclid=IwAR363ywNP9yoBbKJVQFYCtilfGfljPDGeOatqKJgWMV5Pj9-p7j-gkaGOb8.

Classic Pinoy films online

Director Mike de Leon uploaded classic Filipino films from the 1930s to 1960s on his vimeo account, Citizen Jake. Titles include Manuel Silos’ Pista sa Nayon (1948), Gregorio Fernandez’s Kung Ako’y Mahal Mo (1960), and Lamberto V. Avellana’s Aklat ng Buhay (1952). Watch films at https://vimeo.com/user83013343.

Free Neil Gaiman stories online

Best-selling author Neil Gaiman offers free essays, audiobooks, book excerpts, and videos at his official website under “Cool Stuff and Things.” Visit https://www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff.

Arts BGC at Home

Every Wednesday, Arts at BGC offers creative prompts at the Arts at BCG (https://www.facebook.com/artsatbgc/ and @artsatbgc) and BGC Art Center ( https://www.facebook.com/BGCArtsCenter/ and @bgcartscenter) Facebook and Instagram pages. Join the Arts at BGC Community to get in touch with other participants. https://www.facebook.com/groups/artsatbgc.

Ballet and opera free online 

The Royal Opera House is showing its performances online through its Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/royaloperahouse/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/RoyalOperaHouse) pages. Performances include Mozart’s Così fan tutte on April 10; and the ballet The Metamorphosis on April 17.

Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition online

Best-selling author of The Princess Diaries Meg Cabot offers The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition for free on her official website. Entries are updated daily. Visit https://www.megcabot.com/2020/03/corona-princess-diaries-day-1/?utm_content=122945851&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-67512624694.

NHCP Documentaries on YouTube

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines makes Philippine history education accessible through documentaries on YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/historymuseumsPH/posts/997233837339314. Titles include: Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya, Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan, Kababaihan ng Rebolusyon, and,  Gregoria de Jesus: Lakambini ng Katipunan.

Drawing lessons for kids with Mo Willems

Best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems is hosting drawing lessons for kids called Lunch Doodles every weekday on YouTube. Each session will be between 20 to 28 minutes long. Mr. Willems is also welcome to questions (send to: LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org) which he will try to answer during sessions. For sessions of Lunch Doodles, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14hRqd0PELGbKihHuTqx_pbvCLqGbOkF.

Paulo Coelho’s books online 

Best-selling author Paulo Coelho has made his books available for free. Titles include: The Way of the Bow, The Manuscript Found in Accra, and Brida. Visit his blog at https://paulocoelhoblog.com/books-online/.

Shakespeare plays online

Shakespeare’s plays recorded at the Globe Theater are now available for online streaming. Titles include Hamlet and The Two Noble Kinsmen. To watch, visit https://globeplayer.tv/

Learn at home with Scholastic 

Scholastic is offering free online courses for levels pre-kindergarten to Grade 6. Duration of the courses is approximately three hours per day. They include writing, research projects, and virtual field trips. The website is accessible on any device. Visit https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Free opera streaming online

OperaWire will host Nightly Met Opera Streams of the Metropolitan Opera for free. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be available to stream for 20 hours. Visit https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-to-offer-up-nightly-met-opera-streams/. The Paris Opera is also streaming operas for free. Visit https://www.operadeparis.fr/.

Free films on YouTube

Catch Filipino films for free on the following channels: Regal Entertainment (https://www.youtube.com/user/regalcinema/featured); Cinema One Originals (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzggCZVkynvnjNV29L9EccA); and TBA Studios (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChh0rmwGvToBd3owvN2vRMg).

Free online courses

Enjoy 1,500 free online courses from leading universities such as Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and more. Download the audio and video courses (from iTunes, YouTube, or university web sites). Topics include archeology, art, finance, writing, law, health, religion, mathematics, and personality development. Visit http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses.

Online yoga classes

YogaPlus offers daily yoga classes via Facebook live. For schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/yogaplusph/.

Free Broadway performances online

Enjoy your favorite Broadway performances online for a limited time at https://www.broadwayhd.com/.

Virtual tours 

Explore museums around the world through virtual tours: the Solomon R. Guggenheim https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum?hl=en; the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/current-exhibits); the Louvre Museum (https://www.youvisit.com/tour/louvremuseum).  View animals such as otters, penguins, turtles, and corals on live camera at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams

Bayanihan Musikahan concerts

Bayanihan Musikahan, a fundraising effort to help urban poor communities in Metro Manila who are suffering from the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, gathers Pinoy musical artists online in a marathon concert series. On April 9, it is the turn of Bayanihan Huntahan (5 p.m.) and Gary Valenciano (8 p.m.). For more information and live shows, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/bayanihanmusikahan/about/?ref=page_internal. To donate, visit pymy.co/pbsp (for.Mastercard, Visa, JCB, PayMaya); donation.ph/pbsp (for BPI Credit/Debit cards, GCash, GrabPay); and http://give2asia.org/pbsp (for donations in US dollars).

Go Green 2020 is open to students pursuing their Master’s degrees or at least on their sophomore year of their Bachelor’s degrees. Interested applicants are required to form a pair to join, and must meet the following criteria:

• Only students of Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Mathematics and Sciences are eligible.
• In line with SE’s Diversity & Inclusion philosophy, at least one team member must be female.
• Teams must be proficient in English, as the Grand Finale pitch will be presented in English.

The Philippines has placed strongly in Go Green. In 2013, Ateneo De Manila University students Lorenz Ray Payonga and Alyssa Tricia Vintola were crowned World Champions. Their entry, Oscillohump, an alternative energy solution to harvest energy from road humps addressing road safety, energy efficiency and cost efficiency, bested 25 other teams from around the world. The pair was also the first Go Green Champions from Asia. In 2015, a team from Polytechnic University of the Philippines won third place in the Global Finals in Paris, France while in 2019, a team from Ateneo de Manila University reached the Global Finals in Barcelona, Spain.

To enter, teams must register at https://gogreen.se.com/ and upload a 10-slide PowerPoint presentation stating their objectives and original ideas related to any of the SE’s four business case challenges: Sustainability & Access to Energy, Buildings of the Future, Plants of the Future, or Grids of the Future. Entries must be submitted by February 16, 2020.

The winning team will be announced on March 13, 2020 and will represent the country in the regional finals. Delegates will also receive mentorship from Schneider Electric experts to polish their proposals. Selected teams will be invited to a fully sponsored trip to the Schneider Electric Innovation Summit in Las Vegas to pitch for the Grand Prize.

Besides its good quality concoctions of espresso based drinks and mouth-watering food, Coffee Project boasts of its exceptional interiors filled with flowers, greens, and rustic elements that create a vibrant and whimsical mood among its customers. With extraordinary concept and unique interiors, Coffee Project is dubbed by its loyal customers as the Most Instagrammable Cafe in the Philippines.

Coffee Project is the coffee chain under All Value Corp. of the Villar Group. To date Coffee Project has 37 branches across the country and continues to expand further to extend its passion of creating unique and beautiful spaces that is proudly Filipino.

1Export

1Export was founded by Mel Nava and is a one-stop, end-to-end exporting platform helping MSMEs and farming communities. They carry out this service by matching suppliers with traditional wholesalers and retailers abroad through data analytics, and processing export-compliant documents and labels.

Antipara Exploration Inc.

Antipara Exploration is an underwater 3D geospatial mapping and analytics company. Founded by Cherry Murillon-Cubacub, Laurice Dagum, Engr. Francis Corpuz, and Engr. Aaron Hilomen. it uses its own built underwater towed platform with camera and sonar system to provide maps and relevant information for marine management.

Container Living PH

Container Living provides a sustainable and modular-construction approach to modern building practices by using decommissioned shipping containers that are disaster-resilient and highly customisable. It was founded by Mac Evangelista, Engr. Aly Reyes, Mitch Menez, and John Aguilar.

FHMoms

FHMoms provides a platform which helps women find online jobs. Founded by Maria Korina Bertulfo, Lyra Jewel Decena, Rose Anne Fermocil, and Elisa Javier, their app narrows down employment options based on the results of their skill career matching quiz, and links users to online courses that will equip them with the knowledge and professional skills for their chosen online career path.

Goally

Founded by Gladis Morales and Rachel Jaro, Goally helps employees achieve their financial goals by providing an online dream planner, investment marketplace, and salary deduction facility.

Payo

Co-founded by Liron Gross, Payo is a gateway that manages and simplifies cash on delivery (COD) transaction for online sellers. We provide a full-suite of technological solutions including fraud detection, data analysis and courier optimisation, aimed to empower the merchants with abilities to seize control of the COD process, reduce cancellations and increase revenues.

SmartBride

Founded by Queency Kay Koh and Ira Manalastas, SmartBride is a virtual wedding planner powered by Artificial Intelligence. Their service automatically recommends free customisable wedding packages based on user’s preferences such as budget, location and target wedding date.

StyleGenie

StyleGenie is an online personalised styling service, with over a hundred Fashion Brands and 30,000 users on their platform. Founded by Abbie Victorino, Minrie Macapugay, Steph Oller, and Rhij Sarenas, stylists outfits based on customers’ Style Profiles and provide door-to-door delivery of the corresponding StyleBoxes.

Vesl Pte Ltd.

Founded by Maureen Nova Ledesma, Jessica Manipon, and Yroen Guaya Melgar, Vesl is a financial technology company innovating the trade finance sector by providing a platform that connects trade lenders and businesses to per invoice trade credit insurers, among other specialised insurance products.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

THREE years after the Jurassic World theme park was destroyed by escaped dinosaurs, the remaining dinosaurs are threatened with extinction when the island’s formerly dormant volcano wakes up. To save them from extinction, a rescue mission is mounted. Directed by J.A. Bayona, the film — the fifth in the franchise — stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeff Goldblum, and B.D. Wong. The Critics Consensus on Rotten Tomatoes (where the film got a 59% rating) states: Critics Consensus: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom adds another set piece-packed entry to the blockbuster franchise, although genuinely thrilling moments are in increasingly short supply.”
MTRCB Rating: PG

Don’t Knock Twice

A TROUBLED TEENAGER escapes to the country home of her estranged mother after unwittingly waking a shape-shifting demon. Directed by Caradog W. James, it stars Katee Sackhoff, Lucy Boynton, Javier Botet, Nick Moran, Jordan Bolger, and Richard Mylan. Empire’s David Parkinson writes, “Returning to the theme of matriarchal compassion that he explored in The Machine, director Caradog James demonstrates again the knack for lighting sets and sustaining atmosphere that is frustratingly undermined by his shakier storytelling skills.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13

Submergence

WIM WENDERS (Wings of Desire, Pina) directs this story of a British undercover agent and a bio-mathematician who unexpectedly fall in love as they prepare to go to their respective missions far from each other. The film stars James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander, and Celyn Jones. The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee writes, “There’s something to be admired about a film that can gracefully defy simple genre categorization but Submergence feels like a clumsy melange, a confused adaptation made by people who don’t seem quite sure what they have on their hands.”
MTRCB Rating: R-13

Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer

A JAPANESE animated movie, the latest in a long series of films — the 22^nd of the Case Closed film series based on the manga series of the same name. Detective Conan gets on the case after a mysterious explosion at Tokyo’s new Edge of Ocean facility just before a summit and he finds himself tracing the movements of Tōru Amuro from the National Public Security Police. Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, it features the voices of Tôru Furuya, Megumi Hayashibara, and Rikiya Koyama.
MTRCB Rating: PG

Most of the time, for families with a growing number of members, a normal four- or five-seater car is simply not enough. Just like having big homes, large families, for practical purposes, also opt for bigger, roomy cars such as seven-seater ones.

Not only do these cars provide extra seats for more persons, it also ensures maximum space and comfort for all passengers. These features are tailored to suit the needs of families’ everyday style of living like traveling, or simply for going to and from work and/or school together.

For traveling with the family or even with group of friends, spacious cars are definitely the top pick because it can give you the flexible option on how to use its space — whether for seating capacity or for storing extra luggage.

Most of these cars have foldable seats at the back that can easily and neatly be stowed away to make room for extra stuff. When not needed, these foldable rear seats come in handy to transport large cargoes that need additional space.

Along with this, most seven-seater cars are made with larger leg room and head room for convenient alighting and boarding. With broader areas to move around or sit leisurely, passengers and drivers alike would not feel cramped or uncomfortable during long rides.

Some seven-seater cars, particularly sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have high ground clearance and a rugged suspension system — making it the perfect road buddy for traveling. These features enable it to adapt to different kinds of terrain and conditions like floods, or even driving on a rocky path, shallow rivers, or muddy slopes.

For day-to-day city driving, most parents with two or more children would also rely on family-friendly spacious cars to transport them altogether to school before going to work themselves or the other way around when going home.

To complement the comfort provided by the generous space of seven-seater vehicles, car brands also make sure to amplify driving experience through furnishing cars with cozy upholstery made from top-notch materials.

Most of these cars also have enviable amenities such as advanced infotainment systems like premium sound system, among others, to keep even the longest of journeys interesting and fun. Moreover, these types of vehicles also have air-conditioning system that makes sure to cover all corners of the car cabin.

More importantly, since these cars with seven-seating configuration are made with the families as potential market, it is equipped with cutting-edge safety features aimed to create a safer driving experience whether for daily or long road trips. Some of these include additional air bags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection system, and features that aids in parking, among many others.

Hand in hand with the comfortable, functional, and entertaining features inside the car cabin, these vehicles are also equipped with notable engines that boosts performance on the road and yet, are fuel-efficient — also a vital feature that makes seven-seater cars a practical choice for those thinking of buying a new car; not to mention that these cars have a attractive price points as well.

Apart from having generous space, safety features, noteworthy engines, and a set of entertaining system, the exterior of seven-seater cars also does not disappoint. Most seven-seater car models with well-made interiors have equally tough yet stunning and stylish external body structure that is sure to standout both on and off the road.

With a robust demand for these types of vehicles, car companies offer versatile models in the market wanting to cater not only to different types of families with various lifestyle needs and preferences that fit their personality, but also to other set of clienteles as well. Seven-seater cars also gained popularity among companies to chauffeur their employees, guests, or even cargoes around. — Romsanne R. Ortiguero

The local currency ended yesterday’s session at P52.10 against the greenback, trading flat from its finish on Wednesday.

The peso opened the session at P52.13 versus the dollar, while its best showing stood at P52.03. Yesterday’s intraday low, on the other hand, was at P52.17 against the greenback.

Dollars traded slipped to $668.4 million yesterday from the $965.95 million that changed hands in the previous session.

“The peso closed sideways [yesterday], though intraday rates were generally weaker following hawkish cues due to strong US economic growth outlook from the recently-released Fed policy meeting minutes,” a trader told BusinessWorld in an e-mail on Thursday. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

In a statement released on Thursday, Feb. 22, Isetan will be importing from Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association in Davao for its Nayuta Chocolatasia. According to DTI, 80% of the country’s total cacao production is found in the Davao region.

Undersecretary fro Trade and Investment Promotions Group Nora K. Terrado said the department is seeing a lot of budding cacao manufacturers and producers amid the government’s continuing implementation of agro-business industry roadmaps.

“The presence of Philippine cacao beans in the mainstream Japanese market is a clear manifestation that our produce are truly world-class,” she added.

“With sufficient support and aggressive marketing strategies being implemented by various private and public sector partners, we hope more and more Philippine goods will join the global market.” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

The 12 Priority Integration Sectors Awards of ABA are given to entities that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the following industries: fisheries, electronics, e-ASEAN, textiles, logistics, wood-based, rubber-based, agri-food, health care, tourism, automotive and retail.

SME Excellence Awards, meanwhile, honor SMEs that have achieved outstanding commercial success and sustainable growth (Growth category), that have demonstrated a high standard of commitment to the way they organize and integrate their responsible business practices (Corporate social responsibility category), that have demonstrated the provision of a stimulating and supportive workplace (Employment category), and that have demonstrated a proven ability create, nurture and develop new products or services (Innovation category).

Also bestowed are the Young Entrepreneur and Women Entrepreneur excellence awards. The former honors a business owner below the age of 45, while the latter recognizes female business owner. Both should have attained significant success through leadership, market positioning and company performance. Other special prizes include Friend of ASEAN award, given to a non-ASEAN-owned enterprise committed to growing its presence in the region, and Green Technology Award, which a company that commits to integrating environmentally sustainable practices into its business model receives.

For the 10^th edition of the ASEAN Business Awards, held last Sept. 6 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Paranaque City, two new award categories were added. One is the Inclusive Business award for the business model that creates sustainable social impact, and the other is the Legacy Award for the entrepreneur who has passionately committed herself or himself to growth and excellence while making positive impact on the ASEAN community.

Filipino businessmen walked away with a total of nine awards that September evening. In the Priority Integration Sectors categories, Asian Marine Transport Corp. was named the logistics winner. According to ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), which launched the ABA, the shipping company and operator of the Super Shuttle Ferry, Super Shuttle Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) and Shuttle Fast Ferry Vessels has contributed to the ASEAN Integration “through the facilitation of international trade, investment, tourism, and development made possible by the launch of the ASEAN RoRo Connectivity in April 2017, of which it is the lead.”

Nature’s Legacy Eximport, a Cebu-based global manufacturer of home furnishings and garden accessories, was the wood-based awardee. ABA noted that the company is renowned for its advocacy of using eco-friendly alternative materials like stonecast in producing its art pieces. “In addition to being renowned for its use of eco-friendly materials, Nature’s Legacy also sources locally so as to benefit local economy and encourage its competitiveness, create job opportunities, and promote the Filipino culture,” ASEAN-BAC said.

The agri-food winner was Destileria Limtuaco & Co., which, for more than a century, has been marketing distilled spirits, whiskies, brandies, and a host of other alcoholic beverages.

Golden ABC was the retail category winner. “GOLDEN ABC is a recognized pioneer in the Philippine fashion retail scene, leveraging the latest business innovations to grow all areas of its business, from operations and sales to design and professional partnerships,” ASEAN-BAC noted. The company, which began operations in 1986, produce and market clothing and accessories under the Penshoppe, Oxygen, Forme, Memo, Regatta and Tyler brands.

The SME Excellence Award for Corporate Social Responsibility was bestowed on Lamoiyan Corporation, the company behind the Happee brand of toothpaste that has become a competent alternative to international toothpaste brands. “Aside from thriving in business, Lamoiyan is also involved in diverse civic undertakings. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is deemed the company’s intrinsic aspect and all-important pillar. Lamoiyan is fueled by its corporate philosophy to make a difference for the glory of God,” the ABA organizer said.

Imperial Homes Corp. was the Green Technology Award recipient. In 2015, the company launched the first solar-powered community in Batangas, composed of 1,000 homes specifically designed to save up to 42% in energy consumption, 28% in water consumption and 38% in building materials.

The Legacy Award winner is John Gokongwei, Jr., the founder and chairman emeritus of one of the largest and most diverse conglomerates in the Philippines, JG Summit Holdings, Inc. “JG Summit’s place in Philippine business has for its cornerstone a business portfolio of market leaders, a solid financial position, a formidable management team, and a vision of leading the country to global competitiveness and making life better for every Filipino,” ASEAN-BAC said.

The retail drugstore Generika received the Inclusive Business award. According to ASEAN-BAC, “Generika saw the need to set up a company to specifically address the market gap of quality, affordable generic medicines that caters to the means of the bottom of the pyramid communities while providing superior customer service and a strong sense of social purpose.”

The Young Entrepreneur of the year was Dennis Uy of Udenna Corp. “The ASEAN-BAC is proud to confer the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mr. Dennis A. Uy of Udenna Corporation,” the ABA organizer said. “Under the leadership of Mr. Uy, Udenna Corporation grew from a humble, provincial business to one with national reach in petroleum, shipping, logistics, distribution, real estate and environmental service.” ASEAN-BAC believes that the success story of Mr. Uy serves as a catalyst for awareness on the abundant opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship and for the innovation to create new business models that have the effect of increasing competitiveness of local markets and driving the region’s economic growth.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a guest of honor at the awarding ceremony, called on big businesses to help the smaller ones contribute to the growth and development of ASEAN. “It is now your responsibility to help your fellow entrepreneurs do better and achieve more, to propel micro entrepreneurs to become small, and the small to become medium and so on,” Mr. Duterte was quoted as saying in government news report. “You are the next breed of role models, and I look forward to your becoming the future mentors.”