By Adrian Paul B. Conoza, Special Features Writer

Last year, in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, businesses, offices, and schools were forced to close, causing work and classes to continue at home using online means.

With the rise of remote work and e-learning amid the lockdown, the demand for connectivity was thus observed to have intensified. Yet, along with this increased demand, the lapses in the country鈥檚 connectivity were further revealed.

Last October, in their 鈥淧hilippines Digital Economy Report 2020鈥�, the World Bank and the National Economic and Development Authority observed that the country鈥檚 digital infrastructure remains weak and internet speeds are among the slowest and most expensive in the world.

鈥淒igital infrastructure is limited in remote and rural areas, and where they are available, the internet services are relatively expensive and of poor quality,鈥� the report read.

Data cited by the report showed that the Philippines has much room for improvement in terms of connectivity. Compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, fixed broadband average download speed is at 26 megabits per second (mbps), compared to 59 mbps of its ASEAN peers. 3G/4G mobile average download speed is tallied at 7 mbps, nearly half short of ASEAN鈥檚 13 mbps. 4G/LTE mobile broadband network coverage, meanwhile, is at 72% in the Philippines, compared to ASEAN鈥檚 82%.

Add to that the higher cost of internet in the country in contrast with some of its ASEAN peers, with entry-level fixed broadband found to be priced at 6.5% of gross national income per capita in the country. This exceeds the 2% recommended threshold by the United Nations Broadband Commission.

The call for improved connectivity even reached the government, to the point that President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his State of the Nation Address, urged telecommunications players to improve their services before 2020 ends.

In response, the leading telco players have ramped up their expansion efforts, which have been made much easier with the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act granting the government the power to simplify the permit process for building cell towers.

Telcos鈥� responses
In a press briefing of the Presidential spokesperson last December, telco firms 鈥� both existing and new ones 鈥� were gathered to give updates on how they were improving their services in the past months.

For PLDT and Smart Communication鈥檚 part, Smart President and Chief Executive Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio shared that upon ramping up its services after the lockdown, it is covering 96% of the country with wireless and 95% of cities and municipalities with fiber broadband. The firm was also to put on service about 10,069 cell sites, 58,538 base stations, 29,526 4G base stations.

Globe Telecom鈥檚 President and CEO Ernest L. Cu, meanwhile, said that it was able to secure a record number of 1,857 permits from July to November. 鈥淭his has allowed us to actually exceed our rollout targets for the year,鈥� Mr. Cu said, adding that amid the lockdown restrictions, it was able to catch up and would be able able to reach its target of 1,300 additional sites.

Converge has put in place about 3.5 million fiber ports, and it plans to add 1.8 million more in 2021, its Chief Operating Officer Jesus Romero said. Mr. Romero added that the capacity of Converge鈥檚 international backbone was expanded to 1.4 terabits, using eight cable systems and seven cable landing stations.

As shared by its Chief Administrative Officer Adel A. Tamano, new player DITO Telecom built over 1,900 towers, and laid over 12,000 kilometers of cables. The firm also announced that it completed its 5G test in the National Capital Region and has made its first 5G call.

Entering the consumer market
Another player, Radius Telecoms, Inc., also joins these players in addressing the country鈥檚 connectivity issues.

As its Chief Executive Officer and President Exequiel C. Delgado shared in an e-mail to 大象传媒, the wholly-owned Meralco subsidiary has invested in expanding its capacity as it anticipates the increase in traffic from home users.

鈥淲e ended the year with more than 5,200 km of fiber optic footprint and have expanded our presence in Clark, Pampanga, and in Cebu,鈥� Mr. Delgado said. 鈥淲e have commissioned ten Optical Line Terminals distributed within Metro Manila which are now ready to provide broadband connections for SMEs and residential customers.鈥�

Aside from ramping up its fiber rollout, Radius also starts offering RED Fiber, a bundle of the company鈥檚 broadband services and Cignal TV鈥檚 cable content package. Mr. Delgado considers this solution as its response to the government鈥檚 call for better internet connectivity.

In spite of a perceived lagging performance of internet connections in the country, Radius Chief Operating Officer Jenevi L. Dela Paz recognized that there are marked improvements in the last five years. What lies ahead for providers like theirs, nonetheless, is to continue rolling out its services in emerging cities and the countryside.

鈥淲hile the wireless option is a quick fix, there is still a need to make available reliable fiber connection to every Filipino home due to its stability and higher bandwidth capacity,鈥� Mr. Dela Paz shared in the same e-mail.

Addressing persisting concerns
Mr. Delgado observed that the national government鈥檚 concern on internet connectivity in the past months caused a huge improvement among stakeholders, with different local government units rising to the President鈥檚 call.

The CEO stressed that this momentum should be continued by succeeding administrations. He also recommends that the government consider investing in a national fiber backbone network that will interconnect Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

鈥淭his move will allow a new player like us to compete head-on with the big boys and eventually encourage more ISPs to put up shop in the process. This would mean lower capex for new providers and faster rollout of internet services to more Filipino homes in the countryside,鈥� Mr. Delgado said.

Aside from low speeds and affordability, the digital divide remains an issue to be addressed as connectivity gets improved.

Mr. Delgado recognized that this pronounced divide, which proves that internet access is no longer a luxury but a basic utility, must be collaboratively addressed.

鈥淚n these trying times, the private sector and government should work together to close the gap and lower the cost to gain access,鈥� he said. 鈥淢ore than the affordable connection, the cost of the gadgets and tech refresher for the teachers and parents should also be given attention and priority.鈥�

As telcos exert effort in improving connectivity in the country, one can only hope for fewer interrupted connections to happen more sooner.

Nonetheless, the Radius CEO sees hope in the availability of fiber facilities becoming mandatory for up-and-coming business districts and residential developments.

鈥淚f this becomes a reality, new homeowners and locators can easily request reliable internet connections which can be installed and activated more quickly than before,鈥� Mr. Delgado said.

This is the crux in which the United Nations鈥� (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 2030 is centered around. For the last century, continued economic and social progress meant environmental degradation 鈥� from deforestation to climate change. Indeed, according to the UN, should the global population reach 9.6 billion by 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to provide the natural resources needed to sustain current lifestyles.

Today with the celebration of Global Recycling Day, there is an opportunity to recognize how these problems can be addressed, and how society at large can decouple the ideas of economic progress from environmental degradation.

Created in 2018, Global Recycling Day aims to promote, recognize, and celebrate, the importance of recycling in preserving the Earth鈥檚 precious primary resources and securing the future of the planet. It is a day for the world to come together and put the planet first.

The mission of Global Recycling Day, as set out by the Global Recycling Foundation, is twofold: to impart to world leaders that recycling is simply too important not to be a global issue, and that a common, joined up approach to recycling is urgently needed; and to ask people across the planet to think resource, not waste, when it comes to the goods around us. The second goal is of particular importance because until this happens, recycled goods will never reach the true value and repurpose they deserve in consumers鈥� minds.

Recycling Heroes
鈥淭he Global Recycling Foundation is pleased to announce the theme of Global Recycling Day 2021 as #RecyclingHeroes. This will recognize the people, places and activities that showcase what an important role recycling plays in contributing to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future which will benefit all,鈥� the Global Recycling Foundation said on its website.

鈥淲e want to champion Recycling Heroes during a particularly difficult year, and encourage the world to recognize the critical importance that recycling makes to the preservation of our planet,鈥� Ranjit Baxi, founding president of the Global Recycling Foundation, had told media reports.

鈥淓very year on Global Recycling Day, we applaud the innovative recycling practices of our heroes and report what they have achieved to our millions of supporters around the world.鈥�

The awards competition will be launched via social media early next week and Global Recycling Foundation will shortly announce details about how to nominate your #RecyclingHeroes 2021.

The organization maintains that recycling is a key part of the circular economy, a way to protect natural resources. Each year, recyclables 鈥� or what could be called 鈥榯he seventh resource鈥� after water, air, oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals 鈥� save over 700 million tons in CO2 emissions and this is projected to increase to one billion tons by 2030. Recyclables also supply 40% of the world鈥檚 raw material needs.

In addition, the use of recyclables offsets all CO2 emissions equivalent to that generated by the aviation industry annually. Because less energy is consumed to manufacture and transport products and their packaging, recyclables cause less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to be generated and released into the atmosphere.

The recycling industry further serves as a boost to local employment around the world, with approximately 1.6 million people worldwide employed in processing recyclables. The annual contribution of the recycling industry towards the global GDP is projected to exceed $400 billion in the next 10 years, while $20 million dollars is invested each year by the industry into job creation, improving recycling efficiency and environmental impact.

The Philippines, in particular, could stand to benefit from boosting its recycling sector as the country currently ranks as the third-largest contributor globally to ocean plastic pollution. Much of its solid waste ends up in open dumping sites, allowing leakage into waterways connected to the marine environment. Up to 750,000 metric tons of the country鈥檚 plastic waste materials enter the oceans every year, due to mismanagement and the lack of segregation.

Recycling could provide not only an environmentally friendly solution to this problem but also an economically viable one.

鈥淓ffectively, what makes recycling a commercially attractive waste treatment practice is the existing stream of recyclable materials, and a formal and informal workforce that can be integrated in the waste management system. It can generate income and livelihood opportunities for communities, and formal and informal waste collectors alike,鈥� Vanessa Pepino, environmental planner and development specialist, wrote for 大象传媒.

鈥淎n efficient recycling industry also minimizes the likelihood that recyclable waste ends up in bodies of water or overstretches the capacity of our landfills. By addressing these gaps, there is now an incentive to properly segregate and collect waste, especially in areas not reached by garbage trucks, and even low-value residuals usually left behind by waste pickers. An incentivized workforce and an airtight system lead to improved quality and quantity of waste collection which in turn guarantees supply for the operations of the recycling industry.鈥� 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

As much as it has transformed several aspects of life at an accelerated pace, digital technology is expected to shape education. While there are issues in online learning that remain to be addressed, and while offline modes will still be a part of learning, digital tools are expected to stick further in the 鈥榥ow normal鈥�.

Online tools have started to emerge even before the pandemic altered education, benefitting both individual learners as well as large institutions. The past months, nonetheless, further showed the potentials of online learning, as Jess Obana, senior managing consultant at P&A Grant Thornton, observed.

鈥淥nline learning is not new. What is new is that schools are embracing it as vital to how the next generation[s] of learners are taught,鈥� Mr. Obana wrote in an article that can be viewed on the firm鈥檚 website.

Since the lockdown, classes have been held through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meets. This is coupled with the use of social networking applications such as Messenger and even Discord for announcements and submissions.

There are also learning management systems (LMS) such as Google Classroom, Moodle, Blackboard Learn, and Canvas. These are seen by Mr. Obana to be further employed by schools and universities as these 鈥渆nable students to complete assignments, deliver presentations, take assessments and receive immediate feedback from their teachers online.鈥�

Open educational resources (OER) have also emerged, and they are likewise expected to be further adopted in the future. With their wide range of content and tools, OERs such as MIT Open Courseware, OER Commons, Lumen Learning, Merlot II, and OpenStax CNX allow netizens to learn various courses without having to get enrolled in a university.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched its own OER, DepEd Commons, which supports both public and private school students and teachers in learning online with its wide range of resources that can be accessed free of charge.

More than enabling learning beyond the bounds of physical classrooms, online tools are also making learning accessible for students with special needs.

Virtual class platform TinyLabs, for instance, has made it easier for a hard-of-hearing student to understand the lesson being taught online, as the platform鈥檚 co-founder and executive director, Shaina Tantuico, shared in a 大象传媒 report last year.

Global education technology company D2L, meanwhile, is collaborating with schools in designing digital courses and educational tools that support specific learning needs. Such technology has been applied at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde鈥檚 (DLS-CSB) School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies, where students can use sign language to deliver their essays as well as receive feedback (also in sign language) on D2L鈥檚 LMS.

鈥淪tudents are provided with options regarding the time, place, and pace at which they want to learn,鈥� DLS-CSB鈥檚 Educational Technology Office Head Rogelio Dela Cruz, Jr. was quoted as saying in a statement, adding that differentiated learning is now possible with this technology.

Given the various benefits of these digital tools, online learning is expected to be at the core of every school鈥檚 strategic plan. 鈥淥nline education will be a priority not only as a potential source of revenue, but also acknowledged as core to every school鈥檚 strategic plan for institutional resilience and academic continuity,鈥� Mr. Obana said.

Addressing digital divide

Digital鈥檚 influence in learning, however, is challenged by the digital divide that has emerged amid the increased use of online tools.

Initial data from DepEd鈥檚 enrollment survey last year showed the primary concerns of parents in relation to adopting distance learning. A total of 6.9 million cited unstable mobile and internet connections as a primary concern, while 6.8 million noted lack of available gadgets and equipment for distance learning, and 6.2 million cited insufficient load or data allowance.

Also spotting digital gaps in learning, Gloria Tam and Diana El-Azar of educational innovator Minerva Project observed that as the quality of learning is starting to become more dependent on the level and quality of digital access, many are getting left behind.

鈥淭he less affluent and digitally savvy individual families are, the further their students are left behind. When classes transition online, these children lose out because of the cost of digital devices and data plans,鈥� Misses Tam and El-Azar wrote in a piece on World Economic Forum鈥檚 website.

They warned that the gap could widen further if educational access is dictated by access to the latest technologies and if access costs and quality of access remain compromised.

For Mr. Obana, addressing this divide should involve the development of developing long-distance and offline multimedia teaching modes and learning systems that can allow users to study courses using their personal computers while allowing faculty to track and record their learning.

As online learning gradually shapes education, blended learning is thus expected to come along. 鈥淲e will also see a mix of live broadcasts, prerecorded (on-demand) content and educational programs on broadcast media,鈥� Mr. Obana added.

It is undeniable that technology has been further used since the pandemic broke out. Now, in the 鈥榥ow normal鈥�, rapidly emerging innovations are set to blend with traditional modes of learning and enhance education in general. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

Such a recovery hinges on the continued efforts of the government to stimulate the economy, address the devastation the pandemic has wrought on micro, small, and medium enterprises, and revive consumer consumption.

鈥淣ow more than ever, the Duterte government must find ways to raise revenues and generate business activities to hasten economic recovery. Fortunately, the country has an untapped treasure trove of resources to fall back on,鈥� economist Andrew J. Masigan wrote for 大象传媒 in December.

Mining could be the answer. According to data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the country鈥檚 mining sector contributed around US$4.38 billion to the economy in 2019 through the exports of metallic, non-metallic minerals, and mineral products, with Japan, Australia, Canada, and China as the major buyers.

That year, the total estimated production value for metallic minerals was P130.73 billion, up by 7.03% or P8.59 billion compared to 2018鈥檚 P122.14 billion. Around P107.4 billion was estimated to be Gross Value Added (excluding crude oil) in mining at recorded prices.

Mr. Masigan notes that gold deposits in the Philippines are among the largest in the world with reserves estimated at 101.6 million metric tons. Iron ore reserves are at 298 million metric tons. Among non-metallic minerals, limestone reserves are approximately 19.5 billion tons while marble reserves are at 14.5 billion tons. The Philippines leads the world in chromite resources as well.

鈥淒espite our enormous mineral resources, the contribution of the mining industry to the economy remains minuscule. As of last year, the share of the mining output to GDP (gross domestic product) was a mere .06%. It contributed only 1.2% to national tax collection, and comprised only 6.3% of exports. In terms of jobs, it employed less than .04% of the workforce. In contrast, the mining sector in Indonesia accounts for 21% of exports and 7% of GDP,鈥� Mr. Masigan wrote.

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the Philippine mining sector is hopeful that the country鈥檚 government will recognize the importance of the industry in the wake of the pandemic, representing a potential silver lining after almost a decade of struggling with a moratorium on new permits and a ban on open-pit mining.

鈥淚n general, we feel that the pandemic will make the government realize that this sector of our economy can even be more important during times of crisis given the support that large-scale operations provide to their local government units and host communities through social expenditures and crisis management teams,鈥� Gerard H. Brimo, chairman of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and president and CEO of Nickel Asia Corp., told S&P Global Market Intelligence.

鈥淲hat stymies the industry鈥檚 growth and its ability to further contribute to the economy are policy roadblocks, principally the moratorium on new mining permits that has been in place since 2012 under Executive Order 79 and the ban on open-pit mining,鈥� he added.

A new tax bill in the House of Representatives has been passed at the committee level, pending approval in plenary, that could potentially see the lifting of the moratorium. Mr. Brimo added that the new tax structure is competitive and progressive in nature, and will be beneficial both to the sector and the government, with the latter鈥檚 coffers currently hit by social amelioration programs implemented during the pandemic.

鈥淚f this happens, three pending mining projects can bring the industry鈥檚 exports to over 9% of the total Philippine exports and increase the industry鈥檚 contribution to about 1.4% of the country鈥檚 GDP,鈥� he added, noting that mining accounted for 5.99% of exports and 0.69% of GDP as of 2018.

Meanwhile, the MGB echoed the optimism on the mining industry鈥檚 potential role in the economic rebound in the coming years if those hurdles are lifted.

Speaking to S&P Global Market Intelligence, MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano said, 鈥淭he mining sector is in a struggle right now, but I am positive that the industry will rebound. It may not be seen this year but in the succeeding years. We, in the industry, are confident that the mineral sector will play a crucial role in the recovery of the economy in the next two to three years.鈥�

He added that the lifting of the moratorium on new projects will open the doors to at least 12 new mining projects worth several billions of pesos, all without sacrificing the environment and the rights of indigenous people following the MGB鈥檚 recent issued order to mining companies to realign their annual social development and management program or community development budget and to use it instead in assisting workers and affected local communities. 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

This year鈥檚 zodiac animal, the ox or buffalo, comes second in the Chinese calendar. According to chinesenewyear.net, a myth narrates that the order of the animals would be decided by the order in which they arrived at the Jade Emperor鈥檚 party. Ox was about to arrive first, but the Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Upon their arrival, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of the Ox, making the latter second in order.

Furthermore, the Ox is linked with hard work, discipline, loyalty, a fair appreciation of tangible reality, honesty, earnestness.

For such characteristics, the Year of the Metal Ox apparently gives a brink of optimism, which American Professional astrologer and feng shui consultant Susan Levitt shares.

鈥淭he Ox is a powerful animal who has the ability to transform the negative challenges of Rat year 2020 into positive outcomes in 2021. Ox can save us from disaster, and help reconstruct because Ox is a builder,鈥� Ms. Levitt explained on her website.

However, Filipino feng shui expert Hanz Cua somehow differs from this view. In a report from One News on New Year鈥檚 Eve, Mr. Cua said that the Year of the Metal Ox might be a tough year since the fire element 鈥� which supposedly attracts prosperity 鈥� is missing in the new lunar year.

鈥淏ased on my predictions, the charts, and the guides, I see 2021 will possibly be more difficult in terms of financial, in terms of opportunities, [and] in terms of money,鈥� Mr. Cua explained in Filipino.

On the other hand, Marites Allen, often called 鈥淭he Queen of Feng Shui,鈥� considers 2021 to be a favorable year for economic recovery and long-term investments, as well as emotional and spiritual reconstruction.

鈥淲e鈥檙e not yet out of the woods, but the fourth quarter of the year may be better as the economy starts to work again. The world has changed and everyone has to change. And it takes us, as a person, to really make a change,鈥� Ms. Allen was quoted as saying in a story from PhilSTAR Life.

Rewards for hard work

For businesses, a positive outlook is painted for those who work hard. 鈥淭hose who conduct their business with seriousness and commitment will be able to receive appreciation for their respective environments,鈥� astrology website KarmaWeather wrote.

Recognizing, however, that the energetic nature of the Ox makes it more difficult for new products to emerge, the website advised companies to capitalize on their intrinsic qualities in order to guarantee the efficiency of their production and communication.

Moreover, medium and large businesses are advised to be particularly honest and transparent when interacting with colleagues, particularly with managers.

鈥淭he qualities of initiative circumscribed to the values of loyalty and perfectionism, themselves nourished by an exacerbated realism, are likely to be the most coveted professional assets in 2021,鈥� the website added.

In terms of what businesses are expected to prosper this year, Mr. Cua sees transportation, food, and essential businesses to continuously grow. He also sees technology-related businesses as good prospects.

鈥淏usinesses that have to do with computers, the Internet, and cellphones are still very popular in 2021,鈥� Mr. Cua said in another televised interview, adding that businesses related to visuals are also recommended.

Ms. Allen also expects anything related to the Internet, connectivity, e-commerce, computers, and technology to thrive. She added that the Year of the Metal Ox gives a healthy prospect on anything pharmaceutical, health, and wellness.

Forecasts

Rats are expected to experience better luck as well as a serene year. Ms. Allen warns of health concerns 鈥渙wing to the illness energies of the year.鈥�

Aligned to the present lunar year, the Oxen are projected by KarmaWeather to have 鈥渁 prosperous period focused on construction, material stability, and the strengthening of emotional unions.鈥� Ms. Allen expects for them 鈥渓ots of happy events especially in the areas of business.鈥�

Amid a somewhat difficult year announced to them, tigers are told Allen to expect change, but not be overwhelmed with responsibilities that come their way.

Rabbits are called to let things come to them at first and take the time to analyze the opportunities presented to them. They may need to take a breather and step back whenever they feel overwhelmed.

With a moderate year presaged for Dragons, carefulness is advised, using fast thinking skills and paying more attention to things.

Opportunities are on the way of Snakes for this year, albeit they are warned not to trust too much on their intuition and continue to capitalize on pre-existing achievements.

Horses can finally breathe a sigh of relief this year, according to Ms. Allen, and so they can start rebuilding and putting things in place.

Goats or Sheeps are advised to safeguard their finances and prove themselves to the industry they are in as the year is expected to give them a 鈥渂umpy ride.鈥�

Amid 鈥渁 hectic and sometimes annoying year鈥� for them, Monkeys are expected to find new markets to invest in; yet they are advised to improve on their negotiation skills.

Roosters are predicted to excel in their career and wealth as long as they trust in their abilities and carry their team along at the same time.

Dogs are called to be patient, even hesitant in starting new important projects. The elements of the year are expected to give them the desire to grow and they will be able to think outside the box.

While it may not be a smooth journey for them this year, with good professional prospects offsetting a relative slowdown in love, Pigs or Boars are encouraged to seek opportunities to help them grow and avoid succumbing to excesses. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

Legend once spoke of the great beast Nian, which terrorized Chinese villages long ago at the end of each year, destroying homes and taking the lives of innocent villagers. Yet, after it was discovered that loud noises and bright lights could scare the beast away, a yearly tradition was born.

Nowadays, such traditions persist in the brilliant fireworks and lively annual celebrations. Though being in winter for most of China, the Chinese New Year is popularly known as the Spring Festival in China, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The 15-day New Year festivities kick off with a week-long holiday in China, and much like the Western New Year (Jan. 1), the biggest celebration is on New Year鈥檚 Eve.

During this time, every street, building, and home is decorated with red, the main color of the festival, which many believe represents luck. As 2021 will be a year of the Ox, many of the decorations will be related to the ox, the second animal in the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year periodic sequence of animals which appear in the Chinese calendar.

In many Chinese cities from New Year’s Day, traditional performances can be seen: dragon dances, lion dances, and imperial performances. Such performances are long-lived traditions in their own right. Chinese dragons are believed to be a symbol of China’s culture, and they represent power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and auspiciousness. In many legends, the dragon is both a fearsome creature, and a benevolent one, and it was an emblem to represent imperial authority. In the dragon dance, the movements traditionally symbolize historical roles of dragons demonstrating power and dignity.

For many Chinese families, New Year’s Eve is the most important time of the year. Everyone is expected to be home to celebrate the festival with their families by partaking in the New Year’s Eve dinner called ‘reunion dinner’, believed to be the most important meal of the year. Typically, families gather at a designated relative鈥檚 house for dinner, but increasingly, many families are spending their New Year鈥檚 Eve dinner at restaurants. Many of which, due to the occasion, require reservations months in advance.

There are also some wealthy families that hire a professional chef to come cook at their house. Chefs are often busy running from one home to another cooking dinners for different families on New Year鈥檚 Eve.

Afterwards, families typically watch the Spring Festival Gala together, one of the most watched TV shows in China.

During this time, people also exchange gifts, the most common of which are the customary red envelopes with money inside. Called 鈥渉ong bao鈥� in Mandarin, these envelopes are often only given to children or unmarried adults with no job. If you are single, working adult, you are expected to give these to your younger relatives.

Of course, at the strike of midnight come the dazzling display of fireworks. Anywhere you are on the globe, fireworks and firecrackers are launched on the first minute of the Chinese new year. From public displays in major cities to millions of private celebrations in China’s rural areas, setting off firecrackers and fireworks is part of the celebration.

Other celebrations to look forward to

Aside from New Year鈥檚 Eve, there are other important days of the 15-day Chinese New Year Festival. On the fifth day of New Year鈥檚 for instance, it is believed that the gods of prosperity come down from the heavens. People do their best to celebrate the occasion, which is called Jie Cai Ceng, or Welcoming the Gods of Wealth and Prosperity. This is a time for businesses to participate in setting off firecrackers, as they believe it will bring them prosperity and good fortune for their business.

The 15^th day of the New Year is known as Yuan Xiao Jie or the Festival of Lanterns. and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. All types of lanterns are lit throughout the streets and often poems and riddles are often written for entertainment.

There are also paper lanterns on wheels created in the form of either a rabbit or the zodiac animal of the year. The rabbit lantern symbolizes an ancient Chinese myth about a goddess named Chang鈥橢 who jumped to the moon. Anxious to travel alone, the goddess brought a rabbit with her to keep her company. It is said that if your heart is pure enough, you can see the goddess Chang鈥橢 and her rabbit on the moon on this day.

Each and every element of the Lunar New Year is imbued with traditional folklore such as this, owing to the centuries of history the tradition brings with it. As time goes on, more of these traditions will evolve and change, and only time will tell what such spectacles they will bring in the future. 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Similar wordings and/or appearances are the reasons why some dishes are considered to be magnets of good luck. These foods have essential rules of preparation and consumption to preserve the promise of a triumphant, prosperous, and harmonious year.

Successful 鈥榶ear cake鈥�

The traditional food to be eaten on Chinese New Year is the nian gao, which is also known as the sweet glutinous rice cake or a 鈥測ear cake.鈥� Generally, its ingredients are only glutinous rice flour and liquid slab sugar. But being served for over a thousand years in different regions of China, nian gao already has varieties in sweetness, savory, and texture. Though it is usually dished up in bite-size pieces, it implies a big fortune for the new year.

In Cantonese, the words 鈥�nian鈥� and 鈥�gao鈥� are akin to the sounds of 鈥測ear鈥� and 鈥渉igher鈥� respectively. Thus, the food is more suitable to be eaten at the beginning of the year because of the signification that one can reach success in his/her endeavors, particularly in career matters.

Wealthy foods

For those who desire abundance for this year, a lot of meal options must be served.

Among the traditional Chinese New Year foods are dumplings. It is popularly eaten year-round but its symbolic presentation makes it appropriate for the new year. Chinese people consider that dumplings can induce wealth because of its shape鈥檚 resemblance to gold ingot.

Commonly, dumplings are made of chopped vegetables and minced meat that are wrapped in dough skin. Its fillings contain different meanings as well. For example, Chinese sauerkraut dumplings are avoided in the new year because they can indicate difficult prospects. But to make dumplings 鈥渓ucky鈥�, they must be formed with a good number of pleats. Some people also insert a copper coin in the dumpling, and then whoever eats it can have a chance of becoming wealthy.

It is also believed that the number of dumplings you eat on the Chinese New Year can foretell the worth you will earn for the year.

Aside from dumplings, spring rolls are also significant during this holiday. These deep-fried rolls of vegetable and meat contents have an appearance comparable to gold bars. Hence, this food is associated with bearing wealth.

For a non-savory dish that can still bring abundance, one can also have a tray of togetherness. It is usually comprised of eight snacks like candies, nuts, or fruits. To gain prosperity, opt for chestnuts, peach seeds, almonds, apricots, hazelnuts, pomelos, prunes, oranges, and sweet treats.

鈥榃hole鈥� meats

Fish and chicken are undeniably common in cuisines. But for Chinese New Year, these meats are crucial to be served as a whole.

Both the cooking and consumption of fish meat need to be in full. Its head and tail mean that there is a start and a finish that must be completed. Additionally, in Mandarin, the pronunciation of 鈥渇ish鈥� is similar to the word 鈥渟urplus.鈥� Thus, Chinese people also relate this meal as a symbol of more wealth to come.

Meanwhile, preparing a whole chicken dish is important if one hopes for unity. Serving every chicken part uncut therefore suggests a coming together of the whole family.

For those who do not prefer meats, sweet rice balls or tangyuan can also invoke family reunions. Tangyuan is made with glutinous rice flour and is cooked either in a thin broth or deep-fried. Regarding its belief origin, tangyuan is linked to a Cantonese phrase that indicates completeness, which can also signify contentment with one鈥檚 life. Moreover, a small change of the word鈥檚 tone can also modify its meaning to 鈥渇amily reunion.鈥�

Longevity noodles

Noodles as a symbol of long life are well-known throughout Asia. It is served not only for Chinese New Year but also during birthdays and weddings. When cooking and eating the noodles, one must also be mindful not to cut them to sustain the idea of a long and healthy life. The usual length of longevity noodles is two feet long but it is also believed that the longer the noodles one eats, the luckier he or she can become.

Fortune fruits

Fruits like oranges and pomelos can elicit prosperity. Citrus fruits are believed to produce good fortune and happiness as well. Tangerine, which has a homonym in Cantonese that means luck, is the most traditional fruit to be served and to be given to the visitors.

Aside from citrus fruits, gold-colored grapes are also valuable for Chinese New Year. It is said to bring good fortune and can also represent success, abundance, and fertility. 鈥� Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio

Valentine’s Day of 2021 will be celebrated differently compared to the prior years because certain regulations and precautions will hinder conventional date ideas. Even if the protocols are getting loose, people must remain vigilant in rejoicing love. The occasion can still be delightfully marked even in lesser contact yet with more sincere effort fueled by the same passionate purpose.

If there is certainty, families, friends, and couples may still see each other on Valentine’s Day. Nevertheless, they must be careful about celebrating it together. Instead of joining a probable crowd outside, try modifying the environment of the house.

Couples can still execute a romantic date night at their dinner table. They can imitate how most restaurants set the mood for Valentine’s like a Victorian romantic dinner 鈥� using a glass of champagne, serving a smoked salmon, or adding strawberries covered with chocolate on the side. If couples do not want a luxurious setting, they can simply order foods, watch movies, or make meaningful conversations.

Meanwhile, friends can celebrate this occasion by going back to an after-school-like hangout. Families, especially those with kids, can still celebrate love more at home through sharing activities that young children will enjoy the most. Whatever the home arrangement on Valentine’s Day for different loved ones, the most important is that the event will be done as a safe and blissful escape from the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

But if the preference is outdoor celebrations, malls, restaurants, and parks may not be the most favorable options. Instead, if available, a small Valentine鈥檚 gathering can happen in a car or by driving to a location away from crowds.

Even before the quarantine, there are already love expressed in a long distance. Some people may have experienced this and already know how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in this situation. Whether a partner, friend, or family lives far away, technology gives chance to interact with them, especially with Zoom becoming more popular nowadays.

Sending gifts can also be done online. For those who are in a budget, they can convey their love in digitally or through letter writing or sending stuff with sentimental value. Materialism is not a core principle of Valentine’s Day anyway. People just need to make sure that their loved ones will not feel alone on this occasion.

Finding love, not just celebrating it, is also commonly done on Valentine’s Day. Since having physical contact with strangers and acquaintances is strictly not advised, people can try to search for love and have dates in the digital space. Others may have a complicated outlook towards online dating but the current pandemic can change their perspective.

Using dating apps for the first time may be intimidating and frightening but if a person sincerely wants to find love in this way, he/she should attempt to be buoyant, curious, and acknowledge that a lot of people are also really desiring to meet someone in this setup.

Meanwhile, some people will merely let Valentine’s Day pass by like regular dates. But regardless if a person is single or not, he/she can still make this a memorable event. People can look more at St. Valentine, the patron saint commemorated on this day, and ponder over the reason why February 14 became momentous.

There are many narrative versions of St. Valentine. But the famous tale recounts that he was a priest who recognized and did something about the injustice shown by Emperor Claudius II’s law that prohibited young men to marry because of the judgment that single men make good soldiers.

With St. Valentine’s martyrdom story, people can spend this special day by fostering love and justice within the community, especially in dealing with the issues exposed by COVID-19 and recent natural disasters. With this action, people are celebrating a kind of love that is not only directed to close relationships but for the country as well.

Meanwhile, anyone can still feel loved by practicing self-care. They can celebrate Valentine鈥檚 day similar to how couples will do, except that foods, gifts, and quality time will be devoted for oneself. This can be the day when an individual can put him/herself first above all.

Since these celebrations are recommended to be cherished at home, the planning does not need to be grand. Treat this Valentine’s Day as a moment to simply remember love amidst the turbulent times. 鈥� Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio

Generally, lucky charms used in Feng Shui promise optimistic energy. Some people may attract it through bracelets or adding charms as decorations at home and office. However, choosing the charm to own does not completely rely on the keeper鈥檚 preference. Certain beliefs are subject to a person鈥檚 Chinese zodiac sign. The location and treatment of the charms can also affect the energy and fortune.

Since 2021 is the Year of the Metal Ox, it is recommended to add images of a metal ox to invite luck towards the house. Still, the energies to be felt may vary depending on one鈥檚 zodiac sign compatibility with the ox.

Another animal image believed to attract good luck are turtles. In Feng Shui, a black tortoise represents north and is one of the celestial animals along with the green dragon (east), red phoenix (south), and a white tiger (west). These animals can flow in positive energies but their positioning should correspond with their compass directions.

Furthermore, a metal turtle can also elicit triumph in one鈥檚 career when place in the north of the office; and then displaying a dragon turtle on the southeast side can increase one鈥檚 profit. Whereas, for health and longevity, the east side of a house or room should be decorated with eight turtles made from stone. Nevertheless, even if turtles have a lot of good significance, they should be correctly selected and handled with respect.

Meanwhile, there are lucky charms that can be accessories. The traditional lucky charm is made of jade. But it is significant to use the birthstone assigned to one鈥檚 Chinese zodiac sign. The birthstone of the Ox sign, for example, is aquamarine. Birthstones may be worn or kept as necklaces, bracelets, and keychains.

In terms of color, red is quite a popular symbol to welcome good luck basing on Chinese tradition. Since it represents life energy, passion, protection, and luck, red can be seen frequently in objects from Chinese culture such as envelopes or 鈥�ampaw鈥�, double happiness symbol, eternal knot, lanterns, and the Coins of the Ten Emperors.

Red may also be the ideal color of pot for plants. As for trees and plants, crassula ovata is considered lucky. It is also known as the 鈥渕oney plant鈥� because of the positive energies it may bring for the family鈥檚 welfare according to traditional Feng Shui.

These lucky charms are specific and may have further significations. Hence, asking experts is highly recommended so the charm fits the keeper and his/her desires. There also charms that need to have a ritual performed.

Indeed, these lucky charms do not possess absolute evidence to lead a happy or healthy life. Furthermore, it is vital to note that there are lucky charms that may contain toxic chemicals.

EcoWaste Coalition recently released a warning that dangerous concentrations of cadmium can be found in some products. Cadmium is determined to cause an unreasonable risk to the public according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. It is also listed by World Health Organization as among the 鈥�10 chemicals of major public health concern鈥�.

鈥淲e caution consumers from buying and wearing lucky bracelets with ox components that are often made of cadmium alloy,鈥� said Thony Dizon, a chemical safety campaigner from EcoWaste Coalition.

Owning lucky charms, therefore, does not only require mindfulness of their meanings and rituals but also their actual contents. Be sure that the charms to be carried and decorated will not evoke potential risks that can overturn their traditional values. 鈥� Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio

It might be quite difficult, however, to figure what present to give on this special day 鈥� especially for those who have just started dating. Even for those who have been together for long, or between family members and relatives, choosing an item to give is somehow an arduous task.

Maralee McKee, an etiquette expert and founder of the Etiquette School of America, recognizes how tricky buying gifts can be. On her website, Ms. McKee shared a few recommendations on what to give, based on the level of relationship.

For those who had a few dates and do not yet have a mutual commitment to date only each other, Ms. McKee suggests a book or two, a couple of best films of the favorite actor of one鈥檚 date, something representing a favorite sports team, a gadget, a pen or portfolio for work, or a new gym bag (at least for the active).

If these suggestions don鈥檛 fit, however, couples can start coming up with a list of what each partner likes, as comparison website Finder suggests. 鈥淭hink of his or her interests and then search around for a present that reflects those things,鈥� Finder wrote on its website.

For those in a boyfriend-girlfriend level, Ms. McKee suggests giving tickets to an upcoming concert or sporting event (many of which are likely virtual and some are free), as 鈥渢his shows you hope to be in the picture in a few months when the event鈥檚 date rolls around鈥�.

A nice addition to a collection (if the partner is a collector) is also suggested, as well as something one-of-a-kind like a piece of art, an antique store item, or a piece of jewelry (as long as it is not a ring).

Finder, meanwhile, advises long-time couples to put more of a personal touch on their gifts since they 鈥減robably know their other half like the back of their hand鈥�.

鈥淭o pick that perfect gift, think of special moments you鈥檝e shared, items you鈥檝e promised them (even jokingly) or a quirk you adore about them and buy a gift that represents that,鈥� the platform鈥檚 article read.

For married couples, especially those with kids, Ms. McKee leaves it to husbands and wives to decide how they would spend Valentine鈥檚 Day, either by giving extravagant gifts or without the cards and gifts and enjoying a dinner with their children instead.

鈥淭he carefree long weekends away you enjoyed before the kids came might disappear for the next two decades,鈥� Ms. McKee wrote. 鈥淓very year have a quick conversation about what you want Valentine鈥檚 Day to be. It鈥檚 okay to change it up or keep it the same year-to-year, as long as it鈥檚 a mutual decision.鈥�

In addition, Finder recommends partners to have shared gifts, considering what the couple likes doing together or thinking of something that they have constantly talked about doing.

Ms. McKee added that one should not go to what they know their partner always like or something they will buy for themselves, like a gift certificate from where she buys most of her clothes.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a nice thought, and she certainly won鈥檛 mind the gift, but the best gifts make memories. Instead, buy her a gift certificate for something she normally wouldn鈥檛 treat herself to, like a spa treatment,鈥� she said.

Kids must not be forgotten, Ms. McKee continued. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to give a card, a small gift, and a huge hug, and to talk about what this day is about, the history of it, and how your child(ren)鈥檚 words and actions make others feel about themselves,鈥� she wrote.

Giving bouquets

As a traditional and worthwhile Valentine鈥檚 gift, flowers will always be a nice gift, even to individuals other than your significant other. It is just a matter of picking the appropriate bunch and avoiding the monotony.

鈥淐onsider buying a big bouquet of carnations or other flowers, and tie a bow around each stem. Hand them out to friends, coworkers, and total strangers,鈥� Ms. McKee said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a sweet and inexpensive way to be someone鈥檚 Valentine.鈥�

Picking the fitting flower matters. Roses are typically associated with romantic love, so using a different flower or mixing roses with other flowers is much better for friends or other recipients. Sending flowers to work is also recommended so that recipients can enjoy seeing them all day.

To make the bouquet more different, why not replace the flowers with something else, as some stores have done recently? Chocolates, another usual treat on Valentine鈥檚, can be a good replacement, as well as a bunch of snacks like chips and sodas, or a selection of fast-food favorites. One can also try arranging vegetables, fruits, cookies, or essential items like face masks, alcohol, inhaler, balms, and ointments. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

The Peninsula Manila

This year, The Peninsula Manila offers its limited-edition edible chocolate trees, which come in Mandarin Orange Tree and Golden Fortune Money Tree variants. These intricately molded chocolate trees are available at The Peninsula Boutique for P3,999 until Feb. 15. The Peninsula Boutique also offers Lychee-Strawberry Macarons, Chocolate Pralines, and Cakeaway Afternoon Tea Set; while The Lobby will be serving a CNY-themed Afternoon Tea Set.

New World Makati Hotel

New World鈥檚 Chinese restaurant, Jasmine, brings out three auspicious set menus with authentic CNY dishes like Imperial Peking duck; fried garoupa fillet with chili, garlic, and coconut sauce; deep-fried spareribs with mayonnaise and vinegar sauce; fried rice and assorted meat in lotus lea; and braised abalone mushroom with assorted fungus and vegetables. Jasmine also offers its signature handcrafted nian gao (tikoy) that comes in koi fish and round shapes and is encased in an elegant round box with woodgrain detail and gold accents.

Fairmont Makati

From Feb. 8 to 12, Fairmont Makati鈥檚 Spectrum includes a choice of Chinese celebratory fare in its daily 鈥淏uffet a la Minute鈥� for lunch from 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. In their menu are Szechuan chicken, steamed fish with light soy broth, beef with broccoli and peppers, Chow Mien noodles with Bokchoy, Shiitake mushrooms, pork-stuffed glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves, and pork and vegetable spring rolls, among others.

Shangri-La at the Fort

The hotel鈥檚 Canton Road presents this lunar year a sumptuous spread of regional Chinese specialties with signature menus good for five persons. The Spring, Longevity, and Prosperity menus lead with Huaiyang and Cantonese appetizer combination and the flamed trio barbecue sampler. Stuffed suckling pig with black truffle and dried scallops fried rice are also among the specialty dishes.

Grand Hyatt

Tea, coffee, and desserts grace the CNY celebrations at Grand Hyatt Manila鈥檚 The Lounge. Their Lunar Afternoon Tea Set offers free-flowing tea, coffee, and sweet delicacies such as traditional Hong King egg tarts for only P1,800 until Feb. 14.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

From Feb. 11 to 20, Lung Hin restaurant at Marco Polo offers special set menus that feature favorites such as Baked Slipper Lobster in Supreme Stock, Deep-fried Crispy Hong Kong Pigeon, and Braised South African Abalone with Black Mushroom and Vegetables.

EDSA Shangri-La

The hotel鈥檚 Summer Place dishes out traditional Cantonese cuisine with CNY set menus that start at P21,188++ for a table of 10 persons.

Novotel Manila

Buffet restaurant Food Exchange Manila at Novotel Manila offers a P2,021 nett buffet deal for two persons on Feb. 11 and 12. The feast includes favorites like dim sum, roasted specialties, noodles, and desserts, coupled with aromatic Jasmine tea.

The Manila Hotel

The capital鈥檚 premier hotel offers families a sumptuous CNY Dinner at its Roma Salon on Feb. 11 and 12, with three sets featuring dishes like Suckling Pig, Roast Duckand Prawns, and Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siomai, among others. Prestige Members can avail 23% discount on the set menu.

Century Park Hotel

On Feb. 11 and 12, Century Park Hotel鈥檚 Caf茅 in the Park offers its Chinese New Year Eat-All-You-Can Lunch and Dinner featuring classic Chinese dishes, seafood specials, and Chinese roast carving for only P1,995 net per head.

Sofitel Manila

Sofitel Manila鈥檚 Spiral prepares a lavish Chinese feast featuring braised ox tongue with lotus and dried chili, braised abalone with superior sauce, foie gras siew mai, xiao long bao truffle oil. From Feb. 11 to 12, Spiral鈥檚 feast is set at P2,850 nett for lunch, and P3,800 net for dinner.

Conrad Manila

At Conrad Manila, China Blue by Jereme Leung offers a diverse selection of dishes, highlighted by Golden roast US duck with BBQ sauce; Braised abalone, sea cucumber, and dried oyster in a superior shredded mushroom and dried scallop sauce; Simmered pork belly, money bag, and fried fish maw with whole garlic; among others. The restaurant also offers its own Nian Gao Treasures, available in Traditional Brown Sugar, Coconut, Orange, and Red Date with Ginger flavors, as well as koi fish and mini gold bar shapes.

City of Dreams

From Feb. 4 to 26, Crystal Dragon restaurant offers fine Cantonese cuisine and regional Chinese specialties, and it also sets up the ubiquitous CNY traditional table fare, the Yu Sheng. Nobu Manila, meanwhile, offers a la carte dishes infused with Japanese-Peruvian flavors, which can be enjoyed in an al fresco dining experience. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

The following are some of the notable IPOs that the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has witnessed in the past five years.

MerryMart
Last year, four IPOs have emerged in spite of the crisis that the pandemic brought. On June 15, grocery operator MerryMart Consumer Corp. (PSE: MM), owned by Edgar “Injap” J. Sia, became the first company to go public in that challenging year.

Its P1.6-billion IPO offered 1.59 billion shares to the public at P1 each, and it closed its maiden trading session at P1.50 per share. PNB Capital and Investment Corp. (PNB Capital) served as the lead underwriter, issue manager, and bookrunner for the offering.

As 大象传媒 reported last year, the grocery operator plans to put up 1,200 branches across the country by 2030, where the first hundred branches would be open as early as the fourth quarter of 2021.

APVI
MerryMart’s IPO was followed by Altus Property Ventures, Inc. (PSE: APVI), which made its debut in the stock market on June 26 by way of introduction, which means it did not immediately offer its shares publicly.

The IPO of the real estate company that was a former unit of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) was initially priced at P10.10 per share. Shares went up to as high as P240 per share before closing at P18.50 apiece on its trading debut. First Metro Investment Corp. (First Metro) was tapped as the financial adviser for this offering.

AREIT, Inc.
Last August, Ayala Land, Inc.鈥檚 AREIT, Inc. (PSE: AREIT) launched the country鈥檚 first real estate investment trust (REIT) offering, with an amount of P12.33 billion. In spite of its tumble on its first trading day on Aug. 13, at P24.90 apiece from its offer price of P27, it saw a twice oversubscription by the time it ended the offer period on Aug. 3.

BPI Capital Corp. (BPI Capital) served as the sole global coordinator and joint bookrunner for the offering. UBS AG Singapore Branch was sole international bookrunner, while BPI Capital, PNB Capital, and SB Capital Investment Corp. served as the domestic underwriters.

AREIT, Inc., whose portfolio consists of 24-storey commercial building Solaris One, mixed-use development Ayala North Exchange, and five-storey commercial office McKinley Exchange, intends to use the proceeds from the offering to buy Teleperformance Cebu and to invest in other real estate properties in Metro Manila and key regions.

Converge ICT
Amid intensified action among telcos to meet the increasing demand for connectivity, fiber Internet provider Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (Converge ICT) kicked off its IPO last Oct. 26. The largest offering to date, Converge ICT’s IPO amounted to P29.08 billion and offered up to 1.51 billion common shares at P16.80 each. This exceeds the P28.11 billion Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. raised in 2013.

The IPO had BPI Capital as the sole local coordinator, joint local underwriter, and joint bookrunner, while BDO Capital & Investment Corp. (BDO Capital) was tapped as the joint local underwriter and joint bookrunner. First Metro and PNB Capital are among local participating underwriters.

Converge ICT (PSE: CNVRG), owned by Pampanga-based businessman Dennis Anthony H. Uy, intends to use about 90% of the offer鈥檚 net proceeds to support capital expenditures as it expands nationwide. Its services currently cover the Luzon region, especially Metro Manila.

Fruitas
Year 2019 was noted for the entry of fruit and beverage kiosk operator Fruitas Holdings, Inc. (PSE: FRUIT). On its debut, Fruitas’ shares opened at P1.82 each up 8% from its IPO price of P1.68 each, and it reached as high as P2.45 before closing at P1.71 apiece. The company offered 533,660,000 primary common shares with an over-allotment option of up to 68,340,000 outstanding common shares.

BDO Capital and First Metro were tapped as joint issue managers, bookrunners, and lead underwriters for the offering.

Fruitas aims to generate P1.2 billion in the IPO, which will fund its expansion plans, acquisitions, introduction of new concepts, and debt repayment. Since the IPO kicked off, Fruitas has aimed to open 150 to 250 stores per year in the next three years.

DMWAI
D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc. (DMWAI) was among the companies that went public in 2018 amid volatility in the market. Under its P17.89-billion IPO, DMWAI (PSE: DMW) plans to sell 679.17 million shares at P22.90 apiece, with an over-allotment option of up to 101.88 million shares.

BPI Capital and Maybank King Eng Securities Pte. Ltd. were tapped as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for the offer, with the latter also acting as international lead manager and underwriter.

Net proceeds of DMWAI鈥檚 issuance were intended to fund its projects in the 204-hectare Aseana City in Para帽aque City.

Wilcon Depot
Home improvement and construction supplies retailer Wilcon Depot, Inc. (PSE: WLCON) debuted on the equities market in 2017 with a P7.92-billion IPO, comprising of almost 1.4 billion common shares priced at P5.68 apiece.

The retailer hired First Metro as issue manager and bookrunner, as well as BDO Capital as joint lead underwriter for the maiden share sale.

At the maximum price, Wilcon has expected to net P7.58 billion from the IPO. It has intended to disburse P6.11 billion for store network expansion until 2021; P972.4 million for debt repayment until 2018; and P500 million for general corporate purposes until 2018.

Cemex
Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. (PSE: CHP), the Philippine unit of Mexican cement and construction materials company Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., was the biggest IPO in 2016, prior to Converge ICT. The IPO, which saw BDO Capital as the lead underwriter for the offering, amounted to P25.1 billion and priced at P10.75 per share.

The net proceeds from the IPO were intended to settle short-term debts, allowing the company to finance its $300-million expansion plan for its Solid Plant in Antipolo City, Rizal using internally generated funds. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

The Philippine Stock Exchange recently announced its goal of having more companies to go public this year. President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Monzon said that the stock exchange has a target for at least three companies and four real estate investment trusts to hold initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2021, which caused no small amount of commotion in the investment community.

But what exactly are IPOs and why are they such a big deal? We have gathered insights from top experts in the investment community to answer these questions.

What is an IPO? Why are they a big deal?

鈥淎n IPO is the company鈥檚 maiden equity issue of its shares to the public. This occurs when a privately held company sells its shares to the public equity market. It鈥檚 transformational for the issuer, from the wealth it creates for shareholders, to the way the company is governed and their ability to fund growth from the equity markets,鈥� First Metro Investment Corporation鈥檚 Executive Vice-President and Head of Investment Banking Group Daniel D. Camacho said.

This means that a company is selling either primary or secondary shares or a combination of both to the general public to raise funds for its goals. Primary shares are the offer of new shares, the sale of which would result in proceeds which may be used by the company for its stated work program 鈥� capital expenditures, plans income-accretive endeavors, among others. Secondary shares involve the sale by existing, pre-IPO shareholders of their shares to the public.

First Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation President Gonzalo G. Ordo帽ez added that IPOs often signal a significant development in companies鈥� growth, and in many ways further legitimize businesses and allow organizations to reach wider audiences. For investors, IPOs mark the very first time the public is given the opportunity to invest in these companies.

鈥淚POs are considered a big deal in the financial markets because they usually happen only when a company is ready to expand and wishes to finance its rapid growth from the participation of public investors. Usually, a company must have first built up enough goodwill and trust from the investing public before they can even begin to consider taking their company public,鈥� Mr. Ordo帽ez said.

How can a company go public?

Eduardo V. Francisco, president of BDO Capital, noted that there are multiple parties involved in an IPO, comprising of the issuer; the regulators (Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC and Philippine Stock Exchange or PSE); the underwriting syndicate and its legal counsel; transfer and escrow agents; the issuer鈥檚 financial advisory team; as well as the trading participants in the stock exchange.

There is a timeline that can reach up to three years before a company can go public, and this involves the due diligence, documentation, and regulatory approvals before the offer period and actual listing. Naturally, the process is not to be taken lightly, and it requires intense preparation on the part of the issuing company.

The regulatory requirements involved, Mr. Francisco said, range from corporate governance matters, such as the appointment of a compliance officer, to the issuance of reports and disclosures such as financial statements and administrative changes.

鈥淎s investment bankers, we are involved with the whole spectrum of activities leading to a company鈥檚 IPO. From day one, we assist the company in tailor-fitting the IPO structure based on what the company鈥檚 shareholders want and what the market is willing to accept. Sometimes, these two principles are so distinct from each other but it鈥檚 part of our job to help create a bespoke structure that is not just acceptable but is actually attractive to the shareholders and the equity capital market alike,鈥� Mr. Camacho said.

鈥淥nce the basic structure has been prepared, regulatory filings and marketing activities are the next steps and, once regulatory approvals have been received, determining the price and shares to be offered to the public would be next. The culmination of all these activities would be the listing of the company on the PSE. All these activities can be completed anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the preparedness of the issuer,鈥� he added.

What are the benefits? Why go through all that trouble?

Mr. Camacho pointed out that the main and most compelling advantages for companies to go public would be the wealth creation generated by the activity and access provided in terms of tapping the equity capital market for funding.

Such funding can be utilized for profit-generating activities which can help spur growth for the business. Other advantages of an IPO include tax-efficiencies, specifically in terms of stock-transaction tax and estate planning, the liquidity provided to investors, the promotion of a more professional organization, and the enhanced public image that the listed company enjoys.

鈥淎ll these benefits do not come free as a publicly-listed company has numerous responsibilities to its shareholders,鈥� he said.

鈥淔oremost is the sharing of ownership control with other shareholders. Also included is the sharing of financial gain since a listed company is expected to have a dividend policy in place. Other responsibilities or concerns that a potential IPO candidate may face include the time-consuming process of due diligence needed for the IPO, management of the company geared towards maximization of shareholder value, sharing of strategic information through corporate disclosures, costs of going public, and compliance with regulatory requirements,鈥� he added.

Mr. Francisco noted that there is also prestige involved with going public.

鈥淎n IPO would raise the public profile of your company with customers, suppliers, investors, and the media, and your company may be covered in analyst reports or be included in an index,鈥� he said.

He added, 鈥淭here are around 850,000 plus corporations in the SEC but only around 260 listed companies in the PSE. So doing an IPO already puts one in a small unique group. There are also only 3 to 5 IPOs in a year so launching an IPO is a big deal for the Philippine capital market and the PSE.鈥�

When is a company ready to go public?

As noted before, undergoing the process of public listing would give a business access to alternative funding and a broader investor base. It will also demand more from the business in general. Publicly listed companies are beholden to regulatory requirements and restrictions, and are required to be transparent and professional in all its ventures.

鈥淓ntrepreneurs should ask themselves if they are ready to adhere to stricter standards of disclosure and governance before fully committing to the exercise,鈥� Mr. Camacho said.

Will receiving equity from the public help support your company鈥檚 growth plans? Will you be able to use the proceeds in activities which will help boost the company鈥檚 bottom line? Can this help pay off some debts and make your company healthier and more sustainable? Are you ready to professionalize your company and subject yourself to periodic reportorial submissions from the regulators? Are you willing to be more transparent and discuss more the results of operations, as well as plans and strategies with investors and analysts?

If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you are ready to take the next step.

鈥淚t takes a while to prepare 鈥� can take up to three years to prepare to reorganize the company, fix its audited numbers, hire professionals and directors, etc. There is a lot of housekeeping and requirements to professionalize the company. But if a company and its founders feel that it is time to bring the company to the next level, an IPO is a way to go,鈥� Mr. Francisco added.

Are IPOs a good investment?

As of January 2021, the country鈥檚 sole stock exchange, the PSE, has 250 public companies listed, all tradeable through a variety of online and traditional stock brokerage firms, Mr. Ordo帽ez said.

Through such platforms, any investor can participate in an IPO. The PSE has even set up a variety of ways to reserve shares. One is through clients鈥� favored stock brokerage firms and another is through the PSE鈥檚 own Local Small Investor Program via its PSE Easy online platform.

鈥淒espite many investors believing that IPOs are their first chance to buy companies when their shares of stock are still cheap (or in other words getting in on the 鈥榞round floor鈥� of the companies), making money is still never guaranteed,鈥� Mr. Ordo帽ez warned.

鈥淭hat is because the share price of the companies once listed may be volatile as buyers and sellers conduct trading activities, or perhaps the future prospects of the company may turn bleak. Increased volatility in the share price movement, and/or the changes in the future prospects of the company may scare off investors causing them to sell and drive down share prices. Though the IPO process is mostly the same for all companies that have undergone it, the outcome of each event varies,鈥� he explained.

How to know if an IPO is worth investing in?
Mr. Ordo帽ez pointed out that the best companies to invest in are those with clear and achievable expansion plans. Such companies may have outlined their growth through the acquisition of new companies, opening new branches, entering or expanding new markets, researching and developing new products, buying new equipment, or just about any activity that will increase revenue and income.

鈥淚ncreased revenue and income will translate to dividends and capital appreciation for investors. It is for these initiatives that the companies will use the IPO proceeds for. Companies such as these will make investing and holding the shares of stock, despite increased volatility, worth it,鈥� he said.

As with all things in the investment market, however, it all comes with risks. Potential investors should do adequate research and conduct a careful study of the company. Reading the prospectus of the company and research reports are a good start, as is doing a careful survey of its management team and track record. Investors should know what they are buying, and have some estimation of the value of the shares.

But perhaps most important of all is the why, Mr. Ordo帽ez noted.

鈥淲hat is the reason for participating in the IPO? Is it to invest in the company, to grow capital coinciding with the growth of the business? Or is it simply to trade the share price once listed, taking advantage of the high trading volume, buying low and selling high?鈥� he said.

鈥淜nowing the WHAT and the WHY will greatly help investors assess the investment, and properly weigh the risks and rewards of participating in the IPO. Every investor鈥檚 goal is to grow capital. Every trader鈥檚 goal is also to grow capital. Doing this exercise simply matches the goal with the investor or trader鈥檚 strategy, and the nature of the investment,鈥� he added.

The decision whether to invest in the new IPOs that the PSE is eyeing depends on the investor. Mr. Francisco noted that despite the pandemic, the Philippine investment market has fared well, seeing its first real estate investment trust last year and also the largest IPO to date in Converge.

鈥淭here are several IPOs slated this year that could again set new records in size. The success of our IPOs last year and this year reflects well on the Philippines. Foreign investors will not invest in our IPOs if they do not believe in the Philippine story,鈥� he said.

But a new year brings new opportunities and if you are looking to turn a new leaf financially in 2021, you are far from alone. In fact, a white paper released by AdSpark, Inc., a portfolio company under Globe Telecom鈥檚 917Ventures last year, showed that consumption of Personal Finances as a topic grew by 800% from January 2020 to the end of March 2020 when most Filipinos were required to stay at home.

This was supported by the Global Web Index which tells in numbers how people foresee the impact of the situation on their personal finances. Of the Filipinos surveyed, 65% believed that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a big impact on their personal finances while 15.7% said the effect could be greater.

No doubt that number is far larger now that a full year has gone by. Yet, as awful as it had been, there is much 2020 could teach about the importance of being financially secure, especially now in a drastically different world.

Save whatever you can and build an emergency fund
Everyone from the billionaire tycoons to their hardworking employees were caught unaware by the pandemic. This has resulted in millions of lost jobs and lost income. And while naturally the worst affected had been those already poor and vulnerable, everyone has felt the effects that COVID-19 has had on the economy.

Being prepared for such events and setbacks is the main purpose of an emergency fund. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the unexpected financial surprises that may come your way. Such events could be an unexpected car trouble, a bad illness, or other sudden expenses. Having an emergency fund is like having a safety net that you can rely on to save yourself the stress of financial instability or going into debt.

Most financial experts will recommend an emergency fund of about three to six months鈥� worth of expenses, put into an easily accessible deposit account. You should try to save up this amount even if you have any outstanding debt, budgeting wherever necessary. The peace of mind brought by having an emergency fund will make all the scrimping worth it.

Naturally, you should not touch this fund unless there is an emergency, or else it defeats the purpose.

Learn to use technology to your advantage
Many people will struggle with saving, especially in troubled times like these. Most banks nowadays have digital platforms where you can do your banking online. If you have never tried using such platforms before, now is the time to try.

Having an easily accessible way to check your finances wherever you are can be a great motivator towards spending responsibly. You can also check with your bank if they have features like automatic bills payments for your recurring bills, or even if they can automatically invest part of your income towards retirement funds or life insurance.

Learn all you can about how digital technology can help you achieve your financial goals. Download free apps that can track your spending habits or can help you create a budget.

Check your lifestyle and make some cuts
As widespread as it was, the pandemic has changed everyone鈥檚 daily lives the world over. For many, it has been a massive lifestyle change. In an instant, there was no more travel to look forward to, remote work began to become mainstream, and eating out in restaurants became ordering delivery and dining in at home.

Examine how the pandemic has affected you and your spending habits. Maybe you stopped checking in for a morning coffee at your favorite cafe. Maybe you don鈥檛 order from restaurants as much because you can cook meals at home now. Whatever the changes may be, ask yourself if anything of value was lost. If you are satisfied with your life even with all the lifestyle cuts, then why not take them out of your budget altogether?

Educate yourself
They say the best investment you can ever make is investing in yourself. If you want 2021 to be the year you start on your journey towards financial security, then it is a good idea to invest in your financial education.

You don鈥檛 need to enroll in any classes or buy any books (though they help!). Resources about financial education is all over the internet, from Investopedia to podcasts to your own bank鈥檚 website. Being financially educated means changing your mind-set to learn and understand money and all the ways it can help you improve your life. 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Life insurance, for instance, is considered as 鈥渁 means of providing an instant estate for survivors.鈥� For Edward J. Metzen, a former chair of the current Department of Personal Financial Planning in the University of Missouri (UM), this benefit life insurance provides shows how much it prioritizes protection for clients.

鈥淲hen buying life insurance, your primary concern should be providing adequate protection; the possible savings feature is a secondary consideration,鈥� Mr. Metzen advised in a guide to insurance on UM鈥檚 website.

Such protection is not limited, nonetheless, to providing income to an insured鈥檚 dependents. Insurance can, in fact, prevent them from having to give off assets. This is what is often referred to as estate preservation.

Before the ownership of one鈥檚 assets can be transferred to another, an estate tax should be given to the government. The amount of this tax, however, might surprise survivors that they might even consider selling off some, if not all, of those assets just to pay the tax. Add to that unsettled debts and the burden expands.

Life insurance can prevent survivors from bearing this burden by using the premium to pay for taxes and unsettled debts.

鈥淟ife insurance can potentially cover whatever is due to the government so your loved ones don鈥檛 have to make difficult decisions,鈥� local financial literacy platform Pesolab wrote.

Aside from estate preservation, life insurance is also considered an efficient way of estate creation. In addition to the aforementioned 鈥榠nstant estate,鈥� life insurance can also help equitably transfer wealth to later generations.

Shares of a family business, for instance, can be distributed to all members instead of solely to family members who are active in that business.

鈥淥ften, the business is the estate鈥檚 major asset and the amount remaining for family members who are not involved in the business is significantly less. Life insurance can provide a lump sum to the family members who do not have an interest in the business, to ensure a fair inheritance,鈥� US-based wealth management service TD Wealth wrote in a document on life insurance鈥檚 role in asset protection.

Another way estate is created and protected through life insurance involves annuity, which provides investors with a guaranteed regular income stream while consequently facilitating the creation of an estate.

鈥淯sually, a portion of the annuity income is used to pay the premiums for a life insurance policy with a face value (insurance benefit) equal to the amount of the annuity principal,鈥� TD Wealth explained. 鈥淯pon death of the annuitant, the tax-free life insurance death benefit is paid to the annuitant鈥檚 beneficiary(ies) to replace the capital originally invested in the annuity.鈥�

Furthermore, there are other types of insurance tailored to protect certain assets.

Property insurance is designed to protect an insured鈥檚 house, whether owned or rented, as well as other items he or she owns. In cases of natural calamities, theft, or fire, among other uncertainties, this kind of insurance should at least cover most of the replacement costs. It can also protect the owner/renter against personal liability if someone is injured at that property.

鈥淲ithout property cover, you absorb all the risks in acquiring these assets. If you have adequate cover, however, you can rest easy knowing your insurer will pay you a lump sum benefit when your properties are caught in a natural disaster or a man-made accident,鈥� Pesolab noted.

Auto insurance, meanwhile, covers the replacement of vehicles in case of accidents. Beyond that, auto insurance also provides coverage for liabilities (if the driver is the offending party) as well as medical-related expenses. Another financial platform, Grit.ph, in its guide to car insurance, finely stressed the importance of such policy: 鈥淚t鈥檚 鈥榩rotection for your pockets鈥� against car-related damages or accidents.鈥�

Businesses are also not exempted from uncertainties, more so at present; so a policy designed for them will greatly help. Business insurance protects businesses from potential losses by providing coverage for their financial assets as well as intellectual and physical properties from lawsuits, property damage, theft, loss of income, and employee injuries and illnesses.

Business insurance comes in several forms. One of these is the business owner鈥檚 policy, which covers damage to property and even business interruption. Workers鈥� compensation insurance, meanwhile, covers medical and health bills of employees in case of workplace accident.

Group life insurance, or employee benefits package, is collectively provided by businesses to their employees; while data breach/cyber liability insurance can be used to protect businesses from costs resulting in digital attacks.

Assets, in their various forms, should regularly be appreciated and taken care of, and various insurance products in the market are capable of helping consumers become better stewards of their assets and themselves. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

Uncertainties are inevitable in life 鈥� from illnesses, accidents, sudden economic downturns, and, ultimately, death. Not only do these events affect individuals, but more so their families. Such reality has been further stressed when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread across the globe and suddenly impacted communities, businesses, and households.

These uncertainties, however, can be prepared for by making investments that enable breadwinners to protect their income as well as manage whatever risks that may come in.

For Joseph Mark Y. Ronquillo, senior vice-president and chief of Retail Distribution Division at United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp., more known as Cocolife, a wisely picked investment helps consumers secure their earnings as well as allow it to grow.

鈥淚n the face of pandemic and other challenges, every Filipino should consider an investment that provides not only an opportunity for your money to grow but will also provide your family income protection in case you, as the breadwinner, are taken out of the picture,鈥� Mr. Ronquillo told 大象传媒 in an e-mail.

Among such investments include life insurance. As local financial literacy website Pesolab noted, life insurance achieves the goals of income protection and risk management. Yet, it goes beyond these purposes as it also helps consumers gain wealth.

鈥淲ith the rise of products that include cash values or investments, it can be a financial planning strategy to save and grow your money over time,鈥� Pesolab wrote.

This cash value component is what makes life insurance a good investment to embark on, according to financial information portal Investopedia. How it really benefits an insured, however, will depend on whether the policy fits his or her preferences.

鈥淲hether or not life insurance is a good investment for you depends on your individual finances as well as the length you鈥檒l need coverage,鈥� Investopedia stressed in its guide to life insurance.

Choosing wisely

With many insurance options to choose from in the market, how can a consumer choose one that is worth investing in?

Mr. Ronquillo advises consumers that their choice should first match their objectives. 鈥淭he desire to invest should always be driven by what specific needs an investor would like to address such as family income protection, educational fund for the children, retirement fund buildup, and other major goals and purchases,鈥� he said.

Another aspect in which a preferred investment should match with is one鈥檚 investment horizon or the total length of time an investor expects to hold a security or investment portfolio. 鈥淎 match between the choice of investment and investment horizon is a must to avoid problems in the future when you already need to withdraw your money,鈥� Mr. Ronquillo advised.

Lastly, the investment should match with one鈥檚 risk appetite or risk tolerance. Basically, low-risk investments (e.g., money market instruments) would normally yield lower returns, while high-risk investments (e.g., equities, stock market) potentially yield higher returns in the long term.

鈥淓very investor should do some kind of introspection before diving into any investments. In terms of investments, they have to also assess whether they are conservative or aggressive or somewhere in between,鈥� Mr. Ronquillo said.

He also noted that clients should always keep abreast of current events as these can affect the current economic situation. By staying informed, they can make informed decisions on what type of investments will fit the current climate.

To keep these investments sound, especially given the current situation, the practice of diversification matters more than ever.

鈥淪ince there鈥檚 no way to predict how well a particular asset category will perform, setting the right amount of money to different types of investments should be your course of action,鈥� BPI-Philam Life, the bancassurance arm of Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co., Inc. (Philam Life), wrote on its website.

A client should also make sure that debts are settled first so that they do not get in the way of current or new investments. 鈥淵our assets may be giving you a good amount of returns, but you won鈥檛 be able to maximize your earnings if the interest rate of your credit card bills is slowly chipping away at them,鈥� BPI-Philam Life鈥檚 article read.

It helps as well, to regularly consult with financial advisors who can guide one鈥檚 investments to the right direction.

As Mr. Ronquillo shared, Cocolife ensures that all clients are given the most tailored advice to suit their specific needs and guide them in making the best decision for them and their family鈥檚 well-being.

Various options
Determining one鈥檚 objectives, investment horizon, and risk tolerance can greatly help consumers choose the insurance policy that adequately helps them address life鈥檚 uncertainties.

Yet, for those who might still find it difficult to determine what insurance product they should choose, Cocolife鈥檚 Mr. Ronquillo suggests that a variable life insurance is 鈥� one of the smartest investments there is in the market today,鈥� as it puts together insurance and investment into one policy.

Variable life insurance is defined as a type of permanent life insurance that provides death benefits as well as the ability to build cash funds through an investment component that an insured can manage. Therefore, the insured can control where he can place his investments.

鈥淭o put it simply, this is the type of product that can provide you with peace of mind and an opportunity to make your money grow over time,鈥� Mr. Ronquillo said.

The SVP noted that while this kind of insurance product allows the insured to have a protected income, retirement fund, and educational fund, it can also help build wealth for major purchases such as a brand new car, a dream house, and even a dream vacation.

Cocolife鈥檚 variable life insurance products are under its FLEXI plans, which are payable in 5, 7, 10, or 20 years and can be configured according to a client鈥檚 needs. Products under this line include the FLEXI Investment, FLEXI Protection, FLEXI Retirement, and FLEXI Education plans.

Philam Life, on the other hand, offers a one-pay investment and life insurance plan branded as Money Tree Elite, which ensures guaranteed life insurance coverage of at least 125% of one鈥檚 investment.

The firm also offers life insurance plans powered by its wellness program Philam Vitality, which allows clients to enjoy rewards for taking active steps in knowing and improving their health. These products include AIA All-In-One and Family Secure plans.

Philam Life鈥檚 other life insurance plans include the Guardian plan and the Family Provider plan. The latter ensures life insurance coverage that does not take a lifetime to pay for, and it also links benefits to investment funds of a client鈥檚 choice.

Yet a new year has dawned, and the challenges of the past year have now borne fruit. These models from popular brands are what the future of mobility looks like so far.

Honda City / Civic

The new and improved Honda City hatchback made a splash in global markets late last year, and Philippine customers can now get their own to drive. The all-new City was designed for confidence, from its sweeping, dynamic corners to the bold, black trim, to its specially designed, sleek RS bumpers.

With its stylish exterior design, outstanding interior space, and advanced technology, Honda aims to assert its 2030 vision of leading the advancement of mobility and enabling people around the world to improve their daily lives.

Moreover, the launch reaffirms Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.鈥檚 commitment to providing mobility to Filipinos especially on its 30^th year in the Philippines and continues to expand its presence in the market. Honda also recently unveiled the prototype of the 2021 Civic, which is now all set to enter into its 11^th generation. It is only a matter of time before the newest iteration of the iconic Civic enters the country鈥檚 shores.

Isuzu mu-X / D-max

The Japanese car maker Isuzu Motors revealed the new and updated model for its mu-X line in Thailand before promising to roll it out in other markets. The D-max pickup truck, similarly, was promised an update.

The all-new Isuzu D-max, lauded all over the world for its top-class performance, safety, and innovation, will be making its debut later this year, both with new looks and new nifty features. It still comes equipped with either a 1.9-liter turbo diesel engine or an upgraded 3.0-liter motor that produces 190hp and 450 Nm of torque, however.

The new mu-X meanwhile will enter the country鈥檚 midsize SUV market. Based on the D-max pickup, the mu-X is a robust option for those looking for a good rough road companion.

Set to also make its entry later in the year, the newly designed mu-X is based on Isuzu鈥檚 engineering concept of Robust and Exclusive, with the aim of enhancing the comfort and luxury while maintaining Isuzu鈥檚 unique strengths: reliable durability; fuel economy; and safety performance.

Lexus IS

The luxury car brand unveiled the new Lexus IS to the world last year. Fortunately for those who were waiting patiently for its Philippine release, Lexus launched it right as 2020 ended. Boasting superb maneuverability and riding comfort honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, with evocative styling and state-of-the-art technologies, including the latest Lexus Safety System+, the Lexus IS is built fine-tuned for the driving experience.

鈥淲hat we had foremost in mind in developing the new IS was to make it a car that excelled in communicating with the driver and, as a car with wide latitude for providing such, would never fail in doing so, regardless of the road conditions or driving status. Toward achieving this, we retained the compact body that had been well received, and, with our team united, we endeavored to bring such to maturity by developing the new IS on a new test course. We aimed to make the new IS a Lexus compact sports sedan that provides high-quality riding comfort while offering a high level of vehicle control,鈥� Naoki Kobayashi, chief engineer, Lexus International, said in a statement.

He added, 鈥淲e wanted it to be a car that enables people to make new discoveries, such as the discovery that the longer the new IS is driven, the more one can experience the fun of driving. And we wanted it to be a car that enables people to feel the aspirations of those who created it.鈥�

Mitsubishi Outlander / Mirage

Though there likely is a longer wait involved here for SUV fans, the new Mitsubishi Outlander is likely worth it. Developed under the ideal of the Japanese term 鈥淚-Fu-Do-Do鈥�, which means authentic and majestic, the all-new Outlander is designed to demonstrate strength and quality from the inside out.

The exterior design is refined, with a powerful and proud front end with new generation Dynamic Shield design concept. The complete transformation from dimensions to exterior styling previews the design direction for the future Mitsubishi Motors models.

鈥淭he Outlander is an iconic SUV for the company, so when we developed the next-generation model, we took inspirations from our rich SUV heritage to realize a bold and confident styling with a solid stance that excites our customers,鈥� said Seiji Watanabe, division general manager of design (head of design), Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

鈥淭he all-new Outlander is the first model epitomizing the new generation of Mitsubishi design and the frontrunner of our design strategy,鈥� he added.

The new Outlander will debut first in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, with international markets following soon after. Fans of the brand鈥檚 popular Mirage line also has something to look forward to, as the line got updated last year in Thailand with much fanfare.

Nissan Navara / Terra

Nissan is making waves by committing to a slew of new launches this year. The new Nissan Navara pickup, for one, now comes with a new redesigned front facia, opting for a sleeker yet still athletic outline. Combined with a newly redesigned grille, a new set of wheels,听 a new set of headlights, and a new variant called the Pro-4X, the new Navara gives off a more angular silhouette for a cool and confident refresh.

And while Nissan Philippines has yet to release specifics on the release of the 2021 Navara, fans of the brand should expect to wait at least until the latter half of 2021. In the meantime, the carmaker launched the redesigned Nissan Terra.

First debuting in the Middle East as the X-Terra, the revamped SUV aims to exude a much bolder style with an update to its tech. The 2021 Terra distinguishes itself from the Navara which it鈥檚 based on with its brand-new front-end, which sports refinement and styling cues from the brand鈥檚 other SUV model, the Patrol. The Terra is redesigned to have an aggressive front-end with a larger, more upright V-motion grille bookmarked by LED headlights with quad projectors.

Toyota Yaris

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) was quick to welcome the new year with the new Toyota Yaris.

Sporting an aggressive redesigned front grille, the new Yaris gives off a commanding display on the road, flanked by new LED fog lamps across all variants. On the 1.5 S CVT variant, the head lamps have been upgraded to LED and are now paired with new Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

It also comes with new kicks with its 15-inch two-tone machine-finish alloy wheels across all variants. The updates extend up to the interiors with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now a standard feature across all variants, and synthetic leather seats for the 1.5 S CVT variant.

The redesign also comes in a vibrant new color across all variants to suit any discerning customer. A new and exciting 鈥淐yan Metallic鈥� shade is aimed at appealing to the young and young-at-heart.

鈥淭he Yaris appeals to many married professionals in their mid to late 30s looking for a modern fun-to-drive vehicle that offers the great cargo space a hatchback offers,鈥� Elijah Marcial, vice-president of marketing services at TMP, said in a statement.

鈥淭he Yaris nameplate has amassed quite a loyal fan base for being synonymous with fun driving and flashy looks, and this year we鈥檝e elevated it with a new premium eye-catching design to suit our customers鈥� evolving style. All without, of course, compromising on the power, convenience, and safety we鈥檝e all come to expect from every Toyota.鈥� 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

In order to address a holistic recovery, there is a call for governments to address economic problems like a lack of dynamism and flexibility, citing the importance of decentralizing economic and capital functions to less populated areas. Such a shift may induce a swifter economic recovery, while simplifying crisis management, and bringing new life to regional centers.

In the Philippines, the initiative to decentralize Metro Manila has long been a focus of the national government. Decentralization would serve to accelerate rural development and revitalize essential industries such as farming and fishery, while reducing the population density of the capital.

Many local and multinational investors are looking to expand their businesses to untapped regional areas in the Philippines, according to international real estate services firm KMC Savills.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e actively looking in provincial areas, a lot closer to where their employees live. They want their employees not to sit in transportation, not to take public transportation, to be able to get to the office very quickly,鈥� said KMC Savills, Inc. Managing Director Michael McCullough at a previous webinar.

Particularly, Pampanga is emerging as a hotspot for investors looking to secure real estate. Global real estate services firm Colliers International tagged the area as having a 鈥榟igh potential鈥� to become a key property investment hub outside Metro Manila.

鈥淭he government鈥檚 active infrastructure implementation and decentralization program is encouraging developers to look closely at Pampanga, notably Clark Freeport and adjacent cities and municipalities,鈥� the company wrote on one of its market intelligence reports.

鈥淲e think the Clark-Angeles-San Fernando corridor (Metro Clark) has high potential to become a key property investment hub outside Metro Manila. We see opportunities for office and residential segments.鈥�

Meanwhile, Colliers noted that property developers are starting to line up leisure and retail segments and plan to tap demand once the pandemic wanes and market sentiment recovers.

鈥淕iven the relatively cheap developable land in the area, Colliers believes that the development of integrated communities is a practical route for many developers,鈥� the company added.

Furthermore, the new international gateway facility in Clark will likely improve efficiency of logistics operations in northern Luzon. Colliers pointed out that the completion of the Clark International Airport Expansion project might entice other logistics, information and technology, tourism and outsourcing firms to consider Clark for their operations.

鈥淭he improved connectivity should also spur more economic activities and eventually drive the demand for offices, residential and industrial spaces and warehouses in the northern Luzon corridor. Colliers sees the completion of other infrastructure projects such as Skyway 3, Clark-Malolos Passenger Railway, NLEx-SLEx connector and the Subic-Clark Railway further boosting the region鈥檚 attractiveness for logistics-related investments post-pandemic,鈥� the company wrote.

Outside of Luzon, the local government units of Davao and Iloilo are also attracting the eye of investors. According to a white paper published by online property marketplace Lamudi, several companies, especially business process outsourcing firms, continue to expand and establish their operations in these cities.

鈥淲ith the ongoing decongestion efforts of Metro Manila through several decentralization measures by the government, such as stimulating industrial activities in the countryside and enticing more enterprises to set up their operations there, more and more property developers are expanding beyond the country鈥檚 premier urban hub to meet the growing demands of property seekers for residential condominiums in these so-called emerging cities, notably Davao, Iloilo, and Angeles in Pampanga,鈥� the white paper said.

The current trend for developers in seeking out these areas remains to be master-planned or mixed-use townships, integrated communities wherein tenants can live, work, and play without having to face the hassle of commuting.

Townships have the added benefit of allowing communities to better respond to the current and future crises, with an increasing demand for more work and life balance. With remote work becoming the norm overnight, many more employees are exposed to the advantages of working closer to home, limiting their exposure to the virus and securing their health and well-being.

鈥淐olliers believes that there is sustained demand for condominium projects located within townships. In our opinion, the convenience of being near office and retail establishments partly contributes to strong take-up,鈥� Colliers wrote.

鈥淭o take advantage of this demand, Colliers recommends that property firms continue developing integrated communities outside Metro Manila. This should be facilitated by strategic land banking in property investment hubs outside the capital region such as Cebu.鈥� 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Retail is one of the industries most affected by this change. Because of the mitigation measures imposed globally aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus, the supply, demand, and daily operations of the retail sector have been greatly disrupted. For many weeks in the Philippines, all malls were closed, social gatherings were discouraged, and only essential businesses were allowed to operate.

The overall impact of this on retail is massive. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the retail sector is seen worldwide as an economic heavyweight: on average across OECD economies, about 1 in 12 workers are employed in retail, and the sector accounts for almost 5% of GDP. Moreover, it mainly serves final demand, and thus occupies an important position in value chains both as a provider to households and as an outlet for upstream sectors.

What鈥檚 more, retail also often complements activities in other sectors hard-hit by the pandemic, like tourism. The retail sector is very labor-intensive, and relies on low-wage and part-time, on-call and gig workers that are not well-covered by traditional social protection measures, which further strengthens the social consequences of the crisis in this sector.

At the same time, the behavior of consumers regarding their approach to retail has also changed during the pandemic. According to a research done by global professional services firm Accenture, changes to disposable income and available leisure time are influencing consumers鈥� attitudes, behaviors and purchasing habits. For example, 33% of consumers are finding themselves 鈥榝inancially-squeezed鈥�, with less disposable income compared to before the crisis, and are shopping more cost consciously, whereas 26% (the 鈥楻esource-Rich鈥�) have increased both their disposable income and free time, and are enjoying new leisure pursuits.

鈥淚n markets where the pandemic is stabilizing, economic concerns remain high, denting consumer confidence. And although fears about health are gradually subsiding, consumers remain uncomfortable about visiting public places, although they are relatively more comfortable with familiar places such as grocery and pharmacy stores,鈥� Accenture noted in their report.

Moreover, the research found that with lockdowns in place and many stores shuttered, e-commerce has surged among consumers. From previously uninitiated users, adoption has accelerated, especially in under-penetrated categories such as grocery. Consumers have also increased their use of omnichannel services like contactless payment, social commerce, virtual consultations and curbside pickup.

All these factors combined make a perfect storm for retailers across the globe. Global professional services firm KPMG highlighted the need for retailers to readjust and reassess their priorities during the pandemic in order to move forward.

鈥淭he COVID-19 virus has already led to a number of workplace shutdowns and quarantines. Retailers must have a plan that ensures the safety of the employees while also trying to maintain business as usual activities. Beyond simply creating a crisis communications plan, retailers should be thinking about how they will manage their workforce under various different scenarios,鈥� KPMG wrote on their website.

KPMG noted innovative companies in China that have managed to address the many challenges of this pandemic; during the height of the outbreak there, grocery operators temporarily hired thousands of restaurant employees who were idle due to restaurant closure to help meet spikes in demand. Other companies have been moving employees around the organization to fill gaps and relieve overworked departments.

Meanwhile, retailers in other sub-sectors are encouraged to talk to their key suppliers to assess their risks, identify any indirect exposures and create contingency plans.

鈥淩etailers should also be thinking about the impact these massive changes will have on the customer and the customer relationship. How will you maintain trust in your brand and your products and services? How will you reset expectations for today? And how will you recover the customer experience in the future?鈥� KPMG wrote.

Retailers should also take advantage of the surge in the adoption of digital platforms and technologies among consumers to increase their resilience to future shock. Brick-and-mortar retailers can diversify their sale channels by expanding their activity to online sales.

The OECD pointed out that in Korea, the government is strengthening its support for small businesses to enter online sale platforms, while in Japan, the government will provide a business continuity subsidy, which allows firms to diversify and expand their sales channels.

鈥淏eyond financial support, governments should pay attention to regulatory barriers that hinder the participation of traditional retailers in online sales (e.g. permitting and zoning rules) and to framework conditions that affect demand for online sales (e.g. digital literacy, consumer protection, security and reliability of payment systems),鈥� the organization suggested.

鈥淔inally, as COVID-19 affects food and agricultural supply in complex ways, the retail sector should also consider the resilience of its supply chain where needed, notably by relying on more diversified sources of goods, by improving inventory management and by leveraging data analytics to improve forecasts on sales and supply chain tensions.鈥�

The retail industry has weathered disruptions big and small in the past. This is no different. However, the convergence of digital technology, globalization, and increased consumer consciousness presents an entirely new playing field in the world of retail. How much it may change in the coming months and years, only time will tell. 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

Recent figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shared that a total of 75,029 online businesses have registered with the department from January to August this year. Out of this total number, 73,276 online businesses were registered between March 16 (when the Luzon-wide lockdown began) and August 31. This adds to the 1,753 registered businesses from January to mid-March.

As early as May, 9,692 new business names were registered under internet retail, which is nearly 450% higher than the January to mid-March registrations. 33,000 new registrations were recorded in June.

As much as there has been a spike in online shoppers due to the pandemic, coupled by an apparent uptrend in the use of online and cashless transactions, the pandemic has also caused an accelerated increase in small online retailers. Statista shared in its latest overview of Philippine e-commerce that many small and medium enterprises emerged within the online retail market because of the popularity of online shopping.

鈥淟ocal sellers have made it possible for consumers now to reach their products even though they do not have a physical shop or store,鈥� Statisa鈥檚 overview read. 鈥淪ocial media platforms are used, like Facebook and Instagram, among small-scale entrepreneurs. Unsurprisingly, because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic in the country, turning to small-scale retail sellers have become popular because of the benefits it provides to both sellers and consumers.鈥�

This increase in e-commerce inevitably demands stronger support to boost the sector. One main way seen to enable this boost, according to Secretary Lopez, is updating the eCommerce Act of 2000.

鈥淭wenty years after this pioneering legislation was passed, we need to revisit the law to make it more relevant to the times and future-proofing it. We need to take into account the substantial developments in technology, the widespread use of [the] internet, and the growing e-commerce sector,鈥� DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a statement last June.

Particularly, he expressed support for the Internet Transactions Act, which has been approved by the House Committee on Trade in July and is currently being tackled by the Senate trade committee.

鈥淲ith the bill鈥檚 regulatory framework for internet transactions, the bill will promote and support Filipino platforms and businesses based on the principle that domestic online platforms shall be treated under the law equally as offshore non-resident online platforms,鈥� Secretary Lopez said in another statement last month.

鈥淭his means domestic online platforms shall be given opportunities to grow and be competitive in the digital market. What鈥檚 more, the Senate bill provides incentives to encourage newly registered online enterprises, especially during this time of pandemic, to operate above-ground,鈥� he added. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

By Adrian Paul B. Conoza, Special Features Writer

One of the points the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further pushed is the need for businesses and organizations to innovate. While the pandemic has gravely affected several businesses, forcing some of them to close, it has also opened opportunities to digitally transform as well as to make the most out of their remaining resources.

On its 46th Philippine Business Conference & Expo (PBC&E), which will commence today, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will once again bring together policy makers, business and industry captains, diplomats, the academe, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into an in-depth discussion of innovation and how it can shape businesses in the new normal.

The PBC&E, the biggest annual business event in the country, is a two-day summit that serves as a collaborative venue for discussing current business opportunities and issues, as well as forming policy recommendations that would help create a resilient and sustainable business environment.

With the theme 鈥渋nnovation@ph,鈥� this year鈥檚 PBC&E aims to provide businesses with a digital road map to effectively navigate and chart a more sustainable and secure future.

鈥淭he topic has become even more relevant now, with the COVID-19 making innovation and transformation to digital processes an urgent and necessary component of governance and business strategies,鈥� Amb. Benedicto V. Yujuico, president of PCCI, said.

The theme reflects the cause that Mr. Yujuico champions as the president of PCCI, having observed how developed and industrialized countries like China have succeeded in embracing innovation as their core strategy.

鈥淲ith the pandemic disrupting normal business operations, enterprises, particularly MSMEs and even the informal sector, are now adopting new business models to survive the lockdowns on economic and social activities,鈥� Mr. Yujuico continued.

This year鈥檚 PBC&E will have important figures from both government and private sectors.

The summit will have Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo as the opening keynote speaker, while President Rodrigo R. Duterte will give his message for the concluding ceremonies.

Moreover, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Pe帽a, and Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III will share their insights and discuss government policy interventions and strategies for economic recovery and sustainability through innovative practices.

Particularly, Mr. Dominguez will join the discussion on boldness and innovation in financial management, sharing innovative measures the Finance department will introduce to help the country鈥檚 economy emerge stronger post-pandemic.

Messrs. Dela Pe帽a and Bello, meanwhile, will join the plenary on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as the Industry 4.0. They will discuss how the government is creating an ecosystem that strengthens business, technology, and innovation, and support the shift to Industry 4.0.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will also join the summit as she will share innovative practices and structural reforms that were put in place during her term in response to the grave threat of the global financial crisis in 2008.

From the private sector, on the other hand, Xavier Marzan, managing director of Filinvest Development Corp.; Minette Navarrete, president of Kickstart Ventures; and Jojo Malolos, chief executive officer of JG Digital Equity, will share in another plenary their stories on how large companies embrace innovation.
Other plenaries in PBC&E will see experts and thought leaders from both government and private sectors.

Director Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia of the Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy and of the Financial Inclusion Group of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Lito Villanueva, chairman of FinTech Alliance of the Philippines; and Bobby Castro, president and CEO of Palawan Express, will share some of the innovative financing solutions that institutions or companies have been mobilizing to help small enterprises recover.

In another plenary, Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara of the Department of Science and Technology; Rachael A. Jarosh, president and CEO of Enactus; and Joey Gurango, business technology coach at Servio Small Business, will present various innovative approaches that companies can adopt to effectively pivot into the new normal.

鈥淲e hope that our delegates would learn from our distinguished speakers some innovative and practical solutions on how to steer their businesses during and beyond the pandemic,鈥� Engr. Enunina Mangio, 46th PBC&E chair, said.

The chamber also hopes that the PBC&E will drive policy makers to further support more innovation-oriented regulation and supportive policies such as the creation and preservation of incentive systems and sustainability of finance.

It is also hoped that issues such as education that is not conducive to creative thinking, training not aligned with market needs and state of technologies, and further improvement in internet connectivity will be addressed through the summit.

Aside from the plenary sessions, the PBC&E will also be conferring awards and recognition for the following: Most Business-Friendly LGU; Best Business Development Idea (BIDA) for students; B.V.Y. Environment, Ecology and Economy Award for corporate environmental programs; A.M.Y. Intellectual Property Award; E.I.S. Young Entrepreneur Award; Most Outstanding Chamber Award; and PCCI President鈥檚 Award.

In addition, as an indication of the chamber鈥檚 full support to the fight against the pandemic, posthumous recognition will also be given to departed frontliners.

Another highlight of the summit will be the launching of PCCI鈥檚 e-market portal, ShopAll, which provides the chamber鈥檚 members an avenue to market their products nationwide.

Further push to innovation
Aside from this year鈥檚 PBC&E, PCCI has also been working on several initiatives in enabling entrepreneurs and firms to be the dominant force in innovation. One of these is the PCCI Innovation Center, a proposed service platform that will house IEC materials, lectures and workshops, to name a few, for developing innovation and entrepreneurship.

鈥淭his innovation center will provide the ecosystem and support for viable innovative business ideas of the young and talented engineers and entrepreneurs of our country,鈥� Mr. Yujuico explained.

The Innovation Center will be inaugurated by the end of October.
The chamber has also been pushing for enabling policies that address the limitations in internet connection, given the transition to online platforms among businesses. One of these apparent limitations comes from the restrictions in the use of satellites for internet connection.

鈥淧CCI is now addressing this limitation by urging the signing of a new Executive Order on satellite access liberalization to effect an immediate expanded internet coverage and to improve connectivity; and the enactment of the Open Access in Data Technology Act or the Better Internet Act to enforce a simple expeditious administrative process for new market entrants, as well as fast-track and lower the cost of broadband network rollout,鈥� Mr. Yujuico recalled.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics sector remains much valued as it is the vital link that transports essential goods and critical medical equipment during the quarantine.

Nicky Gozon, director of Entrego Express Corporation, has observed that logistics and courier services, more than ever, play a critical role in spite of the crisis hurdling business operations.

鈥淲e started delivering essentials even at the height of the lockdown because logistics and courier service play a very important role in ensuring that the links of the supply chain are not broken. We need to ensure that all of the lines within the whole industry feeds everything,鈥� he shared in a BUSINESSWORLD INSIGHTS forum last May.

Now, as most of the country transitions to a more relaxed quarantine measure, logistics and courier service are seen to be at the forefront of enabling the 鈥渘ew normal.鈥�

The demand for logistics and courier services have increased, Mr. Gozon noted. The sudden change in consumption habits during the quarantine has pushed this increased demand.

While the pandemic has altered people鈥檚 consumption, it has also given way for contactless environments, as seen in the uptrend in work-from-home arrangements, contactless delivery transactions, and digital payments. 鈥淭he increase in demand needs to be complemented by an increase in capacity with new health and hygiene standards in place,鈥� Mr. Gozon added.

Furthermore, as consumption habits have changed and contactless environments have been set in place, the shift from traditional retail to e-commerce has accelerated.

While e-commerce has already been booming before COVID-19, its potential has been further unleashed at a time when most brick-and-mortar stores remained closed during the quarantine to curtail the spread of the virus. Many experts have observed e-commerce鈥檚 reemergence both globally and locally.

On a global scale, American management consulting firm Bain & Company observed that demand in the e-commerce world has skyrocketed during the peak of the crisis, looking forward to its continued growth as consumers become used to buying online.

Here in the Philippines, e-commerce is expected to grow to five to six billion dollars within five years from one billion in 2019, according to Olivier Gergele, a partner in multinational professional services firm Ernest & Young Singapore.

Online shopping and marketing platforms will play a bigger role in the new normal, National Economic Development Authority Acting Secretary Karl Chua likewise noted, as businesses and consumers increase the use of electronic transactions like cashless payment system and other financial technology platforms.

Efficient logistics for a growing online market

With this observed presence and growth of e-commerce in the new normal, Mr. Gozon sees efficient logistics and courier services as enabler of e-commerce growth.

鈥淓ntrego is in a very important position in the new normal: bridging the online market to the end customers,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur business is designed to connect the archipelago with our nationwide network.鈥�

Entrego Express Corporation鈥檚 end-to-end fulfillment and logistics solutions serve not only e-commerce companies but also other industries including banking and finance, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, retail, automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, education, and construction.

Entrego Express Corporation serves business-to-customer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) needs of its clients with extensive value-added services. It also caters to domestic freight forwarding via air, land, and sea.

Entrego Express Corporation also offers a logistics solutions platform, myentregoaimed at enabling the country鈥檚 micro, small, and medium enterprises (msmes). This platform allows sellers and shippers to book their deliveries in a very convenient way.

In this new normal, Entrego Express Corporation is ready to empower businesses as they tap the potentials of e-commerce to reach a wider market. For Mr. Gozon, a fulfillment and logistics solution provider like Entrego Express Corporation serves as the other half of e-commerce. 鈥淲ith the fast growing market adoption towards e-commerce and a well-oiled logistics infrastructure, we will enable more businesses to grow,鈥� he said.

For more information on Entrego Express Corporation and its services, visit .

The latest report of the World Health Organization (WHO) on cancer titled 鈥淪etting Priorities, Investing Wisely, and Providing Care for All鈥�, noted that in 2018, 18.1 million people around the world had cancer, and 9.6 million died from the disease. By 2040, the figure will nearly double, and the greatest increase will come from low- and medium-income countries, where more than two-thirds of the world鈥檚 cancers are projected to occur. Worse, these areas currently have the lowest survival rates.

鈥淚n 2020, when one in five people globally will face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime and as gains against infections and other conditions have led to increased life expectancy, it is beyond time to accelerate global cancer control, through prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management, palliative care and surveillance,鈥� WHO鈥檚 report stressed.

In terms of cancer services, the contrast was seen between high-income and low-income countries. WHO shared in a statement that in 2019, less than 15% of low-income countries reported that comprehensive treatment services for cancer were available in the public health system compared more than 90% of high-income countries.

For Dr. Ren Minghui, assistant director-general for Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases of WHO, this should wake up the global community to tackle such inequalities. 鈥淚f people have access to primary care and referral systems, then, cancer can be detected early, treated effectively, and cured. Cancer should not be a death sentence for anyone, anywhere,鈥� Dr. Minghui added.

As WHO continuously embarks on its quest, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus sees hope in addressing such disparity, and consequently save many lives from the attack of cancer. 鈥淎t least 7 million lives could be saved over the next decade, by identifying the most appropriate science for each country situation, by basing strong cancer responses on universal health coverage, and by mobilizing different stakeholders to work together,鈥� Dr. Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

WHO stated it will implement听steps of proven interventions to prevent new cancer cases. These include:听controlling tobacco use, which is responsible for 25% of cancer deaths; vaccinating against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer; eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV; screening and treatment; implementing high-impact cancer management interventions that bring value for money; and ensuring access to palliative care including pain relief.

Cancer management, considered as more complex than those of other diseases, has advanced through time 鈥� from immunotherapy to radiotherapy. Pushing this further听forward,听WHO highly recommends nations听that a multidisciplinary team, which the organization regards as the 鈥渢he cornerstone of integrated, patient-centred care鈥�, should deliver these diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Palliative care, the aim of which is to 鈥減revent and relieve听 suffering during all phases of serious health problems,鈥� is also highlighted by WHO鈥檚 report as a vital part of cancer management.

The World Health Assembly, WHO added,听has called for universal access to palliative care as a necessary step towards universal health care. 鈥淲ith more than 50 million cancer survivors currently alive, attention must be paid to their long-term health needs听 and reintegration into society and the workplace.鈥�

Among other advancents in cancer care, palliative care has been seen as a rising trend, as Washington Post reported last year. It was observed that through palliative care, patients can听undergo treatment听鈥渁s gently as possible鈥�, with a wide range of activities such as mind-body practices, massage, stress and symptom management, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as听weight loss, alcohol,听and exercise counseling.

Palliative care, therefore, assists cancer patients beyond their condition. It takes into consideration the entire well-being of the patient, especially the mental aspect, which could be largely affected upon the inception of cancer as well as throughout the treatment.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a growing awareness that if we take care of how people are feeling, they will be better able to focus on treatment,鈥� Jeremy Hirst, a palliative psychiatrist at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, was quoted as saying. 鈥淲e find that validating people鈥檚 experiences by giving them the space to talk about the nightmare of a cancer diagnosis and how the experience steals so much of their life helps their physical symptoms improve.鈥� 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran,听Special Features Writer

Moving into the third decade of the millennium, one can learn much from looking back at the years that have come before. Technology has shaped much of the world that many people鈥檚 lives are inseparable from it. Through the Internet, the world has become much smaller, always connected.

With an evolving world, there is naturally a lot of new opportunities to be found, as well as new challenges. Where before, an economy was shackled to the ups and downs of the local landscape, now, countries have the entire globe as their market. And yet, with such a massive audience, the question now is how a country like the Philippines can stand out among its neighbors.

This is the question that the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) seeks to answer as it moves into its 62^nd year.

A non-profit non-stock organization, established in 1958, PANA is founded on four basic principles: advertising is an essential factor in marketing of goods and services and, consequentially, is an important factor in the economic life of the country; the interests of consumers should be the primary concern of advertisers and in the case of conflict, the interest of the consumer should prevail; public confidence in advertising and advertised goods and services should be promoted, and therefore any practice that tends to undermine the confidence should be prevented or corrected; and the upliftment of the standards and practices of advertising.

Marvin Tiu Lim, the newly elected president of PANA, said in an interview that remaining true to this core and reinterpreting it for the new decade will be one of his term鈥檚 main goals.

鈥淚n pursuit of this goal, we will aspire to promote three pillars that are based on the United Nation鈥檚 17 sustainable development goals, which are 鈥� decent work and economic growth; responsible consumption and production; and industry innovation,鈥� he said in a speech during the induction of the 2020 PANA and PANAF Board.

鈥淎ll these are captured in our 2020 thrust and hashtag #InvolveToEvolve. We want to involve and help evolve individuals, family businesses, SMEs, corporations, multinationals, associations, and other organizations 鈥� all of whom play a crucial role in creating brands that will help build the nation,鈥� Mr. Lim said.

Taking a grassroots approach, PANA seeks to become more inclusive towards micro, small, and medium enterprises 鈥� which comprise more than 99% of the recorded business establishments in the Philippine Statistics Authority 鈥� and help them become brand builders. By building a network of industry partners and suppliers, brands can have a free flow of knowledge about responsible advertising techniques, consumer protection, and standardized ethics.

Additionally, through relevant and appealing seminars, programs, and events, as well as maintaining consistent communication channels for its members and the public, PANA aims to cultivate an active involvement of current and future brand builders.

鈥淏ecause SMEs are the foundation of what the country is. You have local brands in different parts of the Philippines that are not exposed to brand-building techniques, and sometimes they waste money advertising ineffectively,鈥� Mr. Lim said.

鈥淲ith PANA, there鈥檚 an association that they can rely on, learn from, and vice versa. We want to push the envelope, we want to take risks, and we want them to get more learning because at the end of the day, learning is what we can offer. It鈥檚 an organization for advertisers by advertisers,鈥� he added.

The weight of PANA鈥檚 mission only grows heavier as many Filipino businesses still have not taken the steps to adapt to the digital transformation that has enveloped the world in the past few years.

To build a better nation, Mr. Lim knows that PANA cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Establishing PANA as a platform for collaboration, learning, and involvement will go a long way towards pushing the country towards growth.

鈥淲e continually evolve ourselves, so we want to involve them this year. Keep on involving all the members and evolve in the next five years to be ready and be equipped with the right tools that the future will need,鈥� he said.

鈥淚n my new role as the president of PANA, it is my ardent wish to showcase how brands, both big and small, can affect the lives of people and play a major role in nation-building. PANA鈥檚 2020 theme, 鈥淏rands that Build the Nation鈥�, dovetails with PANA鈥檚 vision to promote effective, truthful, and responsible marketing communications. With the right marketing tools, coupled with a thirst for knowledge and learning, we can focus on creating a nation of brands that edify and build 鈥� not just the economy, but also communities and society in general.鈥�

By 2030, the number of global cancer deaths is predicted to rise to 13 million a year. More than a third of which can be prevented.

Every Feb. 4, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) leads the initiative in holding World Cancer Day, a global drive to raise awareness, improve education, and dispel prevalent myths about the deadly disease.

The initiative aims to be a catalyst for personal, collective and government action towards reimagining a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all 鈥� no matter who you are or where you live.

鈥淐reated in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history,鈥� the organization said on the World Cancer Day鈥檚 official web site.

鈥淓ach year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organizations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship 鈥攊n the streets and online 鈥� acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer.鈥�

The theme for this year emphasizes one鈥檚 individual power in enacting this change. Dubbed, 鈥淚 Am and I Will鈥�, the theme aims to empower individuals and recognize their commitment to act, seeking to reach a goal of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.

What can I do to help?

The most dangerous thing about cancer is the fearsome power it holds over people. Once, the mere diagnosis of cancer is akin to a death sentence for any particular person, rich or poor, young or old.

Nowadays, it is not quite the case. While cancer still is a serious disease commanding grave concern, we understand more about it than ever before. The old stigma surrounding cancer is no longer productive, because more than one third of cancer cases can be prevented. Another third can be cured if detected early and treated properly.

By implementing resource-appropriate strategies on prevention, early detection and treatment, up to 3.7 million lives could be saved every year.

Vaccination, for instance, against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and screening for pre-cancer or cancer are key tools to prevent the estimated 530,000 new cervical cancer cases diagnosed every year.

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of the different types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colorectal, skin, oral, and some childhood cancers, can add more to that number. A recent UK study found that for eight common cancers, survival is three times higher when diagnosed early.

This means that early diagnosis can greatly improve one鈥檚 chances of survival and quality of life. What鈥檚 more, recognizing early warning signs of some cancer is cost-effective and, in many cases, doesn鈥檛 require any specialist technologies.

鈥淎s an individual, we can teach ourselves, the people we love 鈥� including teachers, parents and caregivers and our communities 鈥� about the common signs and symptoms,鈥� the World Cancer Day web site writes.

鈥淗ealth professionals need to understand the signs and symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis and understand and encourage the value of early detection in their patients. Policy makers have a critical role to play. Governments can develop strategies to increase awareness and education and integrate early detection and screening into national health systems.鈥�

Showing support towards public campaigns against harmful substances and activities also play a significant role in the fight against cancer. Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity are huge contributors to cancer risk, and continuing the pressure to stigmatize such risks will go a long way towards preventing more deaths. Lung cancer, especially, kills more people than any other cancer – a trend that is expected to continue until 2030 unless efforts for global tobacco control are greatly intensified.

Through such efforts, a single person can help contribute to a change much greater than themselves, saving millions of lives and ending the fearsome power cancer holds over the world.

鈥淪ome common myths and misconceptions about cancer 鈥� including that there is no cure or there is nothing that can be done about cancer 鈥� can understandably cause fear. However, misinformation, misconceptions, and stigma around cancer creates a negative cycle that further acts to confirm our fears,鈥� the organization wrote.

鈥淥ur fears can prevent us from seeking early detection, or to delay or avoid treatment and care altogether. Often, by receiving diagnosis at a late stage or not seeking treatment at all, this can result in worse outcomes, which in turn perpetuates the myths and misconception of cancer being incurable or untreatable.鈥� 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

By Mark Louis F. Ferrolino,听Special Features Writer

With his impressive style of leadership and strong passion for work, it comes as no surprise when PhilStar Media Group Executive Vice-President Lucien C. Dy Tioco earns a top seat in a reputable organization or gets recognized by a prestigious award-giving body. Most recently, he added another achievement under his name as he becomes the newest president of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), the country鈥檚 elite group of marketing leaders.

Mr. Dy Tioco and the rest of the 2020 PMA Board of Officers and Directors were inducted by Senator Mary Grace L. Poe last Jan. 29. During his inaugural speech, Mr. Dy Tioco shared his plans for the 66-year-old organization and identified specific actions on how to attain these. From the way he presented his vision for PMA, one can already realize the burning passion driving Mr. Dy Tioco in all his endeavors.

Despite some expected hurdles along the way, Mr. Dy Tioco鈥檚 courage to lead a community of globally competent Filipino professional marketers in an era of unprecedented change remains firm. With him now sitting at the helm of the PMA, an exciting, great year awaits not only for the organization but also for the entire local marketing industry.

A TRAILBLAZER IN HIS FIELD

Before becoming the visionary marketer and communicator that he is known today, Mr. Dy Tioco also started from the bottom. His journey to success, as he said, was not merely a matter of luck, but a product of hard work and persistence.

After finishing his Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1985, Mr. Dy Tioco worked as an artist and repertoire at OctoArts International where he was responsible for screening all international releases of different music genres from globally renowned record labels like Virgin, Chrysalis and RCA, while ensuring they fare well in the local market.

Following a short stint at a different newspaper company, he then joined The Philippine Star in 1987 as a branch coordinator for the classified ads section. He later moved to the company鈥檚 marketing research unit, and became an account manager handling advertising sales where he made his mark as one of the company鈥檚 top sales performers.

Mr. Dy Tioco steadily rose through the ranks and was appointed as advertising manager in 1997 and became the advertising director three years later. In 2012, he was further promoted as the senior vice-president for sales and marketing of The Philippine Star, and was tasked to hold the same position at the country鈥檚 top business daily 大象传媒 in 2015 after it was added to the roster of titles under the Philstar Media Group. In 2016, Mr. Dy Tioco was appointed as the executive vice-president for sales and marketing of both The Philippine Star and 大象传媒.

Under Mr. Dy Tioco鈥檚 direction, The Philippine Star over the years has cemented its position in the industry despite the massive changes brought by digitization. From a post-EDSA Revolution newspaper, he had maneuvered The Philippine Star鈥檚 transformation into a newspaper-based multimedia organization, crossing the borders of digital, mobile, television, and billboard.

The company embraced a fresh mantra by adopting a more modern and multifaceted approach to reach its readers. It has introduced its own brand of mobile and social media platforms, as well as an augmented reality app called 鈥淟iveIt!鈥� with huge success.

The Philippine Star also expanded into television with PhilstarTV, which helped the brand strengthen its influence in the lifestyle space. It also broke ground as the first paper to venture into the teleserye genre with the Single/Single, which brought huge revenues and recognitions for the company. Single/Single movie becomes the first foray of Philstar Media Group into movie-making.

To continuously buoy up key stakeholders and advertisers, Mr. Dy Tioco also developed a brand creative solution under an umbrella brand called Stellar. He also led the company鈥檚 first venture into out-of-home advertising with Philstar Outdoor with content-rich digital billboards and indoor touchscreens with Newspod.

A year since his appointment in 大象传媒, Mr. Dy Tioco helped the country鈥檚 premier daily earn more revenues through leading the company in conducting high-impact on-ground events. These serve as great avenues for industry and government leaders to converse on key challenges and opportunities for the nation. Some of the most notable and profitable events that 大象传媒 had successfully organized were the annual 大象传媒 Economic Forum, the 大象传媒 ASEAN Regional Forum, and the 大象传媒 Industry 4.0 Summit.

Aiming to reach out to the country鈥檚 future business leaders, Mr. Dy Tioco also conceived 大象传媒 SparkUp, a multimedia platform designed for business-minded millennials and the startup community.

Mr. Dy Tioco鈥檚 groundbreaking initiatives have helped him earn some accolades and recognitions. In 2016, Mr. Dy Tioco received the Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications citation at the 37th Agora Awards for pushing the envelope for print media to thrive well in the changed media landscape. He was also named as one of the recipients of the 2016 CEO Excel Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and was recognized by his alma mater, UST, as an Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) awardee in the field of media.

GEARED TO LEAD

Backed with his extensive knowledge in the field of marketing and communication, together with a set of dependable management skills, Mr. Dy Tioco is indeed a best fit for leading a respected organization like the PMA in this crucial era of digitization. His thrusts for the organization alone will further attest to this.

鈥淭his 2020, these will be the thrusts of the PMA Board: pursue the redefinition of marketing by understanding the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) to our industry; prepare to reformat our organization for us to be able to respond better to the impact of new technologies; and as we have been championing the MSMEs, let鈥檚 invite more members to be part of PMA, especially those who belong to the startup community whom we can learn on the brilliance of solution-driven ideation and for our organization to reach out to realize their potential and look forward to a bright economic future for our country,鈥� Mr. Dy Tioco said.

These thrusts, he said, will be achieved by developing a culture of solution-based innovation within the PMA; repositioning the PMA as an organization that keeps redefining marketing; and making the association a community of growing businesses through effective marketing.

Mr. Dy Tioco also shared some of his 鈥渨ish list鈥� that will help the organization succeed in its plans this year. This includes bringing the National Marketing Conference (NMC) back to its prestige; expanding the Agora Awards; shifting content to innovation and new marketing journeys through NMCs, General Membership Meetings, and Public Relations; putting a premium on membership worthiness; generating a more aggressive approach in creating more revenue streams for PMA鈥檚 sustainability; establishing new education programs involving the new technologies to equip the youth; and seeking more collaboration with the different industry associations as he believes that industry stakeholders should all work as one.

With the big waves of changes and challenges that the marketing industry is currently facing and will encounter in the future, Mr. Dy Tioco believes that the roles of PMA leaders and members have never been more important.

鈥淭ogether, let鈥檚 use our talents, geniuses, resources, and hearts to guarantee that the PMA will not just be able to keep afloat, but also surf above the waves, dive deep into the ocean to discover more hidden treasures, and swim back to the shore stronger, better, and more future-ready,鈥� he said.

Other members of the 2020 PMA Board of Officers are Executive Vice-President/Director for IPSUM Alpha Gracias C. Allanigui, CPM (chief relations officer, United Neon Media Group); Vice-President Michelle D. Ballesteros for CPM Asia (chief marketing officer, Exlink Management & Marketing Services Corp.); Board Secretary Marco Antonio C. Montes (regional head, Altos Montes Region, Manulife Philippines); and Treasurer Ma. Cristina L. Oreta, CPM (chairman, president and CEO, E Methods for Business Management).

The 2020 PMA Directors are John Paul D. Palma Gil for Innovation/Co Director – IPSUM (account manager, ABS CBN Digital Media Division); Maeyeth C. Cadungog, CPM for Agora Awards (lead service provider/consultant, Pax Associated Services, Inc.); Kharla Mae A. Villaflor for Chapters听(marketing communications officer, Ateneo Graduate School of Business, CCE); Enrique Pablo O. Caeg, CPM for Education (president, Retail Academy of the Philippines); Ma. Christina B. Guevarra for Government & Consumer Affairs (vice-president – marketing, JAM Liner, Inc./Philtranco; Marilyn R. Ventenilla CPM for Youth & Academe (senior director, Communications and Marketing听Teleperformance [Telephilippines], Inc.); Jaana Loreen F. Abrogena, CDMP for PR & Corporation Communications (president, CEO and founder, Dice205); Ronie B. Ilisan, CPM for membership (managing director, Greatminds Integrated Consultancy, Inc.); Rona L. Gianchand for GMM & Fellowship (AVP, St. Peter Life Plan); Ronie Marie P. Reyes, CPM for Ways & Means (director for marketing communications, Entrata Hotel Services, Inc./Crimson Hotel); and immediate past president Mary Faith B. Aba帽o, CPM for International Affairs (general manager, Celestial Media Services, Inc.).

DoTr completed a total of 119 airport projects from 2016 to 2019, the Philippine News Agency reported on Dec. 30, 2019. Seventy projects are under the department, while 49 are under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Among these completed projects, Sangley Airport in Cavite was intensively pushed to be completed within four months of 24/7 construction. Seen as one of the solutions to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Sangley Airport had its operational dry run on Oct. 29, 2019 and commenced general aviation and turbopop cargo operations the following month.

Also seen to help ease congestion in NAIA, the Bulacan International Airport had its notice of award issued to San Miguel Holdings Corporation on Aug. 14, 2019 and concession agreement signed on Sept. 18, 2019.

Clark International Airport (CRK), meanwhile, is now handled by the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. when DoTr turned over the airport鈥檚 operations and management on Aug. 16, 2019. A new passenger terminal for CRK is being constructed, 大象传媒 reported last Jan. 9, and the DoTr said that the project 鈥渋s deemed 93.31% complete.鈥�

Rehabilitations of some of the country鈥檚 airports were also conducted last year, including the NAIA Terminal 2 and the recently expanded Camiguin Airport.

Night-rating projects are also in DoTr鈥檚 pipeline, in efforts 鈥渢o increase the operational efficiency of airports and reduce day-time flight congestion.鈥� As of the end of 2019, 23 out of 42 commercial airports have been night-rated.

Railway infrastructure projects have also progressed last year, with six railway projects under construction.

The Metro Manila Subway, the Philippines鈥� first underground railway system, broke ground last Feb. 27, 2019, and the clearing phase of the subway鈥檚 construction began last Dec. 21.

Year 2019 also saw the nearing completion (96%) of a portion of the Common Station in Quezon City, which will connect MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-1, and the Metro Manila Subway.

LRT-1 Cavite Extension and LRT-2 East Extension projects are 30.74% and 71.19% complete, respectively, as of October 2019. MRT-7 is more than 50.69% complete as of last January.

MRT-3 has undergone rehabilitation in 2019, with mainline tracks replaced and its signaling and communications system modernized, among other improvements. Moreover, Dalian Trains entered the system last year, from test runs in the first months to the regular fleet of one train set during evening off-peak hours since Oct. 15, 2019.

Under the North South Commuter Railway Project, the Philippine National Railways Clark Phase 1, which runs from Tutuban to Malolos, started its actual construction on Feb. 15, 2019; while Phase 2, which runs from Malolos to Clark, reportedly attracted 鈥渞ecord-high鈥� 11 bidders.

Before the year ended, PNR formally extended its rail services to Los Ba帽os, Laguna with the addition of new stations and a train set from Japan. Furthermore, brand new Diesel Multiple Unit railcars came from Indonesia, adding two new trains to the expanded line.

Other rail projects in the pipeline include the PNR Calamba, PNR Bicol (Subic to Clark), Mindanao Railway, LRT-2 West Extension, LRT-4, and the Cebu Monorail.

Maritime projects continue to unfold as well, with 325 port projects finished from 2016 to 2019. A total of 181 commercial port projects are under the Philippine Ports Authority, while 144 social and tourism port projects are under the DoTr.

Among the completed port projects, the new passenger terminal building at Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Port is the country鈥檚 largest, with a daily capacity of 3,000 passengers. The port鈥檚 new electronic gate complex with weighbridge was inaugurated on July 15, 2019. Opol Port in Misamis Oriental was also unveiled on the same date, serving as a back-up port to help decongest the CDO Port.

Within Metro Manila, the DoTr launched the Cavite-Manila Ferry Service last December 2019, with two vessels, namely the MB Seaborne and the MV Island Sabtang, serving the Cavite City Port to Liwasang Bonifacio route.

Batangas Container Terminal Expansion Project, which increases the annual handling capacity of the Port of Batangas from 300,000 TEUs to 400,000 TEUs, was completed on April 29, 2019.

Projects in progress include the Isabela Port in Basilan, the PAGASA Seaport Project Phase 1, and the Cebu International Container Port.

As DoTr celebrates 121 years in service, DoTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade stressed among the department鈥檚 staff to value both their accomplishments and their targets.

鈥淟et鈥檚 savor this moment by thinking of what has been done, and what we expect to do. By making a commitment that what has been done is not enough, because the best is never enough. And the best is yet to come,鈥� Mr. Tugade said in a statement. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

Even then, for the Filipinos who still preferred television, it was a two-network town. No one would have imagined that another television network could rise to prominence anymore, especially given how fast the Internet was taking over people鈥檚 lives.

Now, Mr. Pangilinan was recently given a special award for his Outstanding Contribution to Asian Television at the 24^th Asian Television Awards for championing the television network TV5, which through innovation and shrewd leadership had successfully undergone a revival.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a validation of a journey [which started] about a decade ago, many thought as foolish to embark. We invested as a third player in a two-network town at the crux of unpredictable times and rapid seismic changes in content creation, consumption, and human behavior,鈥� Mr. Pangilinan said in a speech read by TV5 Chief Executive Officer Jane J. Basas, during the ceremony.

A committed leader

Being one of the country鈥檚 most prominent businessmen, Mr. Pangilinan is known throughout the Philippines. The telecommunications giant PLDT, Inc. and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) are household names to the common Filipino family, and his dedicated patronage to sports has shaped Philippine basketball.

Yet, the award was the first instance which formally acknowledged his critical role in the Philippine media industry.

Mr. Pangilinan or MVP as he is commonly known, serves as the esteemed head of local media conglomerate MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. (MediaQuest), which is the mother company of some of the biggest names in Philippine media.

Established in the 1990s by PLDT, Mediaquest holds under its banner The Philippine Star, 大象传媒 Corp., TV5 Network, Inc., Nation Broadcasting Corp., and Cignal TV, Inc.

Before Mediaquest announced its acquisition of TV5 in 2010, TV5 was previously known as ABC Development Corp., and had an interesting role in the country鈥檚 history. Going back to the 1960s, TV5 has been serving the public with its own brand of journalism even before the Marcos era until it was forcibly shut down in 1972. The network made a remarkable comeback however after the People Power Revolution, growing to the point that it was dubbed the 鈥淔astest Growing Network鈥� in the 1990s.

Nowadays, TV5 is known as one of the three top television networks in the country. Its programs can be viewed worldwide through Kapatid TV5 and is currently available in the Middle East, Guam, North Africa, Europe, Canada, and the United States. The network is based in the 6,000-sqm TV5 Media Center headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

A commitment to charting the future

Meanwhile, The Philippine Star, another historic icon under Mediaquest鈥檚 belt, is one of the country鈥檚 most widely-circulated newspapers, one of the biggest names struggling under the disruption brought about by digital media.

The paper was first published seven months after the 1986 People Power Revolution. Its founders Betty Go-Belmonte, Max Soliven and Art Borjal were integral in the famous revolution, and as veteran journalists wanted to continue their legacy of serving the country鈥檚 return to democracy through honest, accurate reportage.

Through that ideal, The Star has grown and built around it a network of other publications covering a variety of topics, including the monthly magazine People Asia and the Sunday magazines Starweek, Gist and Let鈥檚 Eat. The PhilStar Media Group鈥檚 sister publications include business newspaper 大象传媒; Cebu-based, English-language broadsheet The Freeman; Filipino-language tabloids Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang-Masa; Cebuano-language tabloid Banat, and online news portal InterAksyon.

Eventually, the company caught the eye of Mr. Pangilinan, who, showing his commitment in entering the media industry, acquired The Philippine Star and all its sister publications through MediaQuest in 2014.

The link between Philstar Daily, Inc. and the 5 Network under MediaQuest Holdings has allowed new, innovative forms of journalism to come into existence. Right as digital media have overtaken the lives of Filipinos, flooding them with a variety of informative, entertaining, and sometimes malicious content.

Realizing that the need for credible sources of news and information was greater than ever, MediaQuest announced its flagship news channel One News on CignalTV in 2018. The new channel aimed to draw from the authority and vast amount of experience of MVP鈥檚 media networks 鈥� some of the biggest and most trusted media organizations in the Philippines, namely The Philippine Star, 大象传媒, TV5, and Bloomberg TV Philippines 鈥�听and provide an ambitious and concentrated effort to reinvent the way Filipinos consume and discuss news and current events.

Through the strength and capabilities of established names in print with respected broadcast news institutions, One News sought to keep the ideals of journalism alive in Philippine media, notably values centered around fostering critical discussion about the country鈥檚 most pressing issues, analyzing them from different and balanced points of view.

鈥淲hy are we doing this? It鈥檚 really for all of us to pursue the truth (against) fake news and so forth鈥� that must be our paramount goal,鈥� Mr. Pangilinan said, stressing that in the media business, it is everybody鈥檚 duty to tell the truth.

鈥淚n our business, or in our group鈥� we should always tell the truth, no matter how much it hurts or how much it damages potentially,鈥� he said. 鈥� Bjorn Biel M. Beltran

鈥淸This award] is a validation for a journey that 鈥� about a decade ago 鈥� many thought as foolish to embark,鈥� Mr. Pangilinan recalled on his speech read by TV5 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jane J. Basas during the awards night.

鈥淲e invested as a third player in a two-network town at the crux of unpredictable and rapid seismic changes in content creation, consumption, and human behavior. It would not have been a worthwhile adventure though if we did not have moments of trepidation.鈥�

Since its acquirement by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., TV5 joined an industry ruled by few, yet it has grown into a network that serves as an alternative yet worthwhile choice for the viewing public.

Under a new management in 2010, TV5 picked up from its humble yet defining beginnings when ABC 5 became TV5 back in 2008. Unfazed by the country’s reigning networks, it stepped further by providing unique programming along with fresh talent.

The revamped TV5 identifies itself as the 鈥淜apatid鈥� (sibling) network, with a fresh lineup of programs encompassing news, drama, comedy, and sports. Most of these have actually made a mark among viewers, such as TV5’s flagship news program Aksyon; series like Pidol’s Wonderland and Midnight DJ; and reality/game shows such as Face to Face, Talentadong Pinoy, and the Philippine version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

Also, in its aggressive venture to be a competitive player among the 鈥渢wo-network town鈥�, TV5 was able to get a large roster of talent that brightened up the network’s offerings. These include Maricel Soriano, the late Rodolfo 鈥淒olphy鈥� Quizon, Sr., Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Paolo Bediones, Ryan Agoncillo, and Amy Perez, among many others.

Its initial years as the 鈥淜apatid鈥� network has seen TV5 as a fine choice for entertainment. Nonetheless, it is also remarkable for its uniquely delivered news and current affairs through News5.

It was TV5 that launched the first news-oriented station on the FM band, Radyo5 92.3 News FM in November 2010. A year later, TV5 launched AksyonTV, the first 24-hour Filipino language news channel on free-to-air TV (UHF channel 41).

TV5 has also become a household name for sport, serving as the broadcaster of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL), among other major games in the country.

The network also carried many of the world’s big sporting events, such as the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics; 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics; 2014 Summer Youth Olympics; 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia; and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Furthermore, with entertainment being a quite difficult area to win among viewers, TV5’s focus have gradually shifted to sports as the network’s leadership transferred to basketball coach Vicente 鈥淐hot鈥� P. Reyes.

It was under his helm that the network partnered with the sports broadcasting giant ESPN to reinforce TV5’s sports division as ESPN5.

With this tie-up, which was kicked off in 2018, TV5 integrates its local programming with ESPN鈥檚 large roster of live sports coverages, original productions, and studio programs. It also began airing the Philippine edition of ESPN’s flagship newscast SportsCenter.

Continuing this shift, TV5’s sister channel, AksyonTV, was later on relaunched as 5 Plus, carrying non-mainstream sport and sport-related content geared towards a younger audience.

These brave moves from TV5 in the recent years not only kept the network an alternative choice on local TV. It also helped the station move forward in spite of tough competition, as Ms. Basas, who took over as TV5’s CEO and president in 2019, noted.

鈥淭V5 has improved on a year on year basis. In terms of losses, we have been able to manage the losses again because the decision to go into sports has actually allowed us to become more efficient on how we program the grid,鈥� Ms. Basas, who is also the president and CEO of Cignal TV, was quoted as saying in a 大象传媒 report last October.

Nonetheless, an opportunity to make TV5 more engaging to the public is seen. According to Ms. Basas, the network currently plans 鈥渢o really maximize the other blocks in our daily grid to make sure that it appeals to more and more customers.鈥� Among these blocks, entertainment programs are the priority.

鈥淩ight now we do have the primetime dedicated to sports and that will stay. News will also have to stay at the current block, but everything else, from morning to late night, is open to entertainment,鈥� Ms. Basas said.

With the franchise of the network recently renewed, TV5’s journey continues with the determination to remain relevant and be engaging to Filipinos. 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza

A decade forward, Cignal TV now thrives as the country鈥檚 premier DTH satellite provider, and it has also ventured beyond providing content as the company broadcasts several exclusive channels and produces in-house content.

As a DTH service, Cignal currently carries 89 standard definition (SD) and 31 high definition (HD) channels, encompassing free-to-air, movie, sports, kids, news, general entertainment, educational & documentary, music, foreign, religious, and home TV shopping categories.

Cignal鈥檚 lineup also consists of varied mix of audio channels, especially feeds from radio stations around the country; as well as Pay-Per-View subscription offers for on-demand viewing.

Cignal also distributes its own channels, namely One News, One PH, Colours, One Sports, Sari-Sari Channel, and PBA Rush.

One of the provider鈥檚 most-known channels, One News was launched in May 2018. Cignal鈥檚 flagship 24-hour news channel joins the forces of The Philippine Star, 大象传媒, News5 (TV5鈥檚 news division), and Bloomberg TV Philippines.

For MVP, bringing together these reputable media outfits is a great way of pursuing truth at a time when fake news can hold anyone captive. 鈥淚n our business, or in our group… we should always tell the truth, no matter how much it hurts or how much it damages potentially,鈥� he was quoted as saying in a report by The Philippine Star on the launch of the channel two years ago.

One PH, the latest addition by Cignal, is a 24-hour Filipino-language news and information channel that signed on last August 2019. Tagged as 鈥淎ng Boses ng Nagkakaisang Pilipinas鈥�, the channel brings together the resources of Pilipino Star Ngayon, The Freeman, Radyo5 92.3 NewsFM, and News5 for its content. Aside from its uniquely-delivered newscasts, One PH has programs that tackle financial management, legal procedures, entertainment and gossip, motoring, and sports 鈥� all tailored for the general public.

Colours, the longest-running Cignal-exclusive channel so far, shows magazine programs catering to female audiences, along with local films, foreign lifestyle programs, as well as children shows. One Sports, meanwhile, carries big sporting events in the country and overseas, including Philippine Super Liga, Spikers鈥� Turf, WWE SmackDown, PGA Tour, LPGA, and National Football League.

In partnership with Viva Entertainment Inc., Cignal also airs Sari-Sari Channel, an entertainment channel that promotes local movies and TV dramas tailored to a wide range of audiences. Original productions by Studio5 as well as box office hits from Viva Films can be viewed on the channel.

Serving as the go-to channel for the PBA fan, PBA Rush not only broadcasts the live telecast of PBA and PBA D-League games, but also PBA-related magazine and talk shows and documentaries.

Beyond carrying channels

Aside from DTH, Cignal offers online streaming of its content through its video-on-demand and linear programming web platform, Cignal Play. Recently, last August, 大象传媒 reported that Cignal Play will be relaunched as a standalone product for Cignal鈥檚 original content and shows from its partners such as HBO and AXN.

Cignal also began its venture to produce 鈥渇resh, relevant and intelligent content to the screens of Filipinos鈥� when it launched Cignal Entertainment in 2017. It partnered with creative outfits such as Sari Sari Network, Unitel Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, Content Cows Company, Fox International, and Masque Valley Productions.

Cignal Entertainment鈥檚 first entry is Tukhang, a four-part mini-series that told the stories of individuals trying to survive each day in the context of the country鈥檚 war against illegal drugs.

Succeeding this production is Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi, shown in 2018 at Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. After being screened in theaters, this original movie has also reached a global audience via popular streaming platform Netflix since last year.

Last year, Cignal Entertainment produced two movies, namely Born Beautiful and Maledicto.

As it innovates with fresh channels on digital TV and competitive content on movie theatres and online, Cignal has seen notable growth, with the latest number of subscribers amounting to 2.2 million in the third quarter last year. For Cignal TV President and Chief Executive Officer Jane J. Basas, this makes the firm 鈥渢he biggest鈥� in the country today.

Looking forward to being a more relevant content provider, Cignal plans to offer more digital services to keep its young viewers.

鈥淭he goal is also to come up with new initiatives that will allow us to remain relevant moving forward because there鈥檚 actually a change in viewing behavior,鈥�听 Ms. Basas siad in a 大象传媒 report last November. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a particular segment of the market, particularly the more premium segment on the young who now have more access to more digital platforms. So we [want to] make sure that Cignal pivots towards digital services.鈥� 鈥� Adrian Paul B. Conoza