Global Competitiveness: Philippines up 5 Notches

By Richmond Mercurio (The Philippine Star) 

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The Philippines ranked 47th among 140 economies this year, an improvement from its 52nd spot among 144 countries last year, a WEF report released yesterday showed. The ranking last year was seven notches higher than the previous year’s spot.

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines continues to claw its way up the world competitiveness rankings as it climbed five notches in the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Competitiveness Index 2015-2016.

The country ranked 47th among 140 economies this year, an improvement from its 52nd spot among 144 countries last year, a WEF report released yesterday showed. The ranking last year was seven notches higher than the previous year’s spot.

The WEF competitiveness ranking is measured based on how institutions, policies and other factors affect the level of productivity of a country.

The Philippines got the highest ranking in terms of macroeconomic environment followed by market size and business sophistication.

The country, however, lagged in terms of infrastructure, labor market efficiency and goods market efficiency.

In emerging and developing Asian economies, the report revealed that competitiveness trends are mostly positive, despite the many challenges and profound intra-regional disparities.

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China and most of the Southeast Asian countries performed well, while South Asian countries and Mongolia continued to lag behind.

The WEF report said the five largest members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Malaysia (18th), Thailand (32nd), Indonesia (37th), the Philippines (47th) and Vietnam (56th) – all rank in the top half of the overall Global Competitiveness Index rankings.

“Our report finds worrying signs that a new normal of suppressed economic and productivity growth and persistently high unemployment is damaging resilience and leaving the world vulnerable to another protracted slump,” the WEF report read.

“Here, emerging markets represent the greatest cause for concern, with many of the larger markets seeing reverses this year, having failed to enact crucial institutional and market reforms during better times (India being the notable exception),” it said.

“In Europe, we see improvement in many southern economies, helping narrow slightly the region’s north-south divide. Access to finance remains the key challenge across the region, however,” the WEF report stated.

“In Asia, three economies – Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong – appear in the top 10; the ASEAN bloc continues to perform strongly and China holds steady on 28th,” it added.

Foreign business groups welcomed the positive improvement in the country’s global ranking, but noted that there are still plenty of things that the Philippines needs to address to be totally competitive.

“It’s good to see the country’s further improvement in the survey but there is obviously the need to immediately focus on the most problematic factors, with the lack of infrastructure being the biggest danger to the competitiveness of the country’s economy,” European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines  vice president for external affairs Henry Schumacher said.

'Heneral Luna" is Philippines' Entry to Oscars 2016

By Nathalie Tomada (The Philippine Star) 

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John Arcilla stars as Antonio Luna in the film ‘Heneral Luna.’

MANILA, Philippines - Heneral Luna has just been chosen as the Philippines’ official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category of next year’s Oscars.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, the historical biopic with John Arcilla playing the titular role as Gen. Antonio Luna, has been reaping rave reviews for its unblinking depiction of Luna’s vital role in Philippine history somewhat contrary to the accounts in Philippine history books.

Asked for a reaction regarding the latest development, Arcilla said that it’s a “self-recognition” for the country that it’s capable of making films like Heneral Luna. “The support and reaction of the people who have seen the film speaks for itself. It’s proof that Pinoys have realized that they deserve good films.”

“I’m happy for us Filipinos,” he said, “and I’m happy for Antonio Luna because we were able to shed life on his story 120 years after his death.”

In an earlier interview, Arcilla said that the film — set during the Philippine-American war — covers the period from the time Gen. Luna was assigned to be the head of the revolutionary army as general in the Philippines to his assassination. Arcilla said that the film producers and cast members like himself are ready for the long and intense Oscar campaign ahead so that they can make the final cut.  

Heneral Luna is now showing in cinemas on its second week. Last week, an online clamor erupted following news that the number of theaters playing the film was reduced to 41 after it opened last Sept. 9 in 101 cinemas.

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Arcilla happily noted that thanks to word of mouth and wellspring of support online, more theaters have now accommodated the film, now numbering to 70 nationwide.        

Develop More Filipino Athletes!

 (The Philippine Star) 

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Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Philstar.com/File

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday asked the Philippine Sports Commission to revisit its grassroots development programs and create opportunities for homegrown athletes to achieve their Olympic dreams.

And with this, Escudero said, the PSC should help minimize the recruitment of Fil-foreign athletes by national sports associations (NSAs) seeking shortcuts to victory in international competitions.

Escudero said many sports associations have relied too much on Fil-foreign athletes, leaving their doors half-closed to homegrown athletes who strive hard to get noticed in PSC-organized Batang Pinoy, the Palarong Pambansa and other regional grassroots competitions.

“It will not be good for our homegrown athletes if these NSAs would continue to rely on the Fil-foreign athletes. This is the NSAs’ shortcut formula to success, tapping trained athletes who are ready to compete,” Escudero said.

Escudero said the PSC has enough years to develop local athletes for the 2019 SEA Games, which the Philippines would host after Brunei announced its withdrawal from the task last year.

“The PSC should pounce on the opportunity from this hosting chore,” Escudero said. “There is the Palarong Pambansa, the Batang Pinoy, and other national games organized by the other NSAs. We can still aspire for the overall SEAG crown with a sound program.”

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Escudero also noted the Philippines’s drive to an Olympic medal should also focus further than next year’s Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.

“If possible, we should prepare our athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa programs and we should refrain from relying on the Fil-foreign athletes. I am not against them, but we should create opportunities to the homegrown athletes and prove that our programs are really working,” Escudero said.

No Filipino athlete has won an Olympic medal since boxer Mansueto Velasco took home a silver from the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

The Philippines last won the overall championship when it hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 2005. It was downhill for the Filipino athletes in the regional meet since then.

Road To The Runway

By Martin Yambao (The Philippine Star) 

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Jared Servano

MANILA, Philippines - In the immortal words of Heidi Klum, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next you’re out.” A week before we get to say auf Wiedersehen to two of the top three finalists, the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines is set to announce the next #SEWLEGIT Filipino designer this Sunday at 7 p.m. on  cable television channel ETC.

YStyle caught up with the final three designers, a week before the season finale airs; young designer Celine Borromeo from Cebu City, Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar and Jared Servano from Koronadal.

Celine Borromeo rose through the ranks of the competition with her feminine yet wearable approach to design. Celine says to expect her signature “femininity and glamour,” taking cues from the aesthetic codes of the 1950’s. The audience can expect a line of ready-to-wear evening dresses for her final presentation. 

Avant-gardist Joy Chicano made waves with his directional approach to garment construction; his design DNA is influenced with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Joy’s unique point of view has made him a favorite among the judges, commending his ability to stay true to himself and his vision. “The title of my collection is ‘Make Art, Not War” it’s a mix of garments with an emphasis on pattern play.”

For his final collection, Jared Servano contemporized the design codes of the indigenous B’laan tribe from Southern Mindanao. His aesthetic brings local culture to the runway with a modern take that reflect the traditions of his hometown. His dedication to showcasing local artistry and his ability to transform them into modern silhouettes has earned him praise from the judges.

Judging the final runway are supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez, A-list designer Rajo Laurel, and fashion and beauty expert Apples Aberin. Joining them as special guest judge is internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori.

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The winning designer and the winning model of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 will receive spreads in Mega Magazine, P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Aivee Institute and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Face Shop. The winning designer will receive P250,000 to help him start his own line as well as P250,000 from Brother International. The winning designer will also get a chance to showcase his or her collection in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.

YStyle sat down for a quick chat with Tweetie, Rajo and design mentor Jojie Lloren.

 

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Celine Borromeo

YSTYLE: What qualities are you looking to find in the next winner of Project Runway Philippines?

Jojie Lloren: A brilliant career, for him or her.

Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez: Newness. I’m looking for something new they could offer to the market.

Rajo Laurel: Hope. Essentially, I want the next winner of Project Runway Philippines to be the sort of person who could inspire the next generation of young designers.

In this day and age of the Internet, our industry is driven by speed and hype, what qualities should a young designer possess to be able to cut through the noise? Which matters more, technical skill or good taste?

TG: It’s a combination of technical skill and good taste, because you’ll never make it in this industry if you don’t have a good grasp of both. Hype can only get you so far, but if you don’t have the technical skill to back it up – the market might not respond. 

RL: In order to rise above the noise, a designer, I feel, needs to be authentic.  Pure is the word that comes to mind.

Do you guys have any favorites to win?

TG: That’s something you’ll have to find out, tune in on Sunday!

The Apo Hiking Society

Apo Hiking Society (a.k.a. APO or The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society) is a popular and widely-acclaimed musical group from the Philippines. Though originally comprised of 13 members from Ateneo de Manila University, the group eventually rose to fame as a three-man band with Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and Danny Javier. They have been one of the primary adherents of the Original Pinoy Music or OPM movement.

One of the top Filipino groups in the 1980s, the band began as a group of high school friends that derived their name from Filipino revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. The name was later shortened to “Apo,” an Ilocano term for “wise man.” Contrary to popular belief, the group was not named for Mount Apo.

The group's members are Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier. They officially announced their retirement after their final concert tour, and reunited only for the inauguration of Benigno Aquino III on 30 June 2010.

Ewan - Apo Hiking Society