8:14 p.m. February 14, 2025

HARBIN, China – The Philippines saved the best for last in the last day of the ninth Asian Winter Games on Friday morning just a few hours before the closing ceremony as the country’s top men’s curling team gave the Filipinos their first ever gold medal in the winter games. 

Skipper Marc Pfister along with brother second Enrico Pfister, vice skipper Christian Haller, lead Alan Frei showed nerves of steel in the last seventh and eighth ends to outplay erstwhile unbeaten South Korea, 5-3, in the final to bag the historic gold medal here at the Pingfang Curling Arena.  

“Gold medal for Team Philippines, and we expected ourselves to win. It is a great game, and we never doubt ourselves,” the 35-year-old Filipino-Swiss Pfister, who played the sport curling for 26 years, said. “It’s not just only a medal, bronze or silver, but a gold.”

Inspired by her 16-week pregnant wife Jessica Pfister that served as the team men’s coach, Marc also said that he was motivated and inspired by her upcoming first born baby and wife for joining him in their journey in the Asian winter games.

The Philippine men’s curling team formed by Curling Pilipinas President Benjo Delarmente and Secretary-General Jarryd Bello started the match really well by taking a 3-1 cushion although the World’s No. 7 South Korea mounted a comeback to tie the match to 3-3 after the sixth end. 

Despite South Korea’s threatening comeback, the No. 51 Filipinos stayed calm and composed to claim the last two ends with one point each, then becoming the first ever country in Southeast Asia to win a gold in the winter games just a few days after Thailand settled for the first winter bronze medal. 

The Filipinos are now the best performing Southeast Asian nations in the 34-country winter games.

“We are so proud of this milestone, and I would like to thank our fellow Southeast Asian nations as well for congratulating us –Filipinos – for winning the first ever gold of Southeast Asia in the winter games,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. 

“Two days ago, Thailand won Southeast Asia’s first ever medal – bronze – through one of their alpine skiers,” Tolentino said, referring to Thai-French Paul Henri Vieuxtemps who bagged the men’s freeski slopestyle bronze medal in Yabuli, 229 kilometers away to Harbin City, last Tuesday.      

After finishing the round robin with a 4-1 win-loss slate for a qualification spot, the Filipinos blasted No. 10 Japan in the qualification phase, 10-4, on Thursday morning before narrowly beating host No. 17 China, 7-6, in the evening’s semifinal.   

The only loss of the Filipinos came from South Korea, 1-6, during round robin last Saturday. 

The Philippines sent a total of 19 athletes in the Asian Winter Games that competed in five sporting disciplines – alpine skiing, curling, figure skating, short track speed skating and freestyle skiing. 

And none of them made it to the podium except for the men’s curling team in the last day of the competition after surprisingly and historically capturing the gold medal in China’s coldest northernmost Heilongjiang province.  

The curling mixed doubles team of Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein was just good enough for fourth place last Saturday, while the women’s curling team didn’t qualify for the qualification spot. 

Short track speed skater Peter Groseclose didn’t qualify for the semifinal of all his events – 500 meters, 1,500m and 1000m, while women’s figure skaters Sofia Frank and Cathryn Limketkai finished 12^th and ninth, respectively, while Paolo Borromeo ranked 10^th in the men’s figure skating. 

The pair of Isabella Gamez and Aleksander Korovin placed fourth overall, Alpine skier Tallulah Proulx ended 16^th in the women’s slalom contest, Francis Ceccarelli was disqualified in the men’s slalom after a wrong turn, and 15-year-old Laetaz Amihan Rabe placed sixth and last in her two events – women’s freeski slopestyle and freeski big air events. 

2:36 p.m. February 13, 2025

SCG maintains a strong 2024 EBITDA and positions itself for regional growth in 2025.

SCG, a leading conglomerate in Southeast Asia, demonstrated resilience in 2024, effectively managing its EBITDA at 87,917 million PHP (US$1,528 million), matching its 2023 performance.

As Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, highlighted, this achievement came amid a complex economic landscape marked by a slowdown in the petrochemical cycle, geopolitical tensions, volatile energy costs, and high interest rates. Despite these headwinds, SCG maintained financial stability and delivered consistent shareholder returns.

Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG

A key factor in SCG’s success was its proactive implementation of reinforcement measures initiated in late 2024. These measures focused on three core areas: working capital management, operational restructuring, and controlled capital expenditure. These efforts yielded significant results, including a reduction in working capital of approximately 10,613 million PHP (US$183 million) year-on-year, streamlining operations through discontinuing unprofitable ventures, and focusing on high-return, rapid-payback projects. Consequently, net debt decreased by 28,718 million PHP (US$494 million) from the previous quarter, resulting in a healthy net debt-to-equity ratio of 0.7 times. SCG ended the year with robust cash reserves of 91,289 million PHP (US$1,570 million).

Looking ahead, SCG is well-positioned to capitalize on the projected economic recovery in ASEAN. The region, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, is expected to experience GDP growth exceeding the global average, fueled by strong domestic demand, government stimulus, and increasing foreign investment. This positive outlook bodes well for SCG’s construction materials businesses. SCG Distribution & Retail, for instance, is accelerating the expansion of its Mitra 10 modern trade format in Indonesia. It aims to reach 100 branches by 2030, having already achieved 56 branches serving over one million customers monthly in 2024. SCGP (SCG Packaging) is also poised to benefit from rising ASEAN consumption and the increasing demand for packaging paper.

While SCG’s overall performance remained strong, its chemicals business (SCGC) faced challenges in 2024. The regional petrochemical industry experienced intensified competition due to new production capacity and weakened demand stemming from China’s economic slowdown. SCGC responded by prioritizing the development of High-Value Added Products & Services (HVA) and diligently managing EBITDA, costs, and working capital to maintain competitiveness. With signs of stabilization in the petrochemical cycle and anticipated declines in oil prices in 2025, SCGC is focused on further enhancing EBITDA and cost management efficiency. Notably, SCGC has accelerated its Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) project in Vietnam by increasing the use of ethane gas feedstock, securing a long-term supply agreement, and chartering ethane shipping vessels to enhance long-term competitiveness.

SCG is also actively pursuing growth in new export markets, including North America and Australia. SCG Cement & Green Solutions is ramping up exports of Low Carbon Cement, targeting approximately one million tons this year. SCG Decor is experiencing success with its high-strength X-PORCELAIN tiles exports and aims to double export growth in 2024. SCGP is similarly expanding exports of polymer packaging, food service packaging, and printing and writing paper.

Furthermore, SCG is investing in smart living solutions and clean energy. SCG Smart Living is broadening its portfolio to include air quality products and solar solutions under the ONNEX brand while introducing more affordable product lines. SCG Cleanergy is expanding its solar power generation and distribution capacity, aiming for 3,500 MW by 2030.

In 2024, SCG reported Revenue from Sales of 833,070 million PHP (US$14,483 million), a 2% increase year-on-year, driven by higher sales volumes from SCGC and SCGP. However, profit for the year declined by 76% to 10,336 million PHP (US$180 million) due to the performance of the LSP project and lower contributions from associate companies. Excluding extraordinary items from 2023, profit declined by 52%. Fourth-quarter 2024 Revenue from Sales increased by 2% from the previous quarter, but the company reported a loss of 834 million PHP (US$15 million) due primarily to LSP performance and entire depreciation expenses.

SCG’s ASEAN operations (excluding Thailand) generated Revenue from Sales of 223,378 million PHP (US$3,883 million) in 2024, a 12% increase year over year and contributing 27% to SCG’s total revenue. In the Philippines, Revenue from Sales reached 19,356 million PHP (US$337 million), a significant 45% increase driven by SCGP.

Meanwhile, SCG Philippines is committed to sustainable development. This quarter, the company introduced the lightweight Q-con block, an eco-friendly building material from Thailand, to the Philippine market, a collaboration with key contractors like EEI that underscores its focus on Inclusive Green Growth. SCG showcased a diverse range of sustainable building solutions at NATCON-CONEX 2024, including Smart Block, Smart Putty, and Façade, reflecting its dedication to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly products. 

Meanwhile, SCG Philippines expanded its retail presence with the opening of four new CTM stores, offering affordable ceramic tiles and sanitary ware. Furthermore, the SCG Open House 2024 provided a platform for industry professionals to explore its latest innovations and foster collaboration within the construction and home improvement sectors.

The company also partnered with Urban Farmers PH on urban farming initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to ESG principles and Inclusive Green Growth. 

“SCG continues to adapt and expand into new markets. We are confident that in 2025, we will sustain strong EBITDA management while ensuring continuous commitment to shareholder care,” Thammasak concluded. 

9:45 p.m. November 25, 2024

Global technology brand HONOR recently unfolded its newest and thinnest foldable smartphone HONOR Magic V3 for only P89,999 and is now available nationwide at any HONOR Experience, Partner Stores, Globe Stores and online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_MagicV3_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_MagicV3_PR) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_MagicV3_PR). 

“HONOR Magic V3 is now within every Filipino’s reach. With many availability options, the thinnest foldable smartphone hits the nationwide market, still with FREE HONOR Pad X9. You are truly getting more than what you paid for,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

On November 20, HONOR Philippines officially brought the all-new HONOR Magic V3 in the country – the world’s thinnest inward foldable phone with enhanced durability, battery, display and AI experience, to global consumers. With a sleek folded thickness of 9.2mm and featherlight body weighing just 226g, the HONOR Magic V3 rivals the slimness and weight of a flagship bar phone, ensuring utmost portability for users. 

Featuring a dome-shaped octagonal camera module, the HONOR Magic V3 seamlessly combines the architectural beauty of dome structures with technological innovations. This camera module showcases a diamond cut, adding an element of elegance and sleekness to the device’s overall appearance. 

Adding to its durability, the HONOR Magic V3 incorporates a Special Fiber into its body material, enhancing impact resistance by 40 times compared to other flagship bar phones while reducing the back cover’s thickness by over 30%. Moreover, featuring the proprietary HONOR Super Steel Hinge, the device can withstand up to 500,000 folding cycles and has attained the prestigious SGS Durability Certification. Fortified with the HONOR Super Armored Inner Screen and HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, the HONOR Magic V3 is crafted to endure the rigors of daily use. 

Equipped with a 6.43-inch external display and a 7.92-inch internal foldable screen, the HONOR Magic V3 delivers an immersive dual-use experience, offering an enjoyable visual journey to users. Dedicated to prioritizing user well-being and comfort, this device incorporates a range of innovative eye-comfort features, such as the world’s first AI Defocus Display technology, 4320Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, Dynamic Dimming, Circadian Night Display and Natural Tone Display. 

In addition, the HONOR Magic V3 is packed with an advanced 5150mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery, supported by the lightning-fast 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, ensuring users an uninterrupted and stress-free mobile experience. Featuring the innovative HONOR Falcon Camera System which encompasses a 50MP Periscope Telephoto Camera, a 50MP Main Camera, and a 40MP Ultra-wide Camera, the device promises unparalleled imaging quality and versatility for users seeking stunning smartphone photography. 

Inspired by the wonders of natural landscape, the HONOR Magic V3 comes in two stunning colorways Green and Black for only P89,999, now available nationwide at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_MagicV3_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_MagicV3_PR) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_MagicV3_PR). 

HONOR Magic V3 is also available via Globe Postpaid Plans starting at GPlan Plus 1799 with a FREE HONOR Pad X9 worth P9,999! 

For as low as Php 1,514 per month for 36 months, you can enjoy HONOR Magic V3 with FREE 20GB Data and Unli All-net Call and Text on top of exclusive perks! Go now to the nearest Globe Store it get it online via: https://bit.ly/Globe_MagicV3_PR.

For more information about the HONOR Magic V3, you may visit: https://bit.ly/Web_MagicV3_PR. To be in the loop of exciting updates, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).