By Monsi A. Serrano

Despite the economic headwinds caused by the disruption of supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, and currently, the Russian-Ukraine war that resulted in another round of supply chain disruption, inflation and volatile prices of commodities, the European businesses and officials expressed confidence in the recovery and eventual growth of the Philippines economy.

This was tackled during the 2022 European Philippine Business Dialogue held at The Ascott Makati last November 14, spearheaded by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and co-organized by the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Ambassadors from EU Member States Embassies, members of the diplomatic corps, foreign chambers, business leaders, government officials, and representatives from the private and public sectors attended the event.

With the theme, “New Era of Progress, Possibilities and Partnerships”, the European-Philippine Business Dialogue provided an open space for both the foreign investors and government officials who were present the real sentiment of the different European business leaders from various foreign chambers of commerce in the Philippines like Advantage Austria, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Executive Director Florian Gottein underscored the importance of partnership between the stakeholders in the Philippines and the European businesses to explore possibilities that will lead to progress.

The ECCP Executive Director also expressed how the various game-changing economic reforms that have taken place will spur more direct foreign investments to the country once this is implemented through the IRRs. Gottein assured the government and other stakeholders that the EU biz group is willing to sit down and help in whatever capacity they can to ensure that the much-needed economic recovery that the Philippines aspires for will be achieved slowly and then lead to economic growth.

“The game changing economic reforms such as Public Service Act, Foreign Investment Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act, will increase foreign direct investments and create more jobs as multilateral agencies have expressed optimism about the Philippines in terms of growth,” he said.

“I think we’ll see 66 and a half percent GDP close in a given by the World Bank and the ADB benchmarking from the ASEAN region,” Gottein noted.

While the ECCP Executive Director shared the bullish outlook of European businesses and the chamber as a whole, he also revealed the inevitable hurdles that both Philippines and European businesses have to deal with.

“The Philippines has 7.6% growth in Q32022, surpassing acing the latest estimates on economic growth. It’s time to now build on this positive momentum and maximize the opportunities we have on the horizon in this beautiful country. There, however, remains some challenges across sectors and industries the team challenges such as infrastructure development, and human capital, among others.” he revealed.

Other issues tackled during the 2022 European-Philippine Business Dialogue was the GSP+ status of the Philippines given the recent assassination of broadcast journalist Percy Lapid and the outcry of the diplomatic community as this remains unsolved.

Digital Pilipinas, the largest private sector-led movement to tech up the country and the French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, in partnership with La French Tech, kicked 2022 with a Startup Pitch Competition featuring nine Filipino and French startup companies to pitch their ideas to gain the interest of investors while expanding their networking opportunities. Experts said this is a good time for early-stage ideas as we are now in the “golden era of venture capitalist.”

Nine Filipino and French early-stage startups presented their innovative ideas from health, fitness, and real estate to machine-learning solutions to potential investors at the virtual Startup Pitch Competition launch. 

The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP), in partnership with La French Tech Philippines and Digital Pilipinas, launches the competition powered by CCIFP and La French Tech. This virtual pitching tournament aims to provide an avenue for French and Filipino tech startups to present solutions to many of the salient issues currently faced by the country. Digital Pilipinas is the biggest privately-led movement to champion the digitization of the Philippines.

“This pitching contest is an illustration of a continuous action of the French Chamber to link Filipino, and French businesses,” French Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Michèle Boccoz said in her opening remarks. “Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the best time for us to see what needs our attention and how businesses can help. Innovation and creativity brought by startups are crucial.”

The French Ambassador also cited a study by Core Venture Capital, which showed massive growth in the Philippines startup ecosystem, raising $858 million in the first ten months of 2021, or 97.83 percent of the total equity raised from 2017 to 2020. 

She went on to say, “The Philippines ended 2021 as the fastest-growing internet economy in Southeast Asia, posting a gain of 93% from 2020.”

Marie-Maylis Charlat, CCIFP Managing Director, expressed hope that the competition could provide a platform for early-stage startups to network with investors.

“We hope to create a platform for startups and investors to meet, and the audience can also engage themselves by meeting each other,” she said.

Indeed, pitching competitions is what skydiving is to startup entrepreneurs. To most people, it is like a bucket-list item that is both exciting and terrifying. 

During the competition, startups were given time to pitch to multiple investors, allow them valuable exposure, and get invaluable feedback. They can also expand their network and potentially build partnerships. But most importantly, the rising entrepreneurs are allowed to secure funding and accelerate their business. 

Speaking as Convenor of Digital Pilipinas and a Board Member of the CCIFP, Amor Maclang implored those present that 2022 is a make or break for the Philippines — with two of the largest economies in the world on the brink of inflation — in addition to collapsing properties. Also, the country is on the verge of an inflation rate increase because of rising meat prices. Even the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) predicted 2021’s full-year inflation would exceed its 2-4% target band.

“We hope to be able to raise innovation in technology for the country. Digitally-enabled platforms are seen to influence business value in the next decade. The digital economy of the Philippines can create up to P5 trillion in value through digital transformation by 2030, equivalent to 27% of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product),” Maclang said.

She added that the changing of the guards in the coming May 9 elections could be a source of interest.

From promise to practice 

Following the competition proper is a networking session that will facilitate an exchange of thoughts and ideas and allow the event’s diverse participants — students, community builders, investors, executives, and founders alike — to connect and leave lasting impressions. 

Altogether, the event was envisioned as a vehicle for seizing and actualizing opportunities, big and small: pitching a startup venture or sharing ideas with like- and differently-minded individuals from various backgrounds. 

Teching up 2022

As the largest sector movement to tech up the country, Maclang said Digital Pilipinas is dedicated to catapulting us into a brighter new year. The movement has brought together hundreds of businesses, tech leaders, and policymakers to make this possible. It is a tech-empowered and advocacy-based movement offering an ecosystem that supports and amplifies the startup community as a single group. 

In a span of six months, Digital Pilipinas hosted 48 core events participated by speakers across Asia-Pacific and partnered with global leaders including Proxtera, the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the ASEAN Financial Innovation Network Ltd. (AFIN). This allowed Digital Pilipinas to sponsor 300 scholars on a Web 3.0 program.

The movement will launch an API platform and Web 3.0 power in the coming days. The objective is the Internet of Trust and the Internet of Money. 

“We are bringing in the world’s experts, and we are happy to partner with CCIFP to tackle our country’s challenges,” Maclang concluded.

France is touted as the haven for food and great wine, of course being the second-largest wine producer in the world. The perfect pairings of wine and food will surely provide an unparalleled experience for a gastronomic adventure that would delight one’s palate and senses.

Truly, the French Cuisine is undoubtedly the most admired food in the world because of the palpable reflection of culture, tradition, sophistication, notwithstanding the French love for food, captures the picture and palate perfect experience of everyone wants to have a heavenly experience.

Knowing the contribution of French Cuisine to Western cuisines, Goût de France / Good France returns all over the world and in the Philippines from October 14 to 22, 2021, with the aim of helping the F&B sector bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as promoting healthy eating and sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the culinary profession.

First organized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and French chef Alain Ducasse in 2015 as a celebration of the best of French gastronomy and responsible cuisine, this year’s 6th Goût de France in the Philippines is organized by Embassy of France to the Philippines, in partnership with the Alliance française de Manille and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines.

Celebrating French cuisine in the Philippines

This year, Goût de France features eight chefs in the Philippines who will be offering a specially-curated traditional French menu (following the order of starter, main course, cheeses, dessert, accompanied by French wines and spirits) in their respective restaurants from October 14 to 22, 2021 and herd are the 8 Illustrious chefs and their menu who join the global ‘Goût de France’ celebration in the Philippines:

Previously based in Baguio City, French chef Didier Derouet will also be offering a special menu on October 21 as part of the virtual Les Jeudis culturels / Cultural Thursdays organized by the French Embassy and by the Alliance française de Manille.

Each menu, inspired by the ingredients and flavors of France’s Centre-Val de Loire region, was crafted to demonstrate the richness of French gastronomy, responsible cuisine, and may highlight local culinary traditions in the Philippines. Restaurants were also encouraged to offer menus with reduced levels of fat, sugar and salt, and with vegetables and grains.

The public is invited to experience French culinary tradition and expertise by dining in or ordering from any of the participating Gout de France / Good France restaurants throughout the duration of the campaign. To reserve a table or place an order, please directly contact the restaurants.

For more information on Goût de France and on the participating restaurants and their respective menus, visit https://bit.ly/GoutdeFrancePH2021

Cultural Thursdays puts the spotlight on French cuisine and classical music

This month’s online Cultural Thursday will feature a cooking class led by Chef Didier Derouet, followed by a French classical music repertoire by pianist Giuseppe Andre Diestro and cellist Alejandro Consolacion II.

The virtual event will be streamed live on the Facebook page of the Embassy of France on Thursday, October 21, 7:00 PM: www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH

My Favorite French Food Moment Contest

As part of Goût de France, the Alliance française de Manille (AFM), in partnership with the Embassy of France and Le Cellier French Wine Selections, presents an online video contest for all adult French food lovers. To enter, participants are invited to post a creative 1-minute video on their Facebook profile to share their favorite French food and the most ideal moment or setting to enjoy it.

The grand prize will be a special, intimate French candlelit 4-course dinner for 2 and a private screening of a French film at the Alliance française de Manille in Makati City.

The deadline for entries is on October 20, 2021, 12:00nn. For the full contest guidelines, visit the Facebook page of the Alliance française de Manille: https://www.facebook.com/alliancefrancaisedemanille

Behind the Cuisines webinar and live cooking

This month, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP) presents “Behind the Cuisines,” a two-day virtual event that aims to explore the current situation of the F&B industry in the Philippines, as well as support French and Filipino food retailers and distributors, restaurateurs, and local farmers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Behind the Cuisines” features a webinar on the theme “The Changing Phases of the Food and Beverage Industry: Defining the New Food Normal” (by registration) on October 22, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a live cooking segment “A Fusion of French and Filipino Flavors” hosted by Erwan Heussaff on October 23, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM live on the Facebook page of the CCIFP: https://www.facebook.com/frenchchamberphilippines

“Behind the Cuisines” is a free event. Register to the webinar and/or support local farmers through the CCIFP’s partner beneficiary, AGREA, via the following link: https://app.glueup.com/event/behind-the-cuisines-40061/

By Monsi A. Serrano

Following the gradual opening of the economy in the Philippines across all industries and the availability of various coronavirus vaccines, the business sector and other stakeholders look forward to a better 2021.

Highlighting the need to ramp up economic recovery and bring in more foreign investors, the 3 hours 2021 Virtual Economic Outlook spearheaded by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines has resulted in intelligent, innovative, and co-creative discussions by exploring viable solutions and opportunities in the business. Likely scenarios and forecasts were presented for the government to consider post-COVID-19.

What made the Virtual Economic Outlook exciting was the active participation from the attendees during the discussions and questions and concerns raised that will be included in the feedback mechanism for the government to evaluate and consider to implement.

The discussions about fostering resiliency, boosting the foreign direct investments, and welcoming of the opportunities in a post-pandemic scenario were covered.

Present speakers at the event were Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo, Industry Development and Trade Policy Group and DTI Vice-Chairman and Managing Head of Philippine Board of Investment, Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, National Development Policy and Planning, (NEDA) and Mr. Edward Lee, Chief Economist, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank.

Concerns about vaccination, travel restrictions, removing economic barriers, and age restrictions in the Philippines were discussed.

Both DTI and NEDA urged for the government to allow children to go out in a bid to increase economic activity. NEDA underscored the importance of removing economic barriers and passing the economic reforms to attract foreign direct investment in the country such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and Retail Trade and Liberalization Act.

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines 2021 Virtual Economic Outlook is supported by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce Philippines, German Chamber of Commerce Philippines, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, and Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

In the context of this global health crisis that has led to the implementation of confinement measures in the country, the Embassy of France continues its commitment to cultural diplomacy and adapts to this “new normal” by migrating its cultural programs to digital platforms.

Since 2018, “Cultural Thursdays” has been a highly anticipated monthly event that has featured performances from highly-acclaimed French and Filipino artists, including award-winning French guitarist Thibault Cauvin, French jazz recording artist Tricia Evy, French classical pianist and composer Maxime Zecchini, Filipina soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Korean baritone Park Byeong-In, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

The new Cultural Thursdays will be launched online for the first time with “Après un rêve” (“After a Dream”) – a French classical music concert featuring cellist Kyongmin Nam and pianist Dingdong Fiel, who will perform renditions of works by French masters, including Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, and Claude Bolling.

“Our embassy recognizes the importance of adapting to the current situation and continuing our cultural advocacy using online platforms,” said Marc Piton, the French Embassy’s new Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs who arrived in Manila last September.

“In this time of confinement and uncertainty, we find comfort in culture. We hope that by relaunching Cultural Thursdays virtually, we would be able to reach new audiences and allow them to discover French music, appreciate Filipino talents, and enjoy a break from this difficult period, especially for those working tirelessly in the frontlines” he added.

This inaugural event will be aired for free on November 26, 8:00 PM through the Facebook page of the Embassy of France: www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH.

A French Dinner for a Cause

The Cultural Thursdays experience is best enjoyed with French cuisine. This concert is organized in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and The Tasting Club, which will be offering a “Dinner For A Cause” for the benefit of the Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), a French-Philippine NGO dedicated to the professional and social integration of young adults living in extreme poverty and exclusion in the Philippines.

The Tasting Club presents a traditional French pairing menu featuring Beef Burgundy, Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, Chocolate Mousse Verrine, paired with a fine red wine from Burgundy (AOC Santenay) delivered straight to your doorstep for PHP 1,200 (delivery fee not included), with 10% of proceeds to be donated to LP4Y. The Tasting Club will also be hosting a virtual degustation prior to the concert at 7:00 PM.

Order form and virtual degustation registration link: https://forms.gle/rRat2UrUnqPu9cB59

“Les Jeudis Culturels” (“Cultural Thursdays”) is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and by the Alliance Française de Manille, in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, The Tasting Club, LP4Y, Manila Pianos, and Mr. Richard Sy-Facunda – the artistic director and resident recordist of the Manila Pianos Artist Series.