BIZ BUZZ: Goodbye, Pepsi plant
It will be a sad Christmas for the Pepsi-Cola family in the Philippines as the company is set to shut down its production plant in Muntinlupa by the end of the year.
According to Biz Buzz sources, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., (PCPPI) the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, has already dismantled and transferred all the production lines to the other plants outside of Metro Manila.
Apparently, the cost of production—from rent to utilities —has gone up to the point that it was no longer feasible to keep the plant in operation.
The Muntinlupa plant is a bottling facility that produces Pepsi, 7-Up, Sting, Gatorade, among others.
PCPPI delisted from the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2020 after South Korea’s Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co Ltd had acquired a majority stake in the company.
This latest move is said to be part of overall plans of the Korean firm to further streamline operations to increase profitability in a country that the other soft drinks brand dominates. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Article continues after this advertisement‘Hello, Love, Again’ surpasses P1-B mark
The power of KathDen is just truly undeniable—and it is safe to say that the world agrees. “Hello, Love, Again” (HLA) is a certified box-office hit after reaching P1.4-billion in global ticket sales as of Dec. 1.
Article continues after this advertisementIt is the first Filipino movie to rake in over P1 billion in local box office. The romantic comedy—with moments of heavy drama—also earned $7 million from international screenings.
“Thank you for coming home with us through ‘Hello, Love, Again.’ You inspire us to tell more stories of strength, love and hope,” said seasoned actress Kathryn Bernardo.
“Thank you for welcoming Joy and Ethan into your home again wherever you are in the world,” said Alden Richards, who has also been starring in many movie and TV projects.
Prior to this milestone, HLA became the highest grossing Filipino movie of all time. Its prequel, “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” also held the title until “Rewind” brought in more audience.
The movie directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana is being shown in 700 cinemas worldwide.
HLA is co-produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures, strengthening the bond they have formed in recent years.
The film—which highlighted the struggles of overseas Filipino workers, especially during the pandemic—premiered on Nov. 13. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad
