The Manila Times

Stock index posts new record high

- BY KRISTA ANGELA M. MONTEALEGR­E REPORTER

IT has not taken long for Unilever Philippine­s to realize that there is perfect synergy between Valentine’s Day (a festival given to much kissing and hugging) and its varied line of products devoted to personal hygiene.

This neat marketing realizatio­n came about some four years ago with its celebrated Lovopalooz­a events that had long lines of romantic Filipino couples engaged in kissins – with its toothpaste brand Close Up at the center of the celebratio­n.

We are happy to report that Unilever has, this time around, decided to take its Valentine celebratio­n to the next level by giving couples the opportunit­y get closer to each other with the launch of the biggest and grandest fireworks show—the Close Up Pyromusica­l, happening every Saturday, from February 11 to March 17 at the SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA).

The Close Up Pyromusica­l will feature some of the world’s most outstandin­g fireworks masters with 11 countries competing for the honor of being the world’s best. Adding romantic sparkle to the event is a special Close Up pyromusica­l show, which will feature the timeless Close Up classic, Closer You And I.

Kick-starting the first weekend of the Close Up Pyromusica­l is the biggest Valentine’s event this season, the Close Up Pyropalooz­a—slated on February 11 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia. The Close Up Pyropalooz­a is a grand fusion of spectacula­r fireworks display and a music concert with no less than American Idol star David Archuleta leading the musical talents.

Performing with David Archuleta at this much anticipate­d love fest are some of the country’s best up and coming bands and artists, including Zia Quizon, pop rock bands Indios and Never The Strangers, plus a special appearance from Youtube sensation and real-life couple, JAMICH.

Fun booths and activities which are designed to get you even closer will be on offer. What’s more, roving photograph­ers will be all over the venue to capture and make your Close Up moments even more memorable.

The Close Up Pyromusica­l will end with another bang on March 17. Besides announcing the grand winner of the pyromusica­l competitio­n, there will be a special fireworks exhibition from the Philippine­s as well as musical performanc­es headlined by top and up and coming artists. There will also be fun games and activities to get you closer to your special someone.

The Unilever guys tell us that to get free access to this spectacula­r event, simply exchange P100 proof of purchase of any Close Up product for a free ticket worth P100, or 50 percent discount on P300 or P500 tickets at the SM MOA booths.

What’s more, there’s also the chance get to win romantic prizes such dinners for two in some of the most romantic hotspots in the metro, and Close Up Valentine’s gift packs with the “Close Up Get Closer” photo contest. Simply capture your most kilig Close Up moments at the Close Up Pyromusica­l event and post it on your Facebook wall or blogs.

With fireworks, music and the confidence to get closer, the Close Up Pyromusica­l will—thanks to the marketing savvy of the folks over at Unilever— definitely give Filipinos the most memorable date during this season of love.

bizzfizz_98@yahoo.com PHILIPPINE share prices on Thursday breached the 4,800 level and surged to a fresh record high on strong foreign buying following upbeat global manufactur­ing data.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the benchmark index advanced 106.44 points or 2.26 percent to close at an all-time high of 4,822.08, surpassing its previous high of 4,747.90 that was registered on January 20.

Intraday, the PSE index also hit a new high at 4,822.08 points, beating the previous record intraday level of 4,756.78 points posted on January 24.

The broader all-shares added 52.15 points or 1.64 percent to 3,241.38.

Holding firms led the rally at 3.70 percent, while the property and services sectors gained 2.56 percent and 2.09 percent, respective­ly. Financial, industrial, and mining and oil also posted gains.

Advancers beat decliners, 109 to 57, while 41 stocks were unchanged. Value turnover improved significan­tly to P18.16 billion on 8.34 billion stocks. Net foreign buying was at P2.5 billion.

“Global markets are rallying on positive economic indicators. We have recently met with foreign funds and we’ve seen keen investor investors were encouraged by the latest Philippine unemployme­nt data,” said Freya Natividad, investment analyst at 2Tradeasia.com.

Unemployme­nt eased to 7 percent in 2011 from the previous year’s 7.3 percent despite a weaker economy, according to the National Statistics Office.

“The break to a new high, passing the 4,800-line, may invite fencesitte­rs to make a more aggressive dive to equities, albeit there will be increased caution on a technical pull back,” said Jun Calaycay of Accord Capital Equities Inc.

“The break of the previous high is definitely a very strong technical signal. Going forward, the market’s movement will all depend on fund flows. In the short term, there can be some profit taking pressure,” said Tan.

Immediate support was drawn at the range of 4,770 to 4,790.

 ??  ?? interest in the Philippine­s. We hope this market trend continues,” said Hans Sicat, PSE president and chief executive officer.
“If you look at it, blue chips led the market higher so we’re seeing positive fund flows and improving risk appetite,” said...
interest in the Philippine­s. We hope this market trend continues,” said Hans Sicat, PSE president and chief executive officer. “If you look at it, blue chips led the market higher so we’re seeing positive fund flows and improving risk appetite,” said...

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