PPP Center rebuilds pipeline with new focus: LGUs

From an array of over 40 infrastructure projects when the Aquino administration ended, private investors can now only choose from 21 deals to participate in, as the Duterte administration decided to fund most projects through foreign loans or from the government's own budget.

Due to the new thrust, the chief of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines promised to add more local government unit (LGU) projects. (READ: Duterte administration details 'ambitious' infra plan)

"That is quite a drop, so our goal now is to rebuild our pipeline. If you look at the space of LGUs, there is a big opportunity for smaller projects that could also be PPPs," PPP Center Executive Director Ferdinand Pecson said during the 2nd Annual Philippines Energy and Infrastructure Finance Forum hosted by Euromoney in Makati City on Thursday, September 7.

Some of the big-ticket projects removed from the PPP pipeline include the P12.55-billion Clark International Airport Expansion Project, P10.86-billion New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project, as well as the development of 5 small, regional airports. (READ: Major railways, national transport policy get NEDA Board approval)

Even the once-shelved Metro Manila Subway Project is being revived by the Duterte administration, with a plan to fund it via official development assistance (ODA) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Under the Aquino administration, the subway project was once under the PPP pipeline but was shelved due to time constraints.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III had said that the Duterte administration's decision to veer away from PPPs will fast-track completion and reduce costs. (READ: PH's PPP thrust: Work in progress)

To adjust to the shift, Pecson said the PPP Center is talking to LGUs for new prospective projects.

"Even with the shift, PPP in the Philippines is still very much alive. Private sector participation in infrastructure will always be there [even though] it may not be given the same attention as the previous administration did," Pecson told reporters on the sidelines of the forum.

Partnering with LGUs

Pecson said his office is in talks with the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (ZamboEcozone) for a plan to construct a "world-class seaport to be located within the First Industrial Park of ZamboEcozone." (READ: Ties with China to fill infra spending gap, pose risk to PPP)

He added that the PPP Center also received applications for Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) support for the following projects:

• Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project's system manager and operator contracts
• Naval Base Mactan Project
• Metro Manila BRT Project's system manager and operator contracts
• operations and maintenance of the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport

"We will be more aggressive in introducing to LGUs that this is how they can tap into the PPP program. On September 17, with Asian Development Bank, we will bring together LGU executives, financiers, bankers, investors on how to make the most of the program," Pecson said.

However, Fitch Group think tank BMI Research on Thursday said it is seeing evidence that Chinese and Japanese firms are becoming the top beneficiaries of the greater investment and project opportunities available in the country.

"We expect this trend to continue to manifest with the number of project opportunities remaining significant. Our key projects database indicates that there is still $63 billion worth of planned projects that have not yet entered the tendering or contracting phases," BMI Research added.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) had said that bulk of the P7.1-trillion total infrastructure investment requirement under the 2017-2022 Public Investment Program will be implemented through local financing.

About P4.7 trillion or 66% will be done through local financing, while only P1.3 trillion or 18% will be through PPPs. The remaining, meanwhile, will be in the form of ODA.

For Pecson, "PPP won't die."

"Like I said, we need you guys. Please don't be discouraged by just the fact that there are more ODAs right now... When we talk again next year, there will be more [projects]," Pecson added.

https://www.rappler.com/business/181439-ppp-center-oda-gaa-philippines-local-government-units

P355B subway, 2 other projects OKd

The National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved on Tuesday the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase I and two other projects.

The ICC-CC approved the MMSP I, which will run from Mindanao avenue in Quezon City and, following the ICC-CC’s directive, will terminate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.

Its initial investment requirement is estimated at P355.6 billion.

The project also involves the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot, as well as other related facilities.

“The first phase of the MMSP will not only ease traffic in Metro Manila but also improve the quality of life of Filipinos. For one, carbon emissions will be reduced. And, with greater mobility, people can spend more time on things that matter to them,” Ernesto Pernia, socioeconomic planning secretary, said.

The subway was previously going to end in Food Terminal Inc. in Parañaque City. However, Arthur Tugade, Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary, along with other economic managers pushed to have a spur line extending the subway to NAIA to make it easier for airport passengers to get to their destination in Metro Manila.

Route Option B1a/b

Phase 1

“In most of our neighboring countries in Asia, you can reach the city without ever leaving the platform. So, economic managers thought we’re going to build a subway anyway, so why not push to extend it to NAIA? It just makes perfect sense. The extension will mean greater connectivity and improved passenger comfort and convenience,” Tugade said.

The timetable for the subway is still being finalized, with the goal of earlier completion. Groundbreaking is currently scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2018 while target completion is 2025.

Tugade is asking partners from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to expedite the project to allow the public to enjoy the benefits of a subway system earlier.

“We have consistently asked our Japanese partners to expedite the project. They are experts in tunneling technology, and I’m sure they can deliver ahead of schedule. But of course, we can never compromise the quality and integrity of the project,” Tugade said.

The country’s first subway system will be financed via official development assistance.

The loan will have an interest of 0.10 percent per annum payable in 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years.

The signing of the loan agreement is expected in November when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets with President Rodrigo Duterte during the Asean Summit.

Meanwhile, the ICC-CC likewise approved the proposal of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to adopt the Build-Transfer scheme under the Amended Build-Operate-Transfer Law as mode of implementation for the construction of the Clark International Airport facility.

The project involves the construction of an 82,600-square meter terminal building, with a design capacity of eight million passengers per annum.

Approved by the ICC last May, the Clark International Airport Expansion Project is estimated to cost a total of P15.35 billion, with P2.8 billion sourced from the DOTr budget for pre-construction activities, while the remaining investment requirement of P12.55 billion will be provided by the BCDA.

Meanwhile, the ICC-CC also approved the Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project with a total cost of ₱3.5 billion.

The project will cover the development of new service area and rehabilitation of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System, with a combined total of 12,650 hectares service area.

At least 10,000 farmers will benefit from free irrigation which is expected to increase their income. The project is expected to begin in January 2018 and end by December 2021.

 “We want to improve our farmers’ quality of life by providing them access to irrigation and financing. This will increase their productivity, output, and income,” Pernia said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/p355b-subway-2-other-projects-okd

NEDA-ICC approves Metro subway, 2 other projects

By Chino S. Leyco

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-phase one and two other projects.

The ICC-CC approved the MMSP I, which will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and, following the ICC-CC’s directive, will terminate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.

The initial investment requirement is estimated at R355.6 billion, which will involve the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot, as well as and other related facilities.  Implementation period is from 2018 to mid-2025.

“The first phase of the MMSP will not only ease traffic in Metro Manila but also improve the quality of life of Filipinos. For one, carbon emissions will be reduced,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said in a statement.

“And, with greater mobility, people can spend more time on things that matter to them,” he added.

The ICC-CC likewise approved, the proposal of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to adopt the Build-Transfer scheme under the amended BOT law, as mode of implementation for the construction of the Clark International Airport facility.

The project involves the construction of an 82,600 square meter terminal building, with a design capacity of 8 million passengers per annum.

As earlier approved by the ICC in May, the Clark International Airport Expansion Project has an estimated total project cost of P15.35 billion, with P2.8 billion sourced from the DOTr budget for pre-construction activities, while the remaining investment requirement of P12.55 billion will be provided by the BCDA.

http://business.mb.com.ph/2017/09/06/neda-icc-approves-metro-subway-2-other-projects/

First PH subway providing access to country’s main airport

Passengers going to and from the airport would find it easier to move around the city once the proposed Metro Manila Subway system extension from Quezon City to the country’s main gateway the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is built soon.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said aside from ease of mobility, the expansion would also promote greater connectivity and improve passenger comfort and convenience.

Tugade made the statement following the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approval of the extension of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase 1 from Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig City to NAIA and its increased cost from PHP227 billion to PHP355.6 billion.

The subway, which will start in Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, was previously going to end in FTI. However, Tugade, along with other economic managers, pushed to have a spur line extending the subway to NAIA to make it easier for airport passengers to get to their destination in Metro Manila.

“In most of our neighboring countries in Asia, you can reach the city without ever going to the platform. So, economic managers thought we’re going to build a subway anyway, so why not push it to extend up to NAIA? It just makes perfect sense. The extension will mean greater connectivity and improved passenger comfort and convenience,” Tugade said.

MMSP, the country’s first subway system from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the airport in Paranaque City is subject to final approval by the NEDA Board, which is headed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The MMSP I also involves the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot, as well as and other related facilities. Implementation period is from 2018 to mid-2025.

Groundbreaking for the railway project is expected by fourth quarter of 2018 with its completion on 2025.

However, Tugade has requested its partners from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expedite the project for the public to avail of the benefits of a subway system in Metro Manila.

“We have consistently asked our Japanese partners to expedite the project. They are experts in tunneling technology and I’m sure they can deliver ahead of schedule. But of course, we can never compromise the quality and integrity of the project,” he said.

The subway system will have water stop panels, doors and high level entrance for floor prevention, earthquake detection, and a train stop similar to those in Tokyo.

NIKE DLSU Centennial Jacket

The DLSU Nike Centennial Jacket was not released commerically but made available only thru its varsity players. The design is similar to the Commercially released 2010 Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas, 2010 USA Fiba Worlds, 2010 Ateneo and 2010 FEU Jackets. It features a Square outline pattern which runs from the sleeve area up to the chest. The upper chest part bears the school logo and the swoosh mark.

The logos contain the School seal and the two centennial logos, a text based one, and a silhouette of St, John Baptist De la Salle. The Sublimated Patch is then sewn at the back.

Government to owe LRMC P600 million in fare subsidy by end-2017

FARE claims from the delayed implementation of tariff increase on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 would cost the government more than half a billion pesos by year-end, according to a ranking official of the operator of the train system.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) President Rogelio L. Singson said the government would have owed the company as much as P600 million on fare claims by the end of 2017, a “measly amount” that the state could cover to shield commuters from the tariff adjustment.

“By year-end fare claims would be about P500 million to P600 million,” he told the BusinessMirror. “The government can easily subsidize it.” Under the concession agreement, a 10-percent fare adjustment should have been implemented in August last year. The government failed to implement this, hence the claims.

Currently, the government owes the private company, a joint venture between Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., a whopping P300 million in delayed fare hike.

“Ideally, they should be implementing the provisions of the concession agreement, which means to correct the fare, so that there will be no subsidy,” Singson said.

However, Singson added, his group recommended that the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) subsidize the cost, so as not to burden commuters from the fare hike.

“From our discussions with the LRTA, I told them they have a big budget. So, instead of adjusting it to the riders, the government can subsidize it,” he said. The regulator, Singson added, is amenable to the said recommendation.

LRMC holds the concession for the operations, maintenance and the extension of the train line to Cavite.  It signed the agreement with the government in October 2014. The company will operate and maintain the oldest train system in the Philippines for 32 years.

Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of right-of-way, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite Extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.

It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.

Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Bacoor City. The new stations are Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Pinas, Zapote and Niyog. The intermodal facilities shall be located at Dr. Santos, Zapote and Niyog.

The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium, park, etc., and be located to suit passenger flow routes from residential areas.

Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access, will also be provided.

It recently received two international certifications on management and environmental standards from TUV Rheinland.

It is on the lookout for railway deals in the Philippines, syncing its expansion plan to the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure thrust.

The Duterte administration has lined up several rail-infrastructure deals in its huge pipeline of projects: the Mega Manila Subway, the Mindanao Railway, the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Line and the LRT Line 2 Extension, among others.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/government-to-owe-lrmc-p600-million-in-fare-subsidy-by-end-2017/

Metro Manila subway extension to NAIA to ease passenger mobility

Passengers going to and from the airport would find it easier to move around the city once the proposed Metro Manila Subway system extension from Quezon City to the country’s main gateway the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is built soon.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said aside from ease of mobility, the expansion would also promote greater connectivity and improve passenger comfort and convenience.

Tugade made the statement following the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approval of the extension of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase 1 from Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig City to NAIA and its increased cost from PHP227 billion to PHP355.6 billion.

The subway, which will start in Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, was previously going to end in FTI. However, Tugade, along with other economic managers, pushed to have a spur line extending the subway to NAIA to make it easier for airport passengers to get to their destination in Metro Manila.

“In most of our neighboring countries in Asia, you can reach the city without ever going to the platform. So, economic managers thought we’re going to build a subway anyway, so why not push it to extend up to NAIA? It just makes perfect sense. The extension will mean greater connectivity and improved passenger comfort and convenience,” Tugade said.

MMSP, the country’s first subway system from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the airport in Paranaque City is subject to final approval by the NEDA Board, which is headed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The MMSP I also involves the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot, as well as and other related facilities. Implementation period is from 2018 to mid-2025.

Groundbreaking for the railway project is expected by fourth quarter of 2018 with its completion on 2025.

However, Tugade has requested its partners from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expedite the project for the public to avail of the benefits of a subway system in Metro Manila.

“We have consistently asked our Japanese partners to expedite the project. They are experts in tunneling technology and I’m sure they can deliver ahead of schedule. But of course, we can never compromise the quality and integrity of the project,” he said.

The subway system will have water stop panels, doors and high level entrance for floor prevention, earthquake detection, and a train stop similar to those in Tokyo.

In an earlier interview with the Philippine News Agency, Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez stated that the department is eyeing to operate five stations of the Mega Manila Subway System by the end of the Duterte administration on June 30, 2022.

The subway system is envisioned to be an underground mass transportation system connecting major business districts and government centers which is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its opening year.

The country’s first subway system will cost USD7 billion and will be financed through Official Development Assistance. The loan will have an interest of 10 percent per annum payable in 40 years with a grace period of 12 years.

The agreement is expected to be signed in November when Pres. Duterte meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2017/09/07/metro-manila-subway-extension-to-naia-to-ease-passenger-mobility/

PPP still on

The Philippine Public Partnership Center (PPPC) is focused in rebuilding its project pipeline despite  the Duterte administration’s  decision to shift  to the hybrid mode of public-private partnership (PPP) in bidding out major infrastructure projects.

“We are very much alive. We are rebuilding the pipeline. Private sector participation in infrastructure will always be there (though) it may not be given the same attention as the previous administration did,” said Ferdinand Pecson, PPPC executive director.

The government has shifted its approach to one where financing of infrastructure projects would be from official development assistance (ODA) and General Appropriation Act (GAAs) from a straight private sector-funded approach.

Pecson said PPPC has received new applications to avail of the Project Development Monitoring Facility (PDMF). Among the projects in the pipeline include a port project in Zamboanga; the new Nayong Pilipino project; the Cebu bus rapid transit; the  development of the duty-free retail network in the Philippines, the DTI complex; a segment of national broadband network of the Department of Information and Communication Technology; the development of cellular towers and;  the  modern vehicle inspection system of the Department of Transportation.

Pecson said the planned conversion of the existing Bohol-Panglao airport is a potential PPP project.

PPPC sees opportunities in undertaking PPP projects of local government units (LGUs).

“There is a big opportunity for smaller projects (of LGUs) that could also be PPP. We will be more aggressive in introducing to LGUs that this is how they can tap into the PPP program,” Pecson said.

The current hybrid model refers to the construction of infrastructure using public funds or cheaper financing (local borrowings and ODA) and the subsequent operations and maintenance using PPP.

The hybrid model works if the infrastructure is built and equipped to enable the delivery of the services expected from the operation and maintenance (O&M) provider.

Bidding a project on the basis of lowest construction cost, consideration for O&M, will naturally result in such an infrastructure.

With airports for example, if passenger congestion in queues in check-in counters or security checks are to be avoided, the number and arrangement of service counters have to be designed and built accordingly. Poor airport service could result in the O&M provider being replaced.

The Aquino administration can be credited for a number of PPP infrastructure projects of which 12 were successfully awarded. Three are currently operational: the Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road (Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway) Project ; PPP for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) – Phase I; the Automatic Fare Collection System and the NAIA Expressway Project (Phase II)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/ppp-still

Club Mwah continues to attract audiences

Even when it’s raining hard, many people go to Club Mwah to watch the much-talked about “Follies De Mwah” extravaganza.

“We are now on our 14th year and if we survived against all odds, it’s because of our passion to provide only the best entertainment for our audiences,” executive producer Carlito Pocholo Malillin told the guests.

“Follies De Mwah” is on every Friday and Saturday. The show has been invited to perform in provinces, company parties, product launches, debuts, fashion shows, etc.

“We could create and customize any theme,” Pocholo pointed out.

Club Mwah also had a series of performances at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) of Resorts World Manila recently. Their fabulously costumed performers are seen daily in the “Quiz Vee” segment of “Eat Bulaga.”

With Chris Nicolas as director, choreographer, costume designer, and main performer, “Follies De Mwah” is inspired by Vegas, Broadway, Filipiniana, and Moulin Rouge – “pinagsamasama namin, and thankfully dinadayo kami kahit mga dayuhan, at mga kababayan natin from abroad.”

Pocholo and Chris’ partnership started more than 30 years ago. Back then, they were deploying talents to Japan through their Covergirls outfit.

Club Mwah is in Mandaluyong City.

• • •

Mr. & Miss Tanglawan 2017

Some 29 candidates are vying for this year’s Mr. & Miss Tanglawan, spearheaded by the City Government of San Jose del Monte under the leadership Mayor Arthur B. Robes and Congresswoman Florida Robes.

The grand finals and coronation night will be on Sept. 9, 4 p.m. at Star Mall San Jose del Monte.

The candidates are Jeremiah Ferareza III, Gerard Rombaon, Jomarie Avilla, Marco Fernando, John Dinawanao, Carol Bautista, Laurence Bengua, John Severo, Randaniel Quintas, Roberto Labiste Jr., Victor Abanag, Raymart Regis, Necolino Bruce Lee, Francisco Dela Rama, Sigrid Alison Cruz, Christine Trangia, Yumika Pagsanjan, Sophia Garcia, Rochelle Lorica, Andrea Redondo, Erzjenn Olorosisimo, Maricar Cafranca, Leandrea Batingan, Shenakaye Longaguit, Guia Kelly Lorda, Diane Castaneda, Pauline Borcena, and Lalaine Loste.

The other activities include Electro Run Beautiful, Mama Sita’s Minanang Sarap, a job fair and an attempt to set the World’s Largest Lantern Parade record tomorrow.

On Sept. 10, a concert by Parokya ni Edgar caps the 17th cityhood anniversary.

• • •

GMA, ABS-CBN claim lead

Media giants GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. released television ratings for August, each saying they have kept their leads in their respective areas.

GMA Network said in a statement that it had cornered an audience share of 42 percent against ABS-CBN’s 37.4 percent last month in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement. GMA uses data prepared by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA said it was ahead of competition in Urban Luzon, where it got an audience share of 48.7 percent against ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent.

It claimed a big margin in Mega Manila (Aug. 1 to 26 data) with a 51.9 percent audience share across “all time blocks” versus ABS-CBN’s 27.1 percent.

Urban Luzon and Mega Manila respectively account for 76 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country, it said.

Kapuso shows dominated the list of top programs in NUTAM with multi-awarded news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) remaining as the most watched GMA show during the said period. GMA also claimed the top 8 spots in the Urban Luzon list while it swept the top 16 spots in Mega Manila with KMJS still at number one and was closely followed by Pepito Manaloto.

Also included in the list of top-rating Kapuso shows were Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Alyas Robin Hood, 24 Oras, My Love from the Star, I Heart Davao, My Korean Jagiya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Magpakailanman, Celebrity Bluff, Mulawin vs. Ravena, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, Dear Uge, Road Trip, Ika-6 Na Utos, Impostora, Tadhana, Haplos, Wowowin and Hay Bahay.

ABS-CBN, which uses data from Kantar Media, said in a separate statement that it got an average nationwide audience share of 46 percent against GMA’s 33 percent for August.

ABS-CBN cited its lead in the primetime block, where it scored an average audience share of 50 percent, against GMA’s 31 percent.

ABS-CBN said the primetime block was coveted because this was when most viewers watch television, prompting advertisers to park the bulk of their spending during these hours.

ABS-CBN said it was also ahead in the morning and afternoon blocks, where it registered average audience shares of 40 percent and 43 percent, respectively, compared to GMA’s 30 percent and 38 percent.

In the noontime block, ABS-CBN’s audience share rose to 46 percent from the previous month’s 44 percent. It said GMA’s ratings had declined to 35 percent.

ABS-CBN also kept its total day lead in other areas such as Luzon as it hit 42 percent versus GMA’s 35 percent, in Visayas with 55 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent and in Mindanao with 54 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano continued to hold the top position as the most watched program in the country with a national TV rating of 38.6 percent.

It was followed by the Philippine adaptation of talent-variety-talk show Little Big Shots, which recorded 35.9 percent.

Other ABS-CBN programs that made it to August’s top 18 were La Luna Sangre, A Love to Last, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It’s Showtime, ASAP, Banana Sundae, Pusong Ligaw, The Better Half, Ipaglaban Mo, TV Patrol, Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Wildflower, Bet on Your Baby, TV Patrol Weekend, Home Sweetie Home and Goin’ Bulilit.

The network said that as of June this year, ABS-CBN TVplus has already sold 3 million boxes nationwide since its launch in 2015 and significantly boosted ABS-CBN’s TV ratings.

According to data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN’s audience share in Mega Manila increased to 36 percent in 2017, compared to 30 percent in 2015, as more households were able to experience clearer viewing experience with ABS-CBN TVplus.

ABS-CBN said it is also rapidly transitioning into a digital company with the biggest online presence among all Filipino media companies, and a growing list of digital properties.

Its company media website abs-cbn.com logged 36 million users and hit over 1.7 billion page views as of end-May this year, becoming the country’s biggest local media website.

The company has also announced that it is opening its first Experience Store at Trinoma Mall soon. It also partnered with Ayala Malls to launch its events place ABS-CBN Vertis Tent later this year, and with CityMall Commercial Centers, Inc. to manage the mall chain’s cinemas, the first of which opened last weekend.

ABS-CBN reported a net income of P1.2 billion for the first six months of 2017.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 7, go to Jackie Ejercito-Lopez, Nenita Evans, Regina Meer Castillo, Regine Tolentino, Sol Lavadia, Paquita Maglaya, Albert Morris, Mary Elizabeth S. Timbol, Jane J. Garcia, Linda Amon, Reggie Espinosa, Lilia Uy Hao, Samuel Velasco, Butch Roldan, Julia Lopez, Rolando Josef, Zach Hontiveros Pagkalinawan, Rickey Miranda, Arlyn Medina, Flor Punongbayan, Joan Lim, John Gatdula and Iriga City Mayor Madeleine Alfelor-Gazmen… Happy wedding anniversary to Titong C. Villacorta and Ma. Georgia Ejercito; and Tito and Mary Anna Salcedo…Belated b-day greetings to Flori Santos (Sept. 6)… Sept. 8: awarded broadcast journalist Che Che Lazaro, Sec. Orlando J. Sacay, Maricris Bermont, Long Espina, Debbie Yu-Chan, Fe Ramos Esteban of Casino Filipino-Hyatt, Ramon Ting, Natividad L. Aventura, Naty B. Rodriguez, Naty A. Pappas, Eloy Pacheco of Rosy’s Pancit Malabon, Natalie Castel, Irene Guinan, Mary Jessica Dailo, Dr. Flor Concepcion-Lindres of Bulacan, Ronald de Leon, Bea Royo, Jay Laurel Leano, Lis Cojuangco, Maria Alyssa Varsovia, Nestoria M. Coronel, Graciella N. Martinez, Yosef Elizalde, Cesar Saavedra, Juliana Torres-Gomez and Sandy Santamaria…

http://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2017/09/07/club-mwah-continues-to-attract-audiences/