Manila Subway project moves forward as Japan, PH exchange notes

(UPDATE) The Philippines and Japan on Monday exchanged notes on Japanese assistance for infrastructure, including Metro Manila's first subway.

President Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe witnessed the signing of the diplomatic notes on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Manila late Monday.

A loan agreement is expected to be signed in January after the exchange of notes, according to a timeline of of the subway from the Department of Transportation.

The Japanese government will provide 104.53 billion yen (P46 billion) for the first phase of the project, which is expected to transport approximately 500,000 passengers per day by 2027.

The subway will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to Arca South in Taguig City and may be extended to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The exchange of notes also covered a 9.4-billion yen (P4 billion) loan for the "Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway" from Plaridel, Bulacan to Manila and a 2.5-billion (P1 billion) yen grant to rebuild war-tor Marawi City.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said these 3 projects were part of Tokyo’s financial support to the Philippines worth 1 trillion yen over the next 5 years.

‘Guerrero,’ a movie on a boxer’s life

“Guerrero,” about a boxer’s life, is done by director Carlo Ortega Cuevas and cinematographer Giancarlo Escamillas, both award winners. The title role is played by neophyte Genesis Gomez.

“Eto ang sport na literal na babagsak ka at kailangan mong bumangon,” Carlo said of boxing.

“Guerrero” is produced by EBC Films whose Robert Capistrano noted: “Filipinos are very resilient and many calamities and even pressing national issues cannot beat their indomitable spirit as they hold on to their unwavering hope and strong faith. There is always a Guerrero in every Filipino.”

The movie had its red carpet premiere recently and is now in cinemas nationwide. Also in the cast are Julio Cesar Sabenorio and Joyselle Cabanlong.

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New culinary challenge

Celebrity chef Anton Amoncio has put out “Anton’s Food Corner” on YouTube. The concept of the online food corner follows Chef Anton as he takes on the challenge of selecting any man on the street and cooking for him within an allotted budget. He goes to the market or grocery and buys all the necessary ingredients for the meal.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 14, go to Mila Valenzuela, Homobono Adaza, Estela Lopez, Christine Pineda, Robin del Rosario, Bingbing Matias, Minda Fuentes, Gloria Navarro, Popoy Los Banos, Gerard Marcelo, Roi Phillips, Anna Marie Periquit, Ana Abiera Del Moral, and Rep. Martin Romualdez… Nov. 15: Fe Barrías, Lita Luga, Sharon de Joya, Sosimo Galit, Christine Fabella Clemente, and MTRCB Chairwoman Rachel Arenas…