TAGLE, DUTERTE AT LUNETA MILLENNIUM MASS

Manila, Dec. 30, 2018 - A special concelebrated mass called Misa Milenya -- will be said at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila’s Rizal Park (Luneta) on New Year’s eve.

Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who chairs the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebration, said Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will officiate at the mass, scheduled for Dec. 31 at 5:00 P.M. An ecumenical prayer will precede celebration of the mass to emphasize the ecumenical nature of the occasion, Romulo-Puyat said.

Romulo-Puyat  said President Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, together with the First Lady, Elizabeth Zimmerman and other members of the First Family, will attend the holy mass.

Representatives of labor, women and children, fisherfolk, farmers, indigenous communities and other sectors will join the First Family in the offertory procession.

Bro. Mike Velarde, founder of El Shaddai Charismatic Movement, has announced that some 500,000 El Shaddai members will attend the millennium mass.

During the mass, seminarians, parish choirs and guest artists will render praise songs and traditional music. Meanwhile, bands from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy will also be on hand to provide music.

Romulo-Puyat said Pope Francis’ message to the Filipino people will be read during the mass at the Quirino Grandstand as well as the selected Marian Shrines in various parts of the country.

At the Luneta and at least 10 shrines around the Philippines, there will be processions to be led by images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The concelebrated mass, which will project the Philippines as a pilgrimage destination in Asia, will be covered by the national multi-media with possible hook-up by satellite. It will also be recorded, with the videotape to be sent to the Sister Angelica Channel.

The religious activity has been arranged in cooperation with the Wells Spring of Life, Sacred Land of Asia, Marian Movement, Charismatic Movement of the Philippines, Confradia, and Association of Shrine Rectors and Pilgrimage Promoters of the Philippines.

The millennium mass is part of the Pistang Milenyo Filipino, the weeklong festivities prepared by the Duterte administration to welcome the new millennium.

The Philippines will welcome the new millennium with a nationwide kapit-bisig (linking of arms) on New Year’s Eve at the Rizal Park and other parts of the country to demonstrate the unity of all Filipinos in the 21st century.

President Duterte will lead the symbolic kapit-bisig ritual, which will be replicated all over the country.

http://www.newsflash.org/1999/12/tlframe.htm

‘Eat Bulaga’ now telecasts from it’s new Cainta home

On Dec. 8, after two decades and three years, Eat Bulaga, the longest-running noontime show on Philippine television, started broadcasting from APT Studios, a brand new studio in Cainta, Rizal that the show calls its “home” now.

It sits on a 9,200 square-meter lot along the Marikina-Infanta Highway, a mere 10-minute drive from the border of Marikina and Rizal.

The management of the show, said, “APT Studios is Eat Bulaga’s gift to dabarkads this Christmas.

For the most part of its four-decade history, Eat Bulaga delivered joy and entertainment to millions of viewers from an old movie theater-turned-TV studio at the Broadway Centrum in Quezon City -- its “rented apartment” for 23 years.

It is hard to miss from the outside with its facade cloaked in a bright red metal structure symbolic of a theater curtain that is about to open as if to signal the start of a spectacular presentation full of surprises -- and that’s exactly what Eat Bulaga is.

A number of noontime contenders have tried to outlast Eat Bulaga but they all failed and faded out sooner than it could take off. In the good times and in the bad, the show continued to keep a tight grip on the so-called prime real estate of Philippine television: the mass audience.

“Iyon siguro ang susi rin at bukas na lihim ng Eat Bulaga. Simula noon ay  hindi  kami  bumibitiw sa nakararami naming tagapanood na  hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa ring tumatangkilik sa amin,” said host Joey de Leon whose triumvirate with Sen. Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto has been the show’s main pillar through the years.

De Leon, who coined the title Eat Bulaga when the show was conceptualized in 1979, explained that he deliberately combined an English and a Filipino word because he envisioned the show ’s appeal to Filipinos from all walks of life.

“Kung mapapansin mo, English iyon at Tagalog. ‘Eat’ ay Ingles at ‘Bulaga’ naman ay Tagalog. Kasi inisip ko talaga noon na dapat kasama lahat. Ito ay show na bukas sa lahat ng Pilipino mula sa kahit anumang antas ng pamumuhay: A, B, C, D, hanggang F, G,” explained the host.

Thanks to the ingenuity of its producers and the loyalty of its fans (whom they refer to as “dabarkads”), Eat Bulaga has become one of the most profitable properties on television today. But as De Leon recalled in an interview, the first few years was a different story. “Halos umabot muna ng isang taon bago kami nakatikim ng una naming suweldo noon,” he revealed. “Pero ang catch: naiwan pa sa taxi,” referring to an unfortunate incident in the early days of the show when the entire production team’s half month worth of salaries was unwittingly left in a cab by a payroll staff.

“At saka iyong unang 10 taon namin, kanya-kanya kaming tanghalian. Kami nila Vic at Tito, talagang nabuhay kami sa siopao at mami. Nalibre lang kami ng pagkain noong lumipat kami sa Celebrity Sports Plaza. Kasi may word na ‘celebrity’ na, siguro nahihiya sila, pinakain na iyong mga celebrity,” he added.

All that is history now. After hopping from studio to studio, Eat Bulaga has finally built itself a home, which it says is dedicated to the future generations of dabarkads.

 “Ang feeling namin is it’s a blessing,” said Antonio P. Tuviera, president and CEO of Television and Production Exponents (T.A.P.E.), Inc., the company behind Eat Bulaga. He is the A-P-T in the studio’s name and in APT Entertainment, T.A.P.E.’s film production unit.

According to Mr. T, as he is called in the industry, the new studio was designed with the comfort and convenience of both the hosts and the audience in mind. In fact, entering the studio is like entering a premier theater: carpeted floors, superb acoustics, clean and air conditioned restrooms, spacious dressing rooms, among others.

“That’s why we would like to give it back to the audience, to everybody, because we owe it to them. Hindi naman maitatayo itong mga ganito without them,” he explained.

Hosts Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza were among those who were very excited to move to the new studio. However, they admit to also feeling nostalgic as they bid farewell to Broadway Centrum where their on-screen team-up began.

“Maraming memories din namin ni Maine ang nabuo noong mga panahong nasa Broadway Centrum pa kami, kasi doon naman talaga nag-umpisa ang lahat. In fact, doon sobrang nabago ang buhay namin pareho,” the actor recalled.

Alden and Maine’s love team called “AlDub,” a portmanteau of “Alden” and “Yaya Dub” (Maine’s character in a segment called Kalyeserye) was an accidental discovery of Eat Bulaga. It became such a huge hit that a special episode dedicated to their elusive meet-up was staged at the Philippine Arena. More than 50,000 fans, breaking all previous records of the gigantic venue, attended it.

“Ngayon po na ‘eto meron na kaming sariling tahanan, siguradong ito ay umpisa ng panibagong memories na naman; marami na naman kaming pagsasamahan dito. So ako very excited ako sa mga susunod na mangyayari dito simula ngayong araw,” said Maine.

In Eat Bulaga, a celebration is incomplete without giving back. As its housewarming treat, it gave away a brand new house and lot complete with furniture to a dabarkads from Tanza, Cavite and grocery packs to all of its studio audience who were lucky enough to book a seat for the special “Lipat Bahay” episode (the studio was fully booked days before its launch).

“Ito na ang umpisa ng ‘EB version 4.0.’ Ang studio na ito ay para sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga dabarkads,” declared Vic at the start of the episode, a warm gesture of welcoming a new beginning for Eat Bulaga.

“More than just a house, it is a home -- a home that is not just for our dabarkads in the past or at present but more importantly for the dabarkads in the future,” said Tuviera. “Sabi nga ni Joey, maski grumadweyt na kami, nandito pa rin ang Eat Bulaga.”

“Ang aming studio ay bukas para sa bawat Pilipino na gustong makatikim ng ‘isang libo’t isang tuwa’ na hatid ng ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Kami’y nagpapasalamat sa inyong walang-sawang pagsuporta sa amin sa loob ng halos 40 taon. At hangga’t naririyan kayo, magpapatuloy ang ‘Eat Bulaga,’” De Leon assured.

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/284002?fbclid=IwAR29TNdqnOelVfNafW39E3EWpidOtISlLfFF1sy-pe49JBVlr2ofvnrWeno#.XCa13eXqfto.facebook

Compostela Valley today, Davao de Oro tomorrow

MONTEVISTA, Compostela Valley—Gold-rich Compostela Valley is ready to rebrand itself as Davao de Oro, lining itself among the provinces of the Davao region, which all have the word “Davao” in their name, and remove the confusion of its location.

As Davao de Oro, it would also proudly announce its natural wealth that has long caught the eye of the corporate mining world and likewise “to proudly announce that we belong to the Davao region, much like the rest of the provinces, which have used the word Davao to designate themselves in the region, like Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental,” Compostela Valley Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy said.

“Now,” he added, they will no longer “be mistaken for a neighbor of Cagayan Valley, or the Compostela town of Cebu, nor to be confused with our own Compostela town here.”

The province took the name Compostela Valley in 1998 when it was carved out from eleven eastern municipalities of Davao del Norte. Uy wondered aloud about “whatever happened to its naming that we are the only province in the region that has no Davao in it”.

Uy announced the province was likely to assume the new name anytime soon, as he appealed to the province’s 736,107 residents to vote affirmatively to the adoption of the name in a plebiscite next year, probably after the mid-term local elections on May 13.

The House of Representatives already passed the renaming bill on second reading, practically a go-ahead for its final approval, while two senators assured Uy they would also sponsor the resolution at the resumption of session next year.

“With the new name is the new direction,” he said, citing the leap in its achievements, including the 2017 Commission on Audit’s ranking of the province as the second richest among the Philippine provinces, next to Cebu province.

Compostela Valley, lying along the country’s so-called Eastern Mineral Belt for its rich gold, copper and nickel deposits, was the only Mindanao local government to land in the 10 richest provinces, at a comfortable second spot. It boosted of total assets reaching P18.95 billion.

He said the Davao de Oro name would bring the tagline, “The Living Treasure,” with its wealth attracting national business and investment when it landed 30th in 2017 among 67 provinces ranked on their business competitive index.

The most recent result of the teachers’ secondary licensure examination showed the Davao del Norte State College ranked as the third-best performing school in the Philippines, with four of its graduates notching the third, fourth and eighth spots in the top 10 examinees.

“Our new name will be our own promise. I will announce it during the Bulawan [gold] Festival in March,” he said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/compostela-valley-today-davao-de-oro-tomorrow/

Winning consortium vows world-class Clark int’l airport

The conglomerates that won the contract to operate and maintain the Clark international airport vowed to reinvent the airport into a world-class gateway.

Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. and Changi Airport Philippines Pte. Ltd. bagged the operations and maintenance contract of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

The 25-year contract was awarded to their group, the North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC) by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

FDC, the lead consortium member, said the group is thankful for the opportunity.

“The consortium envisions to create a new identity for Clark airport as the Northern and Central Luzon’s gateway that will provide fast, efficient, and hassle-free travel experience,” said Josephine Gotianun-Yap, president & chief executive officer of FDC.

The project includes the operations and maintenance of the existing terminal and the new terminal. The consortium is also set to develop the commercial assets, operate and maintain project facilities and fit-out the new terminal.

“We are confident that with the vast experience of each member of the consortium in terms of property development, air transportation and airport operations, NLAC will be able to reinvent Clark International Airport to a world-class airport, meet the continued growth of international and domestic air travel, and deliver its commitment to the government and the public,” Gotianun-Yap said.

NLAC vowed to establish a new reputation for Philippine international gateway airports to ensure ease and seamless travel.

Changi is the operator of the most awarded airport in the world, Singapore Changi Airport.

The Filinvest-led consortium was the only group that was qualified.

X-Droid, a venture that includes affiliates of Philippines Air Asia and companies owned by businessman and politician Michael Romero and Zest-O founder Alfredo Yao was disqualified.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Megawide Construction Corp. also expressed interest in the project but did not push through.

Megawide’s partner GMR Infrastructure failed to meet the requirements set by the BCDA.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/22/1878905/winning-consortium-vows-world-class-clark-intl-airport

Highlights from the Miss Universe pageant

Miss Universe is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the American-based Miss Universe Organization.

"Following the change of ownership, in October 2015, Fox and Azteca became the official broadcasters of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants."

Main pageant

The main Miss Universe Pageant is held over a two-week period in December. In the 1970s through the 1990s and 2020s, the pageant was a month long. This allowed time for rehearsals, appearances, and the preliminary competition, with the winner being crowned by the previous year's titleholder during the final competition.

According to the organizers, the Miss Universe contest is more than a beauty pageant: women aspiring to become Miss Universe must be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured. Often a candidate has lost because she did not have a good answer during the question responses rounds, although this section of competition has held renewed importance in the editions beginning the late 2010s. Delegates also participate in swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

Currently, the final placement of the finalists is determined by a ranked vote, where each judge ranks each of the final three/five candidates, with the contestant posting the lowest cumulative score (thus often, but not necessarily always, the contestant with the most number one votes) becoming the winner. If there is a tie, the higher semifinal scores become decisive.

The winner is assigned a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization, going overseas to spread messages about the control of diseases, peace, and public awareness of AIDS. Aside from the job, the winner also receives a cash allowance for her entire reign, a New York Film Academy scholarship, a modelling portfolio, beauty products, clothes, shoes, as well as styling, healthcare, and fitness services by different sponsors of the pageant. She also gains exclusive access to events such as fashion shows and opening galas, as well as access to casting calls and modelling opportunities throughout New York City. When Donald Trump owned the pageant, the winner was given the use of a Trump Place apartment in New York City during her reign, which she shared with the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA titleholders.

If the winner, for any reason, cannot fulfill her duties as Miss Universe, the 1st runner-up takes over.

Aside from the main winner and her runners-up, special awards are also given to the winners of the best National Costume, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Congeniality. The Miss Congeniality award is chosen by the delegates themselves. In recent years, Miss Photogenic has been chosen by popular internet vote (the winner used to be chosen by media personnel covering the event).

Steve Harvey's words in the crowning moment that copied the background music from 1990-1994 (Dec. 17):

"Well ladies, you're all winners and you have represented your countries beautifully but only one can win the title of Miss Universe, good luck to all three of you. The second runner up is Miss Venezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez!"

(cheers)

"Come on, oh boy! Now, all right as i'm about to reveal the name of the FIRST RUNNER-UP, remember that they the ROLE OF THE FIRST RUNNER-UP is very important because should anything happen to Miss Universe for any reason, the first runner-up will continue her reign, so good luck to both of you! The first runner-up is Miss South Africa — Tamaryn Green, that means Catriona Gray, Miss Philippines, you are the new Miss Universe 2018!

Lawmaker backs legalization of medical marijuana

NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez is backing the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes in the country.

In fact, he revealed that the bill for the legalization of marijuana is already up for plenary discussion.

As long as it is for medicinal purposes, Benitez explained he sees nothing wrong with legalizing marijuana.

“In fact, there are also other illegal drugs that are being used for medicinal purposes,” Benitez pointed out.

“Asenso” Assembly

Meanwhile, Benitez also assured the 18,000 barangay leaders, supporters, and local officials that the “Asenso” services in his district will continue even his term will end in 2019.

He made the assurance during the “Asenso” Third District General Assembly and his birthday celebration on Thursday, December 20, at Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School in Talisay City.

He said “Asenso” is the change he introduced to the district that changes the real public service not based on political but institutional.

Benitez also said he wishes that one of his pet legislation which is the creation of the Department of Human Settlement would become law before his term ends.

He said that President Rodrigo Duterte has already said that the creation of the said department is one of his priorities.

Present during the event were Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, retired police general Ronald dela Rosa, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares, Murcia Mayor Andrew Montelibano, Victorias City Mayor Francis Palanca, Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano, and other officials.

Also present was Benitez’s brother, Francisco Benitez, who is running unopposed for congressman in the 2019 elections. (TDE)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1779753/Bacolod/Local-News/Lawmaker-backs-legalization-of-medical-marijuana

NQC set to submit PH Quincentennial plan to PRRD next year

The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) is set to submit to President Rodrigo Duterte its proposal for the grand celebration of Philippine Quincentennial in 2021.

Dr. Rene Escalante, NQC vice chairman and chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), said they already finished the recommendation and they are looking to present it to the Chief Executive for his approval.

“The Committee will be submitting our proposal to the President next year,” he said in an interview after the official launch of various activities on Friday, in line with the big event in the country three years from now.

With this, the NHCP chief revealed that the celebration has three key events -- Circumnavigation of the World (March 16, 2021), Christianity in the Philippines (April 14, 2021) and Victory of Mactan (April 27, 2021).

Friday’s event also featured the display of the national costume worn by the newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray, during the pageant in Thailand, which was shipped back at the NHCP in time for the launching.

The NQC signified its interest on the National Costume, days before Gray was named the new Miss Universe. It features the motifs of the tattoos of the 16th-century Visayan warriors documented by the Magellan-Elcano expedition and of the so-called Boxer Codex.

The item, which created a massive awareness about the early Philippine history, is among the thrusts of the Philippine Quincentennial Commemorations.

At the same time, Escalante announced that Gray’s national costume will be open to the public on December 30, Jose Rizal Day at the ground floor of the NHCP Building, Kalaw St., in Ermita, Manila.

The event also saw the launching of the official website of the NQC, along with the unveiling of the commemorative logo, which was done by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who is also the NQC chairman.

The official logo is formed by the number “500” and highlights in its digits the representation of Christianity through a stylized cross, the waves representing the circumnavigation, and the silhouette of Lapu-Lapu is inspired by his statue in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.

The NQC said blue is the motif of the logo, representing the color of the maritime civilization of ancestors, as well as the achievement of humanity in circumnavigating the world.

On May 8, 2018, President Rodrigo R. Duterte through Executive Order No. 55, created the NQC, which was tasked to lead government preparations for the commemoration of Philippine Quincentennial.

Since its inaugural meeting on June 29, 2018 in Baler, Aurora, NQC has been convening every month and touched base with various local government units and concerned institutions, particularly in the Visayas.

The other members of the committee are Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Agnes Joyce Bailen, Department of Finance Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Harold Clavite, Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Alberto Manipon, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr., Department of Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Edgar Tabangon and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Secretary General Fr. Marvin Mejia.

President Rodrigo Duterte willing to shake hands with ABS-CBN on one condition: Help us promote federalism

President Rodrigo Duterte reveals his one condition before he agrees to settle his issue with ABS-CBN.

In an article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer last December 14, Duterte said he will only agree to a compromise if ABS-CBN promises to help promote federalism.

He said in his speech during the PDP-Laban Christmas benefit dinner on December 12, "Kung magtulong kayo diyan sa federal system campaign at gawain ninyong slogan also for the unity and to preserve this republic, makipag-areglo ako."

Duterte has been vocal about his threat to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's TV franchise when it expires in 2020.

This was after he accused Channel 2 of not airing his campaign ad, which was already paid for during the 2016 presidential elections.

In his December 12 speech, Duterte slammed again the owners of the network, the Lopezes.

According to the President, he has not forgotten ABS-CBN's debt but he was willing to talk with the owners of the network.

"But kayo, may mali man rin kayo, may utang rin kayo sa gobyerno, do your part and maybe we can talk about it.

"I will go to you and say… Wala akong hingiin. Just dedicate a portion of your time, your expensive and precious time on TV, help us promote federalism, only the good ones. But if you think that it is not into your system, fine.

"Pero kung suportahan lang ninyo ang… Kayong mga network, wala kayo. Wala akong hingiin, ‘yan lang.

"And I said, I’m willing to shake hands with you."

He pointed out that he won't stop the Kapamilya Network from airing reports against corruption.

"You can continue with your criticisms about corruption. Pareho tayo ayaw ng corruption and wrongdoing."

On April 27, 2017, President Duterte first threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020.

ABS-CBN's application for renewal remains pending in Congress.

Channel 2 has yet to issue a statement regarding President Duterte's latest threat.

Aside from airing shows on television, the Kapamilya Network has made efforts to venture into the digital world, via its streaming service iWant, which offers digital shows and movies.

On April 21, 2017, Duterte approved the franchise renewal of rival network GMA-7.

The law extended the Kapuso Network's franchise for 25 years.

https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/28965/president-rodrigo-duterte-reveals-condition-before-settling-with-abs-cbn-help-us-promote-federalism

Bill seeking to establish and institutionalize the Seal of Good Local Governance approved

The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 8719 which seeks to establish and institutionalize the Seal of Good Local Governance for local government units.

Rep. Jose Enrique Garcia III (2nd District, Bataan), principal author of the measure, explained the Seal of Good Local Governance first introduced in 2014 was a way of assessing local government units (LGUs) on whether or not they attain minimum government standards.

“As a means of providing incentives for LGUs, they must receive the seal before receiving a grant from the Performance Challenge Fund,” he said.

The bill creates the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) as an award, incentive, honor and recognition-based program for all LGUs and is a continuing commitment for LGUs to continually progress and improve their performance in the areas classified in theh Act.

It establishes a Council of Good Local Governance (the “Council”) which shall be composed of the respective Secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Department of Finance (DOF); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); and Department of Education (DepEd).

The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT); Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); and Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense are also part of the Council.

Under the bill, the Council, as a policy-making and advisory body that ensures the proper implementation of the SGLG, is mandated to develop and promulgate the performance indicators that shall serve as standards for evaluating the LGUs’ compliance and/or satisfaction of each of the criteria prescribed in the Act.

It is also directed to review and/or revise the performance indicators consistent with the long-term development plans of the National Government.

Furthermore, the Council is tasked to conduct an evaluation of the impact of the Act on the performance of the LGUs for purposes of determining the need for enhancing or continuing the SGLG and recommending any remedial legislation.

It shall create technical working groups, upon the recommendation of the Council member concerned, composed of experts from government agencies, representatives from the leagues of provinces, cities and municipalities, and other sectors, to assist the Council members in the performance of their respective functions as provided for in the Act.

The Council shall submit to the President of the Philippines, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on an annual basis, copies of the performance indicators approved by the Council together with the performance indicators developed and recommended by the lead Council member, and the result of the impact assessment conducted pursuant to the provision in the Act.

The bill mandates the DILG to be the implementing agency of this Act and shall, through its relevant bureaus and offices, and in consultation and coordination with partner agencies or sectors, be responsible for the assessment and evaluation of each LGU relative to its compliance with the criteria, and recommend to the Council whether an LGU qualifies to be conferred or awarded the SGLG.

The criteria for evaluating the LGUs qualified to be conferred the SGLG shall include good fiscal or financial administration or financial sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity program; health compliance and responsiveness; programs for sustainable education; business friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture and arts.

A local government unit, which, according to the assessment of the DILG, complies, qualifies, and passes all assessment criteria as provided in the Act shall be conferred and awarded the SGLG and granted the corresponding incentives.

The bill states that to ensure and preserve the prestige of the SGLG, in the interpretation of the provisions of the Act, all definitions of the criteria and all rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Act shall be strictly construed against the LGUs. It shall be the burden of an LGU to show that it qualifies for the SGLG.

The proposal establishes the SGLG Incentive Fund with an allocation of at least P3 billion to cover the incentives to LGUs that qualify for the SGLG.

The Council shall have the authority to determine the monetary incentives for LGUs based on the number of awardees.

It shall also have the authority to re-evaluate and increase the amount of SGLG incentive to be awarded to LGUs subject to the sufficiency of the Fund at the time the increment is implemented.

Other authors of the bill are Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, Reps. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., Pedro Acharon Jr., Aurora Cerilles, Mark Go, Celso Lobregat, Makmod Mending Jr., Pablo Ortega, Strike Revilla, Victor Yap, Gabriel Bordado Jr., Orestes Salon, Wilter Wee Palma III, Ma. Lourdes Aggabao, Federico Sandoval II, Fernando Gonzalez, John Marvin Nieto, Johnny Ty Pimentel, Carlito Marquez, Jocelyn Limkaichong, Arlene Arcillas, Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Francisco Datol Jr., and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. | Ma. Victoria Palomar

7-Eleven expands to Surigao, opens first store in Tandag City

AS it continues to expand its network operations across the country, world-leading C-store chain giant 7-Eleven makes another successful milestone in its brand-building campaign, this time with the landmark opening of its first store in Surigao del Sur in Mindanao.

The new outlet is along Quintos Street, Bungtod, Tandag City, located at the Tandag City Plaza, which is one of the most visited places in the city. Located beside the park and near the old Cathedral Church, the plaza became more suitable for business ventures, commercial and tourism activities after its renovation last year.

Situated in a customer-centric area, the target market of the Tandag City Plaza store is comprised of residential, transit, school, visitors and commuters passing through Tandag, and commercial since it is also near mining companies, municipal government, dormitories and apartments.

In addition to bringing innovative products and convenient retail services in Surigao del Sur, the milestone entry of 7-Eleven is seen to fast-track future development in the area by providing income-generating opportunities for locals through job creation.

Despite its small population, Gil Abad, Mindanao Regional Business unit head, said that Tandag remains a relevant and strategic gateway for 7-Eleven as it also offers great investment opportunities for medium-sized commercial complexes, hotels, resorts and amusement parks, food establishments, food processing, fish canning and deboning, clothing and fashion accessories, and demonstration farms.

“We are expecting a good return on sales due to increasing rate of tourism and commercialization, as well as the fast development of the province, especially Tandag City, which paved the way for the expansion of 7-Eleven in the Eastern area,” Abad  added.

For the year 2019, Abad revealed that Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive local licencor of 7-Eleven, is still planning and looking into opening 65 stores for the whole Mindanao Island.

Currently, 7-Eleven has a total  of 2,508 stores nationwide, 1,351 of which are franchise-owned and 1,157 are corporate-owned outlets. For franchising inquiries, call (02) 726-9968, 0920-9508651, 0917-8711686, e-mail franchising@7-eleven.com.ph or visit www.7-eleven.com.ph.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/7-eleven-expands-to-surigao-opens-first-store-in-tandag-city/

HRAP says Build, Build, Build’ can boost tourism

WITH  the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program going full swing, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) expressed bullishness on the country’s tourism industry next year.

“The whole industry is bullish. The Duterte administration’s thrust toward infrastructure development is going to boost the tourism industry as it will bring more tourists to other places in the country,” said Eugene Yap in a recent interview with the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of he Christmas lighting event of Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.

“We are thinking of a 10-percent growth in 2019. The impact of the property boom is also felt in the tourism industry as a lot of hotels are being constructed to meet the demands of the influx of tourists in the country,” Yap added.

Moreover, Yap said HRAP is also promoting the Philippines to investors for potential projects to boost economic inclusivity. “There are a lot of untapped last wilderness in the Philippines,” he said.

Big-ticket projects such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7, Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 expansion, Skyway connector road, Metro Subway and Clark International Airport modernization, among others, are expected to spur up development around the country.

According to Department of Tourism (DOT) data,  the Philippines achieved a 8.32-percent growth when it received 5.3 million visitors in the January-to-September 2018 period compared to 4.9 million visitors in the same period of last year.

The top 12 markets by volume are Korea (21.84 percent), China (17.94 percent), the US (14.74 percent), Japan (8.9 percent), Australia (3.62 percent), Taiwan (3.36 percent), Canada (3.12 percent), the United Kingdom (2.82 percent), Singapore (2.42 percent), Malaysia (1.98 percent), Hong Kong (1.79 percent) and India (1.72 percent).

In its tourism national strategy, the DOT aims to “formulate an integrated sustainable tourism management plan for central Philippines, identifying viable critical environmental, infrastructure and community-based projects to link and integrate the tourism development of the area.”

Under their tourism management plan, the DOT aims to “provide a comprehensive planning framework for the development of tourism so that it can play a key role in the development of the regional economy.”

The DOT also wants to pursue a “vision of the future direction and content of tourism development, which can help to focus and guide the actions of the various stakeholders toward a shared goal.”

Yap, also the vice president and general manager of Bayview Hotel Development Corp., said Bayview is also preparing and developing its capabilities to maintain its competitiveness in the three-star category.

“We’re concentrating in developing our resources and investing in our resources to maintain our stature in the tourism service industry,” said Yap.

“I hope guests see as for who we are as an affordable hotel and we keep on challenging ourselves,” he added.

Yap said Bayview is also upgrading and renovating rooms and  enhancing the meal offerings. “We are  refurbishing, reinvesting and retraining.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/hrap-says-build-build-build-can-boost-tourism/

Why Caloocan City consists of two separate areas

Among the 16 cities and one town of Metro Manila or the National Capital Region, the 56-year-old Caloocan City is the only one with two noncontiguous parts separated land it cannot call its own. One such part is contiguous with Manila in the south, while the other one abuts with the Central Luzon province of Bulacan in the north. The two parts are separated by the Quezon City territory in Novaliches as well as a portion of Valenzuela City, formerly Polo town of Bulacan.

In a sense, the composition of Caloocan City technically violates certain provisions of the Local Government Code (LGC), particularly Chapter II, Section 7-C, which provides that the land area of local government units (LGUs) such as provinces, cities, towns and barangays must be contiguous unless they consist of several islands separated by bodies of water.

In the case of Caloocan, there is no body of water in Novaliches except the man-made La Mesa reservoir or lake and the Tullahan River, which ends at the Manila Bay after passing through portions of the adjoining cities of Quezon, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas.

However, it is important to note that when Caloocan was declared as a city on February 16, 1962, the Local Government Code was still nonexistent.  The LGC was enacted in 1991, after the revival of the Congress during the administration of the late President Corazon C. Aquino.

At present, officials of Caloocan City cannot go from the main city hall in Grace Park to the city’s other half near Bulacan without passing either through Quezon City in Novaliches or Valenzuela City. This is particularly true if they pass through the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and the old Novaliches-Polo Road renamed Gen. Luis St. The same is true if they choose to pass through Quirino Highway from Balintawak.

How come the large area of Caloocan City is divided?

When Quezon City was created under Commonwealth Act 502, which was signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on October 12, 1939, it comprised of 73.35 square kilometers (sq km) or 7,335 hectares taken from the then adjacent Rizal towns of Caloocan, San Juan, Pasig, Marikina and Mandaluyong.

Caloocan was the biggest town among these areas at that time as it then included the neighboring 48-year-old municipality of Novaliches, which was abolished and reduced to a barrio in 1903 as part of the economic measures of the early American regime in the Philippines. Novaliches was created as a town during the Spanish regime in the Philippines in 1855.

After Quezon’s death at Saranac Lake, New York, on August 1, 1944, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act 333 on July 17, 1948, which made Quezon City the new capital of the Philippines, replacing Manila.

This law required the relocation of the QC boundary further north, thereby slicing Novaliches almost through the middle. It also marked the inclusion in the new capital city of the summer residence of then- President Elpidio Quirino, which was on a hill that overlooked the scenic vicinity of the La Mesa dam or Novaliches reservoir.

With the addition of half of Novaliches to QC, the new capital city’s area expanded to over 15,000 hectares. A series of amendments to the original QC charter since then resulted in the increase of the city’s area to 171.17 sq km or 17,171 hectares at present, the largest in Metro Manila.

Since Quezon City has the largest area in the metropolis, it also accounts for the biggest population of 2,936,116 as of 2015, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data. It is followed by Manila with 1,780,148 people; Caloocan City, 1,583,978; Taguig City, 804,935; Pasig City, 755,300; Parañaque City, 665,822; Valenzuela City, 620,422; Las Pinas City, 588,894; Makati City, 582,602; Muntinlupa City, 504,509; Marikina City, 450,741; Pasay City, 416,522; Mandaluyong City, 386,276; Malabon City, 365,525; Navotas City, 249,463; San Juan City, 122,180; and Pateros, 63,840.

On May 29, 1976, then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. issued Presidential Decree (PD) 940 restoring Manila as the national capital and reverting QC to its original status as a city created in honor of its late founder, former President Manuel Quezon. The decree became effective on June 24 of that year, coinciding with the celebration of Manila’s 405th anniversary.

In PD 940, Marcos said: “Manila has always been, to the Filipino people and in the eye of the world, the premier city of the Philippines, it being the center of trade, commerce, education and culture; and from time immemorial has been the seat of the national government of the Philippines.”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/why-caloocan-city-consists-of-two-separate-areas/

DWRX operator’s franchise renewal clears House on 2nd reading

A BILL renewing the broadcast franchise of Audiovisual Communicators, Inc. (ACI) was passed by the House of Representatives on second reading via voice vote.

If enacted, House Bill No. 8786 will extend for another 25 years the franchise, allowing ACI “to construct, install, operate and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.”

ACI operates contemporary radio station DWRX, known by its marketing name of Monster RX93.1, which serves Metro Manila, the Calabarzon region, Bulacan and Pampanga, among others.

It also operates DYBT, or Monster Radio BT105.9, and DXBT, or Monster Radio BT99.5, based in Cebu City and Davao City, respectively.

The broadcast franchise of ACI, which was granted in 1995, is set to expire in 2020.

The bill requires ACI to provide a maximum of 10% of paid commercial time to public service programming.

ACI is required to submit an annual report to Congress on or before April 30 every year. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

https://www.bworldonline.com/dwrx-operators-franchise-renewal-clears-house-on-2nd-reading/

SPORTS AND MORE | AksyonTV redefines action as “5 Plus”

5’s sister channel AksyonTV is set to relaunch as 5 Plus on January 13, 2019 and will be primarily serving entertainment, news, sports and sports-related content.

5 Plus will feature action in the form of a wide variety of atypical sports coverage on TV, on stream, and on social media catering to a younger, more adventurous, more diverse millennial audience.



The new channel will highlight extreme sports, collegiate sports, e-sports, sports entertainment, and more to complement 5’s main channel; which will continue to promote more mainstream sports like basketball, volleyball, and boxing, among others.

AksyonTV’s rebrand into 5 Plus reinforces the channel’s core commitment: to share stories for Filipinos around the world to be inspired by and be passionate about; stories that champion the Filipino fighting spirit.

http://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/sports-and-more-aksyontv-redefines-action-as-5-plus

Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., ex-congressman and GMA-7 founder, passes away

Attorney Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., a former congressman and founding chairman of GMA-7, has passed away. He was 84.

Duavit was chairman of GMA Network, Inc. from 1974 to 1976 and was a former Director of the company in 1977. He was also one of the pillars behind the rebirth of Republic Broadcasting System (RBS)-TV Channel 7 in the 1970s.

He also sat as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Group Management and Development, Inc., as well as Chairman of Guronasyon Foundation, Inc., an organization which recognizes remarkable teachers in the province of Rizal.

Duavit was elected as member of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Congresses, representing the 1st District of Rizal.

During his stint in Congress, he served as Senior Assistant Minority Floor Leader (10th Congress) and Chairman of the House Committee of Appropriations (11th
Congress) after becoming a member of the same House Committee (9th and 10th Congress).

He had likewise served as a member of various House Committees including Constitutional Amendments, Education and Culture, Housing and Urban Development, Public Works and Highways, and Banks and Financial Intermediaries.

As a lawmaker, Duavit was cited as One of the Ten Most Outstanding Congressmen in the 9th, 10th, and 11th Congresses.

Aside from being a member of the House of Representatives, Duavit was also a former Assistant Executive Secretary for Social, Political, Legal, and Economic Affairs (1966-1970) and Acting Executive Secretary, Office of the President (1969), and was twice awarded the Presidential Merit Award in 1967 and 1968.

Duavit was also a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, representing the 2nd district of Rizal, and became President of the Philippine Constitutional Association (PHILCONSA) in 1970.

He served as Executive Director of the National Youth and Sports Development Foundation of the Philippines (1978), and as Senior Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (1974-1978). He was also a member of the Batasang Pambasa, representing the Southern Tagalog Region from 1978 to 1984.

Aside from GMA, he was also Chairman/Director of various firms and companies, among them Permastress Industries, Inc., Unistress Concrete Systems, Inc., Sagittarius Condominium Corporation, and Mar Fishing Company, Inc. Atty. Duavit earned his Bachelor of Arts and Law degree from the University of the East Manila, and holds a Doctorate degree in Humanities from the University of Rizal System.

Duavit's remains will be at Heritage Park in Taguig City until Sunday and will be open for public viewing starting Saturday. They will be brought to Binangonan, Rizal, on Tuesday. —KBK, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/678150/atty-gilberto-m-duavit-sr-ex-congressman-and-gma-7-founder-passes-away/story/

March 21 is San Fabian, Pangasinan Day

SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan — Residents of this town will enjoy a special non-working holiday here on March 21 of each year to celebrate their town’s founding anniversary after President Rodrigo Duterte made it official.

“Republic Act (RA) 11132, otherwise known as an Act Declaring March 21 every year as San Fabian Day, was already signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte,” said the author of the bill, Representative Christopher de Venecia of the 4th District of Pangasinan, in an interview on Thursday.

De Venecia said he filed the RA, which was then House Bill (HB) 1865, two months after he was elected representative of his district on July 25, 2016.

“Prior to its founding, San Fabian was just a barangay named as Anguio, which means a tree of bitter fruit. Yet on March 21, 1717, San Fabian marked its sweet start as a town following the petition of the Provincial Dominican Fathers. From then on, San Fabian progressed rapidly to become a first-class municipality in the province of Pangasinan,” de Venecia's HB 1865 stated in the explanatory note.

De Venecia expressed his joy for the declaration made official by the President.

“As the author of this bill, I am happy now that we now have a special day, when we can all celebrate San Fabian’s history. Indeed, this is another victory for us kabaleyans (townmates),” he said.

San Fabian is a first-class municipality of the province, known for its beach and dried fish (tuyo) products, among others. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056559

PLDT, DPC launch 33rd Visual Arts Competition with Tandem Forum Series

Leading digital services provider PLDT and Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) have officially opened the 33rd DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition (VAC 33) with the theme, “Creating Legacy, Creating the Future.”

VAC 33 invites Fine Arts students, 18 to 24 years of age and enrolled in school year 2018-2019 at any accredited Philippine tertiary school with a Fine Arts program. A cash award of P100,000, among other prizes, awaits the winner is the cover of Metro Manila Telephone Directory.

All entries must be submitted through the schools. Fine Arts colleges, schools and departments nationwide are urged to select as many as five oil or acrylic paintings by their students as official entries to VAC 33.

Fine Arts students are challenged to visualize legacy in a new light. As explained by the VAC 33 organizers, “One is never too young to think about legacy. In a rapidly changing world that is increasingly being driven by younger generations, we need to be more aware of the impact that our day-to-day life decisions — and the values we hold dear — will have on the future shape of our society and the sustainability of our planet.”


Aside from adherence to the theme, submitted paintings will be judged on the basis of visual composition, originality and their suitability as cover of the print telephone directories of PLDT (White Pages) and DPC (Yellow Pages).

All entries must be submitted by 4pm of March 1, 2019 at the DPC Main Office, 2322 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.

Full competition mechanics can be downloaded at www.visualarts.ph.

A fresh aspect of this year’s VAC is the introduction of a tandem DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Forum (VAF) Series. “The VAC has always been about supporting young Filipino artists in their formative years in the academe,” explained Chiqui Abad, Head of Home Customer Care at PLDT. “The companion forum series we are launching early next year is an exciting new avenue by which PLDT and DPC would like to deepen this advocacy and our engagement with Fine Arts schools and students nationwide.”

Conceived as a three-part forum series on salient art topics, featuring well-known artists and resource persons, the inaugural VAF will be hosted by a Metro Manila-based school in January 2019. Two other forums will be held in Cebu and Davao in January or February 2019.

Fine Arts students and faculty of the host school and neighboring schools will be invited to participate in each forum. To enable other schools nationwide to join the discussion online, each talk will be livestreamed via Facebook Live powered by PLDT broadband facilities.

http://pldt.com/newscenter/news/2018/12/12/pldt-dpc-launch-33rd-visual-arts-competition-with-tandem-forum-series

Unlike House, Senate wants PCGG to stay

In a departure from the House of Representatives’ measure, the Senate has passed a bill strengthening the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) but without the controversial provision abolishing the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).

The chamber, by a 16-0 vote, approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1823, which would expand the powers of the OSG, including the authority to hire more lawyers to boost its efforts as the government’s principal law office and legal defender.

Notably absent from the bill is a provision that abolishes the PCGG, the agency tasked to run after the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and its cronies, and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

Those provisions were in earlier versions of the bill primarily authored and sponsored by Sen. Richard Gordon.

The House version, which passed on third reading in May, also includes provisions allowing the OSG to absorb the functions of the PCGG and the OGCC.

Accomplishments

Critics had slammed the move, noting that the current solicitor general, Jose Calida, who would benefit from the measure, was a known Marcos loyalist and election campaigner of the dictator’s son and namesake, former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In his sponsorship speech in May, Gordon said he “disagreed” that the PCGG should be abolished, taking note of its accomplishments in recovering billions of pesos of the Marcos family’s ill-gotten wealth after the peaceful Edsa People Power Revolt in 1986.

According to the PCGG, it had recovered more than P170 billion in ill-gotten wealth from the family of late dictator and his cronies from 1986 to 2015.

Under the version passed by the Senate, the bill would primarily amend Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code and Republic Act No. 9417, to introduce provisions that directly deal with the most important challenges faced by the OSG.

Overloaded with cases

“The Office of the Solicitor General is in dire need of competent, dedicated and honest lawyers to perform its mandate of being the People’s Tribune and the legal defender of the Republic of the Philippines. We need to aid the OSG to take on this formidable task,” Gordon said.

To solve the problem of OSG lawyers who are overloaded with cases, the bill mandates “competitive” retirement perks and other benefits for them so they would stay and help the agency recruit new lawyers.

The Senate and the House will meet in conference to reconcile the differences between their versions of the bill.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062658/unlike-house-senate-wants-pcgg-to-stay

PH press freedom 'robust,' says Malacañang after Time honors Maria Ressa

'That's the call of the awarding organization. It has its basis for awarding certain people. Certainly we cannot intrude into that,' Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo says of the choice of Maria Ressa as Time 'Person of the Year'

Malacañang on Wednesday, December 12, reiterated that press freedom in the Philippines continued to be "robust" after Time Magazine named Rappler CEO Maria Ressa as among the journalists and media groups it collectively named "2018 Person of the Year."

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in response to questions in a Palace news briefing that the continued publication of reports critical of the Duterte administration should dispel notions that the government does not tolerate dissent.

"Obviously, since there are still critics attacking the administration, criticizing the administration, the freedom of expression in this country is a robust one," he said, when asked to describe the state of press freedom in the country now.

Apparently referring to the legal cases filed against Rappler and Ressa, Panelo said these are not attacks on press freedom as the cases supposedly have nothing to do with content Rappler publishes.

"Those who have been charged are in connection, not with their freedom of expression, but for commission of crimes which the courts have found probable cause, that's precisley why they are being tried," said Panelo

Yet press freedom advocates have pointed out that governments often resort to the filing of cases related to the business operations of media organizations they consider a threat, in order to justify crackdowns on journalists often protected by freedom of expression laws. (READ: [OPINION] A new weapon against press freedom)

Duterte has publicly called Rappler a source of "fake news" and banned its reporters from covering all of his events and from entering Malacañang.

He had also repeatedly threatened to block the franchise renewal of television network ABS-CBN and accused the Philippine Daily Inquirer of biased reporting while hurling allegations about the newspaper's owners.

Asked to comment on the recognition given to Ressa by TIME, Panelo said, "With respect to the awardee Ressa, that's the call of the awarding organization. It has its basis for awarding certain people. Certainly we cannot intrude into that."

Asked if Malacañang agrees with the recognition, President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman said, "Whether we agree or not it doesn't matter. That's the award of a particular organization."

Ressa is facing 5 tax evasion cases, apart from complaints filed before the Department of Justice – one for alleged violation of the Anti-Dummy Law, and another for cyberlibel.

These moves have been slammed by various media and human rights groups as harassment stemming from Rappler's critical reportage on the Duterte administration.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/218759-malacanang-statement-maria-ressa-time-recognition-press-freedom-robust-philippines

ABS-CBN inaugurates sound stages, aims for Hollywood-caliber production

ABS-CBN on Wednesday opened its sound stages in a Manila suburb, kickstarting efforts to build a Hollywood-caliber production hub as it marked its 65th founding anniversary.

The brainchild of ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, the sound stages in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan will help the Philippines' largest media and entertainment network bring its content to international audiences and cut costs at the same time.

Lopez III graced the inauguration along with ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez, board member and former president and COO Freddie Garcia, board adviser, former president and CEO, and current chief creative officer Charo Santos-Concio, COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Film Productions Inc managing director Olivia Lamasan, together with Bulacan Rep. Rida Robes, and San Jose del Monte Mayor Art Robes.

Aside from the sound stages, the production hub will also include back lots, production and post-production facilities and offices.

"Completing the sound stages represents a very major step for ABS-CBN in terms of our ability to create much better production. Through this we can show the world the best of the Filipino," said Lopez III.

"We want to bring ABS-CBN content to the international stage, and having a state-of-the-art facility and a world-class production team is a big step for us towards that direction and dream,” Katigbak said.

ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez added, “What I’m most proud of about this project is that we’re creating Hollywood-level sound stages which puts us at par with the rest of the world.”

Parallel to the construction, production and support teams for TV and film started a 3-year training to operate the sound stages both in Hollywood and in the Philippines.

The training, which involved 150 people, was designed by Manhattan Beach Studios, ABS-CBN Studios Inc. and ABS-CBN University.

The sound stages will host the upcoming teleserye “The Faithful Wife” and the much-anticipated “Darna” film in the second quarter of 2019.

The first phase of the production hub includes two 1,500-square meter sound stages with a floor to grid height of 30 feet, a breezeway with dressing rooms and various support rooms and the technical facilities in aid of production.

Sitting on 7.7 hectares of land, it also includes a visitor’s center, parking facilities, and support buildings equipped with solar panels.

The sound stages were inaugurated a few days shy of 50 years after the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Quezon City was inaugurated. It was considered the most advanced facility in Asia when it opened on Dec. 18, 1968.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/12/12/18/abs-cbn-inaugurates-sound-stages-aims-for-hollywood-caliber-production

Proposed political map of the Philippines with map of Metro Manila:

The political map of the Philippines with map of Metro Manila including the re-establishing the provinces of Negros del Norte and Shariff Kabunsuan and creating the provinces of Nueva Camarines, Camarines Oriental, Western Leyte, Surigao Oriente, Zamboanga Occidental, Zamboanga Oriental and Maranaw.

A updated "Labelled map of the Philippines" would be released by 1Q 2019. 


The first is the Provinces and Regions, contains:

• 3 major island groups
• 17 regions
• 91 provinces
• 1,635 cities and municipalities

Three major islands groups:

1. Luzon
2. Visayas
3. Mindanao

The administrative regions:

1. NCR - National Capital Region
2. Region 1 - Ilocos Region
3. CAR - Cordillera Administrative Region
4. Region 2 - Cagayan Valley
5. Region 3 - Central Luzon
6. Region 4 - Southern Tagalog
7. Region 5 - Bicol Region
8. Region 6 - Western Visayas
9. NIR - Negros Island Region
10. Region 7 - Central Visayas
11. Region 8 - Eastern Visayas
12. Region 9 - Western Mindanao
13. Region 10 - Northern Mindanao
14. Region 11 - Southern Mindanao
15. Region 12 - SOCCSKSARGEN
16. Region 13 - Caraga Region
17. ARMM - Autonomous Regionin Muslim Mindanao

Provinces:

1. Ilocos Norte 
2. Ilocos Sur 
3. La Union 
4. Pangasinan 
5. Abra
6. Apayao
7. Benguet
8. Ifugao
9. Kalinga  
10. Mountain Province  
11. Batanes 
12. Cagayan 
13. Isabela 
14. Quirino 
15. Nueva Vizcaya 
16. Aurora 
17. Bataan
18. Bulacan 
19. Nueva Ecija 
20. Pampanga 
21. Tarlac 
22. Zambales 
23. Batangas 
24. Cavite 
25. Laguna 
26. Marinduque 
27. Mindoro del Sur
28. Occidental Mindoro 
29. Oriental Mindoro
30. Palawan
31. Quezon
32. Rizal 
33. Romblon 
34. Albay 
35. Camarines Norte 
36. Camarines Sur 
37. Catanduanes 
38. Masbate 
39. Nueva Camarines 
40. Sorsogon
41. Aklan 
42. Antique 
43. Capiz 
44. Guimaras 
45. Iloilo 
46. Negros del Norte
47. Negros Occidental 
48. Bohol 
49. Cebu 
50. Negros Oriental 
51. Siquijor 
52. Biliran 
53. Eastern Samar 
54. Leyte
55. Northern Samar 
56. Northwestern Samar 
57. Southern Leyte 
58. Western Leyte 
59. Western Samar 
60. Zamboanga del Norte
61. Zamboanga del Sur 
62. Zamboanga Occidental
63. Zamboanga Oriental 
64. Zamboanga Sibugay
65. Bukidnon
66. Camiguin
67. Lanao del Norte
68. Misamis Occidental
69. Misamis Oriental
70. Compostela Valley
71. Davao del Norte
72. Davao del Sur
73. Davao Occidental
74. Davao Oriental
75. North Cotabato
76. Sarangani
77. South Cotabato
78. Sultan Kudarat
79. Agusan del Norte
80. Agusan del Sur
81. Dinagat Islands
82. Siargao Island
83. Surigao del Norte
84. Surigao del Sur 
85. Surigao Oriente
86. Basilan 
87. Lanao del Sur 
88. Maguindanao 
89. Maranaw
90. Shariff Kabunsuan 
91. Sulu 
92. Tawi-Tawi

House OKs draft federal charter on final reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading its proposed federal charter.

With 224 affirmative votes, 22 negative votes and three abstentions, the Lower Chamber approved Resolution of Both Houses 15, which seeks to propose revisions to the 1987 Constitution. It was principally authored by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and over two dozen lawmakers.

The Constitution provides that any amendments or revisions may be proposed by Congress upon a vote of three-fourths vote of all its members.

The House of Representatives currently has 292 members. This means that at least 219 lawmakers are needed to vote in favor of the resolution.

RBH 15 proposes a presidential-bicameral-federal system of government and empowers Congress to establish federal states.

The term of the President and Vice President, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended. The incumbent president is prohibited from running in the 2022 elections.

It seeks to adopt and develop a two-party system as a mechanism of representation and democratic governance.

The first election under the proposed constitution shall be held on the second Monday of May 2022.

The measure mandates that the President and Vice President maintain the same powers and functions as that of the 1987 Constitution. It, however, requires that a vote for the President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date, six years thereafter. The President shall not be eligible for any re-election. No person who has succeeded as President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election to the same office at any time..

Their term of office under the draft constitution is also limited to four years with one year for re-election.

RBH 15 proposes the adoption of a bicameral legislature, wherein the House shall be composed of no more than 300 Members and the Senate shall be composed of 24 Senators.

It lifts the term limits for members of Congress and requires them to have a college degree.

The proposal does not contain an anti-political dynasty provision.

The resolution was put to a vote on second reading last week after only three session days of plenary debates.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056362

House renews ACI franchise for 25 years

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises approved yesterday a bill seeking to renew for another 25 years the franchise granted to Audiovisual Communicators Inc. (ACI) under Republic Act 8124.

The House panel, chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, passed House Bill 5030, authored by Manila Reps. Edward Vera Perez Maceda and John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto.

It was Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo who moved for the approval of the measure, which was seconded by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

Manila Rep. Edward Vera Perez Maceda, principal author of the bill, said the term of the franchise of Audiovisual Communicators Inc, which is 25 years, will expire in July 2020.

RA 8124 was enacted into law on July 16, 1995.

“The Audiovisual Communicators Inc. has been serving the Filipino public in the exercise of its right to freedom of expression and giving assistance to college students in pursuit of the State’s constitutional recognition of the vital role of communication and information in nation building,” Maceda said.

He noted that the ACI has been granted the authority by the State to operate for the last four decades.

In 1983, ACI begun its broadcasting services through its stations DWRX (93.1), DYBT (105.9), and DXBT (99.5) serving Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

“It is serving the public not only through airing of opinions and freedom of expression through music, but also through its Monster Scholarship Program that help college students in dire need of assistance,” Maceda said.

HB 5030 provides that the renewal of the ACI’s franchise shall be in effect for a period of 25 years from the effectivity of the proposed Act, unless sooner revoked or cancelled.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/11/house-renews-aci-franchise-for-25-years/

SM Daily Prayer

Ihanda natin ang ating sarili para sa pambungad na panalangin.

Sa ngalan ng Ama, ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen.

Panginoon, sa pagsisimula ng araw na ito,
ipinakikita Mo sa amin
kung gaano kami kapalad
sa pagkakaroon ng isang hanapbuhay.
Paalalahanan Mo kaming magpasalamat
para sa gawaing ito,
sa mga taong nakakasalamuha namin,
at sa aming tinatanggap na kabayaran.
Gawin Mo po kaming matulungin
sa aming mga mamimili, mga kasamahan,
at malugod sa aming pinaglilingkuran.
Kung kinakailangang dumaing,
bigyan Mo po kami ng kababaang-loob
na isipin ang kapakanan ng iba
bago ang pansarili.
Ipamalay Mo po sa amin na
sa pamamagitan ng aming paggawa,
ay maipagpatuloy namin
ang Iyong sinimulang gawain.

Sa ngalan ng Ama, at ng Anak, at ng Espiritu Santo. Amen.

This has been our prayer since 1986

As we work to make a better day for everyone

5 Plus Program Schedule

Monday-Friday

• 5 am - Balita Alas-Singko 
• 5:30 am - Good Morning, Sir 
• 7 am - Good Morning Girls 
• 8 am - Blues Clues (dubbed in English)
• 8:30 am - Dora The Explorer (dubbed in English)
• 9 am - CatDog (dubbed in English)
• 9:30 am - SpongeBob SquarePants (dubbed in English)
• 10 am - The Venta Show
• 12 nn - Balitaang Tapat 
• 12:30 pm - Sine Klasiks
• 2:30 pm - Drama 
• 3 pm - Drama 
• 3:30 pm - Drama 
• 4 pm - Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot 
• 5 pm - Balitang - Balita 
• 5:30 pm - Animania
• 6 pm - Animania 
• 6:30 pm - Wheel of Fortune (PH Version)
• 7 pm - Family Feud (PH version)
• 7:30 pm - Kwentong Talentado (Monday), Kiddie Kwela (Tuesday), Ogags (Wednesday), Star Confessions (Thursday) & Lokomoko High (Friday)
• 8:30 pm - OMG (Monday), Baikingu (Tuesday) Tropa Mo Ko Unli (Wednesday), 5 Star Specials (Thursday) & Friday Box Office (Friday)
• 9:30 pm - 
• 10:30 pm - The Big News 
• 11 pm - Pulis Pulis (Monday), Rescue Mission (Tuesday), Tutok Tulfo (Wednesday), Oplan Zero Tambay (Thursday) Bitag (Friday)
• 12 mn to 5 am - Shop Japan

Saturday

• 5 am - Balita Alas-Singko 
• 6 am - Mustard TV
• 7 am - Kerygma TV 
• 8 am - Inside the Fish Bowl
• 8:30 am - The Word of God Network
• 9 am - Catsratch (dubbed in English)
• 9:30 am - SpongeBob SquarePants (dubbed in English)
• 10 am - ChalkZone (dubbed in English)
• 10:30 am - Rocko's Modern Life (dubbed in English)
• 11 am - The Venta Show
• 12 nn - Balitaang Tapat 
• 12:30 pm - Sari-Sari on Weekends
• 4 pm - Ang Pangarap Kong Jackpot 
• 5 pm - Animania
• 7 pm - Celebrity Family Feud
• 7:30 pm - Love Books 
• 9 pm - Hush Hush 
• 10 pm - Saturday Night Specials
• 12 mn - Balitang Balita Weekend
• 12:30 to 5 am - Shop Japan

Sundays:

• 5 am - Balita Alas Singko 
• 5:30 am - Pluma
• 6 am - Light Talk 
• 7 am - Family Rosary Crusade 
• 8 am - Humayo't Ihayag Sunday Mass on 5Plus 
• 9 am - Castratch (dubbed in English)
• 9:30 am - SpongeBob SquarePants (dubbed in English) 
• 10 am - ChalkZone (dubbed in English)
• 10:30 am - Rocko's Modern Life (dubbed in English)
• 11 am - The Venta Show 
• 12 nn - Balitaang Tapat 
• 12:30 pm - Sari-Sari on Weekends 
• 5 pm - Animania 
• 7 pm - The Price is Right
• 8 pm - Sing Galing
• 9 pm - Wow Mali Pa Rin 
• 10 pm - Sunday Night Specials
• 12 mn - Balitang Balita Weekend 
• 12:30 am to 5 am - Shop Japan

Eat Bulaga! on RPN (second era, 2020)

Co-hosts:

1. Chiqui Hollman (1979–1981, 2020–present)
2. Tessie Tomas (1981–1987, 2020–present)
3. Coney Reyes (1982–1992, 2020–present)
4. Jimmy Santos (1983–present)
5. Helen Gamboa (1985–1986, 2020–present)
6. Maricel Soriano (1985–1987, 1995–1996, 2020–present)
7. Sheryl Cruz (1985–1989, 2020–present)
8. Manilyn Reynes (1985–1990, 2020–present)
9. Charo Santos (1986–1987, 2020–present)
10. Dingdong Avanzado (1987–1988, 2020–present)
11. Pops Fernandez (1987–1988, 2020–present)
12. Amy Perez (1988–1995, 2020–present)
13. Ogie Alcasid (1988–1989, 2020–present)
14. Kris Aquino (1988–1989, 2020–present)
15. Herbert Bautista (1989–1992, 2020–present)
16. Ruby Rodriguez (1991–present)
17. Lady Lee (1991–1997, 2020–present)
18. Gretchen Barretto (1993, 2020–present)
19. Jose Manalo (1994–present)
20. Allan K. (1995–present)
21. Sunshine Cruz (1995–1996, 2020–present)
22. Inday Garutay (1995–1997, 2020–present)
23. Donna Cruz (1995–1998, 2020–present)
24. Rey Pumaloy (1995–2000, 2020–present)
25. Toni Rose Gayda (1996–2014, 2020–present)
26. Donita Rose (1996–1997, 2002–2003, 2020–present)
27. Jericho Rosales (1996–1997, 2020–present)
28. Illac Diaz (1996–1998, 2020–present)
29. Robin da Roza (1996–1998, 2020–present)
30. Jaya (1997–1999, 2020–present)
31. Valentin Simon (1997–2000, 2020–present)
32. Rosanna Roces (1998, 2020–present)
33. Dindin Llarena (1999–2001, 2020–present)
34. Steven Claude Goyong (1999–2000, 2020–present)
35. Gladys Guevarra (1999–2007, 2020–present)
36. Anjo Yllana (1999–present)
37. Sherilyn Reyes (1999–2002, 2020–present)
38. Wally Bayola (2000–present)
39. Gemma Fitzgerald (2000–2002, 2020–present)
40. Paolo Ballesteros (2001–present)
41. Janno Gibbs (2001–2007, 2020–present)
42. Derek Ramsay (2001–2004, 2020–present)
43. Nadine Schmidt (2002, 2020–present)
44. Teri Onor (2002–2007, 2017, Mother Goose, Quiz Vee segment, 2020–present)
45. Pia Guanio (2003–present)
46. Pauleen Luna (2004–present)
47. Alicia Mayer (2004–2006, 2020–present)
48. BJ Forbes (2005–2008, 2020–present)
49. Cindy Kurleto (2006–2007, 2020–present)
50. Edgar Allan Guzman (2006–2007, 2017–present)
51. Lougee Basabas (2007–2009, 2017–present)
52. Ryan Agoncillo (2009–present)
53. Mr. Fu (2009, 2020–present)
54. Jude Matthew Servilla (2009–2010, 2020–present)
55. Isabelle Daza-Semblat (2011–2014, 2020–present)
56. Iza Calzado (2011–2012, 2020–present)
57. Ryzza Mae Dizon (2012–present)
58. Gabby Abshire (2012, 2020–present)
59. Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico (2012, 2020–present)
60. John Edric Ulang (2012–2013, 2020–present)
61. Heart Evangelista (2013, 2020–present)
62. Alden Richards (2015–present)
63. Maine Mendoza (2015–present)
64. Baste (2015–present)
65. Nicole Hyala (2015–2016, 2020–present)
66. Chris Tsuper (2015–2016, 2020–present)
67. Sinon Loresca (2016–2018, 2020–present)
68. Luane Dy (2017–present)
69. Maureen Wroblewitz (2018–present)
70. Sarah Lahbati (2018, 2020–present)

Also, it would reusing the 2005 title card, it followed by the gong, April 21, 2014-present theme song.

At the beginning of the show, starting from the first day of September, after the show's opening jingle 2014 version is "Zoombarangay: Zoombabait Ninyo, Thank You!"

Segments were used in the GMA era such as

• Ram-Bulaga!
• Kaserola ng Kabayanan
• Laban o Bawi
• Lottong Bahay
• Zoombarangay: Zoombabait Ninyo, Thank You!
• Boom!
• Miss Millennial Philippines
• TBJ: The Barangay Jokers
• Juan for All, All for Juan: Bayanihan of d' Pipol
• BakClash
• English 101 with Jimmy Saints
• Sugod Bahay
• Barangay Bayanihan
• Kalyeserye
• Guhit Bulaga! Plus
• Kontrapelo: Sa Pula, Sa Puti
• On the Spot Jackpot
• Pinoy Henyo
• Uwian Na! May Nanalo Na!
• Del Monte Kitchenomics