Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Mega Manila Subway set to start partial ops by 2022: Tugade
The Mega Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is set to start partial operations by the end of the term of the Duterte administration in 2022.
Three stations of the proposed subway system are set to open in Mindanao Avenue, North Avenue and Tandang Sora in Quezon City which are expected to accommodate around 120,000 passengers daily.
“JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) wants the partial operations to start in 2022 but we are requesting for it to happen a year earlier or in 2021,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a radio interview over the weekend.
The PHP355.6 billion MMSP Phase 1, financed through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) from JICA will have 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City up to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The 25-kilometer 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.
Its construction is expected to start as early as third quarter of 2018.
Three stations of the proposed subway system are set to open in Mindanao Avenue, North Avenue and Tandang Sora in Quezon City which are expected to accommodate around 120,000 passengers daily.
“JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) wants the partial operations to start in 2022 but we are requesting for it to happen a year earlier or in 2021,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a radio interview over the weekend.
The PHP355.6 billion MMSP Phase 1, financed through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) from JICA will have 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City up to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The 25-kilometer 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.
Its construction is expected to start as early as third quarter of 2018.
Philippine Seven steps up expansion after robust 2017 results
After opening 318 new stores in 2017, Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive local licensor of global C-store chain 7-Eleven, announced it was stepping up its momentum with more strategic franchising initiatives as part of its aggressive expansion plan.
As it embarks for long-term profitability and strong leadership this 2018, PSC, with a C-store fleet now pegged at 2,285, is targeting to open 375 new stores in various strategic locations this fiscal year.
Areas up for expansion include Region 2 (namely Isabela, Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya and also Mindoro). For Visayas, PSC will be starting expansion in Leyte, Tacloban, and the rest of Eastern Visayas. In Mindanao, the company is planning to open stores in Surigao Del Sur and Norte and Sultan Kudarat.
“This year’s plan for Visayas and Mindanao is to open 75% franchise stores. Also, we have formulated a new franchise offer, the FC3, which is a lower investment compared to our existing franchise package. From R3.5 to R5-million investment, we came up with the new franchise package which is around less than half a million,” revealed Francis Medina, Business Development Unit Head.
Via the FC3 package, the company is targeting to have “a franchise ratio from 54% to 60%.”
“Our FC ratio is still more than half of our total stores. As of 2017, we already started converting some of our company-owned stores to franchise-owned. This year, we are planning to fully launch the FC3 to the public and we are expecting a heavy traffic of inquiries from there. The new program requires a full time store operator that will be hands on with store operations. Also, applicants will undergo 3-5 months of operations training,” he further stated.
According to Medina, the company’s successful finish in 2017 was due to consolidated efforts and solid execution of strategies.
Increased efficiency and constant elevation of customer shopping experiences through great value product choices and service offerings also account for 7-Eleven’s progress in the market. Another accomplishment of the company, he added, is its milestone partnership which resulted to a 100th store under Chevron-Caltex station.
“We touch base areas where our competitors are not present yet. We tie up with logistical companies especially now that we are going into islands. Also, forging partnerships with institutional accounts and developers is a must,” said Medina.
Taken altogether, Medina said these factors have produced profitable bottom-line results for PSC.
“Despite the competition with other C-stores opening, we still managed to continue expanding into new territories, study new areas with potential for C-store concept. The company’s focus in 2017 was on aggressive expansion nationwide, especially Visayas and Mindanao. For this year, we were already able to open our first store in Bohol located in Panglao. It was opened last May,” Medina stated.
Given the new challenges brought forth by the newly-implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and competition with existing and new C-store market players, PSC is confident that, through continuous product innovation and new partnerships, 7-Eleven will continue to attract prospective partners.
“We are building momentum for our business by continually innovating our products, especially our proprietary brands, and services to give greater value to our patrons and shareholders. As of now, we are looking into venturing and expanding our e-commerce usage to provide products and services to customers in the most convenient way possible. They can already use CLiQQ APP as their wallet to buy 7-Eleven products,” Medina said.
“PSC is also formulating our Store of the Future 3 design that aims to enhance the 7-Eleven store image. We are forging new partnerships for new products (we are enhancing our “Crisp Bites” products by building new satellite kitchens) and services as well. Our digital strategy enhancement of Cliqq app and e-commerce is also on our timeline,” Medina concluded.
As it embarks for long-term profitability and strong leadership this 2018, PSC, with a C-store fleet now pegged at 2,285, is targeting to open 375 new stores in various strategic locations this fiscal year.
Areas up for expansion include Region 2 (namely Isabela, Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya and also Mindoro). For Visayas, PSC will be starting expansion in Leyte, Tacloban, and the rest of Eastern Visayas. In Mindanao, the company is planning to open stores in Surigao Del Sur and Norte and Sultan Kudarat.
“This year’s plan for Visayas and Mindanao is to open 75% franchise stores. Also, we have formulated a new franchise offer, the FC3, which is a lower investment compared to our existing franchise package. From R3.5 to R5-million investment, we came up with the new franchise package which is around less than half a million,” revealed Francis Medina, Business Development Unit Head.
Via the FC3 package, the company is targeting to have “a franchise ratio from 54% to 60%.”
“Our FC ratio is still more than half of our total stores. As of 2017, we already started converting some of our company-owned stores to franchise-owned. This year, we are planning to fully launch the FC3 to the public and we are expecting a heavy traffic of inquiries from there. The new program requires a full time store operator that will be hands on with store operations. Also, applicants will undergo 3-5 months of operations training,” he further stated.
According to Medina, the company’s successful finish in 2017 was due to consolidated efforts and solid execution of strategies.
Increased efficiency and constant elevation of customer shopping experiences through great value product choices and service offerings also account for 7-Eleven’s progress in the market. Another accomplishment of the company, he added, is its milestone partnership which resulted to a 100th store under Chevron-Caltex station.
“We touch base areas where our competitors are not present yet. We tie up with logistical companies especially now that we are going into islands. Also, forging partnerships with institutional accounts and developers is a must,” said Medina.
Taken altogether, Medina said these factors have produced profitable bottom-line results for PSC.
“Despite the competition with other C-stores opening, we still managed to continue expanding into new territories, study new areas with potential for C-store concept. The company’s focus in 2017 was on aggressive expansion nationwide, especially Visayas and Mindanao. For this year, we were already able to open our first store in Bohol located in Panglao. It was opened last May,” Medina stated.
Given the new challenges brought forth by the newly-implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and competition with existing and new C-store market players, PSC is confident that, through continuous product innovation and new partnerships, 7-Eleven will continue to attract prospective partners.
“We are building momentum for our business by continually innovating our products, especially our proprietary brands, and services to give greater value to our patrons and shareholders. As of now, we are looking into venturing and expanding our e-commerce usage to provide products and services to customers in the most convenient way possible. They can already use CLiQQ APP as their wallet to buy 7-Eleven products,” Medina said.
“PSC is also formulating our Store of the Future 3 design that aims to enhance the 7-Eleven store image. We are forging new partnerships for new products (we are enhancing our “Crisp Bites” products by building new satellite kitchens) and services as well. Our digital strategy enhancement of Cliqq app and e-commerce is also on our timeline,” Medina concluded.
InterAksyon likely to be moved to PhilStar group
NEWS WEB SITE InterAksyon.com will likely be moved under the Philippine Star group, the president of MediaQuest Holdings said.
MediaQuest President Ray C. Espinosa told reporters that the news Web site’s branding will remain the same.
“InterAksyon will most likely move to Philippine Star. Obviously they’re looking at the manpower… We want it to draw strength and synergy from the larger print organization,” he said.
However, there are no final details yet on the number of InterAksyon employees to be retained.
“I don’t know how many would be retained. But definitely we want it to be kept alive,” Mr. Espinosa said.
InterAksyon editor-in-chief Roby Alampay previously said the Web site has 20 regular employees. The Web site also let go of contractual employees last year.
Mr. Espinosa said the company wants “a decision or any transition” to happen within the first quarter of the year.
He added the synergy of the news Web sites would allow for targeting wider audiences.
“That’s the beauty of online. You can address so many segments, versus the print, with the costs, you can’t have many platforms,” he said.
InterAksyon.com is the online platform of PLDT, Inc.’s television network TV5 Network, Inc.
TV President Vincent “Chot” P. Reyes told reporters last week the company aims to reduce losses by 50% this year, having reduced losses by 43% last year. It targets to break even by 2019.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
MediaQuest President Ray C. Espinosa told reporters that the news Web site’s branding will remain the same.
“InterAksyon will most likely move to Philippine Star. Obviously they’re looking at the manpower… We want it to draw strength and synergy from the larger print organization,” he said.
However, there are no final details yet on the number of InterAksyon employees to be retained.
“I don’t know how many would be retained. But definitely we want it to be kept alive,” Mr. Espinosa said.
InterAksyon editor-in-chief Roby Alampay previously said the Web site has 20 regular employees. The Web site also let go of contractual employees last year.
Mr. Espinosa said the company wants “a decision or any transition” to happen within the first quarter of the year.
He added the synergy of the news Web sites would allow for targeting wider audiences.
“That’s the beauty of online. You can address so many segments, versus the print, with the costs, you can’t have many platforms,” he said.
InterAksyon.com is the online platform of PLDT, Inc.’s television network TV5 Network, Inc.
TV President Vincent “Chot” P. Reyes told reporters last week the company aims to reduce losses by 50% this year, having reduced losses by 43% last year. It targets to break even by 2019.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
Ronnie Liang renews contract with Viva
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| (FROM LEFT): Vic del Rosario, Ronnie and Veronique de Rosario-Corpuz |
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Ronnie Liang
To recall, Ronnie serenaded us with the breathtaking lyrics of “Ngiti,” thrilled us when he starred in the critically acclaimed indie movie “Esoterika: Maynila” where he won Best Actor, and impressed us when he bagged the Best Actor in a featured role in “Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical” held at Resorts World Manila.
And just last year, he was a part of the movies “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” and “Fan Girl Fan Boy” under Viva Films which further proved he is one great talent to watch out for. Managed by Viva Artist Agency, he has become a man with many faces and superb talents, entering the scene with such flair and becoming one of the most sought-after singers in the country.
To hone his talent, the multi-awarded singer turned actor is currently attending an acting workshop under the supervision of Director Rahyan Carlos of Star Magic.
Presently, he’s working on his fifth album set for release in the first quarter of 2018 under Viva Records.
Ronnie said he is forever grateful to Boss Vic del Rosario, Boss Vincent and Veronique of Viva Management for believing in his talent and supporting his career. Ronnie looks forward to doing more projects under Viva.
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Siri, a certified hit
Even on social media, Siri the cute wonder dog on “Sherlock Jr.,” has become a certified hit among netizens. Siri is the co-star of Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia on GMA’s latest primetime series.
Siri is Gabbi Garcia’s beloved pet but the dog is now also the best friend of reporter Jack (Ruru).
“Sherlock Jr.” airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.
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ABS-CBN, GMA 7 ratings contest continues
Television broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. released January TV ratings that showed it ahead in certain Luzon urban areas while ABS-CBN claimed a nationwide lead in audience share.
In a statement, GMA said that for January 2018, it had recorded an audience share of 43.7 percent in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam) while ABS-CBN got 38.6 percent. GMA uses data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.
ABS-CBN noted separately that it had cornered 46 percent across the Philippines, against GMA’s 34 percent, citing data from Kantar Media.
As in previous months, both companies highlighted their varying dominance. Ratings data are closely monitored by TV advertisers.
GMA, for example, said it was ahead of the competition in morning, afternoon and evening time blocks in NUTAM.
It highlighted bigger margins in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which accounted for the majority of urban viewers in the country.
For Urban Luzon, GMA got 49.2 percent against 32 percent for ABS-CBN. In Mega Manila, including Metro Manila and nearby provinces, GMA got 51.9 percent against ABS-CBN’s 28.5 percent.
More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with the award-winning news magazine show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” being the most watched GMA program for January.
Joining KMJS as the Network’s ratings drivers for the month were “Magpakailanman,” “Sherlock Jr.,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Super Ma’am,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “All-Star Videoke,” and “Sirkus.”
Included in the list as well were weekend primetime newscast “24 Oras Weekend,” “Ika-6 na Utos,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” “Tadhana,” “Imbestigador,” “Road Trip,” “The One That Got Away,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Dear Uge” and “Wowowin.”
GMA Network still ruled the list of top programs in Urban Luzon with 8 Kapuso programs making it to the top 10, while once again sweeping Mega Manila’s top 10 list.
For its part, ABS-CBN said it was ahead in total Luzon, where it got 43 percent against GMA’s 35 percent. In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said it was leading at 42 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent.
ABS-CBN was also ahead in Visayas and Mindanao.
ABS-CBN said it had lured the most viewers in the primetime block, with 50 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent.
Nine of the ten most watched programs in the country were produced by ABS-CBN, led by the long running police drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” the network said.
The series topbilled by Coco Martin recorded a national TV rating of 49.5 percent, ABS-CBN said.
Other programs that made it to the list include “Pilipinas Got Talent,” “TV Patrol,” “MMK,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Wansapanataym,” “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “Asintado,” “Hanggang Saan,” “Wildflower,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Home Sweetie Home” and “Rated K.”
• • •
The series topbilled by Coco Martin recorded a national TV rating of 49.5 percent, ABS-CBN said.
Other programs that made it to the list include “Pilipinas Got Talent,” “TV Patrol,” “MMK,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Wansapanataym,” “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “Asintado,” “Hanggang Saan,” “Wildflower,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Home Sweetie Home” and “Rated K.”
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 6, go to Eddie Rodriguez, Daisy Romualdez, Lilia de Vera, Pining Espina, Edward Chan, Beth Lim, Rosario Clarinio, Michael Luga, Mayor Amy Sison Navarro and Aljo Bendijo… Feb. 7: Fr. Fernando Suarez, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Nanette Luciano, Winnie Velasquez, Cheryl Cosim, Liz Alindogan, Liz Uy and Ian Veneracion…
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