Tuesday, May 15, 2018

DOTr reveals details on Japan-backed MRT rehab

The Department of Transportation on Tuesday bared the final details on the three-year makeover of the overcrowded Metro Rail Transit, which will be financed by Japan.

Reports of MRT train breakdowns have become as regular as the weather. In 2017, the shabby metro rail system, which serves thousands of passengers each day, reportedly suffered at least 500 disruptions.

In a statement, the DOTr said the government and Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, signed last Friday the final details on the estimated project cost, scope of works and schedule of the MRT rehabilitation.

Based on the discussions, upgrading the MRT will take 43 months: 31 months for the simultaneous rehabilitation and maintenance works to restore MRT to its original design condition and capacity; and 12 months for the defect liability period.

The project, which is estimated to cost ¥34.480 billion (P16.985 billion), will cover the repair of trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, radio system, CCTV system, signaling system, rail tracks, elevators and escalators and other station building equipment.

“After completing the Appraisal Mission, DOTr and Japan will now move on to signing of the loan agreement and the mobilization of the new maintenance and rehabilitation provider for MRT, which is targeted this June 2018,” the Transportation department said.

Last year, the government terminated its contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc., the MRT-3 service provider, due to alleged poor performance.

To ensure the project’s sustainability, a supervision consultant will be hired to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the MRT rehabilitation.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/05/15/1815428/dotr-reveals-details-japan-backed-mrt-rehab#e3GXKbGvGYXLPmAu.99

John Estrada signs up with GMA 7

JOHN ESTRADA (center) with GMA execs: GMA SVP for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable and GMA VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno
Now a Kapuso star is seasoned TV actor John Estrada.

He said, “I feel so welcome and excited. Well, it’s a fact naman that I love challenges ’di ba? And as you mature, syempre mas marami kang gustong patunayan sa sarili mo. At dito sa GMA, mas interesting ’yung mix of content. At of course, bagay sa’kin ’yung versatility na ino-offer nila.”

John shared he will be part of GMA’s biggest and pioneering project this year that’s why he did not think twice in accepting the role.

“I’ve never done something like this. Kaya sana, mga Kapuso, abangan ni’yo ito talaga dahil maraming bago sa series na ito.”

Aside from his upcoming project, John looks forward to finally work with his daughter Inah de Belen and other Kapuso stars.

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Jennylyn Mercado, certified #fitspiration

Jennylyn Mercado
It seems going to the gym is the only rest time for Jennylyn Mercado with her busy schedule taping almost everyday for her GMA series “The Cure.”

Her gym routines are always featured on Instagram stories. No wonder she is one who many considers #fitspo considering her action-packed scenes in the series.

“The Cure,” also starring Irma Adlawan, Jay Manalo and Ronnie Henares among others, is aired weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 15, go to Leila Hermosa, Dr. Socorro Alejandrino, Dr. Edetliza Concepcion, Dennis Pajaro, Nita Ablaza, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao, Joy Gonzalez, Cory Vidanes, Niel Andrew Lagam turns 17 and Jennylyn MercadoMay 16: Robert Arevalo, Gary Estrada, Adrian Dominguez, Cherry Cobarrubias, Carminia Pavia, Lynda Reyes, Alfredo Mendoza, Vic Valenciano, Ada de Leon, Malou Almonte, Danny Cruz, Ronald Manalili, Butch Tenorio, Robert Mendoza, Jan Chiu, Ivan Lee and Ms. Malou Santos