GMA, ABS-CBN claim lead

By Miguel R. Camus

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Variety show “It’s Showtime,” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 32.5% on weekdays and 29% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 30% on weekdays and 24.2% on Saturdays.

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

• • •

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

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236328/gma-abs-cbn-claim-lead#ixzz4rrobWJWT
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MPIC tollways unit hopeful of CTBEX project award

Metro Pacific Tollways South Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is hopeful it could get original proponent status for the P23.7 billion Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) before the end of the year as it submitted the additional requirements for the proposed project yesterday.

Metro Pacific Tollways South president Luigi Bautista told reporters the firm submitted the additional requirements which includes the updated draft concession agreement for the proposed CTBEX to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The proposed CTBEX is a 46-kilometer expressway that will link Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex) and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) at Silang in Cavite to Tagaytay City, and will terminate at Nasugbu in Batangas.

The firm submitted the unsolicited proposal to the DPWH last July 7.

After submitting the additional requirements, Bautista said the DPWH could declare it as a complete submission and it could begin evaluation of the proposal.

Following declaration of complete submission, the DPWH has 60 days to evaluate the proposal before they can award it or give Metro Pacific Tollways South the original proponent status.

“Perhaps, towards the end of the year, we will be able to get the original proponent status for CTBEX,” Bautista said.

At present, there are two tollway concessions under Metro Pacific Tollways South — Cavitex and Calax.

MPIC also operates other tollways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

The infrastructure conglomerate is likewise working on other tollway projects such as NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, C-5 South Link and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

Apart from tollways, MPIC is engaged in other businesses such as water, power, hospitals, rail and logistics.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/09/06/1736089/mpic-tollways-unit-hopeful-ctbex-project-award

GMA, ABS-CBN claim ratings leadership in August

TELEVISION networks ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. both claimed the lead in national TV ratings for the month of August, citing separate results from market research firms Nielsen TV Audience Measurement and Kantar Media.

ABS-CBN said in a statement that it remained unbeatable nationwide with an average audience share of 46 percent compared to GMA’s 33 percent, based on data from Kantar Media.

GMA, on the other hand, said it beat its rival network in National Urban Television Audience Measurement, posting an audience share of 42 percent, against ABS-CBN’s 37.4 percent, for August.

Citing the said research firms, both media giants highlighted segments where they excelled.

ABS-CBN said it ruled the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) with an audience share of 50 percent, 19 points higher than GMA’s 31 percent.

According to ABS-CBN, it continued to strengthen its lead with its morning (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and afternoon blocks (12 noon to 3 p.m.) that scored average audience shares of 40 percent an 43 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 30 percent and 38 percent.

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

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

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

Other ABS-CBN programs that made it to August’s top 16 were “La Luna Sangre,” “A Love to Last”, “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin”, “It’s Showtime”, "Pusong Ligaw”, “The Better Half”, “TV Patrol,” “Wansapanataym,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Wildflower,” “Home Sweetie Home” and “Goin’ Bulilit.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aside from ABS-CBN, among Kantar Media’s local current subscribers are Peoples Television Network, Inc., Viva Communications, Inc., Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Meanwhile, GMA said the network toppled competition in Urban Luzon from the morning up to the primetime block, registering a total day audience share of 48.7 percent, beating ABS-CBN’s 31.4 percent.

GMA also highlighted its bigger margin in Mega Manila with 51.9 percent audience share across all time blocks compared to the Kapamilya network’s 27.1 percent.

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

Kapuso shows dominated the list of top programs in NUTAM with multi-awarded news magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) remaining as the most watched GMA show during the said period.

GMA also claimed the top 8 spots in the Urban Luzon list while it swept the top 16 spots in Mega Manila with KMJS still at number one and was closely followed by Pepito Manaloto.

Also included in the list of top-rating Kapuso shows were Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Alyas Robin Hood,” “24 Oras,” “My Love from the Star,” “I Heart Davao,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “Magpakailanman,” “Mulawin vs. Ravena,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Ika-6 Na Utos,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” “Wowowin,” and “Hay Bahay.”

Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population.


In 2016, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 36 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, AksyonTV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Viva Communications Inc., among others; 5 regional clients; 2 block timers and 17 media agencies.

http://www.manilatimes.net/gma-abs-cbn-claim-ratings-leadership-aug/348959/

DMCI founder David Consunji passes away at 95

Construction and real estate magnate David M. Consunji, the founder of diversified engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings, Inc. passed away on Monday at age 95.

DMCI, in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Tuesday, said Consunji died around noontime.

“Recognized locally as the father of contemporary construction industry, DM (Consunji) built landmarks and redefined cityscapes for generations of Filipinos,” the company said.

Consunji’s remains lie in state at the Capilla de San Francisco of the Santuario de San Antonio Parish, McKinley Road, Forbes Park in Makati City, and can be viewed starting September 5 until Friday, September 8..

He will be interred on Saturday, September 9, at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City after a 9:30 am mass at the Santuario de San Antonio.

Consunji was listed as the Philippines’ 6th richest man this year by Forbes, following Henry Sy, John Gokongwei, Enrique Razon, Jr., Lucio Tan, and Jaime Zobel de Ayala.

The tycoon founded his business initially by constructing chicken houses for the Bureau of Animal Industry until he earned a reputation for on schedule delivery, DMCI said, leading to larger scale projects such as the Tacloban Coca Cola Plant and Bacnotan Cement Plant.

He also served in government, having been appointed secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications from 1970 to 1975 during the Marcos administration.

DMCI Holdings handles the Consunji family’s businesses and investments in construction (DM Consunji), power and mining (DMCI Power Inc., Semirara Mining and Power Corp., DMCI Mining), property development (DMCI Homes, DMCI Project Developers Inc.), and water utilities (Maynilad Water Services Inc.)

http://www.manilatimes.net/dmci-founder-david-consunji-passes-away-95/348967/

ABS-CBN maintains nationwide ratings lead in August

ABS-CBN said Tuesday it once again drew more viewers in August compared to its rival TV networks, based on data from Kantar Media.

The country's largest media company said it got a nationwide average audience share of 46 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent.

ABS-CBN’s primetime block (6PM-12MN) also kept its stronghold of the nationwide lead as it scored an average audience share of 50 percent, 19 points higher than GMA’s 31 percent.

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

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

Other ABS-CBN programs that made it to August’s top fourteen were “La Luna Sangre” (33.7 percent), "A Love to Last", "Tonight with Boy Abunda", "Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin", "It's Showtime", "Pusong Ligaw", "The Better Half", “TV Patrol” (32.5 percent), “Wansapanataym” (28.1 percent), “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (27.4 percent), “Wildflower” (25.3 percent), “Home Sweetie Home” (24.9 percent), and “Goin’ Bulilit” (22.7 percent).

ABS-CBN also kept viewers glued to its morning block (6AM-12NN) and afternoon block (3PM-6PM) that registered average audience shares of 40 percent and 43 percent, respectively, compared to GMA’s 30 percent and 38 percent.

In the noontime block, meanwhile, ABS-CBN’s audience share slightly climbed to 46 percent from the previous month’s 44 percent, while GMA’s dipped to 35 percent from 39 percent.

The Kapamilya network also kept its total day lead in other areas such as Total Luzon as it hit 42 percent versus GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas with 55 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 54 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent.

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/09/05/17/abs-cbn-maintains-nationwide-ratings-lead-in-august

arena nux-F

Gov’t to fast-track subway plan

Project cost seen rising to as much as $7B; completion of first phase by 2022

Economic managers are expected to approve today a higher project cost for the first subway system in the country to fast-track its completion, the country’s chief economist said.

On the sidelines of the House plenary debates on the proposed P3.767-trillion 2018 national budget yesterday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told the Inquirer that the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) would discuss the project before forwarding it for the approval of the Neda Board chaired by President Duterte on Sept. 12.

Separately, Neda Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan told the Inquirer that the final project cost would be firmed up during the Neda ICC-CabCom meeting.

Pernia earlier said that to allow completion of the Mega Manila Subway Project Phase 1 in 2022 instead of the previous target of 2024, the initial project cost of $4.4 billion could rise to $6-7 billion.

In June, Pernia disclosed to the Inquirer that the government was looking at securing the biggest official development assistance (ODA) from Japan for the subway system that would serve Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

Pernia had said that an estimated $4.4 billion in ODA from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) was in the pipeline to finance the Mega Manila subway project.

The Neda chief had said that they were expecting below 1-percent interest for the Jica loan payable over 20 years with a 15-year grace period.

According to the government’s “Build, Build, Build” website, the Department of Transportation-led subway project will connect major business hubs as well as government centers in Metro Manila through a 25-kilometer underground mass transportation system connecting Quezon City and Taguig City.

Meanwhile, the Department of Finance also yesterday enjoined local government units (LGUs) to tap a P2.58-billion revolving facility for projects to be undertaken through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

“The Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) can be utilized not only by LGUs but other national government agencies as well for fund support in conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies, project structuring, preparation of bid documents and project monitoring for their proposed PPP initiatives,” the DOF said in a statement.

“Managed by the PPP Center, the PDMF also provides probity advisory services to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in the procurement process for PPP projects,” the DOF added.

The PDMF started with a P300-million revolving fund and a $6-million (approximately P300 million) initial contribution from the Australian government. The Australian grant is administered by the Asian Development Bank.
The fund has since grown to about P2.58 billion as of end-July, according to the DOF, citing a recent report by the Privatization Office to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236296/govt-fast-track-subway-plan#ixzz4rvTf8Dog
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Sad story of MRT3

The sad story that is the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) still has no happy ending in sight. More than a year since the Duterte administration promised to ease the plight of commuters, the fate of the train system traversing Edsa remains unclear.

The deterioration of the train system during the past administration has made it notorious for endless passenger queues and regular breakdowns, such that it became a campaign issue in the 2016 presidential election.

It’s not as if the government is doing nothing to fix the mess. Perhaps the problem has become so complicated that there is no single solution to it.

Aside from poor upkeep (due to frequent changes in maintenance contractors), there is the side issue of ownership as the government wants to take over from private shareholders.

Then there is this unsolicited proposal from private groups to rehabilitate MRT3. More importantly, there is the unusual quiet on the part of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on what it has in mind for the train system.

Last week, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. revived an offer to buy out the government’s stake in MRT3. That offer was made in 2011 but was not acted upon as the Aquino administration decided to pursue the buyout itself, but failed.

This time, Metro Pacific boss Manuel V. Pangilinan seemed more optimistic about its P12.5-billion rehabilitation and upgrading proposal. Pangilinan was referring to the government’s interest in the privately held Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), the corporate owner of MRT3 led by Robert John Sobrepeña.

According to Pangilinan, his group conducted several meetings, at Metro Pacific’s initiative, with government representatives last month.

Ayala Corp. has also signaled its interest in joining Metro Pacific in its offer to rehabilitate MRT3, which serves about half a million passengers a day.

Ayala and Metro Pacific jointly operate the Light Rail Transit Line 1, which will be extended from Baclaran to Niog, Bacoor City by 2021. LRT1 serves around 400,000 commuters a day.

However, also last week, the private shareholders of MRT3 wanted President Duterte to step in and back their own bid to rehabilitate the congested railway line on Edsa.

MRTC president Frederick Parayno disclosed that his group had directly written Mr. Duterte due to the “inaction” of the DOTr on its $150-million offer to rehabilitate MRT3. He claimed that the main objective of MRTC’s proposal was to “fast-track” MRT3’s rehabilitation and bring back long-time maintenance provider Sumitomo Corp. of Japan.

It was during the Aquino administration that Sumitomo was replaced by various other groups, including the current maintenance provider, Busan Universal Rail Inc., which MRTC said was partly to blame for MRT3’s current condition. Aside from acknowledging receipt of the letter proposal submitted in April, the official said the DOTr has not replied to MRTC.

The government and MRTC are already embroiled in various legal cases involving the late payment of equity rentals and the acquisition by the previous Department of Transportation and Communications of new trains from China’s Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co.

Dalian had completed the delivery of 48 train coaches. But the DOTr noted in March that these could not be deployed due to power supply issues and the need to install a new signalling system required for the trains to operate safely.

As it stands now, the government is unclear on what path to take regarding MRT3. The DOTr cannot take forever to make a decision on this pressing problem that has long affected Metro Manila commuters. It must choose the best solution to MRT3’s deteriorating condition.

First, it must decide soon between the rehabilitation offers of the original stockholders — those people now entangled in legal disputes with the government — and the Metro Pacific-Ayala consortium that seems to be successfully rehabilitating and expanding LRT1. Commuters have long been suffering and deserve a break as soon as possible.

MPIC unit allots P700 M for Cavitex expansion

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) unit Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) is looking to spend P700 million to expand the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex).


CIC president Luigi Bautista said in a briefing yesterday the company is investing about P700 million for enhancements at the Cavitex.

“We submitted the project information memorandum. This is like an investment proposal to TRB (Toll Regulatory Board) [in the] first quarter of this year. We haven’t received approval yet,” he said.

He said the expansion would involve adding one lane in each direction of the Cavitex.

“When we build that, imagine the convenience it will create. It will address 12 percent of existing volume,” he said.

An average of 140,000 vehicles use the Cavitex daily.

Apart from adding lanes, Bautista said CIC is also building a flyover along the expressway so that those coming from the south going to Pacific Drive would no longer have to stop at the traffic light.

The company is likewise improving the road surface of Pacific Drive or from R-1 to Macapagal.

Bautista said the expansion work could be completed within eight months once the firm secures approval from the government.

CIC wants to expand the Cavitex given fast growth in traffic volume.

Aside from the expansion at the Cavitex, it is also implementing other measures in the short-term to address the congestion in nearby entry points and exits of the tollway.

Among the short-term measures is the segregation of lanes with electronic toll collection lanes clustered to the right-most part of the toll plaza and the cash lanes on the left wing to help motorists plan their ingress to the toll road and eliminate lane swerving.

CIC is also undertaking a campaign to encourage motorists to shift to electronic toll payments from cash to prevent long queues at the toll plaza.

Aside from the Cavitex, MPIC operates other tollways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

It is working on other tollway projects such as NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, C-5 South Link and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/09/05/1735778/mpic-unit-allots-p700-m-cavitex-expansion

Sen. Villar on ‘In The Heart Of Business’

Despite her very busy schedule as chairman of various committees in the Senate, Sen. Cynthia Villar didn’t have qualms accepting Roni Merk’s invitation to co-host “In The Heart Of Business.” This year is a new radio program that airs every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on DWIZ 882. The show offers listeners a wide opportunity to know more about business and discusses varied topics on how one can start a business venture and become successful.

Aside from Sen. Villar and Merk, a bank executive and business communications specialist, the show also has as co-host seasoned broadcaster Marou Sarne, a KBP Golden Dove awardee who previously hosted “Business Is Our Business.”

Sen. Villar hosts every Tuesday. “She has a lot of programs and we discuss it on air,” Merk said. “Senator Villar talks about programs for farmers for every town, group and city. At present, she is on her way to accrediting over a thousand farm schools.”

Other segments on the radio show are “Insights” with seasoned business communications professional and professor Bong Osorio, travel and tourism, real estate, current news report on the stock market, health and wellness, and one by the Veterans Bank, among others.

At present, “In The Heart Of Business” airs for one hour, three times a week on DWIZ. The station is owned and managed by Edgar Cabangon, son of Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua.

• • •

‘My Puhunan’ turns four

A barrio boy turned international fashion designer, a grillery chain owner who started out as a waiter, a mother and son whose neighborhood burger joint has grown into a full-fledged franchise – they are just three of the many successful Filipino entrepreneurs who have been featured by Karen Davila on ABS-CBN’s “My Puhunan.”

Now on its fourth year, the program continues to transform the lives of many Filipinos by encouraging them to start their own businesses even with just a small capital. Just like “Lugaw Queen” Beverly Aquino, who started with only P1,000 capital and now earning more than P50,000 a day.

“What I love about the show is that it changes the mindset of Filipinos that you need to work overseas to earn money and prosper. We show them that even with a small capital or through using one’s gift of gab or talent, one can be successful. I am learning from the program myself and now I want to have my own business,” Karen shared.

To celebrate its fourth anniversary, Davila and the program recently brought their “Kabuhayan Caravan” to a barangay in Caloocan to conduct livelihood seminars for people in search of new or additional source of income for their families.

 Among those who became successful entrepreneurs through “My Puhunan” include Joemel Calma who is dressing up celebrities abroad and Remilly Co, who now has over 20 branches of her cake brand.

“My Puhunan” airs Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. on DZMM TeleRadyo and after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 5, go to Reps. Rudy Fariñas and Gilbert Cesar A. Remulla, Solar Group’s head honcho Wilson Tieng, Dr. Amable “King” Aguiluz V, Jojo Zabarte, Princess Anne Timbang, Tessie Amparo, Loretta Galang, Mayen L. Saporsantos, US-based Eliza Gotico, Bobby del Rosario, Patricia Panlilio, Mags Gahol, Brian Homoroc, Mona Esguerra, Janina M. dela Peña, Baby Atienza, Evangeline Pio de Roda-Sy, Margie Ongkeko of Manulife, and Priscilla Meirelles (Mrs. John Estrada)…Belated b-day greetings to Chellouz Valdez, Terrence Perez, Leo Consul, Ariel Rivera and Alexandra Germay Marcelo Oxales (Sept. 1)…Sept. 6: awarded director Jeffrey Jeturian, Mylene Dizon, UP Prof. Letty H. Tison, Joanne de Asis-Benitez, Annie Salonga, Sylvia Lina, Ma. Cristina Herella, Rosie Romey, Rodrigo V. Palma of California, Cecile Tiangco, Gerard K. Gozon, Ditas Hilario, Ricky Barbiero, Anna Cecilia “AC” S. Javier, Prof. Rene Durian, Sonia Nunez, Ed de Leon, Liwayway C. Bartolome of Bakersfield, CA, Ed de Leon, Carmen Yorac Cheung, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ronnie Nolasco, Marjory Acosta Tagarao, James Dionisio, Joyce So, John Manalo of Star Magic and Kaye Villagomez… It’s Rev. Fr. Cornelio L. Matanguihan’s priesthood anniversary today…

Group bullish on MRT 3 rehab plan

Infrastructure holding firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is optimistic on the Duterte administration’s evaluation of its P12-billion unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate the Metro Railway Transit (MRT 3) traversing Edsa.

The new MRT 3 proposal—in partnership with conglomerate Ayala Corp., which is also part of the consortium handling the Light Railway Transit 1 (LRT 1) rehabilitation and extension project—also separately seeks to buy out the government’s economic interest in MRT 3.

In a panel discussion during the Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL) meeting last week, MPIC president Jose Ma. Lim said that given his group’s involvement in the LRT 1 project, there had been interactive exchanges with the transportation department in the last year.

“I find that in today’s administration, the openness of the economic team is much more improved compared to the previous administration,” Lim said. “So I think there is a way that the private sector can influence government and change their thinking,” he said, adding that the private sector would just have to be patient in explaining its proposals.

Citing the LRT 1 consortium’s interactive exchanges with the government, Lim said this was why the group was emboldened to resubmit a proposal for MRT 3 even when it did not seem to take off the first time around.

Due to the progress made in LRT 1, he also suggested that the government appeared to be more receptive this time.

“Our sense is there are people in government who listen to the private sector— and it’s a question of getting your message across to them,” Lim said.

Citing the group’s submission of a revised MRT 3 rehabilitation proposal, Lim said: “The experience we had is after presenting it to them, within three days, a technical working group was formed to evaluate the program. We never had this kind of quick reaction before from the administration in the past. I think that’s because the economic team is open to suggestions.”

Even in the long-running tariff adjustment dispute involving the tollroads operated by MPIC, Lim said authorities seemed “open to finding ways to settle without having to go through arbitration process.”

In 2014, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC)—a joint venture company of MPIC’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., AC Infrastructure and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.—signed a concession agreement with the government on the P65-billion LRT 1 extension to Cavite as well as an operation and maintenance agreement for the existing railway.

The P12-billion project estimate for MRT 3 proposal refers only to the rehabilitation of existing railways, signalling system and rolling stock. If and when the consortium bags the project, additional investment is needed to purchase new trains and continue the modernization program.

MRT 3, which has a daily ridership of 400,000, has been prone to breakdowns and other glitches. Compared to LRT 1, which uses 35-year-old trains, however, MRT 3 is a much newer elevated railway infrastructure.

Since LRMC officially took over operations of LRT 1, the consortium has successfully restored 27 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), bringing the total available to 104 as of end-June 2017.

LRMC served an average daily ridership of 429,915 in the first half of 2017, an improvement of 6 percent from the average daily ridership of 405,568 recorded in the same period last year. During the first half of 2017, the highest recorded daily ridership reached a record high of 536,000 from 2016 highest of 527,000.

The LRT 1 consortium is seen on schedule with its rail replacement project, having finished 87 percent of the work to change 32-year-old tracks as of July 2017. The rail replacement project covers 26 kilometers of rail tracks that, when completed, will enable the reinstatement of a train running speed of 60 kilometers an hour to shorten journey times and thus increase capacity.

In March 2017, the LRT 1 Structural Restoration Project was given the notice to proceed with a target completion in two years. This project, a major component to enhanced passenger safety, includes the restoration of 36-year-old parapets, faulty concrete and repair of river bridges of the railway. This project also complements the ongoing P500-million Station Improvement Project.

LRMC inaugurated the Doroteo Jose Station in February 2017 and is refurbishing all the remaining stations. This is expected to be completed by the first half of 2018.

http://business.inquirer.net/236246/group-bullish-mrt-3-rehab-plan

Why De La Salle University uses the colors green and white

De La Salle University's colors are green and white since the former originated from the national colors of Ireland, where the founding fathers of the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines came from, while the latter represents the Philippines since it is known as  the "Pearl of the Orient Seas", thus the use of the color "pearly white"

New LRT 1 coaches on target

Light Rail Manila Corp., a consortium led by Ayala Corp and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is optimistic the auction for the supply of new light rail vehicles of the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension will be competed by November this year.

“We are happy with the outcome, at least its not a failed bidding. Based on the timeline it looks like they will be able to meet the November 14 procurement,” LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said.

“I think there should be enough time... we are happy with the progress it’s a matter of DOTr agreeing with the final evaluation of the financial and technical proposals,” he added.

The Department of Transportation is evaluating the technical and financial proposals of Marubeni Corp and Mitsubishi Corp. for the P30-billion contract to supply 120 brand-new light rail vehicles for the oldest metro rail transit in Southeast Asia.

The winning bid will cover the coaches, design, production, verification, delivery, testing, commissioning, technical support materials associated with the operation and maintenance of the vehicles and training for maintenance staff, engineers and operators.

The 120 LRVs will be configured into 30 four-car train sets to allow the rail line to accommodate up to 750,000  passengers daily.

Transportation in March last year declared the bidding for 120 LRVs a failure after no offers were received by the agency from Japanese companies.

Marubeni and Sumitomo earlier expressed interest to participate in the auction for the procurement of 120 brand-new cars for LRT Line 1.

The government allocated P30 billion for the 120 new coaches of the LRT Line 1 under the P64.9-billion LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project, which was awarded to Light Rail Manila Corp.

LRMC will construct the Cavite extension over the next four and a half years, making the entire line operational by the fourth quarter of 2020.

LRMC, a joint venture between Ayala and Metro Pacific, has been operating and maintaining the LRT-1 system since the functions were handed over by the Light Rail Transit Authority on September 12, 2015.

LRTA remains the regulator of the railway while Transportation is the implementing agency of the 32-year public-private partnership concession agreement with LRMC.

The consortium would spend over P40 billion to rehabilitate and expand LRT Line 1.

Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/biz-plus/246084/new-lrt-1-coaches-on-target.html

Filipinos tap GPS to change rail system

A Filipino team has developed a GPS-powered, cloud-based information system that allows passengers to see the trains’ status, location, arrival and departure schedule.  Soon, the team plans to use the same technology to overhaul the train signaling system currently used across the world.

The Passenger Assist Rail Display System or Pards, designed by Filipino tech company TrackMate Business Solutions Inc., drew admiration from passengers of Light Rail Transit Line 2 where about 400 screens are already installed onboard to inform them about the status and locations of trains. Pards uses the global positioning system, a satellite-based navigation, to track the trains and put the information on high-definition screen.

A team of European rail executives will visit the Philippines this month to check the system and study how it can be replicated around the world.

“It is a GPS and graphic interface.  Basically, we can give information on speed, location and other important information that you can find using GPS. The premise for the whole thing is that commuters are complaining a lot on social media about the trains and we realize that the bottomline is that they do not know what is happening. We aim to solve that by creating a communication line between the train operator and the passengers. Hence, we created the project Pards,” TrackMate marketing manager Cielo Remorin says in an interview.

“It is like a TV network and signaling system combined together. We have 10 screens per coach, or 40 screens per train, or a total of 400 in LRT Line 2,” says Lemuel dela Cruz, the 44-year-old chief executive of TrackMate.

TrackMate installed Pards along LRT 2 at no cost to the government, says Remorin.  Its business model is based on sponsorships by companies that want to promote products or services through commercials or ads on the system.

Dan Palami, chief executive of railway engineering company Autre Porte Global Inc., says Pards has the potential to become a full-blown train signaling system that can bring down the cost of railway operation.

“When they presented it to me, on the commercial side, I told them it offers a much bigger potential in signaling system,” Palami says.  “The ballpark figure for a train signaling system is probably $70 million.  With this, we are looking at maybe a maximum of $20 million for the system.”

Several companies are now reportedly looking at GPS-powered solutions as the next stage of train signaling system, in place of traditional axle counter sensors which are costly and which take a lot of time to install.

TrackMate has already submitted an application for a utility model intellectual property right for Pards to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

Remorin says as a passenger information system, it can flash information on the screen such as the expected time of arrival, expected time of departure and actual location of the train.  “If the train operators have a quick announcement that they want to do in real-time, we can do that,” she says.

TrackMate is an information technology company based in Madrigal Business Park in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which employs 40 professionals to provide GPS solutions to transport and logistics companies.

“We really are engaged in creating software to manage trucks, buses that are powered by GPS.  That system is now applied to trains.  What you see on the screen is real-time.  It has a location component.  Passengers would be able to know where the train is in real time,” Remorin says.

She says the first phase of the project—the installation of a dynamic, onboard passenger information display system across all train sets was completed in June, while the second phase involves the release of mobile application for passengers and Light Rail Transit Authority to monitor train schedule and passenger flow.

The project also includes installation of a command center that allows LRTA to monitor train performance, passenger flow, with actual images, in real time.

“The fun part is the command center [for operators].  Anywhere they are, the officials can check the snapshots from CCTV and actual status of the train on their smartphones.  We also have a map that summarizes the line.  We can set parameters on what need their attention,” Remorin says.

Remorin says that aside from LRT Line 2, TrackMate also presented the project to Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT Line 1, and the response was positive.

A passenger satisfaction survey of the three rail lines—MRT 3, LRT Line 1 and LRT Line 2—show  that commuters using LRT Line 2 are the most satisfied.  “LRT Line 2 topped the survey.  And Pards is one of the components mentioned by satisfied passengers,” says Palami.

Palami says a new signaling system based on Pards can easily replace the old system used along MRT 3.  The new trains from China cannot be deployed on the line, because their designs are not compatible with the current signaling system which is used to guide the original Czech-made trains.

“We can solve the problem of compatibility.  Even if new trains arrive, we can integrate them in our new signaling system.  It is at present an information system, but it can migrate to a signaling system because it is GPS based,” says Palami. “When I saw the technology, we studied it and we have been able to come up with a better version that it could actually allow the system to become a signaling system.”

“Signaling system is a safety feature to manage the traffic of trains so that they will not collide with one another.  The signaling system, through the control center, will show the distance between the trains and where all the trains are.  When the trains are nearing the other trains, there is a red light warning the driver that he is not supposed to go.  The driver has to follow that and stop.  If the driver does not follow, the automatic train protection will kick in that will force the emergency brake,” says Palami.

Palami says Pards can fulfill all those functions.  Under its proposal, TrackMate will equip all trains with GPS devices and will build its own communication network for better coverage.  “We will know where all the trains are,” he says.

Dela Cruz says it is TrackMate that first harnessed the potential of GPS for the use of train operators and passengers. “Two years ago, we presented the idea to Singapore.  They saw its potential for signaling system, but it took them two years.  Now, they are also doing a pilot project,” he says.

At the moment, Remorin says passengers will benefit a lot from Pards as an information system.  “We can inform passengers once a train breaks down.  We can also show the flow of passengers. Awareness is what we are trying to achieve.  Services become better if passengers are well informed,” she says.

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/power-technology/246025/filipinos-tap-gps-to-change-rail-system.html

Finally, a good ban!

It seems that the tobacco industry's world just got smaller, at least over here in the Philippines. Last Tuesday saw the start of the ban on all tobacco/cigarette ads on radio, television and all forms of print media. The Philippines has followed other countries, decision to totally ban all forms of advertisements related to smoking. I was informed that in Formula 1 racing, tobacco ads on the race cars and on the track have been forbidden for years, delivering a blow to all the teams that compete as tobacco companies make up a large chunk of their sponsorship funds. We all know how Ferrari is associated with Marlboro, and McLaren-Mercedes with West cigarettes. Now, the places where you would normally see their logos are blank, with only hints of what they once were.

I believe that this move is a step in the right direction. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobacco smoking has long been blamed for an array of ailments, from a simple cough to the more deadly cancers. And it is not without basis. It has been proven that cigarette smoking is indeed hazardous to one's health, and to others as well. The latter part of the statement has been the strongest point of health advocates in furthering their cause, even crusade. Cigarette packs have long since carried the surgeon general's warning.  This latest move banning cigarette ads is another victory of sorts. Smoking has long been banned on commercial flights, in malls and practically all restaurants, even some bars like those in Makati. And all with good reason, as these particular ads more often than not, target the youth. Get them while they're young, so to speak.

Have you ever seen an ad wherein the smoker is approached by a not so pretty woman? Or does the smoker drive a jalopy, instead of a flashy, blood red sports car? Has he ever ridden a mule, instead of a thoroughbred? Or is he rowing a small boat, instead of standing on top of an 80-footer sailboat or speeding on a jet ski? Noooooo. The good, luxurious life has always been associated with smoking, at least that's what the ads want you to believe. And no minds are more susceptible to suggestion than that of the youth. Who doesn't want a life of a rugged cowboy, or a secret agent, or even a philandering, carefree billionaire? The youth are also often times influenced by their peers. This is also true with smoking. A smoking parent will more likely have a child who smokes.


Read more at https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/07/05/71025/finally-good-ban#lv0wyDFpzhxVslu5.99

Namfrel reiterates call for barangay, SK polls to push through

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill 5224 seeking to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols, including the Philippine flag, and the rendition of the national anthem.

The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” in light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. It also aims to instill love of country and underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for the country’s national symbols.

Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), a principal author of the bill, said despite the existence of RA 8491, many Filipinos do not accord the respect due the Philippine flag and the national anthem.

Rodriguez said RA 8491 provides that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

“The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem embodies and expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment and determination, nationalism and patriotism, sentiment and spirit of the people. One simple way to inculcate nationalism and patriotism, not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all ages, is to emphasize the importance of saluting the national flag and the singing of the Philippine national anthem,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, chairman of the House committee on Mindanao affairs, said disrespecting the national anthem, which is a violation of the law, usually happens in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand when the national anthem is being played.

House Bill 5224, also known as the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code” seeks to strengthen the rules on the proper use and display of the country’s national symbols and the rendition of the national anthem.

It declares it is a State policy that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the national anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

The bill further declares that the heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices.

One of the salient features of the bill is that it expands the coverage of the penal provision to include administrative penalties for administrative offenses. Any public official or employee who violates any of the provisions of the Act shall be punished, in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, without prejudice to the filing of an appropriate criminal case, the bill provides.

The jurisdiction of a government agency or department over cases involving administrative offenses shall be in accordance with Rule 2, Section 9 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

Moreover, any person who, or entity which violates any of the provisions of the Act, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of P50,000 to P100,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer shall be liable.

Meanwhile, those who fail or refuse to observe the provisions of the Act and violate the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall, after probe, notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.

Likewise, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the NHCP and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation of the recognition or permit of any private educational institution which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of the Act for the second time.

The bill prescribes the design of the national flag such that the flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.

The flag shall be hoisted or displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every Monday to Friday throughout the year.

The flag should be permanently displayed or hoisted day and night, throughout the year, and in front of the following: Malacañang Palace; Senate of the Philippines building; House of Representatives building; Supreme Court building; Rizal Monument in Luneta; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; LIbingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City Metro Manila; all memorials dedicated to the veterans of the military, Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion in the North Cemetery, City of Manila; Marcela Agoncillo historical landmark in Taal, Batangas; Pinaglabanan historical Landmark in San Juan City, Metro Manila; all international ports of entry; and all other places as may be designated and marked by the NHCP.

The flag shall be flown also on all seafaring vessels of Philippine registry.

The bill also provides a standard protocol when the Philippine flag is flown or displayed with another flag. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size.

The Philippine flag shall be to the left of the observer and hoisted first and lowered last.

The flag shall be replaced immediately by the concerned agency/institution/office when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. A flag that is worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be turned over to the appropriate Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts Local Council Committee in the nearest school which shall in turn conduct proper disposal rites to avoid misuse or desecration of the worn-out flag. The manner of disposal of the worn-out flag shall be in accordance with the rules to be issued by the NHCP.

The bill also provides for the mandatory singing of the national anthem during flag ceremony in all government offices and educational institutions.

It expands the coverage of government officials and personnel wherein the flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: the President or a former President, the incumbent and former Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former members of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, the incumbent and former elected LGU officials; and an incumbent public school teacher.

Other authors of HB 5224 are Reps. Christopher Vera Perez De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), Marlyn B. Alonte-Naguiat (Lone District, Biñan City) Victoria Isabel G.Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY), Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City), Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur), Sandra Y. Eriguel (2nd District, La Union), Pablo C. Ortega (1st District, La Union), Ana Katrina M. Enverga (1st District, Quezon),Lianda B. Bolilia (4th District, Batangas), Rosanna Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija), Ron P. Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), Mark O. Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Cecilia Leonila V. Chavez (Party-list,BUTIL), Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Divina Grace C. Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur), Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas City), Giona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte), Ana Cristina S. Go (2nd District, Isabela) and Celso L. Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City). / ICY JR.

http://congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10015

Fun-filled Sunday with ‘All-Star Videoke’

GMA Network launches tomorrow the new “All-Star Videoke” with Solenn Heussaff and Betong Sumaya as hosts. They promise to give a show that’s twice the fun and excitement.

Because of her love for music and singing, Solenn is eager for the show to begin. “Ito talaga ’yung first hosting gig ko sa GMA Entertainment so iba ’yung feeling kasi sobrang bongga ’yung preparations sa lahat. Nandu’n ’yung pressure but also the excitement kasi I really like music and singing so dito magagawa ko talaga ’yun.”

On the other hand, Betong said, “Natutuwa ako kasi kami ni Solenn ’yung pinagkatiwalaan ng GMA dito sa napakalaking project na ito. As we all know, inaabangan talaga ito ng viewers noon, ’di ba? Sobra ’yung excitement ko kasi following the footsteps of Allan K., Jaya and Arnell Ignacio, ang laki ng shoes to fill in so I feel blessed and challenged at the same time.”

 The game features six celebrity contestants vying to outwit one another by filling in the missing words on a song in a videoke-type presentation.

• • •

Going global, giving back

Now on its third year, World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) will be held on Sept. 4 at the Hilton Fukuoka Seahawk Hotel. Founded by Filipino-Japanese multi-awarded performer, beauty queen and civic leader Emma Toba (Emma Cordero) in 2015, WCEJA) seeks to recognize personalities who have excelled in their respective fields in Japan, the Philippines, and other countries.

In WCEJA, Emma saw an opportunity to fuse her passion for recognizing great talents and helping out those in need.

All proceeds of the WCEJA will go to civic programs and scholarships granted by the Ai Wo Agetai (“I Wanna Give Love”) Foundation (also known as NPO Houjin in Japan); and to help the Voice of an Angel Foundation (VOAA) Philippines’ less-fortunate scholars at the Our Lady of Fatima de San Pedro School in San Pedro City

Some WCEJA awardees include Filipino singing icons Freddie Aguilar and Imelda Papin, Katrina Paula and Marjorie Jalosjos.

Just recently, Emma also established the King & Queen of  VOAA Universe International which will be held on Sept. 3 at the Sun Palace Hotel in Fukuoka.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 2, go to Gen. Alexander Aguirre, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Amado Tan, Ronnie Villar, Chit Javier Tmbang, Neneng Abaquin, Nona Panlilio, Steffi del Rosario, Prof. Noel de Guzman, Jessica Casas-Luzande, Timoteo Bernaldez of PCSO GM’s office, Dona Bayota, Fanny Blanco, Aly Nepomuceno of Doha, Qatar greetings from Jovy Hernandez-Alimon of San Pablo, Laguna, Kakai Bautista, Cecile Catalan Legaspi, Jonathan Morales, Carlo Guevarra and Ricky Carandang… Sept. 3: Sen. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Nonoy Zuñiga, Aristeo Demavivas, Malu Barry, Dr. Gary Sy, Lito Galang, Danny Mañalac, Cecille N. Bello, Romy Navarro, Ma. Cristina S. Timbol, Bong Panlilio, Mona Aquino Ventura, Nene Rogacion, Babot Armas of New York, Jam Morales of California, Patricia Evangelista, MB’s Ronniel de Guzman and Aris Ilagan and Daphne Cortes of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Jorge and Baby Banal…Belated b-day greetings to Fe Monalisa Chico, Mel Lopez, Ariel Rivera, Azenith Briones, Philip Cruz, Edd Baluyot, Dr. Jazmine V. Gongora, Dennis Mendiola, Jon Avila, Alex Pili and Emma Borja (Sept. 1)…Sept. 4: BB Gandanghari (formerly Rustom Padilla), Amanda E. Layug, singer Rowell Quizon, Stauro Punongbayan, Olay Rullan, Eirish Cheng, Lyndon Constantino Lim, Ashley Pauline S. Gatdula, Marilyn Legaspi, Liza Margarette B. Lumauig, Rizalino Fraga, Jong Fernandez, Jojo Jose and Ericson “Padz” Puduit…

http://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2017/09/02/fun-filled-sunday-with-all-star-videoke/