Thursday, December 28, 2017
MM traffic to worsen next year
This early, the government warns public that traffic problems would linger in 2018 due to numerous infrastructure projects lined up aimed at improving Metro Mania’s transportation network, said a top official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Tim Orbos, MMDA general manager, appealed to motorists and commuters to bear with the expected traffic congestion when the projects under the infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program starts simultaneously next year.
Projects in pipeline next year, Orbos cited, are Metro Rail Transit-Light Rail Transit common station in second quarter; LRT line 2 extension project on Marcos Highway and LRT Line 1 extension to Cavite; Metro Manila’s first subway in the third quarter; Megawide Southwest Terminal, South Terminal, MRT 7, bridges to be built by the Department of Public Works and Highways; rehabilitation of Guadalupe Bridge, among others.
Tim Orbos, MMDA general manager, appealed to motorists and commuters to bear with the expected traffic congestion when the projects under the infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program starts simultaneously next year.
Projects in pipeline next year, Orbos cited, are Metro Rail Transit-Light Rail Transit common station in second quarter; LRT line 2 extension project on Marcos Highway and LRT Line 1 extension to Cavite; Metro Manila’s first subway in the third quarter; Megawide Southwest Terminal, South Terminal, MRT 7, bridges to be built by the Department of Public Works and Highways; rehabilitation of Guadalupe Bridge, among others.
DOTr ends 2017 with major progress on MRT woes
The Transport department is capping off 2017 by making significant progress on the constant overcrowding and breakdowns of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3).
The government has not only begun talks with Japan to fund a new maintenance contract for the MRT 3, it also identified a safety auditor to inspect the incompatible Dalian cars from China to see whether they can still be used.
Transport Assistant Secretary for Rails TJ Batan told CNN Philippines on Tuesday that the country and Japan will exchange notes verbale this week. Both governments will set down terms for Japan to fund the MRT 3's maintenance through an official development assistance (ODA) package.
Among them will be a feasibility study the Japanese government will undertake in January to assess what needs to be fixed in the problematic train line.
Batan said, "We will admit, we don't fully know all the problems of the MRT 3 yet. This study will help us understand what the maintenace contract should cover and how much it will cost."
Once the study is completed, Japan will nominate a contractor — likely Sumitomo Corp., which built and designed the MRT 3 system from 1998-2000 and maintained it from 2000-2012.
"Technical continuity is something we are looking for, which is why we think Japan will select our previous contractor," Batan said. He added that once Sumitomo is onboard, work should begin by May 2018.
Even as negotiations with Japan gather speed, the Transport department has also opened up talks with other foreign governments keen to invest in the MRT 3's maintenance.
Batan said both Spain and Singapore are offering ODAs and their homegrown firms Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corp., respectively, as possible contractors.
"Until we have signed a deal with Japan, we also want to make sure that the government of the Philippines always has a backup. We're not tied to one option," Batan said.
The government took over the maintenance of the MRT 3 after it fired the previous provider, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. last November for their failure to perform.
However, glitches have continued since then. On Tuesday morning, a southbound train unloaded about 900 passengers after an electrical failure in its motor. It was the 26th glitch this month and the 61st since the government took control of the MRT's maintenance.
The government also identified an independent safety auditor to assess whether it can still use the 48 new Dalian cars it bought from China in 2013 but were later found to be incompatible with the MRT's current train tracks.
German certification firm TÜV Rheinland was selected by the Transport department's Bid and Awards Committee to conduct the audit, Batan said. The contract will likely be awarded on Wednesday.
Other firms that were considered were fellow German company TÜV SÜD and French firm Bureau Veritas.
If the audit shows that the cars cannot be used at all, the government will return them to Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Batan said. But if the findings show they can still be used if adjustments are made, the government will invest in the adjustments so the MRT's capacity can be increased as soon as possible.
The MRT can regularly run 15 trains, comprised of 45 cars, every day, Batan said. For the same ridership of 500,000 daily passengers, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) runs 103 cars.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/12/26/dotr-2017-progress-mrt.html
The government has not only begun talks with Japan to fund a new maintenance contract for the MRT 3, it also identified a safety auditor to inspect the incompatible Dalian cars from China to see whether they can still be used.
Transport Assistant Secretary for Rails TJ Batan told CNN Philippines on Tuesday that the country and Japan will exchange notes verbale this week. Both governments will set down terms for Japan to fund the MRT 3's maintenance through an official development assistance (ODA) package.
Among them will be a feasibility study the Japanese government will undertake in January to assess what needs to be fixed in the problematic train line.
Batan said, "We will admit, we don't fully know all the problems of the MRT 3 yet. This study will help us understand what the maintenace contract should cover and how much it will cost."
Once the study is completed, Japan will nominate a contractor — likely Sumitomo Corp., which built and designed the MRT 3 system from 1998-2000 and maintained it from 2000-2012.
"Technical continuity is something we are looking for, which is why we think Japan will select our previous contractor," Batan said. He added that once Sumitomo is onboard, work should begin by May 2018.
Even as negotiations with Japan gather speed, the Transport department has also opened up talks with other foreign governments keen to invest in the MRT 3's maintenance.
Batan said both Spain and Singapore are offering ODAs and their homegrown firms Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles and Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corp., respectively, as possible contractors.
"Until we have signed a deal with Japan, we also want to make sure that the government of the Philippines always has a backup. We're not tied to one option," Batan said.
The government took over the maintenance of the MRT 3 after it fired the previous provider, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. last November for their failure to perform.
However, glitches have continued since then. On Tuesday morning, a southbound train unloaded about 900 passengers after an electrical failure in its motor. It was the 26th glitch this month and the 61st since the government took control of the MRT's maintenance.
The government also identified an independent safety auditor to assess whether it can still use the 48 new Dalian cars it bought from China in 2013 but were later found to be incompatible with the MRT's current train tracks.
German certification firm TÜV Rheinland was selected by the Transport department's Bid and Awards Committee to conduct the audit, Batan said. The contract will likely be awarded on Wednesday.
Other firms that were considered were fellow German company TÜV SÜD and French firm Bureau Veritas.
If the audit shows that the cars cannot be used at all, the government will return them to Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Batan said. But if the findings show they can still be used if adjustments are made, the government will invest in the adjustments so the MRT's capacity can be increased as soon as possible.
The MRT can regularly run 15 trains, comprised of 45 cars, every day, Batan said. For the same ridership of 500,000 daily passengers, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) runs 103 cars.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/12/26/dotr-2017-progress-mrt.html
Entering the golden age of PH infrastructure
THE golden age of infrastructure in the Philippines now begins. Around P8 trillion are budgeted until 2021 in planning, developing and constructing mega-infrastructure projects. Some of the planned projects are interisland bridges inter-connecting the entire Philippines, the country’s longest bridge, railways and subways, disaster resiliency and flood control, and possibly the construction of one of the world’s biggest airports and seaports.
From the conversations I’ve had with several investors and business leaders, the opportunities are more than enough for local investors. Investors even said that definitely we would need the help of foreign contractors and developers to bring in expertise, technology, operations management and funding. It’s possible that in the next few years we might see 20 kilometer-long bridges, connecting Bataan to Calabarzon, which I have been proposing for a very long time, and a bridge connecting the Visayas to Mindanao. In other Asian countries, such as in the rich Pearl Delta region of China, they have constructed a bridge longer than 40 kilometers. It took around five years to finish. If we are to adopt the technology and open our country up for direct foreign investment, a 20km bridge may only take two to three years to finish.
Imagine, one can travel from the tip of Luzon to the southernmost portions of Mindanao by land or railway! In 2006, Maglev of Germany talked to me about the possibility of developing a Maglev railway in the country. It will only take three hours to travel from Laoag to Davao.
Metro Davao and Davao Gulf megalopolis
Just this October, the Mindanao Development Authority, in strategic partnership with the Davao Regional Development Council and National Economic Development Authority, awarded the Urban Master Plan of Metro Davao to Palafox Associates.
The total land area of Metro Davao is approximately 600,000 hectares and the entire Davao Gulf is approximately 860,000 hectares. This includes the municipalities of Panabo, Carmen, Tagum, Island Garden of Samal, Mabini, Maco, Pantukan, Banaybay, Lupon, San Isidro, Governor Generoso, Davao City, Sta. Cruz, Digos, Hagonoy, Padada, Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, and Jose Abad Santos.
The Davao Gulf megalopolis is 16 times the size of Singapore, four times the size of Hong Kong, and twice the size of Dubai. We need to realize that there is more to our country beyond Metro Manila and start considering what other regions have to offer.
Metropolitan Davao is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. In 2016, the region grew 9.4 percent, the third fastest. In 2016, when Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte won the national election as President of the Philippines, it helped propel the political significance, urban, and economic growth of the Davao region. And now the region is experiencing rapid urbanization. But through the Urban Master Plan, Metropolitan Davao, and the entire Davao Gulf, has the opportunity to become a model for sustainable, pedestrian and transit-oriented, technologically innovative, livable and resilient city in the country.
The big idea is to interconnect and synergize the entire Davao in becoming one economic superblock but at the same time maintaining a healthy city life, food security, environmental integrity, sense of culture, and safety. Metro Davao can possibly host the country’s biggest airport and seaport by 2021.
Pampanga megalopolis and Clark aerotropolis
Pampanga is the strongest counter-magnet to Metro Manila. In 2017, Palafox Associates is proud to share that it has completed the Pampanga Megalopolis plan. It included the new development of an outer and inner circumferential development corridors, bus rapid transits, transportation plans, tourism plans, and identification of water supply among many others.
The Pampanga Megalopolis has introduced the concepts of pairing spatial and physical strategies to economic value chains and development thrusts to maximize the economic competitive advantages of each city and municipality. The province has identified four metropolitan clusters which are the Aerotropolis, Agropolis, Ecopolis, and the Aquapolis.
Airport development
The airport is a gateway, the front door, to a country. For any foreigner and returning Filipino expatriate, the airport is where they first set foot in the country. It is a welcome mat of our hospitality, character, culture and identity. Before you become an investor, you must first be a satisfied tourist.
In 2015, there were 36 million passengers. It means that the airport had the opportunity to showcase the entire country to millions of visitors. Inside the terminals, long walkways and waiting areas are places that give us an opportunity to present the beautiful islands and destinations of our country, as well as an opportunity to show the world-class craftsmanship of our artists, among others. As passengers are walking, there could be high-tech, digital screens that show the beauty of our country. There could also be interactive public art, sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The potential is limitless.
Airports should be appreciated through the light of holistic planning and holistic passenger experience and consumer journey, not only airport congestion. Just like traffic, congestion is a symptom of a confluence of issues, but ultimately is a sign of poor design and management.
For the inside of the terminals, we can take inspiration from Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Paris. Beautifully designed, futuristic-looking sleeping pods and reading nooks are available for passengers. Instead of the passengers rushing through or waiting on the floors, these facilities are aesthetically designed to influence or to entice the passengers to use them. There should also be a lounge dedicated to PWDs and the elderly, and airport-certified personnel to assist them with boarding.
In terms of infrastructure development, things are looking quite exciting for the Philippines as proposed projects hit the ground running by 2018. With continuing visionary leadership, strong political will, good planning, good design, and good governance, we can bring the Philippines well into the 21st century – a globally competitive nation.
From the conversations I’ve had with several investors and business leaders, the opportunities are more than enough for local investors. Investors even said that definitely we would need the help of foreign contractors and developers to bring in expertise, technology, operations management and funding. It’s possible that in the next few years we might see 20 kilometer-long bridges, connecting Bataan to Calabarzon, which I have been proposing for a very long time, and a bridge connecting the Visayas to Mindanao. In other Asian countries, such as in the rich Pearl Delta region of China, they have constructed a bridge longer than 40 kilometers. It took around five years to finish. If we are to adopt the technology and open our country up for direct foreign investment, a 20km bridge may only take two to three years to finish.
Imagine, one can travel from the tip of Luzon to the southernmost portions of Mindanao by land or railway! In 2006, Maglev of Germany talked to me about the possibility of developing a Maglev railway in the country. It will only take three hours to travel from Laoag to Davao.
Metro Davao and Davao Gulf megalopolis
Just this October, the Mindanao Development Authority, in strategic partnership with the Davao Regional Development Council and National Economic Development Authority, awarded the Urban Master Plan of Metro Davao to Palafox Associates.
The total land area of Metro Davao is approximately 600,000 hectares and the entire Davao Gulf is approximately 860,000 hectares. This includes the municipalities of Panabo, Carmen, Tagum, Island Garden of Samal, Mabini, Maco, Pantukan, Banaybay, Lupon, San Isidro, Governor Generoso, Davao City, Sta. Cruz, Digos, Hagonoy, Padada, Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, and Jose Abad Santos.
The Davao Gulf megalopolis is 16 times the size of Singapore, four times the size of Hong Kong, and twice the size of Dubai. We need to realize that there is more to our country beyond Metro Manila and start considering what other regions have to offer.
Metropolitan Davao is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. In 2016, the region grew 9.4 percent, the third fastest. In 2016, when Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte won the national election as President of the Philippines, it helped propel the political significance, urban, and economic growth of the Davao region. And now the region is experiencing rapid urbanization. But through the Urban Master Plan, Metropolitan Davao, and the entire Davao Gulf, has the opportunity to become a model for sustainable, pedestrian and transit-oriented, technologically innovative, livable and resilient city in the country.
The big idea is to interconnect and synergize the entire Davao in becoming one economic superblock but at the same time maintaining a healthy city life, food security, environmental integrity, sense of culture, and safety. Metro Davao can possibly host the country’s biggest airport and seaport by 2021.
Pampanga megalopolis and Clark aerotropolis
Pampanga is the strongest counter-magnet to Metro Manila. In 2017, Palafox Associates is proud to share that it has completed the Pampanga Megalopolis plan. It included the new development of an outer and inner circumferential development corridors, bus rapid transits, transportation plans, tourism plans, and identification of water supply among many others.
The Pampanga Megalopolis has introduced the concepts of pairing spatial and physical strategies to economic value chains and development thrusts to maximize the economic competitive advantages of each city and municipality. The province has identified four metropolitan clusters which are the Aerotropolis, Agropolis, Ecopolis, and the Aquapolis.
Airport development
The airport is a gateway, the front door, to a country. For any foreigner and returning Filipino expatriate, the airport is where they first set foot in the country. It is a welcome mat of our hospitality, character, culture and identity. Before you become an investor, you must first be a satisfied tourist.
In 2015, there were 36 million passengers. It means that the airport had the opportunity to showcase the entire country to millions of visitors. Inside the terminals, long walkways and waiting areas are places that give us an opportunity to present the beautiful islands and destinations of our country, as well as an opportunity to show the world-class craftsmanship of our artists, among others. As passengers are walking, there could be high-tech, digital screens that show the beauty of our country. There could also be interactive public art, sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The potential is limitless.
Airports should be appreciated through the light of holistic planning and holistic passenger experience and consumer journey, not only airport congestion. Just like traffic, congestion is a symptom of a confluence of issues, but ultimately is a sign of poor design and management.
For the inside of the terminals, we can take inspiration from Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Paris. Beautifully designed, futuristic-looking sleeping pods and reading nooks are available for passengers. Instead of the passengers rushing through or waiting on the floors, these facilities are aesthetically designed to influence or to entice the passengers to use them. There should also be a lounge dedicated to PWDs and the elderly, and airport-certified personnel to assist them with boarding.
In terms of infrastructure development, things are looking quite exciting for the Philippines as proposed projects hit the ground running by 2018. With continuing visionary leadership, strong political will, good planning, good design, and good governance, we can bring the Philippines well into the 21st century – a globally competitive nation.
Dawn happy to be paired with Bossing
Although in the past Dawn Zulueta has starred opposite Vic Sotto playing Faye on hit sitcom “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” they haven’t worked together in a movie. So imagine her excitement when she was offered to team up with Bossing in “Meant To Beh,” an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
“That’s the reason ‘Meant To Beh’ is very special to me. Aside from being my first big screen collaboration with Bossing, it is also my first time to be directed by Chris Martinez. And also my first time to be working with Daniel Matsunaga, JC Santos, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid and Baby Baste. I’m really excited!” Dawn exclaimed.
A light comedy, Dawn considers “Meant To Beh” a “breather,” since it is the first time she is starring in a comic role. “Alam niyo naman that since the start of my career, it’s always been dramatic roles that I was playing. Ngayon lang talaga ako nag-comedy kahit light lang kasi it’s about family life, there’s still drama and seriousness in it.”
On landing in the Top 3 slots in the MMFF 2017, Dawn admits they face big competition against the Coco Martin, Vice Ganda and Jennylyn Mercado movies.
“The pressure of landing in the Top 3 is a big challenge. But I’m confident with our offering. I think we’re the only family-oriented entry to the festival which is good. I’m sure the viewing public will not only enjoy the film but will pick up some valuable lessons from its various themes,” Dawn said.
Vic also has high hopes for their entry, where he is directed also for the first time by Chris. “It’s a pleasure to experience a movie with new direction and new storytelling,” Vic said. “Magaling siyang maglatag ng istorya sa big screen. Maraming nagandahan sa trailer ng movie, but it doesn’t do justice to the whole story. I take my hat off to Chris Martinez.”
• • •
Show designed for millennials
The new GMA Public Affairs host Atom Araullo will topbill “Adulting With Atom Araullo,” who’ll join millennials in their journey towards adulthood.
It’s on GMA ONE Online Exclusives available on the network’s YouTube channel.
“It’s great privilege to be in an engaging show like this where I give netizens a peek at my everyday struggles,” Atom said.
“This is a different medium and it’s very challenging. We hope to talk about the different challenges we face as we enter the adult world. We are free to discuss various topics like sex, relationships and issues.”
On the other hand, Gabbi hosts “#Goals With Gabbi Garcia” which sees her delve in beauty, style, make-up, travel, and music.
“I feel so positive about this show, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences. We’re in a new age now where millennials appreciate digital content, they’re really into social media. The show is very relatable to the youth,” she said.
Kapuso reporter Joseph Morong debunks false news items on “Fact Or Fake With Joseph Morong.”
New episodes of these shows will be uploaded every Mondays at 5 p.m.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 28, go to Claire dela Fuente, Emcy Corteza, Hortencia Starke, Marietta Tamondong, Jill Yulo, Cynthia Garcia, Edna Azurin, Mary Anne Salcedo, Jocelyn Morales, Olga Apostol, Amy Espino, Niño Sampilo, Marni Ocampo, Emmy Gamboa, Chris Beato, and Franco Laurel… Dec. 29: Amelia M. Ramos, Bettina Aspillaga, Calvin Millado, Marilyn Yambao, Gamaliel Vasquez, Vivian Hultman, Jasmin Tuazon, Ralph Nino Manuel, Alvin Gabito, Jose and Raul Concepcion, Rico Barrera, Kristel Fulgar, Mike Villa-Real, Kaye Dacer, and Ret. Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco, Jr.…
“That’s the reason ‘Meant To Beh’ is very special to me. Aside from being my first big screen collaboration with Bossing, it is also my first time to be directed by Chris Martinez. And also my first time to be working with Daniel Matsunaga, JC Santos, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid and Baby Baste. I’m really excited!” Dawn exclaimed.
A light comedy, Dawn considers “Meant To Beh” a “breather,” since it is the first time she is starring in a comic role. “Alam niyo naman that since the start of my career, it’s always been dramatic roles that I was playing. Ngayon lang talaga ako nag-comedy kahit light lang kasi it’s about family life, there’s still drama and seriousness in it.”
On landing in the Top 3 slots in the MMFF 2017, Dawn admits they face big competition against the Coco Martin, Vice Ganda and Jennylyn Mercado movies.
“The pressure of landing in the Top 3 is a big challenge. But I’m confident with our offering. I think we’re the only family-oriented entry to the festival which is good. I’m sure the viewing public will not only enjoy the film but will pick up some valuable lessons from its various themes,” Dawn said.
Vic also has high hopes for their entry, where he is directed also for the first time by Chris. “It’s a pleasure to experience a movie with new direction and new storytelling,” Vic said. “Magaling siyang maglatag ng istorya sa big screen. Maraming nagandahan sa trailer ng movie, but it doesn’t do justice to the whole story. I take my hat off to Chris Martinez.”
• • •
Show designed for millennials
The new GMA Public Affairs host Atom Araullo will topbill “Adulting With Atom Araullo,” who’ll join millennials in their journey towards adulthood.
It’s on GMA ONE Online Exclusives available on the network’s YouTube channel.
“It’s great privilege to be in an engaging show like this where I give netizens a peek at my everyday struggles,” Atom said.
“This is a different medium and it’s very challenging. We hope to talk about the different challenges we face as we enter the adult world. We are free to discuss various topics like sex, relationships and issues.”
On the other hand, Gabbi hosts “#Goals With Gabbi Garcia” which sees her delve in beauty, style, make-up, travel, and music.
“I feel so positive about this show, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences. We’re in a new age now where millennials appreciate digital content, they’re really into social media. The show is very relatable to the youth,” she said.
Kapuso reporter Joseph Morong debunks false news items on “Fact Or Fake With Joseph Morong.”
New episodes of these shows will be uploaded every Mondays at 5 p.m.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 28, go to Claire dela Fuente, Emcy Corteza, Hortencia Starke, Marietta Tamondong, Jill Yulo, Cynthia Garcia, Edna Azurin, Mary Anne Salcedo, Jocelyn Morales, Olga Apostol, Amy Espino, Niño Sampilo, Marni Ocampo, Emmy Gamboa, Chris Beato, and Franco Laurel… Dec. 29: Amelia M. Ramos, Bettina Aspillaga, Calvin Millado, Marilyn Yambao, Gamaliel Vasquez, Vivian Hultman, Jasmin Tuazon, Ralph Nino Manuel, Alvin Gabito, Jose and Raul Concepcion, Rico Barrera, Kristel Fulgar, Mike Villa-Real, Kaye Dacer, and Ret. Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco, Jr.…
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
‘Deadma’ stars deliver great performances
We watched the premiere showing of T-Rex Entertainment’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 entry “Deadma Walking” at Trinoma last Thursday night and we were not disappointed. The film made us laugh, it was an enjoyable cinema experience, amazed as we were at the film’s merits, especially the performances of Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman which we believe are worthy of acting awards.
Joross and Edgar Allan got the biggest breaks in their careers playing John and Mark, respectively, in this film based on a Palanca award-winning script (by Eric Cabahug) and directed by first-timer Julius Alfonso. “Deadma Walking” also received an “A” grade from the Cinema Evaluation Board.
The movie is about two gay friends who orchestrate a fake death and funeral. Edgar Allan plays the flamboyant Mark who is asked by the straight-acting cancer-stricken John to organize a fake funeral so that he can hear what people have to say about him.
• • •
‘Maynila’ garners five Aliw Awards
At the recently held 30th Aliw Awards held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the musical “Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag” garnered five major awards.
These are: Best Actor in a Featured Role for Jim Pebangco; Best Actress in a Featured Role for Aicelle Santos; Best Stage Director (Musical) – for Joel Lamangan; Best Musical Composer for Musical Theater for Von de Guzman; and Best Original Musical Production.
“Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag, The Musical” was based on the novel by Edgardo Reyes, and the movie by the late National Artist Lino Brocka. The musical was produced by Grand Leisure Corp. and staged at KIA Theater in September-October this year.
Producer Babes Javier said the musical received nine nominations from Aliw Awards Foundation which is celebrating its 40th foundation anniversary. Founding chairman and president is Alice H. Reyes. Chairman of the executive committee was Bing Carrion.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 26, go to Fatima Princess Magsino, Former Speaker Joe de Venecia, Sen. JV Ejercito, Hajji Alejandro, Darling Cruz, Steve Sarino, Edd Palmos, Romy Magat, Nena Guevarra, Cely Gantner, Ma. Victoria Estrella, Ed Gonzalez, Naty Gonzalez, Eva Paulino, Demie Enotalio and Jennica Garcia…Condolences to the family of Cesar Javier, who passed away on December 23. A Mass was held followed by cremation today at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. Dec. 27: Luchi Cruz Valdez, City Sanchez, Tini Jacaria, John Ronald Robinson, Johnny Go, Wham Ilagan, Angie Henson, Lulu Lim Lee, Carlo Sarino, Bambbi Fuentes, Yolanda Pastrana, and Maila Gumila…
Joross and Edgar Allan got the biggest breaks in their careers playing John and Mark, respectively, in this film based on a Palanca award-winning script (by Eric Cabahug) and directed by first-timer Julius Alfonso. “Deadma Walking” also received an “A” grade from the Cinema Evaluation Board.
The movie is about two gay friends who orchestrate a fake death and funeral. Edgar Allan plays the flamboyant Mark who is asked by the straight-acting cancer-stricken John to organize a fake funeral so that he can hear what people have to say about him.
• • •
‘Maynila’ garners five Aliw Awards
At the recently held 30th Aliw Awards held at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, the musical “Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag” garnered five major awards.
These are: Best Actor in a Featured Role for Jim Pebangco; Best Actress in a Featured Role for Aicelle Santos; Best Stage Director (Musical) – for Joel Lamangan; Best Musical Composer for Musical Theater for Von de Guzman; and Best Original Musical Production.
“Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag, The Musical” was based on the novel by Edgardo Reyes, and the movie by the late National Artist Lino Brocka. The musical was produced by Grand Leisure Corp. and staged at KIA Theater in September-October this year.
Producer Babes Javier said the musical received nine nominations from Aliw Awards Foundation which is celebrating its 40th foundation anniversary. Founding chairman and president is Alice H. Reyes. Chairman of the executive committee was Bing Carrion.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 26, go to Fatima Princess Magsino, Former Speaker Joe de Venecia, Sen. JV Ejercito, Hajji Alejandro, Darling Cruz, Steve Sarino, Edd Palmos, Romy Magat, Nena Guevarra, Cely Gantner, Ma. Victoria Estrella, Ed Gonzalez, Naty Gonzalez, Eva Paulino, Demie Enotalio and Jennica Garcia…Condolences to the family of Cesar Javier, who passed away on December 23. A Mass was held followed by cremation today at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. Dec. 27: Luchi Cruz Valdez, City Sanchez, Tini Jacaria, John Ronald Robinson, Johnny Go, Wham Ilagan, Angie Henson, Lulu Lim Lee, Carlo Sarino, Bambbi Fuentes, Yolanda Pastrana, and Maila Gumila…
Monday, December 25, 2017
Ayala Land to open 3 malls in 2018
Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. plans to open at least three regional shopping malls in 2018 as it continues to expand its commercial leasing business.
Ayala Land head of malls group Rowena Tomeldan said in a chance interview over the weekend the three malls included a huge shopping complex at the Aseana City complex adjacent to Pagcor Entertainment City.
The new mall will give Ayala Land a presence in Pagcor City, which is being developed as the Las Vegas-style gaming strip along Manila Bay.
“We will soft open Ayala Malls Bay Area late next year,” Tomeldan said. “The mall will have more than 200,000 square meters of leasable space. However, we will only open phase 1 one of the mall which is about 17,000 square meters and a big portion of the mall will open in 2019.”
The mall is located within a nine-hectare complex being leased from the Wenceslao Group. Aside from the huge mall, other developments within the complex include an office building for business process outsourcing companies and a 12-story hotel with at least 325 rooms.
The other malls slated for opening in 2018 are in Circuit Makati and Bacolod City.
Ayala Mall Capital Central, situated on the provincial capital of Bacolod, will have roughly 50,000 sq. m. of leasable space.
Meanwhile, the new mall in Circuit Makati, an estate development where the former Santa Ana racetrack used to operate, will have 50,000 sq. m. of leasable space.
Ayala Land this month opened Ayala Malls Feliz, a 79,000-sq. m. mall along Marcos Highway, Cainta, and Ayala Malls Marikina Heights, a 13,000-sq. m. community center.
Other malls that Ayala Land opened in 2017 were Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, a 39,000-sq. m. shopping center in Balintawak, Quezon City, Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City and Ayala Mall The 30th in Ortigas Center, Pasig.
The property company has been building up recurring-income sources, including hotels, and office developments to account for 50 percent of earnings over the next couple of years.
Early this month, Ayala Mall, in partnership with Zalora Group, Asia’s online fashion store, said it would roll out ‘pop-up’ stores in January 2018 in a bid to attract online shoppers.
A ‘pop-up’ store is a short-term sales space operated by an online merchant.
Ayala Land registered a net income of P17.8 billion in the first nine months of the year, up 18 percent year-on-year, boosted by record-high sales and steady growth in leasing income.
Ayala Land’s nine-month consolidated revenues grew 16 percent to P98.9 billion, from P85.49 billion a year ago, as real estate revenues rose 15 percent to a record P96.4 billion from a year ago level.
Residential sales surged 28 percent to P60 billion, while office for sale climbed 44 percent to P6.7 billion. Sales of commercial and industrial lots contributed P4.8 billion, up eight percent from a year ago level.
Reservation sales in the first nine months of the year amounted to P94.2 billion, which international sales accounting for 20 percent.
Ayala Land head of malls group Rowena Tomeldan said in a chance interview over the weekend the three malls included a huge shopping complex at the Aseana City complex adjacent to Pagcor Entertainment City.
The new mall will give Ayala Land a presence in Pagcor City, which is being developed as the Las Vegas-style gaming strip along Manila Bay.
“We will soft open Ayala Malls Bay Area late next year,” Tomeldan said. “The mall will have more than 200,000 square meters of leasable space. However, we will only open phase 1 one of the mall which is about 17,000 square meters and a big portion of the mall will open in 2019.”
The mall is located within a nine-hectare complex being leased from the Wenceslao Group. Aside from the huge mall, other developments within the complex include an office building for business process outsourcing companies and a 12-story hotel with at least 325 rooms.
The other malls slated for opening in 2018 are in Circuit Makati and Bacolod City.
Ayala Mall Capital Central, situated on the provincial capital of Bacolod, will have roughly 50,000 sq. m. of leasable space.
Meanwhile, the new mall in Circuit Makati, an estate development where the former Santa Ana racetrack used to operate, will have 50,000 sq. m. of leasable space.
Ayala Land this month opened Ayala Malls Feliz, a 79,000-sq. m. mall along Marcos Highway, Cainta, and Ayala Malls Marikina Heights, a 13,000-sq. m. community center.
Other malls that Ayala Land opened in 2017 were Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, a 39,000-sq. m. shopping center in Balintawak, Quezon City, Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City and Ayala Mall The 30th in Ortigas Center, Pasig.
The property company has been building up recurring-income sources, including hotels, and office developments to account for 50 percent of earnings over the next couple of years.
Early this month, Ayala Mall, in partnership with Zalora Group, Asia’s online fashion store, said it would roll out ‘pop-up’ stores in January 2018 in a bid to attract online shoppers.
A ‘pop-up’ store is a short-term sales space operated by an online merchant.
Ayala Land registered a net income of P17.8 billion in the first nine months of the year, up 18 percent year-on-year, boosted by record-high sales and steady growth in leasing income.
Ayala Land’s nine-month consolidated revenues grew 16 percent to P98.9 billion, from P85.49 billion a year ago, as real estate revenues rose 15 percent to a record P96.4 billion from a year ago level.
Residential sales surged 28 percent to P60 billion, while office for sale climbed 44 percent to P6.7 billion. Sales of commercial and industrial lots contributed P4.8 billion, up eight percent from a year ago level.
Reservation sales in the first nine months of the year amounted to P94.2 billion, which international sales accounting for 20 percent.
Mark Villar touts benefits of Cavitex C5-Southlink
The construction of the 7.7-kilometer, six-lane C-5 South Link Expressway, which will connect C-5 Road to the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), is in full swing.
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and his officials have inspected the road construction at the CP Garcia Monument along C-5, a stone’s throw away from the Bicutan East Service Road.
“The benefits of this urgent infrastructure project will far outweigh the temporary inconvenience to the public during its construction. Upon completion, the toll road will speed up the commute of motorists and travelers from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite, allowing them to directly cross over the South Luzon Expressway and Skyway into C-5 in Taguig City,” Villar said.
About 40,000 to 45,000 motorists are seen to benefit from the link that will also decongest EDSA, he said.
“We are all excited and proud that we have brought this project into construction stage. The first phase is 2.2 kilometers long, including a flyover above the South Luzon Expressway and skyway from C-5 Road, Taguig City to Merville in Sucat, Parañaque City,” Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. president J. Luigi Bautista said.
The expressway’s second phase, from Merville to Cavitex (Coastal Road), is estimated to cost P7.5 billion.
Villar said the project’s completion is expected in June 2019 and will be operated as an open toll collection system.
“The C5-Southlink will provide a seamless connection to the 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway, which is under construction. We take pride in knowing that our organization contributes to the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program under Secretary Villar’s leadership,” said Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco.
Aside from the Cavitex network of toll roads, the MPTC, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., operates the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and the soon-to-be built Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and his officials have inspected the road construction at the CP Garcia Monument along C-5, a stone’s throw away from the Bicutan East Service Road.
“The benefits of this urgent infrastructure project will far outweigh the temporary inconvenience to the public during its construction. Upon completion, the toll road will speed up the commute of motorists and travelers from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite, allowing them to directly cross over the South Luzon Expressway and Skyway into C-5 in Taguig City,” Villar said.
About 40,000 to 45,000 motorists are seen to benefit from the link that will also decongest EDSA, he said.
“We are all excited and proud that we have brought this project into construction stage. The first phase is 2.2 kilometers long, including a flyover above the South Luzon Expressway and skyway from C-5 Road, Taguig City to Merville in Sucat, Parañaque City,” Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. president J. Luigi Bautista said.
The expressway’s second phase, from Merville to Cavitex (Coastal Road), is estimated to cost P7.5 billion.
Villar said the project’s completion is expected in June 2019 and will be operated as an open toll collection system.
“The C5-Southlink will provide a seamless connection to the 45-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway, which is under construction. We take pride in knowing that our organization contributes to the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program under Secretary Villar’s leadership,” said Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco.
Aside from the Cavitex network of toll roads, the MPTC, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., operates the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and the soon-to-be built Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Impressive directorial debut of Coco Martin
Very impressive is how best we can describe Coco Martin’s directorial debut for the remake of Carlo J. Caparas’ “Ang Panday.” Considering he was also taping for “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” while filming the movie, for which he is also producer and actor among others, Coco did well in making another version of “Ang Panday.”
Coco said he used both indie and mainstream moviemaking techniques. He reminded everyone that he started out as an indie actor but learned even more when he started working on mainstream projects. He specially cited awarded director Brillante Mendoza as one of his mentors.
The Panday character Flavio has been played in the past by Fernando Poe Jr., Bong Revilla, Richard Gutierrez, and Jericho Rosales. And like them, Coco will certainly make a mark.
It’s noted that Coco’s version of “Ang Panday” was well-made with its electrifying fantasy/action and its magnificent and scenic backgrounds, not usually used as shooting locales. He said in his interviews that he did not set a limit to the production budget. “Hindi talaga ako nagtipid at nagmadali sa shooting, gusto ko masulit ang ibabayad ng mga moviegoers. Sana panoorin nila ang pelikulang ito where I play the apo of Panday. At sana panoorin nila lahat ang pelikulang kasali sa 2017 MMFF.”
Coco’s leading lady is beauty queen Mariel de Leon. Also featured in “Ang Panday” are Jake Cuenca (who was very good in his portrayal of Lizardo, the main villain; Michael de Mesa, Dennis Padilla and Carmi Martin among the more that 80 in the cast.
By the way, in line with the movie, Coco also expanded his franchise via a mobile app which he co-designed and which he described as “not so violent so it is suitable to children as young as three years old. “I want our young generation to know and remember that we also have our own superheroes that we can be proud of.”
• • •
See it to believe
Straight from London, the “Impossible,” the world’s greatest magic show comes to the Philippines for the first time this holiday season. The show will run from Dec. 25, to Jan. 3, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A family show that will thrill audiences of all ages, it features mind-boggling acts, astonishing tricks, and more. It has magicians from UK like the world’s greatest (and probably only) hip-hop magician Magical Bones, mind-blowing Mind Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, and Master of Magic Ali Cook; as well as “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist Bello Nock, known as the Comic Daredevil.
“Impossible” promises major audience interaction, illusionists that levitate on stage, and performers that may even disappear right in front of your eyes. You have to see it to believe it. So make your Christmas magical this year and get your tickets now at super affordable rates starting at R160 from Ticketnet.com.ph.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 23, go to Marichu Maceda, Lorna Tolentino, Remy Monteverde, Gilopez Kabayao, Luciano Mangiafico, Zeny Tengco, Daniel Lacson, Lito Nepomuceno, Charito Doles, Juan Mayina, Jonas Cruz, Portia Leuterio, Garie Concepcion, Lizelle Orcullo and Cesar Sarino… Dec. 24: Arlene Babst, Dory Bernabe, Anna Kirsten Saruca, Andres Genito Jr., Menchie Peralta, Dominique James, Fred Palma, and Jackie Boncan… Dec. 25: LJ Reyes, Mila Catan, Jess Soriano, Josephine Roberto, Salvador Rivera, Jeanette Do, Wengweng Romero, Dr. Noel Tanopo, Antonio Gamboa, Ricky Gallardo, Hanzel Villafuerte, Crisanta Lumunsad, Noella D.C. Alegre, Ador Saluta, Camille Muñoz, Joyce Ramirez, and Bettina Carlos…MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Coco said he used both indie and mainstream moviemaking techniques. He reminded everyone that he started out as an indie actor but learned even more when he started working on mainstream projects. He specially cited awarded director Brillante Mendoza as one of his mentors.
The Panday character Flavio has been played in the past by Fernando Poe Jr., Bong Revilla, Richard Gutierrez, and Jericho Rosales. And like them, Coco will certainly make a mark.
It’s noted that Coco’s version of “Ang Panday” was well-made with its electrifying fantasy/action and its magnificent and scenic backgrounds, not usually used as shooting locales. He said in his interviews that he did not set a limit to the production budget. “Hindi talaga ako nagtipid at nagmadali sa shooting, gusto ko masulit ang ibabayad ng mga moviegoers. Sana panoorin nila ang pelikulang ito where I play the apo of Panday. At sana panoorin nila lahat ang pelikulang kasali sa 2017 MMFF.”
Coco’s leading lady is beauty queen Mariel de Leon. Also featured in “Ang Panday” are Jake Cuenca (who was very good in his portrayal of Lizardo, the main villain; Michael de Mesa, Dennis Padilla and Carmi Martin among the more that 80 in the cast.
By the way, in line with the movie, Coco also expanded his franchise via a mobile app which he co-designed and which he described as “not so violent so it is suitable to children as young as three years old. “I want our young generation to know and remember that we also have our own superheroes that we can be proud of.”
• • •
See it to believe
Straight from London, the “Impossible,” the world’s greatest magic show comes to the Philippines for the first time this holiday season. The show will run from Dec. 25, to Jan. 3, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A family show that will thrill audiences of all ages, it features mind-boggling acts, astonishing tricks, and more. It has magicians from UK like the world’s greatest (and probably only) hip-hop magician Magical Bones, mind-blowing Mind Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, and Master of Magic Ali Cook; as well as “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist Bello Nock, known as the Comic Daredevil.
“Impossible” promises major audience interaction, illusionists that levitate on stage, and performers that may even disappear right in front of your eyes. You have to see it to believe it. So make your Christmas magical this year and get your tickets now at super affordable rates starting at R160 from Ticketnet.com.ph.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 23, go to Marichu Maceda, Lorna Tolentino, Remy Monteverde, Gilopez Kabayao, Luciano Mangiafico, Zeny Tengco, Daniel Lacson, Lito Nepomuceno, Charito Doles, Juan Mayina, Jonas Cruz, Portia Leuterio, Garie Concepcion, Lizelle Orcullo and Cesar Sarino… Dec. 24: Arlene Babst, Dory Bernabe, Anna Kirsten Saruca, Andres Genito Jr., Menchie Peralta, Dominique James, Fred Palma, and Jackie Boncan… Dec. 25: LJ Reyes, Mila Catan, Jess Soriano, Josephine Roberto, Salvador Rivera, Jeanette Do, Wengweng Romero, Dr. Noel Tanopo, Antonio Gamboa, Ricky Gallardo, Hanzel Villafuerte, Crisanta Lumunsad, Noella D.C. Alegre, Ador Saluta, Camille Muñoz, Joyce Ramirez, and Bettina Carlos…MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Friday, December 22, 2017
Infra program on track; north rail line due in Q1
THE GOVERNMENT’S infrastructure timetable is on track with more project launches expected in the first quarter, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.
His remarks follow groundbreaking on the first “hybrid PPP (Public-Private Partnership),” the Clark International Airport expansion project, which got off the ground with initial funding from the government, with the PPP mode to be employed in the operations and maintenance portion of the project.
“This shovel-ready project was approved in the first 18 months of the Duterte administration. In fact, the formal approval came only six months ago,” Mr. Dominguez III said in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Clark Airport expansion project on Wednesday.
The government tweaked the pure PPP model, which it said was too slow, by funding the initial stages of the project. It also wants to tap more official development assistance (ODA) to finance an ambitious infrastructure-building drive.
“In the previous administration, the projects of PPP took an average of 30 months from conception to start of implementation. It took the Cavite-Laguna Expressway 50 months to conceptualize and begin the implementation,” Mr. Dominguez said.
“This will not happen in the case of the many infra projects that will commence in the Duterte administration in the next few months. This administration brooks no delay in building the projects that the people need and the public deserves,” he added.
Among projects to be rolled out in the first quarter next year are the Malolos-Clark Philippine National Railways North line, the Quezon City and EDSA portion of the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit system, and the first phase of the Mindanao Rail Project.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia has said that the government will be able to implement about 12 big-ticket infrastructure projects next year.
This year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved 14 new projects, with most implemented through hybrid PPP mode.
Under the new government, 36 projects were approved by the NEDA Board, worth P1 trillion.
Mr. Pernia also said that he expects another 15 project approvals in 2018.
The government aims to spend about P8.4 trillion in infrastructure until 2022, which is expected to boost economic growth by seven to 8% over the same period, while providing more jobs to cut the unemployment rate to three to 5% from 5.5% in 2016, and bring down the poverty rate to 14% from 21.6% in 2015. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan
His remarks follow groundbreaking on the first “hybrid PPP (Public-Private Partnership),” the Clark International Airport expansion project, which got off the ground with initial funding from the government, with the PPP mode to be employed in the operations and maintenance portion of the project.
“This shovel-ready project was approved in the first 18 months of the Duterte administration. In fact, the formal approval came only six months ago,” Mr. Dominguez III said in a speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Clark Airport expansion project on Wednesday.
The government tweaked the pure PPP model, which it said was too slow, by funding the initial stages of the project. It also wants to tap more official development assistance (ODA) to finance an ambitious infrastructure-building drive.
“In the previous administration, the projects of PPP took an average of 30 months from conception to start of implementation. It took the Cavite-Laguna Expressway 50 months to conceptualize and begin the implementation,” Mr. Dominguez said.
“This will not happen in the case of the many infra projects that will commence in the Duterte administration in the next few months. This administration brooks no delay in building the projects that the people need and the public deserves,” he added.
Among projects to be rolled out in the first quarter next year are the Malolos-Clark Philippine National Railways North line, the Quezon City and EDSA portion of the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit system, and the first phase of the Mindanao Rail Project.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia has said that the government will be able to implement about 12 big-ticket infrastructure projects next year.
This year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved 14 new projects, with most implemented through hybrid PPP mode.
Under the new government, 36 projects were approved by the NEDA Board, worth P1 trillion.
Mr. Pernia also said that he expects another 15 project approvals in 2018.
The government aims to spend about P8.4 trillion in infrastructure until 2022, which is expected to boost economic growth by seven to 8% over the same period, while providing more jobs to cut the unemployment rate to three to 5% from 5.5% in 2016, and bring down the poverty rate to 14% from 21.6% in 2015. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Bossing is back
Vic Sotto is back in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this year, and he reunites with the ever beautiful Dawn Zulueta in the family comedy movie “Meant To Beh.”
His fans and supporters are thankful and excited but Bossing is even more thankful to them as he enjoins them to watch his movie.
In “Meant To Beh,” opening Dec. 25, Bossing co-stars with some of today’s hottest celebrities from the two giant networks: Daniel Matsunaga, JC Santos, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Andrea Torres, and child actor, Baste.
“Masaya din akong makatrabaho ang nagsisipaggalingang mga batang ito. Masaya lang kami lagi sa set, parang isang malaking bagong pamilya,” said Bossing.
Bossing has always been vocal about his love and gratitude to his fans not only in the Philippines but from all over the world.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng hindi bumitiw at nag-abang sa pagbabalik namin sa MMFF. Salamat sa suportang natatanggap namin.”
Bossing is ambassador of CitiGlobal Realty and Development Inc. “Pareho kasi kami ng goal at ’yun ay magdala ng saya sa bawat Pinoy at kanyang pamilya,” he said.
• • •
DZBB maintains top spot on AM radio list
GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB 594 is still the most listened to AM radio station in Mega Manila based on the most recent data from Nielsen’s Radio Audience Measurement.
Recent ratings data show DZBB posted a total week average audience share of 33.3 percent in November, winning over DZMM’s 28.8 percent and DZRH’s 11.2 percent.
From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi Sa Dobol B” hosted by Mike Enriquez; “Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” hosted by Melo del Prado.
Recognized as one of the most awarded radio stations in the country, DZBB recently won as the Radio Station of the Year in the 7th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Makatao Awards for Media Excellence.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 21, go to former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Rep. Danilo Suarez, Mila Jorge, Donna Galima, Eddie Wong, Dr. Emmanuel Ochoa, R’U Miranda, Ray Maranan, Leslie Anne Jao, and Ryza Cenon… Dec. 22: Atty. Joey Lina, Dra. Ine Mauricio, Cora Jacob, Maurice Arcache, Ma. Alegría Limjoco, Monina Palma, Dorothy Trino, Josie Domingo, Nina D.C. Alegre, Onat Diaz, Philip Roxas and Makisig Morales…
His fans and supporters are thankful and excited but Bossing is even more thankful to them as he enjoins them to watch his movie.
In “Meant To Beh,” opening Dec. 25, Bossing co-stars with some of today’s hottest celebrities from the two giant networks: Daniel Matsunaga, JC Santos, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Andrea Torres, and child actor, Baste.
“Masaya din akong makatrabaho ang nagsisipaggalingang mga batang ito. Masaya lang kami lagi sa set, parang isang malaking bagong pamilya,” said Bossing.
Bossing has always been vocal about his love and gratitude to his fans not only in the Philippines but from all over the world.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng hindi bumitiw at nag-abang sa pagbabalik namin sa MMFF. Salamat sa suportang natatanggap namin.”
Bossing is ambassador of CitiGlobal Realty and Development Inc. “Pareho kasi kami ng goal at ’yun ay magdala ng saya sa bawat Pinoy at kanyang pamilya,” he said.
• • •
DZBB maintains top spot on AM radio list
GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB 594 is still the most listened to AM radio station in Mega Manila based on the most recent data from Nielsen’s Radio Audience Measurement.
Recent ratings data show DZBB posted a total week average audience share of 33.3 percent in November, winning over DZMM’s 28.8 percent and DZRH’s 11.2 percent.
From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi Sa Dobol B” hosted by Mike Enriquez; “Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” hosted by Melo del Prado.
Recognized as one of the most awarded radio stations in the country, DZBB recently won as the Radio Station of the Year in the 7th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Makatao Awards for Media Excellence.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 21, go to former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Rep. Danilo Suarez, Mila Jorge, Donna Galima, Eddie Wong, Dr. Emmanuel Ochoa, R’U Miranda, Ray Maranan, Leslie Anne Jao, and Ryza Cenon… Dec. 22: Atty. Joey Lina, Dra. Ine Mauricio, Cora Jacob, Maurice Arcache, Ma. Alegría Limjoco, Monina Palma, Dorothy Trino, Josie Domingo, Nina D.C. Alegre, Onat Diaz, Philip Roxas and Makisig Morales…
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
'Secret marshalls' to add security in LRT
Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is adding security in its trains to ensure the safety of commuters in view of the Christmas holidays.
LRTA Administrator Retired Police General Reynaldo Berroya says, they have dispatched special agents who will wear civilian clothes to augment the number of security guards in the trains.
Berroya describes the additional personnel as "undercover, parang may mga secret marshalls (it seems like there are secrets marshalls inside the trains)."
LRTA currently employs about 1,000 security guards in its purple line (LRT-2) that runs from Recto in Manila to Santolan at the boundary of Marikina City and Pasig City.
LRT-1 serves around 500,000 passengers while LRT-2 serves about 200,000 commuters daily.
LRTA is a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
LRTA Administrator Retired Police General Reynaldo Berroya says, they have dispatched special agents who will wear civilian clothes to augment the number of security guards in the trains.
Berroya describes the additional personnel as "undercover, parang may mga secret marshalls (it seems like there are secrets marshalls inside the trains)."
LRTA currently employs about 1,000 security guards in its purple line (LRT-2) that runs from Recto in Manila to Santolan at the boundary of Marikina City and Pasig City.
LRT-1 serves around 500,000 passengers while LRT-2 serves about 200,000 commuters daily.
LRTA is a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Metro Manila subway construction to begin Q3 2018
Construction of the Metro Manila subway project is set to begin in the third quarter of 2018, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.
“The DOTr is expected to commence the project implementation of the Metro Manila subway project Phase 1 as early as third quarter of 2018," Diokno told reporters during a forum in Manila City.
“Right now they’re finalizing the feasibility study. The way we will do this is through design-and-build as these are among the few projects which will be not completed under Duterte’s term because it takes about several years. But at least we can look forward to having a subway,” he said.
On the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits last November, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kojie Haneda exchanged notes for the Metro Manila subway project.
Estimated to cost P355.6 billion or around ¥104.53 billion, the project will be funded by official development assistance (ODA) from Japan and public-private partnership (PPP) under the following loan terms:
The project covers a 25.3-kilometer subway connecting the National Capital Region north and south, from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, comprising 13 stations.
The project is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to Taguig City to 31 minutes.
Diokno said the subway is expected to commence partial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025 with the completion date sometime in 2027. — VDS, GMA News
“The DOTr is expected to commence the project implementation of the Metro Manila subway project Phase 1 as early as third quarter of 2018," Diokno told reporters during a forum in Manila City.
“Right now they’re finalizing the feasibility study. The way we will do this is through design-and-build as these are among the few projects which will be not completed under Duterte’s term because it takes about several years. But at least we can look forward to having a subway,” he said.
On the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits last November, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kojie Haneda exchanged notes for the Metro Manila subway project.
Estimated to cost P355.6 billion or around ¥104.53 billion, the project will be funded by official development assistance (ODA) from Japan and public-private partnership (PPP) under the following loan terms:
- 0.1% a year interest rate on the loan and 0.01% a year on consulting services
- 28-year repayment term after a grace period of 12 years
- Procurement terms tied to Japan
The project is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to Taguig City to 31 minutes.
Diokno said the subway is expected to commence partial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025 with the completion date sometime in 2027. — VDS, GMA News
God’s business
What’s in a name?
For Cebu Catholic TV Network (CCTN) Channel 47 President and CEO Nonito Limchua aka Tatay Dodong, a name is worth more than gold.
This was the highlight of his message delivered before officers, employees and guests of CCTN and Filproducts, another firm which he also owns, during the twin companies’ Christmas party held last week at an uptown convention center. Tatay Dodong and his wife, the lovely Diana, are both active in the charismatic movement as lay leaders of the Oasis of Love Catholic Community.
As an alternative TV station, CCTN is committed to integrate Catholic teachings in its whole slew of programs aimed to attract a mainstream audience. From news, music, Cebuano soap operas, magazine and talk shows to public worship, CCTN stands out for sticking to its Catholic brand which, from a marketing point of view, would be tantamount to keeping financial statements in the red. However, Tatay Dodong defies such conventional wisdom by sticking to his guns even at the expense of his own pocket.
In his Christmas message last Saturday, he revealed having met with a national marketing group that was supposed to turn around things for the Catholic TV station. He said he was hopeful that the Manila-based firm would be able to come up with new program designs and marketing tools but the deal fell through in the last minute. The reason: The other party wanted a redesign of the station ID by replacing the word “Catholic” with “City,” such that the new ID would be Cebu City TV Network.
I actually think it was not a bad proposal, but for Tatay Dodong the Catholic ID is non-negotiable. He acknowledged that CCTN “continually struggles to make both ends meet” but being Catholic is verily CCTN’s cutting edge, if you will. He added that since the media company is God’s business, “He will see to its well-being,” Tatay Dodong stressed.
* * *
In October this year, the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) reported that 54 media companies under the Catholic Media Network are facing an uncertain if not altogether bleak future because the franchise of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) under which CMN affiliates operate expired in August 2017.
CBCP filed for an application seeking an extension of the legislative franchise for another 25 years, but the application got stuck at the committee level of the Lower House. Speculations are rife that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is using the franchise issue to keep the Church from opposing Alvarez’ pet bills notably divorce, the dissolution of marriage and same sex marriage.
Strictly speaking, Catholic radio and TV stations that continue to operate under an expired franchise can be questioned anytime but so far, I haven’t heard of any friction between the government and CMN affiliates spread across 11 regions and 35 provinces. The Manila headliner is Radio Veritas. In Cebu, it is Station DYRF.
CCTN Ch 47 is a latecomer to the Catholic consortium but was able to secure franchise with the help of the late Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. While the issue of CMN’s collective franchise hangs like the proverbial sword of Damocles over its 54 affiliates, Tatay Dodong told me CCTN was able to secure provisional approval.
This development will certainly keep him positive as he prepares the Oasis of Love community for its first lived-in spiritual retreat designed for OFWs in Hong Kong next year. The trailblazing “Walk With Jesus” seminar happens on Chinese New Year, February 17-19, 2018.
Unknown to many, the Oasis of Love has been conducting spiritual outreaches in Hong Kong’s central district, Kowloon and New Territories since October 2016. The outreach program is attached to the parish of OFW chaplain, Fr. Jay Plandes, SVD who sees to it that parishioners can avail of the sacraments of confession and Holy Eucharist each time the Oasis of Love conducts healing sessions. Ministering to thousands of OFWs burdened mostly by family problems is a huge undertaking, but Fr. Plandes together with the Cebu-based group have risen to the occasion.
Tatay Dodong told me that when they arrived in October 2016, he found OFWs linger around Hong Kong’s public park engaged in idle chatter with some gambling their hard-earned money to escape from loneliness. After more than a year of monthly visits, Tatay Dodong said he has sensed renewed hope among his countrymen. Today, they not only help bring fellow OFWs to attend Sunday masses but also do some volunteer work around the parish.
With Tatay Dodong and Oasis of Love reliables, Emmanuel Soabas, Paul Alima, Allan Abelgas, Jimmy Dagoya and music ministry members, God’s business in Hong Kong is in good hands.
For Cebu Catholic TV Network (CCTN) Channel 47 President and CEO Nonito Limchua aka Tatay Dodong, a name is worth more than gold.
This was the highlight of his message delivered before officers, employees and guests of CCTN and Filproducts, another firm which he also owns, during the twin companies’ Christmas party held last week at an uptown convention center. Tatay Dodong and his wife, the lovely Diana, are both active in the charismatic movement as lay leaders of the Oasis of Love Catholic Community.
As an alternative TV station, CCTN is committed to integrate Catholic teachings in its whole slew of programs aimed to attract a mainstream audience. From news, music, Cebuano soap operas, magazine and talk shows to public worship, CCTN stands out for sticking to its Catholic brand which, from a marketing point of view, would be tantamount to keeping financial statements in the red. However, Tatay Dodong defies such conventional wisdom by sticking to his guns even at the expense of his own pocket.
In his Christmas message last Saturday, he revealed having met with a national marketing group that was supposed to turn around things for the Catholic TV station. He said he was hopeful that the Manila-based firm would be able to come up with new program designs and marketing tools but the deal fell through in the last minute. The reason: The other party wanted a redesign of the station ID by replacing the word “Catholic” with “City,” such that the new ID would be Cebu City TV Network.
I actually think it was not a bad proposal, but for Tatay Dodong the Catholic ID is non-negotiable. He acknowledged that CCTN “continually struggles to make both ends meet” but being Catholic is verily CCTN’s cutting edge, if you will. He added that since the media company is God’s business, “He will see to its well-being,” Tatay Dodong stressed.
* * *
In October this year, the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) reported that 54 media companies under the Catholic Media Network are facing an uncertain if not altogether bleak future because the franchise of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) under which CMN affiliates operate expired in August 2017.
CBCP filed for an application seeking an extension of the legislative franchise for another 25 years, but the application got stuck at the committee level of the Lower House. Speculations are rife that House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is using the franchise issue to keep the Church from opposing Alvarez’ pet bills notably divorce, the dissolution of marriage and same sex marriage.
Strictly speaking, Catholic radio and TV stations that continue to operate under an expired franchise can be questioned anytime but so far, I haven’t heard of any friction between the government and CMN affiliates spread across 11 regions and 35 provinces. The Manila headliner is Radio Veritas. In Cebu, it is Station DYRF.
CCTN Ch 47 is a latecomer to the Catholic consortium but was able to secure franchise with the help of the late Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. While the issue of CMN’s collective franchise hangs like the proverbial sword of Damocles over its 54 affiliates, Tatay Dodong told me CCTN was able to secure provisional approval.
This development will certainly keep him positive as he prepares the Oasis of Love community for its first lived-in spiritual retreat designed for OFWs in Hong Kong next year. The trailblazing “Walk With Jesus” seminar happens on Chinese New Year, February 17-19, 2018.
Unknown to many, the Oasis of Love has been conducting spiritual outreaches in Hong Kong’s central district, Kowloon and New Territories since October 2016. The outreach program is attached to the parish of OFW chaplain, Fr. Jay Plandes, SVD who sees to it that parishioners can avail of the sacraments of confession and Holy Eucharist each time the Oasis of Love conducts healing sessions. Ministering to thousands of OFWs burdened mostly by family problems is a huge undertaking, but Fr. Plandes together with the Cebu-based group have risen to the occasion.
Tatay Dodong told me that when they arrived in October 2016, he found OFWs linger around Hong Kong’s public park engaged in idle chatter with some gambling their hard-earned money to escape from loneliness. After more than a year of monthly visits, Tatay Dodong said he has sensed renewed hope among his countrymen. Today, they not only help bring fellow OFWs to attend Sunday masses but also do some volunteer work around the parish.
With Tatay Dodong and Oasis of Love reliables, Emmanuel Soabas, Paul Alima, Allan Abelgas, Jimmy Dagoya and music ministry members, God’s business in Hong Kong is in good hands.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Rehabilitation of MRT line 3 will not affect current train fare matrix – DOTR
The Department of Transportation (DOTR) and the Government of Japan are expected to sign next week an agreement for the rehabilitation and repair in the operation of the Metro Rail Transit or MRT line 3.
In an interview with the program ‘Get It Straight with Daniel Razon’, DOTR Assistant Secretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the rehabilitation and development of the busiest train station in the country might take three years.
Included in the said contract are the regular repair of trains and the designation of a new maintenance provider.
Batan noted that the agreement also aims to designate a company that would solely supervise the operation of MRT.
Despite the efforts to fix the services of MRT, the DOTR vowed not to implement a fare increase in the busiest train station in the country.
“Can you categorically say that there would be no increase until the whole next year?” asked host, Daniel Razon.
Batan said, “Our rehabilitation period is from 3 years from 2018, 2019, to 2020. While that rehabilitation is ongoing, we have no plan to increase the fare in MRT.”
Meanwhile, the DOTR is now coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in line with its plan to designate a special lane on EDSA for point to point buses.
This aims to encourage passengers to patronize P2P buses as alternative transportation and to avoid the long lines in MRT.
The MMDA and DOTR plan to also designate it as carpool lanes to avoid private vehicles from getting stuck in traffic and so that passengers can be brought to their destinations.
Razon asked Batan if it’s possible to let P2P buses use the carpool lanes exclusively instead.
“Very possible Kuya Daniel. In fact, our discussions with the MMDA and LTFRB is ongoing regarding that suggestion,” Batan said.
The DOTR, however, clarified that it remains a plan and that it has no final agreement yet with the MMDA.
In an interview with the program ‘Get It Straight with Daniel Razon’, DOTR Assistant Secretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the rehabilitation and development of the busiest train station in the country might take three years.
Included in the said contract are the regular repair of trains and the designation of a new maintenance provider.
Batan noted that the agreement also aims to designate a company that would solely supervise the operation of MRT.
Despite the efforts to fix the services of MRT, the DOTR vowed not to implement a fare increase in the busiest train station in the country.
“Can you categorically say that there would be no increase until the whole next year?” asked host, Daniel Razon.
Batan said, “Our rehabilitation period is from 3 years from 2018, 2019, to 2020. While that rehabilitation is ongoing, we have no plan to increase the fare in MRT.”
Meanwhile, the DOTR is now coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in line with its plan to designate a special lane on EDSA for point to point buses.
This aims to encourage passengers to patronize P2P buses as alternative transportation and to avoid the long lines in MRT.
The MMDA and DOTR plan to also designate it as carpool lanes to avoid private vehicles from getting stuck in traffic and so that passengers can be brought to their destinations.
Razon asked Batan if it’s possible to let P2P buses use the carpool lanes exclusively instead.
“Very possible Kuya Daniel. In fact, our discussions with the MMDA and LTFRB is ongoing regarding that suggestion,” Batan said.
The DOTR, however, clarified that it remains a plan and that it has no final agreement yet with the MMDA.
MRT-3: Where did it all go wrong?
A lethal cocktail of bad engineering choices, politically driven decisions, and mismanagement made MRT-3 the mass-moving hazard it is today.
The series of errors started back in 1995. It was at that year that a consortium led by the Fil-Estate Group, along with Ayala Land, Ramcar and the Campos Groups — formed a company called the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC). The consortium was awarded the contract to Build-Lease & Transfer the MRT-3 line traversing EDSA.
The contract called for MRTC to build the railway structure, construct twelve stations along its span, purchase the rolling stock (the trains), and install its signaling system. The deal also made MRTC responsible for maintaining the system and procuring its spare parts. Government, through the then Department of Transportation and Communications, was in charge of the daily operations of the system.
Government was to pay the MRTC a lease rate equivalent to the amortized cost of the train line, plus a 16% per annum return on capital. After a period of 25 years (ending in 2025), the ownership of the line would revert back to government.
While a 16% return on capital is unusually high for a standard Build-Lease & Transfer contract, it has no bearing on the maintenance woes of the system. The problem lies on the type of rolling stock selected by MRTC.
See, the Czech-made Tarta RT8D5M was not the appropriate choice for a high-volume line like MRT-3 in the first place. Its specifications are more akin to a tramway that runs on street level, rather than that of a metro rail. Tramways are designed to run at varying speeds, often stopping to give way to traffic lights, intersections, and pedestrian crossways. They are not designed to operate at maximum speed and at maximum capacity, all the time, like a metro system can. Pushed to the limit, the tramways were bound to break-down given the stress of usage — and break-down they did.
The correct choice of rolling stock would have been one using metro-technology, similar to LRT-2, which can withstand higher operating strain.
In 2001, MRTC awarded the maintenance and the procurement of spare parts to Sumitomo under a “pass-through” agreement. A “pass-through agreement” is one where government paid the cost of maintenance and spare parts to MRTC, who, in turn, would forward payment to Sumitomo. The system worked well as it allowed Sumitomo to purchase the spare parts it needed to keep both the trains and rails in good condition. Under this arrangement, MRT-3 operated with relative reliability from 2001 to 2010.
DOTC: THE MANAGEMENT FROM HADES
In 2010, newly elected President Benigno S. C. Aquino III appointed Ping de Jesus as the Secretary of the DoTC. It was the same year that the pass-on agreement with Sumitomo was set to expire. Sec. De Jesus extended the Sumitomo contract for one more year to give him time to formulate an alternative plan for the maintenance of the trail line.
In early 2011, the DoTC crafted a plan to integrate the operations of MRT-3 and LRT-1 in preparation for the eventual expansion of LRT-1 to Cavite. The plan would have unified the maintenance systems of both train lines, a move that would have resulted in massive savings on maintenance costs.
Sumitomo was qualified to bid for the contract along with other international engineering groups. The bidding was to be held on July 2011.
A few weeks before the bidding date, however, Sec. De Jesus resigned from his post due to health reasons. Mar Roxas was assigned as his replacement. Roxas’s first act as the new DoTC Secretary was to cancel the bidding exercise.
Roxas’s move proved to be catastrophic. In one fell swoop, not only did Roxas trash a perfectly good long term maintenance plan for both MRT-3 and LRT-1, he also left MRT-3 with no maintenance contractor. Remember, by this time, the Sumitomo contract had expired.
Realizing his mistake, Roxas scrambled to renew the Sumitomo contract on annual and six-month terms. This was a bad decision since Sumitomo (or any other maintenance contractor, for that matter) would naturally not invest in long term preventive maintenance programs given the short term nature of its contract. The rolling stocks, rails and signaling systems began to deteriorate. This is when system failures began to occur.
In October 2012, Roxas awarded the maintenance contract to a firm called PH Trams CB & T. One of PH Trams’ six incorporators-directors was Wilson T. De Vera. It will be recalled that De Vera was the man accused by the Czech Ambassador of attempting to extort $30 million from Czech train maker Inekon back in July 2012. Also among its directors were Marlo de la Cruz and Manolo M. Maralit.
By this time, Roxas was moved to the DILG and Sec. Jun Abaya took over the helm of the DoTC. Abaya’s first act was to ratify the contract of PH Trams even if the bidding process was allegedly a fluke.
The terms of PH Trams contract was problematic too.
It called for PH Trams to provide the manpower for the maintenance of MRT-3, while government was to handle the procurement of spare parts. This proved to be a bad formula considering the tedious process of government procurement.
In most cases, government could not provide the spare parts on time. This left PH Trams with no choice but to resort to remedial repair work or “band-aid solutions” to keep the trains running. This caused the entire system to deteriorate even more rapidly. This went on for three years.
In 2015, the maintenance contract was awarded to SBI CB&T a Filipino-German partnership, and then, to Busan Universal Rail, Inc. in 2016. Given the short term contracts given to these firms, neither invested in long term solutions for MRT-3. The trains deteriorated to point where they became safety hazards. This was when derailments of trains and uncoupling of cars began to occur.
With one error of judgment after another, the MRT-3 line was left in a pitiful state. Most trains were out of commission due to damage and lack of spare parts. In fact, only 13 out of 73 trains were working as of February 2015. Too, the rails were in need of rehabilitation and the signaling system needed to be replaced.
With its back against the wall, the DoTC purchased 48 new train cars from Dalian of China. The new trains were meant to augment the aging and dilapidated Czech-made units. By this time, it was 2015 and the presidential campaign was in full swing with Mar Roxas running as the administration’s candidate.
Roxas was getting a lot of flack for the MRT-3 mess. He was desperate — he needed to show the public that relief was on the way.
He had the trains delivered from Dalian even without its motor, its couplers and signaling system just to have something to show.
The public relations stunt was not enough to assuage the anger of the public over the MRT-3 mess. In many respects, it cost Roxas’s his presidential bid.
MRT-3 UNDER THE DOTR
This year, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) was able to repair and use nine more Czech-made trains. A total of 22 trains now ply the line during peak hours. This is the most number of trains that the MRT has deployed since February 2013. Still, it is pitifully insufficient.
The DoTr terminated the maintenance services of BURI last September and is now maintaining the system on its own. Time will tell if the DoTr can do a better job.
What must be done now to fix the MRT-3 mess? There is quick fix solution. It requires a rehabilitation of the rails, a replacement of the trains to metro-type units, an upgrade of the signaling system and widening of the ingress/egress facilities of the stations.
MRT-3 presently 350,000 to 400,000 passengers a day. City planners expect daily ridership to top 1.1 million passengers by 2025. Clearly, something must be done lest the system collapse on its own weight.
Extensive repairs will necessitate the closure of the line and this can only be done if government can provide an alternative mode of transport for the public. This is why the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) traversing EDSA needs to be put on line as soon as possible. Only then can repairs and upgrades to MRT-3 be done.
Unfortunately, construction of EDSA BRT will only take place in 2019, to be completed in 2021, if we’re lucky. From now until then, MRT-3 will remain as is, albeit with minor repairs to the rails and hopefully, the use of new Dalian-made trains. Meanwhile, let’s hope no more accidents occur.
Andrew J. Masigan is an economist.
The series of errors started back in 1995. It was at that year that a consortium led by the Fil-Estate Group, along with Ayala Land, Ramcar and the Campos Groups — formed a company called the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC). The consortium was awarded the contract to Build-Lease & Transfer the MRT-3 line traversing EDSA.
The contract called for MRTC to build the railway structure, construct twelve stations along its span, purchase the rolling stock (the trains), and install its signaling system. The deal also made MRTC responsible for maintaining the system and procuring its spare parts. Government, through the then Department of Transportation and Communications, was in charge of the daily operations of the system.
Government was to pay the MRTC a lease rate equivalent to the amortized cost of the train line, plus a 16% per annum return on capital. After a period of 25 years (ending in 2025), the ownership of the line would revert back to government.
While a 16% return on capital is unusually high for a standard Build-Lease & Transfer contract, it has no bearing on the maintenance woes of the system. The problem lies on the type of rolling stock selected by MRTC.
See, the Czech-made Tarta RT8D5M was not the appropriate choice for a high-volume line like MRT-3 in the first place. Its specifications are more akin to a tramway that runs on street level, rather than that of a metro rail. Tramways are designed to run at varying speeds, often stopping to give way to traffic lights, intersections, and pedestrian crossways. They are not designed to operate at maximum speed and at maximum capacity, all the time, like a metro system can. Pushed to the limit, the tramways were bound to break-down given the stress of usage — and break-down they did.
The correct choice of rolling stock would have been one using metro-technology, similar to LRT-2, which can withstand higher operating strain.
In 2001, MRTC awarded the maintenance and the procurement of spare parts to Sumitomo under a “pass-through” agreement. A “pass-through agreement” is one where government paid the cost of maintenance and spare parts to MRTC, who, in turn, would forward payment to Sumitomo. The system worked well as it allowed Sumitomo to purchase the spare parts it needed to keep both the trains and rails in good condition. Under this arrangement, MRT-3 operated with relative reliability from 2001 to 2010.
DOTC: THE MANAGEMENT FROM HADES
In 2010, newly elected President Benigno S. C. Aquino III appointed Ping de Jesus as the Secretary of the DoTC. It was the same year that the pass-on agreement with Sumitomo was set to expire. Sec. De Jesus extended the Sumitomo contract for one more year to give him time to formulate an alternative plan for the maintenance of the trail line.
In early 2011, the DoTC crafted a plan to integrate the operations of MRT-3 and LRT-1 in preparation for the eventual expansion of LRT-1 to Cavite. The plan would have unified the maintenance systems of both train lines, a move that would have resulted in massive savings on maintenance costs.
Sumitomo was qualified to bid for the contract along with other international engineering groups. The bidding was to be held on July 2011.
A few weeks before the bidding date, however, Sec. De Jesus resigned from his post due to health reasons. Mar Roxas was assigned as his replacement. Roxas’s first act as the new DoTC Secretary was to cancel the bidding exercise.
Roxas’s move proved to be catastrophic. In one fell swoop, not only did Roxas trash a perfectly good long term maintenance plan for both MRT-3 and LRT-1, he also left MRT-3 with no maintenance contractor. Remember, by this time, the Sumitomo contract had expired.
Realizing his mistake, Roxas scrambled to renew the Sumitomo contract on annual and six-month terms. This was a bad decision since Sumitomo (or any other maintenance contractor, for that matter) would naturally not invest in long term preventive maintenance programs given the short term nature of its contract. The rolling stocks, rails and signaling systems began to deteriorate. This is when system failures began to occur.
In October 2012, Roxas awarded the maintenance contract to a firm called PH Trams CB & T. One of PH Trams’ six incorporators-directors was Wilson T. De Vera. It will be recalled that De Vera was the man accused by the Czech Ambassador of attempting to extort $30 million from Czech train maker Inekon back in July 2012. Also among its directors were Marlo de la Cruz and Manolo M. Maralit.
By this time, Roxas was moved to the DILG and Sec. Jun Abaya took over the helm of the DoTC. Abaya’s first act was to ratify the contract of PH Trams even if the bidding process was allegedly a fluke.
The terms of PH Trams contract was problematic too.
It called for PH Trams to provide the manpower for the maintenance of MRT-3, while government was to handle the procurement of spare parts. This proved to be a bad formula considering the tedious process of government procurement.
In most cases, government could not provide the spare parts on time. This left PH Trams with no choice but to resort to remedial repair work or “band-aid solutions” to keep the trains running. This caused the entire system to deteriorate even more rapidly. This went on for three years.
In 2015, the maintenance contract was awarded to SBI CB&T a Filipino-German partnership, and then, to Busan Universal Rail, Inc. in 2016. Given the short term contracts given to these firms, neither invested in long term solutions for MRT-3. The trains deteriorated to point where they became safety hazards. This was when derailments of trains and uncoupling of cars began to occur.
With one error of judgment after another, the MRT-3 line was left in a pitiful state. Most trains were out of commission due to damage and lack of spare parts. In fact, only 13 out of 73 trains were working as of February 2015. Too, the rails were in need of rehabilitation and the signaling system needed to be replaced.
With its back against the wall, the DoTC purchased 48 new train cars from Dalian of China. The new trains were meant to augment the aging and dilapidated Czech-made units. By this time, it was 2015 and the presidential campaign was in full swing with Mar Roxas running as the administration’s candidate.
Roxas was getting a lot of flack for the MRT-3 mess. He was desperate — he needed to show the public that relief was on the way.
He had the trains delivered from Dalian even without its motor, its couplers and signaling system just to have something to show.
The public relations stunt was not enough to assuage the anger of the public over the MRT-3 mess. In many respects, it cost Roxas’s his presidential bid.
MRT-3 UNDER THE DOTR
This year, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) was able to repair and use nine more Czech-made trains. A total of 22 trains now ply the line during peak hours. This is the most number of trains that the MRT has deployed since February 2013. Still, it is pitifully insufficient.
The DoTr terminated the maintenance services of BURI last September and is now maintaining the system on its own. Time will tell if the DoTr can do a better job.
What must be done now to fix the MRT-3 mess? There is quick fix solution. It requires a rehabilitation of the rails, a replacement of the trains to metro-type units, an upgrade of the signaling system and widening of the ingress/egress facilities of the stations.
MRT-3 presently 350,000 to 400,000 passengers a day. City planners expect daily ridership to top 1.1 million passengers by 2025. Clearly, something must be done lest the system collapse on its own weight.
Extensive repairs will necessitate the closure of the line and this can only be done if government can provide an alternative mode of transport for the public. This is why the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) traversing EDSA needs to be put on line as soon as possible. Only then can repairs and upgrades to MRT-3 be done.
Unfortunately, construction of EDSA BRT will only take place in 2019, to be completed in 2021, if we’re lucky. From now until then, MRT-3 will remain as is, albeit with minor repairs to the rails and hopefully, the use of new Dalian-made trains. Meanwhile, let’s hope no more accidents occur.
Andrew J. Masigan is an economist.
A. Goninan (UGL)/CSR Phase IV Light Rail vehicle
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| A. Goninan (UGL)/CSR Phase IV Light Rail vehicle |
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| Train interior |
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| CCTV |
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| Emergency call device |
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| Wheelchairs with seat belts |
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| Wheelchair parking spaces |
‘Deadma Walking’ an MMFF comedy entry not to miss
Because it promises to be funny and entertaining, “Deadma Walking” is a must-watch movie during the forthcoming 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival. Actually, I think it will be the first movie I will watch, impressed as I was that the movie is based on a screenplay (by Eric Cabahug) that won second prize at the Palanca Awards for Literature, and the fact that it was the first film among the eight entries to this year’s MMFF that was given an “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).
The CEB commended “Deadma Walking” for its fine direction, editing, script, acting and heartwarming message. The CEB summation also stated: “Director Julius Alfonso has an auspicious debut film in ‘Deadma Walking,’ which is brilliantly visualized and combines, humor, drama and camp to come up with the right mix seldom seen in the year-end festival.” And according to a CEB member, “the comic timing and musical numbers give the film an engaging energy.”
The CEB praised the performance of the entire cast, citing the lead stars Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman as “obvious standouts,” and Dimples Romana who, according to CEB “puts in a good turn.”
“Deadma Walking,” produced by T-Rex Entertainment, tells the story of two gay best friends, Joross and Edgar Allan, who mount a fake wake and funeral. “We thought of faking my death and wake because I want to know and hear about what my friends would say about me when I die, during my wake,” Joross said.
While “Deadma Walking” is about dying, the CEB highlighted that it celebrates life and friendship byn reiterating that “the tragicomedy is a different fare for the filmfest and doesnot disappoint.”
“Deadma Walking” opens in cinemas nationwide starting on Dec. 25.
• • •
30th Aliw Awards
The 30th Aliw Awards is slated tonight at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. Applause trophies will be given to the winners of over 40 categories of life entertainers. From them will be chosen the “Entertainer of the Year,” according to Ms. Alice H. Reyes, founder/president of the Aliw Awards Foundation.
Highlights of the event is the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Celeste Legaspi, Claire dela Fuente, Hajji Alejandro, Jun Polistico, Geleen Eugenio, Onofre Pagsanjan, Spirit of ’67 and George Yang; and the Alice H. Reyes Achievement Awards to Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, Mayor Herbert Bautista and Jomari Chan; the elevation to the Hall of Fame of Ricky Abad, Pinky Amador, Joel Lamangan, Rockin’ ’60s and Vince Tañada; and the presentation of Special Awards to Solaire’s The Theater, the Halili Cruz Junior Ballet Company, Sonny Alvendia, Dean Amado Valdez and Patrick Michael Vargas.
Posthumous awards will also be given to Agileo Baluyut, former AAFI president, and Bong Carrion, former governor of Marinduque.
Manila Bulletin is among media partners. Showtime is 7 p.m.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 19, go to Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Lyanne Gonzalez, Efren Cruz, Abraham Divina, Jr., Junie Siytangco, and Rep. Baby Pizarro… Dec. 20: Ricky Alegre, Jim Greene, Cathy Nazareno Revilla, Neneng David, Marilú Velez, Rosie Bitong, Tim Espinosa, Anna Romulo, Jobert Brillantes, JC Crisostomo of Bay, Laguna, Mariel Lopez, "Tonight with Boy Abunda" editor Jok Tan, Philip "Dada" Roxas, Ronald Dominguez and Maybeline dela Cruz…
The CEB commended “Deadma Walking” for its fine direction, editing, script, acting and heartwarming message. The CEB summation also stated: “Director Julius Alfonso has an auspicious debut film in ‘Deadma Walking,’ which is brilliantly visualized and combines, humor, drama and camp to come up with the right mix seldom seen in the year-end festival.” And according to a CEB member, “the comic timing and musical numbers give the film an engaging energy.”
The CEB praised the performance of the entire cast, citing the lead stars Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman as “obvious standouts,” and Dimples Romana who, according to CEB “puts in a good turn.”
“Deadma Walking,” produced by T-Rex Entertainment, tells the story of two gay best friends, Joross and Edgar Allan, who mount a fake wake and funeral. “We thought of faking my death and wake because I want to know and hear about what my friends would say about me when I die, during my wake,” Joross said.
While “Deadma Walking” is about dying, the CEB highlighted that it celebrates life and friendship byn reiterating that “the tragicomedy is a different fare for the filmfest and doesnot disappoint.”
“Deadma Walking” opens in cinemas nationwide starting on Dec. 25.
• • •
30th Aliw Awards
The 30th Aliw Awards is slated tonight at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. Applause trophies will be given to the winners of over 40 categories of life entertainers. From them will be chosen the “Entertainer of the Year,” according to Ms. Alice H. Reyes, founder/president of the Aliw Awards Foundation.
Highlights of the event is the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Celeste Legaspi, Claire dela Fuente, Hajji Alejandro, Jun Polistico, Geleen Eugenio, Onofre Pagsanjan, Spirit of ’67 and George Yang; and the Alice H. Reyes Achievement Awards to Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, Mayor Herbert Bautista and Jomari Chan; the elevation to the Hall of Fame of Ricky Abad, Pinky Amador, Joel Lamangan, Rockin’ ’60s and Vince Tañada; and the presentation of Special Awards to Solaire’s The Theater, the Halili Cruz Junior Ballet Company, Sonny Alvendia, Dean Amado Valdez and Patrick Michael Vargas.
Posthumous awards will also be given to Agileo Baluyut, former AAFI president, and Bong Carrion, former governor of Marinduque.
Manila Bulletin is among media partners. Showtime is 7 p.m.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 19, go to Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Lyanne Gonzalez, Efren Cruz, Abraham Divina, Jr., Junie Siytangco, and Rep. Baby Pizarro… Dec. 20: Ricky Alegre, Jim Greene, Cathy Nazareno Revilla, Neneng David, Marilú Velez, Rosie Bitong, Tim Espinosa, Anna Romulo, Jobert Brillantes, JC Crisostomo of Bay, Laguna, Mariel Lopez, "Tonight with Boy Abunda" editor Jok Tan, Philip "Dada" Roxas, Ronald Dominguez and Maybeline dela Cruz…
Monday, December 18, 2017
Tacloban airport fully operational
The Tacloban Airport in Leyte province resumed normal operations Sunday morning, lifting the temporary suspension order occasioned by heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm Urduja, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced.
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the Tacloban Airport was fully operational as of 5 a.m. yesterday.
“We have experienced already before ‘di ba ‘yung kay ‘Yolanda’ so ngayon meron na kaming procedure dyan, bago pa lang dumating yung bagyo naka-safety procedure na kami. ‘Yung mga communications equipment, everything, so far ngayon naman walang malakas na hangin,” Apolonio said.
Tacloban Airport was closed to air passengers around 5 a.m. Saturday in anticipation of the landfall of Typhoon Urduja.
It was temporarily opened around 11 a.m. because the weather turned out to be fine and accommodated several flights but had to be closed again at 1 p.m.
“Kahit may bagyo pwede naman lumipad ang eroplano sa area especially yung malalaki dahil kaya naman nila ‘yan. Ang problema lang ang airport mismo kung doon dadaan so hindi makakaiwas yung eroplano, talagang hindi siya makakababa,” he said.
Typhoon Urduja landed over Eastern Samar Saturday afternoon and placed Leyte and other nearby areas under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 2.
Apolonio explained that Tacloban Airport had to be closed because of safety precautions since its location is near a sea.
“Yung Tacloban Airport beside the sea ‘yan eh so talagang diretso yan kapag tumama dyan, wipeout. But luckily for us now medyo lihis doon sa airport at puro ulan lang, kaya walang masyadong problema,” he said.
The CAAP spokesperson also assured that the airports in Region 8 affected by Typhoon Urduja suffered “minimal” damages only and were fully operational.
“‘Yung mga airports natin sa Visayas, halos ang mga nada-damage lang naman ay mga perimeter fence. Siyempre ‘yun ang unang babagsak,” he said.
Aside from Tacloban Airport, other airports in Region 8 are: Calbayog, Catarman, Catbalogan, Borongan, Guiuan, Biliran, Ormoc, Maasin and Hilongos.
CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the Tacloban Airport was fully operational as of 5 a.m. yesterday.
“We have experienced already before ‘di ba ‘yung kay ‘Yolanda’ so ngayon meron na kaming procedure dyan, bago pa lang dumating yung bagyo naka-safety procedure na kami. ‘Yung mga communications equipment, everything, so far ngayon naman walang malakas na hangin,” Apolonio said.
Tacloban Airport was closed to air passengers around 5 a.m. Saturday in anticipation of the landfall of Typhoon Urduja.
It was temporarily opened around 11 a.m. because the weather turned out to be fine and accommodated several flights but had to be closed again at 1 p.m.
“Kahit may bagyo pwede naman lumipad ang eroplano sa area especially yung malalaki dahil kaya naman nila ‘yan. Ang problema lang ang airport mismo kung doon dadaan so hindi makakaiwas yung eroplano, talagang hindi siya makakababa,” he said.
Typhoon Urduja landed over Eastern Samar Saturday afternoon and placed Leyte and other nearby areas under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 2.
Apolonio explained that Tacloban Airport had to be closed because of safety precautions since its location is near a sea.
“Yung Tacloban Airport beside the sea ‘yan eh so talagang diretso yan kapag tumama dyan, wipeout. But luckily for us now medyo lihis doon sa airport at puro ulan lang, kaya walang masyadong problema,” he said.
The CAAP spokesperson also assured that the airports in Region 8 affected by Typhoon Urduja suffered “minimal” damages only and were fully operational.
“‘Yung mga airports natin sa Visayas, halos ang mga nada-damage lang naman ay mga perimeter fence. Siyempre ‘yun ang unang babagsak,” he said.
Aside from Tacloban Airport, other airports in Region 8 are: Calbayog, Catarman, Catbalogan, Borongan, Guiuan, Biliran, Ormoc, Maasin and Hilongos.
CORPORATE SECURITIES INFO: Confusing TV ratings
The ratings war between the country’s top television networks—ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc.—has become tighter, and confusing, as the year nears its end.
Citing data from research company Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it had an average audience share of 46 percent in last November’s national TV ratings as against GMA’s 34 percent.
Kantar data showed ABS-CBN had an audience share of 51 percent during primetime, where most Filipinos watch TV, compared to GMA's 32 percent, the network said. ABS-CBN also took the lead in the morning (6 a.m to 12 p.m.), noontime (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and afternoon (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
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,” topbilled by Coco Martin recorded a national TV rating of 41.1 percent.
Variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 38.6% on weekdays and 30.2% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 20% on weekdays and 13.2% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.
Other programs that made it to the list include “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “TV Patrol,” “Little Big Shots,” “Wansapanataym,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin”, “ASAP,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “The Promise of Forever,” “Hanggang Saan,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Banana Sundae,” “Wildflower,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Goin’ Bulilit.”
ABS-CBN said it led ratings in other parts of the country.
For “total Luzon,” ABS-CBN said it got an audience share of 44 percent for November while GMA got 35 percent. For total Visayas, ABS-CBN cornered 54 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent, and for total Mindanao, it secured 49 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.
On the other hand, relying on data submitted by Nielsen Philippines, GMA said it had an average total day people audience of 43.2 percent, which is above ABS-CBN’s 38.2 percent.
GMA said it led in all time blocks in urban Luzon and mega Manila, which accounted for over half of all viewers in the country.
GMA said it had cornered 48.8 percent of the market in urban Luzon, versus 32.6 percent of ABS-CBN, and 51.1 percent in mega Manila, against its ABS-CBN’s 28.5 percent.
More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with the award-winning weekly family sitcom “Pepito Manaloto” still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide in November.
Included in the list as well were “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Magpakailanman,” “24 Oras”, “Super Ma’am,” “All-Star Videoke,” “Road Trip,” “24 Oras Weekend” and “Alyas Robin Hood” which concluded last November 24.
Newly launched primetime series “Kambal, Karibal” immediately made its way to the list of most watched Kapuso programs in NUTAM along with consistent ratings drivers “Ika-6 na Utos”, “Tadhana,” “Wowowin”, “My Korean Jagiya”, “Bubble Gang”, “Saksi”, “Imbestigador,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday PinaSaya,” “Dear Uge,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Haplos” and “Impostora”.
GMA Network again dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon with 8 of the top 10; while sweeping Mega Manila’s top 10 list.
GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB 594 is still the most listened to AM radio station in Mega Manila based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement.
November ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 33.3 percent in November, winning over DZMM’s 28.8 percent and DZRH’s 11.2 percent.
From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi sa Dobol B” hosted by Mike Enriquez; Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” hosted by Melo del Prado.
Meanwhile, DZBB also kept listeners tuned to its weekend line-up through its public service program “MMDA sa GMA” hosted by Orly Trinidad in partnership with MMDA; “Super Balita sa Umaga Saturday and Sunday Edition” with Sam Nielsen and Cecil Villarosa; “Super Radyo Nationwide” with Francis Flores, and Buena Manong Balita” presented by Rowena Salvacion.
GMA Network’s Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn Allona expressed his utmost gratitude for the listeners’ continuous support. “Ang pagiging number one ng DZBB ay patunay na mas marami pang mga Pilipino ang tumatangkilik sa balitang walang kinikilingan at walang pinoprotektahan. As our way of appreciation here at DZBB, mas lalo pa namin pagsisikapang makapaghatid ng Serbisyong Totoo sa ating mga Kapuso,” he added.
Recognized as one of the most awarded radio stations in the country, DZBB recently won as the Radio Station of the Year in the 7th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Makatao Awards for Media Excellence.
Both companies have claimed conflicting superiority in viewership ratings in urban Luzon, Mega Manila, total Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The “one-upmanship” contest is mind-boggling because the two networks have cited research data collected and evaluated by reputable research firms to justify their respective claims.
Based on the limited information released by the survey companies on how they gathered information and arrived at their findings, it is difficult to say which TV network is telling the truth or is misinterpreting the figures.
The methodology used in determining TV viewing preference is different from that employed by research companies that monitor public reaction to government-related issues, e.g., trust rating of top government officials and contentious government actions.
The two TV companies’ fight for viewership superiority is understandable. It is crucial to their bottom line (and their stockholders) as the ratings play a significant role in determining the rates they can impose on advertisements, especially during the evening prime time.
For their operations and creative staff, the spike or decline in ratings could spell the difference between continued employment or promotion and loss of jobs.
The competition for advertising revenue has become more critical lately for ABS-CBN and GMA in the wake of the proliferation of national and local cable TV companies that offer a variety of programs to different audiences at reasonable prices.
Although cable TV was originally promoted in the country as advertisement-free, with the cable rental fees supposedly making up for the loss in advertising revenue, the cable companies have been allowed by the government to accept advertisements on top of rental fees.
To the chagrin of the two networks, cable TV companies can air the former’s programs without paying royalty fees since these are considered “free programs” that are available to everybody, as ruled by the National Telecommunications Commission.
As if the financial threat from cable TV is not enough, ABS-CBN and GMA have to contend also with internet websites and other social media facilities that can provide similar (if not more interesting) levels of information and entertainment.
Despite the poor state of broadband facilities in the country, more people, the millennials in particular, have taken to computers, laptops and smartphones to satisfy their information or recreation needs.
On account of this development, many commercial advertisers have—like ants attracted to sugar—moved some of their placements and other promotional activities from TV to internet-based portals that are attractive to millennials or people who have extra income to buy their products or services.
With the challenges from cable TV and the internet expected to further grow in the coming years, the two networks have their work cut out for them if they want to remain financially viable.
They have to substantially increase their viewership to take advantage of whatever advertisement revenues can still be squeezed from the commercial sources that have not yet been poached by the competition.
So what can we make out of the ongoing ratings war between ABS-CBN and GMA? It’s simply a promotional stunt aimed at drawing attention to their programs.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/242703/confusing-tv-ratings#ixzz53KMpgmhb
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Citing data from research company Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it had an average audience share of 46 percent in last November’s national TV ratings as against GMA’s 34 percent.
Kantar data showed ABS-CBN had an audience share of 51 percent during primetime, where most Filipinos watch TV, compared to GMA's 32 percent, the network said. ABS-CBN also took the lead in the morning (6 a.m to 12 p.m.), noontime (12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and afternoon (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.).
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,” topbilled by Coco Martin recorded a national TV rating of 41.1 percent.
Variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 38.6% on weekdays and 30.2% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 20% on weekdays and 13.2% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.
Other programs that made it to the list include “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “TV Patrol,” “Little Big Shots,” “Wansapanataym,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin”, “ASAP,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “The Promise of Forever,” “Hanggang Saan,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Banana Sundae,” “Wildflower,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Goin’ Bulilit.”
ABS-CBN said it led ratings in other parts of the country.
For “total Luzon,” ABS-CBN said it got an audience share of 44 percent for November while GMA got 35 percent. For total Visayas, ABS-CBN cornered 54 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent, and for total Mindanao, it secured 49 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.
On the other hand, relying on data submitted by Nielsen Philippines, GMA said it had an average total day people audience of 43.2 percent, which is above ABS-CBN’s 38.2 percent.
GMA said it led in all time blocks in urban Luzon and mega Manila, which accounted for over half of all viewers in the country.
GMA said it had cornered 48.8 percent of the market in urban Luzon, versus 32.6 percent of ABS-CBN, and 51.1 percent in mega Manila, against its ABS-CBN’s 28.5 percent.
More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with the award-winning weekly family sitcom “Pepito Manaloto” still reigning as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide in November.
Included in the list as well were “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Magpakailanman,” “24 Oras”, “Super Ma’am,” “All-Star Videoke,” “Road Trip,” “24 Oras Weekend” and “Alyas Robin Hood” which concluded last November 24.
Newly launched primetime series “Kambal, Karibal” immediately made its way to the list of most watched Kapuso programs in NUTAM along with consistent ratings drivers “Ika-6 na Utos”, “Tadhana,” “Wowowin”, “My Korean Jagiya”, “Bubble Gang”, “Saksi”, “Imbestigador,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday PinaSaya,” “Dear Uge,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Haplos” and “Impostora”.
GMA Network again dominated the list of top programs in Urban Luzon with 8 of the top 10; while sweeping Mega Manila’s top 10 list.
GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station DZBB 594 is still the most listened to AM radio station in Mega Manila based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement.
November ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 33.3 percent in November, winning over DZMM’s 28.8 percent and DZRH’s 11.2 percent.
From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi sa Dobol B” hosted by Mike Enriquez; Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” hosted by Melo del Prado.
Meanwhile, DZBB also kept listeners tuned to its weekend line-up through its public service program “MMDA sa GMA” hosted by Orly Trinidad in partnership with MMDA; “Super Balita sa Umaga Saturday and Sunday Edition” with Sam Nielsen and Cecil Villarosa; “Super Radyo Nationwide” with Francis Flores, and Buena Manong Balita” presented by Rowena Salvacion.
GMA Network’s Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn Allona expressed his utmost gratitude for the listeners’ continuous support. “Ang pagiging number one ng DZBB ay patunay na mas marami pang mga Pilipino ang tumatangkilik sa balitang walang kinikilingan at walang pinoprotektahan. As our way of appreciation here at DZBB, mas lalo pa namin pagsisikapang makapaghatid ng Serbisyong Totoo sa ating mga Kapuso,” he added.
Recognized as one of the most awarded radio stations in the country, DZBB recently won as the Radio Station of the Year in the 7th People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Makatao Awards for Media Excellence.
Both companies have claimed conflicting superiority in viewership ratings in urban Luzon, Mega Manila, total Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The “one-upmanship” contest is mind-boggling because the two networks have cited research data collected and evaluated by reputable research firms to justify their respective claims.
Based on the limited information released by the survey companies on how they gathered information and arrived at their findings, it is difficult to say which TV network is telling the truth or is misinterpreting the figures.
The methodology used in determining TV viewing preference is different from that employed by research companies that monitor public reaction to government-related issues, e.g., trust rating of top government officials and contentious government actions.
The two TV companies’ fight for viewership superiority is understandable. It is crucial to their bottom line (and their stockholders) as the ratings play a significant role in determining the rates they can impose on advertisements, especially during the evening prime time.
For their operations and creative staff, the spike or decline in ratings could spell the difference between continued employment or promotion and loss of jobs.
The competition for advertising revenue has become more critical lately for ABS-CBN and GMA in the wake of the proliferation of national and local cable TV companies that offer a variety of programs to different audiences at reasonable prices.
Although cable TV was originally promoted in the country as advertisement-free, with the cable rental fees supposedly making up for the loss in advertising revenue, the cable companies have been allowed by the government to accept advertisements on top of rental fees.
To the chagrin of the two networks, cable TV companies can air the former’s programs without paying royalty fees since these are considered “free programs” that are available to everybody, as ruled by the National Telecommunications Commission.
As if the financial threat from cable TV is not enough, ABS-CBN and GMA have to contend also with internet websites and other social media facilities that can provide similar (if not more interesting) levels of information and entertainment.
Despite the poor state of broadband facilities in the country, more people, the millennials in particular, have taken to computers, laptops and smartphones to satisfy their information or recreation needs.
On account of this development, many commercial advertisers have—like ants attracted to sugar—moved some of their placements and other promotional activities from TV to internet-based portals that are attractive to millennials or people who have extra income to buy their products or services.
With the challenges from cable TV and the internet expected to further grow in the coming years, the two networks have their work cut out for them if they want to remain financially viable.
They have to substantially increase their viewership to take advantage of whatever advertisement revenues can still be squeezed from the commercial sources that have not yet been poached by the competition.
So what can we make out of the ongoing ratings war between ABS-CBN and GMA? It’s simply a promotional stunt aimed at drawing attention to their programs.
Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/242703/confusing-tv-ratings#ixzz53KMpgmhb
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Barangay LS 97.1 Jingle
TugsTugan (7x) Tugstugan Na.
Kapotpot sa umaga, naka-talk to papa
todo ang saya, everyday parang fiesta
Sa Balita, Chika ang kasamang barkada, sobra ang tuwa
Isang Bansa, Isang Barangay!
Everybody nakabarangay makinig sa pinakamakulay.
Tugstugan at Tawanan walang humpay
"Isang Bansa, Isang Barangay!"
Si papa at si mama na may ngiti sa labi
Feel na feel na alaala sa love story.
Isama mo si sweetheart isama-sama ang lahat isigaw kumaway habang buhay
TugsTugan (7x) Tugstugan Na.
Kapotpot sa umaga, naka-talk to papa
todo ang saya, everyday parang fiesta
sa Balita, Chika ang kasamang barkada, sobra ang tuwa
Isang Bansa, Isang Barangay!
Everybody nakabarangay
Makinig sa pinakamakulay.
Tugstugan at Tawanan walang humpay
VO: "Isang Bansa, Isang Barangay!"
Si papa at si mama na may ngiti sa labi
Feel na feel na alaala sa love story.
Isama mo si sweetheart isama-sama ang lahat isigaw kumaway habang buhay
Everybody nakabarangay
Makinig sa pinakamakulay.
Tugstugan at Tawanan walang humpay
Barangay LS 97.1
VO: "Sa Mega Manila!"
Barangay LS 97.1
SUPER RADYO DZBB 594 JINGLE
Tapat sa balita
Ito ang aming panata!
D-Z-Double-B Super Radyo
Singko-Nuebe-Kuatro
Laging naka-alerto, serbisyong totoo
D-Z-Double B
Kapuso niyo, sa radyo!
Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan,
Serbisyong totoo lamang, walang iwanan!
May paninindigan, matatag, maaasahan
D-Z-Double-B Super Radyo
Singko-Nuebe-Kuatro
Kapusong Pilipino, Lahat Super Radyo
D-Z-Double-B
Serbisyong Totoo
Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan,
Serbisyong totoo lamang, Walang iwanan!
Serbisyong totoo lamang, Walang iwanan!
D-Z-Double-B Super Radyo
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Daegu Metropolitan Transit named preferred bidder for Philippines’ LRT maintenance project
South Korea’s Daegu Metropolitan Transit Corporation (DTRO) was chosen as the preferred bidder for a project worth 39 billion won ($35.7 million) to do maintenance work of the Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) System Line 2, the company said Friday.
Once the two parties sign on a final agreement, DTRO is expected to be in charge of supporting maintenance work of the LRT Line 2 connecting the east and west of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, for the next five years. It is scheduled to sign an official contract with the Philippines’ Light Rail Transit Authority early next year after going through a qualification review around the end of this month.
Following the latest deal, the company plans to expand its overseas business. It is currently seeking to win a project for operation and maintenance of Singapore’s Sentosa Monorail and plans to tap into overseas monorail construction business in the Philippines and Thailand. DTRO President Hong Seung-hwal said that the company will work hard to secure various projects based on its 20-year-long experience of running Daegu Metro.
Once the two parties sign on a final agreement, DTRO is expected to be in charge of supporting maintenance work of the LRT Line 2 connecting the east and west of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, for the next five years. It is scheduled to sign an official contract with the Philippines’ Light Rail Transit Authority early next year after going through a qualification review around the end of this month.
Following the latest deal, the company plans to expand its overseas business. It is currently seeking to win a project for operation and maintenance of Singapore’s Sentosa Monorail and plans to tap into overseas monorail construction business in the Philippines and Thailand. DTRO President Hong Seung-hwal said that the company will work hard to secure various projects based on its 20-year-long experience of running Daegu Metro.
Duterte to attend Pacquiao's birthday bash
President Rodrigo Duterte is set attend the 39th birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City, Sunday.
Police and soldiers have set up checkpoints across the southern city to ensure the safety of the President and Pacquiao's 2,000 other guests.
Among those expected at the party are several senators and singers Freddie Aguilar, Victor Wood and Joey Genoroso.
Police and soldiers have set up checkpoints across the southern city to ensure the safety of the President and Pacquiao's 2,000 other guests.
Among those expected at the party are several senators and singers Freddie Aguilar, Victor Wood and Joey Genoroso.
GMA may digital TV signal na!
Mas makulay, mas malinaw, at mas maganda na ang Digital TV signal ng GMA Network sa Mega Manila, dahilan upang mas lalong kagiliwan ng mga Kapuso viewers ang mga inaabangang programa sa GMA at GMA News TV.
Ang mga loyal na Kapuso mula sa buong Metro Manila at sa mga kalapit na probinsya ng Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, at Pampanga ay maaari nang makapanood ng kanilang paboritong Kapuso shows nang libre mula umaga hanggang gabi sa kanilang digital converter boxes.
Para sa mga Kapuso viewers na may digital TV boxes, mae-enjoy n’yo na ang full digital broadcast ng GMA at GMA News TV in three easy steps. Pindutin ang Menu, pumunta sa Settings, at sa loob Installation piliin ang Auto Search o Auto Scan. Hintaying matapos ang scanning.
Pindutin ang OK o Exit at maaari n’yo nang hanapin ang GMA at GMA News TV gamit ang up and down buttons ng inyong remote control.
Para sa karagdagang katanungan at impormasyon ukol sa digital feed ng GMA, maaaring tumawag sa hotline ng GMA DTV 462-8177, mag-email sa signalreception@gmanetwork.com, bisitahin ang @gmatvsignal Facebook page, o maglog-on sa www.gmanetwork.com/digitalhowto.
Ang mga loyal na Kapuso mula sa buong Metro Manila at sa mga kalapit na probinsya ng Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, at Pampanga ay maaari nang makapanood ng kanilang paboritong Kapuso shows nang libre mula umaga hanggang gabi sa kanilang digital converter boxes.
Para sa mga Kapuso viewers na may digital TV boxes, mae-enjoy n’yo na ang full digital broadcast ng GMA at GMA News TV in three easy steps. Pindutin ang Menu, pumunta sa Settings, at sa loob Installation piliin ang Auto Search o Auto Scan. Hintaying matapos ang scanning.
Pindutin ang OK o Exit at maaari n’yo nang hanapin ang GMA at GMA News TV gamit ang up and down buttons ng inyong remote control.
Para sa karagdagang katanungan at impormasyon ukol sa digital feed ng GMA, maaaring tumawag sa hotline ng GMA DTV 462-8177, mag-email sa signalreception@gmanetwork.com, bisitahin ang @gmatvsignal Facebook page, o maglog-on sa www.gmanetwork.com/digitalhowto.
Enhancing beauty
Wellness and technology came together at the recent launch of Skin Rejuve Elite-Alabang held at the Grand Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila in Muntinlupa City.
Led by Skin Rejuve Inc. CEO Prescy Yulo and Skin Rejuve Elite-Alabang president Crystal Jacinto, the event was a fashion show topbilled by empowered women who are not afraid to embrace technology in order to maintain their youthful glow.
The women gave testimonials about the effectiveness of Skin Rejuve’s state-of-the-art procedures and machines, invented by Sybaritic Inc. chairman, lawyer Steve Daffer, who was also a guest of honor.
During the event, many guests won exciting prizes like free sessions for face lifting and body contouring as well as treatments from the Cocoon Wellness Pro Hot Sculpt, a machine that offers a revitalizing, rejuvenating and relaxing experience for the mind, body and spirit.
Congratulations to Skin Rejuve for a successful launch party!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Edwina Litton Ortigas.
Advance birthday greetings to Cesar Buenaventura, Hoseki founder Faico and Lali Herrera, Dec. 18; Muebles Italiano president and chief executive officer Noel Gonzales, Dec. 19; Pie Gaspar, Dec. 20; Maritess Lopez, Fritz Azanza, Wellington Soong and STAR’s Mary Ann Reyes, Dec. 21; socialite Dely Ongsiako, Marion Salonga, Anna Sobrepeña and palangga Maurice Arcache, Dec. 22.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
Led by Skin Rejuve Inc. CEO Prescy Yulo and Skin Rejuve Elite-Alabang president Crystal Jacinto, the event was a fashion show topbilled by empowered women who are not afraid to embrace technology in order to maintain their youthful glow.
The women gave testimonials about the effectiveness of Skin Rejuve’s state-of-the-art procedures and machines, invented by Sybaritic Inc. chairman, lawyer Steve Daffer, who was also a guest of honor.
During the event, many guests won exciting prizes like free sessions for face lifting and body contouring as well as treatments from the Cocoon Wellness Pro Hot Sculpt, a machine that offers a revitalizing, rejuvenating and relaxing experience for the mind, body and spirit.
Congratulations to Skin Rejuve for a successful launch party!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrator today, Edwina Litton Ortigas.
Advance birthday greetings to Cesar Buenaventura, Hoseki founder Faico and Lali Herrera, Dec. 18; Muebles Italiano president and chief executive officer Noel Gonzales, Dec. 19; Pie Gaspar, Dec. 20; Maritess Lopez, Fritz Azanza, Wellington Soong and STAR’s Mary Ann Reyes, Dec. 21; socialite Dely Ongsiako, Marion Salonga, Anna Sobrepeña and palangga Maurice Arcache, Dec. 22.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
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