Kayanihan "Kay Ganda ng Musika"

File Code: AOBTVC13090203
Brand: Kayanihan
Product: Kayanihan
Media: TV Commercial
Type: Thematic
Duration: 240 sec.
Description: Kay Ganda ng Musika
Category: Service
Subcategory: Government, Corporation, Association, Utility
Subsubcategory: Non Government Agency, Association
Date Monitored: Sep 22, 2013
Publish/Program: Thematic

Dati lagi akong bina-bangungot
Nagtitiyaga sa maliit na kumot
Noon hindi sagana
Kumakalam sikmura
Barya sa bulsa’y pinagkakasya

Kung dati sa iba lang umaasa
Ngayon kakayaha’y kinikilala

Maayos na'ng higaan
Bahay ay may hagdanan
Nadarama na natin ang ginhawa

Chorus
Buksan mo ang iyong mga mata
Harapin mo bagong umaga
Ang pagbabago’y nasa sa atin
Natutupad na pangarap natin
Kay ganda na parang musika
Ang bansa na nagkakaisa
Sa habang buhay ingatan natin

Rap
Ngayo’y matatagpuan mo na sa bayan mong sinilangan
Lahat ng kailangan sandata mong panglaban
Upang makibaka sa buhay para sa pamilya
Pagkain sa lamesa at liwanag sa bumbilya
Ilaw, tubig, libro, eskuwela
Ikaw ang susi para makawala sa kadena
At kandado ng kahirapan sipag ang kailangan
Tama na ang sisihan, turuan at kadahilanan
Pinoy kilala ka ng kahit anong lahi
Buhatin man ang gaano kabigat ay di mababali
Malapit na ang araw, abot tanaw mo na
Isa lamang ang bayan natin at wala nang iba pa
Kahit saan makarating hahanap-hanapin pa rin
Ang ‘yong pinanggalingan ay walang tigil mong mahalin
Dahil ako, kayo, ikaw, sila
Para sa bagong Pilipinas ay dapat magkaisa
Kayanihan para sa bagong Pilipinas ay dapat magkaisa
Kayanihan

Chorus
Buksan mo ang iyong mga mata
Harapin mo bagong umaga
Ang pagbabago’y nasa sa atin
Natutupad na pangarap natin (2x)

Kay ganda na parang musika
Ang bansa na nagkakaisa
Sa habang buhay
Ingatan natin

Rap
Malapit na ang araw abot tanaw mo na
Isa lamang ang bayan natin at wala nang iba pa
Dahil, ako, kayo, ikaw, sila
Para sa bagong Pilipinas ay dapat magkaisa
Kayanihan

Acknowledgments:

• Ryan Cayabyab
• Regine Velasquez-Alcasid
• Gloc-9
• Itchyworms
• Carla Abellana
• Aljur Abrenica
• Boy Abunda
• Ogie Alcasid
• Rachel Alejandro
• Suzita Aniag
• Angel Aquino
• Victor Basa
• Paolo Ballesteros
• Kris Bernal
• Bea Binene
• Noel Cabangon
• Robby Carmona
• Ken Chan
• Ricci Chan
• Julia Clarete
• Louise delos Reyes
• Ricardo delos Santos
• DJ Mod
• Maricris Garcia
• Mark Herras
• Jaya
• Kyla Alvarez
• Kris Lawrence
• Divine Lee
• Rocco Nacino
• Martin Nievera
• Daniel Padilla
• Cecilo Pedro
• Enzo Pineda
• Rico J. Puno
• Amina Rasul
• Chot Reyes
• Manilyn Reynes
• Alden Richards
• Gwendolyn Ruais
• Randy Santiago
• Aicelle Santos
• Teresita Ang See
• Andrea Torres
• Mitch Valdes
• Michael V.
• Anjo Yllana
• Jessa Zaragosa
• Matteo Guidicelli
• Paul Jake Castillo
• Erwan Heussaff
• Adrien Semblat
• Drew Arellano
• Ryan Agoncillo
• Bubbles Paraiso
• Sam YG
• Gilbert Remulla
• Anthony and Maricel Laxa Pangilinan
• Raffy Tima
• Dyan Castillejo
• Kim Atienza
• Dingdong Dantes
• Isabelle Daza
• Piolo Pascual
• Gerald Anderson
• Jake Cuenca
• Gretchen Fulido
• Enchong Dee
• Kim Chiu
• Solenn Heussaff
• Anthony Suntay
• Duane Santos
• Jovie Villar
• James Younghusband
• Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez
• Avelino Cruz, Jr.
• retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban and wife Leni
• Dr. Jose Artemio Panganiban III
• Marilen Sandejas-Yaptangco
• Dr. Archie Panganiban
• Professor Tet Mañalac
• Chingay Diaz-Lagdameo
• Zenas Lozada
• Rosario Jurado-Benedicto
• Lizzie and Mon Hermosura
• Gina Padilla-Gealdez
• Atty. Alan Tantoco
• Tim Yap
• Rissa Mananquil-Trillo
• Randy Precilla
• Peter Hager
• Ben Wintle
• Phil Younghusband
• Margot Garcia
• Rhett Eala
• Phoemela Baranda
• Delia Albert
• Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao
• Audrey Tan-Zubiri
• Dolly Guanzon
• Irene Garcia, Lorna Kapunan and Sonya Castillo of Kapunan, Garcia & Castillo Law Firm
• Kenneth Cobonpue
• Aziza Mondoñedo
• Marlene Mondoñedo
• Marie Lozano
• Joey Mead-King and Ian King
• Donna Cuna-Pita
• George Gordon
• architect Gil Coscolluela
• Tad Abello
• Aly Borromeo
• Patrice Ramos-Diaz
• Apples Aberin
• Baba Parma
• Ernie Lopez
• Gutsy Tuason
• Teddy Dario
• Anton del Rosario
• Leah Puyat
• Ralby Tambunting
• Marissa Tambunting
• Anton Barretto
• Eds Genuino
• Angelette Calero
• Henry Chan
• Valerie Lim
• Tonichi Nocom
• JC Buendia
• Izza Gonzales-Agana
• Randy Ortiz
• Suyen Chi-Sia
• Henri Calayag
• Trishan Cuaso
• Keren Pascual
• Anton San Diego
• Mons Romulo
• Arnold Vegafria
• Ludovic Branellec
• Bambina Olivares
• Joanna Preysler Francisco
• Abba Napa
• Ben Chan
• Noel Manapat
• Miguel Pastor
• Ad Foundation
• ASAP
• CAA National High School
• Campaigns & Grey
• Engine Room
• Executive Decisions IMCF
• Glue Digital
• Hit Productions
• KBP
• MediaCom
• One Big Family Talent Management
• Procter & Gamble
• Straight Shooters Media, Inc.
• The Music of Ryan Cayabyab
• Watusi Productions

LYRICISTS

• Aaron James Mabuyo
• Aaron Savret
• Ackouh C. Bryan
• Adam Niel Gapol Corvera
• Ae-Young Hae
• Ain Saramosing Dumabok
• Ako Si Jo-Em
• Al Mohtadz Abubakar
• Aladdin Panganiban
• Albutra Jacko
• Aldin Villanueva
• Alfie Jolo Desamparado
• Ali Sangalan
• Amicus Turqueza
• Amiel Castillo Aban
• Andrea Fe Padilla
• Aner Fabilane
• Angelo Mino
• Anne Bernadette Alberto Albado
• Apet Carsola
• Apple Rasay
• April Rivera
• Arceo Pangilinan
• Arch Reynaldo C. Caragan
• Archie Mendoza Balatucan
• Arjay Cabuenos
• Arnz Maluto
• Arron Rez Bondoc
• Art Dela Cruz
• Arwin David Lalas
• Avon Sarao
• Axel Lamoc
• Azel Polo
• Beatrice Ninette Buenafe
• Belle France
• Belle Lam
• Beojkkochjinju Euhee Hwa Lee
• Betsy Rose
• Billy Abrai Rodriguez
• Bingbong Badillo
• Blady Grace
• Boom Armstrong
• Brant Remoyan
• Bryan Mahalan
• Bryan Rexis Train
• Budoy Valdez Pineda
• Butch Berrei
• Cait Raina Ensomo Sendaydiego
• Carlo Monta
• Carmelo Alejandro C. Pujalte
• Carmelo Eric Sanchez
• Cazby Tumanon Malumay
• Cherry Santos
• Chiqui Torrepalma
• Christian Jhon Paspe
• Christian Sacopon
• Christine Dizon
• Christopher Felizarta
• Cielo Labilles
• Cj Tanseco
• Claskuraloves Watty
• Colene Arcaina
• Crez Calma
• Crisam Non-San Gabriel
• Cristyl Villanueva
• Cybil Adavan
• Cycyby Xavier Helar
• Cyrex Anulga
• Czarwill Evangelista
• Dan Dayanan Ramos
• Dan Pransing Flores
• Dane Bautista
• Daryl Cherub
• Dawn Maglaqui
• Dax Lei
• Deii Joyce
• Delone Yrauda
• Deogil Supleo Hizole
• Devine Dumaog
• Diana Cristan Hernaez
• Dianne Laplana
• Ditas Santodias Santos
• Domingo Arates Antonio, Jr.
• Dominic Gumamela
• Don Mauro
• Don Niel Euben
• Dy-A Bonifaco
• Eih Ron
• Ej Kantero
• Elijawon Guins
• Elimar Orosa
• Elmar Orosa
• Emily Allas
• Emman Suarez
• Empty Deebe
• Engkadyosache Camalon
• Enrico Gagalac
• Esu Paanyama - Ti Policinika
• Eunice Bautista
• France Tram
• Francis Oseo
• Frederic Ledda Combenido
• Gabriel Totie Tenorio Jr.
• Gazelle Leguro
• Gemma Rose Ysip Ronquillo
• Geo Rebadajo
• Gerald Topacio
• Gerriel Josh Tenorio
• Glenn Estabillo Lamarica
• Grant Dominic Zurbito
• Gwyneth Bacal
• Gwyneth Jewel
• Harry Antaran
• Heroe Dela Cruz
• Hesed Ramos
• Howell Manrique Sabularse
• Hyroon Paul Cornejo
• Ian Faustino
• Igman Lara
• J.M. Oleo
• Jace Marc Buenaventura
• Jacko Mendoza
• Jacqueline Paglumotan
• Jake Asurto
• Jako Aquitania Sanchez
• Jamile Badio
• Janzel Inducta
• Japeth Subaybay Agcol
• Jarryd Christian Roa
• Jaycy Gonzalez Alcazar
• Jaymar Pascual
• Jaymark Enoy
• Jaymark Lising
• Jayson Arceo
• Jayson Bernal
• Jayvee Borromeo
• Jazz Cabigon
• Jeff Vp
• Jefferson Abejo
• Jem Nicolas
• Jennifer Rubio
• Jenno Roquero
• Jenny Capilos
• Jerico Campo Moreno
• Jeroen Dela Cruz
• Jerry Dioko
• Jerry John Goiti, Jr.
• Jessie Bonio Lloren
• Jessie Meija
• Jessie Robert Palaban
• Jesus Miguel Ofalsa
• Jezreel Martinez
• Jhammie Ilysir Rubio
• Jhayjhay Natividad Taller
• Jhec Villanueva
• Jhepoi Ace Wanzagen
• Jheymz Diola Manansala
• Jiro Gatacelo
• Jo Christian Razonable Pulad
• Jo Tors
• Joebert Grafil
• Joey Clavio
• Joey Sumagang
• Joey Ubaldo Delos Tinio
• John Arvin Sagun
• John Jasper Fernandez
• John Monsale Flores
• John Petiza Maninang
• Jomar Basillo Paguio
• Jomike Bacongallo Sasutona
• Jonel Rabusa
• Jon-Jon Carpio Jerusalem
• Jophel Botero Ybiosa
• Jose Daniel Castillo
• Jose Felix Iii
• Joshua Fernandez Cadelina
• Joshua Sarmiento
• Joy Carnay
• Julie Pearl Castro
• Juliet Polvorosa
• Julius Bridge
• Julius Santillan
• Jun-Mabel Bacani
• Justine Draper
• Justino Genelos Lumanog
• Kariza Labagala
• Katsuma Takano
• Kay Knight
• Kenneth Dela Rosa
• Kenneth Gapol Corvera
• Kent Melvic Pilvera
• Kevin Albutra
• Kimberly C. Campz
• Kimkim Tugahan
• King Jamm Concepcion
• Kirk David S. Sanchez
• Kix Perez
• Kram Lab
• Kris Angelyn Segovia
• Kristel Garcia
• Kristen Clair Vergara
• Kristen Red Kabigao
• Kurl Francis A. Dedumo
• Leorn Clihaca
• Liberty Gamutan
• Lon Skie
• Lotlot Mercado Goloran
• Magboo Lowie
• Mali Tian Paspe
• Marc Dulgumie
• Marco Paolo Danseco
• Margie Basal
• Maria Anna Z
• Maria Thenesse Cornelio
• Marj Quintela
• Mark Anthony Perea
• Mark Christian Garcia Villarin
• Mark Dorias
• Mark Jazzer Alejandro
• Mark Kenneth S. Carduce
• Mark Krisli Dela Pena
• Marlon Dejesa
• Marvie Mosende
• Mary Joy Rios Ogale
• Mashee Ledesma 
• Maxine Lumague
• Maxx Trivian
• May Dhen Cosio
• Megan Claire David
• Meltri Getema
• Meltri Gretema
• Menard Titular Llanes
• Merwyn Abella
• Mhei Lirio Mendoza
• Michael Catiis
• Michael Fernandez
• Michael S. Casinillo
• Mike Cappal
• Mike Raber
• Miko Diaz
• Mit Chie
• Mitza Em
• Mj Rivera
• Mon Santiago Rael
• Monix Atizado
• Mrkaku Sinazta
• Nedong Angelo Arni
• Neil Rebel
• Nhoj John
• Nino Banggitang Kabalyero
• Nito Jun Tuyor Bustamante
• Noel Mendoza Catalan
• Noli Paul Clapton Austria
• Nollora Alvin
• Nomer Solado
• Nosej Ansong Onteirbag
• Nox Mahinay
• Numb Paperheart
• Ody Peruda
• Okcimgnal Naman
• Olan Saquillo
• Onnier Ringcala
• Paolo Balai8
• Paolo Ignacio
• Paolo Manansala Cruz
• Paul Anthony Lontok
• Paul Clark
• Paul Jason Santiago
• Paul Jayson R. Santos
• Peter Gyro S. Moises
• Phey Orsua
• Philip Santiago
• Precious Tuncao
• Qhuinny Pacis
• Rai Cruz
• Rai Cruz
• Rajani Sumabat
• Ralph Anthony Yanza
• Ramel Dulay
• Ramel Espano Dulay
• Ramil Mangan
• Randy Vibal
• Rangy Valido
• Ranulfo Almario Garcia
• Rapido Loza
• Raven Villanueva
• Raymond Lipin
• Rebelyn A. Abillon
• Redhel Lucas
• Rei Chukihito
• Rei John Elbambo Villarde
• Rei Medalla
• Renren Lasola
• Renz Reyes
• Renzo De Luna
• Retseg Camalig
• Reylan Pliego
• Rg Enoya
• Rg Enoya
• Rhemo Rabatan
• Ria Laurente
• Rich Dan
• Richard Oscares
• Richard Silorio Sechico
• Rine Christelle Kourin Anfone
• Rob Bert Jasmin Oliveros
• Robert Aquino
• Robert Jasmin Oliveros
• Roderick Bonifacio
• Rodgie Cruz
• Rogelio Duran Beldenza, Jr.
• Roland Raymond Roldan
• Rommel Eugrafia
• Roy Estrella Rhian de Martin
• Ruel Cerino
• Rugene Hiro Vida
• Ryan Joseph Jurado-Jurado
• Ryan Julz Santos
• Saggicunie Fearone
• Sean Kent Evangelista
• Seira Ladiv
• Shawn Morris Morris
• Shean Guevarra
• Sherwin Franco Viacrusis
• Shirley Andrada Columbres
• Shirly Andrada Columbres
• Sibil Repablikan
• Suzanne Q. Samson
• Sweetzion Gomado
• Syronne Sy Dalawis
• Thedestruction Good
• Theresa Eleanor Linsagan Paano-Barrientos
• Thirdy Camilon
• Thugtrious Bon
• Tiara Bee
• Ting Pacolarin
• Titel Ferrer
• Tom Wilfred Ogena
• Tong David Lopez
• Trish Yoon Reid
• Troy Surpia
• Typi Cal
• Tyron Vince dela Pena
• Valene Ysa Golez-Lagtapon Santander
• Valerie Anne Sardolla
• Valerie Ysa Golez-Lagtapon Santos
• Velynne Millan
• Vera Marie F. Cabalar
• Via Castello
• Victor James Cabral
• Vincent Navarro Ranada
• Vrix Independentes
• Wil Cansino
• Willand Reodica
• Xarier Suarez
• Xymoone Sajorga
• Yahya Colibao Cabanilla
• Youthforunity Andpeace
• Zanie Jovellana
• Zem Esguerra
• Zito Manalo
• ZMDKTO TheSecond

Pia Wurtzbach to co-star with Gerald Anderson

Pia Wurtzbach

Her reign as Miss Universe is over but Pia Wurtzbach intends to stay in the limelight, this time as actress.

Pia made her debut movie via “Gandarappido: The Revenger Squad,” starring Vice Ganda. It was the topgrosser in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

In a forthcoming movie project under Star Cinema, Pía plays the leading lady of Gerald Anderson. Her boyfriend Marlon Stockinger has given it his blessings.

At her recent launch as Goya Chocolate’s brand ambassador, Pia said she intends to take advantage of her fame and not let go of the luster. “I want to take advantage of it. Sayang naman the opportunities,” she said.

When time allows her, she would also like to go back to New York to explore and get to know better this beautiful city.

• • •

2018 Miss Caloocan launched

Mayor Oscar Malapitan

Also launched recently at the new Caloocan City Hall was the 2018 Miss Caloocan search which usually happens every February. This is the 67th year of the contest and the fifth under the leadership of Mayor Oscar Malapitan under the city’s Cultural Affairs Tourism Office in cooperation with the Caloocan Cultural and Tourism Foundations.

Interestingly, the Miss Caloocan beauty pageant has produced two actresses, Angel Locsin (real name: Angel Colmenares) and Aubrey Miles. Another Miss Caloocan winner, Mitch Cajayon joined politics and became congresswoman.

The 25 candidates were presented to the media and their social and civic activities starting the first week of February (the anniversary of Caloocan Cityhood) explained. Their activities include feeding programs, medical and dental missions for charitable organizations like the Tahanang Mapagpala. They will also visit major infrastructure projects of the local government.

They will also participate in the Chinese New Year Countdown at Monumento on Feb. 15 and the Outstanding Citizens of Caloocan Awards on Feb. 16.

The Miss Caloocan 2018 coronation will be held on Feb. 24 at the City Sports Complex. It will be telecast live on TV5.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 10, go to former Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando, Nimfa Fallarme, Tessie Salas, Tessie Daza, Dr. Gemma Sahagun, Vanessa Peralta, Edna Floor, Chelsea Layos, Jake Azul and Sid Malhabour… Feb. 11: Jackie Lou Blanco, Milo Bondoc, Lulu Malvar, Jerry Matias, Johnny Manahan, Lulu Tan Gan, Oscar Landerito, director Malou Sevilla, my granddaughter Andrea Mariella Belen, Alwyn Uytengco and Lovi Poe…Feb. 12: Alice Lacson, Denise Ysmael Lacson, David Ty Jr., Elizabeth Carino, Joe Recio, Nene Riego, Marinel Cruz, Ambet Nabus, Bing Atienza, Sugar Valerio and Lourdes “Lou” Duque Baron…

DOTr, Bombardier sign agreement on OEM signaling spare parts and maintenance of MRT-3

Pursuant to efforts to rehabilitate and restore MRT-3, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Canadian company Bombardier Transportation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the urgent procurement of OEM signaling spare parts and signaling maintenance for MRT-3.

In a signing ceremony in Pasay City today, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed an MOU with officials from Bombardier together with Canadian Ambassador John Holmes.

Bombardier is the company that designed, supplied, commissioned, and maintained the MRT-3 signaling system for its first 12 years of operations. Bombardier is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and proprietary rights owner of the Cityflo 250 Light Rail and Metro Signaling Solution, which is the signaling system used in the MRT-3 system.

Under the MOU, the DOTr will procure an OEM signaling spare parts and 2-year signaling maintenance contract from Bombardier via direct contracting and emergency procurement, pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. Such procurement mode was employed considering that Bombardier is the proprietary source of MRT-3’s Cityflo 250 signaling system, and given the immediate need to restore MRT-3’s reliability and availability, which is a vital public service and infrastructure facility.

The MOU comes after the system’s previous maintenance service providers failed to purchase and maintain a sufficient inventory of OEM signaling spare parts; purchased and installed non-OEM parts; and failed to adequately maintain, renew, and upgrade MRT-3’s signaling system.

“For years, among the top 3 most frequent causes of MRT-3 breakdowns are signaling-related issues. For years, non-OEM signaling spare parts were used and installed, in an effort to save on costs and increase profit at the expense of MRT-3’s safety and reliability. For years, MRT-3’s signaling system was not maintained properly, and was not upgraded when due. That is why this time, we want to be sure that we get the right spare parts and that we maintain the system right. Bombardier‘s track record is exceptional. They are the original manufacturer of MRT-3’s signaling system, and we are directly dealing with Bombardier, not a JV, not a consortium, not any middleman,” said Tugade.

The signing was also witnessed by DOTr Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan and DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra. (DOTr-PR)

Bombardier to supply parts, signaling system for MRT upgrade anew

Canadian firm Bombardier Transportation will supply the signaling system and spare parts that are necessary for the improvement and rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).



This, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bombardier Friday for the procurement of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the signaling spare parts and signaling maintenance for MRT-3.

Under the MOU, the DOTr will procure an OEM signaling spare parts and two-year signaling maintenance contract from Bombardier via direct contracting and emergency procurement, pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

This procurement mode was availed by the department due to the urgency of restoring MRT-3’s reliability and available.

The MOU comes after the railway system’s previous maintenance providers failed to purchase and maintain a sufficient inventory of OEM signaling spare parts; purchased and installed non-OEM parts; and failed to adequately maintain, renew, and upgrade MRT-3’s signaling system.



“For years, among the top 3 most frequent causes of MRT-3 breakdowns are signaling-related issues. For years, non-OEM signaling spare parts were used and installed, in an effort to save on costs and increase profit at the expense of MRT-3's safety and reliability. For years, MRT-3's signaling system was not maintained properly, and was not upgraded when due. That is why this time, we want to be sure that we get the right spare parts and that we maintain the system right. Bombardier‘s track record is exceptional. They are the original manufacturer of MRT-3's signaling system, and we are directly dealing with Bombardier, not a JV, not a consortium, not any middleman,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The signing ceremony held in Pasay City and attended by officials from Bombardier, Canadian Ambassador John Holmes, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan and DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra.



Bombardier is the company that designed, supplied, commissioned, and maintained the MRT-3 signaling system for its first 12 years of operations.



It is the OEM and proprietary rights owner of the Cityflo 250 Light Rail and Metro Signaling Solution, the signaling system used in the MRT-3. (PNA)

DOTr taps original firm for MRT-3 signaling parts, maintenance

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Canadian company Bombardier Transportation on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to procure spare parts and maintain the MRT-3's signaling system.

"Bombardier‘s track record is exceptional. They are the original manufacturer of MRT-3's signaling system, and we are directly dealing with Bombardier, not a JV, not a consortium, not any middleman,” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

DOTr said Bombardier is the company that "designed, supplied, commissioned, and maintained the MRT-3 signaling system for its first 12 years of operations."

It is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and proprietary rights owner of the Cityflo 250 Light Rail and Metro Signaling Solution, which is the signaling system used in the MRT-3 system, the DOTr added.

Under the MOU, the DOTr will procure OEM signaling spare parts from Bombardier. The signaling maintenance contract is for 2 years.

The deal was awarded to Bombardier under direct contracting and emergency procurement, pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, the statement said.

Tugade said the top 3 most frequent causes of breakdowns are signaling-related issues. He said non-OEM parts were used in the past years to "save on cost and increase profit at the expense of MRT-3's safety and reliability."

"This is why this time, we want to be sure that we get the right spare parts and that we maintain the system right," he said.

The contract with previous maintenance provider, Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI), was terminated after it failed to maintain and procure spare parts of the MRT-3 signaling system. 

Renew CBCP broadcast franchise, solons urged

An international media watchdog has called on lawmakers to renew the legislative franchise of Catholic Church-run radio stations across the country that has been pending for more than a year now.

France-based organization Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), also known by its English name Reporters without Borders, urged the House of Representatives to approve the franchise application of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to operate Catholic Media Network’s 54 radio stations nationwide.

Pending since January 2017

“We urge Philippine parliamentarians to address the Catholic Media Network’s application so that this license can finally be renewed,” said Daniel Bastard, head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk, in a statement.

House Bill No. 4820, which would extend for another 25 years Republic Act No.  7530, the broadcast franchise granted to the CBCP, has been pending on the House committee on legislative franchises since Jan. 24, 2017, the day it was filed. It has yet to be put on the agenda by the committee.

The RSF has expressed concern that the “refusal” of lawmakers to renew the franchise appeared to be “politically motivated,” given the Church’s critical stance on President Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

“Given the Catholic Church’s criticism of the Duterte administration, this refusal to renew clearly seems to be politically motivated,” Bastard said.

‘Mere formality’

“[The renewal] should be a mere formality, nothing more than a stamp on a four-page document,” he added.

The French group also condemned the recent online attack on Kodao, an alternative news outfit known for its coverage of human rights issues and the government’s shelved peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Kodao’s website was hacked last week after it published a report on the arrest of NDFP consultant Rafael Baylosis by military and police agents.

“[As] Kodao is well-known for its uncompromising criticism of the authorities, its suspension also has all the hallmarks of a reprisal against the free press,” Bastard said.

The website suffered from a “code injection attack” through WordPress, according to RSF, and lost most of its online data. The site remained inaccessible as of Thursday.

Silencing critical media

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also condemned the cyberattack, describing it as “part of the Duterte government’s efforts to silence critical media, as seen in [its] continuing attempt to shut down Rappler [and] threaten other news outfits and voices of dissent.”



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/967372/renew-cbcp-broadcast-franchise-solons-urged#ixzz5A4yjT07R
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Renew CBCP broadcast franchise, solons urged

An international media watchdog has called on lawmakers to renew the legislative franchise of Catholic Church-run radio stations across the country that has been pending for more than a year now.

France-based organization Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), also known by its English name Reporters without Borders, urged the House of Representatives to approve the franchise application of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to operate Catholic Media Network’s 54 radio stations nationwide.

Pending since January 2017

“We urge Philippine parliamentarians to address the Catholic Media Network’s application so that this license can finally be renewed,” said Daniel Bastard, head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk, in a statement.

House Bill No. 4820, which would extend for another 25 years Republic Act No.  7530, the broadcast franchise granted to the CBCP, has been pending on the House committee on legislative franchises since Jan. 24, 2017, the day it was filed. It has yet to be put on the agenda by the committee.

The RSF has expressed concern that the “refusal” of lawmakers to renew the franchise appeared to be “politically motivated,” given the Church’s critical stance on President Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

“Given the Catholic Church’s criticism of the Duterte administration, this refusal to renew clearly seems to be politically motivated,” Bastard said.

‘Mere formality’

“[The renewal] should be a mere formality, nothing more than a stamp on a four-page document,” he added.

The French group also condemned the recent online attack on Kodao, an alternative news outfit known for its coverage of human rights issues and the government’s shelved peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Kodao’s website was hacked last week after it published a report on the arrest of NDFP consultant Rafael Baylosis by military and police agents.

“[As] Kodao is well-known for its uncompromising criticism of the authorities, its suspension also has all the hallmarks of a reprisal against the free press,” Bastard said.

The website suffered from a “code injection attack” through WordPress, according to RSF, and lost most of its online data. The site remained inaccessible as of Thursday.

Silencing critical media

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also condemned the cyberattack, describing it as “part of the Duterte government’s efforts to silence critical media, as seen in [its] continuing attempt to shut down Rappler [and] threaten other news outfits and voices of dissent.”



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Vista Land eyes 60 malls by 2020

Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. is ramping up its expansion with a target to triple its shopping mall portfolio in the next three years, as it rides on the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals.

The property developer targets to have 60 malls by end of 2020 from the current 22 malls in its portfolio.

“We remain optimistic for the industry, given the strong demand for our commercial spaces and housing products, propelled by the stable growth in the disposable income, OF (overseas Filipinos) remittances and sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” said Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. in a statement.

Villar remains bullish on expansion plans of its leasing business through subsidiary Starmalls, Inc. to add 38 more malls in the next three years.

Vista Land President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Paolo Villar said they were looking at a double-digit 10 to 15 percent consolidated net income growth this year.

“Our company is poised to have another banner year for 2018, as our additional leasable spaces are now contributing significantly to our current financial results in addition to the sustained double-digit growth in our residential business,” he said.

Vista Land has earmarked PHP50 billion for consolidated capital expenditures for 2018, a significant portion of which is allotted to the construction of malls to hit 1.4 million gross floor area (GFA) by end of this year.

The company has an established presence in about 133 cities and municipalities across 46 provinces and intends to focus on the development of "Communicities", or integrated urban developments combining lifestyle retail, prime office space, university town, healthcare, themed residential developments, and leisure components.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024595

Vista Land targets to have 60 malls by 2020

VISTA LAND & Lifescapes, Inc. is pouring in P50 billion in capital expenditures in 2018, as the company embarks on a three-year program to nearly triple its mall developments by 2020.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Villar-led firm said bulk of the spending for 2018 will be for the development of malls, in line with its vision to reach 1.4 million square meters of gross floor area from leasing spaces by the end of the year. Malls will corner 85% of this target, while office projects will account for 15%.

Vista Land is ramping up its spending to reach its target of 60 malls by 2020, which are expected to generate a steady stream of leasing revenues. It currently has a total of 22 malls, including those operated by its subsidiaries.

This year’s P50-billion capex is 42% higher than the P35.3-billion it has committed to spend in 2017.

“Our company is poised to have another banner year for 2018 as our additional leasable spaces are now contributing significantly to our current financial results in addition to the sustained double digit growth in our residential business,” Vista Land President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Paolo A. Villar said in a statement.

Vista Land’s net income grew by 12% in the nine months ending September to P7.1 billion, following a 12% year-on-year increase in revenues to P26.9 billion during the period.

Of this, leasing income accounted for P4.3 billion, 30% higher than its contribution to revenues a year prior. The residential segment was the company’s primary growth driver as sales reached P20.8 billion for the period.

The company has earlier announced its P10-billion net income target for this year, 11% higher than the projected P9 billion it expects to have made in 2017.

Vista Land continues its expansion program as it expects more demand for both residential and office spaces.

“We remain optimistic for the industry, given the strong demand for our commercial spaces and housing products, propelled by the stable growth in the disposable income, OF (overseas Filipino) remittances and sound Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals,” Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. said in a statement.

Vista Land is currently present in 133 cities and municipalities across 46 provinces. Considered the largest property developer for horizontal communities, the company’s long term goal is to establish its presence in around 200 cities.

Shares in Vista Land rose 20 centavos or 3.23%, closing at P6.39 apiece at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday. — Arra B. Francia

https://www.bworldonline.com/vista-land-targets-60-malls-2020/

Voith receives order to modernize propulsion system of up to 27 light rail vehicles in Manila

• Light Rail Manila Corporation has commissioned Voith with the upgrade of its light rail vehicles’ propulsion system
• The order contains the replacement of the traction and auxiliary inverters as well as the vehicle control systems
• The modernization will be performed from end of 2018 until 2020

On January 12, 2018 Voith was awarded the order to perform the modernization of 27 (includes three optional) trains in Manila, Philippines. In order to manage the current and future passenger volume, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) decided to modernize the propulsion system of its second-generation rail vehicles which were originally equipped in 1999.

The order contains the replacement of the traction and auxiliary inverters as well as the vehicle control systems. Voith will deliver, implement and commission the new equipment, which is based on state-of-the-art technology and adapted to the specific requirements of the trains and the environmental conditions. The modernization will be performed from end of 2018 until 2020.

LRMC operates and maintains the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) in Manila, running from Roosevelt station in the north to Baclaran station in the south. Currently, the 20.7 kilometers LRT-1 system contains 20 stations, and more than 400,000 passengers use the LRT-1 service each day. There are plans to extend the line with eight more stations to the south.

Voith Digital Solutions bundles Voith’s long standing automation and IT expertise with the know-how in the fields of water power, paper machines and drive engineering. This new Group Division works with new and existing customers to develop innovative products and services by driving IoT innovations and decisively shaping the digitalization process in the field of machine and plant engineering.

Voith is a global technology group. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of €4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

NLEX Expansion, Enhancements and Excellence

THE Manila North Tollways Corp. was recently reorganized as Nlex Corp. and 2017 was as a year of “Triple Es”—expansion, enhancements, excellence—for the company.

New and longer kilometer lanes were built; toll plazas were expanded; interchanges enhanced; new exits opened; more roadway lighting facilities installed; electronic payment options diversified; and pavements known for their Nlex quality were further improved.

Nlex Corp. as a matter of policy and DNA never rest on its laurels. In a year-end statement, President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco said, “2017 is a defining period where we will build on our accomplishments and bring to completion big ticket projects slated for 2018.”

“We at Nlex Corp. have indeed made traveling through our tollways safer, faster and more comfortable.”

Nlex Corp. operates both the 97-kilometer North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and the 94-km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

“More expansion and enhancement projects are on the way this year that will provide further comfort and convenience to motorists,” Franco added.

“Among the projects completed in 2017 for North Luzon Expressway are the 64 lane kilometers of world-class expressway; the 56 lane kilometers from Santa Rita to San Fernando in Pampanga;  and the 8 lane kilometers from Dau to Santa Ines, also in Pampanga. The additional lane kilometers expanded the road capacity of Nlex in heavy traffic areas, and thus enhanced free flow of traffic,” Franco said.

Three toll plazas in Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue and Meycauayan were also expanded. Toll lanes at Balintawak plaza were increased from 17 to 25; the three-lane Mindanao plaza adopted a fishbone design to allow for easy exit; and the toll lanes of Meycauayan plaza increased from four to five lanes.

According to Nlex Corp., they expanded the toll lanes to provide more “breathing space” at the toll plazas and reduce long queues of vehicles.

Nlex also constructed three new exits, namely, Lingunan, Libtong and Pandayan.

The Lingunan southbound exit has decongested traffic at the Valenzuela interchange; the Libtong northbound exit relieved rush-hour traffic at Meycauayan interchange, while the Pandayan southbound exit also contributed to free traffic flow at Meycauayan.

This project has benefited at least 13,000 vehicles coming in and out of the city via Nlex. These exits also increased commercial activities in the city with increased efficiency, due to reduced traffic.

Interchange enhancements were undertaken at the San Fernando Interchange, where traffic was building up due to increased commercial activities of two big malls. The enhancements project took the form of two new bridges that function as separate carriageways.

The interchange enhancements predictably resulted in greater travel convenience—benefiting operators, passengers and business owners within the City of San Fernando and other parts of Central Luzon.

One project that promises to stimulate commerce in the country is an expressway that speeds up transport to and from our ports. The R-10 section of the Nlex Harbor Link Project broke ground last year. It is a 2.6-kilometer continuation of the 5.7 km Nlex Harbor Link Segment 10. The R-10 section will surely provide direct access from the Port Area to Northern Luzon provinces via Nlex.

Nlex has not only brightened the lives of motorists but it has also brightened the roadways in Pampanga with close to 800 LED lights from Balagtas in Bulacan to San Fernando in Pampanga. The light-emitting diode lights have greatly illuminated the stretch and contributed to road safety at night time.

Nlex diversified electronic payment options, and motorists traversing Nlex can now pay their tollway fees by using their Easy Trip RFID, beep cards and Mastercard contactless debit, prepaid and credit cards, including their Smart Mastercard powered by PayMaya. This resulted in faster, more secure and more convenient transactions at the toll booths.

Over at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the Nlex Corp. completed its rehabilitation of the entire SCTEx pavement from Tipo to Tarlac, thus increasing the comfort and convenience of motorists in the area.

Nlex Corp. has also modernized the SCTEx Traffic Control Room—featuring a central traffic management system that monitors 24/7 real-time traffic. The SCTEx Control Room is now on a par with the ultra-modern Nlex Traffic Control Room.

The company also installed over 100 CCTV cameras to keep close watch over SCTEx, including toll plazas and toll booths. This also helped in monitoring and surveying what factors can be changed to provide better service for motorists and commuters.

With all these accomplishments, the tollways firm hopes to continue making substantial improvements on Nlex-SCTEx that will provide not only ease of travel but also to spur growth in the communities traversed by the expressways. Whenever we talk of Nlex Corp.’s nonstop improvements, we remember an industry observer’s remark about the passion for excellence of Nlex executives led by Franco.

The perceptive Franco remarked, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

First phase of Cavite-Laguna Expressway to open in December

CALAX. The first 7 kilometers of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway will be opened to motorists by December 2018, instead of the initial target of February 2019. Photo by Chrisee Dela Paz/Rappler

A portion of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) is targeted to begin commercial operations by December 2018, after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) asked the concessionaire to fast-track the construction.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said on Thursday, February 8, that the first 7 kilometers (km) of CALAX, which runs from the Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna to Laguna Boulevard, is seen to be opened to motorists by December 2018, instead of the initial target of February 2019.

MPCALA Holdings Incorporated, a unit of listed Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), is the winning concessionaire of CALAX, which is a 44.6-kilometer, 4-lane toll road between the Cavite Expressway in Kawit, Cavite and the South Luzon Expressway-Mamplasan Interchange.

"We asked MPIC if we can expedite it to December 2018 so we have a Christmas gift for the motorists. The original target was to open it in February next year, as a Valentine's Day gift. But I said, it is more proper to give it as a Christmas present," Villar told reporters during his office's inspection of the project site in Laguna.

Back in March, MPCALA signed a P7.2-billion agreement with DM Consunji Incorporated (DMCI) for the construction of the 18-km Laguna side of CALAX.

For the Cavite side, MPCALA is hiring Australia's Leighton Holdings in a deal worth P7.3 billion.

On top of the project's P35.42-billion construction cost, MPCALA paid the government a premium bid of P27.3 billion to win the CALAX contract.

MPCALA will operate and maintain CALAX for 35 years. After that, the operations and maintenance of the expressway will be in the government's hands.

"As of now, the government has delivered about 60% right of way for the entire toll road project. The construction for the entire CALAX is targeted to be finished by December 2020," Villar said.

The 44.6-kilometer road project will connect nearby industrial zones to the capital of one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.

https://www.rappler.com/business/195578-cavite-laguna-expressway-calax-construction-first-phase-december-2018

DPWH to auction off Quezon-Bicol Expressway project by end-2018

Department of Public Works and Highways targets to finish the construction of the proposed Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QBEX) by 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A proposed 180-kilometer expressway from southern Quezon to Camarines Sur is set to be auctioned off to the private sector by end-2018, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced.

Alex Bote, public-private partnership (PPP) director at DPWH, said in a report that the agency will undertake a feasibility study on the proposed Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QBEX), a project aimed at signifcantly reducing travel time between Manila and the Bicol region.

"By the 4th quarter of this year, we plan to begin the tender process of QBEX," Bote said in a statement on Wednesday, February 7.

Implemented under the PPP scheme, the expressway project covers an estimated length of about 180 kilometers from Pagbilao, Quezon to San Fernando, Camarines Sur.

Bote said the project cost will be determined upon completion of the feasibility study,

"By 4th quarter of 2019, the detailed engineering design [of QBEX is expected to be done]. [This will be] followed by right-of-way acquisition starting the 4th quarter of 2020, so we will be able to proceed with the construction by 1st quarter of 2022," Bote said.

The DPWH targets to finish the construction of the proposed expressway PPP deal by 2026.

Press freedom group to solons: Renew CBCP broadcast franchise

An international media watchdog has called on Philippine lawmakers to renew the legislative franchise of Church-run radio stations in the country, which has been pending since it was filed last year.

French-based organization Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters without Borders or RSF) urged the House of Representatives to finally approve the franchise application of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to operate 54 radio stations nationwide.

“We urge Philippine parliamentarians to address the Catholic Media Network application so that this license can finally be renewed,” said Daniel Bastard, head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk, in a statement.

House Bill 4820, the proposed measure which seeks to extend to another 25 years Republic Act 7530 or the broadcast franchise granted to the CBCP, has been pending before the House committee on legislative franchises since it was filed on January 24, 2017. It has yet to be put on agenda by the committee.

RSF has expressed worry that the “refusal” of lawmakers to renew the franchise appears to be “politically motivated” given the Church’s critical stance and reportage against President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

“It should be a mere formality, nothing more than a stamp on a four-page document. Given the Catholic Church’s criticism of the Duterte administration, this refusal to renew clearly seems to be politically motivated,” Bastard said.

The group also condemned the online attack against Kodao, an alternative news outfit known for coverages of the government’s peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) and human rights issues.

Kodao’s website was attacked last week after publishing a story on arrested NDF consultant Rafael Baylosis.

“Meanwhile, as Kodao is well known for its uncompromising criticism of the authorities, its suspension also has all the hallmarks of a reprisal against the free press,” Bastard said.

Kodao, which suffered from a “code injection attack” through WordPress, has lost most of its online data and the site has remained inaccessible as of posting.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines meanwhile condemned the cyberattack, saying “that it was part of the Duterte government’s efforts to silence critical media, as seen in the continuing attempt to shut down Rappler, threaten other news outfits, and other voices of dissent.”  /muf



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San Miguel bares P700-B capex budget

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it is allocating P700 billion for its capital expenditure (capex) program from 2015 to 2022 in a bid to expand its business portfolio.

The amount excludes the P700-billion proposed airport project in Bulacan, which is currently under evaluation by the Department of Transportation.

SMC Senior Vice President Sergio Edeza told reporters on the sidelines of an investors’ briefing on Tuesday said that the P700-billion spending budget will be poured into San Miguel’s food, beverage, and infrastructure businesses.

However, no details were given as to how much of the capex has already been spent.


Early last year, reports said SMC had allocated P543.3 billion for its capital outlays from 2015 to 2020 to fund expansion plans.

Currently in the pipeline are two new breweries to be located in Mindanao and Southern Luzon. Upon completion, the new facilities will each produce two million hectoliters of beer annually.

SMC Chief Finance Officer Ferdinand Constantino said other projects include the development of its power facility in Limay, Bataan, and infrastructure projects such as the Boracay Airport—which is set for completion next year; the South and North Luzon Expressway connector road; the C6 Road; MRT-7, and the Bulacan Bulk Water Project.


“In power, we are completing our power plant in Limay, Bataan, the first 300 megawatts (MW) is now on-stream and the 700 MW [capacity]is still to be completed,” Constantino said.

SMC said funding for the remaining programmed outlays until 2020 will come from equity (30 percent) and the rest will be raised from bond issuances and loans, among others.

Earlier in January, SMC announced it was issuing the third and final tranche of its fixed-rate peso-denominated bond worth P30 billion, with proceeds to be utilized to repay existing debt obligations. The issuance forms part of the company’s P60 billion shelf registration program.

The offer period will run from March 2 to 8, 2018. The interest rate announcement and release of final allocation will be on March 1.

An exciting end to ‘Wildflower’

Maja Salvador

Viewers are saddened that the ABS-CBN series “Wildflower” is about to end after a year (it premiered February 2017). The series stars Maja Salvador, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, Wendell Ramos, RK Bagatsing and Aiko Melendez, among others.

More than just a story of revenge, “Wildflower” is about a woman’s courage, determination, and resilience to find justice for her family and for the people of one town. Driven by hope and love, main protagonist Lily Cruz (Maja) fights for what is right without putting the law in her hands.

“Wildflower” has been a consistent top-rating program on primetime and a consistent trending topic on social media. It reached an all-time high national TV rating of 35.2% for its Oct. 10 episode – the highest rating earned by a program in the 6 p.m. timeslot in recent years. It also ranked 13th on Kantar Media’s list of most watched programs for 2017, and it was also among the most watched program on iWant TV last year.

The show received various recognitions from award giving bodies such as PMPC Star Awards for TV, LionhearTV Rawr Awards, GEMS Hiyas ng Sining Awards, and even the Asian Television Awards where Tirso was finalist in the best supporting actor category.

• • •

Much-talked Bianca, Kyline’s fight scenes

Kyline Alcantara

The fight scenes between Crisan (Bianca Umali) and Cheska (Kyline Alcantara) on the series “Kambal, Karibal” are so realistic they don’t fail to excite viewers every night.

Many wonder if the slapping exchanges and hair-pulling between them are real and if they are hurting each other every time they do it. In a recent interview, Kyline said they have to do it the real way even if they hurt each other. Otherwise, “hindi makatotohanan.”

Because of the rave reviews they’ve been receiving, Bianca and Kyline are even more inspired now in playing their roles the best way they can.

Also starring on “Kambal, Karibal” are Miguel Tanfelix, Christopher de Leon, Marvin Agustin, Carmina Villaroel, Alfred Vargas, and Jean Garcia, among others.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 8, go to former Pres. Noynoy Aquino, Ronnie Henares, Gov. Joven Gongora, Edith Diaz, Leonardo Garcia, Martin D.C. Alegre, Mercy Muriel Santos and Bea Guanzon… Feb. 9: Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Edna Diaz, Lulu Lerma, Dr. Ernesto “Dodo” Acosta, Abel Aljama, Dr. Cielito Cojuanco, Ma. Cristina “Tintin” Tan, Jaycon Yaneza, Sean Archer Martinez; my grandson in New York, Dylan Gabriel Belen, Kathy Solis, Marissa Pellegina Ibo, LA Aguinaldo and David Pomeranz…

French experts tapped for LRT 1 Extension

The French are coming to build the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1 ) Extension. French rail experts Bouygues Travaux Publics and Alstom Transport Private Limited will be coming to start construction of the extension of Asia’s first transport line from Baclaran where it currently stands, to Noig Cavite in the middle of 2018.

The French will be led by the The Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC) –  a consortium of Ayala Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), and the Macquarie group. LRMC will extend the existing 20.7km long LRT “Green” Line by approximately 11.7 more kilometers. When completed, the LRT-1 will run from Congressional Avenue in Quezon City; to Baclaran in Paranaque City; to Niog in Bacoor City, Cavite.

Construction is set to begin in the middle of 2018 and will run for 4 years, finishing in 2022. Once completed, the project is expected to increase the line’s capacity by 800,000; spur commercial development and decongest traffic in the Paranaque-Las Pinas-Cavite area.

The LRT-1 Cavite Extension construction will cost US$1.36 Billion to develop.

QUIRINO GRANDSTAND

Mega Manila Subway set to start partial ops by 2022: Tugade

The Mega Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is set to start partial operations by the end of the term of the Duterte administration in 2022.

Three stations of the proposed subway system are set to open in Mindanao Avenue, North Avenue and Tandang Sora in Quezon City which are expected to accommodate around 120,000 passengers daily.

“JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) wants the partial operations to start in 2022 but we are requesting for it to happen a year earlier or in 2021,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a radio interview over the weekend.

The PHP355.6 billion MMSP Phase 1, financed through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) from JICA will have 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City up to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The 25-kilometer subway system is envisioned to be an underground mass transportation system connecting major business districts and government centers which is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its opening year.

Its construction is expected to start as early as third quarter of 2018.

Philippine Seven steps up expansion after robust 2017 results

After opening 318 new stores in 2017, Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive local licensor of global C-store chain 7-Eleven, announced it was stepping up its momentum with more strategic franchising initiatives as part of its aggressive expansion plan.

As it embarks for long-term profitability and strong leadership this 2018, PSC, with a C-store fleet now pegged at 2,285, is targeting to open 375 new stores in various strategic locations this fiscal year.

Areas up for expansion include Region 2 (namely Isabela, Tuguegarao, Nueva Vizcaya and also Mindoro). For Visayas, PSC will be starting expansion in Leyte, Tacloban, and the rest of Eastern Visayas. In Mindanao, the company is planning to open stores in Surigao Del Sur and Norte and Sultan Kudarat.

“This year’s plan for Visayas and Mindanao is to open 75% franchise stores. Also, we have formulated a new franchise offer, the FC3, which is a lower investment compared to our existing franchise package. From R3.5 to R5-million investment, we came up with the new franchise package which is around less than half a million,” revealed Francis Medina, Business Development Unit Head.

Via the FC3 package, the company is targeting to have “a franchise ratio from 54% to 60%.”

“Our FC ratio is still more than half of our total stores. As of 2017, we already started converting some of our company-owned stores to franchise-owned. This year, we are planning to fully launch the FC3 to the public and we are expecting a heavy traffic of inquiries from there. The new program requires a full time store operator that will be hands on with store operations. Also, applicants will undergo 3-5 months of operations training,” he further stated.

According to Medina, the company’s successful finish in 2017 was due to consolidated efforts and solid execution of strategies.

Increased efficiency and constant elevation of customer shopping experiences through great value product choices and service offerings also account for 7-Eleven’s progress in the market.  Another accomplishment of the company, he added, is its milestone partnership which resulted to a 100th store under Chevron-Caltex station.

“We touch base areas where our competitors are not present yet. We tie up with logistical companies especially now that we are going into islands. Also, forging partnerships with institutional accounts and developers is a must,” said Medina.

Taken altogether, Medina said these factors have produced profitable bottom-line results for PSC.

“Despite the competition with other C-stores opening, we still managed to continue expanding into new territories, study new areas with potential for C-store concept. The company’s focus in 2017 was on aggressive expansion nationwide, especially Visayas and Mindanao. For this year, we were already able to open our first store in Bohol located in Panglao. It was opened last May,” Medina stated.

Given the new challenges brought forth by the newly-implemented Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law and competition with existing and new C-store market players, PSC is confident that, through continuous product innovation and new partnerships, 7-Eleven will continue to attract prospective partners.

“We are building momentum for our business by continually innovating our products, especially our proprietary brands, and services to give greater value to our patrons and shareholders. As of now, we are looking into venturing and expanding our e-commerce usage to provide products and services to customers in the most convenient way possible. They can already use CLiQQ APP as their wallet to buy 7-Eleven products,” Medina said.

“PSC is also formulating our Store of the Future 3 design that aims to enhance the 7-Eleven store image. We are forging new partnerships for new products (we are enhancing our “Crisp Bites” products by building new satellite kitchens) and services as well. Our digital strategy enhancement of Cliqq app and e-commerce is also on our timeline,” Medina concluded.

InterAksyon likely to be moved to PhilStar group

NEWS WEB SITE InterAksyon.com will likely be moved under the Philippine Star group, the president of MediaQuest Holdings said.

MediaQuest President Ray C. Espinosa told reporters that the news Web site’s branding will remain the same.

“InterAksyon will most likely move to Philippine Star. Obviously they’re looking at the manpower… We want it to draw strength and synergy from the larger print organization,” he said.

However, there are no final details yet on the number of InterAksyon employees to be retained.

“I don’t know how many would be retained. But definitely we want it to be kept alive,” Mr. Espinosa said.

InterAksyon editor-in-chief Roby Alampay previously said the Web site has 20 regular employees. The Web site also let go of contractual employees last year.

Mr. Espinosa said the company wants “a decision or any transition” to happen within the first quarter of the year.

He added the synergy of the news Web sites would allow for targeting wider audiences.

“That’s the beauty of online. You can address so many segments, versus the print, with the costs, you can’t have many platforms,” he said.

InterAksyon.com is the online platform of PLDT, Inc.’s television network TV5 Network, Inc.

TV President Vincent “Chot” P. Reyes told reporters last week the company aims to reduce losses by 50% this year, having reduced losses by 43% last year. It targets to break even by 2019.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

Ronnie Liang renews contract with Viva

(FROM LEFT): Vic del Rosario, Ronnie and Veronique de Rosario-Corpuz

With the renewal of his contract with Viva Entertainment, expect Ronnie Liang’s showbiz career to flourish even more this 2018.

Ronnie Liang

To recall, Ronnie serenaded us with the breathtaking lyrics of “Ngiti,” thrilled us when he starred in the critically acclaimed indie movie “Esoterika: Maynila” where he won Best Actor, and impressed us when he bagged the Best Actor in a featured role in “Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical” held at Resorts World Manila.

And just last year, he was a part of the movies “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” and “Fan Girl Fan Boy” under Viva Films which further proved he is one great talent to watch out for. Managed by Viva Artist Agency, he has become a man with many faces and superb talents, entering the scene with such flair and becoming one of the most sought-after singers in the country.

To hone his talent, the multi-awarded singer turned actor is currently attending an acting workshop under the supervision of Director Rahyan Carlos of Star Magic.

Presently, he’s working on his fifth album set for release in the first quarter of 2018 under Viva Records.

Ronnie said he is forever grateful to Boss Vic del Rosario, Boss Vincent and Veronique of Viva Management for believing in his talent and supporting his career. Ronnie looks forward to doing more projects under Viva.

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Siri, a certified hit

Even on social media, Siri the cute wonder dog on “Sherlock Jr.,” has become a certified hit among netizens. Siri is the co-star of Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia on GMA’s latest primetime series.

Siri is Gabbi Garcia’s beloved pet but the dog is now also the best friend of reporter Jack (Ruru).

“Sherlock Jr.” airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

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ABS-CBN, GMA 7 ratings contest continues

Television broadcast giant GMA Network Inc. released January TV ratings that showed it ahead in certain Luzon urban areas while ABS-CBN claimed a nationwide lead in audience share.

In a statement, GMA said that for January 2018, it had recorded an audience share of 43.7 percent in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam) while ABS-CBN got 38.6 percent. GMA uses data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

ABS-CBN noted separately that it had cornered 46 percent across the Philippines, against GMA’s 34 percent, citing data from Kantar Media.

As in previous months, both companies highlighted their varying dominance. Ratings data are closely monitored by TV advertisers.

GMA, for example, said it was ahead of the competition in morning, afternoon and evening time blocks in NUTAM.

It highlighted bigger margins in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which accounted for the majority of urban viewers in the country.

For Urban Luzon, GMA got 49.2 percent against 32 percent for ABS-CBN. In Mega Manila, including Metro Manila and nearby provinces, GMA got 51.9 percent against ABS-CBN’s 28.5 percent.

More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with the award-winning news magazine show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” being the most watched GMA program for January.

Joining KMJS as the Network’s ratings drivers for the month were “Magpakailanman,” “Sherlock Jr.,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras,” “Super Ma’am,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “All-Star Videoke,” and “Sirkus.”

Included in the list as well were weekend primetime newscast “24 Oras Weekend,” “Ika-6 na Utos,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” “Tadhana,” “Imbestigador,” “Road Trip,” “The One That Got Away,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Dear Uge” and “Wowowin.”

GMA Network still ruled the list of top programs in Urban Luzon with 8 Kapuso programs making it to the top 10, while once again sweeping Mega Manila’s top 10 list.

For its part, ABS-CBN said it was ahead in total Luzon, where it got 43 percent against GMA’s 35 percent. In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN said it was leading at 42 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent.

ABS-CBN was also ahead in Visayas and Mindanao.

ABS-CBN said it had lured the most viewers in the primetime block, with 50 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent.

Nine of the ten most watched programs in the country were produced by ABS-CBN, led by the long running police drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” the network said.

The series topbilled by Coco Martin recorded a national TV rating of 49.5 percent, ABS-CBN said.

Other programs that made it to the list include “Pilipinas Got Talent,” “TV Patrol,” “MMK,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Wansapanataym,” “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “Asintado,” “Hanggang Saan,” “Wildflower,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Home Sweetie Home” and “Rated K.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 6, go to Eddie Rodriguez, Daisy Romualdez, Lilia de Vera, Pining Espina, Edward Chan, Beth Lim, Rosario Clarinio, Michael Luga, Mayor Amy Sison Navarro and Aljo Bendijo… Feb. 7: Fr. Fernando Suarez, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Nanette Luciano, Winnie Velasquez, Cheryl Cosim, Liz Alindogan, Liz Uy and Ian Veneracion…