Neo de Padua returns to inspire

Neo de Padua popularly known as Kuya E is back in the entertainment scene. He was discovered in 1986.

“Kaya lang hindi pa uso ’yung pangit noon. Hindi pa uso ’yung ganitong itsura kaya hindi tayo siguro nabigyan ng chance,” he shared. “Pero kahit papaano marami tayong nagawa. Meron tayong mga commercials at may mga na-endorso noon.”

Now a successful businessman and motivational celebrity, his is a rags-to-riches story people can learn from. He started working at five years old selling carioca, banana cue and pandesal. He was even a vendor in wet markets in Pasig and Parañaque.

Kuya E has combined his knack for speaking and singing on a TV show called “RYTS (Rule Yourself To Success)” which started airing last May 12 on Eagle Broadcasting Corporation Net 25. His first celebrity guest was Lani Misalucha.

“We talked about the back stories of our guests and how they made it in their respective careers,” he explained.

The hour-long talk show is composed of four segments. “All About Success” is a 10 to 12 minute segment on CEOs, business or corporate personalities sharing their success stories. “Shine Bright Like A Diamond” focuses on celebrities. “E-Balance” is on health professionals to shed light on health and wellness concerns. “Tulong Ni Kuya E” is on his charity works.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 19, go to former Caloocan Councilor Marjorie Barretto, Rajo Laurel, Lynn Abanilla, Yvonne Dayrit, Pinky Ramos-Ochoa, Aileen del Rosario, Joseph Alonzo, Catherine Mora, and Joe Astete… May 20: Pilita Corrales, Remy Bicomong, Yolanda Alvarez, Lolita Solis, Peter Timbol, Relly Elipano, Joriz de Guzman, Onehaunch Landingin, Miriam Pantig, Nathalie Tomada, Reily Santiago and Carla Humphries… May 21: Nora Aunor, former DOLE Sec. Nieves Defensor, Lulu Tinio, Ray Orosa, Ana Co Puno, Baby Cruz, Estela Mendoza, Evangeline Eugenio Sebastian, Rene Garcia, Bala K.T. Bala, Ruth Jaranilla, Odie Jose and Rinia Marquez…

Tokyo Metro training railway personnel in Philippines

Tokyo Metro Co. has begun helping train railway operation personnel in the Philippines as part of the bilateral government efforts to develop urban railroad networks in the Southeast Asian country, according to the subway operator.

Tokyo Metro and two Japanese consulting firms -- Oriental Consultants Global Co. and Almec Corp. -- have jointly taken on a technical cooperation project led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency to establish and run the Philippine Railway Institute, a training center planned under the country's Department of Transportation.

The three Japanese firms are responsible for drawing up a personnel training scheme and programs as well as nurturing skilled local instructors through June 2023, aiming to enable locals to smoothly operate and maintain city railroad networks, Tokyo Metro said.

Tokyo Metro "intends to provide a wide range of support to build a safe and convenient city railroad system," a spokesman told NNA.

Japan's development aid agency has discussed with the Philippine government setting up a governmental training institute designed to boost local expertise and skills such as train operation, railway building and wiring technologies, according to JICA.

Along with a large infrastructure development plan by President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, including projects for the Metro Manila Subway and Manila commuter railways, JICA has offered soft loans through its development aid program.

Aliw Awards marks 40th anniversary

(from left): Freddie Santos, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Alice Reyes, Jun Polistico and Andrea Nicolas

Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. (AAFI) caps its 40th anniversary celebration with a concert featuring at least 10 Entertainers of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awardees at the Aliw Theater on Oct. 4, 2018.

The Ruby Anniversary Concert is in partnership with Tag Media and the Star Parks Corp. of the Elizalde Group of Companies. It will be directed by Hall of Famer Freddie Santos.

Tag Media is the company that co-produced the successful “Best of Aliw” 2016 at Resorts World Manila. It has joined hands with AAFI and Star Parks Corp. for this first-of-its-kind production.

“Acknowledging the best Filipino talents nationwide has been one of our objectives from the start. For us, they promote the Philippines and call the attention of international investors who can help more Filipinos get jobs and attract more tourists to the Philippines,” said Engr. Grace Nicolas, Tag Media co-founder.

Those who have confirmed their participation in the concert are Pilita Corrales, Rico J. Puno, Imelda Papin, Jun Polistico, Hajji Alejandro, Lisa Macuja and the Halili Cruz Dance Company. It is expected to draw a record crowd to fill the 2,350 seats at the Aliw Theater.

Part of the proceeds will go to the Aliw’s Welfare Fund for ailing, unemployed live entertainers, according to Ms. Alice H. Hernandez, founder and president of AAFI.

• • •

JMartin of REtroSPECT goes solo

JMartin

Seasoned singer JMartin who is also a dancer, composer, producer and front man of the multi-awarded and renowned retro pop group REtroSPECT has released his first solo album “JMARTIN Hiwaga.”

It features original compositions and classic songs in the making like “Mula Ngayon” by songwriter Vehnee Saturno and “Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang” written by JMartin himself with Ogie Ramos and arranged by his album’s co-producer Miguel Cortes. The songs are played on MOR 101.9, Wish 107.5 and Pinas FM 95.5 in the Philippines and Megamixx 101.9 in Guam USA.

The other tracks are “Hiwaga,” “Respeto,” “Ikaw Pa Rin,” and “Umaasa” now on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music through ABS-CBN Star Music under JARO Productions and Godspeed Music label.

JMartin’s album tour will be in July and August 2018.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 17, go to Kris Bernal, Alice H. Reyes, Toni Gregory, Zita Feliciao, Cynthia Yu, Boy Gan, Silvia Abacan, Raphie Rivero, Esperanza Guntang, Ryan Fortaleza, Atty. Aileen Lizada and Julie Ann San Jose…  May 18: Virgie Ramos, Emmie Velarde, Aleck Bovick, Julie Ong, Sonia Bautista, Richard Joseph, Jimmy Williams, Col. Ben Kagaoan, Stephen Barua, Armando Santocildes, Gregoria Baterna, Vic Lactaoen, Joyce Fernandez, Rachel Tan, and Richard Yap…Happy wedding anniversary to Popoy and Rachel Los Baños; Boy and Lita Velasco, and Julio and Aning Sy…Belated b-day greetings to Rachel Krael from Angie Santamaria who is based in Singapore (May 16)…

Ayala Land to form JV for projects in Aurora, Quezon

AYALA LAND, Inc. (ALI) is teaming up with two companies headed by businessman Romeo G. Roxas for two projects in Aurora and Quezon province.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Tuesday, the listed property giant said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Green Square Properties Corp. (GSPC) and Green Circle Properties and Resources, Inc. (GCPRI) for the establishment of a joint venture company.

ALI is set to own 51% of the joint venture (JV), while 49% will be split between GSPC and GCPRI.

The JV firm will be tasked to develop 27,852 hectares of land located in Dingalan, Aurora, and General Nakar in Quezon province.

“The long-term vision for the properties is to support the government’s initiative of developing the country’s eastern coast and promoting inclusive growth through the phased development of a master planned mixed-use estate, principally oriented towards tourism, commercial, residential, and institutional uses,” ALI said in a statement.

The company noted it will incorporate environmental and ecological programs in the development of the properties to conserve the forest and to protect its biodiversity.

GMA Network to roll out digital device next month

GMA Network Inc. is set to commercially roll out its digital transmission device as early as next month.

“Definitely, by next month,” GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon told reporters after the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting in Quezon City on Wednesday.

He was asked about the timeline for the commercial rollout of the digital device which would allow analog television sets to receive digital transmission.

Gozon first announced the device in May 2016.

It is now being manufactured in a factory in China.

GMA’s technology arm GMA New Media Inc. (NMI) unveiled the digital receiver prototype in October 2016.

With the commercial rollout scheduled next month, Gozon said the company targets to release at least a million units per year.

“Ang target niyan, one million initially. Let’s say, in one year, at least one million,” he said.

“Ang expectation namin, gagamitin ito dahil meron kami na wala ‘yung iba,” Gozon noted.

With a worldwide patent, Gozon said the device will be able to compete with products already in the market.

“Napakaraming features nito ... Kung ano ang ginagawa mo ngayon sa smartphone mo, pwedeng gawin. Pwede kang makipagusap, pwede mag-interact, pwede mag-record,” he said.

“Wala kaming mga dealers. So we have to find a way na hindi tayo mahuhuli ‘pag ni-launch na ‘yan and I can assure you, napakalapit na. Magpipirmahan nalang,” he said.

Gozon said GMA has also partnered with a telecommunications company for the project, but declined to disclose further details.

“Wala nang problema as far as I know. Pirmahan nalang,” he said.

“Biglaan ‘yan. Mas madali kaysa dadahan-dahanin mo. Kumbaga sa ulan, buhos,” he said, regarding the commercial launch. —VDS, GMA News

GMA Network not entertaining investors for now

GMA Network Inc. is closing the door, for now, to potential investors as it launches new initiatives, including the nationwide rollout of its digital television platform, its Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said on Wednesday.

“I am not entertaining at this point,” Gozon, one of GMA’s three major shareholders who usually takes the lead in negotiations with buyers, told reporters on the sidelines of the company’s annual meeting. “We are creating value first before we sell.”

Gozon said the company, which mainly competes with media giant ABS-CBN Corp. for radio and television ratings, expects to post higher profits in 2018 as advertising sales pick up while operational costs are curbed.

GMA’s profit dropped by 30 percent in 2017 to P2.54 billion, mainly on the absence of political ad spending that propped up earnings in 2016, the year of the presidential elections.

In previous years, GMA’s owners have held talks with PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom for a possible investment but a final deal never materialized.

Businessman Ramon Ang, president of San Miguel Corp., came close to buying a 30 percent stake in 2015 but that deal also fell through.

New projects

During the shareholders’ meeting, GMA’s management highlighted the company’s new projects, including a P700 million digital television project, which Gozon acknowledged had uncertain financial prospects.

“We don’t have a monetization model yet for the domestic [digital television business],” Gozon told reporters.

Gozon said GMA successfully implemented the first phase of its digital TV transmission project in December last year.

Since then, the company has been airing digital TV transmissions across Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

Gozon also cited that the company’s DTV signals will reach Mindanao by end-June this year.

“After we are through with our digitization project, we will be covering 83 percent of the Philippines with our digital signal,” Gozon said.

Next month, GMA will seal an agreement with a Chinese supplier for the manufacture of devices that will convert the company’s analog TV transmissions to digital, he said.

The device, which Gozon said is smaller than a basic feature phone, will cost less than ABS-CBN’s TVPlus boxes, which retail for around P1,500 each.

Gozon said GMA plans to sell one million such devices within a year. ABS-CBN, which launched its digital TV service in 2015, has sold over 4.3 million TVPlus boxes.

The shift to digital TV follows the 2013 decision by the Philippines to choose the Japanese standard over its European counterpart. Japan edged out its rival in terms of cost and a built-in warning system to inform people about natural calamities.

The National Telecommunications Commission announced last year that the “switch off” of anlaog TV was targeted in 2023. It expected that roughly 95 percent of all households would have access to digital TV by then. /vvp



Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/250932/gma-network-not-entertaining-investors-now#ixzz5FeUeDrYO
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DOTr reveals details on Japan-backed MRT rehab

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Estrada signs up with GMA 7

JOHN ESTRADA (center) with GMA execs: GMA SVP for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable and GMA VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno

Now a Kapuso star is seasoned TV actor John Estrada.

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

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

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

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

• • •

Jennylyn Mercado, certified #fitspiration

Jennylyn Mercado

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

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

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

• • •

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

GMA Foundation receives donation for Marawi

GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon (second from right), GMA President Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. (third from right), and GMAKF EVP & COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog (center) receive generous monetary help for Rebuild Marawi Project from FFCCCII’s officers in aid of the Rebuild Marawi Project in Lanao del Sur

GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKF) received recently a donation of P2.25 million from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in support of GMAKF’s Rebuild Marawi Project in Lanao del Sur.

The turnover ceremony held at the GMA Network Center was attended by GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMAKF Executive Vice President and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog while the FFCCCII party was led by President Domingo Yap, EVP Dr. Henry Limbonliong, Vice President Mary Ng, Vice President Alex Yap Cho Ty, Vice President William Gosiaco, Chairman of Media and Public Affairs Committee Wilson Lee Flores, Vice Chairperson of Media Relations and Information Committee Lily Lim, Chairman of Welfare Committee Bonifacio Lui, Co-Chairman of Welfare Committee Robert Kho Tian Ang, Vice Chairman of Welfare Committee Jimmy Ching, Chairman of External Affairs Committee Nelson Guevarra, Assistant Secretary General Reynard Hing. FFCCCII’s Project Coordinator Carlos Legaspi and Photographer Wilson Ong were also present.

“Napaka-importante nito sa pag rehabilitate ng Marawi sapagkat ang unang pangangailangan ng mga bata duon ay eskwelahan (This is very important in rehabilitating Marawi because schools are the primary need of the children there),” Gozon said.

“Kami dito sa Filipino-Chinese community, we have to share what we have with the poor ‘kababayans’ just to show them that we also love them,” Yap remarked. “We hope that this will pick up efforts for the rehabilitation and construction of destroyed public schools.”

GMAKF has repeatedly visited Lanao del Sur to find out how it could best respond to the needs of the residents of Marawi who were displaced by the armed conflict. Many schools were reduced to rubble. The Department of Education will re-enroll the displaced students outside of the most affected area while the bombed out area gets rehabilitated by the government.

“The youth is the future of our country. Education is the way to improve your life,” shared Escudero-Catibog.

GMAKF will rehabilitate and rebuild three schools in Marawi City and will build a total of 18 classrooms at Datu Saber Elementary School (8 classrooms), Pendolonan Elementary School (6 classrooms) and Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School (4 classrooms).

FFCCCII is one of GMAKF’s top donors for its Rebuild Marawi Project and through its generosity, the lives of generations of children in Marawi will change for the better.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 12, go to QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, Mila del Sol, Dennis Trillo, Onemig Bondoc, May Neri, Marita Nuque, Armi Escolar, Mario Joson, Carl Rigg Buenaseda, Florence Defensor, Jun Vinluan, LA-based lawyer Francis Papica, Pin Antonio, Elizabeth Gokauchi and Michael Laygo…May 13: former Sen. Mar Roxas, Kenneth and Marilou Lagadi, Reggie Regaldo, Joseph Parlan, Jenette Collantes and Rita Carpio…May 14: Rachel Lobangco, Becky Garcia, Sandee Masigan, Vic Revilla, Rudolph Armas, Angel Joshua Velasco, Anna Valencia, Erwin Santiago, Marlette Gorospe, Marri Nallos, Engr. Rodel Lial and Judge Corona Somera…

EL SHADDAI July 24, 1999

El Shaddai sign-language inset

National I.D. system crucial for fintech growth

ADVANCING financial technology (fintech) in the Philippines will be much easier with the passage of a national identification (ID)system into law, a chief executive of an industry player said, as this could help digital money issuers to properly identify users and make the process for on boarding new customers easier.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt) CEO Anthony Thomas said one of the impediments the industry faces is the proliferation of fake identities. Adopting a national ID would effectively remove this barrier and take  away a risk money
issuers abhor.

“What could help us further is the national identification, which can be a game changer because today, I really don’t know the real identity of my customer. I go by documents, but it’s onerous because I don’t go by a unique number, and it’s very easy to create fake IDs,” he said during the BusinessMirror Coffee Club forum on Thursday.

He explained that having a national identity available for money issuers, such as Mynt—the operator of digital wallet GCash—would help mitigate the risks, as the system would properly and officially identify customers.

To sign up for a mobile wallet account at present, customers need only to submit a digital copy of an official government ID, such as a picture of passport, a social security card or a driver’s license, among others.

This is part of the know-your-customer (KYC) process that fintech players observe, which Thomas believes could prove more efficient with the adoption of a national
identification law.

“The moment I have a unique ID system — that opens up a lot,” he said.

Creating a national ID card for Filipinos has been on the government’s drawing board for almost a decade now. Today, the plan has passed muster at the House of Representatives and the Senate.

It was also seen approved sometime this month at the bicameral conference.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has been budgeted with P2 billion to roll out the national ID system with the use of biometrics.

Having a national ID will allow at least 105 million Filipinos to benefit from having a valid proof of identity. Such is designed for universal coverage, data integrity and security and optimum utility.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has openly supported the passage of the national identification bill as this could help further drive the digital economy.

“The current governor is a strong advocate of inclusion and digital payments. So the policy framework, I think, we have in the Philippines, is in the right direction,” Thomas said.

According to the Mynt executive, there is a “very large” opportunity in the financial technology space, given that seven out of 10 Filipinos are still unbanked and uncarded.

Financial technology, he said, bridges the gap that separates those who have access to the formal financial instruments—such as credit, savings, and insurance—and to those who do not have.

“It is relatively small in terms of impact in Philippines, but is a growing ecosystem. If you think about services today, e-payments only comprise 1 percent of the total payments happening now—and that’s very small,” Thomas said.

“So there is a very large opportunity in that aspect.”

He added that digital payments could proliferate in the coming years, as mobile in the Philippines is very ubiquitous, given that there are 120 million active SIM cards in the country today.

“We are very small today, but the beauty of a digital platform is it scales very quickly,” Thomas said.

CineFilipino Filmfest ongoing

The CineFilipino Film Festival (CFFF) 2018 is in partner cinemas strategically located in the metropolis. It opened May 8 at Gateway Cinema and the Awards Night is on May 12 at KIA Theatre.

Five years after debuting in the industry, the CFFF continues to showcase new filmmakers and their exceptional features with modest budgets. Organized by Cignal TV and Unitel Productions, Inc., this year’s edition reveals a wide spectrum of genre created by young and imaginative filmmakers.

Unitel Prods. CEO Madonna Tarrayo

The eight feature films are “Delia & Sammy” directed by Theresa Cayaba; “Excuse Me Po” by Ronald Espinosa Batallones; “Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus” by Dwein Baltazar; “Hitboy” by Bor Ocampo; “Mata Tapang” by Rod Marmol; “Mga Mister ni Rosario” by Allan Habon; “Poon” by Ronie Supangan; and “The Eternity Between Seconds” by Alex Figuracion.

Madonna Tarrayo, President and CEO of Unitel Productions and Straight Shooters who also serves as CFFF Director, expressed excitement over the film entries’ variety of genre and theme. “We have five new filmmakers and three who have done feature-length films in other festivals. With this lineup you can expect a roller coaster of emotions in every frame.”

Liza Diño-Seguerra

Cignal TV execs led by Pres. Jane Basas said that they have full confidence in the potential in the marketplace of the films that made it to the roster of CFFF finalists. These finalists will get the usual cash prizes for their entries. Specially designed trophies will also be given to the winning filmmakers and artists.

This time, CFFF partners with the Film Development Center of the Philippines (FDCP) chaired my Liza Diño-Seguerra. Jane Basas lauded this important alliance forged by CFFF with FDCP. Cignal TV and CFFF officers are thriller by this new partnership.

The festival runs till May 15 at Gateway Cinemas, SM Cinemas (under CineLokal) and Ayala Malls.

• • •

Action!

Ken Chan

Ken Chan is known as versatile actor. He showcases his acting talent anew as Dr. Josh Lazaro on “The Cure.”

The show allows Ken to do action scenes, a long-time aim for him or a long time now. He, himself, designs and executes his stunts.

“The Cure” airs weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 10, go to Pempe Rodrigo, Edwina Beech, Marilyn Cabarrus, Poyeeng Mauricio, Flo Owen, Dr. Fernando Cabral, Chit Salud, Chi-Chi Robles, Aster Amoyo, Jun Lalin, producer Edwin Lagadi, Edgar Medina, Rose Lazaro, Ilette Marcelo, Markus Gabriel, former Nueva Ecija Governor Tommy Joson, Elmer Go and Charice Pempengco…May 11: Judy Ann Santos, Consul Helen Ong, Bernadette Lomotan, Marcelino Flores, Delia Roqueza, Lucy Enriquez, Waldy Carbonel, Alfred Mendoza IV, Miguel Ronquillo, Jr., Evelyn de Vega, Jaye Bautista, Cesar Apolinario, James Reid and Rep. Monsour del Rosario…Belated b-day greetings to Levie Favian and Mash de Leon (May 7)…

SM City Telabastagan opens May 18

The City of San Fernando in Pampanga, home to the dazzling giant lanterns, is known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

It is a city that has so much to celebrate: exciting festivals, a rich history and culture, its food, and its people’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The city will have more to celebrate when SM Çity Telabastagan, SM’s third mall in San Fernando opens its doors to the public on Friday, May 18, 2018.

It is SM Prime Holding’s 70th mall, and is the fourth in the province after SM City Clark, as well as SM City Pampanga, SM City San Fernando Downtown, both in the City of San Fernando.

With the opening of the new mall, SM will be able to serve shoppers throughout the bustling city: SM City Telabastagan in the uptown, SM City Pampanga in the midtown, and SM City San Fernando Downtown in the downtown areas, respectively.

Located in a 105,694 square meter site along MacArthur Highway, the 55,093 square meter mall will serve residents in Telabastagan, as well as in the nearby towns of Sto. Tomas, Bacolor, Guagua, Mexico, Porac, San Luis, Santa Ana, and Lubao.

SM City Telabastagan’s design creates a memorable identity with an extended highway frontage. A series of bold and dynamic interlocking, geometrical forms creates a vivid, colorful backdrop that continues around the building. Strategically located and well identified entrances on all sides ensure convenient access.

The main mall entrance is accentuated by an architecturally dramatic form that spans the main ring road to provide cover for pedestrians. There is generous landscaping in the sidewalk frontage – sloped to follow the site contours, and covered by a series of canopies that echo the overall interior design at all points around the center surrounded by lush landscape.

The mall’s interiors are organized around two large corridors that intersect to form one large central court. This makes shopping easy by allowing a clear line-of-sight to all shops on all levels at all times. Bursts of colors in a rhythmic pattern accent the ceiling and a wrap- around clerestory provides glare free daylight to all areas of the mall.

The SM Store and SM Supermarket are the mall’s major anchors along with SM mainstays like SM Appliance Center, ACE Hardware, Watsons, Our Home, Surplus, Uniqlo, Crocs, and Miniso. It also has fashion boutiques, shoe stores, sports stores, jewelry stores, bookstores, eyewear stores, and novelty shops. A Cyberzone features the latest IT and electronic goods.

Eating out options include a Food Court, popular local and international fast food chains, coffee shops, bake shops, and specialty restaurants. In a province known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, SM City Telabastagan will delight foodies with its selection of homegrown cuisine from Toll House, Susie’s Cuisine, Velvet Ganache, U-Rack, Balanghai, Dainty, Red Woodberry Café and Pancakes, Jalapenos Tex-Mex, Teresita Razon’s Halo Halo and Palabok, Tapa Tapa, Pancake ni Juan, and Kabigting’s Halo Halo.

The mall also has banks, wellness areas, and amusement centers to serve customers of all ages. It also has six state of the art cinemas for families and film enthusiasts.

For customer convenience, SM City Telabastagan has ample parking – 728 slots for cars, 720 slots for motorcycle parking, and 92 slots for bicycle parking. Shoppers arriving in private cars are quickly guided from the main site entrance to the primary parking area with hundreds of spaces.

A conveniently located public utility terminal and passenger drop off zones offer shoppers direct access to the mall from various points on the site.

SM City Telabastagan’s project team includes DSGN Associates, design architect; Jose Siao Ling and Associates, architect on record; SMEDD Corporation, Project Manager; D.A. Abcede and Associates, Construction Manager; New Golden City Builders and Development Corp, General Contractor; and SMEDD, Design Management. (PR)

LOOK: Duty Free Philippines to open luxury store at SM Mall of Asia complex

Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) announced on Monday, May 7, it would be opening in June a luxury store at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City and another outlet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

DFP Luxe Store at SM MOA complex and Landside Store at the NAIA Terminal 3 will be Duty Free's largest shopping outlets, the government coporation said in a media advisory.

The target opening date will be on June 30, but details of the launch are still being finalized.

DFPC chief operating officer Vico Angala said the 4,200-square-meter Luxe Store "will set a standard for the affluent market especially in South East Asian countries."

The botiques and shops in the multilevel facility, the press release said, "will carry a wide selection of high end imported goods and retail mix that will capture brands across all spectrums – from luxury designer labels like Bally and Ferragamo to mid-priced fashion labels like Coach and Michael Kors."

The other new outlet, Landside Store, will be located at the arrival lobby of NAIA Terminal 3. It will offer duty free staples, like chocolates, perfumes, liquor, tobacco and other grocery items, at prices lower than market prices in Manila.

Miss Korea-Philippines 2018 happens today

The candidates of Miss Korea-Philippines 2018 beauty pageant

The second Miss Korea-Philippines beauty pageant finals tonight will be at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila which is co-presenting the event. Organized by Show BT Philippines, the Miss Korea-Philippines is a franchise of the prestigious Miss Korea search.

The Miss Korea-Philippines search is a non-profit, nationwide beauty pageant that selected Koreanos residing in the country to represent the Philippines and compete in the 62nd Miss Korea main pageant in Seoul. The event aims to nourish the blooming relationship between South Korea and the Philippines, and to promote the rich cultures of both countries.

The Miss Korea beauty pageant served as a gateway to showcase the talents and beauty of Korean women amid recovery from the Korean war in May 1957. For over 62 years, the Miss Korea pageant has been a platform for talented and intelligent young Korean women from different regions in South Korea and around the world to represent what they stand for and show what truly makes a Korean woman.

The candidates to the 2018 Miss Korea-Philippines are: Cho Hye Jeong, 23; Park Yu Kyung, 21; Park Se Eun, 17; Kwon Soo Jung, 23; Kuk Son Yong, 25; and Kwon Ji Hye, 24.

• • •

Veterans vs. newbies

Carmina Villaroel, Alfred Vargas and Jean Garcia are pitted against Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix and Kyline Alcantara on the GMA series “Kambal, Karibal.”

Bianca Umali, and Alfred Vargas

After Allan (Alfred) proposed to Geraldine (Carmina), Teresa (Jean) did something to sabotage their happiness. And because of the accident, Geraldine’s soul came out of her body and saw things that bewildered her.

Will Geraldine find out the truth about her daughters Crisel and Crisan? What will happen to Raymund (Marvin Agustin)?

“Kambal, Karibal” airs weeknights after “The Cure” on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

ABS-CBN, GMA still locked in TV ratings dispute

Broadcast giants ABS-CBN and GMA Network continue to claim leadership in TV ratings, using separately commissioned surveys as basis.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it remains the undisputed number one TV network in April with an average audience share of 45 percent, as compared to GMA’s 33 percent, based on latest data from Kantar Media.

The Lopez-run network said it scored an average audience share of 42 percent against GMA’s 25 percent in Metro Manila.

In a separate statement, GMA said it dominated ratings in the same month as it cited data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement which showed that it registered an average of 39.7 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes while Nielsen surveys approximately 900 more homes in Total Urban and Rural Philippines.

ABS-CBN also claims it leads in Mega Manila, where it hit 36 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.

“The Kapamilya network also led other networks in Total Luzon where it got 41 percent against GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas where it garnered 54 percent against GMA’s 26 percent, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 51 percent against GMA’s 29 percent,” ABS-CBN said.

In contrast, GMA said it was ahead of the competition with 45.8 percent total people audience share in Mega Manila, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.5 percent.

“The Kapuso Network maintained a double-digit margin in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.2 percent versus competition’s 33.2 percent,” GMA said.

Moreover, based on data from Kantar Media, 10 ABS-CBN programs made it to the list of the most watched programs in the country, which covers urban and rural homes.

Among these shows are “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” which retained its top position with an average national TV rating of 41 percent, followed by “Pilipinas Got Talent,” “Bagani,” “TV Patrol,” “MMK,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “The Good Son,” “Since I Found You,” “W,” “TWBA,” “Bandila,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It's Showtime,” “Asintado,” “Hanggang Saan,” “A Love So Beautiful,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice.”

“Half of Philippine households watching TV also remained glued to ABS-CBN’s primetime block (6 pm to 12 midnight), which recorded an average audience share of 50 percent, or 18 points higher than GMA’s 32 percent,” ABS CBN said.

“The primetime block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively,” it added.

For its part, GMA said among its programs that gained top ratings in the NUTAM are “Kapuso Mo,” Jessica Soho (KMJS), “Kambal, Karibal,” “Magpakailanman,” “Pepito Manaloto” and “24 Oras.”

Newly-launched primetime series “The Cure” immediately made it to the top 30 list joining “Sherlock Jr.,” “The One That Got Away,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Contessa,” “Imbestigador,” “Wowowin” and “The Stepdaughters.”

GMA said it also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 20 spots out of the top 30 programs in both areas.

Kantar Media is a leading television audience measurement provider with capabilities in gathering TV viewing data in both digital and analog platforms. It is a multinational market research group that specializes in audience measurement in more than 80 countries, has 26 TV networks, ad agencies and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services.

In 2017, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 41 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Viva Communications Inc., among others; five regional clients; two blocktimers; 21 agencies (18 media agencies, two consulting agencies, one digital agency); and one advertiser.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 8, go to Justice Ines Luciano, Rep. Mike Romero, Butch Javier, Manuel Bondad, Tina Tensuan, Virgie Buenaobra, Dr. M. Avenido, Nicolo Javier, Florentino Requimta, Donna May Bundalian, Allan Cambe, Noli Agudera, Patricio Cabrera, and my New York-based son Lester M. Belen…May 9: Ara Mina, Odette Khan, Josie Cruz Natori, Venson Ang, Jorge Dagang, Linda Miranda, Nestor dela Cruz, Gracie Arizola, Linda Belarmino, Zarah Jane Miranda, Lily Lansang, Phil Kennedy, John Wayne Sace, Gian Carlos Castro and Jiro Manio…

Restored Classics on Sunday’s Best: BATANG PX

Trivia: ABS-CBN Film Restoration is continuously doing efforts on restoring quality movies from the past, including non-Star Cinema films such as from LVN and Sampaguita Pictures. Scanned in 4K and mastered in 2K.

They target to restore all Star Cinema titles to 2K by 2021*.

impossible yan kasi until MARCH 2020  yung FRANCHISE ng CHANNEL 2, may renewal naman

It`s the Lover (not the love) with lyrics

Three "It-Bros"

Keren Pascual

Robi Domingo

Sonny Dee

Nowadays, the three "It-Bros" of doing scuba diving and being found alive, no less than Tito Keren Pascual, Papa Sonny Dee and Kuya Robi Domingo.

Aside from the PR whiz, as well the TV host-actor and the father of former Gigger Boy Enchong and sister Anj, the three of them venturing into videography.

Enchong Dee

Mr. Enchong Dee doing workouts at Bodyworx Spa & Fitness Club instead of Anytime Fitness, Hemady Square and taking a van to Makati Aqua Sports Arena for a photo and video shoot.

Enchong wears Jins Airframe 376 Spider, 2009 Adidas De La Salle jacket (green), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle tee (white), BENCH/ OJ denim pant (black) and belt (blue) and DC Men’s AT-3 Mid Shoe, Royal Blue/Armor

He takes of his jacket, shirt, belt, pant and shoes and doing swimming.

It also wears arena AGL-1400-EMBL goggle and Half Spats D nux-f ARN-6014 DGRN

Foreign diver missing off Batangas found dead

MABINI, Batangas — The foreign tourist who went missing while scuba diving in waters off this town last Wednesday has been found dead.

Chief Inspector Randy Oliquino, local police chief, said the body of Andrew Kilbride, 49, of Nauru, was retrieved at 12:15 p.m. today by rescue divers.

Kilbride’s body was found 70 meters underwater near the vicinity of Barangay Bagalangit, this town by the search and retrieval teams of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Maritime Police, the Philippine Navy (PN), and volunteer divers.

Oliquino said the victim, who was previously identified as an Australian, is actually from Nauru – a tiny island country in Micronesia, northeast of Australia.

Kilbride and his Irish live-in partner checked in at Aqua Venture Resort in Barangay Bagalangit last Wednesday for a trimix dive training course.

The victim set out to sea with his French dive instructor at 5:45 p.m. that day, but they got separated underwater about 200 meters away from the shoreline.

Oliquino said strong waves that afternoon might have contributed to the victim’s drowning.

It was learned that Kilbride had been staying in Pasig City for six years and operated an internet services-related business.

His remains were taken to the Funeraria Bautista in Manghinao, Bauan town, this province.

Sofia Romualdez aims to be a unique artist

Sofia Gonzales-Romualdez

With her beauty and talent, it’s expected that 18-year-old Sofia Gonzales-Romualdez would follow in the footsteps of her mom, Cristina “Kring-Kring” Gonzales-Romualdez. After a successful stint in showbiz, Kring-Kring joined politics, with her husband, former Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez, paving the way for her.

After being Tacloban Councilor for three terms, Kring-Kring is now mayor of the city.

Going back to Sofia, her and Alfred’s elder daughter, she is passionate about music, writing songs, and singing, too. A recording artist of Viva Records for over two years now, her debut single was “Pikit Mata.” She has also tried acting, appearing in the Julian Trono-Ella Cruz movie “FanGirl, FanBoy.” And now, Sofia returns to the recording scene with her new song “Thinkin’ Of You.” .

Venturing into the music scene at a young age, Sofia said “Music was always in me. There was never a time where it wasn’t my passion. I never really saw myself doing anything else besides music growing up.” She also tried songwriting very early in her life, inspired by her musical influences.

She intends to build a reputation as a unique artist which she is slowly proving. According to her, “I don’t really write to sell, it defeats the purpose of being an artist. Being yourself is key, it’s better to sound weird than to sound like every other artist in the market. We shouldn’t be afraid to express ourselves; that’s the point of being an artist after all.”

• • •

Buzz spreads

Jennylyn Mercado and Tom Rodriguez

With the successful airing of the pilot episode of “The Cure,” it can be said that the Tom-Jen virus has spread and now affects viewers who eagerly await the first episode.

Everyone thinks it was worth the wait for this newest primetime series of GMA Network. For viewers, the tandem of Jennylyn Mercado and Tom Rodriguez is incomparable. The spine-tingling scenes are engaging, too. The show airs after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

GMA Network still ahead in nationwide TV ratings

Media giant GMA Network maintained its nationwide ratings advantage based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider.


For the full month of April (with April 22 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average of 39.7 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent.


The Network continued to dominate NUTAM’s morning block with a people audience share of 37.9 percent beating ABS-CBN’s 33.4 percent. GMA likewise led in the afternoon block with 41.6 percent as against its rival’s 37.8 percent.


GMA, meanwhile, reigned supreme across all day parts in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.


The Kapuso Network maintained a double-digit margin in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.2 percent versus competition’s 33.2 percent.


Likewise in Mega Manila (with official data from April 1 to 21), GMA was clearly ahead of the competition with 45.8 percent total day people audience share, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.5 percent.


Kapuso shows also took majority of the spots in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" (KMJS) as the most watched GMA program last month.


Following “KMJS” were “Kambal, Karibal,” “Magpakailanman,” “Pepito Manaloto,” and “24 Oras.”

Newly-launched primetime series “The Cure” immediately made it to the top 30 list joining “Sherlock Jr.”, “The One That Got Away”, “Bubble Gang”, “Saksi”, “Lip Sync Battle Philippines”, “24 Oras Weekend”, “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko”, “Eat Bulaga!”, “Contessa”, “Tadhana”, “Imbestigador”, “Wowowin”, “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwanan Ka”, and “The Stepdaughters”.

GMA also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 20 spots out of the top 30 programs in both areas.

Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.

Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. April ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 43.2 percent, winning over DZMM’s 34.5 percent and DZRH’s 28.6 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” anchored 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” anchored by Melo del Prado.

Meanwhile, viewers can now enjoy a more colorful, more vibrant, and clearer viewing experience as GMA Network’s digital TV signal now covers all parts of Metro Manila as well as nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga. GMA-7 and GMA News TV’s digital broadcast can be accessed by simply rescanning the channels through their digital TV boxes.

The sub-channels are available soon such as Dobol B sa TV (News and Information), GMA Playhouse (Anime and Cartoons) , KMF (Kapuso Movie Festival) and QTV (All about lifestyle and women channel). QTV is also under CityNet Marketing and Productions, Inc.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 5, go to Manny Ortega, Raphie de Ocampo, Ernesto Sarao, Jeffrey de Leon, Atty. Amado Valdez, Cynch Florendo, and Lita Cadiz… May 6: Reynard Mancao, Dra. Lupe Lazaro, Dr. Buddy Valerio, Meg Quisias, Tessie Mariano, and Engr. Benjamin Jonson… May 7: Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Corazon Gonzales, Princess Bata, Ivy Lily “Mar” Mendoza, Helen Martinez, Sen. Bam Aquino, Doring Quirino, Corazon Gonzales, Helen B. Martinez, Lily “Mae” Mendoza, Noli Yamsuan, Carlo Tadiar, Joshua Angelo, Marlo Denosta, Joey Salang of Tagum City, Maricar Agliam, Princess del Rosario Bata, Eufrosina Arbollente Velasco of DOLE’s International Labor Affairs Bureau, Liza Michaela Castillo, Glenda Esguerra, Sarita Amora, Chisa G. Romaguera, Jovelon Oracoy, Katherine Realista, Melba Tan, Leslie Mana, Rev. Fr. Angeles Taladura, Rev. Fr. Dominador Dosdos, Ricky Guido, Ritchelle Libot, Salv Destajo, Susan Tan, Ernest de Guzman, Julie Mae Pasco, Levie Fabian, Mash de Leon and former SSS Chief Gilberto Teodoro…

GMA Network still ahead in nationwide TV ratings

Media giant GMA Network maintained its nationwide ratings advantage based on the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider.

For the full month of April (with April 22 to 30 based on overnight data), GMA registered an average of 39.7 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent.

The Network continued to dominate NUTAM’s morning block with a people audience share of 37.9 percent beating ABS-CBN’s 33.4 percent. GMA likewise led in the afternoon block with 41.6 percent as against its rival’s 37.8 percent.

GMA, meanwhile, reigned supreme across all day parts in the viewer-rich areas of Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country.

The Kapuso Network maintained a double-digit margin in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.2 percent versus competition’s 33.2 percent.

Likewise in Mega Manila (with official data from April 1 to 21), GMA was clearly ahead of the competition with 45.8 percent total day people audience share, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.5 percent.

Kapuso shows also took majority of the spots in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" (KMJS) as the most watched GMA program last month.

Following "KMJS" were "Kambal, Karibal", "Magpakailanman", "Pepito Manaloto", and "24 Oras".

Newly-launched primetime series "The Cure" immediately made it to the top 30 list joining "Sherlock Jr.", "The One That Got Away", "Bubble Gang", "Saksi", "Lip Sync Battle Philippines", "24 Oras Weekend", "Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko", "Eat Bulaga", "Contessa", "Imbestigador", "Wowowin", and "The Stepdaughters".

GMA also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 20 spots out of the top 30 programs in both areas.

Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.

Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. April ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 34.3 percent, winning over DZMM’s 29.5 percent and DZRH’s 14.2 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” anchored 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” anchored by Melo del Prado.

Radio GMA’s flagship FM station Barangay LS 97.1 was hailed as the number one choice of listeners in Mega Manila according to the latest survey of Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement.


Barangay LS captivated the hearts of more listeners in Mega Manila for the month of May with an average audience share of 32.6 percent, which was driven by its variety of programs and wacky bunch of DJs.

Meanwhile, viewers can now enjoy a more colorful, more vibrant, and clearer viewing experience as GMA Network’s digital TV signal now covers all parts of Metro Manila as well as nearby provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga. GMA-7 and GMA News TV’s digital broadcast can be accessed by simply rescanning the channels through their digital TV boxes.


The sub-channels are available soon: Dobol B sa TV (News and Information), KiliTV (Airing reruns of GMA comedy shows or acquired (like John En Marsha, Iskol Bukol, etc.), airing originals and stand-ups), GMABest (reruns of GMA classics from 80s to 2010s), HOAtv (featuring asian drama shows, movies, reruns and acquired), GMAPlay (A dedicated channel for Kids and Teens; reruns of anime and cartoons), KMF (Kapuso Movie Festival) and QTV (All about lifestyle and women channel). QTV is also under CityNet Marketing and Productions, Inc.

ABS-CBN, GMA still locked in TV ratings dispute

Broadcast giants ABS-CBN and GMA Network continue to claim leadership in TV ratings, using separately commissioned surveys as basis.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it remains the undisputed number one TV network in April with an average audience share of 45 percent, as compared to GMA’s 33 percent, based on latest data from Kantar Media.

The Lopez-run network said it scored an average audience share of 42 percent against GMA’s 25 percent in Metro Manila.

In a separate statement, GMA said it dominated ratings in the same month as it cited data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement which showed that it registered an average of 39.7 percent total day people audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.6 percent.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes while Nielsen surveys approximately 900 more homes in Total Urban and Rural Philippines.

ABS-CBN also claims it leads in Mega Manila, where it hit 36 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.

“The Kapamilya network also led other networks in Total Luzon where it got 41 percent against GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas where it garnered 54 percent against GMA’s 26 percent, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 51 percent against GMA’s 29 percent,” ABS-CBN said.

In contrast, GMA said it was ahead of the competition with 45.8 percent total people audience share in Mega Manila, while ABS-CBN only managed to get 30.5 percent.

“The Kapuso Network maintained a double-digit margin in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.2 percent versus competition’s 33.2 percent,” GMA said.

Moreover, based on data from Kantar Media, 10 ABS-CBN programs made it to the list of the most watched programs in the country, which covers urban and rural homes.

Among these shows are “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” which retained its top position with an average national TV rating of 41 percent, followed by “Pilipinas Got Talent (36.9 percent), “Bagani” (33.2 percent), “TV Patrol” (28.8 percent), “MMK” (27.6 percent), “Goin’ Bulilit” (27.5 percent), “Wansapanataym” (26.5 percent), “Home Sweetie Home” (24.5 percent), “The Good Son” and “Since I Found You” (20.6 percent), “Rated K” (18.5 percent), “I Can See Your Voice” (15.3 percent) and “Gandang Gabi, Vice” (11.5 percent).

“Half of Philippine households watching TV also remained glued to ABS-CBN’s primetime block (6 pm to 12 midnight), which recorded an average audience share of 50 percent, or 18 points higher than GMA’s 32 percent,” ABS CBN said.

“The primetime block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively,” it added.

For its part, GMA said among its programs that gained top ratings in the NUTAM are “Kapuso Mo,” Jessica Soho (KMJS), “Kambal, Karibal,” “Magpakailanman,” “Pepito Manaloto” and “24 Oras.”

Newly-launched primetime series “The Cure” immediately made it to the top 30 list joining “Sherlock Jr.,” “The One That Got Away,” “Bride of the Water God,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Contessa,” “Tadhana,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Wowowin” and “The Stepdaughters.”

GMA said it also dominated the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 20 spots out of the top 30 programs in both areas.

Kantar Media is a leading television audience measurement provider with capabilities in gathering TV viewing data in both digital and analog platforms. It is a multinational market research group that specializes in audience measurement in more than 80 countries, has 26 TV networks, ad agencies and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services.

In 2017, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 41 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, Viva Communications Inc., among others; five regional clients; two blocktimers; 21 agencies (18 media agencies, two consulting agencies, one digital agency); and one advertiser.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/05/04/1811854/abs-cbn-gma-still-locked-tv-ratings-dispute

Las Piñas holds 4th chorale competition

Sen. Cynthia Villar (in blue) with the participants of the Las Piñas 4th Chorale Competition

The 4th Las Piñas Chorale competition sponsored by the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) was held recently. It was participated by seven choral groups from all over the country.

Expressing delight, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, managing director of Villar SIPAG, said, ”My heart is filled with pleasure over the successful turnout of this event. In a nation where technology has been the raging trend, it is heartwarming to see so many people immensely enjoying the music of these choral groups. This is a rare but welcoming sight.”

The Philippine Normal University Chorale won the Grand Champion trophy and a cash prize of P60,000; Chorus Vocals Philippines won the first runner-up trophy and a P40,000 cash prize; and Alab Vocal Ensemble won the second runner-up trophy and P25, 000 cash prize. The rest of the groups got P10, 000 each as consolation winners.

The groups performed the Villar SIPAG hymn Sandata as contest piece (70 percent), and side piece themed on inspiration and love (30 percent).

Judges were composer, conductor and director Jerry Dadap; Gregorio Asilo, Jr., Corporate Accounting of Savers Appliance Depot, the major event partner of Villar SIPAG for the 4th Las Piñas Chorale Festival; and Jack Uy.

The 4th Las Piñas Chorale Festival is an annual event held in honor of St. Ezekiel Moreno, who was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992.

• • •

Bianca, fitspiration

Ever since she started going to the gym, fans have noticed Bianca Umali’s beautiful figure. She’s now considered their new “fitspiration.”

The enviable figure of the Kapuso actress and “Kambal, Karibal” lead star is showcased in her scenes on the GMA Primetime program, especially in her intense scenes with Kyline Alcantara who plays Cheska who has Crisan in her body. Crisan on the other hand has Crisel in her body.

“Kambal, Karibal” also stars Miguel Tanfelix, Jeric Gonzales, Carmina Villaroel, Marvin Agustin, Alfred Vargas and Jean Garcia, airs at 8:15 right after The Cure.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 3, go to Bela Padilla, Hans Bondoc, Alex Van Hagen, Marlo Brown, Slade Garzon, Carmenchu Carino, Alyana Timbol, Antonio Conejeros, and Alex Tanwangco…May 3: Monique Wilson, Stella Marquez Araneta, Nona Ricafort, Giselle Sanchez, Lily Nicolas, Peter Garucho, May Vega – Soliven, Jopee Rejano, Laurie Tan, Jun Sy, Dr. Florante Munoz, Jun Fontanilla, Andrea Torres, and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab…

LRT-1: Engineering Improvements 2018

Malaki ang ipinagbago ng LRT 1 mula nung naprivatized ang O and M. Naimproved ang:

1. Stations - Naging color light/dark gray, & binalik ulit sa red roof then narehab din ang mga stairways na nilagyan ng grill mesh then nagkaroon ng mga lights sa platform.
2. Trains - Narehab na rin ang 1G & 2G trains na lalo pang nagincrease ang mga tram cars & naayos na rin ang mga sirang buttons sa control panel ng driver.
3. Parapet walls - from brutalist design to modern design na may metal cladding na ang parapet wall with concrete sa ibaba.
4. Signaling system - naupgrade na rin & bumilis lalo ang headway dahil sa increasing ng mga trams cars especially ang 1G & 2G na narefurbished na.
5. LRMC Staff - okay ang pakikisama sa mga pasahero.
6. Rails - Napalitan na rin ang mga lumang riles.
7. LRT 1 CEP - Natapos na rin ang ground breaking na CEP & by 3rd quarter of this yr ay masisimulan na ang project (I hope better ang designs ng mga stations & viaduct)

Iba talaga kapag privatized ang isang railway system. I hope mapunta na rin ang LRT 2 sa ULC at MRT 3 sa LRMC. Sigurado maganda at maayos na ang O and M ng lines 2 and 3 kapag kayo na ang nag take - over.

Yung Ayala Boulevard Station would use the Original Design of LRT-1 stations, while the Malvar Station would use the MRT-3 station design

Big delegation to Far East Film Festival

Gloria Diaz (left) and Elizabeth Oropesa in ‘Si Chedeng At Si Apple’

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Liza Diño led a big delegation of filmmakers and artists to the Far East Film Festival last April 24 to 29 in Udine, Italy. Part of the delegation was renowned actresses Elizabeth Oropesa and Gloria Diaz of “Si Chedeng At Si Apple,” which was in competition along with “Smaller And Smaller Circles” and “Ang Larawan.”

Oropesa felt so honored to have been chosen as one of the speakers at the “Sandaan: Philippine Cinema Centennial Talks.” She has made no less than 150 films and TV shows, and won many best actress trophies for such movies as “Lumapit, Lumayo Ang Umaga” and “Nunal Sa Tubig.”

Nick Deocampo, film historian and documentarist, spoke on “Discovery Of The Past: Asian Film History.”

Other speakers at the Udine filmfest were Ed Lajano, festival director of QCinema, Bianca Balbuena, CEO of EpicMedia, and Diño.

• • •

Fitspirations

Miguel Tanfelix

Fans eagerly await Miguel Tanfelix’s posts on his fitness journey after seeing his loveteam mate Bianca Umali’s transformation just a few months of going to the gym. Some have even suggested they take a video of their gym routines together and post it, too. The two star on “Kambal, Karibal” on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 1, go to Charlene Muhlach, Myrna Castillo, Helen Massab, Mary Ann Vargas, Leni Reyes, Sonia Ramos, Mylene del Rosario, Joe Pecson, Jhoanna Jao, Santi Millado, Dra. Pie Calayan, Jemeo Japitana, Rey Pumaloy, and Miles Ocampo… May 2: Eddie Garcia, Annie Ringor, Aimee Marcos, Louie Cruz, Jessica Adevoso, Claudia Boehr, Fely Borje, Gio Colet Orbos, Dr. Emma Flores, Annabelle Cordon, Johanmavi Cadungog, Harold Tabora, Alizalde Belen, Gloria Baylon, and former PCSO GM Ferdinand Fojas III…

Juris - Tamis Ng Unang Halik