MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The passing of the law making Mandaue City a lone district will benefit both the city and the Sixth District residual towns of Cordova and Consolacion.
Cebu Sixth District Representative Jonas Cortes, in a press conference on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, said that the passage of the lone district law will provide better project opportunities for Cordova and Consolacion since they would no longer need to share national budget with Mandaue City.
Cortes also shrugged off contentions that the lack of geographical continuity between the towns of Cordova and Consolacion will negatively affect the representation of the sixth district.
“Wala man na giprohibit kon dili sumpay. Nahiuna lang gyud og kahimong lone district ang Lapu-Lapu [City] unya karon ang Mandaue City. Consolacion and Cordova still qualify as residual towns in the Sixth District,” Cortes said.
(It is not prohibited for non-adjoining towns to belong to one district. Lapu-lapu City and Mandaue City, which used to be part of the sixth district, just became lone districts first but Consolacion and Cordova still qualify as residual towns in the sixth district.)
Cortes added that the making of Mandaue City as a lone district is long overdue because the city has long qualified for it since it is classified as a highly urbanized city (HUC).
Cortes said it might be time for the entire province, not only the city, to work on increasing the number of districts in order to have more representations in Congress.
By this time, Cortes said there should ideally be 14 to 15 district representations for the entire Cebu province.
Despite being signed last April, Cortes said the establishment of the new district would only take effect after the 2022 national elections.
This means that whoever wins the congressional race for the sixth district this May 13 would still represent Mandaue City and the two residual towns as sixth district representative.
All congressional candidates in the sixth district this midterm polls come from Mandaue City.
Even when the new districting takes effect, Mandaue City voters are still qualified to vote for provincial positions like the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts unlike the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu, which are also classified as HUCs.
Cortes explained that voting for gubernatorial positions is specifically stipulated in the city’s charter passed in August 1969. /bmjo
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/232834/mandaue-city-becoming-a-lone-district-will-benefit-cordova-and-consolacion
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Duterte signs law creating Mandaue City congressional district
By VIRGIL LOPEZ, GMA News
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law converting Mandaue City in Cebu into a lone congressional district, according to a copy of the measure Malacañang released on Wednesday.
Signed on April 5, Republic Act 11257 mandates the separation of Mandaue from the province’s sixth legislative district, which shall commence in the next national and local elections after the effectivity of the law.
Under the law, the incumbent representative of the present sixth legislative district of Cebu province shall continue to represent the district until the new representative of the lone legislative district of the City of Mandaue shall have been elected and qualified.
The Commission on Elections has 30 days from the effectivity of the law to issue the necessary rules and regulations.
Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said in February that converting Mandaue into a lone congressional district would mean additional fund for development projects.
Known as Cebu’s industrial heartland, Mandaue has a population of 365,144 people based on the 2015 census.
The 1987 Constitution provides that a locality with at least 250,000 residents should have one representative in Congress. —LBG, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/693699/duterte-signs-law-creating-mandaue-city-congressional-district/story/
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law converting Mandaue City in Cebu into a lone congressional district, according to a copy of the measure Malacañang released on Wednesday.
Signed on April 5, Republic Act 11257 mandates the separation of Mandaue from the province’s sixth legislative district, which shall commence in the next national and local elections after the effectivity of the law.
Under the law, the incumbent representative of the present sixth legislative district of Cebu province shall continue to represent the district until the new representative of the lone legislative district of the City of Mandaue shall have been elected and qualified.
The Commission on Elections has 30 days from the effectivity of the law to issue the necessary rules and regulations.
Senator Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said in February that converting Mandaue into a lone congressional district would mean additional fund for development projects.
Known as Cebu’s industrial heartland, Mandaue has a population of 365,144 people based on the 2015 census.
The 1987 Constitution provides that a locality with at least 250,000 residents should have one representative in Congress. —LBG, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/693699/duterte-signs-law-creating-mandaue-city-congressional-district/story/
Duterte signs law creating lone legislative district of Mandaue City
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law an act creating the lone legislative district of Mandauae City in Cebu.
Duterte signed the law on April 5 but was released to the media only on Wednesday.
Under the new law, Mandaue City will be “separated from the Sixth Legislative District of the Province of Cebu to constitute the Lone Legislative District of the City of Mandaue, which shall commence in the next national and local elections.”
The law said the incumbent representative of the sixth legislative district of Cebu will continue to represent the said district until a new representative of the lone district of Mandaue City is elected.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1115211/duterte-signs-law-creating-lone-legislative-district-of-mandaue-city
Duterte signed the law on April 5 but was released to the media only on Wednesday.
Under the new law, Mandaue City will be “separated from the Sixth Legislative District of the Province of Cebu to constitute the Lone Legislative District of the City of Mandaue, which shall commence in the next national and local elections.”
The law said the incumbent representative of the sixth legislative district of Cebu will continue to represent the said district until a new representative of the lone district of Mandaue City is elected.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1115211/duterte-signs-law-creating-lone-legislative-district-of-mandaue-city
Wellworth Properties breaks ground for P1 B Wyndham Hotel in QC
Real estate development firm Wellworth Properties and Development Corp. yesterday broke ground for the first Wyndham Garden Hotel in Quezon City, budgeted at P1 billion and targeted to open by the fourth quarter of 2021.
Wellworth managing director Harley Geraldine Pow told reporters during the groundbreaking ceremony the company is spending approximately P1 billion for the development of the first Wyndham Garden Hotel in the country, to be located along Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City.
“This is going to be the showcase piece for the Philippines,” she said.
As Wyndham Garden is the upper-midscale band of the Wyndham Hotel Group and positioned as a three- to four-star hotel, the company is targeting businesses, as well as entertainment firms ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc., which are located near the hotel, as clients.
To be constructed by Wellworth’s parent company H.S. Pow Construction and Development Corp. on a 2,000-square meter (sqm) property, the 25-story Wyndham Garden Hotel in Quezon City will have 235 rooms and feature other facilities such as an all-day dining cafe and bar, a 350-sqm grand ballroom with seating capacity up to 350 individuals, function rooms for meetings, indoor swimming pool, as well as a gym and spa.
Citing consumer interest for branded condotels as a form of investment, Pow said the company would be selling 40 percent or about 95 units of the Wyndham Garden Hotel under a sale and lease back agreement.
The units, covering 30 to 35, sqm ,will be offered for sale at about P5 million to P6 million each.
Pow said individuals who will purchase a condotel unit will have to sign a management contract allowing Wellworth to rent out the room and manage its day to day operations.
Investors will receive a condominium certificate title, get a share of the rental income every quarter, and be able to use the unit for free for around 10 to 15 nights per year.
“We’ll start pre-selling units in the fourth quarter of this year, when there are three or four stories,” she said.
She said the company is aiming to open the hotel by the fourth quarter of 2021.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/05/08/1915867/wellworth-properties-breaks-ground-p1-b-wyndham-hotel-qc
Wellworth managing director Harley Geraldine Pow told reporters during the groundbreaking ceremony the company is spending approximately P1 billion for the development of the first Wyndham Garden Hotel in the country, to be located along Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City.
“This is going to be the showcase piece for the Philippines,” she said.
As Wyndham Garden is the upper-midscale band of the Wyndham Hotel Group and positioned as a three- to four-star hotel, the company is targeting businesses, as well as entertainment firms ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc., which are located near the hotel, as clients.
To be constructed by Wellworth’s parent company H.S. Pow Construction and Development Corp. on a 2,000-square meter (sqm) property, the 25-story Wyndham Garden Hotel in Quezon City will have 235 rooms and feature other facilities such as an all-day dining cafe and bar, a 350-sqm grand ballroom with seating capacity up to 350 individuals, function rooms for meetings, indoor swimming pool, as well as a gym and spa.
Citing consumer interest for branded condotels as a form of investment, Pow said the company would be selling 40 percent or about 95 units of the Wyndham Garden Hotel under a sale and lease back agreement.
The units, covering 30 to 35, sqm ,will be offered for sale at about P5 million to P6 million each.
Pow said individuals who will purchase a condotel unit will have to sign a management contract allowing Wellworth to rent out the room and manage its day to day operations.
Investors will receive a condominium certificate title, get a share of the rental income every quarter, and be able to use the unit for free for around 10 to 15 nights per year.
“We’ll start pre-selling units in the fourth quarter of this year, when there are three or four stories,” she said.
She said the company is aiming to open the hotel by the fourth quarter of 2021.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/05/08/1915867/wellworth-properties-breaks-ground-p1-b-wyndham-hotel-qc
Duterte signs Mandaue’s lone district status
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law declaring Mandaue City as a lone district.
This announcement was contained in an official communication signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to Speaker Gloria Arroyo, dated April 5, 2019.
Republic Act Number 11257, authored by Rep. Jonas Cortes (Cebu, 6th district) and filed within the first three months of his current term, will separate the City of Mandaue from Cebu’s sixth legislative district, which includes Consolacion and Cordova.
“This development is good not just for Mandaue City, but is considered a victory for the entire Cebu because this will mean that we will have an additional representation, an additional voice, in Congress. That is why this bill has really been my priority when I assumed office as congressman,” said Cortes.
Cortes disclosed that since 1992, Mandaue was already qualified to become a lone district. Many district representatives before him had tried, but failed, to have this law passed.
He thanked Sen. Sonny Angara, who introduced the Senate version of the bill. Cortes is also thankful to the leaders of Cordova and Consolacion, as well as the barangay officials, who supported the passage of the bill during its public hearing in Congress.
“In my term as congressman, I have passed three significant laws that directly impact the lives of the people of the sixth district. I could never have done this without the support of our constituents, my fellow public servants in the district, especially Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado and Cordova Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho and the officials of Consolacion and Cordova and the Mandauehanons! Dili matugkad ang among kalipay sa pagkahimong kaugalingong distrito sa Mandaue (Our happiness cannot be measured that Mandaue is now a lone district). Ang among way kinutobang pasalamat ni (We’d like to extend our endless gratitude to) Sen. Sonny Angara, ang author sa Senate version sa bill (author of the bill’s Senate version), ug ni (and) President Duterte for granting us this privilege,” Cortes said.
This development, though, will not take effect yet for the upcoming electoral term. For next Monday’s elections, the voters will still be choosing a representative for what is currently the sixth district.
When this takes effect after the incoming term, Mandaue will have its own representative to Congress. This will mean better representation, especially in terms of pushing for projects for the city. In the same manner, Cortes explained, this will benefit Consolacion and Cordova, which will then have their own congressman. They won’t have to share with Mandaue whatever benefits their congressman will get from the national government, he said.
The news came on the heels of the fiesta of Mandaue City in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph, and a few days before the local and national elections.
“I believe that the President heard of the clamor of Mandauehanons to finally make Mandaue a congressional district. This is an important step in propelling our city to greater heights. Mandauehanons are forever grateful to our beloved President for this,” added Cortes.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna echoed his sentiment.
“I’m happy that he (Duterte) signed it. Yes, it is beneficial, because the district funds can now be solely focused on Mandaue, especially infrastructure projects,” he told Superbalita Cebu. (PR with a report from FMD of SuperBalita Cebu, PJB)
https://ph.news.yahoo.com/duterte-signs-mandaue-lone-district-151400060.html
This announcement was contained in an official communication signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to Speaker Gloria Arroyo, dated April 5, 2019.
Republic Act Number 11257, authored by Rep. Jonas Cortes (Cebu, 6th district) and filed within the first three months of his current term, will separate the City of Mandaue from Cebu’s sixth legislative district, which includes Consolacion and Cordova.
“This development is good not just for Mandaue City, but is considered a victory for the entire Cebu because this will mean that we will have an additional representation, an additional voice, in Congress. That is why this bill has really been my priority when I assumed office as congressman,” said Cortes.
Cortes disclosed that since 1992, Mandaue was already qualified to become a lone district. Many district representatives before him had tried, but failed, to have this law passed.
He thanked Sen. Sonny Angara, who introduced the Senate version of the bill. Cortes is also thankful to the leaders of Cordova and Consolacion, as well as the barangay officials, who supported the passage of the bill during its public hearing in Congress.
“In my term as congressman, I have passed three significant laws that directly impact the lives of the people of the sixth district. I could never have done this without the support of our constituents, my fellow public servants in the district, especially Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado and Cordova Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho and the officials of Consolacion and Cordova and the Mandauehanons! Dili matugkad ang among kalipay sa pagkahimong kaugalingong distrito sa Mandaue (Our happiness cannot be measured that Mandaue is now a lone district). Ang among way kinutobang pasalamat ni (We’d like to extend our endless gratitude to) Sen. Sonny Angara, ang author sa Senate version sa bill (author of the bill’s Senate version), ug ni (and) President Duterte for granting us this privilege,” Cortes said.
This development, though, will not take effect yet for the upcoming electoral term. For next Monday’s elections, the voters will still be choosing a representative for what is currently the sixth district.
When this takes effect after the incoming term, Mandaue will have its own representative to Congress. This will mean better representation, especially in terms of pushing for projects for the city. In the same manner, Cortes explained, this will benefit Consolacion and Cordova, which will then have their own congressman. They won’t have to share with Mandaue whatever benefits their congressman will get from the national government, he said.
The news came on the heels of the fiesta of Mandaue City in honor of its patron saint, St. Joseph, and a few days before the local and national elections.
“I believe that the President heard of the clamor of Mandauehanons to finally make Mandaue a congressional district. This is an important step in propelling our city to greater heights. Mandauehanons are forever grateful to our beloved President for this,” added Cortes.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna echoed his sentiment.
“I’m happy that he (Duterte) signed it. Yes, it is beneficial, because the district funds can now be solely focused on Mandaue, especially infrastructure projects,” he told Superbalita Cebu. (PR with a report from FMD of SuperBalita Cebu, PJB)
https://ph.news.yahoo.com/duterte-signs-mandaue-lone-district-151400060.html
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
LRT-1 Cavite extension construction begins today
Commuters from Cavite know only too well the ordeal of going in and out of Metro Manila because of poor public transportation.
The long wait may soon be over, with the construction of the delayed LRT-1 Cavite extension project that began today.
GMA Network debuts P63-million state-of-the-art news set and technology for Eleksyon 2019
Home to the country’s most credible broadcast news organization—GMA News and Public Affairs—media giant GMA Network debuts a P63-million news set in time for its Eleksyon 2019 coverage.
The Network’s multi-million investment covers the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology that promises more engaging and compelling content for today’s viewers.
GMA News’ 360-degree set, which is designed to provide zero overshoots, features two Barco video walls, LED floor, LED video wall, and nine LFD monitors. In addition, augmented reality executions enable GMA News to effectively illustrate content for better consumption. Further setting the stage for innovation, the new set also sees a fully functional second floor.
“In this age where viewing habits continue to shift, we are committed to make our news delivery relevant to the ever-changing world of media consumption,” shares GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. “We wanted a world-class set, with functionalities that will help us tell our stories better, and what better way to launch it than during our Eleksyon 2019 coverage,” she adds.
The new set and lighting are designed by U.S. based company FX Design Group who is known for their use of cutting-edge technology in projects for many of the world’s top broadcasters such as CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, CCTV, The Golf Channel, and CNBC. FX has won numerous Emmy awards for both their set and lighting designs; several Promax BDA awards for broadcast design; and four Newscast Studio Set of the Year awards.
“It’s a breakthrough, kind of worldwide, not just Southeast Asia,” FX Design Group CEO & Creative Director Mack McLaughlin says about his firm being tapped by GMA Network for this innovation. “I think it’s going to be amazing… to launch a project of this size especially leading into the elections,” he adds.
GMA Network will also utilize the Oscar-award winning Mad About Technology (MAT) Towercam Twin Peek camera in the new set. The robotic overhead camera has been used in films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Casino Royale, Harry Potter, and The Help. “With this camera system [MAT-Towercam], you can reach angles that you could not reach before,” says Andreas Schuler, managing engineer for Mad About Technology.
At the same time, the Network will use stYpe’s RedSpy, an optical camera tracking system that will allow immersive graphics executions not just inside the studios but outdoors as well.
stYpe is a recipient of an Emmy award in 2016 for Best Technical Studio as well as the IBC 2017 Innovation Award for Content Creation and Judge’s Prize. It won the Product of the Year for its new product “Follower” at the NAB 2019.
In tandem with the leading GFX solutions provider Vizrt, the RedSpy will take viewing experience to another level.
“We provide the best storytelling tools for the media industry. That’s what we do best. That’s what we do for GMA,” shares Nicholas Chan, regional manager of Vizrt Malaysia.
Worldwide, Vizrt caters to more than 5,000 clients and over the years has earned numerous recognitions including the IABM Game Changer Awards for Viz Story, IBC Awards VRT EBU Live IP for Viz Engine, and MediaBrand 2014 Award for RT/Viz Engine.
Last year, GMA Network invested P154 million on a Newsroom Automation System (NAS) through a MOA signing with Vizrt. The NAS enables GMA News to have an integrated workflow by allowing its news teams to produce reports faster and with more details and background information matched with precise video materials and sound bites. GMA was the first channel in the Philippines to go with Vizrt.
Discover more about these state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology as GMA News unveils its new set during the Eleksyon 2019 coverage on May 13.
The Network’s multi-million investment covers the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology that promises more engaging and compelling content for today’s viewers.
GMA News’ 360-degree set, which is designed to provide zero overshoots, features two Barco video walls, LED floor, LED video wall, and nine LFD monitors. In addition, augmented reality executions enable GMA News to effectively illustrate content for better consumption. Further setting the stage for innovation, the new set also sees a fully functional second floor.
“In this age where viewing habits continue to shift, we are committed to make our news delivery relevant to the ever-changing world of media consumption,” shares GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. “We wanted a world-class set, with functionalities that will help us tell our stories better, and what better way to launch it than during our Eleksyon 2019 coverage,” she adds.
The new set and lighting are designed by U.S. based company FX Design Group who is known for their use of cutting-edge technology in projects for many of the world’s top broadcasters such as CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, CCTV, The Golf Channel, and CNBC. FX has won numerous Emmy awards for both their set and lighting designs; several Promax BDA awards for broadcast design; and four Newscast Studio Set of the Year awards.
“It’s a breakthrough, kind of worldwide, not just Southeast Asia,” FX Design Group CEO & Creative Director Mack McLaughlin says about his firm being tapped by GMA Network for this innovation. “I think it’s going to be amazing… to launch a project of this size especially leading into the elections,” he adds.
GMA Network will also utilize the Oscar-award winning Mad About Technology (MAT) Towercam Twin Peek camera in the new set. The robotic overhead camera has been used in films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Casino Royale, Harry Potter, and The Help. “With this camera system [MAT-Towercam], you can reach angles that you could not reach before,” says Andreas Schuler, managing engineer for Mad About Technology.
At the same time, the Network will use stYpe’s RedSpy, an optical camera tracking system that will allow immersive graphics executions not just inside the studios but outdoors as well.
stYpe is a recipient of an Emmy award in 2016 for Best Technical Studio as well as the IBC 2017 Innovation Award for Content Creation and Judge’s Prize. It won the Product of the Year for its new product “Follower” at the NAB 2019.
In tandem with the leading GFX solutions provider Vizrt, the RedSpy will take viewing experience to another level.
“We provide the best storytelling tools for the media industry. That’s what we do best. That’s what we do for GMA,” shares Nicholas Chan, regional manager of Vizrt Malaysia.
Worldwide, Vizrt caters to more than 5,000 clients and over the years has earned numerous recognitions including the IABM Game Changer Awards for Viz Story, IBC Awards VRT EBU Live IP for Viz Engine, and MediaBrand 2014 Award for RT/Viz Engine.
Last year, GMA Network invested P154 million on a Newsroom Automation System (NAS) through a MOA signing with Vizrt. The NAS enables GMA News to have an integrated workflow by allowing its news teams to produce reports faster and with more details and background information matched with precise video materials and sound bites. GMA was the first channel in the Philippines to go with Vizrt.
Discover more about these state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology as GMA News unveils its new set during the Eleksyon 2019 coverage on May 13.
Monday, May 6, 2019
Duterte visits wake of ex-Speaker Nograles
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday night paid his last respects to the late former House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
Duterte visited Nograles’ wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City, where he met with the late House Speaker's family. Aside from Duterte, other guests present at the wake are former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez, Senate President Tito Sotto III, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Pubic Works Secretary Mark Villar among others.
Earlier, Duterte said other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy despite his passing.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,’ Duterte said.
Duterte, who said he was “deeply saddened” by Nograles’ demise, offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of Former House Speaker Prospero Nograles,” Duterte said.
Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure on Saturday (May 4).
He served as congressman of the first district of Davao City for 15 years and was elected House Speaker during the term of former President now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068953
Duterte visited Nograles’ wake at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City, where he met with the late House Speaker's family. Aside from Duterte, other guests present at the wake are former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez, Senate President Tito Sotto III, Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Pubic Works Secretary Mark Villar among others.
Earlier, Duterte said other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy despite his passing.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,’ Duterte said.
Duterte, who said he was “deeply saddened” by Nograles’ demise, offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of Former House Speaker Prospero Nograles,” Duterte said.
Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure on Saturday (May 4).
He served as congressman of the first district of Davao City for 15 years and was elected House Speaker during the term of former President now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068953
Down memory lane with CCP posters
The poster comes into its own as legitimate graphic art in the exhibit, “Poster-ity:50 Years of Art and Culture” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), ongoing until May 26. Displayed are over 200 posters of performances, exhibitions and other events from 1969, when the
CCP was inaugurated, to the present.
The show kicks off the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the CCP. The posters may be viewed at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (main gallery), Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (third floor hallway gallery), library and archives, and “buffeteria.”
In the recent launch of the exhibit, which included a walk through for media by gallery curators, CCP vice president and artistic director Chris B. Millado said: “It’s the first time we can tell the story behind these static images, first time to ask questions to those behind the scenes. Our collaborators have important stories to tell, along with the problems they have encountered.”
“The exhibit should be viewed within the context of Philippine history in the last 50 years,” said curator Ringo Bunoan. “It was challenging to take the posters out. Some were torn, stuck together, lukot-lukot, like that.”
As you enter the main gallery, you are pleasantly surprised to see images of the activist years, the First Quarter Storm, militant demonstrators with placards assailing the CCP (a project of the then first lady Imelda Marcos) as it opened in 1969. “Not many were there right at the opening,” Bunoan said. “It’s important to show what was going on outside, one should not erase it. This is part of CCP history.”
As you walk through the exhibit, you see posters from the 1970s up, on Van Cliburn, Dionne Warwick, Ishmael Bernal, Victorio C. Edades and the Thirteen Moderns, Cecile Buencamino Licad, Ernestina Crisologo, Carmencita Lozada, “Panahon ng Hapon” (Japanese times), Vienna Boys Choir, Bolshoi Ballet, a fashion show “From the Traje de Mestiza to the Terno,” and even “a tribute to Picasso, an exhibit of 58 original graphic works.”
You might say it was a trip down memory lane.
“The posters are amazing, well designed,” enthused Millado. “We plan to bring the show throughout the Philippines as a mobile traveling exhibit.” —CONTRIBUTED
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/334254/down-memory-lane-with-ccp-posters/
CCP was inaugurated, to the present.
The show kicks off the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the CCP. The posters may be viewed at the Bulwagang Juan Luna (main gallery), Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino (third floor hallway gallery), library and archives, and “buffeteria.”
In the recent launch of the exhibit, which included a walk through for media by gallery curators, CCP vice president and artistic director Chris B. Millado said: “It’s the first time we can tell the story behind these static images, first time to ask questions to those behind the scenes. Our collaborators have important stories to tell, along with the problems they have encountered.”
“The exhibit should be viewed within the context of Philippine history in the last 50 years,” said curator Ringo Bunoan. “It was challenging to take the posters out. Some were torn, stuck together, lukot-lukot, like that.”
As you enter the main gallery, you are pleasantly surprised to see images of the activist years, the First Quarter Storm, militant demonstrators with placards assailing the CCP (a project of the then first lady Imelda Marcos) as it opened in 1969. “Not many were there right at the opening,” Bunoan said. “It’s important to show what was going on outside, one should not erase it. This is part of CCP history.”
As you walk through the exhibit, you see posters from the 1970s up, on Van Cliburn, Dionne Warwick, Ishmael Bernal, Victorio C. Edades and the Thirteen Moderns, Cecile Buencamino Licad, Ernestina Crisologo, Carmencita Lozada, “Panahon ng Hapon” (Japanese times), Vienna Boys Choir, Bolshoi Ballet, a fashion show “From the Traje de Mestiza to the Terno,” and even “a tribute to Picasso, an exhibit of 58 original graphic works.”
You might say it was a trip down memory lane.
“The posters are amazing, well designed,” enthused Millado. “We plan to bring the show throughout the Philippines as a mobile traveling exhibit.” —CONTRIBUTED
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/334254/down-memory-lane-with-ccp-posters/
Rembrandt, Vermeer shine in Louvre Abu Dhabi
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| “Head of a Young Man, with Clasped Hands: Study of the Figure of Christ” by Rembrandt van Rijn |
Which is why perhaps the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s first international exhibit for 2019, “Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age,” was opened in the most pleasant month of February, characterized by cold windy nights, and it will end this May 18, still far from the harsh summer months of July and August when temperature is said to reach 55 degrees Celsius. By then, the lambent light of a Rembrandt or a Vermeer would be no match to the stringent flare of the Arab sun.
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| “Bust of a Bearded Old Man,” by Rembrandt van Rijn |
It is the first time in the Middle East for 16 paintings of Rembrandt (1606-1669) to be exhibited there, including Louvre Abu Dhabi’s newest acquisition, “Head of a Young Man with Clasped Hands: Study of the Figure of Jesus Christ.”
‘Salvator Mundi’
Forget for the moment “Salvator Mundi,” the controversial painting of Jesus Christ attributed to Leonardo da Vinci by the National Gallery of London and sold by Christie’s in 2017 for a pharaonic $450 million to Abu Dhabi, making it the most expensive painting in the world. “Salvator Mundi” was supposed to be displayed finally by the Louvre Abu Dhabi last September, but the UAE Department of Culture and Tourism suspended the exhibit indefinitely. It is just as well, since Rembrandt’s study provides a humanistic, psychological counterpoint to the triumphalism of “Salvator Mundi.”
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| “Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes” by Rembrandt van Rijn |
Moreover, the painting (circa 1646-1656) embodies the Dutch master’s creative process. As Manuel Rebate, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, points out in the catalogue, the study made around the time of Rembrandt’s self-portraits characterized by vigorous brushwork and intensity of expression, embodies “the quintessence of this process.” “The use of a live model, most likely a member of the community where the artist worked, revolutionized the representation of Christ by giving him the features of a man,” Rabate writes.
Leiden Collection
The exhibit consists of 66 works from the Leiden Collection based in New York of Thomas S. Kaplan and Daphne Recanati Kaplan in dialogue with related paintings and drawings from the Louvre of Paris.
Curated by Blaise Ducos of the Louvre and Lara Yeager-Craselt of the Leiden Collection, the Dutch works from the two sources are hung side by side and although the result is not so much dialogue as comparison and contrast, the overall effect is one of complementarity and concord.
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| “Unconscious Patient (Allegory of Smell)” by Rembrandt van Rijn |
But the most striking contrast is not Rembrandt’s but Vermeer’s (1632-75), perhaps because the quiet Dutch master is represented by two very strong paintings—“The Lacemaker” (circa 1669-70) from the Louvre and “Young Woman Seated at a Virginal (1670-72) from the Leiden Collection. Both quiet domestic scenes involving a woman, they seem to go beyond their narrow confines, with the splendor of the color and the rendering of the light seeming to animate and revivify them, like minute crystals that have been daubed here and there, making the work throb with quiet intensity.
‘Fine painting’
After Rembrandt and Vermeer, the wider subject of the exhibit is “Fijnschilderij,” or “fine painting.” This was Dutch genre painting that emerged in the first half of the 17th century consisting of portraiture and depictions of everyday life. It originated from the artistic innovations of Gerrit Dou, a pupil of Rembrandt.
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| “A Young Woman Seated at the Virginals” by Johannes Vermeer |
Dou (1613-1675) is best known for “illusionism,” depicting figures set in stone window ledges, such as the Leiden’s “Cat Crouching on the Ledge of an Artist’s Atelier” and the Louvre’s “Young Woman Holding a Fowl at a Window,” remarkable for their illusion of depth.
But perhaps even more remarkable are Dou’s “contemplative” paintings, showing scholars at work, such as the Leiden’s “Scholar Interrupted at his Writing” and the Louvre’s “Scholar Sharpening his Quill.” As in Rembrandt’s “Allegory” paintings, Dou shows a knack for characterization and using light to evoke a sense of drama.
Other artists of the “fine-painting” school—Franz van Mieris, Willem van Mieris, Gerard Ter Bosch, Gabriel Metsu, and Eglon van der Neer—are also represented in the exhibit.
Eye-opener
For a non-Western audience, the exhibit is an eye-opener and should make room for Dutch achievement in the rather restricted confines of Western art dominated by Latin figures.
But another eye-opener—or perhaps more of a conundrum—is how that achievement came to be.
Rembrandt had come from common stock. He also didn’t travel to Italy; he imbibed the influence of Caravaggio merely second-hand through the Northern artists who did go to Italy and experienced the works of the Italian master of light and shadow. A functionary in Leiden made this note about Rembrandt and his friendly rival, Jan Lievens, in 1628: the latter was a “commoner,” with an “embroiderer for a father,” while Rembrandt’s father was “a miller.” “Who would not be astounded that these two could produce such miracles of talent and skills from these origins?”
‘Dutch miracle’
Ducos in her catalog essay refers to the “Dutch miracle.” It is due to nothing less than the creation of the “Republic of the Seven United Netherlands” after the successful war of independence against Spain. The Dutch later took the war against their former sovereign overseas. (Our own fiesta of the Nuestra Senora de Santo Rosario de La Naval de Manila commemorates the Philippine and Spanish naval victory over the invading Dutch armada in 1646.)
The Dutch thereby established their own empire, occupying Indonesia for example and centering their activities in Asia in “Batavia” (Jakarta).
The Dutch East Indies and the Dutch empire may now be gone, but when we say the Netherlands nowadays, they include island-territories in the Caribbean—Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
To Ducos, Dutch discovery of a wider world other than the Low Countries contributed to the “Dutch miracle.” No wonder many of the Dutch paintings show the globe, as in Dou’s paintings of scholars.
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| “Scholar Interrupted at His Writing” by Gerrit Dou |
“The accumulation of wealth in the Dutch metropole can only be understood in the light of what took place in New Netherlands in Manhattan Island, in the Caribbean, in Brazil, in Asia, in West Africa and at the Cape, and also the Baltic,” Ducos writes. “The artists active during this Dutch spring developed a sense of wonder of the Orient… As for the globes… they show that Dutch identity in the Golden Age was inseparable from a science simultaneously global and Eurocentric.”
Visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae.
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Duterte mourns death of ex-Speaker Nograles
President Rodrigo Duterte mourned the death of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles, describing him as a leader who spoke on behalf of Filipinos.
In his condolence message, Duterte said despite Nograles’ demise, other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,’ Duterte said in his message released on Saturday night (May 4).
Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia on May 4.
Duterte also offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family, saying he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his demise.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles,” Duterte said.
“May he find eternal peace and repose in the arms of our loving Father in heaven. It is also my prayer that the Lord Almighty ease your pain and that you will find solace and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
Nograles served the first district of Davao City from 1989 to 1992; in 1995 and for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010.
He was elected House Speaker during the term of former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Nograles lost his mayoral bid three times against then-mayor Duterte in 1992, Duterte-backed Benjamin de Guzman in 1998, and Duterte’s daughter, now Mayor Sara Carpio in 2010. He also lost his congressional bid against Duterte in 1998.
The late House Speaker ended the political rivalry and supported then mayor Duterte's presidential bid in 2016.
His son, Karlo, was appointed by Duterte as Cabinet Secretary in 2018.
The former Speaker graduated from the Ateneo School of Law and placed second in the 1971 Bar Examinations. (With reports from Lilian Mellejor/PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068923
In his condolence message, Duterte said despite Nograles’ demise, other politicians and leaders would continue to be inspired by the former House Speaker’s legacy.
“His legacy as a leader who used his voice to speak on behalf of the Filipino people will continue to inspire other politicians and leaders who are committed to serving their countrymen,’ Duterte said in his message released on Saturday night (May 4).
Nograles, 71, succumbed to respiratory failure, secondary to pneumonia on May 4.
Duterte also offered condolences and prayers to Nograles’ family, saying he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his demise.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the family of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles,” Duterte said.
“May he find eternal peace and repose in the arms of our loving Father in heaven. It is also my prayer that the Lord Almighty ease your pain and that you will find solace and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
Nograles served the first district of Davao City from 1989 to 1992; in 1995 and for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010.
He was elected House Speaker during the term of former President and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Nograles lost his mayoral bid three times against then-mayor Duterte in 1992, Duterte-backed Benjamin de Guzman in 1998, and Duterte’s daughter, now Mayor Sara Carpio in 2010. He also lost his congressional bid against Duterte in 1998.
The late House Speaker ended the political rivalry and supported then mayor Duterte's presidential bid in 2016.
His son, Karlo, was appointed by Duterte as Cabinet Secretary in 2018.
The former Speaker graduated from the Ateneo School of Law and placed second in the 1971 Bar Examinations. (With reports from Lilian Mellejor/PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068923
Saturday, May 4, 2019
ABS-CBN, GMA assert ratings lead in April
BROADCAST rivals ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. announced on Friday that they had kept their leads in the television ratings game for April.
In separate statements, the Lopez-led ABS-CBN said it continued to rule the nationwide TV ratings, while GMA claimed it dominated Urban Luzon.
Citing data from Kantar Media, which has a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes, ABS-CBN said it had garnered an average audience share of 46 percent, compared with its main competitor’s 30 percent.
The Kapamilya network also said it remained the leading network in Metro Manila, posting an audience share of 44 percent against GMA’s 22 percent; 38 percent in Mega Manila versus its rival’s 29 percent; 41 percent in Total Luzon, compared with GMA’s 33 percent; 55 percent in Total Visayas versus the competitor’s 23 percent; and 54 percent in Total Mindanao against GMA’s 27 percent.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” led the top 10 shows in April with 38.5 percent followed by the recently concluded “World of Dance Philippines” with 32.6 percent, “The General’s Daughter” with 31.3 percent, new reality-talent show “Search for Idol Philippines” with 29.5 percent, “TV Patrol” with 28.3 percent, “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” with 27.5 percent, “It's Showtime” with 26.1 percent, “Kadenang Ginto” and “Los Bastardos” with 25.3 percent, the recently concluded “Halik” with 25 percent, new drama series “Sino ang May Sala? Mea Culpa” with 24.9 percent, “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” with 23.5 percent, “Tonight with Boy Abunda” with 22 percent, “Bandila” with 21.8 percent, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” with 24.5 percent and “Hiwaga ng Kambat” with 23.5 percent, it said.
The Kapuso network, on the other hand, said a report from Nielsen TV showed it maintained its lead last month.
It generated an average total day people audience share of 36.6 percent in Urban Luzon, 5.5 points higher than ABS-CBN’s 31.1 percent, it said.
In Mega Manila, which GMA said it held 60 percent of all urban viewers in the Philippines, it defeated ABS-CBN with a total day average people audience share of 39 percent, compared with the latter’s 28 percent.
Kapuso shows likewise ruled the list of top-rating programs in Urban Luzon for April. The well-loved magazine show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS), which was awarded anew at the prestigious 2019 New York Festivals, firmly held the number one spot. It also continued to be the most watched program nationwide.
KMJS was followed by “Sahaya,” “Magpakailanman,” “Daddy's Gurl,” “Kara Mia,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “24 Oras” and “TODA One I Love.”
Recently-launched romantic comedy series “Love You Two” immediately made it to the list followed by “Studio 7,” “Kapuso Movie Night,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Hiram na Anak,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Dragon Lady,” “Tadhana,” “Bihag,” “Inagaw na Bituin,” “Wowowin,” “The Crown Princess,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “My Golden Life,” “The Boobay and Tekla Show,” “Wish Ko Lang” and “Imbestigador.”
Both groups also claimed their leadership in all time blocks in April.
On Friday, ABS-CBN shares rose by 14 centavos or 0.73 percent to finish at P19.30 each, while GMA shares ended flat at P5.22 apiece.
https://www.manilatimes.net/abs-cbn-gma-assert-ratings-lead-in-april/549409/
Friday, May 3, 2019
GMA Network sustains ratings lead in Urban Luzon; Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho remains no. 1 nationwide
For the month of April, GMA Network maintained its TV ratings lead in Urban Luzon, which accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.
According to the latest data from the industry's widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA posted 36.6 percent average total day people audience share in the said viewer-rich area, outscoring ABS-CBN's 31.1 percent in April (with April 21 to 30 based on overnight data).
Per day part, the Kapuso Network got 30.5 percent people audience share in the morning block, winning against rival network's 26.8 percent.
GMA was also up in the afternoon block with 36.4 percent people audience share, as against the 31.4 percent of ABS-CBN.
The Network further took the lead in the evening block with 39.3 percent versus competition's 32.7 percent.
Kapuso shows likewise ruled the list of top-rating programs in Urban Luzon for April. The well-loved magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), which was awarded anew at the prestigious 2019 New York Festivals, firmly held the number one spot. It also continued to be the most watched program nationwide.
KMJS was followed by Sahaya, Magpakailanman, Daddy's Gurl, Kara Mia, Pepito Manaloto, 24 Oras, and TODA One I Love.
Recently-launched romantic comedy series Love You Two immediately made it to the list followed by Studio 7, Kapuso Movie Night, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, Eat Bulaga, Tadhana, Dragon Lady, Bihag, Inagaw na Bituin, The Crown Princess, Bubble Gang, Saksi, My Golden Life, The Boobay and Tekla Show, and Imbestigador.
Similarly, the Kapuso channel maintained its dominance in Mega Manila, which accounts for 60 percent of all urban viewers in the country.
Based on official data from April 1 to 20, GMA registered a winning average total day people audience share of 39 percent as against ABS-CBN's 28 percent. In Mega Manila's list of top-rating programs, 23 out of the top 30 shows were from GMA.
Nielsen data is gathered through a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media. With approximately 900 more homes surveyed in Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar, Nielsen data is statistically considered more representative of the total TV population.
Nielsen TV Audience Measurement's client pool covers a total of 32 clients/subscribers consisting of 6 local TV networks including ABS-CBN, TV5, Aksyon TV and CNN Philippines, among others; 3 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; and 21 agencies (17 media agencies, 3 consulting agencies, and 1 digital agency).
https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/50560/gma-network-sustains-ratings-lead-in-urban-luzon-kapuso-mo-jessica-soho-remains-no-1-nationwide/story
Palace: Duterte admin does not condone media violence
MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration does “not condone media violence and repression of information,” Malacañang said Friday, World Press Freedom Day.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte believes in the important role the press plays in our great democracy as he considers the fourth estate as our partners for genuine change.”
“As he himself said to the members of the media and by paraphrasing the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall in her book entitled The Friends of Voltaire, ‘I may not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it,’” he said.
Despite Duterte’s tirades on the media, even threating to block ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, calling out the Inquirer for its critical reporting, and slamming Rappler as “fake news site,” among others, Panelo said the government does not condone media violence.
“We do not condone media violence and repression of information,” he said.
He touted the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security in October 2016 and the orders of the President, which he said “[advanced] freedom of information” in the executive branch.
Panelo also cited the “drastic improvements in Philippines’ state television” with the construction of Davao and Cordillera Broadcast Hubs and introduction of Salaam TV, the first Muslim-oriented television channel in the country, and soon, the Lumad TV.
In the World Press Freedom Index released this April 2019, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said the Philippines dropped one spot from its rank in the 2018 index from 133rd to 134th.
The media group said “the government has developed several ways to pressure journalists who dare to be overly critical of the summary methods adopted by ‘Punisher’ Duterte and his notorious ‘war on drugs’,” citing three journalism-related deaths in 2019.
But Panelo said the Duterte administration supports press freedom in the Philippines.
“The Duterte Administration assures members of the press that it will support them in the free exercise of their profession and in crafting accurate, fair and non-partisan reports for the Filipino people,” he said. /kga
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113498/palace-duterte-admin-does-not-condone-media-violence
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte believes in the important role the press plays in our great democracy as he considers the fourth estate as our partners for genuine change.”
“As he himself said to the members of the media and by paraphrasing the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall in her book entitled The Friends of Voltaire, ‘I may not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it,’” he said.
Despite Duterte’s tirades on the media, even threating to block ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, calling out the Inquirer for its critical reporting, and slamming Rappler as “fake news site,” among others, Panelo said the government does not condone media violence.
“We do not condone media violence and repression of information,” he said.
He touted the creation of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security in October 2016 and the orders of the President, which he said “[advanced] freedom of information” in the executive branch.
Panelo also cited the “drastic improvements in Philippines’ state television” with the construction of Davao and Cordillera Broadcast Hubs and introduction of Salaam TV, the first Muslim-oriented television channel in the country, and soon, the Lumad TV.
In the World Press Freedom Index released this April 2019, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said the Philippines dropped one spot from its rank in the 2018 index from 133rd to 134th.
The media group said “the government has developed several ways to pressure journalists who dare to be overly critical of the summary methods adopted by ‘Punisher’ Duterte and his notorious ‘war on drugs’,” citing three journalism-related deaths in 2019.
But Panelo said the Duterte administration supports press freedom in the Philippines.
“The Duterte Administration assures members of the press that it will support them in the free exercise of their profession and in crafting accurate, fair and non-partisan reports for the Filipino people,” he said. /kga
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113498/palace-duterte-admin-does-not-condone-media-violence
ABS-CBN keeps ratings lead in April: Kantar
ABS-CBN Corp said Friday it kept its TV ratings lead nationwide, topping its rival across all blocks based on Kantar Media data.
The country's largest media and entertainment company had an average audience share of 46 percent in April compared to GMA Network's 30 percent, based on Kantar's poll of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
ABS-CBN also maintained its hold on urban and rural areas with 44 percent rate against GMA's 22 percent in Metro Manila, 38 percent compared to GMA's 29 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent over GMA's 33 percent in Total Luzon, 55 percent in Total Visayas compared to GMA's 23 percent and 54 percent against GMA's 27 percent in Total Mindanao.
The Lopez-led media company secured top stop for all time blocks winning primetime with an average audience share of 48 percent against GMA's 31 percent, the morning morning block (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) with 35 percent share versus the rival's 29 percent, noontime block (12 n.n. to 3 p.m.) with 47 percent versus the rival's 29 percent and the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with 51 percent compared to GMA's 29 percent.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” led the top 10 shows in April with 38.5 percent followed by the recently concluded “World of Dance Philippines” with 32.6 percent, “The General’s Daughter” with 31.3 percent, new reality-talent show “Search for Idol Philippines” with 29.5 percent, “TV Patrol” with 28.3 percent, “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” with 27.5 percent, “It's Showtime” with 26.1 percent, “Kadenang Ginto” and “Los Bastardos” with 25.3 percent, “Halik” with 25 percent, “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” with 24.8 percent, “Tonight with Boy Abunda” with 22 percent, “Bandila” with 21.6 percent, Maalaala Mo Kaya” with 24.5 percent and “Hiwaga ng Kambat” with 23.5 percent, it said.
ABS-CBN also led the local music, film, cable TV, publishing industries and is also the pioneer in digital television.
As of February, ABS-CBN TVplus sold 7 million boxes since its launch in 2015. It continues to give Filipinos a premium TV watching experience by adding 5 new channels to its current line-up, namely the Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.
It also launched its streaming service, iWant, which reached over 1 million mobile app downloads on its launching date last Nov. 17, 2018.
Kantar Media, a leading audience measurement provider, caters to over 80 countries and has 26 TV networks, ad agencies and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services.
News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/03/19/abs-cbn-keeps-ratings-lead-in-april-kantar
The country's largest media and entertainment company had an average audience share of 46 percent in April compared to GMA Network's 30 percent, based on Kantar's poll of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.
ABS-CBN also maintained its hold on urban and rural areas with 44 percent rate against GMA's 22 percent in Metro Manila, 38 percent compared to GMA's 29 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent over GMA's 33 percent in Total Luzon, 55 percent in Total Visayas compared to GMA's 23 percent and 54 percent against GMA's 27 percent in Total Mindanao.
The Lopez-led media company secured top stop for all time blocks winning primetime with an average audience share of 48 percent against GMA's 31 percent, the morning morning block (6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) with 35 percent share versus the rival's 29 percent, noontime block (12 n.n. to 3 p.m.) with 47 percent versus the rival's 29 percent and the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with 51 percent compared to GMA's 29 percent.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” led the top 10 shows in April with 38.5 percent followed by the recently concluded “World of Dance Philippines” with 32.6 percent, “The General’s Daughter” with 31.3 percent, new reality-talent show “Search for Idol Philippines” with 29.5 percent, “TV Patrol” with 28.3 percent, “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” with 27.5 percent, “It's Showtime” with 26.1 percent, “Kadenang Ginto” and “Los Bastardos” with 25.3 percent, “Halik” with 25 percent, “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” with 24.8 percent, “Tonight with Boy Abunda” with 22 percent, “Bandila” with 21.6 percent, Maalaala Mo Kaya” with 24.5 percent and “Hiwaga ng Kambat” with 23.5 percent, it said.
ABS-CBN also led the local music, film, cable TV, publishing industries and is also the pioneer in digital television.
As of February, ABS-CBN TVplus sold 7 million boxes since its launch in 2015. It continues to give Filipinos a premium TV watching experience by adding 5 new channels to its current line-up, namely the Asianovela Channel, Movie Central, MYX, Jeepney TV, and O Shopping in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and Metro Cebu.
It also launched its streaming service, iWant, which reached over 1 million mobile app downloads on its launching date last Nov. 17, 2018.
Kantar Media, a leading audience measurement provider, caters to over 80 countries and has 26 TV networks, ad agencies and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services.
News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/03/19/abs-cbn-keeps-ratings-lead-in-april-kantar
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Ragnarok Journey Philippines servers to close down on May 31
The browser-based MMORPG, Ragnarok Journey, has come to its end as they announced the closing of its servers soon.
Launched for more than one year already, the Ragnarok Journey Philippines came from the iconic Ragnarok game franchise that a lot of Filipinos even play today. This game, however, is a browser-based MMORPG which means that players don’t have to download the client to enjoy playing it.
Based on their Facebook post, the Philippine servers will close on May 31, 2019, but players can convert their GEMs (cash currency) in the Warpportal platform into another game’s in-game currency.
https://www.yugatech.com/news/ragnarok-journey-philippines-servers-to-close-down-on-may-31/
Launched for more than one year already, the Ragnarok Journey Philippines came from the iconic Ragnarok game franchise that a lot of Filipinos even play today. This game, however, is a browser-based MMORPG which means that players don’t have to download the client to enjoy playing it.
Based on their Facebook post, the Philippine servers will close on May 31, 2019, but players can convert their GEMs (cash currency) in the Warpportal platform into another game’s in-game currency.
https://www.yugatech.com/news/ragnarok-journey-philippines-servers-to-close-down-on-may-31/
Lawyer, Congress bet: Redistricting needed for Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A reassignment of districts might be necessary for Cebu province.
This was the sentiment of lawyer Baldomero Estenzo, a candidate for Representative of Cebu’s sixth district, as Mandaue City is set to become a lone district.
Estenzo, a former dean of the College of Law of the University of Cebu, said a reassignment of districts might be necessary in order not to leave behind in terms of progress the towns of Cordova and Consolacion.
The two towns, which are geographically separated by the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, will be the only remaining towns in the sixth district once Mandaue City’s transition to being a lone district will be finished.
“If Mandaue City will become a lone district already, what will happen to Cordova and Consolacion? Maybe we should look at the entire province,” Estenzo said in a press conference on Thursday, May 2.
Estenzo, however, admitted that it will still take a long time to reassign the districts of the local government units.
Estenzo, a resident of Mandaue City, is vying for the 6th district seat in the House of Representatives against former Mandaue City councilor Emmarie Ouano-Dizon./dbs
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/231648/lawyer-congress-bet-redistricting-needed-for-cebu
This was the sentiment of lawyer Baldomero Estenzo, a candidate for Representative of Cebu’s sixth district, as Mandaue City is set to become a lone district.
Estenzo, a former dean of the College of Law of the University of Cebu, said a reassignment of districts might be necessary in order not to leave behind in terms of progress the towns of Cordova and Consolacion.
The two towns, which are geographically separated by the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, will be the only remaining towns in the sixth district once Mandaue City’s transition to being a lone district will be finished.
“If Mandaue City will become a lone district already, what will happen to Cordova and Consolacion? Maybe we should look at the entire province,” Estenzo said in a press conference on Thursday, May 2.
Estenzo, however, admitted that it will still take a long time to reassign the districts of the local government units.
Estenzo, a resident of Mandaue City, is vying for the 6th district seat in the House of Representatives against former Mandaue City councilor Emmarie Ouano-Dizon./dbs
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/231648/lawyer-congress-bet-redistricting-needed-for-cebu
Friday, April 26, 2019
Congressional bets urged to strengthen tobacco control law
BAGUIO CITY— An advocacy group on Friday called on congressional candidates in the May 13 mid-term election to strengthen tobacco control policies in the country once they are elected to Congress.
"There are some things that needed to be fixed in to our National Tobacco Regulation law or the Republic Act 9211 because it became weaker than the WHO-FCTC (World Health- Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control)," said Au Quilala, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) advocacy manager, during a media briefing at the launch of iChange campaign.
Republic Act 9211 also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 regulates smoking in public places, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and sales restrictions.
On the other hand, the WHO-FCTC is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.
Quilala said the iChange campaign calls on the 2019 candidates to support moves to amend the tobacco regulation law, specifically to expand the definition of places where smoking is banned and to raise the minimum age for people allowed to buy and use cigarettes from 18 to 25 years.
"We hope that we all vote wisely thinking about our daily lives, thinking of our health. Together with these proposals, we hope that we will consider the candidates who put primary considerations about our health," Quilala said.
The group also called on the government for the strict regulation or banning of the use of electronic cigarettes or "vapes".
A survey conducted by Pulse Asia from January 26 to 31, 2019 revealed that nine out of the 10 adult Filipinos agree that smoking or the use of cigarettes in public places should be prohibited and nine out of 10 adult Filipinos also agree to raise the minimum age for buying and using cigarettes from 18 to 25 years old.
Another survey conducted by Pulse Asia from March 23 to 27, 2019 also showed that 75 percent of adult Filipinos are in favor of increasing tax on cigarettes.
Seven out of 10 adult Filipinos would support candidates who are in favor of legislative measures to increase the tax on cigarettes, the survey showed. (With reports from Hasreel Sandee Gano, OJT/PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068314
"There are some things that needed to be fixed in to our National Tobacco Regulation law or the Republic Act 9211 because it became weaker than the WHO-FCTC (World Health- Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control)," said Au Quilala, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) advocacy manager, during a media briefing at the launch of iChange campaign.
Republic Act 9211 also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 regulates smoking in public places, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and sales restrictions.
On the other hand, the WHO-FCTC is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.
Quilala said the iChange campaign calls on the 2019 candidates to support moves to amend the tobacco regulation law, specifically to expand the definition of places where smoking is banned and to raise the minimum age for people allowed to buy and use cigarettes from 18 to 25 years.
"We hope that we all vote wisely thinking about our daily lives, thinking of our health. Together with these proposals, we hope that we will consider the candidates who put primary considerations about our health," Quilala said.
The group also called on the government for the strict regulation or banning of the use of electronic cigarettes or "vapes".
A survey conducted by Pulse Asia from January 26 to 31, 2019 revealed that nine out of the 10 adult Filipinos agree that smoking or the use of cigarettes in public places should be prohibited and nine out of 10 adult Filipinos also agree to raise the minimum age for buying and using cigarettes from 18 to 25 years old.
Another survey conducted by Pulse Asia from March 23 to 27, 2019 also showed that 75 percent of adult Filipinos are in favor of increasing tax on cigarettes.
Seven out of 10 adult Filipinos would support candidates who are in favor of legislative measures to increase the tax on cigarettes, the survey showed. (With reports from Hasreel Sandee Gano, OJT/PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068314
ABS-CBN steps up digital initiatives amid threats to broadcast business
Media giant ABS-CBN Corp. is accelerating spending across a range of digital initiatives to secure a future still threatened by fast-changing industry dynamics and national politics.
New developments such as the relaunch of the iWant app—its response to internet TV giant Netflix—and a move to create movies and shows for non-Filipino viewers abroad were some of the products highlighted by company president and CEO Carlo Katigbak during ABS-CBN’s annual meeting on Thursday.
More than reaching new markets, such business lines are outside the scope of ABS-CBN’s broadcasting franchise, whose renewal President Duterte vowed to block when it expires on March 30, 2020.
“It is clearly an uncertain time in ABS-CBN,” Katigbak told shareholders. “We are faced with threats from many directions: changing consumer habits, disruptive technologies, political headwinds and new competition.”
He said the company’s application before Congress remained pending. ABS-CBN will refile its papers under the new Congress to be established after the elections next month.
Katigbak said ABS-CBN, which still relied on TV advertising for about half of its P40 billion in revenue last year, expected a “full recovery” in 2019, partly driven by political ad spending.
The company’s net income last year dropped by almost 40 percent to P1.91 billion as TV advertising slowed.
Rolando Valdueza, ABS-CBN group chief financial officer, said the marching orders were for the company to increase spending in digital.
“The capex [capital spending] starting this year and the next five years will mostly be for digital and broadband,” he said. In the same respect, ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado said the goal was to increase digital’s contributions, which accounted for 13 percent of revenue last year.
Company officials pointed to the steady growth of iWant, which had about two million active users, and the adaptation of its popular TV shows in Turkey and Indonesia as early signs of success.
ABS-CBN, which also owns Skycable and the KidZania theme park in Bonifacio Global City, has embarked on a series of acquisitions to support its retail segment. It invested in subsidiary The Chosen Bun Inc. to expand its food and beverage business apart from ventures sealed with cosmetics giant Ever Biliena and IBayad Online Ventures for an e-wallet service.
https://business.inquirer.net/269218/abs-cbn-steps-up-digital-initiatives-amid-threats-to-broadcast-business
Thursday, April 25, 2019
ABS-CBN sees full recovery in profitability, pursues digital shift
ABS-CBN Corp expects a "full recovery" in profitability this year as it grows its digital properties while solidifying its lead in its core TV business, president and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak said Thursday.
The country's largest media and entertainment company has been "exceeding" many of its targets in the January to March period after a "very challenging" 2018, wherein industry-wide TV ad revenues fell an estimated 6 percent, Katigbak said.
"We are well-positioned for a rebound," Katigbak told ABS-CBN's annual stockholder's meeting."We are confident that there will be a full recovery of our profitability this year."
ABS-CBN's net income reached P1.9 billion in 2018, down 40 percent from the previous year. Inflation and higher taxes on sweetened beverages hurt TV ad spending, he said.
The company filed for a renewal of its franchise, which will expire on March 30, 2020, Katigbak said, in response to a question from a shareholder.
"It is clearly an uncertain time for ABS-CBN. We are faced with threats from many directions: changing consumer habits, disruptive technology, political headwinds and new competition," he said.
ABS-CBN overcame challenges in the past and emerged "better, stronger and more relevant."
"Regardless of what the future holds, our commitment is to continue serving our audiences and our public in any way that we can. This is our calling, one that will never dim. This is why we exist," he said.
CHANGING LANDSCAPE
ABS-CBN last year accelerated its five-part transformation program, which includes transforming to digital, growing its experience business, expanding to audiences outside the Philippines, public service and maintaining its broadcast leadership.
"Technology and audiences are changing at an exponential rate. This change will continue to expand and disrupt and today, our industry finds itself in the middle of its winds," he said.
"Our ability to reinvent ourselves while anchored on our mission to serve the Filipino will be at the core of our longevity and success," he said.
Video streaming platform iWant, relaunched last year, got 60 million views in December 2017. ABS-CBN.com is the third most visited website for Filipinos, behind Google and Facebook. On YouTube, ABS-CBN has 15 million subscribers while ABS-CBN News has 5.6 million, he said.
ABS-CBN Music is a "shining example" of the digital shift, with 92 percent of total revenues coming from digital after it focused on streaming and events.
"Digital is our fastest-growing business to date," he said, adding the nearly P1 billion in digital revenues last year accounted for 13 percent of the total.
— Warren de Guzman (@wddeguzman) April 25, 2019
Syndication sales rose 30 percent driven by Africa and after the launch of "It's Showtime" in Indonesia, ABS-CBN is eyeing Latin America, he said.
ABS-CBN bet its international film foray on "Yellow Rose" co-starring Lea Salonga, "Eerie" starring Charo Santos-Concio and Bea Alonzo and "Quezon's Game," about refugees from the Nazi regime, he said.
"The world has become a global market and we aim to make content the primary export of our company. It's time we make Filipino talent shine in the world stage," he said.
International initiatives accounted for 15 percent of total revenues in 2018, he said.
ABS-CBN dominated TV ratings, aided by close to 7 million homes with its TVplus digital box, Katigbak said. In Metro Manila, 7 in 10 homes without cable use TVplus, 6 in 10 in the suburbs, he said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/25/19/abs-cbn-sees-full-recovery-in-profitability-pursues-digital-shift
Bill creating congressional district of Mandaue City ready for President’s signature
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
The bill seeking to separate the Mandaue City from the current sixth legislative district of Cebu to constitute the lone congressional district of Mandaue City has been transmitted to Malacañang for President Duterte’s signature.
House Bill 8511, principally authored by Cebu Reps. Jonas Cortes and Rodrigo Abellanosa was transmitted to the Palace on March 7, 2019, according to the records of the House of Representatives Bills and Index Service.
“The objective of the bill is to ensure equitable representation for the inhabitants of the City of Mandaue in the legislature and the national government by separating the City from the sixth legislative district of province of Cebu to constitute the lone district of the city of Mandaue,” the authors of the bill said, as they pushed for the immediate enactment of the measure into law.
Cortes said the bill has long been ardently requested by the people of Mandaue “in order to raise the current status of their beloved city into its well-deserved position.”
HB 8511 provides that the City of Mandaue shall be separated from the sixth legislative district of Cebu province to constitute the lone congressional district of Mandaue City. It shall commence in the next national and local elections after the effectivity of the proposed Act.
Under the bill, the incumbent representative of the present sixth legislative district of Cebu province shall continue to represent the district until the new representative of the lone legislative district of the City of Mandaue shall have been elected and qualified.
The bill tasks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue the necessary rules and regulations within 30 days after the effectivity of the proposed Act.
“This bill will accord the city and its constituents the right to enjoy the privileges appurtenant to a legally declared Congressional District and will ultimately redound to the benefit of the people not only of Mandaue City but also of the sixth district by way of better welfare and benefits,” Cortes said.
About 40 percent of Cebu’s export companies are found in Mandaue being home to some of the country’s biggest companies, he noted.
Known as the Industrial Heartland of Cebu, Mandaue City also accounts for 75 percent of the country’s total exports in the furniture sector in the past two decades, making the city the Furniture Capital of the country, Cortes said.
He cited that since 1991, the City of Mandaue has been declared as a highly urbanized city and it is now a thriving first class city with a population of more than 365, 144 individuals.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/25/bill-creating-congressional-district-of-mandaue-city-ready-for-presidents-signature/
The bill seeking to separate the Mandaue City from the current sixth legislative district of Cebu to constitute the lone congressional district of Mandaue City has been transmitted to Malacañang for President Duterte’s signature.
House Bill 8511, principally authored by Cebu Reps. Jonas Cortes and Rodrigo Abellanosa was transmitted to the Palace on March 7, 2019, according to the records of the House of Representatives Bills and Index Service.
“The objective of the bill is to ensure equitable representation for the inhabitants of the City of Mandaue in the legislature and the national government by separating the City from the sixth legislative district of province of Cebu to constitute the lone district of the city of Mandaue,” the authors of the bill said, as they pushed for the immediate enactment of the measure into law.
Cortes said the bill has long been ardently requested by the people of Mandaue “in order to raise the current status of their beloved city into its well-deserved position.”
HB 8511 provides that the City of Mandaue shall be separated from the sixth legislative district of Cebu province to constitute the lone congressional district of Mandaue City. It shall commence in the next national and local elections after the effectivity of the proposed Act.
Under the bill, the incumbent representative of the present sixth legislative district of Cebu province shall continue to represent the district until the new representative of the lone legislative district of the City of Mandaue shall have been elected and qualified.
The bill tasks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue the necessary rules and regulations within 30 days after the effectivity of the proposed Act.
“This bill will accord the city and its constituents the right to enjoy the privileges appurtenant to a legally declared Congressional District and will ultimately redound to the benefit of the people not only of Mandaue City but also of the sixth district by way of better welfare and benefits,” Cortes said.
About 40 percent of Cebu’s export companies are found in Mandaue being home to some of the country’s biggest companies, he noted.
Known as the Industrial Heartland of Cebu, Mandaue City also accounts for 75 percent of the country’s total exports in the furniture sector in the past two decades, making the city the Furniture Capital of the country, Cortes said.
He cited that since 1991, the City of Mandaue has been declared as a highly urbanized city and it is now a thriving first class city with a population of more than 365, 144 individuals.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/25/bill-creating-congressional-district-of-mandaue-city-ready-for-presidents-signature/
Henry Sy memory lives on: Kids not stopping at 76 SM malls
Property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. is poised for further expansion in 2019 as it seeks to widen its footprint in the country and abroad.
The company planned to open four new malls this year, adding to its existing 72 shopping centers, and would launch an additional 15,000 to 20,000 residential units, officials said during the company’s annual meeting Tuesday.
SM Prime chair Henry Sy Jr. said they also planned to start work on their eighth mall in China: SM Yangzhou.
Sy said SM Prime would continue to be “aggressive” in pursuing opportunities along its core businesses.
“There is no change in terms of our working attitude, we will stay as what our past chair wanted us to be, very conservative but very hardworking,” SM Prime director Hans Sy said. He was referring to his father and SM Group founder, Henry Sy Sr., who passed away on Jan. 19.
SM Prime earlier disclosed a capital spending budget of P80 billion. For shopping malls, it will add 200,000 square meters (sqm) of gross floor area and will be located in developing provincial cities like SM Center in Dagupan in Pangasinan, SM City Olongapo Central in Zambales, SM City Butuan in Caraga Region, and SM Mindoro Citimall in Zamboanga.
SM Prime is also set to launch this year the NU Tower, its first university-office building in the Mall of Asia Complex; and two new hotels in Iloilo and Quezon City, the Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa.
“The year 2019 marks another era for SM Prime as we celebrate our 25th year of being a publicly listed company in the Philippines. Moving forward, we will continue to deliver world-class products to our communities, which will also translate into sustainable growth for our shareholders,” SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said in a statement. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS
https://business.inquirer.net/269153/henry-sy-memory-lives-on-kids-not-stopping-at-79-sm-malls
The company planned to open four new malls this year, adding to its existing 72 shopping centers, and would launch an additional 15,000 to 20,000 residential units, officials said during the company’s annual meeting Tuesday.
SM Prime chair Henry Sy Jr. said they also planned to start work on their eighth mall in China: SM Yangzhou.
Sy said SM Prime would continue to be “aggressive” in pursuing opportunities along its core businesses.
“There is no change in terms of our working attitude, we will stay as what our past chair wanted us to be, very conservative but very hardworking,” SM Prime director Hans Sy said. He was referring to his father and SM Group founder, Henry Sy Sr., who passed away on Jan. 19.
SM Prime earlier disclosed a capital spending budget of P80 billion. For shopping malls, it will add 200,000 square meters (sqm) of gross floor area and will be located in developing provincial cities like SM Center in Dagupan in Pangasinan, SM City Olongapo Central in Zambales, SM City Butuan in Caraga Region, and SM Mindoro Citimall in Zamboanga.
SM Prime is also set to launch this year the NU Tower, its first university-office building in the Mall of Asia Complex; and two new hotels in Iloilo and Quezon City, the Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa.
“The year 2019 marks another era for SM Prime as we celebrate our 25th year of being a publicly listed company in the Philippines. Moving forward, we will continue to deliver world-class products to our communities, which will also translate into sustainable growth for our shareholders,” SM Prime president Jeffrey C. Lim said in a statement. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS
https://business.inquirer.net/269153/henry-sy-memory-lives-on-kids-not-stopping-at-79-sm-malls
Pampanga quake victims receive aid from Arroyo, Gov. Pineda
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Governor Lilia Pineda personally extended condolences to the families of those who died from the tremor in the towns of Porac and Lubao.
The two lady provincial leaders, along with some local officials, handed over bereavement assistance to the families of Doris Paule, Niella Denise Paule, Adrian Charles Ocampo, Sophia Janes Arbis, Jovilyn Vera, Gerome Kyle Enriquez, Manilyn Dela Cruz and her children Jacob and Hailee.
They also pledged to cover all the burial expenses of the earthquake victims.
“This is one of the priorities. Also, rebuilding houses for the affected families and providing assistance to the bereaved families,” the governor said.
Arroyo and Pineda also inspected the collapsed building of Chuzon Supermarket and asked the search and rescue front liners about the latest situation there.
Meanwhile, the operations were temporarily stopped following the occurrence of aftershocks since Wednesday morning.
Fire Senior Superintendent Samuel Tadeo, director of the Bureau of Fire Protection–Central Luzon, said they decided to temporarily halt the operations to ensure the safety of the rescuers.
So far, there were five casualties retrieved from the collapsed structure and seven were rescued.
Tadeo said the search and rescue unit used five cranes to hold the roof of the building and prevent it from possible collapse.
He said that although the rescuers no longer detect signs of life inside the collapsed structure, the search and rescue operations will last until Friday. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068060
The two lady provincial leaders, along with some local officials, handed over bereavement assistance to the families of Doris Paule, Niella Denise Paule, Adrian Charles Ocampo, Sophia Janes Arbis, Jovilyn Vera, Gerome Kyle Enriquez, Manilyn Dela Cruz and her children Jacob and Hailee.
They also pledged to cover all the burial expenses of the earthquake victims.
“This is one of the priorities. Also, rebuilding houses for the affected families and providing assistance to the bereaved families,” the governor said.
Arroyo and Pineda also inspected the collapsed building of Chuzon Supermarket and asked the search and rescue front liners about the latest situation there.
Meanwhile, the operations were temporarily stopped following the occurrence of aftershocks since Wednesday morning.
Fire Senior Superintendent Samuel Tadeo, director of the Bureau of Fire Protection–Central Luzon, said they decided to temporarily halt the operations to ensure the safety of the rescuers.
So far, there were five casualties retrieved from the collapsed structure and seven were rescued.
Tadeo said the search and rescue unit used five cranes to hold the roof of the building and prevent it from possible collapse.
He said that although the rescuers no longer detect signs of life inside the collapsed structure, the search and rescue operations will last until Friday. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068060
Kabayan Hotel targets to fully operate new tower by 2020
GIVEN the ongoing construction of its third building, Kabayan Hotel said it is on track to meet its target opening by January 2020, offering guests with 307 more rooms.
Legend Hotel International Corp. (LHIC) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Celine Marie L. King said they are expanding their city hotel brand in Pasay City due to the growth of province-based traveler and overseas Filipino worker (OFW) markets for the hospitality industry.
“We are already running at 84-percent occupancy, which is really good for any hotel,” she said of their improved business performance amid competition in the Bay Area where they are located.
“But I think because we are truly Filipino, they can associate with it like a kabayan; and it’s a local brand, that’s why we continue to grow that market.” Kabayan is part of a portfolio of different properties owned and managed by LHIC, including The Legend Palawan (TLP), The Legend Villas, Pinoy Pamilya Hotel and My Place.
At present, it operates two seven-story towers with a combined inventory of 280 rooms. The soon-to-rise 10-story building will bring the hotel’s total number of rooms to 587.
King said they have invested “a little over P500 million for the whole project” and will hire 40 more to add to their current pool of 100 employees. She said that Kabayan Hotel, prior to full operation of the newest accommodation structure, is scheduled to open a few floors by the middle of this year and soft launch it towards the last quarter of 2019.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/04/25/kabayan-hotel-targets-to-fully-operate-new-tower-by-2020/
Legend Hotel International Corp. (LHIC) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Celine Marie L. King said they are expanding their city hotel brand in Pasay City due to the growth of province-based traveler and overseas Filipino worker (OFW) markets for the hospitality industry.
“We are already running at 84-percent occupancy, which is really good for any hotel,” she said of their improved business performance amid competition in the Bay Area where they are located.
“But I think because we are truly Filipino, they can associate with it like a kabayan; and it’s a local brand, that’s why we continue to grow that market.” Kabayan is part of a portfolio of different properties owned and managed by LHIC, including The Legend Palawan (TLP), The Legend Villas, Pinoy Pamilya Hotel and My Place.
At present, it operates two seven-story towers with a combined inventory of 280 rooms. The soon-to-rise 10-story building will bring the hotel’s total number of rooms to 587.
King said they have invested “a little over P500 million for the whole project” and will hire 40 more to add to their current pool of 100 employees. She said that Kabayan Hotel, prior to full operation of the newest accommodation structure, is scheduled to open a few floors by the middle of this year and soft launch it towards the last quarter of 2019.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/04/25/kabayan-hotel-targets-to-fully-operate-new-tower-by-2020/
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
SWIPING THROUGH THE ’10S: 2011
HOW CAN YOU REMEMBER the year 2011?
That year, we reach 7 billion people, we witness the milestones of two prestigious universities.
We roll in the deep with Adele, party rock with LMFAO, go super bass with Nicki Minaj. We sing “You and I” by JRA and “Hey Daydreamer” by Somedaydream. We sometimes associate them with JaMich.
We share the annoying, earworm videos of the generally positive Nyan Cat or the generally negative auto-tuned hit “Friday” by Rebecca Black?
We even try to pronounce or spell Ophiuchus and attempt to be part of the horoscope section.
Our phone markets are steering away from Nokia monopoly and we try to innovate on our own (hello, Cherry Mobile and MyPhone).
In this part of the zeitgeist, we watch and discuss Munting Heredera, Amaya, and 100 Days to Heaven. Did you know that TV5 produces one with a similar length as with the South Triangle competitors — Babaeng Hampaslupa?
How else can you remember about 2011?
Per Detail
January 14: ARAB SPRING: Tunisia’s government falls.
January 28: the University of Santo Tomas turns 400.
February 7: GMA announces GMA News TV on Channel 11. They are to be launched in three weeks, marking the first time for a news channel on free TV, but their hype is one-upped.
February 8: Former AFP chief of staff Angelo Reyes commits suicide amidst graft charges in the “Pabaon” scandal.
February 11: ARAB SPRING: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigns after 30 years of power.
February 21: AksyonTV is launched on Channel 41 just one week ahead of GMA News TV’s scheduled launch. Their broadcast operation is initially round-the-clock and will expect to last its daily operation and their initial purpose a few years.
March 3: Paquito Diaz dies at 73.
March 9: UST forms the largest Dominican cross.
March 11: A 9.0 magnitude earthquake rocks Japan and a tsunami swallows up Tohoku. The twin natural disaster triggers a meltdown and reactor explosions in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
March 12: On Willing Willie (TV5), the macho dance of Jan-jan spurs criticism from celebrities, clergy, and columnist. As a result, advertisers pull out and the show is voluntarily off the air for a month; later to be renamed as Wil Time Big Time.
March 22: The House of Representatives impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. The trial in the Senate did not convene as she hands the letter of resignation to President Noynoy Aquino on April 29.
April 17:
April 29: Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London.
May 1: Pope Benedict XVI beatifies his predecessor, Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Square.
May 2: Osama bin Laden is killed in Pakistan by the US Navy SEALs.
May 21: Harold Camping predicts the rapture on this date and five months later but both of them failed.
May 22: Gandang Gabi Vice is premiered.
June 5: AKTV, owned and operated by TV5, launches on IBC 13. Their sports block timer venture expects to last by two years.
June 16: De La Salle University celebrates its centennial of founding.
June 26: Marcelito Pomoy wins Pilipinas Got Talent season 2.
June 27: Kris TV premieres on ABS-CBN.
July: Friendster re-positioned itself as a social gaming site and discontinued user social network accounts.
July 9: South Sudan becomes a newly independent nation and the 193rd member of the United Nations.
July 23: Amy Winehouse dies of alcohol poisoning at 27.
August: Mideo Cruz’s “Politeismo”, as part of the Kulo exhibit in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, stirs controversy. The art installation contains a collage of mundane and religious icons. The placement of a wooden penis in the face of Jesus draws the line of the Church, creating the rift against the art community.
August 3: After three or four years of irregularities on who is the real 12th place finisher of the 2007 elections, Juan Miguel Zubiri resigns from the Senate. Nine days later, Koko Pimentel assumes the office and serves the remainder of that term.
September: Lolong is captured in Agusan Marsh, Banawan, Agusan del Sur. Measuring 20 1/4 feet long and weighing 1,075 kilograms, it is recorded by the Guinness World Records as the “world’s largest crocodile in captivity.” He expects to live for two years.
September 17: Occupy Wall Street protests begin.
October 5:
October 13: YouTube grants Philippines’ localization.
October 20: ARAB SPRING: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is killed in Sirte.
Late October: The controversial 15-minute YouTube documentary of the sitting president’s family surfaces. The maternal estate, Hacienda Luisita, is ordered to be distributed by the Supreme Court a month later.
November 7: American boxer Joe Frazier dies. He fought against Muhammad Ali in Thrilla in Manila in 1975.
December 12: About 188 lawmakers sign an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona. Two days later, the Senate convenes as the impeachment court but the biggest drama will unfold next year.
December 16: Typhoon Sendong crosses over Visayas and Mindanao, leaving 1,500 dead. In Cagayan de Oro, the streets are muddy and cars are tipped over.
December 17: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il passes away at 70. His third son, Kim Jong-un, succeeds and assumes the post.
December 29: Starstruck 1 alumni Tyron Perez dies in Valenzuela City at 26 due to suicide.
Swiping Through the ’10s: 2012 is undergoing writing and construction. To be revealed by May.
https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/swiping-through-the-10s-2011/
That year, we reach 7 billion people, we witness the milestones of two prestigious universities.
We roll in the deep with Adele, party rock with LMFAO, go super bass with Nicki Minaj. We sing “You and I” by JRA and “Hey Daydreamer” by Somedaydream. We sometimes associate them with JaMich.
We share the annoying, earworm videos of the generally positive Nyan Cat or the generally negative auto-tuned hit “Friday” by Rebecca Black?
We even try to pronounce or spell Ophiuchus and attempt to be part of the horoscope section.
Our phone markets are steering away from Nokia monopoly and we try to innovate on our own (hello, Cherry Mobile and MyPhone).
In this part of the zeitgeist, we watch and discuss Munting Heredera, Amaya, and 100 Days to Heaven. Did you know that TV5 produces one with a similar length as with the South Triangle competitors — Babaeng Hampaslupa?
How else can you remember about 2011?
Per Detail
January 14: ARAB SPRING: Tunisia’s government falls.
January 28: the University of Santo Tomas turns 400.
February 7: GMA announces GMA News TV on Channel 11. They are to be launched in three weeks, marking the first time for a news channel on free TV, but their hype is one-upped.
February 8: Former AFP chief of staff Angelo Reyes commits suicide amidst graft charges in the “Pabaon” scandal.
February 11: ARAB SPRING: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigns after 30 years of power.
February 21: AksyonTV is launched on Channel 41 just one week ahead of GMA News TV’s scheduled launch. Their broadcast operation is initially round-the-clock and will expect to last its daily operation and their initial purpose a few years.
March 3: Paquito Diaz dies at 73.
March 9: UST forms the largest Dominican cross.
March 11: A 9.0 magnitude earthquake rocks Japan and a tsunami swallows up Tohoku. The twin natural disaster triggers a meltdown and reactor explosions in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
March 12: On Willing Willie (TV5), the macho dance of Jan-jan spurs criticism from celebrities, clergy, and columnist. As a result, advertisers pull out and the show is voluntarily off the air for a month; later to be renamed as Wil Time Big Time.
March 22: The House of Representatives impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. The trial in the Senate did not convene as she hands the letter of resignation to President Noynoy Aquino on April 29.
April 17:
- Game of Thrones is premiered on HBO.
- 18-year-old actor AJ Perez is killed by a vehicular accident.
April 29: Prince William marries Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London.
May 1: Pope Benedict XVI beatifies his predecessor, Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Square.
May 2: Osama bin Laden is killed in Pakistan by the US Navy SEALs.
May 21: Harold Camping predicts the rapture on this date and five months later but both of them failed.
May 22: Gandang Gabi Vice is premiered.
June 5: AKTV, owned and operated by TV5, launches on IBC 13. Their sports block timer venture expects to last by two years.
June 16: De La Salle University celebrates its centennial of founding.
June 26: Marcelito Pomoy wins Pilipinas Got Talent season 2.
June 27: Kris TV premieres on ABS-CBN.
July: Friendster re-positioned itself as a social gaming site and discontinued user social network accounts.
July 9: South Sudan becomes a newly independent nation and the 193rd member of the United Nations.
July 23: Amy Winehouse dies of alcohol poisoning at 27.
August: Mideo Cruz’s “Politeismo”, as part of the Kulo exhibit in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, stirs controversy. The art installation contains a collage of mundane and religious icons. The placement of a wooden penis in the face of Jesus draws the line of the Church, creating the rift against the art community.
August 3: After three or four years of irregularities on who is the real 12th place finisher of the 2007 elections, Juan Miguel Zubiri resigns from the Senate. Nine days later, Koko Pimentel assumes the office and serves the remainder of that term.
September: Lolong is captured in Agusan Marsh, Banawan, Agusan del Sur. Measuring 20 1/4 feet long and weighing 1,075 kilograms, it is recorded by the Guinness World Records as the “world’s largest crocodile in captivity.” He expects to live for two years.
September 17: Occupy Wall Street protests begin.
October 5:
- Under MTRCB chairperson Grace Poe, the TV content rating system is reformatted — the universal rating notice is played before the start of the show and their corresponding digital on-screen graphic is displayed. The G and PG ratings are initially implemented.
- Apple CEO Steve Jobs succumbs to respiratory arrest at 56. He was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor eight years ago.
October 13: YouTube grants Philippines’ localization.
October 20: ARAB SPRING: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is killed in Sirte.
Late October: The controversial 15-minute YouTube documentary of the sitting president’s family surfaces. The maternal estate, Hacienda Luisita, is ordered to be distributed by the Supreme Court a month later.
November 7: American boxer Joe Frazier dies. He fought against Muhammad Ali in Thrilla in Manila in 1975.
December 12: About 188 lawmakers sign an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona. Two days later, the Senate convenes as the impeachment court but the biggest drama will unfold next year.
December 16: Typhoon Sendong crosses over Visayas and Mindanao, leaving 1,500 dead. In Cagayan de Oro, the streets are muddy and cars are tipped over.
December 17: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il passes away at 70. His third son, Kim Jong-un, succeeds and assumes the post.
December 29: Starstruck 1 alumni Tyron Perez dies in Valenzuela City at 26 due to suicide.
Swiping Through the ’10s: 2012 is undergoing writing and construction. To be revealed by May.
https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/swiping-through-the-10s-2011/
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