Zubiri expects President to report BBL signing in his third SONA

Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is hopeful that President Duterte will be able to report the signing of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in his third State of the Nation Address on July 23.

Zubiri, in a television interview today, said this despite the several differing provisions in the versions of the Senate and House of Representatives, that they aim to thresh out when the bicameral conference committee convenes on July 9 to 13.

“Hopefully maipasa na po namin d’yan. And ‘pag naipasa na namin ‘yan we’re confident na by July 23, magkakaroon ng ratification. By July 23, maa-announce na po ng Pangulo na tapos na po ang BBL, which is the government’s promise for the peace process (Hopefully we could approve BBL in the bicam, and should we approve it, then there will be ratification. ByJuly 23, the President would be able to announce that BBL is completed, which is the government’s promise for the peace process),” said Zubiri, sponsor of the proposed BBL in the Upper Chamber, and chair of the Senate contingent in the bicameral committee.

Zubiri said he and his counterpart House Majority Leader Rudy Fariñas have agreed to hold a “pre-bicameral” meeting wherein points of the bicameral committee’s discussion will be organized, particularly, the clashing and “controversial” provisions in the two versions.

These include provisions on the prohibition of political dynasties in the proposed Bangsamoro parliament, which the Senate had provided while the Lower House did not.

Zubiri said the deletion of provision on reserved and concurrent power of the Bangsamoro government and the national government in the Senate version will also be tackled.

He said the retention of such provision “may result in a deadlock” should its constitutionality is questioned in the Supreme Court (SC).

Zubiri maintained that the Senate version will stand the test of constitutionality in the SC.

“We combed through it page by page, we have adopted some 150 amendments to it. Our colleagues in the Senate have pooled together to make sure it would be constitutional,” he said in Filipino.

Senators earlier vowed to push for their version in the bicameral meeting.

Mike Magat on a roll

PHOTO taken during the launch of Davis & G Blackseed Collection show (from left): DILG-Barangay Affairs Undersecretary Martin Dino, National Press Club President Rolly ‘Lakay’ Gonzalo, Inspirational Director/Actor Mike Magat and Joy Rosaroso

The celebrity endorser of David & G Blackseed Anti-Aging Collection was revealed recently and he is no other than actor-director Mike Magat of “Contessa” fame.

Mike also has a sitcom with Net 25 TV entitled “Happy Ang Buhay.” He was also in the cast of the movie “Sugo,” and he is set to work in another movie titled “Turista.”

He also just came back from New York City where he was given an award by the annual International Film Festival in Manhattan (IFFM).

• • •

Resto biz

Aside from MeatKris, Kris Bernal is set to launch a new restaurant. Reports say the food will have a Korean touch.

Meanwhile, Kris continues to prove her acting prowess once more with her role on “The Cure” daily on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim higher television ratings

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. both claimed higher nationwide in May.

ABS-CBN said it continued to draw more viewers nationwide compared with other TV networks in May, as it garnered an average audience share of 45  percent against GMA’s 32 percent, according to data from Kantar Media.

ABS-CBN also claimed leadership in all areas such as Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 41 percent against GMA’s 26 percent and in Mega Manila, where it gained 36 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.

ABS-CBN, which airs on Channel 2 on free TV, also topped other networks in Total Luzon where it got 41 percent against GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas where it garnered 54 percent against GMA’s 25 percent, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 52 percent against GMA’s 30 percent.


ABS-CBN remained undisputed in the primetime block, where it scored an average audience share of 49 percent, beating GMA’s 32 percent.

Seventeen ABS-CBN produced programs have made it to the list of top 10 most watched shows in the country for the month of May, based on data from Kantar Media.

Topping the list is the long-running action drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which remained unbeatable with an impressive national TV rating of 40.7 percent.

The Coco Martin-starer was followed by “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “TWBA,” “Bandila,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “TV Patrol,” “Wansapanataym,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Rated K.”

Meanwhile, GMA said it continued to post higher television ratings in May compared with rival ABS-CBN based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted rating service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the full month of May (with May 27 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA remained as the viewers’ preferred channel after posting a total day people audience share average of 39.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

The network, which airs on Channel 7 on free TV, managed to top NUTAM’s morning block with 35.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 33.2 percent. GMA also led in the afternoon block with 42.1 percent, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.8 percent.

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

It again tallied a higher share point lead in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.4 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 33 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from May 1 to 26), GMA continued its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 45.8 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 30.4 percent.

GMA maintained its stronghold in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso show for the month of May followed by Kambal, Karibal.

Newly-launched Kapuso primetime series Inday Will Always Love You immediately entered the list as the third top-rating program from GMA. It was followed by consistent ratings drivers “Magpakailanman,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “The One That Got Away,” “The Cure,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” and “24 Oras Weekend.”

Completing the list were “The Stepdaughters,” “Contessa,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “My Guitar Princess,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Dear Uge,” “Tadhana,” “Imbestigador,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” and “Wowowin.”

Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 21 spots out of the top 30 shows in both areas.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 5, go to Mrs. Carmeling Crisologo, Dr. Margarita Holmes, Tita Gutang, Rikka Dylim, Rikki Jimenez, Maria Paz Santiago, Bingboy Valera, JL Concepcion, Richard Gonzalez, Judy Kwan, Dr. Leilani Mercado, Nelly Ledesma, Florante Ambangan, Dionisio Moreno, Jr. and Baron Geisler…Happy wedding anniversary to Rudy and Lorie Lizardo of New Jersey, USA…Happy 37th priesthood anniversary to Rev. Fr. Medz R. Valmores…June 6: Monette Flores, Criselda Gloria, Greg Lerma, Lourdes Purugganan, Claire Ruiz and Dante “Ga” Nico Garcia…Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Larry de los Santos and Mr. & Mrs. Jojo Quibral…Advance b-day greetings to cameraman Miguel Almalden (June 9)…Belated b-day greetings to Ely Saludar (May 23), Sander Andan (June 1), Nicole Huggins Lim of Makati City and Andre Philip Posas of Puerto Princesa (June 3)…

TV ratings war between GMA Network, ABS-CBN continues

RIVAL broadcasters GMA Network, Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. claimed on separate statements that they led the ratings war last month, citing data from two different sources.

GMA Network, the Gozon-led network, claimed to have dominated in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with a 39.8-percent average household audience share in May, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent by just a few percentage points, based on data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

From left: Juancho Trivino, Barbie Forteza, and Derrick Monasterio, stars of the top rating romcom, 'Inday Will Always Love You.'

It also claimed to have led NUTAM’s morning block with 35.9-percent audience share versus its ABS-CBN’s 33.2 percent, and the afternoon block with 42.1 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 38.8 percent.

GMA also claimed to have furthered its leadership position in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which account for 72 percent and 59 percent, respectively, of all urban households in the country.

In Urban Luzon, GMA won across all day parts and registered an average household share of 44.4 percent, while ABS-CBN posted only 33 percent; in Mega Manila, it posted an audience share of 45.8 percent, while ABS-CBN booked 30.4 percent.

GMA maintained its stronghold in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” still reigning as the most watched Kapuso show for the month of May followed by “Kambal, Karibal.”

Newly-launched Kapuso primetime series “Inday Will Always Love You” immediately entered the list as the third top-rating program from GMA. It was followed by consistent ratings drivers “Magpakailanman,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “The One That Got Away,” “The Cure,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” and “24 Oras Weekend.”

Completing the list were “The Stepdaughters,” “Contessa,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Unang Hirit,” “My Guitar Princess,” “Sunday PinaSaya,” “Dear Uge,” “Tadhana,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” and “Wowowin.”

Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 21 spots out of the top 30 shows in both areas.

Lopez-led entertainment and multimedia conglomerate ABS-CBN claimed to have posted a higher national-average audience share in March. Citing data from Kantar Media, ABS-CBN said it recorded a solid 45-percent audience share nationwide, a 13-point lead over GMA’s 32 percent.

ABS-CBN also claimed it fared better against GMA in the prime-time block, after it registered a 49-percent audience share, significantly higher than its GMA’s 32 percent.

The prime-time block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.

Aside from prime time, ABS-CBN won in other time blocks nationwide that include the morning block with 36 percent, versus GMA’s 31 percent; noontime block with 47 percent, versus GMA’s 32 percent; and afternoon block with 45 percent, versus GMA’s 37 percent.

The Lopez-led broadcaster also attracted more viewers than GMA in other areas. It won the ratings game in Total Luzon with an average total-day audience share of 41 percent, versus GMA’s 35 percent; in Total Visayas with 54 percent versus GMA’s 25 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 52 percent, versus GMA’s 30 percent.

Data also showed that ABS-CBN led the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight), after it recorded an average audience share of 49 percent, 17 percentage points higher than GMA’s 32 percent.

The Kapamilya network also proved supreme in all time blocks, including the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 noon) where it gained 36 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent, in the noontime block (12 noon to 3 p.m.), where it scored 47 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent, and in the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), where it got 45 percent versus GMA’s 37 percent.

Eight ABS-CBN produced programs have made it to the list of top 10 most watched shows in the country for the month of May, based on data from Kantar Media.

Topping the list is the long-running action drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which remained unbeatable with an impressive national TV rating of 40.7 percent.

The Coco Martin-starrer was followed by “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “TV Patrol,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home” and “Rated K.”

The Lopez-led network sources its data from Kantar Media, which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

GMA bases its claims to leadership from Nielsen data, which has a nationwide sample size of 3,500 urban and rural homes.

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim higher television ratings

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. both claimed higher nationwide in May. 

ABS-CBN said it continued to draw more viewers nationwide compared with other TV networks in May, as it garnered an average audience share of 45  percent against GMA’s 32 percent, according to data from Kantar Media.

ABS-CBN also claimed leadership in all areas such as Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 41 percent against GMA’s 26 percent and in Mega Manila, where it gained 36 percent against GMA’s 34 percent.

ABS-CBN, which airs on Channel 2 on free TV, also topped other networks in Total Luzon where it got 41 percent against GMA’s 35 percent, in Total Visayas where it garnered 54 percent against GMA’s 25 percent, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 52 percent against GMA’s 30 percent. 

ABS-CBN remained undisputed in the primetime block, where it scored an average audience share of 49 percent, beating GMA’s 32 percent. 

Eight ABS-CBN produced programs have made it to the list of top 10 most watched shows in the country for the month of May, based on data from Kantar Media.

Topping the list is the long-running action drama “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which remained unbeatable with an impressive national TV rating of 40.7 percent.

The Coco Martin-starer was followed by “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “Go Back Couple,” “TWBA,” “Bandila,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “TV Patrol,” “Wansapanataym,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Rated K.”

Meanwhile, GMA said it continued to post higher television ratings in May compared with rival ABS-CBN based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted rating service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. 

For the full month of May (with May 27 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA remained as the viewers’ preferred channel after posting a total day people audience share average of 39.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

The network, which airs on Channel 7 on free TV, managed to top NUTAM’s morning block with 35.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 33.2 percent. GMA also led in the afternoon block with 42.1 percent, ahead of ABS-CBN’s 38.8 percent.

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

It again tallied a higher share point lead in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.4 percent as against ABS-CBN’s 33 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from May 1 to 26), GMA continued its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 45.8 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 30.4 percent.

GMA maintained its stronghold in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” still reigning as the most watched Kapuso show for the month of May followed by “Kambal, Karibal.”

Newly-launched Kapuso primetime series “Inday Will Always Love You” immediately entered the list as the third top-rating program from GMA. It was followed by consistent ratings drivers “Magpakailanman,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “The One That Got Away,” “The Cure,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” and “24 Oras Weekend.”

Completing the list were “The Stepdaughters,” “Contessa,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Tadhana,” “Imbestigador,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi” and “Wowowin.”

Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 21 spots out of the top 30 shows in both areas.

SM City Fairview Redevelopment updates

National University campus at SM Fairview? will SM buy the nearby and almost forgotten lots of Sta. Lucia Business Park?

SM Mall of Asia updates - June 2018 #AweSM

They have started to renovate the Northern part of the Entertainment mall, it seems that the Entertainment mall will be fully air-conditioned part by part.

The new hallway that leads to Cinema 7, 8 and IMAX.

Also, the South Entertainment Mall's first tenant is Filbars which is now open.



The interior of the South Entertainment mall is very similar to Main Mall's renovated areas as well as the escalator going to the 3rd and Roofdeck levels are now also visible on that part of the mall.

Three Philippine Daily Inquirer front pages for February 18, April 30 and June 3

While it playing "It's the Lover (Not the Love)",

and "Hearts Never Lie" (duet with Chris Farren)

Both songs are from "Hold an Old Friend's Hand"

As well as "I Saw Him Standing There"

Fabulous food festival

It was another success, the Villar SIPAG annual culinary showdown that had the best cooks in the 20 barangays of Las Piñas City showcasing their best dishes and desserts for the annual cooking competition that kicked off the festivities for the city’s 2018 Food Festival.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar welcomed the participants as she lauded them for going the extra mile in using modern techniques to make original and sumptuous culinary creations that display the Filipinos’ imaginative minds and innovative skills.

“Filipinos are popular for their ingenuity. We are known for our ability to replicate foreign dishes and changing their tastes by introducing local ingredients to give them the unique flavors of the Philippine islands. Through this cooking competition, residents of Las Piñas City become gastronomic witnesses to the creativity of our local cooking experts,” said Villar, director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG).

SEN. CYNTHIA VILLAR (rightmost) hands over the trophy to the grand winner of the annual cooking competition

The senator said the cooking competition is a friendly contest that seeks to display not only the culinary skills of Las Piñas’ top 20 cooks, but likewise showcase innovative uses of local food resources. “Families can learn new ways on how to transform their regular dishes to something special and unique,” she added.

The inter-barangay cooking showdown was held at the Villar SIPAG square in C5 Extension Road, Pulang Lupa Uno in Las Piñas City. The experts were asked to prepare a dish/viand cooked Pinoy-style using native ingredients, and a dessert that would delight the sweet tooth and of Filipinos. Barangay Talon 2 made the biggest impact and brought home P20,000 and a trophy for bagging the grand prize with their entry Inadobong Lapu-Lapu sa Mantikilya and Cala-Squash Soup.

Aside from the cooking competition, the 5th Las Piñas Food Festival also showcased a food exhibit with 40 exhibitors from Las Piñas City, other cities and municipalities.

For this year’s event festivities, the Villar SIPAG partnered with Silver Swan, Apicius, ELBA, Mushroomburger, Jollibee, and Golden Oats to ensure the success of the gathering.

• • •

Bonding with fans

Miguel Tanfelix

“Kambal, Karibal” star Miguel Tanfelix spent time with his fans recently through a summer getaway. Photos on his Instagram account show Miguel happily swimming with them.

Miguel plays the lead role along with Bianca Umali on “Kambal, Karibal.” Some of their co-stars are Marvin Agustin, Carmina Villaroel and Kyline Alcantara.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy bday greetings today, June 2 go to Dr. Loi Ejercito, Lorna Quisumbing, Ching Utzurrum, Jenny Hernandez, Jeannie Parlan, Freddie Martinez, Wendy Valdez, Jennifer Soliman, Mar Tolentino, and Sylvia la Torre… June 3: Lorli Villanueva, Elmer Labella, Oliver Palma, and Tessie Capulong… June 4: Maribel Dario, Camille Teotico, Sonia Pajaro, Angie Liao, Vic Savellano, Darlene Bayota, Angelo Armas, Harmony Cabusao and Gretchen Fulido…

MOR stations nationwide unite for stronger MOR Philippines

MOR 101.9 remains to be the FM radio of choice for most listeners in Mega Manila, and together with 16 other MOR stations nationwide, is set to become a bigger and stronger FM radio station for kaMORkadas in different parts of the country with MOR Philippines.

According to a recent survey by Kantar Media in Q1 of 2018, MOR 101.9 Manila got the highest average audience share of 33% among all FM stations in Mega Manila. This is 12 percentage points higher than its closest competitor’s 21%.

Aside from MOR Manila, most MOR stations in the country have also conquered the radio airwaves in their respective regions. Thus, a stronger MOR network will soon go on air with MOR Philippines.

Under MOR Philippines, 17 MOR stations will unite to bring listeners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao one vibe and one sound.

Aside from quality radio entertainment, MOR also champions original Pinoy music or OPM and honors the talents of Filipino artists and songwriters via its annual MOR Pinoy Music Awards.

Among the nominees for Song of the Year this year are “Titibo Tibo” by Moira Dela Torre, “Demonyo” by JK Labajo, “Sampu” by Jona, and “Shanawa” by Maymay Entrata.

Maymay, Moira, Alexa Ilacad, and Yeng Constantino compete in the Female Artist of the Year category, while JK, Inigo Pascual, Christian Bautista, and Noven Belleza battle it out in the Male Artist of the Year category.

For Album of the Year, the nominees are Rivermaya’s “Sa Kabila ng Lahat,” Gloc 9’s “Rotonda,” Jona’s self-titled album, and JK Labajo’s “JKL.”

Gracenote and Chito Miranda, Jona and Boyband PH, and Elisse Joson and Mccoy De Leon are all vying for the Best Collaboration of the Year award.

The popular McLisse loveteam is also nominated in the OPM Revival of the Year category for their song “Opposites Attract,” up against Moira Dela Torre’s “Sundo,” JK Labajo’s “Beautiful Girl,” and Kaye Cal’s “Why Can’t It Be.”

BoybandPH, meanwhile, makes their second appearance on the nominees list with their song “Boyfriend,” which is up for LSS Hit of the Year. The group is competing with TJ Monterde’s “Tulad Mo,” Noven Belleza’s “Tumahan Ka Na,” and Kim Chiu’s “Okay Na Ako.”

“Cebuana” by Karencitta, “Waray Love Bisaya” by Polzkee and Ai, “Yayay” by Piyaok Band, and “Davaoena” by Pao Lofranco are nominated for Regional Song of the Year, while Kisses Delavin, Maris Racal, Tony Labrusca, and Noven Belleza are competing for Best New Artist.

Last but not the least, MOR also honors digital artists with the Digital Artist of the Year Award. Among the nominees are Agsunta, Karencita, Ex Batallion, and Ben&Ben.

The MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2018 is set to happen on July 21 at the Araneta Coliseum. Watch out on MOR’s Facebook for more details on how to get tickets to the #MORPMA2018.

GMA Network maintains nationwide ratings lead in May

GMA Network’s ratings success continued well in May based on the latest data from the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the full month of May (with May 27 to 31 based on overnight data), GMA remained as the viewers’ preferred channel after posting a total day people audience share average of 39.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating ABS-CBN’s 38.3 percent.

The Network managed to top NUTAM’s morning block with 35.9 percent people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 33.2 percent. GMA also led in the afternoon block with 42.1 percent—ahead of competition’s 38.8 percent.

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

The Kapuso Network again tallied a higher share point lead in Urban Luzon with an average total day people audience share of 44.4 percent against ABS-CBN’s 33.0 percent.

Similarly in Mega Manila (with official data from May 1 to 26), GMA continued its dominance with an average total day people audience share of 45.8 percent versus rival network’s 30.4 percent.

GMA maintained its stronghold in NUTAM’s list of top-rating programs with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho still reigning as the most watched Kapuso show for the month of May followed by Kambal, Karibal.

Newly-launched Kapuso primetime series Inday Will Always Love You immediately entered the list as the third top-rating program from GMA. It was followed by consistent ratings drivers Magpakailanman, Pepito Manaloto, The One That Got Away, The Cure, 24 Oras, Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, and 24 Oras Weekend.

Completing the list were The Stepdaughters, Contessa, Eat Bulaga, Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, Bubble Gang, Saksi and Wowowin.

Kapuso programs also took the lion’s share in the Urban Luzon and Mega Manila lists, claiming 21 spots out of the top 30 shows in both areas.

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

Based on the most recent data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement. May ratings data show DZBB posting a total week average audience share of 38.9 percent, winning over DZMM’s 32 percent and DZRH’s 18 percent.

From Monday to Friday, DZBB’s ratings dominance was driven by its topnotch delivery of news and fearless commentaries through “Saksi sa Dobol B” anchored by Mike Enriquez; “Sino?” with Mike, Arnold Clavio, and Ali Sotto; “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide” with Mike and Joel Reyes Zobel; and “Dobol B Balitang-Balita” anchored by Melo del Prado.

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

Barangay LS captivated the hearts of more listeners in Mega Manila for the month of April with an average audience share of 29.6 percent, which was driven by its variety of programs and wacky bunch of DJs.

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

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

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

In 2017, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement increased its client pool to a total of 41 clients/subscribers consisting of 12 local TV networks including TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, Net 25, Solar Entertainment Corporation, and Viva Communications Inc., among others; 5 regional clients; 2 blocktimers; 21 agencies (18 media agencies, 2 consulting agencies, 1 digital agency); and 1 advertiser. —VDS, GMA News

Alvarez confirms plot to unseat him

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte on Thursday confirmed that there are efforts to unseat him, but refused to name names.

The Speaker made the disclosure in a radio interview a day after the House of Representatives adjourned sine die after passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which abolishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replaces it with a Bangsamoro Region that will enjoy fiscal autonomy and be governed by the Bangsamoro Parliament elected by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region’s inhabitants.

“May mga nanggugulo ano, at alam ko naman kung sino ang mga nanggugulo [There are those who are trying to rock the boat, and I know who they are],” Alvarez said when asked if there were serious efforts to remove him as the Speaker of the House, the country’s fourth highest post.

There have been persistent talks that Alvarez could be replaced by Rep. Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, son of Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. of the Supreme Court.

Velasco is a known ally of President Duterte.

Last year, the congressman celebrated his birthday in Malacañang.

Alvarez made it known that he was not a fan of Velasco.

“I don’t want to talk to Congressman Velasco. Baka bolahin lang ako ‘ nun [He could just resort to making a fool of me],” he said.

Alvarez then warned that those who seek to unseat him should be ready for his job.

“I would say…. maybe they should look at the mirror, compare themselves to the one they seek to replace and ponder, ‘Can they do the job?’” he said.

“The government will be in a pitiful state if anybody can just swoop into the position without giving much thought to the responsibilities that come with it,” Alvarez added.

It has been reported that there are House members lobbying for former President-turned-Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be the Speaker, but she has turned them down.

Arroyo is a member of the PDP-Laban, the political party headed by the President and where Alvarez serves as the secretary general.

She used to be one of the 12 deputy speakers of the House, but she was kicked out by Alvarez last year when she voted no on the bill imposing death penalty on drug-related offenses.

Bangsamoro bill okayed before Congress adjourns

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Thursday the landmark Bangsamoro Basic Law had been passed by the body with major amendments and expressed hope the Senate version was compliant with the Constitution and withstand scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

Zubiri made the statement after the 2nd Regular Session of the 17th Congress closed early Thursday morning as the Senate went on sine die adjournment after passing its version of the BBL.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III formally announced the adjournment of the session around 2 am, due to the nearly 10-hour long deliberation on SBN 1717 or the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which was approved on third and final reading with 21-0 votes.

“With 21 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, zero abstention, Senate bill is approved on third reading,” declared Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Senators Emmanuel Pacquiao and Leila de Lima, the latter currently detained, were not present during the hearing.

In related developments:

• Bangsamoro Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal on Thursday expressed hope a better BBL would emerge after both Houses of Congress passed their versions of the measure.

Iqbal, also Moro Islamic Liberation Front implementing panel chairman, admitted the BBL version the Senate had approved was quite far from what the BTC had submitted.

“But we are hoping that [in the end] it will be basically faithful to the Comprehensive Agreement to the Bangsamoro deal signed by the government and MILF. There are areas that are somewhat quite far from [our version],” Iqbal said in an interview on Wednesday night.

• The Palace on Thursday thanked both houses of Congress for the passage of the BBL which was certified by President Rodrigo as urgent.

“We are pleased that both houses passed their respective versions of the BBL. The certification was a signal that the President considers the BBL as absolutely indispensable in the search for peace in Mindanao,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“We are pleased that both houses of Congress agreed to come up with a final version of the bill during the break,” Roque told a Palace briefing.

“We are also very pleased that they are aiming that for the President to sign the final BBL on the day of the Sona [State of the Nation Address] itself,” the Palace spokesperson said.  

Zubiri, a sponsor of the bill, identified some of the amendments as the change from Bangsamoro territory to Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

 “I’m extremely honored and elated to have passed the BBL last night that would lead to a long and just peace between the government and the MILF,” said Zubiri.

After almost 30 hours of interpellations and marathon hearings in five ARMM provinces, Zubiri said he was confident the Senate version was compliant with the Constitution. 

“We have weeded out provisions that earlier muddled our intentions to improve a lot of fellow Filipinos in Muslim Mindanao,” he said.

He added: “We survived walking on a tightrope, balancing the search for peace, right to self-determination, governance and democracy and. And, we did it crossing party lines. Even at this early stage, the BBL is a legacy for all the efforts to bring about peace and progress in lands which most experienced poverty, inequity, and the war in the Philippines.”

When they finally put ink to paper, he said: “erstwhile rebels would lay down arms; that is the biggest promise we are moving to achieve with the BBL.”

Under fiscal autonomy, he said the block grant was spelled out to be 5 percent of the net collections of the BIR and Bureau of Customs, down from 6 percent.

He said it was easily the most contentious provision because it appeared that the National Government was subsidizing the Bangsamoro government at the disadvantage of Filipino taxpayers outside of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

He said Senator Ralph Recto’s proposed formula on block grants included provisions on the creation of internal auditing body to enhance transparency in governance and public accountability.

The fund, he said, shall be a “programmatic fund” –  meaning the Bangsamoro Government Parliament should submit to the Budget and Management and Finance departments a program of expenditures according to a development plan.

“It was clarified that the Bangsamoro shall be treated on equal footing by the Department of Budget and Management and Bureau of Local Government Finance-DoF which reviews the expenditures plan of local governments.  

It will not be automatically appropriated. 

From P10 billion annually for 10 years, the SDF shall be at P5 billion a year for 10 years.

He said from the original BTC proposal of 75 percent-25 percent sharing in favor of the Bangsamoro government, the sharing was placed at 50 percent-50 percent.

This satisfied the call to treat the Bangsamoro at par with other local governments and the basic principle that a country’s natural resources belong to the State.

He also said the Senate voted to hold only one plebiscite and deleted the proposed periodic plebiscites to be held repeatedly every five years for 15 years. 

Discussions in the plenary stressed the proposed BBL contained only opt-in provisions and none on opting-out. 

If the BBL is defeated, the current law on the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall remain over the existing ARMM territorial jurisdiction.

Regarding peace efforts, he said provisions on the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and the Bangsamoro Parliament were refined to make sure extensive representation of Muslim Filipinos, Indigenous peoples and Christians, and peoples of other faiths are implemented truthfully. 

A ban on political dynasties retained the original language of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission; this could stem the tide of ride that had shed so much blood in Mindanao. 

He said all provisions referencing to a sub-state status has been disposed of to clarify that the BBL was about an autonomous region like any other. 

He added the Republic’s flag and national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, shall always be flown and played along with the Bangsamoro heraldic symbols.

National I.D. bicam report omits political, religious ties

(CNN Philippines, May 31) — Political, religious and “philosophical” affiliations have been removed from the bicameral conference report on the national identification system, said the measure’s co-author Rep. Sol Aragones.

“Nag-decide na kami during the bicameral na tanggalin na lahat ng iyan. Gusto namin na simplehan na lang kaya nag-arrive kami doon sa basic information na lang hinihingi namin para din hindi isipin ng mga tao na talagang ma-i-invade 'yung privacy nila,"  she told CNN Philippines’ On the Record on Thursday.

[Translation: We decided to omit those from the bicameral committee report. We wanted it to be simple so we ended with only requiring basic information so people will not think their privacy will be invaded.]

Aragones also clarified that providing mobile numbers and email addresses  is not mandatory under the measure.

"This is one step closer to the Philippines becoming a police state. Policemen stopping you in the streets, asking for your identification," ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday ratified the bicameral conference report on the bill, a day after the Senate did the same. The bill will be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature.

PSA as PhilSys custodian

Aragones said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will be the custodian of the cardholders’ data such us a lifetime randomly generated Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) number, full name, gender, blood type, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, and photo of the ID owner.

Tinio, however, asserted that the registry will be likely contracted to a foreign firm, much like PSA’s contract with U.S.-based firm Unisys.

“It is a much more expanded registry that they will have to maintain and in the end, it will be contracted to a foreign private entity,” he said.

Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro said another concern is that the existing Data Privacy Act already penalizes breach of data, which is also mentioned as a violation in the proposed national I.D. system.

"We are (happy) because we see the benefits. There are risks. What we want to happen is to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits," Liboro said.

He added that the National Privacy Commission is part of the technical working group of the measure and is doing its part to ensure privacy features are in place.

More Celeb-Owned Items Released In “Signed Sold Delivered” Online Charity Sale

Get your hands on the most stylish pieces from your favorite celebrity’s closet as Metro.Style restocks with more items in online charity sale “Signed Sold Delivered” starting May 30 at 6pm.

The new collection features more precious pieces from stars such as Maja Salvador, Boy Abunda, Jodi Sta. Maria, Sam Milby, Liza Soberano, Inigo Pascual, Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, and Matteo Guidicelli.

Options of colorful dresses, intricate gowns, cool jackets, trendy accessories, and sleek shoes from these A-list celebs are up for grabs at Metro.Style’s online charity sale, continuing to raise P1 million fund for ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALFKI).

Other elite personalities donating their memorabilia starting June 6 (Wednesday) are lifestyle personality Tootsy Angara, model mentor and “Women of Style” host Joey Mead King, internationally recognized fashion blogger Ingrid Chua-Go, and interior ace Steph Kienle Gonzalez.

Take a look on the new collection in www.signedsolddelivered.com. To purchase an item, click on the photo and complete the details for your transaction on CheckMeOut. Once order is confirmed, wait for your item to be delivered to your doorstep.

The month-long charity sale began last May 15 featuring coveted items from Angel Locsin, Maggie Wilson, Tim Yap, Ces Drilon, Korina Sanchez, Charo Santos, and more.

Metro.Style’s first-ever online celebrity charity sale is held in cooperation with digital logistics company QuadX and ALKFI. Visit www.signedsolddelivered.com for the full mechanics of #SignedSoldDelivered.

Supported by Backroom, Inc., KP&PR&EMS, Star Magic, Sun Life Financial, Timex, Yamaha, Century Tuna Superbods, Bench, Folded & Hung, Penshoppe, arena, speedo, Nike, DC Shoes, Titan 22

Philippine Congress ratifies national ID law

Philippine lawmakers on Wednesday (May 30) ratified a proposed law creating a "national identification system", amid criticism it will set up a mechanism prone to data breach and abuse.

The Bill, approved by Congress, creates a single proof of identity Filipinos can use for all transactions, similar to Singapore's National Registry Identity Card. It harmonises at least 33 government-issued IDs.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the Bill into law and the system could be rolled out as early as June. It would take five years to complete, and will cost at least 30 billion pesos (S$760 million).


The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) will include 13 sets of information, including a person's biometrics, taxpayer's number, passport number, health insurance number, driver's licence number, as well as personal details such as address, blood type and marital status.

The PhilSys card will be required for all government transactions. It will also be the main "proof of identity" for transactions with banks, job applications and verification for criminal records.

Representative Sol Aragones, who co-authored the Bill, said she expects a million cards to be issued this year, mostly to those who still lack "proof of identity", those with disabilities and the elderly.


"Each of us now has to carry a thick wad of IDs when transacting with the government and private companies. This reduces everything into a single card," said Ms Aragones.

But critics warned that the system could be used for state surveillance and is also vulnerable to third-party data leaks.

"A national ID system gives the government unprecedented access to a huge cache of its citizens' personal data," said Mr Jamael Jacob, director of the University Data Protection Office at the Ateneo de Manila University.

"Any government with the ability to keep tabs on its population via an ID system also has the ability to resort to oppressive activities."

Representative Carlos Zarate, of the Bayan Muna (Nation First) sectoral party, said information keyed into the PhilSys card would be part of a centralised database that law enforcement agencies could tap into to harass government critics.

"Especially during these troubling times, we, as a people, must always be mindful of any effort that gives more power to an administration that is not shy when testing the limits of its authority," said Mr Jacob.

Mr Zarate said the national ID database would also present a target for hackers, as there has been no guarantee of a "100 per cent safeguard" to the integrity of the information to be harvested.

He cited an incident in 2016 where hackers managed to steal from the election commission's website data on some 55 million voters.

But Senator Panfilo Lacson, principal author of the Bill, said concerns over privacy and data leaks were overblown.

"I don't understand the criticism and opposition (to the national ID). Don't they have driver's licences? Don't they have passports? Don't they have voter's IDs? The information needed for the national ID is the same, so why should they complain when they have already gone through the same process before?" he said.

House ratifies bicam report on nat’l ID system

The House of Representatives on Wednesday night ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a bill seeking to create a national identification (ID) system.

The move came a day after the Senate ratified its own version. The bill will be transmitted to the Palace for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s signature.

The proposed bill seeks to integrate and interconnect some 30 redundant government IDs by coming out with one national ID system, or PhilSys.

The PhilSys will have three key components: the PhilSys Number or PSN, the PhilID and PhilSys Registry.

The PhilID will be a non-transferable card containing on its face the PSN, full name, facial image, date of birth, address and fingerprints of the individual.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is mandated to act as the PhilSys Registry, a repository and custodian of all data including the PSN, registered records, and information of all persons registered in the PhilSys.

Nat’l ID, rice tariffs to complement TRAIN mitigation measures

The government is accelerating the rollout of social mitigation measures such as unconditional transfers (UCTs) and fuel vouchers, which need to be complemented by the enactment into laws of a national ID system and the lifting of restrictions on rice imports, to further ease the impact of inflation on the country’s vulnerable sectors, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

In a news release issued Wednesday, Finance Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresa Habitan said changing the way rice is imported – by shifting from setting import quotas to just imposing tariffs on cheaper imports of the grain – would help stabilize the supply of rice and lower its prices in the retail market, which will help the poor the most as rice accounts for 20 percent of their consumption.

A national ID system, meanwhile, will minimize leakages in implementing the UCT program and other social welfare programs; and will help ensure that the cash aid reaches the legitimate beneficiaries, Habitan said.

These twin measures, she said, will help cancel out the minimal impact of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law on inflation and speed up the rollout of the social mitigation measures provided under this law.

Based on estimates by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), rice tariffication alone will immediately lower the inflation rate by 0.4 percentage points, “which already offsets TRAIN’s impact on prices,” Habitan said.

Up to 30 percent of the incremental revenues collected under TRAIN, which is the first package of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), has been earmarked for social protection programs to help vulnerable sectors cope with the minimal inflationary impact of this tax reform law.

“The impending passage of the national ID system law will complement these programs given the ambitious target of delivering social welfare benefits to 10 million poorest family beneficiaries,” Habitan said ahead of the resumption of the House of Representatives’ ways and means committee hearing on the second tax reform package of the CTRP, which covers corporate taxation and the modernization of investment incentives.
Habitan and Director Juvy Danofrata represented the DOF at the hearing.

According to Habitan, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far released some PHP4.3 billion to the Land Bank of the Philippines for some 1.8 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries with existing LandBank cash cards. Another 2.6 million household beneficiaries are in the process of getting their cash subsidies in May and June. For 2018, some PHP24 billion will be released to cover the poorest 10 million households.

Moreover, the Department of Energy (DOE) and major petroleum companies, such as Pilipinas Shell, Phoenix Petroleum and Petron agreed last March to provide fuel discounts for public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers, while the Department of Transportation (DOTR) is preparing the fuel vouchers for duly-franchised PUVs, Habitan said.

On the part of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), it has put in place the e-Presyo, an Online Price Monitoring System, where people can check the prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities that are being monitored by the department. “It serves as a price guide for consumers in doing their grocery shopping, which in turn ensures ‘value for money’,” Habitan said.

She reiterated that TRAIN had a minimal upward effect on April’s 4.5 percent inflation rate, which rose mainly due to rising crude oil prices in the world market and adjustments in the peso-dollar exchange rate. TRAIN’s contribution to the April inflation rate was confirmed by the BSP, DTI and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to be only 0.4 percentage points, Habitan said.

She said that 3 percent of April’s inflation rate can easily be attributed to higher economic growth and stronger domestic demand, given that people now have more money to spend as a result of the reduced personal income tax rates under TRAIN.

Of the balance of 1.5 percent, Habitan said 0.2 percentage points was the result of the increase in the excise tax collections on cigarettes.

Multiply Comeback

Multiply, which the site closure and cessation of business operations for May 6 and May 31, 2013 due to long-term closure until June 30, 2021 after it announcing to shut down its social networking services on August 9, 2012.

Closing the blog service and sharing files are protesting from Multiply users. Users feel betrayed, especially since the previous Multiply management ensures that the service will not be eliminated even with the changing focus to e-commerce.

In March 2013, the Multiply International site has been completely closed and inaccessible, after previously Multiply only blocked access to Multiply.com from the IP address of Indonesia. The promise of Multiply to make a repayment of Premium account holders was never kept.

Launched in March 2004 in Boca Raton, Florida, Multiply had around 11 million registered users. It transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia in 2012 when it switched from a social networking site into an e-commerce site.

On April 26, 2013, Multiply announced it will close Multiply Indonesia and Multiply International website as of May 6, 2013. All business activities of Multiply will be terminated on May 31, 2013.

The cause of the closing of the Multiply site is because Multiply is expected to fail to reach the leading position in the e-commerce industry with a sustainable business model. Multiply CEO Stefan Magdalinski acknowledged that the total change of the Multiply business model from social networking to e-commerce sites was unsuccessful.

The full closure of the website, for 102 months effective March 16, 2013 to rehabilitate and resolve the issues surrounding Multiply, including hosted blogs, videos, photos and messaging.

On November 30, 2014— less than a year and six months after the closure of the site and their operations—Multiply announced it was permanently halting operations and filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. 

This time, however, it will no longer be a social networking service but an internet-based media platform.

If the website is making a comeback, first if signing of an agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia was supposed to take, securing the SEC Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Treasurer's Affidavit, and having a legislative franchise .

1. Approval of company registration with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

2. Drafting of the Franchise Bill. Company may seek assistance from the Committee on Legislative Franchises (House of Representatives) in drafting aFranchise Bill or secure a copy of sample bills.

3. It is preferred that the company securing a franchise shall select the sponsor of the bill who has jurisdiction of the district where the proposed public utility operation shall be located.

4. Filing of the bill at the Bills and Index Division (House of Representatives).

5. Franchise Bills originate at the House of Representatives and shall undergo the process on how a bill becomes a law.

Currently owned by Naspers, Multiply, which had operated in Indonesia before it closed shop.

The firm plans to recover deleted or lost photos, images and pictures from the old Multiply from 2005 to 2012.

Anticipating the liberalization of the social networking service in the Philippines, led by former Multiply CEO Stefan Magdalinski to reopen Multiply.com on July 1, 2021.

The company obtained its congressional franchise and was granted a provisional authority to operate social networking services.

The signing of an agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia was supposed to take place before the end of 2017.

The New Year holidays got in the way, considering that government offices in Indonesia closed on Dec. 29, 2017 and resumed normal operation on Jan. 4, 2018.

Plus, the brand style guide is a document that codifies how an organization presents itself to the world

Calls for its return

Many of former users who called for the website to return.

In January 2018, MediaQuest Holdings President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa stated in an interview that he would be willing to buy the old Multiply from Naspers and turned to became a independent, separate entity.

"Hi! Everyone we will announce soon the launching of the new Multiply! 😊😊😊" it said earlier, that the Multiply website will revert to it's original form as a social networking service and start to recover all hosted blogs, videos, photos and messaging.

"Sana nga maibalik sa orihinal na estado ang Multiply. Marami kaming naghihintay na bumalik ulit ang dating ganda ng Multiply."