Makati City News March 2016

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Monument of Ninoy Aquino

CCP's Met Opera in HD features 'The Merry Widow' on April 12 at Greenbelt 3

By Lily O. Ramos [(PNA), SCS/LOR]

MANILA, March 31 (PNA) -- The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) goes for its 3rd season of the Met Opera at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City on April 12 with the Met Opera production of Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow.

The Merry Widow stars the great Renée Fleming as the beguiling femme fatale who captivates all Paris in Lehár’s enchanting operetta, seen in a new staging by Broadway virtuoso director and choreographer Susan Stroman.

Stroman and her design team of Julian Crouch and costume designer William Ivey Long (Cinderella, Grey Gardens, Hairspray) have created an art-nouveau setting that climaxes with singing and dancing grisettes at the legendary Maxim’s.

Nathan Gunn co-stars as Danilo and Kelli O’Hara is Valencienne. Andrew Davis conducts.

The CCP's Met Opera in HD series features screenings of the latest operatic productions of the Metropolitan Opera in New York through high definition digital technology.

The CCP partners with the Metropolitan Opera of New York to bring its exemplary productions to Filipino audiences through its Met Opera in HD program.

The groundbreaking program delivers world-class performances to offsite venues all over the world using high-definition video technology and Dolby sound recreating the experience of watching an opera production at the Met “live.”

The CCP has brought the productions La Donna Del Lago, Tosca, Iolanta/Bluebeard’s Castle, La Boheme, Werther and Enchanted Island. Added feature of each program are backstage tours and interviews with performers and artistic staff conducted during the intermission.

The next production scheduled for screening at Greenbelt 3 cinemas is Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth on May 10.

Call Greenbelt 3 cinemas Customer Service Hotline: 757-7883 or CCP Sales and Promotions at 832-3706, for further inquiries.

Megaworld, Lamudi in online tie-up

By CATHERINE TALAVERA (REPORTER)

The Makati Central Business District division of property giant Megaworld Corporation has partnered with property listing site Lamudi Philippines to strengthen its online marketing campaign for its San Antonio Residence project.

The San Antonio Residence is a 40-storey residential tower located along Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City which targets the tech-savvy millennial market.

“San Antonio Residence is Megaworld’s 20th residential masterwork in the Makati central business district designed as the ideal home for millennials,” said Eugene Em Lozano, vice president for sales and marketing for Makati CBD, Megaworld.

“Its location and amenities complement the fast-paced lifestyle of the millennials, enabling them to make the most of their time, whether it’s moving up the career ladder or being with their loved ones,” Lozano said.

Megaworld said that by partnering with Lamudi, it will be able to gain advantage of the property website’s premier listings, giving it a chance to up its game in online real estate advertising.

“Now that digital is the way to go in real estate, we believe that Lamudi’s online expertise can help us reach our target market,” Lozano said.

Lamudi Philippines managing director Jacqueline Van den Ende said they have actually been collaborating with Megaworld Makati for about a year already by building campaigns with Megaworld.

These campaigns include advertising Megaworld properties on social media, creating property listings and writing content about their projects on the website, among others. Van den Ende said Megaworld Makati is among the top developers who are aggressive with their online marketing platform.

“Across the spectrum, really from small to big developers, we see really quite a lot of activity online, but yes, Megaworld Makati is probably in our top 5 most active,” Van den Ende said.

She noted that developers are starting to realize that going digital is inevitable as consumers are shifting toward a more digital lifestyle, which is why more of them are pursuing online marketing strategies.

“Really, the fact that they know it’s inevitable that their users are going online, they’re seeing success. They’re seeing leads and sales coming in from online and they believe in scaling that up. There’s no other way than going online,” Van den Ende said.

She noted that about 70 percent of the country’s top developers have already partnered with them.

“We’re not exclusive to any developer, so we are working with, I think, at least 70 percent of the top developers, if not more. We pretty much have the entire market already in Lamudi. The difference is just to what extent do we work together,” Van den Ende said.

Lamudi Philippines, together with MyProperty.ph which it acquired in 2015, claims to be the dominant real estate listing portal in the Philippines with the most online property searches.

To date, Lamudi has approximately 51,065 listings online composed of properties from various market segments.

Being a dominant force in the online real estate market, and with its wide range of property listings across various market segments, Lamudi Philippines is able to tailor the products it sells to the needs of its developer clients.

“Our website’s large amount of page-views and visits are indicative of how much more potential buyers and renters look online to explore their increased real estate options.

With this in mind, we tailored our products and services to the needs of our clients,” Van den Ende said.

“For Megaworld Makati, our online marketing campaigns fit their carefully designed project meant to cater to the modern lifestyle of young Pinoys,” Van den Ende said.

Ayala Museum, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Avida present“The Rush Hour Concerts, Shakespeare Lives!”

By Lily O Ramos [(PNA), RMA/LOR]

MANILA, March 29 (PNA)—The Manila Orchestra, Ayala Museum and Avida present on April 7 at 6 p.m. “ The Rush Hour Concerts, Shakespeare Lives” with Prof. Arturo Molina, Conductor at the Ayala Ground Floor Lobby, Cor. De la Rosa Street, Makati Ave. Greenbelt, Makati City,

Celebrating the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare, the night will feature music such as Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights Dream and Tschaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet combined with visual and performance art forms associated with The Bard.

Ticket are priced at Php 700 Regular, Php 560 Discounted Rate, Php 500 Senior Citizens and Php 300 Students rates.

Discounted rate applies to Ayala Museum members, AGC employees, Ayala Rewards Circle, and MSO Subscribers.

Ayala Museum recommends interested buyers to purchase their tickets as soon as possible due to limited number of seats during the pre-event through bank/online deposit.

Discounted tickets are available from Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those who can provide an ID, even as cash payment is preferred.

Up to April 1 by noon, buyers can also pay through BPI/BPI Express Mobile bank deposit with Account Name: Ayala Foundation, Inc., Account Number: 0011-1490-14.

Immediately after paying, please email the following to concerts@ayalamuseum.org: Name; Number of tickets (per ticket price); Soft copy of BPI deposit slip or screenshot of BPI Express Online payment; and Soft copy of any valid IDs for applicable discounts.

Deposit slips must be received via email on or before April 1, deposit slips sent or presented after this date will not be honored.

Only paid seats shall be considered reserved.

Limited seats available.

In the event the maximum seating capacity is already reached, succeeding buyers will be duly informed of standing room only status and can purchase tickets at the minimum price of Php 300.

Call 759 82 88 local 31 or 35 to get the latest update on the availability of tickets before making any payments.

During concert date, counter for unclaimed and/or unsold tickets (if any) will open on April 7. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Ticket holders who were guaranteed seats (purchased before reaching maximum capacity status) during the sale period may sit anywhere. Please note that there are no seat assignments and that seating is first-come, first served.

For further inquiries, and reservation, call: 759 82 88 local 31 or email::concerts@ayalamuseum.org.

New building, hotel to enhance Ayala Triangle landscape

(Manila Bulletin)

To be completed in 2020

A premium office building is set to become an upcoming addition in Ayala Triangle Gardens. It will rise in a central convergence area that is largely enhanced by sprawling greens and open spaces.

Standing at 39 stories, the office building has all the makings of a premier Ayala Land Offices development. A marriage of modern architecture and interior design, it allots five levels to basement parking, four floors to premium retail outlets, and 36 floors to generous office spaces, all with commanding views of the city.

Green building features and practices — a trademark of all Ayala Land, Inc. undertakings — are ingrained in this structure that is working towards a certification from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design), a rating system created by the United States Green Building Council that acknowledges a building’s environment-friendly efforts during and after construction.

At a time when climate change is more apparent and nature’s resources are slowly being depleted, the building will have green open spaces and eco-friendly features. It is set to rise on an 18,150-sqm lot in the corners of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue.

Besides an amphitheater, multipurpose hall for special events, and choice restaurants, its immediate neighbor will be the new 24-storey, five-star Mandarin Oriental. Together, the projects will enhance the landscape of the central business district with a vibrant, sophisticated air.

Interestingly, the upcoming development also promises more open space than ever before. The office building and the Mandarin Oriental are plotted in such a way that the felling of trees is avoided. And even with additional structures in place, the gardens remain a priority in this Makati site.

Once finished, the new and improved Ayala Triangle Gardens will allot as much as 60 percent to wide, open spaces for exercise, dog walking, picnics, and other leisure activities.

The newest office development of Ayala Land and the Mandarin Oriental hotel at Ayala Triangle Gardens is targeted to be completed in 2020.

Makati business delegation looks to Guam

By Norman Analista (For PDN)

The Philippine Consulate General is continuing efforts to intensify economic and business exchanges between the Philippines and Guam. Officials from the office had discussions with officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Makati City, during their visit to the island on Feb. 26. The group, formerly known as the Makati Chamber of Commerce and Industry was part of a business delegation led by PCCI-Makati President Dr. Luzviminda Jose. The group visited the island to explore business and commercial opportunities.

Consul Mark Hamoy says at least two parties have expressed strong interest in doing business in Guam following the visit. “How that will unfold and the extent of investments they will make remains to be seen. The point of having these business missions is to have the business communities in the Philippines and on Guam become familiar with each other and become aware of the opportunities that are available for mutual benefit,” he says. Hamoy hopes that both sides can continue the exchange visits of business delegations to further sustain and build on what has been started over the last two years.

During the visit, Consul General Marciano R. de Borja presented to the group Guam’s economic viability in view of its proximity to the Philippines, and the presence of 40,000 Filipinos in Guam comprising 26 percent of the entire population of the island, and its tourist arrivals of over a million visitors annually from Japan, Korea, China and Russia.

Aside from tourism, Hamoy says Guam’s economic activity is dependent on the military base in the island. Anticipating that some 5,000 military personnel and their families will be relocating to Guam in the coming months, island infrastructure investment is expected to increase and attendant business opportunities to develop such as franchising, technical and construction services, and health and wellness services, among others. The delegation also met with officials of the Guam Economic Development Authority and members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce.

In the evening of their visit, Emelio Uy, one of the more active Filipino-American business leaders in the island, co-hosted with the Consulate General a networking dinner in honor of the PCCI-Makati business delegation. The dinner was attended by government officials, members of the 33rd Guam Legislature, and selected members of the Guam business community. After a short presentation by Jose, the guests were able to mix and mingle.

Hamoy says the occasion allowed them to meet with government officials and members of the Guam business community.

“It should come as no surprise if the connections made during that dinner will lead to enhanced business and commercial ties between Guam and the Philippines,” says Hamoy.

Consul General de Borja encouraged the businessmen to build contacts and explore potential partnerships, not only with the business community in Guam, but also with the business sector of neighboring islands, such as Saipan and Palau.

Data-driven agriculture poised to transform farm productivity

(PR)

THE application of data science in farming is poised to help the local agriculture improve yield potential of crops and help farmers make better on-farm management decisions. This was shared by Hazel Bograd, Monsanto Data Science and Analytics Manager for Asia Pacific at a recent roundtable discussion held at Makati City.

“Farmers around the globe are being asked to do more to keep up with the growing demands and manage key challenges that prevent food from making it to tables. Among a broad range of solutions, advanced plant breeding techniques and the application of data science are key elements working together to contribute to a food-secure future,” Bograd said. According to Bograd, interconnected challenges of rising population, increasing food consumption and depleting finite natural resources, such as water and land, both of which critical to sustain food production, are putting pressure on local food production.

The population in Asia alone is expected to grow to 5.9 billion by 2050, while demand for food is expected to rise by 60 percent to 70 percent. As early as 2025, a one-hectare of farmland that previously feeds two people will have to feed five people.

Bograd explained that data science allows farmers to harness farm-level information in novel ways to produce insights that better the way they produce food. By applying it to agriculture, Bograd shared, data science is increasingly helping farmers make the big decisions to grow more, while also helping Monsanto develop new seed products that improve nutrient uptake, promote growth and yield, and provide insect control and disease protection.

Monsanto develops better seed products, or most commonly referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), by taking a beneficial trait, like insect resistance or pesticide tolerance, from one living thing and introducing it into a new plant to help it thrive in its environment. In delivering new seed products, Monsanto is learning from plant data through seed chipper tool and molecular breeding. Scientists use the seed chipper tool to genetically screen each seed and identify novel traits. Molecular breeding, meanwhile, creates the inventory of a plant’s genes and what those genes do.

Bograd shared that scientists from Monsanto now have the capability to analyze 10s of millions of seed samples each year to look for the next best breeding trait.

Harnessing Data for Precision Agriculture

Application of big data in agriculture is also helping farmers around the globe gain valuable farm-level insights necessary for precision planting. Field-level insights, such as soil health and climate patterns, are especially important to farmers as they make 40-50 critical decisions involving various factors such as how much they can grow and how efficiently they can do it.

Among corn farmers in the Philippines, climatic information and forecasts are especially major considerations before planting, as decisions inappropriate to climatic conditions result in 75 percent of annual losses in farm production.

Bograd explained that advanced field-tracking tools, such as plant sensors and weather satellites, are now being used to measure and analyze all the interactions happening on the field, including soil moisture, rainfall, plant health, temperatures, etc. After conducting a field analysis, a field-by-field prescription to the farmer is given, recommending the best hybrid to plant, and water and crop protection products to apply to their fields, among others.

“Understanding the unique challenges and conditions of the field allow farmers to maximize every harvest season,” Bograd said, “By harnessing these digital technologies, we are able to put valuable information into the hands of our farmers to help them be more productive on each hectare of their land.”

The Philippines: The next gastronomy capital of Asia?

By Kathy Moran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines – The second staging of Madrid Fusion in Manila this year is the best proof yet that the Philippines is strongly positioned to become the gastronomy capital of Asia, according to Department of Tourism undersecretary Bong Bengzon at the “Paella Gigante” event, where renowned chefs cooked a10-foot-diameter paella. The event was held at Greenbelt 3 Park, Makati City.

“By staging the cooking of the giant paella, which is a prelude to Madrid Fusion Manila in April and the World Street Food Congress later in April, we are able to showcase the genius of our Filipino chefs with their foreign counterparts,” Bengzon said. “Cuisine has always been important in promoting tourism and the Philippines as a destination, and for us, this is a showcase for just that.”

At the helm of the event last Saturday were top chefs Mikel Arriet, J Gamboa, Fernando Aracama, Carlo Miguel, Gilbert Pangilinan, James Antolin, Jerome Valencia, Sito Senn, and Juan Carlo de Terry.

The centerpiece, the giant paella Valenciana, was cooked complete with chorizo, chicken, and seafood in the traditional way over charcoal and firewood. It was good for 1,000 people and sold at P250 per plate, for the benefit of the Sociedad Española de Beneficencia and its programs.

With 2016 being dubbed as the year of “Visit the Philippines Again,” the DOT will stage Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) 2016 from April 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center. With the theme “The Manila Galleon: East Meets West,” MFM aims to give a deeper understanding of the cultural exchange and transfer of knowledge among countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas, which took place through the galleon trade.

The much-anticipated MFM 2016 includes a star-studded lineup of chefs from Spain, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Representing the West are Joan Roca, Dani Garcia, Jordi Butron, Angel Leon, Richard Camarena (Spain), Michael Voltaggio (USA), Enrique Olivera and Jorge Vallejo (Mexico), and Virgilio Martinez (Peru).

The East boasts celebrated chefs Yoshiro Narisawa (Japan), David Thompson (Thailand), Nurdin Topham (Hong Kong), Kevin Cherkas (Indonesia), Jungsik Yim (Korea) and the Philippine contingent represented by Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa, Tatung Sarthou, Michael Aspiras, Leah Cohen and Paul Qui.

Everything Yummy

It is with utmost pleasure that we welcome these top hats, young and old, all with bragging rights and awards to their names,” said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. “As we witness the explosion of culinary geniuses onstage, the priceless lessons can only inspire our local talents to create ripples and be conscious of Filipino core values of hospitality, ingenuity and industry as foundations in building uniquely Filipino food experiences. Once again, our local industry needs to seize this opportunity to showcase the best products at the trade exhibit. But more than just a gastronomic event, our net gain from MFM should lead to world awareness of the Philippines not only as a food haven but also as a viable source of culinary talents and premium food brands.”

The “2nd Flavors of the Philippines” is a month-long festival showcasing the best of the country’s gastronomic offerings through activities such as food tours, food tastings, concerts, agri fairs, weekend markets and bazaars.

Held simultaneously in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the festival is organized by DOT and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). This year’s cultural food fest celebrates unique local cuisines from different regions, aiming to put the Philippines at the forefront of Asian culinary excellence.

“This is an opportunity for us to help kick off ‘Flavors of the Philippines,’” said chef Fernando Aracama. “Our organization, LTB Philippine Chefs Association, is all about the promotion of the professionalization of Filipino chefs. If we want Philippine cuisine to gain a place outside the country, it has to start with us chefs to bring out the best food outside of the Philippines. And that is what we are trying to push. We are making everybody come together. We know that beyond our restaurant walls and kitchens there is still so much good we can do for the country and Philippine cuisine.”

Cooking a giant paella under the afternoon sun in Greenbelt 3 Park was no easy feat. It was a scorching afternoon; I know because I was there beside the giant paellera — and it was hot.

But nothing could dampen the mood, the wonderful smiles and the chiding going on between the over-80 chefs who were there that afternoon to do their share in cooking this giant paella for a cause.

“I am happy to be here and I enjoy being out in the sun and cooking for a cause,” said chef J Gamboa. “This kickoff event is a wonderful start to Madrid Fusion Manila 2016. It is great that the DOT has partnered with Madrid Fusion and has been able to bring all the chefs here. This year we have superstar chefs like Juan Roca, Jose Andres, and Narizawa, among others. It is almost impossible to see them in their restaurants. To have them here to share their thoughts and their recipes is simply amazing.”

“How has MFM helped promote Philippine cuisine?” I ask.

“What I felt happened last year at MFM2015 is that it kind of supercharged the whole local culinary scene, and people started taking the profession more seriously and people started accepting it as a serious profession,” J added. “The local chefs were all inspired by the Spanish chefs and used what they learned to re-examine their own cuisine. For that alone MFM 2015 has been a boon for our local cuisine.” A Foodies’ Month And More

The highlights of the month-long “2nd Flavors of the Philippines” include a Tapas Exhibition to be held at Metropolitan Museum of Manila on March 31.

From April 1-30, the Smokey Tours presents Market Tours in Old Manila. This tour allows one to walk through the market area of Old Manila to get a taste of true Filipino culture. All kinds of merchandise, from local medicinal herbs, birds, flowers, candles, statues, clothing, fruits and digital gadgets can be found here. The tour includes dropping by Chinatown to see how Filipino cuisine is deeply fused with Chinese cuisine and traditions.

Also in April there is “Food Holiday,” which offers a one-day culinary heritage tour to various destinations like Cavite, Malolos, Pampanga, Malabon, Antipolo-Angono and Laguna-Quezon. Every province is unique and so is its cuisine and cooking traditions — shaped by history, custom and indigenous resources. Fascinating discoveries in local culture await in this one-of-a-kind tour.

Soccsksargen or SOX Region will take center stage with their “Treasures of SOX: A Food, Travel, and Trade Expo” on April 11-14 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. One of the highlights of this event is the SOX Food and Fashion with Project Runway Season 4 winner Jared Servano as director. The food and fashion event will showcase fashion materials by indigenous tribes from the region.

We can look forward to yummy adventures in March and April as we discover more about the many influences that make Pinoy cuisine truly unique and in a class of its own.

DTI embarks on Philippine Export Development Plan implementation

(DTI)

MAKATI, Mar. 24 - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Export Development Council (EDC) with the assistance from the European Union Trade-Related Technical Assistance 3 (TRTA 3) Project, will be implementing the 2015-2017 Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) through a series of fora in the regions.

The series of PEDP forum, which aims to communicate the PEDP to exporters and Business Support Organizations (BSOs), recently kicked off at the National Capital Region (NCR). Similar activity will also be held in Davao on March 29, in Cebu on March 31, and in Pampanga on April 5.

Through Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 91, the President has approved the 2015-2017 PEDP and directed 14 government agencies to work together to ensure that all export related programs and projects of the government are in synch.

The MC ordered the Departments of Trade and industry (DTI), as lead agency; Agriculture (DA); Energy (DOE); Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Finance (DOF); Foreign Affairs (DFA); Health (DOH); the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Labor and Employment (DOLE); Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Science and Technology (DOST); and Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to collectively work and review all relevant policies to facilitate exports and eliminate that those hamper its free flow.

The same directive was given to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The MC also ordered the EDC to oversee the implementation of the PEDP and coordinate the formulation and implementation of policy reforms and promotion agencies. The EDC, currently chaired by DTI Secretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., was also tasked to ensure the biannual validation and updating of the PEDP.

During the forum held recently at the Ace Hotel and Suites in Pasig City, EMB Director Senen M. Perlada said that the MC made the implementation of the current PEDP different from the previous PEDPs.

“The order strengthened the coordination of all government agencies that are involved in the development and expansion of PH exports. With the support of all these agencies, the strategies contained in the PEDP become not only easier to implement but also increase the rate of success of the PEDP,” said Perlada.

The strategies contained in the 2015-2017 PEDP include:

1. Design comprehensive packages of support for selected sectors;

2. Remove unnecessary regulatory impediments to the movement of goods and delivery of services;

3. Raise the productivity and competitiveness of Philippine enterprises;

4. Upgrade the quality and standards of export;

5. Improve exporters access to trade finance;

6. Exploit opportunities presented by regional and preferential trading arrangements to expand market access within existing trade partners, explore new trade partners, and develop new export products;

7. Launch a well-coordinated, harmonized and sufficiently funded export and investment promotion campaign;

8. Enhance the innovative capacity of the export sector through an efficient system of national innovation.

Perlada said that in the initial drafts of the PEDP there were initially only seven strategies. The President, however, directed to add another strategy to ensure that innovation and creativity will be harnessed to contribute to the county’s export development.

The 2015-2017 PEDP aims to achieve the US$100 billion target by 2017 by attaining growths of 6.6 to 8.8 percent in 2016, and 7.7 to 10.6 percent in 2017.

Priest says visitors in the five pilgrim churches in Metro Manila are expected to increase during the Holy Week

(PNA), SCS/FGP/EDS

MANILA (PNA) -- The number of visitors in the five pilgrims churches in Metro Manila is expected to increase during this Holy Week.

According to Fr. Regie Malicdem, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, the number of pilgrims to these churches is likely to increase as the faithful will be in churches in observance of the Lenten season.

"Marami ang nagpi-pilgrimage lalo na kapag weekend. We expect more this Holy Week, Visita Iglesia na din 'yun," he said.

Traditionally, the faithful visit churches on Maundy Thursday for the Visita Iglesia and attend procession on Good Friday.

Meanwhile, Malicdem said that any number of churches can be visited by the faithful on Thursday.

"By tradition lang naman 'yung 8-14 (churches). Any number of churches naman puede. So okay na yung five, pero kung gusto nila ay seven, hanap na lang sila ng iba pang churches," said the rector of the Manila Cathedral, which is one of the pilgrim churches named by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

Meanwhile, as of March 8, the Manila Cathedral has issued the most number of pilgrims passports with 8,000 as compared to the four other churches.

The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City has 2,312; Santuario de Santo Cristo in San Juan City, 2,000; Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay City, 1,000; and Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City, 800.

The passport is like a guide that contains brief history of the churches, schedule of parish services and activities that the faithful have to accomplish in the pilgrimage.

Catholics may start their pilgrimage from any of the churches but they will have to proceed to the Manila Cathedral after they accomplished the required activities for stamping of their passports.

"Passports are available at all five churches. They may start and end at any church, then they will also be given a certificate of pilgrimage,” Malicdem said.

The required pilgrimage activities include entering the “Holy Door,” silent adoration and meditation, veneration of the Jubilee Cross, and donating for the archdiocese’s charitable programs.

Malicdem said that donations may come in cash or in kind which will be used to feed the hungry, provide housing for the homeless, and other projects.

The universal Church is observing an extraordinary Year of Mercy as decreed by the Pope which started on Dec. 8, 2015 until Nov. 20 2016.

Demand for office space rentals in Metro Manila on the rise

By Lily o Ramos [(PNA), RMA/LOR/EDS]

MANILA. March 22 (PNA) -- Almost everyday, you see a change in the face of Metro Manila with buildings being torn down and being reconstructed to suit the needs of the occupants such as business rentals or simply space saving or expansion — depending on the owner’s preference.

No wonder condos are rising and houses are declining as people go after space and easier to manage residences as families are splitting easily into smaller units nowadays.

Greatest change or makeovers are taking place in the Makati area, the Bay area where the SM complex is located, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Alabang and Quezon City and of course, Ortigas business district that’s rapidly improving and growing horizontally and vertically.

According to KMC MAG Group, Inc., an award winning real estate services based in BGC, which is an international associate of Saville, one of the world’s leading real estate firms, its analysis and client operations go hand-in-hand with strategic advice and reliable service all over America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

KMC MAG co-founder Michael McCullough said that in the 6.3 per cent fourth quarter of 2015 economic growth was very encouraging to the services sector by expanding to 7.4 per cent following a 7.2 upsurge in the second quarter.

”With the increasing number of global companies transferring operations , production and manufacturing, the Philippines’ micro, small, medium enterprises have entered the global value chain creating more space and employment,” said McCullough.

McCullough attributed the remarkable demand in Metro Manila for office spaces to the growth of the business outsourcing and offshoring of companies.

He said that Premium and Grade A office spaces recorded the highest ever take up last year, totaling 459,000 square meters.

McCullough also said the Makati Business Area was ranked Premium Central Business District (CBD) while the Bay Area and Quezon City were expected to outperform other sub-markets due to the competitive perks and comfort they offer to future tenants.

The strong demand for office space in Makati results in an average of Php 980.8 per square meter monthly rental, the highest in Metro Manila .

Vacancies in the metro are predicted to rise in the coming years as more and more quality buildings with competitive come-ons materialize.

For Grade A location with Premium offerings, expect more and more international clientel, said McCullough .

This has resulted into competitive pre –leasing due to the entry of 1.8-million square-meter spaces in BGC, Makati CBD, Alabang and Quezon City and Bay Area where strong growth in business is expected in the next three years.

According to Savilles’ World Office Yield Spectrum, Manila has the fourth highest Grade A Market Yield at 8 per cent in December last year with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Adelaide having the highest Grades, respectively.

KMC MAG Associate Director Rosario Carbonnel explained that being Rated A means you have good backup equipment such as generators, machinery, necessary office gadgets, manpower which can be relied upon once your staff start working.

”It would be nice to have a comfortable physical location for your office, clean and pleasant environment, enough space to move around but what’s more necessary is to have an easy access to backup just in case something goes wrong, particularly these days when climate change is unpredictable.

”And remember, people would not complain so much even if they have to shell out a little higher than the usual in rent as long as the place is secure anytime whether there’s work or not,” said Carbonnel.“

Makati City earns PHP7.44-B revenue, posts 12% increase in business tax collection

(PNA), BNB/CLTC

MANILA, March 21 (PNA) -- The city government of Makati has reported a 12-percent increase in its business tax collection for the first two months of the year, which it has attributed to increased investor confidence.

Peña said the remarkable increase in the business tax component has boosted the city’s total income to PHP7.44 billion from January to February, higher by nine percent over total revenues in the same period in 2015.

“Our excellent performance in revenue collection can be directly linked to the improved overall experience of our stakeholders in doing business-related transactions with the city government,” Peña said.

Based on a report from City Treasurer Amalia Santos, Makati, the city has has collected a total of Php 7,442,714,459.11 in revenues as of February 29.

The bulk of the city revenues comes from business tax, which reached PHP3,798,449,944.41 or a 12 percent growth over the collection of PHP3,385,749,338.05 for the same period last year.

Aside from business tax, the Treasurer’s report also cited other local sources for the said period, which include real property tax (basic), PHP2,001,588,574.51; real property tax (SEF), PHP1,097,516,831.42; fees and charges, PHP325,492,071.95; economic enterprise, PHP30,887,818.13; interest income, PHP31,442,856.69; and share from the national government or Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) amounting to PHP157,336,362.00.

The mayor cited the enhanced efficiency in the processing of business permit applications and renewal as a crucial factor in the significant revenue growth achieved by the city so far.

“We are inspired all the more to continue pursuing needed reforms and innovations in the way we serve our partners in the business sector. We sincerely acknowledge their indispensable role in building a sustainable future for the city and its people, and we greatly value their confidence and trust in us,” the acting mayor said.

He noted that in just two months, the city government has already achieved more than 50 percent of the city’s estimated income for 2016, which amounts to Php 12.99 billion.

In 2015, the city earned nearly PHP14 billion in total revenue, which is nine percent higher than its total earnings of PHP12.79 billion in 2014.

Makati City remains one of the few local government units in the country that are not dependent on the IRA.

Millennials are driving the current boom in Philippine art

(Inquirer Lifestyle)

It’s a good time to be a Filipino artist, or to be part of the Philippine art scene in some way.

At a recent gathering to announce the 10th year of Art in the Park—a one-day affordable art fair held annually, scheduled on April 3 at the Salcedo Market in Makati City—a random group of artists, art gallery directors, art event organizers and aficionados agreed that the country is in the midst of an art boom, with no signs of slowing down.

Not only are the works of established artists fetching record prices at auction houses both foreign and local, even younger artists are finding a ready market for their works— thanks to the proliferation of art galleries and regular events such as the recently concluded Art Fair Philippines, which drew over 22,000 attendees over a five-day period.

But perhaps the most significant factor driving the current art boom is the emergence of a new breed of art collectors: young, flush with cash and supremely confident in their tastes.

While the trade in the masters—the BenCabs, Malangs and Ang Kiukoks—still rests largely in the hands of older, more established collectors, the younger collectors seem to be more interested in buying works by contemporary artists such as Geraldine Javier, Manny Garibay, Rodel Tapaya and Nona Garcia.

So great is the appetite for contemporary Philippine art among the new breed of collectors that demand has now outpaced supply.

“The art market is different now,” says Chitty Cometa of Metro Gallery. “Even if you can afford to buy, sometimes there’s nothing to buy. You like Yasmin Sison? Good luck finding one. Sometimes collectors will bite the bullet and buy a piece, even if it’s expensive, because it’s available. It’s a seller’s market.”

Collectors flock to events such as Art in the Park because, apart from the usual bargains, works by certain hard-to-find artists sometimes show up, since part of the proceeds of the event goes to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.

So even though it’s supposed to be an exhibit of affordable art (price ceiling: P40,000) in a friendly family atmosphere, collectors come even before the gates open to snap up the best pieces ahead of other collectors.

“It’s crazy fun,” says Cometa. “Last year 14,000 people showed up. All these collectors wake up early. The gates open at 10 a.m., but the collectors were there at 6 a.m.”

In some gallery shows, buyers are limited to one artwork per customer, so that other clients can get a chance. As in any other market, she says, scarcity is driving prices up. Meanwhile, collectors keep piling up, waiting for an artist’s next exhibit, sometimes buying up works even when the paint has barely dried on the canvas.

“I think art collecting is more fun now, because you’re chasing each piece,” says Cometa. “Unlike before, when you’d just go to the gallery, buy a painting and go home. Boring.

“I know one young collector who told me, ‘I want to change my collecting pattern. Instead of just buying whatever I like, I want to collect the works of one artist, but from his earliest works to his latest.’ Because collecting is really a hobby, and he’s gotten bored with just buying whatever he wants. It’s now a question of how to make his hobby more interesting.”

The hunt

Just who are the new collectors?

Some are yuppies, others young entrepreneurs. There is a smattering of young politicians and second- and third-generation money. One thing they have in common is, they have plenty of disposable income, and they like to collect —and not just art.

“Majority of collectors are male,” says Cometa. “They like the hunt. And they like showing off. Collecting art is one way of measuring who has the bigger dick, because art is hard to get, even if you have the money.”

Part of the “fun” is being able to say, “My Borlongan is bigger than your Borlongan.”

“Twenty years ago, if a collector wanted to buy the whole show, he could,” she adds. “Now he has to wait and beg to be able to buy just one piece from the show. Even an established collector like Charlie Cojuangco, with his name and his family’s status, is finding it hard to get artworks now, so he’s turning to foreign artists. It’s not that the artists are unwilling, it’s just that they really don’t have anything to sell, because their gallery commitments are keeping them busy.”

The new collectors are part of a juicy new market segment, the discerning type, which corporate entities have been eyeing for their premium products and services.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on the new target market, who are younger, more passionate, very active—especially online—and highly discerning,” says Isabel Katrina del Carmen, a consumer marketing director of Globe Platinum, the telecom giant’s premium product division and a sponsor of Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park.

“We decided that one of the best partners for us is the Art Fair, because the audience for art is the same target market for our products,” she notes.

“Back in 2013, after a lot of market research and interaction with different people, we found out that there is actually a new market: The discerning are no longer the usual old rich or those on top of the corporate ladder,” she points out. “A large part are millennials who are ahead of the game, who own their own businesses, who have their own passions. It’s a new generation. Mga magagaling na bata.”

While there are more than a few women belonging to this segment, the collector’s bug seems to be a predominantly male thing, a postmodern expression of the primordial hunter-gatherer instinct.

First-gen wealth

“Men are natural hunters, and art collecting satisfies the hunter’s instincts,” says Del Carmen.

The discerning follow a distinct profile. Many are first-generation wealth, are in their early 30s to early 50s, know what quality is and are willing to spend for it.

They may have started collecting when they were children, perhaps toys or stamps or comic books, so the behavioral impulse was reinforced at an early age. As they got older and more successful, they elevated their collections.

Rather than place their money in the bank, they invest it in their collections, because it excites them and is a measure of their status as well.

But more than showing off their wealth, they are interested in showing off their taste.

Where an earlier generation of new rich liked to flaunt their wealth by buying well-known luxury brands, the new-new rich prefer to show off their discernment and good taste by seeking out rare, exclusive, unique pieces.

The same impulse that draws them to art also drives them to collect such objects as vintage Swiss watches, custom-built motorcycles and bespoke shoes hand-made by English cobblers—possessions that define their sense of individual style and refinement.

Another factor driving the art boom is the “mainstreaming” of art appreciation, thanks to the relatively high ratio of artists and galleries per capita in the Philippines, the rise of social media and the Internet, and mass events such as Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park.

“Global art fairs are really focused on collectors, not so much on bringing people in and exposing them to what’s going on in art,” says Lisa Periquet, one of the organizers of Art in the Park and Art Fair Philippines. “Here there’s an educational component. That’s what gives it a different energy. People love to go and hang out. They want to be part of that vibe.”

Celebrity

Once a rarefied aesthetic experience restricted to the hushed confines of a museum or gallery, art is now part of everyday life. It’s in the shopping malls, in the architectural environment, in the mass and social media.

Artists enjoy the same level of celebrity as musicians and serious actors. Young people go to art exhibit openings the same way they go to clubs and cafés. They think nothing of taking selfies with well-known artists or their work, and posting these on social media pages.

Now that the distinction between “high art” and “low art” is practically nonexistent, art has become even more accessible to ordinary young people. The global popularity of street art and pop surrealism, for instance, places art squarely within the context of popular culture, and makes it as easy to get into as tattoos or skateboarding.

The emergence of younger, hipper venues such as Secret Fresh and Vinyl on Vinyl, and artists who produce limited-edition toys and graphic works as well as more traditional paintings and sculptures, also provide a painless way for young Filipinos to get into art.

“The Philippine art scene is very vibrant, and I think it will become even more vibrant in the next few years,” says Dawn Atienza, director of Tin-aw Art Gallery. “Compared to a decade ago, there are a lot of opportunities for Filipino artists.”

The tenth edition of Art in the Park will be held on Sunday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Makati celebrates Women's Month with Zumba session

By Jerome R. Paunan (RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY (PIA) -- The local government is inviting the public to join early morning zumba dance sessions dubbed, "Zumba Fest: Making Moves to End Violence Against Women and Children" this Saturday at 6:00 AM at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle.

This is part of the city's observance of National Women’s Month themed “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda”, which aims to give due recognition to contributions of women in society.

Local government officials and local personalities are set to participate the exercise event.

"The plight of women has always been included in the Bagong Makati‘s agenda," the Makati Social Welfare Department said.

The city always supports the advocacy and prioritizes women’s issues in various agenda, promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment and emphasizes women’s issues that still need to be addressed,” the MSWD said.

Presidential Proclamation No. 227 S of 1998 mandates the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in History Month, and Republic Act 6949 series of 1990 declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day.

CIC okays ops of six credit information bureaus

By Joann Santiago [(PNA), RMA/JSV/EDS]

MANILA (PNA) -- The Credit Information Information Corp. (CIC) has approved the application of six credit bureaus, the firsts in the country targeted to provide credit information that would greatly benefit lenders and small businesses.

"As of March 13, 2016, we sent out six notices of approvals for credit bureau accreditation in the Philippines," CIC chief executive officer Jaime Garchitorena said during a press conference at the sidelines of the 2016 APEC Finance Ministers' Process held in Makati Monday.

These institutions are Philippine-based CIBI Information Inc., South Africa's Compuscan, US' Dun and Bradsheet, Italy's Crif, TransUnion Philippines, a subsidiary of a US-based company; and Credit Bureau of Singapore.

Creation of credit bureaus is part of CIC's mandate to ensure a comprehensive and centralized credit information system in the country.

This is aimed at helping MSMEs, which account for more than 90 percent of registered enterprises in the country, have more access to financing and increase their contribution on domestic output.

Garchitorena said more than six credit bureaus submitted applications for operations but only six were approved.

He said these players were world-class institutions that would help create data bases of borrowers' credit scores, among others, to help lenders determine risks.

"It may not be visible now and this will bear more explanation, but suffice to say that the accreditation of six credit bureaus by the CIC is a tremendous step in making credit available to the general public and SMEs," he said.

Garchitorena said the number of domestic credit bureaus are enough for now but pointed out that they might approve more players in the future "if there's enough revenue streaming of data and there's enough generation of interest."

"We may look into that for the future but certainly in the first year and a half we should be happy with the six that we have," he said.

Garchitorena explained that operation of the credit bureaus, which are private companies, "are premised on the availability of data as far as the relationship in the CIC is concerned."

"Complete substantial collection of data will happen later this year, probably closer to December 2016 or 2017," he said.

The CIC chief said most of the credit bureaus would operate in the countryside, where the volume of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the cooperative banks (Coop banks), and rural banks (RBs) were located.

He explained that segmentation of these institutions' operations were not defined by either the CIC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but most of them were focused on getting borrowers credit scores while others were into microfinance and rural banks.

"So it's a nice mix. It's not a single focus. They're not all going to be in the city. I think a lot of them will be working outside the major city centers," he said.

These bureaus will be getting data from the CIC, which in turn would sell information for about Php 55 per borrower.

Garchitorena said the credit information bureaus would then put in value added services to these information, which they can sell to their clients for about Php 120-150 per borrower.

He said what the CIC would make sure is that the information is reasonably priced in terms of what it will cost the average person to get a credit report.

"What is important to us is that the Php55 credit report that we output to them is accurate and up-to-date," he added.

(News Feature) Sy, other top business leaders join together for disaster risk reduction

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata [(PNA), RMA/MCCA]

MANILA, March 16 (PNA) -- Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and other top business leaders in the country have joined together to strengthen the country’s disaster risk reduction and development efforts.

In a forum held recently at the Tower Club in Makati City, top business leaders all pledged to work together to support government efforts that center on making communities and businesses disaster resilient.

The dialogue, which was hosted by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, was attended by Sy and other top business leaders including Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corporation, Faraday Go of Robinson’s Land, Federico Lopez of First Philippines Holdings, Doris Magsaysay-Ho of A. Magsaysay Inc., Manuel Pangilinan of PLDT/Smart Communications and Ambassador Roberto Romulo of the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation Inc.

Also in attendance were His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Cience and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Climate Change Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman and NDRRMC Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Alexander Pama. The dialogue was moderated by Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the Manila Observatory.

The business leaders expressed their commitment to support efforts that would catalyze and promote convergence of government-private sector disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) advocacies and activities.

Sec. Gazmin highlighted the importance of the unprecedented meeting saying, “This coming together ushers in a new and mutually reinforcing partnerships between and among government and private sector companies. By this time, we can cover more bases and promote efficiencies in our efforts.”

Pama said the participation of big business would boost the effectiveness of the national DRRM program. “We have fulfilled our mission, but much more needs to be done in the areas of building resiliency and preparedness in our communities. We need to build on our initial successes by addressing other equally important pillars of DRR such as building resilient infrastructures and promoting business continuity, specially among micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs). With such huge tasks, it is important we strengthen collaboration with the private sector,” Pama said.

The business leaders welcomed the opportunity to work with government in the areas of economic risk assessment; business operations continuity; sustainable livelihoods; disaster risk financing; logistics and supply chain management; communications and infrastructure; and health and safer shelter, among others.

They recognized the importance of designating focal points for coordination in the public and private sector to ensure the unimpeded delivery of interventions.

In line with this, a scooping of current private sector efforts will be done. The NDRRMC members present even encouraged their counterparts in the private sector to find their niche to add further value to the national DRRM effort.

Sy for his part said he had always been an advocate of DRRM as he had made it a core in all of SM Prime’s projects. “I’ve always been a firm believer that DRR makes good business sense, and I’ve been practicing that actually, for, I should say, more than 20 years, or in fact, maybe 30 years, but also maybe because basically I am an engineer myself, so I’m very conscious about these programs,” he said.

Sy also supports the only Filipino International board member of UNISDR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE).

An example of SM’s disaster-resilient business is SM City Marikina, which is situated in calamity-prone areas. The mall was built on concrete stilts such that when the Marikina River overflowed, it allowed an unimpeded flow of floodwater through the two–level basement parking.

He said SM Prime would continue to do DRR despite the challenges and limitations. “Rest assured, we will continue to do this. We know there are limitations with the government but these will not stop us from continuing to support whatever government is doing. I would be very happy to work with everyone and make a difference,” Sy said.

MMDA opens special employment program for 250 students

(MMDA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY, 15 March (PIA) – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opens its Summer Interns under the Special Program for the Employment of Students or SPES, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Some 250 students will be hired by MMDA for the program.

The SPES aims to help under privileged but deserving students to pursue college education by providing income or augment their income by encouraging their employment during summer.

Students must be from 17 to 25 years old. Interested applicants must complete a registration form (SPES Form 2) together with a certified xerox copy of Birth Certificate/Baptismal Certificate.

If high school graduate or in college level, applicants must also provide a certified xerox copy of Form 138 with at least a passing grade of 75 percent, school registration and class cards of latest grade (at least passing grade), along with the duly accomplished registration form.

Meanwhile for Out-of-School Youth (OSY), applicants must also present a certification of Good Moral Character issued by the authorized barangay official where he/she resides. Also, a certified xerox copy of latest Income Tax Return (2015) duly filed with the BIR - if both parents are employed, earning an income below Php138, 247.00 per annum.

If beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or Conditional Cash Transfer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), present ID.

For interested applicants, please proceed to MMDA’s Administrative Service, 3rd Floor, MMDA Building, EDSA corner Orense St., Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City and look for Director Lydia P. Domingo or Ms. Rola L. Liquicia.

For further inquiries, please call MMDA at 882-2647, 882-4151 to 77 local 310, 307 and 306.

Makati recognized in World Council City Data

(PNA), RMA/CLTC

MANILA, March 14 (PNA) --The city government of Makati under the administration of acting Mayor Kid Peña, has received a Platinum Certification from the Toronto-based World Council on City Data (WCCD) for the year 2015.

Peña attributed this latest recognition to the efforts of the city's Special Project Office (SPO) which was also responsible for a similar feat in 2014.

He said the city had successfully earned the highest recognition for its compliance in the ISO 37120 on Sustainable Development of Communities Indicator for City Services and Quality of Life, the first ISO International Standard on city indicators published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

In a letter addressed to the mayor, WCCD CEO and president Dr. Patricia McCarney said Makati was given the recognition based from the recommendation of ISO 37120 verifiers who reviewed its submissions and registered in the WCCD Global Cities Registry for ISO37120 for 2015.

“Congratulations on successfully completing the City of Makati’s 1SO 37120 report for 2015. Your certification is valid for one year. To maintain your status in the WCCD Global Cities Registry for ISO 37120, please report annually. We look forward to your submission for 2016,” McCarney said in the letter.

Peña said Makati City was the only city in the country that earned such recognition, along with the cities of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dubai (UAE), León (Spain), London (UK), Los Angeles USA), Melbourne (Australia), and Vaughan (Canada). In 2014, Makati was also recognized along with cities like London (UK), Boston (USA) and Toronto(Canada).

In explaining the ISO 37120, SPO head Atty. Violeta Seva said it refered to a set of standardized indicators that allowed cities to assess their social, economic, and environmental performance and progress in relation to other cities. It comprises of 100 indicators (54 cores, 46 supporting) categorized under 17 themes, namely: economy, education, energy, environment, recreation, safety, shelter, solid waste, telecommunications and innovations, finance, fire and emergency response, government, health, transportation, urban planning, water and sanitation, and wastewater.

“This International Standard is applicable to any city, municipality or local government that measures its performance in a comparable and verifiable manner, regardless of size and location or level of development. Once certified, the verified data of these cities will be added to the WCCD Global Cities Registry Portal for a period of one year. Cities must apply for certification and registration on an annual basis,” the SPO chief added.

This membership in the WCCD, according to Pena, gives the City the opportunity to compare its best practices with other cities and identify which areas the City needs to improve on.

It is utilized by the different departments of the City Government to guide their planning process and decision-making for a more effective governance and efficient delivery of services. It can also be used by other city managers, urban planners, politicians, researchers, and other professionals for further development and to help ensure policies are put into practice.

Peña said the City Government was strongly committed to conducting regular assessments of its performance based on the ISO 37120 standards and would continue its effort to maintain its status in the WCCD Registry as one of the cities that promotes sustainability and resiliency.

Quality but practical approach to executive check-ups at Centuria Medical Makati’s Executive Screening Center

(The Standard Lifestyle)

More and more Filipinos are becoming health conscious, and an increasing number are flocking to doctors’ clinics for regular check ups. Timely and comprehensive medical examinations have been known to avert potentially debilitating or even fatal conditions, like an impending heart attack for instance.

The rising cost of medical services however is also one of the reasons why people only seek medical attention when their condition or symptoms have deteriorated or have gone worse. This is one of the reasons why Centuria Medical Makati, a 28-storey, 74,000-square-meter facility seeks to revolutionize preventive health and outpatient care, aiming to make healthcare and wellness services accessible and affordable by forging a partnership with the Executive Screening Center (ESC) that promises a practical and sensible approach to quality preventive health care with strategically packaged wellness services.

The team of Dr. Oscar Cabahug has come up with wellness packages that will help patients do away with unnecessary expenses as there are diffferent packages targeted for particular patient groups .

“What we want to do is to tailor-fit imaging and laboratory tests according to the individual needs of particular patients. It does not make sense to advise patients to do the entire range of imaging and laboratory tests if he or she will probably not benefit from majority of those tests. Aside from being impractical, such blanket screening tests will result in prohibitive healthcare costs,” said Dr. Cabahug, medical director of the ESC.

Patients under the age of 50 will be recommended to avail of the Basic Health Package that covers all necessary basic imaging and laboratory screening tests including a chest x-ray, an upper abdominal ultrasound, an electrocardiogram and basic laboratory tests. Other tests may be recommended which will rely heavily on the result of the initial consultation and assessment. All these basic and additional tests are evidence-based, avoiding tests and consequent treatments which are unnecessary, expensive and potentially dangerous. “A test will only be recommended if there is enough evidence to reasonably detect conditions which are reversible, preventable or curable.” Dr. Cabahug explained.

The Golden Health Package for Males meanwhile is recommended for males 50 years or above which includes ultrasound, a blood test and examination by a urologist to detect prostate conditions. Females 50 and above are advised to avail of the Golden Health Package for Females that include breast and gynecologic imaging and examination by a gynecologist to detect breast and gynecologic conditions relatively more common among women in this age bracket. Additional add-ons may also be recommended after the initial consultation and assessment, including gastrointestinal endoscopy, ophthalmology, ENT and dermatologic consultations.

The partnership with Advanced Lab Solutions of Hi-precision Diagnostics also boosts ESC’s practical approach to wellness as imaging and laboratory tests are offered at competitive rates. The center will also be working in partnership with other specialty centers like The Surgery Center, ENT Specialists and Hearing Center, various dental groups, a breast clinic, and an eye and vision center to allow for a greater degree of convenience for patients who may be in need of other specific consultations and/or treatments.

“With the wide network of specialists available within Centuria Medical Makati, we will definitely be able to offer comprehensive specialty services that can be made accessible to the patients availing of the wellness packages,” Dr. Cabahug said.

With the presence of such facilities as the Executive Screening Center at Centuria Medical Makati, waiting for medical conditions to become symptomatic or serious and irreversible has become needless as preventive health care and wellness services has now been made available in a place that offers the convenience of a hospital in a home-like atmosphere. With such an innovative medical facility, coupled with a smart and sensible approach to preventive health care, wellness is now definitely within reach.

501st Legion joins forces with MakatiMed

(The Standard Lifestyle)

Star Wars characters visit premiere hospital

Patients and visitors of Makati Medical Center were pleasantly surprised to see Rey, Princess Leia Organa, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers walking the halls of the premier hospital. The characters straight out of Star Wars: The Force Awakens were actually members of the Philippine Garrison of the 501st Legion, a local chapter of an international organization of Star Wars fans who the creation and wearing of “movie-quality, screen-accurate” Star Wars costumes. The members, who have become a familiar sight in toy conventions, film screenings, fan-driven parties, and any Star Wars-related event, also raise funds for charity.

“No matter how old you are, no matter where in the world you are, it’s no fun being sick,” said 501st Legion’s Regina Layug Rosero, who dressed up as Rey. “Most people don’t even like going to the doctor! So if Stormtroopers can make a hospital stay or check-up more bearable – even fun – we’re happy to do it,” she added.

The 501st Legion invited Makati Medical Center’s patients and hospital guests to “Join the Force” in the special Star Wars event, and they were not disappointed as more than 300 hospital guests, some of whom dressed up as their favorite characters from the space epic, posed with the 501st Legion at MakatiMed’s Main Lobby in Tower 1. Spotted were little Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Sith Lords and Princess Leias, who got a kick out of posing with their grown-up counterparts.

The Star Wars characters also visited pediatric patients and met with the parents and caregivers, with the kids visibly awestruck to see Darth Vader, Princess Leia and Stormtroopers, all of whom wished the children a speedy recovery.

MakatiMed also distributed special loot bags to the children. “This is MakatiMed’s special treat for Star Wars fans, kids and adults alike,” said Arlyn Songco, vice president for Marketing & Sales Services, who attended the event with her children. “We set up this special event to bring fun and warmth to our hospital, which can feel like a frightening and intimidating environment, especially for our young patients. We hope to do more in-hospital events like this, in addition to our regular lay forums and conferences,” she added.

Low carbon-promoting Earth Hour Challenge names PHL finalists

(PNA), RMA/CJT/PR/RSM

MANILA, March 11 (PNA) -- Half of all people live in cities which account for 70 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.

Over the past century, cities have become centers for consumption, pollution and overpopulation.

Global solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) projects a dramatic rise in urban development in the coming decades.

To encourage sustainable development of cities, WWF identified three Philippine cities that emerged as finalists of its Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC): San Carlos City in Negros Occidental province, Santa Rosa City in Laguna province and Makati City in Metro Manila.

One of these cities can become a national Earth Hour capital and even hailed as the global Earth Hour capital.

The challenge's past global winners include Vancouver in Canada, Cape Town in South Africa and Seoul in South Korea.

Launched by the WWF global network in 2011, EHCC is a year-long initiative to promote sustainable practices for cities to transition to a low-carbon future.

Seven Philippine cities joined the challenge in August 2015: Cagayan de Oro, Makati, Naga, Parañaque, San Carlos, Santa Rosa and Quezon City.

A total of 124 cities worldwide joined the 2015-2016 challenge.

“We laud all seven Philippine cities for promoting energyefficiency, renewable energy, recycling, green transportation plus innovation,” said Earth Hour Philippines Director Angela Consuelo Ibay “Our theme for 2016 is 'Bridging the Gap to 2020. It's about inspiring solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving the way food, water and energy are produced and consumed. We believe that properly developed, cities can lead the way to a sustainable future.”

WWF will announce the new EHCC winner during the international EHCC awards ceremony in Quito, Ecuador this October.

Earth Hour is a campaign which promotes the simple action of switching-off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message about the need for decisive climate change solutions.

In the past decade, Earth Hour grew from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia to the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign mobilizing hundreds of millions of people in over 7000 cities and 172 countries.

The Philippines has been championing Earth Hour since 2008 and already topped participation records from 2009 to 2013, earning the title Earth Hour Hero Country.

“We are known as the Earth Hour hero country because morePhilippine towns and cities participate in the movement than in any other nation,” said Ibay.

She said WWF hopes to use EHCC as a platform to showcase urban solutions which other Philippine cities can implement.

Earth Hour 2016 will be celebrated worldwide on Saturday (March 19) between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

In the Philippines, Earth Hour's main event will be at Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

"The event will feature stationary bamboo bicycles connected to energy-harvesting generators - supporters can ride these to light up a map of the Philippines so in effect, we'll show how human power can light up the world,” said Ibay.

She added the event will also display renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles to showcase low-carbon solutions.

Thrifts eye sustained growth

By MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

The thrift banking industry is optimistic that the segment’s double-digit growth in assets and loans will be sustained this year as lenders continue to focus their operations to niche markets like micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We have been growing in terms of assets and loans by more than double digits,” Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) President Rommel Latinazo, said in a press conference held in Makati City on Wednesday.

Total assets of the industry last year reached P995 billion, growing by 13 percent from P880 billion in 2014.

Loans grew 20 percent to P687 billion from P572 billion in 2014, while deposits increased 14 percent to P798 billion from P700 billion a year ago.

With this, Latinazo said that because of the long-standing presence of the industry in the MSME market, it would be able to sustain the growth it achieved so far.

“We remain steadfast primarily because we operate in market niches where we believe that we have a strong foothold as far as the countryside is concerned, and as far as the market that we address, which is primarily the MSMEs,” he said.

Over the years, the CTB said the thrift banking industry has supported and reached out to the depositors and borrowers, especially in the countryside.

It said although the thrift-banking sector makes up about only 8 percent of the total resources of the banking system, thrift banks have focused their resources and provided solutions to the difficulties associated with MSMEs.

Data from the central bank showed that thrift banks’ lending to MSMEs as of September last year increase to P78.46 billion or 13 percent higher than the P69.35 billion a year ago.

“MSMEs is basically the where growth potential is as far as the economy is concerned. The government has likewise expressed the need for support to this sector and that is basically what we have been doing,” Latinazo said.

“The presence of the thrift banks especially in the countryside provides that support even with high competition brought by new entrants,” he concluded.

In connection with the prospects and challenges the industry faces, the CTB announced that its annual convention would be held on March 18 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

The banking group said through the convention, it aims to solidify its role as conduits of growth between the financing industry and MSMEs, the socialized and low-cost housing sector, and countryside businesses, including the personal consumption needs of clients with modest means.

MMDA conducts fire drill, mock rescue operations

(PNA), JMC/CLTC

MANILA (PNA) -- With the observation of the Fire Prevention Month, personnel of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) showcased and tested their emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said more than 1,200 employees participated in the fire drill Thursday afternoon at the MMDA grounds on Orense Street, Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.

Carlos said that as one of the government agencies in the forefront of emergency and disaster response not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces, the MMDA should be prepared for any catastrophe, man-made or otherwise.

“We as emergency responders should regularly hone our capability to quickly respond to call for assistance by the public,” Carlos said underscoring the significance of training and re-training MMDA personnel in firefighting skills.

He added the fire drill will also be an opportunity to educate the general public of the importance of immediately reporting fire incidents to authorities to prevent loss of lives and minimize destruction of properties.

The MMDA has a total of 159 fire trucks all over Metro Manila.

During Thursday’s fire drill, MMDA’s Rescue and Public Safety Office personnel, volunteer fire brigades and members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), headed by Chief Inspector Rowena Gollod, responded to the mock fire scenario where an explosion rocked the eight floor of the MMDA main building.

Thick clouds of smoke billowed out from the windows of the floor. Moments later the alarm sounded signaling the quick evacuation of the people inside the establishment.

Designated fire marshalls then guided the employees to the MMDA parking area while heads made a headcount.

After the employees’ headcount, 14 persons were missing -- a cue for search and rescue operation by authorities inside the burning building while responding fire trucks quelled the blaze at the side of the establishment.

Some of the trapped victims inside the building were rappelled down from the 8th floor while others were assisted by the MMDA rescue personnel as well as fire volunteers. The injured were immediately brought to a tent where they were given first aid treatment before being rushed by the MMDA ambulance to hospital.

Prior to the drill, MMDA and BFP personnel conducted a walk-through to inspect the fire exits and fire extinguishers on every floor and initially assess the employees’ skills and knowledge on fire suppression and evacuation.

During a brief talk with MMDA personnel on fire safety and prevention, Gollod said that flames become uncontrollable when no one is left at the scene to suppress the blaze and nobody calls the fire department to report the incident.

She noted that it is vital for workers inside an office to organize themselves into a brigade, designating the role of each person in case of fire.

Megaworld Group sets PHP55-B capex for 2016

(PNA), JMC/LDV

MANILA (PNA) -- The Megaworld group is earmarking PHP55 billion in capital expenditures (capex) this year as it aggressively expands its rental portfolio, particularly its mall and office businesses.

Megaworld said 75 percent of the capital spending will be used for development projects, particularly on the construction of new malls, commercial centers, office buildings and residential projects in townships, while 25 percent will be used for land acquisition and investment properties.

Company senior vice president Jericho Go said they will start developing new townships in Pasig City, Bacolod and Pampanga and will ramp up office and mall developments across its existing townships.

“We are bullish on the office and retail sectors because we see a remarkable growth in these businesses,” said Go in a statement.

The Megaworld Group, which also includes residential brands Suntrust Properties, Inc., Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. and Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., is set to launch 14 residential projects in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Iloilo, Tagaytay, Cavite, Davao, Baguio and Batangas this year.

The group is also launching 14 office towers, malls and commercial centers in McKinley West, Uptown Bonifacio, The Mactan Newtown, Iloilo Business Park, Arcovia City, Southwoods City, The Mactan Newtown and Alabang.

“We will certainly achieve the PHP11-billion rental revenue target by year-end," revealed Go.

In 2015, the Megaworld Group completed 16 residential projects and six BPO office towers with retail components across its integrated urban townships.

To date, Megaworld is the master-developer of 20 integrated urban townships across the country and its total land bank spans over 4,000 hectares across the country.

Eleven townships are in the regions while nine are in Metro Manila.

The company is also one of the biggest property developers in the Makati Central Business District, the country’s premier financial center, with a total of 27 residential and office towers built today.

Pinoy concertgoers enjoy space mission in Wanderland 2016

By Rosette Adel (philstar.com)

MAKATI CITY, Philippines – As wanderers took off with Captain Bob to enter the Wanderland Planet on Saturday, they were welcomed by Space Mission along side with music performances to pump up the Wanderland 2016 Music and Arts Festival experience.

Aside from the 13 local and foreign indie bands (which include foreign and local acts such as Death Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver, The Naked and Famous and Jensen and the Flips, among others) in the 12-hour outdoor music festival, several space missions with fun intergalactic tasks were prepared by Karpos Media and Globe Telecoms at the Globe Circuit Events Ground (formerly the Sta. Ana racetrack) in Makati City.

Armed with the space journal or the space mission guide and "wandertap" (or the NFC wristband load), the wanderers were able to enjoy the space missions that kept them upbeat from afternoon till midnight. These space missions are the Globe Galaxy, Supernova Lounge (VIP Lounge), The Blackhole, Art Zone, SM Accessories Fashion Cube, and Game Zone.

Globe Galaxy is a space mission that lets wanderers explore the digital lifestyle of the future including Virtual Reality (VR) experience, TV series-viewing accompanied with quiz, and live listening party, among others. On the other hand, Supernnova is a prime viewing deck that makes Star Wanderers shine brighter with its complimentary drinks and access to VIP deck.

A crowd-favorite mission, the Black Hole, located in a space ship, allows wanderers to escape the Wanderland planet to enter a galactic infinity with an abyss of mirrors and lights. Wanderers also flocked Art Zone and SM Accessories Fashion Cube to unleash their creative juices as well as their inner fashionista with activities such as face painting, styling and shopping flowers, and post cards.

Energetic and athletic wanderers were also given room to enjoy space missions in Wanderland Planet’s game zone which include Space Static (wireloop game), Plinko Prism (dot alignment game), Sky High (bungee jumping), Zorbit (Zorb Ball ride), and Zero Gravity (Trampoline).

Makati, Mercury drug conduct joint medical missions

By Jerome R. Paunan (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY, 6 March (PIA) -- Over 4,000 Makati residents benefited from free medical services at the joint medical mission of the local government and the Mercury Drug Foundation (MDF) held at selected covered courts throughout the city recently.

Dubbed “Operation Bigay Lunas” (OBL), the medical mission was conducted as part of the celebration of Mercury Drug’s 71st founding anniversary. Residents received free medicines and consultation for their illnesses.


In his welcome remarks during the activity, Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” V. Peña expressed his deep appreciation for the MDF’s undertaking.

“We are very much grateful with the kindness and generosity of Mercury Drug. While we in Bagong Makati never stop working in providing for the health needs of our constituents as it remains one of the top priorities of my administration, we always welcome and appreciate similar initiatives from the private sector,” Peña said.

During the whole-day medical mission, the MDF deployed some 60 doctors, nurses and staff from different medical societies in Rizal and another 50 in Palanan. The city government also augmented this number with 19 additional doctors and medical personnel from the Makati Health Department (MHD).

Likewise, workers from various barangay health centers in the city have also participated in the medical mission. The Office of the Mayor has provided food for both medical teams of MDF and the city government.

Now on its 18th year, OBL is a lead program of MDF in collaboration with local government units in the country. It is an annual medical mission conducted every 1st of March, in celebration to Mercury Drug’s foundation day. Some 1.7 million Filipinos have already benefited from the program since its inception in 1998.

At present, Makati residents upon enrollment in the Makati Health Plus (MHP) program, enjoy the benefits of a Yellow Card holder including free outpatient consultations and subsidized inpatient care in the fields of surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, medicine, ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology and orthopedics at the city-run Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) in Barangay Pembo.

Program beneficiaries are also entitled for free consultation in the city’s 26 barangay health centers where medical services include maternal and child care, and elderly care among others.

A gem of a dining experience at Makati Diamond Residences’ Alfred’s

(Malaya)

BUFFET restaurants are the mainstays of hotels all over the world and Metro Manila is no exception. However, not all buffet restaurants are equal.

They can range from the uninspired to the sublime, a gustatory delight to discerning diners. Makati Diamond Hotel, the first hotel property of Philippine giant San Miguel Corp. which opened its doors to the public less than a year ago, aims to distinguish itself from the usual hotel fare with the launch of their champagne brunch promo.

Diners can enjoy a scrumptious brunch with a well-curated selection of dishes every weekend until March 20 for only P1,000 net per person while a champagne buffet will be available every weekday evening from 6 to 9 PM for only P850 per person. To pair the sumptuous food, Alfred’s is offering 4 different champagnes which include producers such as Jean-Vesselle and Delamont.

Among the standouts of the buffet spread are huge slabs of US Angus Ribeye steaks, and racks of Australian lambs. For seafood lovers, there are grilled tiger prawns and a whole sea bass cooked in a salt crust. These can be paired with portions of whole heads of cauliflowers baked in the oven, roasted heads of garlic, grilled mushrooms of either of the 2 pasta dishes. For Filipino foodies, there is lechon de leche which can be paired with their pinakbet rice. Strips of crunchy bagnet also up the richness of the rice.

In the appetizers section, diners can choose from a variety of hors d’oeuvres like mushroom tartlets, small quiches and croquettes. They can also have their salads tossed inside a whole wheel of parmesan cheese. However, the star of the show in the appetizer station is the Raclette station. Here, Swiss Raclette cheese is melted to a gooey delight, lightly seasoned with finely crushed black pepper and served with boiled baby potatoes and pickled pearl onions.

As an additional bonus, during the dinner champagne buffet, diners will be able to enjoy 4 types of Spanish hams. There is a leg of jamon Serrano, 2 regional varieties of jamon iberico, and the king of Spanish ham, jamin iberico de bellota which comes from Iberian black pigs which forage for acorns in the oak forests of Spain before they are slaughtered.

MMDA donates tons of campaign tarps to educational advocacy group

(MMDA/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)

MAKATI CITY, 4 March (PIA) – The campaign fever is definitely on, but for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ‘Oplan Baklas’ or the removal of illegally posted election campaign posters and streamers is also on.

The operation resulted to the removal of tons of campaign tarps that MMDA recently donated to a Church-based non-government organization (NGO) that provides educational needs of children in remote parts of the country.

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos personally turned over two tons of campaign tarpaulins to the Babuyan Islands Missions, a collaboration with priests led by Fr. Joemar Sibug of the Dominican missions of Sto. Domingo Church and other NGOs like the Black Pencil group.

Carlos said the MMDA is more than willing to donate the campaign materials to benefit the people, especially those who need them most.

“Primarily these materials will be re-purposed and made into backpacks for the students in remotest areas of the country,” the MMDA chief said adding that the material is waterproof.

Meanwhile, Mon Corpuz of the Babuyan Island Missions said that aside from the Babuyan Islands, their group will be distributing the backpacks, containing some school supplies, to Southern Palawan and Batanes.

“We want to give dignity to the students who will be attending school this semester with the backpacks made from the tarps,” Corpuz added.

Earlier, the MMDA also turned over more than a ton of confiscated campaign tarpaulins to the members of environmental group, Eco-Waste Coalition, which will recycle into bags and other useful items.

E-vehicle industry enters talks to supply Thai counterparts

By Daphne J. Magturo (Reporter)

THE PHILIPPINE and Thai electric vehicle sectors yesterday announced the potential for trade links between the two countries, with Manila ready to export “bulky” vehicle parts as early as this year to take advantage of zero tariffs within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community. “We see a potential for collaboration between the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) as both are strong trading partners and are neighbors,” EVAP President Rommel T. Juan said during a joint media briefing on Manufacturing Expo 2016 at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.

Asked for a target timetable to start exports, EVAT President Yossapong Laoonual said in the same venue: “We just started discussions today and we will see how we can work together. We’d like to introduce more of the Thai companies and also invite the academe side from the Philippines to work together with us.”

Mr. Laoonual said his group sees an “opportunity to take advantage of the zero tariff base which will enable automakers in ASEAN to penetrate markets in neighboring countries,” as well as accelerate the sector’s growth in the bloc.

The Philippines plans to manufacture the “bulky parts,” while Thailand can produce “power trains including the motors,” according to EVAP.

Bangkok’s industry is still “young” as EVAT started operations just last year, but Manila-based manufacturers are now “ready” to export should the need arise.

“It can be started this year, we just have to find the market first. The companies in the Philippines are ready if the market requires it,” Mr. Juan said in an interview after the event.

The is the first time the Philippines has partnered with a fellow ASEAN member state for electric vehicle exports. It is also in talks with Japan and Taiwan for similar deals.

While Mr. Juan said there is an opportunity in the ASEAN bloc’s “single market and elimination of tariff barriers,” he also acknowledged that Thailand may have an advantage over the Philippines.

“The Thai automotive industry is more advanced. They have bigger factories, high tech facilities and lower utilities,” he explained. “It might be challenging to compete with them.”

EVAP said it is on track to meet its target of deploying one million electric vehicles on the road by 2020, and the partnership with Thailand can help “accelerate” its progress.

At present, five foreign companies have set up shop in the Philippines to cash in on the growing local electric vehicle sector.

Pena Banks On Faster, Modern Motorcycles For PSD Personnel To Avert Traffic Gridlocks

(Makati Official Website)

In a bid to address traffic-related problems in the city faster, Makati Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña, Jr. recently led the turnover of 48 brand new, modern motorcycle units to the city’s Public Safety Department (PSD).

Peña, an avid motorcycle rider himself, said that with the additional motorcycle units, PSD personnel can now serve city motorists and pedestrians faster since they can easily navigate the city’s busy streets to attend to traffic-related issues and concerns.

“With these new and modern motorcycle units, Makati residents and transients no longer have to wait long for deputized traffic personnel who can provide them assistance and resolve traffic-related problems promptly to prevent traffic gridlocks. These include towed vehicles and vehicular accidents that can happen any time of the day,” Peña said.

Earlier, Peña ordered the PSD to extend its office hours until 10pm from Monday to Friday. The agency has introduced a new working shift which starts at 2pm until 10pm, in addition to its regular 8 am to 5pm regular working hours.

Arch. Elmer Cabrera, PSD officer-in-charge, assured the mayor that PSD traffic investigators will be available until 10pm to accommodate clients and provide immediate assistance on their urgent concerns.

“The motorcycles have been assigned to PSD personnel including inspector, riders, task force members, team leaders, investigators and supervisors,” Cabrera said. He added that these personnel are expected to conduct patrolling, inspection, site investigation, emergency response and discharge of their daily functions without being hampered by heavy traffic.

After the turnover, the motorcycles were brought to the Our Lady of La Paz Parish to be blessed. Cabrera said the blessing of vehicles is a ceremony that PSD strongly subscribes to for the safety of their riders and users. After the blessing of the motorcycles by Fr. Gabriel V. Garcia, PSD personnel immediately proceeded to their designated posts to carry out their duties.

With the increased mobility of PSD personnel, Cabrera expressed confidence they will be able to render more efficient services to the public.

Region 12 stakeholders gear for travel, trade expo in Makati

(PNA), FFC/AVE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 1 (PNA) -- Region 12 stakeholders have stepped up their preparations for an upcoming regional travel and trade expo that will be held in Makati City.

Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 director, said they are currently finalizing the arrangements for the exposition, which will mainly feature the region’s top products and world-class tourist destinations.

Dubbed “Treasures of SOX: a Travel and Trade Expo,” the event is slated on April 11 to 14 at the Glorietta Mall’s activity center in Ayala Center, Makati.

DOT 12 adopted SOX last year as monicker for Region 12, or Soccsksargen, in its promotion efforts.

The region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“We’re bringing together various stakeholders to make a grand sales pitch for the region’s best of the best products and tourist attractions,” Dillera said during the event’s formal launching in Koronadal City on Monday afternoon.

The expo is a regional convergence initiative spearheaded by the DOT-12 and the city government of Koronadal, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-12, Department of Agriculture (DA)-12, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-12 and the Department of Agrarian Reform-12.

It is also supported by Region 12’s four provincial and five city local government units (LGUs), tourism players and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Dillera said they are targeting the participation of 40 to 50 exhibitors from the region in the four-day expo.

She said DA-12 has committed to support 20 exhibitors composed of farmers and farm-based groups, while DTI-12 is sending an additional 20 MSMEs.

These exhibits will include top products from parts of the region such as coffee, muscovado, fresh and processed tuna, organic rice, T’nalak fabric, processed fruits and various indigenous arts and crafts.

DOLE-12 is also planning to send some beneficiaries of its livelihood programs and projects to join the exhibit, she said.

During the event, the official said they will hold daily travel fairs featuring the area’s tourist destinations, among them the famed Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, Asik-Asik Falls and Mt. Apo in North Cotabato and the white sand beaches of Sarangani.

She said they will conduct sales calls wherein local tour operators will meet with potential buyers and market the area’s tour packages.

The packages include transportation, tourist guides, accommodation and food, and entrance fees to the tourist destinations, she said.

Dillera said they have already scheduled meetings with members of the Philippines Tour Operators Association and the Philippine Travel Association.

She said DTI and DA will lead business matching activities with potential investors in agriculture-based industries and tourism-related ventures.

Local tourism players and LGUs have prepared presentations of their tourism plans as well as site and business plans to prospective investors.

Dillera said they are targeting to generate around PHP10 million in sales for local products and another PHP10 million for tourism packages.

To add “color and excitement,” Dillera said daily cultural performances highlighting the region’s indigenous peoples and fashion shows will be held at the venue.

She said the local governments of Koronadal and South Cotabato have enlisted famed fashion designer Jared Servano, who hails from the area, to showcase his works.

Servano is a runner-up in the 2015 edition of popular television fashion show Project Runway Philippines and has just showcased his designs in a fashion exhibit in London.

Dillera added that they will also hold a “SOX parade” around Ayala Center and host press conferences to further promote the region.

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