Makati City News November 2017

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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

3D pedestrian lane featured at a Makati mall

By Joan Nano (UNTV News & Rescue)

MANILA, Philippines – A video posted by Adrian Carreon has become a trending topic on social media, Tuesday.

It shows a seemingly floating pedestrian lane. It is the newest 3D pedestrian lane located in front of a mall in Circuit Makati City, which, according to the mall management was designed after a pedestrian lane in Iceland.

Based on the studies conducted by some experts, 3D designs of pedestrian lanes can be a mechanism for the motorists to be more cautious when driving.

And because of the optical illusion being created with 3D art, drivers will be compelled to slow down upon approaching the pedestrian lane.

Sherwin Saavedra, the estate manager of Circuit Makati and Ayala Triangle Gardens said, they decided to use different designs to discipline pedestrians and encourage them to use the lane.

“If you look at it from afar parang naka-float yung tumatawid (the person crossing seems to be floating). Actually it’s just an illusion. Kapag nilapitan mo naman siya (If you move closer) it will just look like an ordinary pedestrian lane,” said Saavedra.

However, some said it can lead to accident as the illusion can confuse the drivers. A road expert thinks otherwise.

According to Engineer Alberto Suansing the Secretary General of Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership, 3D designs of pedestrian lanes are safe to use and is already trusted in other countries since it went through a thorough study.

“There is nothing wrong with that it’s just that the motorist, number one, should be familiar with those 3D pedestrian lanes. It’s a matter of educating them, it’s being done somewhere else in big cities, hindi lang tayo sanay sa ganon (we’re just not used to it),” Suansing said.

Suansing added that this kind of pedestrian lane can also be used in other areas in Metro Manila.

Currently, the management of the mall is yet to finish the painting of the pedestrian lanes.

Apart from 3D, they are also planning to use different designs in all of the pedestrian lanes surrounding the mall.

Makati gives out anti-JE vaccines

By Joel E. Zurbano

The Makati City government on Monday launched a Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination program for some 60,000 public school students and city government employees after health officials warned that the number of deaths related to the disease could continue to rise.

There were already nine reported deaths in the country as of September, according to the Department of Health.

Mayor Abigail Binay led the program at the Makati City Hall where top city officials, councilors and department heads were vaccinated against the deadly mosquito-borne virus.

Makati is the first local government unit in the country to implement a public vaccination program against Japanese Encephalitis.


“As Mayor, I would like nothing more than see the city’s children healthy and protected from all possible illnesses. After the success of our dengue vaccination in August and September, as well as our on-going flu vaccine drive, we have decided that it would be in their best interest to also be protected against Japanese Encephalitis,” said Binay.

She added that JE vaccination was also included in the Employees Health and Wellness Program, which focuses on preventive care.

Binay gave Makati Health Department officer in charge Dr. Bernard Sese the directive to vaccinate all city government employees as well as public school students from Kinder to Grade 6. All in all, the first run of the JE vaccination program will cover some 60,000 individuals.


The vaccination program for employees will run until the end of December this year, while the one for students will start in January, 2018. The MHD is still completing the flu vaccinations for public school children.

Sese noted that since this is a new vaccine, they plan to coordinate with the Parent Teacher Associations to educate parents about the dangers of Japanese Encephalitis and encourage them to sign their children’s vaccination consent forms. The MHD is strictly implementing the “no consent form, no vaccination” policy in all its programs.


Japanese Encephalitis or JE is a disease spread by day- and night-biting infected Culex mosquitoes. It is more common in rural agricultural areas, often associated with cultivation and flood irrigation.


The Department of Health reported 133 patients diagnosed with JE between January 1 and August 26; 53 were from Central Luzon. It added that nine persons died because of the disease.

Moreover, 20 percent to 30 percent of infected patients eventually die while those who survive have to live through extreme side effects, which include seizures and convulsions, motor deficit, and severe cognitive and language problems.


According to reports, Japanese Encephalitis is found in all regions of the Philippines and affects mostly children below 15 years old.


The DOH urged local officials, leaders and families to intensify mosquito prevention and control measures at home and in the community, and to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes, particularly in high-risk areas.

The Health department stated that JE is a viral disease characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Most persons who get infected have no telltale signs and symptoms 5 to 15 days after being bitten by a mosquito.

Signs and symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and in severe cases, neck stiffness, seizures, paralysis, and coma which may lead to death. Severe cases require prompt hospitalization. Treatment remains supportive only. Those who recover from severe illness may still show signs of neurologic complications such as paralysis, recurrent seizures or inability to speak.

LIST: 12 dens of Christmas

By Jan Milo Severo with Reports from Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo and Kristel Dacumos-Lagorza (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines — Christmas is just around the corner and that means celebration to many Filipino families!

Since the Philippines arguably has the longest Yuletide season in the planet, it offers a variety of ways to celebrate the holiday.

A month before the birth of Jesus Christ, different malls in the Metropolis are dressing themselves for Christmas, giving mall goers the season “feels” they badly needed to counter a stressful city life.

Whether you are looking for inspiration or for new experiences to share with family and friends, here are some holiday destinations and celebrations to check out.

1. Circus Christmas

The SM Mall of Asia Atrium has morphed into a circus as London’s Acrobat Troupe gave mall goers an incredible highly skilled cirque display during the lighting ceremony of the mall’s 50-foot Christmas tree.

The Acrobat Troupe has performed across Europe, the Middle East and Asia at film premiers, corporate and sporting events, private parties and public events such as the London 2012 Olympics.

Also, the MOA Christmas squad, namely Leo the Lion, Hailey the Hippo, Gerry the Giraffe, Macky the Monkey, Cyril the Squirrel, Benny the Bunny, Ellie the Elephant and Hanna the Panda, were present during the launch.

There will be also a Grand Festival of Lights happening in the mall on November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23 and 25.

2. Christmas under the sea

A 360 degree LED tunnel that brings you under the sea; a giant Christmas tree glowing with jelly fish, corals, and mystical elements like mermaids; and pastel holiday wreaths studded with pearls. These are just among the multi-sensory treats to enjoy as Christmas comes to SM Aura Premier with an “Under the Sea” theme.

Giant shells and corals greet shoppers as they enter the mall, whose underwater inspired design captures the beauty and elegance of creatures found under the sea merged with a magical Christmas experience. Christmas, after all, is all about magic. And as they enter the curved 360 degree LED tunnel at the Atrium, mall goers can enjoy an immersive experience. Here, they can view clear, crisp underwater images – sharks, manta rays, and other underwater sea creatures swimming above and around them, even on the LED flooring that simulates being on a seabed.

The “Under the Sea” theme was recently launched with Taguig City Vice Mayor Ricardo ‘Ading” Cruz, Jr., Councilor Pammy Zamora and Acting Chief of Bureau of Immigration Atty. Arnulfo Maminta as special guests. They were joined by SM SVP for Operations Steven Tan, SVP for Marketing Jon Jon Agustin and AVP for Operations Bernice Baculi.

During the event, which included the lighting of its giant mystical and elegant Christmas tree, the 80-piece Bernie Pasamba Orchestra and the Philippine Women’s University Choir serenaded the audience with Christmas songs.

3. Northern lights in the Metro

Witness a magnificent Christmas spectacle as Ayala Land Inc., in the spirit of gratitude, brings its highly acclaimed lights and sounds show to Quezon City this year.

Vertis Northern Lights is an enchanting Christmas fete patterned after Makati’s Festival of Lights. It is located in northern Metro Manila this holiday season, right in the heart of Quezon City. Beyond spreading magical moments, the show aims to bring people together in the spirit of gratitude for the many joys that Christmas brings.

A giant Cathedral exquisitely covered with thousands of lights comes ablaze at the Vertis North grounds, transforming it into a magical wonderland that brings to life the wonders of Christmas. The theme was inspired by the Filipino culture of attending Simbang Gabi, where Christmas season in the Philippines begins. This goes back to the idea of the Vertis Northern Lights signifying the start of Christmas in Vertis North.

Veering away from the traditional red and green Christmas colors, the cathedral is draped with thousands of LED lights for the full production which includes cyber spheres, meteor lights, intelligent lights, and laser lights that produce a variety of hues.

This world-class lights and sounds show will run until January 8, 2018 at Vertis North Mall. 4. Celebrity bazaar Makati's Christmas decors are adorned with over 250,000 sparkling lights that form intricate patterns of native Filipino weaves such as the Inabel and Burdado of Luzon, Banig Tikogo of Visayas and T’boli, Ukol and Yakan of Mindanao.

Circuit Makati officially welcomes Christmas by lighting up the magnificent 56-foot tall Christmas Tree that towers majestically over the city’s new upbeat lifestyle and entertainment destination.

Adorned with over 250,000 sparkling lights that form intricate patterns of native Filipino weaves such as the Inabel and Burdado of Luzon, Banig Tikogo of Visayas and T’boli, Ukol and Yakan of Mindanao, the Circuit Makati tree is an extension of the Christmas wonderland now found at the Makati thoroughfares Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue.

The Christmas tree lighting also coincides with the opening of Pop Up Town, which is taking place at two locations this year – Circuit Makati and Arca South. The bazaar features the Star Avenue section, which offers fun brands and pre-loved items from Janice de Belen, Kaila Estrada, Inah de Belen, Ara Mina, Danita Paner, Maricar Reyes Poon, Marissa Sanchez, Nene Tamayo, Nikki Valdez, Christine Babao, Maria Isabel Lopez, Mara Lopez, Gretchen Fullido, and Miriam Quiambao, among others.

5. A new haven in the north

Envisioned to become one of Metro Manila’s master-planned, contemporary green urban developments, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf boasts a mix of business, retail, dining and lifestyle entertainment options – all of which is brought together on the 11-hectare estate.

For residents of Camanava and other nearby provinces, you do not need to travel for long hours to visit a mall as Ayala Malls Cloverleaf is now open to the public this holiday season.

Envisioned to become one of Metro Manila’s master-planned, contemporary green urban developments, the mall boasts a mix of business, retail, dining and lifestyle entertainment options – all of which is brought together on the 11-hectare estate.

It also features several residential projects led by Avida and Alveo, five towers featuring office spaces for various enterprises. It also houses several mall anchors, including Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, and six cinemas, which aim to bring everything one needs, from fashion to tech, home and other novelty items. Also available are international brands such as H&M and Uniqlo, as well as fitness brands Anytime Fitness and Slimmers World.

The mall has also become a new foodie destination with an array of dining options, which aim to excite the palate and delight food lovers.

6. Celebrating the traditions of Christmas

Located in 5th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Central Square aims to bring in more cheer and merry into the holidays with a slew of fun activities, gift ideas and inspirations, and promos and shopping deals.

Central Square’s Christmas workshops are held every Saturday of December from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. On December 2, let the kids discover the joy of gift-giving as they learn how to put their personal touch on presents during the gift-wrapping workshop.

The mall’s cookie-decorating workshop is on December 9. Come December 16, kids can learn how to deck the halls and decorate their Christmas trees with their own Christmas socks.

There will be weekend holiday parades, featuring Hamley’s well-loved characters from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Take pictures with Santa Clause at his corner every Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Group chorales serenade mall-goers with their Christmas carols every Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

7. Festival of lights

Until January 7, the Ayala Triangle Gardens brings back its signature lights and sound show, which has captivated thousands of Filipinos for the past eight years.

The light show is choreographed by award-winning director Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia. More than 1.6 million LED lights were used for the light show, adding brilliance while staying environmentally sustainable. Musical scoring for the three medleys were beautifully arranged by acclaimed musicians and composers.

The musical medleys have three distinct themes – Pinoy Fiesta by Roy del Valle, Traditional Christmas by Von de Guzman, and Techno by Tris Sunguitan. One medley will be staged every 30 minutes nightly. Each one boasts of a different mood, pace, and rhythm, while retaining the Christmas cheer that brings people together and envelopes everyone in the spirit of the season.

“We want Christmas to be magical for everyone, which is why we have continued with this beautiful Christmas tradition that brings people together and lets them feel the joys of the season,” said Shiella Aguilar, Ayala Land Project Development Head for Makati.

For added holiday cheer, Ayala Land is also bringing the lights and sound show to its various estates across the country. It will be held at Vertis North, Nuvali, Bonifacio Global City, Centrio, and Ayala Center Cebu.

The majestic Festival of Lights has made it to the coveted list of Conde Nast Traveler’s Most Spectacular Lights in the World, in the company of distinguished luminaries such as the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, the holiday lights display at the legendary Champs-Elysees in Paris and Japan’s Kobe Luminarie.

The show will run daily every half hour from 6 to 10 p.m.

8. Respite from the ‘holi-daze’

For those looking for a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, Shangri-La Plaza boasts of two wings that house stores offering premium products and services. Bo’s Coffee Primo is a good chill spot for those looking to get some work or reading done.

The Institute of Creative Entrepreneurship, located at the Lower Ground Level of the East Wing, offers beginner, advance, and mastery courses for a wide array of art- and business-related subjects such as Fashion Design, Sewing, Styling, and Makeup.

For skincare, there is Skin 101 that offers a 45-minute Whitening or Seaweed Facial. Likewise, The Spa has an Aroma Facial Massage service that aims to soothe the face to reduce tension and boost blood circulation. Meanwhile, the Nail Spa at Level 5 has Express Hands or Express Feet services.

9. BGC Arts Center Festival

Immerse yourself in a visual and cultural experience at the upcoming BGC Arts Center Festival, a three-day event that features the works of various artists in the performing and visual arts on November 24 to 26. This month’s theme is titled “Champions of Passion: Soulful Feats of Art.”

The Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) has been passionate about using art, through the BGC Arts Center and the ArtBGC program, to highlight the crucial role of artistic endeavors in elevating lives. It will also be held alongside the yearly “Passion Fest” celebration along Bonifacio High Street.

For the November festival, there are two connected “Passion Eyepieces” to experience.

First, there are murals redefining the façade of nine building surfaces in BGC, injecting a creative flair and dynamic vibe within the community. These murals depicting various themes were done by individual artists and artist groups – most of them, Pinto artists, and one mural was a collaboration of foreign and local talents.

One mural was a collaboration made by artists from South Korea and ASEAN countries. This was initiated by the Korean Cultural Center as they partnered with the National Commission for Culture and Arts, and the Bonifacio Art Foundation, to visualize a “merging” that represents the friendship across borders.

To complement the murals, another “Passion Eyepiece” to be held at the BGC Arts Center features performing arts to show audiences passion embodied in human movement and sounds. Watch two separate performances by Steps Dance Studio: one animated by young choreographers and the other, to the timeless music of Sting, titled “I Got Stung.”

To play the music that scales the highs and lows of daily lives, there is “Lupa ng Araw,” a concert by the Silangan Chamber Guitar Ensemble and an outdoor serenade of Christmas Carols by the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

Various plays and musicals will be held on topics such as life and love. Watch how whimsical mischief yields real-life lessons in “The Glitter Trap” by Upstart Productions; 2013 Pulitzer-prize winning drama on how politics shapes personal identity in “Disgraced” by Twin Bill Theater; or how passion for a traditional delicacy deals with the imperative of change in “Maria, AngBinibini ng Bibingka” by Make Believe Productions.

Discover “after-life” perplexities revealed in ‘Waiting Area” by Antrosininglaya Theatre Company; “Tao Po,” a monologue on the affirmation of humanity by Juana Change; and refreshing experimental theater with “Two is Bitter Than One” by Ampalaya Monologues X Una Productions.

There is also “BisRock: GugmangGiatay” by Cebu-based 2 Tin Cans Philippines; the many faces and masks of love in “Ricky Lee’s Para Kay B” by Tabsing Kolektib; and an original musical “My Suite Princess” by community theatre group BGC Passion Collective.

Children and their families can also look forward to a range of activities that will help them develop their appreciation for the arts. The list includes participative storytelling and art workshops by My Masterpiece Movement in 2 sets: Artful Retellings of Timeless Tales – “#MMPowerWithin,” a Wizard of Oz-inspired sand-art performance; and “#CuriouserAndCuriouser,” an Alice-in-Wonderland inspired shadow play performance.

Get entertained with an improv performance by SPIT Manila titled “Pasyon//Passion,” and learn through an improv workshop by Third World Improv entitled “Never Say ‘Pass Yon’.” Hone your art skills and unleash your inner artist through live art workshops offered by Pens N Brushes Philippines, a watercolor workshop by Alessa Lanot, and a paper-cutting workshop by Mary Joy Roxas. Lastly, do not miss Toym Imao's art installation “Desaparecidos” (The Disappeared), 43 figures which represent those left behind by victims of forced disappearance during Martial Law.

10. A piece of France in the Philippines

With the expensive flights and the lack of time, traveling to the most romantic city in the world, Paris, France, is hard to squeeze in for most people. But avid travelers and explorers who are drawn by the country’s particular culture, history and the arts can find a piece of it in Makati City.

For the first time in history, the original Eiffel Tower Staircase leaves its home in Paris and finds a new – albeit temporary - “home” at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 3. The grand staircase – which measures five meters high and 1.7 meters thick, and weighing 1.7 tons – is part of the iconic French monument which was unveiled in 1889. It will be on display for the viewing public in Greenbelt 3 Sunken Garden until January 15, 2018.

The Eiffel Tower was deemed the tallest tower in the world at the time, and represented “France’s industrial and cultural strength, becoming the global symbol of French ingenuity, craftsmanship and engineering perfection.”

Janat Paris, the renowned Parisian Tea House, is credited for bringing the iconic structure to the Philippines. Janat Parishas a long, proud history with the Eiffel Tower, developing the Janat French Oak Tea, which was first served at the inauguration of the Exposition Universelle in 1889. In addition, matriarch JanatDores and Gustave Eiffel, the engineer and architect of the Eiffel tower, shared a unique friendship.

“This unique and rare opportunity celebrates not only the enduring friendship between France and the Philippines, but also ourshared vision and values,” said Joseph Reyes, Ayala Malls Assistant Vice President, and Area Head of Central & South Malls.

11. Quezon Province celebrates Niyogyugan 2017

As the number one coconut-producing province in the country, Quezon celebrates the 5th year of Niyogyugan Festival dubbed as “the celebration of the tree of life” to further improve the province's coconut industry and to showcase each of the municipalities’ and cities’ products.

An interplay of “niyog” (coconut) and “yugyog” (to move a beat), Niyogyugan 2017 is so far the grandest edition of the feast as all 39 municipalities and 2 cities of Quezon Province joined this year and over half a million tourists visited their festival.

“What makes this year’s Niyogyugan Festival is all the 39 municipalities and two cities of Quezon join this year’s festivities. Lahat po sila may booth dun sa kapitolyo. Sumali po sila dito para ibenta ang kanilang mga produkto at para na rin ipakilala ang kanilang bayan,” acting head of the Quezon Tourism Office Alberto Bay Jr. said.

In the provincial capitol, 41 colorful and stunning booths showcased each municipalities’ and cities’ products and they are vividly attractive as guests lined up to have photos and buy each place’s delicacies: from Lambanog of Tayabas to Lucban’s Longganisa.

This year’s two-week celebration, which covers the commemoration of the birth of the late President Manuel Quezon, has different activities such as Binibining Niyogyugan 2017, Grand Blood Donation Activity, Tagisan ng Pag-Awit, Niyogyugan Triathlon, Araw ng mga Guro, Araw ng Pamilyang Magsasaka, Dog Show, Grand Parade and Float Competition and Street Dancing Competition.

With the theme “Tara Na Sa Quezon, Niyogyugan Na!,” the float competition drew 22 floats and 22 street dancing participants in this year’s festivities - three participants higher as compared to last year.

Ultimately, the festival’s goal is “Paunlarin ang industriya ng niyog, Maging sikat muli ang Quezon Province sa larangan ng niyog, ‘pag niniyog at mga produktong galing sa niyog,” said Bay.

Bay also said that the provincial government allotted an appropriated budget for the festival. “The budget is appropriated for the festival. Ang hindi mabibilang ay yung intangibles na makukuha namin sa Niyogyugan Festival.”

He, however, admitted that the Niyogyugan Festival is not yet ready for the international market because they cannot provide what the foreigners need. Thus, for now, they only target 38 million people in Calabarzon as well as millions in Metro Manila.

“Makakuha lang kami ng five million people dun. OK na kami,” Bay said.

12. Hong Kong's new “A Symphony of Lights”

A spectacular new version of the internationally acclaimed nightly multi-media light show “A Symphony of Lights” will light up the sky over Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour starting December 1. Featuring dynamic lighting effects with a stunning new musical score, the world-class light show will dazzle and delight millions of visitors.

The new version of “A Symphony of Lights” will be performed from 8 p.m. The 10-minute multi-media light show above Victoria Harbour incorporates a variety of exciting lighting effects, including colored searchlights, laser and beam lights sent out in rhythm from 40 buildings and sites on both sides of the harbor.

The performance will also for the first time feature LED panels on a number of harbor side buildings, displaying interactive images and messages to encourage audience participation. The light show will be complemented by music from one of Asia’s leading classical orchestras, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, providing visitors with a thrilling and unforgettable sound-and-light experience.

Situated in the heart of Kowloon along the legendary Canton Road, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, an iconic favorite for many Hong Kong based families and a preferred destination for business and leisure travelers, recently completed an extensive upgrade to its building facade as part of continued quality improvements.

Situated in the heart of Kowloon along the legendary Canton Road, the hotel, an iconic favourite for many Hong Kong based families and a preferred destination for business and leisure travellers, recently completed an extensive upgrade to its building facade as part of continued quality improvements.

The landmark hotel is renowned for providing warm and welcoming quality service and is a popular choice known for its harbour views of one of the world's most recognized skylines.

The hotel is part of Wharf Hotels, a Hong Kong-based hotel management company currently operating 15 owned or managed hotels in Hong Kong, China and the Philippines.

Makati City exceeds 2017 revenue target

By Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren

Makati City has already surpassed its P14.5-billion revenue target for 2017 by 6 percent as of October.

In a report to Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Office of the City Treasurer officer-in-charge Jesusa Cuneta said the city earned P15.5 billion in revenues from January to October, topping by 12 percent the collections made during the same period last year.

The mayor expressed her gratitude to the city’s taxpayers for their contributions, and vowed to continue pursuing reforms and innovations towards “more efficient, responsive and compassionate public service.”

“We are heartened by the positive outcome of the changes we have introduced into the processes and systems at City Hall. We wish to reassure our stakeholders, including the business community, that we are firmly committed to raising Makati’s competitiveness level in all aspects of governance,” Mayor Binay said.

Based on the city treasurer’s report, the bulk of revenues came from business tax with a total of P8.2 billion as of October, which is 97 percent of target and nine per cent higher than last year.

Real property tax came in second with P5.4 billion or 129 percent of target, exceeding the previous year’s.

Makati police nab spa owner, masseurs for alleged prostitution

By Jhoanna Ballaran (Reporter, INQUIRER.net /je)

The Makati City police arrested on Tuesday night a spa owner and six masseurs who were reportedly engaged in prostitution, a police official said Wednesday.

Makati City Police Station 2 chief Gerardo Umayao said after several weeks of surveillance and a tip from an informant, elements of the city police’s Special Operations Unit conducted operation at Green Palace Spa in Brgy. (village) Poblacion at 11:13 p.m. on Tuesday.

The operation led to the arrest of the spa owner, John Martin Ibe, 30; and massage attendants identified as: Lester dela Cruz, 22; Anolowil Vicera, 25; Alvin Cardinas, 28; Elmer Agquiz, 28; Jay Mark Estevel, 20; and Ralph Oliver Lim, 29.

Authorities recovered P2,000 marked money, the spa’s P15,620 earnings, six mobile phones, one laptop, and different booking receipts allegedly used for their business.

Umayao said that under its modus operandi, the spa allows customers to book appointments through its website. It also offers variety of massages—including naked body-to-body massage and “special services”–with corresponding fees.

Photos of men in skimpy underwear are also posted on the spa’s website.

Otico hurdles 1st match in Phinma-PSC juniors netfest

By Jean Malanum (PNA)

MANILA -- Five Filipinos, led by top seed John Bryan Otico, marched to the second round of the boys' singles category in the Phinma-PSC International Juniors 2 at the Manila Polo Club indoor clay courts in Makati City on Wednesday.

Otico defeated Japanese Nowa Matsubayashi, 6-3, 6-2, to advance against Malaysian Ahmad Farid, who survived Hong Kong's Tang Kyle Lok Yin, 7-5, 1-6, 6-2.

Joining Otico in the next round are third seed Arthur Craig Pantino, sixth seed Michael Francis Eala, Manuel Balce III, and wild card Jose Maria Pague.

Pantino, last week's runner-up, downed Taiwanese Kung Chun Jui, 6-2, 6-1, to advance against Hong Kong qualifier Lee Marvin Mang Hin, a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Filipino wild card Marco Ayala.

Eala outplayed Japanese qualifier Mikihisa Matsuzaki, 6-3, 6-4, to advance against Indonesian Jerali Yasin, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Chinese Xie Yu Lun.

Balce pulled off a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Hong Kong's Chan Man San to forge a second-round meeting with second seed Japanese Shunsuke Mitsui, who won over Filipino wild card Joseph Gabriel Tiamson, 6-3, 6-4.

Pague eliminated No. 8 Chinese Zeng Sida, 7-5, 6-3, to advance against Japanese Kei Manaka, a 6-2, 6-3 winner over Filipino Matthew Garcia.

Other matches saw No. 4 Japanese Taiyo Yamanaka winning over Filipino wild card Jose Antonio Tria, 6-2, 6-2; No. 5 Indonesian Odeda Muhammad Arazza beating Filipino qualifier Sebastien Lhuillier, 6-0, 6-1; and No. 7 Malaysian Shamirul Shahril Mohd Adam Das trouncing Singaporean Justin Oeni, 6-4, 6-3.

In the girls' singles category, Shaira Hope Rivera won her first-round match against Thailand's Lunda Kumhom, 6-2, 6-3, to remain the lone Filipino in the main draw. She will next meet fifth seed Lin Wing Ka of Hong Kong, who won over Singaporean Ashley Kei Yim, 6-1, 6-1.

Second seed Punnin Kovapitukted of Thailand, No. 3 Lisa Mays of Australia, No. 4 Li Xuanjin of China, No. 6 Charmaine Shi Yi of Singapore, and No. 7 Saki Oyama and No. 8 Yuna Ohashi of Japan also earned seats in the second round.

Makati seniors gain gifts

By Joel E. Zurbano

The Makati City government on Thursday announced it has started distributing year-end cash gifts to more than 79,000 senior citizens in time for the holiday season.

The senior citizens, who are beneficiaries of the city’s Blu Card program, will be receiving cash gifts on scheduled dates from Nov. 23 until Dec. 11, 2017.

The Blu Card holders get the annual gift corresponding to their age categories as follows: Beneficiaries 60 to 69 years old will receive P1,500; 70-79 years old, P2,000; and 80-89 years old, P2,500.

This year, the city government allocated P326.2 million for the cash gifts to seniors and centenarians. It is given in two equal installments every June and December.

“We dearly love our elderly Makatizens and we remain committed to giving them a happy life in every way possible. We hope that the cash gift benefit will help defray their expenses for day-to-day needs,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.

The program was launched in 2002 initially to provide financial assistance worth P3,000 to beneficiaries of a Blu Card holder upon his or her demise. It was expanded in 2003 to include financial assistance in the form of a cash gift to augment their budget for daily needs like food and medicine through City Ordinance No. ‪2003-058.

Upon the initiative of Mayor Binay, members of the City Council approved late last year City Ordinance 2016-A-043, granting an additional P1,000 to the annual cash gift of Blu Card holders.

City social welfare department chief Ryan Barcelo said Blu Card holders from barangays Bel-Air, Southside and Sta. Cruz on Thursday got their cash gift at their respective barangay halls.

At the same date and time, the distribution of cash gift for beneficiaries from La Paz and Valenzuela was at their covered courts. For barangay Kasilawan, the venue will be at the covered court of barangay Carmona.

Today, the distribution for barangays Pitogo, San Lorenzo, Pinagkaisahan, Carmona and Singkamas will take place at their barangay halls, while it will be done at the Elderly Wellness Center for the beneficiaries from Tejeros.

Beneficiaries from barangays Olympia (covered court) and Bangkal (barangay hall) are slated on Nov. 27 and 28, while those from barangays Comembo and East Rembo can claim their cash gift at their respective covered courts on Nov. 29.

On Dec. 1 and 2, the distribution will be done at the barangay hall of barangay Rizal and at the covered court of barangay Poblacion.

The distribution from barangay Pembo will take place at their covered court on Dec. 4 and 5 while recipients from barangay Guadalupe Nuevo can get their cash gift at their covered court on Dec. 4, while beneficiaries from barangay West Rembo can claim theirs at their covered court on Dec. 5.

On Dec. 6, the covered courts of barangays South Cembo and San Antonio will be the venue of the cash gift distribution while covered court of barangay Palanan and barangay hall of barangay Guadalupe Viejo will be the venue on Dec. 7.

On Dec. 8, the distribution for barangays Dasmariñas, Cembo and San Isidro will be at their respective barangay halls. For barangay Northside, it will be done at the Makati City Hall Building II.

Blu Card holders from barangays Magallanes, Urdaneta and Forbes Park can claim their cash gift at their respective barangay halls on Dec. 9. Beneficiaries from barangay Pio del Pilar can get theirs at their covered court on Dec. 9 and 11.

In claiming the cash gift, beneficiaries who are unable to come in person can send their duly authorised representative whose name appears at the back of the BLU Card to the Cash Division at the 3rd floor of Makati City Hall. The representative should be able to present a medical certificate as proof of the beneficiaries’ condition, whether bedridden, disabled or confined in a hospital.

Authorization forms are available at the social welfare office at the fifth floor of Makati City Hall. On the other hand, senior citizens who are out-of-town or abroad during the distribution of the cash gift are not entitled to claim said benefit, and authorization presented by a representative will not be honored by the Cash Division.

Blu card holders who have passed on the 16th of November onwards will still be entitled to the yearend cash gift.

The Senior Citizen’s National ID card, also known as the White card or any other Senior Citizen’s card will be honored provided that the senior citizen claims his or her cash gift personally.

Beneficiaries or designated representatives who will not be able to claim their cash gifts on the scheduled date will be given four working days to claim the cash gift at the Ground Floor of the Makati City Hall Building II.

More companies apply as virtual currency transaction conduits

By Joann Villanueva (PNA)

MANILA -- More companies are interested to be part of the virtual currency (VC) transactions in the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said.

To date, the central bank has approved the operations of two companies that have applied to be able to transact VCs. These companies are considered as remittance and transfer companies (RTCs).

“Several more are under evaluation,” Espenilla said in his speech during the Security Bank economic forum 2017 in Makati City Tuesday.

VCs were introduced around 2009 and most famous among these is the Bitcoin, which remain unregulated since no central bank has ever issued it.

It is not backed by any commodity such as gold and silver unlike existing legal tenders and coins.

The BSP’s regulations on VC usage “is essentially aligned with the June 2015 Financial Action Task Force Guidance for a Risk-Based Approach to VCs.”

BSP Circular No. 944 Series of 2017 estates that the central bank “does not intend to endorse any VC, such as Bitcoin, as a currency since it is neither issued or guaranteed by a central bank nor backed by any commodity.”

In an interview, the central bank chief said applicants for VC transactions are considered as money changers because the transactions they would conduct are very simple.

“What they are allowed to do is to exchange a crypto currency into peso equivalent. (It’s) Just moving from normal money to cryptocurrency,” he added.

MMDA catches 684 bus lane violators on Edsa

By Jovic Yee (Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer)

A total of 462 private motorists and 222 bus drivers were apprehended on Monday as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) strictly enforced the bus lane on the entire stretch of Edsa.

Jojo Garcia, MMDA assistant general manager for planning, claimed that as a result, it was able to ease traffic on the busy thoroughfare.

In proving that traffic flow did improve, Garcia said that the point-to-point bus service provided by the MMDA for Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) riders was able to make two trips from Quezon City to Makati City yesterday.

Garcia said that from an hour and a half, the bus service was able to ferry around 200 passengers to MRT 3 Ayala station from North Avenue station in around 50 minutes.

Monday was the first day of the MMDA’s strict enforcement of the bus lane with nearly 700 motorists apprehended in person and also through the agency’s no-contact apprehension policy.

Located on the rightmost portion of the northbound and southbound lanes of Edsa, the bus lane is marked by yellow lines and is for the exclusive use of buses.

Professional group, ING Bank name Limcaoco CFO of the Year

By Kathryn Kristina T. Jose

Global financial-services firm ING Bank and finance professionals group Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) announced on Monday Teodoro K. Limcaoco of Ayala Corp. as its 11th Chief Financial Officer of the Year.

Limcaoco was chosen the ING-Finex CFO of the Year from among the country’s top financial executives in business, government and professional services that focus on social development, capital market growth, good governance, business ethics, education and small and medium enterprises.

As the fifth awardee from the Ayala-led businesses, Limcaoco attributed his success to the diverse training opportunities the corporation has offered him in dealing with the challenges in consumer and institutional businesses and social development projects.

Limcaoco took charge of various decision-maker positions for the corporation, including directorship of Globe Telecom Inc., Ayala Hotels Inc., Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc., Ayala Aviation Corp. and Ayala Education Inc.

However, he said his appointments as president of BPI Capital Corp. and the Bank of the Philippine Island’s thrift arm BPI Family Savings Bank was for him a solid foundation as CFO who can turn theories to practical applications, spot opportunities and troubles and devise efficient and appropriate growth strategies.

“Aurelio ‘Gig’ Montinola III, former head of BPI, who took me in at the bank and allowed me to lead the BPI Cap team first and the BPI Family Bank team later, led by setting clear goals, coaching and challenging. I first disagreed with him when he yanked me out of BPI Cap after three and a half years to be a consumer banker, but Family Bank was where I learned the most,” Limcaoco said in his acceptance speech at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

Limcaoco, who has been a banker for eight years now and served as president of the Chamber of Thrift Banks, board member of the Philippine Stock Exchange and Bankers Association of the Philippines and treasurer of the Ayala Foundation Inc. and Ayala Life Assurance Inc. and president of nonprofit social service organization Rotary Club in Makati West, learned that a CFO has more encompassing duties beyond managing a firm’s finances but also ensuring the health and well-being of all its stakeholders through business operations and culture.

He said this combination would ultimately determine the top CFO in the after years as an agile CFO enabling change, this year’s award theme.

“I have come to believe that my mindset has changed in that, while I still believe that, as managers, we report to our shareholders, our fiduciary responsibility belongs to the company—that is, we need to ensure the longevity and long-term sustainability of the organization we work for. This means that while shareholders have their interests, we need to also just as equally consider the interests of all stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, community—and if necessary, trade off short-term gains for long-term benefits,” Limcaoco said.

Thus, he said the Ayala group under his leadership will further improve its operations, explore resources and consult with various communities, public and private sectors to create sustainable, inclusive and environmentally friendly spaces, products and services in the country.

“Our commitment to work on the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] is part of this effort and I encourage all to look into the SDGs,” Limcaoco said.

Ayala Land, its real-estate development arm, was recently named the Most Socially Responsible Company of the Year at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards in Singapore.

“At Ayala, we are known for large businesses that touch many lives—Ayala Land, BPI, Globe, Manila Water. Lesser known are the nascent businesses we have today that touch a smaller number of lives but are no less important. I relish the fact that we are growing these businesses that make a difference in their communities,” Limcaoco said.

Since he joined the Ayala Corp. in 1998, the business group has grown into a $10.7-billion company in asset terms, ranked 107th among the top global companies by Forbes in May and expanded into community-based projects, along with telecommunications, utilities, logistics, financial and insurance services.

As CFO, Limcaoco also monitors the Family Doc clinics of the Ayalas that provides quality health care to rich and poorer families.

He said a Family Doc clinic in Las Piñas was able to help a baby who suffered from severe dehydration as a consequence of diarrhea.

“That Family Doc clinic in Fenina, Las Piñas cost P5 million to build, and every peso was worth it if only to save people like baby Emma and to educate mothers like Ma’am Sally. Today, we have 21 Family Doc clinics, and have aspirations to grow this network. I am grateful that, as Ayala CFO, I have the opportunity to work with the Family Doc team,” Limcaoco said.

Thus, he said, he encourages younger future CFOs to develop values, such as social responsibility, to overcome the emerging challenges of financial executives who now must not only guide the CEOs but also lead with an overall strategy of the company for its various aspects.

“The reality is this: The success of good governance is not because of rules but because of character. We need to spend more time with our potential successors and with our young professionals to let them realize that character is more important than technical skills,” he said.

“As corporations and businesses evolve to be more responsible to all their stakeholders, so too will the responsibility of a CFO evolve to address and ensure the long-term sustainability of his or her business. This is the challenge we all face and must prepare our successors to address.”

Multinational adopts Makati school for hygiene initiative

By Roderick Abad

GLOBAL company Rentokil Initial has tapped an academic institution in the Philippines to heighten the awareness of proper toilet and handwashing habits, as well as raise the hygiene standards of the Filipino youth.

Makati Gospel Church New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) was chosen by the multinational for its “Adopt-a-School” hygiene program that complements the goals of World Toilet Day.

Rentokil Initial Managing Director Ederine Gee Geneblazo said they picked MGCNLCA for this advocacy because their thrusts in toilet hygiene are aligned with their own program objectives.

“So, it’s a perfect fit,” she said, while citing that developing the mind-set toward proper sanitation should start with the young. “As such, the event program will particularly focus on helping students learn and develop proper toilet and handwashing habits.”

During the program, Rentokil Initial officials and health experts will discuss proper toilet habits and handwashing techniques suited for young students. Employees will also be available to do handwashing demos with the kids.

The adopted school will be provided with toilet-hygiene products for the use of its students and teachers in the school’s comfort rooms, as well as literature for the products’ proper use.

One of the main points of the activity is “When you flush, cover and wash,” which underscores the importance of shielding the toilet bowl whenever they flush to avoid contaminating the air and of washing their hands afterward.

World Toilet Day, which falls on the 19th day of November every year, is an initiative of the United Nations General Assembly.

Its declaration is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals launched in 2015 that include a target to ensure everyone has access to a safely managed household toilet by 2030.

Approximately, there are around 4.5 billion people globally who live without a household toilet that safely disposes of their waste.

“Our advocacy complements the World Toilet Day’s aim of addressing the global need for more toilets, because aside from the dire lack of clean toilets in many communities, studies show that contributory to the spread of diseases is improper sanitation and bad toilet habits,” Geneblazo said.

The “Adopt-a-School” program is part of Rentokil Initial’s ongoing global “Better Future” health-education program aimed at educating communities in developing countries about the importance of personal and environmental hygiene.

This initiative is expected to generally up the ante in hygiene standards globally, targeting everyone, including young students, adult employees and families.

“As experts in the hygiene industry, we have taken it upon ourselves to further educate the community and its schools by developing a more sustainable information and awareness campaign,” the managing director said.

Rentokil Initial is a company that combines the expertise of Rentokil, the world’s leading commercial pest-control services provider, and Initial, the top international commercial hygiene-services firm.

It is currently one of the leading providers of hygiene solutions, offering leading-edge technology, products and services to customers in more than 45 countries, including the Philippines.

Rotary Club Makati West to honor eminent community peacekeepers

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

The Rotary Club Makati West, through its President David Caldwell, recently launched the Albert del Rosario Award (Adra) to recognize outstanding men and women who exemplify the maxim of service above self in their respective communities.

The award was named after Albert F. del Rosario, a sterling Rotarian himself, who exemplified “service above self,” especially in his outstanding tenure as the country’s secretary of foreign affairs from 2011 to 2016.

The Albert del Rosario Award is the first of its kind for the Rotary Clubs in Rotary International District 3830, which will recognize individuals or leaders of organizations who have brought about successful resolutions of conflict or the minimization of the negative impacts of conflict leading to an improvement of peace in the community.

In launching the award, Antonio Tambunting Jr., past district governor of rotary and chairman of the Adra, declared that the award seeks to “shine a light on those who effectively do good deeds in their community.” It will honor individuals who unite the community in a worthy advocacy of conflict resolution and the pursuit of the common welfare.

The Adra Committee of Rotary Club Makati West shall invite nominations from all Rotary clubs throughout the country, directly or through its 10 districts, as well as from academic institutions. A distinguished board of judges, all non-Rotarians from government, civil society and academe, will be invited for the selection process.

Aside from a trophy, the award includes a cash component of P100,000. The winners will be announced in March 2018. And the recognition and awarding event will be held in April 2018.

Pantino advances in Phinma-PSC juniors tourney

By Jean Malanum (PNA)

MANILA -- Second seed Arthur Craig Pantino defeated Malaysian Jiang Keong Takeshi Koey, 6-1, 6-0, late Tuesday afternoon to reach the second round of the ongoing Phinma-PSC International Juniors 1 at the Manila Polo Club indoor clay court in Makati City.

Pantino's victory sent him up against Japanese Nowa Matsubayashi, who prevailed over Filipino Manuel Balce III, 6-3, 6-3.

Joining Pantino in the next round are compatriots Michael Francis Eala, Matthew Garcia, Justin Suarez, and wild card Jose Amon Tria.

The fifth-seeded Eala demolished Laotian qualifier Phathikone Kanyaphan, 6-0, 6-0; Garcia eliminated No. 7 Chinese Zheng Sida, 7-5, 6-2; Suarez outclassed Hong Kong's Man San Chan, 6-1, 6-0; and Tria downed Hong Kong's Kyle Lok Yin Tan, 6-3, 6-2.

Eala will next meet Japanese Kei Manaka, who won over Filipino qualifier Rucel Cero, 7-6 (3), 6-1, while Garcia will be up against Japanese Ryota Ishii, a 6-1, 6-0 winner over Indonesian Jerall Yasin.

Suarez will face No. 4 Indonesian Odeda Muhammad Arazza, who rallied past Chinese Xie Yu Lun, and Tria will take on Taiwanese Kung Chun Jui, who ousted No. 8 Malaysian Darrshan Suresh, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Also booking second-round berths were top seed Japanese Shunsuke Mitsui, No. 3 Japanese Taiyo Yamanaka and No. 6 Malaysian Shamirul Shahril Mohd Adam Das.

Mitsui blasted Filipino wild card Marco Ayala, 6-0, 6-0, to advance against American Jericho Grollman, a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Filipino wild card Marcus del Rosario.

Yamanaka defeated Filipino qualifier Stephen Lhuillier, 6-0, 6-1, to advance against Singaporean Justin Oeni, who clobbered Filipino Virgilio Armando Bejosano, 6-0, 6-0.

Mohd Adam Das won over Filipino Joseph Gabriel Tiamson, 6-3, 6-2, to arrange a second-round showdown with Japanese Mikihisa Matsusaki, who conquered Filipino qualifier Loucas Julian Fernandez, 6-4, 6-2.

MMDA’S REMINDER / Note traffic restrictions till Wednesday, Nov. 15

By Clara Masinag (InterAksyon)

MANILA – Most of the VIPs and delegates attending the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are expected to fly out by Wednesday (Nov. 15), and authorities have advised the public to plan their trips with consideration of the traffic restrictions that remain in place until then.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said traffic measures in place for the ASEAN Summit will last until Wednesday. It has deployed additional personnel at the northbound lanes of EDSA to reinforce the ASEAN lanes.

“We expect traffic in the metropolis to go back to normal on Thursday (Nov. 16). We are expecting all the heads of state to leave the country by Wednesday,” said Bong Nebrija, MMDA operations supervisor. Some of the VIPs, notably US President Donald Trump and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, had departure schedules earlier, or Tuesday.

Motorists are still advised to still keep clear of EDSA and other southern parts of the metropolis until the event is over to avoid being caught in traffic during the movements of delegates from hotels to meeting venues and from hotels to airports, Nebrija said.

“Ongoing small group conferences and symposiums are scattered all over Metro Manila, attended by heads of states, cabinet secretaries, undersecretaries. All of these delegates have to be prioritized on the road,” said Nebrija.

Nebrija said frequent stop-and-go schemes are being imposed on designated ASEAN lanes to give way to the convoy of vehicles going to and from the summit sites.

“We are adjusting our movements, security protocols and traffic management based on these guidelines from our higher headquarters,” Nebrija said.

According to Nebrija, only ambulances and emergency vehicles are allowed to use the exclusive lanes for ASEAN delegates.

“Emergency vehicles may use the ASEAN lanes provided that there are no delegations present”, he added.

Emergency vehicles with passengers requiring urgent medical attention are now given priority and spared from being stuck in traffic.

Two inner lanes have been designated as ASEAN lanes on both sides of EDSA from Balintawak to Magallanes Avenue. The thoroughfare should be cleared of vehicles whenever convoys traverse it.

Nebrija advised motorists to use C5 and pre-tagged Mabuhay Lanes as alternative routes; commuters can also use the Metro Rail Transit 3 in going to their destinations, he said.

To limit the number of vehicles on the road during the summit, the MMDA’s number coding scheme is in effect until November 15 despite the declaration of special non-working holidays in Metro Manila.

Should accidents happen, six ambulances, two fire trucks, and three military trucks are on standby.

MMDA’s Road Emergency Group, headed by Edward Gonzales, set up staging areas in Camp Aguinaldo, Solaire (Diokno Drive), Edsa Timog, Edsa-Orense and Edsa-Roxas Boulevard.

The affected routes for the ASEAN are: Clark Complex in Pampanga; along SXTEX from Clark to NLEX; along NLEX from (SCTEX to Balintawak); along Edsa from Balintawak to Magallanes; along Diokno from Entertainment City to Buendia; along Ayala Avenue from Edsa to Makati Avenue; along Makati Avenue (Ayala to Pasay Road); along Pasay Road from Edsa to Amorsolo; along Lawton from 5th Avenue to 30th Avenue; and along McKinley Road from Edsa to 15th Avenue.

With this, the two MMDA officials appealed for the public’s understanding of the inconveniences caused by the task of hosting the summits.

Canada's Trudeau rides e-jeepney in Makati

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday took a ride in an electronic jeepney in Makati City.

Trudeau was accompanied by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Thomas Orbos during the inspection of the e-jeepney in front of the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Tugade said the Canadian leader was happy with Manila's efforts to improve public transportation.

"Nakikita niya daw yung hangad natin na baguhin yung kabuhayan ng Pilipino. Nasabi niya na mahirap talaga ang transportasyon pero kailangan ng a lot of patience, a lot of understanding, and a lot of creativity," Tugade said.

The Canadian leader also received a black shirt with the words "Go Electric Trudeau."

Trudeau arrived in Manila on Sunday for the 31 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. He immediately made headlines after he was spotted ordering take-out food at a Jollibee branch in Tondo.

Popular ’hoods for the millennials

By Matthew Reysio-Cruz (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Covent Garden hits many, if not all, of the sweet spots that a typical millennial would identify with homeownership.

With so many factors to consider, looking for the best place to invest in one’s first home can be a daunting task. Especially in the metro, with its 16 sprawling cities to scour, the pressure is on for cash-strapped millennials to find the perfect area where one can get the most bang for your buck.

But the truth is, most young professionals don’t think of wide, open spaces or the traditional mega mansion when hankering for their ideal home. More important nowadays is the neighborhood and community that a home is in, and how it can tend to the things yuppies value most: adventure, fitness, working hard and playing hard.

All things considered, these four neighborhoods all make a great place for a millennial to start searching for the home of their dreams.

1. Legazpi, Makati

Legazpi Village in Makati might be the trendiest neighborhood in Metro Manila. Although it is walking distance from the city’s famed central business district, it has a distinct character all its own.

Residents from all over flock to Legazpi for its buzzing Sunday Market, and make frequent return trips all throughout the week for its dizzying selection of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, like Your Local, which was named as one of the world’s best restaurants by Conde Nast Traveler.

Need a place to melt away the pounds gained from all of Legazpi’s delicious eats? Look no further than Legazpi Active Park and Washington Sycip Park, the village’s best places for an early morning run.

2. New Manila, Quezon City

New Manila is one of the more quiet, low-key residential areas in Metro Manila’s biggest city.

But don’t let the perennial state of calm and tranquility of this residential area fool you. One advantage here is that New Manila is a stone’s throw away from a bevy of schools, including St. Paul University, St. Joseph’s College, and Xavier.

Traditionally known as a luxe neighborhood for upscale families, recent developments have made it more accessible—without losing its charm.

3. Salcedo, Makati

Salcedo’s Saturday Market at Jaime Velasquez Park is what placed this village on the radar of virtually every foodie in Metro Manila: If Legazpi Park is Makati’s trendiest, then Salcedo is its indisputable king of cool.

Expect to go home from the market with artisanal, handmade eats and crafts and the freshest produce around.

But Salcedo is more than just its world-class dining scene: art lovers will no doubt appreciate its close distance to Ayala Museum, while its proximity to prestigious institutions like Assumption College, the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Mapua Institute of Technology make this village a true match made in millennial heaven.

4. Sta. Mesa, Manila

Sta. Mesa’s biggest draw, as one of Manila’s oldest districts, might be its storied cultural heritage. But this neighborhood is also currently in the midst of a modern resurgence.

Last year, its value continued to grow in big ways, making it an investment hotspot. Sta. Mesa is likewise the perfect choice for those wanting to live in the nation’s capital and, by extension, its historic hub of celebrated universities and government seats of power.

Covent Garden is a development in Sta. Mesa that hits many, if not all, of the sweet spots that a typical millennial would identify with homeownership.

Aside from the usual fitness fixtures, like swimming pools for all ages, it boasts a tailor-made jogging trail and other facilities that champion a “balanced work-and-play lifestyle.”

In addition, Covent Garden’s claims of being at the heart of a “competitive learning environment” are bolstered by the impressive pedigree of nearby universities–those in the University Belt area, as well as a central location that puts every “Big Four” university within easy reach.

That’s not to mention the project’s strategic placement between V. Mapa and Pureza LRT 2 stations—making homes in this up and coming property an absolute steal.

Ayala’s Festival of Lights mesmerizes with techno, Pinoy, classic Xmas themes

By Romsanne Ortiguero (InterAksyon Lifestyle)

Makati City—Thursday evening turned out to be gloom with rain and heavy winds but it didn’t dampen the mood at the opening of this year’s Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.

Makati residents, some of whom came from their offices and others with their families, waited patiently at the sidelines to watch the the festival’s first show for the season.

Considered as one of the most anticipated attractions in the metro during the holiday season, this year’s Festival of Lights features three musical medleys that vary in mood, pace, and rhythm: “Pinoy Fiesta” by Roy del Valle, “Traditional Christmas” by Von de Guzman, and “Techno” by Tris Sunguitan.

About 1.6 million LED lights dazzled in festive colors of red, green, blue, silver, and gold—leaving the crowd mesmerized and in the mood for a merry Christmas.

Bobby Dy, Ayala Land President and Meann Dy, SVP of Ayala Land; Makati City mayor Abigail Binay; Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo; and 2nd district congressman Luis Jose Campos; and Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo led the opening of the Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Award-winning director Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia choreographed this year’s lights and sound show.

De Jesus told InterAksyon, “This is our ninth year. Every start of the year, around February, we start brainstorming for the theme, the music, and the elements that we will be using for the light show.

“In our past shows, we have noticed that if there’s a Pinoy theme, the crowd’s reception is different. Then we have the traditional Christmas. Now, we are introducing something new: techno music for the millennials.”

The festival, which runs from November 9 to January 7, 2018 every half an hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is expected to draw a thick crowd every night.

One of those who go every year is Vien Palanog from Parañaque City. While she makes sure not to miss a show, this year’ show is especially meaningful.

“I actually work here in the area so I don’t miss the show every year. Today is the birthday of my nephew that’s why we also went here to watch especially that it’s the opening night. I invited my parents, my siblings, and my cousin to witness the festival. It’s exciting that you’re one of the first to see it.

“It’s a good bonding activity not just for family but also for friends. I invite themn too, to come over and go with them to watch because seeing the lights make me happy and we can really feel the spirit of Christmas.”

Palanog is just one of the many who would make time to see the annual festival.

Sharon Vital, marketing manager for Ayala Land, “We notice that people who are just passing by the garden or maybe catching a ride home would stop and then watch. That’s been our experience every year. We get millions of people each year in terms of foot traffic.”

Last year, the foot traffic was about 1.2 million, and they expect the same for this year.

“It’s really a stress reliever for them,” Vital said.

The Festival of Lights has been cited as one of Conde Nast Traveller’s Seven Most Spectacular Lights in the World together with Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, Champ-Elysees in Paris, and Japan’s Kobe Luminarie.

The attraction extends beyond the Ayala Triangle Gardens to major Makati thoroughfares such as Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Makati Avenue where over a million Christmas lights recreating the exquisite patterns of native woven fabrics such as the inabel and burdado of Luzon; banig tikog of Visayas; and T’boli, ukil, and Yakan of Mindanao adorn the streets.

PLDT’s 9-month net income up 7%

By Aerol John Pateña (PNA)

MANILA -- Telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT’s net income for the first nine months of 2017 increased by 7 percent to PHP23.2 billion from PHP21.7 billion in the same period last year, driven by the sale of its subsidiaries Beacon Electric Asset Holdings Inc. and SPi Technologies.



The telco’s net income for the third quarter of 2017 likewise amounted to PHP5.8 billion, growing by 43 percent from PHP4 billion in the second quarter of this year.


Recurring core income was at PHP17.4 billion, higher by 5 percent year on year from PHP16.6 billion and in line with the target PHP22 billion for 2017.



Consolidated service revenues have reached PHP107.3 billion for the first nine months of the year, increasing by 4 percent from PHP111.8 billion in the same period last year due to the growth in PLDT’s data services.


The third quarter service revenues reached PHP36.1, a stable figure compared with that of the same period last year.


Data, broadband, and digital services were the key growth drivers for PLDT's business segments, namely, Home, Enterprise, and Wireless.

The cluster of service revenues grew 11 percent to PHP49.6 billion, representing 46 percent of total revenues.


“Data usage is driving all our businesses and we recognize that superior infrastructure is a key variable to providing the best data experience. We are therefore stepping up our investments in the next few years to ensure that our customers - whether individuals or companies -enjoy that experience via whatever device they are on, wherever they may be,” PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto said during a press conference in Makati City on Thursday.


Home revenues grew 12 percent to PHP24.3 billion, while Enterprise revenues increased 11 percent to PHP25.3 billion.


Home and Enterprise’s combined revenues rose quarter on quarter by 5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.


The Wireless Individual Business posted PHP44.2 billion in service revenues, 14 percent lower than the first three quarters of 2016.

Revenues in the third quarter of PHP14.6 billion were lower by 2 percent from the previous quarter due to seasonality, according to the company.


Home and Enterprise combined now account for 47 percent of revenues, surpassing the 41-percent contribution of the Wireless Individual Business.


The telco has allocated PHP38 billion as capital expenditures in 2017 to further expand its growth in the Home and Enterprise businesses.


“Our full-year capex guidance remains at PHP38 billion in 2017, with about another PHP15 billion committed already this year, but which we forecast will be finished in 2018. We will continue to ramp up our capital investments in the near-term, as we are determined to have the best network,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.


PLDT aggressively rolled out its fiber internet facilities to serve residences and offices in more areas of the country.
Under its Smart Fibr Cities program, PLDT expanded the reach of its fiber to the home (FTTH) services in south and east Metro Manila, adding more than 370,000 fiber links that can deliver internet service to residences and offices.


The footprint of PLDT’s fiber network is on track to reach approximately four million homes by end of 2017, up from 2.8 million as of end-2016.
Pangilinan said PLDT would be focusing on its fixed line services to further sustain its growth for next year.

He likewise expects to gain profits from the remaining receivables on the sale of its Beacon shares in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and its stake in German technology firm Rocket Internet.


“I think we will do significantly better in 2018," Pangilinan said. "PLDT will continue to show signs of recovery.”

DOT underscores growing interest in PHL as a cruising destination

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

SOME 1,400 tourists disembarked at the South Harbor, Port of Manila on Tuesday for a day tour of Metro Manila and the island of Corregidor, before resuming their cruise of Asia.

The cruise ship MS Volendam was the latest foreign cruise ship to call in the Philippines, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) positions the country as a major cruise destination in Asia.

In a statement to the BusinessMirror, Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo said: “The continued influx of international cruise ships into the Philippines only goes to show that we’ve gained global recognition as an attractive and safe tourist destination.”

She added that about 191 ship calls in major ports of the country are projected for 2018, up from expected 105 port calls this year.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association report in 2016, demand for cruising has increased 68 percent from 2006 to 2016, with 700,000 alone coming from China, and 1 million from Australia—both close neighbors of the Philippines. As of 2015, Asia has a 2.2-million passenger capacity for ships deployed in the area.

Meanwhile, DOT Director Czarina Loyola said the MS Volendam, owned by the Holland America Line (HAL), came from Taiwan and arrived at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The passengers then went on a tour of the walled city of Intramuros and Rizal Park, as well as the American Cemetery in Makati. Others went to visit Corregidor, which has figured prominently in the Spanish-American and World War II.

She added that Volendam’s passengers were mostly Americans, Australians, Europeans, Chinese and Indians. As per the web site Cruise Mapper, MS Volendam is on a 28-night, one-way cruise from Yokohama, Japan to Hong Kong. The cruise, called “Japan, China and South Korean Collector Cruise,” started in Yokohama, with the ship leaving on October 13 and sailing through Shimizu, Osaka, Cheju (South Korea), Seoul, Beijing (China), Qingdao, Shanghai, Fukuoka (Japan), Nagasaki, Naha, Ishigaki, Keelung (Taiwan), and Kaoshiung (Taiwan) Manila is the second to the last destination of MS Volendam, and left for Hong Kong at 6 p.m., also on Tuesday.

Built in 1999, the 237-meter MS Volendam has 716 cabins, with 10 decks, and has a crew of some 650. It can carry a maximum of 1,718 passengers, and runs at a speed of 43 kilometers per hour. It is the second Rotterdam (R-class) of HAL, which is now owned by Carnival Corp. and Cruises Plc. The passengers were warmly welcomed by performances by The Aegis of Zeus Tribe from Pandacan, Manila and the Banda Kawayan Phillippines.

The Duterte administration is currently drawing up plans to build a cruise port and terminal in Manila, at the back of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, which would accommodate large international cruise ships that can ferry more than 2,000 passengers.

Under its National Tourism Development Plan for 2016-2022, the Duterte administration is targeting cruise passengers to reach 456,164 via 402 ship calls.

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Makati 2nd job fair set Nov. 10

By Joel E. Zurbano

The Makati City government announced on Thursday it will hold a job fair on Nov. 10 in Barangay Valenzuela, where job-seekers can be hired on the spot by 30 participating companies.

The city’s Public Employment Service Office will conduct the event in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Rotary Club District 3880.

The Mega Job Fair will be opened at 8 a.m. at the Valenzuela Covered Court on Hormiga corner Tanay streets.

The city’s Information and Community Relations Department reminded applicants to bring copies of their resume and other relevant documents.

This is the second job fair conducted by the city government for 2017.

In June, Makati also hosted a job fair held at the Glorietta Shopping Center, which saw 61 local and multinational companies participate.

PESO manager and city personnel officer Vissia Marie Aldon said the participating firms are set to make direct, on-the-spot hiring at the job fair.

Pre-employment government agencies like Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-Ibig, Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will be present during the job fair to assist applicants.

Last December, Mayor Abigail Binay named 49 private companies as top business establishments that partnered and helped the city government in its job creation program and other measures to generate employment.

Plaques of recognition were awarded to the top ten partner-companies in terms of the number of hires, namely, Jollibee Food Corp. with 626 applicants hired; Golden Arches Development Corp., 609; SM Mart, Inc.-Makati, 496; Innovative Strategic Resource Marketing Inc., 282; Rustan Supercenter Inc., 197; Metro Rail Stores Group Inc., 175; Rustan Coffee Corp., 164; Alorica Philippines Inc., 140; Am-Phil Food Concepts, Inc., 118; and Cash and Carry Mall, 115.

A plaque of recognition was also given to Eastwest Placement Center Inc. for hiring 53 applicants.

Also, 16 companies received certificates of recognition for hiring between 50 to 99 applicants each. Another 12 companies that hired 49 and below, and 10 companies with the most number of on-the-spot hires made during job fairs last year, were given certificates of appreciation. 

 Binay commended the top private business partners in providing employment services to the public, particularly to unemployed or underemployed city residents.

“We highly value your partnership with us. We salute you for your strong commitment to help people be empowered to help themselves and contribute to nation-building,” Binay said.

Megaworld expands residential portfolio in Makati

By Leslie Gatpolintan (PNA)

MANILA -- Property giant Megaworld Corp. is further expanding its presence in the Makati Central Business District (CBD), as it turns over 1,000 residential units in the area with a total sales value of PHP9 billion.

“We continue to look for more opportunities to build more residential properties within Makati CBD because there is still high demand. Rental rates remain high as well,” said Eugene Em Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld Makati CBD.

The Megaworld Group, which also includes subsidiary Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., currently has 30 buildings all over Makati City.

Four more residential towers are currently under construction, namely: Salcedo Skysuites, San Antonio Residence, Greenbelt Hamilton Tower 2 and The Ellis.

“We have started the turnover process middle of this year and our goal is to complete this at the soonest possible time,” said Lozano.

To date, Megaworld has around 4,000 residential units that have already been turned over from its various condominium projects within Makati CBD.

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