February 15, 2014

Let's Make A Memory Live with Rex Smith at Solaire

Let's Make A Memory with Rex Smith Live! 

Solaire presents The Ultimate Valentine’s moments with International balladeer Rex Smith on February 16, 2014, 8.00 pm at the Solaire Grand Ballroom.

American actor and singer Rex Smith is known for his billboard top songs “You Take My Breath Away,” Simply Jessie, Let’s Make a Memory, You Take My Breath Away, Everlasting Love, SpeechlessDon’t Give Up On Us, Forever and Foolish Heart. 

Smith love the Philippines and performed during the 1970s regularly stages concerts in the Philippines. He has also performed in Broadway for musicals such as Grease, Pirates of Penzance and Sunset Boulevard.

Rex Smith Live featuring Olivia and with special guests Mark Mabasa, Lucky Robles, Lilibeth Garcia and JV Decena.





Tickets are available at the Solaire Concierge and Ticket World (www.ticketworld.com.ph).For more information, please call (+632) 888.8888.


Filipino skater Michael Martinez after historic Winter Olympics stint


The lone Filipino Winter Olympian Martinez, 17, ranked 19th at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics men's figure skating finals on Saturday morning (Manila time). He garnered 119.44 points in his final free skate routine for a two-day total of 184.25. Martinez skated third and held an early lead after six performances.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan won the gold medal with a score of 280.09, while Patrick Chan of Canada won silver. Kazakhstan’s Denis Ten, who finished ninth after the short program, moved up to third place to earn bronze honors.

Filipino skater performed to the tune of "Malagueña" of Ernesto Lecuona which lasted for about 4 minutes and 30 seconds and drawing applause from the crowd!

Congratulations Michael Martinez! We are proud of you! 

           
Michael Christian Martinez performs in the Men's Figure Skating Free Program at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the Sochi Winter Olympics on February 14, 2014.
(Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)

JDI partners with National Historical Institute to preserve and protect Philippine historical sites

NHI Solignum Interior Turnover
Historic places give background to great stories of triumphs, conflicts and challenges only made known through history books. 

Just recently in Bohol, many heritage sites have sustained damage from the strong earthquake that hit the area in 2013.  Most of these damages are almost irreparable. Unknown to most people, many other historical structures suffer damages as well. From the structure’s wear-and-tear through time as an aftermath of water damage resulting to the growth of molds; influx wood-boring insects and the most common and most destructive, termite-infestation.       


In 2007, Jardine Distribution Inc. (JDI) a known distribution company and Osmose Protim, the maker of Solignum wood preservatives, formed a partnership with the National Historical Institute (NHI) to protect the heritage structures from damages caused by termites.

Last January 24, JDI and NHI further capitalized on this partnership by joining hands in restoring the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini located at PUP Sta. Mesa. 

As part of the repair and restoration done to the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini, Solignum Interior wood preservative was applied to the wooden structures to prevent a new termite infestation.  Apart from donating Solignum for the site’s restoration, JDI also trained the NHI curators on total termite solutions.

With heads and curators
“Our historical sites are tangible reminders of our identity as Filipinos. They re-tell stories of heroism and love for country that will inspire future generations of Filipinos. Because of their invaluable historical and cultural value, JDI has committed itself to help in their protection and preservation,” said Edwin Hernandez, President and General Manager of Jardine Distribution.


Jardine Distribution, Inc. represents a number of local and global companies that provide world-class crop protection and construction chemical products. They are focused on the safe use of these products, providing technical support, and with due consideration of environmental protection.

Dining experience, the Max's way: Max's Brings Premium Seafood Spread to classic Filipino Fish Dishes

Holiday festivities may not be over just yet as Max's Restaurant rolls out its newest 4Sharing Meal, an offering that highlights the Filipino's penchant for great food and fun, bonding moments with family and friends.

Let's have a dining experience, the Max's way. 

Starting the year with an innovative and mouthwatering spread, Max's beckons its avid diners to bite into the freshest seafood catch and revel in a unique dining experience, the Max's way. 

4Sharing Sumptuous Seafood Spread

Max’s latest 4Sharing Meal is delectably satisfying to the palate and light on the budget. Diners get to enjoy Max’s Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce, a lightly breaded cream dory fillet with red bell pepper strips, spring onions, ginger strips in delectable black bean sauce. For those craving for a sweet seafood twist, they may opt for Max's Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, breaded fish in bite-size portions simmered in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. Foodies may choose between these two delightful dishes and pair it with one whole, regular, sarap-to-the-bones Fried Chicken.

Of course, any Filipino meal will not be complete without steaming cups of white rice and cool glasses of iced tea or any Pepsi soft drink. This amazing offering is perfect for customers dining in groups of 4. Any food aficionado looking for a delicious and value-for-money offering may avail of this mouthwatering feast for only PhP 799. That's PhP221 worth of savings.

Max's 4Sharing Meal offering will run from January 6 to February 26, 2014.

“With every wave of Max’s 4Sharing meal bundles, we seek to excite and satisfy our customers more and more with the most delicious dishes and affordable deals. Whether they are groups of teenagers hanging out together, young professionals meeting up for lunch, or seasoned Max’s customers craving for their favorite comfort dishes, they get the best of everything – delectable dishes that are signature to Max’s and the most budget-friendly price.

As we welcome a very promising year, we want everybody to create new memories and enjoy our freshly- prepared dishes to their heart’s content,” shared Bobby Simborio, Corporate PR and Media Manager for Max’s Group of Companies.

Learn more about Max’s 4Sharing Meals by logging on to www.maxschicken.com. Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be the first to know about the most 'sarap-to-the-bones' offerings from the Filipino’s most loved brand.

February 14, 2014

Love is in the air this February on Animal Planet's Valentine's Weekend

Discover how animals seduce a potential mate, go through interesting courtship rituals and express love and attraction in Animal Planet’s two-hour, four-part series, Love is in the Wild.

Venture into the animal kingdom’s world of romance, extraordinary love stories, unusual mating rituals and everything else in between on Animal Planet’s VALENTINE’S WEEKEND! In this three-day special, discover how various animals pursue their ideal mate and explore the amazing courting approaches exclusive to each species. Also, tune in to the tales of remarkable bonds shared between animals and human beings.

The love fest airs back-to-back for two hours beginning Friday, February 14 from 9:00 p.m., kicking off with the premiere of a brand new four-part series, LOVE IS IN THE WILD. 

Witness a classic romance between two young monkeys in Romeo and Juliet: A Monkey’s Tale. 

Catch Wildwives of Savannah Lane and uncover how the real queens of Savannah impose their law and outdo their male counterparts in the wild.

Plus, get to know dedicated pet lovers who sometimes love their animals more than human beings on Dangerously Devoted, and follow a heartening story about love and friendship between a man, his wife and three pet African cats on Daniel and Our Cats.


Here's the latest news from Animal Planet! 

On LOVE IS IN THE WILD, witness the tricky path of feral love and unravel how animals in the wild go through a succession of diverse and well-organised rituals to find a companion. Visit the habitats of baboons, Barbary and Japanese macaques and orangutans, and learn about their lifestyle and behavioural differences such as eating habits, social nature and sexual behaviour. Observe birds of the forest – coots, tits, grebes, mallards and hen harriers – in their most important activity of the year, seducing, mating and creating nests. Journey to the Masaï Mara nature reserve, in the southwest of Kenya and watch how animals, both predator and prey, maintain their social relations in the brutal African plains. 

Then, visit the landscapes of Australia and unearth the unique, and sometimes bizarre, courting strategies used by males to lure females. Some of which include “boxing fights” carried out by red kangaroos, mating dances Victoria’s riflebirds fulfill to attract their partners and a synchronised display of courtship bows performed by rainbow lorikeets to impress their lifelong companions. 

Also happening this VALENTINE’S WEEKEND, tune in to a classic romance story of two young monkeys in ROMEO AND JULIET: A MONKEY’S TALE. Offering quirky, new insight into relationships in nature, discover the destinies and adventures of the real queens of the savannah, where females impose their law and rules and outdo their male counterparts on WILDWIVES OF SAVANNAH LANE. Meet DANGEROUSLY DEVOTED pet lovers who sometimes love their animals more than human beings and follow the heartwarming story of love and friendship shared between “lion man” Daniel Radziej, his wife Catherine and their three pet African cats on DANIEL AND OUR CATS.
LOVE IS IN THE WILD encores every Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Sunday at 4:00 p.m. and Monday at noon.

About Animal Planet

Animal Planet is the world’s only brand that immerses viewers in emotional, engaging and passionate content devoted to animals – from wildlife to pets. Animal Planet connects humans and animals with rich, deep content and offers animal lovers access to entertainment, information and enrichment via multiple platforms including television, online and merchandising extensions. Animal Planet is available to 390 million subscribers worldwide. Animal Planet launched in Asia-Pacific in 1998 and is currently distributed to more than 175 million subscribers in 30 countries and territories in the region. For more information, visit Animal Planet at asia.discovery.com.


About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than two billion cumulative subscribers in 224 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 196 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3.

In Asia-Pacific, eight Discovery brands reach 590 million cumulative subscribers in 36 countries with programming customised in 15 languages and dialects.


VALENTINE’S WEEKEND
EPISODE GUIDE






LOVE IS IN THE WILD
Episode Descriptions

A Monkey’s Life

This documentary follows four families of primates – baboons in Kenya, Barbary macaques in Morocco, and macaques in Japan and orangutans in Borneo – to uncover the differences between each species. Some of these differences include social relations, eating habits and mating behaviour. 

One Day In The Forest

In this documentary, follow the outland road to the woods and fields and see how nature comes back to life during spring. Join the birds of the forest in their most important activity of the year courting, mating and creating nests. Also, meet one of the rainforest’s most fabulous inhabitants- the red deer.

One Day In The Savannah

The African Savannah may be a place where predators reign mercilessly. Nevertheless, animals in the plains of Africa spend a lot of time maintaining their social relations, be it predators or prey. Spend a day in the Masaï Mara nature reserve – in Southwest Kenya – and experience a land brimming with life. 

One Day In Australia 

Australian landscapes are among the oldest in the world. Since its isolation from the rest of the world some forty million years ago, this huge island has become abundant with flora and fauna. Visit this rich wildlife and uncover the wonders of Australia that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.


VALENTINE’S WEEKEND
10 BIZARRE MATING RITUALS

  1. The male octopus's penis breaks off during mating and will grow back the following season.
  1. The male porcupine showers the female with a long stream of urine before mating.
  1. The female bedbug mates by getting jabbed in the abdomen by the male's penis.
  1. During the mating season, the red-sided garter snake will engage in a massive orgy, with one female taking on hundreds of partners.
  1. The male slug's penis is so large he must find a mate of comparable size, or risk having it bitten off.
  1. Cichlid fish eggs are fertilised by the male while they are being carried in the female's mouth.
  1. The male anglerfish latches onto the female like a parasite, living off her food and fertilising her when she is ready to lay eggs.
  1. In certain midges, intercourse appears to include kissing, but it is in fact the female sucking out the male's bodily fluids.
  1. Flatworms are hermaphrodites and duke it out with their penises to decide which one will be the woman.
  1. The male hippopotamus attracts a female by using his tail to spray her with his faeces.

How many ways can you say Happy Heart’s Day? KakaoTalk shows you how.


It’s that time of year when everything is filled with heart shaped candy, flowers, and dinners at fancy places are getting fully booked. Everyone has already geared up to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

So, whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, there are still ways to celebrate the “most romantic holiday”.


Expressing your love becomes much easier with the advent of new technology. Now, people are on the hunt to find better and more creative ways to get their message across.


Still in the dark about how to get your message across? Impress your girlfriend, boyfriend, friend or parents, by sending them a personalized greeting on KakaoTalk, the number one Social Networking App in the iOS App Store.

Love knows no bounds – It’s no secret that long distance relationships are a bit harder to maintain. This is why couples rely on technology, such as messaging apps, to help them stay connected at minimal cost.

KakaoTalk is best known for its free chat and call feature. The free app especially helpful for those in long-distance relationships because it allows you to make calls and send unlimited messages across the globe.


Group love – You can create groups with up to five members for group calls, which makes keeping in touch so much easier. 

Don’t have a girlfriend/ boyfriend to celebrate?

Don’t worry – find your own fun with your best buddies, and organize a guys/girls night out in an instant! Plus, KakaoTalk is also the worlds’ first to provide free group calls in HD quality, meaning your voice calls will be clearer than ever!

Show your emoticons with action – As body language helps verbal communication, actions on emoticons help deliver fuller and deeper emotions.

KakaoTalk exclusively offers hundreds of moving emoticons that will help expand your breadth of expressions.

They’re also so much more enjoyable to see, and the dancing emoticons are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.



Get help from Kakao Friends – Kakao is also the only place where you will be able to meet Apeach, Jay-G, Frodo and Neo who will help send your message across.

If words aren’t enough to express your emotions, the mischievous Apeach is here to help you. Bursting with energy, Apeach’s infectious charm ensures a fun time filled with adventure.


To impress your date, ask help from the cool and collected Jay-G. Known for his signature sunglasses and afro, Jay-G is image of a calm, cool-headed and professional dude who is really as clumsy as a bear, has the heart of a pussycat and is hungry for affection.

You can also take your cue from Frodo and Neo, two complete opposites, who despite their differences, always manage to find a way to settle things.

Frodo is a wealthy and spoiled city dog with a small inferioirity complex but a happy-go-lucky attitude. He takes the time to enjoy life, even if it’s something as simple as savoring his morning coffee. On the other side, we have Neo, who is the love of Frodo’s life. Neo is a prim and self-oriented cat who is very self-centered and is obsessed with her bob cut wig. This couple can help you express your affections and make peace with your friends.

Make date planning easier – KakaoTalk’s location sharing feature allows you to share your location or a location of choice to your friends. Simply slide out the hidden menu, click on ‘location’ and designate the location information you want to share. Instead of having to type in difficult directions or opening up a separate app, Kakao allows users to send your location, with address, direction and all, with a single tap. As it makes use of your smartphone’s default map, you never have to worry about your friend not having the same map app for proper view.

“The celebration doesn’t have to be all hearts and flowers. KakaoTalk’s features allow you to get your message across – no matter how simple or how far. We take messaging to the new heights by making them interactive, fun and customizable to fit your mood. Plus, KakaoTalk is very user friendly so anyone can use it!,” says Jean Lee, country head of KakaoTalk Philippines.

KakaoTalk is also running a Valentine’s treat on Facebook and Twitter! You just need to use KakaoTalk’s Valentine’s e-cards and you may get a chance to win an iPad Air! For details, please like www.facebook.com/kakaotalkph and follow @kakaotalkph on Twitter. 

KakaoTalk is available on the iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Bada, Nokia Asha and PC. For more information, visit KakaoTalk’s website at http://www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

About Kakao Corp.
Kakao Corporation is the provider of KakaoTalk, a mobile messaging application and global mobile social platform based in South Korea. Since the launch of its app in 2010, Kakao has solidified its position as a leader in the mobile industry, expanding its service beyond messaging to a social platform encompassing games, digital contents, marketing, commerce and more. KakaoTalk currently has more than 133 million registered users from 230 countries, and as many as 5.2 billion messages are delivered every day in form of text, photos, video and voice. As a global, cross-platform application, it is available in 14 languages, on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Nokia Asha and Bada OS. Kakao’s mission is to build a symbiotic mobile ecosystem at the global scale, offering a mobile social platform that provides win-win solutions for users and third-party partners alike. For more information, visit www.kakao.com.ph

Make Valentine's Sweeter with Max's S'mores Fudge Bar

It's Valentines' Day! What's the  sweetest way of saying "I Love You" to your loveones?

Sweet things come in small packages. At Max's, they come in cute, chocolate-colored tote boxes. As Valentine's Day inches closer, Max's Restaurant invites Filipinos to lavish their loved ones with a special and extraordinary treat - Max's S'mores Fudge Bars.


Filled with chewy mini marshmallows and the crisp goodness of graham crackers, Max's irresistibly rich chocolate fudge bars perfectly conclude a mouthwatering meal of Max's classic home-cooked dishes: Crispy Pata, Sinigang, Kare-Kare, and Max's world-famous, "sarap-to-the-bones" Fried Chicken.

"Max's is in the business of creating unforgettable memories for every Filipino. This Valentine's Day, we invite everybody to share their favorite Max's dishes while enjoying the company of their family and loved ones. They'll be delighted to discover that delightful S'mores Fudge Bars from Max's await them at the end of their meal. We believe that simple things and sweet gestures make the perfect Valentine's surprise for the most special people in their lives," enthused Bobby Simborio, Corporate PR and Media Manager for Max's Group of Companies.

With a minimum, single receipt food purchase of PhP 1,500, diners and s'mores enthusiasts may already enjoy Max's bite-size confections for free.

These sweet treats are available for online deliveries or dine-in and take-out transactions at any Max Restaurant nationwide from February 14 to 16, 2014. 

To learn about the most exciting news from the most loved Filipino brand,
to be a member of Max’s Facebook Fan Page.

Enjoy the wonderful world with Max's! Just in time for Valentine's Day, give love by sending Max's favorites to your loved ones anytime anywhere within the Philippines now!



February 13, 2014

David Beckham's Valentine in Tacloban helping Yolanda survivors

The International  Football legend and formerly LA Galaxy midfielder, superstar David Beckham arrived in Tacloban on Thursday, February 13, 2014  to visit the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. David Beckham first landed at Cebu-Mactan International Airport via Hong Kong at around 11:00 AM via Cathay Pacific flight CX 931, a few hours later he arrived at Tacloban City.

The recently retired player arrived in Cebu at around 11 a.m. and then left for Tacloban on board a Dornier 228 plane with registry UNO 117H along with seven other people.

Beckham is visiting Tacloban with the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Beckham is accompanied by seven other passengers from UNICEF as they boarded a Dornier 222-200 aircraft flight UNO-117H to depart from Cebu at 12:00 noon and arrived at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban at exactly 12:30 PM.

He will also spend his Valentines Day with the survivors of the super typhoon.

This is the second visit of the legendary soccer player in the Philippines when he previously played in an exhibition match in the country on Dec. 3, 2011 with his former club Los Angeles Galaxy of the Major League Soccer against the Philippine Azkals.

David Beckham is one of the UNICEF ambassador since the year 2005, his visit in the country is to oversee the relief and recovery efforts of the UN agency focused on children in Tacloban City. 

Aside from being a UNICEF ambassador, David Beckham and his wife Spice Girl Victoria, also raised funds for the typhoon survivor and personally donated a total of 20 boxes of clothes to the British Red Cross.


Photos of David Beckham’s Arrival in Tacloban City: (Photo Credit: Twitter)

Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014: Your Step to Success

Entrepreneur-and-Franchise-Expo-2014

After successfully staging the Philippine SME Business Expo 2013, the country’s biggest expo for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) last July 12-14, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center Taguig, with 140 participating businesses and over 10,000 visitors, MediaCom Solutions, Inc., Philippines’ preferred stakeholders’ communications and events enterprise is presenting the country’s biggest exhibition and convention for innovative entrepreneurs and growing franchise businesses, the ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014.

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!” is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall, Hall1, 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Empowering over 150 Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from various business sectors, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, IT, financing and more.

“Our vision is to provide entrepreneurs a top environment with fun-filled activities and exciting programs where they can network with other business stakeholders, introduce their businesses, learn the latest industry trends and to assist them in growing their business to achieve the next step to success” says MediaCom Solutions, Inc. CEO and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo organizer, David Abrenilla.

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014 is supported by the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA) and will feature the latest innovations and showcase exciting products and services from the brightest entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

This three-day event will feature personal finance guru, Randell Tiongson, RFP, Digitalfilipino.com founder, Janette Toral, Freelance Regional Director for Continental Asia, Jojy Azurin and many more as they share their success stories on how to make it in the world of business.

This event is sponsored by Injoy and supported by Department of Science and Technology –Technology Application and Promotion Institute, Brother Philippines, UniOil Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Le’Ondell, Jetti, Global Pinoy Remittance & Services, Nail Cocktales, Becken Trading, Ever Bilena, Yan Yan International, Laminine, Express Pay, Tapa King, E-Concepts, Victoria’s Empanada, Bon Appetea, MShoppe, Positive Living Station, Starkaffea Corporation and many more.

For more inquiries and bookings, visit www.efe.ph or call the EFE secretariat at (+632) 843-2174 or email entrepreneurandfranchiseexpo@gmail.com.

Property Report Magazine hits Philippines shores through ABS-CBN Publishing Inc.


Jules Kay , Mark Yambot, Terry Blackburn, Cyndy Tan Jarabata,William V. Coscolluela,Jaime Cura,Ph.D.,Paul Ashburn 
Property Report magazine, Southeast Asia’s leading magazine for luxury real estate, architecture, and design, is finally coming to the country through advertising sales representation and distribution with ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. (API).

Property Report of Singapore-based Ensign Media presents in-depth features of luxury living while delivering details on everything one needs to know about real estate, showcasing properties across borders within its covers.

Property Report offers market analysis, developer interviews, project profiles, architecture, and interior design trends—catering to an audience that seeks out the best of luxury in every aspect of their lives as shown through quality, innovation, and style.

The magazine has served as a go-to for many since its establishment in 2004 in Thailand and has since branched out to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, and now, the Philippines. 

Ensign Media CEO Terry Blackburn and Property Report Magazine Publisher Jules Kay
Ensign Media CEO Terry Blackburn says, “The Philippines is undeniably one of the most exciting real estate markets in Asia right now and has gone through a phenomenal development phase in the last five years. World class condos and commercial developments have been completed in Manila that will undoubtedly bring high returns for investors. It is a market we have covered in print and online for a number of years, but the chance to have a major presence here through a partnership with ABS CBN was one that we jumped at. They are the market leader in luxury print titles in the Philippines, so a perfect match for our brand and we look forward to developing our partnership with them over the years to come.” 
ABS-CBN Publishing Managing Director Mark Yambot
“ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. is excited to be working with Ensign Media for Property Report magazine and Philippine Property Report Awards. Over the past several years have been witness to the dramatic growth of the Philippine real estate market, and it is an opportune time to promote our quality developments on a regional basis," ABS-CBN Publishing Inc.’s Managing Director Mark Yambot adds.
 
Ensign Media and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. are also forces behind this year’s Philippines Property Awards, which rewards and celebrates leading companies and professionals in the real estate industry.
Judges Cyndy Jarabata and Jaime Cura, PhD
For this year’s awards, nominations are open until February 28, 2014. To nominate a company or professional, simply visit the Propery Awards’ official website (www.asiapropertyawards.com) and click the button for Philippines Property Awards.

ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. (API) is a subsidiary of media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation. API is the leading provider of Philippine developed magazine brands with 11 homegrown titles such as Metro, Metro Society, Metro Home, and Vault.

DOTC Ready To Defend Public Interest, Need For Additional MRT-3 Coaches

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is ready to defend public interest and argue its case on the need to add forty-eight (48) new Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) to the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3)system at 2:00pm today, before the Regional Trial Court of Makati. 

Acting on a petition filed by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II, Inc., the court issued a 20-day Temporary Order of Protection on 30 January 2014, preventing the transport agency from going ahead with the Project. 

While having no contractual relationship, the DOTC says that MRT Holdings II should be held accountable for Metro Rail Transit Corporation’s (MRTC) failure to add much-needed train coaches to the rail line, after it claimed to own 100% of MRTC. 

“Passenger safety and convenience demand that the project proceed immediately. MRTC has received over P 35.2 Billion in equity rental payments since 2000. Yet it has added zero LRVs, knowing full well that MRT-3 has been operating beyond capacity for years. MRT Holdings II must answer the obvious question: why hasn’t it added LRVs to MRT-3 all this time?” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal. 

The rail transit line has an original design capacity of only 350,000 passengers per day. According to current MRT-3 data, it is already averaging 560,000 passengers daily, and its highest recorded number of single-day riders has reached 620,000. 

Government has made the following equity rental payments to MRTC since 2000, pursuant to the Build-Lease-Transfer (BLT) agreement:


YEAR
PAYMENT IN US DOLLARS
 PH PESO EQUIVALENT

YEAR
PAYMENT IN US DOLLARS
PH PESO EQUIVALENT
2000
9,166,665
448,515,054.70
2007
39,999,996
1,754,820,860.36
2001
9,999,996
519,220,323.88
2008
39,999,996
1,844,433,054.49
2002
9,999,996
520,304,865.70
2009
44,583,333
2,108,191,434.15
2003
19,166,670
1,064,526,731.07
2010
118,333,337
5,255,041,829.44
2004
20,000,004
1,121,338,123.04
2011
129,583,330
5,620,838,651.65
2005
38,333,330
2,005,689,396.15
2012
129,999,996
5,482,319,022.33
2006
39,999,996
1,877,620,456.23
2013
129,999,996
5,580,144,026.22


These payments total USD 779,166,641.00 or P 35,203,003,829.41. 

“Those are the numbers: P 35.2 Billion paid to MRTC; more than 560,000 passengers daily; zero trains added to the system. Despite all of this, MRT Holdings II is asking the court to stop the DOTC from improving MRT-3’s services,” Sagcal added. 

To end government’s obligation to continue making equity rental payments to MRTC until 2025 while the latter effectively blocks efforts to improve MRT-3 services, an Equity Value Buy-Out of MRTC is already being prepared by the Department of Finance pursuant to Executive Order No. 126, series of 2013. 

As to the maintenance of the MRT-3 system, it is MRTC’s obligation under the BLT agreement to provide such services. However, MRTC allowed its previous contract with maintenance provider Sumitomo of Japan to lapse in 2010, after which it engaged Sumitomo’s services with short-term contracts only. 

The DOTC acted promptly and stepped in to ensure the safety of the riding public, by first engaging a maintenance provider through an emergency procurement, followed by the regular procurement of a longer-term maintenance service provider last year.

Ouine’s Events VDay Discounted Full Coordination and Free On the Day Coordination Promo

Valentine’s Day  does not end on the day of the hearts but  is extended on the day you tie-the-knot as  Ouine’s Events, an online events coordination company, in partnership with Glam Events, gives you a chance to enjoy your special day with discounted weddings or a free on-the-day coordination services.

Ouine’s Events is a group of destination wedding coordinators who has done weddings in different parts of the country including Metro Manila, Bataan, Batangas, Palawan and soon La Union. From locally-based clients in Metro Manila, International based clients from New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Singapore has sought their help in providing a stress-free and memorable event.

The group and/or its coordinators has done and adapted to different types of wedding ceremonies including Roman Catholic, Iglesia ni Cristo, Civil Wedding, Jehovah’s Witness, Christian and Islam/Muslim.

Whether you are a hands-on couple or simply starting your wedding planning and needs help, you can avail of the group’s Valentine’s Day Promo.

Get a chance to avail of Ouine’s Events VDay promo including a discount of as much as P 5,000 off Ouine’s Events original P 40,000 Full coordination services or get a chance to win a free on-the-day coordination services. 

Here’s how to join:

1.     Promo period is from February 12 – March 12, 2014

2.     Retweet and Repost (the original Facebook post) include the hashtags: #OEVdayTreats

3.    To avail of the Discounted Wedding Coordination: Kindly PM or DM the website’s FB page where you are to be given a code in which you will be giving Ouine’s Events Representative once they contact you. Kindly leave your name, contact number, and e-mail address.

For the Free On the Day Coordination Raffle:  Kindly PM the Ouine’s Events page: 
https://www.facebook.com/ouinesevents and leave your contact information, including                  the date of your wedding and the venue.

4.     This is open to all but there, certain terms and conditions
a.  Both promo includes all the terms and conditions like any regular Ouine’s Events Coordination Services including 4 coordinators (Events Director and Technical Director included), Events Singer to perform a number of songs, Bridal Assistant. For Full Coordination only: Save the Date video and a special gift pack of sweets that the couple can keep or can be used as souvenirs for their guests.

b.    For the on-the-day coordination – The coordination service of P 15,000 is free but this does not include the transportation fee (negotiable), food and accommodation (if it’s a non-Metro-Manila wedding) of the coordinators.  The couple still needs to provide these.

c.   If the event needs the event company to travel across the seas, Ouine’s Events can waive the out-of-town fee but the plane tickets, food, accommodation and land transportation to bring the ceremony and reception items from the preps venue must be provided by the client.

For inquiries about the promo you may contact Ms. Yen Bernabe, Events Assistant
at 0906-366-0113 or e-mail them at ouinesevents@gmail.com.

Moments to Treasure this Valentine with Solaire’s luxurious “SUITEHEART"

Love is in the air ! What better way to say “I love you” than simple acts of love. What better time to show love, than this month of February.

MOMENTS TO TREASURE. Solaire’s luxurious “SUITEHEART" accommodation package will be the perfect choice for guests wishing to celebrate an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
Valentines is the perfect occasion to celebrate with the person you love. And nowhere is Valentine’s Day sweeter than at Solaire Resort and Casino. For Valentine’s 2014, friends and lovers can avail of the following love offerings:

Solaire’s luxurious “Suiteheart” accommodation package will be the perfect choice for guests wishing to celebrate an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. The 2 Bay Suite is available at Php17,500*** and the Grand Deluxe room at Php9,500***. This offer includes: full access and a set breakfast at the Executive Lounge; Php1,000 F&B credit voucher at Eclipse; Complimentary Parking, Wi-Fi access and shuttle service to major shopping malls and a special turndown amenity. Solaire offers the luxury package to couples wishing for an experience unlike any other. A prior reservation is required and is subject to availability.

To highlight this occasion, Solaire creates tempting “Cupid’s cuisine”, an exclusive set-menu for Valentine’s dinner available from February 13-15, 2014 at the following signature restaurants at Solaire:

Finestra offers a choice of grilled Portobello and buffalo mozzarella salad with smoked ricotta and cherry tomatoes or Pan-seared goose liver with caramelized apples and Eggplant puree for appetizers; Brick Oven Branzino, Black Truffle Cream Sauce, Asparagus and Herb Salad. And for the main course a choice of Lamb Three ways: Olive crusted lamb rack, braised shank, lamb loin alla Romana and eggplant Caponata; Risotto of fresh peas topped with grilled prime beef fillet and pancetta crisp or Spaghettini with little neck clams, garlic, San Marzano tomatoes and sea urchin in white wine sauce. And to satisfy your sweet cravings, you have a choice of Red berries with Limon cello merengue or Chocolate ‘Perugina Gianduia’ tart. This set menu is priced at Php2,000* per person.

At Strip, Chef Trevor Macleod has created a lavish four-course set dinner comprised of Mushroom Soup with Truffle oil & chives; Tuna Tartar with quail eggs, rocket greens, ginger carrot emulsion; for the entrée a choice of Angus Beef Tenderloin with onion puree, glazed vegetables, crisp potato press or Roasted Lamb Loin vegetable ratatouille, chick pea fries, smoked tomato jam or Grilled Salmon Orzo Pasta, green pea, bacon powder and for dessert Manjari Chocolate Passion Fruit Silk with Raspberry Sorbet, available at Php3,200* per person.

Yakumi offers a set-menu at Php3,000* per person. The menu consist of Hamachi, tuna, salmon sashimi and three types of sushi or Beef Tataki: Seared beef strip loin with onion soy dressing and beef sushi to start. Followed with ‘Akadashi’ Manila clam red miso soup. The main dishes are a choice of Golden lobster tempura or Grilled Striploin with vegetables or Lamb Saikyoyaki: Miso marinated Australian lamb chops with Kinome and steamed rice. Mikan crème brulee and Wasabi Sorbet is a unique dessert to top your meal.

Red Lantern highlights the flavorful Suckling pig and smoked duck breast; Pumpkin and corn soup with seafood; Pan fried beef tenderloin and prawn with pepper corn sauce; Steamed egg white scallops; Baked sea bass with sweet soy sauce; Deep-Fried Boneless Chicken With Almond Flakes and a Valentines cake or Chilled sweet pears with white fungus priced at Php2,500*.

On February 14, couples who avail of the special Valentine’ dinner will be treated to a glass of Champagne.

*** Applicable for Local residents and expats with ACR. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 12% VAT.

* VAT inclusive and subject to 10% service charge.

For more information please call 888 8888

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