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

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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

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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.

Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/

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

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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"

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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

The Monuments Men

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The Monuments Men, directed by and starring George Clooney, has done the production in Berlin, Germany. The action-thriller is written by Clooney & Grant Heslov, based on the book by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter.

The Monuments Men opens today in cinemas from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.

The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.

It would be an impossible mission: with the art trapped behind enemy lines, and with the German army under orders to destroy everything as the Reich fell, how could these guys - seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the M-1 - possibly hope to succeed.

But as the Monuments Men, as they were called, found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements.

From director George Clooney, the film stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett as Rose Valland, the one of the greatest and yet unknown heroines of World War II. After risking her life spying on the Nazis, day after day for four long years, Rose lived to fulfill her destiny: locating and returning tens of thousands of works of art stolen by the Nazis during their occupation of France.

The Monuments Men is based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history.

"The “Monuments Men”, were a group of approximately 345 men and women from thirteen nations who comprised the MFAA section during World War II. Many were museum directors, curators, art historians, artists, architects, and educators. Together they worked to protect monuments and other cultural treasures from the destruction of World War II. In the last year of the war, they tracked, located, and in the years that followed returned more than five million artistic and cultural items stolen by Hitler and the Nazis. Their role in preserving cultural treasures was without precedent." (http://www.monumentsmen.com/)