Meralco electricity bills down for the second straight month Lowest generation charge in 56 months

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Here's the latest news from Manila Electric Company (Meralco):

After registering a reduction of PhP 0.70 per kilowatthour (kWh) in overall rates last month, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that electricity rates will go down again this month by PhP 0.58 per kWh. This brings the total reduction to PhP 1.28 per kWh over the past two months. This month’s reduction marks the fourth time this year that rates have gone down.

For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, the overall electricity bill will go down by PhP 116 compared to last month. At PhP 9.40 per kWh, this month’s overall rate is lower by PhP 1.21 compared to June 2014’s PhP 10.61 per kWh.

Lower generation costs from IPPs and PSAs

The biggest reduction in the overall rates was due to the generation charge which decreased by PhP 0.36 per kWh from PhP 4.81 per kWh in May to PhP 4.45 per kWh this month. This is its lowest level since October 2010.

The reduction was mainly driven by lower charges from plants under the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) due to lower fuel costs and higher dispatch of the plants. After running for 19 days on alternate liquid fuel (while the Malampaya natural gas facility was on shutdown) during the April supply month, the natural gas power plants, namely, Ilijan, First Gas-Sta. Rita, and First Gas-San Lorenzo, operated on less expensive Malampaya natural gas this May.

IPPs and PSAs registered reductions of PhP 0.67 and PhP 0.59 per kWh, respectively.

The reductions in IPP and PSA rates more than offset a PhP 2.85 per kWh increase in charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). It will be recalled that WESM exhibited noticeable price spikes particularly beginning the week of May 11, as a number of plants went on forced outages or reduced their output. The high WESM clearing prices, which at times approached PhP 30 per kWh, were sustained for the rest of the supply month. According to the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), the operator of the WESM, the Secondary Price Cap was not triggered last May.

The share of IPPs, PSAs, and WESM to Meralco’s total power requirements stood at 45, 48, and 7 percent, respectively.

Adjustments in other bill components

In addition to the generation charge, transmission charge also registered a reduction of PhP 0.09 per kWh. Taxes and other charges also went down by PhP 0.06 and PhP 0.07 per kWh, respectively.

Meralco has consistently reiterated that it does not earn from the generation and transmission charges as these are pass-through costs. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Of the total bill, only the distribution charge accrues to Meralco.

Meralco’s distribution charge has not registered any adjustment or change and has remained at the same level for almost a year or since July 2014 when it reflected a lower rate compared to June of the same year.

Meralco offers free trimming service

In time for the upcoming rainy season, Meralco advises its customers to report cases of tree branches near or touching power lines as these may cause localized power interruptions. They may call Meralco’s Call Center at 16211 to avail of free tree-trimming service.

​For other concerns or queries, customers may visit www.meralco.com.ph. 

They may also access Meralco’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter account (@meralco). 

Proven honesty and integrity, SM City Iloilo attendant returns 172K found in CR

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If you found a wallet, would you make an effort to return it to the owner? And how? 

SM City Iloilo CR Attendant Generose Comoda of ABLE Janitorial Services once again showed that the value of honesty is deeply instilled in her. 

At about 1:30 PM last May 11, 2015, Generose found an unattended bag in one of the CR cubicles which to her surprise, contains a bundle of cash. She immediately reported the matter to the CRS department and turned over the bag and money amounting to Php 172,863. 

The owner, who happens to be a senior citizen, was able to retrieve the items on the same day after inquiring and undergoing verification at the CRS Office. She was very thankful to Generose and the SM Management for having trustworthy and honest personnel. 

This is not the first time that Comoda has proven her honesty and integrity while at work.

10 Places to Go Visit in 2015

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It’s that time of the year again, where fans of the easy coastal ideal or the cosmopolitan urban experience book their tickets to indulge their wanderlust. 

For this year, take a look at some of the best places to visit:

Singapore

This tiny, cosmopolitan city is turning 50 this year so expect a lot of activity and events leading up to this massive milestone. The country is a regular destination for some of the biggest music festivals, drawing global musical acts. Shopping is diverse—with everything from signature brands to unique and kitschy finds at your fingertips. If you’re in for a more urban holiday, Singapore’s nightlife is just as impressive as the city—high-gloss, bustling and sophisticated so be sure to pack appropriately for it.

New York

If 17 hours of air travel isn’t an issue for you, there’s no better time than now to visit the Big Apple. Over 10 years since 9/11 and the One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial has finally opened, making it a must-see. It almost goes without saying how many things you can do in the city. Take a full day to just walk around Lower Manhattan, starting at the Chelsea Market to prep for you full day of sightseeing and just see where your curiosity takes you. From there, take note of places that you want to come back for in the evening to get a taste of the infamous New York nightlife.

Adelaide, Australia

Sydney is great and all, but there’s something about the capital of South Australia, a region so steeped in culture that compels tourists to stay and indulge in the city’s energetic arts scene. Year round, the city is famous for events such as the Adelaide Film Fesitval, Adelaide Festival, SALA to name a few. To complement this, the city is known for its diverse dining options and evolving music scene.

Seoul, Korea

A country that is equally historic as it is modern. Korea combines their country’s rich heritage with all the urban implements of a thriving city through a combination of architecture, arts and design. It’s a place that focuses on numerous interests, from history to arts, a colorful Kpop scene and vibrant shopping and dining options.

Shanghai, China

A cultural awakening is happening in China, where the draw of museums and other cultural destinations are becoming too hard to resist for art aficionados. Private museums and collectors are now opening their doors to tourists who want to admire the beautiful works. In addition, China is long-known melting pot of different cultures that creates for a diverse, vibrant holiday.

Lyon, France

Paris, as beautiful as it is, can feel a little ubiquitous. If you’re planning a trip to France, take a side trip to Lyon instead. A city renowned most especially for the food and culinary scene. To complement the quaint vibe of the city, new sights including the science and anthropology museum and a brand new arts and music venue, La Sucriere will breathe new life and experiences to this choice destination.

Vietnam

Vietnam feels quaint and historic, but if you head over to Phu Quoc via a 10-hour ferry—making this particular destination more ideal for intrepid spirits—you’ll be ushered into a coastal paradise hugged by white-sand beaches. Sao Beach deserves a special mention for its access to impressive snorkeling sites.

Bali

Another South East Asian destination that offers the refreshing ease of a unique seaside destination that only the most discerning of water babies know. Everywhere around Bali is no more than a few hours away from another destination just as stunning as the other.

Laos

Don’t be too quick to chalk this up as a backpackers haven. Laos is home to stylishly designed floating bungalows, featuring spacious rooms, private decks, private pools and dining options. Here you’ll have access to a sprawling coastline with options to take a leisurely trek across the countryside or cycle through the beautiful natural attractions of the country.

Goa, India

For a stylish safari style trek, explore India. The main city is as busy and interesting as any urban center, but off the beaten path in Goa is a transformed hideaway tucked amid sandy shores, a saltwater creek and gourmet dining options to highlight that rustic charm.

Whether you’re off to a rugged coastal getaway, a cosmopolitan urban adventure or are lucky enough to explore a new destination for work, Samsonite Red will definitely have something to keep all your travel must-haves accessible. Take it from Lee Min-ho.

The South Korean, award winning actor whose busy schedule and jet-setting lifestyle highlights the need for functional but equally stylish bag options to keep up with his frequent travels. This is reason that the actor has been selected as Samsonite RED’s endorser, where the collection’s stylish solutions and travel essentials combines style, innovation and functionality—values that are best represented by Lee.

“It’s a series that offers comfort and aesthetics—simple, understated, versatile, but functional. And Samsonite Red focuses on the diversity of options that jetsetters have to fit every occasion and adventure that they seek,” says Michael Corpuz, Marketing Manager, Samsonite.

Samsonite RED combines quality materials with exceptional design and utilitarian features that highlights innovation and functionality. It’s a brand that, through the years, evolved with its users to break boundaries and explore their limits.

For 2015, frequent business travelers will find everything they need in this season’s collection. Styles such as Smartman, Brillo and Adazio features a casual, ergonomic style that can withstand the jetsetting pace of today’s go-getters. More feminine options are available with Tiana and Eyelet, available in various hues that range from classic neutrals to brighter shades.

From backpacks to totes, shoulder bags to cross bodys, as a travel companion, the numerous options available in Samsonite RED’s 2015 collections fit seamlessly with the lifestyle of the traveller, transitioning easily from work to play, from leisure to adventure, proving that it was indeed designed to redefine the possible.

“Samsonite continues to stay true to a vision that supports the travellers inclination to explore and discover by creating bags that are stronger and more comfortable while maintaining its aesthetics—continuously innovating to answer the savvy jetsetter’s needs,” ends Michael Corpuz, Marketing Manager, Samsonite.

Available nationwide in selected Rustan’s department stores, Ayala Malls, SM department stores, Robinsons Mall, KCC Veranza Mall, Resorts World, Eastwood

Mall, Podium, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Shoppesville Greenhills, Paseo de Sta. Rosa,Shangri-la Mall, Bonifacio High Street Central and Limketkai Mall.

AUTHORIAL INTENT : A post-modern romantic comedy play set to open on June 24

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In a space where everyone is acting, how do you know if it's real?

The Ateneo de Manila University’s Fine Arts Program presents

"AUTHORIAL INTENT" by Itamar Moses, a postmodern romantic comedy that confronts the audience with a rich and self-aware story, written with both insider knowledge of the mechanics of drama and a shrewd grasp of the multilayered ways in which people deceive themselves.

"AUTHORIAL INTENT" puts its audience behind the fourth wall of a condominium shared by a couple, referred to only as A and B. They have just begun to live together. Three days after moving in together, a woman tells a man she doesn't love him anymore --- move out !!!. Suddenly, the play itself undergoes a parallel breakdown, with the two characters speaking their objectives and subtext instead of their dialogue. Finally, the two actors step out of character, to look back and wonder: Is there anything at all behind the artifice?

But the masterful stroke of playwright Itamar Moses' pen further unmasks the layers of truth and craftsmanship behind the encounter, from their character objectives and conversational tactics to the revelation that the condominium is actually the set of a play, where A and B find themselves as actors in a very real world, perpetually in search of something to be sure about. In a space where everyone is acting, how do you know if it's real?

The comic, metafictive approach of "AUTHORIAL INTENT" invites viewers to consider the complex and often adversarial relationship between the vision of the author, the inner lives of the characters (and the actors embodying them), and you, the audience. 

But you don't need to be a theater critic or art student to appreciate its perfectly-timed hilarity, its clarity of voice, and its ultimately compassionate outlook on human life in general and relationships in particular. 

"AUTHORIAL INTENT" has something to offer anyone who has ever wondered just what it is their significant other wants.

Missy Maramara, MFA-wielding instructor of the Ateneo de Manila's Fine Arts Program and English Department and a member of the Silly People's Improv Theatre (SPIT), plays Character A, a woman In a space where everyone is acting, how do you know if it's real?

Carlo Rivera, who lectures at the Ateneo de Manila's English Department when he's not flying airplanes, plays Character B, a neurotic film geek who knows exactly what he wants – Character A.

In line with the university's desire to open new horizons for deserving and capable neophytes, two young students have found themselves onstage as alternate members of the cast. Ann Nicole Ong, an AB English Literature senior with a talent for painting and a track record of leadership in creative projects ranging from Humanities Week to the InTACT program lends her unique voice to Character A, while Manuel Jan Molina, a Management Engineering sophomore and deploys his acting training from Loyola Marymount University and ABS-CBN's Starmagic workshops to bring Character B to life. Their participation is a testament to the Ateneo Fine Arts Program's devotion to making theatrical dreams come true.

"AUTHORIAL INTENT" was written by widely published New York playwright, Itamar Moses, author of the full-length plays Outrage, Bach At Leipzig, Celebrity Row, The Four of Us, Yellowjackets, Back Back Back, and Completeness, and various short plays and one-acts. His work has appeared Off-Broadway and elsewhere in New York, at regional theatres across the country and in Canada, and has been published by Faber & Faber, Heinemann Press, Playscripts Inc., Samuel French, Inc., and Vintage. Mr. Moses holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and has taught playwriting at Yale and NYU. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, MCC Playwrights Coalition, Naked Angels Mag 7, and is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect. He was born in Berkeley, California, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

The artistic and production team of "AUTHORIAL INTENT" led by Missy Maramara (Director), is composed of Ateneo Fine Arts students, alumni and friends, Miguel Ocampo (Assistant Director), David Mercado (Production Designer), Syd Alcantara (Lights Designer) and Erwin Comendador (Music Director), Arianne Lim and Nicholas Ang (Production Managers), Reg Acquitana (Marketing Manager), Arsenio Armas and Ayen Mendoza (Stage Managers).

The Ateneo de Manila Fine Arts Program continues the University's distinguished tradition in creative writing, theater arts, and the visual arts. It upholds artistic excellence, shaped by a rigorous practice of the craft, a critical appreciation of theory and history, and a heightened sense of imagination and expression in the context of the Filipino sensibility and service to others. In line with the university's desire to open new horizons for deserving and capable neophytes, young students and fresh graduates have found themselves as members of the cast and crew. 

"AUTHORIAL INTENT" shall run from June 24 - 26 and July 2 - 3 at 7 p.m. at the Gonzaga Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila, Q.C. 

Tickets are at Php200 (discount prices available upon bulk purchasing) and can be reserved through 09233174852.

For further details, check www.facebook.com/ateneoauthorialinent.

Food trip this Independence Day Weekend! Mercato Centrale and Glorieta presents the BELLYSIMA ! Food Festival 2015

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Enjoy food trip this Independence Day Weekend!

From the organizers of the popular night food market Mercato Centrale comes the BELLYSIMA! Food Festival 2015. It is a launch pad for passionate up-and-coming food entrepreneurs to share their artisanal food creations alongside healthy and organic food products with equally passionate food enthusiasts!

From flavored flans to artisan sausages to edible cookie dough to carabao chicharon to twisted gelato flavors to chili-flavored coffee syrups to organic detox juices to chocolate-flavored surprises! And that’s just the tip of the taste buds.

Set your tummies free this June 12 and 13 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium and be one of the lucky 500 participants to taste and evaluate some of the most exciting gourmet, healthy, artisan and organic food creations from over 30 local vendors.

Bring the whole family to enjoy heirloom recipes, regional delicacies, innovative pastries and desserts, experimental dishes, organic and all-natural healthy food alternatives, and more! Note: Remember to wear adjustable waistbands because you’re going on a revolutionary food trip!

Here is a list of the participants to look out for:

BACH’S BANGUS DAGUPAN

Frozen bangus, daing na bangus, rellenong bangus

BLUSH PASTRIES

Cheesecake, Oreo cookies, flavored cupcakes

BRAVO DELI

Baked products

CHOCO LOCCO

Chocolates, cacao, tablea

COCOA MONSTERS

Chocolate and cocoa-related products, including chocolate-coated dried mangoes

COOKIE STICKS

Cookies in stick form

DELICANE

Fresh sugarcane juices

FRIGGIES

Healthy fruits and vegetable juices

GAVIENS NATIVE CAKES

Traditional Filipino rice cakes

GOOD FOOD

Handcrafted items and organic produce

GORBY BALLS

Graham balls

HEALTHY MONSTERS PH

Salad in a jar

HEALTHY SHOTS MANILA

Detox and cleansing juices

HOMEGROWN ORGANICS

Fresh vegetables, organic kale pesto, atchara

IRRI – PHILIPPINE HEIRLOOM RICE

Heirloom rice varieties from the Cordilleras

JACOB’S PRALINE PEANUT BUTTER

Praline peanut butter

KURIKIPU

Hot and iced brewed coffee, pasta, healthy juices, brownies

LOKALITEA

Turmeric tea

LOTUS POD PH

Fresh vegetables

MADE BY MAX

Nut butter spreads

MILETTE KAKANIN

Various homemade traditional Filipino rice cakes and other delicacies

MILEA BEE FARM

Organic honey and other honey-based products

MILKMAN DAIRY BAR

Edible cookie dough and cereal milk

MIO GELATI

Fresh and authentic Italian ice cream

MR. MONTY

Tofu with veggies siomai and various special sauces like chili and chili garlic in coconut oil

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY

Imported goodies

PIPER’S PAN

Mini cakes

PURE ENERGY

Kalabasa and beet delicacies, beet healthy drinks

PURPLE BUDS

Red velvet crinkles and other baked products

REYSONS FOOD

Dolci bottled coffee jelly

RITZY PINK SHOPPE

Baked chicken embutido, banana cupcakes and oatmeal cookies

SALATA PH

Salad dressings and sauces, healthy snacks

TOUCH OF ELLEHCAR

Cupcakes

TREATS OF TRIX

Cheesecakes in a jar

WISE EATS FOODS

Artisan sausages, chorizos, vegetable preserves, salad dressings, etc.

The BELLYSIMA! Food Festival is brought to you by Mercato Centrale in partnership with Glorietta and is co-presented by OurAwesomePlanet.com and Ayala Malls, together with our media partners The Philippine Star, Entrepreneur Magazine, Yummy Magazine, GoNegosyo, WhenInManila.com, Solar Entertainment, 103.5 KLite and Globe My Business.

For more information, contact us through any of the following:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mercatocentrale 

Email: admin@mercatocentrale.ph 

Contact: 0917-8401152