The Laos Delegation for the World Youth Day

Laos, the only country in the Southeast Asian Region, with 17 provinces and capital Vientiane.

The provinces are:

• Attapeu
• Bokeo
• Bolikhamxai
• Champasak
• Houaphan
• Khammouan
• Luang Namtha
• Louangphabang
• Oudomxai
• Phongsali
• Sainyabuli
• Salavan
• Savannakhet
• Sekong
• Vientiane
• Xiangkhoang

and a Prefecture:

• Vientiane (Viengchan).

Whole Country there are: 01 Capital, 16 Provinces and 145 Districts

The population count to 6,809,054 people by 2014.
http://www.nsc.gov.la/en/Administration1.php

http://www.maplandia.com/laos/

PNoy joins millions in Pope Francis’ Quirino Grandstand mass

January 18, 2015 3:07pm

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday joined millions of Filipinos at the Quirino Grandstand to hear the Holy Mass to be officiated by Pope Francis.

A GMA News live video showed a heavily escorted Aquino, who was wearing a black jacket, walking towards the designated area for officials.

The concluding Mass is the third event in Pope Francis Philippine visit participated by Aquino III. The President welcomed the Roman Catholic leader at the Villamor Airbase last Thursday.

Interviewed on their way to the Mass of Mercy and Compassion at the Quirino Grandstand yesterday afternoon, former President Fidel V. Ramos compared the January 18, 2015 crowds to the mammoth attendance during the Pope John Paul II’s January 12-16, 1995 Manila visit for the 10^th World Youth Day.

Ramos described the Papal Visit as “very joyous, participated in by millions of our people not just here in Metro Manila” but all over the country.

“Here, I would estimate that the crowds over the 3-day period of activities… could have been as big as the crowd during the late Pope’s final Mass on the fourth day of his Manila visit here on January 15, 1995 for the 10^th World Youth Day,” he said.

He was referring to the crowds that jammed Roxas Boulevard on Saturday midnight and Sunday morning, from the Baclaran District, Cultural Center of the Philippines complex all the way to Bonifacio Drive in Intramuros, and those on streets crossing the boulevard, such as Padre Burgos, T.M. Kalaw, UN Avenue, Padre Faura and Quirino Avenue.

Mr. Aquino III was also appreciative of the congratulatory messages sent by foreign governments, either in writing or relayed by special envoys.

On Saturday, he said several world leaders sent written messages of congratulations to the Pope on his state visit and apostolic journey to the Philippines, among them Presidents Barack Obama of the United States, Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, Michael D. Higgins of Ireland, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan, János Áder of Hungary, Tammam Salam of Lebanon and Raúl Castro of Cuba.

From Barack

In a letter to Mr. Aquino III dated January 17, 2015, Obama said he was pleased that the Philippine Visit of Pope Francis were being complemented by events throughout the United States which highlighted the significance of the contributions of Filipino-Americans to America’s heritage.

“I know this Papal Visit is of special significance to you as it comes just before you [Aquino III] leave office on June 30, 2016,” Obama said.

He said that since Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo first laid out his vision of an independent Philippines on June 12, 1898, the country “has grown into a respected, active, and valued member of the Family of Nations.”

“We can take pride in the close bonds forged between our two countries over the past century,” Obama said. “We have stood together in war, in peace, and in our effort to ensure that the world's people increasingly share the fruits of democracy, respect for basic human rights, and economic prosperity.”

He said the Philippines’ economic resilience, strong democratic institutions and determination to take advantage of the opportunities presented by globalization demonstrate clearly the country's achievements and potential.

Obama added that he was confident the strong friendship between the American and the Filipino people would continue to flourish in coming years.

Big boost

Aside from the congratulatory messages from foreign governments, Mr. Aquino III also cited the extensive media coverage and public interest in the Papal Visit activities.

“All of that combined has given a great boost to the Philippines in terms of its attractiveness as a nation after 116 years of challenges, crises, calamities, revolutions, wars, coups d’etat and all the other difficulties of developing countries,” he told reporters yesterday.

“And so we can expect a lot of goodwill and material investment, economic interest and commercial expansion in the Philippines,” he said.

His administration is particularly hopeful of some economic gains from the Papal Visit as the country continues to endure the effects of the 1997 Asian currency turmoil, 2005 “Hello, Garci” scandal and the July 2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund scam alleged misuse by several members of the Congress of the Philippines of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF, popularly called “pork barrel”), a lump-sum discretionary fund granted to each member of Congress for spending on priority development projects of the Philippine government, mostly on the local level.

Mr. Aquino III said the Papal Visit also thrust the Philippines into the world stage as a model for democracy that evolved through self-determination and people's struggle.

“We're showing that we have proven democracy and sustainable development can go hand in hand,” he said.

He believes there has been a tremendous boost in the people's self-confidence and optimism in the future.

Into the next administration

And this early, he urged the government, police and the people to start preparing “for the Pope’s visit in Cebu, Bohol and Leyte next year for the 51^st International Eucharistic Congess on January 23 to February 3,” and the 25^th year of World Youth Day in the country and second time to host the religious event in January 2020.

He called on the nation to look toward the future under the leadership of his successor, Jejomar C. Binay or Manuel A. Roxas, II, and the country's second century and the third decade.

“With the friendship and support of all the nations… I am certain that the world will see that the best is yet to come,” the President said.

New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos--all Philippine partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation--sent deputy prime ministers to the Papal Visit.

Among the guests were Foreign Ministers Ali Alatas of Indonesia and Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia.

At least 36 governments sent special envoys, excluding their resident ambassadors.

International organizations such as the United Nations and its various offices, World Bank-International Monetary Fund and the International Committee of the Red Cross were also represented.

The Pope, meanwhile, met Aquino at the Malacanang Palace on Saturday.

During the Pope's courtesy call, Aquino openly lambasted Filipino clergy critical of his administration.—Andreo Calonzo/NB, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/popefrancis/story/409311/pnoy-joins-millions-in-pope-francis-quirino-grandstand-mass

Greater Manila Railway Projects

Runs under "PPP program"

• North-South Commuter Railway, which will run from Malolos to Calamba City (double-track standard gauge system)

Philippines delegation for the METRO CHINA 2015

The Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) will be go to Beijing, China for the METRO CHINA 2015 at China International Exhibition Center, No. 6 East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China on November 17 to 20, 2015.

The send-off ceremonies for the event to be led by Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communications at the Columbia Tower, Mandaluyong on Friday, November 13. Attached agencies of the DOTC are Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will be joined in the delegation.

One of the highlights of the exhibition will be a demonstration of a metro train equipped with a state-of-the-art passenger information system, a wireless communication network and Wifi.

The Light Rail Vehicles of LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 would be equipped with a state-of-the-art passenger information system, a wireless communication network and WiFi.

How to visit

To visit METRO CHINA 2015, you can consult and register as follows. If you have any question, please contact us.

1. Pre-registration online

Click the Pre-registration, complete the information and you will receive a confirming email and SMS code after registered successfully, you can exchange for ticket on site with the code.

2. Exchange for Visitor Badge with business card

You can exchange for ticket with your business card, and get the visitor badge.

3. Fill the registration form on site

At the exhibition entrance, you can complete the registration form and get the ticket and badge

Show dates & hours

• Nov. 17th 09:00-16:30
• Nov. 18th 09:00-16:30
• Nov. 19th 09:00-16:30
• Nov. 20th 09:00-15:00

Transportation

To airport: 19.58km
About RMB 50 yuan for taxi

To Beijing West Railway Station: 15.22km
About RMB 40 yuan for taxi

However, The issues on Metro Manila's three existing urban rail transit systems are LRT-1 & 2 and MRT-3 in the event.

The Philippine railway projects should be mentioned in the METRO CHINA 2015 exhibition are:

• LRT-1 North Extension - 5.7 kilometer extension from the Monumento Station of Line 1 to the North Avenue Station of Line 3, this the 11 million pesos public-private partnership (PPP) railway project under the PGMA administration. Conceptualized in July 2006.
• Common Station - the common station was designed to accommodate LRT-1, MRT-3 and eventually MRT-7 “side to side” at SM City North EDSA Annex and Head to head platforms for LRT-1 and MRT-3 with a 147.4-meter elevated walk-a-lator to the proposed MRT7 at North Avenue will be constructed at Trinoma Mall plus the additional foot bridge at the existing North Avenue MRT Station.
• LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Operations and Maintenance - 12 kilometer extension of LRT-1 from Baclaran, Pasay City to Niog, Bacoor City, Cavite and the largest public-private partnership (PPP) railway project under the Aquino III administration.
• LRT-1 Repair, Rehabilitation and Upgrade
• LRT-2 East Extension - 4.2 kilometer extension of LRT-2 from Santolan, Pasig City to Masinag, Antipolo City
• LRT-2 Operations and Maintenance, Repair, Rehabilitation and Upgrade
• LRT-2 West Extension - extension of LRT-2 from the current-end station in Recto to Pier 4
• MRT-3 Operations and Maintenance, Repair, Rehabilitation and Upgrade Project
• LRT-4 - Runs from Santa Mesa, Manila to Taytay, Rizal.
• LRT-6 - Runs from Niog, Bacoor City to Governor's Drive, Dasmarinas City
• MRT-7 - 2nd MRT Line runs from North Avenue, Quezon City to Araneta-Colinas Verdes Subdivision, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
• EDSA Subway - from City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to Dasmarinas, Cavite
• North-South Commuter Railway, which will run from Malolos to Calamba City
• Pasay-Makati-Taguig Loop
• PNR North-South Railway Line - this is the biggest and largest PPP project to be tendered by his Administration
• Commuter Rail Operations from Caloocan to Calamba City
• Long-Haul Operations from Caloocan to Legaspi City, Albay
• Extensions to Batangas City ant Matnog, Sorsogon
• beep card

METRO CHINA 2015

Approved by:
Ministry of Commerce, P. R. China


Host:
China Communications and Transportation Association (CCTA), Urban Rail Transit Committee


Organizers:
China Academy of Railway Science


Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd.
Beijing Subway Operation Co., Ltd.
Beijing MTR Construction Administration Corporation
China World Trade Center Co., Ltd.


Co-organizers:
Shanghai Shentong Metro Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Metro Co., Ltd.
Tianjin Binhai Mass Transit Development Co., Ltd.
Chongqing Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Metro Corporation
Guangdong Guangfo Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Metro Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Metro Line 3 Investment Co., Ltd.
Nanjing Metro Co., Ltd.
Changchun Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Dalian Modern Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Wuhan Metro Group Co., Ltd.
Shenyang Metro Co., Ltd.
Chengdu Metro Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd.
Xi'an Metro Co., Ltd.
Harbin Metro Group Co., Ltd.
Suzhou Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Qingdao Metro Co., Ltd.
Foshan Metro Co., Ltd.
Shijiazhuang Rail Transit Project Construction Office
Wuxi Metro Development Co., Ltd.
Zhengzhou Metro Development Co., Ltd.
Nanchang Metro Development Co., Ltd.
Nanning Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Kunming Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Guiyang Urban Rail Transit Co., Ltd.
Hefei Construction Investment and Holding Co., Ltd.
Fuzhou Metro Co., Ltd.
Changsha Rail Transit Group Co., Ltd.

Overview


METRO CHINA 2015 is planned to be held at China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, from the 17th to 20th of November 2015, covering a floor space of 22,000 square meters. It will be hosted by Urban Rail Transit Committee of China Communications and Transportation Association (CCTA) and organized by China Academy of Railway Sciences, MOR and China World Trade Center Co., Ltd.

First staged in 2005, the biennial METRO CHINA has grown to be China’s most professional, influential and largest international exhibition for the urban rail transit industry. The show has served as an ideal platform for the exhibitors from around the world to best display their state-of-the-art technology and equipment, improve their corporate image, understand the needs of China’s urban rail transit development, seek business partners, tap market potentials and conduct exchanges and cooperation in the world’s most populous nation with the fastest-growing economy.

Market potential: By the end of 2013, eighteen cities on the mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Nanjing, Shenyang, Changchun, Dalian, Chengdu, Xi’an, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Harbin and Zhengzhou had put into service 76 urban rail lines (both metro and light rail), totaling 2,331km in length, and 1,518 stations. It is planned that the 28-approved cities will spend RMB 1,200 billion yuan (US $192.15 billion) in completing 87 lines of 2,500km by 2015. By 2020 some 40 cities will have metro or urban rails, increasing the country’s total mileage to 7,000km.


Advantage


Authoritative organizers:
Hosted by the authoritative institution in the urban rail transit industry – CCTA
Jointly organized by two industry leaders- CWTC and CARS
Co-organized by 30-plus companies engaged in planning, construction, management and operation of metro projects.

Influential brand
China’s most professional trade show for the urban rail transit industry, with the biggest exhibition space and the largest numbers of both exhibitors and visitors
Where the exhibitors meet the most professional visitors who are senior government officials, decision makers, experts, scholars and technical staff

Multiple events
Multi-subject conferences and seminars held concurrently
Outdoor display of vehiclesOrganizers:
China Academy of Railways Sciences (http://www.rails.com.cn)
China World Trade Center Co., Ltd. (http://www.cwtc.com)

Exhibit Profile
• China’s localization of urban rail equipment
• China’s operation and management of urban rail transit
• Domestic and overseas up-to-date technology and equipment on

• Urban rail vehicles
• Urban rail signaling
• Comprehensive monitoring
• Power supply and distribution
• Electromechanical systems
• Safety supporting
• Informationization
• Maintenance and detecting
• AFC
• Survey and design
• Engineering and construction
• Engineering consultancy and supervision
• Earthquake resistance and disaster prevention

Exhibition Venue-CIE


CIEC introduction

China International Exhibition Center, better known as CIEC for short, is located at No. 6 East Beisanhuan Road, Beijing. Founded in 1985, CIEC has even since been the venue for more than 1,000 exhibitions, covering a total floor space of over 11 million square meters and promoting trade valued at RMB 500 billion yuan. Today, 100 trade shows totaling 1 million square meters are staged at CIEC every year.

CIEC contact

Address: No. 6 East Beisanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Post: 100028

Tel: (010)84600000 Fax: (010)84600040

Website: http://www.ciec-expo.com

Show review


METRO CHINA 2013, spreading over 22,000m2 of exhibition space, was held successfully at China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, between 19th -22nd of November, 2013. The exhibition attracted over 210 exhibitors from 13 countries, 47% of which represented Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland, Japan, the USA, Austria, Sweden, Czech, the UK, and Italy, and the rest from China. The four-day exhibition saw more than 22,000 trade visitors. The Philippines, it will join "METRO CHINA 2015" with the help of TV and newspaper journalists

METRO CHINA 2013 covered a broad range of exhibit profile, from vehicles to signaling, braking, monitoring, door and air-conditioning systems, to serve the industry’s all sectors, operation, construction, equipment manufacturing, engineering design, consultancy and supervision.



Nine conferences and seminars were held during the exhibition for some 2,000 delegates to exchange views on the different subjects concerning urban rail transit, including Domestic Low-Floor Vehicles, CBTC, Urban Rail Vehicles, Comprehensive Monitoring Systems, Vibration and Noise Reduction, and Sustainable China-Sweden Rail Development.

More than 30 conventional media, to name a few, BTV, Beijing Communications Radio, People’s Daily Overseas Edition, Science and Technology Daily, Beijing Daily, Beijing Morning Post and Beijing Evening News and People's Railway Daily, together with 10-plus cyber media, including http://www.people.com.cn, http://www.sina.com.cn and http://www.sohu.com, as well the Philippines' ABS-CBN, PTV-4, TV5, GMA-7, CNN Philippines and the newspapers Manila Times, Manila Bulletin (MB), Philippine Daily INQUIRER (PDI), The Philippine STAR (PhilSTAR), extensively reported on METRO CHINA 2013.

•Display of Real Vehicles

One of the highlights of METRO CHINA 2013 was the outdoor display of low-floor and other vehicles for metro, inter-city and engineering provided by CSR, CNR and Beijing Metro, overshadowing similar shows in China in terms of the number, type and cutting edge of the displayed vehicles.

•Experiencing CRH6 Inter-city TrainAnother highlight was experiencing CRH 6 train, sponsored by CARS and CSR. Some 40 lucky rail technical personnel and fans experienced the state-of-the-art technology and comfort of CRH 6 inter-city train on the testing line of CARS in the suburban east of Beijing, being the first of its kind associated with the exhibition.

TV News: Behind the Scenes (1973 documentary)

The World Tonight of ABS-CBN did the same theme music from 1986 to 1988 and the opening intro goes:
"The World Tonight, here's Angelo Castro, Jr."

Angelo Castro, Jr.: "Good evening, i'm Angelo Castro, Jr., here now the news."



The theme music: "Cool Hand Luke: The Tar Sequence as opening and closing theme from July 16, 1986 to February 17, 1989.



News Series 2000 by Gari Media Group from February 20, 1989 to July 1, 1994

photos from the papal visit

Quirino Grandstand

A photo posted by @jonpokertour on Jan 17, 2015 at 5:15am PST

Movie channels

Local channels

Biggest Political and Religious Events in the Philippines

• Ninoy Aquino’s burial, August 31, 1983. Two million people marched from the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.
• October 1983. First anti-Marcos rally in Makati, where thousands of office workers and businessmen poured out of their buildings to join marchers along Ayala Avenue.
• “Tarlac to Tarmac,” late 1983. A march initiated by the August Twenty-One Movement from Ninoy’s home province to what was then the Manila International Airport, where he was assassinated. The crowd peaked at the boundary of Meycauayan and Valenzuela towns along MacArthur Highway in Bulacan, where rallyists were blocked by uniformed men.
• First anniversary of Ninoy Aquino’s death on August 21, 1984 at the Quirino Grandstand, attended by 500,000 people.
• Corazon Aquino’s miting de avance for the snap elections on February 8, 1986 at the Quirino Grandstand, attended by 500,000 people.
• Marcos’ miting de avance for the snap elections on February 1986 at the Quirino Grandstand, attended by 100,000 people
• Tagumpay ng Bayan rally to celebrate EDSA victory. February 15, 1986 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park attended by more than 500,000 people.
• EDSA People Power Revolution of February 22 to 25, 1986. Camp Crame to White Plains, a low of 300,000 and a peak of 500,000
• Burial of labor leader Rolando Olalia, November 1986. March from University of the Philippines-Diliman to Mandaluyong Cemetery, 145,000.
• El Shaddai 3rd Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 48th birthday from August 22 to 23, 1987, It rained heavily throughout the affair, but the estimated two hundred thousand attendees stayed until it ended in the morning.
• El Shaddai 4th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 49th birthday from August 20 to 21, 1988 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila where an estimated half a million people packed the venue. It was the biggest crowd so far gathered by a particular group in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the Philippines. The testimonies on the healing and miraculous power of Psalm 91 inspired some prayer-partners to have the Psalm printed on handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become an instrument of God's healing and miracles among the prayer-partners worldwide.
• El Shaddai 5th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and it's leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 50th birthday, August 19 to 20, 1989 at the Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium, Vito Cruz Street, Malate Manila with over half a million people from all over the Philippines to take part in an overnight activity of praise and worship dedicated to El Shaddai. Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, together with some priests from the different parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila, led the Holy Mass.
• El Shaddai 8th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and it's leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 53rd birthday on August 22-23, 1992 at the PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Avenue Extension, Pasay City, more than one-and-a-half million prayer-partners attended the affair. His Excellency, President Fidel V. Ramos, gave his greetings to the congregation.
• El Shaddai 9th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and it's leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 54th birthday on August 21-22, 1993 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila with 2 million people. The crowd filled the Rizal Park from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay at the back of the grandstand. The affair featured the mass wedding of two hundred thirty couples who had previously lived together without the blessing of the Church. During his healing message, Bro. Mike launched the "Love Our Police Movement," believing that through the Filipinos' love and faith in the members of the Philippine National Police, the nation will change for the better.
• El Shaddai 10th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 55th birthday from August 20 to 21, 1994 at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila with 3 to 10 million people. The participants crowded the 61-hectare park and adjacent areas-Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, UN Avenue, T.M. Kalaw St., Port Area, and Jones Bridge. Some of them came to the venue as early as three days before the event. They came not only from Metro Manila, but also from Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, the Ilocos Region, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Leyte, and other distant provinces. Also present were members from different overseas chapters of the Foundation.
• 11th Christmas Overnight Celebration Annual Family Reunion with El Shaddai on December 24 to 25, 1994 at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila. The close to three million attendees feasted on thousands of roasted calves, pigs and chickens. In the early morning, thousands of doves for peace and prosperity were released by the attendees.
• Pope John Paul II’s second visit for the 10th World Youth Day at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila on January 14 to 15, 1995 with 1 to 10 million people. 
• El Shaddai 11th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 56th birthday at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Avenue Extension, Pasay City on August 19 to 20, 1995, Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the venue. The members and followers of the Foundation from the provinces arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name "El Shaddai." In view of the huge numbers of people coming to the venue, the Buendia Avenue Extension was closed and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby buildings, or sit on the sidewalks and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, officiated a mass wedding of one hundred eighty-two couples.
• Twelfth Christmas Overnight Annual Family Reunion with El Shaddai on December 23 to 24, 1995 at the PEA Grounds in Pasay City. Close to three million people stood witness to the blessed event as Bishop Bacani officiated the mass wedding ceremony assisted by other priests. Romance pervaded the air, bringing smiles to the young and old alike who stood shoulder to shoulder, seemingly unaffected by the cool December breeze.
• El Shaddai 13th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 58th birthday at the PNCC-PICC-CCP Grounds, Buendia Avenue Extension, Pasay City on August 23 to 24, His Eminence, Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez, Most Rev. Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Bishop Bacani, and some Reverend Fathers and Spiritual Directors of the Foundation for local and overseas chapters attended the affair. A number of public officials also graced the occasion. Brother Mike presented the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" Award to President Fidel V. Ramos, the guest of honor
• In spite of heavy rains, close to 600,000 people trooped to the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, September 21, 1997  to join a prayer rally for peace and unity called by His Eminence Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and former president Corazon C. Aquino. The rally was held in protest of move to amend the Constitution before the May 11, 1998 national elections. The attendees were from the different NGOs, civic, business and political groups, Catholic religious organization, and non-Catholic groups. This include the thousands of flaglet-bearing members of the Foundation. Representatives of the different groups in attendance signed a covenant against charter change. An ecumenical invocation was held with leaders from Islam, Protestant and other sect groups participating. Brother Mike represented the Catholic Church. As a result of the rally, the move for charter change in then congress were stopped as called by former president Fidel Ramos.
• El Shaddai 15th Anniversary Celebration Overnight Mass and Healing Prayer Rally and its leader Bro. Mike Velarde’s 60th birthday celebration at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila with 1,200,000 people on August 20, 1999 a show of force by the Joseph Estrada camp in answer to the anti-Estrada rally in Ayala with a turnout of 50,000 people. Before the noon of August 20, in observance of Bro. Mike's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Mike for his birthday and for the anniversary of the Foundation. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Mike. His Excellency, President Joseph E. Estrada, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with First Lady Eloisa Ejercito Estrada, MD. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Blas Ople; several congressmen led by House Speaker Manny Villar; and friends of Bro. Mike from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. A Thanksgiving Mass was led by His Eminence Jose Thomas Cardinal Sanchez of the Vatican City, together with Bishop Bacani; Very Rev. Msgrs. Mariano T. Balbago Jr. of Antipolo Diocese and Mario A. Castillo; and Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual and Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro, spiritual directors of the Foundation. Joining them also were several spiritual directors from the international chapters of the Foundation namely Reverend Fathers Bernard J. Nolan of Brisbane, Australia; Leo E. Steinbock of L.A., Ca., USA; and Thomas Kawamura of Tokyo, Japan, as well as from the Philippines namely, Dwight de Jesus; Remigio Mendoza of Mabini, Batangas; Manheim Abellana, SDB; Eligio Santos of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati; and Stephen Punnakal and Victor Maung Thit of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Malate, Manila. Highlighting the Mass was the mass wedding of 50 couple who had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church. They decided to get married for they had known through their listening of the Word over DWXI (1314 kHz) AM, that they are living against the will of God, for it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "...Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral...nor adulterers...will inherit the Kingdom of God." After the Mass, a candlelight ceremony was held followed by the delivery of the healing message of Bro. Mike.
• Launching of the Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga campaign of the government, August 28, 1999. Quirino Grandstand with 500,000 people
• El Shaddai and Iglesia ni Cristo’s National Day of Prayer and Fasting Against All Adversities, thousands of people from different sects and religions in the Philippines joined together for the affair held at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila in support of President Joseph Estrada on November 13, 1999, in accordance with Executive Order No. 169 signed by the President, complementing Presidential Proclamation No. 47, declaring the second Saturday of November of every year. Reverend Ephraim Perez and Bro. Boy Baldomaro of the New Hope of Life Church, Baliuag, Bulacan led the congregation in the singing of praise and worship songs. Bishop Efraim M. Tendero of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCES) exhorted the crowd about the importance of prayer. Reverend Reynaldo Santillana of the Christian Ministers Council of Bulacan led the invocation. This was followed by the offering of prayers of representatives of the different sects and religions, namely, Bro. Joe Villanueva of the Mission to All the World Ministry; Rev. Fred Magbanua of the Christian Leaders Alliance of the Philippines (CLAP); Imam Abdul Bashit Kareem Bantuas of the Muslim community; Rev. Kenneth Aguillera of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP); Minister Adriel Obar Meimban, Ph.D. of the Iglesia ni Cristo; Most Rev. Bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. of the Catholic Church; and Bro. Bert Lotilla of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship. Their prayers for the nation were as follows: peace and unity, healing of the nation, lasting peace and prosperity in Mindanao, productive collaboration between the media and the government, eradication of poverty and graft and corruption in the public service, and bountiful harvest and improvement of economic growth and employment. A candlelight ceremony was held after the special message and prayer of the President. The congregation led by Bro. Mike joined together in the recitation of the "Our Father". He also prayed for unity among Filipinos amidst adversities and for progressive development of the nation.
• El Shaddai’s National Day of Prayer for President Joseph Estrada, November 11, 2000. Quirino Grandstand, 1.2 million, in answer to the anti-Estrada EDSA Shrine prayer rally of November 4 with a turnout of 15,000
• EDSA People Power 2, EDSA Shrine, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City on January 17 to 20, 2001. Low of 50,000 and peak of 200,000.
• Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva's 67th birthday party at the Manila Hotel and its 35th anniversary celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila on October 25 to 26, 2013 with 10 million people packed the 61-hectare national park and adjacent streets (Roxas Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area District and Jones Bridge), a show of force by the Aquino III camp in answer to the anti-Aquino Pork Barrel rally in Ayala Avenue, Makati City with a turnout of 50,000. This year's celebration theme was "Revolution of Righteousness".
• Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva's 68th birthday party at the Manila Hotel and its 36th anniversary celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, City of Manila on October 24 to 25, 2014 with 10 million people packed the 61-hectare national park and adjacent streets (Roxas Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area District and Jones Bridge), a show of force by the Aquino III camp in answer to the anti-Aquino Charter Change and Pork Barrel rally in Ayala Avenue, Makati City with a turnout of 50,000. This year's celebration theme was "Pursue Peace and Be Holy, Without which No One Can See God" (Hebrews 12:14). Most of the attendees were already in the venue days before the overnight affair beamed live nationwide via satellite over GMA-7, ABS-CBN-2, PTV-4, TV5, 9TV, GMA News TV-11, IBC-13, ABS-CBN Sports+Action 23. Before the noon of October 6, in observance of Bro. Eddie's birthday, the attendees feasted on roasted chickens, pigs and calves as a gift of the family and friends for his natal day celebration. Early in the afternoon, the crowd jubilantly caught with their umbrellas inverted thousands of miracle-souvenir handkerchiefs thrown into the air from several helicopters. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Bro. Eddie for his birthday party and for the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. He also led the congregation in prayer for their prayer-requests, which were tied to balloons and released to the air at the signal of Bro. Eddie. During the 36th Anniversary Celebration last October 24, 2014, His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the guest of honor in the occasion, gave his greetings and message to the crowd. The President was with the members of the Aquino Family. In attendance also were some members of the cabinet; several senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon; several congressmen led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; and friends of Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai from the business, entertainment, media, legal, and religious sector. 
• Overnight Vigil and Closing Liturgy of the Apostolic and State Visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines on January 17 to 18, 2015 with 10 million people packed the 61-hectare national park and adjacent streets (Roxas Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Street, Padre Burgos Drive, Port Area District and Jones Bridge). It also dwarfed the million or so who faced down tanks and guns in the February 22 to 25, 1986 EDSA People Power uprising that toppled the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos from power. And the two million who rallied behind Corazon Aquino at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park after the February 7, 1986 snap presidential elections. People started massing at the Rizal Park as early as midnight Friday, swelling the one-million crowd that attended the celebration's annual sunset overnight vigil at the 61-hectare Rizal Park. The throng grew swiftly as more and more people arrived early yesterday morning, January 17. Among those who came for the annual religious celebration were residents from barangays in the cities and municipalities in provinces, some coming from as far north as Laoag.

Future Metro Manila Road Projects

32 dead, power down as 7.2 quake hits Bohol 33 wounded and counting, LGUs say Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/507169/6-dead-power-down-as-7-2-quake-hits-bohol#ixzz3X1MiOUGJ Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

The death toll in the powerful 7.2- magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao Tuesday morning rose to 32, authorities said.

Renato Solidum, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, likened the energy released by the quake to “32 Hiroshima bombs.” The earthquake toppled buildings and historic churches and sending terrified residents into deadly stampedes.

At least 16 people died in Bohol and 15 in Cebu, officials said. Scores were injured.

“We ran out of the building, and outside, we hugged trees because the tremors were so strong,” said Vilma Yorong, a Bohol provincial government employee.

“When the shaking stopped, I ran to the street and there I saw several injured people. Some were saying their church has collapsed,” she told The Associated Press by phone.

As fear set in, Yorong and the others ran up a mountain, afraid a tsunami would follow the quake. “Minutes after the earthquake, people were pushing each other to go up the hill,” she said.

Panic ensued as people spilled out on the street after the quake struck at 8:12 a.m. It was centered about 33 kilometers (20 miles) below Carmen town on Bohol Island, where many buildings collapsed, roads cracked up and bridges fell. Extensive damage also hit densely populated Cebu City, across the narrow strait from Bohol, causing deaths when a fish port and a market roof fell.

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Bohol quake ‘like 32 Hiroshima bombs’ Quake kills at least 97 in Bohol and Cebu Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/507373/bohol-earthquake-strongest-to-hit-visayas-and-mindanao-in-over-20-years#ixzz3X1KIuDIc Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

An earthquake with energy equivalent to “32 Hiroshima bombs” jolted the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao and southern Luzon early Tuesday morning, causing centuries-old churches and modern buildings to crumble, disrupting power and phone services, setting off stampedes and killing at least 97 people.

The nuclear bomb dropped over Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945, packed power equal to 20,000 tons of TNT.

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck at 8:12 a.m. with its epicenter at 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen town in Bohol province, known for its chocolate hills and tarsiers.

Offices and schools were closed for a national holiday—the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha—which may have saved lives.

Bohol and Cebu have declared a state calamity as the death toll rose to 97 in the two provinces, including a 9-year-old girl who died in a stampede that broke out at the queue for the cash transfer program in Pinamungahan town, Cebu.

President Aquino will fly to Bohol and Cebu Wednesday to check on the damage caused by the quake.

“I will be going to Bohol and Cebu tomorrow, and if possible other areas. And if our assessment is there are a lot of other things that are not being taken care of, then we will reconsider the (Korea) visit. But as of this time, the things that have to be done are being done,” the President told reporters.

Senior Supt. Dennis Agustin, the Bohol police chief, reported 87 fatalities in the province based on an actual body count. At least nine others were killed in nearby Cebu province and another died on Siquijor Island, according to field reports.

Agustin said Loon town accounted for at least 20 fatalities; San Isidro and Sagbayan, nine fatalities each; Balilihan, Calape and Antequerra, five fatalities each; Tubigon, Inabanga, Bilar and Catigbian, four fatalities each; and Maribojoc, three fatalities.

Agustin said the towns of Clarin, Buenavista, Loay and Albor had two fatalities each. Tagbilaran City also had the same number of fatalities.

The towns of Getafe, Batu-an, Baclayon, Cortes and Talibon each had one fatality.

Aquino presided over an hourlong closed-door executive session of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at the Office of Civil Defense.

Combined figures from the Bohol provincial police and the NDRRMC showed that at least 164 people were injured in the province.

East Bohol Fault

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the movement of the East Bohol Fault triggered the strongest quake in the Visayas in 23 years.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum placed the depth of the tectonic tremor at 33 kilometers.

The US Geological Survey initially reported the quake as having a magnitude of 7.2, but shortly afterward lowered it to 7.1.

By noon, Phivolcs had recorded 137 aftershocks in Carmen and Tagbilaran, the strongest of which was magnitude 4.3 at 9:37 a.m. Intensity IV was felt in Tagbilaran.

Magnitude is the measurement of the energy released by the earthquake, while intensity measures the extent of damage caused by the quake.

Limestone church crumbled

Many roads and bridges were reported damaged, but historic churches dating from the Spanish colonial period suffered the most. Among them is the country’s oldest, the 16th-century Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebu, which lost its bell tower.

A 17th-century limestone church in Loboc town, southwest of Carmen, crumbled to pieces, with nearly half of it reduced to rubble.

Bohol Administrator Alfonso Damalerio said two other churches in Maribojoc and Loon were destroyed.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Bohol also received reports of damage to old churches in Loay, Clarin and Baclayon as well as the belfry in Panglao.

Photos on social media showed extensive damage not only to churches but also to modern buildings, including a university, while major roads had also been torn apart.

In the immediate aftermath of the quake, authorities were struggling to reach or contact damaged areas, with power lines as well as phone networks down, and a clear picture of the disaster had yet to emerge.

Neil Sanchez, head of the Cebu disaster management office, said authorities were trying to confirm reports that a school had collapsed, with an undetermined number of children trapped.

“Communications lines are quite difficult here. Even the disaster risk reduction management office has been damaged. We had to move elsewhere,” Sanchez said.

Businesses in Cebu were on a standstill as people rushed out of buildings, homes and hospitals.

Malls and several establishments closed down for the day to allow engineers to check on their buildings. They are expected to resume operations on Wednesday.

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Classes, flights suspended

Cebu declared a state of calamity and suspended classes in both private and public schools on Wednesday to allow school officials to check on the buildings.

Operations at Mactan Cebu International Airport and Bohol’s Tagbilaran airport were halted after the quake struck, as airport safety authorities conducted safety checks.

By 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, both airports resumed operations. John Andrews of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said damage was reported at both locations. In the case of Tagbilaran, the second floor ceiling of the terminal collapsed but the debris was already cleared, he said.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom said service in earthquake-hit areas continued but noted that operations were likely hindered by the lack of power and damage to their facilities. The companies said engineers are working to restore services.

Ports operations resumed at 1 p.m. after the Coast Guard Cebu Station commander, Weniel Azcuna, lifted a suspension order. He, however, urged passengers bound for Bohol to take the boat to the province’s Tubigon town because the passenger terminal in Tagbilaran was damaged.

Bridge collapsed

Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto said the Abatan Bridge that connected Maribojoc to Tagbilaran City had collapsed. But an alternative route in Antequerra town can be used.

The highway in Cortes particularly in Lilo-an was rendered impassable due to a landslide. A part of Cortes’ highway was also damaged.

Municipal halls in Sagbayan was destroyed while the municipal hall in Clarin was damaged.

In Cebu, nine persons were reported killed in the cities of Cebu, Talisay and Mandaue, and in the towns of Ronda and Pinamungahan.

Four people were killed when a portion of the ceiling of the Pasil Fish Market collapsed. Only three fatalities were identified—Leona Cabarrubias, Rondilino Bondoc and Condrado Perez.

Cabarrubias was identified by her son-in-law, Douglas Encabo, who went looking for her in the market which was cordoned by the police.

Encabo said his mother-in-law was selling fish in the market when the tragedy happened.

Reports from Cebu City said 53 people were brought to Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) for minor cuts and bruises.

Patients evacuated

At least 250 patients of CCMC were evacuated after cracks were found in the hospital. Most of the patients were transferred to the nearby Pahina Central gym. Others stayed under the tents placed on the sidewalk near CCMC.

Eight patients with critical cases were taken to the other hospitals.

A fatality in Cebu City, Aurora Abellar Repe, 64, died after she was hit by a concrete wall in Barangay (village) Sawang Calero.

Stampede

Four-year-old Shaisha Mia Patiluna was killed in a stampede on Tuesday morning when people panicked after they felt the earth shaking while they were lining up to receive cash assistance from the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Pinamungahan town, Cebu.

A separate stampede also occurred in Toledo City where the Department of Social Welfare and Development personnel were distributing the cash doles when the earthquake hit. At least 20 people were hurt.

Ethel Natera, information officer of the provincial government, identified two of the fatalities as Mordencia Lumera, 80, of Ronda town and Leio Planos of Talisay.

She said Planos was killed while his two companions were wounded when their vehicle was hit by falling debris in Talisay.

A woman was also killed after she was hit by a glass decor at the fish section of the new public market in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City.

Roger Paller, Mandaue information officer, said 39 others were wounded by glass shards.

At least 3,000 people from Cebu City’s coastal barangays were evacuated to nearby gyms and church grounds. These were in Pasil, Sawang Calero, Duljo Fatima and San Nicolas.

INC towers destroyed

Two towers of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on General Maxilum Avenue in Cebu City collapsed while cracks were found on the walls of Fort San Pedro, the Bureau of Customs building and approaches to the flyover in Barangay Mambaling.

In Iloilo, two persons were hurt.

One of them was a 50-year-old woman who fell from a scaffolding while overseeing repairs at her home in Barangay Tabuc Suba in Jaro District.

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog ordered the suspension of classes to allow the inspection of school buildings for damage and structural integrity.—Reports from Carine M. Asutilla, Doris C. Bongcac and Connie E. Fernandez, Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Jhunnex Napallacan and Carmel Matus, Inquirer Visayas; Miguel R. Camus, Tarra Quismundo and Cynthia Balana in Manila; AP and AFP

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common station

   the common station was designed to accommodate LRT-1, MRT-3 and eventually MRT-7 “side to side.”
Head to head platforms for LRT1 and MRT3 with a 147.4-meter elevated walk-a-lator to the proposed MRT7 at North Avenue will be constructed.

Papal visit by the numbers

• 58 HECTARES Land area of Rizal Park
• 1-1.2 MILLION Estimated capacity of Rizal Park
• 6 MILLION Expected number of people to attend Mass at Rizal Park
• 4 MILLION Estimated number of people who attended the Mass led by Pope John Paul II on January 15, 1995—“the largest papal crowd in history”—according to Guinness World Records
• 200 Number of bishops who will attend the Pope’s Mass
• 2,500 Number of priests who will attend the Pope’s Mass
• 5,000 Number of lay ministers to give Communion during the Pope’s Mass
• 60,000 Number of choir members accompanied by a 200-member orchestra that will provide music at the Pope’s Mass
• 400 Portalets that will be set up around the park
• 20 First-aid stations that will be set up around the park
• 18 LED screens that will be set up along the stretch of Roxas Boulevard to Anda Circle to allow spillover crowds to follow the Mass at Quirino Grandstand

Compiled by Mariele Medina

Source: Inquirer Archives

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papal mass update

MMDA on Pope’s Luneta Mass: ‘Everything is in order’

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/666230/mmda-on-popes-luneta-mass-everything-is-in-order#ixzz3Wbf70XeC 

Shrugging off criticisms that crowd management at Pope Francis’ Mass in Luneta lacked order, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Sunday said that the event went smoothly as planned.

In a radio interview, Tolentino said he was pleased with the agency’s initial assessment after the Mass.

“Everything was in order. Everything that we have planned was implemented,” Tolentino said in an interview over dzBB minutes after the event.

He also added that without the cooperation of the pilgrims, the event would have been chaotic.

According to MMDA’s estimate, six million people attended Pope Francis’ third and final Mass in the country for his five-day apostolic and state visit and lined up on the pontiff’s route.

Injuries were reported after a scuffle ensued on Maria Orosa Street early Sunday morning as pilgrims clambered their way over metal barriers to get to Quirino Grandstand, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said. A 13-year-old boy reportedly fainted after being crushed by the jostling crowd.

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4 million heard Papal Mass in Luneta

By Mike Frialde (philstar.com) | Updated January 18, 2015 - 7:35pm

At least six million people gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) and the route of the papal motorcade from the Apostolic Nunciature to the historic park during the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Sunday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the crowd estimate in Rizal Park for the Mass of Pope Francis was four million and people at the park's perimeter numbered at least 360,000.

Additional two million people gathered along the route of Pope Francis' motorcade from the Apostolic Nunciature to Rizal Park.

The pope arrived at the rain-soaked Rizal Park at 2:43 p.m. aboard a jeepney-inspired popemobile and started the Mass early at 3 p.m.

In his homily, the pope expressed his concern for the family and urged the millions of pilgrims attending the outdoor Mass to "protect" the family.

"[The Santo Nino] reminds us of the importance of protecting our families and those larger families, which are the Church, God's family, and the world, our human family," the Roman Pontiff said in English.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said that six children who got separated from their relatives remained in the care of the agency as of 3 p.m.

The MMDA identified the children as Nicole Coryna, 9; Trishia Yanib, 8; Mary Zyle Guinto, 12; Leegil Bret, 12; Eriza Zapico; Joshua Dalmatio, 7.

Two adults were also brought to the MMDA’s “lost and found tents” after they were found separated from their relatives. They were identified as Nena Clark, 66; and Sol San Dingan, 57. Jona Espejo

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/18/1414339/4-million-heard-papal-mass-luneta

Due to long lines at portalets, devotees relieve themselves elsewhere January 18, 2015 2:19pm

As the lines to portalets and public restrooms in nearby restaurants and fastfood chains continue to grow, many of the devotees who have gathered in Manila for the Pope's Mass have decided to relieve themselves in elsewhere.

Some men used a fence at a construction site to relieve themselves, while a father told his son to do it behind a tree.

A number of women were also seen covering themselves and others with tarpaulin to urinate.

Millions are expected to attend the Pope's Mass on Sunday afternoon at the Quirino Grandstand.

As of posting time, a portion of Rizal Park near the Lapu-Lapu Shrine already reeks of urine. — Amita Legaspi/BM, GMA News
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/popefrancis/story/409255/due-to-long-lines-at-portalets-devotees-relieve-themselves-elsewhere

Pope holds final motorcade before departure (philstar.com) | Updated January 19, 2015 - 9:07am

Pope Francis is now on his way to Villamor Airbase in Pasay City for his departure for Rome, Italy on Monday morning.

The pontiff is on board the pope mobile which left the Apostolic Nunciature around 9:04 a.m.

Numerous Filipinos again lined up along the papal route to get their final glimpse of the esteemed Catholic leader.

Pope Francis is scheduled to be given a send-off ceremony at the Presidential Pavilion of the Villamor Air base at 9:45 a.m. and is set to depart for Rome at 10 a.m.

The pope is concluding his five-day state and apostolic visit here, which has been highlighted by his trip to typhoon-hit Leyte on Saturday.

On Sunday, he also officiated a holy mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, which was attended by a record crowd of six million.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/19/1414559/pope-holds-final-motorcade-departure

Tutuban Center signs lease deal to host North-South railway station

THE DEVELOPER of Tutuban Center in Manila on Wednesday agreed to lease to the government a portion of its mall, to accommodate the transfer station of the North-South Railway Project (NSRP).

In a statement on Wednesday, Prime Orion Philippines, Inc. said its subsidiary Tutuban Properties, Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Transportation department and the Philippine National Railways.

“Under the MoU, the parties agreed to cooperate in the finalization and completion of the plans for the NSRP within a period of six months,” the statement read.

The lease agreement will be effective until 2039.

The NSRP will come in two phases. The first is the North Line, a 37-kilometer elevated commuter railway that will run from Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban. The second phase is the South Line, a 653-kilometer railway from Tutuban to Legazpi City in Albay province.

The west extension of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) will also reach the Manila port area and will have one of its major stations in front of the shopping complex.

The LRT-2 station will be interconnected to the NSRP transfer station in Tutuban and initial studies show that this will result in additional daily foot traffic of some 400,000 people for the Tutuban Center area.

Listed Prime Orion has said it will expand the leasable area of Tutuban Center by 40,000 square meters (sq.m). from the current 60,000 sq.m. in the next two or three years.

The North Line is expected to cost P117 billion and is targeted for implementation this year with a 35-year operating period starting 2020. The Japanese government will fund the project through an official development assistance loan. 

The South Line, meanwhile, will cost P170 billion and will be implemented under the public-private partnership scheme. -- Daphne J. Magturo  

Lawmakers, groups to seek TRO vs train fare hike

LEGISLATORS led by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito and various groups will ask the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order against the fare increases of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

In a media advisory issued on Monday, Ejercito said he will be joined by Representatives Gustavo Tambunting (Paranaque), Leah Paquiz (Ang Nars Partylist), and Lito Atienza, Irwin Tieng and Mariano Michael Vellarde of Buhay Partylist in filing the petition for TRO at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Other petitioners include former Cavite representative Crispin Remulla, Allan Tanjusay of Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Allan Montano of Federation of Free Workers, Leody de Guzman of Buklurang Manggagawang Pilipino, Rene Magtubo of Partido Manggagawa; and Annie Geron of PS Link.

At 1:30 p.m. of same day, the Senate will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed fare hike of the Philippine National Railways and the plan to modernize and rehabilitate its trains and facilities.

Due to continuing glitches of rail transits, the Department of Transportation and Communications increased the fare rates of MRT-3 and LRT Lines 1 and 2 to improve its service, beginning January 4.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, said any further delay in the promised upgrade and rehabilitation of MRT-3 is "unacceptable."

"Our commuters have long been aggrieved and any further delay in the accomplishment of vowed upkeep and upgrade is certainly unacceptable. We must hold accountable all those negligent on carrying out their duties," said Poe.

In the wake of repeated railways system malfunctions since the implementation of the fare increase, Poe asked Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to submit within five days a progress report on committed deliverables to improve the train system.

Poe also asked Abaya to find ways to expedite the completion of deliverables as allowed by law and as demanded by the urgency of undertaking such repairs to protect the commuting public.

Earlier, Poe asked Abaya and train officials to report the completion of its rehabilitation projects, which includes the maintenance of facilities, particularly the elevators and escalators, and restrooms, as well as the installation of elevated water tanks in the next two months.

During the February 2 Senate hearing on MRT-3 malfunction, Abaya presented the following rehabilitation deliverables with their target completion dates: consulting services (April 2015), rail replacement and signaling system upgrade (September 2015), radio communications upgrade (November 2015), supply of traction motors (October 2015), conveyance facilities (January 2016), ancillary system (April 2016), supply of OCS road-rail vehicle and grinding machine rail vehicle (May 2016), total replacement of signaling system (October 2016), and general train overhaul (January 2017).

Abaya also committed the completion of the full rehabilitation of the restrooms in all stations by early this year.

Likewise, Transportation and Communications for Operations director Renato San Juan promised to complete the installation of elevated water tanks to enable water to reach the 13 stations by May 2015, with a P5 million budget.

"We definitely want to know the exact level of progress and current accomplishments on every identified rehabilitation project. Let's show concern to those passengers who have been long suffering," Poe said.

Poe also reminded Abaya to submit a report on deductions it has made as "penalties for non-performance" by maintenance provider APT Global, which currently receives P57 million per month.

"If commuters are paying higher fares, it is only reasonable for them to expect improved service. An efficient and reliable mass transportation system helps improve workforce productivity and our economy," Poe said.

On February 27, the MRT suffered a minor glitch when a southbound train stopped abruptly before it reaches the next station.

Last weekend, the Department of Transportation and Communications shortened trips of trains to give way to rail replacement works. (Sunnex)