Metro Pacific starts NLEX Harbor Link's R10 section

The tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) on Tuesday, August 15, broke ground for the P6-billion, 2.5-kilometer elevated expressway passing through Radial Road 10 (R10) and Circumferential Road 3 (C3) in Navotas City. This forms part of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10.

This R10 section is the continuation of the P8-billion, 5.7-kilometer Segment 10, which passes through MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and C3 Road in Caloocan City.

Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) chief Rodrigo Franco said the R10 section is "expected to be completed by 1st quarter next year." (READ: Delayed right-of-way acquisition takes a toll on NLEX Harbor Link)

This section is designed to provide direct access between the Port Area in Manila and the northern provinces of Luzon via the NLEX, Franco told reporters.

It will help decongest Metro Manila's major thoroughfares by offering an alternative entry to the NLEX, bypassing EDSA and other busy streets.

MNTC is also the builder and concessionaire of the NLEX. It operates the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) as well.

When the project is done, Franco said motorists only need about 10 minutes going from Manila ports to the NLEX. (READ: Metro Pacific unit secures NLEX-SLEX Connector Road deal)

"Cargo trucks will also have 24/7 access from the ports to their respective destinations in the north and south since NLEX is not covered by [the] truck ban," Franco said.

MNTC already completed the P2.1-billion Segment 8.1 or the Smart Connect Interchange covering 2.7 kilometers from Valenzuela City to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City in 2011.

Meanwhile, the P1.7-billion Segment 9 – a 2.4-kilometer stretch from Valenzuela City to MacArthur Highway – opened in 2015.

Other than NLEX Harbor Link, the Metro Pacific unit also bagged the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road deal – a P23.2-billion deal to build, operate, and maintain a toll road connecting the NLEX and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

MNTC is a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, which in turn, is a subsidiary of infrastructure conglomerate MPIC.

http://www.rappler.com/business/178773-metro-pacific-nlex-harbor-link-r10-segment-10

Construction of MRT-7 Phase 1 officially starts, traffic escalates

Traffic has started to escalate as the construction of the guideway for the Metro Rail Transit 7 began today, August 15, along Commonwealth Avenue westbound in Quezon City.

In an advisory on Sunday, the MRT-7 Project Traffic Management Task Force informed the public of possible congestion as the current seven lanes being used by vehicles will be reduced to only five. Two of the seven lanes of Commonwealth Avenue between University Avenue and Central Avenue are closed today for the construction.

“The MRT-7 Project Traffic Management Task Force advises both the riding public and private motorists of possible traffic build up along Commonwealth Avenue beginning August 15, 2017, when the Phase 1 of the construction of the guideway for the Station 3 (University Avenue Station) of the MRT Line 7 commences,” the Task Force said on Sunday.

“The Task Force appeals for motorists’ cooperation in observing traffic rules to avoid further obstructions on the road while the construction is ongoing. It also asks for patience for the heavy traffic which may be experienced, especially during peak hours,” it added.

According to the Task Force, the construction of Station 3 is expected to last until April 2018.

Meanwhile, one lane along the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue and two northbound lanes between Katuparan and Kaunlaran streets will be closed for the construction of the MRT-7’s Manggahan Station next week.

Kapamilya shows at ABS-CBN Vertis Tent

ABS-CBN is launching ABS-CBN Vertis Tent, a venue located within the newly opened Ayala Malls Vertis in Quezon City. With a seating of capacity of 3000, it already has a line-up of shows, featuring local and international acts, this, according to ABS-CBN Head of Business Development Paolo Pineda.

ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes and Pineda, together with AyalaLand Malls, Inc. president Rowena Tomeldan and AyalaLand, Inc. chief finance officer Ruby Chiong, signed the agreement for the project last July 24.

Also present at the signing were ABS-CBN head of integrated events and customer engagement Bobby Barreiro, ABS-CBN legal counsel Carissa Enerio, ABS-CBN head of integrated marketing Nandy Villar, AyalaLand Malls, Inc. Synergies general manager for entertainment Gabby Katigbak, AyalaLand Malls, Inc. senior associate for business development Sheena Chua, and AyalaLand Malls, Inc. head of marketing Maricris Bernardino

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Surprise!

Moviegoers who trooped to Gateway Cineplex for the screening of hit indie rom-com “Kita Kita” last Aug. 3 were treated to a surprise with the appearance of stars Empoy Marquez and Alessandra De Rossi. Fans screamed in delight upon recognizing the film’s unconventional love team.

“Para sa kanilang lahat ito,” said Empoy, during a brief interview.

On her part, Alessandra said she was “shocked” with the response afforded the film. Their original plan was to break away from the normal rom-com format. “Binasag namin ’yung formula, tapos ito, kumita,” she said.

Set in the scenic streets of Sapporo, Japan, the film tells the story of Lea (de Rossi), a blind woman who slowly falls for comic figure Tonyo (Marquez). The film is directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Bb. Joyce Bernal and Piolo Pascual.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 15, go to Pinky de Leon, Cogie Domingo, Philip de Belen, Arturo Go, Peter Stevens, Jennifer Acabarte, Redj Francisco, Atty. Mario Garcia, JP Yap, Susan Magalona, Lynn Sherman and PAO Chief Persida Acosta…Belated b-day greetings to Condessa Mutuc-Vicente (Aug. 13) from Tootsie Mutuc and DPWH Sec. Mark Villar (Aug. 14)…Aug. 16: former DOT Secretary Alberto Lim, Evelyn Mandac, Raquel Villavicencio, Rod Nepomuceno, Gigi Posadas, Ma. Esperanza Lee, Maricris Sarino, Ivy Leah E. Mendoza, Michelle M. Gerilla and Ms. Baby Rodriguez… Aug. 17: Fred Elizalde, Jean Saburit, Belen Lovina Ticzon, Apolinario Lozada Jr., Ms. Elena Fernando, Michelle Foronda-del Rosario, Fe Marzan, Susan Sta. Ana, Emma C. Lim, Kapatid Ronnie Hipol, Rey Salac, Roldan Castro and former Mayor Jose Yap… Happy wedding anniversary to Rudy and Vangie Fontanilla…