Wenceslao submits offer to construct Edsa subway

Construction company and real estate developer  D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc. said it submitted an unsolicited proposal to the government to build a subway underneath Edsa, which is different from a Japan-sponsored underground project.

“We submitted a proposal for the subway here in Metro Manila. But [it would have a] different route. It’s under Edsa,” D.M. Wenceslao chairman Delfin Wenceslao said Monday.

Wenceslao said the company’s proposed subway would have four to five stations that would connect Trinoma Mall in North Ave. in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

“The mess is in Edsa. We want to solve the problem in Edsa. It will not be in conflict with the government’s [subway project],” he said.

Wenceslao said the proposal was submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority in the second half of 2017.

Metro Rail Transit Line 3 currently serves half a million passengers a day along Edsa from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City.

The Philippines and the Japanese government earlier signed the first tranche of the official development assistance loan for the P355.6-billion Metro Manila Subway Project which would not follow the Edsa route.

The Philippines’ first subway would span 30 kilometers, with 14 stations from Mindanao Ave. in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque City, with a provision for a 5-km. extension and two additional stations to connect with Light Rail Transit Line 1. It is expected to reduce commuting time from Quezon City to the airport to less than 40 minutes.


Dubbed by some as the project of the century, works for the project were scheduled to start within the year. Partial operations for the first three stations were expected by 2022, while the whole system was targeted to be fully operational by 2025.

The project is expected to serve 370,000 commuters in its opening year.


D.M. Wenceslao earlier said it planned to raise up to P17.8 billion in proceeds from the sale of 679.2 million common shares with an over allotment option for 101.876 shares at an offer price of P22.90 apiece.

The company plans to conduct the share sale in May.

D.M. Wenceslao  plans to spend P10.9 billion in 2018 to 2020 to finance the construction of nine projects.

The company said of the nine projects, three are residential that would provide a total salable floor area of 88,000 square meters and six commercial developments that would add 280,000 sqm of leasable area.

All nine projects, which include the group’s first residential development Pixel Residences, are slated for completion over the next five years.

The company said that as of Dec. 31, 2017, it completed seven investment properties, six of which are located in Aseana City including Aseana One, Aseana Two, Aseana Powerstation Building, Aseana Town Center, Aseana Square and S&R, with a total leasable floor area of 59,000 sqm.

D.M. Wenceslao owns 57 hectares of land in Metro Manila, mostly in the 110-hectare Aseana City, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing mixed-use business districts.

Plaridel Bypass Road open to Bulacan traffic in two weeks

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar lead the groundbreaking ceremony of a new expansion project for the Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan. Phase 3 and 4 of the road project was opened on the same day. PHOTO/ Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Inquirer Central Luzon

BUSTOS, Bulacan – In two weeks, motorists can drive from Bustos to San Rafael towns using the Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan province.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar on Monday inaugurated the 24.61 kilometer-long bypass road, which could be used to access Nueva Ecija through the eastern Bulacan towns via the North Luzon Expressway and the Cagayan Valley provinces via the Maharlika Highway.

The inauguration involved the bypass road project’s Phase 3 and 4 sections leading to San Rafael. The initial phases which connect the towns of Balagtas and Bustos to NLEx were completed in 2014.

Motorists will soon be able to drive through this section of the Plaridel Bypass Road which was ceremonially opened on Monday (April 30). PHOTO/ Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Inquirer Central Luzon

Keichi Ishii, Japan’s Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, said the Plaridel Bypass project, funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, will ease Bulacan travel through the Maharlika Highway (also known as the Japan Philippine Friendship Highway or JPFH).

“[The JPFH] built years ago, expands to up to more than 2,000 km, and now we inaugurate the road that will decongest a part of that highway,” the Japanese official said.

Villar also led groundbreaking ceremonies for the expansion of the Plaridel Bypass Road from two lanes to four lanes.

The new expansion project will cost more than P1-Billion and is expected to be finished within 2-3 years, said Virgilio Castillo, Cluster 1 Unified Project Management Office director of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Villar said the bypass road is part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network that will connect northern and southern Luzon. “Travel time from La Union province to Bicol province is 18 hours and we hope to reduce it to 8 hours,” he said.



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The PNR South Line Project Motoring Forum

DOTR MRT 3 COMPLETES WEIGHT TESTING OF DALIAN TRAINS Motoring News

After a few months of facing challenges with the Metro Rail Transit 3 or the MRT-3’s operations and after the issues regarding the Dalian Trains, the DOTr-MRT-3 announced that they have finally completed the weight testing of the said trains.



The completion of weight testing, which was preceded by a series of steps including equipment installation, calibration, weighing of empty trains, and loading of weights, was witnessed by representatives from TUV Rheinland, members of MRT-3's Joint ADB-Australia Aid Advisory Panel, and DOTr-MRT-3 management.



The weight-testing was completed by weighing a Dalian car loaded with 1,464 sandbags, each weighing 17.5 kg, to simulate the train's crush capacity of 8 persons per square meter or a total of 394 passengers per car.



According to a released statement, theDOTr MRT-3 Management will only know if the 48 Light Rail Vehicles can be used after the consolidation of reports of the entire audit process, which will be provided and submitted by TUV Rheinland, the independent consultant auditing the trains.



TUV Rheinland recommended the weight-testing in Manila after the previous project team that handled the procurement and delivery of the cars failed to attend and witness the weight-testing done in Dalian, China in 2015.



DOTr MRT-3 is expecting TUV Rheinland to finish and submit its comprehensive and complete report on the audit of Dalian trains in one to two weeks.

Heavy traffic in parts of QC expected starting April 30 – MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said motorists should expect heavy traffic in Quezon City with the closure of several roads due to the construction of the Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7).

MMDA deputy chair Frisco San Juan told reporters on Thursday that the MRT-7’s private contractor EEI Corp. will start its back-to-back projects in different locations starting next week.

San Juan said that from April 30 to July 30 between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., one-way traffic would be implemented on Regalado, from Mindanao Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue, for the construction of a coping beam.

From May 6 to July 30, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Regalado (from Mindanao to Commonwealth) would be closed to vehicles for the installation of box girders for the MRT-7 tracks.

Starting on May 1, the contractors will start working on the construction of MRT-7 Tandang Sora station that will most likely cause a bottleneck at the intersection of Commonwealth and Tandang Sora Avenue.

San Juan said the laying of foundation for a number of columns will close the three lanes on both sides of Commonwealth for five months.

The project, which would also involve the construction of an elevated guideway and demolition of the existing Tandang Sora flyover, will take up to 13 months to be finished.

May 1 will also be the start of an eight-month-long digging up of the MRT-7 underground guideway from North Avenue to Commonwealth. At this project, two lanes of North Avenue to Elliptical Road will be closed to motorists. With a report by Jonnabeth Ortega



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Bridge-building binge good for carmakers

BRIDGES bring people together.  For, without bridges, how can cars reach destinations in a breeze? Without bridges, how can we facilitate dates, realize deals and interconnect people from all walks of life?

That is why when I read in the papers about the planned construction of 32 roads and bridges all over the country, I could only applaud—heartily, mind you.

Do you know that eight of the bridges up for construction would already amount to a whopping total of P270 billion or so?  That’s huge.

Indeed, the present administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program worth a dizzying total of $180 billion is the best thing that ever happened to the country since People Power kicked Marcos out of Malacañang in 1986.

With President Duterte’s massive infrastructure thrusts aimed almost directly at making movement in every sphere of life faster than usual, business growth will be as inevitable as rose blooming in the April rain.

The construction boom will spur entrepreneurial burst of flourish, auspiciously resulting in increased employment not only in bull’s-eye beneficiaries like the manufacturing sector and services but nationwide, as well.

And, this time, the Asian Development Bank might yet realize its prediction of seeing the Philippines as entering “a golden age of economic growth” this year.

If only to highlight the big-ticket project on bridges in the next three years or so, may I list here the spans that will link Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao, citing Ben O. de Vera’s recent Inquirer item.

There is the 18.2-kilometer bridge connecting Luzon and Samar Island crossing the San Bernardino Strait from Matnog, Sorsorgon, to Allen, Samar; a 20-km bridge connecting Leyte and Mindanao Islands either through a long span overhead or an underwater tunnel; a 12.3-km bridge connecting Negros and Guimaras Island; and, a 5.7-km bridge connecting Panay and Guimaras.

Also up for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee (Neda-ICC) are the 24.5-km Cebu-Bohol Bridge, the 5.5-km Cebu-Negros Bridge; 18-km Leyte-Laping Island Bridge and the 1-km Bohol-Laping Island span.

Somewhat neglected for quite a period of time, the Visayas is finally getting its share in infrastructure development.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez said, “These bridges will ensure that none of the major islands of the Visayas will be left behind in the country’s race to progress.”

Of course, Dominguez knows pretty well that for the projects to succeed, major agencies of the government must get involved.

“…The Department of Public Works and Highways [under Mark Villar] is working round-the-clock to construct the road networks that will make these bridges truly meaningful as growth corridors for the island economies in central Philippines,” Dominguez said.

Now aside from the road networks and bridges being readied for construction, four other infra projects have been approved by the Neda Board that is chaired no less by Mr. Duterte.

“Since last year, we have been working on the upgrade of the operations and maintenance of the new Bohol Airport,” Dominguez said. “This year we expect to begin work on the new Cebu International Container Port.  Next year we will begin work on the further improvement of the Iloilo International Airport and the Bacolod-Silay International Airport.”

There are actually a total of 75 flagship projects to also include nine railways, three bus-rapid transits, four seaports, four energy facilities, 10 water resource projects and, yes, a subway in Metro Manila.

Some 45 infra projects alone are in Luzon, 17 in Mindanao and 10 in the Visayas.

With all the construction soon to go full throttle, it will not be long when traffic jams in Metro Manila—include Metro Cebu and Metro Davao—will become history.

In case you haven’t noticed, the private sector is doing its own share of nation-building as epitomized mainly by San Miguel Corp.’s robust road and railway projects (the MRT 7 construction is 24/7 at Commonwealth Avenue) in the metropolis.  Upon the relentless marshalling of SMC chieftain Ramon S. Ang, the connector road linking the Slex and Nlex will soon be completed, enormously easing snarls and untangling chokepoints at Edsa.

With traffic licked, car production will never be at its frenetic best.  Soon.

PEE STOP    With the Vios Cup roaring off to its fifth edition today and tomorrow, expect race enthusiasts to arrive in droves once more at the Clark Speedway in Angeles, Pampanga.  Will I see my buddies Jing, Shawin, Carlo and Jade there again?  You bet.

MRT construction to worsen traffic congestion

Traffic snarls in Quezon City are expected to worsen next week with the closure of several roads to give way to the construction of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7, one of the big-ticket projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

Frisco San Juan Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deputy chairman, said MRT 7’s private contractors will begin working on back-to-back infrastructure projects in different locations next week.

On April 30, a coping beam will be constructed along Regalado Highway that would close the westbound lane. The eastbound lane will remain open for motorists.

One-way traffic will be implemented on Regalado Highway from Mindanao Avenue up to Commonwealth Avenue.

San Juan said private contractors will also start working on the MRT Tandang Sora station at the Tandang Sora intersection-Commonwealth Avenue on May 1, Labor Day.

“They will begin laying the foundation for a number of posts that will close three lanes on both southbound and northbound of Commonwealth Avenue,” San Juan said in a news briefing on Thursday.

The project also involves the construction of an elevated guide way, demolition of a flyover, and provision for future north and southbound flyover.

Also on May 1, MRT’s private contractors will begin digging for a tunnel from North Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.

For this project, San Juan said two lanes of North Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.

On May 6, MRT 7’s private contractor will install box girders for the MRT’s rail track along Regalado Highway. Because of this, Regalado Highway from Mindanao Ave. to Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to traffic from 10 p.m. up to 5 a.m. JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ

PRESS RELEASE METROPOLITAN MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY April 26, 2018 MMDA:

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists and commuters of heavier traffic in Quezon City with the closure of several roads due to construction of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7 under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA Deputy Chairman, said MRT 7’s private contractors will begin working on back-to-back infrastructure projects in different locations next week.

On April 30, a coping beam will be constructed along Regalado Highway that would close westbound lane. The eastbound lane will remain open for passing motorists.

One-way traffic will be implemented on Regalado Highway from Mindanao Avenue up to Commonwealth Avenue.

With the coordination of MRT 7 Traffic Management Task Force, San Juan said private contractors will also start working on the MRT Tandang Sora station at the Tandang Sora intersection-Commonwealth Avenue on May 1, Labor Day.

“They will begin laying the foundation for a number of posts that will close three lanes on both southbound and northbound of Commonwealth Avenue,” said San Juan, in a press briefing on Thursday.

The project also involves the construction of elevated guide way, demolition of existing flyover, and provision for future north and southbound flyover. It will last up to a year.

Also on May 1, MRT’s private contractors will begin digging up for a tunnel along North Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue.

For this project, San Juan said two lanes along North Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic. The construction of underground guide way will last up to eight months.

On May 6, MRT 7’s private contractor is set to install box girders for the MRT’s rail track along Regalado Highway.

During the said activity, Regalado Highway from Mindanao to Commonwealth Avenue will be totally closed to traffic from 10 pm up to 5 am.

DOTr, DPWH render brief update on airport, rail, road projects

CLARK FREEPORT—A status report on “big-ticket projects” on airport and rail undertakings being implemented by the government was made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during the recent Philippine Economic Briefing here.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade updated Central Luzon stakeholders, singling out the new passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport (CIA) that broke ground on December 20, 2017, will be completed as scheduled by 2022.

“Once completed, it will accommodate an additional 8 million passengers annually,” he declared.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), for its part, has bared massive road projects that will complement the transportation projects of the government.

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said the P14.94-billion Phase 1 of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) is a 30-kilometer road stretch from Tarlac City to Cabanatuan City.

He added during the Philippine Economic Briefing forum  here that CLLEx was started in 2016 and will be completed by 2020. It will reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to 20 minutes.

“Upon completion, we will begin construction of Phase 2, which is 35.70 kilometers, spanning Cabanatuan City to San Jose City. Its indicative cost is P9.46 billion,” Villar said.

Tugade also said the preconstruction activities for the Phase 1 of Philippine National Railway Clark (PNR Clark) started in January with actual construction targeted by November this year.

“Phase 1 is a 38-kilometer segment spanning Tutuban to Malolos City in Bulacan. With this line, commuters from Tutuban will reach Malolos in as little as 35 minutes,” Tugade said.

Phase 2, on the other hand, is a 69-kilometer stretch from Malolos City to Clark.

PNR Clark will have a total of 17 stations—Tutuban, Solis, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, Malolos, Calumpit, Apalit, San Fernando, Angeles, Clark, CIA and New Clark City.

Meanwhile, Tugade said Metro Rail Transit  Line 7 is 22.96-percent complete as of February and will meet its target date in 2020.

This is a 22-kilometer rail line that will connect Quezon City to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan.

The manufacturing of the 108 rolling stocks is in progress. At present, there are five train sets completed, equivalent to 15 cars, he reported.

“Through the trust and confidence of the people, and with the leadership of President Duterte, the DOTr, DPWH and Bases Conversion and Development Authority  will work hand in hand toward the implementation and realization of the golden age of infrastructure,” Tugade said.

“There is no doubt and it is a given hypothesis that if you want to develop and grow, there’s got to be infrastructure. Infrastructure must be developed in order for any economy to have its best to really grow,” he added.

Other projects include the Plaridel Bypass Phase 2, which is a 24.61-kilometer, two-lane road that is seen to reduce travel time between Balagtas and San Rafael in Bulacan from 69 minutes to 24 minutes.

“Plaridel Bypass Phase 2 entails the widening of the 24.61-kilometer road from two lanes to four lanes, including 12 bridges, drainage facilities and slope stabilization works. It is estimated to cost P5.26 billion,” Villar said.

The public works secretary added that the Bagac-Mariveles Road, on the other hand, involves improvement/concreting of 20.61-kilometer road sections that will connect the Bataan Export Zone and Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Upon completion, travel time between Mariveles, Bataan, and Subic, Zambales, will be reduced from 120 minutes to 90 minutes, he said.

This P716.290-million project is 94.50-percent complete and will meet the target date in 2022, he stressed.

Another much-awaited project is the Capas-Botolan Road—a 81.63-kilometer east-west road connecting Capas, Tarlac, and Botolan, Zambales.

Upon completion of this P5.91- billion project, travel time will be reduced from three hours to one hour and 20 minutes, Villar said.

“The new Clark-Bamban-Capas Access Road is a P980-million, 16-kilometer road that will reduce travel time between this free port and Capas, Tarlac, from 120 minutes to 90 minutes. It is 47.53-percent complete with target completion date in 2021,” the public works secretary announced.

And finally, the P450-million, 6.98-kilometer New Clark City-McArthur Access Road will reduce travel time between Manila North Road and New Clark City from 90 minutes to 30 minutes, he said.

“I assure you that we are on the right track in completing and implementing these ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects. We made that commitment to you and with the clear vision and political will of President Duterte, we will fulfill our commitment and we will not fail in this [golden] age of infrastructure,” Villar told Central Luzon stakeholders.

DOTr completes weight-testing of Dalian trains

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has completed its weighing test of Dalian trains for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) railway system Thursday night.

The weight testing conducted at the MRT depot was preceded by a series of procedures, including equipment installation, calibration, weighing of empty trains, and loading of weights. It was witnessed by representatives from TUV Rheinland, members of MRT-3’s Joint ADB-Australia Aid Advisory Panel and the DOTr-MRT 3 management.

The test was done by weighing a Dalian car loaded with 1,464 sandbags each weighing 17.5 kilograms (kg) to simulate the train’s crush capacity of 8 persons per square meter or a total of 394 passengers per car.

"Iyong weight-testing ngayon is part of a broader auditing and acceptance process. Different factors kasi 'yung pumapasok sa tanong na kung acceptable ba siya or hindi. Our independent auditor, na nagsimula noong January, will put all their findings together once all of the processes are done. They will give their assessments and recommendations. (The weight testing is part of a broader auditing and acceptance process. There are different factors that need to be determined if the trains will be acceptable or not. Our independent auditor, which started last January, will put all their findings together once all of the processes are done. They will give their assessments and recommendations),” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in a press briefing Thursday after the tests at the depot.

The MRT-3 management expects TUV Rheinland to submit its comprehensive audit report on the Dalian trains within one to two weeks.

TUV Rheinland recommended the weight-testing in Manila after the previous project team that handled the procurement and delivery of the cars failed to attend and witness the weight-testing done in Dalian, China in 2015.

CAVITEx planning PhP 22.5 billion extension to Rosario, Noveleta

9.5 kilometer road extension mulled by CAVITEx

Here are some good news for motorists that frequently travel along CAVITEx, but find it a bit short.

The Metro Pacific Investment Corp (MPIC) and the Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) have recently announced that they plan to extend the expressway all the way to the municipalities of Rosario and Noveleta, Cavite.

This comes after the two corporations proposed to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) the addition of Segment 5 for the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway. When finished, the 9.5-kilometer toll road will connect Kawit to Rosario and Noveleta. The construction of Segment 5 is estimated to cost Php 22.5 billion.

“We’re done with the feasibility study. So, it will take us another month to put together the proposal to TRB,” said Luigi Bautista, CIC president.

Apart from the planned extension of CAVITEx, CIC also plans on spending Php 700 million to further expand and improve the expressway. The plans include putting up an additional lane for both directions, as well as constructing a flyover along for those that are coming in from the South bound to Pacific Drive. This will allow drivers to avoid having to stop at the traffic lights before continuing on to their respective destinations.

LRTA to start Systematic Replacement of Trains’ Air-Conditioning System

A more comfortable travel experience awaits commuters of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 System after the contract for the Systematic Replacement of Rolling Stock Air-Conditioning Units for 10 train sets has been awarded Monday to the joint venture of Multi-Scan Corporation and MRAIL Inc.

The said systematic replacement project is a part of the multi-year rehabilitation and modernization project of the LRT Authority aimed at improving the reliability, capacity and the overall efficiency of the system.

“We are happy that the systematic replacement project will now commence. We are aware of the surge of complaints concerning the poor air-conditioning system of trains which is why we ensured that exigent attention is given to resolve the problem,” LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya expressed.

The P350-Million project will replace a total of 80 air-conditioning units (ACU) for 10 running trains.

Each 4-car passenger train has 8 ACUs and each AC unit has a 20-24°C cooling capacity to maintain. It has the capacity to adjust automatically depending on the number of passengers. However, at present, the cooling capacity of the trains has dropped to 50% of its normal cooling capacity due to the obsolescence of the board module noting that the trains are already 15 years old.

Due to the current condition of the existing train ACU system, it is more efficient and beneficial to replace the ACU system altogether.

Multi-Scan and MRAIL, known as reliable and competent contractors in the railway industry, promised to deliver their expertise and skills in the Systematic ACU Replacement project.

Using parts from the original equipment manufacturer and the latest technology, the new ACUs will seamlessly interface with the Train Monitoring System and it shall be environment-friendly, energy-efficient and compliant with the Clean Air Act.

However, it must be noted that a substantial amount of time will be needed for the project as it goes through the design and approval of prototype, manufacturing, delivery and installation. The project is expected to be completed in the First Quarter of 2019 but LRTA will persevere to have some ACUs replaced before the year ends.

The Administrator nonetheless guaranteed that the LRTA is committed to complete its projects within the target timeframe that is why it is working double time to fast track the rehabilitation of the aged train system so that the riding public may enjoy a safer, faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey at the soonest time possible.

For the meantime, the LRTA Engineering and Maintenance Team is doing corrective measures like cleaning the trains’ ACU motors more frequently to make train temperature more bearable while awaiting the systematic replacement to take place.

Berroya also recognizes that “Biyaheng Ayos,” which translates to a comfortable, safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation as the directive of the Transportation Department, can only be achieved upon the completion of the rehabilitation and modernization projects. He is thus asking for patience and understanding from the riding public while projects are underway for completion.

Moreover, he stressed that LRTA is committed to achieve its vision to be the recognized leader and expert in providing integrated urban rail transport systems in the country.

Local delegation - Philippines

1. Manila
2. Quezon City
3. Caloocan City
4. Las Piñas City
5. Makati City
6. Malabon City
7. Mandaluyong City
8. Marikina City
9. Meycauayan City
10. Muntinlupa City
11. Navotas City
12. Parañaque City
13. Pasay City
14. Pasig City
15. San Juan City
16. San Pedro City
17. Taguig City
18. Valenzuela City
19. Obando
20. Pateros
21. Ilocos Norte
22. Ilocos Sur
23. La Union
24. Pangasinan
25. Abra
26. Baguio City
27. Benguet
28. Kalinga
29. Apayao
30. Mountain Province
31. Ifugao
32. Batanes
33. Cagayan
34. Isabela
35. Quirino
36. Nueva Vizcaya
37. Angeles City
38. Mabalacat City
39. City of San Fernando
40. Pampanga
41. Tarlac City
42. Tarlac
43. Olongapo City
44. Zambales
45. Bataan
46. Malolos City
47. City of San Jose Del Monte
48. Bulacan
49. Cabanatuan City
50. Nueva Ecija
51. Aurora
52. Antipolo City
53. Rizal
54. Bacoor City
55. Imus City
56. Dasmarinas City
57. General Trias City
58. Cavite
59. Biñan City
60. Santa Rosa City
61. Cabuyao City
62. Calamba City
63. San Pablo City
64. Laguna
65. Batangas City
66. Lipa City
67. Tanauan City
68. Batangas
69. Lucena City
70. Quezon
71. Puerto Princesa City
72. Palawan
73. Occidental Mindoro
74. Oriental Mindoro
75. Marinduque
76. Romblon
77. Camarines Norte
78. Camarines Sur
79. Albay
80. Catanduanes
81. Sorsogon
82. Masbate
83. Aklan
84. Antique
85. Capiz
86. Iloilo City
87. Iloilo
88. Guimaras
89. Bacolod City
90. Negros Occidental
91. Cebu City
92. Lapu-lapu City
93. Mandaue City
94. Cebu
95. Bohol
96. Negros Oriental
97. Siquijor
98. Biliran
99. Ormoc City
100. Tacloban City
101. Leyte
102. Southern Leyte
103. Northern Samar
104. Eastern Samar
105. Western Samar
106. Isabela City
107. Zamboanga City
108. Zamboanga del Norte
109. Zamboanga del Sur
110. Zamboanga Sibugay
111. Bukidnon
112. Cagayan de Oro City
113. Camiguin
114. Misamis Occidental
115. Misamis Oriental
116. Iligan City
117. Lanao del Norte
118. Davao City
119. Tagum City
120. Compostela Valley
121. Davao del Norte
122. Davao del Sur
123. Davao Occidental
124. Davao Oriental
125. Cotabato City
126. Cotabato
127. General Santos City
128. Sarangani
129. South Cotabato
130. Sultan Kudarat
131. Butuan City
132. Agusan del Norte
133. Agusan del Sur
134. Dinagat Islands
135. Surigao del Norte
136. Surigao del Sur
137. Basilan
138. Lanao del Sur
139. Maguindanao
140. Shariff Kabunsuan
141. Sulu
142. Tawi-Tawi

Country delegation - Thailand

• Northern Region
• Chiang Mai Province
• Lamphun Province
• Lampang Province
• Uttaradit Province
• Phrae Province
• Nan Province
• Phayao Province
• Chiang Rai Province
• Mae Hong Son Province
• Northeastern Region
• Kalasin Province
• Khon Kaen Province
• Chaiyaphum Province
• Nakhon Phanom Province
• Nakhon Ratchasima Province
• Bueng Kan Province
• Buriram Province
• Maha Sarakham Province
• Mukdahan Province
• Roi Et Province
• Yasothon Province
• Loei Province
• Sisaket Province
• Sakon Nakhon Province
• Surin Province
• Nong Khai Province
• Nongbua Lamphu Province
• Amnat Charoen Province
• Udon Thani Province
• Ubon Ratchathani Province
• Western Thailand
• Kanchanaburi Province
• Phetchaburi Province
• Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
• Ratchaburi Province
• Tak Province
• Central Region
• Bangkok
• Nakhon Pathom Province
• Nonthaburi Province
• Pathum Thani Province
• Samut Prakan Province
• Samut Sakhon Province
• Samut Songkhram Province
• Kamphaeng Phet Province
• Nakhon Sawan Province
• Phetchabun Province
• Phichit Province
• Phitsanulok Province
• Sukhothai Province
• Uthai Thani Province
• Ang Thong Province
• Ayutthaya Province
• Chainat Province
• Lopburi Province
• Nakhon Nayok Province
• Saraburi Province
• Sing Buri Province
• Suphanburi Province
• Eastern Thailand
• Chachoengsao Province
• Chanthaburi Province
• Chonburi Province
• Prachinburi Province
• Rayong Province
• Sa Kaeo Province
• Trat Province
• Southern Thailand
• Chumphon Province
• Krabi Province
• Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
• Narathiwat Province
• Pattani Province
• Phang Nga Province
• Phatthalung Province
• Phuket Province
• Ranong Province
• Satun Province
• Songkhla Province
• Surat Thani Province
• Trang Province
• Yala Province

Parañaque to build permanent home for Baclaran vendors

THE sidewalk vendors along Roxas Boulevard near the historic Baclaran Church in Parañaque City have often been blamed for the traffic congestion in the area.

Today, the Parañaque City government is building a P40-million permanent facility to house the sidewalk vendors eventually.  In the meantime, while awaiting the construction of the planned facility, the Parañaque City government last Sunday installed tents along Roxas Boulevard, where the sidewalk vendors can sell their goods.

In a meeting with Chairman Danilo D. Lim of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other MMDA officials of the agency last Friday, Mayor Edwin Olivarez said 1,500 vendors will temporarily be transferred along Roxas Boulevard where the city allocated 1,200 tents. Olivarez added the tents would provide 2 meters of space for each vendor.

“We will put concrete barriers so that the vendors and consumers will not exceed, the lanes we allocated for the vehicles,” Olivarez said.

The mayor added the city government plans to build a facility for illegal vendors around the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran on a 1-hectare vacant land owned by the city government in front of Baclaran Church along Roxas Boulevard.

The facility will help the public have an easy access to the Department of Transportation’s Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension 1 project. The P64.9-billion LRT 1 extension project will extend trips from Baclaran Station to the future Niyog Station in Bacoor City, Cavite.

Olivarez said the flea-market project has the backing of President Duterte and the MMDA since it will decongest traffic in the Baclaran area.

Lim said the Metro Manila Council, the policy-making body of the agency, already approved the proposed plan which is the permanent place for the vendors.

“As you can see some vendors here have occupied even the service road. This is why we really need to clear this area so the flow of traffic along this road will be smooth,” Lim added.

Meanwhile, MMDA Acting General Manager Jojo Garcia said the traffic congestion in the area “has been a problem for more than 50 years.”

“As Chairman Lim said, we are not anti-vendor. We just want to correct things, such as solving the traffic congestion that has been a problem for more than five decades. Hopefully, this solution will be the answer to this problem here in Baclaran,” Garcia added.

MPTC PROJECTS UPDATES Motoring News

In line with the current administration’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation or MPTC started a number of major road projects and infrastructures that will help in decongesting the traffic not only in the Metro but also in the neighboring cities. Months after the groundbreakings as well as the beginning of constructions, here’s a recent update on these.



The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation or the MPTC highlighted their ongoing construction projects that are nearing completion. According to the company, the list includes the Segment 10 of the NLEX Harbor Link Project. The MPTC said that they are targeting to open the said segment by the third quarter of this year.



They also highlighted more updates about Segment 10.



Meanwhile, the MPTC added that the construction for the C5-Link Project is still ongoing. For the Cavite-Laguna Expressway or CALAx, construction has started late last year and is now 10% complete.



The MPTC also stated that the construction of the Segment 5, which will extend CAVITEX from Kawit to the connection point in CALAx, is still ongoing. According to the MPTC, there is a lane expansion going on in CAVITEX.



Moreover, the agency stressed that there are also a number of ongoing constructions in the Visayas region.

Heavy traffic after SM Mall opens next month - Urdaneta Mayor

URDANETA CITY – Commuters here will be met by traffic snarl on May 3 after the new SM City Urdaneta Central opens, according to Mayor Amadeo Gregorio E. Perez IV
“Talagang ganoon. Traffic tayo diyan kahit saan naman may traffic,” he stressed.

The four-storey 32,882 square meter areas’ floor SM edifice located at the five hectares of land near the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Nancayasan here is just a stone’s throw away at another giant retail store’s CB Mall and Chowking.

“This is the one being built near the 7-11. The other one that people are talking is located at Barangay Anonas,” Mayor Perez cited.

The other SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) building that hit a legal snag is the bigger SM City Urdaneta Anonas.

The three-storey SM City Urdaneta stands at a 98,646 sqm land in Barangay Anonas here if it finally constructed. SMPH said it is equivalent to SM City Rosales. The SM Mall in Barangay Nancaysan is part of the six malls of SMPH to be introduced this year in the Philippines. They have an aggregate gross floor area (GFA) of 430,669 sqm.

No other than Robi Domingo, Enchong Dee, Gian Berino, girlfriend Justine Perez and brother Gerard, Johan Aguilar, LA Aguinaldo, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Rhett Eala, Maxine Medina, Tessa Prieto-Valdez, Tessa Alindogan, Pam Pastor, Tetta Agustin, Christian Baverey; Liza Ilarde, AA Patawaran, Angelette Calero, Jodilly Pendre, Leah Puyat, Nikita McElroy, Robert Caguimbal, Marissa Tambunting, Raph Robes, Michelle Panemanglor, Justine Gabionza, Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Luke Jickain, Dennysse Pendilla; Keren Pascual, Lou Muñoz, Renz Pangilinan, Cats del Rosario, Anton Barretto, Alaiza Malinao, Ana de Ocampo, Rick Calderon, Jan Lynch Imbat, Miko Raval, Sidney Yap, Nicole Cordoves, Eds Genuino, Jack Alindahao, Andrea Manzano, Joyce Ocampo, Franchesca Lagua, Ana Sideco, Robby Carmona, Charlene Escaler, Juan Carlo Villanueva, Javi Cang, Kim Cruz, Carlos Laurel, Hannah Locsin and Luigi Pumaren would be here.

General Trias community more accessible via new expressway

When choosing a home, a major concern of Filipino families is the accessibility of major thoroughfares and transportation hubs and its proximity to key establishments and commercial centers.

This is why real estate provider Amaia ensures that its projects across the country allow its homeowners to go to work, do errands, and seek leisure and recreation without having to spend long hours on the road.

In the south, for example, residents of Amaia Scapes General Trias — one of Amaia’s properties in Cavite — will soon easily access lifestyle destinations with the development of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), a four-lane tolled expressway connecting CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite, and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at the Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

Once fully completed, CALAX is expected to ease traffic congestion on Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and on the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, reducing travel time from CAVITEX to SLEX by about 45 minutes.

With CALAX approximately three kilometers or eight minutes away from Amaia Scapes General Trias, it will be an effortless drive or commute to major establishments and economic zones in Cavite and Laguna.

Located at Arnaldo Highway in Brgy. Santiago, in what is regarded as the new edge of growth and development in the CALABARZON, Amaia Scapes General Trias is minutes away from The District Imus and Vermosa.

The project offers 744 house and lot units with floor areas ranging from 25 sqm to 56 sqm. Turnover for Sector 1 is ongoing while turnover for units at Sector 2 will commence on the third quarter of 2018.

Homeowners will enjoy amenities and facilities, a well-guarded village entrance, Village Pavilion swimming pool, patio greens and playground.

“One of the best things is its strategic location, which makes it a flourishing, self-sufficient community,” Cybill Samillano of Amaia Land said. “This project is envisioned to be a mixed-used development that will provide convenience to homeowners. Still, for residents who need to go to nearby shopping malls, service firms, hospitals, industrial estates, and educational institutions, mobility will no longer be an issue upon the completion of CALAX.”

Japanese-style transport efficiency

Arriving in Narita after a red-eye flight, my friend and I easily found the ticket counter for the airport limousine bus and booked a ticket to Tokyo, which was about a two-hour trip. It was literally a door-to-door service that brought two sleepy travelers from the airport to our hotel.

Peering out of our hotel window the next morning, I, in shock and awe, told my friend that the streets were empty.

It was about 8:00 a.m., and there was no rush hour traffic! I was surprised because we were across the street from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. I was expecting Manila-like traffic given that this building houses the offices of the metropolitan government of Tokyo. But, as my friend reminded me, people do not drive here. They commute via a very complex, yet efficient, public transportation system.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our first foray into this system. After a 600-meter walk, we reached the station. We reloaded our IC cards (rechargeable cards that can be used to pay fares on public transportation and to make payments at vending machines, shops and restaurants) and entered the station to catch our train.

What astounded me was that when the schedule showed train was arriving at 10:14, it would be there at exactly 10:14! While the arriving train was full, people stayed in their queues, allowing disembarking passengers to exit. We were not able to get on this train, but it was not a big deal. The next train came exactly two minutes after, and this time, we were able to board. Even if this was our first time to go to Shinjuku Gyoen, we did not get lost. Each stop was announced in both Japanese and English.


That afternoon, we experienced another mode of transportation, the taxi. The driver was dressed in a dark suit, cap and gloves. His taxi was immaculate, and while he was not familiar with the restaurant we wanted to go to, he quickly keyed in our destination on his GPS. At the height of what would have been early evening rush hour traffic in another major city, we arrived at our destination in 15 minutes. I asked my friend to track our progress in Waze. We noted that our driver had brought us to the restaurant using the quickest route. No circuitous routes even if we were tourists. The only surprise we got was the cost – 2,650 yen (P1,325 pesos)!

The rest of our trip was hallmarked with the same transport ease and efficiency. A planned overnight trip to see Mt. Fuji was easily achieved. Our bus left on time and traveled on well-paved and traffic-free roads.

Those who know me marvel at the fact that I take public transportation when I travel. And I shamefully admit that I am more familiar with the Hong Kong and Washington D.C. subway systems than with Manila’s. While Manila’s train system still has a long way to go to match the efficiency of Tokyo’s system (even the DC subway system pales in comparison. Tokyo’s has clean restrooms and machines that sell hot and cold drinks!). Here are two suggestions that can encourage more mass transit use: have well-maintained buses and trains that run safely and arrive on time, and have stations that are chaos-free and connected to the commuter’s office building or key tourist spots.

The author is an assistant professor at the Management and Organization Department of De La Salle University. She is currently enjoying her sabbatical. Email: pia.manalastas@dlsu.edu.ph

Eton launches P1-B residential dev’t in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. has launched an 8.7-hectare residential development called TierraBela at Eton City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna with lots worth about P1 billion.

In a statement, Eton said TierraBela is envisioned to be an Italian-Mediterranean enclave where city meets nature with its fully-integrated township.

“We are currently offering our clients the opportunity to invest in lots in TierraBela,” said Eton AVP for Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications Martha Herrera-Subido.

The 8.7-hectare development boasts of generously cut lot areas averaging 323 square meters ensuring spacious homes nestled among refreshing open spaces, said Eton.

According to the company, lots are being sold at about P22,500 to P23,000 per square meter for a price of P4.64 million for a 206 square meter lot. A total of 213 lots are up for sale.

“TierraBela’s lesser density neighborhood, cleaner air, natural light, and close to nature vibe make it an ideal family weekend getaway destination in itself,” said the company.

The village features choice amenities such as fitness trails, parks, playground, picnic and barbecue areas for residents to enjoy. The village clubhouse has an adult and kiddie pool exclusively for the use of residents, basketball court, and a function hall.

TierraBela is fully-integrated with a township that offers diverse options in shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment.

The first phase of which is Eton City Square, a commercial strip which features over 11.5 hectares of a low-rise retail community mall with modern dining choices, retail outlets, and recreational spaces, will be launched this year.

On top of lifestyle and dining choices, the Eton City township will be home to the future campus of University of the East and adjacent to the site of the University of Santo Tomas Sta. Rosa campus.

With a business district in the pipeline, Eton City is envisioned to be an education hub and one of the South’s relevant business districts.

Cavite toll road construction to start

MPCala Holdings Inc., a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said it expects to start the construction of the Cavite side of the Cavite Laguna Expressway Project by the end of April.

“We expect to break ground in the Cavite side towards the end of April,” MPCala president and chief executive Luigi Bautista said.

MPCala Holdings earlier tapped Leighton Holdings of Australia to build the Cavite side, while local contractor DMCI Consunji Inc. will construct the Laguna side.

Calax, one of the largest public-private partnership projects, involves the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of a four-lane, 47-kilometer closed-system toll expressway connecting Cavitex (Manila–Cavite Expressway) and South Luzon Expressway.

The P34.5-billion expressway will start from Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite and end at the SLEx-Mamplasan Interchange in City of Biñan, Laguna.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2020, while operations and maintenance are set from 2020 to 2050.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. is also constructing the P27.9-billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway project.

The 8.25-km bridge project, set to be completed by 2020, will connect Cebu City to Mactan Island via Cordova.

The group  is also building the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road, an elevated expressway to connect the northern and southern toll road systems at a cost of P23 billion.

Infrastructure to solve Metro Manila transport woes

One of the less headlined updates on the Build Build Build program of the Duterte administration is the approval for construction of eight bridges in Metro Manila, all of which would be started this year and eyed for completion by 2022.

This is on top of two bridges that will be strategically located in busy districts of Metro Manila that China has pledged to construct from a P5 billion grant. The first will connect the bustling Binondo and Intramuros districts, and the second will link Estrella Street in Makati to Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong.

There’s another bridge, as part of the BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road project, which together with the two above, would do wonders to help decongest the traffic that moves to and from the south and north of the metro, especially on EDSA, which is now clogged at almost all hours of the day.

The four-lane Sta. Monica to Lawton Bridge over the Pasig River is targeted for completion in early 2020, and will ease travel between the cities of Taguig and Pasig. Together with the completion of the C-6 road, this will finally allow C-5 to breathe.

The new bridges crossing the Pasig and Marikina rivers, as well as the Manggahan Floodway, will be built at an estimated cost of P28 billion. Financing will come from official development assistance funds.

Worsening before getting better

Will all these end Metro Manila commuters’ woes? Definitely, the construction and eventual completion of the new bridges will augment the existing eight bridges in Manila, three that link Makati and Mandaluyong, and one each between Makati and Pasig, and Pasig and Taguig. We will just have to wait for them to be inaugurated for public use.

Currently, the metro has 26 bridges, and adding about a dozen more in the next four years will open major alternative roads connected to new bridges, allowing for smoother flow of vehicles especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

Meanwhile, bear with the continuing escalation of traffic congestion on major thoroughfares of Metro Manila as more vehicles are sold every month despite the vowed dampening of sales with the passage of the new taxes on small cars.

The construction of new roads and elevated railways, as well, will squeeze further, albeit temporarily, the available road space for vehicles in the metro. Definitely, traffic will get worse before getting better.

The Metro Manila Development Authority is already dizzy trying to find solutions ease traffic on the main roads of Metro Manila’s 16 cities and one municipality, and it will be like going against a tsunami-like wave in the next four years.

Ambitious ferry system

One of the congestion-busting projects that MMDA could embark on would be the improvement of the Pasig River ferry system, which has had a long history of failure for various reasons, including low patronage.

The MMDA is operating the river ferry system until a private investor is identified. There are 12 stations that link Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, Manila to Pinagbuhatan Station in Pasig.

A Marikina River line connecting the Guadalupe Station in Makati and the Santa Elena Station in Marikina is in existence, but not operational – again, because of various problems. The same is true for the Laguna Lake ferry operations between Los Baños, Laguna and Binangonan, Rizal.

From a practical point of view, the ferry system offers a commuter system that is reliable, affordable, and time saving in terms of not being bogged down by the usual traffic problems.

The Department of Budget Management’s bright boys have pitched a Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program that will run from Manila Bay to Laguna Lake through Pasig River. The plan will call for 17 additional stations over the next four years, with commuter numbers rising to 76,800 passengers a day.

Cognizant of the tricky nature of ferry operations along the Pasig, the government would do best to keep expectations to manageable levels, meaning to stabilize the operations on the Pasig River line first, and expand eventually when a workable template is achieved.

The envisioned DBM-led ferry system, of course, will be a great disaster mitigation measure in the event of a major disaster in parts of the metropolis – but only if there is a working and sustainable system that the general public is familiar with.

Build Build Build update

Meanwhile, expect this year the start of other flagship transportation-related projects of the Duterte government: the 102-kilometer Mindanao Rail Project (Phase 1) from Tagum, Davao City to Digos in Region 11, the Philippine National Railway North 2 Project, and the 69.5-kilometer extension of the PNR North 1 from Malolos, Bulacan, to Clark International Airport. All are expected completed in 2024.

Also expected to break ground this year are the 639-kilometer PNR South Long-Haul railway Project that will connect Los Baños to Legazpi, Legazpi to Matnog, Calamba to Batangas, and Manila to Los Baños. This will be funded by China.

The first phase of the Japanese-financed Metro Manila Subway Project, a 25.3-km underground railway system connecting Quezon City and Taguig City, and extending to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, will begin next year, and will be completed in 2027.

All these projects will firmly define the current administration’s push for a golden age of infrastructure, an era of aggressive spending on new roads, bridges, ports, and even cities that the country needs to sustain economic growth in the next decades.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.

MPCALA inks contract for CALAx construction

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) unit MPCALA Holdings Inc. has signed the P7.3 billion contract with Leighton Contractors for the construction of the Cavite side of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx).

“MPCALA Holdings signed the construction contract with Leighton last March 22,” MPCALA president Luigi Bautista said in a text message.

Asked if the government could break ground on the Cavite segment this month, Bautista said it is unlikely, as the firm would need to check with the Department of Public Works and Highways first to be able to set a date.

Earlier, Bautista said the firm expects to conduct the groundbreaking on the Cavite side of the project within the month.

MPCALA was awarded the P35.43 billion CALAx project under the public-private partnership program in 2015.

A 45-km tollway CALAx will connect the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

It will start at CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite and end at the SLEX-Mamplasan interchange in City of Biñan, Laguna.

There will be eight interchanges located in Kawit, Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang East, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Laguna Blvd. and Technopark.

The Cavite segment will cover 27-km, while the Laguna segment will span 18-km.

MPCALA tapped D.M. Consunji Inc. for the construction of the Laguna segment.

It broke ground on the Laguna segment in June last year.

Under the project, the concession period will be for 35 years including five years for design and construction.

Once completed, the CALAx is expected to cut travel time from CAVITEX to SLEX by 45 minutes.

Aside from CALAx, MPIC is building other tollway projects such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) - SLEX Connector Road, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, C-5 South Link, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

At present, MPIC operates the NLEX, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the CAVITEX.

Skyway Stage 3 Section 1: Opening in June?

With any luck there is a slim chance that Public Works Secretary Mark Villar’s dream of opening a portion of Skyway Stage 3 Section 1 (Buendia to Quirino Ave./Plaza Dilao) in time for the 2018-2019 school year will happen.

But before one starts whooping for joy, all have to consider the following:

Section 1 only has a northbound traffic on-ramp from Osmena Highway at-grade somewhere around Buendia;

the same section only has a southbound off-ramp to the front of Cash & Carry;

the long northbound Quirino Ave. to Skyway Stage 3 on-ramp won’t be finished by June;

ditto also for the Nagtahan southbound on-ramp from Plaza Dilao to elevated Skyway Stage 3;

there are no provisions for temporary ramps along Section 1; and

no other off ramps are planned on this section and neither would there be any space for temporary ramps

Now, what all the above indicates is that even if Villar is able to inaugurate Skyway Stage 3 Section 1 in June, northbound traffic from Skyway Stage 1 beyond the Makati CBD exit has nowhere to go. To be precise, no other way to return to the at-grade section of Osmena Highway, much less Quirino Ave. By the same token, at-grade traffic on Osmena Highway southbound has no way to gain access to the elevated Stage 3 except the old way south of Buendia.

So until the aforelisted on-ramps and the off-ramps at Nagtahan and the much-delayed Section 2 are finished, opening Stage 3 in June may well end up as a well-paved, well-lit 3.8 kilometers of elevated expressway with zero traffic use at all. Any use of Section 1 will have to wait for off ramps and on ramps at Plaza Dilao.

But it need not be so. A portion of the finished Section 01 can still be used to alleviate traffic at OsmenaHighway, Buendia and several streets parallel and intersecting Buendia.

Our proposal: To alleviate the massive bunching of traffic on the northbound lanes of elevated Skyway Stage 1 and Osmena Highway (Skyway at-grade) due to the traffic signals under and around the Buendia flyover, traffic heading for Manila and Pasay using Buendia will proceed on the Skyway elevated, going past the Don Bosco, CBD and Buendia exit off ramps.

Proceeding north along Stage 3, traffic will make a U-turn at the widest portion of the toll plaza apron. Multi lane U-turns channeled by orange plastic bollards will be arranged by SOMCO.

Traffic now proceeds to the off-ramp that leads to the at-grade service road, southbound at the Cash & Carry vicinity. Traffic can now proceed to Buendia, either to Makati or Manila, following the at-grade traffic lights at the Buendia-Osmena Highway junction.

Adjustments to traffic light cycles must be studied as traffic flow will be redistributed.

The routine traffic pattern of the at-grade southbound Osmena highway approaching the Buendia traffic signals will have to be adjusted as there is an increase of vehicles coming down the Stage 3 off ramp.

A rotunda or roundabout circulatory continuous flow (no red light) system can be considered for the at-grade section of Buendia-Osmena Highway, encompassing all the 4 crosswise streets parallel to Buendia.

To alleviate the post-lunch hour southbound traffic, the northbound elevated Stage 3 on-ramp at Buendia will open to accommodate vehicles heading for NAIAx and points further south on Skwyay-SLEx. These vehicles will also filter through the toll plaza U-turn lanes to resume southward travel on the elevated Skyway Stage 1.

Our traffic-relieving proposals coming up soon: Changing traffic patterns on both SLEx service roads, C-5, Merville, Quirino Highway and Cavitex when the C-5-Cavitex link is inaugurated later this year and by 1st quarter 2019; and changing traffic patterns at Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road when the first 7.0 kms of CALAx from SLEx Mamplasan opens straight into the heart of the West Grove and Nuvali townships.

Tito F. HERMOSO is Autoindustriya’s INSIDE MAN

Send comments to tfhermoso@yahoo.com

Full repair of MRT 3 seen in 26 months

While up to 16 trains were already running at the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3), commuters would have to wait a little longer before things get better at the country’s busiest train system, as Japanese experts projected that the rehabilitation work on it could last until mid-2020.

Inspection made by a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) this week showed that it would take at least 26 months for rehab work on MRT 3 to be finished.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said work would be done not only on trains but also on power supply, signaling system, security cameras, public address system, elevators and escalators and other facilities in MRT 3.

On Friday, the DOTr and Jica officials came closer to the approval of the loan to be granted by the Japanese government in May.

A ‘Major Home’ choice in Silang

Sienna boasts modern architecture and lush greenery

A fast growing province south of Metro Manila is emerging as a favored residential destination among homebuyers.

For many, the province of Cavite—once considered a bedroom community—has become a logical alternative to living in the more congested metro. And the choice becomes even more attractive if you prefer a house and lot over a condominium unit, and if you are looking for homes that can be had at a lower cost compared to the few remaining spaces in Metro Manila.

Pursuing township projects

Many property developers are in fact heading to Cavite, among other provinces, to build integrated townships to serve the growing needs of a resident.

Colliers International Philippines reported earlier this year that developers are expected to pursue “township projects outside Metro Manila such as Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao over the near to medium term as land values are being unlocked by an aggressive expansion of road networks.”

“We are confident that this will be sustained by the government’s push to generate
economic opportunities in the countryside anchored on its commitment to usher in the golden age of infrastructure,” Colliers said in a report.

“To the south, we see Cavite benefiting from the implementation of rail and road expansion projects which should provide access to properties that could be redeveloped into mixed-use communities. These infrastructure projects include the recently -completed Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCx) as well as Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 Cavite extension, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx), and North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) connector road which are under construction,” it further explained.

Sienna makes for a perfect first investment.

Choice homes

Fortunately for today’s homebuyers, there is a growing number of developments that one can choose from. Depending on your needs, lifestyle and budget, you will surely find in Cavite a space you can call home.

Located along Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite is a 10-ha township where you may find your dream home.

Monteluce, which is being developed by real estate firm Major Homes, is a 45-minute drive from the metro. It is near Tagaytay’s main tourist attractions, but distant enough to provide you the sanctuary you seek.

And within this township is Sienna, Monteluce’s distinct residential enclave that boasts of modern architecture and lush greenery. A village within a village, Sienna offers security features that will ensure the safety of your whole family—with its perimeter fence, gated entrance and a personalized ID system for its residents.

Three models of modern log cabin homes are being offered, with floor areas ranging from 150 sqm to 200 sqm.

Here at Sienna, you may find amenities that might very well suit you and your family’s lifestyle needs, with its clubhouse, gym facilities infinity pool, playground and the Woodland Park, among others.

Major Homes, the proponent behind Sienna, ensures that each project it embarks on has been designed specifically to meet the varying needs of a vastly growing market today.

This full-service real estate development firm is currently engaged in selling affordable houses, middle income condotels (condominium-hotel) and high-rise condormitels (condominium-dormitory-hotel).

A much-improved MRT expected in May

The management of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 yesterday said 20 trains are expected to be deployed next month when the new contractors, Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, take over the maintenance of the train system.

Aly Narvaez, MRT media relations officer, said 20 running trains will be deployed during morning and evening rush hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to cut long queues.

Narvaez said the 20 trains of the MRT 3 can accommodate the current ridership of the train system which is 540,000 passengers daily.

Based on data from the MRT, the maximum actual ridership of the MRT was 622,880 in August 2012.

Narvaez said this means that even if the MRT deploys 20 trains with three cars, it cannot accommodate the growing ridership of the train line.

She said the MRT management aims to raise the number of cars per train set from three to four.

“Once we achieve this, we can service 700,000 to 900,000 passengers daily,” she said.

DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan  earlier said the ideal number of running trains for the MRT  is 20 to accommodate 550,000 commuters daily.

He said the two contractors from Japan will replace Busan Universal Rail Inc.

Batan said the rehabilitation program would take for about three years, but he assured commuters  the MRT will have better services by December since engineers will rehabilitate first the critical components of the MRT such as the motor and signaling system.

The MRT runs from North avenue  in Quezon City to Taft  avenue in Pasay.

Gov't eyes additional boats, terminals for Pasig River ferry system

The government wants to build 17 new terminals and add 24 boats to serve the ferry system. Once completed, the operation and maintenance of the upgraded system will be offered to the private sector.

The government is planning to add more boats and terminals to the Pasig River ferry system to improve its services and turn it into a reliable mode of transportation.

On Wednesday, April 4, the Department of Budget and Management led the inspection of the ferry system with other government agencies that are part of the Pasig River Convergence Program.

Program manager Julia Nebrija said the government is planning to build 17 more stations to bring the total number of stations to 29. The new terminals are eyed along the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Manila, all the way to the mouth of Laguna Lake.

Aside from the new terminals, 24 additional 50-seater boats will be deployed. The upgraded ferry system is expected to serve some 76,000 commuters per day or around 19.8 million a year, Nebrija told reporters on Wednesday.

Nebrija also said the government is planning to take advantage of the DBM's assistance program to city governments that aims to create more "breathing spaces" by constructing parks and esplanades that lead to the terminals.

Once construction works are completed, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government will offer the ferry operations and maintenance to the private sector.

Currently, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Pasig River ferry service runs the ferry from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, Manila.

Pasig River rehab

Diokno also pointed out that improvements on the ferry system is "long overdue." He said that the department is looking at allocating a medium-term budget to rehabilitate the system, as well as Pasig River itself.

"The Pasig River ferry system also offers as an alternative mode of transportation if the 'Big One' happens," Diokno added, referring to the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that can happen when the West Valley Fault line moves. (READ: Is there hope for Pasig River rehab? Microorganisms can help)

Asked whether the rehabilitation of the Pasig River needs the go-signal of the President, Diokno said that they are working towards institutionalizing the program through an Executive Order.

"Ten agencies are involved but we are currently institutionalizing it. We are asking for the President to sign an EO which will then clarify the roles of the agencies," he said.

Diokno said that a technical working group (TWG) was created to coordinate and streamline programs and projects towards rehabilitation and utilization of the Pasig River.

The TWG includes the MMDA, the Department of Transportation, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Economic and Development Authority, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, and the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

Poe lauds DOTr for 13 running MRT trains, hopes it will be 20 soon

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday lauded the Department of Transportation for the 13 running trains of the Metro Rail Transit 3, and expressed hope the number will increase to 20, as promised by the agency.

"We hope this will be the start of the promised resurrection of MRT's services and the reversal of its abysmal record of unfortunate events," Poe said in a press statement.

"We also hope this would alleviate the sufferings of the commuters who brave the long queues every day to get a ride, and often get off-loaded when the train encounters technical glitches," she added.

The MRT3 went on a five-day break during the Holy Week to conduct repair and maintenance activities on the trains.

It resumed operations on Monday with 15 running trains with six minutes' headway at some point.

On Tuesday, according to Poe and the MRT3, the number of running trains was 13.

In the past weeks, the MRT3 only had seven to a maximum of 12 running trains, with technical glitches hounding their operation.

Poe said a comprehensive program to rehabilitate and maintain the MRT3 is necessary.

"We look forward to the DOTr's promise to increase the running trains to 20, each having four-car configuration to transport more passengers at a faster pace," she said.

She also expressed hope to hear developments from the DOTr on the issue of the Dalian trains.

The Dalian light rail vehicles were procured under the Aquino administration and remain unused as they were found to be incompatible with the current design of the MRT3 and too heavy for the existing rails.

TUV Rheinland was hired to audit and assess the entire MRT3 system in general and the Dalian trains in particular.

"We know we have a long way to go before we can have a train system at par with developed countries. But 13 and soon, 20 trains are better than seven or eight. We will keep watch until we have a train system that is affordable, efficient, safe and comfortable, because the public deserves no less," Poe said.

Last November, the DOTr filed plunder complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against former Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad over the P3.8-billion maintenance contract for MRT3 the previous administration signed with Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI). — BM, GMA News

Gov’t to build 17 addt’l stations for Pasig River Ferry Service

The Duterte administration is planning to construct 17 additional stations for the Pasig River Ferry System to make it a more reliable mode of public transportation.

The government is aiming to have a total of 29 stations for the ferry service system from the current 12, Department of Budget and Management's (DBM) program manager for the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Progam Julia Nebrija told reporters at a breakfast forum in Pasig City on Wednesday.

Apart from additional stations, the government is also planning to have 24 boats to service an estimated 76,000 commuters per day or 19,836,000 a year, Nebrija said.

"This does not yet include passenger volumes for weekend schedules, tours, or express routes," she added.

Nebrija said the new stations are slated to be constructed along the Pasig River in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, and Marikina all the way to the opening of the Laguna Lake.

The construction of additional stations is also in line with the plan of the government to construct additional 12 bridges along the Pasig River.

The current 12 stations of the Pasig River Ferry System are along Intramuros in Manila to Guadalupe in Makati.

For his part, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government aims to re-establish the Pasig River Ferry System by the onset of the Christmas season, when there is an expected surge in traffic.

"The ferry system is envisioned to be an accessible, comfortable, and reliable water transport service that will offer the public mobility and connectivity through a pleasant commuting experience on the Pasig River," Diokno said.

The Budget chief said a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of 10 agencies are still working on the details of the budget needed for the construction of the additional 17 stations and the rehabilitation of the Pasig River Ferry System.

The TWG is composed of the DBM, Department of Transportation its attached agencies, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Laguna Lake Development Authority.

Aside from the ferry service, the TWG also proposes to construct additional pathways, linear parks, and esplanades leading to the ferry stations, according to Nebrija.

Diokno said the government will invest on infrastructure to improve the ferry system and then offer it to a private consortium or a company to run and maintain the system.

"The revival of the Pasig River Ferry Services is expected to affect the Pasig River system and its surrounding communities, spurring economic activity, renewing interest and citizens' sense of responsibility towards the river, and transforming this historic place into a multi-functional open space network and a life-support system for urban communities," the Budget chief said. — MDM, GMA News

Glitch-free MRT experienced a day after Holy Week

The Metro Rail Transit 3 system was glitch-free on Monday, following its five-day general maintenance work last Holy Week.

The DOTr-MRT3 Daily Operations Report showed there were no unloading incidents nor any skipping trains throughout its operation on Monday.

At one point a maximum of 15 trains with three cars each were servicing passengers. On the average 14 trains were made available. A total of 281,149 passengers were served.

However, commercial operations of the MRT3 began on Tuesday with only six operating trains with a headway of 13 to 14 minutes. It was reported that seven trains were being readied for insertion into the system.

Lines were again long at the North Avenue station for those taking the MRT.

Even the special permit bus had long queues with buses arriving at longer intervals.

Members of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic encouraged passengers to take the MRT as there was no certainty about how many buses were to be expected and at what time they will arrive.

Some passengers however preferred to take the special bus because of convenience. “Deretso 'yung biyahe niya e. Nakakaupo. Sa MRT siksikan,” Regan Sevilla said.

Passenger Judy Balladares on the other hand said she pays less by riding the bus.
“P20 sa MRT. Dito P15 lang kaya mas mura,” she said. —KG, GMA News

FIRST SINCE JAN. 5: MRT 3 running 15 trains again after repairs

After undertaking extensive maintenance work during a five-day Holy Week break, the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) deployed 15 trains on Monday, making good on a promise it made along with the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The last time that the country’s busiest train system had this many operational trains was on Jan. 5.

According to the MRT 3 management, this was made possible through the efforts of its officials, engineers, technicians and other personnel who worked tirelessly from Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday “to ensure a safe and convenient ride for our commuters.”

Shorter waiting intervals

TJ Batan, the transportation undersecretary for railways, said that with more trains to serve passengers, the queuing time at the 13 MRT 3 stations would be reduced. When the train line was operating with just six trains in February, passengers waited for over 10 minutes. With 15 trains, the waiting time went down to just six minutes.

It also meant a decrease in demand for point-to-point (P2P) buses offered by the government to augment MRT 3 operations. Yesterday, only 26 trips were made by the 21 P2P buses that ferried more than 1,600 passengers to Ortigas and Ayala.

Batan said that the next target was to restore the number of available trains to 20 with the takeover of the train line’s rehabilitation and maintenance provider.

The DOTr earlier said that Japan International Cooperation Agency’s nominated maintenance provider was expected to start working in May, following the system audit conducted by more than 50 Japanese railway engineers and experts who arrived in the country in February.

Based on MRT 3’s data, the biggest number of passengers it recorded was in August 2012 with over 622,000 riders. At three coaches each, the 15 trains can carry as many as 405,000 passengers daily while 20 trains will be able to ferry 540,000 passenger.



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/979668/mrt-3-running-15-trains-again-after-repairs#ixzz5BhaR9kuo
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Original Alignment - Global Cities Mass Transit

Cavitex to extend road from Kawit to Rosario for P22.5-billion

Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., said it will submit a proposal to the Toll Regulatory Board to extend the Manila-Cavite Expressway from Kawit to Rosario in Cavite province at a cost of P22.5 billion.

“We completed the feasibility study, so it will take us another month to put together the business proposal to the TRB,” Cavitex Infrastructure president Luigi Bautista said.

Segment 5 of Cavitex is a 7.6-kilometer road that will link Kawit to Noveleta to Rosario in Cavite province.

The company earlier earmarked P1.7 billion to expand Cavitex.

Cavitex Infrastructure tapped FF Cruz Construction Inc. to build the first phase of the Cavitex C5 South Link, which will connect C5 and Merville, Parañaque by way of a flyover.

The second phase will link Merville and Cavite at a cost of P9.5 billion.

Cavitex C5 South Link will allow residents from Cavite, Las Piñas and parts of Parañaque to avoid Edsa and take a direct link to and from C5 to Cavitex.

Bautista said the new expressway, which was expected to be completed in 2019, would add 40,000 to 45,000 vehicle traffic per day, on top of the 130,000 vehicles currently using Cavitex.

C5 South Link will ultimately connect with R1 Expressway (Coastal Road) and provide fast, safe and convenient travel for motorists going to and from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite and for Paranaque residents in Multinational, Moonwalk and Merville villages.

The new expressway will not only decongest the Parañaque villages, but will also provide easier travel from Taguig, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City and other northern areas to Manila, Las Piñas and Cavite, the company said.

It will also provide relief for vehicles using the congested Edsa and C5 Road arteries of the metropolis.

When completed, the expressway will provide a seamless connection to Cavitex road network and to Cavite-Laguna Expressway which is slated for completion by 2020.

The new C5 Link is envisioned to spur economic development in Parañaque, Cavite and Laguna by providing a safe and convenient link from the central and northern parts of Metro Manila to the high-growth industrial and residential centers in Southern Luzon.

MRT now has 15 operational trains

As promised by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the troubled Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) had 15 trains up and running yesterday afternoon.

The rail line was closed from Wednesday to Sunday to allow for repairs. The DOTr said the target was to restore 47 train cars or 15 trains with two spare cars.

The last time that the MRT-3 had 15 trains running along its tracks was at around around 9 a.m. on Jan. 4.

The MRT-3 opened at around 5 a.m. yesterday with only eight trains operational and with six others “ready for insertion.”

As the day passed, up to 14 trains were driven along the tracks of the rail system.

By 2:10 p.m., the DOTr reported that 15 trains were running, with a six-minute waiting time between trains.

The MRT-3 encountered glitches, causing trains to be reduced to only six trains at one point and the waiting time lengthened to up to more than 10 minutes.   


Read more at https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/04/03/1802173/mrt-now-has-15-operational-trains#5AwqI1bRM55utBIg.99

NLEx-SLEx connector set to start construction in June

NLEX Corp. said it will start the construction of the P23-billion expressway linking North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway by June.

“By June or July, we should be mobilizing by that date,” NLEX president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said.

NLEX secured the notice of award from the Public Works Department on Sept. 19, 2016, but the construction of the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road was affected by the delay in the delivery of right-of-way.

The project is an unsolicited proposal approved by the National Economic and Development Authority under the build-operate-transfer scheme for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of an 8-kilometer elevated toll expressway over the right-of-way of Philippine National Railways.

The project starts at the junction of NLEx Segment 10 at C-3 Road/5th Ave. in Caloocan City and will connect to South Luzon Expressway though Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project in Manila.

Upon its completion in 2021, the elevated expressway will provide motorists another alternative to the heavily congested Edsa.

The project is also expected to reduce travel time between NLEx and SLEx from two hours to only 20 minutes.

NLEX budgeted P19 billion this year for the construction of NLEx-SLEx Project and the Harbor Link Segment 10, including the R10 Section in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City.

Expected to be opened this year, Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.7-km elevated expressway traversing NLEx from Smart Connect Interchange and cross over Mac Arthur Highway in Valenzuela City with down ramps along C3/5th Ave. Interchange in Caloocan City.

Once Harbor Link is fully completed, travel between the Port of Manila and NLEx will take only 10 minutes and will provide direct expressway access to commercial vehicles, specially heavy trucks.

Around 40,000 vehicles traversing the Port of Manila and NLEx daily are expected to benefit from Harbor Link.

RJ Agustin, Michelle Vito co-star in music video

RJ Agustin

RJ Agustin’s music video for his new single under Star Music “Seryoso Na Pala” features a “no label” love story between two friends. RJ co-stars in the video with Star Magic teen star, Michelle Vito.

Most, if not all love stories today, revolve around an uncertain loop of romance. It’s confusing to be in a relationship where you are too intimate but not quite sure to call it an official relationship.

In the music video, RJ and Michelle played these young people who started out as friends and eventually became too close to each other. They are seen together most of the time despite their respective relationships.

After starring in films such as “Kabisera” with Nora Aunor, “1st Ko Si 3rd” with Nova Villa, “Talamak” with Lovi Poe and Jaclyn Jose, and the epic movie “Heneral Luna,” RJ now focuses on his singing career.

The video is a collaboration between Star Music and Firestarters Productions and directed by award-winning filmmaker, Real S. Florido.

Filipino music lovers and hopeless romantics should watch out for more kilig moments with RJ as he is about to spread love with more music through his upcoming radio tours, mall tours, TV appearances and live performances in the next months.

• • •

Rotary Club of Manila presents ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’

For the first time in the Philippines and in Asia, the Rotary Club of Manila presents two shows of the Tony/Grammy/Drama Desk Award-winning “Monty Python’s Spamalot” play on April 21 from 3 to 8 p.m. at The Globe Auditorium at Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center, Taguig.

CAST OF ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ including Rachel Alejandro, Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Lorenz Martinez

The hilarious Broadway musical import, which got local audiences and critics alike rolling in laughter, is an adaptation of the 1975 film “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” one of the funniest movies of all time according to Total Film, ABC, Channel 4 UK, and many other sources.

The encore run of the show will bring back last year’s talented cast, which includes multi-awarded actor/singers Rachel Alejandro, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and Lorenz Martinez. The musical will once again be directed by the duo of Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño, both of whom were nominated by Broadway World for Best Direction for last year’s production.

For tickets and inquiries, email to rotaryclubofmanila@gmail.com.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 3, go to Patty Leung, Rina Go-Thorpe, Gerard Ramirez, Babie Malulu, Atty. Mirma Saruca, Dr. Meliza Galang, Edwin Sallan, Gloria Desiderio, Nina Sales, Ana Maria Abano, Noel Namuco, Rey Pumaloy, Nico Ibaviosa, Clara Ann Maniquis, Tessa Jazmines, Arnold Lebaquin, Teresa Ocampo and Amay Bisaya… April 4: Snooky Serna, Bearwin Meily, Nelly Marshall, Josefina Guizon, Dr. Carlex Lasaga, Vicente Jimenez, Rosalyn Go, Ma. Theresa dela Paz, Irene Martel Francisco, Jemuel Salterio, Vidal de Guzman, Dr. Adolfo Ferrer, Oliver Gonzalez, Katherine Ann Bailey, Wilfredo Relador, Hesus Villafuerte, Cleo Dongga-as and director Louie Ignacio…You asked for it! Due to public demand, we're extending our Tuesday deal until April 24! Get fresh hand-breaded KFC goodness and save ₱91! Thank God It’s Tuesday at KFC! Promo extended until April 24, 2018. Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 2250 Series of 2018.