DOTr Assures Traffic Improvement in Regalado in November; Pledges Fast-tracked MRT-7 Project Completion

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Wala nang traffic sa Regalado starting November,” this was the assurance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade with reference to the traffic buildup along Doña Carmen and Regalado Streets in Quezon City as a result of the ongoing construction of MRT7 station columns.

During the Progress Briefing and Inspection of Build Build Build (BBB) on Thursday, Secretary Tugade announced that the construction of the MRT-7 columns along the said roads shall be finished by November this year, easing traffic flow in the area.

"We ask for the public's continuous understanding and patience as we are striving to complete the construction of MRT-7 by 2019. Ang mga nararanasan po nating abala sa kasalukuyan, lahat po yan ay pansamantala lamang. Pero pangmatagalang ginhawa naman ang masisiguro ko sa inyo sa oras na ito'y makumpleto," Tugade said.

Composed of 14 stations, the 22 km MRT7 rail transit system will connect North Avenue in Quezon city to San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan. Among the areas where stations shall be constructed include: North Avenue, Quezon City Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala, and San Jose Del Monte.

Upon completion of construction targeted by 2019, MRT-7 will accommodate an estimated ridership of 420,000 passengers daily.

The DOTr shall provide technical support to the Quezon City LGU and the National Housing Authority (NHA) in the facilitation of guaranteed relocation for informal settlers that shall be affected by the construction of the North Avenue and Quezon Memorial Circle stations. Currently, there are 160 families initially identified which still has to undergo vetting procedures from the NHA.

Nevertheless, relocation sites are being prepared in Tanay, Rizal and in Bulacan for qualified candidates. Other relocation options such as the "Balik Probinsiya" program of the government is also being explored.

#LiwanagSaDilim: Takipsilim Music Festival and Bazaar

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now a days or maybe even years before, imported goods became the thing. We find our ears being so used to the name of many foreign brands. We find our eyes looking for the American movie poster. We find our mouth humming the foreign music. There is nothing wrong in enjoying things of other country. Actually, it helps us widen our perspective and range. But there is something wrong when our ears, eyes and mouth, our body, look for the imported and are so used to the foreign that our own becomes the foreign. And this is why we bring you TAKIPSILIM.

The De La Salle University - Economics Organization’s TAKIPSILIM is a music festival and advocacy event created through a shared passion for local art. Through it, we aim to celebrate the diversity of the Filipino spirit by highlighting our own people’s talents, craft, and products. TAKIPSILIM uplifts Filipino art, craft, and enterprise. Through it, the organizers wish to communicate to the public through stories of talented artists that have yet to be discovered and spark the sense of pride of one’s own by supporting local entrepreneurs in their pursuit of providing various forms of goods and entertainment. This event also serves as a fundraising activity for our beneficiary, the students of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) through the Economics Scholarship Program (ESP).

Bands and performers that embody the Filipino pride and will be performing in the event are Nadia Rodriguez, YoungSleepyBoi, Devices, Majam Sisters, One Click Straight, Lola Amour, Banna Harbera, and Tom’s Story. The event is brought to you by John Robert Powers, Inquirer.net, Magic 89.9, When In Manila, Pepsi, and proudly supported by Wazzup Pilipinas.

Donny Pangilinan Signs Record Deal with Universal Records

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Donny Pangilinan is certainly not a fresh face in the industry. With an ongoing career as a MYX VJ, multiple TV guesting and acting stints, a rapidly growing fanbase, and established actors Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan as parents, the 19-year old is set to have a flourishing career path.

But his passion for showbiz does not end there. Last June 20, Donny officially joined the prestigious Universal Records roster and took on a venture in the music industry. After inking the deal, the Star Magic talent enthusiastically spoke to the media about his new endeavor.

“I feel like this is still a dream… I’m just very, very thankful that I’ve been granted this opportunity,” Donny narrated after being asked how he feels about being signed to one of the country’s most established recording companies. He recalls that a handful of meetings, counseling, and talks with his parents ensued before he decided to venture into music. “The public really hasn’t seen this side of me, and I think this is the best way I can portray it: through, obviously, Universal [Records],” he affirmed, adding that the trust the record label put in him is “outstanding”.

This August, the teen icon will be releasing his debut single, Did You, which he co-wrote and co-produced. Donny disclosed that his upcoming album will feature songs that are drawn both from his life encounters and the experiences of others, as he wants his tracks to be relatable. Moreover, the social media heartthrob revealed that the public can expect several singles to come out soon, but does not want to divulge too much information as he wants everything to be a “big surprise” for his fans. In his MYX interview, the new Universal Records star expressed his palpable excitement for his newfound endeavor, stating that his album is a fusion of different music genres.

Heavily involved with the creation of his first and upcoming project with Universal Records, Donny aims to astound his fans through his album and singles that are set to launch very soon. The up and coming recording artist expressed that he is beyond grateful to his parents, family, and God for the support that propelled him to start a music career. Known for his musical inclination, Donny credits his music idols such as his Tito Gary Valenciano, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber for being his biggest music influences.