Five Foreign and One Local Companies Vie to Build PNR Clark 2 Segment to Clark Airport, Depot

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The massive North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project continues to draw a significant number of proposals from here and abroad, as Contract Packages 4 and 5 of the PNR Clark Phase 2 attracted one local and five international companies.

Bid submission was held Monday, 14 October 2019, at the office of the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).

Following the record turnout of 11 international and local bidders for Contract Packages 1-3 in August, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan and PNR General Manager Junn Magno noted that the sustained interest of proponents in the NSCR Project, as manifested in the level of participation for Contract Packages 4 and 5, is continuing proof of the international infrastructure industry’s trust in the Duterte Administration’s Build Build Build Program.

Jointly implemented by the DOTr and PNR, and procured through the PS-DBM, “the turnout of bidders for Packages 1-5 of PNR Clark Phase 2 is proof that competition and value for taxpayers' money are enhanced with a bidding process that is transparent, fair, and corruption-free,” Batan said.

“The vibrant turnout of proponents yet again for Contract Packages 4 and 5 reflects the solid support and trust of the international infrastructure industry in the Duterte administration. With a robust competition, we also raise the standard of quality of our infrastructures that shall, in the end, best serve the Filipino people,” Magno added.

The NSCR Project – a mega railway network spanning 148 kilometers with 37 stations – is worth PhP777.55 billion. It is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It notably remains to be both the ADB’s fastest rail project implementation and recipient of its largest financing — further proof of the trust that the international development finance community has extended to President Rodrigo Duterte's promise of delivering the Philippines' Golden Age of Infrastructure.

PNR Clark Phase 2 is a 53-kilometer segment from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga, which forms part of the NSCR. This rail line will feature the country’s first airport express railway service.

Contract Package 4 consists of 8 kilometers and includes Clark International Airport Station. Contract Package 5, meanwhile, consists of the NSCR’s Clark Depot.

Companies that participated in the bidding are Acciona (Spain), EEI (Philippines), GS Engineering & Construction (Korea), Posco Engineering & Construction (Korea), PT Waskita (Indonesia), and PT Wika (Indonesia).

PNR Clark Phase 2 is targeted for partial operations by 2022. This rail line will reduce travel time between Malolos, Bulacan and Clark International Airport to just 30-35 minutes; and from Buendia in Makati to Clark Airport from 2 hours via car to just 55 minutes through the airport express. It aims to serve 340,000 passengers daily in its opening year.

Before 2019 ends, more contract packages are scheduled for bid submission and publication. These include bid submission for PNR Calamba Package 1 (1 kilometer including Blumentritt Station) on 05 November 2019, and the start of bidding for the NSCR’s 304 Commuter Train Cars, 56 Airport Express Train Cars, and Electromechanical Systems within the last quarter of 2019.

World Leader Torani Holds First-ever Master Flavor Class in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you know that how we experience flavors and taste is a science?

That you cannot taste flavor unless you can smell?

That color and aroma influence how we get attracted to and enjoy what we eat and drink?

That genetics, age, ethnic background, the number and sensitivity of our taste buds determine how we taste?

Over 60 baristas and restaurateurs from well-known coffee houses, restaurants, and hotels in Luzon learned about the science of flavor and more at the first-ever Torani Master Flavor Class held in the country at Seda Hotel in Taguig recently. It was jointly organized by Torani, world leader in flavoring syrups, sauces and blended drink bases, and Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, top Philippine distributor of coffee, tea and specialty beverage products.

The three-part workshop was conducted by Anjali Ganpule, Torani’s innovative food scientist from Torani San Francisco and an active member of Northern California’s Institute of Food Technologists. Ms. Ganpule is a master at seducing the senses with both exciting and soothing flavors.

The class enabled participants to learn how to craft amazing flavors and also to understand, develop and promote their drinks in a competitive market.

The whole day deep-dive familiarized participants with the science, technology and art of creating amazing flavors. Participants learned how to enhance existing products and standardize sensory methods. They found out how customers use all of their senses to experience their drinks. By experiencing different tastes and flavors themselves, class members learned how to create yummy flavors through their knowledge of food science. They then created a drink menu with different kinds of flavors.

“Torani has over 100 flavors and those great flavors when paired with great coffee and prepared by great baristas will surely delight customers in a special way. I think that will greatly help to set their coffee shop apart from competition,” Ms. Ganpule said.

Torani Syrups & Sauces was brought to the Philippines by Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation from San Francisco, CA to re-create the café experience of the North Beach in San Francisco. It paved the way to the early beginnings and subsequent growth of the first and second waves of the Philippine Specialty Coffee Trade. These Rolls Royce of coffee flavorings has served millions of exciting lattes in many cafes in the country since it first went into the market in 1998.

Torani offers various syrups and sauces from Regular Syrup, Sauces, Fruit Purees, Real Fruit and Puremade Syrup, which delivers amazing flavor using the purest ingredients.

Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, the country’s official distributor of Torani, has been in operation for more than 21 years in the Philippines. As the specialty coffee trade began to grow in the late 1900s, it expanded its products to include espresso machines, specialty teas and other specialty beverages. Its clients include top hotels, restaurants and the popular coffee places in the country.

Fun Ways To Enjoy The Rainy Season While Staying Safe Indoors

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The average rainfall of the Philippines is between 965 and 4,064 millimeters every year, according to PAGASA. Eastern Surigao, Eastern Samar, and Baguio City have the largest volume of rainfall while Cotabato gets the smallest volume of rain. June typically starts the rainy season in the country, but it does not stop the enjoyment. Instead, it offers an opportunity for a new kind of fun for you and your loved ones. Many indoor activities are available on rainy days, for both inside and outside your home. This is because there are lots of things to do alone or with a group regardless of the weather.

Enjoy a Staycation

If you're hesitant to travel through bad weather, you can always go on a staycation and enjoy the amenities and facilities of a local high-end hotel. There are plenty of ways to spend your time, such as relaxing at the spa, taking a dip in the pool, or catching up on your favorite shows within the comfort of your room. Your mind will be free of any outdoor activities to deal with the rain. Another great idea while you are on a staycation is to go online shopping. Browse through your favorite shopping platforms and discover the latest deals online. Many of these sites offer rainy day promos, which makes shopping during staycation a great way to spend your time indoors.

Take a Food Trip

If you're looking for a quick escape during the rainy season, another activity to do is dine-hop, or locally known as "food-tripping." When it comes to local cuisine and delicacies, the Philippines has a lot to offer. So, when you are feeling the rainy blues, satisfy your cravings and eat pinoy favorites like lechon, adobo, empanada, and Bicol express. Finding great deals on food is also another way to save money while making your stomach full.

Don't Rain on Your Fitness

Every year, the Philippines experience torrential rains from typhoons are at their highest during from July to August. But, the rain outside should not stop you from doing physical activities. After all, home fitness such as push-ups, lunges, and crunches do not require any gym equipment. Another way to work those muscles is to take a dip in the pool. Look for the closest swimming pool and splash around to feel refreshed even when it is dreary outside.

Heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and dark skies can easily dampen the mood of Pinoy wanderers. But in reality, there are many ways to take advantage of the wet season. Simply choose your favorite rainy-day activities and carry on that sunny disposition during the monsoon season.