MPT South to serve over 340,000 motorists in 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MPT South forecasts more than 30% traffic growth by the end of 2025, translating to over 340,000 average daily motorists, a significant increase from the current figure of 259,815. This growth will be driven by the completion of several key segments of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and CAVITEX C5 Link. These segments include the CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange, Open Canal Interchange, and Kawit Interchange, as well as the C5 Link Segment 3B, which will connect the current Sucat Interchange to the C5 Link Flyover Extension, spanning from SLEX-Taguig to E. Rodriguez in C5. The CAVITEX-CALAX Link, currently under construction, will integrate these two major toll roads, creating a more seamless connection for motorists. 

These projects are slated for commercial operations before the end of 2025, bringing MPT South’s total road network to 67 km. The new segments, designed to enhance travel time and accessibility, are expected to encourage more motorists to utilize the network, further boosting traffic flow in the region. This will improve connectivity and travel efficiency between major provinces in Southern Luzon, easing travel for daily commuters and businesses alike. 

“Aside from providing an enhanced driving experience for our motorists, our projects also aim to contribute to the region’s economic development by improving accessibility and connectivity.  Once completed, our expressway network will provide a more seamless travel experience for over 340,000 motorists, a 30% increase from our existing daily traffic, and help spur economic growth in both regions,” said MPT South President and General Manager, Mr. Raul L. Ignacio. 

In line with this, MPT South is allocating Php14 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) in 2025 to support the construction and maintenance of its infrastructure. 

“Despite the challenges we face in construction, such as the timely delivery of right-of-way and the recent typhoons, we are working around the clock to ensure the delivery of these vital infrastructure projects for the benefit of progress by the end of 2025,” Ignacio added. 

Upon completion, MPT South’s expressway network is expected to boost regional economic growth by facilitating quicker, more efficient movement of goods and services between key industrial and commercial hubs. The shortened travel time will provide additional benefits such as reduced fuel consumption and lower vehicle emissions, contributing to nation-building and improving the quality of life for Filipinos. 

For photo information, kindly see below:

• CAVITEX_Image 1: Bird’s eye view shot of CAVITEX

• CALAX Image 2: Bird’s eye view shot of CALAX

• CAVITEX C5 Link_Image 3: Elevated shot of CAVITEX C5 Link

About MPT South

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. In addition to CAVITEX and CALAX, MPTC also holds concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu. 

Cosplay Mania 2024: Ascending Revelries into the Skies

 

Embarking on its 16th year of reaching greater heights, Cosplay Mania will bring you again to the peak, brimming with fun and marvelous adventure as a new chronicle, “Zenith in the Clouds,” opens! For the first time in its history, Cosplay Mania will fill Halls 1-4 of SMX Convention Center for 3 days, starting from October 4-6, 2024, featuring over a dozen awesome international special guests that fans of Gundam Seed, Vocaloid, Hololive, Sword Art Online, Yu Gi Oh!, Digimon, and even The Simpsons will enjoy!

Cosplay Mania continues to tread with a steadfast direction of delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that fans will truly enjoy. With a size of 9000+ square meters, the expansive convention halls transcend into an ultimate paradise for anime and cosplay enthusiasts, featuring over 200 incredible exhibits complete with various merchandise, apparel, artworks, and other trending collections, including exclusive Hololive, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail merch, and more items that will send wallets flying! The stage will also witness the heart-pounding competition between the best of the best champions for top prizes in the grand finale of the Cosplay Mania Cup and Cosplay Karaoke Cup!

As one of the most-awaited conventions every year, Cosplay Mania never ceases to pull a surprising line-up of guests that can charm the crowd. Known for their stellar talent and dedication in portraying notable characters from different games and shows, this year’s cosplay sensations Taryn from Italy, Byoru from Vietnam, and Lea from Malaysia grace the event with their special appearance on stage and Meet-and-Greet sessions. Japan’s famous Ikémen Series producer and resident cosplayer Hiroto Kuramasu is back for a surprise appearance from Japan to introduce and share otome culture worldwide.

Vtuber enthusiasts will also rejoice as Hololive Indonesia’s “Secret Agent,” Vestia Zeta, and the “Ancient “‘Keris,’” Anya Melfissa, as well as the members of Holostars EN –ARMIS – the enigmatic puppeteer Octavio and the ferocious Jurard T Rexford, captivate the hearts of their fans during their appearance and Meet and Greet in the event.

Known for her exceptional voice, Malaysian American voice actor Su Ling Chan will take us to the skies as she showcases her unique voice acting skills and versatility featured in various video games like Honkai: Star Rail as the “Healer Lady” Bailu, Cabernet in Path to Nowhere, and as Mayday in No Straight Roads. She can also be heard in popular animated series like The Simpsons, Disney Channel’s “BoBoiBoy”, Netflix’s Bread Barbershop, and animated films like New Gods: Yang Jian, and the anime Kageki Shoujo.

A long way since the lineup’s first announcement, this year’s JAM Concert absolutely left everyone astonished, raising the excitement bar to the highest level! So don’t miss the chance to witness the most phenomenal performances coming from your favorite J-music artists, starting with the famous Vocaloid composer and producer packed with electrifying beats behind Project Diva’s Tell Your World and other popular Hatsune Miku hits, kz(livetune)!

Japanese singer-songwriter with a tremendous and extensive genre of ending themes and soundtracks for prominent animes like Kimi no Namae from The Rising of The Shield Hero and Digimon Adventure, Chiai Fujikawa!

Japanese rock, disco, and soul band internationally recognized for their vibrant and funky opening themes like Flyers from Death Parade, Yu Gi Oh Rush!, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, and Duel Masters. Enjoy the Dancehall Music all night with BRADIO!

Pumping up the JAM level to 99%, the world-renowned Japanese 3-piece band known for their intense and dynamic discography featured in Mob Psycho 100 II, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon, and Sirius the Jaeger, sajou no hana will rock the stage with their enthralling sound!

With her major debut in 2017, no one can topple the rising Japanese artist incredibly known for her emotionally invoking performance in her infamous theme songs featured in Sword Art Online: Alicization and The Irregular at Magic High School. Bask in the Vivid World brought to you by the artist behind Resister, ASCA!

On top of it all, with her captivating songs and energetic performance celebrated worldwide since her debut track “Believe” for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, her immense and powerful discography became a blockbuster in the anime and J-music scene. For the first time, JAM Concert will welcome on stage the one and only J-pop Princess and actress Nami Tamaki in the grandest, groundbreaking 3-day party!

This year, a special 3-Day Portal Pass will also be available for only P9,999*, with the BEST and CLOSEST RESERVED SEATING for the JAM Concert, Ultra Rare JAMverse merchandise, and more! With these endless wonders, Cosplay Mania has a long way to go to pull in more surprises for everyone’s delight. Don’t miss a chance to be a part of this vivid,out-of-this-world experience! Buy your tickets now starting at only P599 at https://cosplayph.ticketmax.ph/ to enjoy a full, cloud nine event!

Visit https://cosplaymania.cosplay.ph for more info.

About Cosplay.ph

Cosplay.ph is one of the leading cosplay and J-culture events organizers in the Philippines. Founded in 2008, it comprises veteran cosplayers and convention-goers, as well as experienced figures in the local production industry.

Cosplay.ph has evolved from its humble beginnings as an online forum for cosplayers into a premier pop-culture events organizer in the country.

Cosplay.ph has extensive experience from small cosplay competitions to multi-day international convention tilts and has partnered with the best venues and corporations here and in Asia to bring the best experience possible to the Filipino con-goer.

Website: https://cosplay.ph

Follow Us: https://beacons.ai/cosplayph

Earth Shorts: EJN Selects 8 Social Media Content Creators for Pilot Program on Climate Resilience in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

EJN's Earth Shorts program is launching a groundbreaking pilot aimed at elevating the quality of climate and environmental content across social media in the Philippines. With the growing trend of people turning to social media for news—often at the expense of traditional outlets—there's an urgent need to ensure content is accurate and impactful. This shift in how people consume information is especially evident in Asia, home to 60% of the world’s social media users, where misinformation on climate issues is becoming more widespread.


At the heart of the problem lies the declining trust in mainstream media. Many, particularly the younger generation, are turning to social media influencers for what they perceive as more relatable and trustworthy content. However, these content creators often lack formal training in journalism, reporting, and fact-checking. This inexperience, combined with the fast pace of social media, can lead to the spread of misleading information.

Recognizing these challenges, EJN is piloting a program designed to bridge the gap. Focused on the Philippines—known as the “social media capital of the world”—this initiative seeks to arm local content creators with the skills, tools, and knowledge to produce high-quality, fact-based content on climate resilience. As of 2018, approximately 67 million Filipinos have access to the internet, making this region a key player in the global conversation about climate action.

For the pilot, eight content creators were chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants. These individuals, who regularly post videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, tackle a range of topics from travel and politics to lifestyle and science. What they share in common is a passion for linking these areas to critical environmental issues.

The selected fellows include:

Sean Paul Manalo (@Kalikasean) from Bani, Pangasinan, specializing in biodiversity on TikTok.

Elle Hernandez (@ellehernndz) from Quezon City, focusing on ecology and biology on TikTok.

Sandy Jones Pilarca (@LostJuan) from Lopez Quezon, a YouTuber exploring travel, food, and environmental topics.

Robert Dionio, Jr. (@RobertBob) from Iloilo City, who covers politics, travel, and the environment on Facebook.

Jian Arguelles (@fullfillzerowaste) from Sta Maria, Bulacan, a TikToker passionate about zero waste living.

Renzo Maano (@RenzoMaano) from Parañaque City, a YouTuber focused on travel and culture.

Aya Fernandez (@AyaFernandez) from Quezon City, a social entrepreneur and actress using Instagram to raise awareness.

RM Cuevas (@raymorcuevas) from Digos City, Davao del Sur, an educator on TikTok.

These fellows will undergo training from September 2024 to March 2025, including a three-day bootcamp in Manila and virtual mentorship sessions. The program will be led by social media expert Jacque Manabat and environmental advocate Gregg Yan, both renowned for their innovative approaches to digital storytelling and climate communication.

Throughout the program, fellows will gain a deeper understanding of climate issues specific to the Philippines and develop strategies for combating misinformation. They’ll also learn key skills in content production, from fact-checking to navigating copyright laws. By February 2025, these creators will present their climate resilience videos to EJN, with their work set to be shared on various platforms early next year.

As EJN Program Manager Imelda Abaño emphasized, “In today’s digital age, influencers play a huge role in shaping public opinion. By equipping them with the right tools, we can ensure that critical climate information is both accurate and engaging. This initiative is a step toward making social media a space where important environmental issues are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.”

Through Earth Shorts, EJN hopes to not only enhance the quality of environmental content on social media but also scale up this model, creating a ripple effect that leads to more informed, climate-conscious audiences worldwide.