What Happened to That 1996 Lease Agreement?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There was a 1996 lease agreement that was signed which was signed by Camp John Hay Development Corporation and Bases Conversion and Development Authority where Bob Sobrepena was supposed to pay an annual rent of P425 million or 5% of the gross sales whichever of the two is higher. I don’t know what they were thinking when they signed that because it is clearly a one sided deal in favor of the BCDA. It is no surprise how CJHDevCo struggled in their first 5 years since this was supposed to last for the first 5 years of the contract.

The lease payment of CJHDevCo should belong to the city of Baguio and not BCDA. The mayor himself has expressed concern that this has gone on too far. He is calling for BCDA to participate in the proceedings in order to find out who really is at fault. It is obvious BCDA CEO Arnel Casanova has gone overboard with all of his accusations towards Bobby. One way or the other, the two parties are going to resolve this matter. However, Casanova won’t stop pinning accusations on Sobrepena like there is some kind of personal grudge between them.

The 1996 lease agreement was restructured in 2000 due to the fact that the operations of Camp John Hay were adversely affected resulting to a loss of P1.445 billion. I really felt sorry for Bobby because of that. It is not easy to run a business and he had to take a major step back down because of what he lost there. President Aquino’s PPP program would have benefitted both parties if they agree to resolve the case. However, that is not going to happen anytime soon and we have Arnel Casanova to thank for that. He should really think more about the country than himself.

New Leadership in DOTC Better Make the Right Call

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Mar Roxas has one of the biggest decisions to make in his long term as the vice president of the country since he has just been appointed as the new head of the Department of Transportation and Communication or DoTC. Mar Roxas is expected to be one of the frontrunners for the next presidential race so his decision here could either make or break his candidacy since there is expected to be a lot of sleeper candidates for that election. For now, Roxas chose to freeze all talks with the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation regarding their proposal that would take 30 years in improving the MRT line 3.

The MRT line 3 is the longest train in the country as it stretches along the country’s longest street, the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue or EDSA for short. This street is known for very heavy traffic during rush hour which is why the MRT was put here in the first place. The MRT is not really ideal for most people when they exit the office though as they would rather ride the bus going home since it is going to be tough to get in the MRT during 5 to 6 PM on weekdays.

The Metro Investments Pacific Corporation will invest a whopping $650 million for this project. That amount is probably something I will never reach in my life so we are all lucky they made this proposal. They would even buy Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines. Is this going to take out the long lines during rush hour? Probably not! However, it will surely minimize it to the extent that it won’t become a bothersome sight to most observers. Because of this, the government won’t propose silly schemes to cut down on the number of people riding the MRT.

Entrepreneurs Explore Opportunities at Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014

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The recently concluded Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 opened business opportunities to business professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs last June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. With the tagline “Your Step to Success!” the expo was dedicated to empower over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors.

Organized by MediaCom Solutions, Inc, sponsored by Injoy Philippines, 2Go Express, Globe MyBusiness, Benchmark Email Marketing, Uber Technologies, Infinity Hub and Gleent Innovations, the Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 was officially launched last Friday, June 27, 2014. The opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local and international entrepreneurs and business executives from various industry sectors that supported the expo’s advocacy. Gracing the event was Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, honorable CHARISSE ABALOS; Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines President, HENRY ONG; Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Mandaluyong President, ANDREW ONG; ATTY. NIKKI DE VEGA, President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mandaluyong; together with 2Go Express AVP for Retail Sales and Marketing JOANNE RAMOS; Globe MyBusiness Trade Marketing Manager for Emerging Channels KRISTINE TRAVINO; celebrity food entrepreneur KIAN KAZEMI, president of Persia Grill; email marketing innovator CHUCK SCHIPPER, director & business development EMEAA @ Benchmark Internet Group, LLC (USA), international networking entrepreneur NILS WALLE, founder of the Freight Summit (Hong Kong); branding and design entrepreneur GILMAR PADUA, founder of Infinity Hub; CHRISTIAN RAEUBER of MediaCom Solutions Inc.; design strategist and brand expert BRIAN TENORIO, founder of KKK Coffee; Australian Actress singer lead in 'The Boston' Kitchen Musical and GMA talent NATALIA MOON, celebrity entrepreneur and Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ LEDESMA, and many more.

DJ Carlo Atendido Brings the House Down with Winning Party Set

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The search for the first-ever Filipino representative to the Red Bull (Blue & Silver) Thre3style World Championships 2014 this year culminated in one epic night of partying at the Philippine finals held at the famed Republiq Club in Resorts World Manila. The event saw six qualifying winners battle it out with their DJing skills, technical wizardry and ability to light the dance floor on fire.

Making the cut from the Cebu qualifier last June 21 and rocking the Republiq crowd were: two-time Australian QLD DMC champion DJ K Groove (Kristian Hernandez) who brought his mad turntable skills to the fore just like he’s done in Sydney, Paris, London, New York, Barcelona and Tokyo; DJ Niki Del Rosario, who funked up the proceedings with his mixed-genre party set that got everyone jumping around and cheering for more; and the Cebu’s overall winner DJ Carlo Atendido, whose varied set of funky beats, pop gems and club favorites, added surprise elements and showmanship elicited massive crowd response.

Not to be outdone, the DJs from the Manila qualifier last June 26 were battle-ready: DJ Aryan (Aryan Magat) stepped up with his trademark party style and eclectic mix that got the crowd chanting – a familiar scene in residencies in top clubs from Makati to Cebu, Boracay to Vietnam; DJ Nix Damn P (Nix Pernia) rocked the party with bold choices, including Tagalog tracks, slow tunes and a cheeky recorded cellphone conversation with Ramon Bautista to cap off his set; and Manila’s overall winner DJ Supreme Fist, a 2008 Pioneer Philippines DJ Digital Battle Champion, electrified the night with a monster mix of groove, funk, soul, hip hop, dub and disco, and threw in bits of “Yugyugan Na” midway through his set that got people singing “sige na, sige na, sige na, sige na!”

First, Second, Third: Nova Villa "Takes a Chance With the One That Got Away"

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When you retire and fate gives you a chance to pursue your first love, would you?

Follow Cory, who is in her 60's, as she takes a leap to reignite an old flame in a story that would give an interestingly different look at love in 1st Ko si 3rd, an official entry to the 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival.

The movie is about that "what if" of the heart and giving it a second chance. The lead character, Cory, is played by veteran comedienne Ms. Nova Villa who once again is partnering with her on-screen duo, Mr. Freddie Webb. The latter is playing Cory's love interest, Third.

For the first time in years the duo brings back to life their chemistry in cinemas by reliving their love team. This time however the comic antics are tamed to a level of serious but light depiction of sensible situations.

1st Ko si 3rd is written and directed by Real Florido and will be showing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Cinemas on August 1 to 10, 2014.

The Loom Band Magic Show with Ryzza Mae and Rico the Magician

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Who doesn't love magic? Magic opens up a whole new world especially to the first-timers. Every child, and even adults, are totally awed seeing magicians perform almost unexplainable feats in a way that both baffles and amazes. Call it illusion, slight of hand, fast reflexes that tricks the senses...whatever it may be, some consider it as a form of art that stimulates the imagination and entertains the mind.

If you want to be entertained with magic, catch Aleng Maliit, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Pilipinas Got Talent's very own, Rico the Magician as they perform live at Solaire Grand Ballroom on July 12, 2014 at 4pm.

Catch this once in a lifetime Magic Show brought to you by Showbiz Mansion Entertainment in partnership with Solaire Resort and Casino.

For tickets and queries, call or text 0921.234.4257 or 0906.1601562

For more information please check the following links:

1. Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Showbiz-Mansion-Entertainment/1500672743495992?ref=hl

2. Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1420901721516354/

Please also join the contest below to win silver tickets to the show:

Rescue Revive Relive Escolta at #selfiEscolta: The Manila Street Heritage Festival

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Young people use the power of social media to raise awareness on Manila’s forgotten but beloved heritage street in this all-day arts, music and food fest.

After its postponement last week due to a bad weather forecast, #selfiEscolta: The Manila Street Heritage Festival will finally hit the historic district as well as our social media feeds this Saturday! Finally, the Queen of Manila’s streets is reclaiming her crown as a relevant and productive district in modern times.

This event will be held along Calle Escolta on July 5, 2014 (Saturday), from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. It aims to raise awareness and help boost local tourism by featuring various simultaneous activities to showcase Manila’s famed district. These include special guided tours that will take attendees to all the heritage buildings in the area.

There will also be an art and food market plus on-site entertainment, among others. Confirmed performers include the likes of Gary Granada, Tres Marias (Cookie Chua, Bayang Barrios, Lolita Carbon), Plagpul, Ukulele Philippines Ensemble, Sanghabi, One Hit Combo, Estribo, Persephone, and more.

Sandwich is Featured Artist in Power Mac Center’s Sync Sessions Grand Finale

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​​Power Mac Center is all set to present the fifth and culminating leg of its one-of-a-kind musical affair dubbed Sync Sessions. Revolutionizing live band performances through Apple technology, Sync Sessions rounds up some of the most talented artists in the local music scene to perform using only Mac and iOS devices.

After a month-long tour showcasing industry chart-toppers for free at select Power Mac Center locations, the Sync Sessions concert series will have its grand finale open to the public for free at 6pm on Saturday, July 5, at Power Mac Center SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Headlining the weekend event is the alternative rock band Sandwich. Borne out of the founders’ mutual desire to collaborate together in one band, Sandwich was formed in 1998 and has since createditsdistinctive brand of music and received accolades for it. The group is comprised of Raimund Marasigan, lead vocals; Myrene Academia, bass guitar; Mong Alcaraz, lead guitar; Diego Castillo, rhythm guitar; and Mike Dizon, drums. Sandwich’s longevity and success in the industry has producedbig hitslike Butterfly Carnival, Sugod, Hairpin, Maybe, and Super Noypi.

“Power Mac Center is very excited to wrap up Sync Sessions with Sandwich, whose creative synergy as a band has helped the group remain fresh-sounding through the yearsand continue to be one of the most favorite bands of this generation.Please join us in this celebratory gig for all music lovers and fans to enjoy,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Bus Rapid Transit System: A Game Changer for Commuters

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Among the many transportation modernization projects of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which aims to deliver a fast, convenient, and cost-effective commuting option to residents of Cebu and Manila.

“BRT systems around the world have been successful in mobilizing masses of people in dense urban settings, getting them to their destinations reliably through fixed schedules, efficiently through segregated lanes and priority passage, comfortably and safely through modern, well-equipped buses, and affordably through relatively lower capital costs and maintenance expenditures,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“BRTs are game-changers. They are as effective as rail systems in terms of moving people around quickly and efficiently, but are much cheaper to build and are faster to develop. Since they will be granted as concessions, their riders will not be at the mercy of ‘colorum’ vehicles or transport strikes. They will be spared from unnecessary disruptions and unsafe traveling conditions,” Abaya noted.

The BRT concept began in Curitiba, Brazil in 1974, but the “BRT” name and the system’s popularity did not come until it was introduced in Bogota, Colombia in 2000. Currently, there are over two hundred (200) BRT systems either operating or being built worldwide.

Save the Camp John Hay Project, President Aquino

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If President Aquino wants to do something to save the Camp John Hay project the he must act quickly before it is too late. I am pretty sure the president himself spent some time vacationing in Camp John Hay so he must know how it feels like to spend a few days relaxing there.

However, the BCDA is not kind when it comes to dealing with the Camp John Hay Development Corporation as they managed to file a bunch of cases against them. Despite all that, the Camp John Hay Development Corporation has no plans of halting the Camp John Hay project because they paid a lot of money in rental to the BCDA and provided 2000 jobs to residents in Baguio City.

Baguio City residents are not happy with the way the BCDA are handling things as mayor Mauricio Domogan asked BCDA to submit for arbitration so this could be settled. That does not mean BCDA would do just that though. They are looking at a lot of loopholes and they could use those things against the CJHDevco.

Toycon 2014: Toys for the Big Boys

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Apparently, the Toycon this year is more than just a toy convention. It has evolve into something more...I couldn't really grasp the words right now...but it's definitely more like a toys for the big boys convention.

Gone are the majority of kids ogling at toys that were usually meant to play with. The toys at the Toycon are mostly high-priced items or collectibles that are intended to be framed, cased and displayed. You will rarely see a kid playing with a toy during the event. It's usually their fathers who were more eager to be there.

Cosplayers are also everywhere and they are mostly playing the part of anime, games, movies and fantasy characters. They may have toy equivalents but most of them didn't start out as a toy.

And what was this news about an all-girl group that even performed a lap dance? Insanity! Put that away please for there are still kids around!!!

The Toycon was an over-all success...but it had a peculiar stench still lingering for those who have witnessed that atrocious first day fiasco that was overwhelming as well.

I understand that boys of these age bracket probably have raging hormones (that's why sexy cosplayers are popular) but there's a proper place for all of these "lewdness" and not at a toy convention. I would have thought it was tolerable if they were cosplaying characters. But they were cosplaying themselves.

Kim Jones Covers Womens Health Philippines July 2014

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She's got the body, the face, the man (Jericho Rosales) — and the sunniest of attitudes to take life head on. Find out how cover star Kim Jones manages to have it ALL in Women's Health Philippines' July issue!

Sure enough, Kim Jones seems to already have everything she would ever want....and that voluptuous body, or that amazing pose will definitely allow her to have more than what she already has. Who could resist that adorable smile, that luscious hair, that trim tummy, that bubble butt and I could go on and on.

You'll also find an annual list of Best Packaged Foods for Women here, tips on how to build a hot body fast by strengthening the core, sculpting lean muscles, and improving the posture, having the perfect-skin diet, learning how to sleep soundly to increase energy and alleviate pain, and tips to boost your career.

Did I also mention about sex - more sex and better sex!

So make sure you have a copy of Women's Health Philippines before going grocery shopping! Grab your print copies from newsstands everywhere; on-the-go, digital copies will be available starting July 1.

Rochelle Pangilinan Covers FHM Philippines July 2014

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Are my eyes fooling me or has Rochelle Pangilinan' s complexion grown a lot fairer these days?

I'm not sure if this was Photoshopped, but the photo-editing software can indeed make anyone beautiful by taking out the imperfections and making ladies almost perfect-looking. We've seen how many have undergone plastic surgery but many who can't afford might as well just talk to the official photographer to perform magic with his computer.

Yes! This is no scandal since everyone does it, and a bit more light flash from the camera can do wonders already, what more the sophistication of technology that can make wrinkles, blemishes, bad curves, and other irregularities disappear in an instant.

FHM Philippines' cover for July 2014 has Sexbomb dancer Rochelle Pangilinan posing unnaturally as if she's between posing afraid or about to hold a baseball bat and strike a swerving baseball towards her.

FHM Philippines' July issue, which comes with the #FHM100Sexiest supplement, is now available in supermarkets, newsstands, and bookstores nationwide tomorrow! You can score digital copies a few days later on the Buqo and FHM apps, Zinio, and on the Summit Media Newsstand!

Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 Launched at Megatrade Hall

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On June 27, 2014, the Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to
Success!”, Philippines dedicated event for innovative entrepreneurs and franchise businesses, was officially launched at the Megatrade Hall 1 located at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Local and international entrepreneurs and business executives from various industry sectors attended the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Gracing the event was Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, honorable CHARISSE ABALOS, Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines President, HENRY ONG, Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce of Mandaluyong President, ANDREW ONG, together with 2Go Express AVP for Retail Sales and Marketing JOANNE RAMOS; Globe MyBusiness Business Trade Marketing Manager for Emerging Channels KRISTINE TRAVINO; celebrity food entrepreneur KIAN KAZEMI, president of Persia Grill; e-Commerce advocate JANETTE TORAL, founder of DigitalFilipino.com; technology entrepreneur JORGE AZURIN, regional director of Freelancer.com; email marketing innovator CHUCK SCHIPPER, director & business development EMEAA @ Benchmark Internet Group, LLC (USA), international networking entrepreneur NILS WALLE, founder of the Freight Summit (Hong Kong); branding and design entrepreneur GILMAR PADUA, founder of Infinity Hub; CHRISTIAN RAEUBER of MediaCom Solutions Inc.; design strategist and brand expert BRIAN TENORIO, founder of KKK Coffee; Australian Actress singer lead in 'The Boston' Kitchen Musical, NATALIA MOON, celebrity entrepreneur and Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ LEDESMA, and many more.

Organized by the MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC., a leading business community building and exhibition and convention organizing company and supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Society and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), the ENTREPRENEUR & FRANCHISE EXPO 2014, is dedicated to empower over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors. The 3-day event features innovative and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and financing those visitors can explore from. The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises.

Airborne Technologies: More Power In Your Hands with Quality Powerbanks

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With the proliferation of so many portable gadgets like smartphones, tablets and portable gaming consoles, I am no longer surprised when I see individuals with more than just one of these technological necessities. I myself carry around at least three (two phablets and 1 tablet, not counting my trusted digital camera). The reason I carry so many is because a single one normally will not last for so many days especially when I frequently browse the Internet checking my emails and social media accounts.

Indeed, there is not enough power that comes along with these small gadgets that is why many have resorted to bringing powerbanks as well. These powerbanks have been our current solution to extend the battery life of our gadgets aside from bringing with us the charging cable and plugging in at power outlets inside coffee shops and restaurants.

Most events that I've been to have even made powerbanks their giveaways or souvenir tokens adding their logos into the product.

Now, there's a recently established Filipino brand that joined the demand for more power.  Airborne Technologies launches with a several lines of powerbanks that best suits our respective needs. There's a model that looks like stones, and a model that can charge a laptop. Also up next are waterproof powerbanks that can last up to 30 minutes underwater. The company also boasts of giving 100% charging as advertised unlike other brands that sell "lies" because it doesn't reaches its full charging capacity.