DOTR, LRMC Lead LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project Ground Breaking

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson led the ground breaking ceremony of the LRT-1 Cavite extension project, a government and private sector initiative that will create an additional eight passenger stations through an extended alignment of 11-kilometers, passing the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and of Bacoor in Cavite.

"Mobility and connectivity are the platforms upon which you can be assured of development and growth in any nation. The realization of this project establishes that connectivity. If you have an honest to goodness, well-meaning partnership between government and the private sector, then things will move,” Secretary Tugade said.

The transportation chief noted that activities were laid as early as 2006, but it was only this year, during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, that the project is gaining actual momentum. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved the extension and alignment project in 2011.

“Imagine a situation where in 2011 na-approve na ng NEDA, ngayon pa lang – after 6 years – magi-inaugurate tayo. That is indeed delayed – gargantuan delay. But when you put partnership, well-meaning partnership between private sector and government, then you can fast-track the projects,” Tugade explains.

Top 8 Condominiums in Manila with Impressive Amenities

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With its malls, bazaars and hip new wave of galleries and restaurants, Manila is a must-visit. Whether you are traveling to the Philippines for its famous hospitality or stunning tourist attractions, a stay in the big metropolis should be on your list. For a non-stop leisurely vacation experience, make sure you stay at one of the top condominiums in Manila. Their amenities that let you make the most out of your time spent in the metro.

Sorrel Residences:  A genuine resort environment

Sorrel Residences features expansive open spaces adorned with lush landscaping and trees. Its modern tropical theme and architecture blends modern 20th century designs with elements that accommodate the practicalities of a tropical climate. The design makes way for airy and light elements, all while exuding a timeless appeal and quiet elegance. You will love the garden atriums and breezeways, as well as the architecture that allows natural air and ambient light to permeate the concrete building. Sorrel Residences takes pride in its commanding skyline views and convenient access to key places in the metro.

2017 Mini Countryman Launches in the Philippines

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Driving a Mini Cooper is said to provide driving fun for every occasion.

Who wouldn't enjoy driving a Mini? It's such a head-turner not only because it's so cute, but also because it is a rare sight on the road. You could say that only a few are privileged to own one, and the most remarkable thing about it is that it becomes a lot more cool to own one if you keep it physically well-maintained and in great running condition.

Car enthusiasts and collectors know how iconic and pleasing to the eye this beauty is. It may not be ideal for a big family, it's a cool car for singles or couples to own, while they save up for a bigger car. But the Mini remains a part of the family for it will be hard to part ways with this car.

MINI Asia and MINI Philippines jointly launched the new MINI Countryman, the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 58-year history. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.

Retail price are as follows:

The new MINI Cooper D Countryman 2,900,000 
The new MINI Cooper SD Countryman 3,400,000 

The launch was held on May 3, 2017 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater located at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig city.

Members of the media got to test drive the new Mini Countryman around BGC for a few minutes. I've decided to ride the passenger seat so I could take a video coverage of our test drive.

DOTr-LTFRB, Landbank Team Up to Finance Modern Jeepneys

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To demonstrate its commitment to modernize public transportation, the government has entered into an agreement to financially assist drivers and operators in migrating into the new system.

On the eve of the Labor Day celebration, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman (LTFRB) Martin Delgra III, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and Land Bank of the Philippines President Alex Buenaventura signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting up a financing program for jeepney modernization in a ceremony held in Davao City last April 30.

“Perhaps it is providential indeed that we sign this memorandum of agreement today. Ito pong financing program na ito ay munting regalo ng ating pangulo, through the DOF and Landbank, sa ating jeepney operators at drivers,” said DOTr Sec. Tugade.

The Landbank, through its SPEED (Special Environment-Friendly and Efficiently-Driven Jeepney) program, will institute a loan facility that will provide credit to individual drivers and operators for the replacement of their PUJs in accordance with the government’s PUV Modernization Program.

Under the program, an initial budget of PhP 1 Billion for Individual Loans shall be awarded to 650 PUJ Operators/Drivers in Metro Manila, for them to be able to loan a jeepney with a minimum requirement of Euro-4 engine or better.

“The lending packages are very generous. It offers low equity, longer payment period, and very low interest rates,” said LTFRB Chairman Delgra.

He added that the modernization program is an effort to overhaul the transportation system of the country, from the quality of units to the quality of drivers.

“We are looking at public transportation that is adequate, safe, and comfortable. We’re looking at a travel time that is predictable. We’re looking also at PUV drivers that are disciplined, competent, and mindful of the common good,” Chairman Delgra said.

Finance Secretary Dominquez, for his part, appealed to drivers, operators, and the commuting public to give the program a chance.

“We must convince jeepney drivers and operators that this is the way to go. They must understand that the financing package will make the shift affordable,” said Domiguez, who is also the Chairman of Landbank. “The public must understand that our inefficient dinosaur, the PUJ, must now be relegated to the museum. It is dirty, inefficient, unhealthy and unsafe for commuters. It is time we bring our public transport to the 21st century.”

The LTFRB likewise assured drivers and operators that there is nothing to worry about.

LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said: “Do not worry. Trust us that what we are doing is for the development of our country, which is also for your welfare and for the upliftment of the socio-economic status of your respective families.”

There are over 220,000 registered PUJs nationwide, of which 90% are 15 years old and above. They are the biggest source of CO2 emission resulting to 5,000 deaths annually.

More specific details of the financing program is already being worked out by the DOTr and Landbank, and will soon be made available to the public for guidance.

Color Manila Launches Blacklight Tour

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Manila, Bacolod and Davo will soon be lit via blacklight as thousands of runners are soon to join Color Manila's Blacklight Run Tour happening soon.

The first CM Blacklight Run will happen at Filinvest in Alabang. You can check out the video invite we got from the two founders of Color Manila, which may not be the very first fun run organizers that grew into an epic series but it is undoubtedly the most "colorful" one indeed.

The organizers has truly lived up to its name as even their race singlets deserve more than a second look for its very attractive designs. 

I've seen runners carrying lights on their heads from other runs but Color Manila brings it one level above by making it a black light instead. I'm sure to take advantage of the black light, there will be neon colored shirts and props within the race venue to make it a really awesome spectacle of blacklight-lit items.

Though the Filinvest area is quite far for me, I'm tempted to join the run. I just hope there won't be a conflicting event happening that day which will prevent me from joining.

Celebs, Advocates Celebrate Senate’s Passage of Mental Health Law

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A day after the Senate's passage of the country's first ever mental health law, celebrities and mental health advocates joined Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros in celebrating what they describe as an historic victory for mental health rights.

In a press conference in Quezon City, advocates led by Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, Be Healed Foundation’s Jerika Ejercito and actress Antoinette Taus, lauded the passage of Senate Bill No. 1354, otherwise known as the Philippine Mental Health Law. The bill, which was sponsored and authored by Hontiveros, seeks to integrate mental health services and programs in the public health system by setting up basic mental health services at the community level  and psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services in all regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals.

"We would like to thank the Senate, particularly Senator Hontiveros for passing this important measure. This bill brings our country one step closer to realizing a national mental health policy that will respond to the Filipinos' mental health needs and erase our record as one of few countries left in Asia without a clear mental health measure," Verzosa said.

Taus said that she hoped that the Senate's passage of the Mental health law will mainstream mental healthcare and remove the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health illnesses. "There is nothing really shameful or embarrassing in talking about one's mental health issues and finding the appropriate healthcare services to address them. Seeing a psychiatrist is no different from visiting your OBGYNE or your ophthalmologist," the actress said.

Oceana’s Statement on Rejection of Gina Lopez as DENR Secretary

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As Earth’s largest marine conservation nonprofit, Oceana commends the trail-blazing achievements of outgoing DENR Secretary Lopez in bravely pushing for policies to sustainably protect the country’s environmentally-critical areas including protected seascapes and save them from destructive activities that threaten their ecological integrity.

Secretary Lopez has set the highest standards for environmental stewardship and mainstreamed partnerships with civil society organizations - a feat that merits replication by her successor.

Her commitment and sterling leadership in ensuring justice and equity especially to affected communities most dependent on a vibrant web of life is her most precious legacy for all of us. Oceana is most grateful.

DOTr Leads Blessing of New Puerto Princesa International Airport Terminal

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Top officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Capt. Jim C. Sydiongco led the blessing of the new Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) building. 

Dignitaries from the Korean Embassy represented by Ambassador Kim JaeShin, local officials led by Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Luis Marcaida lll, special guest and aviation stakeholders witness the momentous events heralding the opening of a bigger and modern airport terminal complex. 

Located at Brgy. San Miguel Puerto Princesa City, the new Php 4.5 billion airport terminal has a floor area of 13000 sq. meters with a seating capacity of 1500, parking slot for over 200 cars and a 2,600-meter runway that can accommodate bigger aircraft like an Airbus A330 (seating capacity 400 pax) and 6 parking bays. 

Currently, an average of 20 flights (20 landings/20 takeoffs) are operating daily; PAL Express (Manila & Cebu), Cebu Pacific (Manila, Cebu Mactan & Iloilo), Philippine AirAsia (Manila,Cebu Mactan & Davao), PAL (Manila, Clark,& TaipeiTaoyuan) and Air Juan (Busuanga & Cuyo). 

Club de Damas Latinas to Hold 51st Annual Charity Ball

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On Saturday, May 13, 2017, the Club de Damas Latinas (Latin American Women’s Club) of Manila will hold their 51st Annual Charity Ball. It will be held at the Fairmont Hotel Makati, with the theme of "The Great Gatsby". The fantastic food will be prepared by Fairmont hotel, and wine and cocktails will definitely be a part of the drink selection. Entertainment will be provided by the lively Latin band and the always an energetic DJ, so expect dancing to be a major part of the activities. The event will start at around 6:30PM and can go through till the morning. There will also be a silent auction, the proceeds of which will go to the two beneficiary foundations that the club has been passionately supporting over the last 20 years, The Holy Family Home Foundation in Pembo since 1997, and the Eugenia Ravasco Daycare Center in Parañaque since 2007, both of which have several actively involved Latin American nuns. You can contact Lissette Romero at 0917-6787153 for any information regarding ticketing, sponsorship, and donations.

The annual Charity Latin Ball is one of the many events that the Club de Damas Latians holds to gain support for the two causes. It has become a tradition of the club and is the main fundraising event of the year. The Annual Charity Latin Ball is a wonderful evening to honor Latin heritage and has recently been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events of the Year in the Philippines (Philippine Tatler). The attendance of prominent members of Philippine society and the Diplomatic Community, and the presence of numerous executives, business owners, and multinational executives has secured extensive media coverage for the club and their sponsors, which is always good leverage for them to meet their objectives and is without a doubt, a great opportunity to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between nations.

Last year alone, the ball was able to raise 1.8m. This year’s promising sponsors include the likes of: Diamond sponsors - COCA COLA FEMSA, KLM AIRWAYS, AMANPULO / Platinum sponsor - SANTOS KNIGHT FRANK. The club is confident that their generosity will help them in their aim to at least double the funds raised last year and help can be extended to the foundations. Please also note that anyone is welcome to donate to this auction and that there are still sponsorship packages available for those interested. You can contact Lissette Romero at 0917-6787153 more details about this. You can also get updates through the Club de Damas Latinas en Filipinas website http://damaslatinasmanila.com/ and FB page https://www.facebook.com/DamasLatinas/

The Club de Damas Latinas (Latin American Women’s Club) are a duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1966 by a group of Latin American women seeking to establish an organization with two main purposes:

• To offer a source of information, friendship, and support to Spanish speaking families who have come to live in the Philippines

• To gather forces to provide assistance to local people in need, especially children who do not have access to education, health services or a safe environment.

The Holy Family Home Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization managed by the Congregation if the Capuchin Tertiary Sisters of the Holy Family, a congregation with Franciscan Amigonian Spirituality. Holy Family Home provides long-term residential care, protection, and rehabilitation of over 30 abandoned, neglected, orphaned, and physically abused girls. The foundation aims to mold the girls residing in the home into socially functioning individuals. The Holy Family Home Foundation's mission is to welcome, protect, & rehabilitate marginalized children and youth in order to attain their integral formation & assure them of their human and Christian participation in society. At present, the Holy Family Home cares for more than 30 girls whose ages ranger from 6 to 22. The Home is run by the sisters, who take care of the girls and act as their family. They depend on the professional support of social workers and psychologists, and the tutoring services that of some professional members of the community offer pro-bono.

The Eugenia Ravasco Daycare Center in Parañaque is run by The Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Congregation. Their mission is to provide basic health care, education and a clean safe environment for children from 4 to 6 years old, so that their parents can go to work and earn a living. Their health care program addresses the children’s primary needs such as: vaccinations, screening and treatment for Tuberculosis, dengue, and regular check-ups. It also offers emergency care when needed; technical assistance to the children’s community on sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition. The education program is currently being improved in order to guarantee a smooth transition of the children from the center to a mainstream primary education system. This is being done in cooperation with education consultants who are working on the design and implementation of a curriculum that provides children with the necessary skills for entrance in the elementary school system. All these goals are achieved in close collaboration with the families of the children who actively participate in the developments and maintenance of the center.

The Club is looking forward to having you there to help show support to the organizations and to share the Latin culture.

Historic Mental Health Law Passes Senate

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

In a historic vote, the Senate on Tuesday passed on third and final reading a national mental health policy, the first of its kind in the country. 

Senate Bill No. 1354 otherwise known as the Philippine Mental Health Law was sponsored and principally authored by Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros. It seeks to integrate mental health services and programs in the public health system.  The bill also mandates the government to put up basic mental health services at the community level and psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services in all regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals. 

Philippines: One of few countries in the world without a mental health law

"This is an historic day for all of us. After being one of the few countries left without a mental health policy, we are now one step closer to realizing a national mental health law to comprehensively address the Filipinos’ mental health needs and ensure that our rights as persons with mental health needs are protected and secured," Hontiveros said.  

Hontiveros thanked her fellow senators for supporting the passage of the said bill. She particularly commended the Senate's new Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Senator JV Ejercito, for backing the proposed measure. 

"Invisible illness, invisible war"

"Because of this measure, our people with mental health needs will no longer suffer silently in the dark. They will no longer endure an invisible illness and fight an invisible war," Hontiveros said. 

In 2012 alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there were 2,558 cases of Filipinos committing suicide, averaging to 7 suicide cases daily.  On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) counts that 1 in 5 Filipino adults have some form of mental illness, with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety topping the incidents of disorder. 

Hontiveros’ mental health bill was co-authored by Senators Vicente "Tito" Sotto, Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes, Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara, and Joel Villanueva.

Mental health advocates led by Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, Antoinette Taus and Jerika Ejercito attended the senate session and lauded the passage of the said bill.