Benildean Filmmakers Earn Urian Nods

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two alumni of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Digital Filmmaking program (BenildeFilm) will vie for the Best Short Film award at the 41st Gawad Urian to be held on June 14, Thursday, at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent in Quezon City.

Kim Timan's Caramel Child and Carl Chavez's Sorry for the Inconvenience are nominated in the short film category along with Glenn Barit's Aliens Ata, Keith Deligero's Babylon, TM Malones' Bawod, Dennis Hubag's Empyreus, Kiri Dalena's Gikan Sa Ngitngit Nga Kinailadman (From the Dark Depths), Carlo Francisco Manatad's Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month, Maje Papin's and Ef Orpiada Jr.'s Lutab, Kyle Fermindoza's Manggagarab, Roanna Mercado's Piko, Edmund Telmo's Redempsyon, Christian Candelaria's Sa Saiyang Isla and Xeph Suarez's Si Astri Maka Si Tambulah (Astri and Tambulah).

Set in the year 2003, Caramel Child tells the story of Katherine Kaye Jones (Angelica Ulip), or Kakay, the daughter of a call girl, Ellie Pilorin (Sue Prado), and an absent American man. A poster of the Regional Science Quiz Bee and her mother’s American client (Savino Bellini) will trigger Kakay’s curiosity and determination to look for her father.

Caramel Child brought home Best Film, Best Director (Timan), Best Screenplay (Timan and Lino Balmes), Best Performer (Ulip) and Best Musical Score (Marcus Santos and Joseph Salcedo) at Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival 2018. The film also received the Best Screenplay award at De La Salle University’s Indie Un-film Festival 2017 and it is also one of the finalists in the short film category of Cinema One Originals Festival last November.

On the other hand, Sorry for the Inconvenience is about a timid teenager (Ronwaldo Martin) who comes home one night after being beaten up by the school’s bully. With revenge on his mind, the teenager decides to take matters into his own hands. When things don’t go as planned, he is left with no choice but to seek help from his policeman father (Simon Ibarra).

Sorry for the Inconvenience won Best Short Film at Cinema One Originals last year and it also competed at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Respeto leads the Best Film race with 12 nominations, followed by Balangiga: Howling Wilderness with 10 nods, Tu Pug Imatuy with nine, The Chanters with seven, and Bhoy Intsik and Birdshot with six apiece.

The Natatanging Gawad Urian will be given this year to jazz pianist, composer and musical director Winston Raval.

Smart ECBS Boosts NDRRMC Disaster Preparedness Efforts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines’ disaster preparedness and response agency is now better equipped to send alerts to the public in times of calamities.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has turned over communications equipment to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) so that the government disaster agency can access Smart’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) and use it to quickly send public warnings to mobile phone users in specific areas.

The ECBS is designed to send urgent messages, such as evacuation notices and earthquake and tsunami warnings to activated mobile devices within the affected area.  Cell broadcast is effective in disseminating quick hazard alerts because it operates on a radio channel separate from those used by voice calls and text messages or SMS (short messaging service), which may get congested in times of calamities.

NDRRMC, the National Telecommunications Commission, and Smart, launched ECBS on a trial basis in March last year. It has since been used to broadcast quick alerts during typhoons and post-earthquake situations.  Most recently, ECBS messages were sent to Albay residents in the wake of the eruption of the Mayon Volcano.  During this trial period, the alert messages were sent by the NDRRMC to Smart which then transmitted the messages. With the turnover, NDRRMC personnel will be trained on how to use the equipment to send out messages themselves.

“The roles of NDRRMC, warning agencies, and telecommunication companies are essential in the creation and dissemination of emergency alerts. The collaboration of these three components is vital in achieving a common goal—to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputy Administrator Nicanor Faeldon in his welcome remarks. OCD is the implementing arm of NDRRMC.

“For example, in case of a strong earthquake or tsunami, we have only a few minutes to prepare. If we have a system that delivers messages quickly, we can inform the residents right away and have enough time for evacuation,” Faeldon added.

Smart invested over P500 million on ECBS to fully comply with Republic Act No. 10639 or the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act. RA 10639 mandates telecommunications service providers to send free mobile alerts in the event of natural and man-made disasters and calamities.

PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto pointed out that ECBS was meant to complement other channels of information such as radio, TV, print, online, SMS, and other forms of media.

“In emergency situations, it is important to use all available channels of communications.  Cell broadcast provides another effective emergency alert system that will work very well with print media, radio and TV broadcasting, two-way radio systems and SMS.  Disaster agencies and organizations must learn how to use the various communications channels effectively,” said Isberto.

During the turnover ceremony, the NDRRMC also reconvened representatives of its warning agencies to discuss preparations for the use of ECBS. These officials presented their templates and draft messages for public warnings using ECBS which had been developed in an earlier workshop.  They also discussed guidelines to define the right scenarios for using ECBS and the proper ways for crafting alert messages.

ECBS can help the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its information dissemination efforts, according to weather observer Resly George Amador, who attended the workshop. “In case of severe weather situations such as during tropical cyclones, ECBS can help spread information faster to all affected communities,” he said.

The ECBS is part of Smart’s #SafePH disaster preparedness advocacy, which aims to help build more resilient communities through technology and on-ground activities.

Apart from ECBS, the other programs under #SafePH include TNT Tropang Ready, which tours schools nationwide to educate the youth on preparedness and empower them to mobilize their communities in times of calamities; and the Batingaw disaster management app, which allows users to report incidents and features tools such as a flashlight, a siren, a radio, and a directory of emergency contact numbers.

Smart has also provided communications support during earthquake drills and in areas affected by calamities in the form of Libreng Tawag, Charging and Wi-Fi (free calls, charging and Wi-Fi) stations, free text and data bundles, portable cell sites, and satellite emergency solutions, among other services.

TNC Fares Now Regulated by Govt, Says New DOTr Order

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In an effort to ensure that fares are just and reasonable, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released a new order giving the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) the full authority to regulate and determine the fares, rates, and other related charges being imposed by Transport Network Companies (TNCs).

The new Department Order (DO) effectively amends and supersedes an earlier DO issued in 2015 (DO No. 2015-011), wherein TNCs were allowed to set their own fares, subject only to oversight by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Hindi naman yata tama ‘yun. You can’t engage in the business of public transportation and determine your own fares, your own rules. Naiintindihan natin na mayroon silang negosyong pino-protektahan, ngunit responsibilidad din ng estado na protektahan ang kapakanan ng mga commuters,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Under the new DO, the DOTr ordered a centralized regulation of TNCs and the Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) units that operate under them.

As mandated by law, the LTFRB was tasked to regulate and monitor the compliance of TNCs and TNVS with policies, laws, and regulations. It is primarily in charge of issuing franchises, setting routes, setting operating conditions, and imposing fines, suspensions, and cancellations when necessary. 

Meanwhile, the LTFRB assures TNCs and the riding public that public hearings and consultations will be conducted before fares and rates are adjusted and determined.

“Ayaw na nating maulit ‘yung nangyari noong mga nakaraang taon kung saan sila [TNCs] lamang ang nagdidikta sa presyo ng kanilang pasaheng sinisingil. Ayaw na rin natin maulit yung sobra-sobrang surge sa pricing lalo na kapag peak hours. Kawawa naman commuters natin na walang laban,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said. 

The DO acknowledges the established roles of TNCs and TNVS in providing transport services to the public. However, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos emphasizes that state regulation is necessary in order to ensure that the interests of all parties, most especially the riding public, are protected.

“Ibang usapan na kapag may buhay na nakasalalay sa negosyo mo. Itama natin yung mga maling nakasanayan. We will regulate to ensure that our commuters will be safe and protected. Ayaw namin na may madedehado,” Usec. Orbos said.

Your Alabang Guide: Where to Stay for a Premium Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Alabang is the premier district South of Metro Manila, and for good reason. It is home to some of the most exclusive gated subdivisions in the country. As such, its shopping centers, office buildings, country clubs, and other commercial establishments are equally upscale and world-class.

In fact, full service and boutique hotels in Alabang are considered to be among the best and most sought-after in the metro, especially for weekenders and staycationers. Living in Alabang affords a different kind of cosmopolitan city experience with its signature vibe of casual elegance—a suburban pace in an urban setting.

If you are looking to experience the understated elegance of Alabang, checkout online deal sites like Deal Grocer where you can find the best prices on hotel and restaurant deals are guaranteed all year round. You can start out with Customers’ Choice deals, which are given five star ratings by shoppers just like you. This way, you can look forward to a five-star experience when you avail of the package yourself.

To help you decide better, here are some of the best Alabang hotels you can choose from:


Acacia Hotel Manila
Recognized by TripAdvisor as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in the country, this hotel offers a distinctive ambiance with its unique works of art that comprise its overall design and architecture. It is one of the most preferred venues in the South for important family occasions such as weddings and birthdays, as well as corporate events like seminars and conferences. Apart from great deals on hotel stays, don’t forget to check out spa and massage packages to complete your staycation experience. Their in-house restaurant serves excellent dishes, too!


Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila
Another world-class hotel in the South that is a popular venue for family occasions and social gatherings, Crimson Hotel’s key F&B outlet Café Eight offers one of the most sought-after spreads of international cuisine, specializing in modern Mediterranean dishes. The hotel offers an overall ambiance of plush elegance coupled with legendary Filipino service and hospitality. Be sure to check out the great deals on lunch and dinner buffets.


Azumi Boutique Hotel
This boutique hospitality establishment is fast becoming a favorite especially among young travelers and tourists. Its accommodations provide utmost value for money, and its prime location makes it easy to enjoy Alabang’s popular shopping and dining spots. Most importantly, its fresh and contemporary interiors are truly Instagram-ready. Staycation deals start at very affordable prices for two.


The Bellevue Manila
This hotel is one of the most storied in Alabang and is regarded by many locals like a second home. Rightly so, as its interiors are warm, classic, and comforting. Its accommodations are sprawling, and the food and facilities are all in high demand all year round. A stay in this hotel will definitely feel like a weekend in a familiar family estate or abode.


B Hotel Alabang
Owned and managed as a sister hotel by The Bellevue Manila, this is a younger and more contemporary establishment that is geared toward modern travelers and business clientele. Its interiors are a mix of modern contemporary and industrial-looking design elements. The lifestyle that this hotel offers is likewise more cutting-edge, active, and dynamic. Its location in Madrigal Business Park brings it closer to the city conveniences of Alabang.


The best hotel deals in Alabang
The secret in snapping up the best deals online is to always be prepared. Even if you’re just surfing around, if you chance upon a deal too nice to give up, don’t hesitate to click! If you have your schedule on-hand and your budget in mind, it should not be difficult to latch on to a great deal with you see one. Always remember to check out the best and reputable online deal sites from time to time so that you don’t miss out on great hotel and restaurant offers in the metro.

Should We Continue Pampering Media or Not?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I don't know what to answer to this email sent by an event scheduled from 6:30pm onwards. Lol!

"Good day! This is -------------- from the PR Team of -----------. This is to confirm two slots for ---------------. However, I would like to give advance notice that we cannot offer you meals or any compensation tomorrow.

Hoping for your understanding. Thank you very much for your support.

Please have dinner elsewhere before coming to the venue. There is a section --------- reserved for media and it is near the stage. Thank you very much. Hope to see you or your representative tomorrow."


Sige po... Kain muna kami elsewhere ng dinner bago pumunta sa event ninyo...

or pupuntahan pa ba namin kayo?

I don't know if this is the same message they send to all media, but it sounds like they've been used to giving compensation, and now apologizing because they may not have the budget.

Or is the compensation and meals limited to a select few?

The "compensation" they are referring to is sometimes called "honorarium" or "talent fee" and is definitely something nice to have but not ethical for traditional media to receive since they are already receiving a regular salary from their employers (publicists, producers, network, etc)

But for bloggers who usually work independently, the provision of at least meals / snacks or refreshments and/or complimentary tokens, perks and privileges is much appreciated. Bloggers are not demanding for it, but it is highly preferred. Paano ka gaganahang mag cover at magsulat about an event kung uhaw at gutom ka na. Mahirap din yatang mag early dinner lalo na kung di ka pa gutom.

Bloggers also spend for taxis or Grab cars, invest on gadgets and tools (cameras, smartphones, tripods, laptops, action cams, etc), pay for electricity and Internet / telephone / mobile bills, try to look good with presentable clothes, etc., Bloggers don't usually have transportation provisions or reimbursable travel costs that most trad media enjoy. They don't always get to have all-expense paid trips to other cities or countries.

At least give bloggers something decent to bring back home. Enough with the mugs, notebooks, umbrellas, pens, or any other merchandize whose amount do not even come close to the actual cost spent for that day.

We are not asking for equality but maybe an equitable arrangement especially that online is now the preferred media of most businesses whose aim is to reach the most number of people, faster, cheaper and more effectively.

Enough with the prioritizing of trad media during press conferences or media coverages. It should be on a first come, first serve basis, to instill punctuality over media. It is discouraging when you made an effort to come early to a press conference, and then asked to give way to trad media.

Please stop pampering the big players, and taking for granted the little ones. Stop treating better those who are currently at the top because those at the bottom could someday be big as well. This is the same scenario why the rich keep on getting richer, and the poor keep getting poorer, mainly because people are biased to the popular, influential, affluent and prominent, while opportunities are given less to those who are newbies in the game.


#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger

Ancient Aliens’ Giorgio A. Tsoukalos Returns to Manila for HISTORY CON 2018 this August

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fans of all things extra-terrestrial, rejoice: HISTORY’s Ancient Aliens' Giorgio A. Tsoukalos returns to Manila for HISTORY CON 2018 from August 10 to 12, 2018 at World Trade Center, Pasay City. Tsoukalos, leading contributor and co-executive producer of the show, will headline this year’s powerhouse roster of international and local celebrities to ignite fun and excitement in the third edition of a highly anticipated event.

“I am incredibly excited to be returning to Manila for HISTORY CON 2018. The Philippines is home to some of Ancient Aliens’ most passionate fans, and I look forward to delving into some of the most enduring questions surrounding Ancient Astronaut Theory and engaging in the age-old debate: did extra-terrestrial beings really help shape human history?” said Tsoukalos.

HISTORY CON is a world-class entertainment convention which garnered a record-breaking attendance of 68,800 people in 2017 and 50,000 people in 2016. HISTORY fans have been raving about Tsoukalos’ return to the Philippines since his first appearance at HISTORY CON in 2016. 

 

This year, Tsoukalos headlines the exclusive live session, “Mysteries of the Past with Giorgio A. Tsoukalos.” Like Ancient Aliens, the special talk with limited slots available brings together truth-seekers and HISTORY fans in a discussion, debate, and exploration with the leading expert himself. Produced by Prometheus Entertainment, Ancient Aliens is a top-rating sci-fi series which explores the theory that extra-terrestrials have been visiting the Earth for millions of years.

Only those who avail of the HISTORY MAKER VIP Pass or HISTORY Maker Pass can request for slots when they attend Tsoukalos' live session.

Interested HISTORY CON fans may choose from three different ticketing categories, each with exclusive privileges: the HISTORY MAKER VIP Pass (P10,000) has only 100 limited tickets available; the HISTORY MAKER Pass (P2,500) is good for a three-day admission; and GENERAL ADMISSION Pass (P350) entitles bearers to a one-day access to the star-studded convention. Tickets are available for sale exclusively on SM Tickets. Visit www.historyasia.com/historycon for more information.

Award-winning FEU Short Films Compete in California

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Four student films from Far Eastern University will vie for the Best Short Film at FACINE 25: The 25th Annual Filipino International Cine Festival, considered the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in North America.

Boyet Loves You and Caterwaul, both directed by Josel Fajardo, Pua Iyam by Juan Pablo Pineda III and Touch Move by Frances Louise Giner made it as finalists in the event organized by the Filipino Arts and Cinema International in San Francisco, California. Fajardo, Pineda and Giner are all alumni of the FEU Film Society.

The silver anniversary of the film festival will open with the short film competition on October 18 at the San Francisco Main Library and the SF Philippine Consulate while the main competition will be held from October 19 to 21 at the historic Roxie Theater.

In Boyet Loves You, which is also a short film finalist in the CineFilipino Film Festival 2018 Open category, Gab (Sari Estrada) wants to introduce her best friend Mari (Kat Galang) to Boyet. The problem is, only she can see Boyet. The comedy-horror flick bagged the Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Performance awards at Sinepiyu 2017's Golden Reel category.

Caterwaul is a film where painful secrets are revealed at two girls' sleepover. While watching an R-rated movie, a girl (Andrei Eunice Osano) shares her first sexual experience and re-enacts it to a friend (Quennie Abuyuan), who does not know that she's in for a dark revelation. The seven-minute drama won the Gold Prize in the Viddsee Juree Philippines Awards.

In Pua Iyam (Coming Out), a young Filipino-Chinese student (Rowi Du) comes out to his childhood friend (Raphael Cruz). The short film brought home Best Screenplay and Best Actor in a Lead Role at the 9th Largabista Film Festival in Tacloban City, Leyte; a special citation on gender sensitivity from the first Palawan International Film Festival; Best Film, Best Director, Best Performance and Best Poster at Sinepiyu 2017's Black Reel category; Gold Award for Best Picture, Outstanding Direction, Design Excellence and Technical Excellence awards at CineSB 7: The Main Installment's Sibol category; Best Cinematography and another special citation from Piling Obrang Vidyo XIV; and Cardinal Bronze Film Award, Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography at CineMapúa 2018's intercollegiate category.

With characters as chess pieces, Touch Move depicts the difficulty of moving on. The film won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Sound and Second Prize at Sinepiyu 2017's Black Reel Category. It also garnered different awards from the Ateneo Video Open, Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival and 9th Largabista Film Festival.

The short film finalists, which were selected out of 125 submissions to the competition, have a wide range of format, genre, style and subject, all 45 minutes and less in length, both student and professional works, including works by non-Filipino filmmakers with Filipinos as subject. The best short film will be awarded a $100 cash prize and Certificate of Recognition. Special citations will also be awarded in any category upon the discretion of the Jury.

Meanwhile, FACINE relaunches its main competition section with nine full-length films vying for awards in different categories. The finalists are 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten written by Jason Paul Laxamana and directed by Petersen Vargas, Bomba (The Bomb) by Ralston Jover, Kita Kita (I See You) by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Meet Me in St. Gallen by Irene Emma Villamor, Melodrama/Random/Melbourne by Matthew Victor Pastor, Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha (The Family That Never Weeps) by Mes de Guzman, Pauwi Na (Pedicab) by Paolo Villaluna, Tale of the Lost Boys by Joselito Altarejos, and Tu Pug Imatuy (Right to Kill) written by Arnel Mardoquio and directed by Arbi Barbarona.

FACINE is a nonprofit media arts organization that aims to promote and develop Filipino cinema as a social document of cultural heritage, and as medium of artistic expression. Dedicated to empowering artists and audiences on films that speak about Filipino communities globally, FACINE has organized the festival for the past 25 years and it also hosts film-related events in the SF Bay Area.

TransCo Fast and Free Internet is in Sight

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Communication and Telecommunications (DICT), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) signed last Friday, June 8 a Memorandum of Agreement that will make internet speed faster at no charge in selected public places nationwide. From L-R: DICT Usec. Denis Villorente, TransCo President Atty. Melvin Matibag, DICT Acting Sec. Eliseo Rio, NGCP President Anthony Almeda, TransCo General Counsel Atty. Noel de Leon, and NGCP Chief Admin Officer, Atty. Bryan Co.

The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) said that fast and free internet is in sight following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among DICT, NGCP and TransCo on the National Broadband Project.

TransCo President Atty. Melvin Matibag the country is well on the road to accomplishing the promise of President Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to give fast internet speed at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government offices, hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports nationwide.

“This is major milestone. We are very happy that this MOA was finally signed. This will also help hasten the processing of licenses, permits, clearances and other government issuances nationwide,” Matibag added.

Matibag thanked Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, and DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi for their steadfast support to the national broadband project. “They were always helping us overcome our challenges.”

Matibag also congratulated DICT Acting Secretary Rio for DICT’s major accomplishment.

“DOST started this project seven years ago, which was continued by DICT following its creation in 2016. Secretary Rio had been tirelessly pushing for this agreement, fixing things, overcoming obstacles.”

President Matibag gave special thanks to NGCP President Anthony Almeda for allowing the free use of the dark fiber in the transmission lines for the use of government.

“I am happy that despite our differences, NGCP and TransCo, as the concessionaire and the owner of the transmission facilities, have partnered to deliver this gift to the Filipino people. This is a fine example of government and the private sector joining hands to spur progress and development in the countryside.”

Finally, Matibag said all this would not have happened if not for the leadership and political will of President Rodrigo Duterte. “Our president created the environment to make this happen.”

New OPM Musucak Geegee at Waterina Set to Open on August

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Artist Playground proudly announces the staging of an original Pinoy musical “ GEEGEE AT WATERINA ” with book and lyrics by J. Dennis C. Teodosio in August 2018 at Arts Above, Artist Playground II, 112 West Venue Bldg., West Avenue, Quezon City.

The roles of GEEGEE AT WATERINA will be portrayed by Norman Penaflorida and Roeder Camanag respectively.

GEEGEE is an entertainment actor, radio host and a counselor of Pasay City. More than 60 years old.

WATERINA is a ‘comfort gay’ during Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. More than 70 years old. She is one of Gee-gee’s Golden Gays.

With original music composed by Jesse Lucas, and choreography by Lezlie Dailisan, GEEGEE AT WATERINA will be directed by Andrew de Real.

“ Geegee At Waterina ” was first presented at the CCP Virgin Labfest in 2005. A short film version was produced for Cinemalaya in 2006.

The performance schedules of GEEGEE AT WATERINA are as follows:

August 18 (3pm & 7pm)
August 19 (3pm & 7pm)
August 25 (3pm & 7pm)
August 26 (3pm & 7pm)

For further inquiries, please call or send SMS to Ms. Kimberly Somoza at 0975-9193179.

PPA Upbeat Over Prospects Brought About by New MICT Post-Panamax Cranes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago witnessed the arrival of a pair of Neo-Panamax and Post-Panamax quay cranes to be used at the country’s biggest container terminal, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

The pair of cranes arrived Thursday, 07 June 2018.

“The new cranes will definitely boost the capability of the MICT and will definitely guarantee a congestion-free international container terminal,” Santiago said at the sidelines of the arrival ceremony held at Berth 6 of the MICT.

“This is by far the biggest and largest crane that any port in the Philippines has. This enables the port of handle ships with capacity of up to 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs),” Santiago said.

“We expect other ports to follow suit as we continue to drive towards our vision of a globally competitive port by 2020,” Santiago stressed.

The new quay cranes were manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC). The quay cranes are part of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)'s $80 million capital equipment program for MICT. The pair of Neo-Panamax cranes and the Post-Panamax crane will be positioned at Berths 6 and 5, respectively.

Upon full commissioning, MICT customers can expect quayside productivity gains, translating to shorter port stays.

Aside from these pair of cranes, MICT is still set to receive eight (8) Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) Cranes by November 2018, and two (2) quay cranes on the first half of 2019.

With the new acquisitions, the MICT now has a total of sixteen (16) quay cranes, the largest fleet in the country.

In December 2016, MICT reached its first year-to-date two million TEU move, triggering a multi-billion-peso capacity improvement commitment with the PPA, in line with the growing consolidation trend among major carriers and the advent of larger vessels.