Hybrid electric train coming soon to Cebu City #BRT

The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Hybrid Electric Road Train will hit the road at the Clark Airbase in Angeles City, Pampanga this September for road worthiness tests before rolling out in Metro Manila’s major highways.

Designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, the 40-meter long train-like bus is an alternative means of transportation and one of DOST’s answer to the mass transportation dilemma in metro roads.

The road train is composed of five interconnected fully air-conditioned coaches, four of which can accommodate 60 passengers each for a total of 240 commuters per ride.  The last one is the power coach.

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo estimates that the road train can serve 650,000 commuters when fully implemented. “This will happen after its testing phase which will take two to three years,” he said.

DOST's Electric Road Train

Launched last August 22, 2014 the road train can run with a maximum speed of 50kph. It is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery. Moreover, the train is designed to be energy-efficient, which means it does not need electricity and suspended cables to operate. This newest Filipino innovation also produces less smoke emission compared with existing mass transport vehicles, making it an eco-friendly mode of transport. (S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

Cebu City may soon have its own environment-friendly mass transport system: a hybrid electric road train that can accommodate at least 200 passengers at a time.

This was after the city government signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology on the proposed system, GMA Cebu's Vic Serna reported Thursday.

DOST's Electric Road Train

Gov't employees to get 13th month pay starting this week

Manila Philippines - Government employees will get the remaining half of their 13th month pay and cash gift starting this

week, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Sunday.

Under Budget Circular 2010-1, which was first issued on August 28, 2010, government personnel are entitled to a year-end bonus equivalent to a month's pay, as well as a cash gift of P5,000.

"For the past year, government employees have been working quietly and without fanfare for the good of the nation. It's only proper that their efforts and hard work are given fair recognition. The year-end bonus and extra cash should help them prepare for the holiday season and its demands," said Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad.

Government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) will tap into their corporate funds for the bonuses, while local government units (LGUs) will source their perks from local government funds.

The budget circular covers civilian and uniformed personnel across all government departments and agencies. It also includes regular co-terminus government employees.

Abad noted that the budget for the 13th month pay was already released at the very start of the year as part of the General Appropriations Act.

"The General Appropriations Act-as-release-document ensures that funds are sufficiently available to the agencies from the very start, so that they can roll out the year-end bonuses and cash gifts at the appropriate time," he said.

Government employees already received half of their 13th month pay and cash gift last May.

The Cebuano Crooner "Jem Cubil" - The Voice of the Philippines Blind Auditions 2

The Cebuano crooner Jose Emmanuel "Jem" Cubil is the first Cebuano who made it in The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 auditions, under the care of legendary Team Lea(which was also the team of Michael "Mitoy" Yonting, another proud Cebuano, the 1st ever The Voice of the Philippines Grand Champion).

Jem Cubil is from Cebu Institute of Technology-University. Congrats, Jem and VIVA, CEBU!
Disclaimer: I do not own the video
Source: John Richard Amparo / Youtube

Caesars Seeking to Build $1 Billion Casino in Philippines

Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR), the largest operator of U.S. casinos, is Asia.

Gary Loveman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caesars Entertainment Corp.

seeking a license from the Philippine government to build a $1 billion resort in the country, betting on luring gamblers from across 

Chairman Gary Loveman and Steven Tight, president of the Las Vegas-based casino owner’s international development unit, held preliminary talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino last month in the U.S. to discuss the possibility of building the resort in the Southeast Asian country, Tight said in a phone interview yesterday.

“There’s no major international brand currently in Manila,” he said. “There’s a chance to create something that will drive tourism, that will really put Manila on the regional tourism map.”

The Philippines awarded four licenses in 2008 and 2009 to casino operators owned by billionaires including James Packer, Lawrence Ho and Enrique Razon to build resorts in the 120-hectare (297-acre) Entertainment City, a Las Vegas-style complex designed to compete with Singapore and Macau’s gambling markets. Each Philippine licensee agreed to invest $1 billion over five years. The country’s gaming regulator hasn’t granted any new licenses under Aquino’s term, which started in 2010, said Philippine Amusement & Gaming Chairman Cristino Naguiat, who this week confirmed Aquino’s discussion with Caesars.

Caesars approached the government to seek a license and approval for the lease of the land next to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, about 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) from Entertainment City, Tight said.

“We’re in the process of evaluating everything,” Naguiat said when asked if the regulator will give out new licenses. The government may consider raising the investment requirement of new entrants to $1.5 billion, he said. “If we will bring in someone new, there has to be value added,” Naguiat said.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer earlier reported on the talks. President Benigno Aquino, in a forum with reporters, said today the government is reviewing Caesars’ application.

Koreans, Chinese

Caesars is seeking to build a resort with shops, restaurants and an entertainment district that could showcase international performers such as Celine Dion and Elton John, Tight said.

The company hopes the project would complement a casino resort it’s building in South Korea, Tight said. Caesars plans to build a network of casinos in Asia and is also interested in the market in Vietnam, he said.

A Philippine resort would benefit from the increasing number of South Korean travelers to the country as well as tourists from southern China, according to Tight. More than 20 percent of tourists in the Southeast Asian country came from South Korea in the first seven months of the year, according to the tourism department. This was followed by the U.S. which contributed 16 percent of the total, while China ranked third with 9 percent.

Partnership

Caesars is working with a local company on a possible casino project and is seeking a “large scale” domestic partner for the resort, Tight said.

Entertainment City will have four casinos including Solaire Resort & Casino by Razon’s Bloomberry Resorts Corp. (BLOOM) City of Dreams Manila, a venture owned by Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. and Philippine billionaire Henry Sy, is slated to open by this year.

The two remaining licenses are held by an affiliate of Kazuo Okada’s Universal Entertainment Corp. and a venture of Genting Hong Kong Ltd. and Philippine billionaire Andrew Tan. If Okada’s group doesn’t complete its casino project by March, it may forfeit its performance bond of 100 million pesos ($2.2 million) to the Philippine gaming agency, Naguiat said.

More @ Bloomberg

The Wonder JEEPNEY made in Cavite Philippines

Jeepney in Cavite Philippines...

Aegis Malaysia Trashes Philippines in Latest Video Advertisement

Aegis Malaysia puts the Philippines down in this ad calling for investors.

Netizens described the ad as "offensive," "unethical," "racist" and "worst marketing strategy."

AEGIS MALAYSIA advertisement

China issues travel warning for the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines— China on Friday warned its citizens not to travel to the Philippines

after a Chinese teenager who worked in a family-run store was kidnapped.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said it was worried because of plots confirmed by the police in the Philippines that criminal groups planned to attack the Chinese embassy, Chinese companies and public venues such as malls.

"Given that the safety situation in the Philippines is deteriorating, the consular service of the foreign ministry is asking Chinese nationals not to travel to the Philippines for the time being," the warning read.

The warning comes as relations between the countries have soured and even turned hostile in recent years as Beijing and Manila battle over claims to the same territory in the South China Sea.

On late Thursday, 18-year-old Li Peizhi was seized by unidentified gunmen in Zamboanga Sibugay province's Kabasalan township, Senior Inspector Leo Castillo said.
The gunmen also took 20,000 pesos ($455) from the store's cash register.
Castillo, the provincial police spokesman, said officers in pursuit found the kidnappers' vehicle burning in a village about two kilometers (1.25 miles) away.
Mayor George Cainglet said Abu Sayyaf militants who kidnapped Australian Warren Richard Rodwell in 2011 may have been involved. He said no ransom demand had been made.

The top 50 richest in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Forbes magazine on Thursday released its list of the 50 richest Filipinos for 2014.
According to the latest Forbes Philippines rich list, the country's 50 wealthiest are worth a combined $74 billion, up 12% from $65.8 billion in 2013.
Here's the list of the richest Filipinos and their estimated net worth:
1. Henry Sy; US$12.7 billion
2. Lucio Tan; $6.1 billion
3. Enrique Razon Jr.; $5.2 billion
4. Andrew Tan; $5.1 billion
5. John Gokongwei Jr.; $4.9 billion
6. David Consunji; $3.9 billion
7. George Ty; $3.7 billion
8. Aboitiz Family; $3.6 billion
9. Jaime Zobel de Ayala & family; $3.4 billion
10. Tony Tan Caktiong; $2 billion
11. Robert Coyiuto Jr., $1.8 billion
12. Lucio & Susan Co, $1.7 billion
13. Yap family, $1.475 billion
14. Manuel Villar, $1.460 billion
15. Inigo & Mercedes Zobel,$1.2 billion
16. Alfredo Yao, $1 billion
17. Andrew Gotianun $955 million
18. Vivian Que Azcona $935 million
19. Eduardo Cojuangco $870 million
20. Beatrice Campos $825 million
21. Po family $770 million
22. Oscar Lopez $700 million
23. Alfonso Yuchengco $685 million
24. Roberto Ongpin $680 million
25. Betty Ang $670 million
26. Dean Lao $625 million
27. Manuel Zamora $620 million
28. Carlos Chan $550 million
29. Jorge Araneta $510 million
30. Mariano Tan Jr. $445 million
31. Edgar Sia $390 million
32. Ramon Ang $380 million
33. Michael Romero $375 million
34. Concepcion Family $320 million
35. Philip Ang $315 million
36. Frederick Dy $310 million
37. Luis Virata $300 million
38. Alfredo Ramos $260 million
39. Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Jr. $255 million
40. Tomas Alcantara $250 million
41. Jose Antonio $240 million
42. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. $235 million
43. Jacinto Ng $230 million
44. Gilberto Duavit $200 million
45. Menardo Jimenez $195 million
46. Eric Recto $190 million
47. Walter Brown $183 million
48. Felipe Gozon $182 million
49. P.J. Lhuillier $180 million
50. Juliette Romualdez $170 million

The complete list is available at www.forbes.com/philippines as well as in the latest issue of Forbes Asia.

First helium balloon in Philippines flies in Lapu-Lapu city Cebu

Considered as the first of its kind not only in Cebu but also in the entire Philippines, the “Helium Balloon Ride“, which is found in Hadsan Resort in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City, is the newest attraction in the island. Aside from the classic Balloons in Lapu-Lapu City, this Helium Balloon Ride is the perfect family getaway adventure during the weekend.
 
Disclaimer: I do not own the video.
Source: Youtube-Netizen News

Formally launched on August 15, 2014, with the attendance of Mayor Paz Radaza and Korean owner Jack Song, this helium balloon is safe because it passed international safety standards. The facility personnel coordinates with the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) and PAGASA Weather Bureau to avoid any untoward incidents.

Hydrogen and Helium, which are gases used in inflating ordinary balloons for birthdays can make this Balloon Ride fly up in the air. Unlike Helium, Hydrogen is an explosive gas making it impossible to use in this huge balloon, which can carry up to 30 persons at one time. Helium is the only gas safe for this balloon, which is obviously why they named it as such.
The Helium Balloon Ride can fly to as high as 150 meters, which is enough to give you a panoramic view of the whole island, including parts of mainland Cebu. It has a diameter of about 23 meters and a total height of 34 meters, from base to the topmost part of the balloon. The design of the Helium Balloon Ride is almost similar to the Hot-Air Balloon but the huge difference between the two is that most of the Hot-Air Balloon Ride can fly freely, unlike the Helium Balloon, which has a control cable that can handle up to 45 tons and it is analogous to a kite or a parasail because of the string used to make it go further up or go down.

Open from 9:00am to 9:00pm daily, the Helium Balloon ensure harmless flights. For more than 15 years in operation in 20 different countries, the Helium Ride has been operating without accident. The Helium Balloon, also known as the AERO30NG is made by France Aerophile, which has an almost 20 years of experience in making high-quality commercial balloons.
Locals and foreigners pay a different rate. Filipino adults pay P1,000/each while children 2 to 12 years old is at P700/each. Foreigners are charged $50 for adults and $30 for children.
 
Several well-trained pilots who operate the balloon ride and determine if the wind or weather condition is too much to handle or it is in “flying condition”, makes sure all the guest enjoy their ride and not panic. Perimeter lights and CCTVs will soon be available in the venue. There will also be a tourist police to secure the area.
For bookings and reservations of the helium balloon tour, the operator can be reached at 0916-281-1234 and 0921-994-1234.
P.S. We really love heights and the adrenaline rush it gives us. We hope we can ride this Helium Balloon very soon but because of the price, it will probably take us a few weeks or months to save money for it.

Japanese Summer Festival 2014

WHAT: JAPANESE SUMMER FESTIVAL BON ODORI Festival 2014! 

WHEN:

August 8 Friday

6:00PM-11:00PM 

August 9 Saturday

3:00PM-11:00PM

WHERE: ABOITIZ SPORTSFIELD, Subangdaku, Mandaue City

Cebu’s FIRST will be held in the Queen City of the South!

Revenue of this event will be donated and benefited to the people suffering from the typhoon damage of Tacloban, and Bohol Island earthquake.

REGISTRATION FEE

Adults 10pesos

Children are FREE!

 

 

The Voice Kids Philippines winner - Lyca Gairanod

Congratulations to Ms. Lyca Gairanod for winning The Voice Kids Philippines

Plan your vacation: PNoy declares 18 holidays in 2015

President Benigno Aquino III has declared 18 holidays next year, including eight long

weekends.

Through Proclamation No. 831, signed last Thursday, Aquino declared the following days as regular holidays:

• New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, Thursday)
• Maundy Thursday (April 2)
• Good Friday (April 3)  
• Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9, Thursday)                                    
• Labor Day (May 1, Friday)                                   
• Independence Day (June 12, Friday)
• National Heroes Day (Aug. 31, last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day (Nov. 30, Monday)
• Christmas Day (Dec. 25, Friday)
• Rizal Day (Dec. 30, Wednesday)

Meanwhile, the following days have been declared as special non-working days:

• Chinese New Year (Feb. 19,. Thursday)
• Black Saturday (April 4)
• Ninoy Aquino Day (Aug. 21, Friday)
• All Saints' Day (Nov. 1, Sunday)
• Additional special (non-working) days (Jan.2, Friday, and Dec. 24, Thursday)                                             
• Last Day of the Year (Dec. 31, Thursday)

February 25 next year, a Wednesday, has been declared a special holiday for all schools to commemorate the EDSA Revolution anniversary.

This list of holidays does not include Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha, the dates of which will still be determined by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.


Via: GMANews

Breaking News:Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun-international code name) - The Philippines now on RED alert!

Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun-international code name) Forecast

Heavy rain will total 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) along and near the track of the storm, including

Image by: AccuWeather

the cities of Naga and Manila where flooding will be a serious concern. Floods are one of the most common hazards in the Philippines, however not all floods are alike. 
  Some floods develop slowly, while others such as flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. Additionally, floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and many provinces.

Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or a dam or levee failure. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Overland flooding, the most common type of flooding event typically occurs when waterways such as rivers or streams overflow their banks as a result of rainwater or a possible levee breach and cause flooding in surrounding areas. It can also occur when rainfall  exceeds the capacity of underground pipes, or the capacity of streets and drains designed to carry flood water away from urban areas.

Satellite image of Rammasun on Monday, courtesy of NOAA.

 The greatest impacts are expected across northern Visayas and southern Luzon, close to the storm track. Heavy rain will total 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) along and near the track of the storm, including the cities of Naga and Manila where flooding will be a serious concern.

Image by: PAGASA - DOST

 When crossing the Philippines, Rammasun is expected to weaken due to the interaction with land and will likely be a tropical storm as it emerges into the South China Sea. It will then move across the South China Sea and will begin to make a gradual turn to the northwest, towards the southern coast of China late in the week. Moving over another area of very warm waters and low to moderate shear will give Rammasun the opportunity to regain typhoon strength before reaching China. Late in the week, Rammasun will then bring the threat for flooding rains and damaging winds to southern China with the greatest impacts likely in Hainan and western Guangdong provinces. Continue to check back with the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center for the latest on Rammasun and its effects in the Philippines and, eventually, into China.

FLOOD ALERT:

 

Manila suffers severe flooding following torrential rainfall! Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. 

What emergency supplies do I need?

 

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight

Battery-powered radio

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Medications (7-day supply)

Multi-purpose tool

Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Copies of personal documents(medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Extra cash

Emergency blanket

Marian Rivera sizzles as FHM's Sexiest Woman of 2014

#3PEAT, Marian Rivera walked the runway as the country's sexiest at FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2014 victory party.

 

The victory party was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 9.

Completing the FHM Philippines top 10 are: Sam Pinto, Angel Locsin, Jennylyn Mercado, Cristine Reyes, Solenn Heussaff, Alice Dixson, Ellen Adarna, Anne Curtis, and Jinri Park.

 

Among the top 10, only Alice joined the victory party this year.

 

Here are photos of Marian Rivera at this year's FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest Women in the World victory party.

Image by: Philstar

Image by: Philstar

Alice Dixson looks as hot as ever in FHM Sexiest party among the Top 10 she's the only one joined this year.

Image by: Philstar

Image by: Philstar

Some photos during the FHM Philippines Victory Party 2014

Roxee B - FHM Online Babe June 2014

Bangs Garcia - FHM Babe

BR

Cebu Pacific Air joins shark fin ban

The Philippines' largest airline Cebu Pacific said Wednesday it has ceased carrying shark fins,

Image by: WorldAirlinenews

becoming the latest carrier to impose a ban as part of global conservation efforts.

"We are banning shark fin carriage effective immediately as we learned that unsustainable shark fishing and our carriage of shark fin is not aligned with (our) position on sustainable development," the airline said in a statement.

The carrier, controlled by the Gokongwei family, an ethnic Chinese clan with interests in food processing, real estate and banking, also it would no longer serve shark fin soup in its corporate events.

Cebu Pacific, the country's largest airline in terms of number of passengers carried, becomes the second Filipino carrier to ban shark fin shipments following a similar decision by rival Philippine Airlines in April.

Several airlines have announced they would no longer transport shark fins in recent years, following a global campaign to stop the consumption of the controversial foodstuff.

The fins are traditionally used in expensive Chinese soups and served at important events.

Conservationists warn that the demand for shark fins has led to overfishing, with many shark species now considered endangered.

Dragon Boat World Championship, China, June 2014.

When P H I L I P P I N E S unite we are unbeatable I ALMOST FAINTED! Dragon Boat World Championship, China, June 2014. They need help, this team wishes to meet President Noy.



Credits to the video owner, CCTV-5 and Youtube

West Valley Fault Earthquake Threatens Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Wednesday said the Marikina West Valley fault line, one of the active faults in the country, is ripe for movement because it has not moved for 200 years.
Phivolcs said the possibility of a Magnitude 7.2 earthquake is not far-fetched.
A Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study earlier revealed that 7 out of 17 cities in Metro Manila will suffer the most damage and casualties if a massive earthquake occurs at the West Valley fault.
The 7 cities are Marikina, Quezon, Pasig, Makati, Pateros, Taguig and Muntinlupa.

PHIVOLCS: WEST VALLEY FAULT, IT WILL POSSIBLY MOVE AT ANYTIME.

 

Marian Rivera leads the FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2014

FHM Nation has decided! Marian Rivera ruled FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2014 with a total of 1,529,974 votes. Last March is Rivera’s second cover of FHM, which was shot at Balesin Island. Rivera was the first FHM non-cover girl to be declared the nation’s sexiest in 2008. A perennial contender for the top spot, the Kapuso star now joins Katrina Halili, Angel Locsin, and Sam Pinto as the only two-time winners of the hotly anticipated annual FHM campaign. Rivera appeared on the magazine’s cover for the first time in January 2013. 2012′s no. 1 sexiest woman Sam Pinto (1,482,072 votes) landed in second place this year (same place last year), followed by actresses Angel Locsin (1,042,226 votes), Jennylyn Mercado (1,025,702 votes), and Cristine Reyes (858,283 votes) placed 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively.

Image by: ABS-CBN

Primetime Queen Marian Rivera is the first woman to win FHM’s Sexiest coveted title three times! So this is what we could #3peat? :)

Singer-Actress Sarah Geronimo said Matteo is my boyfriend

MANILA - Philippines. Singer-actress Sarah Geronimo finally admitted Thursday night that actor Matteo Guidicelli is her boyfriend. “Matteo is my boyfriend,” Geronimo told reporters during the victory party of her latest movie “Maybe This Time.” Rumors that Geronimo and Guidicelli are dating have been circulating in the local show business for months. The two ABS-CBN stars have been seen and photographed together in various occasions prior to Geronimo’s admission. Geronimo was linked to actor Gerald Anderson while Guidicelli previously dated actress Maja Salvador. Anderson and Salvador are now together.