Quezon City - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 19

skywalker2008

February 9th, 2009, 03:31 AM

^^Thanks leechtat. :) I asked about this because I'm eyeing a property in the area which is currently being developed by Sta. Lucia. It is near the Tandang Sora Bgy. Hall.

Metro Pacific to build new road linking NLEX, Mindanao Avenue (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/147679/Metro-Pacific-to-build-new-road-linking-NLEX-Mindanao-Avenue)
02/06/2009 | 07:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Starting next month, an infrastructure company will build an expressway connecting Mindanao Avenue to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), easing congestion for motorists leaving and entering the toll road.

To be completed in April 2010, the NLEX-Segment 8.1 – a two lane, 2.7 kilometer expressway – will also feature a toll plaza, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

MPIC, which is chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan, owns a majority stake in the First Philippine Infrastructure Investments (FPII), which, in turn, has a controlling stake in the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC). Meanwhile, MNTC has secured a concession to build and maintain the NLEX.

FPII will soon be named Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

The company’s employees are coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Toll Regulatory Board, and other government agencies for completing the remaining right-of-way requirement of the project.

Construction activities arising from this project are expected to “stimulate the economy in the environs of the areas where the roadway will be build and will directly create some 600 jobs," Rodrigo E. Franco, MNTC president and chief executive.

While MNTC will build the 2.7 kilometer expressway, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Quezon City government will be overseeing efforts to build the road and other infrastructure connecting Mindanao Avenue to C-5 through Katipunan Avenue.

Once completed, the highway “will facilitate a seamless connection of C-5 to the world-class NLEX," Ramoncito S. Fenandez, FPII president and chief executive said. He added that the project is one of priorities of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. - GMANews.TV

icarusrising

February 9th, 2009, 07:39 AM

^^ some of them are informal settlers.. and just the same, this land must be reclaimed by its rightful owners with the help of the qc government.. though i wish they do not resolve in violence, like what they allegedly do by setting fire on such colonies...

I remember you mentioned about a proposal for museum and library at the QC Circle a year ago. I saw a portion of the QC Circle being cleared for the construction of the museum when i passed by this morning. Do you have any access to the renders?

venntro

February 9th, 2009, 08:36 AM

icarusrising

February 9th, 2009, 09:18 AM

^^ So there will be a museum inside the grounds of the QC Circle? The Quezon museum is already located there so is this another museum being built there? Where is the exact location of the proposed museum? Thanks.

Yes, I think it so because they're clearing the ground now. You know there's a path at the base of the monument that leads to Quezon Avenue. It's to the left of that path if you have your back at the monument and facing Quezon Avenue.

Check out this article...

Quezon City CBD flexes its muscles to become Northern Metro Manila 's business hub! (http://www.philippine-real-estate.info/philippine-real-estate-news/quezon-city-cbd.html)

Quezon City has embarked on a multi-billion peso endeavor that will see the rise of the city's Central Business District (CBD) and transform the city into a dynamic business hub that will rival emerging areas in Metro Manila such as Fort Bonifacio Global City and the Bay City area.

The Quezon City CBD is made up of the East and North Triangle areas along North EDSA and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, which is still being developed as a well-planned, integrated and environmentally-balanced mixed-use development model.

The city government has finalized plans for the development of Park Lane, which will open up the inner CBD areas; and the Mindanao Avenue extension, which will cut across the CBD to EDSA to lessen traffic gridlocks in the North Avenue- Mindanao Avenue extension.

Meanwhile, a large-scale battle has emerged between two retail behemoths within this envisioned Quezon City CBD. SM City-North EDSA has encountered stiff competition from Ayala Land 's TriNoma. Both are undertaking improvements and upgrades in their retail offerings to further attract patrons and customers. This healthy competition is expected to boost the status of the Quezon City CBD as a retail haven, in addition to its vision of also becoming a business, science and I.T. hub.

Among the new developments in the Quezon City CBD are the University of the Philippines Diliman Science and Technology Park, improvements in the Quezon Memorial Circle and a new Quezon City Museum.

Over a span of 6 years from 2001 to 2007, the city government of Quezon City invested more than Php10 billion in infrastructure. Of this amount, about 52% went to road building and repair, paving and widening more than 1,146 kilometers of concreted and asphalted roads. The city government also installed and energized 7,000 lampposts to adequately light up major and inner roads. The city government has also rehabilitated, upgraded and constructed 51 parks all over the city from 2001 to 2007.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte said that while the city government is building up the city's competitiveness and attractiveness as a favored site for business and commerce through developing its physical landscape and information highways, "(we) would not want our people to suffer the pains of traffic gridlocks, water supply shortage, over crowded neighborhoods and clogged drainage systems."

Quezon City has maintained its status as the richest and the most business friendly city in the country.

The mayor said with the city government's Php8.6 billion budget for 2008, which includes its 2007 budget surplus of P1.4 billion, expect more wonderful things to unfold for the city and its people.

icarusrising

February 9th, 2009, 09:29 AM

Public service can still be improved – Belmonte (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=157:public-service-can-still-be-approved-belmonte&catid=1:latest-news)

Tuesday, 13 January 2009 14:42
Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged his men yesterday to effect suitable changes and implement realistic programs as the city government prepares to undertake three major projects worth P776 million in a bid to maintain its stock as the nation’s number one local government unit in the country.

In an executive staff meeting, Belmonte exhorted city hall department heads to strategize early to efficiently improve the delivery of basic public services to Quezon City residents.

“We are talking here about achievable projects. We have to do them with determination. If we cannot do them, forget them,” Belmonte said.

Although 2008 was a banner year for Quezon City, Belmonte believes that there remains much room for improvement to raise the level of public service. “The best is yet to come for the city and the people,” he said.

“Bureaucracy used to be the guiding force. Now we have to study strategies early, otherwise we will be left behind,” he said.

Last year was a great one for Quezon City as it was named the richest local government unit in the country after having obtained a gross annual collection of P10.002 billion based on the records submitted by City Treasurer Victor Endriga.

Belmonte reported that the city government will now focus on undertaking development projects like the P76-million Commonwealth Visayas Avenue underpass similar to the Quezon City Hall Complex Quezon Memorial Circle underpass.

Pedestrians witness the historical transformation of the city as users of the first public underpass get to view old photos and descriptions displaying prominently the early days of the locality.

Passersby, mostly employees of government offices in the vicinity of the Elliptical Road, cited the importance of providing the public with a safe pedestrian crossing structure that is tightly guarded, well-lighted and hygienic.

Romulo Rafael, a commercial basketball player and regular jogger at the Elliptical Road, said crossing the roadway is now safer. He said a pedestrian overpass could serve the same purpose but this would ruin the scenic view of the Quezon Memorial Circle.

“Marami kaming nageensayo na natutuwa sa ginawa ni Mayor Belmonte. Masisira ang view ng monumento ni Presidente Quezon kung overpass ang ilalagay nila. Sana pati mga kawad ng kuryente at mga poste ay gawing underground na rin dahil sagwa tignan ang mga ito lalo na kung sala-salabat,” Rafael said.

In a bid to enrich the public’s historical knowledge, Belmonte said another priority project of the city is the construction of the Quezon City Museum at the 26-hectare Quezon Memorial Circle.

The project is complementary to the redevelopment of the Quezon Memorial Circle where the city has assigned the world renowned Palafox and Associates for the architectural design of the soon-to-be world-class circle.

In a bid to provide top-of-the-line health care, Belmonte said the city government is set to undertake the construction of the P500-million five-story new Quezon City General Hospital Building.

The new building, which is considered as one of the most prominent vertical structures in the city, will be built at the three-hectare portion of the QCGH property in Barangay Bahay Toro in Project 8.

Chito A. Chavez
Manila Bulletin
January 13, 2009

venntro

February 9th, 2009, 09:31 AM

^^ Thanks for the info. Hope the museum design is modern to complement the facelift of the whole QC Circle.

leechtat

February 9th, 2009, 11:59 AM

^^Thanks leechtat. :) I asked about this because I'm eyeing a property in the area which is currently being developed by Sta. Lucia. It is near the Tandang Sora Bgy. Hall.

^^ i know that development.. we sell properties for that as well.. its actually a nice project.. sauyo road will be widened to gain faster access to mindanao ave and don antonio through the mapayapa villages (near our ayala land's avesta project) ...and the area is quite nice, with good Shepard church and feu-institute of medicine and hospital just walking distance.. i studied at feu-im actually.. took up medtech.. really nice area.. mrt7 will greatly affect the land value of this area once its completed...

I remember you mentioned about a proposal for museum and library at the QC Circle a year ago. I saw a portion of the QC Circle being cleared for the construction of the museum when i passed by this morning. Do you have any access to the renders?

^^ yes. that's a project that me and my friend from the qc government were lobbying.. but got scrapped, lack of financial backing and land ownership issues... i wish they would at least pattern the museum to our suggestions...

though, i sometimes jog in the qc circle in the mornings before work, i also noticed the clearing of the grounds... but the qc-aide said its just for landscaping...

stickerPROXY18

February 9th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Hindi lang yata siya!

Pati si Alfred Vargas, dito sa may District 2 ang puntirya niya.

Argh! Dati Pasko at Fiesta lang ang pagbati, ngayon pati Valentine's Day pinuntirya! Si Rosa Susano at si Alfred Vargas na ata ang bagong love team. Sheesh!

icarusrising

February 9th, 2009, 03:29 PM

Quezon City to build museum (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=437731&publicationSubCategoryId=206)
Updated February 06, 2009 12:00 AM

A two-story museum, which will showcase Quezon City’s historical and cultural heritage, is set to rise at the 26-hectare Quezon City Memorial Circle (QMC), which is being developed into one of Metro Manila’s premier parks.

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. told city hall employees during last Monday’s flag-raising ceremony that the museum will be among the major landmarks in the park.

At present more than 20,000 people flock to the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QMC) during weekends.

“It’s a pleasant sight to see family members having picnics in the area,” he said.

Tadeo Palma, QMC administrator, said they will soon introduce boat-riding, skateboarding, tennis, aerobics, theater arts, and ballroom and disco dancing.

He also said the P200-million master plan for the QMC involves the establishment of a botanical and flower garden, a fountain with dynamic lighting, an amphitheater, a tennis court, and a playground. –

Perseus Echeminada

a00556425

February 9th, 2009, 04:05 PM

NEOPOLITAN COMMERCIAL & BUSINESS DISTRICT
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/787/8590010725au8.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8619/kimjo2.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1664/noepolitanbesidesmfairvuh3.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3649/neopolitanphoto1xv3.jpg
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7416/noepolitanentrancemaindd5.jpg

I heard there were a lot of dead people dumped on that site :shifty:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5011/dsc04046yx9.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2941/dsc04062wz4.jpg

I hope they demolish the parking lot and build a park like GREENBELT 3 at the back of SM Fairview with night clubs and restaurants:banana:

leechtat

February 9th, 2009, 04:22 PM

^^ very nice.. thanks for this info..

tyronne

February 9th, 2009, 11:08 PM

[URL="http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=437731&publicationSubCategoryId=206"]
He also said the P200-million master plan for the QMC involves the establishment of a botanical and flower garden, a fountain with dynamic lighting, an amphitheater, a tennis court, and a playground. –

Perseus Echeminada

Ay akala ko merong tennis court sa QMC. Naririnig ko lang :D

venntro

February 10th, 2009, 01:42 AM

icarusrising

February 10th, 2009, 03:03 AM

^^ So the museum is still a go? Let's hope so. As for the boat riding, where will it be built? The nearby Ninoy Aquino wildlife already has an artificial lake which I think is better suited for boat riding. Creating a similar lagoon in QMC doesn't seem to be feasible considering they arelady have so many plans for the area (i.e. museum, tennis court, ampitheater fountain etc.)

I believe it is a go because there is a sign that says Quezon City Museum on the site being cleared. I would try to snap a picture later. The Quezon City Hall compound also has an artificial lake.

venntro

February 10th, 2009, 03:32 AM

I believe it is a go because there is a sign that says Quezon City Museum on the site being cleared. I would try to snap a picture later. The Quezon City Hall compound also has an artificial lake.

^^ Yup it's also an artificial body of water. But I suppose, IMO, it doesn't fit the concept for boat riding. The wildlife lake reminds me of the Baguio area for boat riding.

chris_nigel

February 10th, 2009, 03:47 AM

may rendering s na b sa museum at sa 200 MILLION na QMC redevelopment plan?

dvbaicrviser

February 10th, 2009, 02:02 PM

Parang hindi bagay ang tennis court. Sana sa labas na lang ng Circle at magpatayo na lang sila ng malaki at maayos na sports center. Idevelop na lang kaya nila at gawing moderno ang Amoranto? :)

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 03:39 AM

Parang hindi bagay ang tennis court. Sana sa labas na lang ng Circle at magpatayo na lang sila ng malaki at maayos na sports center. Idevelop na lang kaya nila at gawing moderno ang Amoranto? :)

^^ I don't mind having a tennis court inside the QMC but I do agree that they should really upgrade and modernize Amoranto and not only as a velodrome but a full-fledged sports arena.

tyronne

February 11th, 2009, 04:48 AM

I wish there were parks in MM where you can just play tennis for free. That big park in QC would be a nice place to have tennis courts.

icarusrising

February 11th, 2009, 07:53 AM

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/185/1200x1200/2/IMGP6336.JPG?et=2vw4JEWLIlUT2vWokXE9lg&nmid=197678535

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/185/1200x1200/1/IMGP6337.JPG?et=f02FqKoRi6r%2BSiB52etoIg&nmid=197678535

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/0/photos/185/1200x1200/4/IMGP6346.JPG?et=JViQeiHwLxFq3E2dSMsdmA&nmid=197678535

dvbaicrviser

February 11th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Sana parang ganito. :)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6802/hpbl7.jpg

http://www.biscaynetimes.com/news/news_2007/images/pic_0407_museum_park_2.png

http://photos.signonsandiego.com/albums/kidpark/plan4.jpg

http://www.arcoweb.com.br/arquitetura/fotos/189/patiodeentrada.jpg

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/transformingtm/images/de-young_sm.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XV1m3ImoIk4/SIURxf-jIWI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iu_DCsz5Ziw/s320/Katie%2Bwith%2Bvalencia%2Bmuseum%2Bpark.JPG

venntro

February 11th, 2009, 08:56 AM

Sana parang ganito. :)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6802/hpbl7.jpg

^^ Actually, this design fits very well with the QMC.

dvbaicrviser

February 11th, 2009, 09:25 AM

^^ Actually, this design fits very well with the QMC.

Parang ganito.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9805/hpbl7qi0.jpg

IslandSon.PH

February 11th, 2009, 09:21 PM

^^nicely done.. hehehe!

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 01:22 AM

Parang ganito.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9805/hpbl7qi0.jpg

^^ Swak na swak yan sa QMC.

chris_nigel

February 12th, 2009, 03:19 AM

Parang ganito.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9805/hpbl7qi0.jpg

ang ganda parang yung washington tower na ng amerika tapos may reflection pool sana nga ganyan

galing mo:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

venntro

February 12th, 2009, 03:38 AM

^^ QMC is actually a good looking city park but as shown by the picture above, it lacks the modern water feautures of some world class parks.

venntro

February 14th, 2009, 01:23 AM

Reposting here: UP-Ayala TechnoHub

Tumambay lang sa TechnoHub with friends..... :lol:

Nakakatanggal ng stress kahit papano sa pagigi kong student teacher.... :D

http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image016-3.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image017-3.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image024-4.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image025-3.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image026-5.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image028-2.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image054-1.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image055-2.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/stanleymalls/Image056-1.jpg

Hope you enjoy my pics! :)

skywalker2008

February 16th, 2009, 05:45 AM

Parents tag along kids in protest vs QC business district (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/148964/Parents-tag-along-kids-in-protest-vs-QC-business-district)
02/16/2009 | 11:56 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Residents doomed to be evicted from their homes due to the Quezon City government’s plan to convert an area into a major business center picketed outside the city hall in the hopes of getting an audience with Mayor Feliciano “Sonny" Belmonte.

A radio report said that parents tagged their children along in a protest rally to oppose the conversion of some 250-hectare of land in North and East Triangles into a “Triangle Park" that would rival Makati’s business district.

The protesters from the San Roque Community Council – North Triangle Alliance (SRCC-NTA) said the urban development could shore up income for the city but at the expense of local residents from covered villages being evicted from their homes.

An estimated 16,000 families in the two affected villages will be displaced and hundreds of employees will suffer by the time the project gets completed, according to the National Urban Poor Program, a Manila-based urban poor confederation.

The protest movement has already snarled traffic at the portion of the elliptical road along where the Quezon City Hall is located.

Protesters said they staged the rally in time for the weekly “People’s Day," where Belmonte usually takes the time listening to the concerns and grievances of his constituents.

The group said local governments and business players drawing up the plan for the business district construction should first consult with community leaders and residents before laying out the project.

The planned business district, which is also expected to connect three metro rail stations, will be home to high-rise condominiums, technology centers, recreational places, and commercial establishments.

The residents said instead of being sent off to far-flung provinces of Isabela and Davao as planned, they should only be relocated to surrounding areas, near their places of work and study.

Most affected residents are employed by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, and the National Kidney Transplant Institute.

The Quezon City government had said that the recent construction of the Ayala-owned Triangle North of Manila (Trinoma) mall was a first step in the said transformation.

Business mogul Lucio Tan is also said to invest on a 10-hectare property at the corner of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Quezon Boulevard, as part of his P10 billion development project across the country.

The project had actually begun in 2002 with the issuance of Executive Order 106 that created the North Triangle Development Committee, which is tasked to oversee the multi-billion project.

A later executive order (EO 620) extended the coverage of the project and changed the composition of the oversight committee. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV

venntro

February 16th, 2009, 06:55 AM

^^ Most if not all of these protesters are illegal squatters. :ohno::ohno:

kennethologist

February 16th, 2009, 07:00 AM

^^ these people are actually well enough to get a loan and find themselves some decent home in North or East Metro Manila w/c is really not far from where they work at. go to their areas and you'll be surprised to see that they have complete luxuries of a middle class family! that is B.S. :D

dvbaicrviser

February 16th, 2009, 12:34 PM

Kapapanood ko lang sa TV Patrol, yung rally ng mga bata sa harap ng City Hall, ang tindi talaga, pati mga bata ginagamit nila, halatang nagmemorya ang mga pobreng musmos ng sasabihin, binuko tuloy ni Mayor Belmonte. Bilib ako kay Belmonte, 80,000 yung binabalak niyang irelocate. Dapat ganito ang mayor na namumuno, hindi takot sa opinyon-publiko, basta't tama ang gagawin at para sa ikauunlad ng lungsod.

Dapat ganito: salain nila yung mga bibigyan ng relocation na malapit sa metro manila, dapat yung mga may trabaho lang talaga.

Kung wala naman at namamalimos, nagpup*ta, o tambay lang, bigyan ng pamasahe at mamili na ng probinsyang babalikan.

leechtat

February 16th, 2009, 05:09 PM

^^ :lol: fierce... haha...

but true.. and i agree with your statements....

i do wish the qc-cbd will come to fruition and the relocation must be done before the year ends... educated and wizened people from qc recognizes belmonte's effort and shall continue to support this project...

venntro

February 17th, 2009, 01:19 AM

venntro

February 17th, 2009, 01:35 AM

Quezon City, Miriam launch day care project today (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=441013&publicationSubCategoryId=65)
Updated February 17, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government and Miriam College will launch today a new project that aims to professionalize teaching and management of barangay day care centers.

Called SB Pro Day Care, the project aims to upgrade the competencies of barangay day care workers in Quezon City, where very few have backgrounds in early childhood education.

Special guests for the launch are Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr., Joy Belmonte, Miriam College president Patricia Licuanan, with the participation of pre-schoolers from barangay day care centers and Miriam College’s Child Study Center.

Through a certificate course at Miriam College sponsored by the city government, day care workers will have the opportunity to pursue a career in early childhood education and bring their skills to levels at par with those of teachers in private pre-schools.

A total of 100 day care teachers will initially participate in the certificate course under the project. They will be trained in the craft of molding the young for productive involvement in the home, school and the community. At the end of the course, they are expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills in early childhood education and development.

SB Pro Day Care takes off from the success of Lingap Bulilit (to care for little children). Lingap Bulilit is Miriam College’s educational outreach on early childhood care and development for community day care teachers.

icarusrising

February 17th, 2009, 01:43 AM

Belmonte awards P559M contract for new city hospital (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?view=article&catid=1%3Alatest-news&id=175%3Abelmonte-awards-p559m-contract-for-new-city-hospital&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=&option=com_content)
Friday, 13 February 2009 14:01

http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/qcgh%20scale%20model.jpg

A new, P559 million, modern medical center is set to rise in Quezon City, with the construction of a new 250-bed Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH). On February 13, 2009, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr. awarded the contract for the redevelopment of QCGH, to the winning bidder, Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, at ceremonies held at Quezon City Hall.

Belmonte explained, “the new facility will expand the access of Quezon City’s poor to modern, efficient yet very affordable medical care.” The new building will occupy 1.2 hectares of the 3.2 hectare Barangay Bahay Toro compound of QCGH. This will be a 5-storey medical facility, with a 10,000 sq. m. floor area. The parameters for the design were the product of a special study team formed by the Mayor, composed of consultants from the Department of Health, as well as doctors, architects and engineers of the City government.

Quezon City’s new medical center will have the following other features:

* 40-bed emergency complex
* Operating rooms with 8-bed capacity
* Intensive care unit with a 26-bed capacity
* Centralized medical gas and vacuum system
* Full emergency electrical power supply generator
* Vital auxiliary systems for communication, nurse call, and security and emergency systems
* Modern sewage treatment plants and solid waste management facilities.

The City government’s design parameters also ensures that it will have a safety-conscious building design and material finishes, with tight seismic and wind factor, fire-resistivity, non-toxic, anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic, anti-static, sound absorbent and non-slippery finishes.

The Belmonte Administration’s infrastructure investments in upgrading and expanding the City’s public health facilities have now exceeded P605 million, in addition to continuous funding for supplies and equipment for its health centers.

Planned also is the construction of another City hospital, focused on providing modern, diagnostic services, especially for the largely depressed population in District 2. In addition, the Mayor has assigned a new management team at the Novaliches District Hospital to ensure better services, and to guide the upgrading of its new facilities in line with the need of its constituents and the health service objectives of the City government.

Last Updated on Monday, 16 February 2009 17:07

icarusrising

February 17th, 2009, 01:49 AM

Belmonte opens new branch of QC Polytechnic University (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?view=article&catid=1%3Alatest-news&id=174%3Abelmonte-to-open-new-branch-of-qc-polytechnic-university&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=&option=com_content)
Thursday, 12 February 2009 12:46

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led officials in the opening last February 10 of the second branch of the Quezon City Polytechnic University (QCPU) at the Batasan campus.

The new QCPU branch provides greater hope for the new high school graduates to pursue college education, especially courses in information and communications technology, entrepreneurial management and industrial engineering.

Aside from the three degree courses, the university also has one-year certificate programs for automotive mechanic, computer technician, diesel machine, electronics mechanic, industrial electrician, machine shop operator, refrigeration and air-con technician and garments trade.

Also offered are ladderized and expanded tertiary education equivalency accreditation programs.

The opening of the latest satellite university featured exhibits, film showing and lectures that showcased the growth and development of the city-run university.

About 400 pioneer enrollees are expected at the Batasan campus this coming academic year. Entrance examination tests for incoming freshmen and other students are scheduled in April in all the QCPU campuses.

For more information, you may contact the Quezon City Polytechnic University at 936-0526.

Manila Bulletin
February 10, 2009
Last Updated on Friday, 13 February 2009 09:31

kiretoce

February 17th, 2009, 08:28 AM

Post away folks! :colgate:

Link to Thread 6 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=419771&page=228) in the Archives. :okay:

ona

February 17th, 2009, 08:55 AM

Congrats to QC thread 7...hope to hear more of QC's biggest dev'ts (SM North Edsa, Eton Centris, Araneta redevelopment etc.)

venntro

February 18th, 2009, 02:13 AM

^^ Let's hope by Thread 7, the illegal settlers in North triangle will all be relocated so that the whole place will be open for redevelopment.

venntro

February 18th, 2009, 06:35 AM

MWSS must answer for La Mesa mess (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=441323&publicationSubCategoryId=64)
GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc Updated February 18, 2009 12:00 AM

Of the feedback to my item last week on lax security at La Mesa dam, one merits citing. Reader Proceso de los Reyes wants officials who secretly built the two residential subdivisions inside the state property jailed. And well they should be. For, their narrow-minded, selfish sleaze blinded them to threats of sabotage to the capital’s water supply. They are the best proof that corruption and ineptitude go hand in hand.

For decades La Mesa was off-limits to outsiders, except for EcoPark, a wooded fringe in Fairview, Quezon City, open to strollers. Guards drove poachers out of the 2,700-hectare reservoir and 3,000-hectare forest around it. The filtrations were deemed highest-security facilities. Only waterworks employees were allowed in, and only if on duty. Under martial law in the ’70s Marines patrolled the dam compound. Security was tightened all the more after 9/11. Military agents mobilized soon afterwards when a South Asian was spotted sneaking several times over the perimeter fence. Subdivision dwellers outside the complex cooperated; their own safety depended on the dam’s defense. Suspicious activities promptly were reported to waterworks officials. A neighbor was turned over for punching a hole through the fence and erecting a dog and rooster farm in the woods inside. It was the residents outside who first noticed and kept an eye on the foreign intruder.

It was the residents too who noticed the surge in vehicle traffic to and from the dam five years ago. City hall had spanned a bridge to EcoPark, for tourists and heavy trucks of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. But jeepneys, taxis, and cars kept rumbling over the aqueduct that was not meant to carry such load for long. Reporting to barangay officers, the residents discovered the twin rackets inside the complex. Policemen to whom the MWSS had turned over the task of securing the reservoir and filtrations were exacting fees for motorists to illicitly shortcut to and from Fairview and Novaliches. Worse, MWSS trustees crookedly had awarded themselves and key managers residential lots in the state land, and then built houses. The aqueduct, actually the dam’s spillover to Tullahan River but asphalted for occasional light vehicles, became their private driveway. A terrorist could rent a trustee’s house, or ride one of the vehicles passing over the aqueduct, and throw poison into the reservoir below. A plain vandal could wreak similar damage to the tap supply of millions of Greater Manilans.

MWSS trustees couldn’t care less. They illegally had parceled state property to themselves and their favorites. Having built homes inside the dam complex, they now gaily treat it as their private preserve and motor even in restricted areas. They can’t tell the cops to stop letting outsiders through the aqueduct. What moral ground would they have if told to mind your own racket while the cops go about theirs? Both are in violation of the Water Code of 1976, the Forestry Code, and the Clean Water Act, though.

venntro

February 18th, 2009, 08:31 AM

Eton launches four commercial centers in Metro Manila (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149340/Eton-launches-four-commercial-centers-in-Metro-Manila)
02/18/2009 | 03:05 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Eton Properties Philippines Inc. launched four commercial centers in Metro Manila, marking its shift from a residential developer to a full-fledged property developer.

Of its four projects, two are in Quezon City – adjacent to a train station – one is in Manila and another in the Ortigas business district, the Lucio Tan-controlled company said in a statement submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

Its two Quezon City projects are located at Eton Centris, a 12 hectare mixed-use complex at the corner of Quezon Avenue and EDSA.

Besides integrating world-class business, residential, retail, and recreational components in one choice setting, the complex will be home to Centris Station and Centris Walk.

Centris Station will feature an SM Hypermarket branch, food outlets, and other specialty stores, the company said. Besides offering secure parking spaces, the new shopping haven has a gross floor area of 15,000 square.

Centris Walk will offer fine-dining restaurants, cafes, a specialty bookstore, among others.

Meanwhile, E-Life, its new commercial center in Ortigas, will be located at Eton Cyberpod Corinthian, located at EDSA and Ortigas Avenue.

The new electronics haven is designed to be a one-stop digital hub for electronic gadgets, gaming, cellphone, and computer fanatics, the company said.

Turnover of Centris Walk and E-Life is scheduled for the 3rd quarter this year. For its part, Centris Station will be completed by the 4th quarter this year.

Green Podium, the company’s commercial center located along Taft Avenue in Manila, will feature fast food restaurants, specialty and convenience stores, among others.

To be completed by the third quarter next year, the property will primarily serve students of the De La Salle University, including other schools. - GMANews.TV

ona

February 18th, 2009, 09:21 AM

^^ Let's hope by Thread 7, the illegal settlers in North triangle will all be relocated so that the whole place will be open for redevelopment.

sana nga, pero dapat talaga may suitable na lugar na ilalaan para sa wala masyadong pera para magkabahay

shaKEIRa

February 19th, 2009, 12:44 AM

good am sa inyong lahat... I'll be in Manila sa 1st week ng March until 2nd week... sana may makita akong SSC forumer...

Waldenstrom

February 19th, 2009, 05:17 AM

EASTWOOD

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool2.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool3.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool4.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool5.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool6.jpg

from JR Rodriguez IV (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrrodrigueziv/)

RonnieR

February 19th, 2009, 05:52 AM

nice shots....color combination effect at night is okay, too

venntro

February 19th, 2009, 06:27 AM

EASTWOOD

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/walden2/cool.jpg

from JR Rodriguez IV (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrrodrigueziv/)

^^ I like this picture.

IndioBravo

February 19th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Are there any plans to have an LRT station near Eastwood? or even heavy rail? So I can easily visit the place. I don't have a car eh.

lochinvar

February 19th, 2009, 05:31 PM

For the time being, mayroon sigurong bus o jeepney.

venntro

February 20th, 2009, 12:56 AM

Are there any plans to have an LRT station near Eastwood? or even heavy rail? So I can easily visit the place. I don't have a car eh.

^^ Eastwood is easily accessible via public transportation. Megaworld made sure of that.

venntro

February 20th, 2009, 05:10 AM

SM Prime 2008 earnings rise to P6.4B (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/20/09/sm-prime-2008-earnings-7-p64b)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/20/2009 11:41 AM

Despite a tougher business environment, SM Prime Holdings Inc., the country's biggest mall developer, said its net income last year grew 7 percent with the entry of new malls and expansion of existing ones.

In a statement, SM Prime reported a net income of P6.4 billion for 2008 against P6 billion in 2007 on the back of a 12-percent rise in revenues to P17.8 billion.

The company said the results included the operations of the three SM malls in Xiamen and Jinjiang in southern China and Chengdu in central China.

"Notwithstanding the global financial situation, SM Prime achieved its goals and sustained its expansion in 2008. The company performed fairly well and was able to deliver on its targets and objectives due mainly to the unwavering support of its loyal customers, tenants, suppliers, shareholders, and employees," said SM Prime president Hans Sy.

In 2008, rental fees continued to account for the largest share of SM Prime’s consolidated revenues at P15.4 billion, up 15 percent year-on-year. Bulk of the increase came from additional space in new malls and mall expansions during the year.

SM Prime opened SM City Marikina, SM City Rosales and SM City Baliwag and expanded SM City North Edsa and SM Megamall.

Put together, the new malls and expansions in 2008 added 353,000 square meters to SM Prime's gross floor area. The average occupancy rate of the new malls now stands at 93 percent.

Meanwhile, cinema ticket sales during the year was flat due to the dearth of movie blockbusters.

SM Prime spent P8.2 billion in operating expenses for full year 2008, an increase of 15 percent from P7.1 billion in 2007. Income from operations posted a 9 percent growth from P8.8 billion in 2007 to P9.6 billion last year.

For 2009, SM Prime plans to open SM City Naga in Camarines Sur, SM City Rosario in Cavite, SM City Pamplona in Las Piñas, and the Sky Garden at SM City North Edsa. The company is also set to expand SM City Rosales in Pangasinan.

By the end of the year, SM Prime will have 36 malls nationwide and three malls in China, with an estimated gross floor area of 4.9 million square meters.

SM Prime is a unit of conglomerate SM Investments Corp., owned by one of the country's richest men, Henry Sy.

venntro

February 20th, 2009, 09:00 AM

IBM to open its first innovation center in RP (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149689/IBM-to-open-its-first-innovation-center-in-RP)
02/20/2009 | 02:53 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine unit of IBM will open its first Innovation Center in the country – and the second in Asia – at the UP-Ayala Techno Park in Quezon City.

Although the company refused to disclose the project’s actual amount, the center will focus on developing open-source and Web 2.0 solutions geared towards helping the Philippines move up the BPO chain.

The Philippines “has a big pool of developers who can create applications and solutions that will allow people and corporations to collaborate and gain access to technology," Janet Klein, director for developer relations at IBM Asia Pacific, said during a small media gathering.

The laboratory is also intended to give students, particularly those interested in BPO or services industry, a clear roadmap to develop their skills, Klein said.

Klein’s point person in Southeast and South Asia, Charles Manuel, said the facility is intended to become a “hub of activity" for students, professional developers, and partner organizations."

“This is the right time for these investments," said Manuel, adding that the Innovation Center is likely to serve the needs of the country’s burgeoning BPO industry.

Noting that the laboratory is located within the vicinity of a university, the executives said the investment is in line with the BPO-centric curriculum that IBM has been pushing in the academic sector.

Dubbed as SSME or Services Science Management Engineering, the course is currently being piloted in a few academic institutions such as the St. Louis University in Baguio City.

Unlike existing engineering courses that were crafted decades ago, SSME is focused on developing the skills required in a services-led economy as it bring together ongoing work in computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, business strategy, management sciences, social and cognitive sciences, and legal sciences. - GMANews.TV

dessertfox

February 21st, 2009, 07:18 PM

^^SB could be the first among LGU to implement Stimulus Fund to counter economic slow down and not as dole out rather in form of productivity assistance. This is good news for those poor families who tills vacant lots specially along the Fairview and Batasan areas.

Belmonte allots P100 million to fight poverty
Updated February 22, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. announced that the city government is setting aside P100 million in anti-poverty funds as the city prepares to deal with the economic storm facing the country.

He told city department heads during a regular staff executive meeting last Thursday that instead of granting financial assistance to the poor, the city government would rather help provide long-term means to sustain their families.

“We should not galvanize the dole-out attitude,” Belmonte said.

He said the P100 million will be taken from the infrastructure allocation fund surplus.

Belmonte urged city hall officials to identify areas where anti-poverty centers will be put up, most likely in Payatas or Holy Spirit, two of the city’s most concentrated urban poor communities.

Belmonte also urged officials of the city’s barangays to allocate at least one percent of their budget for projects that would uplift the living conditions of 200 to 300 families in their area of jurisdiction.

Citing an example set by Havana, Cuba, where residents turned their rooftops into vegetable gardens, the mayor said they could do the same.

“There are 4,000 empty spots in Quezon City (we could make) profitable and productive,” Belmonte said. – Perseus Echeminada

SOURCE: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=442415&publicationSubCategoryId=130

leechtat

February 22nd, 2009, 06:53 AM

^^ go SB... we support your ideals.

but we would also like to be updated with developments on the QC-CBD...

kalbongdad

February 22nd, 2009, 01:32 PM

ganda eastwood...masikip lang mga daan papasok...even yung c5 sa part na yan....i just don't know though kung yung interchange sa kalayaan will contribute to the easing of the traffice in that area....i have not visited eastwood for quiet some time...more that a year na ata...

venntro

February 23rd, 2009, 01:05 AM

^^ go SB... we support your ideals.

but we would also like to be updated with developments on the QC-CBD...

^^ Yeah, updates are few and far between.

kennethologist

February 23rd, 2009, 04:02 AM

^^ go SB... we support your ideals.

but we would also like to be updated with developments on the QC-CBD...

as much as i love SB's policies, he better fix the policies of its people at the city hall! they aren't friendly... I went there to register as a voter then i ask for directions where comelec is and all they say is "doon" and then you ask them "saan doon?" they say "sa may yellow building"... then you find a strip of yellow buildings! but which one? i asked someone from inside one of the yellow buildings and guess where he told me to go: "DOON!" hahahaha!

winztotoy

February 23rd, 2009, 09:01 AM

Kumusta na nga pala yung ordinance ni councilor Dy, yung pro-squatter? Implemented na ba?

sick_n_tired

February 24th, 2009, 03:40 PM

Photos by: ivan (http://kargador.multiply.com/)

http://images.kargador.multiply.com/image/2:worldwidephotos/photos/2443/600x600/1/IMG-2092.JPG?et=X%2BBwChhqTtAG1dH%2Bz%2C%2B0uA&nmid=211969829

http://images.kargador.multiply.com/image/1:worldwidephotos/photos/2443/600x600/4/IMG-2079.JPG?et=OG7JT%2BY5%2BYgT3k2tX7t9tQ&nmid=211969829

http://images.kargador.multiply.com/image/1:worldwidephotos/photos/2443/600x600/3/IMG-2094.JPG?et=1KDyJRSKrFcST%2B6ujjeRhg&nmid=211969829

venntro

February 25th, 2009, 04:42 AM

'Squatters' relocation a must for Pasig River clean-up (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/02/24/09/squatters-relocation-must-pasig-river-clean)
by MARIA ALTHEA TEVES, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 02/24/2009 6:31 PM

The relocation of informal settlers is key to cleaning up the Pasig River, Gina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. said Tuesday at the launching of the Kapit Bisig Ilog Pasig, a government-private sector effort to revive the "Nation's River."

Contrary to popular belief, 65% of the waste that flows in the Pasig River comes from households including waste dumped by informal settlers along riverbanks, not from industries or businesses.

Aside from the waste, the health and safety of the informal settlers are also at risk, Ms. Lopez said, citing an incident last year where a baby of a family illegally living on the banks of the San Juan river fell into the water which flows directly to Pasig .

Lopez said that with the help of the National Housing Authority, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), Habitat for Humanity and Globe Asiatique, the informal settlers will hopefully be relocated to Calauan, Laguna, where a model community has already been established.

She said the community can accommodate 10,000 settlers. She is eyeing the relocation of 1,000 by June, but it should start in March.

“Hopefully, we will get money to be able to relocate 4,000 more informal settlers,” she added.

She said the informal settlers should be relocated in sustainable communities, such as in Calauan.

Livelihood, transportation aid

Pasig City Mayor Roberto Eusebio said his government is providing livelihood assistance to 100 settlers in his area so that “relocated individuals who want to earn, could earn a little money.”

Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte said that they have relocated families to Bulacan, Montalban, and Rodriguez.

“These places are close to the city and people can continue to work in the city,” Belmonte said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay added that “aside from livelihood, there should be transportation assistance."

"It is really a matter of transportation costs that attracts them back to settle in their former area,” he said.

If local government units (LGUs) work together, “not only will there be a physical change in Pasig River, but also a change in the people’s attitude,” Belmonte said.

“There is no use beautifying the river if the people think it is impossible,” Ms. Lopez said.

“Working together with the National Government, LGUs, NGOs, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and PRRC, mayors and congressmen is the whole point of Kapit Bisig Ilog Pasig. We are all working together as one," she said.

venntro

February 25th, 2009, 09:27 AM

EXPECTS MORE THIS YEAR
Convergys opens new site in RP (http://http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090225-190987/Convergys-opens-new-site-in-RP)
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:40:00 02/25/2009

MANILA, Philippines - Convergys opened another call center at the UP-Ayala Technohub in Quezon City and said it will open three more this year.

Located across UP Diliman, it is the US-based firm's eleventh call center in the country in five years. It has seven in Metro Manila, three in Cebu City and one in Bacolod City.

This new facility will house up to 1,000 people, bringing Convergys’ total headcount in the Philippines to approximately 16,000.

In May last year, Convergys announced the addition of five more sites located in Cebu, Quezon City, Sta. Rosa (Laguna) and recently Glorietta 5 in Makati.

The company is pursuing further expansion, foreseeing a demand for call center services despite the prevailing global downturn.

“With the continued business demand we expect from our clients, we look forward to the opening of the three additional locations in the months ahead,” said Jojo Lloren, Convergys Philippines facilities director.

The company's newest call center has more than 57,000 square feet of space.

The UP-Ayala Technohub recently opened and is home to companies in the high-tech and business process outsourcing sector.

GearX

February 25th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Grade 4 Ateneo student dies in car accident: report

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/25/2009 3:16 PM

A fourth-grade student at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School was reportedly killed when a car accidentally crashed into him and his nanny inside the Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City Tuesday.

Ten-year-old Julian Carlo Miguel Alcantara, known to his friends as "Amiel," was on his way home from school with his 65-year-old nanny when he was reportedly hit by a van inside the Ateneo campus in Quezon City. The boy was rushed to the New Era Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, while his nanny, Tata Suarez, sustained injuries.

An online report said that the van's driver, Ma. Theresa Torres, was reportedly following a car parked in front of her when she accidentally hit the boy and his nanny. Torres was picking up her child from school and had parked her car near the main gate of the university, the report said.

Torres was reportedly brought to the District Traffic Unit Section 3 after the accident.

Based on e-mails from various sources who witnessed the incident, the boy was crushed between the two cars, wihch were spaced just two inches from each other. "The driver forgot that [she] was driving an automatic car that when she started the engine, that car went straight and hit the boy," a witness said.

Concerned parents and students offered prayers and support to the victim's family. Ateneo de Manila president Fr. Ben Nebres and Ateneo Grade School Headmaster Kit Bautista had reportedly stayed with the Alcantara family.

kratos1211

February 25th, 2009, 11:48 AM

Grade 4 Ateneo student dies in car accident: report

Based on e-mails from various sources who witnessed the incident, the boy was crushed between the two cars, wihch were spaced just two inches from each other. "The driver forgot that [she] was driving an automatic car that when she started the engine, that car went straight and hit the boy," a witness said.

^^An automatic car will not start when you turn the key when its stick is put on Drive or Reverse, it will only start when the stick is place on Park or Neutral as safety precaution. The van probably is a manual stick. Stupid driver:ohno:

leechtat

February 25th, 2009, 05:01 PM

^^ this is so tragic indeed.. condolences to the bereft...

venntro

February 26th, 2009, 02:17 AM

^^ Who would have thought that someone would get hit inside, of all places, a parking lot and this happened during the rush hour at that. Really sad news.

GearX

February 28th, 2009, 05:32 AM

SM construction nixed in QC subdivision (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20090228-191594/SM-construction-nixed-in-QC-subdivision)

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:01:00 02/28/2009

MANILA, Philippines -- Residents of an exclusive subdivision are protesting the city council's proposal to allow SM Development Corp to construct a 31-storey building in a residential zone in Quezon City.

Claiming that the building would pose health hazards, residents of La Vista and Loyola Grand Villa said Friday they were opposed to the construction of the building because it will worsen traffic along Katipunan Avenue.

“We vehemently protest this proposed resolution for the reason that there is a height restriction previously agreed upon by the old owner of the lot, that structures should only be nine meters,” Francisco Josef, the group's spokesperson, said in an interview.

The city council is deliberating a proposed resolution by city councilors Victor Ferrer and Jesus Suntay, which would allow SM to erect the building in an area classified as residential.

Ferrer told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday that SM asked the city government to allow it to construct the building, which would house residential and commercial units.

“This is why we are conducting public hearings before passing this measure to get feedback from all stakeholders,” he said.

Friday’s public hearing, however, was reset to a later date and SM was asked to provide the residents of the two subdivisions with complete documents of their application for exemption.

Ferrer said the area was reclassified from residential area to special economic development zone in 1995, but was reverted back to residential zone in 1998.

But Josef claimed a previous agreement between them and the old owner of the lot between Petron and Della Strada Church limits the height of structures to be erected on the lot to nine meters only.

“There was a formal agreement to respect that height limit. But SM wants to be exempt from that. This would pose a lot of hazards to the residents and traffic will worsen,” he said.

The proposed building would be constructed on a lot between the Sta Maria Della Strada parish church and the Petron gasoline station previously standing there.

Josef explained that the proposed resolution, 09-58, would violate that height restriction.

Ferrer and Suntay's proposed resolution claims that the “project will not adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare and the appropriate use of the adjoining property, (and) it also provides and promotes livelihood.”

“Imagine the amount of sewage that will be (generated). This will affect the environment as the wastes generated would flow into a creek in La Vista,” Josef added.

Mila Arnaldo, president of the Loyola Grand Villas Homeowners Associations, added that the project would increase pollution in the residential area.

“We are against it because of the noise pollution, the traffic and the air pollution that it would create. Traffic is already bad in Katipunan Ave, it would definitely get worse,” she said.

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Araneta Center
Cubao

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0016a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0017a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0107a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0090a.jpg

Araneta Coliseum

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0088a.jpg

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:11 PM

Gateway Mall
Cubao

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0087a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0091a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0095a.jpg

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http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0104a.jpg

majaba

February 28th, 2009, 03:13 PM

Araneta Center
Cubao

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0016a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0090a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0088a.jpg

:banana::banana::banana:once again : how beautiful these palm trees ! hopefully they will adapt this greening all over the countries boardwalks, parks, avenues, comercial centers ! :banana::banana::banana:

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:15 PM

Gateway Mall
Cubao

Ground floor

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0023a.jpg

Upper floors

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0062a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0059a.jpg

Oasis

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0038a.jpg

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http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0035a.jpg

Food court

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0060a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0051a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0050a.jpg

Wendy’s: the pioneer in fast food iced tea drink… love it.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0055a.jpg

Cinema

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0056a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0058a.jpg

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:18 PM

Cubao’s still unredeveloped old section:

Featuring Isetann & New Frontier Theater :D

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0044a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0047a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0048a.jpg

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:19 PM

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:23 PM

Pre-selling of Manhattan Garden City, a cluster of condominium buildings beside Isetann (see 3rd and 4th pics above), is ongoing. One of the sales representatives gave me a tour of model units inside the mall. Taking photos were actually not allowed but thanks to Mr. Sales Rep for being kind enough for allowing me to stealthily take some snap shots of the model units.

Two Bedroom Unit

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0079a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0078a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0075a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0076a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0077a.jpg

One Bedroom Unit

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0083a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0080a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0081a.jpg

shyaman

February 28th, 2009, 03:25 PM

Farmers Plaza

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0118a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0112a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0113a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0115a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0117a.jpg

Pedestrian elevated walkway linking Araneta Coliseum with Farmers Plaza

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0108a.jpg

Pedestrian overpass over EDSA from Farmers Plaza

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0116a.jpg

chris_nigel

February 28th, 2009, 04:49 PM

nice pics ...d ba 20 year master plan yung sa araneta naku baka may anak na konun..hehehe

in_a_rush

February 28th, 2009, 05:25 PM

wow. shyaman, puro pasyal ka ha!

majaba

March 1st, 2009, 09:50 AM

Inside the Gateway Mall is a scale model of Araneta Center’s master plan.
Impressive!

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0063a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0066a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0065a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0068a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0069a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0071a.jpg

shyaman you are REALLY VERY active keeping us forumers with excellent photographic documentation informed. specially for those (like me) who are outside the country we appreciate it very very much. thank you again.

now do you know when this masterplan will be finished? and have they started yet ?

shyaman

March 1st, 2009, 11:32 AM

shyaman you are REALLY VERY active keeping us forumers with excellent photographic documentation informed. specially for those (like me) who are outside the country we appreciate it very very much. thank you again.

now do you know when this masterplan will be finished? and have they started yet ?

I don't know the time frame of the Araneta Center redevelopment.
All I know is that the construction of Manhattan Garden City complex's Phase 1 has already started. Refer to the 3 similar buildings beside Isetann in the scale model below.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0065a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0068a.jpg

In the photo below, these are the buildings under-construction behind Isetann.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0044a.jpg

winztotoy

March 1st, 2009, 11:54 PM

[B]Inside the Gateway Mall is a scale model of

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0071a.jpg

Meron palang building na itatayo dyan sa may bus terminal sa tapat ng ali mall. Saan kaya nila ililipat ang terminal?

venntro

March 2nd, 2009, 01:30 AM

^^ Megaworld is really changing the landscape of Cubao.

venntro

March 2nd, 2009, 03:36 AM

Start being mobile from Manhattan Garden City
Updated February 27, 2009 12:00 AM

The Manhattan Parkview Residences hosts the grand transfer pavilion, which links Manhattan Garden City residents to the LRT2 & MRT lines and to the rest of the metro.

MANILA, Philippines - The heavy traffic these days makes it discouraging to go out every day—whether it is for work, to shop, or just to be somewhere else in the city. Driving a car or taking the bus, especially along EDSA, is a killer, and once trapped in a traffic jam you could lose a lot of time. For a commuter, the MRT is always your best bet. Traffic here is out of the equation, and the travel time on a train is more reliable.

This is why for Megaworld’s Manhattan Garden City, the country’s first-ever garden-inspired, transit-oriented community, mobility is part of the overall plan and design. Located along EDSA, in the heart of the metropolis, within the Araneta Center, its residential buildings are the first ever to be connected to two existing mass-transit systems—the LRT-2 and MRT.

So whether you want to go to Quezon City, Makati, Ortigas, to top universities such as Ateneo de Manila or the University of the Philippines, the train station is just a walk away along Manhattan Garden City’s 729-meter long garden walkways. Since both mass transit systems are connected to LRT-1, getting to Parañaque or even as far as Caloocan will be no trouble at all.

For the resident of Manhattan Garden City, the rest of Metro Manila is just a train ride away. This is the mobility that a modern urban warrior needs to make his or her life easier during workdays.

“The best feature of Manhattan Garden City is its connection to two existing mass transit systems. It is the only residential condominium that boasts this feature, and many clients have responded positively,” noted Megaworld Central Properties Inc. president Anthony Charlemagne Yu.

shyaman

March 2nd, 2009, 10:14 AM

February 03, 2009

EDSA – MRT – Trinoma - SM City area

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0120a.jpg

Trinoma

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0187a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0189a.jpg

North Avenue

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0191a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0190a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0164a.jpg

A place of worship across Trinoma…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0186a.jpg

kennethologist

March 2nd, 2009, 10:22 AM

icarusrising

March 2nd, 2009, 12:22 PM

A place of worship across Trinoma…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0186a.jpg

The real place of worship across from Trinoma is the Paramount Theater used by the Word of Hope Ministry. It is along EDSA at the corner of West Avenue. I'm quite sure they have a newer building right across the SM Annex too.

icarusrising

March 2nd, 2009, 12:38 PM

folks there want things constant... majority of the katipunan peeps must be environmentalists :lol: i'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it's interesting... :D

The Katipunan area is an enclave not only of educational institutions such as Miriam and the Ateneo but also of high-end subdivisions like La Vista (where the President herself has a house) and Xavierville. This won't be the first time they raised a voice in protest. Their vigilance was also shown when they reacted against the removal of the center islands and the uprooting of the acacia trees along Katipunan.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7035/imgp6366.jpg

Photo from Quezon City towards Manila's sunset with the Mountains of Bataan in the background.

narthuril

March 2nd, 2009, 02:27 PM

The real place of worship across from Trinoma is the Paramount Theater used by the Word of Hope Ministry. It is along EDSA at the corner of West Avenue. I'm quite sure they have a newer building right across the SM Annex too.

:lol: wrong again.. The Word of Hope building is located directly across SM Annex. The Paramount building is used by Mercury Drug Store and Radio Veritas

icarusrising

March 2nd, 2009, 02:40 PM

:lol: wrong again.. The Word of Hope building is located directly across SM Annex. The Paramount building is used by Mercury Drug Store and Radio Veritas

Nah, originally it was at the Paramount Theater. I used to study at the vicinity so I knew how things progressed. I'm not sure if they've completely abandoned the Paramount Theater in favor of their own new building across the Annex.

Here's proof from a blog...

"On August 21, 1988, a group of 17 dedicated servants of God led by Rev. David A. Sobrepeña, marched around what to them was the walls of Jericho. The purpose: To heed God’s call for them to establish a new ministry. They circled the vacant Paramount Theater, claiming it for use in God’s kingdom. Located along historic EDSA just across one of Asia’s biggest shopping malls, the theater soon became home to Word of Hope Christian Fellowship – the ministry that God has impressed upon the heart of Pastor Sobrepeña to lead to be a beacon of hope to people who are lost in spiritual darkness and in need of a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ."

Source: http://churchedge.blogspot.com/2007/10/churches-planting-churches.html

kennethologist

March 2nd, 2009, 04:42 PM

February 03, 2009

A place of worship across Trinoma…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0186a.jpg

if i'm not mistaken it's an oddly shaped small convention hall :D

cq40

March 3rd, 2009, 12:05 AM

:lol: wrong again.. The Word of Hope building is located directly across SM Annex. The Paramount building is used by Mercury Drug Store and Radio Veritas
You're wrong, Word of Hope was there ok :lol:
Since the relocation, the place was covered with gigantic billboards to compensate operating costs.

cq40

March 3rd, 2009, 12:06 AM

^^ Megaworld is really changing the landscape of Cubao.

Sorry um, MegaWorld me gawa nyan? Edi pangit yan parang Jollibee lang :ohno:

venntro

March 3rd, 2009, 12:55 AM

Sorry um, MegaWorld me gawa nyan? Edi pangit yan parang Jollibee lang :ohno:

^^ At least it's better than having Cubao remain as it is.

shyaman

March 3rd, 2009, 01:17 AM

The real place of worship across from Trinoma is the Paramount Theater used by the Word of Hope Ministry. It is along EDSA at the corner of West Avenue. I'm quite sure they have a newer building right across the SM Annex too.

if i'm not mistaken it's an oddly shaped small convention hall :D

Apologies for the confusion :D.

I really thought that building was a mosque since an acquaintance of mine had a Moslem wedding ceremony there back in the 90s.

It's not after all.:D It's the Philippine Medical Association office.

:lol: wrong again.. The Word of Hope building is located directly across SM Annex. The Paramount building is used by Mercury Drug Store and Radio Veritas

Nah, originally it was at the Paramount Theater. I used to study at the vicinity so I knew how things progressed. I'm not sure if they've completely abandoned the Paramount Theater in favor of their own new building across the Annex.

Here's proof from a blog...

Source: http://churchedge.blogspot.com/2007/10/churches-planting-churches.html

Yes, Paramount Theater held a worship service before. Just not sure if it's
Word of Hope ministry.

shyaman

March 3rd, 2009, 09:41 AM

Quezon City
February 03, 2009

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0162a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0136a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0139a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0141a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0145a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0172a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0148a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0140a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0152a.jpg

shyaman

March 3rd, 2009, 09:42 AM

Colony in the city…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0149a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0146a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0144a.jpg

Sandwich

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0160a.jpg

shyaman

March 3rd, 2009, 09:42 AM

in_a_rush

March 3rd, 2009, 04:01 PM

Sorry um, MegaWorld me gawa nyan? Edi pangit yan parang Jollibee lang :ohno:

baka you mean to say is, parang McDonalds..

Arciga_01

March 3rd, 2009, 04:29 PM

Hinde ko magets...whats wrong with Megaworld?

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 02:16 AM

^^ I guess some people really don't like the designs coming from Megaworld.

RonnieR

March 4th, 2009, 03:13 AM

Colony in the city…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0149a.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0146a.jpg

Actually, the number has been reduced...it used to be really a lot in this area. QC, being the richest city, should address the problem of informal settlers. I can see improvement but with Councilor Dy, Vice Mayor Bautista, who are in favor of that bill, I doubt if they can resolve the problem of squatters. :bash:

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 03:43 AM

Actually, the number has been reduced...it used to be really a lot in this area. QC, being the richest city, should address the problem of informal settlers. I can see improvement but with Councilor Dy, Vice Mayor Bautista, who are in favor of that bill, I doubt if they can resolve the problem of squatters. :bash:

^^ Those two will run next year and let's do our part by not voting for them.

Arciga_01

March 4th, 2009, 04:10 AM

^^ I guess ome people really don't like the designs coming from Megaworld.

Hmmm...Oo nga, looking at those scale model ng ggawin nila sa Cubao. There designs is EXACTLY like the structures na ginawa nila sa libis :lol:

icarusrising

March 4th, 2009, 05:19 AM

QC's Eiffel tower and the mountains of ??? beyond…

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0155a.jpg

4 shades of nature :D

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0156a.jpg

That would be GMA 7 Tower in Culiat, QC. Those mountains are part of the Sierra Madres, the longest mountain range in the country. Some portions would be that of San Mateo and Montalban.

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 05:38 AM

^^ I love the trees in the foreground. Such a breath of fresh air.

venntro

March 6th, 2009, 01:38 AM

Eastwood City Cyberpark to finish new BPO building (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445911&publicationSubCategoryId=76)
Updated March 06, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - With stress a proven factor in derailing creative output and affecting overall productivity, many companies are now looking into ways on how they can provide a more relaxing environment without unduly breaching their required overhead costs. This is especially true with office start-ups that may have difficulties on the first few months of operations.

“The current economic crunch pushes managers to up their employees’ performance levels while still staying within the appropriated budget. Stress is one of those factors that they feel they can have a hand in. Creating a more relaxing environment within the workplace is economically efficient compared to let’s say going on a company outing or sending people to workshops,” shared Megaworld FVP for business development Jericho Go.

Complete package

It is this stress-free environment in mind that Megaworld Corp. built its latest business process outsourcing (BPO) office building - Global One Center. The 27-storey office building is set for completion this quarter, providing as much as 42,000 square meters of prime office space in Eastwood City Cyberpark, the country’s first and leading information technology (IT) ecozone.

Being part of this IT zone affords Global One Center with a proven and established system and facilities that are on call 24/7. Every aspect is well taken care of- be it in telecommunications, mechanical, electrical, or safety-making it the top-of-the-line choice for BPO firms, IT companies and call centers looking to set up shop in the country. Even parking spaces will not be a problem with more than 500 slots offered. More parking slots are also available at Eastwood Citywalk.

Work and play

What makes Global One Center unique is its proximity to some of the country’s dining, shopping and leisure spots. Rising in Eastwood City’s new Palm District, it is just a few steps away from Eastwood City Walk’s food haunts and retail shops. The newly opened Eastwood Mall also adds to their dining and shopping choices.

For more information on leasing office spaces in Global One Center, please call 912-0708 or check out www.megaworldcorp.com.

habagatcentral1

March 7th, 2009, 02:44 AM

Katipunan Avenue last night (Ateneo de Manila overpass)
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/0/photos/348/1200x1200/35/Solimeet62.jpg?et=xdO%2CDG2IlrmOGvr0PiyjlQ&nmid=215998135

venntro

March 9th, 2009, 02:18 AM

Tourism tie-up between Quezon City, Clark proposed (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446827&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
Updated March 09, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Majority Floor Leader Antonio “Ariel” Inton is eyeing a possible tie-up with Clark International Airport Corp., also known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), to boost tourism in Quezon City.

In a speech during the oath-taking ceremonies for new officers of the Quezon City Capitol Jaycees where he represented QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Inton talked about his dream of making the city an important tourism destination in Asia.

Inton believes Quezon City could compete with other Asian cities in terms of tourism, especially with the help of Clark International Airport.

DMIA president/CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano, 1985 JCI world president, showed interest in the plan.

In terms of the number of tourists, Inton said the city could compete with Asian cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and even Manila.

He said DMIA, which is approximately just an hour’s drive to and from Metro Manila, could be a big help in attracting tourists as well as investors.

Records show that Tiger Airways and Air Asia Berhad currently operate numerous flights to and from various major cities and tourist destination within Southeast Asia.

“We can have tie-up with Clark International Airport to boost tourism, since the biggest city closest to Clark is the Quezon City,” Inton said.

venntro

March 9th, 2009, 05:33 AM

QCPD to install 50 CCTV cameras (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446845&publicationSubCategoryId=65)
Updated March 09, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is set to install at least 50 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along major thoroughfares and crime-prone areas in the city this year.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, in a report to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., said 15 out of the 50 CCTV cameras have been installed and are ready for operation.

Gatdula said the 15 CCTV cameras are located in identified crime-prone areas where many commercial banks and business establishments are located, such as Cubao, Timog Avenue and Tomas Morato.

He said the owners of some business establishments in Libis have signified their desire to install their own CCTV camera to prevent their area from being a target of high-powered and well-funded criminal groups.

City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head Pacifico Maghacot reported that two out of 95 banks registered in the city have complied with an ordinance requiring them to put up CCTV cameras within and outside their bank to dissuade robbers.

Police also use CCTV camera footage to help identify perpetrators of crimes. – Perseus Echeminada

venntro

March 9th, 2009, 07:50 AM

Arnell Ignacio et al to run in 2010 polls (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/09/09/arnell-ignacio-et-al-run-2010-polls)
By BOY VILLASANTA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/09/2009 1:28 PM

Nagpahayag ng kanyang intension ang action star na si Dan Alvaro na tumakbo sa pampublikong posisyon.

Si Alvaro ay kinausap na rin kamakailan ni 2nd District Quezon City Rep. Mary Ann Susano para tumakbo sa kanyang partido sa pagkakonsehal.

Sa katunayan, inihahanda na ni Alvaro ang kanyang plataporma sa lokal na eleksyon kaugnay sa youth and sports development.

“Sinabi sa akin ni Congresswoman Annie na maghanda na ako ng mga martial arts workshop lalo na ng boxing para mas maganda ang summer workshop. Kaya nga nagsisimula na akong mag-mobilize ng mga tao para sa boxing laboratory workshop,” pahayag ni Alvaro.

Kahit bagito pa lang sa pulitika si Alvaro ay lantad na siya sa mga rekotitos ng larangan.

“Naku, alam ko na ang pasikut-sikot n’yan sa pagsama ko sa mga politicians na artista,” sabi ni Alvaro.

Kinumpirma din ni Alvaro na tatakbo sa pagkakonsehal ng ikawalang distrito ng Quezon City si Alfred Vargas dahil regular ang pakikipag-usap sa kanya ni Susano para makasama sa tiket nito.

Matagal nang nililigawan ng kongresista si Vargas na lumahok na sa pulitika upang mas makapaglingkod sa kanyang mga kababayan.

Samantala, interesado rin si Arnell Ignacio na buksan muli ang pintuan ng kanyang political career sa konseho ng QC.

Pagka-mayor naman ang tatakbuhan ni Herbert Bautista at ang dating television host na si Ariel Inton ay preparado na rin sa kanyang laban kung hindi man konsehal ay bise-alkalde ng lunsod.

Sa kabilang banda, panay na rin ang dalaw ni Angelica Jones sa kanyang sinilangang Laguna at kung hindi man siya nanalo noong 2007 sa pagka-bokal ng lalawigan, nakakakita siya ng tsansa sa 2010.

Kamakailan ay nagbigay siya ng libreng birthday concert sa Rizal, Laguna, ang isa sa kanyang mga balwarte.

Re-election din ang habol nina Yul Servo, Lou Veloso, Jr. at Cita Astals sa pagkakonsehal ng Lunsod ng Maynila.

Si Isko Moreno naman ay bise-alkalde pa rin ang lalabanan.

Si Vilma Santos kaya matuloy sa kanyang pagka-bise-presidente ng Pilipinas?

skywalker2008

March 10th, 2009, 06:35 AM

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/HOLIDAY%202009%20-%20FEB%2003/DSC_0146a.jpg

^^Soon this will be a permanent landmark in QC...:ohno:

QC okays moratorium of shanty demolition (http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2009-03-10&sec=5&aid=87508)
March 10, 2009 08:05 PM Tuesday

A moratorium for the demolition of squatter shanties in Quezon City would soon be implemented following the approval of the city council of an ordinance for such purposes.

The ordinance which “imposes a moratorium on evictions and demolitions of structures used fro dwelling purposes and other measures to protect the right to adequate housing and providing penalties or violation thereof,” was approved for the third and final reading by the city council.

The 26-strong members of the city council introduced the ordinance as they cited the Nov. 6, 2008 recommendations ordering the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) to stop all evictions and demolitions of structures used for dwelling purposes until there are relocation sites that comply with the international standards of providing those directly affected with adequate housing.

Under the ordinance, there would be no evictions or demolition of structures unless the affected persons or entities would be notified 30 days prior to the date of eviction or demolition.

The councilors added that there should be an adequate consultation on the matter of resettlement with the duly designated representatives of the families to be resettled and the affected communities in the areas where they were to be relocated if demolition would be implemented.

They further stressed that there should be an adequate relocation, whether temporary or permanent before a demolition would be undertaken.

The councilors added that the relocation should be accessible to natural and common resources, safe drinking water, energy for cooking, heating and lighting, sanitation and washing facilities means of food storage, refuse, disposal, site damage and emergency services.

Those to be relocated should have legal security of tenure which shall guarantee legal protection against forced eviction, harassment and other threats.

The moratorium, the councilors said, does not cover agreements, contracts or negotiations entered into by the city government in coordination with other national government agencies.

Violators of the ordinance would suffer the penalty of a fine of P5,000 and/ or imprisonment of not more than one year at the discretion of the court.

skywalker2008

March 10th, 2009, 06:39 AM

A previous article from Inquirer...

QC councilors are squatter coddlers (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090202-186881/QC-councilors-are-squatter-coddlers)

By Neal Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:16:00 02/02/2009

WHAT is this? The Quezon City Council has proposed an ordinance declaring a moratorium on the eviction of squatters in the city “until there are enough relocation sites for affected families.” That means squatters from all over the Philippines, professional squatters or otherwise, will flock to Quezon City because here councilors coddle squatters. QC is already known as the “squatter capital of the Philippines.” It has the most number of squatters and it has the biggest squatter colonies. The new QC ordinance will make the city named after President Manuel Quezon the “squatter capital of the world.” I think this is the QC Council’s gimmick to gain entry to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Why are the councilors doing this? Simple. Next year is election year and squatters are voters. And politicians will do anything, even sell their own mothers, to get votes.

It won’t only be the squatters already in place who would vote for the councilors who passed the ordinance but also the new squatters from other parts of Metro Manila and the Philippines. So you see, the incumbent councilors would have the advantage over all other candidates because of the squatter votes. The ordinance, the councilors would say, is for humane considerations. But it is actually in aid of political considerations.

The presiding officer of the QC Council is Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista. Herbert is the heir apparent of Mayor Sonny Belmonte and is expected to be the next QC mayor, there being no announced aspirants except Rep. Mary Ann Susano of the second district. But if this is the way the QC Council is performing under him, then it bodes ill for the city. How can Herbert and the councilors have the temerity to ask the people of Quezon City to vote for them when they are selling them, the taxpayers, down the river?

The taxpayers, the homeowners and businessmen, have made QC the richest city in the Philippines, richer than Makati with its high-rise condos and even higher real estate prices. Thanks to these taxpayers, QC has more than P3 billion in the bank—and growing. Think of the commissions the grateful banks give to those who decide where to deposit the funds.

Where does the money go? The government spends it for the millions of squatters in the city who do not pay taxes at all. And for the councilors. Those useless tarpaulins polluting the city, greeting GMA and INC Bishop Eraño Manalo happy birthday, congratulating graduating students, wishing “happy valentine” and “happy fiesta” to nobody in particular—they were all paid with the taxes you paid. And all for what? To remind the voters of the names and faces of the councilors.

Those basketball courts and pool halls in the squatter colonies—they were paid with your money. Those concrete semi-arches with the names of the councilors etched in stone like the Ten Commandments at the boundaries of each barangay—they were paid with your taxes. Those unnecessary waiting sheds (unnecessary because the Metro Manila Development Authority is already putting up better waiting sheds) with the names of councilors painted in big bold letters on them—they were all paid with your taxes.

What do you, the taxpayers, get in return for the taxes you pay? Nothing. You would expect the city government to at least help you reclaim your property from the squatters because you are a taxpayer and they are not. (They use up your taxes instead.) But does the city government help you? Are you kidding? I have been trying to get the QC government to recover my lot from squatters since the time of Mayor Adelina Rodriguez. Did any of the mayors help? Ha ha ha. If they did, why are the squatters still there and I am still here looking from the outside?

What do the councilors do to help the homeowners? Help the homeowners? On the contrary, they pass ordinances increasing the real estate taxes for lots squatted on. The owners pay those taxes, not the squatters who use the lots. They may pass more ordinances prohibiting the ejectment of squatters.

Can the councilors pass an ordinance overturning the rights of ownership? Can the council prevent lot owners from ejecting squatters from their properties by the mere passage of an ordinance? Can the council prevent the city government or the MMDA from performing their duties of ejecting squatters and restoring law and order? Of course they cannot, but why do they try to block the enforcement of laws? Because of votes.

When there is a squatter demolition in any part of the metropolis, who are the first to show up to stop the law enforcers from doing their duty? The councilors—and the congressmen, especially Rep. Bingbong Crisologo. They will berate the law enforcers and play up to the squatters, not realizing that they are actually guilty of obstruction of justice. Because of votes. Votes are actually more powerful than the law or justice. Politicians will beg, steal or borrow, sell their own mothers and violate the laws in exchange for votes.

What can we taxpayers do? Well, aside from a tax revolt, the best way is the ballot. Do not vote for the squatter coddlers. If a councilor or congressman tries to stop a demolition, remember his name and don’t vote for him in next year’s election. Vote for his rival, whoever he is, so long as he is not a squatter coddler himself. Don’t vote for the politicians whose tarpaulins you see polluting the city. They are stealing your taxes to pay for those tarpaulins. Don’t vote for politicians whose names you see painted on waiting sheds. They did not pay for those waiting sheds. You did. Don’t vote for politicians whose names you see on the backboards of basketball goals erected in the middle of streets so that squatters can play basketball, instead of working, and preventing the public from using the street.

Don’t vote for squatter coddlers. By the way, the author of the proposed ordinance granting a moratorium on the eviction of squatters is Councilor Bernadette Herrera-Dy.

kalbongdad

March 10th, 2009, 08:19 AM

election na naman....source of votes nila yan...

venntro

March 10th, 2009, 09:25 AM

Fire guts home in White Plains, QC (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/03/09/09/fire-guts-home-white-plains-qc)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/10/2009 7:56 AM

Fire gutted a house in a posh village in Quezon City, Monday night.

Fire officials said fire broke out in one of the houses along Polksville Street in Barangay White Plains around 10:30 p.m.

The owner, Franco Mabanta, was hurt after being hit by a toppled glass foundation of his home during the fire.

The fire was put out 30 minutes later. Fire investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. With a report from Doland Castro, ABS-CBN News

venntro

March 10th, 2009, 10:11 AM

I noticed that there are diggings, kinda deep, in front of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Anyone knows what these diggings are for?

kalbongdad

March 10th, 2009, 10:26 AM

I noticed that there are diggings, kinda deep, in front of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Anyone knows what these diggings are for?

nde siguro underpass dahil meron nag katabing overpass diyan.....does it have to do with the mrt7 project?.....

icarusrising

March 10th, 2009, 10:34 AM

I noticed that there are diggings, kinda deep, in front of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Anyone knows what these diggings are for?

Which side? I'll go and check it out.

kalbongdad

March 10th, 2009, 10:37 AM

Which side? I'll go and check it out.

the side facing directly commonwealth avenue.....sa may philcoa

venntro

March 11th, 2009, 02:12 AM

nde siguro underpass dahil meron nag katabing overpass diyan.....does it have to do with the mrt7 project?.....

^^ It may also have to do with the current redevelopment of the QMC park. Sana meron mey alam.

balay_1

March 12th, 2009, 05:00 AM

Quezon City the best.! "Bistek" for Mayor 2010!:banana::banana::banana:

Arciga_01

March 12th, 2009, 09:54 PM

Go Quezon City! For being the "Carnapping and Squatter capital of the philippines" ! What's next? Aim to be the "Trash Capital of the philippines" ? Go QC!

lochinvar

March 13th, 2009, 12:27 AM

What's the fourth and fifth? :lol:

RonnieR

March 13th, 2009, 01:04 AM

Go Quezon City! For being the "Carnapping and Squatter capital of the philippines" ! What's next? Aim to be the "Trash Capital of the philippines" ? Go QC!

:lol: squatter capital? Hmmm.... I am not sure. :) visible lang sa QC ang mga squatters, unlike in Makati sa Laperal, Guadalupe, sa may CBD mismo near Makati Med, sa may Kakarong near Metropolitan AVenue, ang dami...etc.

Madami din sa Pasay, Caloocan, even in Manila along Quirino Ave. and in Pasig along floodway.

Arciga_01

March 13th, 2009, 05:20 AM

I called it squatter capital because, un mga QC councilors is coddling and protecting professional squatters. :naughty:

igi_master

March 13th, 2009, 07:15 AM

:lol: squatter capital? Hmmm.... I am not sure. :) visible lang sa QC ang mga squatters, unlike in Makati sa Laperal, Guadalupe, sa may CBD mismo near Makati Med, sa may Kakarong near Metropolitan AVenue, ang dami...etc.

Madami din sa Pasay, Caloocan, even in Manila along Quirino Ave. and in Pasig along floodway.

Mas marami pa rin sa QC sa laki ba naman ng kyusi dami din laki din ng pagiskwateran.

isa isahin natin, yung pinaka marami dyan sa kahabaan ng commonwealth avenue from philcoa sa likod ng BLISS UP, Luzon Ave, Diliman, brgy holy spirit kasama ang Don antonio, litex even Fairview, Kalayaan Ave corner V luna, Yung colony malapit dun sa trinoma, NIA, agham road, sa North ave fronting Wildlife, Kahit yung loob ng DENR sa may east avenue dami dun, quezon Ave tabi at pagitan ng wildlife and children Hospital, E Rodriguez ave malapit Araneta ave and trinity college, Tatalon, even yung likod ng QI dami din nila dun, rocess corner panay ave, Cubao cambridge, Project4 escopa at marami pa.. yan yung maramihan hindi pa kasama yung pakonti konti.

Kayan naman ang mga politician kandakumahog sa pagprotekta sa kanila. dahil sa botong makukuha nila dito.

RonnieR

March 13th, 2009, 07:29 AM

balay_1

March 13th, 2009, 11:46 AM

pagsamasamahin na lahat ng skwater jan. skwater padin sila. :nocrook:
Go! QC! "Bistek" for Mayor 2010!:banana::pepper::cucumber:

han742

March 14th, 2009, 02:03 AM

Go Quezon City! For being the "Carnapping and Squatter capital of the philippines" ! What's next? Aim to be the "Trash Capital of the philippines" ? Go QC!

kaya lang naman maraming carnappers dito sa Quezon City ay dahil sa madaling makatakas, maraming points of exit aside from EDSA maraming city roads na maluluwag na mapapasukan, but i think these carnappers are nonresidents of the city, most of them are from nearby places, made of big syndicates, regarding squatters marami-rami na rin ang mga squatters na naisaayos especially ng MMDA sa mga tabing kalsada at mga ilang ilog,:banana::banana: ang QC ay IT Capital of the Philippines.

Grandew09

March 14th, 2009, 06:55 AM

Mas marami pa rin sa QC sa laki ba naman ng kyusi dami din laki din ng pagiskwateran.

isa isahin natin, yung pinaka marami dyan sa kahabaan ng commonwealth avenue from philcoa sa likod ng BLISS UP, Luzon Ave, Diliman, brgy holy spirit kasama ang Don antonio, litex even Fairview, Kalayaan Ave corner V luna, Yung colony malapit dun sa trinoma, NIA, agham road, sa North ave fronting Wildlife, Kahit yung loob ng DENR sa may east avenue dami dun, quezon Ave tabi at pagitan ng wildlife and children Hospital, E Rodriguez ave malapit Araneta ave and trinity college, Tatalon, even yung likod ng QI dami din nila dun, rocess corner panay ave, Cubao cambridge, Project4 escopa at marami pa.. yan yung maramihan hindi pa kasama yung pakonti konti.

Kayan naman ang mga politician kandakumahog sa pagprotekta sa kanila. dahil sa botong makukuha nila dito.

Hindi naman sa nilalahat eh,jan bandang campbridge eh ang daming halang ang kaluluwa...

Sa bandang amin sa k-7 at mga karatig place eh ang daming inakyat na bahay at mga snatcher,holdaper na nakatira sa slumps na yan..

Dapat sa mga taga campbridge eh demolish ung lugar para maging malinis at wala ng mga magnanakaw...

Imagine mo na lang pag dumaan ka jan ang baho2 ng lugar tapos ung ilog tapunan ng basura ng mga hinayupak na un...
d naman ako against sa kanila pero sana matuto sila mamuhaY sa mabuting paraan at magpahalaga sa kapaligiran!!Bw%%%@@2

icarusrising

March 14th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Go Quezon City! For being the "Carnapping and Squatter capital of the philippines" ! What's next? Aim to be the "Trash Capital of the philippines" ? Go QC!

Hmm... wasn't the QC government awarded for being able to turn the Payatas story around? The mayor is being recognized not only here but abroad as well for implementing an ecologically sound way of getting rid/recycling of trash.

The Payatas Dumpsite: From Tragedy To Triumph (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160:the-payatas-dumpsite-from-tragedy-to-triumph&catid=44:special-features&Itemid=38)

Perhaps, no other dumpsite can evoke perspectives so extreme. From a scene of tragedy and shame, to become a showcase of best practices, recognized not only locally but internationally. From a poster child of hopelessness, to the Payatas residents’ becoming entrepreneurs, learning about consolidation and expansion.

All these in just seven years. All it took was a determined local government that refused to be locked by traditional approaches. Stubborn political will, practical sense the dumpsite had to be managed well because it was all that Quezon City had), and orientation to be a pioneer (Quezon City liked being first), the availability of technology and the resources to engage that technology were the key ingredients in this dramatic transformation.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte reduced the main considerations to the following, “We had to follow the full spirit of the law (the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or Republic Act No. 9003); we had to take care of the people; we had to keep the City clean.”

On January 26, 2009, the Payatas Disposal Facility rehabilitation program of the Quezon City government, will receive an award from the President of the Philippines and the Galing Pook Foundation, highlighting the many forms of recognition that it has received over the past few years. The program is pioneering. Quezon City is the first Urban Center to implement the Solid Waste Management Act. The Department of Environment and natural Resources’ Special Award was given to the Quezon City local government in August 2004, recognized the LGU’s “promising and innovative program in achieving environmental improvements with the conversion of the Payatas Dumpsite into a Controlled Facility and being the first in the country to capture methane gas from the dumpsite as an alternative energy source, thus ensuring the health and safety of the community.”

The Belmonte Administration’s reengineering interventions improved the dumpsite’s operational efficiency, restructured, and upgraded the dumpsite, while resulting in savings on its operating costs, and at the same time, making the facility safer and more environment-friendly. The program is widely recognized for being a laboratory and showcase for solid waste management initiatives and a model for other local governments.

The Payatas dumpsite has become a destination and a must-see in Quezon City for students and local and foreign institution representatives, as part of their learning experience, and for other visitors who simple want to see the vast improvement in the disposal facility, that ensures safety of areas near the dumpsite and provides livelihood opportunities to the residents.

A tragic history

More than 30 years of use and misuse of the open dumpsite took its toll on July 1, 2000, when a hill of garbage fell on a slum community in Payatas, resulting in the death of nearly 300 people and leaving hundreds of families homeless.

The Payatas dumpsite had multiple impact. More than just a dumpsite, it also represented a source of livelihood to residents of its neighboring areas. Closing it also adversely affected the cleanliness of the whole City.

Now a showcase of good environmental practices

When Belmonte assumed the mayorship in July 2001, the City government launched several pioneering and innovative projects to address this challenge.

Foremost among these was the conversion of the Payatas open dumpsite into a controlled waste disposal facility. The City government initiated developmental and rehabilitation works, including slope reprofiling, stabilization and greening, leachate collection and recirculation, drainage system improvement, fortified roadways and access to the site, gas venting and material recovery. All these were aimed at the rehabilitation of the dumpsite to address: environmental health and safety, stability of the dumpsite, safety and livelihood needs of the immediate community, and compliance with RA 9003.

In 2002, the City government collaborated with Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC)-EC and set up a 100-kW Pilot Methane Power Plant at the dumpsite in 2004 as part of the conversion program of methane gas into electricity.

Reducing greenhouse gases

In 2007, QC signed an agreement with Italy-based environmental firm PANGEA Green Energy and its local counterpart, PANGEA Phils., for the development and implementation of the Biogas Emissions Reduction Project. This is the first clean development mechanism (CDM) project in solid waste management in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.

It was registered under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Febrauary 1, 2008. The Project, which converts biogas emissions into electricity, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an annual average of 116,000 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). It will improve local air, water and soil quality, eliminate fires and explosion hazards and trashslides in the dumpsite.

Aside from generating electricity, employment and building capacity from the transfer of technology and know-how, the City will gain additional financial resources with its share from the sale of CERs (Certified Emission Reduction) or carbon credits and the electricity generated and exported to the grid. This is Quezon City’s humble contribution to the mitigation of global warming and climate change.

Using old tires for cement manufacturing

The Used Tire Retrieval project with Holcim Cement, is an innovative and environment-friendly management of discarded tires. More than 600,000 used tires dumped at the disposal facility have been retrieved and cleaned, and transported to Holcim’s plant, where the tires are used as alternative fuel in the production of cement.

There are also plans for Holcim to recover residual plastic materials from the dumpsite for use in the same manner. Should this project prosper, we expect a huge reduction in plastics that is finally deposited at the dumpsite, aside from additional income for the waste pickers.

Wastepickers raise their livelihood ambitions

The Payatas dumpsite is the major source of livelihood of more than 5,000 individuals (including approximately 2,000 engaged in waste picking and around 3,000 in the underground economy). Waste pickers enhance the City’s Waste Diversion Program with the recovery of around 7% recyclables from incoming waste, further reducing volume of garbage being dumped at the facility.

Ironically, the City’s strict implementation of RA 9003 has led to reduction in the quantity and quality of the recyclable content of waste brought to the dumpsite, leading also to drastic reduction in the income of waste pickers.

To prevent infighting among the scavengers and enhance their recovery efficiency, the waste pickers are organized into formal groups which are accredited, regularly consulted with and whose inputs are seriously considered in the formulation of operating systems in the management of the dumpsite. Sorting and recycling areas are allocated to these groups to facilitate their livelihood.

Junkshop operators are given assistance in legitimizing their business or operation. Through networks and linkages developed and facilitated by the City, scavengers, recyclers and junkshop operators can avail of financing, education and skills training, that would enable them to earn additional income and/ or embark on alternative livelihood. Some groups are amortizing trucks to become collectors of garbage in nearby communities, thereby raising their income prospects.

Payatas: Not a dumpsite, but a thriving community

Payatas is now green in many ways. Its residents enjoy a park, where the old dumpsite used to be. The stench of garbage is barely there. There is a composting plant, greenhouses, plant nurseries. Electricity is practically given away. Streetlights in nearby roads are powered by the dumpsite. The City government has also launched “Plantsahan ng Bayan,” in the community area where people can simply plug their electric irons and do their laundry with free electricity.

The Belmonte Administration has also invested extensively in road networks and sewerage systems, as well as social development programs, in this community that is now well known in many parts of the world for many right reasons.

han742

March 14th, 2009, 08:03 PM

^^si mayor belmonte ay napakagaling na mayor, maraming nagawa yan sa aming lungsod, sa mga unang termino pa lang ng admin nya, sinibak nya mga ghost employees sa city hall, mga taong sumusuweldo kahit hindi pumapasok, na nakakadagdag sa bayarin ng lungsod, ito at nang iba pang repormang ginawa niya kung kaya't lumaki ang kita ng lungsod,:cheers::banana:

equinox

March 14th, 2009, 08:46 PM

:lol: squatter capital? Hmmm.... I am not sure. :) visible lang sa QC ang mga squatters, unlike in Makati sa Laperal, Guadalupe, sa may CBD mismo near Makati Med, sa may Kakarong near Metropolitan AVenue, ang dami...etc.

Madami din sa Pasay, Caloocan, even in Manila along Quirino Ave. and in Pasig along floodway.

true..

there are a lot of slumdwellers in QC, or any other city for that matter. I don't think how many you have should be an issue. It's how you solve these problems.

You may call Dy and Bautista squatter-cuddlers, slum-lovers, or vote obsessed politicos, but you and I know, other cities and towns do have their own versions. Makati, Manila, Pasay, Caloocan, Pasig (heck, even Cainta).

The solution doesn't dwell on the capacity of one or so councils. It takes effort from the national executive at the top down to the slum dwellers themselves. Poverty alleviation, serious initiatives to provide housing, legislation to prevent professional squatting and amending some rather irrational law, the design of inclusive communities, education of people and so on..

dancethingy

March 14th, 2009, 11:05 PM

^^ As Hillary Clinton would put it, "It takes a village." :)

I don't think it matters which city in Metro Manila has the most amount of informal settlers, the fact that they exist in all cities in Metro Manila and in great numbers should be our main concern.

It's going to take a long time to solve this problem. All sectors of society from government officials to private citizens must participate in integrating informal settlers into legal housing and formally functioning neighborhoods. Belmonte can't do it alone, everyone must be involved.

skywalker2008

March 15th, 2009, 02:23 PM

This can be an old article but it emphasizes the value of the ONE leading the flock...

Leaders our nation needs (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=46159)

By Alexander L. Lacson
Inquirer
First Posted 01:52am (Mla time) 01/29/2007

MANILA, Philippines--When God decided to build a nation for His people, He didn’t call upon them as a whole. Instead, He called on one person—Abraham—to do the job, and He made him the leader. When God wanted to deliver His people from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, He didn’t talk to the people as a whole. Instead, He raised one leader—Moses—to do it. When He wanted His people to cross the wilderness on to the Promised Land—God appointed Joshua.

In the Bible, each time God wanted to do something great, He always called on one person—one whom He molded to become a leader—to do the task.

But in our times, God no longer speaks directly to man the way He did during the times in the Old Testament. Today, God speaks to us indirectly—through the signs and subtle messages He sends our way.

Today, leaders are elected by the people. Every election, therefore, becomes a call to leadership. While many run for money and power, there are those who run because they feel it is their calling to serve the people. But often, it is difficult to differentiate one candidate from another.

This brings me to the point—what should we look for in a candidate? What kind of leaders does our nation need today?

Lao Tzu, a famous Chinese philosopher, said—“In choosing a leader, character is the most important quality. Intelligence and skills come second in importance.” US President Theodore Roosevelt said that “intelligence without morality is a great danger to society.”

Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders mankind has ever produced, said—“Power is best used by a leader who has strong moral character.” Plato said “He who does not seek power is the most qualified to hold it.”

Park Chung-hee, president of South Korea from 1961 to 1979—in his desire to build a good government in his country—used honesty as the first criteria in appointing leaders and officials to government. When he died in 1979, he left a government that was highly credible in the eyes of its people, and an economy that became one of Asia’s economic miracles. Despite serving as his nation’s leader for 18 years, President Park died a poor man in 1979, with little money in the bank, and left only one property to his family—an old, small apartment that he and his wife bought in 1961, before he was installed as president.

In early 19th century, Alexander de Tocqueville, a French statesman, sought to understand America’s greatness, and this is what he discovered, in his own words.

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there....

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there.

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution, and it was not there.

“Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and greatness.

“America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

My dear countrymen, please let us make moral character—or righteousness—as our first criteria in voting for candidates this May 2007 elections. It is our obligation to do so. Aristotle said, “The salvation of the community (nation) should be the common business of good citizens.”

Today, more than ever, our country needs leaders who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who will be honest in small things as in great things; who will make no compromises with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires. (With apologies to Charles Swindoll who penned “The World Needs Men.”)

Leaders who, by their love for our country, can unite us Filipinos, wherever we may be in this archipelago or in the world, whatever our religions are, whether we are loyalists of Marcos, Cory or Erap.

Leaders who, by their sincerity and humility, can bring out the best in us as a people, so we may discard the indifference and selfishness among our rich, the despair and lack of spirit among our poor, the greed and ambition among our leaders.

Leaders who can inspire our entire nation to work as one to do great things, including sacrifices, for the good of our nation.

Leaders who value honor, whose word is their bond, whose oath of office their commitment. Leaders who cannot be bought, who will be honest in small things and in great things.

Leaders whose stand on right and wrong is as clear as black and white, whose principles and values are beyond the reach of money, who are brave and bold to do what is right.

Leaders whose love of country is greater than love for one’s self and family, and who shall be willing to march into hell so that the Filipinos may have heaven on this planet.

Leaders like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi, David Ben Gurion, Lee Kuan Yew and Park Chung-hee. For the stories of these men—considered as fathers of their nations today—all point to one clear truth: that the task of building a nation begins in the heart.

Alexander L. Lacson, is author of the bestseller book “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country.” A lawyer by profession, he finished law at UP and has taken post graduate studies at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

skywalker2008

March 15th, 2009, 02:29 PM

The World Needs Men …

• who cannot be bought;
• whose word is their bond;
• who put character above wealth;
• who possess opinions and a will;
• who are larger than their vocations;
• who do not hesitate to take chances;
• who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
• who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
• who will make no compromise with wrong;
• whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
• who will not say they do it” because everybody else does it”;
• who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity;
• who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;
• who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
• who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says “yes.”

-Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity

skywalker2008

March 15th, 2009, 03:34 PM

You may call Dy and Bautista squatter-cuddlers, slum-lovers, or vote obsessed politicos, but you and I know, other cities and towns do have their own versions. Makati, Manila, Pasay, Caloocan, Pasig (heck, even Cainta).

Yes there are also slum-dwellers in other places but this is not a valid excuse for us to pamper these people. It is just like saying "because everybody else does it”. Living in a slum is a matter of choice. And although we have moral obligations to these people we must not also ignore the concerns of the law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. These people are struggling to live in a more decent community. People who are working hard to make both ends meet and be able to pay the rent or amortization of their house. It is just disheartening to know that our supposedly leaders are disregarding the ones generating their pork barrel. They are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. :ohno:

RonnieR

March 15th, 2009, 04:27 PM

kalbongdad

March 16th, 2009, 04:23 AM

^^ Good but sad to say, I still have to find one who has the above qualities among the presidentiables, anyone?

naregaluhan ako ng ganyan .... ang hirap sundin...:lol:...

anyway last saturday we went for a stroll sa qc memorial circle medyo marami na siyang nabago pero yung mga ibang inintroduce nila na pagbabago mukhang palpak kagaya ng mga table sira agad...mukhang patakbuhin ang paggawa.......meron na naman sigurong kumita dyan....dahil ang mga table mga bago nga mga tibag-tibag na dahil hindi matibay ang gawa mukhang tinipid.....

meron ng nadagdag na kainan at cafe....sa loob.....sana lang ay papaganda ang development hindi ma sacrifice ang park dahil sa iilan na gustong kumita......

at yung hukay pala sa circle fronting commonwealth...ito ay isang underpass yung kalapit na overpass ay ililipat sa visayas avenue....bakit kaya hindi na lang underpass lahat para nde pumangit ang lugar diyan....

yung ginawa nilang underpass sa tapat ng qc city hall.....maganda ang pagkagawa....well lighted at safe...

balay_1

March 16th, 2009, 05:38 AM

Ba't di pa matapos tapos ang bagong building ng QC City Hall? Nung nasa MRT ako, tanaw ko iyon. Walang nagbago.:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Semento pa lang at wala pang pintura pati fixtures.

han742

March 17th, 2009, 07:39 AM

venntro

March 17th, 2009, 08:36 AM

at yung hukay pala sa circle fronting commonwealth...ito ay isang underpass yung kalapit na overpass ay ililipat sa visayas avenue....bakit kaya hindi na lang underpass lahat para nde pumangit ang lugar diyan....

yung ginawa nilang underpass sa tapat ng qc city hall.....maganda ang pagkagawa....well lighted at safe...

^^ My original guess is correct that it will be an underpass. Hope that they made the necessary provisions for the planned MRT7 project.

The only thing I don't like about the underpass in front of the City Hall is that it does not have any shed/roof so if it rains hard, the stairs are all wet and very slippery. If they are wary of vagrants, that would not be a problem since there are guards 24/7 manning that underpass. Hope they make it similar to Makati's underpasses.

balay_1

March 18th, 2009, 08:49 AM

^^alin yun, yung nasa likod ng Quezon City Hall na mataas na building, ito sana ay gagawing condo units pro ang alam ko ay may TRO ito dahil may ordinansa ang lungsod na hindi puwedeng magtayo ng istruktura sa palibot ng Circle na mas mataas pa sa monumento ng Quezon Memorial.:)

Ah ok. Private company ba ang nagpatayo nito? At saka bakit natuloy ang pagpapatayo nito kung may ordinansa naman? Something's under the table transaction.:ohno:

han742

March 18th, 2009, 04:37 PM

^^this building was started prior to Mayor Sonny Belmonte's term, which is Mayor Mel Mathay, that is why it was given the go signal, i don't know their reason behind this,:)

3cr

March 20th, 2009, 05:34 AM

^^ Looks like Eastwood and Nuvo City will be having another great looking neighboring development pretty soon with Circulo Verde. Looks beautiful and exciting project to me. This area will look good when these projects (NuvoCity and Circulo Verde) come to fruition. I just hope they will address the potential traffic mess expected once these projects come on line. All they have to do is look at Eastwood now, what more later down the line. Ang traffic!

Circulo Verde: Your own living space
PhilStar
http://thefilipino.com/frames/philstar.htm

Ortigas & Co. recently unveiled Circulo Verde, its latest innovative residential development, which offers its residents the living space they deserve.

Located in a 12-hectare property along Calle Industria in Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Circulo Verde will have 15 residential buildings of staggered heights that gives residents unparalleled sightlines of the nearby Sierra Madre mountains and the Metro Manila skyline. As part of the global effort to go green, the development retains natural features that are unique to the property, as well as maximizing the potential of the Marikina River, which surrounds the site.

Ortigas & Company chief operating officer Rex Drilon II says Circulo Verde does not merely provide Filipino families with the homes they need, but also the opportunity to embrace an alternative lifestyle that is sensitive to the environment.

“Our objective is not just to sell condominium units. That’s not what this is all about. Ortigas has been known for the last three generations to provide quality communities,” says Drilon. “We are here to offer the Filipinos on alternative lifestyle. We believe in making projects that resonate with the aspirations of Filipinos. A home is important for many Filipinos. This is an aspiration of Filipinos in all classes, and it would be sad if we came up with a mediocre development.”

Circulo Verde is ideal for a variety of homeowners, from startup families, to upwardly mobile professionals and empty nesters, since it offers a variety of layouts. Its location places residents in a quiet part of the metropolis yet still within reach of major commercial and business establishments and premiere educational institutions in the country. With access to EDSA, Ortigas Ave., C-5, Katipunan, and Marcos Highway, busy executives are just minutes away from the Makati, Ortigas and Quezon City business districts. Major commercial establishments as well as schools and colleges like UP Diliman, Ateneo and La Salle Greenhills are just a few kilometers away.

The international design firm RTKL has developed a master plan that maximizes the area’s natural features to strike a balance between nature and the demands of fast-paced living in the city. The Marikina River provides the perfect frame for this ecologically sensitive master plan.

Greg Yager, principal architect of RTKL, says that Circulo Verde offers a high-quality environmental where people can live, work and play.

“I think Circulo Verde gives us the opportunity to be sustainable,” Yager explained in a project briefing last year. “Being citizens of a world where the climate is changing, we still want to get the quality of life, we still want to enjoy the place we live in, and we still want the best communities for our children. Our aim at Circulo Verde is to create a unique place. You can walk in the garden and alongside the Marikina River, enjoying the fresh air on your face. Then just around the corner, you can walk into the shops, restaurants, gyms and health clubs. You can be in the midst of a flurry of activities without leaving your neighborhood.

Ortigas & Company general manager for real estate, Cathy Casares-Ko, says that the project site is unique. Its location and topography allow the planners to come up with a product that maximizes the views for all the towers. There is a play on the heights of the residential buildings that provide not just unimpaired views, but also brings in adequate ventilation and natural lighting to all units.

Circulo Verde:
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/5277/slide24dv0.jpg
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4883/slide25xw1.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3025/slide31hq2.jpg

nick_marayag

March 20th, 2009, 03:32 PM

flip2_0

March 20th, 2009, 04:09 PM

Ano to??? Itatayo in the middle of river?

It's this parcel of land right here.

http://i42.tinypic.com/mc9q46.jpg

A Mini Bataan, if you may.

manila_eye

March 20th, 2009, 05:07 PM

very futuristic design.

jamir57

March 20th, 2009, 10:06 PM

wow... may ferry terminal pa..=)

icarusrising

March 23rd, 2009, 12:17 PM

han742

March 23rd, 2009, 12:45 PM

icarusrising

March 23rd, 2009, 12:57 PM

nakakainis dito sa west avenue, pinaganda na nga ang kahabaan ng bangketa para may space na hiwalay ang sa tao, at sa mga kotse, kaya nilagyan ng mga maliliit na poste pero yung mga tricycle at ilang mga pribadong sasakyan ginawa na naman garahe ang mga bangketang para sa tao, mga sakim talaga, naku!:ohno:

Uy kapitbahay...:D

Concerned rin ako sa maintenance ng mga improved sidewalks. Nakita mo yung sa Tomas Morato na naunang ginawa? Di na maayus ang iba pero parang wala naman ginagawa para maibalik sa kaayusan.

chris_nigel

March 23rd, 2009, 03:12 PM

anong building yang ginagawa yan bayung matagal ng nakatiwangwang sa likod ng city hall o baka yan yung hospital na pinapagawa ni SB?

icarusrising

March 23rd, 2009, 04:03 PM

anong building yang ginagawa yan bayung matagal ng nakatiwangwang sa likod ng city hall o baka yan yung hospital na pinapagawa ni SB?

Quezon City Civic Center yan... Sa likod pa niyan yung building na matagal nang nakatiwangwang. Yung QC General Hospital sa Congressional banda yun.

han742

March 23rd, 2009, 07:11 PM

Uy kapitbahay...:D

Concerned rin ako sa maintenance ng mga improved sidewalks. Nakita mo yung sa Tomas Morato na naunang ginawa? Di na maayus ang iba pero parang wala naman ginagawa para maibalik sa kaayusan.

actually sa BIR branch lang ako dyan nagpunta at napansin ko nga na kabago-bago pa lang ng sidewalk eh sinakop na naman ng ilang mga "buwaya" na walang pakundangan sa kapwa, tao nga naman, maluwag naman yung space para sa sasakyan pilit pa rin hinaharangan yung space para sa tao,:ohno:

chris_nigel

March 24th, 2009, 03:52 PM

yaman talaga ng QC sana next mayor shuold maintain kung anong mga nagawa na structures ni SB like sidewalks gustong gusto ko yun ginawang yun ni mayor

han742

March 24th, 2009, 04:14 PM

^^Mayor Sonny Belmonte is the Best Mayor for me here in MM, hindi nasasayang ang tax na binabayad ng mga constituents nya dahil nakikita naman na nagagamit sa mga proyektong pangsiyudad, at nakakapag-ipon pa dahil wisely allocated ang pera,:banana:

kalbongdad

March 24th, 2009, 04:32 PM

These pictures had been in my PS camera for more than a month now...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/37/IMGP5633.JPG?et=WSwbZl04qjevhHZrIN8mLw&nmid=115885306

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/38/IMGP5634.JPG?et=Ji7K%2BwDNyqZH7tiCyxIooA&nmid=115885306

i think yung mataas ng bldg na color blue and yellow...yan yung bagong finance bldg ng qc hall.....bagong inaugurate yan just a few days ago....it was in the news...ang dami talaga nagawa ni belmonte sa qc...

igi_master

March 25th, 2009, 02:08 AM

igi_master

March 25th, 2009, 02:08 AM

icarusrising

March 25th, 2009, 02:26 AM

Tayo yata ang mag kapit bahay, or kapit opisina?

Kapit-opisina siguro. West avenue ako.

skywalker2008

March 25th, 2009, 06:40 AM

^^ Good but sad to say, I still have to find one who has the above qualities among the presidentiables, anyone?

http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/sb%20for%20his%20profile.jpg

FELICIANO BELMONTE, JR.

Mayor of Quezon City (2001 – present)

Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines in 2003

Mr. Serbisyong Bayan “SB”

Seven years of prudent fiscal management, aggressive tax management strategies, as well as increasing efficiency and growing discipline in the management and use of our resources has made Quezon City one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines today.

At the center of economic competitiveness

As a result of Belmonte’s leadership, Quezon City’s reputation as a model of best practices is recognized in the local and international community.

Among the reasons cited consistently is the credibility of the local government whose governance initiatives have made Quezon City a favorite case study of international institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Other surveys and studies cite Quezon City for the dynamism of its local economy, the quality of life of its residents and the responsiveness of the local government in addressing business needs.

In 2007, Quezon City was ranked No. 7 Asian City of the Future, based on a survey commissioned by the London Financial Times through AsiaBiz strategy, an investment and trade promotion consultancy based in Singapore. It joined the ranks of Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei, besting more than 200 Asian cities.

Furthermore, the Asian Institute of Management, in its “2007 Philippine Competitiveness Ranking Project” ranked Quezon City as the most competitive city in Metro Manila and second most competitive in the country. The study covered 90 cities, classified into metro, mid-sized and small. They were ranked according to how effective these cities were in providing an environment conducive to business and industry.

In a 2008 Tholons special report on global services, Quezon City ranked among the top 50 emerging global outsourcing cities. They conducted a location assessment based on scale and quality of workforce (including education), business catalyst, cost, infrastructure, risk profile, and quality of life. Within the six categories are 15 subcategories that differentiate cities, and to a large extent determine their individual capacities to fulfill particular services. Quezon City ranked as the number 21 emerging global outsourcing city, the highest among all nine new entrants.

(Source: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=90)

^^Mayor Sonny Belmonte is the Best Mayor for me here in MM, hindi nasasayang ang tax na binabayad ng mga constituents nya dahil nakikita naman na nagagamit sa mga proyektong pangsiyudad, at nakakapag-ipon pa dahil wisely allocated ang pera,:banana:

Best mayor ng din ng Quezon City compare sa previous QC mayors.

skywalker2008

March 25th, 2009, 06:47 AM

^^His running mate...

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8721/wikcoversj2.jpg

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves: A feather in his cap in the midst of crisis (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=438346&publicationSubCategoryId=90)
By Iris Cecilia C. Gonzales
Updated February 08, 2009 12:00 AM

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves is still in suspended disbelief. With a government budget deficit, lower-than-expected revenues and a global financial crisis lurking ominously, Teves reaps a prestigious recognition from the London-based The Banker.

The Banker, which is part of the Financial Times group of publications, named Teves the Best Finance Minister for 2008 in the Asian region.

The finance chief received the news in December. It would turn out to be his biggest surprise so far in a public service career that has spanned more than two decades.

“It was totally unexpected so I felt both awkward and humbled at the same time. It’s my first recognition as finance secretary and any career that I had been in,” Teves told STARweek – sheepishly, unable to conceal the shyness in his voice.

Indeed, he feels awkward receiving that bit of good news at a time when the Philippines is struggling to survive and bracing for the brunt of the global financial turmoil to crash onto our shores.

The Banker, a monthly financial magazine, cited Teves’ efforts in handling the negative impact of the global crisis on the Philippines.

The magazine said Teves, who assumed the finance post in 2005, rose to the challenge of handling the impact of the global economic turmoil on the country.

“It has been a tumultuous 12 months for the majority of the world’s finance ministers, with the impact of the credit crisis affecting almost every country to some extent. Here, The Banker salutes those that have risen to the challenges posed by this financial turmoil,” the publication said, adding that the decision was the outcome of discussions among editors and staff of the magazine, and a survey of views among bankers and economists.

“In particular, survey respondents mentioned that, thanks to progressive improvements in revenue collection, lower public debt levels and more stable finances at the state-owned enterprises, the Philippines has entered the current global credit crunch in a much less vulnerable position than during past financial crises,” finance editor Philip Alexander said.

The Banker noted Teves’ efforts to reduce the Philippine economy’s vulnerability to the crisis, including deferring the balanced budget goal to have more funds to spend and putting in place measures to boost tax collections and to widen the tax base.

However, some observers in the local financial community are not as optimistic as The Banker.

One bank executive said he was extremely surprised that Teves was given the award, considering that the fiscal health remains a major concern for the economy.

Finance department employees, on the other hand, are proud of their boss.

Streamers of congratulations are plastered in various prominent sites of the finance department complex along Roxas Boulevard.

Though appreciative of the congratulatory messages and the award itself, Teves admits that there are still so many things to do.

“Honestly speaking, I still think there are so many challenges that we have to hurdle that we haven’t hurdled,” he says.

Unlike his predecessor Cesar Purisima, Teves could not really enumerate a long list of achievements as head of the finance portfolio.

“I don’t think I was that creative but I was just persistent with the things that I wanted to achieve,” he admits.

Purisima, on the other hand, went after the so-called big fishes. He initiated anti-corruption programs such as the Run After Tax Evaders and the Revenue Integrity Protection Service. During his term, movie actors, singers and other prominent figures were the subjects of tax evasion cases.

Purisima also pushed – successfully – for a higher value-added tax (VAT) rate in the country, to 12 percent from 10 percent.

The former finance chief also constantly updated reporters on his actions through regular text messages and press briefings.

Teves, on the other hand, chooses to work more quietly, and believes that his strength is having the patience to implement programs put in place by his predecessors.

“I keep saying it’s not me. I work with a team comprised of my predecessors, Congress, the President and employees of the finance department…I keep saying that a lot of people really helped me,” he insists.

While Teves did not have programs as creative or as talked about as those by his predecessors, he has a major plan as finance chief.

Teves’ fervent hope as finance secretary is to see the government achieve a balanced budget.

However, he admits that with the difficult external environment, it may take a longer time for the Philippines to achieve this.

The government had planned to balance the budget in 2010. It seemed a lot of time then, especially since the budget gap had declined steadily since 2004, government data showed.

In 2004 the deficit was recorded at P186.1 billion or 3.9 percent of the economy’s total economic output or the so-called gross domestic product or GDP.

In 2005, the deficit dropped to P146.5 billion or 2.7 percent of GDP.

The budget deficit further declined in 2006, settling at P64.8 billion or 1.1 percent of GDP. In 2007, the deficit stood at P12.4 billion, way below the program of P63 billion.

The steady decline in the budget deficit happened because of a significant improvement in the government’s revenue stream.

With the steady decline in the deficit, the government decided to accelerate its balanced budget goal to 2008 instead of 2010.

However, because of the crisis, the government decided to abandon its 2008 balanced budget goal and to instead return the target back to 2010.

The National Government incurred a budget deficit of P4.3 billion in November 2008, a marked turnaround from the P54.1 billion surplus recorded in the same period the year before because of lower-than-expected revenues.

The November budget gap brought the January to November deficit figures to P66.7 billion, reversing the P12.6-billion surplus recorded in the same period the previous year.

“The balanced budget was something I wanted to do, but circumstances and pragmatism suggest that maybe we should defer that for the meantime in order to have growth,” Teves says.

Observers in the financial community are wary of Teves’ goal to balance the budget at this time.

“It is a virtue and is something for the government to be prudent on the fiscal side. On the other hand, it should not be taken as doctrine that we should balance the budget. When you are facing a crisis that is once in several lifetimes and you don’t spend, that is a sin. People are starving to death while you’re saving (funds) for the future,” Nicholas Kwan, Standard Chartered Bank regional research head for Asia, says.

Others are waiting for more concrete steps from the finance department on how the government would raise revenues for investments, infrastructure and social services.

But this isn’t the only pressure on Teves. Senator Miriam Santiago has a different issue against the finance chief.

Last week, Santiago called for the resignation of Teves and Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for their alleged inaction on findings by the World Bank of corruption related to a road project funded by the Bank.

Santiago, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, blew her top when Teves was a no-show at the hearing her committee conducted last week.

Teves, however, explained that he had to attend to a hearing of the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee on proposals to raise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.

With these issues weighing heavily on his shoulders, the Finance chief retreats to the golf course to relax. He also enjoys his favorite wine every now and then.

Prior to Teves’ appointment as finance chief, he was president and chief executive officer of the Land Bank of the Philippines since September 2000.

He also served as congressional representative of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental in 1987. He took up Bachelor of Arts at the Universidad Central de Madrid, Spain in 1961 and earned his Higher Education Diploma in Business Studies in 1965 at the City of London College in England. In 1968, he finished his master’s degree in Development Economics from Williams College, Massachusetts.

skywalker2008

March 25th, 2009, 06:50 AM

-dp-

han742

March 25th, 2009, 11:59 AM

^^naku, baka maakusahan tayo nyan dito ng electioneering,:lol: but kidding aside, Belmonte is better than Binay because the former does his job devotedly,:)

chris_nigel

March 25th, 2009, 02:46 PM

pwede na sa akin si SB kaso mahina pa sa survey mag senador muna sya tas papunta na sa malakanyang

stanleymalls

March 26th, 2009, 05:43 PM

These pictures had been in my PS camera for more than a month now...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/37/IMGP5633.JPG?et=WSwbZl04qjevhHZrIN8mLw&nmid=115885306

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/38/IMGP5634.JPG?et=Ji7K%2BwDNyqZH7tiCyxIooA&nmid=115885306

Uy! Ang bilis ng construction! Go BELMONTE! :cheer: :cheers: :cheers2:

han742

March 29th, 2009, 09:32 AM

kalbongdad

March 29th, 2009, 01:30 PM

West Avenue, Quezon City...

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4531/img1116q.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1116q.jpg)

maganda na ang bangketa dahil may hiwalay na daanan ang mga tao at parking area ng mga sasakyan,

:banana::banana:

ganito din ang hitsura ng timog....magkabilang sidewalk ay puro bricks na...

lochinvar

March 29th, 2009, 01:49 PM

I've seen for the umpteenth times the metamorphoses of the Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo center island. When the next mayor is elected, just like Lim, West and Timog will have new look again.

kalbongdad

March 29th, 2009, 01:59 PM

I've seen for the umpteenth times the metamorphoses of the Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo center island. When the next mayor is elected, just like Lim, West and Timog will have new look again.

wag naman sana masasayang pera gawin na lasng nila ang mga hindi oa gawa

han742

March 29th, 2009, 05:01 PM

I've seen for the umpteenth times the metamorphoses of the Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo center island. When the next mayor is elected, just like Lim, West and Timog will have new look again.

the sidewalk shown here in QC looks good, i think they have no reasons to change it again,:)

IndioBravo

March 29th, 2009, 11:43 PM

^^And also QC bldgs. should have a uniform style/ or should be quite similar to each other....And all should be arcaded, so as to help shield people from the scorching sun.

Rence

March 30th, 2009, 04:12 AM

Venue: Quezon Cityhall grounds
Exhibitors: 50 from all over the country
Date: February 5 to 16
Event Organizer: Philippine Orchid Society

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/820587068/name/flora3.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/306079414/name/flora6.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/640721342/name/flora2.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/1142369609/name/flora1.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/2046672525/name/flora4.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/955488382/name/show4.jpg
February 5, 2009 opening day- reception table

igi_master

March 30th, 2009, 07:59 AM

West Avenue, Quezon City...

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4531/img1116q.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1116q.jpg)

maganda na ang bangketa dahil may hiwalay na daanan ang mga tao at parking area ng mga sasakyan,

:banana::banana:

Parehong pareho ng Visayas Avenue , at tama yung sa timog yung sa Morato naman may pagkakaiba kasi di nakihiwalay daanan ng tao. saka iba yung design ng materials na ginamit pareho lang ng color scheme.

kalbongdad

March 30th, 2009, 11:24 AM

galing ng pics...ha....yung sa qc circle....bakit hindi masyadong published naka punta sana....well there is always next year...

han742

March 31st, 2009, 01:15 PM

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3909/img0216b.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0216b.jpg)

:banana:

han742

March 31st, 2009, 01:28 PM

Rence

April 1st, 2009, 12:49 AM

The Consumer
Noise pollution at Quezon Circle?

By Linda Bolido
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:45:00 03/31/2009

Filed Under: Tourism, Pollution, Consumer Issues

QUEZON CITY MAY HAVE some use for whatever revenue it earns from commercial enterprises at the Quezon Memorial Circle, but the local government should probably be more selective in who should be allowed to do business at the place, considering what the Circle is all about.

The Circle after all is a shrine to Manuel Luis Quezon, Commonwealth President and after whom the city is named. And it is a park where people can take leisurely walks, do their exercises, or just sit down and have a few moments of peace and quiet away from distractions.

But it seems peace and quiet is the last thing you can expect when you go to the Circle. Talent manager Norma Japitana found this out recently when she went to have a therapeutic natural healing procedure in one of the establishments that have sprouted at the Circle.

Before her healing could begin, her ears were assaulted by the noise from the karaoke joint next door, the equipment set to maximum volume.

When she asked the owner to lower the volume of his karaoke as they could not even hear each other because of the noise, the owner reportedly responded angrily, asking, “Sino ka ba?” Japitana replied, “Just a citizen who finds your karaoke too noisy when I’m trying to get a healing massage.”

But apparently the guy, a certain Romeo Rillon, felt he had some proprietary rights over the Circle telling Japitana: “Paalisin ko ’yang nag he-healing na ’yan. Inampon ko lang sila dito!” Japitana did not say if the people in the healing booth were orphans who needed to be adopted.

So now Japitana, a Quezon City resident, is addressing her appeal to Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, to save QC Circle from the karaoke invasion and the noise pollution it is causing. “You have done so much for Quezon City. [This] good deed will be surely appreciated by families enjoying the Circle,” Japitana said.

Feedback

Reacting to last week’s column on the traffic nightmare at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Dr. Ed Chua offers another suggestion to ease life a little for thousands of commuters affected by the Skyway extension.

Aside from encouraging greater use of the Skyway by temporarily reducing charges, as suggested earlier by one motorist, Chua recommends opening up the service road. He says the road can be converted into a one-way street with motorists turning around at Bicutan to go to Sucat, making the area a big rotunda from Bicutan to Sucat. Motorists can exit on Sucat, use the service road and enter Bicutan to return to SLEX and vice versa.

Meanwhile, another reader said a decision issued by Judge Luis R. Tongco of the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 155 rendered invalid the franchise of the Philippine National Construction Corporation; thus, motorists “are no longer legally obligated to pay toll along the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway), SLEX, and Star Tollway.” He said motorists should contact the police if toll fees were being demanded from them.

He said the court’s decision was based on the non-extension by Congress of the PNCC’s 30-year franchise. As a result, the franchise lapsed in May 2007. He added, “Before the expiration, the TRB granted PNCC a Toll Operations Certificate effective May 1, 2007. But the trial court noted that without a franchise, the PNCC was illegally collecting toll fees.

Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail lbolido@inquirer.com.ph.

:banana:This is the development on our side of QC Circle : Quiet , Peaceful and refreshing to the eyes!

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/21384485/sn/179041633/name/100_3541.jpg

newly built plants, fruits and pet center

kalbongdad

April 1st, 2009, 12:18 PM

icarusrising

April 3rd, 2009, 05:04 AM

I suppose the one being referred to in the articles is this building...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/38/IMGP5634.JPG?et=Ji7K%2BwDNyqZH7tiCyxIooA&nmid=115885306

QC opens air-conditioned taxpayers lounge (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201:qc-opens-air-conditioned-taxpayers-lounge&catid=1:latest-news)
Thursday, 26 March 2009 10:28

Taxpayers in Quezon City can now sip free coffee while paying their dues to the city government at the city’s newly opened taxpayer’s lounge at city hall. Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. presided over yesterday’s inauguration with City Treasurer Victor Endriga Jr. and Finance Secretary Margarito Teves. The new air-conditioned taxpayers lounge has 73 counters where residents and businessmen can line up in comfort, complete with coffee. “If the taxpayers take more than an hour to finish their transaction, then they can complain to the supervisor,” Belmonte said. The new lounge is located on the ground floor of a new building which cost P30 million. Belmonte said the facility was equipped with a state-of-the-art computer system which will be connected to all taxpaying counters, serving as a taxpayers lounge. “I hope this can be adopted as a model for other local government units wishing to improve their services,” he added.

Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 24, 2009

Teves, Belmonte to open Quezon City's new treasury building (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=208:teves-belmonte-to-open-quezon-citys-new-treasury-building&catid=1:latest-news)

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led the opening last March 23 of Quezon City’s new treasury building that will serve as a one-stop shop for residents transacting with the treasury and assessor’s offices.

“The new treasury office will have 72 booths with computer linkup to speed up transaction with the public. Taxpayers will also be given free coffee,” city treasurer Victor Endriga said.

He said the payment process will be fully computerized, and a single transaction will only take a few minutes.

Endriga expressed confidence that with the opening of the new treasury building, the city government’s tax collection will greatly improve.

Last year, the city government overshot its tax target by more than P1 billion when it collected at least P 9 billion.

By Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star
March 22, 2009

icarusrising

April 3rd, 2009, 05:08 AM

More modern hospitals to rise in QC (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=204:more-modern-hospitals-to-rise-in-qc&catid=1:latest-news)
Thursday, 02 April 2009 10:45

To fully address the health and medical concerns of the public, Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the city government will prioritize the building of modern health facilities in the city.

Although there is already a sufficient number of public hospitals in Quezon City, Belmonte said the city still needs to construct more advanced medical health centers to cater to even the most sensitive illnesses of local residents.

Belmonte said he has consulted with his men regarding the prospects of building more health care facilities in areas of the city where there are scarce or no regular health centers available.

The Quezon City mayor said although generally Quezon City has a "terrific health care facility presence,’’ there is still an urgent need to construct government health care units in some areas to provide medical attention to residents especially during emergency cases.

Belmonte directed Department of Engineering chief Joselito Cabungcal to coordinate with concerned local health officials regarding the construction of a three-storey building at the back of the Novaliches District Hospital.

With District Two accounting for more than 50 percent of the city’s population, Belmonte has expedited plans of constructing a state-of-the-art hospital on Commonwealth Avenue in the vicinity of Area Seven.

Cabungcal said Quezon City Hall officials are contemplating plans on starting the construction of the modern hospital in the district within the year, adding that the city government is also rushing the completion of the 500-bed Quezon City General Hospital in Barangay Bahay Toro.

He said the target completion date of the hospital is April 2010.

Manila Bulletin
March 27, 2009

icarusrising

April 3rd, 2009, 05:17 AM

Construction of public crematorium in Quezon City proposed (http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=205:construction-of-public-crematorium-in-quezon-city-proposed&catid=1:latest-news)
Thursday, 02 April 2009 10:49

Councilor Dorothy “Doray’’ Delarmente of the first district of Quezon City urged the Quezon City Council to immediately approve her proposal to allocate P 25 million for the construction of a public crematorium to cater the funeral needs of the poor residents of the city.

She issued the proposal in the wake of the growing population and the congested cemeteries in Quezon City, making it an added burden for the less fortunate to bury their dead.

The councilor, who is a medical doctor by profession, noted that cremation has been gaining wide acceptance as the most practical, convenient and economical way of taking care of the dead.

At present, Delarmente said that public cemeteries, memorial parks and some burial grounds in Quezon City can no longer accommodate the increasing number of interments, making the approval of the proposal a necessity.

She noted that despite its huge size and large population, Quezon City has no government-owned crematorium; making the situation worse is the limited burial grounds.

Engineer Joselito Cabungcal, chief of the Quezon City Engineering Department (QCED), said his office will take charge of the cost estimates and other related engineering and structural works on the public crematorium once the city council approves the proposal.

Councilor Jaime Borres of the third district of Quezon City, meanwhile, said that his office will provide vehicles for the use of the mourners of Quezon City residents paying their last respects to their dearly departed.

He said that the use of the vehicles is free of charge and is available on a first come first serve basis.

Borres has been cited by Quezon City residents for using his pork barrel for projects that are most useful for the public especially to those belonging to the underprivileged sector.

His projects include the purchase of dialysis machines, fire trucks, ambulances and expenses for the training of fire volunteers who were picked out from the 37 barangays in the third district of Quezon City.

By Chito A. Chavez
Manila Bulletin
March 11, 2009

han742

April 3rd, 2009, 05:18 AM

^^yan dapat ang ginagawa ng isang mayor, mga ospital at eskwelahan hindi lang puro ilaw sa kalsada, bagama't kailangan ding gawin ito,:banana:

icarusrising

April 3rd, 2009, 03:01 PM

Convergys opens 3 new call centers in Philippines (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090402/tbs-as-philippines-call-centers-ae7b53c.html)

AP - Friday, April 3

MANILA, Philippines - A U.S.-based call center company opened three additional facilities in the Philippines Thursday and plans to employ 4,000 more workers by the end of this year, its top official said.
ADVERTISEMENT

Dave Dougherty, president and chief executive of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Convergys Corp., joined Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other officials in ceremonies to inaugurate a new call center Thursday in a technology park in Laguna province near Manila.

Convergys opened another call center in suburban Quezon city and a third in Cebu city in the central Philippines also on Thursday.

Dougherty said two more call centers are under construction in the country and the company "continues to see growth and development" despite a slowing economy.

He said that Convergys already employs over 16,000 people in 12 call centers in the Philippines _ including the three facilities just opened _ only five years after starting operations. The company's workforce will reach 20,000 by the end of the year, he added.

Dougherty said the availability of well-educated and English-proficient employees who have a "strong understanding of U.S. culture" are the key to the company's success in the Philippines.

Convergys, which has 74,000 employees worldwide, provides call center and billing services for communications and technology companies. The new contact centers will provide general support and advanced technical help desk services.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila said about 450,000 people are employed by business outsourcing operations in the Philippines with over half of those workers in call centers.

"It continues to expand," he said. "Because of the global meltdown, there are companies overseas that would still look for the cost-efficient ways of running their businesses for which the Philippines is very strong and solid."

RonnieR

April 8th, 2009, 04:54 AM

I took this shot when we went to Philippine Heart Center, the abandoned building at the back of Sulu Hotel....sayang...

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/abandonedbuildingQC.jpg

kalbongdad

April 8th, 2009, 08:15 AM

palagay ko hotel yan....yung sulo hotel na nde natuloy....

chris_nigel

April 10th, 2009, 04:27 PM

hope to see that building finish soon

han742

April 11th, 2009, 05:06 AM

^^ the case of that building is already in court, i think it was a battle between the long time QC ordinance on height limits around QMC and the private owner of that building, it should not have been built there because there is a law in QC which states that no one should construct a building higher than the QMC, (but the former mayor allowed it for whatever reasons)
anyway UPDATE muna on the QC treasurer/tax building and civic building,
07 Apr '09
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9821/img0211z.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0211z.jpg):banana:

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5996/img0212chl.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0212chl.jpg):banana:

michael677

April 11th, 2009, 05:46 AM

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3695/img0213b.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0213b.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9828/img0214i.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0214i.jpg)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2981/img02172.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img02172.jpg)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9163/img02182.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img02182.jpg)

:banana::banana::banana:

"I did not aspire to be a mayor simply to look good in the office."
- Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte (SB), Mayor, Quezon City

:ohno:i hope the mayor does something about signages in QC circle. whether day or night, it is very hard to notice the exit signs because they are as SMALL as a car plate's number! especially for inexperienced motorists.. he should follow mmda chairman's example of putting new signs like what you see in edsa

han742

April 11th, 2009, 06:05 AM

oo nga medyo inexperienced pa rin yata ang gumagawa ng signages ng QC, kasi sa MMDA signages kitang kita at madalas pa kaya wala kang idadahilan talaga sa mga traffic enforcers kapag nahuli ka,:)

kalbongdad

April 11th, 2009, 04:56 PM

han742

April 11th, 2009, 08:19 PM

balay_1

April 13th, 2009, 01:19 PM

Govt seeks SM funding for terminal linking 3 train lines

CHERYL M. ARCIBAL, GMANews.TV
04/13/2009 | 04:36 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The government expressed hope that the SM Group will be willing to shoulder at least half of the cost of a terminal that will connect Metro Manila’s three train lines.

To be located at SM City Annex in Quezon City — a mall considered as the world’s third-largest in terms of floor space — the terminal will benefit the SM Group upon its construction, officials said.

The Metro Manila Integrated Rail Terminal will cost between P1.4 billion and P1.5 billion and will connect MRT 3, which runs from Pasay to Quezon City; LRT 1, which stretches from Monumento to Baclaran; and MRT 7, which will span Commonwealth Avenue to Bulacan.

LRT1 and MRT 3 will soon be connected, allowing commuters to travel from Pasay to Caloocan City.

“Incremental cost for the Grand Central Terminal is P800 million. We're hoping that SM will be willing to share at least half of that," an official from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

For its part, the SM Group said it is still awaiting the project’s final design to determine whether the company it will agree to cover part of the facility’s cost.

“We still have to see the final design. We're still discussing and we'll decide what's best for the riding public," said Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime Holdings Inc. chief finance officer.

Although analysts said SM Group would have the financial muscle to join in the government undertaking of the common station, it would still have to run the numbers if the investment will yield a fair return rate.

SM Prime has reported that its net income in 2008 jumped about seven percent to P6.4 billion while revenues improved 12 percent to P17.8 billion.

“Definitely, human traffic will increase because of the Grand Central Terminal but whether it will translate to sales is another matter," said Justino Calaycay Jr, Accord Capital Equities trader.

Calaycay cited the case of Araneta Center's Gateway and Edsa Shangri-La mall, where train stations are connected. He said that although human traffic increased, there was no mark improvement in sales of these department stores.

“Convenience (for the shoppers) could be a factor but will it be substantial to cover P400 million?" he asked.

Another analyst, meanwhile, said that with Ayala's Trinoma being connected to the North Station of MRT 3, the sale of SM City, the first leisure mall of the Sy-led group, was most probably affected.

“I would think that it would have been better for SM City if Trinoma was not there," said Lee.

“Still, SM would have to run their numbers and see if they would be able to earn fair return. How much that is, I don't know," he added.

Lee, however, noted that the SM Group has been doing projects to enhance human traffic, although, in a smaller scale.

“I've noticed that in the provinces, SM malls have been putting up jeepney and buses terminals. If they can do that there, then they maybe willing to do the same for the common station," he said.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/156788/Govt-seeks-SM-funding-for-terminal-linking-3-train-lines

Wow!!!!!!

Ang gobyerno natin humihingi ng tulong sa SM.

Pag- aaralan pa ng SM iyan kung ang iinvest nilang pera ay malaki ang return.

Mahirap na. Hindi naman kumita ang Gateway sa Cubao kahit kunektado ang terminal sa mall na iyon. (from the article)

Pera ang kailangan, pero asan ang pera. Ayun nalimas ng mga galamay ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of Pampanga Province in Central Luzon.

Hope natin na matuloy ito. Para sa kaunlaran naman ng bansa natin ito.

RonnieR

April 13th, 2009, 04:22 PM

skyline of QC (part San Juan)

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/April132009007.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd350/RonnieR_2008/April132009006.jpg

kalbongdad

April 13th, 2009, 05:42 PM

^^the building is just at the back of Quezon City Hall and still very near the Elliptical Road around Quezon Memorial Circle,
i think the investors already know the risk and still pursued with their plan and had an agreement with the former mayor who still approved it,:ohno:

that i cannot understand....nasa likod na sya ng city hall....in the case of the gsis bldg ...yun ang dapat na ipagbawal dahil talagang katabi sya ng circle mismo......we are one crazy people....nakakapagpapangit ba yun...hindi...pero yung mga nakakapagpapangit...pinapayagan...like installing those footbridge fronting philcoa...ngayon papalitan ng underpass at ililipat ang footbridge..yun ang dapat pinagbawal dapat underpass lahat dahil...nasisira ang paligid ng circle....yung mga establishment sa loob ng park na mga cheap alam naman natin pinagkakakitaan lang ... yun ang dapat nilang ipagbawal....

han742

April 13th, 2009, 06:49 PM

that i cannot understand....nasa likod na sya ng city hall....in the case of the gsis bldg ...yun ang dapat na ipagbawal dahil talagang katabi sya ng circle mismo......we are one crazy people....nakakapagpapangit ba yun...hindi...pero yung mga nakakapagpapangit...pinapayagan...like installing those footbridge fronting philcoa...ngayon papalitan ng underpass at ililipat ang footbridge..yun ang dapat pinagbawal dapat underpass lahat dahil...nasisira ang paligid ng circle....yung mga establishment sa loob ng park na mga cheap alam naman natin pinagkakakitaan lang ... yun ang dapat nilang ipagbawal....

i think that law was passed out of respect for the Memorial of the Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon (whose remains were there), they don't want to make the Monument on Quezon Memorial Circle look so small when high rise structures are built around there,:) the Man had done so much not only for the city but most specially for our country,:cheers:

johnmizer

April 14th, 2009, 04:03 AM

tell that to caloocan regarding bonifacio, hhehee

in_a_rush

April 14th, 2009, 04:35 PM

sayang naman yung building. to think na wala naman masyadong hotel sa lugar na yun.

kalbongdad

April 15th, 2009, 03:13 PM

i think that law was passed out of respect for the Memorial of the Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon (whose remains were there), they don't want to make the Monument on Quezon Memorial Circle look so small when high rise structures are built around there,:) the Man had done so much not only for the city but most specially for our country,:cheers:

I got it....what i am saying ok lang yung sa periphery ng circle.na ipagbawal..dahil katabi yung pero yung bldg...sa likod na qc hall....ang layo na nun ha.......ang tutukan nila kung sa pagrespeto din lang ng memory ng MLQ ay ang kagandahan ng circle at buong park...i know its condition dahil napunta ako dun lately with my kid...ang daming may mga karaoke...tiangge....mukhang mali ang focus ng park admin....o mga nagbabantay ng mga parks natin...

icarusrising

April 15th, 2009, 04:06 PM

Megaworld eyes P6 billion from Cubao project (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=457602&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña Updated April 15, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Upscale real estate developer Megaworld Corp. is eyeing P6 billion in sales from the third phase of Manhattan Garden City, its township project in Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

Construction of the third phase, dubbed as Manhattan Heights, follows the successful launch of the initial two phases – Manhattan Parkway Residence and Manhattan Parkview Residence, a combined six towers offering a total of 2,200 condominium units.

Situated at the current bus terminal across Ali Mall, Manhattan Heights will have four towers with the first tower offering 406 units with balconies. Unit prices range from P2.5 million for studio, P3.7 million for one-bedroom and P6.1 million for a two-bedroom model.

“With the launch of Manhattan Heights, the success story of the country’s best-selling residential condominium continues. The first two phases of Manhattan Garden City are now sold out and with the strong backing of the Araneta Group, Manhattan Heights will surely post a stellar performance,” said Andrew Tan, chairman and chief executive officer of Megaworld.

“With the record-breaking pace that Megaworld’s sales team has achieved for Manhattan Garden City so far, we expect that the schedule for completing this new city will accelerate even further, even with the effects of the current crisis,” Tan added.

Manhattan Garden City will feature skylights, jogging path, pools and garden decks at the podium level.

Megaworld expects to end the year with a net profit of P4.02 billion on revenues of P17.58 billion. It has projected to book P12.5 billion in sales from existing projects. Rental income is projected to grow to P2.075 billion while interest income on real estate is seen to reach P588 million.

Megaworld is developing 17 new residential projects with total projected revenues of around P26 billion. Most of these projects are located in the company’s five major township

developments across Metro Manila – Eastwood City in Quezon City, McKinley Hills and Forbestown Center in Taguig City, Manhattan Garden City in Quezon City, Newport City in Pasay City and Cityplace in Manila.

Megaworld has set aside P30 billion over the next three years for its capital expenditure program.

stanleymalls

April 15th, 2009, 06:27 PM

^^ Nice! Sana ito na ang simula ng par-revitalize sa Araneta. :D

kalbongdad

April 16th, 2009, 02:38 PM

actually nag simula na ang pagbabago ng cubao....nde na sya napagiwanan...dahil na rin siguro sa dalawang lines ng tren.....

Ady001

April 18th, 2009, 10:09 AM

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Ecija

April 19th, 2009, 02:45 AM

actually nag simula na ang pagbabago ng cubao....nde na sya napagiwanan...dahil na rin siguro sa dalawang lines ng tren.....

Sana sa redevelopment ng cubao eh magkaroon sila ng space para paglagyan ng park na maraming puno. Kasi isa sa pinaka matindi ang pollution dyan sa area na yan, kasi nga trasportation hub siya.

ruralvillage

April 19th, 2009, 06:57 PM

Quezon City council declares White Plains as special development area (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=459376&publicationSubCategoryId=65)
Updated April 20, 2009 12:00 AM
Philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=459376&publicationSubCategoryId=65)

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City council has passed an ordinance reclassifying both sides of Katipunan Avenue from the boundary of St. Ignatius Village subdivision to White Plains Avenue from a low-density residential zone to a special development area.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed the ordinance into law last March 30.

The councilors who pushed for the passage of the measure noted that the portion of Katipunan Avenue in District III has attained the special development zone status with the proliferation of business establishments, “which in a way contributes to the economic development of Quezon City.”

Under the ordinance, the declared special development zone shall be governed by the general district requirements applicable for major commercial zones, with additional requirements for townhouses, churches, schools, supermarkets, restaurants, office buildings, and tertiary hospitals.

Existing establishments along Katipunan Avenue that are not allowed to operate in the area shall be given a grace period of one year to phase out their business. These banned businesses include gravel and sand dealers, furniture repair and upholstery shops, blacksmiths, vulcanizing shops, hardware and auto supply shops, betting stations, beerhouses, motels, nightclubs, signage makers, machinery and machine shops, funeral parlors, warehouses and bus terminals, among others. – Perseus Echeminada

kratos1211

April 20th, 2009, 08:31 AM

^^Kasama kaya ang mga landscaping shops sa may white plains. They should also widen that stretch.

RonnieR

April 20th, 2009, 08:58 AM

Bright pavements perk up QC image

Renovated sidewalks boost business
By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:37:00 04/18/2009

Filed Under: Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Government

MANILA, Philippines -- What used to be plain, nondescript sidewalks in some major roads in Quezon City are now colorful pavements on which pedestrians can walk with ease and motorists park conveniently.

Instead of dull gray, red and yellow bricks have been laid along West, Timog, Visayas, and Tomas Morato Avenues which lend a bright glow to the establishments there.

“I could even say that it will become a tourist destination. The businesses now have a better looking facade,” said Quezon City engineer Joselito Cabungcal.

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte started the sidewalk renovation program last year to boost the city’s image. He zeroed in on the the four major avenues since these are particularly known as hangout places for the various shops, restaurants, bars and cafes.

‘NEAT LOOK’

The inspiration for the red and yellow brick-lined sidewalks came from visits to China and Singapore in 2005, the city engineer said in a recent interview.

He noted that pavements in Singapore had a “neat” look to it unlike the common gray sidewalks in Metro Manila.

“It’s like a tourist attraction. The pavements there are pretty to look at and there is a semblance of order,” Cabungcal said.

The city government’s special design group, along with the engineering department, then thought of combining red and yellow for their rehabilitation project.

But jumpstarting the P560 million project did not come without resistance from the establishment owners, who claimed the diggings would slow down businesses.

“They said the overhaul would disrupt their businesses. But I think they soon realized that the renovation would actually up the value of their stores,” Cabungcal said.

The city government’s design allocated around two meters of pavement for pedestrians and five meters as parking space for motorists.

The renovation, including the installation of streetlights, involved 1.2 kilometers of pavement for Tomas Morato Avenue, 1.6 km for Timog Avenue, 1.4 km along West Avenue and 1.2 km along Visayas Avenue.

Cabungcal said they also installed bollards or metal posts to differentiate the sidewalk for pedestrians and parking area for motorists.

‘HYDRAPAVE’ BRICKS

The city government used red colored “hydrapave” bricks up to two inches thick to line the sidewalks, which Cabungcal said was locally manufactured and could withstand most light vehicles.

“Now the pavements are smooth and easier to walk on, and there are few sidewalk vendors left too in those areas,” he added.

He noted that the contrast of red and yellow was pleasant to look at especially for motorists parking their vehicles in front of the establishments.

“It’s not just for aesthetics. The city government sees it as an investment, so that the businesses would also look for ways on how to improve the look of their areas,” Cabungcal explained.

He cited the case of Visayas Avenue, which used to be an enclave for several junk shops. “Now it has the potential of being a commercial area. There are more restaurants and night spots there because the pavement helps in attracting customers.”

Cabungcal said they plan to turn over the care and maintenance of the sidewalks to the business owners.

“They will be in charge of making sure that the sidewalk won’t be vandalized or the streetlamps won’t be stolen. They are the number one beneficiaries of the project, and the city government only comes second,” he noted.

A similar renovation program is planned on Mother Ignacia Street, Panay Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue and areas near the Quezon City Hall.

“We hope that people will appreciate the changes we have done to Quezon City’s sidewalks, that it’s now neater and much nicer to look at,” Cabungcal add

Ecija

April 20th, 2009, 02:24 PM

Another good project by SB.:)

IndioBravo

April 20th, 2009, 10:36 PM

It's also much better if they have a specific parking lot and clear the sidewalks of vehicles and leave it for pedestrians solely.:) it will definitely be better looking.

Ecija

April 21st, 2009, 05:36 AM

It's also much better if they have a specific parking lot and clear the sidewalks of vehicles and leave it for pedestrians solely.:) it will definitely be better looking.

Our cities need this kind of project to encourage people to take a walk instead of bringing their own cars.:)

philip_v

April 24th, 2009, 04:50 PM

I like Eastwood. It really is a city within a city.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3470335483_696b09bb02.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/3470331539_17a3196f16.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3470328725_773a958736.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3470308527_fd54cb7913.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3471107630_775c7dc5c7.jpg

metrosuburban

April 25th, 2009, 07:51 PM

stanleymalls

April 27th, 2009, 01:53 PM

I like Eastwood. It really is a city within a city.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3470308527_fd54cb7913.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3471107630_775c7dc5c7.jpg

Eastwood was a success in creating a township center. :okay:

But it is too crowded by buildings, IMHO. :)

lochinvar

April 27th, 2009, 05:22 PM

I'm a little bit claustrophobic at Eastwood. I wish it's a little wider.

icarusrising

April 27th, 2009, 06:48 PM

^^ Eastwood shouldn't have turned its back on the Marikina River. I hope future developments would include the creation of a promenade facing the river. An open space facing that body of water would help alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia.

johnmizer

April 28th, 2009, 05:50 AM

tama, kapag nandyan ka, dapat tumingala para makakita ka ng open space

christel_anne00

April 28th, 2009, 08:19 AM

christel_anne00

April 28th, 2009, 08:23 AM

Our cities need this kind of project to encourage people to take a walk instead of bringing their own cars.:)

don't worry parating din yan jan, patience is a virtue.... :)

icarusrising

April 28th, 2009, 08:26 AM

Portion of Katipunan Ave now a dev’t zone
Tuesday, 28 April 2009 13:39

The Quezon City Council has recently passed a measure reclassifying a portion of the Katipunan Avenue in Barangay White Plains to a special development zone area.

Through the ordinance, the council has designated both sides of Katipunan Avenue, from the boundary of St. Ignatius Village to White Plains Avenue, from a low density residential zone to a development area.

The ordinance noted the area has boomed with the presence of several business establishments, “which in a way contributes to the economic development of Quezon City.”

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed the ordinance into law on March 30, 2009.

The measure was authored by city councilors Ma. Diorella Sotto and Antonio Inton Jr., who said there was a need to update the city’s comprehensive zoning ordinance.

“The zoning ordinance must be updated and aligned with the changing needs of the times in keeping with the progressive development trends of Quezon City as it cruises through the future,” the ordinance read.

Under the ordinance, the declared special development zone shall be governed by requirements for major commercial zones which have churches, schools, restaurants, offices, etc.

It added that existing establishments along the avenue that are not allowed to operate will be given a one-year grace period to leave.

Their business permits or occupancy permits shall not be renewed afterwards.

Such establishments whose permits will not be renewed include gravel and sand dealers, furniture repair and upholstering job, blacksmiths, vulcanizing shops, hardware and auto supply shops.

Beerhouses, motels, nightclubs, sign and billboard signs, machinery and machine shops, funeral parlors, warehouses and bus terminals will also be asked to leave.

Early this year, some members of the White Plains Homeowners Association presented a position paper on the project, saying the portion of Katipunan Avenue in the subdivision remains private property.

WPHAI former president Roberto Guison then said the zoning classification would pose peace and order and environmental concerns to the residents.

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
April 25, 2009

Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 April 2009 13:41

christel_anne00

April 28th, 2009, 10:59 AM

Eastwood was a success in creating a township center. :okay:

But it is too crowded by buildings, IMHO. :)

uu nga, minsan dumurugo na ung mata ko sa kabibilang ng mga bintana, dont mind nalang, nag stiff neck tuloy ano.... :lol:

overtureph

April 28th, 2009, 09:27 PM

Incentives sought for heritage sites in QC

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 13:51:00 04/24/2009

Filed Under: Culture (general)

MANILA, Philippines—A Quezon City councilor is pushing for incentives to be granted to owners of historical and heritage sites in order to encourage them to preserve such sites of national interest.

In a proposed ordinance, city councilor Ma. Diorella Sotto is batting for incentives like discounts on real property taxes, business permits or renovation fees for residents who own cultural sites.

Sotto’s proposed ordinance defines heritage sites as all houses, buildings and structures, including religious and civil structures, which trace the history, culture and heritage of Quezon City and the entire country.

She added that such structures could be indigenous or influenced by the Spanish, American, Chinese or other cultures “which played a role in the history and socio-cultural life of people in the city.”

Under the proposal, property owners of heritage sites will be granted a 20 percent discount on annual real property taxes of both the structure and lot on which it was constructed.

Owners who wish to restore their structures will be exempt from paying the required building permit and renovation fees.

Should the proposed ordinance be passed, owners renovating their buildings will also enjoy a tax exemption for the next five years and a 20 percent discount for the succeeding years.

“Restoration of stone gates and fences to its original state shall be undertaken by the city government at no cost to the owner,” Sotto proposed.

However, she clarified that the incentives would be granted only to owners of heritage sites which have been opened to the public.

The National Historical Institute will be in charge of issuing certifications that the structure is a historical and cultural site before the discount can be granted.

Sotto added that any renovation or alteration should be in sync with the style, material and process used at the time period when it was built, and that renovation or alteration must be approved by the city government.

Heritage sites will be also exempt from any demolition or destruction as the office of the city building official will not issue any demolition permit for historical sites.

The proposed ordinance will prohibit any private owner or administrator from destroying, vandalizing and demolishing “houses, buildings and structures declared as historical, cultural and heritage sites.”

Violators of the ordinance will be fined P5,000 and imprisoned for one year should they be found guilty of destroying or vandalizing heritage sites.

Copyright 2009 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20090424-201223/Incentives-sought-for-heritage-sites-in-QC

philip_v

April 29th, 2009, 06:52 AM

I love that Eastwood is crowded. Maybe it's just me. It feels cozy and tight. The tall buildings also provide the much needed shade from the harsh sun. I also love the colors and designs used. Very cohesive.

christel_anne00

April 29th, 2009, 08:41 AM

RonnieR

April 29th, 2009, 10:38 AM

philip_v: nice shots of Eastwood.

philip_v

April 29th, 2009, 07:08 PM

Thank you RonnieR

icarusrising

April 30th, 2009, 08:17 AM

Belmonte pushes Quezon City Citizens' Charter (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=462619&publicationSubCategoryId=65)
By Perseus Echeminada Updated April 30, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has given City Hall heads of departments and offices until July 1 to post and publish the city’s Citizens’ Charter, purportedly designed to institutionalize simplified and less time-consuming procedures that would lessen the burden of the public in transacting business with the city government.

In a directive, the mayor urged city hall executives to immediately provide the City Personnel Office with all information and materials necessary for the setting up of the Citizens’ Charter and to actively, fully cooperate and assist in the timely preparation of the same.

Belmonte has designated the City Personnel Office to lead and coordinate the formulation of the QC Citizens’ Charter to ensure it is set up and appropriately published not later than July 1. The move is in compliance with RA 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape, preventing graft and corruption and providing penalties, too.

Pursuant to RA 9485, all local government units in the country, including the Quezon City government are mandated to set up a Citizens’ Charter, an official document, a service standard, or a pledge that relays information on the services provided by the concerned government agency to the public and describes a systematic procedure for the availing of a particular service, and the guaranteed performance level that they may expect for their service.

Overall, the Citizens’ Charter is aimed to improve the government’s delivery of services for the satisfaction of the public.

Belmonte’s directive to heads of departments and offices said that the Citizens’ Charter shall include the vision and mission of the office or agency, identification of the frontline services offered, clients, step-by-step procedure to obtain a particular service, officer or employee responsible for each step, maximum time to conclude the process, documents to be required to clients and why they are needed, amount of fees, procedure for filing complaints, names and contact details of the officials whom clients can file complaints to, allowable period for extension due to unusual circumstances, contact numbers to call for recommendations, inquiries, suggestions as well as complaints.