Ángeles and San Fernando Cities, and Pampanga Province [Archive] - Page 9

barrera_marquez

May 19th, 2008, 03:38 PM

Cops to maximize visibility to prevent robberies
Monday, May 19, 2008
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/05/19/news/cops.to.maximize.visibility.to.prevent.robberies.html

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) has bared that "maximum deployment of policemen along commercial areas shall be undertaken to prevent occurrence of robberies."

In a statement issued over the weekend, provincial police officer-in-charge (OIC) Keith Ernald Singian disclosed that he will augment the deployment of policemen in this capital city, particularly along the stretch of McArthur highway in Barangay Dolores where most banks in this city are situated.

Singian said he had directed Superintendent Benjamin Medina, the newly designated city chief of police here, to intensify the conduct of both mobile and foot patrols along crime prone areas, especially during banking hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The provincial police OIC said Central Luzon regional police director Chief Superintendent Errol Pan had vowed to augment the number of policemen assigned in this city with the reassignment of at least 40 additional police personnel to the city police force here.

This, according to Singian, "will beef up visibility patrols as an effective crime deterrent in a bid to prevent occurrence of robberies in the city."

Singian said the newly assigned police personnel will be primarily deployed to intensify police visibility points where Cambilan outposts are located.

He said he has revived the operational concepts of "5K" (Kapampangan Kapulisan Kayagape Keng Kapayapan) as a complementary crime prevention program of Cambilan.

Singian said he has also directed Superintendent Elvis Diaz, deputy provincial director for operations, to establish checkpoints along major thoroughfares.

The Provincial Mobile Group (PMG) headed by Superintendent Ricardo David has been tapped in conducting checkpoints on the outskirts of the province, which will be complemented by the checkpoints manned by Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) platoon on areas along Lazatin Boulevard and along SM Pampanga, Robinsons Starmills and its adjacent areas in this city.

Singian said he will reiterate his directive to all chiefs of police in the province "to amplify" the conduct of "No Plate, No Travel policy" with the emphasis of flagging down all motorcycle riding men, especially those riding in tandem, plying their respective areas.

He said all motorcycles without license plates, with tampered license plates, and the ones without the necessary ownership documents to be shown by their riders like Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration will be impounded.

This, he said, is a preventive measure against the cases of assassinations and robberies mostly perpetrated by motorcycle-riding men in tandem.

Meanwhile, the Pampanga PPO, through its Public Safety Office (PSO), has proposed to the Municipal Council members of the city and all municipalities in the province the enactment of an ordinance requiring the registration of motorcycle helmets "as an effective measure to abate shooting incidents and robberies in the province."

The proposed ordinance, which is a pilot project of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), requires all motorcycle owners and riders to wear helmets with stickers bearing their license plate numbers.

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Aah! Malapit pa naman ito sa amin, ang daming bangko sa lugar namin dito sa San Fernando!

OtAkAw

May 19th, 2008, 03:53 PM

Mas pipiliin ko pa ang makakita ng isang pangit na city hall hanggat maaganda ang pamamalakad nila sa Lungsod. Sa ngayon pangit mang maituturing ang city hall ng Angeles ay mainam parin naman nitong nagagampanan ang tungkulin nito na magsilbing bahay pamahalaan ng lungsod. Mas gusto ko na ang ganyan kesa naman pagkagandaganda nga ng city hall kung naghihirap naman ang lungsod eh para saan pa ang city hall? pamorma at luho ng mga pulitiko?

Pero siyempre gugustuhin ko paring ayusin nila itong city hall ng Angeles. Sana din madalas nang gamitin ng kasalukuyang Mayor ang kaniyang opisina di gaya noon na halos lamunin na ng alikabok ang lamesa at upuan ng Mayor hehehe.

Iyan ay tamang punto sa aking palagay datapwat ay dapat mangilabot ang gobyerno ng A.C. dahil ang syudad na ito ay maaaring bansagang "economic capital" ng buong Rehiyong Tres ngunit ang gusaling pangobyerno nito ay matatawag na basura. Marahan lamang na sila'y magtayo ng isang makabagong gusaling panlokal na pamahalaan na magsasalamin sa progreso, komersyo at kaunlaran.

zelrich82

May 19th, 2008, 07:20 PM

here's my :2cents: ,

all cities have their budgets, para sa sweldo ng mga empliyado, sa pangangailangan para tumakbo ang city hall, and for road constructions/repairs, and ifrastructure. alam na siguro natin na ang payraise ay pahirapan, kumpleto din kaya ang kagamitan para sa city hall? a lot of the roads are non-existent and kung meron man - sing-laki siguro ng basketball ang laki ng butas noon or the manhole covers are missing; and the last part infrastructure - kung di nila napagawa or mapabago, saan napupunta ang budget? i have not seen the city hall of angeles city lately, does anyone still see the mayor there; and o.k. lang sa kanya ang itsura ng opisina nya? maybe he has his reasons for not improving his office bldg., o baka he's just waiting - for what? that's what i wanna know... just my thoughts :cheers:

barrera_marquez

May 20th, 2008, 12:03 AM

Iyan ay tamang punto sa aking palagay datapwat ay dapat mangilabot ang gobyerno ng A.C. dahil ang syudad na ito ay maaaring bansagang "economic capital" ng buong Rehiyong Tres ngunit ang gusaling pangobyerno nito ay matatawag na basura. Marahan lamang na sila'y magtayo ng isang makabagong gusaling panlokal na pamahalaan na magsasalamin sa progreso, komersyo at kaunlaran.

Huwag mo namang tawaging basura ang city hall ng Angeles... offensive na yun e...

Tanong lang mga brad, sino ba ang may pakana kung bakit nawala sa sirkulasyon ng Pampanga ang Angeles City? Mas gusto ko pa sana kung nasa Pampanga siya... kasi napapansin ko parang nalalayo na ng husto ang Angeles sa Pampanga e...

portludlow

May 20th, 2008, 04:32 AM

Mukhang na obsess tayo sa AC hall. Ang tutoo niyan ay hindi naman ganon kapangit pero as a very prosperous city, she deserves more than what they have right now. It looks like a non-descript government building out there along Don Bonifacio ave.

The decision to construct the city hall took years. They first made one along Sto Entierro street near the church which became the city hall annex after the original city hall infront of HAU became too small for the growing city. They then planned to locate it in Barangay Pandan along Magalang road where Angeles City Center is located and because of politics it was finally constructed in Don Bonifacio near ongoing Ayala Mall contruction.

Barrera...kung hindi humiwalay ang AC sa Pampanga, malamang ang mga gobernador ay magpapalitan lang na Nepo at Lazatin. :) :lol:

barrera_marquez

May 20th, 2008, 06:34 AM

portludlow

May 20th, 2008, 07:16 AM

Pero can we restore Angeles City under the control of the provincial government of Pampanga?

Only the people of AC can do that. However, they will not have any incentive to go back to the control of the provincial government. Remember AC is wealthy and prosperous and Im sure they dont want to share their money to the other poor municipalities of Pampanga. To give you an idea barangay Balibago alone probably takes more revenues than the whole city of San Fernando.

Culiat

May 20th, 2008, 07:50 AM

Pero can we restore Angeles City under the control of the provincial government of Pampanga?

I would rather not. Cities like Angeles are getting more and more cosmopolitan but it doesn't mean that they're losing their heritage. Angeles for me is still a Kapampangan city. Cosmopolitanism comes hand in hand with a city's progress but it doesn't mean that its the giving up of one's heritage. Government-wise Angeles City is better off as an independent city rather than to depend on the decisions made at the Capitolio.

About the Mayor's Office the interior of it as I vividly remember (back duing the term of tarzan) is way more beautiful than the City Hall's exterior. The seat, the desk, the sala set, the frames, the flags, and even the pens at the desk and drawers are indeed sophisticated in comparison to the old city hall's mayor's office (at leaast during term of tito Ed).

I dunno but back when i was younger I had this pastime of sneaking in to these offices and pretend to be the mayor haha. During Pamintuan I do these when he and my maternal lola ( i dunno but i usually wanna distinguish which one kasi this one and my dad are opposite in terms of political outlook, my dad is this literal public servant/former youth leader activist and this lola is an elitist but with charisma, credibility and honesty she repelled Pamintuan's plundering of the Tourism Office but thats a different and long story) are having casual talks hehe... while during Tarzan I sneak in thru my dad's office which has a backdoor to the mayor's office and since Tarzan is literally rarely there I enjoyed exploring the room haha.

barrera_marquez

May 20th, 2008, 08:31 AM

Only the people of AC can do that. However, they will not have any incentive to go back to the control of the provincial government. Remember AC is wealthy and prosperous and Im sure they dont want to share their money to the other poor municipalities of Pampanga. To give you an idea barangay Balibago alone probably takes more revenues than the whole city of San Fernando.

What?! Is that true?! A barangay's revenues could defeat a revenue of a city that has a population greater than that of Nueva Ecija's largest and richest city?! As far as I know, Cabanatuan City is a first-class component city while San Fernando is a second-class component city, both are partially-urban cities. Angeles City on the other hand is a first-class highly-urbanized city.

Ako naiintriga na ako, sino ba talaga si Tarzan diyan sa Angeles City?

Sinjin P.

May 20th, 2008, 09:16 AM

Please vote for your favorite entries in the 2008 Philippine Independence Day Banner Contest here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=630569

cabalen25

May 20th, 2008, 08:02 PM

Huwag mo namang tawaging basura ang city hall ng Angeles... offensive na yun e...

Tanong lang mga brad, sino ba ang may pakana kung bakit nawala sa sirkulasyon ng Pampanga ang Angeles City? Mas gusto ko pa sana kung nasa Pampanga siya... kasi napapansin ko parang nalalayo na ng husto ang Angeles sa Pampanga e...

I'm quite baffled. Angelenos do speak Kapampangan and are very Kapampangan in culture so what made you say na masyadong napapalayo ang Angeles sa Pampanga? :shifty:

tisoycuba

May 20th, 2008, 10:05 PM

malapit lang kaya,isang sakay lang sa tricycle..ano pala development dyan sa AYALA MALL dyan sa angeles.balita naman dyan plsssss!

tisoycuba

May 20th, 2008, 10:09 PM

Pero can we restore Angeles City under the control of the provincial government of Pampanga?

Ayaw namin nho:ohno:at saka baka puro taga angeles city lagi ang magiging Governador wawa naman si father Panlilio:lol:

barrera_marquez

May 20th, 2008, 11:54 PM

I'm quite baffled. Angelenos do speak Kapampangan and are very Kapampangan in culture so what made you say na masyadong napapalayo ang Angeles sa Pampanga? :shifty:

Nabasa ko lang sa isang website sa Internet... matagal na yun hindi ko na matandaan ang URL pero I also tended to disagree with that since "sisig" came from Angeles City.

portludlow

May 21st, 2008, 12:10 AM

Ako naiintriga na ako, sino ba talaga si Tarzan diyan sa Angeles City?

Tarzan Lazatin is the current 1st district congressman and former mayor of AC. He replace BB Nepomuceno as congressman and in turn Nepo replace Tarzan as mayor.

Its a game of musical chairs, their fathers Rafael Lazatin and Francisco Nepomuceno were former governors of Pampanga and mayors of Angeles city. Juanita Nepomuceno was also a former governor. They are the ultimate political dynasties and trad pols. :ohno: Now you probably dont want AC to come back in the arms of Pampanga. :) otherwise they will control both AC and SFD.

barrera_marquez

May 21st, 2008, 11:19 AM

Tarzan Lazatin is the current 1st district congressman and former mayor of AC. He replace BB Nepomuceno as congressman and in turn Nepo replace Tarzan as mayor.

Its a game of musical chairs, their fathers Rafael Lazatin and Francisco Nepomuceno were former governors of Pampanga and mayors of Angeles city. Juanita Nepomuceno was also a former governor. They are the ultimate political dynasties and trad pols. :ohno: Now you probably dont want AC to come back in the arms of Pampanga. :) otherwise they will control both AC and SFD.

Hoy hindi na ako papayag diyan, tanging Angeles at San Fernando nga lang ang mga lungsod ng Pampanga. Ayaw naming madamay sa kalokohan diyan ni Tarzan 'no? Ano yun? Doble-dobleng corruption, magagalit si Mayor Rodriguez niyan.

Bakit nga ba Tarzan ang naging alias niya? Hindi ba ang pangalan niya ay Carmelo Filiciano Lazatin at naging kongresista na rin niyo siya dati?

CabanNgTuwa

May 21st, 2008, 12:20 PM

ano na balita sa city hall ng angeles na malapit sa NLEX? diyan kami dati nagoopisina sa City Hall malapit sa Holy Angel

whippersnapper

May 21st, 2008, 03:42 PM

wla bang magpopost jan nag angeles city hall??
nacucurious tuloy ako...

Culiat

May 23rd, 2008, 11:23 PM

Hoy hindi na ako papayag diyan, tanging Angeles at San Fernando nga lang ang mga lungsod ng Pampanga. Ayaw naming madamay sa kalokohan diyan ni Tarzan 'no?

Bakit nga ba Tarzan ang naging alias niya? Hindi ba ang pangalan niya ay Carmelo Filiciano Lazatin at naging kongresista na rin niyo siya dati?

His full name is Carmelo Feliciano Lazatin. Why Tarzan? from what I know it was from one his estates known as the Jungle Base. Its a home for one of his wives (I don't think its the legal one). Inside this high walls along MacArthur Highway between Angeles City and San Fernando is a lush man-made jungle. Towering trees everywhere, man-made falls, a man-made river/creek that travels around it, swimming pools that were designed to mimic a spring and houses/rooms/cottages that resembles giant rocks and caves. Back when i was a kid I was scared of looking down at the river/creek (even when crossing through those bamboo-like bridges that crosses it) for the waters were green and that we young ones were made believe that there are crocodiles dwelling down there. But other than that its a very relaxing place to be. My favorite areas were the spring-like pools next to a man-made water falls, and the subterranean bar next to these pools/falls. As a kid I was fascinated by the fact that I can go down the stairs in this bar and be able to see whats under water/deep pool hehe. Also part of the complex is this plains mainly for breeding cockfighting roosters, of course Tarzan is a sabungero.

barrera_marquez

May 23rd, 2008, 11:51 PM

His full name is Carmelo Feliciano Lazatin. Why Tarzan? from what I know it was from one his estates known as the Jungle Base. Its a home for one of his wives (I don't think its the legal one). Inside this high walls along MacArthur Highway between Angeles City and San Fernando is a lush man-made jungle. Towering trees everywhere, man-made falls, a man-made river/creek that travels around it, swimming pools that were designed to mimic a spring and houses/rooms/cottages that resembles giant rocks and caves. Back when i was a kid I was scared of looking down at the river/creek (even when crossing through those bamboo-like bridges that crosses it) for the waters were green and that we young ones were made believe that there are crocodiles dwelling down there. But other than that its a very relaxing place to be. My favorite areas were the spring-like pools next to a man-made water falls, and the subterranean bar next to these pools/falls. As a kid I was fascinated by the fact that I can go down the stairs in this bar and be able to see whats under water/deep pool hehe. Also part of the complex is this plains mainly for breeding cockfighting roosters, of course Tarzan is a sabungero.

Parang resort pala bahay niya... hindi naman kaya nadukutan ang bulsa ng AC niyan? Anyway, salamat kuya sa sagot mo...

Culiat

May 24th, 2008, 12:11 AM

Parang resort pala bahay niya... hindi naman kaya nadukutan ang bulsa ng AC niyan? Anyway, salamat kuya sa sagot mo...

Its a given and accepted fact na nadudukutan ang kaban ng Angeles ng mga trapo kagaya nila. Pero i would'nt say na yung pinagpatayo ng bahay na yan eh galing sa kaban ng Angeles we should also consider na dati nang mayaman ang pamilya nila panahon pa ng mga kastila. But then again ilang ulit narin silang naluklok sa iba't ibang posisyon mapa gobernador of mayor o kongresista. Being their chief of staff my dad tried to moderate their greed and at the same time promote true public service. Given the fact that my dad cannot just undo corruption overnight he tried to work along with it while slowly eradicating it and at one point came a clash between him and the younger Lazatins who were of course thirsty for power which led to my dad's eviction from office. It was a bitter conspiracy full of false accusations. Accusations like turn-coating and graft like the P6 mil. they said were acquired by my dad while in office, I just wanna point out that if indeed he got that 6 mil. he wouldn't have sent me here in the United States to live with my mom's side of the family (my parents were separated since I was very young) and he won't be in Milan working as a Cook (for a filipino/asian catering services) and a housekeeper for an Austrian-Italian family. My dad loves to serve the public and won't leave the Philippines hadn't he been really financially down which came as a result of the dirty politics proliferated by the Trapos.
My judgement of what my father had done was based from what I myself saw and heard from the people who worked with them and those they have served. My dad unlike others doesn't indoctrinate things to me he just let me explore and learn things (with his minimal guidance of course). We even had these long debates on politics that results in a stalemate. They were fun kasi we don't really argue to a point of getting angry it's what I call a healthy debate hehe. Sorry I just miss my dad hehe... it's been years since we last saw each other. Actually none since I moved here in the states.

i've only been to 3-4 of his homes namely the Jungle Base, China Base(inside Clark), Aslam (next to their vinegar plant) and one that I don't quite remember where. China Base is actually 2 villas one is where his youngest wife and youngest child lives hehe and the other for his use and is the one where I had sleep overs (usually when my dad and their closest staff had to rush something significant).

barrera_marquez

May 24th, 2008, 01:31 AM

Its a given and accepted fact na nadudukutan ang kaban ng Angeles ng mga trapo kagaya nila. Pero i would'nt say na yung pinagpatayo ng bahay na yan eh galing sa kaban ng Angeles we should also consider na dati nang mayaman ang pamilya nila panahon pa ng mga kastila. But then again ilang ulit narin silang naluklok sa iba't ibang posisyon mapa gobernador of mayor o kongresista. Being their chief of staff my dad tried to moderate their greed and at the same time promote true public service. Given the fact that my dad cannot just undo corruption overnight he tried to work along with it while slowly eradicating it and at one point came a clash between him and the younger Lazatins who were of course thirsty for power which led to my dad's eviction from office. It was a bitter conspiracy full of false accusations. Accusations like turn-coating and graft like the P6 mil. they said were acquired by my dad while in office, I just wanna point out that if indeed he got that 6 mil. he wouldn't have sent me here in the United States to live with my mom's side of the family (my parents were separated since I was very young) and he won't be in Milan working as a Cook (for a filipino/asian catering services) and a housekeeper for an Austrian-Italian family. My dad loves to serve the public and won't leave the Philippines hadn't he been really financially down which came as a result of the dirty politics proliferated by the Trapos.
My judgement of what my father had done was based from what I myself saw and heard from the people who worked with them and those they have served. My dad unlike others doesn't indoctrinate things to me he just let me explore and learn things (with his minimal guidance of course). We even had these long debates on politics that results in a stalemate. They were fun kasi we don't really argue to a point of getting angry it's what I call a healthy debate hehe. Sorry I just miss my dad hehe... it's been years since we last saw each other. Actually none since I moved here in the states.

i've only been to 3-4 of his homes namely the Jungle Base, China Base(inside Clark), Aslam (next to their vinegar plant) and one that I don't quite remember where. China Base is actually 2 villas one is where his youngest wife and youngest child lives hehe and the other for his use and is the one where I had sleep overs (usually when my dad and their closest staff had to rush something significant).

May Lazatin din sa amin, ewan ko lang kung corrupt siya. May bahay sila rito sa San Fernando:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/Lazatin.jpg

Siguro siya rin ang may sala kung bakit hanggang ngayon e hindi mapalit-palitan ang boundary arch diyan sa Angeles-San Fernando boundary.

Kailan kaya magiging self-suffient sa funds ang City of San Fernando, Pampanga? Hanggang ngayon kasi ang laki ng dependence namin sa IRA at nang magkaroon ng protesta sa IRA e talagang naging dibdiban ang laban diyan sa city hall.

cabalen25

May 25th, 2008, 04:50 PM

May Lazatin din sa amin, ewan ko lang kung corrupt siya. May bahay sila rito sa San Fernando:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d6/Lazatin.jpg

Siguro siya rin ang may sala kung bakit hanggang ngayon e hindi mapalit-palitan ang boundary arch diyan sa Angeles-San Fernando boundary.

Na-curious naman ako lalo dito. Ano ba meron dyan sa Angeles-SFP boundary arch. Is it "really" a BIG deal if municipality pa rin ang naka-post dun?

tisoycuba

May 25th, 2008, 06:50 PM

bakit hanggang ngayun wala pa rin WEBSITE ang ANGELES CITY GOV. almost 1 year na si Blue sa CITYHALL HAH..

portludlow

May 25th, 2008, 10:32 PM

2007 kapampangan song writing contest

AsOeX4n0jyM

barrera_marquez

May 25th, 2008, 11:29 PM

Na-curious naman ako lalo dito. Ano ba meron dyan sa Angeles-SFP boundary arch. Is it "really" a BIG deal if municipality pa rin ang naka-post dun?

BIG Deal dahil mage-eight years na kaming city. Not to mention na medyo marupok na rin iyon at kupas na kulay namin doon... kaya nga nagpatayo ng sariling welcome stud ang SFDO dahil sa hindi mapalit-palitan ang arch na iyon... naunahan pa kami ng Gapan City, e mas nauna pa kami kaysa sa kanila... lahat ng boundary arch na hawak ng city government ng SFDO, napalitan na, ito na lang talaga ang problema...

Culiat

May 26th, 2008, 12:02 PM

I don't think its that big of a deal well it's big but not that big :dunno:

cabalen25

May 26th, 2008, 09:00 PM

BIG Deal dahil mage-eight years na kaming city. Not to mention na medyo marupok na rin iyon at kupas na kulay namin doon... kaya nga nagpatayo ng sariling welcome stud ang SFDO dahil sa hindi mapalit-palitan ang arch na iyon... naunahan pa kami ng Gapan City, e mas nauna pa kami kaysa sa kanila... lahat ng boundary arch na hawak ng city government ng SFDO, napalitan na, ito na lang talaga ang problema...

Well, it may be a big deal for Fernandinos but not for Angeleños. Remember that arch was built for Angeles City and not for SFP so there's nuthin much we can do dahil ang fund na ginamit dun is galing sa kaban ng AC at Rotary Club of Angeles/Clark. So there...

barrera_marquez

May 26th, 2008, 11:17 PM

Well, it may be a big deal for Fernandinos but not for Angeleños. Remember that arch was built for Angeles City and not for SFP so there's nuthin much we can do dahil ang fund na ginamit dun is galing sa kaban ng AC at Rotary Club of Angeles/Clark. So there...

That's what I mean... hehehe... :lol:

tisoycuba

May 27th, 2008, 12:17 AM

wala bang picture dyan sa mga development dyan sa atin mga tol...

whippersnapper

May 27th, 2008, 02:26 PM

His full name is Carmelo Feliciano Lazatin. Why Tarzan? from what I know it was from one his estates known as the Jungle Base. Its a home for one of his wives (I don't think its the legal one). Inside this high walls along MacArthur Highway between Angeles City and San Fernando is a lush man-made jungle. Towering trees everywhere, man-made falls, a man-made river/creek that travels around it, swimming pools that were designed to mimic a spring and houses/rooms/cottages that resembles giant rocks and caves. Back when i was a kid I was scared of looking down at the river/creek (even when crossing through those bamboo-like bridges that crosses it) for the waters were green and that we young ones were made believe that there are crocodiles dwelling down there. But other than that its a very relaxing place to be. My favorite areas were the spring-like pools next to a man-made water falls, and the subterranean bar next to these pools/falls. As a kid I was fascinated by the fact that I can go down the stairs in this bar and be able to see whats under water/deep pool hehe. Also part of the complex is this plains mainly for breeding cockfighting roosters, of course Tarzan is a sabungero.

dami ata asawa ni tarzan?? ang alam ko lang ay si jane. hehehe

CabanNgTuwa

May 28th, 2008, 01:16 PM

Playboy pala si Tarzan...

barrera_marquez

May 28th, 2008, 01:18 PM

dami ata asawa ni tarzan?? ang alam ko lang ay si jane. hehehe

Bakit Kuya Whipper mo nasabi na maraming asawa si Tarzan? Muslim ba siya?

tisoycuba

May 28th, 2008, 11:42 PM

sa nakita ko dto,pinakamasipag kumuha nang mga picture si @avenger..ken totoo mo nhe!

allan_dude

May 29th, 2008, 02:34 AM

Clark boom creates big demand for housing projects

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — The employment of at least 54,000 people in the Clark Freeport and Economic Zone has created a big demand for more housing units here and nearby communities.

This prompted realty companies and land developers to undertake housing projects that cater to the shelter needs of the executives, young professionals, and workers of the many companies in Clark.

A real estate executive said he is expecting a housing boom in areas around the Freeport.

He said, however, that the specific market consists of middle-income families who are looking for flexible, low-payment schemes.

Several realty firms are now on the drawing boards preparing housing projects for middle-income families.

The Lakeshore subdivsion project, located alongside the North Luzon Expressway in Mexico, Pampanga, was initially developed as a residential-commercial community for well-to do families, but it was redesigned to cater to the needs of the junior and senior executives in Clark and nearby areas.

Architect Nestor Mangio, owner-developer of the Lakeshore, said that the new ommunity is the most ideal choice for young professionals as well small- and middle-income families.

He described the units as "dream houses" for the newly weds.

Emily Serrano, Central Country Estate’s vice president for marketing, said that the payment scheme for the Lakeshore houses and lots does not require deposit for the lot purchase and only five percent deposit is needed for the houses. (Fred Roxas)

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080529125945.html

portludlow

May 29th, 2008, 03:24 AM

cabalen25

May 29th, 2008, 03:51 AM

^^Lakeshore finally cave in on the demand for more affordable housing. Im wondering if its air of exclusibity will be tarnished.

Sales probably slowed down significantly when big national developers began selling in Angeles City. Buyers probably prefer to buy near Clark than travel to San Fernado/Mexico especially with the high gasoline prices. Hmmm......who wants to stay at Lakeshore when all the action is in Balibago.

I agree with you, now that Angeles has the Ayala project going on, plus the Enclave residential project, the fully constructed Clark-Subic expressway, and the booming economy of the city, it only makes Angeles the most progressive city in Central Luzon.

portludlow

May 29th, 2008, 04:02 AM

^^ believe it or not, the bigger lots at Lakeshore are mostly sold out. The problem is those who bought are mostly speculators and very few are building houses to live in. If you go inside this expansive development, you begin to wonder when are they going to build to make it a vibrant community.

barrera_marquez

May 29th, 2008, 06:49 AM

cabalen25

May 29th, 2008, 11:31 PM

No wonder kaya biglang nalampasan ng San Fernando ang population ng Cabanatuan in just 7 years!!! And obviously ang ganda ng Avida sa San Fernando hehehe... well, both cities are really booming these days mga kuya... Angeles will provide the jobs and San Fernando will provide the residential demand...

Yup you're right. They're both booming and we all have every reason to be thankful. But between the two, Angeles is certainly more progressive than SFP. No offense meant. I'm just being honest. Having said that, that makes Pampanga one of the best, if not the #1 economic hub in North and Central Luzon. :)

barrera_marquez

May 30th, 2008, 12:06 AM

Yup you're right. They're both booming and we all have every reason to be thankful. But between the two, Angeles is certainly more progressive than SFP. No offense meant. I'm just being honest. Having said that, that makes Pampanga one of the best, if not the #1 economic hub in North and Central Luzon. :)

Siyempre, undisputed ang Angeles City e... A component city versus a highly-urbanized city and kaso ng Angeles at San Fernando... (Angeles City is first-class while San Fernando is second-class, kailan kaya magiging first-class ang San Fernando?)

But still, there should be an economic agreement between Mayor Rodriguez (San Fernando) and Mayor Nepomuceno (Angeles) to further strengthen the economic ties between the two cities.

If the population increase continues, then the entire Central Luzon is on for a population boom... huwag nga lang nilang pakikialaman ang mga palayan ng kahit na anong probinsya kasi wala na tayong sapat na bigas...

shadowfang

May 30th, 2008, 03:52 AM

No wonder kaya biglang nalampasan ng San Fernando ang population ng Cabanatuan in just 7 years!!! And obviously ang ganda ng Avida sa San Fernando hehehe... well, both cities are really booming these days mga kuya... Angeles will provide the jobs and San Fernando will provide the residential demand...

Nakakalungkot din kasi unti-unting nawawala ang culture ng Pampanga, particularly San Fernando.. Hindi na kasi mga true blooded Capampangan ang mga nakatira dito..

Naalala ko pa dati noong sumabog ang Pinatubo, unti-unti nang umalis ang nga tao sa amin. Na-miss ko tuloy ang pagiging carefree ng town noong late 80's...

Mas gusto ko pa tuloy nakiki-reunion sa mga bayang ng Guagua, Macabebe, at Magalang kasi rich pa rin ang culture dun..

whippersnapper

May 30th, 2008, 06:38 AM

Bakit Kuya Whipper mo nasabi na maraming asawa si Tarzan? Muslim ba siya?
d aman ako ang nagsabi na marami cia asawa. tingnan mo ung kinotes ko
sabi, one of his wives

barrera_marquez

May 30th, 2008, 01:05 PM

Nakakalungkot din kasi unti-unting nawawala ang culture ng Pampanga, particularly San Fernando.. Hindi na kasi mga true blooded Capampangan ang mga nakatira dito..

Naalala ko pa dati noong sumabog ang Pinatubo, unti-unti nang umalis ang nga tao sa amin. Na-miss ko tuloy ang pagiging carefree ng town noong late 80's...

Mas gusto ko pa tuloy nakiki-reunion sa mga bayang ng Guagua, Macabebe, at Magalang kasi rich pa rin ang culture dun..

Regional center kasi ang San Fernando e, mas matindi ang combination doon... may Bulakenyo, Kapampangan, Sambal, Ilokano at siyempre Tagalog... hindi naman nawawala ang heritage namin sa pagiging Kapampangan, sa amin nga nagsimula yung pakuan sa krus at yung mga higanteng parol na nagsisilbing importanteng bahagi ng kultura ng mga Kapampangan... na hanggang ngayon e pinagpapatuloy pa rin namin...

CabanNgTuwa

May 30th, 2008, 01:41 PM

portludlow

May 30th, 2008, 04:31 PM

credit goes to the yankees:ohno: pero kahit na wala na sila, lalo nag-progress Pampanga, which, after the Pinatubo turmoil, reversed their fortunes and took it as a blessing in disguise

Its kind of ironic, isnt it?

A lot of people believe GMA favors the province for development but the truth lies on the fact that the americans left solid infrastucture and thousands of hectares in Clark which will be costly to build somewhere else. Our government really have no choice but to take advantage of it. Prior to the yankees leaving, central luzon was actually left behind by the CALABARZON area by a mile, now that southern part of Manila has become saturated and its just normal the northern part of the capital was ripe for development. I hope they will build a road from Magalang or Conception to Nueva Ecija and that would be neat. :)

barrera_marquez

May 31st, 2008, 12:00 AM

Angeles and Olongapo became cities because of the yankees... if they didn't existed there, maybe San Fernando and Iba became cities long time ago... sa ngayon tanging SFDO pa lang ang city na naging city noon 2001... baka nga hindi pa maging city ang Angeles at Olongapo e...

Because of the yankees also kung bakit ganito kabilis ang development sa Central Luzon. By the time the Americans left Pampanga and Zambales, too many businesses already existed there... no choice but to continue their businesses. Anyway, sumabog naman na ang populasyon ng Central Luzon...

cabalen25

May 31st, 2008, 01:24 AM

^^ It's a fact that Americans contributed to the growth of Angeles and Olongapo because of the presence of the U.S. bases there. But Culiat (what Angeles was known before and used to be just a barrio of San Fernando) was already progressive even before the Yankees came and colonized the Philippines. That's one of the reasons why they made Culiat a self-governing town, totally independent from San Fernando.

In fact, Angeles was one of the fastest rising towns during the Spanish era, even way more progressive than San Fernando and Bacolor (the provincial capital then). So to say that it became a city only because of the presence of Clark in Angeles is hyperbolic. It's highly likely that it will become a booming city, with or without the Americans around.

tisoycuba

May 31st, 2008, 02:01 AM

cabalen25

May 31st, 2008, 02:16 AM

^^ San Fernando was formed from the towns of Bacolor and Mexico and since mas maunlad ang San Fernando, naging independent town na rin sya. But look now, naunahan pa ng SFP na maging city ang 2 towns na yun.

Same with Angeles. It was only a barrio of San Fernando pero, though they're both progressive, mas maunlad pa sya sa SFP at nauna pa naging siyudad since 1964.

barrera_marquez

May 31st, 2008, 08:06 AM

Sabi ko sa inyo eh... walang panalo ang isang component city laban sa isang highly-urbanized city...

Well mga kuya its just an opinion... pasensya na po kung may nasabi akong offensive...

portludlow

May 31st, 2008, 08:17 AM

Under Construction: mukhang seminaryo :) :lol:

LEWIS GRAND HOTEL, Angeles City

http://www.cityguideph.com/classified-ads/hotels-and-resorts/lewis-grand-hotel-angeles-city-pampanga/10

http://www.angelescityhotels.net/images/33_1.jpg

http://www.harrythehorse.com/2008/2008images/mar2008/Lewis%20Grand%20Hotel03.jpg

http://www.harrythehorse.com/2008/2008images/mar2008/Lewis%20Grand%20Hotel03.jpg

barrera_marquez

May 31st, 2008, 08:20 AM

portludlow

May 31st, 2008, 08:30 AM

^^tapos na nga siguro. Walang bagong pic.

http://www.angelescityhotels.net/hotelnews.php?name=phoenix&id=4

zelrich82

May 31st, 2008, 09:44 AM

finally, a full structure and it has a name; been curious about this one ...
magkano kaya ang room? may bars kayang malapit. too many questions :D

cabalen25

June 1st, 2008, 12:26 AM

^^ I don't think tapos na sya. Ala pa landscape sa facade eh. Ito ba talaga color nya? So white and I hate the color though. Let's hope first layer pa lang yan. Hehe...

BTW, where exactly in Angeles is this hotel at?

zelrich82

June 1st, 2008, 07:42 AM

^^click mo na lang tong link na in-attach ni portludlow,

http://www.cityguideph.com/classified-ads/hotels-and-resorts/lewis-grand-hotel-angeles-city-pampanga/10

it will take you to their site, surf mo sya doon.

buti pa ito meron ng website (di pa sya fully operational) samantalang ang gov. office ng angeles ala pa rin. how sad...

:cheers:

Culiat

June 1st, 2008, 08:11 AM

Sinjin P.

June 1st, 2008, 02:14 PM

zelrich82

June 2nd, 2008, 12:12 AM

they used to have one

they need to work on bringing it back, or maybe they're waiting for an outsider to create one for them; sa palagay mo - should somebody from AC thread create a website for them? he he :)
ala atang bisang mag-maintain keng opisina da, nya ala lang website.

:cheers:

barrera_marquez

June 2nd, 2008, 01:33 AM

they need to work on bringing it back, or maybe they're waiting for an outsider to create one for them; sa palagay mo - should somebody from AC thread create a website for them? he he :)
ala atang bisang mag-maintain keng opisina da, nya ala lang website.

:cheers:

It will be an unofficial website... hanggang ngayon, nakiki-share sila ng information sa website ng Pampanga... despite the fact na independent city ang Angeles...

tisoycuba

June 2nd, 2008, 10:32 PM

:)mero sya website mga tol...www.lewisgrand.com

barrera_marquez

June 3rd, 2008, 12:23 AM

:)mero sya website mga tol...www.lewisgrand.com

Kuya akala naman namin yung sa Angeles City official website...

zelrich82

June 3rd, 2008, 08:23 AM

It will be an unofficial website... hanggang ngayon, nakiki-share sila ng information sa website ng Pampanga... despite the fact na independent city ang Angeles...

baka yon nga kailangan, an unofficial site; kesa sa wala. they don't seem to worry about reaching out to people who would want to be informed, maybe they need to hire someone who can create and maintain a site for them; or maybe it's o.k. na maki-ride na lang sila sa ibang website - whatever their reason is, tipong tinatamad sila.

barrera_marquez

June 3rd, 2008, 09:01 AM

Attention Kapampangan Forumers!

If you love the Philippines, use this as your avatar for the whole month of June or for as long as you want:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3863/3dflagsphl00010002awu7.gif

Message from Kuya Sinjin P.

barrera_marquez

June 5th, 2008, 12:21 AM

baka yon nga kailangan, an unofficial site; kesa sa wala. they don't seem to worry about reaching out to people who would want to be informed, maybe they need to hire someone who can create and maintain a site for them; or maybe it's o.k. na maki-ride na lang sila sa ibang website - whatever their reason is, tipong tinatamad sila.

gawa tayo ng unofficial site tapos ang pambungad na picture yung city hall ng Angeles... hahaha :lol::lol::lol::lol:

cabalen25

June 5th, 2008, 04:21 AM

gawa tayo ng unofficial site tapos ang pambungad na picture yung city hall ng Angeles... hahaha :lol::lol::lol::lol:

kuya, i'm starting to smell sumthin here. hehehe... do you have anything against angeles city? does it have anything to do with you being from san fernando? medio menor lang at baka mamisinterpret ang mga posts mo. :lol:

barrera_marquez

June 5th, 2008, 06:16 AM

kuya, i'm starting to smell sumthin here. hehehe... do you have anything against angeles city? does it have anything to do with you being from san fernando? medio menor lang at baka mamisinterpret ang mga posts mo. :lol:

wala naman, I am just kidding...

tisoycuba

June 6th, 2008, 01:16 AM

bakit sa San Fernando nga,ang sikip nang mga daan nila sa bayan eh...dati nga ilan lang ang mga sine dyan eh ...hehehehehe dto sa angeles kahit wala pa ang Robinsons at SM marami sine dto sa amin....

cabalen25

June 6th, 2008, 01:59 AM

^^uh-oh! this is what i'm telling you, kuya barrera. :ohno:

portludlow

June 6th, 2008, 03:05 AM

hmmmm.... getting interesting, mix use including hotels and offices.

SM group allots P500M for Clark mall expansionBy Ding Cervantes

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=200806055
Friday, June 6, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga- The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced yesterday that Premier Central, Inc. (PCI) has allocated P500 million for the expansion of its SM mall here.

The CDC and PCI have signed a “supplemental lease agreement” for the mall’s expansion that would cover 5.5 hectares to extend the present SM City mall near this freeport’s main gate at the Balibago commercial district in Angeles City. The initial mall, which also cost some P500 million, has become a favorite destination of tourists and local folk.

“Under the new agreement, PCI will establish and operate a mixed-used facility for office, retail, commercial, leisure, entertainment and hotel, and other tourism-related businesses and projects,” the CDC said.

It noted that “the 50-year lease agreement is expected to generate about 2,000 new jobs and pour in a minimum investment of P500 million”.

CDC president Liberato Laus and PCI president Henry Sy Jr., through his representative, PCI senior vice president Jeffrey Lim, signed the agreement.

“The minimum guaranteed lease for lands for the mall project was pegged at $.30 per square meter per month to start on the third year and to escalate by 10 percent on the eighth year, and every three years thereafter,” the CDC also said.

The CDC noted that “the agreement also entitles the PCI to non-payment of lease rentals for a period of two years, known as the grace period, from the signing of the agreement.

“In addition to guaranteeing a minimum investment of P500 million, PCI shall also, on a best effort basis, hire at least 70 percent of its qualified employees from Central Luzon,” the CDC added.

The PCI is expected to submit a detailed business development and construction plan for its extension plans within six months from the execution of the agreement.

In 2003, PCI leased 16.5 hectares where SM Clark is now located, for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years.

The initial agreement provided the option for PCI to also lease an adjoining 5.5 hectare area for expansion projects.

Apart from its mall here, PCI has another SM City mall in San Fernando, some 18 kilometers away.

The PCI’s fresh investment at this freeport boosts this freeport where total investments was estimated at about P80 billion, a 600 percent rise from the last year’s estimate.

Investors at Clark now employs some 50,000 workers, mostly from Central Luzon.

cabalen25

June 6th, 2008, 03:50 AM

^^Actually, ang SM City-Clark, Phil-Am cemetery, eastern part of M.A. Roxas Avenue and Clark main gate are all within the boundary of "Malabanias district" of Angeles City... and not Balibago. :lol:

ishtefh_03

June 6th, 2008, 05:42 AM

tama bang i compare ang angeles sa Sn. Fernando... ahahaha!!

cabalen25

June 7th, 2008, 12:35 AM

tama bang i compare ang angeles sa Sn. Fernando... ahahaha!!

kanya nga. hehehe! though they have different classifications, parang no need to compare Angeles and SFP dahil lahat tayo cabalens, right? :)

zelrich82

June 7th, 2008, 07:25 PM

it doesn't really matter what angeles has or what san fernando don't have (or vice versa), they still belong to one; and that is pampanga. i'm only hoping that what one has the other should (if posible) have too, it's not really a competition; against other provinces - maybe (he he) :). but that's another story...

:cheers:

portludlow

June 8th, 2008, 08:24 PM

ABC Hotel

magkano kaya binayad kay kat-kat dito :lol: parang advertisement :D

psAeCWQzMlE&feature=related

Sinjin P.

June 9th, 2008, 12:45 PM

SM group allots P500M for Clark mall expansion (http://smprime.com/News.php?BlurbID=1335)
By Ding Cervantes, 6 Jun 2008
Source: Phil Star

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga- The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced yesterday that Premier Central, Inc. (PCI) has allocated P500 million for the expansion of its SM mall here.

The CDC and PCI have signed a “supplemental lease agreement” for the mall’s expansion that would cover 5.5 hectares to extend the present SM City mall near this freeport’s main gate at the Balibago commercial district in Angeles City. The initial mall, which also cost some P500 million, has become a favorite destination of tourists and local folk.

“Under the new agreement, PCI will establish and operate a mixed-used facility for office, retail, commercial, leisure, entertainment and hotel, and other tourism-related businesses and projects,” the CDC said.

It noted that “the 50-year lease agreement is expected to generate about 2,000 new jobs and pour in a minimum investment of P500 million”.

CDC president Liberato Laus and PCI president Henry Sy Jr., through his representative, PCI senior vice president Jeffrey Lim, signed the agreement.

“The minimum guaranteed lease for lands for the mall project was pegged at US$.30 per square meter per month to start on the third year and to escalate by 10 percent on the eighth year, and every three years thereafter,” the CDC also said.

The CDC noted that “the agreement also entitles the PCI to non-payment of lease rentals for a period of two years, known as the grace period, from the signing of the agreement.

“In addition to guaranteeing a minimum investment of P500 million, PCI shall also, on a best effort basis, hire at least 70 percent of its qualified employees from Central Luzon,” the CDC added.

The PCI is expected to submit a detailed business development and construction plan for its extension plans within six months from the execution of the agreement.

In 2003, PCI leased 16.5 hectares where SM Clark is now located, for 25 years, renewable for another 25 years.

The initial agreement provided the option for PCI to also lease an adjoining 5.5 hectare area for expansion projects.

Apart from its mall here, PCI has another SM City mall in San Fernando, some 18 kilometers away.

The PCI’s fresh investment at this freeport boosts this freeport where total investments was estimated at about P80 billion, a 600 percent rise from the last year’s estimate.

Investors at Clark now employs some 50,000 workers, mostly from Central Luzon.

tisoycuba

June 12th, 2008, 03:50 PM

sino ba dyan may kakilala sa CITY nang ANGELES,isang taon na kayu dyan, wala pa rin WEBSITE ang ANGELES CITY...NAKAKAHIYA KAYU...SAAN NA TAX KO SA INYU...

portludlow

June 12th, 2008, 06:57 PM

Im not suprprised about this....this will make the small hospitals in the region cringe on the competetion.

MVP its about time you invest where you came from.

Manny Pangilinan: Group Eyeing Hospital In Pampanga
by Ashley Manabat

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/100814/Manny-Pangilinan-Group-eyeing-hospital-in-Pampanga

Philippines - A big conglomerate is focusing its sights in Pampanga for the establishment of a state-of-the-art hospital which will eventually cater not only to the locals but more so to the international market in the growing industry in medical tourism.

Manny V. Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) chairman, confirmed plans of the huge conglomerate to establish a modern hospital in Pampanga - particularly inside the Clark Freeport Zone, or in the nearby cities of San Fernando and Angeles or even in the adjacent Mabalacat town.

Pangilinan, who also chairs the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), made the announcement during a meeting with regional reporters right after the annual PLDT stockholders meeting at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City last Tuesday.

He said the Philippines, especially Pampanga, has an excellent potential for the medical tourism industry.

Pangilinan cited his own experience in a Hong Kong dental clinic which charged exorbitant fees for its services.

In our country, he said, such services are cheaper and come with the usual hospitality and care which medical practitioners abroad sorely lacked.

He said the modern hospital in Pampanga will be established within the year.

Last year, the MPIC has acquired a 33.4% stake of the Makati Medical Center in Makati City with its purchase of P750 million worth of convertible notes, making the conglomerate its largest single investor.

To date, the 717-bed tertiary hospital in Makati has 600 doctors and 1,500 regular employees.

The Fores and Araneta families own more than 10% of Makati Med while San Miguel Corp., which did not participate in the convertible notes offering, owns 2.5%. - GMANews.TV

whippersnapper

June 16th, 2008, 01:57 PM

sino nakakaalam kung ano yung gingawa malapit sa san fernando exit??

cabalen25

June 17th, 2008, 08:21 PM

sino nakakaalam kung ano yung gingawa malapit sa san fernando exit??

Saan exactly dun? Is it in Mexico or San Fdo? Di kaya you're refering to the one near Angeles exit?

tisoycuba

June 19th, 2008, 04:15 PM

BUTI PA SAPANGBATO MERON NA WEBSITE SA NET...ANGELES CITY WALA PARIN HANGGANG NGAYUN.Mahiya naman kayu dyan mga taga CITY HALL,HOY GISINGGGGGGG ...

ericlucky290

June 20th, 2008, 04:40 AM

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/DSC03827copy.jpg

zelrich82

June 22nd, 2008, 08:40 AM

is this another macapagal/arroyo bldg.? is it funded by govt. o by the arroyo's? or is it dedicated to a macapagal? curious lang, why name it macapagal? bakit di angeles?

OtAkAw

June 22nd, 2008, 03:34 PM

^^Pasipsip lang yung may ari (Emmanuel Angeles, also the chancellor of AUF) kay Ate Glo, "friends" daw kasi sila.

cabalen25

June 22nd, 2008, 08:57 PM

^^Pasipsip lang yung may ari (Emmanuel Angeles, also the chancellor of AUF) kay Ate Glo, "friends" daw kasi sila.

If I'm not mistaken, board member si late Diosdado Macapagal ng Angeles University Foundation then si Gloria ang nag-take over.

ericlucky290

June 22nd, 2008, 11:37 PM

GMA used to be one of the Board of Trustees of AUF. Then it was replace by Diosdado Macapagal, JR

whippersnapper

June 23rd, 2008, 01:30 PM

Saan exactly dun? Is it in Mexico or San Fdo? Di kaya you're refering to the one near Angeles exit?

san fernando talaga... kung galing ka intersection at papunta ka manila, dun sa may entry/toll gate (sorry,hindi pala exit) ng nlex. bandang kanan.. mejo malaki din cia

barrera_marquez

June 23rd, 2008, 02:17 PM

san fernando talaga... kung galing ka intersection at papunta ka manila, dun sa may entry/toll gate (sorry,hindi pala exit) ng nlex. bandang kanan.. mejo malaki din cia

ah... I know that kuya. Talagang ngang may itinatayo sila roon. Ang tanong nga lang, ano?

tisoycuba

June 23rd, 2008, 09:20 PM

GMA used to be one of the Board of Trustees of AUF. Then it was replace by Diosdado Macapagal, JR

TAMA KA DYAN :)

Angelescitygirl

June 24th, 2008, 10:37 AM

Post naman kayo ng pics ng Angeles.:) tsaka nung AUFMC

Angelescitygirl

June 24th, 2008, 10:43 AM

Pa post naman ng pics ng AUFMC

whippersnapper

June 24th, 2008, 01:29 PM

kaw nga dapat magpost kc angelescitygirl ka

tisoycuba

June 27th, 2008, 12:44 AM

angelescitygirl@nasa angeles kaba,update naman sa mga bagong gawan gusali dyan sa angeles..balita ko dami na daw bagong tayung gusali dyan.............girllllllll plssssssssss!

portludlow

June 27th, 2008, 06:59 AM

hehehehe...hangang rendering muna tayo.

AUF Medical Tower

http://www.auf.edu.ph/images/med_tower.jpg

AUF Center for Youth Development

http://www.auf.edu.ph/images/sports_complex.jpg

Dolly66

June 28th, 2008, 05:32 AM

nice photos. when will these be implemented?

ericlucky290

June 29th, 2008, 06:56 AM

nice photos. when will these be implemented?

Sa July 9 yung inaguration ng AULMC Tower :)

ericlucky290

June 29th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Stotsenburg Park

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Stotsenburg%20Park/JuneHangOut037.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Stotsenburg%20Park/JuneHangOut036.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Stotsenburg%20Park/JuneHangOut035.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Stotsenburg%20Park/JuneHangOut045.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Stotsenburg%20Park/JuneHangOut049.jpg

ericlucky290

June 29th, 2008, 08:33 AM

Bayanihan Park

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark039.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark043.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark041.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark036.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark032.jpg

ericlucky290

June 29th, 2008, 08:36 AM

Bicentennial Park

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/JuneHangOut030.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/JuneHangOut026.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/JuneHangOut008.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/JuneHangOut006.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/JuneHangOut027.jpg

cabalen25

June 29th, 2008, 05:00 PM

^^ Nice shots, Erik! Thanks! BTW, I was told that you're working for AOL/etel. Nanu dept mu?

zelrich82

June 29th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Bayanihan Park

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Bayanihanpark041.jpg

thanx bro, tagal ko na ring di nakita ang Astro Park; ang ganda na nya ngayon. thanx ulit sa photos...

:cheers:

tisoycuba

July 2nd, 2008, 12:59 AM

update picture naman sa Q shopping mall dyan sa Angeles City plsssssssssss thankssssss!

OtAkAw

July 5th, 2008, 08:16 AM

If I'm not mistaken, board member si late Diosdado Macapagal ng Angeles University Foundation then si Gloria ang nag-take over.

Yes that's correct, you see the owners of AUF, the Angeles family are really close friends with GMA's family.

dark_knight_detectve

July 8th, 2008, 03:02 PM

Filipino doctor commended for coconut research (http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/07/08/AGRI20080708128839.html)

Jen I. Jorvina

A Filipino doctor, Dr. Conrado Dayrit Jr., has been posthumously commended by the House of Representatives for his untiring and courageous effort in research on, and advocacy of, coconut oil as antidote to AIDS and AIDS virus in the country for 45 years.

It may also be recalled that when the US soybean industry in the United States was campaigning against the alleged dangers of coconut’s highly saturated fat content which may be bad for the heart, Dr. Dayrit debunked the allegation and reiterated that far from causing heart disease, coconut oil may even prevent it, and many other diseases besides.
In behalf of Congress, Rep. Proceso J. Alcala of the second district of Quezon handed over the congressional commendation to Mrs. Milagros Dayrit, wife of Dr. Dayrit, in simple rites at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila. Sons and grandchildren of the late doctor who died last year were present.
The resolution stated that Dr. Dayrit "directed the first formal study on the treatment of the Human Immunodeficiencey Virus (HIV), comprising of coconut oil and the purified monoglyceride of lauric acid of coconut oil, the highly promising results of which now serve as bases for continued tests aimed at alleviating the suffering and would-be suffering millions in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.
The resolution also cited that while coconut oil is good for human consumption, it is also an antibiotic, an immuno-enhancer, and a drug that regulates the body’s functions and defense mechanism. It restores the normal balance of tissues or cells that have become dysfunctional.
At the same time, coconut oil is a powerful drug that is non-toxic. It protects the body from infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, protozoa, worms). It can kill them all. In other words, it is an antibiotic with the widest spectrum of action of all antipathogens.
In House Resolution No. 1385, Alcala urged the Philippine Coconut Authority and Coco Levy-funded companies to actively promote and support current research efforts to validate the qualities of coconut oil as antidote to AIDS and AIDS virus, especially on account of the increasing millions who have fallen victims to the dreaded disease.
The Coco Levy companies include the Coconut Industry Investment Fund, Legazpi Oil Company, Granexport Manufacturing Corp., Cagayan de Oro Oil Company, Southern Luzon Coconut Oil Mill, San Pablo Manufacturing Corp., Cocochem, Cocolife, United Coconut Planters Bank which are tasked to help the coconut industry and the coconut farmers.
Dr. Dayrit was a professor emeritus of pharmacology; a cardiologist and internist; a renowned scientist with over 200 scientific papers published in both local and international journals of medicine; and a former president of the Philippine College of Physicians and of the National Academy of Science and Technology, the highest scientific body in the country.
A native of San Fernando, Pampanga, Dr. Dayrit on October 26 last year died at the age of 88.

allan_dude

July 9th, 2008, 05:34 AM

GMA in Angeles for blessing of 11-story medical tower

By Ding Cervantes
Wednesday, July 9, 2008

ANGELES CITY – President Arroyo is expected here today as the guest of honor at the blessing of the 11-story medical tower of the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center dedicated to her mother, the late former First Lady Dr. Evangelina M. Macapagal.

The completion of the medical tower will augment the capabilities of the existing AUFMC to become the most modern and biggest hospital north of Metro Manila.

AUFMC president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Angeles said the medical tower “will provide specialized healthcare services aside from the general hospital services already offered by the existing AUFMC.”

“It will house additional 50 private rooms, 27 doctors’ clinics, modernized neo-natal intensive care units (NICU) and operating cum delivery room complex, three conference rooms, and a spacious wellness center, among many other facilities,” he said.

The President sent Angeles and other AUFMC officials a letter acknowledging their invitation for her to guest at today’s rites which will open the first five floors of the 11-story structure.

“The Macapagal family is truly proud of the honor accorded to our dear mother who played an important role in advancing healthcare and education in the country, especially during her time as First Lady. She has carved a niche in the hearts of our country for her commitment to genuine service to the poor,” said the President in a statement sent in advance.

For his part, Angeles said that “the Dr. Evangelina M. Macapagal Medical Tower will allow us to accommodate more charity patients under the AUFMC Indigency Program, which has served a total of 62,000 patients during the past 18 years.”

“We are growing in structure, service and technology to better serve the community, concomitant to the Founders’ philosophy that no one should be denied quality healthcare due to poverty,” he said.

The entire 11-story medical tower is expected to be completed in 2010.

http://philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28

ericlucky290

July 9th, 2008, 06:48 AM

Yup natuloy and sobra traffic:ohno: They closed McArthur Hi-way from the Intersection on Magalang Road upto Third gate in Marisol. You have to walk to reach AUF. Also what was inagurated was not the whole 11 storey building. Hanggang 5th floor palang natatapos. I will take some pictures when I have a chance. Natakot ako kanina sa mga PSG, so I did not take pictures:bash:

Another news, I saw the ads in Clark. It seems that Asiana will open US - Clark flights.

portludlow

July 9th, 2008, 07:35 AM

^^ thanks eric sa update

meron naman dati Asiana flight Clark to US pero kailangan ng 11 hour layover sa Inchon. :bash: ...sana hindi gaano katagal ang layover sa bagong flight nila. :)

gurugeri

July 9th, 2008, 10:01 AM

Visit www.missuniverse.com or www.nbc.com to vote for Miss Philippines for the Best National Costume award at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant. Vote ASAP kasi baka mag-close na ang voting. Thanks and God bless!

tisoycuba

July 9th, 2008, 05:11 PM

dark_knight_detectve

July 10th, 2008, 01:11 PM

Northrail given 45 days to clear rail tracks for project to start (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080709114&type=2)

By Ding Cervantes
Thursday, July 10, 2008
ANGELES CITY – Edgardo Pamintuan, Subic-Clark Advisory Development Council (SCAD) chairman, ordered yesterday the North Railways Corp. (Northrail) to clear within 45 days the 34-kilometer tracks from Caloocan City to Clark Field to allow the Chinese contractor to start work immediately on a new railway.

In an interview with The STAR, Pamintuan said he found out during a recent inspection of project sites in Caloocan City, Malabon and Valenzuela City that Chinese National Machinery and Equipment Group Corp. (CNMEG) has not abandoned the project as he had earlier reported.

“The equipment are there, the fabrication plant is there,” he said.

Of some 180 Chinese personnel doing design and survey work on the project, only 20 have remained, he added.

Pamintuan said CNMEG would not buckle down to work unless the Northrail and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) have cleared all problems in the railway that would link Metro Manila to the Clark Special Economic Zone.

“I think CNMEG is right in asserting that its contract for the project provides that the pathway be cleared thoroughly first,” he said.

Pamintuan said eight old railway bridges that were supposed to be demolished by Northrail to allow CNMEG to construct new ones have not yet been demolished.

“(When) I asked Northrail why they were not demolished, they said they needed explosives, and that they got P10 million which they turned over to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), but the procurement process is taking time,” he said.

Pamintuan said of the 34-kilometer railway, only 22 kilometers had no problems, and the rest needed expropriation of properties initiated by the BCDA.

“I was told the BCDA could not start expropriations because the Northrail Corp. has not yet submitted its survey on the areas,” he said.

Pamintuan said Northrail has suggested that CNMEG start work in non-problematic areas, but this would be contrary to the contract, which does not allow piecemeal work on the project.

Despite these problems, Pamintuan hopes that CNMEG would start work on the project within 45 days.

Pamintuan said he is holding a series of meetings with Chinese officials and those of Northrail and the BCDA to iron out difficulties.

dark_knight_detectve

July 10th, 2008, 01:32 PM

Arroyo aide says NorthRail firm to resume work (http://archive.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=147456)

First posted 00:21:56 (Mla time) July 10, 2008
Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ANGELES CITY – A China-owned company that backed out of the Chinese-funded NorthRail project last February will return to work possibly in August, Edgardo Pamintuan, newly appointed president of the North Luzon Railways Corp. (NLRC) said on Wednesday.

“They will be back,” Pamintuan said, referring to the China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. (CNMEC). “I am sure. I’m very optimistic because I already talked with (the) commercial attaché (of China in the Philippines) last Sunday.”

Pamintuan, who is also chair of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council and Luzon Urban Beltway Region, said he intervened to resolve the issue on orders of President Macapagal-Arroyo on June 30.

“After our 30 minutes of discussion, the attaché told me, ‘If we had met earlier, we could have finished the project in two years and a half,’” he said, recalling their conversation.

Past accord

The project was conceptualized through a memorandum signed by former President Fidel Ramos and King Juan Carlos of Spain in 1994. China provided a loan of $400 million for the Caloocan City-City of Malolos [Bulacan] phase, for which the NLRC made a first draw down of $105 million on Sept. 29, 2004.

Since January 2005, the NLRC, a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), has been paying $400,000 monthly for the loan’s interest. The BCDA and the NLRC have put up a counterpart of $107.819 million to the project. The National Housing Authority had spent about P6 billion to relocate around 20,000 families out of the old tracks of the Philippine National Railways Corp., where the railway system would be built.

In 2006, the Chinese government increased the loan to $1 billion to enable the Philippine government to extend the NorthRail to the Clark Freeport in Pampanga where the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport is located.

Pamintuan said he was meeting the Chinese ambassador to discuss the final details in the resumption of work by the CNMEC.

No work

His ocular inspection on Tuesday showed that 160 CNMEC employees, who are involved in survey and design work, had returned to China. Only 20 have remained but were not working.

Based on discussions with CNMEC and NLRC officials, Pamintuan said the contractor decided to abandon the project because it “refused to build on a piecemeal basis.”

According to him, the NLRC has not freed the alignment [on which the new tracks will be built] from right-of-way problems.

For instance, the foundations of several bridges have not been demolished.

“The Chinese said they need explosives. The NLRC people got P10 million for that and gave that to the [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. The AFP said their procurement process slowed down. I said that must not be the case. They can fast-track by doing a rebid purchase,” Pamintuan said.

On top of those problems, the entire project has not taken off because, he said, the CNMEC and the NLRC have “not come up with a schedule.”

“The design has not been approved. Only 22 km out of 34 km have been cleared.”

dark_knight_detectve

July 11th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Gatchalian’s Waterfront gets contract for Clark’s Mimosa (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008071024&type=2)

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Friday, July 11, 2008

Gatchalian-owned Waterfront Philippines Inc. said it received the other day the notice of award from Clark Development Corp. (CDC) for the lease, development and operation of the 215-hectare former Mimosa Leisure Estate in Pampanga.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Waterfront said the issuance of the notice of award was approved by the CDC last July 4.

CDC president and chief executive officer Levy P. Laus said Waterfront will pay the government around P1.5 billion for the contract and will invest P1 billion within a period of five years for the redevelopment of the leisure estate.

Laus said the CDC will earn a minimum annual guaranteed lease starting at P160 million over the 50-year term of the award, which is renewable for another 25 years.

Following the acceptance of the notice of award, CDC and Waterfront will enter into a 90-day memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will mature into a lease agreement upon the delivery of the initial commitments by the Gatchalian-led hotel firm.

Waterfront will initially pay CDC an upfront amount of P770 million within 90 days from signing of the MOU. The amount includes P450 million as the required minimum payment, P160 million as security deposit and P160 million as advance lease rental.

Waterfront was among the 10 entities that bid for the Mimosa estate within the 4,400 hectares former US military facility.

The leisure estate covers a 38-hole world-class golf course, the Holiday Inn hotel, a clubhouse, some 200 Montevista villas, a Pagcor-operated casino and industrial laundry and Veranda Restaurant.

Among the hotels owned by the Gatchalian group include Waterfront Cebu, Waterfront Mactan, Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City and the Manila Pavilion Hotel.
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Blair

July 12th, 2008, 02:37 AM

Subic-Clark dev’t plan discussed at forum

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Ten government agencies held last Thursday a forum here in an effort to coordinate the use of their resources in the efforts to realize the vision of President Arroyo to develop the Subic-Clark corridor into a competitive international services and logistics hub in the Asia Pacific Region.

The forum was organized by the Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC).

It was also intended to accelerate the development of the Clark-Subic corridor into a mega logistics hub designed to provide seamless delivery of goods and services as well as manpower and information to and from the production, manufacturing, and trading centers of the country, Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, SCADC chairman, said.

Aside from SCADC, the agencies which attended the forum were Northrail Corp. also chaired by Pamintuan, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority,Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corp. headed by newly appointed president-CEO Benny Ricafort, and the Clark Internatiional Airport Corp. headed by president-CEO Victor Jose Luciano.

Presenting an overview of the ClarkSubic corridor development plan, Pamintuan said that the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here is significant because it will make the mega logistics hub only three hours from the major logistics centers in the Asia Pacific Region.

Pamintuan also said that the on-going DMIA terminal II expansion which will be completed in fourth quarter of next year will make it capable of accommodating eight million passengers annually. It is intended to position DMIA as the country’s premier international airport. (Fred Roxas)

lightsaber46

July 15th, 2008, 03:25 AM

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/15/yehey/prov/20080715pro2.html

Mayor upbeat about P6-billion
low-cost housing development

MABALACAT, Pampanga: “Affordable luxury within the reach of ordinary workers.”

This was how Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales of Mabalacat described the P6-billion project of Globe Asiatique during its groundbreaking on Sunday in Barangay Tabun.

Morales and Globe Asiatique President and CEO Delfin Lee led the groundbreaking of the Xevera-Mabalacat housing project.

It is expected to offer 7,000 low-cost houses and high-end lots on a 62-hectare property formerly owned by Roel Feliciano and his son Jon.

The development will also build a municipal hall, swimming pool, school, market and shopping center and other necessary amenities not seen in other subdivisions.

“The second Xevera project is near the Clark Freeport Zone and workers there could take advantage of this,” Lee said.

Divine Lee, vice president of Globe Asiatique, said they concentrated on colors in Xevera Bacolor, Globe Asiatique’s first Xevera project, “but the one in Mabalacat will be emphasized by decorations.”

“Xevera-Mabalacat will also be Spanish-inspired but its lagoon and other amenities are inspired by the architectural designs found in Venice, Italy,” said Divine, daughter of Delfin.

Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin of First District, Mayor Buddy Dungca of Bacolor and Don Antonio Lee Chi Uan, father of Delfin, also joined the groundbreaking.

Lee said they had offered some lots at the portion of the Xevera to cater to high-end customers.

Like in Bacolor, Xevera-Mabalacat two-story townhouses will also have two bedrooms prized at about P5,000 per month and payable within 30 years through Pag-Ibig.

Lee said the grand opening is set in January 2009 when major facilities of the project are expected to be ready.

Lee, dubbed as “Donald Trump of the Philippines,” said he wants the project to be fully completed by 2010.
--Joey Aguilar

dark_knight_detectve

July 15th, 2008, 01:15 PM

No termination, no cancellation of Northrail project – Pamintuan (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080714160&type=2)

By Ding Cervantes
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT – North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail) chairman and chief executive officer Edgardo Pamintuan yesterday said Chinese embassy officials are “optimistic” that the Caloocan-to-Clark railway project will push through.

“There will be no terminations, no cancellations,” he said.

He noted, however, that the cost of the entire project, which is supposed to be funded from a $400-million loan from the Chinese government, is likely to be adjusted amid variations in its design, rise in cost of materials and currency fluctuations, among other factors.

Pamintuan told The STAR that the project contractor, China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG), has not backed out but merely suspended work on the project pending the approval of the project design it made as well as the clearance of the rail pathway under Northrail’s jurisdiction.

“I have been meeting with officials of the Chinese embassy and the CNMEG regarding the engineering aspects of the project. I still have to look into the financial concerns, but there’s definitely no termination, no cancellation of the project with China,” said Pamintuan, who was appointed to head Northrail only last week.

He said there is nothing final yet on how much the cost of the railway project would be, amid reports that Chinese officials are poised to file an international legal suit over the nonpayment of cost overruns and other violations of contract on the railway project that was initially estimated to cost $503 million, including right-of-way cost.

“What I know is that it was CNMEG and not the Chinese government that wrote Northrail sometime last May on the increase of contract price by $299 million,” he said.

Pamintuan, however, dismissed the letter as “water under the bridge as talks are now underway with Chinese government officials on all pertinent issues.”

He said that variations on the design affecting cost of project are a normal occurrence in infrastructure.

The railway project’s price overrun reportedly includes an $88.63-million adjustment arising from project “variations” and work quantities, and $210.77 million additional compensation for the extra costs resulting from the variations.

Pamintuan said that the cost of the project is also affected by unexpected right-of-way problems along the rail paths, particularly in Bulacan where Chinese designers designated titled lands for depots and stations not initially foreseen.

“Some 500 titled lots have to be expropriated in Bulacan for this, in addition to some 57 more houses that have to be cleared because they are within the railway alignment also in Bulacan,” he said.

The Bases Conversion Development Authority is in charge of expropriation issues, he added.

Pamintuan said that according to the government contract with CNMEG, work on the railway project could not be started unless the Northrail has cleared the entire pathway from Caloocan to Clark.

Pamintuan declined to comment on reports that since January 2005, the government has been paying $400,000 in monthly interest on the $400-million Chinese loan for the railway project.

“I have not yet looked into the financial aspect of the project since I assumed the post recently,” he said.

Meantime, former Senate president Frank Drilon urged yesterday his erstwhile counterpart in the House of Representatives, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, to “finally spill the beans” on the alleged massive overpricing and kickbacks involved in the controversial $503-million Northrail project, saying “the truth will set you free.”

Drilon said he had inside information that the Chinese firm CNMEG had warned that if Northrail failed to comply with the terms of the contract in 30 days and remedy the breaches in 60 days, it would be forced to terminate the contract.

“The reason why former Speaker Jose de Venecia seems to be reluctant in testifying before the Senate on the NBN (cancelled national broadband network project between the government and Chinese firm ZTE Corp.) scandal is reportedly the threat from Malacañang that he will be blamed for the massive corruption in the Northrail Project,” Drilon said.

Drilon, national chairman of the Liberal Party (LP) who initiated the Senate investigation into the alleged overpricing of the Northrail project in 2006, said De Venecia’s testimony would also give him the opportunity to answer Malacañang’s insinuations on the alleged “kickbacks” in the project.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., for his part, lamented that the government was paying interest charges for the two Northrail project loans to the tune of P1 million a day despite the long delay in the project implementation.

Pimentel said the multi-billion-peso project was faltering because the Arroyo government awarded the flagship project to a Chinese contractor despite the absence of public bidding and non-compliance with other government rules. – With Aurea Calica

Back to top

Porknight

July 16th, 2008, 04:04 AM

ABC Hotel

magkano kaya binayad kay kat-kat dito :lol: parang advertisement :D

psAeCWQzMlE&feature=related

Wow from Zambales to Angeles such a short distance they tooke ages to arrive?

As always we need more roads or trains routes ! Btw is not true that the bidet is only in italy , also in France is pretty popular .

tisoycuba

July 17th, 2008, 05:12 PM

wala ba tanong mga bagong picture dyan sa mga bagong development dyan sa pampanga or angeles city,lalona dyan sa vicinity nang clark....:)meron naman shareeeeeee plssssssssss:):)

dark_knight_detectve

July 18th, 2008, 02:30 PM

10+1 top chefs (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008071675&type=2)

By Lai S. Reyes
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Every food-loving Filipino is a chef at heart. But not all foodies can make a career out of it. A taste for something yummy is simply not enough to be able to dominate the Pinoy foodscape.

Regarded by food writers as the doyenne of Filipino cuisine, Cecilia “Tita Cely” Kalaw said that to be considered a good cook “one should not be content by just following recipes. You have to create them.”

This culinary icon set the Pinoy taste buds on fire with her “invention” — a fiery dish now popularly known as Bicol Express.

Years later, a new generation of chefs emerged. Armed with an intense passion for cooking and a heavy dose of creativity, they teased even the most discriminating palate with their signature dishes that catapulted them to fame.

Get to know the country’s 11 top chefs and what got them into their kitchens.

1. FLORABEL CO

Her kitchens: Florabel at The Podium, Felix at Greenbelt 5, Commons Restaurant and Bar at Salcedo Village in Makati, and Floring’s at Landmark Makati, SM Taytay and South Expressway in Petron and Caltex stations

Her passion: Touted as the chef to the stars, Florabel Co is passionate about whipping up healthy and yummy food. She makes dieting a pleasurable experience with her South Beach Diet (SBD), which celebrities and health buffs are crazy about. Not only does she deliver SBD food to clients, diners at Florabel can also request for the SBD version of what’s on the menu. When time permits, Chef Co loves to travel.

Her signature dishes: Duck adobo with kesong puti, and foie gras burger.

Her mantra: Healthy food need not be boring.

For inquiries, call 667-3220, 638-7527.

2. CLAUDE TAYAG

His kitchen: Bale Dutung

His passions: Claude Tayag is a multi faceted artist: he’s a painter, sculptor, furniture designer, writer, book author and, of course, a handy chef. He has been tinkering in the kitchen since he was 12 but only unfurled his apron to the public at Larry Cruz’s Ang Hang restaurant in 1988. In 1993, he was a featured chef at The Manila Hotel for a Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner, highlighting his interpretations of traditional Pampango cuisine. Tayag still keeps the flame of his passion burning as far as Pampango (and Filipino) cuisine is concerned. His own restaurant, Bale Dutung (House of Wood) in Angeles City continues to attract diners even if he only accepts one booking (a group of 10) per month. This is because Tayag and his wife Mary Ann will be your personal hosts for the four-hour lazy weekend lunch.

His signature dishes: Claude’s Dream (buko pandan gelatin dessert, and Claude ’9 taba ng talangka).

His mantras: Work hard but know how to enjoy life, too. When it comes to food, keep an open mind and mouth. Keep your passion burning.

Bale Dutung is located at Paul corner Francis Sts., Villa Gloria Subd., Angeles City, Pampanga. For reservations, call (045) 888-5163 or e-mail mquioctayag@yahoo.com. Strictly by appointment only.

3. HENY SISON

Her kitchen: Heny Sison Culinary School

Her passions: She loves motorcycles, playing billiards and firing/shooting. She’s an only child and so her father, Arcadio Banzon, Jr., who was desperate to have a son, taught her boy stuff which she eventually enjoyed. Baking is her first love. Chef Sison was the first to set the trend for fondant wedding cakes in the country. Indeed, she has gone a long way since she baked her first chiffon cake at seven. The lady chef owns and operates the Heny Sison Culinary School and hosts a TV show, A Taste of Life, which reaches out to those who love to cook and bake.

Her signature dishes: Lemon torte and decadent chocolate cake

Her mantras: Work with passion to achieve your dreams. Don’t stop learning and exploring.

Heny Sison Culinary School is at 33 Bonnie Serrano Ave., QC. For inquiries, call 421-7792, 726-5316 or visit www.henysison.com.

4. ED QUIMSON

His passion: Chef Quimson is a passionate cook. As his family was en route to the United States in 1972, they stayed at the Hong Kong Intercon for about a month. Occasionally, the young Ed would watch the executive chef in action and he was so impressed. At that time, he already knew what he wanted to become. As a chef, Quimson’s constant yearning to incorporate the different regional food characteristics with other cultures has made him one of the most distinguished culinary figures on the land. A few examples are his balut pate, paella de tinola and nilagang lechon. Chef Quimson is currently the food consultant of the JAKA Group of Companies.

His signature dishes: Paella and Iberian chicken.

His mantras: Have a positive attitude, be willing to learn, and learn from your mistakes and move on.

5. TONY BOY ESCALANTE

His kitchens: Antonio’s, Breakfast at Antonio’s, The Grill by Antonio’s

His passions: His passion for entertaining and cooking for family and friends has fueled his desire to take up a culinary course in Australia. But being an undergraduate didn’t dampen chef Escalante’s spirit. Rather, it inspired him to whip up exciting treats that tempt even the most discriminating palate. He considers having a restaurant in Tagaytay, where local and foreign tourists take pride in coming, as his biggest contribution to the Pinoy foodscape. His other passions are traveling, horseback riding, mountain camping and farming.

His signature dishes: Fresh salad greens (homegrown), steaks, seafood dishes and appetizers.

His mantras: You have to love cooking and entertaining. Everything should be simple and elegant. Work hard to please the Filipino taste/palate, which is discriminating.

Antonio’s is at Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City. For reservations, call (046) 4131054, 0917-8992866.

6. ARIEL MANUEL

His kitchen: Lolo Dad’s

His passion: His passion for good food has led him to win in international culinary competitions. After sweeping the previous elimination round of the MLA (Meat and Livestock Australia) Black Box Culinary Challenge held in 2005, the team of chef Manuel’s Lolo Dad’s Café bested everyone at the Philippine eliminations held in October 2007, a tough feat for someone who doesn’t have formal lessons in the culinary arts. Chef Manuel is chef de cuisine of Lolo Dad’s Café, which he runs with his wife, Mia.

His signature dishes: The appetizers served at Lolo Dad’s.

His mantras: It is always important to have the right people in the operation. Prepare simple dishes that everyone will enjoy. Everything that you do should come from the heart.

Lolo Dad’s Café is located at 899 President Quirino Ave., Malate, Manila. For reservations, call 524-2295.

7. JESSIE SINCIOCO

Her kitchens: Le Souffle @ Top of the Citi, Le Souffle @ The Fort, Le Souffle @ The Fort, Le Souffle @ Amorsolo

Her passion: Her first foray into the culinary scene was when she and her aunt tried to concoct and perfect a recipe for a baking contest. Her passion for baking and cooking heightened when she became a trainee in the pastry section of Hotel InterContinental Manila in 1993. The rest, as they say, is history. The culinary genius behind the distinctive taste of Le Souffle, chef Sincioco is recognized for her innovative and rated-A gastronomic creations at her swanky French restos. The haute cuisine chef is proud that Le Souffle has maintained its good name for almost 17 years under her strict guidance and supervision. Chef Sincioco’s other passions are painting, reading and singing.

Her signature dishes: Pasta a la Jessie.

Her mantras: Always ask God for guidance. Discern and discover what you really want to do in life. Be grateful for all the things that come your way.

For reservations, call 750-5810, 894-7461.

8. VICKY PACHECO

Her kitchens: Sentro, Portico’s, Chateau 1771

Her passion: Vicky is an accidental chef. Her stint as assistant restaurant manager of Chateau 1771, Malate, in 1988 led her to discover her passion for cooking. Her biggest break came when the executive chef resigned and she had to take over the kitchen right away. Attributed for positioning the Modern Filipino Cuisine in the Pinoy foodscape through the birth of Sentro in 2003, chef Pacheco has been making waves in the food business with her recipe innovations like sinigang na corned beef. It became so popular that other kinds of sinigang have paled in comparison.

Her signature dishes: Lemon chicken and pasta chorizo.

Her mantras: Dedicate your work to God consistently. Always aim to go beyond what you have accomplished. Nurture a heart that is always ready to help and serve.

9. MARGARITA “GAITA” FORES

Her kitchens: Cibo, Café Bola and Pepato

Her passion: A well-known chef and restaurateur, Gaita trained with the best Italian culinary experts. She is known for her own brand of Italian cooking in both her restaurants (Cibo and Pepato) and in the private parties she caters. Foodies can also sample her Filipino-style comfort food in Café Bola at the Araneta Center and Greenbelt 3. Aside from whipping up gastronomic delights, Gaita has also ventured into flower arrangement with Fiore di M at Adora located in Greenbelt 5.

Her signature dishes: Pizzas, pastas with heavy sauces.

Her mantras: Always continue growing and learning. Be a figure of inspiration to others.

Cibo is at Glorietta 3, Makati City, Café Bola is at Araneta Center, and Pepato is at Greenbelt 3.

10. J. GAMBOA

His kitchens: Cirkulo, Milkyway and Azuthai

His passions: Cooking and serving food is second nature to chef J. Gamboa who literally grew up in his mom’s restaurant, Milkyway. His hunger for new (food) ideas inspired him to put up his own restaurants Cirkulo, which introduced Manila to tapas and sangrias; and Azuthai, which serves authentic Thai cuisine. His passion for the culinary arts encouraged him to organize the Les Toques Blanches Philippines Culinary Team, which won the top prize at the recent FHA Singapore 2008. He also enjoys traveling and playing golf.

His signature dishes: Slow-roasted US beef belly with garlic, pepper crust and horseradish crème; and Cirkulo’s paella a la Montana, a vegetarian paella with saffron seasoned rice, Portaella mushrooms, asparagus and truffle oil.

His mantras: Love your work. Watch the details. Be thankful.

Cirkulo is at 900 Pasay Rd., Makati City. For reservations, call 810-8735, 810-2763.

11. ERNEST REYNOSO GALA

His passions: He’s passionate about all aspects of the culinary arts: cooking, baking, sausage and jam making. His other passion is teaching. Ernest taught his first class at the Sylvia Reynoso Gala Culinary Arts Studio when he was 17 and has been relishing every moment of it for 11 years now. He finds it rewarding when other people become successful because of what they learned from him.

His signature dish: None. “I’m versatile and I don’t stick to one,” he says.

His mantra: Pray hard, persevere, be determined.

Sylvia Reynoso Gala Culinary Arts Studio is at 181 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City. For details, call 671-4472, 671-4489.

Back to top

dark_knight_detectve

July 19th, 2008, 03:49 PM

C. Luzon remains bird flu-free (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008071823&type=2)
By Ding Cervantes
Saturday, July 19, 2008
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – After examining 2,347 fowl specimens from seven provinces in Central Luzon this year, the chief of the government’s anti-bird flu laboratory here declared the region still free from the dreaded avian flu virus.

This, as Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, chief of the regional animal disease diagnosis of the Department of Agriculture (DA) here, said the laboratory is now equipped with the so-called polymerease chain reaction (PCR) test equipment, which he described as the most sophisticated device for detecting the fatal H5N1 bird flu virus.

Lapuz, however, told The STAR that the PCR equipment has remained idle, as no serious case has been noted so far in fowl specimens.

He said the equipment, which cost about P500,000, yields accurate deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA testing that determines the specific type of bird flu virus in a sample.

“The PCR is used only when there are suspected bird flu manifestations in samples that underwent the so-called Eliza, H-1 or Agid tests,” he said.

Lapuz said the Eliza and H-1 tests are often used for blood or rectal specimens from chicken or turkey, while the more accurate Agid test is used for ducks that stray into areas frequented by wild migratory birds.

Migratory birds from bird flu-affected countries are feared to be possible vectors of the H5N1 bird flu virus.

“A few samples from chicken which yielded suspicious results under the Eliza test always end up negative in the Agid test,” he said.

Last year, Lopez said 7,000 blood and rectal swab samples from all over Central Luzon also yielded negative results.

“We expect to examine from 5,000 to 6,000 samples this year,” he said, adding that the lower target is to save on cost.

“The cost of testing with the use of chemicals can also be expensive,” he said, although he could not immediately say how much one test costs.

Lopez said all seven Central Luzon provinces have been gathering fowl and rectal swab samples from areas believed to be most vulnerable to bird flu.

These areas are those with high fowl population and frequented by wild migratory birds at certain times of the year, he said.

“Normally, the samples are gathered and submitted to us for testing after March when the migratory birds have fled, and then in September or October when the wild birds come again to escape from the harsh winter of foreign lands,” he added.

Despite the Philippines’ being free from bird flu, Lapuz said measures have been put in place in case the ailment strikes.

“We have task forces down to the municipal levels where simulation exercises are being done. As a matter of fact, more such exercises have been scheduled in the region in the coming weeks by the Zuellig pharmaceutical firm,” he said.

In the event of animal contamination, the DA will be at the forefront, while the Department of Health would be on top of the situation in case of human contamination, Lapuz said.

A report by the World Health Organization revealed that worldwide since 2003, there have been 385 cases of human contamination of the fatal H5N1 bird flu virus. Of these cases, 243 were fatal.

Most of the cases were reported in Indonesia with 135, of which 110 were fatal. Vietnam ranked second with 106 cases, including 52 deaths.

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tisoycuba

July 19th, 2008, 09:32 PM

wala na bang iba!

sisigman

July 20th, 2008, 12:46 AM

GRAND PREMIERE
August 27, 2008
SM City Pampanga
FREE ADMISSION

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2404/kalamthumbnailsjv3.jpg

Me keni and make way for the 1st Kapampanganovela!

To the knowledge of most Filipinos, only Manila has the capability of producing teleseryes in the country, while all other dramas must have been produced by Koreans, Americans, Japanese, Mexicans, or Chinese.

But did you know that in other regions, Pinoy TV dramas are also being produced and are even employing the use of non-Tagalog languages like Cebuano? With the cultural fervor sweeping the regions, one could only be reminded that the Philippines—amidst the institutionalized belief that this archipelago only speaks Tagalog as its language while the rest are mere “dialects”—is, indeed, a diverse country, and that its diversity is bound to extend even to the field of TV dramas.

Take for example the Kapampangans, the latest Filipino ethnolinguistic group to enter the field of teleserye production. This August, which is considered the Language Month, a Kapampangan cable channel (Infomax-8) and a creative pool of Kapampangan youth (Kalalangan Kamaru) will be launching Kálam, the first ever Kapampanganovela—the term introduced to refer to kabalen-produced TV dramas—in Philippine broadcasting history.

Combining the Contemporary and Folklore

Like other Philippine regional communities, Kapampangans possess a rich and colorful collection of folklore. Apart from the usual laman labuad (“laman lupa” for the Tagalogs), Kapampangans have a diverse world of folk healers and sorcerers.

Aside from the popular mangkukulam and mambabarang, there is the magkukusim, who can project his soul from his body to bewitch people across distances; the katulunan, who can channel the spirits of various living creatures; the uple, illusion makers; the ustuang, powerful witches that can make their bodies explode and incinerate the surroundings, and many other strange, magical characters that continuously add color to our local culture, but are sadly being forgotten and replaced by foreign monsters like the Bogeyman, Big Foot, and the Loch Ness Monster.

However, in ‘Kálam’ (a Kapampangan word for “grace” or “gift”) instead of portraying these magical characters in their conventional barrio setting, they will be portrayed in the modern, urban world, dissolving the gap between science and superstition, technology and magic, and the traditional and the modern. Imagine mangkukulam, ustuang, and mangguguna (potion chemist and charms maker) living with us in the city as seemingly normal people who dress up like us, listen to the same songs we patronize, watch the latest concerts, keep Friendster accounts, occupy seats in the government, and occupy jobs in call centers and malls.

This is the universe of ‘Kálam,’ where contemporary drama meets folkloric fantasy.

More than a TV show

The producers stress that ‘Kálam’ is more than a TV show. It is also an advocacy project seeking to promote Kapampangan culture and language to the rest of the world while showcasing and enhancing the Kapampangan’s media-related skills. They dream of the day when various ethnolinguistic groups start exchanging teleseryes with one another instead of importing shows from abroad. Such cultural exchange through broadcast media will contribute to the long overdue realization of national unity for the Filipinos.

Starring an all-Kapampangan cast and written, produced, and directed by an all-Kapampangan staff and crew, ‘Kálam’ will air weeknights at Infomax-8 in Pampanga. For people outside Pampanga, keep visiting http://kalamtv.blogspot.com for updates.

Add yu kami friendster: http://profiles.friendster.com/kalamtv

OtAkAw

July 20th, 2008, 10:12 AM

^^Is Infomax-8 available in free TV?

portludlow

July 20th, 2008, 06:58 PM

I wont be surprised he has political plans.

Pangilinan: Local boy makes gives back

By Tonette Orejas, Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:52:00 07/20/2008

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080720-149533/Pangilinan-Local-boy-makes-gives-back

APALIT, PAMPANGA -- MANUEL V. Pangilinan, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Smart Communications chair, made his 62nd birthday more special by celebrating it with elementary school students in his Pampanga hometown.

After a concelebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Parish, Pangilinan presided over the donation of P2 million and 14 computers to the local government of Apalit by the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), which he chairs.

The money will go to the construction of classrooms, said Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. who received the check.

Two of the computers will be used by the town government while the rest will be installed at the Dominador Pangilinan Computer Learning Center at the Jose Escaler Elementary School. The center is named after Pangilinan’s father, who hailed from Sulipan, one of the town’s barangays.

Bishop Roberto Mallari had invited Pangilinan and other PLDT and Smart executives to “reach out to the poor, share [their] treasures and resources to alleviate their plight.”

Pangilinan said he was “very proud to be a kabalen (a person from Pampanga).”

“We came to Apalit to share our blessings with the people. The best way to address poverty is through the creation of jobs and Apaliteños must rise,” he said.

Time stood still

“This is also part of my commitment to the people of Apalit. It is more important to help create jobs because it seems that time has stood still in the town. I’d like to see it [attain] more economic progress,” he said.

His grandfather, Benito Pangilinan, and grandmother, Florencia Reyes, were public school teachers in Sulipan. Benito became a superintendent of public schools and education secretary in the Quirino administration.

His father, Dominador, rose through the ranks, starting as a messenger at Philippine National Bank and retiring as senior vice president. Dominador later became president of Traders Royal Bank.

Pangilinan, who also chairs the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the country’s largest corporate-led foundation, said corporate social responsibility work (CSR) was “important.”

Business logic

“Purely from a business perspective, if we can help the poor, the more income they will have, the more they will have the ability to buy our products and services. That’s the logic behind our assistance,” he said.

At the Jose Escaler Gym where he served snacks to students, Pangilinan said many sectors needed help and education was a priority program for the PSF.

PSF president Butch Meily announced the P2 million donation to help ease the town’s ratio of one classroom to 80 students. The classrooms will be built in coordination with the PBSP.

The PSF, founded in 1994, was involved in microfinance, sports, education, youth rehabilitation, community building, poverty alleviation, disaster risk management and support for the arts, said Meily.

In a later interview in Manila, Pangilinan said that it was his work with the PBSP that really awakened him to doing more than just giving money.

More active

He said that at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he took a degree in economics, and in Hong Kong where he headed the First Pacific conglomerate, his way of helping was in the nature of giving donations to different charities, such as the Bayanihan Center for overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

But starting in 2000 when he got exposed to the work of the PBSP, he realized that there was an urgent need to get involved in projects that would have a direct impact on alleviating poverty. Thus he became a more active participant, donating not just money but also his time, effort, attention and expertise.

Pangilinan said the turning point for him was Payatas where, during one of the regular feeding and medical missions of the PSF, he did not just see but also smelled poverty. The businessman in him then questioned why, if everybody seems to know that there is a problem like poverty in Payatas, why the problem was still around after so many years.

“It’s pretty much a business mentality, that if there’s a problem, we should be able to solve it. Like for three years, we have a feeding mission in Navotas. Every time we go, it’s flooded. Then you ask yourself, this problem must have been there forever, why can’t we do something about it?” Pangilinan said.

“I think I spend about 15 percent of my time on projects that are not related to PLDT or First Pacific,” said Pangilinan, who is also involved in sports through the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas as well as the boxing and badminton leagues. He said he has stopped counting the projects that he is involved in.

Known for being a workaholic and one of the country’s highest-paid executives, Pangilinan said he allocates a good portion of his valuable time for CSR work because he gets a different kind of satisfaction from knowing that what he does could change someone’s life for the better.

“You get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you have managed to change even one life in your lifetime for the better. There’s a great deal of satisfaction knowing that someone you don’t even know managed to do better because of something you did,” he said.

Discipline of business

The particular challenge of working with the PBSP was in being able to use the discipline of business in running a social institution. This means clear and transparent reporting of where the funds are used, setting tangible targets and measures of success in projects involving key causes, such as poverty alleviation, environmental protection and enterprise development.

Pangilinan admitted, however, that he had some difficulty adjusting to the culture of foundation work as he is used to the PLDT and First Pacific system of zeroing in on performance measures and accountability.

“It’s hard for me to accept a 10-page report that lists accomplishments. So you have to force the PBSP and the others to quantify their objectives and measure their performance,” he said.

“Words are good, but it is easy to invent the words,” he said.

How to solve problem

He does realize that poverty is a much more complex issue than a problem in telecommunications. But at the end of the day, people should come together, discuss the problem and come up with a solution, he said.

“In business, if there is a problem, there must be a solution,” Pangilinan said.

He hopes that through his work with the PSF and PBSP, he is doing his part in finding the solution.

Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

icarusrising

July 21st, 2008, 01:48 AM

Waterfront vows to restore old glory of Mimosa
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Monday, July 21, 2008

Waterfront Philippines Inc. of the Gatchalian family has vowed to restore the 215-hectare Mimosa Leisure Estate to its old glory as it anticipates the influx of tourists once the open skies policy in Clark is signed.

Waterfront won a bid to lease, develop and operate the Mimosa estate in Clark, Pampanga.

Arthur Lopez, director of Waterfront and chairman of Acesite Philippines Hotel Corp., said the group will conduct a review of the leisure estate’s facilities to determine the nature and extent of needed rehabiliation services.

Mimosa covers a 38-hole world-class golf course, Holiday Inn Hotel, a clubhouse, some 200 Montevista villas, Pagcor-operated casino and the Veranda Restaurant.

“We feel that Clark is going to take off once the open skies policy is adopted. Open skies in Clark Field, Pampanga, will make the Philippines an attractive potential hub for foreign airlines and pave the way for the entry of significant amounts of investments.

Under the open skies policy, national carriers would have the right to fly over a country without landing, stop in a country for refueling or maintenance without transferring passengers or cargo, and carry passengers and cargo from one country to another and vice versa.

Lopez said while the estate already houses a hotel there, there is still room for another one.

While he refused to say how much the company was investing in the redevelopment of Mimosa, a notice posted on the Clark Development Corp. website said Waterfront will infuse P1 billion over a period of five years to make Mimosa more appealing to foreign and local investors.

Meanwhile, Lopez said the Waterfront group is looking into the possibility of building an integrated beach resort in the future given its bullishness on the tourism sector.

At the same time, Lopez said the group is in discussions with the Pagcor to build a mixed-use hotel and gaming complex in the $20-million Pagcor Tourism City along Manila Bay.

“We’re talking to Pagcor right now regarding our proposed project which is similar to the ones in Macau and Las Vegas,” Lopez said.

Plastics king William Gatchalian earlier said Waterfront was in talks with a Macau-based company to jointly build a hotel-casino within Pagcor Tourism City.

Estimated to cost between P500 million and P1 billion, the project will have 2,500 rooms to be developed over a four-year period beginning next year.

To remain at the forefront of the Philippine hotel sector, Waterfront has budgeted around P5 billion for the acquisition of up to four hotels within the next two years in its bid to develop its own brand of the the first class business hotel and casino segment. It is eyeing hotels in Iloilo, Ortigas, and Cagayan de Oro.

Waterfront, the only hotel chain in the country that has a presence in the key cities of the country, has a 2,000-square meter lot in Ortigas and another 3,000 sq.m. property in Buendia, Makati.

Waterfront owns and operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and G Hotel in Manila, the Waterfront Cebu City hotel and Casino, the Waterfront Airport hotel and Casino in Mactan, and Waterfront Insular hotel in Davao.

Source (http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008072019)

OtAkAw

July 21st, 2008, 04:02 PM

^^I really hope that they would bring back the glory of Mimosa. During it's heyday (1990's), Mimosa was just superb. They had tourism facilities for all ages (arcades for the kids, casinos, lovely restaurants, bars, etc.) and the place is "Parang Hindi sa 'Pinas". After all the scandals it has gone through, the place now may look okay but it still needs alot of renovation. Sa may bandang likod, ang daming mga unfinished villas, parang engkanto town, kakatakot. Of course top draw niya is the golf course and the Holiday Inn parin.

nico216

July 22nd, 2008, 08:21 PM

any news on sctex angeles exit? s sapangbato ba?

chaka northrail.. ano s tingin nyo? kaya abutin clark within 2010?

dark_knight_detectve

July 24th, 2008, 01:57 PM

Nolcom men to raise ‘tilapia’ for extra income (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008072354&type=2)

Thursday, July 24, 2008
ANGELES CITY – Soldiers, too, are beset by the rising cost of basic commodities, and to help augment their meager income, the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has launched an aquaculture project.

Maj. Rosendo Armas, Nolcom information officer, said their chief, Maj. Gen. Isagani Cachuela, released the other day some 5,500 tilapia fingerlings in an unused lagoon at their main headquarters at Camp Aquino. The lagoon has an area of 2,625 square meters.

The project, according to Armas, will also benefit the command’s civilian employees.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Central Luzon State University in Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija donated the tilapia fingerlings.

The lowest ranking Nolcom soldier has a monthly take-home pay of about P10,000 if there are no deductions for loans.

Majority of Nolcom soldiers, however, have a rank of technical sergeant with a basic pay of a little over P11,000 a month.

Armas said the aquaculture project is in line with the Armed Forces’ livelihood enhancement programs implemented at all military camps nationwide. – Ding Cervantes

icarusrising

July 25th, 2008, 09:52 AM

Entire 94-km SCTEx now open (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2008072451)

By Ding Cervantes
Friday, July 25, 2008

MABALACAT, Pampanga – The entire 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the country’s longest tollway, was opened to motorists at 12:01 a.m. today amid final estimates that it cost “slightly over P27 billion.”

Amid persistent conflict in reported figures, Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chairman Narciso Abaya told The STAR yesterday that the civil works alone cost P21.4 billion.

If the P1.1-billion cost of the four interchanges now being rushed in the northern and southern parts of Clark Freeport and in Floridablanca and Porac towns in Pampanga is included, the entire civil works would amount to P22.5 billion, Abaya said during a tree-planting activity here to mark the opening of the remaining 32-kilometer SCTEx stretch from Clark to Tarlac City.

The 50.5-kilometer stretch from Clark to Subic was opened to motorists last April, with a toll of P2 per kilometer for Class A vehicles.

Abaya said the total project cost would amount to “slightly over P27 billion” to include other costs such as the consultants’ fees, right of way, project management and administration, guarantee fee for the Department of Finance, and interest rates, among others.

Eighty-five percent or about P22.5 billion of the SCTEx project was funded by a loan from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC).

The remaining amount came from the BCDA, loans from commercial banks, and bonds that were floated.

icarusrising

July 25th, 2008, 10:00 AM

Some SCTEx pictures taken last July 19...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/4/photos/109/1200x1200/1/IMGP3063.JPG?et=ta7o4ixHkk%2C4bRtKX487gQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/2/IMGP3064.JPG?et=ug4iWjWq4hYDVq%2BeTDVAqA&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/5/IMGP3068.JPG?et=juD8TDZm%2CWAzs1U5chNxmg&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/8/IMGP3071.JPG?et=3M%2B7i9c1KOy90P6hpChlyQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/6/IMGP3069.JPG?et=oEmGzgci9UsTxN5MAwhqyQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/9/IMGP3072.JPG?et=QfEAqsDWFmSCGBYEAt6QHA&nmid=106963414

whippersnapper

July 25th, 2008, 02:31 PM

bakit may nakapagsabi na may alon alon na raw sa sctex

dark_knight_detectve

July 26th, 2008, 02:33 PM

Clark biggest winner in Thai-Philippine air accord (http://archive.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&story_id=150812)

First posted 07:30:47 (Mla time) July 26, 2008
Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—More opportunities have just opened for airlines seeking to fly from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in the Clark Freeport, north of Manila, as an air agreement between the Philippines and Thailand was renewed, with Clark getting 8,600 passenger seats in capacity.

An equivalent number of passenger seats was allocated for Thai carriers going to Clark, bringing the Clark capacity to a total of 17,400 seats weekly.

Clark International Airport Authority (CIAC) president Victor Luciano told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the agreement presents great opportunity for the gateway as it can accommodate 14 passenger flights daily.

Cargo capacity was also boosted for Clark, from zero to 700 metric tons weekly.

Luciano also confirmed that there was no limitation on airline designation. This means that even non-flag carriers can fly there from multiple designations.

Other Philippine carriers, aside from flag carrier Philippine Airlines, can apply to fly between Clark and Bangkok, he said.

The additional allocations were not limited to Clark. Manila airports got 5,400 seats, up from 2,930, with cargo allocation of 300 metric tons, up from more than 200 previously.

Airports outside Clark and Manila were given 2,110 seats, up from 850.

The Civil Aeronautics Board said that while Thailand was not currently contributing as much tourism as Hong Kong was, with only about 26,000 Thai tourists a year coming to the Philippines, the potential for growth was great.

Traffic is expected to grow further at a pace of seven percent or more per year since capacity has increased and more gateways have been added.

Traffic would also get a boost if Cebu Pacific Air opened a hub in Clark.

Cebu Pacific earlier said it needed five destinations to be able to do so: Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. With Thailand opening up to Clark, all five destinations are now reachable from the Northern Luzon gateway.

Candice Iyog,Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and product, declined to comment on the impact of the Philippine-Thai air agreement on the airline’s plans for Clark, saying Cebu Pacific had not received an official advice on the matter.

She did confirm that having all five destinations accessible via Clark would give Cebu Pacific the freedom to revisit plans to open a hub there.

The Philippine air services negotiating panel is led by the Department of Transportation and Communications and includes the Department of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aeronautics Board, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, and representatives of the airline industry. With editing by INQUIRER.net

Copyright INQUIRER.net. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Culiat

July 26th, 2008, 09:16 PM

If the national government can set aside money to improve the airport so that Angeles may become a gateway city it should also addressed the much needed infrastructure. Ideally it should go hand in hand and if you think the government does not have the resources, think again. It is just being wasted because of corruption and mismanagement.

Look what happened to Expo Philippines, this was supposed to be the venue for the Philippines hosting of the World Expo which never materialised, last I heard it was turned into a site to showcase Pampanga's and the regional culture. Whatever happened to this place is an example of wasted taxpayers money. How about Mimosa, Clark Freeport Zone has been neglecting this area. Ideally, both these areas can generate much needed income for the local government but for whatever reason, both these places are not realising its full potential and are rotting away because of poor management from the local authorities.

It was called the Expo Pilipino (now Clark Expo) and it was not meant to be the venue for the Philippines' hosting of the World Expo in 2002. The World Expo was to be held in the Quezon City Memorial Circle and the adjoining Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park.
And as for Mimosa it is now being restored to its former glory (and possibly surpassing it) as the authorities made a deal with the Waterfront Philippines Inc.

jbkayaker12

July 26th, 2008, 09:19 PM

It was called the Expo Pilipino (now Clark Expo) and it was not meant to be the venue for the Philippines' hosting of the World Expo in 2002. The World Expo was to be held in the Quezon City Memorial Circle and the adjoining Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park.
And as for Mimosa it is now being restored to its former glory (and possibly surpassing it) as the authorities made a deal with the Waterfront Philippines Inc.

Expo Philippines was meant to host the World Expo but Estrada scrapped the idea. Regarding Mimosa it is about time someone paid attention to this property.

diz

July 26th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Why didnt we host it?

Culiat

July 26th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Expo Philippines was meant to host the World Expo but Estrada scrapped the idea. Regarding Mimosa it is about time someone paid attention to this property.

Nope it (Expo Pilipino) was not meant for the World Expo. like I said earlier the site selected for the World Expo (cancelled by erap) was in the Quezon City Memorial Circle and the adjoining Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park.

here are some articles regarding it:
http://www.newsflash.org/199806/hl/hl000712.htm
http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/3712/n060698.html

Not unless the Quezon City Memorial Circle and the adjoining Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park are now both located in Clark.

Culiat

July 26th, 2008, 09:30 PM

Why didnt we host it?

the Estrada Administration cancelled it for some reasons.

le Reine

July 26th, 2008, 09:38 PM

Why didnt we host it?because of the lack of funds, remember we're still recovering from the Asian Financial Crisis of 98.

ericlucky290

July 26th, 2008, 09:44 PM

Here is the poor Expo Clark ( Expo Pilipino ) now...

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/JuneHangOut057.jpg

:ohno::ohno::ohno:

portludlow

July 26th, 2008, 09:45 PM

Expo Philippines was meant to host the World Expo but Estrada scrapped the idea. Regarding Mimosa it is about time someone paid attention to this property.

Again, its kind of hard to exchange ideas with you when you rely only on bits and pieces of info you read.

Mimosa is just doing fine. It has never stop its operations, its business model has been always profitable. There was legal wrangling between CDC and Mondragon Industries who was the former owner for back rentals. The facility will now be operated by Waterfront Properties of William Gatchalian as he won the bidding last month.

Culiat

July 26th, 2008, 10:13 PM

because of the lack of funds, remember we're still recovering from the Asian Financial Crisis of 98.

And for security reasons after the terrorist attacks worldwide in the early 2000s i.e. Sipadan and Dos Palmas kidnappings and of course 9/11.

portludlow

July 27th, 2008, 06:49 PM

Pampanga sugar firm to turn property into 'modern city'

By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 23:26:00 07/27/2008
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20080727-151040/Pampanga-sugar-firm-to-turn-property-into-modern-city

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines--Pampanga Sugar Development Co. (Pasudeco) plans to transform its 35-hectare property here into a multi-use facility to boost the investment potentials of San Fernando, where the sugar mill has done business for 90 years.

Michael Escaler, chairman and president of Pasudeco, announced the plan in a solidarity forum hosted recently by the city government.

"We would like to remake [the Pasudeco land] as the new center of San Fernando to make the city a nicer place to live and work in," Escaler said.

"We will not be guided by what is most profitable, but by what will be good for San Fernando," he said.

Escaler said the city government, which had adopted the public governance system that the International Solidarity in Asia had piloted in selected areas, had helped the local business sector do well, making it conducive for Pasudeco to embark on this plan.

Pasudeco is the only sugar central operating in Pampanga. Its contemporary, Pampanga Sugar Mill in Floridablanca, stopped operations in 1990.

The city government drew in more than P1 billion in new investments last year.

Escaler said Pasudeco's chimney was in the official seal of Pampanga, making the firm a part of the growth of the province.

"We have been part of the history of the province. All our ancestors and the whole community benefited from Pasudeco. So in our generation, [the] direct beneficiaries of Pasudeco want Pasudeco to give back to the community by reusing the area so we can make San Fernando a better place to live in," he said.

The property is beside the "Heroes Hall," the City Hall annex.

The plan includes providing space for factories, offices, housing and parks, Escaler said.

Copyright 2008 Central Luzon Desk. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

dark_knight_detectve

July 28th, 2008, 01:39 PM

RP call centers: Upbeat on the future (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200807278&type=2)
By Eden Estopace
Monday, July 28, 2008
There is no better proof of Thomas Friedman’s revolutionary concept that the “world is flat” than the emergence and boom of the call center industry in the Philippines.

Now with 151,000 seats and 205,000 employees, Philippine call centers are poised to grow even more rapidly in the next few years, with projections of a 23-percent growth through 2009, according to Dan Reyes, president of Sitel Philippines and director of the Call Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP).

“Call centers are the torchbearer of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry,” said Reyes during the opening of the Call Center Conference and Expo 2008 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last Wednesday.

In this industry, he said, there is no tomorrow because Philippine call centers are already operating 24/7 and serving different time zones.

The two-day conference came at a time when call centers are reeling from the effects of a global economic downturn, falling foreign exchange rate and the looming impact of a recession in the United States, which is the country’s main BPO market.

Admittedly, Reyes said the challenges are greater now, but the industry is also much larger, more resilient than it was when CCAP was established seven years ago with only seven members.

In fact, if there is one thing that the current business climate has given the industry, it was opportunity, not loss.

Call center executives led by Reyes, Raffy David of Pilipinas Teleserv, Vic Endaya of Advanced Contact Solutions, Benedict Hernandez of eTelecare, and John Langford of ICT Group are one in saying that the weakening of the dollar and the US economy has directly hit the bottom line but it has also led the industry to diversify and look for other markets outside the US like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Europe.

It has, among others, also driven companies to streamline operations to explore cost-efficiency improvements, increase volume of work and quality and strive to be on clients’ top tier service providers. And the effort paid off.

According to Reyes, CCAP, with 39 members and a combined strength of 97,700 seats and 134,000 employees, is expected to grow by yearend to 31 percent to 176,000 seats and 239,000 employees.

Revenues are also expected to grow to $4.34 billion by end of 2008, accounting for two-thirds of the projected BPO revenues for the year of $6.7 billion.

“If anything, the economic slowdown and price pressures should lead companies to operational efficiencies and cost structures,” Reyes said.

“Last year,” added Hernandez, “we got the opportunity to be better because we were faced with projections that were falling down the ground. Because we couldn’t influence the way the exchange rate is moving, we recourse to controlling what we can control better like efficiency, productivity. It has given us more focus.”

Another way of looking at the US recession is that it may even lead to more outsourced work to countries like the Philippines, according to Reyes.

“Because of the recession and its impact, calls will definitely go down for those companies which have already migrated here, but on the positive side, those not yet in the Philippines may have more pressure to offshore,” added Endaya.

As it is now, the Philippines is in the top 10 of the 2007 A. T. Kearney Global Services Location Index and was named the Best Offshoring Destination in 2007 by the UK-based National Outsourcing Association.

“Besides,” Reyes said, “the Philippines is no longer competing solely on cost arbitrage but on quality.”

Retooling for the future

In a presentation on global call center trends, William Dieu, senior research analyst at callcentres.net, introduced seven key drivers for the call center of the future.

Dieu said that, among others, a call center will continue to be the most strategic business unit in an organization as majority of customer contact is made through it.

Because of this, call centers are more going in the direction of becoming profit centers with primary revenue-generation responsibility.

In fact, in the Asia-Pacific, revenues generated from inbound and outbound calls reached $665.4 million in 2007. This is projected to grow to $13.1 billion in the next seven years.

Are Philippine call centers taking advantage of this wave? Dieu said a large percent of call centers in the country now have upselling and cross-selling opportunities, so they should be able to ride that wave.

Another thing in the horizon for call centers is the coming of the so-called Generation Y, which is expected to change the landscape of call center services of the future.

“This generation has a high preference for interacting with organizations using Internet and Web chat. It has low preference for speaking but prefers voice channels over the Internet,” said Dieu.

In line with this, he said more Philippine call centers are moving toward IP enablement.

During the press luncheon, the call center executives led by Reyes disclosed that the average age of call center workforce is 23. Admittedly, turnover and agent attrition is high. Dieu’s presentation revealed that full-time call center agents stay in a company for 22 months on average, part-time employees around 10 months, team leaders a little bit longer at 41 months, and managers up to 71 months.

“The call center is a people’s business,” said Reyes. “The positive trend is that as far as retention is concerned, there is already a significant increase in the number of months people stay in the industry. Our collective programs have helped our objective of not only retaining talent but making them happy.”

Hernandez also revealed that the Philippines is even enjoying lower attrition rates compared to other countries.

Among others, the call center industry has always been known for paying more than any other industry, with even better incentives.

“We look for talents with specialized skills and pay higher; we are creating opportunity in the workforce to move up,” Hernandez said.

But more than this, the industry is also striving to provide an even better working environment for agents inasmuch as call center employees work on graveyard shifts and ungodly hours.

It is now the norm, the executives said, in most call centers to have a 24/7 cafeteria, a place to take a nap or rest, and game rooms where they can hang out with friends.

“The thing is when you are 23 and you have income, you hang out, buy cigarettes, chill out. Part of our program in taking care of our people is to make them aware of managing their lifestyles,” Hernandez added.

The next wave

In his keynote speech during the two-day conference, Senate President Manuel Villar praised the social impact of the call centers in the country.

“The call center industry has given opportunities for people who want to stay in the country. More than jobs, it has given our people a psychic income. Those who would have left are now gainfully employed here,” Villar said.

Hernandez affirmed that more than jobs and revenues, the call center business has contributed to national pride.

“We have proven to the world that we could actually do a better job,” he said.

Perhaps even more than pride and jobs and psychic income is the expanding impact in cities outside Metro Manila.

In a statement, the CCAP bared the so-called 10 next wave cities nationwide, which are identified as new locators and crucial to the industry’s expansion in the next few years.

These new cities include Cebu, Bacolod, Baguio, Laguna, Batangas, Angeles and Dumaguete.

“We are proud of the fact that this phenomenon is not isolated in Metro Manila. More and more Filipinos are benefiting from the investment and employment opportunities provided by outsourced and in-house contact centers nationwide,” Jojo Uligan, CCAP executive director, said in a statement.

The CCAP executives affirm that setting up shop in cities outside Metro Manila has even greater social impact. For one, the quality of the workforce is the same and the industry builds a culture of loyalty in the locality.

This way, the industry encourages young professionals to stay and at the same time attract many others to go back.

“The industry continues to be vibrant and thriving. We are looking forward to achieving new heights to become a global call center powerhouse,” Reyes said.

The world is flat, according to Friedman, because it has leveled the global playing field in terms of work opportunities. A call center agent in the Philippines can provide the same quality of service to a European client, for example, as his counterpart in India or China. The issue is not on who could do it but who could do it better at more competitive levels in the global marketplace.

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dark_knight_detectve

July 28th, 2008, 01:43 PM

Landco Pacific’s hometown communities in Central Luzon are sound investments (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008072736&type=2)

Monday, July 28, 2008
A home in any of Landco Pacific Corp.’s developments is always a sound investment.

And for people who are looking to find one in the north of Metro Manila, there are three Landco developments that can suit anyone’s lifestyle and leisure choice—Waterwood Park in Baliuag Bulacan, WoodGrove Park in Pampanga and The Courtyard at Lakewood Golf Estates in Nueva Ecija.

Whether you’re an overseas Filipino worker aspiring for better and quality living for your family, a businessman looking to open shop and expand your business, someone starting a family, a retiree or someone looking for an investment that you can bequeath to your children—you will find wisdom in the purchase of any of these hometown communities.

Improved access

The wisdom in investing in a Landco Pacific’s hometown community becomes evident in the benefits eventual owners will enjoy.

Firstly, access to these places has been improved–exponentially. This is the result of the massive redevelopment of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the building of the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Two of the most significant road developments that the country has seen in decades, their upgrade have made transport and travel faster and easier.

Families and individuals from Metro Manila or in the surrounding areas who decide to settle in a Landco’s hometown community but who travel a lot whether for personal or business reasons can easily go back and forth.

The Courtyard at Lakewood Golf Estates, a premium golf community in Nueva Ecija has regular golfers even from the neighbouring provinces such as Pampanga. With access roads now improved, regular tee-off is now possible.

WoodGrove Park, a premium community in Pampanga that counts the province’s business elite and affluent families among its future and potential residents, can be accessed easily whether through the NLEX or the SCTEX, depending on where they’re coming from. So if they have a business to attend to in Subic, Clark or Tarlac, WoodGrove Park is just a smooth drive away.

An exclusive community that has among its residents some businessmen in Bulacan and in Metro Manila is Waterwood Park in Baliuag. Its newly established proximity to the metropolis via the new BLEX has made the travel to home faster, stress-free and ultimately, cheaper.

Improved business climate

The uplift of the major roads in Central Luzon isn’t the only change that is happening. As a result of this redevelopment, the right climate where business can thrive has also been created.

Individuals who are scouring Central Luzon to tap its potentials should find it beneficial to take up residence here. The new roads now offer better accessibility and transportation to and from places that are important to their business and have also made more efficient the movement of manpower, goods and services.

No longer will businessmen have to worry about the length of time spent and eventually wasted on the road. The travel of manpower or the business owners themselves has become shorter.

Those in the food business need not fret about wastage or the spoilage of their goods. Moreover, the transport of urgently needed goods has become faster.

This improved mood in Central Luzon’s business community will also make possible the development of more commercial establishments that residents can enjoy.

More to look forward to

With the mood for change now even more positive, we can expect more developments in Central Luzon. The possibility of more schools, medical institutions and more business investments coming in is no longer far-fetched, whether they’re residential, commercial or industrial.

In the long run, the developments will also raise the value of the properties in Central Luzon, Landco’s hometown communities, included.

Landco Pacific’s hometown communities are, after all, already premium to begin with. The lifestyle they offer is comparable to the best we’ve known here and abroad. Add to that the upgrade of the area and you have an investment to treasure for a lifetime.

Landco Pacific Corp. is the developer of high-end leisure, urban, and hometown communities, hotels and resorts, malls and CBD complexes. For 18 years, the company has made its mark in Philippine real estate, and is widely acknowledged to be the leader in leisure development. As the purveyor of resort living experiences, Landco is committed to consistently create innovative and outstanding lifestyle products that revolutionize the way you live. For more information, call (02) 836-5000 or visit www.landcopacific.com.

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icarusrising

August 1st, 2008, 05:23 AM

Clark bares 8,600 new airline seats to Thailand (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008073147)

By Ding Cervantes
Friday, August 1, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The skies over this freeport are set to get busier as the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) announced yesterday successful negotiations for 8,600 seats from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here to Thailand.

CIAC president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano, who is a member of the RP air panel that attended the RP-Thailand Air Talks in Bangkok last week, said DMIA got the biggest air deal with the 8,600 seats.

He added that the deal also boosted from zero to 700 tons weekly a cargo arrangement between Thailand and the DMIA.

Meanwhile, Luciano announced that Korea’s Asiana Airlines launched last July 22 flights from the DMIA to Los Angeles and New York, with stopovers at Incheon in South Korea.

Luciano said the recent air talks in Bangkok entitled Thailand to “a reciprocal seat entitlement to 8,600 seasts for the Clark route bringing the total number of seat entitlements to 17,200 seats weekly on each side or 14 flights daily.”

Luciano said “this is a great step for DMIA in bringing more tourists in the Northern and Central Luzon as the airport is on its way of becoming the country’s premier gateway.”

He also said that as part of the air deal, cargo capacity at DMIA will be boosted from zero to 700 tons weekly, without limitation on airline designation. This means even non-flag carriers can fly here from multiple designations.

The air agreement reached in Bangkok also led to the allocation of 5,400 seats between Thailand and Manila with cargo allocation of 300 tons, higher than the previous 200 tons.

Other airports in the country were also given allocations of 2,110 seats, an increase from the previous 850 seats.

Luciano said air traffic at the DMIA is expected to be made busier amid plans of Cebu Pacific Airways to operate at the 2,500-hectare DMIA by launching Clark-Bangkok and Clark-Hong Kong flights. Cebu Pacific is also planning to launch from the DMIA flights to other destinations such as Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Culiat

August 3rd, 2008, 10:51 PM

Kapampangan MTVs for the upcoming series Kálam

The music videos for the opening and closing theme songs of Kalam are finished! They were screened at the Francis De Javier Theater of Holy Angel University yesterday before the technical preview of the Cinemalaya 2008 Best Picture, Jay (Francis Pasion), but are aired regularly at Infomax-8.

Alang Anggang Sugat - 5 Against the wall

DiV7jvig8sg
Official music video of ALANG ANGGANG SUGAT by 5 Against the Wall featuring Ramcos Nulud (vocalist of Nora Aunor Fans' Club band) and violinist John Canlas of Mabalacat. Song written by Jason Paul Laxamana, with excerpts from poems of Jose Gallardo (Malikwatas, Biye Alang Bakas) and Mariano Sigua (Aduang Curan). DIRECTOR: Jason Laxamana, ASST. DIRECTOR: Diego Dobles, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Joven Mallari, EDITOR: Jason Laxamana, Diego Dobles, PRODUCTION DESIGNERS: Jon Tanganco, Nhoel Austria

Oras-Mernuts

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Official music video of Mernuts' original Kapampangan composition, Oras. Used as closing theme song. DIRECTOR: Jason Laxamana, ASST. DIRECTOR: Diego Dobles, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Joven Mallari, EDITOR: Jason Laxamana, PRODUCTION DESIGN: Roland Quiambao, SET MAN: Jon Tanganco

Culiat

August 7th, 2008, 11:32 AM

Preview/Trailer of Kálam's pilot epidsode

Preview of the episode 1 of Kalam, teh first ever Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan TV Series) in the history of Philippine broadcasting

Be there during the pilot screening at SM Pampanga, August 27, 6 PM
Zf4imLtj6dA

diz

August 9th, 2008, 11:20 AM

wow talented la pala ding kapampangan eh andyang ala lang maragul a budget balamu professional la ding mv, daig dala pa ding tagalog mtv keng myx.

dark_knight_detectve

August 9th, 2008, 07:06 PM

$1-M medical park to rise in Clark Freeport (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008080912&type=2)
By Ding Cervantes
Sunday, August 10, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — A “medical park”, to initially cost $1 million, will be established at this freeport.

This, even as the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), which runs this freeport, also bared that it signed recently with long-time freeport investor Berthaphil a $1-million lease agreement that will pave the way for the development of a 58-hectare area here into a suppliers’ park for Texas Instruments (TI) — one of the leading microchips manufacturer in the world which is now constructing a $1-billion facility here.

The CDC said that “Berthaphil has already guaranteed 12 multinational firms, suppliers, and business partners of TI of space in its industrial park even while construction of the TI facility is still in progress in this freeport.”

It said that the suppliers are expected to infuse about $40 million worth of investments here and also export some of their products worth some $20 million annually once TI is in full operation. They are also expected to create 2,000 new jobs.

The CDC also said that Berthaphil and Ardi Health Services, Inc., have signed an agreement for the medical park that will feature “hi-tech facilities and prioritize services for CDC and Clark freeport employees”.

The CDC said Ardi Health Services will manage various centers that will provide ambulatory care services, dialysis, general services, and dental and eye care at the park.

“The centers will have no less than 10 dialysis machines while the entire facility will be manned by at least 20 specialists,” said Dr. Cenon Alfonso, president and chief executive officer of Ardi Health Services.

Alfonso said the medical facility will rise on a 2,000-square meter area within the Berthaphil III business park.

The CDC said the accord was signed by Alfonso, Berthaphil president and general manager Elizabeth Castro, and was witnessed by newly appointed CDC president Benigno Ricafort and Berthaphil US representative Peter Herman.

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dark_knight_detectve

August 14th, 2008, 01:29 PM

Electrified system eyed for Caloocan-Clark railway
By Ding Cervantes
Thursday, August 14, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The North Railways Corp. (Northrail) has proposed that the delayed Caloocan-to-Clark railway project be upgraded to an “electrified system” instead of being run by diesel amid the high cost of fuel.

This, even as Northrail president and chief executive officer Edgardo Pamintuan told The STAR yesterday that railway Chinese contractor China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG) and his firm have given themselves up to Aug. 29 to settle the issue on the $229-million additional cost of the railway.

Pamintuan said he and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila met recently with Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming and CNMEG officials in Beijing and tackled difficulties on the railway project which was virtually abandoned by CNMEG last February.

During the meeting, Pamintuan said he told the Chinese officials that “your claim for price adjustments due to inflation and the appreciation of the peso and the dollar is a difficult matter” and that “we find no contractual basis for this.”

The $299-million cost being demanded by CNMEG consist of $97.12-million inflation adjustment, $106.8-million devaluation cost, “other delay costs” worth $32 million, and “work variations” costing $88.60 million, among other costs.

While Northrail and CNMEG have yet to settle this issue, Pamintuan said he asked the Chinese contractor during the Beijing meeting to study “the feasibility of upgrading to an electrified system.”

In his message during the meeting, Pamintuan noted “a very serious error in the fuel consumption of the diesel machine units (DMUs) which would greatly increase Northrail’s operating costs considering rising fuel prices worldwide.”

This, even as Pamintuan also asked both the Philippine and Chinese parties in the railway project “to stop fingerpointing,” noting that “both have shortcomings in the implementation of the project.”

He said regardless of the outcome of the continuing dialogue, Northrail is set to clear the railway path from Caloocan to Clark by the end of October.

But Pamintuan urged CNMEG to submit immediately the preliminary engineering design for the project, “together with the implementation schedule and bill of quantities.”

“These documents will serve as basis for us to discuss and agree on price adjustments,” he said.

Pamintuan also cited the CNMEG’s “difficulties in so far as adopting minimum Philippine (engineering) standards” for the railway.

“We will require that our consultant assign a project manager who is familiar not only with Philippine standards but Chinese standards as well,” he said.

Pamintuan said the Chinese are “100 percent” interested in pursuing the railway project, but he added that with the project cost being tackled, the Philippine side is about “80 percent” confident the project would be pursued with the Chinese.

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tisoycuba

August 14th, 2008, 03:55 PM

sa mga taga pampaga na nagdyan sa atin..picture naman sa mga bagong development dyan mga cabalen.. salamat!!

icarusrising

August 17th, 2008, 10:32 AM

Preview/Trailer of Kálam's pilot epidsode

Zf4imLtj6dA

Looks interesting and very promising though I didn't understand a word of it. What does "Kalam" mean?

dark_knight_detectve

August 17th, 2008, 02:52 PM

Aurora to set up satellite office in Clark (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008081692&type=2)

Sunday, August 17, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Clark Development Corp. and the Province of Aurora officers on Thursday forged a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a satellite office inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

The satellite office to be established in Clark will serve as logistics office for the promotion of agricultural and other export products coming from Aurora province, CDC President Benigno Ricafort said.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, who witnessed the signing of the agreement with Ricafort and Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara (who signed in behalf of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo), said the signing of the agreement is timely because it will complement soon the declaration of the special economic zone in the province. Angara-Castillo is on official business abroad.

The signing was held at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.

The elder Angara also told Ricafort that soon the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will be extended up to Baler in Aurora which will make the province some two hours away from Clark. At present, Aurora province, located at the northeastern part of Central Luzon, is more than three hours away from Clark.

The establishment of a satellite office for the Province of Aurora is likewise necessary for future economic, trade and other forms of cooperation that will help in the growth of tourism in Clark, Angara said.

“If Clark has 10,800 hectares for development as “next frontier,” (in the development of the freeport area), Aurora is also seen as the ‘next frontier’ in Central Luzon,” Angara said during the signing of the MOA. – Ric Sapnu

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ishtefh_03

August 17th, 2008, 05:54 PM

who wants to watch a concert of ArtiSta. rita??? may concert sa village namin sa Fiesta, Mga October pa... Sa St. Jude Village Pala ako...

Culiat

August 17th, 2008, 10:28 PM

who wants to watch a concert of ArtiSta. rita??? may concert sa village namin sa Fiesta, Mga October pa... Sa St. Jude Village Pala ako...

Ako sana hehe...

cabalen25

August 20th, 2008, 04:44 AM

who wants to watch a concert of ArtiSta. rita??? may concert sa village namin sa Fiesta, Mga October pa... Sa St. Jude Village Pala ako...

Ano yung "artista.rita?" Banda ba yan? Sorry nahuli na ko sa balita sa Pinas. Hehe...

ishtefh_03

August 20th, 2008, 07:53 AM

^^ renowned kapampangan theater group... na move pala sya bakasa december na lng daw...

Culiat

August 20th, 2008, 09:34 AM

Kálam full 5min trailer

EorzdONC3Sk

cabalen25

August 21st, 2008, 04:38 AM

^^ renowned kapampangan theater group... na move pala sya bakasa december na lng daw...

how do you pronounce that "ARTISTA.RITA?" where did they come from?

ericlucky290

August 21st, 2008, 05:45 AM

how do you pronounce that "ARTISTA.RITA?" where did they come from?

It is pronounce in tagalog - "kung ano ang bigkas siya ang baybay"

Ar-tis-ta ri-ta

OtAkAw

August 21st, 2008, 04:51 PM

"Sta." there stands for "Santa" so it's Arti Santa Rita.

tisoycuba

August 21st, 2008, 11:03 PM

MacDonald's is coming soon to Fields Avenue corner McArthur highway,balibago A.C

Culiat

August 22nd, 2008, 05:55 AM

MacDonald's is coming soon to Fields Avenue corner McArthur highway,balibago A.C

It'll just make a crowded area more chaotic :ohno:

cabalen25

August 22nd, 2008, 06:15 AM

It is pronounce in tagalog - "kung ano ang bigkas siya ang baybay"

Ar-tis-ta ri-ta

Yup I know the pronunciation but how did they derive to that name? What does it mean? Is it like a combination of 2 words cause it sounds odd to me.

tisoycuba

August 22nd, 2008, 03:28 PM

It'll just make a crowded area more chaotic :ohno:

suppose to be hotel dapat ang itatayu ni Gerald eh,mga 10floor dapat na hotel yun:)ewan biglan nang bago mula nang hindi na tuloy yun condo nya sa check point main gate...dahil sa isang ex politics sa mabalacat:bash:

tisoycuba

August 23rd, 2008, 10:56 PM

picture naman sa development nang Ayala mall Angeles City plssssssssss!!!!

icarusrising

August 25th, 2008, 05:25 AM

Subic, Clark to harmonize Customs procedures (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=200808247)

Monday, August 25, 2008

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corp. (CDC), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) forged recently an agreement to harmonize customs systems and procedures in the free ports of Subic and Clark.

The agreement seeks to institutionalize partnership and cooperation between the parties to enhance the positioning and competitiveness of the two free port zones as a preferred international investment and tourist destination.

Edgardo Pamintuan, SCADC chairman, Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, and CDC president Benigno Ricafort signed the agreement that provides for what is called National Single Window (NSW) program in Clark and Subic.

The NSW is a system that enables a single submission and synchronous processing of data and information, resulting in a single point of decision for the release of cargoes by the BOC.

At the same time, the BOC, SBMA and CDC also put into effect a joint memorandum order on automated transit and admission declaration of cargo for Subic and Clark, which outlined the administrative and operational provisions for the automated cargo facility.

The event was witnessed by Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino, BOC-Subic collector Marietta Zamoranos, director Filas Chen of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), and some Taiwanese locators in Subic and Clark. — Ric Sapnu

icarusrising

August 25th, 2008, 05:32 AM

GMA guest at groundbreaking rites of logistics park in Clark (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2008082447)

By Ric Sapnu
Monday, August 25, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – President Arroyo will be the guest of honor at groundbreaking ceremonies marking the start of construction of the $1.25-billion Global Gateway Logistics City here today.

Benigno Ricafort, president of Clark Development Corp. (CDC), said at the same time, Arroyo will also lay down the time capsule at a predetermined area within the venue to formally start the construction of the GGLC.

Ricafort said earlier, the President witnessed on April 4 the forging of the memorandum of agreement entered into by the Kuwait Gulf and Link Investment Co. and the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC).

The MOA called for the establishment of a logistics park in the world-class Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) Civil Aviation Complex.

The CDC president said the first stage of the development of GGLC project will cost $25 million, that will build roads and install street lights, fencing, landscaping, sidewalk, utilities and access points. With the second stage, GGLC will develop over a period of seven years the main facilities and buildings which will cost $1 billion.

Ricafort said once completed, the GGLC will provide logistics-dependent businesses with warehouses, distribution, multi-nodal logistics, and light manufacturing services alongside complementary business operations and facilities to support aviation-related activities within the DMIA’s Civil Aviation Complex.

He said the project will generate some 35,000 new jobs and spur economic progress in Pampanga and the outlying regions by providing other sources of livelihood to its citizens. – With Ding Cervantes

dark_knight_detectve

August 25th, 2008, 03:09 PM

Birth Centennial of first Filipino cardinal celebrated tomorrow (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080824174&type=2)
By Sandy Araneta
Monday, August 25, 2008
The centennial celebration of the birth of Rufino Cardinal Santos, the first Filipino cardinal and 29th archbishop of Manila, will be held in his hometown of Guagua in Pampanga tomorrow, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.

President Arroyo will lead fellow Kapampangans in the celebration by unveiling a historical marker donated by the Holy Angel University (HAU) and a six-foot statue of Cardinal Santos sculpted by Kapampangan artist Edillardo Paras.

Dr. Arlyn Sicangco-Villanueva, HAU president, will join the President in the unveiling ceremony.

A report posted on the CBCP website said Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales will be the main celebrant at a Mass to be held at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church at 10 a.m.

Cardinal’s red hat

Santos was the first Filipino to become a prince of the Church. Pope John XXIII gave him the red hat of the cardinal during a public consistory on March 31, 1960, the CBCP said.

Santos was installed as archbishop of Manila on March 25, 1953. He was only 45 years old then. He served for two decades until his death in 1973 at age 65.

On the 35th anniversary of Santos’ death this Sept. 3, Rosales will celebrate Mass at the Manila Cathedral at 8 a.m.

The sixth of nine children of Gaudencio Santos and Rosalia Jiao, Cardinal Santos was born in Barrio Santo Niño, Guagua town. He entered San Carlos Seminary on July 25, 1921.

Santos pursued higher priestly studies at the Pontificia Universita Gregoriana and obtained a Baccalaureate in Canon Law in 1929 and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in July 1931.

He was ordained priest on Oct. 25, 1931 and served as assistant parish priest in Imus, Cavite and then as parish priest in Marilao, Bulacan.

During World War II, he was arrested and sentenced to die by firing squad, but was rescued by Liberation forces on the eve of his execution.

During his work as a priest and before being ordained as a bishop, Santos worked closely with Archbishop Michael O’Doherty and Archbishop Gabriel Reyes, his immediate predecessor. His intelligence and capability were widely acknowledged.

He is credited for having defended the Church against modernism and radicalism in the 1950s and 1960s and for establishing the Catholic Charities, now called Caritas Manila, and Radio Veritas.

He supervised the implementation of the Second Vatican Council reforms in Manila and the first papal visit to the Philippines.

As archbishop of Manila, he undertook the rebuilding of the Manila Cathedral which was razed during the American bombardment of Intramuros.

He was also responsible for the building of several important structures in the archdiocese, among them Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary on EDSA, Makati City, the Pius XII Catholic Center in Paco, Villa San Miguel in Mandaluyong, and St. Paul’s Hospital, now known as the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. – With Ding Cervantes

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dark_knight_detectve

August 26th, 2008, 04:12 PM

GMA inaugurates $1.25-B Clark logistics hub (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008082516&type=2)
By Marvin Sy
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — President Arroyo led the inauguration yesterday of the $1.25-billion Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC) here, which is envisioned to be the best service and logistics hub in the region.

Situated on a 167-hectare property inside the Clark Freeport Zone, the GGLC is being developed by the Kuwaiti Gulf and Link Group (KGL), a private investment banking firm engaged in private equity, venture capital and asset management, and Peregrine Development International of Kuwait.

“The Global Gateway Logistics City will be the first master-planned center for airport and aviation-oriented operations and businesses in the Philippines and a crucial hub in what we envision to be the best service and logistics center in the region,” the President said in her speech during the groundbreaking rites.

There will be two stages of development for the project, with the first involving a $25-million investment for the development of infrastructure including the roads, street lights, landscaping, utilities and access points.

The next stage involves the actual construction of the buildings and facilities, which would translate to an investment of $1 billion.

Mrs.Arroyo recalled that the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Philippine government and KGL was made only last April.

“After only four months, now we see it take off. We welcome Kuwait’s trust in our economy,” the Chief Executive said.

The build-out of the infrastructure would take two years while the construction of the facilities and buildings would take another seven years.

According to the developer of GGCL, the operations of the facility would generate an initial 35,000 jobs, and would go up to as high as 75,000 during its full operation.

The development plan incorporates three new civic projects to include the construction of two new hospitals and the restoration of a local veterans’ cemetery.

Representing the royal family of Kuwait during the groundbreaking rites was Sheikh Ahmad Dwaood Al Salman Al-Sabah, who cited the development of the project as “history in the making” in the relationship between Kuwait and the Philippines.

The Sheikh noted that when he visited the Clark Freeport Zone to see the Mimosa golf course three years ago, he saw the investment potential of the 167-hectare property.

“This is a dream come true. It was a small idea and now it’s really happening. I’m quite certain with the visit of our Prime Minister two weeks ago that these two great countries can come close together,” the Sheikh said.

The KGL group noted that the Philippines’ high quality human resource base and its strategic location as the heart of Asia’s eastern gateway were compelling reasons for them to invest in the country.

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dark_knight_detectve

August 26th, 2008, 04:24 PM

$ 1-B logistics hub starts to rise at Clark (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/08/26/MAIN20080826133451.html)

By GENALYN D. KABILING and FRED M. ROXAS

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — President Arroyo yesterday welcomed a major Kuwaiti investment firm that will build a new service and logistics center here as the latest member of the country’s Billion Dollar Club of investors.

The President led the groundbreaking rites for the $ 1.025-billion Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC), owned by the Kuwait Gulf and Link (KGL) Investment Company, at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) Civil Aviation Complex here. The project is estimated to generate up to 35,000 jobs.

‘’With the investment venture we are launching today, KGL joins Texas Instruments and other members of our Billion Dollar Club. The Global Gateway Logistics City will be a world-class logistics and business park worth over $ 1 billion,’’ the President said during the ceremony.

She said the GGLC, which will be built on a 167-hectare area, will be the first fully integrated master-planned center for airport and aviation-oriented operations and businesses in the country and a ‘’crucial hub’’ in what she envisions as the best service and logistics center in the Asia-Pacific region.

‘’We anticipate with excitement its state-of-theart facilities, including excellent infrastructure, a comprehensive security system, and sophisticated communications network, along with many other physical amenities,’’ she said.

Mrs. Arroyo said she counts on the new billion dollar project to be managed and maintained to the highest international standards befitting top tier foreign investments in the freeport zone.

In the next 24 months, the Kuwaiti company will undertake the first stage of the construction, which will cost $ 25 million, involving roads, street lights, landscaping, sidewalk, utilities, and access points.

The second stage of the construction, amounting to $ 1 billion, will consist of the development, over a period of seven years, of the main facilities and buildings.

Once completed, the GGLC will provide logistics-dependent businesses with warehouses, distribution, multinodal logistics, and light manufacturing services as well as complementary business operations to support aviationrelated activities within the DMIA.

The new Kuwaiti-owned service and logistics center is also expected to generate around 35,000 new jobs and spur tourism and economic growth in the region.

Mrs. Arroyo said the new business center will boost the development of the Subic-Clark area into a competitive service and logistics hub in Asia, one of the 10-point legacy agenda of her administration.

Kuwait Sheik Ahmad Doaud Salman Al-Sabah, representing the royal family, said the idea of putting up a service and logistics hub at Clark came to him when he visited the Philippines three years ago and saw the potential of the massive vacant lot at the DMIA Civil Aviation Complex.

He also thanked the President for the government’s support in building the new project at the Clark Freeport Zone, citing better economic relations between the Philippines and Kuwait.

In a statement, KGL Investment Co. said it decided to invest in the country due to the high quality of the labor force, strategic location, and progressive economic reforms and policies such as generous tax incentives and simplified business procedures.

It has tapped Peregrine Development International as project manager and prime contractor fo the project. Peregrine has selected a Filipino company, Palafox Associates, to design the project.

The President also thanked the Kuwaiti government for its investments and development assistance to the Philippines, including the upgrade of the Davao Regional Hospital into a national cancer center, the Cotabato Regional Medical Center into a regional cancer center, and to modernize the Zamboanga Medical Center surgery block.

The President arrived at the aviation complex at about 2 p.m. yesterday to lead officials of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and KGL for the groundbreaking and time capsule laying for the world-class facility.

The groundbreaking came after CIAC President and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano and officials of the KGL headed by President Mark E. Williams sealed an agreement at the CIAC Corporate Office for the establishment of the largest logistics hub in the Philippines last July 16.

The agreement would benefit the surrounding communities of Clark Freeport Zone as well as Northern and Central Luzon.

President Arroyo also witnessed the time-capsule laying between Luciano and Peregrine Development International President Dennis L. Wright.

Other officials who attended yesterday’s event were Subic- Clark Alliance for Development Council Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, Bases Conversion Development Authority President Narciso Abaya, Clark Development Corp. Chairman Rizalino Navarro, and CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort.

Also present were CIAC Executive Vice President Alexander S. Cauguiran, Chairman Nestor Mangio, Vice President for Operations and General Manager Bienvenido O. Manga, Vice President for Finance Romeo N. Dyoco, and Evan Mcbride and Kevin Krucik of the KGL Group.

"We’re very excited about the opportunity in signing a partnership with CIAC and we are looking forward to a long partnership for both organizations," said Williams.

"CIAC is very pro-active in terms of business and were looking forward to bring other Kuwaiti and other Middle Eastern businesses at DMIA and the Philippines," Williams added.

Williams also said the establishment of the Global Gateway Logistics City located at the Industrial Estate Five "will have a significant multiplier effect to the surrounding communities of Clark and to the Philippines."

KGL will occupy at least 167 hectares within the Civil Aviation Complex for the development of a combined use logistics hub and techno park. The project is located near the Yokohama Tire Philippines and other Japanese locators in the area.

KGL is an international alternative investment firm engaged in private equity; venture capital and investment banking. It is a global leader with over 50 years of experience in transportation, logistics, stevedoring, passenger transport, warehousing, supply chain management and port operations.

KGL’s current operations include Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Tunisia, Oman, Namibia, Morroco, Pakistan, Germany, Ireland, Cayman, Mauritius and Egypt.

CIAC has started plans for the development of the Terminal 2 project for DMIA which aims to increase passenger capacity to 7 to 8 million annually.

dark_knight_detectve

August 27th, 2008, 08:00 PM

Technical issues ironed out in long delayed Northrail project (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=20080826120&type=2)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT – The Chinese contractor of the railway that would link Metro Manila with the Clark Freeport has ironed out the technical problems that have delayed the project, the North Luzon Railways Corp. said yesterday.

Edgardo Pamintuan, North-rail president, said China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG) has resolved technical problems in the Caloocan-Clark line of the railway project.

“Both our technical teams have been meeting in Beijing since Aug. 18, and they have resolved many of the issues that have plagued the project for the last two years,” he said, adding that next week, the meetings will shift from Beijing to Manila for both parties to tackle “financial and commercial issues like costings, currency devaluation and inflation claims.”

Pamintuan said that at a meeting with Chinese commerce ministry officials in Beijing during President Arroyo’s recent visit to China, Northrail and CNMEG agreed to resolve their problems before Aug. 28.

“We gave ourselves 20 days to tackle technical and commercial issues,” he said.

Pamintuan said the series of Northrail and CNMEG meetings in Beijing led to the resolution of such problems as design schemes, passenger volume, rolling stock standards, right-of-way, and demolition of bridges.

Pamintuan said the final talks will determine his recommendation to Malacañang on whether to push through with the project with CNMEG as contractor.

Pamintuan said Mrs. Arroyo had authorized him to decide on issues affecting the project to make sure that it is completed when her term ends in 2010.

“She doesn’t want a half finished railway from Caloocan to Malolos, Bulacan,” he said.

“She wants the entire stretch up to Clark finished by 2010.”

The entire project from Caloocan to Clark will cost $1.008 billion, including $421.05 million for section 1 from Caloocan to Malolos, and $673.67 million for section 2 from Malolos to Clark. – Ding Cervantes

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dark_knight_detectve

August 27th, 2008, 08:05 PM

Deal harmonizing Customs systems in Subic, Clark inked
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Businesses in Subic and Clark will have an easier time bringing in goods in the two freeports after the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corp. (CDC), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed an agreement to harmonize customs systems and procedures.

SCADC chairman Edgardo Pamintuan said the agreement is in line with the plan of the government to open an economic corridor in order to make trade with the Philippines easier.

In particular, he said the agreement will open trade linkages with Taiwan specifically the Taiwan Export Processing Zone Authority.

“The MOA and Joint Memorandum Order (JMO) will be harmonizing the Immigration, customs and quarantine (ICQ) procedures and policies to facilitate a smooth and seamless transfer of goods and people to and from Subic and Clark, and the export processing zones in Taiwan,” Pamintuan said.

He further explained that with the implementation of harmonized ICQ procedures, goods from Taiwan could be transshipped to Subic or Clark on real time

In fact, SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza said Taiwanese investors in Subic “are very happy” with the signing of the agreement.

“Our locators, particularly the Taiwanese firms, believe that through the harmonized ICQ program in place, doing business in Subic and Clark will be truly at par with world-class standard,” Arreza said.

“Now, we will have an environment where investors can see that their goods are being handled on time and processed in a transparent manner,” he added.

The agreement is expected to boost the competitiveness of the two Freeport zones as a preferred international investment and tourist destination.

For his part, BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said the new system will also be “our way of fighting corruption” as BOC offices in Subic and Clark will no longer be accepting cash for payments, which shall now be done on-line with banks.

Aside from the unified scheme, the signed agreement likewise provided for a National Single Window (NSW) program in Clark and Subic.

The NSW is a system that enables a single submission and synchronous processing of data and information, resulting in a single point of decision for the release of cargoes by the BOC.

A JMO on automated transit and admission declaration of cargo for Subic and Clark, which outlined the administrative and operational provisions for the automated cargo facility was also implemented.

The JMO will facilitate the conduct of business by providing, through the NSW program, a more efficient, less costly, and fully automated system for merchandise that are admitted, transited and transferred into and between the freeport zones.

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http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008082613&type=2

tisoycuba

September 1st, 2008, 11:28 PM

updated naman dyan sa mga development dyan sa Pampanga at Angeles city...picture po!

dark_knight_detectve

September 2nd, 2008, 01:19 PM

Taiwan group to acquire 15.2% of Tipco (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090120&type=2)
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Formosa Power Supply Corp. (FPSC), a unit of Taiwan-based Formosa Heavy Industries Corp., will acquire a 15.2-percent interest in Trust International Paper Corp. (TIPCO) with the acquisition of P150 million worth of shares of the debt-ridden paper milling company.

Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission show that TIPCO will issue 12.376 million shares to FPSC at P12.12 per share, pursuant to the terms of the paper miller’s rehabilitation program approved by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court in Jan. 31, 2006.

Under the agreement, FPSC has committed to subscribe to a total of P750 million worth of common shares of TIPCO over a period of five years or P150 million worth of shares every year. This is on the condition that TIPCO shall purchase at least 218 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for each year over the said period.

In the event that TIPCO purchases from FPSC is less than 218 million kwH of electricity in any year, FPSC shall reduce its subscription of the common shares of stock of the company for the said year in direct proportion to the amount of kilowatt-hours of electricity actually bought by TIPCO.

Incorporated on July 23, 1987, TIPCO manufactures newsprint and printing and writing paper for various media and book publishers in the country and the Asia-Pacific region. Its facilities are located at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga with a manpower of 560 employees in 2007.

In approving the rehabilitation plan, the Pampanga RTC said the option of liquidating TIPCO would result in non-payment of unsecured creditors including trade suppliers, loss of jobs for a significant number of workers, loss of much-needed revenue of the municipality where the plant is located and the loss of substantial export earnings for the country.

Already operating on full capacity, TIPCO now accounts for about 53 percent of the estimated 100,000 tons of paper being used by the local publishing industry per year with balance shared by debt-ridden Picop Resources Inc. and other small paper producers.

The new equity will be used by TIPCO to boost its operations locally and abroad.

The Development Bank of the Philippines filed with the Court of Appeals a petition for review of the RTC order approving TIPCO’s recovery program. To date, the petition is still unresolved.

Last year, TIPCO widened its net loss to P487.07 million from a restated loss of P428.33 million as revenues fell to P5.04 billion from P5.44 billion.
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dark_knight_detectve

September 2nd, 2008, 01:44 PM

First Aristocrat Restaurant franchisee makes good in Subic and Pampanga (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/09/02/BSNS20080902133997.html)
spacer

The Aristocrat restaurant is a historical and gastronomic icon that has inspired the growth and development of the restaurant industry in the Philippines.

Founded on the pioneering spirit of the Reyes forebears Engracia Cruz-Reyes, fondly known as Aling Asiang, and husband Justice Alex Reyes, Aristocrat has become a benchmark for success in the industry for 72 years now.

Businessman Jay Ramos already had a successful bakery franchise in Olongapo when he decided to go for an Aristocrat franchise. A resident of Quezon City, Ramos relocated to Subic in 2003 to attend to their family real estate business and saw the potential for franchising in Olongapo.

"Our family would always dine in Aristocrat when I was growing up, and I really loved the chicken barbecue," Ramos states. "But more than that, Aristocrat is a solid brand that has enjoyed popularity for more than 70 years now with minimal advertising, but just on the sheer strength of its products."

Ramos soon became the first Aristocrat franchisee outside the Reyes family, with the opening of the free-standing Subic branch in December 2005. "This is a high traffic area with visibility, accessible to both the tourists and the local residents. The tourist market is very seasonal, peaking during summer and the holidays. We had to be able to draw in the local residents during the rainy season and regular days."

Challenges

Surprisingly, during the opening, the place was jampacked with the Manila crowd who were pleasantly surprised to find their old favorite in Subic. The local residents posed a bigger challenge to Ramos, as the brand was only recognized by the older generation, and those who had prior exposure to Aristocrat.

"The younger generation, those who had no exposure to Manila, were initially intimidated by the brand," says Ramos. "After opening Aristocrat for franchising, the management updated and modernized the look of the restaurant, so the locals were inclined to think it was an expensive restaurant."

To counter the intimidation factor, Ramos did some local marketing with house-to-house flyering in nearby communities, and by introducing combo meals. Soon, the restaurant was up and running, with locals starting to come in regularly.

"We cater to a very broad market, from A to D," says Ramos. "Business functions are our bread and butter; we cater to 30-50 business meetings a month. We also hold a lot of binyags, and weddings – it’s become an aspirational place and people save up to celebrate their special occasions here. We also get balikbayans, who are often delighted to find Aristocrat in Subic because of the memories it brings back. We even get Balikatan troops – the restaurant gets filled with American servicemen enjoying their lumpia and pancit canton!"

With the success of the Subic branch, Ramos opened in October 2007 his second franchise in SM Pampanga, one of the best performing provincial malls mainly because its market has purchasing power, and its highway location opens it up to mall goers from neighboring provinces.

The challenges were similar to Subic, but there was a larger chance of familiarity among the mall goers. Ramos also introduced the combo meals at the SM Pampanga branch, which is now a model for the other Aristocrat mall branches.

"Actually, even with the combo meals, people go right ahead and order their favorites, or the popular dishes," says Ramos. "When they see other people eating the chicken barbecue, they order it too. The beauty of the menu is that it’s Filipino comfort food – there’s something familiar that appeals to everyone."

Franchise relations

Aristocrat may be young in the franchise business but Ramos is pleased with his franchise relations.

"Aristocrat is highly selective in choosing their franchisees because they are extremely meticulous in maintaining the high quality of food served, making sure it is consisted among the company-owned and franchised branches," Ramos pronounces. "We get monthly inspections, and I have direct access to the president, Raymund A. Reyes. Our stores are successful because the franchisor has been very supportive of us."

Coming from a store-front bakeshop franchise, Ramos states that he did not find it difficult to transition into the restaurant business.  "That’s where you find the beauty of franchising. You are buying into a successful, tried-and-tested formula. All you have to do is implement it."

With the Subic branch running for almost three years with a strong following from both tourists and locals alike, Ramos’s future plans include developing the market for the SM Pampanga branch.

Aristocrat restaurant welcomes franchisee applications for the Greater Manila Area. For more details, e-mail franchising@aristocrat.com.ph,

OtAkAw

September 3rd, 2008, 05:32 AM

Buo na yung stucture ng Ayala Mall, it has 3 floors and talagang Ayalang-ayala ang hitsura. I wish mag open ng branches doon ang mga brands na nasa Maynila lang like Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Taco Bell, Adidas Originals, KK, yung mga ganun.

dark_knight_detectve

September 4th, 2008, 01:52 PM

DOLE clears Hanjin of health, safety violations (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090361&type=2)
By Mayen Jaymalin
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Despite work-related deaths in its shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has virtually cleared the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Phils. Inc. of any violation of health and safety standards.

Nathaniel Lacambra, DOLE-Region 3 director, said recent inspection showed that Hanjin has implemented appropriate safety and health measures upon the recommendation of the labor department.

“Upon the recommendation of the DOLE-Region 3, Hanjin has also terminated its contract with one of its subcontractors whose four employees met fatal work-related accidents at the premises,” Lacambra said.

Lacambra added that based on their investigation of the 15 deaths, only three victims worked at the Hanjin shipbuilding project, and the rest with Hanjin Construction.

“It appearing that when Hanjin has substantially direct control of its operations, there are less fatal accidents,” Lacambra said, recommending that Hanjin take direct control of all its operations.

But Lacambra said the results of their investigation on Hanjin’s compliance with the occupational and health regulations will be submitted to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque soon.

The DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions also conducted a general workplace and safety and health assessment at Hanjin last April. Roque is still awaiting the results of the assessment.

Meanwhile, the DOLE has ordered Hanjin to adopt a safety and health action program to prevent more fatal accidents at its construction site.

Roque said the DOLE has created a special team tasked to formulate a zero-accident program for Hanjin.

Earlier, Roque had expressed alarm over increasing worksite accidents and directed regional offices to determine whether the victims’ employers had violated safety regulations.

Roque said the DOLE would not hesitate to close down commercial establishments found violating labor laws, including safety and health regulations.

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dark_knight_detectve

September 4th, 2008, 02:46 PM

Ayala, AEDC, others keen on $142-M Clark terminal proj (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200809034&type=2)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Ayala Group has expressed interest in undertaking the construction as well as management and operation of the second terminal of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga, a project estimated to cost around $142 million.

Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano told The STAR that there are at least 11 foreign and local bidders that have signified their interest in building and operating the DMIA second terminal, which will have a capacity of eight million passengers.

Aside from the Ayala group, he revealed that other parties that have secured the bid documents include Asia Emerging Dragons Corp. (AEDC), a group of taipans led by Lucio Tan. AEDC earlier lost in its legal battle to acquire the right to operate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, after government’s contract with Piatco-Fraport was declared null and void. AEDC was the original proponent of NAIA Terminal 3 when it made an unsolicited offer to government, but eventually lost to Piatco.

Another group that has signified intentions of bidding for the construction and operation of DMIA Terminal 2 is construction company FF Cruz, Luciano said.

The second terminal will be a joint venture undertaking between the private sector and the government, with the former having a 70-percent stake and the latter, 30 percent.

Luciano said the project will be entirely private sector funded, with government’s equity in the form of the land as well as the authority that will given to the winning bidder to operate on a joint venture basis.

He said the DMIA is envisioned as the future international gateway of the Philippines, with an expanded first terminal capable of handling two million passengers.

Luciano said the opening of the bids will be held sometime in the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific (CEB), the airline brand of the Gokongwei’s JG Summit Holdings Inc., said yesterday it will start operating international flights out of DMIA starting Nov. 8 this year.

Luciano revealed that Philippine Airlines (PAL) has also expressed interest in setting up a hub in Clark.

CEB president and CEO Lance Gokongwei emphasized that Clark is the gateway for central and northern Luzon and CEB’s fourth operational hub. “With aircraft based in Clark, Manila, Cebu and Davao, we can now offer the convenience of flying at affordable fares to ‘every Juan’ across the Philippine archipelago,” he said.

He pointed out that airline service will play a pivotal role in economic growth in Clark, and CEB is committed to being a catalyst for this growth. “Trade and tourism, among other things, generally prosper with increased accessibility,” he added.

Gokongwei said they expect a huge potential for growth in this part of the country, pointing out that DMIA has a catchment area covering eight million people within a 100-kilometer radius.

CEB will base an Airbus A319 aircraft in Clark and will operate daily flights from Clark to Hong Kong and Singapore; four times weekly to Macau; and three times weekly to Bangkok. It will also operate its Cebu-Clark flights daily starting Oct. 1 using its ATR 72-500 aircraft.

The new international services are introduced with a zero fare, with the seat sale running from September 4 to 10 and valid for travel from Nov. 8 to Dec. 17, 2008. More than 10,000 seats have been allocated for the Clark hub seat sale.

CEB is the only Filipino carrier operating international flights out of Clark and is the only airline offering a direct Clark-Hong Kong and Clark-Bangkok service. Other carriers operating in Clark include Tiger, Air Asia, Asiana and Seair.

Aside from the $40-million investment in the aircraft that will be fully based in Clark, CEB is also investing in the necessary crew and ground support in Clark.

Gokongwei pointed out that CEB’s Clark hub is the company’s third investment in the area. The first was its investment in a fully automated simulator and the second was made last year when the airline entered into a joint venture with Singapore Airlines for a heavy maintenance facility in Clark.

Groundbreaking for this is scheduled for the second quarter of next year and is expected to create 500 new jobs. CEB invested around S$70 million in this joint venture project. Aside from servicing the maintenance requirements of CEB in Clark, Gokongwei said they hope to get the contracts to maintain the aircraft of the other airlines operating at DMIA.

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timoga_lover

September 4th, 2008, 09:04 PM

marami bang call center companies dyan sa Angeles city or clarkfield? paki post naman dito ang mag company names at addresses. tnx

icarusrising

September 5th, 2008, 11:18 AM

Cebu Pacific readies flights to 4 countries
after announcing DMIA as its fourth hub (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0905&062008/index.html)

By Jacob Cunanan
Correspondent

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga— Cebu Pacific Air is making the necessary preparations at the sprawling Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here after Cebu Pacific officials declared the airport their fourth hub from where it will mount direct flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau starting November 8 this year.

Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and chief executive officer Victor Jose I. Luciano said Cebu Pacific’s decision is a major development for the DMIA as it is the first major local carrier to mount international flights from the airport and make the 2,500-hectare civil-aviation complex a major hub for its flights.

“Despite the slowdown in aviation because of fuel costs, Cebu Pacific has manifested confidence in Clark as a major international hub and, in behalf of the officials and employees of CIAC, we express our gratitude to Cebu Pacific for deciding to make the DMIA a hub,” Luciano said.

Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei said, “Operating out of Clark will further strengthen our presence and availability of flights to many OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] based in Central and Northern Luzon.”

Cebu Pacific will mount daily international flights starting November 8 to Singapore and Hong Kong, four times a week to Macau, and three times weekly to Bangkok using Airbus aircraft worth $40 million. The airline will also operate its Clark-Cebu flights daily starting October 1 and will be using the ATR-72-500 aircraft for the route.

Luciano said the hub is Cebu Pacific’s third major project in the Clark Freeport. Its two previous projects are the construction of the $11-million, state-of-the-art flight simulator, and a joint-venture project with the Singapore Airline Engineering Co. for the establishment of a $100-million, state-of-the-art maintenance, repair-and-overhaul facility.

He revealed Cebu Pacific had planned to make Clark a hub since last year, but could not get entitlements. However, following the RP-Hong Kong and RP-Thailand Air Talks, the Philippines secured entitlements for Clark and Cebu Pacific immediately responded.

Luciano said the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Civil Aeronautics Board, which are members of the RP panel, along with Clark, that negotiated in the recent air talks, were instrumental in securing the entitlements for Clark.

“As soon as the entitlements are secured, Cebu Pacific immediately responded and showed their interest to mount international flights from the DMIA,” he said.

Luciano said Cebu Pacific’s flights at DMIA will greatly benefit OFWs coming from Central and Northern Luzon, especially those working in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Macau.

“This development will bring them closer to their families and loved ones, as they can easily catch their flights at an airport that is closer to their hometowns and provinces,” he said.

Foreign carriers currently operating at the DMIA include Tiger Airways of Singapore, which flies the Clark-Singapore-Macau route; Air Asia of Malaysia, which flies to and from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu; and, Asiana Airlines of South Korea, which flies the Clark-Incheon route and the recently added flights to Los Angeles, New York and Chicago in the US every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday via connecting flights from Incheon.

Asiana Airlines officials have also revealed plans to increase flights out of DMIA to twice daily by the end of the year to accommodate the number of Korean tourists who may want to visit the Philippines during the winter season in their country.

dark_knight_detectve

September 5th, 2008, 02:36 PM

BOI grants tax perks to 2 power plant projects (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090414&type=2)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Friday, September 5, 2008

Two power generation projects with a combined investment of over P37 billion has received tax breaks from the Board of Investments (BOI).

Documents released by BOI show that it has approved the P36.82 billion power generation project of Emerald Energy Corp. (EEC) and the P385.86-million waste water power generation project of Hacienda Bio-energy Corp.

EEC, formerly known as the Calaca Holdco Inc. is in the business of managing energy generating projects. It has bought the 600-megawatt Calaca Coal-fired Thermal Power Plant in 2007 from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).

The government has given EEC a pioneer status for being the operator of assets acquired from the government.

According to the BOI, this project is consistent with the government’s policy to encourage private investments on power generation activities to support wide industrial development.

The plant will be operational in October and is expected to employ 479 people at full capacity.

Once in place, the plant will ensure stable and affordable power in the Calabarzon area or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

The Calaca plant is on a 167-hectare power complex in Barangay San Rafael Calaca Batangas It spans the shorelines of Balayan Bay.

According to EEC, most of the power produced from the plant will be traded in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). The remaining will be offered for bilateral contracts with electric cooperatives and other electricity off takers whose power supply agreements have been attached to EEC by PSALM under the power supply contracts.

Meanwhile, the Bioenergy project of Hacienda Bio-Energy Corp. has likewise been given pioneer status by BOI as it is expected to turn waste into energy.

The company is an example of the heightened level if ecological consciousness among private businesses in the country as it manages waste to energy activities and applies biogas technologies for energy utilization.

The project is aligned with the thrust of the government to increase energy self-sufficiency through the use of inexpensive, renewable and indigenous resources. Te project is expected to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuel.

Hacienda Corp. will build a power plant that will collect and convert manure from 25 different farm sites to biogas through “Anaerobic Digestion Swine Wastewater Treatment.”

Participating farms are in Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Cebu and Davao.

The electricity produced will be distributed to the farms in the area.

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ericlucky290

September 9th, 2008, 06:07 AM

This is Ayala mall as of 09-09-08 around 10am
picture taken near Angeles City Hall
Taken using N6600 kaya forgive me for the quality:)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/Picture097.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/Picture098.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/Picture100.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/Picture101.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/Picture102.jpg

tisoycuba

September 9th, 2008, 03:10 PM

salamat bro,laki na pala ang nagagawa nila hah.balita ko may itatayu rin daw na terminal nang VICTORY LINER dyan malapit sa mall..@ericlucky290

ericlucky290

September 9th, 2008, 06:55 PM

barrera_marquez

September 10th, 2008, 01:40 AM

tisoycuba

September 10th, 2008, 01:52 AM

I have no information about the Victory Liner terminal but I've heard that they will close Dau Terminal since the land that occupies the said terminal is a private property. And the new terminal is malapit ata dito sa Ayala mall.

sa tapat yata nang ayala mall,kasi vacant pa ang lot na yun eh:)yun ang sabi nang misis ko lagi ksi nadaan ang misis ko dyan ...:)

cabalen25

September 11th, 2008, 01:11 AM

Sana kuya sinama mo na yung city hall... :)

hay naku kuya, you're starting with them again... :ohno: what have you against angeles ba? just wonderin'...

cabalen25

September 11th, 2008, 01:15 AM

sa tapat yata nang ayala mall,kasi vacant pa ang lot na yun eh:)yun ang sabi nang misis ko lagi ksi nadaan ang misis ko dyan ...:)

so there will be no more DAU TERMINAL? ((sigh)) so should we look forward to ANGELES TERMINAL quite soon? this will further give the economy of angeles a boost pero i bet it will be as congested as metro manila in the future. tsk tsk!

ericlucky290

September 12th, 2008, 05:11 AM

ericlucky290

September 12th, 2008, 05:17 AM

Arroyo to sign Bacolor rehab bill Sept. 29 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080912-160114/Arroyo-to-sign-Bacolor-rehab-bill-Sept-29)
By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:07:00 09/12/2008

BACOLOR, Pampanga – President Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to sign on Sept. 29 a law creating the Bacolor Rehabilitation Council, which sets aside funds for the rebuilding of this town that was buried by Mt. Pinatubo’s lahar in 1991.

Ms Arroyo is scheduled to sign the bill a day after the 98th birth anniversary of her father, the late President Diosdado Macapagal, on Sept. 28, according to the bill’s proponent, Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales.

The bill will be signed into law at the Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trade (DHVCAT), which was named after the man who helped Ms Arroyo’s father finish law school.

The school and the San Guillermo Church, both half-buried by successive waves of lahar (mudflows), became the town’s surviving symbols.

“This is a historical legislation because it comes 17 years after Bacolor was buried,” he said.

Gonzales said the signing comes more than two weeks after at least 22 senators approved the bill on Monday.

cabalen25

September 12th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Dumaan ako kanina sa tapat ng Ayala mall, I saw a banner that says VICTORY LINER BUS STOP. So I guess sa tapat ng Ayala mall they will construct Transpo Terminal.

BTW, barrera_marquez nagHang Cellphone ko nung magtake ako ng pictures sa City Hall :). Pero good news, they are constructing new building sa may likod ng City Hall. I guess this is an extension.

naku kuya! wag mo na picture-an ang city hall at baka may masabi na naman ng masama yung iba dyan at laitin ang city hall. this may instigate another fight so beware. LOL!

musta na ang etel? i heard may IQOR pa daw dyan at iba pang call centers sa angeles?

dark_knight_detectve

September 12th, 2008, 04:01 PM

11 int’l, local firms to bid for P6.5-B Clark international airport terminal (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008091120&type=2)
By Ding Cervantes
Friday, September 12, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Eleven foreign and local companies will bid on Monday for the construction of a state-of-the-art, P6.5-billion terminal at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) said yesterday.

Vowing “transparency” in the bidding process, CIAC officials invited media to witness the bidding for the new terminal which President Arroyo wants finished before her term ends in 2010. The bidding will be held at 1 p.m. at the Mimosa convention center.

In a press briefing, however, Pampanga’s first district Rep. Carmelo Lazatin urged CIAC to defer the bidding until “questionable” provisions in the terms of reference (TOR) for the terminal project are clarified.

He noted for instance a typographical error that reduced the project cost to only P6.4 million instead of in the billions. He also pointed out that there is a lack of assurance that the winning bidder would be the most qualified to guarantee annual payment based on the number of passengers per year.

“All I want is that all issues be clarified to the detail so that the project could push through without anyone seeking a temporary restraining order from the courts,” Lazatin said.

CIAC executive vice president Alexander Cauguiran downplayed Lazatin’s fears, saying that under the TOR which interested bidders bought for P250,000 each, the bidder will pay the CIAC an ‘upfront fee” of P100 million, a minimum guaranteed annual payment (MGAP) based on the number of airport passengers per year, and set aside at least P6.5 billion for designing, constructing, managing and operating the new terminal.

He said the P6.5 billion is a ballpark figure.
“Even if the winning bidder offers P8 billion for the design and construction requirement and spends only P6 billion, the remaining P2 billion will not go to its coffers but to a joint venture (JV) company to be formed,” he said.

Cauguiran said that under the TOR, CIAC will own 30 percent of the JV company without spending anything for the new terminal. The JV company will have a 30-year lifespan, subject to renewal for another 10 years, he added.

“The construction will not be limited to the terminal only, but will include apron extension good enough for seven million passengers yearly, expansion of roads to four lanes around the airport, the installation of weather and instrument landing systems, and all other things needed in the terminal,” Cauguiran explained.

Lazatin said reports that the number of interested bidders has been reduced to only nine are not true. He said there are 11 bidders, including companies from Singapore, Korea, China and the Middle East. Local bidders include F.F. Cruz & Co., Inc. and the Ayala Group.

F.F. Cruz marketing manager Joey V. Mamuyac was reported to have confirmed the company’s bid for the terminal, adding that it has tapped a partner for the project. He declined to provide more details.

CIAC president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano said the winning bidder will have a 70- percent stake in the terminal, while the CIAC will hold the remaining stake.

Construction of will start 45 days after the winning bidder has been determined so that the terminal could be made operational by February 2010.

“The new terminal will increase Clark’s capacity to nine million (passengers) from the current two million capacity,” Luciano told reporters. This year alone, passenger volume in DMIA is expected to reach 800,000.

Arroyo had designated the DMIA as the Philippines’ premier international gateway amid congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

Luciano said the new terminal would complement the one that was left behind by the US military which used to be based at Clark. The existing terminal was expanded only recently to accodate two million passengers a year.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the airport system in Manila, consisting of the old domestic terminal, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 2 are used by more than 20 million passengers yearly which is above their designed capacity of 18 million.

The opening of the NAIA-3 increased the capacity of the Manila airport system by 13 million more, but the terminal still relies on the old runways.

Luciano said the Clark terminal could be an alternative to the Manila airport, especially for passengers coming from Northern and Central Luzon. He said the region is the second richest area in the country next to the greater Metro Manila area.

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Culiat

September 12th, 2008, 09:52 PM

Fly2Bacolod

September 14th, 2008, 05:05 AM

tisoycuba

September 16th, 2008, 01:52 AM

:cheers:Those said extensions are long due.

kaw ba culiat nasa angeles kaba now:cheers:o nasa ibang bansa ka:)

Fly2Bacolod

September 16th, 2008, 02:48 AM

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e146/robbie2003tan/travels/DSC01375.jpg

Culiat

September 16th, 2008, 08:29 AM

:cheers:

kaw ba culiat nasa angeles kaba now:cheers:o nasa ibang bansa ka:)

Nasa ibang bansa. Pero di ako mang mang o bulag o mas lalo na angbubulagbulagan para di makita ng maayos nangyayari sa Angeles.

tyronne

September 17th, 2008, 05:15 AM

Ang laki ng Ayala Mall, parang Trinoma ang laki.

leechtat

September 17th, 2008, 09:27 AM

Q mall.. i wonder why they named it "Q mall"?

tisoycuba

September 18th, 2008, 08:38 PM

Nasa ibang bansa. Pero di ako mang mang o bulag o mas lalo na angbubulagbulagan para di makita ng maayos nangyayari sa Angeles.

ay ang taray mo pala:lol:ako nasa munti naman ako sa loob:cheers:

Culiat

September 19th, 2008, 05:38 AM

ay ang taray mo pala:lol:ako nasa munti naman ako sa loob:cheers:

Hindi naman talaga ako mataray depende lang sa mood haha

Blair

September 19th, 2008, 10:25 AM

Clark workers now total 54,148

Texas Instruments expected to generate 3,000 more jobs

CLARK FREEPORT — The number of workers in this sprawling Freeport zone continues to increase despite the global economic slowdown, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) reported.

A report submitted by Customer Services Department (CSD) to CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Benigno N. Ricafort stated the number of workers in Clark increased by 1,813 and totaled 54,148 by the end of August, this year, compared to 52,335 at the end of August last year.

Ricafort said the increase is an indication of the continued economic growth and entry of new firms in the Freeport.

CDC also reported that based on the total number of workers, Pampanga is still the biggest employment contributor, registering 39,224 workers or 72.44 percent of the 54,148 employees hired by the various locators and investors.

Tarlac, meanwhile, recorded 6,548 workers or 12.09 percent of the total number, while the remaining 8,376 or 15.47 percent come from various areas in the country.

CSD reported that the biggest generators of jobs here are firms belonging to the industrial sector. These include companies engaged in the manufacture of garments, electronics, furniture and other craft. Other top generators of jobs are other manufacturing firms, tourism establishments, and companies in business process outsourcing (BPOs).

There are 107 firms belonging to the service-related industry and 99 firms in the industrial sector such as those into electronics, furniture, and craft. Twenty-eight firms are commercial, 21 are in aviation, 20 in tourism, 31 in BPO-IT, nine in utility, and three in housing.

The IT, electronics, service-oriented, tourism, and other manufacturing and utility firms contributed a lot in the increase in the number of workers during the period from August 2007 to August 2008. These firms accounted for 31,000 workers,

Ricafort said that the number of workers is expected to increase further when giant semiconductor firm Texas Instrument starts its operations here in the third quarter of the year.

When fully operational in 2010, Texas Instrument is expected to generate more than 3,000 direct jobs.

"Expansion programs and the entry of more firms in the Freeport main zone and the Next Frontier (subzone) here are expected to boost further the employment generation in the coming months," Ricafort said.

dark_knight_detectve

September 19th, 2008, 04:08 PM

Clark workers now total 54,148 (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/09/19/PROV20080919135631.html)

Texas Instruments expected to generate 3,000 more jobs

Fred Roxas

CLARK FREEPORT — The number of workers in this sprawling Freeport zone continues to increase despite the global economic slowdown, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) reported.

A report submitted by Customer Services Department (CSD) to CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Benigno N. Ricafort stated the number of workers in Clark increased by 1,813 and totaled 54,148 by the end of August, this year, compared to 52,335 at the end of August last year.

Ricafort said the increase is an indication of the continued economic growth and entry of new firms in the Freeport.

CDC also reported that based on the total number of workers, Pampanga is still the biggest employment contributor, registering 39,224 workers or 72.44 percent of the 54,148 employees hired by the various locators and investors.

Tarlac, meanwhile, recorded 6,548 workers or 12.09 percent of the total number, while the remaining 8,376 or 15.47 percent come from various areas in the country.

CSD reported that the biggest generators of jobs here are firms belonging to the industrial sector. These include companies engaged in the manufacture of garments, electronics, furniture and other craft. Other top generators of jobs are other manufacturing firms, tourism establishments, and companies in business process outsourcing (BPOs).

There are 107 firms belonging to the service-related industry and 99 firms in the industrial sector such as those into electronics, furniture, and craft. Twenty-eight firms are commercial, 21 are in aviation, 20 in tourism, 31 in BPO-IT, nine in utility, and three in housing.

The IT, electronics, service-oriented, tourism, and other manufacturing and utility firms contributed a lot in the increase in the number of workers during the period from August 2007 to August 2008. These firms accounted for 31,000 workers,

Ricafort said that the number of workers is expected to increase further when giant semiconductor firm Texas Instrument starts its operations here in the third quarter of the year.

When fully operational in 2010, Texas Instrument is expected to generate more than 3,000 direct jobs.

"Expansion programs and the entry of more firms in the Freeport main zone and the Next Frontier (subzone) here are expected to boost further the employment generation in the coming months," Ricafort said.

Fly2Bacolod

September 20th, 2008, 05:52 AM

^^
wow

Fly2Bacolod

September 20th, 2008, 05:53 AM

http://www.swisschaletph.com/images/sm-clark.jpg

http://www.arrays.com.ph/News_and_Features_files/PIC_GALLERY/SM_PAMPANGA.jpg

ericlucky290

September 21st, 2008, 03:53 AM

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/clark/Clark002.jpg

cabalen25

September 21st, 2008, 04:27 AM

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/clark/Clark002.jpg

waahhh! i miss angeles and my job at AOL clark!!! :cry:

cabalen25

September 21st, 2008, 04:28 AM

ericlucky, how's aol clark doing there?

ericlucky290

September 21st, 2008, 09:50 PM

The last picture posted for Ayala Mall was taken at City Hall side, now here is the picture taken from the oppoiste side, Magalang Road, where Ayala's Marquee Village is also located.

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04462.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04465.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04466.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04467.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04468.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04469.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04470.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/Ayala/DSC04471.jpg

cabalen25

September 22nd, 2008, 12:17 AM

ericlucky290

September 22nd, 2008, 05:00 AM

ericlucky, you seem to pretend not reading my posts. i am asking how aol clark is doing now. it takes more time to post pictures than to answer a simple question, right? lol! :lol: hope you find time to type in some answers. thanks, cabalen!

Sorry, kuya, I would like to say no comment to your question. I would say its neither good nor bad. Well perhaps, its okay.:cheers:

cabalen25

September 23rd, 2008, 03:11 AM

Sorry, kuya, I would like to say no comment to your question. I would say its neither good nor bad. Well perhaps, its okay.:cheers:

based on your answer, i know what you mean to say kuya eric. lol! ala lang, i'm just missing my job at aol clark. it's always good to reminisce the good 'ol days.

any other developments in angeles lately? is it true na mcdonalds daw ang itatayo sa mcarthur highway corner fields avenue, instead of a big condo?

dark_knight_detectve

September 24th, 2008, 01:21 PM

US firm wins bid for new Clark airport (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008092352&type=2)
By Ding Cervantes
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – A US company lorded it over the bidding Monday for the construction of the P6.5-billion state-of-the-art passenger terminal for the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport here, elbowing out two other bidders which were disqualified.

The Chicago-based Admiral Energy ECC (Admiral Energy) offered P12.4 billion for the construction of the terminal, way above the minimum P6.5 billion specified in the terms of reference issued by the Clark International Airport Corp. for the bidding.

CIAC authorities, however, have not officially declared Admiral Energy as the winner in the bidding until they have finished with their “post qualification evaluation.”

“This is a very positive development again for DMIA and we can only move forward from here, the company (Admiral Energy) passed the three requirements and even exceeded its minimum investment,” CIAC president Victor Jose Luciano said.

“We can say that we will have a terminal by the first quarter of 2010,” Luciano said.

Two other bidders – the Philippine Regional Investment Development Corp. and the Synergy Resources – were disqualified after the documents they submitted in envelopes lacked some “eligibility requirements.” Initially, 11 bidders expressed interest in the project but only three showed up during Monday’s bidding.

With the two companies out, the bidding procedures commenced with only Admiral Energy as the lone bidder whose envelopes containing its technical and financial proposals were opened for consideration by CIAC’s joint venture special committee headed by CIAC executive vice president Alex Cauguiran.

Apart from Admiral Energy’s P12.6 billion offer for the construction of a modern passenger terminal, it also proposed an “upfront fee” of P108 million, way above the minimum P100 million requirement to be paid to the CIAC.

Should Admiral Energy be proclaimed as bid winner, it will be CIAC’s partner in a joint venture company for 30 years, renewable for another 10 years.

The TOR for the bidding states that Admiral Energy as private sector partner of CIAC will own 70 percent of shares, the remaining 30 percent to belong to CIAC.

The TOR said that the responsibilities of the PSP should include the design of the passenger terminal building with a minimum capacity for seven million passengers annually, the use of a “green building system and technology,” use of latest and state-of-the-art technologies in security and auxiliary equipment, expansion of the airport apron.

It also said that constructions “must accommodate at least International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code E aircraft with apron lighting system, compliance at all times with national building and construction rules and regulations such as National Building Code and the Accessibility Law.”

The TOR also cited compliance not only with ICAO, but also with the US Federal Aviation Administration standards.

The PSP’s investments would also cover expenses for safety and security needs, additional two lane service road network approximately four kms., landside parking for at least 1,000 light vehicles, provisions for ecumenical prayer room, airport plaza for commercial establishments, retail shops and offices, transport plaza for buses and taxis, environmental impact study, provisions for government offices, holding room for guests.

Further, the equity contribution of CIAC in the joint venture would not be in cash, but in terms of being the owner of the assets and properties at the DMIA and the “value of the right to operate the DMIA passenger Terminal 2 and ancillary facilities for the duration of the agreement.”

“The CIAC shall be represented in the board of directors of the JV Co. in lieu of the veto power or superior rights of the CIAC, critical positions in the joint venture company such as the board of audit committee chairmanship, corporate secretary, internal audit, and comptroller shall come from the CIAC,” the TOR also said.

Sources of revenues for the joint venture company include check-in counter fees, passenger terminal fees, aircraft parking fees, aircraft tacking fees, lease and rental charges, concession privilege fees for passenger services, food services, transport utility concessions, among others.

“CIAC shall be entitled to a minimum guaranteed annual payment and terminal fee share,” the TOR also said.

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dark_knight_detectve

September 24th, 2008, 01:28 PM

Koreans top new Subic investors in first 8 months (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008092311&type=2)
By Bebot Sison Jr.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — South Korean investors invested $198.8 million in the Freeport zone during the first eight months of this year, making them the biggest group of new investors for the past three years.

The South Korean firms, with a total of 46 projects approved by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from January to August, committed more than 85 percent of the $232.6 million worth of new investments for the said period.

Filipino investors, meanwhile, came in second with 67 projects worth $10 million followed by Taiwanese firms with three projects worth $2.9 million, and Malaysians with another three proposals amounting to $2 million.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the influx of Korean investors in the area came on the heels of the $1.6-billion investment infused by shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines in 2006 and 2007.

“Most of these Korean companies are either suppliers or subcontractors of Hanjin, and some are property developers that also target the growing Korean community not only in Subic, but in other parts of the country,” Arreza said.

“Subic’s biggest new investor so far this year, the Subic Neocove Corp., is also a Korean company which intends to develop a resort to cater mostly to Korean expatriates,” he added.

“Of course, Subic has a good mix of nationalities, who have been part of the local business community since the freeport was established in 1992,” Arreza said.

Among the nationalities that put up new investments in the area this year are the Taiwanese, Japanese, American, Malaysian, Pakistan, Norwegian, Australian, British, Singaporean and Canadian.

SBMA records also indicate that in January to August this year, foreign direct investments (FDIs) composed the bulk of fresh capital infusions in Subic with a total of $208.8 million.

In the same period, the SBMA had approved a total of 130 projects, with projected employment totaling 5,177.

These increased the number of approved projects in the Subic Bay Freeport to 1,103, with committed investments totaling $5.73 billion.

Arreza said that for the past three years, Korean firms had topped other nationalities in terms of value of new investment projects.

In 2006, Korean companies put up a total of $1.36 billion, followed by Filipinos with $57 million, and Taiwanese with $9.8 million.

Last year, Koreans were again on top with $993 million worth of investments, followed by Filipinos with $355 million, and the Taiwanese with $222 million. — With Elisa Osorio

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VJSean

September 25th, 2008, 03:19 AM

How big is the new Ayala Mall going to be? and does anyone know what department store, if any they will have? is it going to be Gaisano?

icarusrising

September 25th, 2008, 04:41 AM

Pampanga board bans running priest
(http://businessmirror.com.ph/09252008/nation01.html)
By Joel Mapiles
Correspondent

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pampanga unanimously declared a high-profile priest persona non grata for his “malicious, grossly irresponsible, biased, unfair and unfounded remarks that undermined the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as an institution and attacked the Capampangan as a people.”

This developed after Fr. Robert Reyes came to the capitol on Friday to express support for embattled Gov. Eddie Panlilio, who is facing a recall move.

Reyes hit the governor’s critics and lambasted the leadership of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for supporting the recall move as he described the recall petition as “a product of dirty patronage politics.”

Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao said Reyes’s statement is uncalled for and an insult to the intelligence of the Capampangan on the issue and an affront to the leadership of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Board member Cris Garbo said, “Reyes even described the current political turmoil in the province as a ‘new eruption’ in the likes of 1991 Mount Pinatubo explosion.”

Garbo said all the statements of the running priest were unfair and totally biased, malicious and grossly irresponsible.

“What authority does Reyes has to pass such judgment…even calling those who oppose Panlilio as ‘evil’? Coming as they did from a supposed man of God, his remarks are revolting to the spirit. Personally, I take offense as Reyes did not just attack the Capampangan as a people but he publicly undermined the integrity of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as an institution,” Garbo added.

Garbo said Reyes’s knowledge of the political chaos in Pampanga is limited to his association with the governor himself and his supporters. He stressed that the running priest is not a Capampangan, neither is he a constituent of the province and he has no business whatsoever to interfere in the province’s internal affairs.

Garbo told Reyes to advice Panlilio to resign so that the vice governor can assume the post and prove himself.

“Reyes obviously went overboard in trying to help his friend out of this political mess which is Governor Panlilio’s own making in the first place. I regret that Reyes, however, well meaning, failed miserably not only as a person but as a priest,” Garbo said.