Makati City - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 29

3cr

November 2nd, 2007, 08:07 AM

Makati, Ayala Land could face charges
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/02/yehey/top_stories/20071102top3.html

The Makati City Hall is in the police line of fire over the Glorietta 2 mall explosion.

Metro Manila police chief Geary Barias said Thursday that they will look into the city government’s possible lapses in granting permits to the mall owner, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI).

Barias earlier said “negligence” on ALI’s part was to blame for the October 19 blast that killed 11 and wounded more than 100.

Barias said Makati City Hall and Ayala Land could face criminal charges if investigation proved they were both negligent.

“Who is at fault here? We want to take a closer look at the contract [of the mall owner that the city government had approved],” Barias said. “We also want to see if city hall followed proper inspection procedures before granting the needed permits.”

He added foreign forensics experts supported the local police’s theory that a gas leak at the basement of the mall had caused the explosion.

Barias said the National Bureau of Investigation may lead the review of documents and permits granted to Ayala Land.

“We are now studying the permits and contracts covering mall operations as well as the contract between Ayala Land and its tenants to find out possible areas where negligence was committed,” Barias said in a statement.

Earlier, Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fully disclose the findings of foreign experts on the blast.

A similar request was made by Ayala Land. Binay said there should be “transparency” in the investigations.

He said police officials “opened their mouths too soon” on the blast investigation, adding they may have prejudged the matter.

The mayor noted the supposed lack of direct communication between the city government and the PNP chief, Director General Avelino Razon Jr.

Makati will still push for an independent probe of the deadly explosion and city officials will discuss the plan with business leaders on November 7 during the Makati Business Development Council meeting.

Binay said the council is expected to back the call for an independent inquiry.

___________________________________

PNP findings show electrical malfunction caused Glorietta blast
By Rhodina Villanueva
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071103123

Police said yesterday they are on the verge of concluding that an accident indeed caused the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.

This, even as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday revealed plans to solicit the assistance of experts from three department agencies in an effort to deepen their investigation into the Oct. 19 explosion.

A recent inspection conducted by the Multi-Agency Investigative Task Force showed that an electrical fuse in switchboards that holds one of several centrifugal pumps at the basement of the Glorietta 2 mall, which also serve as a source of energy for the establishment’s operation, caused the ignition.

Members of the Task Force observed that instead of replacing the busted fuse with a new one, a jumper cable that was not properly insulated was attached to it.

National Capital Regional Police Office Director Geary Barias said, “What they have right now will most probably trickle down to a point that a gas explosion occurred in the area and cost the lives of a number of people.”

Eleven people were killed and more than a hundred were injured in the incident.

Barias said they have already forwarded the results of the recent probe to the NBI and the Anti-Arson Task Force that will be responsible for the announcement of the final report on the matter.

Members of the Task Force recovered a centrifugal motor pump in the mall’s basement late Friday afternoon.

Barias said it would take three more days to retrieve three submersible pumps and other materials relevant to the probe. The submersible pump reportedly contributed to the buildup of methane gas.

An electrician, who was sought by the police to examine the latest discovery at the site, said that the fuse blew up but instead of seeking a replacement a jumper cable was just attached to it.

“The problem here is that the jumper left no existing ‘safety mechanism’ unlike if they replaced it with a new one. In the event of an overloading of electric current, the system will just automatically shut down,” he explained.

The source said the jumper resulted in sparks that led to the explosion.

He said the types of fuse used can only accommodate a maximum of 60 amperes, and that the blast could have resulted because the current reached more than the required amperes.

Probe welcomed

Barias expressed confidence that investigations to be conducted by independent bodies on the Glorietta blast will yield the same findings as the police and foreign experts.

In an interview at the weekly program “Para Sa Iyo Bayan” of Vice President Noli de Castro, Barias said that an investigation by the mall owners and the city government is welcome.

“I’m very confident that if there will be other investigations by independent bodies, they will yield the same result as the FBI, Australian and Israeli experts,” Barias said.

“Our findings and report will be separate from the foreign experts’ report but we can cite their findings. Ours is purely from the bomb data center, Anti-Arson Task Force of the DILG, PNP and the NBI,” he added.

Charges will be filed

Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman, director of the Southern Police District and head of the Multi-Agency Investigative Task Force, said that the PNP is now studying laws on negligence in preparation for the filing of charges against those responsible for the explosion.

He said police were also studying building codes to see if the mall administrators or tenants had violated any of these regulations.

Barias said that if indeed a gas explosion caused the accident, then appropriate charges would have to be filed against those who were responsible for it.

“But we have to check first who is in charge of the maintenance and management of the basement,” Barias added.

Charges of negligence resulting in multiple homicide and serious physical injuries will be filed in court against those who will be found responsible.

Head Agent Romulo Asis, of the NBI-Anti-Terrorism Division (ATD), said he would be sending letters to Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joselito Atienza and Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro on Monday.

“From the DPWH, we would be requesting their mechanical and sanitary engineers to determine if the sewage treatment facility was properly installed. We would also be asking the scientists from the DOST to testify if methane was evident and explain the ramifications of the methane gas,” said Asis.

The Inter-Agency Arson Task Force (IAATF) turned over to the NBI evidence recovered from the blast scene in Glorietta 2 last Friday afternoon. They were placed inside 10 boxes.

The NBI-ATD now has in its safekeeping the control panel for the submersible pumps number 1 and 2; manual train for switch, circuit breaker, motor control panel for pumps number 3 and 4, motor control for diesel pumps, fluorescent lamp, two convenient outlets, water pump (transfer pump motor) for electrical matters; and a water pump (transfer pump motor) for mechanical matters.

“These boxes would be examined sometime next week in the presence of representatives from the Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), Philippine National Police (PNP), NBI and from other units in order to preserve the integrity of the evidence. We don’t want any speculations that the pieces of evidence were contaminated,” Asis added.

Members of the Multi-Agency Task Force went back to the blast site yesterday in an attempt to retrieve other evidence.

When asked when they would conclude their investigation, Asis said they could not afford to hasten the pace since the basement of the mall is already unstable and they have to consider the safety of the investigators.

The NBI official added that they would be working in dangerous conditions.

The team that went to the blast site was composed of representatives from the ALI, the private contractor, Makati Rescue Team, Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP), NBI and the PNP.

DaimosLA

November 3rd, 2007, 02:11 AM

Kiehl's in Manila?

c0kelitr0

November 5th, 2007, 12:05 AM

^^ Sure is ;)

3cr

November 5th, 2007, 10:59 AM

Ayala Land rejects gas blast theory
Business World
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW110507/content.php?id=003

A POLICE THEORY that a gas buildup led to an October 19 mall blast that killed 11 people is "highly unlikely," property firm Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) yesterday said, citing initial findings of its own commissioned investigation.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) last week ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack as the primary cause for the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall, raising the issue of negligence on ALI’s part.

In a press conference, ALI president and chief executive officer Jaime Ayala said local and foreign experts it tapped had ruled that a gas buildup was not the likely blast cause as microorganisms would need about eight to 10 days in an undisturbed condition to generate a sufficient quantity of methane.

The listed property developer said it had commissioned Dr. Stephen Etheridge, a waste-water and biogas production specialist, and Burgoynes, an international consulting firm on forensic investigations of fires, explosions and engineering failures, to conduct an investigation of the blast.

"Our analysis at this point in time, together with what our foreign experts have told us, makes it seem that it is highly unlikely that there would have been sufficient methane to cause this kind of blast. At the same time, that the diesel tank itself is not the primary source of this kind of damage," Mr. Ayala said.

The PNP had also said that a diesel tank in the mall’s basement may have been a contributing factor to the explosion.

ALI said its probers’ findings showed that the conditions for the production of methane in substantial quantities were not present since the length of time for wastewater to accumulate in the sump pits was not enough.

Mr. Ayala noted that the company has two sump pits that were discharged three to four times daily.

"It is unlikely that biogas was present in the basement since personnel working in the basement did not smell hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs and causes nausea and eye and skin irritation," he said.

Mr. Ayala also said the diesel fuel was also unlikely to have caused the severe damage to the mall.

"The diesel fuel in the day tank has been tested by a major oil company in their laboratory and the flash point (the temperature at which sufficient vapor from a liquid is formed for combustion to occur) result was found to be normal at 76 degrees Celsius and within specification. Furthermore, no evidence was found to indicate any contamination with a volatile liquid," he said.

But despite its own investigations, the company urged authorities to look into every angle on what really happened.

Mr. Ayala said the company had yet to receive a copy of the PNP’s findings, and said the firm had yet to release a new estimate on the damage arising from incident and its impact on ALI’s bottom line.

The firm initially said the blast had caused P100 million in damage to the mall.

Mr. Ayala noted, however, that mall operations would have minimal effect on net income as it contributed only 17% to total earnings.

_______________________________

Reconsider terror angle
Ayala Land presents study, saying negligence did not cause the blast
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/05/yehey/top_stories/20071105top1.html

Ayala Land Inc. went on the offensive Sunday debunking the police theory that blame the Glorietta 2 mall explosion on negligence.

In a related development, the Philippine National Police denied it was pinning down Ayala Land. The police has yet to release a report on the October 19 blast that killed 11 people and injured 112 others.

In its press conference Sunday, Ayala Land claimed it is highly improbable that methane and biogas could have triggered the explosion.

Jaime Ayala, Ayala Land chief executive officer and president, showed a video that supports their argument. Plus, Ayala presented the results of a study conducted by Dr. Stephen Ethridge, a British specialist on wastewater and effluent treatment, and by Burgoynes, an international consulting firm specializing in the forensic investigation of fires, explosion and engineering.

The accumulation of biogas in the basement, which is where the blast is believed to have originated, was not feasible as it was 20 percent less dense than air, the study reported. It is less likely for a gas lighter than air to have vented through the open stairwell and out to the open loading dock, the study added.

Ayala said the basement is well-ventilated, contrary to police statements.

Ayala said the experts concluded that microorganism takes about eight to 10 days to grow and generate enough biogas to cause such a massive explosion. “The length of time that wastewater stayed in the basement sump pits was not sufficient for this process to take place, as the water in the pits was discharged several times a day,” Ayala quoted Ethridge.

Plus, the study said the gas must be undisturbed, but Ayala said in a typical day, five people work in the basement.

He said three maintenance people worked in the mall’s basement for about three hours just a day before the blast, and none of them reported smelling hydrogen sulfide, which emits odors similar to rotten eggs and can cause headaches, nausea, throat and eye irritations and even eye injury in high concentration.

“Hydrogen sulfide, a toxic chemical, would have been present even with small amounts of biogas,” Ayala said.

He said there were no “reports or observations by maintenance personnel of any irregularity to the diesel tank,” noting that the diesel fuel tank was last used in June.

Earlier reports said the explosion might have originated at the fuel tank used to store diesel for emergency purposes during power outages.

On the other hand, Ayala ruled out the possibility of an accident or negligence to cause such an explosion, saying that they are quite confident that they followed proper procedures in the maintenance of their equipment.

Ayala was reacting to a police statement that the explosion can be blamed on “negligence,” but it did not specify by whom—by the mall owner or by Makati City government, which conducts inspections for public safety.

Ayala said, “What we can rule out is it is highly unlikely that it was caused by methane or diesel. We don’t think negligence is relevant to those factors since for negligence to be considered it has to be connected to an incident.”

“At this point we don’t want to add additional hypotheses or speculation to the investigation. That’s for the authorities to consider as they pursue their investigation to look at all angles.”

No finger-pointing

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office Chief Supt. Geary Barias dismissed assumptions that they were trying to pin down Ayala Land in their probe.

“We have no reason to pin down the Ayalas,” Barias said. “We have not said that the blame lie with them or for anyone else since the investigation is still ongoing.”

“We’re not blaming anybody here especially Ayala who since day one was very cooperative and helpful to us,” Barias said. “We are continuing our coordination with them.”

But Barias said the post-blast investigation showed a preponderance of evidence pointing to an accident as the cause of the blast.

Authorities are trying to recover the submersible pump that the police claimed would back up their theory of a gas explosion as the likely cause of the blast.

Barias said his men are set to recover additional items in the mall’s basement, adding that it might take three more days for them to complete the retrieval operation.

A fuse, a blackened electric socket and a partly burned centrifugal pump motor were among the items police recovered from the basement late Friday afternoon.

Earlier, police claimed that an electrician, whom authorities did not identify due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the fuse blew up but instead of seeking a replacement, a jumper cable was attached to it leaving no safety mechanism in the event of a systems overload.

Barias said they are investigating that lead and said the recovered items are being subjected to chemical analysis.

He said police should be able to present a consolidated report in one or two weeks.

Sinjin P.

November 5th, 2007, 12:31 PM

Inilawan na ngayong gabi ang higanteng Christmas Tree sa Ayala Avenue at ang higit sa isang milyong Christmas lights along Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. :applause:

anone

November 5th, 2007, 12:57 PM

^^^Baka pwede kunan mo naman ng litrato. Salamat po.:)

anone

November 5th, 2007, 01:03 PM

[QUOTE=3cr;16292314]Ayala Land rejects gas blast theory
Business World
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW110507/content.php?id=003

______________________________

Reconsider terror angle
Ayala Land presents study, saying negligence did not cause the blast
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/05/yehey/top_stories/20071105top1.html
QUOTE]

^^^ Pag nagkataon magandang salpukan yan. Isa sa pinaka ma-emplowensya na mayaman sa Pinas laban sa PNP.:lol: Lakas ng loob ng PNP kalabanin si Ayala.:lol:

KiBeN

November 5th, 2007, 01:49 PM

Inilawan na ngayong gabi ang higanteng Christmas Tree sa Ayala Avenue at ang higit sa isang milyong Christmas lights along Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. :applause:

nice!!! oonga!! pictures naman dyan :D What about Greenbelt? :D

lightning099

November 6th, 2007, 04:27 AM

Greenbelt - Ayala Center

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/1882467788_821410496d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/1882023078_c42290f288.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2138/1882004990_9e2535406e.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/1882452892_23ba40d336.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/1882422848_d928e7a248.jpg?v=0

crispypata

November 6th, 2007, 07:24 AM

quiksilver04

November 6th, 2007, 09:02 AM

despite the recent incident makati is still on top.. christmas is the best season for makati and it's even more exciting with the new greenbelt 5! woah! it would be all bright and glam!

[dx]

November 6th, 2007, 10:16 AM

It's Christmas in Makati!
Photos by pa-saway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17302612@N00/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/1885685780_bde783a430_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/1885672426_36a035b0dd_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/1885656150_2b78affd5b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/1884841027_1e3a118f58_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/1885670942_b3668bcbe8_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/1885662200_1f91409c52_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/1885682884_483fb3bb96_o.jpg

carlo pontevedra

November 6th, 2007, 01:58 PM

KiBeN

November 6th, 2007, 03:22 PM

ang ganda! :D thanks for posting them dxpsycho. I like the Xmas lights @ AYala Ave :D and the lightings on the 2nd pic :D

crispypata

November 7th, 2007, 01:49 AM

Last night di ko makita ang christmas tree at patay ang mga ilaw sa ilang trees sa Ayala..

3cr

November 7th, 2007, 03:59 AM

Ganda ng Ayala Ave. / Makati Paskong Pasko na! Sa Rockwell ganyan din ba kaganda kapag Pasko? Ganda rin daw duon sabi sa akin. Pati Fort Boni Christmas spirit na rin! Ay naku ang saya talaga sa Pinas kapag Pasko. Nakaka-homesick!

kalabaw

November 8th, 2007, 03:05 AM

Makati... as seen from the Manila Domestic Airport

http://lh4.google.com/moja.kalabaw99/RzHaTtI4RYI/AAAAAAAACds/IkDl1x2jluw/Picture%20007.jpg?imgmax=512

lightning099

November 8th, 2007, 07:55 AM

More Greenbelt pics

GB5
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2131/1881871572_836ada7db0.jpg?v=0

GB4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/1881913190_937a01d6a1.jpg?v=0

GB4
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/1881659640_7980aa015c.jpg?v=0

TheRick

November 8th, 2007, 09:41 AM

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Here's a sneak preview.... :lol:

L7Se9rDCG6U
Be Proud of the Philippines !!! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=L7Se9rDCG6U)

^^

IsaganiZenze

November 8th, 2007, 10:02 AM

taken by Hans Mayo

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/HansMayo1.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/HansMayo.jpg

taken by Rey031

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/rey031makati.jpg

taken by Dave Deluria

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/davedeluriamakati02.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/davedeluriamakati.jpg

these last two are my fav...they remind me of that film by Miyazaki, Grave of the Fireflies.....i just like the composition of both

IsaganiZenze

November 8th, 2007, 10:40 AM

by Connont999

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont999.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont9990.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont99901.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont99902.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont99903.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont99904.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont99906.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/connont999pano.jpg

by our own DUDZ

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/dudzmakati.jpg

by Kenn Garcia
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KennGarcia.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KennGarcia1.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KennGarcia2.jpg

by Kok Kuen

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KokKuenjune.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KokKuenjuneww.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KokKuenpano2.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/KokKuenPano.jpg

by arjay manio arceo

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/arjaymanioarceomakati.jpg

kalabaw

November 9th, 2007, 06:27 PM

PIcs taken from MRT Magallanes Station

http://lh5.google.com/moja.kalabaw99/RzSVtLK09UI/AAAAAAAACog/ynVtnb-B19Y/Picture%20009.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh4.google.com/moja.kalabaw99/RzSVs7K09TI/AAAAAAAACoY/XXMOoJMQG9c/Pano_02.JPG?imgmax=640

daddy200777

November 10th, 2007, 05:40 AM

guys, what do you think of the decorations along ayala ave?

at first akala ko maganda...but now ang panget pala...

_zner_

November 11th, 2007, 10:51 AM

taken this morning from our building. :D

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n89/photome05/overnight063.jpg

Sinjin P.

November 11th, 2007, 11:20 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2171/1942378174_8df1b6e849_b.jpg

photo by sandy palomo - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/26585375@N00/)

Waldenstrom

November 11th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Sorry, i just used my cam phone =)

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/1125/11112007142te2.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3584/11112007135cg0.jpg

corchorus

November 13th, 2007, 01:53 AM

Makati, my home!:banana:

Thanks for the beauuutiful pictures!

Dvorak

November 13th, 2007, 04:39 AM

pics taken from BGC..

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/patok/FBGC/IMG_2325.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/patok/FBGC/IMG_2324.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/patok/FBGC/IMG_2323.jpg

crispypata

November 13th, 2007, 05:59 AM

Ang GANDOAH!

basti

November 13th, 2007, 04:20 PM

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/makati.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/makati2.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/makati3.jpg

Sunset
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q179/asph80/sunsetmkti.jpg

IsaganiZenze

November 15th, 2007, 06:53 AM

FROM FLICKR

photo taken by winwinpix
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/winwinpixmakati01.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/winwinpixmakati.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/winwinpixmakati00.jpg

photo taken by pixelplate
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/pixelplatemakati.jpg

photo taken by mixxy
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/mixxymakati.jpg

photo taken by junrebay
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/junrebaylamakati.jpg

photo taken by freefisheater
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/freefisheatermakati.jpg

NOVO ECIJANO

November 15th, 2007, 06:44 PM

hello makati,world class

Sinjin P.

November 19th, 2007, 02:48 AM

http://businessmirror.com.ph/11192007/companies06.html

There’s an expected glut in office space by the second half of 2009. That’s because most of the construction for office buildings catering to call centers will be completed by then. Here are some trends:

§ Many new dedicated buildings will be, uhm, squat, with 12 floors at most. This is because there are just too many people going up and down the different floors, resulting in lost working time.

§ Many BPOs will be moving out of Ayala Avenue because of rising leasing rates. Besides, given the kind of work that they do, BPOs don’t need to be in a prime location. A possible offshoot of that, of course, is lower sales for all those fast-food outlets that now occupy the ground floors of practically all buildings along that street.

§ Those who will be staying in Ayala will have buildings dedicated to BPOs. This is because BPO employees, uhm, “lower” the high-end ambiance of buildings. Think of what’s happening to RCBC Plaza.

metrosuburban

November 19th, 2007, 08:50 PM

^^ lower ba kung BPO employees and highest paid office employees sa buong bansa?

3cr

November 19th, 2007, 10:12 PM

Very Nice Christmas Tree! :okay::okay:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2045892349_8b9126d6e1_o.jpg
Christmas Tree at Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center
Photo by my_soul_insurance_2004 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/my_soul_insurance2004/)

Sinjin P.

November 20th, 2007, 05:42 AM

Outdoor Christmas Tree at Power Plant Mall
This 'tree' is a 3 storey high wire skeleton strung with thousands of fairy lights. It's outside the Power Plant Mall at Rockwell.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2046400751_e305e385fe_o.jpg

Outside Power Plant Mall

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2046400747_fc0972afaf_o.jpg

photos by my_soul_insurance_2004 (http://flickr.com/photos/my_soul_insurance2004/)

crispypata

November 20th, 2007, 05:44 AM

^^ lower ba kung BPO employees and highest paid office employees sa buong bansa?

I think its more of the attitude of BPO Employees makes the building ambiance lower. Medyo maingay sila and heavy smokers (tendency nagkakalat sila all over the place like what I see along Robinson Summit tuwing mga 7 am to 8 am.. andaming mga cigarette butts, candy wrappers etc.). Sana walang ma-offend this is just based from my observations.:bash:

Also since the buidling facilities are used 24/7 medyo mas mabilis maluma.

diz

November 20th, 2007, 06:41 AM

dang we filipinos sure do love christmas decorations.

Waldenstrom

November 20th, 2007, 01:08 PM

Ganda talaga sa Powerplant ngayon! feel na feel mo talaga ang Christmas. :D Yung sa Glorietta, di ko gusto. Gloomy pa rin ang atmosphere.

le Reine

November 20th, 2007, 11:59 PM

^^totoo. kahit ako medyo hindi makapaniwalang tahimik at malungkot pa rin ang glorietta. sama mo na rin greenbelt.

Louman

November 21st, 2007, 08:14 AM

The Christmas tree for the Power Plant mall looks like it makes up 90% of the electricity bill. That's a lot of lights.

crispypata

November 21st, 2007, 08:44 AM

:banana:The Christmas tree for the Power Plant mall looks like it makes up 90% of the electricity bill. That's a lot of lights.

Okay lang, The Lopezes control Meralco anyway. May discount yan for sure.

le Reine

November 21st, 2007, 12:31 PM

^^baka libre na. :lol:

Waldenstrom

November 21st, 2007, 01:08 PM

^^totoo. kahit ako medyo hindi makapaniwalang tahimik at malungkot pa rin ang glorietta. sama mo na rin greenbelt.

I was at Glorietta and Greenbelt a while ago. Medyo marami ng tao. Pero mas ok na yung ganun. :)

le Reine

November 21st, 2007, 02:05 PM

^^mabuti naman. tuwing andiyan ako laging konti tao. once or twice ko lang nakita na marami. parati pa naman akong andiyan.

IndioBravo

November 21st, 2007, 02:07 PM

What about a law mandating commercial centers to use solar power for christmas lights?

thomasian

November 22nd, 2007, 06:44 AM

^^mabuti naman. tuwing andiyan ako laging konti tao. once or twice ko lang nakita na marami. parati pa naman akong andiyan.

Wag ka na kasing pumunta dun para lagi nang maraming tao! :D Joke! :colgate:

le Reine

November 22nd, 2007, 07:25 AM

^^sama nito. :lol::rofl: pinapasarado ko kasi yugn mall kapag andun ako. Parang si Imelda lang eh noh? :lol:

carlo pontevedra

November 22nd, 2007, 09:13 AM

Bank of Commerce energized
Manila Standard Today, 22 November 2007
by Ray Erano

Bank of Commerce has reasons to feel bullish about its prospects for 2008. For one, there will be a substantial infusion of new money from the San Miguel Corp. group, which has subscribed to about 35 percent of the unissued shares of stock, thorough San Miguel Properties Inc. and San Miguel Corp. Retirement Fund. Poised for growth, the bank is setting up the infrastructure to increase its network by 34 percent to 150 branches from 112.

It has undertaken a capital-build up program through the issuance of capital qualifying unsecured subordinated notes and Hybrid Tier-1 notes by next year. It is not surprising, thus, to see the bank’s president, Raul de Mesa, smiling these days. For one, the bank can expect its loan portfolio to grow as it will virtually become San Miguel Properties’ financing arm in its pursuit of the competitive residential condominium market.

Expect Bancommerce to offer flexible financing schemes to prospective home buyers when San Miguel Properties develops the one-hectare site of an old San Miguel beer warehouse in Makati City, at the corner of Pasay Road and South Luzon Expressway into a P1-billion condominium complex.

carlo pontevedra

November 22nd, 2007, 09:15 AM

3cr

November 22nd, 2007, 09:52 AM

^^Yup very nice indeed! Better pa than the one in Ayala Ave. in my opinion. :okay::okay:

PNP final report: Glorietta 2 blast not bomb attack
Alcuin Papa Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/gloriettablast/view.php?db=1&article=20071123-102629

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s official: the Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force looking into the deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City on Oct. 19 has concluded that it was a gas explosion, and not a bomb attack.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday in Camp Crame, Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman said that “after the examination of all the pieces of evidence collected from the blast site and the thorough conduct of a post-blast investigation,” the task force had found “that the incident was not a bomb explosion but a gas explosion.”

Ticman, who heads the task force, said the investigation was “scientific” and had “made use of forensics, and even mathematics.”

The task force is composed of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Bomb Data Center, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation and the Makati police’s Explosives and Ordnance Division (EOD).

The explosion killed 11 people and injured more than 100 others.

Asked to comment, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), owner of the Glorietta shopping complex, said it was standing by its position that the explosion could not have been triggered by methane gas or diesel fumes.

“We are saddened by these developments and we do not understand how they are able to establish these findings conclusively since our own experts have ruled out methane or diesel as the cause of the explosion. And we see no other possible source of gas that could create this kind of explosion and this much damage,” ALI spokesperson Alfonso Reyes said.

Reyes also said ALI had not seen a copy of the task force’s final report but was made aware that this would be issued in two weeks.

“We hope that the site will be turned over to us at the soonest possible time so that we can carry on with our own evaluation in the search for the truth,” he said.

ALI has yet to determine the cause of the explosion based on its own evaluation of the damaged site.

No bomb parts

Ticman said that:

• No bomb parts had been found. (“No IED [improvised explosive device] component or part was recovered in the basement [of the mall] or anywhere in the affected area”).

• Neither was there a bomb crater. Initially, investigators found suspected craters, but found no trace of a “thermal effect” and explosives residue that would indicate the use of a bomb.

• Nor were there explosive materials in the liquid samples and in the diesel fuel from the tank (both in the mall basement), as well as on the skin and clothing of the victims who survived the blast.

“All victims died from traumatic injuries and not from a bomb explosion. Those who died, as well as those who were injured, tested negative for explosive residue,” Ticman said.

According to Ticman, the initial finding of RDX -- a component of the C4 military explosive -- recovered on the ground floor “did not cause or initiate the explosive.”

“It was not corroborated by other evidence and it was not significant in the explosion,” Ticman said.

Investigators also found no evidence of a tearing effect usually found in a bomb site, he said.

There was also no soot or blackening on the ceiling of the basement or on the supposed bomb craters. Such an absence “indicates that the explosion was not caused by a bomb,” he said.

Final activities

Ticman said pumps, switches, circuit breakers and other electrical equipment in the basement were being examined by the NBI to find out the ignition.

He said investigators were processing the area outside the blast site -- meaning the ground floor up to the third floor of the mall -- to document the damage caused by the explosion.

Ticman said experts called in by the PNP were finalizing their simulations, experiments and computations.

“Investigators are consolidating the statements, reports, pieces of evidence and documents needed in the filing of appropriate charges against the parties concerned and the preparation of the final report,” he said.

Ticman also said the task force had taken note of the findings submitted by an expert hired by ALI.

“We are seriously considering that, and our own experts will be able to provide answers to their questions,” he said.

2-3 weeks

National Capital Region Police Office Director Geary Barias said the task force would complete its final report in two to three weeks and file the charges against those responsible soon after.

He did not name names, but said those liable could be the contractors hired to do work in the basement and the mall administrators.

“We are not yet at that part where we can identify who can be charged. For sure, negligence cannot be discounted here,” he said.

Barias said the task force did not hold the press conference to condition the people’s minds to the gas explosion theory.

“We are just giving an update of the investigation because many people want to know what’s the latest,” he said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has yet to be apprised of the task force’s conclusion, according to Supt. Gilbert Cruz, chief of the Makati police.

Binay had earlier expressed doubt on the gas explosion theory and had called for an independent inquiry.

Not negligence

Asked about the planned filing of charges against those liable for the explosion, ALI’s Reyes said: “It is speculative to talk about negligence when no charges have been filed and the authorities have not revealed the basis for their conclusion. Nevertheless, we believe that these facilities have been maintained with proper care and diligence, and that negligence was not a contributory factor to the cause of the explosion.”

The Glorietta 2 basement was under the direct control of the Makati Supermarket, which has a land-lease contract with ALI although both tenant and landlord were responsible for the maintenance of the building.

Citing the findings of its own foreign consultants, ALI had earlier disputed the theory that a buildup of methane gas and diesel fumes triggered the explosion at Glorietta 2.

ALI had suggested that the police abandon their “primary hypothesis” that the combination of methane from the sump pits and fumes from the diesel tank in the basement caused the blast, and called on investigators to look into other possibilities.

______________________________________

Ayala insists Glorietta blast not caused by gas buildup
Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/gloriettablast/view.php?db=1&article=20071122-102560

MANILA, Philippines -- Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) maintained Thursday its earlier stance that the explosion at the Glorietta 2 section of its main mall in Makati last October 19 could not have been triggered by methane or diesel gas.

The statement was issued after the company was made aware of the Philippine National Police’s conclusion of a month-long investigation on Thursday that characterized the Glorietta blast which killed 11 people and injured more than a hundred others as a gas explosion.

"We are saddened by these developments and we do not understand how they are able to establish these findings conclusively since our own experts have ruled out methane or diesel as the cause of the explosion and we see no other possible source of gas which could create this kind of explosion and this much damage," ALI spokesperson Alfonso Reyes said.

Reyes also said that ALI has not seen a copy of the PNP final report but was informed this will come out in two weeks time.

"We hope that the site will be turned over to us in the soonest possible time so that we can carry on with our own evaluation in the search for the truth," Reyes said.

ALI has yet to determine on its own the cause of the blast by evaluating the blast site.

Asked about plans by the PNP to file lawsuits alleging negligence on those it deems liable for the blast within two to three weeks, Reyes replied:

"It is speculative to talk about negligence when no charges have been filed and the authorities have not revealed the basis for their conclusion. Nevertheless we believe that these facilities have been maintained with proper care and diligence and that negligence is not a contributory factor to the cause of the explosion."

The Glorietta 2 basement was under the direct control of Makati Supermarket, which has a land-lease contract with ALI though both tenant and landlord were responsible for the maintenance of the building.

ALI had said it does not expect the considerable damage caused by the explosion to have a significant impact on its future earnings.

ALI chief finance officer Jaime Ysmael had said that even if Glorietta 2 were to be "out of commission" or closed for the whole of 2008, the impact on consolidated revenues this year would just be 0.5 percent and on net income, a mere 1.5 percent.

Glorietta 2 accounts for 12,000 square meters or 4.3 percent of the Glorietta’s total commercial space of 280,000 square meters.

Officials of ALI earlier rebutted the theory that a buildup of methane gas and diesel fumes triggered the explosion, citing the findings of ALI’s own foreign consultants.

kalbongdad

November 23rd, 2007, 04:32 AM

ganda naman talaga ng xmas dito sa pinas......parang ramdam ko na ang lamig....ito ang nde mabibili ng pera....kahit nahihiga ka sa dolyar...walang ganito....klase ng celeb ng xmas kahit saan man sa mundo....

Waldenstrom

November 23rd, 2007, 11:54 AM

^^ Sabi nga nila, walang ganyan sa States! :D

oboi

November 23rd, 2007, 12:00 PM

ROCKWELL!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rockwell01.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rockwell02.jpg

Louman

November 23rd, 2007, 08:04 PM

^^
Rockwell rocks well in pictures. I like how the building is outlined in lights like that. I wonder how much electricity is wasted though. Haha.

metrosuburban

November 24th, 2007, 04:30 AM

^^ okay lang kanila din naman yung kuryente eh, so gamit lang ng gamit.. Nung Milenyo, rockwell lang din ang may nonstop suplly ng kuryente sa buong MM

carlo pontevedra

November 24th, 2007, 11:35 AM

ROCKWELL!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rockwell01.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rockwell02.jpg

Rockwell buildings at night during Christmas season remind me of the lighted cluster of buildings in downtown San Francisco, which can be seen from atop Lombard Street, the world's crookedest street.

IsaganiZenze

November 24th, 2007, 11:39 AM

...i know.....more flickr

taken by jaqfromspain
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/jaqfromspain112301.jpg

taken by sihey
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/siheymakati1121.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/siheymakati112101.jpg

diz

November 24th, 2007, 11:48 AM

^^ @carlo: Embarcadero?

On the right:
http://www.terragalleria.com/images/us-ca/usca34392.jpeg

carlo pontevedra

November 24th, 2007, 12:35 PM

^^ @carlo: Embarcadero?

On the right:
http://www.terragalleria.com/images/us-ca/usca34392.jpeg

Exactly! The buildings on the right remind me of Rockwell!

carlo pontevedra

November 24th, 2007, 12:38 PM

^^ @carlo: Embarcadero?

On the right:
http://www.terragalleria.com/images/us-ca/usca34392.jpeg

Maraming salamat nga pala, Diz! More power (and Merry Christmas!).

diz

November 24th, 2007, 08:36 PM

No sweat! I've lived in Oakland most of my childhood years, I can never forget those towers. :D (Maligayang pasko rin sa 'yo :okay:)

---

Nice finds @Isaganizenze! Those could work as an SSC banner. I haven't seen one in a while.

xxxriainxxx

November 26th, 2007, 04:55 PM

Excellent photos. Makes me proud to be part of Makati. Relocated here since 2002. :)) Shanghai might have the flashiest towers, but Makati's charm is different, you can feel the distinctly Filipino flair. Pasaway lang ang Jaka. Wala bang balita kayo jan? Sarap idemolish.

IsaganiZenze

November 27th, 2007, 02:56 AM

let me know if you guys get tired of me posting pictures from flickr....here are some more

taken by joweetm
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/joweetmmakati112500.jpg

taken by muymra
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/muymramakati00.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/muymramakati01.jpg
w/ photo stitch
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/MUYMRAMAKATIpano.jpg
i wish it was clearer, it would have been fierce!
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/muymramakati02.jpg

taken by alexdpx
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/alexdpxmakati00.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/alexdpxmakati.jpg

carlo pontevedra

November 27th, 2007, 07:36 AM

They are beautiful, postcard shots! Post them all here! Thank you and more power!

lightning099

November 28th, 2007, 03:02 AM

Malaysian to put up hotel in Makati
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaysian property firm IGB Corp. Berhad broke ground Tuesday for a P750-million business-class hotel at the corner of Makati and Kalayaan avenues in the Makati business district.

Company officials said the hotel would have 415 rooms on 29 floors.

The hotel will be developed by St. Giles Hotel Manila Inc., a local company put up by IGB Corp. for its hotel investment in the Philippines. Cititel Hotel Management (CHM), the hotel management arm of IGB Corp., will run the hotel.

“Makati is very vibrant. Tourist growth will continue, specially the business travelers market,” said Seng Yong Chua, president of St. Giles Hotel Manila.

“The occupancy rate in Makati is very healthy. The St. Giles brand is an existing United Kingdom brand" of the IGB Group, CHM managing director Dato Eric Lim said.

The hotel will feature conference and function rooms and amenities like a pool and restaurants.

Construction will start in January and completion is targeted for December 2009.

IGB Corp. owns the Renaissance and the Boulevard hotels in Kuala Lumpur, the New World Saigon in Vietnam, the Pangkor Island Beach Resort and Cititel hotels in Malaysia and the MiCasa hotel apartments in Myanmar.

IGB also owns two hotels under the St. Giles brand in London and Heathrow, which company officials described as two of the United Kingdom’s biggest three-star hotels.

crispypata

November 28th, 2007, 05:43 AM

carlo pontevedra

November 28th, 2007, 11:31 AM

The Makati CBD is truly expanding. We can expect a lot of high-rise construction activities in MoMa.

mambo

November 28th, 2007, 02:26 PM

st giles london is 3 star hotel

thomasian

November 28th, 2007, 04:48 PM

Taken from the Guadalupe Pasig Ferry Station, boundary of Makati and Mandaluyong.

Pardon the quality, I just started taking night pics.

11.26.2007
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/100_9718x.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/?action=view&current=100_9718x.jpg)

philippine_eagle

November 29th, 2007, 04:08 AM

Sinjin P.

November 29th, 2007, 04:21 AM

thomasian

November 29th, 2007, 04:35 AM

No, but it was exposed for 6 seconds. I braced my hand on the aluminum frames of the station's glass window for support.

carlo pontevedra

November 29th, 2007, 09:18 AM

Nice! Did you use a tripod Aaron?

The Guadalupe Bridge would have looked really nice if it were not for that ugly Mitsubishi streamer!

But thanks a lot Aaron for your efforts and for posting this photo here.

More Power!

thomasian

November 29th, 2007, 04:44 PM

I think it's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries who did that MRT bridge.

icarusrising

November 29th, 2007, 06:49 PM

Wala bang pix ng the Manila Pen after the siege? Or do we only post "pogi" pix in this thread?

IsaganiZenze

November 30th, 2007, 02:49 AM

Wala bang pix ng the Manila Pen after the siege? Or do we only post "pogi" pix in this thread?

there's alot of photos of the crisis at the Manila Pen, not sure if its right after the siege...but there's alot there...just search makati and click on most recent...

just another skyline photo....i know i'm overkill..........

taken by orange cremecicle from flickr
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/OrangeCremecicle.jpg

IsaganiZenze

November 30th, 2007, 11:14 PM

I'll just repost this here too

-------amazing pics from FLICKR, but taken by hannah lasco (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hannahlasco/)

metro manila taken from antipolo.....

....at sun setting with effect of sun rising --> "like dawn"
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila110101.jpg

....at "rain or shine"
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila.jpg

....at noon
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila110102.jpg

...at dusk
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila110104.jpg

...at night

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila110103.jpg

and extra

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascomakati1102.jpg

leechtat

December 1st, 2007, 01:22 AM

gorgeous pictures... this hannah lasco, might have waited for a while to take those breathtaking pictures...

renell

December 1st, 2007, 02:07 AM

carlo pontevedra

December 1st, 2007, 08:01 AM

there's alot of photos of the crisis at the Manila Pen, not sure if its right after the siege...but there's alot there...just search makati and click on most recent...

just another skyline photo....i know i'm overkill..........

taken by orange cremecicle from flickr
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/OrangeCremecicle.jpg

Super GANDA!

pechie

December 1st, 2007, 08:18 PM

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/patok/ga28.jpg

TheRick

December 1st, 2007, 10:02 PM

youtube find...

Has pictures of Makati in the early years...

bdJSNX00wdQ
NUVALI Ecoliving (http://youtube.com/watch?v=bdJSNX00wdQ)

tonyboy

December 1st, 2007, 11:08 PM

cq40

December 2nd, 2007, 12:14 AM

^^ Nice scenic & building photos dudes!!

They're all breathtaking!!

Looks like triple orgasm! :banana:

medpaisa19

December 2nd, 2007, 01:37 AM

very nice city, looks like an American City

D'Watcher

December 2nd, 2007, 05:18 AM

wow! thanks isagani...

retouched:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i279/tonyboy32/OrangeCremecicle.jpgphoto by orangecremecicle

ritz towers at 2 0'clock

wow...ang ganda ng photo ng makati skyline with the SLEX and skyway:banana:

leechtat

December 2nd, 2007, 08:40 AM

ganda talaga... pero wow naman ang smog.. imagine we breathe that air..

ang hirap ayusin, kala ko matatanggal ko ung smog... hehe...
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/104/makatiskylinetakenfromsgg3.png
e2 pa, grabe ung smog...
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8130/pasigrockwellmakatiskylsi2.png

Waldenstrom

December 2nd, 2007, 09:01 AM

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1152/mtkisunxy5.jpg
View from San Antonio Vill.-La Paz area

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/5800/rockwellmu1.jpg
Rockwell-Bel-Air

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8776/sanlocr5.jpg
View from San Lorenzo

IsaganiZenze

December 2nd, 2007, 09:54 AM

taken by gilvillagracia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigalpo/)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaMakatiRockwell.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaMakatiRockwell1.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaMakati.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaHSBC.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaMakati00.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/GilvillagraciaMakati01.jpg

pechie

December 2nd, 2007, 09:58 AM

nice to see a new set of makati pics...especially the last one...cool!

carlo pontevedra

December 2nd, 2007, 10:55 AM

Ang tindi! Super ganda ng Makati! Eto, homesick na naman ako . . .

Thank you, @IsaganiZenze, and more power!

Waldenstrom

December 2nd, 2007, 12:23 PM

wow I love that pic of Ayala Ave. :D

Sinjin P.

December 2nd, 2007, 05:50 PM

Nice Isagani, parang nagiging active ka na ulit. :okay: Nice photos! Nauunahan mo ako palagi sa Flickr :lol:

carlo pontevedra

December 3rd, 2007, 06:28 AM

Cocktales
Manila Standard Today
December 3, 2007

• The used-car lot at the corner of Buendia and Edsa is being dismantled to pave the way for the construction of yet another call center building.

IsaganiZenze

December 3rd, 2007, 10:15 AM

Nice Isagani, parang nagiging active ka na ulit. :okay: Nice photos! Nauunahan mo ako palagi sa Flickr :lol:

yeah, becoming active uli, will be more active at SCC like i used too....college has been so taxing....two more weeks and i'm done sa school.....sobrang happy talaga......i might be going to the Phils. sa may.....i haven't been home in like 12 years...excited talaga....so i'll try to take pictures.....

Sinjin P.

December 3rd, 2007, 10:17 AM

^ That's wonderful, congratulations! I'm happy for you! :)

Colonel Burger

December 5th, 2007, 10:53 AM

wala ako magawa nung monday while walking along Ayala Ave. so I took out my phone and took this picture.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd150/colonelburger/Photo0081.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd150/colonelburger/Photo0085.jpg

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd150/colonelburger/Photo0079.jpg

3cr

December 6th, 2007, 06:45 AM

Fifth of a series —but not the least
By Chelo Banal-Formoso
Inquirer
http://supplements.inquirer.net/propertyguide/main.php?content=around142

MANILA, Philippines - Built around a park and a chapel, two emotionally appealing sites to Filipinos, AyalaLand’s 12-hectare Greenbelt complex is now a genuine loop with the near-completion of Greenbelt 5.

The AyalaLand folks call Greenbelt 5 the “culminating piece” to what they had planned long ago to be the premier lifestyle center not just in Makati, which has always been an Ayala turf, but in the country.

They are not kidding, and none of it is hype. In Greenbelt, ALC has presented Filipinos an alternative shopping-and-dining experience, one that defied the big box concept of malls.

After Greenbelt 1, ALC hired Callison Architecture Inc. of Seattle, Washington to plan a sprawling, extroverted urban complex. The resulting retail developments have been named, without much ado, Greenbelts 2 to 5.

While Greenbelts 2 and 4 are totally covered, Greenbelts 3 and 5 are not. As for retail use, Ayala did away with anchor stores in Greenbelt. Where Greenbelt 2 is focused exclusively on food, with housing on top, Greenbelt 3 has included shopping and entertainment—cinemas, arcade games, etc.—in the mix. And where Greenbelt 4 is totally all luxury shops for yuppie fashionistas and their glamorous seniors, Greenbelt 5 is a happy mix of upscale fashion, food and fun. “Not just for the 30 and above but for all ages,” notes Ayala Malls operations manager AC Legarda-Ocampo.

“Every phase of Greenbelt has been a learning experience,” says Ayala Malls marketing division manager Cathy Bengzon. “What we’ve learned through the years is that the Filipino market looks forward to innovation. Filipinos like to be surprised.”

Grand entrance

The last of the series, Greenbelt 5, is a gleaming, distinctive surprise. The structure and its landscaping fill you with a sense of pride and awe. The walkway that links its two wings is stunning, having been designed purposely to provide “a grand sense of arrival” to shoppers and diners.

While it was a foreign architectural firm that designed this shopping and leisure destination, a local firm was called in to, as Andy Locsin of Leandro Locsin Architects puts it, “give character to the project.”

And that is exactly what the Locsin firm did to Greenbelt 5, through Annalea O. Castillo, partner in charge of the project, and E, Matthew Varona, the associate who designed the interiors.

The gloss and sheen within the mall has been inspired by the Filipino Zone, the courageous grouping of shops on the second floor carrying clothes and fashion accessories created by Filipino designers and those on the third floor that are dedicated to furniture and home accessories from Filipino designers and craftsmen. For the first time, local designers are not just lumped together in a dark corner of a department store.

“How do you approach the Filipino theme without doing it on an incredibly literal level? That was our concern,” says Locsin. “We didn’t want it to become campy.”

Luckily, the firm’s leanings have always been toward the abstract. Varona came up with modern interpretations of Filipino elements. Even the furniture that they brought in for the lounge areas are by Kenneth Cobonpue and Anne Pamintuan, two stalwarts of the trend-setting Movement 8 group of Filipino artists.

“Ayala wanted a Filipino Zone, so we put Philippine touches in the panels, the furnishings and the exterior screen that is inspired by the Tinalak,” says Castillo. Mixed with the Filipino flavors are modern elements like hanging accent lights and walls covered with the amazing photography of Don Jaime Zobel. The flooring is a graphic pattern of imperial brown granite and natural stone.

“The nice things about this mall are really the details, the nooks and crannies,” notes Locsin.

Plus the landscaping, one must add. Ponce Veridiano, the landscaper, scattered 20 pieces of carabao jars and planted the exterior grounds and the terraced gardens to pitogo, oliva, emperialis, pakpak lawin, zamio, sellum, philodendron, torch ginger, levistonia palm, royal palm, Eugenia, giant red crinum, aglonema, kamuning, red and pink ginger, miagos, tree fern, giant fern, spathyphylum and varied kinds of bamboo, the plant du jour for outdoor decorating.

Mixed use

Indoors, the configuration of Greenbelt 5 is 80 percent retail and 20 percent dining, according to Ocampo, to balance the offering of Greenbelts 2 and 3 which is mostly food. (Greenbelt 4 is all-shops because if you’re buying a $2000 Gucci bag, the last thing you want is to smell curry or, worse, smell of it on your way in or out.)

The centerpiece of Greenbelt 5 is the Filipino Zone, two floors showcasing Filipino creativity in fashion and home. “At par with the world’s best,” says Bengzon, referring to their juxtaposition of Filipino designs with international luxe shops.

On the second floor of the zone are the fashion shops. Ayala went one step further than just leasing the space to the most exciting Filipino designers today; it also had a hand in linking up these artists with seasoned retailers as business partners. For instance, Patrice Ramos-Diaz is in tandem with Ben Chan of the highly successful Bench group of companies. Randy Ortiz is teamed up with Ruby Gan who has proved her mettle in her shoe retail business called Schu. That kind of partnering.

In the Filipino Zone, only Barba and Lila Almario are open, but busy putting the finishing touches to their shops are Aranaz, Arnel Papa, Rocks by Ana Rocha, Avatar, Gaupo, Jun Escario, Kate Torralba, Patrice Diaz, Religioso, Victoria Marin, Myth, Budji Layug, JT, L Manila and AC+632, which is owned by the Firma duo of Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, the latter promising “We’ll have a gardening section.”

Now open on the ground floor of Greenbelt 5 are the flagship of Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen, Kiehl’s, Michael Kors, Celestina, Mix and dotdotdot. Also on the second level are David & Goliath and All Flip Flops. Shoppers are already being welcomed at Borders Home Accessories, Hives by Restoration and Prizxmic & Brill on the third floor.

Most of the stores are raring to open and most probably will make it in time for holiday shopping—Banana Republic, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bally, Ben Sherman, DKNY, Escada, Escada Sport, Furla, Kenneth Cole, Paul Smith, Rafe, St. John and Zara.

On the third are the furniture and home accessories stores, headlined by Budji Layug and his Movement 8 friends, Aguas, Designs Ligna, Domicillo, Galeire Hans Brumann, Voyages Home and Osmundo.

A 2,000-sq m fashion walk connects Phase 1 of Greenbelt 5 to Phase 2, which is going to house a boutique department store called Adora, probably the closest thing to an anchor shop that Greenbelt will ever have. Also in Phase 2 are shops for the age groups that the earlier Greenbelts have all this time ignored. Now kids, teens and tweeners can shop at Greenbelt 5. Plans for the third floor of Phase 2 include a family zone, a children’s zone, and specialty shops for fathers and the home. The fourth floor will have a gym and a spa.

It is always a big challenge for developers to create a mix of restaurants that offer what other places don’t. Among Greenbelt 5’s original dining places are Pia Y Damaso (Spanish and Filipino) and John & Yoko (Japanese), both now open on Level 2; Grace Park by Margarita Fores; and Fish Out of Water.

Fronting the street on the ground floor are restaurants Chateau 1771, which moved here from its Ortigas location, Felix, Myron’s Place and Zuni. Fast heating up their kitchens are Cibo, Classic Confections, Fely “J” Restaurant and Travel Café, La Maison and Solihiya.

Greenbelt 5 connects to Greenbelt 1 and Greenbelt 4, not to mention the Ayala Museum. Walkways link it to Greenbelts 2 and 3.

For now, Greenbelt 5 is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday, but expect the hours to be competitive with other malls as soon as all shops, restaurants and services have opened.

Ph Man

December 6th, 2007, 04:54 PM

Col Burger, ok yung photo mo with ATO. It looks taller than what it actually is. Amazingly, the usual photos on that side of Ayala will look like that. It looks like Chong Keung (sp?) tower of Central, HK in some ways.

-TC-

December 6th, 2007, 04:56 PM

3cr

December 7th, 2007, 12:33 AM

Unsung heroes of the Glorietta blast
By CHEEKO RUIZ
The Philippine Star
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=101855

They’re unsung heroes who displayed bravery and resiliency in the face of danger and adversity.

Last Oct. 19, as people scampered out of the Glorietta 2 shopping mall in Makati City after a powerful blast, security personnel, rescue teams, firefighters and barangay officials raced to the blast site to help victims and restore order.

Ayala Land Inc. security guard Eduardo Jalem said he just had lunch at the fourth floor of Glorietta 2 when he heard a loud explosion at around 1:30 p.m.

He said he immediately ran to the roof deck where he saw the skylight ceiling broken to pieces.

The area was heavy with dust and debris and as he looked around he saw a man sprawled on the deck.

"I saw a man lying on the roof deck. I felt his pulse, he was breathing. I immediately asked for help from my fellow security guard and several maintenance crew," Jalem told The STAR in an interview.

They put the victim on a stretcher and brought him to rescue personnel outside who in turn took him to a hospital along with the other injured victims.

To his knowledge, Jalem said the injured man – medium-built, around 5’5" tall, with fair complexion and in his early thirties – survived.

Vick Verdus, assistant team leader and training officer of the Makati Rescue Team, said that it was around 1:33 p.m. when they were alerted on the Glorietta 2 explosion.

The Makati Rescue Team has more than 30 highly trained personnel equipped for emergency situations.

Operations officer Anthony Melendres led 15 members of the rescue team that was dispatched to Glorietta.

Melendres’ men set up a command post at the nearby Park Square 2 and took positions at strategic areas where they launched search and rescue operations.

Verdus said that although they have had years of training and experience in dealing with explosions, they still tremble at the likelihood of a secondary blast. But the sight of wounded people pleading for help is too much to ignore, and enough to make him forget his own welfare.

"In trainings for rescuers, we are taught that our foremost concern should be our safety, next is the safety of the patients and third is the safety of bystanders. But man’s instinct says otherwise, ignoring the first level, that is, their safety, and jumping to the safety of the patients instead," Verdus said in a telephone interview.

He said the greatest fulfillment that he gets from his job is the thought that "we are able to bring back the victims to their families alive."

The Glorietta tragedy also proved the dedication to duty of Philippine National Red Cross volunteers.

The PNRC is the only non-government organization that sits in the National Disaster Coordinating Council.

"When we went there (Glorietta 2), we coordinated with city officials for the response, rescue and search of victims," said Gwendolyn Pang, assistant secretary general of the PNRC.

Pang said Red Cross volunteers worked non-stop, not only in searching for victims but also in setting up welfare desks at the mall and at the hospitals where the relatives of missing persons went to inquire about their lost loved ones or seek updates.

Pang said the PNRC also donated blood and provided psycho-social support to survivors.

"We have volunteer blood donors and we keep stock of blood and send it to the hospitals even without request," Pang said.

Pang admitted that her job is quite risky, especially for a woman like her, but the thought of helping others takes away her fears.

"There’s a reward when you are able to help," said Pang. "Even if the person is already dead, at least he or she was found, for the peace of mind of the family. That’s already something for us," she said.

Officials from the nearby Barangay San Lorenzo were also quick to attend to the victims.

"It was the first day of the campaign period (for the barangay elections). We were going around, we were a few blocks away when we heard a big bang," said councilman Bridge Sibug, who is in charge of the security and peace and order of the barangay. In two to three minutes, they responded to the emergency at the blast site.

Sibug said they immediately called all the barangay police who quickly arrived at the blast site.

When they got there, the smoke was so thick and they had to wait first for it to clear.

"We were able to retrieve around nine to 10 bodies but they were dead on arrival (in the hospital)," said Sibug.

Barangay chairman Joshua Santiago, Sibug and some tanods retrieved the first four casualties.

A procession of injured and dying at the Makati Medical Center and at the Ospital ng Maynila failed to distract medical personnel from their tasks.

Dr. Danny Anastacio, MMC disaster coordinator, said they share disaster protocol with the other disaster coordinating councils in Makati, which include the fire department, bomb squad, Makati Rescue Team and Makati police.

"It was a team effort, and we were following a standard, the Joint Commission International," Anastacio said. The JCI’s mission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care in the international community through education and consultation services. It also provides international accreditation to disaster and relief agencies."

Anastacio said the health workers knew exactly what to do, so everything went well and all the victims were attended to.

"Coordination was the key," he said. "All those who had to be operated on survived," he added.

Dr. Julius Drilon, officer-in-charge and hospital administrator of the Ospital ng Makati, said that upon seeing the influx of patients, the first thing that came to his mind was to make sure that everyone received proper medical attention.

Drilon said their swift response to the crisis was a product of so many years of drills. He said they attended to 34 patients.

"In situations like this, our role is to serve the patients. It’s a mandated responsibility," Drilon said.

Although their hardships and sacrifices are oftentimes overlooked, these ordinary lifesavers said they would never waver in their commitment to protect and serve others.

"For me, the greatest fulfillment is when I get to be a bridge to a victim’s second life," Verdus, of the Makati Rescue Team, said.

__________________________________

Engineer doubts gas build-up theory in Glorietta blast
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Friday, December 7, 2007
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071206188

An engineer doubted yesterday the police theory that the blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 shopping mall in Makati last October was caused by a methane gas build-up in the sump pit.

In a statement, Dennis Manuel, administrator of Cityland condominium, said if methane gas was the cause of the explosion, the mall should have been enveloped with the smell of rotten eggs.

“Rotten eggs and methane gas both have hydrogen which is a pungent and very flammable element,” he said.

Manuel said the conclusion of the Philippine National Police that the Glorietta 2 blast was caused by a gas build-up in the sump pit belies the competence of the investigators.

“If we go by the police’s conclusion, then all hotels and commercial establishments specifically in the Makati area must be wary and afraid that an explosion from the sump pit will occur anytime,” he said.

Manuel said that his contemporaries at the Mapua College of Engineering laughed off the PNP theory that the explosion emanated from the sump pit and the diesel storage tank.

The design of sump pits erases the possibility of a methane gas build-up because of the continuous pumping and filtering before waste is released to the sewerage system, he added.

Manuel said other waste particles are delivered to treatment plants to be processed as fertilizers, and that oil does not mix with water.

“Anaerobic bacteria, usually cultured for biogas which survives in an airless environment, will not thrive with continuous flushing,” he said.

“It is easily killed by even a tiny drop of detergent and disinfectant which are abundantly used in shopping malls, making it close to impossible for a methane gas build-up.”

Manuel said thick slabs used in buildings as regulated by the building code can withstand 3,000 to 3,500 pounds per square inch.

“It will take a direct and concentrated impact to damage those thick slabs,” he said.

“The police must be able to explain their conclusions or their reputations will forever be tarnished.”

Ady001

December 8th, 2007, 09:15 AM

Makati pics galore taken by me...
Sorry hindi ko alam pano mag-resize... patawad sa size...

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01799.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01797.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01796.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01795.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01794.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01793.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01792.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01791.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01789.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01788.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01787.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01784.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01783.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC00001.jpg

More to follow...

tj_brewed

December 8th, 2007, 09:19 AM

Beautiful! :okay:

diz

December 8th, 2007, 10:27 AM

gorgeous. looks like america... only its not. That pic of the creepy looking tree shows evidence that Makati is swamp land. Neat!

xoelts

December 8th, 2007, 07:35 PM

makati is beautiful in pictures...i dont know in reality..i hope it is...

_zner_

December 9th, 2007, 03:51 AM

makati is beautiful in pictures...i dont know in reality..i hope it is...

fortunately, it is.. :D

carlo pontevedra

December 9th, 2007, 07:04 AM

3cr

December 9th, 2007, 07:57 AM

Trump claims Megaworld misleadingly using his name
Business World

Real estate mogul Donald J. Trump has taken offense at what he sees as Megaworld Corp.’s misuse of his name for a Makati City development.

The Trump Organization filed a complaint with the Trade department’s Bureau of Legal Affairs in June over what it said was Megaworld’s attempt to trademark the name "Trumps", and yesterday issued a statement saying the Philippine property firm was "clearly disregarding" the legal process.

It said Megaworld, which is developing a condominium project at the corner of de la Costa St. and Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. in Makati City called The Trumps, had put out a billboard using the same typeface used by The Trump Organization for all of his real estate developments and other corporate affiliates.

"This is an outrageous attempt to mislead the buyers into thinking that my name and company is affiliated with Megaworld’s project, which is absolutely untrue," Mr. Trump said in the statement.

"We will take every course of action available to us at law to stop Megaworld from perpetrating this fraud on the public. It is clear the word ’Trump’ is unmistakably associated with me and with my company throughout the world. When someone says the word ’Trump,’ people certainly do not think of Megaworld."

Megaworld denied the charge.

"We do not need to ride on the name of Mr. Donald J. Trump as we are a leading property developer in the Philippines while Mr. Trump has no known real estate project in the country. Moreover, our trademark application was filed well ahead of the application of Mr. Trump," the company said in a separate statement.

The Trump Organization claimed Megaworld had missed a deadline set by the Bureau of Legal Affairs to file its opposition to the US firm’s application to register the "Trump" mark in the Philippines.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has said that Mr. Trump and Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts are both interested in developing projects in Bonifacio Global City.

mambo

December 9th, 2007, 08:22 AM

ang ganda ng pics malinis pa sana lahat ng metro manila malinis kahit hindi kasing ganda nang makati basta malinis at walang kalat

Ady001

December 9th, 2007, 09:16 AM

Personally, the mods might ban me for posting very large photos. sorry for the large ones.

The Peninsula epitaph..

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01800.jpg

Sana naligo na lang sina Trillanes...
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01801.jpg

Or nagbasa na lang ng coffee book...
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01802.jpg

Dream condos.
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01804.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01805.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01806.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01807.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01808.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01809.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01817.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01818.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01819.jpg

I took a light stroll towards makati. Forget the streets but took a bevy of pictures...

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01820.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01821.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01822.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01823.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01824.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01825.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01826.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01827.jpg

The RCBC Towers is one of my most favorite buildings...
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01828.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01831.jpg

Beside it is the Trumps... Wonder if Donald will go with the lawsuit?
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01832.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01833.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01834.jpg

Ady001

December 9th, 2007, 09:19 AM

Barangay Bel-Air...
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01835.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01836.jpg

Salcedo Park
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01837.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01838.jpg

Paseo Center
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01839.jpg

And my most favorite shot of all...
http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/ady00100/Makati01/DSC01840.jpg

carlo pontevedra

December 9th, 2007, 10:50 AM

Ady001

December 9th, 2007, 10:57 AM

^^ I might take more pictures... The LKG Towers look yummy in the eyes...

carlo pontevedra

December 9th, 2007, 11:01 AM

^^ I might take more pictures... The LKG Towers look yummy in the eyes...

Ady001. If I may suggest, pllease also take pics of the Petron, Pacific Star and DBP Buildings on Buendia/Makati Avenue. Thanks and more power!

Ady001

December 9th, 2007, 11:05 AM

That will take a longer walk, but I'll see hehehe... dami naming mga photographers dito...

ZIG

December 9th, 2007, 12:17 PM

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_0005.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_00022.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_2159.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_2161.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_2163.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_2170-1.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_2170.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_0797.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/ZIG_010/IMG_0796.jpg

ZIG

December 9th, 2007, 12:19 PM

I took the shots above from the 51st floor of PBCom.

palawan_buddy

December 9th, 2007, 02:46 PM

awesome. very nice views. is the floor open to the public?

xoelts

December 9th, 2007, 04:57 PM

cool...

mambo

December 9th, 2007, 06:19 PM

the view up there is quite breathtaking

ZIG

December 10th, 2007, 05:40 AM

awesome. very nice views. is the floor open to the public?

sadly, its not since office space ito. The views from this floor is quite breathtaking especially the view of manila bay sunset. Will post pics of the sunset asap.

3cr

December 12th, 2007, 12:04 AM

ALI transfers prime property to joint-venture firm
Business World
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW121207/content.php?id=042

THE COUNTRY’S largest property developer Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) will transfer the legal title of its 7,377-square-meter property at Ayala Center in Makati City to KHI-ALI Manila, Inc., the joint-venture company it formed with Dubai-based hospitality group Kingdom Hotel Investments, Inc. (KHI).

ALI said the property, located at Arnaiz and Makati Avenues, is valued at P1.76 billion.

The property is currently being used by Ansons department store, Park Square 2, and the public transport terminal.

"The assignor (ALI) is the registered owner of a parcel of land located at the Ayala Center, Makati City which it intends to convey and assign to the assignee (KHI-ALI Manila) for the purpose of enabling the assignee to develop thereon a mixed-use residential and hotel condominium project," read the deed of conveyance entered into by ALI and KHI-ALI Manila.

Yesterday, ALI shares closed unchanged at P16.

The assignment of the parcel of land will be in exchange for the issuance of stocks out of KHI-ALI Manila’s authorized capital stock.

The Securities and Exchange Commission gave its nod to KHI-ALI Manila to boost its authorized capital stock to P382.49 million from P1 million.

ALI subscribed to 25% of the P381.45-million net increase.

The company amended its articles of incorporation to accommodate the capital increase at a special meeting held last Oct. 29.

Last March, ALI disclosed plans to develop with KHI the 7,377-square-meter property into a luxury hotel complex. Development costs are estimated to hit $153 million.

The development will include the construction of a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles Hotel, and 189 Raffles private residences.

Founded and headed by Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, KHI has an underlying portfolio consisting of 33 hotels. Of these, 19 are operational and 14 under development.

Ph Man

December 12th, 2007, 05:57 AM

Thank you for touring us around Ady! Nice photos!

I took the shots above from the 51st floor of PBCom.

You've taken those from Mitsubishi office? Or Metal One? Thank you for sharing your perspective from up there!

Ph Man

December 12th, 2007, 06:03 AM

Hala...I miss Makati na rin!!! Hehe...I live in Makati, but hardly have the time para mag stroll along Ayala, Makati Ave or Paseo. With those photos, para na rin tayong nagtour. I am wondering where are the guards when you were taking those photos @ Ady?

TC, thanks for the Cheung Kong. It has some resemblance with ATO right? yung wormview niya.

IsaganiZenze

December 12th, 2007, 08:35 AM

hi everyone, please check out chris javier's (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10576085@N07/) album on flickr.....there are great makati and ortigas shots there.....i think TRAG might be close to getting topped off? can someone confirm....also....it seems like the U/C tower is a little taller than Shang Grand from his photos

icarusrising

December 12th, 2007, 03:44 PM

Bel Air, Makati

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0928.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0927.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0929.jpg

ZIG

December 12th, 2007, 04:02 PM

Thank you for touring us around Ady! Nice photos!

You've taken those from Mitsubishi office? Or Metal One? Thank you for sharing your perspective from up there!

its from the Maersk office =D

icarusrising

December 12th, 2007, 04:16 PM

Rockwell 12/12/07

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0931.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0935.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0932.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0934.jpg

icarusrising

December 13th, 2007, 12:24 AM

Antel Spa Residences 12/12/07

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0924.jpg

diz

December 13th, 2007, 02:10 AM

Wow it's gorgeous. Looks like something that would be built in Canada.

3cr

December 13th, 2007, 03:49 AM

The Trumps has now been renamed One Central.

Megaworld renames disputed 'The Trumps'
after Donald Trump complains
12/13/2007 | 09:33 AM

Local property developer Megaworld Corp. has renamed a condominium project formerly called “The Trumps" into “One Central" after international property tycoon and media mogul Donald Trump said his company will be taking legal action against Megaworld for riding on the popularity of his name.

However, in a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Megaworld said the change of name was not in any way giving up its claim to use the word “trumps" in future developments in the Philippines.

“In opting to use ‘One Central,’ we are by no means relinquishing our right to use the mark ‘The Trumps’ in any of our real estate projects in the Philippines," Megaworld chief executive officer Andrew Tan said in the statement.

Tan said Megaworld would only like to “pay tribute" to the project’s prime location. One Central will be built at the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. extension and Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Megaworld and Trump Organization are currently engaged in legal proceedings over Megaworld’s right to use “The Trumps" in the Philippines.

“It is clear that the word ‘Trump’ is unmistakably associated with me and with my company throughout the world. When someone says the word ‘Trump’ people certainly do not think of Megaworld," Trump said in an earlier statement.

However, Megaworld said the existence of a residential building called “The Trumps" in Singapore, which is not connected with Trump Organization, may work in their favor.

“We believe Megaworld has a strong legal position. But we are prepared to abide by the [Intellectual Property Office’s] decision, whichever way it goes," Tan said. - GMANews.TV

thomasian

December 13th, 2007, 06:15 AM

A.VENUE RESIDENCES

Antel Spa Residences 12/12/07

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0924.jpg

IsaganiZenze

December 13th, 2007, 10:39 AM

halo people....what do you call that

alam ba ninyo kung ano yung under construction na ito, next to the unfinished JAKA tower????

taken by khay@7 from flickr, dated 12/12/07
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/khayat7.jpg

thomasian

December 13th, 2007, 11:11 AM

I'm not so sure because of the angle, but it could be the Dela Rosa E-Services Tower. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=432171)

icarusrising

December 14th, 2007, 02:57 AM

Rockwell 12/14/07

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8383/imgp0960xg2.jpg

icarusrising

December 14th, 2007, 03:06 AM

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/6347/imgp0963st4.jpg

icarusrising

December 14th, 2007, 03:29 AM

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3420/imgp0965yt5.jpg

Colonel Burger

December 14th, 2007, 03:42 AM

Ei guys! alam ba ninyo na under demolition na yung Old prudential building right beside Robinson's Summit?

crappypants

December 14th, 2007, 03:46 AM

if only they would beautify the river bank fronting rockwell ,it would really blend. THey need to relocate all the houses .

tyronne

December 14th, 2007, 03:46 AM

^^Ah, dinidemolish ba yun? Kala ko nirerenovate hahaha! Pero, yeah, nakikita ko nga may mga safety nets thingy. Yun tsaka yung katabing vacant lot na may fence, sana tayuan ng supertall :D

crappypants

December 14th, 2007, 03:47 AM

Antel Spa Residences 12/12/07

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0924.jpg

can you take a picture of the event hall and makati ave around that area.

icarusrising

December 14th, 2007, 04:02 AM

^^ Yes. Expect it later today or tomorrow Saturday.

Makati City Hall

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7407/imgp0964nw4.jpg

Sinjin P.

December 14th, 2007, 06:56 AM

Makati Pub in Hong Kong

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2110047176_bdd7e3a534.jpg

photo from lille - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/lille/)

Sinjin P.

December 14th, 2007, 07:03 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2106003376_55fb7a87df_o.jpg
photo from ianzubiri - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/ianzubiri/)

Sinjin P.

December 14th, 2007, 07:04 AM

Greenbelt 5 - Phase 2

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2099807609_2a41253a89_o.jpg

photo from Colin Reader - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/c-reader/)

crispypata

December 14th, 2007, 07:27 AM

Ei guys! alam ba ninyo na under demolition na yung Old prudential building right beside Robinson's Summit?

Yes, I was surprised to see it from our canteen here sa Philamlife Tower. Empty na yung floors. BPI now owns this building right since Prudential merged with them?

crispypata

December 14th, 2007, 07:29 AM

Antel Spa Residences 12/12/07

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/icarus05x/Bel%20Air/IMGP0924.jpg

Saan po ito?

crispypata

December 14th, 2007, 07:30 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/2106003376_55fb7a87df_o.jpg
photo from ianzubiri - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/ianzubiri/)

Ang ganda.. parang Clarke Quay sa Singapore yung effect ng illumination ng lights sa Pasig River..

May pag-asa pa talaga tayO!

icarusrising

December 14th, 2007, 07:32 AM

Saan po ito?

It's on Makati Avenue. Thomasian said it's called the A. Venue Residences. "A" probably stands for Antel because it's within the Antel Lifestyle City.

leechtat

December 15th, 2007, 08:49 AM

Two Legazpi Park will be in pre-selling by next year pala.. it will be nearer than greenbelt as is residences, compared to TCLV..

3cr

December 16th, 2007, 10:12 AM

Rockwell at night Courtesy of Erwin/Dvorak...Thank You bro! :okay: :okay:

pic taken yesterday..

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/patok/FBGC/IMG_2949.jpg

corchorus

December 17th, 2007, 04:28 AM

^^ It looks like a caricature from a distance but very nice and ultra-modern if seen from within.:cheers:

icarusrising

December 18th, 2007, 06:32 AM

can you take a picture of the event hall and makati ave around that area.

As requested... Sorry it took long...

http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/33175/2929741990101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/35025/2852928800101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/36097/2824327140101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/32574/2267342580101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/34353/2348205190101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/35138/2641578550101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/32439/2359489550101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/34486/2983159150101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/34462/2399415030101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

crappypants

December 18th, 2007, 07:04 AM

wow thankyou Icarus looks very nice , both the mall and A1venue. I hope they fix the sidewalk overthere all the way to JP rizal. looks just like the rendering.

icarusrising

December 18th, 2007, 08:06 AM

wow thankyou Icarus looks very nice , both the mall and A1venue. I hope they fix the sidewalk overthere all the way to JP rizal. looks just like the rendering.

You're welcome. I believe that's the site for the Gramercy Residences.

3cr

December 18th, 2007, 10:37 AM

All systems go for New Year countdown in Makati

The local government of Makati City said Monday that it is all set for the much-awaited New Year’s Eve countdown on December 31.

The countdown will be held at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in front of The Peninsula Manila hotel.

“Makati is definitely bouncing back and remains as vibrant as ever. The New Year’s Eve Countdown party is our way of saying that Makati is very optimistic about 2008,” said Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Binay said event will be highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Several local artists including Imago, Skarlet Swing Band, The Bloomfields, Itchyworms, Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee will be playing to entertain participants of the countdown to 2008.

A fund-raising drive will also be conducted to benefit indigent Filipino families in partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya.

Raffle tickets will be given in exchange for donations at the Sagip Kapamilya booths.

Gadgets and P1 million will be given away as prizes to lucky revelers.

“The New Year’s Eve Countdown is our way of celebrating and sharing love and joy with all of Makati, with the Filipino people, and the rest of the world,” Binay said.

The event is a combined effort of the city government, Makati Festivals Foundation, Ayala Land, Makati Commercial Estate Association, ABS-CBN Foundation, San Miguel Corporation, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Globe, RCBC, Metrobank and Kimberly Clark.

IsaganiZenze

December 19th, 2007, 05:35 AM

taken by (from flickr.com):

whowroteholdencaulfield
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/whowroteholdencaulfiedmakati.jpg

mon solo
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/MonsoloMakati.jpg

here's the fire, by john javallena
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/johnjavellana.jpg

and from a different vantage point by Snabero
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/SnaberoPasay.jpg

leechtat

December 19th, 2007, 07:39 AM

is this the view of the pasay fire last night? if so, then... wow.. even the horrendous fire looks beautiful... it's sad those families lost their homes a week before christmas... thanks for the pics..

tigidig14

December 21st, 2007, 01:08 AM

patay na yung mga ibang puno dun

Sinjin P.

December 21st, 2007, 05:56 AM

6750

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2122843678_d5fe4f46cd_b.jpg

photo by macmac - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/marcmgeronimo/)

IsaganiZenze

December 23rd, 2007, 03:22 AM

I'll just repost this here too

-------amazing pics from FLICKR, taken by hannah lasco (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hannahlasco/)

metro manila taken from antipolo.....

...at dusk
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/EnozAnewor/hannahlascometromanila110104.jpg

hahahaha...yung nahanap ko sa flickr...naging banner.....COOL!!!!

AH-7Raja

December 24th, 2007, 05:07 AM

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/6347/imgp0963st4.jpg

ganda ng kuha dito huh ibang iba na talaga ang looks ng manila!

Thanks for the photos! I really appreciate the new look of manila.... Good work man! :cheers:

Jarenz

December 24th, 2007, 08:24 PM

6750

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2122843678_d5fe4f46cd_b.jpg

photo by macmac - Flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/marcmgeronimo/)

Stunning Pic.. whohhh

Waldenstrom

December 26th, 2007, 02:30 AM

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/14/12242007352gu0.jpg
Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year Makati City!!!

tuxedo_blue

December 28th, 2007, 10:35 AM

All systems go for New Year countdown in Makati

The local government of Makati City said Monday that it is all set for the much-awaited New Year’s Eve countdown on December 31.

i'd be looking forward to the pics. . . . :banana:

thomasian

December 28th, 2007, 11:14 AM

It's a mirror image!

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/14/12242007352gu0.jpg
Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year Makati City!!!

Waldenstrom

December 28th, 2007, 04:20 PM

^^ Yup

Waldenstrom

December 31st, 2007, 05:47 AM

MAKATI NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN to 2008!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPSjK-fA0oA

Happy New Year MAKATI CITY!!!

tj_brewed

December 31st, 2007, 07:44 AM

http://www.knittinginhollywood.org/photos/happy_new_year.gif

Jarenz

December 31st, 2007, 08:02 AM

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/happynewyear.gif

Waldenstrom

December 31st, 2007, 08:14 AM

Makati’s New Year countdown party all set (http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-12-30&sec=5&aid=44097)

AT LEAST 700 policemen, medical, traffic and public safety and security personnel were tasked to secure guests attending the Makati City New Year’s Eve countdown party.

The event will be held on December 31 at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in front of the Manila Peninsula Hotel.

Mayor Jejomar C. Binay said the countdown party will be the safest, most secure and hippest New Year party in the country.

“With close to a thousand medical and security personnel attending to the city’s guests, the Makati New Year’s countdown is one of the safest and fun venues to usher in 2008. We have taken the necessary precautions to ensure revelers will be able to enjoy and forget their worries,” he said.

The event features top rock artists led by Makina, Tropical Depression, Skarlet Swing Band, The Bloomfields, Itchyworms, Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar, with a laser lights extravaganza and a 10-minute fireworks show.

The countdown party is being presented by the city government of Makati, the Makati Festivals Foundation, Ayala Land, Makati Commercial Estate Association, ABS-CBN Foundation, San Miguel Corp., Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Globe, RCBC, Metrobank and Kimberly Clark.

Highlight of the event is the joint fund raising drive of the city government and the Sagip Kapamilya program of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

Raffle tickets will be given in exchange for cash donations to the Sagip Kapamilya booths during the party. Lucky revelers could win P1 million.

“The New Year’s Eve countdown party is our little way of celebrating and sharing love and joy with the Filipino people and the rest of the world,” Binay said. Alvin Murcia

Ady001

December 31st, 2007, 09:15 AM

^^ Kaya pala sarado ang parte ng Makati... akala ko umaklas na naman si Trillanes...

IMPRESARIO

December 31st, 2007, 10:32 AM

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5579/3bjbxnyrtk5.jpg
:carrot::cucumber::pepper:From SSC-Iloilo:carrot::cucumber::pepper:

SUV111

December 31st, 2007, 12:59 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2149006770_ccf53fd88c.jpg?v=0

Waldenstrom

December 31st, 2007, 01:47 PM

Makati City is ready to party to 2008!!!

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/1374/12312007472du3.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/526/12312007473mc1.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9061/12312007474gk8.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9218/12312007471wy4.jpg
-taken 1 hour ago :)

habagatcentral1

December 31st, 2007, 01:48 PM

^^ Party has started in Makati City. :D

JEFFjr_25

December 31st, 2007, 02:26 PM

With all the SMiLeS from the rest of SSC-BACOLOD gang .... :banana2::cucumber::lock::dance2::carrot::banana::pepper:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o207/bicfomh/gg01/newyear/newyear007.gif

ALL THE BEST THIS 2008!!! GOD speed!
Visit us:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=17412063#post17412063

ngprofflorida

December 31st, 2007, 02:26 PM

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SSC BACOLOD

3cr

December 31st, 2007, 10:38 PM

Village ass’n takes another dig at embassies in Dasmariñas
By Michaela P. del Callar
12/31/2007
Daily Tribune
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20071231met1.html

The Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) is reportedly mulling the non-renewal of lease contracts to embassies that are said to have violated the subdivision’s rules and regulations for the continuous operation of their visa and consular offices in a residential area.

Sources said the DVA wanted homeowners who have leased their homes to foreign embassies not to renew their contracts so they will be forced to move out of the village premises.

“Until now there is no agreement reached between the embassies and the DVA. So the final recourse of the DVA is to ask the homeowners to stop leasing their homes to the embassies that are using them for commercial purposes,” one of the sources said.

Filipino applicants are being barred from entering the exclusive village to apply or renew their visas, prompting the embassies to lodge a complaint against DVA before the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“They (DVA) said since the embassies violate the regulations of the subdivision, they would have to move out and pay a corresponding penalty,” the source said.

The 14 embassies currently located in Dasmariñas Village are: China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

Earlier, Dasmariñas Barangay Captain Ma. Encarnacion Legaspi had claimed the DVA and the DFA had agreed that all the visa-issuing sections of the embassies will leave the village, in line with the village’s policy that specifically limits the use of its lots to residential purposes only.

Legaspi said based on the agreement, the embassies will be asked to lease commercial spaces outside the village for their visa-issuance.

She also said a period of one year will be given to effect the relocation of the embassies’ visa section while the residential areas of the embassies will be welcome to stay in the village.

The DFA said it remains engaged in efforts to mediate and find a solution “mutually satisfactory to the DVA and the residents of the village on one side and the embassies on the other while ensuring that the country’s obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations are fulfilled.”