Luis Alandy donates books, school supplies to foundation

Actor Luis Alandy shared his blessings with the students of Cradle of Joy Foundation last Feb. 12, as part of his birthday thanksgiving celebration.

The Kapuso actor gave book shelves, a hundred storybooks, coloring books and crayons to students of the foundation.

Luis shares that he values education, reason he chose to celebrate his birthday with the students. “Sobra kong pinapahalagahan ang edukasyon. kaya ginusto kong mag-celebrate dito kasama ang mga bata at kahit papaano ay ma-inspire sila na mag-aral ng mabuti at pahalagahan ang edukasyon nila para sa magandang kinabukasan,” he shares.

Luis is part of GMA’s ongoing afternoon prime series “Innamorata” where he plays leading man to Max Collins.

“It’s my first time to play a lead role. Aspiring commercial director ako dito but my dad wants me to take over our business. Pero nabulag ako, so, hindi ko nakita na si Max pala ay may skin disease kaya sa bodega siya ng factory namin naka-assign. But I fell for her kasi mabait siyang kausap. But siyempre, my dad (played by Michael de Mesa) do not approve our friendship,” Luis explained.

Luis has been a Kapuso for the last seven years and has appeared prior, in top rating shows like “Broken Vow,” “My Lover, My Wife” and “Binoy Henyo.”

Incidentally, Luis will be joining Chef Boy Logro on February 23 on “Kusina Master: Sikreto ng Eksperto.” Luis will be preparing a dish perfect for people who choose a healthier lifestyle: Shredded chicken salad.

Joining Chef Boy in separate dates are, Alden Richards, LJ Reyes and Julie Anne San Jose.

Alden, who will join Chef Boy on Feb. 25, will be sharing his take on adobong manok sa dilaw.

On Feb. 26, versatile actress LJ will listen to Chef Boy’s practical tips on how to cook Beef Fillet with gremolata and semi-dried tomato polenta.

Kapuso singer-actress Julie Anne, on the other hand, will help our kitchen expert in preparing thai basil chicken stir fry on Feb. 27.

• • •

Pampering Session At Empire Salon

We had a “pampering session” recently at the newly opened Empire Salon at the ground floor of Intercontinental Manila Hotel, courtesy of the owners. You can call the place an “empire of style” because of its powerhouse team of hair and beauty stylists, all educated and trained in the United Kingdom.

The salon also seemingly embody a London-like ambience, akin to entering Harrods or strolling along Oxford Street.

Empire Salon’s beauty philosophy promises to find the best look for you without compromising your own individuality.

For those who wish to enjoy pampering in complete discreetly, the salon also offers private suites that, as Salon owner Anne Tan points out, come “with an iPad.”

“All services will be available in the private area so it becomes a one-stop-shop for our VIP guests,” she adds.

According to Salon manager Angelie Manabat, Empire Salon is all about “professionalizing the salon industry.”

“All of our stylists are London-educated because we put a premium in continuous education, we have a commitment to the craft and we want to develop people,” she elaborates.

The long-term vision of Empire Salon is making Manila the epicenter for hairdressing. Manabat added, “We want society to give due recognition to people in this field; that they are professionals too and we encourage people to work in this industry.”

Empire Salon also offers quality hair, nail, makeup, and depilation services using top-of-the-line beauty products.

• • •

Radyo5 Remains No. 1 On The Road

Radyo5 92.3 News FM, the first news and commentary radio station on the FM Band powered by TV5’s News5, continues to lord it over the ratings as it ranks as the No. 1 preferred radio station among motorists for 2013.

Radyo5 is No. 1 in taxis, jeepneys, and FX’s and vans plying Metro Manila roads from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday, according to data from the recent PSRC Car Coincidental Survey.

This honor reaffirms Radyo5 and News5’s commitment to be a credible source of news and information, and further, to provide concrete public service, as in its battlecry, “Higit sa Balita, Aksyon.”

TV5’s News5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes added that “News5 wants to empower the Filipino audience, especially the masses, with substantial content.”

Radyo5’s heavyweight ensemble of anchors is led by Luchi Cruz-Valdes and Atty. Mel Sta.Maria, Raffy Tulfo and Nina Taduran, Erwin Tulfo and Martin Andanar, Ben Tulfo, Cherie Mercado, Danton Remoto, Lourd de Veyra, Edinell Calvario, and Anthony Pangilinan, among others .

Among its powerhouse daily programs are “Punto Asintado” (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.), “Relasyon” (12 nn to 2 p.m.), “Wanted Sa Radyo” (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.), TV5 hook-up’s of “Good Morning Club” (5:30 to 6 a.m.), “T3” (5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and “Pilipinas News” (10:45 to 11:15 p.m.).

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings, Feb. 24, go to former Bulacan Gov. Josie dela Cruz, Ms. Wilma Galvante, Don Manolo Favis, Nancy Castiglione, Paolo Abrera, Chit Salud, Helen Ruth Reyes, Rhoda Campos, Bebeth H. Trinidad, Mrs. Leonisa Gamboa, Jemina C. Cruz, Marissa S. Gumatay of Norway, Quarry M. Aguilar of Cagayan de Oro City, Cleve Antipolo, Ryan Manabat, US-based Beatriz Palma Ventura, Cleve Antipolo, Benjie McMurray, Rlyn Requillano and Canada-based Norma del Rosario-Primicias… Belated birthday greetings to Lawrence Ayhel Astronomia (Feb 23), George Miranda, Margie Miranda and Angelito Caintic (Feb. 22) and Teresita M. Santos who turns 73 (Feb. 21)… 

Poll spurs Metro line opening: Incomplete Stations Dot 9.9Km Malleswaram-Peenya Stretch | Ops Likely To Start In March

With the commissioner of railway safety (CRS) issuing safety clearances to commence commercial operations on the stretch,efforts are under way to formally open the line next week and even get Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the ceremony.

However, work on some stations,especially in Peenya,is still incomplete.A visit to Peenya Industry and Peenya stations on Thursday revealed that even the facades are not ready.The entire area was full of construction material.

Commissioner for Railway Safety SK Mittal explained: Weve given conditional clearance to open this stretch,following an assurance from BMRC that it will complete all the pending work and ensure passenger safety before its launch.BMRC should take responsibility for any untoward incident in case they launch the route without ensuring the safety of passengers.

BMRC MD Pradeep Singh Kharola told The Times of India on Thursday: Weve expedited work and are hopeful of completing all pending work by the month-end. 

Sources in the government admitted the urgency is partly because the Election Commission is preparing to declare poll dates,and once the election code of conduct is in place tentatively the first week of March formal opening of the project may be delayed. The stretch has already missed two deadlines.

GREEN LINE OPENS

• Launch of commercial operations from Malleswaram to Peenya: first week of March 2014
• Stretch set to ferry: 70,000-80,000 passengers per day
• Route length: 9.9km
• Stations: 10 on Reach 3 and Reach 3A
• Journey time: Peenya to Sampige Road 18 mins (road travel takes 45-75 mins,depending on traffic)
• Maximum speed: 80km per hour on this section, subject to speed limits at curves
• Fares: Around Rs 25 for 9.9km Of 42km Phase 1,only 6.7km is operational so far 

REVISED DEADLINES

• Phase 1: March 2015
• Phase 2: March 2017

Tinagba Festival 2014: The most colorful and meaningful ever

Iriga City – If we always look forward to the annual Tinagba Festival in this city, it’s because we want to see how Irigueños better themselves in terms of creativity and imaginativeness. They always come up with new and interesting concepts, always outdoing themselves every year. We’ve always admired their colorfully-designed floats, and most of all, their moving choreography – the participants’ performances alongside their respective floats – which we admit, we always find difficult to judge.

Anyway, this year, in the first Tinagba Festival under the new mayor Ronald Felix “Gang-Gang” Alfelor, we found the floats more colorful especially at night when enhanced by electric lights. They are more meaningful, too, because of this year’s theme: “Tinagba Festival 2014, Where Legends Come Alive!” Each of the competing floats carried images from iconic Philippine folk tales.

Easily the best among the floats was the one entered by Cluster C (made up of Barangays San Agustin, San Andres, Perpetual Help, Cristo Rey, Sta. Maria and Niño Jesus) which was named “The Legend of the Ilang-Ilang.” We adjudged it the best even before the start of the parade.

Cluster C romped off with two other awards: Best Streetdance Parade/Moving Choreography and Best Festival Showdown/Exhibition. By the way, the judges were Douglas Nierras, Shirley Halili-Cruz, Franco Velas, Dindo Balares and this writer.

Entertainment being integral to the festival, Mayor Gang-Gang (who is the younger sibling of former mayor Madeleine Alfelor-Gazmen) invited his and his wife Grace’s favorite stars, Jake Cuenca and Angeline Quinto, to perform for Irigueños.

During dinner, Mayor Gang-Gang shared with us his plans for his beloved city including a proposed call center, which his sister initiated, aimed at employing 500 of his constituents. They’re refurbishing the old municipal building to this end. “We’re now in the process of making a loan from the DBP to finance the project,” he said. Other projects concerns agriculture, it being the principal source of livelihood of Irigueños. He also like to introduce the city’s 36 barangays to organic farming.
• • •

‘The Borrowed Wife’ Cast Graces Bacolaodiat Festival

An estimated crowd of 6,000 Negrenses were treated to an exciting Kapuso experience via the Kapuso Night held on Feb. 1 at the North Capitol Road in Bacolod City.

Featuring performances from “The Borrowed Wife” lead stars Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna and Rafael Rosell, the event served as the highlight of GMA Network’s participation in Bacolod City’s version of the annual Chinese New Year merry-making aptly called the Bacolaodiat.

Earlier that day, Camille and Rafael discussed with members of Bacolod media their respective roles in “The Borrowed Wife.” Asked how she will react should the unfortunate events in the life of her character Sophia happen to her, Camille said, “Oh my gosh. I’m going to lose my mind! ’Yung role ko kasi dito is confused, she has amnesia, so she’s in search of herself once again.”

Camille added, “’Yung nangyari kasi dito, Rafael made a mistake of sleeping with Tessa (Pauleen), and if Sophia didn’t leave, hindi sana siya makikita ni Earl (TJ Trinidad), at hindi sana siya maaaksidente, etc. Siguro ’yung pinaka-lesson is that a simple mistake could actually lead to something big, big enough to actually alter your whole life.”

Highlights of GMA Network’s participation in the Bacolaodiat Festival will be seen in “Let’s Fiesta TV Special,” which airs on Feb. 23 via nine regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod and CDO.

• • •

‘Dreams Get Real’ By McJim

Win big cash prizes and be a recording artist through “Dreams Get Real” by McJim Classic Leather.

The competition is open to male college/university students (ages 15-22), whether solo, duo or group with a maximum of five members. They may also include female members but the majority must be male. All applicants must be of Filipino  lineage and currently enrolled.

Applicants must submit a CD recording of their original song plus a printed copy of the song’s lyrics. They must also submit an application form, photocopy of their birth certificates, proof of current enrollment, and one colored photo via ppresence@yahoo.com or hand carry it to Dream Get Real secretariat, Unit 5 Metrosquare No. 23 Scout de Guia corner Sct. Tuazon, Quezon City.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 23, go to Estanislao Alinea, Lita Belisano, James Leyretana, Aisa de Ocampo Natividad, Norma M. Morante, Tessie Reyes, Armi Jarin, Carlito Domingo, Ana Marie Tabora-Echevarria, Tin Constantino, Nung A. Ajihil, Eric C. Batalla, Joe Nery, Wilfred Ritona and Duriza Belen of Hawaii… Happy wedding anniversary to Atty. Joey and wife Loury Lina… International rock star Arnel Pineda through his Arnel Pineda Foundation recently partnered with Puregold Price Club, Inc. in a special gift-giving event in Marikina and Laguna. This is part of Arnel’s effort to give back to Filipinos consistently supporting his endeavors. Arnel performed the official theme song of Puregold’s Tindahan Ni Aling Puring (TNAP) titled ‘TENkyu Po,’ in line with TNAP’s 10th anniversary last year. TNAP is gearing up for its 11th annual sari-sari store owners’ convention scheduled in May. Puregold recently opened Puregold Terraces, the very first branch of its chain of lifestyle stores in Fairview, Quezon City.

Diamond star Maricel Soriano signs contract with GMA Network

Maricel Soriano is now a proud Kapuso. The Diamond star, among the country’s most respected and multi-awarded television actresses, has signed a contract with GMA Network, Inc. She is set to appear on the network’s upcoming primetime drama series tentatively titled “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real,” alongside Dingdong Dantes and Lovi Poe.

Present at the contract-signing, which took place a few days ago were the top officers of the Network, including GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior VP Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA VP for Entertainment TV Marivin T. Arayata, GMA VP for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA Asst. VP for Corporate Communications Angela Javier-Cruz, GMA Asst. VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy and Program Manager for ETV Redgynn Alba.

Maricel’s manager Shirley Kuan also attended the event.

Honored and excited about this new chapter in her life, Maricel said, “Lahat tayo pwedeng mag-move on. Positive na lahat. Gusto ko maging happy ako at gusto ko silang lahat makatrabaho ko. Masarap maging masaya.”

Maricel is excited over the soap, looking forward as she is to work with both Dingdong and Lovi. “Excited na excited ako kasi maganda ’yung story. Ibang set ng mga kabataan naman ’yung mga makakatrabaho ko ngayon. Alam ko ito ay magiging masaya.”

She intimated that among Kapuso talents, she wants to work with the stars of “My Husband’s Lover,” Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana. “Ang gagaling nila, gusto ko silang makatrabaho,” admitting that she was one of the many avid fans of the now defunct soap.

PLDT Home Launches New Service – TVolution

PLDT Home, the first telecommunications company to enter the multimedia service category, introduces another innovation that will reshape the way Filipinos live their online lives: TVolution.

The service, the first among many from PLDT Home this 2014, gives Filipinos the chance to turn their ordinary TV sets into Internet TV.

PLDT Home was quick to spot the opportunities presented by global trends that suggest that the largest growing audience is online, and that they want video on demand or VOD.

To support its subscribers’ use of innovative applications relying on internet access, PLDT recently expanded its fiber network to 78,000 kilometers as part of the R19-billion capital expenditure modernization investment of the PLDT Group as it solidifies its position as the country’s pioneering multimedia company.

“With TVolution, the entire internet is at a Fibr subscribers’ fingertips,” said Gary Dujali, PLDT VP and head of Home broadband.

On top of high-definition movies from Clickplay and TV series from MyPinoyTV, TVolution users can also access more content by downloading apps like Spinnr powered by Smart Music and EA Games through PLDT Home’s knaAPPsaxk.

“TVolution is entertainment on demand; the days of aimless channel-surfing, looking for something good to watch, are over. Now, all the video content of the internet is made available to TVolution subscribers,” Dujali concluded.

• • •

Sharing Smiles After A Storm

After the devastation caused by typhoon “Yolanda,” it’s nice to note of Filipinos who answered their countrymen’s call for help with passion.

Soon after the super-typhoon hit, Mister Donut Philippines took it upon themselves to do what they can to assist those located near their Tacloban plant. Aside from handing out whatever products they could produce in two days, they also engaged kids in some fun and games.

They also distributed care packages to various city service institutions. That “Ngiting Mister Donut” was warmly received and helped revive some hope despite the challenging circumstances.

The company has been around for 30 years. When they first arrived in the country, they did so via a seemingly very American commercial that went, “Hey, mister, that’s a Mister Donut!” They’ve since taken on a local flavor with endorsers like Michael V. and Ryzza Mae Dizon.

• • •

Councilor Francisco Ramos will be inducted as newly-elected president of the Pugad Lawin Balayan (Batangas) Chapter on Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at the Balayan Parish Pastoral Center. Lawyer Ronaldo Geron, deputy executive secretary for finance and administration, Office of the Executive Secretary, Malacañang Palace is guest of honor and speaker. Dominador Alcala is national president of Pugad Lawin Philippines, Inc.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings, Feb. 22, go to Ms. Lea Salonga, Councilor John Nieto a.k.a. Yul Servo, Rep. Jorge Banal, Dr. Jorge Neri, Alejandra Clemente, New York-based Lourdes Teves, Lito Anzures, Johann Patrick Graham, Doris Garcia Parungao, Maribel Diga Amaya, Lulu Miraflores, Prof. Mutsuhiko Miki, Willie Baun, Margot Gallardo, Mrs. Rosa Aguinaldo vda. De Romualdez, Jamaal Williams, Jimmy Boy Panesa Jr., Casino Filipino Manager Dan Dia, Almira Ibisate Domingo, Linda de la Paz, Amando Bendicio de Mesa, Goldie Burns de Mesa and LA-based Gabrielle Lara Hermosa…

MMRDA shelves plan for 2nd monorail corridor

At a time when many other Indian cities are firming up their plans to introduce monorail, Mumbai’s development authority has scrapped the plan for its second monorail corridor — from Thane to Kalyan and Bhiwandi. The country’s first monorail — on Mumbai’s Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle route — was inaugurated this month.
The MMRDA has shelved the project citing low ridership estimates and availability of cheaper road transport alternatives.

The development authority had planned a monorail network from Thane to Kalyan and another arm from Thane to Bhiwandi to serve as a feeder system to a Metro project planned in Thane. The MMRDA is going ahead with the Metro corridor from Wadala to Kasarvadavali on Ghodbunder Road in Thane.

U P S Madan, Metropolitan Commissioner at the MMRDA, said: “Having a monorail to connect to the Wadala-Kasarvadavali Metro was the original plan, but it was not found to be feasible. There was not enough ridership on the corridor and we found that a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) would be a more effective and cheaper option there.”

The proposed Wadala-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro has been planned as a 30-km fully-elevated corridor. The 8.8-km corridor from Chembur to Wadala, the first phase of the 19.5-km Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle monorail corridor, has so far been used mainly for joyrides. MMRDA had a master plan of building a monorail network spanning 185 km in Mumbai. However, the plans were put on hold as the state government wanted to see the response to the first corridor.

According to the MMRDA website, the monorail network from Thane to Kalyan and Bhiwandi was to be 23.75 km long with the cost pegged at Rs 3,169 crore. A senior official said the MMRDA had originally decided to implement the Thane monorail as a standalone project providing connectivity to Thane station. The plan was altered to have hybrid connectivity of the Metro rail and monorail from Teen Haath Naka in Thane to Bhiwandi and another arm to Kalyan, he said.

Metro Manila Roadway

Magallanes Interchange - Repair, Strengthening, Asphalt Overlay

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• Asphalt overlay of the third level flyover (along EDSA) and a second level interchange from abutment to abutment (to be divided by into five (5) stages which will be implemented one (1) stage at a time
• Removal and replacement of damaged expansion dam
• Strengthening/retrofitting of the deckslab (soffit) of the second level interchange and the inner lane of the third-level flyover (Pasay-bound)

PROJECT LOCATION

• Magallanes, Makati City

PROJECT MAP

GMA puts heart first in campaign

GMA Network veers from the conventional in celebrating the love month by highlighting different kinds of relationships in its Kapuso Month campaign, “Puso Ang Una.”

The campaign is underscored by three clips depicting love as expressed between a couple, father and son, and among colleagues, currently being shown on GMA-7 the whole month of February while the fourth clip, the 64th Anniversary plug, contains the past and present GMA Network TV station idents from 1975 to 2013.

“At the heart of this Network are its viewers,” explains GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon. “That is why we always aim to develop a deeper bond with them by sending the message that in the Kapuso Network, we put our hearts in everything we do.”

Moreover, GMA Network President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. shares, “Moving beyond the typical Valentine’s Day fare, we thought it timely to celebrate the broader types of love – and how much more love can be felt in such relationships through small acts of the heart, be it through reconciliation, forgiveness, even solidarity.”

The campaign imparts the message that in our daily lives, the little things given and received become more touching and more meaningful when they come from the heart

“Puso Ang Una” was spearheaded by members of the Network’s Program Support Department (PSD): Regie Bautista (first vice president), Grace Feliciano (assistant vice president), Dino Garcia (creative director), Joy Comia-Ashipaoloye (junior associate creative director), Jason Faustino (senior visualizer), Raymond Ignacio (senior visualizer) and Hasmin Marable (senior project manager).

Working hand in hand with PSD are representatives from the Post Production Department: Paul Hendrick Ticzon and Vince Gealogo (directors), John Paul Arojado (director of photography), Neil Nanquil (colorist/master editor/edit supervisor), Nep Rebao and Ryan Reyes (colorist/master editor), Allyn de Ocampo (main cam/ari operator), Percival de Leon (assistant director), Rey Coloma (digital imaging technician), Isagani Mauleon (1st cameraman), Janros Avellana (2nd cameraman), Michael Ongleo (live sound recording), Angie Reyes/JR Lobitos (audio-sound design), Ingrid Navarro (shoot producer), Hazel Joy Raymundo (Post Production administration), Jann Buencamino and Jewelyn Archie Dave (project managers), Criselda Dacanay (production designer) and Steve Salvador (costume supervisor).