Why DOTC prefers common station near Trinoma, not SM

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Monday defended its decision to build the proposed common station for the Metro Rail Transit 3 and Light Rail Transit 1 near Ayala's Trinoma Mall, instead of SM City North EDSA.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said building the common MRT-LRT station would mean significant savings for the government.

"(There will be) P1 billion savings in Trinoma. It's a big justification," he said.

The common station would interconnect LRT-1, which runs from Baclaran to Monumento, MRT-3 from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City and the proposed MRT-7 that would run from Caloocan City and go through Lagro and Fairview, Novaliches, Batasan, Diliman and Philcoa before ending at EDSA.

The DOTC is planning to bid out the P1.4 billion project within the second quarter of the year.

"We intend to bid out the project in another three to four months and will take one year to construct. Hopefully, it will be finished within the term of the President," he said.

He said the government is reviewing where the "turn-back" system would be constructed. This is the area where the trains would maneuver and change directions.

The DOTC had earlier chosen SM North EDSA as the site of the proposed common station. The SM group had even paid P200 million to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) for the naming rights of the common station.

Earlier, Abaya said SM would be able to keep the naming rights for the station, even if it is transferred near rival Ayala's Trinoma mall.

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Celebration: National Day of Bulgaria today

Today is the National Day of Bulgaria. This event commemorates the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano between Russia and the Ottoman Empire in 1878, giving birth to the government of Bulgaria after being ruled by the Ottoman Empire for 500 years.

The celebration of National Day starts with the hoisting of the national flag and gun salutes in front of the Unknown Soldier Monument. State officials and Bulgarian people lay flowers at the monument as a sign of homage to those who annihilated for Bulgaria’s freedom. The holiday is usually held in Sofia, the country’s capital and largest city.

Located in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is bordered by Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, and the Black Sea to the east. The country is the 14th largest in Europe with an area of 110,994 square kilometers.

The country is a member of numerous regional and international organizations such as the European Union, the North America Treaty Organization, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the World Trade Organization. It is consistently achieving a high level of human development index. It is ranked in the upper middle income range. Economy is dominated by a large private sector comprising for more than 80% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Major industries in Bulgaria include metals and minerals extraction, production of machinery, chemicals, and vehicle components, and refinement of petroleum and steel.

We congratulate the people and government of Bulgaria led by Their Excellencies, President Rosen Plevneliev, Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, Foreign Affairs Minister Kristian Vigenin and Minister of Labour and Social Policy Hassan Ahmed Ademov, and its Consulate in the Republic of the Philippines headed by Consul Rene L. Ledesma Sr., on the occasion of its National Day. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Wenn Deramas, Vice Ganda to team up for MMFF anew

Another Wenn Deramas-Vice Ganda project is being readied for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

We heard that if Vice Ganda has his way, he’d rather that the film be shown ahead of the festival, which is scheduled annually in December. Apparently, the box-office star wants to prove that his film could also be a top grosser even if it isn’t part of the MMFF.

Of course, knowing Vice’s potential as a crowd drawer, the producers – Viva Films and Star Cinema – would want it to be part of the MMFF.

Anyway, Vice won’t be seen on “It’s Showtime” for a while as he is on a US concert tour with Ejay Falcon and other Kapamilya stars. Before he left, Vice mended his gap with fellow “It’s Showtime” host Karylle Tatlonghari. The two were seen embracing each other several times in an episode of “It’s Showtime,” with Vice muttering how much he missed his friend and co-host.

We’re sure both heaved a sigh of relief. Mahirap yata ang may katampuhan, especially when you are friends and you are together in a show.

Prior to leaving, Vice also found time to subscribe his affidavit detailing facts about Vhong Navarro’s participation in his Cavite concert on April 24, 2010, the day that a complainant said she was supposedly raped by the TV host-comedian somewhere in Pasig.

When he gets back, Vice said he will exert more effort to find himself a new house. He plans to move to a new and bigger abode during the first quarter of the year.

• • •

Emin To Perform In Binibining Pilipinas 2014

Russian pop star Emin will be one of the special guests in the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 pageant, leading the list of performers in the 51st edition of the most prestigious beauty contest in the country.

The son of a Russian billionaire, Emin was born in Baku, Azerbaijan but grew up in Moscow, Russia.

Emin performed his singles “Amor” and “In Another Life” during the Miss Universe 2013 pageant to over a billion TV viewers.

Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner Up Ariella Arida was among delegates chosen to appear in Emin’s music video, which was shot during the Miss Universe competition.

Emin has heard of the destruction brought by Typhoon “Yolanda” to the Philippines last year, and he will be donating all the profits from his single “Amor” to rehabilitation efforts in that part of the country.

Forty beautiful women will vie for the crown of Binibining Pilipinas 2014. Last year’s golden batch of winners, led by Ariella, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, Miss Supranational 2013 Johanna Datul, and Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 Top 10 finalist Cindy Miranda, brought immense pride to the country by doing well in their respective international competitions.

Reigning Miss Universe Maria Gabriela Isler of Venezuela will also be a special guest in the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night to be held at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on March 30.

• • •

Jessa Zaragoza Plays Kontrabida On ‘PKI’

For the first time in her career, Jessa Zaragoza is playing a kontrabida on GMA’s “Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw,” topbilled by Kim Rodriguez and Kristoffer Martin and directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal.

The actress-singer said, “Aalis muna ako sa comfort zone ko na naaapi at umiiyak. ’Yan kasi ang ginagawa ko for the longest time na. I’m so grateful to GMA kasi when they were casting ‘Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw,’ naisip nila ako.”

In the series, Jessa is Yvette, the mother of Joyce Ching’s character.

“Yvette is a very ambitious, scheming and selfish woman,” she said, acknowledging that the role is very challenging and totally different from what she plays on “Pepito Manaloto,” a weekly GMA show topbilled by Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes.

Jessa’s husband Dingdong Avanzado is currently the vice governor of Siquijor but he also has a soap on TV5, “Trenderas,” with Nora Aunor. “Grabe ’yung schedule niya, he shuttles from Siquijor to Manila for the taping. Buti naman ’yung TV5 willing silang mag-work sa schedule niya, kasi may araw na may session sila sa island,” Jessa said.

Dingdong’s mother was the former mayor of Siquijor, and his father was also former mayor of the island. “Ang lolo ni Dingdong ang first doctor sa isla. He is now helping out Dingdong in his work,” Jessa said.

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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 3, go to Michael Agassi, Erlinda D. Panlilio, Atty. Lulu T. Castañeda, Bambi Mendoza, Connie Mopas, Nena del Rosario, Benita Galang vda. De Gallardo, Marna Leah N. Guinto, Ms. Zenaida Luna, writer Roy Iglesias, Brian Ong, Rowena Carranza Paraan, Baby Gil of Viva Entertainment, Luz Cruz, Marina Escaño and Edith D. Caligacion of Toronto, Canada… Happy wedding anniversary to Johnny and Tere Litton…Belated birthday greetings to Manila Bulletin’s Pau Aguilera (March 1)…

A movie producer that’s very passionate in all his endeavors

We came to know Anthony V. Gedang as the producer of the indie movie “Ataul for Rent;” and before that, “Casa,” which starred Asia Agcaoili.

Little did we know that there’s more to Anthony, or Tonet as his friends call him.

Tonet is also actually an active environmentalist who could be credited for having exerted effort to clean up (though not fully yet) the Pasig River.

He shared, “Malaki na ang iginanda at ikinalinis ng Pasig River. Ang company ko (EnviroKonsult) ang humihigop ng lahat ng septic tanks sa Metro Manila for 15 years already.”

Tonet also has a watershed in Bulacan planted with more than 20,000 trees.

Tonet’s other company, WaterKonsult, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) sometime ago with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Board chairman Rene C. Villa for the implementation of a training course in leak detection and reduction of so-called non-revenue water. This shall be offered to the water district free of charge for a period of one year, in line with the objective of helping conserve and sustain the country’s water resources.

Tonet is also a collector of rare antiques, artifacts and historic items housed in his own museum in his house in Quezon City. 30 percent of his prized collections are now on exhibit at Adamson University, where he earned his Commerce degree.

The university bestowed Tonet the Most Outstanding Alumnus Award last year. He was also the commencement speaker.

Tonet loves to travel. “I usually spend seven months a year traveling to foreign lands where I acquire my collections,” he said.

He may be well-off now but Tonet said, “Hindi ako ipinanganak na mayaman, I’m a self-made man. I graduated from Adamson University but finished my MBA at Ateneo de Manila. I started in sales. And I trained salesmen to be master salesmen. I made a Chinese hardware store into a multi-million company. So when I put up my own company it was easy and smooth sailing…”

When not so engrossed with business, Tonet writes books. “I also write poetry, I can finish one poem in five to 10 minutes. I’m 52 and I’m in my most creative stage at the moment. Ganyan siguro kung happy at wala kang problema. May apo na rin kami ng wife ko (the second they were expecting at the time of our interview). Kumpleto na ang buhay ko so ginagawa ko na ang mga gusto kong gawin…”

He has also been recognized for his bonsai plants.

Tonet invests a lot of passion in all of his endeavors. At the moment, he is busy with his third film effort, where he is very much hands-on as producer. The movie, directed and starred in by Ronnie Lazaro, is about an OFW’s family. More on this the next time.

• • •

Sylvia Sanchez Preparing For Lesbian Role

Multi-awarded actress Sylvia Sanchez is seriously preparing herself, physically and emotionally, for her forthcoming role as a lesbian in a Chito Roño movie for Star Cinema. She has now taken to jogging, boxing and dieting.

Sylvia, who plays mother to Jodi Sta. Maria’s character Maya on ABS-CBN’s “Be Careful With My Heart,” revealed that she actually auditioned for the role of a stand-up comedienne who’s also a lesbian and mother of a special child portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz.

She will have her hair cut short for the role.

Sylvia may be busy but she certainly makes time to monitor her son Arjo Atayde’s career development.

Arjo has actually won nominations and awards after starting his showbiz career some two years ago.

So what advice does Sylvia give to her son? “I always advise him to be professional, to be punctual and to show respect to everybody on the set, even the utility people. Huwag mamimili, mahalin lahat ng tao sa set para mahalin din siya. At mahalin niya ang trabaho niya, huwag siyang pasaway. Naniniwala kasi ako na kahit gaano ka kagaling kung pasaway ka, aayawan ka. Kahit hindi ka kagalingan, pero mabait at professional ka, mas gugustuhin ng mga tao…”

So far, Arjo has been following her advice.

• • •

‘Got To Believe’ Fair At Makati Circuit

A whole-day event dubbed “Best Fair Ever” is being mounted today as a special treat to loyal followers of ABS-CBN’s “Got to Believe.” (G2B)

To be held at Makati Circuit, the fair offers a special concert, rides, games and lots of surprises.

It starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Each ticket costs P500 and it comes with a “G2B Army” kit and an access pass to two carnival rides, photobooth and the “G2B Concert.”

Other highlights of the fair include the search for Chichay and Joaquin “Kalokalike,” as with an auction of Chichay’s paintings and various things of Joaquin.

“G2B” is on its last week.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 2, go to Cocoy Laurel, Veronica Baluyut-Jimenez, Paquita Revilla, Alice Cuazon, Rebecca Guinto, Dr. Hermie M. Isaac, Monette Guevara, Dick E. Orense, Danny Mangahas, Ferdie Salinas, twins Manny Calanno and Mike Calanno, Romeo A. Milan, Jenny Ella Juico, Danny Cabulay, Nini Alvero, Nicollo Paulo Quizon, Jonathan Rochelle Rzje, Mary Ann Macahindog-Dela Cruz, Chris A. Datol, Mark Anthony Lara, Jovy Cua, Raul Herrera, Anita Francisco and PPL talent Gabby Eigenmann… Belated birthday greetings to Flordeliza Olivar-Jusi (Feb. 28) and Jamboy Beltran (Feb. 23)… Silver Oaks Suites and Hotel opens its doors to the public on March 6. Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez-Lawyer and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2010 Czarina Gatbonton, together with several Manila politicians and Department of Tourism dignitaries, will grace the event. Silver Oaks Suites and Hotel is located at 1520 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila… 

ABS-CBN New Logo

 As part of a major brand refresh project, ABS-CBN gave a major redesign for its logo in October 7, 2013, also part of the celebration of its 60th anniversary, while retaining its now historic colors: red, green, blue, and black, and retaining its historic symbol which still has the three rings, the vertical line, and the square.

In the symbol's sixth and current generation, the logo remained in its 2000 design, but the rings and line are shown to be thicker, and the text used a new simplified Rotis font style which includes hook-less A, B, and N letters, and a completely different version of the C which replaces the 2000-style C letter. The square changed its color to white, and if in case the logo is placed on a white background, the square is no longer used. The variation with the square only appears if the logo is placed on a background which is not white. The standard version of the logo with the white square usually appears in print ads, while on-air, the only variation with the white square that is featured is the one that appears in a horizontal format (which also had several appearances in some print ads). Also, the horizontal version of the 2014 logo slightly differed from the previous versions of the horizontal logo, as unlike the 1986 and 2000 horizontal logos, which had the symbol equally having the same size as the ABS and CBN names which were seen between the symbol, the 2014 version of the horizontal logo featured the symbol being slightly bigger than the ABS and CBN names.

Originally, this logo was used as ABS-CBN's secondary logo from October to December 2013, and the network was keeping the logo as a surprise for its viewers which was to be revealed in 2014 (prior to the logo's launch, the logo was already seen several times, such as on the logo of ABS-CBN's Barangay Halalan 2013 coverage, on the plug for the Be Careful with My Heart wedding episode, and on the end of ABS-CBN's Christmas station ID entitled "Magkasama Tayo Sa Kwento Ng Pasko"). On January 1, 2014, the network's most famous logo was retired, and this logo replaced the 2000 logo as the new corporate logo of ABS-CBN Corporation, was adopted universally by its owned companies and subsidiaries, and was officially debuted on-air with the launch of a new station ID featuring the new logo. The theme was also changed, now in a style which consists of countless thick rings (which appeared in different colors, such as red, green, and blue for standard purposes) which appeared to be popping out and enclosed by a rectangle without lining, and the network also adopted the Gotham font as its new corporate typeface. The theme used for the launching of the new logo was called Masayang Muli Ang Kwento Natin.
On-air Identity

Despite the new logo's launch, ABS-CBN still used its 2013 identity, but on late January the same year, ABS-CBN officially launched a completely new look (now bearing the thick rings), finally shedding off the remains of its 2013 look. On February 19, 2014, another new station ID was launched featuring the new logo, this time in CGI, with a futuristic space-like theme which was combined with the new 2014 identity. At the end, when the logo is formed, Peter Musngi, the network's voice-over, says, "ABS-CBN, In the Service Of The Filipino Worldwide", while some thick RGB rings pop out and then disappear, and the slogan "In The Service Of The Filipino Worldwide" appears along with the new logo. Afterwards, the KBP logo appears, indicating that ABS-CBN is a member of the KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas).

New DZMM logo in 2014:

Hair asia’s ‘cosmetic trade fair’ set

The doors to the Philippines’ much anticipated and biggest hairdressing exhibition opens on March 4 at the World Trade Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Whether you are a hairdressing professional, a salon business expert or a beauty enthusiast, there is something new and inspirational waiting for you at Hair Asia’s 24th National Open Championship for hairstyling and makeup competition, featuring informative presentations, educational seminars and creative showcases from the nation’s leading hair and makeup artists.

The cosmetic trade fair is participated by big brand names including L’oreal Professionnel, Brazilian Blowout, Matrix and China Glaze Nail Lacquer.

A highlight is L’oreal’s grandest hair show by its ambassadors Philippe Tordjman, Francis Lee, Nelson Cruz and Danny Katalbas. L’oreal coloring tubes plus Hair Asia shopping bag will be given away to the first 1,000 customers.




Not to be missed are the big discounts offered just for the day from exhibitor’s like Ahglow Corporation, Aktuelle, A.R.M. Skin Essentials, Bandi Nails, Beauty Concept, Beauty Kingdom, Beauty Touch, La Belle Peau Services & Trading Corp., Botanique Spa, Caronia, Chihtsai Hair Care, Cosmo Care International, Creatic, Cynos, Dkcco Inc., Handle Enterprises Corp., i-Cure, Just Nail, Lby Enterprises, Le Couleur Shop Inc., Lynelle Hair Fashion, Max Factor, Mondes Professional, Mrc Beauty Products, MTN Esthetique Supplies Inc., Novuhair, Rakaposhi Handmade Scissors, Revlon Professional, Schwarzkopf Professional, Shawill Corporation, Soltera Hair, Sprint Asia Beauty, Suesh Makeup Toolkit, Sunshine Beauty Shop, TBS Beauty Products, and WAHL.

Last November, mindful of the recent devastation brought on by super-typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas, Hair Asia went “green” for its “Salon Spectacular 2013:” The stage was designed like a green house and they gave away a green Yamaha motorbike. They also unveiled a billboard on global warming.

The grand winners were: Noel Pomuceno for the Ladies Creative Color & Haircut category; Rem Miguel of Sir George Salon for the Gents Creative Color & Haircut category; and John Cliff Dima-Alba for the Progressive Evening Hairstyle & Makeup category.

• • •

Kuh Topbills Free CF Concert Series

Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma will be staging a free concert series in all Casino Filipino (CF) branches in Luzon and Metro Manila this month.

Bong Quintana, Pagcor assistant VP for Entertainment, expressed excitement over Ledesma’s upcoming shows. “We are very happy that we will be able to offer our casino patrons and guests a spectacular concert series topbilled by no less than Ms. Kuh Ledesma. She is no doubt one of the Philippines’ pride, an international and a multi-talented artist,” he said.

Ledesma’s concert tour will kick-off at CF-Olongapo today, March 1. She is also set to perform in CF branches in Parañaque (March 7), Tagaytay (March 8), Pavilion (March 14) and Angeles (March 15) as part of CF’s “March to Summer” offering.

A certified crowd-drawer, Ledesma was among few Filipino performers who easily filled up big concert venues like the CCP, the Araneta Coliseum, the PICC and the Folk Arts Theater in the ’80s.

The Philippine music legend has been active in the industry for 35 years now and has performed in more than 1,000 concerts and has recorded 20 albums. She was the first Filipino ever to receive the Salem Music Awards in March 1989.

Ledesma’s repertoire for her CF shows would include original hits and covers of the music of Barbra Streisand and Adele, among others.

Meanwhile, Not Your Ordinary Boy and Girl (NYOBG) – composed of Backroom talents Carlo Sawit, PJ Go, Avery Paraiso, Benj Bolivar, Kaye Chua, Maui Lumba and Bon Jovi Osorio – goes on with their “Not Your Ordinary Show” series today, at CF-Pavilion.

Their show continues on March 14 at CF-Mimosa, March 20 at CF-Hyatt, March 22 at Airport CF, March 29 at CF Olongapo, April 3 at CF Olongapo, April 9 at CF Hyatt, April 12 at Airport CF, April 23 at CF-Angeles and April 26 at CF-Pavilion.

“Since joining NYOBG, we have been together for over a year now. We’ve bonded together and it shows during our performance dahil comfortable na kaming magkakasama. We consider ourselves as one big, happy family,” said Carlo, PJ, Benj and Avery.

Kaye and Maui shared, “We’ve been friends since college. Now that we’re in NYOBG, mas lalo kaming naging close sa isa’t-isa.”

Bon Jovi added, “I always look forward to our performances at Pagcor. Not everyone is given the chance to perform live onstage. It also prepares us for our future activities. Plus, it’s lots of fun!”

After appearing on “Maria Mercedes,” Bon Jovi is preparing for a special project.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 1, go to Ms. Gigi Calero, Gino Padilla, Ed Joaquin, Kenneth Graham, Cassandra Ponti, Jose R. Veloso, Albino Jao, Fred Reyes, Jucelle T. Baterna, Grace S. Bautista, Peachie Naidas Abacan, Maryo Labad, Capt. Rudy Herrera, Ricky de Leon, Cynthia Tan, Carla Monique Quiambao Pascual, Mina Cepeda Go, Emma P. Moldez, Revi Marc Lontok de Mesa, Atty. Bienvenido Ordonez Benitez of SBMA, Michael David Lampkin, Nacho Cojuangco, Ashley Obico, Sophia Montecarlo (Swirtty Mae Nibley) and Manila Bulletin’s graphic artist James Christopher M. Eugenio… Happy wedding anniversary to San Diego-based realtors Max and Edith Ricketts…