From Construction to Cars: “Build, Build, Build” Program Set to Thrive at MIAS 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Time and again, Worldbex Services International (WSI) – the country’s biggest events and expositions organizer – proves its unrivalled capacity in stimulating economic productivity with the recently-concluded WORLDBEX 2018. Following in the footsteps of its groundbreaking installments in the past, this year’s WORLDBEX had once again broken new grounds as it welcomed close to 180,000 visitors – transcending last year’s visitor count of 170,000.

As the country’s biggest construction event draws closer to its Silver Anniversary, attendees and exhibitors alike significantly benefitted from the dynamic B2B opportunities that unfolded during the widely successful trade event – a development that openly complements the ongoing “Build, Build, Build” Program of the current administration.

Drawing from the same objective, WSI picks up the pace in realizing the vast economic possibilities that abound as it gears up to deliver another highly anticipated trade event that will serve to augment the country’s plight towards infrastructure development. Hailed as the biggest and most awaited car show in the country, the Manila International Auto Show is set to return on April 5 to 8, from 10:00am to 10:00pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), WTCMM Northwing, and the Philippine Trade Training Center.

This time around, fueling the direction for this year’s MIAS is its strong intent to focus on the dual nature of today’s vehicles. Through the theme of “Work & Play”, this year’s MIAS will be all about showcasing a wide array of cars and other automotive innovations that will elevate not only the way people travel but also, the way companies do business.

To date, MIAS has noted a 38% increase on its exhibiting companies and a whopping 60% increase on the anticipated car and motorcycle displays which is in part a result of the 16% increase in venue of this year’s show. Moreover, apart from boasting of over 200 exhibiting companies and over 400 car and motorcycle display, MIAS is thrilled to announce a new addition to its roster of event highlights – the Truck Pavilion which will be located at the WTCMM Northwing.

Taking cue from the “Build, Build, Build” Program, MIAS believes that vehicular and automotive development play just as crucial a role in actualizing the planned expansion and growth in the infrastructure sector. As such, attendees can expect a high percentage of commercial vehicles on display at this year’s show.

Among the must-see exhibitors at MIAS 2018 is FOTON, an international automotive company which designs and manufactures trucks, buses, sport utility vehicles, and even agricultural machinery. At this year’s show, FOTON is expected to unveil the FOTON Tornado C, a Cummins-powered light duty transport vehicle best suitable for construction businesses.

From passenger cars that can double as Transport Network Vehicle Services to commercial vehicles that bear features as luxurious as executive sedans, this year’s MIAS is all about highlighting the multi-functionality and flexibility of today’s vehicles. Furthermore, this is attested by the fact that around 40% of this year’s exhibitors primarily deal with commercial vehicles.

MIAS 2018 is expected to bridge the gap between various industries by providing business owners and investors with an extensive access to the world’s leading automotive brands.Likewise, it serves to open up the possibilities for automotive companies to foster connections across other sectors. Indeed, the optimistic and ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program finds a fitting platform in MIAS 2018.

Now on its 14th year, MIAS remains to be the most significant automotive event in the country for car enthusiasts and industry players alike! As this year’s show centers on the theme of “Work & Play”, MIAS 2018 invites everyone to take part in a different kind of automotive experience; one wherein the boundaries between leisure and progress collide to create a never-before-seen spectacle of automotive evolution. For more information, visit our facebook page @mias and on instagram: @mias.ph.

Two Security Aides at NAIA Charged with Theft after Stealing Money from Japanese Tourist

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two airport personnel from the Office of Transport Security (OTS) were charged with theft after admitting that they stole money from a Japanese tourist during baggage search at the initial entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3’s departure area last Wednesday, 28 March 2018.

OTS Intelligence Agent Aides Stephen C. Bartolo and Demie James P. Timtim admitted to conniving to pocket 1,700 Australian Dollars (AUD) or roughly PHP68,000 of Japanese National Yuka Sakata.

Mr. Sakata was already at the pre-departure area for his connecting flight to Cebu when he discovered that his money in his hand-carry was missing.

Airport police and security officers were quick to assist Mr. Sakata and immediately conducted a re-enactment of the incident. During the re-enactment, Mr. Sakata positively identified Bartolo as the one who conducted baggage search at the arrival gate.

During interrogation, Bartolo admitted that he took money from Mr. Sakata’s wallet. The CCTV footage also showed that Bartolo took something from the bag of Mr. Sakata and discreetly placed it in his pants pocket. Bartolo immediately surrendered two pieces of Fifty Australian Dollars.

During the follow-up interrogation, Bartolo revealed that he gave some money to his colleague, Timtim, who was the incoming duty personnel at the arrival area. Four pieces of Fifty Australian Dollars were recovered from his jacket.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade expressed his utmost dismay over the incident.

“Mga sira-ulo yan. Nakakahiya! Ipa-kulong yan! Nakasisira sila ng imahe ng mga airport natin at pati ng buong Pilipinas. Sayang ang pagpapagod ng buong DOTr upang maituwid ang baluktot kung may mga kurakot at magnanakaw pa rin na kagaya m nila! Sisiguraduhin kong mapaparusahan ang mga ‘yan at hindi na makatatapak pa sa ating mga paliparan,” said Tugade.

Apart from being charged with theft, the two intelligence aides also had their NAIA passes revoked/cancelled, and were included in the Stop List of personnel by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

For his part, MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal warned that the full weight of the law shall be brought upon corrupt airport personnel.

“Walang lugar ang mga corrupt at magnanakaw sa NAIA. Hindi na uubra ‘yan. I encourage our passengers to report to us incidents like this, and I will make sure that these personnel will have their time in jail,” said Monreal.

The DOTr, MIAA, and other airports in the country have been directed by President Duterte to put a stop to baggage theft and pilferage. Apart from implenting stricter guidelines in baggage handling, ground handling companies were also warned that should a personnel of theirs will be found guilty of theft, the company’s contract will be suspended or terminated.

The MIAA recently terminated its contract with MIASCOR after six of its employees were found guilty of stealing items from an Overseas Filipino Worker last January.

Etihad Airways Eliminates 195,000 Tonnes of Carbon Emissions in 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Etihad Airways successfully eliminated around 195,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2017, thanks to a wide range of fuel-saving initiatives across its network.

Following a number of improvements aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies, Etihad was able to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by its aircraft by over 62,000 tonnes of fuel. The result represents a 3.3 per cent improvement from the year before, and is the equivalent of 850 flights between Abu Dhabi and London.

For instance, flight plan adjustments across the network reduced approximately 900 hours of flying time, leading to a saving of 5,400 tonnes of fuel and eliminating approximately 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Last year, Etihad Airways also retired several older aircraft in favour of the Boeing 787, one of the most fuel efficient commercial aircraft in operation due to its lightweight composite structure. Etihad currently operates 19 Boeing 787s in its 115-strong fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft, which is one of the youngest in the skies at an average age of 5.4 years.

Richard Hill, Chief Operations Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “2017 was a particularly good year for fuel efficiency. The combination of retiring some of our older aircraft and increasing the proportion of Boeing 787 aircraft within our fleet, together with optimising our flight paths among a range of other initiatives has made a noticeable improvement to our fuel consumption and emissions profile.”

Etihad also strengthened its collaboration with air traffic control providers at many of the major airports to which it operates, in particular in Abu Dhabi, in order to improve the efficiency of many of the descent and approach profiles. The most fuel efficient descent manoeuvre is known as a ‘continuous descent approach’, whereby the aircraft reduces height gradually, rather than in a stepped manner. Thanks to an increase in the number of continuous decent approaches in 2017, a total of 980 tonnes of fuel was saved over the course of the year.

By combining key fuel saving projects with operational improvements, the efficiency per passenger kilometre improved by as much as 36 per cent on some of Etihad’s routes.

Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President Government and International Affairs for Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We place a high value on sustainability and are always looking for new opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. We’re extremely proud of our year-on-year improvement, which benefits not only Etihad in terms of fuel savings but also the environment on a wider level. This result is a testament to the focused collaboration of teams across our business as well as strong cooperation with important local and international partners in Abu Dhabi and across our network.”

Etihad has a broad programme of innovative thinking devoted to sustainability and carbon reduction, refined through continuous operational adjustments as well as long-term projects such as aviation biofuel development. Hosted in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, the biofuel pilot facility is the flagship project of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium led by the Masdar Institute and supported by members Etihad Airways, Boeing, ADNOC Refining, Safran, GE and Bauer Resources.