Record High Turnout Posted for PNR Clark Phase 2 Bidding

Wazzup Pilipinas!


With the construction of PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban-Malolos leg) already in full swing, the opening of bids for three contract packages under PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) commenced with a record high turnout at the headquarters of the Department of Budget and Management – Procurement Service (DBM-PS) in Manila yesterday, 27 August 2019.

Package 1 covers civil works for 17 kilometers of PNR Clark Phase 2 including Calumpit and Apalit Stations; Package 2 for 16 kilometers including San Fernando Station; and Package 3 for 12 kilometers encompassing Angeles and Clark Stations.

Already the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) largest and fastest-moving project, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project – which includes PNR Clark Phase 2 – continues to set records with its high turnout from nine (9) international and two (2) local companies, bidding as seven (7) different joint ventures and sole bidders.

Participating companies include Acciona (Spain), Daelim (Korea), Dong Ah Construction (Korea), EEI (Philippines), Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Korea), Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (Thailand), Megawide Construction Corporation (Philippines), PT Pembangunan Perumahan [PP] (Indonesia), PT Waskita Karya Tbk (Indonesia), PT Wijaya Karya Tbk [Wika] (Indonesia), and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Corporation (Japan).

According to Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Junn Magno, the record turnout of bidders demonstrates the international infrastructure industry's support to the Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte administration, as well as their trust in the transparent, fair, and corruption-free bidding process jointly implemented by the Department of Transportation, PNR, and DBM-PS.

“We are very happy with the turnout of bidders for PNR Clark Phase 2. This vibrant participation from international and local companies is proof that they trust this government and the processes we institute. This is indeed a vote of confidence that we are doing things the right way, and soon, our countrymen will reap the benefits through improved mobility and connectivity,” GM Magno expressed.

PNR Clark Phase 2, which forms part of the NSCR, is a 53-kilometer rail line from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga. This will feature the country’s first airport express railway service. Once completed, it will allow commuters to reach the Clark International Airport from Buendia in Makati in just 55 minutes, compared to two hours by private vehicle via expressway. PNR Clark Phase 2 is also seen to accommodate 340,000 passengers in its opening year in 2022.

More contract packages are scheduled for bid submission and publication in the next months for the massive NSCR, which spans 147 kilometers and 37 stations. The PhP777.55-billion rail network project is co-financed by the ADB and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Bid submissions for Package 4 (8 kilometers with Clark International Airport Station) and Package 5 (Clark Depot) are slated on October 14. Start of bidding for 304 Commuter Train Cars, 56 Airport Express Train Cars, and Electromechanical Systems is scheduled in September through the fourth quarter of 2019. Meanwhile, bid submission for PNR Calamba Package 1 (1 kilometer with Blumentritt Station) is on November 5.

Grab Philippines and ONE Championship Honor Manny Pacquiao With Framed Belt

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Grab Philippines celebrated National Heroes Day last Monday, 26 August by inviting Grab drivers and their families for a day of fun in an event that celebrated Grab’s Everyday Heroes on the road.

In attendance were members of Grab Philippines community, ONE Championship senior executive Victor Cui, and team Lakay athletes Eduard Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio, and Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao. Also in attendance as a special guest was Filipino sports icon and national hero, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

The event at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila drew a huge crowd with entertainment and raffles. There were even performances by music and dance acts Shanti Dope, Rocksteddy, and the SexBomb girls.

Fans and Grab drivers who all came out to see Pacquiao, as well as members of the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, were treated to a world-class evening program.

Pacquiao is a winner of multiple boxing world titles across eight different weight divisions. He is the only man in the history of the sport to achieve such a feat. But he, for the most part, has stayed within the sport of boxing for the majority of his career.

Aside from occasionally dabbling in professional pool, Philippine basketball, acting, and even singing, “Pacman” has remained a boxer. He has, however, dipped his influence in the sport of mixed martial arts -- at least, on the business end.

Pacquiao, who has worked closely with Asia-based martial arts organization ONE Championship in the past, was presented with a token of appreciation, by ONE and ride-hailing company Grab Philippines.

A beautifully-framed ONE Championship world title belt was presented to Senator Pacquiao as a commemorative token for being a national hero.

“Manny [Pacquiao] is such an inspiration to us all. On behalf of Team Lakay, I’d like to thank ONE Championship and Grab Philippines for allowing us to be a part of this event,” said Sangiao.

“Witnessing his career and how he has overcome countless obstacles and constantly defied the odds, Manny motivates us to be the best we can be. He’s a hero for us all. I’m sure everyone at the event was happy to see him there.”

Pacquiao also took the time to make a sizable donation to the Jinkee and Manny Heart Foundation, which gives free heart care for children in the Philippines. The Philippine senator donated 1,000 PHP for every grab driver in attendance, which ended up totaling 1-million PHP overall.

“Not only is he a sports icon, but Manny is also a terrific human being, and an amazing public servant who truly cares for the Filipino people,” said Folayang.

“With what he’s given back to the people, even taking money out of his own pocket to help the poor and underprivileged, it’s more than admirable. It’s inspiring, and it’s motivating. Everyone is in good spirits right now. It was such an honor to even be in the same room as Manny. He’s an absolute legend in every sense,” Folayang added.

ONE Championship and Grab have executed strong partnership activations since the beginning of the year, working on various initiatives in the country, as well as in Southeast Asia. The two companies look to continue that strategic partnership for the remainder of 2019 and beyond.

Join AVON’s Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Help bring women out of the dark

The fun event encourages women to consider the pink light as a reminder of making the breast self-exam a habit for early detection of the disease

Breast cancer remains one of the top causes of death among Filipinas. In fact, according to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, 1 in 13 Filipinas will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

With the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society also reporting data (February 2017) that shows the Philippines having the highest prevalence of breast cancer among 197 countries, the need to educate women on the importance of early detection as the best way to beat the disease is as urgent as ever.

Avon Philippines believes that no woman should be left in the dark about breast cancer any longer. As the leading corporate supporter of the cause, the company is teaming up with Color Manila for the Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer 2019 to raise awareness on the disease, and the breast self-exam as the surest means to detect it early.

The Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer, happening on October 19, Saturday, at the Filinvest City Event Grounds, marks the return of Avon’s signature Run and Walk, the annual initiative that many cause supporters have participated in through the years.

This is also the first time ever that it will be a night run and walk event with participants going through a fun course while getting caked in bright pink powder along the way. 

“Avon continues to shed a bigger, brighter light on breast cancer every year,” said Razvan Diratian, General Manager, Avon Philippines. “It’s part of our DNA as the company that advocates and supports vital issues affecting women, and one of our top causes is breast cancer awareness.”

Diratian pointed out that after conducting a global survey in 2017, Avon found that there was a knowledge gap among women about the symptoms of breast cancer and how to lower the risk of developing the disease. “This was how the Avon Breast Cancer Promise was born, making sure that every woman is aware about the disease and how to fight it. We’re using the pink light to remind women to make the breast self-exam a habit for the early detection of the disease,” he concluded. 

Jay Em, Color Manila President, shared, “We’re very proud to be partnering with Avon to underline an important issue everyone should be concerned about. Color Manila is eager to inject the fun and vibrancy it’s known for into the Pink Light Night Run and Walk, and get more people to actively support a worthwhile cause in an enjoyable and exciting way.”

Everybody who joins the Pink Light Night Run and Walk event will be donating and providing assistance to the Philippine Cancer Society, Avon’s long-time partner in its fight against breast cancer.

One of the fruits of this partnership has been the creation of the Avon-Philippine General Hospital Breast Care Center, which provides health care and assistance to approximately 150 women a day—offering free breast health guidance, consultation, and check-ups.
 
“We’ve always cherished our relationship with Avon,” said Dr. Rachael Rosario, Executive Director, Philippine Cancer Society. “They have been a constant and committed partner in our advocacy, and instrumental in establishing the Breast Care Center in PGH which has helped save many women’s lives and continues to serve even more.”

After lighting up several landmarks such as Manila City Hall, SM MOA Globe, Quezon City Memorial, and Avon EDSA Branch in pink last year, Avon is inviting everyone to become the pink light themselves to help remind Filipinos to know the risks, see the signs, and take action when it comes to breast cancer. 

Join the Avon Pink Light Night Run and Walk for Breast Cancer by running in either the 3K, 5K, or 10K distances.

Participants can also choose from different race kit packages that all come with a special Pink Light head lamp to guide runners through the night.

Warrior - P950 (singlet, race bib, finisher’s medal, sponsor freebies)
Fighter - P1500 (singlet, race bib, finisher’s medal, sponsor freebies, drawstring bag)
Hero - P2000 (t-shirt, race bib, finisher’s medal, sponsor freebies, drawstring bag)

Register for the run at www.colormanila.com, www.smtickets.com, and www.travelbook.ph.