DOTr Directs LTO to Sanction Drivers Violating Traffic Rules When Crossing Rail Lines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Drivers who fail to stop at railroad crossings will be slapped with stiff sanctions from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This follows the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to the LTO on the strict implementation of Section 42 (d) of Republic Act No. 4136, also known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code,” which stipulates that a driver shall bring his/her vehicle to a full stop before traversing any railroad crossing.

The DOTr immediately directed the LTO, in coordination with the Philippine National Railways (PNR), to establish an enforcement mechanism on vehicles traversing the operating lines of the PNR.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon said that devising an enforcement system will bring swift action to penalize errant drivers and ultimately avoid collision on rail lines.

“Through an enforcement system, violators cannot just get away with their misbehavior. We will be able to determine those who deliberately and habitually disobey our traffic rules on rail lines,” Usec. de Leon warned.

The road transport undersecretary also cited the need to preserve government property.

“Aside from the safety of the public, we also need to protect our rail infrastructure given the high capital cost of these systems,” Usec. de Leon added.

PNR earlier sought the assistance of the DOTr to enforce proper sanctions to drivers who deliberately beat approaching trains, causing collisions and bringing damage to government property and danger to the public.

Yesterday, 03 September 2019, seven people, including a two-year-old child and a female infant, were brought to a nearby hospital after a van collided with a PNR train at the Parian crossing in Calamba, Laguna. Based on the incident report, the van traversed the railroad crossing despite the approaching train, and following the collision, rammed into three houses and a parked tricycle.

LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante assures that the formulation of the enforcement mechanism will help prevent further loss of life on rail tracks.

“We will work closely with the DOTr and PNR on the establishment of preventive measures to ensure the safety of the public, and inculcate discipline among drivers,” Asec. Galvante expressed.

Araneta Center Gives Chance for Grandparents to Shine in Grand Hangout

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On September 8, 2019, the Araneta Center will hold its annual Grandparents Day celebration entitled “Grand Hangout”. Aside from giving grandparents the chance to meet each other and hangout, the event also wants to give them an opportunity to shine in various activities in the Center. After all, age shouldn’t be an excuse for someone to shine.

It is only fitting then that the Center has partnered up with our Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados to celebrate Grandparents Day. Gazini has been vocal about her advocacy of elderly care, something which stemmed from her close relationship with her grandparents. Despite already visiting a home for the aged in Manila, she wants to do more.

Araneta Center will be giving her that opportunity on September 6, 2019. She will be meeting 15 members of the elderly community who will be doing portraits of her. These portraits will be sold afterwards and part of the proceeds will be donated to a charity of choice of Gazini Ganados. Those interested to purchase a portrait may contact Gateway Gallery curator Gari Apolonio at gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com, 588 4000 local 8300.

Aside from the effort of Miss Universe Philippines, the Grandparents day celebration on September 8, Sunday, will also be highlighted by different activities across the Center. The first is the Grand Chess Championship starting at 10am in Gateway Mall. 150 members of the elderly community will be battling it out the entire day, where the winner of the Grand Chess Championship will be given the opportunity to match-up with International Chess Master Chito Garma. Helping out in giving the elderly this opportunity is National Chess Federation of the Philippines, sanctioned by FIDE.

At 3PM in the Ali Mall, the Center will be holding a Grand Ballroom Party in partnership with A. Dance Company, where grandparents can groove in one-hour classes of Salsa and Chacha..

For those looking to simply unwind and hangout with their fellow grandparents, they can head on over to Farmers Plaza at 3PM for the Grand Symphonic Band. It will be a free show in partnership with the Quezon City Tourism department.

Finally, those who wish to reminisce the past even more can head on over to the relaunch of radio station DWWW 774.

As the different activities will be ongoing across the Center, free medical check-up and freebies will also be given away. To avail of these services, customers have to show a PhP 500 single receipt purchase from any Araneta Center establishment.

For more updates, visit www.aranetacenter.net, and follow Araneta Center’s social media pages: @aranetacenter on Facebook and Twitter and @thearanetacenter on Instagram.

Munch, Magic and Mental at Fujinoya Manila Together with The StoryCircle

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What do you get when you crossbreed a Bulldog with a Shih Tzu (pronounced as Shitsu)?

You get a magician trying to be a comedian! Lol

Our first magician performer from The StoryCircle made us think what would happen when crossbreeding pets, puncturing peso bills and playing cards with oil and water attributes.

But I've guessed his first joke of the night...hehehe

He may have fast hands but I have the quick thinking. lol

Seriously, our first magician from The StoryCircle opens up with a magical joke, then later on amazes us with his other tricks.

Next was some impressive mind reading done by the Mental Assassin, Papa Justin Pinon.

This guy never fails to boggle the mind. It's not my first time to watch him but I still couldn't figure out how he does it.

Justin Pinon seems to have perfected his craft to the Godly levels that would make you wonder if he might be from out of this world.

The Mental Assassin has gained several more believers!!! and I continue to be amazed!

The third one was meant to be chaotically lots of laughter.

From knotting colorful hankies to fast completing Rubics cube, all from a Fujinoya Manila take-out paper bag, the last performer had us laughing til we almost dropped

We were laughing out loud from the start but later mixed with emotions wondering with WOWs on how he did it.

Now this is a talented guy from The StoryCircle. Two thumbs up!

Fujinoya Manila has them performing two Fridays of every month...a welcome treat added to their own sumptuous offerings

The StoryCircle at Fujinoya Manila videos has also been uploaded on our YouTube Channel.

Sef as host introducing the performances for the night...but I got a feeling he also kicks ass if he performs full on.

Fujinoya Manila offers munches - dishes (bento boxes, sandwiches, ramen, etc), drinks (coffees, milkshakes, etc) and desserts (yummy cakes) while The StoryCircle provides magic and mental entertainment including Justin Pinon, The Mental Assassin.

As mentioned, you can't go wrong with Ramen especially during the rainy season, and Fujinoya Manila has them.

They have several types of Salmon Bento Boxes offering various combinations.

This is the first time I've finished a salmon dish which means I loved it.

There were several cakes to please even the most delicate taste buds can be found here.

Milkshakes and artisan coffee, cold and hot drinks enough to keep you glued on your seats.

I'm saying a mouthful of praises for Fujinoya Manila for giving us a memorable night of munch, magic and mental (mind-boggling sa simula at gitna then matatawa ka sa pasabog sa huli, biglang kambyo sa dulo dahil it's magic at its finest) with The StoryCircle gang of magicians and mentalist - the magnificent misfits coz they are among the special elites blessed with amazing talents.

For the ambiance, we saw Japanese pop culture with the likes of Voltes V, and other iconic images adorning some corners of this Japanese cafe cum restaurant where you can find dishes, drinks and desserts enough to keep you coming back for more.

Plus entertainment on some Friday nights stsrting at 8pm brought to you by The Story Circle

May patawa at gulatan sa Fujinoya Manila.
Akala namin puro joke gagawin niya pero we were all impressed sa kalagitnaan hanggang dulo ng performance.

Wala talagang itatapon sa galing ng grupong The StoryCircle

Patok sa aming panlasa ang dalawa. Busog ka na sa pagkain, pati sa kakatawa at mahika!

Now this is how to entertain! Bravo!

We simply just have a lot going on our table. With my milkshake, and my two colleagues' caffucinos, plus the cake slices, our munch last night at Fujinoya Manila Ortigas branch, coupled with the magic and mental prowess of The Story Circle's show, was more than just the makings of a marvelous night.

Seriously, you're missing one half of your life if you don't go check out what the resto can offer, especially every two Fridays of every month

Just keep on looking at the Wazzup Pilipinas Facebook page for more glimpses of what we've experienced.

Fujinoya Manila is definitely a fab foodie discovery that is highly recommended!

#WazzupPilipinas #TheStoryCircle #PambansangBlogger #FujinoyaManila

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #MentalAssassin #TheStoryCircle #FujinoyaManila