CALAX Opens Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant move, MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI), the concessionaire for the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), announces the highly anticipated opening of the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange. This 3.9-kilometer, 2x2 lane subsection of the expressway is set improve travel convenience for motorists across the region.

Starting from 12:00 AM on November 8, 2023, motorists can seamlessly navigate this new subsection at no cost, providing free passage until further notice. Motorists will only be charged up to the Silang East Interchange toll fee, marking a customer-centric approach to travel on CALAX.

"We're thrilled about this CALAX expansion, which will not only make life easier for our motorists but also boost the local economy. By providing a quicker and more convenient route to popular destinations in Cavite, we're creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and for families to make the most of their time together," said Mr. Raul Ignacio, President, and General Manager of MHI.

The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange will play a significant role in decongesting the busiest highway in Cavite, offering a faster route to the emerging tourism destinations of Silang town and Tagaytay City. 

It is expected to cater to an additional 5,000 daily motorists, providing them with convenient access to these vibrant areas.

This latest development connects CALAX to Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, further enhancing its accessibility and extending the benefits of convenient travel to the local community and beyond. 

Looking ahead, CALAX will further expand to a total of 45 kilometers by 2024 and will feature eight interchanges: Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, Silang (Aguinaldo), Governor's Drive, Open Canal, and Kawit Interchange. CALAX will eventually connect to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit, uniting key regions seamlessly. Presently, its operational segments span from Mamplasan Rotunda up to Silang East Interchange.

MPTC is the leading mobility infrastructure and solutions provider in the Philippines. It is the toll road development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). Aside from CALAX and CAVITEX, MPTC also holds the concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

For inquiries about this press release please email us at: corpcomm@mptsouth.com

Happenings: Year-end Festivities at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Get ready to embrace the spirit of the holidays at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore. As we move into the festive season, Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore is thrilled to unveil the Merry Moments festive menu, a culinary extravaganza featuring an array of exquisite dishes to enchant your taste buds. Whether you're clinking your glasses and celebrating with joy in Dao’s warm and inviting ambiance or taking home an assortment of celebratory delights to elevate your own soirées, Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore has got your celebrations covered. You can also wrap up your hectic year with a wellness-themed staycation at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore’s Wellness Suite, crafted in partnership with the esteemed OSIM. In the spirit of well-being and tranquillity, transform your staycation experience into a journey of rejuvenation and relaxation, taking your holiday to a whole new level of serenity this festive season.

Merry Moments @ Dao

Available for order from 13 November to 15 December 2023 and for dine-in or collection from 18 to 25 December 2023. Enjoy 20% Early Bird savings for orders with prepayment made in full by 10 December 2023. Holiday Gourmet Platter (S$198++ per set) Crowned by the Dao Style Turducken Roulade, this is a masterpiece of holiday fusion. Exquisite layers of turkey, duck and chicken are meticulously rolled then roasted to perfection. Complemented by the Sous Vide Boneless Beef Short Rib, lose yourself in rich flavour and depth accompanied by a colourful medley of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, Brussel sprouts and roasted potatoes, guaranteed to fill you right up

Made perfect to go with our signature Truffle Earl Grey sauce and Cranberry sauce. Enchanted Forest Yule Log Cake (S$56++ per set)

Each bite is a velvety symphony of Chocolate Buttercream and rich Valrhona Araguani Chocolate Cream artfully whipped into perfection, with the hidden gems of Valrhona Dark Chocolate Crunchy Pearls. Guaranteed to bring you sweet cocoa dreams, it’s the perfect centrepiece for a festive gathering or to simply treat your loved ones to a delectable treat in the season of joy! 

Christmas Set, 3 Course Menu (S$42++ per pax)

Indulge in a festive culinary journey with our three- course Christmas set menu. Start your celebration with the delightful Cranberry Salmon Rillettes, elegantly served on toasted sourdough. Next, savour the exquisite Dao Style Ducken Roulade, a harmonious blend of flavours that captures the essence of the season. To conclude, the Pinecone Harvest dessert offers a sweet, seasonal finale. And, as a special touch, enjoy a complimentary Merry Moment Mocktail, the perfect sip to accompany your joyful meal.

*Available for dine-in from 4 to 25 December 2023 for lunch and on 24 to 25 December 2023 for dinner. 

Live carolling

24 December 2023 (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) & 25 December 2023 (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Festive Tipples (S$20++ each)

Winter in Paris

A delighted blend of lime juice, french white wine, rose water, triple sec Trader’s Negroni

Made with the classic Italian cocktail recipe, semi-sweet Mancino Vermouth, Brass Lion Gin and Campari.

*Available from 4 to 25 December 2023. Wellness Suite @ Dao, presented by OSIM

Available for booking from now till 30 September 2024

Round off a hectic year with a relaxing stay at Dao’s Wellness Suite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Wellness Staycation as you unwind and immerse in a world of well-being with a selection of OSIM's finest offerings, right in the comfort of your own sanctuary. 

Discover the luxurious uDream Pro Well-Being Chair, a haven of repose where relaxation knows no bounds. Unwind like never before with the uThrone Gaming Chair, taking relaxation to the next level. Soothe your senses with the uSqueez 3 Smart Leg Massager, an oasis of tranquillity at your fingertips.

Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair closes

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Global wine trading platform uncorks potentials for emerging markets

HONG KONG, Nov 5, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The 15th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ended today after a successful three-day run (3-5 November). The fair drew keen buyers from emerging markets. Several regions stood out including Korea, Mainland China and Taiwan, as well as Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, showing healthy potential for development. The return of global buyers to the physical Wine and Spirits Fair underlines Hong Kong’s status as a key trade and distribution hub for wine in the region.

The fair drew some 7,000 buyers from 49 countries and regions. On Public Day today the fair was open to ticket holders aged 18 or above, attracting around 9,000 wine enthusiasts to enjoy the beverages and attend events such as masterclasses, wine tasting and seminars.

The fair attracted renowned importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-tailers – including JD.com, Inc (Mainland China), PT. Pantja Artha Niaga (Indonesia), Royal of Japan Ltd (Japan), NARA CELLAR (Korea), Albert International Wines & Spirits Sdn Bhd (Malaysia), KOT Selections LLP (Singapore), Rose & Young Hunters Global Inc. (Taiwan), Central Food Retail Company Limited (Thailand), African + Eastern (UAE), and Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits (Vietnam).

 

Gathers together global fine wine, cultivates new market opportunities

The HKTDC’s Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “The 15th Wine & Spirits Fair featured more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, where wine sellers and buyers come together again and buyers were keen to source products. Public Day today was also well received, and members of the public enjoyed the wine tasting experience and had fruitful purchases.

“In recent years, Chinese wines have risen in popularity and brought new momentum to the Chinese market. We incorporated these elements in the fair, bringing products from Sichuan, Ningxia and Xinjiang, offering more options for buyers. The HKTDC also held various seminars where industry professionals could explore opportunities in the Chinese wine market. Meanwhile, the global hot topic of sustainable development has also been addressed by the wine industry, as vintners make wines by greener means. Organic wines were also showcased in the fair, creating a sparkling new wave of purchasing trends.”

Eric Fung, Director (Hong Kong) of Japanese exhibitor Flavour of Life G.K., stated: "The wine fair has attracted a significant number of international buyers and is undoubtedly the most important wine trade fair in Hong Kong. We are very pleased with the quality of buyers, most of whom come from Southeast Asia, including India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. These are high-potential markets for sake. We have also had buyers from Africa, particularly Nigeria, which is an extremely promising market. If it weren't for participating in this event, we would not have had the opportunity to connect with them." His firm had established about 25 new connections at the fair, with two or three being high-potential buyers.

 

Emerging demand for non-alcoholic wines

Gary Lee, the Business Development Director of San Sesan Global Pte Ltd, a buyer from Singapore, said his firm’s primary objective at the event was to source vegan and alcohol-free wines, with a specific focus on products from Spain and Germany. He welcomed the Click2Match platform, which facilitated meeting scheduling and record-keeping. Mr Lee joined 20 business matchmaking sessions, engaging with eight exhibitors offering vegan and alcohol-free wines. "These meetings were highly effective, and I identified several exhibitors with significant potential. There is a good chance that I will place orders with two of them, and each deal we make is typically valued at approximately US$300,000."

Virginia Cikhita, the CEO of Project X and a buyer from Indonesia, visited the fair to source fine wines and accompaniments. She stated: "We have a great opportunity to order from a Hong Kong exhibitor at least 2,000 bottles of black truffle sauce imported from Finland. We also hope to buy custom water bottles from a Taiwanese exhibitor, as well as at least 3,000 boxes of hangover prevention pills. These products are truly excellent!" She was pleased with the services, including providing e-Badges for buyers, the Click2Match platform, and the new Scan2Match platform that conveniently connects buyers and exhibitors from offline to online.

The fair featured 36 exciting events, including the seminar Baijiu Journey: Savouring the Flavours of China and two Wine Industry Conferences, one of which featured the sole Chinese Master Sommelier in the world, Lu Yang, discussing wine market opportunities in China and Asia. In addition to informative seminars for industry professionals, Public Day featured engaging events such as wine tasting sessions, attracting enthusiastic participation from buyers and visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere.