News

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) last August 2022 prohibiting the implementation of Metro Manila’s no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) for traffic violators.

NCAP-related programs and ordinances are halted by the TRO, and any arrests made in accordance with the aforementioned policy and regulations “shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court.” The order also prohibited any government agencies, towns, or municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances from receiving motorist information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and any parties operating on its behalf. However, on June 14, 2023, renewed calls for NCAP to be reinstated gained steam following a deadly accident involving a motorcycle driver and an SUV in the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel. The former was struck by a tanker driver who was traveling in the next lane when both drivers were in the EDSA Carousel Bus Lane.

Because of this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wasted no time in coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General in the filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to consider lifting the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the NCAP.

It’s sad to know that a gruesome incident had to happen but aside from this, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they will use the data they obtained in the past months showing an increase in the number of road accidents and traffic violations after the NCAP was suspended in August last year.

“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes. “We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” Artes added.

Aside from MMDA, Metro Manila Council President and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora is also leading the discussion to raise the TRO on NCAP.

According to Zamora, MMDA data shows from August 2022 to May of the present year has already resulted in an average of 25,926 per month as compared to a monthly average of 9,500 before NCAP was suspended.

“This data shows that we have more than a double increase in the number of violations. Having been Mayor of San Juan for the last four years, it is close to impossible to have traffic enforcers all over the city of San Juan, more so all over the entire Metro Manila. Having NCAP deters motorists from committing traffic violations” shared Zamora.

For those with an interest in road safety, NCAP represents a step forward, in terms of our enforcement of traffic laws.

In the few months it was implemented in San Juan, Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City and Paranaque City, NCAP did bring benefits that some would say were unfairly ignored in the debate.

These cities that have fully implemented NCAP cited decrease in obstructions, choking of traffic from apprehended vehicles, reckless driving, and hazardous motorists’ habits.

It is terrible that we had to wait for a deadly accident before we could appreciate NCAP’s advantages. And aside from this occurrence, most people concur that it is now appropriate to lift the TRO. The handheld gadget for the Single Ticketing System (STS) will undergo a pilot test in July under the direction of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with NCAP having already addressed many of the public’s concerns.

With the STS in place, the local government entities in Metro Manila would be able to firmly enforce traffic regulations while also harmonizing the current national and local laws on traffic enforcement to create an efficient transport and traffic management system.

The Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), after 75 years, is finally crafting and building its forever home in Silang, Cavite, Metro Tagaytay.

AAP was founded as a social group in 1948 by Purita Kalaw Ledesma, and is now the biggest and oldest umbrella national artists organization with 12,000 members. However, for 75 years, the organization had no permanent home.

Master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento and the current set of AAP officers he is leading, wants to take a step further and find a place where the organization can plant its roots and cultivate more aspiring artists. Together with the AAP officers – Roger Santos (Vice President), Margaret Lim (Secretary), Monette Alvarez (Treasurer), and Lulu Olan (Board Director), and their network of friends, the artists are finally able to paint colors and bring life to their biggest collaborative masterpiece that is AAP’s first ever home.

According to AAP, the Tahanan aims to be a central office for different groups of artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It will also serve as a gallery for out-of-town artists who need to exhibit their works but cannot afford accommodations. The Tahanan will also become an educational center for visual arts, for high school students by conducting regular workshops. Most importantly, AAP Tahanan aims to be the face of Filipino Artists to the world.

In a press conference held last July 10, Sarmiento said “Sabi namin siguro panahon na para isipin na natin yung ating sarili naman. Pangarapin na natin ang magkaroon ng sariling tahanan.” Also present at the conference was the self-taught metal art sculptor Ral Arrogante, who is also an AAP officer. I was one of the attendees who won and received a masterpiece from Mr. Arrogante. I feel lucky and honored to take home one of his handmade sculptures. The AAP officers expressed  their heartfelt gratitude to those who extended their help to them.

Sarmiento was inspired by Artabang 1 and Artabang 2, which was two successful artists co-sponsored auctions/fundraisers for Ondoy and Ormoc victims. Because of this, Artabang 3 was pushed through by Sarmiento where the earnings would be used to fund the AAP Tahanan.

“We asked 80 plus artists to donate their paintings for a one night auction on December 19, 2019, where we raised P4.5 million”, said AAP Secretary and watercolor Hall of Famer Margaret Lim.

AAP found the perfect place for their dream home in Barangay Ulat, Silang, Metro Tagaytay, where they bought a 200sqm lot worth P1.8 million.

However, the building process was slowed down due to the COVID pandemic. Expenses piled after the March 2022 groundbreaking, but donations in kind came after. The contractor/engineer, John Morales, is pro bono. Architectural design by Sarmiento, pro bono. The sculptural facade will be pro bono by famed artist Sam Penaso. An artist donated 30 cement bags. In the third quarter of 2022, SM offered the Podium and Aura for artists to put up fundraising exhibits where they generated less than a million pesos. A few students of Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, where Sarmiento teaches painting thrice weekly, donated a couple of millions in cash and kind. Donated materials through Wilcon Home Depot and other generous art patrons also helped with the construction of the AAP Tahanan.

For those willing to help AAP and artists in building their forever home, donations can be forwarded to ART ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Bank Account#122-124181-2 / CHINABANK).

Students, parents, and others looking for the ideal PC and printer now have an exciting opportunity to provide themselves the greatest tools for success thanks to HP. You can earn GCash cash back rewards of up to Php 6,000 with the HP Back-to-School Promo and use them to reinvest in additional school necessities like textbooks, uniforms, and more. However, the deadline for this last-ditch offer is July 31, 2023.

Victus 15 by HP: solid option for students

Victus 15, the featured product in the promotion, is ideal for students stocking up on back-to-school necessities. In addition to providing a strong performance that meets gaming requirements, this well-liked gaming laptop also shines in terms of productivity, toughness, adaptability, and stylish design—features that students value. You can handle academic papers, video presentations, and designs with the HP Victus 15 owing to its potent AMD RyzenTM 5 5600H processor and plenty of RAM. The best multimedia ally for your academic journey is this.

HP Smart Tank 750: empowering students with convenient printing

This exclusive promo has made owning an HP Smart Tank 750 printer at home more accessible. With the convenience of wireless printing and the all-in-one functionality of the HP Smart App, students can scan, save, and print using a single app. The HP Smart Tank 750 fits families and students with printing needs, providing outstanding print quality, automatic two-sided printing, and shortcuts in the best-in-class HP Smart App. Say goodbye to printing hassles and hello to seamless productivity.

A range of participating HP laptop PCs and printers

Apart from the Victus 15 by HP and the HP Smart Tank 750, the HP Gcash back-to-school promo includes various participating HP laptop PCs and printers. HP has the perfect solution whether you’re looking for a laptop PC that combines power and portability, or a printer that delivers exceptional quality and convenience. Explore the promo and discover the ideal PC and print products that suit your needs and budget.

To maximize your back-to-school budget, the cashback you get from the promo can be used to purchase school supplies, pay school fees, or even buy other school-essential gadgets such as an HP laptop PC.

Make the smart decision

Don’t miss HP’s significant GCash cashback incentives, which are only available during the HP Back-to-School Promo. Enjoy the advantages of strong performance and significant savings when you purchase the HP Victus 15 or the HP Smart Tank 750, or one of the other participating HP products.

Note that the terms and conditions of the promotion may change. For additional information, please visit the HP Philippines Facebook page. With DTI Fair Trade Permit No., the promotion will run from May 25 through July 31, 2023. 2023’s FTEB-167737 Series.

As reported by data.ai’s (previously App Annie’s) most recent 2023 State of Mobile reports, the most downloaded app in the Philippines was BingoPlus, the nation’s first and most well-known live-streaming bingo game. The second position represents a scaling-up run from its fourth position in the final quarter of 2022.

In order to provide Filipinos with the ideal alternative bingo experience, BingoPlus was introduced in January 2022. By using their mobile devices and a reliable internet connection, gamers can enjoy playing bingo at their convenience from home or anywhere else.

“The breakthrough of being a top app provides high command to BingoPlus to further advance its mission to bring more fun and entertainment to Filipinos who subscribe and support it,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. “BingoPlus ignites the fun of playing bingo in an online space with its rich promotional activities and bonuses. To date, more than 2.3 billion pesos worth of jackpot prizes have been given away,” Vicencio added.

Download the BingoPlus App from Google Play or the App Store to take part in the entertainment. For additional information, go to www.bingoplus.com.

The Perfect Off-Road Adventure Motorcycle for the Adventurous Dad

Father’s Day is quickly approaching. It’s a wonderful day where you may express your dad’s love and gratitude and help him regain his spirit of adventure. Instead of the typical party, why not travel and make lifelong memories?

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the top motorbike manufacturer in the nation, offers some tips on how to organize that special “us-time” with your dad using the New CRF150L.

Camping. Not glamping. Do you recall camping out as a child in the backyard or your living room? Go outside and rough it with dad in a beautiful place. Your dad and you will have a more exciting encounter. Additionally, this bike has long-travel inverted Showa front forks, 70/100 – 21 front tires, and 90/100 – 18 rear tires, so you won’t need to worry if you’re driving over bumpy, uneven roads.

This makes the front more rigid allowing for better handling and feedback for the road. It also has striped side fairings and a firm extended seat with an 863-mm seat height. These features plus its 285-mm ground clearance give it a timeless – and not to mention imposing – motocross/enduro style feel while also offering practical off-road performance for the adventurer in you.

Moreover, the higher ground clearance reduces the chance of damage when going over obstacles and make the suspension feel less hard thereby, making the riding experience more enjoyable when compared to other motorcycles with lower ground clearance. So, the trip with dad will be not only memorable but enjoyable as well.

Additionally, the New CRF150L can easily handle uneven roads as it boasts a 149cc, 4-Stroke, 2 Valves, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), Air-cooled, PGM-FI engine capable of delivering 9.13kW max power @ 8,000rpm, and 11.94Nm of max torque @ 6,500rpm. On top of that, the motorcycle’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) feature delivers outstanding fuel efficiency with 45.5 Km/L. This factor allows the motorcycle to make the most of its 7.2 Liter fuel tank thus optimizing its power-to-weight ratio.

Cross-country road trip. Want a different kind of adventure your dad won’t soon forget? Try visiting the places you both like to see but never had the chance to do so. Maybe a trip across the country might just be the perfect adventure trip for your dad? From a remote provincial town up north to a bustling city down south, the trip will surely satisfy the thrill-seeking spirit in your dad while making for a memorable experience.

And for an exciting ride that you and your dad won’t soon forget, The New CRF150L is equipped with a Pro-link Rear Suspension also by Showa. This feature gives you the ability to tune in as much as the rising rate as you want by switching the lengths and shapes of the components. The result is a smoother ride even over small bumps and better control when riding over bigger bumps on the road, not to mention improved maneuverability.  

This Off-Road adventure motorcycle is designed to provide riders – and thrill-seeking dads – everywhere with a motorcycle that can hit the trails while maintaining everyday rideability. And why not? After all, what better way for the most important guys in our lives to indulge their sense of adventure than exploring the great wide open in a bike that’s made with both style and substance in mind.  

To top it all off, The New CRF150L has safety features in spades. It comes with Front and Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes, a compact yet powerful headlight, a digital meter panel, and sharp taillights. These elements help ensure maximum visibility and control when riding the bike both on and off-road. And this motorcycle is available in three color variants: Extreme Red, Ross White, and Black with a suggested retail price of P147,900.00.

The New CRF150L is unquestionably the best adventure vehicle thanks to its rugged design, competent engine, strong brakes, and exceptional features. Regardless of the adventure you and your dad prefer, why not help him experience one on a Honda motorcycle this Father’s Day to show your thanks for his perseverance and sacrifice?

To learn more, go to www.hondaph.com. Follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc) to stay up to speed on their latest products and promotions, or call (02) 8581-6700 to 6799 or 0917-884-6632.

In the near future, Greenhills Center in San Juan City will become a brand-new and attractive business address in the center of Metro Manila.

Prospective tenants looking for a dynamic setting for their company are welcome to visit the recently opened exhibition suite of the GH Tower and firsthand experience a wide range of options.

GH Tower is a proud undertaking of Ortigas Land, a reputable builder with over 90 years of expertise in the creation of mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects. With 15 floors of office space and a gross leasable area of 40,880 square meters, it is a contemporary office. With its potential for sustainability, it is ideal for professionals who want to work in an office tower that loves the environment.

GH Tower welcomes employees and guests into spacious common areas and lobbies designed by the Chat Fores Design Studio. The neutral hues of the lobbies and common areas create an atmosphere of health and wellness, uplifting day-to-day working experiences.

“We wanted GH Tower to be an efficient and productive office space where tenants and employees, especially those who live nearby, will be excited to go to work, while also giving them convenient access to a variety of amenities within Greenhills Center and the new Greenhills Mall slated to open in the 4th quarter of this year” said Ms. Trina Chan, Ortigas Land Assistant Vice President and Head of Office Business Unit.

Prime location

Centrally located, GH Tower is only 5 minutes away from the Ortigas Central Business District and with a 30 to 45-minute access for residents and workers from Taguig, Makati, Quezon City, North, East, and West of Metro Manila. Travel time to and from all points in the Metro is lessened, improving the well-being of all car users. GH Tower has ample parking spaces at the basement levels of the building. Other parking spaces and facilities are additionally available in adjacent buildings within the estate.

There are several commuter routes servicing the area, including the existing MRT and LRT lines, along with buses and jeepneys. It is also near the upcoming MRT4 station.

Further to this, GH Tower is situated within a master planned estate that promotes work-life balance. Its direct access to the new Greenhills Mall conveniently provides employees a break from their hectic workday and time to unwind at the new restaurants, cafes, shops and cinemas.

Show Suite

Interested tenants can have a peek at their future workplace by visiting GH Tower’s show suite located on the 7th floor of the building. The show suite was set up by Cornersteel Systems Corporation, a full service fit-out solutions company. It features an open concept that highlights the column-less feature of the floors and expansive workstations and collaboration areas. It also highlights the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which allow tenants to appreciate the breath-taking skylines of the Ortigas business district, Quezon City, Pasig City, Taguig City and Manila.

Sustainable spaces

On top of GH Tower’s state-of-the-art features and amenities, it is designed with sustainability in mind by using energy-saving LED lighting fixtures and double glazed, double low-e glass panels that offer natural lighting during the day. GH Tower also gives importance to water conservation with water-efficient plumbing fixtures and a rainwater collection system.

Additionally, the new Greenhills Mall’s basement parking level will have charging stations for residents who drive electric cars. The goal of GH Tower to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation is in accordance with these environmental goals.

These environmental initiatives are in line with GH Tower’s aim for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Visit here to learn more about Greenhills Tower and to arrange a visit to its display suite.

The Rizal Park Hotel is excited to present a spectacular Father’s Day celebration, providing dads and their loved ones with a variety of alluring promos and indulgences. For a special Father’s Day weekend to honor and adore fathers, the Rizal Park Hotel has planned opulent accommodation packages, mouthwatering dining experiences, and spectacular surprises.

An all-in Father’s Day Room Package:

Give Dad a well-earned holiday with an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room for only P10,000. The package includes a magnificent dinner or lunch for three people at Cafe Rizal as well as breakfast for three people at the same establishment. It’s the ideal chance to make enduring memories and express gratitude to the significant man in your life.

Feasts for Dad:

Cafe Rizal is pulling out all the stops to satisfy Dad’s cravings with an extraordinary feast. On June 18, indulge in “A Trio of Roast Beef” featuring Top Blade, Rib Eye, and Tenderloin, accompanied by an assortment of Japanese, Chinese, and Western favorites. The lunch buffet is available from 12nn to 3pm, while the dinner buffet is served from 6pm to 9pm. The price per person is P2,000, offering an unforgettable dining experience for the whole family.

All dads dining at Café Rizal buffet will have the exciting opportunity to ‘Pick a Prize!’ Special gifts await from Luminisce, JG Superstore, and Tiger Sugar.

Special Set Menu at Imperial Court:

Imperial Court’s special set menu is a culinary masterpiece designed to delight and impress. Gather the family and indulge in a memorable dining experience. Price starts at only P20,000 per table for 10 guests, this culinary journey promises to create treasured moments.

The Deck’s Buy One, Take One Beers:

Raise a toast to Dad at The Deck, where you can enjoy a buy one, take one offer on beers from June 16 to 18, between 4pm and 8pm. For only P150 per bottle, savor your favorite brews with stunning views of the city skyline as the backdrop.

Sweet Gestures for Dad:

On his special day, treat Dad to something nice. From June 13 to June 16, the Rizal Park Hotel will be offering a variety of special cakes that may be ordered in advance. Choose from a fine selection that costs P2,000 each cake, including Red Velvet (Tools Theme), Chocolate (Necktie Theme), and Lemon Zest Cake (Beer Theme). With these lovely crafts, Dad’s Day will be much more sweet.

Call 0917 622 9280 for reservations and more information. Follow Rizal Park Hotel on Facebook and Instagram at rizalparkhotel1911 for more information about the hotel and its amenities.

https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/

The long-lost Juan Luna artwork Hymen, oh Hyménée! was last viewed in public 132 years ago in Paris., the centerpiece of the newest exhibition at the Ayala Museum, Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero, was unveiled on Friday, June 9, to a limited group of guests for the first time ever in the Philippines. León Gallery is working to put up this exhibition.

As a Filipino, I am one of those people who is fortunate enough to see in person the painting of Juan Luna, and I take pride as Juan Luna is my townmate in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. As I reminisced before, when my dad was still the mayor in our place, one of his projects was to restore the family house of Juan Luna in our hometown since he was born here. And as I witnessed his paintings, I was so amazed by how great he is and how important this kind of museum is for everyone to see and appreciate the arts of our very own “kababayan.”

A national treasure of enormous importance

Juan Luna’s golden years were from 1884 to 1889. Following the 1884 Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, when his well-known work Spoliarium won a gold medal, he moved to Paris. It was a time of musical success, happiness, and love, which culminated in his original song Hymen, oh Hyménée! obtained a bronze medal at the prestigious Exposition Universelle in 1889, a forerunner of the post-Victorian new normal symbolized by the iconic Eiffel Tower.

It was also here that Luna reached the peak of his renown with this piece, since this triumph would catapult him indubitably into the league of ‘master painters’, cementing his standing in the world’s artistic capital.

Once again confirming his undeniable genius and artistry in the face of racial bias, Juan Luna’s victories, to quote historian Ambeth R. Ocampo, Ph.D., “produced a groundswell of pride in (his) countrymen that resonates to our times with Lea Salonga’s triumph on the West End and Broadway, Manny Pacquiao’s conquest of World Boxing and last but not the least, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz bringing home the first Olympic Gold to a proud and grateful nation.”

Find of the century

The quest for Hymen, oh Hyménée! by art collector Jaime Ponce de Leon of León Gallery was first a dream, and then later an obsession, that found him following leads and clues across Europe for close to 10 years. The dream was fulfilled when he finally acquired the legendary artwork in 2014, but it sat in a crate in his storeroom waiting for the perfect moment for its revelation.

In 2022, thanks to extraordinary circumstances that led to an unprecedented long-term loan to Ayala Museum, that perfect time had come with the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood in 2023.

Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero

It is uncommon to have an exhibition solely about an individual work of art. But a long-lost cultural treasure like Hymen, oh Hyménée! clearly has stories to tell about a time and place not our own.

Ayala Museum’s exhibition Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero, designed by scenographer Gino Gonzales, examines this single work of art around three themes: the world of 1889; Juan Luna, the painter, as hero; and the complex imagery in the painting inspired by a Roman wedding feast.

A substantive and handsome catalog with essays by historian Ambeth R. Ocampo, Ph.D., film director Martin Arnaldo and curators Ditas Samson, Tenten Mina, and Jei Ente captures this watershed moment in the artist’s life and, by implication, our nation’s history.

A documentary film by Martin Arnaldo traces the recovery of the artwork while at the same time captures the dilemma of the late 19th century Filipino diaspora for Juan Luna, which arguably is still true for his countrymen living and working abroad today. This film is showcased in the Samsung The Premiere Room that features an immersive 130″ screen and a soundbar that completes the theater experience within the exhibition space. The film will also be aired on CNN Philippines on July 8.

A video tour of Hymen, oh Hyménée!’s complex imagery, narrated by Ocampo, will also be available for viewing on Ayala Museum’s website.

Free admission on Independence Day

On June 12, 2023, the opening day of Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero, entry to the Ayala Museum will be free to the general public in observance of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. After then, admission fees will be charged. Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., and Insular Life (InLife) are co-presenting the show, which also receives significant backing from BPI and SMEG. The official audio-visual partner is Samsung. Up until December 31, 2023, Splendor is active.