Q3 2017 THE IMMIGRANT NEWSPAPER

Q3

Blown away by Siargao p.6

Aug-SEP

2017

A roundup on ride-sharing apps p.3

Hiking highs p.10

Mini bag movement p.7

Tackling mass transit

Vol. 6 No.20 Q3 2017 Philippine Edition ISSN No.

www.theimmigrant.com.ph

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By Mark Angelo Ching utertenomics centers on the massive development of infrastructure across the Philippines.

In fact, current economic managers boast that President Rodrigo Duterte’s time in Malacañang will usher in the “golden age of

infrastructure,” which will eventually make the country stand toe-to-toe with the region’s economic giants.

Several scientific studies here and abroad state that horrendous traffic has negative effects on the economy.

Most of the infrastructure projects listed on build.gov. ph, the public portal for Dutertenomics, has to do with transportation: more bridges, railways, roads, and airports.

In 2014, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) concluded that the Philippines loses Php2.4 billion a day due to heavy traffic in Metro Manila. JICA further stated that if left unsolved, the country will eventually lose Php6 billion a day due to traffic. Turn to page 2

That’s not surprising because transportation is one of the huge problems that the public has to deal with every day.

Photo by Michael Caliwara

President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program aims to complete its 74 flagship projects by the end of his term in 2022

Photos by Andy So

news bytes China to build a “city within a city” in Manila Thirty years from now, the City of Pearl will rise from the 407 hectares of man-made island off the coast of Manila.

Chinese website People’s Daily described it as “the most integrated and progressive central business district of the Philippines, a green city as the community will be using mainly renewable energy like solar and tidal power...with an advanced railway system promoting walkability.”

The existing MRT3 trains can carry 23,000 passengers per hour per direction daily, according to the MRT website.

Tackling mass transit From page 1

Gridlocks affect every aspect of the economy. Employees have to wake up very early to go to their jobs, so they are already tired when they get to work. Product deliveries take longer due to restrictions imposed on trucks. Exports take days before they exit the ports. And road improvements and other projects must be dealt with slowly, because any minor construction would worsen traffic.

All these make solving traffic a priority. And thus, the government is going all in this year by spending 5.4% of the annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on infrastructure projects.

This is a huge move, because this percentage is much higher than the infrastructure spending of the past administrations.

Former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, for example, only spent 2.9% of the total GDP for infrastructure, during his whole term.

Dutertenomics also has an apt slogan: “Build Build Build.”

The government wants to build as many infrastructure in the Philippines as quickly as possible. In his interviews, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said there are 74 flagship projects, including:

This collaboration will result in faster development.

In fact, a higher budget for the country’s first subway project was approved last September 6. This was a quick decision for such a huge undertaking; it was first conceptualized by the Aquino government in 2015, but was only approved this year.

The said subway project will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Parañaque. Construction will begin in 2018, and the target finish date is in 2025.

The Philippines’ “golden age of infrastructure” entails a budget of Php9 trillion and 74 projects, which the government says will sustain the country’s growth trajectory.

• The Santa Monica - Lawton - BGC Link Bridge that will let cars from Ortigas go directly to the Bonifacio Global District without passing through EDSA. • The Iloilo - Guimaras - Negros Cebu Link Bridge, so cars don’t need to ride RoRo boats to go from island to island.

• The Davao City Bypass Construction Project that will reduce the two-hour travel time from Davao del Sur to Davao del Norte to 45 minutes.

• The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road that lets cars travel from Alabang to Balintawak in 30 minutes.

• The Manila-Clark Railway that guarantees travel time of one hour.

It is projected that by the end of Duterte’s term, everyone would already be enjoying the use of new infrastructure.

Heavy traffic would almost be non-existent, paving the way for the country’s progress to an economic powerhouse.

But optimism has its challenges. There are obstacles— such as red tape and excessive democracy—that the government must overcome so it can meet its ambitions.

Basically, public projects do not get past the conceptualization or procurement phases because they have to go through several agencies first. The problem had plagued previous administrations, and led to corruption.

Fortunately, the Duterte administration has pegged this perennial problem as a thing of the past.

At present, the major infrastructure agencies of the national government are coordinating with each other.

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These are the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

The proposed budget for the project is Php355.6 billion, to be funded via a loan from Japan payable in 40 years, at an interest rate of .10 percent.

Meanwhile, the construction of the MRT-7 started last August 15, and has resulted in lane closures and congestion on Commonwealth Avenue.

This line will have 14 stations from North Avenue to San Juan Del Monte, Bulacan, and cost an estimated US$1.54 billion or Php62.7 billion, according to the website ppp.gov.ph, the website of the Public-Private Partnership Center.

The project will be finished in 2018.

The challenge?

To complete all 74 projects, the government must raise billions in a short span of time, either via tax reform or by taking more loans from Japan or other countries like China.

The government’s tax reform measure looks attractive: it aims to lower income taxes for the middle class, and shift the burden to the rich. And if it passes the Congress intact, it is expected generate up to Php9 trillion to fund several projects.

But its implementation is being delayed in the Senate, because of concerns that it will add burden to the poor, increasing taxes on fuel, sugar-sweetened drinks, and instant coffee.

Its plan to apply for loans from China also has vocal critics, who fear that the Philippines may be burdened by high interest rates.

Anders Corr, an analyst for Forbes magazine, estimates that the Philippine debt will balloon to US$452 billion, and the country will have a hard time paying it. Eventually, Corr says, the Philippines may have to surrender political and economic concessions to China just to manage the debt.

The Duterte government’s grand plan is, without a doubt, the right move to solve the country’s economic issues, but it should not be prioritized at the behest of the country’s poor.

Perhaps the government should put the brakes on for a bit to find better ways to generate funds that will support these massive projects.

Dubbed the “New Manila Bay,” this US$100-billion project is one of China’s biggest investments under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” and is a product of many years of negotiations between Beijing and Manila, led by UAA Kinming, a consortium of Filipino-Chinese developers.

It is estimated to generate around 50,000 jobs for Filipinos, and will have “futuristic office buildings, residential blocks, a central park, golf course, marina promenade, driverless railway system, water taxis, and its own sports stadium named after Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.”

Government to allow foreign contractors to fully participate in big-ticket projects The Duterte administration is easing restrictions imposed on foreign contractors who want to be part of its infrastructure development program.

This came from Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia during the 2nd Annual Philippines Energy & Infrastructure Finance Forum hosted by Euromoney last September 7.

“We are trying to be more comparable to our ASEAN neighbors who have already liberalized their negative lists,” he said, referring to the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL), which will be approved by National Economic and Development (NEDA) board this September.

The FINL determines investment areas where foreign participation is prohibited or limited.

Pernia continued, “And also to answer the question of absorptive capacity, projects of national significance can allow international contractors to come in despite that thing still being in the negative list.

“In the meantime, we are also liberalizing the negative list to take out this prohibition on international contractors participating in projects.

“Some need legislation. There are also a number that can be done via approval of the NEDA board.”

Atty. Jose ‘Pepe’ Villanueva III Publisher Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. • Henry S. Schumacher • Katrina Legarda Editorial Board Karen Caliwara Editor-at-Large

Sonny Ramirez Art Director

Kristine Vinas Circulation Manager

Claire Madarang Copy Editor

Amar Estoya Distribution Manager

Mabel Fulo Editorial Coordinator ALL CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 2017, RESERVED for The IMMIGRANT. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in whole or in part, without the express written permission of IMMIGRA PUBLISHING, the publisher of The IMMIGRANT.

The IMMIGRANT P.O. Box 4230 Makati City, Philippines For feedback and comments, please email us at theimmigrantnewspaper@gmail.com or visit our website at www.theimmigrant.com.ph The IMMIGRANT is in ISSUU. Get your e-copy at http://www.issuu.com/theimmigrantnewspaper

© 2015-2016 ON THE COVER: The Philippines’ “golden age of infrastructure” entails a budget of Php9 trillion and 74 projects, which the government says will sustain the country’s growth trajectory.

Photo by Michael Caliwara

The Immigrant faqs

A roundup on ride-sharing apps

A technological innovation or disruption? Dean Marisol De Luna Anenias of Pamantasan ng Maynila College of Law and Atty. Aeron Aldrich B. Halos come up with this explainer.

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What is the degree of diligence required from TNCs?

ue to the sheer inadequacy of public transportation in the country, the use of “ride-sharing” apps like Uber and Grab have become popular with the riding public in recent years. With this popularity, however, comes the inevitable governmental pushback in a bid to fit these innovative services within the existing regulatory framework.

This primer aims to explain how the existing laws and regulations apply to ride-sharing services with respect to their obligations and responsibilities to the riding public.

TNCs, on the other hand, are required to exercise due diligence and reasonable care in accrediting its drivers as explicitly by Memorandum Circular No. 2015-15 issued by the LTFRB.

In case of death or injuries to passengers, what is the liability of: TNCs? Memorandum Circular No. 2015-15 limits the

Congress has yet to pass a law which recognizes the existence, and regulates the operations of ride-sharing services like Uber and Grab.

The lack of an appropriate law notwithstanding, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has assumed jurisdiction over the operations of said companies by virtue of Department Order No. 201511 of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and its own Memorandum Circular Nos. 2015-015 to 2015-018.

The definition of common carriers and their corresponding obligations and liabilities under the Civil Code (i.e. Articles 1732, 1733, and 1756) are also pertinent in determining the nature of services provided by these ridesharing apps.

How are ride sharing apps classified by the government?

The issuances from the LTFRB and the DoTr introduced a new class of public transport which covers ride-sharing services. Grab, Uber, and similar companies were classified under the term Transport Network Company (TNC), which is defined as “an organization whether a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor, that provides pre-arranged transportation services for compensation using Internetbased technology application or digital platform technology to connect passengers with drivers using their personal vehicles.”

The drivers and the vehicles which actually serve the riding public, on the other hand, are termed as Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) under DO No. 2015-11 from DoTr.

Are TNCs and TNVS’s considered as common carriers like taxis and other public utility vehicles?

Article 1732 of the Civil Code defines common carriers as persons, corporations, firms, or associations engaged in the business of carrying or transporting passengers or goods or both, by land, water, or air, for compensation, offering their services to the public.

If we are to go by its definition under the rules set forth by the LTFRB, a TNC cannot be considered as a common carrier since it is merely a platform for connecting passengers with the drivers.

Intelligent...

From page 4

The ITS solution aims to improve the traffic conditions in Metro Manila and provide a sustainable transport system in the long term. Its key benefits include: • Centralized traffic and incident management to increase operation efficiency and ease traffic conditions; • Early detection of traffic incidents to reduce impact and mitigate recurring congestions; • Decreased traffic delay, reduced fuel costs and environmental pollution;

Illustration by Manix Abrera

What are the applicable laws that govern the operation of ride-sharing apps?

On the other hand, the actual vehicles and drivers classified as TNVS and which directly provide the transportation services to the public can be considered as common carriers.

What is the legal implication if TNVS’s are considered as common carriers?

A contract of carriage exists between a common carrier and its passengers. A passenger does not have to sign any document upon boarding a taxi or a bus to bind the common carrier under the contract of carriage as the unwritten contract exists by reason of the franchise issued to a common carrier before it can operate.

If we are to consider TNVS’s as common carriers, then they are required to exercise extraordinary diligence expected from common carriers to ensure the safety of the passengers and goods that they are transporting, as provided for by Article 1733 of the Civil Code and by virtue of its contract of carriage with their passengers.

What if the TNVS does not have a franchise?

Indeed, not all TNVS units are covered by a franchise or, more specifically, a Certificate of Public Convenience. This does not mean, however, that they are exempted from their obligations as common carriers. As the Supreme Court has held in the 1988 case of De Guzman v. Court of Appeals, “[a] certificate of public convenience is not a requisite for the incurring of liability under the Civil Code provisions governing common carriers.”

That liability arises the moment a person or firm acts as a common carrier without regard to whether or not such carrier has also complied with the requirements of the applicable regulatory statute.

• Enhanced safety for road users and better traveling experience for the people and visitors to the country; • Minimized manual intervention in traffic management and law enforcement; • Ease of training and rotating staff for traffic management roles, creating a high-tech ITS workforce; and • Scalable ITS platform to drive sustainable future solutions to benefit the people and the country’s economy.

liability of TNCs to those that are caused by its failure to exercise due diligence and reasonable care in accrediting its drivers except when non-compliance with the said requirements is due to acts and omissions outside the control of the TNC. The same memorandum provides that the liability of TNCs shall not extend to actions of drivers who are deemed as independent contractors who provide the transportation services directly to the passengers.

TNVS’s? If they are to be considered as common carriers, then TNVS’s shall be presumed negligent should their passengers suffer injury or death based on Article 1756 of the Civil Code.

This means that in the event of an accident resulting in injuries or death, one only needs to prove that the injury or death happened while riding the TNVS. The burden of proof lies then with the TNVS, which has to prove that it exercised the required extraordinary diligence to escape liability.

Are TNCs and TNVS’s required to provide insurance to their passengers?

While there is no law yet specifically requiring TNCs and TNVS’s to provide comprehensive insurance to their passengers, there has been an effort on the part of the LTFRB to compel the TNCs to comply with Memorandum Circular 2015-028, which requires public utilities to provide an enhanced personal accident insurance program for passengers.

While the biggest TNCs have reportedly agreed to comply with the Memorandum Circular, details of the insurance coverage, however, are yet to be finalized.

Ride-sharing apps have been characterized as “disruptive innovation” and for good reason. Not only have they upended the transportation industry in the country, they have also put into question the established legal understanding of concepts such as public utilities and common carriers. It is, therefore, imperative for Congress to immediately come up with the appropriate legislation that will adequately tackle these technological innovations that are proving to be increasingly significant in our everyday lives.

Dean Marisol De Luna Anenias is the Dean of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Law and Senior Partner at the Maceda Maceda Maceda Anenias GPP. Atty. Aeron Aldrich B. Halos is an Associate at Maceda Maceda Maceda Anenias GPP. Disclaimer: The FAQs above are the sole opinion of the writers and should not constitute as legal opinion or advice. –The IMMIGRANT

Uber crackdown From page 5

Ban lifted On August 29, Uber paid the Php190million fine to LTFRB, and was finally able to send its vehicles on the road again.

Despite this development, however, the public still thinks commuting is a pain, because the top problem that commuters face—heavy traffic—still haunts their daily lives.

Let’s hope that LTFRB and other government agencies involved can implement better solutions, before the patience of the commuting public wears thin.

The government should think of smarter ways to solve these issues than just enforcing stricter regulations on Uber.

Transportation and mobility is a human right, and the country cannot progress if its citizens cannot reach where they need to go.

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Intelligent transport system for Metro Manila Ed’s Note: The month of August ended with some good news: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to develop an “Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for Metro Manila.”

The two major parties involved were Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise.

The former, according to the department’s official website, is “the primary policy, planning, programming, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the executive branch of the government on the promotion, development and regulation of a dependable and coordinated network of transportation and communications systems, MOA signing between the as well as in the fast, safe, efficient and reliable transportation and Singapore communications services.”

Cooperation The latter is an agency formed by the Ministry of Trade and Enterprise and the Department of Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore in May 2006 Transportation on “to respond effectively to the multitude of foreign requests to tap on August 31, 2017 Singapore’s development experience.”

The Metro Manila traffic was touted as “the worst traffic on Earth” by the 2015 Global Satisfaction conducted by GPS navigation app Waze.

Singapore, however, has one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world, based on the results of the study released by London consulting firm Credo.

On the heels of the August 31 signing, the office of Her Excellency Kok Li Peng, Singapore’s ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, shared this press release, which was jointly issued by the DOTr and SCE (published as is).

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to formalise their commitment to collaborate in areas of traffic management policies and solutions for the development of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for Metro Manila.

The MOU was signed between Mr. Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary of Department of Transportation, Government of Philippines, and Mr. Kong Wy Mun, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Cooperation Enterprise.

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From the office of Ambassador Kok Li Peng of Singapore

Turn to page 3

Mass transport– in the service of the Filipino?

n many discussions with Filipinos who are spending hours every day to get from home to the office and back home, the question comes up: For what are we paying taxes? The answer is: the government will provide you with a safe and clean environment and a functioning public transport system. The violent response then is: We are not getting that! The mass transport system sucks; we are short-changed by government!

expected to be resolved when the Common Station for LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7 becomes operational.

Let’s take a step back: Prior to World War II, the Philippines had decent railroads and an excellent urban light rail system in Manila. Destroyed during the war, that system was never fully rebuilt or well-maintained.

Railroad experts consider the Philippine National Railroad (PNR) to be one of the smallest in the world. Singapore boasts one of the world’s best light rail networks. Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok have networks similar to Manila but are better maintained.

transport, should be encouraged by ensuring the accessibility, availability, affordability, adequacy, convenience, and reliability of rail transport and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems. The rail network should be expanded by developing new lines in the major island regions.

Fast forward: LRT-1 opened in 1984, MRT-3 in 1997, and LRT-2 in 2004.

These three lines are relied on to move around 1.2 million commuters each work day. Towards the end of the Aquino administration, three projects were approved that would double the light rail network of Metro Manila by the end of the Duterte administration. If the Duterte administration can initiate additional inter-urban network expansion projects, the population of Mega Manila will enjoy an advanced urban public transportation system.

When a robust light rail system is combined with the PNR North and South lines then Metro Manila and the adjoining municipalities in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal may be served by efficient modern rail lines.

This would realize the target of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) “Dream Plan” presented to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in 2014 to convert 54% of commuter trips in Mega Manila from road to rail. Without this kind of a transportation system, the prediction that Manila may become “uninhabitable” may become true.

The terminus of LRT-1 at North Avenue was not connected to the terminus of MRT-3 at Trinoma, forcing passengers to move between the two stations. This challenge commuters have faced for almost a decade is

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THE DIPLOMAT

General Danny Lim, Chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Mr. Thomas Orbos, General Manager of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and concurrently Transportation Undersecretary for Department of Transportation, Her Excellency Kok Li Peng, Singapore’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, and Darren Lee, Centre Director of International Enterprise Singapore, witnessed the signing ceremony at the city in Manila today.

Under the MOU framework, SCE will work with the relevant Singapore government agencies and private sector companies to collaborate with DOTr in the following areas: a) Sharing of Singapore’s experience in traffic policies and systems and the introduction and implementation of Intelligent Transport System (ITS), such as traffic policies, vehicle registration policies and land use; b) Recommending suitable traffic management policies to help in the enforcement of the ITS; and c) Recommending various traffic control systems, congestion management system, enforcement systems, travel advisory systems, surveillance systems, incident management systems, etc. in order to manage the Metro Manila traffic in an effective and efficient manner; The ITS solution will leverage on a comprehensive and holistic approach involving various aspects such as policy alignment, urban planning, capacity building, and engineering and sustainability, to meet the needs of Metro Manila. It will comprise the following key building blocks: • Master Plan Study and Design • Integrated Traffic Management • Congestion Management • Enforcement Management • Enhancement of Traffic Management

During the Arangkada Forum last September 14, the following recommendations were made (I selected only those focusing on the improvement of mass transport):

1. The desired shift from private to public transport, with emphasis on mass

FROM THE DESK

Henry J. Schumacher EVP, Management Center Asia

2. Introduce bus rapid transit systems in Metro Manila and Cebu.

3. Complete the inter-modal provincial bus terminals north and south of

Manila, near expressways and light rail. Reduce provincial buses entering NCR for decongestion.

4. Build the Common Station where MRT-3, MRT-7, and LRT-1 connect.

5. Complete the LRT-1 South Extension, LRT-2 East Extension, and MRT-7.

6. Start the Mega Manila Subway, one other new line (LRT-4 Santa MesaTaytay or LRT-6 Niog-Dasmarines), and the LRT-2 West Extension asap.

7. Privatize through long-term concessions all light and inter-urban rail systems.

8. Maximize the operation of MRT-3, including rehabilitation and increased

capacity. Consider the model used for the privatization of operations of LRT-1.

Mass transport—in the service of the Filipino?

Eventually, yes!

BuzzFeed contributor Mark Angelo Ching gives the lowdown on the supension of Uber that cost the company PHP190M and caused the commuters so much inconvenience.

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ber’s suspension last August 14 came as a shock to Metro Manila’s commuters.

Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which is in charge of releasing permits to all public utility vehicles, also slapped Uber with a P190-million fine.

The reason: The popular ride-sharing mobile application violated the government agency’s order to stop accepting and accrediting new drivers.

Timeline

The issue between LTFRB and Uber and similar transport services like Grab has been on for three years.

In October 2014, the LTFRB apprehended these companies for violating the Public Service Law by not having a franchise before offering public utility vehicles to the public.

July 26, 2017 was LTFRB’s ultimatum to Uber, later fined Php5 million for its “colorum” vehicles.

Uber was also told to stop adding new vehicles to its fleet.

According to Yves Gonzalez, an Uber official, there were 66,000 Uber vehicles that made at least a single trip in the past year.

Out of these cars, only an estimated 2,500 have a permit.

Thus, more than 90% of Uber cars were not able to travel when the ruling took effect.

Then LTFRB caught Uber with another violation, when it still registered several cars on the transport service’s website, in spite of the ban.

Image from Concept News Central

This was the first regulation of its kind anywhere in the world.

This new category is needed, because of Uber and Grab’s untraditional model. Instead of hailing rides from the street, TNVS cars can get passengers by matching with interested passengers via a mobile application.

In August 2015, Uber was accredited under the TNVS program so its vehicles and drivers were able to apply for their own permits.

In July 2016, LTFRB changed its direction when the Duterte administration took over. It stopped any new TNVS vehicles from filing applications.

But Uber continued to accept new vehicles and drivers and let them drive without permits despite this development, in hopes that LTFRB will eventually open the application process.

But Uber was mistaken, because LTFRB subsequently announced a crackdown of all TNVS vehicles that do not have permits.

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Aileen Lizada, LTFRB’s spokesperson, stated that this was an “open defiance” that should be met with a harsh punishment.

On August 14, Uber was suspended from operating for a month.

Public outcry Once again, the commuting public took Uber’s side and expressed its dismay over Uber’s suspension.

The hashtag #WeWantUber trended on the social networking site Twitter for several days.

A number of commuters simply found Uber more convenient and reliable given its do-not-choosepassengers rule for its drivers.

And though some turned to Grab, its drivers could choose to reject the booking request, because they could see the commuter’s destination.

Disruptive innovation

In May 2015, after a loud outcry from the commuting public, the LTFRB created the Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) category to properly regulate Uber and Grab.

Photo by AlesiaKan / Shutterstock.com

Uber crackdown

t is not new for Uber to go against government regulations.

Worldwide, it has been tagged as a regulatory disruptor: It launches in economies without implicit coordination with the government.

Just this year, The New York Times revealed the existence of Greyball, a nefarious tool that identified and shadow banned authorities from booking a ride.

Uber can count enemies across the globe because of its aggressiveness. In fact, Denmark, Bulgaria, and Hungary stopped the company from operating in their markets for not having the necessary permits.

It will be banned in London starting October 1.

The ratio between Grab vehicles and number of commuters had substantially increased, too, resulting in skyrocketing fares.

The small number of TNVS cars cannot meet the demand, but commuters do not find taxi cabs a viable option.

More often than not, they have a horror story about taxis plying Manila’s roads.

Expats, foreign tourists, and returning overseas Filipino workers are usually duped into paying higher rates, even if the cabs are old.

It’s also hard to hail a cab from the street because drivers usually decline the destination or ask for a tip right at the onset.

And, it’s also hard to complain about them because there’s no direct line to the taxi cab’s operator.

You can file a case at the LTFRB, but you have to spend time attending hearings just to get a resolution.

Turn to page 3

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theislander

The bar pavilion

Egg-shaped Nestrest chair One of the “coolest hotels in the world”- Forbes

Blown away by Siargao Photos courtesy of DedonIsland.com and olibayersurfphotog.wixsite.com/olibayer

Lifestyle writer Teresa Fernandez shows why this island is bound for a bigger wave of tourism

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iargao has evolved in a pace much slower and less tumultuous than its Cloud 9 wave, which was discovered by international surfers more than three decades ago.

From being a “surfers’ paradise,” it has started attracting visitors who simply want a total escape from the daily grind.

It gleams with the new hotels and resorts dotting the teardrop-shaped island.

It mesmerizes with the raw beauty of its pristine beaches, natural pools, coral reefs, underground caves, rock formations, rich foliage, and exotic wildlife.

Where to stay DEDON Island is an intimate boutique resort which was “designed for barefoot living” by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud and his architectural partner Daniel Pouzet.

It’s a nine-villa property, owned by Robert Dekeyser, a former football goalkeeper-turned-entrepreneur, and it boasts of exquisite furniture pieces and accents made by local woodworkers and weavers.

Direct flights from Manila take three hours.

The famous Cloud 9

But those who are coming via Cebu have three options: charted plane or helicopter or 40-minute land travel by the hotel’s jeepney bus.

Average rate starts at US$1,420 or Php72,000.

What to do other than surfing The island also offers other activities like island hopping, swimming and snorkelling, waterskiing, kitesurfing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and a bit of caving.

All furnishings were made by local craftspeople.

A peek into one of the villas

DEDON Island also has viewing decks, where you can watch surfers ride the world-famous Cloud 9 waves, which can go as high as 16 feet.

bored. The island also has its own bars and restaurants.

Food and night life? You won’t get

Indeed, Siargao is no longer just about surfing.

cityfocus

One day in Tagaytay

What to do and where to go to have a weekend like no other

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By Trish Alvarez Manileño’s idea of an out-oftown getaway is Tagaytay, which bills itself as among the “cleanest and greenest cities.”

But its pace is unhurried, and its milieu, quaint.

It is, after all, a “nature city.”

Its climate is not as cool as the country’s summer capital Baguio City, but definitely milder than Metro Manila’s.

And here’s what you can do to make one fine day in Tagaytay truly relaxing and rejuvenating:

It is a juxtaposition of custom and contemporary, of conurbation and countryside.

Breakfast at Cafe Voi La Found inside the secluded Swiss village Crosswinds, this restaurant boasts of Asian fusion dishes: Thai + Vietnamese + Filipino, with a bit of Italian and American.

It has about 2,300 commercial establishments, according to its 2016 Ecological Profile, but has always considered agriculture a “significant sector” in its Pick a spot on the second floor, and you’ll economic development. love its shabby chic Thai vibe.

Its main streets are sometimes busy. It is crowded on weekends.

Must-try: Garlic Beef Tapa, Vietnamese coffee (which comes with a cookie), and

Sky Ranch

bestsellers Senator’s Salad (with salmon and Shiitake mushroom) and Salted Caramel Cake.

They have vegan and gluten-free options, too.

Call +63905 331 4457 for more details.

Fun at Sky Ranch Whether you are coming alone or with a friend or family, dropping by this fivehectare leisure park will not be a waste of time.

Garlic Beef Tapa

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Vietnamese coffee

Salted Caramel Cake

It has 22 rides and attractions, which include a 300-meter zipline, a play zone, and

the Sky Eye, the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines.

Entrance fee is just Php100, and each adventure has a separate fee.

Bulalo for late lunch A trip to Tagaytay won’t be complete without this Pinoy specialty.

A lot of restaurants claim they have the best bulalo, but Mer-Ben Tapsilogan, an underrated restaurant, does not disappoint.

Its mouthwatering serving of “Extra Special Bulalo” costs Php451 (medium) and Php480 (large).

Turn to page 9

Photos by Ronald Barreiro (Tapa), Czarinah Isabella (Coffee), Camille Kristine Cruz (Cheesecake)/ Courtesy of Sky Ranch, Nurture Wellness Village

Note: If you have plans of exploring the other islands, please bring cash because there are only four Automated Teller Machines (ATM) available.

“Manila-proof”cars

motoring

Give your car a makeover, and get a stress-free life while on the road

And since the car owners couldn’t do anything about the speed and number of the vehicles on major highways, some decided to make their daily life on the road more bearable.

They made their vans “Manila-proof” and the passengers, stress-resistant.

With some help from Atoy Customs, which has been customizing vehicles for 21 years now, their interiors underwent a total makeover.

Check this out: a big-sized van transformed into a “limousine or motorhome.”

The price for these amenities starts at Php550,000.

You can recline the seats.

SUVs (Suburban Utility Vehicles) can be “Manila-proof,” too!

Photos courtesy of Atoy Customs Facebook Page.

T

he notorious traffic in Metro Manila is one problem its residents have to live with.

The price starts at Php350,000.

To those who own a Mitsubishi Rosa or Hyundai County, they can turn it into a mobile home with its own comfort room and mini-kitchen.

For details, call 4115858. .

You can rest comfortably while traveling.

You can watch your favorite show or movie.

To entertain the car owners, they installed an entertainment system and mood lights.

If you want to be productive, they can put a table and 220-volt sockets.

You can have a portalet (right) installed.

Want to take a nap? They can make the seats cozier, and even add a single bed.

Mini bag movement

You can have a mini-table for your laptop, too.

trends

As cliché as it may sound, big things come in small packages

A

miniature bag has become an unlikely power statement for women.

Dubbed by fashion sites and blogs as the “mini bag movement,” this trend means one thing: Their essentials have gone minimalist.

The wearers are usually self-assured— think of Vogue editors Anna Wintour and Carine Roitfeld, who never carry a bag when attending fashion shows.

Its black flap bag, which found a fan in Julia Roberts, comes with either an adjustable leather strap or a dressier chain strap that can be removed to create a clutch.

And what can fit inside this pint-sized carryall? A credit card, a set of keys, powder, lipstick, and a cellphone.

It is also available in a shiny and smooth burgundy.

The latter must be easily accessible for Instagram-worthy moments or I-need-toGoogle-or-check-an-app situations.

Specs: Height is 6 inches, width is 10 inches, depth is 3 inches It also has a mini-version.

Accessories magazine wrote about its “huge potential,” citing the “four percent” sales jump in 2015 and the fact that various brands have made it a staple in their annual collections.

Specs: Height is 5.5 inches, width is 6.6 inches, depth is 2.1 inches

Let’s feast our eyes on the latest offerings of Givenchy and Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Infinity Flap Bag This season marked the debut of the Infinity handbag collection by the French brand’s Creative Director Ricardo Tisci.

Battaglia reworked the geometric icon with her touches of construction and color, providing a fresh attitude, femininity, and Italian spirit.

Specs: Height is 4.25 inches, width is 9 inches, depth is 1.75 inches.

This mini-flap bag is also available in black-white and the special-edition blackgreen.

In the Philippines, Givenchy is located at Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, and Solaire Resort & Casino.

The Muted Winter Rainbow Flap Bag

Julia Roberts carrying the Infinity Flap Bag in black

Part of the second capsule collection of Sara Battaglia for Salvatore Ferragamo’s Pre-Fall 2017, this design juxtaposes two classic Salvatore Ferragamo motifs: the zigzag and the House’s signature “Gancio” emblem.

In the Philippines, Salvatore Ferragamo is located at Greenbelt 4, Newport Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and Solaire Resort & Casino.

7

food

https://www.facebook.com/kantorinifoodpark

KANTORINI FOOD PARK Lot 2 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City Open from Mondays to Thursday, 4 pm to 12 mn, and Fridays to Sundays, 4 pm to 2 am

Inspired by the white and blue houses and domes of Santorini, Greece, Kantorini has 28 varieties of cuisine.

Food parks attack Because this dining concept is all the rage, here’s a quick list of Metro Manila’s most visited food parks

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By Merla Teresa Fernandez 016 saw the rise of food parks in Metro Manila.

A study conducted by Prime Philippines, a real estate consultancy firm, showed that the food-and-beverage sector has so far eaten up 42 percent of the available retail space in Metro Manila.

https://www.facebook.com/containerturf

CONTAINER TURF 238 and 240 BF Aguirre Avenue Parañaque Open from Fridays to Saturdays, 4 pm to 1 am

Inspired by the structure of a container, this food park actually has three levels, 35 food stalls, one booze area, and an outdoor concert space.

https://www.facebook.com/TheYardUnderground

More than being a place where people can eat, this open-area dining-and-drinking concept has become a part of the social fabric.

The variety and novelty in their food selections attract families and friends.

Their aesthetics draw in millennials, and provide a cool backdrop for their selfies and groufies.

They’re more affordable than indoor food parks and buffet restaurants, and classier than food bazaars and food courts.

YARD UNDERGROUND Christian Route, Hillcrest Circle, Oranbo, Pasig City Open daily from 4 pm to 12 mn

Inspired by the founders’ visit to London, its design was patterned after the city’s subway, and has 30 stalls housed in train coaches.

The downside: it can get really hot on summer nights, and really crowded (Read: no parking space) on weekends. Some also don’t have a menu for vegans.

Here’s a roundup of popular food parks in Metro Manila’s busiest business districts.

https://www.facebook.com/thebuendiafoodbythecourt

BUENDIA FOOD BY THE COURT 24 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue corner Bautista Street, Barangay San Isidro, Makati City Open daily from 5 pm to 12 mn

Inspired by the Filipinos’ love for basketball, Makati’s first-ever food park is a fully-covered basketball court with 30 stalls.

Its second floor and roof deck have a view of the cityscape.

condoliving

More time for activities outside work. More time for family.

Meanwhile, the increasing popularity of AirBnB, which described itself as an “online marketplace and hospitality service,” has also made condo units attractive to those who want extra income.

At present, daily rate in Metro Manila starts at 500 pesos.

But before making that decision to buy a condo unit, 50 condo unit owners helped this writer put together this checklist through a survey.

Checklist before buying a condo 1. Accessibility to public transport, schools, office buildings, malls, and the areas you frequent

Ups and buts: Condo investment

I

A number of Filipinos have been skeptical about this because ownership is not clearly established.

The floor is the roof of another homeowner, and the wall is shared with neighbors.

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3. Flood-free?

10. Maintenance of the builder’s buildings (Check their condominiums which have been in existence for more than five years.)

4. Near a fault line?

5. Safe neighborhood

11. Cost of association dues

6. Lower cost of living.

Note that the cost of utilities and taxes vary depending on the city.

12. Amount of monthly amortization

But these past two years, some had a change of heart, and decided to get a unit near their place of work.

7. Size

14. Interest rates of the bank

Their ROI (Return of Investment) was actually much more than what money could give.

8. Reputation of the builder

Trish Alvarez, with the help of 50 condo unit owners, prepares a checklist for potential buyers

s it wise to invest in a condominium unit?

2. Daily traffic situation

9. Efficiency of the builder’s property management office

No more stress from traffic. No more tardiness notices.

13. Terms of payment

15. Taxes Turn to page 9

feature story

World-class gateway to the country

The overhaul of the country’s second busiest airport is expected to boost tourism in Cebu

M

actan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is set to open its Terminal 2 in June 2018.

Construction for Terminal 2 will be completed in June 2018

Increasing its capacity to 12.5 million passengers, this grand project is part of the government’s plan to boost tourism in the central Philippines.

In 2016, the country’s second busiest airport catered to 8.9 million passengers, which was double its supposed capacity of 4.5 million.

It was the same year MCIA was hailed as Asia-Pacific Regional Airport of the Year by commercial aviation intelligence group Centre for Aviation (CAPA) in Singapore, and was ranked 14th Best Airport in Asia by a survey conducted by Guide to Sleeping in Airports website.

The spacious check-in area of Terminal 2

Meanwhile, Terminal 1 of the 50-year-old facility has been given an overhaul.

Business World reported that apart from the loan, “the funding for the project also includes a debt of Php20 billion (US$450 million) from a consortium of Philippine banks.”

In June 2017, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), which has been handling the terminal operations for three years now, proposed to take over the airside functions from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).

Expanded check-in areas and retail options for recreation, dining, and shopping

Better waiting area (fully air-conditioned), restrooms, and lighting facilities

It also asked MCIAA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend its Build-OperateTransfer agreement from 25 to 50 years in order to recover its investment.

The proposal included the construction of a second runway, in the amount of Php208 billion.

It also covered three phases.

First is, the rehabilitation of the existing runways and taxiways, construction of an emergency runway, development of additional rapid exit taxiways and runway holding positions, upon takeover of the airside facilities.

Second is, the construction of a second parallel and independent runway.

Ups and buts...

Improved facade of the airport, taxi bay area, clinic, and services, with self check-in kiosks, charging station, and nursing rooms

Third is, building a third terminal for additional passengers.

Earlier this year, the MCIAA board passed a resolution

approving the plan to construct a second runway using the Php4.9 billion of the Php14.4-billion premium given by GMCAC when it won the bid to develop and manage the terminal.

From page 8

Hiking highs

From page 10

With its difficulty rated at 3/9, Maysawa Circuit’s wellestablished trails, with its minor assaults, are relatively easy and recommended for newbie hikers.

Financial expert Francisco Colayco summed it up this way: “Location. Do you want to live in it? Will it attract many potential buyers?

“Next is the real estate company’s reputation. Assume that you will be dealing with them in the coming years.

named after its first inhabitant—a priest or “pari” in Filipino, hence “sa pari,” or “of the priest.” Binutasan, on the other hand, got its name from the Tagalog term “binutas” or “to make a hole,” as elders made a path through its slopes to get to its neighboring barangay, Sto. Niño.

HOW TO GET THERE: By car: Take the Marcos Highway route to Barangay Cuyambay, turn right then follow the signage going to the barangay hall. By commute: From Cubao, take a jeepney going to Cogeo, Antipolo.

From there, ride another jeep going to Cuyambay, Tanay. Travel time will take 60 to 80 minutes. Lastly, ask for a habal-habal that will take you to the barangay hall.

“Expenses after the sale, which is very important because it pulls down the unit’s resale value and the net of your supposed monthly income.

From page 6

One day...

“You have to consider the physical depreciation of units, monthly membership, maintenance dues, real estate taxes, not to mention the capital gains tax and the VAT applicable.”

Me time!

Simply put, the cost of acquiring the unit plus the costs of ownership and selling make it “marginal investments” in general.

You can either have a Mutya Natural Facial (Php1,100) or Mayumi Coconut Body Polish (Php1,700) or Hilot Kagalingan (Php1,200), which can help prevent and cure common colds, sprain, fever, and fatigue, or all three at the Nurture Wellness Village.

Lastly, when making projections about your income from rental, Colayco added: “You must assume at least a twenty percent vacancy rate over the life of the property.”

Photos from http://megawide.com.ph/mactan-international-airport/

All these became possible, thanks to the the backing—a loan amounting to US$75 million—of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Give yourself some TLC like no other.

End your day with a light dinner at their restaurant.

Call +639176878873 for more details.

9

A toast to the 79th Oktoberfest

goodcompany Ready for the beer drinking contest?

It will rain beer on October 6 and 7 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Don’t miss it.

E

in Prosit! Ein Prosit! Der Gemütlichkeit (A toast, a toast to cheer and good times).”

This line from the most-played German drinking song at the Munich Oktoberfest has been sung by millions of men in Germany and around the world since 1912.

It will be heard again here in Manila, as German Club stages the most authentic German beer festival in the Philippines at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s expansive Harbor Garden Tent.

From October 6 to 7, the 79th Oktoberfest will transform the Tent into a traditional biergärten or beer garden, and

Some women also donned colorful dirndls, while men sported the traditional lederhosen.

Oktoberfest emcee Michael Scheile and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila General Manager Adam Laker

Tobias Rast and German Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Roland Schissau

sports

pay homage to time-honored Bavarian customs.

The Bavarian Sound Express will be flown in from Germany to regale the 2,000 guests with Oktoberfest music and international hits.

Add to this will be the annual beer drinking contest and a raffle draw with a grand prize that takes the winner to their destination of choice in Germany.

The media was given a glimpse on September 5, and had a grand feast of sumptuous Bavarian specialties featuring roasted pork knuckles, roasted calf, laugen rolls, grilled German sausages, and mouthwatering pastries with unlimited ice-cold beer.

Bavarian specialties

(L-R) German Club President Bernd Schneider, German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Dr. Roland Schissau, Anna Maria Konigseder

This ice sculpture became one of the venue’s main attractions during the press launch.

Hiking highs

In need of a quick respite away from the city? These hiking spots near Metro Manila are the perfect getaway destinations for the weekend

By Angelique Sampayan

MT. DARAITAN and TINIPAK RIVER Mt. Daraitan, located between the boundaries of Barangay Daraitan in Rizal and General Nakar in Quezon Province, is a sure hit among mountaineers and hikers alike because of its thrilling trail.

MAYSAWA CIRCUIT After climbing Mt. Daraitan, you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white-marbled rocks of Tinipak River.

Take note, however, that this particular hike isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it is rated 4/9 in terms of difficulty (with nine being the most difficult), according to travel reviews.

Despite the challenging two-to-four-hour adventure, the hike and the bumpy ride are worth it. Mt. Daraitan has a lot to offer— from its pristine waterfalls and caves that boast century-old formations of stalagmite and stalactite rock formations, to the picture-perfect view of the Sierra Madre range.

While some opt to brave the summit of Mt. Daraitan, others prefer frolicking in the Tinipak River, which is also quite a challenge. A one-hour trek yields an awesome sight of limestone rock formations, with an underground river leading to a dark, hollowed cave. Visitors can also enjoy the cool, pristine waters of this nature trail.

HOW TO GET THERE: By car: Drive from Ortigas Extension to Rizal Provincial Road, Roman Rojas Road and Marikina-Infanta Hwy/

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Want to know what it’s like walking on a sea of clouds?

There’s no better place to do it than on the peaks of Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan.

A couple of hours away from Manila is this hiking destination that opened in June 2016. Located in Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, this twin hike and an optional creek side trip is within the management of Sitio Maysawa, the largest in the city. Atop Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan, you can get a glimpse of other mountain peaks like Batolusong, Maynoba, Banoi, Pamitinan, among others.

According to the locals, the names of both land forms were derived from a play of words. Sapari was literally Turn to page 9 The Maysawa Circuit, also known as “twin hike,” features two mountain-hills, the Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan.

Marilaque Hwy/R-6 to Tanay, tracing your way to Laguna. Turn left to Makaira-Daraitan Road. By commute: Ride a UV Express van from Star Mall, EDSA, or a jeepney to Tanay Market. From Jollibee Tanay, a tricycle ride will bring you to the Barangay Daraitan registration camp.