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The National Capital Region (NCR) Plus, composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite, will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) until the end of June, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Monday.

In his weekly Talk to the People, Duterte said Metro Manila and Bulacan would be placed under GCQ "with some restrictions" while Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite will be under GCQ "with heightened restrictions" from June 16 to June 30, 2021.

Duterte said the following areas are also under GCQ: Baguio City, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Abra, Benguet (Cordillera Administration Region), Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino (Cagayan Valley), Batangas, Quezon (Calabarzon), Iligan City (Northern Mindanao), Davao Del Norte (Davao, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato (Soccksargen), and Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

Meanwhile, Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to place nine cities and 12 provinces under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

These are Santiago City, Cagayan (Region 2), Apayao, Ifugao (CAR), Bataan (Central Luzon), Lucena City (Calabarzon), Puerto Princesa (Mimaropa), Naga City (Bicol), Iloilo City, Iloilo (Western Visayas), Negros Oriental (Central Visayas), Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte (Zamboanga Peninsula), Cagayan de Oro City (Northern Mindanao), Davao City (Davao Region), and Butuan City, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Sur (Caraga).

The rest of the country will be under the modified general community quarantine.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in the same meeting, said under MECQ, outdoor dining is allowed to have 50 percent capacity, but indoor dining can accommodate only up to 10 percent of the capacity.

Roque also said outdoor sports venues are allowed to have 50 percent capacity but contact sports, indoor sports venues, outdoor and indoor tourist attractions, libraries, museums, venues for meetings and conferences are not allowed to operate to prevent further transmission of Covid-19.

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“Personal care like beauty salons and barber shops, nail spas are up to 30 percent capacity only,” he added.

Under ordinary GCQ, he said the following are allowed to operate up to 50 percent capacity: indoor tourist attractions, indoor and outdoor sports venues, indoor and outdoor tourist attractions, libraries, museums, venues for meetings and conferences, and personal care services.

He said indoor dining is allowed to operate with 50 percent under ordinary GCQ but only 30 percent in GCQ areas with “heightened restrictions” like Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

METRO MANILA CURFEW

Metro Manila will have shortened curfew hours of 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. starting Tuesday, June 15, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Monday.

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MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos said Metro Manila mayors, in a meeting on Sunday night, agreed to adjust the curfew hours over the metropolis from the previous 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“Starting June 15, in-adjust na ng Metro Manila mayors ang curfew sa Metro Manila, hindi na 10 o’clock, magiging 12 o’clock to 4 o’clock ang curfew,” he said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

NCR Plus remain under GCQ until June 30, curfew shortened from 12AM to 4AM

By JDC Monday, June 14, 2021

National and local government officials headed by Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar led the opening on Saturday of the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, now known as Kalayaan Bridge.

The bridge has been given its new name after its inauguration while the country celebrated its 123rd Independence Day.

Villar said the opening of Kalayaan Bridge connecting Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Sta. Monica Street in Pasig City to motorists is a fitting Independence Day gift of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Filipino people.

He said the general public will be relieved from traffic congestion going in and out of Makati/BGC Taguig and Pasig/Mandaluyong City with the opening of the infrastructure project.

“With the opening of this bridge, DPWH is a few steps closer to completing the entire BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project that will reduce travel time between Bonifacio Global City and Pasig City/Mandaluyong City to only 12 minutes,” Villar said in a statement.

The DPWH chief said extensive coordination, collaboration and adapting to the new normal helped the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) team overcome the challenges in the execution of the project through the pandemic.

Undersecretary Emil Sadain, in charge of DPWH UPMO Operations said the 1.367-kilometer BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project involves the construction of Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, rehabilitation and widening of 362-meter Brixton (corner Reliance Street) to Fairlane Street.

Also, the construction of the 565-meter Lawton Avenue – Global City Viaduct which will traverse Lawton Avenue to the entrance of BGC is part of a bigger Edsa Decongestion Program.

The viaduct structure traversing Lawton Avenue up to the entrance of BGC is targeted for completion by the last quarter of 2021.

When fully completed, the bridge and road project will be able to accommodate as much as 20 percent of the traffic volume of Edsa and C-5 Road.

The ceremonial opening of the bridge was attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade; BCDA chairman Vince Dizon; MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos; and DPWH Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Mallari.

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Also in attendance were Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo; Makati City Rep. Luis Campos; Taguig City Rep. Maria Laarni Cayetano; Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto; Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay; Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano; DPWH Project Directors Virgilio Castillo, Benjamin Bautista, Ramon Arriola, and Johnson Domingo; DPWH Project Manager Ricarte Mañalac and Project Engineer Emmanuel Regodon; and other government officials.

via PNA

Kalayaan Bridge opened on Independence Day

By JDC Monday, June 14, 2021

Boracay is open to domestic tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ areas. Protocols are in place to ensure the health and safety of all tourists visiting the island. So if you are planning to visit Boracay now, here's all you need to know. (Updated 06 June 2021)

Testing is a requirement before a tourist can fly to Boracay. Only those who received a negative RT-PCR or Saliva test result within seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date of travel, shall be allowed to travel. All travelers are strongly advised to observe strict quarantine immediately after undergoing the test until the date of travel to the island. Travelers aged 2 years old and below are not required to undergo RT-PCR testing.

Individuals of all ages are allowed to travel, EXCEPT those with comorbidities or those who are currently pregnant.

Visit any DOH-accredited testing center for your RT-PCR or Saliva test. Please note that the test (extraction date) should be taken 72 hours prior to your flight to Boracay for this to be valid.
Visit https://s-pass.ph and apply for an S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit. (An S-Pass Permit is NOT a requirement for issuance of Tourist QR Code but it is highly recommended to get one as airlines, airports, or sea ports may require tourists to
present one during their travel.)
Visit https://touristboracay.com and fill out the Online Health Declaration Card a day before your trip to Boracay. Please do not forget to choose "Boracay" on the website's landing page. Fill out all the required information without leaving any blank fields. You may put N/A if the item is not applicable. Once you've accomplished the form, click "Submit." Afterwards, a confirmation with instructions will be provided.
Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card on your smartphone or if using a computer, please have a copy printed.
Kindly send the following documents to touristboracay@gmail.com prior to your visit to Boracay with the email subject: OHDC-Family Name, First Name

Health Declaration Card (HDC)
Copy of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) or Saliva test negative result (Should be valid 48 hours prior to arrival in Boracay)
Hotel booking confirmation
Proof of identification

Multiple tourist documents can be sent in a single email. Expect a response within 24 hours after submission of complete requirements.

If the application is approved, a copy of the HDC with Tourist QR Code will be provided. Keep a copy of the Tourist QR Code and other documents because these will be also be checked at the borders/airport for scanning and verification. If the application is rejected, please consider re-applying.

Aklanon tourists who are permanently residing outside the province of Aklan must also follow above guidelines. Local residents who are currently residing in the province of Aklan will only be required to present hotel booking confirmation and Health Declaration Card.

SUBSIDIZED RT-PCR TEST

Tourists may apply for a subsidized RT-PCR test at the Philippine General Hospital to reduce the price from the original PHP 1,800 to just PHP 900 per person, or at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center for PHP 750 per person.

Applications for subsidized RT-PCR test should be submitted 5 days or earlier prior to departure at http://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel with the following requirements.

Must plan to visit a destination the government has opened for tourism including Boracay, Baguio, Batangas, Bohol, Cebu, Coron, El Nido, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao
Should be a Philippine-passport holder or foreigner with valid ACR
Should possess roundtrip airline tickets
Must have a confirmed booking with a hotel with Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) issued by the Department of Tourism

IMPORTANT: The LGU of Boracay verifies all RT-PCR tests and have arrested tourists who presented fake documents.

AIRPORT GUIDELINES

For tourists traveling by air, only the Caticlan Airport shall be the port of entry and exit to Boracay Island. Kalibo International Airport shall only cater to Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROF), Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI), Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APOR), and other emergency travelers.
All airport passengers coming from any terminal in the Philippines are required to use the Traze Contact Tracing mobile app upon entry to the airport, as mandated by the Department of Transportation. Please download and register an account with the Traze Contact Tracing app before going to the airport.
Passengers are required to undergo temperature check, and observe social distancing and proper hand hygiene. Wearing of face mask and face shield is a must.
Bring your own pen and personal hand sanitizer not bigger than 100ml.
Do the self-bag tag procedure. Proceed to any self-bag tag kiosk at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to print your bag tag. Attach the tag to your luggage before proceeding to the bag drop counter.
Ensure that your carry-on bag is within the required specifications: length of 22 inches or 56cm, width of 14 inches or 36cm, height of 9 inches or 23 cm, and weight of 15 pounds or 7 kilos. On top of the carry-on bag, only two of the following items may be carried inside the cabin: laptop computer, small bag, overcoat, reasonable amount of reading materials, small camera or binoculars, infant case, infant food, and sealed duty-free bag.
Do online check in. To ensure ample time for security checks, arrive early at the airport no later than 4 hours prior to departure from Manila for international flights and 3 hours prior to departure from Manila for domestic flights.
Visual-only inspection of documents shall be done at the boarding gate. Passengers shall be instructed to self-tear and self-scan their boarding passes at the boarding gate.

DURING THE FLIGHT

Cabin crew will be wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They will practice a simplified inflight service approach that minimizes frequent contact.
Meals and snacks will continue to be in sanitized containers or secure packaging.
Seat distancing will be observed depending on space availability.

CATICLAN AIRPORT GUIDELINES

Passengers are required to wear face masks and face shields before entering the airport terminal.
Passengers should follow all the guidelines on social distancing, proper hand hygiene, temperature check, and Health Declaration requirements.
At the arrival area, passengers should prepare their documents for verification (Copy of the RT-PCR Negative Result, printed or screenshot of the HDC, hotel booking confirmation, and government-issued ID).
Approach the booth of your designated transport provider for your pre-booked transfers to Boracay Island.

AT THE HOTEL

Guests are required to observe social distancing and proper hand hygiene at all times.
Guests are required to wear face masks and face shields at all times (except when dining, drinking or when inside the guestroom). Children below 2 years are exempted from this rule while children 2-8 years old must use face masks under adult supervision.
Body temperature will be checked at the entrance. Only those who can clear screening shall be allowed to enter hotel premises.
As required by the Department of Health, all guests are required to fill out the Health Declaration Form via StaySafe.ph (https://www.staysafe.ph/) by scanning the QR Code by the resort entrance. It is advised to download the StaySafe.ph app ahead of time.
Room sharing is only allowed for couples or family members who share the same household. All guests shall be required to present a government or company ID with the guest’s residential address. Co-mingling with other groups other than one’s own family or group shall be strictly prohibited.
Please check with your hotel for other guidelines on accommodation and dining.

HELPFUL LINKS

Book a swab test with Philippine Red Cross https://book.redcross1158.com/index.php/book-a-swab-test/
Accredited RT-PCR testing labs: https://bit.ly/33hRtAn
List of accommodation establishments in Boracay with Certificate of Authority to Operate.

Be up to date with the latest government regulations when traveling. Local government units and airlines may also have additional travel requirements so it is advised to always check the latest local travel guidelines.

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IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS IN BORACAY

Please take note of the following contact numbers if you need further information:

DOH COVID Emergency Hotline

(02) 894 COVID

1555

NDRRMC

(02) 8911 1406

(02) 8912 5668

(02) 8911 1873

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)

(02) 7944 2030

(02) 7944 2031

Department of Foreign Affairs

(02) 8834 4000

(02) 8834 3000

Municipality of Malay

(036) 288 8775

Malay Municipal Tourism Officer

(036) 288 2493

MDRRMO Malay

0919 851 4102

Boracay 24/7 Tourist Information Hotline

0927 439 2343 (Globe)

0968 243 1919 (Smart)

2021 UPDATE: Travel Requirements for Boracay (All You Need To Know)

By JDC Tuesday, June 8, 2021

There's no other perfect place to have a coffee with a nice cold weather than Rizal. Couldn't agree? Check this list of cafes and coffee shops in the mountainous province of Rizal.

Living in Metro Manila for a while now, I've been to the East for a few times only. Most of my trips came from a family outing or team building with co-workers.

But as a coffee lover, this time, I wanted to share with you nice places to chill at in Rizal.

Art Sector and Chimney Cafe 360
Burrow Café
Cafe Agusta
Cafe Lupe
Kaulayaw Coffee
Tahanan Bistro
Tipulo
Typica Coffee
Uggy Café
Yellow Bird Cafe X Kitchen
Yellow Lantern Cafe

CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS IN ANGONO

Uggy Café

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Photo courtesy of Uggy Café

Uggy Café serves single-origin coffee beans that come from one geographic location. You can try their Kenyan beans for a deep flavor with notes of chocolate, or their Costa Rican coffee that has citrus notes with grassy aromas. But the best part is they also have locally-sourced beans.

Address: 227 Don Justo Guido St, Bgy San Pedro, Angono

Facebook: Uggy Cafe

Instagram: @uggycafe

CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIPOLO

Burrow Café

Photo courtesy of @iambubsy

Burrow Cafe is an underground cafe tucked within the grounds of Antipolo Beehouse. Upon entering this vibrant hideout surrounded by lush forest, you’ll easily fall in love with its unique setup. Adding a special touch to its rustic, homey setting, its colourful hammocks are probably everyone’s favourite part about Burrow.

Address: HI-5 Arcade, Sumulong Memorial Circle, Bgy. San Jose, Antipolo
Facebook: Burrow Café at Antipolo Beehouse
Instagram: @burrowcafe.ph

Cafe Agusta

Photo courtesy of Cafe Agusta

What's better than delicious food and coffee while basking in the Manila skyline? Cafe Agusta presents its new and improved food menu that'll make you want more. From a variety of salads, pasta, and main dishes, you'll definitely find your next favorite meal.

Address: Grand Heights Road, Antipolo City, Rizal

Facebook: Cafe Agusta

Instagram: @cafeagusta

Cafe Lupe

Photo courtesy of Cafe Lupe

Cafe Lupe is a Mexican and Filipino fusion spot and a go-to destination for both brunch or a fun casual night. Cafe Lupe features live bands, pica-pica and booze, with a breathtaking view overlooking the city.

Address: Lot 2B and 2C, Barangay Mambugan, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal

Facebook: Cafe Lupe Antipolo

Instagram: @cafelupeantipolo

ALSO READ: List of Coffee Shops in Tagaytay

Kaulayaw Coffee

Photo courtesy of Kaulayaw Coffee

Kaulayaw Café overlooks a mix of nature and the urban jungle that is Metro Manila, which is perfect if you're planning to go around late afternoon onwards for an early dinner! You'll get a beautiful view of the sunset and you'll see the city lights of Metro Manila sans the pollution.

Address: 3 Sumulong Highway, Sta. Cruz, Antipolo, Rizal

Facebook: Kaulayaw Coffee

Instagram: @kaulayawcoffee

Tahanan Bistro

Tahanan Bistro is a casual fine dining restaurant located on the hills of Antipolo, overlooking an expansive garden, forestry, and a view of Laguna de Bay. The house was built from 100% reclaimed wood, salvaged from old houses and bridges from around the Philippines.

Address: 22 Loresville Drive Lores Farm Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal

Facebook: Tahanan Bistro

Instagram: @tahananbistro

Tipulo

Photo courtesy of Tipulo

Nestled inside the First Pacific Academy Center, Tipulo is a no-frills Filipino restaurant that offers traditional, yet straightforward Filipino cuisine with a fresh twist.

Address: First Pacific Leadership Academy KM 27 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal

Facebook: Tipulo - Modern Filipino Cuisine

Instagram: @tipulo_fpla

Yellow Bird Cafe X Kitchen

Photo courtesy of @thegreenroom.manila

Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen is the cozy hangout to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Aside from their hefty breakfast plates, they also serve up warm lattés and ice-blended drinks you can pair with a good book and a delicious meal.

Address: Lot 3 Blk 2, Mission Hills Blvd., Mission Hills Subdivision, San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal

Facebook: Yellow Bird Cafe x Kitchen

Instagram: @yellowbirdph

Yellow Lantern Cafe

Photo courtesy of Yellow Lantern Cafe

Yellow Lantern is an out-of-city cafe, bar, and restaurant with breathtaking views. The gastropub serves a mix of Asian and continental comfort food. Must-tries include their Nachos, Baby Back Ribs, Emcaro Pizza, and Pinoy Paella.

Address: G/F Comodaville, Mambugan, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo

Facebook: Yellow Lantern Cafe

Instagram: @yellowlanterncafe

CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS IN BINANGONAN

Photo courtesy of Art Sector and Chimney Cafe 360

Art Sector and Chimney Cafe 360

ArtCector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º is an Instagram-worthy dining spot in Rizal known for their, yes, 360º view of the surrounding area: mountains and Laguna de Bay. And if you plan on visiting around late in the afternoon, you'll be presented with an amazing sunset followed by the city lights of Metro Manila.

Address: Lot 18 Block 178 Eastridge Executive Village, Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal

Facebook: ArtSector Gallery & Chimney Café 360º

Instagram: @artsectorph

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CAFES AND COFFEE SHOPS IN TAYTAY

Typica Coffee

Photo courtesy of Typica Coffee

This sari-sari-store-turned-coffee-shop in Taytay made quite the buzz on social media - and for good reason. In addition to its Insta-worthy aesthetic, Typica Coffee offers affordable, Japanese-style caffeinated beverages that are reminiscent of Japan’s hole-in-the-wall cafes.

Address: 72 E Rodriguez Ave, Taytay, Rizal

Facebook: Typica Coffee

Instagram: @typicacoffeeph

Where to Stay in Antipolo?

Where to Go Next?

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IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANTIPOLO:

Antipolo Hotels & Resorts | Antipolo Transient for Rent

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10+ Instagrammable Cafes and Coffee Shops in Rizal

By JDC Thursday, June 3, 2021

The infamous amusement park in Tagaytay City has announced their reopening this May 21.

Sky Ranch Tagaytay has been temporarily shutdown due to earlier community quarantine restrictions imposed by the national government since the Province of Cavite belongs to NCR Plus areas.

The good news was officially announced last Wednesday by the park's Facebook page:

“Escape the city heat & enjoy the cool Tagaytay weather with fun & exciting activities at the park:

🏞 Take leisurely walks & revel in the scenic Taal landscape

🍽 Dine al fresco & cool off with tasty refreshments

🐾 Play all day with your fur babies at the Royal Canin Paw Park at Sky Ranch Tagaytay

📸 Take lots of photos & Tiktok videos at our new Instagrammable photowalls”, Sky Ranch said on their post.

Ages 18 to 65 years old are all welcome to swing by the park for a P50 admission fee.

The reopening was made possible because of Executive Order No. 372 Series of 2021 issued on Saturday (May 15) and signed by Mayor Agnes D. Tolentino where it says that People’s Park in the Sky, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, and Tagaytay Skyranch may open provided that the amusement facilities within the parks remain non-operational.

This is one way of Tagaytay City LGU to bring back the tourism and help their economy that has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don’t forget to bring your IDs/photocopy of your birth certificate, and wear your face mask & face shield at all times.

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Meanwhile, restaurants, cafes, and other similar businesses within amusement parks may be allowed to operate subject to policies for indoor and al fresco dining services under GCQ.

Tagaytay Sky Ranch reopens under GCQ

By JDC Friday, May 21, 2021

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Wednesday launched its new Aerodrome Tower 3D Simulator, taking air traffic control (ATC) training in the country to a new level.

In a virtual launch ceremony, CAAP Deputy Director-General for Operations Captain Donaldo Mendoza said the new simulator -- the first of its kind in the country -- will aid air traffic controllers in training, testing, and maintaining proficiency in handling aerodrome control operations.

These, he said, without involving any risk to property or lives and “at a much lower cost than training in actual air traffic control conditions.”

“It costs PHP84.9 million -- the supply, installation, and testing of the aerodrome tower simulator was completed last March 30, 2021,” Mendoza said.

The simulator, located at CAAP’s Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) in Parañaque City, has six airport scenarios installed in the simulator program -- the airport environments of Manila, Clark, Mactan, Plaridel, Davao, and a generic single-runway airport.

The new training facility simulator allows three ATC working positions, a supervisor, and three pseudo pilots.

From the previous training method where instructors use miniature model airplanes placed on an airport printed on tarpaulin, Mendoza said the 3D simulator will instead provide a 315 degrees horizontal field-of-view of the installed airport scenarios.

“The aerodrome tower simulator will eliminate the rudimentary training methods applied in the aerodrome laboratory training module of the CATC,” Mendoza said.

He said the simulator is planned to be used in training new air traffic controllers through a six-week air traffic service course offered at the CATC -- including two weeks for a lecture phase and four weeks for a laboratory segment.

“The course aims to promote not only the aviation industry as a career option but also to support the International Civil Aviation Organization's ‘Next Generation of Aviation Professionals initiative,” Mendoza said.

He noted that an air traffic service program for the training of other ATCs in key aerodromes in the country will also be developed.

The virtual inauguration of the simulator was led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco, along with other key government officials.

Via PNA

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CAAP launches PH’s first Aerodrome Tower 3D simulator

By Admin Wednesday, May 19, 2021

A major transformational initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Sec. Arthur P. Tugade, is now underway as Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare will get a major facelift following the start of construction works of the much-awaited EDSA Busway Concourse today, 18 May 2021.

A jubilant Sec. Tugade expressed his gratitude to stakeholders, including other government agencies and private sector partners, particularly the SM Group, who joined forces in making the project to provide safe and hassle-free travel to commuters a reality.

“Taos-puso ang aking pasasalamat dahil sa wakas, makakamit at matitikman na ng publiko ang tunay na pagbabago sa EDSA gamit ang EDSA Busway Concourse. Mas magiging ligtas na ang pag akyat-baba ng mga pasahero sa mga sakayan. Mas kombinyente na rin ang pagsakay dahil magkakaroon pa ng ticket booths, concierge at turnstiles para sa automatic fare collection system. Meron tayong sistema na friendly sa ating mga senior citizens at sa mga persons with challenges and disabilities,” Tugade said in his message during the virtual ceremony of the EDSA Busway Concourse.

ALSO READ: Metro Manila Common Station almost complete

The world-class and state-of-the-art EDSA Busway Concourse will provide convenient and safe transport access for commuters, especially those in vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.

The concourses will have a provision for ticketing booths, Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) turnstiles, and concierges, which will allow transactions to take place at the concourses before the onboarding of passengers.

RELATED: DOTr showcased LRT-1 4th gen trains

To recall, the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the EDSA Busway concourse was held in November 2020. The SM Group will start the construction of three (3) concourses to be built at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, and SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

The concourses will further boost the efficiency of the EDSA Busway, a joint project of the DOTr, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The EDSA Busway was carried out at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 to provide seamless movement of high-capacity Public Utility Buses (PUBs).

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks another milestone in the EDSA Busway project. And SM Prime is honored to be part of the government’s effort in further improving the commuting experience of every Filipino,” SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey Lim said.

“SM has invested over P120 million for this project. We really aspire to provide a convenient, fast, and safe commuting experience for all Filipinos. The project is slated to start next month June 2021 and the target completion is within 10 months, so by the first quarter of 2022, we hope that everybody can already enjoy this convenient and pleasurable experience of commuting along EDSA,” SM Supermalls President Steven Tan meanwhile said.

ALSO READ: Metro Manila Subway is flood-proof - DOTr

For their part, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos heaped praises for Sec. Tugade’s efforts in spearheading the collective effort of bringing faster travel time, comfortable commute, and improved mobility along EDSA amid the pandemic.

“I thank and congratulate Sec. Art Tugade for such a monumental accomplishment. He has really changed the landscape of mass transit, especially in EDSA. It makes me very happy to know that together, we succeeded in converting what used to be a symbol of traffic into a symbol now of what the true leadership of President Duterte brings,” Sec. Villar said.

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“There’s a 47.3% average decrease in travel among public utility buses traveling along EDSA from January 2020 to January of this year while there is 89.81% or 9.61 kilometers per hour average increase in travel speed of our PUBs for the similar period. All these figures are the sweet fruit of labor that we’ve long wanted our commuters and motorists alike to experience,” MMDA Chairman Abalos explained.

Moreover, Green EDSA Movement Chairman Eddie Yap said that the EDSA Busway Concourse is targeted to increase the buses plying along the country’s main thoroughfare to more than 500 from the current 200 bus units.

“These reforms provide for a framework for sustainable management of urban traffic congestion and people mobility,” Yap said.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Steven Pastor, meanwhile, said that additional concourses will be constructed in other stations of the EDSA Busway.

“Through our private partners, the Double Dragon and Wenceslao Group, ang dalawang susunod na concourses ay located sa Roxas Boulevard at Macapagal Avenue. On top of that, may additional four stations pa sa Buendia, Taft, Roxas Boulevard at sa Tramo,” Pastor said.

via DOTr

LOOK: a sneak peak to 3 state-of-the-art EDSA busway bridges with concourse

By Admin Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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This new place in Taguig is your unique Japanese street food experience in the Philippines!

Yaki Yaki is your new food corner where you can enjoy Osaka's famous yakisoba-takoyaki. Not only they are bringing this yummy Japanese food but they offer it at very affordable price!

THE FOOD

To make it very simple, they only have 3 types of food on their menu: Takoyaki, Yakisoba and Yaki Yaki (yakisoba and takoyaki in one serving). The best thing is that you can partner any of these to their refreshing Bubble Teas.

For their takoyaki, you can choose from these 8 different flavors:

Yasai (Veggie)
Tako (Octopus Bits)
Chizu (3 Cheese)
Kani (Crab)
Bifu (Cheeseburger)
Bekon Chizu (Cheesy Bacon)
Poku Chizu (Cheesy Pork)
Bebi Tako (Baby Octopus)

Luckily, I was able to try and taste 3 of their takoyaki when I visited them on their soft-opening last week. For most Filipinos like me, when we hear of takoyaki, we think of a little ball made of flour filled with bits of cut octopus (or baby octopus) poured in sauce and garnished with bonito flakes.

If you are looking for authentic taste of takoyaki, I suggest you try the Tako (Octopus Bits). If you are a cheese lover then you can get Chizu or their Poku Chizu! But my favorite of all so far is the Bebi Tako which has a cut of baby octupus inside. With the crunchiness from the outside and tenderness fom the inside, you can savor the 'umami' flavor of their takoyaki as you eat more of it.

You can have them at 4pcs, 8pcs or 12pcs. See menu below:

Yaki Yaki Menu

As for Yakisoba, you can choose from Regular or Spicy at P75.00. But if you want a plus, try their Yaki Yaki instead! Each of their 8 flavors of takoyaki can be added to your Japanese stir fry noodle in one serving. Isn't it nice?

I personally have tried their Poku Chizu-Soba and Bebi-Soba. The combination of yakisoba and takoyaki is superb!

Imagine the sauce and bonito flakes of takoyaki onto yakisoba, you get more flavor without compromising quality. We just love the idea of having the two food in one container where you can bring them home or consume them while you are on-the-go.

To top it all, match your Japanese street food with their best-tasting Bubble Tea at P65.00 (medium) or P75.00 (large, which we recommend). Try their classic Wintermelon flavor or Taro.

If you wanted an iced cold coffee drink like us, you go for Tokyo Ice Coffee. But if you like a refreshing fruit drink then you try their Passion Fruit.

THE PLACE

Following the health and safety protocols given by the government, Yaki Yaki is currently set up in al fresco dining with a minimal table set in the area. However, you can take your food to-go or home. You can also place your order via "pabili" service by some delivery apps like GrabFood and Lalamove.

Not convinced yet? Watch this video:

HOW TO GET THERE

There are jeepneys passing through F. Manalo St. in Tipas area in Taguig from Pasig with route Tipas-Pasig Palengke (or San Joaquin). Drop-off when you reach Flying V gas station or "Vista Mall Taguig", Yaki Yaki is located at the corner.

Klook.com

Yaki Yaki

Address: 3 F. Manalo St., Brgy. Calzada-Tipas, Taguig

Business Hours: 10am to 8pm daily

Facebook Page: Yaki Yaki PH

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