Maniolas

We give way to more readers who have sent in their thoughts about the past topics that this column has tackled. Here’s one from Engr. Alex G. Serrano of Legazpi City, who welcomingly tackles – what else – the seemingly untameable traffic issue of Metro Manila. Here’s his contribution. “I write to you occasionally to share my ideas on important current issues, a couple of which you have already included in your column, for which I am very thankful. “This time I would like to share with you my idea of a network of elevated walkways (inspired by ideas from Arch. Palafox) that would somehow relieve the traffic along EDSA, and at the same time greatly improve pedestrian mobility in our major CBDs. “My idea is (to construct) in two phases. Phase I is a network of walkways connecting CBDs to EDSA, and Phase II is a linear network of walkways along EDSA from Makati to Cubao. Phase I “1. Elevated covered walkway from MRT3 Ayala Station to McKinley Road connected to a network with access to Bonifacio High St., Burgos Circle, Market Market, SM Aura and strategic commercial buildings. “2. Elevated covered walkway from MRT3 Ayala Station passing alongside SM and Landmark to Makati Ave., along Makati Ave. to Ayala Ave., along Ayala Ave. to Buendia Ave., along Buendia Ave. to Pasong Tamo, along Pasong Tamo to Makati Square, from Makati Square to Glorietta. This network should have links with the existing network within Makati CBD. “3. Elevated covered Read More …

We received dozens of emails from our US-based Filipino readers who said that while they are very much supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte, they were also “saddened” and “embarrassed” by the expletives he issued in reference to US President Barack Obama. Many admitted they are “very much affected” by the negative worldwide media attention, particularly with international news networks like CNN and Fox News repeating the comments of President Duterte. Former state secretary Hillary Clinton, whose last visit to the country was in November 2011 to reaffirm the strong ties between the US and the Philippines, said it was appropriate for the White House to cancel the scheduled bilateral meeting between Obama and Duterte following the “insult,” and that while it is important to maintain relations, there has to be “a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides.” Even Clinton’s rival Donald Trump – whose remarks about the Philippines being a “terrorist nation” angered Filipinos and prompted a lawmaker to propose a resolution that would ban him from the Philippines – also issued a snarky comment, calling the remarks “terrible.” As noted by US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, “words matter,” and it is important to have “an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation.” Despite damage control from the Palace with a statement saying Duterte expressed regrets over the remarks, there has been a negative backlash as seen in the cancellation of the previously scheduled bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Obviously, Americans do Read More …

I have three kids. They are all different. You may have kids too and I am sure they are all different. They are not like each other and they are not like you. Isn’t this fact alone a mystery? The question I now ask in many of my leadership seminars is this: “Do I by virtue of my position as a “Father” expect all of them to adjust to me or do I adjust to them?” And almost every single one of the participants will answer: “Adjust to them.” The answer is right. Why do I need to adjust to them? The answer is very simple because I care for them. Good leaders take the time, effort and energy to know their people, connect and engage with them because they genuinely care for them. We need to understand that there are different behaviors you typically find in the workplace. When times are normal, these behaviors do not manifest. When there is a particular threat or difficulty, these are the 10 specific behavior patterns that sane people resort to when they feel threatened or thwarted, that represent their struggle with (or withdrawal from) undesired circumstances. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Rick Brinkman and Rick Kirschner in a book they authored a few years ago entitled: “Dealing With People You Can’t Stand” identified the following people and their specific behaviors. The book may have been written a couple of years ago but the material is still as relevant Read More …

RA 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/ Materials Pilferage Act of 1994 prohibits the possession, control, or custody of electric power transmission line/material by any person not engaged in the transmission or distribution of electric power, or in the manufacture of such materials. File photo MANILA, Philippines – Despite information campaigns, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is alarmed over the increase of transmission line and tower parts theft in the last two years as this could cause interruption in the delivery of electricity to consumers. NGCP said in a statement there has been higher instance of transmission line and tower parts pilferage since 2014. In 2015 alone, 13 incidents of stolen parts from transmission lines, substations, and other related facilities were reported to NGCP. Five cases have been reported from January to May 2016. RA 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/ Materials Pilferage Act of 1994 prohibits the possession, control, or custody of electric power transmission line/material by any person not engaged in the transmission or distribution of electric power, or in the manufacture of such materials. Those found guilty will face 12 to 20 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. Meanwhile, NGCP’s information campaign has resulted in a steady decrease of electrocution incidents, from a peak of 29 in 2012 to a five-year low of 17 in 2015. No employee-related accidents were also recorded for 2015 and 2016. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 It Read More …

PLDT Innolab previews the future of telecommunications in the Philippines. MANILA, Philippines – The country’s leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT recently opened its newest Innovation Laboratory (Innolab) at the Makati CBD which takes to a higher level its pioneering commitment to define the future of telecommunications in the Philippines. PLDT Innolab is a world-class facility where innovative products and business solutions are tested and developed, and where PLDT’s field experts provide training, ICT services and other technical assistance to the digital clientele. “The newest lair of digital smarts is the PLDT Innolab,” Joey Limjap, PLDT vice president for ICT Research and Development, said, citing that Innolab set the standards in building a world-class ICT research and development center for new generation technology and applications. The opening of this cutting-edge facility marks PLDT’s seventh Innolab nationwide after Manila, Clark, Subic, Cebu, Davao and Baguio. “In these times of mind-boggling advances in technology, Innolab is the perfect avenue to identify trends and business models, and facilitate mutually beneficial exchanges within the dynamic digital community,” Limjap said. PLDT Innolab is a host to a mixture of techies in the digital community in a cross-section of demographics – from the telecom industry, academe, software and gaming industry, and service providers in government – all engaged on new technologies and solutions as stakeholders of the digital economy. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “Since 2003, Innolab has had a positive and lasting impact in providing innovation in ICT services and Read More …