Maniolas

The arbitration proceedings conducted by the interim Appeals Panel of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in connection with Maynilad Water Services’ rate adjustment proposal ended in the same way it started almost a half-year ago: with zero fanfare. But with the ICC panel’s decision after Christmas to uphold the rate-adjustment proposal by Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI), the post-arbitration phase went the opposite direction: so much fuss, most of it coming from left-wing and bleeding-heart types who see any upward adjustment in public services as yet another cross to bear by ordinary consumers. After staying under the radar since Maynilad formally sought ICC arbitration in October 2013, the Appeals Panel started hearing the case in August last year and then made its ruling last Dec. 29. But Maynilad learned about it only last Jan. 5. Maynilad’s parents Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and DMCI Holdings disclosed that “in a decision dated 29th December 2014, the Appeals Panel… upheld the alternative rebasing adjustment of Maynilad,” both disclosures read. “This will result in a 9.8 percent increase in the 2013 basic water charge of P31.28/cu.m., inclusive of the P1 currency exchange rate adjustment (CERA), which the MWSS has now incorporated into the basic charge.” For Maynilad president-chief executive officer Victorico Vargas, the ICC decision “confirms that the concession agreement works and restores investor confidence in the public-private partnership program of the government.”  Vargas said the decision once ensure the continued implementation of Maynilad’s capital expenditure projects that are intended to benefit its customers. Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – With her screen name and the brand of comedy she is associated with, indeed it is hard to imagine Pokwang as a dramatic actress. Her punchlines on- and off-screen can send one rolling on the floor. For one, she arrives in the presscon with proper welcome bouquet and as though that isn’t enough, she showers herself with petals imagining them as a shower of confetti on her make-believe parade. She relishes the moment as the crowd bursts into laughter. Indeed, she is quick to demolish herself as a serious person with punchlines and antics that easily give a wrong impression she cannot go beyond comedy. For one, she treats the English language as an invitation to make fun of herself. Director John Lazatin relates Pokwang literally had fever on first day of shooting of Edsa Woolworth, where she plays the title role. Her supporting cast is mostly made up of Americans and Fil-Americans — and how would she fare in the language she claims is just too strange to her? Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 She would start an interview with kittenish requests like, “Sir, huwag naman sobrang lalim ng English” or “Puede Taglish na lang Sir?” Rues direk John: “As I see it, comedy is just a façade in her reel and real life. Behind a funny woman is an actor who can look at her own life and accept it on her own terms. Her real life is virtual teleserye and I thought there must be Read More …