Makati gov’t orders temporary closure of Wantusawa oyster bar after alleged food poisoning

By James Patrick Cruz, interaksyon 

Composite shows oysters and Makati City's Business Permits and Licensing Office representatives putting up a closure order notice on Wantusawa Oyster Bar (Wantusawa/Facebook; My Makati/Facebook)

The Makati City government ordered the temporary shutdown of Wantusawa Oyster Bar after its customers claimed that they experienced food poisoning early this year.

On February 13, the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office served a closure order against the restaurant for violating the Sanitation Code. 

Mayor Abby Binay issued this order “to restore order and discipline in Makati and protect the interest of legitimate businesses, Makatizens and the general public.”

The restaurant’s management was quoted in a report as saying that the Makati City government implemented the temporary closure as it wait for the result of the water and oyster test. 

As it waits for the resumption of its operations, the oyster bar said it would conduct “maintenance work and repairs to help improve the quality of service we provide.”

Last January, the review section of the restaurant’s Facebook page was flooded with complaints. 

The restaurant’s customers claimed that they experienced stomach discomfort and food-related illnesses after allegedly consuming meals from the oyster bar.

Following this, it released a statement addressing online allegations of food poisoning.

Wantusawa said that it takes customer feedback and reviews “very seriously,” adding it is “taking it to heart.”

“We always strive to provide freshly prepared meals while adhering to critical safety and health standards,” it added.

The restaurant also said that it conducted laboratory tests on samples during the dates it received complaints.

The oyster bar said the results “have shown a negative result for bacteria and thus clearing the possibility of any food poisoning.” 

Wantusawa lamented the alleged continued “social media bullying” despite its efforts, laboratory tests and health clearances.

“In our pursuit of truth and due process, we shall likewise review our options to take any legal action against these purveyors of bullying and untruth,” it said.

Social media users, however, found the restaurant’s statement “insensitive.”

Wantusawa opened in Poblacion in 2018 and has since opened a food truck in Rockwell.

It offers fresh, baked, grilled and fried oysters, as well as shareable seafood plates. It also serves bowls of rice and noodles.

Christmas is bigger and brighter in Makati City

by John Legaspi, MB

Ayala Land is set to bring the Yuletide spirit back into the city with its Festival of Lights and other holiday events and attractions

“I can say that Christmas in Makati will be bigger and brighter.” That’s the promise Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati of Ayala Land, gave during the preview of what’s to come for the holiday season in one of Manila’s busiest cities. The real estate firm is happy to announce that, this year, its Festival of Lights and other holiday events will be enjoyed by the Filipino people live after two years in isolation.

(Seated from left) Ayala Land Estates’ Mel Ignacio, senior estate head of Makati, and Chrissy Roa, head of marketing and communications, with (standing from left) Sueyen Austero, Festival of Lights
2022 lighting designer; Shiella Aguilar, estate head for Makati; and Ohm David, Festival of Lights
2022 show director

“It is important for us here in Ayala Land to stay connected to the communities that we serve. This is especially true for Makati, which is our flagship estate,” Aguilar says. “Makati is home to several signature events that have become part of the city’s soul. Events that made the city come alive and brought together members of the community and families from all over the country. Christmas gives us an opportunity to do this in an even bigger way.”

And bigger it is. Its festivities will start with the lighting ceremony of the Christmas decorations on Ayala Avenue on Nov. 3. In line with its sustainability goals, the real estate firm is reusing its past ornaments—parols and capiz lights—to adorn Makati Central Business district. According to Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land’s head of marketing and communications, the decorations will be seen in more parts of Ayala Avenue. In addition, a giant parol installation will be erected in the courtyard of Ayala Triangle Gardens, offering family and friends a perfect spot to snap some photos for the holiday season. 

This year, to show that the Christmas spirit is truly alive in Makati, more parts of Ayala Avenue will be decorated with bright festive ornaments to dazzle the Central Business District

Nothing beats an immersive holiday experience. After successfully bringing its Festival of Lights into the digital world, Ayala Land is ready to welcome Filipinos back to witness its grand lights show live this year at the Ayala Triangle Gardens starting Nov. 10. 

Conceptualized by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, this year’s festival will be a 360-degree experience centering on the theme of “coming together.” Apart from the traditional dancing string lights and magical laser lights, people can also see a gigantic 3D animated video, made in collaboration with Kroma and Acid House. Ayala Land has been producing the Festival of Lights for 14 years, and what makes Festival of Lights 2022 unique is the presence of local indigenous symbols in the show.

“We wanted something to symbolize coming together. So, we gathered many indigenous backgrounds of the Philippines… We have Inabel, Tboli, Mangyan patterns just to keep that sense of tradition, celebration, and something truly Filipino alive,” David says.

“It is not just the light show,” Austero adds. “We are expecting a lot of emotions. Coming from the hiatus caused by the pandemic, some will be emotional seeing these lights live again.” 

The Manila Symphony Orchestra composed an orchestral rendition of the Festival of Lights 2022 medley

Apart from the lights show and 3D animated projections, Christmas in Makati is also set to be filled with good tunes. Three musical medleys with a fresh, new take were composed to accompany the show. The first is an orchestral rendition by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, followed by a TikTok-inspired rendition—a collaboration among composers Tris Suguitan, Jazz Nicolas, and Mikey Amistoso—and finally a chorale rendition by musical composer Jazz Nicolas. The chorale medley features the angelic voices of the Pembo Elementary School children’s choir.

It only gets better in Makati as Christmas day comes closer. From Dec. 2 to 31, Makatizens or not are welcome to experience Ayala Land’s Christmas Market, in partnership with the French Embassy. This holiday fair is inspired by the Marche de Noele Christmas market in Paris, Lille, and Starsboug, and is set to spotlight the best French eats and products as well as Filipino artisanal goods.

Simbang Gabi is one of the prime pillars of Filipino Christmas traditions. To reflect just that, Ayala Land is hosting it at Ayala Triangle Gardens from Dec. 15 to 23, with Philippine Youth Symphonic Band leading the opening of the nine-day series of Masses.

The facade of Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati

Lastly, everyone is welcome to celebrate Christmas in Circuit Makati with Ayala Land’s holiday concerts from Dec. 20 to 22.  The Samsung Performing Arts Theater will be the venue of the Christmas Holiday Concert featuring performances by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Steps Dance Studio, among many others.

The Philippines is on track to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific

 PRESS RELEASE

02 September 2022

The Philippines is on track to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific 

As the Philippines is gearing to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia-Pacific region, many opportunities for investments and partnerships await the hyperscaler and data center firms who want to invest in the country, especially from the companies in Hong Kong and China.  

 

The promising prospect and competitive advantage of the Philippines as the next investment destination for the hyperscaler and data center industry were highlighted during a webinar held by the Board of Investments (BOI), through its International Investments Promotions Service (IIPS), and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong on August 24, 2022.  

In the event, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual underscored that the Philippines is ready to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific. “We believe that the hyperscalers industry will be the next growth engine of the Philippines. We are keen on helping hyperscalers cloud services and start-up ecosystem in the Philippines,” he said.  

 

“We hope that you find these opportunities as promising as we do with your trust and passion. Let us make hyperscaler investments and partnerships happen in the Philippines,” Secretary Pascual emphasized.  

 

Also, Mr. Victor Aliwalas, VP and Technology Management Advisor of the PLDT Enterprise, shared his thoughts about the Philippine data center market. According to him, the country is ripe for digital and bullish growth prospects. In 2022, the Philippines is expected to lead the technology spending growth in Asia, ahead of Vietnam and Malaysia. Mr. Aliwalas also highlighted the Jupiter Cable System, the newest trans-Pacific cable facility connecting the Philippines to the USA and Japan. With a network distance of 14,866 kilometers, it is the fastest cable system between the Philippines and the US with 126ms latency between Daet, Camarines Norte, and Los Angeles, California.  

 

Other officials who pitched for the country’s standing as the next hyperscaler hub was Consul General in Hong Kong Raly L. Tejada, who highlighted the growing data center capability of the Philippines. While Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba of the DTI – Competitiveness and Innovation Group presented the value proposition of the Philippines for the hyperscalers as well as the numerous government initiatives for the firms.  

 

According to Undersecretary Aldaba, the Philippines has a thriving digital economy landscape with strong macroeconomic fundamentals that will continue to attract positive investment prospects.  Also, she mentioned that the Philippines is an early adapter of 5G technology in the Asia Pacific, according to Moody’s, along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.  

 

Undersecretary Aldaba also pointed out that the Philippines has a “demographic sweet spot” because of its rich talent pool of 46.5 million workforces, and the country is producing an average of 750,000 graduates annually. With the amended PSA, the official said, the government is allowing 100 percent foreign ownership in the country’s telecommunications industry.  

 

The event was supported by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, who delivered a presentation on the state and direction of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the Philippines, and by the Department of Energy (DOE) –  Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mylene Capongcol who presented the government’s plans and commitment to developing the renewable energy sector, which would also support the growing data center industry in the country. 

  

Meanwhile, the Philippines as a high potential market was attested by two of the leading hyperscaler companies in Hong Kong and China.  

 

Mr. Paul Lai, Senior Vice President, In-Country Project Investment of HGC Global Communications, Ltd., and Mr. Allen Guo, Country Manager of the Alibaba Cloud Intelligence – Philippines, both affirmed the country’s readiness as an ideal investment location, citing its resilient economy amid the pandemic, its “welcoming regulatory environment”, particularly with the passage of the amended Public Service Act (PSA) and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, coupled with the Philippine businesses increasingly relying on cloud-based IT solutions for growth. 

 

Executive Director Evariste M. Cagatan of the BOI’s Investments Promotion Services (IPS) delivered the closing message at the end of the webinar and emphasized that the country  “has a bullish economic growth trajectory” to host hyperscaler and data center operations, as the government has been aggressively promoting the Philippines with its competitive advantage.  

 

“We acknowledge the support of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence and HGC Global Communications Limited, both of whom already made it happen in the Philippines. They have generously shared their positive experience. With the likes of Alibaba and HGC Global that invested in the country and many others that have signified their interest in the field and further expand their footprint, the Philippines is now positioned to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific,” the BOI official concluded. # 

...

BOI Information and Communications Division

Office Address: 3/F Board of Investment Bldg. #385 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City 1209

Telephones: 8897.3086 / 8897-6682 local 277 

Mobile: (0920) 9814742

Email Address: infocomms@boi.gov.ph 

Ten Days to Christmas ...

... 7 Christmas treats in Makati

Joko Magalong

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• Christmas is fast approaching and with it comes deals aplenty.

Urbanits don’t have to travel far, as the City of Makati, Ayala Land, Mastercard, and their partner hotels serve you up a bevy of holiday treats — from staycation choices, various sights, and activities to unwind, bond,and relax.

1. Buy 1 night, get 1 night free

A guest room at Holiday Inn. Handout photo

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati takes the "giving" part of the season seriously with its exclusive holiday promos for Mastercard cardholders. Every night stay availed on the Best Available Rate during the weekend (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) will get an equal complimentary night’s stay in Holiday Inn’s partner hotels in Bangkok (Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukumvit22) or Singapore (Holiday Inn Express SG Katong).

This promo runs until December 31, 2016, while the complimentary night redemption can be enjoyed until March 31, 2017.

2. 2+1 buffet at Flavors

Running out of places to eat in Glorietta? Check out Flavors at the Holiday Inn & Suites.

The buffet as Flavors Restaurant of Holiday Inn. Handout photo

While the buffet is smaller compared to nearby hotels, the spread covers all the requisites from salad, Japanese (with fresh sashimi and rolls), main dishes that run the whole gamut from Indian, Filipino, and even French, a grill station, lechon, delectable desserts (including a version of Crepe Samurai by one of the previous chefs of the Intercontinental Manila, and a DIY ice cream station), and even a Mexican taco station. You get to taste everything and go back to get more of the things that you enjoyed the most, ideal for that business meeting, or family dinner.

For some holiday cheer, Flavors Restaurant offers the 2 + 1 exclusively for Mastercard holders, where for every two paying guests, the third guest gets to eat free. Perfect for those holiday get-togethers.

3. Bed and breakfast weekends

With your Mastercard, avail of Fairmont Hotel’s exclusive 50% off on its Bed and Breakfast Weekends package. The stay includes breakfast and lunch for two at the Spectrum Restaurant (except for Sunday brunch), and 50% off on all treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

A guest room at Fairmont Hotel. Handout photo

Raffles Makati, meanwhile, offers 30% off when you use your Mastercard to book their Best Available Rates during weekends. A posh classic afternoon tea, as well as evening cocktails are included in the staycation at the Writer’s Bar.

Sip cocktails with your choice of tapas during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles and dine on delectable treats at the Spectrum’s buffet for lunch (except Sunday brunch) or dinner, with the Spectrum’s 3+1 package, where for every three paying guests, the fourth guest eats free.

Craft cocktails during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles. Photo by author

Relax and unwind with an automatic 30% off on all ala carte treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

All promos are only available when you use your Mastercard. Book through the reservation desks of the hotels, or head on over to www.makeitmakati.com to book your packages.

4. Shopping rebate

Enjoy stress-free shopping at Rustan’s when you use your Mastercard, as cardholders get P500 off when you spend a minimum of P5,000 at Rustan’s Makati.

Platinum, World Elite, and World Mastercard holders also get additional perks like personal shopping, free delivery, and complimentary use of the VIP lounge.

5. Ayala Triangle Garden's Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Photo by author

For a few years now, the Ayala Triangle Garden’s Festival of Lights has drawn crowds for its spectacle of light and sound.

Hailed by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Seven Most Spectacular Light Shows in the World, this year’s presentation features not only features the now-classic tree-laden lights dancing to Christmas music, but laser light shows as well.

Already a Makati tradition, this light show never fails to astound and bring out the kid in all of us.

6. Circuit's Christmas tree

The Circuit Christmas tree. Photo by author

Another sight only found in Makati, the Circuit’s Christmas tree rises up to 56 feet, fully laden with lights. It’s immersive, as you can step inside the tree and marvel at the lights from another angle.

7. Take up archery

Kodanda Archery at the Makati Cinema Square. Photo by author

Adventure can be found right at the heart of Makati at the Kodanda Archery Range located in Makati Cinema Square. For at least an hour, instructors will teach you to how to shoot with your bow and arrow. A fun and different bonding activity for family and friends, as you learn a potential zombie apocalypse skill.

Philippine Financial Capital in Chaos

... as 2 mayors stand off

By: Agenec France-Presse

MANILA -- The Philippines' financial capital Makati has been plunged into chaos with two politicians claiming to be mayor, forcing courts to close and delaying government business during a bitter stand-off triggered by graft claims.

Surrounded by hundreds of supporters, Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay has been holed up in city hall since the ombudsman suspended him last week because of an investigation into alleged corrupt practices.

Insisting the graft accusations are trumped up, Binay has refused to cede power to his deputy and rival, Romulo Pena, who insists he is now "acting mayor".

The power struggle is widely seen as a battle between the nation's ruling Liberal Party and main opposition.

Binay is the son of opposition leader, Vice President Jejomar Binay, while Pena is a member of President Benigno Aquino's Liberal Party.

It also threatens to delay the salaries of 8,000 government workers and payments for utilities and services.

Makati's courts closed on the first day of the stand-off last week, and some judges have continued to postpone hearings to avoid the crush of Binay supporters outside the building, family spokesman Joey Salgado told AFP.

He said welfare recipients had also been unable to collect benefits, and warned there was a looming crisis over who had the authority to sign the city's cheques.

If banks do not honour cheques signed by Binay, street lamps and traffic lights will be shut down, taps in government buildings will run dry and garbage collection will stop, according to Salgado.

"This is a very dangerous situation, if their (national government's) actions result in delays in salaries, utilities," he said.

"Any perception of instability would have an effect on the country. They are sending the wrong signal to investors. Makati is the financial centre of the country."

From an adjacent old building, with hallways that reek of leaking toilets, Pena issued a memorandum on Friday to all city hall employees asserting his authority.

"All ordinances, official documents and official actions must be submitted and referred to the undersigned for approval and/or appropriate action," Pena said, referring to himself.

Binay's family has said the mayor's suspension is politically motivated as his father continues to dominate presidential polls, ahead of the presumptive nominee of Aquino's party for the 2016 elections, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Makati is the country's largest city in terms of revenue, with 11.9 billion pesos ($265 million) in earnings from taxes and fees in 2013, according to government data.

The city hosts the country's stock exchange, 82 embassies and consulates, 506 bank offices and 246 business process outsourcing and technology companies.

Manila 'A BIG CHALLENGE' in Disasters

By Jerry E. Esplanada |Philippine Daily Inquirer

A UN official has described Manila as “a big challenge” when it comes to handling natural disasters, because of the “scale and multitude of risks facing it." 

“Actually, any big city like Manila is a challenge,” said Margareta Wahlström, who heads the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). 

Interviewed during the just-concluded 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, or AMCDRR, in the Thai capital, Wahlstrom said Manila as a local government unit (LGU) was “a tough issue… because of very important responsibilities delegated to it by the national government.” 

While the national government had “the right DRR-related policies,” the UN official said that “some LGUs do not have enough technical capability to implement these policies.” 

Strengthening these LGUs would put the Philippines “in a very good space,” said Wahlström, who serves as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s special representative for disaster risk reduction. 

Manila could also adopt “some best practices by model local governments like Albay and Cebu,” Wahlstrom said, adding that the city government and other Philippine LGUs should “enhance disaster resilience programs at the local level” by strengthening the role of women, children, the youth and persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction planning and management. 

LGUs could also “increase public investments on DRR and promote the use of science and technology in disaster risk reduction programs.”

In a report, the Geneva-based UN International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) cited Makati City, Albay province, as well as San Francisco town on Camotes Island in Cebu for their “best practices” on a wide range of DRR-related challenges, including early warning, legislation and food management. 

Makati made it to the list for its “sophisticated and efficient disaster risk management system,” which has fully institutionalized disaster risk reduction, preparedness and emergency management (into) dedicated organizations, (with) direct funding at the local level. 

Disaster risk reduction in Makati has been “integrated into urban planning, health, disaster response and risk governance at different government levels,” according to the report.

It added that Makati also “engages all levels of society, particularly barangays (villages), which conduct regular community dialogues to discuss risk management issues.” 

Albay’s disaster risk reduction strategy “centers on relocating businesses and more than 10,000 households.”

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