Makati Local » Featured

Makati Anti-smoking Ordinance Reaches 8th Year

greenleads — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:00:19 +0000

The City of Makati’s Anti-smoking Ordinance gets stronger as it reaches its 8th year in effect. However, a few changes will be expected this June because Makati Mayor Jun Binay already approved the Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance created last February of 2003.

Binay stated that the city was able to pass through the initial resistance from various quarters, specifically the entertainment establishments by smokers. He also said that they were able show them (the people) that they (the Makati government officials) are serious about their support in local and national laws with regards to anti-smoking.

The ordinance was not effectively established during its first two years. Reports show that an approximate number of 1,500 individuals were busted by the city’s law enforcers and deputies. Even more, five restaurants were halted to business for ignoring several warnings about the ordinance. The campaign worked out little by little as the number of people being apprehended for smoking lessened. It just showed that the Makati City really meant business and nobody can stand against what even the simplest law states.

Binay also reiterated that the count of “smoking areas” registered by various establishments like hotels, shopping malls, bars and restaurants in the city also dwindled. The number of 1,024 permits (issued from 2003-2008) gave a drastic drop to 48. No other establishments applied for the renewal of their “smoking area” application.

Knowing that the ordinance produces nice low rates doesn’t mean that the Makati law enforcers should be confident enough and be a bit easy with the violators. They will still continue to apprehend the violators as long as they can. Just recently, two bars established along Jupiter Street were closed by Makati City Hall officials due to smoking violations. Just in case you’re still not aware, here’s a rough guide about the ordinance:

For individual violators:

First-time offenders: 1,000php
Second-time offenders: 2,000php
Third-time offenders: 3,000php

For violating establishments, closure and invalidation of business permit will be implemented if:

1.The management allows smoking despite the establishment’s classification as a “smoke-free” area.
2.The management does not provide “no-smoking” signages.
3.Smoking areas are fully operational without the prior approval of City Engineering and Health Departments.
4.Establishments have ashtrays within its area despite its classification of “smoke-free”.

Makati should be mimicked by many cities in terms of implementing this law. If smokers will be given a good “ticket” for their acts, then in just a few years, the number of smokers in the Philippines will surely drop big time.

Makati Events

greenleads — Mon, 30 May 2011 03:45:30 +0000

When people hear the term “Makati City”, the first thing that comes into their minds is the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. Well, here’s the truth, Makati City is not just a a place for work but it’s also a haven for people who love to attend events and festivals. Yearly, various happenings transpire here, scheduled by various organizations and teams to provide (usually) free events. For this month of June, here are some of the events that you might want to try checking out:

Indios Doki – Happening on June 8, Wednesday at around 7:00 PM. The event will be held at Cafe Alfonso.

Republika De Lata – A concert that will transpire on Cassa Nami Surf Pub. You will surely have a great time here because there will be loads of yuppies attending. The event will happen on June 26, at eight o’clock in the evening.

Saturday Night Live – This will be held at the A. Venue Music Hall on the 4th of June.

Warehouse Sexy FRIDAYS – You can head on to Warehouse 135 and check out this event on June 3. there will be featured resident DJs like Miko Syquia and David Ardient.

If you are after a different kind of event like festivals, then these will probably fit your social taste:

Bailes Delos Arcos – This yearly happens, every 29th of June. People, young and old alike will perform various dance presentations offered to the city’s patron saints: St. Peter, St. Paul and Virgen Dela Rosa. This event is normally held in Barangay Poblacion.

The Xong Di Festival – In recognition of the Philippines’ nice relation with China, the Makati City is annually having this festival. The colorful and educational event consists of displays of various accessories, costumes and trinkets that portray the 17 ethnic tribes of China. This is done to juxtapose the Chinese culture with Filipino culture. That’s why the event was named “Xong Di” which means “brother”.

Belen sa Makati – During the month of November and December, corporate firms and government halls are being spruced up with various kinds of Belen. This signifies the birth of Jesus Christ which is celebrated every 25th of December.

Ganito Kami Noon – A special event that serves as a tribute to the participants of the ball event – the government employees who are working to serve Makati City. The participants will wear traditional clothings during the event.

Now who says that Makati is just for working people? There are a lot of places to attend to if you want to loosen up and have a great time!

Colleges and University Schools in Makati

greenleads — Thu, 19 May 2011 05:58:03 +0000

Schooling season is fast-approaching and many high school graduates are now preparing for the next stage of their lives – the college schooling. Still undecided on what school to attend? Here’s the thing, picking your school would greatly affect a big scope of your future so you have to be careful in picking which college or university school you should choose. If you prefer schools in Makati City, it would be great to know what schools are established here.

The first thing that you have to consider is the course that you have to take. Do you want to pursue courses in line with information and technology or are you decided in aiming a medical career in the near future? Why do I have to think about that, you might ask. Because not all schools are good in providing educational quality. There are some universities that are good in technical courses while there are some that are highly accredited for business courses. It would be advisable to read online forums about which school best provide a certain course of study. You can do all the research on the internet for more information about school reviews.

The second thing that an incoming freshman should consider is the budget. Not all people are born with the same financial capabilities to sustain one’s education. If your parents are blessed enough to be able to send you in a prestigious school in Makati, then you won’t have the slightest difficulty in looking for schools because you have a lot of options. But if your budget is a bit short, you may try enrolling on small colleges. If you think that small colleges don’t provide good quality education, then you’re wrong. A lot of talented and skillful students came from small colleges. No matter what school you attend to, as long as you’re persistent enough in making everything happen, you will graduate from college with flying colors. Meanwhile, here are some of the college and university schools in Makati that you might be interested at:

Abe International Business College
AMA Computer College
Asia Pacific College
Asian Institute of Management
Assumption College
Ateneo Professional Schools
Centro Escolar University
Colegio San Agustin
Colegio de Sta. Rosa
De La Salle Professional School
Don Bosco Technical Institute
First Academy of Computer Arts
Far Eastern University (Makati Business School)
International Academy of Management and Economics
Information and Communications Technology Academy
Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law
Rolf Jost Information Technology Institute
Mapua Institute of Technology
Philippine School of Interior Design
RTRMS-Makati Medical Center
St. Augustine School of Nursing
Saint Paul College of Makati
STI Makati
University of Makati
Informatics Computer Institute of Makati

If you want to know more about Makati, keep on checking back on this site as often as you can.

All About the Makati CBD

greenleads — Fri, 13 May 2011 09:10:17 +0000

The Makati City is one of the places that every professional, especially the yuppies, are dreaming to have their work in. Do you look forward into seeing yourself wearing a corporate attire and entering one of the towering buildings in Makati CBD? Before that happens, make sure that you know certain things about the city. This way, when the time comes that you will be venturing into the corporate world of this Makati, you won’t look like a country mouse lost in the city. Just so you have an idea, here are some of the tips that you shouldn’t forget:

There are designated PUV and PUJ stops along Ayala Avenue – If you are traveling via these utility vehicles, make sure that you take note of the stops in the long avenue of Ayala. The stops are alternating. Once the vehicle passed on the loading station, the unloading station would surely be on the next street. Let this be a reminder to you, Makati CBD is not like any other cities where you can slip through the rules. If you have to get off the bus along a loading stop, there is NO way that you can get off that vehicle so might as well be aware of where the vehicle is passing.

Underpasses are provided on every stop or street – This is one of the best things that you will surely like about Makati CBD. You can always cross the road without feeling worried of getting hit by passing vehicles. However, if you’re the type of person who got accustomed of “swimming against the current” like when you cross the roads in Cubao, be prepared to get a ticket from a traffic personnel. Whether you’re a woman dressed in nice business getup or a guy looking decent in your suit, there won’t be any mercy once you’re caught jaywalking.

Malls are interlinked – If you think that people working in Makati all belong in the upscale society, you’re wrong. Like you, a lot of people here are working for the money. If you will notice in rush hours, more people prefer walking to either the MRT station or bus stops because every peso counts. If you prefer saving your few pesos, don’t worry because there are easy routes that you can access. The malls in Makati CBD are interlinked so all you have to do is pass on footbridges along Dela Rosa Street and you can get to Greenbelt, Landmark, Glorietta and SM Makati easily.

Reading this will make you equipped with your Makati adventure. But do you know that secret in getting used in a city? It’s confidence. You just have to believe in yourself and forget about your inhibitions.

Noynoy victory hinges on Pinoys" sense of history

levis25 — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:03:22 +0000

In some ways the May polls is a repetition of the old: a battle among children of the elite political clans and the new rich who pandered their rags-to-riches story to appeal to the votes of the poor majority. For a nation lacking in historical values, it will take more than just new machines to change the entire dynamics of Philippine elections. An essay by CRISELDA YABES

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

A new Philippine political map emerges

levis25 — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:34:14 +0000

The outcome of the 2010 elections will probably redraw the Philippine political map.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

2010 election surprise: Binay leading Roxas

levis25 — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:39:39 +0000

A landslide win by Noynoy Aquino will probably insulate him from being cheated, but closer contests, including the vice presidential race, may tempt protagonists to resort to time-tested methods. How does one cheat after the polls close? Roberto Verzola counts the ways.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Voting woes: PCOS failures, long lines, doubtful counts

greenleads — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:47:57 +0000

New technology was supposed to speed up the May 10 elections. But technical breakdowns, along with the general unfamiliarity with the new system, actually slowed down the voting in many areas of the country. One of the most common problems was voting machines that malfunctioned. An analysis of the voting by Roberto Verzola.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Miscalculations spell doom for Gibo"s presidential bid

levis25 — Sun, 09 May 2010 10:55:44 +0000

Teodoro's ill-fated support for former Chief Justice Davide's impeachment foreshadowed other political blunders that reveal what could be a shortage of street smarts in someone reputed to be the most intellectual among the presidential candidates.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

In the age of Ninoy and Cory, being Noynoy Aquino is not easy

greenleads — Sun, 09 May 2010 04:59:37 +0000

If pre-elections surveys are to be believed, Senator Noynoy Aquino currently stands as the man most likely to become the 15th president of the Philippines. The 50-year old scion of an influential Tarlac clan has drawn from the legacy of his famous parents to lead a “people's campaign” that promises a righteous path towards positive change in a country reeling from numerous political and economic scandals.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Billionaire politician Manny Villar invests in Malacanang bid

levis25 — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:24:45 +0000

From his humble beginnings in Tondo, Senator Manny Villar Jr. has gained enough material wealth to make it to Forbes' list of richest men. Allegations of influence-peddling and unsavory business practices have hounded his campaign, however, making his well-funded bid to win the country's highest elective position a possibly tenuous proposition.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Who will be the next Philippine president?

levis25 — Fri, 07 May 2010 09:17:14 +0000

From the kickoff rallies to the miting de avance, GMANews.TV reporters followed the campaigns of the nine contenders for the presidency in the May 10 polls. The candidates” profiles featured here provide a close-up view of the people who are seeking the electorate”s nod. If you”re an undecided voter, read this.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Gibo Teodoro wages lonely battle to win Malacañang

greenleads — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:34:03 +0000

Gilbert Teodoro found himself alone at the height of typhoon Ondoy. No one was around when he got to his office at the Department of National Defense inside Camp Aguinaldo, after taking the MRT train and wading through the flood. Portrait of the candidate as a crisis manager by Criselda Yabes.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

'Transformer' Richard Gordon aims to discipline Pinoys

greenleads — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:11:57 +0000

What makes presidential aspirant Richard Gordon different from his eight rivals? The Bagumbayan standard-bearer encapsulates everything in two words: track record. Gordon fancies himself as a transformational leader who will instill a culture of discipline in the country, but many view his leadership style as dictatorial, and many voters were turned off by his perceived arrogance during the campaign.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Manny Villar"s Tondo roots were "definitely middle class"

levis25 — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:41:10 +0000

Manny Villar's main campaign narrative has been that he grew up dirt-poor. But a GMANews.TV investigation into his claims shows that his father, as a government official, was earning up to five times the average individual income at the time. And Villar's mother was making even more as one of the most enterprising Divisoria fish dealers in the 1960s.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Poetry rhymes with jeepney in Berso sa Metro

levis25 — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:44:50 +0000

Blaring horns that laugh and wail, family trees inscribed on the ceiling, hanging rosaries, magically expanding passenger capacity, colorful signs aimed at getting the passenger to pay – the list of the jeepney's charms goes on. But the king of Pinoy transport just got even cooler with a new project that uses them as vehicles for spreading poetry to the masses.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

To travel green, artist creates borloloy bike

levis25 — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:17:04 +0000

For this year's Tour of the Fireflies, artist Toym Imao jazzed up a second-hand, 1969 National “Sensor” bike from Japan as his “homage to the era that is associated with over-accessorization.” The result: a fun bike for the much-awaited annual environmental event that takes cyclists on a 40-kilometer spin around Metro Manila and helps promote sustainable lifestyles.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

With each Gulp, 7-Elections tracks voting trend for polls

greenleads — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:15:23 +0000

In March, the 24-hour convenience store 7-Eleven launched an informal poll for the presidential candidates running in the May 2010 elections using their in-house drink cup Gulp. In the United States, the winners in the three 7-Elections promotions so far have emerged victorious in the actual polls. Will the same thing happen in the Philippines?

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

In hot spot Abra, army-type trucks used in campaign

levis25 — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:58:06 +0000

In the violent world of Abra politics, Bangued-based journalist Artha Kira Paredes offers a glimpse of how her town's mayoral candidates conduct their campaign, with one of them using army-type trucks that his family owns and which are often mistaken for military vehicles. The use of such vehicles is supposed to be an election offense.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/

Blogs targets of libel suits, regulation

levis25 — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:30:53 +0000

While the Philippines is still known for having the freest press in Asia, the newest medium of expression – the Internet – is no longer immune from attempts to regulate and control it.

Read the whole story on:http://www.gmanews.tv/