This Week in Metro Manila (January 29 to February 4, 2018) Find updates about the traffic, weather, and events happening this week.
Filipinos will welcome the month of February with impending heavier traffic on areas along Quezon City as an effect of the ongoing MRT-7 construction. In other news, consumers should also be prepared for the start of price hikes of petroleum products by the end of January.
Traffic News
The construction for guideways or railways on North Avenue continues. (Image: Ditas Ubalde)
With the ongoing construction of the Metro Railway Transit-Line 7 (MRT-7), several areas in Metro Manila will be heavily affected. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) released the affected roads and areas that would experience worse traffic until the projects are completed. Among the affected areas is North Avenue, particularly the road in front of Veterans Memorial Medical Center since this is where the construction of poles and the laying of train rails will occur. Due to this, two inner lanes in the opposite direction of North Avenue will be closed as it will be occupied by the construction—which means commuters heading towards Elliptical Road can access three lanes while those going to Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) can use only two lanes. For clarification, the MMDA said that there would be no road closures but heavier traffic should be expected, which is why they laid out alternative routes: Those who will come from Mindanao Avenue can go right at Congressional Avenue to get to EDSA, while motorists from Elliptical Road can proceed to Quezon Avenue to get to EDSA. Meanwhile those coming southbound from EDSA can go along East Avenue to reach the Elliptical Road. In other news, Grab warns its users that a longer waiting time and surge hours might occur frequently when the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) applies Memorandum Circular # 2018-003, which is set to become effective on February 3. The memorandum aims to limit the units of transport network companies (TNC) to 45,000 vehicles.
Related news about the TRAIN law
Businessmen and entrepreneurs often use pickup trucks in business. There have been changes made on several implemented rules under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. Lawmakers have removed excise tax from pickup trucks and purely electric vehicles based on the argument that these vehicles are often used for commercial and agricultural purposes. As an effect, the suggested retail prices (SRP) of pickup trucks went down. In other news, fuel prices will start to go up on several gasoline stations by the end of January, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). About 90% of gas stations are expected to have a price increase by that time. Read: The Tax Reform in the Philippines and Its Effect on Consumers
Travel adventure: Manila Bay
Some enjoy the sunset with their loved ones. (Image: John Ojeda Metro Manila can be quite stressful and overwhelming, especially for those who do not reside in the area. To take a break from the busy streets, the picturesque sunset or sunrise view from Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard welcomes anyone who wants to unwind along the Baywalk. This place is popular among couples and friends alike; the area becomes alive with people particularly from noon to evening. For dining options, there are several food establishments along the Baywalk that serve local cuisines. For entertainment, street performers like mimes and acrobats are aplenty along the strip. Manila Bay and Baywalk are both open to the public.
Dining Adventure: Tinolang Manok
Tinola is one of the most popular Filipino viands. (Image: @soneng) Just one sip of tinolang manok (Filipino gingered chicken soup with papaya) can warm anyone up during cold nights and rainy weathers. Aside from being tasty, one bowl of tinolang manok also packs health benefits primarily because of ingredients like papaya, malunggay (moringa) leaves, ginger, chicken, and sayote (chayote). This dish can be often found in small eateries and restaurants around Metro Manila.
Pasalubong: Leche Flan
Leche flan is also compared to a french dessert called creme caramel. (Image: Alyssa Jenina Ducante Migriùo) Leche flan is a familiar item that can be seen during fiestas and celebrations. For generations, it has been one of the most popular desserts among Filipinos—so popular that it has been a staple in many occasions such as birthdays, weddings, fiestas, and holiday feasts. What made leche flan close to every Filipino’s hearts is the simplicity of its ingredients; it is composed of egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. The dessert has a creamy texture and a sweet taste. Kids and adults love this treat, which is why it can be a great pasalubong (take-home treat).
Weather
There would be variable cloudiness in some parts of the week. There would be low chances of rain this week as it is forecasted to be sunny and partly cloudy. The temperature will continue to be warm and humid with the highest day temperature at 32 째C while the lowest is at 31 째C. For night time, the highest temperature is 24 째C and the lowest is 21 째C.
Graphika Manila 2018
Non-artists/designers can also attend the conference. (Image: Graphika Manila Facebook Page) Graphika Manila is an annual arts and design event that has been going on for a decade now. This 2018, it will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia on February 3 and 4. Design students and professionals may take a few notes and techniques from international and local creatives. Ticket prices for the two-day event starts at PhP2,600 for the student pass and PhP2,800 for the conference pass. Tickets and schedule for the speakers can be found at Graphika Manila’s website.