EMONG'S JOURNALS

Grab Philippines, in partnership with the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and OneAyala, is providing free shuttle rides for Filipinos arriving at Terminals 2 and 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – the busiest terminals this holiday season. The Grab Be Present Bus provides convenient point-to-point transportation for Overseas Filipino Workers and other domestic travelers, connecting NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 directly to the OneAyala Transport Hub. Ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines are facing increased pressure this holiday season as surging demand collides with persistent challenges such as traffic congestion and supply-demand imbalance. Grab Philippines’ historical data shows that the number of ride bookings grows to as much as 45% in the second and third weeks of December, directly impacting the reliability of the existing fleet of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers to render their services. With the ...

Setting another trend for excellence, The No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer, Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), launches a sportier and more stylish look with the two-tone color of the New CLICK160, which will surely excite passionate motorcycle lovers’ senses. STEP UP AND STAY AHEAD Superb sporty looks with a standout two-tone coloring, The New CLICK160 is more than meets the eye. It boasts a 157cc, 4 Stroke, 4 Valve, Liquid Cooled eSP+ Engine with PGM-FI System, ensuring riders an engine packed with power and capacity. Fuel savings is another coveted feature as it only clocks in at 46.7 km/L based on the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) which makes it great for city drivers and passionate road trippers. It also comes with a Type A USB charger to keep any rider connected no matter how quick or long the travel. The Smart Key Switch with Anti-Theft Alarm is another persuasive feature for anyone who leads a busy lifestyle. SUPERCHARGED WITH SAFETY FEA...

The leading superapp’s subscription package now extends beyond everyday deliveries, providing its subscribers with enhanced safety and convenience for their trips through everyday 8% GrabCar discounts GrabUnlimited, since its launch in July 2022,  has consistently provided its subscribers with exclusive savings and deals on everyday deliveries, satisfying the cravings and needs of food enthusiasts and grocery buyers eager to get the best bang for their every buck.  Today, GrabUnlimited evolves yet again to cater to the demand of the commuting public for sulit, safe, and convenient transportation. GrabUnlimited now screams “SAKAY NA” as it gets supercharged with exclusive everyday 8% GrabCar discounts for only P48 per month if subscribed via the annual plan. Sulit Deliveries and Transport Rolled in One GrabUnlimited enhances your entire daily routine with exclusive discounts on GrabCar rides; and free delivery and su...

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has authorized the implementation of the 2nd tranche of the approved NLEX 2018 & 2020 consolidated petitions for periodic toll adjustments effective June 4, 2024. Under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional ₱5.00 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), ₱14.00 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and ₱17.00 for Class 3 vehicles. The open system is from Balintawak, Caloocan City to Marilao, Bulacan while closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga including Subic-Tipo. Those traveling the NLEX end-to-end between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional ₱27.00 for Class 1, ₱68.00 for Class 2 and ₱81.00 for Class 3 vehicles. In summary : NLEX open system toll fee increase as of June 2024: Class 1 – P5 increase Class 2 – P14 increase ...

Making travel plans during the Holy Week? The Philippine Holy Week long weekend is one of the most anticipated holidays yearly. It’s the time of the year when most travel out of town to reflect, unwind, and reunite with their families and friends. Last year, NLEX saw a 10% to 15% increase in traffic volume, which is something to be expected this year. With the long weekend approaching, it’s important to be prepared for the road with the expected exodus of motorists filling in highways and expressways. Discover how you can have a safe, efficient, and hassle-free driving experience with these five travel hacks curated by MPT Mobility. Pre-plan your travel essentials. Before buckling up, it’s important to prepare what you’ll need on the road! Aside from your clothes and snacks, ensure you also bring a first aid or medicine kit. Long drives can get stressful and boring, so have a road trip playlist ahead as well to hype you up. And for tho...

As part of its commitment to promoting sustainability, Araneta City has introduced electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its shopping malls and office towers. The City of Firsts unveiled in February its first EV charging stations at the basement parking of Cyberparks 1 and 2. Each station has Level 2 chargers with 5-meter Type 2 connector cables and a three-phase grid power supply, charging electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles faster. The rollout of EV charging stations continues with other buildings in Araneta City. “Araneta City continues to transition into a sustainable and environment-friendly community by implementing green initiatives like the EV charging stations. It is a step to keep the City of Firsts future-proof and adaptive to the evolving needs of times," Antonio T. Mardo, Senior Vice President for Operations of Araneta City, said. The installation of EV charging stations is the latest measure to integrate...

The Metro Manila Council (MMC), through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), today approved a resolution prohibiting the use of major thoroughfares for certain types of transportation and other types of conveyances. In MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024, traversing of e-vehicles, such as e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts, and kuligligs on national roads, circumferential, and radial roads in Metro Manila will be prohibited. The prohibition shall be enforced on the following roads in Metro Manila which are under the jurisdiction of the MMDA: 1. C1: Recto Avenue 2. C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue 3. C3: Araneta Avenue 4. C4: EDSA 5. C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia 6. C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway 7. R1: Roxas Boulevard 8. R2: Taft Avenue 9. R3: SLEX 10. R4: Shaw Boulevard 11. R5: Ortigas Avenue 12. R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd. 13. R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave. 14. R8: A. Bonifacio Av...

MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), announces the implementation of toll rates for the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, as approved by the Toll Regulatory Board. These rates will be effective starting at 12:01 AM on February 10, 2024. “The implementation of these toll rates aids in the continuous maintenance and enhancement of our toll road while ensuring efficient and safe travel for our users. The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange has become a vital part of our network, significantly enhancing the connectivity and economic landscape of the region,” said Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President and General Manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc. The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, a critical section of CALAX, connects directly to the Aguinaldo Highway, facilitating smoother and faster travel to key tourism destination areas in Cavite, including Tagaytay and Silang. It was opened to motorists last November 8 with a f...

Imagine a life where top-notch transportation and delivery services don’t break the bank. That’s the forward-thinking reality Grab Philippines is crafting with its latest series of wallet-friendly offerings. GrabCar Saver, GrabFood Saver Delivery, and GrabFood Saver Meals, alongside innovative subscription plans like GrabUnlimited and Grab Ride Saver, are redefining what it means to live smartly and affordably in today’s fast-paced world.  Grace Vera Cruz, the visionary Country Head of Grab Philippines, articulates this bold new direction, “At Grab, we go beyond providing everyday services to our consumers, we are playing an active role towards enriching the lives of our kababayans across the country. We understand that safety, reliability, and convenience are the cornerstones of a modern, dynamic life, and with our latest cost-effective solutions, we’re inviting more Filipinos to experience a better way of living without the financial strain – m...

What if you're caught driving with an unregistered  or expired vehicle registration? Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II reminded delinquent motor vehicle owners of the renewed strict implementation of the “No Registration, No Travel” policy after the long Christmas and New Year break. The strict implementation of the policy comes with stiff penalties that include a P10,000 fine if caught by LTO enforcers and other agencies deputized by the agency “Starting next week, we will be reviving our strict ‘No Registration, No Travel’ campaign across the country, so wala ng warning lang. As such,  I would like to appeal to our delinquent motor vehicle owners to find time to renew the registration of their respective motor vehicles to avoid paying hefty fines,” said Mendoza. Early this month and under the guidance of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Mend...

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), is gearing up for the anticipated surge in traffic on the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), including its C5 Link segment, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as the holiday shopping and travel season enters full swing. From the third to the last week of December 2023, the toll road company anticipates a 15% to 20% surge in traffic for CAVITEX, primarily from motorists in Cavite heading to Manila. The average daily traffic count is projected to increase to 208,000 vehicles, up from the current 181,000. Meanwhile, for CALAX, MPT South expects a significant 35% increase in traffic, rising to 47,000 from last year’s 35,000 figures. This surge is attributed to travelers from Manila going to Tagaytay and nearby cities and municipalities via the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, providing motorists with quicker access to tourist destinati...

There are some changes at MRT-3 schedules this holiday season. MRT-3 will continue to operate during the coming Christmas and New Year holidays in order to continue providing services to passengers. The line will operate a regular weekday schedule for December 15, 18-22, 26-29, 2023 and January 2-3, 2024. Meanwhile, a weekend schedule will be used for December 16, 23, and 30, while the regular Sunday schedule will be observed on December 17. Adjusted operating hours for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; as well as on Christmas and New Year's Day itself. The details of the MRT-3 operating hours for the upcoming holidays are as follows: December 15, 18 to 22, 26 to 29, and January 2 to 3 (weekdays) First trip: 4:30am from North Avenue, 5:05am from Taft Avenue Last trip: 9:30pm from North Avenue, 10:09pm from Taft Avenue December 16, 23, and 30 (Saturdays) First trip: 4:37am from North Avenue, 5:18am from Taft Avenue ...

MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), has announced that, in less than a month, it has already surpassed its targeted daily traffic for the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, with the highest daily traffic exceeding11,000 vehicles—well beyond the projected 5,000 cars. This 4km segment of CALAX, which directly connects to Aguinaldo Highway, seamlessly transports motorists towards tourist destinations in Tagaytay, Silang, Dasmarinas, and other nearby cities and municipalities in the province of Cavite. Meanwhile, MPCALA states that construction for the remaining portion of the CALAX Cavite Segment continues in full swing. The next interchange will be a 7.9km 2×2 lane expressway that will extend from Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive in General Trias. As of date, more than 95% of the right-of-way for this segment has already been acquired, and the team has alr...

HATASU ebike just launched its newest three-wheeler model, the HATASU HERO today. This latest addition to their growing affordable, quality, and sustainable line-up of ebikes is a Multi-Use, Easy Go three-wheeler ebike that can cater to your daily riding needs, whether it be for household use, service, business, errands and even community. Multi-Use, Easy Go with HATASU HERO! Sporting a stylish front design with its Front Splash Guard and Eagle-Eye Headlights that resemble the iconic superhero mask, a Patented Leather Roof and Back Cover that’s similar to a hero cape, and Upgraded Functional Features like superhero powers, the HATASU HERO is the perfect riding companion to save you from daily travel needs. The HATASU HERO comes in Black/Grey and All Black colorways with a nationwide SRP of P64,990. Get yours now to receive a limited HATASU gift box worth P1790 upon purchase. On top of these, buyers of the HATASU HERO can earn 5 raffle en...