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This Week in Metro Manila (October 16 to 22, 2017)
A two-day transport strike, major malls new schedule, and more news in the metro this week!
By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | October 16, 2017
The holidays are indeed closing in as major shopping malls have already adjusted their operating schedule. This gives shoppers more time to purchase Christmas presents while avoiding the heavy traffic in EDSA—an almost inevitable thing especially since this week will experience rainy weather. Meanwhile at home, a few pesos will be added to electricity bills as a result of higher generation charge.
Two-day transport strike in Metro Manila
A transport strike was organized a month ago with the same battle cry. (Image: Piston Transport’s Facebook Page)
Commuters from many areas of Metro Manila such as Alabang, Monumento, Cubao, Novaliches, and Commonwealth, as well as those coming from neighboring areas including Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Camanava, might have a difficult time commuting on October 16 and 17 as Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and transport group PISTON will hold a transport strike as a protest against the jeepney modernization program proposed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Commuters are advised to leave early to avoid possible traffic due to the protest or to find another mode of transportation.
Mall operating hours adjusted
There are many shopping malls located around the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). (Image: GenGen Kemaanan)
In an effort to lessen the heavy traffic during the holiday season, malls located around EDSA will adjust their operating hours on weekdays to 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM starting October 15 to January 15, 2018. Moreover, deliveries for non-perishable goods will operate from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM only. Perishable goods are exempted.
Currently, there are at least 16 malls located along the entire stretch of EDSA, from Caloocan to Pasay. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the malls agreed to comply with the adjustment of their operating hours. This was done to lessen by at least 600 the number of vehicles entering every mall. The MMDA also expects that at least 3,000 vehicles will be off during the rush hour when the plan is implemented.
Masing’s Special Barbecue, Bibingka, and Puto Bumbong
Masing’s bibingka topped with salted egg. (Image: Mark Vergel Navarro)
Along with Christmas songs, carols, and decorations, Filipinos also associate bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (cylindrical cake) with the holiday season. These treats can serve as great pasalubongs or souvenirs for loved ones at home. Masing’s Special Barbecue, Bibingka, and Puto Bumbong at Boni Ave, Mandaluyong has been producing affordable and delicious bibingka and puto bumbong since 1980.
The bibingka is sold for PhP45, while the puto bumbong is at PhP30 for the regular version and PhP35 with cheese.
Electricity bills to increase this October
Higher generation charges cause increase in electricity bills.
An adjustment of PhP0.0345 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be applied to consumers’ electricity bills this October, according to Manila Electric Co (Meralco). This means that those who consume 200 kwh per month can expect a PhP6.00 increase in their monthly bill, while those who consume 300 kwh will get a PhP9.00 increase, and those who use up 500 kwh can expect a Php15.00 increase. According to Meralco, the higher charge is caused by the surge on generation charges.
Cold and rainy week ahead
It is best to bring protection from the rain every day this week.
Rainy days are expected throughout the week with thunderstorms occurring in the afternoon. It might be helpful to bring a jacket for the cold winds that will go along with the rain, as well as an umbrella for the downpour. Commuters might have to extend their patience as the traffic might affect their travels. The lowest temperature would be 24° while the highest would be at 26°.
The Wednesday Café
The café serves coffee, sandwiches, and sweets. (Image: The Wednesday Café’s Instagram Page)
After shopping for Christmas presents, you can take a break at the newly-opened The Wednesday Café at SM Megamall. Despite being named after the gloomy Wednesday Addams of the Addam’s Family, the café boasts an effortless charm in its interior, a visual treat which goes well with its thin layer pancakes and crêpes, which are perfect for a quick bite after shopping.
The café is located at the ground floor of SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas, Mandaluyong. It is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM from Monday to Friday. On weekends it is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Yexel’s Toy Museum
One of the most popular rooms in the museum is the Iron Man-themed room. (Image: Yexel’s Toy Museum’s Facebook Page)
Toys are usual Christmas gifts, but not only children can enjoy them. You don’t have to be a toy collector or a toy enthusiast to enjoy the personal toy collection of Yexel Sebastian, which is in full display at Yexel’s Toy Museum inside Manila Ocean Park. Numerous life-size statues of famous movie characters and pop culture personalities can be seen in six themed rooms.
If the visit makes you want to start your own collection, there’s a toy souvenir shop located inside the museum. Entrance is PhP500. The museum is open from 10:00AM to 7:00 PM.
Whiskey Live: Manila
Gourmet foods will be served along with the whiskies. (Image: Whisky Live Manila’s Facebook Page)
Whiskey Live is a whisky-tasting event that is held all over the world to share the diverse kinds of whiskies from different countries. This October 20 and 21, Filipino whisky connoisseurs can taste the finest whiskies under one roof at Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Besides whisky tasting, there would be talks from veteran whisky makers, producers, and distributors. Those who are interested in the event can visit Whisky Live’s website for tickets.
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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