Second Batch of MRT-3 Escalators Up for Rehab

zzup Pilipinas!

The second batch of conveyance facilities of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is set for restoration, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the contract to rehabilitate the remaining escalators of the metropolis’ main light rail line.

The P65.48-million project, which covers all 34 Mitsubishi-brand escalators, was awarded to International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEEI) through the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service.

IEEI holds proprietary rights to rehabilitate this second batch of escalators, being the brand’s exclusive distributor. It will undertake such works within 223 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

This project aims to provide relief to commuters — especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women — by causing the refurbishment of escalators located inside the following stations:

Araneta Center-Cubao (8 units)
Shaw Boulevard (8 units)
Boni (2 units)
Buendia (4 units)
Ayala (10 units)
Taft (2 units)

The remaining batch of conveyance facilities that is under procurement consists of the total replacement of 32 escalators, which became obsolete in 2013. Earlier this year, the DOTC announced the completion of the first batch of escalator refurbishment.

These efforts to rehabilitate the line’s conveyance facilities are among the various projects of the DOTC to modernize and improve the MRT-3.

Upland Tingguian Lowland Iloko: Shared Convention of Tingguian and Ilokano Weaving Traditions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Abra, a former Ilocos town, now among the provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), has a rich texture of social, political and cultural history. Abreños are largely Tingguians and Ilocanos.

The centuries-old impaod (backstrap) weaving and its many forms, developed through rituals and dreams, are so much a piece of history of the people (Itnegs) of the Tineg River. Pinaing is the goddess of the women weavers who were taught to weave at the age of ten.

The Tingguian colors are predominantly muted. Natural dyes such as malatayum plant (for indigo) were prominent in the designs of the olden days.

The ethnic handwoven fabric comes in the forms of traditional garments, blankets, scarves, table covers and many more.

"Upland Tingguian Lowland Iloko"
Shared Convention of Tingguian and Ilokano Weaving Traditions
May 28 - June 26, 2016
PRINT GALLERY, BENCAB MUSEUM
Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan,
Tuba, Benguet, Philippines
Tel /Fax: (+63 74) 442 7165
Email: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com

Crusader: Painting by Orly Ypon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Orley Ypon hails from Toledo, Cebu, Philippines. He discovered a love for art at a very early age, doing portraits of himself and of family and friends throughout his growing years.

Orley left Cebu Province at 17 after a few semesters at the Cebu Institute of Technology taking up Architecture to make his mark in Manila. A series of jobs as an export handicraft artist led him all over the country from Pampanga, Paete, Laguna and Davao. He eventually returned to Cebu to study at the UP College of Fine Arts before leaving school to become a full-time artist.

The 39-year old artist has achieved much since his young years. A constant finalist in painting exhibitions in the Visayas and Metro Manila, Orley gained attention when he won the First Prize in the Art Association of the Philippines' National On-The-Spot Painting Competition in 2001. In the same year, Orley made his mark at the Art Petron National Painting Competition, bagging the Grand Prize in 2001 for "Ober-Ober". He won the Grand Prize in the same competition for the second time in 2004 for "Pamaling", earning him the honor of being the first Hall-of-Famer in the history of the Art Petron Painting Competitions. In 2008, Orley won the 2nd Prize in the GSIS Painting Competition for his piece, "Ahon", considered by peers and critics to be a breakthrough creation for its adherence to traditional technique but showing depth and variety in the artists' choice of subject and composition. It showed an evocative nature previously unseen in his earlier work. His current creations manifest the artist developing his objectives into themes that convey social issues, the human condition, and further expanding into new dimensions of his art. His latest achievements are winning the Grand Prize in International Artist Magazine's International Painting Competition in the People and Figures Division for 2009, Honorable Mention in the latest Members Only Competition of the Portrait Society of America and the Grand Prize in the Amorsolo National Painting Competition. He was also recently given the Ani Ng Dangal award in 2011, an honor given by the National Commission of Culture and Arts of the Philippines.

Orley continues to paint his favorite scenes of life and culture while continuously evolving his traditional technique through study and awareness of contemporary art forms. He holds occasional exhibits in Metro Manila and is based in Pasig City, Philippines.

May 28 - June 26, 2016
BENCAB Museum
Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan,
Tuba, Benguet, Philippines
Tel /Fax: (+63 74) 442 7165
Email: bencabartfoundation@gmail.com