AIG bullish on construction opportunities in the Philippines

AIG’s Global Head of Construction Daniel Abramson shares insights in Managing risks in Cross-Border Construction, in a half-day forum with the Philippines’ top contractors and construction brokers held last January 22, at the Mandarin Oriental Manila. 


International Insurance leader AIG is bullish on new construction opportunities as the economic boom in the Philippines triggers further expansion in the large-scale building sector.

Based on the 2014 Philippine Report, the construction sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, with a 32.5% growth in the first quarter of 2013 and double-digit growth in successive quarters.

AIG’s international and regional construction experts spoke to members of the local construction and insurance industry at a half day forum in Makati City to showcase the company’s full spectrum of construction industry products and services.

"The ongoing expansion of the Philippines economy and growth in large-scale construction projects presents AIG with opportunities to expand its construction insurance portfolio in the Philippines, and offers the Philippines construction industry an opportunity to take advantage of AIG’s recently enhanced resources and capabilities in its construction and construction-industry product offerings," according to Daniel Abramson, AIG’s global head of construction.
                                                                                                 
"The forum on Managing Risks in Cross-Border Construction exemplifies AIG’s commitment to highlighting the importance and value of an experienced team with deep industry knowledge and underwriting expertise to offer its construction clients solutions for their complex risk transfer needs.  We are committed to providing innovative ways to deal with evolving risks in this sector.”

AIG invited its global and regional industry experts to share their insights with top contractors and construction brokers at the forum held at the Mandarin Oriental in Makati.

The meeting highlighted how a well-designed insurance solution can address complex risks and challenges in 21st century construction projects.

“We have tremendous depth of experience in construction, and other commercial endeavors, which help our clients manage, reduce, and avoid risks,” said AIG Philippines President and CEO, Mark Lwin.

AIG provides Infrastructure solutions backed by an experienced underwriting team and has 38 engineers focused on Asia Pacific and the Philippines.

This technical engineering expertise enables AIG to have a better understanding of risks across several industries which include Aviation, Energy, Property, and Marine.

AIG is a recognized market leader in the infrastructure sector and has unrivalled capabilities to support owners’ and contractors’ insurance needs.

Hundred Islands 100-km ultra int'l marathon slated in Pangasinan

PRESS RELEASE
February 6, 2014
Hundred Islands 100-km ultra int'l marathon slated in Pangasinan

The biggest international sporting event in 2014 is set to happen in Pangasinan. The first-ever 100-km. ultra international marathon fires-off on March 15-16, 2014. Starting from the Lucap wharf of Alaminos City, it will traverse the western Pangasinan towns of Bani, Anda and Bolinao, then back to Alaminos City.

The top winner in the open marathon will receive P100,000 and a trophy while the second and third place finishers will receive P30,000 and P20,000 respectively. A finisher’s medal and certificate will be given to all finishers.

The event will have an attendance coming from African nations such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya. Some European countries are also expected to participate, like runners from London. They will test the mettle of local ultra runners who recently topped international competitions.

Organized by RenderFarm Sports and JonesPR (a public affairs/marketing communications consultancy) for the benefit of Alaminos 100, the international marathon is widely supported by Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste and Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino, Jr., together with other LGU mayors. The ultra marathon actually coincides with the 2014 city fiesta of Alaminos City, Pangasinan on March 19-24, 2014. The ultra marathon serves as the ‘curtain-raiser’ of the festivities.

Alaminos City is home to Hundred Islands, a resort destination famous for its boating, swimming, diving and picnics. Alaminos City is known for its unique and tasty longganisa. Pangasinan is 170 km. north of Manila with an average temperature of 27.91 degrees centigrade. It will offer runners and their team an extraordinary start of their summer adventure as they explore the Hundred Islands and the white sand beaches of Anda and Bolinao.

Philip Pacle of RenderFarm Sports, one of the organizers and an ultra runner himself,  foresees “the race will be exciting since most of the runners will experience the thrill of running on 99% flat cement/asphalted roads with a 5-km winding and ascending route along Tiep, Bolinao going to the 50-km mark at night time. As it is a fast foot race, ‘curfew time’ is set at 18 hrs.”


At the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum (held Feb. 4),  the organizers of the Hundred Islands 100 Km. Ultra International Marathon launched the premier sports event to be held in Pangasinan from March 15-16, 2014. The marathon starts in Alaminos City and will cover the towns of Bani, Anda and Bolinao, then back to Alaminos City. The winner gets P100,000. Supported by Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste and Gov. Amado Espino, Jr., the marathon features the scenic route of western Pangasinan, especially the famous Hundred Islands. From left: Kazel Celeste of the Alaminos City Mayor's office, Jones T. Campos, Organizer and Marketing Director of the Ultra Marathon, Philip A. Pacle, Co-organizer and Race Director, and Ruby Bernardino, PIO of the office of the Pangasinan governor.


Another highlight of the ultra marathon is a 50-km marathon from Bolinao and will end in Alaminos City. Open to male and female marathoners, top prize is P20,000, while second and third place finishers get P10,000 and P7,000 respectively. Consolation prize for the 4th to 10th placers in the 100 km. ultra marathon is P5,000; while P4,000 to the 4th to the 10th placers of the 50 km marathon.

The ultra marathon hopes to put Alaminos City and Pangasinan in the international arena of world-class sporting events as it targets international and national participation. Promoting wellness and competitive sports, its organizers plan to institutionalize it as a regular multi-sport activity. Plans are underway to organize a mid-year triathlon.

Participants from Kenya arrived last week, while 2013 North Face 100 Km Trail Champion Arnold Lozano of Baguio City, 200 Km Champion Marcelo Bautista, BDM 100 Km 2013 Champion and record holder Joel Bengtay of La Trinidad, Benguet; and an elite runner from London have already signified their intention to join the ultra marathon. A Philippine Army team led by Crisencio Zabal, is also joining. Top runners from Davao and Samal are also joining the race.

Registration fee for the 100 km. ultra marathon is P3,500 and P3,000 for the 50-km marathon. Included in the registration are souvenir shirts (100 km), welcome drinks and snacks, get together party before the run, carbo loading, boat ride and island hopping at Quezon Island, Children’s Island and Governor’s Islands. Runners’ inclusion are:  singlet and bib, finisher’s shirt, finisher’s trophy, snacks at the 50k mark (100 km), finisher’s refreshment and snack, and vehicle support banner, if needed.

“We hope to generate more support from Philippines’ top corporations especially those who have sports products, or have sports as their CSR,” says Jones Campos, one of the organizers. Race director/organizer Philip Pacle likewise expresses hope that the success of the ultra marathon will be a milestone in his years of organizing running events.

Registration is ongoing until Feb. 28 via email only to: renderfarmsports@gmail.com (single entry per runner) and payment through BDO Acct. #5470348017 under Renderfarm Graphics. For details, contact Philip Aquino Pacle at 0922 260 4201, 0926 717 9344 or Jones T. Campos – 0917 818 1015; or visit www.Renderfarmtown.com; Pinoy Fitness; and Takbo.ph for complete information.

Let Christian Bautista be your ‘Ace of Hearts’ this Valentine’s date



Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, with his soothing voice and memorable ballads, will serenade those who will watch his Heart’s Day show “Ace of Hearts,” February 14, 8 p.m., at the Ace Hotel, Kapitolyo, Pasig. The show will be his first V Day show in the country in recent years.

“It feels good to, once again, be part of the Valentine’s Day celebration of Filipinos – may they be single, in a relationship, or married,” says Christian. “Iba pa rin siyempre ‘pag Pinoy ang nag-se-celebrate ng Valentine’s.”

The show’s repertoire will include some of the most romantic OPM and international tunes, plus some of Christian’s biggest hits like The Way You Look At Me, Everything You Do, among others.

The Romantic Balladeer will also be joined by two revered theater actresses Sheila Valderrama, who recently bagged the Best New Female Recording Artist from the Awit Awards, and Cris Villonco, Christian’s leading lady in the upcoming musical “Ghost.”

The concert will also be the first time that Christian and Cris will perform a song from the musical, slated to premiere mid of 2014.
“It will be a romantic show,” assures Christian. “I hope you will come and join me in this romantic musical journey.”

Ace Water Spa also provides a unique romantic experience as it is the first Spa in the country that boasts of incorporating European Spa Concepts.

For tickets to the show and inquiries about the hotel, please visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph.

Fall in love with The CompanY this Valentine’s Day



The CompanY, composed of Moy Ortiz (Bass), Annie Quintos (Soprano 2), Cecile Bautista (Alto), Sweet Plantado (Soprano 1), Jay Marquez (Tenor 1), continues to be the country’s Premiere Vocal Group with endless singing engagements and hit albums. This Valentine’s Day, let The CompanY serenade you with international-calibre musicality in the show “ValenTunes with the Company,” 8:00 p.m., Crowne Plaza, Ortigas.
Before the show, a special dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m.
The CompanY will perform some of their memorable hits and their own rendition of today’s biggest tunes and some romantic modern classics. Included in the repertoire are “Marry you,” “Treasure,” and “My Humps.”

The country’s premiere vocal group continues to be in-demand in various engagements in Manila and provinces, and also abroad. Veterans of the concert circuit both here and abroad, The CompanY have had the privilege of sharing the stage with international acts like The Manhattan Transfer, Jim Brickman, Noel Pointer, John Ford Coley, David Pack, Ambrosia, Survivor, Kalapana, Kenny Rankin, Michael Buble, Steve Tyrell and Basia.

“We would like to invite everyone to join us for a memorable night of good music,” says Moy. “They CompanY promises a night full of love and beautiful music.”

The CompanY is being managed by STAGES Management, which takes care of careers of Christian Bautista, Karylle, Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos, Nanette Inventor, among others.

For tickets and inquiries,  please call 633-7222 and visit www.facebook.com/crownplazamanila.