Government will spend ₱2 Billion for new Philippine Airforce runway in Cagayan de oro

The government will set aside about ₱1 billion to redevelop Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City into an air force base.

Gov't sets aside ₱2B for dev't of airports

The government has earmarked about ₱2 billion over the next two years to redevelop and redesignate airports in Cavite and Cagayan de Oro to decongest the country's main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Metro Manila.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said the plan would be implemented in two stages, starting with the relocation of an air force base in Sangley Point, Cavite to Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro.

With Sangley Point freed up, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) may redevelop the area into a general aviation services hub for Metro Manila.

The main hub for general aviation services—which include flying schools and corporate flights—is currently located at the Naia complex, which borders the cities of Pasay and Parañaque.

Abaya estimated that it would cost the government ₱1 billion to have the Philippine Air Force replicate its facilities in Lumbia, which used to be the gateway to Cagayan de Oro before Laguindingan Airport was opened earlier this month.

"We will give them [Philippine Air Force] a year to relocate," Abaya said, referring to the 15th Strike Wing housed at the Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point.

"Once they have transferred we can take possession of Sangley and develop it for a year for another ₱1 billion," Abaya said, describing a general aviation hub that may serve all the needs of Metro Manila.

Sangley has also been considered as a possible site for a new international airport. The plan is being pursued by a Filipino consortium and a Malaysian group.

Abaya confirmed that one of the contenders is William Tieng of the Solar Group.

"In Sangley, there are two proponents. They are finishing their feasibility studies," Abaya said.

The DOTC has been looking into options to increase runway efficiency and decongest flights at Naia. Part of the plan is to develop provincial airports into international air facilities.

"It is very important for tourists to land very close to the beach or their hotel rooms. So when tourists fly directly to a provincial international airport, that may further decongest Naia," Abaya said.

With report from Inquirer and CDODev.com

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160 years old “Pinoy Tanduay Rum” with a natural effect like of Viagra is coming soon to America

Tanduay Rum coming soon to the USA

Tanduay Distillers Inc. a 160 years of pinoy rum brand spirit has marked its foray into the export market after tapping a US marketing Consultant Company in a bid to export rum to the US market starting July 2013.

In a statement, Tanduay Distillers Inc. said it has tapped Brand Action Team, Beacon Beverage Imports and MHW Ltd. to drive the introduction of its rum product to the US market.

"As we began to lay the groundwork for making Tanduay a global brand, it was clear that the United States was an important, yet untapped market," Tanduay Distillers president Lucio K. Tan, Jr. said in a statement.

Rum exports to US will start next month, targeting an initial volume of 5,000 cases, said chief operating officer Wilson T. Young.

"This is our first foray into the export market," he said in a phone interview.

"We believe in the brand and that the world is ready for Tanduay. We chose the US market because it has a growing market for rum."

On Wednesday, LT Group president Michael Tan said that the brand is banking on its authenticity to expand overseas.

"Tanduay rum is known worldwide, and we're the authentic rum while others have flavored rum," he said.

Tanduay Asian Rum will introduce Silver Tanduay and Gold Tanduay in the US. The launch of these rums is scheduled this summer in select markets.

"Tanduay is a true Asian jewel. With more than 160 years of heritage pleasing rum lovers around the world, Tanduay is ready to hit the market. This is a brand that US consumers are going to love," said Brand Action managing partner Steve Raye.

Brand Action is a marketing consulting company specializing in helping spirit brands enter and grow in the US market.

Beacon Beverage will focus on distribution and key account management while MHW Ltd. of Manhassey, New York will be responsible for the administrative, regulatory compliance, transportation, logistics and other services related to the import and physical distribution of Tanduay in the US.

Established in the Philippines in 1854, with more than 160 years of heritage pleasing rum lovers around the world, Tanduay is ready to hit the US market. This is a brand that US consumers are going to love, and we're thrilled to bring this award-winning rum to America," Brand Action Team managing partner Steve Raye said.

Tanduay is the second biggest-selling rum in the world next to South American brand Bacardi, said the company.

With report from ABS-CBN, GMA News and Rappler.com

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The ₱7.8-Billion Philippines’ biggest International Airport in CIC will open to the city of Gold & Waterfalls in June 15

New gateway to Northern Mindanao gets 'safety approval'

Situated in the center of the Cagayan- Iligan Corregidor (CIC), Philppines' one of the biggest International Airport is scheduled to open this Saturday June 15, 2013.

President Aquino inspected yesterday the ₱7.8-billion Laguindingan International Airport here, dubbed as the gateway to northern Mindanao, which is set to open on June 15.

The Laguindingan International airport, which can cater up to 1.6 million passengers a year, is the first newly-built airport to be opened under the Aquino administration. The new airport, a joint project of the Philippine government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea, however still lacks the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to accommodate flights beyond sunset. For now, the new hub will operate using visual flight rules (VFR) to assist pilots to operate the aircraft during daytime and clear weather.

Flights will depart the Laguindingan airport from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., except when there is severe weather disturbances, officials from the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines said.

"The navigational aids will be installed no later than May 2014. But we are trying to expedite that process to put all of these aids in place sooner than that," he added.

"It is much safer here compared to Lumbia airport. And that has been attested to by (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) director-general William Hotchkiss when they met with all the stakeholders," the President told Palace reporters in a chance interview.

The Lumbia airport in Cagayan de Oro City – a 30-minute drive from Laguindingan – is on an elevated and mountainous area, which is blamed for navigational problems, particularly during nighttime, apart from the zero or poor visibility during inclement weather. Flights are sometimes diverted to Cebu.

"The general opinion is even without the navigational aids, this Laguindingan Airport is safer than Lumbia, owing to its terrain, the ridges up to the approach when the planes take off," Aquino said.

The International airport in Laguindingan sits on a 180-hectare land in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and is located 46 kilometers from the city center of Cagayan de Oro and 61.9 kilometers from Iligan City.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno thanked the Aquino administration and the Korean government for the facility.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the new airport is "one of the country's biggest," and is capable of accommodating A320-330 Airbus planes, which can carry more than 300 passengers.

He said airplanes can land here "any day of the year under any weather condition" and it is a "much safer" facility.

The idea of building an airport here was first raised during the time of Aquino's mother, the late President Corazon Aquino.

The Laguindingan International airport can connect to both Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, and accommodate around 1.6 million passengers every year.

It is seen to boost the tourism department's "It's more fun in Philippines" campaign.

The airport has a terminal of 7,184 square meters. It was constructed with the support of Korea Eximbank with a loan of $48.2 million and export credit of $62.8 million, or $111 million of the total project cost of $167 million.

Abaya said the operation and maintenance of the Laguindingan airport would be bid out to the private sector through the public-private partnership program. 

What's inside the City of Waterfalls (Iligan City) and the City of the Golden Friendship (Cagayan de Oro City)?

Cagayan de Oro City - may very well be the happiest place in the country. The "City of Golden Friendship," as it is sometimes called, is home to especially friendly and warm Filipinos. Their ready smiles are a fitting welcome, with Cagayan de Oro's accessible location also making it the "Gateway to Northern Mindanao." of golden Friendship.

Cagayan de Oro's much talked-about whitewater rafting and river trekking makes it the premier whitewater destination in the country. The Cagayan de Oro River is famed for challenging rapids that quickly follow one after the other. It's really an experience like no other and well worth the initial scare. They say the wild river helps you discover your inner strength and endurance. Nice! Character-building fun!

Still not enough thrills for you? Make sure you visit the Macahambus Hill Cave and Gorge. Ask your Tourism officer about the Battle of Macahambus Hill, the first Filipino victory against the Americans. Admire the view from the 120-meter long Sky Bridge suspended 120 feet from the ground, and then take the 120-meter breathtaking zipline.

More action-packed fun awaits you at Jatico Adventures. A five-course zipline, ATV rides, and hiking trails are among the many things on offer.

Not to be missed are the Mapawa Nature Park for its waterfalls, trekking, and rappelling.

It's not all thrill rides though. What's a great adventure without culture and heritage?

Understand local customs and traditions at the Museo de Oro. Or acquaint yourself with the people of Northern Mindanao at the Museum of Three Cultures. and the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village for its showcase of tribal houses of the Subanen Tribe set amidst nature trails.

At the General MacArthur Marker, you'll learn more about the role played by Cagayan de Oro in history and about US General MacArthur, one of the most important figures of World War II.

Admire the centuries-old stained glass panels of the Gothic St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. While nearby, the tree-lined Gaston Park is a relaxing haven in the city.

In Cagayan de Oro, the month of August is synonymous with the Kagay-an Festival. This almost two week-long celebration has a carnival-like atmosphere, and is dedicated to its patron, St. Augustine. It's a full-blast party, with activities such as agricultural trade fairs and a cultural street dancing parade and competition. The highlight of the celebration is the Golden Float Parade. Make sure to bring your shades! The bright colors will dazzle you.

Cagayan de Oro has something for the eco-tourist as well as the sports lover. So, grab your backpacks and head to where nature's beauty will thrill you. This happy place could very well leave you with a smile on your face.

Iligan City – the City of Waterfalls

Iligan City is part of the province of Lanao del Norte. It's mostly bordered by land, except for its west where Iligan Bay lies. The city is made up of flat cultivated coastal land, volcanic hills, and mountains with waterfalls and cold springs.

The area's climate is temperate. The city isn't in the path of typhoons, and the rain falls evenly.

The city is part of the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Corridor, the fastest developing area in Northern Mindanao. But while very much a city, Iligan is still connected to nature.

Of its approximately 20 waterfalls, Maria Cristina Falls is the grandest. Its power is such that It supplies hydroelectric power to a large part of Mindanao.

A little more unexpected is the National Power Corporation (NPC) Nature Park – a nature park within a hydroelectric power plant.

Natural springs are also an attraction. Of the more than a dozen known ones, the most popular is Timoga Cold Spring.

The 487-meter Mt. Agad-Agad may be Iligan's highest mountain, but it's an easy climb. It's a popular spot for hiking and camping.

Iligan also has something for the more laid-back traveler. The Anahaw Open Amphitheater is the city's premier music, sports and event venue.

There's also the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House, the only house in Mindanao that two Philippine presidents have lived in. The family of presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (his daughter) donated the house to the city government.

With report from PhilSTAR , Yahoo News and Its More fun in the Philippines

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KOREA Inviting PHILIPPINE company; Show your Product to Increase EXPORT

Local firms invited to join Korean trade fairs

Filipino firms are being encouraged to participate in trade fairs in South Korea to increase exports of Philippine products to that country.

Ki Bong Moon, second deputy head of the trade and investment unit of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - Korea Centre, said in an interview the organization is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Center, for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to encourage Filipino firms to take part in trade fairs being held in South Korea.

"There is very low awareness on Philippine products (in South Korea) so we invite Philippine companies to go to Korea," he said.

To encourage Filipino firms to take part in trade fairs in South Korea, he said the ASEAN-Korea Centre is providing airline tickets and accommodation of selected companies during the trade shows.

The companies are selected by the organization with the DTI and CITEM based on a set of guidelines.

Moon said that for an upcoming trade fair for healthy food to be held in August, the ASEAN-Korea Centre is inviting two Filipino companies to participate.

For another food trade show being held in November, he said four Filipino firms would be invited.

He said the organization wants to encourage Filipino firms to participate in South Korea's trade fairs so that more Philippine products would be made available in Korea.

He noted that exports of South Korea to the Philippines were valued at $8.2 billion in 2012.

Philippine exports to South Korea however, amounted to a much lower $3.2 billion last year.

"We want to encourage Philippine manufacturers to bring their products to Korea," Moon said noting that the Philippines has many products which could cater to the Korean market.

He said among the Philippine products of interest to South Koreans are muscovado and calamansi.

"It is very critical for the Philippines to increase its exports to Korea," he added.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization mandated to promote the economic and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN member states and Korea.

Among the ASEAN member countries, the Philippines is Korea's fifth largest trading partner with trade volume between the two hitting $11.5 billion last year.

With report from philSTAR

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FIFA to probe punishment Hong Kong's racism; booed! Philippine Nat'l Anthem, "Slaves", middle finger up, threw bottles to women and children

HK investigates racism at Philippines friendly

Reports of racist abuse during Hong Kong's home friendly against the Philippines this week are being investigated by local football authorities.

Hong Kong fans at Tuesday's game called their Filipino counterparts "slaves," threw bottles at them and booed the Philippines national anthem, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper and a Filipino journalist at the game. The Philippines won 1-0.

The Hong Kong Football Association will release an official report to the public and FIFA after it completes its investigation, spokesman Benny Chan said on Wednesday (June 5, 2013).

Philippines football officials said they were waiting for a report from their team before deciding whether to complain to FIFA.

The incident comes as FIFA decided last week to treat racist abuse more seriously by toughening up punishments.

Cedelf Tupas, a Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter, said the hostility began before the game even started.

 Reports of racist abuse during Hong Kong's home friendly against the Philippines this week are being investigated by local football authorities.

Hong Kong fans at Tuesday's game called their Filipino counterparts "slaves," threw bottles at them and booed the Philippines national anthem, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper and a Filipino journalist at the game. The Philippines won 1-0.

The Hong Kong Football Association will release an official report to the public and FIFA after it completes its investigation, spokesman Benny Chan said on Wednesday.

Philippines football officials said they were waiting for a report from their team before deciding whether to complain to FIFA.

The incident comes as FIFA decided last week to treat racist abuse more seriously by toughening up punishments.

Cedelf Tupas, a Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter, said the hostility began before the game even started.

with report from phiSTAR

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Philippine immigration DEPORTED Arrogant CHINESE, bullying Pinoy Crew

Philippines deports obnoxious Chinese tourist

MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese man has been deported from the Philippines after a flight attendant said he was bullied before take-off in Shanghai on Friday.

A Philippines Airlines flight crew filed a complaint against Chinese tourist Liu Biqing, 47, with Philippine immigration officers upon arrival at Manila's international airport, leading to his immediate deportation, said the Manila Bulletin.

According to the report, Liu, after impatiently waiting for a hot towel prior, "barged into the galley and grabbed one hot towel by reaching over the shoulders" of flight attendant Josef Randall Tolentino. Liu "whisked" the towel towards Tolentino's face, splattering the flight attendant in the face.

Instead of apologising, Liu yelled and "maintained his rude and arrogant demeanor", the Bulletin quoted flight attendant Catherine Guinto.

"Let this small act and incident show the people of China that they cannot mistreat Filipinos and get away with it," Tolentino reportedly said, commenting on Liu's deportation.

The episode comes amid mounting tensions over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, which has stoked nationalistic sentiment in both countries.

It also comes on the heels of another incident of air rage by a Chinese passenger. Early last month, a Hong Kong Airlines flight attendant confronted a Chinese military police officer who had demanded that a take-off be delayed so she could buy cigarettes.

China is the fourth-biggest country of origin of tourists for the Philippines. About 132,000 Chinese tourists visited the country in the first quarter, according to the national Department of Tourism.

ETN Global Travel Industry News

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Philippine Azkals beat Hong Kong for the first time, behind mammoth Neil Etheridge performance

Hong Kong became the latest name on a growing list of countries the Philippines have finally defeated under manager Dan Palami and coach Michael Weiss, as the Azkals edged out the home team, 1-0, on Tuesday, at the Mong Kok Stadium in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

James Younghusband scored the lone goal in the 33rd minute, climbing above his man to reach the ball after a defensive error. Hong Kong had a penalty in the second, but top scorer Chan Siu Ki opted to pass the ball down the middle and Neil Etheridge stopped it with his legs.

Etheridge made another good save later on, from a flicked-on header on a corner, before saving once more from Chan Siu Ki, as Hong Kong opened up the Philippines, but the Fulham goalkeeper spread himself big to block the poked effort from point-blank range.

It was a solid performance overall for the Azkals in difficult rainy conditions, and now they have recorded their first-ever win over Hong Kong.

First half

Both teams started the match at a fast tempo, pushing hard and high, passing and moving without the ball. For the opening skirmishes though, the teams largely canceled each other out.

The best chance of the early stages came when Stephan Schrock tried a cheeky effort from just outside the area, making the ball bounce on the wet surface right in front of the keeper to force an awkward stop from young Chinese Super League goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai.

The Azkals then countered as Jeffrey Christiaens drove forward with the ball and found Schrock. With Christiaens bursting down the center to Schrock's right, the Bundesliga midfielder took the ball outside the last defender and tried to chip into the middle to find Christiaens, but the cross was just too high.

It looked as if Hong Kong had avoided the danger even though the Philippines won back possession, and Schrock curled in a cross from the left. But with a poor touch to clear the ball away, Chan Wai Ho, Hong Kong's captain, spooned the ball up in the air and James Younghusband stole in to jump over his marker and head towards goal.

The ball creeped into the corner, despite Yapp at full stretch, as the older Younghusband scored his eighth international goal for the Philippines in the 33rd minute.

Hong Kong was then forced into an early substitution as Chu Siu Kei came out limping, replaced by Lam Ka Wai. Then, Neil Etheridge wasn't certain a cross-shot wasn't creeping in. The keeper dove at full stretch to tip it away from goal and Carli De Murga swept up to clear the ball out for a corner.

From the corner, the Hong Kong captain Chan got up amongst the crowd to glance a header just wide of the goal, sending a warning shot to the Azkals defense in the 38th minute.

Second half

Hong Kong pressed forward, and a decent cross found Chan Siu Ki in the 52nd minute but his header bounced wide. The home team then made a double substitution with Lee Wai Lim and Jaimes McKee replacing Lee Hong Lim and Chan Mai Fai to keep legs fresh. After Schrock chipped the ball over in the 64th minute, Hong Kong made their fourth substitution, with Lo Kwan Yee on for Kwok Kin Pong.

Hong Kong then won a penalty. Juani Guirado seemed to slide for an age while catching his man in the pouring rain in the 67th minute, and the Hong Kong attacker smartly went down.

Before Chan Siu Ki took the penalty, OJ Porteria came on for Rob Gier as a striker replaced a central defender, while the Philippines' captain's armband was handed to a third player in the match. Chan decided to pass the penalty down the middle, and though Neil Etheridge dove to his right, he managed to get a foot to the ball. With the ball bobbling, Etheridge was quick to kick it clear, as he kept the Azkals ahead with his second penalty save- the first coming against North Korea in the 2012 Challenge Cup.

Marwin Angeles came on in the 70th minute for Paul Mulders, while Wong Wai replaced Leung Chun Ping for Hong Kong later. Chan Man Fai earned the next booking for dangerously sliding in on Schrock from behind, while luckily avoiding punishment for a short headbutt that missed Chris Greatwich.

Hong Kong almost equalized when Lam Ka Wai curled in a corner at the near post in the 85th minute, and a glanced header almost snuck in until an alert Etheridge reacted quickly. Cheung Kin Fung struck a free kick around the wall but into Etheridge's hands.

Hong Kong got their best chance against the Azkals from open play. Lee Hong Lim split two defenders to feed his teammate, whose low cross to the backpost went behind the Azkals' line. Chan Siu Ki was onto it and poked towards goal, but Etheridge pulled off another fantastic stop from point-blank range as he underlined a man of the match performance.

If there was any doubt that Neil Etheridge was not the Philippines' number one keeper, it was erased with this performance, stopping all of Hong Kong's seven shots on target from eighteen total, compared to the Philippines' seven shots and two on target.

Into injury time, Lexton Moy made a cameo appearance, having replacing Javier Patino in the line-up, as the latter wasn't released by his Thai club Buriram United.

What's next for the Philippines?

It was a good victory away from home for the Philippines. The Azkals will be applauded, as Neil Etheridge and Stephan Schrock stood out. Fans would have wanted to see Manny and Mike Ott brought on though, as they traveled from Germany.

The Azkals have a friendly with India scheduled on September 6 next, though there are more FIFA international dates in between, with time to prepare for the SEA Games at the end of 2013 and the 2014 Challenge Cup next March.

The Peace Cup will likely be repeated, too. But for now, the team can rest on their fourth straight win in 2013 and their fourth straight clean sheet – with clinical finishing and great goalkeeping spelling the difference between the sides. - RAF,

GMA News

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Health research initiatives begins in The Philippines, $800 Million US Dollars

Laboratory Medicine -Manila Doctors Hospital

A new law is expected to boost medical research in the Philippines, potentially opening doors to greater private sector involvement in the health services industry.

On May 7 President Benigno Aquino ratified legislation passed by the parliament earlier this year that formalizes the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) and establishes the Philippine National Health Research Fund.

The PNHRS's main role will be to set policies and directions, periodically review and approve long-term plans and programs, and evaluate and approve the national health research agenda. The PNHRS will be governed by a council headed by the secretary of science and technology and the secretary of health, with representatives from the Commission on Higher Education, the chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila, the executive director of the National Nutrition Council, the director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, as well as five representatives from the private sector.

The PNHRS itself is not new, although formalizing its status and funding marks a policy change. The program was initially set out in the middle of the past decade to finance the training of more health scientists and provide the necessary resources for undertaking research aligned with the government's health strategies. Among the key agencies involved in the scheme are the Department of Health; the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), an agency under the Department of Science and Technology that serves as the national coordinating body for health research; and the Commission on Higher Education.

Research and development work to be conducted within the remit of the PNHRS will in part be financed by the higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol that went into effect on January 1. The price of cigarettes is expected to double by 2017, while the cost of a bottle of beer is will rise by P23.50 ($0.56). The PCHRD will receive 10% of the revenues collected, which will then be used to fund the PNHRS.

This would represent a significant financial boost to health research, as official estimates put the earnings from the so-called sin tax at $800m for 2013, thus potentially channeling $80m into the system this year alone.

According to Juan Edgardo Angara, a representative in parliament and one of the authors of the PNHRS bill, the program will provide a framework to strengthen cooperation among the various stakeholders in health research, including private sector players.

"The country must provide for a favorable research environment wherein government agencies, non-government organizations, public and private hospitals, academic institutions and private agencies can optimize their research activities," Angara said.

The Aquino administration has already been pushing to encourage greater private sector involvement in the health care industry. Through its public-private partnership program, the government has partially corporatized some hospitals and health centers, opening them up to private investment and management. With the PNHRS fully operational, there will likely be greater support for private research projects, which could benefit such segments of the economy as the pharmaceutical sector, with the $14bn industry currently growing at a rate of between 3% and 4% each year.

Even with additional funding and a structure to steer and monitor health research activities, it will take time for the Philippines to address structural weaknesses. At present, the country is lagging in most international assessments of research support. Spending on research is around 0.03% of national health expenditure, well short of the 2% recommended by the World Health Organization. Total outlays on research and development in all fields, not just health, account for just over 0.1% of GDP, according to the World Bank, compared to Singapore's 2.37%.

By building capacity for research and development, the PNHRS will help fuel the innovation that could ultimately improve the health of the nation.

Oxford Business Group

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CHINA made - IOS/Android “WeChat” Spy Apps downloaded and patronized by Millions of PINOYS? BEWARE!

CHINA "WeChat" Sees Huge Boost in Philippines After Star-Studded TV Ads - Iya Villania and Drew Arellano

Since ramping up TV and social marketing in the Philippines last month, China-made messaging app WeChat has been holding onto the top position in the country's free app rankings for both iOS and Android.

As we've seen in other countries, there is a WeChat television advertisement being aired in the Philippines, which of course helps boost the app's popularity there. In the country, WeChat's chosen brand ambassadors are Iya Villania and Drew Arellano.

Looking over the app charts, WeChat's closest rivals look to be Japan-based Line and Viber. The latter two are currently placed in the top seven free overall apps on Google Play. Viber though, is not as popular on iOS, it is ranked at 34th while Line occupies the fourth spot there. Of course, downloads don't equate to active user numbers.

Just last week, we saw WeChat attempt to bring its battle with Line to the Nokia Asha platform, which will help in emerging markets like the Philippines. The Tencent-run app records a staggering 195 monthly active users right now, with the latest number of users outside China being 50 million.

Tencent is pushing WeChat particularly hard in Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Mexico, where it already seems to be taking off.

Will the app prevail in its battle for the Pinoy market against the other chat apps? And let's not forget Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. There are still a lot of users to be won over.

ASEAN countries must beware as USA and China is now sparring for Cyber Espionage initiated by China leaking all Future US Defense Plan and technology with the same issue happened in Australia and South Korea. This "WeChat" App might find vulnerabilities of your phone leak your all confidential information to untrustworthy China.

With report from Tech In ASIA

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Indonesia offered CN-235 Military Airbus to the Philippines and call for Investments

The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined transport plane that was jointly developed by CASA of Spain and Indonesian manufacturer IPTN, as a regional airliner and military transport. Its primary military roles include maritime patrol, surveillance, and air transport. Its largest user is Turkey which has 61 aircraft. The project was a joint venture between Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) and Indonesian Aerospace (PT. Dirgantara Indonesia), formerly known as IPTN, which formed Airtech to manage the programme. The partnership applied only to the Series 10 and Series 100/110, with later versions being developed independently. Over 230 of all versions of CN-235 are in service and have accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours. Primary users are Spanish Air Force, Turkish Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and Irsih Air Corps

A government minister has called on several Indonesian industries to look for potential in the Philippines and benefit from the country's strong growth momentum.

State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan said government-backed plantation companies and lenders and state-controlled aircraft maker Dirgantara Indonesia can expand to the Philippines, where the economy grew 7.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2013, driven by growth in services and industry.

It was the fastest growth since 2010 and faster than Indonesia's 6.2 percent year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2013.

"I met President [Benigno] Aquino. He emphasized his country's robust economic growth," Dahlan told reporters in his office in Jakarta on Friday.

Last week, Indonesian envoys, including  Dahlan, presidential special advisor T.B. Silalahi and Ambassador to the Philippines Yohanes Kristiato Soeryo Legowa were received by Aquino III at the Malacanang Palace in Manila.

Officials from both countries discussed possible enhancements in bilateral cooperation, including in trade and investment.

Dahlan said that the Philippines is particularly interested in Indonesia's successful development of the palm oil industry, where production has surpassed Malaysia's.

Indonesia is now the biggest palm oil producer in the world.

"The reason is because our palm oil industry is the biggest [in the world], they are also amazed that our companies can develop palm plantations that can start bearing fruits at the age of two-and-a-half years, instead of seven years, as in most cases," Dahlan said.

He added that a joint venture was possible given the Philippines is committed to providing up to 20,000 hectares of land in the country for Indonesian state-owned plantation firms.

In the plantation sector alone Indonesia hosts at least 18 state companies involved in the production of various commodities, including crude palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, tobacco and tea. The combined assets of the companies are estimated at $5.6 billion.

In the banking sector, the Philippines is offering Indonesian state lenders the opportunity to open Islamic banking services within the country to help serve the minority Islamic population residing mostly in the nation's southern territories.

Indonesian state lenders Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bank Negara Indonesia each have Shariah units.

Dahlan also promoted Dirgantara Indonesia's aircrafts, including the CN-235, NC-212 and CN-295 models.

One of DI's latest products, the CN-295 military transportation aircraft jointly manufactured with Spain-based Airbus Military, is believed to match the defense needs of the Philippines.

The aircraft, which can serve to transport troops and cargo, conduct medical evacuations and maritime patrols, is seen to be suitable for the Philippines, which, like Indonesia, is an archipelago nation.

With report from Investor Daily and Jakarta Globe

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