Lower spot market charges and cheaper fuel prices lead to generation charge reduction

May 2015 overall rate decrease infographic

                The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that overall rates went down by PhP 0.70 per kilowatthour (kWh) this May. Said decrease is due to lower generation costs from all power suppliers of Meralco.  

For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, the overall electricity bill will go down by PhP 140.  At PhP 9.98 per kWh, this month’s rate is lower by PhP 1.46 compared to May 2014’s PhP 11.44 per kWh.

Lower generation costs from all suppliers

Generation charge decreased by PhP 0.60 per kWh from PhP 5.41 per kWh in April to PhP 4.81 per kWh this month.  The reduction was mainly driven by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), as well as a reduction in the National Power Corporation’s (NPC’s) Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) collections. 

Cost of power obtained from the WESM decreased by PhP 4.19 per kWh due to less occurrences and shorter duration of power plant outages.  The Luzon Grid remained on “normal” state throughout the period of the Malampaya shutdown.

Meanwhile, average cost of the Independent Power Producers (IPP) was lower by PhP 0.75 per kWh due to the improved utilization level of the QPPL power plant and cheaper fuel prices obtained by the First Gas plants.  The effect of the Malampaya shutdown was moderated by lower prices of condensate and natural gas in the April supply month versus March.  Malampaya natural gas underwent its quarterly repricing to reflect the lower cost of fuel. From $10.39 per gigajoule (GJ) the previous period, price of natural gas has been reduced by 19% to $8.44 per GJ.   

Average rates of plants under the Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also decreased this month by PhP 0.06 per kWh.  Finally, NPC’s collections of its GRAM similarly went down by PhP 0.06 per kWh.

The share of IPPs, PSAs, and WESM to Meralco’s total power requirements stood at 47, 43, and 10 percent respectively.

Adjustments in other bill components

In addition to the generation charge, taxes and other charges registered reductions of PhP 0.07 and PhP 0.08 per kWh, respectively.   These offset a PhP 0.05 per kWh increase in the transmission charge.

Meralco reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Of the total bill, only the distribution, supply, and metering charges accrue to Meralco.

Meralco’s distribution charge has not registered any adjustment and has remained at the same level for 10 months now or since July 2014.

May 2015 overall rate decrease breakdown inforgraphic

Meralco supports Electrical Safety Month

                Meralco also reminded its customers to observe electrical safety in line with its initiatives to support Electrical Safety Month.

                The government has declared the month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month. Meralco said it fully supports initiatives that raise public awareness and educate electricity consumers on the proper use of electrical appliances and gadgets so as to prevent and avoid electricity-related accidents.

For more electrical safety tips, customers may visit www.meralco.com.ph.  They may also access Meralco’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter account (@meralco).  

Changes in residential bills, April vs. May 2015

Today, LG Electronics globally unveils the most highly anticipated LG G4 smartphone in six cities including New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Istanbul and Seoul. Approximately 1,000 guests around the world gathered to witness the successor of the LG G3 which excelled in all sales charts and industry recognitions. Among the first users of the LG G4 will be 4,000 lucky customers who will receive the coveted smartphone as part of the company’s largest-ever consumer experience campaign.

Unrivalled design

The LG G4 is available in handcrafted, full grain leather in six beautiful colors. The vegetable tanned leather is not only environmentally friendly but also luxurious, using genuine leather instead of the usual faux material that other smartphones use. Other material options for the G4 rear cover are pure Ceramic White with 3D patterns, artisan-forged Metallic Gray and lustrous Shiny Gold.

The comfortable elegance of the LG G4 is a refreshing change from the uniformly flat, full metal designs that have been become standard across the industry. The LG G4’s design is defined by the Slim Arc, which runs along its entire body, highlighted by a display with a subtle curvature. More than just a design accent, Slim Arc offers more durability than a flat smartphone in face-down drops and gives the smartphone a more comfortable and secure feel in the hand.

LG G4 Ceramic cover

Superb visual experience

LG designed the 16-megapixel camera in the LG G4 to capture stunning images even under less than ideal lighting conditions. The camera module features an industry-first wide F1.8 aperture lens that allows 80 percent more light to reach the sensor. LG improved low-light performance even further with OIS 2.0, which doubles the performance of the OIS+ by expanding the range of image stabilization from one degree to two degrees on the X- and Y-axis and adding a third axis for the first time.

Just like DSLRs, the LG G4’s Manual Mode allows experienced photographers to exercise more artistic expression by directly controlling the focus, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation and white balance for every shot. Advanced photographers can also save their photos in RAW format, in addition to JPEG, for more precise editing with no loss of details.

The advanced camera in the LG G4 is complemented by Color Spectrum Sensor (CSS), the first feature of its kind to find its way into a smartphone. CSS improves color accuracy by precisely reading the RGB values of the ambient light in a scene, as well as the infrared light reflected from objects. And for selfies good enough to frame, LG included an industry-leading eight-megapixel front-facing camera for sharp, detailed portraits and group shots.

Taking a quantum leap in display technology, the LG G4 is the first smartphone to use LG Display’s new 5.5-inch IPS Quantum Display, which offers 20 percent greater color reproduction, 25 percent improvement in brightness and 50 percent greater contrast. This new display is calibrated for DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) standards for color expression, championed by top Hollywood studios.

With the LG G4, the higher quality display doesn’t come at the expense of battery life. The G4 is equipped with a high-capacity 3,000mAh removable battery, a rare feature in today’s high-end smartphones. Combined with the benefits offered by the snappy yet energy-thrifty Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 808 processor, the LG G4 has no trouble getting through a full day of normal use.

“We are thrilled to globally introduce the outstanding LG G4, letting consumers see and feel optimal greatness in a smartphone,” LG Mobile Philippines Vice President Jay Won said. “From the design to the camera to the display to the user experience, the LG G4 is undoubtedly the most ambitious phone LG has ever created, promising world-class performance and no disappointment.”

The LG G4 will start its global roll-out on April 29 in Korea and will eventually be available on approximately 180 carriers worldwide. Prices and carrier availability will be announced locally in each market.

To learn more about LG’s most ambitious smartphone yet, visit www.lg.com/ph or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram. And for a chance to become one of the first owners of an LG G4 in the Philippines, like LG Mobile Philippines on Facebook and join the LG G4 promo.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

Finally, the secret is out.  Now in the Philippines are potent products that can make you look young, stay physically fit, and feel good inside out. Products that will make you feel you’re turning back the hands of time.

We're talking about Premium HyC150 and Ginger Black Tea Extract. Premium HyC150, the rediscovered modern “fountain of youth” manufactured by Fine Japan Co. Ltd., is any person’s ally in remaining healthy, vibrant, and radiant.

Premium HyC150 helps you achieve this state because it combines three youth-inducing elements for a more potent supplement drink: collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ubiquinol. These are also aided by other active ingredients like vitamin C, biotin, elastin and Pearl Coix.  Premium HyC150 is the only beverage that combines these three powerful nutrients, effectively unleashing significant benefits for the body.  Taken daily results can be seen within a period of one to two weeks.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is nature’s moisturizer, a gel-like water holding molecule that acts as a space filler and cushioning agent in the body. Collagen strengthens skin structure to prevent it from sagging.  Finally, ubiquinol is an antioxidant that protects the body from environmental toxins, cell damage, and system injury.

Based on clinical studies done in Japan, North America, and Europe, about 93 percent of users reported improved hair, nails, and skin with continued use. Although results can vary per individual, it only takes one to two weeks to see the positive changes.

The best partner to drink Premium HyC150 is with Ginger Black Tea, also made by Fine Japan Co. Ltd.   It contains turmeric, also belonging to the ginger family that has been used widely since old times for increased health. Experts say that turmeric contains curcumin abundantly, believed to strengthen liver function to promote metabolism.

She’s the woman who loves you unconditionally, the woman who has dedicated her entire life caring for you and the entire family. Perhaps she is also your idol and source of strength. Honor your Mom in a sweet way by giving her premium artisanal chocolates Villa del Conte. Choose among Villa del Conte’s wide range of treats such as luscious praline balls, praline sticks and chocolate bars.

Visit their stores at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinson’s Magnolia. For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ to know more about Villa del Conte, or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh, Instagram: http://instagram.com/villadelconte and Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS and MOMS TO BE OUT THERE!!!

It’s definitely more fun for moms this coming May as Melawares and Urban Kitchen, the leading manufacturer and distributor of tableware in the Philippines, will celebrate the whole month honoring mothers with special treats, fun games, and other exciting perks at various SM malls.

Dubbed “Mommy & Me,” the mall tour series will bring in activities that moms can enjoy with their kids.

“With today’s fast-paced life and everyone’s preoccupation on gadgets, family time is often neglected. Since moms are usually the ones who plan family bonding time, we thought of making them the highlight of this mall tour. We also timed this event in May, as our way of celebrating them this Mothers’ Day,” Chriselda Chua, CDC Manufacturing Corporation’s Marketing Manager, said.

Since summer is almost over and it will be back-to-school season soon, one of the event’s highlights is baking and refreshment making demonstration. Moms can share the joy of creating easy-to-prepare yet delicious meals and drinks with their kids, which they can make as their baon for school.

Moms can show their creative side through the Make your Own Disney-Inspired Kid’s Meal game. Mothers will be provided with ingredients to create their kid’s meal using Melawares and Urban Kitchen Disney products. Moms with the most creative dishes will get to take home prizes from Melawares, Urban Kitchen and the event partners.

What’s an event without keepsakes? Mommy-and-me selfies will be made more fun and easier at the photo booth station, ready to take your best shot! What’s more, moms can also spend time at the face painting station with their kids – you can even make it more creative with matching face décor.

The fun doesn't stop there, as Melawares will also offer discounts and perks for participants and guests. Everyone will get 10% discount on Melawares, Perfect Dining, and Urban Kitchen on the day of the mall event only.

The “Mommy & Me” mall tour, which will be held in partnership with ELBA Philippines, will visit the following SM malls: SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Makati and SM City Naga.

Calling all computer savvy parents! This week, a BETA version of KidslockWindows.com is being released in the Windows store. An App that provides a security system for parents to oversee their children’s activity on the computer has never before been offered for the Windows platform.

               

The idea for this App was created by a parent of two young children with multiple Windows-based computers in their home. He struggled himself to monitor his children’s computer activities, and imagined creating a platform that would allow him to decide which programs and activities his children could access on their home computers. With over 200 million copies of Windows 8 sold, the software is now a central part of more than 1.5 billion people around the word. Unfortunately, the Windows platform is missing a critical safety measure for percentage of its customers.

Ryan Saville, founder of KidsLockWindows.com wanted to solve the issue: “We need a simple solution that will protect our children when using tools like the Windows Store. I enjoy my kids playing on the computer, I just want to have better control on what they see and do.”

Thus KidslockWindows.com was born, both out of necessity but also out of need. KidsLockWindows.com will be the first software of its kind focused on providing a ‘Kiddie Lock’ lock for parents. Saville states: “Imagine a clean white interface, showing large icons with a simple timer that counts down and locks after a certain time period, giving peace of mind back to parents but still allowing our little ones to still grow their necessary computer skills.” In the future the company expects the software to be subscription similar to an antivirus.

Microsoft has established a “Family Mode” within the platform allowing you to block or allow specific websites where as KidsLockWindows.com wants to provide a ‘security blanket’ over the entire operating system allowing parents to just show the icons or educational games you want your child to use.

Presently, the company is searching for parents that want to become BETA testers to help trial this new software the registration is open till May 21st, 12:00 PM. Visit KidslockWindows.com to join the BETA test.

Let the Love Begin is topbilled by the newest Kapuso, Philippine Comedy Queen Aiai Delas Alas as Jeni, the hip and cool mother of Erick, with GMA-7's fast-rising love team Ruru Madrid as Erick, the eldest son of Jeni, and Gabbi Garcia as Pia, the smart childhood friend of Erick and daughter of Jeni's best friend, Tony.

GMA Network is proud to present a stellar cast of the country's most respected artists in film and television: Gardo Versoza as Tony, Jeni's best friend and the single father of Pia; Donita Rose as Celeste, wife of Tony and future stepmother of Pia who will eventually despise her and focus on spoiling her niece Luchie; Mark Anthony Fernandez as Jom, the station manager who is in love with Jeni; Neil Ryan Sese as Jess, the best friend of Jom who secretly loves Jeni; Gladys Reyes as Katy, the Diva DJ and Jeni's rival in the other station; and Ms. Gina Pareño as Lola Tacing, mother of Jeni and Erick's grandmother.

Completing the powerhouse cast are Noel Trinidad as Milton, the head of maintenance in the bookstore where Erick works; Phytos Ramirez as Uno, the spoiled and brat son of Celeste's friend; Abel Estanislao as Makoy, the career-oriented friend of Erick; Ricardo Cepeda as Rodney, the workaholic friend of Tony and the station manager of LSS FM; Joko Diaz as Enrico, Jeni's alcoholic husband; Rita Daniela as Luchie, the 'adopted' niece of Celeste; Ar Angel Aviles as Elsa, Erick's younger sister; Nomer Limatog as Jules, the younger brother of Makoy. Also joining the cast are Angeli Bayani, Sancho Delas Alas, Therese Malvar, and Ren Escano.

Let the Love Begin is all set to make audiences laugh, cry, and fall in love as it presents the beautiful story of Jeni (Aiai Delas Alas) and Tony (Gardo Versoza) and their children, Erick (Ruru Madrid) and Pia (Gabbi Garcia) that will withstand the test of time.

Jeni and Tony are best friends who are part of a radio program that gives advices on love and life. Jeni is an independent woman who has a live-in boyfriend Enrico (Joko Diaz), and has two kids by him, Erick, the eldest and the perfect son, and Elsa (Ar Angel Aviles), the youngest but the more matured one because she thinks just like her mom, Jeni. On the other hand, Tony is a widower, with one daughter named Pia (Gabbi Garcia), a daddy's girl who is deeply in love with arts.

A major problem will destroy Jeni and Tony's strong bond of friendship. After so many years, Jeni and Tony will cross paths once again because Pia (Gabbi) and Erick (Ruru) become close friends and later on fall in love.

Love really, is the most wonderful feeling that each and everyone of us can experience. Watching such a romantic drama tv series like "Let the Love Begin," reminds us that it's such a good thing that we are alive and that we feel love and we feel loved. 

So don't forget to catch the pilot episode of  "Let the Love Begin," on May 4, 2015 after "Pari Ko'y on GMA Telebabad Primetime block over GMA Network. 

Please like "Let the Love Begin" official Facebook page

Twitter: @LetTheLoveGMA 

Check out other updates also on: GMA Network

BF Sucat

Even celebrities and news personalities are showing all-out support for Pacman and are cheering him on with #GoMAnny . Do check out these videos: