CURRENT EVENTS:

The worlds biggest flower is RAFFLESIA (1.5 meters)

Smallest among the giant flowers is RAFFLESIA CONSUELOAE (9.73 cm or 3.8 inches)

CIVET(Coffee Cat) are cats that thrives on berries and coffee beans. Most found in Mt. Matutum
in South Cotabato. The coffee beans excreted by the Civet are collected by farmers and
processed to become the worlds most expensive coffee. The most expensive coffee is P48,620
per kilo.

Country that shrinks its population by almost a million for the past 5 years.
Answer: Japan. From 128.1 Million to 127.1 million

China officially ended its one child policy on Sunday with the signing into law of a bill allowing
all married couples to have a second child as it attempts to cope with an ageing population and
shrinking workforce. The change, which was announced in October by the ruling Communist
Party, takes effect from January 1, 2016.

All married couples will be allowed to have a second child but the legislation maintains limits on
additional births.

The 1-child policy, instituted in the late 1970s, restricted most couples to only a single offspring
and for years authorities argued that it was a key contributor to Chinas economic boom and had
prevented 400 million births.

It has been enforced by a dedicated national commission with a system of fines for violators and
often forced abortions, leading to heartrending tales of loss for would-be parents. The policy led
to sex-selective abortions or infanticide targeting girls, because of a centuries-old social
preference for boys.

Who donated the P400,000,000 Building in Bonifacio Global City to the University of the
Phils.?
Answer: SM Investments Corporation, Led by Henry Sy, Sr.

Square meters of the lot erected by this donated building?

Answer: 12,000 square meters

The Newly-appointed head of the PPP Center.

Answer: Atty. Andre Palacios

Place in Indonesia recently struck by a 7.9 earthquake

Answer: Sumatra

The New PRC Chairperson

Answer: Atty. Teofilo Pilando, Jr.

President Benigno Aquino III appointed lawyer Teofilo Pilando Jr as chairperson

of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr confirmed on Thursday,
March 3, that Pilando was named PRC head effective February 29.

Pilando is the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration in the

Office of the President, a position he assumed in 2010.

He obtained a law degree in 1985 from the University of the Philippines, and
passed the Bar exams the following year. He also finished a graduate course
in economics at the Dalhousie University in Canada.

Before joining the government, Pilando served as:

national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (2001-2003)

arbitrator for the International Court of Arbitration of the International
Chamber of Commerce
consultant on utilities regulation and privatization for the World Bank
consultant on corporate governance for the Asian Development Bank
member of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) Task Force on International Refugee Assistance and
Administration in the Philippines

It was stated in his profile that he "had worked previously for the three
branches of the Philippine government beginning as law clerk to a Supreme
Court justice, then as policy consultant to the Senate President, and technical
assistant in the Office of the President."

Pilando takes over the leadership of the PRC from acting chairperson Angeline
Chua Chiaco.

Projected number of deaths on Climate Change by 2050

Answer: 500,000
Reason: Food availability

Group of Islands occupied by the Chinese, but claimed by Vietnam.

Answer: Woody Islands

GREEN DEVELOPMENT
Objective: Reduce the impact of Climate change\

AS THE COUNTRY continues to capitalize on its economic momentum, government agencies

and business leaders alike are now focusing on ensuring that cities remain livable and sustainable.
In Metro Manila, 22 buildings in Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are either applying for
the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification or have been pre-
certified as LEED, with over 75 percent of these green buildings located in BGC in Taguig.
Benefits to building or investing in green buildings:

(1)Be able to provide a healthier workplace for employees and increasing savings and cost-
efficiency. Green buildings use 25-percent less energy, allow organizations to save up to 19
percent on operational expenses and have an average increase in return of investment of about
19.2 percent. These benefits make these buildings more attractive to multinational companies,
which are increasingly looking for spaces that will reflect their own sustainability commitments.

(2) give developers the ability to command higher rental rates for green developments.

Making green buildings a norm is an important step for the real estate and construction industry
and will help encourage the countrys pursuit of sustainable development.

Another strategy to drive the future of the office market is redevelopment. Redevelopment
involves upgrading older buildings, which can help increase their asking prices, especially for
buildings located in high-demand central business districts (CBDs). With the Makati CBDs
continuing to command the highest average rental rate in Metro Manila at P979/square
meter/month, developers in the area are turning to redevelopment to revitalize their existing
properties and attract new investors into the business district.

Being redeveloped

Some of the developments that have led this trend are the Jaka Tower on Ayala Avenue, which is
currently being converted into a strata-type office building and will be renamed the Alveo
Financial Tower. The tower is expected to provide 37,138 sqm of leasable space, with potential
rental rates of P979/sqm/month. The project is expected to be fully turned over by the second half
of 2020 and will be a part of Ayala Lands City Gate complex.

Another building undergoing redevelopment is Insular Life Building located on Ayala Avenue,
which is set to reopen 19,156 sqm of premium leasable space by the fourth quarter of 2016, with
the potential rental rate pegged at P1,400/sqm/month.

McCullough said: In terms of the development pipeline from 2015 to 2018, the Makati CBD
only offers 74,556 sqm, vis--vis Bonifacio Global City, which will offer 934,886 sqm. The
Makati CBD also has the highest asking rental rate for Grade A offices among Metro Manila
markets.

Help revive a building

He added: Redevelopment will help revive a building and make it more attractive to
organizations or businesses looking for spaces in high-demand business districts like Makati.
Moreover, redevelopment can also increase the value of surrounding properties. We see
redevelopment as a way for the Makati CBD to stay competitive and hold its own against
emerging CBDs such as BGC.

McCullough emphasized that beyond increasing investors in Metro Manilas key CBDs,
redevelopment can also be the key to spreading growth to other cities in the country.

Weve seen in Manila that a push from the local government and support from both businesses
and ordinary citizens can inject new life into a megacity, added McCullough. We hope that
local government units would learn from the experience of the city of Manila and start thinking
about what they can do to revive old and forgotten areas, create new business districts, and
encourage locals and foreigners to visit their part of the country.

(BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. attributed the slower average rate of increase in prices
of basic goods last month to declines in gas, housing, transport and utilities costs.

The actual rate was the low end of the BSPs 0.9-1.7 percent forecast for the month as well as
below Januarys 1.3 percent and February 2015s 2.5 percent.

INFLATION

Cheap oil augured well to temper inflation in February to a four-month low of 0.9 percent, but
economic managers warned yesterday of risks to jobs of Filipinos abroad if global oil prices
continued their decline.

Inflation last February was also the slowest pace since the 0.4 percent posted in both September
and October last year.

Separately, Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel F. Esguerra said in a statement that

persistent global oversupply and record stockpile levels of crude oil contributed to this softer
inflation as prices of Dubai oil, Brent and West Texas Intermediate continued to weaken in
January.

Last February, prices of domestic gasoline went down 10.4 percent year-on-year; LPG, down 11.7
percent; kerosene, down 22.6 percent; and diesel, down 26.4 percent.

Inflation in food items was also slower due to ample supply conditions, the Neda chief added.

Esguerra attributed the softer food inflation to the implementation of programs related to
mitigating the impact of El Nio, such as cloud-seeding operations, installation of alternative
irrigation systems, crop rotation, the use of hybrid crop varieties and other government assistance
for farmers, [which] helped ease price pressures on food.

However, Esguerra noted of potential negative impacts of continued decline in global oil prices
on some categories of overseas Filipino workers such as those engaged in oil exploration,
construction, and clerical services.

Given these developments, oil-producing countries may implement austerity measures, cut back
on subsidies, postpone infrastructure outlays and impose higher taxes. Thus, the government
should
(1)strengthen its ability to identify displaced workers and actively extend assistance by
facilitating employment opportunities or placement services, retraining, providing
livelihood, and reintegration.

We will continue to monitor price movements, including emerging second-round effects from
global oil prices and any shifts in global growth prospects as these impact domestic growth and
inflation dynamics and see if there is need to make any adjustment in policy levers.

Last month, the BSP cut its inflation forecast for 2016 to 2.2 percent from 2.4 percent previously,
still within the 2-4 percent target range.

THE INFLATION RATE OF THE PHILIPPINES IN 2015

ANSWER: 1.4%
Note: The lowest annual rate in almost two decades.

The Second Most economically important region in the Philippines.

Answer: Calabarzon

Where can you find the Clark Green City?

Answer: Tarlac

First Green development in the Philippines?

Answer: Bonifacio Global City

Foreign Exchange (FOREX) reserve of the Phils ending February 2016.

Answer: $81.3 Billion

Budget of Megaworld for this year for new malls and offices
Answer: P55 Billion

Population of the Philippines today.

Answer: 103 Million

Percentage of Filipino Taxpayers

Answer: 1/3

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE BECAUSE OF FOOD PRODUCTION

Answer: Could cause 500,000 extra deaths by 2050
Reason: food availability

NATIONALITY OF MAJORITY OF TOURISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Answer: South Koreans

Total Area of the Proposed Green City in Tarlac and Pampanga

Answer: 9,450 hectares

The First developer to enter into a Joint Venture with Bases Conversion Devt Authority
(BCDA)
Answer: Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC)

BIGGEST BLOCK OF GROWTH ACCORDING TO THE AIR CARRIERS

Answer: Infrastructure
A mismatch between Airport Infra and Demand of the carriers.

The Land Developer in the country in partner with Philippine Airlines (PAL) on the latters
perks for members of the Mabuhay Miles
Answer: Alphaland, Inc.

A government agency that seeks to register as Retail Electricity (ERC) Supplier with the
ERC for its 22-MW solar plant in Clark Economic Zone
Answer: BCDA

When and where was the countrys first international forum on urbanization and city
building held?
Answer: March 8,2016 at the Shangri-la at the Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Place in Japan where even robots die because of the nuclear fallout of the Tsunami
Answer: Fukushima

A lake with 7 waterfalls

Answer: Lake Sebu in South Cotabato

The most famous mountain in Tawi-Tawi

Answer: Bud Bongao

City in India with the worlds worst air pollution

Answer: New Delhi

British Rock Star who helped topple the Berlin Wall through his musical composition
Answer: David Bowie (original composer of the song The Man Who Sold the World and
UNDER PRESSURE with Freddie Mercury of the Queen)
The American singer-songwriter who kept a trove of his extensive musical archive (6,000
materialsdocuments,tapes,etc) which is now set to become a resource for the musical
academy(now housed at Tulsa, Oklahoma).
Answer: Bob Dylan (The Original COmposer of FOR THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN
and KNOCKIN ON HEAVENs DOOR)
Purchased between $15 to $20 Million

The American politician who warned the Philippines of looming disaster because of Climate
Change
Answer: Al Gore

How many coal-fired powers were granted with ECC?

Answer: 25

Reason: Governments solution to the Philippines projected need for 13,167 megawatts of power
by 2030 was to resort to the easy and affordable yet pollutive solution. Coal-fired power
plants impacts on health, air quality, climate and lifeabove anything elseare more vital
considerations.
Quote: People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.

TELCOS fly on the aborted SMC-TELSTRA deal. Stocked surged by 5 percent led by telco
stocks. PLDT surged by 11.56 percent while Globe rallied by 7.91 percent.

Sea levels of the Philippines shore have risen more than 14 millimeters per year, or 5 times
more than the global average, based on Satellite data from 2002 to 2014.

A GOVERNMENT COUNCIL THAT ADVISED CONGRESS TO INCLUDE REAL

ESTATE BROKERS AND REAL ESTATE SALESPERSONS FROM THE COVERAGE
OF THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAW.
Answer: AMLAC

AN AIRPORT OUTSIDE LUZON THAT CATERS A DIRECT FLIGHT TO LOS

ANGELES THRICE A WEEK.
Answer: Cebu Airport

BUILDING WITH THE LARGEST SOLAR ROOF

Answer: SM North Edsa

In 2016, the COUNTRY WITH THE LARGEST SOLAR MARKET IN SOUTHEAST

ASIA
Answer: Philippines

LUZONS LARGESTSOLAR FARM IN THE PHILIPPINES IS LOCATED IN

Answer: Batangas

THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL WHO EARNED THE DISTINCTION OF BIGGEST

NUMBER OF TAX CHEAT CASES FILED (450 CASES SINCE 2010)
Answer: Commission Kim Jacinto-Henares
File 8 cases before she steps down in June 2016

BEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD

Answer: Chiangi Airport, Singapore
Best Airport in Leisure Amenities
7 times in 16 years

THE PHILIPPINES EIGHT ASEAN HERITAGE PARK

Answer: Mounts Timpoong Hibok-hibok Natural Monument

Last Wednesday March 16/16, environment officials, the Camiguin provincial government, the
Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and their partners gathered in this provincial capital to
witness the launch of the Mounts Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument (MTHNM) as the
Philippines eighth Asean Heritage Park (AHP).

These natural wonders in the volcanic island province of Camiguin, which were officially
recognized as AHP in October last year, are the third AHP landmarks in Northern Mindanao, after
the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon province in 2009 and Mt. Malindang Range
Natural Park in Misamis Occidental in 2011.
Year predicted where there is water scarcity
Answer: 2030

PHILIPPINE BASES WHERE AMERICANS ARE GIVEN FULL ACCESS

Five locations

1. Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, western Palawan, which faces the hotly
contested Spratly islands in the South China Sea;
2. Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, southern Mindanao;
3. Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga province;
4. Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija province, used in joint Philippine-US military exercises,
and
5. Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

Notably out of the list are the two former US bases in the Philippines: Clark Air Base in
Pampanga and Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City, Zambales province, where US military ships
dock every year on routine visits. Subic is closest to Panatag Shoal (international name:
Scarborough Shoal), 230 kilometers west of Zambales, where the United States has seen Chinese
activity that could be a precursor to more land reclamation in the South China Sea.

NUMBER OF MALLS THAT WILL SERVE AS VOTING PRECINCTS IN THE MAY

2016 ELECTIONS
Answer: 86

BARANGAY IN PAMPANGA WHERE PEOPLE CAN WATCH A LIVE CRUCIFIXION

Answer: San Pedro Cutud

COORDINATED TARGETS OF TERRORISTS IN BRUSSELS

Answer: AIRPORT AND METRO STATIONS
Zaventem Airport handled 23.5 Million passengers in 2015
The airport with a shape of Z connects to 226 countries worldwide

HOW MANY PERSONS DIED?

Answer: 34

HOW MANY INJURED?

Injured: 190

THE NUMBER OF AREAS IN NORTHERN MINDANAO UNDER THE POLL

WATCHLIST
Answer: 48

PROPERTY DEVELOPER THAT SCOOPED THE PHILIPPINE PROPERTY AWARDS

IN 2015
Answer: SM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (10 nods)

Two(2) COMPETING PROPERTY DEVELOPERS FOR THE 2016 PHILIPPINE

PROPERTY AWARDS
Answer: Megaworld and SMDC

TOTAL SUBSIDY RECEIVED BY AGRICULTURAL AGENCIES FOR 2016

Answer: P6 Billion
(4.25 B went to NFA and P1.09 B went to PCA)
NUMBER OF CLIMBERS ALLOWED TO CLIMB MOUNT APO THIS HOLY WEEK
Answer: 1,000

REASON WHY LGU AGREED TO REGULATE THE NUMBER OF CLIMBERS

Answer: To prevent forest and grass fire because of the drought