Filipinas as apples

A survey conducted by a drug company shows that overweight Filipinas follow their menfolk and end up looking like apples (read: the fat is basically around the tummy, which aggravates existing problems).

In other countries, overweight women follow the pear model while overweight men follow the apple (no, no, not the Steve Jobs) model.

* * *

In theory, the price of rice should be cheaper because Divisoria-based importers and wholesalers have been able to bring down their costs by P12 a cavan.

The price of rice, however, has remain stable even though an estimated half of the rice being retailed in Metro Manila have been first brought to Bocaue, Bulacan and adulterated with very small stones (read: up to 10 percent of total weight) to increase margins.

* * *

Noted by doctors: Bank of Commerce chairman Antonio Cojuangco is said to have been diagnosed with the same health problem that recently sent his mother, Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco, to the hospital. TonyBoy Cojuangco’s health problem is in the early stages.

For one reason or another, Willie Villarma, the chief of staff of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, when she was still Vice President and concurrent Social Welfare Secretary, is currently wheelchair-bound.

* * *

Did you know 1: That Cebu Air, Inc. is losing P1 million a month in its Manila-Hong Kong-Manila route isn’t giving president Danilo Mojica sleepless nights.

You see, Cebu Pacific is undercutting Philippine Airlines, Inc. to gain market share and Cebu Air’s majority shareholder, John Gokongwei Jr., is okay with that.

* * *

Did you know 2: National Power Corp. president Cyril del Callar is keeping quiet about this year’s reinsurance that was awarded to a company after two other companies which submitted lower bids were disqualified.

As a result, Napocor’s insurance premium this year is $13 million. The lowest bid submitted was $9 million.

* * *

Did you know 3: The Hongkong Sun Plaza, which is billing itself as the "biggest tiangge in Southeast Asia", is opening the section for restaurants along the property’s perimeter this November. The flea market will be opened a month later, in time for the Christmas season.

Developed by a Hong Kong Group, the plaza is right across the Department of Foreign Affairs along Roxas Blvd. and skirts Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.

* * *

Did you know 4: Despite the considerable crowd that go there everyday, Manila’s Baywalk is pretty peaceful. Maybe, that’s because Manila Mayor Joselito Atienza takes his coffee there every afternoon.

And then, there are 50 of Manila’s Finest – not in uniform but still on duty – as well as a considerable number of barangay tanod that patrol the place.