Megawide sticking to basics

Megawide Construction Corp. will continue to concentrate on “basic” government infrastructure projects that will provide more benefits to the people, even as it does not see an immediate upside to tourism projects, particulary airport privatization, according to Megawide vice chairman Louie Ferrer.

In an interview last Friday during a belated holiday party, Ferrer revealed that Megawide is opting, for the immediate future, to focus on the “basics” such as its social infrastructure projects that include public school buildings, improving public market infrastructure, socialized housing and hopefully helping improve our public transport infrastructure through a long-proposed BRT or Bus Rapid Transit system for Mega Manila’s major thoroughfare and another for Cavite, which would connect with Megawide’s successful Parañaque Integrated Transport Exchange or PITX.

Megawide, which gained its stripes in the competitive Philippine infrastructure sector from its bold bid to modernize the Mactan International Airport in Cebu, has earned glowing international praise and impressed the Philippine business sector on its ability to execute and manage the Cebu airport.

Its Mactan airport project has since been taken over by the powerful Aboitiz Group. Another airport project, the Clark International Airport in Pampanga has also received praise for its design, but unfortunately has not reached its profit potential due to a continued preference for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the lack of a quick transport alternative to Mega Manila, as plans for a railway connection remain delayed.

Ferrrer, thus, admits that Megawide does not see any immediate upside or profit in bidding for any new government airport privatization projects “because the tourism arrival figures are not there.” He further points out that while there are interested foreign tourists, the current tourist market is not the high-spending segment like the Chinese market, which is staying put due to China’s current economic slowdown.

Instead, Ferrer explained, the company is focusing on projects in the power sector, transport, public markets and socialized housing. The company, he said, is set to expand its public market modernization project, the first of which is the Cebu Carbon Market project, to other public markets.

Its socialized 10-story condominium housing project using precast material under its PH1 World Developers unit, Ferrer said, would come at a cost of around P2 million per unit, with quality comparable to a P3.5-million condominium unit offered by the traditional developers.

Its next ambitious undertaking in which it hopes to make waves anew but is even now facing stiff competition once again from other big business groups, is its unsolicited EDSA BRT project.

Ferrer assures that its plans for the EDSA BRT project would introduce innovative and new transport hubs. It would use the existing EDSA bus carousel and connect via the Diosdado Macapagal Avenue to the PITX, and eventually form a loop for another BRT project it has also proposed for Cavite using the coastal road.

In April 2023, Megawide and its partner, Mapplecrest, submitted an unsolicited P1.87 billion proposal for the Cavite BRT System project, which was approved by the Cavite LGU in October 2023.

The BRT projects, however, are still pending as the DOTr draws up the parameters of the proposed EDSA BRT project that will then be offered to other interested parties.

Megawide founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer Edgar Saavedra, for his part,  revealed that  they are eager to undertake more government infrastructure projects which would benefit the public especially with traffic getting worse. However, they are still waiting for more policy directions and guidelines from the DOTr.

From construction to cars

Audi Philippines is starting the year, and its 20th anniversary celebrations – with the introduction of the new Audi Q7 and Q8 full-size luxury SUVs during a launch party last Friday at PGA Cars Showroom along EDSA in Greenhills.

In his opening remarks, Benedicto Coyiuto, Audi Philippines head, said “As we mark our 20th year of delivering Audi models and services that befit the progressive status of the brand, we are launching the new Audi Q7 and Q8 to represent the start of Audi’s bold product offensive this year. The introduction of these models yet again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to continuously provide consumers with vehicles that come in a diverse selection of powertrain options, distinct performance characteristics, and innovative features unmatched by any other brand in the domestic premium segment.”

Audi Philippines, under PGA Cars, started operations in 2005 at its specifically designed facilities in Greenhills that  integrate a showroom, after sales lounge, multi-level service workshops accessed by elevators and driveways, executive offices, lifestyle areas, and a restaurant. Right from the start two decades ago Audi Philippines immediately built the Audi brand by introducing the latest models and supporting these with updated equipment and continuous expert training at the Audi factory and headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.

More recently, Audi Philippines spearheaded sustainable 100 percent electric mobility in the country with the introduction of the benchmark-setting Audi e-tron model range, which according to PGA Cars executive director Christopher Chan now accounts for almost half of Audi Philippines’ sales.

Distinguishing the largest SUVs in Audi’s combustion engine model range are striking design details, advanced lighting and digital operating systems and an even more extensive list of premium features. The enhancements of the new Audi Q7 and Q8 complement the models’ powerful and highly efficient powertrains, renowned quattro all-wheel drive systems and luxurious cabin features. Plus, the two full-size SUV models ensure dynamic performance and utmost comfort due to their adaptive air suspension systems.

The latest version of the Audi Q7 is extensively redesigned and offers innovative lighting systems, first-class versatility and generous space for up to seven passengers and their luggage.

Similarly, in the new Audi Q8 SUV coupe, the cutting-edge lighting system is matched by equipment, color choices and design elements that bring the model to the top of the luxury SUV segment.

Audi reduced the decorative elements in the new Q8. The brand’s signature single frame grille remains upright and made bolder by octagon patterns with vertical inlays. More prominent air intakes polish the front-end design while aiding performance.

In their latest version, both the Q7 and Q8 flaunt plenty of premium items. Among these are the updated Audi virtual cockpit and MMI system, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, four-zone air-conditioning with the air quality package and the ambient LED interior lighting package plus that offers an endless palette of color options.