Murder mystery at One Roxas Triangle

Spy Bits received confidential information about an alleged murder that happened a few weeks ago at One Roxas Triangle, the lofty tower just a few meters away from the Mandarin Hotel. According to Spy Bits sources, a young man whose identity continues to be unknown was bludgeoned to death with a crowbar – but the corpse was only discovered a week after the murder when Roxas Triangle residents started smelling the foul odor coming from the unit where the decomposing body was discovered.

The Makati police is currently on top of the investigation but the alleged murder is reportedly being kept under wraps understandably since One Roxas Triangle is an exclusive condo building for the wealthy and famous. How the murder could have happened in a place where security and privacy are “more than just a promise, it’s a guarantee” continues to baffle investigators. Access is very difficult, and residents are equipped with a laser key system that also serves as an elevator switch that would bring them to their specific floors with a private elevator lobby. Even the utility and other staff go through screening every time they enter or leave the building.

Spy Bits also received reports about unusual things reportedly happening in the building. There’s one story about a wealthy socialite who was having her house renovated and temporarily stayed in her Roxas Triangle unit when she started experiencing “haunting activities,” for instance hearing footsteps entering her living room or the lights suddenly going on. But most disconcerting of all was when she woke up to find her eyebrows completely shaved. Distressed and disturbed, the wealthy socialite reportedly moved to a hotel nearby.

With all these unexplained things reportedly going on, some people are already starting to refer to One Roxas as the “Mystery Triangle.”

Multi-national ad agency up for sale

A Spy Bits informant disclosed that a major advertising agency is up for sale with a trusted cohort/executive having been commissioned to take charge in peddling the agency to potential buyers. According to our source, an offer has been made to a businessman associated with a former Philippine president for a package that includes 40 percent of ownership in exchange for P144 million.

The ad agency owner is allegedly in dire straits – having incurred deep debts due to non-payment of media suppliers, numerous failed business ventures plus the unfinished construction of a rather ambitious building. So far, those who have been offered to buy the ad agency have wisely declined.

PAL contracts Miascor

Following the trend employed by other Asian airlines, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines has plans of outsourcing part of its in-flight catering/kitchen services to Miascor Catering, a firm under the group of companies owned by business tycoon Ricky Delgado. Miascor boasts of two world-class facilities that can serve up to 6,000 meals on any given day at NAIA and 4,000 meals per day in Clark.

Over the years, Miascor has gained an excellent reputation in the in-flight catering industry, boosted by its partnership with Malaysia Airlines and Gate Gourmet, a Swiss outfit reputed to be the world’s largest independent provider of catering services for airlines and railroads. Miascor caters to every possible culinary requirements of passengers including halal and special meal varieties.

Aside from stiff competition from both local and international carriers, PAL has been reeling from a number of factors such as high fuel prices, including Category 2 FAA rating and trouble with members of the PAL Employees Association. Just very recently, it reported a $39.4 million second quarter net loss for its operations (from July to September) and it will definitely need everything to survive. Outsourcing to Miascor was certainly a good move with passengers sure to notice that the quality of the meals will have “leveled up.”

Spy tidbit

— Today is the fifth death anniversary of Philippine STAR founding publisher Max Soliven, and we were asked to be the guest of honor and speaker for the commemorative event in Manila. Mayor Fred Lim and our friend Gemma Cruz Araneta (who happens to be the vice chair of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission) planned the activities, which include a wreath laying ceremony before the statue of Max Soliven on Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard. Aside from national and government officials including the military, students and teachers of Manila schools will also be present – and the occasion will be a good opportunity for the youth to get to know even just a little about a great and passionate journalist who had such deep love for his country.

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