MetroBriefs

Fire leaves 200 families homeless in Tondo

Around 200 families lost their homes in a fire that hit Tondo, Manila, on Sunday morning. According to the report of arson investigator SFO3 Emmanuel Gaspar, the fire originated from a four-story house owned by  Gina Miralles at 1320 CP Garcia St. No fatality or injury was reported during the blaze which started at 12:44 a.m. and reached Task Force Alpha in 20 minutes.  The alarm was further raised to Task Force Bravo at 1:42 a.m. before the fire was placed under control about four hours later. It was put out at 6:30 a.m.  Fire officers estimated the damage to property at P5 million. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. Erika Sauler

Aliwan Fiesta invites traders to join bazaar

Manila Broadcasting Co. invites traders to showcase the best products from the regions at the Aliwan Fiesta Shoppers Bazaar set on April 24 to 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.  Boutiques specializing in tropical island-themed RTW, footwear, jewelry and accessories; handicraft shops, stores and restaurants selling provincial delicacies; and fruit and flower farms are invited to set up kiosks at the fair to highlight national pride and regional identity. Weaving cooperatives, tribal showrooms, free-trade associations and other nongovernment organizations marketing local produce are most welcome. For information, call Teray Rivas at 2166022 or 8323249.