News Rundown: September 4 to 8, 2017
The Philippines once again made its name known through various news from university rankings to Bruno Mars’ concerts happening in the country. We’ve listed down some news that will mirror the true Filipino Experience.
1. University of the Philippines still lone PH university in THE World University Rankings
Last 2016, the University of the Philippines was placed in the “below 800 rank” performing universities around the world. This year, the said university paved its way to conquer the world-placing them in the 601-800 bracket.
There are a total of 77 countries that were represented on the Times Higher Education World University Ranking list, and the University of the Philippines is the only university from the Philippines that made it on the said ranking.
Apart from making it in THE World University Ranking list, the University of the Philippines was also included in this 2017’s Asian University Rankings, and the BRICS and Emerging Economies Rankings- placing them in the 201-250 bracket.
2. $7 Billion worth Metro Manila subway to be extended to NAIA
The Mega Manila Subway Project is a 57.7-kilometer underground rapid subway that would serve as the second north–south mass transit backbone for the newly expanded Greater Capital Region was introduced in a forum under President Rodrigo Duterte’s socioeconomic agenda.
The project was first estimated to cost around Php 227 billion, making it the most expensive transportation project under the Duterte Administration. But from an earlier projection of $4.4 billion, the estimated project cost went up to $7 billion after having some modifications which will also include an extension to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
However, the government of Japan has already expressed willingness to help in covering the expenses of the subway, and a loan agreement is expected to be signed between President Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzō Abe by November 2017.
3. Philippines given FIBA Asia Champions Cup wild card spot
After landing in the seventh place in the FIBA basketball game held at the 29th FIBA in Lebanon last August 8 to 20, 2017, Gilas Pilipinas or the Philippine Men’s Basketball team will once again be playing for the second time.
Gilas Pilipinas was given a wild card spot to play once again in FIBA Asia Champions Cup happening from September 22 to September 30, 2017, in Chenzhou, China. They were able to get that opportunity after Japan’s own basketball team withdrew its participation in the said event.
4. Laura Lehmann, Miss World Philippines 2017
After Megan Young brought home the title of Miss World last 2013, Laura Lehmann will be trying her luck to bring back the crown to the country. She will be the one to represent the country in the upcoming Miss World pageant that will happen on November in Sanya, China.
Laura Lehmann is not new to the beauty industry after winning first place at the Bb. Pilipinas pageant held in 2014. Aside from participating in various pageants, Laura herself is also a model, a sportscaster, a host, and a part of the Philippine softball team.
Among a number of participants who competed for the title of Miss World Philippines, Laura Lehmann nabbed one of the most important fast track challenges of the pageant: the multimedia challenge. During the competition, host KC Montero asked her about her views on the internet in which her answer made her the winner of the pageant.
5. Bruno Mars to have 2 Manila concerts in 2018
IMAGE Facebook
American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars is known for his chart-topping hits such as “Nothin’ On You, “Billionaire,” “Grenade,” and “Versace on the Floor,” among others. In 2013 he ranked number 1 in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and has received numerous music awards in his career, with 5 Grammy Awards under his belt. This 2018, 24K Magic is finally in Manila! Get ready because Bruno Mars finally brings his magic in Manila for his 24K Magic World Tour on May 3, 2018, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic World Tour in Manila’s first show, scheduled on May 3, were sold out in less than an hour. With that, promoter MMI Live said in a Facebook post that the Grammy Award-winning singer will be extending his concert another day at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 4, 2018, to give way to those who failed to score tickets to Bruno Mars’s concert in the country, happening on May 3, 2017.
Written By: Patricia Antoinette M. Nacianceno
Image Source: MMI Live on Facebook, GMA News, Play PH, Urban Roamer, Times Higher Education
