2018 Lookback: The Top 10 Newsmakers in the Philippines
2018 has been such an amazing albeit controversial year, and we can all agree that it wasn’t as easy compared to the past years. With left and right challenges that we all had to face, personally or as a nation, the Philippines remained strong.
It might not have been all sunshine this year, but Filipinos stood tall with smiles on our faces. So join us as we reminisce all the highlights of the year—the Philippine Primer prepared a round-up of all the 2018 newsbreakers:
TRAIN Law
The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law was first introduced in public in December 2017, but it took effect on January 1, 2018.
The tax reform may have affected the paychecks positively, however, there was an increase in taxes from petroleum, sweetened beverage, automobile, donor, estate, cosmetic procedures, tobacco, among others.
Also read: TRAIN Package One: A Need-To-Know Guide to Republic Act 10963
Grab/Uber merge
Just this March, Grab and Uber announced the merging of their operations in the Philippines and some Southeast Asian countries. It took effect on April, and everyone had their own sentiments about the merge, mostly negative, because of the high price surges during rush hours.
Also read: Grab, Uber set to merge this April 8
2018 Asian Games
IMAGE Philippine Sports Commission Facebook page
Considered as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, the 2018 Asian Games allowed Filipino athletes to take home a total medal tally of 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 15 bronzes. It was held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia last August 18 to September 2.
This year’s Asian Games boosted the country’s rank from 22nd place to 19th, which is said to be the best performance in 12 years.
Also read: 2018 Asian Games: PH Best Performance in 12 Years
National ID
IMAGE Philippine Statistics Authority
Last August, it was confirmed that there will be a National ID to be ushered by the Philippine Statistics Authority by the end of this year.
The National ID will include a citizen or a resident alien’s demographic and biometric data. Plus, it’s entirely free of charge upon first registration, so it’s relatively easier to acquire one.
Also read: National ID for PH Locals and Resident aliens to be launched in December 2018
UNIQLO flagship store opens in Makati
UNIQLO opened its largest flagship store in October, not only in the Philippines but in the whole Southeast Asia. So far, the well-loved Japanese brand has about 3,500 stores worldwide, and it surely redefines “casual wear” with its high-quality, innovative clothes.
Also read: Uniqlo Manila, the Largest Flagship Store in Southeast Asia, Opens in Glorietta 5
Lotto craze
For weeks, there was a long line in various lotto stalls as the ultimate prize reached Php 1.18 billion–the biggest in Philippine lotto history.
However, two lucky winners took home the money in October.
Also read: Lotto Culture in PH: Explaining the Craze
Boracay rehabilitation and re-opening
Boracay Island was closed earlier this year as the once white-sand beauty was flooded with environmental problems. Said issues were caused by tourist influx and several establishments who failed to follow regulations for the past years.
After six months of closure, the ever famous summer destination had its soft opening in October.
Also read: Gov’t Sets Guidelines for Newly Rehabilitated Boracay Island
IKEA to open its world’s largest store in the PH
Last November, everyone wowed as the world’s largest home furnishing IKEA announced the opening of its first store in the country, to be located at the Mall of Asia Complex. The said branch is dubbed as the world’s largest IKEA store, with a 65,000 sqm space carrying a total of 9,000 home products.
As with the other branches, IKEA Philippines will include a warehouse, showroom, restaurant, e-commerce hub, playground, and of course, a wide parking space. It’s set to open in 2020.
Also read: IKEA Is Opening Its World’s Largest Store in the Philippines
Panglao International Airport
IMAGE Department of Transportation
The Panglao International Airport finally opened in November, after over three years in construction under the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program.
As the first eco-airport in the country, the Panglao International Airport is also named as the “Green Gateway to the World,” with hopes to boost the tourist growth and trade in Bohol.
Also read: Panglao International Airport in Bohol Finally Opens Today
Catriona Gray wins Miss Universe 2018
IMAGE Miss Universe
Last but not the least–of course, our dear Catriona Gray won the Miss Universe 2018, three years after Pia Wurtzbach won the coveted title. Before she was crowned as the Miss Universe, Catriona Gray also joined Miss World Philippines and was able to represent the country up until top 5 in 2016.
It was indeed the perfect ending to a year full of lessons and challenges.
Also read: Catriona Gray Wins Miss Universe 2018
What other newsbreakers have you encountered this year? We’d love to hear in the comments below!
Written by Yana Bautista.
