News & Current Events

Philippine microsatellite Diwata-1, recognized for providing ‘world’s best images’
September 27, 2016

Philippine microsatellite Diwata-1, recognized for providing ‘world’s best images’

Philippines’ first microsatellite Diwata-1 has received praises from researchers for its high-resolution images taken which are now perceived to be “world’s best images.” DIWATA-1. This graphic compares two RGB images of Dumingag on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. Image (a) was taken by the HPT installed in DIWATA-1, while image (b) was taken by Landsat 8’s OLI. These results demonstrate that DIWATA-1 can observe the Earth at significantly higher resolutions than existing large satellites. (Photo and caption from Hokkaido University) According to a report by Inquirer, the said images produced by Diwata-1’s High Precision Telescope (HPT) “outclassed an American Earth observation orbiter” in terms of capturing images of about 3 […]
Philippines, among world’s most attractive destinations for expats – HSBC survey
September 26, 2016

Philippines, among world’s most attractive destinations for expats – HSBC survey

The country ranks first place as a “destination conducive for expatriates (expats) to feel closer to their partners.” EXPATS ON PH. Philippines ranked first as an ideal place to seek healthy love life and social life. Screengrabbed from hsbc.com According to the 2016 Expat Explorer survey by multinational banking giant HSBC, Philippines is among the “world’s most attractive destination for expats seeking a healthier love life and social life,” as reported by Inquirer. The country also ranked fifth when it comes to social life, and eighth for ease with integrating to locals. Overall, Philippines placed 37th out of 45 countries. According to one of the surveyed expats as reported by […]
Filipino boxer Donnie “Ahas” Nietes wins flyweight debut against WBC titlist Sosa
September 26, 2016

Filipino boxer Donnie “Ahas” Nietes wins flyweight debut against WBC titlist Sosa

Congratulations, Donnie Nietes! DONNIE NIETES. Nietes won the WBO Intercontinental flyweight title against Sosa. Image grabbed from boxingscene.com Yet another Filipino is making a name in the world boxing industry as Donnie “Ahas” Nietes sets record as “longest-reigning Filipino world champion” by defeating former WBC light flyweight titlist Edgar Sosa at the Philippines vs. Mexico fight card in California, according to The Standard. With his 15 world title fights, Nietes fought Sosa with uppercuts and right straights in a unanimous decision with 120—108 scoring by judges Max DeLuca, Alejandro Rocin, and Pat Russell. The fight was Nietes’ flyweight debut which took place in StubHub Center in Carson, California. According to […]
PH-US troops to hold joint naval exercises next month
September 26, 2016

PH-US troops to hold joint naval exercises next month

Amidst the call by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the US Forces to pull out from Mindanao for their safety, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still invited approximately 1,400 US servicemen for a series of naval exercises in October. The 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise, or PHILBEX33, will have 500 members of the AFP and Philippine Marines training side by side with some 1,400 US servicemen and women from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. PHILBEX33 is scheduled from October 4 – 12, and will happen in parts of Luzon, including Palawan. Throughout the exercise, troops will engage in […]
2 Filipino restaurants included in World’s Best list
September 23, 2016

2 Filipino restaurants included in World’s Best list

In a list produced by magazine and online travel guide Condé Nast (CN) Traveler, two Filipino restaurants have been included in the list of “Where in the World to Eat,” particularly casual dining Your Local in Makati, which is the lone restaurant listed from the Philippines.
Filipino Transgender models for Harper’s Bazaar India October Cover
September 22, 2016

Filipino Transgender models for Harper’s Bazaar India October Cover

US-based transgender model and activist Geena Rocero made it as one of two transgender models on Harper’s Bazaar India’s October cover. The issue featured a nine-model cover study which celebrates diversity. It was produced by Christopher Sollinger. Geena, Tracey, and Tyra share the cover with Muslim model Hind Sahli, Belgian actress Hannelore Knuts, Korean model Soo Joo Park, Cora Emmanuel, sisters Daisy Clementine and Pyper America Smith, and Emanuela de Paula. On Instagram, Rocero said she was honored to share the cover with other personalities, including Tyra Banks and Tracey Africa Norman, one of the first African-American transgender models. “What a honor to share this [Harper’s Bazaar India] cover with […]
MAPSA transactions to be recorded with lapel cameras
September 21, 2016

MAPSA transactions to be recorded with lapel cameras

Troubles about transactions with traffic enforcers of Makati may soon be a thing of the past, and it may happen soon. No details were given other than saying Makati Public Safety Department (MAPSA) enforcers will be provided with lapel cameras in their bid to promote transparency.
PH’s Oldest Tattoo Artist Whang-od, to receive National Living Treasures award
September 21, 2016

PH’s Oldest Tattoo Artist Whang-od, to receive National Living Treasures award

As the oldest traditional “mambabatok” or tattoo artist in the Philippines, Whang-od Oggay became known for her way of tattooing which is the “batok,” using ink composed of ink and water mixture, and is being tapped to the skin by using thorns of pomelo or calamansi tree.
Trucks banned from Skyway starting November 15
September 20, 2016

Trucks banned from Skyway starting November 15

Starting November 15, all trucks will be banned from using Metro Manila’s Skyway in an effort to improve road safety and speed up the flow of traffic on the elevated highway and the soon-to-open Naia Expressway.
Travellers International to open Sheraton, Hilton hotels at Resorts World Manila in 2017
September 20, 2016

Travellers International to open Sheraton, Hilton hotels at Resorts World Manila in 2017

Travellers International, developer and operator of Resorts World Manila, seeks to expand its hotel business by adding a Sheraton and Hilton Hotel to the integrated tourism resort by the fourth quarter of 2017.
NEDA Board approves 37-B Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit project
September 20, 2016

NEDA Board approves 37-B Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit project

In its first meeting under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has confirmed approvals of nine projects, amounting to an estimated total cost of P171.14 billion, on September 14 (Wednesday).
Okada Manila, to be the official residence of Miss Universe 2017
September 20, 2016

Okada Manila, to be the official residence of Miss Universe 2017

After two decades, the Philippines is up again for another glam-packed night as the country hosts the 65th Miss Universe Pageant. Earlier in August, Okada Manila confirmed that it will be the official residence of Miss Universe 2017 pageant contestants once the competition gets staged in Manila January next year.
Manila, to remove gasoline-run tricycles and pedicabs starting October 15
September 20, 2016

Manila, to remove gasoline-run tricycles and pedicabs starting October 15

Gasoline-powered tricycles and pedicabs, will soon be phased out in the city of Manila, according to Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada. E-TRIKES. Goodbye smoke-belching vehicles, hello e-trikes. (Image grabbed from philstar.com) On October 15, the said vehicles shall be phased out in order to transform Manila into an “e-trike” (electronic trikes) capital. According to Estrada’s interview with THE STAR, “We want Manila to become the e-trike capital of the Philippines and to make Manila a green city,” he said. The said phasing out of these vehicles is because of Manila’s transition to use e-trikes instead.  The city government has allotted an initial amount of P120 million to buy 10,000 e-trikes […]
Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz wins top prize in Venice Film Festival
September 20, 2016

Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz wins top prize in Venice Film Festival

Renowned Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz has once again made the country proud as his latest work, Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left), won the top prize in the 73rd Festival del Cinema di Venezia.
Mandarin Hotel to rise in Ayala Triangle by 2020
September 19, 2016

Mandarin Hotel to rise in Ayala Triangle by 2020

The northern tip of Ayala Triangle Gardens will soon be home to a new office tower, a retail podium, parking and civic spaces, and a Mandarin Hotel by 2020.
Anatomy of the Filipino Smartphone User
September 19, 2016

Anatomy of the Filipino Smartphone User

PawnHero, the first online pawnshop in Southeast Asia, has made a handy infographic that talks about how Filipinos specifically use their smartphones.
Fashion Philippines stole a limelight at Maison & Objet at Paris Design Week
September 17, 2016

Fashion Philippines stole a limelight at Maison & Objet at Paris Design Week

Filipino fashion accessory companies showcased unique products at Maison et Objet Paris, an international trade fair at the Parc des Exposition in Villepinte this September.
Filipino films shortlisted in Oscars 2017
September 16, 2016

Filipino films shortlisted in Oscars 2017

It really is the year of the Filipino film industry! Find out which films have been shortlisted for the Oscars in 2017.
Okada urges cruise lines to consider PH destinations
September 16, 2016

Okada urges cruise lines to consider PH destinations

The Philippines may soon become a cruise destination if Japanese billionaire and gaming magnate Kazuo Okada gets his way.
PH to fast-track national broadband network 
September 16, 2016

PH to fast-track national broadband network 

One of Pres. Duterte’s priorities during his SONA was to improve the country’s slow internet connection to help the country reach new heights… and it might just push through.