Feature Story

Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?
July 26, 2016

Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?

Just nearly a month into office, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO), implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Executive branch. For Filipinos, this inking is such a feat especially that the FOI bill underwent rigorous revisions and procedures before it was drafted.   (Photo grabbed from the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s Twitter Account)   As a background, it was in the Article IV, Section 6 Bill of Rights of the 1973 Constitution where the right of people to information on matters of public concern was recognized. The bill was first filed in 1992 by then first district of Pangasinan representative Oscar Orbos. According to a Rappler […]
What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?
July 25, 2016

What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?

Every year in the Philippines, film buffs are all getting their exclusive chance to witness the newest film creations of Filipino filmmakers through the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, a film competition and festival that aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience.     Usually happening every month of July or August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Cinemalaya gives the biggest opportunity for ten fresh talents who are provided with a production grant through the Cinemalaya Foundation in order to create the film of their dreams. These films will then be featured […]
Know the App Snapchat
July 24, 2016

Know the App Snapchat

  So, what’s with those flower crown and licking dog filters all over your Facebook and Instagram feed? You’ve seen it a lot of times from your family and friends in social media and you probably got the idea that it’s from the new app Snapchat. Before you jump on the bandwagon and start to create your own account, here are some things you should know about the image messaging and multimedia mobile application, Snapchat. Snapchat is the brainchild of Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown when they were students at Stanford University. It was once named “Picaboo,” but then later on changed to its current name “Snapchat” with […]
Let the games begin: Filipino netizens react to #CHexit
July 13, 2016

Let the games begin: Filipino netizens react to #CHexit

With the Permanent Court on Arbitration issuing an award in favor of the Philippines, Filipinos both here and abroad have taken to Twitter and Facebook to say their piece about the monumental decision.   Claim what is ours. ??#WestPhilippineSea #CHExit — MyDearWriter (@MyDearWriter) July 12, 2016 You harassed our fishermen, destroyed our reefs and plundered our marine resources. It's time for you to leave our territory! #CHexit ?? — Hey it's just J (@jason_without_y) July 12, 2016 David wins over Goliath! Finally, it is OURS.?????? #WestPhilippineSea #CHexit ??? — Zcyrel Barola (@zcybarolaaaaaaa) July 12, 2016 To claim what is ours is the best feeling ever. #WestPHSea #CHexit — Ed Ignacio […]
Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President
July 08, 2016

Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President

While everyone knows exactly who the new president is, not everyone is privy to who our vice president, Leni Robredo, is apart from being a member of the Liberal Party, which former president Benigno Aquino III was also a member of. Here are a few things that you should know about the Philippines’ new vice president:   THE SECOND MEETING. Vice President Leni Robredo (left) is seen meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte during a courtesy call by the latter. Photo courtesy of lenirobredo.com   1. She was a human rights lawyer before being a congresswoman. She used to work for the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN), a national alternative […]
10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest
July 07, 2016

10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest

Cinemalaya has been paving the way for the Philippine independent film industry to surge to prominence. For the past 12 years, they’ve given unknown directors their biggest breaks and have kept the local film industry going. This year, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, which is happening from August 5-14, promises a bigger festival with more films, the return of the Open Competition, and a wider reach, staying true to their theme “Break the Surface.”   THE 12TH CINEMALAYA FAMILY. Open Competition and Short Feature directors gather with the organizers of the Cinemalaya Film Festival.   During the press conference held earlier today, July 7, at the Cultural Center of […]
City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with
July 05, 2016

City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with

When living in Manila, one of the top priorities you must know are its rules. You need to be informed what is allowed and what is not, especially in a foreign country like the Philippines. Aside from the laws, which are followed by the whole country, there are specific rules you need to abide by to maintain a safe and peaceful community. These specific rules, which are made by a city or local government, are called “ordinances.” To help you out, we have listed some of the ordinances you need to follow and also find uniquely interesting as foreigners here in Metro Manila: 1. Mandaluyong’s ‘Riding in Tandem’ Ordinance (Photo […]
Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets
July 05, 2016

Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets

Sited in the old downtown district of Binondo in Manila, Escolta has been adding vibrant colors to the rich culture and history of the Philippines since 1594. Escolta is dubbed as the Queen of Manila streets because a lot of important and major historical events occurred here. This place was once filled with business establishments by immigrants usually from China. These traders sell imported goods from different countries around the world during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. It was in the late 19th century when some of the tallest buildings including the Manila Stock Exchange established in Escolta. The little business town became a little more developed and modernized as shops […]
Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco
May 30, 2024

Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco

You may have heard his name in fashion-related news, as he continues to create a name in the international fashion industry. Learn more about Michael Cinco as we tell you a story of where he started and how he got internationally famous in the world of fashion.   Michael Cinco   Michael Cinco was born in the province of Samar, Philippines. He studied college in the University of the Philippines-Diliman majoring in Fine Arts, and then went to Slim’s Fahion and Arts school in Makati. To further enhance his fashion education, he enrolled in a short course in Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London.   Lady […]
Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where
June 29, 2016

Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where

The digital world is evolving at a break-neck pace. One of the most recent innovations is the Bitcoin. It’s a currency used the world over, yet no one seems to really know what it is, how it works, and (most importantly), where to get it. Here’s what you need to know about Bitcoin:   What is Bitcoin?   WHAT IS BITCOIN? This video pretty much explains everything you need to know about bitcoin. Video courtesy of weusecoins.   According to Bitcoin.org, it’s a decentralized digital currency. It’s essentially a digital coin that you can use between two people without the need for a bank. It’s a very young economy, only […]
An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July
June 29, 2016

An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July

July will be good for a lot of film buffs, what with the World Premiers Film Festival and Eiga Sai happening in the same month. Great films will be shown during each film festival, setting the stage for the rest of July. Here are some of the films you should definitely catch: July 6 Ice Age: Collision Course WILL HE FINALLY GET THE ACORN? Catch Ice Age: Collision Course 6 to find out. Poster courtesy of Ice Age Movies.   After Continental Drift, Scrat’s pursuit for his ever-elusive acorn brings him outside Earth, where he sets off a chain of events that threaten the planet. Manny, Sid, Diego, and the […]
Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?
May 04, 2022

Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?

“Millennial.” You may have seen it in social media or heard it on TV. You’re puzzled, clueless as to what this word means. In the Philippines, Filipino millennials or “Fillennials” is now a thing. Let us tell you who “millennials” are, what do they do, and why they are called as such. According to an article published by TIME Magazine, millennials are consisted of people born from 1980 to 2000. In America, they are the biggest age grouping in history. Made up of mostly teens and 20-somethings, these are the people who are already in college and part of the workforce. However, every country has a different millennial grouping. Simply […]
Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far
June 26, 2016

Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far

There are only a couple of days until 2016 is officially half over. In a few days, we’ll be looking at a new president. A couple of months after that, we’ll see what the NBA is like without a legend. Let’s look back at the year that was in social media. Here are the 5 topics that trended in the Philippines for the first 6 months of 2016:   THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT. Duterte benefitted a lot from social media campaigns. Photo courtesy of Rody Duterte Official Facebook page. 1. #Du30. Definitely the hottest topic on social media. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was the most talked-about candidate on social […]
El Niño and La Niña: What you need to know
June 20, 2016

El Niño and La Niña: What you need to know

EL NIÑO VS. LA NIÑA. These two photos show the difference between the changes in climate. (Photo 1 by Vic Alhambra of Philippine Star, Photo 2 by Nonie Reyes of World Bank.)   You may have heard these two words being constantly used in weather reports, but do you know that they are two very different things? Read on now to learn about what these two are all about, and why you should know about these two things. El Niño vs. La Niña El Niño and La Niña are two terms used for changes in global climate system. Simply put, both terms are total opposite. These two climate cycles are […]
Dutere vs Trump: Is he really the “Trump of the East?”
June 17, 2016

Dutere vs Trump: Is he really the “Trump of the East?”

Ever since he ran for president, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has always been outspoken; so much so that he has drawn comparisons to a presidential candidate on the other side of the world–US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Most people, especially his supporters, do not like the idea of Duterte being likened to Trump. For those wondering why he’s been called the “Trump of the East,” here are the reasons why a lot of US media have given him this moniker: • Controversial views. Views expressed by both Duterte and Trump on certain issues have drawn the ire of many groups. They’ve both touched on the subject of rape, with Trump calling […]
‘Now You See Me 2,’ ‘The Conjuring 2,’ ‘Independence Day 2’ and other movies to watch out for in June
June 02, 2016

‘Now You See Me 2,’ ‘The Conjuring 2,’ ‘Independence Day 2’ and other movies to watch out for in June

June 1 was a great day for moviegoers with the release of A Hologram for the King, My New Sassy Girl, and, of course, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. But there are more movies for you movie buffs to ogle at: June 8   Now You See Me 2 The world’s greatest magicians, The Four Horsemen, are back in Now You See Me 2, but this time, they’re not alone in doing the tricking. Daniel Radcliffe joins Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan in what appears to be the heist of the century.   THE BOSS Have you ever wondered what it feels like to […]
Award-winning Filipinos in the International Scene
June 02, 2016

Award-winning Filipinos in the International Scene

The Philippines is home to the most talented people in the world. Be it singing, dancing, or cooking skills, there’s at least one Filipino experienced in a particular field that makes him/her worth the recognition. Just recently, several Filipino actors and actresses were honored internationally for their acting expertise in their respective films, and here are just some of them:   Jaclyn Jose in Ma’ Rosa (Photo grabbed from popotiq.com) 1. Jaclyn Jose As a first for the Philippines, veteran actress Jaclyn Jose won the Best Actress award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for Ma’ Rosa, directed by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza. Jose played the titular character, who is […]
Rodrigo Duterte as a leader
May 24, 2016

Rodrigo Duterte as a leader

The presidency is all but official. Four out of the five candidates have conceded to the now-presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte. When the votes for president are canvassed on May 25, none of that will matter because there’s no one left to challenge Duterte.   CHANGE IS COMING. These words echoed throughout his campaign, and now, he gets a crack at turning our country around. (Photo courtesy of Keith Kristoffer Bacongco via Wikimedia Commons).   Most people have only seen the tough-talking Davao City Mayor from what he has shown in his sorties. Only the citizens of Davao City know what Rody Duterte is like as a leader. Here are four […]
5 Reasons why Arla Cheesy spread is your perfect merienda partner
May 18, 2016

5 Reasons why Arla Cheesy spread is your perfect merienda partner

We all love snack time. And we love it more if we get to eat delicious food that makes our tummy happy. Have you ever wondered what could possibly give an interesting flavor to your usual merienda pack? Here’s a great discovery: Arla, the country’s first real cheese spread.     To convince you why it’s your perfect merienda partner, here are 5 reasons why: 1. It’s as real as it can get. Made from almost 90% fresh cow’s milk, you know that you get your money’s worth by getting only the best cheesy spread for your snack. Having only 5 ingredients, you know that it’s natural without added preservatives. […]
Election Reminders for Voters
May 05, 2016

Election Reminders for Voters

Outside of representing the Philippines in the international stage, voting may be one of the few things we can do to help our country. With the polls just 3 days away, here are a few things to keep in mind on May 9:   DO’S AND DON’T’S. Making your vote count involves more than just voting. Photo courtesy of E-lected.   Before May 9 • Familiarize yourself with the voting process. Videos about the election process are literally everywhere: TV, radio, print, and social media. There is absolutely no excuse to not be familiar with the process. • Have your list of candidates ready. To speed up the voting process, […]