News & Current Events

Filipinos, 3rd largest group in Japan – Japan Times
September 30, 2016

Filipinos, 3rd largest group in Japan – Japan Times

In a recent report by Japanese newspaper Japan Times, Filipinos constitute the third largest group of foreign nationals in Japan, with 237,103 expats as of June 2016. According to Japan Times, there are currently 2.31 million foreign nationals in Japan, with Chinese as the largest group with 677,571.
Filipina singer Rachelle Ann Go to join ‘Miss Saigon’ on Broadway
September 30, 2016

Filipina singer Rachelle Ann Go to join ‘Miss Saigon’ on Broadway

Talented Filipina songstress Rachelle Ann Go is set to join the Broadway production of popular musical Miss Saigon in the United States, reprising her character as bar girl Gigi in the West End performance in the Broadway Revival.
Google Philippines, Ayala launch world’s first YouTube lounge in Greenbelt
September 30, 2016

Google Philippines, Ayala launch world’s first YouTube lounge in Greenbelt

Google Philippines and Ayala Malls have team up to produce the world’s first YouTube lounge, a “physical space where YouTube comes alive” at the third floor of Greenbelt 5 in Makati City.
PH economic growth forecast hiked by ADB and IMF
September 30, 2016

PH economic growth forecast hiked by ADB and IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised their economic growth forecasts for the Philippines this year and in 2017 on the back of solid economic fundamentals and resilience to the weakening global economy.
TV Asahi to produce basketball anime set in PH for 2017
September 29, 2016

TV Asahi to produce basketball anime set in PH for 2017

Filipinos are synonymous with basketball as far as Asia is concerned. Imagine the excitement of Filipino anime fans when TV Asahi announced that they will be producing Barangay 143 (バランガイ 143), a basketball-based anime set in the Philippines. SET FOR 2017. A promotional image for Barangay 143 was released by TV Asahi showing characters of the series. Image grabbed from Nikkei Asian Review Not much is known about Barangay 143 aside from the fact that it will be about high school basketball players in Manila. What is known is that TV Asahi, the company behind Doraemon, is working with local animation and game development studio Synergy88. According to an article […]
Watch: PPAP has taken over the internet
September 29, 2016

Watch: PPAP has taken over the internet

The internet just exploded with another viral hit, this time coming from the Land of the Rising Sun. PPAP. This 1-minute clip starring Piko Taro has taken over the internet. Video by Piko Taro.  PPAP, short for Pen Pineapple Apple Pen, has officially gone viral with the original video having been viewed by more than 9 million users on YouTube as of this writing. It’s become a global sensation, with the most recent news coming from Canadian Singer Justin Bieber. THE MAN BEHIND PPAP. DJ-comedian Kosaka Daimaou, dressed as Piko Taro, is the brains behind the earworm PPAP. Photo grabbed from Piko Taro’s Twitter account If you’re still not in […]
Parañaque City to return number coding scheme
October 03, 2016

Parañaque City to return number coding scheme

Starting October 1 (Saturday), Parañaque City will be returning its unified vehicle reduction program (UVRP), or the “number coding” scheme on all roads in the city as per City Mayor Edwin Olivarez’ announcement last September 22 (Thursday).
Former Philippine senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago dies at 71
September 29, 2016

Former Philippine senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago dies at 71

Known as a feisty senator, an award-winning government servant, and the “Iron Lady of Asia,” Miriam Defensor-Santiago (MDS) has passed away at age 71 after battling with Stage IV- Lung Cancer. According to her husband Atty. Jun Santiago via GMA News, “She died peacefully in her sleep this morning, September 29 (Thursday).
U.S.-PH ties to remain strong despite possible talks with CN, RU
September 28, 2016

U.S.-PH ties to remain strong despite possible talks with CN, RU

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte may be open to ties with China and Russia, but it will not hamper any relations the Philippines has with its long-time ally, the United States. A LINK? Could our decision to open up economic ties with China and Russia lead to better relations between these countries and the U.S.? From left to right: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, U.S. President Barack Obama, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Images grabbed from Presidential Communications Operations Office, Foreign Office of London on flickr, White House on flickr, and Wikimedia Commons According to an article on The Philippine Star, State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said […]
Filipino filmmakers can now get travel assistance from FDCP
September 28, 2016

Filipino filmmakers can now get travel assistance from FDCP

Good news for aspiring filmmakers who want to showcase their films internationally! The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) came up with a new travel assistance program for local film producers who will compete or exhibit abroad.
Camille Hirro crowned Miss Global PH 2016
September 27, 2016

Camille Hirro crowned Miss Global PH 2016

28-year-old Camille Jensen “CJ” Hirro of Pampanga was crowned Miss Global Philippines 2016 during a pageant held at the the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, September 24 (Saturday). Hirro, who is a cum laude graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City also ghostwrites for politicians and columnists. Screengrab from Camille Hirro’s Instagram page @cjsuperhirro Hirro’s answer in the final question “What men can learn from watching beauty pageants?” impressed the judges. “It’s hard to be a woman. We have to work hard and prove to men that we can do more. We have to work hard to do things and prove them […]
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.