News & Current Events

PAL, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia ban usage of Samsung Note 7 on flights
September 13, 2016

PAL, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia ban usage of Samsung Note 7 on flights

Due to safety issues, several airlines in the Philippines namely Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (Ceb Pac), and Philippines AirAsia issued a travel advisory regarding the usage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in their flights.   AIRLINES BAN USAGE OF SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7. PAL, CebPac, and AirAsia have released their statements regarding this travel advisory. (Image grabbed from itechpost.com)   According to a report by the CNN Philippines, the airlines cite safety reasons for the said ban. Passengers are prohibited to charge and use the said mobile unit on board in all flights following the global recall order for the device. In a statement by PAL on their […]
Australian Foreign Affairs, PCC Chari Balisacan join ANU’s Philippine Update Conference 2016
September 09, 2016

Australian Foreign Affairs, PCC Chari Balisacan join ANU’s Philippine Update Conference 2016

Philippine Competition Chairman Arsenio Balisacan presented at the Philippine Update Conference 2016 at the Australian National University in Canberra. The Philippine Update Conference 2016 is a forum created to discuss the political, economic and social state of the Philippines under both the previous and current administration. It will focus on relevant issues in sustaining the growth momentum of the Philippine Economy from being the Sick Man of Asia to Asia’s Bright Spot.   PCC Chariman Arsenio Balisacan. (Screen grabbed from Philippine Competition Commission‘s Youtubue video)   “This conference is very timely in view of the recent gains being experienced by the Philippines – a 6.2 percent GDP growth average in […]
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte accepts ASEAN chairmanship
September 09, 2016

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte accepts ASEAN chairmanship

On Thursday afternoon, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2017.   ASEAN 50. The new logo for the ASEAN Summit in 2017. (Photo grabbed from gmanetwork.com)   According to an article published by CNN Philippines, in his acceptance speech during the closing ceremony of the ASEAN summit, Duterte said that he will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with an interest of the people at its core. “We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth,” he added. In the said ceremony, […]
NAIA UBE Express now up and running
October 06, 2016

NAIA UBE Express now up and running

When we last wrote about UBE Express, the premium bus service was still in its testing phase. Passengers were clearly delighted, because UBE Express is now officially up and running at all international terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).   LEAVING FROM THE AIRPORT? Take an UBE Express instead of the standard airport taxi. It’s more comfortable and more affordable! Image grabbed from UBE Express Facebook page   This was born out of an initiative from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to launch an Airport Bus Service that would help ease the current traffic situation in and around NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3. After partnering with Air21, the Premium […]
Cashless payments now accepted in Taguig government
September 08, 2016

Cashless payments now accepted in Taguig government

Good news for Taguig taxpayers!   TAGUIG NOW ACCEPTS CASHLESS PAYMENTS. You can now pay through your card other than cash. Photo grabbed from ffemagazine.com   The local government of Taguig City now accepts cashless payments in the form of credit cards and debit cards in paying business taxes, permits, licenses, and other fees.  According to an Inquirer.net report, this new system is being implemented for two weeks now after the issuance of City Council Resolution 102-2015 which authorized Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano to enter into an agreement with Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to allow electronic payment system such as credit and debit transactions. “We owe it to […]
Asteroid named after Queen Star’s Freddie Mercury
September 08, 2016

Asteroid named after Queen Star’s Freddie Mercury

To mark Freddie Mercury’s 70th birthday yesterday, September 5, the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Centre, a shooting star has been named after the Queen lead singer. Discovered in 1991, in which also the year Mercury died, Asteroid ‘1991 FM3’ is now officially declared as ‘Asteroid 17473 Freddiemercury.’   (Image grabbed from heart.co.uk)   The news was shared by Queen Guitarist Brian May, who has a doctorate in astrophysics from Imperial College, during a party in Switzerland. “I’m happy to be able to announce that the International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center has today designated Asteroid 17473, discovered 1991, in Freddie’s name, timed to honour his 70th birthday,” said May. […]
Expect longer lines at PH airport due to heightened security measures
September 07, 2016

Expect longer lines at PH airport due to heightened security measures

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) reminds passengers flying out of the country to arrive at airports four hours early in order to comply with further security measures and stricter immigration protocols.   (Image grabbed from philstar.com)   This action is in relation with President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a state of emergency after the bomb incident in Davao City night market on September 2 (Friday) that claimed 14 lives and caused more than 60 casualties. According to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, passengers should expect stricter and longer protocols for the heightened security. International passengers should be at the airport early to allow for security baggage checks, check in at airlines […]
September 12 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Adha
September 06, 2016

September 12 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Adha

Another long weekend is coming up soon as Muslims around the world observe their annual Feast of Sacrifice on September 12, 2016, Monday. Malacanang Palace has announced that September 12, is officially a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). The announcement was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept. 5, Monday under Republic Act No. 9849.   Eid al–Adha is Islam’s holiest festival celebrated to commemorate the willingness of prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael to follow Allah’s (God’s) command but was instructed by God to offer a ram instead. The holiday announcement creates a long weekend from Saturday, September 10 to […]
Abe to Duterte: Japan stands in solidarity with PH
September 05, 2016

Abe to Duterte: Japan stands in solidarity with PH

After the Davao bombing incident that happened at Davao City Night Market last September 2, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe express his deepest sympathy by sending a message to President Rodrigo on Sunday, September 3.   As per press released No. 47 – 2016 by the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC): “I cannot help feeling indignation to learn that a bombing incident by terrorism caused numerous casualties in Davao City where Your Excellency served as the mayor for many years. Such terrorist attacks will never be allowed whatever the reason is. I firmly condemn it. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to pray […]
Five countries issue travel advisories after Davao bombing incident
September 05, 2016

Five countries issue travel advisories after Davao bombing incident

After the bombing in Davao just last week which resulted to the death of 14 people and more than 60 casualties, five countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens in the Philippines.     The five countries, namely Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore, released travel warnings informing their citizens about the “state of lawlessness” declared by President Rodrigo Duterte after the explosion in his home city. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a “high degree of caution” travel warning on the Philippines “We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the high threat of a terrorist […]
Local business permits now required to be released in just 1 to 2 days
September 02, 2016

Local business permits now required to be released in just 1 to 2 days

Good news for all people who need to get business permits: local government units are now required to issue business permits and licenses in just one to two days.   BUSINESS PERMITS RELEASE. Entrepreneurs can now get business permits in just 1 to 2 days. (Image grabbed from valenzuela.gov.ph)   According to a report by CNN Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Information and Technology (DICT), have signed an agreement that mandates them to cut down business permit and licensing system in all cities and municipalities.  According to Trade secretary Ramon Lopez, “We don’t want to make it […]
September is National Peace Consciousness Month
September 01, 2016

September is National Peace Consciousness Month

Every month of September, the Philippines celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month, as mandated under Proclamation No. 675 issued in July 2004. The presidential proclamation was issued to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a Culture of Peace based on nonviolence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.”     As per announcement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, this year’s theme is “Pagkakaisa Tungo […]
German passport, most powerful in the world — H&P
September 01, 2016

German passport, most powerful in the world — H&P

If you’re a German citizen and you often travel in and out of Germany, then congratulations! You’re holding the world’s most powerful passports.   THE MOST POWERFUL. You can visit 177 countries without a visa if you have this as your passport. (Image grabbed from Wikimedia Commons)   In a study done by international citizenship and planning firm Henley and Partners, the German passport ranked first out of the 199 countries listed, with German passport holders able to visit 177 out of a total of 218. It toppled 3-time frontrunner United Kingdom (UK), which shared the third spot with France, Italy, Spain, and Finland, whose citizens/passport-holderse can visit 175 countries without a […]
PH team is overall champion in International Dragon Boat Tournament
September 01, 2016

PH team is overall champion in International Dragon Boat Tournament

The Philippine Navy Dragon Boat Team was awarded as the overall champions in the recently held 2016 Ordos International Nadam Dragon Boat Tournament in Inner Mongolia, China.   PH NAVY DRAGON BOAT TEAM IS OVERALL CHAMPION. These four medals were their award in the Ordos International Nadam Dragon Boat Tournament. (Image grabbed from Philippine Dragon Boat’s Facebook page)   In a report published by GMA News, the Philippine Embassy in China announced the said victory by the Philippine team held last August 21 to 26. The team is composed of 22 Navy members and two civilians and was declared the overall champion in four categories namely 300-meter full race, 500-meter […]
Bicol International Airport set to be completed in 2018
September 01, 2016

Bicol International Airport set to be completed in 2018

The Bicol International Airport (BIA) will be completed in 2018, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.   BICOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The airport that will be opened in Daraga, Albay in 2018. (Image grabbed from philippineflightnetwork.com)   In a report by The Standard, Transportation secretary Tugade vowed to speed up the completion of the said P4.7-billion airport in Daraga, Albay. The project is included in the first 10 big projects approved by the National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee. According to Albay Representative Joey Salceda, the airport would draw “at least five million tourists by 2025. The project is also seen to generate 235,000 jobs in the next […]
Filipino doctor recognized in US for championing reproductive health
September 30, 2016

Filipino doctor recognized in US for championing reproductive health

Dr. Marvin Masalunga became the first Southeast Asian doctor to join the 120 Under 40 campaign for youth leaders who champion the cause of reproductive health around the world. The 40 winners come from all over the world and from different fields, such as journalism, civil society, medicine, and research.
Globe Telecom changes access number from 8888 to 8080
August 31, 2016

Globe Telecom changes access number from 8888 to 8080

In line with the usage of the new government complaint hotline 8888, major telecommunications service provider Globe Telecom has changed their Globe and Touch Mobile (TM) access number to 8080.   GLOBE TELECOM. Globe changes access number from 8888 to 8080. (Image grabbed from Globe’s Facebook page)   According to a phone interview with Globe Telecom’s Customer Service Representative, this change took effect on August 25, 2016. This was done for the turnover of 8888 as the new complaint hotline for the Philippine government. However, customers who transact through 8888 will still be accommodated by the mobile service brand, but the confirmation message is now being sent via the new […]
Google launches #LovePhilippines social media campaign
August 31, 2016

Google launches #LovePhilippines social media campaign

In a social media campaign launched on August 29, Google Philippines reminds Filipinos to inspire Filipinos to love the country through #LovePhilippines.   #LOVEPHILIPPINES. A year-long campaign in the Philippines to spread love in the country. (Gif Image by Google Philippines)   In a post shared by Google Philippines on their Facebook page, a year-long social media campaign called #LovePhilippines aims to spread love for the country, by creating posts about “interesting tidbits about the country, culture, and its people.” According to Manila Bulletin’s report, this is part of Google’s commitment to “equip Filipinos with pieces of information that are relevant to their lives.” Through these online campaign materials both […]
PH Madrigal Singers win the grand prize at a choral competition in Italy
August 31, 2016

PH Madrigal Singers win the grand prize at a choral competition in Italy

The Philippine Madrigal Singers’ victory at the 64th International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy qualifies them for the European Grand Prix to be held in Tolosa, Spain scheduled in 2017.   (Image grabbed from Philippine Madrigal Singers Facebook)   The good news was shared by Chris Millado, the Artistic Director and Vice Ppresident at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, via his Facebook account, August 28 (Sunday).  “The Philippine Madrigal Singers win the Grand Prix in the 64th International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy qualifying them for the European Grand Prix in Tolosa, Spain in 2017. The Philippine Madrigal Singers have won the European Grand Prix twice. If they are […]
PAL to change flight schedules starting Sept. 1
August 31, 2016

PAL to change flight schedules starting Sept. 1

Schedule of some domestic flights of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) will change on September 1, 2016 onwards, as announced on the airlines’ website. As a result of the changes in flight schedules, the following flights are cancelled:   (Image grabbed from news.abs-cbn.com)   PAL said that notifications will be made, advising the affected passengers of their new flight schedules. Passengers may also opt to rebook, reroute flights, or request for a full refund. They also have the option to reroute their flight to the nearest destination of their choice subject only to any applicable fare conditions or to request for a full refund of the ticket within 30 days from […]