News & Current Events

Apple teases iPhone 7 release with special event
August 31, 2016

Apple teases iPhone 7 release with special event

Apple users will soon have confidence when talking about new Apple devices as the tech giant just sent out invites to their keynote on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California. NEW IPHONE? Who knows, but this event is certainly enticing. (Screen grabbed from Apple)   In typical Apple fashion, the media invite did not include details on what the keynote would talk about apart from the date and time of the keynote. The website, meanwhile, gave everyone a chance to watch the keynote live via streaming as long as you met the requirements for those who want to watch from the comfort of their home, office, or anywhere else […]
PH travelers may now bring up to 50K: BSP
August 31, 2016

PH travelers may now bring up to 50K: BSP

Frequent travelers to and from the Philippines no longer have to worry about overseas charges or having credit cards when they go outside the country as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), or the Central Bank of the Philippines, raised the bar for bringing cash last Friday, August 26.   NO NEED TO GO HERE if you’re bringing more than P10,000 in or out of the country. Image by Ramon F. Velasquez, grabbed from Wikimedia Commons   According to BSP Circular No. 922 series of 2016, “A person may import or export, or bring with him into or take out of the country, or electronically transfer, legal tender Philippine notes […]
Megaworld to spend P5 billion to build three new hotels in the country
August 31, 2016

Megaworld to spend P5 billion to build three new hotels in the country

As part of Megaworld’s strategy to grow its recurring income, the company will build three new hotels under its third hotel brand, Savoy, which will be worth P5 billion.   (Image grabbed from megaworldcorp.com)   According to Megaworld’s Senior Vice President Jericho Go, Savoy Hotel is set to open in Boracay, Cebu and Manila. “Megaworld is spending P5-billion to build the three Savoy Hotels in Boracay, Cebu and Manila. Part of our goal is to make this hotel brand visible in our other townships across the country,” said Go. Boracay Newcoast will have a 530-room Savoy Hotel, envisioned to be a first-class resort hotel which would feature the country’s first […]
PH is 20th happiest nation in the world
August 30, 2016

PH is 20th happiest nation in the world

In the recent report of Happy Planet Index (HPI), the Philippines ranked 20th as the happiest country in the world.   PH IS 20TH HAPPIEST NATION. Philippines gets a 35.0 overall rating, according to Happy Planet Index (HPI). (Image grabbed from executivechronicles.com)   The Philippines garnered an overall rating of 35.0, placing in the 20th spot as one of the happiest nations in the world according to HPI by the New Economics Foundation, United Kingdom’s (UK) leading think tank. To get the rating, the HPI measures four factors namely well-being (how satisfied are the residents of the said country), life expectancy (average number of years expected to live), inequality of […]
Singapore gives vote of confidence to Duterte
August 29, 2016

Singapore gives vote of confidence to Duterte

The Philippines may be headed in the right direction after all. In a recent roundtable discussion with the Manila Times, Singaporean Ambassador to Manila Li Peng Kok said “I think your president has many challenges to face and to deal with. But what’s striking is that he’s got a very comprehensive agenda and his ensemble is very experienced and very capable. He’s going to do it.”   BETTER RELATIONS? There might be, what with the praise given by Ambassador Li Peng Kok. (Images grabbed from philstar.com)   She also said that it was the Philippines’ time, pointing out that the country’s economic growth “is amazing and it has steadied for […]
Philippines will host Nuclear Energy Conference
August 28, 2016

Philippines will host Nuclear Energy Conference

The Philippine government will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Conference on the prospects of nuclear power in the Asia-Pacific region from 30 August to 1 September 2016 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.   (Image grabbed from gov.ph)   The conference will be lead by the Department of Energy (DOE) as host agency, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the National Power Corporation, member-states in the Asia-Pacific region will gather to discuss common issues and challenges related to the introduction of a nuclear power program. […]
First eco-school building in PH to be erected in Tarlac
August 28, 2016

First eco-school building in PH to be erected in Tarlac

Last time we wrote about James Jao, he was putting up Eco houses in different parts of the country. At the time, he also had two other projects lined up: eco-schools in Bohol and Tarlac.  Well, one of those is almost done, as the College of Holy Spirit (CHS) academic building in Tarlac is nearing completion. Jao, an advocate and pioneer of eco-architecture and sustainable development in the country, posted an update on his latest project.   (Image grabbed from James Jao’s Facebook page)   He won the design bid for the CHS academic building early last year, beating out four other contenders.  In an report from news website Sun.Star, […]
The PH Billionaires club grows: Forbes’ 50 Richest Filipinos
August 26, 2016

The PH Billionaires club grows: Forbes’ 50 Richest Filipinos

Top business magazine Forbes just named their 50 Richest Filipinos, and it features a record number of billionaires: 21.     Some of the most recognizable names are: ● SM Investment Corp. owner Henry Sy at number 1, with a net worth of $13.7 billion ● JG Summit Holdings, Inc. Chairman Emiritus John Gokongwei, Jr. at number 2, worth $6.8 billion ● LT Group head Lucio Tan at number 4, with $4.9 billion ● Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his family at number 7, with a net worth of $4.1 billion ● Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. founder Manuel Villar at number 12 with $1.84 billion ● Ramon S. Ang […]
From No. 28, PH now No. 27 in FIBA World Ranking
August 26, 2016

From No. 28, PH now No. 27 in FIBA World Ranking

As released by FIBA after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the Philippines moved 1 step from No. 28 to No. 27 in the FIBA World Ranking.   (Image grabbed from smartgilasbasketball.com)   The Philippines is ranked No. 3 in Asia while China still at No. 1 (14 overall) and Iran, one of the lowest rankers at No. 2 (25 overall). On the other hand, USA and Spain remained at No. 1 and 2 respectively while Serbia climbed to No. 3 after taking the Silver Medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nigeria was the highest climber from No. 25 to 16 while Germany fell from Rank 20 to 29. Donning the […]
Triathlete Omar Paredes becomes first Filipino finisher of World’s Toughest Triathlon
August 25, 2016

Triathlete Omar Paredes becomes first Filipino finisher of World’s Toughest Triathlon

Here’s yet another feat for the Philippines in the world sports industry — Filipino triathlete Omar Paredes became the first Filipino finisher of the Isklar Norseman Extreme Triathlon held in Eidjford, Norway.   LAARNI AND OMAR PAREDES holding the much coveted black shirt at the Norseman triathlon   Paredes, who works as a coach of the Herbalife triathlon team in the Philippines, was the first Filipino to join the said triathlon and also the first to get the much-coveted black shirt awarded to the first 160 athletes to arrive at the finish line. In a press conference held at the Museum Café in Makati, Paredes narrated his story on how […]
Change has come: Philippine crime rate down by 31%
August 24, 2016

Change has come: Philippine crime rate down by 31%

On the second day of the senate hearing regarding the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK), Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa reported the number of crimes in July 2016, which was significantly lower compared to last year.   CRIME RATE IN PH LOWERED. (Photo grabbed from Rappler)   According to Dela Rosa, there was a “very significant decrease” in rape incidents and a “downward trend” in crimes such as murder, homicide, homicide, robbery, theft, car theft, motor theft, and physical injuries. 11, 800 crimes were tallied in July 2016 compared to that of July 2015 that recorded 17,105, as seen in a video of the press conference from CNN […]
#DindoPH: Typhoon enters PAR but will not make landfall
August 24, 2016

#DindoPH: Typhoon enters PAR but will not make landfall

A typhoon known internationally as “Lionrock” just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now known as typhoon “Dindo.”   TYPHOON DINDO WAS LAST seen 1,200 East Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. (Satellite image from Dost_pagasa Facebook page)   A severe weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 1 p.m. today said that Dindo will have maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. Dindo will not make landfall as it is expected to stay within the same area, roughly 1,200 km East Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It is expected to move South Southwest […]
World’s largest pearl? 34kg giant pearl found in Palawan
August 24, 2016

World’s largest pearl? 34kg giant pearl found in Palawan

The world’s largest natural giant pearl may have just been found in Palawan if the Puerto Princesa Tourism Office gets it certified as the biggest in the world.   PERLAS NG PUERTO. Dubbed by the Puerto Princesa as “Perlas ng Puerto” (Pearl of Puerto), could this really be the largest natural giant pearl in the world? (Photo by Aileen Amurao via her Facebook account)   Dubbed by the tourism office as “Perlas ng Puerto,” the giant clam shell-shaped pearl weighs in at a staggering 34 kilograms. According to City Tourism Officer Aileen Cynthia Amurao, the pearl was owned by a relative and was considered a “lucky charm.” Her relative, a […]
New World Manila Bay bartender, to represent PH in IBA-World Cocktail Championship
August 30, 2016

New World Manila Bay bartender, to represent PH in IBA-World Cocktail Championship

To represent the Philippines in the World Cocktail Championship 2016, three-time medalist and New World Manila Bay Hotel’s bartender Jessie Ray Clasicas will again be competing for the International Bartenders Association (IBA)-World Cocktail Championship on October 16 to 21, at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in Japan.   JESSIE RAY CLASICAS. (Photo grabbed from bartending.lv)   Clasicas, who has already been awarded as a three-time world medalist, will be showcasing his expertise when it comes to the art of bartending as he will be having Mozart Vodka for the main ingredient in the competition. According to Travelife’s report, “his inspiration behind the cocktail was a mix of flavors that will bring […]
Baby girl born on a Cebu Pacific flight, awarded 1-M travel reward points
August 23, 2016

Baby girl born on a Cebu Pacific flight, awarded 1-M travel reward points

Last August 19 (Sunday), a Filipina gave birth to a healthy baby girl while onboard a Cebu Pacific plane flight from Dubai to Manila.   (Photo from Missy Umandal Facebook via Inquirer.net)   With the help of Cebu Pacific’s cabin crew and two other flight passengers who happened to be registered nurses, a baby girl named Haven, born 32 weeks premature, was successfully delivered about four hours after a Cebu Pacific plane left Dubai. Since this is the first time that such an “extraordinary” event happened in Cebu Pacific’s 20 years in operation, the baby was awarded 1 million GetGo points with no expiration and are transferable under the carrier’s […]
Selected Filipino films to compete in Film Festival in Europe
August 22, 2016

Selected Filipino films to compete in Film Festival in Europe

The Filipino film industry is continuously excelling in the world stage as six films from the Philippines are competing in various categories at the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema Berlin in Germany from October 22 to 29.   IADYA MO KAMI. (Photo grabbed from showbizninjaph.blogspot.com)   Sourced from Inquirer’s report, part of the films included to premier in the film fest is Iadya Mo Kami (Deliver Us), vying for four trophies in the Foreign Language film section for best lead actor (Allen Dizon), supporting actor (Eddie Garcia), director (Mel Chionglo), and foreign language feature film. It is also competing for top honors in a film festival in Italy on […]
PH to Withdraw from UN: Is it possible?
August 24, 2016

PH to Withdraw from UN: Is it possible?

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes again in his early morning press conference held yesterday, August 21, at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Depot in Davao City: he asked the United Nations (UN) to remove the Philippines from the organization.   (Photo of Pres. Duterte from Presidential Communications Operations Office; UN Logo grabbed from Wikimedia Commons)   He started by saying that the government already had numbers on how many lives the drug trade has affected versus the number of bodies the war on drugs has taken. He also criticized the UN by asking where they were during the country’s worst times. “When were you here the last […]
Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end
August 22, 2016

Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end

The biggest international sporting event in the world ends its 31st season as Olympics 2016 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil concludes the two-week long event on August 21.   HEROES OF THE GAMES. Olympic athletes walk during the Closing ceremony of Olympics 2016 in Rio. (Photo grabbed from npr.org)   The three-hour concluding ceremony showcased Brazilian culture through a colorful event as thousands of fans and competing athletes ended the game by a street carnival parade. Highlights include human formation of iconic Rio landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazilian model Izabel Goulart leading a parade of women and dancers joined by a sound track […]
From #Rio2016 to #Tokyo2020: the Olympic hand-off to end all Olympic hand-offs (to date)
August 22, 2016

From #Rio2016 to #Tokyo2020: the Olympic hand-off to end all Olympic hand-offs (to date)

The 2016 Rio Olympics have finally come to a close. The US tallied the most gold medals in the tournament, with Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles leading the way; Usain Bolt immortalized himself with his third straight 100-meter gold medal, and the Philippines gets its first taste of Olympic hardware 20 years after it won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Also read: Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end These were good highlights, but none would probably compare to what Japan just pulled off during the closing ceremonies.   YES, YOUR EYES ARE NOT DECEIVING YOU. That is Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with a […]
Mega Harbor port Project, set to be implemented in Davao City
August 22, 2016

Mega Harbor port Project, set to be implemented in Davao City

In a press release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the P39-billion Mega Harbor Project in Davao City is set to be implemented towards creating a “Global Mindanao.”   MEGA HARBOR PORT PROJECT. (Photo by MAO Signing | Jeshleo Carungay, grabbed from magmanews.com)   This mega harbor port development project, which is to be put into operation in Davao City, aims to enable Davao to bloom as the capital of East Asia Growth Area (EAGA). Also, according to Mega Harbour Chairman Reghis M. Romero II, this project can help the entire Philippines to take advantage of this strategic location in Southeast Asia. Based on the description of the project, this […]