News & Current Events

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 […]
PH receives first coastguard vessel from Japan
August 19, 2016

PH receives first coastguard vessel from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received the first of 10 new multi-role response vessels from Japan on Thursday (August 18).   JAPAN GIVES VESSELS TO PH. (Photo grabbed from inquirer.net)   This first vessel was named Tubbataha, a 44-meter vessel which was named after PCG lighthouse situated at the Tubbataha Marine National Park in Palawan. The other vessels to come until 2018 will also be named after the PCG lighthouses, and these will be deployed in Manila, La Union, and Puerto Princesa. According to an Inquirer report, PCG said that the vessel will be used for “search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and transport purposes.” These ships were built in Japan and supported […]
Filipino Restaurant Bad Saint named as Top 2 Best New Dining Place in US
August 18, 2016

Filipino Restaurant Bad Saint named as Top 2 Best New Dining Place in US

A Washington-based Filipino restaurant named Bad Saint made it to America’s Best New Restaurants 2016 List by the Bon Appétit magazine.   BAD SAINT. This Filipino restaurant makes it to the top list of America’s Nest New Restaurants in 2016. (Photo by Farrah Skeiky via Bad Saint’s Facebook account.)   Owned by Genevieve Cunanan and Nick Pimentel, together with their Filipino-American chef Tom Cunanan, the best of Filipino food has already made waves in the United States, thanks to Bad Saint. Andrew Knowlton, editor of the renowned American food magazine Bon Appétit, praised the restaurant dishes Ukoy, “a mix of freshwater shrimp fritter, sweet potato, and cilantro” and Adobong Dilaw, […]
Section of NAIA Expressway to open in September
August 17, 2016

Section of NAIA Expressway to open in September

Motorists bound for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may soon find a bit of reprieve as a section of the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) is set to open this September.   A GLIMPSE OF WHAT MIGHT BE. This is how NAIAX would look like once it’s completed. Image grabbed from mapio.net   In a statement released last August 15, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said, “We are in the process of doing safety checks. With the help of DOTC, we are confident that the public would soon be able to access a key phase of the NAIA Expressway Project within the first 100 days of […]
Makati rerouting done for Skyway Stage 3 construction
August 17, 2016

Makati rerouting done for Skyway Stage 3 construction

Traffic woes will get worse for motorists going to Makati as rerouting schemes will be in effect for the construction of Skyway Stage 3 project (SS3) along Buendia flyover.   EXPECT HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SS3 construction activities have begun and will affect traffic along Osmeña Highway, especially around the Buendia flyover. Screen capture from Dmitri Valencia YouTube channel   San Miguel Corporation-led Citra, the contractor for the SS3 started installing beams along Osmeña highway and will continue construction activities for 3 months. All northbound motorists coming from Skyway are encouraged to use the Magallanes and Don Bosco off-ramps to go to Makati City. On the other hand, the Osmeña service road […]
Rare tornado whizzed past Manila streets
August 17, 2016

Rare tornado whizzed past Manila streets

Last Sunday (August 14), videos of a tornado formed in the port area in Manila suddenly went viral on different social media sites, causing panic and great alarm within the general public. The tornado was reported to have lasted for only about 15 minutes, but it already caused so much damage to houses and establishments near the location. As per reports from the Philippine Star, the tornado was stirred up slowly by strong winds coming in from across Manila Bay that started in Intramuros, and traveled throughout Central Post Office where it dissolved completely. The Philippines has been experiencing heavy downpour for almost a week before the tornado happened. Some […]
Proposed P3.35-T ‘budget for change’ in 2017 submitted to PH Congress
August 16, 2016

Proposed P3.35-T ‘budget for change’ in 2017 submitted to PH Congress

Monday proved to be another step towards change as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submitted its proposed national budget of P3.35 trillion for 2017, which is an 11.6% increase from the 2016 budget and the highest proposed budget from any administration to date.   BUDGET FOR REAL CHANGE. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno hands over the 2017 proposed national budget to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. (Photo by Jhel Ballesteros)   The proposed budget was submitted August 15 to Philippine Congress by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and was received by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez along with other members of Congress. Among those that received the lion’s share of the budget […]
Japan funds $2.4-B railway for Manila
August 15, 2016

Japan funds $2.4-B railway for Manila

Removing UV Express shuttles and taking away provincial buses is just one way the government is trying to decongest Metro Manila. They are also using railways to further remove vehicles from the road.   LRT1, LRT2, AND MRT3 might soon be joined by a younger yet bigger sibling in Manila. LRT and MRT photos used in collage grabbed from Wikipedia   Japan announced on Friday, August 12 that they would be funding a $2.4 billion (almost P112 trillion) railway project that should help ease the congestion in Metro Manila. Reports say that the 38-kilometer elevated commuter line would connect Metro Manila and Bulacan. This will help not only by decongesting […]
New PH passports to be released starting today
August 15, 2016

New PH passports to be released starting today

Filipinos who want to travel overseas and are applying for their passports will be the first recipients of the “all-new high-security passport” released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) beginning today, August 15.    A NEW LOOK. The new passports will not only have a revamped look but also have security features that will make them virtually fraud-proof. Photos grabbed from PCO Facebook page.   Dubbed by a travel site as the world’s most secure passport, the new look includes designs that showcase the country’s different regions. Intaglio printing is used for these new passports, similar to what they use when printing money. Other security features include using optical variable […]
Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA
August 15, 2016

Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA

Just over two weeks after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) banned UV Express shuttles from traversing EDSA, another set of PUVs have just been banned from using it.   THIS MAY SOON BE a thing of the past once the MMC resolution takes effect. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez, grabbed from Wikimedia Commons.   In a report from the Manila Bulletin, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution last August 12 banning provincial buses from using EDSA. Provincial bus terminals will likewise be removed from the major thoroughfare in an effort to decongest the worsening traffic the National Capital Region (NCR) faces every day. The move is […]
‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016
August 15, 2016

‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016

For this year’s Break the Surface themed Cinemalaya Film Festival, Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo bagged the most number of awards at the recently held Awards Night on August 14 (Sunday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.   Best Film ‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ director Eduardo Roy, Jr. (holding a trophy) with the cast of the film. (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)   Lauded for its “strong sense of realism and the mix of narrative and the use of real CCTV footages,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo has undoubtedly produced a successful film which has made them bag five major awards such as the Best Film, Best Direction, Best […]
The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP
August 14, 2016

The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP

Yes, Pokémon Go is officially a hit. Almost everyone you meet on the street that has a compatible smartphone is most likely playing the hit mobile game; however, walking around the city while staring down on your screen is not exactly the safest thing to do. Accidents have been reported across all regions with access to the game. Even with Niantic Labs, the creator and developer of the game, already having safety warnings placed within the game, it’s still up to the player to be safe while playing the game. The Philippine National Police – Police Community Relations Group (PNP-PCRG) recently released eight safety tips that will keep everyone who […]
BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep
August 13, 2016

BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep

ABS-CBN News Correspondent Jacque Manabat recently tweeted a photo that may give Filipinos a new way of going around the Metro Manila: the BEEP.   A TWEET FROM JACQUE Manabat of ABS-CBN.   The BEEP, short for Bagong Jeep, is a modern version of the jeepney that has an automated fare collection and organized fleet management system.   AUTOMATED FARE (AF) COLLECTION SYSTEM. You’ll be able to use your beep card once they roll out in all of Metro Manila.   They are now undergoing a trial run with 6 Beep jeeps plying the Lagro-Cubao route as well as the Parang to Stop & Shop Marikina route. Minimum fare is […]
Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex
August 12, 2016

Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex

Attention, drivers! With its trial run on August 8, beep cards can now officially be used by owners of Class 1 vehicles at the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) for toll payment.   BEEP CARDS NOW ACCEPTED AS TOLL PAYMENT. (Photo grabbed from unlijavarice.com)   Beep cards, a tap-and-go technology made by AF Payments Inc., (AFPI) are now accepted as toll payments for those driving Class 1 vehicles such as pick-ups, vans, and cars. According to Peter Maher, president and CEO of AFPI, “extending the use of beep cards as a payment option at CAVITEX represents another step towards making the beep card an all-in-one travel card for commuters and even private […]
6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya
May 19, 2022

6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya

  The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has got avid movie-goers to see the best films produced by up and coming talented filmmakers in the Philippine film industry. Currently in its 12th run, it still aims to produce local’s best depicting reality through cinematic visuals which promotes Filipino art when it comes to filmmaking. The event is held every year in July to August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. Probably unknown to many, aside from the films showcased during the whole festival, there are so much more to see during this week-long festival everyone will enjoy as well. Here are some of the things […]
(Exact) Change has come: “No Shortchanging” bill lapses into law
August 10, 2016

(Exact) Change has come: “No Shortchanging” bill lapses into law

It’s something that seems to happen only in the Philippines: one minute you’re paying for everything you bought; next thing you know, you’re either digging in your pockets looking for loose change or receiving candy from the sales person. If you don’t you’ll either go out of the store without change or without the product you wanted to buy.   UNDER REPUBLIC ACT 10909, all establishments will be required to have change. No ifs, ands, or buts.   Well, this, and other situations similar to this, will soon be a thing of the past thanks to Republic Act (R.A.) 10909, also known as the No Shortchanging Act of 2016. RA […]
PH driver’s license validity to be extended for 5 years starting October
August 11, 2016

PH driver’s license validity to be extended for 5 years starting October

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be implementing the 5-year validity of driver’s license in the Philippines which will start in October 2016.   Philippine driver’s license for non-professional   This implementation is in accordance by President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) wherein he stated that he wants to lessen queues in the said government agency. The implementation was made by LTO chief Edgar Galvante, where professional and non-professional licenses will have 3-year validity and shall expire on the driver’s birthday. This new rule will start first in the National Capital Region (NCR) and will eventually spread out to other regions in the country. However, this 5-year […]
Infographic: The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners
August 09, 2016

Infographic: The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners

Filipinos got their hands on Pokémon GO exactly one month after the hit augmented reality (AR) game was released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In less than a week, it took over the country in the same way that Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and Clash of Clans did during their prime. It has also jumped to the top of the Play Store as the most popular free app in the country, easily beating Facebook and other social media apps. The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners The crazy stats behind the latest and biggest mobile game. The powerful combination of nostalgia and modern, […]