News & Current Events

PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection
August 05, 2016

PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection

Announced on July 29 (Friday), the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be focusing on high-end bars and clubs in Makati and Taguig cities for drug inspections among regulars who are usually wealthy youths and celebrities.   (Photo grabbed from: foreignstudents.com)   According to Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario, head of the Southern Police District, they have already coordinated with owners and managers of posh bars and clubs to conduct a random inspection and patrol with the PNP personnel. “They are there to observe and even use the comfort rooms because as we all know, it is in the comfort rooms where the party drugs are being passed,” he added. Apolinario also […]
Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball
May 29, 2024

Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball

The glitz and glamour does not necessarily mean that it’s always just about fashion. Sometimes, it’s also has a deeper purpose. We introduce you to Red Charity Gala.   Various fashion outfits on stage   The Red Charity Gala is an “annual benefit charity fashion event which highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino fashion designers. Started in 2009, it first featured the collection of designer Dennis Lustico. For the past years, the Red Charity Gala was made for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross, a health and humanitarian organization, and also for Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.  Since it started, they have already featured several well-known fashion designers […]
PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888
July 29, 2016

PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888

Subscribers of PLDT and its subsidiary, Smart, might just be able to breathe a sigh of relief if they ever find themselves in an emergency as the telecommunication giant is willing to give people free access to hotlines 911 and 8888, but only if the government says so. Also read: Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls   DID THEY ONE-UP GLOBE TELECOM? Probably not, because they will only give free access if the government says so. File photo.   In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Ramon Isberto, head of PLDT/Smart Public Affairs said “If the government will instruct us to make it free, […]
PH to host Miss Universe 2016
July 29, 2016

PH to host Miss Universe 2016

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo has confirmed at a press conference, Thursday (July 28), that the Philippines will be hosting the next Miss Universe pageant.   (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez via Philstar)   The idea was initially rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte because he was mainly concerned about the big expenses of hosting the pageant. He was later on convinced after a meeting with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach last July 18. Teo said the government is not going to spend a single centavo and it will be the private sector that would shoulder the expenses. DOT is also considering the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to […]
JICA-run youth volunteer program wins Asia’s Nobel Prize
July 29, 2016

JICA-run youth volunteer program wins Asia’s Nobel Prize

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) just announced the recipients of its prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, and Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) youth volunteer program is one of the six awardees.   THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD will be given to six awardees this year, including JICA’s youth volunteer program, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Photo grabbed from Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation official page   Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) will be honored this year for their “idealism and spirit of service in advancing the lives of communities other than their own,” according to the citation by the RMAF. Established in 1965, JOCV is a JICA-run program that aims to provide […]
BFP now ready for 911 response
July 28, 2016

BFP now ready for 911 response

In a video posted on 911 Philippines’ Facebook page, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) trucks were seen to diffuse water with colors as an indication of their readiness to respond for disaster and emergency calls to 911.   (Screengrabbed from 911 Philippines’ Facebook post)   As one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s priorities in his administration, the 911 hotline for disaster and emergency response is now in the works, with its launch on August 2016. This hotline shall be used nationwide for connection with emergency response resources such as when it comes to disasters like “fire, typhoon, earthquake, landslides, tsunami, flood, terrorist attack, hazardous material emergencies, civil disturbance, riot control, search […]
Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls
July 28, 2016

Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls

Globe subscribers should think before calling 911 once it’s up and running next month, as the telecom giant will charge an extra P5 per call on top of their regular voice charges.   NO PRANK CALLS. Or, at least that’s the idea for all Globe Telecom subscribers. (Image grabbed from yugatech.com)   In a statement released yesterday, Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said that the extra charge was “suggested by the government to discourage prank calls.” Castelo also said that “Globe Telecom is ready to transmit voice calls for emergency hotline 911 and complaint hotline 8888 on August 1, as directed by the government.” They are also hastening their […]
International furniture store IKEA to open soon in the Philippines
July 27, 2016

International furniture store IKEA to open soon in the Philippines

In a report posted by news website Inquirer.net on Wednesday (July 27), popular international furniture brand IKEA is set to open a branch here in the Philippines.   IKEA store in Japan. (Photo grabbed from www.acclaro.com)   Although no details have been posted yet as of press time, the news gained mostly positive reactions, making it a trending topic in social networking site Twitter at the 11th spot. IKEA is a known global brand that sells ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances, and accessories that started in Sweden in 1943. According to a report by Reuters in 2008, it was named as the “world’s largest furniture retailer.” With over 300 stores in 48 […]
Disciplined, informed, involved Filipino: #DU30UnangSona
July 25, 2016

Disciplined, informed, involved Filipino: #DU30UnangSona

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) called for disciplined, informed, and involved Filipinos for our country to truly rise from the ashes. He said that for our country to achieve success, “We have to help each other for then and only then can we truly prevail.” This comes after a one-hour, 32-minute State of the Nation Address (SONA).   PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE delivers his first SONA, which lasted for an hour and 32 minutes. Photo courtesy of PTV   His SONA was unlike any first SONA delivered by other presidents, i.e. he did not blame previous administrations for their mistakes.   NO MORE FINGERPOINTING. Image courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations […]
Wall Street Journal features BPO Company TaskUs in the Philippines
July 25, 2016

Wall Street Journal features BPO Company TaskUs in the Philippines

On June 21, Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) company TaskUs, was featured by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on how the company turned the call center into a cool tech startup.     TaskUs OFFICE. (Photo grabbed from TaskUs Facebook)   In a report by Eva Tam of WSJ, it features TaskUs as a call center which has a setup that will make you feel like you are in a Silicon Valley startup. This idea, to build a workplace that does not look like your typical call center, has funky chairs, a gym, large cafeteria, and a napping area. Here are some pictures from Instagram app taken at TaskUs offices:   Watching. […]
No more ‘His Excellency’: just call him President Duterte
July 21, 2016

No more ‘His Excellency’: just call him President Duterte

Change has come in more ways than one as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tells everyone in government to drop the words “His Excellency” from all official communications, events, or materials.   “HIS EXCELLENCY” NO MORE. In a memorandum issued on July 15, Duterte asked everyone in government to not address him as “His Excellency. TOTO LOZANO/PND   A memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea was issued on July 15, 2016 saying that Duterte shall only be addressed as “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte” in all official communications, events, or materials.   A COPY OF THE memorandum telling everyone in government to not address the President as “His Excellency” and […]
NAIA Secretary says sorry for emergency runway closure
July 20, 2016

NAIA Secretary says sorry for emergency runway closure

EMERGENCY. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade apologizes for emergency runway closure. Photo by Ariel Fernandez of mb.com.ph   The Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has now apologized for the inconvenience brought by the sudden emergency closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday evening. Also read: Know your rights as air passengers in the Philippines At least 14 international flights were canceled on Monday, due to the sudden closure of the NAIA Runway 0624 because of an emergency repair when the asphalt got peeled off in the runway. This closure was said to have been made to ensure the aircrafts and passengers’ safety. In a video interview, Tugade […]
Duterte’s First SONA: What to expect
July 19, 2016

Duterte’s First SONA: What to expect

We’re only 6 days away from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s (PRRD) first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 at the Batasang Pambansa or the House of Representatives in Quezon City. SONA is the annual progress report of our country. It is presented by the President every year in July, and is always held at the Batasang Pambansa. In attendance are the country’s congressmen, senators, executive secretaries, UN dignitaries, the Vice President, their families (if they so choose), and any of the president’s personal guests.   HIS FIRST SONA. After being sworn in as president, PRRD will deliver his much-awaited SONA this July 25. (Photo courtesy of Presidential […]
A first for the PBA: Janine Nicandro is first female referee
July 19, 2016

A first for the PBA: Janine Nicandro is first female referee

Change has come to the oldest continuing basketball league in Asia as Janine Nicandro made her debut as a referee for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) at the opening game of the Governor’s Cup held last Friday, July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.   A FIRST FOR THE PBA. Janine Nicandro dons the black and white for the first time as a PBA referee. (Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net)   “Yung dito po talaga, nakaka-tense po. Nakaka-kaba, pero masaya po,” (It’s very tense and nerve-racking here in the PBA, but it’s fun) said Nicanor, a 23-year-old marketing graduate from Laguna State Polytechic University (LSPU), during a […]
4DX cinemas now open at UP Town Center and Greenbelt 3
July 18, 2016

4DX cinemas now open at UP Town Center and Greenbelt 3

Your movie experience just got a whole lot better.     This July, the Ayala Malls opens 4DX cinemas in Greenbelt 3 and at the University of the Philippines (UP) Town Center.  4DX Cinemas are motion picture technology augmented with environmental effects such as “seat motion, wind, rain, fog, lights, and scents” along with its audio and visual presentation. This 4DX technology in Ayala Malls provides “high technology motorized recliner seats” and state of the art effects to let the moviegoers feel more connected to the movie. The cinema evokes a luxurious vibe to make the movie-watching more comfortable as ever.   Ayala Malls’ motor recliner seats and Movie Snackbar […]
Starbucks’ Buy 1 get 1 promo starts July 18!
July 18, 2016

Starbucks’ Buy 1 get 1 promo starts July 18!

Coffee lovers, there are more reasons to indulge in your favourite cup of handcrafted coffee today!     Starbucks’ Choco Hazelnut Mocha will be up for grabs in their Buy 1 Get 1 promo starting July 18 (Monday) to July 20 (Wednesday). There are no requirements needed to be able to avail this promo, just head on to any Starbucks stores nationwide in any time of the day and bring someone to share the coffee with you! You may avail the promo in any size, but there is a limit of (1) purchased beverage per customer per transaction. This promo is valid for hot and iced variants in all Starbucks […]
Regular taxis now allowed in NAIA
July 18, 2016

Regular taxis now allowed in NAIA

REGULAR TAXIS ALLOWED. NAIA allows regular taxi cabs to pick up arriving passengers from the airport. Photo grabbed from rappler.com   Good news for all airport travelers! The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has now started to allow regular taxi cabs to pick up arriving passengers, starting July 18. According to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal, around 97,000 passengers arrive in NAIA every day. This new scheme will help “reduce travelers’ waiting time for taxis, and will also help them give more choices for transportation,” as stated in a Philstar report. These regular taxis will be located in the following pick up points: NAIA Terminal 1 […]
15 Days of Duterte
July 19, 2016

15 Days of Duterte

It has been two weeks since President Rodrigo Duterte started his 6-year presidential term in the Philippines. We’ve witnessed quick and constant social and economic progress as little as two days after he gave his inaugural speech last June 30. One example are photos of an unusually clean and clear Divisoria (a very busy shopping place in Recto, Manila) and Baclaran Market that have gone viral on social media. Also read: Rodrigo Duterte as a leader While numerous evidences are tossed everywhere for everyone to see, is Duterte’s promise of a better Philippines in 6 months really possible? Is change really coming? Let’s round up some of the most notable acts of the Duterte […]
Free Wi-Fi in select transportation systems and hubs, soon in Manila
July 13, 2016

Free Wi-Fi in select transportation systems and hubs, soon in Manila

FREE WIFI. The Department of Transportation and Smart Communications, Inc. signs Memorandum of Understanding to provide Wi-Fi access for transport passengers in PH. Photo grabbed from dotc.gov.ph   The new administration of the Philippines is set to make the country stay connected on the internet by tapping the country’s largest phone carrier, PLDT, to provide free Wi-Fi in 21 transport hubs within 100 days. According to a Rappler report, it was Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and President Rodrigo Duterte who asked and wanted for an accelerated Wi-Fi rollout. It was also them who tapped PLDT, but the whole agreement is not exclusive to the company as other telecommunication providers can […]
#Chexit: PH wins case on West Philippine Sea vs China
July 12, 2016

#Chexit: PH wins case on West Philippine Sea vs China

PH WINS. The West Philippine Sea rightfully belongs to PH, The UN Arbitral Tribunal said. Photo grabbed from dzrhnews.com   On Tuesday afternoon, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal has finally decided on ruling the arbitration case in favor of the Philippines regarding the case of West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) against China. In a press release made public by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, it was stated that “The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.” Also, The Tribunal was said to found that “China had violated […]