News & Current Events

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, […]
Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH
August 06, 2016

Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH

After a long wait and more anticipation than who will win the NBA Finals, Pokémon GO has finally been released in the Philippines   CONFIRMED! After weeks of waiting, it’s finally in the Philippines! A post on the official Pokémon GO Facebook page confirmed earlier today, August 6, that the hit augmented reality (AR) game has finally hit Philippine shores along with other countries in Asia and Oceania. The post has since gone viral, with over 31,000 reactions, nearly 18,000 shares and almost 4,000 comments as of this writing. Niantic earlier released the hit mobile game in Central and South America in anticipation of the 2016 Rio Olympics. To date, […]
2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5
August 05, 2016

2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5

(Photo grabbed from: https://www.olympic.org/the-ioc) There’s only a few hours left before the Rio Olympics 2016 conduct its much-awaited opening ceremony and Rio is now busy submitting to its mission of putting its best face on ahead of Friday’s event at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Many is confused as the date of the opening ceremony is quite conflicted with time – basically, it will be on August 5, but really it’s on August 6. Telegraph.co.uk website made it all clear: “It’s kicking off at a civilised 20.00 local time, which means midnight on Friday night / Saturday morning if you’re following it from the British Isles. We’d guess […]
Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies
August 01, 2016

Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies

The country’s emergency hotline 911 was officially launched this morning. It logged almost 2,500 calls in its first 7 hours, but had an alarmingly high number of dropped and prank calls.   CHANGE HAS BEGUN. Emergency services would have been within easy reach, if not for the sheer volume of dropped and prank calls. Photo grabbed from Presidential Communications Operation Office Facebook page   In a report from news website GMA News Online, the 911 hotline received 1,119 drop calls, 304 prank calls, and only 75 calls with legitimate concerns. According to a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa warned […]
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 […]