News & Current Events

DepED officially releases school calendar for year 2016-2017
May 17, 2016

DepED officially releases school calendar for year 2016-2017

In relation to the nearing resume of classes in the Philippines this June, the Department of Education (DepED) has now released the official school calendar for year 2016 to 2017.     According to the calendar, the official start of classes will be on June 13, 2016 and will end on April 7 the following year. The school year will have a total of 202 school days, which includes the five-day in-service training break. For Christmas break, it shall start on December 22, 2016 and classes will resume on January 2, 2017. As stated in the D.O. 23, s. 2016, private schools may deviate from the calendar, just as long […]
Japan to ease visa requirements this summer
May 16, 2016

Japan to ease visa requirements this summer

Starting this summer, Japan will be relaxing their visa requirement for travelers from China, according to a report from the Japan Tourism Agency via Nikkei.   Japan will be relaxing its visa requirements for selected countries this summer. (Photo grabbed from blog.gaijinpot.com)   In a report by Nikkei Asian Review, Japan Tourism agency will be easing their requirements from visitors coming from China and Russia. Although the eased requirements for China have already been in the works, it has been expanded up to getting access for multiple-stay visas and also having their maximum term doubled up to 10 years. Aside from these countries, Philippines and Vietnam will also have “looser […]
PH elects first transgender woman in the congress
May 11, 2016

PH elects first transgender woman in the congress

FIRST TRANSGENDER IN PH POLITICS. Geraldine Roman wins as congresswoman of Bataan first district, making history as the first transgender woman elected in the congress. Photo by Romeo Ranoco of Reuters. Known for being a dominantly Catholic nation, PH makes a significant milestone for the LGBT community as the country elects the first transgender to take a seat in the congress. Geraldine Roman, a transgender, is set to take the congress seat in Bataan which was previously held by her mother. Roman secured 23,814 votes against her opponent which has 10,325, based on the 92.7% of election returns processed. The 49-year old Liberal Party candidate comes from a political family […]
Out Now! Primer Magazine May issue
May 07, 2016

Out Now! Primer Magazine May issue

Find out what’s inside the May issue of Primer Magazine!_ Street: Legazpi Village Last time, we featured some of the must-go places in this unruffled area in Makati. This time around, Primer will be giving you an update of the up and coming restaurants to visit at present. Despite its many office buildings and crowded spaces, Legazpi still retains its laid-back vibe loved by the residents. For many, Legazpi Village is best known for its Sunday market for a weekly dose of fresh produce.  For some, the place is popular for speakeasy bars and under-the-radar type of restaurants. Jump on the bandwagon and check out this month’s Street Feature special. […]
Trending: What is #RunningManChallenge?
May 02, 2016

Trending: What is #RunningManChallenge?

First there was the harlem shake; then came the nae nae. Now, a new dance craze is taking the internet by storm: the #RunningManChallenge.   THE MOST POPULAR ONE TO DATE. Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving gets in on the #RunningManChallenge. (Video courtesy of Cleveland Cavaliers Instagram feed)   At this point, you may be asking: what exactly is the Running Man Challenge? Here’s a quick rundown of what is currently known about the challenge: 1. It started in New Jersey. According to this article by GQ, the social media dance craze was first seen in New Jersey, when two high school kids posted this video on Instagram. 2. It […]
MMDA to launch online database of traffic violators on May 3
May 05, 2016

MMDA to launch online database of traffic violators on May 3

To further improve the traffic system in the metro, The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to launch an online database of traffic violators who will be apprehended by the “no contact apprehension policy.”     Through the website named “May Huli Ba?,” motorists can now see if they have committed a traffic violation through a Google spreadsheet, which will contain the plate numbers of vehicles monitored by CCTV cameras placed along major thoroughfares in Manila. This spreadsheet will include details such as location, date, time, and the MMDA action towards the violation. According to MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos, this database will help motorists verify the violations and also, it […]
Election Day declared as a special non-working holiday
April 27, 2016

Election Day declared as a special non-working holiday

After weeks of waiting, it has been made official. May 9, 2016 is now a special non-working holiday.   IT IS NOW OFFICIAL. May 9, Election Day is a special non-working holiday. Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net.   Malacañang announced early on Wednesday, April 27 that May 9 has been declared a special non-working holiday through the signing of Proclamation 1254, which the President signed on Monday, April 25. The proclamation read “Monday, 9 May 2016 should be declared a special public (non-working) holiday to enable the people to properly exercise their right of suffrage.” Workers who will report for work on that day will get 1.3 times their daily rate. […]
Newest route for P2P buses from Alabang to Makati, officially launched
April 25, 2016

Newest route for P2P buses from Alabang to Makati, officially launched

Are you one of those commuters who go a long way from the South to Makati every single day? We have good news for you!   P2P ALABANG-MAKATI. RRCG buses will now offer transport from Alabang Town Center to Greenbelt effective April 26. (Photo grabbed from Alabang Town Center’s Facebook page)   As part of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB)’s effort to modernize and improve the public utility vehicle system, Point to Point (P2P) bus service has officially launched Alabang-Makati as its newest route this April 26. The operator RRCG transport will be having its pickup point at Alabang […]
PiliPinas Debates 2016: the third and final Presidential Debate
April 25, 2016

PiliPinas Debates 2016: the third and final Presidential Debate

It all boiled down to one last debate. Pangasinan was the location, and all five presidents were present at the third and final leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016: The Presidential Debate. Questions were asked, answers were given, and Filipinos were given one last chance to decide on who they will vote for come May 9.   ALL PRESENT. The five presidential candidates for this year’s national elections after they’ve given their final statements. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cellona via ABS-CBN News.   The third and final leg, lead by ABS-CBN and the Manila Bulletin in cooperation with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), was a town hall-style debate, […]
MetroMart officially launches in the Philippines
April 27, 2016

MetroMart officially launches in the Philippines

Shopping’s now made more convenient for you. Just this April, MetroMart officially launched here in the Philippines, which will be offering on-demand delivery services in Makati, Bonifacio Gobal City, Mandaluyong, and portions of Pasig and Taguig.   Don’t we all dream of having someone to shop of us? With MetroMart, say no more!   MetroMart is an online delivery service where customers can purchase items conveniently just through their website. In as fast as 90 minutes, MetroMart will deliver these products right at your doorstep! Now, you don’t have to get stuck in traffic every time you want to go to the mall. What you need to know about MetroMart […]
80’s Music icon Prince found dead
April 22, 2016

80’s Music icon Prince found dead

The music industry mourns anew as another one of its greats passed away on April 21 (April 22 in Manila).   REST IN PEACE. Prince performing at Coachella in 2008. Photo courtesy of Scott Penner via flickr.   According to a report from CNN, music icon Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson, was found unresponsive inside an elevator at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful; he was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m. He was 57. Prince was known as a solo act. Most of his albums were credited as being “produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince.” Some of his biggest albums were 1999 (1982), […]
Visa-free travel to Japan is not true, says Japan Embassy to PHL
April 21, 2016

Visa-free travel to Japan is not true, says Japan Embassy to PHL

JAPAN VISA. Beware of false news circulating around social media re visa-free travel in Japan. Photo grabbed from slouchingsomewhere.wordpress.com   A news article has been circulating around social media stating that Japan has lifted its visa requirement to nationals in countries such as Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. But according to Embassy of Japan to the Philippines, the article is false news. In a post to their website, Japan Embassy has made it clear that “Japan has not lifted the visa requirements for nationals of the Philippines, Indonesia and Viet Nam contrary to the recent reports.” Also, to avoid further confusion, ABSCBN News has already put an Editor’s note in the article, […]
#FB4PH: Facebook opens office in the Philippines
April 21, 2016

#FB4PH: Facebook opens office in the Philippines

Facebook is arguably the most visited website in the Philippines. 91% of internet users in the Philippines use it to logon to Facebook; with the social media giant launching an office in Manila, people may soon find themselves asking how they can work for Facebook.   #FB4PH. Filipinos who have wanted to work for the social media giant might just get their chance.   According to a report from Inquirer.net, no less than Facebook Vice President for Asia Pacific Dan Neary made the announcement at a program held in Makati earlier today, April 21. In his Facebook account, Neary said “Filipinos have been sharing the unique moments that matter on […]
OneRepublic at MTV Music Evolution Manila
April 21, 2016

OneRepublic at MTV Music Evolution Manila

MTV, in cooperation with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, is back at it again with the award-winning MTV Music Evolution Manila, and this time they’re bringing in the big guns.   ONEREPUBLIC IS BACK!!! Yes, they’re back in the Philippines for one night! (Photo courtesy of MTV)   OneRepublic comes in as the first of many international acts to be included in the lineup. Known for their hits “Counting Stars,” “Secrets,” “Feel Again,” and “Love Runs Out,” the group last performed on Philippine shores in 2013. On Friday, June 24, 2016, MTV will gather the most iconic music artists from around the globe including the hottest acts from in […]
MRT-7 construction begins today
April 20, 2016

MRT-7 construction begins today

Workers and residents of Quezon City, Caloocan City, Bulacan and nearby areas may soon find themselves traveling between both cities faster as construction work for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) begins today.   AND SO IT BEGINS. Construction has finally begun for the MRT-7.   “The long-awaited MRT-7 will serve commuters who ply the heavily congested Commonwealth Avenue area for work and school on a daily basis. The new railway system will not only significantly lessen travel time along this corridor, but also help decongest traffic in Caloocan and NLEX,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. MRT-7, a joint project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and […]
Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa competes at Cannes
April 18, 2016

Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa competes at Cannes

Brillante Mendoza is set to represent the Philippines anew at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, set for May 11 – 22.   MENDOZA IS AT IT AGAIN as his film Ma’ Rosa was included in the Main Competition of one of the world’s largest film festivals. (Photos courtesy of Festival de Cannes – Page Officielle and Filippinsk Film Festival official page)   One of his latest films, Ma’ Rosa, was selected as part of the Main Competition last April 14. Ma’ Rosa stars Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Andi Eigenmann, Felix Roco, and Jomari Angeles. Ma’ Rosa is about the lives of husband and wife Rosa and Nestor, who use their […]
#PrayForKumamoto: Magnitude 7.3 quake damages Southern Japan
April 18, 2016

#PrayForKumamoto: Magnitude 7.3 quake damages Southern Japan

MAGNITUDE 7.3. A more powerful quake struck Kumamoto once again as several houses and buildings were left destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless. (Photo via japantimes.co.jp)   A total of 32 people were killed and 1,000 injured were reported as a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kumamoto City in Southern Japan, which was just recently struck by a 6.2 quake just two days before according to latest reports. Buildings and other infrastructures collapsed in the town of Mashiki as the quake hit the town at 1:25 am, making it more powerful than the recent quake that hit the same region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. According to reports, a number […]
DLSU’s Lariba, first ever table tennis Olympian from the PH
April 18, 2016

DLSU’s Lariba, first ever table tennis Olympian from the PH

  IAN “YAN-YAN” LARIBA. Table tennis athlete Lariba secures the last spot for the Olympic sport this 2016. Photo from www.ittf.com, via philstar.com After beating Indonesia’s Lilis Indriani in the 2016 ITTF-Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament, Ian Lariba of De La Salle University now earns a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, making her the first Philippine Olympian for the said sport. With scores, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, Lariba defeated Indriani last Saturday which made her secure the 11th and final seat in her event. It was in this do or die match where she swept off the best of 7 game, making her the first Filipino […]
50% Off! Brotzeit welcomes its BGC customers with a bang
April 18, 2016

50% Off! Brotzeit welcomes its BGC customers with a bang

You need not go to Shangri-La Plaza Mall or make your way to Glorietta 4 just to enjoy quality German cuisine, especially if you’re closer to Bonifacio Global City. Brotzeit is opening its doors at the Shangri-La at the Fort on April 17!   50% OFF ANY FOOD ITEM for three days! THREE DAYS! Photo courtesy of Brotzeit Philippines Facebook page   No, your eyes do not deceive you. Brotzeit will be giving its food at half price from April 18 – 20 at their Shangri-La at the Fort branch. Dine with them and you will get 50% off of their  Brotzeit was established back in 2006 by a group […]
Forbes names Philippines among retirement havens
April 18, 2016

Forbes names Philippines among retirement havens

Forbes Magazine recently announced the best places in the world to retire in, and the Philippines is on the list.   SUNSET ATOP MT. TAPYAS in Coron, Palawan.   Calling the list the “20 Best Foreign Retirement Havens for 2015”, Forbes listed countries based on its Annual Global Retirement Index, which takes into account factors such as cost of living, taxes, medical care, climate, peace and order, cultural attractions and hospitality, and ease of return to the US. Forbes highlighted the country’s low cost of living, our tropical climate, the abundance of English speakers, and natural beauty. They also pointed out that “foreign income is untaxed, and permanent residency can […]