News & Current Events

P30 flagdown rate for taxis to take effect on March 19
March 09, 2016

P30 flagdown rate for taxis to take effect on March 19

The wait is finally over. On Tuesday, March 8, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced new rates for taxis nationwide starting March 19, 2016. This comes a year after they announced a provisional P10 cut on taxi flagdown rates.   FLAGDOWN DOWN FOR GOOD. Rates for distance and waiting time have also been adjusted.   The new taxi rates are as follows: Flagdown P30 Distance P3.50 for first 500 meters P3.50 for every succeeding 500 meters Waiting time P3.50 for every 90 seconds   Airport taxis will also sport new rates: Flagdown P60 Distance P4 for first 500 meters P4 for every succeeding 500 meters Waiting time […]
‘Facebook Live’ is now available on personal profiles
March 09, 2016

‘Facebook Live’ is now available on personal profiles

If you have been receiving notifications on your Facebook that your favorite page is “live”, then you’re probably seeing the biggest social network’s Live feature.     Facebook Live is a streaming service for pages to broadcast a live chat or show directly from their timeline. In 2015, it was only available for selected verified public figures. Now, some users can do a live streaming, which can be viewed by their Facebook friends, although it is not available to everyone yet. But if you are one of the lucky people who have this option, Facebook has provided a simple tutorial for you to follow, so you can broadcast from your […]
Is Zika Virus in PH? Updates and Zika 101
March 08, 2016

Is Zika Virus in PH? Updates and Zika 101

With reports of an American woman being diagnosed with Zika virus after coming from the Philippines, people are understandably afraid. Zika has been associated with birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness that affects the nervous system. It has also been declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization.   AEDES AEGYPTI. The mosquito known to transmit yellow fever is also a known transmitter of Zika virus.   According to reports from Inquirer.net, Philstar.com, and CNN Philippines, the non-pregnant US resident was in the country for 4 weeks in January. It was during her last week of stay that she developed […]
P1 bus fare rollback to be expected this week
March 08, 2016

P1 bus fare rollback to be expected this week

Heads up, commuters! There may possibly be a P1.00 cut on your bus fare this week.   BUS FARE. A P1 rollback is expected to happen this week for both air-conditioned and regular buses. (Photo grabbed from securitymatters.com.ph)   In a petition filed by representative Julie de Jesus from the group Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor sa Pilipinas (STOP), a fare rollback was sought to be reduced to P11.00 for air-conditioned buses and P9.00 for regular buses. The reason for the said petition was the diesel price drop in the country. According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., said […]
Gone too soon: Award-winning director Francis Xavier Pasion found dead
March 07, 2016

Gone too soon: Award-winning director Francis Xavier Pasion found dead

The entertainment mourns anew as award-winning ABS-CBN director Francis Pasion was found dead in his Quezon City apartment around 3 p.m. last Sunday, March 6. Pasion was 38.   REST IN PEACE, DIREK. ABS-CBN director Francis Xavier Pasion.   According to a report from ABS-CBN News, his body was found near the door of the comfort room inside his house. Initial findings by PNP SOCO suggest he died of cardiac arrest. Members of the entertainment industry took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to Direk Francis. Quark Henares, one of his friends, gave a tribute on his Facebook account, citing working conditions in TV production as […]
7 foreign airlines eyeing Clark for new destination
March 04, 2016

7 foreign airlines eyeing Clark for new destination

Here’s to possibly more flights in Clark!   CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. 7 international airlines express interest in operations at the former US military airbase. (Photo courtesy from dmia.ph)   According to Clark International Airport Corp. CEO Emigdio Tanjuatco III, seven international airlines have expressed intentions to establish operations in the said airport during their stay in the country to attend Asian Routes, an airlines and aviation stakeholders event. These seven airlines are V-Air of Taiwan, Jet Star of Singapore, Thai Smile, Rayani Air of Malaysia, Express Air of Indonesia, Air India, and Airline 4.0, a new carrier from the US. This visit will happen on March 5, where these 7 […]
11 Filipinos make it to Forbes’ annual billionaires list
March 04, 2016

11 Filipinos make it to Forbes’ annual billionaires list

This 2016, 11 wealthy Filipinos have made it again to the Forbes billionaires list, securing a place in a roll dominated by mostly US-based entrepreneurs.   PH BILLIONAIRES. Eleven Filipinos make it to the annual Forbes list, albeit some of them are seen with a decline in fortune. (Infographic by CNNPhilippines.com)   With the highest rank among other Filipinos, well-known tycoon Henry Sy of SM Investments Corporation lands at #71 spot with a net worth of $12.9B. He is then followed by chairman emeritus John Gokongwei, Jr. of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., on the #270 spot with a $5B. Lucio Tan of various industrial conglomerate operations lands at the #380 […]
Gallery Vask hailed as one of Asia’s Best Restaurants for 2016
March 04, 2016

Gallery Vask hailed as one of Asia’s Best Restaurants for 2016

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2016 was announced last Monday, February 29, and it featured one of the Philippine’s best: Gallery Vask, located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.   CONGRATULATIONS! Gallery Vask is recognized as the 39th Best Restaurant in Asia, and the Best Restaurant in the Philippines.   Gallery Vask’s concepts was described by William Reed Business Media as being “set in a constantly evolving art space inspired by people, nature, memories, textures, techniques, travels and history.” True to form, their ever-changing menu is now 100% Filipino, a change of gears from their initial Spanish-inspired line-up with a Filipino twist. Gallery Vask’s Tiradito was hailed as their standout dish. […]
Henry Sy donates P400m UP campus in BGC
March 03, 2016

Henry Sy donates P400m UP campus in BGC

The country’s premier state university, University of the Philippines (UP), gets its 17th campus through Henry Sy Sr. with a nine-storey building in the progressive business district of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.   UP-BGC HENRY SY. HALL. A P400m-building was donated by Henry Sy to UP located at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. (Photo by Misael Bacani UPSIO, grabbed from up.edu.ph)   The building, which costs P400m, was donated by Henry Sy Sr., the well-known and undisputed richest man in the Philippines behind the successful SM Investments Corporation. This building was given to the Philippine’s premier institution of higher learning, as received by UP President Alfredo Pascual […]
Free admission for women to National Museum this March
March 02, 2016

Free admission for women to National Museum this March

In celebration of the National Women’s Month, the National Museum of the Philippines gives free admission for its women visitors from March 1 – 31, 2016. All ‘Juanas’ can visit any of its branches in Manila (NM of Fine Arts, NM of Anthropology and NM Planetarium), Kiangan, Kabayan, Vigan, Angono-Binangonan Petroglyph Site, Tabaco, and Butuan.     See exhibits highlighting women, like National Artist Benedicto Cabrera’s Larawan and Sabel series, which are displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts (the old Legislative Building) in Manila.   About the work: “Two Mestizas” (2000) acrylic on canvas, on loan from the collection of Paulino and Hetty Que. © Benedicto A. Cabrera and […]
Luxury redefined: Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila opens its doors today
March 01, 2016

Luxury redefined: Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila opens its doors today

Expats and Filipinos alike can now enjoy a slice of luxury at Bonifacio Global City as Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila opens its doors to the public today, March 1.   LUXURY AT ITS FINEST. Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila redefines luxury. (Photo courtesy of Shangri-la at the Fort, Manila)   Today’s soft opening was attended by several of Shangri-La’s top brass led by Executive Vice President (EVP) Wolfgang Kreuger for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.   SHANGRI-LA’S TOP BRASS. From left: Wolfang Kreuger, Alain Rogers (Area Manager/General Manager of Makati Shangri-La), Atty. Federico Noel (Director, Shang Properties, Inc.), Christopher Tiu (EVP for Projects), Wilfred Woo, John Rice, Alex Willats (Hotel […]
Former President Quirino’s remains to be transferred to Heroes’ Cemetery
February 29, 2016

Former President Quirino’s remains to be transferred to Heroes’ Cemetery

  In time of his 60th death anniversary, former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino’s remains will be reinterred at the Libingan ng Bayani on Monday, February 29.   REINTERRED. Former president Quirino’s remains to be transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes Cemetery) today.   In a radio interview with Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, Quezon stated that Qurino’s remains shall be reinterred, starting at the Manila South cemetery. The procession is said to traverse Ayala Avenue, McKinley Road, 5th Avenue, Lawton Avenue, and Bayani Road to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. Quirino was the PH republic’s 6th president, who died of heart attack in February 29, 1956. […]
Box-office director Wenn V. Deramas dies at 47
February 29, 2016

Box-office director Wenn V. Deramas dies at 47

The showbiz industry mourns anew as one of its most celebrated directors, Wenn V. Deramas, passed away due to cardiac arrest earlier today, Feb. 29. He was 47.   REST IN PEACE. Direk Wenn Deramas succumbed to cardiac arrest earlier today.   According to a report from ABS-CBN, Deramas was brought to the Capitol Medical Center at 2 a.m. Several attempts were made to revive him but to no avail. In an interview with ANC, June Rufino, a close friend of Deramas, revealed that he already underwent heart surgery last year. Celebrities took to social media to express their condolences for the long-time Film and TV director, including Vice Ganda, […]
5 Highlights of the PiliPinas Debates 2016
February 23, 2016

5 Highlights of the PiliPinas Debates 2016

photo from left to right: Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Miriam Defensor – Santiago, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas   On Sunday, February 21, the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 kicked off at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City, it was co-presented by Inquirer.net and GMA Network. The debate was attended by all 5 Presidential aspirants namely Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Miriam Defensor – Santiago and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. The PiliPinas (is a play of words meaning “Choose, Philippines”) is a series of debate that involves the Presidential candidates for the […]
More people, fewer cars: uberHOP launches in Manila
February 15, 2016

More people, fewer cars: uberHOP launches in Manila

Fret no more, heroic daily commuters of Manila! Uber launches its carpooling service uberHOP in Manila this February 10, which will help make your commuting life easier.     In an effort to combat Manila’s horrible traffic system, Uber Technologies Inc. brings their new carpooling service called uberHOP to Manila. Through uberHOP, Uber aims to make a gradual change to help Manila traffic by introducing carpooling which makes use of a large vehicle that can accommodate five riders on board. In Uber’s website, it stated that “innovative solutions like uberHOP, put more passengers in fewer cars – safely, reliably and affordable – which help move us towards a brighter, cleaner […]
State-of-the-art cinema to be unveiled in Uptown Mall BGC
February 15, 2016

State-of-the-art cinema to be unveiled in Uptown Mall BGC

Now, your movie experience is made more luxurious.     If you’ve been looking for a place to spend a great movie date with your loved one, we know a place for you. Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City opens its world-class theatre this February for a better movie experience for us all. Uptown cinemas will be located at the 3rd floor of the mall, which will be composed of five theaters that will have the latest screen and sound systems for a great movie experience. It will make use of the Dolby Atmos sound program which is known for being an award-winning sound system. Movie goers will surely love […]
DPWH issues road advisory for NAIA Expressway Phase 2
February 12, 2016

DPWH issues road advisory for NAIA Expressway Phase 2

Planning to go to the airport this weekend? The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) says you should plan your trip accordingly and expect heavy traffic as connection works for the NAIA Expressway Phase 2 are set to begin this Feb 13.     Starting this Saturday, civil works contractor DMCI will commence test pitting activities from Piers 1 to 18 to connect NAIA Expressway Phase II project with the existing Phase I. DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson advises the public to plan their trips accordingly and anticipate heavy traffic at Villamor Airbase Section along Sales Road in Pasay City. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also approved […]
Mitsubishi to create more jobs through its participation in CARS program
February 12, 2016

Mitsubishi to create more jobs through its participation in CARS program

In line with its P4.3B investment, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) vows to create more employment opportunities in the Philippines.   JOB OPPORTUNITIES. Mitsubishi Motors PCorporation CEO Osamu Masuko announced in the press briefing that there will be employment opportunities for Filipinos through their participation in CARS program.   In a press briefing held regarding the Car Manufacturing Operations in the Philippines, MMC CEO Osamu Masuko expressed his determination to participate in the PH government’s CARS program. The Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program allows the automotive industry of the country to be competitive in ASEAN. With this program, the country’s auto industry will be able to create employment opportunities in […]
Ash Wednesday marks beginning of 40-day Lenten season today
February 10, 2016

Ash Wednesday marks beginning of 40-day Lenten season today

A lot of people may view today as an ordinary Wednesday, but this day holds a particular place in the Catholic calendar. February 10 marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, known to Catholics as Ash Wednesday.   THE FAITHFUL LINE UP. Office workers from Makati line up just outside the Greenbelt Chapel earlier today to celebrate Ash Wednesday. Lay ministers mark the people with a cross using burnt ash from palm fronds.   Lent is the time of the year when most Christians abstain from what most people consider as luxury food: meat, eggs, and dairy products. Devout Catholics in particular fast for 40 days, replicating the time […]
Attention, travellers! Cheaper flights to ASEAN cities arrive this 2016
February 10, 2016

Attention, travellers! Cheaper flights to ASEAN cities arrive this 2016

If you’ve been dreaming to explore the world as part of your bucket list, 2016 is the right time to do so.     This will be possible through Protocols 5 and 6 of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement in Air Services (MAAS) signed by President Aquino which will let Filipinos have better access and extensive flight options to and beyond capital cities of ASEAN nations. This great news will help not only travelers, but also it can enhance trade and investment opportunities for PH businesses. Also, this news is a great opportunity for local tourism and economy as more flight options and ticket prices will be available. With that, foreign […]