News & Current Events

BSP to release new P100 bill on Feb 1
February 01, 2016

BSP to release new P100 bill on Feb 1

Having problems distinguishing a P100-bill from a P1000-bill? Worry not. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) just released their new P100 bills today, Feb. 1, 2016. MORE MAUVE, LESS BLUE. The new P100 bill (bottom) is more mauve or violet compared to the old (top) P100 bill. In a press release, the BSP said the move was in response to suggestions from the public to make it easier to distinguish from the P1,000 bill. Comparing both bills, the new P100 bill has a stronger mauve or violet color compared to the old P100 bill. Everything else, including all the security features, will stay the same. This does not mean the […]
‘Love in the Time of March Madness’ makes it to Oscar’s shortlist
January 29, 2016

‘Love in the Time of March Madness’ makes it to Oscar’s shortlist

Another Filipino creates waves in the US Film industry as Fil-Aussie director Robertino Zambrano’s “Love in the Time of March Madness” makes it to Oscar’s Animated Short Film Category shortlist. The movie, which is also co-directed by Melissa Johnson, is about a 6’4’’ basketball star struggling to find true love. It’s a story of Melissa, an 8th grader, who ensues in a hilarious and at the same time awkward misadventures. It’s also about embracing differences that will tell people a lot about love and other life experiences. According to Zambrano, his film was intended to be a six-month project that turned into a three-year project. It has also screened at […]
PAL to fly to Saipan this year
January 29, 2016

PAL to fly to Saipan this year

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Saipan, this year is the best time to do so. MANILA-SAIPAN. Philippine Airlines is set to have Manila-Saipan route this June 2016. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to start flights to Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands, by June this year. In the current setting, people from Manila still has to pass by Guam or Korea to get to Saipan, said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista in a phone interview with Philippine star. Now with the airline’s newest flight offering, Filipinos will have a more convenient access to the place as 35% of Saipan’s total […]
GrabTaxi is now called ‘Grab’
January 28, 2016

GrabTaxi is now called ‘Grab’

On its official Facebook page, GrabTaxi formally announces its rebranding with its name now known as “Grab” through a Facebook post. This rebranding was made because of its growing services being offered in Southeast Asia. The said transport platform which was built in 2012, only started as a taxi booking application. At present, the application now has different transportation services such as cars, bikes, deliveries, and more. In a newsletter, Grab CEO Anthony Tan assures Grab customers that the transportation booking app will be more accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere. Also, it commits to deliver safer and more reliable transport options along with its rebranding. Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing […]
DOST to launch free WiFi in PH
January 27, 2016

DOST to launch free WiFi in PH

In an effort to enhance internet accessibility in the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office), offers to provide internet access to public places in the Philippines nationwide. FREE INTERNET. The DOST offers to provide internet access to public places in PH. The project, named as “Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places,” shall install hotspots having a speed of 256 kbps being the lowest prevailing speed requirement for a broadband service. This project will serve 105, 000 concurrent users each with that speed. A data volume based Fair Usage Policy will be implemented so that there will be an […]
LTFRB to stop GrabBike operations
January 27, 2016

LTFRB to stop GrabBike operations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered MyTaxi.ph to stop GrabBike operation, which is a motorcycle taxi service being offered in Metro Manila. In a Rappler report, LTFRB statement said that it ordered Mytaxi.ph to cease GrabBike operation “until the Board and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has promulgated guidelines to authorize the service.” The operator of the Grab services, MyTaxi.ph, was accredited by the LTFRB to provide Transport Network Vehicles (TNVS) pursuant to Department Order (DO) No. 2015-011. However, it does not authorize GrabBike, which uses motorcycles or bikes for local transport. According to LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez, this is done to ensure the […]
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, to visit PH
January 26, 2016

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, to visit PH

Japanese royals Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko is set to visit the Philippines this January for a four-day friendship visit, which also marks as their first visit to Southeast Asia. ASIAN LEADERS. President Aquino is here seen with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan in Aquino’s state visit to Japan last June 2015. Photo by Gil Nartea of the Malacañang Photo Bureau The visit also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Japan. Their majesties will be arriving in Manila on January 26 (Tuesday) and will be here up to January 30 (Saturday) only. Here is the itinerary of the Japanese royals as they visit PH: […]
IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach’s Homecoming Parade
January 25, 2016

IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach’s Homecoming Parade

Thousands of Makati employees gathered at the streets to witness the coming of our one and only Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach! Crowds started forming along the busiest Makati thoroughfare around 3 p.m. The parade, which started at 2 p.m. from the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, passed by the Ayala Triangle around 5:40 p.m. The parade is expected to make its way to the Smart Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City after Pia Wurtzbach looked stunning in her green terno made by Albert Andrada. She waved jubilantly at the screaming crowd as the parade passed by the Ayala Triangle. At one point, she pointed skyward, looking at the rainbow […]
Filipina wins as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016
January 26, 2016

Filipina wins as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016

Following Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s victory, another Filipina brings home the crown from the Mrs. Grandma Universe 2016 pageant held in Sofia, Bulgaria last Thursday (January 21). BEAUTY QUEEN AT 48. Babylyn Decena-Newfield brings home the crown as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016. Photo by Richie Lopa of Interaksyon.com Babylyn Decena-Newfield, 48, an entrepreneur, is the first Filipina to ever win the crown. She bested other 50 contestants for the said international pageant wherein she was handpicked by the pageant’s local franchisor Ovette Ricalde to join. At her age, Babylyn still regularly maintains her fitness as she is into Muay-thai, a combat sport, which is also what she demonstrated for the […]
Facebook’s birthday is #FriendsDay
January 15, 2016

Facebook’s birthday is #FriendsDay

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FACEBOOK! On February 4, Facebook will be celebrating its 12th birthday. Photo from AP And because we all have our own special day, it’s only fitting that we also celebrate the day that the revolutionary social networking site which made us stay connected with friends and loved ones was launched. On February 4th, Facebook will be celebrating its 12th anniversary. In a Facebook post by Mark Zuckerberg, the man behind the world’s largest social network Facebook, Zuckerberg shared the detail of how he made Facebook as a portal wherein he could unite his college community altogether. He first wrote the code of Facebook in January 2004 hoping it […]
7 pesos minimum jeepney fare, effective January 22
January 24, 2016

7 pesos minimum jeepney fare, effective January 22

Commuters, rejoice! According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the minimum fair for jeepneys in NCR (National Capital Region), Region 3 (Central Luzon) and Region 4 (Southern Tagalog) has gone from PHP 7.50 to PHP7.00 only effective today, January 22, 2016. However, the charge for succeeding kilometres will remain at PHP1.5o/km. The LTFRB ordered the fare reduction with the jeepney operators’ agreement relating to the series of oil price reductions. The gasoline prices have decreased seven times since October of 2015, and they now range from PHP33.00 to PHP40.00 per liter. On the other hand, the diesel prices has decreased ten times since October from PHP23.00 to […]
Rare planetary conjunction to be visible in Philippine skies
January 22, 2016

Rare planetary conjunction to be visible in Philippine skies

Look up to the sky just before dawn from Jan. 22 to March 3 as five planets will be taking center stage for the first time in 11 years. CELESTIAL TREAT. An image of the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter as seen from Cerro Paranal, Chile on May 2011.1   Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have been visible just above the east south-eastern horizon since January 1, but Mercury will soon be joining them in a rare 5-planet conjunction that will not be seen until 2040, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to PAGASA astronomer Jose Mendoza, the rare celestial event was last seen […]
JCB Deals Promo: Get up to 20% discount with JCB Card
February 01, 2016

JCB Deals Promo: Get up to 20% discount with JCB Card

Exciting deals await this coming February. May it be with friends or family, you can save up to 20% while enjoying a delicious meal or have some time for relaxation when you use your JCB credit card. Promo validity is from January 1, 2016 until March 31, 2016 Participating Merchants:   My Kitchen by Chef Chris – 10% discount – G/F Oasis Park Hotel, 1032-34 Belen St Paco, Manila   Saboten – 10% discount – G/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City – G/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City   Mangetsu – 10% discount – 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City   Hatsu Hana Tei – 10% discount […]
Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey dies at 67
January 19, 2016

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey dies at 67

The music industry just lost another one of its greats as Glenn Frey, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of rock band Eagles passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016. Frey was 67. NEVER FORGOTTEN. Glenn Frey at a 2013 Eagles Concert. According to the band’s website, Frey succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. A message on the website says “The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community […]
Phil-Microsat set to launch April this year
January 18, 2016

Phil-Microsat set to launch April this year

Photo courtesy of The Philippine Star The Philippines has finally “broken ground” in space with a team from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) turning over the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-satellite (Phil-Microsat) in Tsukuba City to the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). While the country already has two satellites (Agila 1 and Agila 2) in orbit, these satellites were privately owned and bought abroad. Phil-Microsat, nicknamed Diwata or fairy, is the first of two Filipino-made micro-satellites that will be sent to orbit, according to DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara. The turnover also means the nine-man Philippine team, composed of UP Diliman graduates pursuing post-graduate studies at Tohoku University and […]
Filipina named as Asia’s Best Female Chef this 2016
January 15, 2016

Filipina named as Asia’s Best Female Chef this 2016

WAY TO GO, FILIPINA! International chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés wins as Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016. Photo grabbed from curiouscreatives.com Another Filipina has made the country proud once again as International chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016 by the internationally acclaimed Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Forés, who made a name in the culinary industry, is known for her achievements not only in the Philippines, but also in other countries. Forés is also the woman behind well-known restaurants, such as Cibo, Lusso, and Alta in Ascott Hotel in BGC. The latest addition to her achievements is being one of the two […]
Alan Rickman, known as Severus Snape, dies at 69
January 19, 2016

Alan Rickman, known as Severus Snape, dies at 69

ALWAYS ALAN. Legendary actor Alan Rickman dies at 69. Photo from Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images It’s a sad day in Hogwarts today as the celebrated actor, who played the iconic role of Professor Severus Snape in the successful Harry Potter series, died last January 14, 2016. Alan Rickman, who has been known as one of the world’s greatest actors of all time passed away due to cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Co-workers of Rickman in all his shows, including the Harry Potter series, have expressed their sorrow with losing a great friend and mentor. Author of Harry Potter books’ J.K. Rowling said in her Twitter account that […]
MMDA to Netizens: Report violators through Viber, Twitter
January 14, 2016

MMDA to Netizens: Report violators through Viber, Twitter

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is encouraging the netizens to take part of a new act in helping reduce the number of parking violators along Mabuhay Lanes or the alternative routes for motorists to avoid congestion. Commuters and concerned citizens can now report such violators through mobile apps Twitter and Viber. MMDA posted on Twitter recently the instructions. Viber or tweet them the following details: • picture of the parked vehicle/road works/obstruction • time and location of the picture taken And send to 0906-1476975 for Viber or to @mmda for Twitter with the (hashtag) #netizenswatch. They will acknowledge and forward your report, and then give you updates via the […]
Welcome back, Pia Wurtzbach!
January 12, 2016

Welcome back, Pia Wurtzbach!

WURTZBACH’S COMEBACK. Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach comes back to PH on January 23 for a grand homecoming. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images On January 23, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is scheduled to come home to the Philippines as a grand homecoming waits upon her arrival. In its official Facebook page, Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., (BPCI) confirmed that Pia Wurtzbach will be back at January 23 and a series of events will follow thereafter. According to Stella Araneta -Marquez, the BPCI chairperson, Pia will arrive in Manila at 6 am. Here is the itinerary of Pia’s homecoming schedule: January 23 – Arrival January 24 – Press Conference, Novotel Araneta Center […]
Nokia acquires Alcatel – Lucent
January 11, 2016

Nokia acquires Alcatel – Lucent

The telecommunications industry has another turn with some speculations of a take over last year. It has been announced that Nokia was planning on buying smaller French Company, Alcatel Lucent, for $16.6 billion. Finalized last December, Nokia had bought the said company, buying of 70% of their share. In due time, Alcatel – Lucent allowed Nokia to own 100% of the company shares. The company is to be called Nokia Corporation once the takeover is successful, making it the second largest mobile equipment manufacturer in the world with an estimated market share of 35%, coming behind SONY Mobile with an estimated market share of 40%. Changes have been made once […]