News & Current Events

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 […]
Philippines’ Population to reach 142 Million by 2045
January 08, 2016

Philippines’ Population to reach 142 Million by 2045

Recent findings show that the Philippines’ current population is currently at 104 million and that will continue to drastically grow in the months to follow. It had been noted that the number of children a woman wants has been decreasing from 1.9 in 2010 to 1.7 in 2012. However, all it doesn’t stop the increase of population in the country. The Philippine Statistics Authority said that 10 regions are expected to increase faster than the average and five of those are in the Mindanao region. The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao or ARMM is projected to have the highest average annual growth rate of 2.12% within the period of 2010 […]
Star Wars passes Avatar to be top-grosser in US
January 08, 2016

Star Wars passes Avatar to be top-grosser in US

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Avatar held the record of highest-grossing domestic film of all time. Until Star Wars: The Force Awakens came along. With the Force strong within them, it defeated Avatar. With a whopping $760.5 million of ticket sales in U.S. in just 20 days, Force Awakens takes its place as the No.1 domestic film, beating James Cameron’s Avatar. It’s the first time in years that Cameron won’t have the title to himself. It is a first, however, for J.J Abrams who is known to be a student of Cameron and George Lucas. Although Avatar still holds the worldwide record with $2.8 billion […]
LTFRB holds dry run of double-decker buses in Manila
January 08, 2016

LTFRB holds dry run of double-decker buses in Manila

PH TRANSPO. The double-decker bus can accommodate up to 40-45 passengers for seating capacity. Photo from LTFRB Twitter account. With our fingers crossed that this kind of bus will soon be implemented in Manila, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) held the dry run of double-decker buses on January 7. The dry run started at 7:30 am, with the SM North Edsa to Glorietta 5 route. It is also open to the public and costs P55 per ride (P40 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs). This service, which is operated by bus company Froehlich Tours, showcased this bus to be used for demonstration of possible use as EDSA […]
Checks with erasures, corrections – no longer accepted in 2016
January 05, 2016

Checks with erasures, corrections – no longer accepted in 2016

Starting January 4, 2016 checks with erasures, corrections, and any forms of deficiencies shall no longer be accepted based on the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) Memo Circular 15-460.
Check your PH bills: Old banknotes valid until Dec 31 only
January 06, 2016

Check your PH bills: Old banknotes valid until Dec 31 only

Do you still have old Philippine peso bills? Better check your wallet because these bills will no longer have monetary value by 2017. According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, the banknotes launched in 1985, can be used up to until December 31, 2015 only. However, you can still be able to have it exchanged in authorized banks and in the BSP Cash Department from January 1, 2016-December 31, 2016. On January 1, 2017, these old banknotes will officially be declared to have no monetary value. This demonetization process is in line with Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, […]
Toll-free at South tollways on Christmas, New Year’s Eve
December 23, 2015

Toll-free at South tollways on Christmas, New Year’s Eve

Motorists who will be passing through the expressways leading to south will not be charged on the eves of Christmas and New Year. According to the operators of South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Metro Manila Skyway System, and Star Tollway, toll will be waived on December 24 from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am the following day; and on December 31 from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am on January 1, 2016. Photo courtesy of skyway.com.ph For assistance, please call: SLEx hotline at 0917-OUR-SLEX (6877539) and Skyway System hotline at (02) 7767777Star emergency numbers at and
DOT Welcomes 5 Millionth Visitor with a Sweet Surprise
December 23, 2015

DOT Welcomes 5 Millionth Visitor with a Sweet Surprise

LUCKY VISIT. Gabby Grantham meets the Tourism officials who welcomed her with a surprise for being the 5 millionth visitor of the Philippines. Photo Courtesy of The Philippine Star. Imagine just planning to spend your holiday in the Philippines without expecting anything. Then suddenly, as you reach the airport terminal, a group of people welcome you with a surprise. Looks incredible, right? On December 21, Filipino American Gabby Grantham was welcomed a sweet surprise from the Philippine’s Department of Tourism (DOT) upon her arrival. Grantham is the lucky 5 millionth visitor of the Philippines, who flew via Philippine Airlines that landed at 3:48 am in Manila. According to the lucky […]
A Very Truly Filipino Holiday Shopping
December 21, 2015

A Very Truly Filipino Holiday Shopping

Manila Pavilion Hotel Christmas and New Year’s Eve feasts with Tradition and Entertainment. Manila Pavilion Hotel is offering hotel guests a Truly Filipino accommodation, a touch of Italian Shopping package and a magical entertainment exclusive evening at Boulvar Music Bar and Seasons Lifestyle Restaurant. Each year, Manila Pavilion Hotel whips a special course menu and decorations are displayed which every family will certainly enjoy for portraits. The Christmas Shopping package starts from Php 1,705 composed of Italian goodies prepared by Chef Giovanni Sias’ and a Truly Filipino room accommodation package for only Php 4,200 inclusive of value added tax, based on two people sharing, and is only available for guests […]
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Wins Miss Universe 2015
December 22, 2015

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Wins Miss Universe 2015

The entire nation celebrates today as Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach wins the Miss Universe 2015 pageant on Sunday, December 20, in Las Vegas. The title was initially awarded to first-runner up Miss Colombia, but the decision was taken back after host Steve Harvey admitted that he made a “mistake” in the announcement. Second-runner was Miss USA. The Philippines last won the title in 1973 with Margarita Moran and 1969 with Gloria Diaz. Photo courtesy of Miss Universe
Christmas Bazaars Happening in the Metro
December 29, 2015

Christmas Bazaars Happening in the Metro

It’s time to wind up your Christmas shopping! Not done with your Christmas shopping yet? Grab your shopping bag and head over to these Christmas bazaars around the metro. Find that perfect present for your loved ones as each bazaar offers various shopping finds, from fashion to food items at very reasonable prices. Check out these places and enjoy shopping!   1)  Simbang Gabi Christmas Bazaar by the Ateneo Management Association Night shopping + evening mass. Come to the Simbang Gabi Christmas Bazaar organized by the Ateneo Management Association. When: December 15-24, 2015, night bazaar starts at 6pm, mass starts at 8pm Address: Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Loyola […]
Metro Manila Film Festival: A Showcase of Local Entertainment
December 22, 2015

Metro Manila Film Festival: A Showcase of Local Entertainment

It’s that time of the year when Filipino movies dominate the cinemas and foreign films have to give way to locally-produced films. The annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) happens every Christmas day until the first week of January. And although you might miss your Hollywood movie watching time, it is a good opportunity to get to know the local entertainment industry through movies that give you a glimpse of the local culture. Now on its 41st year, the MMFF advocates the patronage of Filipino films by showcasing only local movies during a two-week period. This year’s festival will run from December 25, 2015 to January 7, 2016. Here are […]
Get to Know the Country’s Presidential Candidates
December 15, 2015

Get to Know the Country’s Presidential Candidates

Get to Know the Country’s Presidential Candidates The race is on for the country’s next leader. Curious about the men and women vying to be the country’s chief executive? As you may already know by now, election in the Philippines is not complete without controversies and drama. And since most of the info we have about them come from their own political ads or media reports, it’s good to know some basic important things about them on neutral ground. Let’s get to know some of them in this quick review of their background and career highlights. JEJOMAR BINAY Name: Jejomar “Jojo” Binay Current position: Vice President of the Philippines Career […]