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News in the Philippines

Stay in the loop with your go-to source of blogs in the Philippines! Know the latest happenings and trending news in Manila and across the country.

UPDATED: MMDA, i-ACT will suspend excavations from November to January
October 11, 2016

UPDATED: MMDA, i-ACT will suspend excavations from November to January

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) decided to temporarily suspend all excavation works in anticipation of the increased volume of traffic on major roads and secondary streets this Christmas season. A HALT TO ALL EXCAVATIONS. With the impending Christmas rush, the MMDA has decided to suspend all excavations along major roads and secondary streets. Image grabbed from Inquirer.net MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos met with representatives from utility companies last Tuesday, October 4 to ask them to comply with the directive. MMDA said that these excavations tend to slow down the flow of traffic on major and secondary roads because of the spike of vehicles using them during Christmas season. […]
10 Filipino films to be shown at Busan Int’l Film Fest
October 07, 2016

10 Filipino films to be shown at Busan Int’l Film Fest

The Busan International Film Festival is one of Asia’s premier film festivals, and the Philippines is well-represented with 10 of our best independent films being shown during the festival which runs until October 15.
More to discover at Discovery Primea this October
October 07, 2016

More to discover at Discovery Primea this October

Discovery Primea has been one of Makati’s top luxury accommodations for many years, and has been a top choice for businessmen looking to stay within walking distance of the business district’s many corporate offices. It’s a great place to dine, stay, and relax, especially with everything new that they’re bringing to you this October: Tapenade’s new flavors Tapenade has always been part of the list for best restaurants in Makati, and Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco’s latest additions will surely have you asking for more! The new dishes come from the most popular cuisines from the Mediterranean region that’s served in portions good for sharing. October Power Lunch at Flame Flame […]
Two Filipino short films screened in Russian fest
October 07, 2016

Two Filipino short films screened in Russian fest

Included among the 20 other international films screened at the recent 15th International Kansk Video Festival in Moscow, Russia were Carlo Francisco Manatad’s Sandra and Jaime Habac Jr.’s Maria. The two short films were officially the Philippines’ entry in the Russian fest’s international section which had the theme “Surrealism vs Realism.” Movie Poster of Sandra. Image grabbed from this website osobnosti.cz The 11-minute running short film by Tuko Film Productions and Buchi Boy entertainment entitled Maria, tells a story about a 14-year-old girl who’s suspected as being pregnant by her family and a 50-year-old woman who gives birth to her 22nd child. Meanwhile, Carlo Francisco’s 15-minute running Sandra, is about […]
Reward yourself with these JCB Deals from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31
October 06, 2016

Reward yourself with these JCB Deals from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31

Avail these no-minimum-spend-required discounts when you use your JCB Card from October 1 to December 31, 2016! UCC UCC Vienna: Tomas Morato Plaza; The Podium; SM Mall of Asia; Greenbelt 5; Rustan’s Makati; 59 Connecticut St., Greenhills; Banawe Ave, Quezon City; Corinthian Hills UCC Terrace: Forbes Town Center; Ayala Center Cebu; One Rockwell – West Tower; Westgate Alabang; Trinoma; Newport Mall; Paseo Center; Lucky Chinatown UCC Mentore: SM Aura; Park Terraces (Makati) UCC Park Café: Glorietta 3; Burgos Circle, BGC; Eastwood; Robinsons Magnolia; UCC Park Express: Petron Station, Dasmarinas Makati City UCC Clockwork: Blue Bay Walk; Estancia Mall; Midtown (Opening Soon) Eight Coffee Bar by UCC: 8 Rockwell *Valid for […]
Application deadline for prestigious Australian scholarships extended
October 06, 2016

Application deadline for prestigious Australian scholarships extended

More Filipinos will have the chance to make a difference and contribute to the development of the Philippines as the deadline for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships has been moved to 30 November 2016. The scholarship program provides the opportunity for Filipinos to pursue academic interests through fully-funded scholarships to world-renowned Australian Universities.
Ramen Nagi opens branch at NAIA Terminal 3
October 06, 2016

Ramen Nagi opens branch at NAIA Terminal 3

Get your delicious dose of ramen before your flight! Philippines’ best-tasting authentic ramen, Ramen Nagi, opens its door at the new food hall of NAIA Terminal 3.
Yuka Saso leads Philippines to WJGC team title
October 06, 2016

Yuka Saso leads Philippines to WJGC team title

Finishing with a tournament-leading 2-under 286, Yuka Saso led the Philippine contingent to gold at the recently-concluded World Junior Girls Championship in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Fitness Centers in BGC
October 05, 2016

Fitness Centers in BGC

Now’s the time to get fit. Get those excess fats out of your body and start living healthy! Ready to sweat it all out? Here are some of the fitness centers you might want to visit for your weekday workout in Bonifacio Global City: Anytime Fitness High Street   Image grabbed from Anytime Fitness BGC’s Facebook page DETAILS Address:  2/F B6 Building, Bonifacio High Street, Central East, Taguig City Website: http://www.anytimefitness.ph/ Facebook page: Anytime Fitness BGC Operating Hours:  Open 24/7 but you can come by for a tour at the following staffed hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturdays and Holidays); Closed […]
19-year-old Filipina Designer is New York’s next big thing
October 05, 2016

19-year-old Filipina Designer is New York’s next big thing

Ericka Del Rosario, a 19-year-old Filipina based on San Francisco is upping the game in menswear with her new clothing label “Kakáslok.” Born in one of the most indigent areas in Quezon City, Ericka has had her childhood as lively as the frenzied streets of Project 6. “I was born in the projects in the Philippines. The neighborhoods are divided by projects, and I lived in Project 6, which is one of the most corrupt, impoverished areas.” she recalls during an interview with The Fader. Her collection takes in the sleek and clean mannish stir while embracing ultimate comfortable feel – like that particular clothing ensemble you’d choose to wear […]
Puerto Princesa’s own version of Cherry Blossom Park soon to open
October 05, 2016

Puerto Princesa’s own version of Cherry Blossom Park soon to open

A 5.8 – hectare park in Puerto Princesa known as “Baluyong Park” will feature Palawan’s version of Japan’s famed cherry blossom or “Sakura” trees. Image grabbed from this website cnnphilippines.com Palawan’s cherry trees, locally known as “Balayong” are endemic in the local area, it is a tree recognized with white and pink flowers when in full bloom.   Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said that it has been a lifelong dream to be able to build a park that is capable of holding all the major events in the city thus the promotion of the project.   City Information Officer Richard Ligad said fully-grown balayong trees were transplanted to the […]
5 Filipino films to compete in Tokyo Film Fest
October 05, 2016

5 Filipino films to compete in Tokyo Film Fest

Five Filipino films are set to be screened at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan from October 25 to November 3, 2016. DIE BEAUTIFUL. One of the Filipino films to be screened at Tokyo Film Festival. Image by Jun Robles Lana on Instagram, grabbed via sg.yahoo.com Director Jun Lana who has already competed in Tokyo in 2013 for “Barber’s Tales, (where actress Eugene Domingo won the best actress award)” will once again compete with “Die Beautiful” starring TV host and make-up transformation expert Paolo Ballesteros, who portrays the role of a transgender beauty queen. This is also Ballesteros’ launching film and this will be screened for the main […]
Philippines gets ‘near perfect score’ for its PPP program– World Bank
October 04, 2016

Philippines gets ‘near perfect score’ for its PPP program– World Bank

The Philippines Public-Private Partnership program gets a score of 96 in World Bank’s “Benchmarking Public-Private Partnerships Procurement 2017” report.
DOLE starts shutting down of ‘endo’ firms
October 04, 2016

DOLE starts shutting down of ‘endo’ firms

Starting October 4 (Tuesday), The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be shutting down firms that engage with “endo” or labor contractualization.
22-year-old Fil-Aussie Model crowned Miss World PH at Manila Hotel
October 04, 2016

22-year-old Fil-Aussie Model crowned Miss World PH at Manila Hotel

Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray, a Filipino-Australian fashion and commercial model from Albay, Bicol was crowned Miss World Philippines 2016 at the Manila Hotel tent on Sunday.
Endless shopping awaits you at the SM Mega 3-Day Sale
October 04, 2016

Endless shopping awaits you at the SM Mega 3-Day Sale

Your time of the month has come, shopaholics! One of the country’s largest malls, SM Megamall, is holding a three-day sale this coming October 14 – 16!
Facebook rolls out “smaller” version of Messenger app
October 04, 2016

Facebook rolls out “smaller” version of Messenger app

Facebook and its messaging app Messenger have become an integral part of our daily lives. We rely on both to stay connected to friends and family. There is a “small” catch: both apps take up a lot of space on your smartphone, and they need a reliable internet connection to work as intended. 2015 saw Facebook address this issue by launching Facebook Lite, a downsized Facebook app that gives people a faster experience on slower mobile networks and entry-level Android smartphones around the world. Now, they’re facing the other half of the problem by launching Messenger Lite. THINGS ARE LOOKING LIGHT. A slimmer version of Messenger, Messenger Lite was designed […]
Asia World Hospitality offers AHLEI certification programmes; seeks to upgrade hospitality standards in the Philippines
October 04, 2016

Asia World Hospitality offers AHLEI certification programmes; seeks to upgrade hospitality standards in the Philippines

The American Hotel Lodging and Educational Institute (AHLEI) is a universally-recognized leader in hospitality certification which supports and encourages the certification of hospitality professionals which includes the areas of hotels, food and beverage establishments, spas, trainers, hospitality educators and hotel suppliers, among the many facets of tourism and hospitality. In the Philippines, Asia World Hospitality, official representative of AHLEI, is offering certification programmes on guest service, hospitality educator and lodging security. The Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) programme is intended for practitioners and professionals across all front-line services, which include front office, revenue management, food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, security, human resources and sales. This designation provides recognition for achievers […]
House bill filed for SSS to speed up payment of members’ claims
October 04, 2016

House bill filed for SSS to speed up payment of members’ claims

Quezon City 2nd district Representative Winston “Winnie” Castelo, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, filed House Bill (HB) No.3544 or the “Expeditious Payment of SSS Benefits Act of 2016,” which mandates the Social Security System (SSS) to speed up the processing and payment of claims of legitimate claimants and beneficiaries.
Filipino photographer Gaps Sabuero one of top 55 finalists in Red Bull Illume 2016
October 03, 2016

Filipino photographer Gaps Sabuero one of top 55 finalists in Red Bull Illume 2016

Siargao-based surf photographer Gaps Sabuero makes it as one of the top 55 finalists in Masterpiece by Yodobashi category at Red Bull Illume 2016, the world’s greatest action and adventure sports photography contest.