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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.

IRR for R.A. 10868 signed; centenarians to get cash and other incentives
October 11, 2016

IRR for R.A. 10868 signed; centenarians to get cash and other incentives

Centenarians are set to receive a P100,000 “centenarian gift” among other incentives as well as receive recognition from the government for reaching 100 under Republic Act (R.A. 10868) or the Centenarians Act of 2016. IT’S GOOD TO BE 100. Filipino centenarians both here and abroad will receive recognition and incentives from the government thru R.A. 10868, otherwise known as the Centenarians Act of 2016. Image grabbed from Official Gazette The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for R.A. 10868 was signed last September 26 by Social Welfare Sec. Judy Taguiwalo, Health Sec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, and Interior Sec. Ismael Sueno. Their respective departments (Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of […]
XO46 Heritage Bistro opens at S-Maison Conrad Manila
October 11, 2016

XO46 Heritage Bistro opens at S-Maison Conrad Manila

XO 46, a bistro that showcases the best of Filipino heritage cuisines, has opened its doors to welcome our kababayan (countrymen) to their newest branch located on the 2nd floor of S-Maison Conrad Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. XO46 Grand Opening The roots have always been the passion and advocacy – it’s the love for the Filipino heritage that compelled commander-in-chief, head visionary, CEO and President Andrew Masigan to put up XO46 Heritage Bistro in 2010. Since then, XO46 has been giving Filipino cuisine a showroom to shine. “We wanted to affirm that Filipino cuisine and Filipino dining experience can be something world-class; not necessarily casual anymore, […]
Latest Traffic Schemes in Metro Manila
October 11, 2016

Latest Traffic Schemes in Metro Manila

Everyone knows how heavy traffic can get in Metro Manila, especially along EDSA, C5, and the roads leading to and out of its constituent cities. Christmas is only two and a half months away, which will only make things worse. To solve the impending traffic jams, the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), composed of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), along with the local government units have come up with ways of decongesting our roads. NOT FOND OF GOOGLING? We’ve compiled the latest traffic schemes […]
Crown Towers Manila wins big in International Hotel and Property Awards 2016
October 10, 2016

Crown Towers Manila wins big in International Hotel and Property Awards 2016

City of Dreams Manila receives honor once again as one of its premier luxury hotels Crown Towers Manila won two design awards in the prestigious International Hotel and Property Awards 2016 at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy. CROWN TOWERS MANILA LOBBY. “A perfect blend of strength and softness.” Image grabbed from Global Newswire’s PR Crown Towers Manila won two design awards namely Best Hotel over 200 Rooms (Asia Pacific) and Best Lobby/Public Area/Lounge (Global) in the said awarding. According to Geoff Andres, Property President of City of Dreams Manila, “We are elated and proud over this international distinction that strengthens City of Dreams Manila’s position as the ultimate in […]
Mexico eyes $2B investment in PH
October 10, 2016

Mexico eyes $2B investment in PH

$2 billion worth in investments are headed to the Philippines from Mexico after recent talks strengthened economic ties between both countries. MEXICAN INVESTMENTS ARE FLOODING IN. Another $2 billion worth in investments, most of which will go to the telecommunications sector, is expected by the DTI. Images grabbed from Wikimedia Commons and Pixabay In a press release posted on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) website, the bulk of the investment will go towards the telecommunications sector. This came about after Julio Camarena Villaseñor, Ambassador of Mexico to the Philippines, paid a courtesy visit to new DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. A Joint Economic Committee (JEC) was also discussed during […]
#BeerMatch by Serbesa MNL
October 10, 2016

#BeerMatch by Serbesa MNL

It seemed like any other Friday night at one of Makati’s tucked-away bars, Red Light. One comes in, sits down, orders food and drink, have a little talk with whoever you are with (or the bartender if you’re alone), and you walk out. Last Friday, October 7, however, was made a little bit more special thanks to #BeerMatch by Serbesa MNL at The Red Light. People were treated to good food, craft cocktails, and quality craft beer that’s hard to find, thanks in large part to the efforts of one Jazelle Carandang, owner and operator of Serbesa MNL. IT WAS NOT YOUR AVERAGE FRIDAY NIGHT. Red Light played host to […]
‘Chicks Dig Vegetarians’ in New PETA Advert
October 10, 2016

‘Chicks Dig Vegetarians’ in New PETA Advert

Lead Guitarist Gets Amped Up to Promote Meat-Free Meals. James McVey, the lead guitarist for The Vamps, has proved that he's as compassionate as he is talented by starring in his second PETA campaign to promote kindness to animals—this time, through meat-free meals.
Isla Fisher Spies on Neighbors in ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’
October 07, 2016

Isla Fisher Spies on Neighbors in ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’

Multi-talented Isla Fisher, noted for her roles in “Confessions of a Shopaholic”, “Now You See Me” and “The Wedding Crashers” will next be seen in the high-octane action-comedy “Keeping Up with the Joneses” which also stars Gal Gadot, Zach Galifianakis and Jon Hamm.
YouTube Kids launches in the Philippines
October 07, 2016

YouTube Kids launches in the Philippines

Got kids who love to watch videos on YouTube? Then, they will surely love this new app! YouTube Kids, an app designed for kids who love the video-sharing site, is now available in the Philippines.
Hugh Jackman Reveals Latest Wolverine Title as “Logan” and Teaser Poster
October 07, 2016

Hugh Jackman Reveals Latest Wolverine Title as “Logan” and Teaser Poster

Hugh Jackman finally revealed the official title of the latest Wolverine movie as “Logan” along with a teaser poster showing his bruised claw held by a much smaller hand.
UPDATE: DOTr to suspend window hours for Number Coding Scheme on Oct 17
October 11, 2016

UPDATE: DOTr to suspend window hours for Number Coding Scheme on Oct 17

In a bid to decongest EDSA and C5 Road for the holidays, the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (i-ACT) is looking at removing the window hours from their Number Coding Scheme starting October 31.
Duterte’s First 100 days: Drugs, Corruption, Economics, and Foreign Policy
October 07, 2016

Duterte’s First 100 days: Drugs, Corruption, Economics, and Foreign Policy

Whenever he opens his mouth, the media goes into a frenzy of supposedly misquoted and misunderstood statements. Daily news stories are filled with stories ranging from the on-going war against drugs, a strong stand on independent foreign policy, and the fight versus corrupt government practices.
Japanese department store brand Isetan Mitsukoshi eyes opening a store in PH
October 07, 2016

Japanese department store brand Isetan Mitsukoshi eyes opening a store in PH

Department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. is eyeing on opening a store in the Philippines, as per the sources of news website The Japan Times.
‘Fotobam’ is Filipino Word of the Year 2016
October 07, 2016

‘Fotobam’ is Filipino Word of the Year 2016

Among 10 words that have been nominated to become the Salita ng Taon or “Filipino World of the Year,” it was ‘Fotobam’ by History professor Michael Charleston Chua which gained the recognition in Sawikaan 2016 at the Filipinas Institute of Translation, held in University of the Philippines  Diliman. FOTOBAM. Filipino Word of the Year 2016. Image by sunstar.com.ph The word fotobam is a word derived from  the English word ‘photobomb,’ which means to ruin (a photograph) by appearing in the image without the photographer’s knowledge, as defined by dictionary.com. The said word became significant in the country when it first surfaced in the Torre de Manila issue which was hailed as pambansang photobomb (national photobomb) when it earned flak from netizens as […]
Qualified Filipinos can travel to Taiwan visa-free
October 07, 2016

Qualified Filipinos can travel to Taiwan visa-free

Filipinos looking to go to Taiwan who have either stayed in or have visited select countries are exempt from applying for a visa according to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).
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 […]