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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.

September 02, 2016

Prego on Graceful Living

Italian food never fails to satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. That’s why it’s no surprise that Prego was featured in a recent episode of Graceful living.   Prego, which is Italian for both “thank you” and “you’re welcome”, is the sister restaurant of L’Opera and Balducci, two of the most popular high-end Italian restaurants in the country.  In this episode, Prego’s very own Chef Paolo Nesi introduces host Cory Quirino to the multitude of ways they present an iconic Italian food: pizza. He says that pizza is not a recipe. “It’s basically a concept. You can do everything with pizza.” As the segment goes on, Cory gets more […]

September 02, 2016

Local business permits now required to be released in just 1 to 2 days

Good news for all people who need to get business permits: local government units are now required to issue business permits and licenses in just one to two days.   BUSINESS PERMITS RELEASE. Entrepreneurs can now get business permits in just 1 to 2 days. (Image grabbed from valenzuela.gov.ph)   According to a report by CNN Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Information and Technology (DICT), have signed an agreement that mandates them to cut down business permit and licensing system in all cities and municipalities.  According to Trade secretary Ramon Lopez, “We don’t want to make it […]

September 01, 2016

September is National Peace Consciousness Month

Every month of September, the Philippines celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month, as mandated under Proclamation No. 675 issued in July 2004. The presidential proclamation was issued to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a Culture of Peace based on nonviolence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.”     As per announcement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, this year’s theme is “Pagkakaisa Tungo […]

September 01, 2016

German passport, most powerful in the world — H&P

If you’re a German citizen and you often travel in and out of Germany, then congratulations! You’re holding the world’s most powerful passports.   THE MOST POWERFUL. You can visit 177 countries without a visa if you have this as your passport. (Image grabbed from Wikimedia Commons)   In a study done by international citizenship and planning firm Henley and Partners, the German passport ranked first out of the 199 countries listed, with German passport holders able to visit 177 out of a total of 218. It toppled 3-time frontrunner United Kingdom (UK), which shared the third spot with France, Italy, Spain, and Finland, whose citizens/passport-holderse can visit 175 countries without a […]

September 01, 2016

Korean Zombies, Babies, a Filipino hero, and a Japanese classic: Movies in September

September marks the start of the Philippine Christmas season. It also means that movies will start becoming more and more about Christmas (or at least a bit closer to Halloween). For the first Ber-month, we give you a list of movies you should not think of missing: Train to Busan (September 1) A Cannes Out of Competition film, Train to Busan is a zombie horror-thriller movie that follows a group of bullet train passengers on their way to Busan. A virus has broken out in Korea, spawning zombies in all but one city: Busan.   Pete’s Dragon (September 7) What happens when you put together a caring family, an orphaned […]

September 01, 2016

PH team is overall champion in International Dragon Boat Tournament

The Philippine Navy Dragon Boat Team was awarded as the overall champions in the recently held 2016 Ordos International Nadam Dragon Boat Tournament in Inner Mongolia, China.   PH NAVY DRAGON BOAT TEAM IS OVERALL CHAMPION. These four medals were their award in the Ordos International Nadam Dragon Boat Tournament. (Image grabbed from Philippine Dragon Boat’s Facebook page)   In a report published by GMA News, the Philippine Embassy in China announced the said victory by the Philippine team held last August 21 to 26. The team is composed of 22 Navy members and two civilians and was declared the overall champion in four categories namely 300-meter full race, 500-meter […]

September 01, 2016

Bicol International Airport set to be completed in 2018

The Bicol International Airport (BIA) will be completed in 2018, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.   BICOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The airport that will be opened in Daraga, Albay in 2018. (Image grabbed from philippineflightnetwork.com)   In a report by The Standard, Transportation secretary Tugade vowed to speed up the completion of the said P4.7-billion airport in Daraga, Albay. The project is included in the first 10 big projects approved by the National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee. According to Albay Representative Joey Salceda, the airport would draw “at least five million tourists by 2025. The project is also seen to generate 235,000 jobs in the next […]

September 30, 2016

Filipino doctor recognized in US for championing reproductive health

Dr. Marvin Masalunga became the first Southeast Asian doctor to join the 120 Under 40 campaign for youth leaders who champion the cause of reproductive health around the world. The 40 winners come from all over the world and from different fields, such as journalism, civil society, medicine, and research.

August 31, 2016

Globe Telecom changes access number from 8888 to 8080

In line with the usage of the new government complaint hotline 8888, major telecommunications service provider Globe Telecom has changed their Globe and Touch Mobile (TM) access number to 8080.   GLOBE TELECOM. Globe changes access number from 8888 to 8080. (Image grabbed from Globe’s Facebook page)   According to a phone interview with Globe Telecom’s Customer Service Representative, this change took effect on August 25, 2016. This was done for the turnover of 8888 as the new complaint hotline for the Philippine government. However, customers who transact through 8888 will still be accommodated by the mobile service brand, but the confirmation message is now being sent via the new […]

August 31, 2016

Google launches #LovePhilippines social media campaign

In a social media campaign launched on August 29, Google Philippines reminds Filipinos to inspire Filipinos to love the country through #LovePhilippines.   #LOVEPHILIPPINES. A year-long campaign in the Philippines to spread love in the country. (Gif Image by Google Philippines)   In a post shared by Google Philippines on their Facebook page, a year-long social media campaign called #LovePhilippines aims to spread love for the country, by creating posts about “interesting tidbits about the country, culture, and its people.” According to Manila Bulletin’s report, this is part of Google’s commitment to “equip Filipinos with pieces of information that are relevant to their lives.” Through these online campaign materials both […]

August 31, 2016

PH Madrigal Singers win the grand prize at a choral competition in Italy

The Philippine Madrigal Singers’ victory at the 64th International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy qualifies them for the European Grand Prix to be held in Tolosa, Spain scheduled in 2017.   (Image grabbed from Philippine Madrigal Singers Facebook)   The good news was shared by Chris Millado, the Artistic Director and Vice Ppresident at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, via his Facebook account, August 28 (Sunday).  “The Philippine Madrigal Singers win the Grand Prix in the 64th International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy qualifying them for the European Grand Prix in Tolosa, Spain in 2017. The Philippine Madrigal Singers have won the European Grand Prix twice. If they are […]

August 31, 2016

PAL to change flight schedules starting Sept. 1

Schedule of some domestic flights of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) will change on September 1, 2016 onwards, as announced on the airlines’ website. As a result of the changes in flight schedules, the following flights are cancelled:   (Image grabbed from news.abs-cbn.com)   PAL said that notifications will be made, advising the affected passengers of their new flight schedules. Passengers may also opt to rebook, reroute flights, or request for a full refund. They also have the option to reroute their flight to the nearest destination of their choice subject only to any applicable fare conditions or to request for a full refund of the ticket within 30 days from […]

August 31, 2016

Apple teases iPhone 7 release with special event

Apple users will soon have confidence when talking about new Apple devices as the tech giant just sent out invites to their keynote on September 7, 2016 in San Francisco, California. NEW IPHONE? Who knows, but this event is certainly enticing. (Screen grabbed from Apple)   In typical Apple fashion, the media invite did not include details on what the keynote would talk about apart from the date and time of the keynote. The website, meanwhile, gave everyone a chance to watch the keynote live via streaming as long as you met the requirements for those who want to watch from the comfort of their home, office, or anywhere else […]

August 31, 2016

PH travelers may now bring up to 50K: BSP

Frequent travelers to and from the Philippines no longer have to worry about overseas charges or having credit cards when they go outside the country as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), or the Central Bank of the Philippines, raised the bar for bringing cash last Friday, August 26.   NO NEED TO GO HERE if you’re bringing more than P10,000 in or out of the country. Image by Ramon F. Velasquez, grabbed from Wikimedia Commons   According to BSP Circular No. 922 series of 2016, “A person may import or export, or bring with him into or take out of the country, or electronically transfer, legal tender Philippine notes […]

August 31, 2016

Megaworld to spend P5 billion to build three new hotels in the country

As part of Megaworld’s strategy to grow its recurring income, the company will build three new hotels under its third hotel brand, Savoy, which will be worth P5 billion.   (Image grabbed from megaworldcorp.com)   According to Megaworld’s Senior Vice President Jericho Go, Savoy Hotel is set to open in Boracay, Cebu and Manila. “Megaworld is spending P5-billion to build the three Savoy Hotels in Boracay, Cebu and Manila. Part of our goal is to make this hotel brand visible in our other townships across the country,” said Go. Boracay Newcoast will have a 530-room Savoy Hotel, envisioned to be a first-class resort hotel which would feature the country’s first […]

August 31, 2016

AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 made us spend our whole week geeking out!

And so it happened – the geekiest weekend of the year just ended with a loud bang! AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016, the most awaited event of the year, did not spare a single man, woman, or nerd of fun and excitement! The biggest annual comic and pop culture convention in the Philippines and the region, AsiaPOP Comicon Manila took place at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City from August 26 – 28. The latest installment was jam-packed with fun activities, games, arts and fair, taking up the entire SMX Convention Center floor. Though most of the major highlights of the event were scheduled on Days 2 and 3 (August 27 and […]

August 30, 2016

PH is 20th happiest nation in the world

In the recent report of Happy Planet Index (HPI), the Philippines ranked 20th as the happiest country in the world.   PH IS 20TH HAPPIEST NATION. Philippines gets a 35.0 overall rating, according to Happy Planet Index (HPI). (Image grabbed from executivechronicles.com)   The Philippines garnered an overall rating of 35.0, placing in the 20th spot as one of the happiest nations in the world according to HPI by the New Economics Foundation, United Kingdom’s (UK) leading think tank. To get the rating, the HPI measures four factors namely well-being (how satisfied are the residents of the said country), life expectancy (average number of years expected to live), inequality of […]

August 29, 2016

Singapore gives vote of confidence to Duterte

The Philippines may be headed in the right direction after all. In a recent roundtable discussion with the Manila Times, Singaporean Ambassador to Manila Li Peng Kok said “I think your president has many challenges to face and to deal with. But what’s striking is that he’s got a very comprehensive agenda and his ensemble is very experienced and very capable. He’s going to do it.”   BETTER RELATIONS? There might be, what with the praise given by Ambassador Li Peng Kok. (Images grabbed from philstar.com)   She also said that it was the Philippines’ time, pointing out that the country’s economic growth “is amazing and it has steadied for […]

August 28, 2016

Celebrate with Tapas y Vinos at the Fairmont Lounge

Every night is worth celebrating at Fairmont Makati over Tapas Y Vinos, a Spanish-inspired cocktail night served specially at the bustling Fairmont Lounge. Start off the evening by indulging in a chef’s selection of tempting savory tapas and delicious bite-size pintxos such as: melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto and asparagus bites; jamon croquetas dressed in apricot compote; and cider glazed chorizo, to name a few. Pair this appetizing spread with endless pouring of Spanish red and white wine from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.   THE FAIRMONT LOUNGE. A Spanish-inspired cocktail night for all   Enjoy with good company at PHP 1,200 net per person. The Tapas Y Vinos is offered from September […]

August 28, 2016

Raffles Makati Launches Prêt-A-Portea with Tiffany & Co.

Raffles Makati launches “New York State of Mind”, the fourth in its Prêt-a-PorTea series, with the legendary Tiffany & Co. at the Writers Bar. Delight in sweet and savoury creations inspired by Tiffany and the Big Apple. The charming Tiffany-inspired afternoon tea offers three-tier pastries such as: the iconic Tiffany Blue Box caramel cake, macarons and cupcakes designed with that trademark robin’s egg blue, and a delectable white-chocolate bracelet inspired by Tiffany’s iconic T collection.   SWEET DELIGHT. Spend the afternoon at Writers Bar   Other sweet treats include a bite-sized apple coated in chocolate-caramel, a sweet take on the Big Apple; the famed cronut; classic New York cheesecake; and […]