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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.

Biore Makeup Remover Busts Common Makeup Removal Myths
September 07, 2016

Biore Makeup Remover Busts Common Makeup Removal Myths

Filipinas in the city know that keeping up with a fast-paced urban lifestyle also means that stress, environment, and other factors cause tons of skin nightmares and annoying breakouts.     Even though pesky skin problems affect their makeup regimen and skincare routine, roughly 85% of Filipinas still choose to steer clear of the makeup removal regimen because of the widespread myths on how taking off your makeup works.     Biore Makeup Remover (MUR), Japan’s no. 1 makeup remover, has permeated the Philippine skincare market and busts several of the most popular myths: • Myth: Makeup removers are harsh on your skin – Though some cleansers indeed use harsh […]
Expect longer lines at PH airport due to heightened security measures
September 07, 2016

Expect longer lines at PH airport due to heightened security measures

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) reminds passengers flying out of the country to arrive at airports four hours early in order to comply with further security measures and stricter immigration protocols.   (Image grabbed from philstar.com)   This action is in relation with President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a state of emergency after the bomb incident in Davao City night market on September 2 (Friday) that claimed 14 lives and caused more than 60 casualties. According to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, passengers should expect stricter and longer protocols for the heightened security. International passengers should be at the airport early to allow for security baggage checks, check in at airlines […]
Re-introducing the Filipinos to the Escalator Etiquette
September 07, 2016

Re-introducing the Filipinos to the Escalator Etiquette

It’s the usual morning scenarios for the Filipino commuters – the constant pushing and nudging, sometimes accidentally, most of the time, intentionally during rush hours in MRT/LRT and bus stations in the country. In the Philippines, if you want to survive the life in transit, best is to leave all your docile and meek nerves at the comforts of your home and unleash the inner warrior within you every time you’ll take a step in the metro, basically for one main reason: people are always in a hurry. This somewhat annoying situation also best applies for most escalator encounters, whether in malls, bus or MRT/LRT stations.  Say this familiar situation: […]
September 12 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Adha
September 06, 2016

September 12 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Adha

Another long weekend is coming up soon as Muslims around the world observe their annual Feast of Sacrifice on September 12, 2016, Monday. Malacanang Palace has announced that September 12, is officially a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). The announcement was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Sept. 5, Monday under Republic Act No. 9849.   Eid al–Adha is Islam’s holiest festival celebrated to commemorate the willingness of prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael to follow Allah’s (God’s) command but was instructed by God to offer a ram instead. The holiday announcement creates a long weekend from Saturday, September 10 to […]
Abe to Duterte: Japan stands in solidarity with PH
September 05, 2016

Abe to Duterte: Japan stands in solidarity with PH

After the Davao bombing incident that happened at Davao City Night Market last September 2, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe express his deepest sympathy by sending a message to President Rodrigo on Sunday, September 3.   As per press released No. 47 – 2016 by the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC): “I cannot help feeling indignation to learn that a bombing incident by terrorism caused numerous casualties in Davao City where Your Excellency served as the mayor for many years. Such terrorist attacks will never be allowed whatever the reason is. I firmly condemn it. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to pray […]
Five countries issue travel advisories after Davao bombing incident
September 05, 2016

Five countries issue travel advisories after Davao bombing incident

After the bombing in Davao just last week which resulted to the death of 14 people and more than 60 casualties, five countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens in the Philippines.     The five countries, namely Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore, released travel warnings informing their citizens about the “state of lawlessness” declared by President Rodrigo Duterte after the explosion in his home city. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a “high degree of caution” travel warning on the Philippines “We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines due to the high threat of a terrorist […]
Prego on Graceful Living
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 […]
Local business permits now required to be released in just 1 to 2 days
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 is National Peace Consciousness Month
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 […]
German passport, most powerful in the world — H&P
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 […]
Korean Zombies, Babies, a Filipino hero, and a Japanese classic: Movies in September
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 […]
PH team is overall champion in International Dragon Boat Tournament
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 […]
Bicol International Airport set to be completed in 2018
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 […]
Filipino doctor recognized in US for championing reproductive health
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.
Globe Telecom changes access number from 8888 to 8080
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 […]
Google launches #LovePhilippines social media campaign
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 […]
PH Madrigal Singers win the grand prize at a choral competition in Italy
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 […]
PAL to change flight schedules starting Sept. 1
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 […]
Apple teases iPhone 7 release with special event
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 […]
PH travelers may now bring up to 50K: BSP
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 […]