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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.

Megaworld to spend P5 billion to build three new hotels in the country
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 […]
AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 made us spend our whole week geeking out!
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 […]
PH is 20th happiest nation in the world
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 […]
Singapore gives vote of confidence to Duterte
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 […]
Celebrate with Tapas y Vinos at the Fairmont Lounge
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 […]
Raffles Makati Launches Prêt-A-Portea with Tiffany & Co.
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 […]
Philippines will host Nuclear Energy Conference
August 28, 2016

Philippines will host Nuclear Energy Conference

The Philippine government will host the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Conference on the prospects of nuclear power in the Asia-Pacific region from 30 August to 1 September 2016 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.   (Image grabbed from gov.ph)   The conference will be lead by the Department of Energy (DOE) as host agency, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the National Power Corporation, member-states in the Asia-Pacific region will gather to discuss common issues and challenges related to the introduction of a nuclear power program. […]
First eco-school building in PH to be erected in Tarlac
August 28, 2016

First eco-school building in PH to be erected in Tarlac

Last time we wrote about James Jao, he was putting up Eco houses in different parts of the country. At the time, he also had two other projects lined up: eco-schools in Bohol and Tarlac.  Well, one of those is almost done, as the College of Holy Spirit (CHS) academic building in Tarlac is nearing completion. Jao, an advocate and pioneer of eco-architecture and sustainable development in the country, posted an update on his latest project.   (Image grabbed from James Jao’s Facebook page)   He won the design bid for the CHS academic building early last year, beating out four other contenders.  In an report from news website Sun.Star, […]
The PH Billionaires club grows: Forbes’ 50 Richest Filipinos
August 26, 2016

The PH Billionaires club grows: Forbes’ 50 Richest Filipinos

Top business magazine Forbes just named their 50 Richest Filipinos, and it features a record number of billionaires: 21.     Some of the most recognizable names are: ● SM Investment Corp. owner Henry Sy at number 1, with a net worth of $13.7 billion ● JG Summit Holdings, Inc. Chairman Emiritus John Gokongwei, Jr. at number 2, worth $6.8 billion ● LT Group head Lucio Tan at number 4, with $4.9 billion ● Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his family at number 7, with a net worth of $4.1 billion ● Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. founder Manuel Villar at number 12 with $1.84 billion ● Ramon S. Ang […]
From No. 28, PH now No. 27 in FIBA World Ranking
August 26, 2016

From No. 28, PH now No. 27 in FIBA World Ranking

As released by FIBA after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the Philippines moved 1 step from No. 28 to No. 27 in the FIBA World Ranking.   (Image grabbed from smartgilasbasketball.com)   The Philippines is ranked No. 3 in Asia while China still at No. 1 (14 overall) and Iran, one of the lowest rankers at No. 2 (25 overall). On the other hand, USA and Spain remained at No. 1 and 2 respectively while Serbia climbed to No. 3 after taking the Silver Medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nigeria was the highest climber from No. 25 to 16 while Germany fell from Rank 20 to 29. Donning the […]
Manila is making history: History Con 2016
August 25, 2016

Manila is making history: History Con 2016

Manila is on its way to making history as the gates have officially opened for History Con 2016, happening from today till August 28 at the World Trade Center. HISTORY’S BIGGEST STARS HAVE GATHERED. Make your way to the World Trade Center for History Con 2016 now!   SHARED HISTORY. Representatives from each country’s embassy came and shared their piece of history with the Philippines.   The opening was graced by some of the biggest names and representatives from HISTORY Channel along with partner embassies Australia, the United States, Mexico, and Israel, with each envoy sharing their country’s history with the Philippines. If you missed the opening, here are the […]
Triathlete Omar Paredes becomes first Filipino finisher of World’s Toughest Triathlon
August 25, 2016

Triathlete Omar Paredes becomes first Filipino finisher of World’s Toughest Triathlon

Here’s yet another feat for the Philippines in the world sports industry — Filipino triathlete Omar Paredes became the first Filipino finisher of the Isklar Norseman Extreme Triathlon held in Eidjford, Norway.   LAARNI AND OMAR PAREDES holding the much coveted black shirt at the Norseman triathlon   Paredes, who works as a coach of the Herbalife triathlon team in the Philippines, was the first Filipino to join the said triathlon and also the first to get the much-coveted black shirt awarded to the first 160 athletes to arrive at the finish line. In a press conference held at the Museum Café in Makati, Paredes narrated his story on how […]
Australia’s #First70Years: Lighting up Apayao
August 26, 2016

Australia’s #First70Years: Lighting up Apayao

Access to electricity has been a constant problem in the Philippines, especially in remote areas such as Apayao, Benguet. In 2014, the Australian Government, in partnership with the People’s Organization for Social Transformation Development Network, Inc. (POST) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DDD), worked together in the hopes of bringing a brighter future for communities, especially in school children of poor, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Apayao. “We organized the three barangays in the municipality of Pudtol, Apayao and this is where the need for solar lighting for these pupils was conceptualized and developed. Sometime in 2013, POST requested a Renewable Energy Expert and was granted by the Australian Red Cross the […]
Prego is giving big discounts on weekdays!
August 25, 2016

Prego is giving big discounts on weekdays!

Every day is a cheat day at Prego Italian Restaurant, City of Dreams Manila! Dine with them every weekday from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and get 30% off on their selected pastas and pizzas.     For inquiries and reservations, please call  02-893-4155. Terms & Conditions • Offer is only valid on WEEKDAYS from 3:00 – 6:00 PM. • Promo runs all-year-round. • Other discounts and vouchers cannot be combined with this offer, including Senior Citizen and PWD discount • 30% discount promo is only valid on selected pastas and pizzas* For more information, please click here.
Change has come: Philippine crime rate down by 31%
August 24, 2016

Change has come: Philippine crime rate down by 31%

On the second day of the senate hearing regarding the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK), Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa reported the number of crimes in July 2016, which was significantly lower compared to last year.   CRIME RATE IN PH LOWERED. (Photo grabbed from Rappler)   According to Dela Rosa, there was a “very significant decrease” in rape incidents and a “downward trend” in crimes such as murder, homicide, homicide, robbery, theft, car theft, motor theft, and physical injuries. 11, 800 crimes were tallied in July 2016 compared to that of July 2015 that recorded 17,105, as seen in a video of the press conference from CNN […]
#DindoPH: Typhoon enters PAR but will not make landfall
August 24, 2016

#DindoPH: Typhoon enters PAR but will not make landfall

A typhoon known internationally as “Lionrock” just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is now known as typhoon “Dindo.”   TYPHOON DINDO WAS LAST seen 1,200 East Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. (Satellite image from Dost_pagasa Facebook page)   A severe weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 1 p.m. today said that Dindo will have maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near its center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. Dindo will not make landfall as it is expected to stay within the same area, roughly 1,200 km East Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. It is expected to move South Southwest […]
World’s largest pearl? 34kg giant pearl found in Palawan
August 24, 2016

World’s largest pearl? 34kg giant pearl found in Palawan

The world’s largest natural giant pearl may have just been found in Palawan if the Puerto Princesa Tourism Office gets it certified as the biggest in the world.   PERLAS NG PUERTO. Dubbed by the Puerto Princesa as “Perlas ng Puerto” (Pearl of Puerto), could this really be the largest natural giant pearl in the world? (Photo by Aileen Amurao via her Facebook account)   Dubbed by the tourism office as “Perlas ng Puerto,” the giant clam shell-shaped pearl weighs in at a staggering 34 kilograms. According to City Tourism Officer Aileen Cynthia Amurao, the pearl was owned by a relative and was considered a “lucky charm.” Her relative, a […]
New World Manila Bay bartender, to represent PH in IBA-World Cocktail Championship
August 30, 2016

New World Manila Bay bartender, to represent PH in IBA-World Cocktail Championship

To represent the Philippines in the World Cocktail Championship 2016, three-time medalist and New World Manila Bay Hotel’s bartender Jessie Ray Clasicas will again be competing for the International Bartenders Association (IBA)-World Cocktail Championship on October 16 to 21, at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in Japan.   JESSIE RAY CLASICAS. (Photo grabbed from bartending.lv)   Clasicas, who has already been awarded as a three-time world medalist, will be showcasing his expertise when it comes to the art of bartending as he will be having Mozart Vodka for the main ingredient in the competition. According to Travelife’s report, “his inspiration behind the cocktail was a mix of flavors that will bring […]
AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 released its final Roster of Celebrity Headliners
August 24, 2016

AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 released its final Roster of Celebrity Headliners

Fandoms unite! Stars from some of your favorite series are coming to Manila for the biggest pop culture gathering in the country dubbed, AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila), which is slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.     First on the list of Hollywood celebrities is Nicholas Hoult. He is best known for playing mutant scientist Beast in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past, War Boy Nuxin in Mad Max: Fury Road, protagonist Jack in Jack the Giant Slayer, and R in Warm Bodies.     Joe Dempsie aka Gendry in the HBO hit series Game of Thrones […]
Baby girl born on a Cebu Pacific flight, awarded 1-M travel reward points
August 23, 2016

Baby girl born on a Cebu Pacific flight, awarded 1-M travel reward points

Last August 19 (Sunday), a Filipina gave birth to a healthy baby girl while onboard a Cebu Pacific plane flight from Dubai to Manila.   (Photo from Missy Umandal Facebook via Inquirer.net)   With the help of Cebu Pacific’s cabin crew and two other flight passengers who happened to be registered nurses, a baby girl named Haven, born 32 weeks premature, was successfully delivered about four hours after a Cebu Pacific plane left Dubai. Since this is the first time that such an “extraordinary” event happened in Cebu Pacific’s 20 years in operation, the baby was awarded 1 million GetGo points with no expiration and are transferable under the carrier’s […]