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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.

Hall M: Asia’s first Marvel Showcase to be launched at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila
August 23, 2016

Hall M: Asia’s first Marvel Showcase to be launched at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila

AsiaPOP Comicon (APCC) Manila 2016 is touted as the biggest three-day pop culture extravaganza. For three days, visitors will be inundated with everything related to pop culture, including a first for Asia: Hall M. But what exactly is Hall M?   NOTHING LIKE IT. It’s Asia’s first, and we’re hoping it won’t be the last.   Hall M is a showcase of Marvel content in gaming, television, and movies. It’s an exclusive look at what lies ahead for Marvel: all the sights, sounds, and spectacles you won’t see anywhere else. Fans will be treated to never-before-seen footage – apart from the San Diego Comic Con – of Doctor Strange at […]
Selected Filipino films to compete in Film Festival in Europe
August 22, 2016

Selected Filipino films to compete in Film Festival in Europe

The Filipino film industry is continuously excelling in the world stage as six films from the Philippines are competing in various categories at the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema Berlin in Germany from October 22 to 29.   IADYA MO KAMI. (Photo grabbed from showbizninjaph.blogspot.com)   Sourced from Inquirer’s report, part of the films included to premier in the film fest is Iadya Mo Kami (Deliver Us), vying for four trophies in the Foreign Language film section for best lead actor (Allen Dizon), supporting actor (Eddie Garcia), director (Mel Chionglo), and foreign language feature film. It is also competing for top honors in a film festival in Italy on […]
The newest branch of St. Marc Café is now open at Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Pinas
August 30, 2016

The newest branch of St. Marc Café is now open at Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Pinas

The 6th addition to the growing outlet of the popular specialty bakery and patisserie from Japan, St. Marc Café in the Philippines just marked a sweet landing at Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Pinas last July 15.     Though this branch of St. Marc is the newest in the country, nothing much has changed from their other previous branches in Greenbelt, SM Megamall, UP Town Center, SM North Edsa and Robinson’s Place Manila, when it comes to its interiors. The branch still exemplifies the same cosy and welcoming ambience, good service and friendly staff and surely the excellent food.   PERFECT PLACE for some chill time with friends!   But […]
PH to Withdraw from UN: Is it possible?
August 24, 2016

PH to Withdraw from UN: Is it possible?

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes again in his early morning press conference held yesterday, August 21, at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Depot in Davao City: he asked the United Nations (UN) to remove the Philippines from the organization.   (Photo of Pres. Duterte from Presidential Communications Operations Office; UN Logo grabbed from Wikimedia Commons)   He started by saying that the government already had numbers on how many lives the drug trade has affected versus the number of bodies the war on drugs has taken. He also criticized the UN by asking where they were during the country’s worst times. “When were you here the last […]
Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end
August 22, 2016

Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end

The biggest international sporting event in the world ends its 31st season as Olympics 2016 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil concludes the two-week long event on August 21.   HEROES OF THE GAMES. Olympic athletes walk during the Closing ceremony of Olympics 2016 in Rio. (Photo grabbed from npr.org)   The three-hour concluding ceremony showcased Brazilian culture through a colorful event as thousands of fans and competing athletes ended the game by a street carnival parade. Highlights include human formation of iconic Rio landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazilian model Izabel Goulart leading a parade of women and dancers joined by a sound track […]
From #Rio2016 to #Tokyo2020: the Olympic hand-off to end all Olympic hand-offs (to date)
August 22, 2016

From #Rio2016 to #Tokyo2020: the Olympic hand-off to end all Olympic hand-offs (to date)

The 2016 Rio Olympics have finally come to a close. The US tallied the most gold medals in the tournament, with Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles leading the way; Usain Bolt immortalized himself with his third straight 100-meter gold medal, and the Philippines gets its first taste of Olympic hardware 20 years after it won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Also read: Curtains drawn as Rio Olympics comes to an end These were good highlights, but none would probably compare to what Japan just pulled off during the closing ceremonies.   YES, YOUR EYES ARE NOT DECEIVING YOU. That is Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with a […]
Mega Harbor port Project, set to be implemented in Davao City
August 22, 2016

Mega Harbor port Project, set to be implemented in Davao City

In a press release by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the P39-billion Mega Harbor Project in Davao City is set to be implemented towards creating a “Global Mindanao.”   MEGA HARBOR PORT PROJECT. (Photo by MAO Signing | Jeshleo Carungay, grabbed from magmanews.com)   This mega harbor port development project, which is to be put into operation in Davao City, aims to enable Davao to bloom as the capital of East Asia Growth Area (EAGA). Also, according to Mega Harbour Chairman Reghis M. Romero II, this project can help the entire Philippines to take advantage of this strategic location in Southeast Asia. Based on the description of the project, this […]
Asia World Hospitality conducts certified guest service professionals workshop
August 19, 2016

Asia World Hospitality conducts certified guest service professionals workshop

  Asia World Hospitality, the official representative of American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) in the Philippines, conducted its first Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP) workshop last July 28 and 29 at the University of Santo Tomas. With 16 participants from the host university, joined by delegates from Europcar and Ace and Associates, the CGSP is a guest service training program developed by AHLEI to help employees become guest and service-oriented, able to provide personalized service to exceed customers’ expectations. The CGSP designation is recognized around the world, the holders of the CGSP certifications are the first choice of international hotel groups and major cruise lines globally. It is […]
PH receives first coastguard vessel from Japan
August 19, 2016

PH receives first coastguard vessel from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received the first of 10 new multi-role response vessels from Japan on Thursday (August 18).   JAPAN GIVES VESSELS TO PH. (Photo grabbed from inquirer.net)   This first vessel was named Tubbataha, a 44-meter vessel which was named after PCG lighthouse situated at the Tubbataha Marine National Park in Palawan. The other vessels to come until 2018 will also be named after the PCG lighthouses, and these will be deployed in Manila, La Union, and Puerto Princesa. According to an Inquirer report, PCG said that the vessel will be used for “search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and transport purposes.” These ships were built in Japan and supported […]
Free for life at the National Library! NLP Card now optional
August 18, 2016

Free for life at the National Library! NLP Card now optional

The internet may have officially taken over as the go-to resource for students and teachers alike, but libraries, like the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), are still the best option for those who want reliable sources.   Main entrance of the National Library of the Philippines (Photo by Franz Miko Verzon via Wikimedia Commons)   Imagine the smile on people’s faces when NLP announced on their Facebook page that they will no longer require anyone to have a library card to access their archives. All you need to do is present a valid ID and register at their IT Division. For those who still want to avail of the […]
Filipino Restaurant Bad Saint named as Top 2 Best New Dining Place in US
August 18, 2016

Filipino Restaurant Bad Saint named as Top 2 Best New Dining Place in US

A Washington-based Filipino restaurant named Bad Saint made it to America’s Best New Restaurants 2016 List by the Bon Appétit magazine.   BAD SAINT. This Filipino restaurant makes it to the top list of America’s Nest New Restaurants in 2016. (Photo by Farrah Skeiky via Bad Saint’s Facebook account.)   Owned by Genevieve Cunanan and Nick Pimentel, together with their Filipino-American chef Tom Cunanan, the best of Filipino food has already made waves in the United States, thanks to Bad Saint. Andrew Knowlton, editor of the renowned American food magazine Bon Appétit, praised the restaurant dishes Ukoy, “a mix of freshwater shrimp fritter, sweet potato, and cilantro” and Adobong Dilaw, […]
New World Makati Hotel invites diners to enjoy the best of Canadian Beef
August 18, 2016

New World Makati Hotel invites diners to enjoy the best of Canadian Beef

Homemade Grass Fed Prime Rib Roast   New World Makati Hotel, in partnership with Canada Beef International Institute and with the support of the Canadian Embassy, invites diners to experience the Canadian Beef Advantage once again.  A product of Canada’s abundant natural landscape and sustainable ranching techniques, Canadian beef is of the highest quality – well-marbled, flavorful and nutrient-packed premium food recognized worldwide as some of the best beef in the world.   Sumptuous Canadian beef at New World Makati Hotel   The hotel’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Robert Davis, offers a satisfying dining experience through a hotel-wide food promotion from 1 to 30 September 2016.   Jasmine […]
FWD Life Philippines wins 2 honours at the 1st Insurance Asia Awards
August 17, 2016

FWD Life Philippines wins 2 honours at the 1st Insurance Asia Awards

FWD Life Philippines, the fastest growing insurance company in the country today, bagged two prestigious awards at this year’s Asian Banking and Finance Insurance Asia Awards (IAA)m which recognized the best in the Asian insurance industry at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on July 20.     FWD was hailed as the Marketing Initiative of the Year with their innovative health and awareness advocacy campaign known as Live to Move. The campaign encouraged an active and healthier lifestyle among Filipinos empowering them to get ready to live their lives to the fullest. They are also awarded the “Digital Insurance Initiative of the year” recognizing their “Life Is” campaign which highlighted […]
Section of NAIA Expressway to open in September
August 17, 2016

Section of NAIA Expressway to open in September

Motorists bound for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may soon find a bit of reprieve as a section of the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) is set to open this September.   A GLIMPSE OF WHAT MIGHT BE. This is how NAIAX would look like once it’s completed. Image grabbed from mapio.net   In a statement released last August 15, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said, “We are in the process of doing safety checks. With the help of DOTC, we are confident that the public would soon be able to access a key phase of the NAIA Expressway Project within the first 100 days of […]
Makati rerouting done for Skyway Stage 3 construction
August 17, 2016

Makati rerouting done for Skyway Stage 3 construction

Traffic woes will get worse for motorists going to Makati as rerouting schemes will be in effect for the construction of Skyway Stage 3 project (SS3) along Buendia flyover.   EXPECT HEAVIER TRAFFIC. SS3 construction activities have begun and will affect traffic along Osmeña Highway, especially around the Buendia flyover. Screen capture from Dmitri Valencia YouTube channel   San Miguel Corporation-led Citra, the contractor for the SS3 started installing beams along Osmeña highway and will continue construction activities for 3 months. All northbound motorists coming from Skyway are encouraged to use the Magallanes and Don Bosco off-ramps to go to Makati City. On the other hand, the Osmeña service road […]
The Arts of Puppetry: Philippine Puppetry and Bunraku at PuppetXchange
August 18, 2016

The Arts of Puppetry: Philippine Puppetry and Bunraku at PuppetXchange

When people talk about puppets, these conversations usually range from funny ventriloquist acts to Sesame Street’s iconic muppets (mouth puppets). Puppetry in itself is more than just a comedy act, which make events like PuppetXchange all the more important     PuppetXchange: Arts of Puppetry from Japan and the Philippines, held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) showcased two puppetry groups that are both familiar and unfamiliar to audiences: Ningyojoruri Bunrakuza from Japan and Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas from the Philippines. These groups gave audiences a glimpse of a side of puppetry people have yet to discover: an artistic and cultural side […]
Rare tornado whizzed past Manila streets
August 17, 2016

Rare tornado whizzed past Manila streets

Last Sunday (August 14), videos of a tornado formed in the port area in Manila suddenly went viral on different social media sites, causing panic and great alarm within the general public. The tornado was reported to have lasted for only about 15 minutes, but it already caused so much damage to houses and establishments near the location. As per reports from the Philippine Star, the tornado was stirred up slowly by strong winds coming in from across Manila Bay that started in Intramuros, and traveled throughout Central Post Office where it dissolved completely. The Philippines has been experiencing heavy downpour for almost a week before the tornado happened. Some […]
Proposed P3.35-T ‘budget for change’ in 2017 submitted to PH Congress
August 16, 2016

Proposed P3.35-T ‘budget for change’ in 2017 submitted to PH Congress

Monday proved to be another step towards change as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submitted its proposed national budget of P3.35 trillion for 2017, which is an 11.6% increase from the 2016 budget and the highest proposed budget from any administration to date.   BUDGET FOR REAL CHANGE. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno hands over the 2017 proposed national budget to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. (Photo by Jhel Ballesteros)   The proposed budget was submitted August 15 to Philippine Congress by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno and was received by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez along with other members of Congress. Among those that received the lion’s share of the budget […]
Hold your horses! Grab is offering GrabKalesa in Manila
August 16, 2016

Hold your horses! Grab is offering GrabKalesa in Manila

In celebration of Philippines’ “Buwan ng Wika” (National Language Month), mobile transport app Grab will be offering GrabKalesa on August 20 to 21, 2016. Also read: August is PH’s Language Month Kalesa is a Filipino term for horse-drawn carriage that was used as a mode of transportation from the ancient times up until this day. These carriages are usually found at Intramuros, Manila where it is being used to go through various spots in the Walled City.     To experience GrabKalesa, you need to book by using the Grab App. Choose the GrabKalesa icon to book and type in Plaza Roma for Pick-up and Drop off points. This will […]
Japan funds $2.4-B railway for Manila
August 15, 2016

Japan funds $2.4-B railway for Manila

Removing UV Express shuttles and taking away provincial buses is just one way the government is trying to decongest Metro Manila. They are also using railways to further remove vehicles from the road.   LRT1, LRT2, AND MRT3 might soon be joined by a younger yet bigger sibling in Manila. LRT and MRT photos used in collage grabbed from Wikipedia   Japan announced on Friday, August 12 that they would be funding a $2.4 billion (almost P112 trillion) railway project that should help ease the congestion in Metro Manila. Reports say that the 38-kilometer elevated commuter line would connect Metro Manila and Bulacan. This will help not only by decongesting […]