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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.

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 […]
New PH passports to be released starting today
August 15, 2016

New PH passports to be released starting today

Filipinos who want to travel overseas and are applying for their passports will be the first recipients of the “all-new high-security passport” released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) beginning today, August 15.    A NEW LOOK. The new passports will not only have a revamped look but also have security features that will make them virtually fraud-proof. Photos grabbed from PCO Facebook page.   Dubbed by a travel site as the world’s most secure passport, the new look includes designs that showcase the country’s different regions. Intaglio printing is used for these new passports, similar to what they use when printing money. Other security features include using optical variable […]
Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA
August 15, 2016

Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA

Just over two weeks after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) banned UV Express shuttles from traversing EDSA, another set of PUVs have just been banned from using it.   THIS MAY SOON BE a thing of the past once the MMC resolution takes effect. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez, grabbed from Wikimedia Commons.   In a report from the Manila Bulletin, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution last August 12 banning provincial buses from using EDSA. Provincial bus terminals will likewise be removed from the major thoroughfare in an effort to decongest the worsening traffic the National Capital Region (NCR) faces every day. The move is […]
Just for today: ₱50 Flat Fare on uberPool rides from 6AM to 12 MN
August 15, 2016

Just for today: ₱50 Flat Fare on uberPool rides from 6AM to 12 MN

Uber has launched its #POOLsquad, a Metro-wide competition where riders can win free Uber rides and credits when they choose to share their ride on uberPOOL.     #POOLsquad competition will run from August 15th to September 4th. Riders can get a chance to win lots of exciting prizes like free Uber rides just by three easy steps: (1) ride Uber from August 15th – September 4th; (2) enter promo code by choosing your Uber celebrity squad found on your Uber app; and (3) take as many Uberpool trips as you can for the chance to win amazing prizes!   #PoolSquad. Choose your squad and enter its code to join […]
‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016
August 15, 2016

‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016

For this year’s Break the Surface themed Cinemalaya Film Festival, Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo bagged the most number of awards at the recently held Awards Night on August 14 (Sunday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.   Best Film ‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ director Eduardo Roy, Jr. (holding a trophy) with the cast of the film. (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)   Lauded for its “strong sense of realism and the mix of narrative and the use of real CCTV footages,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo has undoubtedly produced a successful film which has made them bag five major awards such as the Best Film, Best Direction, Best […]
The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP
August 14, 2016

The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP

Yes, Pokémon Go is officially a hit. Almost everyone you meet on the street that has a compatible smartphone is most likely playing the hit mobile game; however, walking around the city while staring down on your screen is not exactly the safest thing to do. Accidents have been reported across all regions with access to the game. Even with Niantic Labs, the creator and developer of the game, already having safety warnings placed within the game, it’s still up to the player to be safe while playing the game. The Philippine National Police – Police Community Relations Group (PNP-PCRG) recently released eight safety tips that will keep everyone who […]
Things to do during the Rainy Season
August 15, 2016

Things to do during the Rainy Season

The rainy season has finally come! Time to snuggle up on your beds and watch the raindrops fall by the windows! Or better yet… you can always do fun activities without the rain stopping you from doing so! Here’s a list of the best activities to do in the Philippines, rain or shine: 1. Read a book at your favorite coffee shop (Photo grabbed from cosmo.lv)   In Makati area, there are various coffee shops which are perfect spots sipping a cup of coffee while having a good read. In the Legazpi Village area, drop by at Starbucks or local coffee shops where you can enjoy a nice book with […]
BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep
August 13, 2016

BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep

ABS-CBN News Correspondent Jacque Manabat recently tweeted a photo that may give Filipinos a new way of going around the Metro Manila: the BEEP.   A TWEET FROM JACQUE Manabat of ABS-CBN.   The BEEP, short for Bagong Jeep, is a modern version of the jeepney that has an automated fare collection and organized fleet management system.   AUTOMATED FARE (AF) COLLECTION SYSTEM. You’ll be able to use your beep card once they roll out in all of Metro Manila.   They are now undergoing a trial run with 6 Beep jeeps plying the Lagro-Cubao route as well as the Parang to Stop & Shop Marikina route. Minimum fare is […]
Caruso Ristorante Italiano Presents: A night with Gianpaolo Rabboni
August 12, 2016

Caruso Ristorante Italiano Presents: A night with Gianpaolo Rabboni

The night was ripe for the taking as a Filipino-Italian singer-songwriter performed some of his own compositions last night at Caruso Ristorante Italiano in Makati City.   SINGER SONGWRITER GIANPAOLO RABBONI serenaded diners last night at Caruso Ristorante Italiano.   Gianpaolo Rabboni, a budding singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Italy, was born to an Italian father and a Filipina mother. He’s always loved the Philippines, and he’s now in the country to give Filipinos a taste of his brand of rock by doing a mini-concert series in at least two restaurants within Makati.   ITALIAN AND FILIPINO PRIDE come together as Rabboni poses with Emilio Mina, owner of Caruso Ristorante […]
Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex
August 12, 2016

Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex

Attention, drivers! With its trial run on August 8, beep cards can now officially be used by owners of Class 1 vehicles at the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) for toll payment.   BEEP CARDS NOW ACCEPTED AS TOLL PAYMENT. (Photo grabbed from unlijavarice.com)   Beep cards, a tap-and-go technology made by AF Payments Inc., (AFPI) are now accepted as toll payments for those driving Class 1 vehicles such as pick-ups, vans, and cars. According to Peter Maher, president and CEO of AFPI, “extending the use of beep cards as a payment option at CAVITEX represents another step towards making the beep card an all-in-one travel card for commuters and even private […]
6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya
May 19, 2022

6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya

  The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has got avid movie-goers to see the best films produced by up and coming talented filmmakers in the Philippine film industry. Currently in its 12th run, it still aims to produce local’s best depicting reality through cinematic visuals which promotes Filipino art when it comes to filmmaking. The event is held every year in July to August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. Probably unknown to many, aside from the films showcased during the whole festival, there are so much more to see during this week-long festival everyone will enjoy as well. Here are some of the things […]
To do this weekend: Pokémon Go Lure Parties in Manila
August 12, 2016

To do this weekend: Pokémon Go Lure Parties in Manila

If you’ve been living under a rock since August 6, chances are you’ve missed the biggest thing to happen since Hidilyn Diaz won the silver medal in the Olympics: Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go is no ordinary app, as shown in this infographic from bargainfox.co.uk. The country’s largest telecommunications companies, Globe and Smart, have already offered free data to all of their subscribers during the hit mobile game’s release. The game definitely has the smartphone-using public hooked, and malls have taken notice. There’s a new kind of party in town that should be on the calendars of every Pokémon Go player: lure parties. What are lure parties? Lure drop parties, or […]
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches ‘All Things Swiss’
August 11, 2016

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches ‘All Things Swiss’

Cutting of cheese with Swiss Army Band’s Lt. Col. Patrick Robatel, Samuel Po, Sarah Lahbati, Mr. Raoul Imbach, and Frank Reichenbach   A Swiss-filled celebration officially starts as Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches its very own celebration of Switzerland, August 4, 2016, at the Ballroom A of the only sky hotel.   Swiss Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Raoul Imbach giving the audience a brief about Switzerland   The Swiss Army Band   In celebration of the 725th National Swiss Day, the Hotel, in partnership of the Embassy of Switzerland, gathered guests for a day full of Swiss food, cheeses, and wine. Guests were welcomed by host and Swiss national, […]