BLOG
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.

Breaking the Surface: The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Opening Ceremony
August 08, 2016

Breaking the Surface: The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Opening Ceremony

It’s the time of the year again – Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is back at it once more with its annual pledge of delivering eminent relevance and connection in the Philippine arts and culture through showcasing new cinematic works with fresh insight and artistic integrity of Filipino filmmakers.     Held last August 5, Friday, at the CCP Main Theater, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival was officially opened for free to the public as on a first come first serve basis. Chris Millado, Cinemalaya festival director mentioned that this year’s Cinemalaya festival is in partnership with Eigasai, a Japanese film festival in the Philippines through the Japan Foundation which […]
Meaty August Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse
August 08, 2016

Meaty August Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse

I’m Angus Steakhouse has always been known for its succulent steaks. This month, they are kicking things up another notch thanks to their Lunch Special for the whole month of August!   STIMULATE YOUR PALLETTE with these delicious entrees: (from left to right) cape grim beef yukhoe, salmon mousseline; and beetroot and goat cheese salad.   Start your meal right with any of these entrees: (1) Tasmanian Cape grim beef yukhoe (raw beef seasoned with spices or sauces) with pickled radish and miso aioli; (2) cured salmon with fennel mousseline, horseradish, and grapefruit; or (3) beetroot and goat cheese salad with walnuts and arugula.   THE “MAIN EVENT.” These dishes […]
Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH
August 06, 2016

Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH

After a long wait and more anticipation than who will win the NBA Finals, Pokémon GO has finally been released in the Philippines   CONFIRMED! After weeks of waiting, it’s finally in the Philippines! A post on the official Pokémon GO Facebook page confirmed earlier today, August 6, that the hit augmented reality (AR) game has finally hit Philippine shores along with other countries in Asia and Oceania. The post has since gone viral, with over 31,000 reactions, nearly 18,000 shares and almost 4,000 comments as of this writing. Niantic earlier released the hit mobile game in Central and South America in anticipation of the 2016 Rio Olympics. To date, […]
Nike’s Unlimited Stadium is now open in Bonifacio Global City
August 17, 2016

Nike’s Unlimited Stadium is now open in Bonifacio Global City

(Photo grabbed from Team Run Direction facebook page) Nike is totally up to something brilliant for those ‘workoutholics’ out there! In line with their Unlimited campaign, which encourages all athletes to embrace an “unlimited” mindset is the opening of Nike’s Unlimited stadium – the coolest pop-up concept of a running track located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Unlimited Stadium features a digitally-enabled, 200-meter running track with LED screens which will be open in public from August 5 – August 21, 2016, from 4 PM to 10 PM, daily. It is specially shaped after a 100-foot sole print of one of Nike’s latest running footwear, the Nike LunarEpic Low […]
2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5
August 05, 2016

2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5

(Photo grabbed from: https://www.olympic.org/the-ioc) There’s only a few hours left before the Rio Olympics 2016 conduct its much-awaited opening ceremony and Rio is now busy submitting to its mission of putting its best face on ahead of Friday’s event at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Many is confused as the date of the opening ceremony is quite conflicted with time – basically, it will be on August 5, but really it’s on August 6. Telegraph.co.uk website made it all clear: “It’s kicking off at a civilised 20.00 local time, which means midnight on Friday night / Saturday morning if you’re following it from the British Isles. We’d guess […]
Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies
August 01, 2016

Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies

The country’s emergency hotline 911 was officially launched this morning. It logged almost 2,500 calls in its first 7 hours, but had an alarmingly high number of dropped and prank calls.   CHANGE HAS BEGUN. Emergency services would have been within easy reach, if not for the sheer volume of dropped and prank calls. Photo grabbed from Presidential Communications Operation Office Facebook page   In a report from news website GMA News Online, the 911 hotline received 1,119 drop calls, 304 prank calls, and only 75 calls with legitimate concerns. According to a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa warned […]
PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection
August 05, 2016

PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection

Announced on July 29 (Friday), the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be focusing on high-end bars and clubs in Makati and Taguig cities for drug inspections among regulars who are usually wealthy youths and celebrities.   (Photo grabbed from: foreignstudents.com)   According to Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario, head of the Southern Police District, they have already coordinated with owners and managers of posh bars and clubs to conduct a random inspection and patrol with the PNP personnel. “They are there to observe and even use the comfort rooms because as we all know, it is in the comfort rooms where the party drugs are being passed,” he added. Apolinario also […]
Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent
August 02, 2016

Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent

The 2016 Rio Olympics is happening in a few days, and everyone is excited for the event. There may have been athletes that decided to skip the event due to the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, but that did not stop our Philippine contingent from making the trip. Also read: Bitten: Zika Virus 101   WILL 2016 BE OUR YEAR? 1996 was the last time we won a medal at the Olympics. (Photos used were grabbed from flagpedia.net and Wikipedia Commons)   Here is the list of athletes who have qualified and will represent the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, happening from August 5 – 21: – Athletics […]
The best Filipino indie films, your pet’s mind unlocked, and #SquadGoals: Movies in August
August 01, 2016

The best Filipino indie films, your pet’s mind unlocked, and #SquadGoals: Movies in August

August is known in the Philippines as the month when we celebrate the best in Filipino independent films with the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. This year, August is extra special for movie buffs with these highly-anticipated films:   Suicide Squad (August 4) Poster grabbed from www.suicidesquad.com   Worst. Heroes. EVER. It’s the simplest way to describe this ragtag crew of the world’s most dangerous incarcerated super villains assembled by U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller. DC’s Suicide Squad promises to be as action-packed as any other superhero movie you’ve witnessed. In fact, if you looked at the trailers close enough, you might just catch a glimpse of one.   Cinemalaya Films […]
Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball
May 29, 2024

Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball

The glitz and glamour does not necessarily mean that it’s always just about fashion. Sometimes, it’s also has a deeper purpose. We introduce you to Red Charity Gala.   Various fashion outfits on stage   The Red Charity Gala is an “annual benefit charity fashion event which highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino fashion designers. Started in 2009, it first featured the collection of designer Dennis Lustico. For the past years, the Red Charity Gala was made for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross, a health and humanitarian organization, and also for Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.  Since it started, they have already featured several well-known fashion designers […]
PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888
July 29, 2016

PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888

Subscribers of PLDT and its subsidiary, Smart, might just be able to breathe a sigh of relief if they ever find themselves in an emergency as the telecommunication giant is willing to give people free access to hotlines 911 and 8888, but only if the government says so. Also read: Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls   DID THEY ONE-UP GLOBE TELECOM? Probably not, because they will only give free access if the government says so. File photo.   In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Ramon Isberto, head of PLDT/Smart Public Affairs said “If the government will instruct us to make it free, […]
PH to host Miss Universe 2016
July 29, 2016

PH to host Miss Universe 2016

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo has confirmed at a press conference, Thursday (July 28), that the Philippines will be hosting the next Miss Universe pageant.   (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez via Philstar)   The idea was initially rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte because he was mainly concerned about the big expenses of hosting the pageant. He was later on convinced after a meeting with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach last July 18. Teo said the government is not going to spend a single centavo and it will be the private sector that would shoulder the expenses. DOT is also considering the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to […]
Improvements to expect in MRT-3 within 2016
July 29, 2016

Improvements to expect in MRT-3 within 2016

Installations of free WiFis, new industrial fans, enhanced power supply, arrival of 48 light rail vehicles (LRVs) and refurbishment of facilities – these are just some of the ongoing Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) upgrades, as released by the Department of Transportation Communications (DOTC) on its official website.   (Photo grabbed from mrt3.com)   Since the prevailing administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, better change has been seen in more than one way and form. Social and industrial improvements have been escalating so quickly, particularly in road and traffic issues in the Philippines. Though some are still undetectable to commuters, Filipino citizens are left with their high hopes of a better commuting […]
JICA-run youth volunteer program wins Asia’s Nobel Prize
July 29, 2016

JICA-run youth volunteer program wins Asia’s Nobel Prize

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) just announced the recipients of its prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, and Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) youth volunteer program is one of the six awardees.   THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD will be given to six awardees this year, including JICA’s youth volunteer program, the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. Photo grabbed from Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation official page   Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) will be honored this year for their “idealism and spirit of service in advancing the lives of communities other than their own,” according to the citation by the RMAF. Established in 1965, JOCV is a JICA-run program that aims to provide […]
Wedding Shoes Redefined: Keds x kate spade new york Champion Glitter Sneakers
July 28, 2016

Wedding Shoes Redefined: Keds x kate spade new york Champion Glitter Sneakers

THE ONLY SNEAKERS YOU’LL WANT TO WEAR ON YOUR BIG DAY These Keds X kate spade new york sneakers will have you dancing in bliss on your wedding day   Keds x kate spade new york Champion Glitter (P3,995)   Tying the knot? You won’t need to suffer in heels for hours on your wedding day. You can always switch to a pair of equally stylish sneakers. We’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill flats, American fashion designer Kate Spade collaborated with Keds to create these chic glitter sneakers for the fashionable bride. The shoe features a canvas upper covered in crushed glitters and every pair comes with satin ribbon laces. […]
BFP now ready for 911 response
July 28, 2016

BFP now ready for 911 response

In a video posted on 911 Philippines’ Facebook page, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) trucks were seen to diffuse water with colors as an indication of their readiness to respond for disaster and emergency calls to 911.   (Screengrabbed from 911 Philippines’ Facebook post)   As one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s priorities in his administration, the 911 hotline for disaster and emergency response is now in the works, with its launch on August 2016. This hotline shall be used nationwide for connection with emergency response resources such as when it comes to disasters like “fire, typhoon, earthquake, landslides, tsunami, flood, terrorist attack, hazardous material emergencies, civil disturbance, riot control, search […]
Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls
July 28, 2016

Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls

Globe subscribers should think before calling 911 once it’s up and running next month, as the telecom giant will charge an extra P5 per call on top of their regular voice charges.   NO PRANK CALLS. Or, at least that’s the idea for all Globe Telecom subscribers. (Image grabbed from yugatech.com)   In a statement released yesterday, Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said that the extra charge was “suggested by the government to discourage prank calls.” Castelo also said that “Globe Telecom is ready to transmit voice calls for emergency hotline 911 and complaint hotline 8888 on August 1, as directed by the government.” They are also hastening their […]
International furniture store IKEA to open soon in the Philippines
July 27, 2016

International furniture store IKEA to open soon in the Philippines

In a report posted by news website Inquirer.net on Wednesday (July 27), popular international furniture brand IKEA is set to open a branch here in the Philippines.   IKEA store in Japan. (Photo grabbed from www.acclaro.com)   Although no details have been posted yet as of press time, the news gained mostly positive reactions, making it a trending topic in social networking site Twitter at the 11th spot. IKEA is a known global brand that sells ready-to-assemble furniture, appliances, and accessories that started in Sweden in 1943. According to a report by Reuters in 2008, it was named as the “world’s largest furniture retailer.” With over 300 stores in 48 […]
Admission to Ayala Museum will be for free on July 30
July 27, 2016

Admission to Ayala Museum will be for free on July 30

Ayala Museum will open its doors for free as part of their Inspire Everyday Campaign this July 30, Saturday.   (Photo grabbed from Ayala Museum’s official Facebook page)   Join and be inspired as Ayala Museum celebrates their annual free-admission day that will trigger your muse and creativity for a whole day of fun and learning. Registration starts at 8:30AM and gates open at 9:00AM so be sure to arrive early to get the most of the event. There will be fun activities, booths, seminars and free yoga and art classes and live performances from the Manila Symphony Orchestra, Tago Jazz Café, and Ballet Philippines. To ensure safety and for […]
Pizza lovers, attack! MyKitchen offers unli pasta and panizza
July 27, 2016

Pizza lovers, attack! MyKitchen offers unli pasta and panizza

Who doesn’t love eat-all-you-can, anyway? Have a taste of Chef Chris’ amazing pasta and panizza for only P650 all weekends until September 30!     Get the chance to savor Chef Chris’ delectable dishes from the Pasta and Originals menu, especially the panizza which is his original creation! This hand-rolled thin-crust pizza is definitely a must-try more than ever as it is offered now at a very affordable price. This deal is available from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and is inclusive with an unlimited home brewed iced tea. My Kitchen also offers 10% discount on ala carte orders for those who avail unlimited pasta and panizza. If you wish […]