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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.

What you need to know about ‘E-Trike Project’
March 16, 2016

What you need to know about ‘E-Trike Project’

In an effort to ensure energy security through efficient and clean technologies, the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DoE) implements “Market Transformation through Introduction of Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles Project” or simply called “The E-Trike Project,” which will help significantly in decreasing air pollution in the country.   E-TRIKE. To help lessen air pollution, The Department of Energy implements E-trike Project in the Philippines. (Photo from mb.com.ph)   This E-Trike Project is expected to help in the form of energy security, where there are ‘approximately 3.5 million conventional combustion engine tricycles and motorcycles’ which emit millions of tons of CO2 every year. With this problem that add impact to the worsening […]
Metrobank Stock Tutorial
March 16, 2016

Metrobank Stock Tutorial

Do you want to learn about Stocks? As early as today, be sure that you know about the basics of stock and investment that will help you in the future. This 2016, free seminars are given by FirstMetroSec, a Metrobank Group, regarding the basics of Stock Market Investing.     It will hold seminars regarding introductions about Fundamental Analysis and Technical Analysis. The tutorial is open to the public and is free of charge. Observe proper dress code (Smart casual) and wearing of jersey tops, shorts or slippers, is discouraged. For reservations, call 859-0600 or email customerservice@firstmetrosec.com.ph These are the schedules for the seminars: BASICS OF STOCK MARKET INVESTING 10:00am […]
Meralco to lower power rates this month
March 15, 2016

Meralco to lower power rates this month

Summer is just around the corner, and as the temperature rises, the more electricity is consumed to beat of the heat! And it doesn’t help if it costs a fortune.     Luckily, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has recently announced that consumers might see lower electric bills this month due slightly lower fuel cost and a higher  dispatch of power plants. The overall rate for their residential customer is expected to go down by P0.19 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), as reported by The Philippines Star. The bills will be reduced by P38 for households consuming 200 kWh, P57 for 300kWk, 76 for 400 kWh and 95 for 500 kWh, while […]
Hotel Jen Manila: Your Holy Week Haven
March 15, 2016

Hotel Jen Manila: Your Holy Week Haven

This Holy Week, let Hotel Jen Manila be your humble home while fulfilling your lenten traditions.     From March 21-27, 2016, book a deluxe room for only P 4,800 nett per night and enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast for two at our Latitude Restaurant. In addition, a 20% discount at our F&B outlets will also be one of your perks. Above all of these, you can hop on to our complimentary scheduled shuttle service which will drop you off to one of the country’s most iconic religious site, the Manila Cathedral. Here you can start your Lenten practices and have some time to reflect. For inquiries and advance reservations, […]
Caronia Popsicle Collection
March 13, 2016

Caronia Popsicle Collection

Say hello to a deliciously colorful summer! Starting to feel the heat of summer? Are you gearing up for the beach? Can’t wait to hang out at the mall with your friends? Deciding your summer #OOTD? Complete your look with the latest nail polish collection from Caronia! This summer, Caronia is officially launching their deliciously fun Popsicle Collection featuring four brand new colors – Tequila Sunrise, Brain Freeze, Lemon Cool, and Peach Perfect! Inspired by the season’s all-time favorite food, ice cream, these hues are easy to mix and match with your summer outfits. According to them, it’s all about having fun while keeping up with the times.   Caronia […]
A ‘new angle’ on Imelda: Livin’ La Vida Imelda by Carlos Celdran
March 11, 2016

A ‘new angle’ on Imelda: Livin’ La Vida Imelda by Carlos Celdran

There have been plenty of shows, movies, and documentaries about Martial Law and how it left its mark on the country. Most of them focus on the Martial Law years and the events that lead to it; however, there is one show that’s kind of about Martial Law that will give you a new perspective: Carlos Celdran’s Livin’ La Vida Imelda.   UNOFFICIAL. Livin’ La Vida Imelda has been described as “Gleefully gossipy” by the New York Times.   Brief background The one-man show started as a walking tour of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex. Celdran talked about each structure while also telling people the man (or […]
GrabCar given green light to pick up passengers from NAIA
March 11, 2016

GrabCar given green light to pick up passengers from NAIA

Passengers coming from NAIA can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will now allow GrabCar to pick-up passengers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) beginning on Monday, March 14.   GRABCAR IS NOW ALLOWED.   Officials from MIAA and Grab signed an agreement on March 10 allowing passengers to book via GrabCar with NAIA as your pick-up point. According to MIAA spokesperson David De Castro, they will only allow GrabCar and not GrabTaxi as the service is still in its experimental stages. “This first year of implementation will be experimental then we will be assessing operations as we go through the month”, […]
Beat the Summer Heat: #TasteTheChill with Sosro Fruit Tea Freeze!
March 10, 2016

Beat the Summer Heat: #TasteTheChill with Sosro Fruit Tea Freeze!

With this intense summer heat, it’s hard to keep your cool. But what if we tell you that it’s just as simple as opening a bottle of Sosro Fruit Tea?   SOSRO FRUIT TEA. Stay cool despite the hustle and bustle of life with this refreshment!   Sosro Fruit Tea, the millennial go-getter’s preferred real tea drink, has just been officially launched in the Philippines — just right in time for summer. This drink that’s originally from Indonesia was brought by ReddiMart Multi-resources, Inc. in 2015. It’s known for their refreshing real fruit-flavor blends and authentic tea goodness that makes up a great drink loved by many go-getters.   ALL […]
Realty Emporium
March 10, 2016

Realty Emporium

  Last February 24, the Philippine Realty TV, an ever – evolving media platform has launched its own brokerage arm; the “Realty Emporium” as a response to the changing needs of both the property developers and the potential buyers. It is a unique avenue that property developers can use to offers their brands to the market and for sellers of secondary high – end properties to rise above the clutter. “The idea behind Realty Emporium is for us to be able to offer a platform where real estate companies can connect better with a larger, more diverse audience, and thus sell their properties to a market that fits their requirements,” […]
P30 flagdown rate for taxis to take effect on March 19
March 09, 2016

P30 flagdown rate for taxis to take effect on March 19

The wait is finally over. On Tuesday, March 8, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced new rates for taxis nationwide starting March 19, 2016. This comes a year after they announced a provisional P10 cut on taxi flagdown rates.   FLAGDOWN DOWN FOR GOOD. Rates for distance and waiting time have also been adjusted.   The new taxi rates are as follows: Flagdown P30 Distance P3.50 for first 500 meters P3.50 for every succeeding 500 meters Waiting time P3.50 for every 90 seconds   Airport taxis will also sport new rates: Flagdown P60 Distance P4 for first 500 meters P4 for every succeeding 500 meters Waiting time […]
‘Facebook Live’ is now available on personal profiles
March 09, 2016

‘Facebook Live’ is now available on personal profiles

If you have been receiving notifications on your Facebook that your favorite page is “live”, then you’re probably seeing the biggest social network’s Live feature.     Facebook Live is a streaming service for pages to broadcast a live chat or show directly from their timeline. In 2015, it was only available for selected verified public figures. Now, some users can do a live streaming, which can be viewed by their Facebook friends, although it is not available to everyone yet. But if you are one of the lucky people who have this option, Facebook has provided a simple tutorial for you to follow, so you can broadcast from your […]
Is Zika Virus in PH? Updates and Zika 101
March 08, 2016

Is Zika Virus in PH? Updates and Zika 101

With reports of an American woman being diagnosed with Zika virus after coming from the Philippines, people are understandably afraid. Zika has been associated with birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness that affects the nervous system. It has also been declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization.   AEDES AEGYPTI. The mosquito known to transmit yellow fever is also a known transmitter of Zika virus.   According to reports from Inquirer.net, Philstar.com, and CNN Philippines, the non-pregnant US resident was in the country for 4 weeks in January. It was during her last week of stay that she developed […]
P1 bus fare rollback to be expected this week
March 08, 2016

P1 bus fare rollback to be expected this week

Heads up, commuters! There may possibly be a P1.00 cut on your bus fare this week.   BUS FARE. A P1 rollback is expected to happen this week for both air-conditioned and regular buses. (Photo grabbed from securitymatters.com.ph)   In a petition filed by representative Julie de Jesus from the group Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor sa Pilipinas (STOP), a fare rollback was sought to be reduced to P11.00 for air-conditioned buses and P9.00 for regular buses. The reason for the said petition was the diesel price drop in the country. According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., said […]
Gone too soon: Award-winning director Francis Xavier Pasion found dead
March 07, 2016

Gone too soon: Award-winning director Francis Xavier Pasion found dead

The entertainment mourns anew as award-winning ABS-CBN director Francis Pasion was found dead in his Quezon City apartment around 3 p.m. last Sunday, March 6. Pasion was 38.   REST IN PEACE, DIREK. ABS-CBN director Francis Xavier Pasion.   According to a report from ABS-CBN News, his body was found near the door of the comfort room inside his house. Initial findings by PNP SOCO suggest he died of cardiac arrest. Members of the entertainment industry took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to Direk Francis. Quark Henares, one of his friends, gave a tribute on his Facebook account, citing working conditions in TV production as […]
Free Ride for Women at MRT and LRT 2 on March 8!
March 08, 2016

Free Ride for Women at MRT and LRT 2 on March 8!

Yes, you read that right! Women get to ride for FREE on March 8, in all LRT Line 2 and MRT stations!   FREE RIDES FOR WOMEN! Women get to ride in all LRT Line 2 and MRT Stations for FREE!   As part of the International Women’s Day celebration, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) gives women who will ride in any of the stations of LRT Line 2 and MRT free rides on March 8. Women can board the train for free from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 pm to 7 p.m. Earlier, the National Museum also gave women free admission for the month […]
Solar, lunar eclipses to be visible this March
March 07, 2016

Solar, lunar eclipses to be visible this March

Calling all Astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts! A solar and lunar eclipse will be visible this month. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) has announced that there will be a total solar eclipse to occur on March 9, 2016 in the Philippines. However, it will be observed as a partial solar eclipse. Moreover, those who are in Mindanao will have a good view of the eclipse with a obscuration of up to 80%, while Luzon will have 30% to 60&%, and Visayas from 60% to 70%.     If, however, you miss the solar eclipse, do not fret for a penumbral eclipse of the moon will happen on […]
7 foreign airlines eyeing Clark for new destination
March 04, 2016

7 foreign airlines eyeing Clark for new destination

Here’s to possibly more flights in Clark!   CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. 7 international airlines express interest in operations at the former US military airbase. (Photo courtesy from dmia.ph)   According to Clark International Airport Corp. CEO Emigdio Tanjuatco III, seven international airlines have expressed intentions to establish operations in the said airport during their stay in the country to attend Asian Routes, an airlines and aviation stakeholders event. These seven airlines are V-Air of Taiwan, Jet Star of Singapore, Thai Smile, Rayani Air of Malaysia, Express Air of Indonesia, Air India, and Airline 4.0, a new carrier from the US. This visit will happen on March 5, where these 7 […]
11 Filipinos make it to Forbes’ annual billionaires list
March 04, 2016

11 Filipinos make it to Forbes’ annual billionaires list

This 2016, 11 wealthy Filipinos have made it again to the Forbes billionaires list, securing a place in a roll dominated by mostly US-based entrepreneurs.   PH BILLIONAIRES. Eleven Filipinos make it to the annual Forbes list, albeit some of them are seen with a decline in fortune. (Infographic by CNNPhilippines.com)   With the highest rank among other Filipinos, well-known tycoon Henry Sy of SM Investments Corporation lands at #71 spot with a net worth of $12.9B. He is then followed by chairman emeritus John Gokongwei, Jr. of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., on the #270 spot with a $5B. Lucio Tan of various industrial conglomerate operations lands at the #380 […]
Gallery Vask hailed as one of Asia’s Best Restaurants for 2016
March 04, 2016

Gallery Vask hailed as one of Asia’s Best Restaurants for 2016

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2016 was announced last Monday, February 29, and it featured one of the Philippine’s best: Gallery Vask, located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.   CONGRATULATIONS! Gallery Vask is recognized as the 39th Best Restaurant in Asia, and the Best Restaurant in the Philippines.   Gallery Vask’s concepts was described by William Reed Business Media as being “set in a constantly evolving art space inspired by people, nature, memories, textures, techniques, travels and history.” True to form, their ever-changing menu is now 100% Filipino, a change of gears from their initial Spanish-inspired line-up with a Filipino twist. Gallery Vask’s Tiradito was hailed as their standout dish. […]
Henry Sy donates P400m UP campus in BGC
March 03, 2016

Henry Sy donates P400m UP campus in BGC

The country’s premier state university, University of the Philippines (UP), gets its 17th campus through Henry Sy Sr. with a nine-storey building in the progressive business district of Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.   UP-BGC HENRY SY. HALL. A P400m-building was donated by Henry Sy to UP located at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. (Photo by Misael Bacani UPSIO, grabbed from up.edu.ph)   The building, which costs P400m, was donated by Henry Sy Sr., the well-known and undisputed richest man in the Philippines behind the successful SM Investments Corporation. This building was given to the Philippine’s premier institution of higher learning, as received by UP President Alfredo Pascual […]