With all the crazy things going on this month, how are you supposed to figure out which news is worth reading? Luckily, we've done the work of separating the wheat from the chaff for you, and have put together this list of things you need to know, things you might want to know, and things that may surprise you to know.
Google Philippines Launches #LovePhilippines Social Media Campaign
Still in the mood to celebrate National Heroes' Day? Log on to your Facebook, Twitter or Google+, and search through the hashtag #LovePhilippines for tidbits about Filipino culture. You can also look through our Filipino culture, Philippine history and trivia tags for the best posts to comment on and share via social media. Happy Facebooking/Tweeting/Googling!
Philippines Considered 20th Happiest Country in the World
Whatever flaws Filipinos have in general, one thing's for sure: They know perfectly well how to have fun. According to the Happy Planet Index, the country has an overall rating of 35 based on its "experienced wellbeing," "life expectancy" and "ecological footprint." It's an improvement over 2015, when the Philippines ranked 25th.
P2P Bus Route Launched for Robinsons Novaliches-Park Square-Makati City
If you frequently travel between the north and south of the Metro, here's some good news: Another P2P route has been added to the six franchises currently operating. The buses will leave their respective terminals at 5:30 A.M., and have their last trip at 8:30 P.M. for both the Quezon and Makati City terminals.
Makati City Requires Dog Owners to Implant Microchips in Their Pets
Despite the existence of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, many dog owners still leave their pets roaming the streets, making the pets more vulnerable to accidents and attacks by rabid animals. To combat this, the Makati City government requested the city's clinics to implant microchips in their patients, so that the pets can be easily tracked and diagnosed for any diseases.
Makati Eyes 3-Year Yellow Card
In a previous post, we mentioned that certain Makati residents can qualify for a Yellow Card, which allows them to enjoy a wide variety of health services. The card is currently valid for only one year, but the government is aiming to extend that validity for up to three years.
Makati Traffic Enforcers to Wear Lapel Cameras
Following the local government's vision to turn Makati into a "smart city," traffic enforcers from the Makati Public Safety Department (MAPSA) will be equipped with lapel cameras. These will serve the dual purpose of preventing traffic enforcers from abusing their authority, and protecting them from potentially violent altercations with motorists.
BPI Apologizes for Uproar Over Last-Minute Client Update Advisory
Last August 26, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) issued an advisory, stating that customers need to update their accounts by filling up the Customer Information Sheet (CIS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Forms. If they're unable to do this on or before August 31, 2016, customers will lose access to their online accounts.
Needless to say, this caused an uproar on social media, prompting BPI to clarify that the deadline has been extended to September 30, 2016, and that they will contact the limited number of individuals to whom the advisory applies.
New Law Allows 100-Percent Foreign Ownership in Adjustment Companies
Last August 16, the Republic Act No. 10881 took effect, lifting the foreign ownership ban on companies in the adjustment, lending, financing and investment industries. This is to comply with the Philippines' commitment to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which requires the country to open certain sectors to foreign investors.
DoT Proposes Removal of Philippine Travel Tax
Currently, Filipinos are required to pay a travel tax when they go out of the Philippines, unless they're overseas workers or permanent residents of a foreign country. The same applies to foreigners who have become permanent residents of the Philippines, or who have stayed in the country as expatriates for more than one (1) year. However, the tax might be reduced or removed in the future, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).
MCIA Guns for 8.9 Million Arrivals By the End of 2016
If you can't decide where to go in the Philippines this year, consider the Visayas group of islands. That's because one of its local airports, the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been ramping up efforts to attract more visitors. They've been, among other things, creating new routes within the Visayas-Mindanao regions, and highlighting the benefits of Cebu as an investment and tourist destination.
Shangri-La Mall to Host 2016 Cine Europa
Mark your calendars, film lovers, because the Cine Europa Film Festival will be held at the Shangri-La Mall this September. Featuring Filipino films that have earned acclaim in Europe, the festival will start at 1:00 P.M. on both September 10 and 17. You can also listen to a talk by indie film producer Alemberg "Alem" Ang, or partipate in a forum moderated by cinema advocates Jonell Estillore and Ed Cabagnot.
So, what do you think of our news compilation this time? Is there something we need to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section!
Google Philippines Launches #LovePhilippines Social Media Campaign
Still in the mood to celebrate National Heroes' Day? Log on to your Facebook, Twitter or Google+, and search through the hashtag #LovePhilippines for tidbits about Filipino culture. You can also look through our Filipino culture, Philippine history and trivia tags for the best posts to comment on and share via social media. Happy Facebooking/Tweeting/Googling!
Philippines Considered 20th Happiest Country in the World
Whatever flaws Filipinos have in general, one thing's for sure: They know perfectly well how to have fun. According to the Happy Planet Index, the country has an overall rating of 35 based on its "experienced wellbeing," "life expectancy" and "ecological footprint." It's an improvement over 2015, when the Philippines ranked 25th.
P2P Bus Route Launched for Robinsons Novaliches-Park Square-Makati City
If you frequently travel between the north and south of the Metro, here's some good news: Another P2P route has been added to the six franchises currently operating. The buses will leave their respective terminals at 5:30 A.M., and have their last trip at 8:30 P.M. for both the Quezon and Makati City terminals.
Makati City Requires Dog Owners to Implant Microchips in Their Pets
Despite the existence of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, many dog owners still leave their pets roaming the streets, making the pets more vulnerable to accidents and attacks by rabid animals. To combat this, the Makati City government requested the city's clinics to implant microchips in their patients, so that the pets can be easily tracked and diagnosed for any diseases.
Makati Eyes 3-Year Yellow Card
In a previous post, we mentioned that certain Makati residents can qualify for a Yellow Card, which allows them to enjoy a wide variety of health services. The card is currently valid for only one year, but the government is aiming to extend that validity for up to three years.
Makati Traffic Enforcers to Wear Lapel Cameras
Following the local government's vision to turn Makati into a "smart city," traffic enforcers from the Makati Public Safety Department (MAPSA) will be equipped with lapel cameras. These will serve the dual purpose of preventing traffic enforcers from abusing their authority, and protecting them from potentially violent altercations with motorists.
BPI Apologizes for Uproar Over Last-Minute Client Update Advisory
Last August 26, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) issued an advisory, stating that customers need to update their accounts by filling up the Customer Information Sheet (CIS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Forms. If they're unable to do this on or before August 31, 2016, customers will lose access to their online accounts.
Needless to say, this caused an uproar on social media, prompting BPI to clarify that the deadline has been extended to September 30, 2016, and that they will contact the limited number of individuals to whom the advisory applies.
New Law Allows 100-Percent Foreign Ownership in Adjustment Companies
Last August 16, the Republic Act No. 10881 took effect, lifting the foreign ownership ban on companies in the adjustment, lending, financing and investment industries. This is to comply with the Philippines' commitment to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which requires the country to open certain sectors to foreign investors.
DoT Proposes Removal of Philippine Travel Tax
Currently, Filipinos are required to pay a travel tax when they go out of the Philippines, unless they're overseas workers or permanent residents of a foreign country. The same applies to foreigners who have become permanent residents of the Philippines, or who have stayed in the country as expatriates for more than one (1) year. However, the tax might be reduced or removed in the future, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).
MCIA Guns for 8.9 Million Arrivals By the End of 2016
If you can't decide where to go in the Philippines this year, consider the Visayas group of islands. That's because one of its local airports, the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has been ramping up efforts to attract more visitors. They've been, among other things, creating new routes within the Visayas-Mindanao regions, and highlighting the benefits of Cebu as an investment and tourist destination.
Shangri-La Mall to Host 2016 Cine Europa
Mark your calendars, film lovers, because the Cine Europa Film Festival will be held at the Shangri-La Mall this September. Featuring Filipino films that have earned acclaim in Europe, the festival will start at 1:00 P.M. on both September 10 and 17. You can also listen to a talk by indie film producer Alemberg "Alem" Ang, or partipate in a forum moderated by cinema advocates Jonell Estillore and Ed Cabagnot.
So, what do you think of our news compilation this time? Is there something we need to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section!
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