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Human Events Stories

In your dreams: DFA promises to solve passport production backlog

The Department of Foreign Affairs again is making a horrible promise to solve the backlog in passport production from 15 to 20 days. Quite unbelievable. For their “official” pronouncement do not reflect the true situation on the “ground.” An overseas friend of mine just confirmed the opposite. On May 30, […]

Sandiganbayan approves Arroyo’s request to attend brother’s wake

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan granted on Tuesday afternoon the request of former President and Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to attend the wake of her late brother Arturo. Arroyo’s lawyer, Atty. Lawrence Arroyo, said the anti-graft court, in a two-page resolution, allowed his client to attend Macapagal’s wake daily for four […]

Watch the Last SONA of President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.

Sharing here the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. The sixth time President Aquino will report to the people his achievements and some more plans, if any, will be the heart of his speech […]

No change in PH marriage policy despite SCOTUS landmark decision

Malacanang on Sunday said the country will continue to adhere to its national policy on marriage amid reports that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has approved same sex marriage. ”Our existing law on this is clear. In the Family Code of the Philippines, the only recognized marriage […]

Eight Indie Pinoy Films compete in World Premieres Film Festival in Manila

Sharing here the movie trailers of eight independent films in the Filipino New Cinema Section of the World Premieres Film Festival 2015. The competing films include Alvin Yapan’s “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan,” Nestor Aborgena’s “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa,” Will Fredo’s “Filemon Mamon,” Charliebebs Gohetia’s “I Love You. Thank You.”, Genesis […]

Philippines cautious in joining China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

MANILA, June 4 — The Philippines is cautiously studying whether or not to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) amid the country’s huge need for more infrastructure, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday. “The Philippines, like any other country, has tremendous infrastructure needs,” the President said during […]

Live Stream of Philippine Senate hearing on proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

Sharing here the live stream coming from the Philippine Senate on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law. Committee on Local Government joint with Committees on Peace Unification and Reconciliation; and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes. Part 2 Here: And the previous livestream here:

Looking back, how Gerphil Flores fail the finals of Pinoy Got Talent

Looking back how Asia’s Got Talent finalist Gerphil Flores flunked the chance to reach the finals of Pinoy Got Talent due two judges favored the other contestant. Ironic as the other contestant failed to reach the high note which the other judge rightfully pointed out. Fast forward now, Gerphil (Fame) […]

Let’s pause and pray for a while: The Our Father

Let’s pause (stop) and pray for a while. The “Our Father” in a breath taking video of the statue of the Christ the Redeemer up in Rio de Janiero. Update: The video was removed had to update this post of Andrea Bocelli’s which is more powerfully rendered from our YouTube […]

Wow! Unseen audition footage of Filipino Fitri Cerado for AGT

Who was that girl that did not make it to Asia’s Got Talent with a very good singing voice? Watch here as young Fitri Cerado sings under the accompaniment of panel judge member David Foster. She may return for the future audition given the positive feedback earned. What a voice. […]

Malacanang lauds El Gamma, 2 others but missed Junior New System

MANILA, May 15 – Malacanang on Friday laud El Gamma Penumbra, a Filipino shadow play group, for winning the grand finals of Asia’s GotTalent on Thursday night at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. ”We praise the group of El Gamma Penumbra for their success as champion of Asia’s Got […]

Together AGT finalists perform and share the stage on results night

And then, the final show begins with the finalists on the limelight. Watch and enjoy the results night of Asia’s got Talent. Finalists Perform Together For Opening Act in Asia’s Got Talent Grand Final Results Show. All video and photograb courtesy of Asia’s Got Talent.

El Gamma Penumbra wins 1st Asia’s Got Talent search

They made the Filipino proud. The group el Gamma Penumbra emerged grand prize winner in the 1st Asia’s Got Talent search aired live from Singapore. The results show was aired Thursday live. Three other Pinoy finalists which include operatic singer Gerphil Flores (third place), the street dance crew Junior New […]

Watch: Asia’s Got Talent showcase a powerhouse of Filipino talents

Asia’s Got Talent showcase a powerhouse of Filipino Talents Sharing videos of phenomenal performance of contestant-talents from the Philippines, Gerphil Flores, El Gamma Penumbra, Junior New System and Gwyneth Dorado. Don’t forget to vote for them. Asia’s Got Talent (AGT) is the regional version of the Got Talent franchise airing […]

Now overseas Filipinos can use internet voter registration option

Filipinos who expect to be in Europe and Israel during the thirty day (09 April – 09 May 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 Presidential elections, on 09 May 2016, who like to take part in the Philippine overseas electoral process, may now go to www.irehistro.com or www.comelec.gov.ph. This […]

Malacanang lauds Pacquiao despite losing the bout with Mayweather Jr.

MANILA, May 4 — The Palace on Sunday lauded Manny Pacquiao despite losing the Welterweight belt to American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, did us all proud when he stood […]

PAL adds Jinjiang as new destination to China

MANILA, April — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has expanded its international flight route network with the launching of flights to Jinjiang, China. Flights to the new route started last April 25. The service departs Manila at 11 a.m. via PR356 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving Jinjiang at 1:25 p.m. […]

President Aquino off to Malaysia for busy 26th ASEAN summit

MANILA, April 26 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will be busy together with other leaders in the gathering in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday for the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit. Along with the official Philippine delegation, the president is due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday […]

Lacson to run as independent presidential candidate in May 2016 elections

BAGUIO CITY, April 25 – Former Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, in a press conference here yesterday announced he is running as an independent presidential candidate in the May 2016 elections. ”My platform of government remains to be what I started as a Senator and that is to eradicate graft and […]

Camarines Sur tops tourist arrivals in 2014 among Bicol provinces

The province of Camarines Sur registered the biggest number of tourist arrivals in 2014 among Bicol provinces. According to the Department of Tourism, CamSur experienced a growth rate of 20.25 per cent from 1,547,678 in 2013 to 1,861,010. In contrast, Albay province attained a measly growth of 8.92 per cent, […]

Spate of killings mars observance of Holy Week in Masbate

MASBATE CITY, Masbate, April 6 — A spate of killings mars an otherwise generally peaceful observance of Holy week in the province of Masbate. An incumbent village barangay head went on a shooting spree, killing a farmer and wounding another inside a cockpit on Saturday morning in Barangay Nabongsoran, Aroroy, […]

Participants were half-hearted during the nationwide earthquake drill

The 1st quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill last March 27 wherein Marikina city also participated was hailed as a success. Playing lead roles were partner agencies’ National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), also tasked to strengthen people’s preparedness for emergencies […]

Kristo, The longest running live street play in Calabanga returns

CALABANGA, Cam.Sur, March 31 — Kristo, the longest running live street play here is being staged during the Catholic observation of the Semana Santa. It is a play given life by hometown actors for the past 22 years. Participants and the people behind says, “and counting,” giving assurance that it […]

Bicol PNP intensifies patrol, visibility to assure tourist safety

LEGAZPI CITY, March 31 – Safety and security during the on-set of the Semana Santa of residents, vacationers and tourists in Bicol has been the concern of the Philippine National Police in the region (PRO5). Now, it has assured their safety by beefing up police forces and intensifying presence. PRO […]

DPWH implements one-way traffic scheme at Kennon road

MANILA, March 30 — For travellers going to Baguio city this Holy Week, got to read this. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to implement an experimental one-way traffic scheme at Kennon Road from Holy Tuesday to Good Friday. According to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, the […]

Tax free bonus for employees takes effect starting June

MANILA, March 30 — Starting June employees will enjoy higher mid-year benefits with the effectivity of the implementing rules of the new law raising to P82,000 the maximum amount of obtainable tax-free bonuses, House Deputy Majority Leader and Makati City Rep. Mar-Len Abigail Binay said Sunday. “We expect an additional […]

Holy Week for prayer not for vacationing – Cebu Archbishop

CEBU CITY, March 29 — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has reminded the faithful to pray during the Holy Week instead of going into outing or vacationing. “We have 52 weeks in a year, one is intended for the observance of the Holy Week. This period of the year is dedicated […]

Watch: Pope Francis on Palm Sunday at the Vatican

Watch Pope Francis on Palm Sunday at the Vatican. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2015. Palm Sunday signals the beginning of a week long solemn Catholic religious observation that eventually centers among others the Passion of Christ. Here sharing the live stream coverage of the event direct […]

Philippines, Japan inks development assistance grants, Yen loan projects

MANILA, March 27 — The Philippines is funding identified big ticket priority and vital government projects sourced through loan grants and developmental assistance programs from Japan. Some of these include four Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant projects amounting to JPY 2.789 billion (approximately PhP 1.195 billion) and two yen loan […]

DBM explains, justifies funding issues of proposed Bangsamoro entity

MANILA, March 16 — Speaking on the funding issues surrounding the proposed Bangsamoro region, Department of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said, “We must consider the prevailing conditions in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The region requires strong and consistent funding support to lift it out of poverty.” […]

Amalia Fuentes’ daughter Leizl Martinez dies of cancer at 47

Former child actress Leizl Martinez died peacefully at 6:35 am yesterday, witnessed by her loving family, including her mother Amalia Fuentes. She courageously fought but finally lost her final bout with cancer. In 2008, she was diagnosed with a Stage 3 breast cancer and had a mastectomy coupled with successive […]

Call to change members of gov’t peace panel fall on deaf ears

MANILA, March 13 — There will be no change in the composition of the government peace negotiating panel even with the urging of a senator to replace the peace adviser Teresita Deles and chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In a privilege speech on […]

Senate gives P100-K to kins of fallen SAF44, other troopers

MANILA, March 12 – The Philippine Senate gave P5.1 million worth of financial assistance to the SAF troopers who were killed, wounded and survived the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25. Before the Senate session ended Wednesday night, Senate President Franklin Drilon announced the financial assistance worth P100,000 each to the […]

Antique guv Cadiao “cries” for slice of tourism pie

ILOILO CITY, March 12 — Antique guv “cries” for slice of tourism pie, well not literally. The province of Antique appeals to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a chance to show-off its natural and man-made tourism attractions which remained in oblivion. “Kami naman,” said newly installed Antique Governor Rhodora […]

Muslim autonomous region spends P12-M a week for Maguindanao evacuees

COTABATO CITY, March 11 — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday said it is spending Php 12 million a week on food packs alone to support more than 70,000 individuals displaced in the ongoing military law enforcement operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao. ARMM’s […]

Suspect in fatal shooting of Gov. Villafuerte’s cousin surrenders

LEGAZPI CITY, March 9 — The suspect in the killing of a cousin of Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis Viilafuerte surrendered to Senior Supt. Marlo S. Meneses, Albay Philippine National Police provincial director, on Sunday morning inside Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola. Meneses identified the suspect as Manny Rey, 40 […]

ASG ambush kills 3 gov’t troopers, six others wounded in Sulu

MANILA, March 4 — In the continuing hostilities in conflict-torn areas in Mindanao, government forces suffered yet another set of fatalities. Three soldiers, two of them officers, were killed after the resupply column they were in were mined and ambushed by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Patikul town, […]

Senator Poe wants Smart SMS record on Mamasapano between Purisima and P-Noy

MANILA, March 4 – Senator Grace Poe is still waiting for Smart Communications to contact her office regarding the Senate’s subpoena to produce records of short message services (SMS) between PNP chief Alan Purisima and other key persons involved in the Mamasapano debacle of the PNP SAF. ”We want to […]

Senate can conduct BBL hearings even during recess – Marcos

MANILA, March 4 — Public hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) can continue even if Congress is in recess, according to Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. “We can still continue working during the adjournment. We can still hold hearings even if we are in recess,” Marcos said in […]

Alleged irregularities surround a mall construction in Legazpi city

LEGAZPI CITY, March 2 — Almost halfway through its construction phase, only then that a commercial building rising in the city center here is getting its building permit processed by the city engineering office. For months, works on the construction of structure attributed to as the Yashano Mall has been […]

Murder of Masbate tabloid publisher-editor, 173rd in PH

MASBATE CITY , March 1 — A local tabloid publisher and editor in Masbate province was murdered Saturday. Ariel Verano Lerit, the publisher-editor of the tabloid Masbate Times was stabbed to death while inside a KTB bar in this city with fellow media personnel Bobby Bornillo. The unfortunate incident happened […]

Albay bets high hope on strong Chinese tourist inflow

LEGAZPI CITY, March 1– Like a broken record, the press information on Albay tourism bets high hope on visitors mostly from the Chinese mainland. One Chinese tourism agent confirms that his company have selected Albay as a tourism destination for the meantime. Terrence Fang of Yueqiho International Travel Agency recalled […]

Catanduanes promotes eco-tourism with “One Tourist, One Tree” program

The province of Catanduanes has adopted a new local tourism promotion program that gives tourists the privilege of taking part in tree planting during their stay. Dubbed as “One Tourist, One Tree,” the recently launched program is directed towards making the local tourism industry an avenue for keeping the verdant […]

British star, next space tourist to the ISS goes on vacation

(Image credit: Sarah Brightman facebook page) MOSCOW, Feb. 26 — Popular Englsh classical singer Sarah Brightman will soon fly to space. But wait, while she is scheduled to go to the International Space Station as the next space tourist, she has broken up a schedule of pre-flight training at the […]

Zamboanga hosts first city bird watching festival

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 25 — Almost there. Everything is ready for the holding of the first local bird festival to be hosted by the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) on Friday, February 27, here. State college president Dr. Milabel Nazario made this announcement Tuesday, citing the […]

Senate ends hearing on the Mamasapano debacle of SAF commandos

MANILA, Feb. 24 – The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs joint hearing with the committees on peace, unification and reconciliation and finance, wrapped its inquiry on the Mamasapano incident on Tuesday, after five public hearings and four executive sessions, Panel chairperson Senator Grace Poe assured that the […]

OFW from China possible cause of death was “Bird Flu”

MANILA, Feb. 23 — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who have just returned from China dies with possible cause of “Bird Flu” infection, according to the Department of Health. “The patient was considered a possible case of Avian Flu or Bird Flu,” said DOH Acting Secretary Janette L. Garin in […]

28th Anniversary of EDSA People Power is not a holiday

MANILA, Feb. 22 – President Aquino will spearhead the 28th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People’s Power Revolution on Wednesday. But Malacanang has clarified that February 25 is a regular working day. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said February 25 has been declared working holiday based on the Proclamation No. […]

If Albay paid sing and dance talent P350-K, was it good governance?

It is not easy telling the organizers of the just recently concluded Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar new year celebration last Thursday to stop importing Manila-based so-called entertainers. The locals love to see paid talents sing and gyrate on the stage, and attempt to say a few Bicol words which all […]

Fusion of Filipino-Chinese culture shines in Albay’s Fiesta Tsinoy

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 21 — The Filipino-Chinese community and the Albayano culture and traditions blended during the Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar new year celebration on Thursday here, the first time ever. Tourism department’s Bicol regional director Ma. Nini-Ong Ravanilla, infused the Pastores Bicol in this year’s Fiesta Tsinoy new year […]

What's Recommended

Ex-PNP chief Purisima facing charges for P29M ill-gotten wealth, more

Due to the unexplained wealth amounting to P29.2 million, former Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima and his family will soon face forfeiture proceedings. This came up after the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of a petition before the Sandiganbayan to initiate the recovery of ill-gotten […]

Survey says Filipinos are optimistic during the Yuletide season

Survey says Pinoy’s have sustained optimism during the Yuletide season as revealed by the result of a survey recently conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS survey revealed that seven out of ten adult Filipinos expect a happy Christmas and 77 per cent of the 1,200 respondents believe […]

Siruma: Faded Photographs and Fresh Memories

During a portion of the war years the governor of Camarines Sur was Mariano Villafuerte. Together with wife, Soledad, eldest son Manuel, Japanese military officer named Kwasima, Villafuerte took a motorboat from Sabang, Calabanga and landed at the barrio of Vito in Siruma. The fleeing governor was looking for an influential leader named Pedro P to seek aid and become his intermediary, but who left with his own family much earlier before their arrival.

Duterte tells NPA deadline to declare truce until Saturday only

As if part of the present political establishment, the New Peaople’s Army just got word from President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday it has to declare a truce or else. Duterte on Friday gave the ultimatum that the rebels have until Saturday afternoon to declare a truce during his visit to […]

ALECO wants to oust APEC thru court action

It’s not yet over, ’til its over. So, ALECO wants to oust APEC thru court action. Now, member-consumers of the Albay Electric Cooperative have asked the court to stop the San Miguel Corp.’s Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMC Global) from exercising control and jurisdiction over the cooperative. In a 68-page […]

SC junking petition vs. resolution on SOCE deadline extension happy news for Comelec

MANILA — The Commission on Elections welcomed the ruling of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (SCOTP) denying the petition seeking to nullify the poll body’s resolution extending the deadline for the filing of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). Commissioner Rowena Guanzon noted that the ruling is good […]

PH SEAGAMES campaign earns dismal 7th place

NAY PYI TAW, Dec. 22 – The Philippines formally closed its dismal campaign in the 27th Southeast Asian Games at seventh place, its worst finish since it started competing in 1977. With only 29 gold, 34 silver and 38 bronze medals to show, the Philippines bowed to powerhouse Thailand, Vietnam, […]

Philippines ranks 74th out of 128 economies in innovation

In the 2016 Global Innovation Index (GII) report, the Philippines was 74th on innovation among 128 economies surveyed. The report jointly released by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University and INSEAD ranked 128 economies in terms of their Global Innovation Index (GII) based on 82 indicators. The 9th edition […]

World is getting crowded as India overgrows China in population

Not very surprising to know but still is worth getting a second look here. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) released information that the world population will increase from 7.2 billion in 2014 to 9 billion in 2040. With India becoming the most populous country in 2026, surpassing […]

Albay bets high hope on strong Chinese tourist inflow

LEGAZPI CITY, March 1– Like a broken record, the press information on Albay tourism bets high hope on visitors mostly from the Chinese mainland. One Chinese tourism agent confirms that his company have selected Albay as a tourism destination for the meantime. Terrence Fang of Yueqiho International Travel Agency recalled […]

APEC and Mt. Mayon, the tale of two volcanoes

Indeed, with the alarming upheaval in the belly of beguiling Mayon Volcano, another one is letting out a steam of its own. It would seem to confirm that Albay is home to two volcanoes that both pose threat to health and normal economic life of the province. We are referring […]

What's Throwback

Counting machine validates vote in 44 seconds, amaze Comelec officials

Counting machine validates vote in 44 seconds, amaze Comelec officials. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday launched in Laoag City the new vote counting machine (VCM) which can validate votes in 44 seconds. Laoag City Election Officer Atty. Julius Harvey P. Balbas said that the machine is an updated […]

More indigent senior citizens getting P6K annual pension

More indigent senior citizens of the country are getting P6,000 yearly pension from the Philippine government as one of its poverty alleviation program is poised to add into coverage 443,332 new beneficiaries. Qualified to receive the P500 monthly dole out under the law are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, […]

Comelec to hold special elections on May 14 for areas with voting failure

MANILA — A total of 52 clustered precincts from 11 towns, many in the Autonumous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Eastern Visayas will hold a special voting on Saturday, May 14. This was confirmed as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared failure of elections in 11 municipalities in the […]

Suspect in Quiapo road rage killing handcuffed in Masbate

Trapped in Bicol. The pursuit for the suspect of a road rage killing in Quiapo Monday night ended in Milagros town of Masbate province in Bicol. A joint Army intelligence and provincial police team handcuffed the suspect who surrendered Friday noon. The suspect, identified as Vhon Martin Tanto, also known […]

Three Bacolod policemen facing charges for pawning service firearm

What could be the reason why three Philippine National Police personnel of Bacolod Police Office had to pawn their service firearm issued by the government? This and some boiling questions will have to get prompt and fitting answer from Police Officers 3 Joel Gacho and Eugene Tamayo, and Senior Police […]

Jollibee will soon ‘invade’ Europe via Italy

Next year, Filipino expats in Europe will get to taste Philippine’s ‘home grown hamburger’ and related to go food stuff. This is because industry leader Jollibee Foods Corporation is set to make a European debut with the strong possibility in Italy. Italy is home and host to many expat Filipinos, […]

Military, local police ready to secure President Duterte on Second SONA

Military, local police ready to secure President Duterte on Second SONA. Yes, securing President Redrigo Duterte on his second State of the Nation Address today is the primary focus of the Armed Forces of the Philippines this Monday, more than ever. the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced it has […]

TRUTH BITES: The plight of mass migration hurting Europe

The most important and relevant documentary movie drops today. Will it be truth bites the plight of mass migration hurting Europe? We are referring to the much awaited “Borderless” movie by independent Canadian activist-journalist Lauren Southern and her team. After months enduring the rigors (and danger) of (clandestine) location filming, […]

Majorettes Amaze Crowd at Calabanga 2010 Parade

Yesterday, during the pre-fiesta parade celebration, many of these institutions fielded representatives showcasing the showmanship, talent and faces of their students. Consider how long the parade went on with the long list of participants. They presented exhibition and action fronting the makeshift review grandstand, right into that commercial area, everybody calls the “Parada”.