Baguio City: Vintage photographs of the Summer Capital’s Sessions Road
From the American Occupation to today the city of Baguio is simply amazing: From the vision of Daniel Burnham to those who keep the dream going, the transformation of a city …
Vintage photograph of Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City
The Araneta Coliseum, often called “The Big Dome” is an indoor multi-purpose Sports Arena, located in Cubao area of Quezon City. It was at one time the largest coliseum and indoor …
On this day, December 17, 1936: The future Pope Francis born in Argentina
Jorge Mario Bergogio, later Pope Francis, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was named Person of the Year by Time Magazine in December 2013 after serving 15 years as archbishop …
The law of legal separation in the Philippines and the act of reconciliation
Everyone here knows that putting up a good fight in a tough marriage is the ultimate road, often leading many of us to what is also known as the ‘ultimate …
One for the ladies? The hot pink Mosque of Maguindanao province
In the Philippines, Ramadan in 2013 was marked with the opening of a new pink mosque in Maguindanao Province. It unlike any other mosque you might see, those with neutral-colored walls, …
Philippines illegally occupying two islands in the Spratlys, says US think tank
While the Philippines has a strong legal claim to the China-controlled Panatag-Scarborough Shoal, it is “illegally occupying” two other small islands in the Kalayaan-Spratly Island group claimed by Vietnam, an American …
Good News: Balikbayan boxes no longer have added import fees
The bureau of Customs has released a statement saying they will no longer collect the import processing fee of 250 peso for packages arriving in any port in the Philippines. …
Opinion: Pet peeves that might drive you up the wall in the Philippines
Numerous “Pet Peeves” That Might Drive You Up the Wall in the Philippines I should first say that any country has its “pet peeves” and proverbial “up the wall” moments – …
Jesus Quevenco had dubious honour of being dictator’s body double
Jesus Quevenco was a native of Negros whose life changed forever after he met late Philippine president turned dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Quevenco was a friend of Ramulo Golez, the infamous mayor of …
Manila’s Mata Hari: Dancer and spy used her bra to smuggle war secrets
Claire Phillips was a dancer, singer and entertainer who opened an upscale club in Manila to spy on the Japanese – hence her nickname “Manila Mata Hari.” Arriving in the …
On this day, December 12, 1969: Philippine soldiers depart Vietnam
The Philippine Civic Action Group, a 1,350-man contingent from the Army of the Philippines, departs South Vietnam. The contingent was part of the Free World Military Forces, an effort by …
Oral defamation: How a heated argument can get you jailed in the Philippines
Oral defamation is an issue in the Philippines that is unlike many other countries in the world. Here, defamation is a big issue that can see you fined or even jailed for the …
Food of the Philippines: Snickers caramel apple salad recipe
This is a quick and easy treat if you have friends coming around for a visit. Ingredients: 6 regular size Snickers Candy Bars 4 medium apples 1 (5 oz.) package Vanilla …
Black Hearts, Gold Warriors: A gripping tale rooted in Southeast Asian history
The new adventure novel by Philippines expat N K Richards has hit the bookstands. The novel is an elaborate adventure thriller which begins at the close of World War II …
Map of the Philippines from 1734 sells for $237,300 at auction
A map of the Philippines has been sold to an anonymous Filipino at London’s Sotheby’s Auction House. The map, sold by the Duke of Northumberland, was made by Murill Velarde in …
Food of the Philippines: Cappuccino doughnut with cream cheese frosting
I saw this recipe and had to share – it’s great as you live with a basic kitchen as you only need one pan. Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose …
Vigan is officially one of the ‘new seven wonders’ of the world
Vigan has won top honours as one of the “New7Wonders” of the world, alongside cities like La Paz, Bolivia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “We congratulate each of these cities on …
Wreck diving in Coron Island, Palawan: 11 stunning scuba highlights
WRECK DIVING HEAVEN: Coron Island is the third-largest island in the Calamian Islands of Northern Palawan. The waters around the island are justly famous for wreck diving, due to the number of Japanese …
Tiyula Itum recipe: A spicy Tausug specialty of the Philippines
Tiyula itum: Image that your dearly beloved is in the kitchen making you a delicious meal. She brings it to you in your comfy chair and to your horror, you find yourself gazing down at a …
The unique, beautiful and amazing animals of the Philippines
We all know that the Philippines is unique, and it has been since the dawn of time; leaving the islands with some quite incredible creatures. Both on land and in the …
The Rafflesia: The biggest blooming flower in the world
The Rafflesia flower which is found throughout much of Southeast Asia was discovered in 1818 by Dr Joseph Arnold, who named his new find after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the leader of the …
Spanish-style paella recipe: A Philippine favourite for special occasions
Paella is a classic dish originating from Spanish region of Valencia… but it also found its way to the Philippines. Paella can be made with just about anything that goes …
Filipino pork humba recipe – delicious braised belly-pork with sugar
Filipino Humba is an all time favorite in the Philippines. Several variations of this dish are known depending on the location you are familiar with or live in the Philippines. …
Opinion: BI’s “Good Guys In – Bad Guys Out” campaign like Nazi Germany
The Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines has come up with an ingenious plan… to use the methodology of Nazi Germany to weed out “undesirable elements”. It seems the BI is encouraging anyone to report …
Malaybalay City: A sanctuary of cool, clear mountain air
Malaybalay City is set among the Kitanglad Mountain Ranges of Bukidnon Province on the island of Mindanao. Noted as “The South Summer Home of the Philippines”, the beauty of this little …
“Kid Kulafu” documentary reveals the making of Manny Pacquiao
“Kid Kulafu” is the name of a new documentary that charts the rise of Manny Pacquiao from his childhood through his first win in Bangkokto the global sporting superstar that he is today. …