On this day, October 23, 1857: Philippine artist Juan Luna is born
On this day, October 23, 1857, a baby was born to a high-society couple in Badoc, Illocos Norte, who would one day become one of the most famous painters in …
The ruins of Talisay Mansion: A lasting memorial to the power of love
‘The beauty of ruins lies in the eye of the beholder’. That statement seems to fall so true for the Ruins of Talisay, a stunning shell – the remains of …
Is unauthorised recording of private conversations legal in the Philippines?
No matter the situation, recording any conversation without the consent of the person speaking is against the law in the Philippines. Even those in heated exchanges (including landlord disputes, spousal …
How to enjoy the stunning Banaue rice terraces on a budget
First things first: The cheapest, but lengthy, way to reach the Banaue rice terraces is to take a bus out of Manila or Angeles City. The first thing you should …
Artist harnesses sun’s power to create stunning solar drawings
Jordan Mang-osan, who lives high in the Cordilleras Mountains, calls his art solar drawings. He harnesses the power of the sun to burn stunning images on wood. The art of pyrography has …
Couple who made horrific ‘crush videos’ of animals being tortured sentenced
A husband and wife involved in the production of disgusting online fetish videos that involved animal torture have been sentenced. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) helped file the …
Foreigners reminded of biometric processing deadline
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has said that all foreign nationals in the country need to present themselves before BI for biometrics and the issuance of a Special Security Registration Number …
Separation of husband and wife in the Philippines: The law of bigamy
Two kinds of separation exist in the Philippines; one is a separation in fact, where the married couple lives apart but has not filed papers or orders against one another. …
Filipinos visiting Japan can now enjoy a simpler, speedier visa process
A more relaxed and simpler visa process will allow many in the Philippines to visit Japan. The process is a new step in mutual relations to attract more Filipinos to …
On this day – October 1, 1975: Thrilla in Manila electrified the world
October 1, 1975, changed the world of boxing forever when Mohammad Ali and ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazer came together for the third and final time. The bout between the two super-powers has been ranked …
Fabulously valuable fine art collection confiscated from the Marcos family
The graft-court of the Philippines has ordered the seizure of high end art owned by the Marco family. The art is part of a judicial order issued by the court …
American expats left frustrated as banks cut off services abroad
An alarming amount of American expats and people living abroad are being cut-off by their banking institutions and brokerage firms as the United States seeks to curb money laundering and …
Philippine government to ensure workplace equality for disabled people
The Philippines has implemented into law Executive Order 417, better known as the Economic Independence Program for PWDs (People With Disabilities). First issued by ex-President Gloria Arroyo in 2005, the …
Pope Francis paves the way for easier ‘divorce’ in the Philippines
Pope Francis has ordered a review of the Church’s procedures for annulments. The move is aimed at making the process easier for Catholics to end their marriages. A statement by …
Thousands evacuated as Mount Mayon volcano glows red
More than 12,000 people have been evacuated from around the foot of one of the Philippines most famous volcanoes, Mount Mayon near Legaspi City. Yesterday the landmark was glowing red as lava …
Marcos family says former dictator deserves a hero’s burial
The family of former president-turned-dictator Ferdinand Marcos believes the Aquino Administration has softened its stance against a hero’s burial. Senator Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos Jr. raised the possibility in a press …
Gates Foundation pledges $50 million to fight global Ebola epidemic
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $50 million to support efforts in the rush to contain the Ebola epidemic that has already taken the lives of more than 2,300 …
Philippine authorities detain Canadian Islamist preacher In Davao City
A Jamaican-born, Canadian Islamic preacher has been detained in the Philippines, where authorities deemed him a potential threat to national security. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, was detained in Davao City …
Earthquake in eastern Indonesia sends people rushing into the street in terror
A strong and swift earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island Wednesday, causing panic among residents, who ran to the streets for safety. Authorities said there was …
11 things you might not know about Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago
Miriam Defensor-Santiago – a familiar name in the Philippine political arena. Today her Senate seat could easily lead her to being the second female president of the Philippines, after Cory Aquino. Known to …
Senator Miriam: “God made the middle finger for jerks in government”
You’ve got to give it to Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago for her tough stance on stupidity, cover-ups and shame in the very government she is leading. Though she has returned …
New “seventh world wonder” could be huge tourism boost for Philippines
The New7Wonders status related to inclusions of the 7 Wonders of the World has given the Philippines two great additions recently. Puerto Princesa Underground River is already on the list …
Life is tough for disabled Filipinos, but there are laws to help them
Life can be tough for disabled people in the Philippines, but there are laws in place designed to protect them. Republic Act 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons defines …
The poor man’s guide to having fun on beautiful Boracay Island
It may be one of the most famous white-sand resorts in the world, but Boracay Island is not beyond the pockets of budget travellers. Getting to Boracay is easy; the …
A quick overview of the Concubine Law of the Philippines (cheating spouses)
For years, throughout all my years in the Philippines, I’ve heard expats and foreigners telling me the stories of having extra marital affairs… and the repercussions of doing so. Some openly admit they …
Eight facts you might not know about the Philippine flag
We can all recognise the Philippine flag, but not everyone is familiar with its symbolism and history. Here are some facts you might not have known about the national emblem: 1. …