Foreign aid: Be careful what you wish for
The Millennium Challenge Corp, a US-led agency that has previously awarded substantial grants for infrastructure projects to the Philippines has deferred a vote on giving more money to the country, …
philippines
The Punisher: Duterte says he personally killed suspected criminals
President Duterte has claimed that he personally killed suspected criminals when he was mayor of Davao. Duterte made the comments as he discussed his campaign to stamp out drug use, which …
Boom! Fireworks or firearms? Why I’m staying indoors this New Year’s Eve
Traditionally, officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have had the muzzles on their guns taped over for New Year’s Eve to discourage the indiscriminate discharge of their firearms. This year, …
The Mindoro Mojito: A delicious cocktail with sari-sari store ingredients
“Mojitos,” said the great Ernest Hemingway, “are like women’s breasts. One Mojito just can’t be enough, and three is positively ridiculous”. At least, I think it was Hemingway who said it. …
Free eBook: Corner Store Cocktails
We’ve all been there. Sitting at home somewhere in the middle of the province, getting a thirst on and having access to nothing but the local Gin, Brandy and Rum …
News in brief: Bibles, beauty queens and battleships
It’s been a busy week in the newsrooms of the Philippines, with breaking stories coming thick and fast. As the nation’s reporters prepare for a well-earned weekend break, we present …
Duterte and Trump: The beginning of a beautiful friendship?
THE prevailing view among many political commentators is that Trump’s foreign policy is a disaster waiting to happen. They like to portray him as a rampaging orange toddler throwing some …
“How cheating wife plotted with lover to get me thrown into jail”
A MAN who claims he was set up by his cheating wife has finally walked free from detention after 18 months of “pure hell”. Speaking exclusively to PLN, airline captain …
Free thinking: Nine low-cost ways to boost the Philippines
A recent article by Dave Bramovich (here) suggested some infrastructure investments that could vastly improve life in the Philippines. Among the generally costly proposals, was one suggestion that wouldn’t cost a penny. Discussing …
Terror level 3: “I’ll kill you too,” Duterte tells rights activists
President Duterte has threatened to kill human rights supporters if the country’s drug problem increases. Speaking in response to criticism of his war on drugs, he said: “Fine, let’s stop …
Digging up the past: How the Marcos years can’t be laid to rest
PROTESTS and legal challenges show no signs of abating following the controversial burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos. The preserved body of the former leader was recently taken from his …
Just the ticket? Manila’s “corrupt” traffic enforcers fired en masse
THE Mayor of Manila has taken decisive action against the city’s corrupt traffic enforcers — by firing the entire department. At a press conference today (Monday, November 28) Joseph “Erap” …
Taking off: New routes for Clark Airport
PHILIPPINES Airlines (PAL) has responded to President Duterte’s call to ease congestion in Manila by announcing new routes from Clark International Airport (CRK). From December 16, the national carrier will make …
More than 1,200 illegal Chinese workers held under guard
CLARK, PAMPANGA: More than 1200 Chinese nationals were arrested for working illegally in the Philippines on Thursday. They were all working in what was described as “a call centre-type operation” at …
“Thank you, Australia”: Duterte’s New Zealand stop-over
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – President Rodrigo Duterte stopped briefly in New Zealand this week on his return from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Peru. In an exclusive interview with …
Surviving and thriving in the Philippines: Internet based work
If you’re lucky enough to have a pension you can collect here, then surviving in the Philippines is a doddle. If not, it can seem impossible. This is the first …
Infrastructure: A bigger battle than the war on drugs
I’m a young entrepreneur who has been living happily in the Philippines for about three years. My modest contribution to the economy has been an outlay of about 10 million …
What happens when you die in the Philippines?
Jamie Lee is Vice President and Director of Globaleye Consulting Inc. based in Makati City, Manila. He is a Trust and Estate Planning Specialist in both the Philippines and the …
Overstaying your visa in the Philippines, don’t panic!
During my last trip to the Philippines, I was having a conversation with a German friend of mine when he casually asked: “What kind of visa are you on? You …
Philippine president-elect Duterte says corrupt journalists will be killed
The Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte said corrupt journalists were legitimate targets of assassination, as he amped up his controversial anti-crime crusade with offers of rewards for killing drug traffickers. Duterte …
Historic photo shows where San Miguel beer empire began
The San Miguel Corporation has its beginning in 1890 – it originally started out as ‘Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel’ and was not only the first brewery in the …
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 …