Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “National”

Latest new from all over the Philippines.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveil Philippines First Polymer Banknote Series

December 19, 2024

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has officially unveil the country’s first polymer banknote series. The new polymer banknote series will include denominations of ₱500, ₱P100 and ₱50, which will enter circulation in the first quarter of 2025.

BPS explained that the new Polymer Banknote Series will feature “country’s heroes and natural wonders, the polymer series highlights the Philippines’ rich biodiversity.”

BSP emphasizes the practical benefits of polymer banknotes, including enhanced resistance to counterfeiting and improved durability. These features ensure that the new notes are not only aesthetically significant but also cost-efficient and secure.

You can watch this 3:30 mins video (below) on the features of the new polymer banknote series;

The ceremony was lead by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace.

Third impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte

December 19, 2024

Fr. Joselito Sarabia explains why they filed the impeachment.

Here’s the official statement of House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco on the second impeachment complaint filed against VP Sara Duterte;

The filing of impeachment complaints underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the vital role of Congress in upholding transparency and accountability in government. The House is committed to performing its Constitutional duty with fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.

As for the first impeachment complaint, you can read this article from Rappler.com, it also embed the entirety of the complaint;

The document listed four grounds for her removal in office, each with their own articles for impeachment.

Among the issues raised against her are her supposed failure to account for the public funds she oversaw as head of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, her alleged ill-gotten wealth, her inaction during the onslaught of a super typhoon in the Philippines, her silence during instances of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, and her supposed public threats against top officials, among others.

You can also read this PNA article regarding the first impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

‘Every Filipino life is worth saving’: How PNoy stopped Mary Jane Veloso’s execution in 2015

December 18, 2024

‘EVERY FILIPINO LIFE IS WORTH SAVING’

Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras reveals how the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III went to extraordinary lengths to save Mary Jane Velos just hours before her scheduled execution in 2015. #AtTheForefront

Just in case people forget or have amensia, this is where the foundation was formed that made it possible for Mary Jane Veloso to return home to the Philippines.

Apple to open its first retail store in Saudi Arabia

December 9, 2024

Apple announced plans to expand in Saudi Arabia, starting with the launch of an online store in summer 2025 and opening physical stores in 2026, including a flagship location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The expansion includes existing investments in the country, including the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which opened in Riyadh in 2021 in partnership with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The program has trained nearly 2,000 aspiring feamale coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. Apple hosted the country’s first coed Apple Foundation Program. A monthlong course for students from across the country to learn the fundamentals of coding and app development, with a focus on gaming. Apple plans to further expand the coed Foundation offerings, with the next cohort planned for spring 2025.

Apple has emphasizes its commitment to Saudi Arabia, highlighting investments, job creation, and the growth of the app economy, with developer earnings increasing up over 1,750 percent since 2019. Apple Pay is also gaining traction in the country, with Riyadh being the first city in the Middle East to offer Express Mode for transit payments.

Price for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y

November 9, 2024

Now that Tesla has opened its doors in the country, car buyers will surely have Tesla as their first option, specially if you compare its price with the Chinese brand EVs.

You can go to the Tesla Philippines website if you want to order your own Tesla. I personally would be getting the Long Range (AWD) variant of the Model Y.

via All Things EV;

Just like in other countries, you can order your own Tesla directly online, the company rarely sell thru a distributor or a reseller.

The Model 3 is the EV sedan, while the Model Y is the crossover EV that features the iconic “falcon-wing doors.” Both model will be available in 3 variant; the Rear–Wheel Drive, Long Range AWD and Performance AWD.

The base model for the Model 3 (RWD) will have an estimated range of 513kn, top speed of 201 km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.21 secs.

Model 3

  • Rear–Wheel Drive – ₱2,109,000
  • Long Range (AWD) – ₱2,489,000
  • Performance (AWD) – ₱3,099,000

The base model for the Model Y (RWD) on the other hand will have an estimated range of 455km, top speed of 217km/h and with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 secs.

Model Y

  • Rear–Wheel Drive – ₱2,369,000
  • Long Range (AWD) – ₱2,689,000
  • Performance (AWD) – ₱3,299,000

Jollibee to acquire Tim Ho Wan for ₱892.29M

November 6, 2024

Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) to acquire full ownership and control of Tim Ho Wan, a Hong Kong-based dim sum restaurant.

In an article on BusinessWorld, the deal to acquire Tim Ho Wan is worth S$20.2 million or around ₱892.29 million, which is only for the remaining 8% participating interest held by the other investors in Tim Ho Wan (Titan Dining LP).

Before this transaction, Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), already owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, since January 2024.

Once done, the ownership and management of Tim Ho Wan (Titan Dining LP) will transfer to Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), the fast-food operator said in a statement to the stock exchange on Tuesday. Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC).

Orignated in Hong Kong, Tim Ho Wan, has around 80 stores across 11 countries and will be the Jollibee group’s flagship brand for high-end Chinese cuisine market.

Aside from Tim Ho Wan, Jollibee Foods Corps, also have other Chinese-Style Resto brands under its umbrella like Chow King, Panda Express, Hong Zhuang Yuan and Yonghe King.

Indiana Fever announces Stephanie White as new Head Coach

November 2, 2024

Five days after parting ways with Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever announces that their new Head Coach will be Stephanie White.

She will inherit an up and coming Indiana Fever, lead by Caitlin Clark and last year’s Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston.

An Indiana native, Stephanie White earn the moniker Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School in West Lebanon, then in college while in Purdue, led the Boilermakers to the 1999 NCAA National Championship.

Stephanie White spent five seasons in the WNBA, the majority with the Fever, joining the team for their inaugural season in 2000. Her contributions to the franchise are significant, as she ranks among the top 20 in games played, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made.

Stephanie White is a seasoned WNBA coach, spending 17 seasons of experience as a player and coach in the league. She previously led the Indiana Fever, guiding them to the 2015 WNBA Finals and the 2016 playoffs. Her coaching journey also includes assistant roles with the Fever, Chicago Sky, and various collegiate teams, highlighting her diverse experience and strategic acumen.

In addition to their announcement, the Indiana Fever release a tribute video of Stephanie White’s basketball career.

BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon

October 22, 2024

BYD Philippines just opened its first dealership store in Pampanga. BYD Pampanga is located along the Olongapo Gapan Road in the City of San Fernando, Capital of the province of Pampanga, the 4,000sqm facility is a showroom, test drive and service center rolled into one.

BYD Pampanga also has 3 charging stations, an ideal for those travelling in their BYD EVs then passing Central Luzon. The EV chargers of varies in capacity (7kW AC, 22kW AC, and 60kW DC) to cater to each customer’s charging needs.

For more information, you can go to their official FB page @bydpampanga or website BY Pampanga

BYD Pampanga is one of the 24 facilities nationwide that BYD Philippines plans to open by the end of 2024.

This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon.

76 more OFW arrived from Lebanon who – DMW

October 21, 2024

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announce that seventy-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with two dependents from Lebanon arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Sunday, October 20, 2024, aboard Emirates EK 334.

This batch of repatriation brings the total number of 636 OFWs and 32 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.

Department of Foreign Affairs’ Level 3 travel advisory for Lebanon still stands even though the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated after “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut.”

DFA’s Level 3 travel advisory means repatriation is still voluntary for all OFW in the country.

Source: @dmw.gov.ph

Riyadh City as Seen on Space

October 19, 2024

European Space Agency;

Situated in the central region of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh serves as the nation’s legislative, financial, administrative, diplomatic and commercial hub, home to over seven million inhabitants.

Covering an area of around 1550 sq km, the city sits at approximately 600 m above sea level on the eastern part of the Najd plateau in the Arabian Peninsula. Like much of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has a desert climate with extreme summer temperatures that can reach up to 50°C.

The image prominently features the city’s grid-like street system, which consists of square blocks measuring around two km one each side, forming an extensive network across the urban landscape.

Earth from Space: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

It’s hard to get lost when you know that you will always end up on same road if you keep turning right. Also, as beautiful as this picture, the photo of Riyadh at night that NASA released in 2012 is much dramatic and detailed.

PRC announces the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination Results

October 19, 2024

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just release the result for the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination. Out of the 6600 examinee, 3845 passed the board exam, a 58.26% passing rate. PRC also said that they will release the result this Monday, October 21, 2024.

Top performing Schools with more than 100 examinees with at least 80% Passing rate;

  1. UP Manila – 96.97% Passing rate
  2. Cebu Institute of Medicine – 95.31% Passing rate
  3. St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Med – William H. Quasha Mem. Inc. – 95.19% Passing rate
  4. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – 95.16% Passing rate
  5. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Mem Medical Center – 92.92% Passing rate
  6. UST – 89.29% Passing rate
  7. West Visayas State University – La Paz – 87.00% Passing rate
  8. Ateneoi School of Medicine and Public Health – 86.18% Passing rate
  9. Saint Louis Univerity – 83.23% Passing rate

Top 10 Examinees in the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination;

  1. Isaac Edron Jones Orig – Davao Medical School Foundation – 89.33%
  2. Rolter Lorenz Mispenas Lee – University of Santo Tomas – 89.25%
  3. Jerickson Rodney Ngo Cua – UP Manila – 89.17%
  4. Nijell Tui Potencioso – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 89.8%
  5. Kiel Christian Dimaculangan Alday – University of Santo Tomas – 88.83%
  6. Ryan Delfin Parungao Encarnacion – UP Manila – 88.33%
  7. Frances Dominique Velasco Ho – UP Manila – 88.00%
  8. Anne Corine Arellano Ramos – FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation – 87.83%
  9. Christian Lloyd Ang Loo – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 87.75%
  10. Chelseah Denise Hernandez Torres – University of Santo Tomas – 87.67%

For the complete list of Physicians Licensure Exam passer, you can click here.

Eight New Electric Bus to arrive in Quezon City to provide Free Transport Services

October 17, 2024

Eight (8) new electric bus have been acquired by Quezon City to expand its bus fleet to provide free rides to residents and reduce air pollution. The new buses will join the existing fleet of gasoline-powered buses, which serve over 145,000 commuters weekly. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of transitioning to electric vehicles and improving air quality.

This initiative aligns with the city’s broader push towards electrification to combat air pollution, as transportation accounts for 69% of particulate emissions (PM2.5). With Manila’s air quality exceeding WHO recommendations, the electric buses are an important step toward cleaner, healthier air for all.

The new electric buses join a fleet of over 100 gasoline-powered buses currently serving 145,000 commuters weekly. As part of its commitment to sustainable transportation, Quezon City aims to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles, including e-trikes, in the near future. Charging infrastructure is already in place to support this transition.

Top gear Philippines reports that “The electric buses have a 41-passenger seating capacity, plus space to accommodate standing passengers. Safety features include handrails, fire suppression and emergency equipment, CCTV cameras, and smart TVs. For persons with disability, there are also wheelchair ramps to aid ingress and egress”

This initiative aligns with the city’s participation in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, its commitment to the Paris Agreement, and its compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law).

Source: Quezon City Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPOQC)

Law removing mother tongue in K-3 to improve education quality — Romulo

October 13, 2024

Giselle Ombay, GMA Integrated News;

House Basic Education Committee Chairperson and Pasig lawmaker Roman Romulo on Sunday said that the law discontinuing the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction from kindergarten to grade 3 could help improve the quality of education in the country.

I can list a number of countries that uses their “mother tongue” or “native language” as a medium of instruction and they are one of the places in the world that have “high quality of education.”

With Republic Act No. 12027, the medium of instruction shall revert to Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

Meanwhile, the regional languages shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction.

The best solution for this is to just give the teachers a very competitive compensation, a great career development and incentives if they stay in the profession.

Here’s a comparison, in Thailand in English teacher can earn an average salary of THB 35000 (Thai Baht) or around ₱60k per month, while in the Philippines, Filipino English teachers earn an average salary of ₱23,000 per month.

Classes and Government Work in Manila and Pasay Suspended

October 10, 2024

Malacañang suspends class and government work in the Manila and Pasay City from Monday to Tuesday, October 14th-15th, to give way to the opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The announcement was made via Memorandum Circular 66 issued by Malacañang.

Converge announces Netflix and Fiber X bundle

October 10, 2024

Converge, one of Philippines leading ISP, announced “the new Converge Netflix Bundle, where new and existing FiberX customers will be able to have both an internet and Netflix plan, all in one. The new offering aims to provide countless entertainment options and a better streaming experience for FiberX users.”

The new Converge Netflix Bundle will include a FiberX plan that offers 325 Mbps speeds, a Netflix subscription with a lock-in period of 36 months, a new WiFi-6 Next Gen Modem, and a Converge Xperience Box with Freemium Channels — all put together into one subscription for the convenience of the customer.

The new Converge Netflix Bundle starts at Php 1,798 per month, inclusive of a Converge FiberX plan with boosted speeds of 325 Mbps, a WiFi6 modem, a Converge Xperience Box, and a Basic Netflix subscription that can support one HD stream at a time. Customers can avail of more premium bundles that can support multiple devices streaming at the same time and can offer additional Boost Modes with speeds of up to 200 Mbps. For existing subscribers, the Converge Netflix Bundle is available as an exclusive add-on starting at Php 298 per month.

Filipino executed in Saudi Arabia for murder   

October 9, 2024

Michelle Abad with reports from Bea Cupin, reporting for Rappler;

A Filipino on death row in Saudi Arabia has been executed, the Philippine government said on Tuesday, October 8.

“We regret to confirm the news that a Filipino has been executed in Saudi Arabia for murder,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippine government provided legal assistance and exhausted remedies to save the Filipino’s life, including sending a presidential letter of appeal to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. But the victim’s family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness of the Filipino, and so the death penalty was meted, the DFA said.

According to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the overseas Filipino worker pleaded guilty to the crime. The victim was the OFW’s Saudi Arabian business partner, and the incident happened in 2020.

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia release the following statement;

A very sad moment for all OFW in Saudi Arabia.

The Rappler also reports that according to DFA there are still “nine Filipinos remain on death row in Saudi Arabia.”

Sandiganbayan dismisses P276-M ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcoses   

October 7, 2024

Rappler;

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has dismissed a 37-year-old ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcos family, citing the defendants — which includes Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and wife Imelda — “can no longer be afforded a fair trial” in a “chronology of events” that have contributed to an “inordinate delay.”

Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg wrote the 30-page resolution, dated October 4, 2024, noting that the defendants “can no longer be afforded a fair trial.” Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio concurred.

So the SC dismisses the case because it was delayed for too long?!

NY Liberty eliminates LC Aces to advance to the WNBA Finals (76 – 62)

October 7, 2024

ESPN;

Ionescu rebounded from a rare off game to score 22 points, and nearly a year after the Aces ended the Liberty’s dream of a championship, New York returned the favor Sunday afternoon by defeating Las Vegas 76-62 to advance to the WNBA Finals.

It was a masterful performance by the New York Liberties, the team was able to keep their composure and lead despite their key players, Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich, being in the foul trouble for most of the game.

The Liberty was lead by Sabrina Ionescu who scored a team high of 22 points and 7 rebounds, followed by a double-double from Breanna Stewart, who scored 19 points and 14 rebounds. They will face the winner of Game 5 of the Lynx-Sun series this Tuesday, 8th of October. Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled this Thursday, October 10, 2024 hosted by the NY Liberty in Barclays Center.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese named as one of the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team

October 5, 2024

Together with the announcement of the Rookie of the Year, WNBA also announced the players for the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team, that includes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, arguably the two most popular of the 2024 rookie class.

  • Caitlin Clark (IND)
  • Rickea Jackson (LAS)
  • Angel Reese (CHI)
  • Kamilla Cardoso (CHI)
  • Leonie Fiebich (NYL)

Marcos signs law imposing 12% VAT on Netflix, Spotify, other digital services   

October 2, 2024

JM Chavaria, writing for Yugatech;

In a move aimed at bolstering government revenue, the Philippines has introduced a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital services offered by foreign firms. This includes popular platforms like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon, among other digital service providers (DSPs) — which have previously enjoyed tax exemptions.

Duey Guison, of Unbox.ph explains “Republic Act 112023, all services provided by resident and non-resident digital service providers regardless if they have a physical presence in the Philippines are subject to an additional 12% VAT. The law also adds a new provision to the Tax Code, where ‘”digital services delivered by foreign digital service providers are considered performed or rendered in the Philippines if the digital services are consumed in the Philippines.’”

The law does not only cover streaming service but basically “most” online service like ecommerce, digital platform or online merchant that caters to the Philippine market even if the company does not have any physical store or office in the Philippines.

In a press release, “Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said the bill imposing a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions will level the playing field for local and foreign digital service providers (DSPs), streamline tax administration and shore up government coffers by at least P80 billion in revenues.”

“Digital service is defined as any service supplied over the internet or other electronic network with the use of information technology and where the supply of the service is essentially automated. These include online search engines, online marketplace or e-marketplace, cloud service, online media and advertising, online platform, or digital goods.”

The law basically covers every companies doing online transaction.

Connecticut Sun defeated Indiana Fever in their First Playoff Game since 2016 (93 – 69)   

September 24, 2024

Branden Kaneshiro, writing for The Lead;

The Sun cruised to a 93-69 victory in Game One. Led by a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas and 22 points on 63.6% shooting from DeWanna Bonner, the Sun completely outmatched the Fever.

The offensive firepower was not all that went well for Connecticut in game one. The Sun’s defense was their key to victory on Monday. Connecticut was able to contain Mitchell and Clark to 45% and 23.5% shooting, respectively. If the Sun can replicate their defensive success in game 2 (and the rest of the playoffs) they will be a hard team to beat.

It was not just Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who had a bad Game 1, as a team Indiana Fever shot 27-67, 40.3%!!! from the field and 6-28, that’s a measly 21.4%, from the three-point line, the Fever did manage to reduce their turnover to just 13 TO.

Game 2 will be this Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke reminds us to be vigilant on “Historical revisionism” regarding the Martial Law in the Philippines   

September 22, 2024

Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke, as posted on @germanyinphl;

As the country marks the imposition of Martial Law in the Philippines by the Marcos Sr. Administration 52 years ago, we remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy during this dark period in history.

The distortion of history can pave the way for the return of authoritarianism and the erosion of human rights. It is through a clear understanding of our past that we can build a better future.

Let us honor the memory of those who suffered under Martial Law and work together to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. By upholding historical accuracy and promoting human rights, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

#MartialLawAnniversary

On September 23, 1972, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. officially proclaim the State of Martial law in the Philippines, it’s formal proclamation is contained in Proclamation No. 1081.

Proclamation No. 1081 started a “14-year period of authoritarian rule, which would include eight years of Martial Law (de jure ending on January 17, 1981, through Proclamation No. 2045), but not de facto : followed by six more years where Marcos retained essentially all of his powers as dictator. Marcos was eventually ousted on February 25, 1986, as a result of the EDSA People Power Revolution.” via wikipedia.

Also on Wikipedia, “This 14-year period in Philippine history is remembered for the administration’s record of human rights abuses, particularly targeting political opponents, student activists, journalists, religious workers, farmers, and others who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. Based on the documentation of Amnesty International, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, and similar human rights monitoring entities, historians believe that the Marcos dictatorship was marked by 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 737 ‘disappeared’, and 70,000 incarcerations.”

The reasons and justification are also indicated in Proclamation No. 1081.

Qualcomm Approached Intel About a Takeover in Recent Days   

September 22, 2024

Lauren Thomas, Laura Cooper and Asa Fitch, reporting for WSJ;

Chip giant Qualcomm made a takeover approach to rival Intel in recent days, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would be one of the largest and most consequential deals in recent years.

A deal for Intel, which has a market value of roughly $90 billion, would come as the chip maker has been suffering through one of the most significant crises in its five-decade history.

This is big in so many different levels!

In a report by NY Times, “Qualcomm has not yet made an official offer for Intel.”

Tupperware files for bankruptcy as its colorful containers lose relevance   

September 19, 2024

Rappler;

Tupperware Brands Corp. and some of its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, September 17, giving in to dwindling demand for its once-iconic food storage containers and mounting financial losses.

The company’s struggles resumed after a short-lived pandemic boost, when increased home cooking briefly drove demand for its colorful, airtight plastic containers. A post-pandemic jump in costs of raw materials such as plastic resin, as well as labor and freight, further dented Tupperware margins.

I can still remember those all those sales agents that goes to our house trying to sell us different sets of Tupperware.

You can read the official statement from Tupperware here.

NagaTech announces NAGATECH LAKAN, the company’s first gaming laptop   

September 17, 2024

Cristina Joy Valerio, writing for Yugatech;

The NagaTech LAKAN features a 15.3-inch QHD+ IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1440 resolution. It comes with either a Ryzen 7 8845HS or a Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with two GPU options: either the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or the RTX 4070.

For storage, it has either a 16GB or 32GB RAM that is configurable up to 64GB while having a 512GB SSD storage that can be upgradable. Windows 11 Home or Pro comes in the laptop.
The NagaTech LAKAN has a starting price of PHP 69,995.

This is the official announcement as posted on NagaTech’s official Facebook page;

Introducing: The NAGATECH LAKAN.
Our first step towards gaming and high performance laptops.
Quick Specs:
QHD+ 2560x1440p 240hz 15.3″ IPS Display
Ryzen 7 8845HS / Ryzen 9 8945HS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB / RTX 4070 8GB
512GB SSD / Upgradable
16 / 32GB DDR5 5600mhz RAM / Up to 64GB
1080p IR Camera + Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard
Windows 11 Home / Pro
1-Year full coverage local warranty (parts + labor) + 7 day returns
Starting price: PHP 69,995 (4060/Ryzen7/512/16)

NagaTech, is a Philippine-based laptop maker. The company said that units for their laptops “are arriving end of Sept/start of Oct for local techies to give in-depth reviews.” and they plan to sell “online (directly through our Website) and Shopee this December.”

Last August, the company announced NAGA SIPAG, a high-performance productivity laptop with the following specs;

Intel Core Ultra 5
512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
16GB DDR5 RAM
14” 2880x1800p 120hz 100% sRGB Display
100w PD Charger + 1080p Webcam

Maya to let Grab users loan up to P30k   

September 16, 2024

Benise Balaoing, writing for ABS-CBN News;

Maya is partnering with Grab to give users of the ride-hailing and food delivery app access to loans up to P30,000.
….
Aside from this, Grab users can now use Maya Easy Credit to top up their Maya Wallet and easily pay for Grab rides or food deliveries.

It’s interesting that Grab is partnering with Maya to offer loans to its users, even though Grab a offers similar finance service/features called Grab Pay, and it competes with Maya in some markets.

NNIC takes over NAIA, hits the ground running   

September 16, 2024

San Miguel Corp;

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has officially taken over management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and with it, the task of modernizing the 76-year-old gateway.

NNIC, the consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Incheon International Airport Corporation, has committed to spend P170 billion to execute its phased but ambitious plan to elevate NAIA to world-class standards. This includes plans to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

The government stands to gain about P1 trillion in revenues from the PPP project over the 25-year concession period. This includes the 82.16-percent revenue share to be remitted to the government yearly.

Travelers can expect business as usual, with flights, check-ins, and other services proceeding as normal. The plans for NAIA’s modernization, including terminal reassignments and infrastructure upgrades, will be implemented gradually and strategically in the coming months and years.

NNIC has assured the public that the transition will be seamless, with no disruptions to airport operations.

The things that SMC listed for the Immediate Improvements are things that are supposedly being done by the previous management.

Filipinos can now ride self-driving bus in Clark for free   

September 12, 2024

Kris Crismundo, writing for PNA;

The country’s first autonomous bus powered by Japanese technology is now plying around New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport, and commuters can ride the self-driving vehicle free of charge for now.

In a statement Tuesday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Zenmov, Inc. and MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc. launched its smart autonomous bus service in New Clark City on Sept. 10.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) posted this announcement on their official Facebook Page;

SNEAK PEEK: Former #BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana tests the Philippines’ first publicly accessible, self-driving bus in New Clark City, Tarlac.

Being implemented by Japan-based Zenmov and its local partner MC Metro Transport, the autonomous bus service utilizes a transportation cloud system called Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), which helps maximize operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum.

Japan’s national research and development agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), had appointed Zenmov to implement the smart mobility demonstration program to be conducted until June 2025.

Clark Development Corporation launches its own Bus Transportation System   

September 12, 2024

ClarkDevelopmentCorp, posted on its official FB page;

Getting in and around Clark, now more convenient with Clark Loop!

Clark Development Corporation is excited to announce the launching of its very own bus transportation system, featuring a cashless payment system ready to take you around Clark starting September 17.