'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA latest weather update December 22, 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Severe tropical storm 'Vinta' (international name: Tembin) is now in the vicinity of Boston, Davao Oriental, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 a.m. update on Friday, December 22, 2017.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9YYeEBSEogW0kz3EbcrlV4p_c9jKKJgiXMdp6vknRAE0HrQde-eTAP5Wx8M6JzNXeo1VTK7i2mZDm-TOaSROvBNi4_uz4MAPWdxHl_ppiqroJ5TkmiYT2S3MCYYdCqfd4GdysBA_wN8d/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-update.gif" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bagyong Vinta December 22, 2017 update" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9YYeEBSEogW0kz3EbcrlV4p_c9jKKJgiXMdp6vknRAE0HrQde-eTAP5Wx8M6JzNXeo1VTK7i2mZDm-TOaSROvBNi4_uz4MAPWdxHl_ppiqroJ5TkmiYT2S3MCYYdCqfd4GdysBA_wN8d/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-update.gif" title="Bagyong Vinta December 22, 2017 update" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Severe Tropical Storm Vinta satellite image courtesy of Himawari.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />'Bagyong Vinta' has made landfall in Cateel, Davao Oriental around 1:45 a.m. today, PAGASA said.<br /><br />At 4:00 a.m. today, the center of Severe Tropical Storm 'Vinta' was estimated based on all available data including Hinatuan Doppler Radar at in the vicinity of Boston, Davao Oriental (07.9 °N, 126.3 °E).<br /><br />'Vinta' has maximum sustained winds of 90 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph. It is forecast to move West at 20 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions: <br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow morning): 145 km West Southwest of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte(8.2°N, 122.1°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Sunday morning):In the vicinity of Bataraza, Palawan(8.6°N, 117.5°E)</li><li>72 Hour(Monday morning, December 25): 295 km Southwest of Pagasa Island, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(8.9°N, 112.5°E)</li></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jXyT8ZAIxPna6agEwvPRLabwkmF8R9y5voMUZAbkX-DTZ_-vwswReVdpZ2xhMMiBWhtJdIPPk-82xQhjFDbomFjuxLl9OCa99HaBb1ix7HqPLVCM5igo3UrFADovN6_CFVguzyhTH_Sa/s1600/bagyong-vinta-track-december-22-2017.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="track of Bagyong Vinta" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jXyT8ZAIxPna6agEwvPRLabwkmF8R9y5voMUZAbkX-DTZ_-vwswReVdpZ2xhMMiBWhtJdIPPk-82xQhjFDbomFjuxLl9OCa99HaBb1ix7HqPLVCM5igo3UrFADovN6_CFVguzyhTH_Sa/s1600/bagyong-vinta-track-december-22-2017.png" title="track of Bagyong Vinta" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Severe Tropical Storm Vinta latest forecast, track. Image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2 (61-120 kph expected in 24 hrs)</b> is up over 16 areas: Siquijor and Southern Negros Oriental, Surigao del Norte including Siargao Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Northern Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Eastern Zamboanga del Norte, and Eastern Zamboanga del Sur.<br /><br /><b>TCWS No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs)</b> has been raised over 14 areas: Southern Leyte, southern portion of Leyte, Bohol, Southern Cebu, rest of Negros Oriental, and southern Negros Occidental, Dinagat Island, rest of Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, rest of Zamboanga del Norte, rest of Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.<br /><br />Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Visayas and Mindanao within 24 hours. Residents of these areas must make appropriate actions against flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.<br /><br />Sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of areas under TCWS.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA latest weather update December 22, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - Severe tropical storm 'Vinta' (international name: Tembin) is now in the vicinity of Boston, Davao Oriental, s...

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'Bagyong Vinta' intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in 12 areas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has intensified further as it threatens CARAGA area, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. update on Thursday, December 21, 2017.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpf8BQXAJKCn4s9ksYP0igHYgy3hWGhQkxbEZw5-nbqhVoiCC6EjYB-UyvFfwkEMVM0XTtI0gI4aYHXlr9hCj3DMsZnh3VJe55hM60tH6WsC62UmTD2hg55l2OsPV1JZPQEVKolxeyosf/s1600/bagyong-vinta-satellite-image-december-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="'Bagyong Vinta' intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in 12 areas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpf8BQXAJKCn4s9ksYP0igHYgy3hWGhQkxbEZw5-nbqhVoiCC6EjYB-UyvFfwkEMVM0XTtI0gI4aYHXlr9hCj3DMsZnh3VJe55hM60tH6WsC62UmTD2hg55l2OsPV1JZPQEVKolxeyosf/s1600/bagyong-vinta-satellite-image-december-21.JPG" title="'Bagyong Vinta' intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in 12 areas" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Storm Vinta satellite image as of 3:30 p.m. on December 21, 2017. Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tropical Storm Vinta is expected to make landfall over Surigao del Sur between late this evening and tomorrow early morning (22 December).<br /><br />At 4:00 p.m. today, the center of 'Bagyong Vinta' was estimated based on all available data including Hinatuan doppler radar at 200 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (08.1 °N, 128.1 °E).<br /><br />'Vinta' has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 110 kph. It is forecast to move West at 21 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow afternoon): 75 km Northwest of El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental(8.8°N, 124.1°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Saturday afternoon):165 km South of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan(8.3°N, 119.0°E)</li><li>72 Hour(Sunday afternoon): 435 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(9.7°N, 114.8°E)</li><li>96 Hour(Monday afternoon):1,005 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(9.9°N, 109.6°E)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf-9Cbkm9Wln7D4c43IIAWpAiaqoc4U8nsCpGqyPhGQtU195m9UWN0qjcbE8nCxk5W0MxWIFlsfY1Aij2jjQJ8UtpZfVn3RTFh0SQzGoGaINavVdyLgD_iuh08M69L1TpaFgSuk33-8mg/s1600/vinta-trach-christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="track Vinta storm Christmas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="821" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf-9Cbkm9Wln7D4c43IIAWpAiaqoc4U8nsCpGqyPhGQtU195m9UWN0qjcbE8nCxk5W0MxWIFlsfY1Aij2jjQJ8UtpZfVn3RTFh0SQzGoGaINavVdyLgD_iuh08M69L1TpaFgSuk33-8mg/s1600/vinta-trach-christmas.JPG" title="track Vinta storm Christmas" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2 (61-120kph expected in 24 hrs) is up in 12 areas: Surigao del Norte Incl. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Northern Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur.<br /><br />Signal No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs) was raised over Southern Leyte, southern portion of Leyte, Southern Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, Southern Negros Occidental and Southern Negros Oriental.<br /><br />Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains is expected over Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula within 24 hours. <br /><br />Residents of these areas must make appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.<br /><br />Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of areas under TCWS.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Vinta' intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in 12 areas

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has intensified further as it threatens CARAGA area, state weathe...

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'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 21, 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has intensified into a tropical storm as it continues to track westward, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 a.m. update on Thursday, December 21, 2017.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEzeXsfafyGdhw8GjNERnVuWtV5a3Jcyz8gUWEBS9mYkydrc_XQuLpoXZf8UGoYKQLhRDa9K0EzwUsxM1xtOT2xam_CN-ng5hVcNNyX4hVpW4fUdTzvnB9-kg-gob7HLNknk-A87ueKH/s1600/bagyong-vinta-satellite-image.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 21, 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaEzeXsfafyGdhw8GjNERnVuWtV5a3Jcyz8gUWEBS9mYkydrc_XQuLpoXZf8UGoYKQLhRDa9K0EzwUsxM1xtOT2xam_CN-ng5hVcNNyX4hVpW4fUdTzvnB9-kg-gob7HLNknk-A87ueKH/s1600/bagyong-vinta-satellite-image.png" title="'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 21, 2017" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Storm Vinta satellite image as of 5:00 am on Thursday, December 21. Courtesy of DOST-PAGASA</td></tr></tbody></table><br />'Bagyong Vinta' is expected to make landfall over Caraga - Davao Region area between Thursday (December 21) evening and Friday (December 22) morning.<br /><br />At 4:00 a.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Vinta was estimated based on all available data at 510 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (09.0 °N, 130.9 °E).<br /><br />'Vinta' has maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move West at 18 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions: <br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow morning): 80 km Northeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur(8.8°N, 126.9°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Saturday morning):130 km West of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte(8.8°N, 122.2°E)</li><li>72 Hour(Sunday morning): 110 km Southwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan(9.0°N, 118.1°E)</li><li>96 Hour(Monday morning):170 km South Southwest of Pagasa Island, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(9.6°N, 113.5°E)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqanR6ZTDFSVMPss_xZu2XP0V8lAdyo7zUgiapnVFoW0oz_Q2Z2O5tcjuDJ_MsePNQ6T4JtiOi9kmROaH16UYbggiU5DV5Jlaxlapx6agp767xpHWvacKI1Hw_F4hl2vE8kLY9cKOCbrv/s1600/bagyong-vinta-track-christmas-day.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="track of Bagyong Vinta Christmas 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqanR6ZTDFSVMPss_xZu2XP0V8lAdyo7zUgiapnVFoW0oz_Q2Z2O5tcjuDJ_MsePNQ6T4JtiOi9kmROaH16UYbggiU5DV5Jlaxlapx6agp767xpHWvacKI1Hw_F4hl2vE8kLY9cKOCbrv/s1600/bagyong-vinta-track-christmas-day.png" title="track of Bagyong Vinta Christmas 2017" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2 (61-120kph expected in 24 hrs) </b>was raised over Surigao del Sur.</div><br /><b>TCWS#1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs)</b> is up in these areas: Southern Leyte, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Northern Davao Oriental, Northern Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.<br /><br />PAGASA said the possible inclusion of Bohol, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao in areas under Signal No. 1 within 6 hours.<br /><br />Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains is expected over Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao Region within 24 hours.<br /><br />Residents of these areas must undertake precautionary measures, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates.<br /><br />Sea travel is risky over the eastern seaboard of Visayas and Mindanao due to the approaching Tropical Storm.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 21, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has intensified into a tropical storm as it continues to track we...

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Employees’ lower income tax, other tax reforms will take effect January 2018

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - December 19 marked the day when President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill. After 20 years, TRAIN will replace the old system of income tax to make way for a “simpler and fairer” collection.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHQU-rWL0alk7WRBvHZ7i3Us_JN2mUT-rhSID_pxB3rclt0Gqc59NacndRCIeqwFO_pTiiZ1GjaAnYGaHIF7lHGhqI-CihCkZukZkKz3lE5pALnCUtynGXO7B1UdanZWj6oLPe1Zu4zWD/s1600/duterte-clenched-fist.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The tax reform is Duterte’s “Christmas gift” to the Filipinos." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHQU-rWL0alk7WRBvHZ7i3Us_JN2mUT-rhSID_pxB3rclt0Gqc59NacndRCIeqwFO_pTiiZ1GjaAnYGaHIF7lHGhqI-CihCkZukZkKz3lE5pALnCUtynGXO7B1UdanZWj6oLPe1Zu4zWD/s1600/duterte-clenched-fist.JPG" title="The tax reform is Duterte’s “Christmas gift” to the Filipinos." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tax reform is Duterte’s “Christmas gift” to the Filipinos. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Presidential Communications</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno confirmed that the law will immediately take effect in the first payout of January 2018. Diokno said, “This is the administrations biggest Christmas gift to the Filipino people as 99% of the taxpayers will benefit from the simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax [program].”<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Under TRAIN, several reforms were made to make sure that low-income earners will pay nothing to minimal taxes while high-earners will pay more. Several products such as petroleum and beverages with artificial sweeteners are given higher excise levies. Taxes were also removed from some basic commodities.<br /><br /><b>Here are some of the reforms under TRAIN:</b><br /><br />Lower tax or tax-free<br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Employees earning P250,000 or below annually are now exempted from paying income tax.</li><li>13th month pay and other bonuses amounting to P90,000 are also tax-free.</li><li>Basic goods such as milk, 3-in-1 coffee, 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices, meal replacement and medically indicated beverages are now tax-free</li><li>Beverages that uses coco sugar and stevia are also tax-free</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Increase in Tax</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Petroleum products such as LPG will now be taxed with P1 per kilo and will increase to P2 in 2019, P3 for 2020 and so on.</li><li>Diesel will also face a P2.50/liter tax increase in 2018, to P4.50 in 2019, P6 in 2020 and so on.</li><li>All gasoline fuel will now be taxed with P7/liter in 2018, P9 in 2019 and P10 in 2020.</li><li>For beverages with caloric and non-caloric sweeteners, they will be taxed with P6/liter</li><li>Beverages with high fructose corn syrups such as sodas and colas will pay P12/liter</li><li>Local and imported coals are also expected to be taxed more</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The government expects that the loss from lowering income tax will only be offset by the increase in petroleum tax.</div><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

Employees’ lower income tax, other tax reforms will take effect January 2018

MANILA, Philippines - December 19 marked the day when President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusio...

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PSHS 2017 NCE results for AY 2018-2019 released

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) officially released on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the results to include the full list of passers of the October 2017 National Competitive Examination (NCE) for academic year AY 2018-2019.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs41q5o27t9i-yRM87pT3HPJ-v2KQVMDvzlhknlD3K1nNgiBksTNvsrOBIxe8C3VL93oFF0tyH7LoTFYwYB7prZob7d81Qc9YlG3PNphzXh6Sjz5gWEj5ekk3Lsgz3KsCZP8k0GQG1-us/s1600/2017-nce-results-pshs-2018-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PSHS 2017 NCE results for AY 2018-2019 released" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs41q5o27t9i-yRM87pT3HPJ-v2KQVMDvzlhknlD3K1nNgiBksTNvsrOBIxe8C3VL93oFF0tyH7LoTFYwYB7prZob7d81Qc9YlG3PNphzXh6Sjz5gWEj5ekk3Lsgz3KsCZP8k0GQG1-us/s1600/2017-nce-results-pshs-2018-2019.jpg" title="PSHS 2017 NCE results for AY 2018-2019 released" /></a></div><br />The examination was conducted on October 21, 2017 in 134 testing centers nationwide.<br /><br />Fortunato dela Pena, the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Chair of the PSHS System Board of Trustees, announces the names of the successful qualifiers (PSHS) Search for Scholars for 2018.<br /><br />Of the 26,413 applicants, list of successful examinees who have hurdled the one-step screening has been announced through DOSTv livestream video on YouTube.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><b>See announcement of NCE results at 23:26 of DOSTv video.</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rigX_XGw3i5uwGg7y943zHXJAg_d1bXSTuWc9hwjFA_vryqeYhKfvNM6Kv2pnS67zpF1bwtqqHIgBP7U2samUI8T5eadGlGMtzcpjCFMdJshU4qyjLjIHzaLILmOuxI4FW7N53t3g_Y/s1600/nce-results.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2017 NCE results" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="841" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rigX_XGw3i5uwGg7y943zHXJAg_d1bXSTuWc9hwjFA_vryqeYhKfvNM6Kv2pnS67zpF1bwtqqHIgBP7U2samUI8T5eadGlGMtzcpjCFMdJshU4qyjLjIHzaLILmOuxI4FW7N53t3g_Y/s1600/nce-results.JPG" title="2017 NCE results" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screengrab of partial list of  NCE passers. See full list through livestream video below.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1lWrPx3fBpE" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />'Pisay' advised the qualifiers to IMMEDIATELY contact the Registrar or the Campus Director of the campus where they are qualified to enroll, or visit the following websites: www.pshs.edu.ph or www.dost.gov.ph, for more information on early enrollment.<br /><br />Deadline for slot confirmation / reservation of principal qualifiers for Main Campus qualifiers, and on for regional campus qualifiers will be announced soon.<br /><br /><i>NOTE: Specific schedule of other enrolment activities shall be announced by the respective campuses.</i><br /><br />MAIN CAMPUS<br />Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City<br />Tel. No.: (02) 924 0614<br /><br />CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION CAMPUS (CARC)<br />Purok 12, Lime Kiln, Irisan, Baguio City, 2600<br />Tel. No.: (074) 442 1100<br /><br />EASTERN VISAYAS CAMPUS (EVC)<br />Pawing, Palo, Leyte<br />Tel. Nos.: (053) 323 5616 / 323 5617<br /><br />CENTRAL MINDANAO CAMPUS (CMC)<br />Baloi, Lanao del Norte<br />Tel. Nos.: (063) 836 0098<br />Mobile No.: 0908 874 0593<br /><br />CARAGA REGION CAMPUS (CRC)<br />Ampayon, Butuan City<br />Tel. No.: (085) 341 0787<br /><br />ILOCOS REGION CAMPUS (IRC)<br />Poblacion, San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur<br />Tel. Nos.: (077) 726 4190 / 726 4191<br /><br />CENTRAL LUZON CAMPUS (CLC)<br />Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga<br />Tel. No.: (045) 499 0136<br /><br />CENTRAL VISAYAS CAMPUS (CVisC)<br />Talaytay, Argao, Cebu<br />Tel. Nos.: (032) 513 0962 / 485 8975<br /><br />SOUTHERN MINDANAO CAMPUS (SMC)<br />Sto.Niño, Tugbok District, Mintal, Davao City<br />Tel. No.: (082) 293 0002<br />Fax: (082) 293 0003<br /><br />CALABARZON CAMPUS<br />c/o Office of the Executive Director<br />Tel. No.: (02) 924 0639<br /><br />CAGAYAN VALLEY CAMPUS (CVC)<br />Brgy. Masoc, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya<br />Mobile Nos.: 0905 260 4068 / 0906 566 4240<br /><br />BICOL REGION CAMPUS (BRC)<br />Tagontong, Goa, Camarines Sur<br />Tel. No.: (054) 453 2048<br /><br />WESTERN VISAYAS CAMPUS (WVC)<br />Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro District, Iloilo City<br />Tel. Nos.: (033) 329 5644 / 329 2011<br /><br />SOCCSKSARGEN REGION CAMPUS (SRC)<br />Paraiso, Koronadal City, South Cotabato<br />Mobile. Nos.: 0947 893 5964 / 0917 711 0279<br /><br />ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA CAMPUS<br />Dipolog City<br />c/o PSHSS Office of the Executive Director, Diliman, Quezon City<br />Tel. Nos.: (02) 926 5701 / 924 0639<br /><br />MIMAROPA CAMPUS<br />Odiongan, Romblon<br />c/o PSHSS Office of the Executive Director, Diliman, Quezon City<br />Tel. Nos.: (02) 926 5701 / 924 0639<br /><br /><b>Here's the complete list of passers for PSHS AY 2018-2019 (use Ctrl+F to search name):</b><br /><br /><b>2017 PSHS NCE Passers</b><br />NAME OF EXAMINEE|CAMPUS ELIGIBILITY |SCHOOL |DIVISION<br /><br />Passers list....updating<br /><br />The NCE is a scholastic aptitude test designed to measure Scientific Ability, Quantitative Ability, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Aptitude of applicants, according to the Department of Science and Technology.<br /><br />PSHS is a service institute of DOST, offering free scholarships for high school students who will likely take up a Science career after graduation.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

PSHS 2017 NCE results for AY 2018-2019 released

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) officially released on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the results to inc...

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PHOTOS: ‘Urduja’ hits Boracay, roads closed and rampaging floods fill the island

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tropical Storm Urduja had caused devastation in Visayas region few days before Christmas. This prompted Tacloban and Ormoc cities to declare state of calamity due to flooding. The popular tourist island of Boracay was also not spared with the rampaging floods and heavy rainstorms.<br /><br />On Facebook, a netizen named <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christinesandiego/posts/10154841235966529" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine San Diego</a> posted several photos of a heavily-flooded Boracay Island. The once beautiful beach paradise is barely recognizable with flood waters. <br /><br />San Diego lamented the devastating situation, “I'm pretty sure you all know where this is. The no.1 island in the world is a disaster zone. This could have been prevented but it's obvious no one really cares.”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7UW9IBfCzdEBZ1mJt24TzwLWCgduBWu1FXRu7556uJxvSwZ763dl0wy-gheN7YE2lYjt75ZcfJks0T60_BuTpHh6PlTJxB4wrYdgqz-0PIMAwo06s34ENArV3FqiyXv8cJ_64UUv70sg/s1600/boracay-flooded.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7UW9IBfCzdEBZ1mJt24TzwLWCgduBWu1FXRu7556uJxvSwZ763dl0wy-gheN7YE2lYjt75ZcfJks0T60_BuTpHh6PlTJxB4wrYdgqz-0PIMAwo06s34ENArV3FqiyXv8cJ_64UUv70sg/s1600/boracay-flooded.jpg" title="Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Christine San Diego</td></tr></tbody></table><br />She added that this may not be the first typhoon they’ve experienced but sure is one of the strongest, “We have experienced stronger typhoons and survived many but this we have never seen before.”<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyMxhmNaDRapV5qUVXIh7oB7AAIcY_izrq6V4lfbxFlDpAAJ7lV040pHCLZqIZB-asi-75caYXR7QSjAea0Z1Jr3l0-u_JpsdXBVSx9aQTw9bDvO3jaG9eFF1TQMFd7vZq5qiQXxtM2i6/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyMxhmNaDRapV5qUVXIh7oB7AAIcY_izrq6V4lfbxFlDpAAJ7lV040pHCLZqIZB-asi-75caYXR7QSjAea0Z1Jr3l0-u_JpsdXBVSx9aQTw9bDvO3jaG9eFF1TQMFd7vZq5qiQXxtM2i6/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA.jpg" title="Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boracay Island seems unrecognizable after Urduja hit Visayas over the weekend. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Christine San Diego</td></tr></tbody></table><br />San Diego also shared several updates about the situation in the island. Unfortunately, almost 90% of roads in Boracay are flooded. Approximately, 1,200 passengers are stranded in Cagban Port while 872 are stranded in Caticlan Port. There was even a report of a landslide in Brgy. Dumlog.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKZ7QNj9T-NrM6We9kK8NTzjw-OK1KbTJhvyvCwNPK3B6bPE3ocwl7qAnVs-yP4UH0zeEUmj6WcPhdiAtC2rLzx_3KpSZm5rhkojcvelxDE_igt8lX4U9y66pozbfsJKDMKBqOJ-ybKzd/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The beautiful island in flood waters" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKZ7QNj9T-NrM6We9kK8NTzjw-OK1KbTJhvyvCwNPK3B6bPE3ocwl7qAnVs-yP4UH0zeEUmj6WcPhdiAtC2rLzx_3KpSZm5rhkojcvelxDE_igt8lX4U9y66pozbfsJKDMKBqOJ-ybKzd/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA-2.jpg" title="The beautiful island in flood waters" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful island in flood waters. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Christine San Diego</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7aAWpBXuCrXk1K88ZNgPAf1IjcGwmxuuAyeWbqynzI-XKOx2E7hVvsf3OA5D1BfM0_8n4KAL7iXqywX7WnTObl6lLUjRO2RnMDr0kKdbTK5uQ5TgjEWbupzK8kKNuHoGYREnDjcTuu1/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The beautiful island in flood waters" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh7aAWpBXuCrXk1K88ZNgPAf1IjcGwmxuuAyeWbqynzI-XKOx2E7hVvsf3OA5D1BfM0_8n4KAL7iXqywX7WnTObl6lLUjRO2RnMDr0kKdbTK5uQ5TgjEWbupzK8kKNuHoGYREnDjcTuu1/s1600/boracay-flooded-URDUJA-3.jpg" title="The beautiful island in flood waters" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful island in flood waters. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Christine San Diego</td></tr></tbody></table><br />President Duterte already expressed his dismay over the devastation in Eastern Visayas. He confirmed that he will be visiting the affected areas so they can assess the situation and give the right support. The President said, “I have to fly to the places where the typhoon passed through. There’s so much destruction there.”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgrRpfxjvCbFJRsD9AwmW6P7cbSzkgPUOo2VvPMz1OnsI-B0kgBCeCD6YnQYk7Qc3_YV1oeJcSV7yZUerBDasw6rmCLmFzPD0gHRrTXpwA6t_GEAFQDLJ4mlBBOOiBf8WDNkxKgGSIiUi/s1600/boracay-flooded-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="90% of the roads are affected" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgrRpfxjvCbFJRsD9AwmW6P7cbSzkgPUOo2VvPMz1OnsI-B0kgBCeCD6YnQYk7Qc3_YV1oeJcSV7yZUerBDasw6rmCLmFzPD0gHRrTXpwA6t_GEAFQDLJ4mlBBOOiBf8WDNkxKgGSIiUi/s1600/boracay-flooded-2017.jpg" title="90% of the roads are affected" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 90% of the roads are affected. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Christine San Diego</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

PHOTOS: ‘Urduja’ hits Boracay, roads closed and rampaging floods fill the island

Tropical Storm Urduja had caused devastation in Visayas region few days before Christmas. This prompted Tacloban and Ormoc cities to declare...

Read more »

NATIONWIDE LIST: SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The country's largest chain of shopping malls SM Supermalls has released the 2017 Christmas Holidays and New Year 2018 mall hours schedule for Metro Manila and provincial malls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93CDkUwojoquILh8x4oKvBZDLgCmbZmMKcR0xIFzs3ZLNRA3KtWDShyphenhyphenvaZ0XTtjlrpvcmztAwlNm6aWq97M13s3JFvcQ5CYEZQuFgkoKhlfBSaRvj1wdzotkBm-1sNHBx1sGfX28JgPd_/s1600/sm-mall-schedule-chistmas-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93CDkUwojoquILh8x4oKvBZDLgCmbZmMKcR0xIFzs3ZLNRA3KtWDShyphenhyphenvaZ0XTtjlrpvcmztAwlNm6aWq97M13s3JFvcQ5CYEZQuFgkoKhlfBSaRvj1wdzotkBm-1sNHBx1sGfX28JgPd_/s1600/sm-mall-schedule-chistmas-2017.jpg" title="SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year" /></a></div><br />SM announced the schedule per branch through its official website. Majority of the shopping malls will open at 9:00 a.m. on December 24 and 31 and will cut short its operating hours until 7:00 p.m. for Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year celebration.<br /><br />On December 25, majority of SM malls in Metro Manila and provincial areas will open at 11:00 a.m. and will close at 10 or 11:00 p.m. (extended mall hours for Christmas).<br /><br />SM Mall schedule is in accordance with the agreement with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to help ease traffic congestion during the Yuletide season.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><b>Here's the nationwide SM Christmas 2017 Mall Schedule, Hours, Opening and Closing <i>(updating for the list):</i></b><br /><br /><b>METRO MANILA</b><br /><br /><b>SM By The Bay</b><br />Monday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 MN<br />Friday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM<br />Sunday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 MN<br /><br /><b>SM Aura Premier</b><br />December 17 and 23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 18-22: 11:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 26-29: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 30: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Megamall</b><br />December 17-23: 11:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 26-30: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM North EDSA</b><br />December 17-23: 11:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Mall of Asia</b><br />December 17 and 23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 18-22: 11:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 11:00 am<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm<br /><br /><i>NOTE: SM MOA Entertainment Mall dining tenants shall be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 am on December 31 due to the year-end countdown.</i><br /><br /><b>SM Center Las Pinas</b><br />December 17 and 23: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 18-22: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 26-29: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Center Muntinlupa</b><br />December 17-23: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 26-30: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Center Pasig</b><br />December 17 and 23: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 18-22: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 25: 12:00pm to 11:00pm<br />December 26-29: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />December 30: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00pm to 11:00pm<br /><br /><b>SM Center Sangandaan</b><br />December 17-23: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm<br />December 26-30: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>NORTH LUZON</b><br /><br /><b>SM Baguio</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Pampanga</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SOUTH LUZON</b><br /><br /><b>SM Center Angono</b><br />December 17-23, 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Center Molino</b><br />December 17-23: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 26-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Calamba</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 26-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM City Sta. Rosa</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>VISAYAS</b><br /><br /><b>SM Seaside City</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM City Cebu</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br /><b>MINDANAO</b><br /><br /><b>SM CDO Downtown</b><br />Monday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm<br /><br /><b>SM Lanang Premier</b><br />December 17-21: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />December 22-23: 10:00 am to 12:00 am<br />December 24 and 31: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm<br />December 25-30: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm<br />January 1, 2018: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm<br /><br />SM currently has 67 malls located across the country. Once schedule for other branches are available, it will be added in the list above.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

NATIONWIDE LIST: SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year

MANILA, Philippines - The country's largest chain of shopping malls SM Supermalls has released the 2017 Christmas Holidays and New Year ...

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Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top Stories Philippines 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="759" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" title="Top Stories Philippines 2017" /></a></div><br />Take a look as The Summit Express made a lowdown of the top 10 stories that made headlines this year (in chronological order):<br /><br /><b>1. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/01/list-of-winners-miss-universe-2016-coronation-day-live-updates.html" rel="nofollow">The 65th Miss Universe Pageant held in the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila</a> (JANUARY 2017)</b><br /><br />In a memorable event in the pageant community, the Philippines became the venue of the 65th Miss Universe pageant. It is the third time that the country hosted the event.<br /><br />On January 30, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Manila lit up for a night of glitz and glamour. Beauty queens all over the world gathered to witness the crowning of a new Miss Universe queen.<br /><br />Our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to the new Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France. It had been 63 years since France won in the competition.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" title="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere. Photo Courtesy: Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Philippine bet Maxine Medina had wowed the judges and had the loudest cheers from the crowd. Medina placed in the top 6.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The presenters were Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham. Harvey took the time to make jokes about his last fiasco with our Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" title="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6. Photo Courtesy: Philstar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You can watch the announcement of the 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere,<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4dLlVcrJiFE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>2. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/02/rtc-orders-arrest-of-sen-de-lima-lp-senators-react.html" rel="nofollow">Arrest of Senator Leila de Lima</a> (FEBRUARY 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" title="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords. Photo Courtesy: Inquirer</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A staunch critic of President Duterte, Senator Leila de Lima was allegedly involved in illegal drugs. The senator was allegedly connected and received “protection money” from drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison. It took 5 months of investigation and witnesses including her alleged lover/driver, Ronnie Dayan that eventually led to her arrest.<br /><br />It was on February 17, that the court charged De Lima in violation of Section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the "sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of illegal drugs."<br /><br />De Lima vehemently denied the allegations. The senator claimed that the President is out to get her for her previous call to investigate on extrajudicial killings in Davao City when Duterte was a mayor.<br /><br />Charges were dropped against Bilibid "drug lords” Herbert Colanggo, Engelbert Durano, Vicente Sy, Jojo Baligad, and Peter Co after testifying against De Lima. The Liberal Party called this unacceptable and claimed their testimonies were only made under duress. <br /><br />On February 24, Senator De Lima surrendered to the PNP for her arrest. She made a strong statement that the allegations were lies and she has faith in God. She said, “It's my honor to be jailed for the principles I am fighting for.”<br /><br />Here’s the presscon that Senator De Lima held just before she was arrested:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6xPmJLKNb0?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>3. 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits held in Manila (APRIL AND NOVEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />On April 28-29 and November 10-14, 2017, the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits were held in the Philippines.<br /><br />The Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states pledged to “promote accountability and transparency in civil service in the region and it is agreed that relevant civil service bodies of each member state will cooperate through the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" title="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ASEAN member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. All leaders of the member states attended the summits except for Myanmar which was attended by state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.<br /><br />Several world leaders also joined in cooperation and friendly dialogue including were United States President Donald Trump, China Premier Li Keqiang, Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Union President Donald Tusk, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, South Korea President Moon Jae-in.<br /><br />Here are some highlights from the event:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXZdxiYqIus?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>4. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/10/duterte-declares-marawi-city-liberated-terrorists.html" rel="nofollow">Battle of Marawi</a> (MAY-OCTOBER 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" title="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Battle of Marawi or the Marawi Siege was the longest urban battle in the history of the Philippines. The siege started on May 23, 2017 between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and several groups of Islamic militants who claimed to be connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadists.<br /><br />Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf gathered his group with the Maute group and faced the Philippine army and the local police. <br /><br />The army admitted that it was a struggle to end the battle because the militants seem to have “unlimited” reinforcements. They were heavily armed with sophisticated guns and armaments. The militants have also made use of underground tunnels and mosques for their hideouts. There were even foreign militants joining the group, who allegedly trained them. <br /><br />The battle lasted for 5 months with over 95% of the structures in the city heavily damaged. The government released a report noting that the casualties included 974 militants and 165 government forces were killed. Nearly 1.1 million civilians were displaced.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" title="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The government formally called on the end of the war on October 17, 2017 following the deaths of leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. President Duterte declared Marawi to be “liberated from terrorist influence.”<br /><br />Here’s a quick look at how devastated the city had been after the 5-month long battle:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cWN1V492d8?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>5. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/05/martial-law-declared-mindanao-marawi-clash.html" rel="nofollow">Proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao</a> (MAY 2017-DECEMBER 2018)</b><br /><br />On the verge of escalating conflict in Marawi City, President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law. <br /><br />The President was in Moscow when reports came that militants have attacked Marawi City. On May 23, 2017 at Moscow, President Duterte signed Proclamation 216 that declared a state of martial law and suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus in Mindanao for 60 days.<br /><br />Under the 1987 Constitution, the proclamation is allowed for up an initial period of 60 days and can be extended in cases of “rebellion, invasion or when public safety is required.”<br /><br />The minority bloc and leftist groups argued that the extension was unnecessary and they feared the proclamation might extend nationwide. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" title="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In an effort to stop insurgencies in the region, martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018. Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite hesitation and disapproval from critics, the resolution was extended until December 31, 2017. A special joint session between the House of Representatives and the Senate, voted 261-18 lawmakers in favor of the extension.<br /><br />It only took less than half a day for the lawmakers to approve another extension of the martial law in Mindanao, this time it will last for a full year. On December 13, 2017, a total of 240 lawmakers voted in favor of the extension until December 2018 while 27 lawmakers were against it.<br /><br />President Duterte requested for the year-long extension following the recommendation of <br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana due to rising insurgency in Mindanao.<br /><br />Here is President Duterte’s reaction on the martial law extension in Mindanao until December 2018:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm1eWSyd7fE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>6. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/06/resorts-world-manila-attack-updates.html" rel="nofollow">Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians</a> (JUNE 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" title="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear as a lone gunman started opening fire. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On June 2, 2017, the Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear when a lone gunman started a violent commotion. Around midnight, the gunman started setting casino tables on fire that caused panic and eventually a stampede. He was carrying a bottle of gasoline and armed with an M4 rifle.<br /><br />When the gunman started opening fire, people started running for the exit but several decided to stay and hide. At least 36 were reported dead due to smoke inhalation of toxic fumes. One Korean guest died due to heart attack. Bodies were recovered in the casino room and bathrooms. <br /><br />By 1:30 AM, SWAT team arrived and a gunfire erupted. The gunman, allegedly wounded, locked himself in room 510 of the Maxims Hotel. He lit the room on fire and committed suicide by shooting himself in the head and setting himself on fire. Alongside his burnt body, the bag of gambling chips that he stole, a rifle and a pistol were recovered. <br /><br />A probe was opened on June 7, 2017 by the House of Representatives' Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusement. The Resorts World Manila admitted the lapse on their security but was confident they practiced their emergency protocol.<br /><br />On June 29, Resorts World resumed its gambling operations. They also hired new agency to tighten its security.<br /><br />Here is the footage showing how the armed gunman was able to enter the premises:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjwwuHxCn2U?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>7. The War on Drugs Campaign: The Ozamiz Raid and <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/08/kian-loyd-delos-santos-17-killed-caloocan-latest-update-video.html" rel="nofollow">Killing of Kian delos Santos</a> (JULY-AUGUST 2017)</b><br /><br />Even during the election campaign, President Duterte had been adamant that he will fight to stop illegal drugs in the country. The War on Drugs campaign have been rolled out and several of its stories have captured the nation. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" title="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The President presented his narco-politicians and warned everyone. Photo Courtesy: CNN Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On July 30, 2017 at dawn, a group of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted a raid on the property of Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog. The team was supposed to serve a search warrant after the Parojinogs were named as narco-politicians. Allegedly, Parojinog’s team of securities started to open fire on the authorities prompting a gunfire between the two groups.<br /><br />The raid that turned violent resulted to 15 persons killed including Mayor Parojinog and his wife. The authorities recovered several arms including a rifle, grenades, .45 pistols, about P1.4 million in cash, 500 grams of suspected illegal drugs, two cellphones, and an M16 rifle. Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog-Echavez and her brother, Reynaldo Jr were arrested and brought to Camp Crame.<br /><br />The Parojinogs denied any involvement in illegal drugs and claimed that the recovered arms and illegal drugs were “planted.” They also denied firing at the authorities and claimed that the raid was a “rubout.”<br /><br />A few months after, another controversial case had divided the nation. On August 16, 2017, a 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos was fatally shot by authorities while conducting a drug operation in Caloocan, Manila. <br /><br />A CCTV footage was able to capture two uninformed policemen dragging the minor in a dark alley where Delos Santos’ body would soon be found.<br /><br />Much controversy surrounded the event not only because Delos Santos was a minor but because the involved policemen’s version of events were different from the CCTV footage. The authorities also insisted that while Delos Santos was not on the watch list, he was actually a “runner” of illegal drugs for his uncle. <br /><br />President Duterte reminded the police to not abuse their powers. He was quoted saying to PNP Chief Dela Rosa, “hulihin mo na at kulungin mo ang mga pulis na dawit sa pagkasawi ni Kian.”<br /><br />On August 25, Delos Santos’ family filed murder and torture charges against police officers involved in the drug operation.<br /><br />Here is the meet-up between President Duterte and Delos Santos’ parents at Malacanang: <br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEmKoigUYOs?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>8. Presidential son, Paolo Duterte appears in Senate for P6.4 billion shabu issue (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />During the House of the Representatives’ investigation on the P6.4 billion worth of shabu shipment, Presidential son, Paolo Duterte and brother in-law Mans Carpio were mentioned by drug “fixer” and customs broker Mark Taguba. Taguba claims that Duterte is part of the “Davao group” that uses their influence in Customs to allow the entry of illegal drugs.<br /><br />Photos showing Duterte and other personalities involved in the drug scandal had surfaced on social media. President Duterte denied the allegations and called it mere propaganda. The President even instructed the PNP to kill Paolo if his involvement with illegal drugs is proven.<br /><br />A series of tirade had erupted between the President and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his staunch critics.<br /><br />Watch Paolo Duterte answers allegations hurled by Senator Trillanes:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9PMyXwaPZ2c?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>9. P1,000 Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 2018 budget (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />There was a public uproar when the House of Representatives gave the Commission on Human Right a 2018 budget of P1,000.<br /><br />On September 12, 2017, 119 lawmakers approved the P1,000 CHR budget. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" title="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The CHR with its leader, Chito Gascon had been very vocal of the administration’s alleged human rights abuses in its War on Drugs campaign. The agency had also been criticized for “not doing its job” and focused solely on the administration’s actions and being mum on other abuses.<br /><br />CHR Commissioner Gwen Pimentel Gana confirmed that House Speaker Alvarez had asked Gascon to resign and if not, the P1,000 budget will be approved.<br /><br />On September 20, the CHR along with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) had their 2018 budgets restored. The CHR’s 2018 budget of P508.5 million finally was approved. <br /><br />Here is Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez defending the P1,000 CHR budget:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xLaM0gU1JWU?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>10. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/dengvaxia-update-one-dead-hospitalized.html" rel="nofollow">The Anti-Dengue Vaccine, Dengvaxia Health Scare</a> (DECEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />The world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is in the middle of controversy after its makers admitted several health warnings.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" title="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare. Photo Courtesy: Mims</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The French pharmaceutical Sanofi Pasteur had released a warning about the effects of Dengvaxia to those who have no history of dengue. They admitted that the vaccine would only be beneficial to those who have already been infected with dengue before. But for those who haven’t been exposed to the dengue virus, it could cause severe hospitalisation.<br /><br />This resulted to a public uproar after almost 733,000 school children were part of the Dengvaxia national immunization program. Under the Aquino administration, the government procured P3.5 billion worth of the vaccine.<br /><br />A Senate probe had begun and former Health Secretary Janette Garin denied any anomalies surrounding the procurement of Dengvaxia. She clarified that there was no corruption or “fast-tracking” of negotiations to benefit them. Garin continued that the DOH acted “based on the data available at that.”<br /><br />Senator Richard Gordon had been vocal that the Aquino administration along the Sanofi Pasteur should be held liable for the “health scare.”<br /><br />Aquino appeared before the Senate and vowed that he acted on “good faith.” He clarified that he was not advised of the dangers of the vaccine. He was not even informed about Sanofi Pasteur’s issues of bribery and corruption in some parts of the world.<br /><br />The Senate probe is still ongoing but here is Aquino’s statement:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nIsl-Ug4mbc?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br />Which one were you most affected about?<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017. Tak...

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FULL RESULTS: 2017 PSHS NCE for AY 2018-2019 passers list

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The October 2017 Philippine Science High School (PSHS) National Competitive Exam (NCE) full results together with the list of passers for academic year AY 2018-2019 are expected to be released online between December 2017 and January 2018.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaXcelg4_XEaxgLyVqlEXHegw1xFdfCXnOjlrha3RPXgXtigxi3ycR7VzbFSe33kyOhxu2odPdqq_Uj3BYlBz38-wVCufFfgu9u9I9Uol-Vv2f5aXzWCiAy0p9HJtwOWbQrEwzeg1V5Tq/s1600/2017-nce-results-pshs-2018-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FULL RESULTS: 2017 PSHS NCE for AY 2018-2019 passers list" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaXcelg4_XEaxgLyVqlEXHegw1xFdfCXnOjlrha3RPXgXtigxi3ycR7VzbFSe33kyOhxu2odPdqq_Uj3BYlBz38-wVCufFfgu9u9I9Uol-Vv2f5aXzWCiAy0p9HJtwOWbQrEwzeg1V5Tq/s1600/2017-nce-results-pshs-2018-2019.jpg" title="FULL RESULTS: 2017 PSHS NCE for AY 2018-2019 passers list" /></a></div><br />The 2017 NCE was administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to 26,413 examinees on October 21 in several test centers nationwide. This year's total takers is up by a thousand as compared to the previous year's NCE.<br /><br />The Secretary of DOST and Chair of the PSHS System Board of Trustees will announce the names of the successful qualifiers to the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) Search for Scholars for 2018.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><b>NAME OF EXAMINEE |</b><br /><b>CAMPUS ELIGIBILITY</b><br /><b>SCHOOL | DIVISION</b><br /><br /><i>Note: This section will be updated for the official list of passers. </i><br /><div class="blinking"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Stay tuned for the results.</span></i></div><br /><b>NCE RESULTS RELEASE</b><br /><br />NCE results are usually being released every December. Same with previous years, it will be published in a major newspaper and on PSHS official website. Around 5-6% of the takers are expected to pass the examinations.<br /><br />In the same period last year, NCE results were released after three months or in January 2017 due to the delay caused by super typhoon Lawin that hit Northern Luzon areas. Of the 25,405 applicants, <b><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/01/passers-list-pshs-nce-results-for-ay-2017-2018-out.html" rel="nofollow">1,340 (5.27%) examinees</a></b> successfully hurdled the one-step screening.<br /><br />In the 2015 NCE, 1,355 out of 22,791 (5.94%) successfully passed the exams. The test which was conducted on October 3 has results released after more than 2 months or on December 13.<br /><br />For the 2014 exam, results were out online on December 20, 2014. Of the 23,660 applicants, 1,303 (5.51%) examinees passed the exam that was administered in October 2014.<br /><br /><b>PSHS NCE Overview</b><br /><br />The NCE is a scholastic aptitude test designed to measure Scientific Ability, Quantitative Ability, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Aptitude of applicants.<br /><br />Applicants include grade 6 elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply for the PSHS National Competitive Examination (NCE).<br /><br />He / She must:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>have a final grade of 85% or better in Science and Mathematics, evidenced by the student's report card. If the student's grades in Science or Math are below 85%, then, he/she must provide evidence that he/she belongs to the upper 10% of the class;</li><li>be a Filipino citizen with no pending or approved application as immigrant to any foreign country;</li><li>be born on or after August 1, 2003;</li><li>have at least a satisfactory rating (or its equivalent) in his/her Character Rating in his/her report card (SY 2016 - 2017);</li><li>not have taken the PSHS NCE previously; and</li><li>preferably, be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program.</li></ul><br />PSHS scholars get a monthly stipend in addition to free tuition and free loan of textbooks. Uniform, transportation, and living allowances are also given according to financial need. Scholars are expected to meet the highest standard of scholastic achievement and behavior.<br />The PSHSS is a specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the DOST. It is considered as the top high school in the country and is viewed to be one of the best in the ASEAN region.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

FULL RESULTS: 2017 PSHS NCE for AY 2018-2019 passers list

MANILA, Philippines - The October 2017 Philippine Science High School (PSHS) National Competitive Exam (NCE) full results together with the ...

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'Bagyong Urduja' PAGASA weather update December 17, 2018

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Urduja' known globally as Kai-tak has slightly weakened after crossing Samar Provinces and is now over Masbate area, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 11:00 a.m. update on Sunday, December 17, 2017.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSYhthPs5gZnJEQNenQk8AdytQAkdfp5caATJArHlAauYXg156WSnbZahD1XsFaFaVh-QJQL7gXw2R0yprUk2CnclWsKiKVCuk0WzX4Llmna4X88nQGpR3_1BkBNUSwY-GF7ix8e31w8t/s1600/bagyong-urduja-track-december-17-satellite.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tropical Depression Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSYhthPs5gZnJEQNenQk8AdytQAkdfp5caATJArHlAauYXg156WSnbZahD1XsFaFaVh-QJQL7gXw2R0yprUk2CnclWsKiKVCuk0WzX4Llmna4X88nQGpR3_1BkBNUSwY-GF7ix8e31w8t/s1600/bagyong-urduja-track-december-17-satellite.jpg" title="Tropical Depression Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Depression Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression 'Urduja' was estimated based on all available data at in the vicinity of Mobo, Masbate (12.3 °N, 123.7 °E).<br /><br />'Bagyong Urduja' has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move West Southwest at 15 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions: <br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow morning, December 18): In the vicinity of Manamoc, Cuyo(11.3°N, 120.7°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Tuesday morning, December 19):180 km West Northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan(10.5°N, 117.3°E)</li><li>72 Hour(Wednesday morning, December 20): 480 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(9.2°N, 114.4°E)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjMu6YleNMmaUkFrKhvmj-Qx5McfsgXv10TVsDWJ4JGgeT_c1OPbG6qoBKuzrS8HE4m_alwS1_unZ19KRXcSoDtispiVZTkAJDC62hP3hXEyvO1jzVHDCG79fZPKdGfqZ2LpbXL1ICNW-/s1600/bagyong-urduja-track-december-17.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="track of bagyong Urduja 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjMu6YleNMmaUkFrKhvmj-Qx5McfsgXv10TVsDWJ4JGgeT_c1OPbG6qoBKuzrS8HE4m_alwS1_unZ19KRXcSoDtispiVZTkAJDC62hP3hXEyvO1jzVHDCG79fZPKdGfqZ2LpbXL1ICNW-/s1600/bagyong-urduja-track-december-17.png" title="track of bagyong Urduja" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>Tropical cyclone warning signal TCWS No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs)</b> is up in the Southern part of Occidental Mindoro, southern part of Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Sorsogon, Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, and northern part of Palawan including Cuyo and Calamian Group of Islands.<br /><br />Scattered to at times widespread rains will continue over Southern Quezon, Batangas, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, and Northern Palawan including Cuyo and Calamian Group of Islands.<br /><br />Residents of these areas must undertake appropriate measures against flooding and landslides and coordinate with their local disaster risk reduction and management offices. Meanwhile, rains over Bicol Region and Visayas is forecast to gradually weaken.<br /><br />Sea travel is not advised over the seaboards of areas under TCWS.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Urduja' PAGASA weather update December 17, 2018

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Urduja' known globally as Kai-tak has slightly weakened after crossing Samar Provinces and is now ove...

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'Bagyong Urduja' PAGASA weather update December 16, 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Urduja' (international name: Kai-tak) has made landfall in the vicinity of San Policarpio, Eastern Samar, the state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 2:00 p.m. update on Saturday, December 16, 2017.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsquImBEnNy2VSgfM9BGrrstm4FPL3lbWF-VBpevF8VVYGv72GQFMy-vFzbCXsSJB7f1O2k-yo7VPpPlev9EOB_3y062oDL4N2peMFINZJEgK3jnWlS5kvlrzPb2RoCu0lFWF6_jnXPZXo/s1600/bagyong-urduja-update.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tropical Storm Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsquImBEnNy2VSgfM9BGrrstm4FPL3lbWF-VBpevF8VVYGv72GQFMy-vFzbCXsSJB7f1O2k-yo7VPpPlev9EOB_3y062oDL4N2peMFINZJEgK3jnWlS5kvlrzPb2RoCu0lFWF6_jnXPZXo/s1600/bagyong-urduja-update.jpg" title="Tropical Storm Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Storm Urduja satellite image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At 1:00 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm 'Urduja' was estimated based on all available data at In the vicinity of San Policarpio, Eastern Samar (12.2 °N, 125.3 °E).<br /><br />'Bagyong Urduja' has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 110 kph. It is forecast to move West at 15 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions: <br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow morning): 85 km West of Roxas City, Capiz (11.7°N, 122.0°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Monday morning):145 km North of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (11.0°N, 118.5°E)</li><li>72 Hour(Tuesday morning): 305 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (10.2°N, 116.0°E)</li><li>96 Hour(Wednesday morning):580 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR)(9.2°N, 113.5°E)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8I0UJWHZQrQ0Mms5Sp3QWx2NzOhpn_FLdg5N8e09F0QNiZbfLI8Wo7ff8vToGvS8hqg_o-1396__nVODaDFTlhwpG5ps-D8fUmnfWnTwJ4mQBK9u525miNApAKycwuYGGNUTrGMC2gWu/s1600/bagyong-urduja-december16.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bagyong Urduja update track" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8I0UJWHZQrQ0Mms5Sp3QWx2NzOhpn_FLdg5N8e09F0QNiZbfLI8Wo7ff8vToGvS8hqg_o-1396__nVODaDFTlhwpG5ps-D8fUmnfWnTwJ4mQBK9u525miNApAKycwuYGGNUTrGMC2gWu/s1600/bagyong-urduja-december16.png" title="bagyong Urduja update track" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />PAGASA raised <b>tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2</b> in the following areas: Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, Romblon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Aklan, Capiz and Northen Iloilo.<br /><br /><b>Signal No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs)</b> is up over Southern Quezon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cuyo Islands, Calamian Group of Islands, Antique, Rest of Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Northern Negros Oriental, Cebu, Northern Bohol, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Islands.<br /><br />Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains will continue over Bicol Region and Visayas and is expected to prevail over Southern Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque and Romblon. Residents of these areas must undertake appropriate measures against flooding and landslides and coordinate with their local disaster risk reduction and management offices.<br /><br />Sea travel remains risky over the seaboards of areas under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Urduja' PAGASA weather update December 16, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Urduja' (international name: Kai-tak) has made landfall in the vicinity of San Policarpio, Eastern Sa...

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Song lyrics, pageant craze top Philippines’ 2017 Year in Search

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Google released its annual “Year in Search,” highlighting the 2017 top trending searches in the Philippines. This year’s list shows how much Filipinos stay tuned on hit songs, international events, and television shows.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_678DTTQU6SLyjgksWiMtNsXLASxbhg7LIvgCJPV2Xa5Nz30jQcdV6AXTM4ViFB368PrzZNlgOuGmjJim9NAM5I2k6Wputj9S3IrfwBR51lgEIuuvu51FmOfcfkRRrhNuQdiVbUrYSL4/s1600/2017-year-in-search-google.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Despacito and Versace on the Floor lyrics, Miss Universe top trending topics" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_678DTTQU6SLyjgksWiMtNsXLASxbhg7LIvgCJPV2Xa5Nz30jQcdV6AXTM4ViFB368PrzZNlgOuGmjJim9NAM5I2k6Wputj9S3IrfwBR51lgEIuuvu51FmOfcfkRRrhNuQdiVbUrYSL4/s1600/2017-year-in-search-google.jpg" title="Despacito and Versace on the Floor lyrics, Miss Universe top trending topics" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year’s top trending searches: Despacito and Versace on the Floor lyrics, Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Landing on the top spot is the lyrics of Luis Fonsi’s song Despacito. The song made headlines in October after it reached over 4 billion views, making it the most watched video on YouTube worldwide.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kJQP7kiw5Fk?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><br />Even top-rising Filipino creator Niana Guerrero caught the Despacito fever and uploaded her video dancing along to the Spanish hit. This year’s second spot goes to the lyrics of Bruno Mars’ Versace on the Floor, a hit from the 24K Magic album covered by several Filipino musicians and creators, including Kris Lawrence and Kristel Fulgar.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pq_kDYumXW8" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DA2ds8kKm_Y" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />The trending topics also reflect Filipinos’ persistent pageant craze. Aside from being this year’s top three trending topic, the Miss Universe pageant landed two spots on the list of trending events. Maxine Medina, who represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in 2016, is 2017’s top trending female personality. Joining her on the list of the top trending female personalities are other beauty queens: Binibining Pilipinas-International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2017 Rachel Peters, and Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Xander Ford, formerly known as Marlou Arizala, an ex-Hasht5 member, is this year’s top trending male personality. He is also 5th trending search topic overall. The internet sensation made a public appearance on a magazine show after receiving a series of cosmetic treatments. Xander topped the list that mostly included Korean male stars such as Love in the Moonlight’s Park Bo Gum, boy group Children of Empire member Park Hyung Sik, Train to Busan’s Gong Yoo, Weightlifting Fairy’s Nam Joo Hyuk, and God of War’s Kim Joo Hyuk. <br /><br />Further proof of the enduring popularity of Korean pop culture among Filipinos is this year’s list of trending television shows. Goblin, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Love in the Moonlight, Weightlifting Fairy, and While You Were Sleeping are among the top trending Korean TV shows that made Filipino viewers swoon.<br /><br />While this year’s list proves how much Filipinos love entertainment, they also stayed vigilant on national issues. Topping the trending news items is President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address. Searches related to the military’s operations against ISIS-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City and the Martial Law declared in the area were also trending searches on Google this year.<br /><br />“In a way, the Year in Search offers us a glimpse of what we liked as a people, what issues affected us, what sparked our interest, and everything in between that appealed to our emotions the past year,” said Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Gail Tan.<br /><br /><b>Overall Top Trending Searches for 2017 in the Philippines</b><br /><br />1. Despacito lyrics<br />2. Versace on the Floor lyrics<br />3. Miss Universe 2017<br />4. Lucia Joaquin<br />5. Xander Ford<br />6. The Voice Teens<br />7. 13 Reasons Why<br />8. Baby Shark<br />9. Perfect lyrics<br />10. FIBA Asia Cup<br /><br /><b>Trending Searches for 2017 by category (Local):</b><br /><br /><b>News</b><br /><br />1. SONA<br />2. Marawi City<br />3. Hurricane Irma<br />4. Bird Flu<br />5. Kian delos Santos<br />6. Covfefe<br />7. Maute Group<br />8. Las Vegas Shooting<br />9. Manchester<br />10. Martial Law in Mindanao <br /><br /><b>Male Personalities</b><br /><br />1. Xander Ford<br />2. Park Bo Gum<br />3. Park Hyung Sik<br />4. Gong Yoo<br />5. Linkin Park<br />6. Rowan Atkinson<br />7. Gilas Pilipinas<br />8. Jake Zyrus<br />9. Nam Joo Hyuk<br />10. Kim Joo Hyuk <br /><br /><b>Female Personalities</b><br /><br />1. Maxine Medina<br />2. Gal Gadot<br />3. Kylie Padilla<br />4. Kim Tae Hee<br />5. Maureen Wroblewitz<br />6. Lee Sung Kyung<br />7. BLACKPINK<br />8. Mariel de Leon<br />9. Dayanara Torres<br />10. Rachel Peters<br /><br /><b>Events</b><br /><br />1. Miss Universe 2017<br />2. FIBA Asia Cup<br />3. Pacquiao vs. Horn Fight<br />4. NBA Playoffs<br />5. Mother's Day<br />6. Mayweather vs McGregor Fight<br />7. ASEAN Summit<br />8. Chinese New Year<br />9. Miss Universe 2016<br />10. Wimbledon <br /><br /><b>Movies</b><br /><br />1. Beauty and the Beast<br />2. Wonder Woman<br />3. Justice League<br />4. Fast and Furious 8<br />5. Fifty Shades Darker<br />6. Logan<br />7. It<br />8. Moana<br />9. 100 Tula Para Kay Stella<br />10. Kita Kita <br /><br /><b>TV Shows</b><br /><br />1. The Voice Teens<br />2. 13 Reasons Why<br />3. Goblin<br />4. The Legend of the Blue Sea<br />5. Love in the Moonlight<br />6. Encantadia<br />7. Weightlifting Fairy<br />8. While You Were Sleeping<br />9. Game of Thrones<br />10. Scarlet Heart<br /><br /><b>Songs and Lyrics</b><br /><br />1. Despacito<br />2. Versace on the Floor<br />3. Baby Shark<br />4. Perfect<br />5. Shape of You<br />6. Titibo-tibo<br />7. Say You Won't Let Go<br />8. Too Good at Goodbyes<br />9. Beauty and the Beast<br />10. How Far I'll Go <br /><br /><b>Apps </b><br /><br />1. Slitherio<br />2. Messenger<br />3. Sarahah<br />4. Summertime Saga<br />5. ROBLOX<br />6. Playpark<br />7. wormate.io<br />8. Mobile Legends<br />9. Tic Tac Toe<br />10. Trivago <br /><br /><b>Phones</b><br /><br />1. iPhone X<br />2. iPhone 8<br />3. HUAWEI Nova 2i<br />4. Oppo F5<br />5. Oppo F1s<br />6. Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro<br />7. Nokia 6<br />8. Samsung Galaxy J2 Prime<br />9. Oppo F3<br />10. Nokia 3310<br /><br />Go to <a href="http://google.com.ph/2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">google.com.ph/2017</a> to explore the rest of the 2017 Year in Search stories and top trending charts from the Philippines and around the world.<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORY</b><br /><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/watch-top-10-trending-youtube-videos-philippines-2017.html" rel="nofollow">WATCH: Top 10 trending YouTube videos in the Philippines for 2017</a><br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vI4LHl4yFuo" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><b><br /></b> <b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Song lyrics, pageant craze top Philippines’ 2017 Year in Search

MANILA, Philippines - Google released its annual “Year in Search,” highlighting the 2017 top trending searches in the Philippines. This year...

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‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Movie Review: Saga Continues In An Unexpected Way

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Two years after we were reintroduced to the galaxy, far, far away, the “Star Wars” saga films are back, this time, with a darker and deeper material that need exploring. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is expected to cultivate what JJ Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” set-up. Rian Johnson did just that and more.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mtZ2vIwowBJOXwsiyOWy8EjRxCWk59_rs-UeKNFwrDfNrameRxrskOwqeqJQcr_Awcj7PykA5NcZ7xuOi2X9hTSZUrlPtMBpAhI_WX-k8_Gb79-YSTOY9WyIDHHBXtEi7NoxJlh-9zQ/s1600/star-wars-the-last-jedi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ official ensemble poster" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mtZ2vIwowBJOXwsiyOWy8EjRxCWk59_rs-UeKNFwrDfNrameRxrskOwqeqJQcr_Awcj7PykA5NcZ7xuOi2X9hTSZUrlPtMBpAhI_WX-k8_Gb79-YSTOY9WyIDHHBXtEi7NoxJlh-9zQ/s1600/star-wars-the-last-jedi.jpeg" title="‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ official ensemble poster" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ official ensemble poster/Lucasfilm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i>*MINOR Spoilers Ahead*</i><br /><br />No time jumps needed, “The Last Jedi” immediately picked up where “The Force Awakens” left off, but in a creative way that still allows the iconic scroll to keep fans up to speed with what is happening. Rey is off to Achc-To in search of the vanished, Luke Skywalker; the Resistance is on the run with the First Order hot on its tails while Finn is recuperating nicely on what looks like an improved version, albeit less cooler looking, Bacta tank. From there, the film dives deep into the story of conflicted characters looking to either find their rightful place in all other or trying to make their way back to reclaim their spot. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ0Lr_FDbpFItCChPJX3v5v0s5vF5TIIXPA_1jV4zfH4iH5HibxYELXfNumiL7fBflPYr_guFQxIpnQ7ZBI4TaaADUl0xGcxa7n51KHink3wBGCYL1hLeGtNWRMPvu15gJNTLsDvYbsCq/s1600/star-wars-the-last-jedi-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daisy Ridley as Rey and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ0Lr_FDbpFItCChPJX3v5v0s5vF5TIIXPA_1jV4zfH4iH5HibxYELXfNumiL7fBflPYr_guFQxIpnQ7ZBI4TaaADUl0xGcxa7n51KHink3wBGCYL1hLeGtNWRMPvu15gJNTLsDvYbsCq/s1600/star-wars-the-last-jedi-2.jpeg" title="Daisy Ridley as Rey and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy Ridley as Rey and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’/Lucasfilm</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“The Last Jedi” is not your typical storytelling kind of film. If anything, it’s a highly intellectual project that left so much to everyone’s personal interpretation. Johnson cracks the lore wide open with brand new things that we have never seen before but builds it nicely on top of the existing elements of the saga. This is actually a good thing as it broadens the mythos in ways that Lucasfilm can continue branching out in other narratives to keep the franchise from being stagnant. Johnson’s bold choices, while some are still unclear, is a good indication that the saga is evolving.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />What’s interesting about this film is, separately, some of its moving parts are questionable. The Canto Bight sequence, for instance, did not hold that much ground to merit a huge chunk of the film’s time. But piecing everything together, all these elements perfectly fit with each other. It’s the the most ironic movie from the famed series -- having brilliant moments that are signature Star Wars tropes and yet, it’s also arguably the most anti-Star Wars offering from the franchise -- treading down a path that has never been explored before. We can only wonder How Johnson pulled it off in terms of writing and directing (more so, how oldtimers like Lawrence Kasdan felt about it). <br /><br />For diehards, there are a lot of callbacks and references that evoke certain kind of nostalgia. It perfectly wraps up certain storylines in a way that it’s difficult not to get a little bit emotional. Johnson served Luke’s story well, albeit in an unconventional way. This could prove to be divisive in the long run but Mark Hamill’s performance was a total success given how he is able to portray Luke's internal struggle given everything that he has been through. Cap that off with John Williams’ iconic score with Johnson’s aesthetics and it feels like it’s 1977 once again. <br /><br />Given everything that “The Force Awakens” did in terms of roping us back into the lore, it had its failures. “The Last Jedi” succeeded in acknowledging some of those including the much-hammered rehash argument. Unfortunately, it can only do so much, leaving other problematic parts of Episode VII and actually also falling into the same contraption. One of which is its inability to service each of its character in a fitting way. Although, we do commend Johnson for trying to give a bit more for Gwendolyn Christie’s Captain Phasma, it’s a shame that with such a brilliant cast, some of them were underutilized -- a weird problem given that the film is already two and a half hours long. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugldWcgJVh9Cb2R0IZg0ShahN7TxzrNBqAbq0W643DbN-l6RB6YCKQ8jI8Tj57pinvysWGh-bjxrlF4ug36d79aGdqRw2XiZGrG4LJHA9Vqg3jobAOQpE__G1_RP5pvHXzLrt9ORz13qA/s1600/star-wars-rey-finn.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in ‘Star Wars'" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugldWcgJVh9Cb2R0IZg0ShahN7TxzrNBqAbq0W643DbN-l6RB6YCKQ8jI8Tj57pinvysWGh-bjxrlF4ug36d79aGdqRw2XiZGrG4LJHA9Vqg3jobAOQpE__G1_RP5pvHXzLrt9ORz13qA/s1600/star-wars-rey-finn.jpg" title="Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in ‘Star Wars'" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’/Lucasfilm</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The original trilogy worked well because the films have a good structure, usually a three-way adventure all happening simultaneously and told seamlessly. For some reasons, this felt a bit unorganized, with jarring jumps and cuts and an odd pacing especially around the second act -- which is kind of a waterloo, except for the character build-up that is essential to the story.<br /><br />Johnson eventually pulled it together towards the end as all roads converge to one epic climax that has a mixture of heart, hope and a little bit of sass. “The Last Jedi” is a solid film worth seeing at the cinemas especially with how it sets up several characters and plot points that we hope gets addressed in Star Wars: Episode IX. <br /><br />So while it is no “Empire Strikes Back” and even “A New Hope,” “The Last Jedi” bust through a closed door, enabling it with a richer lore, one that Lucasfilm can continue to cultivate in the years to come. <br /><br />Watch official trailer here:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q0CbN8sfihY?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>— ALD, The Summit Express</b></div>

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Movie Review: Saga Continues In An Unexpected Way

Two years after we were reintroduced to the galaxy, far, far away, the “Star Wars” saga films are back, this time, with a darker and deeper ...

Read more »