FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee announced the full list of winners at the 2017 awards night (Gabi ng Parangal) held on Wednesday, December 27 at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.<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/AVvXsEhFCMjozx2QKLnBDIuY7YU-jKQzUlCqOyQ8zhQMgjTENl3gAEeiP4ygSnyGoA6cUw-UD87g7rXHL_5mXRPUusB8AB8rgIRwq3z7gbTM4pWre1HVWZJxiATu8-ZI7wxZMpIAuIre2dK4vnPF/s1600/MMFF-2017-official-entries.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCMjozx2QKLnBDIuY7YU-jKQzUlCqOyQ8zhQMgjTENl3gAEeiP4ygSnyGoA6cUw-UD87g7rXHL_5mXRPUusB8AB8rgIRwq3z7gbTM4pWre1HVWZJxiATu8-ZI7wxZMpIAuIre2dK4vnPF/s1600/MMFF-2017-official-entries.jpg" title="FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stars of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This year's magic eight entries for the full-feature and short film categories of the MMFF are vying for the top acting awards and best picture.<br /><br />Official entries include Derek Ramsey and Jennylyn Mercado's "All of You," Coco Martin's "Ang Panday," Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Pia Wurtzbach's "Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad" and Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta's "Meant To Beh."<br /><br />Also in the movie theaters today are Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman's "Deadma Walking," Jane Oineza's "Haunted Forest," Rachel Alejandro and Paulo Avelino's "Ang Larawan," and Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith's "Siargao."<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/mmff2017-ang-larawan-removed-cinemas.html" rel="nofollow">MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/ang-panday-movie-review-modern-spin-mmff-2017.html" rel="nofollow">‘Ang Panday’ Movie Review: A Modern Spin On The Iconic Filipino Superhero</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/mmff-2017-day-1-results-top-grossing-films-update.html" rel="nofollow">MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/video-metro-manila-festival-mmff-2017-official-trailers.html" rel="nofollow">WATCH: Metro Manila Festival (MMFF) 2017 eight official entries’ trailers</a></li></ul><br />films are "Anino" by Malaya Ad Castillo, "Anong Nangyari kay Nicanor Dante?" by Brian Spencer Reyes, "Black Market" by Gio Gonzalves, "Crab Mental" by Joaquin Bamba, "Gunita" by Ryceanne Marie Manlulu, "Isang Gabi" by Gio Gonzalves, "Kinalimutan Natin ang mga Bata" by Gilb Baldoza and "Noel" by Win Gonzales.<br /><br />The awards night features the newly designed trophy by art designer Clifford Espinosa of Espinosa Arts and Design.<br /><br /><b>Here's the complete list of winners for the 2017 MMFF</b> <i>(refresh page for the updates):</i><br /><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-yw4l{vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"><tbody><tr> <th class="tg-yw4l">Major Awards</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Winners</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Picture</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Actress</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Actor</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Director</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Supporting Actress</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Supporting Actor</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Ensemble Cast</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Screenplay</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Editing</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Cinematography</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Production Design</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Sound Design</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Musical Score</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Theme Song</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-yw4l{vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"><tbody><tr> <th class="tg-yw4l">Special Awards</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Winners</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Male Celebrity of the Night</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Female Celebrity of the Night</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Float Award</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">43rd MMFF My Most Favorite Film</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Children's Choice</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">People's Choice</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Special Jury Prize</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-yw4l{vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"><tbody><tr> <th class="tg-yw4l">Short Films Category Awards</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Winners</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Picture</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Special Jury Prize</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">Best Screenplay</td> <td class="tg-yw4l"></td> </tr></tbody></table></div><br />The television coverage of the awards night will be aired via delayed telecast on TV5 at 9:00 p.m.<br /><br />The festival kicked off with the Parade of Stars in Muntinlupa City on December 23.<br /><br />Nationwide screening is set from December 25 until January 7, 2018.<br /><br />While the official ranking and gross income of respective films were not announced per agreement of the MMFF Executive Committee (Execom), producers and theater representatives, it was revealed that this year's festival broke box-office records.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"This year’s Metro Manila Film Festival broke box-office records as it surpassed the 2015 first and second day gross sales. It also tripled the foot traffic to the theaters from last year," MMFF shared on their official Facebook page.</i></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>“The big achievement is bringing back our kababayans to the theaters. It took quite some time before we saw this kind of enthusiasm once again from the Filipino viewers,” said MMFF Execom Chair Tim Orbos.</i></blockquote><br />By virtue of Metro Manila Commission Executive Order No. 86-09, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Nos. 1459, 1485, 1533, 1533-A and 1647, the MMFF is held during the Christmas Season in recognition of the role of the film industry in providing artistic depictions of both this country's stories and history.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

FULL LIST: Winners, MMFF 2017 awards night

MANILA, Philippines - The 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee announced the full list of winners at the 2017 awards n...

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MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Just a day after the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 kicked off, official entry “Ang Larawan” had already been pulled out in some cinemas.<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/AVvXsEiDphjY3GYtjWz7dO0E3ht-oSgl11SNsM5oN1X9YyRva6ZC2yyoALF1ryYxnPjDUJdpVqBqtz1Lih8hP1O9uJJ6GdUoTa5VAUu9x_p1rZawFKUXLwi-i_LQpjXA-RH8ChQe4P0MsoGFeL1o/s1600/ang-larawan-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDphjY3GYtjWz7dO0E3ht-oSgl11SNsM5oN1X9YyRva6ZC2yyoALF1ryYxnPjDUJdpVqBqtz1Lih8hP1O9uJJ6GdUoTa5VAUu9x_p1rZawFKUXLwi-i_LQpjXA-RH8ChQe4P0MsoGFeL1o/s1600/ang-larawan-poster.jpg" title="MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A film based on a masterpiece by national artist Nick Joaquin, Ang Larawan struggles in the box office. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/Ang Larawan Movie</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite the MMFF policy that no entry will be removed from the cinemas during the first week, the producers of the independent film decided to concede.<br /><br />MMFF 2017 Spokesperson Noel Ferrer explained that the producers of “Ang Larawan” and the cinema owners came to a decision after learning of their first-day sales.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Ferrer added that the producers acknowledged that they don’t have audience in certain areas. He said, <i>“Mayroon talaga extreme scenario na mismong mga producers ay makikita nila na, 'Ay, hindi namin market iyan.' Kaya ibinibigay na rin nila iyong mga theaters.”</i><br /><br />The cinema owners agreed that they will continue to screen “Ang Larawan” in January 2018. <br /><br />Meanwhile, the casts and team of the indie film had been rallying to keep the critically acclaimed film. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars invited everyone to catch it in some cinemas.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Who’s watching Ang Larawan today? Show me your tickets 🙌🏻</div>— Paulo Avelino (@mepauloavelino) <a href="https://twitter.com/mepauloavelino/status/945133964955566080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Ryan Cayabyab, the musical director also urged everyone to try their work.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Ang Larawan lost the following cinemas to better performing films at the tills. Just saying. Thanks to everyone who supported the film. Meron pa rin namang ibang sinehan. Try to catch it! 😊😊😊 <a href="https://t.co/3sQz0mWraR" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/3sQz0mWraR</a></div>— Ryan Cayabyab (@ryancayabyab) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryancayabyab/status/945518219485265920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Several big names had been recommending “Ang Larawan” on social media to “give it a chance.”<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Just one final shoutout: theater owners ... please give ANG LARAWAN a chance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AngLarawanPagbigyan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">#AngLarawanPagbigyan</a></div>— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) <a href="https://twitter.com/DirekJoey/status/945653268977303552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">For those asking for straight up MMFF recommendations: I enjoyed Ang Panday the most, I think, but see Ang Larawan first, before they take it away from you.</div>— Phil Dy (@philbertdy) <a href="https://twitter.com/philbertdy/status/945481366875004933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />“Ang Larawan” was based on “A Portrait of the Artist” written by national artist Nick Joaquin. It was translated by another national Bienvenido Lumbera and music by Ryan Cayabyab. It stars Rachel Alejandro, Joanna Ampil, Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, among others.<br /><br />It had been well- applauded by critics during its premiere in the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival last month. <br /><br />Here’s the official trailer of Ang Larawan:<br /><br /><center><div class="”video-wrapper”"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a7T2DAUUvn8" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />Here’s the list of cinemas that have stopped the showing of the film:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqPtO8kIs0dVMbi17Emlr0oQm-Tel_fs4z8TAJZrAx1PP18X4wnLg5Ethm37o3Y74rJVWgE1v40LefwptjuIzp1aMIw-g8_7jLFwpeSc2xEHG9wkBW3PyPVj6-bSOGI_LTWetQNiDPZu1/s1600/ang-larawan-list-cinemas.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqPtO8kIs0dVMbi17Emlr0oQm-Tel_fs4z8TAJZrAx1PP18X4wnLg5Ethm37o3Y74rJVWgE1v40LefwptjuIzp1aMIw-g8_7jLFwpeSc2xEHG9wkBW3PyPVj6-bSOGI_LTWetQNiDPZu1/s1600/ang-larawan-list-cinemas.jpg" title="MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas" /></a></div><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="657" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAngLarawanTheMovie%2Fphotos%2Fa.478438342312232.1073741832.374860422670025%2F924397061049689%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/ang-panday-movie-review-modern-spin-mmff-2017.html" rel="nofollow">‘Ang Panday’ Movie Review: A Modern Spin On The Iconic Filipino Superhero</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/mmff-2017-day-1-results-top-grossing-films-update.html" rel="nofollow">MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/video-metro-manila-festival-mmff-2017-official-trailers.html" rel="nofollow">WATCH: Metro Manila Festival (MMFF) 2017 eight official entries’ trailers</a></li></ul><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

MMFF 2017: After just one day, “Ang Larawan” pulled out in some cinemas

MANILA, Philippines - Just a day after the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 kicked off, official entry “Ang Larawan” had already been ...

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‘Ang Panday’ Movie Review: A Modern Spin On The Iconic Filipino Superhero

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><i>*MINOR Spoilers Ahead*</i><br /><br />Continuing the lore of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated superhero icons, Coco Martin takes over the mantle as the newest wielder of the mystical sword, and technically the next in the the original Panday’s bloodline to use the weapon, Flavio III.<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/AVvXsEhH3ON-wRwHh5B3uTerKnFH-HblWw4n8XOJY80M_Rp-Q1kXmt8znlu2Mm3687bk8is6bf8wbK8DvVm2pSUgBOmPiE2RwGqGkHVYTxajIM2U969FZfQlHYETRenHmIFSsXrNIKyrFzjRsMz0/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3ON-wRwHh5B3uTerKnFH-HblWw4n8XOJY80M_Rp-Q1kXmt8znlu2Mm3687bk8is6bf8wbK8DvVm2pSUgBOmPiE2RwGqGkHVYTxajIM2U969FZfQlHYETRenHmIFSsXrNIKyrFzjRsMz0/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin.jpg" title="Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema</td></tr></tbody></table><br />'Ang Panday' puts a spin on the tale by presenting the popular actor as the third in bloodline to possess the weapon that will be useful in defeating arch enemy, Lizardo, played by Jake Cuenca.<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/AVvXsEjC1O4M1AwWwgIUajsTg3oDdb54IKCUnIhBcXS8xfvjWIHu6l2XZkC7mqDY0NlQXpOxKnDXulFYQul1lgJ4ZTX0KQuBBO5URXZObQl0v17-HDwikIbCgC4lCaRA1LlMM_9xFtsiKqKXfPGE/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin-jake-cuenca.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jake Cuenca as the new Lizardo in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1O4M1AwWwgIUajsTg3oDdb54IKCUnIhBcXS8xfvjWIHu6l2XZkC7mqDY0NlQXpOxKnDXulFYQul1lgJ4ZTX0KQuBBO5URXZObQl0v17-HDwikIbCgC4lCaRA1LlMM_9xFtsiKqKXfPGE/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin-jake-cuenca.jpg" title="Jake Cuenca as the new Lizardo in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake Cuenca as the new Lizardo in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Given that we have seen multiple iterations of the character already -- be it on the big or small screen, it’s difficult to be intrigued by this new version of “Ang Panday.” The various incarnations of Flavio had been spun in numerous ways that sometimes, it is kind of a wonder why we keep on rebooting the film in a way that seems to just be a one and done thing. Despite this, everyone can agree that the quintessential form of the Pinoy superhero remains to be Fernando Poe Jr.’s 1980 outing, and given Martin’s career trajectory seemingly trying to emulate “The King’s,” it makes sense that he gets a crack at one of his most iconic roles. Not just in terms of embodying the role, but also directing himself, just like Poe Jr. back in his day.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The best thing, however, that director Martin did with his version of “Ang Panday” is to put a contemporary flavor to it. Retreading the same story from the same origins story feels too redundant at this point. Presenting the new narrative as a continuation of the longstanding story opens up the lore in a way that the film does not film boxed by what its predecessors have set. Further, it gives the movie the ability to carve its own place in the string of “Ang Panday” films over the years. <br /><br />Unfortunately, “Ang Panday” does not offer something new in terms of cinematic storytelling. The tropes are too cliched just wrapped in a new way. Cuenca’s performance was convincing but is hindered by uncompelling motivations, leaving his iteration no different than other versions of the antagonist bar the fact that he makes Lizardo more stylish, making him scary in a different way. Understandably, the film also gets campy at times, but it’s tolerable considering the kind of mystical story that it is telling.<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/AVvXsEiWjxp8m-cSSbQXajTKSjD5A9s6eyde5QVLThSPEhuTBLqDG3pd3PNYghAi-0VYk8Ag7_QRIq7xR9_BuLoTacJVxpUjrK81TvGlXbqHE0eXKLvIRh6ZhCA2VJ8RfiwM5l6rtODj6RAwUqWa/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjxp8m-cSSbQXajTKSjD5A9s6eyde5QVLThSPEhuTBLqDG3pd3PNYghAi-0VYk8Ag7_QRIq7xR9_BuLoTacJVxpUjrK81TvGlXbqHE0eXKLvIRh6ZhCA2VJ8RfiwM5l6rtODj6RAwUqWa/s1600/ang-panday-coco-martin-2.jpg" title="Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coco Martin as the titular character in ‘Ang Panday’/Star Cinema</td></tr></tbody></table><br />All in all, Coco Martin’s “Ang Panday” is decent retelling of the age-old story. The attempt to modernize the story for a new generation of fans is commendable, but it fails short in terms of fully executing the narrative. Nonetheless, if you want a thrilling action-adventure flick, there are enough interesting plot points that make it worth your while in the cinemas.<br /><br />“Ang Panday” is one of the eight films partaking in MMFF 2017. If this isn’t your type of holiday media entertainment, check out all the other movies and see which one tickles your fancy. <br /><br /><b>Watch full trailer of 'Ang Panday' | MMFF 2017:</b><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/_reOR71wzJ4?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/mmff-2017-day-1-results-top-grossing-films-update.html" rel="nofollow">MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/video-metro-manila-festival-mmff-2017-official-trailers.html" rel="nofollow">WATCH: Metro Manila Festival (MMFF) 2017 eight official entries’ trailers</a></li></ul><b><br /></b> <b>— ALD, The Summit Express</b></div>

‘Ang Panday’ Movie Review: A Modern Spin On The Iconic Filipino Superhero

*MINOR Spoilers Ahead* Continuing the lore of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated superhero icons, Coco Martin takes over the mantle as ...

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MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 committee announced that the <b>first day of the festival was a success</b> but refused to reveal the top grossing films.<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/AVvXsEhKm_3OuTF6mlgNKixb6eBdnh1PeNrjU-vNHx-bMREr1RDBtumzyRH4L-Iac-aUNT2xNT8eOBaKGiviz7Uuj5-9I_MwZtJYBbb97v-NTZkUzdhXGzsbCvIeh5hOLMZygpvf1-yc6i_DKeYq/s1600/vice-ganda-vic-sotto-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm_3OuTF6mlgNKixb6eBdnh1PeNrjU-vNHx-bMREr1RDBtumzyRH4L-Iac-aUNT2xNT8eOBaKGiviz7Uuj5-9I_MwZtJYBbb97v-NTZkUzdhXGzsbCvIeh5hOLMZygpvf1-yc6i_DKeYq/s1600/vice-ganda-vic-sotto-2.jpg" title="Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vice Ganda and Vic Sotto. Photo courtesy of Instagram/praybeytbenjamin/bossingvicsotto</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In an interview with CNN Philippines on Tuesday, December 26, MMFF 2017 Executive Committe Member and Spokesperson Noel Ferrer was asked by Pinky Webb about the first day results.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Ferrer said, <i>"Ah hindi pwede, you know why, the producers, Executive Committe (ExeCom) and even the theater owners vowed according to rule na wala maglalabas ng ranking, official earnings and gross because they want to help the films. Kapag nilabas mo yan, may bandwagon effect, kawawa naman [independent film]."</i></blockquote><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Ferrer added that the MMFF has stiffer penalties for early release of top-grossing films.<br /><br /><i>"Even Star Cinema and ABS-CBN cannot claim na number 1 sila. From Php 20,000 na fine, it was agreed to increase to Php 200,00."</i><br /><br />Ferrer said the topgrossers will be named at the end of the festival or in January 2018.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCNNPhilippines%2Fvideos%2F2104150299824858%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />The first 4 films selected for MMFF 2017 (as announced on June 30) were Derek Ramsey and Jennylyn Mercado's "All of You", Coco Martin's "Ang Panday", Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla and Pia Wurtzbach's "Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad" and Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta's "Meant To Beh."<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORY</b><br /><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/11/video-metro-manila-festival-mmff-2017-official-trailers.html" rel="nofollow">WATCH: Metro Manila Festival (MMFF) 2017 eight official entries’ trailers</a><br /><br />Other entries to the 43rd edition of MMFF (announced on November 17) are the comedy-drama "Deadma Walking" starring Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman; horror film "Haunted Forest" starring Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal, Jon Lucas; musical film "Ang Larawan" starring Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Joanna Ampil; and the romance drama "Siargao" starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.<br /><br />The 2017 MMFF will run until the first week of 2018 in major cinemas nationwide.<br /><br />The <b>Gabi ng Parangal or MMFF 2017 awards night</b> is set on December 27 in Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. It will feature the newly designed trophy by art designer Clifford Espinosa of Espinosa Arts and Design.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

MMFF 2017 Day 1 results: Top grossing films update

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 committee announced that the first day of the festival was a success but r...

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LIST: LRT, MRT, PNR Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year schedule

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management have released adjusted train service schedule for December 24, 25, 31, 2017 (Christmas Holidays) and Jan 1, 2018 (New Year) operations.<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/AVvXsEiL8Q9BU0h2X9ICP5Du40sIhz29i_HpR9P1ZMyxE9u_2kQ3OUFa0qQTlMTJBBndsfd7r3-IWYNaD-xKIDsHZO3sStAbj3aMsyIK2sUPAMZ192mdevq9D8Z-7Ky8KNucds7bPPRqja371mVf/s1600/mrt-3-christmas-schedule-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LRT, MRT, PNR Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year schedule" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8Q9BU0h2X9ICP5Du40sIhz29i_HpR9P1ZMyxE9u_2kQ3OUFa0qQTlMTJBBndsfd7r3-IWYNaD-xKIDsHZO3sStAbj3aMsyIK2sUPAMZ192mdevq9D8Z-7Ky8KNucds7bPPRqja371mVf/s1600/mrt-3-christmas-schedule-2017.jpg" title="LRT, MRT, PNR Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year schedule" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: DOTC MRT3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>LRT-1 Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017</b><br /><br />LRT-1, the oldest mass transit system in Southeast Asia, will have shorter operations on December 24 and 31.<br /><br />It will begin its first trip from Roosevelt to Baclaran at 4:30 a.m., but the last trip will be at 8 p.m on Christmas Eve.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />On New Year's eve, LRT1 operations will be from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.<br /><br />December 24: 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.<br />December 25: 4:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br />December 30: 4:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br />December 31: 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.<br />January 1: 4:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br /><br />Normal operating schedule is from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.<br /><br /><b>LRT-2 Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017</b><br /><br />As announced on Twitter, LRT2 will also have shorter operating hours on December 24 and 31.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LRT2holidayschedule?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">#LRT2holidayschedule</a> <a href="https://t.co/MJfqUkwzB0" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/MJfqUkwzB0</a></div>— LRT2 (@OfficialLRTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialLRTA/status/943722047556825089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 21, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Westbound Santolan to Recto on December 24 will run from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, while the eastbound Recto to Santolan will be from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.<br /><br /><b>MRT Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017</b><br /><br />Due to the reduced volume of passengers, MRT will also limit its operations on December 24 to January 1.<br /><br />Here is the schedule of MRT-3 for the holidays:<br /><br />December 24: 4:45 a.m. to 8:26 p.m.<br />December 25: 6:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br />December 30: 4:45 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br />December 31: 4:45 a.m. to 8:26 p.m.<br />January 1: 6:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m.<br /><br /><b>PNR Schedule</b><br /><br />Those looking for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) train schedule may refer to the timetable posted on their <a href="http://www.pnr.gov.ph/northbound-southbound-timetable" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>.<br /><br />As of press time, no announcement yet if there will be a deviation on the normal schedule.<br /><br /><b>MMDA Advisory</b><br /><br />The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced suspension of Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Number Coding Scheme on December 26 (Tuesday) for PROVINCIAL BUSES ONLY.<br /><br /><b>RELATED BULLETIN</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/list-bank-schedule-christmas-holidays-2017-new-year.html" rel="nofollow">LIST: Bank Schedule for Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/full-list-sm-mall-hours-schedule-christmas-holidays-2017-new-year.html" rel="nofollow">COMPLETE LIST: SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year</a></li></ul><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIST: LRT, MRT, PNR Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year schedule

MANILA, Philippines - The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) management have released adjusted train service schedule for...

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LIST: Bank Schedule for Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The banking hours schedule for the 2017 Christmas holidays and operations for New Year (first week of January 2018) has been released online.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokE6FN4dgWSm6MkhkGGsk4YnrQj_SvkW5LEy2JwXWUw9yKS7L87Ww4q0TgPQcspvZi1b8avCyXeXWZliAYUpoTiMbOA4TwlMF8gPgMuML_z93Vb_4RaJ0tM7VzJMjqsmn_-NjOJDgm9t0/s1600/bank-schedule-christmas-holidays-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bank Schedule for Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokE6FN4dgWSm6MkhkGGsk4YnrQj_SvkW5LEy2JwXWUw9yKS7L87Ww4q0TgPQcspvZi1b8avCyXeXWZliAYUpoTiMbOA4TwlMF8gPgMuML_z93Vb_4RaJ0tM7VzJMjqsmn_-NjOJDgm9t0/s1600/bank-schedule-christmas-holidays-2017.jpg" title="Bank Schedule for Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year" /></a></div><br />During the long holiday break, select bank branches will be open. Check out the updated list of banks and their schedule for December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018.<br /><br /><b>RELATED BULLETIN</b><br /><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/full-list-sm-mall-hours-schedule-christmas-holidays-2017-new-year.html" rel="nofollow">COMPLETE LIST: SM Mall Hours Schedule Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year</a><br /><b><br /></b> <b>Banco de Oro (BDO) Unibank Schedule</b><br /><br />Branches of BDO will open during the holidays to continuously serve the banking needs of their clients. Schedules from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018 are as follows:<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>December 24 and 31, 2017 - Shortened banking hours of selected mall branches</li><li>December 25 and January 1, 2018 - All branches closed</li><li>December 26 to 29 and January 2, 2018 - Regular banking day</li><li>December 30 - Shortened banking hours of Saturday banking branches</li></ul><br />For the complete list of BDO branches open during this holiday season, please <b><a href="https://www.bdo.com.ph/advisory-december-24-30-31-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">view here</a></b>.<br /><br />The banks electronic channels, meanwhile, are ready to handle transactions during this season.<br /><br /><b>Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB) Schedule</b><br /><br />BPI and BFSB announced that it will extend branch operations during the holiday season. On weekdays until January 3, 2018, <a href="https://www.bpiexpressonline.com/media/uploads/5a26534dcd43a_BPI_Extended_Banking_Hours.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">119 BPI</a> and <a href="https://www.bpiexpressonline.com/media/uploads/5a26533db1295_BFB_Extended_Banking_Hours.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">49 BFSB</a> branches will have extended banking hours up to 6:00 pm.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's the list of branches that would be open on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.<br /><br /><b>Metrobank Holiday Schedule</b><br /><br />Majority of Metrobank branches will be closed on December 24, 30 to 31, 2017 but some of its branches will be open to serve the clients' banking needs. Check out <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/metrobank/holiday-advisory/1783928024960334/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">full holiday advisory here</a></b>.<br /><br /><b>Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) Schedule</b><br /><br />All PSBank branches will be closed on Christmas Day but its clients may use other channels such as ATM and online transactions. <br /><br />All branches are also closed on weekends.<br /><br /><b>Security Bank Schedule</b><br /><br />Selected branches are ready to serve on December 24, 2017 (Sunday) and December 30, 2017 (Saturday).<br /><br />All Security Bank branches will be CLOSED on the following dates:<br /><br />December 25, 2017 (Monday)<br />December 31, 2017 (Sunday)<br />January 1, 2018 (Monday)<br /><br />All ATM or Point-of-Sale machines, as well as Internet Banking facility will still be available for client's banking transactions during these dates.<br /><br />Business as usual for all branches from December 26 to 29, 2017 (Tuesday to Friday).<br /><br />For the full list of branches and schedules, <b><a href="https://www.securitybank.com/about-us/banking-advisory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">check out here</a></b>.<br /><br /><i>"Following the announcement regarding the nationwide suspension of work in Government offices, we would like to inform you that there will be no clearing and settlement of checks on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018. In this regard, we would like to remind you to fund all your check payments as early as December 22 and 29, as outward checks will be transmitted for processing on the next banking day."</i><br /><br /><b>Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Schedule</b><br /><br />As advised, there will be no check clearing and settlement on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.<br /><br /><b>Philippine National Bank (PNB) Schedule</b><br /><br />Please take note of the following branches open during the holiday:<br /><br />December 24, 2017 (Sunday)<br /><br />METRO MANILA<br /><br />6 AM - 6 PM<br />NAIA 1 - Arrival Area<br />NAIA 1 - Departure Area<br />NAIA 2 - Departure Area<br />NAIA 3 - Arrival Area<br /><br />9 AM - 4 PM<br />Q.C. - EDSA - Eton Centris<br /><br />VISAYAS<br /><br />9 AM - 1 PM<br />Boracay - Station 1 <br /><br />MINDANAO<br /><br />9:30 AM - 12 NN<br />General Santos - KCC Mall<br />Zamboanga - KCC Mall<br /><br />December 25, 2017 (Monday)<br /><br />METRO MANILA<br /><br />6 AM - 12 NN<br />NAIA 1 - Arrival Area<br />NAIA 1 - Departure Area<br />NAIA 2 - Departure Area<br />NAIA 3 - Arrival Area<br /><br />For immediate assistance, please call their 24/7 Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 573 8888. <br /><br /><b>Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM)</b><br /><br /><i>Updating for the schedule...</i><br /><br /><b>Chinabank </b><br /><br />Select Chinabank branches will open on December 30 and 31, 2017.<br /><div style="display: block; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/367778927/Chinabank-2017-Holiday-Banking-Schedule#from_embed" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="View Chinabank 2017 Holiday Banking Schedule on Scribd">Chinabank 2017 Holiday Banking Schedule</a></div><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.7729220222793488" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_6968" scrolling="no" src="https://www.scribd.com/embeds/367778927/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-Smp8ApsVdXTHVsGkR5tp&show_recommendations=true" title="Chinabank 2017 Holiday Banking Schedule" width="100%"></iframe><br /><br /><b>Maybank Holiday Branch Banking Schedule</b><br /><br />All branches will be closed on the following dates: December 23-26 and 30-January 2, 2018.<br /><br />Except for these branches, which are open to serve clients:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Main office (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., December 23)</li><li>Resorts World Manila branch (until 7 a.m. of December 24, 2017)</li></ul><br /><i>Note: Clearing and settlement will resume on December 27, 2017 and January 3, 2018.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMDBsJkge4lZfIw7b9TbE6LmuZPISBTTs7pG1H3E1K6_q-0rTt2d2Qs6Y_Od7NbjBdUlHUqoUh_9Fkl8jVRSqbQCgmBn8hyphenhyphenlfjt5harWdyQxkY_AOKHhQH8QxnqAkU_TRHQYuAgzeoLJG/s1600/maybank-schedule-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Maybank Christmas schedule 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMDBsJkge4lZfIw7b9TbE6LmuZPISBTTs7pG1H3E1K6_q-0rTt2d2Qs6Y_Od7NbjBdUlHUqoUh_9Fkl8jVRSqbQCgmBn8hyphenhyphenlfjt5harWdyQxkY_AOKHhQH8QxnqAkU_TRHQYuAgzeoLJG/s1600/maybank-schedule-2017.jpg" title="Maybank Christmas schedule 2017" /></a></div><i><br /></i> <b>UnionBank of the Philippines</b><br /><br />All branches will be closed on December 24 to 25, 30 to 31, 2017 and on January 1, 2018.<br /><br /><b>United Coconut Planters Bank</b><br /><br />All UCPB branches will be closed on the following dates: <br /><br />Monday, December 25, 2017<br />Monday, January 1, 2018<br /><br />UCPB would resume regular banking operations on:<br /><br />Tuesday to Friday, December 26 to 29, 2017<br />Tuesday, January 2, 2018<br /><br /><b>EastWest Bank</b><br /><br />All branches will be closed on Christmas Monday, December 25, 2017 and New Year’s Day.<br /><br />Weekend Banking stores would stay open to serve its clients on December 23- 24, 2017 and December 30-31, 2017.<br /><br /><b>Land Bank of the Philippines</b><br /><br />Some of Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branches would continuously serve for its clients' banking needs on December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018.<br /><br />Check out the list of branches and extension offices <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/land-bank-of-the-philippines/landbankclientadvisory-open-branches-on-december-26-2017-and-january-2-2018/1383581328417837/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">open on the said dates here</a></b>.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIST: Bank Schedule for Christmas Holidays 2017, New Year

MANILA, Philippines - The banking hours schedule for the 2017 Christmas holidays and operations for New Year (first week of January 2018) ha...

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PNP gives 8 Christmas safety tips

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - As the holidays are fast approaching, everyone is busy attending Christmas parties and buying gifts for their loved ones. During this time of festivities, we usually see increase in activities especially in the use of ATMs, online shopping, use of credit and debit cards as well as online banking.<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/AVvXsEjEA_QUX-XpYNCkgFpy9hluMs4DFQFYyEr5GiDKUS6BcAF7kUp_2978o-k6LA4DbA-hJQei-Cz0KZYeu4pZxHgqwjaykJoH2ftcBHvylr5VdfpVMjUyG5uxpwMBktyLLOP6X-IcK4C_5Y8W/s1600/christmas+shoppers-philstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="PNP gives 8 Christmas safety tips" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA_QUX-XpYNCkgFpy9hluMs4DFQFYyEr5GiDKUS6BcAF7kUp_2978o-k6LA4DbA-hJQei-Cz0KZYeu4pZxHgqwjaykJoH2ftcBHvylr5VdfpVMjUyG5uxpwMBktyLLOP6X-IcK4C_5Y8W/s1600/christmas+shoppers-philstar.jpg" title="PNP gives 8 Christmas safety tips" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filipinos rush to commercial centers for Christmas shopping. Photo Credit: Philstar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thus, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group encourages everyone to undertake the following safety measures to avoid becoming victims:<br /><br /><b>1. Be careful when using your ATM cards.</b><br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Keep your eyes open. If you’re looking at an ATM and its PIN pad looks a bit loose, or see scratches or sticky residue, be wary as scammers will often attach false fronts to the ATM with tape.</li><li>Cover the PIN pad with your hand. If there is a skimming device on the card reader, there will usually be a pinhole camera mounted underneath the top of the ATM. As the card reader captures the account information, the pinhole cameras record the customers’ PIN.</li><li>When in doubt, don’t use the ATM. The only way to prevent your ATM card from being skimmed is to recognize that the machine has been tampered with. Best to just walk away from it. If it cannot be avoided immediately change your pin using a secure ATM, preferably one attached to a bank branch.</li></ul><br /><b>2. Always protect your user name and password.</b><br /><br /><b>3. When shopping online, only purchase from trusted websites.</b><br /><br /><b>4. Beware of phishing emails or text messages that are asking you for money, your user name or password. Avoid clicking on links in emails that you receive.</b><br /><br /><b>5. When banking with the use of online facilities.</b><br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Access your accounts from a secure location. It is always good practice to access your accounts using computers and networks you know and trust. However, when the need to access accounts from remote locations arise, check the address bar on your browser – the URL of the site you are on should begin with “https”. This acts as confirmation that you are accessing your account using a secure connection.</li><li>Always logout when you are done. Logging out of your online banking session when you are finished lessens the chances of you falling prey to session exploits by cybercriminals.</li></ul><br /><b>6. When using your credit card, always be aware of where your credit card is to avoid skimming.</b><br /><br /><b>7. Make sure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software.</b><br /><br /><b>8. Only use legitimate and properly licensed software. Pirated software has been known to have malware.</b><br /><br />This advisory was the product of discussions of the PNP-ACG Advisory Council.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/5-tricks-to-avoid-overspending-this-christmas-season.html" rel="nofollow">5 tricks to avoid overspending this Christmas season</a><br /><br />"We hope that you take the necessary precautions to protect your yourselves. Should you need assistance, we, at the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, are ready to assist. You can reach us through telephone number 414-1560 and email address acg@pnp.gov.ph."<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

PNP gives 8 Christmas safety tips

MANILA, Philippines - As the holidays are fast approaching, everyone is busy attending Christmas parties and buying gifts for their loved on...

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'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 23, 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has slightly intensified as it continues to track westward over the Sulu Sea, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 a.m. update on Saturday, December 23, 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/AVvXsEghqhxe8ygUQXRhQ0Knn_K_-aJtFNdrnc2nJRSsaYZnEUinhmOgH2oH3DHn8zK3MyO9nvejw48bX8opomSu4PxqcX767dPYeoQG2tzxMFFk5FEHzB2WK8cRQR95NNB8PFe_rqGdZabaWNKH/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-1223.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 23, 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqhxe8ygUQXRhQ0Knn_K_-aJtFNdrnc2nJRSsaYZnEUinhmOgH2oH3DHn8zK3MyO9nvejw48bX8opomSu4PxqcX767dPYeoQG2tzxMFFk5FEHzB2WK8cRQR95NNB8PFe_rqGdZabaWNKH/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-1223.jpg" title="'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 23, 2017" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Storm Vinta satellite image as of 5:00 am, December 23, 2017. Courtesy of DOST-PAGASA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At 4:00 a.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Vinta was estimated based on all available data at 165 km Northwest of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (7.9°N, 121.0°E).<br /><br />'Bagyong Vinta' has maximum sustained winds of up to 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move West at 20 kph.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Forecast Positions: <br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>24 Hour(Tomorrow morning, December 24): 275 km Southwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (8.3°N, 116.7°E)</li><li>48 Hour(Monday morning, December 25): 390 km Southwest of Pagasa Island, Palawan (OUTSIDE PAR) (8.9°N, 111.3°E)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDSXyGsEiUGyaxVl2wzw15xX7AEVqNKjM94xl23fOAenzgR3TbP-c7lTBqmBBi21CFbZJLX0E_K79rv9ITeCf_gBFYwbAXZiI2lqlX7exmN4UoKLaR0gJtFCurP77zKFzL5ydUmak9ovj/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-1223-track.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="track of tropical storm Vinta" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDSXyGsEiUGyaxVl2wzw15xX7AEVqNKjM94xl23fOAenzgR3TbP-c7lTBqmBBi21CFbZJLX0E_K79rv9ITeCf_gBFYwbAXZiI2lqlX7exmN4UoKLaR0gJtFCurP77zKFzL5ydUmak9ovj/s1600/bagyong-vinta-5am-1223-track.jpg" title="track of tropical storm Vinta" /></a></div><br /><b>Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) #2 (61-120 kph expected in 24 hours)</b> has been raised over Southern Palawan. Wave Height (Open Sea) is at 4.1-14.0 meters. Coastal flooding is possible.<br /><br /><b>TCWS#1 (30-60 kph expected in 36 hours)</b> has been hoisted over the rest of Palawan, Western section of Zamboanga del Norte, western section of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.<br /><br />Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains will prevail over Palawan, while scattered light to moderate with at times heavy rains is expected over Bicol region, Visayas, Mindanao, and the rest of MIMAROPA within 24 hours. Residents of these areas must take 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 is risky over the seaboards of areas under TCWS, the southern seaboard of Mindoro provinces and the western seaboard of Aklan and Antique due to the Tropical Storm.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

'Bagyong Vinta' PAGASA weather update December 23, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Vinta' (international name: Tembin) has slightly intensified as it continues to track westward over t...

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5 tricks to avoid overspending this Christmas season

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Christmas is almost here! You might have just received your bonus this early, and now you’re just too excited to spend it on this and that, go on a shopping spree, or give gifts to your family, friends, or even to random people – sounds good, because you have a lot to spend so you won’t end up broke this season, right? NOT. The truth is, you can’t truly spend just enough without a plan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKcMj9q22YyB0MqMjABjPJi-KOYMv5Jkl9e3c9xMeZWF2QGMabJaVypO1WqcUZNjnuxuY8EYN8WpzQkTOqIFqQDxVjoiFvGFfhhZ9LdPCQZo70JukbuojaoD_XbDnCP5NaQelGrArMqnK/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-1.gif" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 tricks to avoid overspending this Christmas season" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKcMj9q22YyB0MqMjABjPJi-KOYMv5Jkl9e3c9xMeZWF2QGMabJaVypO1WqcUZNjnuxuY8EYN8WpzQkTOqIFqQDxVjoiFvGFfhhZ9LdPCQZo70JukbuojaoD_XbDnCP5NaQelGrArMqnK/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-1.gif" title="5 tricks to avoid overspending this Christmas season" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>So, how do you plan it out?</b> Perhaps you’ve been reading too many budgeting tips since the –ber months started, so you might have noticed by now what they have in common. If you’re trying to come up with a Christmas spending strategy, but you’re flooded with the hundreds of advices that you don’t know what to follow anymore, go back to basics and keep it simple. Make your funds work with you with these five straightforward tips.<br /><br /><b>1. Do your pre-Christmas cleanup.</b> There’s more to it than just decluttering your closet. Cleaning before Christmas will help you find the stuff you barely or never used—those that take up too much of your space. Try selling them. Or give them to friends or family members. How about give them away as charity gifts? You can also draw ideas from the things you’ll find: What do I have here? What do I NOT have here? What more do I need?<br /><br /><b>2. Make a list.</b> We know there are too many gift ideas you’d like to try, but before you rush in to Christmas shopping without a battle plan, you might want to think twice. Identify what’s worth your budget – if you already set a budget! Making a list (and checking it twice) is a must when you’re playing Santa Claus for this season. It will help you plan and keep track of your spending, and most importantly, help you avoid impulse buying.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><b>3. Check online. </b> Now that you know what you need, you might also aim for a cheaper version or an alternative. From the many hours you spend on social media, try to take at least 30 minutes of it to research on the items you want to buy. This will give you info about the product, or maybe if you know where to look, you’ll even find good deals. So by the time you do the real shopping in a physical store, you’ll know the price range and specifications of your items. This will save your precious time!<br /><br /><b>4. Take advantage of promos and discounts.</b> You know the best thing about online research? You get to discover more affordable options. If you already set a spending limit to your Christmas shopping, then buying things on sale or availing of promos might just be good for you; with cheaper purchases or installment promos, you’ll get a chance to add more items to your list without exceeding that limit. <br /><br /><b>5. Set your budget. Stick to it.</b> Have we mentioned this already? —Let us say it again: avoid impulse buying. You’ve already tidied up your closet, made a list, checked online, so now you know what you’re going to buy when you visit the mall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EotNzvyHgni7WKu0965KL79R1UjZftZ5xgJYQ26e6dUUrV2wNftNY1O4YQ6BaTOEpUP7Gal87WZTnaAI5qgqUqb90M5FXPBmY1TEwQkxfmdmjgey9pSf3HoS8a5tSQTOiGbGr21TPGQ7/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-shopping.gif" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Set your budget Christmas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EotNzvyHgni7WKu0965KL79R1UjZftZ5xgJYQ26e6dUUrV2wNftNY1O4YQ6BaTOEpUP7Gal87WZTnaAI5qgqUqb90M5FXPBmY1TEwQkxfmdmjgey9pSf3HoS8a5tSQTOiGbGr21TPGQ7/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-shopping.gif" title="Set your budget Christmas" /></a></div><br />We know self-control is hard to practice when you find something that really appeals to you, but staying within your limits is crucial if you don’t want to overspend. If you really can’t help it, remind yourself of #4. And you’d be surprised – you may even get the product you want by paying through monthly installments that fit your budget.<br /><br /><b>Installments? But I have no credit card!</b> Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Home Credit lets you easily afford the things that matter to you. Even without a credit card, you can pay for it through installments at 0% interest. Through a simple, easy, and fast process, you can take home that item you want and still have a budget to spare.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcvL6QchABBsxrQxSdxg0S8lqgXY-K7vC5BWmAz_iyJd4ZnIbO4FV-SIEo7gDUyOYJTcHAyHqItMG7EJJzjZgpgWPUcumezSk7hnFujfWKZFFClhHd6ttFtmvZPbC3KPJA2j9sr_JcpGd/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-shopping-budget.gif" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Set your budget Christmas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcvL6QchABBsxrQxSdxg0S8lqgXY-K7vC5BWmAz_iyJd4ZnIbO4FV-SIEo7gDUyOYJTcHAyHqItMG7EJJzjZgpgWPUcumezSk7hnFujfWKZFFClhHd6ttFtmvZPbC3KPJA2j9sr_JcpGd/s1600/meme-christmas-overspending-shopping-budget.gif" title="Set your budget Christmas" /></a></div><br />Now if you succeeded with these tips, why don’t you reward yourself with that spare budget? You deserve it!<br /><br />The tricks to avoid overspending take less effort and more diligence in staying inside your budget. So if you already set a limit to your spending but can’t stop yourself from buying the things that interest you, check your available resources, make your list, and do your research – you might find good deals that are just waiting for you!<br /><br />For more info about Home Credit’s promos, loan applications, and store locations, visit www.homecredit.ph.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

5 tricks to avoid overspending this Christmas season

Christmas is almost here! You might have just received your bonus this early, and now you’re just too excited to spend it on this and that,...

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'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...

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