Friday 19 July 2024

Philippines has won the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024

PH bags best ports of call award amid intensified cruise tourism push

Philippine News Agency 
July 19, 2024

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has won the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024 award at the 10th Asia Cruise Awards in Jeju Island, South Korea amid the government’s intensified push to boost the country’s cruise tourism.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) received the award during a ceremony at the Asia Cruise Forum on July 10.


Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the award highlights the efforts of cruise tourism stakeholders in revitalizing the country’s cruise industry post-pandemic.

“These accolades reaffirm our vision and validate our efforts in positioning our country as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts,” she said.

The annual Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju provides a platform for cruise industry stakeholders to collaborate on creating a competitive advantage for Asia in the cruise tourism landscape.

In announcing the citation, the DOT said the Asia Cruise Awards, celebrated during the Asia Cruise Forum, honors excellence across various sectors of the cruise industry.

Other awards presented at the ceremony include Asia’s Best Cruise Ship, Asia’s Best Cruise Homeport, and Special Achievement Awards.

Awardees are selected by the Asia Cruise Leaders’ Network, which comprises 74 member organizations from nine countries, and in which the Philippines is currently an observer.

In 2023, the country bagged the Asia’s Best Cruise Destination award during the World Cruise Awards.

Earlier this week, the DOT also launched the cruise visa waiver, which eases the entry for visa-required foreign nationals vacationing on a cruise ship in the Philippines.

For 2024, the DOT anticipates at least 117 port calls.

Thursday 18 July 2024

Jollibee Is Named Best Fried Chicken Chain In 2024

Customers Just Chose the Best Fried Chicken Chain In 2024—And It's Not Chick-fil-A

The top-rated fast-food fried chicken in 2024 comes from a chain you may not have heard of.

Eat This, Not That
eatthis.com
Zoe Strozewski
July 18, 2024 

Fast-food fans have officially cast their votes and chosen the best fried chicken chain in America in 2024. And while you might expect the winner to be a company with a national presence and widespread name recognition—such as Chick-fil-A—this year's champion has a much smaller presence in select parts of the country.

USA Today published its 10Best Readers' Choice Awards on July 17, giving readers insight into the most beloved fast-food options and companies in 2024. The news site compiles the awards annually by having editors and fast-food experts pick their top food items and chains in categories such as the best fast-food burger, best fast-food fried chicken, best fast-food fries, and best overall fast-food chain. USA Today readers then choose the winners by casting votes. 

Jollibee is this year's winner in the category of fast-food chain with the absolute best fried chicken.


This is an impressive feat considering the fierce competition Jollibee faces from major chicken chains. Chick-fil-A, for example, is America's largest chicken chain by sales and operates more than 3,000 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Meanwhile, fellow chicken giant Popeyes has been growing in popularity and ended last year with more than 3,000 locations in the United States alone.

While Jollibee operates more than 1,500 restaurants globally—the majority of which are in the Philippines— only 100 of its stores are in North America. However, the latest 10Best Readers' Choice Awards results indicate that the chain is quickly gaining traction and developing a devoted fanbase on the continent. Founded in the Philippines, Jollibee serves burgers, sweet spaghetti, tropical handheld pies, chicken sandwiches, and its signature bone-in Chickenjoy Fried Chicken with savory gravy.

7 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Fried Chicken

"With 100 stores in North America, and more than 1,500 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world. They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," USA Today's 10Best editors wrote.

Fast-growing Pollo Campero took second place in the 10Best fast-food fried chicken category in 2024. Guthrie's Chicken, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders, Popeyes, Golden Chick, Chick-fil-A, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, and Bojangles made up the rest of the top 10, respectively. 

BBM era ushers in economic boom

Marcos Jr. era ushers in economic boom: Philippines’ over 6% growth outpaces Southeast Asian neighbors

BILYONARYO.COM
July 17, 2024

The Philippine economy has clocked more than 6 percent growth since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022.

According to Marcos’ economic managers, the average growth rate hit 6.1% from the third quarter of 2022 to the first quarter this year, eclipsing regional peers like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

This momentum is expected to carry through 2024 and 2025, with the Development Budget Coordination Committee forecasting a growth range of 6.0-7.0 percent and 6.5-7.5 percent, respectively.

The IMF and ADB echo this optimism, both projecting at least 6 percent growth for the Philippines in the next two years.

Domestic demand and a rebound in merchandise exports, particularly electronics, fueled the 5.7 percent growth in the first quarter.

Continued infrastructure spending and buoyant service exports, including tourism and business process outsourcing, also played a role.

However, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cautioned that long-term sustainability hinges on infrastructure development and economic diversification.

The government’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 prioritizes infrastructure investment to create jobs, boost competitiveness, and improve regional connectivity.

Balisacan highlighted the “Build Better More” program’s 185 flagship infrastructure projects, valued at P9.54 trillion as crucial for achieving the 5-6% annual infrastructure spending target.

The program has seen three project completions so far, with 63 underway, 31 approved, and others in various stages of development.

ADB: PH to post the highest growth in ASEAN

Philippines to lead ASEAN in growth – ADB

Story by Louella Desiderio 
18 July 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine economy is expected to post the fastest growth in Southeast Asia this year and next, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Asian Development Outlook July report released yesterday showed that the multilateral lender has retained its growth outlook for the Philippines for this year and 2025. 


In particular, the ADB expects the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth for this year at six percent, unchanged from the forecast it provided last April.

This forecast is at the low end of the government’s six to seven percent economic growth goal for the year.

ADB’s GDP growth forecast for the Philippines, if realized, will make the country the fastest growing economy along with Vietnam in Southeast Asia.

The ADB expects lower GDP growth rates in other countries in the region such as Indonesia (five percent), Malaysia (4.5 percent), Thailand (2.6 percent) and Singapore (2.4 percent).

The ADB also kept its economic growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.2 percent for 2025.

This forecast is lower than the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent GDP growth target for next year.

Based on its projections, the ADB expects the Philippines and Vietnam to have the highest economic growth rates in Southeast Asia next year.

Philippine GDP growth was at 5.7 percent in the first quarter of the year, slower than the 6.4 percent expansion in the same period last year, but faster than the 5.5 percent growth in the fourth quarter of last year.

The country’s first quarter economic growth was supported by domestic demand, along with a recovery in merchandise exports.

ADB’s report also showed inflation forecasts for the Philippines were untouched at 3.8 percent this year and 3.4 percent next year, both within the central bank’s two to four percent target range.

Inflation in June eased to 3.7 percent, snapping four months of acceleration amid slower upticks in energy and transport costs.

From January to June, inflation averaged 3.5 percent, within the two to four percent target of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“Moderating inflation and expected monetary easing in the second half of 2024 will support household consumption and investment,” the ADB said.

In contrast to the ADB’s optimistic view, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus 3 (ASEAN+3) Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) trimmed its growth outlook for the Philippines for this year and in 2025.

AMRO’s Quarterly Update of the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook report released on Monday showed that the Philippine economy is expected to post 6.1 percent growth this year, down from the previous forecast of 6.3 percent.

The revised 2024 GDP forecast for the Philippines, however, is within the government’s six to seven percent economic growth target for the year.

AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor said in an online briefing that the economic growth forecast for the Philippines was shaved in light of recent data.

For 2025, AMRO also cut its economic growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.3 percent from 6.5 percent previously.

This new forecast is below the 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth goal set by the government for next year.

Khor said AMRO also trimmed the growth forecasts for many of the countries in the region as the recovery in the external sector is turning out to be weaker than expected.

Wednesday 17 July 2024

Miss Universe 2022 wants global spotlight on Filipino fashion

R’Bonney Gabriel wants to shine global spotlight on Filipino fashion

Story by Armin P. Adina 
Inquirer.net
17 July 2024

Filipino-American sustainable fashion designer and 71st Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel has been in the Philippines for months now, taking on hosting jobs and exploring the country’s fashion and culture. And she has gained new skills along the way, one of which is weaving indigenous fabrics.


The beauty queen tried using two different hand looms at the Pinas Sadya pop-up store in Rockwell Center in Makati City when it opened on July 15 — one machine was a conventional type with pedals, while the other one was designed for individuals with disabilities and had hand-operated levers instead.

“You know it was easy to learn. I know I only did it a little bit, but I can definitely see it being very therapeutic. Because when I’m at home, sometimes I’m just sewing, and I just listen to music. I could do that for hours and hours. And I think the same with a hand loom,” Gabriel told INQUIRER.net.

She will bring her finished fabric back to the United States to incorporate it into her design, but there is another thing that she wants to take home, the hand loom itself. “I would love to have one one day. I think it’s really cool. I’ve tried it before, but I learned a new technique today,” Gabriel shared.

The Texas-based beauty said there were several ideas coming to her mind already, and she could use the woven piece in a handbag or combine it with another fabric. “I love denim. So I would love to do something like that. But yeah, I could go on and on about different ideas,” she said.

“As a fashion designer, I think the design aspect and the craftsmanship should really be highlighted on the global stage. And I think it’s definitely possible. I hope I can help in doing that,” Gabriel said when asked about her thoughts on Filipino fashion pieces.

“Sustainable fashion design is more than just recycling materials. It’s also being purposeful and intentional with clothing. It’s not just making clothing because they’re beautiful. And all the designers here are really supporting communities, in communities where you came from as well. And these are slow techniques that can’t be made extremely fast and in big production, so they’re very special. And for me, I love seeing it,” she added.

The store showcases the contemporary weave of Soari, binakol by the Tinguian tribe of Abra, Manobo weave of Agusan del Sur, abaca weave of Sibagat, hand embroidery in Lake Sebu, inaul of Maguindanao, balud langkat of Marawi, t’nalak weave of South Cotabato, tangkulo of the Bagobo tribe, yakan of Zamboanga, pis syabit of Sulu’s Tausug tribe, leather tannery of Bulacan, metal works of Cebu, contemporary weave of Kabangkalan, kantarines of Isabela, barong embroidery of Lumban, silk cocoon and piƱa of Aklan, beadworks of Bulacan and bag artistry of Marikina.

“I’m going crazy. I love stores like this, they’re just so unique. I mean, all of the pieces really tell a story without even saying anything. You can look at the mixture of the patterns. And for me as a Filipino-American, I grew up in America, and one of my goals coming here was to learn more about Filipino culture, and a store like this is doing just that,” said Gabriel of the Pinas Sadya store, which also carries curated pieces from Vesti and Wear Your Culture.

She said she has discovered a lot about Filipino fashion and cites abaca as her “newest obsession.” She has also observed that each region of the Philippines has different embroidery patterns and techniques, “so it’s so diverse as well.”

Gabriel said she believes the world needs to see more of Filipino fashion. “I’m always speaking about it. I’m always trying to wear pieces that are locally made. And I love to tell the story behind them because these pieces are so special,” she said.

“It’s visiting stores like this, meeting with the actual designers, and hearing where they came from, what the purpose of their designs are, and sharing that story through my platforms, their store visits, their videos through content, just really spreading the word as much as I can,” Gabriel added.

Makati's The Curator in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024

The Curator in Makati bags 33rd spot in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024

Story by Ayie Licsi 
Philstar Global
17 July 2024

Makati's The Curator has again made the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars for the ninth year.


50 Best has released its full list of top choice bars across the continent after previously revealing its 51 to 100 list. Southbank Cafe + Lounge made the rankings placing at 82.

For the top 1 to 50 bars, The Curator emerged as no. 33, being the lone bar in the Philippines.

The top 1 best bar in Asia is Bar Leone in Hong Kong, with Zest in Seoul in second place, and Jigger & Pony in Singapore in third place. Hong Kong's Coa and Tokyo's Bar Benfiddich round out the top 5. Singapore had 11 bars in the 2024 list.

Established in 2016, The Curator is located in Legazpi Village in Makati and has been on the list since. It also won the accolade as The Best Bar in the Philippines for the fourth time this year.


50 Best describes the Makati bar as an "excellent hostelry" with a dedication to caffeinated beverages and mixed drinks. It also took note of the cocktails served in an intimate backroom and how The Curator hosts international bartender takeovers.

The bar's menu features drinks designed with notable figures in mind. For example, The First Refrain is inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda and "delivers a symphonic combination of whiskey, chai-spiced red vermouth and bitters," as per the list.

Other bars that made the list include Nutmeg & Clove in Singapore, BKK Social Club in Bangkok, Penrose in Kuala Lumpur, Argo in Hong Kong, VirtĆ¹ in Tokyo, Penicillin in Hong Kong, Craftroom in Osaka, Bar Mood in Taipei, Barc in Kathmandu, Alice in Seoul, and The Haflington in Hanoi.

The Asia's 50 Best Bars list was fully unveiled on July 16 at a live awards ceremony at Rosewood Hong Kong.

IMF: Philippines is expected to be the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia

IMF: Philippines growth fastest in ASEAN, 2nd in Asia

Story by Keisha Ta-Asan
PhilStar Global
17 July 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is expected to be the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia and second fastest in Asia over the next two years, according to the latest World Economic Outlook released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).


Based on the latest economic outlook update, the IMF maintained its six percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines this year.

If realized, the country’s economic growth would be the fastest among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the second-fastest among selected Asian economies, following India’s seven percent.

The Philippines is projected to surpass China (five percent), Indonesia (five percent), Malaysia (4.4 percent), Kazakhstan (3.5 percent) and Iran (3.3 percent) in terms of GDP growth this year.

It will also be above Thailand (2.9 percent), Egypt (2.7 percent), South Korea (2.5 percent), Pakistan (two percent), Saudi Arabia (1.7 percent) and Japan (0.7 percent).

For next year, the IMF expects the Philippine economy to grow by 6.2 percent. The growth target will also be the fastest in ASEAN and second-fastest among Asian economies, behind India’s 6.5 percent.

The latest growth forecasts will also be above the projections of the IMF for the ASEAN-5, which is composed of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It sees the region growing by 4.5 percent this year and 4.6 percent next year.

“Asia’s emerging market economies remain the main engine for the global economy,” the multilateral lender said, adding that robust growth in India and China will account for half of global growth this year.

“Yet prospects for the next five years remain weak, largely because of waning momentum in emerging Asia,” the IMF said.

Earlier in June, the IMF lowered its growth forecast for the Philippines to six percent this year from the 6.2 percent forecast it gave in its April World Economic Outlook mainly due to the slower than expected growth in the first quarter.

Still, GDP growth is expected to pick up in 2025 amid continued pickup in domestic demand, investment and consumption, IMF mission chief Elif Arbatli Saxegaard earlier said.

Stable inflation and easing monetary policy would also help support the economy next year, she said.

The IMF forecasts inflation to average 3.4 percent this year, lower than the six percent full-year inflation in 2023. It is also below the 3.8 percent risk-adjusted forecast of the Philippine central bank.

Tuesday 16 July 2024

Filipino designer is the creator of Miss Universe Thailand 2024 evening gown

Filipino designer Rian Fernandez is the creator of Miss Universe Thailand 2024 Opal Suchata's evening gown

GMA Integrated News
July 16, 2024 

Miss Universe Thailand just recently crowned their new queen, Opal Suchata, from Bangkok!

During the coronation night on July 14, the beauty queen wore a stunning creation by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez.

According to Rian’s Instagram post, the off-shoulder trumpet gown, designed with hand-embroidered glass crystals, was inspired by Bangkok’s rich artistry.


“Opal’s gown symbolizes triumph over adversity. The ribbon detail honors those touched by breast cancer, reflecting Opal’s personal journey and unwavering spirit. In radiant gold and silver tones, this gown embodies Opal’s courage, making her a true beacon of grace and empowerment,” Rian said.


This is the first time that the gown worn by the winning candidate was made by an international designer.

“As the first international designer to win in Miss Universe Thailand pageant history, my heart overflows with gratitude to my RF artisans,” Rian said in another post. “Together, we shattered boundaries and painted an ensemble of collaboration, love, and triumph. This is not just a win; it’s a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of unity.”

Rian was also the designer behind the evening gown of Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, as well as the Champagne gown Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi wore during her appearance at Miss Universe Thailand 2023.

Meanwhile, Opal will be representing Thailand at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant alongside other national titleholders, including Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo.

— Carby Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News

Monday 15 July 2024

St. Luke’s earns prestigious medical tourism designation

World-class care, Filipino hospitality: St. Luke’s earns prestigious medical tourism designation

BILYONARYO.COM
July 15, 2024

St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) has been officially recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the country’s premier healthcare tourism facility.


This recognition highlights SLMC’s commitment to world-class medical care and positions the Philippines as a premier destination for international patients.

It showcases SLMC’s well-equipped facilities, comprehensive medical services and cutting-edge technology for all types of procedures.

As the lead medical tourism facility, SLMC will play a crucial role in promoting the Philippines as a destination for affordable, high-quality medical care, while offering patients the chance to experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, SLMC president and CEO, sees this recognition as a validation of SLMC’s dedication to uphold the highest standards of patient care, transform the country into a global medical tourism powerhouse, and collaborate with industry partners to elevate the entire Philippine healthcare system.

“We are proud to be recognized by the DOT for our efforts in providing quality healthcare to all patients, regardless of where they come from. SLMC’s hospitals in Quezon City and Global City are staffed by locally and internationally acclaimed medical experts and are equipped with the latest and state-of-the-art healthcare technology, thus providing optimal patient outcomes through cost-competitive treatments and services,” he said.


Philippines: A Rising Star in Travel & Tourism

The Philippines: A Rising Star in Travel & Tourism with Lucrative Opportunities

Travel & World Tour
Monday, July 15, 2024

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in the Philippines. The sector’s economic contribution, job numbers, and visitor spending are all expected to reach new highs.


Economic Contribution

The sector’s contribution to the national economy is set to surpass ₱5.4 trillion this year, marking an almost 25% year-on-year growth and soaring 7.1% above the previous 2019 peak. Travel & Tourism now represents more than one-fifth (21.3%) of the country’s economy, highlighting its critical role in supporting the nation and local communities.

Employment and Visitor Spending

Employment in the sector is projected to exceed 9.5 million jobs, accounting for 20% of the national workforce. Both international and domestic visitor spending are also set to break records, reaching ₱715.6 billion and ₱3.7 trillion respectively, surpassing 2019 levels by 5.7% and 1.8%.

Infrastructure and Government Efforts

This growth underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing tourism infrastructure. Efforts are underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila’s main airport and make travel more accessible. Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, commented on the progress: “The remarkable progress of the Philippines’ Travel & Tourism sector highlights the government’s dedication, putting it at the forefront of its national agenda and continuing to improve infrastructure. This unwavering commitment has not only driven economic growth but also enhanced the global standing of the Philippines as a top travel destination.”

2023 Recap and Future Projections

In 2023, the Philippines’ Travel & Tourism sector grew by 83.6% to reach ₱4.34 trillion, representing 17.9% of the country’s total economic output, though it remained 14% below 2019 levels. The sector created over 608,000 new jobs, bringing the total to nearly 9 million, still trailing 2019 levels by 5.4%. Both international and domestic spending saw significant increases, growing by 104.2% and 83.4% to reach nearly ₱630 billion and ₱2.9 trillion respectively.

Looking ahead, World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that by 2034, the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to nearly ₱9.5 trillion, 22% of the Philippines’ economy. Employment in the sector is projected to exceed 11.9 million people, with one in five residents working in Travel & Tourism.

Southeast Asia Outlook

This year, Southeast Asia’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to grow by 20.6% to reach ₱21 trillion, representing 9.7% of the region’s economy and surpassing the 2019 peak. Jobs are expected to reach over 42.4 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 5.6% and surpassing 2019 levels. International spending is set to grow by 33.2% to hit ₱8.6 trillion, while domestic visitor spending is set to grow by almost 15.8% to reach ₱10.3 trillion.

World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow over the next decade with GDP contribution set to reach almost ₱36 trillion. Jobs are forecast to exceed 56.5 million, creating more than 14 million new jobs.

This research was carried out in partnership with Oxford Economics, with information sourced from UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), Oxford Economics, and authoritative national databases. All values are in constant 2023 prices and exchange rates, as reported in March 2024, and given in ₱.

About World Travel & Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs, and Presidents of the world’s leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, World Travel & Tourism Council has been committed to raising awareness among governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.

Taiwan foundation sponsors scholarship for Filipino youth

Taiwan-Philippines scholarship program empowers Filipino youth

The Manila Times 
15 July 2024

The Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation (TPEDF) remains very active in advancing its main cause — providing education for deserving but less privileged Filipino youth by sending them to various Taiwanese learning institutions.


For the upcoming school year, the Foundation is again sponsoring the plane tickets of about a thousand students in pursuit of higher education in Taiwan. Slated for August and September flights, these students represent the most outstanding applicants who are recipients of three-year scholarships to Taiwan's famed technological universities with a comprehensive seven-year training program. Those who complete the academic requirements are awarded with a bachelor's degree and an opportunity to be matched with enterprises for employment.

The Foundation is headed by Chai-Liang Lin as the Chief Executive Officer, who aside from being a businessman, is a staunch advocate of education which is a key factor in improving societies and economies. Lin is joined by other foundation stalwarts Kuo-Fang Su, Chairman; Ya-Hui Huang; Chia-Hsiang Lu; Kuo-Chen Wu and I-Ho Hsieh.

They have been providing for the airfares of the students for many years. The project is also annually made successful through the vibrant support of the of Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Taipei Economic Cultural Office (Teco) in the Philippines, which is the main organization behind these scholarship program.

Sunday 14 July 2024

The jeepney — a moving canvas, a Filipino heritage

The jeepney — a moving canvas, a Filipino heritage

By Lander P. Blanza
The Manila Times
July 14, 2024

The Willys Jeep was created in response to the US Army's need for a light, durable, and versatile vehicle. Its innovative design included a powerful yet efficient 60-horsepower engine, a rugged four-wheel drive system, and a distinctive flat-fender body style. Willys and Ford produced over 639,000 Jeeps during World War II. The Jeep was equipped with a four-cylinder 60-horsepower engine and weighed 2,200 pounds. These vehicles were used by the G.I.s during WWII, and many were abandoned afterward.

During peacetime, many Filipinos were left without transportation, facing the challenges of total destruction, particularly in Manila and the suburbs. However, the Filipinos' resourcefulness was evident as they repurposed the abandoned Willys jeeps left by the US soldiers, rebuilding and modifying them to cater to the needs of the impoverished citizens.


This transformation gave birth to the iconic jeepneys, which have since become an integral part of daily life in the Philippines, serving as a vital mode of transportation since the 1950s.

Filipinos transformed these jeeps into passenger jeepneys using galvanized or stainless steel for the body, fabric covers instead of side windows, and longitudinally mounted benches with space for 20 or even more passengers.

The most interesting part was the body designs done by Filipino artists; they were meticulously designed with brilliant colors and patterns, featuring a diverse range of inspirations. These included tourist spots in the country, such as the iconic Mayon Volcano, album designs of rock legends, and many more. This variety of influences is a testament to the rich cultural landscape of the Philippines.

These designs, which became the norm in the manufacturing of jeepneys, turned the vehicles into captivating moving canvases.

The jeepneys, always vibrant and adorned with religious symbols and intricate designs that fascinate the eye, dominate Manila and serve specific routes throughout the country.


In theory, jeepney drivers are expected to adhere to designated stops. However, they exhibit remarkable adaptability in reality, stopping anywhere they're flagged down or wherever a passenger wishes to disembark. If their jeepneys are not filled to capacity, drivers reduce their speeds to a minimum, always primed to pick up a new passenger. It's important to understand that maintaining a high volume of passengers is essential.

With its simplicity and low cost, the jeepney has made it a cultural icon. It's crucial that the community carefully consider any proposed changes to the system, ensuring that people's voices are heard and our needs are met.

According to a study, there are approximately 179,000 jeepneys nationwide, most of which are several decades old. These jeepneys, with their diesel engines, are significant contributors to air pollution. Therefore, it is essential for the government and all stakeholders to join forces in addressing this pressing issue.

Undeniably, the problems with these old jeepneys underscore the critical need for collaboration. The phase-out of jeepneys in the Philippines due to modernization initiatives affects drivers and passengers. Drivers are encountering challenges such as reduced income, miscommunication leading to inconsistent perceptions, and competition from alternative modes of transport such as motorcycle taxis.

However, the decision to preserve these iconic vehicles is not solely in the hands of policymakers. With their appreciation for art and culture, the public can play a significant role in advocating for preserving the traditional body designs of jeepneys.

It is crucial to heed the advice of art critics and Senator Raffy Tulfo, who in a hearing with the LTO, stressed the need to preserve the jeepney's iconic features. These elaborate and captivating body designs, along with the longer, taller, and safer modern jeepneys, are not just vehicles, but tapestries of Filipino life. The jeepneys, an unofficial national symbol, are a moving canvas, a true Filipino heritage.

Philippines aims to be among top 3 in Asean in internet connectivity by 2028

Philippines aims to be among top 3 in Asean in internet connectivity by 2028

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star
July 14, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is aiming to be within the top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of internet connectivity by 2028, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.


DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the agency wants to see the country’s score continue to improve in the ICT Development lndex being released by the International Telecommunication Union.

“We aim that if we continue this trajectory of a 14-percent increase in our index in the past years, then I’m hoping that by 2028, we could probably be in the top three in ASEAN,” Uy said during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City in Tarlac.

The 2024 ICT Development Index showed the Philippines had an overall score of 74.4 out of 100, up from 65 in 2023.

Uy said the latest score places the country at sixth or seventh among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

To get into the top three in ASEAN, he said investments would be needed.

“Our ASEAN neighbors are not sitting back and relaxing. They’re also infusing huge amounts of investments in their internet connectivity. So, we need to double what they’re putting. If they’re putting P1, we need to put P2 because we are the ones trying to catch up,” he said.

While the agency is getting funding from the national budget to improve digital connectivity, he said the agency is also initiating other modes to secure funding to accelerate its efforts.

According to Uy, the $280 million Philippine Digital Infrastructure Program (PDIP) funded by a loan from the World Bank, forms part of efforts to improve connectivity.

“This is one of the strategies that we adopted in order to speed up our national broadband and our connectivity,” he said.

Approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Marcos last month, the PDIP is the DICT’s flagship initiative to enhance broadband connectivity and bring high speed internet to disadvantaged areas.

The project involves the construction of a public broadband infrastructure network.

Aside from the PDIP, Uy said the DICT is also exploring public private partnerships.

“All countries all over the world are accelerating their digitalization programs, their connectivity because this is a very competitive world and unless we quickly scale up and speed up our connectivity, we will again be left behind,” he said.

Philippines emerging as one of the world’s fastest growing startup hubs

Philippines among world’s fastest growing startup hubs – report

Story by Rainier Allan Ronda 
Philstar.com
14 July 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is emerging as one of the world’s fastest growing startup hubs with the valuation of the country’s technology-based startup companies doubling to $6.4 billion this year from only $3.5 billion a year ago, according to a recently published 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.


“The growth we are seeing in the Philippine startup ecosystem is encouraging for both startups and venture capitalists. There are immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship here. Our startups are becoming more competitive in the region,” tech startup incubator Brainsparks co-founder Artie Lopez said.

According to startup ecosystem platform e27 co-founder Thaddeus Koh, the Philippines is becoming the prime market for startups, emphasizing the country’s potential and funding opportunities.

“The Philippines is a thriving hub for tech companies. Its strategic location in Southeast Asia, coupled with a highly skilled and affordable workforce, grants access to a massive regional market and acts as a gateway to neighboring economies,” he said.

Koh explained that with a rapidly growing population and a government that actively promotes foreign investments through sound policies, the Philippines has a “vast potential consumer base for business.”

“The Philippine startup ecosystem is now the fastest emerging startup hub in the world,” he said. “We need to showcase the Philippines in the region.”

“This growth is a testament to the hard work and innovation of our startups through the support of the local startup community, and we are committed to supporting this journey,” Department of Trade and Industry chief of innovation and collaboration division Karl Pacolor said.

He also highlighted the support from the government in nurturing the startup ecosystem, citing the Innovative Startup Act (ISA), which mandates the government to support startup companies and businesses in the Philippines.

“With the recent growth that we’ve seen in the startup scene in Manila, the government is cognizant of the importance of its role in sustaining this growth. We are employing a whole-of-government approach to ensure we will continue to tread on an upward trajectory. Part of that goal is to ensure that the momentum of the Philippine startup ecosystem is not just sustained but also expanded to other parts of the country,” Pacolor said.

The Philippines has been making significant strides in innovation, recording steady rises in the Global Innovation Index.

In 2023, it ranked 56th, a jump from 100th in 2014.

According to the Philippine Development Plan, the country should break into the top 50 by 2028.

“We have plans to bring startup growth beyond Manila, creating a more inclusive and widespread startup culture throughout the Philippines,” Pacolor said.

As the Philippines establishes itself as the fastest emerging startup hub in Southeast Asia, Brainsparks and e27 partnered to introduce the first ever Philippine edition of Echelon, a tech and startup business conference.

Scheduled for Sept. 26 to 27 at Level 2, SMX Convention Center Manila, Echelon Philippines 2024 will unite the collective expertise of the Philippines and Southeast Asia’s startup leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking investors to drive the next phase of growth in the country’s startup ecosystem.

Echelon Philippines 2024 will feature showcases and business matchings that foster regional partnerships, facilitating funding and investments crucial for startup growth. 

The conference will share insights from thriving and emerging sectors, revealing new opportunities and inspiring participants to explore untapped markets.

Echelon Philippines 2024 will also focus on nurturing new talent entering existing markets, ensuring a steady influx of fresh ideas and perspectives to fuel sustained growth.

e27 started Echelon a decade ago to foster tech ecosystem resilience by promoting deeper collaboration, sharing new knowledge, and driving collective innovation. Echelon X, the 10th edition of the tech business conference, featured 65 exhibitors and was joined by over 7,000 attendees.

“The Philippines is an ideal location for the tech community to flourish. We want to put the spotlight on the Philippines and create more opportunities for everyone through Echelon Philippines 2024,” Koh said.