It’s official: Philippine summer for 2013 is upon us. According to PAGASA: “The establishment of the Ridge of North Pacific High Pressure Area that extended over Luzon has shifted the wind direction to easterly and southeasterly and the gradual increase of observed daily temperature recorded in most parts of the country signifies the recession of the Northeast Monsoon. Weather conditions will be mostly sunny associated with warm and humid air in most parts of the country aside from isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms particularly over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao.” Continue reading Summer 2013: Philippine Summer Officially Starts Today
Category Archives: Tips and Reminders
Pope Benedict XVI Resigns: Official Declaration
This breaking news is shocking for the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia — Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi announced that Pope Benedict XVI will resign effective 28 February 2013. The official reason for the Pope’s resignation is his advanced age. The full text of the official declaration, posted the Vatican Radio’s website, reads: Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI Resigns: Official Declaration
Chinese New Year 2013 in the Philippines
Like many of us, you may also be wondering if the Chinese New Year celebration this 2013, which falls on 10 February 2013 (a Sunday), is a national holiday. Don’t keep your hopes up. [See also 2013 Holidays in the Philippines] Continue reading Chinese New Year 2013 in the Philippines
Philippines: World’s 46 Places to Go in 2013
The Philippines has become a world-class travel destination. Each Philippine island has its unique experience to offer tourists of all shapes, sizes and interests. And the good thing about the Philippines is this — it has more than 7,100 islands. No wonder the Conde Nast Traveller named the Philippines as a Destination to Watch in 2013. The New York Times is now saying pretty much the same thing. Continue reading Philippines: World’s 46 Places to Go in 2013
Typhoon Watch 2013: List of Typhoons in the Philippines
It’s not that we want typhoons to visit the Philippines — it’s an inescapable fact that around 20 storms visit the Philippines each year. So, just like in the previous years (see the 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 lists), let’s log each typhoon as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The first typhoon in 2012 came in June. Let’s wait and see this year. Drop by from time to time as we update the 2013 list. Continue reading Typhoon Watch 2013: List of Typhoons in the Philippines
Philippines: Destination to Watch in 2013
For our very first post of the new year, 2013, we take pleasure in highlighting the news that the Philippines is still considered a top tourist destination in 2013. Continue reading Philippines: Destination to Watch in 2013
San Pedro Calungsod: Second Filipino Saint
The Philippines, while composed of diverse cultures and religions, but it is still the only predominantly Roman Catholic country in the entire Southeast Asia. And now, it is among the few countries of the Catholic world that has produced saints. Yes, not one, but two saints. Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be the second Filipino saint with his canonization at the Vatican on 21 October 2012. Continue reading San Pedro Calungsod: Second Filipino Saint
Ariara Resort in Palawan named as World Top Destination by Vogue
You don’t even know this resort-paradise exists in Palawan, Philippines. It’s not enough that it’s “hidden”. Ariara notes in its website that it is “secretly hidden”. — “Escape to your own tropical island secretly hidden in an untouched corner of the Far East.” Continue reading Ariara Resort in Palawan named as World Top Destination by Vogue
No Bomb Jokes in Airplanes and Airports
You probably have heard that on 12 April 2012, an Airphil Express flight bound for Puerto Princesa (Palawan) was forced to abort take-off after a passenger said something about an explosion. The pilot requested for assistance from the airport police, resulting to a 4-hour of the plane and the baggage. No was found but the flight was extremely delayed. The subject passenger was not allowed to board and police authorities said he will be charged under the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. Continue reading No Bomb Jokes in Airplanes and Airports
Celebrating Linggo ng Palaspas (Palm Sunday) in the Philippines
Today is Palm Sunday (Linggo ng Palaspaas), an event which commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday also ushers in the Holy Week (Semana Santa), which is significant even to non-Catholics because of two national holidays, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, which, in conjunction with Araw ng Kagitingan, results to a 5-day long weekend this year 2012 (see also list of 2012 holidays). Continue reading Celebrating Linggo ng Palaspas (Palm Sunday) in the Philippines