PH Economic Growth Outpaces Most of Rest of SE Asia

The Philippine government is expected to announce that GDP grew by more than 6.7% last year, marking the sixth year running that the economy has expanded by more than 6%. That will mean it has neatly outpaced most of the rest of South-East Asia, rivaling even China, reports Yahoo News.

Another Duterte Term Not Good for PH Economy?

Extending the Duterte Administration for another term will be bad for the Philippine economy, says an OP-Ed piece in the South China Morning Post.

Int'l Reporters Group Slams Rappler Closure Order

An international group of journalists, Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters without Borders or RSF),  has called on the United Nations (UN), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to make a stand against the Philippine government’s decision to revoke the license of online news site, Rappler, as it is a “flagrant violation of media freedom,” reports Inquirer.net.

Fashion Czar Pitoy Moreno Passes Away at 87

Pitoy Moreno (Source: ABS-CBN)

Legendary fashion designer, Jose "Pitoy" Moreno passed away January 15. He was 87 years old. The death was confirmed by his grandson, Paul Jason Cruz, according to GMA 7's 24 Oras, but the cause of death was not given.

Filipina Is Crowned Miss Belgium 2018

Miss Belgium Angeline Flor Pua

Angeline Flor Pua, a “pure” Filipina who was raised in Belgium, will represent that country in the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants this year. Pua was recently crowned Miss Belgium 2018, reports ABS-CBN News. She won Miss Filipina Europe in 2016, and is also a student airline pilot.

Robredo: Axing Office of Veep May Be Hidden Agenda of Charter Change

Vice President Leni Robredo (Source: wikipedia)

The camp of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s suspects abolishing the Office of the Vice President could be a “hidden agenda” under the draft Constitution being pushed by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), reports Inquirer.net.

UAE Employer Gives Filipina Domestic Worker a House and Lot

Dina Tenerife Celo (Source: facebook)

Dina Tenerife Celo, 45, a domestic worker in the United Arab Emirates will become a homeowner with the generous help of her employer, American Melissa McPike, who became a UAE citizen after marrying a local man. McPike gave her Dh23,000 (approximately P316,000) for a lot in her hometown in Camarines Sur and will pay for the construction of a two-bedroom house, reports Inquirer.net.

SM Acquisition of Goldilocks Gets OK from Watchdog

The country's competition watchdog said Tuesday it approved SM Retail Inc.'s acquisition of Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. after both parties addressed potential concerns, reports ABS-CBN News.