May 172017
 
Jeepney undergoes safety, fuel efficiency modernization facelift

The iconic Philippine jeepney is set to undergo a modernization drive to upgrade its road safety standards and fuel use efficiency – with the electric jeepney industry praising the initiative and pushing to retain the characteristics of the Filipino icon. [via motioncars] The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), leaders in the e-jeepney movement, has announced its support for the government program that would address issues of dilapidated road hazards and smoke-belching public utility vehicles, including the iconic jeepneys, plying Philippine roads. Rommel Juan, President of EVAP, has expressed optimism for the electric vehicle industry amidst the government’s impending PUV Modernization Program saying, “The Department of Transportation is finally on the verge of implementing this historic modernization program for public utility vehicles which aims to drastically improve the mass transport landscape and help reduce or eventually eliminate toxic air pollution on Philippine roads. This is because not only will the 15-year old jeepneys be upgraded to new ones but the power train will either have to be the environment-friendly Euro 4 engines or alternative-fuel type like electric and hybrid, LPG, LNG and CNG. With the political will of the Duterte administration, we think this will finally happen.” Juan reveals that EVAP and the entire automotive industry are passionate about growing local industries, specifically on generating fresh investments, generating new jobs and providing business opportunities for MSMEs that comprise the bulk of automotive parts and components suppliers. “That is why we are pushing for local manufacturing and assembly of the Read More …

May 122017
 
Nike unveils Pinoy inspired LeBron Agimat shoes

As a send off to the 2017 SEABA Championship, Gilas Pilipinas has been fitted with the Philippines-inspired limited edition LeBron 14 Agimat released by Nike. LeBron 14 Agimat The Philippine National Men’s Basketball team’s bid for the 2017 FIBA Asia Championship is now aided with a lucky charm from the basketball superstar akin to what Filipino warriors use for good fortune and protection, the SPIN report says. The LeBron 14 Agimat or amulet, is heralded on the Nike website with the Filipino tag: “Mula Mandirigma, Sa Mandirigma (From Warrior to Warrior).” “Inspired by King James’ visit to the Philippines, LeBron 14 Agimat celebrates the fearless passion of the Pinoy ballers.” “This is the continuation of a legacy from one warrior to another.” Gilas Pilipinas with the Lebron 14 Agimat [via Spin] The new James LeBron line from Nike’s design “pays homage to the terrain of the Philippines and LeBron’s relentless climb to peak performance,” and bears a symbol of volcanoes in the Philippines and LeBron’s intense passion. The shoe design also bears the letters MNL as a shout out to ballers in Manila. Graphics on the inside of the shoe is inspired by Filipino traditional woven fabrics. The LeBron 14 Agimat will be available to the public by May 20.   The post Nike unveils Pinoy inspired LeBron Agimat shoes appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: 12-year-old Kristine Cayabyab earns praise from Lebron Perlas Pilipinas sweep SEABA basketball championship Gilas bags Silver in FIBA Asia, Castro still Asia’s Read More …

May 112017
 

The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte received a stunning rebuke from the United Nations’ Human Rights Council in its just released draft report on the Philippines. Duterte’s war on drugs and the alleged extra-judicial killing of thousands of Filipinos appears to be widely condemned by the international community …

Apr 282017
 
4 PHL islands top World’s Friendliest list

Palawan, Cebu, Luzon and Boracay islands in the Philippines have claimed the top 4 spots of The World's Friendliest Islands, in a traveler survey conducted by Travel + Leisure magazine. [by Rosaire Godin via Travel and Leisure] The World’s Best Awards scored the Philippine islands for having the top characteristics of “romantic charm and friendliness of the people.” “Travelers looking for a serene getaway often take to an island, seeking the solace of sun, sand, and sea. With views like these, it's hard not to be happy,” wrote T+L writer Jess McHugh of the Top 15 World’s Friendliest Islands. Here are the rankings: No. 1 Palawan Palawan’s island residents are recognized as The World’s Friendliest, adding to the overall natural beauty which placed the country’s largest province in the No.1 spot of The World’s Best Island list 2016 of Travel + Leisure. “People are very welcoming, respectful, and friendly," McHugh quotes a T+L reader thrilled at their Palawan experience. “The island's green-and- turquoise lagoons have long put it on the bucket lists of travelers around the world, and this year it is also the world's most convivial island destination,” cites the list about the No. 1 ranking island.  No. 2 Cebu Cebu [via Trip Advisor] The World’s Best Awards ranked Cebu in the Visayas in the second spot, noting its romantic charm. “Cebu is a former Spanish colony, and people still travel to see the remaining architecture, Of course, the helpful locals are one of the island's greatest qualities.” Cebu has also Read More …

Apr 252017
 
Top Japan brokerage invests P1.3B in COL Financial

Daiwa Securities Group has acquired a 14.9% stake in COL Financial Group, the leading online brokerage company in the Philippines. The Japanese brokerage firm announced to media the acquisition of shares valued at 3 billion yen (USD 27.4 million, PhP 1.32 billion). In a media release Daiwa said the investment in COL Financial provides Daiwa with an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing Philippine economy and further allows Daiwa to have a platform for further expansion in other Asian countries. “The securities market in the Philippines is currently significantly under-penetrated with less than one percent of population owning a brokerage account, which to our view, is an extremely good opportunity to work together with COL to help grow the retail brokerage industry in the country,” said Daiwa. “With this investment, we aim to build a stronger relationship with COL Financial and leverage the resources and networks of each other in future business development.” Daiwa brings its investment to the Philippine online brokerage firm reputed to be the fastest growing online stockbroker with over 200,000 customers and PhP 61 billion in customer assets.   The post Top Japan brokerage invests P1.3B in COL Financial appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Alibaba’s Jack Ma invests in Globe’s digital financial services Japan’s Sogo Sosha to invest almost P 200B in PH economy Coca-Cola to pour in 1.2 billion dollars in PHL expansion Filipinos win top prizes in Japan soy sauce cook fest