Category Archives: Philippines News

The USD – Peso Rate Finally Hits 43 Again

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I just noticed at our little widget (custom created by our very own Salamiha, or to me, Salarhea) to the left that the peso to USD rate finally hit 43. Since we put it up, I’ve only seen it at 42 and change. Hopefully, somehow, this trend continues til it hits 50 and beyond. Yea right, what the fuck am I smoking?

The highest it’s ever been while I was in the Philippines was in 2007 at 46 and change. You can view the graphs below and remember the good old days. Basically, now with the fees and such, it’s safe to say that you get somewhere around 41-42 pesos per dollar.

peso to dollar philippines

peso to dollar usd graph filipino currency

Surviving on Pagpag in Manila

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I randomly found an article on the front page of cnn.com this morning. It was just titled “Surviving on scraps.” It had no mention of the Philippines, but I clicked it anyway. It’s an article about the poor in Manila and how they eat food called “pagpag.” It’s quite a sad reality.

They made a mention of Tondo as being the poorest of all the slums. Interestingly enough I went to Tondo with Kuya Robi and Grindkind back in August.

manila-slums-pagpag-food

Saturday Philippine Headlines

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Filipina astrophysicist verifies the theory of relativity in deep space

Reinabelle Reyes

Reinabelle Reyes, a 28-year-old Filipina astrophysicist, led a team at Princeton that proved Eintsein’s Theory of General Relativity beyond our own solar system. Currently a fellow at the University of Chicago, she hopes to one day return to the Philippines and make a contribution to help solve some of the immediate problems facing her own country.
Further reading: Rappler

The Philippines has the highest percentage of believers in God

In a comparison with 29 other countries, the data shows that the Philippines has the highest number of believers in God (94%). The lowest percentage is found in east Germany (13%).
Further reading: Yahoo!

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Monday Philippine Headlines

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US Military to grow its precense in the Philippines

As part of an increased focus on Asia by the United States, an increasing number of US Marines will be deployed to the Philippines. The United States military has been in the Philippines for the past decade, largely assisting with counter-terrorism efforts in Mindanao. Details of their operations are not yet publicly known. The increased presence is said to not take the form of permenant basing, but rather temporary deployments.
Further reading: Marine Corps Times

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Saturday Philippine Headlines

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Crucifixion re-enacted during Holy Week in the Philippines

Current exchange rate

42.80 PHP = 1 USD
Apr. 7, 8:30am PH time

Catholics are currently celebrating Holy Week, the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. While not exactly mainstream practice, some in the Philippines take part in a re-enactment of the crucifixion, pinning themselves to crosses with real nails.
Further reading: Sun Star

Twin bomb blasts in Palawan

Two hidden bombs in two different towns exploded nearly simultaneously in Palawan on Thursday. One in Puerto Princesa City, hidden away in a bag of rice near a bus station in the barangay of San Jose; another tucked away in a garbage can in the town of El Nido, a popular resort town. Abu Sayyaf is believed to have no involvement in the blasts. There were injuries, but no known deaths.
Further reading: Phil Star, Rappler

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Monday Philippine Headlines

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Cruise ship drifts in S. Philippine waters after loss of propulsion due to fire

A cruise ship and 1,000 people aboard it drifted aimlessly in the sea south of the Philippines for 24 hours due a loss of propulsion caused by a fire in one of the engine rooms. The ship has since gained power and docked safely in Malaysia.
Further reading: Washington Post

Large dog-fighting organization revealed by police and animal rights group

An orginazation responsible for coordinating underground dog fights was discovered just south of Manila by an animal rights organization and police. 300 pitbulls were found, many badly injured. The organization was headed by Filipinos and South Korean nationals. They were of course arrested.
Further reading: Inquirer News

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All Bars On Fields Avenue Being Shut Down Starting July 21st

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Looks like all good things really do come to an end. One of my buddies who manages a couple of the smaller bars messaged me late last night and told me this insane news. Apparently someone very high up on the political totem pole had a quick visit to Pampanga last week and made a stop in Angeles. What he saw has infuriated him enough to use his power to influence the others to put an end to the bars on Fields.

My friend told me that all the bars will be getting notices over the next couple weeks. This won’t be a raid-style shut down as we’ve seen before. This is going to be fully professional with legal documents, etc. I really don’t know what’s going to happen to Fields Avenue without the bars now.