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- ☀ Bye Manila? 🌙
Good morning. Happy National Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Omelet Day. 🥚
Local News
🏗 Metro Escape: Why More Filipinos are Trading City Life for Provincial Bliss
By Tobias Bautista
Inquirer
When COVID-19 hit the Philippines, Metro Manila saw an exodus as people fled to their provinces. Fast forward to the "new normal," and it looks like many have decided not to come back to the immanent traffic and smell of freshly smoke-belched air of the capital.
Why? Think job opportunities, cheaper housing, and a more laid-back lifestyle.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reports a dip in real estate loans in NCR, while regions like Calabarzon and Central Luzon are thriving. Cheaper land and more space mean people are swapping city condos for cozy homes in the provinces.
Companies are also getting in on the action. More businesses, especially BPOs, are setting up shop outside Manila. Digital nomads and remote work lovers are finding paradise in places like Cebu, which has become a hot spot for remote work.
So, if you're tired of the urban grind, the provinces might just be calling your name!
🔫 Troop Swap: Philippines and Japan Sign Military Pact
by Tobias Bautista
Yummie Dingding / PPA Pool
The Philippines and Japan just inked a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) in Malacañang. Basically, this means both countries' troops can now enter each other's territory for joint military exercises.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko signed the deal, with President Bongbong Marcos Jr. playing witness. The RAA is similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the U.S. and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia.
Next step? The agreement heads to the Philippine Senate and Japan's legislature for ratification. Senate President Chiz Escudero is all for it, saying it boosts military capability and serves as a deterrent to potential conflicts.
This comes amid ongoing maritime disputes with China, which keeps claiming most of the South China Sea, including parts of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
🚎 Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Nears Completion
by Tobias Bautista
The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is chugging along nicely, with civil works for its trunk line expected to wrap up next month. According to the World Bank, Package 1 of the PHP 29-billion project has hit 64% completion and is set to be “substantially completed” by August.
Fact Check. A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services. It operates on dedicated lanes, providing features similar to light rail or metro systems but at a fraction of the cost.
This package connects the Cebu South Bus Terminal to the Cebu Provincial Capitol via Osmeña Boulevard. Initially, it was supposed to be done between June and July, but, well, delays happen.
Moving Forward. The hunt for a contractor for Package 2 has begun, and construction is slated to start in October. This phase covers South Road Properties to Brgy. Mambaling via N. Bacalso Avenue. The World Bank is leading the financial charge for Cebu’s first public mass transport project, which has seen its fair share of delays and design changes. The project’s rating has improved from “moderately unsatisfactory” to “moderately satisfactory.” So, there’s that.
Tech
Taiwan to launch Digital Currency?
By Tobias Bautista
There may be even less need for those cash guns as Taiwan is planning to allow people to use a government-run digital currency, without the need for physical cash and debit/credit cards. However, there is still no timetable.
The first thing that comes to mind is either convenient or sketchy. Luckily, Taiwan acknowledges that it’s a “huge and complex” undertaking, so they are making sure all the pieces fit together.
😿 Crypto Hacking Thefts Double
by Tobias Bautista
Crypto hacking thefts double from last year. The amount stolen in the first half of 2024 is $1.4 bln. compared to last year’s $657 mln.
Why? Security hasn’t changed, but various tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana have increased in value, motivating cybercriminals to steal. Talk about dedication.
News Roundup
3 Filipinas ready to compete in Miss Universe 2024 — one for Great Britain and another for New Zealand.
NASA Crew for Mars-Simulated Environment finally get to touch Earth grass again, after a year
Games
🎯 Fun Brain Teasers
Wordle: guess the random five letter word
Connections: match four words of the same category
Strands: word search but it depends on the category
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