Stories about Philippines from June, 2011
Philippines: Worst Flash Flood Hit “Typhoon-Free” City
Many Filipinos were taken by surprise by the heavy floods that hit the southern Philippine city of Davao recently. The Philippines is notorious for flash flood disasters, but Davao city is supposedly found in a typhoon-free zone. As of the evening of Wednesday 29 May, 2011, the death toll reached 25 while 15 others remained missing.
Filipinos Commemorate Jose Rizal's 150th birthday
Jose Rizal is the Philippines' national hero and one of the first Asian leaders and intellectuals who advocated freedom from colonial rule through peaceful means in late 19th century. His 150th birth anniversary this month was a huge celebration in the country. Netizens actively discussed his rich legacy and continuing relevance.
Philippines: Old Manila photos
The Old Manila Nostalgia Flickr group is a rich source of old Manila photos from the Philippines.
Petition to rename South China Sea
A petition initiated by the Nguyen Thai Hoc Foundation urges the renaming of the South China Sea into Southeast Asia Sea. It is related to the dispute over the Spratly Islands which involves China, Vietnam, Philippines, and other countries in the region.
Philippines: Street art versus Asbestos
According to its website, “the Asbestos Street Fighters street art competition aims to bring together various street artists and anti-asbestos activists across the Philippines to propagate information regarding the dangers of Asbestos to human health”
Philippines: Netizens Follow Telecom Merger Deal Issue
Netizens in the Philippines are closely following the developments of a merger deal between two of the country’s largest telecommunications companies. Some are worried that the merger would be bad for consumers.
Philippines: Blog action to save Philippine seas
A blog action day was set on June 8 to show the concern of Filipino bloggers about the destruction of Philippine marine resources. Coral reefs twice the size of Manila were destroyed by smugglers.
Philippines: Debate on Divorce Bill
With Malta's approval of divorce, the Philippines is now the only country in the world that prohibits it. There is now a raging debate on whether it is time to pass a divorce law which is being fiercely opposed by the powerful Philippine Catholic Church.
