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Free-Visa Travel for Filipinos in 2024: A Comprehensive List

Filipino travelers enjoy a plethora of visa-free or visa-on-arrival options across the globe, making international travel more accessible and convenient. Here's a detailed list of countries categorized by continent that Filipinos can explore without the hassle of obtaining a visa beforehand or through a straightforward visa-on-arrival process as of 2024:

- Asia
Brunei
Cambodia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Vietnam

- Africa
Burundi
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Côte d'Ivoire
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Rwanda
Senegal
Seychelles
Somalia
Tanzania
The Gambia
Togo
Uganda

- America
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Nicaragua
Peru
Suriname

- Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda (Visa on arrival for Filipinos with a valid visa or resident card from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, or a Schengen visa.)
Barbados
Dominica
Haiti
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

- Europe
Albania (Visa-free)

- Middle east
Armenia
Iran
Israel
Palestinian Territory

- Oceania
Cook Islands
Fiji
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Micronesia
Niue
Palau Islands
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Tuvalu
Vanuatu

Note: Some countries offer visa-on-arrival, while others may require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or an e-Visa. Travelers are advised to check the latest entry requirements before planning their trips.

Philippines Ranks 3rd as Southeast Asia's Safest Country

As the Philippines welcomes the new year, the PNP sees the Global Law and Order Report as a positive start, motivating the force to continually enhance its efforts in fulfilling its mission of safeguarding the safety and security of the Filipino people.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people, as the country has secured the third position in Southeast Asia's safety rankings. According to GALLUP, a Washington-based analytics and advisory firm, the Philippines has an impressive index score of 86, following Vietnam (92) and Indonesia (90), based on their GALLUP’S 2023 Global Law and Order Report. The report was based on nationally representative samples from 146,000 respondents in 141 countries, using telephone and face-to-face interviews.

"We are honored and humbled by the trust placed in us by the Filipino people. The PNP remains steadfast in our commitment to serve and protect. This report serves as a guiding beacon for us to continue our mission of ensuring the well-being of our communities," PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda affirmed.

The PNP Public Information Office (PIO) highlighted the decrease in focus crimes, including murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, r**e, and carnapping of motor vehicles. The data revealed an 8.44 percent decrease in such crimes, from 41,755 cases in January to December 2022 to 38, 230 during the same period in 2023, placing the Philippines at 33rd globally.

Elton John Achieves EGOT Status with Emmy Win

In a historic moment, legendary entertainer Elton John has officially joined the prestigious EGOT club, an exclusive group of individuals who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. He became the 19th person to achieve this status.

The British singer-songwriter clinched the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) with "Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium" at the recent Emmys in Los Angeles.

To know who else has achieved the EGOT status, click here: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/16/entertainment-lifestyle/elton-john-gets-egot-with-emmys-win/1928330

Winners Recap from the 75th Emmy Awards

HBO's "Succession" and FX's "The Bear" emerged as the major victors of the night, clinching the prestigious awards for best drama and best comedy series, respectively, in a dazzling ceremony that saw each show secure an impressive six awards. The 75th Emmy Awards, held in Los Angeles on January 15 (the 16th in the Philippines), brought a wave of surprises and excitement.

Top Honors in Drama and Comedy:
Outstanding Drama Series: "Succession"
Outstanding Comedy Series: "The Bear"
Unveiling Exceptional Talent:
Kieran Culkin (Lead Actor, Drama - "Succession")
Sarah Snook (Lead Actress, Drama - "Succession")
Jeremy Allen White (Lead Actor, Comedy - "The Bear")
Quinta Brunson (Lead Actress, Comedy - "Abbott Elementary")
Captivating Limited Series and Anthology:
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: "Beef"
Steven Yeun (Lead Actor, Limited Series or Movie - "Beef")
Ali Wong (Lead Actress, Limited Series or Movie - "Beef")
Supporting Excellence:
Matthew Macfadyen (Supporting Actor, Drama - "Succession")
Jennifer Coolidge (Supporting Actress, Drama - "The White Lotus")
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Supporting Actor, Comedy - "The Bear")
Ayo Edebiri (Supporting Actress, Comedy - "The Bear")
Notable Achievements in Limited Series or Movie:
Paul Walter Hauser (Supporting Actor - "Black Bird")
Niecy Nash-Betts (Supporting Actress - "Dahmer -- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story")

Congratulations to all the winners who made the 75th Emmy Awards a night to remember!

Umpisahan ang umagang kay ganda na may kapeng kay sarap.

Angat sa lasa.
Tama ang timpla.
Sakto ang sarap.

Café Gusto, kapeng gugustuhin mo.

Asia’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Now Married

Prince Abdul Mateen, known for his exceptional polo skills and hailed as the most eligible bachelors in Asia by Tatler Magazine since 2016, recently tied the knot with his “commoner” fiancée, Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, in Brunei on January 10, 2024. The 10-day long celebration was a grandiose affair that redefined the traditional concept of a royal wedding.

The Islamic marriage ceremony took place inside a gold-domed mosque in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and was attended by royals from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Bhutan were among the 5,000 guests. Government officials, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, also attended the event. The people of Brunei were thrilled to witness this beautiful celebration of love, and the wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen and Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah became a cherished memory for years to come.

Prince Mateen, who works as a helicopter pilot in Brunei's air force, found love with Anisha Rosnah, the granddaughter of one of his father's closest advisers. Anisha Rosnah, who is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and reportedly owns a fashion brand and a tourism business.

We wish the newly-married couple a happy and prosperous life together!

Long Weekends in 2024: A Boom for Philippine Tourism

In 2024, the Philippines is expected to have a series of extended weekends, which is anticipated to impact domestic tourism positively. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has recently announced these extended holiday breaks, which have been well-received by the tourism industry. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is optimistic that these extended weekends will align seamlessly with the strategic initiatives outlined in the Philippines' National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 and will have significant economic implications.

The upcoming long weekends are as follows:
- March 28 (Maundy Thursday), March 29 (Good Friday) to April 1 (Easter Sunday)
- Saturday, August 24 to Monday, August 26 (National Heroes Day)
- Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3 (All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day)
- Saturday, December 28 to Tuesday, December 31 (Rizal Day and New Year’s Eve)

DOT Secretary Frasco sees these weekends as a timely opportunity to promote the “Love The Philippines - Bagong Pilipinas” campaign and encourage citizens to explore the hidden gems nestled within the country.

The Philippines is home to a plethora of tourist destinations that cater to various interests. Some of the most visited destinations in the country include Boracay Island, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, and Batanes. These places offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine that any traveler will surely enjoy. With the extended weekends coming up, it's the perfect opportunity to visit these places and explore their beauty.

So, have you decided which destination you want to visit first?

‘MR. BEAN’ ANIMATED SERIES RETURNS IN 2025 WITH SEASON 4

Rowan Atkinson, the man behind the magic, will not only be the executive producer but will also lend his voice to the iconic Mr. Bean. 'Mr. Bean: The Animated Series' is up for a comeback in 2025 with the confirmation of its fourth season.

The upcoming season is slated to have 52 episodes, each running for a succinct 11 minutes. This addition will bring the total episode count for the entire series to 182 since its inception.

Our journey with Mr. Bean began in 1990 with the original live-action series. The animated series made its debut in 2002.

This return coincides with the 35th anniversary of the show's very first live-action episode.

ACTOR JUSTIN: SB19’s JUSTIN DE DIOS IS THE NEWEST ADDITION TO ABS-CBN’s ‘SENIOR HIGH’ CAST

Hey, A'TIN! Are you ready to witness actor Justin?

Justin De Dios is the newest addition to Senior High Cast. The news of Justin's debut on the show was revealed in a thrilling teaser dropped on Friday, January 5. In the teaser, we can catch a glimpse of his character escorting Gela Atayde's Tanya to the prom.

"ACTOR JUSTIN" and hashtags like and have soared to the top trending topics on X (formerly Twitter) in the Philippines.

Justin de Dios is recognized as the vocalist and creative genius of the P-pop sensation SB19.

SB19's "Bazinga", is also sets the tone for the "Senior High" series. With only two weeks left, Senior High is fast approaching its thrilling finale!

The Traslacion, as reported by the Quiapo Church command post, concluded in a record time of 14 hours, 59 minutes, and 10 seconds (14:59:10), surpassing the previous record of 16 hours set in 2020 for the fastest procession.

Read more about it here: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/09/news/traslacion-ends-in-record-time-as-black-nazarene-arrives-at-quiapo-church/1927450

JO KOY BOOED DURING THE GOLDEN GLOBES MONOLOGUE

Fil-Am comedian Jo Koy faces criticism at the Golden Globe Awards after his opening monologue was met with boos from both the audience and online spectators. Jo Koy did his best to make the Golden Globes audience laugh, especially during the opening monologue. He cracked jokes about Meryl Streep, Succession, Oppenheimer, Ryan Gosling, Harry & Meghan, and even Hall & Oates.

One highlight was when he made a funny remark about Barry Keoghan's n**e dancing scene in the movie "Saltburn," playfully commenting on the character's impressive anatomy and asking Keoghan about it on stage.

But when the comedian joked about “Oppenheimer'' needing more time to finish watching the film, adding a witty remark about it feeling like a series, it caused some confusion on the face of director Christopher Nolan. His comparison between the weighty subject matter of "Oppenheimer" and the simplicity of "Barbie" drew mixed reactions, particularly his description of the movie based on a "plastic doll with big bo***es."

He also attempted to tease the contrast between the Golden Globes and NFL games, referring to fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift at the awards. “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL? At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift,” he said. Taylor Swift picked up her drink and sipped while maintaining a calm expression, appearing unimpressed by the joke.

Realizing the indifferent response, Jo Koy jokingly blamed the lack of laughs on joke writers. Defending his impromptu situation, Jo Koy emphasized his short preparation time, urging critics to understand the constraints within which he crafted his monologue.

Meanwhile, some social media users felt that Swift might have taken the playful joke more seriously than intended.

One user expressed, "She frequently attends her boyfriend's football games, so how is pointing that out offensive? Perhaps there's more to this than we know. Did something happen between them recently?"

Another user chimed in, highlighting, "His jokes were amusing and only lightly poked fun at her. She might have misinterpreted it.”

Both Jo Koy and Taylor are getting a lot of attention on X (formerly Twitter). Jo Koy has over 20,600 posts discussing his not-so-great jokes, while Taylor has about 438K posts about her brief reaction.

GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2024: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN FILM AND TELEVISION

"Oppenheimer" dominated the 81st Golden Globe Awards, clinching an impressive five awards, including Best Drama Film, Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Director, and Original Score. This makes the historical film a solid favorite in the highly anticipated Oscars in March.

Here is the complete list of winners at the Golden Globes Awards Night:

Film Category:
Best Motion Picture/Drama: "Oppenheimer"
Best Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy: "Poor Things"
Best Motion Picture, Animated: "The Boy and the Heron"
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: "Barbie"
Best Motion Picture, Non-English Language: "Anatomy of a Fall, France"
Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture or Drama: Lily Gladstone, "Killers of the Flower Moon"
Best Male Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama: Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer"
Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers"
Best Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Emma Stone, "Poor Things"
Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Robert Downey Jr., "Oppenheimer"
Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, "The Holdovers"
Best Director: Christopher Nolan, "Oppenheimer"
Best Screenplay: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, "Anatomy of a Fall"
Best Original Score: Ludwig Goransson, "Oppenheimer"
Best Original Song: "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie" (Music and Lyrics by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell)

Television Category:
Best Drama Series: "Succession"
Best Actor in a Drama Series: Kieran Culkin, "Succession"
Best Female Actor in a Drama Series: Sarah Snook, "Succession"
Best Musical or Comedy Series: "The Bear"
Best Male Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear"
Best Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear"
Best Limited Series or TV Movie: "Beef"
Best Male Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie: Steven Yeun, "Beef"
Best Female Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie: Ali Wong, "Beef"
Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Elizabeth Debicki, "The Crown"
Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Matthew Macfadyen, "Succession"
Best Performance in Stand-up Comedy on Television (New Award): Ricky Gervais, "Armageddon"

The films "Oppenheimer," "Poor Things," "Barbie," "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Holdovers" are the evening's most-awarded productions.

The 81st Golden Globe Awards announced its winners last Sunday, January 7.

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE TRASLACION 2024

Dive deeper into the insights and reflections about this annual spectacle here: Read more https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/08/opinion/columns/what-our-annual-spectacle-of-superstition-declared-a-holiday/1927175

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE TRASLACION 2024 Dive deeper into the insights and reflections about this annual spectacle here: Read more https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/01/08/opinion/columns/what-our-annual-spectacle-of-superstition-declared-a-holiday/1927175 #TMTTV #THEMANILATIMESTV #BlackNazarene #Traslacion2024 #FaithAndTradition

Harness the Dragon's energy 🐲💫 Embrace the Year of the Dragon with resilience, confidence, and a spirit ready to conquer new heights! 🎊

Turn the page to a better you in 2024✨- these self-help books are the compass to your best self!📚

“RIZZ” THE WORD OF 2023 ACCORDING TO OXFORD

Rizz beats Swiftie.

Oxford University Press (OUP) crowned “RIZZ.” as the 2023’s word of the year. It’s not just any word; it’s a “colloquial noun” defined as ‘style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.’ Experts from OUP selected eight words and gave social media people the opportunity to vote to make this cool linguistic call.

Facing off against a total of seven words, "rizz" triumphed over words like "Swiftie" (a Taylor Swift superfan), "beige flag" (neither distinctly good nor bad), and "de-influencing" (discouraging people from buying specific products).

The other words in the running were “heat dome”, “prompt”, “parasocial”, and “situationship.”

On TikTok, "rizz" boasts an impressive 36 billion views. Even Hollywood sensation Tom Holland got in on the action, using the term in an interview with BuzzFeed, and went viral. He confessed, "I have no rizz whatsoever," revealing his strategic approach in the dating game with Zendaya.

Give it a go and add some rizz to your language game!

HAPPY LAND NEEDS HELP

This season of giving, let us extend our help to the 282 families affected by the fire at Happy Land Tondo. We are accepting cash and in-kind donations. This Donation Drive will run starting today, until December 27, 2023.

Any kind of help is accepted. Thank you!

VETERAN ACTOR RONALDO VALDEZ PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 76

Renowned film and television actor Ronald Valdez passed away on Sunday, December 17, Quezon City Police Department confirms. The veteran actor, aged 76, left an indelible mark on the industry with a career spanning nearly six decades. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Valdez, celebrated for his commanding portrayals of patriarchal figures, graced the big and small screens. His notable film credits include performances in classics such as "Cedie," "The Flor Contemplacion Story," and "Seven Sundays." On the television front, he made memorable appearances in series like "Mula Sa Puso," "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano," and "I Love Betty La Fea."

In 1997, he earned the Best Supporting Actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival for his role in "Nasaan ang Puso."

In 2015, he was honored with the Golden Screen TV Awards' Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama. He was also given the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

He was last seen in the KathNiel series "2 Good 2 Be True," where he portrayed the character "Lolo Sir"!

5 TIPID TIPS FOR A NOCHE BUENA FEAST WITHOUT DRAINING YOUR WALLET!

Filipinos hold a deep affection for Noche Buena. Traditionally, the feast boasts delights such as ham, queso de bola, roast beef, and even lechon. Despite rising prices, Filipinos resiliently choose festive dishes for the holiday menu, always smiling and celebrating special occasions like Christmas, just a week away.

Check out these tipid tips that honor Noche Buena traditions without going over your spending limit:

Plan your budget, menu, and shopping list for Noche Buena
Begin by crafting a budget that encompasses your menu and shopping list. Identify cost-effective alternatives to traditional ingredients, exploring affordable options that won't compromise the festive flavor.

Stick to your means and Be Honest
In the kitchen, experiment with affordable ingredients and economical recipes that don't compromise on flavor. Swap out pricey components for budget-friendly alternatives without sacrificing the essence of traditional holiday dishes. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.

Don't limit yourself to supermarkets or grocery stores
Expand your shopping horizons beyond supermarkets and groceries. Local markets, discount stores, and bulk suppliers can offer quality products at a fraction of the cost. By diversifying your shopping destinations, you open up opportunities to find budget-friendly treasures and unique items that add a special touch to your holiday spread.

Avoid last-minute shopping
Avoid the stress and expense of last-minute shopping by planning ahead. Create a comprehensive shopping list based on your budget and menu, and give yourself ample time to hunt for the best deals.

Learn to cut back
Learning to cut back doesn't mean sacrificing the joy of the season. Consider DIY decorations, homemade gifts, and creative alternatives that add a personal touch without straining your wallet.

This Christmas, let financial mindfulness guide your holiday preparations. Whether you’re planning a sprawling Christmas feast or an intimate dinner, shopping for ingredients doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ano sa tingin mo ang matatanggap mong regalo ngayong pasko? Sana wag medyas at panyo 🥲

PHILIPPINE PRIDE: SB19 & HORI7ON CREATE HISTORY AFTER WINNING AT AAA 2023

Philippine Boy Bands SB19 and HORI7ON honor the country as they made history as the first Filipino boy bands who win at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards at the Philippine Arena.

Iconic P-Pop SB19 received the AAA Hot Trend Award together with other groups NewJeans, Lim Young Woong, and Ahn Hyo Seop.

Meanwhile, champions of ABS-CBN’s reality show, Dreammaker, HORI7ON, won the AAA Focus Award along with artists LUN8, YOUNGHOON, and Ahn D**g Gu.

Among the Filipino artists that scored awards that night are Ben&Ben, who won the Nine-piece act, ex-couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who received the AAA Fabulous Award, and of course, the breakout winner for tonight is the AAA Best Actor winner, Melai Cantiveros.

The Asia Artist Award is considered Asia’s Oscars and Grammy Awards. It aims to celebrate and honor achievements in various fields such as music, film, television, and online content creation. It is being held in the Philippines for the first time.





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Tara bibingka mukbang! 🤩

Paborito niyo rin ba ang bibingka?

Served with gratitude and excitement, get a chance to taste the Wagyu Beef Ramen prepared by Chef Satoshi Ikuta, founder of Ramen Nagi.

In line with their 10 years milestone, Ramen Nagi’s limited edition Wagyu Ramen, exclusively prepared by Chef Satoshi Ikuta, is available from December 13 to 14, serving only 150 bowls per day.

“We brought Wagyu from Japan. They boiled it slowly to make it softer and more delicious,” Chef Ikuta said.

What makes Wagyu beef special? The A4 Wagyu beef specially flown in from Miyagi prefecture in Eastern Japan is the star of the bowl, with Chef Satoshi Ikuta allowing the fat and flavor to totally take over the broth with some green onion, bamboo shoots, and enoki mushrooms for texture.

Satisfy your cravings today and visit Ramen Nagi at SM Aura Premier.