This Week in Metro Manila (July 25 to 31, 2016)

President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte is having his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 at Batasang Pambansa (National Assembly) Complex, Quezon City.

Classes at all levels in Quezon City will be suspended to give way to the event. The State of the Nations Address is an annual address by the Philippine President aiming to inform the nation about its economic, political, and social status.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is encouraging the public to register for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2016. Those who have been residing in the Philippines for six consecutive months can go to the nearest COMELEC office for registration. Registration forms should be filed personally for the biometrics. Registrants should bring any proof of identification with indicated birthdate and present address.

Voters’ registration runs from July 15 to until July 30, 2016 only.

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), one of the largest religious denominations in the Philippines, will be celebrating its 102nd anniversary on July 27, Wednesday. Every year, the INC holds several outreach programs and evangelical missions attended by its members. Commuters are advised to stay tuned for road closures within Metro Manila. The annual celebration is declared as special working holiday as per Republic Act No. 9465 of 2009 signed by Former President Arroyo.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has released an advisory indicating alternate routes to help ease traffic on affected areas in Quezon City during the SONA of President Duterte on July 25. The available options for vehicles coming from Quezon City to Fairview, and vice versa are as follows:

Along EDSA, turn right to Congressional Ave., turn left to Mindanao Ave., turn right to Old Sauyo Road, turn right to Don Julio Gregorio, straight to Republic Ave., turn left to Chestnut, turn right to Dahlia Ave., turn left to Fairlane or Regalado Ave., to destination and vice versa.

1. Along North Ave., take Mindanao Ave., turn right to Quirino Highway to destination and vice versa.

2. Along Commonwealth, turn right to Fairlaine, right to Dahlia Avenue, left to Chestnut, right to Republic Avenue, Don Gregorio Road, Old Sauyo, to Mindanao Avenue and vice versa, or Along Commonwealth, turn right at Regalado Avenue, right at Republic Avenue, Don Gregorio Road, Old Sauyo, to Mindanao Avenue and vice versa.

The last week of the month will experience partly-sunny and partly-cloudy days with a stray of thunderstorms. As reported in ABS-CBN News, the probability of La Niña forming has diminished at 55 to 60% from the previous 50 to 75% and is likely to be very weak. However, the rainy season still brings rains in some portions of Metro Manila that may bring floods in vulnerable areas.

The Hello ASEAN: 47th National Marketing Conference is bringing together the largest and most renowned CEOs and CMOs of successful brands that have made great impact on ASEAN consumers.They will be sharing their stories and business journeys to inspire companies that are looking forward to overseas expansion. The conference happens at Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport City on July 28 and 29. Regular rate is at PhP13, 000. More information about the event can be found at https://goo.gl/9apsfJ.

The SuperSale Bazaar, one of the longest-running fashion bazaars in the country is set to happen on July 29 to 31 at the World Trade Center. More than 200 brands will be available for grabs. Shoppers can score up to 90% discount on several fashion items.