This Week in Metro Manila (April 16 to 22, 2018)

It’s official! The summer season has officially started. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the beginning of the season [1]. Summer is indeed felt across the city as this week’s day temperature starts at 32 °C that can reach up to 34 °C [2].

Due to the scorching weather, wearing clothing made of breathable fabrics is recommended whether heading outside or staying indoors. Light and breathable fabrics such as cotton, chambray, rayon, linen, and blends will help you cool down despite the harsh temperature [3].

A new traffic scheme was implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It affects parts of the Elliptical Road and Commonwealth Avenue. According to the plan, one-way traffic will be implemented on Masaya Street from Maginhawa Street to Commonwealth Avenue and Maharlika Street from Elliptical Road to Masaya Street. The new scheme was designed to accommodate commuters from Quezon City as the construction of the MRT-7 will continue to bring heavy traffic until next year. [4]

Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced that they will temporarily suspend all Kuwait-bound flights. This is due to the decrease of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to the said country, which renders the airline’s operations economically unsustainable. The airline will begin to halt Kuwait-Manila and vice versa flights on May 16, and the suspension will hold until the market conditions on the route improves.

In addition, PAL suggested that they will continue their Kuwait services to other routes such as a Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Dammam.

The announcement was given early so passengers with flights on May 16 onwards will be given options to rebook, refund, or reroute their flights [5].