This Week in Metro Manila (June 12 to 18, 2017)

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will cease its flights from Manila to Kuwait, Riyadh, and Doha starting this week. The airline cites that the increasing competition among other carriers makes the routes no longer sustainable.

Passengers are given the option to either transfer to another airline with the same route or rebook to an earlier Cebu Pacific flight, with both subject to availability. They can also opt to get a refund or a travel fund in full.

Monday, June 12, is Independence Day in the Philippines. Also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, the national holiday commemorates the freedom of the country from Spanish rule 119 years ago.

This year, Independence Day will be a long weekend for most Filipinos. In Kawit, Cavite where Filipinos declared independence from Spain, a flag-raising ceremony and reading of the Philippine Declaration of Independence will be held at Aguinaldo Shrine.

In celebration of Independence Day, the National Museum will be open on June 12 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Aside from the usual displays, guests can also enjoy the newest addition to the permanent exhibitions in the museum, entitled “Noli Me Tangere” by artist Leonardo Tayao Cruz. The series of artworks depicts 28 scenes from national hero Jose Rizal’s famed novel with the same name. On June 13, Tuesday, the museum will be closed for the weekly maintenance of the exhibitions.

As part of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7 project, Regalado Highway will be partially closed to continue the second phase of construction. The closure will affect Mindanao Ave. to Bristol St. from June 16 to August 15, 2017.

Motorists coming from San Jose Del Monte going to Quezon Memorial Circle may take the route via Quirino Highway and Commonwealth Ave. or via Belfast St. and Mindanao Ave.

Motorists coming from Quezon Memorial Circle on the hand may take the route via Mindanao Ave. and Regalado Highway or via Bristol St. and Ascension St.

Although Independence Day today is not much celebrated but rather enjoyed as a holiday, families can still head out and share some good Filipino food. Manam is a great place for families who crave lutong bahay or a group of friends looking for their next dining adventure. Their menu is a laid out in a playful list contrasting the classics and the twists to give diners the option to enjoy their usual favorites or try their go-to dishes with a new surprise. Some of Manam’s best-sellers are their house crispy sisig (chopped sizzling pig’s head) and sinigang na (stewed) beef short rib and watermelon.

This week in the city, the rough weather will continue to dominate the skies. Earlier in the week, spots of thunderstorms will be prevalent in the morning and at night with a few possibilities of showers. However, the latter part of the week will be welcomed with showers in the morning while the afternoon will be surrounded by thunderstorms. Commuters are advised to bring an umbrella as protection from the harsh weather and to be mindful of possible traffic build-up.