Feature Story

What you need to know about: Oktoberfest
September 16, 2016

What you need to know about: Oktoberfest

Are you a fan of Oktoberfest? Here are some fun facts you not know of,
Korean Zombies, Babies, a Filipino hero, and a Japanese classic: Movies in September
September 01, 2016

Korean Zombies, Babies, a Filipino hero, and a Japanese classic: Movies in September

September marks the start of the Philippine Christmas season. It also means that movies will start becoming more and more about Christmas (or at least a bit closer to Halloween). For the first Ber-month, we give you a list of movies you should not think of missing: Train to Busan (September 1) A Cannes Out of Competition film, Train to Busan is a zombie horror-thriller movie that follows a group of bullet train passengers on their way to Busan. A virus has broken out in Korea, spawning zombies in all but one city: Busan.   Pete’s Dragon (September 7) What happens when you put together a caring family, an orphaned […]
Things to do during the Rainy Season
August 15, 2016

Things to do during the Rainy Season

The rainy season has finally come! Time to snuggle up on your beds and watch the raindrops fall by the windows! Or better yet… you can always do fun activities without the rain stopping you from doing so! Here’s a list of the best activities to do in the Philippines, rain or shine: 1. Read a book at your favorite coffee shop (Photo grabbed from cosmo.lv)   In Makati area, there are various coffee shops which are perfect spots sipping a cup of coffee while having a good read. In the Legazpi Village area, drop by at Starbucks or local coffee shops where you can enjoy a nice book with […]
National athlete incentives explained
August 09, 2016

National athlete incentives explained

With the recent silver medal finish of Hidilyn Diaz at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Filipinos have once again become emboldened with pride. Along with the glory of being an Olympic medalist, there are other perks that a recognized National athlete can get.   PINOY PRIDE. Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipina to win a medal at the Olympics, is set to receive a P5-million cash incentive and a house and lot. Photo grabbed from ABS-CBN News.   The most-talked about incentive that Diaz will receive is the P5-million cash incentive for bringing home the silver medal in the 53-kg weight class for women’s weightlifting. Apart from the cash incentive, she will […]
Ken and Kazu, Film Adaptations, and the independent film industry: an interview with Hiroshi Shoji
August 09, 2016

Ken and Kazu, Film Adaptations, and the independent film industry: an interview with Hiroshi Shoji

Cinemalaya 12 is upon us, and with that comes a chance of watching some of the best independent films from both here and abroad. One of the films on display is Ken and Kazu (2015) by Hiroshi Shoji. He stands as one of Japan’s best young directors, with 10 short films and Ken and Kazu under his belt.   THE MAN BEHIND KEN AND KAZU. Hiroshi Shoji had a short talk with the Cinemalaya audience last August 6 after his film, Ken and Kazu, was shown for Cinemalaya’s Visions of Asia.   Primer got the chance to talk to Hiroshi Shoji before the screening of his film for Cinemalaya 12, […]
Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent
August 02, 2016

Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent

The 2016 Rio Olympics is happening in a few days, and everyone is excited for the event. There may have been athletes that decided to skip the event due to the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, but that did not stop our Philippine contingent from making the trip. Also read: Bitten: Zika Virus 101   WILL 2016 BE OUR YEAR? 1996 was the last time we won a medal at the Olympics. (Photos used were grabbed from flagpedia.net and Wikipedia Commons)   Here is the list of athletes who have qualified and will represent the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, happening from August 5 – 21: – Athletics […]
Improvements to expect in MRT-3 within 2016
July 29, 2016

Improvements to expect in MRT-3 within 2016

Installations of free WiFis, new industrial fans, enhanced power supply, arrival of 48 light rail vehicles (LRVs) and refurbishment of facilities – these are just some of the ongoing Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) upgrades, as released by the Department of Transportation Communications (DOTC) on its official website.   (Photo grabbed from mrt3.com)   Since the prevailing administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, better change has been seen in more than one way and form. Social and industrial improvements have been escalating so quickly, particularly in road and traffic issues in the Philippines. Though some are still undetectable to commuters, Filipino citizens are left with their high hopes of a better commuting […]
Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?
July 26, 2016

Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?

Just nearly a month into office, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO), implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Executive branch. For Filipinos, this inking is such a feat especially that the FOI bill underwent rigorous revisions and procedures before it was drafted.   (Photo grabbed from the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s Twitter Account)   As a background, it was in the Article IV, Section 6 Bill of Rights of the 1973 Constitution where the right of people to information on matters of public concern was recognized. The bill was first filed in 1992 by then first district of Pangasinan representative Oscar Orbos. According to a Rappler […]
What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?
July 25, 2016

What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?

Every year in the Philippines, film buffs are all getting their exclusive chance to witness the newest film creations of Filipino filmmakers through the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, a film competition and festival that aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience.     Usually happening every month of July or August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Cinemalaya gives the biggest opportunity for ten fresh talents who are provided with a production grant through the Cinemalaya Foundation in order to create the film of their dreams. These films will then be featured […]
Know the App Snapchat
July 24, 2016

Know the App Snapchat

  So, what’s with those flower crown and licking dog filters all over your Facebook and Instagram feed? You’ve seen it a lot of times from your family and friends in social media and you probably got the idea that it’s from the new app Snapchat. Before you jump on the bandwagon and start to create your own account, here are some things you should know about the image messaging and multimedia mobile application, Snapchat. Snapchat is the brainchild of Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown when they were students at Stanford University. It was once named “Picaboo,” but then later on changed to its current name “Snapchat” with […]
Let the games begin: Filipino netizens react to #CHexit
July 13, 2016

Let the games begin: Filipino netizens react to #CHexit

With the Permanent Court on Arbitration issuing an award in favor of the Philippines, Filipinos both here and abroad have taken to Twitter and Facebook to say their piece about the monumental decision.   Claim what is ours. ??#WestPhilippineSea #CHExit — MyDearWriter (@MyDearWriter) July 12, 2016 You harassed our fishermen, destroyed our reefs and plundered our marine resources. It's time for you to leave our territory! #CHexit ?? — Hey it's just J (@jason_without_y) July 12, 2016 David wins over Goliath! Finally, it is OURS.?????? #WestPhilippineSea #CHexit ??? — Zcyrel Barola (@zcybarolaaaaaaa) July 12, 2016 To claim what is ours is the best feeling ever. #WestPHSea #CHexit — Ed Ignacio […]
Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President
July 08, 2016

Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President

While everyone knows exactly who the new president is, not everyone is privy to who our vice president, Leni Robredo, is apart from being a member of the Liberal Party, which former president Benigno Aquino III was also a member of. Here are a few things that you should know about the Philippines’ new vice president:   THE SECOND MEETING. Vice President Leni Robredo (left) is seen meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte during a courtesy call by the latter. Photo courtesy of lenirobredo.com   1. She was a human rights lawyer before being a congresswoman. She used to work for the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN), a national alternative […]
10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest
July 07, 2016

10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest

Cinemalaya has been paving the way for the Philippine independent film industry to surge to prominence. For the past 12 years, they’ve given unknown directors their biggest breaks and have kept the local film industry going. This year, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, which is happening from August 5-14, promises a bigger festival with more films, the return of the Open Competition, and a wider reach, staying true to their theme “Break the Surface.”   THE 12TH CINEMALAYA FAMILY. Open Competition and Short Feature directors gather with the organizers of the Cinemalaya Film Festival.   During the press conference held earlier today, July 7, at the Cultural Center of […]
City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with
July 05, 2016

City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with

When living in Manila, one of the top priorities you must know are its rules. You need to be informed what is allowed and what is not, especially in a foreign country like the Philippines. Aside from the laws, which are followed by the whole country, there are specific rules you need to abide by to maintain a safe and peaceful community. These specific rules, which are made by a city or local government, are called “ordinances.” To help you out, we have listed some of the ordinances you need to follow and also find uniquely interesting as foreigners here in Metro Manila: 1. Mandaluyong’s ‘Riding in Tandem’ Ordinance (Photo […]
Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets
July 05, 2016

Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets

Sited in the old downtown district of Binondo in Manila, Escolta has been adding vibrant colors to the rich culture and history of the Philippines since 1594. Escolta is dubbed as the Queen of Manila streets because a lot of important and major historical events occurred here. This place was once filled with business establishments by immigrants usually from China. These traders sell imported goods from different countries around the world during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. It was in the late 19th century when some of the tallest buildings including the Manila Stock Exchange established in Escolta. The little business town became a little more developed and modernized as shops […]
Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco
May 30, 2024

Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco

You may have heard his name in fashion-related news, as he continues to create a name in the international fashion industry. Learn more about Michael Cinco as we tell you a story of where he started and how he got internationally famous in the world of fashion.   Michael Cinco   Michael Cinco was born in the province of Samar, Philippines. He studied college in the University of the Philippines-Diliman majoring in Fine Arts, and then went to Slim’s Fahion and Arts school in Makati. To further enhance his fashion education, he enrolled in a short course in Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London.   Lady […]
Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where
June 29, 2016

Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where

The digital world is evolving at a break-neck pace. One of the most recent innovations is the Bitcoin. It’s a currency used the world over, yet no one seems to really know what it is, how it works, and (most importantly), where to get it. Here’s what you need to know about Bitcoin:   What is Bitcoin?   WHAT IS BITCOIN? This video pretty much explains everything you need to know about bitcoin. Video courtesy of weusecoins.   According to Bitcoin.org, it’s a decentralized digital currency. It’s essentially a digital coin that you can use between two people without the need for a bank. It’s a very young economy, only […]
An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July
June 29, 2016

An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July

July will be good for a lot of film buffs, what with the World Premiers Film Festival and Eiga Sai happening in the same month. Great films will be shown during each film festival, setting the stage for the rest of July. Here are some of the films you should definitely catch: July 6 Ice Age: Collision Course WILL HE FINALLY GET THE ACORN? Catch Ice Age: Collision Course 6 to find out. Poster courtesy of Ice Age Movies.   After Continental Drift, Scrat’s pursuit for his ever-elusive acorn brings him outside Earth, where he sets off a chain of events that threaten the planet. Manny, Sid, Diego, and the […]
Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?
May 04, 2022

Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?

“Millennial.” You may have seen it in social media or heard it on TV. You’re puzzled, clueless as to what this word means. In the Philippines, Filipino millennials or “Fillennials” is now a thing. Let us tell you who “millennials” are, what do they do, and why they are called as such. According to an article published by TIME Magazine, millennials are consisted of people born from 1980 to 2000. In America, they are the biggest age grouping in history. Made up of mostly teens and 20-somethings, these are the people who are already in college and part of the workforce. However, every country has a different millennial grouping. Simply […]
Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far
June 26, 2016

Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far

There are only a couple of days until 2016 is officially half over. In a few days, we’ll be looking at a new president. A couple of months after that, we’ll see what the NBA is like without a legend. Let’s look back at the year that was in social media. Here are the 5 topics that trended in the Philippines for the first 6 months of 2016:   THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT. Duterte benefitted a lot from social media campaigns. Photo courtesy of Rody Duterte Official Facebook page. 1. #Du30. Definitely the hottest topic on social media. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was the most talked-about candidate on social […]