Feature Story

What you need to know about People Power Revolution
February 24, 2016

What you need to know about People Power Revolution

  A PAGE FROM THE ANNALS OF HISTORY. Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net. Probably one of the most controversial topics nowadays, the 1986 People Power Revolution (also knows as the EDSA Revolution) has been the longest-standing debates in Philippine history. Debates between Marcos supporters and detractors haven’t ceased, decades after the dictator was removed from power. This, however, does not take away the fact that the People Power Revolution remains the most successful nonviolent revolution that the world has seen. Every year, the country commemorates this momentous event on the 25th of February with gatherings at various parts of the country. From re-enactments to free concerts, every organization has its own […]
Philippines Has More Than 7,500 Islands
February 28, 2017

Philippines Has More Than 7,500 Islands

Heads up: Philippines is no longer 7,107 islands but more! A recent discovery claims that the Philippines has more than 7, 500 islands in total. NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority), the agency in charge for providing map – making services to the public said they have discovered more than 400 islands using the IFSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) and that the said islands are found mostly in Mindanao. Cabanayan said that the discovered islands were earlier believed to be part of a bigger island, but using a more sophisticated and high-tech gadget, they were able to count them as a separate land masses. The previous count – 7, […]
Go Grecian: Santorini-inspired Resorts in the Philippines
February 18, 2016

Go Grecian: Santorini-inspired Resorts in the Philippines

Greece may be halfway around the world from our shores but the feel of its world-famous Santorini is captured in some of the country’s resorts. From the island’s predominantly white and blue structures and domes, to its majestic cliffs, stunning views, azure sea and sky, and exquisite beaches – these destinations’ offers will let you experience the charm of the well-loved island paradise in the Aegean Sea without having to leave the country. So go on, channel your favorite Greek goddess as you envelop yourself with the air of Santorini in one of these lovely resorts.   Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa   The Bellarocca looks like a close kin […]
Tips: Gifts for Valentine’s Day
February 12, 2016

Tips: Gifts for Valentine’s Day

February 14 will definitely be busy for some people out there! In the Philippines, the traditional way of celebrating the Heart’s Day is like most other countries – going out on dates and giving gifts to your significant other. It’s usually the gentlemen who make most efforts, but nowadays, it’s no problem if it’s both. This weekend, don’t be surprised to see flowers, stuffed toys, and chocolates being sold at every corner. Just to give you some ideas, here’s a list of prices and a few suggested places you can check out:     Flowers. This beauty of nature is the most common gift you can give. Giving your girlfriend, […]
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to invest P4.3B for CARS program
February 28, 2017

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to invest P4.3B for CARS program

MITSUBISHI MOTORS FOR CARS PROGRAM. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Japan CEO Osamu Masuko and top parts suppliers companies gather at a press briefing event for Car Manufacturing Operations in the Philippines at Solaire Resort and Casino.   In a press briefing held on February 10, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) CEO Osamu Masuko expressed determination to participate in the CARS program of the PH government through a P4.3B investment. The said investment was made for the first phase of its plan to locally produce hatchback and sedan of MIRAGE in its Sta. Rosa, Laguna production site. This production investment will include a stamping facility to increase the local content rate. By 2017, […]
Filipino-Chinese Relations: Chinese New Year 2016
February 05, 2016

Filipino-Chinese Relations: Chinese New Year 2016

Filipinos and Chinese have known each other even before the arrival of the Spaniards. We have traded with them for hundreds of years, and have had them in our country ever since. While most of our countrymen bear a Spanish surname, it’s hard to find a Filipino without a tiny bit of Chinese blood. It should not come as a surprise that Filipinos join the Chinese in celebrating Chinese New Year.   GONG XI FA CAI!   Set on February 8, Chinese New Year celebrations are done as close as possible to how the Chinese community does it. Dragon and lion dances, wearing red, a bowl of 12 round fruits, […]
Philippine Elections: The Culture, the Drama, the Battle
February 04, 2016

Philippine Elections: The Culture, the Drama, the Battle

Philippine elections has a unique colorful character As the presidential poll nears, you may have already noticed the election scene in the Philippines on full display. And yes, it is not without its share of peculiarities and action consisting of serious controversies, meme-worthy issues, and escalating drama. A republic, the country’s citizens exercise their power to vote With posters of candidates flashing their most pleasant smile plastered around, political TV ads ranging from commercial-type vignettes to soap opera style dominating the prime time, non-stop word bouts among presidentiables and their running mates served daily on the news, and candidates with quite controversial backgrounds – from the son of a former […]
It’s National Tempura Day!
January 06, 2016

It’s National Tempura Day!

TEMPURA FOREVER AND EVER. Celebrate National Tempura Day on your favorite Japanese restaurants – who knows, you might get a big discount! Photo grabbed from nationaldays.net Today, we celebrate the day of our most loved Japanese food—Tempura! Although today is a remarkable day for all of us tempura lovers, sadly it’s not a recognized holiday. But hey, who says we can’t celebrate this very special occasion? Why not go to restaurants which serve the best tasting tempuras? But before you daydream about that, here are some interesting facts you should know about the mighty and all-time favorite deep fried delicacy. 1.  History of Tempura The origin of Tempura traces back […]
2015 Philippine Newsmakers
January 04, 2016

2015 Philippine Newsmakers

Another year has passed and it wouldn’t be complete without summarizing all the biggest events that happened in the Philippines. Here is a list of some of the news that made it to the front page, created waves in social media, and impacted the world. 1. Papal Visit PAPAL VISIT. Pope waves at the crowd in Tacloban. Photo by rappler.com From January 15-19, Pope Francis went to the Philippines for an Apostolic and state visit. His Holiness also paid a visit to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban and Leyte, and celebrated mass in Manila. The 5-day event became the largest papal event to date, with the Pope’s concluding […]
From Zero to Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal, National Hero
January 05, 2016

From Zero to Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal, National Hero

The construction of the Torre de Manila in Ermita, dubbed in social media as “Terror de Manila”, continues to be a controversy. Apart from alleged building and zoning violations, to both local and foreign tourists, the building is a “photobomber”, ruining the view of the landmarks in the area. The most damage seen is its effect to the monument of the national hero of the country, Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, found a few kilometers away. Regarded as one of the Renaissance men and the most influential Malay of his time, Dr. Jose Protasio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. The seventh […]
AlDub: The TV Phenomenon That’s Been Sweeping the Nation
December 15, 2015

AlDub: The TV Phenomenon That’s Been Sweeping the Nation

You see and hear them around through numerous billboards, TV commercials, radio commentaries, forum topics, and social media. This “AlDub” thing that is all the rage these days conquering all kinds of media may have made you feel curious and we can’t blame you. No one wants to feel left behind especially when something has become too big to ignore and almost everyone around you is talking about it. So what exactly is AlDub, and what makes it such a huge hit in the Philippines? Topping social media trends since July 2015, AlDub is now considered one of the most popular loveteams in the history of Philippine entertainment. AlDub is […]
5 Top Family Activities in the Philippines During the Rainy Season
December 29, 2015

5 Top Family Activities in the Philippines During the Rainy Season

Bitten by the travel bug during typhoon season? Fret not. With these five rainy day destinations, you and your family won’t have to settle another day for the indoors. – – 1. Dip into the hot spring pools in Laguna. Dubbed as the “resort capital” of the Philippines, Laguna houses a flurry of natural hot spring resorts fit for the cold, rainy season. Resorts in the town of Calamba – a two-hour drive south of Manila – are popular for their soothing hot spring pools, which come straight from the natural springs of Mt. Makiling. – 2. Surf in Baler. A scenic six-hour drive from Manila through winding roads and […]
LiSA: Another Great Day for an Interview (EXCLUSIVE)
December 28, 2015

LiSA: Another Great Day for an Interview (EXCLUSIVE)

– The day was warm, but her smile was even warmer. Philippine Primer was able to catch up with the pretty, bubbly and kawaii-all-over JPop idol LiSA at the F1 Hotel, Taguig last Friday, June 26, 2015. With her coming in all the way from Japan on that day itself, she must have been tired. However, one cannot see a trace of this exhaustion as she waves enthusiastically to everyone, greets everyone with her own version of the traditional bow – and even gives out unexpected hugs. LiSA truly made sure that everyone felt how happy she was to be here. “[The Philippines] is really tropical. [I imagine it having] […]
6 Things to Do on June 12 at P120 or Less
December 28, 2015

6 Things to Do on June 12 at P120 or Less

Philippine Primer offers 6 (almost) cost-free activities for #FreedomFriday! . (Photo from Manila Bulletin) . The Philippines is celebrating its Independence Day! It’s Friday the 12th and most of the work force is up for a long weekend! Bad news, though: payday for most is also on Monday. Yes, three days after the three-day celebration! While the lucky ones had it all planned out and are probably going on a short vacation on these three days (like, say, Tagaytay, Laguna or even as far as Palawan), some of us are stuck in good ol’ Metro Manila. Hold your horses, though. Before deciding to spend the day at home, watching reruns […]
Exclusive Interview: Meet Two Artists of ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival
December 28, 2015

Exclusive Interview: Meet Two Artists of ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival

Meet two of the talented international artists who contributed to the art scene of Bonifacio Global City: Nate Frizzell and AKA Corleone. – – Since the kick-off of the festival last May 23, The ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival has been nothing but awe-inspiring. Watching the artists themselves paint the blank concrete walls of BGC to life is such a sight to behold, and one would just be wowed with the talent and passion they see from the artists while doing their work. Philippine Primer was able to meet two of these artists and learn more about their respective works around BGC and their pursuit of creativity. – Nate Frizzell – […]
5th Annual SNUPS Awards 2015: Witnessing the Splendour of our Oceans
December 28, 2015

5th Annual SNUPS Awards 2015: Witnessing the Splendour of our Oceans

Philippine Primer gets an exclusive chance to witness the beauty of our deep blue sea! . SNUPS Awards Night Marine photography enthusiasts and contestants gathered on the evening of May 27 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium, in Makati to attend the 5th Annual Splash-NUDI Underwater Photo Shootout (SNUPS) Awards 2015 to celebrate this. It was a spectacular night as people felt and behold the underwater-like ambience of the event. Through a splendid gallery of photographs taken under the deep blue sea, the magnificence of the aquatic life was seen. . SAMPLE SHOTS. Photographers display their works. . SNUPS is an annual underwater photo and video competition that took place in […]
Exclusive Interview: The Chefs of Madrid Fusión Manila
December 29, 2015

Exclusive Interview: The Chefs of Madrid Fusión Manila

Learn more about two culinary masters who graced the event: Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz and Chef Paco Roncero. Yes, it has been ten days week since the biggest gastronomical event of the year, but we are definitely not over it! Philippine Primer enjoyed attending the first day of the International Gastronomical Congress and tasting different cheeses and more at the food tunnel, but we still have a lot more to share! Behind a great dish is a masterful chef. Madrid Fusión Manila was teeming with them: great dishes perfect for this culinary feast and even greater, multi-awarded chefs. Philippine Primer was able to speak with two of them about the […]
It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
December 28, 2015

It’s Almost Valentine’s Day

Here’s a Fun Fact: Did you know that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated differently? It is the women who show their love by giving chocolates to special people in their lives. Men, on the other hand, will get their turn but not until March for “White Day.” What makes it more complicated is that there are different chocolates to be given out according to the person you are giving to. Tomo choco can be given to a friend. Giri choco is ordinarily given to co-workers, classmates, a male friend or superior. Hon mei choco is the chocolate given to a very special man in a girl’s life. Usually, this […]
Gift Idea Series: All Ye Gents
February 28, 2017

Gift Idea Series: All Ye Gents

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… …or not, if you are behind your Christmas shopping. Yikes! Double yikes if you find it doubly difficult to think of the perfect gift for the men in your life. With all the sweet, cutesy and sparkly little trinkets out of the list, what else is there to give aside from that usual Nirvana t-shirt? Fight the urge to around like a headless chicken. Primer Magazine advices you to ACT COOL and check out our list of seven possible presents for the gentlemen: An NBA 2K15 Source: http://espn.go.com/ Holiday appeal: …or any video game related to the following: sports, cars, monsters, heroes, […]
Gift Idea Series: Scents and Suds
February 28, 2017

Gift Idea Series: Scents and Suds

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… And so the famous song goes. A few days to go and it’s Christmas! While this festive season begs the aroma of flavorful food wafting around, you don’t want to end up smelling like the Christmas feast, right? Surely, your loved ones wouldn’t want to do so either. This is especially true since our sense of smell is so powerful that it creates and evoke memories that can stay with us forever! So, why not wrap a fragrant bottle up? For the second edition of Primer Magazine’s gift idea series, we present something sweet again…only this time, something sweet-smelling from two local/artisan/quirky businesses and […]