News & Current Events

The July Issue of Philippine Primer is Now Available!
July 08, 2016

The July Issue of Philippine Primer is Now Available!

Philippine Primer: English edition saunters the ins and outs of Ayala Avenue this July!   Street: Ayala Avenue Ayala Avenue is Makati’s central business district and is dubbed as the ‘Wall Street of the Philippines’. This cosmopolitan and fast-paced business locale is also home to some of the metro’s finest establishments that cater to urban lifestyle needs.  The stretch of Ayala offers endless dining options as well as some laidback attractions. Here we feature the stops that should definitely be on your list of hang-out places for some good food and chill time. Check out the food courts located in high-rises that offer cheap to fancy food choices. Scout for […]
PPO gets renowned Japanese maestro as new music director
July 07, 2016

PPO gets renowned Japanese maestro as new music director

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is set to reach new heights as renowned Japanese conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura is presented as the new music director during a press conference held at Hotel Jen in Pasay City yesterday, July 6.   A NEW DAY FOR THE PPO. Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura is welcomed by CCP President Raul M. Sunico and CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris B. Millado.   Maestro Fukumura takes over for outgoing music director Maestro Olivier Ochanine, who concluded his term as music director last April 30 2016. He is recognized as one of the most revered maestros in Japan, being the former music director of Tokyo Ballet, Kyoto […]
Cebu named as one of top summer destinations by top Japanese travel website
July 06, 2016

Cebu named as one of top summer destinations by top Japanese travel website

Ring the Filipino pride bell anew as another Philippine destination, Cebu, was named to AB-Road’s top summer destinations for 2016.   CORAL REEF BEACH. According to ab-road.net, Cebu is the third most popular summer destination for 2016. In the photo is Coral Reef Beach, a popular destination within Cebu. Photo courtesy of Patrick Tumalad via flickr.   In a press release dated July 4, 2016, AB-Road.net, an overseas travel search and comparison site, revealed its top summer destinations for Japanese looking to go overseas for short-term trips. Cebu ranked third among the destinations listed, which includes Oahu, Hawaii and Taipei, Taiwan, ranked first and second respectively. Other destinations that made […]
Forever free: Admission to National Museum free of charge
July 05, 2016

Forever free: Admission to National Museum free of charge

Filipinos are getting more and more involved in their history and heritage thanks to events held in different museums across the archipelago. The National Museum of the Philippines took notice and has now opened its doors to everyone FOR FREE last July 1. Also read: National Museum: Get to Know the Country through the Eyes of Time   NO NEED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BIG EVENT. The National Museum recently announced that general admission to the museum as well as all its branches will be free of charge starting July 1, 2016. (Photo credit: National Museum of the Philippines Official Facebook page)   Yes, you read that right. Admission […]
Tropical Storm “Butchoy” expected to enter PAR later today
July 05, 2016

Tropical Storm “Butchoy” expected to enter PAR later today

Less than a week after “Ambo” brought rains to the country, another tropical storm is set to bring more rain to parts of the Philippines. Severe tropical storm Butchoy (international name “Nepartak”) is set to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday afternoon, July 5.   FIRST IN JULY. TS Butchoy will be the first out of many tropical cyclones to hit the country this year. Image courtesy of PAGASA.   According to the latest public weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Butchoy was last spotted 1,460 km east of Virac, Catanduanes. The tropical storm brings maximum sustained winds of 105 kph […]
July 6 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Fitr
July 04, 2016

July 6 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Fitr

Malacanan Palance has announced that July 6, Wednesday, is officially a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan). The announcement was delivered by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a press briefing, Monday (July 4).   (Photo credit: cdn2.theweek.co.uk)   Eid al-Fitr is an important event celebrated by the Muslims for three days after the end of the month of fasting. It is the first day marking the end of the Ramadan. In accordance to Republic Act No. 9177, only the Office of the President can declare the Eid al-Fitr as a regular holiday, upon the recommendation of the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos. Thus, […]
Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines’ 16th President Inauguration
June 30, 2016

Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines’ 16th President Inauguration

Duterte taking his oath joined by his children (from left to right) Veronica, Sebastian, Sara and Paolo. Photo source: http://media.philstar.com/   After winning the election by a landslide last May 9th, President – elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte took his oath at 11:45 am Thursday, June 30 as the new and 16th President of the Philippines at the Malacanang Palace. A total of 627 guests were invited including incoming cabinet members and family of the new President. Before the oath taking ceremony, Duterte paid a brief courtesy call to the former president, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and send him off via departure honours for the outgoing President. In his speech, President […]
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila runs their 4th year for the Manila Half Marathon
June 29, 2016

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila runs their 4th year for the Manila Half Marathon

MANILA Philippines June 26 2017–Sofitel Manila Plaza Manila together with Runrio promotes wellness and a healthy lifestyle as it hold this year’s Sofitel Manila Half Marathon dated on the 21st of August 2016 at CCP Complex Open Field.     For over four years, they have partnered with the country’s foremost running event organizer, RunRio, led by Coach Rio de la Cruz which brings the much-awaited event to a new venue. Now taking off from the CCP Open field, they are expecting for a bigger number of participating runners to fill-up the entire place together with the organizers in able  to generate more funds for the Virlanie Foundation. “Over 4,300 […]
PH Senate: VAT increase on unhealthy foods might be implemented
June 29, 2016

PH Senate: VAT increase on unhealthy foods might be implemented

“We are open to that, we are willing to listen. That is the essence of taxation and democracy,” Senate President Franklin Drilon told ABS-CBN News Channel.   (Photo credit: nzgba.taxbackinternational.com)   The Senate stated that they might consider the 12% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and execute a tax on “obesity-and disease- causing” food, like junk food, if demanded by the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. According to incoming budget secretary Benjamin Diokno, he discussed with Duterte’s finance secretary-designate Carlos Dominguez on Duterte’s plan to increase the VAT up to a maximum of 15%. He also said that the timing of the VAT adjustment could be two years […]
DepED and Microsoft, in a team to hatch the EGG
June 27, 2016

DepED and Microsoft, in a team to hatch the EGG

MICROSOFT PHILIPPINES AND DepED. Microsoft Philippines Inc., and Department of Education (DepED) team up to build The EGG. (Photo grabbed from Victor Barreiro Jr. via Rappler)   In an effort to bring quality education to far-flung areas in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepED) and Microsoft Philippines teamed up together to launch EGG, a self-contained, transportable classroom. This self-sustaining and fully-functional learning facility called EGG can accommodate more than 30 students which can easily be set up in three days. It is an innovative approach to provide education anywhere in the country, which can generate its own water and power system, and it also has its own internet connectivity. […]
It’s now official: beep card can now be used on ALL BGC Bus routes
June 27, 2016

It’s now official: beep card can now be used on ALL BGC Bus routes

After weeks of limited public trials, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Bus and AF Payments, Inc. have made it official: you can now use beep™ in all BGC Bus routes.   BEEP BEEP. Yes, you can now use your beep™ card in all seven BGC Bus routes. Photo grabbed from beep card official Facebook page.   In a report from GMA News Online, BGC Bus General Manager June Galvez said that beep™ cards will now be accepted in all seven of their routes, replacing the old TapBGC stored value cards. “With the beep cards, it brings more convenience to our passengers and commuters. And with the current technology that we have, […]
Pinoy and Proud in New York: Jollibee in Manhattan
June 24, 2016

Pinoy and Proud in New York: Jollibee in Manhattan

Filipinos in and close to usually find it hard to find their favorite chicken, spaghetti, and hamburger; they say New York versions of said food tastes better, but nothing beats what we loved as kids. Well, worry no more! Jollibee will soon open its doors in Manhattan!   ISA PA! ISA PA! ISA PANG CHICKENJOY! You’ll soon hear Filipinos in New York saying these over and over again. Photo courtesy of Jollibee Official Facebook page.   In a report from the Commercial Observer, Jollibee Foods Corporation will open a branch in Manhattan, near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Though there aren’t many Filipinos in New York, the bus terminal is […]
Michael Cinco makes history as the first Filipino designer to present in Paris Fashion Week
June 24, 2016

Michael Cinco makes history as the first Filipino designer to present in Paris Fashion Week

MICHAEL CINCO. Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer makes waves in Paris Fashion Week. Photo by Michael Cinco via his Instagram account   Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco is set to make history as the first Filipino designer in the prestigious Paris Fashion Week this July. Cinco is bound to present his 30-piece Autumn/Winter collection which features both couture and ready-to-wear creations. According to a Manila Bulletin report, Cinco describes this collection as“homage to the beauty of nature.” Cinco’s exhibit will be presented by the Asian Couture Federation.  This federation promotes Asian Couturiers with highest levels of artistry in fashion design. Cinco became famous when he caught the attention of international […]
The Black Mamba returns to Manila
June 24, 2016

The Black Mamba returns to Manila

Two months after he uttered the words “Mamba out,” Kobe Bryant is on the move as he makes his way to Manila for the Mamba Mentality Tour on June 25 and 26.   MAMBA IS BACK IN MANILA. He dropped 60 in his last game, took a break for 2 months, and now he’s back at it. Photo courtesy of Nike Basketball Official Facebook page.   A special event will be held tomorrow, June 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, called Mamba Mentality Night. The tour’s culminating activity, dubbed “The Kobe Academy” will happen in June 26. Select basketball players from the Kobe Academy Pre-camp, which happened from June 22 […]
What you need to know about K to 12 Program in the Philippines
June 24, 2016

What you need to know about K to 12 Program in the Philippines

Upon learning about the Philippine education system, you might have heard about a certain “K to 12.” It’s one of the most recent update in the education system in the country, and it’s important that everyone knows what this is about and what makes it differ from the previous schooling system in the Philippines.   (Photo grabbed from Tesda via LinkedIn)   What is K to 12? Basically, K to 12 covers 13 years of basic education in PH. This includes: • Kindergarten to Grade 3 • Grades 4 to 6 • Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School) • Grades 11 to 12 (Senior High School)• Why is PH […]
PH celebrates 445th Manila Day
June 24, 2016

PH celebrates 445th Manila Day

This June 24, Filipinos celebrate the founding anniversary of Manila, the country’s capital city.   Photo grabbed from malacanang.gov.ph   Manila Day is recognized as a public holiday in Manila City. Located at the eastern shore of Manila Bay, Manila is composed of 16 districts which are Binondo, Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Port Area, Quiapo, Sampaloc, San Andres, San Miguel, San Nicolas, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santa Mesa, and Tondo. It was on June 24, 1571 when Manila was proclaimed as Spain’s capital city in the Philippines where in a government was established. Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson declared June 24 as Manila City’s foundation day and it was in […]
Sari-sari stores with WiFi in PH soon, to be funded by Microsoft
June 23, 2016

Sari-sari stores with WiFi in PH soon, to be funded by Microsoft

WIFI IN SARI SARI STORE. The sponsored WiFi scheme is can help provide connectivity to PH. Photo grabbed from Expatch)   One Philippines-based startup won seed funding from tech giant Microsoft Corporation with its idea to install 10,000 WiFi hotspots in the country using TV White Space (TVYS) technology. Quezon City-based startup WiFi Internactive Network (WIN) was one of the 12 enterprises which bested 248 startups from all over the world that made Microsoft fund them. According to an Inquirer report, this was through Microsoft’s Affordable Access Initiative, which “invests solution that can reduce the cost of Internet access and help more people get connected to World Wide Web.” According […]
State-run media only: Duterte to hold inauguration in Malacañang
June 22, 2016

State-run media only: Duterte to hold inauguration in Malacañang

He made good on his promise. If you’re hoping for a glimpse of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration, you might want to tune in to state-run People’s Television Network (PTV).   STATE MEDIA ONLY. You might not catch the inauguration of President-elect Duterte on TV live, unless you’re watching it on PTV 4, or the other networks get permission from the state-run network to use their live feed. Photo courtesy of Patrick Roque via Wikimedia Commons.   In a report from the Inquirer.net, incoming Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) head Martin Andanar said only the state-run People’s Television Network (PTV 4) and Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM) will […]
What to expect and do: 2nd #MMShakeDrill on June 22
June 21, 2016

What to expect and do: 2nd #MMShakeDrill on June 22

The Metro Manila Development Authority has given the green light for the second Metro Manila ShakeDrill simulation exercise on June 22 at 9 a.m. This can only mean one thing: people should once again be prepared for our country’s “Big One.”   IT ALL GOES DOWN ON JUNE 22. Let’s all participate in this year’s #MMShakeDrill. Photo grabbed from MMDA official website.   Everyone is encouraged to participate in order to promote awareness. To help you cope with everything that will go down on that day, here are the things you should expect do when the alarm sounds for #MMShakeDrill: 1. Drop/duck, cover, hold. Remember these words, as they are […]
Uniqlo bags top foreign brand retailer award from DTI and PRA
June 21, 2016

Uniqlo bags top foreign brand retailer award from DTI and PRA

The wave of international brands is indeed upon us as Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo won at the 19th Outstanding Filipino Retailers & Shopping Centers of the Year (OFR-SCY) Awards.   UNIQLO WINS BIG. The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) recognized Uniqlo as the best in the Large Foreign Brand Retailer category. Logo from Wikimedia Commons.   Uniqlo bested other foreign brands as it bagged the award for Foreign Brand Retailer in the large category. Uniqlo has been in the country since 2013 and has been on a surge thanks to its quality products sold at affordable prices. SM Megamall was elevated to the OFR-SCY Hall of Fame as one of the […]