Reviews

The Taiko Effect: Drums of Change (A Review)
April 13, 2015

The Taiko Effect: Drums of Change (A Review)

What’s the best sound you can use to acquaint the Philippines with Japanese culture—the melody of a J-pop song? Filipino lyrics accompanied by the koto? Or the high notes of a woodwind instrument along with the heart-pounding beats of the Taiko drum? The answer: All of the above! Taiko refers to a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments, “broad” being the key word. The Taiko Effect: Drums of Change was certainly broad, as it featured many aspects of the Japanese culture. With performances from the Mt. Fuji Symphony Orchestra and Arahan & Hasegawa Karate, the guests dining at Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater last April 10th and the audience at CCP […]
Tamashii Convention 2015: Igniting the Japanese Spirit in You
April 04, 2015

Tamashii Convention 2015: Igniting the Japanese Spirit in You

Ladies in costume The Japanese culture is one of the most fascinating in the world and students from De La Salle University have definitely taken notice of this. What used to be an event solely for the purpose of promoting the Japanese culture has now become a true festival in every sense of the word. We’re talking about Nihon KenkyuuKai’s (日本研究会) Tamashii Convention! Organized by De La Salle University’s professional organization for Japanese Studies majors and other Japanese-culture loving students, the convention otherwise known as “TamaCon” is now on its third year of spreading Japanese culture to all Japanese culture fans! We’re not just talking about anime. We’re talking fashion […]
Etihad Manila 10s: The Best Social Rugby Tournament in the World
March 31, 2015

Etihad Manila 10s: The Best Social Rugby Tournament in the World

PLAYERS get ready for the fight of their lives (this year). The Philippine Primer attended the recently concluded 26th Annual Manila 10s International Rugby Festival. It was the held last March 21 and 22 at the Nomad Sports Club in Paranaque. It started in 1989 as a way for the local (and then only) rugby club in the country, the Manila Nomads, to play rugby at a competitive level without having to tour regularly. The tournament kicked off with the Rugby Lunch at the Marriott Hotel Manila. It was graced by former England International David Trick, Australia Captain Nathan Sharpe and legendary British Lion John Bentley. Photo grabbed from Manila […]
Gout de France (A Review)
March 30, 2015

Gout de France (A Review)

Philippine Primer visited Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant and ate our way to the heart of France: their food. Nothing binds people together more than food can. This is true for Filipinos and yes, for the French, too. Hidden in the heart of Quezon City, Lemuria is a home turned into a lovely fine dining French restaurant that has a relaxing ambiance. It is an ideal choice for intimate parties and for couples who are celebrating special occasions. The staff is attentive and polite. Upon arriving, we were immediately directed to our seats and served our dishes after a few minutes. Lemuria Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Paté The amuse-bouche, Lemuria Chicken Liver […]
Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair
March 17, 2015

Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair

The Podium and curator Lori Baltazar let us appreciate living and eating through a one-of-a-kind food and crafts fair. “I’ve always been about championing home bakers”, enthused curator, Lori Baltazar. DESSERT COMES FIRST by curator Lori Baltazar’s is the highlight of that Saturday’s festivities. Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair is a three-day fair that featured some of the country’s best and most promising dessert shops and craft stores. It was Lori’s first event with the Podium. “From home bakers, I moved on to savory things. Then, I also wanted to feature stores that sell things for the house, for the kitchen and for the table. Things […]
Quinoa: What You Need to Know
March 13, 2015

Quinoa: What You Need to Know

Let your love for this nutritious seed grow. Not in the mood for rice, bread or pasta? Looking for the best alternative for those carbohydrates? Grab some Quinoa! Quinoa (/ˈkiːnwɑː/, from Quechua: kinwa) is a grain crop that has edible seeds. It is high in fiber and Manganese. Fiber helps us digest food faster, which helps us maintain good health and lose weight when necessary. We’ve heard about Quinoa few years back but no one really paid attention to it except for a few food enthusiasts and those who seriously want to switch to a healthier diet. In 2012, Quinoa patties were introduced as an alternative to burger or meat […]
Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015: In Retrospect
March 12, 2015

Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015: In Retrospect

Drums that match the beat of your heart and your feet, dancing that makes you stay up and shake it all night long, laughter erupting from the four corners of the room and applause from an audience in awe. This is what Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015 looked like last February 27 at the Rockwell Tent. It felt like being in Brazil for one night. The night started with a mix by DJ Romeo Cavalcante who co-hosted the event with Luanne Pasinatto. Free drinks were provided by Havaianas, but guests also had the option to choose their own poison courtesy of bar booths from Palladium. Quitutes Brazil served local treats, such as carne […]
Project VOICE Live in Manila: Thank You for Stopping By, Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
March 09, 2015

Project VOICE Live in Manila: Thank You for Stopping By, Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye

“Manila, you’re rowdy. I dig it.” These were some of the first few words that came out of renowned spoken word poet Sarah Kay last Sunday, March 1, 2015, when she and fellow spoken word poet (and partner-in-crime) Phil Kaye performed their poetry live in the Philippines for the first time ever. Known to be as “champions of vulnerability, cheerleaders for the unexpected and ruthless flashlights for all your heart’s nooks and crannies,” Sarah and Phil are co-directors of Project VOICE, an organization that aims to promote, empower and improve literacy. They have visited hundreds of schools in over 15 countries and offer not only live performances but also student […]
The Great British Festival Experience: Brits and Glamour
March 03, 2015

The Great British Festival Experience: Brits and Glamour

Now on its second year, the British Embassy’s Great British Festival fulfilled its promise to be bigger, better and greater. This three-day activity kicked off with a symbolic ribbon cutting by Her Majesty’s Ambassador for the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad together with Fil-Brit football stars James and Phil Younghusband. “This is a great celebration of Philippine-British partnerships [that] we have been building over the years,” said Ambassador Ahmad, “We wanted this festival to highlight the many aspects of British excellence.” He then cited few of these many milestones, one of them the increase in Phil-British partnerships, with fifty-eight (58) new companies joining the festival from the original twenty-four (24) last […]
The 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
March 02, 2015

The 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) was first organized by former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor together with some local aviation enthusiasts with one goal in mind: to help jumpstart the local economy and boost the spirit of the Central Luzon region after the devastating 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Now on its 19th year, the festival, also known as A Weekend of Everything that Flies, was indeed uplifting and more enjoyable than ever. PIHABF is primarily a gathering of local and international aviators and flying enthusiasts, although spectators are also welcome. And so last February 12-15, people from all over the country and the world flocked to Clark […]
Sunset Samba: Obrigado to the Sun (A Review)
February 27, 2015

Sunset Samba: Obrigado to the Sun (A Review)

Imagine a setting where you’re surrounded by the picturesque architecture of old Manila. The skyline made beautiful by the remnants of the old city, you sit with your friends and enjoy music so moving, it rivals the breathtaking sunset you see on the horizon. That was the Sunset Samba in Intramuros. Set on the roof deck of the Manila Collectible Co., the Samba School Imperatriz Filipinense, in partnership with Viva Manila, introduced the crowd to the music of Brazil. The crowd sat on ornate carpets on the floor. No chairs or tables here, folks! The setting was intimate and made you feel as if you were among friends. Warm smiles and […]
Beer, Music and More at Mabuhay Germany: A Testimonial
February 26, 2015

Beer, Music and More at Mabuhay Germany: A Testimonial

Primer special correspondent Michael Engel shares* with us his experiences at Continental’s Groovy Doovy German Night! ——————————————————————————————————————- We could’ve danced all night long. The event was the perfect get-together. The moment I arrived in the venue, I heard German music from my youth. Songs from my favorite German bands when I was younger filled the air. It felt very comforting. Pop music from the 80’s was also played. Groups of people were dancing in front of the stage. Some games were played earlier, although I was not able to witness them. Overall, everyone was having a great time. It felt almost like a Bierzelt (beer tent): fun and laidback. Bier […]
The Aristocrat Beyond Troubling Times: Manila, My City at War!
February 25, 2015

The Aristocrat Beyond Troubling Times: Manila, My City at War!

As part of the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Manila, My City at War!, a month-long commemorative event for the 70th anniversary of the Battle for Manila, stories about the World War II entitled Life Goes On and the War on Air were shared last Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Ayala Museum. Guest speakers were invited to talk about the everyday life and culture in Manila during the Japanese occupation. Among the topics discussed were the Tagalog language, medicine, transportation & utilities, books, komiks, radio and music. One of the speakers, Mrs. Priscilla Reyes Pacheco, shared some of the stories of their family’s business and now known as one of the […]
Sail Around the World with Worldship Orchestra
February 23, 2015

Sail Around the World with Worldship Orchestra

Good classical music is a rare find here in Manila. Love for this kind of music rarer since it is seen as an acquired taste or exclusively for the elite. Worldship Orchestra on the other hand believes otherwise. A fairly new organization established just last December, Worldship Orchestra and the students and professionals that comprise it travel the world in order to introduce classical music to children who have little or no access to classical music. It turns out that music can contribute greatly in a child’s development by giving them life-skills such as self-esteem and discipline. These are two things they will need in their many years to come. […]
50 Shades of Love (A Review): Dating Mr. Greys & Ana Steeles for Five Minutes Each
February 20, 2015

50 Shades of Love (A Review): Dating Mr. Greys & Ana Steeles for Five Minutes Each

Incessant chatter equals resounding success! And in 50 Shades of Love, incessant chatter came in the form of pleasant conversations about travel, food, work and many more. While the rest of the world was going crazy in love at the cinemas, Telu Events held their own blockbuster event at the Oz Bar last Valentines’ Day. During this event, participants had the chance to date not one, not two, but forty-nine (49) beautiful people! The theme of the event was very loyal to the bestselling book and hit movie, Fifty Shades of Grey. The materials used are simple but amusing: the organizers picked and printed out signature lines from the book. […]
A Day of Unity and Sharing; a Celebration of Talents: Pasinaya 2015 (A Review)
February 20, 2015

A Day of Unity and Sharing; a Celebration of Talents: Pasinaya 2015 (A Review)

Pasinaya started with a flourish of Filipino dances from the different islands of the Philippines, officially opening the festival. It was a fiesta indeed, complete with the excited groups of people who were watching very eagerly on that nippy Sunday morning. The day’s activities, their designated sites, museum tour routes and other details were laid onto a map-like guide. Upon entering the CCP Complex, one can see CCP ushers dressed in white with Pasinaya 2015 print around the place to guide guests to certain performance venues. One of the starting performances was from the UST Symphony Orchestra, where they performed a medley of Philippine pop classics: It Might Be You, […]
Travel Tour Expo 2015
February 13, 2015

Travel Tour Expo 2015

The ultimate travel expo is happening now, Feb 13 to 15 at the SMX Convention at SM Mall of Asia. The biggest and most anticipated Travel Tour Expo will highlight participating travel agencies, airlines, theme parks, and hotels organized by the PTAA. Avail of must-book deals from over 250 exhibitors and enjoy freebies, and exclusive offers. In this kind of event, you can see how healthy the travel and tourism in the Philippines. The venue was jam-packed and the crowd is incredible, be sure to get a map at the ticketing station or take a photo of the Expo Map located at the entrance. The entire SMX exhibition halls are […]
Contemporary Art Fair 2015 (A Review)
February 09, 2015

Contemporary Art Fair 2015 (A Review)

With A Stroke of A Paintbrush, Magic!   Diverse in the best way possible. This is what one would come up after seeing the grand displays of fabulous art at the Contemporary Art Fair 2015. Once again, the best of modern and contemporary artists gather once more at The Link from the 6th to the 8th of February to showcase Philippine visual art. Overseen by the Philippine Art Events Inc, this art fair aims to celebrate Filipino art practitioners and the local art scene in general. Exhibitors this year include Silverlens, The Drawing Room and Art Informal. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland inspired the exhibit of Art Verite where each […]
‘Dance Dance Asia: Crossing the movements’: Unfolding the Asian tour
January 22, 2015

‘Dance Dance Asia: Crossing the movements’: Unfolding the Asian tour

So much talent on one stage. Dance concerts are very atypical in the Philippines and it’s fortunate to have something like this in a country whose love for dance and music are reigning supreme. Everyone at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza Makati was in awed by the show-stopping performances of the three Japanese dance crews last Jan 17 & 18. The s**t kingz, Tokyo Gegegay and TAPDANCERIZE keeps audiences on their toes during their kick off concert in the Philippines. The show opened with TAPDANCERIZE which features three tap dancers: Yuri Uragami, Gunjo and Satomi Toma and are accompanied by 4 instrumentalists. Each of the three members […]
A Glimpse of Glam & Gold: SEA Xmas Bazaar
January 13, 2015

A Glimpse of Glam & Gold: SEA Xmas Bazaar

Christmas may be over and done with, but our pleasant memories of yesteryear live on. Before we totally immerse ourselves in the new and the fresh that is 2015, let’s take a look at one of the hippest holiday bazaars in the metro: the SEA of Glam & Gold Xmas Bazaar. It was a feast of food and fashion, indeed. The Henry Sy, Sr. auditorium was filled with the busiest last-minute Christmas shoppers, the best bag, shoe and clothes bargains and some unique food items, such as gourmet dried mango chocolates and our very own barako coffee. Most purveyors who participated are local, start-up businesses, like Kneutral and What If. […]