Reviews | Philippine Primer

December 28, 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. […]

December 17, 2014

LEGO Warehouse Sale: A Review

Two words: ultimate adventure. The LEGO Warehouse Sale 2014 that took place last December 10-14 was an ultimate adventure, a treasure hunt to be more precise. The adventure started in locating the “very mysterious” venue of the sale itself. It is amusing to think that the sale was held very close to Eastwood City, but still remain elusive at the same time – an adventure indeed for LEGO hunters and collectors, especially those who are from the southern part of the Metro. The amazement does not end there, though. One would be overwhelmed not with the LEGO products available, but with the number of people who wanted their LEGO! Kudos […]

December 28, 2015

La Mer with Manila Glee Club Holds Twilight Concert 2014

Two flags were raised last December 6 at the BDO South Tower’s Francisco Santiago Hall as the La Mer Choral Group in partnership with Manila Glee Club held the Twilight Concert 2014, one of a series of concerts they have been having through the years. Garbed in clothing inspired by the traditional Filipiniana, the La Mer choral group, composed of talented Japanese women, kicked off the concert with a cheery Japanese rendition of “Hi-Ho” from the Disney film Snow White. To the sound of the piano, their voices wonderfully blend together like milk and coffee. The La Mer choral group also dramatically performed Tagalog song “Bayan Ko”. Their next performances were […]

December 28, 2015

Black and White Has Never Been This Colorful: Ballet Manila’s Swan Lake (A Review)

Photo grabbed from Ballet Manila’s website The curtain rises, and the happy jester leaps gracefully around the stage. Equally graceful courtiers follow suit, bringing life by their joyful waltzing. One look at the stage and you are enchanted: the very colorful set matches the ballet’s festive Act 1. Even those who are not very fond of or used to watching classical ballet will have definitely appreciated the scenes and dances from this act. Enter Maxim Chashchegorov as the Prince Siegfried and the crowd applauds. Though not as strong and regal as you expect a prince should be, Chashchegorov is lithe and light, his turns and bounds as perfect in the […]

February 28, 2017

Mundo x Primer: Networking Night Event

Together with Primer, Mundo Builders Inc. launched the Networking Night last Thursday, October 23rd, at the New World Makati Hotel. Dubbed as ‘Bridging the Cultural Gap’, the event was organized in the collaboration of Mundo Builders & Philippine Primer Magazine to shred key lessons on how to deal with Japanese clients and other expats. The Glass House in New World Makati Hotel was packed by 157 business enthusiasts, ready to network their respective businesses. – – Insights on harnessing strategic relationships were shared by guest speakers, Marie Segura and Joe Feriera during the event. – Ms. Marie Segura – The first speaker of the night was Ms. Marie Segura, who […]

December 28, 2015

Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival 2014 Main Event: A Spectacular Night of Pure Jazz Music

Last Saturday, October 18, the Main Festival Event of the Tokyo Manila Jazz & Arts 2014 was held at the Rockwell Tent, Powerplant Mall. It was a night filled with wonderful jazz music performed by our very own Filipino artists and talented musicians from Tokyo. It was hosted by none other than veteran Filipina actress Cherie Gil. The event started off with a performance from 23 best jazzers of the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), a versatile ensemble of 64 young, dedicated, talented and skilled musicians, led by Maestro Romeo San Jose. Asia’s premiere vocal harmony group, The CompanY, also awed the audience by their version of medley songs Apo […]

December 28, 2015

Art Introduces Life in Mexico: Fantastic Identify

. Among other paintings, Diego Rivera’s Spain’s Great (The Blue Angel) greets excited visitors, slowly making their way through Mexico: Fantastic Identify, FEMSA’s extensive collection of 20th century art. It was a collection of masterpieces and a trip down memory lane. Bits and pieces of Mexican art history can be read on the museum’s walls, telling very interesting stories about the passionate country where these equally passionate artists and artwork come from. Everything in the exhibit resounds Viva, Mexico! Still Life (1945) by Olga Costa. The Dance of the Malinches by Jean Charlot manifests influences of European art, but has attributes that are completely and totally Mexican: skirts in vibrant colors […]

December 28, 2015

BLOGAPALOOZA 2014

The much awaited Blogapalooza 2014 has finally happened last October 11, Saturday, at the SM Aura Premier. It was the biggest B2B: Business to Blogger Networking and Marketing event. It was attended by over 500 bloggers, Facebook users,Instagram users, Twitter influencers, brands and media companies from TV, radio, newspapers & magazines. Blogapalooza was organized by 3 of the biggest blogs in the Philippines, WhenInManila.com (Vince Golangco), TechFilipino.com (Francis Simisim), and OurAwesomePlanet.com (Anton Diaz). Our Awesome Planet – Anton Diaz When In Manila – Vince Golangco We had a chance to have a quick interview with Mr. Vince Golangco of WhenInManila.com. He told us that Blogapalooza started in their website which has 4million visitors every month. They […]

December 28, 2015

Say “Prost!”: Oktoberfest at Brotzeit

This is the time of the year when most people realize that one of the best things that happened to Germany is, Bier. Oktoberfest is a celebration that the Germans first shared to neighbor European countries and has already reached Asia. We have limited information as to when the Philippines started merry-making every October, but I guess that’s the whole point of Oktoberfest – never mind, just enjoy. It’s Wies’n! To experience Wies’n the German way, we decided to visit the Philippine franchise of German Bier Bar and Restaurant, Brotzeit. The franchise at the EDSA Shangri-La Promenade is the first branch in the Philippines and the 10th in the world. […]

October 01, 2014

The Ultimate Taste Test 14: Food Critic for a Day

With man’s constant pursuit of hap-tummy-ness, we always find ways to the newest restaurant in town, the best lunch buffet or the latest blend of coffee from Starbucks. Last Saturday, Power Plant Mall with Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews united all foodies to this annual food event called The Ultimate Taste Test. Bringing 50+ of the newest food suppliers around the Metro to share with us their specialties. In this age of social media popularity the Philippines, small scale businesses have evolved a more economical way of doing business – welcome to the world of Online Retail. Most businessmen and women find this the best way to […]

September 30, 2014

More Than Your Ordinary Sapphire (Ballet Philippines’ The Blue Moon Gala: A Review)

Ballet Philippines, now in their 45th year, featured pieces fit for its sapphire season and more. Filled with powerful, passionate performances, their 6PM show on the 27th of September definitely felt a lot less than its running time. Carissa Adea and Denise Parungao showcase their strength and grace in Je Tu Elle, BP’s opening number Following the company’s staging of Giselle (September 19-21), The Blue Moon Gala is the second of the three shows in the Blue Moon Series. It features choice masterworks performed by some of the top ballerinas and danseurs in the county to date. Bungkos Suite by Alice Reyes It was a bravura act through and through: […]

September 30, 2014

BAILA, BAILA, BAILA with FUSE: A Review

Smiles, smiles and more smiles. The moment we entered the Folk Arts theater, we were greeted by pearly whites. Everybody was so happy, from the helpful organizers to the pleasant sponsors and purveyors. What really caught our attention, though, was this bunch of giddy early birds in their stylish – and manually! – deconstructed marathon shirts and colorful Zumba pants! (Their creativity was rewarded later that evening when awards were given out for the most creative tees of the night.) While waiting for the event to start, pictures were being taken left and right. Everyone was in such a positive mood! EAGER BEAVERS. At as early as 5:00 PM, enthusiasts […]

December 28, 2015

Gaucho Restaurant: A taste of Argentina

I never fail to notice this restaurant whenever I pass by the al fresco park on the 3rd floor of Robinsons Magnolia. The exterior is intimidating because of the tinted glass windows and the golden finish on the beautifully decorated gate below the sign Gaucho Cocina y Vinos Argentinos. Most restaurants in the Philippines offer Chinese, Italian and Western cuisines but never have I heard of one serving Argentinian cuisine –oh, and an authentic one at that. Once I entered inside, I was more impressed by the interior. It is spacious and sophisticated: from the black and white checkered floors, the wooden dividers, the tables and chairs to the deer […]

December 28, 2015

Salalalalad Bamba at Bamba Bistro

Tucked away along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes Paranaque lies a restaurant called Bamba Bistro. This well-raved gourmet place in the South is owned by the very talented young chef, Ms. Christina ‘Tina’ Legarda. The name of Bamba Bistro came from the song La Bamba which her father used to play when she was young to comfort her whenever she was sad. (Singing it in my head now, “la, la, la, la bamba…”) Bamba Bistro is a combination of gourmet comfort food and modern bistro. It is a well-designed restaurant with fresh interiors, cozy couch, and a family vibe once you enter. The restaurant is divided into two sections: the […]

December 29, 2015

Manila’s Tokyo EDM Invasion at its finest!

Last August 2, Saturday, history was made as the most celebrated local and Japanese EDM DJ’s played together at the SMX Convention Center. The Tokyo EDM Invasion brought the no. 1 club in Tokyo, WOMB, along with top Japanese DJ’s – DJ Dantz, DJ Ayumi and DJ Daijiro. DJ Dantz (main act) Upon entrance, Modern Geisha welcomed us to an all out Tokyo Invasion. Since SMX is a big venue, the place was divided into 3 sections: the main floor – which served as the ground for all regular guests; the VIP – the Neon Strip Lounge that showcase high tables and downtown Tokyo drinks; The guests at SVIP section […]

December 29, 2015

Primer visited the SIAL ASEAN-MANILA 2014

The largest food exhibition is here in Manila! Almost 500 exhibitors from 20 countries came together for the SIAL 2014: the South East Asian Food Marketplace held in World Trade Centre. From June 11-13, different international and local food and drink suppliers, distributors, manufacturers and brand owners showcase their products to the Filipino market. Primer had a first-hand look of the event! The Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (Mafbex) is the country’s leading event organizer and is the food exhibition partner of SIAL-ASEAN. The Department of Agriculture also takes part of this event. The favorite meeting point for food services professionals, La Cuisine by Sial. One of the chefs of […]

April 28, 2015

Attention, Curry Lovers! The Super Mouth-Watering Curry Restaurant Is Here!

Today we went to the Podium at Ortigas to visit Izumi Curry, a restaurant that originated from Osaka. Moreover, its well-awaited branch at the Podium just opened last 2013. Besides from its outlets in the Philippines and Osaka, Izumi has also made its way to Hong Kong. According to its manager in Ortigas, some of their current customers first became fans after trying out the Izumi Curry in Hong Kong. Their popularity even extends across the sea. It is really amazing! We asked some Filipino customers about what they think after tasting a Japanese-style curry and their reply were,“Japanese curry has a fruity sweetness and isn’t that spicy, so it’s […]

April 28, 2015

YOREE KOREAN BARBEQUE DINING: Barbecue Dining Bar by Dining Story Company from Korea @ The Forum BGC

YOREE KOREAN BARBECUE DINING is a barbecue restaurant by the famous Dining Story Company, known for different brands across South Korea and in China. Finally, the Philippines is among of the countries embracing its new concept, which is serving authentic Korean cuisine in a place that exudes a modern ambiance. The name of the restaurant means “okay cook” or “good cook” because YOREE can, undoubtedly, cook excellent authentic Korean food! Compared to others, their approach is different because even though they serve genuine Korean cuisine, YOREE’s interior gives a modern and hip minimalistic feel, which goes well with different shades of charcoal that adorns the whole store, while Kpop songs are played […]