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News in the Philippines

Stay in the loop with your go-to source of blogs in the Philippines! Know the latest happenings and trending news in Manila and across the country.

New PH passports to be released starting today
August 15, 2016

New PH passports to be released starting today

Filipinos who want to travel overseas and are applying for their passports will be the first recipients of the “all-new high-security passport” released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) beginning today, August 15.    A NEW LOOK. The new passports will not only have a revamped look but also have security features that will make them virtually fraud-proof. Photos grabbed from PCO Facebook page.   Dubbed by a travel site as the world’s most secure passport, the new look includes designs that showcase the country’s different regions. Intaglio printing is used for these new passports, similar to what they use when printing money. Other security features include using optical variable […]
Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA
August 15, 2016

Goodbye to EDSA traffic? Metro Manila Council bans provincial buses from EDSA

Just over two weeks after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) banned UV Express shuttles from traversing EDSA, another set of PUVs have just been banned from using it.   THIS MAY SOON BE a thing of the past once the MMC resolution takes effect. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez, grabbed from Wikimedia Commons.   In a report from the Manila Bulletin, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution last August 12 banning provincial buses from using EDSA. Provincial bus terminals will likewise be removed from the major thoroughfare in an effort to decongest the worsening traffic the National Capital Region (NCR) faces every day. The move is […]
Just for today: ₱50 Flat Fare on uberPool rides from 6AM to 12 MN
August 15, 2016

Just for today: ₱50 Flat Fare on uberPool rides from 6AM to 12 MN

Uber has launched its #POOLsquad, a Metro-wide competition where riders can win free Uber rides and credits when they choose to share their ride on uberPOOL.     #POOLsquad competition will run from August 15th to September 4th. Riders can get a chance to win lots of exciting prizes like free Uber rides just by three easy steps: (1) ride Uber from August 15th – September 4th; (2) enter promo code by choosing your Uber celebrity squad found on your Uber app; and (3) take as many Uberpool trips as you can for the chance to win amazing prizes!   #PoolSquad. Choose your squad and enter its code to join […]
‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016
August 15, 2016

‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ tops Cinemalaya 2016

For this year’s Break the Surface themed Cinemalaya Film Festival, Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo bagged the most number of awards at the recently held Awards Night on August 14 (Sunday) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.   Best Film ‘Pamilya Ordinaryo’ director Eduardo Roy, Jr. (holding a trophy) with the cast of the film. (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)   Lauded for its “strong sense of realism and the mix of narrative and the use of real CCTV footages,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Pamilya Ordinaryo has undoubtedly produced a successful film which has made them bag five major awards such as the Best Film, Best Direction, Best […]
The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP
August 14, 2016

The police are your friends! 8 Pokémon Go safety tips from the PNP

Yes, Pokémon Go is officially a hit. Almost everyone you meet on the street that has a compatible smartphone is most likely playing the hit mobile game; however, walking around the city while staring down on your screen is not exactly the safest thing to do. Accidents have been reported across all regions with access to the game. Even with Niantic Labs, the creator and developer of the game, already having safety warnings placed within the game, it’s still up to the player to be safe while playing the game. The Philippine National Police – Police Community Relations Group (PNP-PCRG) recently released eight safety tips that will keep everyone who […]
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 […]
BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep
August 13, 2016

BEEP may soon replace the iconic Filipino Jeep

ABS-CBN News Correspondent Jacque Manabat recently tweeted a photo that may give Filipinos a new way of going around the Metro Manila: the BEEP.   A TWEET FROM JACQUE Manabat of ABS-CBN.   The BEEP, short for Bagong Jeep, is a modern version of the jeepney that has an automated fare collection and organized fleet management system.   AUTOMATED FARE (AF) COLLECTION SYSTEM. You’ll be able to use your beep card once they roll out in all of Metro Manila.   They are now undergoing a trial run with 6 Beep jeeps plying the Lagro-Cubao route as well as the Parang to Stop & Shop Marikina route. Minimum fare is […]
Caruso Ristorante Italiano Presents: A night with Gianpaolo Rabboni
August 12, 2016

Caruso Ristorante Italiano Presents: A night with Gianpaolo Rabboni

The night was ripe for the taking as a Filipino-Italian singer-songwriter performed some of his own compositions last night at Caruso Ristorante Italiano in Makati City.   SINGER SONGWRITER GIANPAOLO RABBONI serenaded diners last night at Caruso Ristorante Italiano.   Gianpaolo Rabboni, a budding singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Italy, was born to an Italian father and a Filipina mother. He’s always loved the Philippines, and he’s now in the country to give Filipinos a taste of his brand of rock by doing a mini-concert series in at least two restaurants within Makati.   ITALIAN AND FILIPINO PRIDE come together as Rabboni poses with Emilio Mina, owner of Caruso Ristorante […]
Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex
August 12, 2016

Beep cards can now be used as payment at Cavitex

Attention, drivers! With its trial run on August 8, beep cards can now officially be used by owners of Class 1 vehicles at the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) for toll payment.   BEEP CARDS NOW ACCEPTED AS TOLL PAYMENT. (Photo grabbed from unlijavarice.com)   Beep cards, a tap-and-go technology made by AF Payments Inc., (AFPI) are now accepted as toll payments for those driving Class 1 vehicles such as pick-ups, vans, and cars. According to Peter Maher, president and CEO of AFPI, “extending the use of beep cards as a payment option at CAVITEX represents another step towards making the beep card an all-in-one travel card for commuters and even private […]
6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya
May 19, 2022

6 More Must-See Things in Cinemalaya

  The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has got avid movie-goers to see the best films produced by up and coming talented filmmakers in the Philippine film industry. Currently in its 12th run, it still aims to produce local’s best depicting reality through cinematic visuals which promotes Filipino art when it comes to filmmaking. The event is held every year in July to August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. Probably unknown to many, aside from the films showcased during the whole festival, there are so much more to see during this week-long festival everyone will enjoy as well. Here are some of the things […]
To do this weekend: Pokémon Go Lure Parties in Manila
August 12, 2016

To do this weekend: Pokémon Go Lure Parties in Manila

If you’ve been living under a rock since August 6, chances are you’ve missed the biggest thing to happen since Hidilyn Diaz won the silver medal in the Olympics: Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go is no ordinary app, as shown in this infographic from bargainfox.co.uk. The country’s largest telecommunications companies, Globe and Smart, have already offered free data to all of their subscribers during the hit mobile game’s release. The game definitely has the smartphone-using public hooked, and malls have taken notice. There’s a new kind of party in town that should be on the calendars of every Pokémon Go player: lure parties. What are lure parties? Lure drop parties, or […]
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches ‘All Things Swiss’
August 11, 2016

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches ‘All Things Swiss’

Cutting of cheese with Swiss Army Band’s Lt. Col. Patrick Robatel, Samuel Po, Sarah Lahbati, Mr. Raoul Imbach, and Frank Reichenbach   A Swiss-filled celebration officially starts as Marco Polo Ortigas Manila launches its very own celebration of Switzerland, August 4, 2016, at the Ballroom A of the only sky hotel.   Swiss Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Raoul Imbach giving the audience a brief about Switzerland   The Swiss Army Band   In celebration of the 725th National Swiss Day, the Hotel, in partnership of the Embassy of Switzerland, gathered guests for a day full of Swiss food, cheeses, and wine. Guests were welcomed by host and Swiss national, […]
Out Now! Primer Magazine August issue
August 10, 2016

Out Now! Primer Magazine August issue

Spend your day indoors as we give you the quick guide to shopping this month of August!   Street: Greenbelt, Glorietta and SM Makati Located in the middle of a bustling metropolis, Greenbelt, Glorietta and SM City Makati malls embody all things beautiful, high end, and convenient. These three mall giants each have their unique concept and characteristics. They gave more effort in breaking convention by providing relaxation and an intimate atmosphere where people could lounge in and experience the beauty of nature. These malls in Makati are homes of the most upscale names in fashion, entertainment, electronics and dining.  – Travel: Nasugbu, Batangas Looking for a much-needed escape? We […]
(Exact) Change has come: “No Shortchanging” bill lapses into law
August 10, 2016

(Exact) Change has come: “No Shortchanging” bill lapses into law

It’s something that seems to happen only in the Philippines: one minute you’re paying for everything you bought; next thing you know, you’re either digging in your pockets looking for loose change or receiving candy from the sales person. If you don’t you’ll either go out of the store without change or without the product you wanted to buy.   UNDER REPUBLIC ACT 10909, all establishments will be required to have change. No ifs, ands, or buts.   Well, this, and other situations similar to this, will soon be a thing of the past thanks to Republic Act (R.A.) 10909, also known as the No Shortchanging Act of 2016. RA […]
PH driver’s license validity to be extended for 5 years starting October
August 11, 2016

PH driver’s license validity to be extended for 5 years starting October

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be implementing the 5-year validity of driver’s license in the Philippines which will start in October 2016.   Philippine driver’s license for non-professional   This implementation is in accordance by President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) wherein he stated that he wants to lessen queues in the said government agency. The implementation was made by LTO chief Edgar Galvante, where professional and non-professional licenses will have 3-year validity and shall expire on the driver’s birthday. This new rule will start first in the National Capital Region (NCR) and will eventually spread out to other regions in the country. However, this 5-year […]
#PathToLife: Parenting done right through FWD Life
August 12, 2016

#PathToLife: Parenting done right through FWD Life

The country’s fastest-growing insurance company, FWD Life Philippines has launched a consortium of thought leaders and industry experts in advocating empowered parenthood for Filipino families, last Tuesday (August 9) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.   FIRST-TIME PARENTS find new allies in journey to safer births   FWD Life, in partnership with the Department of Health (DoH) and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), took its first big step to becoming instrumental in building a community that actively helps expectant parents prepare for the wide range of health and financial risks tied to pregnancy through a very meaningful talk with experts in the field of maternal cares. 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, […]
Infographic: The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners
August 09, 2016

Infographic: The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners

Filipinos got their hands on Pokémon GO exactly one month after the hit augmented reality (AR) game was released in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In less than a week, it took over the country in the same way that Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and Clash of Clans did during their prime. It has also jumped to the top of the Play Store as the most popular free app in the country, easily beating Facebook and other social media apps. The Ultimate One Stop Guide and Resource for Pokémon Go Beginners The crazy stats behind the latest and biggest mobile game. The powerful combination of nostalgia and modern, […]
Hotel Jen shows How to “Leave Boring Behind” with Energetic Destination Experiences
August 09, 2016

Hotel Jen shows How to “Leave Boring Behind” with Energetic Destination Experiences

Hotel Jen unveils a series of destination-centric offers to help adventurous travellers seize the day, meet the locals and explore the city when they stay at one of the 10 Hotel Jen properties in Asia Pacific. This launch kicks off the brand’s new “Leave Boring Behind” campaign together with the release of fresh video content. “Hotel Jen was launched by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts two years ago to cater to today’s independent travellers who are passionate about discovering new places, cultures and experiences,” said Marisa Aranha, vice president of sales and marketing for Hotel Jen. “The brand was inspired by a virtual persona, Jen, who is a professional hotelier with […]