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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.

Ascott’s Somerset Alabang is now open!
July 27, 2016

Ascott’s Somerset Alabang is now open!

Congestion in Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Ortigas is at an all-time high. Living spaces are at a premium, even with the many high-rise condominiums of these busy business districts.   WELCOME TO SOMERSET ALABANG! Ribbon cutting led by Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon and Arthur Gindap of The Ascott Limited.   Well, worry no more. Somerset Alabang Manila is now open to serve those who are looking to stay in the fast-rising business district that is Alabang, Muntinlupa City!   TEAM SOMERSET! Here’s the whole family for Somerset Alabang with executives from The Ascott Limited.   Primer was on hand for their soft opening earlier today, July 26, and […]
Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?
July 26, 2016

Freedom of Information: Why is this is a big deal to Filipinos?

Just nearly a month into office, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO), implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the Executive branch. For Filipinos, this inking is such a feat especially that the FOI bill underwent rigorous revisions and procedures before it was drafted.   (Photo grabbed from the Presidential Communications Operations Office’s Twitter Account)   As a background, it was in the Article IV, Section 6 Bill of Rights of the 1973 Constitution where the right of people to information on matters of public concern was recognized. The bill was first filed in 1992 by then first district of Pangasinan representative Oscar Orbos. According to a Rappler […]
Tokyo Power Rice opened its very first branch in the Philippines
July 26, 2016

Tokyo Power Rice opened its very first branch in the Philippines

On July 26 (Tuesday), Japanese restaurant Tokyo Power Rice has successfully opened its very first branch at Tao Corporate Center in  Makati.     Owner Remigio V. Tan was very delighted during the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. According to him, the main concept of Tokyo Power Rice is to bring quality Japanese food in affordable price to the people of the area. Aside from Japan, which currently operates 12 branches of Tokyo Power Rice, the Philippines is the country next to Japan to experience the infamous Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Beef Bowl) by Tokyo Power Rice. “We chose Philippines because among the Asian countries, Philippines has the fastest growth economically. […]
Disciplined, informed, involved Filipino: #DU30UnangSona
July 25, 2016

Disciplined, informed, involved Filipino: #DU30UnangSona

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) called for disciplined, informed, and involved Filipinos for our country to truly rise from the ashes. He said that for our country to achieve success, “We have to help each other for then and only then can we truly prevail.” This comes after a one-hour, 32-minute State of the Nation Address (SONA).   PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE delivers his first SONA, which lasted for an hour and 32 minutes. Photo courtesy of PTV   His SONA was unlike any first SONA delivered by other presidents, i.e. he did not blame previous administrations for their mistakes.   NO MORE FINGERPOINTING. Image courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations […]
Quench that thirst: Starbucks brews two new beverages
July 26, 2016

Quench that thirst: Starbucks brews two new beverages

  This July 26, Starbucks is set to unveil its 2 new frappuccino blended beverages which are the Mango and Strawberry Fruit Jelly yogurt. Mango Fruit Jelly yogurt Strawberry Fruit Jelly yogurt These two blended beverages will be available starting July 26, and are priced at P160/tall, P175/grande, and P190/Venti. The Mango Fruit Jelly yogurt is a great refreshment made up of mango fruit jelly with real mango bites, in a honey-citrus sweet mango sauce. On the other hand, its strawberry counterpart will give you a sweet and flavorful drink topped with a layer of strawberry jelly with strawberry bites that will make you crave for more. Aside from these […]
Now out in the Local Market: Herbalife SKIN Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
July 25, 2016

Now out in the Local Market: Herbalife SKIN Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

The solution-based skin care nutrition, Herbalife SKIN, has successfully launched its newest skin care product, Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, at the Highstreet Café, Shangri-la at The Fort last July 23, 2016.     Herbalife SKIN Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is a long-lasting moisturizer that leaves skin smooth and soft, while providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection against the sun’s damaging rays. Its key benefits include doubling the skin’s moisture for eight hours, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and providing broad spectrum SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection.       Paraben-free and dermatologically tested, the Protective Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is […]
What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?
July 25, 2016

What is Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival?

Every year in the Philippines, film buffs are all getting their exclusive chance to witness the newest film creations of Filipino filmmakers through the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, a film competition and festival that aims to encourage the creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience.     Usually happening every month of July or August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Cinemalaya gives the biggest opportunity for ten fresh talents who are provided with a production grant through the Cinemalaya Foundation in order to create the film of their dreams. These films will then be featured […]
Wall Street Journal features BPO Company TaskUs in the Philippines
July 25, 2016

Wall Street Journal features BPO Company TaskUs in the Philippines

On June 21, Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) company TaskUs, was featured by Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on how the company turned the call center into a cool tech startup.     TaskUs OFFICE. (Photo grabbed from TaskUs Facebook)   In a report by Eva Tam of WSJ, it features TaskUs as a call center which has a setup that will make you feel like you are in a Silicon Valley startup. This idea, to build a workplace that does not look like your typical call center, has funky chairs, a gym, large cafeteria, and a napping area. Here are some pictures from Instagram app taken at TaskUs offices:   Watching. […]
Know the App Snapchat
July 24, 2016

Know the App Snapchat

  So, what’s with those flower crown and licking dog filters all over your Facebook and Instagram feed? You’ve seen it a lot of times from your family and friends in social media and you probably got the idea that it’s from the new app Snapchat. Before you jump on the bandwagon and start to create your own account, here are some things you should know about the image messaging and multimedia mobile application, Snapchat. Snapchat is the brainchild of Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown when they were students at Stanford University. It was once named “Picaboo,” but then later on changed to its current name “Snapchat” with […]
Reward yourself with these JCB Deals!
July 22, 2016

Reward yourself with these JCB Deals!

  Avail these no-minimum-spend-required discounts, when you use your JCB Card from July 1 to September 30, 2016!     UCC UCC Vienna: Tomas Morato Plaza; The Podium; SM Mall of Asia; Greenbelt 5; Rustan’s Makati; 59 Connecticut St., Greenhills; Banawe Ave, Quezon City; Corinthian Hills UCC Café: Glorietta 3; Forbes Town Center; Shangri-La Mall; Dell Bldg (Eastwood Ave.); Robinsons Magnolia UCC Terrace: Forbes Town Center; Ayala Center Cebu; One Rockwell – West Tower; Westgate Alabang; SM Mall of Asia; Trinoma; Robinsons Ermita; Resorts World Manila; Paseo Center; Lucky Chinatown UCC Mentore: SM Aura; Park Terraces (Makati) UCC Park Café: Glorietta 3; Forbes Town Center; Dell Bldg (Eastwood Ave.); Robinsons […]
No more ‘His Excellency’: just call him President Duterte
July 21, 2016

No more ‘His Excellency’: just call him President Duterte

Change has come in more ways than one as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tells everyone in government to drop the words “His Excellency” from all official communications, events, or materials.   “HIS EXCELLENCY” NO MORE. In a memorandum issued on July 15, Duterte asked everyone in government to not address him as “His Excellency. TOTO LOZANO/PND   A memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea was issued on July 15, 2016 saying that Duterte shall only be addressed as “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte” in all official communications, events, or materials.   A COPY OF THE memorandum telling everyone in government to not address the President as “His Excellency” and […]
Step Out in New Styles from Yosi Samra’s Fall/Winter 2016 Collection
July 22, 2016

Step Out in New Styles from Yosi Samra’s Fall/Winter 2016 Collection

  Keep your feet happy and update your wardrobe, as we welcome another season with Yosi Samra‘s Fall/Winter 2016 Collection. The New York brand seamlessly juxtaposes its trademark neutral palette of classic styles with fresh new pieces inspired by runway trends, such as 70s motifs, lavish embroidery, statement pieces, and fur.     Yosi Samra continues its tradition of elegance combined with ultra-flexible comfort by using only the finest leather and luxe materials for its newest collection. As the pioneer brand for foldable ballet flats, Yosi Samra remains easy to pack into the girl on-the-go’s city handbag or suitcase – without cramping her personal style. Whatever your inclination – whether […]
Christmas in July at Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano
March 11, 2019

Christmas in July at Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano

UPDATE as of February 2019, Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano has announced their closure: It is with sincere regret and reluctance to notify you that Carpaccio Ristorante Italiano will be closing permanently its doors on the evening of February 16, 2019, after 24 wonderful years of being one of the leading Italian restaurants in Manila. Nevertheless and on a positive note, we are happy to inform everyone that we will continue to serve the most popular Italian dishes in our two restaurants in the same building – Chesa Bianca & I’m Angus Steakhouse. In the case of functions, we will be more than happy to attend requirements on the Carpaccio premises. — Make […]
NAIA Secretary says sorry for emergency runway closure
July 20, 2016

NAIA Secretary says sorry for emergency runway closure

EMERGENCY. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade apologizes for emergency runway closure. Photo by Ariel Fernandez of mb.com.ph   The Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has now apologized for the inconvenience brought by the sudden emergency closure of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday evening. Also read: Know your rights as air passengers in the Philippines At least 14 international flights were canceled on Monday, due to the sudden closure of the NAIA Runway 0624 because of an emergency repair when the asphalt got peeled off in the runway. This closure was said to have been made to ensure the aircrafts and passengers’ safety. In a video interview, Tugade […]
#TinapayNatin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition
July 20, 2016

#TinapayNatin Pinoy Bread Baking Competition

Pan de sal, pan de coco, monay, ensaymada, kababayan, putok — these are just some of the classic Filipino bread that you can find at any local bakery and Filipinos take pride in. In celebration of the Philippines’ colorful bread culture, one of the country’s largest flour milling companies, Pilmico, is collaborating with Max’s Corner Bakery (MCB) of Max’s Group, Inc. in paying tribute to locally produced baked goods and Filipino ingenuity by inviting the youth to take part in the nationwide #TinapayNatin Bread Competition on September 09, 16, 23 and October 13, 2016. Last July 19 (Tuesday), the launching of #TinapayNatin Bread competition was held at the very first […]
Duterte’s First SONA: What to expect
July 19, 2016

Duterte’s First SONA: What to expect

We’re only 6 days away from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s (PRRD) first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 at the Batasang Pambansa or the House of Representatives in Quezon City. SONA is the annual progress report of our country. It is presented by the President every year in July, and is always held at the Batasang Pambansa. In attendance are the country’s congressmen, senators, executive secretaries, UN dignitaries, the Vice President, their families (if they so choose), and any of the president’s personal guests.   HIS FIRST SONA. After being sworn in as president, PRRD will deliver his much-awaited SONA this July 25. (Photo courtesy of Presidential […]
Chesa Bianca presents the Melted Raclette Cheese Festival!
July 19, 2016

Chesa Bianca presents the Melted Raclette Cheese Festival!

Europeans love their cheese. They have a special place for bubbling melted cheese, especially during the cold winter months. It may not sound ideal here in the Philippines, but with the wet season upon us, Chesa Bianca’s Melted Raclette Cheese Festival may just give you warmth just before Christmas season.   CHEESE, CHEESE, AND MORE CHEESE. Make sure you visit Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant for their Melted Raclette Cheese Festival!   What is raclette, you ask? Raclette (pronounced /rəˈklɛt/) is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese usually fashioned into a wheel. It’s mainly used for melting, and doubles as the name of the Swiss dish that’s done by heating cheese and […]
A first for the PBA: Janine Nicandro is first female referee
July 19, 2016

A first for the PBA: Janine Nicandro is first female referee

Change has come to the oldest continuing basketball league in Asia as Janine Nicandro made her debut as a referee for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) at the opening game of the Governor’s Cup held last Friday, July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.   A FIRST FOR THE PBA. Janine Nicandro dons the black and white for the first time as a PBA referee. (Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net)   “Yung dito po talaga, nakaka-tense po. Nakaka-kaba, pero masaya po,” (It’s very tense and nerve-racking here in the PBA, but it’s fun) said Nicanor, a 23-year-old marketing graduate from Laguna State Polytechic University (LSPU), during a […]
4DX cinemas now open at UP Town Center and Greenbelt 3
July 18, 2016

4DX cinemas now open at UP Town Center and Greenbelt 3

Your movie experience just got a whole lot better.     This July, the Ayala Malls opens 4DX cinemas in Greenbelt 3 and at the University of the Philippines (UP) Town Center.  4DX Cinemas are motion picture technology augmented with environmental effects such as “seat motion, wind, rain, fog, lights, and scents” along with its audio and visual presentation. This 4DX technology in Ayala Malls provides “high technology motorized recliner seats” and state of the art effects to let the moviegoers feel more connected to the movie. The cinema evokes a luxurious vibe to make the movie-watching more comfortable as ever.   Ayala Malls’ motor recliner seats and Movie Snackbar […]
Starbucks’ Buy 1 get 1 promo starts July 18!
July 18, 2016

Starbucks’ Buy 1 get 1 promo starts July 18!

Coffee lovers, there are more reasons to indulge in your favourite cup of handcrafted coffee today!     Starbucks’ Choco Hazelnut Mocha will be up for grabs in their Buy 1 Get 1 promo starting July 18 (Monday) to July 20 (Wednesday). There are no requirements needed to be able to avail this promo, just head on to any Starbucks stores nationwide in any time of the day and bring someone to share the coffee with you! You may avail the promo in any size, but there is a limit of (1) purchased beverage per customer per transaction. This promo is valid for hot and iced variants in all Starbucks […]