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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.

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 […]
Breaking the Surface: The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Opening Ceremony
August 08, 2016

Breaking the Surface: The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Opening Ceremony

It’s the time of the year again – Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is back at it once more with its annual pledge of delivering eminent relevance and connection in the Philippine arts and culture through showcasing new cinematic works with fresh insight and artistic integrity of Filipino filmmakers.     Held last August 5, Friday, at the CCP Main Theater, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival was officially opened for free to the public as on a first come first serve basis. Chris Millado, Cinemalaya festival director mentioned that this year’s Cinemalaya festival is in partnership with Eigasai, a Japanese film festival in the Philippines through the Japan Foundation which […]
Meaty August Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse
August 08, 2016

Meaty August Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse

I’m Angus Steakhouse has always been known for its succulent steaks. This month, they are kicking things up another notch thanks to their Lunch Special for the whole month of August!   STIMULATE YOUR PALLETTE with these delicious entrees: (from left to right) cape grim beef yukhoe, salmon mousseline; and beetroot and goat cheese salad.   Start your meal right with any of these entrees: (1) Tasmanian Cape grim beef yukhoe (raw beef seasoned with spices or sauces) with pickled radish and miso aioli; (2) cured salmon with fennel mousseline, horseradish, and grapefruit; or (3) beetroot and goat cheese salad with walnuts and arugula.   THE “MAIN EVENT.” These dishes […]
Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH
August 06, 2016

Catch ‘Em All! Pokémon GO finally released in PH

After a long wait and more anticipation than who will win the NBA Finals, Pokémon GO has finally been released in the Philippines   CONFIRMED! After weeks of waiting, it’s finally in the Philippines! A post on the official Pokémon GO Facebook page confirmed earlier today, August 6, that the hit augmented reality (AR) game has finally hit Philippine shores along with other countries in Asia and Oceania. The post has since gone viral, with over 31,000 reactions, nearly 18,000 shares and almost 4,000 comments as of this writing. Niantic earlier released the hit mobile game in Central and South America in anticipation of the 2016 Rio Olympics. To date, […]
Nike’s Unlimited Stadium is now open in Bonifacio Global City
August 17, 2016

Nike’s Unlimited Stadium is now open in Bonifacio Global City

(Photo grabbed from Team Run Direction facebook page) Nike is totally up to something brilliant for those ‘workoutholics’ out there! In line with their Unlimited campaign, which encourages all athletes to embrace an “unlimited” mindset is the opening of Nike’s Unlimited stadium – the coolest pop-up concept of a running track located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Unlimited Stadium features a digitally-enabled, 200-meter running track with LED screens which will be open in public from August 5 – August 21, 2016, from 4 PM to 10 PM, daily. It is specially shaped after a 100-foot sole print of one of Nike’s latest running footwear, the Nike LunarEpic Low […]
2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5
August 05, 2016

2016 Rio Olympics is all set up for its Opening Ceremony on August 5

(Photo grabbed from: https://www.olympic.org/the-ioc) There’s only a few hours left before the Rio Olympics 2016 conduct its much-awaited opening ceremony and Rio is now busy submitting to its mission of putting its best face on ahead of Friday’s event at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Many is confused as the date of the opening ceremony is quite conflicted with time – basically, it will be on August 5, but really it’s on August 6. Telegraph.co.uk website made it all clear: “It’s kicking off at a civilised 20.00 local time, which means midnight on Friday night / Saturday morning if you’re following it from the British Isles. We’d guess […]
Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies
August 01, 2016

Government hotlines get more prank calls than legitimate emergencies

The country’s emergency hotline 911 was officially launched this morning. It logged almost 2,500 calls in its first 7 hours, but had an alarmingly high number of dropped and prank calls.   CHANGE HAS BEGUN. Emergency services would have been within easy reach, if not for the sheer volume of dropped and prank calls. Photo grabbed from Presidential Communications Operation Office Facebook page   In a report from news website GMA News Online, the 911 hotline received 1,119 drop calls, 304 prank calls, and only 75 calls with legitimate concerns. According to a report from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa warned […]
PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection
August 05, 2016

PNP targets bars and clubs in Makati, Taguig next for drug inspection

Announced on July 29 (Friday), the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be focusing on high-end bars and clubs in Makati and Taguig cities for drug inspections among regulars who are usually wealthy youths and celebrities.   (Photo grabbed from: foreignstudents.com)   According to Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario, head of the Southern Police District, they have already coordinated with owners and managers of posh bars and clubs to conduct a random inspection and patrol with the PNP personnel. “They are there to observe and even use the comfort rooms because as we all know, it is in the comfort rooms where the party drugs are being passed,” he added. Apolinario also […]
Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent
August 02, 2016

Rio 2016: The Philippine Olympic Contingent

The 2016 Rio Olympics is happening in a few days, and everyone is excited for the event. There may have been athletes that decided to skip the event due to the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil, but that did not stop our Philippine contingent from making the trip. Also read: Bitten: Zika Virus 101   WILL 2016 BE OUR YEAR? 1996 was the last time we won a medal at the Olympics. (Photos used were grabbed from flagpedia.net and Wikipedia Commons)   Here is the list of athletes who have qualified and will represent the Philippines at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, happening from August 5 – 21: – Athletics […]
The best Filipino indie films, your pet’s mind unlocked, and #SquadGoals: Movies in August
August 01, 2016

The best Filipino indie films, your pet’s mind unlocked, and #SquadGoals: Movies in August

August is known in the Philippines as the month when we celebrate the best in Filipino independent films with the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. This year, August is extra special for movie buffs with these highly-anticipated films:   Suicide Squad (August 4) Poster grabbed from www.suicidesquad.com   Worst. Heroes. EVER. It’s the simplest way to describe this ragtag crew of the world’s most dangerous incarcerated super villains assembled by U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller. DC’s Suicide Squad promises to be as action-packed as any other superhero movie you’ve witnessed. In fact, if you looked at the trailers close enough, you might just catch a glimpse of one.   Cinemalaya Films […]
Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball
May 29, 2024

Red Charity Gala: The Annual Red Cross Charity Ball

The glitz and glamour does not necessarily mean that it’s always just about fashion. Sometimes, it’s also has a deeper purpose. We introduce you to Red Charity Gala.   Various fashion outfits on stage   The Red Charity Gala is an “annual benefit charity fashion event which highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino fashion designers. Started in 2009, it first featured the collection of designer Dennis Lustico. For the past years, the Red Charity Gala was made for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross, a health and humanitarian organization, and also for Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation.  Since it started, they have already featured several well-known fashion designers […]
PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888
July 29, 2016

PLDT, Smart might not charge for calls to 911, 8888

Subscribers of PLDT and its subsidiary, Smart, might just be able to breathe a sigh of relief if they ever find themselves in an emergency as the telecommunication giant is willing to give people free access to hotlines 911 and 8888, but only if the government says so. Also read: Think before you call: Globe charges P5 for 911 calls   DID THEY ONE-UP GLOBE TELECOM? Probably not, because they will only give free access if the government says so. File photo.   In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Ramon Isberto, head of PLDT/Smart Public Affairs said “If the government will instruct us to make it free, […]
PH to host Miss Universe 2016
July 29, 2016

PH to host Miss Universe 2016

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo has confirmed at a press conference, Thursday (July 28), that the Philippines will be hosting the next Miss Universe pageant.   (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez via Philstar)   The idea was initially rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte because he was mainly concerned about the big expenses of hosting the pageant. He was later on convinced after a meeting with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach last July 18. Teo said the government is not going to spend a single centavo and it will be the private sector that would shoulder the expenses. DOT is also considering the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to […]