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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.

June 18, 2016

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines breaks ground for Press Shop

Just days after getting an approval from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments (DTI-BOI)’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) breaks ground on Friday, June 17, 2016 for its P2 billion stamping shop located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.   DAWN OF A NEW DAY. Golden shovels into dirt mark the start of a new facility for MMPC.   On hand for the ground breaking ceremony were distinguished guests, including Makoto Iyori (Minister of Embassy of Japan in the Philippines), DTI Assistant Secretary and CARS Program Director for BOI Romulo Manlapig, and DTI Undersecretary and BOI Vice Chairman and Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo. […]

June 17, 2016

Dutere vs Trump: Is he really the “Trump of the East?”

Ever since he ran for president, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte has always been outspoken; so much so that he has drawn comparisons to a presidential candidate on the other side of the world–US Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Most people, especially his supporters, do not like the idea of Duterte being likened to Trump. For those wondering why he’s been called the “Trump of the East,” here are the reasons why a lot of US media have given him this moniker: • Controversial views. Views expressed by both Duterte and Trump on certain issues have drawn the ire of many groups. They’ve both touched on the subject of rape, with Trump calling […]

June 18, 2016

Manila’s Pavilion’s Father’s Day treats

  Father’s Day comes but once a year. On Sunday, June 19, make the most of this wondrous occasion by matching Dad’s big appetite with the liberty to choose from our eat-all-you-can lunch for only Php1,200 nett at our interactive lifestyle restaurant, Seasons. To make this lip-smacking fare even more invigorating, Super dads with group of four or more will receive special gifts from our sponsors Metro Dental, Tony & Jackey and Asian Brewery. At Patisserie, Manila Pavilion’s French-style pastry shop, present Dad with our heavenly cake of the month Chocolate Entremet, layered of milk chocolate sponge and strudel, passion fruit parfait, mint caramel, milk chocolate mousse and glazed that […]

June 17, 2016

Premium beverage tools are now within your reach with Bevtools.com

Quality bar sets are not that common in the Philippines, much less in Asia. Most bartenders and bar owners find it hard to find quality beverage products anywhere in the country. Yes, you can go to Quiapo to get cheap knock-offs, but you only get what you pay for. Bar tools are sold online, but most of these are delivered from overseas, sending their prices sky high. This makes it hard for anyone to own a quality bar set, especially the average Juan. We’ve all been mixing our own cocktails at home for friends, so why not take it to the next level? You can do just that through Bevtools.com, […]

June 16, 2016

Facebook Messenger for Android can now send SMS

Messenger keeps up their messaging game. To further enhance its messaging system, Facebook Messenger now involves a new feature where one can send both Facebook and standard SMS messages onto its interface. In a post on June 15 by the official Messenger’s page, it said that “you will now have the choice to be able to send and receive your SMS/texts in Messenger, and will not have to go to different screens on your phone to communicate.” Messenger also put into details how to do view and respond to SMS conversations in Messenger. You just have to open Messenger, tap on Settings, select “SMS” from the list, and turn on […]

June 15, 2016

Hotel Jen Manila enters into a partnership with Security Bank for exclusive discounts to its cardholders

Diners Club and Security Bank Credit and Debit Master Card can now enjoy 20% discount on Hotel Jen Manila’s Deluxe Room based on Best Available Rates and 20% discount at Latitude and Kitsho excluding alcoholic beverages. For more details about this promo, please visit https://www.securitybank.com/promos/hotel-jen/ and https://www.securitybank.com/promos/hotel-jen-2/.   (From L-R Front Row: Security Bank’s Ms. Rose Salamat Arias, Merchant Channel Head, Mr. Christopher Fabra, Merchant Channel Manager, SAVP Gian Panganiban, Card Sales Head, Hotel Jen Manila’s Dir. of Sales and Marketing,  Ms. Mila Grace Yap and Maketing Communications Manager, Mikco Maiquez formalize the partnership between the two corporations)   For inquiries and advance reservations, please call (632) 795 8888 or […]

June 17, 2016

International luxury hotel brand Conrad opens in Manila

Led by the SM Hotels and Convention Corporations (SMHCC), one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands Conrad has finally debuted in Manila.     Conrad Manila, which is the luxury flagship brand in the Hilton Family of Brands, is the chain’s 15th location in the Asia Pacific. Owned by the SMHCC and managed by Hilton Worldwide, this 347-room hotel located in Mall of Asia’s lifestyle city complex in Pasay is the newest luxury destination in the metro. With its hugely iconic sail structure and shopping mall, Conrad Manila aims to target the dynamic market of the Philippines for both business and leisure stay.   SMHCC, Hilton Worldwide, and […]

June 15, 2016

Asia Premium Travel Mart holds talk re ‘Sustainable Responsible Tourism in Luxury Industry’

On June 14, a press conference was held for the upcoming Asia Premium Travel Mart, in participation with some of the country’s biggest players in hotel industry, airline officials, and media.   APTM PLEDGE. Several attendees of the event were asked to pledge for sustainable PH tourism.   During the press conference, speakers encouraged all the stakeholders and media to push for long term and sustainable plan for Philippine tourism. The group’s president Fe Abling – Yu, emphasized the establishment of relevant, safe and convenient infrastructures for tourists since Philippine tourism gives big chunk of contribution to the economy. Yu also mentioned about the rising need on international connectivity to […]

June 15, 2016

21st French Film Festival Arrives in Manila

The red carpet of the 21st French Film Festival on June 8 at BGC’s Central Square was dazzled by the entrance of Jaclyn Jose, the first Southeast Asian to win the Best Actress of the Cannes Film Festival for Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa. This was a double celebration of France’s rich culture in cinema, and also the Philippine cinema.     Organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, Institut Francais, the Alliance Francaise de Manille and Cebu, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Ayala Malls Cinema, the SSI Group, Inc., and Central Square, the 21st edition of the French Film Festival opened with […]

June 15, 2016

Lunch out at Butamaru with these lunch sets

Head on over to south as Butamaru in Alabang offers exciting lunch deals for everyone who are craving for some Japanese! Available from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, from Monday to Friday, Butamaru Lunch Sets can be availed in 3 different combinations: Chashudon, a rice bowl topped with torched pork belly and egg; Toriten, chicken tempura; and Goma Dare Chasu Reimen, cold sesame noodles with pork belly or Ramen. All of these come with Dessert of the Day and soup; the ramen and chashudon come with gyoza.     For only P360* you can avail of these sets that will not just fill you up, but will also complete your […]

June 14, 2016

PLDT, Smart unveil new logos in line with change

Change has come to PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. with the unveiling of their new logos in line with a fresh brand identity and a shift towards digital.   CHANGE HAS ARRIVED. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. unveiled these new logos yesterday at their “It’s a New Day for PLDT-Smart,” held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Photo courtesy of PLDT News Center.   The logos were unveiled during an event held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel called “It’s A New Day for PLDT-Smart.” In line with the rebrand and change in logo is the change in the company’s name, from “Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company” to “PLDT Inc.” […]

June 14, 2016

Japan honors former PH president Elpidio Quirino in Hibiya Park

On June 18, a solemn ceremony will be held in Hibiya Park in Tokyo, Japan to commemorate former Philippine president Elpidio Quirino for his honor.     Several Japanese government officials and Filipino guests will be attending the unveiling of the metal marker bearing Quirino’s face, which will be placed in the park as a grand gesture of peace and friendship between Japan and the Philippines. According to Inquirer report, this commemorative marker was made because of Quirino’s role in rebuilding the two country’s friendship. As the sixth president of PH, Quirino made an important decision of giving a presidential pardon to the last Japanese prisoners of war in 1945. […]

June 14, 2016

Filipino wins Tony award for best costume design

Another Filipino has been added to the list of talents who have won a Tony! New York-based designer Clint Ramos bagged the award for the play Eclipsed at this year’s Tony Awards on Sunday, June 12.     The University of the Philippines Theater Arts alumni started doing design work for the campus’ theater production, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, before getting a Master of Fine Arts Design degree for Stage and Film at the New York University’s Tisch School of Arts under a full scholarship. Since then, he has been designing costumes for plays both in the U.S. and internationally. Ramos is the 4th Filipino to have won a Tony, […]

June 13, 2016

Celebrate Fathers Day with these exciting promos!

It’s time to give back to our loving fathers this coming Sunday, as we celebrate Fathers Day! Check out these exciting promos and discounts to help you spend wisely as you treat your dad on his very special day. Hurry and find out which of these can make your father happy!   Enjoy a 20% discount on select New Balance footwear and apparels! Drop by at your favorite New Balance stores and get your dad a new pair of shoes to use. Promo runs until June 19, 2016.   Dads love sumptuous meals. Let him devour his favorite food at Guevarra’s and get the chance to get him an Ibarra […]

June 13, 2016

FWD is now the PBA’s official insurer

FWD Life Philippines has recently inked a three-year partnership with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to become the official insurer of Asia’s first pay-for-play league. Photo shows (right) FWD Philippines President and CEO, Peter Grimes, and PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa (left) following the announcement of the partnership between the two esteemed organizations.   As the fastest-growing insurance firm in the Philippines, FWD Life Philippines (FWD) empowers Filipino basketball players to compete with confidence because they are now covered by the insurer in a new three-year partnership, says the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) today. FWD Life Philippines has signed a three-year partnership with the PBA to become the official insurer of […]

June 10, 2016

Out Now! Philippine Primer June Issue

Get Primer Magazine today to discover what’s happening in the Metro this June! via GIPHY Street: BGC For the June issue of Philippine Primer, come join us as we raid the unprecedented streets of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Visit a modern Manila and walk on the street of BGC as there is always something new for everyone, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or going out on another food crawl. Philippine Primer features new and notable restaurants, establishment, and happenings around BGC. Start flipping the pages, book a reservation, and appreciate the good things in this cosmopolitan city in Manila!     Travel: Laguna Need a vacation destination that is […]

June 10, 2016

Reward yourself with JCB Deals!

Get the most out of your JCB credit cards as you enjoy meals and relaxation with family and friends. Deals up to 20% off await when you use your JCB credit card!     Promo validity is from April 1, 2016 until June 30, 2016     Participating Merchants: My Kitchen by Chef Chris – 10% discount – G/F Oasis Park Hotel, 1032-34 Belen St Paco, Manila Saboten – 10% discount – G/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City – G/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City Mangetsu – 10% discount – 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City Hatsu Hana Tei – 10% discount – 2/F Herald Suites, 2168 […]

June 08, 2016

Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms, soon to bloom in Benguet

CHERRY BLOSSOMS. In just a few years, you can already see Japan’s much-loved Sakura park in PH!   Now, you don’t have to go to Japan to see Sakura Park. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of sisterhood ties between Japan Prefecture and Benguet province, officials of Atok, Benguet and officials from Kochi prefecture and Japanese embassy planted over 30 cherry blossoms and other Japanese trees in the said province.   Photo grabbed from ABS-CBN News   These trees were planted at a mountaintop park situated at 2,000 meters above sea level. According to a CNN Philippines report, cherry blossoms were propagated in November 2015 but only few survived as […]

June 08, 2016

Liese, the No.1 Hair Color Brand in Japan, is now in PH!

Liese is finally here to solve our hair-coloring problems with ease!     Known to be the Japan’s number 1 hair color brand, Liese has found its way to Philippine shores as they bring with them their hair color products perfectly fit for every Filipina.     With Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Color (BHC), every Filipina can now get the chance to color their hair as easy as ABC! Want to know why Liese is best for you? Here are 5 reasons why:     1. Liese BHC provides an easy DIY kit! With only three easy steps, you can now easily get the hair color that you want. Just […]

June 07, 2016

Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo wins prestigious award in Japan

AMBETH OCAMPO. Author of “Rizal without the Overcoat,” is given an Academic Prize in Japan. Photo grabbed from ue.edu.ph   Known for his writings on national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, historian and writer Ambeth Ocampo has been given the Academic Prize by the prestigious award-giving body Fukuoka Prize in Japan. This Academic Prize is accordingly given to those who “have made outstanding achievements in the field of Asian studies, contributing to the world’s understanding of Asia.” This award is given by the Fukuoka Prize, an award-giving body which recognizes individuals from East, South, and Southeast Asia who have “outstanding contributions to the preservation and creation of Asian Culture through their […]