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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.

Free Wi-Fi in select transportation systems and hubs, soon in Manila
July 13, 2016

Free Wi-Fi in select transportation systems and hubs, soon in Manila

FREE WIFI. The Department of Transportation and Smart Communications, Inc. signs Memorandum of Understanding to provide Wi-Fi access for transport passengers in PH. Photo grabbed from dotc.gov.ph   The new administration of the Philippines is set to make the country stay connected on the internet by tapping the country’s largest phone carrier, PLDT, to provide free Wi-Fi in 21 transport hubs within 100 days. According to a Rappler report, it was Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and President Rodrigo Duterte who asked and wanted for an accelerated Wi-Fi rollout. It was also them who tapped PLDT, but the whole agreement is not exclusive to the company as other telecommunication providers can […]
#Chexit: PH wins case on West Philippine Sea vs China
July 12, 2016

#Chexit: PH wins case on West Philippine Sea vs China

PH WINS. The West Philippine Sea rightfully belongs to PH, The UN Arbitral Tribunal said. Photo grabbed from dzrhnews.com   On Tuesday afternoon, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal has finally decided on ruling the arbitration case in favor of the Philippines regarding the case of West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) against China. In a press release made public by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, it was stated that “The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.” Also, The Tribunal was said to found that “China had violated […]
Gotta Catch ‘em All: Pokemon Go in the Philippines
July 12, 2016

Gotta Catch ‘em All: Pokemon Go in the Philippines

It’s already taken over people’s lives in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s the latest craze that’s sweeping the globe: Niantic’s Pokémon GO.   IT’S ALMOST READY TO take over the world of mobile gaming. Pokémon GO, an augmented reality (AR) game lets users feel like they are capturing live Pokémon. Image courtesy of Pokémon Go Philippines.   But what exactly is Pokémon GO, and why have Filipinos been posting or sharing memes and videos about it? What is Pokémon GO? First things first: what is Pokémon GO? In this blog post on their website, creator Niantic Labs described the game in the best possible way. It’s an app […]
911 emergency, 8888 complaint hotlines to be launched in PH this August
July 12, 2016

911 emergency, 8888 complaint hotlines to be launched in PH this August

The 911 emergency and 8888 complaint hotlines will be available 24/7 in the Philippines this coming August, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.   (Photo credit: Pilipinas 911)   The hotline number ‘8888’ will serve as the hotline for citizen complaints, while ‘911’ emergency hotline will be for nationwide emergency response center. Dialing these hotline numbers will make the emergency process easier and more efficient for the citizens because it immediately connects with all the government’s emergency response resources, like ambulances, fire-fighters, rescue technicians and the police. While this rescue system was first launched and effectively used in Davao in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would like […]
Recipe Corner: Beef Tapa Cheese Steak by Chef Joseph Margate of Bait’s
June 02, 2017

Recipe Corner: Beef Tapa Cheese Steak by Chef Joseph Margate of Bait’s

Beef Tapa Cheese Steak   Beef Tapa is dried cured beef that is similar to beef jerky. This is traditionally prepared by curing the meat with sea salt and letting it dry directly under the sun for the purpose of preserving the meat. Tapa is usually fried and is best served with vinegar.   Beef tapa   Ingredients: Beef Tapa Cheese Steak (Makes 2 sandwiches) • 500g beef striploin, sliced thinly • 100g Kikkoman soy sauce • 15g sugar • 8g black pepper, ground fine • 10g sesame oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 4 large slices white bread • 2 slices American cheese (the type that melts) Instructions: […]
Globe Telecom expands in Japan
July 11, 2016

Globe Telecom expands in Japan

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Japan and their loved ones here in the Philippines need not worry about lost connections as Globe Telecom expands its coverage to Japan via GlobeTel Japan Inc.   ALWAYS STAY CONNECTED. Set to open its doors in Japan to better serve their customers both here and in the land of the rising sun, Globe has been offering DUO JAPAN promo dedicated to Filipinos in Japan to stay connected with their loved ones. (Photo credit: Globe Telecom official Facebook page)   In a statement released last Monday, July 4, Globe said the move puts the company in a “better position to serve the communications needs of […]
DOH set to prioritize ‘mental health’
July 11, 2016

DOH set to prioritize ‘mental health’

On July 7, the Department of Health (DOH) signed a memorandum on July 7 in partnership with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) to establish a 24/7 suicide counseling hotline in the country.     The hotline, which will be called “Hopeline,” is expected to roll out in September. This phone-based hotline shall be used for crisis support for depression and suicide prevention. This will also serve as a “portal to link people with deep emotional crisis to mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and other concerned institutions” which can help them with their needs. HOPELINE will be facilitated by trained “crisis responders” who shall answer the calls and […]
Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President
July 08, 2016

Meet Leni Robredo: PH’s new Vice President

While everyone knows exactly who the new president is, not everyone is privy to who our vice president, Leni Robredo, is apart from being a member of the Liberal Party, which former president Benigno Aquino III was also a member of. Here are a few things that you should know about the Philippines’ new vice president:   THE SECOND MEETING. Vice President Leni Robredo (left) is seen meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte during a courtesy call by the latter. Photo courtesy of lenirobredo.com   1. She was a human rights lawyer before being a congresswoman. She used to work for the Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN), a national alternative […]
A Unique Diner Experience at Hotel Jen Manila
July 08, 2016

A Unique Diner Experience at Hotel Jen Manila

Come dinner time, diners can whet their appetite with a wide range of appetizers, salads and main course meals in six rotational themes from around the globe every night from Mondays through Sundays. Themed dinner buffet features Asian Flavors on Mondays, Mexican-Spanish Aromas on Tuesdays, Jen’s Specialties on Wednesdays and Sundays, Pinoy Fiesta on Thursdays, Seafood Grill Night on Fridays and Barbecue Party on Saturdays. Executive Sous Chef Dirk Fiedler prepares a spread of appetizing favorites such as prawns, cheese platter, kare-kare (oxtail in peanut sauce), crispy pata, lechon kawali, inihaw na liempo, callos, paella, buffalo chicken wings, assorted dim sum, salads, appetizers, soup and more, plus a live action […]
The July Issue of Philippine Primer is Now Available!
July 08, 2016

The July Issue of Philippine Primer is Now Available!

Philippine Primer: English edition saunters the ins and outs of Ayala Avenue this July!   Street: Ayala Avenue Ayala Avenue is Makati’s central business district and is dubbed as the ‘Wall Street of the Philippines’. This cosmopolitan and fast-paced business locale is also home to some of the metro’s finest establishments that cater to urban lifestyle needs.  The stretch of Ayala offers endless dining options as well as some laidback attractions. Here we feature the stops that should definitely be on your list of hang-out places for some good food and chill time. Check out the food courts located in high-rises that offer cheap to fancy food choices. Scout for […]
Palawan, named as world’s best island
July 08, 2016

Palawan, named as world’s best island

PALAWAN’S BEST. Taraw Cliff in Coron, Palawan continues to captivate more tourists as they are once again named as the best island in the world by an international travel magazine.    For the second time around, the island of Palawan in the Philippines was named by international travel magazine Travel and Leisure (T+L) as the “best island in the world.” With a score of 93.71, Palawan was described by one voter as “every beach lover’s dream destination.” The article also mentioned Palawan’s five-mile long underground river, turquoise waters, and shipwrecks and reefs where scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities. “It’s considered one of the world’s wonders of nature, and […]
10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest
July 07, 2016

10 next best reasons to not miss the 12th Cinemalaya Film Fest

Cinemalaya has been paving the way for the Philippine independent film industry to surge to prominence. For the past 12 years, they’ve given unknown directors their biggest breaks and have kept the local film industry going. This year, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, which is happening from August 5-14, promises a bigger festival with more films, the return of the Open Competition, and a wider reach, staying true to their theme “Break the Surface.”   THE 12TH CINEMALAYA FAMILY. Open Competition and Short Feature directors gather with the organizers of the Cinemalaya Film Festival.   During the press conference held earlier today, July 7, at the Cultural Center of […]
PPO gets renowned Japanese maestro as new music director
July 07, 2016

PPO gets renowned Japanese maestro as new music director

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is set to reach new heights as renowned Japanese conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura is presented as the new music director during a press conference held at Hotel Jen in Pasay City yesterday, July 6.   A NEW DAY FOR THE PPO. Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura is welcomed by CCP President Raul M. Sunico and CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris B. Millado.   Maestro Fukumura takes over for outgoing music director Maestro Olivier Ochanine, who concluded his term as music director last April 30 2016. He is recognized as one of the most revered maestros in Japan, being the former music director of Tokyo Ballet, Kyoto […]
ANA celebrates Tanabata Festival in NAIA
July 08, 2016

ANA celebrates Tanabata Festival in NAIA

A booth with two bamboo branches decorated with colourful paper strips stands at the entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 3 Departure area as All Nipon Airways (ANA) commemorates the Tanabata Festival, a traditional Japanese event that happens every 7th of July.   TEAM ANA joins the annual celebration of the Tanabata Festival, also known as the Japan Star Festival on July 7 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.   Tanabata is said to have originated from a Chinese legend, and then later on practiced by the Japanese. It tells a story about two bright stars: Vega (Orihime), a weaving girl; and Altair (Hikoboshi), a cowherd boy who were once […]
Cebu named as one of top summer destinations by top Japanese travel website
July 06, 2016

Cebu named as one of top summer destinations by top Japanese travel website

Ring the Filipino pride bell anew as another Philippine destination, Cebu, was named to AB-Road’s top summer destinations for 2016.   CORAL REEF BEACH. According to ab-road.net, Cebu is the third most popular summer destination for 2016. In the photo is Coral Reef Beach, a popular destination within Cebu. Photo courtesy of Patrick Tumalad via flickr.   In a press release dated July 4, 2016, AB-Road.net, an overseas travel search and comparison site, revealed its top summer destinations for Japanese looking to go overseas for short-term trips. Cebu ranked third among the destinations listed, which includes Oahu, Hawaii and Taipei, Taiwan, ranked first and second respectively. Other destinations that made […]
City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with
July 05, 2016

City rules in Metro Manila that you may not be familiar with

When living in Manila, one of the top priorities you must know are its rules. You need to be informed what is allowed and what is not, especially in a foreign country like the Philippines. Aside from the laws, which are followed by the whole country, there are specific rules you need to abide by to maintain a safe and peaceful community. These specific rules, which are made by a city or local government, are called “ordinances.” To help you out, we have listed some of the ordinances you need to follow and also find uniquely interesting as foreigners here in Metro Manila: 1. Mandaluyong’s ‘Riding in Tandem’ Ordinance (Photo […]
Ramen Kuroda is now serving in Eastwood
July 05, 2016

Ramen Kuroda is now serving in Eastwood

Finally! Authentic ramen goodness Ramen Kuroda opens its first Quezon City branch in Eastwood!  Known for serving affordable ramen dishes, Ramen Kuroda guarantees customer’s satisfaction through their homemade noodles, soup and seasoned garlic oil, supervised by their top-class ramen chef with 20 years of experience. Moreover, they make sure they serve quickly and with quality, considering customers who are having busy schedules. One of their bestsellers is the Kuro Chasumen, a delux bowl of ramen with thick, melt in the mouth chasu for P230. They also recommend their classic Kuro Ramen with special garlic oil and a delicate tonkotso broth created from a secret recipe for only P180.   KURO […]
Forever free: Admission to National Museum free of charge
July 05, 2016

Forever free: Admission to National Museum free of charge

Filipinos are getting more and more involved in their history and heritage thanks to events held in different museums across the archipelago. The National Museum of the Philippines took notice and has now opened its doors to everyone FOR FREE last July 1. Also read: National Museum: Get to Know the Country through the Eyes of Time   NO NEED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BIG EVENT. The National Museum recently announced that general admission to the museum as well as all its branches will be free of charge starting July 1, 2016. (Photo credit: National Museum of the Philippines Official Facebook page)   Yes, you read that right. Admission […]
Tropical Storm “Butchoy” expected to enter PAR later today
July 05, 2016

Tropical Storm “Butchoy” expected to enter PAR later today

Less than a week after “Ambo” brought rains to the country, another tropical storm is set to bring more rain to parts of the Philippines. Severe tropical storm Butchoy (international name “Nepartak”) is set to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Tuesday afternoon, July 5.   FIRST IN JULY. TS Butchoy will be the first out of many tropical cyclones to hit the country this year. Image courtesy of PAGASA.   According to the latest public weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Butchoy was last spotted 1,460 km east of Virac, Catanduanes. The tropical storm brings maximum sustained winds of 105 kph […]
Philippine Retirement Authority commemorates its 31st Foundation Day
July 05, 2016

Philippine Retirement Authority commemorates its 31st Foundation Day

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) recently celebrated its 31st year as the leading agency in promoting the Philippines as a significant retirement destination of this side of the globe at the Philippine International Convention Centre, .   THE VENUE. The place were all set and excellently decorated for PRA’s valued guests.   With the theme “Recognizing the Achievers in the Retirement Industry,” PRA awarded its outstanding personnel with 15, 25, and 30 years of government service, top marketers and exemplary retiree-members. General Manager Valentino Cabansag and PRA employees gave a warm welcome to the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Hon. Wanda Corazon Teo, who was present at […]