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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.

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 […]
Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets
July 05, 2016

Bringing back Escolta, the Queen of Manila Streets

Sited in the old downtown district of Binondo in Manila, Escolta has been adding vibrant colors to the rich culture and history of the Philippines since 1594. Escolta is dubbed as the Queen of Manila streets because a lot of important and major historical events occurred here. This place was once filled with business establishments by immigrants usually from China. These traders sell imported goods from different countries around the world during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. It was in the late 19th century when some of the tallest buildings including the Manila Stock Exchange established in Escolta. The little business town became a little more developed and modernized as shops […]
Complimentary Star City tickets awaits Hotel Jen Manila guests
July 07, 2016

Complimentary Star City tickets awaits Hotel Jen Manila guests

Jen is all about being fun and adventurous so book at Hotel Jen Manila from now until July 31, 2016 and avail our Super-STAR promotion.     For only PHP 5000 per night, you can enjoy two (2) complimentary ride-all-you-can tickets at Star City, two (2) buffet breakfast at Latitude, free Wi-Fi and scheduled shuttle service to MOA. This promotion is exclusive to Philippine residents and Balikbayans. Proof of residency is required upon check-in. For inquiries and advance reservations, please call (632) 795 8888 or email food&beverage.hjm@hoteljen.com. Terms and conditions apply. Visit Hotel Jen Manila’s website at www.hoteljen.com/manila and facebook at www.facebook.com/hoteljenmanila for updates and promotions.   This is a press […]
July 6 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Fitr
July 04, 2016

July 6 declared a non-working holiday for Eid’l Fitr

Malacanan Palance has announced that July 6, Wednesday, is officially a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan). The announcement was delivered by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a press briefing, Monday (July 4).   (Photo credit: cdn2.theweek.co.uk)   Eid al-Fitr is an important event celebrated by the Muslims for three days after the end of the month of fasting. It is the first day marking the end of the Ramadan. In accordance to Republic Act No. 9177, only the Office of the President can declare the Eid al-Fitr as a regular holiday, upon the recommendation of the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos. Thus, […]
Japanese Design Today meets Filipino Discoveries in Design
February 28, 2017

Japanese Design Today meets Filipino Discoveries in Design

Time can have the ability to change one’s image and the same goes for the design industry. As the time and technology advance, so does the techniques and the styles of design. The Japan Foundation, Manila together with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines present to you the Japanese Design Today 100 to celebrate the excellence of Japanese designs and its influence in the global design. The 100 examples that were presented at the exhibit best represent the Japanese design and diversity. The said items were carefully chosen by Mr. Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Masafumi Fukagawa, Shu Hagiwara and Noriko Kawakami. Wasara or disposable utensils […]
Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco
May 30, 2024

Get to know Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco

You may have heard his name in fashion-related news, as he continues to create a name in the international fashion industry. Learn more about Michael Cinco as we tell you a story of where he started and how he got internationally famous in the world of fashion.   Michael Cinco   Michael Cinco was born in the province of Samar, Philippines. He studied college in the University of the Philippines-Diliman majoring in Fine Arts, and then went to Slim’s Fahion and Arts school in Makati. To further enhance his fashion education, he enrolled in a short course in Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London.   Lady […]
Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where
June 29, 2016

Bitcoins and the Philippines: What, How, and Where

The digital world is evolving at a break-neck pace. One of the most recent innovations is the Bitcoin. It’s a currency used the world over, yet no one seems to really know what it is, how it works, and (most importantly), where to get it. Here’s what you need to know about Bitcoin:   What is Bitcoin?   WHAT IS BITCOIN? This video pretty much explains everything you need to know about bitcoin. Video courtesy of weusecoins.   According to Bitcoin.org, it’s a decentralized digital currency. It’s essentially a digital coin that you can use between two people without the need for a bank. It’s a very young economy, only […]
An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July
June 29, 2016

An award-winning film, a returning spy, and a catastrophe waiting to happen: Movies in July

July will be good for a lot of film buffs, what with the World Premiers Film Festival and Eiga Sai happening in the same month. Great films will be shown during each film festival, setting the stage for the rest of July. Here are some of the films you should definitely catch: July 6 Ice Age: Collision Course WILL HE FINALLY GET THE ACORN? Catch Ice Age: Collision Course 6 to find out. Poster courtesy of Ice Age Movies.   After Continental Drift, Scrat’s pursuit for his ever-elusive acorn brings him outside Earth, where he sets off a chain of events that threaten the planet. Manny, Sid, Diego, and the […]
Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines’ 16th President Inauguration
June 30, 2016

Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines’ 16th President Inauguration

Duterte taking his oath joined by his children (from left to right) Veronica, Sebastian, Sara and Paolo. Photo source: http://media.philstar.com/   After winning the election by a landslide last May 9th, President – elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte took his oath at 11:45 am Thursday, June 30 as the new and 16th President of the Philippines at the Malacanang Palace. A total of 627 guests were invited including incoming cabinet members and family of the new President. Before the oath taking ceremony, Duterte paid a brief courtesy call to the former president, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and send him off via departure honours for the outgoing President. In his speech, President […]
Japan’s no. 1 skin care brand is finally here in the Philippines: Bioré
June 30, 2016

Japan’s no. 1 skin care brand is finally here in the Philippines: Bioré

  Summer might be over but skin protection should be a constant habit. Those harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can enter clouds, rain, and even the night sky—there’s no escaping them, which means skin damage can happen any time of the day or year. With the Philippines being a tropical country, it should be given that protection from the sun is a priority, but it has been discovered that most Filipinas still limit their use of sunscreen to when they visit beaches. This is where Bioré comes in. Japan’s no. 1 skin care brand is finally here in the Philippines and it’s giving Filipinas a water-based sunscreen formula perfect for daily […]
Get ready because the SM Mid-Year Clearance Sale is here!!
June 30, 2016

Get ready because the SM Mid-Year Clearance Sale is here!!

  Great finds up to 50% off will be at your disposal starting July 1 to 10 at all SM stores nationwide*. Score great finds at a lower price and get that bag you have been eyeing for half the amount. The yearly sale that’s been going on for quite some time now had been the most awaited sale every year. A huge number of loyal shoppers gather to participate in this sale that leaves everybody with at least a few paper bags in hand. Prepare those shopping necessities, practice your tactics and get ready for the mid-year sale! Surely you will score a good find that comes with a […]