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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.

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 […]
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila runs their 4th year for the Manila Half Marathon
June 29, 2016

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila runs their 4th year for the Manila Half Marathon

MANILA Philippines June 26 2017–Sofitel Manila Plaza Manila together with Runrio promotes wellness and a healthy lifestyle as it hold this year’s Sofitel Manila Half Marathon dated on the 21st of August 2016 at CCP Complex Open Field.     For over four years, they have partnered with the country’s foremost running event organizer, RunRio, led by Coach Rio de la Cruz which brings the much-awaited event to a new venue. Now taking off from the CCP Open field, they are expecting for a bigger number of participating runners to fill-up the entire place together with the organizers in able  to generate more funds for the Virlanie Foundation. “Over 4,300 […]
PH Senate: VAT increase on unhealthy foods might be implemented
June 29, 2016

PH Senate: VAT increase on unhealthy foods might be implemented

“We are open to that, we are willing to listen. That is the essence of taxation and democracy,” Senate President Franklin Drilon told ABS-CBN News Channel.   (Photo credit: nzgba.taxbackinternational.com)   The Senate stated that they might consider the 12% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and execute a tax on “obesity-and disease- causing” food, like junk food, if demanded by the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. According to incoming budget secretary Benjamin Diokno, he discussed with Duterte’s finance secretary-designate Carlos Dominguez on Duterte’s plan to increase the VAT up to a maximum of 15%. He also said that the timing of the VAT adjustment could be two years […]
Hotel Jen Manila celebrates 8 fulfilling CSR years with Maytubig Day Care Center
June 28, 2016

Hotel Jen Manila celebrates 8 fulfilling CSR years with Maytubig Day Care Center

2016 marks the 8th year of partnership between Hotel Jen Manila and Maytubig Day Care Center. In celebration of this successful venture, Hotel Jen Manila donated a new classroom, situated at Barangay 1, Zone 1 Pasay City, for the kids from the said beneficiary organization. The hotel funded the renovation of this new learning facility which includes the classroom design and painting, new furniture such as colourful tables and chairs, school supplies, training aids and a well-ventilated space for their activities.  Hotel Jen Manila is very proud to provide a bigger and better room that can accommodate more students for the school year 2016-2017.   Maytubig Day Care Teachers pose […]
Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?
May 04, 2022

Millennials in the Philippines: Who are they and what do they do?

“Millennial.” You may have seen it in social media or heard it on TV. You’re puzzled, clueless as to what this word means. In the Philippines, Filipino millennials or “Fillennials” is now a thing. Let us tell you who “millennials” are, what do they do, and why they are called as such. According to an article published by TIME Magazine, millennials are consisted of people born from 1980 to 2000. In America, they are the biggest age grouping in history. Made up of mostly teens and 20-somethings, these are the people who are already in college and part of the workforce. However, every country has a different millennial grouping. Simply […]
DepED and Microsoft, in a team to hatch the EGG
June 27, 2016

DepED and Microsoft, in a team to hatch the EGG

MICROSOFT PHILIPPINES AND DepED. Microsoft Philippines Inc., and Department of Education (DepED) team up to build The EGG. (Photo grabbed from Victor Barreiro Jr. via Rappler)   In an effort to bring quality education to far-flung areas in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepED) and Microsoft Philippines teamed up together to launch EGG, a self-contained, transportable classroom. This self-sustaining and fully-functional learning facility called EGG can accommodate more than 30 students which can easily be set up in three days. It is an innovative approach to provide education anywhere in the country, which can generate its own water and power system, and it also has its own internet connectivity. […]
It’s now official: beep card can now be used on ALL BGC Bus routes
June 27, 2016

It’s now official: beep card can now be used on ALL BGC Bus routes

After weeks of limited public trials, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Bus and AF Payments, Inc. have made it official: you can now use beep™ in all BGC Bus routes.   BEEP BEEP. Yes, you can now use your beep™ card in all seven BGC Bus routes. Photo grabbed from beep card official Facebook page.   In a report from GMA News Online, BGC Bus General Manager June Galvez said that beep™ cards will now be accepted in all seven of their routes, replacing the old TapBGC stored value cards. “With the beep cards, it brings more convenience to our passengers and commuters. And with the current technology that we have, […]
Uniqlo and Jollibee unveil new shirt designs under #BeeUniq collaboration
June 27, 2016

Uniqlo and Jollibee unveil new shirt designs under #BeeUniq collaboration

Did you miss last year’s collaboration between global fashion brand Uniqlo and everyone’s favorite bee, Jollibee? Turn that frown upside down with this year’s #BeeUniq collection!   #BEEUNIQ. New designs for this year’s collaboration between Uniqlo and Jollibee. Photos courtesy of Uniqlo.   Uniqlo and Jollibee unveiled their latest collaboration last June 11, 2016 during the Jollibee #PinoyAndProud: 2016 Independence Day Celebration and Countdown, these one-of-a-kind shirts are now available in all Uniqlo stores nationwide for only P590. They’re split into three styling collections – athleisure, summer, and denim. Also read: Serving a Jolly Nation: The Jollibee Success Story This is the second collaboration between Uniqlo and Jollibee. Apart from […]
Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far
June 26, 2016

Listicle: 5 Trending Topics in the Philippines so far

There are only a couple of days until 2016 is officially half over. In a few days, we’ll be looking at a new president. A couple of months after that, we’ll see what the NBA is like without a legend. Let’s look back at the year that was in social media. Here are the 5 topics that trended in the Philippines for the first 6 months of 2016:   THE MAN WHO WOULD BE PRESIDENT. Duterte benefitted a lot from social media campaigns. Photo courtesy of Rody Duterte Official Facebook page. 1. #Du30. Definitely the hottest topic on social media. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte was the most talked-about candidate on social […]