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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.

Japan’s famous Cherry Blossoms, soon to bloom in Benguet
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 […]
Liese, the No.1 Hair Color Brand in Japan, is now in PH!
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 […]
Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo wins prestigious award in Japan
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 […]
Dancing MMDA Constables remind everyone of #MMShakeDrill
June 06, 2016

Dancing MMDA Constables remind everyone of #MMShakeDrill

In case you missed it, the Metro Manila Shake Drill is happening on June 22, 2016 at 9 a.m. To remind people of the event, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) released this video on their official twitter account, @MMDA:     Yes, your eyes do not deceive you. Those are 2 of MMDA’s finest constables, dancing to the 1978 hit single Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches & Herb. The Metro Manila ShakeDrill (#MMShakeDrill) is a metro-wide earthquake drill that’s looking to get everyone in gear when a massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits the nation’s capital. This event is organized by the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council […]
“The Greatest” dies at 74
June 06, 2016

“The Greatest” dies at 74

Dubbed “The Greatest”, boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away last June 3 (June 4 in Manila) at a hospital in Phoenix, AZ. He was 74.   LEGENDS IN ONE PHOTO. The Beatles take a punch from then-heavyweight contender Cassius Clay, the man who would later be known as Muhammad Ali. Photo courtesy of Autore Sconosciuto via Wikimedia Commons.   In a report from NBC News, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said the boxing legend died because of septic shock “due to unspecified natural causes.” Ali has been battling Parkinson’s disease for 32 years prior to his passing. Tributes came in waves over social media from all over the world, especially from […]
Muslim’s holy month of Ramadan starts on June 6
June 06, 2016

Muslim’s holy month of Ramadan starts on June 6

RAMADAN. The holy month of the Muslims. Photo grabbed from sundaymail.co.zw   In accordance to the Islamic calendar, Ramadan will start on June 6 which prompts Muslims all over the world to do fasting in commemoration of their Islamic belief. The Ramadan is the 9th of the 12 months of the Hijra lunar calendar, which is considered to be the holiest of all months for the Muslims. It’s also the time when God’s revelation in Qur’an is finally completed. The Ramadan is associated with lunar cycles, which is why when the moon was sighted in Malaysia, according to Mufti Abu Huraira Udasan of Darul Ifta House of Opinion of Maguindanao […]
A taste of Japanese Sake: Hakkaisan Sake Tasting
June 03, 2016

A taste of Japanese Sake: Hakkaisan Sake Tasting

High quality sake is hard to come by, but thanks to the partnership between Hakkaisan Brewery and Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), expats and locals alike can experience one of the best sakes from the land of the Rising Sun.   THE SAKE-TASTING CREW. It might as well have been a wine tasting event, as Hakkaisan Sake can be placed on the same level as wine.   A sake tasting event was held on Friday, June 3, at One Way Restaurant in Makati City to introduce Hakkaisan Sake to the Philippines. Nine kinds of sake were served, seven of which will be distributed in the country by PWM.   What makes […]
Share the Feeling today with COCA-COLA Emoticons!
June 03, 2016

Share the Feeling today with COCA-COLA Emoticons!

Have you ever gotten into a situation where there’s something you’re dying to say what you feel… but you just can’t say it? Coca-Cola is here to help you say what you feel with Coca-Cola Emoticons! Just drop by 7-Eleven Caltex Connecticut today, June 4, and get a FREE personalized COKE Emoticon for a minimum purchase of P100!   SHARE THE FEELING WITH COKE. Visit 7-Eleven Caltex Connecticut today and get a free personalized Coke Emoticon bottle! Photo courtesy of COCA-COLA Philippines Facebook page   #TasteTheFeeling with Coca-Cola and who knows, you might just get your message across without saying a single word. Can’t make it today? Follow the COCA-COLA […]
Starbucks’ Kape Vinta Blend is back!
June 03, 2016

Starbucks’ Kape Vinta Blend is back!

In line with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12, Starbucks’ Kape Vinta Blend makes a comeback you shouldn’t miss!     First introduced in 1997 when Starbucks first came to the country, Kape Vinta Blend was created for the opening of the first branch in the Philippines. The coffee is full-bodied with a soft and spicy finish made with Philippine beans. It’s made to resemble the typical Filipino coffee as it celebrates the Filipino tradition and culture. Kape Vinta Blend’s packaging features Vinta, a bright and colorful sail used in the islands of Mindanao.  Renowned Filipino artist Mauro “Malang” Santos designed the coffee stamp used on the […]
Senate approves bill prohibiting use of phones while driving
June 03, 2016

Senate approves bill prohibiting use of phones while driving

Just recently, the Senate has finally approved the bill that prohibits mobile phone usage and other forms of distracting activities while driving in the Philippines.     According to a press release from the senate, Senate Bill No. 3211 known as the “Anti-Distracted Driving Act,” aims to “safe guard the public from the ruinous and extremely injurious effects of vehicular accidents.” This bill prohibits the use of mobile communication to write, send or read text, and to make and receive phone calls. This also includes “using any electronic entertainment or computing device to play games, watch movies, surf the internet, read e-books, perform calculations, and other similar acts,” all while […]
Kojie San Men celebrates “Saktong Pogi Night”
June 03, 2016

Kojie San Men celebrates “Saktong Pogi Night”

Move over hunks and guys who look like movie stars. There’s a new guy in town that the ladies will be after: the Saktong Pogi guy. Kojie San Men celebrated the rise of the Saktong Pogi guy last April 2 at the 12 Monkeys Bar with Saktong Pogi Night.   SAKTONG SAKTO. The Saktong Pogi ambassadors Bogart the Explorer from Davao City (first from left) and Wil Dasovich (last from left) with the Saktong Pogi Dating Game winner Nico Sicio (third from left). Also in this photo are brand manager for Kojie San Men Meredith Villanueva-Balmes, Jinri Park, and host Joyce Pring.   Present at the event were Meredith Villanueva-Balmes, […]
Dinner in the Sky will be in PH soon
June 02, 2016

Dinner in the Sky will be in PH soon

Would you mind to have dinner 150 feet up in the air?   UP AND AWAY. This romantic dinner getaway up in the air will give you the spectacular backdrop you’ve always wanted to have.   If you’ve gotten tired of the usual restaurants you dine in with your loved ones, it’s time to step up the game by literally going up, 150 feet in the air, through a revolutionary concept called Dinner in the Sky. Dinner in the Sky is a Belgium-based restaurant that is included by Forbes as “one of the world’s most unusual restaurants.” Founded by David Ghysels and Stefan Kerkhofs 10 years ago, the restaurant has […]
‘Now You See Me 2,’ ‘The Conjuring 2,’ ‘Independence Day 2’ and other movies to watch out for in June
June 02, 2016

‘Now You See Me 2,’ ‘The Conjuring 2,’ ‘Independence Day 2’ and other movies to watch out for in June

June 1 was a great day for moviegoers with the release of A Hologram for the King, My New Sassy Girl, and, of course, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. But there are more movies for you movie buffs to ogle at: June 8   Now You See Me 2 The world’s greatest magicians, The Four Horsemen, are back in Now You See Me 2, but this time, they’re not alone in doing the tricking. Daniel Radcliffe joins Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan in what appears to be the heist of the century.   THE BOSS Have you ever wondered what it feels like to […]
Award-winning Filipinos in the International Scene
June 02, 2016

Award-winning Filipinos in the International Scene

The Philippines is home to the most talented people in the world. Be it singing, dancing, or cooking skills, there’s at least one Filipino experienced in a particular field that makes him/her worth the recognition. Just recently, several Filipino actors and actresses were honored internationally for their acting expertise in their respective films, and here are just some of them:   Jaclyn Jose in Ma’ Rosa (Photo grabbed from popotiq.com) 1. Jaclyn Jose As a first for the Philippines, veteran actress Jaclyn Jose won the Best Actress award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for Ma’ Rosa, directed by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza. Jose played the titular character, who is […]
Get ready for school with Skechers Relaxed Fit
June 01, 2016

Get ready for school with Skechers Relaxed Fit

Strut down the halls with shoes that look smart and promise great comfort above all. The line features easy slip-on shoes, a roomier comfortable fit, Skechers Memory Foam insole for cushioning, and a fabric with built-in stretch ability. With the Skechers Relaxed Fit, you can forget about blisters and discomfort and focus on acing your studies!     The line features smooth full-grain leather shoes and soft woven stretch canvas fabric and synthetic upper street sneakers. Both leather shoes and sneakers are designed with stitching and overlay accents.   Men can wear the Skechers Relaxed Fit®: Docklands shoe in black (Php 4,095) with their school uniform or pair the brown […]
A Delighting Dad’s Month at Hotel Jen Manila
June 01, 2016

A Delighting Dad’s Month at Hotel Jen Manila

This coming Father’s Day, let the superhero of your family experience a one of a kind delight at Hotel Jen Manila.     Let dad stay in our Deluxe Room and make him feel like a king. Inclusive of this overnight stay is a breakfast buffet for two at Latitude, one complimentary buffet lunch at Kitsho or Latitude, a complimentary cocktail or mocktail together with a Father’s Day Platter at our Windows By The Bay and a surprise gift from Hotel Jen Manila. Get all of these perks for only P4,230 ++ per night. Promo is valid every Friday – Sunday of June 2016. If your dad’s favorite are some […]
Robinsons Starmills goes green with largest solar rooftop plant
May 31, 2016

Robinsons Starmills goes green with largest solar rooftop plant

Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga can now claim to have the world’s largest solar rooftop plant thanks to Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC)   GREEN MALL. Robinsons Starmills can now call itself one of the country’s greenest malls. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.   The 2.88-megawatt solar plant was switched on last Monday, May 30, breaking the record held by SM City North EDSA, which stood at 1.5 MW. Power from the solar plant will be used exclusively by the mall, cutting its carbon emissions by 2.25 million kilograms – equivalent to planting 100,000 trees. According to RLC President Frederick Go, “The sprawling design of Robinsons Starmills and the wide […]
Hello, Waterloo: PH’s Tourism department takes over London
May 31, 2016

Hello, Waterloo: PH’s Tourism department takes over London

As part of their Visit Philippines 2016 again campaign, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) took over the London Waterloo railway station by inviting Londoners to see and explore the places that make it more fun in the Philippines. The said campaign which launched a Station Domination series began with the London Waterloo Station, which is Britain’s busiest railway station by passenger usage. This series started from April 24 to May 23, 2016 and it features a “special immersion zone” which gives the commuters a chance to taste and feel Philippines’ beauty and “a promise of more fun overall experience” when they travel to the Philippines.     Commuters had a […]
SMC Telco acquired by PLDT and Globe
May 31, 2016

SMC Telco acquired by PLDT and Globe

A P69.1-billion deal and a promise to improve their services; these are the makings of the joint deal by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Globe when they acquired Sam Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) Vega Telecom and its prized 700-MHz frequency. The deal was confirmed by both PLDT and Globe last Monday, May 30. Both telecommunications giants agreed to an even split in acquiring SMC’s Vega Telecom, which includes the 700 MHz frequency it would have operated in. They also bought out New Century Telecoms and eTelco, Inc., which had ties to SMC.   FASTER MOBILE INTERNET. Globe and Smart, the country’s largest mobile service providers, will benefit the most […]
Oil price hike takes effect today
May 31, 2016

Oil price hike takes effect today

Motorists were welcomed by a shock this morning as various oil companies announced new prices as price hike takes effect today. At 6:01 am today, prices rose P0.35 per liter for gasoline, P0.55 per liter for kerosene, and P0.40 per liter for diesel and biodiesel for majority of the oil companies in the Philippines. The adjustments have been made “to reflect movements in the international petroleum market” as stated by SeaOil Philippines Inc in a report.     Some oil companies, like Petron Corp., have not yet announced the price adjustments, but it is expected it to be between P24.75 and P29.60 per liter for diesel, and 36.35 to 43.45 […]