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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.

PHL is fastest-growing economy in Asia
May 20, 2016

PHL is fastest-growing economy in Asia

With its 6.9% Gross Domestic Product growth, Philippines is now the fastest-growing economy in Asia, even faster than China’s 6.7% and Vietnam’s 5.7% GDP, as reported by the government this Thursday.     According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Philippines registered the fastest growth rate among the 11 selected economies. Second fastest-growing economy is China at 6.7%, Vietnam at 5.5%, Indonesia with 4.9%, and Malaysia at 4.2%. Also, according to NEDA, this 6.9% growth from January to March is the “highest quarterly expansion in nearly three years.” This strong lead was possible through the services and industry sectors according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Other sectors that […]
12 new senators of PHL proclaimed
May 27, 2016

12 new senators of PHL proclaimed

  In the proclamation held at the Philippine International Convention Center, 12 new senators of the 17th Philippine congress have been officially declared on Wednesday (May 18) afternoon. Garnering 18,607,391 votes is Franklin Drilon, who topped this year’s senatorial race. He is followed by Joel Villanueva, who was the then director general of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who got 18,459,222 votes. Third on the list is Vicente Sotto III, who has served two terms in the senate before. Sotto got 17,200,371 votes. On the fourth spot is reelected senator Panfilo Lacson, who got 16,926,152 votes. Both Sotto and Lacson were a no show during the proclamation. Landing […]
What’s been happening in the race for VP?
May 20, 2016

What’s been happening in the race for VP?

In what will probably come down as the tightest vice presidential race in history, contenders Cong. Maria Leonora “Leni” Robredo and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. are both claiming victory.   NECK AND NECK. Cong. Leni Robredo (left) and Sen. Bongbong Marcos (right) have both claimed victory a week after the elections ended. Photos courtesy of lenirobredo.com and bongbongmarcos.com via flickr.   This hotly contested race has seen its share of celebrations, allegations of cheating, and early proclamations of victory. After scouring the internet, here’s what we know about the race for the second highest post in the country so far: • Out of the six candidates, four have already […]
List of satirical websites you should be aware of
May 19, 2016

List of satirical websites you should be aware of

Let us first define what “satire” is. According to Oxford Dictionary, satire is a literary work that uses wit, irony, or sarcasm to expose, ridicule, or to scorn. Satire is intended to be humorous, meaning that its purpose is to draw attention to issues, but these are not a reliable source of information.     With the increase of people using social media sites nowadays, a lot have already been misled by different satire sites that produce news-like content but are really false information. To help you out, Primer lists top 5 satirical websites that you shouldn’t deem as reliable sources:   (Photo grabbed from says.com) 1. Adobo Chronicles (https://adobochronicles.com/) […]
VIDEO: Heavyweight Boxing Champion David Haye Takes A Jab at Meat Industry in PETA Ad
May 19, 2016

VIDEO: Heavyweight Boxing Champion David Haye Takes A Jab at Meat Industry in PETA Ad

‘The Hayemaker’ Credits Vegan Food With Giving Him a Powerful Physique Manila — Heavyweight boxing champion David Haye has proved he’s as kind as he is strong by starring in a PETA Asia campaign promoting the knockout power of vegan meals. In the ad (available here), Haye appears with his fists up in a boxing stance next to the words “I’m David Haye, and I Eat Vegan.” In an exclusive video Q&A, Haye speaks passionately about his performance in the ring since ditching meat: “I’ve put on good lean muscle, feel strong, healthy, no injuries.” He explains that he made the decision to eat vegan after watching the documentary Earthlings, […]
5 Reasons why Arla Cheesy spread is your perfect merienda partner
May 18, 2016

5 Reasons why Arla Cheesy spread is your perfect merienda partner

We all love snack time. And we love it more if we get to eat delicious food that makes our tummy happy. Have you ever wondered what could possibly give an interesting flavor to your usual merienda pack? Here’s a great discovery: Arla, the country’s first real cheese spread.     To convince you why it’s your perfect merienda partner, here are 5 reasons why: 1. It’s as real as it can get. Made from almost 90% fresh cow’s milk, you know that you get your money’s worth by getting only the best cheesy spread for your snack. Having only 5 ingredients, you know that it’s natural without added preservatives. […]
Surfer-Chef JP Anglo shows his twin passions in new TV show
May 18, 2016

Surfer-Chef JP Anglo shows his twin passions in new TV show

For acclaimed chef JP Anglo (Owner of Sarsa and Kafe Batwan restaurants and judge at Master Chef Philippines), conquering his fears to live out his passion is definitely worth it and makes him a step closer to truly living life to the fullest. “I got into surfing because when I moved to Australia to work, I lived by the beach and I wanted to learn how to surf,” Chef JP shares. “My love for surfing started to deepen when I started surfing more regularly. Nothing beats that stoked feeling when you catch a wave letting go of all the fear; it’s a natural high and it’s infectious.”     The […]
BDO opens remittance center in Japan
May 17, 2016

BDO opens remittance center in Japan

Great news for Filipinos in Japan! You can do away with having to look far and wide for remittance services to the Philippines as BDO Remit, BDO Unibank’s remittance service, opens its first-ever remittance center in Shinjuku, Tokyo.   REMITTANCE MADE EASY. BDO opens its first remittance center in Shinjuku.   Located just 6 minutes from one of the largest railway stations in Shinjuku, BDO Remit (Japan) Ltd. will cater to remittance needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). BDO Remit has three ways for both Filipinos and other nationalities to send their remittance: 1. Over the counter. Visit and register at the BDO Remit Japan office and remit money to […]
DepED officially releases school calendar for year 2016-2017
May 17, 2016

DepED officially releases school calendar for year 2016-2017

In relation to the nearing resume of classes in the Philippines this June, the Department of Education (DepED) has now released the official school calendar for year 2016 to 2017.     According to the calendar, the official start of classes will be on June 13, 2016 and will end on April 7 the following year. The school year will have a total of 202 school days, which includes the five-day in-service training break. For Christmas break, it shall start on December 22, 2016 and classes will resume on January 2, 2017. As stated in the D.O. 23, s. 2016, private schools may deviate from the calendar, just as long […]
Japan to ease visa requirements this summer
May 16, 2016

Japan to ease visa requirements this summer

Starting this summer, Japan will be relaxing their visa requirement for travelers from China, according to a report from the Japan Tourism Agency via Nikkei.   Japan will be relaxing its visa requirements for selected countries this summer. (Photo grabbed from blog.gaijinpot.com)   In a report by Nikkei Asian Review, Japan Tourism agency will be easing their requirements from visitors coming from China and Russia. Although the eased requirements for China have already been in the works, it has been expanded up to getting access for multiple-stay visas and also having their maximum term doubled up to 10 years. Aside from these countries, Philippines and Vietnam will also have “looser […]
Hotel Jen Launches Unique NextJen Meetings with Golden Circle Planner Rewards
May 16, 2016

Hotel Jen Launches Unique NextJen Meetings with Golden Circle Planner Rewards

HONG KONG: April 25, 2016 – Hotel Jen, the lifestyle brand of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has launched NextJen Meetings – an exciting meetings model delivering distinctive themes with practical amenities, optional extras, Golden Circle Event Planner Rewards, as well as credit to redeem against a future event. Created to reflect the Hotel Jen experience and promise of a sense of adventure and intuitive service, NextJen Meetings take meetings beyond a traditional conference layout with themed offerings – ‘Jenuine’ and High-Energy. The ‘Jenuine’ concept boldly uses a full-sized table tennis table or sofa seating to assemble participants for ice-breaker or meeting sessions, while the High-Energy package inspires interaction with bean-bag […]
Instagram launches new look
May 12, 2016

Instagram launches new look

Instagram launched a new look to their app. Users of the application will notice a change in the icon and the layout of the app. Together with their other applications — Layout, Boomerang and Hyperlapse, Instagram settled with a gradient colored logo and stuck with the theme and incorporated it to their other logos. As for the app’s look and feel, Instragram went with a minimalist theme choosing black and white as its main colors that gives it a sophisticated look and feel.   – The change didn’t just affect the app but the website too. Having the same sophisticated look and feel as the app, their website is just […]
PH elects first transgender woman in the congress
May 11, 2016

PH elects first transgender woman in the congress

FIRST TRANSGENDER IN PH POLITICS. Geraldine Roman wins as congresswoman of Bataan first district, making history as the first transgender woman elected in the congress. Photo by Romeo Ranoco of Reuters. Known for being a dominantly Catholic nation, PH makes a significant milestone for the LGBT community as the country elects the first transgender to take a seat in the congress. Geraldine Roman, a transgender, is set to take the congress seat in Bataan which was previously held by her mother. Roman secured 23,814 votes against her opponent which has 10,325, based on the 92.7% of election returns processed. The 49-year old Liberal Party candidate comes from a political family […]
The ArtBGC Mural Festival Returns to BGC!
May 10, 2016

The ArtBGC Mural Festival Returns to BGC!

  Splashes of color are ready to fill the walls of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) as Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) celebrates ArtBGC Mural Festival 2016. Now on its sophomore run, ArtBGC promises vibrant new murals and programs to make art and culture more accessible to BGCitizens.     The festival is done in collaboration with L.A.-based art consultancy, LeBasse Projects, and Honeycomb Communities. Multi-disciplinary artists such as: PastelFD, Andrew Schoultz, HOTxTEA, Bunnie Reiss, Aleks Kocev and Blaine Suque are bringing in their unique brand of creativity, hoping to build on the iconic atmosphere of BGC. Representing the Philippines in this festival are Kris Abrigo, Trip63 and ArtBGC Open Call […]
Cinven and CPPIB reach agreement to acquire Hotelbeds Group
May 10, 2016

Cinven and CPPIB reach agreement to acquire Hotelbeds Group

• European private equity firm Cinven and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) today announce an agreement to acquire Hotelbeds Group. • Hotelbeds’ highly experienced management team, led by Joan Vilà, CEO, to remain at the helm of the business. • Cinven and CPPIB to partner with the management team to strongly position the business for fast growth together with its industry partners. London, UK and Toronto, CANADA — European private equity firm Cinven and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘CPPIB’) recently announced an agreement to acquire Hotelbeds Group (‘Hotelbeds’ or the ‘Company’), the global provider of travel services based in Spain, from Tui Group for a total enterprise value […]
Election Day Promotions and Discounts
May 06, 2016

Election Day Promotions and Discounts

The Philippine General Elections are finally upon us. With so much at stake, most voters would not only feel pressured, but hungry, thirsty, and hot. After all, it is the middle of summer. No need to fret! These establishments will gladly soothe your hunger, quench your thirst, and cool you off, all in the name of exercising your right to vote:   COFFEE TO START YOUR DAY. Starbucks Philippines’ One for You, One to Share promo. Photo courtesy of Starbucks Philippines Facebook page.   The elections start really early this year: 6 a.m. to be exact. What better way to start your day than to have a sip of Starbucks’ […]
Out Now! Primer Magazine May issue
May 07, 2016

Out Now! Primer Magazine May issue

Find out what’s inside the May issue of Primer Magazine!_ Street: Legazpi Village Last time, we featured some of the must-go places in this unruffled area in Makati. This time around, Primer will be giving you an update of the up and coming restaurants to visit at present. Despite its many office buildings and crowded spaces, Legazpi still retains its laid-back vibe loved by the residents. For many, Legazpi Village is best known for its Sunday market for a weekly dose of fresh produce.  For some, the place is popular for speakeasy bars and under-the-radar type of restaurants. Jump on the bandwagon and check out this month’s Street Feature special. […]
Election Reminders for Voters
May 05, 2016

Election Reminders for Voters

Outside of representing the Philippines in the international stage, voting may be one of the few things we can do to help our country. With the polls just 3 days away, here are a few things to keep in mind on May 9:   DO’S AND DON’T’S. Making your vote count involves more than just voting. Photo courtesy of E-lected.   Before May 9 • Familiarize yourself with the voting process. Videos about the election process are literally everywhere: TV, radio, print, and social media. There is absolutely no excuse to not be familiar with the process. • Have your list of candidates ready. To speed up the voting process, […]
5 gifts which could make your Momma feel special this Mothers Day!
May 05, 2016

5 gifts which could make your Momma feel special this Mothers Day!

Mother’s Day is one of the most special events that happen every year. In this day, we honor our mothers, for all the love and care we have received from them the moment we were born. And since they are the reason we are alive, they deserve this very special day. Here are some of Primer’s recommended gifts for your moms, wives, sisters, or anyone who deserves extra special love this Mothers Day!    1. Mother’s Day is a time for relaxation. Treat your mom for a spa day! Mothers are usually stressed which is why giving them a spa treat will make them feel refreshed and relaxed after. See […]
One Day Shoes & Bags Sale at SM
May 03, 2016

One Day Shoes & Bags Sale at SM

Unleash your inner fashionista and run to the nearest SM store in your place!     The SM Store is holding a one day shoes and bags sale this May 4, 2016, with up to 20% off on all regular priced items such as bags, ladies’, mens’, and children’s shoes. Hurry now and get your shopping carts ready as you find the best items you can get! This sale is exclusive to SM Advantage, SM Prestige, BDO Rewards, PRiMO, SM Stationery, and Mom cardholders. Find the perfect gift for your wives and mothers for Mothers Day this Wednesday as you shop at the SM Store!