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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.

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!  
Popular Movie Premiers in May
February 28, 2017

Popular Movie Premiers in May

Here’s a selection of movies from different genres that is hitting the Philippine silver screen this May!   1. Hardcore Henry In Theatres May 4 Told from a first person point of view, Hardcore Henry is a story about a man who has been brought back from the dead by his wife. A few minutes later she gets kidnapped and he goes into this mission to rescue her. Along the way, he meets people who do not only help him rescue his wife but also restore his memory. This goPro shot film is directed by Ilya Naishuller and stars Haley Bennet, Sharlto Copely and Tim Roth.   2. Mother’s Day […]
Mistubishi launches 2016 Mirage at Solaire Resort and Casino
May 03, 2016

Mistubishi launches 2016 Mirage at Solaire Resort and Casino

While it was already revealed at the 2016 Manila International Auto Show, no one could get the 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage last April 7. Fans of the Mirage, however, did not have to wait long as the 2016 edition was officially launched last April 29 at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.   NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT RIDE. The 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage with some of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) top executives.   Yoshiaki Kato, president and CEO of MMPC, lead the way for other MMPC execs to unveil the refreshed 2016 Mirage. A sportier Mirage was unveiled at the grand launch, with the GLS […]
Beat the Summer Heat at Manila Pavilion Hotel
May 02, 2016

Beat the Summer Heat at Manila Pavilion Hotel

  Summer is here! Everyone is excited to have a quick dip in the pool and have a wonderful retreat out of town. Look no further because Manila Pavilion Hotel, located in the heart of Manila is offering a great hot deals and promos for the whole family to enjoy. Bring them and experience a fun-filled and fascinating getaway within the city with the hotel’s room cheap packages, which starts from Php 3,600 nett for a deluxe room for two persons with inclusive of breakfast. Start your day at the interactive restaurant of Seasons and have a leisurely breakfast and indulge yourself with the hotel’s cake of the month, Mango […]
Manila Pavilion Hotel Pampers All Moms
May 02, 2016

Manila Pavilion Hotel Pampers All Moms

  Your mother is walking miracles to you. This Mother’s day show your appreciation and love for her by treating her to a lavish Sunday brunch, the Manila Pavilion Hotel crowns the queen of our hearts with awe-inspiring offerings that is sure to make her feel truly special. Reward your mom with genuine affection by allowing her to celebrate the joy of being a mother.  Indulge her appetite with a sumptuous Mother’s Day Special Buffet lunch on May 08 at our very own interactive lifestyle restaurant – Seasons. With a group of three or more and get special treats from our sponsors (Dermcare, Tony and Jackey, and Metro Dental.)  Start […]
Trending: What is #RunningManChallenge?
May 02, 2016

Trending: What is #RunningManChallenge?

First there was the harlem shake; then came the nae nae. Now, a new dance craze is taking the internet by storm: the #RunningManChallenge.   THE MOST POPULAR ONE TO DATE. Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving gets in on the #RunningManChallenge. (Video courtesy of Cleveland Cavaliers Instagram feed)   At this point, you may be asking: what exactly is the Running Man Challenge? Here’s a quick rundown of what is currently known about the challenge: 1. It started in New Jersey. According to this article by GQ, the social media dance craze was first seen in New Jersey, when two high school kids posted this video on Instagram. 2. It […]
MMDA to launch online database of traffic violators on May 3
May 05, 2016

MMDA to launch online database of traffic violators on May 3

To further improve the traffic system in the metro, The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to launch an online database of traffic violators who will be apprehended by the “no contact apprehension policy.”     Through the website named “May Huli Ba?,” motorists can now see if they have committed a traffic violation through a Google spreadsheet, which will contain the plate numbers of vehicles monitored by CCTV cameras placed along major thoroughfares in Manila. This spreadsheet will include details such as location, date, time, and the MMDA action towards the violation. According to MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos, this database will help motorists verify the violations and also, it […]
Bitten: Zika Virus 101
May 01, 2016

Bitten: Zika Virus 101

Viral outbreaks are nothing new to the modern world: the H1N1 or swine flu pandemic of 2009, the Ebola outbreak of 2014, and most recently, the Zika virus outbreak. Zika has been causing a scare across the globe, with pregnant women, specifically the unborn child, being the most vulnerable. Amidst all this, Zika is one of the rare outbreaks were people do not have that much information. MPHonline, in cooperation with the United States Center for Disease Control, US National Library of Medicine, and the World Health Organization, have come up with a handy infographic for the benefit of everyone.   ZIKA 101. Infographic courtesy of MPHonline. Source: MPHOnline.org  
A Special Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Hotel Jen Manila
April 29, 2016

A Special Mother’s Day Celebration Awaits at Hotel Jen Manila

Hotel Jen Manila is all set to make your Mother’s Day celebration special!     Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of May 2016, you may book your mom in a Deluxe Room for only PHP 4,320 ++per night. This exclusive offer comes with a buffet breakfast good for two (2) at Latitude, one (1) complimentary lunch at Kitsho or Latitude, a voucher which entitles mom a free cocktail or mocktail plus a Mother’s Day Platter at Windows By The Bay and Jen’s special gift for mom. On May 8, 2016, expect our Latitude buffet spread to be extraordinary as we highlight Filipino heirloom dishes. These specialties are known to be […]
UNIQLO Philippines celebrates 4th Anniversary, opens special site
April 29, 2016

UNIQLO Philippines celebrates 4th Anniversary, opens special site

It’s been four years since Uniqlo established their first store, can you believe it?      In celebration of its 4th anniversary, popular clothing brand Uniqlo has prepared amazing deals for their loyal customers and avid supporters. They recently launched their special website, showing limited offers and exclusive promos, which are available at all stores nationwide from April 29 to May 2. Limited edition mugs will also be given to those with a minimum purchase of P2,500, and 10% off to SM Advantage card holders. Not only that, they have also tied up with Grab to give you 2 GrabTaxi rides with zero booking fee, just use the code UNIQLO4. […]
Election Day declared as a special non-working holiday
April 27, 2016

Election Day declared as a special non-working holiday

After weeks of waiting, it has been made official. May 9, 2016 is now a special non-working holiday.   IT IS NOW OFFICIAL. May 9, Election Day is a special non-working holiday. Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net.   Malacañang announced early on Wednesday, April 27 that May 9 has been declared a special non-working holiday through the signing of Proclamation 1254, which the President signed on Monday, April 25. The proclamation read “Monday, 9 May 2016 should be declared a special public (non-working) holiday to enable the people to properly exercise their right of suffrage.” Workers who will report for work on that day will get 1.3 times their daily rate. […]
Newest route for P2P buses from Alabang to Makati, officially launched
April 25, 2016

Newest route for P2P buses from Alabang to Makati, officially launched

Are you one of those commuters who go a long way from the South to Makati every single day? We have good news for you!   P2P ALABANG-MAKATI. RRCG buses will now offer transport from Alabang Town Center to Greenbelt effective April 26. (Photo grabbed from Alabang Town Center’s Facebook page)   As part of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB)’s effort to modernize and improve the public utility vehicle system, Point to Point (P2P) bus service has officially launched Alabang-Makati as its newest route this April 26. The operator RRCG transport will be having its pickup point at Alabang […]
PiliPinas Debates 2016: the third and final Presidential Debate
April 25, 2016

PiliPinas Debates 2016: the third and final Presidential Debate

It all boiled down to one last debate. Pangasinan was the location, and all five presidents were present at the third and final leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016: The Presidential Debate. Questions were asked, answers were given, and Filipinos were given one last chance to decide on who they will vote for come May 9.   ALL PRESENT. The five presidential candidates for this year’s national elections after they’ve given their final statements. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cellona via ABS-CBN News.   The third and final leg, lead by ABS-CBN and the Manila Bulletin in cooperation with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), was a town hall-style debate, […]