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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.

MRT-7 construction begins today
April 20, 2016

MRT-7 construction begins today

Workers and residents of Quezon City, Caloocan City, Bulacan and nearby areas may soon find themselves traveling between both cities faster as construction work for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) begins today.   AND SO IT BEGINS. Construction has finally begun for the MRT-7.   “The long-awaited MRT-7 will serve commuters who ply the heavily congested Commonwealth Avenue area for work and school on a daily basis. The new railway system will not only significantly lessen travel time along this corridor, but also help decongest traffic in Caloocan and NLEX,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. MRT-7, a joint project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and […]
Neutrogena: Invest in your skin
April 19, 2016

Neutrogena: Invest in your skin

  Summer in the Philippines usually means extensive heat and beautiful beaches, and when there are beaches, tan lines are usually what people are aiming for. But not everyone are lucky enough to get that perfect tan, some lead to sun burns. Neutrogena has the solution for that! Wanting you to invest in your skin, Neutrogena has launched their line of Hydro Boost to help increase the water content of your skin and lock in moisture. An ingredient called hyaluronic acid is the secret to their products that hydrates your skin and restores the moisture. Under Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line are: 1. Hydro Boost Gel Cream that helps fight dullness, […]
#LetInTheGoodness with Arla Cheesy Spread!
April 19, 2016

#LetInTheGoodness with Arla Cheesy Spread!

We’ve got some cheesy news for you: The ‘realest’ cheese is now in the Philippines!   Taste real cheesy goodness with Arla   Cheese is a staple Filipino favorite especially that it’s versatile—you can have it for breakfast, lunch, merienda, and dinner as well. It has consistently won the hearts of many foodies, especially that it can easily be transformed into something that will make a food more delicious through its flavor. As a consumer, you’d think that the cheese you see in grocery stores may just be the same and they only differ in brands. However, that is not really the case: some of them may not be real […]
Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa competes at Cannes
April 18, 2016

Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa competes at Cannes

Brillante Mendoza is set to represent the Philippines anew at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, set for May 11 – 22.   MENDOZA IS AT IT AGAIN as his film Ma’ Rosa was included in the Main Competition of one of the world’s largest film festivals. (Photos courtesy of Festival de Cannes – Page Officielle and Filippinsk Film Festival official page)   One of his latest films, Ma’ Rosa, was selected as part of the Main Competition last April 14. Ma’ Rosa stars Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Andi Eigenmann, Felix Roco, and Jomari Angeles. Ma’ Rosa is about the lives of husband and wife Rosa and Nestor, who use their […]
#PrayForKumamoto: Magnitude 7.3 quake damages Southern Japan
April 18, 2016

#PrayForKumamoto: Magnitude 7.3 quake damages Southern Japan

MAGNITUDE 7.3. A more powerful quake struck Kumamoto once again as several houses and buildings were left destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless. (Photo via japantimes.co.jp)   A total of 32 people were killed and 1,000 injured were reported as a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kumamoto City in Southern Japan, which was just recently struck by a 6.2 quake just two days before according to latest reports. Buildings and other infrastructures collapsed in the town of Mashiki as the quake hit the town at 1:25 am, making it more powerful than the recent quake that hit the same region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. According to reports, a number […]
DLSU’s Lariba, first ever table tennis Olympian from the PH
April 18, 2016

DLSU’s Lariba, first ever table tennis Olympian from the PH

  IAN “YAN-YAN” LARIBA. Table tennis athlete Lariba secures the last spot for the Olympic sport this 2016. Photo from www.ittf.com, via philstar.com After beating Indonesia’s Lilis Indriani in the 2016 ITTF-Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament, Ian Lariba of De La Salle University now earns a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, making her the first Philippine Olympian for the said sport. With scores, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5, Lariba defeated Indriani last Saturday which made her secure the 11th and final seat in her event. It was in this do or die match where she swept off the best of 7 game, making her the first Filipino […]
50% Off! Brotzeit welcomes its BGC customers with a bang
April 18, 2016

50% Off! Brotzeit welcomes its BGC customers with a bang

You need not go to Shangri-La Plaza Mall or make your way to Glorietta 4 just to enjoy quality German cuisine, especially if you’re closer to Bonifacio Global City. Brotzeit is opening its doors at the Shangri-La at the Fort on April 17!   50% OFF ANY FOOD ITEM for three days! THREE DAYS! Photo courtesy of Brotzeit Philippines Facebook page   No, your eyes do not deceive you. Brotzeit will be giving its food at half price from April 18 – 20 at their Shangri-La at the Fort branch. Dine with them and you will get 50% off of their  Brotzeit was established back in 2006 by a group […]
Forbes names Philippines among retirement havens
April 18, 2016

Forbes names Philippines among retirement havens

Forbes Magazine recently announced the best places in the world to retire in, and the Philippines is on the list.   SUNSET ATOP MT. TAPYAS in Coron, Palawan.   Calling the list the “20 Best Foreign Retirement Havens for 2015”, Forbes listed countries based on its Annual Global Retirement Index, which takes into account factors such as cost of living, taxes, medical care, climate, peace and order, cultural attractions and hospitality, and ease of return to the US. Forbes highlighted the country’s low cost of living, our tropical climate, the abundance of English speakers, and natural beauty. They also pointed out that “foreign income is untaxed, and permanent residency can […]
New MRT Trains, up and running next weekend
April 18, 2016

New MRT Trains, up and running next weekend

Good news to all avid MRT commuters! The new trains have been installed and are expected to be up and running by next weekend. The MRT has been the one of the major forms of transportation and throughout the years, commuters grew in numbers. Originally, the plan was to launch the trains by the end of March but sadly, requirements like the 5,000 mileage test runs were not met, resulting to the delay in the train’s debut. As the rest of the trains are tested and installed, it is likely that the MRT-3’s daily fleet of 14 – 16 will increase to 20, increasing the current capacity of 600,000 estimated […]
9 new National Artists, awarded by PH President Aquino
April 15, 2016

9 new National Artists, awarded by PH President Aquino

In a ceremony held in Malacañang last April 14, President Aquino awarded 9 new National Artists, with 6 of them awarded posthumously.   NEWLY-AWARDED NATIONAL ARTISTS. The national artists and representatives of those awarded posthumously gathered for a photo with Aquino. Photo by Krizjohn Rosales, grabbed via philstar.com Three of the national artists were named National Artist in 2009, and the others were named last 2014. The Order of the National Artists (ONA) is the highest recognition given to outstanding artists in their respective fields, who have given significant contributions to the field of “music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast arts, and architecture and allied arts.” Those […]
Filipina designer joins Toronto Fashion week
April 15, 2016

Filipina designer joins Toronto Fashion week

Filipino talent shines anew as fashion designer Happy Andrada will represent the Philippines at the Toronto Arts & Fashion Week.   Filipina fashion designer Happy Andrada will unveil her latest collection in Toronto on April 16 (April 17 in Manila). Grabbed from Happy Andrada Facebook page. Prior to her being invited to Toronto, Andrada was in London to showcase her Bridal Ready-To-Wear Collection at the London Fashion Week in late March. She was also in Amsterdam for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week where she showcased her Autumn/Winter 2016 Collection.   After Mercedes Fashion Week Amsterdam, London Fashion Week..Heading to Toronto Arts & Fashion Week!So thankful! Let's do this #goPHILIPPINES — […]
COMELEC finalizes voting hours on May 9
April 14, 2016

COMELEC finalizes voting hours on May 9

It’s final. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has decided that on May 9, the casting of votes will be done from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Resolution No. 10088.   Make sure to get up early on May 9, as the polls open an hour earlier than usual. (Photo via delfindakila via tumblr)   With this change comes an earlier call time for the Board of Election Inspectors. They should now meet at the polling place no later than 5 a.m. on Election Day. This also means that opening the vote counting machines should be opened no earlier than 5 a.m, “and in the presence of poll watchers, […]
Metro Manila hits records highest temperature at 36.3˚C
April 14, 2016

Metro Manila hits records highest temperature at 36.3˚C

Manila just got hotter. At 36.3˚C, Metro Manila has recorded yet another high last April 12, 2016, according to the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).     This temperature was registered at the Science Garden in Quezon City at 3:00 pm, beating the previously recorded highest at 35.7˚C last April 11, Monday. In March this year, PAGASA has warned that the country may have record-breaking heat in the coming months. It was in May 11, 1969 when the hottest temperature was registered in the country in Tuguegarao, Cagayan at 42.2˚C. On the other hand, Metro Manila hit its highest at 38.5˚C on May 11, […]
Facebook Messenger now has chat bot platform
April 13, 2016

Facebook Messenger now has chat bot platform

You may soon find yourself making reservations, checking for the news, or order something online via Facebook Messenger the same way you talk to your friends using the app.   Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivering the keynote at today’s F8 Facebook Developer’s Conference.   Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced earlier today at the F8 developer conference that they would be launching a platform that will allow developers and businesses to build bots inside Messenger. These chat bots will allow a user to interact with businesses, brands, or services within the app itself. Think along the lines of getting CNN’s top headlines or buying something online through Messenger. According to The […]
Passion by Gerard Dubois (Closed)
July 13, 2018

Passion by Gerard Dubois (Closed)

(UPDATE: This restaurant is closed.) The Hong Kong-based boulangerie has extended its doors to the Philippines! Passion recently opened its first shop last April 6 at the Net Park along 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. Catering to those who are seeking a traditional French cafe experience, it showcases high-grade bakery products that are made by Swiss-born pastry chef Gerard Dubois, whose lifelong passion is to deliver the finest pastries.   FRENCH MACARONS. An array of flavors like vanilla, earl grey, choco banana and pistachio to name a few.   The interior is rustic, chic and very classy. Displayed are slices of bread which are baked and dried, books from Gerard […]
A review of PiliPinas 2016: The Vice Presidential Debate
April 11, 2016

A review of PiliPinas 2016: The Vice Presidential Debate

“Less mudslinging, more focus on the issues.” This was how most people described PiliPinas 2016: The Vice Presidential Debate, held last Sunday (April 10) at the Quadricentennial Pavillion of the University of Sto. Tomas.   ISSUE-CENTRIC. Mudslinging was still present, but issues were discussed more often than not.   The first and only vice presidential debate sanctioned by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was informative to say the least. It had less entertainment value than the previous presidential debates, but the vice presidential hopefuls made up for it by giving answers that addressed issues and not each other.   Hecklers to Marcos: Never again Sparks flew before the debate proper […]
Pacquiao defeats Bradley in what could be his ’final fight’
April 11, 2016

Pacquiao defeats Bradley in what could be his ’final fight’

Winning via a clear unanimous decision, world-renowned boxing champ Manny Pacquiao defeated Timothy Bradley in a 116-110 scorecard by all three ringside judges last April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.   PACQUIAO VERSUS BRADLEY. In a 116-110 scorecard, Pacquiao defeats Bradley in their welterweight showdown. (Photo via cnn.com)   Knocking Bradley down at the seventh and ninth rounds, Pacquiao overpowered Bradley in their 12-rounds of welterweight match. This is Pacquiao and Bradley’s third match, wherein Pacquiao beat the latter in two fights. Eleven months after his much talked about loss to Mayweather, there have been speculations whether this fight against Bradley was going to be […]
ZALORA holds 1st Style Awards
April 10, 2016

ZALORA holds 1st Style Awards

ZALORA Philippines, Asia’s online fashion hub, recently launched the first ever ZALORA Style Awards to recognize personalities that gave tremendous change in the fashion industry at the Valkyrie, The Palace Pool Club on Thursday (April 7).   Patty Grandidge hosted the ZALORA Style Awards   It aims to recognize local talents for their achievements with its five awards namely Fashion Designer of the Year, Fashion Game Changer of the Year, Male and Female Style Star of the Year and Fashion Stylist of the year. “In celebration of ZALORA Philippines’ fourth anniversary, we are proud to host our first ever ZALORA Style Awards to honour the country’s key players in fashion,” […]
The much-awaited English magazine is now available!
April 12, 2016

The much-awaited English magazine is now available!

  Started as a Japanese magazine, Primer Primer has been trusted by the Japanese community in providing reliable information about the Philippines. Through its course, the magazine has featured bits and pieces of information to help out expats with their stay in the Philippines. Following that, Philippine Primer brings forth its first edition of the English version, a handy guide that features what you need to know about PH. For Philippine Primer’s first issue, we bring you ideas to start your summer right! Make the most out of your summer solstice this April and discover ideas as you flip through the pages.   WHAT’S INSIDE?   Street On our Street […]
Apo Whang-Od featured in Toronto art exhibit
April 08, 2016

Apo Whang-Od featured in Toronto art exhibit

Filipino pride shines anew as the legendary tattoo artist Whang-Od is featured in Tattoos: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art. at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada.   A LEGEND. Whang-Od is just one of the featured artists at the “Tattoos: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art.” exhibit. Photo by KayLeen B. Kwet.   At 98 years old, Whang-Od is known as the last mambabatok of her tribe in Kalinga. Her way of tattooing is pambabatok, is seen as a dying art by many in the Philippines. It involves the use of a mixture of charcoal and water tapped onto the skin by using a thorn from a pomelo tree and bamboo. People […]