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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.

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 […]
Celebrated videographer Jason Magbanua, to work for free
April 08, 2016

Celebrated videographer Jason Magbanua, to work for free

Known as the Holy Grail of wedding videographers, Jason Magbanua has announced in his blog that he will offer his services for free.   JASON MAGBANUA. Master videographer Jason Magbanua will work for free, as his “not too foreign experiment.” (Photo via jasonmagbanua.com)   Last Tuesday (April 5), Magbanua posted on his blog a photo of himself, holding a placard with “will work for free” on it. According to the top lensman, he wanted to go back to his roots by shooting alone as a “creative exercise.” To those who would like to avail of his services for free, you have to fill up this form (http://bit.do/jmagwillworkforfree). Magbanua will then […]
Enjoy BIG DISCOUNTS at the Sports Central Clearance Sale!
April 08, 2016

Enjoy BIG DISCOUNTS at the Sports Central Clearance Sale!

Want to gear up but don’t have anything to put on? Then head on over to SM Megatrade Hall 2 at SM Megamall for one of the biggest sales of the year: Sports Central Clearance Sale!   BIG NAMES, BIG DISCOUNTS. Sports Central Clearance Sale gives you the top brands with the biggest discounts. Photo courtesy of Sports Central Facebook page.   Sport Central Clearance Sale will bring with some of the best known brands in sportswear. Expect to get Nike, Adidas, Converse, and other brands at up to 80% off. Want more discounts? Use your SM Advantage Card on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and get […]
LOOK: Hotel Jen Manila Celebrates First Anniversary
April 07, 2016

LOOK: Hotel Jen Manila Celebrates First Anniversary

WE ARE ONE Hotel Jen Manila Celebrates its First Year Anniversary Together with Other Hotel Jen Properties Around the Globe MANILA – Last March 31, 2016, Hotel Jen Manila celebrated its first year anniversary. With the theme of “We Are One”, the celebration became a simultaneous event as other Hotel Jen properties across South East Asia also partied for the brand’s immeasurable success and countless accomplishments in just a matter of one year.   Hotel Jen Manila team dressed in their Filipiniana outfits are ready to welcome their guests.   Kids from Matytubig Day Care Center welcomed Hotel Jen Manila’s guests with their majorette performance   For Hotel Jen Manila, […]
Lingerie brand Wacoal opens in Manila!
October 06, 2016

Lingerie brand Wacoal opens in Manila!

International lingerie brand, Wacoal, has finally opened its first boutique on the 2nd floor of Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita today (April 7).
Direct flights to New Zealand to be available in December
April 06, 2016

Direct flights to New Zealand to be available in December

Filipinos may soon find themselves going to “Middle Earth” more often with regular nonstop flights between Auckland and Manila coming later this year.   FLYING IS FASTER. Starting December 2016, you can now fly to “Middle Earth” via Air New Zealand’s nonstop flights between Manila and Auckland. (Photo via Future Atlas)   Air New Zealand announced on Tuesday that they will be launching direct flights between Manila and Auckland three times a week by the end of 2016. “With over 40,000 Filipinos in New Zealand, the traffic between both countries is growing quickly. In the last 12 months, it grew by 20% alone”, Stephen Jones, Chief Officer for Strategy, Networks […]
Flagship store of Lawson opens today!
April 05, 2016

Flagship store of Lawson opens today!

Top Japanese convenience store Lawson has been in the country since early 2015. Known for serving unlimited rice meals and Bamboo Charcoal ice cream, they have further solidified their presence in the country today with the grand opening of their flagship store earlier today, April 5.   LAWSON’S FLAGSHIP STORE OPENS today.   Hosted by Joyce Pring, the grand opening drew a large crowd of workers and would-be customers to the Lawson store located at the ground floor of Tower 6789 along Ayala Avenue. Unlike other convenience stores, Lawson prides itself on their ready-to-eat and ready-to-drink offerings. They’re one of, if not the only convenience store to offer unlimited rice […]
Mount Apo to be closed for trekkers until further notice
April 04, 2016

Mount Apo to be closed for trekkers until further notice

Due to the immense forest fire that devastated several hectares of Mount Apo’s peak, concerned officials and the Protected Area Management Board of Southern and Central Mindanao (PAMB) have unanimously decided to keep the mountain off-limits to any human activity indefinitely.   MT. APO FIRE. Indefinite closure for Mt. Apo was decided upon the meeting of officials regarding the recent fire incident in the mountain. Photo by the Bureau of Fire Protection Davao, grabbed via sunstar.com.ph   This was in relation to the forest fire that started from a campfire allegedly by three mountaineers who camped at the peak of the mountain that left without making sure that the campfire […]