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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.

January 22, 2016

Rare planetary conjunction to be visible in Philippine skies

Look up to the sky just before dawn from Jan. 22 to March 3 as five planets will be taking center stage for the first time in 11 years. CELESTIAL TREAT. An image of the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter as seen from Cerro Paranal, Chile on May 2011.1   Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn have been visible just above the east south-eastern horizon since January 1, but Mercury will soon be joining them in a rare 5-planet conjunction that will not be seen until 2040, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to PAGASA astronomer Jose Mendoza, the rare celestial event was last seen […]

January 20, 2016

LOOK: TeamManila’s Spring/Summer Collection 2016

Local clothing brand Team Manila has just released their spring/summer collection line and it’s quite a thing to behold! Team Manila’s spring/summer collection promises to be one of their best collections to date. Their latest collection was inspired by arcade imagery and gave it a modern, yet still uniquely Filipino twist. They’ve also updated their favourite Filipino topics, like barbershops, the Philippine eagle, street food, and of course, #PinoyPride. These tees go well with Team Manila’s new batch of drawstring bags and pouches, available in different colors and designs. You can also match them with whatever your wardrobe has. They’re perfect for everyday work or play use. For all the […]

February 01, 2016

JCB Deals Promo: Get up to 20% discount with JCB Card

Exciting deals await this coming February. May it be with friends or family, you can save up to 20% while enjoying a delicious meal or have some time for relaxation when you use your JCB credit card. Promo validity is from January 1, 2016 until March 31, 2016 Participating Merchants:   My Kitchen by Chef Chris – 10% discount – G/F Oasis Park Hotel, 1032-34 Belen St Paco, Manila   Saboten – 10% discount – G/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City – G/F Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City   Mangetsu – 10% discount – 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City   Hatsu Hana Tei – 10% discount […]

January 19, 2016

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey dies at 67

The music industry just lost another one of its greats as Glenn Frey, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of rock band Eagles passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016. Frey was 67. NEVER FORGOTTEN. Glenn Frey at a 2013 Eagles Concert. According to the band’s website, Frey succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. A message on the website says “The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community […]

January 18, 2016

Philippines’ First Flying Adventure: Trampoline Park Coming Soon

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new global trend that’s about to hit Philippine shores: trampoline parks. But what exactly is a trampoline park? A trampoline park is, to be blunt, a giant warehouse filled with dozens of unique trampoline “matts” stretching from wall-to-wall – allowing you to jump, fly and literally bounce in every direction. Photo courtesy of Trampoline Park Facebook page Trampoline parks were first put up in the United States over a decade ago. They offered a combination of open jumping courts, basketball lanes, dodge ball and volleyball courts, and, for those who are really adventurous, a massive foam pit to land in, perfect for trying […]

January 18, 2016

Phil-Microsat set to launch April this year

Photo courtesy of The Philippine Star The Philippines has finally “broken ground” in space with a team from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) turning over the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-satellite (Phil-Microsat) in Tsukuba City to the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). While the country already has two satellites (Agila 1 and Agila 2) in orbit, these satellites were privately owned and bought abroad. Phil-Microsat, nicknamed Diwata or fairy, is the first of two Filipino-made micro-satellites that will be sent to orbit, according to DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara. The turnover also means the nine-man Philippine team, composed of UP Diliman graduates pursuing post-graduate studies at Tohoku University and […]

January 15, 2016

First Laser Projection Movie Theater in Southeast Asia opens in PH

After IMAX and 4D, here’s another format movie buffs should check out: the Large Screen Format! Recently unveiled in SM Seaside City Cebu, this new movie experience will soon be hitting the top metro branches of SM Cinema, the country’s largest movie exhibitor. Here are 3 things you need to know about the SM Large Screen Cinema: 1. First Laser Projection System in Southeast Asia The new theater format makes use of the industry’s latest innovation: the Christie 6-Primary (6P) dual-head laser projection system, the first in Southeast Asia. This technology guarantees 80% illumination for optimal 3D projection and brightness. Top SM executives at the launch of the Large Screen […]

January 15, 2016

Filipina named as Asia’s Best Female Chef this 2016

WAY TO GO, FILIPINA! International chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés wins as Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016. Photo grabbed from curiouscreatives.com Another Filipina has made the country proud once again as International chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016 by the internationally acclaimed Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Forés, who made a name in the culinary industry, is known for her achievements not only in the Philippines, but also in other countries. Forés is also the woman behind well-known restaurants, such as Cibo, Lusso, and Alta in Ascott Hotel in BGC. The latest addition to her achievements is being one of the two […]

January 15, 2016

Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Monkey at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

SPEND the Year of the Fire Monkey at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila and celebrate with lucky room rates and festive benefits this February 5 to 9, 2016. With a room rate that starts at Php 5,388++ for one night and Php 4,388++ for two nights, spend the beginning of the Lunar New Year at the hotel’s spacious and well-appointed rooms while indulging in an appetizing breakfast buffet for two at Cucina, complimentary high-speed WiFi and access to the hotel’s indoor infinity pool and Fitness Center. Guests also enjoy a complimentary box of Marco Polo Ortigas’ Festive Chinese New Year Rice Cakes which come in Coconut-flavoured Koi Fishes, Chocolate Gold Bars […]

January 19, 2016

Alan Rickman, known as Severus Snape, dies at 69

ALWAYS ALAN. Legendary actor Alan Rickman dies at 69. Photo from Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images It’s a sad day in Hogwarts today as the celebrated actor, who played the iconic role of Professor Severus Snape in the successful Harry Potter series, died last January 14, 2016. Alan Rickman, who has been known as one of the world’s greatest actors of all time passed away due to cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Co-workers of Rickman in all his shows, including the Harry Potter series, have expressed their sorrow with losing a great friend and mentor. Author of Harry Potter books’ J.K. Rowling said in her Twitter account that […]

January 19, 2016

Win Free Tickets to ONE OK ROCK Live in Manila

Wanna win FREE tickets to One OK Rock Live in Manila? Here’s How! Get ready to witness Japan’s sensational band, One OK Rock on January 19, 2016 at the MOA Arena for free! We’re all very excited for you to see your favorite Japanese rock band perform live! Primer will be giving away 4 VIP  Standing tickets and 5 Lower box  tickets to 9 lucky winners! All you have to do is: 1. Like Primer’s Facebook page. 2. Share this post. Make sure it’s public!   Contest runs from January 14, 2016 to January 15, 2016 at 12 am. Winners will be determined through a random drawing on Monday (January 18, […]

January 14, 2016

MMDA to Netizens: Report violators through Viber, Twitter

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is encouraging the netizens to take part of a new act in helping reduce the number of parking violators along Mabuhay Lanes or the alternative routes for motorists to avoid congestion. Commuters and concerned citizens can now report such violators through mobile apps Twitter and Viber. MMDA posted on Twitter recently the instructions. Viber or tweet them the following details: • picture of the parked vehicle/road works/obstruction • time and location of the picture taken And send to 0906-1476975 for Viber or to @mmda for Twitter with the (hashtag) #netizenswatch. They will acknowledge and forward your report, and then give you updates via the […]

January 13, 2016

AWCP Monthly Bazaar: Work a little, Shop a Lot

Bazaars are often a great place to find the best deals, but there are moments when you just have to marvel at the sheer scale of one to better appreciate what it’s all about. Take the American Women’s Club of the Philippines (AWCP) Monthly Bazaar. As the name implies, it is a once-a-month bazaar that has its fair share of great deals and even better people. The AWCP Monthly Bazaar has been going on for at least two decades, starting off at the World Trade Center before finally moving to the SMX Convention Center. To sum it up: it’s six hours of pure shopping bliss for any woman looking for […]

January 11, 2016

Hang tight 2016, New Year of the Fire Monkey at Manila Pavilion Hotel

Let the Lunar New Year pace in gracefully at acclaimed dining outlets of Manila Pavilion Hotel as you celebrate new beginnings and round off the successful year behind. Reward your loved ones with Manila Pavilion’s well known Oriental dinner buffet feast as our newly appointed Executive Chef Giovanni Sias redefines buffet focusing on quality and freshness.  A decadent Chinese New Year and Spring Dinner temptations await. A spread of luxurious dim sum stunners, noodles representing long life and have an exchange of Nian gao (tikoy) would certainly entice your family get-together for Php 1200 nett, Friday and Saturday, 6PM-10:30pm and Sunday Brunch from 10am to 2PM. Throw a memorable family […]

January 12, 2016

Welcome back, Pia Wurtzbach!

WURTZBACH’S COMEBACK. Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach comes back to PH on January 23 for a grand homecoming. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images On January 23, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is scheduled to come home to the Philippines as a grand homecoming waits upon her arrival. In its official Facebook page, Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc., (BPCI) confirmed that Pia Wurtzbach will be back at January 23 and a series of events will follow thereafter. According to Stella Araneta -Marquez, the BPCI chairperson, Pia will arrive in Manila at 6 am. Here is the itinerary of Pia’s homecoming schedule: January 23 – Arrival January 24 – Press Conference, Novotel Araneta Center […]

January 11, 2016

Nokia acquires Alcatel – Lucent

The telecommunications industry has another turn with some speculations of a take over last year. It has been announced that Nokia was planning on buying smaller French Company, Alcatel Lucent, for $16.6 billion. Finalized last December, Nokia had bought the said company, buying of 70% of their share. In due time, Alcatel – Lucent allowed Nokia to own 100% of the company shares. The company is to be called Nokia Corporation once the takeover is successful, making it the second largest mobile equipment manufacturer in the world with an estimated market share of 35%, coming behind SONY Mobile with an estimated market share of 40%. Changes have been made once […]

January 08, 2016

Philippines’ Population to reach 142 Million by 2045

Recent findings show that the Philippines’ current population is currently at 104 million and that will continue to drastically grow in the months to follow. It had been noted that the number of children a woman wants has been decreasing from 1.9 in 2010 to 1.7 in 2012. However, all it doesn’t stop the increase of population in the country. The Philippine Statistics Authority said that 10 regions are expected to increase faster than the average and five of those are in the Mindanao region. The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao or ARMM is projected to have the highest average annual growth rate of 2.12% within the period of 2010 […]

January 08, 2016

Star Wars passes Avatar to be top-grosser in US

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Avatar held the record of highest-grossing domestic film of all time. Until Star Wars: The Force Awakens came along. With the Force strong within them, it defeated Avatar. With a whopping $760.5 million of ticket sales in U.S. in just 20 days, Force Awakens takes its place as the No.1 domestic film, beating James Cameron’s Avatar. It’s the first time in years that Cameron won’t have the title to himself. It is a first, however, for J.J Abrams who is known to be a student of Cameron and George Lucas. Although Avatar still holds the worldwide record with $2.8 billion […]

January 08, 2016

LTFRB holds dry run of double-decker buses in Manila

PH TRANSPO. The double-decker bus can accommodate up to 40-45 passengers for seating capacity. Photo from LTFRB Twitter account. With our fingers crossed that this kind of bus will soon be implemented in Manila, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) held the dry run of double-decker buses on January 7. The dry run started at 7:30 am, with the SM North Edsa to Glorietta 5 route. It is also open to the public and costs P55 per ride (P40 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs). This service, which is operated by bus company Froehlich Tours, showcased this bus to be used for demonstration of possible use as EDSA […]

January 08, 2016

Local film buffs rejoice as the Cinematheque Center Manila is now officially open!

Manila’s newest film center, located along TM Kalaw Avenue in Manila, will open its doors to the public with a screening of the Lino Broca classic Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975) on January 8. Broca is widely regarded as one of the best directors the Philippines has ever seen, and has been honoured with the title of National Artist. Cinematheque Centre Manila’s facade. Photo courtesy of FDCP A poster for Lino Brocka’s classic film Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag. Photo courtesy of Inquirer Preen. Other movies which will be shown for the month of January include Elwood Perez’ Esoterika: Maynila (2014) and another Filipino classic, Lamberto Avellana’s […]