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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.

PETA names Manila’s Top 10 Vegan Chocolate Desserts for Valentine’s Day
February 09, 2016

PETA names Manila’s Top 10 Vegan Chocolate Desserts for Valentine’s Day

Treat Your Sweetie to a Luscious Dessert and Spread the Love to Animals With These Delicious, Compassionate, Dairy-Free Desserts Manila — Since Valentines’ Day is one of the few days each year when it’s totally acceptable to indulge in as many chocolaty treats as you possibly can, PETA has named the top 10 chocolate desserts that everyone can enjoy. Approximately 90 percent of Filipinos are lactose-intolerant, meaning that their bodies cannot break down the sugar in milk, resulting in acne, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. The desserts below are not only cruelty-free but also safe for those with lactose intolerance to consume.   1. Pipino’s Red Velvet Cupcake Not only is […]
Filipina Idol Group Kawaii 5 rocks the TOKYO stage!
February 09, 2016

Filipina Idol Group Kawaii 5 rocks the TOKYO stage!

A major step to becoming idol stars with new costume designed by renowned Japanese designer MIKIO SAKABE Filipina Idol Group “Kawaii 5” performed live at the ICON DOLL LOUNGE event held in the Kawaii fashion-mecca Harajuku, Tokyo. Kawaii 5, a group of 5 Filipina teenagers, was formed as the official endorsers of NHK’s drama series AMACHAN currently airing in the Philippines on TV5. Their 10-minute guest performance enthralled many Japanese idol fans in the venue. On stage, they performed popular songs from AMACHAN –Koyomi no Ue de wa December & Jimoto ni Kaerou- adapted into Tagalog as “KAWAII 5” and “HILING”. They concluded with their pop and lively original song […]
Conrad Manila to open this 2016
February 05, 2016

Conrad Manila to open this 2016

Looking for a new luxurious place to have a staycation? Look no more as one of Hilton’s worldwide luxury brands, the first Conrad-brand hotel in the Philippines, is set to open in Manila this 2016.   LUXURY AT ITS FINEST. The iconic luxury hotel named Conrad Manila has an impressive architectural concept of a mega yacht which is located along Manila bay.   Conrad Manila will be featuring 347 guest rooms for its hotel with high-proportioned suites to cater to the growing number of travelers and businesspersons in Manila. Also, the hotel will have ballrooms, lounges, restaurants, an infinity swimming pool, and facilities such as gym and a luxury spa. […]
Filipino-Chinese Relations: Chinese New Year 2016
February 05, 2016

Filipino-Chinese Relations: Chinese New Year 2016

Filipinos and Chinese have known each other even before the arrival of the Spaniards. We have traded with them for hundreds of years, and have had them in our country ever since. While most of our countrymen bear a Spanish surname, it’s hard to find a Filipino without a tiny bit of Chinese blood. It should not come as a surprise that Filipinos join the Chinese in celebrating Chinese New Year.   GONG XI FA CAI!   Set on February 8, Chinese New Year celebrations are done as close as possible to how the Chinese community does it. Dragon and lion dances, wearing red, a bowl of 12 round fruits, […]
Jetstar opens low-fares option from Manila to Tokyo, Osaka &Nagoya
February 28, 2017

Jetstar opens low-fares option from Manila to Tokyo, Osaka &Nagoya

Filipinos can now enjoy the lowest possible fares to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya as Jetstar Japan, Japan’s largest low cost carrier, announced at the 23rd Travel Tour Expo today that it will bring its low fares services from the three airports to Manila. On hand for the announcement were Masaru Kataoka, Chairman of Jetstar Japan, and Robin Goh, Senior Corporate Communications Manager for Jetstar.   WELCOME TO MANILA, JETSTAR JAPAN. (L) Jetstar Japan Chair Masaru Kataoka announces the new routes at a press conference during the 23rd Travel Tour Expo. (R) Kataoka and Robin Goh with Jetta, Jetstar’s mascot.   Jetstar will give travelers up to seven direct flights a […]
Shangri-La at the Fort introduces Manila to heightened luxury and lifestyle
February 05, 2016

Shangri-La at the Fort introduces Manila to heightened luxury and lifestyle

BGC welcomes yet another high profile name among its ranks as the Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila is set to open on March 1.   LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE. It all comes together at Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila.   Standing at 250 metres high, the Shangri-La will be one of the tallest towers in the country, featuring five key components: • Shangri-La Hotel, a 576-room hotel with over 6,000 meters of event space along with 7 restaurants and bars; • Shangri-La Residences, 97 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for people who want to enjoy apartment-style living in a hotel setting; • Kerry Sports Manila, a dedicated recreation club covering over […]
A Taste of GUTAI: Exploring the possibilities of art
February 04, 2016

A Taste of GUTAI: Exploring the possibilities of art

To a normal person, the word Gutai may not hold a lot of meaning. Art enthusiasts, on the other hand, recognize it for what it is: a radical and energetic approach to art making that included performance, painting, installation, and theatrical events. It is seen by many in the art community as a predecessor to what we know today as performance art. Gutai itself did not really start as a form of art. Rather, it is the name of a post-WWII artist group founded by Jiro Yoshihara in 1954. The name means “concreteness” and it was their goal to “do what no one has done before.” (Yoshihara, 1955) A TASTE […]
Enjoy Chinese New Year as you celebrate at these fancy restaurants
February 05, 2016

Enjoy Chinese New Year as you celebrate at these fancy restaurants

Kiong Hee Huat Tsai! Planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year holiday? Here are some hotel restaurants which will offer Chinese New Year treats this month! 1. Jasmine – New World Makati Hotel Jasmine’s Auspicious Chinese New Year Menus are available for lunch and dinner from 12 January 2016 to 6 February 2016, and from dinner on February 8, 2016 to February 11, 2016. This promo is available for a minimum of 2 persons. Set Menu 1 PHP2,088 per person Set Menu 2 PHP2,588 per person Set Menu 3 PHP2,988 per person – 2. Corniche – Diamond Hotel Celebrate Chinese New Year with Corniche’s Lunch and Dinner Buffet for only Php […]
Rerouting of EDSA Traffic to happen on People Power anniversary
February 24, 2016

Rerouting of EDSA Traffic to happen on People Power anniversary

Wherever you’re planning on spending Feb. 25, please avoid EDSA if you can, as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that it will reroute traffic along EDSA for the 30th People Power Revolution Anniversary. According to MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, rerouting traffic along EDSA is still necessary even if Feb. 25 has been declared as a non-working holiday. There will be an Experiential museum in Camp Aguinaldo that will showcase events that led to the People Power Revolution, the MMDA chairman said. There will be 1700 personnel deployed around the immediate vicinity of the People Power Monument. Initial plans reveal that the stretch of EDSA along Ortigas Ave. […]
Philippine Elections: The Culture, the Drama, the Battle
February 04, 2016

Philippine Elections: The Culture, the Drama, the Battle

Philippine elections has a unique colorful character As the presidential poll nears, you may have already noticed the election scene in the Philippines on full display. And yes, it is not without its share of peculiarities and action consisting of serious controversies, meme-worthy issues, and escalating drama. A republic, the country’s citizens exercise their power to vote With posters of candidates flashing their most pleasant smile plastered around, political TV ads ranging from commercial-type vignettes to soap opera style dominating the prime time, non-stop word bouts among presidentiables and their running mates served daily on the news, and candidates with quite controversial backgrounds – from the son of a former […]
Emoji Magic: Krispy Kreme x Emojis
February 04, 2016

Emoji Magic: Krispy Kreme x Emojis

Emojis may be one of the digital age’s best forms of expression, but it’s usually limited to online posts, private messages, and, more recently, Snapchat videos. It may find its way into the real world, but it’s mainly through designs on t-shirts… until now. EMOJIS ON DOUGHNUTS? Yes, please! From the hot light stores that showcase the creation of their melt-in-your-mouth Original Glazed doughnuts comes a new way to create magical moments and send meaningful messages: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Emojis! Apart from emojis on your doughnuts, Krispy Kreme is also set to open an Emoji Park where you can relax, play games, and enjoy Krispy Kreme Doughnut Emojis with people […]
Experience the Continental Club of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
February 04, 2016

Experience the Continental Club of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

EXCEPTIONAL hospitality, premium accommodation and exclusive privileges: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Continental Club. Offering panoramic views of the city from the Hotel’s 42nd and 43rd floors, the Continental Club provides a host of personalised services, privileges and benefits. Guests who avail of the Continental Club services are entitled to a complimentary one-way airport transfer, personalized butler services and private check-in and check-out on the 44th floor of the hotel. Guests may also indulge in the complimentary breakfast, afternoon refreshments and evening cocktails that the Club offers. Other special privileges include a complimentary pressing of one garment per stay and complimentary laundry service of one shirt or blouse per stay. Aside […]
Popular Movie Premieres in February
February 03, 2016

Popular Movie Premieres in February

Here’s a selection of movies from different genres that is hitting the Philippine silver screen this February! 1. The Revenant Opens in theaters February 3 This western film is written by Iñárritu and Mark L. Smith. It focuses on trappers that hunt for pelts in the wilderness of Louisiana. The story revolves on the most experienced hunter, Hugh Glass, and his knowledge for the area and the natives of the land. 2. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Opens in theaters February 5 Pride and Prejudice fans are going to love this. This is your usual Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet love story but with the most unlikely twist. Seth Grahame […]
Goods.PH Heart Attack: It doesn’t get any sweeter than this!
February 03, 2016

Goods.PH Heart Attack: It doesn’t get any sweeter than this!

With the love month just around the corner, it’s high time to make it sweeter for you and your loved ones with Goods.PH’s Heart Attack Valentine’s Day Specials! HEART ATTACK! No, you won’t get one from high prices, but from the multitude of discounts. Before getting to the good stuff, Goods.PH gives you fun facts to enjoy Valentine’s Day 2016: • Did you know that there’s a special day other than Valentine’s on Feb. 14? SAD or Single Awareness Day is the single’s answer to Valentine’s Day (as well as being a pun). It may be SAD, but ou don’t need to be in a relationship to fall in love […]
PETA offers reward up to PHP50,000 to catch cat killers
February 02, 2016

PETA offers reward up to PHP50,000 to catch cat killers

Group Hopes to Bring Person or Persons Responsible for Appalling Cruelty to Justice Makati City — Twelve community cats from Dasmariñas Village have gone missing, and some have been found dead, apparently from unnatural causes. The circular released by village management reports that one cat died slowly and painfully from chemical burns after paint thinner was poured over him. The community cats in Dasmariñas Village have been spayed and neutered through CARA Welfare’s Trap-Neuter-Return program and are fed by residents of the village. The management and security of Dasmariñas Village are looking into this barbaric series of crimes, which began on January 13, 2016, but so far no suspects have […]
New park in BGC makes Burgos Circle more accessible
February 02, 2016

New park in BGC makes Burgos Circle more accessible

Good news to all office workers in Bonifacio Global City! Dining hot spot Burgos Circle is now more accessible from the Bonifacio High Street (BHS) mall through the Mind Museum and the newly opened BHS Park. NOW OPEN. The One Bonifacio High Street Park is just across the retail center, BHS. Because of the construction of Shangri-la at the Fort, Manila, the much anticipated 5-star hotel in Taguig, a park has been built that stretches from 5th Avenue to 3rd Avenue, which is across the Mind Museum. Here’s the new route: from the park, take the pathway leading to the museum. Once you get to the museum, take the pathway […]
BSP to release new P100 bill on Feb 1
February 01, 2016

BSP to release new P100 bill on Feb 1

Having problems distinguishing a P100-bill from a P1000-bill? Worry not. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) just released their new P100 bills today, Feb. 1, 2016. MORE MAUVE, LESS BLUE. The new P100 bill (bottom) is more mauve or violet compared to the old (top) P100 bill. In a press release, the BSP said the move was in response to suggestions from the public to make it easier to distinguish from the P1,000 bill. Comparing both bills, the new P100 bill has a stronger mauve or violet color compared to the old P100 bill. Everything else, including all the security features, will stay the same. This does not mean the […]
No limits: Eat-All-You-Can Wagyu and Lobsters at EDSA Shangri-La!
February 01, 2016

No limits: Eat-All-You-Can Wagyu and Lobsters at EDSA Shangri-La!

Are you ready to indulge on an unlimited spree of Wagyu and lobsters? Edsa Shangri-La’s HEAT lets us get the best gustatory experience we have never imagined before! MAD FOR WAGYU. Check out a variety of Wagyu dishes at the EDSA Shangri-La. Photo from Edsa Shangri-La’s official website Get the chance to taste high grade Wagyu beef at the buffet restaurant as a lineup of various Wagyu dishes shall be served every Saturday dinner for only P2,415 this 2016. These sumptuous Wagyu dishes are prepared by five executive chefs of the Shangri-La, and other new and exciting dishes (Wagyu crepe? Yes!) will be coming our way soon. Some of these […]
How to Volunteer for PAWS in 3 Steps
February 02, 2016

How to Volunteer for PAWS in 3 Steps

Calling all animal lovers! It’s time to share your passion for animals and nature by volunteering for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)! Known for their advocacy on just treatment and care of animals, PAWS is opening its doors to new volunteers this 2016. If you can render at least 8 hours of volunteer work per month at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City, consider joining the team of animal lovers and rescuers at PAWS. Here are the steps: 1. Download the application form, have it printed on back to back sheet of paper, and completely fill it out. 2. Bring the completed form to PAWS Animal Rehabilitation […]
National Arts Month
January 30, 2016

National Arts Month

Around the world, Filipinos are known for their talents, be it singing, dancing, and even acting. These talents are recognized and developed, which contribute to the richness of the Filipino art culture. The heritage is not complete without celebrating and recognizing each talent and that contribute to the richness of the local culture. In the Philippines, National Arts Month is celebrated every February to promote Philippine arts, including music, dance, visual arts, architecture, film, and literature. This was declared by then President Corazon Aquino through Proclamation No. 683, signed January 28, 1991. Yearly, regional festivities happen so as to promote the local culture and arts. Festivities feature the artistic skills […]