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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.

LTFRB holds dry run of double-decker buses in Manila
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 […]
Local film buffs rejoice as the Cinematheque Center Manila is now officially open!
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 […]
Traffic Advisory: Road Closures on Quiapo Day
January 06, 2016

Traffic Advisory: Road Closures on Quiapo Day

The Feast of the Black Nazarene draws a lot of people to the City of Manila every year. While most of these are devotees, some of the people who will be in Manila are tourists looking to see one of the biggest processions in modern Christendom. As such, the Manila Police District’s (MPD) Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MDTEU) has issued an advisory on Monday, January 4 regarding the feast regarding road closures for the event. According to the advisory, Katigbak Drive and South Drive will be closed starting January 8 at 9:00pm, with only one lane open for those who are headed for/staying at the Manila or the H2O […]
It’s National Tempura Day!
January 06, 2016

It’s National Tempura Day!

TEMPURA FOREVER AND EVER. Celebrate National Tempura Day on your favorite Japanese restaurants – who knows, you might get a big discount! Photo grabbed from nationaldays.net Today, we celebrate the day of our most loved Japanese food—Tempura! Although today is a remarkable day for all of us tempura lovers, sadly it’s not a recognized holiday. But hey, who says we can’t celebrate this very special occasion? Why not go to restaurants which serve the best tasting tempuras? But before you daydream about that, here are some interesting facts you should know about the mighty and all-time favorite deep fried delicacy. 1.  History of Tempura The origin of Tempura traces back […]
Checks with erasures, corrections – no longer accepted in 2016
January 05, 2016

Checks with erasures, corrections – no longer accepted in 2016

Starting January 4, 2016 checks with erasures, corrections, and any forms of deficiencies shall no longer be accepted based on the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) Memo Circular 15-460.
CoCo Ichibanya opens branch at BGC
January 08, 2016

CoCo Ichibanya opens branch at BGC

Good news for those around the Bonifacio Global City Area! The famous Japanese curry house CoCo Ichibanya opens its new branch in Burgos Circle at Forbes Town Center this January 2016. Get ready to fill your tummies with their delectable rice meals that you can customize according to your preference. You can have 200-600 grams of rice so you can eat as much as you can. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can also customize your spice level depending on your taste. Also, you can add the toppings you want. It’s the restaurant you should choose if you prefer your meals to be custom made. CoCo Ichibanya is […]
Schedule of Holidays in 2016
January 04, 2016

Schedule of Holidays in 2016

In charge of planning the perfect holiday getaway in the family? This coming 2016, you might want to mark your calendars for the long weekends. By virtue of Proclamation No. 1105 signed by President Benigno Aquino III, there will be six long weekends, with holidays falling either on a Monday or Friday. Holidays are categorized into regular holidays (fixed dates) and special non-working days. According to the Official Gazette, the following dates are the holidays for 2016: January 1 – New Year’s Day January 2 – Additional non-working holiday February 8 – Chinese New Year February 25 – EDSA People Power Revolution March 24 – Maundy Thursday March 25 – […]
2015 Philippine Newsmakers
January 04, 2016

2015 Philippine Newsmakers

Another year has passed and it wouldn’t be complete without summarizing all the biggest events that happened in the Philippines. Here is a list of some of the news that made it to the front page, created waves in social media, and impacted the world. 1. Papal Visit PAPAL VISIT. Pope waves at the crowd in Tacloban. Photo by rappler.com From January 15-19, Pope Francis went to the Philippines for an Apostolic and state visit. His Holiness also paid a visit to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban and Leyte, and celebrated mass in Manila. The 5-day event became the largest papal event to date, with the Pope’s concluding […]
From Zero to Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal, National Hero
January 05, 2016

From Zero to Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal, National Hero

The construction of the Torre de Manila in Ermita, dubbed in social media as “Terror de Manila”, continues to be a controversy. Apart from alleged building and zoning violations, to both local and foreign tourists, the building is a “photobomber”, ruining the view of the landmarks in the area. The most damage seen is its effect to the monument of the national hero of the country, Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park, found a few kilometers away. Regarded as one of the Renaissance men and the most influential Malay of his time, Dr. Jose Protasio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. The seventh […]
Nine Filipino Youths Join the Asian International Children’s Film Festival 2015 in Japan
January 06, 2016

Nine Filipino Youths Join the Asian International Children’s Film Festival 2015 in Japan

Nine high school students from the Philippines headed over to Japan last Monday, November 23rd to participate in the Asian International Children’s Film Festival 2015. They stayed for 9 days in Kitami City, Hokkaido, Japan, where festival delegates from different participating nations were exposed to traditional Japanese culture and customs. Apart from film presentations and the awards ceremony, the itinerary included a Kitami Budokan experience and visits to the Ryu-hyo Museum, the office of the Mayor of Kitami City, the Kita no Daichi no Aquarium, and local schools. The Philippine delegation to the program this year was composed of students who created the top three films* selected among the pool […]
Top 5 Lechons in the Metro
January 04, 2016

Top 5 Lechons in the Metro

In every Filipino event that involves dining, there will always be that one special guest that steals the scene among other dishes served. Clue? It’s hefty, it’s succulent, and it’s crunchy. It’s Lechon—the whole roasted pig we’d all like to devour. Every city in the metro has its own take on lechon. Some like it stuffed; some like it crunchy; and some like its original taste. To help you out on where you can get the best lechon you will ever have, here are some of the bestselling restaurants where you can pig out (pun intended). 1. Lydia’s Lechon Known for more than 50 years in the food industry, Lydia’s […]
Check your PH bills: Old banknotes valid until Dec 31 only
January 06, 2016

Check your PH bills: Old banknotes valid until Dec 31 only

Do you still have old Philippine peso bills? Better check your wallet because these bills will no longer have monetary value by 2017. According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, the banknotes launched in 1985, can be used up to until December 31, 2015 only. However, you can still be able to have it exchanged in authorized banks and in the BSP Cash Department from January 1, 2016-December 31, 2016. On January 1, 2017, these old banknotes will officially be declared to have no monetary value. This demonetization process is in line with Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653 or the New Central Bank Act, […]
Paper Moon PH Opens in SM Aura and Launches Christmas Mille Crepes
December 23, 2015

Paper Moon PH Opens in SM Aura and Launches Christmas Mille Crepes

Paper Moon Cake Boutique and Cafe, home of the heavenly cake creations of Tokyo’s Madame Emy Wada, celebrates its first Christmas in the Philippines with the launch of its exquisite line of Christmas products and the grand opening of its SM Aura Premiere store. Topping the list of perfect Christmas gift ideas are the Paper Moon Christmas Mille Crepes (in Original, Mango and Chocolate flavors) with the do-it-yourself decoration kit, providing a unique bonding activity among friends and families during the most wonderful time of the year. Just for the holidays, Paper Moon also offers the Clasiic Paper Moon Fruit Cakes made with candied fruit peels soaked in premium rum, […]
Toll-free at South tollways on Christmas, New Year’s Eve
December 23, 2015

Toll-free at South tollways on Christmas, New Year’s Eve

Motorists who will be passing through the expressways leading to south will not be charged on the eves of Christmas and New Year. According to the operators of South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Metro Manila Skyway System, and Star Tollway, toll will be waived on December 24 from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am the following day; and on December 31 from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am on January 1, 2016. Photo courtesy of skyway.com.ph For assistance, please call: SLEx hotline at 0917-OUR-SLEX (6877539) and Skyway System hotline at (02) 7767777Star emergency numbers at and
DOT Welcomes 5 Millionth Visitor with a Sweet Surprise
December 23, 2015

DOT Welcomes 5 Millionth Visitor with a Sweet Surprise

LUCKY VISIT. Gabby Grantham meets the Tourism officials who welcomed her with a surprise for being the 5 millionth visitor of the Philippines. Photo Courtesy of The Philippine Star. Imagine just planning to spend your holiday in the Philippines without expecting anything. Then suddenly, as you reach the airport terminal, a group of people welcome you with a surprise. Looks incredible, right? On December 21, Filipino American Gabby Grantham was welcomed a sweet surprise from the Philippine’s Department of Tourism (DOT) upon her arrival. Grantham is the lucky 5 millionth visitor of the Philippines, who flew via Philippine Airlines that landed at 3:48 am in Manila. According to the lucky […]
Magnum is Back!
December 23, 2015

Magnum is Back!

Our favorite ice cream bar is finally here once again! Magnum Manila made a sweet comeback, on a new location at the SM Mall of Asia last December 19, 2015. SWEET RETURN. Magnum Manila is back with its unforgettable sweetness in tow. Photo grabbed from spot.ph Sweet moments with Magnum Manila can now be experienced again as it reopens with a new concept in tow. Magnum, which presently offers ice cream on the go, is back with its mouth-watering toppings for us to decorate our ice creams with. The flavorful toppings that we missed such as pistachios, cocoa beans, chocolate sprinkles, plus other new delectable flavors will be coming our […]
Hotel Jen Manila Introduces New Buffet Deals
December 28, 2015

Hotel Jen Manila Introduces New Buffet Deals

Hotel Jen Manila recognizes that Sunday is always about families, recreation and relaxation, hence, the Sunday Family Brunch Buffet. Priced at Php 888 nett per person, families can enjoy a mouthwatering spread of breakfast and lunch favorites every Sunday. This offer comes with free access to Hotel Jen Manila’s swimming pool, Paseo del Sol, for the entire family to enjoy and free access to Kids’ Zone for those with children. This buffet deal is inclusive of unlimited Jen’s Signature Iced Tea, coffee or hot tea, free WiFi access and free valet parking service. Hotel Jen Manila is located on Roxas Boulevard. The international and domestic airports are only 20 minutes […]
Solenad finally opens its Cinemas!
December 22, 2015

Solenad finally opens its Cinemas!

People from the South can now watch upcoming movies in the nearest shopping destination as Ayala Malls Cinemas opens its doors to the public in Solenad last December 17 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The malls opened with the popular space opera hit “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” having it as the first movie it played on this newly built theater. The cinema shelters four brand new theaters including one with recliner seats, two Dolby digital theaters, and one with Dolby Atmos. The cinema is located on the third floor of the cinema building, with its 100-seater cinema ready to accommodate the multitude of people who want to experience superb quality […]
MMDA Advisory: Road closures on Dec 23 for MMFF Parade of Stars
December 22, 2015

MMDA Advisory: Road closures on Dec 23 for MMFF Parade of Stars

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently released the parade route and roads to be used for the Parade of Stars, the kick-off program of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this coming December 23, Wednesday. Roxas Boulevard Southbound from EDSA Extension to South Drive will be closed from 3:00 PM. Here is the map released: Photo courtesy MMDA Stay away from these areas if you are not planning to watch the parade as heavy traffic is expected. The MMFF is an annual celebration in the local movie industry which opens every Christmas Day. For more info about MMFF 2015, click here.
Metro’s Mall Hours for the Holiday Season
December 21, 2015

Metro’s Mall Hours for the Holiday Season

Haven’t bought presents yet? No worries, for several malls will extend its mall hours to accommodate last minute shoppers like you! Here is the list of the malls in the metro which will be there for your shopping needs: Alabang Town Center Link: www.myayalamalls.com December 19-23: Saturday-Wednesday, 10am-12 midnight December 24: Thursday, 10am- 8 pm December 25: Friday, 10am- 9pm December 26-30: Saturday-Sunday, 10 am-10pm/Monday-Wednesday, 11am-9pm December 31: Thursday 10am-6pm January 1: Friday, 12nn-10pm January 2 onwards: Regular Mall Hours – Saturday 10am-10pm/Sunday 10am-9pm/Monday-Friday 11am-9pm Greenbelt 1 December 10-22: 10am-9 pm December 23: 10am-12am December 24: 10am-8pm December 25-30: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm/Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm December 31: 10am-6pm January 1 onwards: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm/Friday […]