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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.

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 […]
Takashi Japanese Cuisine Branch in Makati
June 14, 2018

Takashi Japanese Cuisine Branch in Makati

For special Japanese dishes made from the heart of Chef Takashi, come to their branch in Makati
‘Love in the Time of March Madness’ makes it to Oscar’s shortlist
January 29, 2016

‘Love in the Time of March Madness’ makes it to Oscar’s shortlist

Another Filipino creates waves in the US Film industry as Fil-Aussie director Robertino Zambrano’s “Love in the Time of March Madness” makes it to Oscar’s Animated Short Film Category shortlist. The movie, which is also co-directed by Melissa Johnson, is about a 6’4’’ basketball star struggling to find true love. It’s a story of Melissa, an 8th grader, who ensues in a hilarious and at the same time awkward misadventures. It’s also about embracing differences that will tell people a lot about love and other life experiences. According to Zambrano, his film was intended to be a six-month project that turned into a three-year project. It has also screened at […]
Attention, Shoppers: It’s End-of-Season Sale!
January 29, 2016

Attention, Shoppers: It’s End-of-Season Sale!

Payday Friday gives you one good reason to spend today: your favorite shops are having a sale! Check out the stores below and see if you can get discounts from your favorite stalls around Metro Manila. Get your shopping carts ready for the end of season sale! Who knows, maybe you can reward yourself a new pair of shoes for a job well done this January, right? 1. H&M Philippines Wanna maintain #FashionForward2016? Check out discounted items in H&M stores nationwide! – 2. Forever 21 It’s happening! Your favorite clothing store is on sale, get deals for as low as P299 only. – 3. Debenhams It’s time to replenish your […]
PAL to fly to Saipan this year
January 29, 2016

PAL to fly to Saipan this year

If you’ve always wanted to travel to Saipan, this year is the best time to do so. MANILA-SAIPAN. Philippine Airlines is set to have Manila-Saipan route this June 2016. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to start flights to Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands, by June this year. In the current setting, people from Manila still has to pass by Guam or Korea to get to Saipan, said PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime Bautista in a phone interview with Philippine star. Now with the airline’s newest flight offering, Filipinos will have a more convenient access to the place as 35% of Saipan’s total […]
GrabTaxi is now called ‘Grab’
January 28, 2016

GrabTaxi is now called ‘Grab’

On its official Facebook page, GrabTaxi formally announces its rebranding with its name now known as “Grab” through a Facebook post. This rebranding was made because of its growing services being offered in Southeast Asia. The said transport platform which was built in 2012, only started as a taxi booking application. At present, the application now has different transportation services such as cars, bikes, deliveries, and more. In a newsletter, Grab CEO Anthony Tan assures Grab customers that the transportation booking app will be more accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere. Also, it commits to deliver safer and more reliable transport options along with its rebranding. Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing […]
DOST to launch free WiFi in PH
January 27, 2016

DOST to launch free WiFi in PH

In an effort to enhance internet accessibility in the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office), offers to provide internet access to public places in the Philippines nationwide. FREE INTERNET. The DOST offers to provide internet access to public places in PH. The project, named as “Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places,” shall install hotspots having a speed of 256 kbps being the lowest prevailing speed requirement for a broadband service. This project will serve 105, 000 concurrent users each with that speed. A data volume based Fair Usage Policy will be implemented so that there will be an […]
Jen Becomes Your Cupid This Valentine’s Day
January 27, 2016

Jen Becomes Your Cupid This Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of the year again when your nights become dreamy as love fills the air with sweetness and romance. Roses, chocolates, heart-shaped balloons and wines will all be symbols of love and perhaps an indication that you are indeed special to someone’s eyes and heart. These tokens may express that genuine feeling that you have for each other but a more extraordinary Valentine’s Day celebration may just seal the deal if you will allow Hotel Jen Manila to be your cupid this love month. Weekend Love – Allow Jen to be your cupid and reminisce all those fairytale stories you have created so far while you stay in […]
LTFRB to stop GrabBike operations
January 27, 2016

LTFRB to stop GrabBike operations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered MyTaxi.ph to stop GrabBike operation, which is a motorcycle taxi service being offered in Metro Manila. In a Rappler report, LTFRB statement said that it ordered Mytaxi.ph to cease GrabBike operation “until the Board and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has promulgated guidelines to authorize the service.” The operator of the Grab services, MyTaxi.ph, was accredited by the LTFRB to provide Transport Network Vehicles (TNVS) pursuant to Department Order (DO) No. 2015-011. However, it does not authorize GrabBike, which uses motorcycles or bikes for local transport. According to LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez, this is done to ensure the […]
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, to visit PH
January 26, 2016

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, to visit PH

Japanese royals Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko is set to visit the Philippines this January for a four-day friendship visit, which also marks as their first visit to Southeast Asia. ASIAN LEADERS. President Aquino is here seen with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan in Aquino’s state visit to Japan last June 2015. Photo by Gil Nartea of the Malacañang Photo Bureau The visit also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Japan. Their majesties will be arriving in Manila on January 26 (Tuesday) and will be here up to January 30 (Saturday) only. Here is the itinerary of the Japanese royals as they visit PH: […]
New World Makati Hotel Ushers in the Year of the Monkey
January 27, 2016

New World Makati Hotel Ushers in the Year of the Monkey

New World Makati Hotel rings in the Year of the Fire Monkey with blazing fortune and feasting. Guests are invited to receive a shower of good luck at the most auspicious spots of New World Makati Hotel on Monday, 8 February 2016. The hotel features a wishing tree with a special ritual where guests can cast their wishes and release them to heaven. The traditional eye-dotting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. will be followed by a vibrant dragon and lion dance prior to a delectable feast. With its propitious location and decadent cuisine, Jasmine is the ideal venue for a bountiful feast. Named one of the “Top 20 Restaurants of 2016” […]
IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach’s Homecoming Parade
January 25, 2016

IN PHOTOS: Pia Wurtzbach’s Homecoming Parade

Thousands of Makati employees gathered at the streets to witness the coming of our one and only Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach! Crowds started forming along the busiest Makati thoroughfare around 3 p.m. The parade, which started at 2 p.m. from the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, passed by the Ayala Triangle around 5:40 p.m. The parade is expected to make its way to the Smart Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City after Pia Wurtzbach looked stunning in her green terno made by Albert Andrada. She waved jubilantly at the screaming crowd as the parade passed by the Ayala Triangle. At one point, she pointed skyward, looking at the rainbow […]
Filipina wins as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016
January 26, 2016

Filipina wins as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016

Following Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s victory, another Filipina brings home the crown from the Mrs. Grandma Universe 2016 pageant held in Sofia, Bulgaria last Thursday (January 21). BEAUTY QUEEN AT 48. Babylyn Decena-Newfield brings home the crown as Mrs. Grandma Universal 2016. Photo by Richie Lopa of Interaksyon.com Babylyn Decena-Newfield, 48, an entrepreneur, is the first Filipina to ever win the crown. She bested other 50 contestants for the said international pageant wherein she was handpicked by the pageant’s local franchisor Ovette Ricalde to join. At her age, Babylyn still regularly maintains her fitness as she is into Muay-thai, a combat sport, which is also what she demonstrated for the […]
Facebook’s birthday is #FriendsDay
January 15, 2016

Facebook’s birthday is #FriendsDay

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FACEBOOK! On February 4, Facebook will be celebrating its 12th birthday. Photo from AP And because we all have our own special day, it’s only fitting that we also celebrate the day that the revolutionary social networking site which made us stay connected with friends and loved ones was launched. On February 4th, Facebook will be celebrating its 12th anniversary. In a Facebook post by Mark Zuckerberg, the man behind the world’s largest social network Facebook, Zuckerberg shared the detail of how he made Facebook as a portal wherein he could unite his college community altogether. He first wrote the code of Facebook in January 2004 hoping it […]
7 pesos minimum jeepney fare, effective January 22
January 24, 2016

7 pesos minimum jeepney fare, effective January 22

Commuters, rejoice! According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the minimum fair for jeepneys in NCR (National Capital Region), Region 3 (Central Luzon) and Region 4 (Southern Tagalog) has gone from PHP 7.50 to PHP7.00 only effective today, January 22, 2016. However, the charge for succeeding kilometres will remain at PHP1.5o/km. The LTFRB ordered the fare reduction with the jeepney operators’ agreement relating to the series of oil price reductions. The gasoline prices have decreased seven times since October of 2015, and they now range from PHP33.00 to PHP40.00 per liter. On the other hand, the diesel prices has decreased ten times since October from PHP23.00 to […]
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse opens on February 19!
February 18, 2016

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse opens on February 19!

Steak fans will surely love this great news: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is coming to Manila this 2016! MANILA’S NEWEST STEAKHOUSE. New York-based Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is opening its first branch here in Manila. Photo grabbed from wolfgangssteakhouse.net The famous New York-based steakhouse is now finally coming to the Philippines. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, known for its signature steak dishes, will be having its first South East Asian branch here in Manila. With the popular restaurant’s opening in 2004, it has branched out to several locations in countries including US, Japan, and Korea. The steakhouse is located at the Resorts World Manila, in Pasay City. Well-known celebrity and restaurateur Marvin Agustin and Raymund Magdaluyo headed […]
Team Manila Lifestyle Exhibits Filipino Pride Through Statement Fashion Pieces
May 09, 2024

Team Manila Lifestyle Exhibits Filipino Pride Through Statement Fashion Pieces

A brainchild of Jowee Alviar and Raymund Punzalan, Team Manila is a Philippine-based graphic design studio best known for their lifestyle products and services that proudly celebrate the rich Filipino culture—all through eye-catching and familiar designs. Founded in 2001, Team Manila produces award-winning works of art in graphic design and branding, with at least 30 artists and staffs under their wing. They aim to cultivate public appreciation through graphic design while making a lasting mark on visual arts and culture. One of their strongest suits is the Team Manila Lifestyle, a fashion brand merchandise that offers a wide range of unique designs, showcasing Filipino Pride for men and women. The Team Manila S-Kwela July 2019 Collection Most […]
ONE OK ROCK LIVE IN MANILA
January 21, 2016

ONE OK ROCK LIVE IN MANILA

Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK held its first concert in the Philippines on Tuesday (January 19) at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of their 35xxv album Asia tour this 2016. LIGHTS ON. Lights on the center stage signal the start of the performance of One OK Rock band. Filipino fans welcomed the band’s four members: Takahiro “Taka” Moriuchi, vocalist; Toru Yamashita, guitarist; Ryota Kohama, bassist; and Tomoya Kanki, drummer, in high spirits and loud cheers when the concert started at 8 p.m. READY FOR ROCK. Fans wait for their favorite Japanese rock band as they fall in line outside the arena. In 2012, ONE OK ROCK’s music […]
SubVerso Bookfair 2016: A Gathering of Artists
January 19, 2016

SubVerso Bookfair 2016: A Gathering of Artists

A PILE OF TREASURE. Tons of books to choose from in the SubVerso Bookfair. The unassuming space of The Collective last January 16, 2016 became the place for artistic souls whose love for books and the evolving art form called spoken word poetry had tied them together with independent publishers, booksellers and literary groups. GRUNGE UNDERGROUND. Surreal murals that belong to the realm of dreams. The Collective is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Makati, reminiscent of a Seattle grunge underground venue where the streets and art intersect. Coupled with the book fair is an open mic where voices of both the amateur and experienced artists of spoken word […]
Rare planetary conjunction to be visible in Philippine skies
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 […]