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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.

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 […]
A Very Truly Filipino Holiday Shopping
December 21, 2015

A Very Truly Filipino Holiday Shopping

Manila Pavilion Hotel Christmas and New Year’s Eve feasts with Tradition and Entertainment. Manila Pavilion Hotel is offering hotel guests a Truly Filipino accommodation, a touch of Italian Shopping package and a magical entertainment exclusive evening at Boulvar Music Bar and Seasons Lifestyle Restaurant. Each year, Manila Pavilion Hotel whips a special course menu and decorations are displayed which every family will certainly enjoy for portraits. The Christmas Shopping package starts from Php 1,705 composed of Italian goodies prepared by Chef Giovanni Sias’ and a Truly Filipino room accommodation package for only Php 4,200 inclusive of value added tax, based on two people sharing, and is only available for guests […]
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Wins Miss Universe 2015
December 22, 2015

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Wins Miss Universe 2015

The entire nation celebrates today as Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach wins the Miss Universe 2015 pageant on Sunday, December 20, in Las Vegas. The title was initially awarded to first-runner up Miss Colombia, but the decision was taken back after host Steve Harvey admitted that he made a “mistake” in the announcement. Second-runner was Miss USA. The Philippines last won the title in 1973 with Margarita Moran and 1969 with Gloria Diaz. Photo courtesy of Miss Universe
Future Park
December 28, 2015

Future Park

Get ready for an exciting future as Future Park opens in Manila! Future Park, the first pop-up digital interactive playground, is now in Manila located at the Century City Mall. For two months, starting from December 1, 2015-January 31, 2016, kids and even kids at heart can go to this interactive exhibit which will let you in to the world of futuristic and innovative technology that all people will surely love to see. Infused with creativity, this playground is composed of five galleries which will provide games and installations for you to play with. GO 3D. Move your body as you play in this gallery of active gaming. Photo grabbed […]
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory opens in UP Town Ceenter
December 20, 2015

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory opens in UP Town Ceenter

Hands up, Sweet-tooth! The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory recently opened their first branch in Manila, at the UP Town Center last December 17, 2015. DESSERTS, YOU SAY? Check out their famous dipped apples. Photo by Hans Fausto, grabbed from Spot.ph The confectionery manufacturer which first produced varieties of chocolates, candies, and other sweets in Colorado has now established its franchise here in Manila. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is considered experts when it comes to producing food for sweet-toothed people. Their signature caramel-coated apples make them a hit, especially when these are topped with chocolates, nuts, and other specialty toppings to make it more flavorful. The apples they use are Granny […]
PhilHealth Now Available for Foreign Retirees
December 18, 2015

PhilHealth Now Available for Foreign Retirees

The Philippine Health Insurance, Inc. (Philhealth) and the Philippine Retirement Association (PRA) jointly announced that foreign retirees and former Filipino citizens staying in the Philippines can now be covered by Philhealth under its Informal Economy Program. The two agencies’ leaders Philhealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander A. Padilla and PRA General Manager and CEO Valentino L. Cabansag formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement sealing the partnership recently at the PRA office in Makati.   <<Photo: PRA and Philhealth shaking hands: Alexander A. Padilla of Philhealth and Valentino L. Cabansag of PRA shake hands to formally seal the deal on the Philhealth coverage for PRA retirees in the Philippines>> […]
Greenfield Weekend Market
December 28, 2015

Greenfield Weekend Market

Can’t decide where to spend your Saturday afternoons and nights? Come to the Greenfield Weekend Market where you can while away your time on good food, cool music and some fun shopping. Yummy grub, cutesy trinkets, souvenir crafts, vintage pieces, paintings, and more are showcased every Saturday at this weekend market located in Greenfield District Central Park at Shaw Boulevard. Find all sorts of things you want whether you’re an art enthusiast, a musician, a pet lover, a plant lover, or a simply a total foodie! SATURDAY WELL SPENT. Lay on the ground or sit on the benches as you listen to local bands perform live. CHEAP THRILLS. Stalls dot […]
PRA Standing Strong at 30 years
December 29, 2015

PRA Standing Strong at 30 years

The Philippines is a country replete with natural resources, caring and hospitable people and a growing economy. This is the reason why it’s an attractive retirement haven for foreign retirees. And for three decades, the Philippine Retirement Agency (PRA) remains at the forefront of providing support and attractive retirement options to the elderly from around the world who choose to call the Philippines their second home. Founded in July 1985, the PRA is a government-owned and controlled organization with a mandate to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to invest, reside and retire in the Philippines. The PRA is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and […]
Venice Piazza Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City
June 27, 2018

Venice Piazza Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City

Experience a romantic canal cruise a la Venice in the metro!
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Premieres in Manila
December 28, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Premieres in Manila

Yes, the force has come! The much-awaited space opera is finally back — Star Wars premieres today, December 17, 2015 in the Philippines. The seventh franchise of the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens is expected to draw hordes to local cinemas beginning today. This well-loved series’ last franchise “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” was seen a decade ago in 2005. Now, after 10 years of waiting, fans can again unleash their inner Jedi knights and reunite with their well-loved characters from this celebrated series. Relive your Star Wars memories and watch it in over a hundred theaters nationwide!
Christmas Bazaars Happening in the Metro
December 29, 2015

Christmas Bazaars Happening in the Metro

It’s time to wind up your Christmas shopping! Not done with your Christmas shopping yet? Grab your shopping bag and head over to these Christmas bazaars around the metro. Find that perfect present for your loved ones as each bazaar offers various shopping finds, from fashion to food items at very reasonable prices. Check out these places and enjoy shopping!   1)  Simbang Gabi Christmas Bazaar by the Ateneo Management Association Night shopping + evening mass. Come to the Simbang Gabi Christmas Bazaar organized by the Ateneo Management Association. When: December 15-24, 2015, night bazaar starts at 6pm, mass starts at 8pm Address: Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Loyola […]
New World Makati Hotel Welcomes the Festive Season
December 17, 2015

New World Makati Hotel Welcomes the Festive Season

New World Makati Hotel invites all to discover the magic of Christmas through a series of timeless tales and festive fare. Home for the Holidays. Create lasting memories in the comfort of newly refreshed rooms and suites from 10 December 2015 to 10 January 2016.  The Christmas Holiday Room packages start at PHP5,500 per night in a Superior room with complimentary breakfast for two, Internet access, dining vouchers and goodies.  Guests and non-local residents may opt for a Deluxe room for PHP6,500, a Residence Club room for PHP8,000 and a One Bedroom Suite for PHP9,000.  The first 50 guests to book will receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room […]
Krispy Kreme’s Crafty Christmas
December 28, 2015

Krispy Kreme’s Crafty Christmas

A melange of festive colours loaded with creativity and generosity came alive at Krispy Kreme’s flagship store in BGC High Street on December 12 at its Crafty Christmas event. The activity allowed Krispy Kreme customers to unleash their artistic side on Krispy Kreme’s Tin Can for a good cause. The participants were mainly families with kids who were so eager to embellish and personalize their purchased tin cans made available at the counter. The excitement didn’t end there as popular artist Kerby Rosanes doodled his own giant Kripsy Kreme tin can… live! And at the end of the day, the best decorated tin can was awarded with a year’s supply […]