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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.

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 […]
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 […]