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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.

Visit the Ayala Museum for FREE on July 25th!
December 28, 2015

Visit the Ayala Museum for FREE on July 25th!

– Well you heard it right, admission to Ayala Museum is FREE on the 25th of July, but hold your horses for a moment because we’ll walk you through on the exciting things that will transpire on that day. Reason being for the free admission is because of the campaign Inspire Every Day! that was launched last July 19, 2014 which garnered a warm reception, hence why not do it again? And so we have Inspire Everyday 2015! But as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and so there’s one condition for guests which is also the central theme of the campaign “Be kind.” Kindness […]
3 Truths about Freelance Writing in the Philippines
July 21, 2015

3 Truths about Freelance Writing in the Philippines

At the recently-concluded Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career workshop by Writer’s Block Philippines (WBP), aspiring writers who want to make a living out of their craft were treated to a productive session of insights, stories, and realities about freelance writing in the Philippines. – 1. There are opportunities for freelance writers. “The possibilities are endless, really,” assures Nikka Sarthou-Lainez of WBP. Budding writers can submit their works to traditional and digital media publications, as well as look for corporate writing jobs. Evan Tan of Freelancer.com also revealed that writers of feature content, creative materials, and reports are in demand in their website. Sarthou-Lainez also shared tips on how to get published, […]
Get Shopping at these Mid-Year Sales! Part 2
December 28, 2015

Get Shopping at these Mid-Year Sales! Part 2

If there’s one thing we ladies can’t get enough of, it’s shopping: the sound of credit cards swiping, the sight of your new clothes carefully wrapped in paper, paper bags with boxes of shoes in it – all these equate to a wonderful feeling of bliss. So you’ve probably seen our article on mid-year sales. Well guess what: we’re bringing you five more sales to give you the best bang for your buck. – Rudy Project – Rudy Project is one of the go-to stores for the sporty and the health conscious. If you love the outdoors and going on adventures, then you’ll love their annual sale happening on July […]
Holiday on November 18-19 in NCR
July 15, 2015

Holiday on November 18-19 in NCR

Malacañang has declared November 18 & 19 which fall on Wednesday and Thursday as non-working holidays in Metro Manila to give way for the APEC Summit (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit). The Philippines will host the 2015 APEC summit and expects the attendanceof leaders of the 21 member-economies of APEC—including Chinese President Xi Jinping—US President Barack Obama—Russian President Vladimir Putin—and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, are attending the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM). – Photo from Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines Facebook – Article by RJ Firmeza  
Max’s Chicken All You Can is Back!
December 28, 2015

Max’s Chicken All You Can is Back!

Max is celebrating its 70th year of serving the most iconic chicken that has been accompanied by a great service that Filipinos have enjoyed for many decades. – – As a way of showing gratitude for the love and support, Max is celebrating with a bash with its Chicken-All-You-Can every Friday starting on July 17 from 6 pm to 10 pm for only P229! – – Take note of the mechanics before you dig in: * Max’s Quarter Chicken will be served with 1 glass of any Pepsi product. * Valid for dine in only from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Not available for takeout, delivery, bulk order and functions. […]
Korean Speech Contest Held in PH for the 4th Year
July 14, 2015

Korean Speech Contest Held in PH for the 4th Year

Since the early 2000s, Hallyu or Korean cultural wave has become a noteworthy force shaping the Filipino lifestyle. Locals have become accustomed to following top-rating Koreanovelas, supporting K-Pop celebrities, and even emulating the latest Korean fashion. Seoul emerged as a city to check off bucket lists, and Hangul became a hot language to learn. Maria Concepcion Chua, a student from the University of the Philippines Diliman, had a deeper appreciation of the Korean culture after visiting the country and learning the language. “Besides Hallyu, [Korea] has its amazing culture, scenic places, and wonderful people. It is because of these [things] that I acquired a lot of lessons and realizations. Thanks […]
FITE Fashion Show: Weaving Cultures on the Runway
December 28, 2015

FITE Fashion Show: Weaving Cultures on the Runway

Following its successful introduction to the Philippines held recently, the International Festival of Extraordinary Textiles (FITE) brought its wonderful designs to the catwalk of the SM Aura Atrium last July 8, 2015. – A glamorous shimmering dress – An all-out fashion event full of glamour, thrill and elegance, the fashion show held showcased contemporary collections of world-renowned fashion designers. The runway presentation showed the different cultures of various countries and featured diversity as a way of sharing creativity, innovation, and expertise among local and foreign designers. – An elegant black maxi dress with floral patterns – The event is one of France’s biggest and most prestigious international festivals committed to […]
NOW HAPPENING: Eiga Sai 2015
December 28, 2015

NOW HAPPENING: Eiga Sai 2015

This annual festival strengthens bonds through film and food. – – July is Philippines-Japan Friendship month. One of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the 17th Annual Eiga Sai: The Japanese Film Festival 2015. – BOTH ORGANIZERS AND GUESTS were very eager and excited during the Opening Night. – LOOK at that crowd! – The opening night was held July 9, 2015, Thursday at Shangri-La Plaza in EDSA. This year’s theme is Tasteful Japan with featured films categorized into two: Japanese Contemporary Films and Savory Japan. One of the objectives of Eiga Sai is to let Filipinos learn more about Japanese culture. What better way to do so than […]
Get Shopping at These Mid-Year Sales!
December 28, 2015

Get Shopping at These Mid-Year Sales!

Aside from Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year for us ladies would have to the sale season. As the first half of the year has passed and mid-year sales are coming up, we ought to hit the malls and make the most out of our money. After all, nothing beats the feeling of going home carrying bags full of discounted goodies. A lot of the country’s go-to stores are on sale right now and Philippine Primer has come up with a list so that you could benefit from the shopping fest too. – Forever 21 – This is almost every fashion forward lady’s go-to store. Therefore, it should […]
Kawaii Finds, Arts and Films
December 29, 2015

Kawaii Finds, Arts and Films

In celebration of the Filipino-Japanese Friendship month, Shangri-La Plaza came up with All Things Kawaii, a Japanese-themed event that satisfied not only kawaii penchants but also people who are drawn into and interested to know the Japanese arts, culture and roots. – – Held last July 10 to 12, visitors walked through different booths which offered varieties of kawaii Japanese products and brands from toys and gadgets, beauty and health products, to sportswear and storage merchandises. – – Free workshops on origami and basic manga drawing were given for free, facilitated by Origami Pilipinas, Stabilo and Zig Kuretake Philippines. People of all ages participated in the workshops, learning and enjoying at […]
Join the MINIONS Banana Festival Craze!
December 29, 2015

Join the MINIONS Banana Festival Craze!

The worldwide invasion of the yellow pill-like minions is finally complete with the theatrical release of their spin-off movie (from the Despicable Me Franchise) in the Philippines on July 8, 2015 and in the United States on July 10, 2015. – – Minions focuses on the events that transpired prior Despicable Me (2010), starred by minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob whose mission is to search for a new master to serve, which brings the minions to different parts of the globe stretching from the Antarctic to 1960s New York, and all the way to Great Britain! Kids and kids-at-heart will be delighted with these adorable creatures, and they can even […]
July 17: A Regular Holiday in Observance of Eid’l Fitr
July 13, 2015

July 17: A Regular Holiday in Observance of Eid’l Fitr

Malacañang announced that next Friday (July 17) is a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan), and was made through Proclamation No. 1070, which was signed on July 6 by President Aquino III. “The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr”, the proclamation said. Eid’l Fitr is celebrated worldwide by Muslims for three days at the end of the month of fasting. Republic Act 9177 mandates the government to declare Eid’l Fitr a national holiday. – Photo credit: ABS-CBN – Article by RJ Firmeza
Magnum Manila Bids Goodbye This July
July 13, 2015

Magnum Manila Bids Goodbye This July

Magnum Manila, the pop-up pleasure store that opened April 8 last year, is finally closing its doors on July 26, 2015 after a successful 15-month stint. Designed as a pop-up store, Magnum Manila was only intended to open for a year only, but has extended its operations for 3 more months. It is known for its savory dishes crafted by Chef Uy de Baron and signatures desserts by Chef Miko Aspiras, and is most known for featuring the Make Your Own Magnum Dessert Bar. – – Magnum creative director Raymond Gutierrez expressed his thanks to everyone who supported Magnum Manila. “We launched Magnum Manila last year knowing that it’s a […]
6 Long Weekends from July to December 2015
July 09, 2015

6 Long Weekends from July to December 2015

How time flies! The second half of 2015 is here, but it is not yet too late to schedule more out-of-town trips or staycations with these 6 long weekends left for the rest of the year: – July 17 (Friday): Eid’l Fitr Eid’l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The date varies every year due to lunar considerations, but the estimated date for 2015 is on July 17—that makes July 17 to 19 a possible long weekend, pending official proclamation. No time to prepare for a vacation? Head out to Nuvali, a few minutes’ drive from the city through the South Luzon Expressway. – The Ninoy Aquino monument stands at […]
For Your Next Food Trip, Try Bait’s New Menu!
July 14, 2015

For Your Next Food Trip, Try Bait’s New Menu!

. Bait’s interior from Primer’s first visit . The hippest seafood kitchen along Valero Street in Makati is now the hottest hangout spot for friends and family! Located on the ground floor of Signa Designer Residences, Bait’s by Chef Joseph Margate introduces new dishes and more this month of July. With the rainy season almost upon us, the change in Bait’s menu is inevitable as the availability of the ingredients needed for their dishes is affected by the weather. This time, though, Bait’s has taken into consideration what their patrons and clients want in bringing more of the good stuff from Chef Joseph Margate on the table. . COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF’S […]
LiSA ~Another Great Day in Manila~ Rocks Filipino Crowd for the First Time
December 28, 2015

LiSA ~Another Great Day in Manila~ Rocks Filipino Crowd for the First Time

It was a remarkable experience for many Japanese enthusiasts in the Philippines as they witness LiSA, one of the fastest growing Japanese artists, perform live in concert last June 27, 2015, Saturday held in the Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City. The event hall opened at 5:00PM that resulted to scream and shouts of fans to get a chance to see LiSA for the first time.     LiSA wowed the crowd by singing her well-known hits from Japanese animes Nisekoi, Sword Art Online and Angel Beats!. Songs like Bright Flight (customized as BRiGHT FLiGHT), Rising Hope and Shirushi (Sign) continued to amuse the fans. LiSA’s emotional performance of […]
Save up to 20% with JCB Deals!
December 28, 2015

Save up to 20% with JCB Deals!

Eating out and relaxing are more affordable with exclusive JCB Deals discounts! Use your JCB Card to pay and get a special 10% to 20% discount for your spending! Promo period is from July 1 to September 30, 2015. No minimum spending required to avail the discount.  – – Participating Merchants: – DINING –  15% Discount at UCC Coffee – UCC Café Terraces – Forbes Town Center; Ayala Center Cebu; One Rockwell – West Tower; Westgate Alabang; SM Mall of Asia; Trinoma; Robinsons Ermita; Resorts World Manila; Paseo Center; Lukcy Chinatown; – UCC Park Café – Glorietta 3; Forbes Town Center; Shangri-La Mall; Dell Bldg (Eastwood Ave.); Robinsons Magnolia – […]
Send-Off to the 42nd SSEAYP Filipino Youth Delegates Held
July 01, 2015

Send-Off to the 42nd SSEAYP Filipino Youth Delegates Held

Last June 18, 2015, 31 official representatives of the country were given a send-off by the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to the 42nd Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP). The Philippine delegation is composed of 28 official youth representatives, two alternative representatives and one National Leader. The opening remark was delivered by JICC Director Mr. Tatsuo Kitagawa who emphasized the importance of good relations between ASEAN countries and Japan. To celebrate over four decades of the SSEAYP, a roster of prominent people graced the event including 42nd SSEAYP National Leader Professor Alfredo Diaz, JICC […]
International Film Expo 2015: Filming the Future
June 30, 2015

International Film Expo 2015: Filming the Future

– The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in cooperation with show sponsor SM Cinema and event partner PLDT, brought one of the biggest ASEAN film events in the country: the International Film Expo 2015 (IFX), held last June 26 – 28 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex. This event bridged together enthusiasts, directors, and writers, all for the love of film. – EVERYTHING FILM. There is a diverse roster of speakers imparting invaluable film knowledge ranging from animation to equipment. – In the world today, only Hollywood, the United Kingdom, France, Britain and Germany in Europe has the capability to produce world class filming equipment. […]
LiSA: Another Great Day for an Interview (EXCLUSIVE)
December 28, 2015

LiSA: Another Great Day for an Interview (EXCLUSIVE)

– The day was warm, but her smile was even warmer. Philippine Primer was able to catch up with the pretty, bubbly and kawaii-all-over JPop idol LiSA at the F1 Hotel, Taguig last Friday, June 26, 2015. With her coming in all the way from Japan on that day itself, she must have been tired. However, one cannot see a trace of this exhaustion as she waves enthusiastically to everyone, greets everyone with her own version of the traditional bow – and even gives out unexpected hugs. LiSA truly made sure that everyone felt how happy she was to be here. “[The Philippines] is really tropical. [I imagine it having] […]