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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.

December 28, 2015

The Kawaii PH Book Launch: Kawaii Dream Land

Of sugar kisses and rainbow balloons, nothing can come close to how colorful and vibrant Manila’s Kawaii community is! Kawaii PH launched Beyond the Cutest Dreams, their first book on Kawaii Culture in the Philippines last Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at SM Megamall’s Mega A Event Center. The event took us into a whole new world of cute as they celebrated everything kawaii! . WELCOME TO THE LAND OF KAWAII! The Kawaii PH book launch program was opened by Jessica Galvez. . It was a whole day filled with nothing but arts and crafts, cute animé merchandise and fun activities! Guests came in their best kawaii outfits to celebrate and […]

December 28, 2015

Philippine Fashion Week 2015: Kaye Morales Releases Her Inner Warrior

Alas, the greatest fashion event in the Philippines has once again closed its doors. Philippine Fashion Week’s Holiday Season had a grand finale with nothing but the best designers in Manila last Sunday, June 14, 2015 at SM Aura Premier. The roster included avant-garde designer, Kaye Morales, as she debuted her Katana collection. – KATANA by Kaye Morales (Retrieved from Philippine Fashion Week Live) – Kaye Morales has invested all her time, talent and effort into her Katana collection, which embodies a personal and emotional aspect of herself. As a designer, she has expressed herself in her work and it has served as an extension of her soul. Spectators who […]

December 28, 2015

Quatre Prières: A Humble Night of Music (A Review)

#Aleron4Prayers – “We have a title nobody can pronounce [properly],” Aleron choral director Christopher Ong Arceo shared with an almost bashful smile on his face as he talked about his fear of not being able to fill the concert venue, Ayala Museum, last night, June 14, 2015. However, inasmuch as the phase is uncommon in our everyday lives, Quatre Prières provided music that is rare and extraordinarily different to the audience. – CHORAL DIRECTOR Christopher Ong – With smiles on their faces that reflected anticipation, gratitude, pride and passion, Aleron performed Francis Poulenc’s Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise juxtaposed with more contemporary pieces of music. The audience was […]

December 28, 2015

6 Things to Do on June 12 at P120 or Less

Philippine Primer offers 6 (almost) cost-free activities for #FreedomFriday! . (Photo from Manila Bulletin) . The Philippines is celebrating its Independence Day! It’s Friday the 12th and most of the work force is up for a long weekend! Bad news, though: payday for most is also on Monday. Yes, three days after the three-day celebration! While the lucky ones had it all planned out and are probably going on a short vacation on these three days (like, say, Tagaytay, Laguna or even as far as Palawan), some of us are stuck in good ol’ Metro Manila. Hold your horses, though. Before deciding to spend the day at home, watching reruns […]

June 10, 2015

TURNOVER OF JAPAN-FUNDED WOMEN’S TRAINING CENTER IN QUEZON, NUEVA VIZCAYA

Turnover cerenomy – Women’s Training Center – First Secretary Hiroyuki Enoki attended the turnover ceremony last June 9, 2015 for “The Project for Construction of Women’s Training Center” in the Municipality of Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. This is part of the Japan Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The ceremony was attended by Ms. Prescilla Soriano, Chairperson of the Management Committee of Aldersgate College, and other officials of the school. It was also witnessed by officials from the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya – Vice Governor Epifanio Galima, Local Government Unit of Quezon, Mayor Aurelio Salunat and other related agencies. The Women’s Training […]

June 09, 2015

Now In New World Makati: Prime Canadian Beef

Calling all carnivores! New World Makati Hotel will feature a premium Canadian beef promotion in its a la carte Oriental restaurant Jasmine and its renowned buffet restaurant Café 1228 for the entire month of July. Canada, which exports about half of its entire beef production to more than 100 countries, prides itself in its rigorous beef quality standards and in producing youthful and exceptionally marbled beef by feeding its cows only locally grown barley, wheat and corn. – Standing roasts ready for carving – Through the promotion made possible by a partnership with the Canada Beef International Institute and the Embassy of Canada, diners can look forward to Café 1228’s […]

December 28, 2015

Exclusive Interview: Meet Two Artists of ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival

Meet two of the talented international artists who contributed to the art scene of Bonifacio Global City: Nate Frizzell and AKA Corleone. – – Since the kick-off of the festival last May 23, The ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival has been nothing but awe-inspiring. Watching the artists themselves paint the blank concrete walls of BGC to life is such a sight to behold, and one would just be wowed with the talent and passion they see from the artists while doing their work. Philippine Primer was able to meet two of these artists and learn more about their respective works around BGC and their pursuit of creativity. – Nate Frizzell – […]

June 09, 2015

Manila 1945: The Rest of the Story

“It is by remembering the lessons we’ve learned from the past and applying them to the present that we can prepare for the future.” A quote from Manila 1945: The Rest of the Story, and possibly the key answer to anyone who’s still wondering why it is relevant to study history today. – Photo grabbed from Spyron-AV Manila’s Facebook page – On June 6, 2015, Philippine Primer attended the special screening of this award-winning World War II documentary at the U-View Room of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. – The audience, captivated by the film (Photo grabbed from Spyron-AV Manila’s Facebook page) – Manila 1945: The […]

June 09, 2015

Bunga Arts Link Igal-Pansak Recital: Igal-igalan! Pansakan! Magsukol!

On May 29, 2015, Friday, the 2015 Igal Dance Workshop commenced with a colorful recital at GT-Toyota Asian Center in UP Diliman. Bunga Arts Link, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Asian Center and the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA), celebrates its third year of breathing new life to the art of Igal-Pansak. – IGAL AT PANSAK. Performances were artistically directed by MCM Santamaria. – Professor Rolando Talampas, the Secretary of the Asian Center, officially opened the event. During his welcome remarks, he shone some light on the importance of the practice of Igal for the Sama people and its relevance to the Filipino […]

December 28, 2015

M Turns 11: A Decade and One of Great Food and Great Music

The intersection of Makati Avenue and Dela Rosa Street housed one of the hippest parties in the Metro last June 4, 2015, as the Museum Café, or the M Café celebrated MTurns11, their anniversary party. – THE CROWD THICKENS. As the night grows deeper, more and more people comes to celebrate MTurns11. – Specializing on Asian cuisine given a modern twist, the Museum Café is part of the restaurant family under the Raintree Restaurants chain, together with Kabila, Chelsea and Stella to name a few. The party is a tribute to the eleven years of “great people, soul-shaking music and nothing but good vibes” the café has given to its […]

December 28, 2015

20th French Film Festival Opens With a Bang

The red carpet opening night was filled with friends, free-flowing drinks and fantastic films! – SALUT! Notable guests raise their glasses with French Ambassador to the Philippines Gilles Garachon. – Pleasant smiles greeted everyone who walked down the red carpet at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk last night, June 3, 2015, at the grand opening night of the 20th French Film Festival. Despite the sweltering last-of-summer heat that veiled the evening, lively chatter from the guests, cocktails, wine or beer at hand, livened up the night together with the fireworks-filled backdrop. – FULL HOUSE. The Fashion Walk has never been more elegant…or more jam-packed. – Snippets of conversations about the […]

June 03, 2015

Art BGC The NextAct ONE Festival: Re-faceting Manila One Wall At A Time

May 30th marked the closing of the country’s first ever mural-centric arts festival. Art BGC’s The NextAct ONE Festival treated Bonifacio High Street dwellers and visitors to a day of good food, great music and extraordinary art. – – Booths were set up in the Bonifacio High Street Central Amphitheater. – – The festivities kicked off with a performance by up-and-coming artist BP Valenzuela. She mesmerized the audience with her own compositions like Even If You Ask Me. Then, internationally-acclaimed artist Nate Frizzell went on stage to talk about the inspiration behind his work. He wants his work to be relatable and something that the public can interact with at […]

December 28, 2015

Dreams: Hopes and Fears in Sleep or in Waking (A Review)

Poetry. Music. Visual Art. “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word dream?” This was the question posted by rapper Quest at the recently held Dreams: Hopes and Fears in Sleep or in Waking last Sunday, May 31, 2015. Held at SOMA Space, Green Sun, the event was organized by different communities of artists — LOGOS, The Upward Project, and DOXA. All three aim to inspire the youth to reach for their dreams through the arts. – – The night was filled with exuberance and copious talent was witnessed onstage. Tristan Ortega and Monique Espiritu dazzled the audience with their piece about a realistic utopia. […]

December 28, 2015

GREAT British Auto Show: A Showcase of Car Heritage

Everyone is on the edge of their seat, eager to witness the first ever British auto show in the country! – – “What you might think looking around is we only make really strange, old cars. We make very individualistic cars, the design is truly unique but as you already heard we are not only talking about our past glories.” British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad emphasized the distinct sophistication of British cars in his opening remark in the first ever GREAT British Auto Show held at Capitol Commons last Sunday. Spearheaded by the British Embassy Manila, UK Trade & Investment and its partners, the event showcased both vintage […]

December 29, 2015

The Art of Storytelling: A Fun-filled Day with Words

A WORKSHOP FOR EVERYONE. People of all ages come together for a fun-filled day with books and stories. – Philippine Primer is loaded with stories to tell after going last Friday (May 29, 2015) to The Art of Storytelling held at Spaces by Babyland, organized by Manila Workshops, and part of the Parenting Pals Workshop Series. Hosted by storytelling teacher Luisito Pascua, known for his iconic role “Kuya Bodjie” in the television show Batibot, it was a day of creative storytelling and activities with an audience composed of primarily of storytelling enthusiasts, prep and elementary teachers, and most especially mothers. The workshop is divided into two sessions, one in the […]

December 28, 2015

Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan

  – Intricately woven baskets, hand-made ceramics, printed textiles: these are a few of the many handicrafts that you may expect to see on display in this exquisite collection. Starting June 16, the Ayala Museum will be housing the Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan exhibit at the Ground Floor Gallery of the Ayala Museum in commemoration of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. The Japan Foundation Manila along with Ayala Museum and JT International (Philippines) Inc. will be ushering in Eastern treasures in the form of handcrafted art from the Land of the Rising Sun. Around 70 different works of art that embodies the artistic philosophy of those from Aomori, […]

December 28, 2015

5th Annual SNUPS Awards 2015: Witnessing the Splendour of our Oceans

Philippine Primer gets an exclusive chance to witness the beauty of our deep blue sea! . SNUPS Awards Night Marine photography enthusiasts and contestants gathered on the evening of May 27 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium, in Makati to attend the 5th Annual Splash-NUDI Underwater Photo Shootout (SNUPS) Awards 2015 to celebrate this. It was a spectacular night as people felt and behold the underwater-like ambience of the event. Through a splendid gallery of photographs taken under the deep blue sea, the magnificence of the aquatic life was seen. . SAMPLE SHOTS. Photographers display their works. . SNUPS is an annual underwater photo and video competition that took place in […]

December 28, 2015

SM Advantage Card 2-HOUR Special: Additional 10% OFF on May 29

Be the first in line when SM opens its doors for the opening of the 3-DAY SALE up to 70% Discount at SM Makati, SM Cubao, SM Harrison and SM Quiapo branches from May 29 to May 31! – Photo from SM Advantage Card – However, on May 29, 2015, Friday, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN, shop and present your SM Advantage, SM Prestige or BDO Rewards card at the time of your payment, and get ADDITIONAL 10% OFF on selected products! Here are the following participating merchants of the 2-HOUR SPECIAL: 1. THE SM STORE (department store) 2. Uniqlo (apparel) 3. Kultura Filipino (handicraft) 4. Forever 21 (apparel) […]

February 28, 2017

ANNOUNCEMENT: Philippine Primer Office is Closed on May 29-31, 2015

Please be informed that Philippine Primer office will be closed on Friday, May 29,2015, due to company outing. Our office will be back to its normal operation on Monday, June 1. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. Thank you! –

December 28, 2015

JAL Bonus Miles Campaign: New JMB Customers First Flight Bonus Mileage Promo

For new and first time members of Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (JMB), especially those who are living in Jakarta, Hanoi and Manila, YOU have the opportunity to receive bonus miles from JAL when you fly on selected routes with selected fares during March 9, 2015 (Mon) to July 31, 2015 (Fri). – (Screen grabbed from JAL) – So what are the selected routes and fares? All routes of JAL Flight Jakarta / Hanoi / Manila – Tokyo (Narita), including the Hanoi – Tokyo (Narita) code-share flights with JAL flight number (JL5000 / JL5001) are eligible to participate. Ho Chi Minh City – Tokyo (Narita and Haneda) flights, however, are not eligible. […]