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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.

June 10, 2024

Summer Fashion 2015: Trends for the Philippine-Based Gentleman

All-year round, we experience weather changes in the Philippines. This poses a problem for Filipino men, but more so for those who are only based here. We also have a lot of foreign gentlemen who are based in the country either for work or for long-term vacation, and Primer thought of sharing the style trends for the summer season to help all Philippine-based gentlemen pull off a comfortable yet trendy look under the heat of the sun. As we said in our previous article 5 Essential’s for Manila’s Working Men, cotton shirts will be your best friend, but we don’t want to keep wearing these every day do we? Men […]

April 21, 2015

Intramuros Pasyal (A Review)

Despite the intense summer heat, large groups of families, friends, lovers and even pets came to Intramuros Pasyal last Sunday, April 19. The car-free event was hosted by Viva Manila along General Luna Street. From 3 pm to 9 pm, the area between Plazuela de Sta. Isabel and San Agustin Church was opened solely to all pedestrians and bikers. Viva Manila, an organization dedicated to promoting Filipino national heritage, hopes to bring back the Filipino tradition of pasyalan (promenade) and encourage visitors to walk the historic walled city. … Booths lined up at Intramuros Pasyal … The mood was casual and festive as people roamed the street fair. Intramuros Pasyal featured several […]

April 23, 2015

WATSONS COLOR MANILA CHALLENGE: A Review

Philippine Primer attended the happiest and most colourful run of the year! The most awaited summer marathon, Watsons Color Manila Challenge, happened at the SM Mall of Asia last Sunday, April 19, 2015. Participants of all fitness levels, ages and background definitely had the time of their lives! … Photo grabbed from the Color Manila Run website … There was a buzz of excitement in the air on the day of the event. People were just ready to run and be splashed with colors! The atmosphere was fun with the loud, energizing music and accommodating volunteers and organizers. … EVERYONE WAS EARLY, PREPARING to take on the challenge they have […]

April 28, 2015

CoCo Fresh Tea and Juice: Enjoy The Summer On-The-Go Experience!

The summer season has already definitely made its presence felt with temperature rising to as much as 35 degrees, people booking their most-awaited vacation trips, and freedom simply taking over. But by the time the month of May winds down, sadness somehow lurks among many as the feeling of fun, freedom, and happiness of the summer season is about to wind down as well. For the Taiwanese brand CoCo Fresh Tea and Juice, the experience brought upon by the summer season does not have to necessarily end, as they invite you to try their delicious line of juices and teas to enjoy that vibrant summer experience on-the-go whenever you want […]

December 28, 2015

The Body Shop Launches Fuji Green Tea Collection

Last April 16, one of the most popular beauty brands in the world, The Body Shop, launched their latest product range that detoxifies, moisturizes and rejuvenates our skin: the Fuji Green Tea Collection. It is first body range infused with real green tea leaves sourced from the pristine Mt. Fuji region, where experts literally handpick the finest shoots to capture its potent purifying power. Held at Dusit Thani’s UMU Japanese Restaurant, the event was attended by media, top beauty bloggers and special guests to have a closer look on the origin of green tea and how it has been believed to be a beauty regimen for generations. The Body Shop’s […]

April 28, 2015

Multimedia Arts Festival: A Peek into the Future of Filipino Art

Primer attended the second day of De La Salle College of St. Benilde’s Multimedia Awards Festival 2015. Art pieces in different types of media were showcased on the ground floor of The Green Sun hotel. The theme for this year’s [RE]framed art exhibit is break. What broke you to become the person you are now? What broke you to become better? ARTWORK Letting Go (6 ft x1.5 in x 2.5 ft) is a collage of buttons – one of the creative pieces that can be found in the Multimedia Arts Festival. One can feel the overflowing talent, inspiration and hard work evident in every artwork. Aside from paintings and installations, there […]

June 10, 2024

Summer Fashion 2015: What to Wear at the Beach (Ladies’ Edition)

Know what’s in and out in summer fashion this year. Summer is here and we are more than ready to have fun in the sun! Surely, we all want to be au courant about the trends this season in order for us to look our chic best when we’re out and about with our gals and pals in the trendiest locations not only in the Metro but also at the beaches all over the archipelago! Don’t worry, Primer has got you covered from head to toe as we present the Pieces for this summer’s Perfect Beach Outfit: —– Open Front Caftan   For this summer, an open front caftan like […]

April 28, 2015

The Taiko Effect: Drums of Change (A Review)

What’s the best sound you can use to acquaint the Philippines with Japanese culture—the melody of a J-pop song? Filipino lyrics accompanied by the koto? Or the high notes of a woodwind instrument along with the heart-pounding beats of the Taiko drum? The answer: All of the above! Taiko refers to a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments, “broad” being the key word. The Taiko Effect: Drums of Change was certainly broad, as it featured many aspects of the Japanese culture. With performances from the Mt. Fuji Symphony Orchestra and Arahan & Hasegawa Karate, the guests dining at Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater last April 10th and the audience at CCP […]

December 28, 2015

Hot Summer Stuff for the Kids in April and May Part 2

Adults and teenagers alike wait for summer and its many activities that spell fun and relaxation all year round. With so many things like Laboracay and Slidefest Philippines happening, we just can’t decide where to start! But as we said in our previous article, summer is for the kids, too. Although they’ve waited long for this much needed break, it is also a great time for them to get to know something new, further hone their skills or find a new hobby and it is our jobs as parents to let them realize this and give them the opportunity. Here we have a couple of workshops happening this summer that are […]

April 28, 2015

RED Kitchen + Bar Opens in Alabang!

Foodies and friends can Relax, Eat and Drink in this newest hangout place in town. Spacious, stylish and sophisticated. These are three words that guests have associated with RED Kitchen + Bar, the newest restaurant along the Riverpark strip in Festival Mall, Alabang that formally opened its doors yesterday, April 8, 2015. SPECIAL GUESTS together with the owners during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Once inside, guests marveled at the chic interiors of the restaurant, which looked a lot like your best friend’s cool pad. This is not a surprise, though, as the concept behind RED Kitchen + Bar was inspired by a group of good friends (the owners) who wanted […]

April 28, 2015

Philippine Primer April (2015): Jupiter Street

 Summer has come once again and the best time to explore is now. It may be so tempting to hit the beach and bask in the warmth of the sun, but who said you have to go somewhere else to enjoy the season? Beat the heat as Philippine Primer takes you to the newest and coolest streets in the city!  This April, we’re featuring places definitely worth adding to your must-visit list. Get ready to have your fill as we traverse and rediscover the dynamic Jupiter Street! Go on an epicurean feast, shop for furniture and tour the various schools as you wonder down the road. One place to go […]

December 28, 2015

JCB Deals: Exclusive 10% – 20% discount to all JCB Card Members!

The JCB Deals Promo is back! Check out Philippine Primer Magazine and save up to 20% discount every time you use your JCB card in all participating stores. Promo runs from April 1 to June 30, 2015.   Participating Merchants:  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 – UCC Mentore – SM Aura; Park Terraces (Makati) – UCC Park Express – Petron […]

December 28, 2015

Tamashii Convention 2015: Igniting the Japanese Spirit in You

Ladies in costume The Japanese culture is one of the most fascinating in the world and students from De La Salle University have definitely taken notice of this. What used to be an event solely for the purpose of promoting the Japanese culture has now become a true festival in every sense of the word. We’re talking about Nihon KenkyuuKai’s (日本研究会) Tamashii Convention! Organized by De La Salle University’s professional organization for Japanese Studies majors and other Japanese-culture loving students, the convention otherwise known as “TamaCon” is now on its third year of spreading Japanese culture to all Japanese culture fans! We’re not just talking about anime. We’re talking fashion […]

December 28, 2015

2015 Easter Egg Hunting Events

It’s that time of the year again to bring out your bunny ears and your hide-and-seek skills! Are you looking for activities for you and your little one this coming Easter? Primer has compiled highly-recommended Easter Egg Hunting Events happening in hotels, malls and other recreational venues for you! Hotels The Bellevue Manila, Alabang Details: Celebrate a fun, barnyard-themed Easter kiddie party at the Bellevue Manila! There will be an animal show, egg-hunting, face painting, glitter tattoo and many more activities! Registration opens at 11 AM. Program starts from 1 PM to 4 PM. Inclusive of snacks, buffet, entertainment, games, egg-hunting, games, and loot bag! Contact them at 771 8181 […]

April 28, 2015

Holy Week Mall Schedule 2015

Find out if your favorite malls are open today (Maundy Thursday), tomorrow (Good Friday) and on Black Saturday. SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Itching to dine out or shop today? Check first if your favorite mall is open! AYALA MALLS (Glorietta, Greenbelt, Trinoma, Market! Market!, Alabang Town Center, Fairview Terraces, Marquee mall, and Ayala Center Cebu). All are closed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, although select dining establishments will be open in Bonifacio High Street. Regular mall hours resume on Black Saturday. SM SUPERMALLS. Except for the veranda restaurants at SM Mall of Asia and SM by the Bay, all malls are closed on Maundy Thursday and […]

December 28, 2015

Etihad Manila 10s: The Best Social Rugby Tournament in the World

PLAYERS get ready for the fight of their lives (this year). The Philippine Primer attended the recently concluded 26th Annual Manila 10s International Rugby Festival. It was the held last March 21 and 22 at the Nomad Sports Club in Paranaque. It started in 1989 as a way for the local (and then only) rugby club in the country, the Manila Nomads, to play rugby at a competitive level without having to tour regularly. The tournament kicked off with the Rugby Lunch at the Marriott Hotel Manila. It was graced by former England International David Trick, Australia Captain Nathan Sharpe and legendary British Lion John Bentley. Photo grabbed from Manila […]

December 28, 2015

Gout de France (A Review)

Philippine Primer visited Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant and ate our way to the heart of France: their food. Nothing binds people together more than food can. This is true for Filipinos and yes, for the French, too. Hidden in the heart of Quezon City, Lemuria is a home turned into a lovely fine dining French restaurant that has a relaxing ambiance. It is an ideal choice for intimate parties and for couples who are celebrating special occasions. The staff is attentive and polite. Upon arriving, we were immediately directed to our seats and served our dishes after a few minutes. Lemuria Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Paté The amuse-bouche, Lemuria Chicken Liver […]

December 29, 2015

Flow House Manila Opens with a Splash!

It’s summertime! The fun is here, the heat is here, but most importantly, #TheBreakIsHere! Last Saturday (March 28, 2015), Flow House Manila opened its doors to the media and revealed the best things this gem in Seasons Mall Cavite has to offer – delicious food, sweet cocktails, aqua sports gear and the main attraction, the FlowRider, a ride that generates a perfect ocean swell, which lets everyone experience the thrill of riding waves, all against a backdrop of the best chillout beats and some fireworks!  BUTTONS OVER RIBBONS. Executives from Flow House Manila, Southstream and their partners ceremoniously press the button together to turn on the FlowRider. The power of […]

December 29, 2015

Uncle Tetsu is Now at SM Megamall!

Another branch in Ortigas opens its doors for all Japanese cheese cake enthusiasts! Everyone’s favorite Japanese cheese cake is now available at SM Megamall’s Building A, Upper Ground Floor (near SM Supermarket)! LIKE ALL ITS OTHER BRANCHES, Uncle Tetsu’s SM Megamall branch is a hit! Last March 26, the grand opening of Uncle Tetsu was celebrated by one and all. Gracing the event were celebrities Phoemela Barranda and Uncle Tetsu brand ambassador Heart Evangelista. UNCLE TETSU BRAND AMBASSADOR Heart Evangelista and franchise president Mr. Walter Co. “Uncle Tetsu Cheese Cake is just perfect,” Heart raves. “It’s totally delicious and filling but because it’s light and fluffy, it’s not heavy on the […]

December 29, 2015

Lawson Convenience Store Opens in Manila!

The Philippines is home to popular convenience stores 7-11, Ministop and, two years ago, Family Mart. Joining this line up is Japan’s Lawson Convenience Store, which had their soft opening today, March 30, 2015. As of the moment, they haven’t had their grand opening yet as they are still doing market research on how they can cater to the needs of the Philippine market. They plan to have their grand opening in May or June. They also plan to open 50 more stores in this year and to have 500 stores in 2020. Lawson offers products that cannot be found in other stores, such as various bread and pastries made […]