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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.

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] […]
Yoga for Peace: A Joint Effort for Peace in Mindanao
December 28, 2015

Yoga for Peace: A Joint Effort for Peace in Mindanao

THE POWER OF INTENT. Manila and Cagayan de Oro meditates together for peace in Mindanao. . In celebration of the first-ever International Yoga Day, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) organized Yoga for Peace in Mindanao last June 21, held at the Art of Living Foundation Center, Makati City from 3:00-5:00 pm. It is a free two-hour session featuring yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. It is a simultaneous effort of Manila and Cagayan de Oro to send “ripples of peace” in Mindanao, a place of conflict for years. Regarded as the second largest island in the Philippines, and home to many ethnic minorities, peace talks and treaties seem to […]
The Kawaii PH Book Launch: Kawaii Dream Land
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 […]
Philippine Fashion Week 2015: Kaye Morales Releases Her Inner Warrior
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 […]
Quatre Prières: A Humble Night of Music (A Review)
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 […]
6 Things to Do on June 12 at P120 or Less
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 […]
TURNOVER OF JAPAN-FUNDED WOMEN’S TRAINING CENTER IN QUEZON, NUEVA VIZCAYA
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 […]
Now In New World Makati: Prime Canadian Beef
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 […]
Exclusive Interview: Meet Two Artists of ArtBGC TheNextAct ONE Festival
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 – […]
Manila 1945: The Rest of the Story
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 […]
Bunga Arts Link Igal-Pansak Recital: Igal-igalan! Pansakan! Magsukol!
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 […]
M Turns 11: A Decade and One of Great Food and Great Music
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 […]