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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.

February 23, 2015

Win Free Tickets to Brasilipinas 2015!

Want to score free tickets to BRASILIPINAS 2015 and other goodies? Join their photo contest!

February 23, 2015

Sail Around the World with Worldship Orchestra

Good classical music is a rare find here in Manila. Love for this kind of music rarer since it is seen as an acquired taste or exclusively for the elite. Worldship Orchestra on the other hand believes otherwise. A fairly new organization established just last December, Worldship Orchestra and the students and professionals that comprise it travel the world in order to introduce classical music to children who have little or no access to classical music. It turns out that music can contribute greatly in a child’s development by giving them life-skills such as self-esteem and discipline. These are two things they will need in their many years to come. […]

February 20, 2015

50 Shades of Love (A Review): Dating Mr. Greys & Ana Steeles for Five Minutes Each

Incessant chatter equals resounding success! And in 50 Shades of Love, incessant chatter came in the form of pleasant conversations about travel, food, work and many more. While the rest of the world was going crazy in love at the cinemas, Telu Events held their own blockbuster event at the Oz Bar last Valentines’ Day. During this event, participants had the chance to date not one, not two, but forty-nine (49) beautiful people! The theme of the event was very loyal to the bestselling book and hit movie, Fifty Shades of Grey. The materials used are simple but amusing: the organizers picked and printed out signature lines from the book. […]

December 28, 2015

A Day of Unity and Sharing; a Celebration of Talents: Pasinaya 2015 (A Review)

Pasinaya started with a flourish of Filipino dances from the different islands of the Philippines, officially opening the festival. It was a fiesta indeed, complete with the excited groups of people who were watching very eagerly on that nippy Sunday morning. The day’s activities, their designated sites, museum tour routes and other details were laid onto a map-like guide. Upon entering the CCP Complex, one can see CCP ushers dressed in white with Pasinaya 2015 print around the place to guide guests to certain performance venues. One of the starting performances was from the UST Symphony Orchestra, where they performed a medley of Philippine pop classics: It Might Be You, […]

February 17, 2015

Detoxify Bar Flagship Store Opening

Photo from Philippine Primer A little over a year ago, Detoxify Bar burst through with them heightened public awareness of detoxing, juice fast, organic foods the woodwork and brought and overall healthy diet and nutrition. In the months that followed, the detoxrevolution spread like wildfire! From local showbiz celebrities to top international models and even a few senators and congressmen, people from all walks of life were being seen with their DB juices or the now iconic white Detoxify Bar thermal bag in hand. This year, they have broadened their reach tenfold by announcing the opening of another branch and 2 more franchise branches making it a total of 5 […]

December 28, 2015

Travel Tour Expo 2015

The ultimate travel expo is happening now, Feb 13 to 15 at the SMX Convention at SM Mall of Asia. The biggest and most anticipated Travel Tour Expo will highlight participating travel agencies, airlines, theme parks, and hotels organized by the PTAA. Avail of must-book deals from over 250 exhibitors and enjoy freebies, and exclusive offers. In this kind of event, you can see how healthy the travel and tourism in the Philippines. The venue was jam-packed and the crowd is incredible, be sure to get a map at the ticketing station or take a photo of the Expo Map located at the entrance. The entire SMX exhibition halls are […]

December 28, 2015

It’s Almost Valentine’s Day

Here’s a Fun Fact: Did you know that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated differently? It is the women who show their love by giving chocolates to special people in their lives. Men, on the other hand, will get their turn but not until March for “White Day.” What makes it more complicated is that there are different chocolates to be given out according to the person you are giving to. Tomo choco can be given to a friend. Giri choco is ordinarily given to co-workers, classmates, a male friend or superior. Hon mei choco is the chocolate given to a very special man in a girl’s life. Usually, this […]

February 13, 2015

Valentine’s Day Offers for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita

Ladies who are still thinking about what gift to give to your significant other, here is the best gift – PlayStation®4 (PS4™) or PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita). That boys love playing games is probably the only and the best answer to why PlayStation® consoles are the most generous and best gift ladies could buy. This Valentine’s Day, Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH) Singapore Branch is offering special editions for two of its popular consoles, PS4™ and PS Vita, to give couples something to enjoy together. The Glacier White PlayStation®4 always comes with one DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller. To give couples opportunities to play together, SCEH is offering this promotion whereby […]

December 28, 2015

Contemporary Art Fair 2015 (A Review)

With A Stroke of A Paintbrush, Magic!   Diverse in the best way possible. This is what one would come up after seeing the grand displays of fabulous art at the Contemporary Art Fair 2015. Once again, the best of modern and contemporary artists gather once more at The Link from the 6th to the 8th of February to showcase Philippine visual art. Overseen by the Philippine Art Events Inc, this art fair aims to celebrate Filipino art practitioners and the local art scene in general. Exhibitors this year include Silverlens, The Drawing Room and Art Informal. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland inspired the exhibit of Art Verite where each […]

February 09, 2015

PlayStation®4/PlayStation®3 “Dragon Quest Heroes: Yamiryuu to Sekaiju no Shiro”

Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH) Singapore Branch announced today that PlayStation®4 (PS4™) and PlayStaiton®3 (PS3™) software “Dragon Quest Heroes: Yamiryuu to Sekaiju no Shiro” will be available in the Philippines on 26th February, 2015 (Thursday) at a suggested retail price (SRP) of PHP2,999 and PHP2,499 respectively. “Dragon Quest Heroes™: Yamiryuu to Sekaiju no Shiro” Product Information “Dragon Quest Heroes: Yamiryuu to Sekaiju no Shiro” takes place in a peaceful country where human and monsters used to live hand in hand. In this new action RPG title, players will fight against monsters that have suddenly gone out of control with magical spells and powers. Let’s enjoy this new, impressive […]

February 06, 2015

Japan’s Snow Festival Features The Manila Cathedral

A snow sculpture of the Philippines’ Manila Cathedral is one of the major attractions in the 66th Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. Designed by Hokkaido Broadcasting Co. Ltd., the sculpture stands 13 meters high and 26 meters wide at a block called HBC Philippines Square. This is the first time the country has become part of Japan’s largest winter festival. (Photo of a snow sculpture of The Manila Cathedral shared by Sapporo-Hokkaido Contents Strategy Organization) From February 5 to 11, tourists can expect around 200 ice and snow sculptures in Odori Park located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. For more info, you can visit their website at http://www.snowfes.com/english/.

December 28, 2015

City of Dreams Manila Grand Opening

Manila, Philippines – The much anticipated grand opening of the world-class entertainment-inspired destination resort, City of Dreams Manila, has finally happened on Monday, February 2, 2015. A press conference was hosted by Co-chairman and CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment (MCE), Mr. Lawrence Ho, and Co-chairman, Mr. James Packer. “Our philosophy is very simple: we want to build things that we’re proud of. We want to build integrated resorts that will last over time,” said Mr. Lawrence Ho as he shared their vision in opening the 6.2 hectare entertainment landscape. “[After Macau, the] Philippines and Manila is really the first place we decided to go into. [It is] one of the […]

August 22, 2016

St. Marc Café Now Open in Greenbelt 3, Makati

This popular Japan’s coffee shop opens their second branch on the 2nd level of Greenbelt 3, Makati. St. Marc Café is a specialty bakery and patisserie that offer freshly baked bread and pastries. St. Marc Café offers freshly baked bread and pastries which are flaky and fluffy. Now, people working in Makati can try their signature product, the Choco Cro, which is short for chocolate croissant. St. Marc Cafe Greenbelt can accommodate up to 80 people and offers WiFi accessibility. Its third branch is said to soon open at UP Town (sometime in 2015). Who is excited for it? You can buy Choco Cro per piece (Php 55) or per […]

January 30, 2015

ANA Presents: Japanese YOSE in Manila

The All Nippon Airways (ANA) will dispatch a yose comedy show featuring a famous Japanese comedian Shinnosuke Tachikawa. It will happen at the Fairmont Hotel Makati on March 1, 2015. The show will start at 3:00 pm. For those who don’t know, yose is a Japanese traditional comedy storytelling performed for Japanese and sometimes for visitors from abroad and foreign residents.  

December 29, 2015

Ehime’s Traditional Sake Now in the Philippines

Finally, Manila has the chance to grab an array of Japanese sake in stores soon, kicking off with a taste test held on January 29! Originated in Japan, a sake is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Distinguished guests from BDO, JETRO Manila, Japanese Embassy and many others tried the newest drink in town in this private, intimate event held at the Anvil restaurant in the BDO South Tower, Makati. These businessmen were given the opportunity to leisurely and thoroughly taste the wide range of sake presented. The sake served came from the Ehime prefectures. They are known for their fine quality and are exported in countries like Singapore, […]

December 28, 2015

New World Makati Ushers in the Year of the Yin Wood Goat

To officially welcome the Year of the Yin Wood Goat, guests are invited to receive a shower of good luck at the most auspicious spots of New World Makati Hotel on Thursday, 19 February 2015. Feng shui expert Princesse Lim Fernandez from the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony guides guests on the age-old Chinese traditions and best practices to achieve happiness and prosperity. The hotel features a lagoon, positive sources of energy, and wishing trees with a special burning ritual where guests can cast their wishes and release them to heaven. The traditional eye-dotting ceremony will be followed by a vibrant dragon and lion dance prior a delectable feast. […]

January 26, 2015

Philippine Primer February (2015): Hotel Favorites in Manila

February is a special month for both lovers and travelers. This month, Philippine Primer features the finest 5-star hotels there are in Metro Manila that offer total luxury and convenience. Here, we list down our recommendations and highlight the hotel’s most unique amenity which you can certainly look forward to when you visit! For cost-conscious tourists, don’t fret! Turn the page and check out an organized list of really good business and budget hotels that offer ideal comfort at great value. And of course, we can never miss featuring the most special day of the month! In preparation for the coming Valentine’s Day, Philippine Primer has come up with a special […]

December 29, 2015

Yoree Korean BBQ Goes South!

AS FESTIVE AS CAN BE. Korean Cultural Center’s Samulnori band opened the event by playing some traditional Korean music. Yoree opens its new branch in Alabang Drums were beaten and gongs were played in traditional Korean fashion as Yoree Korean BBQ opened their new doors at Molito, Alabang. This new restaurant is their second one in the metro where they continue to serve nothing but the best of Korean cuisine. Famous for their state-of-the-art Korean barbecue, Yoree has 24 branches in Seoul. They import most of their ingredients from Korea, ensuring its quality and taste. They offer exquisite Korean dishes, such as Yangnyum Galbi, Gyeranjjim, Haemul Pajeon, Japchae, Jeyuk Bokkeum […]

December 28, 2015

Kleenex Introduces Women’s Newest Best Friend

“Just because we [try] to be superwomen [and] to achieve so much [doesn’t mean that] our looks and our hygiene […] have to suffer,” fashion blogger Nicole Andersson related her everyday toils and crosses as a modern-day woman. This is nothing new for today’s women of the world. Despite the ability to toughen up, women still feel the need to stay delicate and feminine. Enter Kleenex, the World’s No. 1 Facial Tissue, together with their newest and latest innovation: Kleenex with Cucumber Extract. “Whenever you buy Kleenex Facial Tissue now, you will experience […] softer tissues than before,” claimed Senior Brand Manager Ritz Tan. The brand also takes pride in […]

January 22, 2015

‘Dance Dance Asia: Crossing the movements’: Unfolding the Asian tour

So much talent on one stage. Dance concerts are very atypical in the Philippines and it’s fortunate to have something like this in a country whose love for dance and music are reigning supreme. Everyone at the Carlos P Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza Makati was in awed by the show-stopping performances of the three Japanese dance crews last Jan 17 & 18. The s**t kingz, Tokyo Gegegay and TAPDANCERIZE keeps audiences on their toes during their kick off concert in the Philippines. The show opened with TAPDANCERIZE which features three tap dancers: Yuri Uragami, Gunjo and Satomi Toma and are accompanied by 4 instrumentalists. Each of the three members […]