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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.

Dyson Launches Latest Floor Cleaner and Bladeless Air Multiplier
December 29, 2015

Dyson Launches Latest Floor Cleaner and Bladeless Air Multiplier

UK’s premium vacuum cleaner brand, Dyson, officially launched its latest technology on the 4th floor of Rustan’s Makati last February 26, 2015. The event was attended by representatives from Dyson Ltd., Rustan’s Department Store, the British Embassy and Whiteplanet Inc., the exclusive distributor of Dyson in the Philippines. To better introduce the newest revolutionary products, a demonstration was made by celebrity Bobby Yan. The Dyson Air Multiplier™  is the world’s first bladeless fan. It is engineered to deliver powerful, smooth air, without the nuisance of noise. How does Air Multiplier technology work? Air is drawn in by an energy-efficient, brushless motor. Airflow is then accelerated through an annular aperture, passing […]
Embassy of Japan, ICAN Philippines Sign Grant Contract for Mindanao
February 27, 2015

Embassy of Japan, ICAN Philippines Sign Grant Contract for Mindanao

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and ICAN Philippines Country Director Yukiyo Nomura  signed the grant contract for the project on Capacity Building Project on Peace Education and Conflict Resolution in Bangsamoro Communities of Mindanao at the Embassy of Japan on February 25, 2015. The project amounting to US$ 575,692 (approximately 2.5 million pesos) is funded through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, a small-grant funding program of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). Mindanao has experienced 40 years of conflict between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), causing 120,000 deaths in the last 20 years. The Municipality of Pikit where the MILF military camp […]
Sunset Samba: Obrigado to the Sun (A Review)
December 28, 2015

Sunset Samba: Obrigado to the Sun (A Review)

Imagine a setting where you’re surrounded by the picturesque architecture of old Manila. The skyline made beautiful by the remnants of the old city, you sit with your friends and enjoy music so moving, it rivals the breathtaking sunset you see on the horizon. That was the Sunset Samba in Intramuros. Set on the roof deck of the Manila Collectible Co., the Samba School Imperatriz Filipinense, in partnership with Viva Manila, introduced the crowd to the music of Brazil. The crowd sat on ornate carpets on the floor. No chairs or tables here, folks! The setting was intimate and made you feel as if you were among friends. Warm smiles and […]
Beer, Music and More at Mabuhay Germany: A Testimonial
December 28, 2015

Beer, Music and More at Mabuhay Germany: A Testimonial

Primer special correspondent Michael Engel shares* with us his experiences at Continental’s Groovy Doovy German Night! ——————————————————————————————————————- We could’ve danced all night long. The event was the perfect get-together. The moment I arrived in the venue, I heard German music from my youth. Songs from my favorite German bands when I was younger filled the air. It felt very comforting. Pop music from the 80’s was also played. Groups of people were dancing in front of the stage. Some games were played earlier, although I was not able to witness them. Overall, everyone was having a great time. It felt almost like a Bierzelt (beer tent): fun and laidback. Bier […]
The Aristocrat Beyond Troubling Times: Manila, My City at War!
December 28, 2015

The Aristocrat Beyond Troubling Times: Manila, My City at War!

As part of the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Manila, My City at War!, a month-long commemorative event for the 70th anniversary of the Battle for Manila, stories about the World War II entitled Life Goes On and the War on Air were shared last Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Ayala Museum. Guest speakers were invited to talk about the everyday life and culture in Manila during the Japanese occupation. Among the topics discussed were the Tagalog language, medicine, transportation & utilities, books, komiks, radio and music. One of the speakers, Mrs. Priscilla Reyes Pacheco, shared some of the stories of their family’s business and now known as one of the […]
Detoxify Bar Opens in Westgate
February 24, 2015

Detoxify Bar Opens in Westgate

Juice up, Southies! Detoxify Bar is in town! Celebrities and guests gleefully joined owners Paul and Joy Torres at the opening of their first store south of Manila on February 23. Located at Westgate, Alabang, the whole look of the store is clean, simple and laid-back – exactly what the south is all about! White walls, inspirational posters and comfortable chairs fill the newest store of this juice bar popular for their signature blends that aim to cleanse your body of harmful toxins. Fun and laughter filled the air as everyone sampled the bar’s juices and dishes. The three cheese sandwich squares and the high protein salad were the perfect […]
Win Free Tickets to Brasilipinas 2015!
February 23, 2015

Win Free Tickets to Brasilipinas 2015!

Want to score free tickets to BRASILIPINAS 2015 and other goodies? Join their photo contest!
Sail Around the World with Worldship Orchestra
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. […]
50 Shades of Love (A Review): Dating Mr. Greys & Ana Steeles for Five Minutes Each
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. […]
A Day of Unity and Sharing; a Celebration of Talents: Pasinaya 2015 (A Review)
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, […]
Detoxify Bar Flagship Store Opening
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 […]
Travel Tour Expo 2015
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 […]
It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
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 […]
Valentine’s Day Offers for PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita
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 […]
Contemporary Art Fair 2015 (A Review)
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 […]
PlayStation®4/PlayStation®3 “Dragon Quest Heroes: Yamiryuu to Sekaiju no Shiro”
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 […]
Japan’s Snow Festival Features The Manila Cathedral
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/.
City of Dreams Manila Grand Opening
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 […]
St. Marc Café Now Open in Greenbelt 3, Makati
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 […]
ANA Presents: Japanese YOSE in Manila
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.