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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

1780 by Sari Sari: Where the best of the Philippines meets the rest of the Philippines

Have you ever had a craving for an original pili snack from Bicol and Samar but can’t have it because it’s too far? Worry no more as the newest e-commerce site 1780 by SariSari is now here to bring local merchandises to Filipino customers across the country. Last night, October 15, the 1780 by Sarisari website was formally launched to the public. 1780 is an online store dedicated to local products from the 17 regions, and 80 provinces in the Philippines. The portal highlights local products, hand crafted designs and regional delicacies which are put together in one website to make it easily accessible to Filipinos in and out of […]

December 28, 2015

H&M Philippines: VIP Party!

Who’s ready for the much anticipated grand opening of H&M Philippines?! One more night and H&M’s first store at the Fashion Hall of SM Mega Mall will be opening its doors to the public! Last night, H&M rolled out the red carpet for its guests at the exclusive VIP party and launch. The 3000 sqm. store was able to accommodate over 1,000 shoppers who were given the chance to have a first look of what’s inside this newest global brand in the Philippines before its grand opening. And everybody was just shopping.. …and shopping… …while DJ Mars Miranda of REPUBLIQ Club was keeping the mood alive. We spotted some local […]

December 28, 2015

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

JCB Deals 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 run from October 1 to December 31, 2014. Participating Merchants:  15% Discount at UCC Coffee 1. UCC Vienna Café – Tomas Morato Plaza; The Podium; SM Mall of Asia; Greenbelt 5; Rustan’s Makati; 59 Connecticut St. (Greenhills); Banawe Ave (Quezon City); Corinthian Hills 2. 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; 3. UCC Park Café – Glorietta 3; Forbes […]

December 28, 2015

BLOGAPALOOZA 2014

The much awaited Blogapalooza 2014 has finally happened last October 11, Saturday, at the SM Aura Premier. It was the biggest B2B: Business to Blogger Networking and Marketing event. It was attended by over 500 bloggers, Facebook users,Instagram users, Twitter influencers, brands and media companies from TV, radio, newspapers & magazines. Blogapalooza was organized by 3 of the biggest blogs in the Philippines, WhenInManila.com (Vince Golangco), TechFilipino.com (Francis Simisim), and OurAwesomePlanet.com (Anton Diaz). Our Awesome Planet – Anton Diaz When In Manila – Vince Golangco We had a chance to have a quick interview with Mr. Vince Golangco of WhenInManila.com. He told us that Blogapalooza started in their website which has 4million visitors every month. They […]

December 28, 2015

Say “Prost!”: Oktoberfest at Brotzeit

This is the time of the year when most people realize that one of the best things that happened to Germany is, Bier. Oktoberfest is a celebration that the Germans first shared to neighbor European countries and has already reached Asia. We have limited information as to when the Philippines started merry-making every October, but I guess that’s the whole point of Oktoberfest – never mind, just enjoy. It’s Wies’n! To experience Wies’n the German way, we decided to visit the Philippine franchise of German Bier Bar and Restaurant, Brotzeit. The franchise at the EDSA Shangri-La Promenade is the first branch in the Philippines and the 10th in the world. […]

December 28, 2015

KIYOSA Media Preview & Grand Opening

Last October 4 was the grand opening of the first Japanese total beauty salon in the Philippines – KIYOSA. The night before that was the special preview for media guests, followed by a fashion show to formally introduce KIYOSA to the Philippines. It was held at its store at the ground floor of F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City and then its 2nd floor. KIYOSA management invited media, bloggers and VIPs. The founder, Ms. Kiyosa Kato, personally welcomed all the guests. She told us the story of how she came up with opening KIYOSA in the Philippines. She said she arrived to the country a year ago and noticed that there […]

October 05, 2014

Globe DUO $1 Sale: A Much Affordable Way to Receive International Calls

Manila, Philippines – Globe Telecom is making it more affordable for our friends and families around the world to stay connected with us here in the Philippines. The Globe DUO International calling service is now available in 24 countries for only US$1/month from the original price of US$25. DUO $1 Sale Press Conference last October 2, 2014 at Ballroom One, Fairmont Hotel, Makati For the entire month of October, Filipinos based in other countries that are covered by DUO International can save as much as 96% when they call to the Philippines. With Globe DUO International, a Globe or TM number in the Philippines is assigned with a landline number […]

October 05, 2014

NAIA Terminal Fee Integration: Moved to November 1

Manila, Philippines – Last September 26, Friday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has released a memorandum to all Airlines and concerned parties with regards to moving the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) Integration date from October 1, 2014 to November 1, 2014. By November of this year, all passengers of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will no longer fall in line to pay for the IPSC or more commonly referred to as NAIA Terminal Fees when departing the country. Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya announced last June 11, 2014, Wednesday, that all NAIA Terminal Fees will be included to the airline ticket prices whether it […]

October 01, 2014

The Ultimate Taste Test 14: Food Critic for a Day

With man’s constant pursuit of hap-tummy-ness, we always find ways to the newest restaurant in town, the best lunch buffet or the latest blend of coffee from Starbucks. Last Saturday, Power Plant Mall with Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews united all foodies to this annual food event called The Ultimate Taste Test. Bringing 50+ of the newest food suppliers around the Metro to share with us their specialties. In this age of social media popularity the Philippines, small scale businesses have evolved a more economical way of doing business – welcome to the world of Online Retail. Most businessmen and women find this the best way to […]

September 30, 2014

More Than Your Ordinary Sapphire (Ballet Philippines’ The Blue Moon Gala: A Review)

Ballet Philippines, now in their 45th year, featured pieces fit for its sapphire season and more. Filled with powerful, passionate performances, their 6PM show on the 27th of September definitely felt a lot less than its running time. Carissa Adea and Denise Parungao showcase their strength and grace in Je Tu Elle, BP’s opening number Following the company’s staging of Giselle (September 19-21), The Blue Moon Gala is the second of the three shows in the Blue Moon Series. It features choice masterworks performed by some of the top ballerinas and danseurs in the county to date. Bungkos Suite by  Alice Reyes It was a bravura act through and through: […]

September 30, 2014

BAILA, BAILA, BAILA with FUSE: A Review

Smiles, smiles and more smiles. The moment we entered the Folk Arts theater, we were greeted by pearly whites. Everybody was so happy, from the helpful organizers to the pleasant sponsors and purveyors. What really caught our attention, though, was this bunch of giddy early birds in their stylish – and manually! – deconstructed marathon shirts and colorful Zumba pants! (Their creativity was rewarded later that evening when awards were given out for the most creative tees of the night.) While waiting for the event to start, pictures were being taken left and right. Everyone was in such a positive mood! EAGER BEAVERS. At as early as 5:00 PM, enthusiasts […]

June 02, 2017

Recipe Corner: Beer Battered Chicken Strips

PRIMER’S FEATURED RECIPE How to cook Beer Battered Chicken Strips w/ Vegetables, Chili Soy Glaze over Japanese Rice, a recipe by Brasserie Girolle’s Chef Amando Ian Padilla.       For more info about Brasserie Girolle, please click here.

December 28, 2015

5th Hotel Suppliers Show & Manila International Travel Expo 2014

The industry’s biggest sourcing event is happening right now — the Hotel Suppliers Show 2014 is your one-stop shop sourcing and networking platform for the entire hospitality industry that unites different suppliers, developers, stakeholders and buyers around the country. All hotel and restaurant executives, managers, builders and designers seeking a dynamic showcase of the highest quality hospitality products, technologies and services are invited to this annual event. For more info, please visit http://www.gesi.com.ph/hotelshow/index.html. A special feature to the Hotel Suppliers Show 2014 is one of the travel expositions in the country, the International Travel Expo Series 2014, the only travel and tourism show that is held in three different locations – […]

December 28, 2015

H&M Manila to open this October!

Hurray to all the fans of this Swedish clothing retailer, H&M. The flagship store will be opening its doors on October 17, 2014 at SM Mega Fashion Hall from 9am to midnight. H&M will occupy 3 floors with over 3000 meters sq plan at the new wing of SM Mega Fashion Hall. This full concept store will highlight the 2014 autumn collections from kids, ladies to menswear. Make sure to head on its first day of opening as H&M will be giving away a lot of good offers. photo from H&M website H&M has over 3000 retail stores worldwide and the Philippines is its 55th market. Philippines houses to some of […]

December 28, 2015

Choco Cro is now in Manila – St. Marc Cafe Grand Opening

Manila, Philippines – The grand opening of the Saint Marc Cafe (pronounced as “san maruku”) happened last Sept. 22, 2014 at the 1/F Fashion Hall of SM Mega Mall. (From L-R: Mr. Virgilio Lim [Pres of Suyen Corp.], Mr. Ben Chan [CEO of Suyen Corp.], Mr. Naoyuki Katamaya [Founder of Saint Marc Holdings in Japan], Ms. Ritsuko Fujii [Managing director of Saint Marc Holdings in Japan], and Mr. Taka Miyake [Managing Director of Saint Marc Holding in South East Asia]) The famous coffee shop from Japan already had a soft opening last August, but yesterday was the ribbon cutting attended by the people that made this all possible. Many famous […]

December 28, 2015

Gaucho Restaurant: A taste of Argentina

I never fail to notice this restaurant whenever I pass by the al fresco park on the 3rd floor of Robinsons Magnolia. The exterior is intimidating because of the tinted glass windows and the golden finish on the beautifully decorated gate below the sign Gaucho Cocina y Vinos Argentinos. Most restaurants in the Philippines offer Chinese, Italian and Western cuisines but never have I heard of one serving Argentinian cuisine –oh, and an authentic one at that. Once I entered inside, I was more impressed by the interior. It is spacious and sophisticated: from the black and white checkered floors, the wooden dividers, the tables and chairs to the deer […]

December 28, 2015

Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival: Bridging Generation and Cultural Gaps

Manila, Philippines – The TMJAF Press Conference was held at the Teriyaki Boy, Glorietta, Makati on Wednesday, September 17. Some of the popular Filipino musicians like Sitti, Boy Katindig, Bratpack, Mel Villena, and Moy Ortiz were present to grace the event. Tokyo-Manila Jazz Arts Festival is an annual event that continues to focus on the cultural exchange and artistic collaboration between Japan and the Philippines. It aims to serve as a conduit linking both cultures through music and other allied art forms. This year will be an exciting one for both Filipino and Japanese fans as they take Jazz into a new level of entertainment. There will be a lot […]

September 15, 2014

Official website for the Papal Visit PH is launched

The official website (http://papalvisit.ph) of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in 2015 is formally launched last Sunday, September 14 at the third Catholic Media Summit held at Pangasinan Training Complex and Development Center. His Holiness will make an apostolic visit to the country from January 15 to 19, 2015, marking the 20th anniversary of the World Youth Day in the country. (grabbed from Papal Visit – Philippines 2015 Facebook)  

September 14, 2014

Apple gives away U2’s ‘Songs of Innocence’ exclusively to iTunes users!

The top pop-rock band of all-time U2 is once again teaming up with Apple for the largest album release ever. During the Apple event last September 9, U2 and Apple’s CEO Tim Cook announced that every iTunes Store customer exclusively gets the former’s newest album ‘Songs of Innocence’ for free. The album is already available in iTunes library and users can just tap ‘download’. (Right- Grabbed from U2 website; Left- Screen shot from iTunes library) Since iTunes has more than 500 million customers worldwide, this release definitely makes a mark in music history for it is the most widely-distributed album of all time. ‘Songs of Innocence’ will also be exclusive to […]

September 12, 2014

Apple officially unveils iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus

Apple finally reveals the biggest advancement in the history of iPhone – the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Downloaded from Apple PR The new models are significantly bigger and thinner than iPhones 5 & 5s. The iPhone 6 has a larger 4.7” screen size and a 6.9 mm frame size, making it the slimmest handset Apple has ever made. The iPhone 6 Plus, however, has a much larger screen size of 5.5″ and frame size of 7.1″. Apple fans can expect a better and higher screen resolution with the Retina HD Display, the most advanced iPhone display that delivers brilliant colour and most advanced Multi-Touch experience. The screen is […]