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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.

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 […]

December 28, 2015

Salalalalad Bamba at Bamba Bistro

Tucked away along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes Paranaque lies a restaurant called Bamba Bistro. This well-raved gourmet place in the South is owned by the very talented young chef, Ms. Christina ‘Tina’ Legarda. The name of Bamba Bistro came from the song La Bamba which her father used to play when she was young to comfort her whenever she was sad. (Singing it in my head now, “la, la, la, la bamba…”) Bamba Bistro is a combination of gourmet comfort food and modern bistro. It is a well-designed restaurant with fresh interiors, cozy couch, and a family vibe once you enter. The restaurant is divided into two sections: the […]

September 08, 2014

PRIMER Magazine September Issue: SALAD Feature

Have you checked out the September issue of Primer magazine? This month, Primer features our favourite restaurants in Metro Manila that offer the freshest selections of salads. Gone are those days when a salad was just considered to be the “rabbit food” or the boring green dish in the menu. Now, more consumers are opting for a more nutritional alternative than the traditional fast food. And salad is the best choice. In this issue, find out how these restaurants not only offer healthy and delicious greens but also put creativity in its serving. Start eating salads today. Eat healthy. Your body will thank you.  Grab the latest issue of Primer […]

December 28, 2015

IPPUDO Philippines finally sets foot in Manila!

The 42nd international branch of IPPUDO is finally opening its flagship store in the Philippines at one of the premiere shopping destinations in the city, Mega Fashion Hall. Today, Primer was invited to the food tasting event and press preview of IPPUDO PH! Many VIPs also attended the event. Founder Mr. Shigemi Kawahara, also known as the “Ramen King”, flew over to the Philippines to personally open this branch. At the opening, Mr. Kawahara told everyone that he is pleased that they are finally opening a branch in “the country of smiles.” He aims to make the Filipinos happy with their ramen. Founder of Standard Hospitality Group, Mr. John Concepcion […]

December 28, 2015

The 25th Philippine Travel Mart

The BIGGEST one-stop travel trade exhibition is happening right now! The Philippine Travel Operators Association (PHILTOA) has organized the Philippine Travel Mart 2014. This year marks its silver anniversary, making it the longest running travel and trade exhibition in the Philippines. From Sept 5-7, you can catch more than 200 exhibitors such as tourist operators, hotels, resorts, transportation companies, and other tourism-oriented companies at the SMX Convention Center. Find exclusive discounts and travel prices slashed down up to 70%! This is in line with the 25 “Pasasalamat” Sale ng Bayan Tour Packages. The Philippine Travel Mart aims to give everyone opportunity to travel the archipelago at a fairly low price. […]

September 15, 2014

Primer’s MVP of the Month (August 2014)

It’s that time of the month again when we share to you the Most Valuable Primer staff…. *drum roll* This August……. It’s none other than “the little giant”……. Cresen “SEN” Abrea! Sen is Primer’s Accounting and Admin officer. She keeps track of EVERYTHING that goes in and out of Primer — from the office budget to the equipments. And she also keeps the files and records organized and make sure they are up-to-date. Thank you, Sen, and keep up the good work!!!

February 28, 2017

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – Primer Edition

Manila, Philippines – Today, the staff of Philippine Primer Magazine accepted the challenge of its CEO, Mr. Hiromichi Fujita and participated in the viral campaign known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. As a media company in the Philippines, we try to find ways to be part of this kind of advocacies that we truly believe in. We decided to donate and show our support on the fight against ALS by taking the challenge. ALS – Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons  reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal […]