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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.

Uncle Tetsu is Now at SM Megamall!
December 29, 2015

Uncle Tetsu is Now at SM Megamall!

Another branch in Ortigas opens its doors for all Japanese cheese cake enthusiasts! Everyone’s favorite Japanese cheese cake is now available at SM Megamall’s Building A, Upper Ground Floor (near SM Supermarket)! LIKE ALL ITS OTHER BRANCHES, Uncle Tetsu’s SM Megamall branch is a hit! Last March 26, the grand opening of Uncle Tetsu was celebrated by one and all. Gracing the event were celebrities Phoemela Barranda and Uncle Tetsu brand ambassador Heart Evangelista. UNCLE TETSU BRAND AMBASSADOR Heart Evangelista and franchise president Mr. Walter Co. “Uncle Tetsu Cheese Cake is just perfect,” Heart raves. “It’s totally delicious and filling but because it’s light and fluffy, it’s not heavy on the […]
Lawson Convenience Store Opens in Manila!
December 29, 2015

Lawson Convenience Store Opens in Manila!

The Philippines is home to popular convenience stores 7-11, Ministop and, two years ago, Family Mart. Joining this line up is Japan’s Lawson Convenience Store, which had their soft opening today, March 30, 2015. As of the moment, they haven’t had their grand opening yet as they are still doing market research on how they can cater to the needs of the Philippine market. They plan to have their grand opening in May or June. They also plan to open 50 more stores in this year and to have 500 stores in 2020. Lawson offers products that cannot be found in other stores, such as various bread and pastries made […]
Philippine Primer is looking for INTERNS!
July 14, 2015

Philippine Primer is looking for INTERNS!

—– We are looking for someone who can: 1. Write articles about food and restaurants, hotels, events and other lifestyle topics; 2. Take photos or assist in photo shoots; 3. Look for establishments and other businesses to be featured in all three publications; 4. Set appointments and join in meetings with clients; 6. Translate articles in Japanese to English; 7. Attend events on behalf of the company; and 8. Assist the editorial team in any other way Interested? Send in your resume together with three (3) article samples and three (3) photo samples to information@primer.ph —–
Nadai Fujisoba opens in Bonifacio High Street
April 28, 2015

Nadai Fujisoba opens in Bonifacio High Street

The much-awaited opening of Japan’s first soba noodle store, Nadai Fujiosba, has finally happened last March 28, 2015 at the Bonifacio High Street, Taguig. The opening seemed to have made a buzz because diners, who were mostly Japanese, immediately flocked the restaurant at 11:00 am. Soba means Japanese buckwheat noodle and Nadai Fujisoba became well-known by producing the best quality of soba noodle their country has to offer. Here are some items from their menu: Top: NIKU FUJISOBA (P260) Bottom: EBITEN MORI SOBA (P260) Top: EBI TENDON (P380) Bottom: CURRYDON (Large P190/ Small P100) Nadai Fujisoba first opened in Shibuya in 1966 and slowly expanded to some of the bustling […]
Mitsubishi: The All-new Strada
December 28, 2015

Mitsubishi: The All-new Strada

Say hello to Mitsubishi Motors’ newly improved bestseller A dynamic and sophisticated stance, improved bumper and headlamp designs, a distinctive “J-line,” a two-tone black/gray with silver accent center instrument panel, a handy and accessible feature with the touchscreen Multi-media system with dealer option GPS Navigation, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Reverse camera display and more leg room – This is what Mitsubishi Motors’ all-new Strada promises the general public. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) unveils the 5th generation model of its bigger and better Strada. One of its global bestsellers, this sport utility truck combines the “functionality of a pickup truck, the comfort of a passenger car and the amenities […]
XO46 Heritage Bistro: Philippines on a Plate
April 28, 2015

XO46 Heritage Bistro: Philippines on a Plate

XO46 Heritage Bistro is a restaurant known for promoting traditional Filipino dishes locally and internationally. Five years since they opened, XO46 has uniquely presented Filipino tradition and culture to the foreign community – from the delectable and exquisite Pinoy foods to the customary yet stylish interiors and hospitable staff who talks to guests in Tagalog. Now, the well-awarded Filipino restaurant desires to bring out the best in Filipino dishes and gives the people more reasons to appreciate it. Owners Sandee and Andrew Marasigan have proudly come up with a degustaćion that highlights the sophistication and complexity of Philippine cuisine that goes way back from its roots thousands and thousands of years […]
Calbee Japanese Snack Products Now in the Philippines
December 28, 2015

Calbee Japanese Snack Products Now in the Philippines

Last March 13, leading Japanese snack manufacturer, Calbee, officially launched their products in the Philippines at the Glorietta Activity Center. In cooperation with Jack ‘n Jill, all-time favourite Calbee products Jagabee, Pizza Potato and Potato Chips will be available at local supermarkets like Landmark and SM Department Store. JAGABEE (P29 or P62, depending on the size) POTATO CHIPS are available in CLASSIC SALTED, WASABI FLAVOR, CHEDDAR & SOUR CREAM (28g/ P15. They also have 170g) PIZZA POTATO (28g/P17). POTTA stuffed toy (P3000). Potta is Calbee’s main mascot. Pouches (P500) and T-shirts (P600) were also available for purchase. Catch another event in Eastwood on March 20 -21, at Alabang Town Center […]
Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair
December 28, 2015

Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair

The Podium and curator Lori Baltazar let us appreciate living and eating through a one-of-a-kind food and crafts fair. “I’ve always been about championing home bakers”, enthused curator, Lori Baltazar. DESSERT COMES FIRST by curator Lori Baltazar’s is the highlight of that Saturday’s festivities. Food & Flair: A Food and Artisan Crafts Fair is a three-day fair that featured some of the country’s best and most promising dessert shops and craft stores. It was Lori’s first event with the Podium. “From home bakers, I moved on to savory things. Then, I also wanted to feature stores that sell things for the house, for the kitchen and for the table. Things […]
Quinoa: What You Need to Know
December 28, 2015

Quinoa: What You Need to Know

Let your love for this nutritious seed grow. Not in the mood for rice, bread or pasta? Looking for the best alternative for those carbohydrates? Grab some Quinoa! Quinoa (/ˈkiːnwɑː/, from Quechua: kinwa) is a grain crop that has edible seeds. It is high in fiber and Manganese. Fiber helps us digest food faster, which helps us maintain good health and lose weight when necessary. We’ve heard about Quinoa few years back but no one really paid attention to it except for a few food enthusiasts and those who seriously want to switch to a healthier diet. In 2012, Quinoa patties were introduced as an alternative to burger or meat […]
Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015: In Retrospect
December 28, 2015

Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015: In Retrospect

Drums that match the beat of your heart and your feet, dancing that makes you stay up and shake it all night long, laughter erupting from the four corners of the room and applause from an audience in awe. This is what Brasilipinas Carnaval 2015 looked like last February 27 at the Rockwell Tent. It felt like being in Brazil for one night. The night started with a mix by DJ Romeo Cavalcante who co-hosted the event with Luanne Pasinatto. Free drinks were provided by Havaianas, but guests also had the option to choose their own poison courtesy of bar booths from Palladium. Quitutes Brazil served local treats, such as carne […]
Project VOICE Live in Manila: Thank You for Stopping By, Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye
April 20, 2016

Project VOICE Live in Manila: Thank You for Stopping By, Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye

“Manila, you’re rowdy. I dig it.” These were some of the first few words that came out of renowned spoken word poet Sarah Kay last Sunday, March 1, 2015, when she and fellow spoken word poet (and partner-in-crime) Phil Kaye performed their poetry live in the Philippines for the first time ever. Known to be as “champions of vulnerability, cheerleaders for the unexpected and ruthless flashlights for all your heart’s nooks and crannies,” Sarah and Phil are co-directors of Project VOICE, an organization that aims to promote, empower and improve literacy. They have visited hundreds of schools in over 15 countries and offer not only live performances but also student […]
Teppanyaki Takes Center Stage at Akira
April 28, 2015

Teppanyaki Takes Center Stage at Akira

The fire and flair of teppanyaki is the highlight of the dining experience at Akira: The Art of Sushi and Teppanyaki, reintroducing the art of teppanyaki to the growing market of sophisticated diners in the metro. Like the mythical firebenders, Akira’s teppanyaki chefs are trained to show their mastery of the flame, not just to cook the food but to win the guests over as well, turning the personal dining experience into an art form. Teppanyaki refers to the Japanese style of cooking food over an iron griddle or a teppan. Preparations are as important as the meal itself, and the freshest ingredients – quality meats, vegetables and seasonings – […]
The Great British Festival Experience: Brits and Glamour
April 28, 2015

The Great British Festival Experience: Brits and Glamour

Now on its second year, the British Embassy’s Great British Festival fulfilled its promise to be bigger, better and greater. This three-day activity kicked off with a symbolic ribbon cutting by Her Majesty’s Ambassador for the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad together with Fil-Brit football stars James and Phil Younghusband. “This is a great celebration of Philippine-British partnerships [that] we have been building over the years,” said Ambassador Ahmad, “We wanted this festival to highlight the many aspects of British excellence.” He then cited few of these many milestones, one of them the increase in Phil-British partnerships, with fifty-eight (58) new companies joining the festival from the original twenty-four (24) last […]
Philippine Primer March 2015: Back to School Feature
March 03, 2015

Philippine Primer March 2015: Back to School Feature

This Month’s Issue This March, we are giving you more reasons to enjoy the Philippines. The HOT TOPICS section is gracing the pages of Philippine Primer again: discover new places and happenings in Metro Manila! For the main feature, Philippine Primer highlights the most reputable preschool & elementary schools that we feel the niche market of the Japanese will definitely be interested in. Learn more about these schools’ admission and enrollment procedures, curricula and more. Also, learn more about the latest health-food trend: fruit and vegetable juicing. Since people nowadays are going crazy about the art of juicing, Philippine Primer has featured some of the popular fruit & vegetable juices […]
ANA Presents 3rd Yose in Manila
March 02, 2015

ANA Presents 3rd Yose in Manila

The All Nippon Airway (ANA) held the 3rd traditional Japanese storytelling, Yose, last March 1, 2015. This year, famous comedian Tatekawa Shinosuke took the stage on the 2nd floor ballroom of the Fairmont Makati and performed Rakugo in front of almost 600 people in the audience. Rakugo is a type of Japanese verbal entertainment wherein the storyteller sits on a small cushion on stage. Among the performers were Mr. Shinosuke’s 6th apprentice, Shinotaro Tatekawa, and a violin entertainer, Magnum Kobayashi. Children and adults alike enjoyed the comical performance. According to Mr. Shinosuke, it was only in Manila where there were so many kids among his audience. He also said seeing […]
The 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
December 28, 2015

The 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) was first organized by former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor together with some local aviation enthusiasts with one goal in mind: to help jumpstart the local economy and boost the spirit of the Central Luzon region after the devastating 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. Now on its 19th year, the festival, also known as A Weekend of Everything that Flies, was indeed uplifting and more enjoyable than ever. PIHABF is primarily a gathering of local and international aviators and flying enthusiasts, although spectators are also welcome. And so last February 12-15, people from all over the country and the world flocked to Clark […]
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 […]