Philippines News

Philippines News

Business

Apple has revealed local pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, giving Filipino consumers an early look at how much the new devices will cost in the Philippines. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₱94,990 for the 256GB model, while the iPhone 18 Pro […]

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding more flights between Manila and Melbourne just in time for the year-end travel season. From 19 November 2026, the airline will operate the route daily, increasing its current schedule from five flights a week to seven. The move comes as PAL prepares for higher demand around Christmas and the holiday […]

Passengers flying with Cebu Pacific could soon stay connected throughout their journey, as the Philippine low-cost carrier plans to introduce Starlink Wi-Fi on its aircraft from 2027. The airline announced the plan on Tuesday, saying it will work with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to provide high-speed and low-latency internet during flights. […]

Apple Pay is now officially available in the Philippines, allowing eligible iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac users to add Philippine-issued credit and debit cards to Apple Wallet and make contactless payments. Apple announced the launch on 4 August, giving Filipino consumers another option for making payments in shops, through apps and online wherever contactless […]

The Philippine passport has climbed three places in the latest Henley Passport Index, rising from 75th in 2025 to 72nd in the second 2026 edition of the global ranking. Released on 21 July to mark the index’s 20th anniversary, the Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter […]

Write For Us

Have experiences you want to share? Then get in contact with the Social Expat team!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Enter your email to receive daily round-up of most hottest news

Advertise With Us

Looking for a comprehensive way to advertise to expatriates?

Travel

Planning a trip to the Philippines often means choosing between busy cities, quiet beaches and outdoor adventures. Cebu makes that decision easier by bringing many of these experiences together. Located in the Central Visayas, Cebu combines an urban centre with historic landmarks, offshore islands, beaches, marine life and waterfalls. For travellers planning their first Cebu […]

For 2026, the Philippines has another reason to be on beach lovers’ itineraries. Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, was named the world’s best beach in the 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking. The list was compiled with input from more than 1,000 travel professionals, with Entalula taking the top position ahead of beaches in […]

Vietjet is adding a new direct route between the Philippines and Vietnam, giving travellers in Central and Northern Luzon another option for a quick getaway to Ho Chi Minh City. Starting 10 November 2026, the Vietnamese low-cost carrier will operate direct flights between Clark International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City three times a week. […]

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding more flights between Manila and Melbourne just in time for the year-end travel season. From 19 November 2026, the airline will operate the route daily, increasing its current schedule from five flights a week to seven. The move comes as PAL prepares for higher demand around Christmas and the holiday […]

Travellers planning domestic or international trips from the Philippines may see lower airfare costs in the second half of August 2026 after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) reduced the airline fuel surcharge by one level. The CAB announced that the fuel surcharge would be lowered from Level 13 to Level 12 for the period from […]

Advertisement

Food & Drink

Manila has landed on Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for street food in 2026, giving Filipino food another reason to be on the radar of travellers who like to eat their way around a city. The Philippine capital ranked fourth on the global publication’s annual Best Cities for Street Food list, tying […]

For millions of Global Filipinos living thousands of miles away from home, a single bite of Jollibee Chickenjoy offers more than just a quick meal—it serves up a warm sense of nostalgia, comfort, and Pinoy pride. Now, that familiar taste is once again taking the top spot in America’s fast-food scene. In the latest USA […]

If there is one dish that truly defines the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine, it is Sinigang. A staple in millions of households, this thin, sour, and deeply comforting soup is highly adaptable and almost universally loved. It is one of those rare, magical dishes that you can eat straight for a whole month […]

If you have ever travelled through Southeast Asia or relaxed at a beachside bar, chances are you have enjoyed a cold bottle of San Miguel. More than just a popular beer in the Philippines, San Miguel has become a symbol of Filipino culture, entrepreneurship, and national progress. What started as a small brewery in Manila […]

When people think of Filipino food, dishes such as adobo, sinigang, or lechon usually come to mind. However, there is another dish that often surprises foreigner because of its unusual origin. Called pagpag, this food has attracted international attention after videos of people eating it went viral on social media. While many see it as […]

Advertisement

Health & Wellness

If there is one dish that truly defines the heart and soul of Filipino cuisine, it is Sinigang. A staple in millions of households, this thin, sour, and deeply comforting soup is highly adaptable and almost universally loved. It is one of those rare, magical dishes that you can eat straight for a whole month […]

The traditional Filipino diet reflects the history, geography and culture of the Philippines. Across the country’s more than 7,000 islands, food plays an important role in daily life, family gatherings and celebrations. Filipino food is known for its balance of taste: savoury, sour, sweet and salty flavours. Thus, creating dishes that are both comforting and […]

As wellness tourism becomes one of the fastest-growing sectors in international travel, the Philippines is making a strategic move to establish itself as Southeast Asia’s next premier destination for holistic healing. Long overshadowed by Thailand’s luxury spa industry and Bali’s globally renowned yoga retreats, the Philippines is positioning its own strengths at the center of […]

The tropical climate of the Philippines offers a vibrant backdrop for outdoor activities. However, the distinct transition between the intense dry season and the torrential wet months brings significant public health challenges, such as dengue, TB, even malnutrition. Extreme environmental shifts, combined with evolving socio-economic factors, consistently elevate the risk of infectious and chronic conditions […]

Knowing where to find a reliable hospital in the Philippines can provide peace of mind. The healthcare system in the Philippines ranges from small community clinics in rural areas to internationally accredited medical centres in major cities. Many private hospitals offer high-quality healthcare services, English-speaking medical professionals, and modern facilities that cater to both local […]

Hotel & Restaurant Reviews

The Philippines has expanded its MICHELIN Key hotel selection to nine properties in 2026, up from five hotels recognised in the inaugural 2025 selection. The latest selection, announced on 18 September, includes two hotels with Two MICHELIN Keys and seven with One MICHELIN Key. Raffles Makati was promoted from One Key to Two Keys, while […]

When the sun sets over Manila Bay, Metro Manila undergoes a dramatic transformation into one of South East Asia’s most captivating evening capitals. The metropolis offers a vast spectrum of evening entertainment, ranging from opulent mega-clubs equipped with world-class lighting systems to intimate speakeasies tucked away in residential neighbourhoods.  The Evolving Manila Club and Party […]

Two restaurants from the Philippines have secured places on the extended Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ranking, highlighting the continued recognition of Filipino cuisine on the regional dining stage. Makati-based Toyo Eatery ranked No. 71, while Restaurant Celera entered the list at No. 100. Both establishments were among the restaurants included in the annual 51–100 […]

As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic culinary hubs, Metro Manila has now become a paradise for foodies. From hidden gem serving traditional Filipino cuisine to world-class fine dining restaurants, the Philippine capital offers an extraordinary culinary adventure. A blend of local, Spanish, American and Asian influences comes together in a unique and unforgettable harmony […]

The Peninsula Manila has been recognised among the world’s leading hospitality properties after securing a place on Travel + Leisure’s list of the Top 100 Hotels in the World. The hotel ranked 25th globally and fifth among the Top 15 Asia City Hotels, making it the only property in the Philippines to appear on both […]

Philippines Guide

Event Gallery