Foundation for Media Alternatives to Launch Philippine Gender Report Card

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is set to launch a Gender Report Card that measures the Philippines’ progress in closing the digital gender gap on April 6, 2017 at the Oracle Hotel and Residences, Quezon City. The launch and forum is expected to be attended by around 50 participants from academe, government, women’s groups, community organizations, human rights organizations, and other civil society groups.

The Philippine Report Card was developed by FMA in collaboration with the World Wide Web Foundation and with support from UN Women and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The overall country score is based on 14 indicators that were grouped into five main thematic categories, namely: internet access and women’s empowerment, relevant content and services, online safety, affordability, and digital skills and education. Scores for each indicator were given based on reliable empirical sources such as reports, surveys, and existing legislation.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have transformed the way people communicate and relate with each other. ICTs have provided opportunities for women to express and assert their rights and identities, access important information that may contribute to their empowerment, and the development of the communities they belong in. However, as the Report Card scores demonstrate, a formidable gender gap in Internet access, digital skills and online rights remains to be closed.

In response to these scores, FMA, in consultation with other national stakeholders, has taken the lead in identifying concrete steps that the Philippine government can take to address the challenges identified. These steps form a 5-point action plan: integrate gender into the Philippines’ national ICT plan; improve internet affordability and speed; implement inclusive digital literacy programmes; conduct gender audits of government agency websites; and end online gender-based violence.

Apart from the Philippines, the Web Foundation and its partners prepared similar gender audits in nine other countries (Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Colombia, India, and Indonesia). The audits are designed to help the countries assess the steps that need to be taken to close the digital gender gap. In the future, FMA plans to use the Report Card to push for the agenda included in the action plan and influence meaningful policy change.

Universal Robots Partners Nissan Motor Company to Enhance Manufacturing Productivity through Collaborative Robots

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Nissan Motor Company has simplified processes, reduced relief worker costs and stabilised production output through deployment of Universal Robots’ UR10 cobots

Universal Robots, the leading collaborative robotics company, has announced that Nissan Motor Company has successfully deployed Universal Robots’ UR10 robot arms at its Yokohama factory; joining other global automotive manufacturers including BMW and Volkswagen who are using Universal Robots’ collaborative robots (cobots) to automate their processes. Through the deployment of Universal Robots’ cobots, Nissan has enhanced its production processes, resulting in a higher level of output and stability as well as time and cost efficiencies. Nissan’s aging workforce also enjoy a reduced workload, and were redeployed to less strenuous tasks.

Shermine Gotfredsen, General Manager, SEA and Oceania, said, “We are excited to be working with Nissan in their automation journey. The global automotive industry plays a key role in driving the adoption of collaborative robots (cobots) to produce better manufacturing output, and this is critical for industry players to stay competitive. Universal Robots is at the forefront of this trend; our cobots effectively support process automation, resulting in improved safety standards and less strain on human employees. This can be applied not only in the automotive industry, but also in the manufacturing of electronics and electrical, pharma and chemistry, and food and agriculture.”

Cobots are an offshoot of traditional industrial robots. They are lightweight and mobile in terms of deployment, and are flexible enough to be modified for different applications. The automotive industry uses cobots in a wide variety of processes, including handling, assembling, packaging, palletizing, labelling, painting, quality control and machine tending. The market value for collaborative industrial robots in the automotive industry was US$23.56 million in 2015 and is projected to reach US$469.82 million by 2021, at a CAGR of 64.67% between 2015 and 2021.


Rise of Collaborative Industrial Robots in The Philippines’s Automotive Industry

The automotive industry in SEA is poised for expansion with large markets experiencing important sales growth. As a key manufacturing hub producing for Asia and the world, SEA’s automotive sector grew by 11% CAGR between 2010 and 2015[1]. The upcoming implementation of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free-Trade Area is expected to lower import and export taxes in the region, further driving demand for cost-effective regionally manufactured vehicles.

The Philippine automotive industry is one of the key drivers of the economy, contributing 4% of GDP in 2011[2], and is the third fastest-growing automotive market in Southeast Asia. The industry aims to make the country a competitive manufacturing base of motor vehicles and parts and components, serving the domestic and export markets globally. Currently the country has a 2% market share in the region[3]. With increasing demand for automotive vehicles, the Philippines automotive industry is moving towards automation using collaborative industrial robots to ensure cost-effective increases in manufacturing.



UR10 Robot Arms at Nissan Motor Company

Nissan Motor Company needed to streamline its production process at its large-scale Yokohama plant. The company also needed to manage labour costs with an aging workforce and the associated loss of vital skills.

Mr Nakamura, Expert Headman for the plant’s Engine Section, said: “We needed a robot large enough to carry hefty intake manifold components, weighing up to 6kgs. On comparison with other companies’ robots, we selected the UR10 due to its cost advantages for a single robot, as well as its weight capacity. In the process of installing the intake manifolds, only the UR10 robot arm had the payload of 10kg among the other products we considered.”

Universal Robots’ cobots are collaborative industrial robot arms that can automate processes and tasks that weigh up to 10 kg, and require precision and reliability. With a reach radius of up to 1300mm, the cobots are designed to be more effective at tasks across a larger area, and can save time on production lines where distance can be a factor. Universal Robots’ cobots are easy to program and set up. They are designed to work alongside humans, as a tool, to help simplify and speed up tasks that might be complicated, or require greater physical strength.

After deliberating on the range of safety and features required, Nissan decided on using the UR10 robot arms which were easily installed, programmed and operational within a week. The deployment of UR10 robot arms at Nissan reduced production time and quality as well as allowed employees to be relieved of monotonous tasks, allowing them to obtain valuable line experience elsewhere.

Subsection Chief of Engine Section Mr Onishi said: “We are able to quickly respond to potential production time overruns as we can easily move the UR10 to work on any process in the plant where the issue has been identified. We plan to further the use of cobots by integrating the strong on-site and engineering capabilities, which will increase our level of cobots deployment going forward.”

For more details on how Nissan Motor Company is using UR10 robots please click here.

Top 7 Tips To Become Better in Writing

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If you want to be a good writer, be ready that this will be a hard job. Our short article will give you some writing advice to improve writing skills.

If you are going to become a good writer, be prepared to work hard. It’s not an easy job, but if you will follow our writing advice, you get success eventually. Whether your goal is to publish a detective book or to write a story of your life to your grandchildren, remember that every writer can learn to write better, and try to improve your skills every day.

Writing tips

Start your writing journey today, and be prepared to both good and bad moments. Remember that no one is perfect, and learn on your own mistakes every day. And of course, keep in your memory that your hard job worth the effort.

1. Read a lot every day. You won’t be able to become a good writer without reading. Try to read famous authors, notice what style they use, and how they describe things. When you read a good book, there is a feeling that you can see everything that happens there just in your mind. This is a goal you need to reach. If you don’t read great writers, you won’t be able to know how to write perfect.

2. Write every day. Even if you’re busy with job, kids or something else, try to spend at least half of hour writing. This should be regular to improve your writing skills. Only effective regular writing will help to raise your level. Writing needs a lot of practice, so don’t be lazy and prepare yourself to work hard.

3. Keep a notebook and pencil in your pocket and write down new ideas that come to your head. Your inspiration may come when you’re walking outside on weekend or heading home from work in the evening. Make even small notes that may seem you not valuable. After revising your notebook, you may get a full and bright idea for the future writing.

4. Create your writing ritual. Just find at least 30 minutes every day when you can sit in a quiet place alone and write. This may seem hard at the very beginning, but in about a month you will be used to this, and writing ritual will be your special time.

5. Get feedback. Your writing doesn’t make any sense without readers. Read your work to your friends, relatives, etc. and ask them to give you a feedback. Use criticism to improve your writing and never get disappointed about mistakes. You won’t be able to learn anything without making errors.

6. Read articles, blogs and tips from writers on Internet. There are a lot of useful information you can find there; in addition, you are able to ask for any writing advice you need. Online conversation with other people who are also learning to write may be helpful. Regularly research information about writing styles and different techniques, read various Spider Essay.

7. Create your own blog and publish your work there; you will get your own readers that may react at your article/story. It will be useful for you to be in touch with people in your blog. Their reaction is an important part of real writer’s work. Don’t expect all people to react positive, you definitely will get haters, and this is kinda normal, just be ready for this. Read other writers’ blogs and analyze what in their work attracts you mostly.


These are just some short tips for you how to improve your writing skills, but we hope it will be useful for you. Never give up and keep trying, there is no success without hard work and mistakes.

City of Dreams Manila Marks the Lenten Season and Easter with Various Offers

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Luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila gears itself for the Lenten and Easter holiday season with a host of activities to suit various inclinations, from church visits to exciting Easter-themed promotions for rooms, dining and events during the Holy Week.

Families looking to unwind amidst a modern and vibrant oasis can avail of a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila that also offers a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the nearby Shrine of Jesus church from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday. The Holy Week Retreat package, which is available from April 9 to 16, consists of a two-night stay at P18,300 net or three nights at P24,800 net and includes: a luxurious accommodation for two persons with buffet breakfast at Nobu restaurant, DreamPlay passes for 2 adults and 2 children, daily Aqua Zumba classes, gym and pool access. Children under 12 years old are free of charge, if sharing room with parents. Daily breakfast at Nobu is complimentary for 2 adults and 2 children, 5 years old and below. For children ages 6-12 years old, buffet breakfast is 50% off the adult rate.

The young ones and the young at heart in the family will have a grand time at DreamPlay’s Easter Sunday Celebration on April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With the Easter VIP package, guests at this DreamWorks-inspired play space are entitled to an enticing Easter brunch buffet at Chez Gingy, all day park access, fun-filled Easter activities, special Easter bag with goodies, and “Secret of the Master” movie pass at the Dream Theatre. Guests can join Kung Fu Panda’s Po and other Dreamworks characters in Easter fun activities such as Egg-stravagant Egg Hunt, photo op with Po, Gingy’s “Baking is Colorful” cooking class and dance routines by well-loved DreamWorks characters with the DreamPlay Dreamers. The Easter VIP pass is at P1,799 net per child (80 cm. & above, up to 17 years old) and P1,499 net per adult.

Blockchain and Financial System Impact

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Blockchain is a technology that basically distributes a ledger. For those of you in the financial management world, you know a ledger as the trusted source of transactions or facts. The same is true with blockchain. But instead of existing in a large leather bound tome or in a financial management application, blockchains are managed by a distributed set of computing resources working together to maintain that ledger.

Each transaction, or block within it, is linked together in an indisputable manner using public/private key encryption and internal validation algorithms. Hence the term ‘blockchain’. These links are created in such a manner as to be irrefutable, allowing the community to establish and maintain trust instantly, and can be linked all the way back to the original block (or transaction). The distributed community manages transactions, thus maintaining the ledger.

Blockchain Uses

The uses for this technology are fairly broad in nature. Most of us have heard of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and others. Some operate on the TOR network, in the shadows of the real world. Transactions using these currencies are relatively secret, but more on that in a bit.

More open and commercial uses for blockchain include contract management, title and deed management, and other transactional operations that demand a high degree of certainty as far as what happened, when, and who was involved. Think of a simple service contract where two parties enter into an agreement. The original terms are noted within a block. As services are delivered, a block is added. As services are received, blocks are added. Payments for services rendered are recorded or even automatically managed. This documentation of the end-to-end process of contract management and associated events provides evidence of an irrefutable series of delivery validation points.

Private or Public

Blockchain systems and instances can be public or private. Bitcoin is managed in the open using strong encryption and tightly controlled algorithms. Companies can create their own private blockchain implementations to include digital currencies. In fact, several brokerages are now in the process of creating their own blockchain applications with localized digital currency. In these instances, the currency is tied to an account, with a certain number the digital currency units provided per Dollar, Euro, Yen, or Pound of intrinsic value in the account. At the end of the trading day, the brokerage can easily settle all accounts. They can also do it inexpensively.

Blockchain Cost

Here is the first interesting thing – the cost per blockchain transaction is extremely low. This is particularly true when compared to credit card or bank account transactions. If a bank decides to purchase credit card operations from another bank, they have to be integrated into the purchaser’s IT environment. It happens. But the cost to do so can be tremendous, and can take a great deal of time.

The annual maintenance on thousands of applications working together to create and manage all credit card and bank account transactions is a huge burden on financial institutions. In addition, there is also problem management. Think of things like fraud, mischarges, disputed transactions, money laundering management, and a host of other things that have a high impact on bank resources (money, time, and people.) Managing credit cards and bank account transactions comes with a high level of cost and ongoing operational expense burdens.

Not so with blockchain and digital currencies. The entry fee from an IT perspective can be quite low. From a transactional cost perspective, the publically managed system incurs little to no cost whatsoever – transaction management is outsourced and the cost is a fraction of what it would be in a similar financial institution’s back end system.

In the case of a brokerage house, an in-house cloud computing environment can be used to provide distributed management of the ledger in a more privatized manner. Digital currency transactions are cheap, fast, irrefutable, and extremely reliable. This makes for rapid adoption due to the potential for realizing strong savings as opposed to current transactional models.

Unregulated Currencies

The second interesting thing is the unregulated manner in which digital currencies operate. While some digital currencies operate in the open, some are behind the scenes and only exist in the TOR network. This makes their use obfuscated. For example, it is difficult to know if a bitcoin was involved in crimes such as fraud, questionable purchases, or other illegal operations. While the same thing can be said of paper currencies, the real difference is in the account. Since the uses of digital currencies rely on the distributed ledger for currency management, these ‘accounts’ can be completely untraceable as to the owner, how the currency was used, and where the currency flowed to and from in relation to the current account. This represents a huge issue for regulators, particularly when those digital currencies can be converted into regulated currencies. Which, by the way, most can.

Regardless of regulatory issues with digital currencies, the SEC has also had a hand in blockchain technologies and digital currencies. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) typically consist of an index, specific commodities, a number of bonds, or a bucket of common types of stocks. An ETF was created for digital currencies, particularly an ETF based on Bitcoin. When the SEC was deciding whether or not to allow digital currency trading (via the ETC) on the floors of US exchanges, Bitcoin value rose sharply – toward the $1,300 mark. When the SEC finally decided to reject the trading of the ETF, Bitcoin rapidly lost almost 20% of its value. This decision may also indicate how the Federal Reserve will ultimately deal with the digital currency. Regardless of these setbacks, however, Bitcoin continues to be a mainstream Web currency.

Devolution of Currency Systems

The third and last interesting I find when considering digital currency is the devolution of international monetary systems. In the United States, we went from loosely managed systems to a centralized system. Prior to 1863, individual states within America could print their own money, but that paper currency was restricted from crossing the state border. Individual companies or other entities could also print their own notes, including railroads, territories, and other organizations. After 1863, ‘greenbacks’ were used as a nationwide fiat capital, but again, there were still other currencies in circulation that were being printed and were loosely tied to the greenback system. It was common for people and organizations to have a variety of currency notes and coins. The Federal Reserve System didn’t come into play until the early 1900s. As a result, we now generally know what a dollar is worth.

Now there are literally dozens of legitimate digital currencies out there.

That, coupled with the fact that anyone can create their own digital currency, creates a mental image of currency devolution. We are going back to a digital version of those days in the past when everyone was printing their own bills, only now it revolves around digital currency.


Potential Security Issues

Blockchain and digital currencies are here to stay. In fact, they are rapidly expanding in both acceptance and usage. So, what are the security issues?

First, if a private blockchain technology is being used, there are a finite number of servers supporting the transactions within the system. If a certain number of those servers are compromised, there is a high degree of certainty control of the currency is lost. In other words, if you have 100 servers maintaining your digital currency, and I take over 51 of them, I win.

Blockchain technology is based on a system consensus model, where the most recent and compete block is retained as the true record. In private implementations, this consensus could be negated through the elimination of a majority of supporting servers through a security compromise.

Secondly, there is usually centralized oversight of a digital currency. If that is compromised in any way, the currency is also compromised. Individuals responsible for oversight, typically a consortium, have the power to undo blocks or otherwise make major decisions about forks (discrepancies in the blockchain).

As always, security technologies will have to adapt to the security needs of blockchain technology. The inherent operation may be relatively secure through the use of encryption and strong algorithms, but cybercriminals will inevitably find the weak links of the blockchain system and attack them.



Fortinet adopts a forward-thinking view of cybersecurity, and stands ready to protect private blockchain processes and implementations today. Fortinet’s secure fabric provides the powerful tools needed to integrate security capabilities and communicate threat information across that secure fabric in order to rapidly identify and negate cybercriminals. Ask us how.

Targus Transit 360 Spinner: Sleek Cabin-Sized Luggage for Protection and Smart Travelling

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Beyond Travel. Everyday Adventures.

A leading brand in laptop cases and accessories, Targus Inc. unveiled the 15.6" cabin-sized Transit 360 Spinner, the latest travel companion that tailors to the needs of the rising number of business travellers.

Travel and tourism contributed to more than USD7.6 trillion to the global economy in 2014[1]. Comprising 38% of global business travel, Asia is the largest business travel region in the world and is expected to have double digit growth in the next few years[2]. Sophisticated yet functional, the new 15.6” Transit 360 Spinner integrates protection, mobility and versatility, making it ideal for short trips and business travellers.

The Transit 360 Spinner was put to the test, and remains fully functional. Withstanding a wide range of tests - from lock, zippers and handles tests to drop, tumble and wheel abrasion tests - the spinner luggage is a sturdy piece of accessory fit for the business traveler to transit a step faster for hassle-free travels.

A refreshing look with brand new colours and details, the cabin-sized luggage features three colours: black (TBR029), silver (TBR02901) and wine (TBR02902). 

​​Danny Kingad Sees Manila Match as Gateway to Big Flyweight Bouts in ONE Championship

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Filipino prospect Danny Kingad believes that his three-round flyweight encounter with division newcomer Muhammad Aiman could be his stepping-stone to the upper echelon of ONE Championship’s 61.2-kilogram weight class.

Both men are scheduled to face each other on the undercard of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, which takes place at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 21 April.

Kingad sees his flyweight meeting with Aiman as the perfect platform to elevate him in the rankings of the division as his Malaysian counterpart is a former MIMMA featherweight titleholder.

In addition, Aiman is currently riding high on a two-bout winning streak, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first match inside the ONE Championship cage while stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his most recent outing.

“He had a great run in the amateur ranks as most of his wins came by submission. He was an amateur mixed martial arts champion with a 7-1 record. He has won two-straight fights as a featherweight. Now, he moves down to flyweight. It’s the perfect match-up if I want to climb the ladder of the flyweight division,” Kingad said of his opponent.

DTI Secretary Mon Lopez Says P500 B New Investments Expected this Year

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Department of Trade & Industry Secretary Ramon “Mon” Lopez on March 31 spoke to media to say that their “conservative estimate” is that the Philippine economy this year 2017 shall attract P500 billion pesos worth of new investments and will accelerate economic growth, he said all these at the Pandesal Forum of 78-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City.

Lopez said the Duterte administration’s goal is to ensure that Philippine economic growth shall be inclusive and sustainable, thus among its reform policies is releasing state funds to support microfinance entities in order to counter the controversial high-interest “5-6” usurious loan-sharks victimizing small traders and micro-entrepreneurs. The initial fund is P1 billion pesos, but he said Budget Secretary Diokno urged him to apply for additional P2 billion pesos. Lopez said President Duterte’s vision is to make P1 billion pesos funds for every region of the Philippines for micro-lending to smallest traders.

Secretary Lopez also said DTI and other government agencies are partnering with the private sector, malls, the business chambers in order to encourage and support small & medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. DTI is also helping ensure stable consumer prices.

During the free-wheeling Pandesal Forum with local and international media, Secretary Mon Lopez extolled the country’s pro-Philippines “independent foreign policy” which has resulted in unprecedented warming diplomatic, economic and strategic ties between the Philippines and the world’s second largest economy China and global energy superpower Russia.

Get Ready Asia! Online Auditions for AXN’s Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 to Start on April 10

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Who will be Asia’s Next Superstar?

AXN will kick off its search for Asia’s next global superstar from April 10, as the leading general entertainment channel calls for online auditions for the highly anticipated second season of Asia’s Got Talent.

The record-breaking series, which crowned Filipino shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, the grand winner in the first season with a cash prize of USD100,000, will once again unite Asia in a celebration of talent that transcends language, culture and borders.

“Asia’s Got Talent is the world’s biggest talent competition and we encourage people of any age and with any dream to come forward and take the spotlight. Following the outstanding success of season one on AXN, and the awe-inspiring talent that emerged from 15 countries, Asia’s Got Talent has established its place as the region’s most powerful platform to launch aspiring stars,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Potential stars can visit www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent to submit an application and audition video, which should include a short introduction of the act, and the actual performance. The videos should be under two minutes’ in duration.

In addition to the online auditions, AXN will hold a series of open auditions in major cities across the region next month. Cities, dates and venues will be announced in the coming weeks via AXN’s TV channel, social platforms (@AXNAsia) and website.

“For season two, AXN is looking for a variety of acts that span everything from thrilling, surprising and breathtaking to funny and quirky…and sometimes bizarre. Asia’s Got Talent is captivating entertainment at its best and there’s no better place than Asia to discover to the next generation of superstars,” said Ms. Lim.

New Ratings Records in Asia

Season one of Asia’s Got Talent set new ratings records for the English general entertainment (GE) genre during its run, taking AXN to the number one spot in its timeslot among all regional pay-TV channels collectively across Southeast Asia and Taiwan.2

In Malaysia, Asia’s Got Talent was the highest rated entertainment series on English language channels on Astro in the past two years. In the Philippines, the Grand Final Results episode of Asia’s Got Talent was the highest rated pay-TV program in the country since 2008, and commanded a 96 percent share among 22 English GE channels. 3

Got Talent Globally
The Got Talent franchise was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced and owned by Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia. It is entered in the Guinness World Records as the Most Successful Reality Television Format in history with 70 local versions produced across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas. Around the world, the Got Talent format airs in a total of 186 countries. 

AXN: A leader in original productions

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including five seasons of the international Emmy-nominated The Amazing Race Asia; the Asian Television Award-winning Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; Cyril: Rio Magic; Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition; and the Asian Television Award-nominated Cyril: Simply Magic.

Tips to London Splurges You Can Afford

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There’s a saying that goes something like ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. The UK city just has it all – you can’t get bored in London, but you can get poor if you aren’t careful. To put it mildly, the city isn’t the cheapest of places to hang out in, but luckily, there are ways to enjoy London splurges without destroying the wallet. Here are the tips to keep in mind.


Use an Oyster Card

You need to travel around if you want to enjoy the great city to the full. But travelling in London is not cheap nor that fun (tube strikes, yack!). Luckily, the magnificent Oyster card scheme can cut down your travel cost and a monthly or an annual pass is a must-have for anyone looking to travel around the city.

Oyster cards are even useful for those visiting the city. Instead of spending money on the Travelcards, just get the Visitor Oyster Card. It’s 50% cheaper than using single tickets or the one-day Travelcard.


Enjoy the free attractions

While London has plenty of attractions that can cost a fortune, others are completely free. You can treat yourself to most London museums and galleries without spending a pound. Check out, for example, Tate Modern, the British Museum and the National Gallery. If you want to have a sophisticated walk around the city, the parks offer plenty to see. You can snap perfect Instagram photos at Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath.

Not to mention, you can splurge on all things royal without spending any money. Changing the Guard is a free event and you could wave to the Queen during the opening of the Parliament, for example.


Last-minute tickets

London is famous for its West End shows and you definitely want to splurge some money on a good show. However, you can be smart about your spending and shop for last-minute tickets at the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square. It’s the official booth so you won’t get ripped off and the tickets for the day’s shows are a lot cheaper than if you bought them beforehand. If you are sure of the show you want to see and you don’t mind queuing, you could just show up before the show and see if there are stand-by tickets and returns available.


Local theatre and shows

Now, London is a big city with thriving local communities. While the central London tends to have all the attention, there are plenty of stunning things happening on the other boroughs. If you want to enjoy theatre, comedy and cabaret, then just move further away from central London and find local shows in small theatres and pubs. These are not less worthy of your attention and they will help you save quite a bit of money.


Pass it out

Looking to explore the most famous London attractions? If you want to splurge on places like Madame Tussaud’s and the Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t forget to buy the London Pass. After the initial payment of around £100, you get to visit all these popular destinations for free! Not to mention the pass gives you the power to skip the queues (in most instances), so it can definitely worth it if you have limited time available to hang out in the capital city. The pass occasionally runs extra savings campaigns so check out the offers from the website.


Wine and dine with discounts

Eating out in London offers tons of splurges and most are affordable with the help of discount schemes. Tastecard.co.uk offers the option to eat out at some of the city’s hottest restaurants without paying the full price! Indeed, you can often find offers that help you enjoy 2 for 1-deals or get starters and drinks for free.

Furthermore, wining and dining is super cheap if you are willing to skip the restaurant table. Street food is huge in London – some of the best eateries in the city are humble street food trucks in changing locations.


Booking online

Finally, the best way to finding splurges you can afford is going online. If you book your tickets online, you can cut the cost of your ticket and you don’t need to stand in a queue on the big day. For example, tickets to London Eye are almost 10% cheaper online than if you just showed up to buy the ticket in person. So, when you know what you want to do, check if the price is cheaper online.

So, think which attractions, restaurant and hotels you want to visit and book your spots online. Just make sure to leave room for getting from place A to B – London traffic can really be a pain.

Hopefully, with the above tips in mind, you are able to have a good time in London and splurge without breaking the budget.