Is April 4, 2012 (Holy Wednesday) a holiday in the Philippines?

Is April 4, 2012 (Holy Wednesday) a holiday in the Philippines?

It will be a very long weekend ahead for the Filipinos.

Maundy Thursday (April 5) and Good Friday (April 6) were among the regular holidays in the Philippines and are included in Proclamation 295 signed by Pres. Noynoy Aquino.    The Filipinos will also observe Holy Saturday on April 7) and Easter Sunday (April 8).

Some Filipinos are asking if April 4 (Holy Wednesday) was declared a holiday.  It is not included in the list of regular and special holidays for 2012 but in previous years, Holy Wednesday is usually declared a half-day holiday to give time for employees go home for the Holy Week, especially those living in provinces.  As of posting, no news yet if Holy Wednesday will be declared a holiday.

Apart from these holidays, April 9, Monday was also declared a holiday to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor which marks the greatness of Filipino fighters during World War II.

Happy long weekend!

source: IamJAmmed

image credit: freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com 

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Fernando Zobel hurt in Nasugbu, Batangas triathlon (Philippines)

Fernando Zobel hurt in Nasugbu, Batangas triathlon (Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines – Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala suffered minor injuries after his bike crashed during a triathlon event in Nasugbu, Batangas on Saturday.

According to sources, Fernando was immediately flown to a hospital in Metro Manila to receive medical treatment.

In a text message, Fernando's older brother Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the businessman “is presently in a stable medical condition and incident just requires suturing of lacerations sustained."

Fernando is an avid runner, having competed and participated in various races.

Leave your feedback in the comment box below.

source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
image : spot.ph

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Earth Hour 2012 Philippines Switch-Off Sites And Activities

Earth Hour 2012 Philippines Switch-Off Sites And Activities

Earth Hour 2012 will take place on March 31, 2012 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. This year, the community is encouraged to go beyond the hour and share anything related to the event—videos, photos, etc.—publicly through Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and email.

“I Will If You Will” is the Earth Hour 2012 campaign. Netizens are asked to “inspire people from all corners of the globe to take sustainability actions, and to share their commitment to the environment with their own social media networks.”

According to Earth Hour Pilipinas, switch-off ceremonies are set in selected sites in Makati, Cebu and Davao. Other towns are expected to participate too.

The hub point for Luzon will be at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Performances during the event include Bailes de Luces, Caracol dancers, El Gamma Penumbra, Brigada and other groups.

In Visayas, the switch-off will take place at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City, while SM City Davao is the main switch-off site for Mindanao.

Will you be joining Earth Hour 2012?




Video Credit: Youtube 

source & image credit: http://www.coolbuster.net

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Saint Theresa's College Ordered By Court To Allow Banned Students To Attend Graduation Rites (PH)

Saint Theresa's College Ordered By Court To Allow Banned Students To Attend Graduation Rites (PH)

Saint Theresa's College was ordered by the court to allow two 16-year-old students to march for graduation, after they were banned from attending the ceremonies for posting on Facebook photos of themselves in bikini.

According to Inquirer.net, judge Wilfredo Navarro of the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 19 issued a Temporary Restraining Order on the sanction imposed by the school to the graduating students.

Navarro stated that STC must “treat the minors with kindness and civility befitting true graduates of a respectable institution sans any discrimination for the entire duration of the commencement exercises.”

Earlier reports said the school penalized the students involved in the so-called “STC Facebook bikini photo scandal” for violating the school handbook that requires students good moral conduct in and outside the campus.

The minors claimed they were deprived by the school due process because they were not given the opportunity to explain their side. They were reportedly scolded by the school principal during a meeting on March 1.

Court records show that in a March 27 meeting, Sister Celeste Ma. Purisima Pe, the principal, and four other respondents, did not deny the allegation of the students that they were called “sluts,” “addicts,” “drunkards,” and “cheap.”

Judge Navarro noted that as minors, the two students have the right to protection not just from physical abuse, but from verbal abuse as well.

“And to deprive them further of their right to participate in the commencement exercises or graduation rites certainly would not help any for their recovery from such a psychologically and emotionally devastating experience,” the ruling said, according to the report.

image credit & source: coolbuster.net

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St. Luke's Taguig among world's most beautiful hospitals (Philippines)

St. Luke's Taguig among world's most beautiful hospitals (Philippines)

St.Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig is in the Top 25 most beautiful hospitals in the world, edging out hospitals from the U.S. and Europe on a list by a healthcare website.

According to HealthExecNews, an information network for healthcare executives, SLMC ranks 11th in the world based on "interior and exterior features and their health-promoting qualities."

"Designs including warm woods and nature-inspired elements, soft color schemes, and exterior facades designed with regards to their natural settings placed these facilities on the list," it said.

St. Luke's ranked higher than nine hospitals in the U.S. as well as hospitals in Austria, Australia, Lebanon, and Switzerland.

Image Credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net

"SLMC has received international accreditation and is recognized as one of the best hospitals in Asia and the entire world.  As such, it regularly receives patients from around Asia, Micronesia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States," HealthExecNews said.

According to its website (http://www.stlukesmedicalcenter.com.ph/index.php), SLMC's Medical Arts Building and nursing tower open "to a grand hotel-like lobby with a concierge and front desk officers ready to assist patients and guests." The hospital also has 60 Customer Care Officers "at the patient's beck and call."

"Premium amenities like 620 modern hospital beds, computers with free internet connection in patient suites, 24/7 Concierge Service, shopping and dining spots, a hotel-like lobby and landscaped decks help make for one-of-a-kind patient experience," it also said.

SLMC welcomed its inclusion in the list, noting it was the first time that a Philippine hospital was included. "With this new honor for the country, let us be proud of the Philippines. Mabuhay!" the hospital said.

source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com

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Robinson's Galleria Robbery Incident: 1 Dead, 6 Others Injured (March 29, 2012) - Philippines

Robinson's Galleria Robbery Incident: 1 Dead, 6 Others Injured (March 29, 2012) - Philippines

A security guard was shot dead and six other persons were injured when at least two armed men robbed the roving tellers of Security Bank inside the Robinson’s Galleria Mall along EDSA and Ortigas Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday, March 29, 2012.


The bank’s security personnel killed in the shootout was identified as Rodrigo Villa. According to ABS-CBN News, Villa died while being treated at the Medical City in Pasig. His colleague, Roderick Reloso, is in critical condition at same hospital.

Image Credit; desi-radio.com

Injured were bank tellers Vincent Mangatura and Lea del Mundo, and mall customers Paul Adrian, Johanssen Dionisia and Rabe Jeremy.

Quezon City police district chief Mario dela Vega reportedly said the suspects threw 2 grenades, but only 1 exploded inside the mall.

An official statement from Robinsons Land stated:

“At least 2 armed men tried to rob the roving tellers of Security Bank in Quezon City at around 10 a.m. today. Police authorities responded to the alarm, which is part of the mall security setup, within 15 minutes.”

The mall was closed for a few hours after the incident and has since re-opened to the public, the statement said.

Police authorities are reportedly looking into the CCTV camera footage of the incident as part of the ongoing investigation.

Here are related videos:





Video Credits: Youtube

 
source: coolbuster

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Who will be crowned the next Binibining Pilipinas?

Who will be crowned the next Binibining Pilipinas?

The coronation night of Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on 15 April 2012. (See the full list of candidates HERE!)

Most of the candidates this yeas have very interesting backgrounds some of the candidates work as registered nurses. One is an interior designer. Another is a doctor. There’s a a certified public accountant and a fashion designer.

Liezl Alcantara from Basco, Batanes is the first pure Ivatan who has joined Bb. Pilipinas. Ayelee Marie Dasalla used to be obese and thought of joining a beauty pageant as an impossible dream.

This is one hell of a competition this year, who do you think will represent the country this year?

The Bb. Pilipinas 2012 coronation night will be aired live on ABS-CBN on April 15. A primer will be aired on ABS-CBN’s Sunday Best on April 8.

source & image credit: http://whynotcoconut.com

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UST student proposes marriage to girlfriend on Graduation Day (Philippines)

UST student proposes marriage to girlfriend on Graduation Day (Philippines)

An Architecture student in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) made his Graduation Day last Tuesday, March 27, 2012, a very memorable one when he surprised his girlfriend with a marriage proposal. Oh, how sweet!

The student, Jerald Benedict Equina, has brilliantly thought of proposing marriage to his longtime girlfriend Angela 'Gelai' Tafalla, a registered nurse, during his Graduation Day at the UST College of Architecture.

It happened at the UST Gym after the graduation ceremony and was witnessed by Jerald's fellow graduates.

And just like most wedding proposals done in public like this one, Jerald also succeeded, getting a precious "yes" from Gelai (she actually said "I do"), who later shared on Facebook this photo of her engagement ring.

No wedding date has been set yet, but the girl revealed also on FB that it will be in 2014.

The proposal was documented on video and has been going rounds already in social media sites, receiving positive comments and congratulatory messages for the couple.

Watch the video of how the wedding proposal happened at UST College of Architecture's Graduation Day:



So sweet! (Who got teary-eyed?) Truly, one of the best marriage proposals I've ever seen.

Thomasians believe it was the first time that ever happened in UST's 400-year history.

And also the first in the Philippines, I guess.

Photos and video courtesy of Jerald and Angela, and Plurality Prod.

source: www.mykiru.ph

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Fire Hits Residential Area In QC (March 28, 2012) - Philippines

Fire Hits Residential Area In QC (March 28, 2012) - Philippines

Fire Hits Residential Area In QC (March 28, 2012)

A fire broke out in a residential area in Quezon City, Philippines, at around noon on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.

ABS-CBN News reports that several houses along E. Rodriguez Street and Araneta Avenue were razed. At least five hundred families have lost their homes, the report said.

Firefighters battle fire

The blaze was reportedly at Task Force Alpha as of twelve noon. Two people were reported injured and four men have been arrested for stealing things of fire victims.

The extent of damages to properties and the cause of the fire have yet to be determined.

source & image credit: coolbuster

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Ban on OFW deployments to Nigeria, Libya and South Sudan lifted (Philippines)

Ban on OFW deployments to Nigeria, Libya and South Sudan lifted (Philippines)

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration had lifted the ban on deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to Nigeria, Libya and South Sudan.

Citing Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, the Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network report that the POEA lifted the ban for Nigeria following pronouncement by the Department of Foreign Affairs that the security situation there has improved.

Baldoz reportedly said the ban for Libya was lifted after the crisis alert level in that country was lowered.

As for South Sudan, the deployment ban was lifed since the political and security situation there had improved.

POEA records shows that 2,152 OFWs work in Libya, 1,691 in Nigeria, and 1,941 in Sudan, Baldoz pointed out according to the report.

source & image credit: coolbuster.net

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List of Official Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2012

List of Official Candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2012

Miss Philippines Earth 2012, the 12th edition of the advocacy-driven beauty pageant, will be held on May 27, 2012. Athena Mae Imperial will crown her successor who will represent the country in the international Miss Earth 2012 beauty pageant.

Last year’s winners, Mary Denisse Toribio (Eco Tourism), Michelle Gavagan (Fire), Jonavi Raisa Quiray (Air), and Murielle Adrienne Orais (Water) will also crown their respective successors.

The Miss Earth Philippines 2012 candidates showcased their bodies in a recent summer bikini showdown. In an interview aired on TV Patrol on Monday, some of the contestants revealed their anti-mining advocacy.

Here is the list of official candidates for Miss Philippines Earth 2012:

• Ariella Arida (23 years old) - Alaminos, Laguna
• Lei Denise Marzoña (23) - Antipolo City, Rizal
• Lauren Danielle Reid (19) - Australia’s Filipino Community
• Dianne Dreyfus - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
• Melanie Belina (19) - Bansud, Oriental Mindoro
• Christina Jana Siratnanont (25) - Bantay, Ilocos Sur
• Queenie Uy - Batangas City
• Zeneline Bulalaque (20) - Batuan, Bohol
• Roxanne Corluy (20) - Belgium’s Filipino Community
• Daniella Marisse Fernandez (19) - Biñan, Laguna
• Dorothy Joy Pagurayan (24) - Cabugao, Ilocos Sur
• Lara Theresa Leones (24) - Antipolo City, Rizal
• Roanne Marie Noche - Calaca, Batangas
• Ellyz Lee Santos (19) - Caloocan City, Metro Manila
• Maricel Mansano (24) - Candon City, Ilocos Sur
• Jem Francelle Sanico (21) - Catarman, Northern Samar
• Janica Burasca - Daanbantayan, Cebu
• Ina Dominica Guerrero (18) - Daraga, Albay
• Jennifer Grace Alberto (22) - Floridablanca, Pampanga
• Dane Felisse Marasigan (21) - Ibaan, Batangas
• Alvy Faith Pel-Ey (19) - Ifugao Province
• Jaydielou Dilidili (24) - Indang, Cavite
• Bhertie Bagaporo (22) - Iriga City, Camarines Sur
• Nylever Carandang (21) - Kawit, Cavite
• Trissia Joy Aldave - Libmanan, Camarines Sur
• Jennifer Edytha Japor (21) - Lucena City, Quezon
• Abbygale Rey (20) - Makati City, Metro Manila
• Zandra Flores - Manaoag, Pangasinan
• Maria Genefe Navilom - Mandaue City, Cebu
• Aufelyn Zabala (22) - Marilao, Bulacan
• Jade Charmaine Manago (19) - Misamis Occidental
• Kathleen Subijano (24) - Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
• Ivy Salvino (23) - Nabua, Camarines Sur
• Glenna Christina Duch (18) Negros Oriental
• Crislet Gerona (21) - Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
• Krystal Alonday (20) - Paombong, Bulacan
• Gail Garcia (24) - Pasay City, Metro Manila
• Thoreen Halvorsen (19) - Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Stephany Stefanowitz (22) - Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Mary Joyce Cruz (19) - Rodriguez, Rizal
• Margaret May Liavor (21) - San Fernando, Romblon
• Princess Manzon (25) - San Francisco, Cebu
• Samantha Purvor (24) - San Juan City, Metro Manila
• Dianne Ramos (22) - Subic, Zambales
• Glennifer Perido (22) - Tabuk City, Kalinga
• Meryl Angeline King (23) - Tiaong, Quezon
• Candice Ramos (24) - Vigan, Ilocos Sur
• Kristina Cassandra Buac - Zamboanga City

source & Image Credit: coolbuster.net

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Job Openings for Filipino Painters in New Zealand (Philippines)

Job Openings for Filipino Painters in New Zealand (Philippines)

The Business Immigration Ltd. of New Zealand is in immediate need of the following:

• House (Exterior/Interior) Painters – 100 vacancies
• Sandblasters/ Industrial Spray Painters (100 vacancies)

Qualifications:

• High School graduate
• minimum of 5 years experience in exterior & interior of commercial/residential. Preferably ex-abroad. 45 years old below
• POEA agency conducts weekly employer’s interview
• Must have verifiable work experience. All previous company must have certification in a company letterhead.
• Experience to include the painting of roofs and exterior walls
• Experienced in interior decorating
• Ability to mix paint to correct colourings
• Happy with climbing ladders and scaffolding
• Advantage if they can fix wallpaper and also wall and floor tiles

To apply, please click the job position/s above and send an online application via WorkAbroad.ph. You can also send your resume at the agency’s email address which is provided in the link.

source: WorkAbroad.ph
Image Credit: home-painting-services-2.com 

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Should Bloggers Be Taxed?

Should Bloggers Be Taxed?

In early February 2012, finance secretary Cesar Purisima ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue to increase the income tax payments of self-employed individuals.

Recently, it was reported that the BIR will focus in collecting taxes from self-employed persons so the agency can attain its target of P1.066 trillion revenues this year.

We’ve also heard that there is a proposal to tax bloggers in the Philippines.

We would love to know your opinions on the following questions:

• Should blogs or bloggers be taxed?
• Are bloggers considered self-employed individuals?

image credit: cpareviewmaterials.com

source: Related Pos

ts on the web

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McDonalds open 3,900 summer jobs (Philippines)

McDonalds open 3,900 summer jobs (Philippines)

Fast food chain McDonald’s and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will offer summer jobs to a total of 3,900 students around the country through the Special Program of Employment for Students (SPES) this year.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced that the Labor agency and McDo will sign a Memorandum of Agreement on the SPES program on March 28, 2012 in Greenbelt, Makati.

SPES is an annual summer employment program spearheaded by DOLE that encourages students to make their vacation productive by working during summer thereby earning extra which they can use during regular school days.

Hired students will be working for a minimum of 4 hours to a maximum of 8 hours a day, six days a week and receive salaries not less than the prevailing minimum wage in the region where they will be employed. Sixty per cent (60%) of salary will be paid in cash by McDonald and 40% will be in the form of education vouchers issued by the DOLE for the payment of tuition fees and books in any secondary, tertiary, vocational or technical educational institutions.

McDonald’s summer job qualifications

• Students and OSY with ages 17-20
• With pleasing personality
• Average passing grades
• Parents’ combined income does not exceed P120,000

Qualified applicants may visit the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in their areas and submit the following documentary requirements:

1. Duly accomplished SPES Application Form
2. Copy of birth certificate or any document that shows his/her date of birth
3. Certification by the School Registrar/Form 138/original class cards
4. Copy of latest Income Tax Return of parents or BIR certificate for exempted parents; and
5. Certificate of good moral character issued by the baranggay (for out-of-school youth)
Deployment of first batch of successful SPES summer job hires for McDonald’s branches in Metro Manila starts on April 10 until June 20, 2012.

Please share this McDonald’s summer job openings to all interested students.

source & Image Credit: NextPing

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Graduation Message of PNoy at the PMA Commencement Exercises (Mar. 18, 2012)

Graduation Message of PNoy at the PMA Commencement Exercises (Mar. 18, 2012)

Here’s the graduation message delivered by President Benigno Aquino III during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy “BAGWIS” Class on March 18.

General Vicente Lim, in a letter to one of his sons, offered some insight into democracy in the Philippines, saying, “Our democracy in the Philippines is unilateral. It is only for the benefit, for the freedom, for the rights, comfort and happiness of each individual member of the nation… . I venture to say that 99.9 percent of our people believe in that kind of democracy. They do not know their obligations, their duties and the sacrifices that they should give to the state… .”

The point that General Lim–one of our bravest soldiers, who laid down his life for his country–wanted to make is clear. The freedom we enjoy comes with responsibilities; the progress we aspire for requires effort. This is the very idea enshrined in the First Rank Insignia, or the “Lieutenant’s triangles” bestowed on each graduating cadet—an act institutionalized by no less than General Lim’s wife, Mrs. Pilar Hidalgo Lim. Having been bestowed with the blessings of democracy, are you ready to rise to the challenge of paying it forward with good will, integrity, and the willingness to sacrifice?

Image Credit: CoolBuster

I have faith in your ability to respond to this challenge. After all, these are the lessons that PMA has taught you, and perhaps these are also the lessons you have learned from your parents, who have dedicated their time and resources so that you may finish school. In fact, I had heard of the story of Mang Mario Puertollano, who worked tirelessly as a carpenter so that his dream of giving his children an education might be achieved.

Today, after four years, Mang Mario will be able to breathe a little easier as his son Nonoy, your class valedictorian, graduates. To Nonoy, and the whole BAGWIS Class 2012: after successfully passing those grueling mental and physical tests, I hope you will not be shocked when I say: Congratulations, your four-year vacation here in Fort del Pilar is done. Practice time is over; today, you begin to face the real challenge in your chosen field: to respond to the real problems in our society. Today, all of you arrive at a crossroads, where you will be truly tested as soldiers, as Filipinos, and as human beings.

Outside Fort del Pilar, you will not only fight against armed groups in the mountains, or lawless elements in the cities. There is also the temptation of corruption. For example: if you find yourselves assigned to a far-off province, and a truck full of lumber drives by, what will you do? It is clear to you this is against the law. Will you accept an envelope and stare off into the distance as they slide the logs into the river? You know very well the damage that these massive logs can do when carried along by floods; they plow through bridges, engulf houses, and take the lives of our countrymen. Do you have it in you to say, “I will not accept that, because my own momentary comfort would mean lasting damages to my fellow men.”

You must remember: as shields of the state, you should be the first refuge and the first protectors of our people. If they feel that they cannot turn to you—that nothing will come of seeking your help—they will seek out those who only pretend to be their defenders. But if you are able to live up to your responsibilities and fulfill your mandate, the Filipino people themselves will become your most loyal allies. Do not forget that in any fight, those who have the support of the people will always emerge triumphant. Do not forget that in any fight, those who have the support of the people will always emerge triumphant.

This is the reason why, each year, the Commander-in-Chief confers each class valedictorian with the Presidential Saber. My conferment of this saber signifies the true source of power: from myself, a civilian, to a uniformed soldier.

Indeed, our strength comes from our bosses: the Filipino people. I remember once asking my mother: What do those who subvert and steal from the people gain? If you steal, you have to think about where to hide it. You will never be at peace, fearing that what you stole can be stolen from you. And what will you do with a luxurious lifestyle if it brings you the lifelong censure and the disapproving looks of your countrymen? You amass millions and millions of pesos, yet you cannot spend it because it might become the cause of your imprisonment, so you hide it away. Why would you allow your name to be tainted in the first place, if you will never be able to benefit from the money you stole from the nations coffers? My mother’s answer: “We will never understand them, because they think differently than we do.”

What makes the heart of a true public servant beat is very different: honesty, integrity, and concern for others. It is by these characteristics through which the people you have sworn to serve will measure you. As Filipino soldiers, you carry on your shoulders the responsibility of ensuring they have a peaceful future. It is very clear: doing the right thing is the key to the nation’s strength, and to our shared success.

And is it not true that your sacrifices are reciprocated with compassion and gratitude? This is indeed proof that the reforms we have been laying across the straight and righteous path have been felt by your brothers-and sisters-in-arms. We know how difficult your job is, which is why, in your relentless fight against lawless elements, your ready response in times of calamities, and your maintenance of the peace in our country, your government is implementing programs left and right to ensure that our soldiers and policemen no longer have to do with meager resources. We are focusing on your needs to make sure that you will consequently be able to fulfill your obligations to the nation.

At present, we have constructed 21,800 housing units for our soldiers and policemen in Luzon. The NHA has also laid down its plans to construct an additional 31,200 housing units for the second phase of our program. The scope of this program has also widened: the members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, who had seemingly long been forgotten, will soon be able to benefit from this program as well. And, even better news: this program will also be expanded to cover your comrades in Visayas and Mindanao.

Let us remember, before we were elected into office, it took fifteen years for the government to release a 33 billion-peso fund for the AFP modernization program. We wasted no time: in the space of only 18 months, we have already allotted 28 billion pesos, and we have successfully completed eighteen projects under the current modernization program. From the acquisition of our first Hamilton class cutter—the BRP Gregorio del Pilar—to the brand new Combat Utility Helicopters that will make their rounds in our skies, we are indeed making sure that you are provided for, so that you will be further motivated to do your jobs well, and in so doing, be able to help more Filipinos.

And to make it easier for you keep watch over lawless elements, we have also electrified thousands of sitios. Take note: based on the data of the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration, the previous administration left us with about 36,000 sitios still without light. To see if it was indeed possible to complete their project, we allotted 814 million pesos to bring light to a target of 1,300 sitios. But because of careful planning and efficient implementation by the DOE and NEA, our initial target of 1,300 sitios to be electrified became 1,520, and we completed this in a span of only 90 days. What cost one million pesos per sitio before, we were able to achieve with only 600,000 per sitio. This is proof positive that, on the straight and righteous path, we can answer the needs of Filipinos, not just in due time, but in record time.

I know that the path you have treaded to fulfill your aspirations has not been easy. I invite you to join me in making sure that the path we leave behind for the next generations is easier to follow. Yes, there are times when the temptation to pull one over your fellow men and stray from the straight and narrow path may knock at your door. Yet, what must remain foremost in your minds is the idea that, when you gain things unjustly, it can be guaranteed that you are also harming your fellow men. And when you do good, you can be sure that good will come to you and to our nation.

Let us remember: we will only reach our dreams if we are ready to fight for them. To all the members of PMA Class 2012 BAGWIS: cherish, and never forget this day. So that whenever you face a crossroads in the future, you can return to this memory, to remind yourselves of why you chose to be a part of this institution; why you chose to be Filipino soldiers; why you were able to surpass and gain victory over all the challenges in the Philippine Military Academy.

God willing, after decades have passed and it falls on you to greet the new cadets of the PMA, you will be able to look them in the eye and say: “The circumstances in which you find yourselves are better, and soldiers are now more successful and respected, because, to the best of our abilities, we have devoted our spirit and our strength to fixing the wrongs in the system—not only some of the time, but all of the time—all in the name of a brighter future for our true Bosses: the Filipino people.”

Thank you, and good day.

source: CoolBuster

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The Amazing Race Phillippines - How To Audition (Video)

The Amazing Race Phillippines - How To Audition (Video)

The Amazing Race, the world’s most prestigious adventure race is now accepting applicants for audition for its first Philippine edition!

The twelve-time Emmy Award winner for “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program” arrives on local shores with an open call for contestants of The Amazing Race Philippines.

The show’s producers consider the Philippines as one of their favorite places to shoot, and now you can take part in this grand event too. If you want to audition to be part of the show then you might want to try out! There are three ways to audition: online, mail-in, and on-ground:

For online auditions: visit www.theamazingrace.ph for the link where you can fill up the online registration form and upload your audition video in AVI, MOV or MPG4 format. The audition video’s running time should be a minimum of 1 minute and maximum of 3 minutes.

For mail-in auditions: download the application forms at www.theamazingrace.ph and send the completed forms together with a DVD of your audition video to the TV5 office (21st floor Marajo Tower, 26th corner 4th sts. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig).

For on-ground auditions: watch out for announcements of audition dates on different venues. Both team members must be present and come prepared with the completed application package.

Also watch this video for details:

Video Credit: Youtube

Note: Carefully review the Terms & Conditions and Application Procedure. Applications must be received by April 2, 2012 (Monday) 6:00 pm Manila time.

Source & Image Credit: http://theamazingrace.ph

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DepEd summer job: SPES 2012 form, instructions (Philippines)

DepEd summer job: SPES 2012 form, instructions (Philippines)

Department of Education (DepEd) opens again its annual summer job offerings for students thru the 2012 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
 
The Deped Central Office (NCR) announced that they will be accepting 150 students this year, with employment period for 40 days. Date of application starts March 1 to 28, 2012 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday through Saturday. Salary will be minimum wage, 60% of which will be paid by DepEd and 40% by DOLE, plus additional daily allowance from DepEd.

SPES 2012 Qualifications:

• At least 15 years old but not more than 25 years old.
• Must be enrolled this school year (in-school) or if not, must have intention to enroll next school year (out-of-school)
• Combine annual net income of both parents must not exceed P143,000.
• Applicants must have passed all the subjects during the current school year.
• Applicants must possess office skills with priority given to those with computer-related skills.

SPES 2012 Application

• Go to www.facebook.com/csca.deped and press ‘Like’ button.
• Download and answer the Self-Assessment Test form. If you have problem accessing, try alternate SPES 2012 form download here. (Note: You must have Adobe Reader installed in your computer.)
• Save the filled up form and email to depedspes@gmail.com. Print another copy for interview.
• Wait for DepEd email on interview schedule and control number.
• Print and bring to the scheduled interview.

SPES 2012 Interview Requirements:

• Biodata/resume with a 2-x-2 recent photo, the completed self-assessment form, and birth certificate.
• College student applicants must submit recent grades and school registration, preferably for the second semester.
• High school students must provide their Form 138, preferably with fourth grading marks.
• Out-of-school youths are required to present grades available before dropping out of school and a Certificate of Indigence issued by the barangay where he or she resides.
• Income tax returns of both parents. If they are non-filers of ITRs, they must bring an affidavit duly certified by the BIR that the annual net income of both parents does not exceed P143,000.

Note that this application procedures are only for NCR students. If you live in outside NCR, please check with your regional DepEd or DOLE offices.

Apply now for DepEd SPES 2012 summer job opening before slots are filled up.

source:  DepEd

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Syria Bans Filipino Domestic Workers

Syria Bans Filipino Domestic Workers

Syria is imposing a ban on Filipino domestic helpers starting next month. ANC reports that the ban is apparently in response to the forced repatriation of Filipinos there.


The Syrian government has reportedly issued a decree on the ban which will take effect on April 1, 2012.

Only Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh nationals applying as maids will be allowed to enter Syria.

Instead of getting dismayed, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac reportedly said the ban has a positive effect on the Philippine government’s campaign against human trafficking in Syria.


source: ANC News Report

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Videos: MyPhone Online TV Commercial (Philippines)

Videos: MyPhone Online TV Commercial (Philippines)

Teens are going gaga over videos of the new MyPhone Online TV commercial. The MyPhone Online music video is said to be a collaboration of stars from ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5.

Staring Sam Concepcion, Devon Seron, James Reid, XLR8, Julia Montes, Barbie Forteza, Kristofer Martin, Lousie Delos Reyes, Julia Montes, Alden Richards, Janine Gutierrez, Julie Ann San Jose, the new MyPhone Online TVC has “Love and Education,” “Tourism,” and “Nationalism” as themes.

Image Credit: couplesforchristglobalmission.wordpress.com

We’ve also embedded the full music video below. Watch these:









Like or dislike? Comment below!

source: CoolBuster.net

Videos Credit: Youtube

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Vice Ganda's GGV2 Expected To Trend Again! (PH)

Vice Ganda's GGV2 Expected To Trend Again! (PH)

Vice Ganda’s comedic talk show on Sunday night, March 18, is expected to become a trending topic on Twitter considering that the guests are the hottest stars of today.

It is definitely interesting to watch how “Future Heartthrob” Daniel Padilla will answer Vice Ganda’s questions with his mom Karla Padilla beside him.

Image Credit: elyvalendez.blogspot.com

“Walang Hanggan” stars Paolo Avelino and Julia Montes, who play couple Nathaniel Montenegro and Katerina Alcantara in the primetime television series, will also jam with Vice.

And of course, “Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang” lead actress Erich Gonzales, herself a smooth but straightforward talker who can answer pressing questions wittingly, will also be part of tonight’s episode.

GGV2 to trend tonight! Agree or disagree?

Video Credit: Youtube

source: CoolBuster

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