2013 Official Holidays:4 Long Weekend Schedule

2013 Official Holidays:4 Long Weekend Schedule

Rise and shine people! Happy New Year!

In a matter of hours we will bid goodbye to 2012 and usher the new year 2013 to our lives. The so called end of the world did not happen. I bet, like me, you wanted to know the official holidays for 2013 which I already wrote way back in September 2012 here. So peeps plan ahead your escapades. Enjoy life to the fullest.

We all have a chance to plan ahead our vacations for next year as there are at least 17 days of holidays and nonworking days for 2013.

Based on Proclamation 459 signed by President Benigno Aquino III, here are the regular holidays for 2013:

Jan. 1, New Year’s Day (Tuesday)
March 28, Maundy Thursday
March 29, Good Friday
April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan (Tuesday)
May 1, Labor Day (Wednesday)
June 12, Independence Day (Wednesday)
Aug. 26, National Heroes’ Day (last Monday of August)
Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day (Saturday)
Dec. 25, Christmas Day (Wednesday)
Dec. 30, Rizal Day (Monday) 

The full list of the special nonworking days are the following:
March 30, Black Saturday
Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day (Wednesday)
Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day (Friday)
Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day (Saturday)
Dec. 24, Christmas’ Eve (Tuesday)
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve (Tuesday)

February 25, meanwhile, is a special holiday for all schools to commemorate the Edsa People Power Revolution, “which restored and ushered political, social and economic reforms in the country.”  

National holidays for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be proclaimed only after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined. 

“To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President on which day the holiday shall fall,” said in the proclamation.

The proclamation also said that “holidays, except those which are religious in nature, are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.” 

Long Weekends

    March 28-31, 2013 - Holy Week
    August 24-26, 2013 - National Heroes Day
    November 1-3, 2013 - All Saints' Day
    December 28, 2013 - January 1, 2014 - Rizal Day and New Year

Byahe na sa Pilipinas ! 

MARLON STOCKINGER:Filipino-Swiss First Formula Race Driver?

MARLON STOCKINGER:Filipino-Swiss First Formula Race Driver?

Stockinger carries the Philippine flag during his races. Even his helmets have the Philippine flag colors and picture at the back of his helmet.

Marlon Stockinger sets his goal to be the first Filipino F1 racer. He started racing at the age of ten (10) and left the country for Europe when he was seventeen (17) to purse a racing career.

Stockinger finished 8th at the Michelin Formula Renault UK 2010.

Congratulations! We're proud of you!

Photo Source: Spot

Let's Count our Blessings.

Let's Count our Blessings.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

Have you had this experience, when you are driving to work and there is so much traffic. Why? Because there was an accident on the road, oftentimes even though the car wrecks were already moved to the sidelines there's still traffic, why? It is because the people who are passing by are slowing down to check on what is wrong. Often times our attention are drawn to what is bad. We are focused on the problem and not the goodness. 

In 2013, come join me in trying to focus on what is cool in our lives. Like the wonderful sunrise and sunset on the other side of the road perhaps?

Can we learn together to count our blessings?

90% of our lives are grace. Thank God.

If you can breathe without impediment and you don't find any difficulty breathing, then thank God. You are blessed! 

If you can stand or sit down on your own and without any pain, then be thankful because a lot of people can't even sit down nor stand up like those stroke patients in the hospital, those who are bedridden and those who doesn't have enough strength to even sit down. I've been in that situation last year when I can't even sit nor stand on my own. The pain on my lower back is excruciating. 

Can you stick out your tongue? That's a blessing! My cousin suffered a stroke and can't even stick out his tongue nor utter even a single word. He can't even move his right arm or leg.

If you can eat without any difficulty then be thankful! I can't eat on my own for a while last year, because my right hand won't move up. I had physical therapy and rehabilitation. Now I can eat with my right hand but I still have physical pain yeah, you read it right, I suffer from numbness and aching all over my right arm. My dslr camera was broken because the camera slipped out from my numb right hand. But I am thankful to God, because I can use my right hand to eat now, despite the pain. I know that God is healing me now in the ocean of grace, love and mercy, I am hoping and praying that soon I'll be 100% again.

In 2012, it pains me to know that some people who are ugly-hearted orchestrated and invented gossips that are 360 degrees different from the truth. If they only knew the fact about my hands and treatment, then they would be laughing and realized that what they had said and typed were far from the truth. You bet, my physical therapist and rehabilitation doctor were laughing so hard when they heard what others have conceived from their ill imaginations. They know for a fact, that being violent will never be my forte, because I would be the first one to run away if there's any sign of trouble because of my head injury.

I know that sometimes it is difficult for me to verbalize what I wanted to say, nevertheless I am still thankful because I can speak and communicate even if they often times misunderstood me. When I learned that some ugly-hearted individuals would put words into my mouth, I felt sad and happy at the same time, sad because they put me in a bad light, happy because they made me the center of their universe.

Despite its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, the fact remains that you are still a child of God. No less than the trees and the stars. Yes, you have a right to be here.

Count your blessings and let's celebrate New Year not with a bang but with a dance. It is better to celebrate when you have all your fingers intact. Let us reach for our full potential in 2013. Cheers for our success, happiness and for peace and contentment.

Praise God for these wonderful blessings. Smile God bless you!

Canon's Product impact in my life

Canon's product impact in my life.

In 2008, I bought a Canon copy machine at Canon Legazpi City and it came with a point and shoot Canon Camera. I used the Canon copy machine for my business. And that was the beginning of my life as a Canon lover. 

First, I was luckily invited to the Canon event in Cagsawa Ruins, which is a good one hour away from my place of residence then. I must admit, I was having hesitations whether to attend or not, since aside from it being far from my place of residence, I have a business to attend to at the same time. It is a good thing that I went because the Canon point and shoot camera they bundled with the copier won for me second place at the point and shoot category of a Canon sponsored contest at the Cagsawa Ruins. I used the SD Card given to me by Canon and took a photo of the professor I just met during that event while he was taking a photo of the remains of the old church of Cagsawa.

Because of that wonderful experience. I decided to buy a DSLR camera. Of course, it is also a Canon. Yes, I bought a Canon 550 D DSLR despite the suggestions of my friends to just buy a Nikon D90, because that's what they use. In Libmanan photography club, I was the only Canon user because I super love Canon's vivid pictures and quality. My DSLR accompanied me to my solo trips in the Philippines and at the Great Wall of China. It also inspired me to try to live life again after my ruptured brain aneurysm operation, though my brother said that I moved like a pendulum whenever I tried to take pictures during the early stage of my recovery in 2011.

I was not aware that photography will have such a big impact in my recovery. I have had physical therapy and treatments so I could take better pictures. My Canon DSLR helped me find an inspiration to be able to walk again.  I recovered from being physically bedridden. Though I am not yet 100% as of the moment,  I am glad I can now take better pictures using my Canon DSLR camera.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night

Congratulations to all the winners of the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival Awards held Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.  

The list of MMFF winners: 

Best Actress: Nora Aunor won for her role in “Thy Womb” 
Best Actor :Dingdong Dantes for “One More Try” 
Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano won for his role in the film “El Presidente” 
Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesnt of “Sisterakas.”
Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano for `El Presidente’
FPJ Memorial Award: ‘One More Try’ by Ruel S. Bayani
Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma in ‘El Presidente’
Best Score: Jessie Lassaten, ‘El Presidente’
Best Theme Song: ‘El Presidente’ by Apldeap and Jamir Garcia
MMFF New Wave Actor: Alan Paule for ‘Gayak’. Actress: Liza Dino of ‘In Nomine Matris’
MMFF New Wave Beat Director: Tyrone Acierto for ‘The Grave Bandits’
MMFF New Wave Special Jury: ‘Ad Ignorantiam’ by Armando ‘Bing’ Lao
MMFF New Wave Best Picture: ‘The Grave Bandits’ by Tyrone Acierto
MMFF Awards: Make-up: ‘El Presidente’ (Warren Munar and Company)
Best Visual Effects:  Imaginary Friends and Black Burst for ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll 14: The Invasion’
Production Design: Brillante Ma Mendoza ‘Sa Iyong Sinapupunan’
Editing: Vito Kahili for ‘One More Try’
Cinematography: Odyssey Flores, ‘Thy Womb’
Special Award for Gender Sensitivity: Will Fredo for In Nomine Matris (New Wave); Manibela by Roberto Pagotan (Student’s Shorts); “Thy Womb”(Mainstream)
FPJ Memorial Award: “One More Try” by Ruel Bayani
Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano for El Presidente; Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesn’t for Sisterakas 
Best Written Story: Henry Burgos for Thy Womb
Best Director: Brillante Mendoza for Thy womb
Best Screenplay: Anna Karenina Ramos and Company for One More Try
Gatpuno Antonio Villegas award: Thy Womb
Best Picture: One More Try
Second Best Picture: El Presidente
Third Best Picture: Sisterakas
Male star of the night: Joseph Estrada
Female star of the night: Nora Aunor.
Special Award SMDC Male Celebrity of the night: Zanjoe Marudo. 
Special Award SMDC Female Celebrity of the night: Bianca King
 Montano’s win gave ‘El Presidente’ 5 awards so far in the glittering rites hosted by KC Concepcion and Kris Aquino. 

THAILAND-CAMBODIA: Single Visa

THAILAND-CAMBODIA: Single Visa

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed on a single visa under the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy framework, effective Dec 27, 2012 turning the two neighboring countries into a single tourist destination for non-visa Asean travellers.

The Acmecs Single Visa pact was signed by Mr Surapong and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong at the 8th meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JC) at a Bangkok hotel on Wednesday morning. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said this single visa will help promote tourism in the two countries, making it easier for visitors to obtain visitors and travel between Thailand and Cambodia.

The visa would allow visitors from 35 countries, listed below, to stay up to 60 days in Thailand and 60 days in Cambodia. Tourists would be able to apply for the visa at embassies of either country.

The 35 countries previously announced, but not confirmed today, are: 

1. Australia
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bahrain
5. Canada
6. China
7. Denmark
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hong Kong
13. Iceland
14. Ireland
15. Israel
16. Italy
17. India
18. Japan
19. Korea
20. Kuwait
21. Luxembourg
22. the Netherlands
23. New Zealand
24. Norway
25. Oman
26. Portugal
27. Qatar
28. Spain
29. South Africa
30. Sweden
31. Switzerland
32. Turkey
33. the United Arab Emirates
34. the United Kingdom 
35. the United States.

KC CONCEPCION: 2013 Cover Girl

KC CONCEPCION: 2013 Cover Girl

KC Concepcion's swimsuit pose for a billboard of Bayo in 2008 created quite a stir among showbiz folks. She then sent a big shock waves across the country with her February 2012 cover of Rogue Magazine after her breakup with Piolo Pascual in January, 2012. Now, the megastar Sharon Cuneta's first daughter brings her sexy image back as the 2013 Calendar Girl for a Distillers. Do you happen to see any of KC Concepcion's 2013 Calendar? If not, then browse some of her pose...

It was a bit of a shock to see KC’s newest pictorials.

“This is really quite new for me. But for 12 years I’ve been endorsing, I feel this is the best time to do this na. It’s worth the wait. And I am endorsing a product na since the 1800s pa eh, nandito na, hindi lang in our country but all over the world,” KC said.

At 27, KC is no longer afraid to be typecast in sexier, more sensual, and daring roles.
 
“No more na. And I think, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Mas maganda tingnan ang babaeng may sense of openness when it comes to these things. I think, simula nang ipanganak naman ako, until the time I went abroad to study and live there, hanggang bumalik na ako here, sanay na ang mga fans with what they’ve seen in me,” she said.


KC gave her full trust to the creative team for the calendar shoot — photographer Marc Nicdao, hairstylist Celeste Tuviera and stylist Pam Quiñones.

“We were allowed to have our own creative freedom for the different poses I did. Ayaw ko rin namang gumawa ng something where I won’t be comfortable. Gusto ko, maging masaya ang fans, lalo na ang pamilya ko when they see this,” she revealed.


Other articles about KC Concepcion:

KC and Piolo Rogue

Sexy KC Concepcion's X-factor and Pet Snake

Sexier Photo of KC Concepcion for Rogue Magazine

Daring KC Concepcion in Rogue Magazine

KC Concepcion Rogue Magazine Cover Trended on Twitter

KC Bikini Cover Shoot for Cosmopolitan Magazine

KC Concepcion dons two-piece Bikini on Cosmopolitan Magazine

ABS-CBN PR heads vs. KC Concepcion

Mark Bautista tagged as third party in the Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion break-up?

Piolo and KC's break-up

Sharon Cuneta - KC's new suitor is real man
KC Concepcion's complete Rogue Magazine Photos

SUMMARY OF THE RIGHTS OF AIR PASSENGERS

SUMMARY OF THE RIGHTS OF AIR PASSENGERS

Right to receive the full value of the service purchased.

Right to Sufficient Processing Time.

Right to Board Aircraft for the Purpose of Flight.

Right to Compensation.

 

 

Air Passenger Bill of Rights

Air Passenger Bill of Rights

Napapanahon! Yan ang sigaw ng sambayanan! Mga kapwa ko Pinoy, Know your rights laban sa mapang-abusong airline companies!

Sa wakas napakinggan na ang matagal ng hinaing ng mga pasahero na nagbabyahe sa himpapawid. The Air Passenger Bill of Rights was crafted by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Department of Trade and Industry in response to the increasing number of complaints against airlines. (It's about time!)

The recently released "Air Passenger Bill of Rights", took effect last December 21, 2012.
What is Air Passenger Bill of Rights?  

Air Passenger Bill of Rights is a measure which seeks to protect consumers from certain airline practices such as overbooking and "misleading" promo fares. I hope this new Passenger bill of rights will help make sure air travelers are treated with the respect that they deserve.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo on Monday signed the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 1 or the Air Passenger Bill of Rights.

COVERAGE:

The order covers all Philippine-based carriers operating domestic and international flights, as well as foreign carriers operating flights from the Philippines.

Under the order, passengers affected by delayed or cancelled flights will receive compensation from the airline, such as free food, drinks and even hotel accommodations.

Flight cancellations, delays

In case of flight cancellation attributable to the airline, the passenger is entitled to the following rights:

(a) Be notified beforehand via public announcement, written/published notice and flight status update service (text);

(b) Be provided with the following, if he/she is already at the airport at the time of the announcement of the flight cancellation: sufficient refreshments or meals (e.g. snacks consisting of at least a bottle of water and a sandwich, or breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or a voucher for the same, as the case may be); hotel accommodation (conveniently accessible from the airport); transportation from the airport to the hotel, v.v.; free phone calls, text or emails, and first aid, if necessary; and (c) Reimbursement of the value of the fare, including taxes and surcharges, of the flight cancelled, or both in case the passenger decides not to fly;

(d) Be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference, at the option of the passenger, and provided that space permit such re-accommodation; or

(e) Rebook the ticket, without additional charge, to the next flight with available space, or, within 30 days, to a future trip within the period of validity of the ticket. However, for rebooking made over 30 days, fees and fare difference will paply.

In case the airline decides to cancel a flight at least 24 hours before departure, it will not be liable for any amenities except to notify the passenger, and to rebook or reimburse the passenger.

Passengers who are affected by flight delays or at least 3 hours, whether it is attributed to the airline or not, would be entitled to refreshments or meals; free phone calls, text or e-mails; first aid; and ticket rebooking or refund.

Overbooking
The order also addresses the airlines' practice of overbooking. "No passenger may be denied boarding without his/her consent," the order stated.

Any expense or inconvenience caused by overbooking to affected passengers must be borne by the airline:

The airline shall determine the number of passengers in excess of the actual seat capacity of the aircraft;

The carrier shall announce that the flight is overbooked, and that it is looking for volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for air carrier compensation.
It shall provide the interested passengers or volunteers a list of amenities and offers, which they can choose from, which list of amenities shall always include the option to be given priority booking in the next flight with available space or to be endorsed to another air carrier upon payment of any fare difference, and provided that space and other circumstances permit such accommodation, at the option of the passenger, and/or a cash incentive.

At present, airlines are allowed to overbook 10% of its seats per flight but the order removed the limit.

Lost luggage
The bill of rights also addresses passengers' complaints about lost, delayed or damaged luggage. Airlines would now have to compensate passengers P2,000 for every 24 hours their baggage is missing. After 7 days, the baggage would be deemed lost.
No to misleading ads

The order also requires airlines to fully disclose restrictions on rebookability or refundability attached to certain promo fares.

Airlines are now required to disclose the following information on fare advertisements:
(a) Conditions and restrictions attached to the fare type;
(b) Refund and rebooking policies, if any;
(c) Baggage allowance policies;
(d) Government taxes and fuel surcharges;
(e) Other mandatory fees and charges;
(f) Contact details of the carrier (i.e. phone number, website, e-mail, etc.); and
(g) Other information necessary to apprise the passenger of the conditions and the full/total price of the ticket purchased.For promo fares such as the popular "piso fares" or "zero fares", airlines would now be required to also include the following information:
(h) Number of seats offered on a per sector basis;
(i) The duration of the promo; and
(j) The CAB Approval No. of Fares.

"Consistent with the declared policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumers, which includes protection from misleading and fraudulent sales promotion practices, all sales promotion campaigns and activities of air carriers shall be carried out with honesty, transparency and fairness, and in accordance with the requirements of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and its IRR," the order stated.

Airlines are now required to provide the DTI with a copy of its promo materials, in addition to securing approval from the CAB.

This year, there has been a growing number of complaints against airline companies, ranging from delayed flights to overbooking to misleading promo fare ads. This has prompted the DOTC and DTI to take a closer look at the airlines' practices and craft the Air Passenger Bill of Rights.

AN OPEN LETTER TO CITYBANK AND SHOPWISE

AN OPEN LETTER TO CITYBANK AND SHOPWISE

Yesterday, December 22, 2012, Citybank Credit Card holders who received a text message that they can now claim one Purefoods Jamon De Bola for only Php2 at participating Rustan's and Shopwise stores in the Metro had to endure the long lines and unsystematic process. The process took more than 4 hours to complete. Ay, sinabi mo pa, the lines are insane and HB na lahat ng tao sa lines. I thought  pandemonium would break loose any moment last night. Ha ha ha!

Here are some unsolicited advice to Citybank, Rustan's and Shopwise:

1.  Please give out numbers, so the Citybank credit card holders can eat, pee, shop, and sit while waiting for their turn. ( See, you'll earn more by giving them a number because they'll shop and dine in your establishment while waiting.)
2.  Please provide chairs or stools. Some of these people lining up are physically not capable to stand for 4 hours, such as the senior citizens and people with certain illnesses. Kayo din, isipin na lang ninyo nanay o lola o lolo ninyo na nakatayo ng apat na oras.
3.  Please turn on the air conditioner. One new found friend in line said she can bear standing up for 4 hours but at least make it more comfortable by providing them cooler air.
4. Please separate the lines of those credit card holders who will claim only one or two Jamon de Bola, it is unfair to line up for 4 hours and be delayed because some credit card holders claim up to 30 pieces of Purefoods Jamon De Bola each. 
5. Please add some more staff that will process the Php2 transaction fee. Based on actual experience and observation, mag isa lang yun staff ng shopwise na nag pa punch ng lahat ng transactions last night.

Overall, your clients are happy with their Php 2 Purefoods Jamon De Bola but please do hear them out. Merry Christmas.

TUTUBAN MALL: Dazzle your Christmas on a Budget!

TUTUBAN MALL: Dazzle your Christmas on a Budget!   

Hear ye, hear ye! Who says you can’t share the joy and be merry when you’re on a budget? Christmas is the joyous time of the year. Which means, shopaholics have a great excuse to splurged. For my fellow shopaholics who wants to save, where else can you shop on a budget? Yes! Divisoria Tutuban Mall is the place to shop this season.  Be dazzle at this fantastic place!
 
The hunt for great holiday presents live on and choosing items that won’t put a hole in your pocket is the smartest, merriest way to do your shopping.

Tutuban Center and its popular year-long Tutuban Night Market offers numerous suggestions that range from holiday party outfits to unique Christmas gift suggestions. Take your pick on home accents, kitchenware, colourful accessories, gadgets, clothes and adorable knick knacks that will definitely lighten up your holiday spree.


Can you believe this? You can grab these My Phone gadgets for as low as Php 200.00 to Php700.00 at Tutuban Mall.
                                         

Gowns, suits and dresses prices starts at  Php250.00 to Php1,500.00. Suit up! Men’s formal wear for only Php5,000.00 for a set.

Home sweet home with curtains ranging from Php250.00 and up per panel and pillows from Php50.00 and up. 

Light up the room with these stylish lamps at Php50.00 and up. 

So spring up a step to Tutuban Center and its festive Night Market where holiday on a budget means shopping galore!

When you get hungry, dine at the newly renovated Tutuban Center’s Food Street where you can find a wide variety of fresh grilled meat and seafood that are cooked to perfection.

CHOOKS TO GO: Win a Trip to Thailand Promo

CHOOKS TO GO: Win a Trip to Thailand Promo

OMG! I learned about this promo just now, the last day of the world errr last day of the contest. No purchase necessary wooooooooooot! Yes, everybody is free to join this promo. Ready ka na bang manalo ng Christmas getaway sa Thailand? Hurry and join now!
 
Prize:

Bangkok, Thailand Getaway for 6 people (3 days, 2 nights)
- Includes Free hotel accommodation at My Hotel with daily breakfast, half city tour and free air fare.

Mechanics:

•   Must be 18 years old and above
•   Must be a resident of the Philippines 
•   Promo Period: 2012-Dec-13 to 2012-Dec-21

How to Join:

•   Step 1: Like Chooks To Go on Facebook.
•   Step 2: Register your details (name, birthday, email, telephone number, password) via the   link below then tag five friends.

You can invite as many sets of 5 friends as long as you invite different people each time!

The winner will be announced on Christmas eve!
 
Travel period for the prize: January 18 to February 10, 2013

Link to the promo

Good luck!

MISS UNIVERSE 2012:Miss USA Wins

MISS UNIVERSE 2012: Miss USA Wins

Thank you Jory Rivera for the pictures. From left to Right, Miss Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon, Venus Raj and Jory Rivera in Las Vegas, Nevada right after the pageant.

 Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Miss Janine Tugonon with Jory Rivera.                           

Our very own Miss Philippines Janine Mari Tugonon placed first runner up in the Miss Universe pageant held Wednesday (US time) in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States of America. Miss USA Olivia Culpo won the title of Miss Universe 2012.

Top Five were: Philippines, Australia, Brazil, United States, and Venezuela.

During the Question and Answer portion, renowned photographer Nigel Barker asked Tugonon a question from Twitter: "As a global ambassador, do you think speaking English should be a prerequisite to being Miss Universe?"

Tugonon answered, "Language isn't the only important thing. As long as you can influence and inspire other people, as long as you have a strong mind, spirit, you can be Miss Universe." 

Janine Tugonon called Miss Universe "a battle of a lifetime," noting that Filipinos are inherently fond of beauty pageants. "If I make it here, I feel that I can give them hope, and it's an early Christmas gift to them," she said. 

Congratulations Janine!
Photo Source : OPMB