DO IT YOURSELF - HOW TO COMMUTE TO WAT PO VIA RIVER TAXI

newly opened River City Mall

From the newly opened River City mall, we walked towards the back of Shangri-la Bangkok.

We then turned right to the alley going to the Central Pier -  Si Phraya station.

We waited for the orange flag river taxi and paid 14 baht each then disembarked @Tha Thien.

We walked past a public market selling dried fish like those found in Tabuan in Cebu. 

Softdrinks and water is cheaper @ the small eatery in front of the gate of WAT PO. Coke cost only 20 baht against 25-30 baht selling price by the vendor near the pier.

After drinking Coke, ( my first after 6 months of abstinence) we crossed the road then entered the gate of WAT PO. 

That's when I realized I lost my LUMIX Original Battery ( sigh) I retraced my steps and found nothing, so I guessed I lost it somewhere between the pier and the gate. I moved on. And happily pose for pictures inside WAT PO. There is an entrance fee of 50 baht.

SSS Members Housing Loans for OFW

For Overseas Filipino Workers

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What are the required documents for the loan? The following documents should be submitted upon application: Mortgagor’s Application for Housing Loan with 1” x 1” ID pictures of Principal Applicant and Spouse (Original). Certificate of Loan Eligibility (Original) – (P100 Service Fee). Certification from POEA, DOLE, OWWA, SSS Foreign Representative Office or Philippine Embassy/Consular Office (Original). Latest Contract of Employment (Photocopy). Contract to Sell with statement of latest balance (Original). Owner’s copy of the Original/Transfer Certificate of Title (Photocopy). Latest Property Tax Declaration and Realty Tax receipt (Photocopy). Lot Plan with vicinity map duly signed and sealed by Registered Surveyor or Geodetic Engineer (Blue Print). Building plans/specifications/picture of the house (Blue Print). Confirmation of Completion and Appraisal from Home Guaranty Corporation located at Jade Bldg., 335 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City with tel. no. 895-90-11 (Original). A set of twelve (12) postdated checks covering twelve (12) monthly installments and shall be repeated every 12 months thereafter until the loan is fully paid. Certificate of Acceptance and Occupancy duly signed by the borrower if house is 100% complete at the time of loan filing (original). Special Power of Attorney (if filing is thru a representative) (original). Certified True Copy of the Original Transfer Certificate Title issued by the Registry of Deeds. Note: Present original and submit one (1) photocopy for authentication purposes. Applicant must be up-to-date in all existing loan accounts with SSS subject to verification by SSS-Real Estate Department. SSS reserves the right to require additional documents if deemed necessary. Application Fee – ½ of 1% of loan amount or P500 whichever is higher, for both socialized and low-cost housing. Inspection Fee – P500 for both within and outside Metro Manila.

SSS Members Salary Loan Part 2

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When can a member renew a salary loan with the SSS? The loan may be renewed after the prescribed amortization period of two (2) years. Balance of P500 or less shall be deducted from the proceeds of the new loan. How does a member pay back the loan? For employed member-borrower (including participants of the fast track program), the first deduction from their salaries shall start on the second month following the date of loan. All remittances shall be made on or before the 10th day following the applicable month of deduction to the SSS or to any of its authorized banks. The employee is obliged to report to the new employer his obligations with SSS and shall allow the new employer to deduct from his salary the corresponding amortizations due, plus any penalty for late remittance of amortizations. For self-employed or voluntary paying member-borrowers, the first amortization shall be paid to the SSS or any of its authorized banks on or before the 10th day of the third month following the date of loan. What are the obligations of the employer to the SSS? The employer shall be responsible for the collection and remittance to the SSS of the amortization(s) due on the member-borrower’s salary loan through payroll deduction. The employer shall require new employees to secure from the SSS an updated statement of account. The new employer shall continue the deduction and shall be accountable for remittance to the SSS. In case of transfer, separation, or resignation, how can a borrower pay back the loan? In case a member-borrower is separated voluntarily, (e.g. retirement or resignation) or involuntarily, (e.g. termination of employment or cessation of operations of the company), the employer shall be required to deduct the total balance of the loan from any benefit(s) due to the employee and shall remit the same in full to SSS. If the benefit(s) due the employee or the amount thereof legally available for offset of obligations of the employee is insufficient to fully repay the loan, the employer shall report the unpaid loan balance to SSS. In case of member-borrower’s death, total disability or retirement, what happens to the unpaid loan? In case of member’s’s death, total disability or retirement under the Social Security Act, the entire amount or any unpaid amount of the loan as well as the interest and penalty thereon, If any,shall be deducted from the corresponding benefit. What are the papers/documents needed for filing a salary loan? An employed member shall submitan accomplished SSS Form ISL-101 (Member Loan Application Revised March 2004) and present the digitized SSS ID cards or E-6 acknowledgement stub with 2 (2) IDs listed below one of which with recent photo and date of birth. A self-employed, voluntary member, overseas worker, non-working spouse, farmer or fisherfolk and house hold-helper shall submit an accomplished SSS Form ISL-101 and present the digitized ID card or E-6 acknowledgement stub with any two (2) of the following valid IDs,one of which with recent photo and date of birth. •    Unexpired Driver’s License •    Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID Card •    Passport •    Postal ID •    School or Company ID •    Tax Identification Number Card (TIN)   Where can a borrower file the salary loan application? A borrower may file the salary loan application at the nearest SSS branch or representative office. NOTE: The employer shall submit annually an updated SSS Form L-501 (Specimen Signature Card) to avoid delay in the processing of salary loan applications.

SSS Members Salary Loan

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What is a salary loan? It is a loan intended to meet a member's short-termcredit needs. Who may qualify for a salary loan? An employed, currently paying self-employed or voluntary member (SE/VM) who has 6 posted monthly contributions for the last 12 months prior to the month of filing of application. For one-month loan, the member-borrower must have 36 posted monthly contributions prior to the month of  filing of application. For a two-month loan, the member-borrower must have 72 posted monthly contributions prior to the month of filing of application. If the member-borrower is employed, the employer must be updated in contributions and loan remittances. The member-borrower must be updated-current in the payment of other member loans, which include educational, stock investment, MADE & housing loans granted under the Unified Housing Loan program (UHLP) or direct from SSS. The member-borrower has not been granted final benefit (total permanent disability, retirement and death). The member-borrower has not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS. How much is the loanable amount? A one-month salary loan is equivalent to the average of the member’s latest 12 monthly credits posted. A two-month salary loan is equivalent to twice the average of the member’s latest 12 monthly salary credits posted (rounded to the next higher monthly salary credit), but not to exceed P24,000. How long will it take the member to pay back the loan? The one-month or two-month salary loan shall be payable within two (2) years in 24 equal monthly installments. How much is the interest charged on a salary loan? The loan shall be charged a nominal interest of 10% per annum. First year’s interest shall be deducted in advance from the proceeds of the loan. Second year’s interest shall be included in the monthly amortizations. In case a loan is not paid, how much is the delinquency interest? Loan amortization not remitted on due date shall bear a penalty of 1% per month. Is there a service fee? Yes. A service fee of 1% of the loan amount shall be charged and deducted from the proceeds of the loan.

When can a member renew a salary loan with the SSS? The loan may be renewed after the prescribed amortization period of two (2) years. Balance of P500 or less shall be deducted from the proceeds of the new loan. How does a member pay back the loan? For employed member-borrower (including participants of the fast track program), the first deduction from their salaries shall start on the second month following the date of loan. All remittances shall be made on or before the 10th day following the applicable month of deduction to the SSS or to any of its authorized banks. The employee is obliged to report to the new employer his obligations with SSS and shall allow the new employer to deduct from his salary the corresponding amortizations due, plus any penalty for late remittance of amortizations. For self-employed or voluntary paying member-borrowers, the first amortization shall be paid to the SSS or any of its authorized banks on or before the 10th day of the third month following the date of loan. What are the obligations of the employer to the SSS? The employer shall be responsible for the collection and remittance to the SSS of the amortization(s) due on the member-borrower’s salary loan through payroll deduction. The employer shall require new employees to secure from the SSS an updated statement of account. The new employer shall continue the deduction and shall be accountable for remittance to the SSS. In case of transfer, separation, or resignation, how can a borrower pay back the loan? In case a member-borrower is separated voluntarily, (e.g. retirement or resignation) or involuntarily, (e.g. termination of employment or cessation of operations of the company), the employer shall be required to deduct the total balance of the loan from any benefit(s) due to the employee and shall remit the same in full to SSS. If the benefit(s) due the employee or the amount thereof legally available for offset of obligations of the employee is insufficient to fully repay the loan, the employer shall report the unpaid loan balance to SSS. In case of member-borrower’s death, total disability or retirement, what happens to the unpaid loan? In case of member’s’s death, total disability or retirement under the Social Security Act, the entire amount or any unpaid amount of the loan as well as the interest and penalty thereon, If any,shall be deducted from the corresponding benefit. What are the papers/documents needed for filing a salary loan? An employed member shall submitan accomplished SSS Form ISL-101 (Member Loan Application Revised March 2004) and present the digitized SSS ID cards or E-6 acknowledgement stub with 2 (2) IDs listed below one of which with recent photo and date of birth. A self-employed, voluntary member, overseas worker, non-working spouse, farmer or fisherfolk and house hold-helper shall submit an accomplished SSS Form ISL-101 and present the digitized ID card or E-6 acknowledgement stub with any two (2) of the following valid IDs,one of which with recent photo and date of birth. •    Unexpired Driver’s License •    Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID Card •    Passport •    Postal ID •    School or Company ID •    Tax Identification Number Card (TIN) Where can a borrower file the salary loan application? A borrower may file the salary loan application at the nearest SSS branch or representative office. NOTE: The employer shall submit annually an updated SSS Form L-501 (Specimen Signature Card) to avoid delay in the processing of salary loan applications.

SSS Members Business Loans Part 2

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What are the acceptable collateral for the loan? The following are the acceptable collaterals: For short-term loans Registered or unregistered REM/CHM Assignment of LC or PO Guarantee Cover Corporate Guarantee (if franchisee) Assignment of Lease Rights (if franchisee) For long-term loans Registered or unregistered REM/CHM Corporate Guarantee (if franchisee) Assignment of Lease Rights (if franchisee) What fees must be paid for the processing of the loan? Evaluation and service fees of P2,000 for every P1 million plus a front-end fee of ? of 1 per cent of the approved loan must be paid. In addition, a commitment fee of 0.125 per cent of the unavailed balance must be paid for long-term loans. What are the participating government financial institutions under the program? Interested entrepreneurs may approach the head office or branches of the following GFIs or conduit banks:      1.  Development Bank of the Philippines      2.  Land Bank of the Philippines      3.  National Livelihood Support Fund      4.  Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency      5.  Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation      6.  Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation      7.  SSS accredited rural and thrift banks This list is subject to change. Please confirm the accreditation of these lending channels with the SSS Institutional Loans Department (ILD). For more information contact the ILD in Quezon City at telephone numbers   926-1644, and 920-6401 local 5115 or 5114.

SSS Members Business Loans

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What is the SULONG Program? The SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) Program by government financial institutions (GFIs) designed to give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater access to short and long term funds. The program has a total fund allocation of P100 Million. The program has a total fund allocation of P100 million. How can an SSS member avail himself of the loan program? The loan facility is available thru SSS-accredited participating financial institutions (PFIs)/banks which will on-lend the fund to eligible borrowers for financing. For what purposes may the loan be used?   The loan may be used for the following purposes: For Short-term loans: Export financing (Export Packing Credit) Temporary Working Capital For Long-term loans: Purchase of equipment Building construction Purchase of lot Permanent working capita Who may borrow under the program? Eligible borrowers shall be existing private enterprises with the following qualifications: enterprises in all industries except trading of imported goods, liquor, cigarettes, and extractive industries like mining or quarrying; are at least 60 per cent Filipino owned; enterprises with asset size of not more than P100 million, excluding land; have positive income for the previous year. If the previous year's income is negative, the average income of the past 2 or 3 years should be positive; have debt-to-equity ratio of not more than 80:20 after financing, or 70:30 if borrower is a franchisee; are SSS member-employers of good standing. How much is the loanable amount?   For short-term loans, the program can fund up to 70% of the value of the Letters of Credit or Purchase Order for export packing, or 70% of the working capital requirement up to P5.0 million.For long-term loans, the program can fund up to 80% of the incremental cost, up to a maximum of P5.0 million. How much is the interest rate? For short-term loans Rate to PFI : Fixed rate based on PDST-F (MART 1) Rate Rate to Borrower : at PFIs option For long-term loans  Rate to PFI : Fixed rate based on prevailing rate of similar tenor but not to exceed 10% Rate to Borrower : at PFIs option What is the term of the loan? For short-term loans, the maximum term shall be 1 year. For long-term loans, the maximum term shall be 5 years, including a 1 year grace period on principal payment.

How to activate your GLOBE/ TOUCH MOBILE prepaid international text roaming?

How to activate your GLOBE/ TOUCH MOBILE prepaid international text roaming?

Make the most of your Globe services whether you are traveling abroad or traveling in the Philippines!

Traveling Abroad?

With Globe’s Worldwidest Services you are guaranteed to enjoy affordable roaming rates and clear connections wherever you are in the world!

So for your added convenience while traveling, choose Globe as your roaming partner now.

Here's how:

Step 1: ACTIVATE your roaming while still in the Philippines. The ideal time is about three(3) days before you leave the Philippines. 

Or..

You could go to any Globe center and ask for a form. 

If you are already abroad ask a buddy to do it for you. Tell your buddy to go to a Globe branch to request for activation of your number. Your buddy only have to give the customer service your number and might advice to reload your number at least Php100 or more. 

The Globe Roaming Support Hotline number is (632) 730-1212. This is the number you can CALL COLLECT by using a landline** while roaming in other countries when you have concerns and inquiries. This way you will not be charged for international calls every time you have difficulty while roaming. You may call regarding network and other service concerns such as dialing procedures.

** Please do not place calls from hotels or from your Globe Handyphone as you may be charged service fees by either the hotel switchboard or the foreign carrier.

· Postpaid subscribers can call 211 (toll-free) via mobile.

· Prepaid clients can text GROAM ON and send to 2884. Free of Charge.

Example: GROAM ON 06/01/2008

Step 2: For HELP while roaming, you can call our 24/7 Customer Service Hotline

· Postpaid subscribers can call +632.7301212 from your mobile (toll-free)

· Prepaid clients can call *131*6327301212# from your mobile (toll-free)

How to MAKE CALLS while roaming:

· Postpaid subscribers

Simply dial “+” + country code + area code (or operator code) + phone number.

Example: +6327301000 if landline or +639178000000 if mobile and press SEND.

· Prepaid clients

Dial *131* + country code + area code (or operator code) + phone number + # sign.

e.g. *131*6327301000# if landline or *131*639178000000# if mobile and press SEND.

How to SEND MESSAGES while roaming:

Use the International Number format when sending a message to someone: "+" + country code + mobile access number + mobile number.

Example: +639xxxxxxxxxx, and press SEND.

Tips while Roaming:

· Bring the phone manual with you while roaming.

· Make sure that your phone’s charger can operate at the power voltage in the countries you are visiting.

· The Message Center Number to be used while roaming should be +639170000130.

· Make sure that your GPRS settings are correct to enjoy seamless data browsing in foreign countries where GPRS Roaming is available. You may call Globe Customer Service for more information.

· Most phones are set to Automatic Network Selection, which means that it will automatically pick up the network of your visited country. If you are unable to get a signal immediately, turn off your phone and on again so that it can refresh and pick up the signal of the available network.

· Ensure you press the “END” button on your mobile phone after every outgoing call conversation and after every incoming call conversation to avoid long duration charges.

· Please always activate your “KEYPAD LOCKED” when unit is not in use to avoid involuntary calls.

· Always check your dialing format before calling. For ease of calling back to the Philippines, you may wish to store “+63” for the Philippine Country code followed by your friends and family’s phone numbers. For Prepaid subscribers, please click here for the dialing procedures.

· As a member of the Bridge Mobile Alliance, you are entitled to special data rates when you roam within the member operators. For more info, check out www.bridgemobile.com.

· For more information on rates and available roaming partners in foreign countries, please contact Globe Telecom Customer Service.

QUICK and EASY Guide for Prepaid Roaming

To use commands: text (keyword) and send to 2884.

Command

Keyword 

To activate (Free of Charge)

GROAM ON

Ex. GROAM ON 06/01/2008

To extend*

GROAM EXTEND <# of days>

Ex.: GROAM EXTEND 180

To request status*

GROAM STATUS

To know if the country offers Prepaid International Roaming*

GLIST

Ex.: GLIST CANADA

To get more information*

GROAM HELP

To de-activate (Free of charge if sent while in the Philippines and P25 if sent outside the Philippines)

GROAM OFF

· These services have the following rates: P2.50 if sent while in the Philippines, P25 + P2.50 if sent outside the Philippines.

· A minimum balance of P80 is required to make and receive a call while roaming. A minimum balance of P25 is required to send a text message.

· As soon as you arrive in the Philippines, please be reminded to text GROAM OFF and send to 2884 so that the minimum balance as stated above for calling and texting will not apply.

How to deactivate your prepaid Smart/ Talk n Text international text roaming?

How to deactivate your prepaid Smart/ Talk n Text international text roaming?

Via SMS
Just type ROAM OFF and send it to 333.


Via WEB
Log-in to www.smart.com.ph/connect. For first time users, please register your account first. (Once logged-in, if asked what you would like to do, select "Browse Web Connect Services" from the options.)
Select SERVICES from the left sidebar menu.
Select International Roaming and deactivate this service option.


Via SIM SETTINGS MENU
Go to the SMART Menu.
Choose SIM Settings (or SIM Connect).
Select Roam to deactivate your international roaming service.

Prepaid international text roaming allows you to send and receive SMS messages and SMS VAS but disables your voice features. Original subscriber profile shall only be restored upon feature deactivation.