KASAMBAHAY LAW: Wages, Benefits, Penalties

KASAMBAHAY LAW: Wages, Benefits, Penalties

Attention Employers of Kasambahay or Household Service Workers (HSWs)!

Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as the Kasambahay Law, took effect last Tuesday, June 4, 2013. The new law entitles household service workers (HSWs) reasonable wages and benefits such as the following:

• PhilHealth
• Pag-Ibig
• Social Security System (SSS) coverage.

The law mandates that household workers are entitled to receive at least P2,500 per month if they are employed within Metro Manila; P2,000 monthly salary in other cities and first-class municipalities; and P1,500 elsewhere in the Philippines.

HSWs includes the following:

• general helpers
• yayas
• laundry persons or labandera
• cooks
• gardeners
• Any other person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis

The following are not included:

• Service providers (any person or  entity that carries an independent business and undertakes to perform job, work or service on his/ her own for a household, according to his/ her own manner or method, and free from the control and direction of the employer in all matters in connection with the performance of the work except as to the results thereof)
• Family drivers
• Children under foster family arrangement
• Any other person who performs work occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis

Copies of the Kasambahay law implementing rules and regulations (IRR) can be obtained from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional offices and barangay LGU offices. 

Under the law, contracts between HSWs and their respective employers (see sample contract  in the IRR) must be recorded with the office of the Punong Barangay of the place where the employer resides. That is why 3 copies of the employment contract must be signed. One for the employer, one for the Kasambahay and the third one is for the office of the Punong Barangay.

Yes, my dear. You also have to register (in the Registry of Kasambahay) your Kasambahay in the barangay where your residence is located. 

To start the ball rolling, the Punong Barangay, together with SSS, Pag-IBIG and Philhealth representatives, will conduct a common registration of all Kasambahay nationwide. The start-up registration will be held in a City or Municipal Hall or Plaza, organized by the City or Municipal Mayor immediately upon promulgation of the IRR.

Any violation of the Kasambahay Law provisions is punishable with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P40,000 without prejudice to the filing of appropriate civil or criminal action by the aggrieved party.

Better be safe than sorry.

"Ignorance of the law excuses no one"

CHARICE PEMPENGCO: Media Magnet at Yahoo! OMG! Awards

CHARICE PEMPENGCO: Media Magnet at Yahoo! OMG! Awards

Filipinos are said to be emotional and passionate about life. And there is no denying the fact that almost everyone, if not all Filipino, has a passion for entertainment one time or another in his or her life. ( Sige i-deny mo lang! Ha ha ha!)

As a way of promoting the local entertainment industry and giving a platform for the Filipino audience to support local artists, Yahoo! OMG! awards was created as a celebration of Filipino talent.

A special voting for the Media Magnet award took place during the launch of Yahoo! OMG! Awards last June 4, 2013, where members of the press were given the chance to vote for the most talked about celebrity.

The award was given to singer Charice Pempengco, who graciously thanked the crowd for their support.

MEDIA MAGNET. Best Female Performer of the Year nominee Charice was voted most talked about celebrity by the media. Photo from Perceptions, Inc

GRAND CANAL (Video)

When you are within the vicinity of the Grand Canal at Venetian Resort-Hotel, be it at Las Vegas or Macao, you will have an almost dreamlike feeling. It is as if you are part of a scene in a movie. You would wish that the scene will never end...  

Para’Kito™: All Natural Mosquito Protection

Para’Kito™:All Natural Mosquito Protection

It's dengue season again. Natural and man-made calamities and disasters have plagued the world and new health threats are continuously emerging, but one alarming issue that has gained worldwide attention once again is the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and West Nile Fever from the traditional zones of the tropics to Europe and North America. Afflicting over 700 million people and resulting in millions of deaths annually all over the world, the danger posed by these diseases is such that they can no longer be ignored. Many have resorted to chemical short cuts and quick fixes to address the issue, but it was a group of French men who turned back to nature to find a long-term and ecological solution,and thus Para’Kito was created.

Para’Kito is an all-natural anti-mosquito protection band and clip that’s easy to wear and stylish, that both adults and kids wear with pleasure. Using technology to understand nature, the Para’Kito solution is a patented device, proven to provide a strong and long-lasting protection against mosquitoes. In January 2012, Para’Kito became the first mosquito protection product to be approved as a medical device in the European Union and Australia.

What makes it effective?

Tests conducted in a French national laboratory, which works closely with the World Health Organization, concluded that Para’Kito is a technological breakthrough in the domain of personal protection against mosquitoes. Testing done in other laboratories in Europe, Australia, and the USA further proved that Para’Kito is effective against Aedes, Anopheles, and Cules, the three main species of disease carrying mosquitoes.

Unlike other mosquito repellants, Para’Kito uses a proprietary combination of seven natural essential oils - Lavendula, Geranium, Citronella, Maritime Pine, Patchouli, Clove, and Peppermint. These oils are sourced from around the world, blended in France, and impregnated into the replaceable pellets using a patented technology that assures longlasting effectivity despite the natural volatility of these oils. The combination of the seven essential oils creates a complex veil of molecules that mosquitoes are unable to see through or adapt to. In the case of chemical-based alternatives, mosquitoes eventually adapt to the solution and evolve into a stronger breed. A vicious cycle is created, each time requiring a stronger, and most likely a more hazardous formula to combat a new strain. While other repellants and devices count their effectivity in hours, each Para’Kito pellet is 100% efficient for 24 hours a day for 15 straight days.


How Safe is Para’Kito?

With all the talk about DEET (a chemical used in other insect repellents) over the past few years, more and more people are becoming aware of the serious danger this hazardous chemical poses. 

Using all-natural ingredients, Para’Kito is safe for all ages. Para’Kito is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, being DEET and chemical-free. It is recommended for individuals susceptible to skin allergies and irritations, as the pellet does not come into contact with the skin.
It’s effective. It’s Safe. What Else?

Para’Kito is an anti-mosquito protection device not a mosquito killer. What most people don’t realize is that mosquitoes play an important part in the ecosystem, plant pollination being one of their least understood activities. Para’Kito is a symbol of commitment to providing a sustainable solution to the alarming situation by working with the environment, while nurturing and protecting it at the same time.

You can trust Para’Kito to work every time and all the time no matter what. It’s sweat- and water-proof, and effective in all climates, giving you no reason to be without it.

Gone are the days of sticky lotions, unsightly sticker patches, smoky chemical mosquito coils, and bug sprays. Para’Kito is not only the most long-lasting and safe anti-mosquito protection device available, but also the most stylish and easy to wear in the market. Choose from Para’Kito’s wide range of color and graphic bands and clips that you can mix and match for any occasion.

So go ahead and live a life without fear or worry of mosquitoes. Soak up the sun, go on an adventure, and be spontaneous! It all begins with Para’Kito.

Para’Kito is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Red Herring Distribution Company, Inc.: JADC Compound, #7 E. Rodriguez Ave Jr. Bagong Ilog, Pasig | (+632) 477.9633.

To know more about the Para’Kito lifestyle, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter: ParaKito Philippines on twitter: @ParaKito_PH

Make sure to get your genuine Para’Kito color bands, clips, and refill pellets at our over 130 retail partners nationwide.

LUCIDO-L: Top Japanese Hairstyling Brand Makes Sparkling Philippine Debut

LUCIDO-L: Top Japanese Hairstyling Brand Makes Sparkling Philippine Debut

A woman's hair is her crowning glory. Throughout history and in fairy tales and legends, a woman's hair has been seen as a manifestation of her femininity and desirability. That's why we should always take care of our hair! 

So, people of the Philippines, rejoice! One of Japan’s top ladies’ hairstyling brands and Singapore’s no.1 ladies’ hairstyling brand is now available in the Philippines.

Yes! Lúcido-L Hair Supplement, the answer for soft, manageable, beautiful hair is now available locally. It lessens the hassles and reverses the damage brought about by other hair treatment products.

The launch, held at SM Makati City, opened up with a hair fashion show, followed by short speeches from Lucido officials. There were also free hair treatment sessions for guests and visitors.

According to Hirotsogu Ohashi, General Manager for Mandom Philippines Corporation, Lúcido-L, “aims to provide long lasting, moisturizing treatment by restoring your hair’s natural moisture retaining system.”

Ohashi explains, “The main reason for split ends and curls falling flat is due to lack of moisture in our hair.”

Healthy hair should have the ability to retain moisture. This is where Cell Membrane Complex, or CMC, plays a vital role. A CMC-like ingredient is present in all Lúcido-L products.

How does CMC work? Ohashi says, “CMC exists among cuticles and cortex cells to help them bond with each other, and also works as a path to transport water to cells. When CMC is lost due to hair damage, cuticles and cortex cells break away, reducing the water-maintaining ability of the hair.”

Lúcido-L Hair Treatment Oil is highly recommended for permed hair because it helps maintain a soft, bouncy look. It softens and smoothens hair by repairing dry and damaged hair while you sleep, as CMC-like ingredients fill up the damaged strands.

Lúcido-L Hair Styling Milk is for girls who wants pretty, tamed hair all day long. It contains Hyaluronic Acid that coats and deeply penetrates hair strands, keeping them soft and tangle-free.  I simply love Lúcido-L products! It does not only make your hair beautiful but it also smells good! It have a light, fruity-floral fragrance.

Mandom Philippines Corporation is a production partner of Mandom Corporation, an Osaka-based manufacturer and distributor of hair care, skin care, perfumes and deodorants, cosmetics and other personal care products.
Lúcido-L Hair Make Supplement is exclusively available at all Watsons outlets.

MACAO: Inside Venetian Hotel

MACAO: Inside Venetian Hotel

Immediately upon entering the Venetian Hotel, you will be greeted by golden hues from floor to ceiling, signifying great opulence and grandeur.  

Those Renaissance-style paintings on the ceiling are really sights to behold.  

At the middle of the lobby lies a golden globe made of rings surrounded by four (4) naked women statues and guarded by four (4) lions at its base. The musician on my left played beautiful music on his accordion, making our stay more fun.

Venetian Macao is said to be a replica of the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. This hotel boasts of an astounding 980,000-square meter-area thereby owning the title of being the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and the fifth-largest building in the world by area.

From the second floor of the Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel, you could take a peek of the casino area where those under 21 years of age (per Macao law), picture taking, cameras, laptops and luggage are not allowed. Cameras, laptops and luggage may be deposited at the cloakroom (a room where coats and other articles may be left temporarily) of the hotel. 

In an attempt to prevent young people from becoming pathological gamblers, the Legislative Assembly of Macao passed a law (No. 10/2012) increasing the age of those allowed to work or play in casinos from 18 to 21. This law took effect last November 1, 2012.

Those breaking the law shall be fined up to a maximum penalty of MOP10,000 and shall have their bets and payouts confiscated while the respective casino company shall be fined up to a maximum penalty of MOP500,000 for not complying with its supervisory duties.

Anyway, there is more to Macao than casinos. You can shop, savor various Macanese delicacies, take the Gondola ride at the Grand Canal, take the Sky Walk, Mast Climb or, if you are brave enough, the World's Biggest and Highest Bungee jump from the Macao Tower, visit World Heritage sites, gardens, museums, galleries, temples, churches and other historical sites or simply see shows for free such as Tree of Prosperity, Dragon of Fortune, Lights and Sound Shows and Performance Lake shows. 

 

This is a huge picture of a Rhinoceros which looks so real that I could practically grab its horn.

After roaming around for several hours, I became thirsty that I almost wanted to drink the water from the small fountain beside the wall of Venetian Hotel.

Freshen Your Breath with Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Freshen Your Breath with Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Comedian Vice Ganda often jokes about his dragon breath in Showtime, a noontime show at ABS-CBN TV network. But that's just it- a joke. In real life, no one would like to be labelled as the one with the garlic breath, halitosis or malodor, known as bad breath in simple terms.

As we all know, everybody has a nasty breath at some point, like when you wake up in the morning. Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that causes inflammation and gives off noxious odors or gases that smell like sulfur -- or worse. 

It can be embarrassing and tough to have bad breath. Most especially when you get close to your crush or even when you talk to your friends. The last thing you want your crush to catch is a whiff of your dragon breath. 

What Causes Bad Breath?

Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath, as can tonsils that have trapped food particles; cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures.

Several internal medical conditions can also cause you bad breath. It includes the following:

1.  diabetes
2.  liver disease
3.  respiratory tract infections
4.  chronic bronchitis. 
5.  You may want to see your doctor to rule out things like acid reflux, postnasal drip, and other causes of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).

How to Beat Bad Breath?

To ensure that your breath smells so fresh and clean do the following:

• Visit your dentist at least every six months.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. 
• Cut back on alcohol. 
• Chew sugarless gum. 
• Avoid sugary breath mint
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and regular meals.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Avoid breath busters such as garlic, onions, and some other spicy foods. Chronic garlic users cannot only have chronic bad breath, they also often have body odor.
• Don't drink too much coffee.
• Make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal.
• Floss your teeth.
• Gargle with Mouthwash.

One of the mouthwash brands that I tried is Swish® Mouthwash. The manufacturer of the product is Unilab and it claims that it is ready to use- no need to add water plus Swish® is alcohol-free. It is safe to use, more enjoyable to gargle and most importantly it does not leave you with a dry mouth.

Swish® has Surefresh™ Technology, kills bad breath-causing bacteria, helps prevent the plaque build up and Gingivitis. Swish® is great for the whole family since it's alcohol-free so it can be used by children as young as six (6) years old and above, the elderly, diabetics, pregnant women, anyone taking certain prescription medication and even by Cancer patients.

Dental hygiene is essential to young and old alike. It is not enough that you take care of your pearly whites but neglect to clean your tongue and live with a dragon breath.

Experiment

I've tested a couple of mouthwash in the market just to see which one I would stick to the most. Some mouthwash stings like a bee because of its alcohol content. My favorite is a top of the line brand of mouthwash because it is much more effective in keeping the dreaded "morning breath" at bay plus it is alcohol-free so it is sting free. I am really happy with it.

With my trial and error experiment, I learned that not all mouthwash are created equal.  My preferred brand cost more than double than other brands. So, that's a big setback because I am on a tight budget! 

I almost give up using mouthwash because my preferred brand cost me an arm and leg. And it put a dent on my pocket. Finding myself on tight end, I tried to look for a lot less expensive alternative. I browse rows and rows of mouthwash at the supermarket shelf and stumbled upon Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash!

Because I hate the sting of alcohol laden mouthwash. I prefer alcohol-free mouthwash. Unilab have some crazy flavors you wouldn't normally think possible. They have Mangosteen, Mint, Arctic Chill, Peppermint Fresh, and Cinnamon Blast.

Today,  I tried "Swishing" my mouth with cinnamon and mangosteen flavors. Guess what?  I like both the cinnamon and mangosteen flavor!  

It just felt a little weird, that though Unilab claimed that they formulated the Swish mouthwash to be alcohol-free I still feel a little sting. I don't know if it was just due to the fact that I've used the other brand for years. Based on my own personal experience the other brand has absolutely no sting.

Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash has a fresh minty aftertaste which I love. Being on the more affordable side, this could easily fit on my budget. Alcohol-free could be a plus for people who have a rather low-tolerance to pain. 

Verdict: You ought to try it too. Who knows, you might like it for yourself just like me!

VIDEO: Charice Pempengco's Exclusive Admission at The Buzz

VIDEO: Charice Pempengco's Exclusive Admission at The Buzz

Charice Pempengco finally broke her silence about her sexual preference. 

In an exclusive interview with Boy Abunda on "The Buzz" that aired earlier this afternoon, Charice admitted that she is lesbian. "Opo, tomboy po ako" (Yes, I'm a lesbian), she said.

Charice also broke down as she apologized to her family and fans who are disappointed by her coming out, while thanking those who continue to support her.

Charice told Boy Abunda that she feels free about coming out. 

Watch Charice exclusive admission to her ninong Boy Abunda's show The Buzz below:



Source: Abs-cbn The Buzz