LTO: Standardized Driving School Rates

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) standardized fees for driving courses and released new guidelines for the accreditation and management of driving schools.

The guidelines will be implemented starting April 15, 2023. It includes the standard way of teaching student drivers and those who plan to apply as a conductor.

According to the Memorandum Circular No. JMT- 2023-2390, released by the LTO, private driving institutions may set their theoretical driving (TDC) fee to 1,000. Meanwhile, they may charge 2,500 to 8,000 for practical driving courses (PDC). The PDC fees will depend on the type of car or license code.

In addition, it is also stated in the memorandum that applicants may complete their mandatory 15-hour theoretical driving course within two days. However, the applicants must accomplish their mandatory 15-hour TDC in one month. On the other hand, the practical driving course (PDC) should be completed in at least 8 hours per license code.

The memorandum specified that PDC for light and heavy vehicles should be at least two days. Meanwhile, the 8-hour PDC for motorcycles may be conducted for one day. However, the student driver should prove to have excellent knowledge about motorcycle driving according to their practical driving instructor’s assessment.

LTO also requires driving schools to register the biometrics and other details of their applicants to the LTO system through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Client ID. This is to determine the actual start of the applicant’s TDC.

To get a driving license in the Philippines, one must attend a pre-requisite TDC and PDC and pass the LTO driving test.

KURIMI CLOVERLEAF: Japan Genshin Impact Inspired 2D Theme Milk Tea Bar

Genshin Impact fans in the Philippines are in for a wonderful treat especially those bubble tea fans who are sick and tired of drinking in a boring 3D world. There’s a wonderful 2D shop featuring your favorite game called Kurimi. Kurimi 2D Milk Tea Bar in Ayala Malls Cloverleaf has a Japanese-Genshin Impact theme. I bet all the fans of Genshin Impact would all be giddy and happy looking for some of the characters hidden in the shop’s 2d drawings.

Insta-worthy Kurimi 2D milk tea bar's newest franchisees are a big fan of the game. The couple loves the game Genshin Impact so much that they decided to incorporate the popular characters of the game in their Kurimi branch located beside the cinema at the 4th floor of Ayala Malls Cloverleaf. 

Kurimi Ayala Malls Cloverleaf Franchisees 

From what I know, 2D cafes first started popping up in Korea and then made their way here in the Philippines. What caught my attention is the shop’s tables, chairs, windows, even a cabinet, painted in 2D style. It’s surreal to walk inside and so fun to take pictures. Kurimi Milk Tea Bar is fully decorated in two-dimensional decor, created by thick black lines drawn over an all-white walls and furnitures.

Kurimi Milk Tea Bar makes me feel like I've stepped into a world of black and white drawing. Every nook and corners of Kurimi is covered with substantial drawings.

How do you drink your milk tea?

I recommend that you shake your milk tea 15 times before consuming.

Oh, I love the scent of tea, Oreo cookies and sweet sugar as I puncture my bubble tea drink with a straw for my first sip!

Kurimi's crushed Oreo cookies blended in thick and creamy vanilla milk and mixed with tapioca pearls cooked in a house blend gives a satisfyingly chewy bite.

The milky concoction is so yummy that you would definitely want a second cup 🥤 

By the way, from March 18 to 31, all Kurimi stores nationwide have a March Madness Promo where you can get two (2) Large Kurimi signature drink- the brown sugar booba milk with pearl together with Kurimi classic milk tea with pearl for only Php199.

LA UNION GRAPES FARM

   

We pick some grapes and bought some grape wine at Gapuz GRAPES Farm.

CALAUAN LAGUNA: Acienda Del Cielo

📸 Cha Sy

I was greeted by the rustling leaves and swaying trees as I stepped inside Acienda Del Cielo in Calauan, Laguna. Thank you to all the angels I met along the way. Most notable is Calauan angel who I met inside the jeepney from Calamba to San Pablo via Calauan hi-way in my first ever commute since 2020 from Manila. You see, finding a spot like this along the highway isn’t easy especially at nighttime if you're like me who've never been to Calauan Laguna before.

The angel in the jeepney asked me to alight with her in front of the Rural Bank of Calauan where her husband fetched her. She then persuaded her husband to bring me to the gate of Acienda Del Cielo using their trike to ensure my safety because the jeepney driver said he doesn't know "Acienda del Cielo" nor its former name "Samland" located at 48J7+G6F, San Pablo Highway, Balayhangin, Calauan, Laguna. Again, thank you my 😇 angel 🙏 Because of you my FAITH IN HUMANITY WAS RESTORED.

Another encounter with angels on earth.

The good hearted guard told me to just wait for Ms. Inah of the design team and accounting to finish dressing up and put her make up on for the event that night, so I can come with her at the pavillion in their service e-trike so I would no longer walk in the narrow road alone.

📷 Leomy
First Impression

I thought the place is small because of the small gate and narrow road leading inside the property.

📷 Wazzup

Boy, was I surprised when we reached the pavillion and saw the spacious garden inside. Acienda del Cielo may look small from the outside but it is really huge inside.

📷 Wazzup

When we got to the pavilion, suddenly the terrain changes. It becomes hilly and the roads inside are wider than that at the entrance. And lo and behold, this is the highest point of this side directly facing Mt. Kalisungan. No wonder the place is called Acienda del Cielo, which literally means "Sky Estate".

📸 Cha Sy

Fresh air is what welcomed us, as Ms. Inah and I walked towards the pavillion, but what drew my attention was the large swimming pool, a few meters from the pavillion's side entrance. As you all know, a resort wouldn’t be complete without a pool, and the water was definitely enticing. If it weren’t for the cool weather when I visited, I would definitely have jumped at the chance to take a quick swim. Ha ha ha!

📸 Aileen De Leon

They have a huge Figure 8 Pool– good for both adults and kids, how I wish they have a jacuzzi too on the side. I think a poolside bar is also ideal where you can grab a mocktail while in the water just like in Manila Hotel ♥

📷 Cha Sy

Just a few hours away from Metro Manila.

Just like other people, my family and I usually take a respite from our busy schedules by having staycations in different hotels in the Metro, anywhere with good air conditioning and soundproofing to block out the rest of the city. But as time passes by, these offerings are not enough. Breathing positive ions is what you would wish for. Something you’d normally find from places that are a few hours away from the Metro like Tagaytay, Baguio, Batangas and Laguna.

Acienda del Cielo may be located in a remote and not a posh location but when you see their bridal house, their pavillion and twin house log cabin you can't help but say to yourself, “Today is going to be great”

WHAT IS IN THE NAME?

Acienda del Cielo was known among locals as "Samland Resorts". It was built in the ‘90s. About June last year, its previous owners sold the property and the new owner recently decided to renovate and rejuvenate the property. They decided to make it more aesthetically pleasing by painting their log cabins white. They finally reopened their doors to guests just over a few months ago.

📸 Fb of Acienda Del Cielo

Sitting at the highest peak of Calauan Laguna, it gives guests uninterrupted views of Mt. Kalisungan mountain range. The property’s layout and log cabin-inspired architecture also help create an intimate experience despite the largeness of the space.
The views and fresh air are just part of the experience. I can't help myself but touch the grass. Nature is really beautiful. Very refreshing to the soul.

The property is expansive enough to house several facilities without it feeling crowded, and there’s a court for some of the most popular sports in the Philippines. There’s a tennis/badminton court that can also be turned into a basketball court.

📸 Cha Sy

The property is very promising. I would l suggest for them to develope it into a team building facility complete with biking and running trail, camping, and, yes, wall climbing facility, maybe even a mini-golf academy as well with a certified instructor to boot to help guests practice their swings. They could also provide badminton and tennis rackets and a game table for table tennis.

They could also hold shooting range activities for gun or airsoft enthusiasts if there is no scheduled event. I remember in Singapore, my doctor friend relaxes by spending time playing airsoft after work every night.

And considering how exclusive and private the property feels, and how you’re not running into crowds of people, it definitely feels like it’s worth the commute.

Destination events are on the rise, but you don’t need to ship your whole conference over to Baguio or Boracay to feel the inspiration of being in a new place: there are hundreds of amazing and stimulating venues in Southern Luzon that will breath new life into your upcoming meeting or conference like Acienda del Cielo.

Celebrate your life's precious moments at Acienda del Cielo. Their air-conditioned pavillion are capable of holding up to 250 guests. They have both indoor (pavillion) and outdoor venues (Garden) that are perfect for that special event ranging from large scale corporate meetings, conferences and classes, trade shows, product launches, fundraisers, auctions, screenings and performances, to weddings, intimate receptions and private parties, yes, be it a debut, kiddie birthday party, engagement, wedding, baptism, graduation, team-building, talks, pop-up bazaar as well as other private events, and pre-nuptials photo and video shoots.

Book your dream intimate weddings and other events now through their websites and FB account.

DISCLAIMER: Not a sponsored paid blog but was invited to a Thanksgiving event inside the Acienda.

#upccxeunnieseventsmgtthanksgiving2023

POTEN-CEE FORTE 1000 MG PROTECTS YOU IN YOUR TRAVELS

I've seen a lot of revenge travel hashtags, videos and photos from a lot of my friends and relatives. But this lingering pandemic, is still a threat. The new variant of covid-19 is unforgiving so we must equipped ourselves and our love ones with a longer-lasting immunity. Mind you, it knows no gender, age nor status. 

So, we need to be healthy at all times. We must continue with our exercise regimens,  sleep early, eat healthier plus we should religiously drink our vitamins to boosts our immune system. One of the brands of vitamin C that I trust is Poten-Cee. Which by the way came out with a time release 1000 mg tablet which in the process, helps us save money. Not a single dose would be wasted because of its time release formula. Thus, it will ensure not only a good and healthy body for all of us but also for our pockets. Remember we must protect ourselves in our travels. We must take Poten-Cee Forte 1000 mg regularly for a healthy body and mind.

#IamFortified 
 
Did you know that Vitamin C Helps Boost Immunity? 

A timed-release supplement offers a gradual release of vitaminC over several hours, providing ongoing support while lessening the risk of loose stools and gastrointestinal upset that can arise when taking a high dose of regular vitamin C at one time.

By now, suffice it to say that awareness is high on how Vitamin C helps enhance the body’s natural defenses by supporting various functions of the immune system.¹ What’s helpful to know for people up and about is that some formulations can release Vitamin C gradually over time so that the body benefits more from the Vitamin C content over a longer period. 
 
1000 mg of Vitamin C 

Poten-Cee, the top adult Vitamin C brand² has Forte, with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C that helps further boost immunity.  
 
8-Hour Time Release  

Poten-Cee Forte has an 8-hour time release format that offers longer-lasting Vitamin C protection. With its longer-lasting Vitamin C, Poten-Cee fits people who have a long list of to-do's. Poten-Cee Forte can help fortify their immunity from the moment their day starts until it ends. And these days when there are more people out, working or studying for long hours, Vitamin C can help us increase resistance to infections.⁴   
 
Poten-Cee Every Day 

Ascorbic Acid is recommended for people at risk of Vitamin C deficiency.⁴ Aside from certain vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, Poten-Cee Forte can help supply one’s daily vitamin C needs with proper diet and exercise.  Take control of your health and claim it #IAmFortified  
 
Poten-Cee’s Got You Covered 

Poten-Cee Forte is available at leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide and at PascualLab’s flagship Lazada and Shopee stores. Hurry buy your vitamin C haul from a drugstore or supermarket near you - Poten-Cee Forte is available at 20% off via “Tulong sa Kalusugan” (DOH-FDA-CDRR Permit No.: 1049 s. 2022) until November 30, 2022.
For more promos kindly follow them on FB @Poten-Cee and on IG @Poten-Cee_PH

Sources:
¹and⁴Carr A, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017; 9(11): 1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. 
²IQVIA 2021 Data
³Boyers, Lindsay. How much vitamin C should I take? + Forms & Health Benefits* In https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-much-vitamin-c-should-i-takeaccessed
September 2022

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Early Detection Save Lives

My classmate through Rotary Club of Kamuning would like to invite all of you to a free breast examination and seminar about Breast Cancer Awareness because early detection saves lives.

The free event and seminar would happen on October 1, 2022 at the Silver Hall, Rotary Center Mother Ignacia Corner Roces Avenue, Quezon City

Please register for FREE in the registration link below:

https://forms.gle/xubkC1KFGdurKx9WA

More details will be sent via text message/email upon registration. 

Thank you and God bless🙌🏻

Sponsored by RCC Pink Warriors 

Rotary Club of Kamuning Central

 

Milkin Corporation 30 Years and Beyond

Milkin Corporation 30 Years and Beyond 

The 30th year of a company’s existence is traditionally called the pearl anniversary. It represents honesty, wisdom and purity.  Even more, it shows how something amazing can come out of a humble beginning. Like a grain of sand.  When you apply layers and layers of coating over time, after sometime you will have a luminous gem. I personally like pearls because they’re the only gem formed and found within a living creature.

What better time to celebrate his company's 30th anniversary than on the occasion of his birthday in the company of family, friends, employees and  industry partners. President and CEO Mr. Richie Cuna celebrated his birthday and his company's pearl anniversary at the Maynila Ballroom of Manila Hotel last September 14, 2022.

Kudos to Milkin Corporation's CEO Richie Cuna for taking the time to pause and recognise the contribution of his incredible team and franchisee from all over the country in making Milkin 
Corporation such a great company. 

The company started way back in 1989 under a Filipino-Italian business venture. The company started as a Designer's Ice Cream Manufacturing Co., 

Fast forward to 30 years and they now have franchisees across the country with Japan and LA franchisee opening real soon.

Milkin Corporation also carry other brands such as Fior Café, Fiorgellato, DM Express and its newest baby, Kurimi Milk Tea Bar. "KURIMI" is a slang term for "CREAMY" by the Japanese because they don't have an equivalent word for it in Japan.  Milkin's 2D milk tea restaurant concept has 60 franchise locations nationwide now and is going international with Japan and LA opening Kurimi Stores soon!

Having branches around the globe says a lot about their brand. What has remained consistent is the go beyond DNA of their amazing people going way beyond above and beyond.

MEETING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

The company's focus on customer satisfaction means they don’t rest until they’ve done their job right. Even when no one is looking. That’s how Milkin Corporation's various brands such as Fiorgelato,  Fior Café,  DM Express & Kurimi earn the trust of those they serve. And it’s how they’ve built those iridescent layers year after year. It’s like the old proverb. Pearls don’t lie on the seashore. You must dive for them.

Just as troops can’t fly if aircraft don’t, they dive in and do what’s needed to be done. Deploying rapidly. Getting into challenging environments, even when travel is restricted during the lockdowns because of covid-19 pandemic. 

Korean inspired 2D theme Kurimi Outlet

On their milestone anniversary, they have never been more mission driven or dedicated to making a difference. While they have 30 years behind them, they keep on looking ahead and feel full of possibility. The industry needs what they have to offer. Watch for some amazing plans and expansion that they will be sharing with us Filipinos over the coming years. You might say, Milkin Corporation are fully coming out of their shell.

Milkin Corporation's excel culture drives their actions. The officers and staff of the company works from-the-heart some of them are employed since the creation of the company. They're all very dedicated. A real difference-making team.

To cap the celebration, all of the pioneers of Milkin Corporation that served the organization since its founding in 1989 plus all the officers and staff were honored. Likewise, the company recognized the support of outstanding partners and linkages in delivering aesthetic restos and delicious food and drinks closer to our fellow Filipinos nationwide. 

Kurimi Laoag 

HAPINOY CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In celebration of its 15th year as a social enterprise, Hapinoy treated select sari-sari store owners from all over the archipelago plus its industry partners to a sumptuous lunch last September 14 at Enderun Atrium in Taguig City.

Sari-sari store owners from all over the Philippines who attended either the physical or online digital training in the past finally meet one another in person.

Founded in 2007 by then (Former) Senator Bam Aquino and Mark Ruiz. Hapinoy is a pioneering social enterprise based in the Philippines which aims to be a constant partner of women microentrepreneurs who own micro-retail shops called sari-sari stores. 

These “Titas” and "Titos" as how the men and women of Hapinoy fondly call one another - are organized into on-ground and online communities and are provided access to learning, financing, technologies, and new business opportunities.

Since its inception in 2007 it has now impacted close to 100,000 sari-sari storeowners all around the Philippines.

I also met these two foreigners who are connected with Qualcomm. Through their modern technology, Hapinoy was able to bridge the gap and transcends from physical trainings to online FB live seminars reaching more sari-sari store owners nationwide, especially  during the onset of the pandemic when everyone was lockdown in their respectives homes. 

Hoping for more years of Hapinoy so that sari-sari store owners all over the country would be presented with more opportunities and skills to take their business to new heights.