FIGARO X PAL COOKIES

Are you one of Philippine Airlines passengers who fell in love with their FREE FIGARO COOKIES? I saw a few individuals who posted about them and even asked where they can buy those figaro cookies.

Fret no more! Now, you can order them at selected FIGARO branches!

Figaro Coffee Branches (Most Reliable)

• Available at Figaro cafés nationwide
• Often sold as:
  • Packaged cookie bites
  • Or served with drinks / as freebies (like your photo)

👉 Some branches sell cookies individually (around ₱100+ for regular cookies)

Tip: Ask for:

• “cookie bites”
• “cheesecake cookies”
• or “Figaro cookies pack”

Delivery Apps (Sometimes Available)

You might find them via:

• GrabFood
• Foodpanda

Some listings show Figaro cookies and pastries on menus

👉 Availability depends on branch stock

Online (Limited / Resellers)

You can occasionally find them here:

• Lazada (search: “Figaro cheesecake cookies”)
• Figaro Group ordering channels (promo posts mention direct orders)

⚠️ But:

• Not always in stock
• Often sold in bulk or seasonal packs

Why You Can’t Easily Find Them

• These are usually in-house café products
• Sometimes made for:
  • Airline catering (like Philippine Airlines snacks)
  • Promotions or limited batches

👉 That’s why they’re not widely sold like supermarket cookies

👍 Best Practical Advice

If you really want the exact one from your photo:

👉 Go to the nearest Figaro branch and say:

“Do you have the small packaged cookie bites like the airline snacks?”

That’s the fastest way to get the same thing.

FIGARO COOKIES FOR SALE AT 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BYEjNZSSM/

 

⚠️ PLDT Installation Nightmare: Applied Online, Still No Activation — Yet Billing Continues

I’m sharing this experience not just out of frustration, but to raise awareness—and hopefully get answers.

---

We Applied the Right Way

We applied through the official PLDT website—no agents, no shortcuts.

Everything was supposed to be legitimate:

• Application submitted online

• Installation scheduled

• Modem installed around December 18

We followed the proper process, expecting proper service.

---

🔌 Installed… But Never Activated

After installation, we waited for activation.

Days passed. Then weeks.

But:

• ❌ No internet connection

• ❌ No activation

• ❌ No clear update

We kept following up, hoping for resolution.

---

😡 Poor Response from “Activator”

At some point, we were contacted by someone handling activation.

Instead of helping, the person:

• Became irritated when we followed up

• Gave vague responses

• Did not provide any real solution

Imagine waiting for weeks with no service—and being treated like a burden for asking updates.

---

📞 Billing Without Service

The most alarming part:

👉 PLDT keeps calling us asking for payment

Let’s be clear:

• The line was never activated

• We had zero internet usage

• Yet the account is being billed monthly

Now it’s been almost 3 months, and the charges are growing.

---

❗ What This Feels Like

Even though we applied officially, it feels like:

• We were left in the dark

• No accountability from installation to activation

• No proper coordination inside the system

This is not how a major telecom service should operate.

---

📢 Questions for PLDT

To PLDT management:

• Why are customers billed for inactive services?

• Why is there no clear activation timeline or accountability?

• Why are customers treated poorly when they follow up?

---

🛑 What We Need Now

We are requesting:

✔️ Immediate activation OR
✔️ Full cancellation of the account
✔️ Removal of all charges since December
✔️ Proper investigation of the personnel involved

---

⚠️ Advice to Others

Even if you apply through official channels:

• ✔️ Track your application reference number

• ✔️ Follow up early and consistently

• ✔️ Document all conversations

• ✔️ Escalate quickly if delays go beyond 1–2 weeks

---

✊ Final Thoughts

We did everything right:

• Applied officially

• Waited patiently

• Followed up respectfully

But after 3 months, we still have:

• No internet

• Ongoing billing

• And no resolution

This needs attention.

---

PLDT, please fix this. Customers deserve better.

NAIA TERMINAL UPDATES

Best, may lakad ka na Naman abroad? Paki double check mo po sa airline of choice mo if saan NAIA TERMINAL ka dapat pumunta sa Araw ng lipad mo para hindi ka maiwan Ng eroplano. Why? Kasi po may UPDATE po ng terminal assignment Ang mga airlines. Baka kasali airline of choice mo kaya e check mo na para iwas abala.

Effective March 29, 2026

From Terminal 1 to Terminal 3

- Air China (CA)

- China Eastern (MU)

- Vietnam Airlines (VN)

- Royal Brunei (BI)

- Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)


From Terminal 3 to Terminal 1

- Philippines AirAsia (Z2) – International flights only

- AirAsia Berhad (AK)


Effective April 1, 2026

From Terminal 1 to Terminal 3

- Japan Airlines (JL)


Passengers are advised to verify their terminal assignment with their airline prior to travel.

CHANNEL 5 OFFICIAL STATEMENT

I remember when I was pretty new at the blogging event scene, that it was TV 5 ( Kapatid channel) who offered us bloggers, monetary consideration in exchange for our blog coverage service. That was a welcome change from our Pro Bono coverages for other channels. The Kapatid channel truly understand that we bloggers were shelling out our own money for taxi fares and paying for our own digital cameras, internet and cellphone loads and even new SD cards. The  Kapatid channel has always been fair to everyone.  I hope Kapamilya and Kapatid channels will settle this issue amicably.

New Digital PWD ID to Combat Tax Leaks and Ensure Authenticity

Good news to legit businesses. Finally,  the Philippines is rolling out a new national ID for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), aiming to eliminate an estimated PHP88.2 billion tax leak from 2023. This digital ID, coupled with an e-verifier system, will ensure the authenticity of PWDs, making it almost 100% certain that the cardholder is genuinely disabled.

How it Works:

* Strict Medical Validation: To get the ID, applicants need to submit valid disability documents.

* Visible disabilities might only need an in-person check.

* Non-visible conditions (like mental or psychosocial disabilities) require certification from licensed specialists.

* The Department of Health (DOH) will release updated disability categories and a list of authorized certifying experts.

* Fully Digital Registration: While the process is online, PWDs who need help can go to their local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) desks.

* Pilot Program: The new system is being piloted in 35 locations. The latest update from the NCDA confirmed that pilot testing will officially begin this July 2025 in 35 local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

Where is the Unified PWD ID System being pilot tested?

Here are the areas included for pilot run: 

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao: Parang, Maguindanao

Region I Ilocos Region: Dagupan City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, and Alaminos City (Pangasinan)

Region II Cagayan Valley: Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Region III Central Luzon: Multiple Cities and Municipalities in Bulacan such as San Rafael, Baliwag, Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, Guiguinto, San Miguel, Bocaue, Santa Maria, Pandi, Marilao, Balagtas, and Meycauayan

Region IV-A Calabarzon: Cainta, San Mateo, Teresa, and Antipolo City (Rizal); Carmona (Cavite); Pila and City of Santa Rosa (Laguna)

Region V Bicol Region: Daet, Camarines Norte

Region VI Western Visayas: Kalibo, Aklan

Region VII Central Visayas: Candijay, Bohol

Region X Northern Mindanao: Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN: Koronadal City and Surallah, South Cotabato

National Capital Region: Pasay City and Muntinlupa City

The new system aims to crack down on the misuse of fake IDs and guarantee that these benefits reach their rightful recipients. At its core, the system will create a centralized national database and streamline the issuance of PWD IDs under a single design and authority.

TAIWAN: Extends Visa-Free Privileges For Filipinos Until 2026

Your Taiwan Adventure Just Got Longer! Visa-Free Privileges for Filipinos Extended Until 2026

Great news for all Filipino travel enthusiasts and those looking to explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine of Taiwan! Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, during the recent Philippine Independence Day Event in Taipei, officially announced the extension of visa-free privileges for Filipinos until 2026. This is a fantastic development that promises more seamless and accessible travel between our two nations.

This extension means that Filipino ordinary passport holders can continue to enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for short stays of up to 14 days. The current visa-free policy was set to expire on July 31, 2025, but with this timely announcement, it will now be valid from August 1, 2025, until July 31, 2026. This provides a full additional year for Filipinos to plan their Taiwanese getaways without the hassle of a visa application.

Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized that this decision is a testament to Taiwan's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the Philippines. He highlighted the Philippines as a crucial partner under Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, underscoring the shared values of freedom and democracy, and the importance of working together for regional peace and prosperity. Indeed, the Philippines has become Taiwan's largest source of tourists from Southeast Asia and ranks fifth globally.

This move isn't just about tourism; it also aims to lay the groundwork for a stronger Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor. It is expected to drive cooperation in vital areas such as agriculture, technology, energy, smart solutions, and economic resilience, fostering greater exchange and mutual growth.

For those eager to pack their bags, remember the key requirements: a passport with at least six months of validity from your entry date, and a confirmed return air/sea ticket or a ticket with a visa for your next destination. This extension is specifically for ordinary passport holders, excluding diplomatic, official, or service passports.

This continued visa-free access is a wonderful opportunity for Filipinos to discover more of what Taiwan has to offer – from the bustling night markets of Taipei to the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, the historical charm of Tainan, or the breathtaking gorges of Taroko National Park.

So, if you've been dreaming of a trip to Taiwan, now's the perfect time to start planning! The land of stunning mountains, modern cities, and rich cultural experiences awaits, and with visa-free travel extended, your adventure is just a flight away.

Deceitful Recruitment Drive

An Open Letter to the Insurance Commission, the Regulating Body of HMO's 

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding potentially deceitful recruitment drives conducted by unscrupulous individuals.
These individuals are allegedly using Facebook advertisements to entice people into submitting their personal profiles and other sensitive information. This is done under the false pretense of offering a "free" opportunity to become an agent for a major HMO company.

What is particularly alarming about this alleged deceptive recruitment drive is the subsequent demand for access to personal bank accounts once an individual's personal information has been submitted. This level of access, if it falls into the wrong hands, could be used to exploit or harm unsuspecting individuals.

Furthermore, applicants are not only asked to upload their personal information via Google Drive but also required to send a screenshot as proof to the recruiting agent. Following this, applicants are supposedly lined up for an interview, only to be told they must pay PHP1,000, with the grand promise of earning millions.

I urge the Insurance Commission to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action to protect the public from such predatory practices.

Truly yours,

Travelonshoestring 

Urgent Appeal for Regulation of Loudspeaker Broadcasts During Election Campaigns

AN OPEN LETTER TO COMELEC: Urgent Appeal for Regulation of Loudspeaker Broadcasts During Election Campaigns

To the Honorable Commission on Elections (COMELEC),

I respectfully appeal to the Commission to urgently establish clear and enforceable guidelines regarding the permissible volume of loudspeaker broadcasts for candidate jingles and campaign materials. The current lack of regulation has resulted in an alarming escalation of noise pollution, causing significant discomfort and distress to residents across our communities.

The excessive and often unregulated volume of these broadcasts is not merely an inconvenience; it constitutes a serious disruption to our daily lives. In many cases, it leads to:

 * Widespread Discomfort: The constant barrage of loud jingles creates a disruptive environment, hindering concentration, rest, and peaceful enjoyment of our homes. They sometimes starts their noise bombarding brigade as early as 5:42 a.m. here in our province.

 * Adverse Health Impacts: As in my own experience, prolonged exposure to excessive noise can lead to literal ear pain, headaches, and other health issues. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

 * Diminished Quality of Life: The unrelenting noise pollution significantly degrades the quality of life in our communities, fostering stress and frustration among residents.

 * Violation of Noise Ordinances: In many areas, the current volume of these broadcasts likely exceeds existing local noise ordinances, highlighting the need for clear and consistent national guidelines.

I understand the importance of political campaigns and the need for candidates to reach their constituents. However, this must be balanced with the fundamental right of citizens to a peaceful and healthy living environment.

Therefore, I implore the COMELEC to:

 * Establish Clear and Measurable Volume Limits: Implement specific decibel limits for loudspeaker broadcasts, ensuring consistency across all regions.

 * Enforce Regulations Stringently: Develop effective mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing these guidelines, with clear penalties for violations.

 * Consider Time and Location Restrictions: Implement time restrictions for broadcasts and designate appropriate zones for their use, minimizing disruption to residential areas.

 * Promote Alternative Campaign Methods: Encourage candidates to utilize alternative, less disruptive campaign strategies, such as social media, community forums, and printed materials.

 * Publicly release the guidelines: Make the guidelines easily accessible to the public, so that all citizens are aware of the regulations.

By taking decisive action on this matter, the COMELEC will demonstrate its commitment to ensuring fair and equitable elections while safeguarding the well-being of all Filipinos.  I trust that the Commission will address this urgent issue with the seriousness it deserves.

I'll await your prompt and favorable response. 

Truly yours,

Cha Sy

www.travelonshoestring.com