Judging for Cordova Christmas decor contest ends; Winners to be announced Dec. 19
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—The final judging for the best Christmas decor in Barangay Halls and Schools in the town of Cordova in Cebu ended Wednesday night, December 14, 2022. Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan personally visited the barangay halls and schools, along with the board of judges, during the final judging for the Christmas decor contest. […] The post Judging for Cordova Christmas decor contest ends; Winners to be announced Dec. 19 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
No weather disturbance seen during holidays
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos can look forward to pleasant weather on Christmas and the extended weekend, as the state weather bureau announced on Friday that no tropical depression will affect the region until after these celebrations. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) indicated a low likelihood of a tropical depression occurring.....»»
Meralco slashes power rates for Christmas season
Meralco announced a reduction of its power rates in December......»»
Maja Salvador ushers in December with pregnancy announcement
Maja Salvador shared a surprise to delighted fans welcoming the first day of December with an announcement that she and her husband, Rambo Nuñez, are expecting their first child. The actress announced the good news through a Christmas-themed video on her Instagram page on Friday, Dec. 1. In the clip, Maja fixes the holiday decorations.....»»
Over 33-K security personnel for Pasko Fiesta 2023
Over 33,000 security and safety personnel have been deployed for the month-long 2023 Pasko Fiesta celebration in Davao City. The Chief of Davao City's Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), Angel Sumagaysay, announced that a total of 33,672 integrated security and safety personnel will be involved in the annual Christmas festival. The deployment will begin on November 28, 2023, and continue until January 1, 2024. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) alone accounts for 9,862 personnel, with 4,731 being police officers and the rest consisting of police auxiliary and force multipliers. The security plan was established well in advance to anticipate various events throughout the celebratory month. The spokesperson for the DCPO, PCap. Hazel Tuazon, urged the public to actively participate, witness, and cooperate with law enforcement while adhering to the culture of security. She also reminded everyone to follow safety and security guidelines, such as refraining from carrying backpacks and firearms or deadly weapons, to ensure a peaceful celebration of Pasko Fiesta. The month-long festivities will commence on November 28 and conclude on December 31 with the Paghinugyaw.....»»
BI ready for holiday passenger surge
In anticipation of the influx of passengers during the Christmas season, Bureau of Immigration personnel assigned at ports nationwide are barred from going on leave, BI Commissioner Norman Tansincgo announced yesterday......»»
Basketfuls of holiday promos
On its 65th year, SM Markets has unveiled a month-long series of treats to make shopping much more rewarding for all. Take advantage of the incredible offers and promotions and experience the best of shopping during this special anniversary month. SM Markets announced a month-long celebration with a series of 65th-anniversary promotions. [caption id="attachment_192206" align="aligncenter" width="525"] TRADITIONAL Christmas hamper.[/caption] From pantry staples to delightful treats, discover a wide range of food choices that SM Markets curated at incredible value. Priced at P65, for example, are the popular SM turon at three pieces and a dozen SM Bonus eggs. Exclusive anniversary P65 bundles are on offer by food tenants and grocery brands. [caption id="attachment_192208" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FRONTERA wine[/caption] [caption id="attachment_192209" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHARCUTERIE board[/caption] Customers can enjoy a substantial discount of up to 65 percent on some of their favorite products. A perfect pre-Christmas gift to customers is a discount of P65 off if they purchase two SM Bonus Christmas baskets worth P599. In addition to in-store promotions, explore a wide array of deals and discounts online at smmarkets.ph. This includes P65 price point, P65 off and free delivery. The promos are exclusive to SM Advantage card members. An exciting offer awaits BDO credit cardholders on all weekends of the anniversary month. For a minimum purchase of P3,000, BDO credit cardholders will receive an extra 100 points. Great for party raffle prizes and perfect for spreading festive cheer is the Christmas basket at P399. Each beautifully wrapped and packaged basket of sweet treats, gourmet delights, or a combination is a hassle-free present. Ideal as gifts and giveaways are small appliances. SM Markets is adding more value with buy 3-plus-1 promo on small appliances. Beginning 1 November, don’t miss the “buy one get one free” offer on small appliances. The post Basketfuls of holiday promos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manufacturers temporarily forgo price increases — DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that several manufacturers have temporarily forgone their requests for price increases after Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual requested them to be mindful of the consumer’s plight amid the skyrocketing prices that they have to endure these days, as a result of their meeting last Thursday afternoon. On 21 September 2023, the DTI convened a meeting with manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities, where a total of 29 manufacturers and two associations of canned sardines, coffee, processed milk, bread, salt, detergent, candles, condiments, bottled water, canned meat, toilet soap and batteries participated in the said dialogue. According to DTI Undersecretary Communications and Legislative Affairs Kim Lokin, Secretary Pascual’s meeting with manufacturers went well, as these firms are willing to hold off on a price increase for now. “Although of course, they raised concerns that on the production level, there is indeed an increase in cost. Sec Pascual is very appreciative of the gesture,” she said. Manufacturers assured On the other hand, the Trade chief assured manufacturers that he would also consider their plight, and the need to sustain their businesses and provide jobs. Lokin said the DTI will hold another round of consultations, especially for those who have serious or urgent concerns, which will be on a case-to-case basis. Further, the DTI undersecretary stressed that this does not mean that forgoing the price increase is definite until Christmas. “For now, we can say the manufacturers are willing to hold off any increase for as long as they can. It is difficult to say when they will adjust prices because the cost of raw materials and ingredients used are also subject to market forces. Sec Pascual would have to consider all stakeholders, although of course in his mind, consumers’ needs are paramount,” Lokin stressed. Concerns During the dialogue, manufacturers expressed their concerns about various issues, including the imposition of pass-through fees; lack of local supply of raw materials; the compliance requirements of other government agencies, and other regulatory concerns. As of 19 September 2023, 14 manufacturers of 46 Stock Keeping Units covering 10 categories of BNPCs requested retail price adjustments due to the high cost of major raw materials, packaging materials, fuel costs, wages, and other costs that affect the production of essential goods. In their statement, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. said that manufacturers of Noche Buena products decided to absorb the bulk of rising costs. “In our commitment to observing the Christmas spirit and ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival season,” PAMPI said. “We are working diligently to manage rising costs. Production costs have risen by an estimated 10-15 percent, most of these products will only see a modest price increase of 0-4 percent”, PAMPI added. Meanwhile, Pascual said he is also committed to closely working with the salt and canned sardine manufacturers to address their specific concerns. The DTI secretary ensured that all concerns raised were taken into consideration and vowed to support the manufacturing sector, urging them to go into value addition. The post Manufacturers temporarily forgo price increases — DTI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 10K Bar examinees on 2nd day
The Supreme Court said the number of examinees in the 2023 online and regionalized Bar examinations continued to dwindle on its second day yesterday. The SC Public Information Office said that as of 12 noon, only 10,392 of the 10,400 who completed the first day of the examinations last 17 September were taking the exams. Subjects covered in the 20 September examinations were Civil Law from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and Labor Law and Social Legislation from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, 24 September, the last day of the exams, Criminal Law and Remedial Law will be in the morning and Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises in the afternoon. As in previous examinations it is expected that the number of examinees would further decrease on 24 September. The high bench had earlier announced that the results of the 2023 Bar exams would be release early December and the oath-taking and signing of the Rolls of Attorneys for the successful examinees to become full-fledged lawyers would be done before Christmas. In this year, Bar examinations SC Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando is the chairperson of the Bar examinations committee. The post Over 10K Bar examinees on 2nd day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bar exam opener a ‘smashing success’
A 96.38-percent turnout was recorded on the first day of the 2023 bar examinations, which started on Sunday. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, chairperson of the 2023 Bar Examinations, said that out of the 10,791 bar applicants, 10,400 candidates braved and completed both tests given. Hernando also announced that the release of the results of this year’s Bar exams, as well as the oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys, will be held before Christmas Day. “I am proud to say that the first day of the 2023 Bar examinations was a smashing success. The Court and its 2,310-strong Bar personnel vigilantly stood watch over our 2023 Bar examinees and ensured the safe, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the exams. Let us all hope and pray that this would continue until the last day of the Bar,” Hernando said. “To all of the 2023 bar examinees, I salute you for powering through the first Bar day. There are only two Bar examination days left. You can do it! I look forward to warmly welcoming you to our profession before Christmas Day,” he added. Hernando said this year’s Bar digital innovations were the results of thorough consultations between the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Bar Chair, and law school deans and legal experts. The traditional month-long exams previously had been “physically draining, emotionally nerve-racking, and financially devastating, considering the costs of adapting to the venues of the Bar examinations,” which led to a clamor not only to shorten the four examination days but also “to reduce the coverage only to the legal essentials.” The post Bar exam opener a ‘smashing success’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SC to release results of 2023 Bar exams before Christmas
The Supreme Court disclosed that the results of the 2023 online Bar examinations will be released before Christmas while the oath-taking of new lawyers will be held before New Year. Yesterday, the three-day Bar exams started in 14 local testing centers (LTCs) nationwide. The SC said the last two days of the exams are on 20 and 24 of September. Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, chairperson of the 2023 Bar exams committee, said: “For the longest time, Bar examinees have had to endure several months of perceived agony of waiting before the results of the professional licensure exams for future lawyers are released. “This year, however, following the examples of my recent predecessors as Bar Chair, the time spent by the examinees waiting in agony for the results of the exams will be cut short: my team and I are eyeing the release of the results of the 2023 Bar Examinations in early December before Christmas day. “Moreover, there will be simultaneous oath-taking and signing of the Roll of Attorneys in December also before Christmas day so that we will have our new batch of full-fledged lawyers before the year ends. “It will be an additional reason for those who will hurdle the Bar Exams to celebrate the Holiday Season.” Hernando added that as of 17 September, a total of 10,791, instead of 10,816 as earlier announced, will take the six-subject examinations spread over three days. The change in the number was a result of the withdrawal of 25 examinees who had earlier registered. As in previous examinations, they may still withdraw from the exams after the first day. Hernando said the conduct of the examinations by the SC will be assisted by 2,571 Bar personnel deployed in the 14 LTCs. The SC headquarters for the exams is at the San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City is the appointed SC headquarters for the exams. “The 2,571-strong 2023 Bar workforce—which includes court officials; judges; numerous personnel from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, the Court of Tax Appeals, and First-and Second-Level Courts; and volunteer lawyers in the government and private practice—are fully committed to ensuring the integrity and orderly process of this year’s Examinations,” Hernando said. Six core subjects are covered in the examinations—Political and Public International Law, 15 percent; Commercial and Taxation Laws, 20 percent; Labor Law and Social Legislation, 10 percent; Criminal Law, 10 percent; and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises, 25 percent. The subjects yesterday were Political and Public International Law in the morning, and Commercial and Taxation Laws in the afternoon, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On 20 September 2023, the subjects covered are Civil Law in the morning and Labor Law and Social Legislation in the afternoon. On 24 September 2023, Criminal Law and Remedial Law will be in the morning, and Legal and Judicial Ethics with Practical Exercises in the afternoon. In the National Capital Region, the LTCs are at the San Beda University, Manila; University of Santo Tomas, Manila; SBCA; University of the Philippines, Quezon City; Manila Adventist College, Pasay City; and University of the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City. In Luzon, the LTCs are at Saint Louis University in Baguio City; Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao City; and University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City. In the Visayas, the LTCs are at the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, University of San Carlos also in Cebu City, and Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation in Tacloban City. There are two LTCs in Mindanao—one at the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City and the other at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. Courts within the areas of the 14 LTCs will be closed on 20 September. Several local governments in the 14 LTCs have announced traffic rerouting in areas where the examinations will be held. During the three-day examinations, most of them have also banned the sale of liquor at certain times of the day. The post SC to release results of 2023 Bar exams before Christmas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Supreme Court aims to release 2023 Bar exam results before Christmas
The Supreme Court announced Sunday that it is planning to release the results of the 2023 Bar exams in December. .....»»
Immigration eyes shift to E-gates
The Bureau of Immigration is now planning to replace half of its manual counters with Electronic gates to increase the efficiency of its airport operations. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco announced this Monday (4 September) after requesting an increase in the BI’s budget. According to the BI, it follows a 45-second immigration processing time for travelers, adopted from the Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information published jointly by the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. While the 45-second standard is meant for check-in counters to allow for manual keying of passenger data, BI has committed to and placed an obligation on itself to process passengers within that time frame. Tansingco said that the BI’s IT programs are lined up to further reduce the processing time without compromising national security. He added that the procurement of E-gates has been included in the BI’s approved information systems strategic plan for 2024–2026. The E-gates, which are identical to those used in advanced countries, can reduce processing time to as little as 8 seconds per passenger. When compounded, this would greatly speed up the traveler’s processing time. The BI chief claimed that currently, the Bureau only has 21 E-gates, which are distributed throughout the arrival areas of all major international airports in the country, with the majority of them placed at the NAIA. The Bureau is preparing to purchase E-gates beginning in 2024, and by 2026, it expects to have a total of 43 E-gates established across the country. The agency estimates that this project will cost 1.9 billion, which is required to keep up with equivalents elsewhere. “E-gates are now the standard in most countries,” Tansingco said. “We want things to be faster and more efficient to better improve the experience of our travelers,” he added. Meanwhile, Tansingco said that their operations are prepared for the expected influx of passengers during the Christmas season. He added that the “Ber” months are here again, and because of this, they expect a higher volume of arriving and departing passengers. Tansingco also shared that apart from deploying hundreds of immigration officers, with the latest batch of graduates numbering 108, the BI has in place the Rapid Response Procedure, executed in all international ports of entry and exit during peak hours or critical periods, to address the sudden influx of travelers by augmenting the number of officers assigned at a specific terminal through the mobilization of other IOs assigned at other offices. Mobile counters have also been deployed to process passengers despite the limited immigration space in our airports as compared to the allocated immigration space in other countries. The BI also announced that within the year, it intends to open green lanes at the departure area, which will cater to airline crew, frequent travelers, and OFWs. The post Immigration eyes shift to E-gates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sisters’ acts
Siblings bond by doing things together. On 22 October, Darlene Skinner, Anna Hall Anderson and Lushinda Greene, three of seven children, got married at the same time. The triple wedding was held in their hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Fox Carolina reported. In May, the Bonin sisters, Madeleine, 28; Alexis, 25; Annalise, 23, and Kate, 18, went on a girls’ night out outside Houston, Texas, together with their mom and two sisters-in-law. All were wearing their white wedding gowns, except for unmarried Kate who had to buy one, because they all agreed that their expensive wedding dresses didn’t deserve to be worn only once. When the women got out of their cars to dine at the True Food Kitchen on Market Street, people noticed the Bonins’ gowns and couldn’t help being curious about the occasion. Alexis posted on social media a video of them being recorded and selfied by spectators. The video of their memorable evening stunt went viral, with more than 6.5 million views on Instagram last month, Insider reported. The Thiem sisters, Jena, 33; Jessica, 30; Jordan, 27, and Jaden, 25, were inseparable and did everything together as kids and teens in Dallas, Texas, the Washington Post reported. All married now and living in different states, they stay close by remotely exchanging news every day. They also occasionally hold family get-togethers. Last Christmas, Jordan revealed to her family that she was going to be a mother. In January, Jaden called up Jordan to say that she too was pregnant. Then Jena revealed her pregnancy to Jordan on a family trip to Florida a few weeks later, according to WP. Over the Easter holiday, all four sisters visited their parents in Omaha, Nebraska, and their mother gave each a framed photo of themselves together as children, with the inscription, “These babies are… all having their own babies.” This shocked Jessica — who at the time knew that only Jordan was in the family way — to learn that her two other sisters were also pregnant. She then announced her pregnancy to the family. It was exciting for the four sisters to be pregnant at the same time. The eldest, Jena, is expecting her second child in October, the same as the youngest, Jaden. Jordan is giving birth next month, while Jessica is due in November. WJG @tribunephl_wjg The post Sisters’ acts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG Fund slashes loan rates
State firm Pag-IBIG Fund gave its members an early Christmas present as it reduced interest rates on housing loans, top officials announced on 18 July. “We are keenly aware of the need to provide affordable housing to our members who dream of having their own homes,” Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said. “With Pag-IBIG Fund’s strong performance and robust fiscal standing, we are happy to announce that we have reduced the interest rates on our housing loan, making home ownership even more attainable for all Filipino workers,” Acuzar added. Effective 1 July Under the new rates, the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan now carries a lower interest of 6.25 percent per annum under a 3-year repricing period from the previous 6.375 percent. Interest rates for the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year repricing periods have also been reduced to 6.5 percent from 6.625 percent, 7.125 percent from 7.375 percent, 7.75 percent from 8.00 percent, 8.50 percent from 8.625 percent, 9.125 percent from 9.375 percent and 9.75 percent from 10.00 percent, respectively. The new rates came into effect on 1 July. Meanwhile, the agency’s home loan rate under its one-year repricing period remains at 5.75 percent per annum, while its special interest rate for home loans of minimum-wage earners under its Affordable Housing Program remains at 3 percent per annum, the lowest in the market. According to Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta, the agency was able to reduce its home loan rates due to its strong fiscal standing, record-high collections and high-performing loans ratio. “We at Pag-IBIG Fund take to heart our responsibility to provide our members with affordable home financing. With our performing loans ratio at a high 92.53 percent and collections from both membership savings and loan payments at a record-high, we are able to effectively fund the high demand for our home loans without the need to borrow from the market. “As a result, we were able to reduce the interest rates on our housing loan, despite the upward market trend. This is truly Lingkod Pag-IBIG, Tapat na Serbisyo Mula Puso, at work,” Acosta stressed. The post Pag-IBIG Fund slashes loan rates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Toni Garrn to divorce Alex Pettyfer
It’s not new how celebrity couples in Hollywood sail and sink instantly — despite tying the knot. While there are a handful of couples who lead a long and happy marriage, Alex Pettyfer and Toni Garrn are not part of that club. Last 22 April, Toni announced via Instagram Stories that she is divorcing Pettyfer, her husband of two years. Her statement reads: “Alex and I have made the very difficult decision to divorce. We will continue our relationship as friends and co-parents to our angel Luca. Please respect our privacy during this sensitive time. Thank you.” According to E! News, Toni and Alex were first spotted together in February 2019 but People reported that the two had been dating since 2018. Alex proposed to Toni on Christmas eve 2019, wed in October 2020 in Germany and exchanged vows in June 2022 in Greece. They welcomed their first baby together in July 2021. Toni, 30, is a former Victoria’s Secret model while Alex, 33, is an actor best known for his works in I Am Number Four, Beastly, Magic Mike, The Infernal Machine, among others. The post Toni Garrn to divorce Alex Pettyfer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Death toll from Christmas weekend rains, floods climbs to 25
MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from shear line-induced rains and floods last weekend climbed rose from 13 to 25, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on Wednesday. Twenty six individuals remain missing, nine were injured while at least 393,069 have been displaced by the heavy rainfall that triggered massive flooding in […] The post Death toll from Christmas weekend rains, floods climbs to 25 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Gale warning in Cebu prevails 2 days after Christmas, several sea trips still suspended
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The gale warning, which prohibits several sea vessels from sailing, remains in effect in Cebu and the entire Visayas on Tuesday, December 27, or two days after Christmas, authorities announced. Lt. Junior Grade Stephen Pagcaliwagan, district operations officer of the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas (PCG-7), confirmed on Tuesday that […] The post Gale warning in Cebu prevails 2 days after Christmas, several sea trips still suspended appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
MRT-3 announces holiday operating schedule
The Department of Transportation announced that the operating hours of the MRT-3 will be shortened on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day......»»
Judging for Cordova Christmas decor contest ends; Winners to be announced Dec. 19
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—The final judging for the best Christmas decor in Barangay Halls and Schools in the town of Cordova in Cebu ended Wednesday night, December 14, 2022. Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan personally visited the barangay halls and schools, along with the board of judges, during the final judging for the Christmas decor contest. […] The post Judging for Cordova Christmas decor contest ends; Winners to be announced Dec. 19 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cordova JO, COS employees to get ‘gift’ for Christmas
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—Job Order (JO) and contract of service (COS) employees in the town of Cordova in Cebu are set to receive a gift from Cordova Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan. Suan announced that JO and COS employees will receive gratuity within this month. “Ato nang hatagan ug allocation ang tanang JO ug COS aron happy […] The post Cordova JO, COS employees to get ‘gift’ for Christmas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»