Only in the Philippines!

Field offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in 118 cities and 1,510 towns nationwide will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and every Saturday and legal holidays until Oct. 31, 2009 to register new voters for the May 10, 2010 presidential, congressional, local and party-list elections.


This is to encourage new voters to register and to reach a wider voter reach since they are mostly busy with their studies or work during weekdays. Those who will reach the voting age of 18 on or before May 10, 2010, can already be registered with the Comelec.

A registrant must personally appear to file the application before the EO:

• state his state and exact address,
  
• specify the house number, name of street, area,
  
• district, purok or sitio, and barangay where he resides, or a brief description of his residence.

For identification purposes, any of the following documents bearing the applicant’s photograph and signature will suffice:

• Employee’s identification card with the signature of the employer or authogized representative,
• Postal ID, Student’s ID or Library Card signed by the school principal, Senior Citizen’s ID,
• Driver’s License, NBI/PNP Clearance, Passport, SSS/GSIS ID, IBP ID, License issued by the Professional Regulation Commission,
  
• any other valid ID.

In the absence of any of these identification documents, the applicant could be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct, or by any of his relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity who are registered voters of the same city or municipality.



Read more On "Comelec open on Saturdays and legal Holidays for new registrants!"!

Miss Gay Philippines will celebrate its 30th anniversary and the pageant will be staged at the Music Museum on March 17. The event was first held in 1980 by its founder-producer Chito Alcid.




There are five major titles at stake:

• Miss GP Universe, Miss GP World,
  
• Miss GP Earth,
  
• Miss GP International and
  
• Miss GP Asia Pacific.

Winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and gifts from sponsors. They will also represent the country in the Queen International in Thailand.

To join the search and for more inquiries:

Call Tel. #:

• 382-5119, 535-7453 and
• 0915-9740199 or

or e-mail:

• alcidchito@yahoo.com.
  

The event will be hoasted byDennis Bañez together with Miss Earth Karla Henry, Miss World Evangeline Pascual and Miss International Melanie Marquez. Read more On "Miss Gay Philippines 2009 search is on!"!

Singing sensation Charice wowed the post-Academy Awards crowd at the “Night to Make A Difference” party in Hollywood Sunday evening.

Watch the video after the jump!
Read more On "Charice at the Oscar after Party!"!

Transport groups on Tuesday approved a government proposal to reduce Metro Manila jeepney fares by P0.50.



President of the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines,Zeny Maranan said jeepney drivers and operators are okay with P7 minimum fare.

The Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO) earlier expressed its readiness to implement a P0.50 reduction in basic fares. ACTO has about 265,000 members nationwide, all jeepneys drivers.


LTFRB could then implement the new price rollback as early as Monday, February 23.

Read more On "Metro Manila jeepney fare rollback!"!

Bar-tending has become very popular these days not only here in the Philippines, but also abroad. Even if the Global finacial crisis looms over the demand for bartenders are still rising here and abroad.

A bar-tending seminar, to be conducted by Golden Treasure Skills and Development Program on Feb. 21 at the University of the Philippines, College of Social Work and Community Development, Magsaysay Ave., corner Ylanan St., Diliman, Quezon City.


The daylong seminar, which runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., covers all of facets of bar-tending. Learn to make everything from mixing drinks and making today’s hottest cocktails. In this completely hands-on seminar, participants will learn the skills it takes to be a successful bartender, including learning the proper way to open, close and maintain the bar.

In addition, topics such as basic tools and equipment of a bartender, preparation techniques, serving etiquette and tasting will also be discussed.

Lunch and snacks will be served while all the materials will be provided. A certificate of completion will be handed to all participants after the seminar.

Space is limited. For questions, call 436-78-26, 421-15-77 or 913-65-51. You may also visit our website at www.goldentreasureskills.com for more information.

Read more On "Bartending Seminar at UP, Dilliman on Feb. 21!"!

If you have a talent in essay writing, this contest is for you!

Get a chance to win $1,000.00 up to $3,000.00 and other prizes!

The Essay Competition 2009 invites youth to share ideas on:

How does climate change affect you?
How can you tackle climate change through youth-led solutions?

World Bank’s essay competition is open to young people aged 13-25. The theme for the essay competition is climate change. Deadline for submission is February 22, 2009. Check out their website for more information. Read more On "The Word Bank "International Essay Writting Competition 2009!"!

Get a chance to win cool prizes from Whisper. Share photos that you hava or take new one of you and your special someone in your best get-close moments and be sure to tell the whole world what made this moment special.

An you will have a chance to win ASUS Laptops, iPod nano, and Apple Mac book.

Mechanics:


1.Participant/s must submit/upload a photo of himself/themselves together with his/their special someone. The photo/s should depict a “getting close” moment and should include a short story explaining what made that “getting close” moment so special.

2.Promo is open to all interested parties who are residents of the Philippines. Persons under the age of 18, thus considered minors, may enter but written consent from their parent/legal guardian.

3.Participant/s may submit their entry by uploading their “getting close” photo story on the Whisper Multiply site, www.whymenlovewhisper.multiply.com. Entries must be received between 12:01 a.m. February 1, 2009 and 11:59 PM April 30 28, 2009. Photos must be in JPEG format and should be at least 1280 x 720 pixels in size. Participant/s may create up to 10 albums, with a maximum of 5 photos per album. Each album must also include a corresponding short story explaining what made the “getting close” moment that is depicted in the photo/s so special.

Procedure of online entry submission:

* NOTE: You should have a multiply account in order to join the whymenlovewhisper Multiply group.

1. Go to www.whymenlovewhisper.multiply.com and click the “Join Group” button to be able to join the whymenlovewhisper group.
2. Click on the “Add Photos” link under the “Photos” section.
3. Select the photo file for submission.
4. Click Upload and wait for the photo file to upload.
5. Fill in the TITLE and DESCRIPTION for the photo.
Pls. include the ff. in the Description section:
a. A short write-up describing what made the “getting close” moment depicted in the photo/s so special;
b. Your Complete Name
c. Your Email Address
d. Your Contact Number
e. Your Birthday
6. Click Save & Publish.
7. Participant will then receive a Personal Message notifying them that their photo story entry has been submitted. However, the photo story entry will still undergo screening prior to actual posting to the site.



Judging of the Best Getting Close Photo Story of the Month will be conducted in Procter and Gamble Distributing, Phils., 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City in the following dates:
* Best Getting Close Photo Story of the Month for FEBRUARY: March 2, 2009 (5:00 p.m.)
* Best Getting Close Photo Story of the Month for MARCH: March 30, 2009 (5:00 p.m.)
* Best Getting Close Photo Story of the Month for APRIL: May 4, 2009 (5:00 p.m.)
* Top 10 Best Getting Close Photo Stories: May 4, 2009


For more information and details pls. visit http://whymenlovewhisper.multiply.com/ Read more On ""Why Men Love Whisper" Promo Contest!"!

In 2009, at 8.30pm on March 28, people around the world will turn their lights off for one hour – Earth Hour. We’re aiming to reach one billion people, more than 1000 cities, all joining together in a global effort to show that its possible to take action on global warming.


Earth Hour 2009 is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to take responsibility and to get involved in working towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to The Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world will turn off their lights and join together in creating the vital conversation about the future of our precious planet.

World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour — Earth Hour — to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate their commitment to finding solutions. Turn out. Take action. Be part of this historic event.

Mark your calendar and plan to join millions of people around the world in turning off the lights at 8:30 p.m., March 28, 2009, for one hour—Earth Hour—to raise awareness and take action to fight climate change. Read more On "Earth Hour 2009 on March 28!"!

Thousands of Filipinos in the country and abroad have been laid off due to the deepening impact of the global financial crisis. But how does one know if he or she is terminated for legitimate and legal reasons?

An employee can only be terminated for two reasons--just causes and authorized causes--as provided by Presidential Decree No. 442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Just causes

A just cause is seen when there is fault on the part of the employee, such as serious misconduct or willful disobedience, gross and habitual neglect of duties, fraud or willful breach of trust, and commission of a crime or offense against the employer.

Authorized causes, on the other hand, refer to business or economic reasons such as installation of labor-saving devices, redundancy, retrenchment to prevent losses, cessation, and closing of establishment. Most employers who have laid off their workers due to the economic downturn fall under authorized causes.
Even with the respective causes, however, the employer has no absolute power to sack its employees, saying that the company should comply with proper procedure for termination.


Notice
A notice should be given to the employee to give him reasonable opportunity (at least five calendar days) to reply to charges filed against him (i.e. just causes). This is followed by a hearing or a conference where both the management and the employee can present evidence to support their respective claims.
Should the employee be terminated, a second notice will be sent to him or her stating concluded reasons for termination.

Regarding authorized causes, the employer should provide a notice to the employee and to the appropriate regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment at least 30 days before the effective date of termination. Under the labor code, the employer is required to give a separation pay to the terminated employee, which depends on the reason for termination.

Redundancy

For grounds of installation of redundancy and installation of labor-saving devices, a minimum amount equal to the employee's one-month pay or one month pay for every year of service should be given, whichever is higher. On the other hand, for instances of retrenchment and closures or cessation, the employee should be given a separation pay equivalent to his one-month pay or one-half month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher.

The law does not compel the employer to give a separation pay if the company closed down due to serious business losses. However, she said an employee can question the authorized cause given by the employer for his or her termination.

In cases where an employee has already been terminated due to authorized cause, they can go to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and they can question their termination. So the NLRC has jurisdiction to decide whether there was illegal termination. Read more On "Terminated from your job? Know your rights!"!

The Philippines would outperform many of its neighbors this year, with growth projected at 3.3 percent except the neighboring Indonesia.

It is a very interesting for Southeast Asia since they are seeing a reversal of role for most ASEAN member countries.

They are seeing that the hardest hit with the Global Economic Crisis will be Singapore and Malaysia which is mostly viewed as the most stable among the bloc.



Singapore is expected to suffer the largest swing in its economy, with a 4.4 percent contraction expected in 2009 compared with a 1.2 percent expansion in 2008.
Indonesia is expected to grow 3.9 percent which is  “not too bad” considering the state of the global economy.

Philippines has been branded the sick man of Asia because of its relatively slow growth in recent years. But this time around, the country would keep within its growth range despite the slowdown that would result from the global recession.

“Indonesia and the Philippines, traditionally less stable, will slow, but chances of recession are low.” Consumer spending would be one of the strongest drivers for it's economic growth. Read more On "Philippines will not go into recession!"!

Matapos kumanta sa inaguration ball ni US President Barrack Obama, isa na namang international singing engagement ang naka-lineup para kay Kapamilya star Charice Pempengco. Ayon sa website na leezagibbonoscarnight.com, naka-hilera si Charice na umawit sa after party ng Oscar Night sa Mr. Chow, isa sa mga kilalang restaurant sa Beverly Hills kung saan madalas kumain ang mga sikat na artista.

Big event ang Academy Awards night sa Hollywood. Ito na yata ang pinaka-prestigous event sa larangan ng showbiz sa US kaya naman big time talaga kung makakuha ka ng gig dito kahit sa mga after parties lang, dahil pihadong dadaluhan pa rin ito ng mga Hollywood stars na magmumula sa mismong Academy Awards night.

Ang kilalang composer na si David Foster ang nag-organize ng naturang after party na isa ring viewing party para sa mga big fans ng Academy night. Sina Olivia Newton-John, Leeza Gibbons, at David Foster ang magiging hosts ng naturang party sa February 22. Sa after party magpeperform si Charice, kasama ang Grammy Legend na si Thelma Hulston. Fund raising din ang naturang event para Make The Difference Network na itinaguyod ng Hollywood actress na si Jessica Biel.

Source:MJ Felipe,www.abs-cbn.com Read more On "Charice will perform at the Oscars after party!"!

As Valentine's Day approaches, travel website IgoUgo.com has come with a list of top destinations for people whose main love is chocolate.

This list is compiled by IgoUgo.com editors and is not endorsed by Reuters:

1. Oaxaca, Mexico


In Oaxaca, chocolate is used not only as a food in chocolate corn, chocolate sauce and so on but also as a popular drink. For their fix, locals frequent Chocolate Mayordomo, a shop with two downtown locations. A trip to Oaxaca can be combined with a stop in Mexico City to see Nestle's factory and chocolate museum.

2. Ghana

Ghana wants to spread the word that it grows great cocoa, so its throwing a party -- National Chocolate Day and Cocoa Day with the theme "consume more cocoa for good health."

3. Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States


Hershey's Chocolate World in the self-proclaimed "sweetest place on Earth" with a factory-tour ride in which children especially enjoy Chocolate World's singing cows.

4. Philippines


In the north, Baguio is a foodie's dream destination, famous for its Chocolate de Batirol, named after the clay pot in which chocolate is heated. Down in Bohol, a main attraction is the Chocolate Hills - not technically edible but a must-see. Further south is Davao and its cacao fields, where every meal seems to end with a decadent dessert.


5. Zurich, Switzerland

Nowhere does Swiss chocolate taste better than in the confiseries of Zurich. Lindt, Sprungli, Teuscher, Suchard; the only hard part is deciding where to begin.

6. Bocas del Toro, Panama

Sample cacao flesh straight from the source on the Bocas del Toro archipelago and wash it down with plenty of cocoa. Research suggests that this habit of Panama's Kuna people keeps their hearts healthy. Another bonus effect of local cocoa is the presence of hiking trails on what were once cacao plantations.

7. Cologne, Germany

In the chocolate capital of Germany, the Chocolate Museum is much lauded for its historical exhibits, family fun, Rhine River views, huge chocolate fountain, and, of course, free samples.

8. New York, NY

New Yorkers know chocolate: how to make it, how to sell it, how to show it. Visitors can take a chocolate tour and attend a chocolate show, and, sometimes, sleep in a chocolate hotel room. You can also find some of the world's highest-quality sweets there, including the hot chocolate served at cocoa master Jacques Torres' shops.

9. Bruges, Belgium

A great spot for chocolate lovers which includes the Chocolate Line shop where the liqueur-filled chocolates come highly recommended.

10. Barcelona, Spain


Barcelona has been breeding leading chocolatiers for centuries, making it a natural place for a museum celebrating the substance. The Museu de la Xocolata features chocolate in every form, from ornate sculptures to hot chocolate. Afterwards burn off the treats on a self-guided tour of the city's high-end chocolate boutiques. Read more On "Top 10 Chocolate Lovers Destination in the World!(Philippines is #4)"!

Ritchell Angalot (Rich Asuncion of  StarStruck) and Priscilla Navidad (the deaf Housemate sa PBB Teen Edition Plus)are included in the 24 official candidated of Bb. Pilipinas 2009.

 The 24 official candidates were introduced to the press yesterday at Gateway Cineplex 10 of the Araneta Center.

 The rest of the official candidates for the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 are:

• Hazel Sutch,
•  Cheryl Oliveros,
•  Carishieila May Kuijpers,
  
• Keann Mallari,
  
• Marie Loraine de Guzman;
• April Love Jordan,
  
• Stephanie Señires,
  
• Prscilla Mae Honorio,
  
• Sandra Inez Seifert,
  
• Pamela Bianca Manalo;
• Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte,
  
• Ma. Paula Bianca Paz,
  
• Jane de la Cruz,
  
• Jaysel Arrozal,
  
• Regina Hahn;
• Mary Tiffany Jones,
  
• Vanessa Johnson,
  
• Melody Gersbach,
• Abegail Lesley Cruz,
  
• Diana Arevalo,
  
• Barbara Salvador
  
• Marie-Ann Umali.

              The coronation night will take place on March 7, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. Read more On "Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Official Candidates!"!

There have been a lot of inquiries that the Department of Foreign Affairs received from OFW's regarding the old green passport. Since the new machine readable passports are being issued right now and the old green passports are being phased out, they are worried that the green passport will only be valid up to 2010.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday announced that green passports are still valid until their expiration date and there is no truth to the rumor at all. Read more On "Green Passports are still valid up to it's expiration date!"!

The Philippine Sportswritters Association, the country’s oldest media organization, chose Manny Pacquiao as Athlete of the Year for 2008. After winning and fighting thrice in different weight classes last year.This will be Pacquiao’s fifth PSA AOY award after earning the honor from 2002 to 2004 and in 2006.

The four-time world champion will be elevated to the PSA Hall of Fame and will join the likes of bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, basketball greats Caloy Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar, pro boxers Pancho Villa and Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, amateur boxer Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco, track stars Lydia De Vega and Mona Sulaiman, swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, tennis player Felicisimo Ampon, Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, and golfers Ben Arda and Celestino Tugot.

 PSA Annual Awards Night on Feb. 20, Friday, will be held at the Alegria Lounge of the Manila Pavilion Hotel, where Manny Paquiao will be joined by other personalities who are recognized for their contribution to Philippine sports. Read more On "Manny Paquiao is PSA Athlete of the Year!"!

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' leading domestic airline, has allocated over 100,000 seats for its all-inclusive 'Go Lite' seat sale for all of its domestic routes.

The promotional sale will run from February 4 to 10, 2009, or until the allotted seats are sold out. Travel period is from February 4 to March 31, 2009. This promotion is non-refundable.

CEB offers a P1,188 all-in promo 'Go Lite' fare from Manila to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, GenSan, and Zamboanga.

The airline also offers a P488 all-in 'Go Lite' fare from:

· Manila to Dumaguete and Roxas;

· Cebu to Boracay (Caticlan), Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, GenSan, Legaspi, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, and Zamboanga; and

· Davao to Iloilo and Zamboanga.

CEB also has a P488 all-in 'Go Lite' fare for flights from:

· Manila to Bacolod, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan (Boracay), Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban Tagbilaran, and Virac; and

* Cebu to Caticlan (Boracay)

Moreover, CEB also extends a P288 all-in 'Go Lite' seat sale from:

· Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Laoag, and Tuguegarao; and

· Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Surigao, and Tacloban.

A P188 all-in 'Go Lite' fare is also available from Manila to Busuanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Legaspi, Naga, San Jose (Mindoro).

You can book your flights through CEB's website, www.cebupacificair.com , call the reservations hotline at (02) 70-20-888, or visit their nearest travel agents." Read more On "Cebu Paciric Air domestic seat sale from P188 all-in!"!

Win a trip for 2 to any vacation spot in the Philippines!

PROMO MECHANICS:

1. For every CASH purchase/availment of the service worth P 1,000.00 one-time or accumulated of JRS products and services within the promo period from any JRS Express branches nationwide, entitles customer to one raffle ticket.


2. Fill up the raffle stub with your Name, Address, Tel. No., Signature and the airbill Number/s and drop it in the designated drop box at the branch of purchase.


3. There should be no carry-over of amount in excess of P1,000.00 once the stub is claimed.


4. Bring the claim stub and any of the following - Passport/Voters ID, Drivers License/PRC ID, Office ID/School ID, SSS, TIN, GSIS ID with Photo and Seaman's book ID/Senior citizen and when claiming prizes.
Note: Altered or unreadable documents will not be accepted.


5. Prizes can be claimed at JRS Business Corporation at no. 19 Brixton St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City and look for Mr. David E. Geronimo or Mrs. Lorie Custodio.

Visit JRS Express for more information! Read more On "Win a trip for two through JRS Express Summer Promo!"!

Go,go,go, Arnel! Read more On "Arnel Pineda and Journey Live at The SuperBowl!"!