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Posts published in “Travel”

Philippine Airlines investing ₱10 million to support aspiring Women Pilots

March 12, 2025

Philippine Airlines (PAL) just announced that they will be investing ₱10 million to “support aspiring women pilots” thru their “Fly With Her” Program (the “Program”) in partnership with PAL Foundation. With the “Fly With Her” Program, PAL aims to close the gender gap in the aviation industry, specially within their ranks since there are currently over 80 women pilots fly for PAL, which is just 9% of our pilot roster.

Here’s the full text of PAL’s official statement;

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) seeks to address the gender gap in aviation through its Fly With Her program, which helps women pursue their dream of flying for the nation’s flag carrier. It recently pledged P10 million to the PAL Foundation, which oversees the scholarship program for women pilots.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organization,” said Alvin M. Miranda, PAL Vice President for Marketing.

Apart from the P10 million pledge, PAL will release a film inspired by a real-life story of a young girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot.

“When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs.

The gender gap in aviation remains significant, with only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women.

An Ally of Women in Aviation

PAL has long been a staunch supporter of women in the airline industry. In 1989, its very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first woman commercial airline pilot to fly a commercial flight. She broke barriers again in 1993, by becoming the region’s first woman airline captain. PAL continues to lead the way in opening doors for women in the male-dominated industry.

PAL continues to work for clearer and more inclusive skies in aviation, on the strength of its signature service of #CareThatComesFromTheHeart.

Know more about the Fly with Her Program and PAL’s advocacy towards women in aviation by visiting https://www.philippineairlines.com/FlyWithHer

For those interested to joint the “Fly With Her” Program you can visit the FLY WITH HER PROGRAM for details like Eligibility Criteria, Selection Process and, where and how to apply.

NLEX Toll prices to increase beginning March 2nd 2025

March 1, 2025

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) just announced that they’re increasing the toll rates this Sunday, March 2, 2025. In their official announcement, “Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has authorized NLEX to adjust its toll by ₱5.00 in the open system and ₱0.72 per kilometer in the closed system effective March 2, 2025.”

NLEX added that “under the new toll fee matrix, motorists traveling anywhere within the open system will pay an additional ₱5 for Class 1 vehicles (regular cars and SUVs), ₱13 for Class 2 vehicles (buses and small trucks), and ₱15 for Class 3 vehicles.”

“Those traveling the full length of NLEX between Metro Manila and Mabalacat City will pay an additional ₱57 for Class 1 vehicles, ₱142 for Class 2 vehicles, and ₱171 for Class 3 vehicles.”

“The open system runs from Metro Manila in the cities of Navotas, Valenzuela, and Caloocan to Marilao, Bulacan, while the closed system covers the portion between Bocaue, Bulacan, and Sta. Ines, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, as well as Subic-Tipo.”

You can read the full text of NLEX announcement here or from their social media accounts (embeded below);

Victory Liner introduces the country’s first fully electric bus

November 27, 2024

In a press conference, Victory Liner unveil the country’s first fully electric bus for provincial travel, the announcement was made by Victory Liner President & General Manager, Ms. Marivic H. Del Pilar. She also added that this is some sort of a “research and development” to see if it is viable to use electric bus as a public utility vehicle (PUB) and it will run the Cubao – Pampanga route.

Victory Liner also added that they acquired the 2 electric bus from Higer via special pricing, it was disclosed that each bus is worth ₱5 Million.

Here are the notable features of the electric bus;

  • Range and Battery Power: A 485 kWh battery allows for 350-400 kilometers of travel per charge, ideal for round-trip routes.
  • Fast Charging: A 120 kW DC charger fully charges the bus in three hours.
  • Environmental Impact: Each bus reduces annual CO₂ emissions by over 100 tons compared to diesel models.

As for the bus fare, there will be no difference in the fare, as Victory Liner based the price on the diesel-engine buses that run the same route.

This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as Victory Liner introduces the country’s first fully electric bus.

NNIC takes over NAIA, hits the ground running   

September 16, 2024

San Miguel Corp;

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has officially taken over management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and with it, the task of modernizing the 76-year-old gateway.

NNIC, the consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Incheon International Airport Corporation, has committed to spend P170 billion to execute its phased but ambitious plan to elevate NAIA to world-class standards. This includes plans to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

The government stands to gain about P1 trillion in revenues from the PPP project over the 25-year concession period. This includes the 82.16-percent revenue share to be remitted to the government yearly.

Travelers can expect business as usual, with flights, check-ins, and other services proceeding as normal. The plans for NAIA’s modernization, including terminal reassignments and infrastructure upgrades, will be implemented gradually and strategically in the coming months and years.

NNIC has assured the public that the transition will be seamless, with no disruptions to airport operations.

The things that SMC listed for the Immediate Improvements are things that are supposedly being done by the previous management.

Clark Development Corporation launches its own Bus Transportation System   

September 12, 2024

ClarkDevelopmentCorp, posted on its official FB page;

Getting in and around Clark, now more convenient with Clark Loop!

Clark Development Corporation is excited to announce the launching of its very own bus transportation system, featuring a cashless payment system ready to take you around Clark starting September 17.

Balay Dako’s response to the, now viral, FB post   

September 10, 2024

Balay Dako issue statement, in response to the viral facebook post of Ms. Lara L. Antonio.

We sincerely apologize for the recent misunderstanding regarding our pet policy. As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Additionally, we will take steps to ensure that our staff are better trained and guided to understand and implement our policies effectively.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this process. We hope for your continued support as we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

The comments in the post is something else.

Why did Makati Gil Puyat Avenue change to Gil Tulog Avenue?

July 25, 2024

This have been trending since yesterday, the issue is that Makati’s Gil Puyat Ave. was suddenly change to Gil Tulog Ave. Thanks to the recently typhoon, people did not notice about the new “name’ until recently.

So what this an official change of name by the Municipality of Makati or it’s just a prank made by someone for clout and clicks?

After a quick google and a visit to the Philippines subreddit, it turns out this is a marketing stunt by “Gil Tulog” is a marketing stunt by Wellspring, a health and wellness brand known for its melatonin supplements.

It’s not just with the street name of Gil Puyat, the campaign also includes Wellspring-branded jeepneys, that they are calling “Sleepneys.” The “sleepneys” will give free rides if your route is “Terminal: Guadalupe Complex > Buendia, EDSA (SB) > Paseo de Roxas > Nicanor Garcia > Tordesillas, Makati City > Ayala Avenue > Senator Gil Puyat Avenue > Washington Intersection, Makati City.”

It’s unclear on how much Wellspring paid for the publicity stunt and if they received the approval of Makati city but one thing is sure, this is “genius but stupid” at the same time.

Source: visor, Balita

Your Guide to South Korean’s Simplified Visa Application this 2024

February 5, 2024

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Philippines just released a simplified guide for those who wish to apply for a visa to South Korean. Check the table below for your category and see the required documents.

*Although the tables show the required documents, it’s still necessary to submit other general documents in standard visa applications. Please refer to this table carefully.

For those elected as politicians, refer to this table:

Politician

Required Documents

Coverage/Extension (Family Members)

Not Required
Senate
COE (or Certificate of Appointment)
•Parents
•Spouse
•Minor Children
•Children over 18 who are studying
•Spouse’s Parents
•ITR
•Bank Statements
•Bank Certficates
Congress
Governors
Provincial Board Members
Mayors

For elected government officials, refer to this instead:

Government Officials

Required Documents

Coverage/Extension (Family Members)

Not Required
Individuals ranking higher (including) Assistant Secretary of the Executive Branch of the Philippine Government COE MUST HAVE the following details included:

•Affiliated Organization
•Position
•Salary
•Working Period
•Parents
•Spouse
•Minor Children
•Children over 18 who are studying
•Spouse’s Parents
•ITR
•Bank Statements
•Bank Certficates
Brigadier General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police

“If the relevant information is omitted or cannot be verified due to a lack of contact with HR, disadvantages may be given to the applicant” – Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines website.

For professionals with licenses, refer to the table below. Note that not all license holders are eligible for the simplified visa application criteria, only the ones specified below:

PRC License Holders

Required Documents

Coverage/Extension (Family Members)

Not Required
Physician
•COE (Original)
•Copy of PRC ID/IBP
•Parents
•Spouse
•Minor Children
•Children over 18 who are studying
•Spouse’s Parents
•ITR
•Bank Statements
•Bank Certficates
Dentist
CPA
Pharmacist
Veterinarian
Lawyer (including Judge/Prosecutor)

For credit card holders, please refer to the card types below:

Credit Card Holders

Required Documents

Coverage/Extension (Family Members)

Not Required

BDO Gold

•Mastercard Gold Credit Card
•Visa Gold Credit Card
•JCB Gold Credit Card
•UnionPay Gold Credit Card
•Diners Club International
•American Express Cashback Credit Card
•American Express Explorer Credit Card
•COE (Original)
•Copy of Credit Card (must show ALL front details)
•Copy of Credit Card Account Monthly Billing Statements for the last 3 months
•Parents
•Spouse
•Minor Children
•Children over 18 who are studying
•Spouse’s Parents
•ITR
•Bank Statements
•Bank Certificates
BDO Elite

•Mastercard Titanium, Platinum, World Elite Credit Card
•Visa Platinum
•JCB Platinum
•UnionPay Diamond
•Diners Club Premiere
•American Express Platinum
•American Express International Dollar Charge (Platinum, Gold, Green)

Although the Embassy states that financial documents are not required, it will still be up to the applicant if they choose to submit these.

In addition to the documents outlined in the table, applicants and their family members are still required to submit a document to establish their relationship. For children over 18 who are still studying, they are required to provide scholastic documents.