Former VP Leni Robredo just launched TAYO ANG LIWANAG coffee table book. The TAYO ANG LIWANAG coffee table book, as Rappler describes it, a “390-page book, Tayo Ang Liwanag: Journeying Through People’s Campaign, is being launched on the first anniversary of the May 9, 2022 elections where Robredo lost to Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”
You can watch the book launch from the video here;
The book will be available in soft and hardbound book, it will cost ₱1,000 and ₱2,499, respectively. It’s now available for pre-order and part of the proceeds will go to Angat Buhay NGO, which Ms. Robredo chairs.
Apple has announced that it will be opening two new retail store in India. The Apple BKC in Mumbai will start operating this 18th April, then Apple Saket in Delhi on the 20th April. The new two new retail stores were opened 20 years after Apple entered the Indian market.
Even though India is the second largest market for Internet and smartphones in world, Apple is limited to the high-end of the market, specially for smartphones that are priced way below the price range of Apple in country.
You can read the full text of Apple’s announcement below;
Today Apple announced it will open its doors to customers at two new retail locations in India: Apple BKC in Mumbai on April 18, and Apple Saket in Delhi on April 20. These new retail locations mark a significant expansion in India that will offer great new ways to browse, discover, and buy Apple products with exceptional service and experiences for customers.
The barricade for Apple Saket was revealed this morning and features a unique design that takes inspiration from Delhi’s many gates, each signifying a new chapter to the city’s storied past. The colorful artwork celebrates Apple’s second store in India — located right in the nation’s capital. Beginning April 20, customers will be able to stop by to explore Apple’s latest product lineup, find creative inspiration, and get personalized service and support from the store’s team of Specialists, Creatives, and Geniuses.
In celebration of the first Apple Store opening in India, Apple BKC announced a special Today at Apple series — “Mumbai Rising” — running from opening day through the summer. Bringing visitors, local artists, and creatives together, these sessions will offer hands-on activities with Apple’s products and services that celebrate the local community and culture in Mumbai. Customers can explore the “Mumbai Rising” sessions and sign up at apple.com/in/today.
Ahead of opening day, customers are invited to download custom Apple BKC and Apple Saket wallpapers, specially curated playlists on Apple Music to move to the sounds of Mumbai and Delhi, and visit apple.com/in/retail/bkc and apple.com/in/retail/saket to learn more about the upcoming openings in India. Apple BKC opens Tuesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. IST, and Apple Saket will open for customers April 20 at 10 a.m. IST.
After a slow start, Steph Curry and the Warriors just secured another win to keep them out of the Play-in tournament.
Both team played little to no defence in the first half, OKC was able to score 79 points in the first two qtr, while the GSW scored 69 points. Warriors Coach Steve Keer have nothing but praises for OKC during the Postgame Interview.
In the second half, Golden State;’s defense improved by limiting the Thunder to just 27 points in the 3rd and 19 in the 4th qtr, while maintaining offense. Even thought the Warriors are without Klay Thompson, Steph Curry, who scored a team high of 34 points, with six 3-pointers, had a lot of help most notably from Jordan Poole, scoring 30 points, on a 42% field goal and making five 3-pointers, then there’s Moses Moody, who contributed 13 points from the bench, Draymond Green chipped-in 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and a pair of blocks and steals.
The win moves the Warrior in the 5th place, two place above the 7th place and out of the play-in tournament, and just 1 game ahead of the LA Clippers and Lakers, who are currently in the 6th and 7th place, respectively.
After scoring 21 points in the first half, OKC Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 32 points, making only 11 points for the rest of the game. Rookie Jalen Williams added 19 points but the Thunder still lost their third game in a row and fourth out of five.
OKC will visit Utah for their last two games of the season, as they try to salvage their season to be in the play-in tournament.
Golden State Warriors will be at Sacramento on Friday night, which can be a preview in the 1st round of the playoffs between the 6th and 3rd seed of the Western Conference.
Steph Curry (34 PTS) & Jordan Poole (30 PTS) Combine For 64 Points
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople has ordered the closure of a maritime consultancy firm JCB-Success Maritime Consultancy Services, a maritime consultancy firm in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The closure of the firm came after Manuel Jericho L. Ramos, one of the victims, complained that the firm was able to deliver their promised deployment after asking “him and three other applicants to pay P75,000 each as placement fee and encouraged to convince other colleagues to apply for positions offered by JCB.”
In addition to the filed complain, JCB is operating without any permit from the DMW. JCB operations is to offer jobs as deck seafarers, able engine seafarers, oilers, engineers, and yacht stewards. When a potential applicants/victim submitted the requirements like Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), passport, resume, skill certifications, etc. They (victims) are then referred to an “international manning agency” for deployment. This is where the applicants are duped in “gettug” an offer and deployment, this is where the collection of fees are initiated.
It was determined that even those unqualified applicant were “promised jobs.”
JCB claimed that they have been deploying applicants since November 2022.
With its closure, JCB-Success Maritime Consultancy Services, its owner, employees, and officers will be included in the DMW’s list of persons and establishments with derogatory records. They will be barred from participating in the government’s overseas recruitment program.
The DMW will file illegal recruitment cases against the firm’s owner and officers.
Under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, any act of hiring Filipino workers, undertaken without license or authority from the DMW, is considered illegal recruitment.
Illegal recruitment victims may contact the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau directly through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/airbranch/ or email them at airbranch@dmw.gov.ph.
Pepsi has unveil a new logo for its iconic global brand. The last time the company redesigned its logo was 14 years ago and it was at that time the company adopted their “globe” logo.
The new logo looks like a combination of the logos that the company used in the 80s and 90s, but with more emphasis on the word “Pepsi” with the white stripe in between a more vibrant red and blue wave.
New versus old Pepsi logo.
The company said that the new logo will represent’s the company’s “most unapologetic and enjoyable qualities, and will span across all physical and digital touchpoints, including packaging, fountain and cooler equipment, fleet, fashion and dining.”
“Pepsi is an iconic brand that is constantly evolving with the times, as it has been a staple in pop culture and disrupted the category for the past 125 years,” said Todd Kaplan, Chief Marketing Officer – Pepsi.
Pepsi will roll out the new look in North America this fall in time for its 125th anniversary, and will launch the new look globally in 2024.
You can read the full text of Pepsi’s Press Release here.
In connection to the MIAA’s announcement regarding the terminal changes for domestic and international flights. Philippine Airlines (PAL) made their own announce regarding the new terminal assignment.
In a nutshell, all PAL flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1, then All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2.
Travel Advisory
CHANGES IN PAL’S MANILA (NAIA) TERMINALS
Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore flights will use NAIA Terminal 1 from April 16, 2023.
Starting April 16, 2023, Philippine Airlines flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1 of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), along with PAL flights to the United States, Guam, Canada and Bali.
All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. Please see the full list below.
Please check the flight terminal assigned to your flight before proceeding to the airport, to ensure a hassle-free departure and arrival.
Shuttle buses between Terminals 1 and 2 will be available for PAL passengers arriving in either terminal and connecting to a flight in the other terminal. Passengers of other airlines may use the shuttle buses provided by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
The transfer of these additional routes to Terminal 1 is part of a terminal reassignment initiative of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to ease congestion and improve passenger convenience at all terminals.
Complete List of PAL flights and corresponding Manila terminals:
From April 16, 2023:
T1 – NAIA TERMINAL 1 – Departures and Arrivals:
Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Phnom Penh
Singapore
Bali
Middle East – Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh
Canada – Toronto, Vancouver
United States – Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu
Guam
T2 – NAIA TERMINAL 2 – Departures and Arrivals:
All PAL Domestic Flights
Australia – Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne
Bangkok
Korea – Seoul (Incheon), Busan
Japan – Fukuoka, Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya
Mainland China – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Xiamen, Hong Kong
Jakarta
Kuala Lumpur
Macau
Port Moresby
Taipei
If your flight is departing on or before April 15, 2023, these are the NAIA terminals in use at present:
MANILA DEPARTURES and ARRIVALS (until April 15, 2023 only):
• NAIA Terminal 1 – for PAL International flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.
• NAIA Terminal 2 – for all PAL domestic and international flights, except flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) just announced the second phase of its Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program in April.
In their announcement, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 will only be for all domestic flights. While Terminals 1 and 3, are now assigned for international flights, since there are wider selection of food and retail stores, and duty free shopping for passengers.
MIAA also said that “under the new scheme, Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) will be deployed in Terminals 1 and 3.
Here are the dates to remember for the MIAA Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR)
April 16
Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, China Southern Airlines and Starlux Airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh will be transferred to Terminal 1.
June 1
Ethiopian Airlines and Jeju Air will transfer to Terminal 3.
June 16
All international flights of Philippine Airlines will move to Terminal 1.
July 1
This will be the third phase of STAR, all domestic flights of Philippines AirAsia will be operated from NAIA Terminal 2.
Domestic operations of Cebu Pacific will remain in Terminals 3 and 4.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) kicked-off their Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program in December 2022. where they reassigned PAL flights to and from the United States, the Middle East, Canada and Bali to Terminal 1.
This is what MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong said regarding the STAR Program;
With this move, we expect a significant increase in Terminal 2’s capacity from 7.5M to 10M passengers a year, 20 to 25% more than its current rate.
The STAR program is a well-studied undertaking. We met with affected airlines and stakeholders to make sure they come up with their readiness plan as part of these changes. We advised them to get in touch with their affected passengers so they can inform them of the new terminal assignments.
While we are planning for a seamless transition, there could be some minor inconveniences during this period hence our appeal for understanding as this is part of our strategic program to improve the overall experience of our customers.
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh just announced that their Ramadan schedule will be from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, the Ramadan Schedule is expected to start this 23rd of March until 21st of April. The agency also posted contact details that OFW can call incase of emergencies or urgent inquiries.
I embedded their post below for additional details.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) just announced the launching of a new national airline Riyadh Air. Wholly owned by PIF, Riyadh Air will leverage Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, enabling Riyadh to become a gateway to the world and a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism.
Riyadh Air will be chaired by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, while Tony Douglas, will be its Chief Executive Officer. Douglas brings more than 40 years of experience in the aviation, transportation and logistics industries.
The newly established airline is expected to add US$20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is just less than 10 days away and all workers in both public and private sector will have shorted working hours.
As announced by Saudi’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the working hours in the public sector will reduced to 5 hours a day, from 10 AM to 3 PM, while those working in the private sector, it will have a 6 hours workday, flexible time from 9 to 10 in the morning and 3 to 4 in the afternoon.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
A newly discovered species of cockroach in Singapore have been named after a Pokémon. The name of the roach is Nocticola pheromosa first discovered during an insect survey in 2016 at a nature reserve to uncover the diversity of insects in Singapore. The cockroach was name after the Pokémon, Pheromosa.
In an article on Lee Kong Chian Natural History Muse (LKCNHM), Cristian Lucañas of the University of Philippines Los Baños, Museum of Natural History, and Foo Maosheng of LKCNHM, published a paper describing a new species of delicate cockroach, Nocticola pheromosa. The Pokémon Pheromosa was inspired by the freshly-moulted American cockroach, because of its pale body. The new species, together with the other cockroach under the Nocticola species, shares a similar features with Pheromosa such as their elongated appendages, reduced coloration and fast speed.
What an exciting catch for these two Bug Catchers and for entomological research! pic.twitter.com/fuuWyNrYZu
— Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (@lkcnhm) March 8, 2023
Both Cristian Lucañas and Etymologist Foo Maosheng share the same sentiments regarding people’s perspective on cockroaches and naming the new cockroach after a Pokémon will “change people’s perspectives on cockroaches and realise their value as part of a richer biodiversity.”
Foo also noted that “of attention is often given to other insects like butterflies, beetles and bees that are deemed more charismatic in nature. Cockroaches, on the other hand, face an ongoing stigma as pests that are viewed as off-putting. However, this delicate cockroach is not one to be overlooked! In fact, one might even appreciate how cockroaches administer their own kind of care to the environment—some assisting pollination while others facilitate nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.”
Department of Information and Communications technology (DICT) just announced that there have been a significant increase in the number of subscribers registering their SIM cards since the implementation of the SIM Registration Act. To date, a total of 44,298,445 subscribers registered their SIM cards, 26.22% of 168,977,773, which is the total number of mobile subscribers subscriber in the country.
Here’s the breakdown of all the registered subscribers;
Smart Communications – 22,673,630 registered or 33.35% of their 67,995,734 subscribers subscribers
Globe Telecom – 18,280,107 registered or 20.80% of their 87,873,936 subscribers
DITO Telecommunity – 3,344,708 registered or 25.52% of their 13,108,103 subscribers.
In their announcement, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy thank the public for their cooperation in the SIM Card registration “The Department has been actively working with the PTEs to ensure that all SIMs are registered and verified. This initiative is in line with the government’s efforts to improve national security and curb the rising incidents of fraudulent activities, including scams and identity theft”
DICT Undersecretary and Spokesperson Anna Mae Lamentillo echoed the same sentiments and added the need to create a safe digital environment for everyone, to protect everyone’s personal information from being used in any illegal activity. Lamentillo said ““We appreciate the public’s cooperation in complying with the SIM registration process. With only a few weeks left before the April 26 deadline, we urge unregistered citizens to take the necessary steps to comply and to avoid any inconvenience. We assure you that your safety and security are our top priorities,”
For those who have not register, you can visit the official link of your respective provider to register your SIM Cards;
If you’re in Riyadh, KSA you can checkout Bubble TEA, a milktea shop that started as a home business and now a full blown business with 4 partners around the country. Their shop in Riyadh is located in the Sulimaniyah district, less than 1 km from Prince Sultan Medical City.
There is currently a week-long transport strike in the Philippines due to the government transport modernization program to phaseout dangerously dilapidated and old passenger jeepneys and vans with modern vehicles. The strike not only affected workers but students as well and forced schools to conduct online classes this week.
In a social media post, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte slams PISTON and ACT for supporting the week-long transport strike and calling it “communist-inspired.” VP Duterte pointed out that the strike “will hurt our learners, and the inconvenience that it may cause comes with an enormous price deleterious to learning recovery efforts — and this is a price that learners will have to pay.”
She added that “If you (PISTON and ACT) cannot understand our position, or refuse to understand our position, or even pretend not to understand our position, this is only because of your unbelievable propensity to push a hardline agenda that punishes the general public.”
The week long nationwide transport strike launched by various Philippine transport groups is their way to protest against the government transport modernization program, even with the promised government financial aid, a majority of drivers could not afford to purchase new passenger jeepneys due to the high price of the modern/new passenger jeepneys.
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just announced the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam Results. Out of the 6,070 examinee, 3,774 passed that exam, which is a 62.17% passing rate.
The top performing University is University of Science & Tech of Southern Philippines Cagayan De Oro with 100% passing rate, followed by Iloilo Science and Tech. University with a 97% passing rate.
The top 10 examinees are as follows;
Reynell Villanueva Sanchez, Rizal Technological University – 94.90%
Mark Francis Manalad Sedano, Technological University of the Philippines – Manila – 94.30%
Jhon Maghanoy Crispino, Technological University of the Philippines – Manila – 93.95%
Nikko Perez Martirizar, Iloilo Science and Tech. University – 93.50%
Laurence Lee Pajarillo, Mindanao State University – Gen. Santos City – 93.35%
Jayson Patrick Buenaventura Bantog, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Eunice Durango Santiago, Rizal Technological University – 93.25%
Jann Marino Lloren Labiano, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Main – Sta. Mesa and Kyle Clouie92.90%
Sescon Meseños, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Taguig – 92.90%
Neil Bartolome Piquero Maglinte, Central Mindanao University – 92.80%
Jerson Cervantes Ocera, Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas – 92.70%
James Estabillo Nuval, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Main – Sta. Mesa and Karl Andree Baconga Olaivar, Xavier University – 92.65%
PRC encourages board passers to register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examinations WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
Here’s the full text of the Official Mechanical Engineering Board Exam Results;
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced in a royal decree that the Kingdom will celebrate March 11 every year as a special day for the Saudi flag named “Flag Day”.
Here’s the full text of the royal decree;
The decree said that this is based on the value of the national flag extending throughout the history of the Saudi state since its founding in 1139 AH corresponding to 1727 AD, which symbolizes the testimony of monotheism (There is no God but Allah) in its middle which is the message of peace and Islam on which this blessed state was based; and the sword symbolizes strength, dignity, the height of wisdom and status. For nearly three centuries, the flag is a witness to the country’s unification campaigns waged by the Saudi state, and the citizens of this country have considered it as a banner of pride and lofty out of belief in the great importance of the flag as a manifestation of the state, its strength, sovereignty, and a symbol of cohesion, coalition and national unity.
Whereas, the 27th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1355 AH corresponding to March 11, 1937 AD, is the day when the Founder late King Abdulaziz endorsed the flag in the form that we see today fluttering with its great connotations that refer to monotheism, justice, strength, development and prosperity.
At the MWC in Barcelona Spain, Nokia just unveil a new logo that will coincide with the company rebranding, placing more emphasis on being a “business technology company.”
In a blogpost by Pekka Lundmark, Nokia President and CEO said;
We are updating our strategy, and, as a key enabler, we are also refreshing our brand to reflect who we are today: a B2B technology innovation leader pioneering the future where networks meet cloud. Here is why we have chosen to do that now.
Even though they are no longer in the smartphone business, the company still very much involved in the mobile space thru their networking equipment and the licensing of its many patents. The company is also a big believer in 5G.
Lundmark ended his announcement with the rebranding of the company focusing on networking, innovation, collaborative partnerships and technology leadership.
Our new visual identity captures Nokia as we are today, with renewed energy and commitment as pioneers of digital transformation.
We built on the heritage of the previous logo, but made it feel more contemporary and digital, to reflect our current identity.
The brand was launched today at MWC Barcelona and it is now being rolled out across our sites and assets. The website has a new look and feel already – as you can see – and Nokia sites will begin transforming soon.
But this isn’t just about what we look like. It’s about our strength in networking, innovation, collaborative partnerships and technology leadership. It’s about our value propositions in current and prospective markets.
And most of all, it’s about our people.
In my view Nokia has the best, most talented and inspiring people in the business. Every day I feel privileged to work alongside them.
So Nokia’s leadership team and I wanted to create a new brand that worked for them, representing who they are, what they do and why they do it.
Our refreshed brand is an investment in them.
This is Nokia … but not as the world has seen us before.
This is Nokia, but not as the world has seen us before. Our new brand signals who Nokia is today. We’re unleashing the exponential potential of networks and their power to help reshape the way we all live and work. https://t.co/lbKLfaL2OI#NewNokiapic.twitter.com/VAgVo8p6nG
On the 37th Anniversary of EDSA revolution a.k.a. People Power Revolution, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. posted a message on his personal social media account, offering a “hand of reconciliation.”
He said;
As we look back to a time in our history that divided the Filipino people, I am one with the nation in remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation.
I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos.
I once again offer my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society — one that will pursue progress and peace and a better life for all Filipinos. pic.twitter.com/Ar5gbuP1bP
The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution is known around the world as a bloodless revolution where millions of Filipinos gathered along the main arteries of Metro Manila which led to the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. due to fact that the Philippines have been under martial law for 14 years and the poverty rate rose from 41% in the 1960s to 59% right before he was removed from power.
During the 14 years of being under Martial Law, there have been 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 77 forced disappearances, and 70,000 incarcerations.
It was the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. that triggered the uprising of the Filipino and led to the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution and the rest as they say is history.
For more reading regarding 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, you can go here, here and here.
Here’s something to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) around the world, starting March 1, 2023, all Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be managed by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). This in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act.
In addition to all labor concern, Assistance-to-Nationals concern will include but not limited to the following;
police cases/legal assistance
repatriation request
immigration issues
shipment of remains
welfare assistance
Aside from ATN concerns, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) will also be handing non-OFW concerns from students, tourists and pilgrims.
This is what their websie said about the Migrant Workers Office;
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to protect the rights and promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The department was created by virtue of Department of Migrant Workers Act or the Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021.
The Department of Migrant Workers Act (RA 11641) took effect on February 3, 2022, wherein the DMW was created, established, and constituted. It now assumes and performs all the powers and functions of seven merged agencies, namely: the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) of the DFA; the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under DOLE; the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP); the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRC) under the OWWA, and the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché (OSWA) under the DSWD.
The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration the national development programs of the National Economic and Development Authority. It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development.
Department of Education (DepEd) just released an amended version of the “Panatang Makabayan.” In the new version of “Panatang Makbayan,” the word “nagdarasal” was changed into “nanalangin,” the changes was made after consultation with various organizations regarding the terminology.
The Linguistic Society of the Philippines found the proposal for the use of nananalangin to be well-written and sufficiently rationalized. The Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino agreed with the use of nananalangin, because it is more inclusive, more solemn, and the choice for nananalangin is well thought of and extensively researched. The Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University had a different opinion but expressed its support for the fina1 decision of Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) on this matter.
With these consultations, the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) recommended that “nananalangin” be used instead of “nagdarasal” primarily because the nananalangin is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog. Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specific religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems.
Second, as expressed by the focal persons representing the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, dalangin and its equivalents may be more preferred than dasal since dalangin is more spiritual and universal. Finally, based on the data provided by the Philippine Bible Society, native words are preferred when Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.
This will now be the new ‘Panatang Makabayan’;
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking mga magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan;
naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.
Steamdeck is now available in Saudi Arabia. You can purchase Valve’s handheld gaming computer – Steamdeck from Xcite, which from a quick lookup, appears to be the only local retailer to sell the gaming device. Before, if you want to purchase Steamdeck, you can either need to contact someone from the United States or buy it from the gray/black market.
The Steamdeck is a handheld gaming computer developed by Valve Corporation. Released on February 25, 2022, the Steam Deck can be played as a handheld or connected to a monitor in a similar manner to the Nintendo Switch. Steamdeck is designed to designed for playing Steam-based game, but can also support third-party storefronts like Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or Origin. The user can also replace the preinstalled SteamOS with a different operating system entirely, since it supports multi-booting.
Here are the pricing of Steamdeck, based on Xcite’s website listings;
SAR 2,498.99 – Steamdeck 64GB eMMC
SAR 3,199.00 – Steamdeck 256GB NVMe SSD
SAR 4,199.00 – Steamdeck 512GB NVMe SSD
Here’s the full specs of the Steamdeck;
Compute
Processor
AMD APU
CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
APU power: 4-15W
Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away, Sunday morning, according to a relative.
Posted on the Facebook page of Sonny Ross Samonte, Bautista’s first cousin;
Sad News for our Torres Clan, Our first cousin Lualhati Bautista died at 77 yrs old this morning. Lualhati Torres Bautista (born December 2, 1945) is a Filipina writer, novelist, liberal activist and political critic. Her most popular novels include Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ. 🥲
Lualhati Bautista best known for her works: Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and Gapo. She is also the screenplay writer of the award winning film “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Gloria Romero, which won best story and best screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1984.
Aside from writing, Bautista is also known for her activism regarding social and political system in the country and was red tagged by Jefferson Lodia Badong, accusing her of being a member of New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation that Bautista herself answered and called out.
Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ last Feb 1, 2023 at their Galaxy Unpacked 2023. In a nutshell, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ are the same phones with different screen size while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the premium version that supports S-Pen and features a 200 MP camera.
You can read more about the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ here.
LinkedIn, the social media network for professionals and businesses just reveal the 15 fastest-growing job titles in the Philippines. The list is a good reference for those who are planning to switch jobs or gauge if there’s long term opportunity in the industry where you’re at.
LinkedIn explained that the list was published by “LinkedIn Economic Graph researchers examined millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022 to calculate a growth rate for each job title.” and added “To be ranked, a job title needed to see consistent growth across our membership base, as well as have grown to a meaningful size by 2022.”
Here’s the full list of LinkedIn’s 15 fastest-growing job titles in the Philippines;
Clinical Research Associate
What they do: Clinical research associates are responsible for the setup, conduct, and supervision of clinical trials and studies designed to determine the effectiveness and safety of drugs, products, and procedures.
Most common skills: Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Clinical Monitoring, Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS)
Most common industries: Manufacturing, Professional Services, Hospitals and Health Care
Business Development Representative
What they do: Business development representatives help both the marketing and sales departments of a company by identifying, connecting, and nurturing new clients in order to generate new revenue.
Most common skills: Lead Generation, Business Development, Cold Calling.
Most common industries: Technology and Media, Professional Services, Entertainment Providers.
Insights Analyst
What they do: Insights analysts are responsible for translating a company’s financial, customer, and market data into insights that can help the business make informed decisions.
Most common skills: Microsoft Power BI, Business Insights, Data Visualization
Most common industries: Professional Services, Manufacturing, Technology and Media
Delivery Specialist
What they do: Delivery specialists manage projects on behalf of clients, making sure that projects are completed within deadlines and budgets and that projects meet every client specification.
Most common skills: Service Delivery, Alteryx, Business Process Improvement
Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Administrative and Support Services
Anti-Money Laundering Analyst
What they do: Anti-money laundering analysts help organizations comply with anti-money laundering regulations by monitoring financial transactions and investigating any suspicious activity.
Most common skills: KYC Verification, Anti-Money Laundering, Due Diligence
Most common industries: Financial Services, Professional Services, Technology and Media
Media Analyst
What they do: Media analysts measure the success of advertising campaigns and other marketing activities through the monitoring of media channels and analysis of media data.
Most common skills: Media Analysis, Media Monitoring, Data Analysis
Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Financial Services
Customer Success Specialist
What they do: Customer success specialists help businesses retain existing customers by responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and providing other support that ensure customer satisfaction.
Most common skills: Account Management, Customer Success, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media
Virtual Medical Assistant
What they do: Virtual medical assistants take care of many administrative and clerical duties for clinics or hospitals, including the maintenance of medical databases, appointment scheduling, patient billing, and insurance coverage processing.
Most common skills: Virtual Assistance, Medical Assisting, Appointment Scheduling
Most common industries: Professional Services, Hospitals and Health Care, Administrative and Support Services
Salesforce Consultant
What they do: Salesforce consultants help companies use the Salesforce CRM software, providing expert guidance during the setup, implementation, and optimisation of the tool to suit the company’s needs.
Most common skills: Salesforce.com Administration, Apex Programming, Salesforce Sales Cloud
Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Manufacturing
Data Engineer
What they do: Data engineers work with raw data and transform it into a format that’s more accessible and usable for further analysis by data scientists.
Most common skills: Data Engineering, Load (ETL), Python (Programming Language)
Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Oil, Gas, and Mining
Security Operations Center Analyst
What they do: Security operations center analysts protect a company’s computer network by monitoring system activity, identifying and responding to threats, and patching any system security flaw.
Most common skills: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Operations Center, Cybersecurity
Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media
DevOps Engineer
What they do: DevOps engineers sit between software development and software operation teams to improve end user experience, balancing the rollout of new features with maintaining the stability and security of the software.
Most common skills: DevOps, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kubernetes
Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Media
Product Owner
What they do: Product owners take the lead in all aspects of new product development and are responsible for setting the vision for the product, deciding what features the product should have, and managing the whole process from start to finish.
Most common skills: Agile Methodologies, Scrum, Product Management
Most common industries: Financial Services, Professional Services, Technology and Media
Cloud Engineer
What they do: Cloud engineers manage a company’s cloud-based systems and are responsible for setting it up, ensuring its stability, implementing updates, and customizing its features to suit end users’ needs.
Most common skills: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing
Most common industries: Professional Services, Technology and Media, Manufacturing
Tax Associate
What they do: Tax associates help organizations file their taxes correctly, find opportunities for tax deductions, and provide guidance on tax-related matters.
Most common skills: Tax Preparation, Tax Compliance, Accounting
Most common industries: Professional Services, Financial Services, Real Estate and Equipment Rental Services
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh just announced that there will be changes in the passport renewal this 2023. The announcement took effect last Jan 3, 2023, the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will only receive regular passport renewal application through VFS Global both in Riyadh and in Al Khobar. Walk-ins are allowed adn no need for an appointment.
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will still provide the following services;
Passport applications for newborns
Issuance of emergency travel documents
Resolutions of issues with passport applications
Civil Registry (Reports of Birth, Marriage and Death)
Application for marriage and solemnization of marriage
Correction of entries in birth certificates and marriage contracts registered at the Embassy
Singapore-based Carousell just announced that it will layoff 10% of its staff or around 110 employees. The company made the announcement to all its staff via email and an official blogpost on their website. The company operates in 10 markets; Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Quek Siu Rui, Carousell’s Co-founder and CEO said in the post “I am deeply sorry for this outcome, and I take responsibility for the decisions that have led us here. Parting with teammates, whom we are grateful to for joining us on this mission, is a very difficult decision. We will be sure to treat everyone impacted with compassion and to lend as much support as we can to them.”
The company’s goal for the “impacted” employees is to help them in their job search by allowing them to keep their office laptop and continue their LinkedIn Learning membership until June 30, 2023; provide at least 3 months of compensation and, extend medical benefits and insurance coverage for employees and their dependents up to June 30, 2023, subject to approval by local insurers and medical service providers.
Carousell was founded in 2012, backed by Sequoia Capital India, Naver, 500 Global and Rakuten Capital, has raised a total of $372.6 million and acquired another of companies including OLX Philippines, after receiving an investment from Naspers.
The Philippine government just launched the eTravel platform that will as an online Health Declaration and Contact Tracing platform that aims to promote a convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from the country of origin to arrival at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination. The service is for all foreign and Filipino international travelers, including infants and children.
The eTravel service started last December 2, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph and anyone accessing the One Health Pass will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the One Health Pass website no longer be accessible by the public.
Using and eTravel platform registration is free and does not collect or require any form of online payment.
— Ninoy Aquino International Airport (@MIAAGovPH) December 2, 2022
Here’s the announcement from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF – EID);
Pursuant to the Philippine Government’s efforts to streamline its entry procedures and data collection processes, we inform you of the launch of the eTravel platform, an online registration system for travelers to the Philippines and returning residents.
Beginning 0001H of 02 December 2022, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph.
Passengers using the former www.onehealthpass.com.ph will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the old domain of the One Health Pass will no longer be accessible to the public.
The eTravel platform will host the electronic version of the paper Arrival Card that travelers must submit upon arrival in the Philippines for immigration clearance. Starting 05 December 2022, the Bureau of Immigration will discontinue using the paper Arrival Card. All travelers will be required to provide their arrival information and health declaration through the eTravel portal.
Registration on the eTravel platform is free. The public is warned against transacting with any entities or websites soliciting payments and fees of any kind as these are in no way related to the official eTravel platform of the Philippine Government.
The eTravel platform is a joint initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just released the result for the 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination which was held has November 12th and 13th. In a nutshell, 18,529 out of 24,903 examinees passed the exam, a 74.4% passing rate.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 18,529 out of 24,903 passed the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination given by the Board of Nursing in Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this November 2022.
The members of the Board of Nursing who gave the licensure examination are
Elsie A. Tee, Chairman; Carmelita C. Divinagracia, Elizabeth C. Lagrito, Zenaida C. Gagno, Marylou B. Ong, Merle L. Salvani and Leah Primitiva S. Paquiz, Members.
On January 9 – 13, January 16 – 20 & January 23 – 27, 2023, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
Top 10 Performing Schools/University in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam
Performance of Schools in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam in Alphabetical Order
Top 10 Examinees in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam
Complete list of Passer in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam
DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a televised public briefing, that the Department would only allow whitelisted agencies to recruit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to KSA.
USec Cacdac also added “Yung nabanggit kong whitelisting at blacklisting ng mga recruitment agencies ay itinatalaga na namin para siguradong yung a-apply-an ng mga OFWs natin ay hindi nabibilang sa blacklist at sa halip ay nabibilang sa whitelist.”
