Iloilo Airport, 12th best in Asia for 2017

Once again, our very own Iloilo International Airport at Cabatuan was voted as one of the best airports in Asia in the 2017 survey.

Travel website The Guide to Sleeping in Airports (www.sleepinginairports.net) recently released their annual best and worst airports lists, and Iloilo International Airport maintained its position at no. 12 in the Top 25 in Asia.

Three other airports in the country is in the list, with Mactan airport at no. 13, Davao airport at no. 17, and Clark airport at no. 22.

Iloilo airport was also at no. 12 last year, and no. 21 in 2015. Changi Airport in Singapore is still the best in Asia and the whole world for overall experience.

The website asked travelers worldwide to rank their airport experience based on the following: Comfort (Gate seating & availability of rest zones), Services, facilities & things to do, Food options, Immigration/Security, Customer service, Cleanliness, Navigation and ease of transit, and Sleepability.

Here's the complete list for Asia's best airports:

Top 25 Airports in Asia

1. Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore (SIN)
2. Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea (ICN)
3. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan (HND)
4. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (HKG)
5. Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan (NRT)
6. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan (TPE)
7. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand (BKK)
8. Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, India (BOM)
9. New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, India (DEL)
10. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia (KUL)
11. Osaka Kansai International Airport, Japan (KIX)
12. Iloilo International Airport, Philippines (ILO)
13. Mactan–Cebu International Airport, Philippines (CEB)
14. Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, India (HYD)
15. Bangalore Bengaluru International Airport, India (BLR)
16. Cochin International Airport, India (COK)
17. Davao Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Philippines (DVO)
18. Karachi Jinnah International Airport, Pakistan (KHI)
19. Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport, Pakistan (LHE)
20. Brunei International Airport, Brunei (BWN)
21. Trivandrum International Airport, India, (TRV)
22. Clark International Airport, Philippines (CRK)
23. Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, Indonesia (DPS)
24. Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Indonesia (CGK)
25. Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, India (CCU)

"The best airports in the world are the ones that inspire you to book a trip based on the receiving airport alone. From ultra-efficient processes to friendly staff and a wide array of activities you never thought you’d find in an airport, these airports become a memorable part of any trip," the website stated.

The website also has the worst airports list, and interestingly Ninoy Aquino International Airport is not there anymore after a shoo-in the last few years.

Congratulations to Iloilo airport management and to all proud Ilonggos. It has to be Iloilo! [via Sleepinginairports.net]

DOH-6 opens Online Application for 2018 HRH Deployment Programs

Finally, Department of Health Regional Office 6 here in Western Visayas announces that they are now ready to accept nurses, doctors, midwives, pharmacists, medical technologists and other health workers under the Human Resource for Health Deployment Programs for calendar year 2018.

Just like in the previous years, submission of applications of interested and qualified health workers shall be done via their Online Recruitment System.

DOH has designed the HRH Deployment Programs to improve health systems in grassroots levels that will support the country’s attainment of All for Health towards Health for All.

The program will hire health professionals for deployment in the region prioritizing identified municipalities of the National Anti - Poverty Commission (NAPC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) areas, areas with Indigenous People Groups (IPs) and the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) of Western Visayas.

Here's the vacant positions and their minimum qualifications:

• Dentist under the Dentist Deployment Program (DDP) - Doctor of Dental Medicine
• Nurse under Nurse Deployment Project (NDP) - Registered Nurse
• Universal Health Care Implementers under UHCI Deployment Project (UHCIDP) - Registered Health Professional (Preferably a Physician / Nurse)
• Medical Technologist Medical Technologists under Medical Technologist Deployment Project (MTDP) - Registered Medical Technologist
• Public Health Associate under Public Health Associate Deployment Project (PHADP) - Graduate of any Health Allied Bachelor Degree Family Health Associate under Family Health Associate Deployment Project (PHADP) - Registered Nurse
• Midwife under Rural Health Midwives Placement Program (RHMPP) - Registered Midwife

These health workers will be deployed to rural health units, birthing facilities, and barangay health stations in Region VI. Contract period will be from January to June 2018, and renewable based on Very Satisfactory Performance Rating.

Minimum Requirements

• Duly filled up Online Application via Online Recruitment System (Direct LINK)
• Official and validated PRC License
• Certified True Copy of Diploma (for Public Health Associate)
• Physically and Mentally Fit

Online Recruitment System will be ready to accept applications from October 16-30, 2017, Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

If you have further concerns about the program in DOH RO6, you may contact the following:

MARIEBE EGUIA-ADRIAS, RN - Senior Health Program Officer III, OIC - HRDU
Email - dohrovi.hrdu@gmail.com
Telephone No.: (033)321-02-35

Hopefully more health workers will join and serve the public health system so that delivery of health services will be readily available and efficient in the grassroots level.

No official information yet on the salary of health professionals under this program, but former health secretary Paulyn Ubial previously announced that nurses will get around P29,000 and doctors at P70,000. In the proposed DOH budget, P9.7 billion is intended for the deployment of these health professionals around the country.

Please share this post to all health workers in Region 6. Also, follow this Nonoynet blog for more updates. [via http://ro6.doh.gov.ph/]

SEC: Pluggle not authorized, agents may be held criminally liable

Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday has issued an advisory warning the public that Pluggle, Inc. is not authorized to solicit investments and those who are involved in it may be imprisoned.

Pluggle, with logo that is clearly a rip at Google's, is going viral in Facebook nowadays. I have seen lots of my friends in social media posting about their earnings from Pluggle and inviting everyone to join this online investment scheme.

One thing I noticed about it is that, it does not have any products to sell. It is purely pyramiding scheme which entices people to join, and encourage them to recruit others in order to earn more.

I'll leave it to government agency SEC to give the final verdict on it. Here's the full advisory:

SEC ADVISORY on Pluggle

The Commission has received information that individuals or group of persons representing PLUGGLE, INC. are enticing the public to invest in the said entity. Based on the reports received from the public, PLUGGLE claims that it has an advertising website wherein its members can receive significant gains from their One Thousand pesos (P1,000) initial investment by simply logging in everyday or by obtaining referrals.

According to the information communicated to the Commission, PLUGGLE requires its members to sign up to its website through a sponsored link and to purchase an activation code worth One Thousand pesos (P1,000) through their accounts using bitcoin or through other legitimate members or leaders. PLUGGLE claims its members may earn in 6 ways:

1. Sign up bonus – The member will earn One Hundred pesos (P100) upon registration;
2. Personal login bonus – The member will earn One Hundred pesos (P100) every time he/she logs in his/her account;
3. Group login bonus – The member will earn Sixty pesos (P60) per login of his/her 1st level downlines and Forty pesos (P40) per login of his/her 2nd level downlines;
4. Follow bonus – The member will earn One Hundred pesos (P100) for every person he/she sponsors into the system. There are no limitations as to the number of persons the member intends to sponsor;
5. Leveling bonus – The member will earn Four Hundred pesos (P400) for one (1) pair in each level down to the 10th level of the binary structure;
6. Pairing bonus – The member will earn One Hundred pesos (P100) for every pair in the binary structure. There are no limitations as to the number pairs.

To avoid overpayment, the Personal and Group login bonuses combined are limited to One Thousand Three Hundred pesos (P1,300) for 12 days and the Pairing bonuses are limited to 30 pairs per day or Three Thousand pesos (P3,000) per day per account. However, a member may register two (2) or more accounts but only the main account will have a login bonus of One Thousand Three Hundred pesos (P1,300).

In its Facebook Account PLUGGLE promises a return of 30% - 100% in 12 days with the above-mentioned system.




The public is hereby informed that PLUGGLE, INC., despite having been registered with the Commission as a corporation, is not authorized to solicit investments from the public as it has not secured the necessary license or permit from the Commission as required under Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

Consequently, those who act as salesman, brokers, dealers or agents of PLUGGLE, INC., in selling or convincing people to invest in the investment scheme being offered by PLUGGLE, INC. including solicitations or recruitment through the internet may likewise be prosecuted and held criminally liable under Section 28 of the Securities Regulation Code and penalized with a maximum fine of Five Million pesos (P5,000,000.00) or penalty of Twenty One (21) years imprisonment or both pursuant to Section 73 of the SRC.

Accordingly, those who invite or recruit other people to join or invest in this venture or offer contracts or securities to the public may be held liable or accordingly sanctioned or penalized in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in the case of SEC vs. Oudine Santos (G.R. No. 195542, March 19, 2014).

Regarding the use of Bitcoin in the investment scheme, the public is further informed that pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 944, s, 2017, “The Bangko Sentral does not intend to endorse any VC (virtual currency), such as bitcoin, as a currency since it is neither issued or guaranteed by a central bank nor backed by any commodity. Rather, the BSP aims to regulate VCs when used for delivery of financial services, particularly, for payments and remittances, which have material impact on anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT), consumer protection and financial stability.”

In view thereof, the public is hereby advised to exercise caution before investing in these kinds of activities and to take the necessary precaution in dealing with PLUGGLE, INC. or its representatives.

Should you have any information regarding the operation of the subject entity, please call the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department at telephone numbers 818-6047.

For guidance of the public.

I took this official advisory from SEC website, which you may also verify or download. Emphasis through bold typefaces mine. Please share this to all your friends who are in one way or the other involved in this scheme.

DepEd opens 2016-2017 ALS A&E Test Registration

Finally, Department of Education (DepEd) Philippines has opened the registration for Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test 2016-2017, which was previously postponed by the agency.

The ALS A&E Test, formerly known as the Non-formal Education A&E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system.

Deped announces that the registration period for test which is given to Elementary and Junior High School Level will be on October 2 - 25, 2017. Qualified applicants may register at DepEd designated registration centers.

Guidelines

1. Applicants may register on the following levels:
Elementary level - not less than 12 years old
Junior High School level - not less than 16 years old

2. Registration Centers are the Schools Division Offices or District Offices designated by Deped. There will be a Registration Committee that will assist applicants in filling up their registration forms and assess their documents.

3. Make sure to complete the form and submitted documents to avoid delay. Applicants should personally fill up the form and submit it to Registration Committee.

4. No fee shall be collected from applicants during the registration or in taking the test and requesting certificate of rating.

Registration

To register, get a registration form from registration centers and bring the following:
Original AND copy of Certification of ALS Program Completion given by Learning Facilitator (for ALS learners)
Original AND copy of birth certificate (from Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA] formerly known as National Statistics Office)
Two (2) copies of the same 1x1 ID picture (with white background and name tag)

If you don't have PSA birth certificate, you may submit any of the following:
Baptismal certificate
Voter’s ID (with picture and signature)
Valid passport
Valid driver’s license
Any legal document with your name, picture and signature (example: NBI clearance, barangay certificate, certification from barangay chairman or learning facilitator)

Passers of the A&E Test are given a certificate/diploma, bearing the Department of Education (DepEd) seal and the signature of the Secretary, certifying their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal school system. Passers are qualified to enroll in secondary and post-secondary schools.

Administration of ALS A&E Test for 2016-2017 was previously scheduled on January 22, 2017 for Luzon and January 29, 2017 for Visayas and Mindanao but was cancelled. Deped has yet to issue announcement on the new schedule of the test.

For more information or concerns, you may contact your Schools Division Office or District Office, or call DepEd-Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) at telephone nos. (02) 631-2588, (02) 631-2589 at (02) 631-2571.

DOH opens HRH Deployment Programs 2018 application

Good news to all health workers in the Philippines! Department of Health (DOH) has finally opened the hiring of nurses, doctors, midwives, medtechs, pharmacist and other allied health professionals for deployment in 2018.

The health department announced that they are ready to accept applications under DOH Deployment Program 2018 (formerly known as Human Resource for Health Programs), which according to recent proclamation by Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial will hire around 25,000 health workers to be deployed in grassroots level.

Vacant positions are open for nurses, doctors, midwives, dentists, medical technologists, pharmacists, and allied health workers. The deployment program includes:

• Physician Augmentation Deployment Project (PADP)
• Universal Healthcare Implementers Deployment Project (UHCIDP)
• Nurse Deployment Project (NDP)
• Rural Health Midwives Placement Program (RHMPP)
• Dentist Deployment Project (DDP)
• Medical Technologist Deployment Project (MTDP)
• Pharmacist Deployment Project (PDP)
• Public Health Associates Deployment Project (PHADP)
• Family Health Associate Deployment Project (FHADP)

Nurses get the most vacant slots as around 22,000 of them will be hired out of 25,000 health workers.

Recruitment and selection of qualified applicants will be from October to December 2017, and the process includes qualifying exam given by respective DOH regional offices. Those who will be accepted will be deployed from January 2 to December 31, 2018.

Application Requirements

1. Application Letter addressed to the Regional Director, DOH Regional Office___.
2. Authenticated copy of Diploma/Transcript of Records (for new entrants/applicants).
3. Copy of Certificate of Training/Seminars attended.
4. Copy of Eligibility (Sub-professional/Professional/Board Rating)

DOH also has uploaded a new Application Form which needs to be filled up, with 1x1 photo attached. See the downloadable DOH Deployment Program 2018 form below, with list of details of Regional Offices and their contact details:



You may download the form here: DOH Deployment Program Application Form

Salary

Nurses and other health workers have been anticipating this recruitment after Secretary Ubial said that the third tranche of Salary Standardization Law will be implemented in 2018, which means that nurses will get around P29,000 basic monthly salary and doctors will earn over P70,000 monthly. That's just the basic salary, exclusive of incentives and allowances.




I've checked the salary grades for each professional in this year's HRH 2017, here's what they will probably get next year based on 3rd Tranche SSL:

• Doctor to the Barrio/PADP - Salary Grade 24 : P73,299
• Dentist under DDP - Salary Grade 17: P34,781
• Nurse under NDP - Salary Grade 15: P29,010
• Medical Technologist under MTADP - Salary Grade 15: P29,010
• Midwife under RHMPP - Salary Grade 8: P16,282

UHCI also gets Salary Grade 15 as nurses are mostly hired for this position; Public Health Associate is Salary Grade 12. I don't know about Pharmacist (no pharmacist in the program this year) and Family Health Associate (if nurse, salary grade 15 will be applied). Again this is not official yet as DOH havent issued announcement about the salaries for 2018 deployment, so we have to wait for that.

I've been following this DOH Deployment Program ever since, and based on previous years recruitment, the respective Regional Offices handle the hiring process, conduct of qualifying examinations, interviews, selection, etc. For instance, Region 6 uses an Online Recruitment System for this.



So if you have other concerns, please contact DOH regional offices or provincial health offices in your locality, listed on the document above.

Please share to other health care workers who might be interested in this program. For updates you may follow this blog Nonoynet.com or my social media pages.

JOBSTART: Join the program and be Job Ready!

Calling all Ilonggo youths who wish to shorten their school-to-work transition, join the JobStart Iloilo program registration implemented by Public Service Employment Office (PESO) of the province of Iloilo.

The JobStart Program is an employment facilitation initiative by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with technical assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and funding support from Canadian government. The program aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of jobseekers in formal education and technical training in order for them to become responsive to the demands of labor market.

Province of Iloilo thru its PESO was chosen as one of fifteen areas for the launching of JobStart Philippines Program for its readiness. It was recently adjudged as best PESO in Western Visayas.

The JobStart program includes: 10-day Life Skills Training, Technical Training for a maximum of three months, and Internship also for a maximum of three months. Participants will receive P200 per day allowance for the Life Skills Training and Technical Training, while the employers will provide 75% minimum wage for the Internship.

A total of 240 slots is needed for the pilot implementation of Jobstart Iloilo and registration will be at 8:00AM to 4:30PM of September 27, 28, 29, 2017 at Function Room D, 2nd floor of Casa Real de Iloilo.

Qualification

• Filipino citizen
• Bona fide resident of Province of Iloilo
• 18-24 years old
• High school level, college level, or college graduate
• Currently NOT studying, working or undergoing training
• With less than 1 year or NO work experience

Registration Requirements

• Valid ID or Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Residency
• High School or College Diploma
• Form 138 (for HS) or Transcript of Records (for College)
• Training Certificates or National Certificates (if available)

Qualified youths who will be accepted in the JobStart program will receive enhanced career guidance, gain knowledge on labor market information, and receive life skills training. After that, they will be referred to partner employers or potential employers for technical training and internship that could lead them to future permanent employment.

This Jobstart program is one the commendable thrusts of the government to address the youth unemployment which contributes to nearly half or 49.5 percent of the total 2.44 million unemployed Filipinos.

Based on the April 2017 Labor Force Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 1.21 million unemployed youths aged 15 to 24 years.

For inquiries, you may contact PESO Iloilo at 3rd floor, HRMD Office, Iloilo Provincial Capital, Bonifacio Drive Iloilo City. Telephone No. 337-0699, Emails: jobstart.iloilo@gmail.com and peso_iloilo@gmail.com.

DOH HRH Deployment Programs 2018 Updates in Region 6

Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial recently announced that the Department of Health (DOH) will once again hire health workers under the Human Resource for Health (HRH) Deployment Programs for 2018, and the Regional Office 6 issued an advisory about the opportunity.

DOH has designed the HRH Deployment Programs to improve health systems in grassroots levels that will support the country’s attainment of All for Health towards Health for All.

The program will hire health professionals for deployment in the region prioritizing identified municipalities of the National Anti - Poverty Commission (NAPC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) areas, areas with Indigenous People Groups (IPs) and the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) of Western Visayas.

A lot of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are really interested in the program especially after Secretary Ubial said in an interview that they will be deploying around 25,000 workers (22,000 are nurses) around the country next year, on a higher salary rate due to third tranche of Salary Standardization Law. Nurses will receive P29,000 monthly, according to Ubial.

To nurses, doctors, dentists, midwives, medical technologists, and other allied health professionals in the Western Visayas, here's the latest advisory on HRH 2018 from DOH Regional Office 6:

ADVISORY

Online submission of Aplication for Human Resource for Health under the 2018 DOH Deployment Programs shall commence on the 3rd - 4th week of October 2017. Requirements and application procedure shall be posted thru the DOH Regional Office VI website: www.ro6.doh.gov.ph as soon as the deployment guidelines/advisory are released.

For your information and guidance.

Signed.
MARIA PAZ P. CORRALES, MD, MHA, MPA
DIRECTOR III




For inquiries on the program, you may contact DOH Regional Office 6 thru:

MARIEBE EGUIA-ADRIAS, RN - Senior Health Program Officer III, OIC - HRDU
Email - dohrovi.hrdu@gmail.com
Telephone No.: (033)321-02-35

So there. Just like in previous years, the HRH application in Region VI - Western Visayas will still be done ONLINE. Yes, I will be updating you on the latest advisories, hiring details, requirements, qualifying exam, etc., so please follow this blog Nonoynet.com and my social media pages. [Photo credits: DOH, Asianhospital.com]

WVSU opens College Admission Test (WVSU-CAT) application for AY 2018-2019

West Visayas State University, one of the premier state universities in the country located in Iloilo City, is now accepting applications for College Admission Test (WVSU-CAT) for academic year 2018-2019.

WVSU-CAT is the entrance exam open to all Senior High School completers / graduates of senior high schools recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Admission division of the university will administer the WVSU-CAT at the Main campus on Sunday, December 17, 2017 (from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. / 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., as needed). Deadline for submission of application and requirements will be on December 1, 2017. Mailed applications should reach the school on or before that date.

If you are interested, here's more details:

Requirements

• Duly accomplished Application Form (Download the form HEREor you may obtain it from the Registrar's Office)
• CERTIFIED TRUE COPY of the First Quarter report card or certification from the Principal / Registrar that the student is graduating in March 2018.
• Two (2) recent identical 2x2 pictures duly signed at the back by the applicant.
• One (1) self-addressed stamped (P24.00 postage stamp) long white mailing envelope (for applicants who personally submit CAT application form). Mailed application form must be accompanied with two (2) self-addressed stamped envelopes with P24.00 postage stamp each.
• NON-REFUNDABLE Application Filing Fee of P20.00 and WVSUCAT Testing Fee of P230.00 will be paid by each applicant. For mailed application forms, enclose money order (P250.00) payable to WVSU- FUND 164 and two (2) self-addressed stamped long white envelopes (Note: P24.00 postage stamp each) to be used for Notice of Admission for mailed application and WVSUCAT result. Applicants who do not receive their Notice of Admission are advised to check with the Admissions/Registrar’s Office immediately.

Accomplished application forms and other requirements should be submitted / mailed to the Admissions / Registrar’s Office, West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City (Main Campus).

Courses

• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics
• Bachelor of Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Bachelor of Special Needs Education
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Cooperatives Management
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting
• Bachelor of Physical Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
• Bachelor of Performing Arts
• Bachelor of Science in Development Communication

Only applicants who obtain the score of 120 or higher can proceed to the next round of Admission as required by the college where the course of choice is offered. Applicants who do not qualify for their chosen program may confer with the Admissions / Registrar’s Office for possible accommodation in other programs and in the external campuses.

For more inquiries you may contact WVSU at (033) 320-0870 to 78 or visit their website at www.wvsu.edu.ph.

5 Tips on Saving Your Monthly Data Allowance

We all love to have that high-speed internet plans with no data capping, but most of us are still subscribed to (and locked in for 2-3 years) broadband or LTE packages which are still not unlimited.

If you have the same predicament, the next best thing to do is to find ways on how we can save those precious bandwidth allowed monthly.

So if you’re worried about using up your home broadband’s data allowance, what with so much activity you need to perform online, you simply need to follow these 5 simple tips:

1. TURN OFF YOUR GADGET’S WiFi CONNECTION.

Leaving the WiFi on your various gadgets will eat up your home broadband’s data allowance without you noticing it. The wise way to save on your monthly data allowance is to switch off your gadgets’ wiFi connection and only switch it on when you need to use your gadgets for internet surfing.

2. LOWER SCREEN RESOLUTION FOR VIDEO STREAMING.

A higher screen resolution will drain your data allowance. Save the high-resolution online streaming for when your family plans to spend Friday nightswatching movies at home; otherwise, make sure to lower the screen resolution to dodge a looming a recipe for disaster.

3. DEACTIVATE AUTOMATIC APP DOWNLOADS.

Instead of relying on auto app downloads, try to manually update apps on your gadget. This way, you can reduce your data usage and stay within the bounds of your data allowance.

4. ASSIGN A STRONG PASSWORD FOR YOUR HOME WiFi.

If your wiFi password is easy to guess, your home connection is at risk of having outsiders using your wiFi without your permission. Since you can’t track their activity, your next bill may include additional charges. To keep outsiders out and to secure your home connection, assign a strong password that is difficult to guess and regularly change it.

5. MONITOR YOUR DATA USAGE REGULARLY.

The best way to save on your data allowance is to regularly check your data usage so you know if your family needs to slow down on the data consumption. You can also download apps that help you monitor your monthly data usage.

I got these tips from One SKY Lite, SKY’s service bundle with consumable broadband, HD cable TV and mobile internet that enables families to enjoy fast internet and a slew of entertainment options while staying within budget.

For as low as P699 a month, One SKY Lite offers a generous data allowance of 20GB that will allow you to download up to over 3,000 songs or over 20 movies, experience 57 hours of non-stop video streaming,or enjoy up to 500 hours VolP talk time.

You can also choose One SKY Lite Plan 899 which offers 40GB data allowance to download over 7,000 songs, over 40 movies, experience 114 hours of non-stop video streaming,or enjoy up to 1,000 hours VolP talk time.




SKY's One SKY Lite plans also complement ABS-CBN’s transition into a digital company. SKY Cable Corporation is the broadband, cable, and direct-to-home unit of ABS-CBN.

For more information, visit mysky.com.ph.

Sea Spa to open at Adhara Boutique Resort

Imagine yourself being pampered with a relaxing massage while listening to the soothing sound of the sea. That's what Sea Spa aims to bring you as it opens in Oton, Iloilo this October 2017.

An eco-sustainable concept by Adhara Boutique Resort and 17 years of Spa Riviera will bring you the first Beach Spa in Iloilo - a perfect match to offer a holistic and down to earth approach to the spa experience.

The Sea Spa will go back to the basics, returning to nature's most powerful antioxidant - the SEA - offering all natural and organic treatments.

This new spa concept will allow guests to relax and be pampered while feeling the sea breeze. It comes with a Spa Bar Experience where you can customize your own spa treatments, made only of the freshest fruits and ingredients in season. All ingredients are carefully selected to be all natural and healthy for the mind, body, and soul.

I was invited to the press and bloggers launching of Sea Spa at Adhara recently, and accommodating staff of Spa Riviera walked us through with what they will be offering come October.

Upon arrival, guests will be offered a welcome drink while receiving an Aromatherapy Mood Enhancers and Foot Soak in a cottage at beachfront. Guests then may choose to have the Spa Treatments in a Beach Pavilion or Beach Beds fronting the sea. The pampering also includes a Meditation Time where guest is encouraged to have a time alone while sipping his calming Complimentary Tea.

Aside from the exclusivity and tranquility of the beach spa experience, Sea Spa will also have the following:

Beach Bar - A wide variety of fresh and healthy drinks will be offered.
Spa Bar - Choices of services for skin using fruits and vegetables in season.
Spa Day - Whole packages which includes 3-4 treatments, swimming, organic lunch and snacks, detox drinks, back and forth transfers, or just a choice of spa treatments only.

Sea Spa promises that guest will be taken care of intimately with one-to-one guest-attendant ratio. Couples may opt to have airconditioned Cabanas for their treatments.

We can't for October to come and try this great pampering experience in a spa by the sea of Adhara and Spa Riviera!

Keep it here at Nonoynet.com as I will surely update you on their rates, promos and other perks as soon as those are made official. For inquiries and bookings, just contact Spa Riviera or Adhara through their social media pages.

Korean Film Festival 2017 schedule, movies

The highly-anticipated Korean Film Festival is back in the Philippines this 2017, with 5 quality movies set to be shown in six major cities around the country.

Themed "Boldness of Youth," this year's festival will feature young characters who face various challenges in their lives. Through these films, young viewers can get encouragement if they're facing the same situation, while older ones will be moved to reminisce about their past, or even try to understand the problems encountered by the youth of today.




To help you decide which Korean film to watch during the festival (or you can watch all of them because admission is FREE), here are the synopses of the 6 movies:

Movies

#1: Twenty (스물)
Chi-ho (Kim Woo-bin), Kyung-jae (Kang Ha-neul) and Dong-woo (Lee Junho) are best friends who've just graduated from high school and turned 20. Chi-ho is an unemployed playboy who prioritizes dating and chasing women. Kyung-jae is a goody-two-shoes university student whose goal is to get accepted at a corporate job. Happy-go-lucky Dong-woo dreams of becoming a cartoonist but when his family goes bankrupt he is forced to become the breadwinner of the family and take on several part-time jobs. Twenty is a story of three friends in their 20s and must decide what to do with their life.

#2: The King of Jokgu (족구왕)
Hong Man-Sub is known to be the “King of Jokgu” (a Korean sport that shares elements of both football and volleyball) and is infamous for his unstoppable foot spike. On his return to university after military service, he discovers that the Jokgu court has been removed due to complaints from the Student Council. Man-Sub, along with his team of unlikely friends, decides to file a petition to the school President in order to get the court back.

#3: Very Ordinary Couple
Lee Dong-hee (Lee Min-ki) and Jang Young (Kim Min-hee) work at the same bank. They are on an on-and-off relationship for three years before breaking up. Still working together in the same bank puts great pressure on the two, made worse by a scandalous confrontation between the former lovers during a company party. Though they end up screaming at each other, it’s vivid clear that they still have feelings for each other and decide to give their relationship another chance.

#4: My Brilliant Life
Dae-soo (Kang Dong-won) and Mi-ra (Song Hye-kyo) are parents of Ah-reum, a child who was diagnosed with the extremely rare genetic disorder, Progeria, which makes him age prematurely and rapidly. Several years later, Ah-reum grows up as a 16-year-old boy but with a body condition of an eighty-year-old man. Sensing that he doesn't have much time left, Ah-reum decides to write a story about how his young parents fell in love and how he came to be, hoping to give as a present to them on his seventeenth birthday.

#5: How to Steal a Dog
Ten-year-old Ji-so lives in pizza truck with her family. Her father suddenly disappeared after their pizza business went bankrupt. When she sees a missing dog poster with a $500 reward, Ji-so simply believes that that amount of money would be enough to buy her family a house. She hatches a plan with her friend Chae-rang to find a dog with a rich owner, steal it and return the dog by pretending to have found it to get a reward. Their target is Wolly, the dog of an old rich lady who owns the restaurant where Ji-so's mom works.

Schedule

Just like last year, the Korean Film Festival will be screened in the cities of Manila, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Pampanga this September and October 2017. For my fellow Ilonggos, here's the schedule of screenings in SM City Iloilo Cinema 8:

September 21, Thursday
7:00 PM - How to Steal a Dog

September 22, Friday
12:00 PM - The King of Jokgu
3:00 PM - Very Ordinary Couple
6:00 Pm - My Brilliant Life

September 23, Saturday
12:00 PM - Twenty
3:00 PM - The King of Jokgu
6:00 PM - How to Steal a Dog

September 24, Sunday
12:00 PM - Very Ordinary Couple
3:00 PM - My Brilliant Life
6:00 PM - Twenty

Here's the full schedule of screenings in 6 cities and the SM Cinemas that will be showing it. Once again, admission to the festival films is free.

• MANILA - SM Megamall Cinema 6 - September 7-10
• DAVAO - SM Lanang Premier Cinema 1 - September 14-17
• ILOILO - SM City Iloilo Cinema 8 - September 21-24
• CEBU - SM City Cebu Cinema 5 - September 28-October 1
• PAMPANGA - SM City Clark Cinema 3 - October 5-8
• CAVITE - SM City Dasmariñas Cinema 5 - October 12-15

Ticketing Information

For Iloilo and other REGIONAL Screenings:
- First screening will be a VIP event and open only to LIMITED audience members.
- Tickets are available for FREE outside the cinema.
- Tickets will be released on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.
- Viewers are suggested to line up outside the cinema and wait for the releasing of tickets.
- Ticketing procedure will vary depending on regional location. Please follow advice of SM Cinema personnel.
- Only food bought from SNACKTIME (SM Cinema food concessionaire) will be allowed inside the cinema.

The 2017 Korean Film Festival is the flagship project of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines that aims to showcase the culture of Korea through film.

EIGASAI: Japanese Film Festival goes to Iloilo

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) widely known as EIGASAI is celebrating its 20th year in the Philippines, and for the first time, expands its reach to Iloilo!

Officially opened in Manila last July 6, EIGASAI 2017 is the festival's biggest and best celebration yet as it brought to the country 20 films of various genres selected for more than 100 screenings across six major cities nationwide. Aside from Manila and Iloilo, Japanese films will also be shown in Cebu, Davao, Baguio and Bacolod.

Of the 20 films, 17 of which are with English subtitles and three are dubbed in Tagalog, offering Japanese film lovers the chance to experience their favorite genre while discovering something new.

Of course, we Ilonggos are interested what's in store for us. They have chosen to show the following films in FDCP CINEMATHEQUE-Iloilo at Solis Street, City Proper:

IF CATS DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD

A postman dying from a brain tumor gets a visit from the devil who offerd him a deal. The postman will get to live another day everytime he lets the devil make something disappear from the world. The post agrees, but when things started disappearing, the memories he has attached to those things are also erased.

WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY!
A heartwarming comedy which portrays a different family in a story about elderly parents considering divorce which sends their whole family into panic.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2015 Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan Now; 2016 Shanghai International Film Festival, Officially Recommended; 2016 Fantasia International Film Festival.

SWEET BEAN (AN)
Sweet Bean is about a dorayaki shop owner who meets an elderly woman, Tokue, with her own wonderful recipe for the pancake-like snack filled with red bean paste. Their newfound partnership and booming business, however, is threatened when an unkind rumor drives Tokue away.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2015 Cannes Film Festival, Un Certain Regard; 2015 Cork Film Festival, Audience Award; 2015 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Best Performance; 2015 Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Audience Award; 2015 Valladolid International Film Festival, Best Director; 2015 Valletta Film Festival, Best Film & Best Actress.

HER LOVE BOILS BATHWATER
A family drama about the intense feeling of a dying mother with a bombshell ending that breaks heart. When a mother abruptly receives a diagnosis of terminal illness, she aims to use the brief amount of time she has left to bring back her husband, restart the family business and set her daughter on the path of independence.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan Now; 2016 Busan International Film Festival, A Window on Asian Cinema; 2016 Montreal Work Film Festival, Focus on World Cinema.

TSUKIJI WONDERLAND
A documentary filmed over 16 months which closely chronicles this center of Japanese food culture as it prepares to be moved to a different location.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2016 Seattle International Film Festival, Culinary Cinema; 2016 Montreal World Film Festival; 2016 San Sebastian International Film Festival, Culinary Cinema.

CHIHAYAFURU Part 1 and 2
A wonderful story about friends brought together by their passion for the traditional Japanese card game of Karuta. Determined to be the best, Chihaya forms a competitive Karuta< club with Taichi to prove that the game is more than just about old customs and to hopefully reunite with their estranged friend Arata.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2016 – Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, World Fantastic Blue, Fantasia International Film Festival.

SADAKO VS. KAYAKO
Two of Japanese horror's biggest characters square off in this crossover film. In the movie, university student gets hold of a video and plays it, unaware that it is cursed and brings death to whoever watchers it.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2016 MOTELX Lisbon International Horror Film Festival, Room Service; 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, Midnight Madness; 2016 Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Midnight X-Tream; 2016 San Sebastian Horror & Fantasy Film Festival, Official Section.

THE MAGNIFICENT NINE
The movie comically depicts the efforts of an inn town in Sendai fief to save themselves from impoverishment by running a moneylending business against the fiefdom.

Film Festivals, Awards: 2016 – Toronto International Film Festival, Opening Film, Japan Cuts, Camera Japan Festival.

Schedule

You may catch these movies for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Here's the schedule of showtimes in FDCP CINEMATHEQUE-Iloilo:
25-Aug, Friday
2:30 - IF CATS DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD 世界から猫が消えたなら(Tagalized)
5:30 WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY! 家族はつらいよ

26-Aug, Saturday
2:30 SWEET BEAN (AN) あん
5:30 HER LOVE BOILS BATHWATER 湯を沸かすほどの熱い愛

27-Aug, Sunday
2:30 SWEET BEAN (AN)あん
5:30 TSUKIJI WONDERLAND 築地ワンダーランド

28-Aug, Monday
2:30 CHIHAYAFURU Part.1 ちはやふる 上の句
5:30 SADAKO VS. KAYAKO 貞子vs伽椰子(Tagalized)

29-Aug, Tuesday
2:30 CHIHAYAFURU Part.2 ちはやふる 下の句
5:30 THE MAGNIFICENT NINE 殿、利息でござる！

The Japanese Film Festival is presented and run by the Japan Foundation, Manila and is now an established annual event which is held in July in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. Launched in 1997, EIGASAI has grown to one of the largest and popular film festivals attracting over 20,000 audiences every year across the Philippines, showcasing a vast variety of cinematic delights from drama, romance, anime to recently released films in Japan.

Japan is always synonymous with quality, so I'm pretty sure that the films in this JFF will not disappoint Ilonggo film critics and moviegoers. Tsukiji Wonderland piqued my interest, so I'll definitely go watch that one. See you at FDCP CINEMATHEQUE on August 25-29!

BAMBIKE: Ride a bamboo bicycle around Iloilo Business Park

Ilonggo bikers and enthusiasts, there's something new to try in Iloilo City as bamboo bicycles is now available for rent at Iloilo Business Park.

THUMBS UP for Bambikes! Iloilo City Sports Division head Jojo B. Castro, Bambike CEO Bryan McClelland and Megaworld's Estate Management head Arnie Batac during the launching of bamboo bikes in IBP.

Socio-ecological enterprise Bamb EcoLogical Technology Inc. introduced their handmade bamboo bicycles called Bambike in the launching of the Iloilo Business Park Bike Rental project on Friday, August 11.

As part of their support to Iloilo City as Bike Friendly City, Iloilo Business Park, in partnership with Bambike, will provide the bikes for rent to interested bikers.

Built by rural villagers under sustainable livelihood development program of Gawad Kalinga Foundation, these bambikes use sturdy and durable bamboo poles as frame and feature solid, flat-free tires hassle-free biking around the 72-hectare township of Megaworld Corporation in Mandurriao district.

These bambike frames look strong and sturdy.

Bike rentals will be offered for P60 per hour of cycling around the 2.4-kilometer safe bike lane of Iloilo Business Park.

Megaworld's head of estate management Arnie Batac, Bamb Ecological Technology Inc.'s president and CEO Bryan McClelland, and Iloilo City sports division head Jojo B. Castro graced the launching.

I always go around the Iloilo Business Park with my BMX bike, so definitely I will be riding this bambike one of these days. Surely, will update you about the experience.

See you around IBP!  [Photos by Jojo B. Castro]

2018 Philippine holidays, long weekends

You may now start planning your vacation for next year as the official Philippine Holidays for 2018 has been declared by the President.

Malacañang has made public on Wednesday the Presidential Proclamation No. 269 signed July 17, 2017 declaring the regular holidays and special non-working days for the year 2018. Here's the list:

Regular Holidays

• January 1, 2018, Monday – New Year's Day
• March 29, 2018 – Maundy Thursday
• March 30, 2018 – Good Friday
• April 9, 2018, Monday – Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1, 2018, Tuesday – Labor Day
• June 12, 2018, Tuesday – Independence Day
• August 27, 2018, last Monday of August – National Heroes' Day
• November 30, 2018, Friday – Bonifacio Day
• December 25, 2018, Tuesday – Christmas Day
• December 30, 2018, Sunday – Rizal Day

Special Non-working Days

• February 18, 2018, Friday – Chinese New Year
• February 25, 2018, Sunday – EDSA Revolution Anniversary
• March 31, 2018 – Black Saturday
• August 21, 2018, Tuesday – Ninoy Aquino Day
• November 1, 2018, Thursday – All Saints' Day
• December 31, 2018, Monday – last day of the year

The President has also added the following special non-working holidays:

• November 2, 2018, Friday
• December 24, 2018, Monday

As usual the proclamations for Muslims' holidays Eid'l Fitr and Eid'l Adha will follow after approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined.

So based on the above list, here are the long weekends for 2018:

• February 18,19,20 - Chinese New Year falls on Friday
• March 29,30,31, April 1 - Holy Week
• April 7, 8, 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan falls on Monday
• August 25, 26, 27 - Last Monday of August is National Heroes' Day
• November 1,2,3,4 - Undas Long Weekend
• November 28, 29, 30 - Bonifacio Day falls on Monday
• December 22,23,24,25 - Christmas Long Weekend
• December 29, 30, 31, Jan 1 - Yearend/New Year Long Weekend

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been directed to promulgate the implementing guidelines regarding the proclamation, especially the pay rules that employers and employees must follow during the holidays.

GUIDELINES: DOH Medical Scholarship Program

Filipino students who aspire to become a doctor may now avail of the of the scholarship offer by the Department of Health to deserving students of eight schools this academic year 2017-2018.

The department has come up with the guidelines for the implementation of DOH Medical Scholarship Program, an initiative aimed at addressing the continuing lack of doctors in the country caused by the high cost of medical education, overseas migration and other factors.

The program was made possible by P317.1 million fund allocation of the Commission on Higher Education, under the Cash Grants to Medical Students Enrolled in State Universities and Colleges (CGMS-SUCs).

The eight SUCs who will share on the fund are as follows:

• University of Northern Philippines
• Mariano Marcos State University
• Cagayan State University
• Bicol University
• West Visayas State University
• University of the Philippines-Leyte
• Mindanao State University
• University of the Philippines-Manila

Scholarship Package

I. Tuition, Laboratory, miscellaneous fees and other school fees (paid directly to partner schools)
II. Allowance of Scholars (paid directly to scholars):

• Living subsidy - P4,500 per month
• Lodging allowance - P3,000 per month
• Transportation allowance - P880 per month
• Book allowance - P12,100 per semester
• Uniform allowance - P3,025 per semester
• Miscellaneous allowance - P5,500 per semester
• Annual medical insurance - P2,400 per year (for medical, paid to PHIC)

Payback Mechanism

For every year of scholarship, the scholar will render two (2) years of service obligation, initially through Doctor to the Barrios (DTTB) Program for the first 3 years.

DTTBs will receive a monthly salary of P64,416 per month, with all the benefits provided in the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers and a masters degree on Masters in Public Management major in Health Systems and Development (MPM-HSD).

Application

Incoming and currently enrolled students (1st year to PGI) in mentioned public medical schools who are interested to apply may accomplish the application form with complete attachment, to be submitted to Schools' scholarship coordinator for consolidation.

Initial Screening: Students shall apply directly to any of eight DOH partner schools and should meet the minimum criteria/requirements. Only those who have been admitted to the partner schools are eligible to apply for the DOH scholarship.
Final Screening: Validation and final evaluation of applicants by the DOH based on set criteria. Successful scholar applicants shall be notified through the Scholarship Department of the partner schools.

Documents to be Accomplished

1. Scholarship Contract
2. Commitment to Render Service (Download here)
3. DOH Scholarship Application Form (Download here)
4. 1x1 ID (within the last 6 months)
5. Attachments:

• Copy of Barangay Certification/Certification of a Bona Fide Resident of the Community
• Copy of Combined Family Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Certificate of Indigency (if applicable)
• Certification from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) (if applicable)

DOH is urging medical students to avail of this program and serve in the country after graduation, as doctors to the barrios, or in tertiary or district hospitals.

This is a great initiative of the Duterte administration in addressing the lack of doctors especially in far-flung areas where some patients die without ever seeing one.

Guimaras holds Patilaw sa Manggahan exhibit at Robinsons Iloilo

Have a taste of Guimaras!

The Province of Guimaras drums up the excitement to the Guimaras Manggahan Festival 2017 with Patilaw sa Manggahan exhibit at Fountain Area of Robinsons Place Iloilo on April 1-7, 2017.

On Day 1, Acting governor Atty. John Edward Gando led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of the 'Patilaw' exhibit. Hubon Binagtong of Nueva Valencia, grand champion of Manggahan Festival Cultural Presentation 2016 and Kasadyahan Festival 2017, performed in the event.

Day 2 of the exhibit featured the cooking demo of Pasta in Mango sauce by McNester Foods' Rebecca Tubongbanua. Mall shoppers got to taste the very delicious mango-infused dish.

But the crowd-drawer was the exciting Mango-eating contest where participants tried to outspeed each other in eating 2 mangoes!

Winners won 2 passes to the Manggahan Festival mango-eat-all-you-can, a bag of mangoes and goodies from MY San. All participants go home with a bag of mangoes.

There will also be Disco Derby Open Category Elimination on April 5, Mutya ng Guimaras Fashion Show on April 7 and Press Conference and daily exhibits from various producers of Guimaras.

These events are just a taste of what's in store at the Manggahan Festival 2017 which will run from May 11-22.

This year’s theme “The Journey that is Guimaras. Sadto. Subong. Kag sa Masanag nga Palaabuton” highlights the richness of Guimaras and its happy people, simple past, successes and potential of becoming even more that what it is now.

Schedule

Here are some of the highlights of the month-long festival of the island-province:

• May 11 - Manggahan Opening Program and Press Conference
• May 20 - Mango Man Triathlon
• May 14 - Bike Fest with Tour De Guimaras
• May 19 - Enduro National Race
• May 21 - Western Visayas Cultural Presentation
• May 22 - Anniversary Celebration and Cultural Presentation

Surely, this year's Manggahan Festival is bigger, better and sweeter. Lakat ta sa Guimaras, the island that fits your taste!