PRC releases CPD Implementing Rules and Regulations

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the new CPD Law has been released by Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) today, March 1.

PRC issued Resolution No. 1032 series of 2017 entitled Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10912, known as the "Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016" on February 15, 2017. It was published in newspaper of general circulation on February 28, 2017 and will take effect starting March 15, 2017.

The CPD Act of 2016 which lapsed into law last year requires professionals under PRC Boards to earn units for renewal of Professional Identification Cards.

The IRR of RA 10912 will be the basis of Professional Regulatory Boards through CPD Councils in accrediting providers and programs. Check the full text below. Here are some of my takeaways:

Based on the IRR, CPD Programs consist of activities...which have learning processes and outcomes. These include the following:

• Formal learning
• Nonformal learning
• Informal learning
• Self-directed learning
• Online learning activities
• Professional work experience

Also, attendance and participation in the conferences and conventions of Accredited Integrated Professional Organizations/Accredited Professional Organization (AIPO/APO) shall be given appropriate credit units.

Professionals working abroad may take programs/seminars through foreign chapters of affiliates of accredited CPD Providers. They may also attend seminars/trainings of non-accredited CPD Providers and apply for credit unit/s with their respective CPD Councils under Self-Directed and/or Lifelong Learning track.

Application for accreditation under this track costs P1,000.00.

All concerned government agencies and private firms and organizations employing professionals shall include CPD as part of their human resource development plan and program.

Transitory Period of CPD Implementation

• January to June 2017 - 0
• July to December 2017 - 30%
• January to December 2018 - 60%
• January 2019 onwards - 100%

Here's the full text:


Now that the IRR of CPD Law is out, let's wait for the Operational Guidelines of each PRB CPD Council and the list of accredited providers and programs.

Capiz to host 1st int'l triathlon on April 22-23, 2017

One major international sporting event will come to the Capiz next year as the province will host TriAksyon, a triathlon race scheduled on April 22-23, 2017.

Jose O. Borres, chairman of Capiz TriAksyon, revealed on a press conference held on December 12 at Villareal Stadium poolside that the event is expected to draw around 300 athletes from around the world.

"Triathletes from countries like Singapore and Hongkong have already inquired online, and signified their intention to join the competition," said Borres. "Also, we encourage each municipality in Capiz to form a team and join the event."

Aside from promoting sports to Capizeño, the purpose of the TriAksyon is for the tourism of the province.

"This activity will serve as promotion of Capiz being the ‘Seafood Capital of the Philippines’ and let other people around the globe know that Capiz still exists and has a lot to offer,” said Borres.

Borres further detailed that the TriAksyon competition will cover a route of 54 kilometers, passing through Roxas City and the town of Panay. Participants may join in the following categories: Trikids, Sprint, Standard, and Relay.




Registration will be done online, via official website www.capiztriaksyon.com. Registration fee ranges from P2,000 to 2,500.

He added that the organizers are already working out on bringing SEA Games gold medalist Claire Adorna and international triathlete Betsy Medalla to the event.

The triathlon will be one of the highlights of next year's Capiztahan, an annual commemoration of the foundation day of the province.

"I'm very excited with this triathlon, more so because we have help from private sector who will help the tourism of our province," said governor Tony del Rosario.

The provincial government will shell out funds for the event depending on proposals of the organizers, and it will be taken from the proposed P6 million budget intended for the whole Capiztahan Festival.



Provincial tourism and cultural affairs officer Alphonsus D. Tesoro said that aside from the main competition, the province will also hold peripheral activities to maximize the tourism impact of the event.

"We are planning to put up regional exposition that will be tied in to the triathlon," Tesoro said. "We'll make sure that there will be many side events, considering that this is also part of the Capiztahan."




The tourism office is now readying 1,197 individual hotel rooms in the province to accommodate the athletes and tourists who will be gracing the event.

The province will hold a grand launching of the Capiz TriAksyon 2017 in January to promote the event even more in the region, around the country and internationally.

Megaworld to open VIP Cinema at Festive Walk Mall Iloilo

How about watching your favorite blockbuster movie while resting on a comfortable recliner, with butler waiting for a push of a button to deliver you unlimited drinks and popcorn?

Ilonggos will soon enjoy the world class movie experience that Megaworld Corporation brings to its lifestyle malls with the opening of VIP Cinema middle of 2017 at the Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo Business Park (IBP).

Denisse Patricia C. Malong, senior leasing manager of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, divulged to us (Iloilo press and bloggers) this exciting development during the soft opening of the phase 1 of Festive Walk Parade on December 20, 2016.

"We have a total of 7 cinemas, 6 world class digital cinemas and one will be the VIP theater. The VIP theater is what we have in Manila in Uptown [Mall Bonifacio], in Eastwood it's Ultra 7, and we have it in Venice Grand Canal," Malong explained.

"So it has a LaZ Boy-type of seat, by couple, and then it has unlimited popcorn and drinks, and it has butler service. You just sit down, press a button and then a butler will come and ask you what you want."

The Festive Walk Mall with these amazing cinemas and other shops is expected to open its doors to Ilonggos mid-2017. It will be inter-connected to Annex (another set of buildings that is under construction) and the Parade via an access bridge.

The Festive Walk Parade is a 1.1-kilometer dining and shopping strip, the longest of such hub outside of Luzon. "The intention of the Parade is to be the center of nightlife in Iloilo," said Malong.

Initially, five tenants had soft opening at the Parade on Tuesday, namely, Grillers, 13th Street Espresso, Tinukib, Dulgies, and Biscocho House. A total of 25 shops will open at the phase 1 of the strip, some of which will start serving the next few weeks.

The grand opening of the Parade is tentatively set on January 17, 2017.




Megaworld IBP is a mixed-use master planned township development located in the old airport area in Mandurriao district, covering a total land area of 92.9 hectares. Currently it houses the world class Richmonde Hotel and Courtyard by Marriot, a host of BPO buildings, upscale restaurants, and the iconic Iloilo Convention Center.

I'm pretty sure you all can't wait to experience this VIP Cinema right here in the City of Love! Follow me on this blog or through my Facebook page and Twitter account for more exciting updates in Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.

Festive Walk Parade at Iloilo Business Park opens December 20

Brace yourselves Ilonggos for the longest dining and shopping strip in the City of Love as Festive Walk Parade will open at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park on December 20, 2016.

Festive Walk Parade is the centerpiece of the 72-hectare mixed-use township's leisure and lifestyle concept at Mandurriao district.

The 1.1-kilometer avenue will be home to most classy restaurants, bistros, retail shops and boutiques that will showcase the exciting culinary and entertainment adventures which will surely attract Ilonggos and visitors alike.

In their website, Megaworld IBP posted about this exciting destination:

"It is ensured to transform into an all-in-one shopping and dining strip, one of the longest in the country. Retail shops, bistros, boutiques, open parks and a serene environment will attract Ilonggos and visitors.There will be a space for serene ecology, wellness and scenic appreciation of the city life. The future BPO buildings, hotels, condominium towers and other commercial destinations in the township will provide a steady influx and movements of people within this leisure destination."

Of course, the Festive Walk Parade is just a few steps away from other developments in the IBP such as the Festive Walk Mall (under constuction), BPO buildings, international hotels Marriott Courtyard Hotel and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and the iconic Iloilo Convention Center.

I got an invitation for the opening on Tuesday, December 20, around 11 AM. Words going around that at least 10 stores will open on that day.

So expect to see updates on my Facebook page, probably a Facebook Live broadcast if the internet connection permits, as we tour around the shops that will open on Festive Walk Parade on that day.

Keep it here at Nonoynet.com, and see you at the newest shopping, dining and entertainment hub in Iloilo City, Festive Walk Parade!

S&R Membership Shopping opens 12th store in Iloilo

Finally, world class shopping galore can now be experienced by Ilonggos as S&R Membership Shopping opens its 12th store in the Philippines at Donato Pison Avenue, San Rafael Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The big day for volume shoppers happened on Friday, December 16, and a day before that I was invited together with Iloilo media and bloggers for a press launch and tour around the store/warehouse which is located at the back of Plazuela Dos, near People's Condo.

S&R is a membership-shopping club modeled after the warehouse membership shopping chains in the United States. They provide imported merchandises to members at the best value for money prices.

Everybody's favorite at S&R: New York Style Pizza!

The store is well-loved for their Food Service station, which offers the popular New York Style Pizzas, calzones, churros, Blue Bunny Ice Creams, Clam Chowder, Rotiseserie and Southern Style Chicken, hotdogs, cheeseburgers, fries and more.

The gourmet selection of freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries is awesomely prepared using imported ingredients.

S&R VP for Operations Greg Kreyer talking to media and bloggers before the store tour.

Greg Kreyer, S&R vice president for operations, toured us around the warehouse, and we readily saw their wide range of imported groceries which are hard to find locally. One would surely love their selection of fruit juices, sodas, chocolates, snacks, spreads, condiments, canned goods, etc.

I came to the store looking for hard to find matcha tea, and I'm happy they have it.

They also have widest choices on health and beauty products, household essentials, quality produce such as fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, seafoods, frozen goods, and poultry on the highest grade.

I'm sure Iloilo restos are happy that S&R is finally here because of these quality meats.

Their line of home appliances and furnishings features trusted brands worldwide. They even have tires and automotive products, and a facility which offers free services exclusive to its members.

With the turnout of the pre-opening registration for membership, I am pretty sure that Ilonggos are very excited for the S&R opening.




"We are very happy to be in Iloilo. Iloilo will turnout to be the biggest membership signups prior to opening of any of our 12 warehouses," Kreyer said.

How to be a Member

S&R offers Gold Membership for individuals aged 18 years old and above, and Business Membership. Here are the requirements:

• Application form, which you may get at their store.
• 2 valid picture IDs.
• Fee of P700 annually for the the Gold Membership. You also get an extension card for your immediate family members for an annual fee of P400.
• Business Membership has higher fee of P900, with one free add-on card. Primary cardholder may add up to 3 extension cardholders.

So to register, you just go their store at San Rafael, fill out the application form, present your valid IDs and pay the membership fee. They will take your photo through the webcam, input your data at the computer, and then after a few minutes they will issue the membership card and give you the value coupons booklet.

Yes, I got my card! 

Membership benefits and perks are:
1. First pick imported name-brand merchandise
2. Exclusive deals and discounts
3. Unmatched everyday savings
4. Access to specialty services
5. Shopping privileges at ALL S&R branches nationwide

Here's the exact location of S&R Iloilo.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for membership now, and experience world class shopping (and of course their delicious pizza!) at S&R Iloilo!

Esplanade River Ride to offer pedal boat rentals starting December 1

Ilonggos may now enjoy the scenic view of Iloilo River on a boat as Iloilo Esplanade River Ride will start offering pedal boat rentals starting December 1, 2016.

The Esplanade River Ride, managed by Ilonggo Recreation and Amusement Corp., announced that their colorful 6-seater pedal boats will treat Ilonggos and tourists to a guided river tour along the clean and beautiful stretch of Iloilo River.

According to their official Facebook page, the river tour will start at the installed floating pontoon docks at the Esplanade to nearby Carpenter's Bridge, and all the way to Iloilo City Hall Area.

Floating pontoon where the pedal boats will dock.

In guaranteeing the safety of passengers, the management said that their team has been trained and certified by Philippine Coast Guard on Water and Rescue Training.

They will also implement the following published rules and regulations, which are based on City government, Coast Guard and CENRO guidelines.

Rules on Pedal Boat Rentals

1. Wear your life jacket at all times. Your safety is our top priority.
2. Do not purposely rock the boat to cause it to capsize.
3. You are responsible for all damages you cause on the boat due to diligence.
4. Keep our river clean. There shall be a fine of P500 for any type of garbage thrown in the river.
5. No food and alcoholic drinks allowed in the boat. Fishing is strictly prohibited.
6. Pedal boats should be operated following a counter clockwise direction only.
7. Stationary boats must stay in the middle of the river away from the moving boats.
8. Boundaries: 25 meters away from Carpenter's Bridge and 25 meters away from Diversion Bridge.
9. Pedal boats are not allowed to dock anywhere except at the floating dock.
10. ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING. Iloilo City is a smoke free city.
11. We have the right to refuse service to repeat violators/offenders of our rules.

Pedal boats at night. Photo by Celeste Deslate.

Iloilo Esplanade River Ride will operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM only.

Rates

Pedal boat rental is P480 Pesos per Boat per 30 minutes ( or P80 Pesos per person for 30 minutes). You can rent the boat by yourself or share it with your friends. Ticket booth is located at the Tabucan end of Iloilo Esplanade, in front of I AM Iloilo sign.

As a promo, Esplanade River Ride will offer FREE 30-minute ride on Wednesday, November 30 to all netizens who will share their announcement posted on Facebook.

So what are you waiting for, go to their Facebook page now and share their post to earn a free ride! See you there at Iloilo Esplanade!

S&R Iloilo to open December 2016

Ilonggos, the world class shopping experience is now within our reach as S&R Membership Shopping will open in San Rafael, Mandurriao this December 2016.

UPDATE: S&R Iloilo has officially announced that they will open the store on December 16, 10AM.

Facebook user Al Conte, one of those who worked for the project, posted in social media that S&R Iloilo will open on December 16.

S&R is a warehouse-type establishment that offers its club members high quality products and an experience of shopping in the U.S. as 70% of its stocks are American and imported brands. The rest of the items are locally made products, but still guarantees shoppers satisfaction, savings and value for membership.

The inventory includes food items, wines and liquors, meat products, bath and body products, towels, beddings, electronics, appliances, household items, and a lot more at very affordable prices.

S&R is also known worldwide for its Food Service, which offers vast array of options from pizzas to rice meals. Popular among shoppers are the New York-style pizzas and Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream.

They also have club croissants, hotdogs, French fries, calzones, baked rolls, roast chicken with rice, cheese burgers and cinnamon churros, perfectly paired with their bottomless soda.

S&R Iloilo warehouse at Donato Pison Avenue, San Rafael, Mandurriao.

Membership

If you want to this great shopping experience at S&R Iloilo, you may sign up for Gold Membership now by filling up the application form (HERE) and bringing it together with 2 valid photo identification (I.D.) cards or documents to their office at San Rafael Mandurriao.




S&R Gold Membership costs P700 for the first year. One extension CARD per household is available for P400 for the first year. Membership is valid at all S&R locations around the country.

For inquiries, you may call membership department at (033) 3232701 or 3232702. See you at S&R Member Shopping Iloilo on December 16! [Photo credits: Al Conte Facebook]