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!

Outstanding women of Iloilo City 2017 named

Iloilo City Government released the names of 14 awardees for The Outstanding Women of Iloilo City (TOWIL) 2017, as part of the city's celebration of National Women's Month.

The annual TOWIL award aims to give due recognition to the women who have manifested exemplary performance in their particular field of profession that significantly contributed to the city’s development.

The initiative is organized under the City Hall’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program, together with the Committee on Women and Family Relations of City Council and GAD team. The criteria cover women empowerment and achievements with 60 percent, leadership skill with 20 percent and commitment with 20 percent.

This year, the awardees are the following:

• Judge Ma. Yolanda M. Panaguiton -Gaviño for Judicial Service
• Ms. Yolanda S. Jabano for Differently-abled Persons
• J02 Pearl Joy Lasangue for Protective Services
• Sr. Ma. Lourdes Versoza, DC for Religious Services
• Atty. Sharon B. Millan for Professional Services
• Dr. Carmencity Y. Robles for Education and Academe
• P/B Marjorie de Asis Gregorios for Volunteerism and Community Services
• Ms. Anne Catherine Malazarte for Culture and Arts
• Ms. Carmela Pedroso Española, PhD for Science and Technology
• Ms. Jane Uy for Business/Entrpreneurship
• Ms. Mona Liza S. Diones for NGO and Civic Organization
• Ms. Lilibeth Aguilar French for Media, Journalism and Public Information
• Ms. Cynthia C. Lumampao for Government Services
• Ms. Ma. Pia Paz Gan Uygongco for Philanthropic Works

“We continue to recognize women who have made major impact and contribution and have given pride and honor to Iloilo City,” said Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog in a statement.

The awardees will be cited in a ceremony at SM City Iloilo on March 24, 2017 in celebration of National Women’s Month. [Credits to Maam Runji Jamolo, last year's TOWIL awardee for Media, for the list.]

Ilongga designer brings 'Gugma' to Paris runway

A relatively newbie Ilongga designer brought honor and pride to Iloilo as she showcased her amazing creations in the fashion capital of the world, Paris.

Audrey Rose Dusaran-Albason, 32, was the only Filipino designer who participated in Paris leg of runway shows by Oxford Fashion Studio (OFS), a creative outfit which also produces shows in key fashion cities like New York, London and Oxford.

Coinciding with Paris Fashion Week, the Oxford Fashion Show brought into the City of Lights 20 independent, extraordinary designers from around the world to showcase their collections in the exclusive event at HÔTEL D’EVREUX, Place Vendôme.

Albason's atelier creates silhouettes which are very feminine, featuring handcrafted details and embellishments. Her designs apparently caught the attention of OFS and prompted them to send her invitation to be part of the Paris show.

Albason presented in the runway her 'Gugma' Collection, a selection of dresses "inspired by the natural landscape of the Visayan islands- filled to the brim with beaches, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs and other topographical treasures along with its abundance of unique flora and fauna."

GUGMA Collection: Dark gray tulle dress with lace and fused tulle applique, headband with feathers.

She decided to name it as such in homage to her roots in Visayas, which she thinks is 'underrepresented'.

"Culturally, when people refer to the Philippines, there’s nothing more recognizable than Manila and Tagalog. But I think the other lesser known Philippine dialects are just as beautiful and just as expressive," she explained in her blog.

GUGMA Collection: Light peach full lace dress with fused tulle applique, and skull cap.

Gorgeous muses sashayed her masterpieces infused with individually handcrafted accents of beads and laces shaped to look like local Anahaw, Ilang-ilang and bamboo.

GUGMA Collection: Nude tulle crop top with handcrafted fused tulle applique; silk gazaar sleeveless coat with beaded tulle applique; silk gazaar light gray pants;  headband with feathers.

One of the dresses in the show was featured in the influential fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue.




Albason started her professional career in a different field. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Central Philippine University (CPU), she worked for a few years as a registered nurse.

She then decided to shift gears and pursue her dreams in the fashion industry by studying at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. Not long after, she founded her brand Atelier Audrey Dusaran-Albason which "speaks to the modern woman in a contrasting medley of the classic and the contemporary, and celebrates femininity in all shapes and forms."

I got to personally know Audrey while she was reviewing for US licensure exam for nurses in the center that I worked in. She was nicknamed 'Smol' by her friends then, maybe in reference to her height.

She is one cool and jolly fellow then, and super talented. She used to write poetry, and blog too. Definitely someone with big dreams.

I'm pretty sure that the whole Ilonggo nation is very happy and proud that Smol Audrey pursued her big dreams in the fashion industry, and aced it in Paris! [Photo credits: www.audreyalbason.com and Oxford Fashion Studio]

Carlo's Bakeshop launches All Occasion Rolls Collection

Carlo's Bakeshop and Cafe introduces their new line of products that will surely be a staple in parties of Ilonggo families, the All Occasion Rolls Collection!

Raisa Treñas, now CEO of Rosalie and Jerry Treñas (RJT) Group, together with siblings Carlo (Director for Operations) and Paolo (Marketing and Business Development Head), excitedly announced on Wednesday the delicious cake rolls to members of Iloilo media, bloggers and social media influencers at Carlo's Bakery Cafe along Diversion Road, Jaro, Iloilo City.

"We’re happy and proud of this product and our team. It is a good time to launch," said Raisa. “We are just in time for graduation and for the fiestas, and you know how Ilonggos love their sweets and desserts.

All Occasion Rolls Collection comes in six flavors, namely, The Ultimate Chocolate, Mango and Cream, Ube Macapuno, Mochaccino, Dulce de Leche, and Brazos de Mercedes Rolls. Cake lovers may order these in full and half sizes, with prices ranging from P220 to P420 only.

"It’s exciting for us to launch this new line because we see more and more mothers provide cakes or desserts for the family while pinching their budgets. Especially during family celebrations, cakes and rolls are a staple and makes the occasion more special" Paolo said.

"We decided, why not offer them more choices in terms of cakes and rolls so they can still make the moments count? In the end, that’s what we are all about, Goodness in every moment.”

Carlo's Bakeshop made us feel that we are really in a party by setting up those yummy cakes in presentation corners simulating life's moments such as graduation, baptism and birthday.

We were able to taste slices of the rolls collection, and my personal favorites are the Ube Macapuno, and Mango and Cream Roll, which has slices of famous sweet Guimaras mangoes on top.

I'm pretty sure my wife would love Dulce de Leche Roll, which uses our own delicacy of dulce gatas with caramel and cream. I'll bring her home the next time I drop by.

Coffeeholics may opt for Mochaccino, and of course the all-time fave Ultimate Chocolate Roll with chocolate cream and chocolate chips.

I don't celebrate baptism and birthday so I opted to pose for a selfie at 'graduation corner'. Thanks to all who liked this photo in Facebook and Instagram, I was given freebies for those social media engagements.

Promos and Loyalty Card

FREE product sampling will be given away at all Carlo's Bakeshop and Cafe stores for the first week of product launching. Those who buy any of the new rolls products from Carlo’s will also be entitled to freebies. Aside from the freebies, customers also get loyalty cards from Carlo’s which entitle them to more perks.

So check out the All Occasion Rolls Collection by Carlo’s available in all their 11 stores located at SM City Iloilo, Metro Gaisano Atria, Robinson’s Place Capiz, Dungon A Jaro, Downtown JM Basa, Robinson’s Place Iloilo, Robinson’s Place Antique, City Mall Roxas, SM Hypermart, and Robinson’s Iloilo Supermarket .

They have also a hotline number that customers can call to pre-order and reserve rolls for pick up the next day, the number is (033) 3210847.

This year also marks the 30th year of Carlo's Bakeshop in the industry, and I'm glad to be invited to this milestone of one of the top bakeshops in whole Panay Island.

The Treñas siblings also hinted that they will be entering towns too, given the acceptability of their products in the other areas. "We still have more flavors and products to offer soon, knowing the market is also growing in size and demands," Raisa added.

The whole event was in celebratory mode as guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet meal, and party games were hosted, with freebies given away to winners. I'm pretty sure we all went home full and happy.

About Carlo's

Carlo’s Bakeshop and Café has been serving Iloilo since 1987 with their breads and cakes. A companion to mothers who work to give their children nutritious and sumptuous meals on the table, Carlo’s Bakeshop and Café has noticed the high demand of the market for more tasty food in their homes, expanding their menu to include savory meals and catering.

Carlo’s Bakeshop and Café was introduced into the market by Mrs. Rosalie Sarabia Trenas who has been at the forefront of the success of the RJT (Rosalie & Jerry Trenas) Group in Iloilo City. The RJT Group of Companies includes restaurants: Ang Kamalig and Wild Bamboo.

Today, all five children of Congressman Jerry and Mrs. Rosalie Trenas are at the helm of the company, with each one heading different departments and restaurants. The siblings have studied in courses related to the business from business and entrepreneurship and Hotel and Restaurant Management to Culinary arts, and Pastry and Confectionary diploma courses, they are definitely the new blood in charge as they have expanded Carlo’s to reach the far flung provinces of Antique and Aklan and added more product lines and items on the menu.

Carlo’s is one of the top Bakeshops in Panay island and will continue to aggressively grow with the Trenas siblings vision of being the number one bakeshop in the Visayas.

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.