RAC Muntinlupa Central brings award-winning “Super Pinoy Kid” to Metro Bacolod, Neg. Occ.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Whenever people, particularly kids, are asked, "Who is your favorite superhero?", the usual answers would always be the globally-idolized stars from Marvel or Justice League. 

Nowadays, it is already rare to find Filipinos who can still name a local superhero; if one is lucky enough, most characters that are on top of their heads are the likes of Super Inggo and Pedro Penduko. They have become a mainstay in Philippine literature since they invaded children's notebook covers for school. The pandemic has further glued the young generation to their gadgets, limiting their already meager exposure to fictional and entertaining characters. This is the reason why a superhero was summoned to mix things up.

Along with the start of the new Imagine Rotary Year, the Rotaract Club of Metro Bacolod invited its twin club, the Rotaract Club of Muntinlupa Central, to bring Super Pinoy Kid (SPK) to the province of Negros Occidental on July 15 to 18, 2022. The SPK is a four-part comic collection featuring Biboy, a modern-day superhero who lives out the moral values taught by Rotary's 4-Way Test. The comic, which also comes as a coloring book, aims to help elementary students become the country's future role models and responsible citizens by using the stories of Biboy as guiding principles during their formative years.

At first glance, SPK's Biboy may look like an ordinary 5-year-old kid from a poor family. However, what makes Biboy a Super Pinoy Kid is the four important moral principles he embodies in his daily life. The comic collection introduces Biboy as a young child with four amazing stories about his four unique attributes, namely: A Truthful and Honest Child, A Fair and Righteous Child, A Friendly Child, and A Responsible and Beneficial Child.

With the Super Pinoy Kid being one of its flagship projects, the Rotaract Club (RAC) of Muntinlupa Central has been recently included as Finalist in the 2022 Rotaract Outstanding Projects Awards.

Rotaractors from RAC Metro Bacolod's twin club also brought their project entitled, "SPK Promotes Oral Health: Ngiting Puting Ngipin," a series of videos promoting the proper and correct way of brushing one's teeth as a way of fighting cavities and bacteria that may damage their teeth. This project of RAC Muntinlupa Central was also recognized as the Most Outstanding Project of Rotary International District 3830 last Life-Changing Rotary Year.

Benefitting more than 100 children across three communities—two in Bacolod City and one in the City of Sagay—Biboy's trip to Negros Occidental undoubtedly widened the smiles of kids with his heroic and admirable stories. Along with the distribution of Super Pinoy Kid copies was a storytelling activity that narrated the four accounts of Biboy. The Rotaract Clubs gathered kids in small groups, where they could listen to a storyteller to ensure that the message of Biboy's adventures was well-received.

After hearing the stories of Biboy, the Negrosanon children witnessed several Ngiting Puting Ngipin videos featuring Biboy with Super Ate Sandy, who went through the good practices of brushing their teeth to maintain good oral health. Beneficiary kids from Education & Training Center School-I and Purok Kabugwason, Brgy. Mansilingan in Bacolod City and from Purok Bougainvillea, Brgy. Old Sagay in Sagay City then received copies of the SPK comics, coloring materials, and oral hygiene kits as gifts.

Headed by their Marvelous Visionary President this Rotary Year, Mayrian Ness Olitoquit, Rotaractors from RAC Muntinlupa Central served as activities' storytellers and facilitators. Among the delegation were Charter President Vincent Naval, Past President Ralph Cepillo, Club Secretary Goldy Jativa, Finance Director Sandra Lascano, and Member Niño Medina.

They were hosted in Bacolod City by the Rotaract Club of Metro Bacolod, under the leadership of Imagine Year Dream President Fel Xyruz Magallona, together with Immediate Past President Ellen Tribunsay, President-Elect Beatriz Marie Abayon, District Rotaract Representative for RID 3850 Magic Alvarado, and other Metro Bacolod clubs, namely: RAC University of St. La Salle, Interact Club (IAC) of La Consolacion College-Metro Bacolod, IAC Liceo de La Salle, and IAC Negros Occidental High School.

The Rotary Club of Metro Bacolod, the mother club of the aforementioned Rotaract and Interact Clubs, fully supported the said events as they were headed by Past District Rotaract Representative and Dream President Richard Jeric L. Chua.

On the other hand, the Rotaractors from RAC Muntinlupa Central were hosted in Sagay City by the Rotaract Club of Metro Sugarbowl Champions under Dream President Yqfryd Alvarado, as supported by Rotarian President Benson Fernandez of the Rotary Club of Sagay-Sinigayan.

A couple of District Rotaract Representatives (DRR) were present throughout the activity, as DRR Maria Teddielyn Bernadette Lebrias of Rotary International District (RID) 3830 and DRR Kert Nhajzr Priagula of RID 3850 graced the momentous occasion for their clubs' joint activities.

RAC Metro Bacolod Club Secretary Jude Lourence Segovia and Professional Development Service Director Brix Joshua Ponclara ensured that the said activities were well-documented by creating articles and collating event photos for the Rotaract community and the general public to view.

In a technology-dominated world, no one is too old and late for a superhero story, and through this joint activity of RAC Metro Bacolod and RAC Muntinlupa Central, the childhood of Negrosanon and Bacolodnon kids has just become brighter and better.

Charming Chapels of Negros

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Leading up Easter, the anchor fiesta in the Christian calendar, Negros Season of Culture reaches out to Negrenses and Filipinos the world over to stage yet another virtual “Visita Iglesia”, a tradition started by NSC in 2021.

This year, the event will be streamed live on Facebook, on Holy Thursday at 10p.m. Philippine Time, that’s 3p.m. in London, 10a.m. in New York, and 7a.m. in Los Angeles.

Adding local color and pastoral spirituality to the observance of Holy Week “panatas” or vows are video documentaries, this time on seven chapels in Negros Occidental, each with its distinct charm.

Three of them easily find significance in facing the health challenges of the time. Perhaps most representative of Negrense heritage is the Chapel of the Cartwheels in the town of Manapla. Standing in the middle of a sugarcane plantation and using discarded farm objects to create a bespoke architecture and interior design, the chapel is dedicated to Santa Rosalia of Palermo, Italy, the saint invoked in times of plagues and sickness.

Fresh air is a welcome breather to lockdowns. Up in the cool mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto, in a community that has become a choice escape for nature habitués, is the Manggapuri Chapel. Rising above the verdant landscape of Negros, it is at once magical and idyllic. And a spiritual tonic, being dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel who, among a few special roles, is sought for healing the sick.

Meanwhile, down by the shores of Talisay, the CICM Chapel, dedicated to Mary Mother of Christ, found new calling when social distancing became the order of the day. Here, members of the community enjoy the sea breeze while hearing mass practically on the beach. Mass by the beach is a concept whose time has come…what a blessing!

Comparatively new to the scene, and inspired by fallen trees that are common to typhoon ravaged Philippines, the quaint Patagoña Chapel of Silay City eventually took form and captured the hearts of many who visit.

Located in the highlands of Silay, the cool temperature lends to deeper reflection and prayer, helped along by design inspirations from a Benedictine Monastery, and then from among Trappist monks.

Artistry is embedded in the soul of the Negrense, and several chapels live up to that standard. The popularly known Chapel of the Angry Christ in Victorias, made famous by the significant works of Filipino-American abstract expressionist, Alfonso Ossorio, is actually dedicated to St. Joseph the Worker. The Santa Clara Chapel in Bacolod is highlighted by a larger-than-life image of the Virgen sang Barangay executed by Leticia Ledesma.

Tens of thousands of locally sourced shells were used. And leave it to Negrense national artist Leandro Locsin to re-imagine Greek classical architecture into clean, modern, minimalist lines, and so create the La Salle Chapel, far and away the most familiar to Negrenses, heirs to the great La Sallian education.

Citizen Monitoring Group Calls on Voters to Turn the 2022 Polls Into an Accountability Platform

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Accountability frontliners from various parts of the country have recently urged voters to turn the upcoming May elections into an “accountability process, where candidates have to be made answerable for their performance or lack thereof.” 

 

The call was made by Government Watch (G-Watch) in a statement that was released exactly two months before the 2022 polls. An independent action research and citizen monitoring organization that is present in 12 local sites, G-Watch emphasized the need to elect officials who will “restore checks and balances in government, strengthen accountability institutions, uphold merit-based public management, and support independent civil society monitoring and advocacy.” During the COVID-19 crisis, G-Watch monitored the social amelioration program, citizen health entitlements and vaccination, noting many lapses and gaps in the response of the national government.

 

The G-Watch statement on the May polls was adopted after their five-day national meeting and learning exchange that was held in Pasig and Baguio City from March 4-8, 2022. Mayor Vico Sotto, a member of the G-Watch Executive Board, also attended the second day of the meeting and shared the experience of the Pasig City local government in fighting corruption.

 

Noting the importance of the upcoming polls, Amelia Mancera of G-Watch-Southern Leyte emphasized the need “to be more vigilant since society’s issues and concerns become amplified during election time.”

 

One of these pressing problems is the spread of fake news. According to G-Watch accountability frontliner Gemar Barola, “since this is becoming an era of disinformation, accountability should be taken very seriously.” He appealed to the public to “demand for transparency and accountability from those who seek for power by investing in education and fact-checking for truth and authentic news.”

 

Gabriel Peralta of G-Watch-Quezon City underscores that a key lesson from the country’s experience with the pandemic is that, “we need leaders who are transparent and accountable.” His colleague Maribel Sumagay shares this sentiment, stating that, “Our nation deserves a president who is accountable and transparent to its people.” 

 

For his part, Mickel Ollave of G-Watch-Puerto Princesa sees elections as a mechanism for choosing the best leaders. “Ang eleksyon ay isang epektibong pamamaraan para pagpanagutin, palitan ang mga tiwaling lider at panatilihin ang mga lider na matitino,” he said. (Elections are effective mechanisms to hold account and change corrupt officials and keep those who deliver.)

 

G-Watch volunteer Jun Tingson offered a similar thought, saying that, “Election is the best time for citizens to engage in accountability, so that they can vote for the best candidates for the country.”

 

Noting their experience in Dumaguete, G-Watch volunteer Cindy Uy affirmed the importance of accountability in elections: “Accountability in elections creates an enabling environment where citizens freely choose leaders, ensure that development agenda are implemented, periodically monitored and corrective actions done efficiently and effectively,” she said.

 

Khalid Camar of G-Watch Lanao del Sur also reminded voters that, “in the coming elections, not only politicians should be made to account, citizens too, as they decide for the future of the country.”

 

Joy Aceron, G-Watch convener-director, says “G-Watch work is above and beyond the elections, but the electoral exercise remains a crucial accountability mechanism that can enable and advance good governance, so it has to be engaged.”

 

G-Watch, in its statement, offered six-point agenda for the next administration, which includes: 

 

• Ensure access to relevant, useful and clear information.
• Pass the Freedom of Information Law.
• Bolster transparency mechanisms and efforts.
• Ensure that feedback, complaint and grievance redress mechanisms properly work so that the concerns of citizens can be adequately addressed.
• Enhance the capacity of accountability institutions, mechanisms and programs inside government.
• Ensure that the country’s legal framework remains supportive, facilitative and enabling of progressive civil society, including independent citizen accountability efforts.

Make the 2022 Elections an Accountability Platform!  

A Statement of Government Watch (G-Watch) on the Upcoming May Polls

 

In exactly two months from now, Filipinos will once again go to the polls to elect the country’s next President, along with the Vice President, 12 senators, 316 members of the Lower House, as well as 16,055 local officials. While every election is important, the upcoming poll is both unique and extremely crucial due to the ongoing pandemic, and the continuing threats to democracy and to our people’s very survival.

 

The dismal performance of the national government in handling the COVID-19 crisis is going to be the backdrop of the 2022 elections. It has to be. The 2022 elections will also be critical in reaffirming many democratic values that has been under threat for the past years, such as inviolability of human rights, the rule of law, and the principle that a public office is public trust since all power emanates from the people.

The 2022 polls, in other words, has to be turned into an accountability process, where candidates have to be made answerable for their performance or lack thereof.

 

We call on voters to elect candidates that will restore checks and balances in government, strengthen accountability institutions, uphold merit-based public management, and support independent civil society monitoring and advocacy.  

 

At the same time, G-Watch offers the following agenda for the next administration:

 

· Ensure access to relevant, useful and clear information.

· Pass the Freedom of Information Law.

· Bolster transparency mechanisms and efforts.

· Ensure that feedback, complaint and grievance redress mechanisms properly work so that the concerns of citizens can be adequately addressed.

· Enhance the capacity of accountability institutions, mechanisms and programs inside government.

· Ensure that the country’s legal framework remains supportive, facilitative and enabling of progressive civil society, including independent citizen accountability efforts.

 

We also call on the Philippine development community to start rebooting, retooling and re-energizing civil society-government engagement to one that synergizes interdependent power which checks abuses at the top and uplifts the most marginalized.

 

If all these are done, then we can turn elections to what it should be—as a way to allow even the most ordinary of citizens to speak truth to power and change the course of the country’s history.

 

 

* Passed during the 2022 G-Watch National Meeting & Learning Exchange on March 4-8 in Pasig and Baguio Cities. G-Watch is an independent action research organization embedded in constituencies of civic and advocacy-oriented organizations all over the Philippines that aims to contribute in democratic deepening through the scaling of accountability and citizen empowerment. G-Watch has local sites and partner civil society organizations and government allies in Pasig City, Quezon City, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bohol, Tacloban, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Southern Leyte, Lanao del Sur, Samal Island, and Agusan del Sur.

Radisson Hotel Group ramps up Asia Pacific expansion in 2021, with 137 new hotels added to the portfolio

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Radisson Hotel Group continued along its expansion path in 2021 as it added 137 new hotels to its portfolio reaching 191 hotels in operation in the region and introduced its world-class hospitality standards to some of the most exciting emerging markets in Asia Pacific.

The Group’s master brand development agreements in China are playing a pivotal role in expediting its global growth strategy. In partnership with Jin Jiang International and its subsidiaries, 122 new hotels and resorts were signed in 2021 covering four brands in the market.

The Group also signed 15 hotels as it continues its growth momentum in key markets in the region such as Australia, India, and a market entrance into Papua New Guinea. Radisson Hotel Group’s core brands expanded their footprint with the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Yangtze Shanghai, the anthology of iconic lifestyle hotels. Six upscale Radisson and upper-upscale Radisson Blu properties were signed in China and India, including Radisson Hotel, Beijing Daxing Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel Changyuan and Radisson Blu Resort & Spa New Gurugram. In the upper-midscale sector, four new Park Inn by Radisson hotels were added in India, located in Vellore, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Jharkhand.

Radisson Individuals, the “soft brand” continues to attract independent hotels and small chains seeking global scale whilst retaining their independence and flexibility. The brand expanded into new destinations across India, Australia, and Papua New Guinea with four properties added to the portfolio. This includes Grand Papua Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

The Group celebrated the opening of 41 new hotels and resorts in 2021. Radisson Collection made its debut in Asia Pacific with the opening of five fantastic properties in China, located in Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuxi. Other key openings included Radisson Blu Resort Vishakhapatnam, Radisson Hotel Tianjin Aqua City, Park Plaza Beijing, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, The Oasis Mussoorie, a member of Radisson Individuals, and Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali, which marked this cutting-edge concept’s first operational hotel in India.

“I am delighted by our achievements in 2021, as we remained focused on our long-term goals despite significant short-term challenges. Radisson Individuals and Radisson Collection are presenting us with exciting new opportunities, and our partnerships in China and India are accelerating the growth of our portfolio. With new brand concepts to be rolled out in 2022, we are putting ourselves in an excellent position to meet the needs of guest, owners, and talent in the post-pandemic era,” said Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

“2021 was a productive year for our development team. We have doubled our footprint in China in the last 18 months and opened our 100^th hotel in India, which reflects our focus on these critical markets. Looking ahead, we will continue to ramp up our efforts in these key countries, as well as focusing on Australasia and South East Asia, and seeking opportunities including leasing, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures in Asia Pacific’s gateway cities, such as Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo. We look forward to working with all our partners in 2022 and beyond,” commented Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

Radisson Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific portfolio now totals 365 properties – 191 operational and 174 under development. To learn more about working with Radisson Hotel Group, please visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/development

DOTr orders maritime sector officials to aid stranded passengers in ports; Reiterates “Returning Home” is essential

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Allow the children to go home! Tugade orders maritime sector officials to aid stranded passengers in ports; Reiterates “Returning Home” is essential

Immediately after monitoring a news report aired yesterday in the evening, January 19, showing stranded passengers with children at the Manila North Harbor bound for Bacolod and Zamboanga, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade immediately called for a meeting at 8:30PM with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and other transport officials and agencies concerned, and ordered them to immediately allow stranded passengers with children returning home to their provinces to leave, as “returning home”, from the very beginning, is considered a form of essential travel.

According to the report, the reason why the children were not allowed to board was because their parents were not vaccinated and did not have the proper requirements and documentation.

“When I saw the news, I was mad and fuming,” Secretary Tugade said.

“My instruction from the very beginning is plain and simple— The No Vaxx, No Ride/Entry policy should be implementated as patient and tolerant as possible, but firm,” Sec. Tugade added.

“I immediately called a meeting at 8:30PM and ordered the PPA, through General Manager Jay Santiago, to immediately allow the stranded passengers with children to return home to their provinces, provide them with food, assist in the costs of their tickets, and give financial assistance. PPA assured me that these instructions will be executed not later than this morning. After all, returning home is essential travel!” Sec. Tugade added.

Secretary Tugade likewise reiterated his previous directive to all transport sectors to put vaccination stations in strategic places, similar to what the road sector has done and established at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange since July last year.

“Make sure to continue our vaccination efforts at the PITX. Put similar vaccination facilities in rail stations and in North Harbor,” Sec Tugade ordered.

“I have also ordered the Toll Regulatory Board to consider having vaccination stations at NLEX and other Toll Roads. This is now being discussed by the TRB with toll operators,” Sec Tugade said.

SSS to offer calamity assistance to members, pensioners affected by Typhoon Odette

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The Social Security System (SSS) will offer a Calamity Assistance Package to members and pensioners affected by Typhoon Odette starting January 14, 2022.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said that the Calamity Assistance Package consist of the Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) and Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan for members, and the three-month advance pension for pensioners in areas affected by Typhoon Odette as declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Members and pensioners in MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and CARAGA, as well as other areas that may be declared by the NDRRMC to be under the state of calamity due to typhoon, can avail of the SSS Calamity Assistance Package.

“It is unfortunate that the recent typhoon affected the daily lives and livelihood of our members and pensioners in these several areas. Through the SSS Calamity Assistance Package, we can extend financial aid to our members and pensioners as they try to recover from the effects of Typhoon Odette," Ignacio said.

SSS will offer the CLAP for its members and the Three-month Advance Pension to its pensioners until April 13, 2022. Meanwhile, the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan will be open to qualified members for one year upon issuance and effectivity of SSS Circular No. 2021-020.


Calamity Loan Assistance Program

Under the CLAP, qualified members can avail of a loan amount equivalent to one month salary credit (MSC) computed based the average of their last 12 monthly salary credits (MSCs) rounded up to the nearest thousand or the amount they applied for, whichever is lower.

To qualify, affected members must meet the following requirements:

Have a My.SSS account at www.sss.gov.ph;
Have at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which should be posted within the last 12 months before the month of filing of application;

A resident of a calamity-stricken area declared by the NDRRMC and suffered damage or loss to their properties due to Typhoon Odette;

Have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
Have no outstanding Loan Restructuring Program (LRP) or CLAP; and
If employed, the member’s employer must certify the CLAP application through online My.SSS facility.

Interested members can apply for CLAP using their respective My.SSS account.


Approved loan proceeds will be credited to member-borrower’s account through the members’ registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) – Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Card, their active accounts with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating bank, or their Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP) Quick Cards registered in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM), which can be found on their My.SSS accounts.

The loan is payable in equal monthly installments for 24 months or two years. It has an interest rate of 10% per annum, and the service fee of 1% of loan amount is already waived.

The first loan amortization will start in the second month following the date of the approval of the loan. For example, their loan was approved on January 21, 2022. They will start paying their loan amortization by March 2022. On the other hand, the loan’s payment deadline is every last day of the month following the applicable month, but in case it falls on a weekend or holiday, payment may be made on the next working day. Late payments will incur a 1% penalty per month.


Three-month Advance Pension

Retirement, disability, and survivor pensioners under the Social Security (SS) Program, and disability and survivor pensioners under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program pensioners may apply for a three-month advance pension. Interested SS and EC pensioners must be residents of the typhoon-affected areas declared by NDRRMC

To apply, they must submit a properly accomplished Application for Assistance Due to Calamity/Disaster Form duly certified by their Barangay Chairman; or the said form together with a certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or NDRRMC to any SSS branch. They can download the application form at www.sss.gov.ph or click this link: https://bit.ly/AdvancePensionForm.

However, retirement pensioners who have existing loans under the Pension Loan Program (PLP) are disqualified from availing of the three-month advance pension.


Direct House Repair and/or Improvement Loan

SSS also extends financial assistance to its members whose houses were damaged or destroyed due to Typhoon Odette. Qualified SSS members may apply for the Direct House Repair and/or Improvement Loan. Under this, they can borrow a maximum loanable amount of up to P1 million.


To qualify, affected members must meet the following requirements:

Have a total of 24 monthly contributions, three of which should be posted within the last 12-month period before the month of filing application;

Not more than 60 years old at the time of filing of application;

Have not been previously granted a House Repair and/or Improvement Loan by the SSS; and

Have not been granted any final SSS benefit nor was refunded SSS contributions.

The member and his/her spouse must be up-to-date in the payment of all other existing loans with the SSS.

It has an interest rate of 8% for loans amounting to up to P450,000, while for those over P450,000, the interest rate is 9%. SSS has also waived the processing fee for the said loan.

Member-borrower will have a six-month moratorium for the loan’s monthly amortization and interest payments. They will only start paying their loan amortization of the 7th month from its approval and is payable in equal monthly installments.

Moreover, loan term will be in five, 10, 15, or 20 years, plus the moratorium of six months. However, the term must not exceed the economic life of the house or improvement after the repair and/or improvement were introduced (to be determined by the SSS) as well as the difference between the age of the applicant and 65.

Interested applicants can file their loan applications at the Member Loans Department in the SSS Main Office for those in the NCR, or the Housing and Acquired Asset Management Sections located in SSS San Pablo for those in Southern Luzon, SSS Cebu for those in Central Visayas, SSS Bacolod for those in Western Visayas, SSS Davao for those in Southern Mindanao, SSS Cagayan De Oro for those in Northern Mindanao, and SSS Zamboanga for those in Western Mindanao.

SSS has allotted P2.18 billion for the implementation of the Calamity Assistance Package, which will benefit an estimated 236,509 active members and pensioners in the typhoon-affected areas.

For more information, visit the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph, follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System - SSS,” Instagram and YouTube at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

The Commissariat Manila: All Set for Christmas Treats

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The Commissariat Manila is a purveyor of the finest goods and delicacies under the entrepreneurial skills of siblings Gino Asensio Lopez and Monique Lopez Ong who hail from the Visayas (Iloilo and Bacolod). They believe that "good food must never be kept secret and should be experienced by everyone."

The Commissariat Manila opened its doors in July 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. As the country went into lock down period, there was a rising need for good food to be delivered to people’s homes.

The Commissariat Manila was established to fulfill everyone’s need for first-class goods from Visayas, particularly Bacolod City, the place that Gino and Monique both know has unrivaled pastries, cakes, chorizos, and seafood.

Many of their sought-after delicacies come from Negros Occidental’s Felicia’s Pastry Shop. These pastries come from the kitchen of the three Lacson sisters namely Sony Lacson Cometa, Fely Lacson Montelibano, and Margie Lacson Macasa. Their pastry kitchen was established in the 1970s, and continues to be passed on from one generation to the next. They have been whipping masterpieces such as the famous Felicia’s Ensaimadas, Cheese Rolls, and many other favorites.

 
In Bacolod, good life means good food all the time. The Felicia’s experience promises that you will keep coming back for the good life! Most travelers, who fly out from Bacolod, hand-carry Felicia’s products to bring home to their families. These beloved Felicia’s pastries are baked fresh, and air-flown from Bacolod to Manila every week beginning November 13 to December 18.

The Commissariat Manila has prepared a lineup of limited edition Christmas sets featuring their Felicia’s Ensaimadas that come in a box of 6 (P1,215) or a box of 12 (P2,430), Felicia’s Cheese Rolls box of 16 (P1,420), cookies in can variants such as their Almond Crisps (P490), Lemon Thins (P425), Almondettes (P475), and their yummy Pili products such as their Pili Crumble (P675) and Turron de Pili (P585).

Felicia’s also released their outstanding cake line in Metro Manila and Cebu. These best-loved cakes in cans such as their notable heirloom Potato Cake (P975), Sans Rival (P995), Swiss Chocolate Cake (P980), Classic Chocolate Cake (P995), and Butter Cake (P850) are all available on-hand at The Commissariat Manila.

Other top-rated Bacolod brands are also found at The Commissariat Manila such as Casa Carmela’s “Bacolod in a bottle” line, which are known for their best-selling gourmet bottles such their Crazy Rich Crabs (P500), Sexy Squid (P375), Chorizo Pudpud (P375), and their signature Papa Daniel’s Bangus (P365).

Another crowd favorite that never fails to satisfy everyone’s “breakfast all-day” palate is the Ereñeta-Manaloto Chorizo Recado or Hamonado Bilog, and their newest addition to their Chorizo line, the Chorizo Mozzarella or “Muchorellas” which are a total hit with the kids! (All variants for P395/ pack of one dozen).

Moreover, The Commissariat Manila offers some of their own products such as The Commissariat Flat Quillos (P185), and seasonally, The Commissariat Bantayan Bay half-shell scallops (P675) which are harvested from the deepest parts of Bantayan Island and flown straight to The Commissariat freezers.

Due to the influx of orders, we advise that you plan and put in your pre-orders ahead of time to make sure that you get on The Commissariat Manila’s delivery list early. For advance placement of orders, please refer to the social media links below for the Felicia’s In Manila delivery schedule.

For Felicia’s fresh air-flown pastries and limited edition Christmas sets, the pre-order cut-off for each week is on Wednesdays by 7 PM. All late pre-orders will carry over to the next available shipment date. Deliveries for Metro Manila begin every Saturday of each week from November 13th to December 18th, their last shipment for 2021.

All on-hand products such as Felicia’s Cakes in cans, Casa Carmela bottled goods, Ereñeta-Manaloto Chorizos and The Commissariat Flat Quillos will be available for delivery until December 23 (Thursday) before Christmas Eve, and will continue to be available from December 27 - 31 before the New Year’s countdown. Fresh air-flown Felicia’s Ensaimadas and Cheese Rolls will resume on Jan 8 (Saturday) when The Commissariat Manila opens their first shipment for 2022.

To know more about the variety of finest goods and delicacies that The Commissariat Manila offers within NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal), you can visit and order from their website at www.thecommissariatmanila.com.

Please follow, like, and tag us by using the hashtags #TheCommissariatManila and #FeliciasInManila this Christmas holiday season on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You may also scan The Commissariat Manila QR code to pre-order!



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecommissariatmanila/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommissariat/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/CommissariatMNL

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/thecommissariat/

Makabayan surprises nation with impressive partylist nominees

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This is a repost of tweets posted on Twitter by journalist Tonio Cruz. Reposting for more awareness. These hopefuls are alternative candidates we could try for the government.

Makabayan nominees are led by a former cabinet member, a summa cum laude graduate, a lawyer for EJK victims, anti-Duterte resistance leaders, and experts on consumer rights, special education, PH languages.

The administration’s bungling pandemic response compelled #Makabayan partylists to hold “hybrid” conventions: with limited number of attendees at venues and other participants joining via Zoom video conference.

After a rout in 2019 and the mass killings of its leaders including party chair Randall Echanis, @AnakpawisPL partylist seeks a return to Congress. 

Former Agrarian Reform secretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano is first nominee of Anakpawis. 

Mariano served alongside Vice President @lenirobredo, DSWD Sec. Judy Taguiwalo, NAPC Sec. Liza Maza and DENR Sec. Gina Lopez.

They were dubbed as the best and most progressive cabinet members, but Duterte either fired them or had the Commission on Appointments reject them.

Mariano was Anakpawis partylist representative from 2004-2013, and former chair of @kmp_phl. 

Other Anakpawis nominees are trade union leader Lana Linaban of @kilusangmayouno, community leader Doy Marizeta, and peasant leader Isabelo Adviento of Cagayan province.

At its convention, perennial partylist topnotcher @BayanMuna chose former Rep. @teddycasino as first nominee. 

Also nom'd by @BayanMuna are: Rep. @FerdinandGaite, Moro Christian Peoples Alliance leader @AmirahLidasan, lawyer @chronikrissys, former lawmaker Pepito Pico, John Ruiz of Central Visayas, and Roman Polintan of Central Luzon.

Gaite is a leader of public sector unions. 

Bayan Muna third nominee @AmirahLidasan seeks to represent the Bangsamoro and other national minorities. She is former NUSP national president, and currently a leader of Moro Christian Peoples Alliance and Sandugo. 

Bayan Muna's fourth nominee is lawyer @chronikrissys of @nuplphilippines - counsel for families of victims of extrajudicial killings who filed a case against Duterte at the International Criminal Court. 

Youth party @KabataanPL voted math whiz @iamRaoulManuel as first nominee.

He is @UPVOfficial's first-ever summa cum laude graduate, former @uposr, and former @NUSPhilippines national president. 

Among others, Kabataan's Manuel famously made a cry-baby senator throw a tantrum at a hearing  

Manuel will be a great replacement for multi-awarded Rep. @sarahelago

Other @KabataanPL nominees are: Angelica Galimba from Ilocos, @NUSPhilippines prez @JandeilRoperos, UPLB's Jianred Faustino, UP Mindanao's Jayvie Cabajes, Vince Alloso of University San Carlos, and RJ Ledesma of Bacolod.

@GabrielaWomenPL, the leading women’s voice in Congress, picked a doctor from Davao as second nominee.

Human rights champion Dr. Jean Lindo joins first nominee Rep. @ArleneBrosas and third nominee Lucy Francisco, a consumer leader from Panay island. 

For @ACT_Teachers, its first nominee is @repfrancecastro, the former master teacher-turned-lawmaker. 

Castro's demand for Mocha Uson's appearance before the House budget deliberations in 2018 led to the latter's resignation from the PCOO.

Reference: https://t.co/gTzBOnO9OK 

Joining Castro as @ACT_Teachers nominees are former Rep. @tonchi Tinio, poet and essayist Dr. David Michael San Juan of DLSU, SPED teacher Helene Dimaukom of Cotabato City, and Fabian Hallig.

San Juan is a champion of PH languages. 

Anakpawis nominated Elmer "Bong" Labog, chair of @kilusangmayouno, as senatorial candidate.

@BayanMuna endorsed Neri @ColmenaresPH for senator, under the banner of #Makabayan. 

Film & AV Productions sa NCR, Isususpinde mula Agosto 6-20 dahil sa ECQ laban sa COVID-19 Delta Variant

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng mas nakakahawang Delta variant ng COVID-19, isasailalim ang National Capital Region (NCR) sa Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status mula Agosto 6 hanggang 20. Alinsunod ito sa Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution 130-A na inaprubahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Sa ilalim ng ECQ, hindi pinapayagan ang film, music, at television production at lahat pa ng production activities sa NCR. Ang iba pang ECQ areas mula Agosto 1 hanggang 7 ay Iloilo City, Iloilo province, Gingoog City, at Cagayan de Oro City.

Mula Hulyo 30 hanggang Agosto 5, ang NCR ay nasa General Community Quarantine (GCQ) na mayroong “heightened and additional restrictions” at pinapayagan ang film, music, at TV productions na magkaroon ng hindi lalagpas sa 50 katao sa kahit na anong oras pero hindi lalagpas ng 100 katao buong araw.

“In as much as we are hoping for our film and audiovisual industry to bounce back from the many challenges due to the pandemic, production activities in ECQ areas need to be put on hold again as a preventive measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, especially its Delta variant,” sinabi ni Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson at CEO Liza Diño.

“As for areas under MECQ, GCQ, and MCQ, productions may continue provided that there is strict adherence to the operational capacities and health and safety protocols set by the government,” idinagdag ni Diño.

Ayon sa Memorandum Circular No. 21-14, Series of 2021 ng Department of Trade and Industry, pinapayagan ang film, music, at TV productions at activities na mag-operate ng may 50% capacity sa ilalim ng modified ECQ (MECQ), habang pinapayagan ang mga ito na mag-operate ng may 100% capacity sa ilalim ng GCQ at modified GCQ (MGCQ).

Mula Agosto 1 hanggang 15, ang MECQ areas ay Ilocos Norte, Bataan, Cebu City, Cebu province, Lapu-Lapu City, at Mandaue City. Ang status ng Cebu City at Cebu province ay subject sa mga apela ng kanilang mga pamahalaang lokal.

Ipapatupad ang GCQ with heightened restrictions mula Agosto 1 hanggang 15 sa Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena City, Naga City, Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Butuan City, at Zamboanga del Sur.

Mula Agosto 1 hanggang 31, GCQ ang status ng Apayao, Baguio City, Isabela, Santiago City, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Batangas, Puerto Princesa, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, General Santos City, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, at Dinagat Islands.

Isasailalim sa MGCQ ang iba pang lugar sa Pilipinas na hindi nabanggit para sa buong buwan ng Agosto.

Hinihikayat ng FDCP, sa pamamagitan ng Safe Filming Program nito, ang lahat ng film at audiovisual productions na sumunod sa safety at health protocols ng gobyerno. Maaaring mag-register ang mga production sa Safe Filming Program para matulungan at magabayan sila ng FDCP habang nagsasagawa ng production sa new normal.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa safety at health protocols para sa production shoots at audiovisual activities sa gitna ng pandemya, basahin ang DTI-DOLE-DOH JAO 2021-0001 sa http://bit.ly/OmnibusGuidelinesNFVPforCovid19 o bumisita sa www.safefilming.ph.

Local Travel Destinations; History, Culture, and Sights

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

From North to South, the Philippines has tons of places worth visiting any time of the year but most especially, during Summer when everyone wants to either escape the heat and take a dip in beautiful beaches or take advantage of the dry season to explore beautiful sceneries and take on some adventure.

Here’s a quick list of the local places worth checking by every travel enthusiast.

Bulacan. Bulacan is only minutes away from Manila, a province with so much history, culture, and craftsmanship to boast of. Take advantage of the dry season by learning the art of jewelry making, crafts, garments, and even pyrotechnics. Visit the famous landmarks of Kalayaan Tree, Biak-na-Bato Cave, and Barasoain Church and discover the colorful history of the province and of our country. Aside from these sites, Bulacan also offers a number of resorts families can take advantage of with only a short trip from the metro. If you only need a day or a weekend to take some time off, Bulacan could be a good option as you don’t have to travel far to have a different environment.

Photo source: Wikipedia.org

Batangas. Located on the southwestern part of Luzon in Region IV-A, Batangas is a popular summer destination, especially for Metro Manila residents, as this is very accessible to the metro.

San Juan, Batangas is one of its popular municipalities known for its white-sand beaches. If you’d rather go deep down the waters than spend time under the sun, then Anilao, Batangas might be the place for you as it offers excellent diving sites.

Photo from gilldivers.com

Quezon. If you’re in for a road trip and food exploration, then you’re on the right path with Quezon Province. Another one from the South, Quezon offers one of the most exciting food adventures. A local delicacy that tops the list is its flavorful Pancit habhab which is made from the province’s own produced Lucban Miki Noodles. Aside from being mouthwatering and nutritious, it is famous for the way it’s eaten – not with the use of any utensils but only with a banana leaf that serves as its plate, too. Fold the banana leaf, and it will serve as the utensil you need to eat the pancit as it squeezes the pancit for you.

Photo from consumerlive.wordpress.com

Not fond of noodles? Then try their sweet treats like the Puto Bao. Made with glutinous rice and macapuno filling, a taste of this sweet delicacy will surely entice you to forget anything about diet.

Photo from carousell.ph

Bacolod. Fly to the Visayas region and visit the City of Smiles, Bacolod. The capital city of Negros Occidental is not only known for its MassKara festival but also for its diverse tourism attractions. From the pristine white beaches of Lakawon Island to the relaxing springs and waterfalls at Mambukal Mountain Resort to the historical landmarks of Balay Negrense and San Sebastian Cathedral, you will surely not get enough of this city’s offerings. It is simply a place where the beauty of nature can be explored and culture can be learned.

Photo from awanderfulsole.com

Bogo. If you want to retreat from the city buzz, Bogo City in Cebu is a nice breakaway from the daily hustle. One local destination that can provide a serene and breathtaking ambiance is the Capitancillo island. The Capitancillo island is a protected marine sanctuary of about 600 hectares in size. With its perfect clear blue waters, snorkeling and diving are truly relished by travelers. Though rather a small island, it will not disappoint in providing a secluded and stunning experience.

Photo from silingan.com.ph

The above are just some local destinations worth visiting, not just only during Summer. The best way to get to experience them all year-round is to find a home near in any of these locations or near tourist spot destinations. For affordable house and lots in the Philippines near travel destinations, check Lessandra communities.

Meantime, while travel restrictions are in place, take Lessandra’s fun quiz and see which travel destination should be included in your post-pandemic summer getaway.

WWF-Philippines, BPI Foundation Team Up to Build Food Sheds Across the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A woman tends to crops inside her communities’ food shed in Bago City, Negros Oriental. Each food shed requires the teamwork of whole communities to manage and maintain them, and can help boost food and livelihood security in areas racked with poverty. Photograph © WWF-Philippines

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) have partnered up to oversee the construction of food sheds in rural communities across the country.

The project, entitled PagSibol, is the latest development in WWF-Philippines’ multi-year effort to advance food and livelihood security in distant communities across the archipelago. Known as the Sustainable Farm to Table Program, the project has helped communities to organize and govern themselves and their savings, while supporting them in the development of agribusiness enterprises.

PagSibol looks to extend the gains made by the Sustainable Farm to Table Program, by improving the food production capacity of partner communities. 

Community members pack crops from their food shed in preparation for the marketplace. Food sheds bring the promise of sustainable prosperity for rural communities. Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

Food and livelihood security continues to be a major problem for millions of Filipinos. 5.2 million Filipinos experienced hunger in 2020, while 4 million Filipinos were unemployed as of January 2021.

“We’re very excited for this recent development. Our partner communities have come a very long way since we first started off with the project, but there is always room to do more. These food sheds that the BPI Foundation is helping us to put up will help guide our communities to further, more sustainable prosperity,” said WWF-Philippines Project Manager Muneer Hinay.

A food shed in Rizal. Each food shed allows for the year-round cultivation of crops and small animals in a way that is much less land and labor intensive compared to older farming methods. Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

A low-cost, modular agricultural technology, each food shed allows for the growing of a variety of crops in a multi-level structure that requires less land than an open-air farm. Sheltered from the elements under a roof and maintained through simple hydroponics, each food shed allows for the growing of crops year-round, with space for the cultivation of small animals, such as poultry.

With the added, consistent production provided by a food shed, each of the PagSibol projects’ partner communities will be able to provide for their needs, while selling any surplus for additional income.

PagSibol’s partner communities include Barangay Bantog in Tarlac City; Barangay Dolores in Ormoc City; Barangays Balugo and Sibulan in Negros Oriental; Barangay Ara-al in La Carlota City; Barangay Mailum in Bago City; Anajawan Island in General Luna, Surigao del Norte; Barangay Basagad in Baloi and Barangay Binuni in Bacolod, both in Lanao del Norte; Barangay Tigbalabag in Zamboanga City; Barangay Kidalapong in Malita, Davao Occidental; and Barangay Dailag in Arakan, North Cotabato.

“This is a wonderful step forward for all of us, and we are very thankful to have BPI Foundation on board supporting this effort. It is our hope that one day, all communities can enjoy the benefits of a thriving food shed. That day will come, thanks to projects like PagSibol,” added Hinay.

In the face of rising food and livelihood security for millions of Filipinos, the PagSibol project hopes to give communities a chance to dream toward sustainable prosperity. Support WWF-Philippines, and help bring an end to the food crisis.

Cover photo caption: A woman from Pampanga, beneficiary of the Sustainable Farm to Table Program, pumps water for the communal farm behind her. The Sustainable Farm to Table Program has promoted food and livelihood security all across the Philippines. Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines