Sunday, February 28, 2010

Just ask to retire n Chase the Philippine dream ?

Hi Jimmy you drop me a long list of questions, I guess one my American friend who living in Angeles Philippine might have more experienced in this matter read on . Thanks Ashley for the help.


How easy is it to meet nice girls in the Philippines?
As easy as you want it to be. Meeting a Filipina is a contact sport. It’s a numbers game, you simply get out there and make contact and ask for their number!


How safe is it to travel to the Philippines?
It is no more dangerous here than anywhere in the USA, in fact I would say it is safer! Especially Cebu, I never carry a weapon and have never needed one here and nor will you. Your biggest threat will be falling in love with a gold digger!


What about meeting a Filipina via a chat room first?
A3. OK, but make sure she is a real woman! A lot of Bakla and Bayut (Tagalog and Visayan words for transsexuals) work the chat rooms. If they use a web cam, have them hold out their arms, palms up. Men’s arms are straight; women’s arms bend outwards noticeably. Try this with a female at home first, see the arm structure. You can hide the Adam’s apple and the large hands, but not the arm bones!

How much does it cost her to email me?
In places like Angeles where there are a lot of girls and a lot of internet cafes, the price can be as low as P9.95 an hour for “club members”. (about a quarter, 25 cents!) Even more upmarket places charge less than a dollar an hour and these girls would find the most affordable café around, so expect them to pay fifty cents or so every visit. US$10 a month would cover pretty much all their internet expenses.

Are these girls corresponding with more than one guy at a time?
Aren’t you corresponding with more than one Filipina? Of course they are. Until they promise you are the only one, why shouldn’t they cover the angles?

I met a girl working in a bar in Angeles. She was not a GRO or dancer but a waitress. Does that mean she isn’t a prostitute?
Wake up and smell the coffee. There is no prostitution in the Philippines, however…… You pay a “barfine” or “early work release” fee to allow your “companion” to leave the premises with you. After that it is up to her and you what transpires. If you can “barfine” her then the odds are you can have sex with her. Of course she may not want to and so you had better get it clear before leaving the bar what is and isn’t included. Most girls take turns working as waitresses (usually during their menstruation), dancers and Guest Relations Officers (sit and talk).

In Angeles if you wanted to barfine a girl but was told she was a “cherrygirl”. What does this mean?
Either she was menstruating, didn’t like you or doesn’t want to include sex in her income earning activities. I doubt many of them are true “cherry” girls as we know the term. Their uncles may have raped them, or they have Filipino boyfriends so they are cherry only with foreigners. Usually the cutest, sexiest little thing there is “cherry”, which might also mean she is under 18 and working illegally and the Mamasan doesn’t want to risk trouble with the authorities more than necessary.

I fell in love with a bar girl and I was going to marry her. I sent her money for months until I could get more vacation time and return. When I did I came a day early to surprise her and found she was still working in the bar and going barfine when she promised me she had stopped.
Grow up. These girls are trying to survive. They are working the angles to keep themselves and their families alive. Many of them are genuine girls and would make wonderful wives, but just as many enjoy the lifestyle, the attention, the money and the fact they are ripping off poor suckers like you! This country has so many women who aren’t hooking or scamming, make the effort to meet them, they are everywhere but you won’t find them in bars and brothels!

How do I deal with her requests for money? How much should I send?
It is a recurring theme and one I deal with in detail. Basically you would not send money to an American girlfriend, so why send any to a Filipina unless you are engaged. US$180 a month will keep her alive and healthy, any more and you are supporting her family. 

Just ask - In Singapore do you have any private nursing agency beside government hospital ? ?

Hi Jillian Renee Roque, of course there are many private nursing agency in Singapore , so I decided to contacted one my friends who had been in nursing for the past 30 years say that she had been engaging Sue Agency since 1981. Usually a company that established and survive till now would have something good to offer. You can contact them directly. For your information they are  established in 1981 by Mrs. Susan Ng or fondly known by all as "Sister Sue", a qualified nurse registered with Singapore Nursing Board and UKCC (PIN number 68102070-4). She has been actively involved in all nursing disciplines like general nursing, midwifery, neonatal care, health visiting and intensive care. The Agency provides qualified nurses to all hospitals and health institutions in Singapore. Currently it is one of the largest and most experienced nursing agency in Singapore specializing in institutional and home care.
The Agency Provides The following Services:
1. Local qualified and State Registered Nurses for the following services:
a) Individual Nursing Care for institutionised patients in various hospitals throughout Singapore.
b) Home Nursing Care for patients who do not need hospitalization.
c) Hourly Care for patients who need nursing procedures at home e.g. bed bathing, wounds dressing, and medication via injections.
d) Infant Care and motherhood counseling.
e) As a Clinic Nurse to assist doctor in the daily management of his clinic and patients.
f) As a Nurse Practitioner in the factory to assist the Company Doctor in the health maintenance of the employees.
g) As a Hospital Floor Nurse to relieve the temporary shortage of nurses in the hospital environment.
h) As a safety Officer in outdoor Activities as required by the local regulations.
2. Overseas Nurses and Skilled Workers Deployment.
Sue Agency Staff will conduct a through screening of suitable candidates in line with the client's request. The Agency will co-ordinate all recruitment procedures, processing of applications, medical and travel arrangements, visas and all procedures as required by the local and host country laws and regulations.
AZ: agency RN falls on floor and sues hospital: agency nurse's suit against hospital barred.(Arizona, registered nurse Cynthia Schwager, InteliStaf): An article from: Nursing Law's Regan Report

Agency nurse reconsiders her future.(Pat Fraser): An article from: Kai Tiaki: Nursing New Zealand



Sue Private Nurses Agency
304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza #04-06 Singapore 556647
The Agency is had Qualified nurses from Singapore, Philippines, India, Burma, and China

News Update Top-ups for 650,000 students

Feb 22, 2010

The PSEA was set up in 2007 to support families with children and it encourage every family to put their children through a tertiary education at ITE, polytechnics and universities. -- ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW


MORE help is on its way for families with children.
The Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) scheme will receive a $230 million injection from the Government this year, benefitting 650,000 Singaporean students.
Primary school pupils will receive up to $200 in their accounts while those between 13 and 20 years old will receive up to $500.
Children between seven and 12 years old who come from homes with an annual value of more than $11,000 will receive top-ups of $100 while those in the 13 to 20 age group will get $250.
The PSEA was set up in 2007 to support families with children. It helps to encourage every family to put their children through a tertiary education at ITE, polytechnics and universities.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

News Update 3 earthquakes hit Mindanao in 12 hours

First Posted 01:41:00 02/27/2010
DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Three earthquakes occurred in Mindanao in a span of 12 hours since Friday afternoon but no damage to property has been reported so far.
The latest tremor, with a magnitude of 3.3, shook some parts of the island at 3:35 a.m. Saturday.
But the government agency monitoring quakes said the latest tremor on the island, as with the early ones, was tectonic in origin.
Janilla de Ocampo, officer in charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Southern Mindanao, said the latest quake was traced 30 kilometers north-east of Butuan City and had a depth of 11 kilometers.
It was felt at Intensity 3 in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. (Intensity 3 means that the movement or shaking caused by the tremor is felt indoors.)
De Ocampo said no damage and aftershocks were expected.
Around 12:18 a.m., also on Saturday, a 5.3 quake shook General Santos City and nearby areas including this city and other parts of Southern and Central Mindanao.
The quake's epicenter was traced 76 kilometers south-east of the city, which suffered an Intensity 4 jolt, Phivolcs said in an advisory. (Intensity 4 means the shaking is felt by almost all people indoors and outdoors by some people. The earthquake could be strong enough as to shake parked cars.)

Although no structural damage was expected from the 12:18 a.m. tremor, Phivolcs said it had projected aftershocks.
The stronger quake that hit Mindanao in 12 hours was recorded earlier, at 4:37 p.m. Friday with a magnitude of 5.5.
It was triggered by the movement of the Philippine Trench, a Phivolcs advisory said.
The epicenter of Friday's tremor was traced at 92 kilometers off the coast of Mati, Davao Oriental and had a depth of 161 kilometers.
It did not cause any damage but Phivolcs said aftershocks were also expected.
Friday's quake was felt at Intensity 3 in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Davao City; Mati, Taragona and Caraga, Davao Oriental; Padada and Malita, Davao del Sur; Intensity 2 in Cateel, Davao Oriental; Tagum City; Digos City and Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur; General Santos City; Koronadal, South Cotabato; Cagayan de Oro City and Intensity 1 in La Paz, Agusan del Sur; Kabacan, North Cotabato; Samal Island, Davao del Norte.
The deadliest quake that hit Mindanao took place in August 1976, when a magnitude 7.6-tremor triggered tsunami and flattened millions of pesos worth of properties.
At least 3,000 people were killed in the earthquake that affected the areas surrounding the Moro Gulf and parts of Zamboanga peninsula.
The Philippines sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where quakes are a regular occurrence although most of them are too weak to be felt.
Reports from Joselle Badilla, Frinston Lim, Dennis Santos, Inquirer Mindanao 

News Update Prepare for possible evacuation

Feb 27, 2010

MANILA - THE Philippines' government warned coastal communities on the eastern side of the archipelago on Saturday to prepare for possible evacuation after a powerful earthquake in Chile triggered a tsunami.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Chile early Saturday could generate a destructive tsunami that could hit coastlines on the western Pacific.
'No evacuation order is in effect but communities along the east coast of the country are advised to wait for further information and to prepare for possible evacuation,' the government institute said in an advisory.
'Coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean... should keep watch,' the advisory said.
It said that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii would monitor the sea levels and report if any tsunami activity was detected. -- AFP

Just ask - Is there any pig Farming in Singapore ?

Hi Normita Atanis the farming activities in Singapore are mostly supervised and overseen by The Primary Production Department, under the Ministry of National Development (AVA) that ensured an adequate and regular supply of fresh produce and provided support for agro-industries, including research and development aimed at improving commercial and high technology farming. The department projected in 1988 that a total of 2,000 hectares of land in ten agro-technology parks would be developed and rented out for long-term farming over the next decade. The government began phasing out pig farming in 1984 because of odor and environmental pollution. Some 200 pig farms raising about 500,000 pigs in 1987 were scheduled to be reduced to 22 farms with 300,000 pigs by 1990. Imports from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand would be increased to meet domestic needs. Some 1,000 poultry farms kept a total of about 2.2 million layers, 1.6 million broilers, 245,000 breeders, and 645,000 duck, so that Singapore remained free of major animal diseases. You will be surprised that a small island with less than 5 million people the consumption of pork is very high. There is a joint venture activities between a Malaysian and Singaporean company which produce about 500,000 pigs annually with an annual turnover of about RM400 million for local consumption and export.With a capacity for 250,000 standing pig population, it is an integrated modern pig farming area with very strict bio-security and disease control measures, modern bio-gas central waste treatment system, imported parent stocks with high productivity, export standard abattoir and meat processing facilities and the important factor is close proximity to Singapore
According to Channel NewsAsia, there is a plan in the pipeline in China to have the pig farm and pork-processing facilities within a food zone. Singapore's National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan says Singapore will invest in the project and provide its expertise in food safety in the joint partnership with the Jilin government. The long-term objective is to provide supply of food, not just for local consumption, and also export to Singapore, which is in line with the overall objective of ensuring food security in Singapore.

Currently Philippine had also exports fresh frozen meat to from General Santos and there is one farm in Davao already qualified and cleared by Singapore government to export Pork products to Singapore. As for forzen pork the Filipino love to eat it their pork fresh like "Kilawin" ang Asrap nito ah.

News Update Hijacked S'pore boat in Philippines

Feb 26, 2010
MANILA - A SINGAPORE-FLAGGED tug hijacked off Malaysia three weeks ago has been found on a remote southern Philippine island, but the last of 12 crew members remains missing, the coastguard said on Friday. Local police found the 296-tonne Asta beached on the north coast of the tiny island of Dinagat on Thursday, a coastguard statement said. Philippine navy officers boarded the vessel and detained a 19-year-old local man, who described himself as the boat's caretaker, it added. The tug was boarded by masked pirates armed with assault rifles and machetes on Feb 6 off Tioman island on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia while en route to Cambodia from Singapore with 12 crew members. Eleven Indonesians among the crew were set adrift on a life raft five days later and were rescued near a Malaysian navy post off Borneo island after surviving at sea for eight days. But the final crew member, believed to be the chief engineer, was still missing, the coastguard said Friday. Philippine coastguard commander Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said authorities would file 'appropriate charges' against an unnamed person identified by the detained man as the person who had instructed him to guard the beached tug. -- AFP


Friday, February 26, 2010

News Update Philippines plans $500 mln sukuk bonds - banker


MANILA, Feb 26 - The Philippines is looking at issuing its first ever sukuk, or Islamic bonds, worth around $500 milion, said a banker familiar with the transaction, as the government seeks to diversify its debt profile.
The issue could be done through state enterprises like the National Power Corp, which is raising 15 billion pesos ($325 million) for its Small Power Utilities Group project, said Roberto Juanchito Dispo, executive vice president at First Metro Investment Corp .
FMIC is arranging the bond issue, possibly in partnership with CIMB Group  of Malaysia. The offer may have maturities of five to 10 years.
"Before the global financial crisis, we we're considering $1 billion potentially. But given the crisis, we're now looking at $500 million," he told Reuters.
Global sukuk issuance totalled $19 billion last year. Indonesia is eyeing a global sukuk issue early in the second half this year.
FMIC hopes to submit a proposal on the sukuk, or financial instruments that comply with Islamic investment principles which prohibit interest payments, to the government in the second half, Dispo said.
First Metro is currently handling the Philippines' $500 million retail bonds to be sold to overseas Filipino workers. the issue will be launched in April. For more Reuters Islamic finance stories by Reuters 

News Update S'poreans' top travel pick: Asia

Feb 26, 2010

WITH the economy fast picking itself out of the doldrums, Singaporeans are more prepared to spend on vacations overseas, especially in other Asian nations.

A survey conducted by credit card company MasterCard found that more Singaporeans expect to go on holiday in the first half of this year, compared to six months ago.

Of 400 Singaporeans polled between Oct 1 and Nov 9 last year, 42 per cent said that international personal air travel was a purchasing priority in the next six months, up from 30 per cent in the last survey last April.

Ms Julienne Loh, vice-president and country manager of MasterCard in Singapore, said: 'This can be attributed to a rebound in consumer confidence levels in Singapore which reflects the strong progress seen in the real economy. Consumers are now cautiously optimistic and are more willing to spend on discretionary items like leisure travel.'

And regional destinations remain top picks - 97 per cent of those who want to travel picked a country in the Asia-Pacific region as one of the top three places they were likely to travel to in the next six months. Malaysia was the most popular destination, drawing 40 per cent of respondents, followed by Hong Kong with 33 per cent and Taiwan with 31 per cent.

Mr Robert Khoo, the chief executive of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas), said: 'Asia will continue to be one of the most popular destinations for reasons of cost and proximity.' -- MYPAPER

Thursday, February 25, 2010

News Update Read 900k e-books for free

By Tan Weizhen

The KeyReader, a 19.6cm by 12.1cm, 300g touchscreen device with built-in wireless connectivity, will be able to download books directly on the go. -- PHOTO: MDA

The first made-in-Singapore electronic book reader was launched yesterday.
The KeyReader, a 19.6cm by 12.1cm, 300g touchscreen device with built-in 

wireless connectivity, will be able to download books directly on the go.
For a start, it will be able to access the over 900,000 digital books in the 
collection of the National Library Board (NLB) for free.

KeyReader's creator iCell, one of the three providers of the Wireless@SG 

network here, is in talks with other major content producers here, including 
Singapore Press Holdings (SPH). It is discussing with SPH the possibility of 
making available the content from its Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao 
and its search engine Rednano.

Free access to the NLB's collection may count as KeyReader's plus point, 

considering that owners of other e-book readers like Amazon's Kindle or 
Sony's Reader mostly have to pay to download titles from online bookshops.

The NLB fiction and non-fiction titles it will be able to access have,

until now, been downloadable by the public onto their computers,
mobile devices and other e-book readers.

Kopi Talk - "Rap" about Hainanese Coffee and Culture



When the word "Hainanese" mentioned in Singapore is invariably associated with Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hanianese coffee, since in the hay days the Hainanese had carving a niche for themselves in the service sector, working as cook boys, waiters or servants in the local hotels, restaurants, bakeries and bars and as cooks or domestic servants for wealthy European and Peranakan households. When I was young I remembered that he would meet all his Hainianese friends on Friday at our small coffeeshop near beach road and greet each other "mai" while "hello" is not so common and use in the past.  I recalled that both of  his Hainanese friend who had worked for the British during the colonial era and had learnt the techniques of making coffee.  The habit of drinking coffee was certainly pick up from his colonial boss, although the preparation of Coffee beans were slight diffidence as for us, we were fried the coffee bean with butter, and my dad were even added some peanut husk for added aroma as for the practice in Western Europe or the States, where beans are mostly roasted, Indonesians have a different way of serving coffee which they grind the beans to a powder and boiled it and let the sediments settle and its then ready to drink. Similar to the way Lebanese  drink their coffee but their grounds are slightly thicker. As for us a piece of butter was usually served with the coffee you have a choice to either added the butter to the coffee or ate it separately.  It was Chinese believed that this method of drinking coffee would soothe the throat.  They  believed that coffee was a "heaty" drink and butter serve as a cooling effect taken together, they would maintain the yin and yang balance in the body. As time progress the coffee were served was mixed with condensed milk and sugar, although our restaurant still maintain the traditional way.
Naturally, the Hainanese became so involved in the kopitiam or "coffee shop" business as stall holders or assistants and also introducing the kopitiam culture to Singapore had evolved into some of the famous successful franchises such as Ya Kun Toast, founded by a Hainanese named Loi Ah Koon in 1944. Hans, a local cafe chain specializing in Western food and confectionery, is also owned by a Hainanese.  


References
Kopi connection. (2007, May 20). The Straits Times. Retrieved March 24, 2009, from Factiva database. Lai, C. K. (2006). Multi-ethnic enclaves around Middle Road: An examination of early urban settlement in Singapore. Biblio Asia, 2(2), 4-11.(Call no.: RSING 027.495957 SNBBA -[LIB] Picture courtesy  from http://masak-masak.blogspot.com. 

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

News Update Businessman kidnapped in Quezon City

Philstar.com - Wednesday, February 24SendIM
MANILA, Philippines – A businessman has been kidnapped by four armed men in Quezon City yesterday, police said.

Belated reports reaching Camp Crame showed that Jonathan Chua of Cycle Mass Marketing was forcibly taken by the suspects, all wearing shirts bearing "police," while driving his car along Judge Luna St. corner De Jesus St., Brgy. Bunga, around 8:45 a.m. yesterday.

The suspects reportedly blocked Chua's car using getaway vehicle (ZMC-216), then dragged the victim at gunpoint.

A check with the Land Transportation Office showed that the license plate on the suspects' vehicle was registered in 2008 to an Isuzu car. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

News Update Distrust for Arroyo high

Feb 24, 2010
MANILA - NEARLY seven in 10 Filipinos continue to distrust President Gloria Arroyo despite her efforts at a charm offensive before she steps down this year, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
The figure of 68 per cent of respondents who said they distrusted Arroyo is the highest since she took over from deposed president Joseph Estrada in 2001, Pulse Asia said in releasing the results of its survey.
The results came a day after the Supreme Court cleared Mrs Arroyo to run for a seat in parliament in the May national elections, in a move many believe is aimed at trying to remain in power. Arroyo is required by the constitution to step down as president this year.
But critics believe Mrs Arroyo intends to become a congresswoman as a step towards having the constitution rewritten to shift the nation's form of government from presidential to parliamentary. She would then seek to become the nation's first prime minister, her critics allege.
A popular revolt backed by the military installed Mrs Arroyo as president in January 2001, replacing the graft-tainted Estrada. She won a hotly contested second term in 2004, but her nine years in office have been marked by allegations of massive corruption and three failed military coup attempts.
Mrs Arroyo's popularity took a further beating when members of a Muslim clan she had supported in the restive south were accused of masterminding the massacre of 57 people in November to eliminate a rival's political challenge. -- AFP

 Princess and president.(CORRUPTION)(Phillippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo): An article from: New Internationalist



Filipinas: la princesa blindada.(elección de Gloria Macapagal como presidente)(TT: Philippines: the armoured princess.)(TA: election of Gloria Macapagal ... Breve): An article from: Epoca

Arroyo holds on to presidency.(Philippines): An article from: Catholic Insight

Los "moros" de Filipinas: la presidenta del Gobierno de Filipinas, Gloria Arroyo Macapagal, ha logrado firmar la paz con el grupo de los disidentes del ... Breve): An article from: Epoca

News Update 9 more cosmetics banned

Feb 24, 2010
MANILA - PHILIPPINE health regulators said on Wednesday they had banned nine more apparently Chinese-made cosmetic products because they were found to contain dangerous levels of mercury.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests of the facial creams, seven advertised as cure for freckles and two others as 'skin-whitening,' prompted the latest advisory.
'Collected on separate occasions at various establishments, (they) contain heavy metal (mercury) exceeding the allowable limit of one part per million,' the advisory said. The FDA issued a similar warning two weeks ago for three other creams, all bearing the Jiao Li brand.
Bureau director Nazarita Tacandong said on Wednesday four of the nine other creams bore the same Jiao Li brand. The others were Xin Jiao Li, Jiao Liang, Xin Jiao Liang, Jiao Mei, and Jiao Yan. They were imported without government authority, she said, and ordered them seized. She also warned shops stocking these products that they faced criminal prosecution.
Ms Tacandong previously said the Jiao Li creams were apparently manufactured in China. She could not be reached for comment on Wednesday, and the bureau did not say where the other brands were manufactured.
Many Filipinos go to great lengths to make their skin appear lighter than its natural brown, believing this would make them more attractive. -- AFP

News Update Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story Feb 24, 2010 Marina IR to open April 27

By Lim Wei Chean

Marina Bay Sands, built beside Singapore's financial district, had been scheduled to open at the end of last year. The resort includes three 55-story hotel towers with 2,600 rooms and suites topped with the sky park. -- PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS


SINGAPORE'S second casino and integrated resort at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will open its doors on April 27, announced its parent company Las Vegas Sands on Wednesday. This will be followed by the second phase opening on June 23.
The announcement comes barely less than a week after its rival Genting Singapore opened its Resorts World Sentosa casino to the Chinese New Year crowds on Feb 14.
In Phase One, some 963 hotel rooms, part of the shopping mall and convention centre, celebrity chef restaurants and other dining outlets, as well as the casino, will open on April 27, said MBS chief executive officer Thomas Arasi. But the opening schedule is subjected to 'construction proceeding as scheduled and being able to attain the necessary regulatory approvals,' he added.
Phase Two will be ready on June 23, which includes the Sands SkyPark, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, the rest of the shops in the retail mall, and more dining options and nightlife. Mr Arasi said the IR will be marking Phase Two as part of its grand opening celebration.
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) chairman and chief executive officer Sheldon Adelson said in a statement: "Nearly four years ago, we embarked on a journey we believed would define the future of our company and at the same time change the face of tourism in Singapore and the South Asian region for decades to come. Now, as we approach the opening of Marina Bay Sands - one of the most remarkable leisure and business destinations ever created - it seems both of those ambitions are about to come true."
He added: 'Despite the challenging, and at times unprecedented economic conditions companies like ours recently faced, our dedication to completing this development never wavered, not even for a second. That determination defines this company as much as our ability to create and develop masterpieces such as Marina Bay Sands. We have no doubt the property will be a tremendous success, but how we got to this point will be every bit as important to the future prospects of our company.'


News Update Learning culture is key

Feb 24, 2010
BUDGET 2010
By Clarissa Oon


Unionists and workers welcome a new scheme to support the training of older, low-wage workers and reward them when they complete the course. -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG


UNIONISTS and workers welcome a new scheme to support the training of older, low-wage workers and reward them when they complete the course.
But they also say a more proactive learning culture needs to develop.
Support from bosses, and the timing of these courses, are critical, as many of these workers clock 12-hour days and put in overtime to make ends meet.
'All our workers want to upgrade their skills, if it can bring them more pay or a better job. But trainers don't run schemes 24 hours a day,' said Nominated Member of Parliament Terry Lee, who is also president of the Singapore Insurance Employees' Union.
Under the Workfare Training Scheme (WTS) announced by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Monday, employers who send their low-wage workers for training will receive 90 per cent to 95 per cent of funding to defray their wage bill, as well as course fee subsidies.
Workers will also receive cash grants of up to $400 per year upon completion of their training courses.

The Standard Deviants - Principals, Program 4: Create a Culture of Adult Learning [VHS]
Cultures Et Societes

Just ask - Can we export chemical for manufacturing to Singapore ?

Hi Paguirigan Cheng no problem for you to export anything to Singapore provided they had clear by all the proper authorities,permit and licencing, sometimes it can be such a shocker that some of the chemical like hazardous  rat poison brodifacoum can be brought and widely available in store counter sale . In Isabela field rats are very destructive pests in rice crops. They eat the tillers of standing crops as well as the grains in the field, and also grains in storage. This is not only a big problem in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia and other rice-growing areas as well. However, some of the farmer without the proper knowledge of handling and training increase the risk of secondary poisoning to swine, poultry, beef and even human.

Singapore is an island of about 646 square kilometres in area. The average population density in Singapore is about 4,500 people per square kilometre. Such a high population density makes it imperative for chemicals to be controlled so that public exposure to accidental release is minimized, if not avoided.Large parts of Singapore are used as water catchment areas. It is necessary to ensure that chemical storage facilities and transport of chemicals avoid such areas as far as possible. This is to prevent pollution and to protect drinking water sources against contamination factories use chemicals in their manufacturing processes. The scale of such factories ranges from small electroplating firms to large industrial plants with bulk tanks storing thousands of metric tonnes of chemicals. The vibrant manufacturing sector creates the need for large amounts of chemicals to be imported and distributed in Singapore.The control of hazardous chemicals comes under the purview of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of the Environment. The hazardous chemicals under control are listed in the Poisons Act and its Rules. These chemicals include those that: pose a mass-disaster potential, e.g. chlorine, vinyl chloride monomer and anhydrous ammonia; Are highly toxic and pollutive, eg. organo-lead compounds, phenol, cyanides and pesticides; or Generate wastes which cannot be safely and adequately disposed of, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorobenzenes. If I not wrong, imports of hazardous chemicals are monitored electronically through the 'Tradenet System' which requires traders to make import declarations on the types and quantities of hazardous chemicals they are importing. PCD officers also carry out audit checks to ensure the safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals at the factories and chemical warehouses. Surprise road checks are also carried out jointly with the Traffic Police and Fire Safety Bureau to ensure that hazardous chemicals are transported with the necessary approval and in accordance to requirements. Finally, you can check out the website www.nea.gov.sg for the permit and licencing.


News Update Noynoy: Plan to cheat in May polls in the works


MARILAO, Bulacan - A plan to affect the outcome of the country’s first fully automated elections this May is in the works, presidential aspirant Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III (Liberal Party) claimed on Monday.
At the same time, Aquino said that if elected president, he would disclose the contents of the report of a fact-finding commission that was tasked to look into the alleged irregularities in the 2004 elections that reportedly benefited President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Aquino cited "intelligence reports" reaching him indicating that the plan to cheat jibed with recent signs that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not ready to conduct full automated elections.
"[Our intelligence reports indicate a] plan to affect the outcome of the elections," he said, but declined to elaborate pending further verification of such reports.
Aquino also cited other “concerns" but said he would wait until these are verified before making them public.
For the moment, he said his camp has already tapped volunteer lawyers who had their seminar in Pasig City last weekend.
He also said his vote protection efforts include the involvement of former Defense Secretary Avelino “Nonong" Cruz Jr.
The "Hello, Garci" scandal refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations between President Arroyo and former Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano purportedly about rigging the 2004 election results in favor of Mrs. Arroyo.
Mayuga report
Aquino also said he would make public details of the Mayuga report should he become president, referring to the findings of a panel headed by then Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga tasked to look into alleged cheating in the 2004 elections.
Aquino earlier said there is a need for closure in the “Garci" issue, so authorities will know what to do to prevent similar poll fraud in the future.
Aquino also cited newspaper reports quoting poll watchdog Kontra-Daya that at least two million ballots were printed without security features.
“Dapat panagutan yan to send a message especially to the Comelec they will not tolerate [officials] abandoning their duties (Those responsible should be made to account, to show the Comelec does not tolerate officials abandoning their duties)," he said.
Anti-poll fraud text hotline
Meanwhile, an alliance of labor organizations on Monday said that it has set up a 24-hour text hotline wherein the public may report incidents of fraud and other irregularities in the May elections.
The Workers’ Electoral Watch (We Watch), which was formally launched Monday in Intramuros, Manila, said tthey hope to educate worker-voters on the automated election system (AES) and conduct their own monitoring of fraud through readily available technology among Filipinos – the cellular phone.
“For your voice to be heard, you have to join your voice with others, you have to exercise your right to organize and mobilize, if your voice in favor of fraud-free and violence free elections in your country is to be heard," said EU Ambassador Alistair MacDonald during the launch.
We Watch is backed by the Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER), Inc., which is funded by the European Union.
“Many workers believe that the AES will not completely eliminate electoral fraud and what we watch will serve as an instrument by which 34 million workers will not be cheated and their voted counted," said EILER lead convenor Joselito Natividad.
He said that citizens may text the numbers 0929-336-1581 (for Smart subscribers), 0915-670-1434 (for Globe subscribers), and 0923-532-0142 (for Sun Cellular) every time that they might witness an act of electoral fraud or violation.
We Watch said that it plans to publish everything that it has monitored, including interviews and witness accounts. It also said that it plans to conduct ten “localized" information sessions regarding the AES for workers all over the country.- with Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK/RSJ GMANews.TV

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

News Update Philippine police: Gov't agencies face gun charges


MANILA, Philippines – Government agencies in the Philippines that have failed to register their firearms will face legal charges and any personnel found with unregistered weapons will be arrested, police said Tuesday as a crackdown on illegal weapons continued ahead of national elections.
The Philippines launched a campaign last year to rein in the large number of illegal guns in the country, saying they fueled election violence, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.
A gun amnesty program has helped cut the number of unregistered firearms to 400,000 from 1.1 million last year, national police Chief Jesus Verzosa said.
But about 24,000 of those unregistered weapons belong to government agencies, said Chief Superintendent Alfredo Caballes, the police director for firearms and explosives.
Caballes said 1,098 of a total of 1,772 government agencies, local government units and government corporations had failed to registered their guns despite a notice for them to do so before the deadline last November. Those agencies now face charges unless they comply and their employees will be subject to arrest.
"Government units that failed to comply ... do not have any registered firearm and thus are not authorized by law to possess firearms," Verzosa said.
Police said new gun purchases by local government units will also face strict documentation after some weapons issued to police in an autonomous Muslim region in the south were found to be missing.
The guns were believed to have fallen in the hands of a powerful political clan whose members are accused in the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 people in an election convoy in southern Maguindanao province, said police Deputy Director General Edgardo Acuna.
Police say about 98 percent of the gun-related crimes in the Philippines from 2004 to 2008 were committed with unregistered firearms. U.N. figures show the Philippines ranked 10th worldwide in 2005 for homicides involving guns AP - 1 hour 45 minutes ago

Just Ask - Any Pick up from Philippine Airport Clark Or Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport if we going to gamu isabela ? ?

Hi Xiao Wei for your information we can help you to arrange for airport transfer  if your family and friends is coming here for the holiday, In fact one my trusted business associate is runing a private transfer for my Singapore friends coming to Gamu provinical trip or anywhere in Philippine. They prefer to experience the Philippine on the road is about 8 hour from Manila to Gamu. Defintely is  more convenience and reliability in Private Transfers as you can travel with ease in one of their luxurious MPV or more spacious 18 seater van


  • Airport Transfers anywhere from Philippine
  • Theme Park Transfers
  • Golf Transfers
  • Conference Transfers
  • Business Meeting Transfers
  • Casino Resort at ST Ana transfers
  • Door to Door Single or Group Service
  • Hotel
  • Weddings Photo Shooting in Gamu Isabela
  • Tours

  • Guest also using public commute like Victory Bus, Florida, Dagupan, Dalin, and GMW. Bus fare will be paid by the Guest for the escort staff around $P380 to $P580
    Personal escort $P4,500 per day from the start of journey in Gamu Class95cafe to Manila airport. Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday. Using public commute like Victory Bus, Florida, Dagupan, Dalin, and GMW. Bus fare will be paid by the Guest for the escort staff around $P380 to $P580 Enure safety, city guide tour in Manila, Personal escort to airport. Local tour of Gamu. Ilagan, by motorcycle tour with personal escort $P2,000. (Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

    Service Hours $P2, 800 after office hour. Monday - Friday: (6:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.) $P3, 200 24 hour per day. Outskirts tour Serving St Ana Resort, (outside Gamu. Ilagan) by Van tour with driver and personal escort $P4500 per day 24 hour. (exclude fuel charges like petrol, diesel) Class95cafe Personal Security escort program with Driver and Air-con Mini Van for 8 Land transport to Gamu is provided by our third-party transport vendor, subject to availability, as follows
    $P15,000 one way pickup from airport Manila Ninoy or Clarks
    $P30,000 round trip pickup and send to Manila, Clarks airport Private Car up to 4 pax © $P6000 per car (subject to availability) Minibus up to 10 pax © $P15,000 per bus Minibus up to 14 pax © $P18,900 per bus Coach up to 40 pax © $P40,500 per coach

    Hotel stay at $P1400 per day at Piazza Zicareli Hotel air-con room 4 Star
    Hotel stay at $P800 per day at Vercida hotel air-con room. 3 Star
    Others Services
    Traditional Philippines Therapy Hilot,Swedish Massages Services $P500
    Manicure and Pedicure Services $P150 to P350.
    Exotics Services $P2, 800 to $P20, 000 packages.
    Local village and Farm (Days Tours) – Poultry or pig Farms, rice, corn Farming, animals breeding station. $P3,800 to $P5,800 per pax Serving Gamu, St Cruize Local city tours like Cola factory, Jollies Bee Shopping centre, Ilgan public market, included lunch at Jollie bee's fast foods.
    Horse Carriage Ride around Gamu P5000
    Arrangement for exotic dish Wild boar, Snake, Dog meat, Pig luncheon BBQ, Goat, Soldier Ant, wild local fresh fish, Rice Field Rat Meat, hunting games subject to availability range from $P3,200 to $P9,800 per person.
 Singapore Conversion Rate is about $1 to PHP 32

News Update Inflation up 0.7% in Jan

Feb 23, 2010
SINGAPORE'S inflation rose by 0.7 per cent in January from last December, due to higher housing, transport, education and stationery costs. Compared to a year ago, the consumer price index was slightly higher by 0.2 per cent. Excluding accommodation costs, the CPI rose by 1 per cent, according to the Department of Statistics, which released the latest data on Tuesday.
Housing cost moved up by 2.6 per cent last month from December, owing to higher electricity tariffs and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) in January, as the rebates were given in December.
As result of higher prices of cars and petrol, cost of transport climbed by 0.9 per cent. Higher fees at commercial institutions, playgroups and childcare centres raised the costs of education and stationery by 1 per cent.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, inflation in January was 0.4 per cent higher over last December.
Inflation this year is now tipped to come in at between 2 per cent and 3 per cent, down from the 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent previously estimated, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry last Friday.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore, which uses its currency rather than interest rates to manage price gains, maintained a no-appreciation stance in its exchange-rate policy in October.

News Update Tax reliefs for families

By Melissa Sim
SINGAPOREANS aged 50 and above and families with children will receive additional top-ups this year.
These payouts are in addition to previous direct transfers to families such as the GST Credits and the Senior Citizens bonus.
Most people 50 years old and above will receive a one-off top-up to their CPF Medisave accounts.
Those aged 50 to 59 will get $200 to $300 while those 60 to 69 will get $300 to $400. People over 70 will receive $400 to $500.
But Singaporeans with annual assessable incomes above $100,000 in the 2009 tax year will not be eligible.
The Medisave top-up will benefit about 1.02 million Singaporeans and will cost $310 million.

Seeking Relief from Family Estate Taxes for Small Businesses.: An article from: Rural TelecommunicationsDependency status for a child of divorced or separated parents.: An article from: The Tax AdviserFive reasons for parents to celebrate: introducing new tax benefits for kids.: An article from: Review of Business

News Update Army claims major victory

Feb 22, 2010

The military reported it shot dead six members of the Muslim militant network in the jungles of lawless Jolo island on Sunday, with high-profile leader Albader Parad among the victims. -- PHOTO: AFP


MANILA - THE Philippine military said on Monday its killing of a 'ruthless' Abu Sayyaf commander had inflicted a major blow on the Al-Qaeda-linked group, as it pursued his fellow militants on a remote island.
The military reported it shot dead six members of the Muslim militant network in the jungles of lawless Jolo island on Sunday, with high-profile leader Albader Parad among the victims.
'It is a big blow in the sense that he (Parad) is a very notorious and ruthless leader,' Lieutenant General Benjamin Dolorfino, head of military forces in the south, told AFP by telephone. 'He always played a big role as far as the effectiveness and capability of the group is concerned.'
Parad, who was believed to be in his late 20s, made world headlines last year when he led an Abu Sayyaf cell that kidnapped and threatened to behead three Red Cross workers on Jolo. The trio - a Filipino, a Swiss and an Italian - were released after many months.
Lt Gen Dolorfino said Sunday's killings, which occurred after the military acted on tips from informants, gave hope the Abu Sayyaf could finally be crushed. 'Without the leaders, the members will be directionless and, if no new leader emerges, they may crumble,' he said.
Lt Gen Dolorfino said the Abu Sayyaf was now believed to have only 330 fighters on Jolo, with another 61 on nearby Basilan island. This is down from a peak of about 1,200 fighters in 2002. He said the military was pursuing Abu Sayyaf members in the jungles of Jolo on Monday in a bid to capitalise on the previous day's success, with Umbra Jumdail, one of the group's top two leaders, on its radar. -- AFP