The DFA admitted on  some fixers and cons still remain in its new passport facility, even as it has now enlisted the help of police to stop the corrupt practice.

The DFA’s Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) announced it is linking up with the Philippine National Police to address the problem of fixers allegedly arranging early appointments for passport applicants in exchange for as much as P10,000.

“We have already met with officials of the PNP on this matter. Steps on addressing the presence of fixers are now underway, and we will closely work with the police to resolve the issue,” OCA executive director Felipe Carino III said in DFA website.

The statement came after recruitment agencies hurled a barrage of criticism on the department regarding the prolonged waiting time for appointments and the reported presence of the fixers at the new  building of OCA in the Asean Business Park in Parañaque City.

The DFA earlier transferred its passport services to the  building along Macapagal Boulevard, with a price of P530 million with assistance from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

“Agency owners have reported to industry meetings that new applicants have been approached by fixers asking amounts ranging from P5,000 to P10,000 for appointments. In two separate instances, an applicant gave P6,000 and her appointment was set for July 1, while three others who gave P10,000 each have not been given new appointment dates,” said recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani in a statement.

The DFA, meanwhile, said they are now addressing the problem on three levels.

“First, identified and suspected fixers are being investigated by the Parañaque PNP and the DFA’s Office of Intelligence Services. Second, we are enhancing the capabilities of our appointments system so it can detect fixers online, such as those doing multiple bookings, so that the questionable appointments can be canceled immediately,” Carino pointed out.

Some DFA employees found to be involved in the anomaly will further be “dealt with severely,” he added.

The OCA is thus appealing to passport applicants to identify fixers who extorted money from them, or who tried to do so, and file a report with the DFA’s Office of the Passport Director (OPD).

Carino also said that securing a passport appointment is free of charge and may be set in two ways: by calling their hotline, 737-1000 and through the Internet by accessing www.passport.com.ph.

He mentioned the OCA may also waive the appointment requirement to speed up the processing of passports in select cases.

“This applies to such cases like an overseas Filipino worker who already has a job contract, persons who need urgent medical attention abroad, students and professionals who are attending seminars and/or fellowships and death of a relative abroad, among others, as long as the passport applicant can provide supporting documents that can prove that he or she needs to leave the country as soon as possible. They may report immediately to the OPD for proper evaluation of their request,” he said.

Here are some stories of our fellow Filipinos who had a horrible experience in getting and renewing their passports:

From OFW-Coonect:

Just recently, I went back for a month-long vacation to my dearest country, Philippines. My purpose is not really to relax, but to bring back my son and sister who were just on temporary visas and then go back again, this time with my eldest daughter.”

I had 30 days of vacation. So, on my 2nd day, I went to a training institution to attend some short courses. I always did this because lessons are much cheaper there than studying overseas. I studied for three days. Then, on the next few days, I went to the province for two nights. I then returned to Manila with my daughter to renew her passport.”

“I called the DFA and asked whether my daughter needed to come with me. They said it’s not required unless on the day I needed to pick up the passport. So I went by myself and I reached the DFA at about 10 in the morning. As usual, there are some crooks and fixers scattered around the area.”

Someone followed me and later walked beside me. He asked me where I was going. I replied that I’m heading to the DFA. He told me that he was going there too, and that he already went there yesterday but security didn’t let him in because he was late.

I told him, “Really? My nephew just told me that applicants can still go to the DFA until 11 am or 12 PM unlike before.”

A year ago, obtaining a passport at the DFA main office was a terrible experience. You had to wake up so early in the morning to make sure you would get a queue number before it runs out. So if by some twist of fate you got number 101, and the number for that day was only until 100, the time you spent to stay in line was just wasted. That made a lot of applicants angry.

But the young man kept on talking and distracting me. He said, “No, they don’t have application forms anymore. If you want, you can buy the form from the stalls over there like what I did”,

He was pointing to small shops installed just outside the DFA walls. I said, “No, I’m not going there because they are crooks, and I’ll ask the guard first whether or not you’re telling me the truth!” At that moment, I knew he was one of the crooks. That’s why although they were blocking my way, I did not listen to them and walked straight to the guard. And when I indeed asked the guard, he replied, “Yes, the DFA is still open!”

See what kind of lies those crooks told me? Many people fell for that racket and became worried because they thought there were no more forms and that photo taking inside was also closed. I met one victim when I was already inside. He bought the form from someone and when he got inside, he discovers that the DFA’s Passport Application form is FREE!

Even during the first time I applied for passports for my daughter and myself back in 1998, someone approached me as well and told me to go to a small eatery. The male crook said that the entrance to the DFA was not that gate anymore and insisted that I go to the small eatery.

When my mother applied for her passport recently, she was also nearly tricked by those crooks. They discouraged her by saying that she can’t get her passport because her papers are incomplete. They were asking her to pay something so they’ll do everything for her. Luckily, my mother didn’t have enough money to pay them.

My sister in law accompanied her to the DFA the next day. It was urgent that my mother join me here abroad before I deliver my baby. However, she didn’t have a birth certificate as she was born in Samar, a remote province, and had to apply for late registration. The result will come after a few weeks but I needed her to be here immediately.

So they went to the DFA Office and somehow got to talk with the senior officers on duty. The officers asked my mother for some proof that she was really my mother. Luck was with her because that day, she brought my letter with her where I told her about the important things that she needed to do in order to get the passport. I also reminded her on that letter not to engage with fixers.

So after a few thorough questions the DFA officers issued her a temporary passport valid for six months. Although it was just for six months, it helped us. When the expiry date came, we just renewed her passport and got the five-year passport.

My story confirms that if we’re honest and truthful with our words, we’ll be blessed and luck will not go away. Actually, there’s no need to ask help from those fixers if you just know the exact thing to do when you run into problems. Because of this, although I don’t know those officers who gave my mother a chance, I want to say many thanks to them! They know who they are once they read this.

And for the new Passport Applicants, I hope you read this.

From PEX:

I am just another citizen concerned with the unscrupulous activities going on in front of yet another one of our government agencies. The Department of Foreign Affairs is an institution that all of us have to visit if we want to travel abroad. It is because of the words “foreign affairs” that I mistook it as a place of discipline and sophistication. If only I was forewarned about the goings-on just outside of the department.

Let me start with transportation. For most of us unfortunate to not have our own cars, we are enticed by the tricycle drivers situated just below the MRT station. Going for the first time to DFA and not knowing how it looked like, I put my full trust as to my destination to the driver. Without my consent, the driver brought me to a place which is almost but not directly across the DFA entrance saying, “Dyan ka pumunta tapos makinig ka sa mga sinasabi nila.” Of course I believed him. I THOUGHT that that was part of the DFA! Who wouldn’t but those who KNEW about this scam beforehand?

I was given an application form (which by the way is a valid copy; how come?), led to a photography room (because they claimed that my picture size has a good chance of being rejected), asked to have my files evaluated by an ‘attorney,’ have the documents photocopied in the same room, and asked to buy the passport jacket which they claimed was “a must”.

All these happened so fast and everybody else seemed to be subjected to the same rigorous process that I only realized I was being scammed after they asked me to go the DFA basketball court to have my files processed. Once inside, I was further slapped with a feeling of ignorance when I saw that they have their own photo booth, checkers of one’s documents and places where one can arrange his/her documents. All in all, the process is organized.

I decided not to ride any tricycle back to Taft Avenue which gave me a chance to read on the wall which announces that we should go DIRECTLY INSIDE the DFA and beware of the FIXERS. I would have read that only if the driver didn’t intentionally brought me to that fixers’ place. Imagine, I asked the driver “Kuya, DITO na ba ang DFA?” Still, he manipulated the conversation and led me to the fixer. Looking back, I think I remember someone from the fixers’ office handing out to him something (presumably his commission for bringing another customer – me – there).

When I came back to claim the passport, I decided that I’ve had enough of those “trustworthy” tricycle drivers. I’d rather walk than pay the wretched scam artists. As if what I had experienced merely a week ago was not enough, this time I was barraged by fixers who wore IDs (and some even uniforms) offering assistance claiming they work for the DFA. I knew better. While I ignore them as I walk, this one scam artist from the corner of the street followed me until near the DFA entrance. He even touched me and said “Mawalang galang na lang po,” and murmured something about offering assistance. He implied with this simple gesture that he felt disrespected because he was talking to me and I ignored him.

I am a fairly decent guy. But I almost wanted to hurt him. Should I respect these people? They are fearsome (for that one incident caused my heart to palpitate; who knew what this one scam artist was up to that time?). But they are not respectable (even in a uniform).

How could the government, especially the Mayor of Pasay City, allow this elaborate scam to take place in, no less, front of the DFA? Is someone inside the department protecting and distributing official forms to the fixers? For people who work in that office, it seems like they are confronted daily with this almost slap-in-the-face condition. Imagine, fixers have their “legal” spaces directly in front of the institution! They should have their own name: DFAF (Department of Foreign Affairs Fixers).

I wrote this piece not only for myself, but for those who are going there in the future. I hope for something to be done with this. As for me, I still love the Philippines but I am disillusioned and feel powerless living in this horrid place. People of political power misuse what they have or don’t use them at all.

Is this “phenomenon” exclusive to our “Buhay Pinoy?”

In comparison to other drug shipping techniques for instance ingestion, vaporization provides the benefits of rapid onset of pharmacological effect, direct sending to the bloodstream (by using the lungs), and far more precise titration this sort of how the desired degree is reached and not exceeded, enabling constant and suitable dosage.

Number of vaporizer studies or assessments have truly resolved the good quality from the vapour extracted and delivered; instead, concentrate has normally been around the mode of usage on the vaporizer. When 1 considers that you will discover no less than 60 pharmacologically-active compounds in cannabis and that the aromatic terpenoids start to vaporize at 126°C, but the much more bio-active cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) do not vaporize right up until around their respective flash points: CBD 206.3°C, CBN 212.7°C, THC 149.3°C then it will become apparent that the only way to get a complete spectrum vapour inhalation is to extract and deliver rapidly from a little sample at a time. Because most commercial vaporizers are slow in extraction and shipping, the water vapor inhaled is very first aromatic, but only minimally active; after which because the plant materials temperature rises, the vapor will become progressively bio-active, but minimally aromatic, since most from the aromatics have currently been introduced. This trouble is tackled inside the modular vaporization “tool” dependent “systems” by use of a sequential venturi impact for a lot more rapid extractions via a vaporization chamber bowl and vaporization heat wand or heat gun and is tackled in some “box” vaporizers by method of a venturi inducing extraction intake preceding to the hose. Using the vaporization chamber bowl approach many frequent pipes may be simply modified enabling the shipping of broader spectrum water vapor desired by several users and greater in concentration, consistency, and aromatic density because of the elevated rate of extraction and smaller sample size. Bag capture vaporizers tend to be slower in extraction pace which prevents the attainment of fuller spectrum vapour which is really a trade-off for the comfort of this approach.

Most vaporizers provide dry, warm water vapor that may irritate the throat and upper airway tree. By operating the vapour through h2o and/or past ice to moisture problem and awesome preceding to sending, irritation with the throat and upper airway might be reduced or removed. Raising the temperature so pyrolysis solutions like nitrosamine are existing, is recognized to increase risk for cancer in exposed oral and airways epithelium, amongst other health results of tobacco. A properly utilised vaporizer should in no way enable this to occur; nevertheless, numerous smokers making the transition to vaporization will make this mistake. Smoking implies pyrolysis, so tar and noxious gas from cannabis combustion are absent in adequately temperature constrained vapour. In addition, THC is really a powerful expectorant, so the cilia, cough along with other healthy airways defense mechanisms are activated, cleaning out any inhaled material.[citation needed] Vaporizers or vaporization “tool” based methods that feature rapid extraction and delivery coupled with h2o and/or ice cooling and conditioning on the vapour by running it as a result of a h2o pipe or “vaporization water tool” deliver clean, concentrated, cooled and moisturized water vapor for maximized bio-activity and minimized impact.

The presence of a snore nevertheless, will change the true essence of rest – to cater rest. It is far more destructive to your sleeping partner if you happen to snore or the other way around.

To experience the real purpose of slumber, you have to combat snoring. The most important thing to do is have a careful appear on your lifestyle.

Are you living a wholesome life-style? Keep in mind that you are within the parameter of a healthful life-style by having a closer look into the following:

You follow and maintain the proper diet suited for you. It is best to eat a variety of meals and drink plenty of fluids. Prevent fatty cuts of meat goods, saturated fats, and foods which contains high amount of sugar. Go uncomplicated with shellfish, milk, egg yolks, nuts, breads, and homemade snacks with unsaturated oil. Consume with utmost freedom lean cuts of meat solutions, low-fat milk and milk products, egg whites, most breads, fresh fruits and vegetables. While milk is proposed, it is suggested that you try to trim down your milk intake to avoid mucus from clogging your nasal and throat passages. Furthermore, avoidance of meals rich in caffeine is a excellent begin to cut your snoring problems.

Apart from a suitable diet, you ought to also look into your eating patterns. Make positive to correctly chew and swallow the foods you eat for easier digestion. Once food is effectively digested, you are a lot more likely to avoid snoring. Sleeping with a full stomach triggers snoring.

If you allot appropriate time for workout then you give way to curing your snoring. Make it a habit to exercise at least three times a week. You can commence with the most common form of workout – walking. If you have the means to enroll in an workout program in a gym, then you can do so. Your exercises regime can be well-monitored in an exercising program.

Studies show that doing workouts is one of the many snoring remedies; this is most factual to obese folks since losing unwanted fats will most most likely give them the excellent and undisturbed slumber they need to have.

Avoidance of cigarette and alcoholic drinks is another parameter to a healthful life-style so your snoring difficulty will be remedied. Cigarette causes obstruction to the air passage which can make your breathing challenging, which later on increases the possibility to snore. Alcoholic drinks, on the other hand have the capability to loosen your muscles, including the muscles in your throat which heightens snoring.

Do not ignore your need to have to have sufficient rest. Snoring is most typical to folks who have inadequate rest yet involved in rigorous activities. Make sure to rest effectively. It does not have to be a complete eight-hour slumber, just make it a point that you wake up properly-rested. In addition, it is recommended that you begin to be seriously creating your personal sleeping pattern. Ask yourself – can I rest much better with lights off or on? Is my rest worthy if I sleep with music playing? You are far more likely to accomplish a non-snoring get to sleep environment by getting your personal sleeping pattern.

Rest is a necessity. Hence, we ought to eliminate any rest obstruction such as snoring, for you to be able to get the slumber you ought to have. Start off with a nutritious life-style.

Find out the reference point where you should lie on your board to stay it well balanced and mark the site of your chin on the board with a small piece of surfing wax. From time to time the cost of surfing can soar high above your month-to-month budget. In a few days I will create the subsequently artcile that will deal through the catching of the waves, the using of the waves, and surf holidays in addition to surf camp.

Paddling is an primary element of surfing and you want to build up the correct skill as well. Surfboards: surfboards are the most essential part of the surfing culture; it will be the annex of your soul. Choosing the right surfboard can help you improve vastly on your technique. You do not desire the board’s nose to dive into the water when your chin rest on it so reverse up a bit and find the spot where the board is at equilibrium.

This article deals with some of the basics tips and tips for the newbie surfers. Stay tuned for additional surfing.
The fact remains that you will require to perfect on your principles before you can try your hands at the highly developed stuff so read on and find out how you can turn into great at surfing.

As a newbie surfer, you will require to accomplish a tad of soul searching to find your calling and space in the surfing globe. Paddling: if you desire to seize some fine waves then you will need to paddle well while lying on eth surfboard. Paddling with both your hands at the same time is not a good idea, because it will tire you out ultimately. Always utilize the crawling system by paddling with one hand first and after that the other in a consecutive manner.

Here are some practical quick tips for starting to surf before you hit the waves.

1. Practice on a board in your garage. It might feel silly, but you can work on position and stance. Lay down flat on your belly and stay near the middle or back of the board.
2. Pretend to paddle and then practice lifting yourself up. It’s kind of like doing a pushup.
3. When you get up, try to do it in one motion. This is the key part and practicing it now will make it easier once you’re in the water. Don’t get on your knees first. Lift yourself with your arms with knees bent into a standing position.
4. Get into a standing position towards the back of the board. Remember that being further back on the board means you’ll have more control.
5. The great part about practicing at home is that you won’t fall and you won’t get wet!

Here’s the list of what you need if you are planning to surf: (from howtosurfguide.net)

1.    Wetsuit or rash guard – Depending on where you’re surfing, you’re going to need to stay warm, or cover yourself against rubbing against the rough surface of your board, which may cause rashes. This can include a full or short wetsuit, booties, a hoodie, even gloves, or a simple shirt depending on the temperature.

2.    Sunblock – No matter what the weather, you have to protect your skin. Even if it’s cloudy and overcast, UV rays can penetrate the cloud cover and make for a miserable evening. The reflection of the sun off the water will also intensify its effects. There’s lots of different types of sunblock, but make sure it’s waterproof and has a high enough SPF. One we recommend is: [blah]

For high exposure areas such as lips, nose and cheeks, you can use a zinc oxide which will give you extra protection.

3.    Surfboard – If you’re starting at a beginner’s beach with smaller waves, chances are you’re going to want a longer board, which is more stable and buoyant, and easier to ride. If you’re renting, maybe beginners start with what’s called a soft-top board. It’s made of foam and if it hits you in the head, it won’t hurt as much. Make sure your board also has a leash. This is very important so your board doesn’t run away from you and potentially hurt other surfers. And you won’t be caught swimming by yourself in the middle of the ocean!

4.    Friends – If it’s your first time, you may want to hire an instructor who can help you in the water and give you good tips for getting started. If not, make sure you have a buddy with you who can help guide you, so you can be safe and be riding the waves even sooner.

5.    Surfing Etiquette – As a beginner, you want to respect the power of the ocean and your fellow surfers. Make sure to start in an area that is appropriate for your skill level. If another surfer has caught a wave, don’t drop in on them, or try to catch the same wave further down. Be aware of where the other surfers are in the water. When sets come in, positions can change fast. If you wipe out, try to hold onto your board so it doesn’t hit anyone else.
If you lay on your surfboard in a swimming pool then the board will come to relax all point the same way.

Lucky brand has always presented people with quality products that are affordable and chic. The lucky brand handbags that came out recently became so popular among the young and middle aged population in America that it was soon a fashion tidal wave throughout most of the world. Although lucky brand makes its main profits from the sale of jeans as their star product, their bags fall behind as second in their total income generator.

Lucky brand handbags that are infused with denim are a popular trend these days. Lucky brand handbags also come in quality leather and high quality cloth materials that attract many buyers. Tote, canvas bags, Pocheutte bags and bucket styled bags are just some of the lucky brand handbags styles on offer. They have also incorporated embroidering and patchwork into their line that has given it a softer flavor. These handbags are also available for purchase online through their official web site or other companies that do retail on these bags. So you can easily have access to Lucky Brand fashion, right at your door step.

Lucky brand has been an icon in fashion over the past decade or so. They have provided many people all over the world with affordable yet high quality products that are well known by their iconic symbol. And the new installment of handbags has provided the same results to their customers.

The company has succeeded in creating customer loyalty with their handbags just as well as they had done before with their famous jeans.  Lucky brand ventured to this part of the fashion industry under their new management which took place in 1999 and since the step towards bags, they have gone ahead with making a fashion statement. Lucky brand handbags are a young branch of a company that has huge potential to become bigger and better in time. By sales alone it is not wrong to predict that the lucky brand handbags will soon be on the stages along with other legendary brands.

Nicely, if it provides any consolation, you are not alone in this unfortunate situation. For couples that desperately wanted a infant, there can be no sadder word than infertility. While it might be accurate that about 85% of all couples that attempt to conceive get productive in performing so within a 12 months, there are still some couples that are not blessed with the exact same fate.Whilst it might be accurate that about 85% of all pairs of population that a go to conceive get winning in performing so in a year, there are nevertheless some pairs of population that are not blessed with the matching fate.Some partners merely do not have the capability to bear kids.Nevertheless, do not give up.Right here are some helpful recommendations that may help you and your partner in dealing with infertility:

Go to the doctor’s office and get a physical.Get a physical. Okay, so you and your companion made the decision that it is time for you to set up your personal loved ones. And a baby, your really personal flesh and blood, would be the most-welcome inclusion to total the scene.It is much better to have a infant of your own soon after your wedding, to become a complete family.You should make certain that there are no problems that might get in the way of you obtaining pregnant.You ought to discover out regardless of whether or not you have physical issues that could possibly impact your probabilities of being knocked up.Masses or cysts in the pelvic area, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted illnesses, fibroids and endometriosis may trigger infertility and ought to as a result be dealt with accordingly.

Quit cigarette smoking! Smoking might trigger infertility so you better prevent it if you are planning to have a infant.If a man smokes, it can reduce his sperm count, and if a woman smokes, it may interfere with conception.

Smoking can lower a man’s sperm count and may likewise affect a woman’s capability to conceive. Say no to alcohol and medicines. A high alcohol intake and a history of drug abuse can cause infertility in each males and women.Carry a closer look at your drugs.Take a closer appear at your medications. There are numerous drugs that can cause infertility. Even some common medications this kind of as over-the-counter analgesics can get in the way by inhibiting ovulation and conception.There are numerous medications that can cause infertility. Even some typical drugs this kind of as over-the-counter analgesics can get in the way by inhibiting ovulation and conception. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, it may be useful to avoid getting drugs for the time becoming.It would be beneficial if you prevent getting medications at this time, your probabilities of obtaining pregnant might be increased.Of course, it is essential to remember that you ought to consult with your doctor prior to discontinuing any prescription medications you are presently taking.

Attempt to decrease your tension levels.In this technologically advanced society, stress can be a really imposing element that may affect every facet of your existence.The tension of existence can have some unfortunate consequences this kind of as negatively affecting your reproductive functions, and possibly causing infertility.Tension can affect you and your partner’s libido and might even impact your menstrual cycle.Utilizing lubricants should be avoided.There are certain vaginal lubricants that might impair the sperms’ capability to travel via your reproductive tract and fertilize the valuable egg at the end of the line.There are particular vaginal lubricants that may impair the sperms’ capability to travel through your reproductive tract and fertilize the valuable egg at the finish of the line. So, if you are trying to get pregnant, be extremely cautious in utilizing these products.

“Now I don’t know in 1,020 how many more they will act on within the last two minutes of the ball game – today and tomorrow,” said Nograles.

The Speaker gave two requirements about having special sessions, the special session must be the prerogative of the President and if quorum is already assured.

“I’m running for a local position. It is a little bit hectic for me but as the Speaker I don’t mind coming here,” he said.

Nograles reported that 2,477 resolutions were passed by the House of Representatives during  two years of his term as the Speaker of the House.

“I am happy to report that this is the result of the clustering that we did. Deputy Speakers were made in charge of the cluster of committees. The result was the output of the House became fast because they have a supervisor in charge,” the Speaker said.

Makati City Representative Teddy “Boy” Locsin said  the Congress already approvedthe Early Media Voting Bill in the third and final reading  the Senate wants to amend it into a nationwide early voting bill.

“The Senate we expected something like that. Something as simple as that for media only but instead adopted a universal nationwide early voting bill which the leadership of the house feels can be turned a universal early cheating system,” said Locsin.

He added that the Senate should be blamed if the bill is not passed.

“Of course. You should blame the Senate. How can you blame the house? It’s not the house that came up with the stupid bill. The House had the precise version that the media wanted,” he lamented.

I get this tips from the OFW connect wherein they enumerate tips and instructions to help the OFWs.

For OFWs, especially those first-timer ones, I’m sure that you’re quite nervous on your way to NAIA. Of course, you’re much nervous if you’re in the foreign land already but I can tell you some Tips or Instructions (based on my own experience) about going or inside the NAIA Airport (to help you to relax a bit). So in case you didn’t know yet, this is worth to read so that you’re going to have an idea on what is it like once you’re there.

You shouldn’t be worried because it is just easy as 1-2-3. Always remember not to show to others that you’re a first-timer because if someone who got an idea to fool you, you can be a victim of racketeers that are always around.

But before you go to NAIA, make sure that you know the time of your flight. Be there 3 hours before the flight.

1. If you got the OEC from POEA, before entering the NAIA Departure Lounge (the main entrance), submit your OEC to POEA Office/Desk located outside and at the right of the building. It is needed to be validated and you’ll be given one copy for your reference. If you didn’t manage to get the OEC from POEA in EDSA, you can obtain it from there too.

2. If done, you have to get your passport and ticket ready before you enter the entrance, this is to prevent delays ’cause you have to show it to security guards on duty.

3. Once inside, you need to pass another security and this is where your luggage and everything are checked under x-rays. Make sure that you know the contents of your belongings, make sure that it doesn’t contain prohibited materials such as drugs, explosives, guns, knifes and other not-allowed things.

4. Once done again, you have to look for the counter for the airlines or flight stated on your Ticket. Usually, counters got logo’s of the airlines, look for the logo of the airline that you’re going to board but sometimes, there are more than one counter for the same airline but different destination. You should queue at the right destination. And on that right counter, there is a business class and economy, if your ticket is on the economy, you must queue there or else your time is going to be wasted if you queue at the wrong lane.

5. Sometimes, if passengers are too many, the attendant or staff responsible for your flight is going to check your passport while you’re still on the line. Sometimes, they have this list of passengers so I think, they are just making an advance checklist. They have this little stickers as well that they’re going to stick on your passport, I think it is just a signed that checks has been done about your flight’s details.

6. While on the line, sometimes you’re going to be given a form (departure form) by the airline staff. You have to fill it in and give it to the immigration officer later. This is to be filled-up before you enter the immigration check-point and an officer is going to collect this from you. If you have not been given this form, you can find this at the airline counter as well or at the immigration check-point.

7. Before the Counter, the airline staff is going to check your passport, ticket and your baggage. Make sure you bring baggage that is not an overloaded or else, you’re going to pay an excess for each kilo not allowed for free. The allowed weight of baggage is always stated in your ticket, usually 25Kgs for Economy Class and higher for higher class.

8. At the Counter, you have to show again your passport, ticket and if you need to pay an excess fee, you should have been given a ticket or a receipt or form and need to bring it to the excess counter to pay. Once done, the staff is going to give you a boarding pass. This boarding pass is where you can see the Gate number and seat number for your flight.

9. If everything’s fine, be ready again to enter at the Immigration check-point lobby. Another security is going to check your documents, so always show your passport and boarding pass. You don’t need to show the copy of your OEC, OWWA and other documents to the security. Keep these documents in your hand luggage. Just the Ticket, Passport and Boarding Pass are needed to see by the security.

10. Once Inside, there are lanes or counters for different passengers, there are special counters for OFWs, so line-up there. If it is your turn, show your passport, boarding pass, ticket and the OEC.

11. Once done, you are now going to pass the Immigration check-point. Line again on special lane for OFWs, important documents should be ready incase officers need to ask about it but the one that you need are just the OEC, boarding pass, ticket and passport and the departure card I mentioned before. Make sure, you have filled this-in already before reaching the immigration counter.

12. If finished, you’re now allowed to head on your flight. Look for the gate number stated in your Ticket, make sure you’re going on the right gate. You have to pass one or two more securities and x-rays for your hand luggage. Sometimes, they will ask you to remove your belts, shoes, jackets, cellphones, key chains or wallets and pass it under their x-ray machines and/or metal detectors.

13. If you find the Gate number for your flight, you have to meet the airline staff again and will going to check your documents for the last time. Once done, you’re now free to rest while waiting for the flight to take off.

14. If it is time now to aboard the plane, usually the airline staff will ask the elders and passengers with children first, so if you’re not this passenger, wait for your turn.

15. Inside the airplane, look for the seat number that is stated in the boarding pass as well. Make sure that you got your own and assigned seat. Keep your hand luggage at the over-head cabin.

16. And last but not least, PRAY BEFORE THE TAKE-OFF. Pray for the safety of your Journey, pray for the guidance both the Pilot and the airplane. And then enjoy the flight, don’t be so nervous now that you’re so high-up in the air. You can cry if you want if you think that you’re going to miss your loveones, friends, neighbors, your pets and the whole Philippines.

Note: If you’re bringing your dependants with you, make sure that you bring necessary documents that they should have as well. Every passenger and destination got different set of rules and instructions given, so the above Tips are just a guide and not really the exact way or instructions for all airline passengers.

• A+ Nails
• Ace’s Break Away & Play
• Added Touch
• Advance Auto Parts
• Aéropostale
• Airtistix
• American Commodore Tuxedo
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Applebee’s
• Area Agency on Aging
• Art Outreach Gallery
• Asian Chao
• AT&T
• Auntie Anne’s
• Avenue
• Awwwmazing Space
• Bath & Body Works
• Best Buy
• Betras Harshman
• Big Lots
• Boardman Coin & Jewelry
• Bob Evans
• Borders
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Burlington Coat Factory
• C.J. Banks
• Captain McFinn Gift Shop
• Captain McFinn Party Room
• Catherine’s Plus Sizes
• Cell Hut
• Champs Sports (Near JCPenney)
• Charlotte Russe
• Chase
• Chipotle
• Christopher & Banks
• Chuck E. Cheese’s
• CiCi’s Pizza
• Claire’s
• Cold Stone Creamery
• Coldwater Creek
• Community Booth
• David’s Bridal
• Deal$
• DEB
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Dillard’s
• Dr. Skiffey
• Drivers Examination Center
• Eastern Buffet
• Eastwood Expo Center
• Eastwood Field
• Elizabeth Arden Salon (inside Macy’s)
• Everything Buckeyes
• Express
• f.y.e.-for your entertainment
• Fairfield Inn
• Famous Hair
• Fiesta Hair and Tanning
• Finish Line
• Fizek-Better Bodies by Design
• Foot Locker
• Forever 21
• Fresh Express
• Fuji Japan
• Game Stop
• GameStop
• Gander Mountain
• Gift House, The
• GNC
• Gold Center
• Gracylane
• Gymboree
• Hallmark Gold Crown
• Havana House
• Hobby Lobby
• Home Depot
• Home Savings & Loan
• HomeTown Buffet
• Hot Topic
• Huntington Bank
• I-Wireless
• Icing by Claire’s
• IHOP
• Image Arts, Etc.
• JB Robinson Jewelers
• JCPenney
• JCPenney Portraits
• JCPenney Salon
• Jersey World
• Jo-Ann Fabrics
• Journeys
• Justice
• Karmelkorn
• Kay Jewelers
• Kids Foot Locker
• King’s Jewelry
• Kitchen Collection
• Kohl’s
• LensCrafters
• LeRoy’s Jewelers
• License Bureau
• Lids
• Limited, The
• LION & LAMB
• Lone Star Steakhouse
• Macy’s
• MasterCuts
• McDonald’s
• Michaels
• Motherhood Maternity
• Mrs. Fields
• National Security Consultants
• NEOSERRC
• New Restaurant Coming Soon!!
• New York & Company
• O’Charley’s
• OfficeMax
• Olan Mills Portrait Studio
• Old Navy
• Olive Garden
• Once Upon a Child
• Orange Julius
• Orthodontic Centers of America
• OTN Developement
• Outback Steakhouse
• PacSun
• Party On!
• Payless Shoe Source
• PCX
• Pep Boys
• Pet Supplies Plus
• PetSmart
• Piercing Pagoda
• Pretzel Time
• Pro Nails
• Puzzlemania
• Qwik Fix
• Radio Shack
• Raven Rock Workwear
• Red Lobster
• Regal Cinemas
• Reliable Wireless
• Remo Menswear
• Revol
• Roffler’s Hair
• Rogers Jewelers
• Sally Beauty Supply
• Salvatore’s Pizzeria
• Save-A-Lot
• Scrappers Baseball Office
• Sears
• Sears Auto Center
• Sears Dental
• Sears Miracle Ear
• Sears Optical
• Sears Portrait Studio
• Shail Jewelers
• Shoe Carnival
• Shoe Dept., The
• Shoe RETREAT
• Spencer’s
• Sports Obsession
• Sprint
• St. Joe’s at the Mall
• Starbucks Coffee
• Starbucks Coffee Drive-Thru
• State Support Team 5
• Steak n Shake
• Subway
• Super Kmart
• Super Kmart Pharmacy
• T-Mobile
• T.J. Maxx
• Taco Bell
• Target
• Target Pharmacy
• Things Remembered
• Toys R Us/Kids R Us
• Trade Secret
• USA Cinema
• Vanity
• Verizon Wireless
• Victoria’s Secret
• Victoria’s Secret Beauty
• Vitamin World
• Wendy’s
• Wet Seal
• WFMJ
• Yankee Candle

Complete list of restaurants in Eastwood Mall:

• Blu Fish QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• The Flying Pig QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis

• Mr. Kurosawa QUEZON CITY, G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Crisostomo QUEZON CITY, 2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Red Mango QUEZON CITY, 2/F, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Thousand Cranes Shabu-Shabu QUEZON CITY, 2/F, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Old Vine QUEZON CITY, G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Buenisimo QUEZON CITY, 2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis
• Starbucks Coffee QUEZON CITY,Cinema Level, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Cyma Greek Taverna QUEZON CITY, Level 2, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Wagyu Stone Grill QUEZON CITY, Level 1, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City
• My Thai Kitchen QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor Veranda, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Lucky Niku Kafe QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor Veranda, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Balducci Ristorante QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor Veranda, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• MoMo! Café QUEZON CITY, Space A-124 Ground Floor, Eastwood Parkview Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Uncle Cheffy Brick-Oven BBQ QUEZON CITY, 2nd Level, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City
• Gloria Jean’s Coffees QUEZON CITY, 2nd Flr, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan
• Johnny Rockets QUEZON CITY, Ground Floor Veranda, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan
• The Gustavian QUEZON CITY, Unit A-120, Ground Level, Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City
• La Crêperie QUEZON CITY, Level 2, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Cravings at CCA Kitchen QUEZON CITY, Level 3, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City
• Yoh-Gürt Froz QUEZON CITY, Unit 1880-3 (inside “Dash”), Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan
• Cafeccino by Dome QUEZON CITY, Grd Floor, Eastwood Mall Promenade, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan
• O’sonho Portuguese Fusion QUEZON CITY, 1880-5, 1880 Building, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City
• McDonald’s QUEZON CITY, Cinema Level, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Libis
• Mrs. Fields Cookie Café QUEZON CITY, 4th Floor Cinema Lobby, Eastwood Mall, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan
• Cookbook Kitchen QUEZON CITY, 1880-A Bldg., Eastwood City

In a statement, Maynilad said the disruptions in water supply started Friday in various barangays in 11 cities and in Cavite after it received a 30-percent supply cut from the dam.

“Since February this year, our water allocation from Angat Dam has been steadily reduced because of El Niño… For the month of July, our allocation has been cut by 30 percent and as a result, around 46 percent of our customer base has experienced reduced water pressure,” the statement said.

As of 6 a.m. Saturday, water level in Angat Dam is at 157.68 meters, 0.06 meter higher than the historic low of 157.62 meters recorded last Thursday.

With this, Maynilad said a total of 46 barangays in Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, and Navotas have been “severely affected” by the water supply reduction.

In a separate interview, Maynilad spokesperson Cherubim Ocampo said that among those severely affected by the water shortage are 22 barangays in Quezon City, 13 in Caloocan, four in Malabon, four in Valenzuela, two in Las Piñas, and a barangay in Navotas City.

“We have been doing extraordinary measures to address the problem. We have deployed 28 water tankers to affected areas to supply water. This service is for free but those who want to avail need to present proof that they are customers of Maynilad,” she said.

Jeric Sevilla, spokesperson for east zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc., said that its customer base need not worry of possible water reduction schemes.

“We have enough water supply as of the moment,” he said in a radio interview Saturday.

Sevilla said representatives from the water concessionaires, the National Water Resources Board, and the Philippine Atmospheric Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), hold weekly meetings to monitor the situation in the dam.

Water supply has been reduced to 32 cubic meters per second from 33 cubic meters since July 9.

The Angat Dam in Bulacan supplies 97 percent of the capital’s water needs but government officials shrugged off claims of water crisis despite the below-critical status of the dam.

The critical level of the dam is at 160 meters as it continues to recede due to insufficient rainfall it gets even with the onset of the typhoon season.

Pagasa earlier said it would take at least three storms or equivalent to 600 millimeters of rainfall will be needed to bring it back to its normal level of 181 meters.

Maynilad’s concession area in Metro Manila covers the cities of Manila (all except portions of San Andres and Santa Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, Edsa, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the districts of the Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon.

Maynilad also serves the municipalities of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

Witness the city of lights sparkle even brighter and get even more exciting as the finest and most gorgeous women from all over the world gather for the annual “Miss Universe” pageant airing via satellite at ABS-CBN on August 24 (Tuesday), 9:30 AM with a primetime telecast the same day on Studio 23 at 7:10 PM and on Velvet (SkyCable ch 53) at 6:30 PM.

The Miss Universe Organization chose again the entertainment capital of the world as this year’s venue which saw the crowning of Miss Universe Lupita Jones (Mexico) in 1991 and Miss Universe Alicia Machado (Venezuela) in 1996.

“Las Vegas is so fabulous, we had to come back again for the Miss Universe pageant. The world will be watching as women from all around the globe descend on Mandalay Bay to compete for the crown and the title!” said Miss Universe Organization President Paula M. Shugart in a press release.

Among the candidates competing for the title is our very own Maria Venus Raj who is representing the Philippines. The stunning 21-year-old fashion model came from a struggling family in Bicol, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism through a scholarship grant. At an early age, she joined various local beauty pageants as she carried her dream of winning a world beauty title someday.

Whoever wins the crown this year shall continue what reigning Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, who is the 6th Miss Universe title-holder from Venezuela, has started which includes traveling around the world to help educate students from local schools about HIV/AIDS.

The Miss Universe pageant airs on ABS-CBN for the 4th consecutive year which makes the Kapamilya Network the home of Miss Universe in the Philippines. ABS-CBN senior sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo will follow Venus in her journey and report pageant highlights via “TV Patrol” and “Bandila.”

Will Venus’ shine the brightest in the so called city of lights? Will she become the third Filipina to win the crown?

Watch the “Miss Universe 2010” that will be aired via satellite on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 9:30 AM, at ABS-CBN with a primetime telecast the same day on Studio 23 at 7:10 PM or on Velvet (SkyCable ch 53) at 6:30 PM.