Mranola's Blog

Pre-Christmas Family Vacation to Singapore!

My Travel Blogs — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:46:59 +0000

Marina Bay Sands

This post has been my first in a long time. I do hope that everyone who reads it, would love it. I just want to share my joy and experience for traveling. Me, and my family went on a Pre-Christmas Family Vacation to Singapore. We left Chep Lak Kok International Airport in Hong Kong, early in the morning of December 19, 2011, taking Cathay Pacific Airways, and arrived Changi International Airport before noon.

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

Upon passing Immigration, and getting our luggage, we headed to the Ground Transportation Section, where we got a Mercedes Benz taxi, which cost S$45, to bring us to our hotel. We were also informed that there was free wifi at the airport, all you need to do is go to information desk, to ask for the username and password. We were billeted at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. When we arrived at our hotel, we were courteously

View from our lift lobby

greeted by one of their Guest Relations, Miss. Jaslyn, who was kind enough to inform us of the amenities, facilities, restaurants, and shops in and around the hotel. Upon clearing check in, we were told to proceed to our room, and that they would send our luggage up. Our room was big, and it was impeccable. Everything was automatic, from the day blinds, night blinds, bathroom blinds, lights, etc. All you need to do is touch a switch, and

Titanic The Artifact Exhibition

presto. Our hotel was a stones throw from The Marina Bay Sands, and The Singapore Flyer. The only thing, which we did not like was the fact that it was raining on and off, and we were told that it would last for a couple of days. During the afternoon, we decided to go to Orchard Road by taking the MRT (Mass Railway Transit). After window shopping in Orchard Road, we decided to go to The Marina Bay Sands, so we took the MRT

The Art Science Museum

again, but this time going to The Marina station. We were able to reach The Marina Bay Sands, where we had our dinner, and we even visited the Art Science Museum, but unfortunately it was already closed. We decided to walk to our hotel, which was quite near. We walked by the Helix Bridge.

Toast Box @ Resorts World Sentosa

On our second day, we decided to go to Universal Studios Singapore, which is located at Resorts World Sentosa. The place was magnificent. We had breakfast first at Toast Box, and my son loved their Peanut Thick Toast, and Iced Milo. After breakfast we proceeded to the escalator, which would bring us to Universal Studios Singapore. When we reached the main entrance, and showed the staff our tickets, we excitedly went in. We were like a

Universal Studios Singapore

bunch of adults, who became big kids. We first hit the Universal Store, to see what souvenirs we could buy. There were a lot of choices to choose from, from shirts, to watches, to stuff toys, to jewelry, and many more. I bought a started pin set; my son bought a shirt, souvenir coin holder, and a water bottle. There were lots of rides, and attractions to see, and feel. We first went to the Madagascar Zone, then Water World, then Jurassic

Madagascar Crate Adventure

Park, then Far Far Away Land, then The Mummy Zone, then The Battlestar Galactica Zone, then The Transformer Zone, and last but not the least the Hollywood Zone. We rode the rides, and soaked in the attractions. We especially liked The Transformer The Ride, Shrek 4D Movie, Jurrasic Flyer, Crate Adverntures (Madagascar), and The Treasure Hunt (The Mummy). What we did not like about the experience, were

Jurassic Park

the long queues for those rides, and attractions. There were lots of people, from all parts of the world. We had a blast spending the whole day at Universal Studios Singapore. After our theme park experience, we met up with an old friend, who was based in Singapore, lets call her Mayette. She told us to meet her at Sentosa Station @VivoCity of the Monorail, which is a free service, by the way. There we had dinner at an Italian Restaurant. We had Pizza, Rissotto, Salad, some stories, and juicy comments. Which is of course part of every dinner conversation among friends. After dinner, we decided it was still early, so we decided to do some shopping. It was a good thing that our friend was there, and that she brought her MPV with her, otherwise we would have to carry all of our groceries to the hotel.

The Singapore Flyer

On our last day, we decided to visit The Singapore Flyer, which was a short walk away from our hotel. It was a nice experience, and it lasted around 30 minutes. While at The Singapore Flyer, we were able to see much of Singapore. We even saw The Merlion, The Esplanade a.k.a. The Durian Centre, The Marina Bay Sands, and The Fullerton Hotel. After our ride, we decided to have our lunch in the area as well. After lunch, we decided to

Inside The Singapore Flyer

head back to the hotel, for our trip back home. We packed our things, ask the concierge to pick up the luggage, and call us a MaxiCab. We thanked the staff for taking good care of us at The Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore. When we arrived at the Changi Airport, everything was smooth, until the check in counter. The check in staff at Cathay Pacific in Changi Airport seems to be inexperienced, and seems to have a hard time

The Merlion and The Fullerton Hotel

accommodating us. After the initial hassle, we passed the Immigration Check, we headed directly to the GST Rebate Centre to ask for payment of our GST Refund. After that we strolled around the airport as there was still time. So far we have enjoyed our Pre-Christmas Family Vacation in Singapore. It was a fun filled three (3) days, even though it was raining on and off.

Right of Abode of Foreign Domestic Helpers

My Travel Blogs — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:12:10 +0000

I heard recently that the Right of Abode applications of Foreign Domestic Helpers was approved. I think this would not be the end of it, as Hong Kong plans to appeal on the decision passed down by the courts. This would be a long and tedious battle. Today, the Foreign Domestic Helpers scored one over the Hong Kong Government, but the battle is not yet over.

I am not against or for Foreign Domestic Helpers, but I see and think that this would cause more problems for them in the long run, rather than be helpful. The repercussions that it will cause the newer and future Foreign Domestic Helpers, will be great. I see that they will be putting a cap on the number of contracts a Foreign Domestic Helper can sign. Plus it would put more pressure on hiring of Foreign Domestic Helpers.

Also, what I do not understand is why the Foreign Domestic Helpers want to apply for the Right of Abode. Firstly, staying more than 7 years in Hong Kong, does not automatically guarantee a Foreign Domestic Helper the Right of Abode. He/She has to apply for it, and pass certain criterion. Such as income tax returns, bank deposits/passbooks, money in bank, etc. Secondly, if an applicant is approved and he/she receives a salary based on the minimum wage, or say HK$6,000.00. He/she has to pay for his/her own accommodation (including rental, electricity, water, and management fees), he/she has to shoulder her own meals, he/she has to shoulder her own transportation expenses, plus other necessary expenses. Let us say he/she earns HK$6,000 a month, he/she rents a room/flat (HK$2,500.00), he/she has to pay for management fee (HK$150.00), he/she has to pay for electricity (HK$500.00), he/she has to pay for water (HK$100.00), he/she has to pay for LPG for cooking (HK$200.00), he/she has to buy in the market (HK$500.00), he/she has to pay for transportation (HK$1,000.00), he/she has to pay for telephone bills (HK$300.00), he/she has to pay for internet (HK$78.00), and he/she has to pay for MPF (HK$300.00). Let say HK$6,000.00 minus HK$5,628.00, it would only leave HK$372.00 for other expenses. Plus they have to pay taxes as well.

So, I don’t see why they need to apply for a Right of Abode, while what they get now is their net income, they do not need to pay for taxes, and MPF, plus all of their needs are provided for by their employer, such as accommodation, food, electricity, water, transportation, etc. So they get to keep their monthly pay without worrying about all those things.

These are just my thoughts on the matter. I am not against or for Foreign Domestic Helpers. I am just sharing my point of view. I hope no ones gets insulted by my comments. All I hope to do is shed light on various of subjects, that the Foreign Domestic Helpers might not see, as of the moment. I do not want them to regret in the end.

Long Absence

My Travel Blogs — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:58:05 +0000

I believe I haven’t posted anything for almost six (6) months already. Time indeed flies, when you are busy or you are enjoying yourself. I haven’t had the pleasure of traveling anywhere for almost six (6) months. But hopefully, me and my family would be doing some traveling in a couple of months. Then I would definitely be able to write about my travel experiences. So watch out!

INVITATION TO THE COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO) CONFERENCE IN SEPTEMBER 2011 IN MANILA

My Travel Blogs — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:05:03 +0000

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INVITATION TO THE COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO) CONFERENCE

IN SEPTEMBER 2011 IN MANILA

Pursuant to its mandate to strengthen ties with Filipinos overseas and to promote their interests in the Philippines and abroad, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will be holding a conference on “Diaspora to Development: A Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora.” This conference is jointly organized with the National Federation of Filipino Associations in America (NaFFAA) and the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG).

The Global Summit aims to highlight the achievements of Overseas Filipinos and discuss possible areas on how they could be partners to Philippine development. It also seeks to create a network among leaders of the Overseas Filipinos’ community and serve as a launching venue for the “Diaspora to Development Program” of the CFO.

The conference, to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila on 27-29 September 2011, will gather hundreds of participants from 40 countries, including previous Presidential awardees, leaders of global Filipinos’ networks, migration-related PHL government agencies, local government units, the academe, private sector, and multilateral agencies.   Please visit this website for more information: http://d2dglobalsummit.cfo.gov.ph/.

Participation in the conference may be applied for through mail-in registration by sending the duly completed conference intent form or through online registration.

Deadline of registration is on 15 August 2011. The conference secretariat will, however, be allotting only 50 slots for walk-in participants on a first-come first-served basis, provided that they present proof (e.g. green card for US residents, passport, driver’s license) of their residency status overseas.

To complete their registration, participants will pay a registration fee of US$50 (or its equivalent amount) exclusive of bank charges, to be deposited to the following account:

Acct. Name: Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Acct. No.: 000012-1149-23

Swift Code: TLBPPHMMAXXX

Bank Name: Land Bank of the Philippines

Branch: Intramuros, Manila.

The amount shall cover the participants’ conference kits and meals (1 lunch and 2 snacks per day) for three days.

A copy of the remittance receipt shall be sent by fax or e-mail to CFO as proof of payment on or before 30 August 2011. For walk-in registrants, payment shall be made on site during registration. CFO shall issue an official receipt for each paying participant, which will be given at the conference site.

Travel (both international and local) and accommodation costs will be shouldered by the participants. The conference secretariat has made arrangements with hotels in the nearby area as well as with some airlines for possibility of affording discounted rates to conference participants.

Participants are expected to wear corporate or business attire during the conference except on the evening of the last day, September 29, when they are expected to wear a more formal attire or Filipiniana for the closing ceremony of the three-day summit.

The CFO’s point persons for this event are Atty. Golda Myra Roma and Mr. Edwin Pajares. They may be contacted through: telephone numbers (63 2) 5618321 local 600-604/5618291/5618160; fax number (63 2) 5628291; Email address groma@cfo.gov.phor epajares@cfo.gov.ph.

Migration Advocacy and Media Awards (MAM) 2011

My Travel Blogs — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:22:50 +0000

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Migration Advocacy and Media Awards (MAM) 2011

Nominations to the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards are now formally open.

The MAM Awards was conceived in 2011 by the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for the Celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day in the Philippines in December every year. Chaired by the Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW) and co-chaired by the Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the MAM Awards aim to recognize the significant role of the media in the promotion and advocacy of migration and development.

Eligible for the Awards are works by government and private media outlets, institutions and practitioners in the fields of print, radio, movie and television, advertising and internet based in the Philippines and abroad. Entries must have raised public awareness on issues on Filipino migration, advocated the cause of Filipinos overseas, or/and promoted a positive image of Filipinos overseas, and migration and development.

Entries must be submitted on or before 30 September 2011 to MAM Awards’ Secretariat, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue cor Osmena Highway (South Superhighway) Manila, Philippines 1007.

For more information on the Awards, please call MAM Secretariat at (632) 561-8291 and (632) 552-4766 or email at info@cfo.gov.ph or visit www.cfo.gov.ph .

Blood Donation Programme of the Hong Kong Red Cross

My Travel Blogs — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:16:45 +0000

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ADVISORY

The Philippine Consulate General would like to invite all Filipinos and Filipino community organizations in Hong Kong to support and promote the blood donation programme of the Hong Kong Red Cross.

You are invited to donate blood or recruit blood donors, specially Rhesus Negative donors.

For more information, please call 2710-1202 or visit the HK Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service office at 15 King’s Park Rise, Kowloon at the following days and time: Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

My Travel Blogs — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:35:22 +0000

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Vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan has been chosen as one of 28 finalists to the New Seven Wonders of Nature, which will be announced on 11 November 2011.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2-km navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into theSouth China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world’s longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Everyone is invited to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River by visiting the organizer’s Web site athttp://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/puerto-princesa-underground-river

2011 BAGONG BAYANI AWARDS

My Travel Blogs — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:21:22 +0000

HK-PCG-PR-31-2011

ANNOUNCEMENT

2011 BAGONG BAYANI AWARDS

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would like to invite nominations to the 2011 Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA).

The BBA, first given out in 1984, is organized under the auspices of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) and which will be awarded by President Benigno S. Aquino II in Malacanang Palace in December 2011. The BBA aims to recognize outstanding and exemplary Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The BBFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization formed in 1989 to promote recognition and appreciation of the role of OFWs in Philippine society and economy, to foster high standards of responsibility, efficiency and integrity and to promote the welfare of our OFWs.

The BBA is a major program of BBFI to pay tribute to the country’s outstanding OFWs for their significant efforts in fostering goodwill among peoples of the world, enhancing the image of the Filipino as a competent and responsible worker and contributing to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

Deadline of submission of nominations is on 31 July 2011. The nomination form, category awards and the criteria for the different awards categories may be downloaded from the POEA website (www.poea.gov.ph). Nominations, with supporting documents may be submitted to:

Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) Secretariat

G/F, Blas F. Ople Building

POEA, Ortigas Avenue, corner EDSA Mandaluyong City

1501 Philippines

Tel Nos.: (632) 722-1165 or 722-1173

Fax No. : (632) 724-3646

Email address: bagong_bayani_award @yahoo.com

ABISONG PANGKALUSUGAN – Kaso ng Scarlet Fever

My Travel Blogs — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:52:23 +0000

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ABISONG PANGKALUSUGAN

Kaso ng Scarlet Fever

Pinapayuhan ang Filipino Community sa Hong Kong na mag-ingat upang maiwasan ang Scarlet Fever na natagpuan sa Hong Kong.

Ang Centre for Health Protection (CHP) ng Department of Health ng Hong Kong ay kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ang isang kaso ng Scarlet Fever kung saan namatay ang isang 5-taong-gulang na batang lalaki.

Ang batang lalaki ay nilagnat mula 15 Hunyo. Na-admit siya sa Princess Margaret Hospital noong 19 Hunyo, kung saan biglang lumubha ang kanyang kondisyon at tuluyan siyang namatay noong 21 Hunyo. Ayon sa kanyang mga magulang, ang nasabing bata ay nagpakonsulta sa isang manggagamot dahil sa bulutong.

Ang pasyente ay na-diagnose ng scarlet fever at toxic shock syndrome. Ang resulta ng blood specimen na kinuha sa pasyente ay positibo sa cocci. Ang karagdagang pagsusuri ay kasalukuyang isinasagawa ng ospital.

Ang Public Health Laboratory Centre sa ilalim ng CHP ay mayroon din isinagawang pagsubok sa anumang positibong resulta na makukuha. Ang karagdagang pagsisiyasat ay isinasagawa upang makakuha pa ng karagdagang impormasyon mula sa magulang at manggagamot na tumingin sa bata.

Ang kindergarten school ng bata na SA Tin Ka Ping sa Shatin ay wala namang iniulat na kaso ng scarlet fever, subalit may 11 kaso ng bulutong na nasa edad na 3 hanggang 5 taon simula 4 Mayo 4. Upang makaiwas sa sakit, nagpayo ang CHP na suspendihin ang klase ng 7 araw mula 22 Hunyo.

Bumisita ang CHP sa Kindergarten at pinayuhan ang mga kawani na magsagawa ng puspusang paglilinis at disimpeksiyon sa buong paaralan.

Magbibigay ang CHP ng araw-araw na impormasyon at situwasyon tungkol sa scarlet fever.

Magkakaroon ng radio information drive ang CHP simula sa isang linggo upang palakasin ang pampublikong edukasyon tungkol sa scarlet fever.

Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng CHP, ang scarlet fever ay sanhi ng Group A Streptococcus bacteria at maaring malunasan ng angkop na antibiotics. Kalimitang naaapektuhan ng sakit na ito ang mga kabataang 10-taong gulang pababa. Ang mga karaniwang simtomas ay lagnat, sakit ng lalamunan, at rashes. Pinapayuhan ang publiko na maging mapagbantay laban sa scarlet fever at magpakonsulta sa manggagamot kung may mga simtomas ng nasabing sakit.

Upang maiwasan ang scarlet fever, pinapayuhan ang publiko na gawin ang mga sumusunod:

Obserbahan ang mabuting personal at environmental hygiene;
Panatilihing malinis at hugasan ang mga kamay lalo na kung ito ay nadumihan ng respiratory secretions (e.g. pagkatapos bumahing)
Takpan ang ilong at bibig kapag babahing o uubo at itapon ng maayos ang mga bagay na ginamit sa pagsinga o mayroong plema.

Para sa karagdagang kaalaman, bisitahin ang Web site ng CHP sa www.chp.gov.hk.

HK PCG ACTIVITIES FOR RIZAL@150

My Travel Blogs — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:06:40 +0000

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HK PCG ACTIVITIES FOR RIZAL@150

The public is invited to participate in the activities lined up by the Philippine Consulate General on 19 June 2011 to commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who lived in Hong Kong for 6 months from 1891 to 1892.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association and Lakbay Dangal will lead a hike from Hong Kong Park Olympic Square to Victoria Peak starting at 7:30 am. Enroute from the Peak, Lakbay Dangal will be giving a historical walking tour of Dr. Rizal’s daily route from his residence in Rednaxela Terrace to his clinic on D’Aguilar Street, which have both been marked with commemorative plaques by the Hong Kong Antiquities Authority. Wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at these sites.

At 1:00 pm, the seminal film Jose Rizal by acclaimed director Marilou Diaz Abaya on the life of Dr. Rizal will be shown at the Consulate General’s Conference Room.

Finally, renowned historian Fr. Javier de Pedro will be talking on Dr. Rizal’s relationship with the enigmatic Josephine Bracken in a lecture-forum at the Consulate General’s public area at 4:30 pm.

For administrative purposes, those who wish to join any of the aforementioned activities are requested to advise their attendance by contacting the Cultural Section at tel. nos. 2823-8534/36 or e-mailcultural@philcongen-hk.com (attention: Ms Gloria Celis/Ms Rennie Dela Cruz).