Philippine Holidays 2016

Here are the Philippine Holidays for 2016. Let’s mark our calendars and prepare out out-of-town trips!

Credits to Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Regular Holidays (Legal Holidays):

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2016

Maundy Thursday – March 24, 2016

Good Friday – March 25, 2016

Araw ng Kagitingan (Fall of Bataan) – April 9, 2016

Labor Day – May 1, 2016

Independence Day – June 12, 2016

National Heroes’ Day (Cry of Pugad Lawin) – August 29, 2016

Bonifacio Day (Birth Anniversary) – November 30, 2016

Christmas Day – December 25, 2016

Rizal Day (Death Anniversary) –December 30, 2016

Special Non-Working Holidays:

Chinese New Year – February 8, 2016

EDSA Revolution – February 25, 2016

Black Saturday – March 26, 2016

Ninoy Aquino Day (Death Anniversary) – August 21, 2016

All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2016

Additional Special Non-Working Holidays:

Additional to January 1 – January 2, 2016 (Day after New Year)

Additional to November 1 – October 31, 2016 (Halloween)

Additional to December 25 – December 24, 2016 (Day before Christmas)

Additional to December 30 – December 31, 2016 (Last day of the year)

Technorati Tags: Philippine Holidays 2016,Legal Holidays 2016

10th Housing Fair 2015

The 10th Housing Fair 2015 will be on October 16-18, 2015 at the Megatrade Hall 1, 5th Level, SM Megamall Bldg B, Mandaluyong City.

This year’s theme is “Disenteng Pabahay, Maunlad na Buhay” (literally, “Decent Housing, Productive Life”). I would definitely attend this event sponsored by HUDCC, Pag-IBIG, HGC, HLURB, NHA, NHMFC, SHFC, BSP and SSS.

I currently have two issues related to housing that I’m expecting to be answered by this event – the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) here in Nagpayong, Pasig City and the housing loan from Pag-IBIG (or SSS) for the renovation of my house in Bulacan.

Technorati Tags: Housing,Current Events,SM Megamall,Megatrade Hall

What Happened To The San Juan Resettlement?

During the term of Joseph “Erap” Estrada as Mayor of San Juan (a post he held for 16 years), some 1,800 squatter families were relocated out of San Juan to Taytay, Rizal in 1979. This became part of the 18-hectare San Lorenzo Ruiz resettlement project.(Wikipedia, www.philstar.com, www.newsflash.org).

He also provided free housing to squatters who voluntarily vacated slum areas in the (then) municipality. (www.erap.ph)

In April 1999, 5-story condominiums were inaugurated at the San Juan Resettlement Area in Taytay as he celebrated his 62^nd birthday then. This was part of the Pabahay ni Erap program. These housing units were designed by Architect Bobby Manosa and were called Bahay Para sa Kinabukasan Inc. (BPKI).

Back then, it was noted that BPKI will coordinate with the HUDCC’s socialized housing concept in building 50 five-story condominium buildings on a 6.2 hectare lot within the resettlement area. Under the program, each building will have 40 units with a 31 square meter floor area. Of the 40 units, 37 are residential and 3 are community service areas.

The housing units, whose average cost amounts to P200,000, would be available to families with a gross monthly income of P10,000 or less. Beneficiary families can avail of amortization for a maximum of 25 years through financial institutions accredited by the HUDCC. (www.newsflash.org)

In December 2007, former President Joseph Estrada distributed 47 land titles and dried goods to 2,000 residents of the resettlement area that he created for San Juan residents in (San Lorenzo Ruiz) Taytay, Rizal during his stint as mayor of San Juan.

The recipients of the land titles were among 5,000 families who used to be informal settlers in Barangay Corazon de Jesus and Halo-Halo in San Juan. Estrada resettled them to an 18-hectare land in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Taytay (Rizal) town in 1985. (www.philstar.com)

Fast forward to 2014, the proposed number of condominiums was never achieved. Some of the ones that were constructed were already demolished because it became unsafe for human habitation. We visited it last January 2014 and took these pictures. I guess there were only 3-4 condominiums left and in need of repair.

I wonder what happened to the rest of those 1,800 families who were relocated from San Juan.

When we visited the San Juan Settlement Area, there were only 3-4 condominiums left standing.

According to residents, condominiums used to be standing on this vacant lot.

BuzzNet Tags: San Lorenzo Ruiz,San Juan Resettlement Project,Joseph "Erap" Estrada

State of the Freedom of Information Bill

I was at The Mind Museum of Taguig last July 21, 2014. I attended the State of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill with Senator Grace Poe as keynote speaker. It is one week before President Noynoy Aquino’s SONA, thus, the title of the forum.

Senator Grace Poe gave two analogies during her speech – that of the Lifeline Options in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire as well as Guess The Weight of the Cow. In these two scenarios, it was proven by studies that the Ask The Audience option is more accurate that Ask A Friend. Senator Poe’s point was that the collective wisdom of the crowd is superior that even the smartest friend of the contestant. It’s the same analogy in the Guess The Weight of the Cow – the average guess of the crowd is close to the actual weight of the cow.

Senator Grace Poe also pointed out the highlights of her version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill:

• Right to information
• Upload the SALN of the government agencies
• Declassification
• Criminal and administrative penalties
• Archiving of the information
• Protection of privacy
• Disclosure of the information of private contracts with the government
• National security control

Senator Grace Poe repeated her belief that “the masa is not dumb” and “people are craving for information”. She wants these information be posted and in downloadable form from government websites. She is also encouraging people to participate in government affairs. She also mentioned that having the FOI Bill is like “having pest control in the government” and that it should include all areas of government.

Gemma Mendoza, Research and Content Strategist of Rappler, presented a study they’ve conducted on the status of the FOI in other countries including our neighbors Thailand and Indonesia. She also explained the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in the country and also emphasized that the 1987 Constitution guarantees the right of the people to information. She also explained the difficulties of asking public records and mentioned that 95 countries have Freedom of Information law.

The event was followed by two panel discussions – the first one was facilitated by Vergel Santos and includes German Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, Dr Juli Minoves (President of Liberal International) and Gemma Mendoza of Rappler. They’ve discussed “the right of the people to information” as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They also emphasized the importance of a Freedom of Information Law to detail how this right to information will be implemented.

The 2nd panel discussion was facilitated by John Nery, Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and includes panelist Rep Leni Robredo (Co-author of House Bill 3237), Nepomuceno Malaluan (Co-Convenor, Right to Know Right Now Coalition), Nadia Trinidad (ABS-CBN News Channel) and Dr Roberto de Ocampo (Vice President of the Makati Business Club). They’ve mentioned that SALN should be displayed (posted online) whenever an individual is joining the government. They encouraged good citizens to look into the details of the FOI Bill.

Representative Leni Robredo mentioned how they introduced the Naga City Citizens Act. They published a book containing the city’s services and was given to each and every household. They want ordinary people to understand and that the Naga City officials are exerting more effort to reach out to their citizens. Naga City is after all, “Maugmang Lugar” (happy place).

Maria Ressa, CEO and Executive Editor of Rappler, gave the closing remarks. She gave 5 points on how we could pass the Freedom of Information Bill: Culture

1. Culture
2. Processes
3. Resources
4. Technology
5. Institutionalizing

Maria Ressa also mentioned that 94% of Filipinos have access to the Internet and that we should put everything (government transactions) online.

The State of the Freedom of Information Bill ended with a lunch for the media and supporters of the Freedom of Information Bill like me. I’m glad that I’ve attended this event and I feel proud to participate in this kind of forum. I also believe that as good citizens of this country, we should really participate in how the government is conducting its business.

This event was organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, FNF Philippines and Rappler.

Jules Maaten, Country Director, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Senator Grace Poe – one of the senators I’ve voted during the last senatorial election. She was the Keynote Speaker of the State of the FOI Bill.

(L-R: Maria Ressa, Sen Grace Poe, Rep Leni Robredo and Jules Maaten)

Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza – Research and Content Strategist, Rappler.

Vergel Santos, Chairman, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility

H.E. Thomas Ossowski, Ambassador (German Embassy Manila), Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza and Dr Juli Minoves, President, Liberal International.

Break!

John Nery, Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Panelist Dr Roberto de Ocampo, Vice Chairman, Makati Business Club; Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC); Rep Leni Robredo, Co-Author, House Bill 3237; and Nepomuceno Malaluan, Co-Convenor, Right to Know Right Now Coalition

Right to Know Right Now. Pass the Freedom of Information Act.

Maria Ressa, CEO and Executive Editor, Rappler

Rep Leni Robredo (n green) and guests

Dessert!

The Mind Museum at Taguig was the venue of the Statement of the Freedom of Information Bill.

BuzzNet Tags: State of the Freedom of Information Bill,SONA,Sen Grace Poe

Flag Days 2014: May 28-June 12

Today starts the Flag Days 2014. It will last until our Independence Day 2014 (June 12). I really thought that the Philippine Flag was first used during June 12, 1898 but according to the Official Gazette:

“116 years ago, on May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was first unfurled in Alapan, Imus, Cavite”

Long live the Philippines! Mabuhay!

Picture taken from the Twitter page of the Official Gazette PH.

BuzzNet Tags: Flag Days,Official Gazette PH

Earth Hour 2014

Mark your calendars – March 29, 2014 8:30 PM is Earth Hour 2014. Let’s participate in this global campaign organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as a symbol of our commitment to our only planet.

Technorati Tags: Earth Hour 2014,World Wide Fund for Nature

Happy 150th Birthday Ka Andres Bonifacio!

This Saturday, we’ll be celebrating the 150^th Birthday of Ka Andres Bonifacio, the Father of Katipunan. Frankly, I almost forgot the biography of Andres Bonifacio. I only know him as the one who led the 1896 Revolution.

Fortunately, a lot of NGOs are gearing up to re-educate the Filipino people on who Andres Bonifacio was. GMA 7 is also doing their share in re-educating the public on the life of Ka Andres Bonifacio through their new TV series “Katipunan”.

I would definitely devote November 30, 2013 in re-studying the life of Andres Bonifacio through attending the various activities on that date. I would also take pictures of the celebration as a way of acknowledging his role in the revolution that eventually led to the Philippine Independence.

The Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which is named after Ka Andres Bonifacio, will also have the “BGC Passionfest 2013.” It’s a 3-day fiesta that will start on Friday, November 29, 2013.

Rappler gave suggestions on how to celebrate the 150th Birthday of Andres Bonifacio.

Happy 150^th Birthday, Ka Andres Bonifacio!

Happy 150th Birthday Ka Andres Bonifacio!

I learned from this video that the famous trademark (attire) of Andres Bonifacio was painted by Carlos “Botong” Francisco while his Barong-Tagalog attire (in his Balintawak monument) was conceptualized by Guillermo Tolentino.

Technorati Tags: Happy 150th Birthday Ka Andres Bonifacio,GMA 7

World Vision Philippines

In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, a lot of people responded by sending out donations in cash and in kind. A lot of NGOs are asking for donations and there are a lot of groups organizing different activities to help our fellow Filipinos in the Visayas. Amidst all these NGOs and groups, to whom will you trust your donation?

I’m not new with this kind of tragedy and Acts of God although my experience is not as severe as of the people of Tacloban. I was also a victim of typhoons by the names of Ondoy and Haikui (that enhanced the Habagat in 2012). We were flooded here at Nagpayong, Pasig City. Ondoy was the worst of the two since floods in Pasig City took a month before it subsided. Good thing I have my brother in Palatiw to ask help and to be our temporary host for 1 month.

I never had the need to go to an evacuation center and ask some relief goods from the government. Yet, I did receive a donation delivered here at home, without any fuss or media coverage. It was donation/relief goods from World Vision Philippines. It was the first relief goods I’ve ever received in my life – and I didn’t even ask for it.

From that experience, I believed that donations send through World Vision Philippines is really received by the people in need. So if you’re in the mood to send donations, I would strongly suggest that you course it through World Vision Philippines. Donations delivered. Guaranteed.

Technorati Tags: World Vision Philippines,Typhoons,Donations

Let’s Help the Victims of Typhoon Yolanda

I feel bad for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. My heart aches whenever I watch the evening news these days. The damage brought about by this typhoon is massive.

The good news is we can ease their pain by doing everything we can in however way we can. Let’s help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

Israel and New Zealand were the first ones to announce their help for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. I always admire these countries. They’re the best nation in the world as far as helping another nation is concern.

There are so many ways to help and so many organizations that are attending to the needs of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Let’s help these organizations in doing their humanitarian deeds.

This is definitely the fastest way to help.

Now is the best time to maximize the use of Twitter and social media in helping our brothers in need.

I’m praying for the fast recovery of the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. #StrongerPH

Technorati Tags: Typhoon Yolanda,Let's Help the Victims of Typhoon Yolanda,Stronger PH

Scenes From The EDSA Tayo Event

I just came home from attending the EDSA Tayo event at the EDSA Shrine, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. It was a peaceful prayer vigil that calls for the abolition of the Pork Barrel. I left early because I was too sleepy from this morning’s shift.

The EDSA Tayo event is a mini-version of the Million People March. The main event was the mass celebrated at the EDSA Shrine itself. There were signature campaigns going on from Change.org and other groups. There were group of bikers, journalists, vendors, and people from all walks of life. The organizers of the EDSA Tayo event were there giving away copies of Inquirer Libre.

Other groups were giving away pamphlets informing the public about the Pork Barrel system. Here are some excepts from these pamphlets:

“Our PORK BARREL may be added to Salary & Wages of those in our Judiciary, NBI, PNP and Armed Forces to upgrade their moral value, a key toward attending efficient, dignified and honest form of works in their area of responsibilities favorable to all beyond discrimination.” (People’s Guardian Maharlika Anti Graft Movement)

“Stand for the Poor!

Abolish the Pork Barrel!

1. It breeds patronage politics.

2. It becomes a fat source of corruption.

3. It opens up a condition where politicians consider working in government as a business enterprise.

4. It corners the funds that should have been channeled to social services.

5. It becomes a convenient means of looting the people’s money.”

(Promotion of Church People’s Response)

 

“Free the budget of all Congressional and Presidential Pork!

Make the budget redress inequality and promote people’s equity.

Reorient the budget to rebuilding the national economy, addressing climate change and sovereign financing.

For a transparent, accountable and participatory budget.”

(Freedom From Debt Coalition)

 

“Abolish the Pork Barrel System!

Punish those who stole our money!

Remove taxes on our 13th month pay!”

(National Union of Bank Employees NUBE)

 

Here are some of the pictures I took of today’s event at the EDSA Shrine:

Technorati Tags: EDSA Tayo,Million People March,Scrap Pork Barrel