Travel agencies can no longer process Philippine passports

Aimed at bringing equality among all passport applicants, the move of taking away from travel agencies the business of processing of passport application will now be implemented.

Those who will be hit hard by this move are some travel agencies that derive their income mostly from processing of passport application and renewal.

Starting June 21, 2013, travel agencies can no longer process Philippine passports. The accreditation of travel agencies by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to provide passport-related services will lapse on June 20, 2013, after it was extended from December 31, 2012. 

“All applicants will have to go to the DFA in order to have their biometrics taken and other information that will have to be provided to our passport office so that’s why we have seen that the role of travel agencies will be curtailed because of those requirements,” DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said.

Travel agencies, however, may assist passport applicants only for the purpose of collating the required documents needed to secure a passport. The DFA accreditation of travel agencies for this limited purpose will start in July 2013 up to June 2014.

Under the new guidelines, “there will be no special privileges for passport applicants who go through travel agencies” according to Hernandez.

He said that the only difference between applicants who go through travel agencies and those who do not is that the former may pay the processing fee at any Landbank branch. 

Gone are the days when travel agencies could give special privileges for their clients, including guaranteed same-day processing and access to passport express lanes. 

Yes, folks. Basically, this means that you have to apply for your Philippine passport or its renewal by yourself. Assistance by the accredited travel agencies will be limited to the facilitation of documents needed for passport application. 

Don't you worry. You can very well do it yourself.

For first time applicants of Philippine passports, click HERE.

To secure Philippine passports for minor children, click HERE.

For renewal of Philippine passports, click HERE.

The Angry Rock

The Angry Rock

Used and abused, the rock is now angry, said Kendrick, the son of a fellow blogger. We saw this angry rock at the United Nations (UN) office here in the Philippines. This is the first time that I saw an angry rock up close and personal.

All the rock wanted to do is to be able to help. In a sudden turn of events, after the rock tried to help, the rock is at the losing end and has lost face because of abusive people who used and abused the rock. Sad but true.

I don't know with you guys but like the rock I hate it when other people used and abused my kindness. Maybe it is easy for some people to utter a vow or promise and never bother to fulfill it after they got what they wanted. Growing up, our parents instilled in us the value of "Palabra de Honor" or "word of honor." We sell goods and services even at a loss if we already agreed upon the price beforehand. In the world of business, word of honor is king. 

Some people has the nasty habit of not fulfilling their promise because they oftentimes get away with it. Yes, by twisting the real story. But what they never realized is the stigma when their company or name is brought up. Now, will you be happy to know that people from yesteryear would say bad words when they hear your name because of an unfulfilled promise? Yes, behind your nasty back!

Since time immemorial Chinese merchants trade and conduct business even in the absence of contracts and written agreements. Why is it so? It is because most Chinese, if not all, has a "word of honor:" How about you? Do you have a word of honor?

Remember this: Once you have voluntarily made a vow, see to it that you fulfill your promise. Walk The Talk! If you’re going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk. Don't promise anything if you could not fulfill it.

In conclusion, all I can say is 'talk is cheap'!

Bato bato sa langit ang tamaan huwag magagalit!  

Note: The author is not referring to anyone in particular.  So don't be mad. Be cool!

Lamoiyan Corporation: Pinoys' Pride

Lamoiyan Corporation: Pinoys' Pride

Fully Filipino-owned Lamoiyan Corporation has more reasons to smile as it continues to bring world-class quality yet affordable products that never fail to earn the peoples' trust and loyalty, especially now that the company is in its 25th year of existence.

In perfect time with its Silver anniversary this year, the company now has more than 30,000 fans in leading social network site Facebook, and still continuously growing – a feat that only proves the unstoppable patronage it gains from the local market.

’s Facebook page served as a venue to connect with the brand’s market, most of them Filipino moms. Not only that the site served as a tool for to reach out to its market, but also it served as a page where fans can get practical household tips and useful parenting advice for everyday. And when the page reached its 10, 000 mark, took the chance to hear more from their fans and asked them: "Bakitang toothpaste mo?"

From among the thousands of statements made during the campaign, one of the most convincing ones was that of Daisy Villadores de Belen, who admits that their family already tried almost all the toothpaste brands available in the market and yet they still stuck to for her kids really love the taste that is not too spicy. With this, she writes: "Happing happy kami sa."

The same reason was also given by Era Mae Dagondon, who particularly liked ’s flavorful taste, not to mention its refreshing effect to the mouth and the softness of the bubbles she feels every time she brushes her teeth. Meanwhile, Filomena Villanueva swears that it's "really worth it without the need for a mouthwash”.

Apart from its world-class quality that is comparable to other more expensive brands, what's also keeping consumers loyal to toothpaste is its reasonable price. According to Michelle Talaboc, while prices of some commodities continue to go up, it's good to know that Lamoiyan remains affordable, especially for those who have less in life. This, in turn, gives her a reason to smile amid life’s challenges.

For practical mothers who want only the best for their family, toothpaste is indeed the right choice for them. Belinda Maravilla, who considers herself so meticulous in choosing every product she buys, shares that it's only that her family is very satisfied with given the kind of dental care it provides and yet friendly to the budget.

The self-confessed frugal Merly Onayan, on the other hand, cites that she, who values the hard-earnings of her husband, won't settle for something expensive if there's an alternative that can also give the best result in oral hygiene. Because Rho-anne Repre considers the brand as the "ness ng pamilya ko, ness pa ngbulsako!" she indeed gives the consuming public a convincing statement that they need not have to spend more just to have a beautiful smile.

Beyond the wonders of toothpaste as a product, the legacy behind it also contributes to its big following. It is a known fact that Lamoiyan Corporation is a 100 percent Filipino firm established in March 1998 by no less than its visionary owner, Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro who, despite the unfortunate closure of his first business venture Aluminum Containers, Inc., was not discouraged but instead opted to challenge the big multinationals by introducing a purely local brand that is of the same quality as theirs.

Seeing the company's humble beginnings, Cristina Lim stresses that toothpaste truly reflects the very distinct Filipino quality that is "masikap" or "diligent," which can be at par with the best in the world. Proud of the company and its founder's success, Ria Tacderas Bahri, meanwhile, says that it is but proper to love and patronize a brand made by a Filipino for the Filipino. What's more, Lamoiyan sets a good example as a firm that offers equal employment opportunities for hearing-impaired individuals which, for Ace Mendoza, only shows that it truly cares for the people.

These responses, which also share the same sentiments with the rest, clearly reflect this: That toothpaste is truly a world-class yet affordable brand in the market today made by a homegrown company that is Lamoiyan Corporation, whose mission to produce quality products as well as create opportunities for the people for the betterment of the country, is truly a source of Filipino pride. Visit www.facebook.com/HapeeToothpaste, for more household tips and to know more about toothpaste.

AIZA SEGUERRA AND NOEL CABANGON: Tambayan Hits Concert

AIZA SEGUERRA AND NOEL CABANGON: Tambayan Hits Concert

Don't have any plans yet for Friday and Saturday nights? June 21 and 22, 2013?

Good news peeps! You could spend Friday and Saturday nights with your barkada at Aiza Seguerra & Noel Cabangon's "TAMBAYAN HITS" Concert happening on June 21 & 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm in Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

Distinctly Filipino, Tambayan Hits will showcase the artistry of the power duo and special arrangements of songs like Tatsulok, Kanlungan and so many others. Songs riffed and sung by different generations in different tambayans and social settings all over the country.

You can buy your tickets at :

SM TICKETS: 470-2222
TICKET WORLD: 891-9999

See you there!

FREE TOY AT SIGELAND: Cashless Toy Store

SIGELAND: Cashless Toy Store

Attention: Mommy, Daddy, Kuya, Ate, Auntie, Uncle, Lolo, Lola

My mommy friend just signed up for Sigeland! According to her it is the 1st ever toy store where you don't need cash.  Hmmm...that's interesting!

Pre-register too at http://goo.gl/tilnp and get a free toy in SM MOA Music Hall on June 22 by promising to teach your child a value. If stains lead to learning, Sige sa mantsa! 

Note: This is not a paid post I just want to share this information to my beloved readers! So go na po!

BUDDHA-BAR: Around the World Party with DJ Ravin

BUDDHA-BAR: Around the World Party with DJ Ravin

June 28, 2013 is a huge day for Buddha-Bar Manila and they want you to be a part of it!

They will be launching Buddha-Bar XV, the 15th CD of the world-famous Buddha-Bar compilation CD, where it all began.

DJ RAVIN from Paris will be coming to launch Buddha-Bar XV, and will spin the night away.

There will also be a grand draw of the P100,000++ French Iconic Bag that all ladies will absolutely LoVe!

And to top it all, it will also be the big night of one of the biggest and most fabulous giveaways ever!

We hope you could come and party with Buddha-Bar on June 28, 2013. See you there!

36th GAWAD URIAN:Complete List of Winners

36th GAWAD URIAN:Complete List of Winners

Alessandra De Rossi

The 36th Gawad Urian Award event took place last night, June 18, 2013, at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It was a big night for Indie Films. The audience is a mix of award winning actors and actresses, directors and cinema's up and coming filmmakers.

The Gawad Urian 2013 was hosted by the handsome Richard Gomez, ever sexy Cherie Gil, showbiz veteran Butch Francisco, mestiza Iza Calzado and dashing debonair Xian Lim.

From L-R: Butch Francisco, Xian Lim, Iza Calzado, Richard Gomez and Cherie Gil

36th Gawad Urian complete list of winners:

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Alessandra de Rossi, "Sta Nina"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Art Acuna, "Posas"

BEST DOCUMENTARY: "Harana" by Benito Bautista

BEST SHORT FILM: "Ritmo" by Remton Siega Zuasola

BEST SOUND: Willy Fernandez, Bong Sungcang, Ferdinand Marcos Sabarongis, "Florentina Hubaldo"

BEST MUSIC: Diwa de Leon, "Baybayin"

BEST EDITING: Aleks Castaneda, "Kalayaan"

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Brillante Mendoza, "Thy Womb"

SPECIAL AWARD FOR FILM - NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN: Mila del Sol

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Whammy Alcazaren, "Colossal"

BEST SCREENPLAY: Mes de Guzman, "Diablo"

BEST DIRECTOR: Adolfo Alix Jr, "Mater Dolorosa"

BEST ACTOR: Jericho Rosales, "Alagwa"

BEST ACTRESS: Nora Aunor, "Thy Womb"

BEST FILM: "Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim" by Arnel Mardoquio

Novuhair introduces 3-in-1 Pack Nature’s answer to hair loss!

Novuhair introduces 3-in-1 Pack Nature’s answer to hair loss, now more improved

Years of research and testing of herbal ingredients culminated to the perfect concoction that finally solves hair loss!

Nutramedica, manufacturer and exclusive distributor of Novuhair, introduces the highly anticipated Novuhair 3-in-1 Pack which now comes with an herbal conditioner to complement the herbal shampoo and topical scalp lotion.

The trio is available in 200mL bottles each, bundled as a set to provide users with Novuhair’s optimum benefits as a hair loss solution.

“We were amazed by the big demand from our customers clamoring for an herbal conditioner. Same as with the shampoo and topical scalp lotion, the conditioner has all-natural active ingredients which include herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients,” said Mae Velilla, Chief Operating Officer of Nutramedica.

The Novuhair brand rejuvenates hair follicles and improves blood circulation to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It also provides optimum nutrition to combat hair loss and hair thinning.

Developed to prepare the scalp for the application of Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Novuhair Herbal Shampoo softens the hair, and nourishes the scalp through pure botanical extracts. The Novuhair Herbal Conditioner, meanwhile, helps moisturize and condition the hair, giving it a shinier look, making it suppler, and nourishing its overall health while being gentle for everyday use.

“When used in combination, Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Novuhair Herbal Shampoo and Novuhair Conditioner deliver greater effectiveness and significantly better results than when used individually,” added Velilla.

A clinical trial conducted last year by renowned hair and scalp expert Dr. Rica Mallari showed a 100% success rate among the volunteers. All subjects experienced no progression of hair loss and a decrease in hair shedding. More importantly, no side effects were experienced by the subjects. 

An adult normally sheds 100 to 150 strands a day. Factors such as hereditary disorder, underlying medical illness, major surgery, hormonal problems, childbirth, stress, air pollutants, exposure to sunlight, medications and infections may cause excessive hair loss.

Moringaoleifera or malunggay is one ingredient that helps restore the skin’s condition and prevent falling hair. Sweet almond oil, another ingredient, is a moisture-rich oil that contains vitamins A, B1, B6 and E, as well as minerals such as magnesium and iron. Scientifically known as prunusamygdalus, sweet almond oil easily penetrates the hair shaft and follicles, relieving hair dryness and itching and providing nourishment to the hair to promote hair growth.

Other ingredients include panax ginseng, which improves blood circulation to the scalp, as well as ginger, which is also a hair bulb nutrient and stimulant. Together with aloe, they become an effective agent for hair growth and the prevention of falling hair.

Lavender helps relieve itching, and like rosemary, another ingredient, it contains properties that help combat dandruff and disinfects the scalp. Lemongrass helps clean the scalp’s pores, while peppermint is known to slow the growth of bacteria and fungi, aside from having a relaxing effect on the muscles.

Novuhair Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner may be used during bathing, to be followed by the Scalp Lotion. Simply massage a generous amount of the lotion onto the scalp for five to ten minutes, and then rinse off or leave on as a hair-styling agent.

While there are no known contraindications to Novuhair Herbal Conditioner, users are pre-cautioned against use in cases of sensitivity to the ingredients. Novuhair herbal products are only for topical use and may not be ingested.

The Novuhair 3-in-1 Topical Scalp Lotion, Herbal Shampoo and Herbal Conditioner Pack is available at all Mercury Drug and Watsons stores. Suggested retail price of the Novuhair 3-in1 Pack P4,980.

Call 413-6570 or 0922-883-0575 and visit www.novuhair.com for more details. Like us on Facebook: Novuhair Official or follow us on Twitter @NovuhairUpdates.