Home Blog Page 177

Here’s How You Can File Your Income Tax Return in PH

As citizens of the Philippines, Filipinos have taxes to pay. Taxes are our contributions to the country. This year’s filing for Income Tax Returns is only until APRIL 15.

Photo from Unsplash

To people’s surprise, filing an Income Tax Return is relatively easy. So if it’s your first time, worry not because we got you. You may want to work on it as soon as possible since this year’s filing for Income Tax Returns is only until APRIL 15.

Guide to Filing Your Income Tax Return

Here’s a quick guide on how to file your income tax return.

What is an Income Tax Return (ITR)

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), income tax is a tax on an individual’s income, salary, or profit. The employer or a person often files the income tax return to report and pay all the necessary annual taxes.

Who is Required to File an Income Tax Return

In the Philippines, taxpayers are corporations, estates, trusts,  or individuals.

Individuals are those who are Filipino residents with an income of more than ₱60,000 from profit sources inside or outside the Philippines. In addition, those who are employed, self-employed, or have mixed income are included on the list of individual taxpayers.

Meanwhile, non-resident Filipino citizens must also file an income tax return if their income sources are inside the Philippines. Aliens also getting income from the Philippines should also file an ITR.

Photo from Unsplash

Who are Exempted from Filing an Income Tax Return

There are instances where individuals are exempted from filing an ITR. Here is a list of exemptions:

  • None-resident Filipino Citizen working and living outside of the Philippines
  • Overseas Filipino Workers
  • Minimum Wage Earners

Who has the option to NOT file for an ITR?

  • Individuals with a gross income that’s not more than their personal exemptions
  • Those with compensation income is not more than ₱60,000 from an employer. Their income tax must be correctly withheld as well.
  • Individuals who have gone through the final withholding tax
  • People who are qualified for substituted filing.
Photo from Unsplash

What Do You Need to File an ITR

  • Tax Identification Number (TIN)
    • Your first employer usually gives TIN.
    • You can also register and get a TIN online here.
  • BIR ITR Forms
    • Form 1700- For individuals earning compensation income, including non-business or non-profession-related earnings.
    • Form 1701- This form is for self-employed individuals, estates, and trusts.
    • Form 1702- You must fill out this form for corporations and partnerships.

All forms can be downloaded through the eBIRForms.

How to Fill Out Your Income Tax Return Forms

Note: For those who need to Fill out Form 1700, employers will be the ones who usually assist you.

Photo from Unsplash

For BIR Forms 1701 and 1702:

  • Fill out THREE (3) copies of the appropriate BIR From
  • Make sure to attach all required documents
  • Go to your RDO’s Authorized Agent Bank (AAB) and present your filled-out BIR forms and attachments. You also need to prepare your payment.
    • If there are no AABs in your location, you may go to a Revenu Collection Officer or an Authorized City or Municipal Treasurer within your RDO. Bring and present your BIR Forms with the attachments and payment.
  • You will receive a stamped and validated copy from the AAB teller, revenue collection officer, or city/municipal officer.
  • For those with no payment, refundable returns, and tax returns qualified for a second installment, you may submit your BIR ITR form and other requirements.
Photo from Unsplash

You may also file for an  ITR online through the Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS). Moreover, payments are made through online banking or money transfers. Provide your email to receive a receipt of return.

Filing for an ITR may seem like an added stress but it’s actually a good thing. An ITR can be used when applying for bank loans or travel visa. Now that you know the steps to filing for your ITR, you better get started so you won’t miss the deadline on April 15.

Meet Mira Murati, The Woman Behind ChatGPT

The future is women-forward… the future is Female.

If you’ve been on Twitter or read business news updates, you might be familiar with ChatGPT. The tool has been widely used by different users and for a variety of purposes since its release.

Photo from Unsplash

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT). It is trained on a vast amount of text data. As a result, the AI can generate human-like responses to questions and commands.

ChatGPT is quite an intelligent one, huh? But who is the brain behind ChatGPT? Let’s find out.

Photo from Unsplash

Meet Mira Murati, The Woman Behind ChatGPT

You read that right. A woman leads the development of ChatGPT.

35-year-old Mira Murati hails proudly from San Francisco, California. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and graduated from Dartmouth College’s Thayer School of Engineering.

Mira has been working as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI for four years. OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company.  She and her team developed what is now one of the most used AI tools in the world, allowing people to gather any information that they need.

Photo from TIME

Women in tech, now that’s another reason to celebrate Women’s Month. Tech is an intimidating field to conquer, but it’s not something women can’t handle. So let’s give all the women in tech the proper recognition they deserve.

Cebu Pacific offers VISMIN PISO Sale on March 20-23

Piso Seat Sale para sa mga taga VisMin!

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading budget airline, has announced an exciting promotion for travelers with its recent VISMIN PISO Sale. The airline’s offer allows passengers to book flights on domestic and international destinations to and from the Visayas and Mindanao regions for as low as PHP1 one-way base fare.

Photo from Cebu Pacific Air Facebook Page

The PISO Sale is set to run from March 20 to 23, 2023, giving passengers a limited-time opportunity to secure discounted flights for their upcoming trips. The travel period for this exclusive promotion begins on June 1 and ends on September 30, 2023. It is important to note that the PHP1 base fare is exclusive of fees and surcharges, which will still apply to the overall ticket cost.

Sale Period: March 20-23, 2023

Travel Period: June 1 to September 30, 2023

Destinations: Visayas & Mindanao region

This remarkable offer targets travelers from the Visayas and Mindanao areas, two of the three principal geographical divisions in the Philippines. These regions are known for their natural beauty, rich culture, and historical sites, making them popular tourist destinations. With the PISO Sale, Cebu Pacific aims to boost tourism in these areas while offering travelers an affordable way to explore the country and beyond.

Bohol, Philippines | Photo from Unsplash

To avail of the PISO Sale, passengers can book flights through the Cebu Pacific website or mobile app, or by visiting their nearest Cebu Pacific ticket office. The airline advises customers to act fast, as the limited number of discounted seats are expected to sell out quickly.

MyJeep: A website with over 8k Users helps Cebuanos with their Daily Commute

Can’t seem to get around commuting in Cebu and riding the jeepneys? Don’t worry, this website has your back!

Let’s be honest, some locals and tourists kind of have a hard time knowing what jeepney they should ride in Cebu and where to ride them. But because of the amazing initiative of two young entrepreneurs, jeepney rides in Cebu have now become easier.

Get to Know MyJeep

Heads up, commuters! MyJeep is here to save the day.

MyJeep is a brand and a website that helps commuters know what jeepneys to ride going to their desired location and where to ride them. The owners officially launched the website in 2023.

Users can open the website on their mobile phones for them to use MyJeep even while they are commuting. The website’s interface is similar to other transportation services where you can input where you are currently and where you want to go.

For now, MyJeep only caters to Cebuano users as they navigate through Cebu. MyJeep’s official app will also be launched soon. They are also working on an option for users to know how much the jeepney fare costs.

Navigating MyJeep

To use MyJeep, head over to myjeep.ph. You will be greeted with instructions on how to use the Web App. You can input your current exact location and your destination. The website can also automatically detect where you are.

The web app also has an option for users to see traffic updates. When you check the routes, you will be given different jeepney options, click the ones that you will be riding. Once you click the jeepney icon, you will be given specific instructions on where you can ride the jeepney.

MyJeep also shows you how many steps or kilometers you should walk to get to the location where you can ride your jeepney.

The Brains Behind MyJeep

Who would have thought that a partner’s genuine gesture of care to his girlfriend would become something that helps other people in such a huge way?

The brains behind MyJeep are two young entrepreneurs. Meet Lexus Miñoza, a 3rd-year MedTech student, and her partner, Kian Alesna Villeno, a Web developer based in Australia.

According to Lexus Miñoza’s exclusive interview with Sugboph, her partner, Kian had always been the person she depended on when commuting around Cebu. Now that Kian is in Australia, she’s had a hard time getting around the city. This was when Kian decided to make a website app that can help Lexus know which jeepneys to ride.

Lexus and Kian also want to organize transportation services in Cebu.

“We want to be able to make an app that will be comparable to first-world countries in terms of transportation” Lexus expressed.

The young entrepreneur said that they were also inspired by how Australia’s bus schedules are very well-organized. Because of this, they want to develop MyJeep further to be able to cover Cebu Bus schedules as well.

Fear No Hardship

Lexus and Kian are both proud Bosconians. They both graduated from Don Bosco, however, they still bring the sense of innovation and creativity that their Alma Mater taught them. The young entrepreneurs expressed how they were taught and encouraged to be wise and “madiskarte”. “Ardua Non Timeo” or Fear No Hardship, this is the motto that both Lexus and Kian carry on until this day.

During their time as students at Don Bosco, they were also taught engineering subjects as early as Junior High to which helped boost Kian’s self-taught skills. 

“Being a Bosconian also opens your eyes and calls on you to help your fellow people, thus our idea of a social venture that would solve a very simple problem”.

With this learning in mind and because they are commuters themselves, Lexus and Kian want to help Cebuanos have an easier time in commuting. And now, with over eight thousand users, MyJeep has become a handy online guide for commuters.

Saint John Bosco once said, “Do good while you still have time”. And thus, with the time that they have, the young entrepreneurs started MyJeep, a website that greatly helps Cebuano commuters. 

With great ideas, hard work, determination, and the willingness to help, these two young entrepreneurs are elevating Cebu’s transportation services one jeepney at a time.

If you want to know more information about MyJeep, you may visit their official Facebook page.

Having trouble with riding jeepneys? Head over to myjeep.ph today

More than Just Myths: Meet The Philippines’ Asong Gubat

A myth brought to life? Here’s what we know about the Asong Gubat.

Photo from Mercel Peter Sotto

The Asong Gubat, or the Philippine Forest dog, is an endangered breed native to the Philippines. They are skilled hunters who can catch prey and even adapt to the harsh conditions of the forest. Indigenous people value this dog breed because of their hunting skills, and the lore passed to generations.

The Philippine Forest dogs are medium-sized dogs standing about 18 to 22 inches. In addition,  They have a distinct smooth coat that is usually black or brown. Moreover, some have patches or stripes that resemble a tiger’s stripes, which is why they are also known as Tiger dogs. What’s even more amazing about these dogs is that they have sharp claws that shed.

Photo from Araneta Coliseum Facebook Page

The Asong Gubat also only mate or reproduce with their kind. Other features include a double-sealing anus, black lips, black gums and roof of the mouth, and spots on their tongue. Because of their keen sense of smell, they can quickly locate prey. They are also exceptional guard dogs because of their protective and loyal nature.

Some indigenous myths say whoever kills an Asong Gubat, including their family, will be cursed.

The Philippine Canine Club Inc. hopes that the Federation Cynologique Internationale will recognize the breed as the Philippines’ official indigenous dog breed.

Photo from Mercel Peter Sotto
Photo from Araneta Coliseum Facebook Page

The Asong Gubat is an endangered breed. They are threatened by habitat destruction and interbreeding with other dog breeds. Therefore, it is essential to make efforts to protect them.

Good Night’s Sleep Helps You Live Longer, Study shows

“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book”

– IRISH PROVERB.

March 17, 2023, is World Sleep. This day celebrates the importance of sleep and the urgency of sleep-related concerns. We all know how crucial sleep is to promote healthy growth and development.

Photo from Unsplash

During the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, new research was presented that suggests young people who have a better sleep are less likely to die at an early age.

According to Frank Qian, MD, an internal medicine resident physician at Beth Israel Deaconess, findings emphasize that getting enough sleep is insufficient. An individual must have a restful sleep and should be able to sleep easily without trouble.

Qian and his team and other researchers surveyed 172,321 people. They assessed the participants through different factors that affect quality sleep, such as ideal sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep no more than two times a week, trouble staying asleep no more than two times a week, not using any sleep medication, and feeling well rested after waking up at least five days a week.

Photo from Unsplash

Results showed that the participants who experienced all five sleep factors were less likely to die for any reason by 30%. Meanwhile, 21% are less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 19% less likely to die from cancer, and 40% from other causes.

Qian also expressed that young people’s long-term help and benefit from their sleep hygiene. In addition, their health can also improve if they develop good sleep without distraction.

If you want to read more about the research, you can do so here.

Photo from Unsplash

Take this as your sign to get a good night’s sleep. Turn your phone off and snooze away to dreamland.

Not Just an Actor: David Licauco Balances Acting and Managing his five businesses

Oh, Chinito!

David Licauco has got to be one of the hottest actors in the industry. His charming smile and good looks got people falling head over heels. But there’s more to this cutie than just looks and acting skills.

Photo from David Licauco Facebook Page

The actor is also a successful entrepreneur. He has four food businesses and a construction company; all opened during the pandemic. In addition, David owns Kuya Korea, Sobra Cafe, As Nature Intended, and Sobra Comfort Food.

According to the Maria, Clara, at Ibarra star, he got bored during the pandemic and tried finding opportunities. He read books and exercised his brain, which resulted in the creation of his businesses.

Photo from David Licauco Facebook Page

As Nature Intended is an online store where customers can buy healthier product options. On the other hand, Sobra Comfort Food, Sobra Cafe, and Kuya Korea all center on David’s comfort food. Aside from his food businesses, he also owns a construction company.

In an interview, Licauco expressed that he wants his businesses to succeed through the quality of food and service they provide, not because he is an actor.

Photo from David Licauco Facebook Page

David Licauco absolutely shows just how much he loves being an entrepreneur. The way he is able to balance both acting and managing businesses is quite impressive, kudos to you, David!

Minimum Fare for Jeepneys Rolls Down to P9 in April

Fare Discount Alert!

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) looks to implement a fare discount for those riding Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) through the Service Contracting Program (SCP).

Photo from Mercel Peter Sotto

According to LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III, the proposal for the SCP is already being prepared. The fare discount will be implemented in Metro Manila this coming April.

The fare reduction and SCP will follow the rules the Department of Transportation (DOTr) implemented. In the proposal, it is stated that the ₱12 fare will become ₱9. Meanwhile, the fare for modernized jeepneys will be ₱11. The proposal also covers bus fares which will have ₱3 to ₱4 discounts.

Guadiz thinks that DOTr will give the passengers a discount to fit the ₱1.2 billion budget to transport services nationally. He also stated that the budget may last for only six months. Guadiz urges DOTr to come up with additional funding to stretch the program until the end of the year.

Photo from Mercel Peter Sotto

However, Obet Martin, Pasang Masda President, expressed that the fare discount has its terms of limits; once the budget is all used up, the original fare will revert to normal.

5 Cebuano Urban Legends You Should Know

Urban Legends, different provinces have them. They are stories by word of mouth and no one knows whether or not they really happened, but urban legends say a lot about people’s creativity in story-telling.

Cebu also has its set of urban legends that have been passed down to generations. From hauntings to mythical fishes, the Cebuano urban legends proved to be both horrific and intriguing. Here are 5 Cebuano urban legends you should know.

1. The Kugtong

Have you heard about the Urban legend of Cagayan de Oro’s Giant Goldfish? Well, Cebu has its own counterpart, The Kugtong.

The Kugtong is a well known legend in Lapu-Lapu City. According to the urban legend, the Kugtong is a gigantic grouper fish that lives under a milling company. Some say the fish can swallow a person whole with its flesh-ripping teeth and razor scales. They believe that the fish is mutated from the biological waste products from the milling company.

Some people believe that the fish is lucky, which is why the owners of the milling company take good care of the Kugtong to bring success to their business.

2. Minda Mora

Cebuanos love a good horror story. The following urban legend is from the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus. They say a student named Minda Mora still haunts the university until this day because of her tragic fate.

Legend says that Minda Mora, a promising student who loves performing, was raped and killed by many security personnel. The poor student’s body was said to be buried in the USC Cultural Center. Seeking vengeance for her gruesome death, she still haunts the halls of the University.

3. Lily

Famous Filipino urban legends almost always include an aswang. Cebu has its aswang figure by the name of Lily. According to urban legends, Lily is a witch who devours people at midnight. She is said to be most powerful when the moon shines.

4. Cat Meat Siopao

Who doesn’t love Siopao? The savory meat inside a fluffy bun hits the spot. Did you know Cebu has an urban legend about siopao? You might want to stop eating this.

Legends say there was meat scarcity during the war, so people resorted to other alternatives. One alternative was believed to be a beloved house pet. Do you need a clue? It goes “meow.” If you guessed cat meat, then yes. As an alternative stuffing, people used cat meat for siopao.

To this day, people still joke around about being careful with siopao because you never know what you could get. Bon appetit…?

5. The Child, Niño

Almost every Cebuano household has a statue of Sto. Niño. Yes, there is an urban legend about that too. According to the story, a couple who lived in the mountains decided to pray after the loss of their carabao. When they were about to pray, they noticed their Sto. Niño disappeared.

The next day, the couple was stunned to see the carabao outside their house. However, this is where it gets interesting and slightly surprising. A neighbor apparently saw the carabao pass by his house with a young boy riding on its back.

The couple also noticed that their Sto. Niño statue was back, and there was amorseco on it. And so, the couple thought of the idea that it was the child Sto. Niño that brought back their carabao.

Those are the different Urban legends of Cebu. A human’s imagination is powerful enough to create interesting stories like these. You have to believe.

Oh, you might want to sleep with your lights on tonight.

Experience  a 2-storey Private Pool Villa in the comforts of Talisay City, Cebu

Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page

Private, exclusive, and homey, Casa Roca is your new home away from home.

Let’s face it, all we want after a hectic week is a good vacation. However, not all of us have the time to go out of town; this is where staycations come in.

Casa Roca is the next staycation villa you have to stay in. So let’s find out what this fantastic Villa has to offer.

2-Storey Private Pool Villa

Casa Roca boasts a beautiful 2-storey Villa with a modern and chic design that fits 15 people. In addition, the villa is equipped with different amenities to ensure guests a comfortable and one-of-a-kind stay.

Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page

KTV Room, Swimming Pool, and More

Casa Roca shows the importance of the Filipino culture of Karaoke with their KTV Room. The room has three microphones, a projector, and a projector screen where you can flash the lyrics of your favorite songs.

There are different bedrooms complete with beds, bunk beds, pillows, and an air conditioning unit. Aside from the comfy bedrooms, there is also a fully functional kitchen where you can cook and prepare food. Guests can also dine on a long picnic table near the mini kitchen.

Of course, a staycation is only complete with a dip in the pool. The villa is equipped with its own outdoor swimming pool that is 4ft deep. There is also a kiddie pool available for the little ones. Poolside beanbags and tables are also provided.

Casa Roca also has a pool table, a hammock chair, and a little slide for the kids. Other amenities include an outdoor grill, a 2-car garage, and an outdoor shower.

What’s best about Casa Roca is that it provides guests an exclusive private staycation experience. It means that you will have the whole place all to yourselves.

Are you eyeing a staycation within the City? Book Casa Roca today!

Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page
Photo from Casa Roca Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: N/A
  • Opening hours: Always Open

VILLA RATE:

  • ₱13,800 per night, good for 13-15 pax

OTHER INFORMATION:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Villa Estellita Subdivision, Blk 1 Lot 28, Talisay City.

BY COMMUTE: From the IT Park, you can ride a Beep or Bus to Tabunok. Ask the driver to drop you off at Gaisano or Robinsons Tabunok. When you arrive, look for a tricycle or motorcycle to bring you to Villa Estellita Subdivision.

From USC Downtown Campus, ride 10F to Pooc, and tell the driver that you will disembark at St. Paul. From St. Paul, ride a tricycle going to Gaisano or Robinsons Tabunok. When you arrive, ride another tricycle or Habal-habal to Villa Estellita Subdivision.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Casa Roca” in Talisay, Cebu. Parking space is available.