A 38-year old Japanese man from Tokyo, Shoni Morimoto, is living (almost) everyone’s dream job. He is paid 10,000 yen ($71) per hour to do nothing. He does nothing, but accompany his clients.
Photo from Kim Kyung-Hoon via Reuters
“Basically, I rent myself out. My job is to be wherever my clients want me to be and to do nothing in particular,”
MORIMOTO TOLD REUTERS.
For the past four years of working as a companion, he had handled roughly 4,000 sessions. This is on top of his nearly a quarter of a million followers on Twitter.
He has been accompanying his clients for four years now, and he even has repeat clients. One of them has hired him 270 times already.
However, his companionship has reservations. He has turned down offers to go to Cambodia, or even move a fridge. He doesn’t take any requests for anything related to sexual nature.
Before becoming a companion, he worked at a publishing company. His colleagues though, have always told him he has always been the man who does nothing.
“I started wondering what would happen if I provided my ability to ‘do nothing’ as a service to clients,”
HE SAID.
Photo from Kim Kyung-Hoon via Reuters
The companionship business is now Morimoto’s sole source of income, with which he supports his wife and child.
“People tend to think that my ‘doing nothing’ is valuable because it is useful (for others) … But it’s fine to really not do anything. People do not have to be useful in any specific way,”
Blood, sweat, and tears: these are what workers and employees make and go through in their everyday hard work. That is why they should be compensated well and paid rightfully for their services.
Photo from Unsplash
But what if you’re the worker, and your client or employer is not paying on-time or rightfully? That can be a big problem, especially if you’ve already invested a lot in your work. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to go to your nearest Small Claims Court and get that payment you deserve.
WHY GO TO A SMALL CLAIMS COURT IN THE FIRST PLACE?
There could be many reasons why you’re going to need to go to a small claims court for such problem. Whether you’re a freelancer, regular employee, or part-time employee, you’re entitled to take such action if:
when the client/company is late in payment
when the client/company refuses to release payment
when the client/company cannot be contacted after services have been completed
When these situations arise, you may proceed with taking such action, given that these conditions are also met:
payment owed is under ₱1,000,000
there is a concrete and tangible agreement that the client will pay you in exchange for your services (such as text, chats, email, etc.)
contracts are not necessary but will undeniably provide more gravity and credibility to the case
Photo from Unsplash
HOW TO FILE A CASE?
Provide that the certain required conditions are met, you may now proceed with filing a case in a small claims court. Here are the steps in doing so:
1. Find your small claims court.
You can do this the small claims court of your residence, of the client’s residence, or of the company’s business location. These courts may also go by the names such as metropolitan trial courts, municipal trial courts, or municipal circuit trial courts.
You may contact them via call or email. After you reach out to them, they will also ask you a few questions to know if your case is appropriate for a small claims court.
Photo from Unsplash
2. Fill out some paperwork.
After the review process, the court will assist you in filling out the necessary papers to pursue your case. They will send the following documents (which may vary depending on the court) either through email or download link:
Form 1 – SCC (Statement of Claim)
Form 1-A – SCC (Additional Plaintiffs Defendants)
Form 1-B – SCC (Information of Plaintiff)
Any evidence that can support your claim (e.g., screenshots of the agreement, screenshot of client’s/company’s failure to pay, screenshot of project)
Affidavit
Remember to always double-check the information when you fill-out these forms. After checking your forms, it’s time to get them notarized in a Notary Public.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Submit your forms.
The court will then ask you to submit the papers and submit them via email. After they check your papers, you will be asked to present yourself in their office, submit the physical copies, and pay the filing fee.
Photo from Unsplash
4. Attend the hearing.
The court will arrange a date for your hearing after a few days. On the day of hearing, bring your affidavit and any evidence to support your claim. Remember to be on time, dress appropriately, and have proper conduct while inside the courtroom.
Photo from Unsplash
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO REMEMBER
In cases like these, you do not need a lawyer; you cannot have a lawyer to represent in the first place. Same goes for your client or company.
Moreover, a small claims case is not a criminal case, but rather a civil case only. It is only meant for different types of payment issues.
Looking to achieve your beauty goals but undecided on where to get quality products? Don’t go any further because Beautéderm in SM Seaside Cebu has everything you need for the youthful glow you’re looking for!
Photo from BeautéGoals by Beautéderm Cebu Facebook Page
With their wide selection of beauty products, superb customer service, and nationwide delivery, taking care of your skin has never been this satisfying and easier!
CERTIFIED AND QUALITY SERVICE
Beautéderm is an all-Filipino company started by Rhea Tan, the company’s President, and CEO, back in 2009. It began as local skin care and beauty brand in Pampanga and has expanded to more than 60 branches nationwide with several stores abroad.
Photo from BeautéGoals by Beautéderm Cebu Facebook PagePhoto from BeautéGoals by Beautéderm Cebu Facebook Page
They offer premium skincare products for common skin problems such as pimples, scars, and dark spots. Their products have natural zinc oxides and SPF 60, helping protect your skin against harsh sunlight rays, reduce visible signs of aging, excessive oil, and more.
On top of that, according to Tan, they have “FDA notified, hypoallergenic, and highly effective products” that they carefully develop and improve. That way, you are assured that their products are top-of-the-line and will get you your money’s worth.
PROVEN AND TESTED PRODUCT LINE
Beautéderm believes that its customers deserve only nothing but the best. As so, they only make products guaranteed to fulfill their customers’ needs, safe for both skin and the environment.
Here are some of the very best products from their collection. Go try them out!
Beautéderm Blanc Set
If you are always on the go, you need a skincare companion that is convenient yet effective. The Beaute Blanc Set is perfect for you. Get that glow you’ve always wanted wherever you go.
Acne Loin (Acne Stress Control Spray) for Maskne
Wearing face masks proves to be one of the causes of acne breakouts, which is why you’ll need Acne Loin for Maskne. This product contains antibacterial and anti-irritant ingredients to help you reduce acne, acne marks, and dark spots.
La Fraise Gommage Instant White Polish Face and Body Scrub
This body scrub takes exfoliation to the next level with its Alumina and Strawberry Fruit Extract. Its ingredients help eliminate dead skin, clogged pores, lines, and scars.
Tres Triple Whitening Lotion
Want to get white faster and in just a matter of days? Use Beautéderm’s Tres Lotion with a triple whitening effect, and you’ll have even light skin in less than ’10 days’.
Purifie Facial Wash with Brush
This facial wash is filled with vitamins, cleans your face, and tightens your skin. It also helps you unclog pores, removes impurities, and exfoliate your face.
Beautéderm Etre Clair Mouthwash
This mouthwash has antibacterial actives that help fight off bacteria in the mouth and leave you a fantastic, fresh feeling after use. It also whitens teeth by removing stains and brightening dull teeth.
They can be found in SM Seaside Cebu, Seaside Ave, Cebu South Coastal Rd, Cebu City, Cebu. They also offer nationwide delivery anywhere in the Philippines and even worldwide! Corresponding shipping fees apply.
The South Road Properties (SRP) is already home to many urban developments in the metropolitan Cebu, including SM Seaside City-Cebu and Cebu South Coastal Road. Because of these, the 300-hectare island-type reclamation area currently plays a significant role in accessibility.
Photo from Primary Homes
However, some parts of the area remain untouched, such as Pond A. Fortunately, things are about to change, as it has been proposed to house a new world-class development in Cebu.
DEVELOPMENT IN THE MAKING
The once lifeless Pond A is planned to be redeveloped into a booming yet environment-friendly business center within Cebu City. The city government signed the Joint Venture Agreement with Expedition Construction Corporation (ECC) last January 27, taking the development closer to its realization.
Brian Paz, project manager of ECC, stated that they are now conceptualizing the project but assured that it will be world-class yet environment-friendly.
“Currently, we are starting the conceptualization of the whole area, but what I can say as early as now is that this will be a development that would be world-class. We would be introducing technology that has not been seen in the Philippines. Also, this development will bring in more jobs to the people of Cebu,”
Paz adds, “it will entirely be environmentally friendly, and of course, it will be a new attraction to an already beautiful piece of development in Cebu City.”
Photo from Primary Homes
WHAT’S IN STORE?
“To fill up pond A in the SRP and to rehabilitate into a productive use of the Inayawan Sanitary landfill in that area. We are excited to deliver to the people of Cebu a world-class development business center, recreational amenities, and a medical facility to this once unproductive area,”
SAID PAZ.
The planned recreational amenities would include a basketball court, a tennis court, a football field, and a skatepark. On the medical facility part, this will be a hospital left to the discretion of the city government regarding its specialization.
SRP Management Office manager Engr. Roberto “Bo” Varquez also stressed the importance of the project, as it is expected to create more jobs for many Cebuanos.
“This is a very important development for us…This will be an additional 60 hectares of development….including putting up an export zone,”
Cebu has been very rapidly modernizing in terms of infrastructure. Just recently, news has been spilled about the planned Cebu-Bohol link, following the success of the newly-installed Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.
3D render of South Boulevard | Photo from Cebu City News
Now, we are hearing about another new plan for new infrastructure, but on South Road Properties (SRP) this time. The project is now dubbed and proposed as “Cebu South Boulevard,” which is now deliberately planned by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
PLANS HAVE BEEN PRESENTED
In a meeting among top Cebu City Government officials, City Planning and Development Officer Joseph Michael “Yumi” Espina told reporters that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had already presented a plan regarding the planned project.
According to the plans, the boulevard will be similar to Osmeña Boulevard’s and will have four lanes on each side, with an expansive center island where they can build a monorail. The boulevard is also expected to stretch along waterfront areas from Barangay Inayawan to Mambaling.
Photo from Cebu City News
“When they presented this to me, nakita nako nga dako man kaayo ang center island, so I told them nga this is perfect for a monorail and since moagi man siya sa areas where planned MRBs (medium-rise buildings) will be created, nindot kaayo siya to complement the projects,”
ACCORDING TO ESPINA.
MRBs are part of the tasks of the Cebu City Waterfront Development Commission (CCWDC), led by Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia, which aim to beautify the waterfront area and possible recovery of cultural sites within the area.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
The official pointed out that in order to turn the project into a reality, there must be close coordination between the City, DPWH, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“Among hangyo lang ta is that we could have better coordination and communication on these projects because this is very nice and would certainly align with the mayor’s plan for a Singapore-like Cebu city,”
Photo from Cebu City News
He also suggested the creation of an inter-agency task force responsible for facilitating effective communication between the city government and concerned agencies to realize the proposed project in SRP.
Out with the traditional spread of mayo and cheese because our favorite coffee fix can now be literally spread into our sandwich.
We’ve all had the experience of dipping our bread to our coffee drink and who can blame us when it is that good of a combo. But it seems like we won’t have to do that anymore as finally someone found a solution and made a coffee toast spread.
Photo from Yukijirushi Megmilk
And of course, it would only be the innovative Japan who could think of this unique idea. Japan is really serious when it comes to their food innovations and we are just here for it.
The coffee spread, Yukijirushi Coffee Soft, is no stranger to Japan though as it was first introduced to the public in 2017 for a limited time. The people in Japan loved the coffee-flavored spread so much that the shelves were emptied. As the company behind it, Megmilk Snow Brand, or Yukijirushi Megmilk brand, will celebration their 60th anniversary, they decided to make all of Japan’s breakfasts extra special.
The Yukijirushi Coffee Soft spread looks like a chees spread but creamier in texture that makes it look like an ice cream spread even.
Photo from SoraNews 24
The shot of caffeine with every bite will definitely wake you up in no time as the brand itself is one of Japan’s famous milk coffee brands. They also have other unique coffee products such as Coffee Chocolate Mint, gelato, and more.
The only downside for this product? It’s not available in the Philippines. It is not yet clear if when or will it ever come to our local stores here but we can only hope.
Though if you do find yourself in Japan, take the opportunity to buy lots of it as it is also very affordable at only 275 yen or P111 for 140 grams.
Pearl Medical Aesthetics & Laser Center Inc. & Dr. Shahana Pearl V. Uy-Ang proudly announced another big wave in Cebu… Sofwave™.
Sofwave™ is the newest and most in-demand treatment for skin tightening and lifting that has been making waves all over the world, including the Philippines, and is now available at Pearl Medical Aesthetics & Laser, Inc., the First and Only medical aesthetics clinic in Cebu City to have this treatment.
To celebrate this huge milestone, Pearl launched this latest treatment on September 1st at the clinic located on the 7th floor of MSY Tower, Cebu Business Park.
Pearl Sofwave is the only device of its kind to acquire double US FDA approval for wrinkles and lifting and tightening, which makes it the treatment of choice for Skin Aesthetics Doctors around the world.
Pearl Sofwave’s SUPERB technology delivers ultrasound waves with precise depth in the dermis to stimulate collagen production resulting in tighter and lifted skin and a visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Best of all, Pearl Sofwave™M treatment is non-invasive and has little to no downtime. Guaranteed safe and comfortable thanks to its built-in cooling feature, SofCool
Pearl Beauties love that Sofwave™ is non-invasive and can fit into an active lifestyle. Patients can have the treatment and go back to their daily activities immediately. The treatment typically lasts 30-60 minutes depending on the area to be treated Pearl Medical Aesthetics Clinic is turning 5 years this year and takes a holistic approach to aesthetic procedures, offering state-of-the-art services and technologies that are known globally for health, beauty and wellness needs, in an environment that is safe, responsive, and readily accessible. Gearing up towards the 5th year celebration includes the newest treatments such as Pearl Sofwave and many more.
Ride the wave and experience the latest in-demand treatment for skin tightening and lifting using the latest ultrasound technology today.
Consultation Appointments
Consultation appointments are available from Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. You may also call the clinic to book your appointment at (032) 262 0390 and 0917 701 1729.
BY BUS: In the city it only takes a BEEP bus to take you to Cebu Business Park, depending where you’re at and which route the bus is bound to; it’s best you ask or tell the driver/conductor your destination first for guides.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Pearl Medical Aesthetics” in Cebu City. Parking spaces are available.
During the pandemic, it was made clear that the place to see and have a vacation on would be New Zealand.
New Zealand | Photo from Unsplash
We were fed by how beautiful it really is through the travel videos and tv series and movies during our quarantines. Hold on to your seats my fellow Filipinos as that New Zealand dream might just be happening this year.
In case you missed it, Filipinos can now travel to New Zealand. It recently reopened its doors to people from the Philippines on August 1 after being on strict travel restrictions for too long.
Now, as a tourist, we still need to apply for a visa to enter New Zealand (NZ). No worries though as we have here listed the necessary travel requirements to get you there swiftly.
1. Valid passport
Your Philippine passport must be valid. It should not expire for at least three months beyond the date you intend to depart New Zealand.
Photo from LJay Manayon
2. Apply for Visa
After you have the passport or if you already have a valid one on hand, you can start your visa application.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Acquire a Vaccination Certificate
NZ requires visitors who are over the age of 17 and not a New Zealand citizen, resident or Australian citizen who lives in New Zealand, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. So, to enter NZ, prepare your vaccine certificate or another form of electronic or paper document from a government health authority. For the Philippines, you can get it here on this link. https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/#/
Note: Children aged 16 years and under do not need to be vaccinated.
Photo from Davao City Government Website
4. Get a Travel Insurance
You may not see this as necessary or have never really done this for all your past trips but post-pandemic, it has now been a requirement and the New Zealand government isn’t different. It strongly encourages visitors to get travel insurance and even made it a condition for getting a visa.
Photo from Unsplash
5. Sign the Traveler’s Declaration
We are no strangers to declaration forms ever since covid hit us so this one will be so easy. The New Zealand Traveler Declaration, will also ask to upload proof of vaccination status so just ready yours and answer their needed info truthfully.
Photo from Unsplash
These requirements are true as of this writing but there may be changes in the New Zealand government so better to be aware and always check their websites.
With the uncertainty the pandemic and the global economy crisis is bringing to us, investing is a smart move to do these days if you can. One of the best things to invest in is land or real estate. If you are interested in buying land, whether it be as an investment or you just want a decent piece of land to live in, here are the steps you need to take to make sure that buying such property is smooth and a success.
Photo from Unsplash
Step 1
First and foremost, if the agent, or particularly called ‘real estate agent’ or the landowner comes to you and says they are selling land, the first thing you should ask for is the ‘Copy of the Title’.
Photo from Unsplash
This is what you will have to look for at the Register of Deeds. You should have a xerox copy of the title of the land, and you need to investigate if the property is ‘okay’. And by okay, the property should not be currently mortgaged, or is being claimed by others. It is important to make sure that the property that you are trying to buy has no existing problems. One common problem most buyers face is the land they bought has an identical title to the Register of Deeds’ copy. In short, the land is already entitled to someone else.
Before proceeding to the following steps, buyers should be vigilant and do their due research about the land that they are trying to buy.
Step 2
Hire a Geodetic Engineer to do a “relocation survey” on the boundaries. Their task is to determine if the actual ground is adequate or if there are no structures or fences in the other lot that exceed beyond your actual prospective purchased property.
Photo from Unsplash
Step 3
Once it is determined that there is no problem in terms of boundaries, you can then execute the next step which is called “deed of sale”. When you execute a “deed a sale” or “sales contract”, both of you, the seller and also the buyer, will sign and notarize it. It is very important that this is notarized by an attorney or any individual legally allowed to notarize.
Photo from Unsplash
Step 4
Within 1 month from notarization, pay the first payment which is technically called “documentary stamps”. Important to remember is that these documentary stamps should be paid after the month of signing the mentioned notary.
Photo from Unsplash
Step 5
After all that, the seller will also pay what is called the ‘capital gain tax’. Because the seller is the one who earned by selling the property, he/she should pay the BIR the said tax.
Once the capital gain tax is successfully paid, BIR will then issue the “Certificate of Authority to Register”. A certification that says in the Register of Deeds that all taxes have been paid and you can officially transfer the name of the title to the buyer.
Photo from Unsplash
Step 6
As long as you have seen the Certificate of Authority to Register physically, you can then bring it to the Register of Deeds. This is the last stage of buying land. The Register of Deeds will then say, the final payment, including the Transfer Fees. Once that’s paid, the Register of Deeds will take everything from there.
Photo from Rico Tuñacao
The Owner’s Copy of the title will be surrendered, and you will have to wait it will be turned over to you. It is advised to follow-up the Register of Deeds from time to time as this process might take some time.
From a crowded market to a park for free speech – this is what the Cebu City Government plans to idealize as they open the newly restored Freedom Park in downtown Cebu.
The historic park will be uncovered this October, with its proposed design having tree-lined pathways and a 15-meter-high obelisk, according to its private developer Cebu2World Development Inc. (C2W). The new Freedom Park will rise across the main campus of the University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJ-R) on Magallanes Street.
Photo from Cebu City Public Information Office
HISTORY IN THE REMAKING
For a long time, the Freedom Park and the Warwick Barracks in Ermita have been widely known to present-day Cebuanos as a market for dry goods, vegetables, and flowers. They used to make up two of the five markets in the Carbon Public Market.
But that would change under a supplemental agreement to the joint venture agreement, signed by Mayor Michael Rama and Megawide officials last July 31. According to the supplemental agreement, Freedom Park is recognized as a significant part of Cebuano culture and heritage. A critical component of the project was preserving it at its original site, right at the Carbon Market.
Moreover, Mayor Rama wants the park to be restored, considering that it is part of his vision of making the city Singapore-like: clean, green, and progressive.
The project is currently worked on by C2W, a subsidiary of Megaworld Construction Corp., where they bring back the former glory of the place into a park it used to be.
A GLIMPSE INTO ITS PAST
Back in the day, though, the park originally used to be where political rallies and public debates, especially on religious issues, were held. It stood as a spirited setting for gatherings and exchanging ideas among individuals.
One of the most noteworthy political rallies in the park was that of Jose P. Laurel, when several unidentified goons arrived as he was making his speech. The incident happened while he ran against Elpidio Quirino, the opposition party’s presidential candidate.
The Freedom Park also used to be where Cebuanos also bravely gathered to voice their sentiments against the biased and unfair policies of the then-governing Americans in the metropolitan.
