The Philippines new P1,000 polymer bill was definitely the talk of the town as aside for its novelty, a viral video of someone paying a folded new P1,000 bill was denied. The bill was not accepted and that is where the netizens made an uproar.
The new polymer bill is quite sensitive and has additional care in handling it compared to the old ones.
Photo from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Folded polymer banknotes though must still be accepted by retailers and banks, as confirmed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of BSP on handling the new P1,000 banknotes.
Do’s
Photo from Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo
Do keep them Flat
Invest in bigger wallets that would fit them to avoid it being crumpled. If it does get crumpled, flatten them with your hands or any heavy object like books or place it within its pages.
Do keep them Clean and Dry
This is an old reminder but is still worth repeating. Keep your hands tidy when handling them. You may wipe the polymer bills with a damp cloth or alcohol-based sanitizers but immediately dry them as well.
Don’ts
Photo from Philippine News Agency
Don’t hoard them
You have to actually use them. Don’t make them like a keepsake or worse sell them at a higher value.
Don’t write on them
Defacing and marking these bills are a big no. You might as well have kissed your P1,000 goodbye as no one would accept them anymore.
Don’t overfold/over crumple them
Though they are accepted, it is still advised not to overly do it. Polymer bills are quite sensitive so don’t excessively fold and crumple them.
Don’t cut or poke holes in them
Self-explanatory but apparently as history suggests, people do this pretty commonly. The amount might give you hesitation though as tears and cuts and holes will make it unacceptable.
Don’t staple or bundle with rubber
These old habits must not be applied to the new bills as rubbers can cause it to crumple or crease. And of course, staples will definitely punch holes in it.
Photo from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Take care of your finances by taking care of your bills.
This Student from UP just gave this sentence justice as his gravity experiment will soon be tested on the International Space Station.
Photo from William Kevin Abran
The impressive young mind is William Kevin Abran of UP Los Banos and his experiment all started with a simple yet intriguing question.
“How do barbel-shaped objects rotate in space?”
This curiosity is apparently intriguing enough as it has convinced scientists at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). They chose his experiment proposal to be one of the 24 finalists in the competition he joined in, the Asian Try Zero-G 2022 or ATZG. That is 24 picks from a total of 201 submissions sent by 480 students around the world.
Photo from Philippine Space AgencyPhoto from Philippine Space Agency
Abran’s proposal is a great feat indeed as it will be a comparative verification, the first of its kind, of the behavior of dumbells in space as opposed to pliers. Insights on Dzhanibekov effect and the exemption of dumbell-shaped objects from this phenomenon will be observed.
And though it is his experiment, it will be performed by a Japanese astronaut, Koichi Wakata. He will perform the experiments starting in the last quarter of 2022.
According to the Philippine Space Agency who received all Filipino student’s proposals, criteria for evaluation were:
With our affinity for beauty pageants, fashion is certainly an important thing for us Filipinos. With many hopefuls trying to pursue a career in a very high-stakes industry, one Filipino managed to wow the global fashion scene in the name of Michael Cinco.
Photo from Michael Cinco
Hailing from the island of Samar, Philippines, Michael Cinco always wanted to be around the glitz and glamour the fashion scene famously exudes. His provincial upbringing is a huge factor that led him to fantasize dressing up for Hollywood starlets such as Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, Joan Crawford and the legendary Audrey Hepburn.
“I pictured those fabulous heroines and imagined dressing them up in my creations. I chased after those visions.”,
CINCO MENTIONS IN AN INTERVIEW.
Now known internationally as one of the top fashion figures, Cinco actually had humble beginnings. His father worked as a radio technician while his mother stayed home to take care of the children, with Michael being the fifth among eight siblings. Michael described his childhood life in Catbalogan, Samar as simple but well enough to survive.
Photo from Michael Cinco
With his passion for fashion, Michael didn’t actually have it easy in pursuing such passion. One of his challenges of having a traditional Filipino father, who had a hard time accepting Michael as gay.
“My mother was very supportive, but my father was not. He was like the typical Filipino father then who could not accept the thought of having a gay son. For my father, fashion is a world that is exclusively for ladies.”
MENTIONED IN AN INTERVIEW WITH TATLER.
Nonetheless, Michael pursued his career and enrolled at the Slims Fashion and Art School in Makati, where prior he studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman for two years. He also took supplementary courses at the Central Saint Martins in London.
Eventually, Michael went to the Middle East in Saudi Arabia to kickstart his career as a fashion designer. It was here when he noticed that his dreams of becoming a fashion designer as a kid is slowly coming true, where he also trained under the famous designer Renee Salud, also a Filipino. The experience of working in the Middle East caused him to experience a “culture shock”, as the region had many restrictions.
Photo from Michael Cinco
For the second time around, Michael went back to Dubai and worked with Ganati, a famous fashion empire in the Middle East. Michael took this as a challenge as he became the head designer at the time when Ganati was slowly losing its relevance to the Middle East market. This led him to work harder and eventually “reinvent the house”.
Seeking further fashion inspiration, Michael then went to Paris and London back in 2002 and the following year, he opened his very own fashion house, the MICHAEL CINCO in Dubai. Since then, Michael became a fashion household name where he finally achieved his dream of dressing up famous celebrities and personalities all over the world. yonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Aishwarya Rai, Nick Jonas, James McAvoy, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, Carrie Underwood, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears are just some of the international icons that became Michael’s client.
Photo from Arab Fashion Week
Being a Filipino himself, he also became a dependable designer for the country’s representatives when it comes to international beauty pageants such as in 2015, where he designed Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s gowns during the contest.
Yes. That is the greatest travel hack of all time and don’t we know it all. But knowing isn’t just enough, there are still certain steps to have that budget-friendly flight.
Here are the steps to take to make flying more affordable for you.
1. Book early
This is the first rule in the travel book really. Make it that you book your flights between four months and three weeks before your departure date. Plane tickets get more expensive the closer to the departure date you are.
Photo from Unsplash
2. Cheapest Travel dates
Do not book on holidays, that will ensure you of pricey seats. Use flexible date search instead to find the cheapest travel dates for your trip. It might be hard if you have a specific date for your meetings or events but if it’s just for leisure, go for the cheaper ones.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Follow and be patient (Abangers)
Join groups, follow the airlines social media accounts and travel pages to be notified of the latest seat sale updates. There will be seat sales, that’s a guarantee so just be patient and grab the seat sales fast when it comes.
Photo from Unsplash
Here is a complete list of destinations for Cebu Pacific Airlines that has a seat sale. The base fare goes from as low as P199 to P899.
Complete List of Destinations with Seat Sale (B-Z)
Bacolod
Bohol
Boracay (Caticlan)
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Calbayog
Camiguin
Cauayan
Cebu
Clark
Coron (Busuanga)
Cotabato
Davao
Dipolog
Dumaguete
General Santos
Iloilo
Kalibo
Legazpi
Manila
Masbate
Naga
Ozamiz
Pagadian
Puerto Princesa
Roxas
San Jose (Mindoro)
Siargao
Surigao
Tablas
Tacloban
Tawi-Tawi
Tuguegarao
Zamboanga
This seat sale runs until July 31, 2022, or until seats last with travel date is until December 31, 2022.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport | Photo from Unsplash
So, what are you waiting for? Book your travel flight now!
Online vacation food directory TasteAtlas recently published a list of the 50 finest cakes in the world, and one of them is our very own bibingka.
Photo from Veber Orlanes
The Spanish Basque Cheesecake, which took the 22nd spot on the list, and the traditional American molten chocolate cake, which came in at 35th place, were both outranked by the Philippines’ coconut rice cake, which came in at number 13.
Ranking first place is the Bulgarian torta garash, a chocolate cake prepared with walnuts, egg whites, and icing sugar.
Photo from Veber OrlanesPhoto from Veber Orlanes
If you haven’t had the pleasure of eating a fluffy bibingka yourself, it’s a breakfast or afternoon snack staple in the Philippines that is most frequently enjoyed during Christmas. It’s frequently served with coffee or ginger tea. It is cooked in a clay oven coated with banana leaves and prepared with sticky rice and coconut milk. Just before the batter goes into the oven, salted egg and cheese are sprinkled on top. The dish is then baked and topped with grated coconut and butter or margarine.
Bibingka is also widely famous and sold along the roads of Catmon and Carmen in northern Cebu and Alegria and Dalaguete in southern Cebu.
Photo from Lmar SolamoPhoto from Lmar Solamo
Taste Atlas ranked restaurants based on the average audience ratings.
The Philippines has been included multiple times in the ranks of the online food guide: lumpia shanghai and tortang talong were listed among the greatest dishes in Southeast Asia, while Filipino cuisine was ranked 19th in its list of the 50 best cuisines in the world.
With COVID-19 still being a threat, and the rising prices of fuel and basic commodities, should your health be compromised? The answer is NO!
The threat of COVID-19 is far from over– with some cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao still continuously registering new cases, we now live in the so-called new normal, which is a delicate balance between health and economy. And with the rising cost of commodities, it has also led some to adjust their practices when it comes to health protection or choice of vitamins. However, as we go out more often for work or go to public places like malls or even report back to on-site work, we are increasing our risk of getting infected.
Once we get hospitalized when infected with COVID-19, this can potentially drain our savings. Absence at work can also lead to lost daily income which is a big amount to lose, compared to boosting our immunity by taking immunity vitamins for only Php 7.00, and observing proper health practices like frequent hand washing and wearing of mask. Despite the tightening of our budget, our health should still be a priority as we bounce back from the impact brought about by the pandemic.
So how do we avoid compromising our health while saving on expenses at the same time?
Introducing Ascorbic Acid (as Sodium Ascorbate) + Zinc (IMMUNTAB). It is made by Unilab, one of the most trusted pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines. Immuntab is a 2 in 1 combination of vitamin C and zinc, which provides superior protection compared to vitamin C alone. This is our defense as we go out of our house and get exposed to different people. Immuntab helps boost the immune system, and is priced reasonably at Php7.00 (seven pesos) per capsule. Protection for our immunity need not be costly.
Immuntab’s vitamin C is non-acidic sodium ascorbate, which is beneficial for people with sensitive stomachs and hyperacidity. The use of Ascorbic Acid + Zinc on the generic name is in compliance with the Department of Health’s Administrative Order 2016-0008.
Immuntab is available in all drugstores in Visayas and Mindanao, and in Unilab’s flagship store in Lazada and Shopee.
Don’t compromise your immunity; try the Vitamin C+ Zinc from Unilab, Immuntab!
Raphael Vergel de Dios Domingo or known for his nickname as “Rafa” has become the first Filipino scholar of the World Deaf Leadership (WDL) program to earn a doctorate degree. Hailing from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CLB).
Photo from Benilde SDEAS
Being the head of the Deaf Heritage and Filipino Sign Language Studies Unit of Benilde’s Center for Education and Advancement of the Deaf (CEAD), Domingo managed to graduate with a Ph.D. in Linguistics in one of the world’s most prominent universities exclusively dedicated to deaf students, Gallaudet University.
Domingo was lucky enough to be selected by the university’s Office of International Affairs, having been recognized as a recipient of a scholarship program funded by the Nippon Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. Domingo is also the first Ph.D. graduate to be awarded of such scholarship.
Back in 2017, it was on Domingo’s third try that he was able to finally be awarded of the Gallaudet-Nippon World Deaf Leadership (WDL) scholarship. He was also the second Filipino to be accepted in the program which aims to empower deaf and hard of hearing leaders from developing nations.
“I applied for the Gallaudet-Nippon World Deaf Leadership Scholarship program twice but failed both times,”
RAFA DOMINGO TOLD DURING AN INTERVIEW.
Photo from Dls-Csb School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies
Domingo was able to enjoy the full scholarship benefits which included full tuition fee coverage and some financial aid to cover other expenses necessary to pursue his postgraduate studies. Filipino Sign Language (FSL) documentation, deaf education, human rights and others are just some of the topics focused by Domingo for his postgraduate studies.
Now a full-graduate, Domingo recalls his journey as a doctoral student at Gallaudet University where he now intends to pursue further research on Filipino Sign Language upon returning back to the country.
“I reapplied for the scholarship program one final time, thinking to myself that it was my last chance. Regardless, Gallaudet University accepted me. My Ph.D. journey was arduous because the linguistic jargons and academic American Sign Language were too much for me. I felt helpless and unsure how to seek support, but some of my classmates volunteered to help and urged me to join their study group,”
DOMINGO ADDED.
Photo from Benilde SDEAS
Domingo graduated in 1996 with a Certificate in Bookkeeping and pursued his studies even more by finishing Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies in 2010. He finished the certificate and degree also in DLS-CLB.
Domingo also graduated with a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in comparative and international disability policy from American University. He co-founded the Philippine Federation of the Deaf and held several positions in deaf non-government organizations and government agencies.
July is the month that you will finally have your first date with your crush. Claim it, believe it and start making plans for it because it will be happening.
Now, the search for the perfect first date may be mind boggling but worry not as all the top first date activities are just within SM Seaside.
Here are the top 3 things to do on a first date to make it a successful one.
1. Good old Movie Date
Probably will always be the first one in the date book, a movie date will never fail you. The intimacy while not so obvious is a good way to get you closer. May it be romance, comedy or an action movie, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Another great choice though is the recent Marvel Studios’ 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿. Seeing that on the big screen in SM Seaside Cinema and Director’s Club will make for an epic opportunity to laugh with your dates on the jokes and be in awe of the effects. A great conversation starter so get your tickets now.
Now, if you want some up close and personal and a very productive activity then ice skating is your go to date. And the only ice-skating rink in the Visayas & Mindanao can be found in SM Seaside. Grab the opportunity as they have newly reopened to public.
Ice skating with a date is fun, cute and romantic at the same time. You can hold hands, skate at the same pace or just drag the other one and fall together and pick each other up from time to time. With this, you can have lots of things to talk about to avoid any awkward moments.
Other Information
One can avail of a 2-hour pass for only P300, or a Day Pass Admission for P450.
To those skating for the first time, you may rent out a Polar Bear that you can push around, with rental fee of P100 per hour. An ice-skating assist coach is also available for P150 for 30 minutes.
Those who need to leave their belongings may avail of a locker for only P50.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=403805311771967
3. Coffee Date but make it extra
Coffee dates are the most popular these days. It can be a great first date and start for getting to know each other and the vibe check but it is also the best end to a whole day date you’ve planned.
You can just relax and talk comfortably about anything and everything with that person. And if you are both coffee lovers then you can get caffeinated to your hearts content with #CoffeeFestAtSM this July 15 to 31 as they offer you with a wide array of coffee selections to satisfy your coffee fix. They also have other activities you can enjoy at Second Level, Seaview Wing Bridgeway and explore with your date while sipping your favorite beverage.
Who says that a date can’t be a competition or to make it more fun, a group date?
Engaging in an all fun game of bowling can get your competitive spirits high up and have some memorable moments for that date for sure. Plus, you get to know each other in a different situation or a different light so to say.
You can also invite your friends to join you as they can to make it more lively and get rid of any awkwardness for good. We all know our friends won’t behave so brace yourself as it will be a loud, fun and super competitive date.
BOWLING | 3L, CITY WING | SM SEASIDE
5. Ride a bike kind of date
Now, if you want to impress your date on a not so cliche date idea then you are welcome. These bikes and electric scooters for rent from Bike-My-Way will definitely up your date game as you get to bike around the mall and have just the safest joy ride.
It is also a great way to save time and energy all while having fun.
BIKE-MY-WAY | 3L, THE SKY PARK | SM SEASIDE
From watching a movie to ice skating, coffee, bowling and biking, these five will definitely make for that successful first date. Now what are you waiting for? Ask the person that you like now and bring them to SM Seaside. Don’t worry if you really don’t have a date, you can go on a self-date, a friends date and a family date with all these three also!
HOW TO GET TO SM SEASIDE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20 am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall, and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.
BY GrabCar: Get P50 OFF on your GrabCar protect ride to and from SM Seaside by using the promo code: SMSEASIDE50
“I will start it by influencing other people to spread love, peace, and unity to have world equality because after all, we all live under one sky and we breathe the same air and we all live from differences where love is universal.”
– FUSCHIA ANNE RAVENA, MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2022
Photo from Fuschia Anne Ravena
Miss International Queen 2022 was held in Pattaya, Thailand and beauty really flows in the veins of cebuanas as Fuschia Anne Ravena, 27, of Bogo, Cebu won the crown.
She bested all the ladies even without receiving any special award and even slipping during the evening gown segment. Miss Ravena took the title followed by Colombia and France as first and second runners-up, respectively.
She said that she wants to win the battle not just for her but for the whole Philippines and the LGBT community.
Photo from Fuschia Anne Ravena
Miss International Queen PH win history
Kevin Balot in 2012
Trixie Maristela in 2015
Fuschia Anne Ravena in 2022
Ravena was born in Bogo City, Cebu and currently resides in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City. She stands at five-foot-nine and the youngest of seven siblings. She has four brothers whom she shared were strict but at the same time supportive of how she identifies herself.
She counts herself lucky to have a very accepting family as even her mother brought her to the salon to fix her hair and nails.
She was raised in a farm in Bogo, Cebu which nurtured her love for animals that led to her strong animal protection advocacy. Her “Save A Stray Sundays” program is an activity where she and her friends goes around the metropolis feeding leftovers from fast food chains to the strays.
Photo from Fuschia Anne RavenaPhoto from Fuschia Anne Ravena
Ravena Pageant History Timeline
Began joining barangay pageants at 13 years old
Candidate for Queen of Cebu in 2013 (unplaced)
Participated in Eat Bulaga’s Super Sireyna
Candidate for Miss Gay Mandaue
Won Miss International Philippines 2022
Ravena have undergone a series of personality development trainings before winning Miss Internation Philippines 2022. Like a phoenix she reemerged with a stunning look, and a more confident communication and pasarela skills.
Photo from Fuschia Anne Ravena
One of Ravena’s impactful concerns though was how the transgender community is the most vulnerable in the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. She said that they have special needs because of the different medical, physiological, even mental conditions and procedures they have undergone.
Even though 5G connection has been available for more than a year, not everyone still has access to the faster internet yet. In fact, Filipino consumers are still struggling to find for a reliable and ‘truly fast’ data connection across the country.
Photo form Unsplash
On the other hand, the South Korean government is already working on development and anticipates the arrival of 6G internet by 2026.
The incoming South Korean administration, according to the Presidential Transition Committee, intends to develop a 6G communications prototype in 2026, with the technology’s predicted commercialization taking place between 2028 and 2030.
“The new government is planning to add 6G communications, secondary battery, display, defense and aerospace, advanced nuclear power plant and digital content.”
– PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION COMMITTEE IN SOUTH KOREA
Photo form Unsplash
6G communications is characterized by zero latency, that is, connectivity without any waiting. According to the South Korean agency, the global commercialization is projected in the late 2020s or 2030, and the new administration is attempting to get there quicker.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that Elon Musk’s Starlink may increase internet speeds once it enters the Philippine market.
Photo form Unsplash
With download speeds ranging from 100Mbps and 200Mbps, the service provides high speed, low latency satellite internet connection. Video chats, online gaming, streaming, and other high bandwidth activities that have previously been impossible with satellite internet will now be available with Starlink thanks to improved satellites in a low orbit.
