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Get to Know Erich Gonzales’ Husband, Mateo Lorenzo

Some celebrities choose partners who aren’t in the show business industry to keep their love life out of the limelight. We often don’t hear about these people compared to relationships wherein both are celebrities. The same could be said about Erich Gonzales’ husband, who majority of people only know as the “persistent and consistent” suitor of the actress.

Photo from DramaWiki

On March 23, 2022, the couple got married in Alabang, Muntinlupa, which then sparked people’s curiosity about the lovely groom. Here are 5 things to know about Mateo Lorenzo.

1. Mateo’s Parents

Mateo is the son of Maria Leah De Leon and Martin Ignacio Lorenzo who are business tycoons who own over 18 companies. Martin is currently the chairman and CEO of First Lucky Agro-Industrial Corp., Macondray Philippines Co. Inc., First Lucky Holdings Corp., just to mention a few. Previously, he operated Del Monte Philippines and Pancake House.

Photo from PEP.ph

2. Net Worth

According to the Sports Grail, Mateo Lorenzo has a staggering net worth of $5 Million in 2022. Mateo’s success in the world of business is showcased by his financial prowess, amounting to ₱281.9 million.

Photo from Erich Gonzales and Mateo Lorenzo Facebook Page

3. From a Family of 12 Kids

With the Lorenzo family’s wealth, it’s no surprise how many children there are in their household. The family size is very intriguing in Mateo’s background, as all 12 of them are heirs to the Del Monte empire.

4. Hands-On Parenting Despite Wealth

Both of his parents are known to be hands-on parents despite their busy lives in business. The family did not employ stay-in helpers as Maria and Martin took care of all of their children, prepared their meals, and organized their tasks growing up. 

Photo from First Lucky Holdings Corp

5. A Blend of Intelligence and Coolness

Aside from Mateo’s wealth and legacy, he also made a name for himself as he earned his degree in Management Engineering in Ateneo de Manila University. He further pursued his studies taking his Master of Business Administration in an Ivy League institution, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Aside from his achievements in academia, his interests include show jumping, cars, golf, and traveling.

Photo from University of Pennsylvania

Simplified Korean Visa Application: A Breakdown for Eligible Applicants

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The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has recently announced simplified visa application procedures for specific individuals in the Philippines, which can be extended to their immediate family members. This initiative takes effect from February 1 until December 31, 2024.

Photo from Philippine News Agency

The initiative makes the application process a lot more convenient for eligible applicants with some document submissions now being optional. However, important requirements are still mandatory such as the general application form, passport bio-page copy, and proof of relationship for those who are traveling alongside immediate family members.

1. Professional License Holders

Another privilege emerges for professionals like lawyers, CPAs, pharmacists, veterinarians, and physicians who hold a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID. These individuals won’t have to undergo the long process of providing bank certificates and statements as they only have to submit their original certificate of employment as well as a copy of their PRC license or IBP ID.

Photo from Tripzilla

2. BDO Gold or BDO Elite Credit Card Holders

Except supplementary card holders, BDO Gold and BDO Elite credit card holders can now enjoy a streamlined visa application. All they have to do is present their certificate of employment, the last three months’ billing statements, and a credit card copy, and they’ll be good to go!

Photo from BDO.COM

3. Elected Politicians

Members of congress, senators, mayors, governors, and board members can now enjoy a much easier process in obtaining their visa. The requirements are their original certificate of employment or certificate of appointment, a disclosure of their organizational details, working period, position, and salary.

Photo from ConstitutionNet

4. Certain Government Officials

This privilege is also offered to those in positions higher than Assistant Secretary in the Executive Branch or Brigadier General in the AFP or PNP. With similar requirements to elected politicians such as the original certificate of employment, disclosure of organizational details, working period, position, and salary, the hassle-free application process is completely theirs.

Photo from Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

To find out more details regarding the visa application, you may refer to the official announcement given by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines here: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/ph-en/brd/m_3275/list.do

UP Offers The Public 24 Free Courses This 2024

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Who said glow-up is for the face and body only? Glow up your resume by taking your education to the next level! 

The University of the Philippines Open University, the national university pioneer in online teaching and learning, offers 24 free Courses that can be taken by the public.

Photo from UP Open University

Below is the list of courses offered by the University from January to December: 

JANUARY 

  1. Basics of Resilience 
  2. Introductory Course on Contact Center Services 

FEBRUARY 

  1. Gender Sensitivity Training

MARCH

  1. Micro-credential on Digital Office Efficiency Training 
  2. Introduction to Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL)
  3. Understanding the Child Better 
  4. Business Analytics Concepts and Frameworks 

APRIL

  1. Strategic Planning in ODeL
  2. Principles of Graphic Design

MAY

  1. Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning 
  2. Quality Assurance in ODeL
  3. Legal Instruments for the Protection of Children

JUNE

  1. Learner Support in ODeL
  2. Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs
  3. Institutional Mechanism Towards Child Rights Protection and Promotion

JULY

  1. Technology in ODeL
  2. Introduction to ODeL
  3. Blended Teaching and Learning Using OERs
  4. Social Entrepreneurship 
  5.  Scriptwriting for Educational Video Materials 

AUGUST

-course offering break-

SEPTEMBER

  1. Strategic Planning in ODeL
  2. Introduction to Technology for Teaching and Learning 
  3. Planning Programs on Child Rights Protection Promotions 
  4. Creating Educational Materials Using PowToon

OCTOBER

  1. Quality Assurance in ODeL
  2. Teaching and Learning with Modern ICTs 
  3. Developing and Producing an Interactive Educational Video Material

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

  1. Learner Support in ODeL
  2. Technology in ODeL
  3. Blended Teaching and Learning Using OERs
  4. Implementing and Evaluating Programs for Child Rights 
  5. Video Editing Using an Open Source Video Editing Software

These courses offered by the university are ensured to be free, self-paced, and open to the public. The classes will be administered on the learning platform of the UP Open University, MODeL (2024 Massive Open Distance eLearning), which can be accessed here.

In a Facebook post on January 5, 2024, UP Open University announced the 24 free courses that the public can enroll in. 

“As a public service university that believes in 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, UP Open University (UPOU) is once again offering 𝟮𝟰 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 massive open online courses to kickstart 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰!”

Photo from UPOU Massive Open Distance e-Learning Official Facebook Page

In the same post, instructions were given by UP Open University for those interested in enrolling.
“For those with MODeL accounts, you may now self-enroll in the MOOCs featured on our website homepage.

If you don’t have a MODeL account yet, follow these steps:

1. Fill out the registration form: https://url.upou.edu.ph/upoumodel-signup

Note: Login credentials are sent every THURSDAY until 4 PM on Wednesdays. Requests after the cut-off will be processed the following week.

2. Sign in to your new MODeL account upon receiving the email.

3. Change your password to a strong, unique one.”

To know more, you may visit UP Open University (UPOU) Facebook Page. 

What are you waiting for? Enroll now!

FACT CHECK: King Cobras Not Dropped From Helicopter

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The increasing encounters with King Cobras or Banakon in various locations in Cebu instilled fear in Cebuanos. This fear was further heightened because on January 30, 2024, Tuesday, a 64-year-old farmer Maximo Millan from Dalaguete died allegedly from a snake bite.

Photo from Nature Safari India

Because of these recent cobra encounters and deaths caused by cobra bites, a rumor was spread around social media that these King Cobras had been dropped from a flying helicopter. 

The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) advised the public to take unverified information circulating on social media with a grain of salt and stop sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation. 

The CPPO Information Officer, Police Major Windel Abellana, suggests to the public to immediately report it to the barangay officials and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management once they have an encounter with a Cobras. 

Photo from BNN Breaking

“We would like to advice our Cebuanos in the province of Cebu, particularly those in the areas that are likely to have the presence of this deadly reptile, to be alert and be careful. Do not panic wherever you see snakes in your locality, instead, contact the barangay officials, the MDRRMO, and the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) so they could address your concern immediately,” Abellana said.

Abellana also addressed Millan’s death caused by the alleged cobra bites.

“So that it would be scientific ang ating approach on the matter kay lisod man maghimo ta og kaugalingon’g assessment without basis, so from there once the autopsy result will be released that would be the basis kung tinuod ba nga snake bite ba to siya or naay laing health issues nga involve atong insidente,” Abellana stated.’

Abellana also stated that they are in coordination with the family of the victim for the autopsy to determine the real cause of his death. 

The victim had two bite marks on his left leg, assumed to be a snake bite.

Photo from Fact Animal

He also had a wound on his right arm, believed caused by an ant bite.
Despite the heightening fear of King Cobras, this should not stop us from being vigilant with the information we consume on social media by ensuring that it is from verified and legitimate sources. It should also not encouraged to share these unverified information to prevent the massive misinformation circulation.

Pau Hana Camotes Stay: A Cozy Accommodation You Can Call Home in Camotes

At some point in our lives, we need a beach break to relax our minds and rest from all our responsibilities. 

If you have been eyeing Camotes Island, whether it’s your first time or you just miss its beauty, planning out beach breaks and beach relaxations does not need to be as stressful as we think it is. 

Checking and Rechecking if customer service is good, if not better?

Ensuring the place is clean? 

Make sure that the accommodation is near to the tourist spots. 

Pau Hana Camotes Homestay saves your day! 

Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page

Pau Hana Camotes Homestay assures that you are comfortable and enjoying your well-deserved beach break without making you feel that you are far away from your home and without making you spend much for accommodation! Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, Pau Hana gotcha! Below are their regular rates for their rooms:

ACCOMMODATION RATES

  • 1 pax – P900
  • 2 pax = P1,200
  • 3 pax = P1,500
  • 4 pax = P1,800
  • 5 pax = P2,100
  • 6 pax = P2,400

But if your group exceeds 6 persons, you can book the entire Homestay for as low as P8,500, which is good for 22 persons!

Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page

You will not only enjoy the comfort of your room during the entire stay at Pau Hana Camotes Homestay but you will also enjoy making use of the following facilities:

ROOM INCLUSIONS:

  • Airconditioned rooms
  • FREE use of kitchen, utensils, and appliances
  • FREE use of board and card games 
  • FREE toiletries and use of towels
  • FREE parking  
  • FREE drinking water
  • Private T&B with sink per room 
  • Private balcony per room
  • Outdoor table and chairs per room
  • Outdoor gazebo dining area
  • Piso Wifi
  • Gated premises with parking
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page

If you’re stressed out about Pau Hana’s distance from the tourist attractions and the port in Camotes. Worry no more because, from Consuelo Port, this homestay is only 400 meters away! Below is the list of tourist attractions and their distance from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay. 

DISTANCE FROM PAU HANA CAMOTES HOMESTAY TO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  • Amazing Island Cave & Beach Resort = 4 mins
  • Paraiso Cave = 5 mins
  • Mangodlong Paradise = 8 mins
  • Heaven Cave = 10 mins 
  • Lake Danao Park = 15 mins
  • Santiago Bay Resort = 15 mins
  • San Francisco Town Proper = 20 mins
  • Bakhaw Beach = 20 mins
  • Tulang Diot Island = 20 mins
  • Timubo Cave = 20 mins
  • Buho Rock Resort = 25 mins
  • Bukilat Cave = 50 mins
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page
Photo from Pau Hana Camotes Homestay Official Facebook Page

Want to know more information about Pau Hana Camotes Homestay?

Contact them on their Facebook Page, here.

They are also on Airbnb, and Instagram

HOW TO GET THERE 

Exact location: Consuelo, San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu

BY BUS: There are three options you can choose from going to Danao for Danao Port: 

  1. Commute from SM City to Danao for P50.
  2. Consolacion to Danao Port worth P25. 
  3. Mandaue Hiway across Jollibee  P35

Once you’re in Danao City Port, you can catch a ferry going to Consuelo Port in Camotes Island. From there, you can ride a motorbike (habal-habal) to Pau Hana Camotes Homestay.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to Pau Hana Camotes Homestay.

Teenager Veronica Balayo Meets Her Past Self in the National Museum of Fine Arts

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We sometimes write letters to ourselves to be read in the future, “To my future self…” but what if you meet your past self? What would you do?

When Veronica Balayo met herself in a Painting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, all she could do was post it on TikTok. In her multiple-photo post, a vintage Painting of Belen Ocampo can be seen on the first slide, and on the third and second slides are photos of Veronica Balayo standing beside the vintage painting of Belen Ocampo and their resemblance is uncanny. Balayo captioned the post, “Am I her reincarnation? 😱”

TikTok post from Veronica Balayo
TikTok post from Veronica Balayo
TikTok post from Veronica Balayo

The post went viral and received mixed reactions from TikTok users because of the undeniable facial resemblance of the two. As of January 31, the TikTok post garnered 12.6 Million views and 1.4 Million likes. 

The vintage painting of Belen Ocampo was part of the 43 other foto-óleos “Larawan at Litrato: Foto-óleo and Picture Portraits in the Philippines (1891-1953).” Turned out, Belen Ocampo is the mother of the historian Ambeth Ocampo which has reached him. On his Facebook Page he posted a screenshot of the TikTok post that also gained traction with 244K reactions and 4.4K comments as of January 31, 2024.

Photo from ABS-CBN News

Trending on Tiktok video this morning was the post of Veronica Balayo, a recent visitor to the National Museum who resembles  a photo-oleo of my mother from the 1950’s! The video has earned over 400,000 likes!” 

Post from Ambeth R. Ocampo on Facebook

In an interview with Esquire Philippines, it was found that Balayo was originally from Davao City and was in Manila on a work trip with colleagues. To make the most out of their Manila trip, they visited the National Museum of Fine Arts and checked out the exhibit. When she saw the vintage painting, she couldn’t contain her surprise and confirmed from her colleagues the unmistakable semblance. 

“The similarity was unmistakable,” Balayo said in her interview with Esquire Philippines.

Afterward, she took a picture alongside the portrait, only to discover that Belen Ocampo, the mother of a Filipino historian was also the model for the Philippine Travel Bureau (now Department of Tourism).

After reading Balayo’s story, do you think reincarnation is real?

Where to Get Antivenom in Cebu

Cobra or Banakon sightings have increased in Cebu since December 2023. This has caused alarm for locals because of the danger it poses to their safety. 

Photo from CNN

Dr. Beethoven Bongon, a toxicologist at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) reassured that there is an antivenom for cobra bites as long as the victim bitten was allowed to receive the shot.

He also added that the antivenom available at the VSMMC Poison Control Center is polyvalent. This means that the antivenom is effective for three types of cobra species: the King Cobra, the Philippine Cobra, and the Samar Cobra.

This is different from the monovalent antivenom, Purified Cobra Antivenin (Pcav) only effective against Philippine Cobra. And this can only be obtained from the health research facility Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

Photo from A-Z Animals

In an interview with Sunstar 7, Ruff Vincent Valdevieso, coordinator of the national immunization program at the Department of Health (DOH) 7 that Pcav is limited and not commercially available. The said antivenom is not available in the Region because it is not part of the priority list.

Bongon also emphasized that not all victims need antivenom because not all snake bites are venomous. In the snake bite incidents in Region 7—especially in Cebu, snake bite cases involve 90% non-venomous snakes. This means that the usage of the polyvalent antivenom rarely occurred. 

Bongon advised that when an individual is bitten by a snake, the victim should be brought to the nearest local health center. Once the kind of snake has been determined—especially if it is venomous- health experts will coordinate with the Poison Control Center to assess the situation and determine whether antivenom is truly necessary.

CNN Philippines “Serious Financial Losses,” Reason for Shut Down

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The Philippine media landscape, workers, and viewers alike mourned the closure of CNN Philippines. 

Photo from CNN Philippines

Whispers and Rumors of CNN Philippines’ closure were finally confirmed in a general assembly on the morning of January 29, 2024. CNN Philippines will stop its operations on January 31 on all platforms. 

This announcement was also publicized on its channel through a broadcast advisory and an official announcement.

The company said, “It is with deep regret that the management of Nine Media Corporation (NMC) announces the discontinuation of its news and production operations on all media platforms, branded as CNN Philippines (CNNPH), effective 31 January 2024. The decision follows significant financial losses sustained over the past years, despite rigorous efforts to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving and challenging media landscape.”

Photo from @cnnphilippines on X

The closure of the predominantly English-language TV Channel affects not only the Philippine media landscape but also the 300 employees, contractors, and suppliers. However, the company assured that “severance packages” are given.

In a TV Broadcast, CNN Philippines thanked their staff and employees, “To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication. To our partners, including CNN Worldwide/Turner Broadcasting Corporation, we are grateful for your support. And to our viewers, our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the past nine years.”

Photo from CNN Philippines on Youtube

This media closure now leaves us with a question: can News and Journalism survive in the business arena?

Work on Vacation in New Zealand: Your Guide to the Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand has caught the attention of many since its success in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the country far earlier than any other. Aside from that, it is also a country that is simply rich in culture and sceneries, and there is a lot to witness in this mountainous island.

Photo from Britannica

Following Australia whose Work and Holiday Visa has been signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary, Enrique Manalo, and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Ku last year, New Zealand now opens its borders with the same visa. The 2024 New Zealand Working Holiday Visa offers Filipinos the chance to work and study for up to a year, with the application kicking off this March 12 at 10 AM, New Zealand Daylight Time.

Photo from Philippine News Agency

Filipinos in ages 18 to 30 are eligible for this program, and only 100 visas are issued each cycle. One has to secure their spot in this quota, and to do so, they must be thorough with the application process. This starts with submitting an online form to the New Zealand Immigration website, followed by the submission of other required documents and an application fee of NZD 455 (approximately ₱15,673).

The chance to make it to the applications is narrow as they immediately close once the 100 slots are issued. After which, results will immediately be released within two months.

Photo from Rappler

Requirements for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa:

  • Passport
  • Proof of Funds (amounting to NZD 4,200)
  • Proof of Onward Travel
  • Health and Travel Insurance
  • Education
  • Ability to speak English
  • Proof of Good Health
  • Proof of Good Character

Despite the narrow chance, going to a different country to pursue work and/or education while embarking on a journey that is far from what you call home is still worth the shot. If you’ve been dreaming of this opportunity, you best gather your requirements quickly and submit your application. Best of luck!

Photo from CNBC

PAGASA Chief Shares Insights as Amihan Surges in Cebu

Chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan Cebu, Engr. Alfredo Quiblat announces the persistence of cool mornings and evenings in Cebu as the northeast monsoon (locally known as “amihan”) intensifies.

Photo from Philippine Star

He mentioned that the cool and dry air coming from Siberia and mainland China affects amihan, leading to the drop in temperature that Cebuanos are currently experiencing. The direction of the wind coming from the aforementioned areas will result to a chilly weather until the end of January, and possibly the welcoming days of February as well. With the winter currently in full swing, the occurrence in our area stands without question.

Photo from Scotty’s Action Sports Network

The chief meteorologist explained that previous data shows that January is typically the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 24-30 degrees Celsius. While El Niño balances out the current temperature, amihan will continue to bring Cebuanos this weather. 

Photo from HICAPS Mktg. Corp.

Quiblat informs the public that despite this, there is nothing to worry about with the wind speed in Central Visayas is currently at 40 kilometers per hour, down from 50 kilometers per hour recorded last Saturday. The chance of rain showers in Cebu also happens to be low, and even if it does, only drizzles will take form until the end of the month.