Category: Information

Poverty in the Philippines

How bad is Poverty in the Philippines?

Many people say that the numbers of people in Poverty in the Philippines is not much different to other countries, and in some easy that is correct, when using the normal definitions of Poverty.

However, it isn’t as simple as that, and we need to clarify what we mean by Poverty.

There are two distinct Poverty marker levels. Normal Poverty and Extreme Poverty.

Every country has a certain percentage of the population in ‘Normal Poverty’ as this is defined as the number who have an income of less than a certain percentage of the median Income.

Not every country has people in Extreme Poverty, as this is calculated based on a subsistence level, and some countries have a benefits scheme to keep its population above subsistence.

Subsistence level, Extreme poverty, or absolute poverty, was originally defined as “a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information.

2014 Philippine Poverty Statistics

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released its latest report on Mar 6, 2015, on the country’s official poverty statistics for the first semester of 2014.

The new figures show that 25.8% of the population are classed as being in Poverty. This is up from 24.6% in the first Semester of 2013.
This is based on per Capita Poverty Threshold of 10,534 PhP

The figures for the Subsistence Incidence show that 10.5% of the Philippine population are below the Subsistence level.
Subsistence incidence among Filipinos is often referred to as the proportion of Filipinos in extreme or subsistence poverty.

Poverty incidence
At 90% level of confidence, the true estimate of the poverty incidence among Filipinos lies between 24.1 and 27.4%
At 90% level of confidence, the true estimate of the poverty incidence among families lies between 18.6 and 21.3%

Subsistence incidence
At 90% level of confidence, the true estimate of the subsistence incidence among Filipinos lies between 9.4 and 11.6%
At 90% level of confidence, the true estimate of the subsistence incidence among families lies between 6.7 and 8.4%

These figures are from: www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty

Previous Official figures from the Philippines National Statistics Office have stated the following:

Annual Poverty Threshold:

2012: The Philippines Poverty Threshold was 18,935 pesos

In Metro Manila (NCR) the Poverty Threshold was 20,344 pesos
In Cebu (Region 7), the Poverty Threshold was 18,767 pesos

Figures from: www.nscb.gov.ph

I am assuming that these are figures per household, as they are nearly double the 2014 Individuals

Philippine Poverty Threshold 2006, 2009, 2012

www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/2012/highlights_fullyear.asp

Unethical Recruitment Agencies in the Philippines

POEA List of Cancelled Recruitment Agencies

Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), has warned overseas Filipino workers not to deal with recruitment agencies whose licenses have been cancelled.

The following was shown on his Facebook Account on 9th April 2015

POEA List of Cancelled Recruitment Agencies for 2014 — cancelled on account of unethical recruitment practices and violations of PHL recruitment laws and regulations:

A-M Phil. Professional Services Corporation
Al-Siq International Placement and Manpower Services, Inc.
AFT International Manpower Services
Aguila Management and Resources Corporation
Al-Ahram International Group Services, Inc.
Al-Sadiq Manpower Corporation
Apex Grande International Labor Agency
Asian International Manpower Services Inc.
Asmara International Placement Agency, Inc.
Batie International Manpower Services, Inc.
Bobstar International Recruitment Agency, Inc.
B & E Overseas Manpower Services Corporation
Chronos International Manpower Corporation
Creative Artist Placement Services, Inc.
Dalandan International Manpower Inc.
Dream Fame International Manpower Corporation
Dywen International Manpower Agency
Expeditor International Manpower Services Co.
Experts Placement Agency Inc.
Findstaff Placement Services, Inc.
France Asia International, Inc.
Global Care International Manpower Services
Global Unlimited International Manpower, Inc.
Globrec Manpower Services Inc.
Gerardo J. Santos Manpower
Goodman International Manpower Incorporated
IDM Manpower Services
Inter-Globe Manpower & Consultancy Services, Inc.
Jade Jobwell Philippines, Inc.
Japhil 2000 International Agency Corporation
Jenar Maritime, Inc.
Jovineria Manpower Services
Kabayan Ko Overseas Manpower Placement
Kookies International Recruitment Agency, Inc.
Meccaj Manpower International Services
M.G.M International Recruitment Services, Inc.
Mind Resources Corporation
Nahed International Manpower Services
Non-Stop Overseas Employment Corporation
Pacific Mediterrenian International Manpower Agency, Inc.
Perfect Employment Agency Corporation
PERT-CPM Manpower Exponents Company, Inc.
Renaissance Staffing Support Center, Inc.
Ridzkey Human Resources International Services
Sacred Heart International Services, Inc.
Sand-dune International Manpower Services
Saranay Philippines, Inc.
Seven Ocean International Manpower Corporation
Sherine Manpower Services, Inc.
Sunshine Recruitment Agency, Inc.
Sky Top Service Contractors, Inc.
Sunshine Recruitment Agency, Inc.
Tuem International Manpower Corporation
Wandy Overseas Placement Agency, Inc.
YMC International Manpower Services

The current status of recruitment Agencies can be checked at: http://www.poea.gov.ph/cgi-bin/aglist.asp

One Year Tourist Visa for Philippines

Is there a 12 month Tourist Visa for the Philippines

There are a number of Philippines Embassies around the world that offer a 3, 6 or 12 month Tourist Visa for the Philippines, but, is it what you first think?

This is copied from the Philippine Embassy in Norway which covers Filipinos in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

C. Below are different types of Entry Visas for Tourists and their respective fees:

Single ENTRY valid for three (3) months (270 Norwegian Kroner or 1,492 Php 14/4/2015);
Multiple ENTRY valid for six (6) months (540 Norwegian Kroner or 2,984 Php 14/4/2015); and
Multiple ENTRY valid for one (1) year (810 Norwegian Kroner or 4,420 Php 14/4/2015)

D. The above-mentioned visas are for ENTRY purposes only. Period of stay (which will not exceed 59 days) will be determined by the immigration officer at the point of entry in the Philippines.

Take special note of the item D: Each Period of stay will not exceed 59 days. You NEED to leave the Philippines before the 60th day, or apply for and get, a normal Visa Extension before the 59th day expires.

This is copied from the Philippine Consulate Los Angeles, USA.

The applicable fees for a tourist visa are as follows:

Single entry valid for three (3) months: US$30.00  (or 1,340 Php 14/4/2015)
Multiple entry valid for (6) months US$60.00  (or 2,680 Php 14/4/2015)
Multiple entry valid for twelve (12) months $90.00  (or 4,019 Php 14/4/2015)

NOTE: The authorized maximum period of stay granted by the Philippine Consulate to all temporary visitor’s visa applicants is fifty-nine (59) days. If the applicant will stay beyond 59 days in the Philippines, an application for extension of stay must be filed at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila, or the Immigration office nearest to the place where the applicant is temporarily residing.

Balikbayan 12 Month Visa

The Balikbayan Program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year for foreign passport holders, with the exception of restricted nationals.

This normally applies to a foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen who ARRIVES with the Filipino spouse, and effectively gets a 12 month visa at the airport. This allows the holder to stay for the full 12 months, before needing to leave OR apply for another type of visa.

The term “balikbayan” shall mean a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen and his or her family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

The term “family” shall mean the spouse and the children of the balikbayan traveling with the latter to the Philippines.

Annulment in the Philippines Based on Presumed Death

Annulment Based on Presumed Death requires four years absence

Using an Annulment Based on “Presumed Death” is an easier way to get annulled, BUT, if you were to later apply for a visa to go to another country, especially the US,  the Embassy, during the visa interview, may want extensive evidence that the absent spouse was truly considered deceased.  If you have already checked with the US embassy, and have written documentation, then that should be sufficient for them, or other countries embassies.

The Philippines Family Code, specifically Articles 41 to 44, deals with the declaration of presumptive death for purposes of remarriage.

[3] Proof required that petitioner tried to look for the missing spouse

The court will however require the petitioner to present proof that he or she exerted earnest and diligent efforts to locate the whereabouts of the missing spouse. These efforts include asking the police or NBI for help in locating the missing spouse, using the media like newspapers or radio, etc. The court will deny the petition if the petitioner cannot present such evidence of earnest and diligent efforts to locate the missing spouse.

The Family Code provides for a period of four years (ordinary absence) for a person to be able to go to court and file a petition for declaration of presumptive death of the missing spouse.

Source: famli.blogspot.com/if-husband-and-wife-have-not-seen-each

Mobile Internet Plans from SMART

Mobile Internet Plans from SMART

[important] The Department of Justice reminded telco giants Smart Communications and Globe Telecom that “Unlimited” internet service means unlimited, and that the imposition of a fair usage policy on unlimited internet service is inconsistent with the provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

‘Unlimilted‘ Mobile Broadband plans seem to be no longer available from either Telco.[/important]

Smart Bro Turbo Plans

Smart Bro Turbo Plans is a new service of Smart Bro that provides fast LTE internet service with data cap. Once data cap is reached your internet service will slow down. There are two kinds of plans – All Month Surf + Volume and Pure Volume plans.

Smart All Month Surf Plan

Recommended for Basic Internet Users

799 3.0 GB plus All Month Surf

Recommended for Regular Internet Users

999 4.5 GB plus All Month Surf

Recommended for Heavy Internet Users

1299 6.5 GB plus All Month Surf

Recommended for Power Internet Users

2500 16.5 GB plus All Month Surf

Smart Pure Volume Plan

Recommended for Basic Internet Users

299 1.7 GB
499 3.0 GB
799 4.5 GB

Recommended for Regular Internet Users

999 6 GB

Recommended for Heavy Internet Users

1299  8 GB

Recommended for Power Internet Users

2500 18 GB

ALL MONTH SURF: Allows you to do light casual browsing all month with data volume inclusion for download and streaming. Once you consume your GB allowance of All Month Surf, you will experience speeds of up to 256kbps on the light and casual Internet activities.
PURE VOLUME: Allows you to do everything! Casual browsing, downloading and streaming!

Source: www.smart.com.ph

OLD SMART PLANS

Published on: Aug 16, 2014

Using a SMARTBRO Sim

Smart Bro UnliSURF

UnliSURF 50
24 Hours unlimited mobile surfing with Smart Bro UnliSURF 50!
Just text UNLISURF 50 to 2200

UnliSURF 85
Two days of unlimited mobile surfing with the new Smart Bro UnliSURF85!
Just text UNLISURF 85 to 2200

UnliSURF 200
FIVE full days of UNLIMITED surfing with Smart Bro UnliSURF 200!
Just text UNLISURF 200 to 2200

UnliSURF 250
SEVEN days of UNLIMITED surfing with Smart Bro’s UnliSURF 250!
Just text UNLISURF 250 to 2200

UnliSURF 500
FIFTEEN days of UNLIMITED surfing with Smart Bro’s UnliSURF 500!
Just text UNLISURF 500 to 2200

UnliSURF 995
1 whole month of UNLIMITED surfing with UnliSURF 995!
Just text UNLISURF 995 to 2200

 

Using a Standard SMART Sim

Unli Surf 50
You can surf all you want for 1 day for just P50!
Text Unli 50 to 211

Unli Surf 299
You can surf all you want for 7 days for just P299!
Text UNLI 299 to 211

Unli Surf 999
You can surf all you want for 30 days for just P999!
Text Unli 999 to 211

Source: (August 2014)
www1.smart.com.ph/Prepaid/offers/data

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Cebu City, Cebu

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Cebu City, Cebu

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Bldg.
M.J. Cuenco corner Osmeña Bvd.,
Cebu City

Contact:

Tel: 032 254 6491

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Cebu Pier 4 Outlet

Cebu Port Pier 4 gate
BF Builders Building
Cebu City
Cebu

Contact:

Tel: 032 234 2742

Information:

Destinations

Cebu to Cagayan
Cagayan to Cebu

Cebu to Iloilo
Iloilo to Cebu

Cebu to Ozamiz
Ozamiz to Cebu

Cebu to Tacloban
Tacloban to Cebu

Cebu to Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran to Cebu

Cebu to Zamboanga
Zamboanga to Cebu

Cagayan to Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran to Cagayan

Jeepney Routes in Cebu

Cebu Jeepney Routes

 I began to create a page with Cebu Jeepney Routes but soon realised it was a big job, and it has been done before, so these links point to a website with the full information for each route.

  • 01K – Sacred Heart Hospital to North Bus Terminal
  • 01B – Sambag 1 to Pier 2, 3 & 4
  • 01C – V. rama Ave. to Pier 3
  • 02B – South Bus Terminal to Pier 1, 3 & 4
  • 03A – Panagdait to Carbon
  • 03B – Mabolo to Colon
  • 03Q – Ayala Center to SM City Cebu
  • 03L – Mabolo to Carbon Public Market
  • 04B – Carbon to Lahug
  • 04C – Lahug to Plaza Housing (Busay)
  • 04D – Plaza Housing to Carbon
  • 04I – Busay to Carbon
  • 04L – Lahug to SM City Cebu
  • 04M – Ayala Terminal to Lahug
  • 04H – Plaza Housing to Carbon
  • 06B – Guadalupe Church to Osmena Blvd.
  • 06C – Guadalupe to Colon
  • 06F – Guadalupe to Carbon
  • 06G – Guadalupe Church to C. Padilla St.
  • 06H –
  • 07B –
  • 08G –
  • 09F –
  • 09C –
  • 09G –
  • 10F –
  • 10G –
  • 10H –
  • 10M –
  • 11A –
  • 12D –
  • 12G –
  • 12I –
  • 12L –
  • 13C –
  • 13B –
  • 13H –
  • 14D –
  • 15 – Oppra to Carbon
  • 17B – Apas to Carbon Public Market
  • 17C – Apas to Carbon
  • 17D – Apas to Carbon
  • 20A – Ayala Terminal to Pacific Mall Mandaue or Ibabao (Estancia)
  • 20B – Ayala Terminal to Ibabao (Estancia) or Super Metro Mandaue
  • 21A – Cathedral to Ibabao (Estancia) or Pacific Mall
  • 21D –
  • 22A –
  • 22D –
  • 22G –
  • 22I –
  • 23 –
  • 23D – Opon PUJ terminal – Parkmall
  • 24 – Consolacion to White Gold Terminal
  • 25 – Liloan to White Gold Terminal
  • 26 – Compostella to Foodland
  • 27 – Danao to Makro, Cebu
  • 29 – Tamilia Mepz2 Lapulapu  to Parkmall
  • 41 – Tabunok, Talisay City to Citylink, Cebu City
  • 42d – Talisay City Poblacion to Citylink
  • 43 – Minglanilla to Bulacao: (Tungkop, Gaisano Minglanilla ,Prince Wharehouse Minglanilla, Linao, Lipata, Robinsons Talisay City, Wilcon, Tabunok Flyover, Fiesta Gaisano Mall, Tabunok, Talisay City, ACT Bulacao, Bulacao
  • 44 – Naga to Punta
  • 45 – San Fernando to Gaisano  Fiesta Mall, Tabunok, Talisay City
  • 46 – Carcar to Gaisano Fiesta Mall, Tabunok, Talisay City
  • 62B – Pit-os to Carbon
  • 62C – Pit-os to Carbon
  • MI-01A – Punta Engano to Opon Public Market
  • MI-02B – Mandaue to Maribago
  • MI-03A – Cordova to Lapulapu City Public Market
  • MI-03B – Cordova to Mepz 1
  • MI-04B – Mepz 1 to Mepz 2
  • MI-04A – Tamiya to Mandaue via Parkmall or J Centre
  • MI-05A – Mactan Airport – Gaisano Mactan Island Mall – Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal
  • MI-23A –

Sources:

http://www.cebujeepneymap.com
http://cebujeepneys.weebly.com

PHP to AUD Currency Rates

The Value of the Australian Dollar to the Philippine Peso

With the value of the Australian Dollar dropping from around 42 Philippine Peso for each dollar to the current rate of about 32 pesos, it has been a harsh hit to many people relying on Australian Dollars in the Philippines.  These may be relatives of Filipinos living in Australia who send support, or they may be Australians retired in the Philippines living of an Australian pension income.  Both will suffer the same percentage drop in income.

The chart below, from www.xe.com shows how the PHP-AUD rate has changed over the last ten years.

There was a similar drop in 2008 where it went as low as 30 pesos to the dollar in September 2008, but the Dollar began to recover again in March 2009 and reached 44 again by October 2009.

It has hovered between 40 and 46 between October 2009 and September 2014 when the decline appears to have begun.  The 14th September 2014 seems to be the last time the rate was over 40 pesos to the dollar.

On the 23rd January 2015, the rate went below 35 pesos to the dollar. On the 24th to the 26th March 2015 the rate jumped back to 35 again from a low of 33 on the 11th March 2015. But it was short lived and hit 33.5 on the 2nd April 2015.

These rates are the quoted Interbank rate, and NOT the actual rate that a person would get on exchanging.

An example of actual version Interbank is:

Current Interbank rate quoted at 33.86855 pesos to the dollar at 12:22 pm 7th April 2015 at www.xe.com

The actual rate that I can get at my normal FX supplier CurrencyOnline is:  33.37245 at the same time.
However the big banks are different with my Australian bank quoting $ 1.00 AUD = ₱ 30.96 PHP

This does not sound much, but the differences for a A$10,000 sum work out at:

Interbank rate of 33.83855 = 338,385 peso

Currency Online rate of 33.37245 = 333,724 peso (= transfer cost of 4,661 peso or A$140)

NAB rate of 30.96 = 309,600 pesos (= transfer cost of 28,785 pesos or A$929)

PHP-AUD 2006-2015 FX rates

Foreign Citizens living in the Philippines in 2010

Number of Foreigners Living in the Philippines

The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that there were 177,368 Foreign Citizens living in the Philippines at the time of the 2010 census. This is about 0.2 percent of the country’s total household population of 92,097,978.

The number included foreigners who have resided or were expected to reside in the Philippines for at least a year from their arrival.

The percentage of these foreigners living in the different regions are:

31.12% National Capital Region – Metro Manila.
22.32% Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi)
9.02% Central Luzon (Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales)
8.40% Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon).
5.98% Central Visayas (Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor)
3.83% SOCCSKARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City)
3.78% Ilocos (Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur)
3.33% Western Visayas (Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo)
3.10% Davao Region ( Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental)
1.52% Cordilera Administrative Region Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province
1.52% Eastern Visayas (Leyte, Samar and Biliran Island)
1.41% Northern Mindanao (Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental)
1.35% Cagayan Valley (Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino)
1.35% Bicol ( Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon)
0.85% MIMAROPA (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan)
0.56% CARAGA (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands)
0.51% Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay)

Overall these numbers of Foreigners living in the Three Island Groups are:

57.4% Luzon
31.7% Mindanao
10.8% Visayas

The largest number of foreign nationals in the Philippines were shown in the NSO figures as:

16.90% United States of America with 29,972
16.18% China with 28,705
6.53% Japan with 11,584
5.08% India with 9,007
3.28% Korea South with 5,822
2.73% Korea North with 4,846
2.65% Canada with 4,700
1.96% United Kingdom of Great Britain with 3,474
1.89% Australia with 3,360
1.80% Germany with 3,184

The next Countries with a population over 1,000 are: 2,781 Indonesia: 1,538 Taiwan: 1,460 Italy: 1,099 Spain: 1,019 Afghanistan: 1,014 France

Source:

http://census.gov.ph/content/foreign-citizens-philippines-results-2010-census

Cebu del Norte, Cebu Occidental, Cebu del Sur

In February 2005, representatives of the fourth, second and third legislative districts of Cebu filed bills that their districts be converted into three new provinces:

Cebu del Norte with Capital of Bogo
Cebu del Sur with Capital of Argao
Cebu Occidental with Capital of Toledo

The remaining three districts of Cebu, in addition to the two legislative districts of Cebu City, would constitute a fourth province, Cebu with Capital of Cebu City..

Schengen Visa from the Philippines

The Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa is a 90 day tourist visa used for entry into the collective of 26 European countries that have mutually decided to eliminate passport and immigration control at internal borders.

The Schengen area covers the majority of European countries in the European Union [EU], but with some exceptions.

The United Kingdom is NOT in the Schengen Visa scheme.

The United Kingdom is one country that is in the EU, but is NOT a part of the Schengen Visa scheme.
Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are NOT in the EU, but are part of the Schengen Visa scheme.

A Schengen Visa must be applied for at the Embassy of the main country of your visit.

List of Schengen Visa countries (at April 2015)

  1. Austria – Prince Building, 117 Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Tel: 02 817 9191
  2. Belgium – Don Jacinto Building, De la Rosa crn Salcedo Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Tel: 02 845 1869
  3. Czech Republic – Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tel: 02 811 1155
  4. Denmark – Norway processes visa applications for Filipinos
  5. Estonia – Finland processes visa applications for Filipinos
  6. Finland – Far East Bank Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Tel: 02 891 5011
  7. France – Pacific Star Building, Makati Ave, crn Sen Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City. Tel: 02 857 6900
  8. Germany – Tower 2, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tel: 02 702 3000
  9. Greece – Sage House, 110 Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Tel: 02 817 4444
  10. Hungary – Belgium processes visa applications for Filipinos
  11. Iceland – Norway processes visa applications for Filipinos
  12. Italy – Zeta Building, 191 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village Makati City. Tel: 02 892 4531
  13. Latvia – The Netherlands processes visa applications for Filipinos
  14. Liechtenstein
  15. Lithuania – Austria processes visa applications for Filipinos
  16. Luxembourg – Belgium processes visa applications for Filipinos
  17. Malta – Consulate – Megaplaza Building, ADB Avenue crn Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel: 02 687 7245
  18. Netherlands – Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Tel: 02 786 6655
  19. Norway – Petron Mega Plaza Building, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Tel: 02 886 3245
  20. Poland – The Netherlands processes visa applications for Filipinos
  21. Portugal – The Embassy of Greece processes visa applications for Filipinos
  22. Slovakia – The Czech Republic processes visa applications for Filipinos
  23. Slovenia – Belgium processes visa applications for Filipinos
  24. Spain – ACT Tower, 135 Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Makati City. Tel: 02 818 3561
  25. Sweden – Switzerland processes visa applications for Filipinos
  26. Switzerland – Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Tel: 02 757 9001

 

 

Portugal no longer has an embassy in the Philippines although does have a consulate in Cebu, which does NOT process visa applications.

VFS Global process Visa applications from the Philippines for these countries:

Australia
Canada
Denmark – Schengen
Malta – Schengen
Netherlands – Schengen
Norway – Schengen
Saudi Arabia
Spain – Schengen
UK
USA

6 Month Tourist Visa for Philippines

6 Month Visa or Long Stay Visa for Visitors

Those two terms are actually the same thing, but many people think they can apply for this before entering the Philippines. They can’t.

This 6 month visa is an extension visa only, and the visitor MUST have already renewed the initial 30 day to have stayed for 59 days before applying for the 6 month visa extension.

The COST of a 6 month visa extension.

This is a subject that gets many answers, and many of them are different answers.

The OFFICIAL cost is:  11,500 pesos.

My cost, when I got my Six month Visa Extension in April 2015 was 8,250 pesos.

The price I was quoted by Visa Agencies in my area varied between 16,000 and 18,000 pesos, and their charges for doing it for me ranged between 2,000 and 2,500 pesos (included in the previous figure.)

NOTE: These figures are for Non Visa Required Nationals. ie: People who are allowed to get a visa on arrival at the airport etc in the Philippines.

Why was mine cheaper?

I already had an ACR-I card, saving of 2,600 pesos

So that should be down to 8,900 pesos.  still a difference of 650 pesos.

So there are still a few other differences:

The application was 900 and not 910
The certificate fee was 500 and not 510
The Extension fees came to 3,000 and not 3,010
The ECC was 700 not 710

Here is a breakdown of expected costs and actual costs:

Stated Cost Cost breakdown My Cost
PHP 3,010 Monthly Extension Fee PHP 3,000
PHP 910 Monthly Extension Application Fee PHP 900
PHP 1,010 ACR Re-issuance PHP 250
PHP 250 Head Tax PHP 250
PHP 710 Emigration Clearance Certificate PHP 700
PHP 510 Certificate Fee PHP 500
PHP 2,100 I-Card
PHP 1,500 Express Lane Fee PHP 1,500
PHP 1,000 Express Lane Fee(Certification) PHP 1,000
PHP 500 Express Lane Fee (ACR-I card)
Legal Research Fee PHP 50
Visa Sticker Fee PHP 100
PHP 11,500 TOTAL PHP 8,250

 

Actual Cost Quoted in April 2015:

Visa Cost 6 months

Bureau of Immigration – Cebu

Bureau of Immigration Offices in Cebu

Bureau of Immigration – Cebu District Office

2nd Level J Centre Mall,
A.S Fortuna St.,
Bakilid,
Mandaue City,
Metro Cebu 6014

Contact:

Tel: 032 505 4166

Bureau of Immigration – Gaisano Immigration Satellite Office

Ground Floor, Gaisano Mactan Island Mall
ML Quezon National Highway
Pajo
Lapulapu City
Metro Cebu 6015

Contact:

Tel: 032 495 2852

The Old Cebu Bureau of Immigration office.

Bureau of Immigration – Cebu

P.J.Burgos
Mandaue City
Metro Cebu

Contact:

Tel: 032 345 6442

 

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao

Siargao Islands consist of a group of 48 islands and islets.

The Siargao islands consist of nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro.

Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao.

Hotels in Surigao del Norte Province

 

Best Hospitals in Manila

Medical Tourism in the Philippines

With the Philippines becoming another affordable medical tourist destination in Asia, the following hospitals in Metro Manila are listed as possible hospitals to consider.

For example, the St. Luke’s Medical Center’s (SLMC) Quezon City and Global City hospitals have both been certified as medical tourism destinations by German-based accrediting body TEMOS.

Earthquake Magnitude 4.7 hits Bohol, Cebu. 30 March 2015

Parts of Cebu shake at about 10am March 30th, 2015

An earthquake 9:47 a.m today shook parts of Cebu.

As the ground began to shake for a few seconds, many people near the waters edge were seen to be looking at the water, no doubt with thoughts of “Tsunami” on their minds, but they soon looked away again as there was no movement on the water.

The earthquake was at a depth of 3 kilometers, and was located 8 km south-east of Buenavista, Bohol.

Intensity 5:

San Miguel, Bohol,

Intensity 4:

Lapu-Lapu City and Buenavista, Bohol.

Intensity 3:

Cebu City, Bacolod City, Bogo City, Tagbilaran City and Iloilo City.

Intensity 1:

Pres. Roxas, Capiz

No damage and aftershocks are expected from this earthquake.

Philippine Institute Of Volcanology And Seismology
Earthquake Information March 30 2015

Date/Time                    : 30 Mar 2015 – 09:47:47 AM
Location                       : 10.05°N, 124.18°E – 008 km S 69° E of Buenavista (Bohol)
Depth of Focus (Km)     : 003
Origin                           : TECTONIC
Magnitude                   : Ms 4.7

Philippine Earthquakes of similar or larger magnitude during March 2015 have been:

Date Magnitude Location
27 March 2015 4.9 110 km South 33° East of Governor Generoso (Davao Oriental)
15 March 2015 4.8 250 km South 35° East of Sarangani (Davao Ocidental)
30 March 2015 4.7 8 km South 69° East of Buenavista (Bohol)
8 March 2015 4.7 46 km North 85° East of Legaspi City
8 March 2015 4.7 53 km South 68° East of Sarangani (Davao Occidental)
1 March 2015 4.7 107 km South 23° East of Sarangani (Davao Occidental)

A Fixer in the Philippines

Fixers in the Philippines

The Philippines Republic Act No. 9485 is also known as the “Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007″. It is designed to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public.

The Anti-red tape law in the Philippines punishes fixers and violators of the Act.

Section 4 of the Philippines Republic Act 9485, defines a “fixer” as any individual whether or not officially involved in the operation of a government office or agency who has access to people working therein, and whether or not in collusion with them, facilitates speedy completion of transactions for pecuniary gain or any other advantage or consideration.

Section 11 of the Philippines Republic Act 9485 specifies various “fixer” offences, including:

Grave Offense – Fixing and/or collusion with fixers in consideration of economic and/or other gain or advantage.

Section 12 of the Philippines Republic Act 9485 states that fixers will be charged with criminal liability.

Penalty – Dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public service.

In addition to Sec. 11 (b), fixers, as defined in this Act, shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment not exceeding six years or a fine not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) but not more than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti Red Tape Act)

Midea Automatic Washing Machine Error Codes

Midea MT700W Washing Machine Error Codes

F0 Turn off power, wait 5 minutes, turn on power and start again
F2 EEPROM fail. It needs a Repair.
E1 Not enough water pressure. Turn on water tap, or increase water flow.
E2 Draining has not finished correctly. Check drain hose, and clear if required.
E3 Lid not closed. Close lid before Spinning action.
E4 Load out of balance. Move clothes to equalise balance in machine.
F8 Water level sensor failed. It needs repair.
HU Power Voltage Protection error.

This is the list of Error Codes for the Midea MT700W model washing machine, taken from the official manual at: http://www.midea.com.sg/images/download/MT700W_UserManual.pdf

Cost of Living Comparison Manila v Brisbane

Manila or Brisbane, which is the cheapest cost of living

Calculation of Comparative Cost of Living in Two Cities comparing costs to the Average Income after tax

More Expensive in Manila

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) is 1.01 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre is 1.08 times the Brisbane cost
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) is 1.16 times the Brisbane cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant is 1.2 times the Brisbane cost
Water (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.23 times the Brisbane cost
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.31 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre (per month) is 1.47 times the Brisbane cost
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) is 1.69 times the Brisbane cost
Tomato (1kg) is 1.76 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Restaurant (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.87 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.89 times the Brisbane cost
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) is 1.9 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre is 1.99 times the Brisbane cost
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat is 2.06 times the Brisbane cost
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) is 2.11 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Market (0.33 liter bottle) is 2.16 times the Brisbane cost
Rice (white), (1kg) is 2.29 times the Brisbane cost
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) is 2.31 times the Brisbane cost
Eggs (12) is 2.55 times the Brisbane cost
Water (1.5 liter bottle) is 2.6 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre (per month) is 2.64 times the Brisbane cost
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) is 2.73 times the Brisbane cost
Potato (1kg) is 3.12 times the Brisbane cost
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) is 3.42 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) is 3.57 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes is 4.04 times the Brisbane cost
Cappuccino (regular) is 4.1 times the Brisbane cost
Lettuce (1 head) is 4.15 times the Brisbane cost
Monthy Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment is 4.25 times the Brisbane cost
Gasoline (1 liter) is 4.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apples (1kg) is 4.37 times the Brisbane cost
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) is 4.46 times the Brisbane cost
Local Cheese (1kg) is 4.51 times the Brisbane cost
Oranges (1kg) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) is 5.23 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes is 5.39 times the Brisbane cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult is 5.47 times the Brisbane cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter) is 8.05 times the Brisbane cost

More Expensive in Brisbane

Monthly Travel Pass (Regular Price) is 1.98 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) is 2.36 times the Manila cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) is 2.37 times the Manila cost
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) is 2.48 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) is 2.72 times the Manila cost

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) for Brisbane and Manila

PHP 25,096 Manila, Philippines
A$ 3,808.50 Brisbane, Australia

Original data figures taken from www.numbeo.com, and then compared against each City.

Notes:

These comparisons are based on the percentage cost of each item when compared to the average income for each country.

Example:

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre

  • Brisbane is $5,716.67 or 1.5 times the Brisbane Average salary
  • Manila is PHP 75,021 or 2.99 times the Manila Average salary. Therefore more expensive in Manila.

The fact that the Manila cost is the equivalent to only A$2,143.46 (as at March 2015)  is not relevant in this comparison, but would be if the person in Manila was earning an Australian wage.

Registration for Visitors to Philippines after 59 days

Special Security Registration for Visitors to Philippines

In October 2014 the Immigration department of the Philippines Government created a new policy with the Alien Registration Project (ARP), and the need for a Special Security Registration Number (SSRN).

This very simple means that almost anyone staying over 59 days needs to register with Photo and Fingerprints and about 700 pesos, at almost any Immigration Office in the country.  A personal appearance is required.  You must be dressed in Trousers and Shoes at most offices.  It is NOT possible for a Travel Agent or Visa assistance agent to do this for you,

If you also need an ACR card, then this will be a further 500 pesos + US$50 or US$20 for an ACR-I card renewal.

It also appears that you must also have a mailing address for the sending of the SSRN certificate.

Those visitors who stay over 59 days will now need both the ACR-I card (Photo only) and the SSRN (Photo and Fingerprints).

One report stated: “Foreign nationals who have valid alien registration cards or I-Cards are exempted from the program.  However, the official site states: “Those valid ACR-I-Cards (Except for Tourist ACR-I cards) are exempted from the program.

 

ARP announcement2

Alien Registration Project  2015

The ARP shall be held from 01 October 2014 until 30 September 2015. Aliens may apply at any authorized BI Regional Office

1. Bring a duly filled-out ARP form (form and additional information is available at www.immigration.gov.ph) and any valid identification (e.g. passport, driver’s license).

Registered aliens under this program may be primary beneficiaries of future social integration/legalization programs of the government.

www.immigration.gov.ph