FIRST GOVERNMENT EDIFICE INAUGURATED IN TACLOBAN, LEYTE AFTER TYPHOON YOLANDA

Baldoz inaugurates DOLE Building in Region 8

Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8—the first government edifice in Tacloban to hoist the Philippine flag after the devastation of typhoon Yolanda—was formally inaugurated last week by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

DOLE’s rehabilitation of its two-storey regional office, which sits on a 5,363 sq. meter lot, amounted to P3.2-million pesos. The DPWH also shouldered a total of P1-million pesos for the repainting of the building

“The recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the DOLE Region 8 was proof of the cohesiveness of the DOLE family,” Secretary Baldoz said.

The Secretary profusely thanked all DOLE regional offices, including DOLE Central Office services, bureaus, and attached agencies, who were quick to dispatch their augmentation team to help DOLE Region 8 management and staff rise from the aftermath of calamity.

“The physical recovery, the technical and administrative operations assistance, and even up to the extent of helping our regional and field offices staff undergo stress debriefing, were commendable manifestations of our solidarity. The ‘bayanihan’ spirit immensely helped DOLE Eastern Visayas be back on its feet. We also commend our DOLE Region 8 management and staff for their resilience,” said Baldoz.

DOLE’s Regional Office in Tacloban also gallantly stood, despite being devastated by Yolanda, as a symbol of indomitable Filipino spirit, according to DOLE Region 8 Director Elias A. Cayanong.

“Ten days after Yolanda, DOLE Region 8 was the first government office in Tacloban City to raise the Philippine flag in its compound in Trece Martires Street, Barangay Libertad. Our water and sanitation facilities also served some international news organization teams who covered the Yolanda aftermath,” Cayanong said.

DOLE central and regional offices, as well as bureaus and attached agencies, sent goods, cash donations, and provided volunteer manpower resources to assist DOLE RO 8’s operations for over a month.

Baldoz likewise mentioned the same laudable recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the National Maritime Polytechnic, an attached agency of DOLE, also located in Tacloban. “Truly, we rebuilt not only edifice; we also restored distressed well-being,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Baldoz and DOLE Regional Office No. 8 Director Cayanong awarded plaques of appreciation to offices, which assisted them in the aftermath of Yolanda. 

Those who received the awards were Office of the Secretary, Offices of Undersecretary Rebecca C. Chato, Undersecretary Ciriaco A. Lagunzad, Undersecretary Nicon F Fameronag; Office of Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango, and Assistant Secretary Katherine B. Brimon.

DOLE Regional Offices (ROs) were also honoured for quickly dispatching assistance to Yolanda-battered DOLE Regional Office No. 8.  

National Capital Region, Regional Office No. 1, Regional Office No. 2, Regional Office No. 3, Regional Office No. 4A, Regional Office No. 4B, Regional Office No. 5, Regional Office No. 6, Regional Office No. 7, Regional Office No. 9, Regional Office No.10, Regional Office No. 11, Regional Office No. 12, Regional Office No. 13, Cordillera Administrative Region, Negros Island Region, as well as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Office No. 5 (Bicol), OWWA Regional Office No. 13, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) No. 13, and NCMB Regional Office No. 7, also received their respective commendations.

Likewise honored were Labor Communications Office, Financial Management Service, Human Resources Development Service, Administrative Service, Internal Audit Service, Planning Service, Legal Service, Institute for Labor Studies, Bureau of Local Employment, Bureau of Labor Relations, Bureau of Working Conditions, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, International Labor Affairs Bureau, and National Reintegration Center for OFWs, as well as  DOLE attached agencies composed of Occupational Safety and Health Center, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, and National Wages and Productivity Commission.

DOLE also recognized the valuable assistance of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office No. 8 and 1st Leyte Engineering District.

Secretary Baldoz also took time to thank the DOLE family for their commitment to the goals of the Department. 

“Nagawa nating tumaas ang pagkilala, pagpapahalaga, at respeto sa manggagawang Pilipino. Now, I am also assured that as I complete my full term as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, a team of resilient DOLE employees, headed by dedicated career officials, will continue giving their 101 percent in carrying out the mandate of the agency, specifically in the service of the Filipino workers,"  Baldoz said. (VergarciaBlogs)

A REMINDER TO OUR AMBASSADORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AS SUGGESTED BY PHILIPPINE OFW REPRESENTATIVE SENERES, JR.

A Calculated Response To The Middle East Crisis.. An Interview With Congressman Roy M. Seneres, Jr.
By: Ver M. Garcia & Teddy Cho

The Philippine Passport

Our OFW's the unsung heroes who have decided to leave their families just to work abroad in a foreign land, they are the people who deserve the best treatment from our government yet somehow and someway these unsung heroes have not felt that pampering care and at times threatened by 'laglag bala' and other hardships perpetrated by our own countrymen. They deserve the best and nothing else.

The former Ambassador and Presidential Roy Seneres, Sr. saw to it that our OFW's deserve far more especially in times of crisis. In an interview with the son Roy Seneres, Jr. should  a panic button arise in the Middle East and other countries, a protocol was formulated to at least mitigate the dangerous plight of our OFW's. A legacy from the late Ambassador Roy Seneres, Sr. ensures.

Should there be an Oil price decrease and the subsequent effect on the employment of OFW's?

OFW-Family Club Party List Head Roy Seneres, Jr.

A suggestion on what should be done:

A portrait of the late Amba Seneres with former Pres. Fidel Ramos.. A legacy that was passed on to the son of Ambassador Roy Seneres, Sr.

See to it that they are assisted  with regards to their repatriation needs by the government.

We should be in the forefront in assisting them with their issuing exit visas and helping them with their repatriation for those who in need of that type of services. In so doing the head of the mission.

Our Ambassadors as head of the mission should be there in the work sites of these oil companies  to facilitate these He (Ambassador) should establish close linkages with the Ministry of Labor  and his counterpart there in the Kingdom(Saudi) to see to it that our OFW's request for repatriation are met.

While they are on standby awaiting their repatriation, our government should send over the necessary assistance to address their day-to-day needs and subsistence for they no longer have working permits (iqama) that's why they can not go out on the work site.So send them a team of Doctors  and embassy staff under the supervision of the Dept. of Health (DOH) to conduct medical missions on the work site under the leadership of the Consul  general with the stipulation with the consonance on Migrant Act.

Just in case there is a panic button and so many have been displaced because of unrest. Our President or perhaps the next President should invite the job providers association in Malacanang and have an intimate discussion with them to the effect that those displaced will be re-deployed on other neighboring countries or in other countries abroad, who fit their qualification for purposes of softening the impact. Another option is for the the the government to have close linkages with other companies who are not experiencing retrenchment or the lost of profit and request them to help employ, give priority to those who are going to be displaced.

Family OFW- Club President Roy Seneres, Jr. with Dr. Ver M. Garcia of the Bloggers Association of the Philippines- Admin.

Cong. Roy Seneres, Jr. together with his lovely wife and Wilson Ng (Standing), General Manager of Po Chuan Tin Bakery. Photo Taken at the Meisum- Tea House. (Photo credited to Teddy Cho).

The Program of DOLE-ASSIST WELL (welfare,employment,livelihood,and legal assistance) program, there is included in that program a job matching and re-integration. So they should be seriously assisted for those who want to go home and are awaiting to go back home and given an alternative jobs orchestrated by the government particularly DOLE, under the existing program. Those are the things that the OFW Family Partylist lays down for the government for the suggestion in the government to do. In case of imminent termination  or displacement of OFW's in SAUDI  brought about by fluctuating oil prices.

   

In case of War or Unrest?

We should do the following.. A reminder.

Congressman Roy Seneres, Jr. reiterated a statement that we should not panic, however, we should be very cautious of what's happening there between Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries that are supposedly having an ongoing tensions.

Our Ambassadors should discern  what his/her counterparts in the U.S. and other European nations therein  Saudi, what they are doing? you visit them, you ask them, you solicit from them based on their intelligence report if war is indeed imminent. You discern to what they are doing if we should repatriate or evacuate our countrymen, if they are doing it to their nationals there in Saudi. But if not, if their mood is calm. If they feel that the tension should subside.Then we should follow their lead because we should not initiate or go ahead and panic if it is not needed because we have 3 million  Filipinos that are sacrificing for their families we don't want to alarm them. (VerGarciaBlogs)

POINTERS ON HOW TO BECOME A GOOD PUBLIC SPEAKER..

IMPORTANT TIPS ON PUBLIC SPEAKING TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE SPEAKER..

How to become an effective Public Speaker

Ensure your speech will be captivating to your audience as well as worth their time and attention. Videotape your presentation and analyze it. Emphasize your strong points during your presentation.

Present the desired image to your audience. Be solemn if your topic is serious. Appear relaxed, even if you feel nervous. Remember, you don’t look as nervous as you feel.
Establish rapport with your audience. If a microphone is available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly.

Maintain sincere eye contact with your audience. If what you have prepared is obviously not getting across to your audience, change your strategy mid-stream if you are well prepared to do so.
Allow yourself and your audience a little time to reflect and think.

Check out the location ahead of time to ensure seating arrangements for audience, whiteboard, blackboard, lighting, location of projection screen, sound system, etc. are suitable for your presentation.

Tell audience ahead of time that you will be giving out an outline of your presentation so that they will not waste time taking unnecessary notes during your presentation.

Humour : Tell jokes if you’re good at telling jokes. If you aren’t good, it is best to leave the jokes behind.

There’s nothing worse than a punch line that has no punch.
Tell stories : Stories make you a real person not just a deliverer of information. Use personal experiences to bring your material to life. No matter how dry your material is, you can always find a way to humanise it.

Keep audience interested throughout your entire presentation. Remember that an interesting speech makes time fly, but a boring speech is always too long to endure even if the presentation time is the same.

Using Public Speaking Environment – Try not to get stuck in one place. Use all the space that’s available to you. If your space is confined (say a meeting room or even presenting at a table) use stronger body language to convey your message.

Mistakes – Mistakes are all right. Recovering from mistakes makes you appear more human. Good recovery puts your audience at ease – they identify with you more. (VerGarciaBlogs)

MERANTI HOTEL SHOWCASES THEIR NEWLY OPENED MAPLE CAFE IN QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES MANAGES BY MAX GROUP OF COMPANIES

THE ELEGANT MERANTI HOTEL ALONG WITH SCOUT CASTOR IN QUEZON CITY...

By: Ver M. Garcia / Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor

All the best at Meranti Hotel at 82 Scout Castor in Quezon City, Philippines. (Photo by: Ver Garcia)

Comfort food in the heart of Quezon City... you can find it at the luxurious place in Maple at Meranti Hotel. So what you are waiting for visit the elegant place and dine to the wish of your heart at MAPLE in Meranti Hotel.

In this photo are Distinguished Bloggers in the Philippines from L to R are the following: Well respected bloggers that made the review of Meranti Hotel are: Teddy Cho (Photo-Blogger), Lifestyle and Travel bloggers Allan Bough Gokongwei, Karence Lopez, Jing Giorgious, Genevie S. Sebastian (Front Officer), John Brix Fernandez (Hotel Manager), Lani Mesias Suzon (Kamikazee Blog) and Ver Garcia of Bloggers Association of the Philippines.  Meranti Hotel also opens its new Maple Cafe which offers affordable premium comfort food for everyone. 

     Are you looking for a place where you can find casual or semi-fine dining at an affordable price?.. Please visit Meranti Hotel. What is the meaning of Meranti. Meranti Hotel is derived from a scientific name of the Mahogany tree which can withstand strong winds. Mahogany has medicinal properties as well. Meranti Hotel is a home away from home. Meranti Hotel is one of the leading hotels in Quezon City managed by Max Group of companies promoting genuine Filipino hospitality located at the heart of Quezon City. Meranti Hotel opens its Cafe Maple which offers affordable premium comfort food for everyone.


The elegant Meranti Hotel in Scout Castor in Quezon City, Philippines is strategically located at the heart of Quezon City's entertainment district.. They aim to delight everyone. An unforgettable experience that will be nurtured for a lifetime at Meranti Hotel. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the golden sunrise while sipping coffee at the Penthouse. 

 WAKE UP TO A TYPICAL BREAKFAST AT MAPLE

The Nutritious Breakfast at the newly open MAPLE at Meranti Hotel in Quezon City.

 Typical breakfast buffet at Maple in Meranti Hotel.

I selected a simple breakfast menu. 

Great and wonderful review for Meranti Hotel. You're really number one.

Another Evening Date and  Dining Experience at Maple.

Veggies delight and appetizers are the choice of visitors who frequented Meranti Hotel.

Very Special Juicy T-Bone Steak with side dishes.

Meranti Hotel penthouse offers a perfect view of the city skyline and a breathtaking view of golden sunrise and flaming sunset while plunging at the pool and sipping a delightful juice. Their well-trained staff is the best part of an unforgettable experience while staying in the hotel. It is a delightful experience staying at Meranti Hotel. You will experience their pampering and hospitality, a signature touch of this wonderful hotel.. a home away from home.

Lani Mesias Suzon, lifestyle blogger, contemplating a perfect romantic candlelight dinner at Meranti Hotel a special place to remember.

Chilean food should not be confused with the spicy dishes common in Mexican cuisines. Unlike Mexican meals, the hot chili pepper is not too frequent in Chile. Another thing is the quality Red Wine to compliment the Chilean food or the Chilean Cuisine. One of the highlights of Chilean cuisine is the diversity of seafood.

Meranti Hotel welcomes you at their lobby with Filipino-designed furniture artist Kenneth Cobonpue, a well-known designer from New York City. Expertly crafted chairs, meshed lamps, and chandeliers were proudly displayed in the lobby. So that customers and habitues can truly enjoy the ambiance of Meranti Hotel.

Business Executives and Professionals are advised to choose venues much closer to their homes and offices. One thing for sure traveling time is of great importance to avoid stress and the hassles of traffic jams. Plus the amenities of the Hotel are the convenience, accessibility, and secured parking space. Conferences, seminars, weddings, Christening, Corporate and family affairs are within your reach. 

If you are looking for a place where you can find casual or semi-fine dining at an affordable price. Please visit Meranti Hotel. It's your home away from home. Meranti Hotel is one of the leading hotels in Quezon City managed by Max Group of companies promoting genuine Filipino hospitality located at the heart of Quezon City. In photos from L to R are the following: Photojournalist Teddy Cho, Lifestyle and Travel bloggers Allan Bough Gokongwei, Karence Lopez, Jing Giorgious, Genevie S. Sebastian (Front Officer), John Brix Fernandez (Hotel Manager), Lani Mesias Suzon (Kamikazee Blog) and Ver Garcia. Hotel Meranti opens there Cafe Maple which offers affordable premium comfort food for everyone. So if you have plans to relax, dine and unwind after a hard day's work. Visit Hotel Meranti with Tel. No. 02-3766340 for details and inquiries. 

Front desk 

Meranti Hotel Front Officer Ms. Genevie Sebastian stressing a point about Meranti.

So, therefore,  if you have plans to relax, dine and unwind after a hard day's work. Choose Meranti Hotel a home away from home. For info Call or Visit Hotel Meranti with Tel. No. 02-3766340 or 0998-0611748 for details and inquiries and simply click their website at www.merantihotel.com.
https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant/videos/10153902502848071/

EXPERIENCE GREAT JOY WHILE STAYING AT MERANTI HOTEL

Twin Bed... Soft and Comfortable

I experienced comfort, a nice and wonderful stay at Meranti Hotel with WiFi and Smart TV. Great with your Facebook account.

A nice letter welcoming me to the Meranti Hotel.

Promotional Room Rates at Meranti Hotel

Enjoy the warm comfort of our top-of-the-line memory foam pocketed spring bed with 400 TC Egyptian cotton while browsing the net via our hospitality TV with freshly brewed coffee and a slice of cake.

Inclusive of:
*Overnight stay at our standard room
*Breakfast for two
*Free use of high-speed internet
*24 Hours freshly brewed coffee service
*2 Slices of cake

Php. 3,650.00
Till promo lasts...

For inquires please call  at Tel.376-6340 up to 42 or email us at frontoffice@merantihotel.com

Photo galleries:

Relax and enjoy your stay at Meranti Hotel. Drink your favorite Red Wine... Good for the heart.

Bread and butter as a starter.

Veggies and Salad for the vegetarian and those who want to make their body slimmer and fit. This one is for you.

Juices extracted from the best harvest fruits of the land.

Mussels or Tahong with bread and butter.. a truly delighted food taste that you can't resist.

Chicken ala Carte with french fries.. palatable to your taste.

Choices of side dishes that you will surely like.

Bacon sandwiches spread with French fries.

Meet the smiling Meranti Hotel Manager John Brix Fernandez (center). Brix is happy to meet and welcome you to the Meranti Hotel. Lifestyle Bloggers Allan Bough Gokongwei and Jing Giorgious

Original Photos Credited to Ver Garcia and Teddy Cho. (VerGarciaBlogs)

Bloggers Association of the Philippines News

AZALEA HOTELS & RESIDENCES IN BAGUIO CITY.. FAMOUS VACATION HOTEL IN THE PHILIPPINES

AZALEA Hotels & Residences In Baguio City Leading Vacation Hotel In The Philippines

Written by: Grace Bondad Nicolas

Front view of Azalea Hotels & Residences in Baguio City.

Azalea Hotels Friendly Staff  Happy to attend to your inquiries.

The Vacation I enjoyed myself a lot at the Azalea Hotel and Residences in Baguio City with the highly regarded Lifestyle and Travel bloggers in the Philippines.

The first 4-star serviced apartment hotel in Baguio City, Azalea hotel & residences enriches the Baguio holiday experience with its full services and amenities of multi-use serviced apartment, complete with living, dining and kitchen facilities in all its suites.

One can't miss the eye-catching facade that makes up Azalea Hotels & residences Baguio. Resembling a ski resort, the structure is a clever inspiration for the Summer Capital's first vacation residence that brings thoughts of family vacations and friendly holidays. The towering facade sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most cherished Baguio holiday experiences. After all, nowhere else can one find a  place that has a convenience of a hotel and the full services and amenities of a serviced- apartment. Azalea Residences is located a few minutes away from downtown Session road and is located on a secluded hill that promises peace and serenity of country living and is proximate to the city's mainstream activities.

99 VALUE FOR MONEY APARTMENT SUITES

Designed for families and friends who love traveling together in big groups, Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio has crafted 99 well-appointed and multi-occupant apartment suite rooms: 46 De Luxe, 17 One-Bedroom, 33 Two-Bedroom, and 3 Three-Bedroom all finished with a fully functional kitchen and dining facility providing the always opportune fond experience of coming together over home-cooked meals and joyful conversations.

Completing the accommodation experience is a living room area with a sofa bed and flat screen TV with cable connection, toilet and bathroom with hot and cold shower with separate toilets and baths.

4-STAR SERVICED  APARTMENT HOTEL AMENITIES

Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio offer more beyond its guest rooms, lobby lounge, playground, business center, WIFI connection in guest areas, 24-hour medical assistance, tour arrangements, and vacation services, laundry and dry cleaning services, Coffee Shop, Spa and Massage Services, handicap accessibility, in-room dining and Transport arrangement From Baguio to Manila. There are two food and beverage outlets. The Tradisyon Coffee Shop which serves traditional Filipino Comfort Food and Bar called 8 Degrees.

HOLIDAY FACILITIES AND CONCIERGE SERVICES

Not to miss on island activities and water sports, the vacation concierge at the front desk can map out an efficient tour and travel arrangement for everyone's maximum comfort and enjoyment. For those who want to let the pampering continue, the in-room wellness spa masseuse is just a buzz away, more than ready to recharge and refresh a weary body for the next day. 

Currently, on its completion, Azalea will feature 285 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a pool bar and is the second hotel development under the Azalea group, the first being in Baguio. Future proposed sites include Cebu, Davao, and Angeles City.

AZALEA VACATION CLUB

Frequent holiday-goers may likewise opt to become members of the Azalea Vacation Club (AVC), a premier holiday membership provider that grants members exclusive perpetual vacation rights in all Azalea Hotels & Residencies properties. By owning a vacation with Azalea, members lock in the cost of today's vacation for a lifetime of future holidays plus get access to a host of exclusive member privileges.

Azalea Baguio is located at Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio City. For your inquiry and reservations, you may call Manila office at Tel. (632) 450-1151, 0917-8611641 or 0919-9944140. Email: reservations@azalea.com.ph or visit the website at http://www.azaleabaguio.com. For updates on events and promotions, follow the Facebook fan page at Azalea Residences Baguio, Twitter@AzaleaResidence and Instagram@azaleabaguio.

Those interested in avail of the Vacation Club Membership, you may call (02) 6347742 or email: customerservice@azalea.com.ph.(GraceBlogs)

LABOR SEC. BALDOZ OUT TO CAMPAIGN VERSUS ONLINE ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT

Baldoz urges public to support POEA’s online anti-illegal recruitment campaign

Sec. of DOLE Rosalinda Baldoz

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday urged the public to support the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s social media-based anti-illegal recruitment (AIR) campaign.

“Since illegal recruiters are using the internet, especially through the social media, in victimizing jobseekers, the POEA has stepped up its AIR drive by harnessing the power of information and communications technology to inform and educate the public,” Baldoz said.

Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the POEA has recently partnered with the SVEN Group, a digital agency that is committed to spearhead a vibrant and dynamic digital campaign to protect Filipino workers from illegal recruiters and scammers who also use the internet prowling for possible targets.

“Illegal recruiters are now actively using the social media to attract more victims. They are using Facebook, emails and even Twitter, to promote their illegal schemes,” Cacdac said. 

Cacdac said the SVEN Group, in collaboration with the POEA, has started implementing the “ediWoW” AIR campaign on digital media. Among the projects are:

a)    Joint Facebook account of MANILYN LANG and MANOLO LOKO (https//www.facebook.com/manilynandmanolo//fref=ts), the two (2) characters representing illegal recruitment.

b)    Separate twitter accounts of MANILYN LANG and MANOLO LOKO (@_manilynlang and @manololoko). 

c)    Enhanced POEA AIR Facebook campaign page which includes the creation of caricature character named JUAN PANALO. Juan Panalo represents the ideal Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and is the figure that will be used when promoting all the legal ways of overseas employment (https://www.facebook.com/POEA-Anti-Illegal-Recruitment-206658936026081/).

“I enjoin our DOLE regional offices, the public employment service offices, and our legitimate employer partners, to help in protecting the public from these illegal recruiters. Let us pin down these illegal recruitment activities with our concerted effort,” said Baldoz.

SVEN Group has also produced digital videos to promote the said social media accounts.

Still in the pipeline is the development of a POEA AIR campaign website and a promotional infographic video.

SVEN Group is also currently sourcing social media influencers as digital partners for press release content and advertorial placements. (VGarciaBlogs)