A CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS DAY AT THE CENTURY CITY MALL IN MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES

Cherish The Love.. A Celebration of Mothers Day
By: Ver M. Garcia & Teddy Cho

Ms. Mafae Belasco stresses in her speech that our mother will always guide us and will always be on our side. With the beautiful Moms, during the event held recently at the Century Citi Mall in Makati City.

CENTURY CITY MALL Makati City, Philippines - Each year, we celebrate Mother's Day to commemorate our Dear Moms in our own loving ways. The simple thought that our community ,especially the mom and child, share a common bond together during this Blessed day is priceless. Through our lives we experience through happiness, trials, laughter and tears, and yet we still bind together because it’s what family is all about. Together on this special day, we recognize our mothers for being our Guardian and our true best friends.

Despite all the challenges and adversities, our mom's love is always there to inspire, to guide and to protect . A mother will always protect and guide us in everything, she will always be by our side, and that's how STRONG their LOVE is for their child.

One of the exciting activities was the blindfolded game! The children were blindfolded, then he/she will be asked to identify their moms by touching and feeling their face, hair and hands as they stand in a line beside fellow mothers! This is in collaboration with James MacKay Foundation Inc. and the Philippine National School for the Blind, who will also be sending students and their mothers to join the activities. And again, this serves as a reminder to us that despite obstacles, a mother's love is unbreakable and unfathomable!

James MacKay Foundation helping the children with there advocacy in education, livelihood and sports.

It's good to know that there are places like Parenting Emporium for dedicating so much in making the roles of a mom much easier, because as we all know, motherhood is no easy feat. It's a one-stop shop for mothers of all kind, specializing in newborn care, breastfeeding hacks, and all the necessities a mother needs to keep her child happy and healthy. Want to know more exciting news? They are also giving a talk of their own!

Century City Mall will be having a Mom's Fair at the Ground floor near Mary Grace featuring Bloombox, Flowers by Rosabella, and Mother's Day Photo Booth.

The lovely moms and families at the Mother's Day activities post for posterity

More good news!

Courtesy of CENTURY CITY MALL Century City Kalayaan Ave.,

For more details, visit Century City Mall's Facebook or inquire at their Concierge at (02) 705 6200

Makati City

The Wonderful Moms sings 'Let It Go' an ABS-CBN talent star..

(VerGarciaBlogs)

REDUCING HUMAN INTERVENTIONS WILL STOP CORRUPTION AND SMUGGLING AT THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

FORMER CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER VILLANUEVA SUGGESTED REFORMS TO REDUCE GRAFT AND CORRUPTION AND TECHNICAL SMUGGLING AT THE BOC 
By. Ver M. Garcia & Teddy Cho

Former BOC Commissioner Titus Villanueva seated at the right with Blogger Journalist Susan Amoroso (seated at the center) and other media partners.

The Philippines a DEVELOPING country plague with corruption and Technical smuggling. Time and again the BOC (BUREAU of CUSTOMS) has been known to be corrupt. There have been verified reports about its loses in revenues of P300 millions each month due to smuggling. Just recently. newspapers reported alleged illegal entry of imported sugar, rice, cars, agricultural products, plastic, petroleum, and smuggling of manufactured goods, such as iron bars and adulterated cement; the entry of 100 container vans of toxic waste; and the lost of 2,000 container vans of imported manufactured products without payments of duties and taxes.

Corruption in the form of bribe and facilitation money are elicited from delays in the release of cargoes, contributing to port congestion, does victimizing all kinds of importers, big and small which includes the honest and dishonest business entities. ‘Human interventions must be reduce to the barest minimum to reduce corruption’ avers Atty, Villanueva

BLOGGING COVERAGE.. Ms. Susan Amoroso (standing) emcee at the Media Forum held recently at the Jadevine Hotel in United Nation Avenue, Manila. Topics of the discussion is How to Rid the Bureau of Custom of Graft and Corruption.. Resource Speaker is Atty. Titus Villanueva (Right) former Custom Commissioner. 

STATUS OF THE DRIVE AGAINST SMUGGLING AND CORRUPTION

In a private blog and media briefing, lawyer Titus B. Villanueva in an excerpt from a book entitled ‘FROM THE RANKS’  a biography of Titus himself was written and introduced by  journalist Chando P. Morallos.

TITUS POLICY: EXCERPTS FROM HIS BIO-BOOK: FROM THE RANKS: TITUS B. VILLANUEVA's BIOGRAPHY BOOK: THAT DURING THE TIME OF THE FORMER BUREAU OF CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER. TITUS B. VILLANUEVA WITH  HIS POLICY: ‘ALWAYS FAVOR THE IMPORTER IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SUPREME COURT RULING THAT  CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF THE TAXPAYER WHO HAS THE BURDEN OF PAYING THE TAXES.’

According to Titus the BOC has not been lacking in reform programs or measures to curb smuggling and eradicate corruption. In fact, the following are some of the reforms adopted and implemented.

1.) Simplification of Customs Documents.

2.) Determination of the Time of processing of Customs Documents.

3.) Limitation of the Number of days of processing Customs documents.

4.) Reduction of the Number of signatures required in the processing.

5.) Conduct of Moral regeneration seminars for Custom employees.

6.) Use of Selectivity System by Identification of legitimate and less legitimate importers.

7.) Hiring of Pre-shipment inspectors (PSI).

8.) Computerization of Customs Operation.

It should be noted that two of the aforementioned reform programs: BOC's Selectivity System and Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) were found out to be very effective but were removed from the operations due to political reasons. As reported funds from corruption and smuggling were used for campaign funds in both local and national elections.

THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

The restoration of the Selectivity System and the CISS (Comprehensive Import Supervision System) and removing the reasons why they did not last long. In case of big and legitimate-accredited importers, their shipments covering about 80% of the total imports should no longer pass through Customs but would be delivered immediately from pier direct to the consignee's warehouse but subject only to random check (Alert) to rule out abuse of the privilege. Bribe/ facilitation money would be avoided with the removal of Customs processing prior to the release of the shipment. 

Without human intervention, there would be no place for bribery/ facilitation money.

In the case of hiring of Import Supervisor, make the coverage comprehensive which was the reason why it was removed. The solution is to make it cover only the group of new and less reliable-accredited importers comprising only about 20% of total imports, hence, no longer costly to the Government.

In order for the solution to succeed and make it lasting, the system of reward and punishment should be adopted. This means that ACCREDITATION of big / honest, legitimate importers would be revoked if the importers commit any violation of the Customs Tariff and Custom code and other related laws and regulations. In the same manner, new and less reliable importers may join the group of big/ honest/legitimate importers should they maintain good record of performance in dealing with the BOC.

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS : FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

1.) Creation of a committee of 3 to 5 honest and reliable members. The committee would select/accredit those who would compose the group of big/legitimate importers and the group of new and less reliable ones. The committee member must be appointed by no less than the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Customs Commissioner.

2.) The Herein proposed solution to the problem should be contained in an Executive order to be issued by the President.

Former Customs Commissioner is the only Filipino Customs head to chair the ASEAN and APEC meetings on customs procedures. His advocacy to rid customs of graft and corruption has been proven effective during his term as customs deputy and as commissioner. He rose from the ranks serving the Bureau for 41 years and the only non-political appointee. He is a CPA-lawyer and a licensed customs broker. He is no other than Lawyer Titus B. Villanueva.

(VerGarciaBlogs)

YAKITORI RUINS GARDEN IN METROPOLITAN AVENUE IN MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES

Ruins Food Park: Food, Drinks, Music
By: Engr. Grace Bondad

Yakitori Ruins Garden.. a place where you can relax, dine and listen to good music. Just recently at Yakitori Daitokyo Site were "Ruins" is located (Along Metropolitan Avenue, Makati), just launched "Ruins Food Park." It's where your favorite mobile food vehicles were parked together for the happy hour.

When it comes to eating out, variety is the spice of life and Filipinos loves variety whether it's local food, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese or even Mediterranean, we indulged. The popularity of food parks mushrooming all over the metro is a testament to that. And while there are lots of different places to eat, we can still check new ones. Here are 3 things to expect at Ruins Food Park. 1. Variety of food.- Since there will be different companies participating, expect choices and options. We have noodles, bbq, pizza and of course, different drinks for this humid and summer season.
2. Good Music. - Ruins Food Park is part of Yakitori Daitokyo where we played different bands and singers occasionally. Meet them and there's a jamming session, enjoy the music with your Barkada.
3. Relaxation at its finest.- This is the happy hour after work. Invite your colleagues and friends to dine in the most affordable way possible.

Join us at Ruins Food Park and try the variety of dishes with good music. For more details: Tel.847 0413 / 8999824. (VerGarciaBlogs)

UNVERIFIED FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVISORIES HURTING PHILIPPINE TOURISM

SEC. TEO AGAINST FALSE TRAVEL ADVISORIES

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo on Thursday called for a more reasonable and fair issuance of traveladvisories by various governments so as not to falsely discourage travel to tourism-dependent countries.

    Teo urged foreign ministries and embassy officials of various countries to consult and coordinate with the concerned countries before issuing travel advisories against any of them.

    The Philippine official reiterated her position during the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) Global Summit at the Bangkok Convention Center, where she served as one of the four panelists in the forum titled “Freedom to Travel – can ASEAN countries lead the way?” 

    Teo reminded the international travel and tourism bigwigs it is important to recognize the actual situation on the ground to avoid the issuance of travel advisories that might dissuade potential visitors without sufficient justification.

    “We respect the decision of any country to take precautionary measures to protect their citizens but it is pivotal that a consultation be made with the destination country. Needless to say, countries like the Philippines tend to suffer the most when advisories are unjustly issued,” said Teo. 

    Joining Teo as panelists were Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Arief Yahya, Tourism Ministers of Thailand and Indonesia, respectively; and Arun Mishra, Regional Director of ICAO Asia and Pacific Office.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo one of the panelist during the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

    “In spite of the  advisories against traveling to certain parts of the Philippines, our government can assure travelers that the Philippines as a whole remains a safe haven for tourists and residents alike” Teo said in a separate interview with the media.

    No less than the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai concurred with Teo’s confidence on the safety and security of Tourists coming to the country. 

    “We consider it an important sign of confidence in the Philippines, which just hosted the ASEAN Senior officials meeting on Trade and Industry in Bohol. Next week Heads of the ASEAN will convene in Manila for their annual meeting. More importantly, the UNWTO meeting slated in Manila in June will proceed as planned,” added Taleb.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo one of the panelist during the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) in Bangkok, Thailand. With Sec. Teo as panelists were Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Arief Yahya, Tourism Ministers of Thailand and Indonesia and Arun Mishra, Regional Director of ICAO Asia and Pacific Office.

    Taleb likewise urged government officials “to keep their travel advisories regularly updated and clearly limited in time and geographic scope in order to avoid blanket travel advisories that affect the whole of a country.”

    Also, present in the Global summit was the former Prime Minister of United Kingdom, David Cameron who expounded on why governments should rethink their actions in response to terrorism.

    “The effect of terrorism as you know all so well can be absolutely devastating. This devastation is not a by- product of the terroris but it is what they want to achieve, to plunge us into a  medieval world of fear and oppression, to shut down travel and tourism,” said Cameron. (VerGarciaBlogs)

EXCITING TOUR AND VISIT AT THE AZALEA HOTELS & RESIDENCES IN BAGUIO CITY, PHILIPPINES

Visit Azalea Hotels & Residences... Famous Vacation Hotel In   Baguio City, Philippines                                                                   By Ver M. Garcia

Entrance view of the landscape Azalea Hotels & Residences in Baguio City.

Azalea Hotels & Residences was inaugurated on December 3, 2011, and it is dedicated to the memory of their beloved Lourdes Vargas Ridad.

Front view of Azalea Hotels & Residences in Baguio City.

Azalea Hotels Friendly Staff Courteously Attending To Your Inquiry.

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.

In the lobby.

So cozy and appealing..

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 a most cherished Baguio holiday experience. After all, nowhere else can one find a  place that has a conveniences of a hotel and the full services and amenities of a serviced-apartment. Azalea Residences located a few minutes away from downtown Session road and is located in a secluded hill that promises peace and serenity of country living and proximate to the city's mainstream activities.

99 VALUE FOR MONEY APARTMENT SUITES

Designed for families and friends who love travelling 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 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.

Tradisyon Pinoy Comfort Food.. a Great Tradition and Specialty of Azalea Hotel & Residences.

With Distinguished Lifestyle and Travel Bloggers Ready To Taste Delicious and Healthy Sumptuous Meal at the Tradisyon Resto.

FREEBIES AND BENEFITS OF AZALEA VACATION CLUB SHARES.

Lifetime vacation ownership with beautiful smiling staff.

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 the 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 to avail of the Vacation Club Membership, you may call (02) 6347742 or email: customerservice@azalea.com.ph.(VerGarciaBlogs)

Bloggers Association of the Philippines News

AN INVITATION TO VISIT TREE TOP ADVENTURES IN BAGUIO CITY.. SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

A Wonderful Family Bonding At The Tree Top Adventure In Baguio City

By: Ver M . Garcia

TEAM BUILDING at the TREE TOP ADVENTURE IN BAGUIO.. Sometimes lack of team work is the reason why company fails.. If you're company have a problem in getting employees and management in coordinating' their acts together.. This one is for you.. Now is the time to plan for your TEAM BUILDING and Leadership Seminar.. Join us while we guide you to the world of fun and excitement.. A BLOGGERS HAVEN... A Baguio Bloggers Event Getaway sponsored by the Tree Top Adventure, Azalea Residences and Tag Media headed by Engr. Grace Bondad.. (Photo By: Ver Garcia)

At last, I am away from the hustle and bustle of city life! I'm free again and welcome to the summer capital of the Philippines in Baguio City at the Tree Top Adventures and Azalea Residences and Live Your Life to the Fullest!

An adventure to hone in on your socio-cultural quotient and to savor the Beauty and splendor of Mother Nature. Pampered by the Elegance of the Azalea Residence. An adventure worth sharing, remembering, wedded couples, family adventures and outdoor tripping with your sweetheart and loved ones. If you are planning to look for fun and adventure. This is the answer, a Bonding moments at its peak point at the TREE TOP ADVENTURE. Make the adventure seems like a child's play.

Trek the adventure yourself and let the beauty of nature unfold in your very eyes. Tree Top Adventure at it's very best .. Get a guided tour with their well-trained staff.

A well trained staff briefs the participants about the safety of rides at the Tree Top Adventure. 
(Photo by VG)

There were safety rules to follow upon entering the Tree Top Adventures. (Photo By: VG)

The crowd and visitors listen intently as they were about to join the exciting rides at the Tree Top Adventures. (Photo by:  Ver Garcia)


Team Building Effort for Leaders.

Good place to exercise your corporate teams capabilities especially in marketing. The training helps build team spirit through cooperation, coordination the art of communication. The activities proved to be challenging to the young once and young at heart against the yuppies represented by the Team Pia.

Games Played:

1.) The Team See-Saw .. Test the groups patience, sense of balance and mind and body coordination. In real life each one should learn to balance the rigorous work with your family and social life.

Photo Credited to the Tree Top Adventure.

2.) The Gem Drop .. Attempts to teach each players flexibility with the use of a coordinated push and pull strategy. This game might also be a way of knowing and sensing your team mates. a more creative Body Language thus help promote a proactive approach to the 'on the spot' problem solving scenarios with your team mates and this might apply also with the real life situation with your clients.

3.)  The ABC Games.. This attempts to test and developed your focus and concentration, hearing sensitivity, a test of your concentration and receptivity with nature.

4.) The Loop Lift.. Another team effort in coordination and cooperation with proper balance, timing and concentration.

5.) The Bar Lift Balancer.. Another exciting feature in team building is the bar lifting challenge. Test the groups coordination and agility in a creatively balanced effort. Patience is a virtue and together with everyone in focus it's a marvelous experience for all.

6.) The Pipeline Challenge.. Requires patience, proper timing of each mover to bring and swak the  ball to the finishing line. With proper coordination each one task to bring the ping pong ball and shoot it in the can.

7.) The Plank Steps.. A team balancing act a coordinated movement with each one exercising his or her skills, coordinated balance, timing and spontaneous movement.
and finally..

8.) The Treasure Hunt.. It test both the intellectual and Physical Prowess of each member of the team to chip in their effort in an attempt to find the 'Bulol'.The first to crack and solve the puzzle will surely win the treasure hunt games.

The Tree Top Adventures Exciting Rides

Theme parks are designed, constructed maintained to the highest safety standards. Rides are  designed and built with numerous layers of safety in place ensures  safety and a pleasant ride.

1.) The Tree Drop.. One of the breathtaking adventures is the tree drop adventure it's for the thrill seekers who crave for the adrenalin rush. From a height of 20 meters feel the wind rushing when your dropped at that measurement. 

Photo credit to: Allan Bough Gokongwei

2.) The Superman Ride.. For the young at heart and the young once. The superman ride will take you on a super hero tour along the greenery scene of Baguio City amidst the sweet smelling pine trees. You will feel the high of being  the swashbuckling  heroes of the justice league.

Photo Credit to Yvone Bertolo

3.) The Silver Surfer.. Don't miss it.. feel what Tarzan felt with Jane swinging along the Tree Top. The swinging Silver Surfer can give you and your partner an experience and a ride you can't forget.

Photo credit to: Eisley Lulo

4.) The Canopy Ride.. It's one of the the safest because it's motorized, travel 33 meters above as you go along and talk to each other. Behold the greenery below and the morning ride is awe inspiring and amazing to the young and old. Good for Family rides as well.

Photo credit to: Eisley Lulo

5.) The Trekking and Skywalk.. Another family bonding activity is the Trekking and Skywalk. Before you can reach the thrilling adventures mentioned, a 15 to 20 minutes walk with a breathtaking view of the mountains and the fresh air and the ion charge experienced. Ions are the negatively charge particle that the body needs after too much exposures to computers, TV's and other electronic devices that emits positive ions that can cause cancer and weak immune system. This is amazingly Good for your Health.

In conclusion..  The team building games and Fun rides help develop social networking capabilities, friendship and camaraderie and promotes Global tourism. A must for every companies looking to unwind, relax and build a good camaraderie with co employees, family bonding activities and also promotes good health.. (VerGarciaBlogs)