Tax Exemption

Somebody's pulling one's hair nowadays because it’s tax time again. Personally, I find the task tedious but necessary. I’m sure, everybody would agree with me that if there’s a way to lessen one’s tax due, one would really try hard to avail of such.

Here’s one good tax exemption tip: BIR ruling pursuant to Section 2.78(B)(13) of Revenue Regulations No. 2-98 implementing Section 32(B)(7)(f) of the Tax Code of 1997, GSIS, SSS, Medicare and Pag-ibig contributions, and union dues of individuals shall not be included in gross income and shall be exempt from taxation.

Thus, Pag-IBIG, GSIS, SSS and Philhealth contributions should be deducted from the taxable income resulting to lesser tax due for the year. One good way to increase the tax exemption is to increase the said contributions.

Pag-IBIG Fund is currently offering the Modified Pag-IBIG II which actually helps lessen the tax due and also, it offers higher yield than the original Pag-IBIG I membershp

Litratong Pinoy#131 Eyeglasses (Salamin sa mata)

He was well-known with the words, I shall return. The very words held on my Filipinos during the World War II. What I've observed though that in all his photos, he was always wearing his eyeglasses even if while he was walking through the waters of Leyte while wearing his soldier's uniform. His name was General Douglas McArthur.

The photo was taken at Corregidor Island.



Pilipino:
Sikat siya sa sinabi niyang "Babalik ako." Mga katagang pinanghawakan ng mga Pilipino noong nakaraang ikalawang pandaigdigang digmaan. Napansin ko lang, lahat ng litrato niya, lagi siyang may suot na salamin sa mata kahit na noong binaybay niya ang dalampasigan ng Leyte at naka-unipormeng sundalo pa. Siya ay si Heneral Douglas McArthur.

Kuha ang litrato sa isla ng Corregidor.

Outdoor Wednesday#25 Marina Bay Sands

While waiting for our turn to ride the Singapore Flyer, I decided to walk around the vicinity and saw this at the back of Singapore Flyer building.

The building at the background is the recently opened resort casino hotel, Marina Bay Sands.

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. Developed by Las Vegas Sands, it is billed as the world's most expensive standalone casino property at S$8 billion, including cost of the prime land.
(souce: wikipedia)

Ruby Tuesday#91 Giving Hands

Glass mosaic of giving hands inside the Adoration Chapel of the Cebu Cathedral.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

April Fool's Day Prank

I never knew about April Fool's Day until a friend did a prank on me. She did it two years in a row. After that, I became conscious of that date. April Fool's day is fast approaching now (gee, days are actually spinning past away from me) and I am actually hoping that there won't be any April Fool's Day prank for me.

Metro Lifestyle's Summer Workshops

To keep your kids from getting bored during summer time, Metrolifestyle Fitness Center & Spa is offering the following summer workshops:

Muay Thai (for kids)
Registration Fee: P600
10am-11:30am (Tue/Thu/Sat)                         Class Fee: P2,500
330pm-5pm (Mon/Wed/Fri)                      Class Fee: P4,000
Combo Rate: Muay Thai+Bushido Karate - P4,000

Bushido Karate (for kids)
Registration Fee: P600
10am-11:30am (Mon/Wed/Fri)                    Class Fee: P2,500


Bushido Karate (Toddlers)
10am-11:30am (Tue/Thu/Sat)                      Class Fee: P3,500

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Kids
2pm-3pm (Mon-Sat)

Rates:
Registration Fee: P600
Mon/Wed/Fri : P2,500

Daily Class Fee: P4,000

Fit2Dance
930am-1030am (Mon/Wed/Fri) - Hiphop kids
930am-1030am (Tue/Thu/Sat) - Jazz kids
1pm-2pm (Tue/Thu/Sat) - Hiphop Teens
 2pm-3pm (Tue/Thu/Sat) - Jazz Teens

Rate:
Hiphop class fee: P2,800
Jazz class fee: P2,800
Hiphop & Jazz class fee: P5,300

Belly Dance Teens
1pm-2pm(Mon-Sat)     

Belly DAnce Kids
2pm-3pm (Mon-Sat)

Registration Fee: P600
MWF Class Rate: P2,500
Daily Class fee: P4,000

Enrol at:
Metrolifestyle Fitness Center & Spa
corners E. Jacinto Ext. and Torres Sts., Davao City
telephone numbers: 2286180-82

Tsunami Dolphin In The Ricefield

The news about a baby dolphin caught in the ricefield during the tsunami aftermath is poignant and heartwarming. Apparently, the dolphin was washed inland by the strong tsunami in Japan after the intensity 9 earthquake a few days ago. It was found by a good Samaritan who has been saving animals injured by the earthquake and tsunami.

I always say my prayers to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami. However, I’ve always wondered how are the animals are doing. For sure, efforts are primarily for the people affected by the calamity. This is why the news about the tsunami dolphin is such a heartwarming story.

Where To Pay Cebu-Tagbilaran Boat Ticket

In terms of payment facilities for any modes of transportation, the Philippines really lags behind compared to its Asian neigbors. It's rather discouraging especially for people like me who's used to booking my transportation and hotel accommodations online.

Recently, I tried paying online the boat ticket for the fastcraft tickets from Cebu to Tagbilaran and vice versa. I was initially impressed that both Supercat and Oceanjet fastcrafts already have their own interactive websites. However, when I tried to book online, Supercat website can only give me the reservations but paying online was another matter. After some exchange of emails, I finally found an address that would accept the payments for the boat tickets: Here're are the addresses:

For Supercat Ferry for Cebu-Tagbilaran and vice versa
ATSC Davao
Km. 9 2Go Container Yard
Sasa, Davao City
beside Pavino Clinic and PNB Sasa branch
(near crossing Old Airport)
contact number 82-2345824

For Oceanjet Ferry
House of Travel
Damosa Complex, Lanang, Davao City
contact numbers: +63-82-234-0582; +63-82-235-2160; +63-82-235-3005

It is better to call their office first before getting there, House of Travel closes at 5pm while ATSC Davao closes at 6pm.

Litratong Pinoy#130 Itim(Black)

I initially called him "Blackie". I changed it when he started growing up and he became more exuberant that I called him "Bugoy", which means in bisaya as somebody who is playful and exuberant. He liked to play on my bed when am home or he liked to mess with me while I was on my computer.

When he suddenly disappeared last month, our entire household was worried and sad for him. Somebody saw that he was picked up by a boy while Bugoy was standing outside our house. We looked for him around the neighborhood in a long while but we never saw him again. I just hope that he is being treated well by whoever got him. Until now, I still miss Bugoy very much.

Pilipino:
Una ko siyang tinawag na "Itim". Nabago iyon habang siya'y lumalaki at nagiging makulit kaya tinawag ko siya "Bugoy", na ang ibig sabihin sa bisaya ay magulo at makulit. Mahilig siyang maglaro sa ibabaw ng aking kama kapag ako ay nasa bahay at minsan naman, ginugulo niya ako sa harap ng computer.

Nang bigla siyang nawala noong nakaraang buwan, nalungkot kaming lahat sa bahay. Sabi ng mga nakakita, may batang nagbitbit sa kanya habang si Bugoy ay nakatayo sa harap ng aming bahay. Ang tagal naming hinanap si Bugoy sa mga kapitbahay pero hindi namin siya nakita pang muli. Sana lang, inaalagaan siyang mabuti nang nakakuha sa kanya. Hanggang ngayon, miss na miss ko pa rin si Bugoy.

Outdoor Wednesday#24 The Terraces

This place is called "The Terraces", part of Ayala Cebu's food and beverage strip. The landscape is really beautiful even at night and there are even water features around the area that really makes the place laid back.

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday. Go here.

Ruby Tuesday#90 Manila Metropolitan Theatre

A colorful Manila bus passes by the Manila Metropolitan Theatre. Called as the grand old dame, the Manila Metropolitan Theatre is located along Padre Burgos Avenue, just a stone's throw away from another historical building, the Manila Central Post Office building. Both buildings were build before World War II and are considered part of the heritage of the Filipino people. Sadly, the Manila Central Post Office is faring somewhat better than the grand old dame. I fervently hope that someday, the theatre will be restored in its old glory.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. To see more entries, go here>

Pag-IBIG Employer’s Registration

Looks like Pag-IBIG Fund has updated its website. Previously, their website has the following member services links:

Online Filing of Short Term Loan for local members
OFW Member’s Contribution Verification
Online Membership Registration
Housing Loan Payment Verification
Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) enrollment

Now, Pag-IBIG Fund has an additional link for Employer’s Registration. This is a good way for the employers (existing or new) to get registered with the Fund to avoid going back and forth in the branches which commonly have long queues of clients waiting to be served. The employer can just register the data of their establishment and prepare the following documents to submit to the branch nearest to them:

For Sole Proprietorship
•Members Registration/Remittance Form (MRRF)
•Members Data Form (MDF) per employee
•DTI Registration
•Mayor’s Permit/Business Permit
•GSIS Certificate of Membership or Certificate of SSS Coverage and Compliance

For Partnership/Corporation
•Members Registration/Remittance Form (MRRF)
•Members Data Form (MDF) per employee
•SEC Registration
•Certificate of SSS Coverage and Compliance
•Articles of Partnership/Incorporation and By-Laws

Cooperative
•Members Registration/Remittance Form (MRRF)
•Members Data Form (MDF) per employee
•Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Certificate
•Certificate of Membership
•Member’s Affidavit of Income
•List of Members
•List of Officers

Trade Association
•Members Registration/Remittance Form (MRRF)
•Members Data Form (MDF) per employee
•SEC Certificate of Registration
•Articles of Partnership/Incorporation and By-Laws
•Certificate of Membership
•Member’s Affidavit of Income
•List of Members
•List of Officers

I Don’t Care

I like 2NE1’s song, I Don’t Care but if those words are applied to some things that one should really care about, it becomes annoying. One of my nieces’ standard line nowadays is “I don’t care.” You tell her to fix her school things as they are strewn around the floor, “I don’t care.” You tell her to wash her undies properly as they look more like dirty rags than her undies, she acts “I don’t care.” You expect her to be absent from her band practice for a few days because her grandpa was sick in the hospital and there would be nobody to look for sister at home, she went on to her practice and probably said to herself “I don’t care.”

The list goes endless. Sometimes, I just scratch my head and just let her be. Other times especially when my mother starts to fuss and worry about her granddaughter’s irritating ways, it becomes totally annoying. What’s more annoying is that her father could’ve helped in disciplining his daughter but hey, the way he has been acting…it all says “I don’t care.”

What A Crumpler

Seven months have gone by and the crumpler that Canon promised when I purchased by EOS550D is still out there somewhere floating around in the horizon.

There were three freebies for the said purchase: Canon’s Better Photography book, 4 gigabytes SD memory card and the crumpler. The memory card was given upon purchase, the book was delivered a few weeks after but the crumpler, I am starting to think that Canon has forgotten it already.

I made some follow-ups thru the email and phone calls but their standard reply was they’ll send the crumpler when it’s available already. I’ve been wondering why Canon made it as a freebie if their not crumpler stock was insufficient. They could’ve substituted another item with equal value, I think. What a crumpler!

Missing The Pasig River Ferry

I really wish I was able to get to ride the Pasig River Ferry. I saw one of their ferry stations in Guadalupe and I was looking forward to ride on it going to Intramuros. I called their office yesterday and I was told that there are some issues that they are working on; thus, the temporary stoppage of the ferry operation.

Pasig River was part of my childhood. Those were the times that I've seen it got abused, made into a big, convenient garbage bin. The clean Pasig River that I've heard of, I've only known from the books I read. Lately though, a lot of people are taking some real interest in cleaning it up. Clean-up drives and run for Pasig events were just some activities done for the clean-up of the river. I've seen some recent photos of the better-looking Pasig River, that's why I have such interest in riding the Pasig River ferry. I do hope the operation will continue soon enough. That way, I would be able to experience a little about old Manila; hopefully, minus the smelly waters of Pasig river.

LItratong Pinoy#129 Rosas(Pink)

Different flowers in assorted colors. There's the color yellow, white, red and even pink. Take your pick. This was taken outside the Quiapo Church, just inside Plaza Miranda, Manila.

Pilipino:
Klase-klaseng bulaklak na iba-ibang kulay. May kulay dilaw, puti, pula at rosas pa. Pili na. Ito ay kuha sa labas ng simbahan ng Quiapo, sa loob ng Plaza Miranda, Maynila.

Outdoor Wednesday#23 Alone In The Middle Of Nowhere

A lone tree right in the middle of nowhere. It looks sad but I admire its determination to stand and live alone.

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday. Go here.

Ruby Tuesday#89 Miniature Sto. Niño

Miniature Sto. Nino being sold just outside the Basilica Minore Sto. Nino del Cebu. As always, where there is a church, the ambulant vendors are just around the area. They sell street food, religious paraphernalias like this miniature Sto. Ninos, prayer booklets and candles, toys, clothes and even shoes.



This is my entry for:

Go here to see more entries.

Sunday Stealing#81 The Burnt Toast Meme, Part Two

Today we ripped off a blogger named Fridge from the blog Buzzing Fridge. Buzzing Fridge's last post was in 2010. He states he got it from Toast. Since we've got Toast's pick (Fridge never shared one) we thought that we'd post it. Toast has had a blog since 2003, but when he reinvents it, he deletes his archives. So we have no idea where Toast got it. It's 50 questions, so we will do it in three parts. Had we had found the old blog, we would known where Toast got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Burnt Toast Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

17. Who would you like to show up at your door to say they love you?
A friend of mine that I haven't seen for a long time.

18. Last furry thing you touched?
Our kittens.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
None, thank goodness.

20. Do you miss film or does digital work for you?
Nowadays, digital photos really work for me.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
My early twenties.

22. Your worst enemy?
Myself.

23. What is your current desktop picture?
An island-beach with coconut trees, so enticing.

24. What was the last thing you said that was funny?
Gee, I couldn't recall.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
A million bucks it is. I can do a lot of things with that money. I need to buy an external flash and a telephoto lens, both preferably Canon. Then, I can fly to some really nice destination to take photos.

26. Who can't you say “no” to?
My mother, mostly. Another friend whom I really close to.

27. The last song you bought or downloaded?
The Journey's Revelation DVD and CD.

28. What time of day were you born?
It was past 10:00 o'clock in the evening.

29. What’s your favorite number? Why?
Hm...number 8, 4. Number 8 is considered lucky. Number 4 is connected to my name.

30. Where did you live in 1987?
The same place.

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
Nope. Why would I be?

32. Is anyone jealous of you?
I hope none but there are times, I think there's one or two.

33. It's been almost a decade. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
At home, watching TV. Thought it was just a movie my parents were watching. Then, realized it was horribly real.

PhotoHunt#129 Machine

Boats, ships and submarines fascinate me. Floating machines that can go the distance over and under the water. This is one of the fishing boats at the Sta. Ana Wharf on its way out to the sea.



This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Visita Iglesia 2011

I learned to appreciate the visita iglesia after doing it in Ilocos region years ago. I was able to do that beautiful tradition several times over the years but the memory of the old churches, hushed tones, solemn and laidback atmosphere of the provinces somehow made the urban holy week tradition loud and pretentious. I promise myself then that I will do the Bisita Iglesia again in the provinces as often as I can.

Things made the plan take the backseat, sudden travel plans (official and personal) during Holy Week and the expensive packages for the provincial tours were primary concerns. The travel agency who made the Ilocos Bisita Iglesia possible years ago has been closed now. Such a pity because their Bisita Iglesia tour packages were really affordable and worth the price.

The good news is I found another travel group that looks promising, the Illuminati tours. I discovered them while reading a feature article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer about their launching in the San Sebastian Church. I found out that not only are they offering Visita Iglesia around Old Manila but they are also offering them in other parts of Luzon like Ilocos, Cagayan Valley Province, Laguna, Tagaytay as well as in Cebu (Visayas Region).

So, if you're planning to do the Visita Iglesia in a different way..check out their schedules here.

I Am Going To Korea

I am going to Korea, that's I always hear from my youngest niece. She's not interested in going to the United States of America where her mother is right now but she's only interested in going to South Korea. She wanted to study and live there. She said she'd be happier if she could meet some of her South Korean Idols like girl group 2NE1, actor Jang Geun Suk and some names I could not even spell.

I could only listen to her amusingly. On the other hand, I find it saddening that at her young age, she is already thinking of leaving the Philippines. I could only encourage her to study diligently and find work here in the Philippines first. With hard work and determination, she may reach her goals. I would still prefer that she stays here in the Philippines though.

Litratong Pinoy#128 Kayumanggi (Brown)

This is the tranvia that's being used to go around Corregidor Island. This is similar to the tranvia used by the Filipinoand American soldiers during World War II while staying in the said island.

Pilipino:
Ito ang tranbiyang sinasakyan para lumibot sa loob ng isla ng Corregidor. Kasingtulad ito ng tranbiya noong pangalawang pandaigdig na digmaan na ginamit ng mga sundalong Pilipino at Amerikano sa loob ng naturang isla.

Pulmonary Embolism On Serena Williams?

Pulmonary embolism in a world-class athlete like Serena Williams is so unbelievable that I thought the news about it went all wrong, but it really happened.  Doctors always say that sedentary people have more chances to get it so if this has happened to Serena Williams who is a top athlete, what are the chances of people whose form of exercise is to walk a few steps from the TV to the refrigerator or those who'd rather sit it out in front of TV or computer than do a bit of walking for at least 10 minutes everyday.

Ruby Tuesday#89 Sto. Niño del Cebu

The miraculous Sto. Nino del Cebu. Taken inside Basilica del Sto. Nino, February 22.

Sunday Stealing#80

Today we ripped off a blogger named Fridge from the blog Buzzing Fridge. Buzzing Fridge's last post was in 2010. He states he got it from Toast. Since we've got Toast's pick (Fridge never shared one) we thought that we'd post it. Toast has had a blog since 2003, but when he reinvents it, he deletes his archives. So we have no idea where Toast got it. It's 50 questions, so we will do it in three parts. Had we had found the old blog, we would known where Toast got it from.  But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Burnt Toast Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I am getting older.

2. How much cash do you have on you?
Very little, I need to go to the ATM right now!

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
More? There's the door, go get more.

4. Favorite planet?
Earth!

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Anne G

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
South Korean Hwangbo and DJ Koo's Let Me

7. What shirt are you wearing?
It's a brown sleeveless tank top. 

8. Do you label yourself?
I try not to.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
Am wearing slippers right now.

10. Bright or Dark Room?
Bright room.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
Don't know anybody very well..

12. What does your watch look like?
It got numbers, it wraps around my wrist and it says time.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Reading a book, it's a good one entitled Samurai by Jason Hightman.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
It's in our local dialect but will translate.."Will I bring the bamboo today?"

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
It's too far, you'll need a plane to get there.

16. What's a word that you say a lot?
Hmm..I can't think of one right now..

PhotoHunt#128 Self-Portrait

Took this self-portrait or as what others call, selca (self-cam) at the tennis clubhouse with a cute puppy, Jessica.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

When Will I Get My First Google Adsense Check?

I have been salivating for my first google adsense check for years now. I started blogging around 2008 and I have yet to receive the coveted google adsense check. I was ecstatic when I was given Google’s PIN but that was only that. In the meantime, a lot of bloggers have already gotten it and even boasted about it on their sites. Tips about making money online or earning from blogs and/or websites abound in the internet and I’ve already tried some of them but they’re not foolproof. It doesn’t help too that Google is getting stricter with their guidelines. It’s really a good thing though that I like blogging very much that earning from my blogs are just an added but exciting bonus for me if it will ever happen.

SM Davao: Care To Share Your Extras

SM Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with SM Davao is launching again their project for needy families. They are accepting cash; new, unused items or old but usable items such as clothes, house wares, kitchen wares, shoes and accessories, canned goods, soap, and grocery items. The project has already started and will run until March 10, 2011.

So, hurry and check your cabinets for those unused items that poor and needy people might need more than you do. If you don't have any, the foundation also accepts cash donation. Their booth is near the front door of SM Davao Mall.

Litratong Pinoy#127 Bughaw (Asul)

Taken during one of the shows in Universal Studios Singapore. Their stage backdrop and lighting effects were really awesome. The performers were world-class and I had so much fun watching them.

Pilipino: Kuha sa isa sa mga palabas sa loob ng Universal Studios Singapore. Ang galing ng disenyo at pailaw ng kanilang entablado. Ang mga partisipante ay pang-daigdigan ang galing at sobrang naaliw ako sa panonood sa kanila.

All Came From The Philippines

We were in the taxi on our way to the Singapore flyer. I was busy taking photos with my Canon DSLR in the front seat. The elderly driver complimented me on my camera and said that his son also has the same brand. Then, he said “Why are you here in Singapore? It is all manmade, not very beautiful.” We contradicted him that it’s beautiful and very modern. It looked like its people are living a good life.

He said, “No, the people are poor here but our government are rich. All things here are imported from your country, mostly. You should have not visited Singapore.”


We were all amused and as for myself, I was taken aback. It was the first time that a non-Filipino contradicted his own country. Quite refreshing, really.


A friend from the back of the taxi said, “Not all of your country is manmade. The orchids from your botanical garden are so pretty.”


The taxi driver smiled, “They originally came from the Philippines.”


I said, “The birds in Jurong Bird Park are just so exquisite and colorful.”


He grinned, “They came from the Philippines.”


Another friend from the back of the taxi rejoined, “The barbecues in Lau Pa Sat are just so delicious!”


He smirked, “The meat came from the Philippines. You know, too many Filipino tourists come here everyday to visit Singapore but don’t you know that what you see are mostly came from the Philippines. Don’t return here next time to spend money. It’s such a waste.”


We all erupted in laughter but I saw that he was serious with his advise. I said to him, “Your tourism board will get mad at you.”


He conceded, “Ok, you may return but don’t waste your money here. Just spend your money in your country.”


And next thing I know, we’re right in front the ticket office of Singapore flyer.