Saturday, October 30, 2021

Official List of Philippine holidays for 2022 – Walang Pasok October 29, 2021 at 06:57PM

Out of Town Blog
Official List of Philippine holidays for 2022 – Walang Pasok

LIST of Philippine holidays for 2021 - Balabac photo by Cris Tagupa via Unsplash

LIST: UPDATED 2022 Philippine Regular, Special Non-Working, and Long Weekend Holidays in PH

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – Are you now excited for your 2022 Holidays? If you are among those people who are already planning for a long weekend post-pandemic vacation, this list of the official Philippine Holidays 2022 will help you plan your trip.

Malacañang recently released a copy of Proclamation No. 1236, which enumerates the regular holidays and special non-working, and working Holidays for 2022.

Under the proclamation, the following days are declared as Nationwide Holidays:

Complete List of Philippine Holidays and Long Weekends for 2022

REGULAR HOLIDAYS

January 1, 2022, Saturday – New Year’s Day
April 9, 2022, Saturday – Araw ng Kagitingan
April 14, 2022, Thursday – Maundy Thursday
April 15, 2022, Friday – Good Friday
May 1, 2022, Saturday – Labor Day
June 12, 2022, Sunday – Independence Day
August 29, 2022, last Monday of August – National Heroes’ Day
November 30, 2022, Wednesday – Bonifacio Day
December 25, 2022, Sunday – Christmas Day
December 30, 2022, Friday – Rizal Day

SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAYS

February 1, 2022, Tuesday – Chinese New Year
February 25, 2022, Friday – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
April 16, 2022 – Black Saturday
August 21, 2022, Sunday – Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1, 2022, Tuesday – All Saints’ Day
December 8, 2022, Thursday – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary

SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAYS 2022

What is a Special Working Holiday?

Employees who reported for work on a special working holiday are entitled only to his basic rate. No premium pay is required since work performed on said days is considered work on ordinary working days.

Under Proclamation No. 1236, signed on Friday, changes were made from last year’s set of special holidays. Here are the new special working holidays for 2021:

November 2, 2022, Wednesday – All Souls’ Day
December 24, 2022, Saturday – Christmas Eve
December 31, 2022, Saturday – last day of the year

List of 8 long weekends in 2022

The proclamation of two Islamic holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha will be issued after the dates of the Islamic Nationwide Holidays have been determined following the Islamic calendar (Hijra).

Projected dates of Philippine Islamic holidays in 2022:

Eidul Fitr 2021 – Thursday, May 13
Eidul Adha 2021 – Tuesday, July 20

The holiday proclamation also stated that “The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall inform the Office of the President of the actual dates on which these holidays shall respectively fall.”

Holiday Pay in PH: What’s the difference between a Regular Holiday and a Special Non-Working Day?

The Labor Code of the Philippines specifies two types of holidays: the “regular holiday” and the “special non-working day.”

There is a difference in the compensation that employers must pay between the two types of holidays. There is also a difference in what is closed and in how the days are declared.

A graphic from the Office of the President of the Philippines showing the difference in pay between the two types of holidays.

Type	Pay if…
Type	Did not work (including rest days)	Did work
Regular holiday	100% of the daily wage	200% of the daily wage
Special non-working holiday	not paid	130% of the daily wage
Special working holiday	not paid	100% of the daily wage

On top of these pay rules, an employee shall be given an additional 30% if the holiday falls on his or her rest day, and an additional 30% if they work overtime.

There you have it: Complete list of Philippine Regular, Special Non-Working Holidays, Special Working Holidays, and Long Weekend Holidays for the Year 2022.

Plan your vacation early to save more money on flights and hotels, and enjoy more perks.

Want more updates about the official Regular Holidays, Special Non-Working Holidays, and Long Weekends in the Philippines for 2022? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more Walang Pasok Updates.

Friday, October 29, 2021

Estancia 4-Day Fab Sale October 28, 2021 at 04:49PM

Out of Town Blog
Estancia 4-Day Fab Sale

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – It’s the most fabulous time of the year! Start your Christmas shopping at Estancia’s 4-Day Fab Sale this October 29 to November 1, 2021. Enjoy up to 70% off and score Buy 1 Get 1 deal from The SM Store, Unimart, and other food and retail tenants!

You can shop from multiple stores through a personal shopper with Estancia My Home Dashers. Just call 0917-851-9262 to order.

The mall is open from 10AM – 9PM during these dates.

Visitors can be assured that safety remains the main priority for both customers and employees. Estancia has been given a Safety Seal by the Pasig LGU which is a declaration that it has complied with the city’s precautionary measures set by the DOH and IATF to help prevent the spread of the virus.

STORE	PROMO
@TOKYO	Up to 25% off on selected items
ALBA	Free onee order of croquetas de pollo for a minimum single receipt purchase of P2500 for dine in transaction only
BISTRO MADRID	Buy 1 Take 1 of Peaches Wines
BOTEJYU	Buy 1, Get 1 Osaka Mix Juice
BLUE WONDER	Free Dalgona Candy for Every 200G Purchase of Coffee Beans
BUCA DI BEPPO	– Less 30% for Spaghetti with Meatballs – Buy 1, Get 1 Pizza
CAFE DULCINEA	– Buy 1, Get 1 on Churros Con Chocolate – Less 30% for Paella
CBD FURNITURE	15% – 30% Discount on Selected Items
CINNABON	Free classis with every purchase of cinnapack 9
CROCS	10% – 50% off on selected items
CUSTOMISTATION	Up to 35% off on selected items, sports of casual apparel and print on demand
FLORABEL	Buy 1 Take 1 for Selected Cocktails
FINO LEATHERWARE	– 10% off on All Bags – 20% off on Small Items
HOT POT SESSIONS	10% Off on Unlimited Options
IQOS	Try with Promo Friends
JAMES & DAUGHTERS	– Buy 1 Get 1 of Sangria cocktail – 20% Discount on Phad See Iw
JIPAN CAFÉ & BAKESHOP	Free 1 Order of Pork Gyoza for a Minimum Spend of P1500 * Valid for dine-in only
JOHNSON FITNESS	Free Rocking Chair For a Minimum Purchase of P50,000
LACOSTE	15% off on regular items for TXT, LG & OLPs + EOSS sale list (not in conjunction with 10.10) + 20% discount on regular FTW * Valid for October 29-31, 2021 only
LE REVE PATISSERIE	10% Discount for Every Single Receipt Minimum of P500
LVNA BY DRAKE DUSTIN	Php 9000 off any items
MAKE ROOM & MORE	20% off on selected items and an additional 5% on sale items
MIMOSA WELLNESS	20% Discount on All Massage Services
MINISO	Buy 1, Get the 2nd at 50% off
MOTORINO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA	15% discount for every purchase of 2 pizzas, Discounted Pizza on the Second Choice
MOTOSTYLE	10% off on Regular Priced Items
NATIONAL BOOK STORE	Sale up to 50% off
NAUGHTY NACHOS	Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off on Combo Backribs
OXY	– 25% off on MOD and free 1 pair of Penny Band – For Any Purchased of Regular Price Items, Free 1 Pair of Explorer – Up to 60% off on Selected Items
PACSPORTS	– Buy 2 Take 1 Golf Items – Up to 70% – 80% discounts on Nike and Adidas
PET EXPRESS	– 10% Discount on All Items – 20% Discount on Selected Items
ROTI SHOP	Free Roti Banana Caramel for Every 2 Orders of Malaysian Street Burger
SARABIA OPTICAL	Up to 50% off on Selected Items
SASON SHOP	25% off on all items
SERENITEA	Buy 3 Large at P320 – Okinawa Arctic Slush (No whipped cream)
SHADOWS & PATTERNS	Up to 25% off on selected items
SHI LIN	Free Custard Bun for a Minimum Bill of Php 500
SPORTS CENTRAL	10% – 50% off on selected items
THE COLOR BAR	40% off on Keratin Treatment
THE SM STORE	Up to 50% off on Selected Items
THE TRAVEL CLUB	Up to 50% off on Selected Items
TIM HORTONS	Free Item with Minimum Basket Size
TOYS R US	Up to 50% off on Selected Items
TRUE VALUE	– Buy 1, Get 1 Doorbuster Deals – Up to 40% Off on Selected Items * Valid until October 31, 2021, only.
WATSONS	Big Savings Promo
WU’S KITCHEN	10% off from the following: 3HK with rice, 3HK with noodle soup, 3HK with braised
YANKEE CANDLE	Buy 1, Take 1 Scenterpiece
YEDANG	Buy 1, Get 1 Samgyupsal

For more information on the amazing deals and participating stores during the 4-Day Fab Sale, click here.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more shopping tips.

Estancia 4-Day Fab Sale
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

QCinema Announces Asian Shorts Program October 29, 2021 at 05:55AM

Out of Town Blog
QCinema Announces Asian Shorts Program

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – With a month to go before its 2021 edition, QCinema International Film Festival launches new titles under its new Asian Shorts program for its hybrid festival.

Showcasing fresh new voices from Southeast Asia, the Asian Shorts line-up features recent titles that have competed in major festivals abroad. It shines a spotlight on emerging Asian names in the festival circuit, including two Filipino shorts, for their Philippine premieres.

Dear to Me by Monica Vanesa Tedja, won a Special Mention award at this year’s Locarno Open Door Shorts. Tackling themes of repression and myth, the film centers on a vacationing young man in a remote Indonesian island who secretly hopes to discover a reincarnated deer as he ponders finding his soulmate.

Sunrise in My Mind is about a young beauty salon employee who gives into her restrained interest with a delivery man who spends his evenings driving Phnom Penh’s streets by motorbike. Danech San’s second short had its world premiere at Busan and had its European premiere at the 2021 Berlin Critics’ Week.

New Abnormal is a reflection on human life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand and follows different characters from various scenarios who share the same awkward situation. Sorayos Prapapan’s new short is a follow-up to his previous festival favorite, Death of the Sound Man.

Live In Cloud-Cuckoo Land depicts the love story of a woman who works at a wedding dress shop and a local busker. Vietnamese co-directors V? Minh Ngh?a & Ph?m Hoàng Minh Thy use a modern tale of Kafka to show colorful slices of life, including a wedding, a traffic jam, a theft, a miraculous incarnation, and a love story.

New Abnormal and Live In Cloud-Cuckoo Land were selected to compete at the Orizzonti Short Films Competition in the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

Elijah Canlas headlines How to Die Young in Manila where he trails a group of hustlers in the surreal streets of Manila, thinking one of them may be his hook-up for the night. Petersen Vargas’ return to short filmmaking was an official selection in Busan last year.

Winner of a number of awards including the Silver Bear at this year’s Berlinale, Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana is about Isabel, the new ‘tee-girl’ in an exclusive golf club who’s struggling for ways to subvert the system.

QCinema is slated from November 26 to December 5, 2021. Screenings are at Gateway Cineplex 10. Streaming is via KTX.ph.

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Also read:

QCinema Announces Asian Shorts Program
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Catch NBA’s historic 75th season with PLDT Home October 25, 2021 at 05:28AM

Out of Town Blog
Catch NBA’s historic 75th season with PLDT Home

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – A new season, a new logo, a new list of top players, and more. This October, the NBA returns packed with games, storylines, and tributes to mark NBA 75, the league’s landmark 75th Anniversary Season. Filipino basketball fans can enjoy watching live, and on-demand through NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, from PLDT Home!

NBA League Pass will continue to provide the most comprehensive live and on-demand access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition with live stats and multiple viewing options, including the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on mobile phones, tablets, and connected devices. The 3-Game Choice enables users to watch up to three games of their choice per month. PLDT offers League Pass and 3-Game Choice packages in monthly pricing options starting as low as Php 85.

To open the 2021-22 season, the NBA commemorated its 75 greatest players in league history. The league will also feature 75 Classic Matchups to celebrate the teams, players, coaches, and moments that have defined 75 years of NBA basketball. The?Classic Matchups will also pay tribute to three of the NBA’s original franchises, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors (formerly Philadelphia Warriors), and New York Knicks, which have all played in every season of the NBA.

With so much to look forward to during NBA 75, an NBA League Pass subscription is a must-have for local hoop fans! The much-coveted virtual front-row pass will allow fans to watch and support their favorite players and teams in their quest for the NBA Championship. Additionally, PLDT customers can enjoy live game streaming with zero interruptions on any mobile device, which is made hassle-free with the option to charge subscription fees directly to their PLDT Home account.

With subscription prices made affordable, there’s no better way to enjoy live NBA action than through PLDT Home—home of the fastest fiber internet in the country. And while the NBA League Pass already guarantees every subscriber an amazing courtside experience right at home, PLDT Home also offers an upgrade fitting for bigger groups in the NBA League Pass Premium. The latter package allows multiple subscribers to enjoy the simultaneous video streaming of their favorite NBA games on different devices and at seamless speeds, making the ultimate bonding experience for families and friends going all out to root for their favorite teams!

Get your NBA League Pass now through PLDT Home in celebration of the NBA’s 75^th Anniversary Season! For more information, visit www.pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

For updated 2Go travel requirements, Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel gadgets and other tech updates.

Also read: NBA And Smart Launch NBA’s Official Digital Destination In The Philippines

Catch NBA’s historic 75th season with PLDT Home
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Robinsons Supermarket group offer more ways to cash in to PayMaya for FREE October 28, 2021 at 06:08PM

Out of Town Blog
Robinsons Supermarket group offer more ways to cash in to PayMaya for FREE

Enjoy free cash in plus up to P450 cashback on your purchases!

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – There are now more ways to cash in to your PayMaya account for FREE as PayMaya and Robinsons Retail team up to allow free cash in at your go-to grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores under the Robinsons Supermarket group.

Going cashless is so much more convenient and hassle-free because you can easily cash in to your PayMaya account without additional charges at your go-to stores like Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Easymart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, No Brand, and Southstar Drug branches.

These establishments are the latest addition to the over 90,000 touchpoints that allow users to cash in to their PayMaya accounts for FREE. These cash in channels include BPI and Unionbank online banking via linked account, Ministop, Smart Padala agents, TrueMoney and now, hundreds of Robinsons group supermarkets, convenience stores, and drug stores nationwide. You can also receive a P20 cashback covering your transfer fee when you cash in to PayMaya via Instapay.

Cashing in at Robinsons Supermarket is easy – all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

On your PayMaya app, select the “Cash In” icon on the home screen.
Select the Robinsons Supermarket via Cashier icon
Enter the desired amount then select “Continue”
Go to a Robinsons Supermarket branch and inform the cashier that you want to cash in to your PayMaya.
Present the generated barcode along with your payment to the cashier.
Wait for an SMS confirmation before leaving the store.

Once you already have funds in your PayMaya account, you can now enjoy safe and convenient contactless transactions for your everyday needs – including purchasing your essentials in these Robinsons establishments where payment via PayMaya QR is accepted.

As an added treat, Robinsons Supermarket is also giving you an exclusive reward of P150 when you cash in at least P2,000 to your PayMaya account and #ScanToPay for your groceries worth at least P2,000 until December 31, 2021. You can enjoy this added perk once a month during the promo period to get up to P450, in total! Now, cashing in and shopping with your PayMaya is not only safe and convenient, it’s also made even more rewarding with this added perk!

“Our latest initiative with the Robinsons group is part of our continuing mission to make cashless payments even more accessible for Filipinos. With more free cash in channels available for our PayMaya users, we’re making it easier for people to use digital payments in their everyday transactions, especially for their daily needs,” said Pepe Torres, Chief Marketing Officer at PayMaya Philippines.

“Contactless payments is essential in providing our customers a safe and hygienic environment whenever they shop in our stores. We’re glad to work with PayMaya in promoting contactless transactions in our establishments with our free cash in channels and exclusive rewards for PayMaya users,” said Stanley Co, Managing Director of Robinson’s Supermarket Corporation.

Now that cashing in and paying with your PayMaya account is this easy and hassle-free, it’s time to get in on cashless payments! Download the?PayMaya?app at?https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133?and register an account to start enjoying safe and convenient payments today.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.

It provides?more than 38 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 300,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 55,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including “every day” merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

For updated 2Go travel requirements, Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel gadgets and other tech updates.

Also read: 12 Things Everyone Should Know Before Traveling To Japan

Robinsons Supermarket group offer more ways to cash in to PayMaya for FREE
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Landco Led the Mangrove Restoration in Laiya, Batangas October 28, 2021 at 06:01AM

Out of Town Blog
Landco Led the Mangrove Restoration in Laiya, Batangas

Landco’s mangrove tree planting in Batangas was participated by Laiya’s local community, barangay and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – In line with its commitment to environmental and community sustainability, upscale real estate developer Landco Pacific Corporation together with Aplaya Laiya Corporation initiated the mangrove reforestation at an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas through a recent series of planting of about 3,000 saplings.

1.Spearheading the mangrove reforestation in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas are shown on photo (From left): Neil Bryant Siy, Vice President, Aplaya Laiya Corp.; Ranel Domingo, Kagawad Laiya, Aplaya, Batangas; Noel Pasco, Head of MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office); Allan Estillore, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) - Region IV; and Erickson Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp. — 1. Spearheading the mangrove reforestation in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas are shown on photo (From left): Neil Bryant Siy, Vice President, Aplaya Laiya Corp.; Ranel Domingo, Kagawad Laiya, Aplaya, Batangas; Noel Pasco, Head of MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office); Allan Estillore, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Region IV; and Erickson Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp.

The project was held in collaboration with Laiya’s local community, barangay and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.

The mangrove tree planting is part of the coastal conservation of Landco to benefit the communities near and around its premium leisure developments in Laiya – Playa Laiya, the master-planned exclusive seaside residential community and Club Laiya, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates.

Landco President and CEO Erickson Manzano led the mangrove tree planting of about 3,000 saplings at an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, as part of the company’s commitment to environmental and community sustainability.

“Wherever Landco develops premium Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE’s), our impact on the environment is an important concern. Our company helps ensure the restoration and conservation of the environment within the vicinity of our developments to deliver our commitment to build sustainable communities, undertake our socio-economic responsibility, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation.

“Our primary goal is to make Batangas a leading sustainable tourist destination,” he emphasized.

“At Landco, our team strives to create a healthy environment for our residents, guests, investors and the community at large. Our company’s role is to be a catalyst for environmental, social and economic development within and surrounding our properties. The welfare of the local community is one of our top priorities and we do our best to engage them positively and productively through employment and their active participation in environmental conservation,” Manzano added.

The launch of the mangrove tree planting was led by Manzano, along with Aplaya Laiya Corp Vice President Neil Bryant Siy; Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Region IV Officer In-Charge Allan Estillore; Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Head Noel Pasco; Laiya Aplaya Kagawad Ranel Domingo representing Barangay Chairman Wivin Llana. Present during the activity were volunteers from Landco, Aplaya Laiya Corporation, and the local community.

Within the framework of its long-term sustainability program, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates — CaSoBe and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered. Its affiliate Millennial Resorts Corporation is Edge-registered. Over-all, its developments implement practical strategies and solutions focused on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, waste segregation, marketing campaign on sustainability and ethical consumption, and local communities’ livelihood program on recycling materials, and opportunities for socio-economic growth.

Some of the volunteers from the Laiya’s local community and volunteers from Landco team are shown participating in the mangrove tree planting in an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

Landco’s sustainability initiatives including its mangrove tree planting are in line with Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s commitment to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

For more information about Landco visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tourism updates.

Landco Led the Mangrove Restoration in Laiya, Batangas
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Benefits of Having an Excellent Credit Score October 23, 2021 at 03:46AM

Out of Town Blog
Benefits of Having an Excellent Credit Score

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – Maintaining a good credit history can provide you with a lifetime of banking convenience and benefits. Banks and other financial institutions regard a good credit score as a sign of trustworthiness. This can translate to an abundance of money-saving opportunities. It can also lead to banking privileges and substantial savings.

A good credit rating produces many advantages. It is an important part of your financial health. Since many rely on credit, from having the ability to buy things, finance big purchases to financing a business, a high credit score paves the way to achieving easier financial management and, ultimately, financial success. There are many reasons why you should maintain excellent credit. Here are some fantastic advantages that you could avail yourself of.

Request for lower interest rates

Credit card and interest rates are directly related to the credit risk you present, which is determined by your credit score. When you have an excellent credit score, you have to negotiate power. It always qualifies you for lower interest rates and lower charges on your credit balances and loans. You can even negotiate for a lower interest from what is offered to you. The savings you could make on interest alone is significant.

Ask for higher credit limits.

Banks and other financial institutions usually set a maximum amount of credit they are willing to extend to their clients. Since the lenders usually set their credit limits based on the information given by the loan applicant, your good credit score is a big plus factor in your favor. Your good credit score signifies that you are very responsible for managing your credit. Thus, increasing your credit limit could help you handle a sudden emergency, make larger purchases, and can even boost your credit score.

Ask for a shorter loan term.

Fast loan approval no credit check Philippines command a higher repayment charge, but it will cost lesser interest over the loan’s lifespan compared to long-term loans. Borrowing money for a shorter period of time will save you on the total interest costs and let you pay off your loan sooner.

Access the best credit cards

With an excellent credit score, you have demonstrated your ability to manage credit responsibly. A credit card issuer is always willing to give you credit when you have a good credit score. When your score is near the exceptional stage, lenders will take notice. Everyone will want you, so you will be able to get the best credit card deals. Take advantage and get the best deals, especially those VIP perks.

Get better rates on your home and car insurance.

Your credit history is also important to insurance companies. This could include your history on your on-time bill payments and how much you owe, as all these will help them determine how much you are going to pay in premiums. Although a low credit score does not mean you will be turned down, a high credit score can have you qualify for lower insurance premiums. These companies have their own way of calculating the probability that a client will make a claim as they believe that a low credit score means more filing of claims.

Sean Martin D. Plantado, head of Digido.Ph Customer Care notes that good credit can also give you a lower interest rate on your home mortgage. Also, a higher credit score will increase your chances of approval for a home rental as rental management companies always consider your financial trustworthiness.

Switching over after your credit has improved can sometimes pay off. This is the time to check your car and home insurance and compare it with other insurers. Consider all factors such as additional charges and go for the best deal.

You can have a higher chance of employment.

Some companies may look at your credit reports as part of your background check. A good credit score ups your credibility and will give you a higher chance to become a member of their team. This is important, especially if the job involves handling money or holding a public function.

With all the perks you enjoy because of your good credit score, you may want to maintain or work on improving it to your advantage. Don’t forget to check your credit scores often, keep an eye on your credit reports for any errors, be aware of those credit card mistakes that you should avoid, always pay on time, and many more. This way, you will always be in good financial health.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tourism updates.

Also read: Interesting Jobs That Offer Excellent Travel Opportunities.

Benefits of Having an Excellent Credit Score
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Cebu Pacific launches direct Manila-Camiguin flights October 27, 2021 at 01:10AM

Out of Town Blog
Cebu Pacific launches direct Manila-Camiguin flights

Aerial view of Camiguin Island, listed as among the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Cebu Pacific Resumes Cebu-Camiguin

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), expands its domestic footprint with the commencement of its newest direct connection between Manila and Camiguin on November 15 and resumption of direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin on November 9.

Located at the northern coast of Mambajao, Camiguin, the White Island sandbar surrounded by crystal clear waters offers not just a spot for swimming and beach lounging, but also gives visitors a front-row view of Mt. Hibok-hibok and Mt. Vulcan.

Both routes will be operated by Cebu Pacific’s wholly-owned subsidiary Cebgo using its fleet of ATR aircraft.

“We are very happy to launch these direct flights in time with the gradual reopening of domestic tourism. Camiguin is another underrated gem that we believe travelers will enjoy discovering. At the same time, these direct connections will enable residents to fly to and from Cebu and Manila conveniently, be it for leisure or business purposes,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.

To mark the launch of these routes, seats on both flights are on sale for as low as PHP88 base fare from October 27 until November 10, 2021. The travel period is from its respective launch dates, until December 31, 2021.

Passengers may conveniently use their existing travel funds to pay for their bookings, or CEB’s newest e-wallet options – Gcash, GrabPay, and PayMaya.

The Island of Camiguin is known for its famous sandbar at White Island, the sunken cemetery, marine sanctuary, as well as its Lanzones Festival, celebrated every October, among others.

Camiguin Island requires arriving tourists to create an account on cleancamiguinqr.com and upload necessary documents such as a filled-out health declaration form, along with proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination. Apart from this, travelers must also present a negative RT-PCR (swab) test result – taken at least 72 hours before departure if from Luzon; taken at least 48 hours before departure if from Visayas and Mindanao.

Tourists will also need to upload proof of confirmed booking from an LGU-accredited establishment or a clearance from the Municipal Health Officer of the municipality if staying in a private home. Once complete, tourists need to download their ID with QR code and save a copy for presentation prior to flight.

All tourists will also need to take an antigen test on their fifth day on the island.

CEB will begin operating twice-weekly between Cebu and Camiguin on November 9 (every Tuesday and Saturday); and twice-a-week every Monday and Friday, beginning November 15, between Manila and Camiguin.

CEB has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures. Its jet fleet is equipped with hospital grade HEPA air filters, keeping viruses at bay.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tourism updates.

Cebu Pacific launches direct Manila-Camiguin flights
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok helps loved ones to relax and reconnect with Secret Garden Afternoon Tea October 26, 2021 at 05:04AM

Out of Town Blog
Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok helps loved ones to relax and reconnect with Secret Garden Afternoon Tea

Recently-appointed Executive Chef Christoph Trocker creates a mouth-watering menu of sweet and savory bites using ingredients specially selected for their health benefits, including superfoods

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok, the holistic health-focused retreat in the heart of the Thai capital, is inviting guests and local residents to enter its idyllic urban sanctuary and unwind with a wholesome new high tea experience, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Christoph Trocker using the finest and freshest ingredients.

Movenpick BDMS Secret Garden Afternoon Tea

The “Secret Garden Afternoon Tea” is hosted by Rim Klong Café, the elegant eatery that overlooks Bangkok’s Saen Saeb Canal. Inspired by the bounty of nature, this spectacular set of sweet and savory treats embraces local and seasonal produce, including proven superfoods, gluten- and dairy-free options, and vegetarian or vegan items. Every dish is clearly labelled with icons to let the diner know exactly what they are eating.

This salubrious set menu includes “The Savories”, six sumptuous bite-sized snacks such as smoked salmon tartare with avocado and beetroot caviar, wild forest mushroom pâté with truffle oil, green pea & buckwheat blinis with organic chicken, spiced purple sweet potato and organic cress, sundried tomato hummus with pumpernickel bread, beetroot quinoa salad with quail’s egg, pickled crunchy vegetables and microgreens, and gluten-free ‘Flowerpot’ bread.

These are accompanied by “The Sweets”, a sublime selection of treats served on a bed of edible chocolate soil. These delicacies include butterfly pea with lemon jelly, dark chocolate & blueberry tart, pumpkin pie, Swiss carrot cake, tomato ‘energy ball’ (muesli, almond, pumpkin & chia seeds), truffle walnut choux cream, flower chocolate pralines of the day, mini sago exotic delight, matcha scones, classic scones, and maple syrup Chantilly cream.

Naturally, these delights are accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed coffee, premium tea, or a herbal infusion. The aim is to add a splash of color and fun to the concept of healthy eating while providing friends, family members, and couples with the perfect opportunity to reconnect with each other after a challenging few months.

Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok’s recently-appointed Executive Chef, Christoph Trocker hails from Austria and has enjoyed an impressive 16-year career at some of Asia’s leading hotels and resorts. His philosophy is to harmonize local ingredients and international flavors to create highly original yet authentic cuisine. Having wowed diners in Dubai, China, and Thailand, he is now bringing a lifetime of experience and expertise to the guests and diners in Bangkok.

“Afternoon tea is a charming tradition; it provides a unique opportunity for people – mothers, daughters, best friends, couples – to come together and share deeply personal moments. After the upheaval of the last two years, this sense of reconnecting with loved ones is more important than ever before, so I am thrilled to introduce our new Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at Rim Klong Café, which will provide a wonderful way for people to share the timeless pleasures of fine food and great company,” commented Chef Christoph.

Nestled among 1.2 acres of lush gardens, with sparkling ponds, rippling waterfalls, and century-old trees, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok is a serene setting in which to unwind. While it is located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, it retains an enchanting ambiance that feels a million miles away from the busy city streets. Reflecting this tranquil vibe, the resort’s wholesome menus focus on fresh, high-quality produce, prepared in innovative ways to deliver delicious dishes that are great for the body. This innovative approach to F&B forms a key part of the resort’s holistic wellness concept, which also incorporates personal fitness, mindfulness, professional medical services, and more.

The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is available daily from 2pm to 5pm at Rim Klong Café, priced at just THB 999++ (THB 1,176 net) per set for two people. Accor Plus members will enjoy a 20% discount! Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information about Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok and to book your Secret Garden Afternoon Tea, please visit https://ift.tt/2XPHW3G or connect with the hotel on LINE, @movenpickbdms.

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Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok helps loved ones to relax and reconnect with Secret Garden Afternoon Tea
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

14 Cebu Pacific local destinations no longer require swab tests for travel October 26, 2021 at 04:30AM

Out of Town Blog
14 Cebu Pacific local destinations no longer require swab tests for travel

Experience cruising along Loboc River onboard a floating restaurant.

Bohol, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Roxas were added to the list

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – Cebu Pacific announces that Bohol, Roxas, and Cebu City join the list of destinations in its network that have simplified travel requirements and do not require RT-PCR or Antigen testing.

Effective October 25, fully-vaccinated travelers bound for the Province of Bohol may just present a Vaccination Certificate from the website vaxcert.doh.gov.ph in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test result. They must also present a government-issued ID and secure an S-Pass approval.

A favorite stop-over for tourists in Bohol, the Bilar Man-made Forest.

Cebu City has recently announced that they will accept fully vaccinated persons who present their Vaccination card with QR code and a valid ID bearing their picture and signature. If their vaccination card does not have a QR Code, they may present the official vaccination certificate issued by the Local health officer of the LGU concerned or Vaccination certification issued by the Department of Health (DOH)-BOQ.

All arriving guests who can present their official Vaccine Card and/or Vaccine Certificate will be exempted from presenting a negative RT-PCR test prior entry into Mandaue City.

Roxas also accepts fully-vaccinated individuals with their valid or verified Vaccination Certificate and approved Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) from S-Pass. Travelers must ensure that the date of TCP should match the actual date of travel. A passenger is considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after having received the second dose in a two-dose series, or at least 14 days after having received a single-dose vaccine.

More LGUs are simplifying their travel requirements as we see more of the country open up. This is a welcome development and we look forward to more destinations applying a risk-based approach to travel, as we work together to instill safe and convenient travel within the Philippines

Candice Iyog CEB Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

Travelers are strongly urged to always check with the LGU of their destination for the latest updates.

CEB will provide updates on travel requirements via http://bit.ly/CEBTravelRequirements as soon as we receive them. The country’s leading airline also assures that it continues to comply with health protocols set by the government.

One of the most popular attraction in Cordova, Cebu: 10,000 Roses Cafe & More

Travelers may refer to the table below:

No Swab Tests!
LGUs	Medical	Other Requirements
Butuan	Vaccination Card	TCP from S-Pass, Gov’t ID
Cagayan de Oro	None	S-Pass, OpCoors, Higala, StaySafe
Cebu Province	Medical Certificate
Cebu City	Vaccination Card	Valid ID
Mandaue City	Vaccine Card and/or Vaccine Certificate
Iloilo	Vaccination Card and Vaccination Certificate	S-Pass
Guimaras	Vaccination Card	TCP from S-Pass
Pagadian	None	Gov’t ID stating address in Pagadian
Maguindanao	Vaccination Card	Valid ID, Travel Order for APORs
Negros Occidental	Vaccination Card	TCP from S-Pass, Stay Safe
Bacolod	Vaccination Card	online BacTrac registration, online Health Declaration, TCP from S-Pass, valid ID
Tacloban	Vaccination Card	Registration to Balik Tacloban Project website
Bohol	Vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph	S-Pass, Gov’t ID
Roxas	Vaccination Certificate	TCP from S-Pass

*Info as of October 25, 2021

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14 Cebu Pacific local destinations no longer require swab tests for travel
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Monday, October 25, 2021

PLDT Home subscribers are up for exciting rewards when they pay their bills via PayMaya October 25, 2021 at 03:40AM

Out of Town Blog
PLDT Home subscribers are up for exciting rewards when they pay their bills via PayMaya

Get a chance to win cashback vouchers if you pay your PLDT Home bills using PayMaya

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – PLDT Home subscribers are up for a more rewarding and convenient experience with PayMaya. From October to December 2021, new and existing PLDT Home customers can earn cashback vouchers when they pay their bills directly through the PayMaya app.

“We want to make it easier and more rewarding for our customers to pay their broadband bills. With the pandemic, digital payments are the way to go because you can do them from the safety and convenience of your home. That’s why we are working closely with PayMaya to encourage more of our PLDT Home customers to shift to digital payments,” said Patrick Tang, Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management.

“Broadband is ‘life’, especially during this time when many of us are staying safe at home. We are happy to provide PLDT Home subscribers with convenience plus rewards through the most reliable e-wallet app,” said Pepe Torres, PayMaya Chief Marketing Officer.

Save up while paying bills

PLDT Home subscribers can save up and get rewarded by paying their bills through the PayMaya app.

Users who pay their PLDT Home bills for the first time will earn Php 100 cashback voucher and Php50 cashback on subsequent payments done through the app.

To pay for a PLDT Home bill in the PayMaya app, you just need to:

Log in to your PayMaya account
Tap “Bills” in the home screen
Select the Telecoms biller category and choose PLDT Home
Enter your PLDT Home account details (e.g. account number) and the amount to be paid
Review your payment details, then click “Pay.”

Qualified PayMaya users will receive their cashback voucher any time after their valid payment transaction to up to 14 business days after the promo period.

To know more about the PLDT Home bills payment PayMaya promo, visit www.pldthome.com.

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PLDT Home subscribers are up for exciting rewards when they pay their bills via PayMaya
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Boracay may soon accept fully-vaxxed tourists without negative RT-PCR October 23, 2021 at 02:56PM

Out of Town Blog
Boracay may soon accept fully-vaxxed tourists without negative RT-PCR

With a projected 100% inoculation rate by next month, Boracay will soon waive RT-PCR testing for fully vaxxed visitors

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – All tourism workers and eligible residents of Boracay Island will be fully vaccinated in one month, and this means that, as early as November, fully vaccinated individuals may visit the world-renowned island without having to undergo Covid-19 testing.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) made this projection as the vaccination hit 91.09 percent of all tourism workers and 62.78 percent of the eligible population of the island as of Sunday (Oct. 24).

Boracay Island by Cojo Rosales via Unsplash

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said her optimism on the revival of tourism on the island was boosted by the commitment of Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores to accept visitors with proof of full vaccination — in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test result — once the island reaches a 100 percent vaccination rate among its residents.

Boracay Island is projected to vaccinate its entire eligible population of 24,451 within the month of October, which would make it the first destination in the Philippines to achieve 100 percent inoculation. The island was also the first tourist destination to receive vaccines against Covid-19 earlier this year.

Puyat said this positive development came as the DOT noted a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals in the past two months compared to the same period last year.

Boracay Island in Aklan by Rj Baculo via Unsplash

A total of 11,668 active tourism workers on the island have received complete doses of the anti-COVID shot. They are individuals employed in hotels, resorts, restaurants, spa and wellness centers, souvenir shops, shopping centers, security services, and other essential service providers, tourism transport, tourism-related cooperatives and associations, and government frontline service and private agencies.

“Our vaccination rollouts are crucial in protecting our tourism workers as they face visitors every day. With 100 percent of tourism workers in Boracay inoculated, the DOT is confident that in the weeks to come, tourism arrivals on the island will further increase and more tourism establishments will be able to reopen to restore jobs,” Puyat said.

A total of 15,350 or 62.78 percent of the island’s eligible population of 24,451 have been fully vaccinated, leaving some 9,000 residents left to be vaccinated. As of October 18, there were no new active cases on the island.

Since restrictions were eased with the lifting of Aklan’s modified expanded enhanced quarantine (MECQ) on Sept. 8, the Island recorded a total of 6,702 arrivals in September and 17,995 in the first three weeks of October. This represents an increase of 253 percent and 1,243.6 percent, respectively, from the same period last year.

More than the foregone revenue, the DOT is deeply concerned with the impact of the pandemic on the employment of the island’s workers who either have been laid off or are now working on irregular work schedules. We believe that with the 100 percent inoculation of the island’s workers, the confidence of more Filipinos to travel will be restored and that the island will be back on its feet sooner than anticipated

Bernadette Romulo-Puyat DOT Secretary

Western Visayas (Region 6), which is comprised of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, has recorded an inoculation rate of 63.26 percent among tourism workers as of October 21.

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Boracay may soon accept fully-vaxxed tourists without negative RT-PCR
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers October 23, 2021 at 12:40AM

Out of Town Blog
Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers

TPB COO Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones welcomes the guests at the launch of “It’s More Fun with You”

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines unveiled on Saturday (Oct 23) a new video designed to welcome domestic tourists back to the country’s tourism destinations.

In her opening remarks, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said that the latest ad highlights the joy of reuniting with loved ones and traveling with them to their favorite places, or visiting new spots where more memories will be made

Titled “It’s More Fun with You” the video is part of the department’s domestic tourism campaign dubbed “Have A Safe Trip, Pinas.” It was launched through a hybrid virtual format at Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

The video is aptly scored with Rivermaya’s 1997 hit single “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” to illustrate the desire and excitement of local tourism destinations to welcome back their guests. It features a surfing dog named Tuna, who is unable to contain his excitement as he welcomes a friend back to the beach after a long absence.

It’s More Fun with You, as the main messaging of this domestic tourism welcome back campaign, encourages Filipinos to travel and explore the country again after a long hiatus due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. The said campaign also supports recovery initiatives and efforts of the tourism industry.

“Our latest ad highlights the joy of reuniting with loved ones and traveling with them to their favorite places or visiting new spots where more memories will be made. It’s more fun in the Philippines and it’ll even be more fun with you,” said DOT Secretary Berna Romulo – Puyat. Also present at the event were Atty. Guiller B. Asido, Intramuros Administration Administrator; Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, TPB Chief Operating Officer; Howard Lance A. Uyking, DOT Assistant Secretary, and various media partners.

(From left to right) DOT Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking, TPB COO Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, DOT Secretary Puyat, DOT NCR Regional Director and OIC-Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development on a Concurrent Capacity Woodrow Maquiling Jr., and Intramuros Administrator Guiller Asido.

The DOT and TPB also launched the “Have a Safe Trip, Pinas” stickers that can be downloaded on Viber (https://bit.ly/HaveASafeTripPinas) and were created exclusively for this campaign. The first of two categories of stickers remind the public and travelers of the basic health and safety protocols. The other encourages safe and fun travel to domestic destinations. Popular Filipino food stickers are also featured as a bonus.

Secretary Puyat together with her six-year-old pug, Biggie

“With health and safety protocols in place, we can look forward to opening more tourism destinations in time for the holidays, and shift recovery into high gear,” Puyat added. She encouraged domestic tourists to discover and plan their travel and receive the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines by downloading the Travel Philippines mobile application through Google Play and Apple Store.

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Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog