Cordillera Region Products to Be Showcased at Festival Mall starting November 15

Cordillera Region Products to Be Showcased at Festival Mall starting November 15

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Cordillera’s best products will be on sale in the annual ‘Impakabsat’ trade fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region at the Carousel Court Festival Mall in Muntinlupa city on November 15 to 24. Photo shows the DTI One Town One Product hub in Kalinga where Cordillera products can be bought. (Philippine News Agency file photo)

From November 15 until November 24, the finest products from the Cordillera Administrative Region will be featured in a trade fair at Festival Mall in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa.

This was announced yesterday by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) CAR regional director Myrna Pablo who elaborated that the department has been supporting the Cordillera region by making their products more available to Metro Manila-based consumers for the past twenty-three years.

“Excited na po tayong lahat dahil ito na yung time na reding– ready na si Cordillera to bring products not only in Baguio, CAR but also in the whole Philippines and may mga nag-e-export na rin tayo na few exporters on woven items, Sagada weaving, and other exporters of coffee on limited volume (We are excited because this is the time when we are very prepared to bring our products not only in Baguio, CAR but in the whole Philippines. We also have exporters on woven items, Sagada weaving and limited volume for coffee),” Pablo said.

The DTI regional director added that the region’s products this time are much better.

For the trade fair that will be held at the Carousel Court of Festival Mall, there will be eighty exhibitors composed of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) which will be assisted by the DTI.

Products that consumers can look forward to include food items (licensed by the Food and Drugs Administration), traditional culture-based woven items, wearables and homestyle, and small woodcraft items that use softwood.

In terms of revenue, the DTI hopes to see this year’s trade fair generate between P50 million to P60 million in sales. Last year’s trade fair saw revenues of P40 million.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com 

Press releases are accepted.

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

 

 

 

My Observations: Village Food Fair 2 at Madison Galeries

After worshiping the Lord at church this past Sunday in Las Piñas City, I proceeded straight to Madison Galeries in Barangay Cupang, Alabang, Muntinlupa City to attend their special event of the day called Village Food Fair 2.

Months ago, out of curiosity, I attended the first Village Food Fair held at that same open-air shopping mall and I had fun looking around and enjoying some food and beverages. The pleasurable experience I back had then made me wish that the mall would organize another food fair and, as what happened this Sunday, they delivered!

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The food vendors outside the Madison Events Place.
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High-quality beef sold for shawarma.

At Village Food Fair 2, I visited first the food stalls at the 3rd floor just outside of the Madison Events Place (which is a large, air-conditioned hall) where food products like shawarma, rice meals and freshly cooked meat were served. I noticed beef wagyu offered in both packed and in cooked form.

Inside the Madison Events Place was a whole lot of vendors that offered a great variety of beverages and food to choose from. There were packaged sushi rolls, coffee (in powdered form, in beans and in brewed form), organic pasta, noodles, dumplings, pies, nuts, beans, sandwiches, carrot cakes and the like. On keeping the atmosphere lively, the mall operators hired a lady to play the guitar and sing on the spot.

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A customer waiting to be served.
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This lady sang nicely during the food fair.

There was a whole lot to choose from Village Food Fair 2 and I am very glad that Madison Galeries organized this. As a coffee enthusiast, I ordered black coffee mixed with condensed milk. That coffee was prepared for me with the utmost care as two containers were used to pour and mix the coffee and condensed milk together before serving it on a cup. I liked the taste.

I went outside Madison Events Place to try a chicken shawarma. The chicken was really well cooked and the vegetables and pita used made each bite a delight. I got my money’s worth as a result. Before going home, I bought Barako coffee powder from one of the vendors inside Madisons Events Place.

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This looks yummy!
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Coffee, honey, chocolate and other nice stuff for sale.
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Organic pasta for sale. 

In conclusion, I should say that my experience with Village Food Fair 2 was even more pleasurable than the previous time. It sure was nice to see a wide selection of food and beverage products of nice quality along with several customers making transactions with the sellers. I sincerely hope for another Village Food Fair to be organize there at Madison Galeries which is clearly the best open-air shopping mall to be at in South Metro Manila. For Ayala Alabang residents and BF Homes residents (as well as those living in related communities like Tahanan Village) reading this, to visit Madison Galeries without having to travel along the West Service Road from Parañaque, I highly recommend securing a non-resident, passing thru vehicular sticker from Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) so that your access will be better.

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Sushi rolls being sold.
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The other sellers inside the Madison Events Place.
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This one really smelled good as the cooking went on.

My thanks to Madison Galeries and the concessionaires who made Village Food Fair 2 happen. I would love to attend another edition of it in the near future. Village Food Fair is easily a standout among all food fairs in South Metro Manila.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Anti-Bullying Event at SISC on October 25 and 26

Hey everyone!

If you are looking for any event in the entire South Metro Manila emphasizing the campaign against bullying, then you should go to Southville International School & Colleges (SISC) in BF International, Las Piñas City as they will organize their big event titled Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! – A Family Affair Against Bullying on October 25 and 26.

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Set to take place from 9AM to 4PM on each day, admission is free according to SISC officials.

What will you get for free entrance? The organizers have prepared the following activities that are designed to give attendees a clear vision about what bullying is, what its effects are and what people can do to protect themselves from bullies.

  1. Parenting talks
  2. Storytelling sessions
  3. Games
  4. Merchandise exhibits
  5. Food bazaar
  6. Open house for all SISC and non-SISC families.

Previously I wrote about mobbing and that topic is closely related to bullying. To put things in perspective, bullying is defined as abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. (according to Merriam-Webster.com)

If you want to tackle the topic of bullying seriously, take the opportunity to attend the Be a Buddy, Not a Bully! – A Family Affair Against Bullying at  SISC on October 25 and 26. 

For inquiries, call the school at (02) 8825-6374 local 100.

Community Food Fair and Bazaar in BF NorthWest on December 7 and 8 (UPDATED November 17, 2019)

Community Food Fair and Bazaar in BF NorthWest on December 7 and 8 (UPDATED November 17, 2019)

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The BF NorthWest Homeowners Association, Inc. announced this past weekend that the Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale will be held on December 7 and 8, 2019 at the BF NorthWest open-air basketball court as well as part of a roofed strip which are located just steps away from its clubhouse along Djakarta street, BF NorthWest, Parañaque City. With regards to time, the hours for December 7 are 3PM to 9PM, and 8AM to 7PM on December 8.

The Community Food Fair will eventually have a wide selection food products and beverages provided by several members of BF HomeSarap which is a very popular Facebook group created by Ditas Antenor, composed of food makers and sellers based in BF Homes as well as enthusiasts. To be clear, BF HomeSarap (administrated by Antenor and Miren Suntay) is a key partner of the organizers of the Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale and you can visit their space in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/987695754755106/

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As of this writing, several food sellers have been selected for the Community Food Fair according to BF NorthWest Governor-at-Large Lorea Miren.

The result? Here are some food options that you can expect to see offered come December 7 and 8: Cheese roll, red velvet and chocolate cupcakes, lemon squares, Espresso, Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, fruitcake. Salted duck eggs, kesong puti, Angus Tapsilog, Turmeric Latte Embotido, Hamonado & StrawberriesFresh farm vegetables Liempo adobo, pork binagoongan, beef caldereta, garlic cream, cilantro dip, salsa, nachos, beef lumpiang togue Kaien Buffalo Sauce, Kaien Keychain, Kaien Nachos & Dip, Kaien Buffalo Wings, Baked Chicken, Nachos Boodle fight bilao, buttered shrimps in tubs, chili garlic crabs in tubs, tempura/ebi fry, Beef Asado, and Sweet-Chili Ribs.

BF Homesarap Facebook group recently has postings of the sellers in album form. If you are already a member of the group, just visit and view the sellers.

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The Bazaar-Sale is expected to have a selection of items that could make good gifts to give this Christmas. Depending on how many vendors (note: non-food items are limited only to BF Homes residents) will sign up and what kind of products will be offered, we could see items like bags, shoes, clothing, toys, household items, and the like.

Adding zest to the event are raffle draws that will be held on both days. The prizes will be products of the sellers who agreed to donate them.

For those who are not residents of BF NorthWest who plan to visit the Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale this December, if you are traveling by car that does not have a BF NorthWest sticker, be prepared to surrender your ID card at the BF NorthWest village gate along El Grande Avenue. Once you are granted access into the village, always respect the local authorities and the homeowners, and follow the rules regarding in-village speed limit and parking. Please take note that BF NorthWest is inside BF Homes subdivision. Entering BF Homes subdivision with a car without a BF Homes sticker requires you line up in the lane for cars without stickers and leave your ID card to the guard.

Personally, I am looking forward to the Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale in BF NorthWest. This past summer, I visited and observed the 2-day Community Fun Fair which was a really nice event that brought villagers, visitors and vendors together not only for business transactions but also for socializing. That event helped raise funds for the BF NorthWest HOA for the maintenance fees. The Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale’s schedule for early December is ideal as Christmas is nearing.

The Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale this December is a special project of the BF NorthWest Homeowners Association and BF HomeSarap. Visit the BF NorthWest FB group here and BF HomeSarap group here.

For the meantime, please share this news to others via Facebook, Twitter, email, Viber and text. As visitors will be welcomed at BF NorthWest for the Food Fair and Bazaar-Sale, you can consider it to be part of your Christmas shopping activities or destinations.

Finally, this event is supported by PARA APP Powered by Mobiva which is an designed to help users find tricycles to ride on for their commute in and around BF Homes subdivision.

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To others reading this, if you are dissatisfied with print media and you want your community/organization/business/special event or project to be featured on this website, please contact me locally via mobile number 0905-3350831 or via email at Carlo.Carrasco@gmail.com

We can negotiate, work together and be achievers together.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

 

 

My Observations: BFSK’s Mutya ng BF Homes Screening Done

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The twenty-five applicants with some coaches and handlers waiting for the screening results to be announced.

Yesterday afternoon at the hall of Barangay BF Homes along Elsie Gatches street, Parañaque City, the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) organized a screening of many pretty ladies which resulted a selection of sixteen candidates for the Mutya ng BF Homes beauty pageant which is set to happen on October 19.

Specifically there were a total of twenty-five ladies from around the barangay – including a few from the private subdivisions – who applied and took part in the screening which was done by a panel of three which includes BFSK chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang, Raymond Sison and Chrize May Arañez. SK kagawads Alma Galindo, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico and Stephanie Sebullen were present and helped around.

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The panel composed of Raymond Sison, Chrize May Arañez and BFSK chairperson Mariel Tumang.

Each candidate was asked why she wanted to join, what would she do if ever she wins the Mutya title and other questions. After the Q&A, each candidate was asked to do a beauty pageant walk so that her confidence and precision could be tested. Below are pictures of a few candidates for your viewing.

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When all the applicants were screened, the panel analyzed carefully behind closed doors which sixteen candidates should be selected to compete in the October 19 pageant. Out of respect to the BFSK and the candidates themselves, I’ll keep their names hidden and let the organizers have the honor to do the revealing. To make things clear, I don’t work for any print media-based publication (note: I’m working in industry right now) and I’m free to blog to inform and entertain readers online.

Afterwards, all the sixteen candidates were oriented about the conditions on participation, what is required, what pre-pageant activities they should participate in and the like. Since the screening ended, the countdown for the October 19 beauty pageant has begun!

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The selected sixteen candidates along with the BFSK.

For more information about the fast-approaching Mutya ng BF Homes, visit the BFSK’s Facebook page now.

Village Food Fair 2 at Madison Galeries on October 20

If you are looking for a new food-and-beverage event here in South Metro Manila, then here is something that you should seriously consider.

Madison Galeries, a nice open-air mall located in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, recently announced it will be organizing Village Food Fair 2 which will take place the whole day of October 20 (Sunday). To be specific, the event will take place at the Madison Events Place which is located at the 3rd floor of the mall.

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For the newcomers reading this, Madison Galeries is located along Don Jesus Boulevard in Alabang. The boulevard is a long road that connects Alabang Hills Village, Hillsborough and other villages to the West service road. Available for visitors with vehicles are open-air parking slots as well as covered parking.

“The Food Fair will offer the same joyous, community presence from our nearby villages and serving local to branded quality foods. With this, we also open our doors to all customers who wish to taste quality items from our participated concessionaires,” Madison Galeries expressed in response to my inquiry.

The mall operator stated they are expecting a good number of concessionaires to participate, the same as from the previous food fair.

Personally, I got delighted over the announcement that Village Food Fair 2 is happening in a few weeks’ time. This was because I attended the 1st Village Food Fair a few months ago and it was a really nice experience. There were lots of concessionaires selling pies, cakes, Shawarma, sushi and maki, rice meals, dessert, shakes and more delicious stuff. There were also some organic food products offered to customers for their home cooking needs.

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From the 1st Village Food Fair at Madison Galeries.

By the end of my attendance of that food fair, I wished that it would happen again…..and Madison Galeries decided to organize another one. My wish came true! The wait won’t be too painful as October 20 is fast approaching.

If you have any inquiries about Village Food Fair 2, feel free to contact Madison Galeries at 0917-6369160 or visit their administrative office at the 4th floor of the mall. Visit their official Facebook page as well.


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Another Highly Productive Weekend by the BFSK

This past weekend, the Barangay BF Homes Sangguniang Kabataan (BFSK) proved itself to be very productive yet again.

On Saturday, the BFSK (led by its chairperson Mariel Angela Tumang) organized not one but two seminars inside the Phase 1 gym along Pilar Banzon street, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City. The seminars, which were attended by one hundred and seventy youth from around the local communities, focused mainly on the topics of early pregnancy and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), STD (sexually transmitted diseases) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). For the lecturing, some officials from the barangay health centers as well as from the health department of the City Government of Parañaque arrived.

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A view of one of the seminars.

Right from the start, the youth were engaged over a series of issues relevant to the main topics. They were asked questions about puberty such as when did they each notice pubic hair first growing on them, when did their voice change, how they dealt with sexual arousal, what where the bodily changes happening and the like.

With regards to HIV and AIDS recorded cases, official statistics from the City Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau showed that from 1984 to present, Parañaque has 275 cases of males who had acquired HIV or AIDS due to having sex with males and females, 138 cases of male-female sex only, 594 cases of males having sex with females only, 2 cases of mother-to-child and 3 cases labeled unknown. Parañaque has a grand total of 1,012 HIV-AIDS cases recorded.

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Registered nurse Glovie Marie Nunez of the hygiene clinic under the City Government’s Health Department explains STDs.

When it comes to transmission of HIV, AIDS and STDs, it was explained that using condoms does not guarantee 100% protection. It was stated that abstaining from sex is the safest way one can protect himself or herself from viruses. For the record, contraceptives and condoms are still made available through the local authorities for local residents to use even though such products are being sold through several retailers.

During my talk with her, registered nurse Glovie Marie Nunez confirmed that the City Government’s Health Department closely follows the standards of the Department of Health (DOH) and that contraceptives and condoms distributed by the high department are all imported from overseas sources.

More on the topic of STDs, there were graphic images of infected body parts – including the male and female organs – showing what they look like when infected by diseases acquired through sexual contact. I personally noticed some youth participants showing signs of discomfort from seeing the images. The others, meanwhile, were focused as they wanted to learn. Unsurprisingly, some advice was given so that they will know what to do so they can avoid STDs.

By the end of the seminars, the youth participants were enlightened and the guest speakers Glovie Marie Nunez, Markneil Santos and Richie Dayto were ceremoniously acknowledged by BFSK chairperson Tumang, the SK Kagawads and the SK officers.

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The guest speakers, as well as a few other guests, showed the certificates they received from the BFSK after the seminars ended.

“We are happy that we had a good reception today as the turnout was within our targets. What is more important, however, is that the youth will apply into their respective daily lives what they learned,” Tumang said during my interview with her.

The next day, Tumang and the SK kagawads and officers went to Masville, Sampaloc Site II. Clinicville and Lagoon to organize the latest edition of their special project called Waste for Rice 3.0

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The BFSK kagawads and officers with a portion of the many eco bricks they collected from local residents. (contributed photo)

The project was a trade between the BFSK and the local residents. It goes like this: a resident gives a 1.5 liter bottle filled with silver-coated sachets (this is called the eco brick) to the BFSK which in turn gives the resident one kilogram of rice grain. Under their rules, a resident can give away a maximum of five eco bricks to receive 5 kilograms rice grain.

You must be wondering how chairperson Tumang, SK kagawads Alma Galindo, Jerry Dalmero, Kelly Haboc, Irene Juanico, Anne Corre, Stephanie Sebullen, SK secretary Darrenz Fabros and SK treasurer Jefferson Ching performed with their project.

The result: two thousand eco bricks were received from the residents and two thousand kilograms of rice grain were given to the residents. These numbers were confirmed to me by BFSK chairperson Tumang.

The numbers, however, does not even include the eco bricks and rice grain exchanged at schools according to Tumang. She said there is still an amount that has yet to be counted as of this writing. That should translate to going beyond 2,000 eco bricks and 2,000 rice grain.

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For each eco brick they collected, they gave a kilogram of rice grain. (contributed photo)

The next Waste for Rice activity of the BFSK will be held some time this December.

Overall, the weekend of September 28 and 29 was indeed highly productive for the BFSK whose officials really worked hard and performed their tasks independently from Barangay BF Homes (led by Captain Paolo Marquez who supports the BFSK).

No doubt about it. The BFSK is really performing its public service tasks, engaging the youth of Barangay BF Homes and literally sowing the seeds on developing the local communities with their projects and activities (with the youth in mind). The BFSK’s 2019 Linggo ng Kabataan event attracted more than 300 youth participants and their previous seminar (about suicide awareness) was also successful. They also proved to be compliant with the January 2019 Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) Number 1 which is no easy feat to do. Clearly Tumang and the SK Kagawads/officers are showing what the Reformed SK system of the nation is meant to be.

The youth council also has upcoming events people can look forward to such as the Smart-play Mobile Legends Tournament on October 6 at the Phase 1 gym. P17,500 in cash prizes are at stake. On October 19, they will organize the Mutya ng BF Homes also at the Phase 1 gym. This local beauty pageant is currently open to local residents who are willing to participate and to do so, they need to attend the pageant screening of candidates on October 5 at 1PM at the conference at Barangay Hall.

If you want to approach the BFSK, visit their office at the Barangay BF Homes hall along Elsie Gatches street.

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Another view of the venue during the Saturday events.

In ending this piece, here is a scripture from the Holy Bible.

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 19: 14 (NKJV)


Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Senior Citizen Files Complaint Versus BF Homes Food Joint Over Refusal To Give Him Mandated 12% VAT Exemption (UPDATED: August 24, 2019)

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Prominently displayed along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City is this sign emphasizing Philippine senior citizens’ entitlement to 20% discount and exemption from 12% value-added tax.

Are you a senior citizen whose benefit under the national law was denied by a local business? Are you aware of the benefits for senior citizens under Republic Act Number 9994 (Full title: An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens, further amending Republic Act No. 7432, As Amended, Otherwise Known As “an Act To Maximize The Contribution Of Senior Citizens To Nation Building, Grant Benefits And Special Privileges And For Other Purposes. Short title: Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) whenever you purchase food and/or beverage in a restaurant?

Why did I ask you these questions and mentioned RA 9994? It’s quite simple – a senior citizen in BF Homes, Parañaque City filed a formal complaint against a certain food joint which refused to grant him his exemption from the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) when he dined at the said joint.

Here is the story with details from documents I acquired.

On June 10, 2019, Jose Luis Matti and his daughter dined at a restaurant (clue: a burger joint whose business name will be revealed in due time) along Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes subdivision, Parañaque City. He ordered food and drinks and, under law, the discounts are limited only to food and drinks he ordered for his consumption as he is a senior citizen

The problem was that, according to Matti, the restaurant applied the 20% discount for senior citizens and yet denied him his mandated benefit of exemption from the VAT. In his June 17, 2019 letter addressed to restaurant’s owner, Matti said that the restaurant personnel he encountered on June 10 claimed they were instructed (by the owner) not to give him the 12% VAT exemption. Photocopies of the receipts were included on the said letter.

As a result, Matti filed a formal complaint against the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) urging officer-in-charge Dante Pacheco to take action against the food joint (as per his July 12, 2019 letter to Pacheco received by the said office).

A hearing between Matti and the food joint’s owner will happen very soon at OSCA’s office at Parañaque City Hall.

I visited the restaurant along Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes to try to meet the owner and get feedback directly from him but the personnel told me over the counter that their boss was out of town.

Understanding the legal aspect

It is stated under RA 9994 (Rule IV, Article 7) that senior citizens shall be entitled to the grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and to an exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), IF APPLICABLE, on the sale of the goods and services covered by Section 1 to 6 of this Article, from all establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of senior citizens.

Section 3 (Rule IV, Article 7) includes restaurants, hotels, recreational centers, places of leisures and funeral services with regards to the above mentioned 20% discount and VAT exemption.

Item b (under Section 3, Rule IV, Article 7) focuses on restaurants. It states that the discount shall be for the purchase of food, drinks, dessert, and other consumable items served by the establishments offered for the consumption of the general public.

Item c states for Dine-in services under paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3, and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7, the privilege must be personally availed of by the senior citizen as defined under these Rules, and no proxies or authorization in favor of another person who is not a senior citizen will be honored.

Item e states Food, drinks and other consumable items provided in Section 3 (a) and (b), and Section 4, paragraph 2 of Article 7 purchased by the senior citizen shall be processed separately as an independent transaction from his/her non-eligible companions to ensure that it is his/her exclusive consumption and to enable computation of the 20% discount and the exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT), which only the senior citizen is entitled to.

However, if the group of diners is composed entirely of senior citizens, all of whom present valid senior citizens IDs, each shall be entitled to a 20% discount and exemption from Value Added Tax.

Conclusion

This is an ongoing community development and if any breakthroughs happen, an update will be posted.

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UPDATE!

The hearing between Mr. Matti and the restaurant at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs of Parañaque City (OSCA-Parañaque) at City Hall scheduled for August 20, 2019 did not push through due to the absence of the restaurant owner.

As such, the hearing will have to be rescheduled.

The restaurant accused in this conflict is Big Brat Burger.

 

 

My Observations: The UJT Burger from Union Jack Tavern

Burgers have long been popular here in the Philippines and they can be bought from several makers like the fast food joints which are quite numerous.

At the expanded area of Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Union Jack Tavern has been selling and serving burgers to customers. Just open the menu when you visit them and then you will find the UJT Burger.

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The UJT Burger served to me in open sandwich fashion.

Sold for less than P300 as of this writing, the UJT Burger comes with a large plate filled with fries (which are thicker and less greasy compared to the fries sold by others) and the open sandwich with one half of the bun with the vegetables on top and the other half with the onions and beef covered with melted cheese.

In my recent stop at Union Jack Tavern, I had the UJT Burger and I started first with the fries which are quite filling and I like the fact that they are not too greasy to handle.

With the burger itself, considering the size, I took me a little effort to put the two buns (with their respective toppings) on top of each other to form the burger.

Then I took a bite on what parts are suitable for biting because this one is not the usual burger. The burger patty itself is quite thick and certainly not flat. After biting down the bread with the vegetables, I finally got to bite the cheese-covered burger patty. The result? The burger patty was quite tasty on its own and definitely worth going for. Then there is also that nice taste when biting the bread, the burger patty, the cheese and the vegetables altogether.

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The UJT Burger in its full form.

It may not be too visible for those who like burgers but failed to check Union Jack Tavern’s menu, but there is no doubt that the UJT Burger is a delicious and filling burger meal just waiting to be discovered.

The UJT Burger is highly recommended and I encourage you visit Union Jack Tavern at Festival Mall.


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My Observations: Starbucks Coffee at One Griffinstone in Alabang

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The front of Starbucks One Griffinestone branch.

Yet another coffee shop of Starbucks opened in the Alabang area in Muntinlupa City very recently. Specifically, this is about the one that opened at the ground floor of One Griffinstone located along Commerce Avenue corner Spectrum Midway in Filinvest City.

Very recently, out of curiosity, I visited to take a close look.

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From inside facing Commerce Avenue.

Like the other new Starbucks coffee shops I visited recently, the One Griffinstone branch has a nice interior and more notably, it’s got views of the immediate surroundings.

When it comes to seating capacity, I counted fifty-one seats, including the stools. For the use of the common rest room, a code is required to be able to use it. The code is printed on the receipt of the Starbucks drink/food customers buy. If you need to use the toilet during your time at Starbucks One Griffinstone, do not throw away the receipt fast.

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The counter.
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Many places to sit and enjoy.

After receiving my drink, I sat down facing one side of the place looking at the Festival Mall in the distance. Then I realizing something…Commerce Avenue literally connects with four different Starbucks branches in Alabang.

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Facing the far end of Commerce Avenue heading towards the direction of Festival Mall (hidden by the trees).

Along Commerce Avenue (note: distances between the coffeeshops and the said road) are the Alabang Town Center branch, the One Griffinstone branch and Starbucks Reserve (part of Westgate) branch.

In a way, Commerce Avenue leads to the old Starbucks branch at Festival Mall. Coming from the direction of Ayala Alabang, one can drive to the said branch by reaching the end of the road entering the area of mall, turn right on a short road going to the open-air parking area (where the old Starbucks and Robinsons department store are).

Are these enough Starbucks branches in the Alabang area as a whole? That’s hard to figure out at this point in time but what is clear is that Alabang is a hot spot for the world’s largest coffee chain. Previously I visited another new Alabang branch of the coffee chain at Madison Galeries.

Check out and visit the Starbucks One Griffinstone branch if you have time.