How to Increase Your Monthly Savings in Pag-IBIG Fund

Save more with Pag-IBIG and qualify for higher loan amounts and bigger dividend earnings. Bigger dividend means bigger savings for you. Consider the following:

Monthly Savings	Savings in 20 Years	Total Savings with 4%* annual dividends
200.00	48,000.00	73,015.85
300.00	72,000.00	109,523.77
400.00	96,000.00	146,031.70
500.00	120,000.00	182,539.62
1,000.00	240,000.00	365,079.24
1,500.00	360,000.00	547,618.87
2,000.00	480,000.00	730,158.49

* Dividend rate is only sample rate of 4%. 

Actual dividends will be based on the yearly income of the Fund.

Bigger savings with Pag- IBIG means that your maximum loanable amount is higher.

- The Multi - Purpose Loan (MPL) Program aims to address the member’s immediate financial needs. The loan amount is based on the member-borrower’s total savings and length of membership
with Pag-IBIG.*

- The Calamity Loan Program is open to members whose place of residencehas been placed under a state of calamity after a natural disaster. The loan amount is 80% of the member-borrower’s total savings with Pag-IBIG.*

* While the loan amount of the MPL will not be deducted from the Calamity loan and vice versa,
the combined loan amount under both programs should not exceed 80% of the member’s total savings.

- The Housing Loan Program is a financial assistance for the purchase or construction of a residential unit. The maximum loan amount is P6 million. The member-borrower’s monthly savings with Pag-IBIG, together with his gross monthly income, the appraised value of the property, and his actual need, shall be considered when computing his approved loan value.

Here’s how to increase your monthly savings:

1. For employed members, just inform your HR officer that you want to pay more than the minimum savings of P100 per month. Your HR may require you to sign a form pertaining to the increased monthly savings.
 

2. For individual payors, like professionals, other OFW-members, businessmen, etc., just pay the higher
monthly savings to Pag-IBIG. No need to fill out any form. Your increased savings will automatically be
credited to your total savings.

Where to pay:

1. For employed members who pay their savings to Pag-IBIG through salary deduction, their employers may remit their savings through any of Pag-IBIG’s accredited collecting banks or over-the-counter at the nearest Pag-IBIG branch office.

Employers may remit their employees membership savings at the following accredited collecting agents:
- Union Bank (Pag-IBIG Hub)
- BPI (BPI ExpressLink)
- LANDBANK (wePayAccess)

- BancNet (Pag-IBIG Net)

- Security Bank (Pag-IBIG Real Time Facility) 

Note: Payment through these facilities requires enrollment.

2. Individual payors may pay their savings using the following facilities:

- VISA or MasterCard credit cards https://www.pagibigfundservices.com/ccpayment

- Globe GCash http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/home_pdf/announcement/Pag-IBIG%20and%20GCASH.pdf

- Bayad Center outlets http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/home_pdf/Bayad%20Center%20Outlet.pdf

- SM Business Centers, Save More and SM Hypermart

- Over-the-counter at the nearest Pag-IBIG branch office.

For more information, call 24/7 hotline number 724-4244 or email publicaffairs@pagibigfund.gov.ph

Source: www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

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Half Day Work Suspension in Government Offices

Memorandum Circular No. 73, s. 2014

Office of the President
of the Philippines
Malacañang

To provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe  01 November 2014, a declared Special Non-Working Day, and to allow employees to travel to their respective provinces, work in government offices on 31 October 2014 is hereby suspended from 12:00 p.m. onwards.

However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital public services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.

Executive Secretary

source: http://www.gov.ph/2014/10/30/memorandum-circular-no-73-s-2014/ 

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10 Early Symptoms of Cancer in Men

Cancer is one the most common causes of deaths among men. A healthy diet can decrease the risk of developing a certain cancer but other factors especially genes can play a huge role.

Once a cancer spreads and reaches a higher stage, it can be difficult to treat. Healthline.com enumerates 10 of the most common cancer symptoms in men. Knowing these symptoms can help you seek early treatment which gives you a better chance of remission. 

1. Bowel Changes

The occasional bowel problem is normal, but changes in your bowels may indicate either colon or rectal cancer—collectively called colorectal cancers. Colon cancer affects the entire colon, while rectal cancer affects the lower portion that connects to the anus.

Frequent diarrhea and constipation may indicate cancer, particularly if these bowel changes come on suddenly. These problems also may be accompanied by frequent gas and abdominal pain.

2. Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding may be an early sign of rectal cancer. This is especially the case if you experience bleeding from the rectum every time you pass a bowel movement. You may notice blood in your stools.

While this is a cancer symptom, colon cancers are difficult to self-diagnose in the early stages. Regular colon cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 50.

3. Urinary Changes

Incontinence and other urinary changes may develop as you age. However, certain changes can be a sign of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is most common in men ages 60 and older.

Common urinary signs include:

- leaks and incontinence

- inability to urinate despite urges to go

- delayed urination

- straining during urination

4. Blood in Urine

While prostate cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its earliest stages, blood in the urine can be one of them. Blood in urine also may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other prostate problems.

Early prostate cancer can also cause bloody semen.

5. Persistent Back Pain

Back pain is the most common cause of disability, but few men realize that it may be a sign of cancer. Common symptoms of colorectal and prostate cancers may not show until they spread to other parts of the body, such as the back.

Unlike occasional muscle pain, this causes tenderness and discomfort in the bones. Prostate cancer specifically may cause these symptoms within the bones of the hips and lower back.

6. Unusual Coughing

Coughing isn’t exclusive to smokers, or to people with a cold or allergies. A persistent cough is an early sign of lung cancer. If you don’t have any other related symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or fever, the cough probably is not related to a virus or infection.

Coughing accompanied with bloody mucus is associated with lung cancer in men.

7. Testicular Lumps

Testicular cancers in men are less common than cancers of the prostate, lungs, and colon. Still, there are early signs you shouldn’t ignore. Lumps in the testicles are a warning sign that you might have this cancer.

Doctors look for these lumps during wellness checks in elderly men as well as those with a family history of testicular cancer. For earliest detection, consider checking for unusual lumps once a month.

8. Excessive Fatigue

Fatigue can be related to a number of chronic illnesses and medical disorders. Excessive fatigue is your body’s way of telling you that something just isn’t right. As cancer cells grow and reproduce, your body may start to feel run down.

Fatigue is especially prominent in colorectal cancers in men. See a medical professional if you have excessive tiredness that doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

It becomes more difficult to maintain your weight as you get older, so you might consider weight loss as a positive thing. But, sudden, unexplained weight loss can indicate a serious health problem, including almost any type of cancer.

If you rapidly drop pounds despite no changes in diet or exercise, discuss this with your doctor.

10. Lumps in the Breast

Breast cancer is not exclusive to women. Men also need to be on guard and check for suspicious lumps in the breast area. This is the earliest detectable symptom of male breast cancer. Call your doctor immediately for testing if you notice a lump.

Genes can play a role in male breast cancer, but it may also be caused by exposure to radiation or high estrogen levels. Breast lumps are most commonly found during your 60s.

Source: healthline.com 

On Guard: 10 Early Symptoms of Cancer in Men by Kristeen Cherney

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SUNSTAR: Seno Plays for Palaro, But Still Aims for US Pro

By Iste S. Leopoldo | Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | www.sunstar.com.ph

CEBU’s Jan Godfrey “Noynoy” Seno returns to Cebu and eyes joining his last Palarong Pambansa 2015 stint before flying back to the US for good.

Photo Source: Therese Rouelle Ancot Yonson

Seno, 15, of Bogo City, a former tennis varsity player of the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department (USC-BED), flew to California, US, with his father, Noel, last July after being invited to play in a prestigious sectional tournament in northern California with Macmac Tabo-tabo.

After an impressive finalist finish, several coaches advised him to stay behind because they saw his potential. Seno opted to stay in Colorado with a relative and enrolled at the Sand Creek High School.

With only three weeks in Colorado, he immediately carved a name in the history of tennis in Sand Creek High School after helping his team end the 15-year reign of Cheyenne Mountain High School in the Class 4A Region 6 tournament.

Seno beat Cheyenne Mountain No. 1 player Luca Stanciuco of Romania.

“It was a very memorable experience. During our game, he was very aggressive to win, but when I was already leading with 5-0, he seems to feel weary, probably because of pressure. He was representing the school that has dominated the tournament for 15
years,” said Seno, now stands 5’11 tall.

Seno said he observed that the support from schools in the US is very different compared to the Philippines.

“Schools were very supportive, they provide food, drinks for their players, even set up tents in the venue to show support,” said Seno.

Seno said that in Cebu, particularly, tennis courts are a scarcity. Courts are everywhere in the US, he said.

“In one place, you can find more than 12 tennis courts, but I have observed that only
few are into tennis compared here where there are so many kids who are interested in the sport, but the courts are limited,” said Seno.

Seno enjoyed his stay in Colorado because he was able to play against different athletes who are from different nationalities.

Read full story.

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How to Franchise Master Siomai

Planning to franchise a Master Siomai store in the City of Bogo?

Here are some information on how to franchise Master Siomai.

About Master Siomai

Master Siomai is a food cart franchising business developed by Masterrific Foods, an 11-year-old company specializing in the production and distribution of processed meat  such as ham, bacon, burger patties and siomai to its diverse clientele ranging from hotels, restaurants and market places. 

Master Siomai was established in 2007 and currently has 700 outlets and counting to date. As its name suggests, it offers siomai - one of the most popular Chinese snack products known to Pinoys. 

Steps in Franchising Master Siomai

1. You must look for your own location.

A. If the location is within the mall Master Siomai requires an award notice or lease proposal before their site evaluation.

B. If the location is in a busy street, terminal, school or campus, you must have a verbal or written agreement with the lessor that the location will be leased by you before site evaluation.

2. Call Master Siomai office for the schedule of site evaluation.

(02)-281-3635 | 0923-441-9957 | 09234419958

3. A 50% deposit of the total package price is required before the foodcart construction.

4. Owner will attend Business Operation meetings.

5. Selected crews will attend orientation and training.

6. Signing of Franchise Agreement.

7. Full Payment upon delivery of the foodcart.

Franchise Package : PHP 280,000.00

1 Unit Japanese Inspired Foodcart
1 Unit 5-cu. ft. Chest Freezer
1 Siomai Stainless Siomai Steamer
1 Plastic Juice Container
Also Kitchen & Plastic wares | Food Products | Paper Products | Uniforms | Cleaning Supplies

Download Franchise Application Form here.

Source: mastersiomai.co

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Balak Halad sa Bogo City

- Open to all members of Bogohanon All Over The World (BAOTW).
- Group admins and their families are not allowed to join.
- Poem must be in Cebuano and not be more than 32 lines.
- Words must be written in full (handwritten, typed)
- Entries must be original and created by the contestant.
- Topic: Anything that depicts/relates to Bogo or Bogohanons.

Deadline of submission of entries: Nov 30, 2014
Send entries to Dodong Flores' private box.
Winners to be announced on Dec. 12, 2014
Prizes will be given on Dec. 15, 2014

First Prize - 1,000
Second Prize - 700
Third Prize - 500
Three consolation prizes - 200 cash or load.

Criteria:

Originality - own creation
Theme - about the City of Bogo
Overall Impact - poem's ability to etch or register to reader's memory
Power - poem's ability to move, stir or entertain reader
Technical - correct use of Cebuano and spelling
Organization - presented in logical sequence
Rhyming - good / pleasant rhyming

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SINULOG 2015 Schedule of Activities

Origin of Sinulog

Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino. The dance moves to the sound of the drums and this resembles the current (Sinulog) of what was then known as Cebu's Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it's Sinulog.

More than just the meaning of the word is the significance of the dance. Historians now say that Sinulog, which is of pagan origin, is the link between the country's pagan past and its Christian present. Let's trace its history.

Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu's Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521.

The remnants of Magellan's men were however able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and started the formal Christianization of the islands. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu on April 28, 1565. His ships bombarded the village and in one of the burning huts, one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found inside a wooden box the image of the Santo Nino lying side by side with native idols.

Click here for the full story of Sinulog

SINULOG 2015 Schedule of Activities

December 01 – January 31, 2015	Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 27, 2014 – January 24, 2015	Sinulog 2014 Winning Photos Exhibit @ SM City Cebu
December 30, 2014 (Tue)	Sinulog 2015 Fun Run
5:00 A.M.	Elimination Sinulog 2015 Dance Crew
January 8, 2015 (Thu)	Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 A.M.	Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 A.M.	Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 A.M.	Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2015
January 9, 2015 (Fri)	Sinulog 2015 Kick Off
10:00 A.M.	Sinulog Trade Fair @ SM City Cebu by Department of Trade and Industry
2:00 P.M.	Solemn Mass (Basilica del Santo Niño)
3:00 P.M.	Launching Parade (Basilica del Santo Niño to CCSC)
7:00 P.M.	Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
8:00 P.M.	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 P.M.	Street Party Bands
January 10, 2015 (Sat)	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
1:00 P.M.	Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 P.M.	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan @ Cebu City Sports Center
6:30 P.M.	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
January 11, 2015 (Sun)	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan
4:00 A.M.	Cebu City 2015 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
1:00 P.M.	Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 P.M.	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan @ Cebu City Sports Center
6:00 P.M.	Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition
6:30 P.M.	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 P.M.	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 P.M.	Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands
January 12, 2015 (Mon)
6:30 P.M.	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 P.M.	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 P.M.	Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands
January 13, 2015 (Tue)
6:30 P.M.	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 P.M.	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 P.M.	Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands
January 14, 2015 (Wed)
9:00 A.M.	Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 P.M.	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
7:00 P.M.	Ms. Cebu 2015 Coronation Night
January 15, 2015 (Thu)	Sinulog 2015 Idol Grand Finals
Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photo shoot
January 16, 2015 (Fri)	Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 A.M.	Sinulog 2015 Dance Crew Finals
Sinulog Festival Queen 2015 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center
January 17, 2015 (Sat)	Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
6:00 A.M.	Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
9:00 A.M.	Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Santo Niño
2:00 P.M.	Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 P.M.	Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 P.M.	Street Party @ Fuente Osmeña
January 18, 2015 (Sun)	Sinulog Grand Parade
4:00 A.M.	Mañanita Mass @ Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 A.M.	Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Jose S. Palma @ Basilica del Sto. Nino
8:00 A.M.	Holy Mass @ Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 A.M.	Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 P.M.	Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks @ Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 P.M.	Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña
9:00 P.M.	Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show @ SM City Cebu)
5:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M.	Concert Series sa Sugbo @ SRP Grounds
12:00 MN	Sinulog Fireworks @SRP
January 19, 2015 (Mon)	Awarding Ceremonies @ Cebu City Sports Center
January 23, 2015 (Friday)	HUBO
January 24, 2015 (Sat)	Judging of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
Sinulog 2014 Photo Contest Winners Exhibit
January 31, 2015 (Sat)
1:00 P.M.	Judging of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival @ SM City Cebu
6:00 P.M.	Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest @ SM City Cebu
January 31, 2015 – February 8, 2015	Photo Exhibit Winning Photos Sinulog 2014 @ SM City Cebu

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